Hertfordshire England Genealogy

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.

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.

Biography of Cecil Rhodes

Cecil Rhodes, born on July 5, 1853, was a pivotal figure in South African history, originating from a prominent English family. Shaped by his father’s teachings, he ventured to Natal in 1870 and later became integral to Kimberley’s diamond mining industry. Rhodes displayed remarkable entrepreneurial skill, founding De Beers and influencing the political landscape as a member of the Cape Parliament. His ambitions extended northward, leading to his involvement in the creation of Rhodesia. Despite later controversies, his legacy endures through scholarships, territorial expansion, and a vision for united British influence in Africa.

Biographical Sketch of Charles W. Meek

Charles W. Meek, born in 1850 in Hertfordshire, England, immigrated to the United States after the death of his father. He initially settled in New York and later in Michigan, where he honed his carpentry skills for eleven years. In 1878, he moved to La Grande, Oregon, before homesteading in Wallowa County, where he became a successful farmer and sawmill operator. Married to Alice N. Baker, he raised a family and contributed significantly to local politics, including serving as county commissioner, earning respect for his integrity and community involvement.