Materials for a History of the Sessions Family in America was compiled by Francis C. Sessions and published in 1890 as a documentary record of the descendants of Alexander Sessions of Andover, Massachusetts, who is recorded there in 1669. The volume consists largely of transcribed correspondence, genealogical notes, lineage charts, biographical sketches, and reminiscences.
The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1675 to 1681, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.
The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1665 to 1674, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.
The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1635 to 1664, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.
This is not a compiled genealogy, but rather, a compilation of notes, facts, and genealogies concerning the various early Brown families of the towns of Andover, Ipswich, Hamilton, Reading, Boston-Tewksbury, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Hampton NH, Haverhill, Salem, Watertown, Rowley, Sudbury, and Salisbury. Charlotte Helen Abbott compiled a series of volumes on early families of New England called the “Abbott Genealogies.” This is volume 7 of the series.
The Abbot family of New England, traced in James Savage’s genealogical work, includes notable figures such as Arthur Abbot, who settled in Marblehead around 1634 and had a son, Philip. Several generations followed, with families established in towns such as Ipswich, Andover, and Cambridge. Many Abbots contributed to early colonial life, engaging in various trades and civic duties. The family’s legacy persists, with descendants continuing to thrive across New England into the 19th century.
In 1847, Abiel Abbot and Ephraim Abbot compiled a comprehensive genealogical record titled “Abbott Genealogical Register,” detailing the lineage of several Abbott families originating from early New England settlers. Initially aimed to document the descendants of George Abbot, Sr. of Andover, the scope expanded to include numerous branches such as George Abbot, Jr., Thomas Abbot of Andover, Arthur Abbot of Ipswich, Robert Abbot of Branford, Ct., and George Abbot of Norwalk, Ct., among others. This volume, published by J. Munroe and Company in Boston, Massachusetts, integrates meticulously gathered data, revealing the expansive and intertwined genealogies of the Abbott families. The authors’ painstaking research and dedication to accuracy, despite challenges in data completeness, provide a valuable resource for anyone tracing the Abbott lineage or studying early American familial structures.
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.
The ancestry and posterity of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine traces from John Dow and Johan Coop of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. The first descendant in America, Henry Dow, came from England to America in 1637 with his wife, four children, and a maid. He first settled at Watertown, Massachusetts before relocating to Hampton, New Hampshire. He wrote his surname variously as Dow, Dow and Doue. One of the first Dow to settle in Avon, was Joshua, son of John and Betsey (Strout) Dow, who moved from Portland to Avon soon after his brother and sister, and settled before 1828 near Mt. Blue and Mt. Blue Pond.
Surnames: Briggs, Bryon, Crockett, Davenport, Dickey, Doue, Dow, Dowe, Dresser, Dunham, Esty, Hall, Harnden, Harradon, Hinkley, Kinney, Kittredge, Ladd, McLaughlin, Mitchell, Orberton, Pettingell, Richardson, Ross, Sampson, Sedgeley, Stinchfield, Vining, Walton, Webber, and Worthley.
The Borden family has significantly influenced Fall River, Massachusetts, for over 270 years, tracing their lineage to Richard Borden, who settled in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 1638. Richard became a prominent figure in local governance and land acquisition. His descendants, including Cook Borden, further established the family legacy through successful businesses while actively participating in community affairs. Their commitment to hard work and civic duty shaped Fall River into a thriving industrial hub, exemplifying the family’s enduring prominence in American history.
The Leach family has been integral to Bridgewater, Massachusetts, since its early settlement, with roots tracing back to Lawrence Leach, an immigrant from England in 1629. His descendants, including Giles Leach, a town founder, and James Cushing Leach, a prominent businessman and politician, have significantly influenced the community. The Leach lineage is marked by contributions to public service, education, and local governance, fostering a rich heritage in the region. The genealogy reflects a lineage of resilience and commitment to civic duty, underscoring the family’s enduring legacy.
