Phillips, Richard

Richard Phillips was probably born in England or soon after his parentsarrived in Massachusetts. He married Mary Packard, a daughter of Samueland Elizabeth Packard, who had settled in nearby Hingham but removed toWeymouth in 1653. Richard was elected one of the two constables in townin 1673 and became a freeman May 8, 1678. Being chosen a constable,Richard was obviously a well respected citizen. As such, he was chosen toother positions of public trust. In 1680 he was elected clerk of themarket of the town of Weymouth, and the town provided him with scales andweights so he could carry out his duties. On November 27, 1682 he was onthe committee to decide if the old meeting house should be repaired orreplaced. The following month a new one was recommended. Richardobviously saw some military duty as in 1683 he was elected, as SergeantPhillips, as one of the seven Selectmen of town. In 1690 he had advancedin rank to Ensign, which was between sergeant and lieutenant.[DeaconNicholas Phillips of Dedham and Weymouth]

Mary died before Richard, and he married the widow Elizabeth Kingman.Richard made his will Oct. 27, 1695, and it was proved Dec. 19, 1695. Init were mentioned his wife Elizabeth, grandon Caleb Phillips, his wife''sdaughter Susannah Kingman, eldest son Caleb Phillips and his wifeElizabeth of Roxbury, sons Nicholas, Samuel, and John Phillips, daughterMary Humphrey, and daughter-in-law Amy Phillips. He also made referenceto "my Father Packer", i.e. his father-in-law by his first wife. The willwas witnessed by John Bicknell, Nathaniel Ford, and WilliamChard.[Suffolk County Proabte/13:705] Inventory of the estate was takenNov. 22, 1695 by Joseph Green, James Richards, and Nathaniel Ford andtotaled 242.11.00.[Suffolk County Proabte/13:706]