Plymouth County MA

Plymouth County MA, located in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, is a region steeped in American history and natural beauty. Established in 1685, the county holds the distinction of being one of the first governmental units in the United States, formed just 65 years after the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock in 1620. This area, named after Plymouth, England, serves as a living museum of the early colonial era, featuring landmarks such as Plimoth Plantation and the Mayflower II, replicas of the original settler’s community and their ship. Geographically, Plymouth County is characterized by its varied landscapes that include coastal shorelines, dense forests, and clear ponds, making it a picturesque representation of New England’s charm. The county’s development over the centuries has seen a blend of agricultural, maritime, and industrial growth, reflecting the broader evolution of the region.

Biographical Sketch of Deacon Ebenzer Hamlin

(III) Deacon Ebenezer, eighth child and fifth son of James and Mary (Dunham) Hamlin, was born July 29, 1674. He occupied the homestead farm at Coggin’s Pond until about the time of his second marriage when he removed to Rochester, Massachusetts, now (1910) Wareham. He was one of the original members of the Wareham church which was organized December 25, 1739. He was chosen deacon, February 18, 1740. He was dismissed to the church at Sharon, Connecticut, May 30, 1742, which is about the date of his removal to that town and state. In his will he bequeathed “twenty-four pounds, … Read more

Historical Leaders of Plymouth County Massachusetts

Incorporated June 2, 1685 – Shire Town – Plymouth. County Officers Judge of Probate and Insolvency, Wm. H. Wood, Middleboro. Register of Probate and Insolvency, Daniel E. Damon, Plymouth. Clerk of Courts, William H. Whitman, Plymouth. Register of Deeds, William S. Danforth, Plymouth County Treasurer, William E. Sever, Plymouth. Overseers of House of Correction William H. Whitman, Plymouth. D. J. Bobbins, Plymouth. Daniel E. Damon, Plymouth. Sheriff, James Bates, Plymouth. Deputy Sheriff Abington, Josiah. Cushman Bridgewater, P. D. Kingman Duxbury, Wm. J. Alden Hingham, G. F. Hersey Marion, Daniel Hall; Marshfield, John Baker Middleboro, Milton Alden North Bridgewater, Otis Hayward … Read more

Biography of George William Dunbar

The first known ancestor of the Dunbar family in America was Robert Dunbar, a Scotchman who, circumstances indicate, was one of the Scotch prisoners sent over to the Massachusetts Colony in 1652, by Cromwell after the battles of Dunbar and Worcester. It is certain that this Robert Dunbar was the ancestor of the Dunbars of Abington and Bridgewater, if not of all bearing that name in New England. The family has always shown the characteristics which have so favorably distinguished the Scotch people. They are good, law-abiding citizens, with a frugal thrift and industry, a careful economy, and cautious and … Read more

King Philip’s War – Indian Wars

A short history of the battles fought during King Philip’s War, including maps of the campaigns and New England Indian tribes.

Lincoln Family of Hingham and Taunton, Massachusetts

From the pioneer days at the settlement at Hingham and Taunton the Lincoln family has been a continuous one in that region of Massachusetts; one of prominence in the start, it has maintained itself both here and in the country at large and in both has long since become numerous. It has been claimed by the late Hon. Solomon Lincoln that all the Lincolns in Massachusetts are descendants of the Lincolns who settled in Hingham in 1636 and 1638. He says: “We have evidence of authentic records that the early settlers of Hingham of the name of Lincoln were four, bearing the name of Thomas, distinguished from each other by their occupations, as miller, weaver, cooper and husbandman; Stephen (brother of the husbandman); Daniel, and Samuel (brother of the weaver).” He adds “our claim is that the early settlers of Hingham above enumerated were the progenitors of all the Lincolns of the country. From Hingham the Lincolns trace their early home to Norfolk County, England.”

