Lexington Town (part 12 of 25)

His will, dated Sept. 13, 1758, and proved Feb. 9, 1761, mentions wife Mary, sons David, to whom he gave the farm in Western (now Warren) on which he then lived, Joseph, to whom he gave the place in Western on which he then resided, Solomon, to whom he gave the southerly part of the homestead, and Thomas, to whom he gave the rest of the home farm ; and dau. Abigail Hodgman and Mary Page. He was a man of good property - his inventory of personal property being £373 13s. He made ample provision for his widow, providing that Solomon and Thomas should supply her with a horse, two cows, and furnish her annually with twelve bushels of corn, four of rye, one bushel of malt, sixty pounds of beef, one hundred and twenty pounds of pork, three barrels of cider, and ten cords of wood, cut up and fit for the fire. He d. Dec. 5, 1760 of small pox ; she d. May 25, 1797, aged 93.

David, b. July 15, 1730; m. Oct. 15, 1751, Dorcas Roed, dau. of Capt. Benjamin and Rebecca Reed of Lex. He resided for a time in Western, but afterwards moved to Bennington, Vt., and perhaps went South.

Thomas Cutler m. Abigail Reed of Western, (now Warren). They were admitted to the ch. June 30, 1765. She d. Sept. 26, 1784, aged 33. He m. Feb. 2, 1786, Elizabeth White, wid. of Ebenezer White. Her maiden name was Harrington, dau. of Moses Harrington. He d. July 3, 1812, aged 70; she d. Sept. 21, 1834, aged 86. His will, dated Dec. 18, 1805, and proved Aug. 12, 1812, mentions wife Elizabeth, sons John, Jonas, Amos, Leonard, and Nathaniel, and dau. Nabby Simonds, Polly, Alice, and Betsey. His real estate was inventoried at $6,980, and his personal at $1,442. Thomas Cutler was a member of Capt. Parker's company in 1775.

Thomas Cutler m. Alice Niles. He settled in Ashby. What time he left Lex. is not exactly known. He was taxed in Lex. 1799, and his name was placed upon the tax bill In 1800, and then his name and tax are erased. Probably they left town early that year. The births of his two oldest children are recorded in Lex. Records as children of Thomas Cutler and Ellis his wife. Two years after the birth of his second child, the church records associate Eebecca with him as his wife ; from which we infer that he buried his wife Ellis, or Alice, and m. Rebecca Earl about 1798. He d. iu Bedford, Feb. 14, 1833, aged 64.

Nathaniel Cutler m. Apr, 4, 1799, Anna Child, dau. of Abijah Child, of Waltham, b. Nov. 14, 1775. He purchased the White place in the south part of Lex. on what is now Concord Avenue, where he d. Sept. 3, 1849, aged 76. She d. Mar. 22, 1863, aged 87.

Thomas Cutler m. Dec. 28, 1828, Sarah Smith, of Waltham, b. Nov. 30, 1806. They reside on Concord Avenue, on the farm formerly occupied by his father. She d. Sept. 26, 1864, aged 57.

Curtis Cutler was grad. at H. C, 1829, studied theology, and was settled in Gardner, Oct. 30, 1833; m. May 19, 1835, Clarissa W. Morrell, dau. of Ambrose Moi-rell, Lex. He left Gardner, 1839, and was installed at Peterboro', N. H., Jan. 30, 1840, as colleague with Abiel Abbot, D.D. In 1848, he left Peterboro' and moved to Lex. In 1850, in consequence of a bronchial affection, he gave up his profession, and engaged in mercantile pursuits with the firm of Wm. Underwood & Co., Boston. In 1855, he represented the town in the General Court, and in the autumn of that year moved to Camb. To him we are indebted for much of the information concerning this family.

It has been difficult in some cases to distinguish the name from that of Cutter, which is found in a few instances upon the Lex. records. There are several other families mentioned on Lex. records, but probably they resided there only temporarily.

The Cutter Family

ling air of Cambridge, ad. freeman, June into an uncomfortable season, till 169l that the court granted the Farms a sep- and was known by whom he had - fourteen children, among whom was Nathaniel, b. Dec. 11, 1663. m married Elizabeth. He had seven children, among whom was John Cutter, bap. Apr. 23, 1704. What time he came into Lex. we are not able to say. His name is found on our first tax bill extant, viz., 1729. His name continues on the tax bill till 1747, when we find the name of wid. Cutter. He probably d. 1747. He m. Rachel and had several children. Among them were Abigail, b.

The Damon Family

John Damon, b. in England, 1621, came to this country from Reading, Eng., and settled in Reading, Mass., where he was dea. of the ch. and where he d. Apr, 8, 1708. He had six children. Samuel, his son, b. June 23, 1656, m. Mary , who d. Nov. 29,

Isaac Newton Damon, the oldest child of Isaac, b. in Ashby, Dec. 14, 1812 ; m. Lucy K. Wright, dau. of Isaac Wright, b. Dec. 27, 1817. He came to Lex. in 1836, where he has since resided. He has filled the office of selectman, treasurer, &c., is a justice of the peace, and an assistant assessor in the internal revenue service.

DANFORTH. - Danforth is a name which appears occasionally on Lex. records. In 1738 we find this record, - '* Amos Merriam and Hannah Danforth, both of Lex., were joined in marriage." There were Danforths in Camb. and in Bil. at an early day, and some from these families probably came to Lex. for a short time. In 1774, Benjamin Danforth, wife, and three children, among them Benjamin, Jr., came to Lex. from Bedford. As their names appear upon the tax bill up to 1785, and then disappear, it is probable that they left town about that time.

The Davis Family

Joseph Davis, son of Thomas Davis of Holden, and Lattice his wife, was b. May 5, 1794, and m. May 31, 1823, Betsey G. Babcock, dau. of Amos and Betsey (Gardner) Babcock, of Princeton ; b. Oct. 18, 1799. His father was a soldier in the Revolution, and was in the battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington, White Plains, &c. Joseph resided in Princeton, where he kept a public house. In 1833 he moved to Lex. and resumed his occupation as an inn-holder, which he continued about ten years. Most of his children were b. in Princeton. He was several years one of the overseers of the poor in Lex.

John Davis, son of Amos and Elizabeth Davis, of Gloucester, b. Oct. 15, 1794; m. Oct 13, 1819, Mary F. Phelps, b. Oct. 1, 1795, dau. of Henry and Mary Phelps. He came to Lex. 1831. He held the office of postmaster twenty-five years - good evidence of his fidelity.

DIAMOND. - William Diamond came to Lex. from Boston in 1772, and in 1783 m. Rebecca Simonds. He was taxed in town for several years, but I find no record of any children.

The Dorr Family

Thkodore Haskell, the 16th child of John and Esther, b. Aug. 13, 1815, m. May 30, 1839, Nancy Caroline Richards, dau. of Joseph and Alice Richards, b. Jan. 10, 1817. He graduated atH. C, 1835, entered the ministry, and was settled at Billerica, May 28, 1839, left in 1843 ; settled in East Lex., July 2, 1845, lefl in 1849 ; settled at

Winchendon, June 2, 1852, left 1853 ; settled at Sherborne, Dec. 3, 1854, left May, 1868. After leaving Sherborne he came to Lex., where he now resides.

The Downing Family

Samuel Downing probably came to Lex. about 1777. From what place he came tlae records do not determine. He was first taxed in Lex. in 1778. He m. June 19, 1783, Susanna Brown, dau. of Benjamin and Sarah (Reed) Brown, who was b. June 17, 1764. She d. May 1, 1843, aged 79.

William, b. Sept. 1796. He entered the service of the United States in the war of 1812, and was mortally wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane, and d. the day following, July 26, 1814.

Samuel Downing m. Lucy Learned of Wat. She d. Oct. 1, 1816, aged 28, and he m. second, Nov. 11, 1819, Lydia Blodgett, dau. of Nathan Blodgett.

Andrew J. Downing, of Newburg, N. Y., who perished on board the Henry Clay at New York, July 28, 1852, and who was distinguished throughout the country as a horticulturalist and landscape gardener, and who was well known across the Atlantic by his publications on those subjects ; was a near relative of the first-named Samuel Downing.

DRAPER. - William Draper came to Lex. from Roxbury in 1782, and the same year m. Sarah Barnes, " both of Lex." He probably left soon after. Oct. 5, 1783, Jonas Draper, their child, was bap. She was ad. to the ch. Oct. 1, 1775.

The Dudley Family

This family was never very numerous in Lex., nor were they among the early settlers - the name appearing on the records in 1779, for the first time. The family was first located in Concord, and from thence may have moved to Sudbury.

Francis Dudley, a supposed relation of Gov. Thomas Dudley, was b. in England, and, emigrating to this country, settled in Con. perhaps about 1663. He m. Sarah Wheeler, of Con., Oct. 26, 1665, and probably remained in that town till his decease. His wife d. Dec. 12, 1713.

Joseph Dudley m. Oct. 2, 1718, Mary Chandler, dau. of Sam'l and Dorcas Chandler. Their three last children were b. at Sud., the others in Concord.

Nathan Dudley m. first, Sarah Munroe, of Lin., June 24, 1786. They came into Lex. in 1779 ; he was first taxed in 1780. He and his wife Sarah were ad. to the ch. Jan. 27, 1790. She d, Jan. 16, 1801, and he ra. second, Mrs. Hannah Lane, and d. July 17, 1835, aged 80 years. The last two children were by his second wife. He was a lieut. in the Lex. artillery.

John Dudley m. Esther E. Smith, of Sterling. He left Lex. before his marriage, and returned for a short time. His first and second child were born while here. He moved to Rox., where he r.

The Dunklee Family

The name of Dunklee appears on the town and church records as early as 1701. We cannot give a connected view of this family ; thouf^h it appears that Nathaniel Dunklee and wife were received into the church by a letter of dismission from the church at Watertown, Aug. 25, 1705. Mr. Dunklee appears to have been an ardent man - a great saint and a great sinner. He in his weakness violated the eif^hth commandment by taking the property of others ;_ but then he made a public confession which would throw the penitential psalms of the king of Israel nearly into the shade. He confesses his repeated thefts, and that he has no cause tb complain of those who brouo-ht him to justice, - declaring that when the righteous smite him, It shall be a kindness to him, promises to give glory to God by confession and reformation, and hopes that his great sms may be the means of preserving himself and all others from temptation. On a confession thus full and penitent, thus submissive and prayerful, he was of course restored to his standing in the church, which he appears to have regarded as the very gate of heaven. The reader will join with us in the hope thafPhe was never afterward " led mto

Hezekiah Dunklee m. Nov. 17, 1734, Damans Wilson. He probably left town about the first of 1743, as his wife at that time was dismissed to the ch. at Billerica.

