Shubael Stearns children were born between 1683 and 1699 (see “Genealogy and Memoirs of Charles and Nathaniel Stearns, and Their Descendants” Avis Stearns Van Wagenen 1901). Sometimes the mother is listed as Mary Upton (1665-1755). However, their marriage intention was 27 Apr 1705 in the Lynn vital records (see “Vital Records of Lynn Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849; Volume II Marriages and Deaths” page 356). Also, her father, John Upton, in his will of 1697, refers to Mary by her birth name, May Upton, but refers to her sister Ann by her married name, Ann Fraile (the entire will is in “The Upton Memorial, A Genealogical Record of the Descendants of John Upton of North Reading, Mass., …” John Adams Vinton 1871). In the will he also leaves money to his granddaughter by Ann but never mentions any grandchildren by Mary. The book later states that Mary was unmarried at the time of her father’s will (1697). The two references I have seen to the mother of Shubael Stearns’ children both say her name is unknown (the book by Avis Stearns Van Wagenen listed above and “New England Marriages Prior to 1700” by Torrey). Torrey also shows the marriage to Mary Upton as a second marriage.
