John served as constable of Marlborough in 1714 and 1718.

Mary was distinguished for heroism in the Indian War. When her father died he left her $375 in his will.

18 Aug 1707 Mary, two of her children, and Miss Mary Goodnow, daughter of Samuel Goodnow were gathering herbs in a meadow when they saw twenty or more Indian warriors stealthily approaching. They immediately ran for the fortified home of Samuel Goodnow. Mary who was six months pregnant, and her children succeeded in reaching it and closing the gate before their pursuers could overtake them. There was one man in the garrison at the time. The rest of the men were at work in the field. The savages attempted to break through the enclosure. They were however repelled by the heroic defenders inside. Mrs. Fay (Nee Brigham) loaded the muskets handing them to her male companion who was able to maintain constant fire upon the enemy. Hearing the gun fire the men in the field returned and the enemy retreated. The name of the male companion was not recorded.

Mary Goodnow being lame from birth could not escape her pursuers. She was overtaken, seized and dragged into the woods.

The same day the Indians surprised and took two men who were laboring in the field. Jonathan Wilder, a native of Lancaster and a Mr. Howe of Marlborough. Mr. Howe was able to escape but, Jonathan was killed.

The next day Capt. Thomas Howe, of Marlborough and about twenty men pursued the Indians. They were joined by another twenty or so men from Lancaster. They overtook the enemy who now numbered thirty-six., a battle ensued in which two white men (John Farren and Richard Singeltary) and ten to twelve Indians died. The packs of the Indians fell into the hands of the whites. In one of them was the scalp of Miss Goodnow.

A few days latter her mangled body was found and buried.

Susanna was subjected to constant nervous trembling. The cause of which was blamed on her mother's first fright by the Indians before her birth.