Somersetshire England

Allen Genealogy of New Bedford Massachusetts

In March 1635, George Allen and his family sailed from England to New England with Rev. Joseph Hull, settling initially in Weymouth before moving to Sandwich, Massachusetts. As a yeoman farmer, he became involved in local governance, serving as constable and deputy to the General Court. George’s descendants include prominent figures in Old Dartmouth, with familial branches spreading throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The Allen family navigated challenges of religious intolerance while establishing their legacy, and their story reflects the broader historical tapestry of early New England settlements.

Descendants of Charles Keith of Bridgewater, Massachusetts

Rev. James Keith

Charles Keith, born in 1794, married Mehitable Perkins in 1817, and they had several children, including Charles Perkins Keith, who became a prominent shoe manufacturer in Brockton, Massachusetts. Charles Perkins Keith’s business thrived from the mid-19th century, establishing a legacy in the shoe industry. His sons, Preston Bond and Rufus Perkins Keith, continued this tradition, holding significant roles in local manufacturing and banks while actively contributing to the community and the South Congregational Church. The Keith family remains a notable presence in Bridgewater’s history.