Newton Massachusetts Genealogy

Michael Bacon of Dedham Massachusetts and his descendants

This is a genealogy of Michael Bacon of Dedham and his descendants. Michael arrived in Dedham, Massachusetts in 1640 after sailing aboard an unnamed ship, likely from County of Suffolk, England, but possibly from Ireland. Baldwin treats the descendants of each of the three sons of Michael—Michael Jr., Daniel, and John—in a separate chapter, the first chapter being devoted to Michael Sr. and his English roots. The early descendants settled in Bedford, Billerica, Bridgewater, Cambridge, Dedham, Newton, Salem, Watertown, and Woburn Massachusetts.

Newtonville Massachusetts High School Yearbooks 1910-2012

The Newton Public Library has uploaded all of the Newton High School Yearbooks from 1910 through 2012 to InternetArchive. We provide quick links to each edition in chronological order below. Each link takes you to the volume for that year (some years had 2 volumes) enabling you to peruse and read the yearbook. If you want to download a copy there is a link at the top that enables you to do so for free.

Baylies Genealogy of New Bedford Massachusetts

The Baylies family traces its roots to Nicholas Baylies, a Quaker from Worcester, who witnessed his son’s marriage in 1706. His son, Thomas, emigrated from England to America in 1737, establishing ironworks in Rhode Island and later in Taunton, Massachusetts. Thomas’s descendants included notable figures in politics and industry, with Nicholas Baylies becoming a prominent politician during the Revolutionary War. The family’s legacy continued with contributions to local governance and commerce, shaping the history of New Bedford and its maritime activities.

Howard Genealogy of Bridgewater and New Bedford Mass.

The Howard family, prominent in the history of Bridgewater and New Bedford, Mass., traces its lineage back to John Howard, an early settler. Key figures include Capt. Benjamin Beal Howard, founder of Howard Seminary and known for his philanthropic deeds, and his son, Francis Edward Howard, an influential public servant and community leader. Both men embodied the family’s commitment to education and civic duty, contributing significantly to the community’s development and welfare, leaving a lasting legacy through their charitable efforts and public service.

Ancestors of Alexander Holmes of Kingston, MA

The Holmes family of Kingston, MA boasts a long lineage traceable to John Holmes, who served in the Norman Conquest of 1066. Originally established in England, the family later branched into New England, notably through John and William Holmes, ancestors of many in the Old Colony. Alexander Holmes, a prominent shipbuilder and railroad president, exemplified the family’s legacy of integrity and success. His descendants continued to thrive in various professions, maintaining the family’s esteemed reputation in Massachusetts up to the present day.

Gurney Family of Brockton, MA

Lysander Franklin Gurney, a prominent figure from Brockton, Massachusetts, was a direct descendant of early settlers, tracing lineage back to the ancient Barons of Gournay in Normandy. His family’s legacy in America began in the 17th century, with notable ancestors involved in military service. A skilled watchmaker and jeweler, Gurney established the Gurney Brothers Company, which became a leading jewelry establishment in New England. Active in his community and church, he was known for his generosity and conservative values until his passing in 1905.

Ancestors of Mereitt G. Perkins of Bridgewater, MA

The Perkins family has deep roots in New England, tracing its lineage to Abraham Perkins, who arrived in Hampton in 1638. His descendants included influential figures in various fields, particularly in iron manufacturing. Notably, John Perkins of Bridgewater was a prominent machinist and manager at several iron works. His youngest son, Mereitt G. Perkins, born in 1864, became a successful banker in Newark, NJ, expanding the family’s legacy in business and finance while maintaining historical ties to their ancestral roots in Massachusetts.

Ancestors of William P. Whitman of Brockton, MA

William P. Whitman, president and treasurer of the Whitman Keith Company in Brockton, is a notable figure with deep New England roots, descending from prominent ancestors including Mayflower passengers John Alden and Priscilla Mullins. The Whitman lineage boasts influential figures in law, governance, and exploration. William’s father, William E. Whitman, also made significant contributions to the shoe manufacturing industry. Following in his footsteps, William P. Whitman expanded the family business while continuing its legacy of quality craftsmanship and community involvement.

Jackson Family of Fall River, MA

The Jackson family, while not among Fall River’s oldest, boasts a significant legacy within Massachusetts. Notable members include Rev. John Jackson, whose sons, John Henry and Col. Amos Messer Jackson, served as esteemed physicians and community leaders. Their lineage traces back to John Jackson, an early settler from England, with strong ties to the American Revolution. This family contributed extensively to medicine and civic life in Fall River, emphasizing the Jacksons’ lasting impact on the region’s history and development.

Descendants of John Paull of Taunton, MA

John Paull was a prominent businessman in Taunton, leading the successful hay and grain firm, John Paull Co. for over fifty years. He was part of a well-established family, with roots tracing back to William Paull, a Scottish weaver who settled in Taunton in the 17th century. John’s lineage includes notable figures like his son, who participated in the Revolutionary War. After his death in 1908, his wife, Abbie, continued to manage the business and contributed to the community through music and charitable work.

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 Rev. Charles A. Kingsbury

Rev. Charles A. Kingsbury, born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1839, was the son of Isaac Kingsbury, a long-time market gardener. Educated at Williams College and Union Theological Seminary, he served as a Congregational pastor before marrying Mary Augusta Donaldson in 1875. In 1889, seeking improved health, Kingsbury relocated to Redlands, California, where he built a notable residence with expansive views of the San Bernardino valley. They have one son, Homer Penfield Donaldson Kingsbury.

Biography of Albert Perkins Langtry

Albert Perkins Langtry, born in 1860, was a significant figure in Massachusetts journalism as the president and editor of the Springfield Union from 1890 until 1924. He transformed the publication into a highly respected newspaper in Central and Western Massachusetts. Beyond his editorial work, Langtry served as secretary of the Commonwealth and authored the Direct Primary Law. A prominent Republican, he was active in politics and held various influential positions. He married Sarah C. Spear, and they had one adopted daughter, Ruth.

Genealogy of Thomas Hammond

Thomas Hammond, the first American ancestor of Elmira (Hammond) Shepardson, emigrated from England to Massachusetts in 1635. Born in 1603 in Melford, he settled initially in Hingham before moving to Newton, where his homestead flourished. He became a wealthy landowner and had four children with Elizabeth Carson. Their son Thomas continued the lineage in Newton, followed by Eleazer, Ephraim, and Samuel, who played a role in the American Revolution. Samuel’s son Joel later settled in Oneonta, New York, where Elmira was born.