Amherst Massachusetts

Abbe-Abbey Genealogy

A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England vol 1

The “Abbe-Abbey Genealogy” serves as a comprehensive and meticulously compiled homage to the heritage of the Abbe and Abbey families, tracing its roots back to John Abbe and his descendants. Initiated by the life-long passion of Professor Cleveland Abbe, this genealogical exploration began in his youth and expanded throughout his illustrious career, despite numerous challenges. It encapsulates the collaborative efforts of numerous family members and researchers, including significant contributions from individuals such as Charles E. Abbe, Norah D. Abbe, and many others, each bringing invaluable insights and data to enrich the family’s narrative.

Holman Family of Attleboro Massachusetts

Samuel Morey Holman

The Holman family has been a significant presence in Massachusetts for over two centuries, deeply involved in the social, religious, and educational spheres of Attleboro. Their lineage traces back to Solomon Holman, an early settler believed to have arrived from Bermuda, whose descendants include notable figures like Rev. Nathan Holman and Dr. David Emory Holman. The family has contributed richly to local and national life, with members excelling in various professions, including ministry, medicine, and the arts, particularly through Samuel Francis Holman, an acclaimed artist in Paris.

Holman Family of Attleboro, MA

David Emory Holman

The Holman family of Attleboro, Massachusetts, has a rich heritage spanning over two centuries, tracing back to Solomon Holman, who arrived from the Bermuda Islands in the late 17th century. This lineage produced notable figures, including Rev. Nathan Holman, a long-serving pastor, and prominent descendants like Dr. David Emory Holman and artist Samuel Francis Holman. The family has significantly influenced the social, religious, and educational landscape of Attleboro, with members achieving distinction in various fields and maintaining a legacy of civic engagement and community upliftment.

Descendants of John Sanford of Taunton, MA

The Sanford family has deep roots in Taunton, Massachusetts, with a prominent lineage stemming from John Sanford, one of New England’s earliest settlers. Notably, Capt. Joseph Sanford played a key role during the Revolution, and his descendants included many educated individuals in ministry and law. His grandson, John Elliott Sanford, exemplified this legacy, becoming a respected lawyer and public servant, including serving as Taunton’s insurance commissioner and state senator. His life reflected a commitment to integrity, education, and community service, leaving a lasting legacy in Taunton.

Wright Family of Boston, MA

The Wright family, an early Boston lineage, traces its origins to Richard Wright, who settled in Plymouth around 1644. Over generations, the family intermarried with prominent New England clans like the Adams and Wentworths. Notable descendants include Theodore Francis Wright, a significant figure in the New Jerusalem Church, and Augustus Hunt Wright, a Civil War veteran and community leader in Abington. Their legacy reflects the family’s deep roots in American history and its contributions to religion, education, and civic life in Massachusetts.

Stockbridge School of Agriculture Yearbooks 1921-2002

Stockbridge School of Agriculture Shorthorn Yearbook Cover for 1921

The Stockbridge School of Agriculture was founded as part of the Massachusetts Agricultural College (now University of Massachusetts Amherst) in 1918. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst digitized 73 of the yearbooks covering the years of 1921-2002. The yearbook during this period was known as the “Shorthorn” and “Stosag”. Yearbooks provide a window into student life. From sports teams to clubs, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of college students year by year.

Biography of Josiah Edwards Dwight

Josiah Edwards Dwight, born May 17, 1839, in Belchertown, Mass., hails from a prominent New England family with ties to early colonial history. His lineage includes Captain Timothy Dwight, a soldier and civic leader, and Jeremiah Cady, a participant in the Boston Tea Party. An educated man, Josiah worked in the dry-goods business before establishing himself in Concord, N.H., as a successful saddlery manufacturer. Active in local politics, he served on the Concord Common Council and as a police commissioner. He married Lucy J. Hill, with whom he had two children.

Biography of M. Hayward Post, Jr., M. D.

Dr. M. Hayward Post, Jr., a distinguished oculist in St. Louis, descends from a lineage that arrived on the Mayflower. He is the son of Dr. M. Hayward Post and Mary Lawrence Tyler. A graduate of Smith Academy and Amherst College, he earned his M.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1912. Dr. Post served in the Medical Corps during World War I and is actively involved in various medical associations. He married Dorothy Lee Rice in 1916, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Lee.

