GBNKOLOGY 
 
 OK THE 
 
 EXLLIS FAMILY 
 
 

 
 DEA. DIMICK ELLIS. 
 
 (72)
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 -OF 
 
 RICHARD JS 
 
 THE FIRST SETTLER OF ASHFIEID, MASS,, 
 
 -AND 
 
 His DESCENDANTS. 
 
 K. R. KLLIS, M. D. 
 
 (751.) 
 
 "A people wh<i have no interest in the achievements of remote ancestors an 1 not likely 
 to accomplish anything worthy of the recollection of their descendants." MACAULE^. 
 
 " There is a tendency, even in this democratic America, to trace our conspicuous men 
 hack to a noble ancestry, but a sound mind, in a sound body, is all that modern civilization 
 demands, and these, inherited from honored parents with early lessons of frugality, virtue 
 and manliness, are really worth more than any patent of nobility." OEN. W. T. SHF.RMAN. 
 
 DETROIT, MICH: 
 
 WM. GRAHAM PRINTING CO. 
 1888. 
 
 iTY Of 
 LOS ANHELES
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 There is a saying that the " first shall be last, and the last 
 first." If this saying has any relation to the making of books it 
 means that the first few pages of a book are often the last to be 
 written and printed; so with these two pages, which enables the 
 writer, in concluding his work, to make a few remarks thereon. 
 
 Some four years ago, for reasons which are stated on pa^e 
 115, he began tracing out the descendants of Richard Ellis, of 
 Ashfield, Massachusetts, his first ancestor in this country. It 
 was supposed, at that time, that this work could be accomplished 
 in a few months, and the printing of the same, which would 
 probably be limited to a hundred pages, or thereabouts, be com- 
 pleted in a year at most. The unexpected delay has arisen from 
 the tardiness- of many in responding to inquiries, the greatly 
 extended nature of the work over what was expected at the 
 outset, and the necessary occupation of the writer in his daily 
 pursuit. 
 
 As but five hundred copies of the book are printed, and as 
 these are expected to go only to relatives and those who may 
 have a personal interest therein, the writer will not make any 
 extended apology for inflicting upon mankind another book, of 
 which they are now greatly overrun. 
 
 It is proper in this connection to mention a few of those to 
 whom the reader and writer are under special obligations for infor- 
 mation furnished, and without which the work would have been 
 far more imperfect than it now is. Of these Rev. Wm. L.
 
 Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 Chaffin, pastor of the Unitarian church of Easton, Massachusetts, 
 George G. Withington, Esq., clerk of Easton, the clerk of Sun- 
 derland, Massachusetts, Messrs. Henry S. Ranney, Frederick G. 
 Howes and George Bassett, of Ashtield, and Hugh B. Miller, of 
 Golerain, Massachusetts, deserve special mention. 
 
 In the printing and binding of the book (as less than one 
 hundred copies were subscribed for) considerable advance pay- 
 ment was necessary, which, to the amount of nearly one thousand 
 dollars, has been most kindly and generously advanced by Messrs. 
 George W. Ellis, of Philadelphia; Wilbur D. Ellis and Dr. John 
 Ellis, of New York City, without which the work could not have 
 been undertaken. 
 
 The writer has had a personal meeting with but few of the 
 more distant relatives mentioned in this volume, but through 
 extended correspondence with them he has come to have a greater 
 seeming nearness of the ties of relationship and a very kindly 
 feeling withal, which with the satisfaction he hopes they may 
 derive from his work, will serve as compensation for his labor. 
 
 In conclusion, he desires to convey his thanks to all those 
 who have aided him, and also express the hope that, as other 
 generations come, successors may be found who will take up his 
 work and follow it down through succeeding generations. 
 
 While family traits and traditions are of no general interest, 
 they should be of value to those who are more directly involved, 
 especially if attended with a constant, unwearied effort and aspi- 
 ration to improve upon the moral, physical and intellectual 
 
 heritage of their progenitors. 
 
 E. R. E. 
 DETROIT, MICH., May, 1888.
 
 SKETCH OF 
 
 OF ASHFIELD,* MASS. 
 
 RICHARD ELLIS, the subject of this sketch, was, 
 according to his own account, born in Dublin, Ire- 
 land, August i6th, 1704. His father was a native 
 of Wales, England, and his mother may have been a 
 Welsh or Irish woman. 
 
 Richard said that his father was an officer in one of 
 the many armed forces which at that time were numerous 
 throughout the British dominions. Just at what time his 
 father went to Ireland does not appear from any record 
 which is now accessible. 
 
 Richard's youth was spent in Dublin, and he men- 
 tioned having traveled in other portions of Ireland. This 
 unhappy country then, as now, was the scene of much 
 disorder. The strife was mostly between Catholics and 
 Protestants, or those in favor of or against whoever hap- 
 pened to occupy the throne. Richard said that it was a 
 common occurence, seemingly enjoyed as a pastime, for 
 the officers of the army to order, in the morning, before 
 breakfast, a squad of prisoners " drawn in quarters," 
 hanged or :>hot. Such scenes were made public specta- 
 cles, and were said to give the officers a relish for their 
 meals. 
 
 When Richard was thirteen years of age, his father 
 having died, his mother undertook to send him to Virginia 
 where he had an uncle with whom she expected he would 
 find a home. With this view she paid for him a cabin 
 
 * See Note i of the Appendix, where will be found a historical sketch of Ashfield from 
 its first settlement, including some items never before published.
 
 10 
 
 passage to this country, but the captain of the vessel vio- 
 lated his trust, and landing at a sea-port in Massachusetts, 
 he, in accordance with a custom then somewhat prevalent, 
 sold the boy, or his services, until he became of age, 
 ostensibly to pay for his passage.* 
 
 Richard said that he became a member of the family of 
 a miller who' was a very stern man, and often harsh with 
 his own children, consisting of several daughters, yet to 
 him he always showed the utmost consideration and kind- 
 ness.f Of his mistress he always spoke highly, especially 
 of her efforts for his mental and moral improvement. He 
 had made some progress in education in Dublin, but of 
 this he said nothing, thinking thereby that his new 
 teacher would give him more attention. On several 
 occasions he excited her surprise by pronouncing difficult 
 words in advance of her instructions. 
 
 After Richard attained his majority, he went to Easton, 
 Bristol county, Mass., where in 1728 he married Jane 
 Phillips, daughter of Capt. John Phillips, and sister of Thos. 
 Phillips, who afterwards was the second settler in Ash- 
 field. Richard lived in Easton until about 1740, when 
 he removed to Deerfield in the same State. Six of his 
 children were born in Easton, and one or more in Deer- 
 field. Altogether he had nine children, but one Benjamin 
 died at two months of age. 
 
 Richard's father-in-law, Capt. John Phillips of Easton, 
 was one of the soldiers in the expedition against Quebec 
 in 1690, and consequently was among those who became 
 entitled to " rights " of land mentioned in another part of 
 this work. This fact probably was what led Richard 
 and family, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Phillips, to 
 settle in Ashfield, ( then called Huntstown,) which he, 
 Richard, did about 1745. (Richard's son John, born in 
 Deerfield, 1742, said his father removed to Ashfield when 
 he was three years of age.) Ashfield was then a wil- 
 
 * For a slightly different version of this, see .-///VW/.r, Note 2. 
 t See Affendix, Note 3.
 