1867 Lakeville Massachusetts Directory

Aldrich John E. shoemaker Allen Clothier, farmer Allen John, farmer Allen John F. farmer Andrews Gustavus G. carpenter Andrews Stillman S. carpenter Ashley Abraham, teamer Ashley David, farmer Ashley John C. farmer Ashley John E. farmer Ashley Joseph, farmer Ashley Josiah K. cooper Ashley Luther, mason and farmer Ashley Silas P. farmer Back George, shoemaker Baker Abisha, farmer Baker Freeman, farmer Baker Josiah, farmer Baker Marcus, farmer Baker Simeon, farmer Baker William, farmer Baker William 2d farmer Barney George, farmer Barney William, farmer Barrows Elijah W. clergyman Bassett Charles H. shoemaker Benton William H. Bishop Dexter, hack-driver Booth Henry B. … Read more

1867 Plympton Massachusetts Directory

Atwood Benjamin S. box maker Beaton Henry P. shoemaker Billings James, shoemaker Billings Nathan D. shoemaker Bisbee Elijah, farmer Blanchard Horatio W. shoemaker Blanchard Wm. W. shoemaker Bonney George H. painter Bonney James S. box maker Bonney Wm. L. box maker Bradford Gideon, shoemaker Bradford Henry A. trader Bradford Joseph W. box maker Bradford Samuel N. shoemaker Brewster Pelham, farmer Briggs Herschell E. shoemaker Briggs Lewis H. shoemaker Briggs Nathan S. farmer Briggs Seneca, farmer Bryant Calvin M. mariner Bryant Lemuel, section master Bryant William S. famer Bryant Zenas, farmer Chandler Edward, shoemaker Chandler M. E. shoemaker Churchill Albert S. … Read more

Narrative of Robert Eastburn – Indian Captivities

A Faithful Narrative of the Many Dangers and Sufferings, as well as wonderful and surprising deliverances, of Robert Eastburn, during his late captivity among the Indians. Written by Himself. Published at the earnest request of many persons, for the benefit of the Public. With a recommendatory Preface by the Rev. Gilbert Tennent. Psalms 24, 6, 7, and 193, 2, 4. Philadelphia: Printed. Boston: Reprinted and sold by Green & Russell, opposite the Probate Office in Queen street, 1753. Preface Candid Reader: The author (and subject) of the ensuing narrative (who is a deacon of our church, and has been so … Read more

Descendants of Rev James Keith of Bridgewater MA

Rev James Keith was born in 1644, was educated at Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was graduated, likely from Marischal College (educated, as tradition says, at the expense of a maiden aunt), his name appearing on the roll in 1657, said college having been founded by George, the fifth Earl of Keith Marischal, in 1593. At the age of eighteen years he emigrated to this country, arriving in Boston in 1662.

Biography of Silvanus Ames

Silvanus Ames, long known in this county as Judge Ames, was born at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, March 26, 1771. His father, whose ancestor, William Ames, came from England in 1643, was a graduate of Harvard college, and an Episcopalian clergyman. He preached several years at Trinity church, in Taunton, Massachusetts, was afterwards a chaplain in the revolutionary army, and died in the camp at Valley Forge, during the hard winter of 1777-78. Silvanus Ames married Nabby Lee Johnson in 1795, and moved to the northwestern territory in 1798. They settled temporarily in Belpre, whence they removed to Ames township, in May, … Read more

Lovewell’s War – Indian Wars

Captain Lovewell’s War was fought between 1722 and 1725 against several tribes of eastern Indians. The principal campaigns took place in the Ossipee region and led to the eventual withdrawal of the Indians to the north.

Ancestors of Warren A. Reed of Brockton Massachusetts

The Reed family of Brockton, Mass., a leading member of which was Judge Warren A. Reed, lawyer and jurist, who for over a third of a century had been one of the foremost citizens of Brockton, and during the greater part of that long period connected with the judicial, civic and financial interests of the city, district and State, is one of long and honorable standing in this Commonwealth, and one the forerunner of which came to these shores over two hundred and fifty years ago. Many members of this historic family have given good account of themselves, and many are there who have been prominent in the history of this country. An account of the branch of the family to which Judge Reed belongs is here given in chronological order, beginning with the earliest American ancestor.

Howard Genealogy of Bridgewater and New Bedford Mass.

