Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society

1892 Map of New Hampshire

The Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society is a 15 publication series documenting the state’s history through various primary sources, including manuscripts, letters, and public records. It collates valuable narratives that were previously difficult to access, providing insight into events, individuals, and communities in New Hampshire. Each volume offers focused topics and historical analyses, and most volumes contain individual indexes.

Vital Records of Bellingham, Massachusetts

Vital Records of Bellingham Massachusetts to the year 1850

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of Bellingham, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850, supplemented by information from bible records, church registers, cemetery inscriptions and other private sources to include the diary kept by Samuel Wight and his daughters.

Brown Genealogy

Brown Genealogy

In 1895, Cyrus Henry Brown began collecting family records of the Brown family, initially with the intention of only going back to his great-grandfathers. As others became interested in the project, they decided to trace the family lineage back to Thomas Brown and his wife Mary Newhall, both born in the early 1600s in Lynn, Massachusetts. Thomas, John, and Eleazer, three of their sons, later moved to Stonington, Connecticut around 1688. When North Stonington was established in 1807, the three brothers were living in the southern part of the town. Wheeler’s “History of Stonington” contains 400 records of early descendants of the Brown family, taken from the town records of Stonington. However, many others remain unidentified, as they are not recorded in the Stonington town records. For around a century, the descendants of the three brothers lived in Stonington before eventually migrating to other towns in Connecticut and New York State, which was then mostly undeveloped. He would eventually write this second volume of his Brown Genealogy adding to and correcting the previous edition. This book is free to search, read, and/or download.

History of old Chester from 1719 to 1869

History of Old Chester title page

The *History of Old Chester from 1719 to 1869* by Benjamin Chase, published in 1869, offers a detailed account of the early settlement and development of Chester, New Hampshire. Compiled with the assistance of local historian Judge Samuel D. Bell, the book explores the town’s founding, genealogies, and significant events, using primary sources such as deeds, probate records, and personal diaries. Chase aimed to preserve the history and traditions of Chester’s early settlers while providing a comprehensive record for future generations. The work covers a broad range of topics, including religious, military, industrial, and genealogical history.

Abbott Genealogical Register

Abbott Genealogical Register

In 1847, Abiel Abbot and Ephraim Abbot compiled a comprehensive genealogical record titled “Abbott Genealogical Register,” detailing the lineage of several Abbott families originating from early New England settlers. Initially aimed to document the descendants of George Abbot, Sr. of Andover, the scope expanded to include numerous branches such as George Abbot, Jr., Thomas Abbot of Andover, Arthur Abbot of Ipswich, Robert Abbot of Branford, Ct., and George Abbot of Norwalk, Ct., among others. This volume, published by J. Munroe and Company in Boston, Massachusetts, integrates meticulously gathered data, revealing the expansive and intertwined genealogies of the Abbott families. The authors’ painstaking research and dedication to accuracy, despite challenges in data completeness, provide a valuable resource for anyone tracing the Abbott lineage or studying early American familial structures.

History of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota

History of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota

The aim of this history was to present in a permanent form the key incidents in the history of Minneapolis, from its earliest settlement to its publication in 1895. The primary facts and events recounted were mostly obtained from living witnesses and participants. It was rare for a city with more than two hundred thousand inhabitants to have so many of its first settlers still alive. The city’s growth had been so extraordinary and unprecedented that many of its earliest settlers remained. Some information was also gleaned from the notes left by now-deceased writers who witnessed the events described. Great care was taken to verify the accuracy of all facts and incidents mentioned. While it might have been too much to hope that the work was entirely free from errors, it was confidently believed that any such errors were few and insignificant.

Descendants of William Sturdy of Attleboro MA and Slatersville RI

John F. Sturdy

The Sturdy family, descended from John Jenkins, who became William Sturdy after fleeing the British navy, played a significant role in the jewelry industry of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Settling in Attleboro, William transitioned from farming to work in cotton mills during the industrial boom. His sons, notably William A. and John F., contributed to the family’s legacy in jewelry manufacturing, establishing successful businesses that thrived for generations. The family’s collective efforts reflect their industrious spirit and commitment to their community in the Attleboros.

Descendants of Matthew Watson of Leicester, Massachusetts

Watson Coat of arms

Matthew Watson (d. 1720), of English lineage, married Mary Orr in 1695, and in 1718 the family immigrated from Ireland to Boston, Massachusetts and settled in Leicester, Massachusetts. Descendants and relatives lived in New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nebraska, Rhode Island, California, Nevada, Michigan and elsewhere. Includes Watson, Armington, Bemis, Denny, Draper, Kent, Washburn, Bailey, Barnard, Belcher, Bent, Biscoe, Bolles, Breckenridge, Bright, Browning, Bryant, Bullock, Burrage, Dennis, Fisher, Foster, Green, Hayward, Hobbs, Hodgkins, Holman, Howard, Jenks, Jones, Kellogg, Kitchell, Knight, Lazelle, Livermore, Loring, Mason, Maynard, Munger, Patrick, Prouty, Remington, Reed, Rice, Richardson, Rogers, Sadler, Sibley, Snow, Sprague, Stone, Studley, Symonds, Taitt, Thomas, Thompson, Trask, Tucker, Waite, Webster, Westcott, Wheeler, Whittermore, Wilson, Woods and related families.