The Dupee Family The Duren Family

John Duren, or Durant, as the family formerly spelt the name, was in Billerica at an early day, and m. Susanna Dutton, Nov. 16, 1670. They had at least four children, two of each sex. He d. in prison in Camb. Oct. 27, 1692, a victim of the witchcraft delusion. John, the eldest son of John, was b. July 31, 1672 ; m. Aug. 10, 1695, Elizabeth Jaquith. He d. Feb. 25, 1757, aged 85. They had eight children. Abraham, the youngest son of John, was b. Apr. 1, 1709 ; m. May 20, 1736, Rachel Manning. They had nine children b. in Billerica where they resided. Abraham, the eldest son of Abraham, b. Oct. 4, 1737 ; m. Nov. 1, 1764, Lydia Gould, of Chelmsford. He d. Nov. 6, 1776. An anecdote is told of his wife which shows the energy of the woman, and the spirit of the times. On the 18th of April, 1775, her husband being in feeble health, she mounted their horse, and with her j^anniers set out for market at Boston, a distance of twenty miles or more ; and having accomplished her business at Boston, returned as far as Arlington, and stopped for the night. While she was there, she saw the British troops pass on their way to Lex. and Con. The next morning she started for home, and stopping at Lex. she went into the meetiug-house to see the slaughtered men killed by the British a few hours before. Such were the women of the Revolution. - Abraham and Lydia had four children, Abraham,, the youngest child, was b. Sept. 16, 1776 ; m. Oct. 25, 1801, Mary Russell, dau. of Jesse Russell, of Wo., where he settled. He d. OctTl4, 1822, and she d. May 28, 1864. The neighborhood where he resided bears the name of Durenville, in honor of him. He had five children. Samuel R., b. May 29, 1803; m. Sybil Spaulding and Ann Searl. He d. Oct. 6, 1862; Lydia, b. Dec. 13, 1805; ni. Joseph Kendall; Warren, b, Apr. 14, 1809; he has been twice married; William, b. June 5, 1813; m. Feb. 4, 1845, Rebecca A. Locke ; Abraham, b. Nov. 21, 1815 ; m. Apr. 5, 1842, Prudence Siraonds.

Warren Duren, the second son of Abraham mentioned above, m. June 2, 1833, Mary Ann Marrett, dau. of Rev. Daniel and Mary (Muzzy) Marrett, of Standish, Me. She d. Oct. 4, 1839, and he m. Oct. 18, 1848, Mary Chandler, dau. of William Chandler, Esq., of Lex. He had one child by his first wife, viz. Caroline Augusta, b. Oct. 25, 1835, and d. May 13, 1852, aged 17 years. He moved to Lex. Sept. 1850. He has served several times on the board of overseers of the poor.

The Estabrook Family

Though the Estabrooks were not among the first settlers of Lexington, they came here quite early, and became prominent, both in the church and in the town. Lexington's first minister, and two of her early deacons, bore that name. The Estabrooks appear to have been a ministerial family. Their ancestor. Rev. Joseph Estabrook, came from England in 1660, with two brothers, one of whom settled in Con., and the other in Swanzey. Joseph entered H. C, where he was graduated in 166-1, and was settled in Con. in 1667, as colleague with Rev. Mr. Buckley, where he continued till his death, which happened in 1711.

Joseph Estabrook m. first, Dec. 31, 1689, Milliceut Woodis, or Woodhouse, dau. of Henry Woodhouse, of Con. She d. Mar. 30, 1692, and he m. second, Aug. 25, 1793, wid. Hannah Loring, of Hingham. He first settled in Hingham, where he and his wife united with the ch. from which they were dismissed to the ch. in Lex. in 1710. He was an active and influential member of the Lex. ch. and represented it on many public occasions. He was elected dea. in 1716, and remained in that office till his death, Sept. 23, 1733. He was highly respected as a townsman, and filled almost every office within their gift. He commanded a military company, and filled the office of town clerk, treasurer, assessor, selectman, and representative to the General Court. He was a man of more than ordinary education for that day, was often employed as a surveyor, and was engaged to teach the first man's school in the town. I cannot state the precise time when he removed to Lex., but as he bought two hundred acres of land in the precinct in 1693, and was elected to office in 1696, it is probable that he came into the place between those periods. He bought his farm of Edward Pelham, then of R. I., and it is described in the deed as being bounded northeasterly by the Cook farm, and southwesterly by the Concord road, till it comes to Vine Brook. This included the places now occupied by Mrs. L. Turner, extending to the brook in front, and back to or beyond the place owned by Mr. Hayes under the hill.

Benjamin Estabrook was grad. at H. C. 1690, and was settled over the first church at Cambridge Farms, (now Lex.,) Oct. 6, 1696. But his ministry was of short duration. On the 22d of July, 1697, he was removed from his earthly labors by death, after a ministry of only nine months. He ra. Nov. 29, 1693, Abigail Willard, dau. of Rev. Samuel Willard, of the Old South Church, Boston. She was one of a family of twenty children. Rev. Mr. Estabrook d. greatlylamented by his people. He left two children, Benjamin, b. Dec.

13, 1695, and Richard, b. July 5, 1697, but a few days before the death of his father. His wid. m. Rev. Samuel Treat, of Eastham, a son of Gov. Treat, of Connecticut. She d. Dec. 27, 1745, aged 82. By Mr. Treat she had three children, one of whom, Eunice, m. Rev. Thomas Paine, of Weymouth, and had, among other children, Robert Treat Paine, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Attorney-General of this State, and one of the Justices of the Supreme Court.

Daniel Estabrook m. Abigail Flint, of Con. He first settled in Lex., where he had several children. Subsequently they removed to Weston, and, in 1715, he and his wife were ad. to the ch. in that place. He afterwards moved to Sudbury, where he d., 1735. He had Abigail, bap. in Lex. Sept. 27, 1702. David and Samuel, bap. in Lex., Jan. 21, 1705, and Aug. 20, 1710, were probably his children.

Joseph Estabrook m. July 8, 1713, Submit Loring, his stepsister. She d. Mar. 31, 1718, in childbed, and he m. Mar. 26, 1719, Hannah Bowman. Like his father, he was captain of the company, and dea. of the ch., and like him filled almost every important office in town - assessor, treasurer, clerk, and selectman. He d. Aug. 19, 1740, and his wid. m. July 19, 1753, Capt. Benj. Reed, and d. Apr. 15, 1774, aged 72 years.

Ebenezer, b. Sep't. 21, 1740; m. Dec. 13, 1759, Ruth Reed, b. Nov. 7, 1741, dau. of Capt. Isaac and Rebecca Reed. They had Molly, bap. in Lex. June 3, 1760. They removed to Holden. Their descendants at the present day are found in that town and vicinity.

John Estabrook m. Oct. 27, 1720, Prudence Harrington. He was constable, 1737, and 1738. He d. June 19, 1742, and his wid. m. 1748, Benjamin Munroe, of Weston, the youngest son of Wra. Munroe, the original emigrant, who settled in Lex. She was his second wife, and d. 1778. -

Benjamin Estabrook m. May 9, 1757, Hannah Hubbard, of Con. They were ad. to the ch. in Lex. June 22, 1758. He d. Mar. 8, 1803, aged 74 ; she d. Jan. 12, 1803, aged 67. He was many years a coroner and a justice of the peace. He was in the campaign to Ticonderoga in 1776.

Joseph, b. Mar. 4, 1758 ; grad. at H. C. 1782. He entered the ministry, and was ordained at Athol, Nov. 21, 1787. He d. Apr. 30, 1830, in the eighty-first year of his age, and the forty-third year of his ministry.

Samuel, b. Nov. 15, 1761; he m. first, Polly Creasy, and second, Nabby Warren. He lived in Brookline, but at last returned to Lex., where he d. July 20, 1814.

Solomon, b. Dec. 18, 1774 ; m. Lucy Davis, of New Ipswich, where he resided for a time, when he returned to Lex. and d. Aug. 12, 1825, without issue.

Nehemiah Estabrook m. Mar. 1, 1759, Elizabeth Winship, dau. of Samuel and Hannah Winship, b. May 23, 1740. He was a soldier from Lex. in the French war in 1755, and hence was well qualified to aid in the Revolutionary struggle. He left Lex. about 1777, moved to Lunenburg, afterwards went to West Camb., and d. in Hopkinton, while on a visit to his children.

Benjamin Estabrook m. Esther Russell. He d. Oct. 29, 1819, aged 57. She d. Jan. 3, 1813, aged 49. We find no record of his family, but obtain the following from his relatives. He resided for a time in Danvers.

Eliakim Estabuook m. Sept. 7, 1793, Hannah Cook, of West Camb,, b. Sept. 16, 1778. He resided most of the time in West Camb., though he returned to Lex., -where he d. Apr. 17, 1835. She was in 1859, living in Lex. Though they were mostly b. in West Camb., the number of the children induces us to give them a place here.

We cannot close this table without doing justice to Prince Esta- BROOK, a black man in the family of Benjamin Estabrook. He was among the patriots of the Revolution on the Common on the 19th of April, 1775, when he was wounded ; we find his name among the soldiers in almost every campaign during the war. He, though a slave, fought the battles of freedom.

The Fairfield Family

About 1733, there was a family of Fairfields came to Lex. probably from Wenham, as Walter, Judith, and Remember were dismissed from the ch. in that place, to Lex., where they were ad. Aug. 4, 1734. On the same day, Rebecca, probably dau. of Walter and Judith, was bap. Walter, probably son of the same, was bap. Jan. 18, 1736, and Mary, Nov. 9, 1740.

