Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts Collections

Beal Genealogy of Abington Massachusetts

The Beal family of Abington, Massachusetts, descends from immigrant John Beal, who arrived in 1635. Over generations, the family has played a significant role in the community, notably through George A. Beal, a distinguished public figure and businessman. His contributions included numerous public offices, reflecting a commitment to civic duty. The Beals have connections to early Puritan settlers and intermarriages with prominent local families, including the Reeds. This lineage continues to influence Abington’s history, emphasizing their longstanding presence in the area.

Lawton Genealogy of New Bedford Massachusetts

The Lawton family of New Bedford has deep historical roots, tracing back to George Lawton, a key figure in Colonial Newport who signed the Compact of 1639. Notable descendants, including Charles H. and Horace A. Lawton, established a successful drug business and engaged in civic duties. Charles served multiple terms as alderman and contributed to various financial institutions, while Horace took a more private path, focusing on family and local community. Their legacy reflects a blend of commerce and public service in New Bedford’s history.

Ancestry of William Bowers Moison Chace of Taunton Massachusetts

William Bowers Moison Chace, born December 5, 1854, in Somerset, Massachusetts, is the ninth generation of his family in America, tracing lineage back to William Chace, who emigrated from England in 1630. A prominent figure in real estate, insurance, and manufacturing, Chace’s career began as a clerk, progressing to partnership and ultimately founding his own company. Involved in various financial institutions, he has been a leading business figure in Fall River. He married Charlotte P. White, with whom he had four children.

Ancestry of Nathaniel Reynolds Packard, 2d of Brockton Massachusetts

Nathaniel Reynolds Packard, 2d, a notable shoe manufacturer from Brockton, Massachusetts, passed away on November 6, 1908, at seventy-five. His lineage traces back to Samuel Packard, an early settler from England. Born in 1833, Nathaniel transitioned from wheelwrighting to shoe manufacturing, establishing his successful business in Brockton after relocating from Easton amidst local disputes. A respected figure in his community, he was also a Mason and a member of local clubs. He married Juliette V. Thayer, but they had no children.

Ancestry of Dr. Charles Richard Hunt

Dr. Charles Richard Hunt descends from two notable Puritan lines: William Hunt, an early settler of Concord, and Sir Thomas Hayward, an early Duxbury settler. William Hunt arrived in 1635, contributing to the organization of Concord and marrying Elizabeth Best and Mercy Rice. Dr. Hunt’s lineage features many significant figures, including his father, J. Earle Hunt, a pioneering dentist noted for using ether in his practice. Charles Richard Hunt, himself a respected physician, pursued medicine after a successful career in engineering. He married Annie Vincent in 1888.

Ancestry of Elmer C. Packard of Brockton Massachusetts

The Packard family has held a significant presence in New England for nearly 275 years, tracing its origins to Samuel Packard, an early settler in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. The lineage includes prominent figures, such as Elmer C. Packard, who succeeded his father, Ellis Packard, in a successful grain and coal business in Brockton. The family has deep roots in various trades and public service, with Elmer continuing the legacy through active community involvement and progressive business practices.

Washburn Genealogy of Bridgewater Massachusetts

The Washburn family, among the earliest settlers of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, traces its roots to John Washburn, who arrived in New England by 1632. His lineage includes notable descendants such as Capt. Abraham Washburne, a Revolutionary War soldier, and his son Seth, who became a successful entrepreneur in cotton gins. The family continued to thrive, with later generations like George and Lucy Eaton, who contributed to the community’s legacy. The Washburns remain a significant part of Bridgewater’s history, exemplifying the town’s early growth and development.

Baylies Genealogy of New Bedford Massachusetts

The Baylies family traces its roots to Nicholas Baylies, a Quaker from Worcester, who witnessed his son’s marriage in 1706. His son, Thomas, emigrated from England to America in 1737, establishing ironworks in Rhode Island and later in Taunton, Massachusetts. Thomas’s descendants included notable figures in politics and industry, with Nicholas Baylies becoming a prominent politician during the Revolutionary War. The family’s legacy continued with contributions to local governance and commerce, shaping the history of New Bedford and its maritime activities.

Ancestry of Thomas Beatty Inness of Brockton Massachusetts

Thomas Beatty Inness, born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1848, is a notable figure and descendant of Scotch-Irish lineage. He initiated his career in the iron and coal industries, later becoming an influential iron broker and railroad contractor. In the early 1900s, he established significant apartment complexes in Brockton, Massachusetts, showcasing innovative architectural designs. Inness was also deeply involved in Masonic organizations and local business communities and held strong Republican views. He was married twice, with children from both unions, and was known for his affable nature and leadership qualities.

French Genealogy of Fall River Massachusetts

The French family has significantly influenced Fall River’s history since its founding, tracing their roots to Rollo, Duke of Normandy. Notable figures include Hon. Enoch French and his descendants, who were involved in various trades, notably tanning and shoemaking. Enoch established the first boot and shoe store in Fall River and contributed to local governance and community organizations. His sons, including Job B. French, also played vital roles in business and civic life. The family’s legacy continues through their active involvement in the First Baptist Church and local affairs.