 II 
 
 derness and Richard was the first settler* The locality 
 where he selected his " right " and made his home is 
 about one and one-half miles north-east of what is now 
 known as Ashfield Plain, and is in the north-east part of 
 the township. At this point two roads cross at right 
 angles, and Richard's house and farm was on the south- 
 east corner where, forty years ago, Hiram Belding, Esq.,f 
 lived, and where Mr. Leonard D. Lanfair now resides. 
 Richard's house was about six rods south easterly from 
 Mr. Lanfair's home. One-half mile, or less, west of this 
 point is Bellow's Hill, and eighty rods north, Bear river 
 runs from west to east. Opposite Richard's house on the 
 north side of the road, and about forty rods east, is an 
 ancient burying ground where lie the earthly remains 
 of Richard Ellis and wife and several of their descend- 
 ants. 
 
 Of the scenes and incidents among the pioneers of 
 this rough and rugged country, much has come down by 
 tradition to the present time. The country was moun- 
 tainous, being on the eastern slope of the Hoosac range. 
 The roads consisted mostly of trails and cow-paths; the 
 snows were deep and the winters most rigorous. Added 
 to all the other obstacles which the early settlers had to 
 encounter, was the greatest of all, the danger from the 
 tomahawk and scalping-knife of the Indians. On one 
 occasion Richard was alarmed by the Indians while in 
 his sugar-bush, and, it is said, he made quick time to a 
 place of safety with his five-pail kettle on his back. 
 
 Richard related that, not unfrequently, messengers 
 would ride swiftly through the country giving warning 
 to the inhabitants that the Indians were coming down 
 upon them. At such times the women and children 
 would be quickly placed on pack-horses and started for 
 the old fort at Deerfield, some ten or twelve miles easterly 
 from the Ellis settlement. Then the men and boys would 
 
 * There is some evidence that Richard began his settlement in Ashfleld one or two 
 years earlier than this date, while his family was yet in Deerfield. See Appendix, Note i. 
 
 t Hiram Belding was the father of " Belding Brothers," the most extensive manu- 
 facturers of sewing silk in this country. See Appendix.
 
 12 
 
 rally with their guns and drive back the savage foes. 
 These Indians were from New York and Canada, and 
 were very jealous of the encroachments of the white 
 man. The old Fort at Deerfield was constructed in 
 early times, as a defense against the Indians, and did 
 good service for more than a century. 
 
 Few of this generation can realize the privations and 
 dangers encountered by the heroic men and v/omen who 
 pushed their way into these wilderness regions. Nearly 
 all the conveniences of modern life were unknown among 
 them. Simple and rude were all their implements. Go- 
 ing to church, to town, to mill, or on a neighborhood 
 visit, was either on foot or horseback. Sometimes, in the 
 spring of the year, from backwardness of the season, 
 provisions became exhausted, and some of the inhabit- 
 ants were obliged, it was said, to subsist for a time on 
 the buds and tender leaves of basswood trees until crops 
 could be grown. Not all even had salt for such a 
 repast as this, and those who had were regarded as quite 
 fortunate. But in spite of all the'ir privations, they grew 
 up a most vigorous race of men and women, whose pos- 
 terity have gone out and made a creditable mark on all 
 the institutions of this country; and the wealth of char- 
 acter developed by these sturdy men and women, has 
 been a rich inheritance for their children. Xo privations 
 or obstacles seemed to daunt them, and in some wavs 
 unnecessary exposures were sought and encouraged as 
 evidences of manly strength and in the belief that their 
 systems were improved thereby. It is related that with 
 some it was a lifetime custom, even in mid-winter, to 
 jump out of bed in the morning, and without dressing, 
 rush out to the wood pile, kick off the snow, and gather 
 wood and kindling for the morning fire. They fancied 
 that by such means their constitutions were invigorated ; 
 and certain it is that many of them lived to a great age.* 
 
 * The subject of this sketch was a good example of the sturdy race from which he 
 sprung. Plutarch, a Roman historian of the first century, says " The ancient Britons were 
 so habitually regular and temperate that they only began to grow old at one hundred and 
 twenty years,"
 
 13 
 
 Richard Ellis was a true and loyal subject of the 
 King of England, and in 1754 wnen war broke out 
 between England and France and extended to this 
 country, and known as the " Frerrch and Indian War," 
 Richard was for about three years an officer in the 
 commissary department of the English or Colonial ser- 
 vice in New England and New York. Richard Ellis, 
 it is said, was a man of strong will and remarkable 
 memory; his physical vigor and mental powers were 
 retained in a high degree up to the last years of his 
 life. His grandson, Dimick Ellis, who was born in 
 Ash field in 1776, was familiar with Richard during the 
 last twenty years of his life, and from him the writer 
 (his grandson) obtained most of the items for this 
 sketch. About the year 1764, Richard kept a country 
 store and ashery in the north-east part of Colerain, a 
 town about 15 miles in a north-easterly direction from 
 Ashfield. His ledger or book of accounts covering the 
 period from 1764 to about 1777, together with some 
 correspondence had with him and others before and 
 during the great Revolution, are now in possession of 
 his great grandson, Mr. Lewis Ellis, of Belding, Mich. 
 These books are quite a curiosity at this late day and 
 give one quite an insight into what constituted articles 
 of consumption in those times.* In them are found the 
 names of nearly two hundred persons who were resi- 
 dents at that time, of Colerain and adjoining towns. Rum 
 and tobacco were articles then, as now, of too frequent 
 use, judging from the charges in these books. It is 
 probable that this mercantile experience of Richard's was 
 not a financial success, which may be accounted for from 
 the fact that, according to his books, the largest part of 
 pay for his goods he took in ashes, which he converted into 
 pot and pearlash in his ashery. 
 
 It also appears that Richard engaged in the milling 
 business, in company with Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., who was 
 the third settler in Ashfield. Their mill was the first 
 
 * For specimens of these accounts, see Appendix.
 
 4 
 
 one built in that section, and was located on Bear river, 
 about one hundred rods north of Richard's house, and 
 about twenty rods east of the bridge on the roadway run- 
 ning north toward " Baptist Corners," as the neighborhood 
 where Mr. Smith lived was called. This grist mill 
 was a very primitive structure, as were all similar mills 
 in those times. The grinding stones were run by 
 water power, but the bolting and elevating was done 
 by hand or manual labor. 
 
 In later years this mill came into the ownership of 
 Richard's son Lieut. John Ellis and one of the Smiths, 
 son of Chileab Smith,* who conducted it for a number 
 of years. It would seem that the milling business 
 was hereditary among Richard Ellis' descendants. Be- 
 sides Lieut. John, Richard's youngest son Caleb, who 
 settled at Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New York, about 
 1795, built mills there. 
 
 Also Richard's grandsons (sons of Reuben), Benjamin 
 and Richard, aed Benjamin's sons, Stephen, Moses and 
 Benjamin Jr., were millers nearly all their lives. The 
 latter built and operated grist and saw-mills, in New 
 York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, as do several 
 of their descendants down to the present time. 
 
 About the year 1760 Richard's wife, Jane Phillips, died, 
 and some twelve years afterwards he married Mary, widow 
 of John Henryf of Deerfield, a town adjoining Colerain 
 where he then lived, and had his store and ashery. 
 Some years later, probably during the period of the 
 Revolution, Richard returned to Ashtield, where he 
 spent the remainder of his days with his son John 
 and grandsons Benjamin, Richard and David Ellis (sons 
 of Reuben), and grand-daughter Jemima Smith Annable, 
 wife of Lieut. Edward Annable of Ashfield. 
 
