Norwich Connecticut Genealogy

Historical Sketch of Lisbon Connecticut, 1786-1900

Joseph Jewett Home in Lisbon Connecticut

Though the work, Historical sketch of Lisbon, Conn., from 1786-1900, forms a modest octavo volume of only eighty-four pages, this book condenses within that limit the ecclesiastical and narrative history of the town, together with brief biographies and genealogies of its sons and daughters. The ecclesiastical history covers the sixty-eight years from 1718 to 1786 when Lisbon was a part of Norwich, and brings the record down to the 1900, embracing the Hanover parish, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 1891. The narrative and descriptive history commences with Lisbon’s independent existence as a town, and comes down to the present day; and the brief biographical and genealogical sketches which follow occupy the last half of the book, and include lists of town officers, members of the General Assembly, and soldiers and sailors who served in the various wars of our country.

Online Connecticut Newspapers by Town

Connecticut has a rich newspaper history, with over 2,000 distinct publications since 1755, beginning with the Connecticut Gazette. While they serve genealogists through vital announcements, newspapers also document local events, legal matters, and business updates. A comprehensive list of 258 historical and current newspapers is available online, organized by town and publication date. Some papers, like the Norwich Bulletin, are especially valuable for family history research. For towns without digitized newspapers, exploring nearby options is advised.

Abell Family of New England

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

The Abell family in New England traces back to several early settlers. Benjamin Abell settled in Norwich around 1670, while his potential sons, Caleb and Joshua, established their own families in Dedham and Norwich respectively. Caleb, married in 1669, had multiple children, and re-married after his first wife’s death. Joshua married Experience Smith in 1677. Preserved Abell was notable for his military role in the 1690 Quebec expedition. Robert Abell arrived in Weymouth in 1630, later moving to Rehoboth, where he passed away in 1663, leaving behind a widow and children.

The Hazard family of Rhode Island 1635-1894

The Hazard family of Rhode Island 1635-1894 – Being a genealogy and history of the descendants of Thomas Hazard, with sketches of the worthies of this family, and anecdotes illustrative of their traits and also of the times in which they lived.

Ancestors of William Mason of Taunton, Massachusetts

Mason Machine Works - Mason Machine Works, Taunton, Massachusetts, 1899 Catalog

The Mason family of Taunton, Massachusetts, has played a significant role in the area’s business life, particularly in machinery manufacturing. Notably, William Mason, a mechanical genius, made transformative contributions to machinery design, including the self-acting mule and advancements in cotton and woolen machinery. His lineage traces back to Major John Mason, a notable early settler and military leader. Following William’s death in 1883, his son, Frederick Mason, continued the legacy, managing the Mason Machine Works and contributing to the family’s enduring prominence.

Ancestors of the Rufus W. Bassett Family of Fall River, Massachusetts

The Bassett family of Fall River, Massachusetts, descends from William Bassett, who emigrated from England in 1620. Prominent members include Hon. Rufus W. Bassett, a significant figure in local politics and business, serving on various councils and boards. The family’s lineage includes several generations, with connections across Massachusetts towns such as Duxbury, Bridgewater, and Rochester. Notably, Rufus W. Bassett’s contributions to the city’s governance and his family’s rich history reflect the enduring legacy of the Bassett lineage within the region.

Descendants of Isaac Benjamin of New Bedford, MA

The Benjamin family of New Bedford traces its lineage back to John Benjamin, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1632. His descendant, Isaac W. Benjamin, became a significant figure in New Bedford, serving for over three decades at the New Bedford Cordage Company and holding various public offices, including a long tenure on the school committee. His dedication to education led to a school being named in his honor. Isaac W. married Olive Lane Moulton and had one child, Lucy E., ensuring the family’s legacy continued.

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.

1880 Narragansett Detribalization Roll

Final List of the Members of the Narragansett Tribe Entitled to a Share of the Purchase Money 1881.

Biography of Zebina Coit

Zebina Coit passed away on September 28, 1886, at the age of eighty-one, marking the end of a significant chapter in Norwich’s history. Born in 1805, he was the son of Captain Samuel Coit, a notable figure in Connecticut’s past. The Coit family had deep roots in the area, with Captain Coit’s involvement in key historical events, such as the burning of New London. Zebina lived on the family homestead, representing the last surviving link to the town’s early settlers. His death signifies the extinction of the Coit name in Norwich.

First Settlements in Norwich Vermont

The early settlement of Norwich, Vermont, began in 1762 when Samuel Slafter’s son, John, explored the area, reporting its fertile land and water sources. In 1763, after receiving his father’s rights, he commenced clearing lots but faced challenges, as his initial choice proved unsuitable. By 1765-66, a few families settled permanently, including the Hutchinsons and Manns, establishing homes and farms. Pioneers endured various hardships, yet they built foundations for a thriving community, characterized by a homogeneous population primarily from Connecticut.

