Acton, Massachusetts, located in Middlesex County, has a history dating back to its settlement in the 17th century and incorporation in 1735. The Acton Memorial Library and the Acton Historical Society hold extensive archives, including official town records starting from 1735. Genealogists will find the town’s military history particularly of interest, with Acton playing a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, notably through the Acton Minutemen. The Fitchburg Railroad, established in 1843, contributed to Acton’s development, linking it to major commercial routes. Furthermore, Acton’s involvement in the pencil manufacturing industry in the early 19th century marks an interesting point of industrial history. For those tracing lineage related to Acton’s early settlers or industries, local resources like the Jenks Library within the Acton Historical Society offer valuable genealogical information. Acton’s geographical features, including its location along significant historical roads and its proximity to water bodies like Nashoba Brook, have influenced its development and can provide context for genealogical research.
This is a collection of free vital records books, otherwise known as “Tan Books” for Massachusetts towns. Generally, these records go up to 1849/1850 at which, the genealogist can use the census records to assist in identifying the family connections further. Included with this article is an account of why and how these manuscripts were published along with links to all 198 books which can be freely read or downloaded.
The Massachusetts Tax Valuation List of 1771 contains the names and descriptions of taxable property of nearly 38,000 individuals who resided in 152 Massachusetts towns in 1771
After a long period of active connection with the industrial interests of northern Idaho, James Edwards is now living a retired life in Grangeville. He was born in Richmond, Chittenden county, Vermont, on the 20th of June, 1838, his parents being George and Martha Sophia (Burr) Edwards, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The father was a farmer and a dealer in cattle and grain. He attained the age of only fifty years, but his wife lived to the ripe old age of eighty-four years. They were Universalists in religious faith, and Mr. Edwards was a man of ability, … Read more