 That Richard Ellis' father was Welsh admits of no 
 doubt, for besides Richard's own statement to that effect 
 most of his descendants resemble that people and some 
 
 * This was Chileab Smith, Jr., who was born in 1742, and died in Aslifield, in 1843. 
 + For an account of Mrs. Henry and her family, see .///<'//<//.r. Note 4.
 
 '5 
 
 of them show marked peculiarities of the Welsh race 
 down to the sixth generation.* This is not surprising, 
 for it is well known that peculiarities or traits of charac- 
 ter are often very enduring. Strongly develoved traits 
 in a father will often show through many generations. 
 
 This is seen well illustrated in the Jews, who al- 
 though scattered through different countries and subject 
 to many adverse influences retain their early marks of 
 character and features to the present day. 
 
 Of Richard Ellis' religious proclivities the writer knows 
 little more than that he was an ardent Protestant, and it is 
 fair to surmise that the ideas of religious liberty which 
 brought the pilgrims to this country fully impressed him as 
 a youth and extended to his manhood as well as through 
 his entire life. Among the first settlers in Ashfield and 
 even in the same neighborhood where Richard made a 
 settlement, the Baptists were the first to organize their 
 church and erect a meeting house, and from that time 
 to the present that denomination has held a leading part 
 in the religious sentiment of that part of the town of 
 Ashfield. Three-fourths of a mile north of Richard's 
 house was located the meeting house of this sect, and 
 froift that time to this that locality has been known as 
 " Baptist Corners." The first minister located there was 
 Rev. Ebenezer Smith, who married, in 1756, Remember, 
 the second daughter of Richard Ellis. 
 
 Richard died Oct. 7, 1797, in his 94th year, at the house 
 of his grandson Richard, the fourth son of Reuben Ellis. 
 This Richard was born 1760 in Ashfield, and soon after 
 his grandfather's death moved to the northern part of 
 Pennsylvania, where he engaged in milling and founded 
 the town of Ellisburg, Potter Co., where he died in 
 1841. His daughter Lucretia, who was born in 1806, 
 and who is now the wife of Rev. John Stipp, a Pres- 
 byterian minister of Scio, Oregon, gives the following 
 account of the last days of Richard Ellis, the subject of 
 this sketch. The letter is dated Scio, May 26, 1884: 
 
 *The writer of this sketch was once asked " how long he had been over.'' by a Welshman, 
 who said that he strongly resembled Ellises in Wales whom he knew.
 
 i6 
 
 " I do not know how old my great grandfather 
 was when he came to live with my father in Ashfield, 
 but I have heard my father say that he was very spry 
 and at 80 years of age could jump upon a horse from 
 the ground as easily as a boy. He always appeared 
 well ; the night before he died he called my father, at 
 least father thought so, but when he went to him he 
 said he had not called him. The second time likewise 
 he thought he heard him call, but was again mistaken 
 but at the third time my great grandfather said. ' Well, 
 go to bed, child, it is a token of my death, I have 
 not called you ?' He died in the morning about nine 
 o'clock apparently without pain." 
 
 [Kor an account of the Ellises of the old country, as well as some in this country not 
 related to Richard F.llis. see A/>f>fndix.\ 
 
 JANE PHILLIPS, who married Richard Ellis in 
 Easton, Mass., in 1728, was born July i, 1709. Her 
 parents were Capt. John Phillips and Elizabeth 
 Drake, his wife, and her grandparents ( on her father's 
 side ), were Richard and Elizabeth ( Packer ) Phillips of 
 Weymouth, near Boston, and Richard was a son of 
 Nicholas Phillips. 
 
 Jane Phillips' sister and brothers were as follows : 
 Experience, born 1699; Samuel, 1702; Joshua, 1704; Caleb, 
 1707; Thomas, 1712; Richard, 1713. 
 
 It does not appear whether Jane Phillips was born in 
 Easton or Weymouth, but more probably the latter place. 
 
 It is said that she was a good woman and devoted to 
 her family. She died in Ashfield about 1760. The Phillips 
 family, of which she was a member, were numerous and 
 influential in Easton and in Ashfield. For a more full 
 account of them see 
 
 * In the town records of Easton anil of Capt. Phillips' family, this name is written Jane, 
 Jean and Joan.
 
 GEHEALOGICAL RECORD 
 
 OF 
 
 Ipclxard and Jane Ullis 
 
 AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 
 
 Following this Record there will be Personal Sketches of every one 
 mentioned herein, so far as the same can be obtained. The numbers at 
 the head of each name in the Record refer to the same number and person 
 in the Sketches. 
 
 FIRST GENERATION. 
 
 (I.) RICHARD ELLIS Bom, 1704; Died, 1797 
 
 (a.) J AXE PHILLIPS.... " 1709; " *iy6o 
 
 Married in Easton, Mass., in 1728. 
 
 SECOND GENERATION. 
 
 CHILDREN OF RICHARD AND JANE ELLIS. 
 
 4. REUBEN ELLIS Born, 1728; Died, 1786 
 
 6. BENJAMIN " " 1730; " 1730 
 
 7. MAKY " " 1732; " 
 
 9. REMEMBER " " 1735; " 1795 
 
 ii. JANE " " 1737; " 1832 
 
 13. MATTHEW " " 1739; " .... 
 
 15. JOHN " " 1742; " 1827 
 
 17. HANNAH " " 1750; " 1839 
 
 19. CALEB " " 1754; " 1813 
 
 The first six of these children were born in Easton. 
 The record is found in the handwriting of Mrs. Ellis' father 
 (Capt. John Phillips), who was town clerk. He adds to the 
 above the following : "John Ellis, son of Richard Ellis of 
 Huntstown, born of his wife Jean in Deerfield." Hannah 
 was probably born in Huntstown, (afterwards Ashfield,) as 
 her parents resided there at that time. Caleb may have 
 been born there, or elsewhere, as it was about this time 
 that the French and Indian war began, when all the settlers 
 left Huntstown, and went to the older settlements east and 
 south for three years. See Appendix, Note i. 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 THIRD GENERATION. 
 
 (4) U I : I ' 111-. N 1 I I I S Kom, 1728; Died, 1786 
 
 (5) MEHITABLE SCOTT Born, 1722; Died, 1804 
 
 Married in Sunderland, Mass., in 1741). 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 21. MAKTHA ELLIS Born, 1750; Died, 1832 
 
 22. BENJAMIN " " 1751; " 1834 
 
 25. REUBEN " " 1752; " 183- 
 
 26. JONATHAN " " 1754; " 1812 
 
 28. SUBMIT " " 1756; " 1834 
 
 29. RICHARD " " 1760; " 1841 
 
 32. DAVID " 1763; " 1843 
 
 The first two of the above children were born in Sunderland, and the others in Ashfield. 
 
 (7) MARY ELLIS Born, 1732. 
 
 No report from her or her descendants, if she had any. 
 
 (9) K IvM 1 1 >l II 1 OR ELLIS Born, 1735; Died, 1795 
 
 (10) Rev. EBEKEZER SMITH " 1734; " 1824 
 
 Married in Deerfield, in 1756. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All born in Ashfield. 
 
