Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts, Volume I, Part 104

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918, ed; Adams, William Frederick, 1848-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 924

USA > Massachusetts > Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts, Volume I > Part 104

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

(I) Richard Convers, probably husband of the widow Margaret Convers, from whom this lineage is traced, died intestate and was buried at Navestock, England. October 21, 1542. The will of Margaret, widow, was dated February 10, 1565, and proved February 1, 1566, men- tioning her son John and his children. Chil- dren: I. John, mentioned below. 2. Annys, executrix of her mother's will. 3. Richard, had a son living in 1665.

(11) John Convers, son of Margaret Con- vers, widow, had house and lands at Nave- stock, and lived at Stanford River ; will dated Angust 6, 1574, and proved October 5, 1574. His wife Joan was executrix and William Sum- ner, of Harlow, was executor. Children : I. Allen, of South Weald, Essex, had houses and lands in Navestock, Stanford River and Fy- field ; mentioned below. 2. Thomas, baptized at Navestock, May 31, 1560. 3. Anthony, bap- tized October 18, 1562, buried January 28, 1622; married, January 29, 1685, Clemence

Spady. 4. John, baptized May 5, 1566; will dated 1627 ; was of Sheffield.

(III) Allen Convers, son of John Convers, was of South Weald. His will was dated Jan- uary 3, 1636, and proved June 28, 1639. He had a house and lands at Navestock, Stanford River and Fyfield. He married (first) Joanna , who was buried June 22, 1602. He married (second) November 28, 1603, Eliza- beth Palmer. Children of first wife: I. Allen, baptized at Navestock, February 28, 1 586 ; mar- ried Sarah who was buried December 5, 1626, at South Weald ; his son Allen, bap- tized August 18, 1616, was the American immi- grant who settled in Salem, a nephew, there- fore, of the Edward Converse, mentioned be- low. 2. Edward, baptized February 23, 1588; mentioned below. 3. Andrew, baptized No- vember 30, 1591. 4. Anna, baptized June 20, 1599. 5. Richard, named in father's will. Chil- dren of second wife: 6. Susan, baptized at Sould Weald, March 18, 1605. 7. Gabriel, bap- tized March 24, 1606. 8. Daniel, baptized February 18, 1609. 9. Hester, baptized April 26, 1612; married, October 28, 1630, William Skinner.

(IV) Deacon Edward Converse, son of Allen Convers, was baptized at Navestock, county Essex, England, February 23, 1588. He was one of the select company of Puritans who came from England to this country in the fleet with Winthrop, whose ship, the "Arabella," preceding the other vessels of the fleet, arrived at Salem, June 12, 1630, after a stormy passage of sixty-three days. With him came his wife Sarah and children Josiah, James and Mary. They settled first at Charlestown, Massachu- setts, and were among the first members of the church received on the Sunday following its organization in Charlestown, July 30, 1630, and which included in its congregation mem- bers on both sides of the river, the majority of whom had removed to Boston within a few months. This was the First Church of Boston, and from it Edward and Sarah Converse and thirty-three other members were dismissed Oc- tober 14, 1632, to be embodied at the First Church of Charlestown, entering into mutual covenant for this purpose November 2, 1632. He was admitted a freeman, May 18, 1631, among the first to be admitted to the company iM New England. He established the first ferry between Charlestown and Boston under the vote of the general court, November 9, 1630, and June 14, 1631, was authorized to charge ferriage "two pence for every single person,

