Braintree Massachusetts Genealogy

French Genealogy of Fall River Massachusetts

The French family has significantly influenced Fall River’s history since its founding, tracing their roots to Rollo, Duke of Normandy. Notable figures include Hon. Enoch French and his descendants, who were involved in various trades, notably tanning and shoemaking. Enoch established the first boot and shoe store in Fall River and contributed to local governance and community organizations. His sons, including Job B. French, also played vital roles in business and civic life. The family’s legacy continues through their active involvement in the First Baptist Church and local affairs.

Ancestry of Joshua Bates of Bridgewater Massachusetts

Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts

The Bates lineage in Massachusetts began with Clement Bates, a tailor from Hertfordshire, who arrived in 1635 and settled in Hingham. His descendants included significant figures such as Colonel Seth Bates, who served in the Revolutionary War, and his son Joshua Bates, who established a successful furnace in Canada before returning to farm in Bridgewater. Joshua Bates married Bethia Ames, fathering four children, and his family continued to thrive in Bridgewater, with generations contributing to local history and community life.

Howard Genealogy of Bridgewater and New Bedford Mass.

The Howard family, prominent in the history of Bridgewater and New Bedford, Mass., traces its lineage back to John Howard, an early settler. Key figures include Capt. Benjamin Beal Howard, founder of Howard Seminary and known for his philanthropic deeds, and his son, Francis Edward Howard, an influential public servant and community leader. Both men embodied the family’s commitment to education and civic duty, contributing significantly to the community’s development and welfare, leaving a lasting legacy through their charitable efforts and public service.

Genealogy of Arnold Family of Abington Massachusetts

Ancestry of Walter Lyman French

Walter Lyman French, born on May 4, 1843, in Brockton, was a prominent entrepreneur known for his contributions to various industries, particularly in the shoe and grocery trades. Descended from early New England settlers, he engaged in military service during the Civil War and later established himself in business after the war. French was active in local politics and community organizations, reflecting a dedication to service and leadership. He married Lucy Ames, and they had a daughter, Ellen Lucinda. French has been recognized for his significant impact on the Brockton community.

Genealogy of the Reed and Loud Families of Abington, Massachusetts

The Reed and Loud families, intertwined by marriage, have deep roots in Abington, Massachusetts. William Reed immigrated from England in 1635 and settled in Weymouth, where his descendants have played prominent roles in business and community affairs. Notably, Amos S. Reed established a successful lumber business in North Abington, which continues under his grandson, Arthur B. Reed. The Loud family, tracing back to Francis Loud from Scotland, produced several notable figures, including Major Edward Payson Reed, whose contributions as a soldier and business leader reflect the families’ legacy in the region.

Ancestors of Everett Clinton Hall of Brockton, MA

Everett Clinton Hall, a prominent wholesale grocer from Brockton, MA, is deeply rooted in a lineage that traces back to the earliest families of Massachusetts, including notable Pilgrims John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. The Hall family history highlights significant ancestors like George Hall, one of Taunton’s founders, and his descendants who contributed to local governance and church establishments. Everett ascended to his business success through hard work, evolving from his father’s grocery store into a flourishing wholesale operation with an extensive reach in southeastern Massachusetts.

Ancestry of Moses Adams Packard of Brockton, Massachusetts

Moses Adams Packard, born on February 28, 1843, in New London, N.H., became a prominent shoe manufacturer in Brockton, Massachusetts. A self-made man, he began his career by crafting shoes at home before enlisting in the Union Army during the Civil War. After returning, he established his own shoe manufacturing business, the M. A. Packard Company, known for quality products and significant employment. Active in civic affairs, Packard was involved in various local organizations and agriculture, reflecting a dedication to both community and industry.

Ancestry of Lysander Franklin Gurney

Lysander Franklin Gurney, a prominent figure in Brockton, descended from early settlers and the ancient Barons of Gournay in Normandy. His lineage includes notable ancestors who fought alongside William the Conqueror. Born in 1843, he became a respected jeweler, establishing Gurney Brothers Company, a leading jewelry business in New England. Gurney was admired for his charitable contributions, dedication to his church, and mentorship within the community. He married Chloe Richmond Lyon, and they had three sons, continuing the family’s legacy of craftsmanship and service.

Ancestors of George Mitchell Hooper of Bridgewater, MA

The Hooper family, established in New England by William Hooper in 1635, has deep roots in Bridgewater, MA. His son, John Hooper, settled in Bridgewater and had several descendants involved in various local endeavors. George Mitchell Hooper, born in 1838, engaged in the brick manufacturing business and served in local government, reflecting the family’s long-standing commitment to community service. His marriage to Jane Hayward further connected the Hoopers to influential local families, including the Mitchells, whose ancestry traces back to early colonial times.

