!SURVEYOR, CONSTABLE,FENCE BUILDER,CARPENTER,PLANTER. He was thought to have immigrated with William Knapp and indentured with him to Sir Richard Saltonstal. He married Knapp's daughter,Judith.Somewhere I read that they both signed legal papers with an X. In later years he had positions of importance so could not have been completely illiterate. Sources-Descendantes of Nicholas Cady- Allen Compendium of American Genealogy Watertown Records of American Genealogy Groton,Mass. Vital Records P 39 and 209 Genealogies and History of Watertown,Mass-Henry Bond New England Historical and Genealogical Register Pg 256 Genealogical Dictionary-Savage Planters of the Commonworth-Banks Dates from our Ancestors Vol 14 Page1663 Came from England about 1630 to Watertown then to Groton, Mass. about 1668.Took the Oath of Fidelity in 1652, was a member of the Train Band in 1653, Constable of Groton in 1685. Cady's Pond a mile from the village of Groton was named for him. There is no record of who was the mother of the children that I have found but it is usual that the first wife produced the children and then in later life marry a widow woman. The children were all born in Watertown, Mass. so must have been from Judith Knapp---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- The following is from NEW ENGLAND FAMILIES by W.R. Cutter Nicholas Cady, immigrant ancestor, was born in England, and settled in Watertown Mass. He and John Knapp, apparently a relative, bought of William Potter, of Watertown, Dec. 8 1645, a house and land in Watertown. Mr. Cady deeded his share to John Knapp, his brother-in-law, in August 1650. He took the oath of fidelity in in 1652, was of train band in 1653. He removed to Groton, Mass. early in 1668 and sold his land in Watertown. He was a highway surveyor at Groton in 1671. At the time of abandonment of the town in King Philip's war he went to Cambridge, where in 1678, he bought a farm from John Winsoll. He was a soldier in the King Philip's war and was in Mr. Williams garrison. He returned to Groton soon after the war and served as surveyor in 1680, 1683, 1685 and 1686.He was constable in 1685 and served as corporal of the military company. He died before 1712. Cady's pond, about a mile from the village of Groton, takes its name from him. Mr Cady married first Judith, daughter of Wiliam Knapp, about 1648. William Knapp was a carpenter and died at Watertown August 30, 1858 aged about 80 years. Children born at Watertown were John, January 15 1650-51, Judith, September 2 1653, James August 28 1655, Nicholas Aug 2, 1657 ( died young ), Daniel Nov 27, 1659 Ezekiel Aug 14, 1662, Nicholas February 20 1663-64 and Joseph May 28 1666--- ----------------------------------------------------------------- From THE ANCESTORS OF EDNA FRANCES CADY BY ROBERT CADY GATES- SPRINGFIELD, MO. 1991. NICHOLAS NO. I CADY NICHOLAS CADY came to this country from England, and the first record of him here is a deed, dated 8 December 1645, by which he and his brother-in-law, John Knapp, bought a house and a lot of eight acres in Watertown, Mass. from William Potter. Nicholas Cady was a carpenter, and it is that he came from Suffolk Co., England as a apprentice to his future father-in-law, William Knapp ( this is incorrect as both he and William Knapp were indentured to Sir William Saltanstol). William Knapp had been a carpenter from near Bury St. Mary, County Suffolk. About 1648, Nicholas Cady married William Knapp's daughter, Judith. In 1652, Nicholas, with others took the oath or fidelity, and in 1653, he was enlisted as a member of the Train Band ( Militia ) of Watertown under Captain Mason.
In 1668, he sold six acres of land in Watertown and five acres of meadow in Cambridge and moved west to the frontier town of Groton, Mass. In 1671, Nicholas was chosen surveyor of Groton. In 1673 and 1675, " Captain Cady " was appointed one of the fence viewers. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From The Ancestors of Edna Frances Cady by Robert Gates Cady. King Philip's war broke out in June 1675 and covered a crucial two year period in New England history. A young sachem of the Wampanoag tribe, Metacomet, who had been given the name King Philip by the English, risked the future of his people by leading them into war against the white invaders who were continuously increasing their domination over the lands formerly occupied by the redmen. The colonies of Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut and Rhode Island joined forces to fight their common enemy. By the end of 1676, King Philip was dead and so was his cause.... This was the most destructive Indian war in which the New England colonies were engaged, and few wars had occasioned greater loss of life and property to their participants. The total loss of Indian lives can only be guessed at, but one out of every ten adult white males in Massachusetts was killed or captured by the Indians, and two thirds of the towns and villages suffered directly from Indian attacks. The loss in Rhode Island was no less, although Connecticut was somewhat more fortunate due to location, its fighting strength was severely depleted.
