Ipswich Massachusetts

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1675-1681

Sample Last Will and Testament

The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1675 to 1681, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1665-1674

Sample Last Will and Testament

The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1665 to 1674, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1635-1664

Sample Last Will and Testament

The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1635 to 1664, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Ezekiel Cheever and some of his Descendants

Ezekiel Cheever and some of his descendants

The paper entitled Ezekiel Cheever and Some of his Descendants was prepared for, and published in, the New England Historical and Genealogical Register for April 1879. The same type has now been used to print a few copies in pamphlet form, for private distribution. There has been added to it, as an Appendix, the Cheever Manuscript in the Library of the Boston Athenaeum, now for the first time printed in full.

Early Records and Notes of the Brown Family

Early Records and Notes of the Brown Family

This is not a compiled genealogy, but rather, a compilation of notes, facts, and genealogies concerning the various early Brown families of the towns of Andover, Ipswich, Hamilton, Reading, Boston-Tewksbury, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Hampton NH, Haverhill, Salem, Watertown, Rowley, Sudbury, and Salisbury. Charlotte Helen Abbott compiled a series of volumes on early families of New England called the “Abbott Genealogies.” This is volume 7 of the series.

Abbe-Abbey Genealogy

A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England vol 1

The “Abbe-Abbey Genealogy” serves as a comprehensive and meticulously compiled homage to the heritage of the Abbe and Abbey families, tracing its roots back to John Abbe and his descendants. Initiated by the life-long passion of Professor Cleveland Abbe, this genealogical exploration began in his youth and expanded throughout his illustrious career, despite numerous challenges. It encapsulates the collaborative efforts of numerous family members and researchers, including significant contributions from individuals such as Charles E. Abbe, Norah D. Abbe, and many others, each bringing invaluable insights and data to enrich the family’s narrative.

Abbot Family of New England

A genealogical dictionary of the first settlers of New England vol 1

The Abbot family of New England, traced in James Savage’s genealogical work, includes notable figures such as Arthur Abbot, who settled in Marblehead around 1634 and had a son, Philip. Several generations followed, with families established in towns such as Ipswich, Andover, and Cambridge. Many Abbots contributed to early colonial life, engaging in various trades and civic duties. The family’s legacy persists, with descendants continuing to thrive across New England into the 19th century.

Abbott Genealogical Register

Abbott Genealogical Register

In 1847, Abiel Abbot and Ephraim Abbot compiled a comprehensive genealogical record titled “Abbott Genealogical Register,” detailing the lineage of several Abbott families originating from early New England settlers. Initially aimed to document the descendants of George Abbot, Sr. of Andover, the scope expanded to include numerous branches such as George Abbot, Jr., Thomas Abbot of Andover, Arthur Abbot of Ipswich, Robert Abbot of Branford, Ct., and George Abbot of Norwalk, Ct., among others. This volume, published by J. Munroe and Company in Boston, Massachusetts, integrates meticulously gathered data, revealing the expansive and intertwined genealogies of the Abbott families. The authors’ painstaking research and dedication to accuracy, despite challenges in data completeness, provide a valuable resource for anyone tracing the Abbott lineage or studying early American familial structures.

Ancestry of Dr. Charles Richard Hunt

Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts

Dr. Charles Richard Hunt descends from two notable Puritan lines: William Hunt, an early settler of Concord, and Sir Thomas Hayward, an early Duxbury settler. William Hunt arrived in 1635, contributing to the organization of Concord and marrying Elizabeth Best and Mercy Rice. Dr. Hunt’s lineage features many significant figures, including his father, J. Earle Hunt, a pioneering dentist noted for using ether in his practice. Charles Richard Hunt, himself a respected physician, pursued medicine after a successful career in engineering. He married Annie Vincent in 1888.

Ancestry of Charles Oliver Emerson of Brockton and Rockland, Massachusetts

Charles Oliver Emerson, treasurer of the Emerson Shoe Company, of Rockland, Mass., one who has been prominently identified with the shoe manufacturing industry for a number of years, is a native of what at the time of his birth, July 14, 1856, was known as the town of North Bridgewater, now the city of Brockton, Mass., where he resides. He is a son of the late John Oliver Emerson and his wife, Caroline Augusta Packard, and is descended from historic old New England ancestry on both the paternal and maternal sides.

