From the Mormon Library Collection — Film D 41871
Pioneers of Maine and New Hampshire
Early records indicate that two closely related families bearing the surname
Puddington (later spelled Purrington and Purinton)
settled in the adjoining provinces of Maine and New Hampshire.
These families are believed to descend from two brothers:
George of York, Maine, and Robert of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
It is highly probable that both men were sons of
Robert Puddington the elder of Tiverton, Devon, England.
His will, dated February 10, 1630, was recorded in the
Prerogative Court of Canterbury.
George, the son, renounced executorship on April 25, 1631,
after which administration was granted to Anne, the widow,
and to George Puddington, brother of the testator.
Early spellings of the surname vary widely and include:
Puddington, Podington, Purrington, and Purinton.
By approximately 1700, the prefix “Pud–” was commonly dropped.
George Puddington of York, Maine
George Puddington was present in York, Maine, as early as 1639.
He was active in both civic and provincial affairs, serving as
Deputy to the Provincial Court for Agamenticus in 1640 and
as Alderman of Georgeana in 1641.
He acquired multiple parcels of land between 1640 and 1641.
George did not live long after settling in Maine.
His will was dated June 25, 1647.
His wife was Mary Pooke, whom he married at
St. Peter’s Church in Tiverton on February 5, 1630.
After George’s death, Mary married John Davis, Esq.,
and records indicate she was still living as late as 1691.
Children of George and Mary Puddington:
- John, born 1635
- Mary, born 1637; married Peter Weare
- Elias, born 1639
- Frances, born 1641
- Rebecca, born 1643; married James Gooch (probable)
Source: Truro, Cape Cod by Shebnah Rich, published 1884.
Deacon Hezekiah Purington of Truro, Cape Cod
Deacon Hezekiah Purington moved from Dover Point
to Truro, Cape Cod, in 1704.
He became one of the most active and respected figures
in the civil and religious life of the community and was
a founding member of the church established there in 1710.
His death is recorded in the diary of Deacon Moses Paine:
“This morning Deacon Hezekiah Purington departed this life.
The Lord sanctify such an awful dispensation of Providence to us all.”— January 8, 1717
Hezekiah died at the age of 42.
His estate was divided on July 21, 1718.
He married Mary Scammon, likely the daughter of
Humphrey Scammon of Dover, Saco, and Kittery.
After Hezekiah’s death, Mary married Jonathan Paine in 1719.
Children of Deacon Hezekiah Purington:
- Humphrey (b. 1703), eldest son
- Mary (b. 1707), married Barnabas Paine
- Sarah (b. 1709), married Solomon Lombard
- Mercy (bapt. 1712), married Nathaniel Harding
- Elizabeth (bapt. 1713), died young
- Hezekiah (bapt. 1715), married Mercy Bates
- Abial (bapt. 1718)
John Purrington — Father of Hezekiah
John Purrington, born in 1635, resided in York, Maine,
and later in Cape Porpoise before relocating to Salisbury, Massachusetts.
He was prominent in both civil and military affairs, serving as town clerk,
selectman, trustee, and lieutenant of the militia.
He commanded troops and garrisons during frontier conflicts,
signed petitions opposing the sale of Maine to Massachusetts,
and owned land in present-day Harpswell Neck.
He died in Salisbury in January 1692/3.
His wife was Mary Barton, possibly the sister of
William Barton of Cape Porpoise.
Children of John Purrington:
- John (b. 1661)
- James (b. 1664), died at sea in 1718
- Hezekiah (b. 1673)
- Joshua (b. 1677)
- Elizabeth (b. 1667)
- George (b. 1670, d. 1692)
Origins in Tiverton, Devon, England
Historical records identify Robert Puddington
as a clothier of Tiverton, Devon.
Financial difficulties following the destruction of his mills
likely prompted the emigration of his sons George and Robert
to New England prior to 1640.
George settled in Agamenticus (York, Maine), while Robert settled
in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
The Puddington name traces directly to a small parish of the same name
in Devonshire, England.
George Puddington died between 1647 and 1649.
His will, though recorded decades later, provides a deeply personal
and devout account of his faith, family, and estate,
offering one of the earliest surviving spiritual testaments
connected to this family line.