Origins and Possible Family Connections of James Mackerwithey / Macarory of Dedham, Mass.

James Mackerwithey/ Mackarorey first appears in the records of Dedham, Massachusetts on a list recorded the 11th day 12 month 1660 which fixes his tax rate at 11 pence "for the schoole and for defraying other charges in the towne...". His name continues to appear on subsequent rate lists. At a meeting held the 1st day of the 10th month, 1662, he, along with several others was presented with a bill for being "deffectiue in there highway worke this prsent yeare 1662". James Macarory and Mary Euritt were married at Dedhan 9th month 1662. On the 26th day of the 10th month 1665 "James Mackrorey coming and desireing the grant of 5 acres of vpland vpon the gift of his father in lawe Richare Euered."

There is no known mention of James Mackerwithey /Mackarorey in any earlier records; from where did he come? Over time a few researchers have offered various theories, but the one that most researchers accepted as probably accurate was that he was from Scotland, banished to America on a prison ship as a result in his capture by Cromwellian forces at the battle of Worcester in 1651. A recent discovery in the newsletter of a family descended from one of his granddaughters confirmed this, but I list below the various theories offered, with comments on each, because researchers will inevitably come across some of the families involved in these conjectures, and it may be helpful to have some background.