Lexington Town (part 11 of 25)

John -Smithy being the ancestor of the family, stands as No. 1. Against this number his personal history is given. He is separated from his children by a short rule or line. His number (1) is brought down against the name of his first child, John, who is numbered 2. The other children are numbered in succession - Francis, 3, Daniel, 4, and Thomas, 5. It is understood that the number of the parent stands against the name or number of each of the children. By inspecting the table, it will be seen that an obelisk is prefixed to the name of Thomas^ No. 5. This denotes that he will be brought forward again. To find the place where he will be further treated of, follow down the left hand of the page till you find the number of the father (1) and the number of the son (5) standing together thus : 1-5-. Thomas's number (5) is brought down against his children, whose consecutive numbers are 6 to 14, inclusive. Here again you find the obelisk against the names of Thomas, John, and Joseph, denoting that each of them will be further considered where their respective numbers, and that of their fathers, are found in the margin. Take the first named in this family, viz. Thomas, whose number is 8. He will be found in the table where his number is placed in the margin, standing at the right hand of the number of his father (5) thus : 5-8-. Against the number of Thomas (8) will be found the numbers of his children, from 15 to 20, inclusive. In this family, Thomas, Joseph, and Benjamin have the mark prefixed to their names, showing that they will be brought forward again and their families given. Take Joseph as an example, whose number is 19. Further along in -the margin, you will find 8, the number of the father, and 19, the number of Joseph ; there you will find his personal history, and below, against his number (19), you will find his children, numbered from 31 to 40, inclusive. Several of the sons are marked with an obelisk, showing that more will be said of them where their respective numbers are found in the margin associated with 19, the number of their father. Take Hezekiah, numbered 33, By following down the margin, we find 19-33- where Hezekiah is taken up as a father, and his history, and the names of his children, are given. From his children, who are marked for further consideration, we will select Joseph, whose number is 66. Following the direction already given, we find 33-66- in the margin, where a notice of him and his children will be found. If we should select Billings, numbered 140, and look for his appropriate place where his father's number {^^) and his own (140) are found in the margin, we should find among his children, Billings, our present fellowcitizen, standing as number 204.

By following these directions, the reader can easily trace the Smiths or any other family. This can be done backward as well as forward. Take, for example, Elias Smithy who married Harriet Hastings. His number is 152, which stands against 87, the number of his* father, Josiah. By following back the consecutive numbers, you find that 87 is the son of 40 of the same name ; and 40 is the son of 19, which is the number of Joseph, the father ; and 19 is the son of 8 ; and 8 the son of 5 ; and 5 the son of 2 ; and 2 the son of 1, the original ancestor.

In this way any family can easily be traced in the following register. It will be seen that each division of a family separated by a long rule or line, presents at once three generations - the grandfather, the father, and the children - the first by number, and the last two by name.

I have been thus particular, because people frequently complain that they cannot understand the arrangement of genealogists, or trace the connection between the diiferent branches or members of a family. The plan I have adopted is partly original, and is, I believe, more simple than any plan in use ; and if it be followed, will enable any person to trace the connection between the members of any family which is presented in a tabular form.

The Abbot Family

Adopting the alphabetical crder, we must place the Abbots at the head of the Lexington Families. They were not among the earliest settlers, nor were they very numerous, but for a time held a very respectable position among the people of the place. By the aid of the Abbot Genealogy, we are enabled to present a connected line of descent from the original emigrant.

George, the eldest son of the emigrant, b. in England, settled in Andover, 1655, where he m. May, f658, Sarah Farnum. He d. March 22, 1689, and she d. 1728, aged 90, the widow of Henry Ingalls.

Nehemiah Abbot, from Andover, bought, May 11, 1714, of Thomas Woolson, a house and land in Weston, known as the Stony Brook Mill Lot. He m. 1714, Sarah Foster. About 1719, heremoved to Lex. where a portion of his children were born. He was ad. to the ch in Lex. Feb. 23, 1724. His name first appears upon the Town Records in 1721. He served his fellow townsmen from time to time, as school committee man, assessor, and town treasurer. His wife probably d. 1770. He lived in the southwestern part of the town, now within the bounds of Lincoln.

Histoky Of Lexington

Joseph Abbot, m. March 24, 1752, Hannah White. He appears to iiave been the only son of" the family which remained in Lex. He resided at or near the Spaulding place in Lincoln, which was taken from Lex. when Line, was incorporated in 1754. Hence he is frequently mentioned in the Records as of Lincoln.

Joseph Abbot, m. April 30, 1778, Ruth Buckman of Lex. He resided in Line. #phere he had a family of children, several of whom were bap. in Lex. He subsequently moved to Sidney, Me.

The Adams Family

George Adams, a glover, and his wife Frances, settled in Wat. 1645. On the 4th of Nov. 1664, he sold to John Chenery his house and land in Wat. and moved to Camb. Farms, now Lex. probably about the time of this sale. The birth of 07ily two of his children is recorded ; though he had five or six at least.

George Adams, m. Jan. 20, 1684, Martha Fiske, dau. of John and Sarah (Wyeth) Fiske, of Camb. Farms. She was bap. in Wat. Nov. 21, 1686, and he was bap. and o. c. June 19, 1698. Both George Adams, and George Adams, Jr., were taxed in Camb. Farms ,in 1693, for the minister's salary, and for the purchase of the land which laid the foundation of the Ministerial Fund. He was an assessor in 1702 ; constable in 1715.

John Adams m. Oct. 27, 1714, Mary Flagg. He was probably the John Adams who m. Nov. 24, 1743, Mary Sanderson, of Walt. He was chosen to the dignified office of hog-reeve in 1715, showing that he was an inhabitant at that time, and that he had recently assumed another important relation. His last wife d. July 21, 1786, aged 95.

His wife d., and he m. Nov. 11, 1779, Katharine Bacon, of Wo. They had Zedekiah, bap. Oct. 3, 1784. Sampson Adams d. Aug. 26, 1785. She d. April 25, 1829, aged 84. His family record is imperfect. He had a son Thomas in the Revolution.

History Of Lexington

record is a baptismal one, which reads as follows: '* Oct. 30, 1791, bap. Benjamin Adams, Eliphalet Adams, and Nathaniel Adams, - children of Benjamin Adams, deceased."

Allen Or Alline

In 1783, on the 24th of March, Ezeklel Allen, of Lex., and Sarah Abbot, of Line, were united in marriage. Ezekiel Allen was taxed in Lex. from 1778 to 1783, when his name disappears. Phinehas Allen Avas taxed in town as a resident in 1783. Ezekiel Allen, or AUine, as the name is sometimes spelt, was in the first eight months' service of the Revolution from Lex. in 1775.

Galen Allen, b. Aug. 19, 1802, Acworth, N. H. Was a son of Galen Allen, formerly of Bridgewater, Mass. He came to Lex. a single man about 1835, and m. April 4, 1839, Lavinia Munroe, dau. of John Munroe, b. Oct. 16, 1823. He d. June 29, 1864, and she d. April 22, 1865. He filled the office of selectman for several years.

The Angier Family

John Angier, of Maiden, m. IMarch 2, 1794, Mary Simonds, of Lex., dau. of John and Mary (Tufts) Simonds. He must have established himself in town immediately after his marriage, for his name appears soon after upon the tax bills. He resided on Burlington Street, near what was called Bull Hill Meadow.

Amos, b. Dec. 27, 1802; m. Nov. 3, 1828, Esther R. Winn, of Salem, dau. of Benjamin and Susan (Estabrook) Winn, formerly of Bur. Chil. : Amos M.. b. Feb. 28, 1831; m. May 31, 1857, Sarah F. Blaisdell, of Chai-lestown ; Lucius B., b. May 14, 1833. He served in Mass. Vols, in the late rebellion ; Louisa, b. Sept. 27, 1835 ; Henry A., b. Apr. 30, 1838. He Avas in the first three months' vols., was wounded and taken prisoner at the first Bull Run battle, and confined at Richmond. He is married, and resides at Somerville; Everett M., b. Dec. 1841.

ARMS. - Richard Arms, sometimes spelled Orms, was ad. to the ch. in Lex. Apr. 10, 1709. He m. Oct. 28, 1714, Sarah Carley, of Lex. No record of children. Rev Mr. Hancock made the following entry in the ch. record, Mar. 24, 1752 : " Baptized Sarah Arms at her house, she being above eighty years old, and confined ; I preached there at the same time." She d. July 8, 17G0, aged 88. He d. Apr. 26, 1736. He was constable in 1728, and committee to provide for the schools in 1733, and subsequently. He was a shoemaker by trade, and resided on the hill west of the residence of the late Col. Merriam. The names of Arms and Carley have long since become extinct in Lex.

The Babcock Family

Leonard Gardner Babcock, b. May 28, 1841 ; m. Dec. 25, 1864, Frances C. Chalmers, of Galesburg, 111. He is son of Dr. Aaron G. and Anna (Blashfield) Babcock, of Princeton, Mass., who was a descendant of Malachi Babcock, of Sherburn. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, being at St. Louis, he entered the 11th 111. Reg. for three years. He was in several battles, and at Fort Donelson received six wounds, several of them very severe. He came to Lex. where he had relatives, in May, 1866. In Apr. 1867, he was appointed Postmaster. He has one child, Frederick G., b. Nov. 1, 1865.

The Bacon Family

Nathaniel Bacon and his wife Abigail were in Lex. in 1729, when we find the birth of one of their children. He d, Oct. 19, 1773, aged 74. His wife survived him many years. The record of their family is meagre.

The Baily Family

Lydia Ann, b. Feb. 17, 1820 ; m. Apr. 30, 1837, Charles Hutchinson. They have three children, Abigail Angeline, m. 1862, Henry Capell; Lydia Ann Addia, m. 1867, R. L. Woodbury; Elvira Augusta, ni. 1864, Charles A. Grover.

The Bate Family

Benjamin Bate and his wife Mary were ad. to the ch. in Lex. Oct. 31, 1703, '* by a letter of dismission from the church of Christ at Hingham." May 27, 1716, Benjamin Bate confessed to the ch. that "through the temptations of the Devill and his own corrupt heart, he had been led into many sins, particularly Sabbath breaking, which is a leading sin to other hainous sins ; therefore, being easily taken by the Devill at his will, fell into the sin of killing John Lawrence's cow y® night before y" last, leaving y® ax sticking in its body." - A solemn warning surely to resist the ' Devill,' and avoid Sabbath breaking.

