JAMES BUNKER, JR. (1665-1722) From Bunker Geneology by Edward C. Moran, Jr. Aug. 1, 1961

James Bunker, Jr. was born 1665 at Dover, New Hampshire. He was granted land by town of Dover 1693-4 (New England Historic Genealogical Register 5:452). He participated in degfense of Bunker Garrison against Indian attack 17 July 1694. With his father and brother Joseph, he signed petition that Oyster River be made a township 1695 (New Hampshire State Papers 9:235). Qualified as executor of father's estate 24 June 1698 (N.H. Provincial Probate Record 2:49). He married (1) before 1700 ANNE THOMAS, who died 1710-1720, daughter of James Thomas and Martha Goddard (Hist. Durham 2:32, 357; Genealogical Dictionary Me. & N.H. 119). He was constable of Dover 1698, rendering his account to the Council and General Assembly at Portsmouth, N. H. 14 Aug. 1701 (N.H.S.P. 3:147). Was authorized to receive claims against William Follett Estate 7 Aug. 1705 (N.H.S.P. 31:339). He was deeded the Follett portion of the "Land granted in joynt" 8/10/1653 (N.H. Pov. Deed 5:220-1) by Town of Dover to William Follett and James Bunker (his father), by Neccolas and Mary Follett of Portsmouth 28 Mch. 1707 (N.H. Prov Deed 5:220). The will of Robert Huckins dated 9 Jan. 1719/20 named his wife Welthean (Thomas) and names as executor "my brother-in-law James Bunker" (N.H.S.P. 32:96). He married (2) 1710-1720 MARTHA DOWNES who m (2) 1722 John Mackellroy, daughter of Thomas Downes and Mary Lord. James Bunker, Jr. died 1722 and a court fight began. The New Hampshire Provincial Court File #23,424 states that "in or about the year 1722 he died intestate, leaving James the plaintiff his eldest son and his only sons Joseph, Benjamin, Clement and elijah and his daughter Love now Love Millett and Patience his heirs." The administration of his estate was granted to his sons James and Joseph, both of Dover, 5 May 1724, the estate inventory being 977.6.0 British Pounds on 22 May 1724 (N.H.S.P. 32:219). His estate was a considerable sum of money in those days, so it is not surprising that court troubles arose, which were at least genealogically valuable as his heirs were all listed as a matter of public record. Articles of Agreement between Martha Mackelroy "widow relict of James Bunker late of Dover" and "James Bunker and Joseph Bunker both of Dover, administrators of estate of their late father James Bunker," in which settlement she agreed "to maintain the child she hath had by the aforesaid deceased," were signed 8 Dec. 1725 N.H.S.P. 32:219). Martha Critchett, who was the Martha Goddard who married James Thomas and second Elias Critchett, divided her estate, inherited from "my own father Jno Goddard," and bequeathed to "children of my daughter Ann Bunker," the first wife of James Bunker, Jr., by deed 4 Aug. 1729 (N.H.S.P. 32:368; N.H. Prov. Deed 17:53). The seven children of James Bunker, Jr. were listed in the division of his estate 15 may 1759 (Strafford County Deed 47:444). Evidently the children were a long time arriving at an agreement on division of their father's estate. Attached to this dded is a map showing indetail the division among James, Joseph, Clement and Love (Bunker) Millett, James having previously bought out the interests of Benjamin, Elijah and his sister Patience (Bunker) Drew.