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and one penny apiece if there be two or more." This lease was renewed November 9, 1637, for three years, Converse paying forty pounds a year for the privilege. This ferry crossed where the old Charlestown bridge crosses now, and was called the Great Ferry, to distinguish it from the ferry between Charlestown and Winnisimmet, operated by Thomas Williams. Converse held the lease until October 7, 1640, when it was granted for the support of Har- vard College. Edward Converse was a juror, September 28, 1630; selectman from 1635 until his removal to the new town-Woburn-in the founding of which he was prominent. His name was at the head of the seven commis- sioners appointed by Charlestown to establish the town and church at Woburn. He built the first house in Woburn, previous to January 4, 1641, which was at the mill once called by his name in the south village, now Winchester. He also built this first mill there, a corn mill. On the organization of the town he was chosen one of the seven selectmen, April 13, 1644, and served until his death in 1663. On March 3, 1649, he was one of the four selectmen appoint- ed to settle the disputed boundary line between Woburn and Charlestown; from 1649 to 1660 he was one of the commissioners for the trial of small causes ; in 1660 he was deputy to the general court. He was one of the two deacons chosen by the Woburn church and continued in that office until his death. He was tything- man at various times. Deacon Converse was a man of energy, strength of character and substantial estate. His wife Sarah died Janu- ary 14, 1661-62, and he married ( second) Sep- tember 9, 1662, Joanna Sprague, widow of Ralph Sprague, of Charlestown. She died Feb- ruary 24, 1679-80. He died in Woburn, Au- gust 10, 1663. His will was dated August, 1659, and proved October 7, 1663. His estate was valued at eight hundred and twenty-seven pounds. In his will he mentions his wife Sarah; sons Joseph, James and Samuel; Ed- ward, the son of James; his daughter Mary and her children by her first marriage; his kinsman, Allen Convers -; his kinsman, John Parker, and his kinswoman, Sarah Smith. Children: I. Deacon Josiah, born in Eng- land, baptized at South Weald, October 30, 1618; died in Woburn, February 3, 1689-90; married Esther Champney. 2. Lieutenant James, born in England about 1620, died in Woburn, May 10, 1715; married Anna Long. 3. John, baptized in South Weald, November 29, 1620. 4. Mary, born in England, 1622 ; married (first) Simon Thompson ; (second) John Sheldon. 5.

Sarah, baptized at South Weald, June 2, 1623. 6. Sergeant Samuel, mentioned below.

(V) Sergeant Samuel, son of Deacon Ed- ward Converse, was baptized March 12, 1637- 38, in the First Church, Charlestown, and died February 20, 1669. He married, June 8, 1660, Judith Carter, daughter of Rev. Thomas and Mary ( Parkhurst ) Carter. Her father was the first minister of Woburn and continued forty-two years. Judith survived her husband and married (second) May 2, 1672, Giles Fifield. She dicd 1677. Samuel Converse was admitted a freeman in 1666 and was sergeant in the Woburn train band. He came to an untimely death by an accident in the corn mill which he inherited with his brothers from his father. His head was caught between the wheel and the wall while he was cutting ice from the wheel. He died intestate. Chil- dren: I. Samuel, born April 4, 1662; men- tioned below. 2. Abigail, born in Woburn, died July 14, 1689.

(VI) Samuel (2), son of Sergeant Samuel (1) Converse, was born in Woburn, April 4, 1662, died in Thompson parish, Killingly, Con- necticut, about 1732. He married Dorcas prior to 1694. In 1710 Samuel Con- verse and family removed to Thompson parish and occupied a farm that he had bought of Richard Evans, the first settler of Killingly. Mr. Converse was the first settler in Thompson, his farm being in that part of the town set off as Putnam. In 1718 he sold the Evans farm and purchased a part of the "Quinatisset Farm" laid out to John Gore, of Roxbury, surveyor, in 1686. This farm is about a mile southwest of Thompson Hill and in 1882 was occupied by Stephen Ballard and Benjamin Bugbee. He deeded parts of this farm to his sons as they settled in life. They attended church at Killingly until the erection of Thompson parish in 1728. Converse and his sons were active in building Thompson meeting house, and his name heads the list of church members at its organization, January 28, 1730. Children: I. Samuel, born in Woburn, May 26, 1694; mar- ried (first) Hannah Bartlett ; (second) Sarah Atwell. 2. Edward, born September 25, 1696; mentioned below. 3. Thomas, born October 28, 1699; married (first) Martha Clough ; (second) Abigail Fay. 4. Dorcas, born in Woburn, February I, 1702-03 ; married, April 28, 1723, Daniel Whitmore. 5. Pain, Novem- ber 25, 1706, died September 10, 1781 ; married Mary Halford. 6. Josiah, baptized in Kill- ingly, November 20, 1714 ; married Mary Sabin. (VII) Ensign Edward (2), son of Samuel

