Watertown Massachusetts Genealogy

Michael Bacon of Dedham Massachusetts and his descendants

This is a genealogy of Michael Bacon of Dedham and his descendants. Michael arrived in Dedham, Massachusetts in 1640 after sailing aboard an unnamed ship, likely from County of Suffolk, England, but possibly from Ireland. Baldwin treats the descendants of each of the three sons of Michael—Michael Jr., Daniel, and John—in a separate chapter, the first chapter being devoted to Michael Sr. and his English roots. The early descendants settled in Bedford, Billerica, Bridgewater, Cambridge, Dedham, Newton, Salem, Watertown, and Woburn Massachusetts.

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1665-1674

The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1665 to 1674, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1635-1664

The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1635 to 1664, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Seth Hastings Family of Clinton New York

Family Record of Dr Seth Hastings of Clinton, Oneida County, New York

The “Family Record of Dr. Seth Hastings, Senior” by Francis H. Hastings is a genealogical account that documents the ancestry and descendants of Dr. Seth Hastings, Sr., born in Hatfield, Massachusetts, in 1745. This work briefly traces his lineage back to Deacon Thomas Hastings, who emigrated from Ipswich, England, to New England on the ship Elizabeth in 1634. Deacon Thomas Hastings became a freeman in Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1635. The book then advances to a brief overview of the family of Dr. Seth Hastings, Sr., before delving into detailed records of his descendants. The genealogy extends to various families allied to the Hastings through marriage, incorporating a wide array of surnames.

Early Records and Notes of the Brown Family

This is not a compiled genealogy, but rather, a compilation of notes, facts, and genealogies concerning the various early Brown families of the towns of Andover, Ipswich, Hamilton, Reading, Boston-Tewksbury, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Hampton NH, Haverhill, Salem, Watertown, Rowley, Sudbury, and Salisbury. Charlotte Helen Abbott compiled a series of volumes on early families of New England called the “Abbott Genealogies.” This is volume 7 of the series.

Genealogy of the Hitchcock family

This genealogy traces the Hitchcock family from the 1600s, beginning with Matthias Hitchcock’s arrival in Boston in 1635. It follows the family’s growth through generations in Connecticut and Massachusetts, drawing from original records and family sources. More than a list of names, it preserves the story of a family that helped shape early New England.

Abbot Family of New England

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

The Abbot family of New England, traced in James Savage’s genealogical work, includes notable figures such as Arthur Abbot, who settled in Marblehead around 1634 and had a son, Philip. Several generations followed, with families established in towns such as Ipswich, Andover, and Cambridge. Many Abbots contributed to early colonial life, engaging in various trades and civic duties. The family’s legacy persists, with descendants continuing to thrive across New England into the 19th century.

Genealogy of the Fox Family of Taunton, Massachusetts

The Connecticut-Massachusetts branch of the earlier family of this name of the old Bay State is one of long and honorable standing in New England, and as well of historic connection. The especial family here considered, and which for designation is styled the Taunton family, is that of pome of the descendants of Capt. Jabez Fox, of Berkley, Mass., one of whose sons was the late Henry Hodges Fox and the latter’s son the present Hon. William Henry Fox, lawyer and judge, who for forty and more years has been judge of the First District court of Bristol county and otherwise prominently identified with the public affairs of the city of Taunton.

Taber family of Dartmouth and New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Taber family of Dartmouth and New Bedford, one of the oldest families in southeastern Massachusetts, is descended from Philip Taber, who according to Savage, was born in 1605, and died in 1672. He was at Watertown in 1634, and he contributed toward building the galley for the security of the harbor. He was made a freeman at Plymouth in 1639. In 1639-40 he was a deputy from Yarmouth, and was afterward at Martha’s Vineyard, and from 1647 to 1655 was at Edgartown, going from there to New London in 1651, but probably returning soon. He was an inhabitant of Portsmouth in February, 1655, and was a representative in Providence in 1661, the commissioners being Roger Williams, William Field, Thomas Olney, Joseph Torrey, Philip Taber and John Anthony. Later he settled in Tiverton, where his death occurred. He married Lydia Masters, of Watertown, Mass., daughter of John and Jane Masters, and his second wife, Jane, born in 1605, died in 1669.

Ancestry of Capt. Jacob Taber of New Bedford, Massachusetts

Capt. Jacob Taber, born in 1813 in Acushnet, Massachusetts, descended from the early New England family of Philip Taber. A master mariner in the whaling industry, Jacob began his seafaring career at nineteen, later commanding successful voyages to the South Atlantic, Hudson Bay, and the Arctic. Known for his remarkable record—never losing a vessel—he retired in 1870 after a distinguished career. A kind and jovial man, he engaged in local politics and was married to Hannah Mendell Blackmer, with whom he had several children.

Ancestry of William H. Nelson of Plymouth, Massachusetts

William H. Nelson, a prominent figure in Plymouth, Massachusetts, descended from early settlers like William Nelson, who arrived before 1636. Active in his community, he held numerous positions, including selectman and president of various banks and manufacturing companies. Known for his integrity and public spirit, Nelson was deeply involved in addressing local commercial needs, particularly in navigation and industry. He married Hannah Coomer Weston in 1863 and left a legacy of service before his death in 1891, remembered as one of Plymouth’s most dedicated citizens.