Hartshorne-Hartshorn Family of Taunton, Massachussetts

The Hartshorne family has a rich history in Massachusetts, dating back to the 17th century. The lineage began with Thomas Hartshorne in Reading, who served as selectman in 1648. Over generations, the family contributed significantly to the local economy and society, particularly in Taunton, where prominent members like Jesse Hartshorn and his descendants played key roles in the cotton manufacturing industry. Jeremiah Hartshorn’s legacy continued through his son George Franklin, leading to George Trumbull Hartshorn, an influential chemist and community figure, who left a lasting impact in Taunton.

Ancestry of Walter Lyman French

Walter L. 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.

The ancestry of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine

The ancestry and posterity of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine

The ancestry and posterity of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine traces from John Dow and Johan Coop of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. The first descendant in America, Henry Dow, came from England to America in 1637 with his wife, four children, and a maid. He first settled at Watertown, Massachusetts before relocating to Hampton, New Hampshire. He wrote his surname variously as Dow, Dow and Doue. One of the first Dow to settle in Avon, was Joshua, son of John and Betsey (Strout) Dow, who moved from Portland to Avon soon after his brother and sister, and settled before 1828 near Mt. Blue and Mt. Blue Pond.

Surnames: Briggs, Bryon, Crockett, Davenport, Dickey, Doue, Dow, Dowe, Dresser, Dunham, Esty, Hall, Harnden, Harradon, Hinkley, Kinney, Kittredge, Ladd, McLaughlin, Mitchell, Orberton, Pettingell, Richardson, Ross, Sampson, Sedgeley, Stinchfield, Vining, Walton, Webber, and Worthley.

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 Charles W. Milliken of Barnstable, MA

Dr. Charles Warren Milliken, a prominent physician from Barnstable, MA, traces his lineage to early settlers like Hugh Mulliken and John Milliken, revealing a rich familial history entwined with significant events in the region. His ancestors, including notable figures such as Edward Milliken, were influential in local governance and community development. The Milliken family contributed to society through professions in farming, law, and medicine, culminating in Dr. Milliken’s distinguished medical career and involvement in various professional organizations.

Descendants of Richard Kimball of Ipswich MA

Richard Kimball, originally from Rattlesden, Suffolk, England, arrived in New England in 1634 and settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts. A notable figure, he served as a wheelwright and became a freeman in 1635. He married Ursula Scott and later Margaret Dow, fathering nine children. His son, Richard Kimball (2), who moved to Wenham, continued the family’s prominence, holding various civic roles. The family lineage extended through several generations, notable for their involvement in local governance and the Revolutionary War, leading to descendants like John Kimball, a respected Easton merchant and postmaster.

Archer Family of Fall River, MA

The Archer family of Fall River, MA, gained prominence in the 19th century through Dr. Jason H. Archer and his son John Jason Archer, an esteemed lawyer. Their lineage traces back to Samuel Archer, an early settler in Massachusetts. Dr. Archer practiced medicine and became president of the Massasoit Bank. His son, John, after graduating from Brown University, became a respected attorney, known for his integrity and contributions to education. The Archer legacy reflects a commitment to public service and community values in Fall River.

Descendants of Frederick Packard of Brockton, MA

Fred. Packard

Frederick Packard, born in 1836 in Brockton, MA, emerged as a prominent figure in the local shoe manufacturing industry. His success stemmed from hard work and business acumen. He began his career making boots and shoes, eventually founding firms such as Burt & Packard, which gained a reputation for quality. A respected community member, Packard was active in local organizations and politics but shunned public office. He married Mary Eliza Ramsdell, and after a long and prosperous life, he passed away in 1910, leaving a lasting legacy.

Free Massachusetts Vital Records

Vital Records of Bellingham Massachusetts to 1850

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.