The Barrett Family

IIuMPHREY Barrett came from Eng. and settled in Con. 1640. He d. 1662, and his wife d. 1663. They had 4 sons, one of whom, Thomas, was drowned in Con. River. Oliver Barrett, a grandson of the emigrant, m. Oct. 24, 1754, Anna Fiske, dau. of Ebenezer and Grace (Harrington) Fiske, of Lex. and settled in Chelmsford. About 1770, he moved to Westford, and afterwards entered the army, and d. at Albany, leaving 7 children. One of their sons, viz. Benjamin Barrett, b. Jan. 16, 1770, m. Betsey Gerrish, dau. of Samuel Gerrish, of Westminster. He d. in Springfield, N. Y., to which place he had removed, Oct. 21, 1844. He had 11 children, of whom 4 received a collegiate education, and 3 of them were clergymen. The late Samuel Barrett, D. D., of Boston, was one of them.

Principal of Hallowell Academy, Me., he entered the mini«try, and was settled in Lex. Sept. 1849. In 1852, he was dismissed at his own request, and has subsequently been settled in Scituate and Stonehara. He m. June 8, 1853, Ann E. T. Henchman, dau. of David Henchman, of Boston. She is not living.

The Beals Family

John Beals was b. in Salem, Jan. 20, 1801, where his father resided. His mother was a Bacon from Bedford. He came early to Lex. to reside with his grandmother Bacon, and in 1825 m. Mary S. Brown, dau. of John D. Brown. She d. Apr. 4, 1865, and he m. Apr. 2, 1867, Eleanor Adams, dau. of Samuel Adams. He had one child, George, b. May 13, 1827 ; d. Mar. 16, 1828.

The Bennett Family

His wife d. and be m. Dec. 14, 1784, Olive Shattuck, dau. of John and Elizabeth Shattuck ; she was b. Jan. 27, 1753, and hence was 17 years younger than her husband. He settled in the northwest corner of Ashby, near Watatick Mountain, adjoining the bounds of Ashburnham and New Ipswich. He d. Aug. 9, 1808, aged 71 years, 4 mo. and 4 days. He was in the army of the Revolution. In 1775, he was stationed at Lechmere's Point, East Cambridge, and was in the battle of Bunker Hill ; he was in other battles, and had the command of a company. His wid. m. Jan. 25, 1816, Nehemiah Hardy, of HoUis, N. H. Capt. Bennett had by his 2d wife the following children.

James H. Bennett m. Oct. 22, 1820, Winifred Knowles, b. in Truro, June 21, 1800. He commenced business in Boston in 1822, and continued his residence there till 1845, when he came to Lex. and soon after closed his business in the city. He was in the West India goods trade. After he closed his business in Boston, he opened a store in Lex. where he traded several years.

The Blanchard Family

George Blanchard was early in Lex. and ra. about. 1707, Sarah Munroe, dau. of the original emigrant. They were ad. to the eh. Jan. 18, 1708, when their first child was bap. There seem to have been others of the same name, as Lydia, Nathaniel, Mary, and William were bap. about the same time. They may have resided in Wo. - At a later day, Elhanan Blancliard and his wife Betsey E., had Betsey, b. Sept. 2, 1809 ; Mary Ann, b. Nov. 8, 1811 ; John W., b. Dec. 2, 1813; Alanson, b. June 2, 1816; James P., b. Dec. 13, 1821, d. young; James P., b. Dec. 20, 1824; George W., b. Feb. 27, 1828.

The Blasdel Family

The Lex. records giving no information of the family, our record is necessarily brief and imperfect. Abner Blasdel, of Portsmouth, N. H., m. Judith Powers, and had five children. She is now residing in Lex. in her 78th year, with her dau. Sarah Adelaide, who was b. Dec. 27, 1825, and m. Feb. 7, 1847, George N. Dexter. They have been in Lex. several years.

John C. Blasdel, the oldest son of Abner and Judith, was b. 1809, and m. Joanna Chase Perkins, of Gardiner, Me. They resided in Boston several years, when he moved to Lex. about 1851. lie purchased the mansion house, built by Capt. Daniel Chandler, Avhich he has adorned and improved. He was chosen in Nov., 1867, to represent the District in the Legislature. They have no children.

The Blinn Family

James Blinn m. a Miss Gilmore, of Woolwich, Me., by whom he had a family of ten children. James, one of his sons, m. Abigail De Lans, of Plymouth, Mass. They had a large family of children.

Richard D. Blinn, m. Apr. 26, 1855, Charlotte Piper, of Bed. He came to Lex. from Bed. in 1852, and went upon the railroad as brakeman or baggage master. In about two years he was promoted to the place of conductor. He has been for the last two or three years president of the road.

The Blodgett Family

Thomas Blodgett, the ancestor of the greater part of the Lex. Blodgetts, was from Wo. He was a son of Samuel Blodgett, and wasb. 1G60. He m. Nov. 11, 1684, Rebecca Tidd, dau. of John and Rebecca Tidd, then of Wo., but afterwards of Lex. A portion of their children were b. in Wo. and the remainder in Lex. Mr. Blodgett was a subscriber to the meeting house in the Precinct in 1692, but does not appear to have been a taxable inhabitant till 1694. He and his wife were ad. to the ch. in Lex. Mar. 5, 1699, by a letter of dismission from the Wo. ch. Mr. Blodgett, or Capt. Blodgett as he is generally designated, became a useful and prominent man in the town. He was an assessor in 1710, and after the town was incorporated, he filled almost every place of honor and trust. In 1714, he was chosen one of the selectmen - an office to which he was often re-elected. He also represented the town in the General Court. He resided on Adams street, near its intersection with North street. He d. Sept. 29, 1740, aged 80. She d. July 3, 1716.

Histoey Of Lexington

Phinehas Blodgett, m. Oct. 10, 1753, Joanna Locke. He was one of the patriotic band which marched, 1757, to the relief of Fort William-Henry.

JosiAH Blodgett, m. Ap. 24, 1700, Jane Thorn. They o. c. Ap. 12, 1761. He was one of the brave men who repaired to Camb. on the 17th of June, 1775, under Capt. Parker. He had been in the French war."

Peter Blodgett, m. Dec. 14, 1823, Tryphena Caldwell, dau. of Thomas and Anna (Merriam) Caldwell, of Woburn, who removed to Lex. about 1803. Peter Blodgett d. May 8, 1836, aged 67.

There has been another family of Blodgetts in Lex. not traceable on our records, though undoubtedly of the same parent stock with the family above.

Charles, m. INIary Ann Dizer ; and Eliza Smith, Mar. 29, 1831. Amos, m. and was drowtied at Neponset. Darius, m. Ann Tileston, went West and d.

Clarissa, m. Josiah Johnson, of Wo. He d. and she m. Mar. 3, 1818, Nath'l Bryant, of Boston. They are now residing in Lex. Buth, m. Wm. Tileston. They moved to the West.

The Bond Family

This family came originally from Wat., and are the descendants of William Bond, who came to this country about 1630. He settled in Wat. where he m. Feb. 7, 1649, Sarah Briscoe, by whom he had nine children. Thomas, their third son, b. Dec. 22, 1654; m. Sept. 30, 1680, Sarah Woolson of that town. His 3d son, John, b. July 14, 1695, was by calling a tailor. He m. Sarah Mason, by whom he had six children. She dying, he m. Ruhamah Whittemore, wid. of Benjamin Whittemore, of Con. His first three children were born in Wat., the others in Lex., to which he had removed. In 1726, he bought two houses and lands, and a wood lot in Lex. for £480.

Joshua Bond, m MilHcent Russell, dau. of Philip and Sarah Russell, who was b. Dec. 29, 1720. He was a tailor by trade. He d. Feb. 18, 1790, and she d. Ap. 28, 1795, aged 75. There seems to have been a little opposition, or at least distrust, on the part of her father, who, though he gave her the usual outfit of that day, was careful to loan the articles to her, so that he could reclaim them in case of necessity.

Though this family was quite numeroui, consisting of eleven children, by the early death or removal from town of the sons, the name soon disappeared.

The Bowman Family

Nathaniel Bowman, of Watertown, was the progenitor of those of that naijae who settled at Cambridge Farms. Mr. Bowman was one of the early proprietors of Wat.- his name being on the records iu 1636-7. He removed early to Cambridge Farms, and settled on lands purchased of Edward Goffe, situated in the southeasterly part of the town, near Arlington line. His wife, Anna, probably died first, as no mention is made of her in his will. He d. Jan. 21, 1682. His will bearsdate Oct. 21, 1679, and was proved Apr. 4, 1682. He gives to his son Francis the farm on which he lived, - Francis to pay Nathaniel £25, and in case he should die without issue, it was to revert to the children of Francis. His real estate was inventoried as follows: House and 10 acres of land, £120; 20 acres of meadow, £50 ; 70 acres of upland unimproved, £70. His children, as far as known, were as follows :

Francis Bowman, m. first, June 26, 1684, Lydia, dau. of Dea. Samuel and Sarah Stone of Camb., second, Ruth, dau. of Rev. Samuei Angier. By a will, dated 1744, he directed his wife Ruth "to take as her own proper estate forever three of my negro servants, viz. Battiss, Philliss, and Pompy, so named. Also' I give to my granddaughter,_ Ruth Bowman, full power at my decease to take my negro boy Domini to be her own forever, - she paying her brother Francis £20 old tenor at the time of receiving Domini." He mentions in his will, wife Ruth, son Isaac, and dau. Mary Morse, Lydia Simonds, and Sarah Russell. Francis Bowman was among the most prominent men in the township, filling from time to time every office in the o-ift of the people. In 1693 he was on the committee to purchase land for the support of the ministry, and was on the first board of selectmen and assessors under the town organization, to which posts he was frequently re-elected. He also represented the town in the General Court. 1720, '22, '26, '27, '32, '33. He was also one of the Royal Magistrates first appointed in 1720. He appears to have been much respected; for in "seating the meeting house" he was one of the three who were permitted to sit at the table ; and his wife was '* plaste in y« fore seatt in y^ body of seats."

d. Apr. 8, 1762, aged 88. He was one of the leading and influential men of the town, both in municipal and church affairs. He filled the office of town clerk, assessor, and selectman repeatedly. He was on the board of selectmen fifteen years, and a representative six years. He was also a justice of the peace for many years.