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(2) Converse, was born in Woburn, Septem- ber 25, 1696, died July 9, 1784. At the age of fourteen he removed with his parents to Thompson. He married, August 6, 1717, Eliz- abeth Cooper, who died February 19, 1776, daughter of John and Elizabeth Cooper. He received from his father, February 6, 1718, the deed of fifty acres of land north of the home- stead. He built the house occupied by him and his sons for many years and was known as the "Converse Tavern." He was a man of energy and sound judgment, and much em- ployed in public affairs. He was one of the constituent members of the church and served on the committee on building the meeting house. He was chosen to repair bridges, help survey the doubt ful bounds, collect reserve and distribute school money, and "settle distrained Baptists on as easy terms as he could." He was active in military affairs, served as ensign many years. The rank of ensign corresponds to that of lieutenant at the present time. At a town meeting in December, 1732, he was selected constable. His real estate was doubt- less made over to his sons in his lifetime. He died intestate. Children: I. Captain James, baptized September 27, 1719: married Mary Leavens. 2. Captain Edward, baptized at Kill- ingly, November 8, 1720; married Mary Davis. 3. Jonathan, baptized April 28, 1723 ; mentioned below. 4. Lieutenant Jacob, born at Killingly, February 26, 1727; married Ann White. 5. Asa, born September 30, 1730; married Ruth Leed. 6. Jesse, born November 30, 1732 ; mar- ried Damaris Chandler, widow. 7. Elizabeth, born April 4. 1735, died March 18, 1737. 8. Zachariah, born April 4, 1736; probably died young. 9. Elizabeth, born March 29, 1738; married, May 20, 1757, Timothy Atwood. 10. Susanna, born October 28, 1741, died August, 1833 : married ( first) Diah Johnson ; ( second) Dr. Samuel Ruggles.

(VIII) Jonathan, son of Ensign Edward (2) Converse, was born in Thompson, Connec- ticut, and baptized April 28, 1723. He married Keziah Hughes, daughter of Jonathan Hughes, an early resident of Killingly. He died in 1761. He occupied after his marriage a farm on a by-road running north west from Brandy Hill and near to the old Hale and John Jacobs places until about 1752, when he removed to the homestead afterwards occupied by Elijalı and Riel Converse, near the present village of Wilsonville. Living in such a remote neigh- borhood he had little to do with public affairs, neither does his name appear on the society records; but he evidently managed to attend

church, as his children were baptized. Chil- dren : I. Elijah, born June 20, 1745, died June 14, 1820; married (first) January, 1770, Ex- perience Hibbard, daughter of Jonathan and Experience Hibbard ; served three years in the revolution. 2. Alice, born February II, 1747. 3. Rhoda, born March 12, 1748, died young. 4. Elisha, born April 4, 1750, died young. 5. Lois, born May 29, 1751. 6. Esther, born October 29, 1752. 7. Jonathan, born Novem- ber 25, 1754. died May 9, 1761. 8. Rhoda, born August 23, 1756; married, November 26, 1778, Jeremiah Converse. 9. Elisha, born March 13, 1758; mentioned below. 10. Jona- than, born January 27, 1760; married (first) November 20, 1783, Esther Whipple ; (second ) April 7, 1833, Sarah Wilber, widow; (third) September 24. 1837, Zerviah Sprague ; was in the revolution.