The ancestry of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine

The ancestry and posterity of Joshua Dow of Avon, Maine traces from John Dow and Johan Coop of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England. The first descendant in America, Henry Dow, came from England to America in 1637 with his wife, four children, and a maid. He first settled at Watertown, Massachusetts before relocating to Hampton, New Hampshire. He wrote his surname variously as Dow, Dow and Doue. One of the first Dow to settle in Avon, was Joshua, son of John and Betsey (Strout) Dow, who moved from Portland to Avon soon after his brother and sister, and settled before 1828 near Mt. Blue and Mt. Blue Pond.

Surnames: Briggs, Bryon, Crockett, Davenport, Dickey, Doue, Dow, Dowe, Dresser, Dunham, Esty, Hall, Harnden, Harradon, Hinkley, Kinney, Kittredge, Ladd, McLaughlin, Mitchell, Orberton, Pettingell, Richardson, Ross, Sampson, Sedgeley, Stinchfield, Vining, Walton, Webber, and Worthley.

Ancestry of Jared Shaw of East Abington, Massachusetts

The Shaw family, founded in America by Abraham Shaw, who immigrated before 1636, has deep roots in East Abington, Massachusetts. Abraham married Bridget Best and had several children, including Joseph. His grandson, Elijah Shaw, born in 1745, settled in East Abington, where he was a farmer and Revolutionary War lieutenant. Elijah’s son, Jared Shaw, born in 1778, married Lydia Whiting and had multiple children. This lineage illustrates the enduring legacy of the Shaw family in the region’s history.

Descendants of Richard Borden who resided in Fall River, Massachusetts

The Borden family has significantly influenced Fall River, Massachusetts, for over 270 years, tracing their lineage to Richard Borden, who settled in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 1638. Richard became a prominent figure in local governance and land acquisition. His descendants, including Cook Borden, further established the family legacy through successful businesses while actively participating in community affairs. Their commitment to hard work and civic duty shaped Fall River into a thriving industrial hub, exemplifying the family’s enduring prominence in American history.

Descendants of William Eddy in New Bedford, Massachusetts

p. 102 of the 1877-8 Greenough's Directory of the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Eddy family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its roots to William Eddy, an English vicar who emigrated from Kent in the early 17th century. His son, Samuel, arrived in Plymouth in 1630 and established a prosperous lineage. Later descendants, like Job Eddy, became successful merchants and founders of the Eddy dry goods business. George M. Eddy further expanded the family enterprise into a prominent retail establishment in New Bedford, while also contributing to local organizations like the Y.M.C.A. and St. Luke’s Hospital.

Genealogy of the Reed and Loud Families of Abington, Massachusetts

The Reed and Loud families, intertwined by marriage, have deep roots in Abington, Massachusetts. William Reed immigrated from England in 1635 and settled in Weymouth, where his descendants have played prominent roles in business and community affairs. Notably, Amos S. Reed established a successful lumber business in North Abington, which continues under his grandson, Arthur B. Reed. The Loud family, tracing back to Francis Loud from Scotland, produced several notable figures, including Major Edward Payson Reed, whose contributions as a soldier and business leader reflect the families’ legacy in the region.

Genealogy of the Whitney Family of New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Whitney family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, is one of America’s oldest and most esteemed families, tracing its roots to John Whitney, who emigrated from England in 1635. Amasa Whitney, a prominent figure in New Bedford, exemplified the family’s legacy of intellect and civic involvement. Notable descendants include Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin, and William Collins Whitney, a New York politician. The family’s ancestral ties to England and their significant contributions to American society reflect a rich heritage of achievement and influence.

Ancestors of John Richardson Bronson of Attleboro, MA

John Richardson Bronson, M.D., born June 5, 1829, in Middlebury, Connecticut, was a distinguished physician in southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, residing in Attleboro for over fifty years. The Bronson lineage traces back to early New England settlers, including John Bronson, a soldier in the Pequot War. Dr. Bronson, who graduated from Berkshire Medical College in 1852, served as a field surgeon during the Civil War and remained engaged in community affairs until his death on May 9, 1900. He married Catherine Wheelock and had five children.

The Westport-Freetown-Fall River Massachusetts Tripp Family

The Tripp family, originally from Portsmouth, R.I., became notable figures in Massachusetts, particularly in Westport, Freetown, and Fall River. The lineage traces back to Hon. John Tripp, a founder of Portsmouth in 1638, with descendants like Philip J. and Azariah S. Tripp holding significant roles in their communities. Philip J. served as a state senator, while Azariah was a prominent banker. Both men contributed to social reforms and civic activities, exemplifying the values of hard work and integrity that defined their family’s legacy.

Descendants of William Swift of Sandwich, MA

Noble Parker Swift, born September 5, 1830, in Sagamore, Massachusetts, was the last of a prominent lineage of Cape Cod cattle dealers and butchers. Engaging early in his family’s meat business, he expanded into cranberry culture, becoming a notable landowner. A man of integrity and conservative principles, he never sought political office but was respected in local affairs. Swift married Sarah Elizabeth Hallett and had three children. He passed away on July 15, 1911, leaving a legacy intertwined with the development of the meat packing industry.