The Genealogy of one Vermonter, Darrell A. Martin

He was a captain in the colonial wars, and his descendant, William Whipple, was both a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a brigadier general at the capture of General Burgoyne. He was probably the John Whipple who was called into court to answer for his wife's excess finery, but proved he was worth the 200 pounds required and escaped unfined. In February 1640/1 in Ipswich, "Jo: Whipple" and six others were chosen "for the Town's business for six months, provided that they give noe lands, nor meddle with dividing or stinting the Commons." John Whipple that same year served on a committee for furthering trade; they had the care of buoys and beacons, the providing of salt and cotton, the sowing of hemp seed and flaxseed, and other duties. In 1662 he was licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, but not less than a quart at a time and not to be drunk on the premises. He occupied a house built by Mr. Fawn, as early as 1642, and received a quitclaim deed in 1650. As he "was one of the foremost men of the Town", his house must have been a frequent gathering place. It later, much added to, became the home of the Ipswich Historical Society. John was born say 1610. He married Sarah (--?--) say 1635.