History and Genealogy of Medfield, Massachusetts

Baxter Homestead in Medfield

The History of Medfield, Massachusetts written by William Tilden in 1887 is a complete history of the town up to publishment. It is arranged chronologically, beginning with the lands of Chickatabot and the early settlement known as Boggestow, and continuing through colonial life, King Philip’s War, the Revolution, and the town’s nineteenth-century development. The genealogical section traces families residing in Medfield from 1650 to 1850, with attention to removals and corrections to earlier published errors, relying heavily on original town and probate records. Read or download the PDF for free.

The memorial history of Boston, including Suffolk County, Massachusetts

The memorial history of Boston, including Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 1630-1880

“The Memorial History of Boston”, edited by Justin Winsor, is a four-volume survey of Boston and Suffolk County, Massachusetts, from the founding in 1630 through 1880. The set covers not only Boston itself but also Brighton, Charlestown, Dorchester, Roxbury, and West Roxbury. Illustrated throughout with portraits, views, and facsimiles, it remains a valuable reference for both genealogists and historians. Each volume includes thorough indexes, making it especially useful for researchers tracing families or examining local events in detail. Produced under Winsor’s direction with the help of a committee of Boston scholars, the work reflects a broad range of perspectives on the city’s development and the many strands of its history.

Suffolk County Massachusetts Cemeteries

Fairview Cemetery Boston MA

A complete listing of all available online Suffolk County Massachusetts cemeteries, with links to multiple cemetery transcriptions, gravestone photos, tombstone photos, official records, etc.

Pierce Family of North Bridgewater, MA

chester pierce

The Pierce family traces its lineage back to England and early New England settlers, notably Richard Pearse, who arrived in America in 1630. The family has produced numerous notable figures, including Charles S. Pierce, a respected Brockton citizen and cabinetmaker, and his sons, George R. Pierce, a successful merchant, and Charles S. Pierce, a prominent manufacturer. Their legacy continues to thrive in North Bridgewater, showcasing a rich history of industriousness, community involvement, and moral integrity, reflected in their contributions to both business and society.

Descendants of Francis Brayton of Fall River, MA

David Anthony Brayton

Francis Brayton, the first of his name in America, arrived in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 1643, and became a pivotal figure in New England’s early political landscape. His descendants, notably in Fall River, made significant contributions to the region’s industrial growth, particularly during the 19th century. The family established the influential Brayton Homestead in Somerset and several members thrived in business, law, and education, including the legacy of B. M. C. Durfee High School, which was a gift from Mary Brayton Young, highlighting their commitment to community and education.

Descendants of Joseph Borden of Fall River MA

Richard Borden

The Borden family, descended from Joseph Borden of Fall River, MA, boasts a rich lineage extending back to Richard Borden, an English soldier settled in Portsmouth, R.I., in the 17th century. The Bordens became prominent landowners and industrialists, particularly during the rise of Fall River as a textile manufacturing hub. Nathaniel Briggs Borden, a notable descendant, served in various public offices, advocating for abolitionist causes and contributing significantly to local development. His legacy continues through his descendants, who maintained the family’s influence in Fall River’s civic and business arenas.

Descendants of John Saxton Kent of North Bridgewater, MA

John S. Kent

John Saxton Kent, born in 1860 in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), MA, emerged as a prominent shoe manufacturer and civic leader. After excelling in business studies, he began his career in bookkeeping, eventually co-founding the M. A. Packard Company, which became a leading shoe manufacturer. Kent served as mayor of Brockton from 1907 to 1909, showing dedication to public service and community welfare. A member of various organizations, he balanced business success with active involvement in local affairs, advocating for growth and development in his city.

Wright Family of Boston, MA

The Wright family, an early Boston lineage, traces its origins to Richard Wright, who settled in Plymouth around 1644. Over generations, the family intermarried with prominent New England clans like the Adams and Wentworths. Notable descendants include Theodore Francis Wright, a significant figure in the New Jerusalem Church, and Augustus Hunt Wright, a Civil War veteran and community leader in Abington. Their legacy reflects the family’s deep roots in American history and its contributions to religion, education, and civic life in Massachusetts.

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.

Seabury Family of New Bedford, Massachusetts

Alexander Seabury

The Seabury family, with variations in spelling, traces its American roots to John Seabury of Boston, who died before 1662. His son, Samuel, a physician, fathered several children and settled in Duxbury before moving to Little Compton, Rhode Island. Notable descendants include Alexander Hamilton Seabury, a key businessman in New Bedford, who contributed to the city’s industrial growth and maritime trade. The family’s connections to early American history are emphasized through their ties to Mayflower descendants and various significant local enterprises.