John Richardson Bronson, M.D., born June 5, 1829, in Middlebury, Connecticut, was a distinguished physician in southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, residing in Attleboro for over fifty years. The Bronson lineage traces back to early New England settlers, including John Bronson, a soldier in the Pequot War. Dr. Bronson, who graduated from Berkshire Medical College in 1852, served as a field surgeon during the Civil War and remained engaged in community affairs until his death on May 9, 1900. He married Catherine Wheelock and had five children.
The Holmes family has a storied lineage in both New England and England, dating back to 1066 when John Holmes, a captain in William the Conqueror’s army, was granted land in Yorkshire. The family emigrated to New England, with notable descendants including Charles Jarvis Holmes of Marshfield and Rochester, a distinguished lawyer and public servant. His lineage includes several generations of influential figures, contributing to the legal, financial, and public life of the region, fostering a legacy of honor and service.
In March 1635, George Allen and his family sailed from England to New England with Rev. Joseph Hull, settling initially in Weymouth before moving to Sandwich, Massachusetts. As a yeoman farmer, he became involved in local governance, serving as constable and deputy to the General Court. George’s descendants include prominent figures in Old Dartmouth, with familial branches spreading throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The Allen family navigated challenges of religious intolerance while establishing their legacy, and their story reflects the broader historical tapestry of early New England settlements.
Robert Knight Remington, born in 1826 in Grafton, MA, was a prominent philanthropist and businessman in Fall River, known for his integrity and dedication to community service. His ancestors, including John Remington, settled in Haverhill, MA, in 1661 before establishing roots in Rhode Island. Throughout his life, Remington championed temperance and youth education, contributing significantly to local missions and religious efforts. He was married twice and left behind a legacy through his children, influencing business and civic life in Fall River.
Richard Kimball, originally from Rattlesden, Suffolk, England, arrived in New England in 1634 and settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts. A notable figure, he served as a wheelwright and became a freeman in 1635. He married Ursula Scott and later Margaret Dow, fathering nine children. His son, Richard Kimball (2), who moved to Wenham, continued the family’s prominence, holding various civic roles. The family lineage extended through several generations, notable for their involvement in local governance and the Revolutionary War, leading to descendants like John Kimball, a respected Easton merchant and postmaster.
The Archer family of Fall River, MA, gained prominence in the 19th century through Dr. Jason H. Archer and his son John Jason Archer, an esteemed lawyer. Their lineage traces back to Samuel Archer, an early settler in Massachusetts. Dr. Archer practiced medicine and became president of the Massasoit Bank. His son, John, after graduating from Brown University, became a respected attorney, known for his integrity and contributions to education. The Archer legacy reflects a commitment to public service and community values in Fall River.
Joseph Osgood, born in Andover, Massachusetts, in 1760, moved to Blue Hill, Maine, shortly after his 1785 marriage to Hannah Bailey. He built a two-story, unpainted house around 1800, where he lived until his later years, when his nephew, John Stevens, cared for him. A skilled brick-maker and mason, Osgood was known for his cheerful demeanor and stories, despite his wit when challenged about his chimney-building skills. He passed away in 1854 at the age of ninety-three, leaving a lasting impression on the community.
This is a collection of free vital records books for Massachusetts towns, most of them known as “Tan Books.” Generally, these records go up to 1850 at which, the genealogist can use the census records to assist in identifying the family connections further. They’re called “tan books” because they were bound by tan cloth. Included with this article is an account of why and how these manuscripts were published along with links to all 274 Massachusetts vital record books which can be freely read.
The post details the genealogy of the Holt family, prominent in Blue Hill, Maine, beginning with Nicholas Holt’s arrival from Andover, Massachusetts, in 1765. Notable figures include his son Jedediah, a respected community member and justice of the peace, and Jeremiah Thorndike Holt, who ran the town’s first tavern. The descendants engaged in various trades, including shipbuilding and tavern keeping, with lasting impacts on the local economy. The narrative also highlights the family’s residences, including significant landmarks still standing today.