An American Family History

John Clare was born about 1640 and may have been the son of Brittain Clare and was brother to Elizabeth Clare Everett.

His wife was named Mary Welling. She was the widow of Thomas Welling (1637-1689). Thomas and Mary had a daughter, Susannah Welling Skidmore (1668, married Samuel Skidmore who was the son of John Skidmore and Susanna Davis).

John made his will on May 27, 1720 in Jamaica, New York. He left £6 to his nephew, Nicholas Everett. He left his nephew, Richard Everett, his land on the south side of the highway. His wife was allowed to live in the house and to use the barn, orchard, and the land adjoining, on the north side of the highway if she did not remarry.

After she died, his personal estate was to be divided between various relatives. He remembered his sister, Elizabeth's, children, Richard, Hannah, George and Nicholas.

Other heirs included Elizabeth Clare Humphrey (Mrs. Thomas), Mary Roberts, Sarah Croxson, John Wells and John Clare's step-daughter, Susanah Skidmore.

Some researchers believe that Elizabeth Humphrey was his daughter, but if she were, she would have been mentioned before his sister's children in the will.

from Queens County in Olden Times

1689, May 15-All the old Magistrates and military officers are put out of office in Suffolk and Queens counties by the people, who choose others in their stead. A great part of the militia have marched from their homes and are now at or near Jamaica. Their intention is to seize the fort at New York, and to keep off Popery, French invasion and slavery.

1711, July 9 - The Governor requires the people's houses in Jamaica to be inspected for pork, bacon and other provisions. (Queens County in Olden Times by Henry Onderonk)