Lowell Massachusetts

Ancestors of Horace Alden Keith of Brockton, MA

Horace Alden Keith

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.

Lowell Massachusetts Genealogy

1894 Map of Lowell

Tracing ancestors in Lowell, Massachusetts online and for free has been greatly enhanced by the University of Massachusetts in Lowell which provided digitized version of a large quantity of the Lowell public records. Combined with the cemetery and census records available freely online, you should be able to easily trace your ancestors from the founding of Lowell in 1826 through 1940, the last year of available census records. To add color to the otherwise basic facts of your ancestors existence we provide free access to a wide range of manuscripts on the history of Lowell, it’s manufactures and residents.

Lowell Massachusetts Newspaper Archives 1837-1893

Lowell Daily Courier

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell offers digitized archives of newspapers from Lowell, Massachusetts, spanning 1837 to 1893, including The Lowell Courier and the Lowell Daily Journal and Courier. While these records provide a rich historical resource, some issues are incomplete or damaged. The archives detail numerous editions throughout the years, capturing significant local events and community narratives, though future updates may supplement the existing material.

Lowell Massachusetts City Directories 1832-1985

Title page to the 1832 Lowell Massachusetts City Directory

A collection of 50 digitized city directories from Lowell, Massachusetts, spanning 1832 to 1985, is available free of charge. These directories provide insights into residents’ employment, addresses, and living arrangements during the year of publication. Included are specialized editions, such as supplementary directories highlighting female employment in 1836, as well as suburban directories listing inhabitants and businesses from surrounding towns. This resource serves as a valuable tool for understanding the community’s demographic and economic history throughout the years.

Rogers Hall School Splinters 1900-1969

Rogers Hall School Splinters - A monthly literary magazine

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell digitized 23 bound volumes of the Rogers Hall School Splinters monthly literary magazine, for the years of 1900-1969. Each volume contains several years of the Rogers Hall school papers. School papers often provide a window into student life. From sports teams to clubs, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of high school students year by year.

Lowell High School Yearbooks, Lowell MA 1926-2008

1946 The Spindle Yearbook

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell digitized 35 of the Lowell High School yearbooks during the years of 1946-2008. The yearbook during this period was known as “The Spindle”. Yearbooks provide a window into student life. From sports teams to clubs, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of high school students year by year.

History of the Courier Newspaper – Lowell Massachusetts

Lowell Daily Courier

The Lowell Courier was established on January 6, 1835, by Leonard Huntress during a period of political vibrancy in Lowell. Initially a Whig newspaper, it has continued publication as The Lowell Courier-Citizen. Huntress, the first editor, faced health issues by 1842, leading to a series of editors, including Robins Dinsmore and William O. Bartlett. In 1867, George A. Marden and Edward T. Rowell acquired the paper, elevating its political influence in New England. Marden became a prominent political figure, shaping the paper’s direction until his death in 1906.

University of Massachusetts Yearbooks, 1976-2011

1976 Sojourn Yearbook

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell digitized 35 of the University of Massachusetts yearbooks for the years of 1976-2011 (missing 2000). The yearbook during this period was known as the “Sojourn”. Yearbooks provide a window into student life. From sports teams to clubs, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of college students year by year.

Lowell Textile School Yearbooks 1906-1975

1906 Pickout Yearbook

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell digitized 63 of the Lowell Textile School yearbooks during the years of 1906-1975. The yearbook during this period was known as the “Pickout”. Yearbooks provide a window into student life. From sports teams to clubs, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of college students year by year.

State Teachers College Yearbooks at Lowell, MA 1935-1974

The Knoll, State Teachers College Annual 1936

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell digitized all 41 of the State Teachers College yearbooks provided by the senior class during the years of 1935-1975 and known as “The Knoll”. Yearbooks provide a window into student life. From sports teams to clubs, fashions to hairstyles, these volumes document the changing attitudes and culture of college students year by year.

Lowell Massachusetts Annual Reports 1862-1928

Lowell City Documents

Most towns in New England started publishing annual reports of the town’s public business in the 1800’s and many smaller towns still carry on that trait today. The following list of 52 free annual reports for Lowell Massachusetts covers the years of 1862-1928 (incomplete). Each town provided different reports in it’s annual publications, but they generally contain information on vital records (births, marriages and deaths) for the year of publication (not always included in early years), lists of public officials, lists of police officers, firemen, and other government workers, including school teachers. Don’t overlook the town’s expenditures list, as it often included payments made to town citizens for work they performed in the town’s behest. Also, many towns include payments made for the support of the indigent within the town.

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.

Biography of John W. Severance

John W. Severance, born February 3, 1822, in Sandwich, New Hampshire, was a notable figure in Chichester and served in the New Hampshire legislature. The son of Asa and Rhoda Severance, he grew up in an agricultural context, later becoming an edge-tool maker and machinist. He married Hannah Jane Kaime in 1841, and although they had no children, Severance was active in community affairs as a Republican and contributed significantly to local organizations like the Free Will Baptist church and the Patrons of Husbandry.

Biography of Charles Eastman Staniels

Charles Eastman Staniels, born on December 27, 1844, in Lowell, Massachusetts, was a distinguished life insurance agent in Concord, New Hampshire. The son of Edward L. Staniels and Ruth Bradley Eastman, he pursued various business endeavors after briefly enlisting during the Civil War. Staniels transitioned from commercial travel to managing a manufacturing establishment before focusing on insurance. Highly respected in his field, he held leadership roles in several professional organizations and maintained active community involvement, including military service and political engagement as a Republican. He was married to Eva F. Tuttle and had three children.

Biography of Alvah Charles Ferrin

Alvah Charles Ferrin, born August 13, 1835, in Plymouth, N.H., was a notable contractor and builder in Concord. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, joining in 1864 and participating in operations in Mobile Bay. After the war, he returned to his career in masonry, co-founding successful firms over the decades, and built significant structures in the area. Ferrin was also active in various fraternal organizations, including the Masons and I.O.O.F., and remained a Republican throughout his life.

Biography of Frank H. Chapman

Frank H. Chapman, born on May 29, 1848, in Lowell, Massachusetts, became a prominent druggist in Franklin Falls after training with various druggists. In 1875, he purchased E. H. Sturtevant’s drug store, later partnering with Charles Eddy. Chapman was actively involved in community service, serving as a legislative representative and town clerk, and held a leadership role in the New Hampshire Pharmaceutical Association. He married Ella F. James and had five children, while his successful career and community engagement made him a respected citizen of Franklin Falls.

Biography of John F. Bartlett

John F. Bartlett, born in Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts, on November 15, 1836, was a prominent figure in Suncook, New Hampshire, serving as Postmaster and previously as a state legislator. His diverse career spanned from machinist to restaurant owner and grocery store operator, ultimately leading to his role in public service. Married to Mary Elizabeth Gordon, he had three children and was actively involved in local politics and community organizations. An esteemed member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges, Bartlett’s legacy reflects his commitment to public life and civic duty.

Biography of Percival G. Lowe

Percival G. Lowe was a significant figure in Leavenworth’s public life, embodying the spirit of a plainsman and dragoon. Born in New York in 1828, his early life included maritime voyages and military service at Fort Leavenworth. After five years in the army, he transitioned to business and public service, including roles in the City Council, as sheriff, and in the State Senate. A life-member of the State Historical Society, he authored *Five Years a Dragoon*, capturing his experiences. He passed away in 1908 and is buried in Leavenworth.