New Salem Massachusetts

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.

Biographical Sketch of Aldrich, P. Emory

P. Emory Aldrich was born in New Salem, Massachusetts, to English ancestry. He pursued his education at local schools and Shelburne Falls Academy, later gaining admission to Harvard Law School. After being admitted to the bar in Virginia, he returned to Massachusetts, practicing law in Barre and serving as district attorney. Aldrich was elected mayor of Worcester in 1862 and held various positions, including a member of the state board of health. He was married to Sarah Wood in 1850 and remained active in education and temperance causes.

Biographical Sketch of Noah Aldrich

Noah Aldrich, born around 1720 in Mendon, was the son of Jacob Aldrich. He conveyed land in Mendon in 1772 before relocating to New Salem, Massachusetts. A soldier in the Revolutionary War in 1775, he served in Captain John King’s company of Colonel Benjamin Ruggles Woodbridge’s regiment. By the 1790 federal census, Noah resided in Adams, Berkshire County, with one son over sixteen and four females in his household. He was married to Rachel.

Biographical Sketch of Willis Aldrich

Willis Aldrich, son of Nathan Aldrich, was born in either Adams or New Salem and established a farm in Farmington, New York. He married Edna Smith and passed away in 1852, followed by his wife’s death in 1857. They had three children: Urial, Esther, and Reuben.