(IX) Elisha, son of Jonathan Converse, was born March 13, 1758, died February 15, 1843. He went to Vermont in 1806 and thence to Brimfield. Massachusetts, in 1820. During the war of 1812 he supplied the American army with provisions. He was in the revolution and served in Captain Joseph Eliott's company (the 8th), General Israel Putnam's regiment, recruited at Windham county, Connecticut, and served around Boston in 1775. In July of that year the regiment became a part of the Con- tinental army, and a detachment served at Bunker Hill, while another detachment went on the expedition to Quebec. He was a cor- poral in 1778 in Captain Daniel Tilden's com- pany, Colonel Samuel McClellan's regiment, under Sullivan in Rhode Island in 1778. He married, December 2, 1779, Mary Bishop. He married (second) November 2, 1814, Mary Wells. Children: 1. Roswell, born September 14, 1780 : married, March, 1807, Dosha Nichols. 2. Jonathan, born March 27, 1782: married, March 10, 1806, Lydia Joslyn. 3. Polly, born March 30, 1784: married, April 10, 1806, David Warren. 4. Lucy, born February 22, 1786; married, July 21, 1806, Jason Jones. 5. Esther, born May 22, 1788 ; married, August 15, 1808, Ephraim Wheeler. 6. Adelphia, born June 24, 1790: married, 1811, Henry Wheelock. 7. Louisa, born June 30, 1792 ; married, June 9, 1818, Sprague L. Converse. 8. Elisha, born August 12, 1794: mentioned below. 9. John Mason, born February 29, 1797 ; married, Jan- uary 17, 1821, Delinda Newton.

(X) Elisha (2), son of Elisha (1) Con- verse, was born August 12, 1794. He resided in Palmer, Massachusetts, where he worked in a saw mill. He purchased a farin near the

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old Centre, and became a successful farmer, acquiring a competence. He married (first) May 9, 1820, Mehitable Fenton, born May 26, 1795, died October 20, 1850. He married (second) November 12, 1852, Lovinia Fuller, who died December 17, 1873. Children: I. John Mason, born July 8, 1823; mentioned below. 2. Henry Dexter, born May 22, 1825, died January 25, 1848. 3. Mary Maria, born April 23, 1828, died March 5, 1829. 4. Alfred, born April 5, 1830.

(XI) John Mason, son of Elisha (2) Con- verse, was born at Palmer, July 8, 1823, died there August 29, 1898. He attended the public schools of his native town and the high school at Westfield, Massachusetts. At the age of fifteen years, he removed with his parents from Palmer Center to the Depot Village, where his father bought and managed the old Sedgwick Tavern, which had been moved from Shearer's Corner to the site of the present Converse House. The son assisted the father in the management of the hotel and for a time drove the stage between Palmer and Brookfield. They were associated in business many years and accumulated a substantial estate. From time to time they bought land in Palmer until they owned most of the property east of Main street between Church street and Thorndike street and as far back as Dewey's Hill. They put up dwelling houses to rent and not only secured a large revenue from the real estate, but greatly increased the land values. in that section. The old tavern was destroyed by fire. In its place the Tockwotten House was built by the Converses, but after opening the new hotel, the management was transferred to others, and the owners devoted all their ener- gies to their real estate investments. Mr. Con- verse continued to the time of his death, with much enterprise and foresight, improving his real estate and making other investments. In later years his son, Henry Dexter Converse, was associated with him. Mr. Converse was never actively interested in politics, though he held various town offices, and was always identified with the important business affairs of the town, of which he was one of the chief taxpayers for many years. He married, De- cember 18. 1851, Emeline Rindge, born at Templeton, Massachusetts, May 6, 1827, died December 12, 1906, daughter of Erastus and Sally (West) Rindge. Children, born at Pal- mer: 1. Mary Emeline, born May 28, 1853, died August 20, 1854. 2. Lizzie M., born No- vember 4, 1854, died May 29, 1857. 3. Delia Rindge, born September 8, 1856, died June 22,

1865. 4. Henry Dexter, born September 1, 1858; mentioned below.

(XII) Henry Dexter, son of John Mason Converse, was born in Palmer, September I, 1858. He was educated in the public schools of his native town, at the Wesleyan Academy, also at Monson Academy, and Eastman Busi- ness College, at Poughkeepsie, New York. After completing his education, he became associated with his father in the real estate business, and succeeding him in the ownership of much improved property in the town of Palmer. He is counted among the most saga- cious and successful real estate owners of the county. His judgment is depended upon by those in need of expert testimony. He is the largest individual taxpayer in the town. In politics a Republican.

(For early generations see preceding sketch).

