Sowams

1908 Map of Indian Localities about Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays

Sowams,” authored by Thomas Williams Bicknell in 1908, delves into the history of the ancient proprietary known as Sowams, encompassing Native leadership under Massassoit and early colonial settlement dynamics that shaped Barrington, Rhode Island, and surrounding areas. Drawing from over forty years of research, Bicknell includes primary records from the proprietary, showcasing the region’s governance, land ownership, and the founding of the First Baptist Church of Massachusetts. This comprehensive work serves as a vital resource for lawyers, historians, and general readers interested in colonial life and legal frameworks of the time.

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.

History of Stratford New Hampshire

1861 Map of Stratford, New Hampshire

The “History of the Town of Stratford, New Hampshire, 1773–1925,” edited by Jeannette Richardson Thompson, compiles decades of historical research prompted by Rev. Lucius W. Prescott. Initially prepared for publication in the late 19th century, the work was serialized before being comprehensively revised and published in 1925 for Stratford’s 150th anniversary. It documents the town’s settlement, demographics, and significant events, drawing from original records and community contributions while ensuring preservation of historical narratives and genealogical information for future generations.

Vital records of Stratham, New Hampshire, 1700-1867

Plan of the Town of Stratham

In 1934, Priscilla Hammond compiled vital records from Stratham, New Hampshire, covering the years 1700 to 1867, based on original town records. This compilation, transcribed with imperfect typing, was privately published and distributed to libraries and societies. The records are presented largely as found, with family members often grouped together. An index is included to assist in locating individual records. Users should be cautious with dates, especially those before 1752, as it is unclear if old dates were converted.

New Hampshire Men

1892 Map of New Hampshire

New Hampshire Men presents 407 biographical sketches, with portraits, of men who were active in commercial, professional, and political life in New Hampshire in 1893.

Abington Massachusetts Marriage and Death Records

1830 Map of Abington, Massachusetts

Volume 2 of the Abington, Massachusetts vital records compiles marriage and death records up to 1850, complementing Volume 1, which contains birth records. Established in 1712, Abington’s boundaries have shifted, affecting historical jurisdiction. Extensive research from town records, cemeteries, and family Bibles ensured comprehensive documentation, including the identification of Black families recorded by given names. The volume is organized alphabetically by marriages and deaths.

Abington Massachusetts Birth Records

1830 Map of Abington, Massachusetts

Volume 1 of the Abington, Massachusetts vital records details births recorded in the town up to 1850, featuring comprehensive research from town records, cemeteries, and church documents. Established in 1712, Abington’s jurisdictional changes may affect genealogical searches. The records also include separate listings for Black families, primarily by given names. Additionally, various surnames are cataloged, emphasizing the need to consider alternate spellings. For marriages and deaths, researchers should consult Volume 2.

1932 New Hampshire Notables

1892 Map of New Hampshire

New Hampshire Notables,” published by the Concord Press in 1932, is a biographical compilation that follows a previous work by Henry H. Metcalf. It contains 474 brief sketches of notable individuals, both natives and residents of New Hampshire, recognized for their contributions across various fields such as public life, business, and education. This edition focuses on living subjects as of 1932, with an alphabetical index for easy reference. While not exhaustive, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers and libraries, preserving important biographical data.

Vital Records of Alford Massachusetts

Map of Alford and North Becket Massachusetts

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of Alford, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850. The Town of Alford, Berkshire County, was established as the District of Alford, February 16, 1773, from a part of Great Barrington and certain common lands. These vital records start about that time and run up to the year 1850. Free PDF to read or download.

Genealogies of the Town of Goffstown New Hampshire

Orrin Moore and family of Goffstown, New Hampshire

The genealogical record of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was a substantial undertaking, hampered by the extinction of early families and the widespread scattering of descendants. Efforts to gather vital statistics necessitated considerable travel and correspondence, often revealing discrepancies in recorded dates across various sources. Despite challenges, contributions from former works and assistance from individuals proved invaluable in compiling this record. The comprehensive index reflects the depth of research involved in documenting the town’s heritage.

