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.
The Fall River branch of the Earle family traces its origins to the Portsmouth and Swansea families, established over 270 years ago. Prominent figures include the late Hon. Lloyd Slade Earle, a significant contractor in Fall River, and his son Andrew Brayton Earle, who died young while running a grocery business. Lloyd Slade Earle, born in Somerset in 1812, made notable contributions to local industry and governance, advocating for moral and community improvement within the city.
The Chace family, originally spelled Chase, has been a significant presence in Fall River, MA, particularly in its industrial sector. George Albert Chace, a prominent figure, was known for his role in establishing and managing several cotton mills, including the Bourne Mill, where he pioneered a profit-sharing system for workers. Born in 1844, he served in the Civil War and was active in community organizations. Chace’s contributions to labor relations and local institutions left a lasting impact, commemorated by notable tributes following his death in 1907.