(VIII) Captain Edward Con- CONVERSE verse, son of Ensign Edward Converse, was born at Kill-

ingly, Connecticut, and baptized November 8, 1720. He occupied a fine farm on French river, which was a part of his father-in-law's estate. In 1741 he joined the church and was active in its work. He was appointed in 1761 captain of the Seventh Company, Eleventh Regiment militia. After 1761 there is no record of him at Killingly or Thompson, Connecticut. He removed to Gageborough, afterward Windsor, Massachusetts, and was selectman in 1771. He and his wife were admitted to the church there in 1773. He was assessor in 1778; surveyor 1784 : selectman from 1771 to 1779. He mar- ried Mary Davis, daughter of Samuel Davis. She died a widow July 18, 1814, in the ninety- third year of her age. Children: I. Samuel Davis, baptized February 17, 1742 ; mentioned below. 2. Edward, baptized June 10, 1745, died 1745. 3. Edward, born June 6, 1747, died April 9, 1816. 4. Captain Amasa, born June 8, 1750; married (first) Olive - -; (sec- ond) Mrs. Sarah Cleveland. 5. Mary, born March 1, 1753. 6. Abigail, born August 23, 1756, died December 28, 1824; married Asa Hall.

(IX) Samuel Davis, son of Captain Edward Converse, was baptized February 17, 1742. He resided in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, until 1782, when he removed to Dummerston, Ver- mont, and from there to Worthington, Massa- chusetts, where he died at the home of his son. He was one of the thirteen inhabitants of Chesterfield who refused to sign the association test. He served in the revolution in the Ches-

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terfield company under Lieutenant James Rob- estson, marching for Ticonderoga, June 29, 1777. He was in Captain Kimball Carlton's eighth company, Colonel Moses Nichol's regi- ment, General Stark's brigade, which marched July 22, 1777, to meet the British at Benning- ton. This company was sent August 16 to the rear of the enemy's left wing, and the battle was opened at three o'clock by Colonel Nichols' detachment. A detachment of Carlton's com- pany and another company was sent to Green- bush, New York, and fell into an ambuscade. Samuel D. Converse married Chil- dren: I. Willard. 2. Betsey, baptized August 24, 1766; married Simeon Thrasher. 3. Wal- ter, born July 19, 1767, lived in Butternuts, New York. 4. Dr. John, born March 5, 1772, died December, 1815; married, 1799, Sallie Hanson. 5. Elisha, mentioned below. 6. Polly.

(X) Elisha, son of Samuel Davis Converse, married Lucy Matthews. Children: I. Sally, married Erastus Pease and had eight children. 2. Orren, mentioned below. 3. Lucy, married Joslin Tower ; settled in Worthington; had seven children. 4. Betsey, married John F. Pease and had seven children. 5. Samuel, mar- ried Sarah Ladd and had five children. 6. Elisha, Jr. 7. Horace, married Laura Ladd and had one son.

(XI) Orren, son of Elisha Converse, was born in Huntington, Massachusetts. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and learned the trade of carpenter. He lived in Chester, Massachusetts. He married (first ) Elizabeth Yeomans, of New York City, died in 1843, aged thirty-two. He married (second) Rachel Eastman, daughter of Benja- min Eastman, of Chester, Massachusetts. Chil- dren of first wife: I. Henry M., born August 25, 1833. 2. William Wallace, born February 22, 1836; mentioned below. 3. Alinus M., born August 15, 1839. Child of second wife: 4. Emma E.

(XII) William Wallace, son of Orren Con- verse, was born in Chester, Massachusetts, February 22, 1836. He attended the public schools of his native town. Early in life he began to work as a teamster for the lumber mills. In December, 1863, he enlisted in Com- pany H, Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry, as sergeant, and served with credit to the end of the civil war. In the course of his service he was once given an important order from Gen- eral Benjamin F. Butler to be delivered to General Terry at Point of Rocks, Virginia. On the way he had to cross a pontoon bridge which he found undergoing repairs, and the