 34. IRENE SMITH Born, 1757; Died, 1834 
 
 36. PRESERVED " " 1759; " l8 34 
 
 38. JKMIMA " " 1761; " 1835 
 
 40. RHODA " " 1762; " 1837 
 
 42. EBENF.x.ER.jr. " " 1766; " 1855 
 
 44. OBED " " 1770; " 1828 
 
 46. RICHARD " " 1774; " 1800 
 
 (II) JAKE ELLIS Born, 1737; Died, 1832 
 
 12 JOHN I'll I I.I.I 1S 1734; " 1805 
 
 Married in Easton, Mass., about 1759. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All born in Easton. 
 
 47. JOHN PHILLIPS, JR Born, 1761; Died, 1841 
 
 49. MOLLY " 1763; " 1831 
 
 51. ENOS " 1765; " 
 
 53. PERCis(ason)" " 1767; " 1829 
 
 55. HANNAH " " 1770; " 1856 
 
 57. MARCY " 1773; " 1832 
 
 59. PHEBE " " 1777; " 1863 
 
 6 1. SALLY " " 1780; " 1862 
 
 (13) MATTHEW ELLIS Born 1739. 
 
 No report from him or his descendants, if he had any.
 
 19 
 
 (15) JOHN ELLIS Born, 1742; Died, 1827 
 
 (16) MOLLY DIMICK " 1738; " 1827 
 
 Married in Ashfield, in 1763. 
 THEIR CHILDREN-A11 born in Ashfield. 
 
 63. HANNAH ELLTS Born, 1764; Died, 1839 
 
 65. DIMICK " " 1766; ' 
 
 66. JANE " " 1769; ' 
 
 68. JOHN, JR. " " 1771; 
 
 70. EDWARD " " 1773; ' 
 
 72. DIMICK " " 1776; ' 
 
 75. SYLVIA " ' 1779; ' 
 
 (17) HANNAH ELLIS Born, 1750; Died, 1839 
 
 (18) JAMES FULTON " 1749; " 1834 
 
 Married in Ashfield or Colerain, Mass. 
 THEIR CHILDREN-A11 born in Colerain. 
 
 77. ROBERT FULTON Born, 1773; Died 
 
 79. JAMES, JR. " " 1775; " 1838 
 
 80. CALEB " " 1777; " 1863 
 
 81. DAVID " . . " 1779; " 
 
 83. LUCRETIA " " 1782; " 1843 
 
 85- DANIEL " " 1784; " *i86s 
 
 87. ELIJAH " " 1788; " 1829 
 
 89. NATHAN " " 1790; " 1844 
 
 91. JESSE " " 1792; " 1834 
 
 95. SARAH " " 1797: " 1872 
 
 19 CALEB ELLIS Born, 1754; Died, 1813 
 
 (20) MARY CROUCH " 1757 " 1813 
 
 Married about 1779. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born, some in Central New York and some at Ellisburg, Jefferson 
 
 County, N.'Y. 
 
 97. DANIEL ELLIS ; Born, 1780; Died, 1862 
 
 99. HANNAH " *. " 1782; " 
 
 101. JOHN " " 1784; " 1847 
 
 105. JANE " " 1786; " 1849 
 
 108. THOMAS " . . " 1788; " 1877 
 
 in. SQUIRE " " 1790; " 1813 
 
 112. JAMES " " 1792; " 1823 
 
 115. ROBERT " " 1794; " 1863 
 
 118. POLLY " " 1796; " young 
 
 118. SALLY " " 1798; " " 
 
 118. BETSEY " " 1800; " " 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 26 
 
 FOURTH GENERATION. 
 
 (aa) BENJAMIN ELLIS Horn, 1751: Died, 1834 
 
 (23) RUTH PIKE " ... ; " .... 
 
 Married in Ashfield, March 15, 1774. 
 
 OF THF.IR CHILDREN Stephen and Lurenca were born in Ashfield, the others 
 probably in Deerfield. 
 
 119. STEPHEN F.I.US Born, 1775; Died, 183- 
 
 121. LURENCA " " 1777; " 1853 
 
 123. MOSES " " 1780; " 1849 
 
 125. DANIEL " " ... ; " 1812 
 
 126. BENJAMIN " Jr " 1784; " 1859 
 
 128. REUBEN " " 1786; " 
 
 130. MEHITABLE " ' ; " 
 
 132. CHELOMETH " " ....; " 
 
 (26) JONATHAN ELLIS Born, 1754; Died, 1812 
 
 (37) LOIS ALLIS " ... ; " 1840 
 
 Married in Ashfield, March, 1799. 
 
 In this family there were eight children: Jonathan, Elijah, Reuben and a daughter died 
 
 in infancy. 
 
 134. SUBMIT EI.I.IS Born, 1803; Died, 1877 
 
 136. ABEL WEST " " 1806; " 1877 
 
 138. JOHN ALLIS " " 1809; Living 
 
 140. BOAIHSEA, " " 1811; " 1849 
 
 ( 29) RICHARD ELLIS Born. 1760; Died, 1841 
 
 (30) EUNICE I II 1 1 .SO N 1763; 1791 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Dec. 12, 1780. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Were as follows- all born in Ashfield. 
 
 143. HANKORD ELLIS Born, 1781; Died, 1782 
 
 144. LYDIA " i 7 8 3; 1819 
 
 146. ASAPH " 1785; " 
 
 148. HANNAH " " I7 8 7; " 
 
 150. LI-CINDA " " 1789; 
 
 152. CONSIDER ' " 1791;
 
 21 
 (29) RICHARD ELLIS, the above second wife. 
 
 (31) CHI. OK CHI I. SON Born. 1767; " 1819 
 
 Married Feb. ig, 1792. She was a sister of Eunice, Richard's first wife. 
 
 OF THEIR CHILDREN Some were born in Ashfield, some in Southern New York, and 
 others in the northern part of Pennsylvania, as follows: 
 
 154. JOHN ELLIS Born, 1792; Died, 1862 
 
 156. KITNICE " " 1794; " .... 
 
 158. RICHARD " JR " 1795; " 1827 
 
 160. DAVID " " 1797; " 1857 
 
 162. POLI.Y " " 1799; " 1799 
 
 BENJAMIN " ' 1800; " 1800 
 
 THOMAS J ' " 1801; " 1802 
 
 163. POLLY " " 1803; " 
 
 MKHITABLE" " 1805; " 1805 
 
 165. LICRKIIA " " 1806; -(-Living 
 
 168. HAHRV " " 1809; " 1885 
 
 170. ELIZABETH " " 1811; " 
 
 172. RKUBEN " " 1813, " 
 
 (32) DAVID ELLIS Born, 1763; Died, 1843 
 
 (33) SARAH \VASHKIRN 1764; " 1848 
 
 Married in Ashrield, July 8, 1784. 
 THEIR CHILDREN As follows-were all born in Ashfield. 
 