Isaac Bowman m. Mar. 28, 1716, Elizabeth Harrington. She d. June 8, 1741, and he m. Sarah Munroe, wid. of William Munroe. Isaac Bowman and his wife Elizabeth united with the ch. Feb. 18, 1728. He d. July 18, 1785, in the 92d year of his age. His wife Sarah d. a few months before him, viz. Apr. 13, 1785. He filled every office in town, from field-driver to representative. He was a magistrate for many years.

Weston. Thaddeus and Sarah united with the ch. Dec. 6, 1741, He enjoyed the confidence of his townsmen, and was often called to fill offices of honor and trust. He was also captain of a company.

Joseph, b. Feb. 13, 1741 ; m. Nov. 22, 1764, Catharine, dau. of William and Sarah (Mason) Munroe. He soon after removed to New Braintree. He was an ensign of a company of fifty men from that small town, who marched to Boston on the report of the attaclcupon the company at Lex. on the 19th of April. He' soon after joined the army, and commanded a battalion at the Battle of Bennington, and the other battles which resulted in the capture of Burgoyne. Maj. Bowman was not only a leading man in the town of New Braintree, but his family uniting the blood of the Bowmans and Munroes of Lex. became one of the most influential in that part of Worcester County. His daughters intermarried with the Delanos, Woods, Fields, &c., in New Braintree and the neighboring towns. His son Joseph, b. Sept. 10, 1771, represented the town of New Braintree in the General Court fourteen years, between 1807 and 1839. He was a Senator from the County of Worcester in 1828 and 1829, and was a member of the Governor's Council in 1832, '33, and '34. He was also President of the Hampshire Manufacturer's Bank, chosen annually for twenty-one consecutive years. Few men retained the confidence of the public as long as did Hon. Joseph Bowman.

Isaac Bowman, another son of Maj. Joseph Bowman, moved to Wilkesbari-e, Penn., about 1795, where he soon acquired the confidence of the people, was chosen General, and promoted to other offices of power and trust.

Thaddeus, h. Feb. 10, 1743; m. Nov. 7, 1764, Elizabeth Lawrence, b. Dec. 13, 1741, dau. of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Swain) Lawrence. He was a member of Capt. Parker's company in 1775, and was the messenger who brought the first reliable intelligence of the near and rapid approach of the British upon Lex. on the morning of the 19th of April, 1775. On the year following, Thaddeus and his wife Elizabeth were dismissed from the Lex. ch. to that of Winchendon, to which place they had r*;moYed.

Solomon, b. June 2, 1745. He was a Lieutenant in the 25th Regiment of the army of 1775, was in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was killed at the battle of Monmouth, in 1778.

Samuel, b. Dec. 2, 1753. (Samuel and the following children were by Thaddeus's second wife.) Samuel Bowman enlisted at the commencement of the Revolution, and became a captain in the Continental line, and served to the close of the war. It is said that he was with Maj. Andre the night before his execution, and commanded the guard which conducted him to the gallows. He m. in Philadelphia, Nov. 3, 1784, Eleanor Ledlie, whose parents were from Ireland. About 1789, he moved to Wilkesbarre, Penn., where his wife had a large estate, and where he had a family of children, some of whom have become quite distinguished.

William Bowman m. May 5, 1753, Mary Reed, of Lex. Previ-- ous to his marriage he resided in Narraganset No. 2, (now Westminster,) in which settlement his father had an interest. He was dismissed from the ch. of Lex. and recommended to that of Narraganset, Sept. 26, 1742. We find in a pamphlet history of Westminster, published in 1832, the following well authenticated anecdote of William Bowman.*

" In 1748, William Bowman, from Lexington, who had been in the township five or six years, and who garrisoned, if not resided, with Capt. Hoar, was mowing one day in the field, some distance from Hoar's fort, when he discovered some Indians in the a<ljacent woods. They had placed themselves in such a position as to cut him off from his fort; and no doubt felt sure of their victim. Bowman very adroitly concealed his agitation, and, as though he had made no discovery, kept at work, but moving at the same time in a direction from the fort and his insidious foe, until he had gained the declivity of a hill, when he dropped his scythe, and made for Grave's fort in another part of the town about two miles distant, with such speed as to elude the grasp of his fleet-footed pursuers. Bowman soon after this occurrence left the place, having no desire, it would seem, to continue his hand with adversaries trained to every art of guile, and every method of cruelty and torture."

After leaving Westminster, he returned to Lexington, and married as before stated. He at last moved to West Cambridge. He d. Oct. 12, 1793, aged 78 years. His wife d. Oct. 27, 1802, aged 76.

John Bow^man m. Feb. 19, 1737, Susanna Cooledge, dau. of Capt. Joseph and Elizabeth (Bond) Cooledge of Wat. They owned the covenant in Lex. Dec. 4, 1737. He d. Apr. 21, 1760.

The Bradshaw Family

The name of Bradshaw is but rarely found on the Lex. records. Those of that name probably came from Camb. or Med. where the Bradshaws were somewhat numerous.

The Bridge Family

The Bridges, who were among the earliest settlers in what now comprises the town of Lexington, were the descendants of Deacon John Bridge of Camb. He came from Essex County, England, in what was called Hooker's Company, and settled in Camb. in 1632. Hooker and a great part of his company, as we have already seen, removed to Conn, and commenced the settlement of Hartford; but Mr. Bridge remained, and connected himself with Mr. Shepherd's church - of which he was for many years a leading member and officer. He was ad. a freeman in 1634. He was an influential and prominent man, not only in the church, but in the town and in the Colony. He filled almost every office of honor and profit within the gift of his fellow citizens. He represented them in the General Court in 1637, '38, '39, and '41, and served them as selectman eleven years from 1635 to 1652. He was also often employed by the General Court to lay out lands, serve on committees, and perform other important duties. He was a large landholder, not only in Camb. but in other parts of the Colony. He was one of the first to whom lands were granted at the " Farms," as this part of Camb. was then called. As early as 1643, he had a lot granted him on Vine Brook in Lex. and this lot was described as bounding upon his other and earlier improved lands.

He had a daughter Sarah, b. Feb. 16, 1649, who probably died in early infancy. His son Thomas d. 1656 The inventory of his estate was dated Dec. 1, 1656, and was returned by his father Jan. 10, 1657. Thomas left a widow, Dorcas, and a daughter of the same name. His wid. m. Jan. 3, 1666, Daniel Champney, of Camb. The will of John Bridge, proved Oct. 3, 1665, mentions his wife Elizabeth, his son Matthew, daughter-in-law Dorcas, and sister Betts. His wife, it is said, had previously been the wife of Roger Bancroft, and of Martin Saunders ; and after the decease of Dea. Bridge, she had a fourth husband, Edward Taylor, of Boston. She was living in 1683.

Matthew Bridge, son of John Bridge, was a lad when he came to this country. In 1643, eleven years after he came to the Colony, he was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. About the same time, viz. 1643 or 4, he m. Anna Danforth, dau. of Nicholas Danforth, formerly of Fraraingham, Suffolk, England. He d. Apr. 28, 1700 ; and she survived him about four years, and d. Dec. 2, 1704. We have no means of knowing the exact time when Matthew Bridge took up his abode at Cambridge Farms ; but as his father owned lands on Vine Brook, within the territory, and these lands were cultivated, so far at least as to cut the grass, as early as 1643, it is probable that he removed to the place soon after. He was in the place at the organization of the Parish in 1692, and had previously subscribed towards the erection of a meeting-house. He was a large landholder ; and in the first parish tax in 1693, he stood higher on the list than any other man except Samuel Stone, Sen. William Munroe, Sen. and Benjamin Muzzy. Though quite advanced in life, he was appointed on a committee to wait upon Mr. Hancock, and make the necessary arrangements for his ordination in 1698. As a mark of distinction, he was seated at the table in the meeting-house by the order of the Parish.

Matthew Bridge m. 1687, Abigail Russell, dau. of Joseph and Mary Russell of Camb. who d. Dec. 14, 1722, aged 55. His will, dated and proved in 1738, mentions sons Matthew, John and Samuel, and daughters, Abigail Whitney, Elizabeth and Martha. He was either b. in Camb. Farms, or came here in early infancy. He was a soldier in the Narragansett war, and served in the ill-fated Canada expedition from July to Nov. 21, 1690. He was a subscriber for the first meeting-house in Lex. 1692, and was clerk of the precinct eight or ten consecutive years. He enjoyeci in a great degree the confidence of his townsmen, who conferred upon him with a liberal hand their temporary honors. He was chosen, at their first organization as a town, first selectman, treasurer, and clerk - to which ofiices he was reelected on the following year. He served many years as Treasurer, and filled almost every town office from time to time. He was also a prominent member of the church to which he was admitted Dec. 7, 1718.

Abigail, b. Apr. 1, 1696; m. Benjamin Whitney, then of Marlborough, but afterwards of Boston, about 1730. She was his second wife, and had five children, - making in all fourteen children b. to Benjamin Whitney. She d. Aug. 1, 1767.

Matthew Bridge m. Mar. 22, 1719, Abigail Bowman. He resided in Lex. till 1748, when he moved with his family to Walt., to the ch. of which place he and his wife, together with Nathaniel and Sarah Bridge, were dismissed from the ch. of Lex. Like his father, he filled the ofiice of selectman, town clerk, treasurer, and assessor before leaving his native place. She d. Dec. 13, 1797, aged 92.

Thomas, b. July 8, 1723 ; went to Spencer and m. 1745, Mary Harrington, of Brookfield. He removed to Shutesbury in 1771, and was living there in 1795. He had a family of eight children between 1745 and 1764.

Josiah, b. Dec. 28, 1739 ; grad. H. C. 1758 ; ordained as a clergyman at East Sudbury (now Wayland) Nov. 4, 1761. He d. June 21, 1801. He was quite distinguished in his profession. He preached an election sermon. He m. Martha, dau. of Rev. Aaron Smith, of Marlborough, and had a family of six children. His youngest son, Josiah, m. Eunice Morse and moved to Lancaster, where he had, among other children, William F., who was b. Feb. 15, 1821, grad. H. C. 1846, studied theology, and was settled in East Lex. 1849. It is a remarkable fact that though Rev. William F. Bridge came to Lex. a stranger, he, through the line of his ancestors, had been only one generation from the town.

Samuel Bridge m. Susanna Reed, who d. in childbed Jan. 16, 1735, aged 24 years, and he m. Apr. 27, 1738, Martha Bowman, dau. of Joseph and Phebe. She d. June 10, 1793, aged 76, and he d. June 8, 1791, aged 86. Samuel Bridge appears to have been very unfortunate in his family, losing a large number of his children in their infancy.