There appears to have been more than one family of the name, as Stephen, and Hannah his wife, were ad. to the ch., he in 1734, and she in 1737. We have also the record of two of their children, Judith, b. May 30. 1736, and Rebecca, b. Dec. 26, 1738. I also find Moses of Daniel, bap. in 1738. Walter and Daniel were taxed in Lex. 1735, '36, and '37. In 1743, Walter, Judith, and Mary, and Stephen and Hannah, weije dismissed from the Lex. ch. to the ch. at Cold Spring. They probably had left town before that time, as the name had disappeared from the tax bills.

The Farley Family

The Parleys were never numerous in Lexington. George Farley settled in Roxbury, removed early to Woburn, and from thence to Billerica, before 1656, and d. there Dec. 27, 1693. He had a number of children, some of whom settled in Billerica, where the name has been quite common, as it has also been in Hollis, N. XL It is highly probable that the Lexington Farleyawere from the same stock. The following imperfect sketch is all that our records furnish.

The Farmer Family

Ebward Farmer, son of John Farmer, of Ansley, Warwickshire, Eng., came to this country as early as 1672, and settled in Billerica, where he d. May 27, 1727, aged 87. Mary his wife d. Mar. 26, 1719, aged 78.

Nathaniel Farmer m. May 28, 1755, Hannah Fessenden, dau. of Thomas and Hannah (Prentice) Fessenden. He was a member of Capt. Parker's company, and like a true patriot was on the ground on the 19th of Apr. 1775. He received a severe wound on the morning of that memorable day. A ball struck his right arm, and so fractured the bone, that he was disabled for a long time ; - pieces of bone were extracted from the arm several months afterwards. The Legislature made him a grant of £15 15s. for loss of labor and expense of surgical attendance.

The Fassett Family

The Fassetts came to this country from Scotland. John Fassett was made freeman in 1654. Nathaniel Fassett was taxed in Concord in 1666. There were one or more families of this name in Billerica at an early day. It is probable that the Lex. Fassetts descended either from the family in Con. or Bil., as they resided near the corner of these towns - their residence being at what is known as the

Page place, in Bed., which was formerly a part of Lex, The Fassetts were never numerous in Lex., though one individual was at one time prominent and influential. «

Joseph Fassett, and his wife Mary, were in Lex. in 1701, having made their peace with the church at that time. In 1708, he was chosen one of the assessors in the precinct, and in 1714, one of the assessors in the town. Subsequently he became quite popular, filling various offices. He was one of the assessors nine years, filled the office of selectman about as long, and for several years represented the town in the General Court. We find no record of any children of theirs except Joseph, who was born Dec. 6, 1701. Joseph Fassett, and his wife Mary, both died about 1753 or 4. She was dau. of William Munroe, the ancestor of the Lex. Munroes.

Joseph Fassett m. May 6, 1756, Dorothy Pollard, of Bedford. He was a lieut., and d. at the Lake in the French war, Sept. 16, 1758, aged 29 years. She m. Fob. 21, 1760, Ebenezer Page, of Bedford, son of her father-in-law.

The Fessenden Family

The Fessendens were probably not in the precinct, till about the time it was erected into a town, in 1713; though they were in old Cambridge much earlier. John Fessenden came from Kent Co., Eng., and settled in Cambridge about 1635. He was ad. a freeman in 1641. He was a member of the ch., and was selectman in 1656, '61, '63, and '65. He d. Jan. 13, 1666, leaving no children. Hia wife Jane d. Jan. 13, 1682. aged 80. His relative, Nicholas Fessenden, came over from England at his request, it is said, and inherited his estate, which was very considerable for that day. Nicholas is supposed to have been a nephew of John.

Nicholas Fkssenden m. Margaret Cheney. He was b. in England about 1650. He resided in Cambridge, where he had a numerous family, and d. Feb. 24, 1719, in his 69th year. She d. Dec. 10, 1717, in her 62d year.

William, b. 1694; m. first, Oct. 10, 1716, MarthaWyeth, and second, Jan. 4, 1728, Martha Brown. He d. May 26, 1756. He resided in Camb., had a family of eleven children, the youngest of whom, Thomas, was bap. July 15, 1739, grad. at H. C. 1758, was ordained at Walpole, N. H., 1767. He m. Elizabeth Kendall, and had a numerous family, the eldest of whom was well known in this community. Thomas G. Fessenden grad. at Dart. C. 1796 ; he was a lawyer, a wit, and a poet, whose writings left a sting behind. He was author of a satirical poem entitled, " Terrible Tractoration," which in its day made many laugh, and a few wince. He was distinguished as an agriculturalist, and edited for some years "The New England Farmer." He d. in Boston.

Through another branch of the family of AVilliam Fessenden, (Noo. 11 in this table,) descended G. Samuel Fessenden, an eminent lawyer of Portland, Me., who has represented his district in Congress,, and who was father of Hon. William Pitt Fessenden, the distinguished senator in Congress from Maine at this time.

Thomas Fessenden m. 1708, Abigail Poulter, dau. of Jonathan and Elizabeth Poulter, of Lex., b. Sept. 5, 1692. She d. April 25, 1719, aged 27 ; and he m. Jan. 8, 1720, Abigail Locke, dau. of Joseph Locke, of Lex. She d. June 12, 1736, and he m. Anne- Phillebrown, Dec. 2, 1737. He d. Mar. 6, 1738. He probably came to Lex. about the time of his first marriage ; he o-. c. in 1709, when their first child was baptized.

The Fiske Family

«- There was," says Bond, in his history of Watertown, " a considerable number of early immigrants of the name of Fiske, who settled in Massachusetts ; and there is good reason to believe that they were all descendants of Robert and Sibil (Gold) Fiske, who lived at Broad Gates, Loxfield, near Framingham, county SutFolk, Eng."

David Fiske, probably came over to America in 1636, and settled in Wat. where he was admitted freeman. Mar. 1637. He was selectman in Wat. 1640, and '43. His will, dated Sept. 10, 1660, and proved Jan. 22, 1662, mentions no wife, but o«e dau. Fitch, and one son David, "sole executor and residuary legatee, giving him his house, lands, cattle and chattels." Aug. 6, 1673, his son sold his homestead and two other lots of land in Wat. to John Cooledge.

David Fiske b. 1624. He was a "planter," and was ad. freeman, May 26, 1647 ; he settled either at first, or soon after, at Camb. Farms, in which place he became a prominent citizen. He m. first, Lydia Cooper, perhaps step-dau. of Dea. Gregory Stone, by whom he had three children. He m. second, Seaborn Wilson, dau. of William Wilson, of Boston, He d. Feb. 14, 1710. His will, dated Jan. 22, 1708, and proved Dec. 20, 1711, mentions, wife Seaborn, son Nicholas Wyeth, my dau. being dead, children David, Elizabeth, and Abigail, cousin Samuel Stone, son of Dea. Samuel Stone. Inventory of his estate, £405 17s. M. Oct. 16, 1676, he and wife Seaborn, sold Samuel Page, one hundred and forty-nine acres in Wat. granted to his father David Fiske. David Fiske, or David Fiske, Sen., as he was designated in our early records, was not only one of the first settlers, but became one of the most prominent and useful men in the precinct. He headed the subscription for a meeting-house in 1692, and on the organization of the parish the year afrer, he was chosen clerk, and one of the selectmen or assessors. He was also chosen chairman of a committee to purchase of the town of Camb. a lot of land for the support of the ministry. These and similar offices he frequently held under the parish. He was also a member of the ch. organized 1696, and his wife immediately after removed her relation from the ch. in Camb. to the ch. gathered in the precinct. He not only served his fellow-citizens in a civil and religious, but also in a military capacity, as appears by the prefix Zyi'eii^wwhich is often in the records connected with his name. He was also often employed by the colony as a surveyor. He resided on Hancock st. near the present residence of Joseph F. Simonds,

A handsome monument was, erected in 1856, by Benj. Fiske, Esq., with this inscription : "In memory of David Fiske, who died Feb. 14, 1710, and his descendants."

He d. Oct. 23, 1729. David Fiske, like his father, was a subscriber to the first meeting-house in 1692, and, like his father, was ready to sustain the institutions of religion, and was elected to the dignified office of tythingman.

upon the Lex. parish records in 1707, when Corp'l Jonathan Fiske was chosen one of the assessors. He was also a subscriber for the purchase of the Common in 1711 ; though the ch. records show that his dau. Abigail was bap. in 1704, when he o. c. He and his wife Abigail united with the ch. Oct. 24, 1708. He had a family of fourteen children, five of whom were born in Lex. and the rest in Sudbury, to which place he removed about 1713, where he was' a deacon. He and his wife were dismissed to the Sudbury ch, in 1718. His will, dated Nov. 13, 1742, mentions wife Abigail, five sons and seven dau., two of his children probably having died before that period.

RonEUT Fiske m. May 27, 1718, Mary Stimpson, of Reading. In 1711, he was a subscriber for the purchase of tlie Common. He was ad. to the ch. 1736. His residence was on Hancock st. at or near the spot where Joseph F. Simonds now resides.. Here his father David lived before him ; and hence this must have been one of the first settled places in the township. The present, which is probably the second house on this spot, was erected in 1732. Robert Fiske was a physician, and probably the first of the profession in the place.

His wife survived him a few years, and d. Feb. 11, 1757. He d. April 18, 1753. Tiae inventory sheds light upon the manners and customs of the age. Among other things, we find the following: "Hat and wig, 100s. Arms - yellow stock gun, £8 IO5. ; little gun, £5 ; carbine, oOs. ; brass pistols, 50s. ; rapier and belt, 12*. ; three staves, 205. ; two cans and two piggens, 155. ; one loom, quill wheel and warping bars, 505, ; two pair of snow shoes, 305. Books - General Practice of Physic, 305. ; English Dispensatory or Synopsis of Medicine, 30s. The Structure and Condition of Bones, los." By these items, it will be seen that the doctor was quite as well armed for the art of war as for the art of healing.

John, b. Nov. 8, 1731. He studied medicine, but it is doubtful whether he practiced to any extent. We find no account of his marriage, or children, or death. He was of Lex. in 1757, when Joseph Fiske, and John Fiske, physicians, heirs of Dr. Robert Fiske, sold land to Jonas Parker. John Fiske, of Lex. was in the French and Indian war, 1754.

Jonathan, b. March 20, 1734; m. Sept. 4, 1755, Abigail Locke, of Woburn. She was dau. of William and Jemima (Russell) Locke, who resided near the line of Lexington. We find no account of Jonathan Fiske, or family. He was of Lex. in 1752, when for a consideration he relinquished his right to his mother's thirds.

