Norton Massachusetts

Morey Genealogy of Bristol RI and Norton MA

Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts

The Morey family, established in New England, has roots tracing back to George Morey, who settled in Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1683. The name has various spellings, including Mowry, particularly in Rhode Island. George’s son, also named George, moved to Norton, Massachusetts, where he became an innholder and served in the 1745 Louisburg expedition. His descendants continued to live in Norton, contributing to the community until modern times, with ties to the Paddock Richmond Read lineage through Belinda Copeland Morey.

Descendants of William Sturdy of Attleboro MA and Slatersville RI

John F. Sturdy

The Sturdy family, descended from John Jenkins, who became William Sturdy after fleeing the British navy, played a significant role in the jewelry industry of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Settling in Attleboro, William transitioned from farming to work in cotton mills during the industrial boom. His sons, notably William A. and John F., contributed to the family’s legacy in jewelry manufacturing, establishing successful businesses that thrived for generations. The family’s collective efforts reflect their industrious spirit and commitment to their community in the Attleboros.

Ancestry of Walter Ballou of North Attleboro MA

Walter Ballou

Walter Ballou, born on February 20, 1835, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, played a significant role in North Attleboro’s jewelry industry. Descended from a distinguished family with Norman-French roots dating back to the Battle of Hastings, he became a partner in R. Blackinton Co. in 1862. Walter’s inventive spirit led to notable advancements in jewelry manufacturing. He married Ann E. Briggs, and they had three children. A respected community figure, he remained integral to the company’s success and legacy throughout his life.

Ancestors of Charles Presbery White of Taunton Massachusetts

White, Warner and Company, Taunton, Massachusetts

Nicholas White, a yeoman from England, became a freeman in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1643, marrying Susanna Humphrey. He later moved to Taunton, engaging in various business ventures, including the ironworks and sawmills. He participated in land purchases that shaped local development. His descendants, notably including Charles Presbery White, contributed significantly to Taunton’s growth and held various public offices. The White family legacy reflects industriousness and community involvement, continuing through generations, as detailed in Thomas J. Lothrop’s genealogical manuscript, “The Nicholas White Family: 1643-1900.

Genealogy of the Spare Family of New Bedford Massachusetts

The Spare family, established in New Bedford from its origins in Boston-Canton, is marked by notable figures such as Dr. John Spare, a Civil War surgeon and prominent local physician. Following him, his son, John V. Spare, emerged as a successful merchant and community leader. The family’s lineage traces back to Samuel Spare, who arrived from England in the early 18th century. The Spares have contributed significantly to local business and civic life, emphasizing industry and service across generations.

Holman Family of Attleboro Massachusetts

Samuel Morey Holman

The Holman family has been a significant presence in Massachusetts for over two centuries, deeply involved in the social, religious, and educational spheres of Attleboro. Their lineage traces back to Solomon Holman, an early settler believed to have arrived from Bermuda, whose descendants include notable figures like Rev. Nathan Holman and Dr. David Emory Holman. The family has contributed richly to local and national life, with members excelling in various professions, including ministry, medicine, and the arts, particularly through Samuel Francis Holman, an acclaimed artist in Paris.

Holman Family of Attleboro, MA

David Emory Holman

The Holman family of Attleboro, Massachusetts, has a rich heritage spanning over two centuries, tracing back to Solomon Holman, who arrived from the Bermuda Islands in the late 17th century. This lineage produced notable figures, including Rev. Nathan Holman, a long-serving pastor, and prominent descendants like Dr. David Emory Holman and artist Samuel Francis Holman. The family has significantly influenced the social, religious, and educational landscape of Attleboro, with members achieving distinction in various fields and maintaining a legacy of civic engagement and community upliftment.

Descendants of John Rogers of Mansfield, MA

The Rogers family, with roots tracing back to martyr John Rogers, has a significant New England legacy. Benjamin Rogers, the first in Norton, served as a sergeant during the Revolutionary War. His son, Horatio John Rogers, became a prosperous straw goods manufacturer in Mansfield and actively engaged in public service and reform movements, notably Prohibition. A dedicated community member, he contributed generously to local causes and served as a choir leader. He married Eliza A. Williams, linking to notable ancestry, before his passing in 1873.

Descendants of David E. Harding of Mansfield, MA

David E. Harding, born May 6, 1826, in Mansfield, MA, was a prominent businessman and manufacturer, known for his leadership in local industry and public affairs. Descended from early American settlers, he played a significant role in the Cooperative Bank and the National Bank of Mansfield. A member of the Congregational Church, he was dedicated to community service. Harding married Frances Rogers and had three children, contributing to a legacy of education and public service within the family. He passed away on February 4, 1909.

Descendants of Nathaniel Newcomb of Norton, MA

nath newcomb

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.

Descendants of Thomas Boyden of Bridgewater, MA

albert boyden

The Boyden family, descended from Thomas Boyden of Watertown, MA, has significantly influenced Bridgewater, MA, through generations of distinguished educators. Notably, Prof. Albert Gardner Boyden dedicated over fifty years to the Bridgewater State Normal School, serving as a student, teacher, and principal, followed by his son, Prof. Arthur Clarke Boyden. Throughout their legacy, the Boydens cultivated a commitment to education and community, exemplified by their roles in shaping the normal school’s reputation and inspiring countless students.

Descendants of Leonard Crocker Couch of Taunton MA

couch

The Couch family of Taunton, represented by Leonard Crocker Couch, traces its lineage back to Simon Couch, a freeman of Connecticut in 1664. Simon’s descendants engaged in various professions and politics, notably producing Maj. Gen. Darius Nash Couch, a distinguished Civil War figure. Leonard Crocker Couch has been a significant presence in Taunton, evolving from a machinist to a businessman. His familial ties extend to prominent families like the Crockers and Leonards, shaping a legacy of community involvement and service across generations.

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.

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.