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.
BARTON, CALEB, brother of Phineas, came originally from Oxford. He lived in the south-west part of the town, and is mentioned among the soldiers of the Revolution. He had Caleb, jun. David. Charles, b. in 1795; now living in Leicester. Otis, who lives in Oakham. And Brigham N., now in business in Philadelphia. His daughters were Rebecca, who m. Knight Sprague, jun. Sally, m. J. Gilbert. Patty, m. Philip Earle. Roxa, m. Charles King; and d. 1843, aged fifty-three. Mehitabel, m. a Hixon of Medway. Hulddah, m. a Clark of Medway. Harriet, m. a Prentiss of Auburn. Adeline, m. a … Read more
This branch of the Horton family has furnished to Attleboro, Mass., three generations of business men. Gideon Martin Horton, who was a well known merchant there a half century ago, and his four sons, Everett Southworth, Edwin Jackson, Gideon Martin and James Jackson Horton, all became successful jewelry manufacturers and prominent citizens. The eldest and last surviving brother, the late Maj. Everett S. Horton and his nephew, Raymond Martin Horton, were the only male representatives of the name residing there at the time of the Major’s death.
Moses Adams Packard, of Brockton, where he has been so long and so successfully engaged in the manufacture of shoes, is as well one of that city’s highly honored and respected citizens. Mr. Packard began life with little capital save boundless energy and a resolute purpose, and has pushed his way upward against almost every kind of obstacle until he now holds a foremost position among the leading manufacturers in this Commonwealth, vindicating the old saying, “Labor is king.” He was born Feb. 28, 1843, in New London, N. H., which was the home of his mother, while his father was a native of North Bridgewater, and a descendant of one of the old and historical families of Massachusetts.
Since its coming to this Bridgewater settlement, which was the first interior settlement of the Old Colony, as early as 1664, to the present time, for nearly two hundred and fifty years, the Packard family has been one prominent and influential in this community, and has become a most numerous family, many, too, of its members both at home and abroad having given a good account of themselves.
The ancestry of Sarah Stone, wife of James Patten of Arundel (Kennebunkport) Maine
Contains also the Dixey, Hart, Norman, Neale, Lawes, Curtis, Kilbourne, Bracy, Bisby, Pearce, Marston, Estow and Brown families.
RAYMOND C. HARRIS – The homely qualities of loyalty to one’s employers, and steady, even-minded performance of duties year in and year out, a keen desire to be of service and useful in the position assigned them by birth and circumstances with no after thought but a cheerful and confident prospect into the future, these very simple yet not all too frequent traits of character which have sped on many good men slowly but surely-like the sailing vessel drives before the calm trade winds-to the desired goal, have also helped Raymond C. Harris, president of the Textile Roll and Supply … Read more