Worcester Massachusetts

The Mason Family 1590-1949

The Mason Family title page

The manuscript chronicles the lineage of the Mason family, beginning with Robert Mason, who emigrated from England around 1590 and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1630. Following his wife’s death, he moved to Dedham, becoming an original landholder. The narrative progresses through the generations, focusing on Lemuel Saunders Mason, a mill owner from Belchertown, and his son, Lyman Gates Mason I. The work details family history until the 1960s, highlighting significant ancestors and their contributions.

Descendants of John McCullough of New Bedford MA

John McCullough, born in New Bedford in 1858 to Irish immigrants, played a significant role in the city’s growth. His grandfather, Patrick McCullough, and father, also John, laid the family’s roots in New Bedford after emigrating from County Tyrone, Ireland. John established a successful junk business and became a key figure in the whaling industry. Active in local politics, he served as alderman and helped form St. Lawrence parish. His legacy continued through his son, who expanded the family business, embodying the McCullough commitment to community and enterprise.

Hartshorne-Hartshorn Family of Taunton, Massachussetts

The Hartshorne family has a rich history in Massachusetts, dating back to the 17th century. The lineage began with Thomas Hartshorne in Reading, who served as selectman in 1648. Over generations, the family contributed significantly to the local economy and society, particularly in Taunton, where prominent members like Jesse Hartshorn and his descendants played key roles in the cotton manufacturing industry. Jeremiah Hartshorn’s legacy continued through his son George Franklin, leading to George Trumbull Hartshorn, an influential chemist and community figure, who left a lasting impact in Taunton.

Ancestry of Walter Ballou of North Attleboro MA

Walter Ballou

Walter Ballou, born on February 20, 1835, in Cumberland, Rhode Island, played a significant role in North Attleboro’s jewelry industry. Descended from a distinguished family with Norman-French roots dating back to the Battle of Hastings, he became a partner in R. Blackinton Co. in 1862. Walter’s inventive spirit led to notable advancements in jewelry manufacturing. He married Ann E. Briggs, and they had three children. A respected community figure, he remained integral to the company’s success and legacy throughout his life.

Descendants of Philip Trafford from Dartmouth and Fall River, MA

The Trafford family, originating from Lancashire, England, has maintained an unbroken lineage dating back to Randolphus de Trafford, who flourished around 1030. Thomas Trafford, a descendant who fled England during the Catholic persecution, settled in Dartmouth, MA, around 1690. His line produced notable figures in the industrial sector, particularly in cotton manufacturing in Dartmouth and Fall River. Successive generations, including prominent names like William Bradford Trafford and his sons, played significant roles in local business and civic life, establishing a lasting legacy in the community.

Ancestors of William Mason of Taunton, Massachusetts

Mason Machine Works - Mason Machine Works, Taunton, Massachusetts, 1899 Catalog

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.

Genealogy of the Goff Family of Attleboro, Mass.

Maj. William Hunt Goff, born April 10, 1845, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a prominent figure in Attleboro’s history, descending from the Goff family, which has roots in the area since 1720. Notable for his service in the Civil War and his subsequent career as a builder and contractor, Goff also played a significant role in local governance and military organization. His family, including his father Albert and brother Frederic, continued the legacy of public service and community engagement in Attleboro and beyond.

Ancestors of John Jay Whipple of Brockton, Massachusetts

John Jay Whipple

Col. John Jay Whipple, a prominent figure in Brockton, Massachusetts, descends from a distinguished Rhode Island family established in the 17th century by John Whipple. The family has contributed significantly to public and business life, with John Jay himself serving multiple terms as mayor and holding various prominent positions in banking and civic organizations. He was involved in numerous progressive initiatives in Brockton, including infrastructure improvements. His lineage reflects a deep-rooted commitment to community welfare and civic responsibility, continuing a legacy that spans generations.

