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.

Unraveling Catherine Whittle’s Choctaw Citizenship Claim

Choctaw By Blood - Card 237

Catherine Whittle applied for enrollment as a Choctaw citizen in 1899, alongside her children, due to her sister Sarah Whittle’s recognized status. Their application was denied in 1900 despite their long-term residence in the Choctaw Nation. Legal efforts in 1910 highlighted familial connections and supportive testimonies, but a final decision remains unrecorded. Other related claims were made by Eliza Jane Pearce, Catherine’s cousin. Evidence of lineage was provided but met with administrative resistance throughout the enrollment process.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Butler, Indiana

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Butler, Indiana

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery is located in Section 22, Wilmington Township, DeKalb County, Indiana, at the corner of County Roads 40 and 59. This cemetery is also known by the name of Ginder Cemetery and Sawdust Cemetery. This enumeration was made by Mrs. Douglas Vose and Mrs. V. O. Mathis in 1982.

Over the Misty Blue Hills: The Story of Cocke County, Tennessee

1836 Map of Cocke County, Tennessee

“Over the Misty Blue Hills: The Story of Cocke County, Tennessee,” written by Ruth Webb O’Dell and published in 1951, provides a historical account of Cocke County. The book covers various aspects of Cocke County’s history, including its political, social, religious, and industrial developments. The contents are divided into several detailed sections: the political history of Cocke County, the significance of local names, the natural resources and setting, early settlers, religious history, industrial development, and notable figures from the county. Additionally, it delves into specific family histories, offering insights into the lives of many influential families such as the Allens, Burnetts, Huff, McMahan, and many others.

Marriages of Charlotte County Virginia, 1784-1815

1911 Map of Charlotte County Virginia

This volume, “Marriages of Charlotte County, Virginia, 1784-1815,” compiles the marriage bonds and minister’s returns from Charlotte County during the specified period. The original work was painstakingly copied by Catherine Lindsay Knorr and published in 1951. The book spans 119 pages and includes a wealth of historical data on marriages that took place in this Virginia county. This publication presents several challenges for readers. Some pages are slightly tattered and torn, and the manuscript features irregular pagination. Additionally, there are tight or nonexistent margins, particularly at the bottom of the pages, and one page is typed on different paper than the rest.

Elder James Martin of the District of Orangeburg South Carolina

Elder James Martin and his brother Simon Martin title page

Steve Malone’s work, “Elder James Martin of the Districts of Orangeburg, Lower Ninety-Six, Edgefield and Barnwell, South Carolina; Warren County, Kentucky; and Knox, Gibson, Posey and Vanderburgh Counties, Indiana Territory/Indiana, and his brother, Simon Martin of the Same Districts in South Carolina,” offers a meticulous exploration into the life of an individual whose existence paints a vivid picture of the American frontier during its formative years. Free to read or download.

Southborough Massachusetts vital records

Vital records of Southborough, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849 title page

The list of vital records of Southborough, Massachusetts, comprised in this volume includes all which were entered in the Town Books during the period from the earliest date there found to the end of the year 1849. Some additions and corrections of names and dates have been made from the records of the First Church, these being indicated in each instance by proper reference. There are a total of 6,267 births, marriages, and deaths recorded. This book is free to read or download.

History of Adair County Iowa and its People – vol 2

History of Adair County, Iowa, and its people vol 2 title page

Back in 1915, Lucian Moody Kilburn, was engaged to write a history of Adair County Iowa by the Pioneer Publishing Company of Chicago Illinois, he then being at that time a resident of the county for 50 years. The manuscript was divided into two volumes. This volume, numbered 2, provides biographical sketches of 348 leading men and women of the County of Adair including many of its founding families. You can read or download the free eBook from this website.

History of Littleton New Hampshire

1895 Map of Littleton New Hampshire

The History of Littleton New Hampshire is comprised of three volumes, two volumes of history, and a final volume of genealogies. Considered one of the best examples of local history written in the early 20th century, is your ancestors resided in Littleton then you need these books. Read and download for free!

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.

The Hazard family of Rhode Island 1635-1894

The Hazard family of Rhode Island 1635-1894

The Hazard family of Rhode Island 1635-1894 – Being a genealogy and history of the descendants of Thomas Hazard, with sketches of the worthies of this family, and anecdotes illustrative of their traits and also of the times in which they lived.

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.

Ancestry of Alfred Pierce of Attleboro Massachusetts

Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts

Alfred Pierce, born January 1, 1822, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a retired contractor and builder from Attleboro, where he contributed significantly to the construction of public and private buildings over fifty years. A descendant of a notable lineage tracing back to the Norman Conquest, his ancestors participated in many historical events. Alfred and his wife Martha Richardson Williams, a prominent community member, had one daughter, Marion, who pursued a career in art and was active in civic organizations. Alfred remains a respected figure in his community.

Read Genealogy of Newport RI and Freetown MA

Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts

The Read family, with origins in Newport, R.I., traces back to John Reade, a cordwainer who arrived from England. His descendants played significant roles in Freetown, Mass., establishing a tannery that thrived for generations. Notable family members include Paddock Richmond Read, who became a prominent figure in Fall River before moving to Taunton, where he worked as a photographer. His family continued the legacy of education and service, with several members becoming teachers and community leaders.

The Ancestry of Sarah Stone

Ancestry Chart for Sarah Stone

The ancestry of Sarah Stone, wife of James Patten of Arundel (Kennebunkport) Maine
Contains also the Dixey, Hart, Norman, Neale, Lawes, Curtis, Kilbourne, Bracy, Bisby, Pearce, Marston, Estow and Brown families.

Exclusively yours, Eurilla

Exclusively yours, Eurilla / by Edna M. Herrin.

Written by Edna Dooling Herrin for her daughter Eurilla, this self-published manuscript intent was to instruct Eurilla on her ancestry, especially in the settling of Madison County, Illinois. Families mentioned: Barber, Culp, Dooling, Harris, Herrin, Judy, Pearce, Rhodes, and Walsh.

Descendants of Richard Borden who resided in Fall River, Massachusetts

Philip Borden

The Borden family has significantly influenced Fall River, Massachusetts, for over 270 years, tracing their lineage to Richard Borden, who settled in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 1638. Richard became a prominent figure in local governance and land acquisition. His descendants, including Cook Borden, further established the family legacy through successful businesses while actively participating in community affairs. Their commitment to hard work and civic duty shaped Fall River into a thriving industrial hub, exemplifying the family’s enduring prominence in American history.

Pierce Family of North Bridgewater, MA

chester pierce

The Pierce family traces its lineage back to England and early New England settlers, notably Richard Pearse, who arrived in America in 1630. The family has produced numerous notable figures, including Charles S. Pierce, a respected Brockton citizen and cabinetmaker, and his sons, George R. Pierce, a successful merchant, and Charles S. Pierce, a prominent manufacturer. Their legacy continues to thrive in North Bridgewater, showcasing a rich history of industriousness, community involvement, and moral integrity, reflected in their contributions to both business and society.

Chase Family of Fall River MA

King Philip Mills ad from 1896.

The Chase family of Fall River, MA, traces its roots to William Chase, an early immigrant who settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1630. His descendants played significant roles in the commercial life of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Notably, Borden Chase was a prominent coal dealer, and his son, Simeon Borden Chase, became a leading cotton manufacturer. Simeon held various influential positions in local businesses and was involved in public education and economic advocacy. The family’s legacy embodies an enduring commitment to industry and civic service in the region.