Acton Massachusetts History

Acton Center,Acton Massachusetts

Acton in History traces the town’s development from its beginnings as Concord Village in the seventeenth century through its emergence as a modest industrial community. It gives particular attention to the religious life of the town, including the building of early meetinghouses and the long ministries of figures such as the Rev. John Swift and the Rev. James T. Woodbury. The work devotes substantial space to Acton’s role in the Revolution, especially the events at the North Bridge in 1775 and the loss of Captain Isaac Davis and his company of minute-men. It also follows the growth of local industries, from blacksmithing and cooperage to the far-reaching effects of the Fitchburg Railroad after its arrival in 1844. Later chapters include brief sketches of notable residents in the 1880s. Throughout, the narrative weaves in discussions of Acton’s everyday life, civic engagement, and social values.

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.

History of Derby Connecticut, 1642-1880

Edmund Leavenworth of Derby, Connecticut

The book titled “History of the Old Town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880” presents a comprehensive account of Derby’s development, including the town’s Indian history, early settlers, and significant events like the Revolutionary War. It emphasizes education, commerce, and church influences, while offering an extensive collection of biographies and genealogies.

History of the Town of Cornwall Connecticut

Foreign Mission School, Cornwall, Connecticut

The History of the Town of Cornwall Connecticut is a comprehensive account of the town’s evolution from colonial organization in 1731 to its involvement in national events like the Civil War. They include detailed geographical descriptions, ecclesiastical histories of local churches, and biographical sketches of families such as the Sedgwicks and Golds. The records also reflect social life, farming, early fashion, and the noteworthy Foreign Mission School.

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.

Early Records and Notes of the Brown Family

Early Records and Notes of the Brown Family

This is not a compiled genealogy, but rather, a compilation of notes, facts, and genealogies concerning the various early Brown families of the towns of Andover, Ipswich, Hamilton, Reading, Boston-Tewksbury, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Hampton NH, Haverhill, Salem, Watertown, Rowley, Sudbury, and Salisbury. Charlotte Helen Abbott compiled a series of volumes on early families of New England called the “Abbott Genealogies.” This is volume 7 of the series.

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.

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.

Genealogical Record of Thomas Wait and his descendants

Genealogical record of Thomas Wait and his descendants

Genealogical Record of Thomas Wait and his descendants looks at the genealogy of Thomas Wait (1601-1677) who was from Wethersfield Parish, Essex, England. On his arrival in America, landing in Rhode Island, he applied for a lot on which to build,and was granted it on 7/1/1639. On 3/l6/l641 he became a Freeman in Newport R. I. He died in Portsmouth R. I., before April 1677 intestate. This Thomas Wait was a cousin to the Richard Waite of Watertown Mass., who was a large land owner. This unpublished manuscript provides the descendants of this family.

Ancestry of Charles Henry Nye of Hyannis, MA

Charles Henry Nye of Hyannis, MA

Charles Henry Nye of Hyannis, a direct descendant of Benjamin Nye from Sandwich, MA, represents a storied lineage beginning with early settlers. Benjamin Nye arrived in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1635 and was active in community affairs, eventually establishing mills and serving in various public roles. Charles Henry, born in 1821, was an accomplished machinist and influential in the Cape Cod railroad. He married three times, last to Rose Berry, and contributed to local society while remaining engaged in community and fraternal organizations throughout his life.

Ancestry of Hon. Willard Nye of New Bedford, Massachusetts

william nye

The Hon. Willard Nye, a significant figure in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was born into the prominent Nye family, tracing lineage back to Benjamin Nye, an early settler from England. Benjamin and his descendants played vital roles in their community, engaging in public service and building mills in Sandwich, Massachusetts. Willard Nye, a successful merchant and mayor, was known for his integrity and civic involvement during the tumultuous times leading up to the Civil War. He died in 1865, leaving a legacy of public service and dedication to his community.

Holman Family of Attleboro Massachusetts

Samuel Morey Holman

The Holman family has been a significant presence in Massachusetts for over two centuries, deeply involved in the social, religious, and educational spheres of Attleboro. Their lineage traces back to Solomon Holman, an early settler believed to have arrived from Bermuda, whose descendants include notable figures like Rev. Nathan Holman and Dr. David Emory Holman. The family has contributed richly to local and national life, with members excelling in various professions, including ministry, medicine, and the arts, particularly through Samuel Francis Holman, an acclaimed artist in Paris.

Ancestors of George Mitchell Hooper of Bridgewater, MA

George Mitchell Hooper

The Hooper family, established in New England by William Hooper in 1635, has deep roots in Bridgewater, MA. His son, John Hooper, settled in Bridgewater and had several descendants involved in various local endeavors. George Mitchell Hooper, born in 1838, engaged in the brick manufacturing business and served in local government, reflecting the family’s long-standing commitment to community service. His marriage to Jane Hayward further connected the Hoopers to influential local families, including the Mitchells, whose ancestry traces back to early colonial times.

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.

Holman Family of Attleboro, MA

David Emory Holman

The Holman family of Attleboro, Massachusetts, has a rich heritage spanning over two centuries, tracing back to Solomon Holman, who arrived from the Bermuda Islands in the late 17th century. This lineage produced notable figures, including Rev. Nathan Holman, a long-serving pastor, and prominent descendants like Dr. David Emory Holman and artist Samuel Francis Holman. The family has significantly influenced the social, religious, and educational landscape of Attleboro, with members achieving distinction in various fields and maintaining a legacy of civic engagement and community upliftment.

Ancestors of Charles W. Milliken of Barnstable, MA

Dr. Charles Warren Milliken, a prominent physician from Barnstable, MA, traces his lineage to early settlers like Hugh Mulliken and John Milliken, revealing a rich familial history entwined with significant events in the region. His ancestors, including notable figures such as Edward Milliken, were influential in local governance and community development. The Milliken family contributed to society through professions in farming, law, and medicine, culminating in Dr. Milliken’s distinguished medical career and involvement in various professional organizations.

Descendants of William Swift of Sandwich, MA

Noble Parker Swift

Noble Parker Swift, born September 5, 1830, in Sagamore, Massachusetts, was the last of a prominent lineage of Cape Cod cattle dealers and butchers. Engaging early in his family’s meat business, he expanded into cranberry culture, becoming a notable landowner. A man of integrity and conservative principles, he never sought political office but was respected in local affairs. Swift married Sarah Elizabeth Hallett and had three children. He passed away on July 15, 1911, leaving a legacy intertwined with the development of the meat packing industry.

Ancestors of William J. Rotch of New Bedford, MA

William J. Rotch

The Rotch family has played a significant role in New Bedford’s history since the 18th century, greatly impacting its whaling and cotton industries. William Rotch, the first American ancestor, settled in Provincetown around 1700, later moving to New Bedford and pioneering the whale fishery there. His descendants continued to shape the city’s commercial landscape, including William J. Rotch, who became a notable businessman and public figure, serving as mayor and supporting various local enterprises and educational initiatives. The family’s legacy endures in New Bedford’s character and prosperity.