Ancestry of Alfred Pierce of Attleboro Massachusetts

Alfred Pierce, born January 1, 1822, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a retired contractor and builder from Attleboro, where he contributed significantly to the construction of public and private buildings over fifty years. A descendant of a notable lineage tracing back to the Norman Conquest, his ancestors participated in many historical events. Alfred and his wife Martha Richardson Williams, a prominent community member, had one daughter, Marion, who pursued a career in art and was active in civic organizations. Alfred remains a respected figure in his community.

Ancestry of Joshua Bates of Bridgewater Massachusetts

The Bates lineage in Massachusetts began with Clement Bates, a tailor from Hertfordshire, who arrived in 1635 and settled in Hingham. His descendants included significant figures such as Colonel Seth Bates, who served in the Revolutionary War, and his son Joshua Bates, who established a successful furnace in Canada before returning to farm in Bridgewater. Joshua Bates married Bethia Ames, fathering four children, and his family continued to thrive in Bridgewater, with generations contributing to local history and community life.

Read Genealogy of Newport RI and Freetown MA

The Read family, with origins in Newport, R.I., traces back to John Reade, a cordwainer who arrived from England. His descendants played significant roles in Freetown, Mass., establishing a tannery that thrived for generations. Notable family members include Paddock Richmond Read, who became a prominent figure in Fall River before moving to Taunton, where he worked as a photographer. His family continued the legacy of education and service, with several members becoming teachers and community leaders.

Howard Genealogy of Bridgewater and New Bedford Mass.

The Howard family, prominent in the history of Bridgewater and New Bedford, Mass., traces its lineage back to John Howard, an early settler. Key figures include Capt. Benjamin Beal Howard, founder of Howard Seminary and known for his philanthropic deeds, and his son, Francis Edward Howard, an influential public servant and community leader. Both men embodied the family’s commitment to education and civic duty, contributing significantly to the community’s development and welfare, leaving a lasting legacy through their charitable efforts and public service.

Morey Genealogy of Bristol RI and Norton MA

The Morey family, established in New England, has roots tracing back to George Morey, who settled in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1683. The name has various spellings, including Mowry, particularly in Rhode Island. George’s son, also named George, moved to Norton, Massachusetts, where he became an innholder and served in the 1745 Louisburg expedition. His descendants continued to live in Norton, contributing to the community until modern times, with ties to the Paddock Richmond Read lineage through Belinda Copeland Morey.

Richardson Genealogy of Attleboro Massachusetts

The Richardson family boasts a lineage in Bristol County, Massachusetts, tracing back to Samuel Richardson, who arrived from England in 1636. Samuel played a pivotal role in the early establishment of Woburn, serving as selectman and surveyor. His descendants, including Stephen and William Richardson, eventually settled in Attleboro in the early 18th century. Notably, Henry A. Richardson, a descendant, became a prominent figure in North Attleboro’s jewelry business, with his daughter Linda achieving academic distinction at Brown University and a career in education.

Winsor Genealogy of Duxbury and Fairhaven Massachusetts

The Winsor family, with roots in Duxbury, Massachusetts, is notable for its maritime heritage. Capt. Alexander Winsor, a distinguished master mariner, and his son, Capt. Alexander Winsor Jr., gained recognition in international maritime ventures, including service during conflicts in China. Walter P. Winsor, another descendant, significantly influenced Fairhaven’s financial landscape as president of the First National Bank of New Bedford. The genealogy traces back to William Winsor, who immigrated from England, establishing a lineage characterized by seafaring and civic leadership.

Descendants of John McCullough of New Bedford MA

John McCullough, born in New Bedford in 1858 to Irish immigrants, played a significant role in the city’s growth. His grandfather, Patrick McCullough, and father, also John, laid the family’s roots in New Bedford after emigrating from County Tyrone, Ireland. John established a successful junk business and became a key figure in the whaling industry. Active in local politics, he served as alderman and helped form St. Lawrence parish. His legacy continued through his son, who expanded the family business, embodying the McCullough commitment to community and enterprise.

Corthell Genealogy of Hingham to South Abington, Massachusetts

William P. Corthell, a prominent figure from South Abington (now Whitman), Massachusetts, came from a lineage distinguished by their contributions to society. The Corthell family, established in Hingham in the early 18th century, produced numerous influential individuals. William himself was a dedicated public servant, engaging in various roles, including county commissioner and trustee of the Abington Savings Bank. He was recognized for his integrity and commitment to community service and church, leaving behind a legacy of honorable public life and a devoted family.

Descendants of William Sturdy of Attleboro MA and Slatersville RI

The Sturdy family, descended from John Jenkins, who became William Sturdy after fleeing the British navy, played a significant role in the jewelry industry of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Settling in Attleboro, William transitioned from farming to work in cotton mills during the industrial boom. His sons, notably William A. and John F., contributed to the family’s legacy in jewelry manufacturing, establishing successful businesses that thrived for generations. The family’s collective efforts reflect their industrious spirit and commitment to their community in the Attleboros.