Allen Genealogy of New Bedford Massachusetts

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.

Gurney Family of Brockton, MA

Lysander Franklin Gurney, a prominent figure from Brockton, Massachusetts, was a direct descendant of early settlers, tracing lineage back to the ancient Barons of Gournay in Normandy. His family’s legacy in America began in the 17th century, with notable ancestors involved in military service. A skilled watchmaker and jeweler, Gurney established the Gurney Brothers Company, which became a leading jewelry establishment in New England. Active in his community and church, he was known for his generosity and conservative values until his passing in 1905.

Descendants of William Swift of Sandwich, MA

Noble Parker Swift, born September 5, 1830, in Sagamore, Massachusetts, was the last of a prominent lineage of Cape Cod cattle dealers and butchers. Engaging early in his family’s meat business, he expanded into cranberry culture, becoming a notable landowner. A man of integrity and conservative principles, he never sought political office but was respected in local affairs. Swift married Sarah Elizabeth Hallett and had three children. He passed away on July 15, 1911, leaving a legacy intertwined with the development of the meat packing industry.

Stetson Family of Bridgewater, MA

The Stetson family of Bridgewater, MA, boasts a legacy spanning over two centuries, deeply intertwined with the town’s iron manufacturing roots. Cornet Robert Stetson, an early settler in New England, established the family’s prominence, which continued through his descendants, notably Capt. Abisha Stetson and his son, Nahum, who significantly advanced the Bridgewater Iron Works. The family contributed to various industries while maintaining a strong community presence, with members active in agriculture and local politics, demonstrating enduring civic pride and influence in Bridgewater’s development.

Ancestors of Horace Alden Keith of Brockton, MA

Horace Alden Keith, born May 25, 1862, in West Bridgewater, MA, founded the Brockton Webbing Company, becoming a prominent figure in local industry. He hailed from a distinguished lineage, tracing back to Rev. James Keith, an early minister in Bridgewater. His father, Henry Snell Keith, and mother, Thalia Alden, also contributed to the family’s historical significance. Horace’s early career included roles at Spalding Brothers before establishing his own successful business, reflecting both his entrepreneurial spirit and New England heritage.

Ancestors of William J. Rotch of New Bedford, MA

The Rotch family has played a significant role in New Bedford’s history since the 18th century, greatly impacting its whaling and cotton industries. William Rotch, the first American ancestor, settled in Provincetown around 1700, later moving to New Bedford and pioneering the whale fishery there. His descendants continued to shape the city’s commercial landscape, including William J. Rotch, who became a notable businessman and public figure, serving as mayor and supporting various local enterprises and educational initiatives. The family’s legacy endures in New Bedford’s character and prosperity.

Descendants of Nicholas Snow of Eastham, MA

Nicholas Snow, an English settler, arrived in Plymouth in 1623 and later became a vital figure in Eastham, where he served as town clerk and held various civic roles. He married Constance, a Mayflower descendant, and fathered ten children. His lineage continued through his son Stephen and grandson Miijah, leading to notable descendants like Edmund Snow, a town founder in Orleans, and George G. Snow, a successful shoe manufacturer in Brockton. This legacy showcases the Snow family’s influence in early American history.

Descendants of Nathaniel Newcomb of Norton, MA

Nathaniel Newcomb, born April 12, 1797, in Norton, MA, dedicated his life to the cotton manufacturing industry from 1814 until 1861, achieving success through diligence and integrity. Descended from the early settler Francis Newcomb, Nathaniel learned the trade under his brother-in-law and later established his own successful thread and wadding business. He married Betsey Lincoln in 1823 and had two daughters. Known for his sound judgment and community contributions, Nathaniel left a lasting legacy, including a memorial town hall, before passing on November 18, 1876.

Pierce Family of North Bridgewater, MA

The Pierce family traces its lineage back to England and early New England settlers, notably Richard Pearse, who arrived in America in 1630. The family has produced numerous notable figures, including Charles S. Pierce, a respected Brockton citizen and cabinetmaker, and his sons, George R. Pierce, a successful merchant, and Charles S. Pierce, a prominent manufacturer. Their legacy continues to thrive in North Bridgewater, showcasing a rich history of industriousness, community involvement, and moral integrity, reflected in their contributions to both business and society.

Copeland Family of Easton, MA

The Copeland family, with roots tracing back to Lawrence Copeland in 1651, has been a prominent part of southeastern Massachusetts history, particularly in Easton and the new town of Whitman. Notable descendants include George Copeland and his brother, Dr. Horatio Franklin Copeland, a Civil War veteran and esteemed physician who played a significant role in local governance and social affairs. The family’s lineage includes connections to the Pilgrims and various civic engagements, showcasing their longstanding influence in the region.