Ebenezer Fiske m. Dec. 4, 1718, Grace Harrington, of Wat. , by whom he had a child, which d. Aug. 25, 1721, and she d. four days after, aged 26. He m. second, Bethia Muzzy, dau. of Benj. and Sarah Muzzy. She d. Nov. 19, 1774, aged 74 ; and he d. Dec. 19, 1775. The monumental stone in the Lex. old yard, has the honorable prefix of Lieut, to the name of Ebenezer Fiske. He appears to have been popular in his day, having been called to fill many offices in the town. He was selectman ten years between 1739 and 1758. He resided on the road to Concord, a little more than a mile from the Common, at the easterly side of a large swell of land, which from his residence and ownership has taken the name of " Fiske Hill." It was at this house that the gallant Hayward, of Acton, met a British soldier coming from the well, between whom shots were exchanged, with fatal effect on both sides.

Anna, b. July 29, 1735 ; m. Oct. 24, 1754, Oliver Barrett, of Con. She was grandmother of the late Rev. Dr. Barrett, of Boston, and Rev. Fiske Barrett, once settled at Lexington.

no record of his death ; but as he was in Lex. in 1764, and she was a wid. in 1767, he must have d. between those periods. In 1767 wid. Betty Fiske bought eighty acres of land in Lex. bounded easterly on Wo. line, and westerly by land of Lemuel Simonds. Her will, dated Dec. 4, 1770, and proved Sept., 1771, mentions sons Robert, John, and David, and dau. Betty and Ruth. The record of this family is very defective. Robert Fiske, like his father, was a physician by profession, and appears to have led rather a wandering life. In 1760 he was in the French war, in 1757 he was in Wo., and in 1764, he came to Lex., when we find this entry, " Dr. Fiske and family came last from Woburn."

Joseph Fiske m. Dec. 13, 1751, Ilepzibah Raymond. He d. Jan. 8, 1808, aged 81. She d. Oct. 9, 1820, at the advanced age of 91. lie was a physician, and successor to his father, who d. about the time he commenced practice. He administered upon his fathei-'s estate, and resided in the same house. He probably had other children besides those named below, as the imperfect records speak of the death of at least one of his infant children.

David Fiske m. June 22, 1760, Elizabeth Blodgett. He was a weaver, and, to distinguish him from others of the same name, he was called " Weaver David." He was famous as a hunter. Though the wild game was not very plenty in his day, he contributed greatly to thin off the deer, bears, &c. He ran down and killed a stately buck on the hill over which the Burlington road ran, and hence it has taken the name of " Buck's Hill." He has left no record of his family ; though from tradition, and intimations in the records, he must have had at least three children. He d. July 20, 1815.

David Fiske m. Abigail Harrington, dau. of Robert and Abigail (Mason) Harrington. He was a physician, and resided at the corner of Elm avenue and Bedford street, where Mr. James Gould now resides, which place, consisting of a house and an acre of land, he bought of Mrs. Ruth Harrington in 1777. He d. Nov. 20, 1803, and was buried in masonic order, being a member of that fraternity. I find no record of his family worthy of mention.

Joseph Fiske m. July 31, 1794, Elizabeth Stone, b. Nov. 13, 1770. She d. Mar. G, 1842. He was a surgeon in the continental service during almost the entire Revolution - was at the capture of Burgoyne, the surrender of Yorktown, and many of the intermediate battles. Dr. Fiske was one of the original members of the Society of Cincinnati, formed by the officers at the close of the war in 1784, - a society whose benefactions have gladdened the heart of many a widow and orphan. His son, Joseph, had in his possession the certificate of membership, with the sign manual of George Washington, president, and Gen. Knox, secretary. He was also "a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society. He d. May 4, 1860, aged 63.

Joseph, b. Feb. 9, 1797 ; m. Nov. 12, 1829, Mary Gardner Kennard of Eliot, Me. Their children are Joseph Alexander, b. Mar. 8, 1830, and m. Love Langdon Dodge of Methuen, and lives at Lawrence ; Timothy Kennard, b. Aug. 5, 1833, and m. Dec. 25, 1857, Barbara Peters.

David Fiske m. Apr. 26, 1784, Sarah Hadley. She d. May 21, 1804, and he m. second, Wid. Ruth Trask, May 6, 1806. He d. Aug. 17, 1820, aged 61. He had ten children by his first wife, and three by his second. He entered the service as a fifer in the company of Capt. Edmund Munroe, and served to the close of the war. For the sake of distinction he was denominated " Fifer David." There is no record of his family, and but little information can be obtained concerning them. He d. Aug. 17, 1820, aged 61.

Ben.tamix Fiske in. May 16, 1797, Elizabeth Bridge, dau. of Rev. ]\Ir. Bridge of Chelmsford. She d. Oct. 20, 1814, and he m. second, Nancy Adams of Westlbrd. He moved to Boston in 1808, and was engaged in navigation till 1848. In 1843 he returned to \jCX. and located himself on a large farm situated on Lowell street, where he d. lie served as alderman in Boston in 1843, and as representative from 1833 to 1838. He held a justice's commission. He d. Feb. 2, 1858, aged 84.

Samuel Fiske was b. in Salem, Sept. 30, 1789. He came to Lex. when a child, and resided with John Chandler, and by him was presented for baptism. May 29, 1803. He m. Jan. 25, 1818, Ardelia L. Tufts ofCharlestown, b. Jan. 7, 1795. She d. April 15, 1833. He resided in Lex. till about 1835, when he removed to Shirley, and from thence to Worcester, where he now resides. He represented Lex. in the General Court in 1828, '29, and '30.

Lucretia, b. July 12, 1825 ; m. Oct. 19, 1845, William Hudson of Lex. They resided first in Lex., and in 1851 removed to Wor. He entered the service of the United States in 18(31, was in Burnside's expedition to North Carolina, attached to the signal corps, where he d. of disease Aug. 20, 1862. He left two chifdren, John A., b. Dec. 26, 1846, and William F., b. Oct. 3, 1848.

The Gammell Family

The first of this family came to this country about 1740, and settled in Boston. He had at least two sons, JoA/t and William. Joiix Gammell was b. prior to 1750. He took an active part in many iuiportant events which preceded the Revolution. He was engaged in the destruction of the tea, and also of the stamp office. Immediately after the investment of Boston, he moved his family, consisting of a wife and one child, to Lex. On the 18th of June, 1775, he enlisted into the Revolutionary army.

William Gammell, b. 1750, in Boston, where he lived till he was fourteen years old, when he moved to Chelmsford. Like his brother he was an ardent patriot, and joined the Revolutionary army. He m. Thankful Keyes, of Chelmsford, and moved to Hillsborough, N. H. about 1779. He had a family of seven children.

GLEASON. - There have been from time to time persons in town by the name of Gleasox, but no permanent family till recently. Oeorge Oleason came to Lexington from Holden in 1753. Jonas Oleason m. April 30, 1771, Ruth Bacon, both of Lex. In 1772, Jonas was ad. to the ch., and his dau. Ruth bap. In 1795, he was dismissed to the ch. of Bedford. In 1776, Benjamin Oleason was taxed both for personal and real estate. There are two families of Oleasons in town at the present time, but the records do not furnish a connected list of the families, and no list being furnished us we are obliired to omit them.

The Goddard Family

William Goddakd, the seventh son of Edward, m. Elizabeth Miles, dau. of Benj. Miles. They resided in London, where they had six children, three of whom d. young. He and his wife, with their three remaining children, William, Joseph, and Robert, came to N. E. in 1665, and settled in Watertown, where he was made freeman in 1677, and ad. to the ch. in 1688, and d Oct. 6, 1091. She d. Feb. 8, 1098. He must have been a man of more than ordinary education, for he was employed by the town to " teach such children as were sent to him to learn the rules of the Latin tongue." They had five children b. in Watertown, two of whom d. young.

Edward Goddard, the youngest child of William, was b. in Watertown, INIarch 24, 1675; m. June, 1097, Susanna Stone. He was a schoolmaster, and taught successively in Watertown, Boston, and Framingham. He was a prominent man, and filled almost every place of honor and profit in the town of Framingham, where he took up his final residence; and the period during which he filled the different offices, furnishes the best evidence of his ability and fidelity. He was town clerk eighteen years, selectman ten years, town treasurer two years, representative eight years, and a member of the executive council three years. He was' also a justice of the peace, and the captain of a company of horse. He d. Feb. 9, 1754, aged 79. They had nine children.

David Goddard, the third son of Edward, b. Sept. 26, 1706, grad. at H. C. 1731. He studied theology and settled at Leicester, June 30, 1769. He m. Aug. 19, 1736, Mercy Stone, of Watertown. She d. Jan. 4, 1753, and he m. Dec. 20, 1753, Martha, wid. of Joseph Nichols, of Framingham. He visited Framingham during the prevalence of an epidemic, known there as the " great sickness," contracted the disease, and d. Jan. 19,1754, within less than a month of his marriage. His father and mother fell a prey to the same disease about the same time. His ministry was prosperous and happy. He had nine children.

William Goddard, the second son of David, was b. April 21, 1740, grad. at H. C. 1761, and was settled as a minister at Westmoreland, N. H., 1764. He m. Aug. 14, 1765, Rhoda Goddard, dau. of Edward and Hepzibah Goddard, his cousin. He was dismissed from Westmoreland on account of ill-health in 1775, removed to Orange, Mass., 1778, thence to Petersham, 1779, where he d. June 16, 1788, aged 48 ; she d. Dec 7, 1820, aged 80 years. They had eleven children - nine born in Westmoreland and two in Petersham.

AsAHEL Goddard, the youngest son of William, b. in Petersham, May 6, 1780, m. Jan. 1, 1808, Nancy Keyes, of Reading, Vt., b. June 7, 1787. They resided in Reading, where all their children but the youngest were born. He d. June 1, 185'9.

Alonzo Goddard m. April 8, 1841, ElizabethN. Smith, dau. of Ebenezer and Anna (Underwood) Smith. He has for several years served as one of the selectmen. He came to Lexington to reside permanently about 1850.

dau. of Solomon and Sophronia (Darly) Keyes. He came to Lexington, 1852, where he is now in trade. They have but one child - 17 I Mina Keyes, b. Nov. 2, 1864.

