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.

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.

The family of Nelson Drake

The Family of Nelson Drake

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.

Descendants of John Sanford of Taunton, MA

The Sanford family has deep roots in Taunton, Massachusetts, with a prominent lineage stemming from John Sanford, one of New England’s earliest settlers. Notably, Capt. Joseph Sanford played a key role during the Revolution, and his descendants included many educated individuals in ministry and law. His grandson, John Elliott Sanford, exemplified this legacy, becoming a respected lawyer and public servant, including serving as Taunton’s insurance commissioner and state senator. His life reflected a commitment to integrity, education, and community service, leaving a lasting legacy in Taunton.

Harris Family Genealogy of East Bridgewater Massachusetts

B. W. Harris

The Harris family of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, traces its lineage back to Arthur Harris, a settler from Duxbury in the 1640s. Notable descendants include Deacon William Harris, a prominent town clerk, and his son Benjamin Winslow Harris, a distinguished lawyer and Congress member who significantly contributed to the U.S. Navy’s development. The family’s legacy is marked by public service, with Benjamin’s son Robert Orr Harris also serving as a respected attorney and judge. The lineage is deeply rooted in the history of Bridgewater, reflecting a strong commitment to community and governance.

Biography of George Gorton

George Gorton, born in Racine on February 5, 1865, established a successful machine shop in 1892, specializing in fine machine tools and engraving machines. His firm, the George Gorton Machine Company, produces innovative machinery for various industries and has gained international recognition. Gorton also contributes to his community, actively participating in the First Baptist Church and supporting local initiatives, including a significant donation for a new Sunday school building. A dedicated Republican, he has served on the school board and is committed to community improvement.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Gorton

Henry Gorton, originally from New London, Connecticut, settled on East Sherburne Hill around 1800. In 1837, he moved to North Norwich, where he and his wife later passed away. They had one surviving child, Mary Ann, who married Andrus Pellett and resides in Norwich.

Biography of Hon. George W. Gorton

Hon. George W. Gorton, born March 3, 1846, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was a prominent figure in Idaho’s Soda Springs community. A Civil War veteran, he served with valor in the Pennsylvania Cavalry. After the war, he moved west, eventually establishing a successful mercantile business in Soda Springs. Gorton was influential in local politics, serving in various roles, including county commissioner and representative in the territorial legislature. His commitment to the community and his political beliefs earned him deep respect until his death on January 6, 1899. He left a legacy through his family and business.