Edmund, b. Aug. 8, 1739 ; m. Sept. 6, 1764, Phebe Bowman. He united with the ch. in Lex. in 1764. He moved to Pownalborough, Me., afterwards called Dresden, to the ch. of which he and his wife were dismissed from Lex. June 26', 1801. He was appointed by Gov. Hancock sheriff of Lincoln co., an office which he held about thirty years. He d. Sept. 10, 1826, aged 87. He had several sons, who were quite distinguished. His oldest son, James, was grad. H. C. 1787, studied law with Judge Parsons, and established himself at Augusta, Me. He filled the office of judge and counsellor, and was offered by John Quincy Adams, his old class-mate, a mission to Russia, which he declined on account of ill health. He d. 1834. Edmund, a brother of James, was a distinguished merchant at Wilmington, N. C, where he d. 1822. Nathan, another brother, was a lawyer in Gardner, Me. He d. 1828. Samuel, another brother, was a merchant in Boston, and for a time was partner of the late Robert G. Shaw. He moved to Dresden, Me., where he d. 1822. His son, Samuel J. Bridge, b. 1S12, was appointed in 1841 an appraiser in the Boston custom house, where he remained twelve years, when he was appointed appraiser-general for the Pacific Coast, and resides at San Francisco. William, another brother of James, Edmund, &c., was a merchant at Augusta, and afterwards moved to New Orleans, where he d. 1818. Joseph Bowman Bridge, the last of the brothers, resided in Me., where he filled various offices. He was an elector for President in 1848, when Gen. Taylor was chosen.

Francis, bap. Aug. 28, 1748; m. Feb. 11, 1773, Eunice Brown. He resided many years in Winchendon. They had one child, Lucy, bap. in Lex. 1789. He d. Apr. 28, 1796. He had other children, among whom was Ruhamah, who ra. Feb. 6, 1810, James Tyler, of Charlestown.

Matthew Bkidge grad. H. C. 1741. He studied Divinity and settled in Framingham, Feb. 19, 1746. He m. Anna Perkins, of Bridgewater, dau. of Rev. David Perkins. He d. Sept. 2, 1775, and his wid. m. Rev. Timothy Harrington, of Lancaster. At the breaking out of the Revolution, Mr. Bridge, in common with other patriotic clergymen, volunteered his services as Chaplain to the American Army, which was stationed at Cambridge. While in the discharge of his duty, he was seized with an epidemic disease which prevailed in the camp, to which he fell a sacrifice in a week or two after he returned home.

Joseph Bridge ra. May 3, 1757, Eliot Reed, dau. of William and Sarah Reed, who was b. Apr. 28, 1731. They were ad. to the ch. July 23, 1758. He d. Sept. 11, 1775, aged 45. They were severely afflicted in the loss of their children.

John Bridge m. Apr. 14, 1761, Hannah Reed, dau. of William and Sarah, who was b. Oct. 21, 1740. She d. Oct. 26, 1782; and he m. Mary Moore. She d. Apr. 1, 1788, leaving an infant one year old. He was a soldier under Capt. Blodgett, who marched for the relief of Fort William-Henry, in 1757, and was several times called into active service during the Revolution. He was a member of Capt. Parker's company, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill. He rose to the rank of Maj. in the militia. He filled many posts of honor in the town, and was for a long time a leading magistrate, and solemnized more marriages than any other Justice in the town.

Matthew Bridge m. Apr. 29, 1779, Alice Parker. He moved to Charlestown, where he became a prominent merchant. He and his partner, T. K. Jones, are said to have owned the first copperbottomed ship which sailed out of Boston.

Jonathan Bridge m. Feb. 22, 1781, Phebe Bowman, of Camb. They were ad. to the ch. Mar. 30, 1785. He was one of a detachment of Capt. Parker's Co., which marched to Cambridge on the memorable 17th of June, 1775. He d. 1849, aged 91.

The Brigham Family

Aaron Brigham b. 1785, son of Ithamar Brigham, of Marlboro', m. 1808, Comfort Valentine, by whom he had three children, Catharine, William, and Sophia. Catharine was an invalid, and for years could not dress herself, or get off from her bed without help. Her father, after doing business in Boston, and acquiring a comfortable property, purchased a small farm, and came to Lex. in 1853, hoping that the country air might prove beneficial to his feeble daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Brigham were very domestic, and seemed to make the comfort of their invalid daughter the great object of their care ; and the daughter often expressed the hope that she should not survive her parents. Though Mr. Brigham enjoyed good health for a man of his years, he was taken down with a fever, and d. Oct. 3, 1863, aged 78 years. His wife d. suddenly Dec. 19, 1863, aged 80 years ; and Catharine, the invalid daughter, as if she haii nothing on earth to live for, d. Dec. 29th of the same year, aged 54 years. Thus, in less than three months, the whole family in Lex. i ecame extinct.

William Brigham b. Mar. 27, 1805, came to Lex. about 1830. He m. Aug. 4, 1835, Abby Ann Muzzey, dau. of Rev. William and Anna Muzzey. He is a dea. of the Unitarian church, and takes a lively interest in religious affairs. They have but one child, Laura Muzzey, b. July 20, 1836.

Dea. Brigham is a son o? Elijali and Mary (Gleason) Brigham, of Sudbury, who had a family of eleven children. Elijah was born Oct. 13, 1776, and was a direct descendant from John Brigham, the second son of Thomas who came to this country in 1635, in the ship Susan & Ellyn, and settled in Wat.

The Brown Family

The name of Brown is so common, that in tracing the line of family descent, we are in great danger of confounding one person with another, and of becoming bewildered among the William Browns and John Browns, as we should be if we fell into the labyrinths of the John Smiths. But being favored by the labors of one of the family, I have been materially aided in giving a connected view of the Lex. Browns. The original ancestor of this family, who came to this country, was

John Brown, who was baptized at Hawkedon, Eng. Oct. 11, 1601. He was son of John, an elder brother of Richard Brown ; he arrived in New England in the ship Lion, Sept. 16, 1632, and settled in Wat. He was ad. freeman in 1634, and d. June, 1636, aged 36. By his wife Dorothy, he had three children, one of whom must have been born abroad.

John Bbownj m. Apr. 24, 1655, Esther, or as it is sometimes written, Hester Makepeace, of Boston. They had eleven children - the first four of whom were born in Camb. and the remaining seven in Marlborough, to which place he had removed. He sold out his place in Marl, to Thomas Rice, and removed lo Falmouth, and from thence to Wat. His Will, dated at Wat. Nov. 20, 1697, in which he is designated as "late of Falmouth," mentions his wife Hester; sons John, Thomas, Daniel, and Joseph; dau. Deborah Meacham ; sons-in-law John Gustin, John Adams, Thomas Darby, and John Hartshorne.

Joseph Bkown m. in Wat. Nov. 15, 1699, Ruhamah Wellington, dau. of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Sweetman) Wellington, of that place. He probably settled at Wat. Farms, (now Weston,) as he sold a place there in 1709, soon after which he removed to Lex. On the 31st of May, 1713, he and his wife were ad. to the ch. in Lex. and a few weeks after one of their children was baptized. He was a prominent member of the ch. and was chosen dea. in 1727, which office he held till his death in 1764. His services were also appreciated in tlie town. While in Wat. he was constable, selectman, and town clerk ; and after he came to Lex. he was called to fill similar offices, being assessor, and selectman. He d. in Lex. Jan. 11, 1764, aged 86. She d. July 1, 1772, aged 91. They lived together, husband and wife, 64 years.

History Of Lexington

James Brown m. Jan. 21, 1735, Jane Bowman, dau. of Nathaniel and Anne Bowman. She d. May 8, 1761, and he ra. Elizabeth, wid. of Hezekiah Smith, of Lex., May 18, 1762. James Brown and Jane were ad. to the ch. Oct. 19, 1735 ; he was chosen dea. 1756, and filled that office till June 11, 1768, when his earthly labors ceased. His wid. d. Dec. 29, 1774.

Benjamin Brown, m. Dec. 22, 1742, Sarah Reed, dau. of William Reed, Esq. and Sarah (Poulter) his wife. He was chosen dea. Oct. 14, 1768. He was justice of the peace. He d. Mar. 4, 1802.

Benjamin, b. Jan. 1, 1744; m. June 12, 1769, Esther Whittemore, of Lex. They were dismissed to the ch. in Templeton, Apr. 26, 1772, - since Phillipston.

Solomon, b. Jan 15, 1757, He was not only one of the heroes of the 19th of Apr. 1775, but he commenced his patriotic labors the day preceeding. He was the first who brought the intelligence into Lex. that a number of British officers were on their way from Boston ; and when they had passed above Lex. he was one who volunteered to follow them and watch their movements. He was taken prisoner and detained several hours on the evening of the 18th, which of course prepared his mind for the events of the following day. Subsequently he removed to Vt.

Francis Brown m. Feb. 16, 1764, Mary Buckman, dau. of John and Mary (Fiske) Buckman, of Lex. b. Dec. 27, 1749. They were ad. to the ch. Nov. 24, 1765. He was one of that gallant band which boldly stood before the British troops on the memorable 19th of April, 1775. He met the enemy in the morning, and on their flight from Concord they were again met by Capt. Parker's co. in Lincoln, where Brown received a very severe wound, - a ball entering his cheek, passed under his ear, and lodged in the back part of his neck, from which it was extracted the year following. But notwithstanding this severe casualty, he commanded the Lex. co. in 1776, and lived about twenty-five years after the event.

Thaddeus Brown m. Nov. 16, 1769, Bethiah, dau. of Amos and Esther (Green) Muzzy. They resided in Lex. till 1785, when they removed to Templeton, to the ch. of which they were dismissed.

James Brown m. May 30, 1780, Betty Reed, dau. of Hammond and Betty (Simonds) Reed, b. Dec. 12, 1757. They were ad. to the ch. Apr. 4, 1781. He was subsequently a dea. of the ch. It is a singular fact that he was the fourth Brown who filled that office in Lex. ch.

Nathan Brown, m. Dec. 25, 1788, Lydia, dau. of William Muzzy. They moved to Phillipston, where they had a family Their first two children were born in Lex. Nathan, bap. Aug. 29, 1790, and Lydia, bap. Jan. 10, 1793.

