Holbrook line: Thomas Estance, Immigrant

I'm not sure I should be writing this post, since so little is known about Thomas, but maybe just by pointing out all the inconsistancies I'm finding about him, it will inspire someone to actually look at the records and figure out which is truth and which is unproven. 

Thomas's last name may have been Esten when he arrived in the Colonies.  He may have been born anywhere from 1600 to 1613, and he may have died anywhere between 1691 and 1708.  It is believed that he was born either in Swansea, Wales, or possibly somewhere in Herefordshire, England.  Documents, of course, have not yet been found to verify either location.  His parents are thought to be Richard Estaen and Agnes Underwood, but again, I've not seen the records to indicate that. 

We don't know when he came to America although it is believed to have been before 1651.  His wife was Ann  Thomas, which may be a good Welsh name.  Again, the marriage may have taken place on either side of the ocean, as far as is known now.  However, most sources say that thee of their four known children were born in Swansea, Massachusetts, which is just across the state line from Rhode Island, where they eventually settled . The birthdate of one daughter, Bridget, is typically given as 1628 and if this is correct, and the birth dates of the other children are correct, that opens up the possibility that Bridget was the child of an as yet unknown first marriage, becaue the other birth dates re from 1645 to 1651.

We do find brief mention of Thomas in Swansea, Massachusetts, where he was one of the earliest settlers, in 1653.  The town was not actually official until 1667, and we don't know exactly when Thomas left Swansea, nor why.  Swansea was formed by Baptists and the Baptist religion was strong in Providence, so possibly Thomas left Swansea, as a Baptist, before that community was really formed.  (This is entirely speculation on my part.  His reason for moving across the lines of the two colonies may have been for better land, or because his business, whatever that might have been, would do better in Providence, or for family reasons, or any number of other explanations,) 

The Estances and the Hardings are thought to have moved to Providence, rhode Island, about 1664. Ten years later, Thomas sold to Stephen Harding, his son in law, one fourth interest in the right of common in the undivided lands of Providence.  We don't know what happened to the family during King Phlip's War but there were only a few families that stayed in Providence  By now, Thomas would have been at least years old and perhaps approaching 75, so it is likely that he and his wife took shelter somewhere else while the war continued.  In 1682, he swore an oath of allegiance at Providence, so we know the family returned.  By the use of the term "swearing", we can assume he was not influenced by his Quaker neighbors. 

And again, the death dates for Thomas vary from 1691 to 1708, when there was some activity on his estate.  The best date I can find is February 20, 1698 but if that is correct, I don't know why it took 10 years for his estate to be probated.  I would love to find those records.  They might explain a good deal, but even if they explained just one of the mysteries surrounding this (possible) Welshman, it would still be a startling and welcome find.

Thomas, and Ann, I salute you for your courage, your hard work, and your religious beliefs.  Thank you for your contribution to what became our country. 

The line of descent is:

Thomas Estance-possibly Ann Thomas
Bridget Estance-Stephen Harding
Abraham Harding-Deborah Gardner
Mercy Harding-Samuel Winsor
Joseph Winsor-Deborah Mathewson
LillisWinsor-Nathan Paine
Deborah Paine-Enos Eddy
Joseph Eddy-Susan Lamphire
Susan Eddy-Hiran Stanard
Louis Stanard-Mary Alice Hetrick
Etta Stanard-Loren Holbrook
Gladys Holbrook-Richard Allen
Their descendants