Welcome back to the Blessing adventure!
The Yarmouth, Norfolk, England marriage records include the following:
23 Aug 1613: Margaret Blessing to Robert Buffram.
28 Apr 1620: Jone Blessing to William Towne.
31 Jul 1622: Julian Blessing to Thomas Goose.
Margaret would have been 23, Jone 25 and Julian 51. Unless this was a second marriage for Julian, her age doesn't ring true under normal circumstances.
What about Alice, the fourth Blessing daughter?
Souces have her born about 1593. Alice probably married about 1615 to a Firmage or Vermaes. Recent research suggests her husband's given name was Mark. He died in England or on the voyage to America. Alice appears in Salem records as the Widow Firmage. She appeared before the Salem Town Meeting on 19 October 1638 to ask for accommodation. Alice Firmage was granted 50 acres on 4 February 1639. Her will was proved in Boston on 24 April 1656. In the will, Alice mentions "her sister Joane Towne."
And Julian? Was the Blessing sister referred to born in 1571 or later?
Three options have been given for Julian's birth in various sources, 1571, 1596 and 1602. A WikiTree entry for Julian gives her death as 1651 in Boston. Some sources claim she was the legendary "Mother Goose" of nursery rhyme fame. No other record beyond the 1622 marriage has been located. At least one source claims Thomas and Julian Goose had children, so that would support a 1596-1602 birth range.
Was Davis wrong in making Julian, Margaret, Jone and Alice sisters? Were they indeed sisters and aunt?
Working theory, for now....
Gen. 1: John Blessing & Joane Preaste
possible issue: John [b. 1568-1570], Julian [b. 1571], William [b. 1575]
Gen. 2: John Blessing & Margaret [Swaine?]
issue: Margaret [1590], John [1593], probably Alice [1593 or earlier]
John Blessing & Jone _______
issue: Jone [1595]
Theory Option 2: Jone was a record error and Jone was the daughter of John and Margaret.
I hope you folks are less confused than I am!
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