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GAYER
William Gayer the son of William and Jane Sparke came from Devonshire, England and was one of the early settlers of Nantucket. It is through this line, through the Courtenay family that we are descended from EDWARD I, KING OF ENGLAND. William married Dorcas Starbuck, daughter of Edward and Katharine. By occupation he was a ship carpenter. In 1682 he built a double frame house one and one half story in height on Church Street of solid oak throughout from trees grown on the Island and strengthened it with ship knees. It was torn down in 1840. He became a farmer on the Island and held the office of Justice of the Peace. In 1704, he was appointed by the Governor of Mass. As one of five judges to try an Indian named Sabo for the crime of murder. He was also the first representative from Nantucket in the general court after its transfer from the colony of New York to the province of Massachusetts Bay Colony. His daughter Damarius married Nathaniel Coffin, a captain in the merchant service and the letter quoted relates some of his experiences. Their son Benjamin married Jedidiah Hussey who were the parents of William Coffin. William Gayer and Dorcas had only one son William who died young and the Nantucket branch of the Gayers became extinct on his death. Damarius died at the age of 90 years and 10 months. The following letter was written to her by her father.
Daughter Damarius These may serve to inform you that we are all well. Whereas I writ you that your Mother Coffin was designed to Boston by land I find I was mistaken, she tells me, since her intent was only to the Main. Christian is now at her grand ffather Coffins. M. ffolger whom from Boston yesterday and informs me ye John Sawters brother came from England lately & sayeth he spoke with your brother William Gayer in the East Indies 18 months ago If you have a convenient opertunity I wish you would speak with him and inquire all you can about him. I hope you will let me hear from you after as you have an opertunity for I take great delight to hear of your welfare So with my love to yourself & the children with all other friends I remain Yr. ffather W. Gayer Mrs. Nathaniel Coffin in Charles Town.
A letter from Damarius Gayer Coffin to her Uncle, The Right Hon. General Sir John Gayer, Governor of Bombay, 1694.
Boston New England January 1711 Most Fond Uncle Inclosed is a copy of what my husband wrote you last advising you of the death of my honored father your brother Wm. Gayer and of his disposition we had made of our son William which we refer to you. I have now before me the honour of you kind letter of Jan. 5 1709 directed to me deceased father. The good character and hopeful state of my brother with you is very reviving & the more comfortable seeing you express an inclination to send him to Britain and in the hopes that you will follow him yourself. For which blessing I daily elevate my prayers to my GOD That he would bless, prosper and protect you both and send you to the height of your desires therein in health and safety. My son goes on hopefully with his book and am in hopes that God will bless you and send you safe to your native country and will prepare my boy to wait on your content and satisfaction whenever you please to your command on him to do so.
My good husband hath mett with hard fortune on his last voyage from Lisbon & being taken and carried into France where he has been a prisoner a long time & was not released last but was in hopes to procure his liberty in a short time. He has been from home now & when he will return is uncertain God direct him & us fro the best. I must conclude with my really duty to you & my true respects to my brother if with you. Most sincerely Fond Uncle Yr. Most afft Niece
The Genealogy of Damarius Gayer to EDWARD I (Longshanks)
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