Williamstown Massachusetts

Free Massachusetts Vital Records

Vital Records of Bellingham Massachusetts to 1850

This is a collection of free vital records books for Massachusetts towns, most of them known as “Tan Books.” Generally, these records go up to 1850 at which, the genealogist can use the census records to assist in identifying the family connections further. They’re called “tan books” because they were bound by tan cloth. Included with this article is an account of why and how these manuscripts were published along with links to all 274 Massachusetts vital record books which can be freely read.

Biography of Rev. John Dunbar

Rev. John Dunbar, born in Palmer, Massachusetts, on March 3, 1804, dedicated over twenty years as a missionary to the Pawnes Indians. After earning degrees from Williams College and Auburn Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1834 and began his mission work in the West. He returned briefly to Massachusetts to publish a Pawnee language book and married Esther Smith in 1837. In 1856, he moved to Brown County, Kansas, where he became the first county treasurer. Both he and his wife died shortly after their relocation.

Biography of John J. Ingalls

John J. Ingalls, born on December 29, 1833, in Middletown, Massachusetts, emerged as a prominent figure in Kansas’s political and literary landscape. A graduate of Williams College, he moved to Kansas in 1858, contributing to the state’s constitutional foundation and serving in various political roles, including a notable eighteen-year tenure in the U.S. Senate. Renowned for his eloquence and intellect, Ingalls was respected as a writer and scholar, leaving a lasting legacy in both politics and literature upon his death on August 16, 1900.

Biography of Edwin W. Lee

Edwin W. Lee, born on July 1, 1875, in Beloit, Wisconsin, has practiced law in St. Louis for over twenty-two years, consistently advancing in his career. A graduate of Williams College and the St. Louis Law School, he began his legal practice in 1899. Lee specializes in corporation and probate law and is a prominent figure in the legal community. Active in local politics as a Republican, he served as excise commissioner and held two terms as circuit judge, earning widespread respect in St. Louis.

Biographical Sketch of Frederick B. Ayer

Frederick B. Ayer was born on October 27, 1874, in Unity, New Hampshire. He graduated from Williams College in 1896 and married Agnes Louise Goddard in 1899. Ayer initially taught at Kenyon Military Academy before becoming principal at a school in Versailles, Kentucky. In 1903, he entered the insurance business in Cleveland, eventually rising to vice president and director of The Fred P. Thomas Co. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed tennis, baseball, and swimming. He had three children: Edwin, Ethel Louise, and Margaret.

Biographical Sketch of Leon Brooks Bacon

Leon Brooks Bacon, born on July 24, 1870, in Taberg, New York, was a notable lawyer and legal professional. He graduated from Williams College in 1893 and earned his LL.B. from Syracuse University in 1899. Bacon held various roles, including editor and director in multiple organizations, and was involved in women’s suffrage and municipal law reform. He authored historical genealogies and was an active member of several professional and historical societies. Bacon married Anna Osborne Anthony in 1900 and had three children.

Biographical Sketch of Jacob Dolson Cox, Jr.

Jacob Dolson Cox, Jr., born on November 1, 1881, in Cleveland, was the son of Jacob Dolson and Ellen Prentiss Cox. He graduated from Williams College in 1903. His career began with McFadden Logging Co. in 1910, followed by his long-term role as 3rd vice president and director at Cleveland Twist Drill Co. since 1911. A member of several clubs and Phi Beta Kappa, he enjoyed golf, motoring, and yachting as his leisure activities.

Biographical Sketch of Orlando Hall

Orlando Hall was born on September 28, 1855, in Summit County, Ohio. He received his education from private schools and graduated from Yale in 1877 with a B.A. After studying law with Judge R. P. Ranney and completing his studies at Columbia Law School, he was admitted to the bar in 1880. Hall initially practiced law in Cleveland but later shifted focus to manage his extensive property holdings in Akron. He was affiliated with several clubs and identified as a Republican.

Biographical Sketch of James Rudolph Garfield

James Rudolph Garfield, born on October 17, 1865, in Hiram, Ohio, was the son of President James A. Garfield and Lucretia Rudolph. He graduated from Williams College in 1885 and studied at Columbia Law School, later obtaining an LL.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. Admitted to the bar in 1888, he served in the Ohio Senate and held various positions, including Secretary of the Interior under President Roosevelt. He married Helen Newell in 1890 and has practiced law in Cleveland since 1909.

Biographical Sketch of John Henry Lotz

John Henry Lotz, born on December 2, 1872, in Carrollton, Ohio, was the head worker at the Alta Social Settlement House. Educated at Mount Hemron Boys School, Williams College, and Union Theological Seminary, he also pursued post-graduate studies at Columbia University. Lotz taught at St. Pauls School and directed the Bethany Memorial Boys Club before leading Alta House since 1904. He married May Louise Waters in 1904 and had one son. Lotz was active in civic organizations and enjoyed farming.