GODDING. - Henry Godding and his wife Sarah confessed, and were ad. to the ch. in Lexington, May 1, 17G1, and their first child Samuel, was bap. They were in 1766, dismissed to Rowley, Canada. John and Thomas Godding were in the French war from Lexington, 1762.

The Gould Family

James Gould was b. in Boston, 1749. Being a wheelwright, he supplied wagons for the army during the revolution. He m. Anna Lawrence, who was b. 1742, and d. 1824, aged 82. He d. in 1789. They had five children, three of whom married, viz., Thomas, Abigail, and Mary.

Thomas Gould was b. in Bridgewater, 1785 ; m. 1806, Sophia Lovis, who d. 1812, leaving three children. He m. Lydia Pierce, b. 1790, dau. of Jonas and Lydia (Prentice) Pierce.

Thomas Gould, Jr., b. in Boston, 1808; m. 1829, Lydia Ann W. Teel, b. in Newburyport, 1805. They resided in Boston till 1840, when they removed to Lex.

James Gould, from the same parent stock, m. March 26, 1826, Caroline W. Brooks, dau. of Calvin Brooks of Ashburnham. They resided in Charlestown till about 1845, when they moved to Lex.

The Graham Family

Hugh Graham, b. in Putney, Vt., Dec. 6, 1804, was a son of Alexander Graham, who was son of Alexander Graham, one of the early settlers of Amherst, N. H. He came to Lex. about 1830. He were numerous ; and his wife was ad. to the eh. in Lex. Aug. 24, 1724, by a letter of dismission from the ch. in Wo. They came to Lex. about 1718, as their first child was bap. in Lex. that year. He held some subordinate town office in 1724. There is but little known of this family. They probably resided near the middle of the town, as he was employed in 1720 to ring the bell, sweep the meeting house, and keep the key. He d. Aug. 10, 1759, aged 63. ,\^ - 1c

Benjamin, b. Dec. 2. 1732 ; probably went to Waltham and m. 1756, Martha Brown, and in 1770 m. Eunice Smith. This may have been the Benjamin Green who d. in Lex. Oct. 26, 1822.

There were other Greens in Lex. from time to time, but whether they were connections of the Samuel Green family, I have no means of knowing.

The Greenleaf Family

The Greenleaf family of Lex. probably descended from Edmund Greenleaf of Newbury, who settled there 1635. He had a son, Stephen, who m. Sarah Kent, and had among other children Stephen, who m. Elizabeth Gerrish in 1676. They had a large family, and among them Stephen, b. Oct. 21, 1690. This Stephen was probably the Stephen Greenleaf of Medford, who m. Mary, and had six children. Gardiner, their first child, b. Jan. 9, 1726, m. Jan. 21, 1748, Catharine Thompson. He d. Nov. 21, 1808.

The Grimes Family

There were Grimeses in Lex. at the time the town was incorporated. The earliest record of any of the name is June 28, 1713, when Jonathan Grimes was bap., but the name of the parents is not given, nor have I ascertained from what place they came. George Grimes d. in Lex. July 28, 1716, aged 76. He could hardly have been the father of Jonathan. I am inclined to believe that William is the ancestor of the Lex. family. It is most likely he had other children, but I will set down the family as follows :

William Grimes m. Jan. 21, 1766, Abigail Reed, dau. of William and Abigail (Stone) Reed, b. Sept. 22, 1744. They were ad. to the ch. Nov. 8, 17G7. He was a member of Capt. Parker's company, was on the Common on the 19th of April, 1775, and was also in a detachment of that company called to Camb. May 10 and June 17 of the same year. He also did other service in the revolutionary war. He resided in the north part of the town, near where Mr. Cummings now resides, on Grove Street, which place still retains the name of its original owner and occupant. They were dismissed to the ch. at Littleton, Jan. 20, 1793, to which place they had removed.

The Grover Family

John and Antipas Grovcr came to Lexington from Grafton in 1789, The family have not been numerous, but remain in town to the present time. John and Antipas are believed to be brothers. Their father's name is said to be Benjamin, and hence we shall set down as the head of the family Benjamin Grovek, probably of Grafton.

John, b. April, 1792, He m. Sarah Merriam, of Bedford. They resided a few years in Lexington, where they had three children born, viz. Mary Ann, Edward, and John ; they then moved to Boston, where he died.

WilUam, b. Oct. 17, 1796 ; m. Oct. 13, 1829, Lucy Harrington, and second, Oct. 8, 1834, Maria Fessenden, dau. of Nathan Fessenden. They reside on Lowell street, near Woburn street. They have the following children.

Antipas Grover m. May 27, 1794, Sarah Pierce. They lived on Lowell street near where George Munroe now resides. They had one child born in Lexington, as seen by the record - Nathan Grover b. Jan. 1, 1795. They buried an infant Feb. 4, 1796. They moved to Fitzwilliam, N. H.

The Hadley Family

The Hadleys, or Headleys, as the name is sometimes spelt in our records, first appear about 1740 ; from what place they came we have not ascertained. The records of the family are very imperfect, and tradition but poorly supplies the defect.

Thomas Hadley m. April 15, 1741, Ruth Lawrence, dau. of Samuel and Elizabeth Lawrence. He d. July 15, 1788, in his 75th year, hence must have been born 1712. She d. May 26, 1819, at the advanced age of 94. He was a member of the gallant band who appeared under Capt. Parker in 1775. He was probably a son of Benjamin and Mehitable Hadley, of Groton, b. Aug. 11, 1712.

Samuel Hadley'di. Betty Jones. He was of the number who died for freedom on the first morning of the Revolution, and whose memory is embalmed in the hearts of his countrymen. After his death his widow m. again.

Thomas Hadley m. Sept. 16, 1773, Alice Newton, of Bedford. She united with the ch. in Lexington, July 16, 1778. In September of the same year, three of their children. Amity, Alice, and Calley, were baptized. He probably d. about 1784, and she m. Feb. 21, 1785, Samuel Merriam, of Bedford. The record of the marriage has this addendum : " Said Alice Hadley married in a borrowed suit of cloathes." We find no record of the birth of his children ; but find the marriage of Thomas Statson, of Boston, and Amity Hadley, of Lexington, Feb. 26, 1792, who was probably his daughter. The singularity of her wedding suit probably arose from a notion which formerly prevailed, that if a man married a wife, and had no property with her, he could not be held responsible for any of her debts. Hence he took her without even the clothing she had on.

Simon Hadley m. Jan. 27, 1791, Olive Porter, of Bedford. Previous to his marriage, we find this entry upon the town record : "Betsey Hadley, dau. of Simeon Hadley and Betty Locke, born April 11, 1784"; from which we infer that he may have had two wives, and that Olive Porter was his second wife.

There are several families of Hadleys in town at the present day, but the imperfect records, and the want of the necessary information in the families on this subject, prevent a proper classification, or a connection of them with the Hadleys mentioned above. The following is all that has been obtained.

The Hancock Family

Though we have had occasion to speak of Rev. John Hancock, the second minister of Lex., and of several members of that family, I will, in accordance with the plan I have adopted, give a connected view of the family.

Nathaniel Hancock was in Camb. as early as 1635. He m. Jane, and had a large family of children. His oldest child may have been born before he came to this country. He d. 1652.

Nathaniel Hancock ni. March 8, 1664, Mary, tlau. of Henry Prentiie of Camb. He was a dea. of the ch., and appears to have enjoyed the^confidence of his fellow-citizens. He d. April 12, 1719, in his eighty-first year.

John Hancock grad. H. C. 1689, and settled in Lex. He m. Elizabeth Clark, dau. of Rev. Thomas and Mary Clark of Chelmsford. Mr. Clark was b. in Boston about 1652, grad. H. C. 1670, settled in Chelmsford, 1677, d. Dec. 7, 1704. His wife, Llary, d. Dec. 2, 1700, and Mr Clark m. Elizabeth Whiting of Billerica. Mr. Hancock probably resided in that part of Camb. which is now Newton. In the church record kept by Rev. Mr. Hancock, we find this entry. "Oct. 16, 1698. I was received into full communion with the church of Christ in this place (Lexington) by virtue of a letter of dismission from the ch. of Christ in Newtowne." He was ordained at Lex. Nov. 2, 1698. He d. Dec. 5, 1752, in the eightyfirst year of his age, and in the fifty-fifth of his ministry. His wife d. Feb. 13, 1760. I have had occasion to speak of Bishop Hancock, as he was familiarly called, in all the relations of life, and have done it so fully that it is entirely unnecessary to add anything more in this place. His remains rest in a tomb in Lex. with those of his wife and son Ebenezer, together with those of his successor, Rev. Jonas Clarke, and his family.

Ebenezer, b. Dec. 7, 1710. He was grad. H. C. 1728, was settled a colleague with his father Jan. 2, 1734, and d. Jan. 28, 1740, without issue. He was highly esteemed by the people of the parish.

Lucy, b. April 20, 1713; m Rev. Nicholas Bowes of Bedford. It is a singular fact that Lucy Hancock, the daughter of a clergyman, married a clergyn)an, and her daughter, Lucy, became the wife of Rev. Jonas Clarke of Lex., and that from them clergymen have proceeded as streams from a fountain.

John Hancock grad. at II. C. 1719, and was ordained at Braintree, Nov. 2, 1728, and d. May 7, 1744. He m. Mary H., widow of Samuel Thaxter of Braintree. He was a divine of more than ordinary ability, and, though he d. young, had arisen to distinction in his profession, and so gave weight to the character and celebrity of the name.

Thomas Hancock m. Nov. 5, 1730, Lydia Henchman. He was a merchant in Boston, was eminently successful, and accumulated a large fortune. He d. 1764, without issue, and gave tlie great mass of his property to John, his nephew, a son of his brother John of Braintree, deceased. He built a house in Lexington for his honored father about 1735, which afterward became the property ahd residence of Rev. Jonas Clarke, his father's successor. The house is now standing, and is revered for its age and associations.

