Thomas Hardy, my 8th ggrandfather, born 1605, died 1678, came from England with Winthrop 1630 and built the first wood frame house in Ipswich (Agawam). He was given a King's grant of over one thousand acres in Bradford/Groveland/Rowley along the Merrimack river. He removed in 1653 to Bradford and was ferryman and surveyor of the highways. He was one of the original establishers of the Congregational church in Bradford. Source: Church History of Bradford; Mass. Bay Colony History.
Carole