James Sisson was born about 1656 (not 1652 as elsewhere reported). He was admitted as a freeman in 1684, was a farmer, constable in 1686, surveyer of highways 1685, and a selectman 1689. He was (according to a biography of a descendant, Albert Elverton Sisson, "a collector of taxes for the Massachusetts town in which he lived [Westport?], and suffered imprisonment because he would not collect the Church of England tax. "His will is dated June 15, and was proved December 1734. At that time his inventory was 172 pounds, 18 shillings, 1 penny His son Jonathan was executor of his will which names sons Richard, James, Thomas & Jonathan and daughters Sarah, Rebecca, Content, Mary & Hannah. James had a Confirmatory Deed in Dartmouth from William Bradford dated 13 Nov 1694. Rhode Island Vital Records, page 540 says that James and Lydia had 12 children. The Sisson Newsletter reports only 10. SOURCES: Sisson Newsletter v1, no2, page 1; Portsmouth VRs. Arnold pp 40 and 96; Tiverton VRs. Arnold pp 4-48; Mayflower Index 1932. Gen Soc of Mayflower Descendants; Dartmouth VRs.
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