lieutenant in charge refused to allow him to cross it, two of the boats having been removed, rendering it unsafe. Sergeant Converse started apparently on his way back, but suddenly wheeled his horse, spurred him forward upon the bridge, escaping all attempts to stop him, clearing the gap in the bridge at a jump, and delivered the message. When Richmond fell he was with General Weitzel's staff, and was the messenger sent back to confirm the despatches to the war department at Wash- ington of the news of the occupation of the Confederate capital. He was honorably dis- charged in November, 1865, at Richmond. Upon his return he found employment in the carpet mills at Clinton, Massachusetts. Soon afterward, however, he became a commercial traveler and continued as salesman for J. W. Coleton, Westfield, Massachusetts, fourteen years. In 1883 he began the manufacture of mineral paste at Palmer, Massachusetts, and has built up a large and flourishing business. He ranks among the foremost business men and most prominent citizens of that town. He is a member of Thomas Lodge of Free Masons ; of Hampden Chapter, Royal Arch Masons ; of Washington Council, Royal and Select Masters ; of L. L. Merritt Post, No. 107, Grand Army of the Republic, and served on the staff of the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, 1892-93 ; of Hampden Lodge of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Second Congregational Church. He married (first) Mary F. Willis, June 20, 1862 ; she died November 2, 1862. He married (second) December 16, 1863, Clara L. Fletcher, daughter of Joseph H. and Clarissa I. Fletcher. Children, all by second wife: I. Algernon William, born October 9, 1864: mar- ried Emma E. Greeley, June 20, 1888. 2. Henry Alinus, born August 9, 1872, died November 20, 1878. 3. Helen, born August 7, 1879 ; mar- ried September 28, 1904, Arthur O. Berry; child, Doris Berry, born August 28, 1906.

ALLEN Edward Allen, immigrant ances- tor of this family, was born in England about 1670, and died in Nantucket, February 1, 1741. He emigrated from London, England, about 1690, and settled on Nantucket Island. He was popular with his townsmen and held a number of public offices, among them being that of trustee and constable of the island, juror, and several others. He was the possessor of considerable real estate, and some years prior to his death deeded a portion to each of his surviving children. He

Nr. W. Gomesse

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was married about 1692 to Ann Coleman, born November 10, 1675, died July 1, 1739, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Bunker) Coleman, of Nantucket. Children: I. Mary, born August 25, 1693, died November 27, 1763, and was buried at Newport, Rhode Island ; she married (first) Paul Coffin, who died at sea, April I, 1729, and had four children ; ( second) Novem- ber 29, 1731, Clothier Pierce, of Newport, Rhode Island, grandson of the celebrated Michael Pierce, who won renown in King Philip's war. 2. Joseph, born October 10, 1695, died May 4, 1706. 3. Benjamin, born March 22, 1697, was lost at sea in the south while on a whaling expedition in 1722. 4. Nathaniel, see forward. 5. Daniel, born April 23. 1704. died March 30, 1788; he married, January 26, 1737, Elizabeth Bunker, born December 10, 1717, died January 7, 1809, daughter of Peleg and Susannah Bunker ; they had three children. 6. Sylvanus, born May 6, 1706, died prior to 1784; he resided in Dart- mouth, Massachusetts, and married, January 8. 1727. Jemima Starbuck, born May 2, 1712, died October 11, 1798, daughter of Jethro and Dorcas Starbuck ; they had nine children. 7. Rachel, born December 31, 1709, died May 31, 1789; she married, October 2, 1726, Thomas Starbuck, born October 22, 1706, died Febru- ary 5. 1779, son of Thomas and Abigail Star- buck : they resided in Nantucket and had seven children. 8. Sarah, born June 4, 1713, died December, 1766; she married, October 19, 1731, Joseph Harvey, resided at Nantucket, and had three children. 9. Elizabeth, born May 2, 1716; married William Brewer and had one child. 10. Ebenezer, born December 26. 1718. died August 22, 1753; he married, August 15, 1740, Christiana Heath, born Au- gust 5, 1724, died August 29, 1773, daughter of Edmund and Catherine Heath ; they resided at Nantucket and had six children.

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Genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of the state of Massachusetts, Volume I, Part 104

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918, ed; Adams, William Frederick, 1848- Publication date: 1910 Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company Number of Pages: 924

Author: Cutter, William Richard, 1847-1918, ed; Adams, William Frederick, 1848-
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 924