The ancient town of Bridgewater, the first interior settlement of the Old Colony, has been the birthplace and the home of many who have made the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts rich in stories of good lives devoted to the development and uplift of the community, and not the least among these may be mentioned the late Capt. Benjamin Beal Howard, philanthropist, whose name is perpetuated in Howard Seminary, which he founded, and his son, the late Francis Edward Howard, philanthropist, statesman and upright, patriotic and useful citizen.

Descendants of John Ames of West Bridgewater MA

The Ames surname is of early English origin, and the family living at Bristol bore the following coat of arms: Argent, on a bend cotised sable, three roses of the field. Motto: Fama Candida rosa dulcior. Crest: A white rose. (I) John Ames was buried at Bruton, Somersetshire, England, in 1560. (II) John Ames (2), son of John, died in 1583; married Margery Crome. Children: John Ames Launcelot Ames William Ames (III) John Ames (3), son of John (2), born in 1560, died in 1629, married Cyprian Browne. Children: William Ames. John Ames, went to New England, settling first at … Read more

John Winchester Genealogy

I. John1 Winchester, at the age of 19, embarked in the ship Elizabeth from England, in 1635, and settled in Hingham, Mass.; admitted freeman in 1637. He m. Oct. 15, 1638, Hannah Sealis, dau. of Dea. Richard Sealis of Scituate. In 1650 he removed to Muddy River (now Brookline, Mass.), where he d. Apr. 25, 1694. His widow d. Sept. 18, 1697. II. John2 Winchester, son of John1, I, was bapt. at Hingham, June 2, 1644. He lived at Muddy River, and the records name a wife Hannah, and subsequently a wife, Joanna. He d. Feb. 1, 1717-8. III. Henry3 … Read more

History of Wareham Massachusetts

An historical sketch about Wareham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts as abstracted from the Plymouth County Directory and Historical Register of 1867. Includes a list of the men from Wareham who gave their life during the Revolutionary War.

1867 Pembroke Massachusetts Directory

Allen Morrill, clergyman Babigan John, fanner Baker Andrew H. shoemaker Baker Calvin, carpenter Baker Henry, shoemaker Baker Henry, box maker Baker Josiah H. farmer Bailey William, shoemaker Barker George C. teamster Barker John, box maker Barker Peleg, farmer Barker Robert, farmer Barnard Joseph S. photographer Barstow Charles, carpenter Barstow Thomas H. C. farmer Bates Edward, mason Bates Orin G. farmer Bates William C. machinist Beal George B. shoemaker Beal Job H. stonecutter Bearce Thomas, blacksmith Bemis Ezekiel, farmer Besse William, farmer Besse William, jr., shoemaker Billings Adam, anchor smith Blackman Allen, carpenter Blackman Daniel, shoemaker Blackman Thomas, farmer Blanchard Mark … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Stephen Tilden

(II) Stephen, son of Nathaniel Tilden, was born in England, about 1630-34; married in 1661, Hannah Little, daughter of Thomas Little, of Marshfield. He resided most of the time at Marshfield. Children: Hannah, 1662; Stephen, 1663; Abigail, 1666; Mary, 1668; Judith, 1670; Joseph, mentioned elsewhere; Mercy, 1674; Ruth, 1676; Isaac, 1678; Ephraim. 1680.

Agawam Tribe

Agawam Indians (Agawom) (fish-curing [place]), Hewitt. A name of frequent occurrence in south New England and on the Long Island, and by which was designated at least 3 Indian villages or tribes in Massachusetts. The most important was at Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts. The site was sold by the chief in 1638. Its jurisdiction included the land on Newbury River, and the tribe was a part of the Pennacook confederacy. It was almost extinct in 1658, but as late as 1726 there were still 3 families living near Wigwam hill. The second tribe or band of that name had its … Read more

Early Indian Wars in New England

The history of the settlers of New England is fraught with the troubles of Indian hostilities. This is a history of the early Indian wars in New England. In 1620, a company belonging to Mr. Robinson’s church, at Leyden, in Holland, foreseeing many inconveniences likely to increase, from the residence of English dissenters under a foreign government, and hoping to find an asylum, and a refuge from persecution in the New World, applied to King James for liberty to place themselves in some part of New England; and obtained a grant of some place about Hudson river. They set sail … Read more