The Massachusetts Tax Valuation List of 1771
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
Ashburnham Massachusetts
Free Massachusetts Vital Records
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.
Biography of John W. Jefts
John W. Jefts, born on December 4, 1859, in Langdon, New Hampshire, was the son of Alphonso and Almira Jefts. His ancestry traces back to England, with his great-grandfather, Jonathan, being the first to settle in New Hampshire. John initially pursued education for the ministry but shifted to become a skilled machinist. Due to health issues, he turned to farming nine years ago. He is married to Harriet E. Simpson and is an active member of the United Order of Workmen, practicing as an Episcopalian.
Biography of Edward S. Barrett
Edward S. Barrett, born on February 17, 1824, in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, was the son of Benjamin and Nancy Barrett. He worked in a grist-mill and engaged in farming, eventually settling in West Concord, New Hampshire, where he purchased a 120-acre farm. Married to Mary Bingham in 1860, Barrett had no children. Active in politics as a Republican and Prohibitionist, he cast his first presidential vote in 1848. A valued member of the community and a deacon at the local Congregational Church, he is also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge in Newport.
Biography of Simeon Cook
Simeon Cook, born April 14, 1821, in Richmond, New Hampshire, was the son of Simeon, Sr., and Rachel Holman Cook. After early schooling, he worked in various roles in Boston before returning to Richmond to run a country store. He later ventured into manufacturing hogsheads and lumber, moving to Canada for business. In 1881, he relocated to California, settling in Redlands, where he developed a productive orchard. Married to Ellen Murdock, he had six children and was involved in his community as an active Republican.
Biography of Stephen Jose Vanderlick
Stephen Jose Vanderlick, born October 22, 1893, in Lipno, Russian Poland, immigrated to the United States as a child. He pursued his education, graduating from Cushings Academy in 1916 and Albany Law School in 1918. Admitted to the bar in 1923, he established himself as a respected general practitioner in Northampton. A member of the Knights of Columbus and the Northampton Naturalization Club, Vanderlick married Marion Hiney in 1924, furthering his connections in the community while continuing the legacy of his industrious Polish ancestry.