Emigration and Arrival

Thomas Bonney was among the 102 passengers who sailed from Sandwich, Kent to New England in March 1634 aboard the Hercules, a 200-ton ship. The passenger list records "Tho. Bonney and Hen. Ewell of Sandwich, shoemakers," with certificates from Mr. Tho. Warren, rector of St. Peter's in Sandwich, dated 14 March 1634. The ship's passengers were described as "Bound for the plantation called New England in America with certificates from the ministers where they last dwelt, of their conversation and conformity to the orders and discipline of the church and that they had taken the oath of allegiance and supremacy."

According to family tradition recorded by his grandson Perez Bonney in 1758, Thomas Bonney "came from Dover, in England, and was born about the year 1604." His emigration occurred during the "Great Migration," a period when thousands of English people sought new opportunities in the American colonies.

Settlement in Duxbury

Thomas Bonney settled in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where he established himself as a shoemaker (cordwainer). Duxbury was one of the earliest settlements in Plymouth Colony, having been established in 1637 as a separate community from Plymouth. The town records show that by 1640, Thomas had acquired land northwest of North Hill and thirty acres at Namasakeeset (later renamed Pembroke and subsequently Hanson). He was also one of the proprietors of Bridgewater in 1645, though he continued to live in Duxbury.

As recorded by Perez Bonney, his grandfather "was by trade or occupation a cordwainer and settled in Duxborough." The term "cordwainer" refers to a skilled shoemaker who worked with fine leather, particularly from Cordoba, Spain. This was a respected trade that required skill and craftsmanship.

Public Service

Thomas Bonney's standing in the community is evidenced by his service in several important civic roles. In 1643-1644, he served as constable of Duxbury. According to historian Justin Winsor, "This was an office of high trust and responsibility and none were elected to it but men of good standing." The constable was responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and serving as a representative of the town's authority.

In 1652, Thomas continued his community service as surveyor of highways, a position that involved maintaining and improving the town's roads and infrastructure. These positions demonstrate the trust and respect his fellow townspeople had for him.

According to the town records, in 1691, "Town did agree that Goodman Bonney should have a pair of shoes bought with part of the rent dew for the common meadows," indicating that even in his later years, his shoemaking skills were valued by the community.

Military Service

In August 1643, the court recorded the names of those in each town between the ages of 16 and 60 who were able to bear arms. Thomas Bonney was among those listed for Duxbury, indicating he was part of the town's militia and prepared to defend the community.

Thomas Bonney's most significant military service came during King Philip's War (1675-1676), one of the most devastating conflicts in early New England history. On December 16, 1675, when the forces of Massachusetts Colony were mustered on Dedham Plain to march against the Narraganset fort, a proclamation was made to the soldiers in the name of the governor: "if they played the man, took the fort and drove the enemy out of the Narraganset country, which is their great seat, they should have a gratuity of land, besides their wages."

Thomas Bonney served in this campaign, and after the war, the colony honored its promise. In 1733, a land grant was awarded to him—32 acres in the Narraganset settlement (Township No. 7). The grant was recorded in the list of Narraganset Grantees for Duxbury, showing "Thos. Bonney - 32" acres. This grant was a significant reward for his military service and demonstrates his contribution to the defense of the colony.

Family Life

According to family records, Thomas Bonney married twice. His first wife was Mary Terry, who died. He then married Mary Hunt at about age 50. With Mary Hunt, Thomas had eight children who established the foundation of the American Bonney family line:

• Thomas 2nd, who married Dorcas Sampson
• Mary, who married John Mitchell
• Sarah, who married Nathaniel Cole
• Hannah
• John, who married Elizabeth Bishop
• William, who married Ann May
• Joseph, who married Margaret Phillips
• James, who married Abigail Bishop

Thomas 2nd inherited his father's land in Duxbury, ensuring continuity of the family's presence in the community. The children's marriages into established families in the region further integrated the Bonney family into the social fabric of early New England.

Land Holdings and Farming

In addition to his work as a shoemaker, Thomas Bonney was also a landowner and farmer. His holdings included land northwest of North Hill and thirty acres at Namasakeeset. He was a proprietor of Bridgewater, indicating his involvement in the expansion and settlement of the region. His will mentions "all my houses & Landes in Duxburrough" as well as "all my cattell," showing he maintained both a residence and agricultural operations.

Last Will and Testament

Thomas Bonney's will, dated January 2, 1691, provides insight into his life and family relationships. The will begins: "I. Thomas Boney Senr Shoomaker Living in Duxburongh being of sound mind & in good and perfect remembrance (praissed be the Lord for it) Make & ordaine this my last Will & Testament..."

In his will, Thomas bequeathed to his beloved wife Mary Boney "all my houses & Landes in Duxburrough as also all my cattell & all my household state for her proper use & behoofe During her naturall Life & if anny thing remaine of the movables My Will is that they be desposed of by her a Mongst my children as she thenkes fit."

He gave to his son Thomas Boney "all My houses & Lands in Duxburrough after his Mothers Deceas," ensuring the property would remain in the family. The will was witnessed by Samuel Hunt and Rhodolphus Thacher, and Thomas signed it with his mark (as he was unable to write his name).

The will was proved on May 1, 1693, before William Bradford, Esq., who was commissioned by Governor Sir William Phips. The will was recorded in the 146th page of Plymouth County's Book of Records for wills. The reverse of the document was endorsed "Goodman Boneys Last Will and Testament" and "The will of Thomas Bonney Recorded."

Legacy

Thomas "Goodman" Bonney's legacy is significant for the Bonney family. As the first of the family in America, he established a foundation that would grow and spread across the continent. His combination of skilled craftsmanship (shoemaking), civic service (constable and surveyor), military service (King Philip's War), and land ownership demonstrates the multifaceted nature of life in early New England.

His descendants, through his eight children, established branches of the family throughout New England and eventually across America. The family's continued presence in Duxbury through his son Thomas 2nd, and the recognition of his service through the Narraganset land grant, ensured that the Bonney name would be remembered in the region's history.

The name "Goodman" was a title of respect in early New England, used for men of good standing in the community who were not part of the gentry. That Thomas Bonney was consistently referred to as "Goodman Bonney" in official records reflects the respect and standing he held in his community.

Read More: King Philip's War | The Great Migration: The Hercules | Sandwich, England | Family History Timeline | Revolutionary War Service Records

Sources: The Bonney Family by Charles L. Bonney, Chicago. Second Edition. Published by Chicago Legal News Co., 87 Clark St., Chicago, 1898; Duxbury town records; Plymouth County probate records; Perez Bonney's chronicle (1758); Bodge's history of King Philip's War.