 174. MELINDA ELLIS Born. 1785; Died, 1862 
 
 176. WILLIAM " 1787; " 1873 
 
 178. SARAH " " 1790; " 1853 
 
 180. DAVID " JR " 1793; " t 866 
 
 182. REBECCA " " 1799; " 
 
 C>,? HANNAH ELLIS Born, 1764; Died, 1839 
 
 (64) APOLLOS WILLIAMS " 1768; " 1848 
 
 Married probably in A^hfield, 1789. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 184. RHODA WILLIAMS Born 1790; Died, 1875 
 
 186. HANNAH " " 1793; " 1871 
 
 188. DANIEL " " 1795; " *i8i.3 
 
 190. APOLLOS " JR " 1797; " 1866 
 
 192. JOHN " " 1799; " 1825 
 
 194. ALPHEUS " " 1801; " 1877 
 
 196. EDWARD " " 1804; " 1847 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct. 
 t Living at this date 1885.
 
 22 
 
 (66) JANE ELLIS H'>rn, ivfxj; Died, 1812 
 
 (67) SAMUEL LINCOLN " ....; " 1812 
 
 Married in Ashficld, 1788. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Some born in Ashfield, and others in Central New York. 
 [So little is known of this family that the order of their birth cannot be given correctly.] 
 
 198. PHEBE LINCOLN. 
 
 199. TOLLY 
 
 200. HANNAH " 
 
 201. MARILLA " Born, 1805; Died, 1883 
 
 202. BETSEY " 
 
 203. THOMAS " 
 
 204. ANNA 
 
 205. BENJAMIN " Born, 1812; Died, 1858 
 
 (68) JOHN ELLIS, Jr Born, 1771; Died, 1848 
 
 (69) ABILENA PHILLIPS " ....; " 1854 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Dec. 30, 1795. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All born in Niles, Cayuga County, N. Y. 
 
 206. VESPASIAN ELLIS Born, 1797; Died, 1818 
 
 207. SYLVIA " " 1798; " 1858 
 
 209. A/EL " " 1799; " 
 
 211. HARRIET " " 1801; " 1801 
 
 212. TAMER " " 1802; " 
 
 214. HIRAM . " " 1804; " 
 
 216. ELISHA " " 1805; f Living 
 
 218. RICHARD " " 1806; " 1853 
 
 220. PITTS " " 1808; " 
 
 222. JOHN J. " " 1810; fLiving 
 
 224. CHARLES " " 1811; " 1812 
 
 225. BENJAMIN " " 1813; " 
 
 227. EBENEZER " " 1815; f Living 
 
 229. RUTH " " 1818; 
 
 231. ANTHONY W. " " 1820; 
 
 (70) EDWARD ELLIS Born, 1773; Died, 1801 
 
 (71) AMANDA I I 0\Vi;u " . ..; " 187- 
 
 Married in Ashfield, June 14, 1798. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Sempronius (now Moravia), N. Y. 
 
 233. CYRUS ELLIS Born, 1799; fLiving 
 
 235. EDWARD D." " 1801; Died, 1848 
 
 tLiving at thU date 1885.
 
 23 
 
 (72) DIMICK 1C I, I. IS Born, 1776; Died, 1857 
 
 (73) POLLY ANHJABLE " 1774; " 1826 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Dec. n, 1799. 
 THEIR CHILDREN-A11 born in Ashfield. 
 
 237. DESIAH ELLIS Born, 1803; Died, 1880 
 
 239. RICHARD " ' 1805; " 1878 
 
 241. LEWIS " 1811; fLiving 
 
 243. JOHN " " 1815; 
 
 (75) SYLVIA l<:i,I,IS Born, 1779; Died, 1829 
 
 .jfv ASIIEU KELVIN*; ' i 777 ; .... 
 
 Married in Ashfield, where all their children were born. 
 
 245. EBENEZER BELDING Born 
 
 246. ARETUS " " 
 
 247. JANE " " 
 
 249. VOLNEY " ' 1814 
 
 251. THOMAS " 
 
 253. CHANDLER " " .... 
 
 Died, 
 
 ' 1870 
 fLiving 
 ' *i88o 
 ' 1884 
 
 (97) DAXIEL ELLIS Born, 1780; Died, 1862 
 
 (98) CMR.IS'TIXE G. SALISBURY. .. " 1780; " *i832 
 
 Married in 1802, in Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
 
 260. ELIZABETH ELLIS Born, 1804; Died, 1873 
 
 264 MARIA " " 1807; " 
 
 266. LORENZO D. " ... " 1805; " 1875 
 
 268. CATHARINE " " 1813; " 1830 
 
 270. GROAT N. " " 1815; " 1870 
 
 272. MARCUS A. " " 1817; " 1879 
 
 273. ALBERT " 1820; " 1859 
 
 (99) MAXXAII ELLIS Born, 1782, Died, . 
 
 (JOO) COMFORT CHAPMAN " ....; " . 
 
 Married in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Were born in . 
 
 276. SIDNEY CHAPMAN Born ; Died, . 
 
 278 DARIUS " . " ....; " 
 
 280. JOHN " " ....; " 
 
 282. SQUIRE " " ; " 
 
 284. ELISHA " " ....: " 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct, 
 t Living at this date 1885.
 
 24 
 
 (101) JOHN I I I l> Born, 1784, DU-.I, 
 
 M_> M \K\ VI II NVI I I " .... " .... 
 
 Married in , iSl 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in . 
 
 286. CALKB ELLIS Born ; Died 
 
 288. SOUIRE " " ; " 
 
 (101) JOHN ELLIS Second wife. 
 
 (103) BETSEY SMITH Born, ...; Died, 1837 
 
 Married in , about 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in . 
 
 290. MARY ELLIS Born, ... ; Died, 
 
 292. DANIEL " " ; " 
 
 294. ROGER ' " ; ' .... 
 
 296. HANNAH" " ; " 
 
 (101) JOHN ELLIS Third wife. 
 
 (104) KATE DURAN Born ; Died 
 
 Married in , about . 
 
 ONE CHILD Born in . 
 
 298. EDWARD ELLIS Born, . . . . ; Died, .... 
 
 (105) JANE ELLIS Born, 1786; Died, 1849 
 
 (106) AMASA SHELDON " ....; " 1845 
 
 Married in 1808, in Ellisburg. N. Y. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN- Born in Ellisburg. 
 
 300. PARLEY SHELDON Born, 1810; Died, 1862 
 
 302. WILLIAM " " 1812; " 1870 
 
 304. PHILO " " 1813; " 1873 
 
 305. ROBKRT " " 1815; " 1880 
 
 307. AMOS " " 1817; " 
 
 308. AMASA " " 1820; " 
 
 (108) THOMAS ELLIS Born, 1788; Died, 1869 
 
 (109) HANNAH SALISBURY " 1793; " 1867 
 
 Married in 1812, in Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Belleville, N. Y. 
 
 310. RICHARD ELLIS Born, 1813; Died, .... 
 
 312. RUSSELL " .. " 1815; " 1850 
 
 314, SARAH " .. " 1816; " .... 
 
 316. DAVID ' " 1818; " 1884 
 
 318. CALEB " " 1821; " .... 
 
 320. MARY " " 1823; " 
 
 322. VIAL (a son) ' " 1827; " 1849 
 
 324. JANE 1829; " 1878 
 
 326. HANNAH " " 1832; " 1860 
 
 328. PHEBK " " 1834; " 1875
 
 2 5 
 
 (112) JAMES ELLIS Born, 1792; Died, 1823 
 
 (113) RACHEL WEISER " ....; " *i8 5 8 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y., about 1815. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN All Born in Ellisburg. 
 
 330. MARY ANN ELLIS Born, 1816; Died, 
 
 332. THOMAS " .. " 1817; " 1876 
 
 334. JOHN W. " " 1818; " 
 
 336. ISAAC " " 1822; " 
 
 (MS) ROBERT ELLIS Born, 1794; Died, 1863 
 
 (116) MARY WEISER " 1798; " *i87 9 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y., 1816. 
 THEIR CHILDREN- All born in Ellisburg. 
 