James Brown, m. Oct. 19, 1799, Pamela, dau. of Edmund and Rebecca Munroe. They were ad. to the ch. May 2, 1813, and five of their children were baptized the next Sabbath.

Francis Brown, m. Jan. 1, 1833, Caroline Matilda Kuhn, dau. of John and Sarah of Boston, b. Dec. 15, 1812. He is a merchant in Boston, has represented the city in the General Court, and in the city government, and has for a long period held by appointment of Governor, the office of Inspector of butter and lard. They have had at least two children- Francis H., b. Aug. 8, 1835; grad. at H. C. 1857 ; and Horace S., b. Aug. 9, 1847 ; d. May 30, 1848.

Charles Brown, m. May 9, 1839, Sarah Ann Sumner, dan. of James and Sally Sumner. She was b. Jan. 27, 1820. He represented the town in the General Court, 1854.

The Bryant Family

JosiAH Bryant, son of Josiah and Lydia (Green) Bryant, of South Reading, was. b. June 20, 1778. He m. Aug. 28, 1803, Sally Withington, of Dorchester, dau. of Edward and Eunice (Tucker) Withington, b. Mar. 24, 1778. He probably came to Lex. about the time of his marriage, as his wife was ad. to the oh. the year 1 after. He d. Nov. 14, 1837.

Albert W. Bryant m. May 9, 1838, Elizabeth Wellington, dau. of Marshall and Elizabeth Wellington. She d. July 15, 1840, and he m. Aug. 23, 1841, Nancy W. Wellington, sister of his first wife. He has filled the office of selectman and assessor, and has been town clerk 23 years. He also has a commission of justice of the peace.

The Buckman Family

Though the Buckmans were somewhat connected with the history of Lexington in 1775, they were not among the early settlers. When they came to Lex. I have not ascertained with certainty. John Buckman was in the town, and was chosen to the office of hog constable In 1740, which might imply that he had just settled in the world, and the date of the birth of his first child rather confirms us in that opinion. From what place he came, I am not able to say; but as the Buckmans, or Bucknams, as the name was at first generally spelled, were very numerous in Maiden, it is highly probable that the Lex. Buckmans originated there.

John Buckman, m. July 21, 1768, Ruth Stone, dau. of Samuel and Jane Stone.. He resided in the house now occupied by Rufus Merriam, which he kept as a public house. It was here that Capt. Parker, and his patriotic men assembled on the evening of the 18th of April, 1775 ; and from this house they issued on the approach of the British the next morning. Shots were fired from this house upon the British, after they had attacked the Americans upon the Common, and some of the clapboards to this day give evidence that the fire was returned. John Buckman stands enrolled as a member of Capt. Parker's company. He had but one child by his first wife, who d. Sept. 8, 1778, aged 33. He m. as a second Avife, Sept. 28, 1784, Sarah" Weld, who d. Nov. 16, 1801, aged 43. He d. Dec. 21, 1792, aged 48.

There were several other Buckmans mentioned in our records at an earlier date than those mentioned above ; but it is doubtful vehether they resided here permanently. We will give the record as we find it.

The Burbank Family

Col. Burbank came to Lexington in 1801. His father, Samuel Btirbank, had two wives, by whom he had twelve children. His first wife died ; and he married Eunice Kendall, of Sherborn. She was a daughter of Benjamin Kendall of that town, who originated in Lex. being a son of Thomas Kendall, who resided in this town. Samuel Burbank was a soldier of the Revolution. He was a Lieutenant at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He afterwards commanded a company which marched to Rhode Island, where he served under General Sullivan, for whom his oldest son was named. After the birth of Sullivan, he moved from Ilolliston to Fitchburg, and subsequently to Cavendish, Vt. where he died. Daniel, one of his sons, was killed accidentally at a military muster in Westminster.

Sullivan Burbank, the oldest son of Samuel and Eunice (Kendall) Burbank, was b. in HoUiston, Oct. 8, 1776, and m. 1803, Betsey, dau. of James Brown, of Lex. He came to Lex. 1801, and opened a store in the village. In 1812 he received a commission as Lieutenant of infantry in the Unite.d States service. He acted at first as a recruiting officer in Lex. and Boston ; but marched in August to Plattsburg, and on the winter following was again detailed on the recruiting service. In April, 1813, he marched with about one hundred recruits first to Greenbush, N. Y., and then to Sackett's Harbor ; and arrived at that post just in season to assist in repelling the attack of Sir George Provost, on the 29th of May. Remaining at Sackett's Harbor during the summer, he moved with the army under Gen. Wilkinson down the St. Lawrence in November, 1813, and was in the action at Cristler's Fields on the 11th of that month, and went into winter quarters at French Mills. Early in the spring, he returned to Sackett's Harbor, and thence to Buffalo. On the 3d of July, 1814, he crossed with the troops into Canada, was in the battle of Chippeway on the 5th of that month, and at the more sanguinary battle of Niagara on the 25th. Being in Col. Miller's regiment, ho was one of the gallant spirits who stormed the enemy's battery, which commanded the field, and thus turned the fortunes of that desperate struggle. In this charge, rendered memorable by the noble daring of the regiment, and the modesty of Col. Miller, who, when asked if he could silence that battery, meekly replied, " I tvill try, £iir," Capt. Burbank received a severe wound in the shoulder. For his bravery and good conduct in that action, Capt. B. received the brevet rank of Major.

On the reduction of the army in 1815, consequent upon the termination of the war, Brevt. Maj. Burbank was retained in the service, a Captain in the 5th Regiment of infantry. On the peace establishment, Maj. B. has served at almost. every part on the frontier from the St. Lawrence to the Sabine. He was stationed first at Detroit, then at Fort Gratiot at the outlet of Lake Huron, then at Fort

SnelliDg at the junction of the Minnesota and Mississippi, under the gallant Colonel in honor of whom the Post was named. He was then detached to Fort Armstrong, (Rock Island,) where he had the command about four years. In 1828, he was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., thence he was given the command at Fort Mackinaw. About this time he was promoted to the rank of Major in the 7th Regiment, and ordered to Fort Gibson, Arkansas ; thence to Fort Towson on the Red River ; thence to Fort Jessup, La., and thence again to Fort Gibson. At this time he was promoted to the rank of Lieut. Col. and ordered to Fort Winnebago, near Portage City, Wis. After this Col. Burbank was ordered to New York to act as general superintendent of the recruiting service for the army. Feeling the infirmities of age, Col. Burbank, in 1839, resigned his commission, and being honorably discharged, he retired to private life. He was highly respected as a man and a citizen. He represented the town of Lex. in the General Court in 18-16, and 184:7. He died Sept. 30, 1862, aged 86. She d. Mar., 1860, aged 77.

Sidney, b. Sept. 26, 1807. He was graduated at West Point in 1829 as a Lieut, and entered the service of the United States. He served in the Florida War, and during the war with Mexico wai in command of Fort Scott. He was promoted to the rank of Capt., and then to that of Major. He was also in the service of his country in the late rebellion, being true to the old flag. He m. at West Point, Isabella Slaughter, dau. of Sheriff Slaughter, of Culpepper Co., Va., by whom he has several children.

The Burdoo Family

As God has made of one blood all nations of men, there is no reason why we should not notice a very respectable colored family, which resided many years in town, and discharged all the duties of citizens.

Philip Burdoo resided on the Bedford road, nearly opposite the old Simonds Tavern House. His wife was ad. to the ch. Dec 26, 1708. The record of the family, though probably incomplete, is as follows.

Moses Burdoo, m. Phebe Banister of Con. and had Eli, bap. July 20, 1755, and probably other children. Tradition says that some of this family moved to Vt. where they were highly respected, and some of them promoted to public office.

The Butters Family

Joshua Butters was b. in Wilmington ; m. Susanna Peters, b, in Burlington. They resided in Boston, where their children were born. He d. 1840; she d. 1824.

The Buttrick Family

Isaac Buttrick, b. in Pepperell, Dec, 8, 1809, went to Con, in 1825, where his ancestors probably resided. From Con. he came to Lex. in 1830, andm, 1834, Abigail Locke. He was a Captain in the militia.

The Caldwell Family

There are a few instances in which the name of Caldwell appears on Lex. records. They probably came from Wo. Adam Caldwell by wife Phebe had Phebe, b. Mar. 26, 1743 ;

Genealogical Register The Capell Family

Jonas F., b. Mar. 6, 1842. He enlisted in the service of the United States in 1861, in the 16th Mass. Reg., was made sergeant, promoted to 2d Lieut., 1st Lieut, Capt., and Maj. by brevet.

The Caely Famh.Y. The Chandler Family

The Chandlers, though a prominent family in Lexington for the last century, were not among the early settlers of the town. They came here from Con. about 1757. An impression has prevailed in the family that they descended from John Chandler, one of the early proprietors of Con. ; but I am satisfied that this is not the fact.

The Chandlers who came to Lex. were from a different stock. Shattuck, in his valuable history of the town of Concord, tells us that the Chandlers of that town were the descendants of Roger Chandler, who was one of a co. most of whom were from Plymouth, which had a grant of land in Con in 1658 ; that Roger Chandler was employed by Dolor Davis to build a house there. Dolor Davis was origmally from the Plymouth Colony, and represented Barnstable in the General Court of that colony. He afterward came to Cambridge, and was one of the original proprietors of Groton. Dolor Davis was the ancestor of a large number of Davises, among whom was the late Governor Davis of Worcester.

Who Roger Chandler was I cannot state with certainty. We find in the early records of Plymouth Colony the names of Dolor Davis, Roger Chandler, John Chandler, Edmund Chandler, and Samuel Chandler. The latter was in 1637 warned to appear before the court, to answer for the heinous crime of " shooting off three guns in the night tyme, as if it were an alarum." These Chandlers had grants of land in and about Duxbury, where that name has been common. Roger must have d. before 1665, as the Court of that year made a grant of land to his children, " he being deceased." The Roger who settled in Con. was undoubtedly a son of some of these Chandlers, and most likely of Roger, of Plymouth ; and he probably came to Con. with Dolor Davis, the old friend of his father.

But be this as it may, the Con. records clearly show that Roger was the ancestor of the Con. Chandlers, and that the Lex. Chandlers were a branch of the same stock. They were considerably numerous, and were highly respected in Con.

Roger Chandler was one of a company of twenty persons, mostly from Plymouth, which had a grant of land in Con. in 1C58. He m. in 1671, Mary Simonds, of Con. He d. 1717 ; and she d. 1728. They left several children. In his will, dated 1705, and proved 1717, he speaks of Samuel as his only son, and of his daughter Mary Heald, Abigail Brown, and of his youngest dau. Hepzibah Jones.