John Hancock m. at Fairfield, Conn., Sept. 4, 1775, Dorothy Quincy, dau. of Edmund Quincy of Boston. The relations which John Hancock sustained to the town of Lex. - the birthplace of his father, and the residence of some of his near relations and esteemed friends ; the place where he had spent some seven years of his boyhood, and where he was boarding temporarily at the opening of the Revolutionary drama - will justily us in going a little beyond our ordinary course, and noticing somewhat in detail the character and services of this Revolutionary patriot. Jchn Hancock was left an orphan by the death of his father, when he was but seven years of age. His education was intrusted to the care of his relatives, and he spent the greater portion of his boyhood with his grandfather in Lex. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1754. He entered the store or counting house of his uncle Thomas as a clerk, where he acquired a knowledge of business, and learned the importance of commerce to the colony. He made such proficiency in business, that in 1760 he was sent abroad to look after the affairs of the house ; and was in England, and present at the funeral of George II., and at the coronation of George III., - pageants not uncongenial to his taste. Soon after his return to this country, and about the time that the oppressive policy of the British ministry began to develop itself, he came into possession of the princely fortune left him by his uncle. It is well known that great efforts were made by the Royalists to engage him on the side of the mother country. Standing, as he did, almost at the head of the merchants of Boston, it was a great object to enlist him in the Royal cause. The safety of his large property, the flattering offers of promotion and place, would naturally have their influence on a young man of Hancock's taste and temperament, coming at once into possession of such an estate ; and it was at one time suspected that he was inclined to join the royal party. But happily for him and for America, there were other influences which were brought to bear upon him. That stern and inflexible patriot, Samuel Adams, who in a manner held the fortunes of the colony in his hand, contributed in no small degree to the Avise choice which Hancock made. There was another influence, more silent but more controling, which contributed to the formation of his character.

Rev. Jonas Clarke of Lcxin<Tton, his old college acquaintance, had niarrioil a cousin of Hancock's. JMr. Clarke was then residing in the house erected by Thomas Hancock of Boston i'or a residence of his venerable father. In this mansion young Hancock had spent a portion of his early life. All these (urcunistances would naturally draw him to Lexington. And it is well known that there was a peculiar intimacy between him and Mr. Clarke, whose devotion to the interests of the Colony was well known and acknowledged. The dignity of character, the urbanity of manners, and the commanding talents . of the patriotic priest, must have impressed the mind oi' the pliant and generous young merchant. And those who know the character and talents and patriotic devotion to the cause of liberty of Mr. Clarke, will not doubt that his inlluence upon his nephew must have been great and controlling, and all in the right direction.

Under such inlluenccs John Hancock chose the better part, and devoted himself and his all to ihe cause of his country. Having made his choice, no man in the community was more decided, and no man had more at stake. With his large property in the town of Boston at the mercy of the enemy, he declared himself perfectly willing, if it was thought the best policy, to lay the place in ashes. At a meeting of the " Xorth End Caucus," an association of patriots of which he was a member, the question of the best mode of expelling the regulars from Boston being under discussion, he exclaimed, " Burn Boston, and make John Hancock a beggar, if the public good requires it." In a letter to Washington, dated Dec, i!2, 1775, informing him that Congress had authorized him to attack the British in the town of Boston, if he thought it expedient, Hancock employs this patriotic language, - " I heartily wish it, though personally I may be the greatest sufferer." No one can doubt the patriotism of John Hancock. He came in direct contact with Royal authority, and was ever found true and reliable. The manner in wliich he was treated by the crown officers shows that they regarded him as hopelessly lost to their cause. He was elected a representative from Boston, and also a member of the Council, but was rejected and spurned by the royal prerogative. In 1767 Gov. Bernard sent him a lieutenant's commission, but he tore it in pieces in presence of the citizens. He was captain of the cadets, the Governor's body guard, and was removed by Gage. He also received several personal indignities from the British troops stationed in Boston before the breaking out of hostilities. The fact that he was coupled with Samuel Adams in the proclamation of Gage immediately alter the battle of Lexington, and proscribed as beyond the pale of executive clemency, shows the light in which he was viewed by tiie minions of power.

In 1774, John Hancock was selected as the orator to deliver the address on the anniversary of the Boston massacre, and the bold, independent manner in which he spoke of the rights of the people, gave great offence to the friends of Parliament. John Adams, who was present, says of this pei-formance, " the composition, the pronunciation, the action, all exceeded the expectations of everybody. They exceeded even mine, which were very considerable." In the same year John Hancock was elei;tedto represent the town of Boston at a General Court, which was called at Salem. And although Gage subsecpiently to the election issued a proclamation excusing their attendance, many of the representatives assembled, and after waiting one day, thev organized themselves into a convention, and elected John ILancock chairman ; and when the same body resolved themselves into a Provincial Congress, they organized by choosing John Hancock President, and adjourned to Concord. During the session measures were adopted looking directly to open resistance, and uo one of that band of patriots was more firm and decided than he who presided over their deliberations. He was elected chairman of the Committee of Safety, and also of the committee to take into consideration the state of the Province - the two most important committees. During the same Congress he was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress, which met at Philadelphia, May 10, 1775. Having taken a seat in that august body, he found that his fame had preceded him, for on the third day of the session he was chosen unanimously to succeed Peyton Randolph, as President. He was President of Congress in 177G, and when the Declaration of Independence was first circulated among the members of that body, it bore the name of John Hancock alone, as President of the Congress, he being the first to affix his name to an instrument which would have proved the death-warrant of the signers, if the cause of the Colonies had not succeeded ; and it is said that the bold and striking characteristics of his signature served to inspire confidence and confirm the doubtful. He resigned his station as President in October, 1777, owing to ill-health.

In 1780, John Hancock was elected a member of the Convention which framed the State Constitution, and was the first Governor of Massachusetts after its adoption, to which office he was several times reij'lected. As a man and a public servant, he was noted for his benevolence and hospitality - spending his money freely to entertain distinguished guests, or to relieve the distresses of the poor and unfortunate.

Gov. Hancock was elected a delegate to the State Convention on the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and was made President of that body. For a time it was exceedingly doubtful whether the Constitution would be ratified or rejected. Hancock favored the scheme of adopting it, and at the same time proposing certain amendments to obviate the objections which had been made to it. This plan was adopted, and the Constitution was ratified by a small majority. It was thought at the time that without his influence it would have been lost. On taking the question he said, " I should have considered it one of the most distressing misfortunes of my life to be deprived of giving my aid and support to a system which, if amended, as I feel assured it will be, according to your proposals, cannot fail to give the people of the United States a greater degree of political freedom, and eventually as much national dignity as falls to the lot of any nation on earth. The question now belbre you is such as no nation on earth, without the limits of America, has ever had the privilege of deciding." Thus are we in a manner indebted to John Hancock for the blessed Constitution under which we live, and which has fully verified his pi-ediction.

The public mind has been somewhat divided in its estimate of the talents of John Hancock, and of the importance of his public services. In point of ability he held a highly respectable rank. His talents were of a popular and showy, rather than of a profound character. Though he bad not the far-reaching sagacity of Samuel Adams, or the logical acumen of Joseph Hawley or John Adams, or the active, stirring energy of Warren, yet he filled a place among the patriots of that day which no other man could fill, and exerted an inrtuence highly beneficial to the great cause of freedom - operating in commercial circles where the motive of interest strongly tended to the royal cause. He may have been vai7i, but vanity can be pardoned when it can justly boast of making so great a sacrifice for the benefit of coming generations. He may have been ambitious ; but his ambition was of a public character. He desired promotion that he might further a good cause - he sought place that he might dispense his liberal fortune, and show that the hospitalities and even the graces and refinements of life were not of necessity confined to princes, and that those " who wore soft raiment are not" always, " in kings' houses." Whatever blemishes of character a Histidious criticism may discover in John Hancock, we are satisfied that but few men, in this or any other country, can point to acts more noble, and to sacrifices more disinterested than those which appear in his character ; and few men ever gave greater evidence of active devotion to their country's welfare.

And when we say that in point of talent and influence he fell below Samuel Adams, we only say of him what would be true of any other man of that day ; for in rei'erence to talents in the broadest sense of that term, Samuel Adams had no equal. Others may have been more learned, or may have excelled him in some particulars ; but in his knowledge of the science of human government, and of the great principles of rational liberty - in his knowledge of men and the springs of action in the hum.in heart, he certainly had no superior. And when we consider that this knowledge was ever under the control of that lofty patriotism, that unconquerable fidelity to principle, that calm and indomitable will for which he was always distinguished, we can truly say of him that he was the founder of civil liberty in Massachusetts - in New England - in America. The author of the "Life of Samuel Adams," has shown that he was second to no man among us ; and his memory will be cherished as long as civil liberty has an enlightened devotee.

John Hancock resided in Boston, in what was then regarded as a princely mansion on Beacon street, fronting upon, and overlooking the Common. The house stood till 1863, when it was taken down. An effort had been made by the State to purchase the property and preserve the mansion for the residence of the successive Governors of the Connnonwealth ; that they might show their respect for the illustrious patriot who first graced and adorned it; and that his disinterested patriotism might warm the breast of those who might be called to fill the high office first filled and adorned by John Hancock.

Mr. Hancock always cherished a fond recollection of Lexington, as the birth-place of his father, the residence of his grandfather, and the place where he spent the playful portion of his boyhood. He also revered it as the place whei'e he took counsel with Rev. Jonas Clarke on matters of awful moment ; and the place where under his own direction the patriotic men of Lexington stood firmly before the invaders of their rights. This attachment to Lexington he manifested by gifts to the church and societ}^

We have said before, that John Hancock m. September 4, 1775, Dorothy Quincy of Boston, dau. of Edmund Quincy. He d. Oct. 8, 1793, aged 56. She m. July 28, 17i>6, James Scott, the master of a London packet, formerly in the employ of her first husband. She outlived Capt. Scott many years, and retained her faculties to the last. She was a lady of superior education and accomplishments, and was gifted with wonderful powers of conversation. She was one of the first persons sought by Lafayette, when he visited this country in 1824. " Those who witnessed this hearty interview, speak of it with admiration. The once youthful chevalier and the unrivalled belle met, as if only a summer had passed since they had enjoyed social interviews in the perils of the Revolution." She d. Feb. 3, 1830, aged 83 years.

The Harrington Family

The name of Harrington is found in almost every town in New England ; and it is probable that most, if not all of them, descended from or at least were relatives of Robert Harrington of Watertown, who was in that town as early as 1642. He had a numerous family, who were widely dispersed. He came from England where many of his children were born.