DURING THE WAR, MAJOR INDIAN ASSUALTS WERE MADE AGAINST THE FOLLOWING TOWNS WITH THE RESULTS INDICATED BELOW.
Narragansett, Rhode Island- not one house left standing. Warwick, Rhode Island- one house survived Providence, Rhode Island-not more than three remained Pawtuxet, Rhode Island-none left Seekonk, Mass.- very few remained Swansea, Mass- two at most Marlborough, Mass.- wholly laid to ashes, except two or three houses. Groton and Lancaster, Mass.- all ruined but one or two Springfield, Scituate, Brookfield and Northampton, Mass.- many houses burnt. Rehoboth and Taunton, Mass.- The greatest part destroyed. Hadley, Hatfield and Chelmsford, Mass.- great spoil made. Deerfield, Mass.- Wholely ruined Westfield, Mass.-Mostly ruined Sudbury, Mass.- Many houses burnt Hingham, Waymouth and Braintree, Mass.-Some houses burnt.
the assault and destruction of the town of Groton took place on the 13 th and 14 th of March, 1676. This attack is described in Narratives of the Indian Wars as followed.-
the 14 th of March, thhe savage enemy set upon a considerable town called Groughton, and burnt Major Willard's house first and afterwards destroyed 65 dwelling houses more there, leaving but six houses standing in the whole town, which they likewise furiously attempted to set fire. But being fortified with arms and men as garrisons, they with their shot, killed several of the enemy, and prevented so much of their design; nor do we hear that any person on our side was here either slain or taken captive; but the very next day two men coming from Marlborough to Sudbury, were set upon in the woods by a great amount of Indian women armed with clubs, pieces of swords and the like, who by their number over-mastered the two poor travelers that had nothing but small sticks to defend themselves with, beat out their brains and cut off their privy members which they carried with them in triumph. So vain is it to anything but the most barbarous usage from such a people amongst whom the most milde and gentle sex delight in cruelties and have utterly abandoned are once the two proper virtues of womem kinde, pity and modesty.
Nicholas Cady was among the settlers who took refuge in a garrison house where they were eventually rescued by Captain Sills Lee with 50 dragoons and 60 carts. Nicholas and his eldest son, John, signed as witnesses in the following petitions pertaining to this attack which are found among Shattuck manuscripts
The petition of Daniel Adams 21 April 1676- At Groton on the 14 th of March 1676 was Daniel Adams who was very helpful to the town of Groton with some others of Lancaster and the said Nathaniel Adams did kill one Indian at Mr. Willard's garrison. Witness- John Cadye and Samuel Woods. " We who see him fall to the ground and not rise again. Witness- Nicholass Cadye.
Many of those who were driven out of Groton took shelter in Concord where a meeting was held on 12 December 1677 to consider rebuilding the town. Nicholas Cady's name did not appear of the list of those in favor of the proposal and, in view of the fact that he bought sixty acres of land in Cambridge on May 14 1678, it seems that he did not plan to return to Groton. However in 1679, " for in consideration of natural affection and parental love for her" he deeded 11 acres of land to his only daughter, Judith, and her husband , Alexander Rouse. It is certain that by 8 June 1680 Nicholas Cady had returned to Groton. since he was appointed surveyor on that date and in December 1680 he was on the list of heads of families in Groton. In 1681 he paid a tax of 18 shillings ( only one person paid more ) At the 1683 town meeting he was again chosen as surveyor. Also in 1683 he bought 15 acres of land in Groton. A 1684 record has been found which documents the sale of 6 acres of land in Cambridge' for 15 pounds by Nicholas Cady of Groton, planter, to J. Winter. Also, on the same date he sold Simon Cooledge two pieces of land in Watertown, one of 25 acres and the other of 6 acres. In 1685, Nicholas was chosen constable of Groton and in 1686 he was again chosen surveyor.
