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
Deerfield 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.
King Philip’s War – Indian Wars
After the death of Massasoit, his son Alexander, despite maintaining peaceful relations with the English, was captured under suspicion of conspiracy and died shortly thereafter. His brother, Philip, succeeded him and initially continued to uphold treaties while secretly uniting New England tribes against English encroachment. Tensions escalated after the murder of an informant, leading to widespread conflict. Philip’s leadership during King Philip’s War culminated in significant losses for both sides, ultimately resulting in his death and the disbandment of resistance among Native tribes in New England.
Biographical Sketch of Charles E. Orcutt
Charles E. Orcutt was born on February 15, 1845, in Vermont and later moved with his family to Allegany County, New York, and Massachusetts. He educated at Deerfield Academy before working on a farm. In his twenties, he relocated to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he initially clerked in a store. In 1871, he established a drug business in Jamesport and was appointed postmaster in 1873. Active in local governance, he is a Republican and married Tillia Keener, with whom he had two children.
Biography of Howard Brown Gibbs
Howard Brown Gibbs, born in Marathon, New York, in 1875, founded Eaglebrook Lodge in Deerfield, a school for boys aged eight to sixteen. He attended Cortland Normal School and graduated from Amherst College before teaching at various institutions, including Worcester Academy and Deerfield Academy. His vision for Eaglebrook Lodge emphasized character development alongside academics, leading to its rapid growth and reputation. Gibbs, active in professional and fraternal organizations, married Judith Hemenway in 1923, and they have one son, Julian.
Biography of Samuel Partridge Billings
Samuel Partridge Billings, born January 18, 1867, in Brooklyn, New York, was raised in Deerfield, Massachusetts. His lineage traces back to Richard Billings of 17th-century Hartford. Billings has devoted much of his life to public service, including a long tenure as a deputy collector of internal revenue and significant roles within the local government. He married Minnie Evelyn Harris in 1894, and they had four children. A member of the Orthodox Congregational Church, Billings is well-regarded in his community.
Biographical Sketch of Deacon Samuel Childs
Deacon Samuel Childs, born on November 6, 1679, in Barnstable, Massachusetts, was the eldest son of Richard and Elizabeth Childs. A respected blacksmith, he moved to Deerfield early in life, where he became a prominent figure in the Congregational church and his community. Samuel married three times: Hannah Barnard, Experience, and Sarah Field, and had several children, including Hannah, Samuel, Asa, and twins Davis and Jonathan. He passed away on March 18, 1756, in Deerfield.
Biographical Sketch of John Sheldon
John Sheldon, born December 5, 1658, in Northampton, Massachusetts, was a prominent figure in Deerfield where he operated a public house and served as a selectman, ensign, and military captain. Notably, he undertook three perilous missions to Canada to rescue captives, returning with a total of 113 individuals, including family members. He built the historic Hoyt house and was an influential church deacon. Sheldon married twice and had several children. He passed away in 1734, leaving a legacy of service and dedication to his community.
Biographical Sketch of Ebenezer Sheldon
Ebenezer Sheldon, born on November 15, 1691, was the son of John Sheldon and a notable figure in early colonial New England. After being captured by Indians in 1704, he later operated a tavern at the old Indian House in Deerfield. In 1735, he received land for hosting visiting Cahuawaga Indians. In 1744, he moved to Fall Town, where he was involved in local governance and military service, attaining the rank of captain. He married Thankful Barnard, with whom he had ten children.
Biographical Sketch of Rememberance Sheldon
Remembrance Sheldon, born on October 16, 1717, and died on April 31, 1787, was the son of Lieutenant Ebenezer Sheldon. He served as a sergeant during the French War and engaged in scout duties between 1755 and 1756. Sheldon participated in local governance as a member of various committees, selectman, and town treasurer. He married Mehitable Burke in 1744, and they had several children, including Lydia, Thankful, and Elisha. His contributions spanned both military and civil spheres in his community.
Biographical Sketch of Cephas Sheldon
Cephas Sheldon, born in Bernardston, Massachusetts, in 1754, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War with Captain Amasa Sheldon’s company from July to August 1777 and with Captain Joseph Sheldon’s company from September to October 1777. After the war, he relocated to Vermont, where he was recorded in the 1790 federal census living in Rochester with his family. Later, he moved to Waterbury, Vermont, where he joined his sister, Persis Sheldon Allen, and is listed among revolutionary veterans who settled in the area.