John Harrington m. Nov. 17, 1681, Hannah Winter, dau. of John Winter, Jr., of Watertown, but afterwards of Camb. Farms. She d. July 17, 1741, and he d. Aug. 24, 1741, in that part of Watertown now Waltham.

Daniel Harrington m. Oct. 18, 1681, Sarah Whitney. She d. June 8, 1720, and he m. second, Oct. 25, 1720, Elizabeth, wid. of Capt. Benjamin Garfield, and dau. of Matthew and Anna Bridge of Cambridge.

John Harrington m. April 12, 1705, Elizabeth Cutter, then of Camb. Farms, but now Lex., where he settled. His name appears upon our records for the first time in 1713, when John Harrington appeared before the selectmen, and offered on certain conditions, to give the right of Avay across his land. His residence must have been easterly oi Hancock Hill, near the residence of the late Joseph Fiske. He d Nov. 29, 1750. Some articles in the inventory of his estate, show the fasliions of the day - " Leather britches, a new dark wigg, sundry old wiggs, yarn leggens, pistols, warming pan, wooden plates."

Robert Harrington m. Nov. 15, 1711, Anna Harrington of Watertown, dau. of Samuel and Grace Harrington. He was a blacksmith, and settled in Lexington on the main street, near the present residence of P. P. Pierce. His name first appears upon our church records in 1712, when Samuel Harrington was bap., his father Robert owning the covenant. He was chosen -&. fence viewer in 1713, so he must have been a permanent resident at that time. He d. Feb. 5, 1774, aged 89, and she d. Oct. 16, 1777, aged 85. He was cousin to John, who came to Lexington from Watertown about the same time. These two were the ancestors of the numerous family of Harringtons which afterwards appear on our records.

Anna, b. June 2, and bap. in Watertown, June 10, 1716. She ra. her cousin. Rev. Timothy Harrington. He was settled at Swanzey, N. H. That town was destroyed by the Indians, April 2, 1747, and he was the next year settled at Lancaster, Mass., where he d. May 17, 1778.

2, 1734. We learn by tradition that he had several children, though the records are silent upon tlie subject. He d. Jan. 11, 1787. It is said that he had Aloses, Betsey, and Caleb, the latter of whom was the Caleb Harrington who was killed on the Common on the 19th of Aj)ril, 1775. He is said to have been about twenty-five years of age at the time of his death. Betsey m. first, Ebenezer White, and, second, Thomas Cutler.

She lived to a great age, and was a woman of great peculiarities. Henry Harrington resided under the hill, near the residence of Mr. Hutchinson. He d. Dec. 25, 1791, aged 80; she d. Jan. 23, 1820, aged 94.

RoBERT Harrington m. Abigail ]\Iason, dau. of Daniel and E.kperience Mason of Newton. They were ad. to the ch. in Lex. Aug. 11, 1745. She d. Aug. 25, 1778, aged 57, and ho m. April 16, 1781, widow Chloe Trask. ^Hed. May 30, 1793, aged 74. He filled many town offices, and bore the dignified title of Ensign Harrington. He was one of the selectmen in 1752, and was re-elected to that station some twelve or fourteen years, and was chairman of the board in the eventful period of the Revolution, when many important duties devolved upon him. He was also many years a magistrate, and represented the town four years in the General Court.

Jonathan Harrington m. Aug. 1, 1750, Mrs. Abigail Dunster. She d June 30, 1770, and he m. second, Mrs. Lydia MuUiken, wid. of Nathaniel MuUiken. He d. Sept. 14, 1809, aged 87 ; and she d. Nov. 13, 1783, aged 57. He was several years selectman, and was one of the committee of correspondence in 1778, in the midst of the Revolution. He was a true son of liberty, and was found on the 19th of April at the post of danger.

Henry Harrington m. Oct. 25, 1759, Ruth Blodpett, dau. of Joseph Blodgett. They were ad. to the ch. June 2, 1763. He was a soldier in the French war, in 175G and 1758.

Jeremiah Harrington m. Dec. 21, 1769, Sarah Locke, dau. of Joseph and Sarah Locke, b. Aug. 23, 1746. She d. Jan. 12, 1813; He d. Dec. 11, 1818. He served in the French war in 1762. Tradition says he had three dau., but there is no record of ihv.'w birth. Sallij Harrington, one of them, m. Dec. 30, 1793, Edward Blackington of Camb.

John Harrington m. Dec. 3, 1763, Mary AVootten, dau. of John Wootten, an Englishman, Capt. Wootten was a shipmaster, and made twenty-two voyages to Surinam. He was of Capt. Parker's company, and met the British on the 19th of April. He was subsequently a lieutenant in the militia. He moved with his family to Deering, N. H., about 1783. His children, being young, left town with him.

Jonathan Harrington m. Feb. 13, 17G6, Ruth Fiske, dau. of Dr. Robert Fiske by wid. Grover. After the death of her husband she m. Feb. 18, 1777, John Smith of Boston. He was one of the gallant band who stood forth in defence of freedom on the 19th of April, 1775, and was one who fell that morning, a victim to British oppression. See History, p. 181. He was about thirty-two years of age at the time of his death.

Thomas Harrington m. Lucy Perry of Bed. July 4, 1771, We find no record of his family except the birlh of one child. He is said to have *' moved into the country." What time he left Lexington we cannot say ; his name is upon the tax bill in 1776, but is omitted in 1778.

Thaddeus Harrington m. Sept. 20, 1764, Lydia Porter of Wo. They were ad. to the ch. April 22, 1771. He was one of the brave men who was an actor in the battle of Lexington. She d. Jan. 1821.

Daniel Harrington m. May 8, 1760, Anna Munroe, dau. of Robert and Ann (Stone) Munroe, who was b. Aug. 30, 1740. She d. Oct. 19, 1811, aged 71 ; he d. Sept. 27, 1818, aged 79. Daniel Harrington was clerk of Capt. Parker's company, and participated with them in the dangers and glories of the memorable 19th of April, 1775. He was a prominent man in the place, and filled various posts of honor and trust. He was selectman 1779, '85, '86.

Artjah Harrington m. April 21, 1784, Polly Raymond. She d. Feb. 27, 1822, and he m. Dec. 14, 1823, Mary Locke, wid. of Asa B. Locke. He d. without issue, Dec. 31, 1852, aged 91. Though Abijah Harrington was too young (being but 13 years of age) to take part in the events of the memorable 19th of April, 1775, he was attracted by the march of the king's troops, and came to the Common immediately after their departure for Concord, and saw in the road where the British troops stood at the time of the firing, a quantity of blood upon the ground, and so is a good witness that the tire of the British was returned, and with eifect, by the Americans. See Deposition appended to Phinney's History.

Jonathan Harrington m. Nov. 14, 1782, Sally Banks. She d. July 28, 1847, aged 85. Though a lad of only 16 years of age, he was a Jifer in that phalanx of freemen which appeared on Lexington Common on the 19th of April, 1775. He lived to a great age, and related almost to the time of his death, the leading events of that day. He said he was aroused early that morning by a cry from his mother - " Jonathan, get up, the regulars are coming, and something must be done." He arose and repaired to the place of parade, and was with the company on the approach of the British. " Something must BE done," exclaimed the ])atriotic mother. And somet/iiiig was done on that memorable day. The shrill notes of that stripling's fife, not only warmed the bpsoms of the gallant band on Lexington Common, but enkindled a fire extinguished only by the acknowledgment of our Independence. Somefhinij wiis done. The firm resistance to the British on that occasion inspired every patriotic bosom, and called the people to arms. Something was done which taught the haughty oppressors that freemen in defence of their homes and firesides, their wives and little ones, were not to be intimidated by veteran troops, though led on by rash and daring commanders. Something was done which has given to Lexingtoii a name which will be remembered as long as the spirit of liberty finds a resting place in the human breast.

Jonathan Harrington was one of the youngest defenders of his country's rights on the opening of the Revolutionary drama, and one of the last, if not the very last of the survivors of that opening scene, who lived to partake of the blessings of freedom and to witness the growing greatness of his country. Mr. Harrington lived to a great age, and was treated with much respect and attention by the whole community. At the age of ninety-one he attended the 75th anniversary of the 19th of April, celebrated at Concord. The writer of this waited upon him to give him an invitation to attend the celebration, and give a sentiment. At first he thought he should not be able ; but a recurrence to the events of the day to be commemorated, soon roused the energy of the venerable patriarch, and with a countenance lighted up Avith patriotism, he consented to attend. And when he was asked to give a sentiment, he gave from the fullness of his heart a sentiment, which he was requested to commit to paper, that it might be presented at Concord in his own handwriting. The next day he forwarded the following :

After living to the advanced age of 95 years, 8 months, and 18 days, the venerable patriot died, March 27, 1854. The death of the last survivor of the battle of Lexington, produced a marked sensation in the whole community. The Governor ordered out two companies, the Davis Guards of Acton, and the Concord Artillery, to do escort duty at bis interment. And such was the public feeling, that General Jones invited his brigade to be present on the occasion, which invitation was promptly responded to by the corps. Several other companies not belonging to the brigade volunteered - all anxious to show their regard to the memory of one who had come down from a generation of patriots, and had stood the sole representative of the first battle of freedom in America. The Governor, the Lieut. Governor and the Honorable Council, and a great part of the Legislature, which was then in session, honored the event by their presence. The Masonic fraternity, of which he was a member, attended with their regalia; and a large concourse of people from the neighboring towns filled Lexington to overflowing. The spectacle was truly imposing.

The procession was formed by Gen. Samuel Chandler of Lexingington, who acted as chief marshal on the occasion. The military moved in the following order :

From the Common they moved down Main street to the Town Hall, where they received the body guard, the Concord Artillery, Captain Culbertson, and the Davis Guards, Captain Holden; Hiram Lodge of West Cambridge, and the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, with the body of the deceased, attended by the pall-bearers and relatives, and followed by the chief marshal, chaplain, and the committee of arrangements, consisting of some of the principal citizens of the town. These were followed by Governor Washburn and suit, Lieut. Governor Flunkett, and the Council, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, officers of the militia, citizens of Concord and citizens generally.