Allen Family of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts

The Allen family is one of the oldest in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, tracing its lineage back to Samuel Allen, an emigrant who settled in New England in the 17th century. Samuel’s descendants, including notable figures like Deacon Barzillai Allen and Samuel Baldwin Allen, played significant roles in local history, contributing to the community as citizens and Revolution soldiers. The family’s legacy continues through Louise Prescott Allen Chandler, linking her to the early roots of Massachusetts and a rich ancestry that spans generations.

Chandler Family of Boston and East Bridgewater MA

The Chandler family of Boston and East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, traces its lineage to Edmund Chandler, a Duxbury pioneer from the 17th century. Led by the esteemed Hon. Peleg Whitman Chandler, a prominent lawyer and city official, the family has notably contributed to Massachusetts’ legal and civic life. Cleaveland Angier Chandler, a descendant and active community member, continues this legacy in East Bridgewater. The family includes multiple generations of patriots who played significant roles during the American Revolution, emphasizing their deep-rooted connection to the region’s history.

Baker Genealogy of Narraguagus Valley Maine

Narraguagus Valley Some Account of its Early Settlement and Settlers

Lemuel Baker, an early settler of Steuben, Maine, originated from Roxbury, Massachusetts, arriving around the same time as the Leightons. He married a Tracy and settled on Bakers Point, where he had four children before moving to Massachusetts. After his first wife’s death, he married Abigail Griggs, with whom he had two children. Their descendants include the Ricker and Baker families, with connections in Roxbury and Addison, comprising notable marriages and numerous offspring.

Bean and Bane Family Genealogy of Saco Valley Maine

Gen. Daniel Bean and Wife

The Bean and Bane family genealogy traces origins to a supposed ancestor from the Isle of Jersey, though evidence suggests a Scottish lineage, with the surname derived from Gaelic meaning “fair.” Key figures include Lewis Bane, who settled in Boston around 1670, and his sons, who established roots in York, Maine. Captains Lewis and Joseph Bane played prominent roles in early settlements and conflicts with Native Americans. Generations of Beans and Banes contributed significantly to the region’s history, including military service and local governance.

Lovering Family Genealogy of Taunton Massachusetts

Henry Morton Lovering Gravestone

The Lovering family has played a significant role in Taunton, Massachusetts, since the nineteenth century, with notable figures like Willard Lovering, who rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent manufacturer, bank president, and state assemblyman. His sons, including William C. and Henry Morton Lovering, followed in his footsteps, contributing to local business and politics. This line descends from English immigrants, with roots tracing back to Aldham, Suffolk. The Loverings were integral to Taunton’s manufacturing success, particularly through the Whittenton Mills.

Atkinson Family Genealogy of Saco Valley

The Atkinson family, originally from Bury, England, emigrated to New England in 1634. Theodore Atkinson, the first of the line, settled in Boston and established a prosperous estate. His descendants include notable figures such as Hon. Theodore Atkinson of Portsmouth and various family members who became prominent in trade, religion, and community affairs across New England. The lineage continued through several generations, resulting in multiple branches in Buxton and Eaton, N.H., with individuals engaged in diverse occupations and contributing to local history.

Harris Family Genealogy of East Bridgewater Massachusetts

B. W. Harris

The Harris family of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, traces its lineage back to Arthur Harris, a settler from Duxbury in the 1640s. Notable descendants include Deacon William Harris, a prominent town clerk, and his son Benjamin Winslow Harris, a distinguished lawyer and Congress member who significantly contributed to the U.S. Navy’s development. The family’s legacy is marked by public service, with Benjamin’s son Robert Orr Harris also serving as a respected attorney and judge. The lineage is deeply rooted in the history of Bridgewater, reflecting a strong commitment to community and governance.

Ancestors of Warren A. Reed of Brockton Massachusetts

The Reed family of Brockton, Massachusetts, has a rich heritage, tracing its American roots to William Reade, who arrived in 1635. Judge Warren A. Reed emerged as a notable figure, serving the community through various judicial and civic roles. His lineage includes influential ancestors, such as Francis Cooke, a Mayflower passenger. The family’s commitment to public service and education is prominent, exemplified by Judge Reed’s extensive contributions to Brockton’s legal, educational, and social institutions, leaving a lasting legacy of honor and community involvement.