Biography of John Henry Stewart

John Henry Stewart, born in Massachusetts in 1823, became a leading figure in San Bernardino. After moving to Illinois and marrying Charlotte Woodworth, he later relocated to California for health reasons. Despite a severe illness that left him disabled, Stewart thrived as a businessman, notably erecting San Bernardino’s first brick building. He remarried Martha Kenfield, who devotedly supported him for nearly three decades. Stewart was influential in local development, including the Silk Center Association, and left a sizable estate upon his death in 1885, benefiting his family and community.

Biographical Sketch of Rev. Charles A. Kingsbury

Rev. Charles A. Kingsbury, born in Newton, Massachusetts, in 1839, was the son of Isaac Kingsbury, a long-time market gardener. Educated at Williams College and Union Theological Seminary, he served as a Congregational pastor before marrying Mary Augusta Donaldson in 1875. In 1889, seeking improved health, Kingsbury relocated to Redlands, California, where he built a notable residence with expansive views of the San Bernardino valley. They have one son, Homer Penfield Donaldson Kingsbury.

Biography of Wallace E. Stoddard

Wallace E. Stoddard, born on January 3, 1872, in Vernon, Vermont, exemplified dedication in business administration throughout his career. Educated in local schools and Eastmans Business College, he held various significant positions, including paymaster at the Draper Corporation and treasurer of the Silver Creek Company, showcasing exceptional administrative skills. A Republican and active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, he also engaged with local fraternal organizations. Married to Laetitia L. Irwin, Stoddard is the father of one daughter, Helen.

Biography of George Brown Waterman

George Brown Waterman, postmaster of Williamstown, descends from a notable Massachusetts family. His great-grandfather, John Waterman, fought in the Revolutionary War and became a community leader. George was born in 1862, educated locally, and entered business at seventeen. He managed the T. W. Richmond Company’s coal office, co-founded Waterman & Moore, and served in various public roles, including two terms in the Massachusetts Legislature. Active in community and church affairs, he married Frances Laura Brockway in 1898, further enriching his family legacy.

Biography of Edgar Cotrell

Edgar Cotrell, born in Albany in 1838, was a significant figure in the local fur industry through his partnership in Cotrell Leonard. Following the legacy of his father, he expanded the family business established in 1836, navigating challenges such as the Civil War. Cotrell held various influential community positions, including trustee roles in hospitals and banks. He was recognized for his integrity, kindness, and business acumen. Cotrell passed away suddenly in 1890, leaving a lasting legacy in Albany and among those who knew him.

Biography of Dr. Vanderpoel Adriance

Dr. Vanderpoel Adriance, born on May 13, 1869, in New York City, emerged as a prominent surgeon during World War I, providing critical medical services under contract with the U.S. Army. After completing his education at Williams College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, he practiced in New York City before settling in Williamstown in 1908. Beyond his medical career, he contributed to various local institutions and organizations while maintaining a commitment to his community and family, including his wife Mary and their two sons.

Biography of Gilbert Milligan Tucker

Gilbert Milligan Tucker, born in Albany on August 26, 1847, is a prominent editor and proprietor of the Cultivator and Country Gentleman. Following in the footsteps of his father, he has significantly influenced agricultural journalism since joining the publication’s staff in 1867. Tucker, a Williams College graduate, is also known for his contributions to linguistic studies and was active in local organizations, advocating for a numerical street naming system in Albany. He is a Presbyterian, married to Sara Edwards Miller, and has two children.

Biography of Fred M. Myers

Fred M. Myers, born April 15, 1888, in Pownal, Vermont, is a distinguished attorney primarily based in Pittsfield. After graduating second in his class from Williams College in 1909 and from Harvard Law School in 1912, he began his legal career alongside Clarence P. Niles. Following Niles’ death, Myers formed a partnership with Frank H. Cande and later, Walter C. Kellogg. An active member of his community, he also serves as special justice of the District Court of Central Berkshire. He married Ethel May Murgittroyd in 1921.

Biography of Rev. Cushing Eels, D. D.

Rev. Cushing Eells, D.D., born on February 16, 1810, in Blandford, Massachusetts, was a prominent Congregational minister and missionary. After studying at Williams College and East Windsor Theological Seminary, he served in various educational and pastoral roles across Oregon and Washington. Eells was instrumental in establishing several churches and played a key role in founding Whitman College. He dedicated his life to missionary work among Native Americans and contributed significantly to educational and religious institutions in the region. Eells passed much of his later life in Eastern Washington, promoting faith and community development.