 340. LYMAN ELLIS Born, 1817; Living. 
 
 342. JANE " " 1818; Died,*i855 
 
 344. MARY " ' 1819; ' 
 
 346. CHARLOTTE" " 1821; " 
 
 348. JAMES " 1822; " 1871 
 
 350. ROBERT " " 1824; " 1884 
 
 352. GAD il " 1826; " 1862 
 
 354. HARMON " " 1828; " 
 
 356. RACHEL " " 1830; Living. 
 
 358. CATHARINE " " 1831; Died, 
 
 360. FRANKLIN " " 1834; " .... 
 
 FIFTH GENERATION. 
 
 Descendants of Benjamin Si . (22), Reuben (4), and Richard 
 Ellis, of Ashneld, 
 
 (IJ9) STEPHEN ELLIS .............. Born, 1775; Died, 1838 
 
 (J20) SUSAXAH COBURKi ............ " ....; " 1819 
 
 Married at or near Sempronius, N. Y., about 1800. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Sempronius. 
 362. PRUDENCE ELLIS .......... ............... Born, .... Died, . . . 
 
 364. MEHITABLE " ........................ " 
 
 366. GRATEFUL " ........................... " 
 
 368. JONATHAN " ........................ " 
 
 370. ABIGAIL " ............ ............. " 
 
 372. LESTER " ......................... " 
 
 374. Lois 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 26 
 
 (MI) LURENCA 1. 1. 1. IS Horn, 1777; Died, 1853 
 
 (raa) JOHN PHELPS ; " 
 
 Married probably in or near Moravia, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDRKN^Born at or near Moravia. 
 
 376. JOHN PHELPS, JK Born, *i8i8; Died, ... 
 
 MOSES ELLIS... ..Born, 1780; Died, 1849 
 
 (124) ELIZABETH JUDO " 1782; " 1841 
 
 Married in Cayuga Co., N. Y., Oct. 14, 1804. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Cayuga County, except the last one. 
 
 380. LAURA ELLIS Born, 1806; Died, . . . 
 
 382. MARY JUDD " " 1808; " 
 
 384. LEWIS " " 1811; " 
 
 386. ELIZA ANN " " 1813; " 1842 
 
 388. HESTER ANN" " 1816; " 
 
 390. ANNIES. " " 1822; " 1849 
 
 i2 HENJAJIIN ELLIS, jr. Bom, 1784; Died, 1859 
 
 (l7) ABIGAIL HO WARD " 1793; " 1883 
 
 Married in Sempronius, N. Y., Feb. 23, 1809. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Sempronius or near there. 
 
 392. RHODA ELLIS Born, 1813; Died, 1833 
 
 393. MYRON " " 1817; " 1858 
 
 395. LEWIS R. " " 1822; " 
 
 397. AMANDA M. " " 1826; " 
 
 399. NATHAN IT. " " 1834; " 
 
 (xa8) REUBEN ELLIS Born, 1786; Died, 1845 
 
 (139) ELIZABETH KING " 1793; " 1876 
 
 Married in Cayuga Co., N. Y., about 1812. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born some in Cayuga Co., some in Orleans Co., and 
 the younger in Clymer, Chautauqua Co., N. V. 
 
 401. OLIVET ELLIS Born, 1812; Died 
 
 403. HENRY K. " " 1813; " 18 
 
 405. EUNICE " " 1815; ' 1816 
 
 406. FANNY " " 1816; " 1817 
 
 407. DANIEL " " 1817; " 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 27 
 
 409. EDMUND ELLIS Born, 1819; Died, 1857 
 
 411. Lois E. " " 1821; " 
 
 413. LYDIA E. " " 1823; " 1862 
 
 415. EDWIN M. " " 1825; " 
 
 417. ELIZABETH " " 1828; " 1852 
 
 418. REUBEN E. " " 1832; " 
 
 420. ALFREDO. " " 1835; " 
 
 (130) MEHrTABUE ELLIS Born,*i788; Died, .... 
 
 (131) LAWRENCE KEMP " ....; " .... 
 
 Married probably in or near Sempronius (now Moravia), N. V. 
 No report of their children. 
 
 (132) CHELOMETM ELLIS Born,*i7 9 o; Died 
 
 (133) WALTER AVERY " ....; " .... 
 
 Married probably in or near Sempronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
 No report of their children. 
 
 Descendants of Jonathan (26), Reuben (4), and Richard 
 Hills, of Ashfield. 
 
 (134) SUBMIT ELLIS Born, 1803; Died, 1877 
 
 (135) NATHANIEL HAVENS " 1800; " 1874 
 
 Married in Moravia, N. Y. , Sept. 9, 1819. 
 THEIR CHILDREN-Born in Moravia. 
 
 426. GEORGE HAVENS Born, 1821; Died, 1855 
 
 428 Lois " " 1824; " 
 
 430. SARAH ANN " " 1826; " 
 
 432. MIRANDA JANK " ' 1831; .... 
 
 434. SUSAN " " 1834; 1885 
 
 436. NATHANIEL " JR ' 1838; 
 
 438. LYMAN " " 1842; 
 
 440. JOHN WEST " 1845; 
 
 442. SUBMIT " ' 1848; 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 28 
 
 (136) A HI-: I. WEST ELLIS Born, 1806; Died, 1877 
 
 (137) MARGARET NORTON " 1806; " 1866 
 
 Married 1832, in Alleghany Co., N. Y. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN The first born in Alleghany Co., and the others in Ripley, 
 Chautauqua Co., N, V. 
 
 444. VAN R. ELLIS Born, 1833; Died, 1877 
 
 446. JOHN S. " " 1835; " 1835 
 
 447. CYRUS " " 1837; " 
 
 449. AMARILLA " " 1839; " 1858 
 
 451. SARAH J. " " 1841; " 1884 
 
 453. MARY ANN " " 1843; " 
 
 (138) JOHN ALIBIS ELLIS . Born, 1809; Died 
 
 (139) ELIZA ANN FAIRCHILD " 1813; " ... 
 
 Married March 20, 1833 in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Conneaut, Ohio. 
 
 455- WILLIAM AVERY ELLIS Born, 1833; Died, .... 
 
 457. ORSON HENRY " " 1835; " 
 
 459. MARY JANE " " 1837; " 1865 
 
 461. JOHN DEMETRIUS " " 1842; " .... 
 
 463. JULIA FRANCES " " 1845; " 
 
 465. SARAH ALICE " " 1850; " 
 
 (140) BOADISEA ELLIS Born, 1811; Died, 1851 
 
 (141) WILLIAM W. KING " 1799; Living 
 
 Married in 1839 in Moravia, N. Y. 
 Of their five Children two died in infancy. 
 
 467. WILLIAM R. KING Born, 1841; Died, 1871 
 
 468. CHARLES D. " " 1843; " ... 
 
 469. EMILY D. " " 1848; " 
 
 Descendants of Richard (29), Reuben (4), and Richard 
 
 , of Ashfield. 
 
 (144) I . Y 1)1 A ELLIS ..................... Born, 1783; Died ..... 
 
 (145) DANIEL H. BACON ............ . . . . ; " *i8 55 
 
 Married - . 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Delmar, Tioga Co., Pa. 
 
