*Richard MAXSON

                      Rebecca Maxson is frequently identified erroneously as the daughter of John Harndell of Newport, probably because of some unfortunate omissions in the abstract of his will in "Austin's Genealogical Dictionary or Rhode Island."  It is dated 9 Feb 1685 and proved in 1687.  The original in the library of the Newport Historical Society, in Book 5, pp. 131-2, names daughter Mary Stanton, her husband John, and their children, who received the land and buildings.  It also names "daughter-in-law Rebeckah Mosure, wife of Hugh Mosure or Portsmouth," to whom he gave only a good ewe sheep; and "son-in-law John Maxson," to whom he also gave an ewe.  Austin omitted the words "in-law" before Rebeckah, also all mention of John Maxson.  "In-law" usually meant "step" at that time and it certainly does this time, for the wife of a son would have borne the name Harndell.  The name of the stepson confirms her maiden name as Maxson.  (Complied by Charles W. Kehler  - my Uncle)
                  

                      JOhn Maxson was thre first white child born in Rhode Island; was ordained an elder in the 7th DAy Baptist Church at Westerly, Washington Co., RI; died at Westerly at teh age of 81; buried at Clark burying ground near Pautucket, RI.  He and his wife Mary had six children: REv. John Maxson, Jr., Rev. Joseph Maxson, Dorothy Maxson Clarke, Jonathan Maxson, Hannah Maxson Burdick, and Mary Maxson Lewis.