I love learning about the women in history. But it can be a struggle. Often, they don't make it into the paper trail that gives us the details of the common people.

While following my early Hubbard line from England to Massachusetts in 1633, I found Elizabeth Hubbard, my 11th great aunt-in-law, who married into the family, lost her Hubbard husband in England, and followed his brothers to the New World.

Imagine! A middle-aged widow with five children and no husband, traveling to a land with no prospects for a home. And only a mere 13 years after the Pilgrims forged the path!

Fortunately, she had a little money.  Her husband left her enough to leave to her children.  The $239 (in English pounds) today would be more than $15,000.

From the massive biography One Thousand Years of Hubbard History, the will of Elizabeth Hubbard, probated in Boston on 7 Jun 1644:

The said Elisabeth Hobert being not well and yet being in perfect sense and understanding, do make this as my last will & testament:

That my daughter Hannah Hobert and my son Benjamin Hobert, I do make them my whole executors jointly, together of all those goods which are mine, with this proviso: [Hannah was about 25 and Benjamin was about 23.  It was unusual for a woman to be made executor.  Good for Elizabeth to name her and Hannah to be up to the task!] 

My executors to pay three score and ten pounds [70] and ten shillings to Hannah Carrington as soon as the goods can be sold.  [We don't know if this is repayment of a loan or if Ms. Carrington sold her the goods originally.]

Also, to pay the said Stocdell Carrington four pounds and some odd money [most likely for goods or services rendered];

Also, to my son Rochard Hobert twelve pence; [why does he get such as small amount? Likely as the first born son, he got the lion's share of his father's estate and at 27 has started his own household.]

Also, to daughter Hannah Hobert & to son Benjamin Hobert & to daughter Sarah Hobert & to daughter Rachell Hobert equal portions of what is left when all cost of charges is paid. 

Youngest daughter Rachell to have three pounds more than the rest of my three children – that is to say, Hannah, Benjamin & Sarah.  The executors to have a tender care of their youngest sister Rachell. [She was likely 19 at the time and unmarried. A dangerous age for an orphan girl.]

Robert Hull & Thomas Clarke desired to be overseers of will, to see it fulfilled as near as they can.

ss/Elizabeth Hobart 4 May 1644

Elizabeth lived for one month after she wrote her will.  Strong in mind, but broken in body.

Each of her four children would share 162 for a 40.5 inheritance from Mom.  Plus, the memory of her tender and generous heart.