From this point, it being almost the identical spot at which Lord Percy received the British fugitives in their flight from Concord on the I9th of April, 1775, the procession moved up Main street by the Common to the church, where solemn religious services were performed, and an appropriate address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Randall, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. After the services at the church were concluded, the remains were removed to the old burying-ground in the rear of the church, and deposited in the family tomb. The Masonic burial service was read at the tomb by Grand Master Randall of the Grand Lodge, and a volley was fired over the grave by the Concord Artillery and the Davis Guards. This closed the funeral solemnities of the day.

The history of the world furnishes no case more striking or sublime than this ! Thousands of persons of all ages and conditions in life, fiock together from one common impulse, and with one general feeling ! What motive actuated the vast concourse and brought them to Lexington at that time ? The season of the year was uninviting, the traveling bad, and the day inclement ; and everything external would seem to forbid any gathering of the people in large numbers in the open air, - but still they came. And for what purpose ? Not to obtain any direct advantage personal to themselves - not to witness any feat of art, listen to any distinguished orator, or partake of a sumptuous feast - not to behold any distinguished lord or prince from a foreign country, or any celebrated statesman from our own - not to greet a living friend surrounded with wealth and splendor, or to follow in the funeral train of a deceased President or high officer of state. No - thoy came to worship at the shrine of Liberty - to show their respect to the memory of a humble and unpreteniling^ individual, who had stood for years the sole representative of that body of freemen who rallied for their country on the 19th of April, 1775.

Peter Harrington m. Lydia Loring. He d. Jan. 23, 1816, aged 43. He lived in Lex. till about 1811, when he moved to Salem, where he d. He was captain of the Lex. artillery, and was promoted to the lieut. -colonelcy.

Henry Harrington, 3d, m. March 13, 1783, Amity Pierce. They had several children. They resided first at Boston, and afterwards moved to New Orleans.

was on the tax bill in 1788, disappears the following year, _ Neither the town or church records make any mention of him or his family after his marriage.

Isaac Harrington m. Oct. 21, 1798, Polly Farrer of Lincoln. He d. April 2, 1863. aged 97 years 8 months. The record of the family is very imperfect.

Solomon Harrington m. Feb. 6, 1820, Betsey Dudley, dau. of Nathan and Sarah Dudley, b. June 1, 1798. He resided in Lex., then moved to Boston, and subsequently to Brookline, where he d. June 5, 1858.

Hiram Harrington m. Jan. 22, 1825, Julia A. C. Lane. They had three children, first and second d. young, third, liirain Augustits. He moved to Illinois, where he d. March 16, 1859.

Charles B., b. Jan. 23, 1837. He enlisted in 1861 in the Mass. volunteers for three years, came home on a furlough, being in ill health, and d. of disease contracted in the service, Sept. 5, 1862.

Nathan Harrington ra. Feb. 1, 1824, Martha I. Mead, dau. of Josiah Mead. She d. June 26, 1835. He d. Nov. 14, 1843. He was a captain in the Lexington artillery.

The Harpjs Family

Henry Harris, of Lexington, is a lineal descendant of Thomas Harris, who was born in Shrewsbury, England, came to Massachusetts in 1631, went with Roger Williams to Rhode Island, and settled at Providence. His descendants settled in Smithfield in that State, where they lived several generations. Henry was the son of Abner, b. 1779, and Martha (Farmer) ; he was the grandson of Abner, and the great-grandson of Jonathan ; he was born in Providence, 1809, and married in Boston, Feb. 6, 1832, Emeline Bryant. They resided in Boston, where most of their children were born. They came to Lexington in 1853. He is engaged in the clothing business in Boston.

The Hartwell Family

WiLLiAM IIartwell, the oldest son of the foregoing, b. Jan, 12, 1797 ; m. Nov. 30, 182(), Kuhamah Webber, dan. of Asa and Eliot (Lane) Webber, b. April 14, 1802. They resided first at Concord, and came to Lexinjiton about 1839.

The Hastings Family

The name Hastings is of Danish origin. In the early days of the British kingdom, tlie Danes made frecjuent incursions into that part of Britain bordering on the North Sea. In one of these incursions Hastings, a Danish (ihief, made himself formi<lable to Alfred tlie Great, by landing a large body of men upon the coast. He took possession of a portion of Sussex ; and the castle and seaport were held by his family, when William the Conqueror landed in England; and they lield it from the crown for many generations.

Several of the name of Hastings were raised to a peerage. Sir Henry and George Hastings, grandsons of the Earl of Huntingdon, had sons Avho became Puritans, and were obliged by persecution to leave their native land, and find homes in the new worhl. As early as 1634, Tiiomas Hastings and wife, and soon after, John and his fiimily, came to New England, but no one of the family came to Lexington till about 1720.

Thomas Hastings, aged 29, and his wife Susanna aged 24, embarked at Ipswich, England, April 10, 1634, in the Elizabeth, William Andrews, master, for New England, and settled in Watertown, where he was admitted freeman. May 6, 1635. He was selectman from 1638 to 1643, and from 1650 to 167 1 ; clerk three years, and representative in 1671. He also held the oflice of deacon. His wife Susanna died Feb. 2, 1650, and he married April, 1651, Margaret Cheney, dan. of William and Martha Cheney of Roxbury. She was the mother of all his children. He died 1685, aged 80. In his will, dated March 12, 1685, and proved Sept. 7, 1685, he gave his son Thomas only £5, saying. "I have been at great expense to bring him up a scholar, and I have given him above threescore pounds to begin the world with." To his sons John, Joseph, Benjamin, Nathaniel, and Samuel, and to his daughter Hepzibah Bond, he gave £40 each, and to Hannah £3. Between 1652 and 1666, he had eight children.

John Hastings m. June 18, 1679, Abigail Hammond of Watertown, dau. of John and Abigail, b. June 21, 1656. She d. Sept. 7, 1718, and he d. March 28, 1718. He lived in that part of Watertown which was afterwards Waltham.

Samuel Hastings ra. in ]\Iedford, May 29, 1719, Bethia Holloway of Maiden. He was a tailor, and resided in th.at part of Watertown now Walthani. He was selectman several years. She died in Lexington, June 1, 1774, aged SO.

Thaddeus,h. Oct. 15, 1723; m. ]\Iarch 29, 1763, Mary Stratton. He settled in Lexington, where he and his wife died, leaving two young sons, who left town.

Samukl Hastings m. Jan. 16, 1755, liydia Tidd, daughter of Daniel and Hepzibah (Reed) Tidd. He settled in the southwest part of Lexington. He was one of the men who, on the I9th of April, 1775, stood firm in the cause of freedom on Lexington Green, and was also with the army at Cambridge, when Gen. Washington took command. He d. Feb. 8, 1820, aged 99 ; his wife d. Nov. 10, 1802, aged 71. He was often elected to places of honor and trust ia the town.

Isaac Hastings m. 1781, Sarah Stearns, b. Dec. 29, 1761, dau. of Phinehas and Mary (Wellington) Stearns. He and his wife were ad. to the ch. Feb. 10, 1782. In 1808, he was chosen deacon and became a leading member of the ch. He was on the Common with C.apt. Parker on the 19th of April, 1775, was at the capture of Burgoyne, and was also detailed to guard the prisoners at Prospect Hill, Charlestown, now Somerville. He lived upon his father's homestead, the site on the hill now owned by Mrs. Cary, his youngest dau. He d. July 2, 1831, aged 76, and his widow d. March, 1834, .aged 73.

Abigail, b. May 20, 1788; m. Dec. 9,' 1821, Jonathan Cary of Boston. They moved to Lex. 1827, and took up their abode on Lincoln street, on a place known as the " Peak Place." He d. April 17, 1855, aged 86. He had no children by his last wife.

Maria, h. March 1, 1801 ; m. May 4, 1828, William H. Cary, a distinguished merchant in Brooklyn, N. Y. The old homestead of the Hastings, having passed out of the family, Mr. Cary purchased it, and fitted it up for a summer residence, where he and his wife passed the warm season of the year. The site is truly rural, as will be seen by the engraving. During his life he had caused the farm to be greatly improved, and had expressed an intention of making a tender of this place to the State, if they would establish an Agricultural school upon the premises ; but dying suddenly he had made no will. Ilis widow and his heirs however, knowing his wishes, have generously made the tender, and have also with great liberality made several other liberal grants in conformity with the intentions of Mr. Cary, as expressed in his lifetime.

The immediate and multiplied connections of the Hastings family with the Carys, will justify a brief notice of the latter. Jonathan Cary of Boston, b. 1768, m. first, Jemima Green of Groton. She d. and he m. second, Polly Harris of Boston ; she d. and he m. third, Abigail Hastings, as stated above. In 1827, Mr. Cary retired from business, and located himself in Lexington, where he d. 1855, at the advanced age of 87. His children who are living, are by his second wife. He had seven children; Samuel, William H., mentioned above, who m. Maria Hastings, Nathaniel, who resided for a time in Lex., Isaac, George, and Maria M., b. March 4, 1810, who m. John Hastings as his second wife.

Samuel Hastings m. Oct. 1, 1778, Lydia Nelson of Lincoln, dau. of Thomas and Lydia (Scott) Nelson. He was on the Common with Capt. Parker on the 19th of April, 1775 ; he soon after volunteered into the service, and was detailed one of Gen. Lee's life-guard, and was taken prisoner with him at Long Island. A British ofiicer at the time of his capture, wounded him in the neck with a sword. "His (jueue," he used to say, " saved his life, as it broke the force of the blow, though he received a severe wound." He was paroled, but never exchanged. He was chosen Major of the Lexington Artillery. He resided in the borders of Lincoln, but being near the line of Lex. he attended ch. here, and his remains and those of his wife rest in the Lex. graveyard, where his children have erected a handsome marble monument to his memory. He d. Jan. 8, 1834, aged 76. She d. April 5, 1829, aged 71.

Thomas, b. May 22, 1787 ; m. first, Mary Robblns and second, Martha Livermore. He was a trader in East Camb., where he d. I860, in his 79th year.

John Hastings m. first, Dec. 9, 1834, Mrs. Sarah Rlggs, dau. of Benjamin and Hannah West of Boston; she d. Sept. 16, 1860, aged 72. He m. second, Aug. 28, 1862, Maria M. Gary, dau. of Jonathan Gary of Boston, who m. his sister Abigail. He settled first in Augusta, Me., then returned to Lexington, and improves his father's homestead. They have no children.