We Are Family
In 1610 John Tripp was born in Northumberland County, England to John and Isabel (Moses) Tripp. John had few prospects because he was not the oldest son. The law of the land stated the oldest son inherited the wealth of his father and it was up to him what would be given to the younger sons. In the world of John Tripp there were two kinds of people, the very wealthy and the very poor. Johns family was very poor. So even if his brother wanted to give him any of the family wealth, there was nothing to give.
So what was a hard working man to do? In the year of 1630 John was 20 years old, and he sold himself into the indentured trade of carpentry for seven years. All he knew was that he faced an long and hard voyage across the ocean to the new land of America. He had no knowledge of what kind of man had charge of his life for the next seven years. It was in the Captain of the ships best interest to see to it that John was delivered alive to his new master at the Portsmouth, Road Island. If he was not alive, the Captain would not get paid for John's passage.
John was lucky, he was indentured to a good man by the name of Randall Holden. For the next seven years John lived in an attic room and had two meals a day and all the water he could use. He was also given twenty five cents a month for clothes. The work was hard, but he was a good carpenter, and he found favor with his master and family. He was often invited to set at the table with them on Sunday. The years passed and in 1637, John received his freedom. He actually was able to save money from his twenty five cents a month and he used it to purchase land. In 1638 John married Mary Paine, daughter of Anthony Paine of Rhode Island.
This was the beginning of our family in America.