 470. OLIVER BACON ............................ Born, ____ ; Died ..... 
 
 LEWIS " " .. "
 
 2 9 
 
 DANIEL BACON Born, ... ; Died, .... 
 
 NANCY " " ; " .... 
 
 EUNICE " " ; " .... 
 
 HANNAH " " ; " 
 
 CHLOE " " ... ; " .... 
 
 (146) ASAPH ELLIS Born, 1785; Died, ... 
 
 (147) AMANDA SPENCER " ....; " .... 
 
 Married . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Clearfield Co., Pa. 
 482. CHARLES ELLIS Born ; Died, . . . 
 
 RICHARD 
 
 HORACE 
 
 CHAUNCY 
 
 PLINY 
 
 HANNAH 
 
 (150) LUCINDA 1,1, 1, IS Born, 1789; Died, 1842 
 
 (I5X) DAVID HENRY " ....; " .... 
 
 Married 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born near Wellsboro, Pa. 
 
 495. WILLIAM HENRY Born, . . . Died, 1882 
 
 CHARLES " " 
 
 DAVID " " 
 
 LOVICA " ' 
 
 MARY ' " ... " 1871 
 
 LYDIA " " .. 
 
 MARGARET " " 
 
 (152) CONSIDER ELLIS Born, 1791; Died,*i866 
 
 (153) MARY LOVELL " ..; " .... 
 
 Married in or near Delmar, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 500. GEORGE ELLIS Born, ; Died, . . . 
 
 JOHN " " ...; " .... 
 
 PRUDENCE " " "
 
 3 
 
 (154) JOHN ELrlvIS Horn, 1794; Died, 1862 
 
 (155) ELIZABETH FAULKNER " .... " 1837 
 
 Married in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Ten in number, but names of five not known. Born, some in 
 Lycoming Co., Pa., and in Ellicottville, Catiaraugus Co., N. Y. 
 
 506. RALPH ELLIS Born, 1829; 
 
 508. JOHN " " ; Died, 1847 
 
 509. WILLIAM " " ..'..; " 
 
 511. LUCINDA " " ; " 
 
 513. MARGARET" " ....; " .... 
 
 (156) EUNICE EULIS... .Born, 1794; Died, 1874 
 
 (157) REUBEN HERRINGTON " 1791; " 1862 
 
 Married in Tompkins Co., N. Y., about 1813. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Tioga Co., Penn. 
 
 514. JACOB HERRINGTON Born, 1815; Died, ... 
 
 515. SARAH ANN " " i?i7; " 
 
 516. NANCY " " 1819; " 1843 
 
 517. CHARLES " " 1821; " 
 
 518. GEO. W. " " 1823; " 
 
 519. DEROY " " 1825; " .... 
 
 520. HARRIET E. " " 1830; " 
 
 521. HORACE P. " " 1837; " .... 
 
 (158) RICHARD KI.I.IS, Jr. Born. 1795; Died, 1827 
 
 (X59 PATIENCE HERRINGTON . " 1802; " 1855 
 
 Married Feb. 3d, 1818, in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN- Born in or near Delmar, Pa. 
 
 522. AMASA LILIS Born, 1819; Died 
 
 524. CONSIDER " " 1821; " 
 
 526. SAM'L GILBERT " " 1822; " 1850 
 
 528. JOHN M. " " 1825; 
 
 (X6o) DAVID I.I, I, IS Born, 1797; Died, 1857 
 
 (l6l> ORILLA DI9IICK " 1801; " 1867 
 
 Married Jan. I3th, 1819, in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Shippcn, Tioga Co., Penn. 
 
 530. THANKFUL ELLIS Born, 1820; Died 
 
 532. CHLOE " .* " 1822; " 
 
 534. CHESTER " " 1823; "
 
 3 1 
 
 536. JEFFERSON ELLIS Born, 1826; Died, 1877 
 
 538. MARIA " " 1828; " 1864 
 
 540. HARRY " " 1831; " 
 
 542. CRETIA ANN " " 1836; " .... 
 
 544. BAKER D. " " 1838; " .... 
 
 546. SEYMOUR " " 1846; " 
 
 (163) POLLY 1 CLLIS Born, 1803; Died, . . 
 
 (164) PAUL X. DIMICK " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in , about 
 
 ONE CHILD Born in . 
 
 548 ; 
 
 (165) LUCRETI A ELLIS Born, 1806; Living 
 
 (166) Rev. BEN JAM IX A VERY " .... Died, *i846 
 
 Married in or near Delmar, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Three or four in number, but names not known. 
 
 549 
 
 (165) LUCRETI A ELLIS A VERY. -Second husband. 
 
 (167) Rev. JOHN STIPP Born, ... ; Died, .... 
 
 Married . 
 
 ONE CHILD Born in . 
 
 550 
 
 (168) HARRY ELLIS Born, 1809; Died, 1885 
 
 (169) BETSEY SEELEY " ....; " 1885 
 
 Married , 183., in Ellisburg, Penn. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN-All born in Ellisburg. 
 
 552. AnoLPHUS C. ELLIS Born ; Died, .... 
 
 554. WILLIAM " " 
 
 556. RICHARD " " 1840 
 
 558. ORSON " " 
 
 560. MARION " . ... .__,,-, " 
 
 561. AMASA " " 
 
 562. GENETT " " 
 
 563. ELLA " " 
 
 (170) ELIZABETH ELLIS Born, 1811; Died, 
 
 (171) W. M. CHAFFEE " .-.; " .... 
 
 Married . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN 
 564
 
 32 
 (I7) REUBEN ELLIS ................... Born, 1813; Died, . . . 
 
 -SEELEY ....................... " ....; " ... 
 
 ONE CHILD 
 
 566 
 
 Descendants of David Sr. (32), Reuben (4), and Richard 
 Ellis, of \ -ii (it Id. 
 
 fl74) MELINDA ELLIS ................. Born, 1785; Died, 1862 
 
 (175) JOHN WIISC ....................... " ....; " 1857 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Mass., about - . 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Erie, Pa. 
 
 568. HAMILTON WING ........................... Born, . . . . ; Died, ---- 
 
 (176) 'WILLIAM ELLIS Born, 1787; Died, 1873 
 
 (177) RMODA FLOWER " 1789; " iS6 4 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Mass., about 1808. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born, the first five in Ashfield, the others in Springfield, Erie Co., Pa. 
 
 570. WILLIAM ELLIS, Jr Born, 1810; Died, 1865 
 
 572. CHARLKS P. " " 1812; " 1881 
 
 574. GEORGE " " 1814; " 1814 
 
 575. HARRIET " " 1815; " 1858 
 
 577. LUCRETIA " " 1817; " 
 
 579. SAMUEL " . " 1821; " 
 
 581. JAMES F. ' " 1824; " 1849 
 
 583. MARY L. " " 1828; " 
 
 585. JOSEPH " " 1831; " 
 
 587. RUMINA " " 1834; " 
 
 (178) SARAH ELLIS Born, 1791; Died, 1851 
 
 (179) Capt. JAMES FLOWER " 1781; " 1832 
 
 Married in Ashfield, July 5th, 1810. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Wesleyville, Erie Co., Penn. 
 