Samuel Chandler m. Dec. 11, 1695, Dorcas Buss. He d. 1745. His will, proved that year, mentions sons Samuel, James, and Joseph, and dau. Mary, Huldah, and Rebecca. He was engaged in the land speculation so common at that day, - being one of the petitioners, in 1726, for the large tract lying between Turkey Hill (now Lunenburg) and Rutland. He was also one of the proprietors of the town of Grafton. He was town treasurer from 1723 to 1727, and representative from 1729 to 1736.

James, b. Aug. 28, 1714. He m. first, in 1737, Mary Flagg; she d. and he m. second, in 1756, Mary Whittaker, of Carlisle ; she d., and he m. third, in 1765, Mary Melvin. Among his children were James, Joseph, and Jonathan. James settled in New Ipswich, N. H., where he became a prominent citizen, and for thirty years was a deacon of the church. His descendants settled in different parts of the country. His son Roger settled in New Ipswich, and was the father of Rev. Seth Chandler, of Shirley. Joseph was for many years a dea. of the Con. ch., and a prominent citizen in the place. He represented the town from 1799 to 1808. He d. Jan. 19, 1813, of a cancer, aged 64.

JoHN Chandler, ni. July 12, 1757, Beulah Merrlam, dau of Joseph and Mary (Brewer) Merriam, of Lex., who was b. Au"- 2 1730. The Chandlers spoken of above were all of Con John probably resided in that part of Con. which was included in Lincoln when It was erected into a town in 1754, as his marriage is recorded as of Lin. He came to Lex. and erected a house on the present Lincoln St., near his father-in-law's, where he spent his davs. He held a commission under Gov. Bernard as " Cornet of His "Majesty's Blue Iroop ' His sword, holsters, and a part of his commission are preserved by the family, and were in the hands of his grandson, the late bamuel Chandler. Though he held a commission under the royal governor, he was not false to his native colony. He belono-ed to the bpartaii band headed by Capt. Parker in 1775. He was a prominent man in town for a long period, and filled many offices. He was one of the board of selectmen in the eventful period of the Revolution was a member of the committee of correspondence, and filled other responsible stations. He was many years treasurer of the Ministerial Fund, which he managed with great wisdom and fidelity He d Nov. 22, 1810, aged 79, and she d. Feb. 9. 1813, aged 83. He was ad. to the ch. 1758.

Samuel, h. Feb. 16, 1766; was grad. H. C. 1790, studied theoloo-y and was ordained over the Second Church in Kittery afterward Eliot, N H., Oct. 17, 1792. He m. May 30, 1793, Lydia Spring, dau. of his predecessor in the parish, by whom he had a family One son, Alpheus S. Chandler, was a physician in Columbia, Me He d. 1829, aged 63.

John Chandler, m. Jan. 12, 1786, Peggy Mack, of Salem, at which place he was residing at the time ; but the year following they j removed to Lex. They were ad. to the ch. Jan. 9, 1791 He d Oct. 19, 1804, aged 46 ; she d. Apr. 27, 1853, aged 87. He was a member of Capt. Parker's company, and was on the Common on the 19th of April. He was also in a detachment of the co. which were called to Cambridge on the 10th of May, and in another detachment which marched to Cambridge on the 17th of June, 1775. lu 1779, John Chandler, Jr., Joseph Loring, and Burdoo, a colored man from Lex., entered the marine service under Commodore Tucker. Being on the southern coast, they were included in the capitulation of Charleston, S. C, by Gen. Lincoln, in 1780, and were confined as prisoners of war until they were exchanged. After enduring severe sutiTerings from confinement and want of provisions, they were exchanged, and Chandler and Loring, without money, and almost without clothing, wended their way as best they could to their native home, depending upon the charity of the people, and reached Lex. in a destitute and wretched condition, after having been absent about one year. Such severe trials, though hardly known to the present generation, were common in those days, and show the price our fathers paid for freedom. Such sacrifices on their part should inspire their descendants with true patriotism.

After the close of the war, he was actively engaged in the militia; was elected captain in 1790, and promoted to the office of major in 1796. He was one of the selectmen in 1796, '97, '98.

Nathan Chandler, m. Oct. 24, 1785, Ruth Tidd, only child of Lieut. William and Ruth (Munroe) Tidd, who was b. Oct. 11, 1767. He lived on Hancock street, where Nathan Chandler now resides, it being the homestead of his father-in-law. He was a lieutenant in the Lex. artillery in 1793. He was selectman lifteen years, assessor eleven years, town clerk eight years, and treasurer thirteen years, representative eight years, and a senator and councillor four years, and was for a long time one of the principal magistrates in the 'town. Thus for many years he was one of the most popular and influential citizens in the place. He d. Mar. 14, 1837, aged 75, and she d. Sept. 15, 1840, aged 80.

Joseph Chandler, m. Sept. 29, 1791, Hannah Bridge, dau. of Major John and Hannah (Reed) Bridge, who was b. Apr. 30, 1771. He d. Oct. 26, 1807, aged 39, and she m. June 7, 1810, Dr. Thomas Whitcomb, who d. Oct. 8, 1713, aged 48. About three weeks before his death, Joseph and his wife o. c. at his residence, and his four children were dedicated to God in baptism.

John Chandler, m. June 7, 1815, Susanna Whitmore Reed, dau. of Nathan and Mary (Page) Reed. He d. Feb. 28, 1817, aged 30. He was ardently devoted to the military, was chosen Captain when he was 23, and rose to the rank of Lieut. Col. and obtained his discharge when lie Wiis only 28 - a thing uncommon, especially at that period. He had but one child, viz. Sarah Chandler, b. Feb 27, 1816, who is now living. His wid. d. Dec. 1803, aged 77 years.

Daniel Chandler, ni. May 19, 1817, Susanna Downing, dau. of Samuel and Susanna (Brown) Downing. He entered the U. S. service as an ensign in Mar. 1812, and on the breaking out of the war of 1812, marclied in August to the frontier in Col. Tuttle's regiment; wintered in 1812-13 at French Mills, and was at Plattsburg in 1813. Wiiile on a hunting excursion he was severely wounded by the accidental discharge of a gun, and being unable to perform active duty, he was detailed on the recruiting service till 1814, when he returned to the frontier. On the return of peace he resigned his commission, and returned to Mass. While attached to the army he was promoted to a Lieutenanw. He was five years superintendent of the Farm School on Thompson's Island in the harbor of Boston ; and was afterwards appointed superintendent of the House of Industry, and also of the House of Reformation in the city of Boston, He erected the house in Lex. where J. C. Blasdel now resides, and was about to move into it, when he was attacked by the ship fever, and d. June 16, 1847, aged 59. His wid. d. Apr. 15, 1866, aged 77.

Jolin O., b. Dec. 31, 1831. He grad. at West Point, 1854, and entered the service of the United States as a Lieut, of Artillery ; he has continued in the service to the present time, passing through the various grades to that of a Colonelcy in the regular army. He has served in Califoyiia and in divers positions through the rebellion.

Samuel Chandler, m. Oct. 29, 1818, Lydia Muzzey, dau. of Amos and Lydia (Boutelle) Muzzey. She d. Aug. 12, 1830, a.nd he m. Sept. 11, 1834, Abigail ]Muzzey, sister to his first wife. She d. April 24, 1840. He had 5 children by his first wife, and 3 by his last. Having rather a hereditary taste for military matters, he entered the service of the United States as an Ensign in. 1814, and repaired to the cantonment at Pittsfield ; from thence he was detailed to conduct a body of British prisoners to Canada on exchange, and returned to Pittsfield. Soon after, the troops at that place were ordered to the Niagara frontier and arrived at Buifalo the latter part of July, the day before the battle of Lundy's Lane. But though this corps were not upon the lines in season to take part with the gallant Scott, Porter, .-md Ripley, on the field of Bridgewater, they were in season to pass through another fiery ordeal more trying than any single battle however sanguinary. They were ordered to Fort Erie, which was early in August besieged by the British under General Drummond, and kept in a close state of investment about two months. During this period there were two desperate battles in which Lieut. Chandler participated - an assault by Drummond upon the Fort on the 15th of August, and a sortie from the Fort on the 17th of September, which induced Drummond to raise the siege. The severity of the engagements may be understood from the fact that the American loss was returned at 595, and that of the enemy about 1700, including nearly 400 taken prisoners. After some slight skirmishes on the Niagara frontier, the army were ordered to proceed by forced marches to Sackett's Harbor, from an apprehension that that post might be attacked by the enemy. On the return of peace, Lieut. Chandler was discharged, after a short but active and trying campaign, in which for five months in succession he and others never slept but with their clothes on. Though he held a commission as Lieut., during the greater part of the campaign he had the command of a CO., and during his term of service was promoted from a 3d to 1st Lieut. He was subsequently Major General in the Militia, and held the office of Sheriff of the County ten years. He also rep- resented the County in the Senate of the State, and held the office of Justice of the Peace and Trial Justice. He was many years an active member of the Middlesex Agricultural Society. He d. July 20, 1867, in his 72d year.

John L., b. Oct. G, 1820; m. Abby M. Kimball, dau. of Porter Kimball, of Fitchburg. He resides at Memphis. He was in Mo. at the breaking out of the rebellion, when he entered the service, where he continued till the troops were discharged. He commenced as a Lieut., was in several severe battles, and for gallantry was advanced from time to time, till he reached the rank of Lieut. Col. He was on Fremont's staff, and afterwards Provost Marshal at Little Rock, Ark. Amos M., h. Nov. 20, 1821; d. Oct. 10, 1825. Almira 31., b. Feb. 12, 1824. Amos 31., b. Dec. 21, 1825; d. Aug. 11, 1836. Joseph, b. July 29, 1829; m. Oct. 27, 1865, Eleanor Ball. Eewy L., b. Oct. 31, 1835. He went to Calcutta, where he spent some 8 years. Was there during the rebellion against British authority. Samuel E., b. Sept. 2, 1837; m. 1864, Laura J. Alley. Edward T., b. Feb. 28, 1840.

Joseph, Samuel, and Edward, were in the service of the U. S. in the late rebellion. Joseph was taken prisoner at the 2d Bull Run battle. Samuel was wounded and taken prisoner at the 1st Bull Run battle, and was carried to Richmond, where he was confined about 6 mo. He reenlisted into the 12th Reg., was made Quartermaster Sergeant, and was discharged to accept the office of 1st Lieut, in the 7th Mo. Cavalry, and served as Adjutant. He should have been mentioned among the Lex. promotions in p. 308.

