Hi Everyone: There is an interesting article about Ansell NICKERSON in NEHGS' New England Ancestors publication, Winter 2005, vol 6, no 1. I'm sure many of you have already read about this event, but for those who haven't or for Nickerson descendants it's an interesting read. It's not currently available on NEHGS' website, but may be available at local libraries for those who don't subscribe. Ansell, at age 21, was the sole survivor of the crew on board the Abigail which set sail from Boston to Chatham on 14 Nov 1772. Ansell claimed the crew was killed by pirates, with one boy taken prisoner. At first people believed his story, but later some doubted it, believing he killed the crew and Ansell went on trial in Boston. John ADAMS represented him at court and he was aquitted, but lived his life under suspicion from some. He later married Mary SMITH and raised a family. Ansell was from Chatham, born Levi NICKERSON, to Ansel and and Bathsheba (SMALL) NICKERSON, and was renamed Ansell after his father's death. The crew of the Abigail included the 29 year old captain Thomas NICKERSON (Ansell's cousin), Thomas' brother Sparrow, Thomas' brother-in-law Elisha NEWCOMB, and 13 year old William KENT.