Indians in Mason County Michigan 1860 Census

Mason County 1860 Census Reel 554 page 81

These 409 people were identified as Indians (I) in column 6 (color) of the 1860 census for Mason County Michigan. In order to have been enumerated they are believed to have renounced tribal rule, and under state law, exercised their rights as citizens.

Wakefield Genealogy of Narraguagus Valley Maine

Narraguagus Valley Some Account of its Early Settlement and Settlers

Samuel Wakefield and Mary Burbank settled in Steuben, Maine, around 1756. After Mary’s death, Samuel married a widow named Small and had three children: James, Myriam, and Daniel. Their descendants include many notable figures, such as Cyrus Wakefield and Lydia, who married Ichabod Godfrey, yielding numerous offspring. A comprehensive lineage follows, listing marriages and children across multiple generations, showcasing the extensive family network established by the Wakefields in Narraguagus Valley.

1899 Directory for Middleboro and Lakeville Massachusetts

1899 Middleboro and Lakeville Massachusetts Directory Cover

The 1899 Directory for Middleboro and Lakeville, Massachusetts, compiled by A. E. Foss & Co., provides a comprehensive list of residents and businesses, alongside town officers, schools, churches, and societies. It includes notable historical events and offers a detailed account of the local community, featuring numerous surnames from both towns. This directory serves as an essential resource for understanding the demographics and social structure of Middleboro and Lakeville during that period.

Missionaries among the Native Americans

Missionaries, notably Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, began their work among the Choctaws in 1818, establishing the first Protestant mission in the region. Initially met with goodwill, the missionaries faced challenges, including local superstitions, exemplified by the tragic killing of a woman accused of witchcraft. Over time, the missionaries gained the trust of the Choctaws, promoting education and moral teachings. Their efforts led to the formation of schools, churches, and local governance, fostering a significant spiritual and social transformation among the Choctaw Nation.

Life and travels of Colonel James Smith – Indian Captivities

An Artists rendition of James Smith

James Smith, pioneer, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1737. When he was eighteen years of age he was captured by the Indians, was adopted into one of their tribes, and lived with them as one of themselves until his escape in 1759. He became a lieutenant under General Bouquet during the expedition against the Ohio Indians in 1764, and was captain of a company of rangers in Lord Dunmore’s War. In 1775 he was promoted to major of militia. He served in the Pennsylvania convention in 1776, and in the assembly in 1776-77. In the latter year he was commissioned colonel in command on the frontiers, and performed distinguished services. Smith moved to Kentucky in 1788. He was a member of the Danville convention, and represented Bourbon county for many years in the legislature. He died in Washington county, Kentucky, in 1812. The following narrative of his experience as member of an Indian tribe is from his own book entitled “Remarkable Adventures in the Life and Travels of Colonel James Smith,” printed at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799. It affords a striking contrast to the terrible experiences of the other captives whose stories are republished in this book; for he was well treated, and stayed so long with his red captors that he acquired expert knowledge of their arts and customs, and deep insight into their character.

Biography of William Elliot

William Elliot, a key founder of Iroquois, was born in Roxborough, Scotland, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1828. After training in brewing, he established his own brewery in Ontario in 1840, which later suffered a loss by fire. He contributed to the St. Lawrence Canal and the Grand Trunk Railway before developing a grist and flour mill in Iroquois. An elder in the Presbyterian church, Elliot held various civic roles and was instrumental in local agricultural advancements. He married Emma Bowen, with whom he had eight children.

Alabama Court Records

1910 Alabama Census Map

This page offers a comprehensive collection of Alabama court records, transcribed and accessible online. It includes probate records from 1809 to 1985, comprising wills, estate inventories, and guardianship documents from various counties. Detailed listings are provided for counties such as Autauga, Baldwin, Bibb, and many others, showcasing estate records and other legal documents. This resource serves as a vital tool for researchers and genealogists interested in the historical legal proceedings and familial documentation within Alabama.

Elliot, Joe – Obituary

Joe Elliot, a 41-year-old barber in Baker, died suddenly at his home last Saturday morning. He had just returned from a hunting trip the previous evening. After starting a fire and preparing to leave for work, he collapsed and died without speaking. Elliot is survived by his wife and their seven-year-old daughter.

Croydon New Hampshire Centennial

Croydon 1 Room School House

On June 13, 1866, Croydon, NH, marked its centennial with a memorable celebration. The day began with the booming of cannons and pealing bells, stirring cherished memories among the townsfolk. An impressive crowd of around three thousand gathered, led by Capt. Nathan Hall and the Croydon Band, to partake in a procession and various speeches from notable figures. Contains some early history and reminiscences including 267 very brief sketches of early citizens. Free PDF to download or read.

Biographical Sketch of Leister Hall Elliot

Leister Hall Elliot, born on August 1, 1835, in Vermont, was the son of Dea. Ezra Elliot. After preparing for college in Essex, he graduated from the University of Vermont in 1861 and completed his studies at the Union Theological Seminary in 1864. Licensed to preach in April 1864, he served as pastor at the Congregational Church in Colchester, Vt., before his ordination in Winooski in 1866. He married Lois M. Johnson on October 2, 1866.