The Winchell family of Egremont, Mass. stems originally from that of Robert Winchell of Windsor, Conn. The “Genealogy of the Winchell Family” by Alexander Winchell (early edition of 1869 and a new and revised edition of 1917), seems to give the earlier generations of this family correctly, but it fails to make the proper connection for David and Azariah and Joseph Winchell of Egremont. This book corrects that.
The Winchell Genealogy was first published in 1869 by Professor Alexander Winchell and expanded until his death in 1891. His brother N. H. Winchell continued the genealogical work, distributing inquiries for more data until 1909. Despite delays from travel and illness, N. H. Winchell prepared to publish the material before his unexpected death in 1914. The manuscript was completed and expanded by another writer, incorporating insights on the Winchell name’s origin and its connections to the Wincoll family.
This volume presents an extensive genealogy of the descendants of Alexander Alvord, an early settler of Windsor, Connecticut, and Northampton, Massachusetts. Its preparation rests upon more than forty years of intermittent research, revision, and expansion, drawing together the efforts of several generations of family historians.
Connecticut has a rich newspaper history, with over 2,000 distinct publications since 1755, beginning with the Connecticut Gazette. While they serve genealogists through vital announcements, newspapers also document local events, legal matters, and business updates. A comprehensive list of 258 historical and current newspapers is available online, organized by town and publication date. Some papers, like the Norwich Bulletin, are especially valuable for family history research. For towns without digitized newspapers, exploring nearby options is advised.
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.
The family of Nelson Drake; back to 1630, New York and Michigan pioneers, with genealogy supplement. Surnames: Allen, Barre, Bickford, Boyer, Bravender, Brosius, Brown, Christmas, Corner, Coey, Cozzi, Davis, Day, Diener, Drake, Dust, Engleberg, Fishel, Fookes, Gorton, Groce, Hawkins, Hewes, Hill, Hilton, Hirsch, Huddlestun, Kaiser, Kellogg, Langfield, Lear, Martinchak, McClellan, Point, Rae, Rayner, Ritter, Roehm, Rossi, Shilander, Smith, Soule, Stingley, Tucker, Ward, Wauvle, West, White, Wickham, and Wright.
Births, marriages, and deaths returned from Hartford, Windsor, and Fairfield, and entered in the early land records of the colony of Connecticut : volumes I and II of land records and no. D of colonial deeds. These records cover the years of 1631-1691, and have been extracted from land records and colonial deeds of the time.
The Mason family of Taunton, Massachusetts, has played a significant role in the area’s business life, particularly in machinery manufacturing. Notably, William Mason, a mechanical genius, made transformative contributions to machinery design, including the self-acting mule and advancements in cotton and woolen machinery. His lineage traces back to Major John Mason, a notable early settler and military leader. Following William’s death in 1883, his son, Frederick Mason, continued the legacy, managing the Mason Machine Works and contributing to the family’s enduring prominence.
Hon. Peter Olcott, born on April 25, 1733, in Bolton, Connecticut, moved to Norwich, Vermont, in the 1770s. He was a prominent community leader, serving in various public offices including first justice of the peace and Lieutenant Governor. His influence helped establish the town’s first meeting house and burying ground. Olcott was also active in military affairs during the American Revolution. He died on September 12, 1808, leaving a legacy through his numerous children and significant contributions to Norwich’s early governance and development.
William Lewis, a blacksmith, and his family, including his wife Naomi and eight children, moved to Norwich from Windsor, Connecticut, in 1781 or 1782. Initially settling on a farm now owned by Benjamin Clifford, he later purchased a larger farm, expanding it to 250 acres. He was actively involved in local governance, serving as moderator and selectman multiple times. William Lewis passed away on December 15, 1806, with his wife Naomi having died earlier on April 28, 1803. Their son, Joseph, was the eldest.
Nicholas Baker, born in England in 1610, settled in Scituate, Massachusetts, where he served as a Puritan minister until his death in 1678. After possibly marrying in England, he wed a second wife in 1663. His descendants include notable figures such as Samuel, who established the Brunswick Church, and military captains like Charles, who fought in the War of 1812. The family lineage expanded across New England and into Michigan, with various members contributing to local governance and society.
The surname Hayes, derived from the Old English word for a fence or boundary, has roots in various European languages. In the seventeenth century, several immigrants bearing this name settled in New England, including George Hayes, who arrived around 1680 from Scotland. Initially residing in Windsor, Connecticut, he moved to Simsbury (now Granby) where he became a respected citizen, actively participating in local land dealings. He married twice and fathered several children, ensuring the continuation of the Hayes lineage in America.
Charles Trumbull Hayden, born April 4, 1825, in Connecticut, significantly contributed to Arizona’s early history. After teaching school and engaging in trade, he ventured to Santa Fe in 1848, later moving to Tucson, where he established businesses and contracted supplies for the government. He played a vital role in local irrigation and commerce, founding Tempe and operating numerous enterprises. Married in 1876, he had four children, including future Congressman Carl Hayden, and remained a prominent figure until his death in 1900.
Marvin H. Sanger, born on April 12, 1827, in Brooklyn, Conn., became a prominent figure in Canterbury after his family moved there in 1828. He engaged in a successful 20-year merchant career while also farming. A dedicated public servant, he was elected to various local offices, including four terms as secretary of state and judge of probate. Sanger contributed to state legislative committees and participated in significant historical celebrations. He married Mary J. Bacon in 1855, and they had two daughters, residing in Canterbury.
