Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts Collections – Page 2 of 10

Genealogy of the Eldridge Family of Taunton, Massachusetts

Some four generations of this surname have lived in Taunton through the past hundred years, a branch of the ancient Cape Cod Eldridge family. Reference is made to some of the posterity of Eli Eldridge, whose son, Eli Henry, and the latter’s sons, John Henry and Capt. Albert Stanley Eldridge, all either together or in turn have been identified with one of the solid industries of the city – one of their own founding and fostering and developing, which has come to be an important factor in Taunton history. This was the britannia establishment of Eldridge & Co., whose promoters and owners have long been men of substance and prominent in Taunton’s social and business life.

Genealogy of the Fox Family of Taunton, Massachusetts

The Connecticut-Massachusetts branch of the earlier family of this name of the old Bay State is one of long and honorable standing in New England, and as well of historic connection. The especial family here considered, and which for designation is styled the Taunton family, is that of pome of the descendants of Capt. Jabez Fox, of Berkley, Mass., one of whose sons was the late Henry Hodges Fox and the latter’s son the present Hon. William Henry Fox, lawyer and judge, who for forty and more years has been judge of the First District court of Bristol county and otherwise prominently identified with the public affairs of the city of Taunton.

Descendants of Rev. James Keith in Bridgewater, Massachusetts

The Keith family is one of the oldest of southeastern Massachusetts. Its founder in America was Rev. James Keith, born in 1644, who came to America, landing in Boston in 1662. He became minister of the Bridgewater Church, where he administered to the spiritual needs of the people for half a century. He died July 23, 1719. He was twice married. His first wife was Susannah Edson, daughter of Deacon Samuel Edson.

Ancestry of Charles Oliver Emerson of Brockton and Rockland, Massachusetts

Charles Oliver Emerson, treasurer of the Emerson Shoe Company, of Rockland, Mass., one who has been prominently identified with the shoe manufacturing industry for a number of years, is a native of what at the time of his birth, July 14, 1856, was known as the town of North Bridgewater, now the city of Brockton, Mass., where he resides. He is a son of the late John Oliver Emerson and his wife, Caroline Augusta Packard, and is descended from historic old New England ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides.

Genealogy of Arnold Family of Abington Massachusetts

Descendants of Daniel Wilcox of Dartmouth MA and Tiverton RI

This article briefly deals ith one branch only of the New England Wilcox family – with some of the descendants of Daniel Wilcox, who had a grant of fifteen acres of land at Portsmouth, R. I., Dec. 10, 1656, and who later, in 1664, bought a house in Dartmouth, and was constable there in the year following. Mr. Wilcox later became a resident of the town of Tiverton, being an inhabitant there on the organization of the town, March 2, 1692.

Huet Genealogy of Brockton, Massachusetts

Reference is here made to the branch of this family to which belonged the late Joseph Hewett, who for a period of thirty years was an honored resident of Brockton, and his posterity, numbered among whom have been men prominently identified with the business interests of the city for many years. Thomas Huet, born in 1609, was an early inhabitant of Hingham and a landholder. Probably Huet’s Cove in that vicinity took its name from him. He married (first) Elizabeth, daughter of William Chapman, who died in 1639, leaving most of his property to his daughter just named. She died May 22, 1649,” in Hingham. He married (second) Mrs. Mary Cutler, widow of John Cutler. Mr. Huet was a tailor and resided in West Hingham. He was made a freeman May 26, 1647. He died May 24, 1670, in Hingham, aged about sixty-one. His wife outlived him and removed to Charlestown.

Taber family of Dartmouth and New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Taber family of Dartmouth and New Bedford, one of the oldest families in southeastern Massachusetts, is descended from Philip Taber, who according to Savage, was born in 1605, and died in 1672. He was at Watertown in 1634, and he contributed toward building the galley for the security of the harbor. He was made a freeman at Plymouth in 1639. In 1639-40 he was a deputy from Yarmouth, and was afterward at Martha’s Vineyard, and from 1647 to 1655 was at Edgartown, going from there to New London in 1651, but probably returning soon. He was an inhabitant of Portsmouth in February, 1655, and was a representative in Providence in 1661, the commissioners being Roger Williams, William Field, Thomas Olney, Joseph Torrey, Philip Taber and John Anthony. Later he settled in Tiverton, where his death occurred. He married Lydia Masters, of Watertown, Mass., daughter of John and Jane Masters, and his second wife, Jane, born in 1605, died in 1669.

Ancestors of Nelson Sherman of Carver and Brockton, Massachusetts

Nelson Sherman, who was for many years extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Carver, Mass., and is now making his home in the city of Brockton, is regarded as one of the substantial men of Plymouth county. He is a descendant of several of this Commonwealth’s earliest settled and most prominent families, and was born March 14, 1841, in North Carver, son of Henry and Christinai (Crocker) Sherman.

Slade Family of Somerset-Fall River, Massachusetts

For the past hundred years – during almost the lifetime, as it were, of Fall River and its entire industrial life – the name Slade has been continually identified with that industrial life and also prominent in other lines of effort in that great city of spindles. In 1812-13, when the real substantial pioneer establishments in the cloth making industry of Fall River were projected and completed – the Troy Cotton and Woolen Manufactory and the Fall River Manufactory – began the Slade name in this connection, Eber Slade of Somerset being one of the most prominent promoters of one of the corporations; he became its first treasurer and filled the position until in the middle twenties. William Slade of Somerset was one of the owners of the site of these first establishments, and was himself an original proprietor of the Pocasset and Watuppa Manufacturing Companies. The brothers Jonathan and William Lawton Slade were among the founders of the celebrated cotton mills of Fall River, both becoming presidents of the corporation. John Palmer Slade, another of Somerset’s sons, figured largely not only in the industrial life of the city but in other lines, becoming president of both the Shove and Laurel Lake Mills. George W. Slade, one of the “forty-niners” of the Pacific coast, was for full fifty years one of the extensive and wholesale merchants of Fall River and his name, too, is coupled with the city’s industrial life. And of younger generations one or more of the sons of some of these are at this time officially and otherwise connected with this industrial life and in other lines, notably Leonard N. and Everett N. Slade, of the firm of John P. Slade & Son, insurance and real estate; David F. Slade, member of the law firm of Slade & Borden; and Abbott E. Slade, now treasurer of the Laurel Lake Mills.

