John Parkhurst

Biography

John Parkhurst was a clothier in the parish of St. Mary at the Quay, Ipswich, in Suffolk in eastern England. His will, made on March 29, 1610, opens a view into both his business and his household. To his son George he left the shop's contents, the implements of a shearman's trade, his books, and the remainder of his goods and stock. Tools and books were intended to pass together to George.

His wife Sarah was to retain the household goods, including bedding, brass, pewter, linen, and woolen articles, and receive £8 a year for life. John also provided for his younger children. His son John was to receive 100 marks at twenty-one; daughters Helen and Sarah were to receive money at twenty-one or marriage; and Thamar was assigned an annual payment. The younger children's portions were to be put to use for their education and upbringing.

George was appointed executor, with a supervisor and a substantial bond intended to secure performance of the will. The will was proved on June 7, 1611.

The family reconstruction provisionally identifies the son George with the later New England immigrant. A Guildford christening on October 29, 1554, has also been associated with John, but the connection between that entry and the Ipswich clothier remains unresolved.