William Chandler, m. Oct. 17, 1813, Elizabeth Harrington, dau. of Nathan and Elizabeth (Phelps) Harrington, of Woburn. Though Nathan Harrington resided within the bounds of Woburn, he was of the Lex. family, and his associations were with the Lex. people. She d. Sept. 30, 1847, aged 59, and he m. June 15, 1848, Mrs. Mary La Bart, of Lowell. She was a Munroe of the Lex. stock, and a granddau. of John Munroe. With a sort of family instinct he enlisted into the Rifle company, and in 1826 became the commander of that co. He has filled almost every office in the gift of the town, having been selectman, and many years assessor. He has represented the town in the Legislature, and has been for many years one of the principal magistrates in the place.

William Tidd, b. June 17, 1816 ; m. Eliza Ann West, of Charlestown, where they reside. They have had seven children, four of whom are now living.

Nathan, b. Mar. 22, 1827; m. first, Dec. 17, 1852, Mary Jane Francis. She died, leaving one child, and he m. second, Jan. 16, 1855, Mrs. Clara Wyman Kimball, of Winchester. He resided in Boston, and had two children, one by each wife. He d. June 27, 1861.

Genealogicai, Register

Nathan Chandler, m. Dec. 7, 1821, Maria H. Mead, dau. of Josiah Meade. He resides on the old Tidd place on Hancock st. where his grandfather Tidd resided. He has no children. True to the spirit of the family, he was somewhat devoted to the military, having been captain of the RiHe company.

The Child Or Childs Family

The family of this name have been very numerous in Watertown, Waltham, and several other neighboring towns ; but none of them were permanently in Lex. till about the middle of the last century. Abijah Child appears to have been the first who permanently located in the place. He came from Walt, about the time of his marriage in 1763, and was a descendant of one of the early settlers of Wat., of which Walt, was then a part. Joseph Child, of Wat., m. July 3, 1651, Sarah Platts, by whom he had several children, among whom was Jose[)h, b. June 6, 1659. Joseph Child was a carpenter by trade, and m. Sept. 23, 1680, Sarah Norcross. She dying, he m. July 25, 1705, Ruth Maddock. He had eight children, four sons and four dau. His youngest son, Isaac, m. eluly 2, 1729, Eunice Pierce. She d. Sept 19, f793 ; he d. Feb. 7, 1789". They had eight children, five sons and three dau. Their fifth son, Abijah, settled in the south part of Lex.

Abijah Child m. Oct. 27, 1763, Sarah Cutler, dau. of Benj. and Mary Cutler, of Lex. The record of the marriage speaks of them as " both of Lex.," by which we infer that he came here, a young man, before he married. He and his wife were ad. to the ch. Oct. 14, 1764. Mr. Child was a respectable citizen, and filled several town offices. They had seven children, and were called to pass through a scene of affliction which rarely falls to the lot of parents. Six of their children were taken from them by death in the short space of twelve days. These children were interred in the old grave yard, and one long stone tells the sad tale of human mortality and parental affliction, well calculated to produce sober reflection and awaken sympathetic emotions in every parental breast. He d. Aug. 30, 1808 ; she d. Mar. 3, 1812 ; he in his seventy-first, and she in her seventy-eighth year.

There have been Childs in town since that period, who belong to the same original family. Some of them have spelt their name with an s, Childs, but they are without doubt from the same stock. As in the preceding family, Joseph Childs, of Wat., by wife Sarah Platts, had Josejih, b. 1659, who m. 1680, Sarah Norcross, and had Joseph, b. June 21, 1685. He m. Mary Thatcher, and had, among other children, Jonathan, b. July 3, 1714, who by his wife Elizabeth had five children. Joseph, his youngest son, b. Dec. 1761, m. Oct. 3, 1782, Lucy Parminter. Moses, son of Joseph and Lucy, b. June 13, 1787, m. Aug. 5, 1810, Mary B., dau. of Thomas and INIarv (Ball) Williams, of Marlborough, b. Apr. 4, 1786. Thomas Wil- liams was a direct descendant from Abraham Williams, one of the proprietors of Marlb. Moses^Childs d. Feb. 14, 1811, and his wife Sept. 21, 1807, each aged 51.

Luke Carter Childs, a son of iSFoses and Mary, was b. Mar. 16, 1811. He had one sister, Elizabeth W., b. Dec. 22, 1812. He ni. Dec. 10, 18;55, Rebecca A. Hale. He did business in Boston several years, and came to Lex. in 1849, and settled upon a farm. He built a neat rural cottage in a central part of his farm, wliich presents a fine appearance from the street.

The Claflin Family

The name of Claflin scarcely appears on the records of Lex., and yet it seems that there was at an early day a family of that name in the place. Antipas Claflin and Sarah, his wife, were ad. to the ch. July 31, 1709; and the town records show that they had the following issue.

The Clarke Family

We have had occasion to speak frequently of the Rev. Mr. Clarke, the devoted priest and ardent patriot, whose life and services are interwoven with the history of Lexington. We vnll now present a genealogical view of the family. His ancestors were respectable, and possessed those stern qualities which form the basis of the New England character, to which we are indebted for much that is valuable in society, even at the present day.

Hugh Clarke, the ancestor of Rev. Jonas, came to this country early, and settled in Wat., where he had three children. He afterwards moved to Rox. He was admitted a freeman May 30, 1660, and was a member of the An. and Hon. Artillery Co. 1666. He d. in Rox. July 20, 1693. His wife, Elizabeth, d. 1692.

Thomas Clarke m. 1728. Mary Bowen, b. Dec. 1704. He d. at Hop. 1775, to which place he and his two brothers had removed. He was a captain when that office gave distinction and commanded respect.

Jonas Clarke m. Sept. 21, 1757, Lucy Bowes. She was a dan. of Rev. Nicholas Bowes, of Bed. Her mother was Lucy Hancock, dau. of Rev. John Hancock, of Lex. Mr. Clarke was ordained at Lex. Nov. 5, 1755. In taking charge of the chui-ch and society in Lex. he became the immediate successor of his grandfather on the side of his wife. He d. Nov. 15, 1805, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and the fifty-first of his ministry. She d. Apr. 27, 1789.

We have spoken so fully of the life and services of Rev. Jonas Clarke in the civil and ecclesiastical history of the town, that it is unnecessary to extend a notice of him in this ])Iace. He had a family of twelve children, several of whom were distinguished in themselves aud descendants, as will be seen by the following brief sketch.

Thomas, b. Sept. 27, 1759; he moved from Lex. to Boston, and engaged in ti-ade. He m. Sally Conant. In 1809 he was chosen townclerk, and continued in that office thirteen years. In 1822, Boston was converted into a city, and Mr. Clarke was chosen Clerkof the Common Council, an office which he held till his death, which happened in 1832. He held the two offices of town clerk and clerk of the common council twenty-three consecutive years, and died in office, in the seventy-third year of his age. The President of the common council, at a meeting of that board, June 1, 1832, announced the death of Thomas Clarke, Esq., and paid the following tribute to his memory: "His private virtues and his long-tried and faithful public services are too well known and too highly appreciated by you to requii-e any eulogium from me. He

Jonas, b. Nov. 27, 17(30. He moved, when a young man, to Kennebunk. Me., where he m. Sally Watts. He enjoyed the confidence of the public, and was called to fill places of honor and trust He was collector of the port, and judge of probate for the county of York.

Mary, b. May 4, 1762; m. Mar. 31, 1789, Rev. Henry Ware, of Hingham. He received the appointment of Ilollis Professor of Divinity in Harvard University, and moved to Camb. and entered upon the discharge of his duties in 1805. He was a man of distinguished ability and of great moral worth, and adorned the ofiice he was called to fill. He received from the University the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. She d. July 13, 1805, about the time he moved to Camb. and was buried in the family tomb at Lex. By his wife, Mary Clarke, Dr. Ware had ten children - three sons and seven dau. four of whom d. in infancy. Henry Ware, Jr. their oldest son, grad. H. C. 1812, was ordained over the Second Church in Boston, 1817 ; but his health failing him, he left his society and visited Europe. On his return, he was appointed Professor of Pulpit Eloquence and Pastoral Care in Harvard University. He d. Sept. 22, 1843, greatly lamented by all who knew him.

William Ware, another son of Henry and IMary (Clarke) Ware, studied theology and settled first in New York city, and afterwards at Walt, and West Camb., Mass. He was also distinguished as a writer.

John, of Henry and Mary, turned his attention to the healing art, and settled in Boston, where he became one of the most distinguished in his profession. He long filled the office of Professor of the Theory and Practice of Physic in the Medical Department of Harvard University.

Lucy Ware, of Henry and Mary, m. Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D., of Northborough, by whom she had several children, two of whom, viz. Joseph H. Allen and Thomas P. Allen, are clergymen. Harriet Ware, sister of Lucy, m. Rev. Dr. Hall, of Providence, R. I. She d. June, 1838. One of their sons has entered the ministry.

William, b. June 20, 1764. He engaged in conmiercial pursuits in Boston, and in the prosecution of his business went to Amsterdam. He was subsequently appointed Consul to P^mden, the chief seaport of the kingdom of Hanover, and d. at Porto Rico iu 1822, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. He was never married.

Peter, b. Nov. 25, 1765. He commenced mercantile business in Berwick, Me., where he m. his first wife ; from Berwick he moved to Portsmouth, N. H. In the prosecution of the business of his calling, he sailed for Cadiz ; on the voyage he was captured by the French, and thrown into prison at Guadaloupe, where he contracted a disease of which he died on his passage hoiue. He m. for his second wife, Nancy Harris, of Concord, N. H.

Lydia, b. Mar. 20, 1768 ; m. Aug. 13, 1789, Rev. Benjamin Green, of Medway. He subsequently left the ministry and entered the legal profession. He moved to Maine, where he was appointed Judge of one of their Courts, and afterwards Marshal of the District.

Martha, h. Oct. 28, 1770; m. Nov. 3, 1791, Rev. William Harris, of Salem, He was a clergyman of the Episcopalian Church. He was invited to the city of New York, and finally made President of Columbia College in that city.