Hartshorne-Hartshorn Family of Taunton, Massachussetts

The Hartshorne family has a rich history in Massachusetts, dating back to the 17th century. The lineage began with Thomas Hartshorne in Reading, who served as selectman in 1648. Over generations, the family contributed significantly to the local economy and society, particularly in Taunton, where prominent members like Jesse Hartshorn and his descendants played key roles in the cotton manufacturing industry. Jeremiah Hartshorn’s legacy continued through his son George Franklin, leading to George Trumbull Hartshorn, an influential chemist and community figure, who left a lasting impact in Taunton.

Ancestry of Capt. Jacob Taber of New Bedford, Massachusetts

Capt. Jacob Taber, born in 1813 in Acushnet, Massachusetts, descended from the early New England family of Philip Taber. A master mariner in the whaling industry, Jacob began his seafaring career at nineteen, later commanding successful voyages to the South Atlantic, Hudson Bay, and the Arctic. Known for his remarkable record—never losing a vessel—he retired in 1870 after a distinguished career. A kind and jovial man, he engaged in local politics and was married to Hannah Mendell Blackmer, with whom he had several children.

Ancestry of William H. Nelson of Plymouth, Massachusetts

William H. Nelson, a prominent figure in Plymouth, Massachusetts, descended from early settlers like William Nelson, who arrived before 1636. Active in his community, he held numerous positions, including selectman and president of various banks and manufacturing companies. Known for his integrity and public spirit, Nelson was deeply involved in addressing local commercial needs, particularly in navigation and industry. He married Hannah Coomer Weston in 1863 and left a legacy of service before his death in 1891, remembered as one of Plymouth’s most dedicated citizens.

Ancestry of Walter Lyman French

Walter Lyman French, born on May 4, 1843, in Brockton, was a prominent entrepreneur known for his contributions to various industries, particularly in the shoe and grocery trades. Descended from early New England settlers, he engaged in military service during the Civil War and later established himself in business after the war. French was active in local politics and community organizations, reflecting a dedication to service and leadership. He married Lucy Ames, and they had a daughter, Ellen Lucinda. French has been recognized for his significant impact on the Brockton community.

Descendants of Lucius Reed, of Abington, Massachusetts

Lucius Reed of Abington, Massachusetts, descends from William Reade, who immigrated in 1635. Born in 1808, Lucius was a dedicated farmer and carpenter who prized education and integrity, passing away in 1887. He married Lydia Shaw, whose lineage includes Revolutionary War veterans. They had five children, all of whom were well-educated and active in their community. Lucius’s son, L. Alston Reed, was involved in town affairs, while his grandchildren continued their family’s legacy through education and civic engagement.

Ancestry of Jared Shaw of East Abington, Massachusetts

The Shaw family, founded in America by Abraham Shaw, who immigrated before 1636, has deep roots in East Abington, Massachusetts. Abraham married Bridget Best and had several children, including Joseph. His grandson, Elijah Shaw, born in 1745, settled in East Abington, where he was a farmer and Revolutionary War lieutenant. Elijah’s son, Jared Shaw, born in 1778, married Lydia Whiting and had multiple children. This lineage illustrates the enduring legacy of the Shaw family in the region’s history.

Ancestry of Walter Ballou of North Attleboro MA

Walter Ballou, born on February 20, 1835, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, played a significant role in North Attleboro’s jewelry industry. Descended from a distinguished family with Norman-French roots dating back to the Battle of Hastings, he became a partner in R. Blackinton Co. in 1862. Walter’s inventive spirit led to notable advancements in jewelry manufacturing. He married Ann E. Briggs, and they had three children. A respected community figure, he remained integral to the company’s success and legacy throughout his life.

Hough Family of New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Hough family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its roots to William Hough, an English carpenter who settled in Gloucester before moving to New London, Connecticut, in the mid-17th century. Notable descendants include Dr. George T. Hough, a distinguished physician and city physician in New Bedford, and his son, Garry de Neuville Hough, who continued the medical legacy. George Anthony Hough, another descendant, made his mark in journalism and public service. The family’s contributions to medicine and local governance highlight their significant role in the community’s history.

Soule Family of New Bedford Massachusetts

The Soule family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its lineage to George Soule, a Mayflower Pilgrim. Currently led by Hon. Rufus Albertson Soule, this family’s history is marked by significant contributions to local governance and business, particularly in shipbuilding and shoe manufacturing. Their legacy includes participation in the Civil War, with four brothers serving. Rufus Soule’s prominent roles in the community and service as a state senator reflect the family’s longstanding commitment to civic duty and public service, enriching New Bedford’s heritage.

Biography of Maj. Herbert Allyne Clark

Major Herbert Allyne Clark, born on February 22, 1859, in Middleboro, Massachusetts, was a prominent figure in both military and business circles. A descendant of early Puritan settlers, he mastered the jewelry trade with Horton, Angell & Co., becoming a partner by 1886. A dedicated soldier, he served as quartermaster during the Spanish-American War and held various ranks in the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Clark, a lifelong bachelor, was committed to his community and family until his passing on February 16, 1903.