Biography of Judge John W. McElhinney

Judge John W. McElhinney, born on February 4, 1851, in Missouri, has served on the thirteenth circuit court since 1901, earning respect as one of Missouri’s foremost jurists. His decisions are characterized by fairness, impartiality, and a deep understanding of jurisprudence. Educated at Amherst College and the St. Louis Law School, he began practicing law in 1874. A dedicated public servant, he has held various positions, including director and president of the St. Louis County Bank. His family includes accomplished children, reflecting his values.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Kingsley Arter

Charles Kingsley Arter, born on April 24, 1876, in Cleveland, graduated from Amherst College in 1898 and Harvard Law School in 1901. He married Grace Denison in 1902 and had two children. As a prominent attorney, he joined the law firm Smith, Taft & Arter, specializing in corporate and banking law. Arter was a recognized debater during his college years and was active in various organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce and multiple clubs. He held directorships at the American Multigraph Co. and The Hermit Club Co.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas P. Ballard

Thomas P. Ballard, born April 27, 1854, in Canton, Ohio, was educated at Amherst College, earning his A.B. in 1876 and A.M. in 1879. He had a diverse career, serving as a school superintendent and principal, working in publishing, and later as a social worker. He transitioned into real estate in Cleveland in 1906. Ballard participated actively in various organizations, including serving as trustee for multiple institutions and holding leadership roles within the Cleveland Real Estate Board and Civic League. He was married twice and had two sons.

Biographical Sketch of James Humphrey Hoyt

James Humphrey Hoyt, born in Cleveland on November 10, 1852, was a prominent lawyer and Republican politician. He was educated at various institutions, culminating in a law degree from Harvard in 1877. Hoyt established a successful law practice through partnerships, eventually forming the firm Hoyt, Dustin, Kelly, McKeehan & Andrews, focusing on civil law. He was nominated for Governor in 1895 and was an active member of several clubs in Cleveland and New York City, recognized for his eloquence as a speaker. He married Jessie P. Taintor, with whom he had two children.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick C. Herrick

Frederick C. Herrick was born on October 31, 1872, in Cleveland. He graduated from Amherst College and earned his M.D. from Western Reserve University. Herrick also studied in Germany and worked at the London General Hospital. He married Annie Bayard Crowell in 1898 and had two sons. Herrick served as a captain and surgeon in the Ohio National Guard and held several academic and surgical positions at Western Reserve University and Charity Hospital. He was active in various medical associations and authored numerous medical publications.

Biographical Sketch of E. G. Judson

E. G. Judson played a pivotal role in the establishment of Redlands, California, after acquiring 1,500 acres of land in the early 1880s. He and his partners experimented with the land’s horticultural potential, leading to the successful expansion of their colony to nearly 4,000 acres. Redlands was incorporated in 1888, with Judson serving as one of the first trustees. Originally from Connecticut, he transitioned from a career in the book and stock business to California, significantly impacting the development of the area and its water companies.

Biography of James E. Mack

James E. Mack, born in Boston in 1848, embarked on a varied life journey that included early military aspirations thwarted by his mother. After his education, he traveled and worked in multiple trades before moving to California in 1875. He founded the town of Perris and engaged in significant irrigation and transportation projects. A Republican, he served as Public Administrator after being urged by local leaders. Mack was actively involved in military and civic organizations, married Emma L. Sargeant, and had four children.

Biography of Ernest Moore Bolles

Ernest Moore Bolles, born on March 12, 1876, in Amherst, Massachusetts, was the son of Lemuel Nelson Bolles. He entered the boot and shoe trade in 1897 after working in local stores. A member of various Masonic organizations and a Christian Scientist, he married Charlotte Elizabeth Wheeler in 1903. They had a daughter, Audrey, who attended Tufts College. Bolles ran his business on Main Street, reflecting his family’s deep roots that trace back to England’s Norman Conquest and through various generations in America.

Biography of Gracia Maria Peirce

The Peirce family, rooted in New England for nearly 300 years, traces its lineage to John Pers, an immigrant from England who arrived in 1637. John, a weaver from Norwich, settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, owning significant land and raising a family that included notable descendants. Among them is Gracia Maria Peirce, born in 1867, a retired school teacher and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who continues to embody her family’s legacy of service in education.