Barker Genealogy of Tiverton, RI

The Barker family of Tiverton, Rhode Island, traces its roots to Robert Barker, born in 1616, who settled in New England early on. He purchased land in 1641 and later became a surveyor in Duxbury. His descendants included Isaac Barker, a businessman and surveyor, and Prince Barker, known for his hospitality. The family flourished over generations, with members involved in various enterprises, including mills and banking. Notable descendants include Benjamin Barker and his son Abraham, who furthered the family legacy through successful careers and numerous offspring.

Cushman Family of Acushnet, MA

The Cushman family, a branch of the historic clan from the Old Colony, has been integral to the industrial development of Acushnet, MA, for over fifty years. Founded by Emery Cushman, who began a wooden box manufacturing business in 1840, the lineage traces back to Robert Cushman, a key figure in the Pilgrim movement. The family’s narrative spans generations, showcasing contributions to local industry and community, with Emery’s descendants continuing his work after his death in 1884, thus preserving the legacy in Acushnet’s business landscape.

Clifford Family of New Bedford, MA

Charles Warren Clifford

The Clifford family of New Bedford, MA, has played a significant role in southern Massachusetts law for nearly a century. Beginning with Timothy Gardner Coffin and John H. Clifford, who became influential figures in the Commonwealth, the firm evolved through various partnerships, reflecting generations of legal expertise. John H. Clifford, deeply involved in public service, served as attorney general and governor, while his descendants continued the family legacy in law and civic duty. This rich lineage traces back to George Clifford, an early settler from England, linking the family’s esteemed heritage to significant historical figures.

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.

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.

Osborn Family of Fall River Massachusetts

Covel & Osborn Company Letterhead Invoice, 1904

The Osborn family has played a significant role in Fall River’s industrial development since the 19th century. Prominent figures include Hon. Weaver and James Munroe Osborn, influential mill promoters and bankers, whose legacy continues with James E. Osborn, who actively oversees several manufacturing companies today. The family’s history traces back to Jeremiah and Mercy Osband in 1684, evolving through generations of civic leaders, business pioneers, and community contributors, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to the growth of Fall River’s economy and society.

Timothy Fuller

Timothy Fuller, born on July 11, 1778, in Chilmark, Massachusetts, was a prominent lawyer and politician, serving in various capacities including the Massachusetts Senate and Congress. A Harvard graduate, he was known for his advocacy of freedom and rights. He married Margaret Crane in 1809, who was admired for her character and devotion. Fuller’s legacy includes his writings and the successful careers of his five sons in law and business, notably his brother Henry, who was highly regarded in the legal profession. He passed away from cholera on October 1, 1835.

Biographical Sketch of Michael F. Healy

Michael F. Healy, a notable figure in San Mateo County, has resided in South San Francisco for 24 years, where he established a successful grocery business. Formerly a lumberman, Healy actively engaged in various business ventures before retiring from the lumber industry. He has played a significant role in civic affairs, having recently completed a term as city trustee. Born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1852, Healy emigrated to America, later settling in California with his wife. He remains a member of the Eagles.

Biography of Josiah Edwards Dwight

Josiah Edwards Dwight, born May 17, 1839, in Belchertown, Mass., hails from a prominent New England family with ties to early colonial history. His lineage includes Captain Timothy Dwight, a soldier and civic leader, and Jeremiah Cady, a participant in the Boston Tea Party. An educated man, Josiah worked in the dry-goods business before establishing himself in Concord, N.H., as a successful saddlery manufacturer. Active in local politics, he served on the Concord Common Council and as a police commissioner. He married Lucy J. Hill, with whom he had two children.

Biography of Henry Harrison Edwards

Henry Harrison Edwards, born on July 28, 1840, in Laconia, N.H., was a skilled watchmaker who eventually settled in Allenstown. He was educated locally and trained as a watchmaker, gaining experience at the Waltham Watch Factory and other locations. Edwards married Helen P. Otterson in 1877, and they had a daughter, Pauline, who has since passed. His father, Nathaniel Edwards, was a shoemaker and local politician who contributed to his community, while his mother, Rachel, remains active in Laconia at eighty-four.