The position of constable was one of the town's most important offices.One reference lists the standard charges to a constable. Below is a check list of offenses to be formally reported to the Justice of Peace.
1. What felonies have been committed-of what, against whom, and what pursuit has been taken? What are the results? 2. Are there any idle, vagrant or suspicious persons? 3. Have there been any riotous, outrageous or unlawful assemblies tending to break the peace? 4. Have there been any recusants who came not to church? 5. Has there been any extortion or apprehension by any officer? 6. Have there been any engrossers ( Monopolists ), forestallers ( one who diverts goods to cause prices to rise ) or regrators ( speculative purchasers ) of the market? 7. What alehouses do you have? are they licensed or unlicensed? Do they observe orderly behavior? 8. Have there been any masters who retain servants with better wages than those set by law? 9 Have there been any common drunkards or common haunters of taverns? 10. Have any new cottages been built? 11. Have there been any cottages erected without four acres of land adjoining? 12. Have any of the inhabitants tried to sell goods twice?
On 16 May 1712, Nicholas Cady's oldest son, John, sold several parcels of land in Groton which were described in the deed as "formerly Nicholas Cady's deceased or now mine the said John Cady's.
There is not exact dates of deaths for Nicholas Cady or for his wife, Judith, but it is inferred from other records that he died before 1712 and that during his last days Nicholas lived with his eldest son, John, who inherited the major portion of his estate. He resided near Cady's pond, named for him, located on the Boston road about a mile southeast of Groton, Nicholas and Judith had eight children, one daughter and seven sons. Five on the sons had children and virtually all Americans by the name Cady are their descendants. It is assumed that he spent his last years with his eldest son, John. ------ .--------------------------------------------------------- From A Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England. He sold his property at Watertown and moved to Groton in 1668 but sources show that he did not sell all his property till 29 April 1680. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From Genealogies of the Families and descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown by Henry Bond. Nicholas Cady of Watertown married Judith daughter of William Knapp (All the dates and names of children on the computer are the same as in this report.) another place in the book tells the following - Nicholas Cady of Watertown as early as 1645 married Judith daughter of William Knapp Sr. of Watertown About 1668 of Groton. They were both living in 1680. 6 March 1650/1 Nicholas Cady sold to John Knapp of Watertown his right and title to a house and land granted to them jointly by deed Dec 8 1645. This shows that he was in Watertown as early as 1645. Sept 11, 1668 Nicholas " John " Cady of Groton and wife, Judith, sold to George Lawrence an acre of upland and 5 acres of meadow in Waterlown. 29 April 1680 Nicholas Cady, Planter, of Groton and his wife, Judith, sold to Simon Coolidge of Watertown a dividend land and 6 acres near west meadow. Listed in the Queen Anne's war at Groton were Danill Cadein and John Cadein.Groton July ye 9 day 1707. Listed in the King William's War were James Knop, Nicholas Cade, Jno Cade and Joseph Cade (about 1675) The petition of Daniell Addams whoe was uary felpfull to the towne of groton with som others of Larkstar and the said Daniell adams did kill one Indian att M' Willards garrison. Witness John Cade and Samuel Wods. We who see him fall to the ground and not Rise againe. At witness Nicholass Cadye. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From the Abridged Cmnpendium of American Genealogy Nicholas Cady 1615-abt. 1700 from England 1628-30 settled at Watertown, Mass. Married Judith Knapp. ----------------------------------------------------------------- From GENEALOGICAL REGISTER OF THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND by John Farmer. Nicholas Cady was of Watertown and John and Nicholas Cady were early settlers of Groton. ----------------------------------------------------------------- from HISTORIC DUXBURY IN PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASS. by L. Bradford Cady, Nicholas, planter, Watertown bought land and house in partnership with John Knapp 8 Oct.1645 and sold his share to him 1 June 1650. Moved to Groton. ( the information on his family is on the family page ) ----------------------------------------------------------------- From THE HISTORY OF WOODSTOCK, CONN. by Clarence Winthrop