Henry, b. Nov. 29, 1780 ; m. May, 1812, Susan Grafton, of Salem. He commenced business in Boston, and afterwards moved to Kennebunk. Me., where he was cashier of a bank. In 1834, be returned to Boston, where he is now living in his 89th year. !Mr. Clarke long held a commission as Justice and Notary. He has had but two children, both of whom are now living. Henry Orqfton was born May 14, 1814. He studied medicine, and resides in Boston, occupying a good position in his profession. Jonas Bowen, b. Jan. 16, 1816, was grad. at Dartmouth, 1839. He entered the ministry, was first settled in Conn. ; but his health failing him, he returned to Massachusetts, and was settled in Swampscot.

From this glance at the subject, it will be seen that but few famiilies can boast of distinction such as has fallen to the lot of Rev. Jonas Clarke's.

There were several persons by the name of Clarke in the town at different times, whose lineage we have not ascertained. In 1725, the selectmen laid out a "way for the accommodation of the farms that Daniel Hoar and Judah Clarke live on." In the earliest tax bill now extant, 1729, we find Judah Clarke and Judah Clarke, Jr., taxed, the former having two houses, and the latter one. They lived in a part of the town now included in Lin.

James Clarke, dismissed to the ch. at Medfield, Jan. 18, 1746. He married Jerusha Bullard of Medfield, Nov. 19, 1730. Mary and probably Hannah, in the preceding list, were their children.

The Comee Family

John Comee was in Camb. Farms at the organization of the Precinct in 1693, and was taxed to pay the minister for that year; and also for the purchase of the ministerial land the same year. In

1697 he was on a committee to look after that land, and in 1711 was a subscriber to pay fer the land purchased for a Common. He m. Jan. 21, 1G88, Martha Munroe, eklest dau. of William and Martha Munroe. His wife was ad. to the ch. Feb. 1, 1G99, and he o. c. shortly after; and on the 26th of Feb. 1699, four of their children, John, David, Hannah, and Martha, were bap. We have no record of their births. He is probably the John Comee who d. July 20^ 1723. She d. Mar. 27, 1730. He was of Con. in 1688, where he waife m.

David Comee m. Ruhama Brown? We have found no record of the marriage, but presume it was about 1719, from the birth of their first child, and irom the other significant fact, that he was, in 1720, called to the responsible office of looking after the swine - a custom long prevailing of giving this honor to a newly married man. She was ad. to the ch. Aug. 14, 1720, and d. 1730. He m. second, of the family is not perfect. It seems that they buried at least two children in early infancy, one in 1720, and one in 1730. Whether they were some which are mentioned below is not perfectly clear. Sarah, his second wife, was ad. to the ch. May 28, 1738.

patriot band who a])peared in arms on the 19th of April, 1775. At the time of the aj)proach of the British, he and two others were in the church to replenish their horns with powder. Seeing that the British were about to surround the house, Comee, in attempting to escape amid a shower of balls, wiTs wounded in the arm.

David Comee went to Camb. ; m. first, Christiana Maltman, of Boston, and m. second, Hannah Maltman. He had fifteen children. He was in the battles of Lex., Bunker Hill, and Bennington. He moved to Gardner, where he d. ^Lar. 8, 1826, aged 81. His descendants are in Gardner and Fitchburg at the present day.

The Cooledge Family

John Cooledge, the ancestor of Rev. Josiah Cooledge, came to this country about 1630, and settled in Wat., of which he was a proprietor, and a leading citizen. By his wife Mary he had eight chil. Nathaniel, his fifth son, m. 1657, Mary Bright, and d. 1711. They had thirteen chil. Thomas, son of Nathl., b. Apr, 24, 1670, m. 1699, Sarah *:ddy, who d. 1711; and he m. 1713, Mary Smith. They moved to Sherborne. He d. 1737. He l^d by his first wife three chil. David, the only son of Thomas, was b. June 25, 1705 ; m. Mary Mixer, and had six chil. David, the oldest child of the preceding, was b. Sept. 3, 1738, and d. of small-pox, 1788. He m. 1765, Dorothy Stearnes. They r. in Wat., and had eleven chil. Peter, the youngest son of David, was b. July 2, 1787, m. June 28, 1813, Mary T. Munroe, of Camb. She d. Jan. 24, 1823, and he m. July 1, 1824, Mary P. Fiske, of Framingham, where he resided. He had six children.

JosiAH Cooledge, the second child of Peter, was b. Oct. 20, 1816, and m. May 1, 1844, Mehitable A. Fowle, of Boston. He entered the ministry and preached for a time in Shirley and other places, and was settled over the Universalist Society in Lex. in 1849. where he remained about four years. After leaving Lex. he moved to Melrose. He d. Oct. 5, 1865.

The Cooper Family

There was a family of Coopers in Lex. wbose lineage we have not traced, who probably came into the place about 1700. They may have come from Camb.

George Adams srnd Elizabeth Crosby, both of Lex. m. Nov. 18, 1762. Ephraim Cook, Camb. and Hannah Crosby, of Lex. ni. Jan. 20, 1778. They may have belonged to the Crosby family living in Bedford. Some of the name have been in town temporarily at later periods.

Histoey Of Lexington The Crowninshield Family

Abraham W. Crowninshield, son of William and Sarah (Plumer) Crowninshield, was b. in Portland, Dec. 16, 1801. He ra. Nov. 9, 1823, Sarah Byles Peters, b. in Portland, July 16, 1804. They settled in Charlestown, where their children were born. He was engaged in the furniture and upholstery business. In 1846 he came to Lex. and purchased a small farm, still continuing his business at Charles Awn some years. He has filled the office of assessor several years, and has represented the district in the General Court.

The Cutler Family

The Cutlers, always somewhat numerous in Lex., were among the earliest settlers in the place. They came to Lex. from Wat., and were the descendants of James Cutler. There is a tradition in the family, and English records, if they do not confirm, rather favor the position, that Sir Gervase Cutler, who married a daughter of the Duke of Bridgewater, was the ancestor of the Cutlers who came to America. But be this as it may, we feel assured that as early as 1635, James Cutler was in Wat., and was an original grantee of land in the northerly part of Wat., on the road to Belmont, and in 1649, James Cutler and Nathaniel Bowman purchased of Edward Goffe 200 acres of land in Cambridge, adjoining Rock-meadow, near the Wat. line. In 1651, he sold his share to Bowman for £39. This was probably the land on which Bowman settled, near the present line of Arlington. It is probable that Cutler, and perhaps Bowman, 'moved from Wat. about this date. Cutler settled at Camb. Farms, near Concord, now Bed., line. A part of this farm was owned till recently by the wid. of John and heirs of Leonard Cutler, His house was situated in the lot back of the present house, - the door step and appearances of the cellar still remain. This must have been one of the first houses erected in the precinct.

He was b. about 1606, and probably married before he came to this country. His wife, Anna, was buried Sept. 30, 1644; and he m. second. Mar. 9, 1645, Mary King, wid. of Thomas King, of Wat., who d. Dec. 7, 1G54. He m. third, Phebe Page, dau. of John, about 1662. He d. May 17, 1694, aged about 88. His will, dated Nov. 24, 1684, presented by his sons John and Thomas, and proved Aug. 20, 1694, mentions children James, Thomas, John, John Collar, Richard Park's wife, John Parmenter's wife, Sarah Wait, Mary Johnson, Hannah Winter, Joanna Russell (Philip's wife), Jemima, Samuel, and Phebe. " This list includes two children of my wife, formerly wife of Thomas King, one of whom was Mary Johnson." (The Mary here alluded to was b. Feb. 2, 1643, and was m. Oct. 19, 1669, to John Johnson.)

James Cutlek, of Carab. Farms, m. June 15, 1665, Lydia Wright, wid. of Samuel Wright, of Sud., and dau. of John Moore, of that town. He d. July 31, 1685, aged 50. His will, dated July 28, and proved Oct. 6, 1685, mentions wife Lydia, and chil. James, Samuel, Thomas, and Ann, and refers to other children without naming them.

in Wat. July 31, 1687, and when a ch. was gathered in Lex. in 1696, they removed their relation to it. He was a subscriber for the erection of the first meeting house, in 1692, and was chosen one of the assessors in 1694 ; and in 1700, when the parish performed what was formerly considered a very important duty, that of " seating the meeting house," David Russell, John Mason, and Thomas Cutler, "were plast in y^ second seat in y® front gallereye." He was a valuable and honored citizen, and was often employed in town business, - was an assessor, constable, and selectman. He was also honored in the public records with the title of lieutenant, no mean designation at that day. He d. July 13, 1722.

John Cutler m. Jan. 1, 1694, Mary Stearns, dau. of Isaac and Sarah (Beers) Stearns, who was b. Oct. 8, 1663. He owned the covenant Nov. 1, 1702, when four of his children were baptized. He was in the place, and was taxed in 1693 for the purchase of the tninisterial land, and was assigned a place " in y® front gallerye," in 1700, when they seated the meeting house. He must have resided on what is now Weston street, over the brook, on the southerly side of the old Concord turnpike. As early as 1714, John Merriam and Matthew Bridge were appointed a committee to lay a road to accommodate Nathaniel Stone, Joseph Stone, Robert Merriam, and John Cutler ; and the description of the road leaves no doubt of the general situation of John Cutler's residence. It ran from Nathaniel Stone's house by various bounds to the " great rock," thence across the brook to Cutler's house. He d. Sept. 21, 1714; she d. Feb. 24, 1733.

John Cutler m. Hannah Snow, of Wo., Feb. 6, 1700. She Avas ad. to the ch. by letter from the ch. of Wo., July 5, 1702. They moved to Killingly, Ct., about 1713. They had eight children born and baptized in Lex.

more than fifty years he d. Nov. 3, 1776, aged 79 years, and she survived him only three days, and d. Nov. 6, 1776, aged 75. Their names are both borne on one stone in the Lex. grave yard. He was constable in 1739 and 1741.

John Cutler m. Jan. 9, 1724, Abigail Stone, dau. of John and Mary Stone, b. 1698. They made their confession to the ch. Sept. 27, 1724. He was ad. to the ch. Feb. 10, 1734, and she was ad. Sept. 12, 1742. They moved to Brookfield, to the ch. of which they were dismissed May 10, 1752. He was selectman in 1733, and assessor same year.

David Cutler m. Mary Tidd, dau. of Joseph and Mary Tidd. They were ad. to the ch. Apr. 14, 1728. He resided oa the old homestead near Bedford line. He was constable in 1746, and selectman in 1749, '50, '51.