History of Francestown New Hampshire

Map of Francestown New Hampshire

History of Francestown, New Hampshire is a historic and genealogical record of the town from its first settlement in 1758 through the beginning of 1891. It records Francestown’s settlement, civic growth, religious and educational institutions, military participation, industries, and social customs, followed by an extensive genealogical register of families associated with the town.

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.

Medway Massachusetts vital records

Medway Village Straw Factory

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of Medway, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850, supplemented by information from church registers, cemetery inscriptions and other private sources to include Rev. Dr. Jacob Ide’s account of Marriages and Deaths, 1814-1849.

The history of Medway Massachusetts

History of Medway title page

The History of Medway, Massachusetts, 1713–1885, covers the entire period of local history, embracing two hundred and twenty-five years, from 1660 to 1885; or, from the first appearance of a white settler within the territory, to the recent date of the incorporation of the town of Millis. The book is divided into ten sections, and gives, in consecutive order, an account of the first settlement, the municipal doings, the churches, the schools and other institutions, the industries, the military service, the miscellaneous matters, the cemeteries, the biographies of many persons, and the genealogies of numerous families.

History of Amherst New Hampshire

Residence of Isaac Brooks in Amherst New Hampshire

The history of Amherst, New Hampshire, unfolds from its 1675 land grant to veterans of the Narraganset War, marking the impetus for settlement along the Souhegan River. From its early governance and incorporation in 1760 to territorial adjustments that birthed Mont Vernon and Milford, this narrative encompasses local geography, economy, and Indigenous presence. Key military engagements, civic institutions, and genealogical records are explored up to 1882, offering a comprehensive view of the town’s evolution and its prominent figures.

History of Hampton New Hampshire vol 2

1892 Map of Hampton NH

The original version of this monumental work was published in 2 volumes. Volume 1 contains the history of the town of Hampton, New Hampshire from its settlement in 1638 to the autumn of 1892 and can be found here. Volume 2 featured the genealogical and biographical details of the early families of Hampton, NH up to the autumn of 1892 and this is the volume shown below. This manuscript was meticulously researched by Joseph Dow up until his death in 1889. Unfortunately his death preceded the final compilation of the genealogies and his daughter, Lucy Ellen Dow, took on the task after his decease. For genealogists this is an important fact. Lucy admits in her preface that she had difficulty bringing the genealogies down to date (1892) for lack of full understanding of Josiah Page’s notes and for the lack of accurate town records. As she laments about the town records “but whole decades are passed over with scarcely an entry of birth or marriage.” Indeed they are.

History and Genealogy of Medfield, Massachusetts

Baxter Homestead in Medfield

The History of Medfield, Massachusetts written by William Tilden in 1887 is a complete history of the town up to publishment. It is arranged chronologically, beginning with the lands of Chickatabot and the early settlement known as Boggestow, and continuing through colonial life, King Philip’s War, the Revolution, and the town’s nineteenth-century development. The genealogical section traces families residing in Medfield from 1650 to 1850, with attention to removals and corrections to earlier published errors, relying heavily on original town and probate records. Read or download the PDF for free.

Bassett-Preston Ancestors

Bassett-Preston Ancestors

Miss Belle Preston initiated her ancestry research in 1898 in Hinsdale, Illinois, later tracing the Bassett lineage after moving to Brooklyn. Using various libraries as resources, she documented numerous New England colonial immigrants from both families, including six Mayflower ancestors. The book details eighty-nine Bassett and ninety-two Preston ancestors in the ninth generation. Belle’s connection to New England relatives is highlighted, noting an impending loss of that intimate knowledge as family members pass away. Read and download the PDF.

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1675-1681

Sample Last Will and Testament

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 1675 to 1681, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1665-1674

Sample Last Will and Testament

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.