Edward Rainsford

Edward Raynsford, the son of Robert Raynesford and Mary Kirton, was probably born shortly before he was baptized at Staverton, Northamptonshire, England on 10 September 1609. In 1626, at about the age of 17, Edward became bound as an apprentice to the prominent Puritan London merchant Owen Rowe for a term of 8 years. Edward probably came to New England as part of the Winthrop Fleet of 1630[1] and was certainly at Charlestown in the summer of 1630, when his name was included among a list of members of the First Church of Boston. He apparently returned to England in 1634 or early 1635, for on 17 June 1635, at age 26 and traveling alone, he embarked on the Abigail out of London bound for New England. After coming to New England, Edward was involved in handling Owen Rowe's affairs in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In February 1635/6, Owen Rowe wrote from London to John Winthrop in the Colony asking him to "help forward that Mr. Ransford may be accomodated with lands for a farme to keep my cattele, that so my stock may be preserved."[10] It has been said that the land granted to Edward in response to this request may have been the island in Boston harbor that came to known as Rainsford Island;[11][4] however, no direct support for this assertion has been found. A letter by Edward to "his loving Master: Mr. Owen Rowe" in January 1637/8 requesting payment of 14 pounds to the assigns of John Winthrop[12] shows that Edward continued to represent Owen Rowe in the Colony until at least that date. Edward took the oath of freeman at Boston on 17 April 1637.[1][2] He was chosen as Selectman at various times from 1662-1681 and was active in the First Church and, later, after a dispute with the First Church's pastor, in the formation of the Third, or Old South, Church.[1][2][4] For most of his adult life, Edward's occupation was listed as a fisherman. However, when he wrote his will, he referred to himself as a merchant.