Bowen Nicholas Cady, of Watertown, Mass. 1668 and of Preston, Conn. Married Judith Knapp, daughter of William Knapp of Watertown and Priscilla, widow of Thomas Akers ----------------------------------------------------------------- From THE EARLY RECORDS OF GROTON MASS. by Samuel A. Green.. The Lands of Nicholas Cady.1.his uplands. About his house 51 acres more or less lying on both sids of the countrey high way the one parsell on the northeast of the highway bounded on the north by James Ffiske and east by James Parker and on the other poynts with the highway, the other part on the other sid of the highway bounded west with the swamp of James Ffiske and south with Ellis Barron, John Knop and John Barron and on all other poynts with the town's comon. 1. His medows. Fiue acres mor or lesse adjoyning with his lot at hom, westerly and south easterly with Jacob Onge and on all poynts with the town comon. 2. Fiue acres at Badacock, more or less, lyeing on both sids of the brok bounded on the southwest with James Ffisk and on all points with the town comon. #. at the cow pond 5 acres mor or less bounded southwest with James Ffisk south east with the cow pond brook north east with John Page and ona other poynts with the town's vplands. $. Two aces, mor or less, lyeing on both sids Litle Massapog Brooksouth side with the litle pond and Richard Holden northeast with Boston farmes and on all other poynts with the town's vplands. %. One acre, mor or lesse vpon the town's line joyning with Cowell's farme east of the towne line north with Ellis Barron and all other poynts with the town's comon. The Medow of Nicholas Cay Five acres more or less bounded by the town's vpland on both sides of the brok from the falls to the foord way and aboue the foord way vpwars on the east sid of the brook to the pond and on the west sid of the brok a litle parsell of madow lying by it self vndevided about an acre in quantity half of it to Nicholus Cady's. --------------------------------------------------------------- From GROTON AND THE INDIAN WARS by Samuel A Green Cady Pond- a small and deep pond covering perhaps two acres lying less than a mile from the village in a southeasterly direction near the Boston road. It was named after Nicholas Cady one of the early settlers who owned land in the neighborhood. This pond and flat pond are the only ones in the town whose waters ultimately reach the Nashua River. Another place in the book says that he enlisted in the military during the King William's War. Another place in the book and very interesting. The Petition of Daniell Addams 21 April 1676- Att Groton the 14 th of March 1676 theire was Daniell Adams whoe was uary helpfull to the towne of groton eith some others of lankstar and the said Daniell adams did kill one Indan attacking Mr. Willard's garason- Witness John Cadye and Samuel Wods. We whoe seen him fall to the gound and not Rise againe. As awitness Nickcolass Cadye. ---------------------------------------------------------------- From NEW ENGLAND HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER VOL 34 Nicholas Cady - He has taken the Oath of Fidelity at Watertown ----------------------------------------------------------------- From DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS CADY by Allen at Watertown-In 1652 Nicholas Cady and others took the oath of fidelity - court records of Cambridge On 5 ( 2 ) 1653 Nicholas Cady was of the Train Band of Watertown under Capt. Mason. We find him at Groton 10 Sept. 1668 with his wife Judith. The town of Groton was burned by Indians in 1676. The Indian wars started on May 13, 1676.He and others had taken refuge in a garrison house and were rescued by Capt. Sills Lee with 60 dragoons and 60 carts. Most of the residents stayed in Concord. When residents decided to rebuild the town at a meeting in Concord on Dec 12 1677 Nicholas Cady's name did not appear although he did return later. On May 14, 1678, he was living. ----------------------------------------------------------------- NEW ENGLAND MARRIAGES PRIOR TO 1700 by Clarence A T0rrey Cade, Nicholas and Judith Knapp married about 1650 Watertown Groton ------
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Nicholas Cady was a Puritan and member of the Watertown Church and probably in Groton.-----------------------------------------------------------
From Groton Historiv Series Vol. 1V No 1 - 1896 Cady Pond - a small and deep pond, covering perhaps two acres, less than a mile in the southeaster direction near the Boston road. It was named after Nicholas Cady, one of the early settlers, who owned land in the neighborhood. ( Shirley and I visited there in 2001 and it is very swampy and is between a golf course and the highway. )