Genealogy of Nicholas Baker of Scituate Massachusetts

Nicholas Baker, born in England in 1610, settled in Scituate, Massachusetts, where he served as a Puritan minister until his death in 1678. After possibly marrying in England, he wed a second wife in 1663. His descendants include notable figures such as Samuel, who established the Brunswick Church, and military captains like Charles, who fought in the War of 1812. The family lineage expanded across New England and into Michigan, with various members contributing to local governance and society.

Biography of Eliphaz Perkins

Eliphaz Perkins, born in Norwich, Connecticut, on August 25, 1753, lost his father early but pursued a liberal education thanks to his mother. After briefly engaging in commerce, he studied medicine with his father-in-law. In 1789, he moved his family westward but faced hardships during their journey to Marietta, Ohio. A skilled and compassionate physician, he contributed to education and community welfare, serving as Athens’ postmaster and treasurer. Perkins married Catherine Greene in 1803, and he died on April 29, 1828, leaving a legacy of influential descendants.

Biographical Sketch of David Pollard

David Pollard settled in 1790 near Afton, New York, after moving from Norwich, Connecticut. He established a homestead with his wife Polly and their six children. Pollard died on December 30, 1830, at the age of 85, while Polly passed away earlier in 1821. Their children included Polly, Lucy, Cynthia, Thomas, David, and Joseph, with varying fates and migrations. By the time of Joseph’s death in 1859, only two grandchildren, Luman C. and Lysander Pollard, remained in the county.

Biographical Sketch of James D. Sullivan

James D. Sullivan, born on January 11, 1861, in Norwich, Connecticut, is a prominent art dealer and restorer in Topeka, Kansas. He honed his skills at the W. Scott Thurber Art Gallery in Chicago before establishing his own Art Store in 1897. Known for his artistic framing and restoration work, he takes particular pride in restoring “The Immaculate Conception” painting. A Republican and active community member, Sullivan is married to Margaret Delahoyde and resides on Garfield Avenue in Topeka.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Eldridge Bourne

Henry Eldridge Bourne, born on April 13, 1862, in E. Hamburg, New York, was an influential college professor and author. He earned his A.B. from Yale University in 1883 and his B.D. in 1887, later receiving an honorary L.H.D. from Marietta College in 1910. Bourne worked as an associate editor for The Congregationalist and taught history and psychology at Norwich Free Academy. Since 1892, he served as a history professor at the College for Women at Western Reserve University and published notable works on history and civics.

Biographical Sketch of Thomas Henry Geer

Thomas Henry Geer, born on September 3, 1840, in Ledyard, Connecticut, was educated in local and state institutions before becoming a prominent figure in general insurance. He began his career in education, serving as a teacher and principal before transitioning into insurance in 1866. Geer held leadership roles in various organizations, including president of The Thomas H. Geer Company and the Cleveland Life Underwriters Association. He married Fanny Halsey Brewster in 1868 and had one daughter, Mary Brewster Geer.

Biographical Sketch of John Rowlee Fausey

John Rowlee Fausey, born March 19, 1870, in Elmira, New York, dedicated his career to enhancing public education in Massachusetts, particularly in Springfield and West Springfield. After receiving his education from Genessee Wesleyan Seminary and Syracuse University, he began teaching in various roles in Pennsylvania and Connecticut before becoming principal of Howard Street School in Springfield in 1906. Fausey later served as superintendent in West Springfield and Winchester, returning to West Springfield in 1923. He married Lena May Corbin in 1899.

Biographical Sketch of James T. Brown

James T. Brown, born on February 24, 1885, in Luzeme, New York, is a prominent hotel manager in Springfield, Massachusetts. He began his career in the hotel industry after his family moved to Norwich, Connecticut, where he completed his studies. Since becoming the manager of Hotel Worthy in 1922, he has expanded his career to include management of the Worthy Inn and the Hotel Draper. Married in 1908, he has four children and is active in various fraternal organizations, including the Masons and the Elks.

Pequot Tribe

The Pequot Tribe, an Algonquian group in southeastern Connecticut, was a dominant force in the early 17th century, controlling vast territories and instilling fear in neighboring tribes. Under chief Sassacus, they faced significant conflict with colonial forces, culminating in the 1637 Pequot War, which devastated their population and led to their dispersal. Many Pequots were enslaved or merged with other tribes, but a distinct identity persisted. Over the centuries, their numbers dwindled, yet remnants continued to maintain cultural ties into the 19th and 20th centuries.