Free Massachusetts Vital Records

Vital Records of Bellingham Massachusetts to 1850

This is a collection of free vital records books, otherwise known as “Tan Books” for Massachusetts towns. Generally, these records go up to 1849/1850 at which, the genealogist can use the census records to assist in identifying the family connections further. Included with this article is an account of why and how these manuscripts were published along with links to all 198 books which can be freely read or downloaded.

Genealogy of Edward Baker of Saugus Massachusetts

G151 EDWARD BAKER: farmer; settled on the south side of “Baker’s Hill”, Saugus (then Lynn), Mass., 1630; undoubtedly came in the fleet under Gov. Winthrop; admitted a Freeman, 1638; m. Joan (d. 1693); d. 1687. Joseph: m. Ruth Holton, 1662; he and eldest son, Joseph, killed by Indians, 1675; had five ch. John: b. 1645; m. Abigail Fisher; settled in Dedham; d. 1719. Samuel: b. 1673; m. Mary Aspinwall; inherited lands in Northampton; d. 1717. Ch.: Daniel (b. 1717; m. Elizabeth Allis; d. 1798). John: b. 1677; m. Sarah Whiting; d. 1768. Timothy: b. 1708; m. Abigail Pond; d. 1786. … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Alden, Lewis

Alden, Lewis, son of Lewis and Abigail (Belcher) Alden, was born in East Randolph, Norfolk County, April 29, 1848. He received a common and high school education. Between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one he worked in the shoe factory of L. F. Wilde & Co. Later, for nearly five years. He worked for Rufus Gibbs & Co., boot and shoe jobbing house, Boston—most of the time in charge of their factory at South Weymouth. He established himself in business in Holbrook, 1878, entering his present factory (boots and shoes) 1885. Mr. Alden was married in Saugus, June 1874, to … Read more

Sharp, Leora Arletta Martin Mrs. – Obituary

New Bridge, Oregon Leora Arletta Martin Sharp, 92, of New Bridge, died July 21, 2002, at her home. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Aug.17 at 10 a.m. at the Nazarene Church in New Bridge. Interment will be at the Eagle Valley Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception to be held at the New Bridge Grange following the service. Leora was born May 2, 1910, in Saugas, Mass., to Edward Everett Martin and Arletta Maud Holsten. She was the eldest of five siblings: Leora, Ted, Everett, Paul and Mary. Both parents encouraged … Read more