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.

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.

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.

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.

Ashfield Massachusetts Vital Records

Main Street, Ashfield, Massachusetts

Alphabetical indexes to the vital records of Ashfield, Massachusetts, up to the year 1850, supplemented by information from bible records, church registers, cemetery inscriptions and other sources. PDF file is free to read and download.

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.

Weymouth ways and Weymouth people

Weymouth ways and Weymouth people

Edward Hunt’s “Weymouth ways and Weymouth people: Reminiscences” takes the reader back in Weymouth Massachusetts past to the 1830s through the 1880s as he provides glimpses into the people of the community. These reminiscences were mostly printed in the Weymouth Gazette and provide a fair example of early New England village life as it occurred in the mid 1800s. Of specific interest to the genealogist will be the Hunt material scattered throughout, but most specifically 286-295, and of course, those lucky enough to have had somebody “remembered” by Edward.

Soule Family of New Bedford Massachusetts

Rufus A. Soule

The Soule family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its lineage to George Soule, a Mayflower Pilgrim. Currently led by Hon. Rufus Albertson Soule, this family’s history is marked by significant contributions to local governance and business, particularly in shipbuilding and shoe manufacturing. Their legacy includes participation in the Civil War, with four brothers serving. Rufus Soule’s prominent roles in the community and service as a state senator reflect the family’s longstanding commitment to civic duty and public service, enriching New Bedford’s heritage.

Descendants of William Eddy in New Bedford, Massachusetts

p. 102 of the 1877-8 Greenough's Directory of the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Eddy family of New Bedford, Massachusetts, traces its roots to William Eddy, an English vicar who emigrated from Kent in the early 17th century. His son, Samuel, arrived in Plymouth in 1630 and established a prosperous lineage. Later descendants, like Job Eddy, became successful merchants and founders of the Eddy dry goods business. George M. Eddy further expanded the family enterprise into a prominent retail establishment in New Bedford, while also contributing to local organizations like the Y.M.C.A. and St. Luke’s Hospital.

Ancestry of the Embert Howard Family of Brockton Massachusetts

Embert Howard

Embert Howard, a prominent businessman from Brockton, Massachusetts, represents a lineage rooted in New England’s early settlements. His family traces back to John Haward, an early Duxbury settler who became influential in Bridgewater. Embert’s ancestry includes notable figures, such as his father, Deacon Cary Howard, and maternal connections to the Perkins family, which also boasted Mayflower descendants. Embert’s successful clothing business and community engagement reflect his family’s enduring legacy in Brockton, reinforcing their historic identity in the region.

Allen Genealogy of New Bedford Massachusetts

In March 1635, George Allen and his family sailed from England to New England with Rev. Joseph Hull, settling initially in Weymouth before moving to Sandwich, Massachusetts. As a yeoman farmer, he became involved in local governance, serving as constable and deputy to the General Court. George’s descendants include prominent figures in Old Dartmouth, with familial branches spreading throughout Massachusetts and beyond. The Allen family navigated challenges of religious intolerance while establishing their legacy, and their story reflects the broader historical tapestry of early New England settlements.

Clifford Family of New Bedford, MA

Charles Warren Clifford

The Clifford family of New Bedford, MA, has played a significant role in southern Massachusetts law for nearly a century. Beginning with Timothy Gardner Coffin and John H. Clifford, who became influential figures in the Commonwealth, the firm evolved through various partnerships, reflecting generations of legal expertise. John H. Clifford, deeply involved in public service, served as attorney general and governor, while his descendants continued the family legacy in law and civic duty. This rich lineage traces back to George Clifford, an early settler from England, linking the family’s esteemed heritage to significant historical figures.

Wright Family of Boston, MA

The Wright family, an early Boston lineage, traces its origins to Richard Wright, who settled in Plymouth around 1644. Over generations, the family intermarried with prominent New England clans like the Adams and Wentworths. Notable descendants include Theodore Francis Wright, a significant figure in the New Jerusalem Church, and Augustus Hunt Wright, a Civil War veteran and community leader in Abington. Their legacy reflects the family’s deep roots in American history and its contributions to religion, education, and civic life in Massachusetts.

Allen Family of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts

The Allen family is one of the oldest in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, tracing its lineage back to Samuel Allen, an emigrant who settled in New England in the 17th century. Samuel’s descendants, including notable figures like Deacon Barzillai Allen and Samuel Baldwin Allen, played significant roles in local history, contributing to the community as citizens and Revolution soldiers. The family’s legacy continues through Louise Prescott Allen Chandler, linking her to the early roots of Massachusetts and a rich ancestry that spans generations.

Anthony Family of Bristol County Massachusetts

Edmund Anthony

The Anthony family has a notable history in New England, tracing its origins back to William Anthony of Cologne, Germany. The family’s American legacy began with John Anthony, who arrived in 1634 and became a prominent figure in Rhode Island. His descendants played essential roles in local governance, commerce, and journalism. Edmund Anthony, a significant contributor to multiple newspapers, and his descendants continued this tradition, emphasizing civic duty while maintaining strong ties to the Republican Party. Their contributions reflect a deep commitment to community and public service over generations.

Howard Family of Brockton Massachusetts

D. S. Howard

The Howard family, descendants of John Haward who settled in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1651, has significantly influenced the local community for over 260 years. John was a prominent figure, serving as a military officer and town selectman. His lineage continued to produce notable members, including Capt. Daniel Howard, who helped establish North Bridgewater, and Daniel S. Howard, a successful shoe manufacturer and philanthropist. The family has maintained a legacy of service and respectability, exemplified by their contributions to local institutions and governance in Brockton.