 589. ELBRIDGE G. FLOWER Born, 1811; Died, 1832 
 
 590. SALLY H. " " 1813; " 1885 
 
 591. DAVID E. " " 1816; " 
 
 592. WILLIAM S. " " 1821; " .... 
 
 593. CLARISSA A. " " 1823; " 
 
 594. MELISDA J. " " 1825; " 
 
 595. LYDIA W. " " 1828; 
 
 596. PHINEAS D. " 1830; " .... 
 
 597. JAMES G. " " 1832; "
 
 33 
 
 180 DAVID ELLIS, Jr Born, 1793; Died, 1866 
 
 (181) RUMIPSA FLOWER " 1705; " 1872 
 
 Married in Ashfield, about 1814. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born, the first three in Ashfield, and the others in Springfield, Pa. 
 
 598. Loris.-v ELLIS Born. 1815; Died, .... 
 
 600. MELINDA " ' 1817: " .... 
 
 601. GKORGE " " 1818; " 
 
 603. MARSHALL " " 1820; 
 
 605. LKONARD " " 1823; " 
 
 607. PETER " " 1824; " .... 
 
 609. SARAH " " 1827; " .... 
 
 611. ORMAN F. " " 1829; " 1870 
 
 JOHN " " 1832; " 1835 
 
 Il82) REBECCA ELLIS Born, 1799; Died, 
 
 (X 83) JON A XM AN TAYLOR " .-.; " .... 
 
 Married . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All born in Chillicothe, Ohio. 
 
 613. PHEBE TAYLOR Born, ; Died 
 
 614. SARAH " ....; " ... 
 
 615. MARY " " ; " 
 
 Descendant* of John Ellis, jr. of Miles, >. Y., 168), John sr. 
 of Ashfield, (151, and Richard Ellis. 
 
 (207) SYLVIA ELLIS Born, 1798; Died, 1837 
 
 (208) JOH1V SPRAGUE " 1793; 1875 
 
 Married in Sempronius, Cayuga Co., N. V, in 1816. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Perrysburg. N. Y. 
 
 616. ALMF.RIN SPRAGUE Born, 1818: I)ied,*i853 
 
 617. DELILAH " " 1824; " 
 
 618. LODOSKA " " 1827; " 
 
 619. OORLISKA " " 1831; " 1852 
 
 620. EBKNEZKR " " 1833; " .... 
 
 (209) AZEL ELLIS Born. 1799; Died, 1863 
 
 210) MARY HAGERTOAPf " 1796; " 1859 
 
 Married probably in Cayuga Co.. M. Y. 
 
 621. EDWARD ELLIS Born, 1831 ; Died, 1857 
 
 622. PHEBE " " ; " 1860 
 
 623. LYDIA " " ; "
 
 34 
 
 (ia) TANIER !: I . I . I S Horn, 1802; Died, 1855 
 
 (aij) MATTHEW VAUJDERBILT r8c*; " 1877 
 
 Married May 8th, 1827, in . 
 
 THEIR CH1I.DRKN Born in Niles, N. Y. 
 
 624. ABILENA VANDERBILT Bom, 1828; Died, .... 
 
 625. ANDREW " 1832; " 
 
 626 HANNAH " " 1838; " 
 
 (ai4> HIRAM i:i.I,IS ..Horn. 1804; Died, 1874 
 
 (215) POLLY FLOWERS 
 
 Married in Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 627. ELISHA ELLIS Born ; Died, . . 
 
 629. " " ; " 
 
 (ai6) ELISHA ELLIS Born, 1805; Living. 
 
 217 IIATVXAH BRADLEY 1811; 
 
 Married at Farmersville, Ind., in 182-. 
 THKIR CHILDREN Born in Farmersvilie, Ind 
 
 630. NANCY ELLIS Born ; Died 
 
 632. ELIZABETH" " ... ; " .... 
 
 634. ABILENA " ; .... 
 
 636. ANN " " 1838; " 
 
 638. JNO. DAVID " " 1842; " .... 
 
 (ai8) RICHARD ELLIS Born, 1806; Died, 1853 
 
 2i<> 1IAUV P. SELOYER " 1810; " 1884 
 
 Married Nov. 6th, 1827, in Niles, N. Y. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The two first born in Niles, N. Y., and the others in 
 Jackson, Hardin Co.. Ohio. 
 
 640. ISAAC N. ELLTS Born, 1829; Died, ... 
 
 642. CATHERINE " " 1833; " .... 
 
 644. MARY ANN " " 1837; " 
 
 646. WILLIAM M. " " 1845; " .... 
 
 648. RICHARDS. " " ...; " 1854 
 
 649. SYLVIA JANE " " ; " 1877 
 
 650 JOHN ' ; " 1852
 
 35 
 
 (220) PITTS ELLIS ...Born, 1808; Died, 1876 
 
 (221) LUCIA I. BALCOUI " 1814; Living. 
 
 Married in Perryshurg, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. 23d, 1832. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Waukesha Co., Wis. 
 
 651. EDWARD ELVASTUS ELLIS Born, 1838; Died, 1839 
 
 652. HELEN M. " " 1842; " 
 
 653. LODOSKA S. " " 1845; " 
 
 655. PITTS B. " " 1851; " 
 
 657. ANNIE A. " .. " 1854; " 
 
 (222) JOHM J.ELLIS Born, 1810; Living. 
 
 (223) CATHERINE SELOVER " 1813; 
 
 Married at Niles, N. Y., in 183-. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All born in Niles. 
 
 659. JOHN R. ELLIS Born, 1839; Died 
 
 661. MARTHA " .. " 1844; " 
 
 663. J. MYRON " ' 1845; " .... 
 
 665. W. SFLOVER " " 1852; " 
 
 667. NEWTON S. " " 1855; " 
 
 (225) BENJA9IIN ELLIS Born,*i8i3; Died, 1881 
 
 (226) JEMIMA VANDERBILT 1816; " 1883 
 
 Married at Niles, N. Y., Dec. 1st, 1839. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The first four born in Niles, N. Y., and the others in 
 Marseilles, Ohio. 
 
 669. WILLIAM N. ELLIS Born, 1840; Died, 1863 
 
 671. JOHN H. " " 1843; " 
 
 673. MARSHALL " " 1846; " 1847 
 
 675. CLARENCE L. " " 1848; * " 
 
 677. MARY E. " " 1851; " 
 
 679. ABILENA " " 1853; " 1853 
 
 681. CURTIS MILO " ' 1856; " 1856 
 
 683. MELINDA LOUISA" " 1861; " 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 36 
 
 (227) EBEXEZER ELLIS Born, 1815; Living. 
 
 (228) THEODOCI A PHILLIPS " 18..; 
 
 Married in Farmersville, Ind., 183-. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 685. JULIA ELLIS Born, ; Died, 
 
 687. SOPHRONIA " " ; " 
 
 689. EDWIN " " 1848; " 
 
 691. HARRIET " " ; " 
 
 693. PITTS " . .. " 1852; " . .. 
 
 695. MARY " " ; " 1879 
 
 (229) RUTH ELLIS Born, 1818; Living. 
 
 (230) GEORCE HALL " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in Niles, Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
 
 No report from this family or their children, if they had any. They are said to reside in 
 Kichland. Kalama/oo Co., Mich. 
 
 (231) A1SXHOXY ELLIS Born, 1820; Living. 
 
 (232) HABflVAH VA?J EXXEN " . ; 
 
 Married Oct. I2th, 1843, in Niles, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Niles. 
 
 708. ELIAS ELLIS Born, 1844; Died, .... 
 
 710. ISAAC NEWTON " " 1846; " 
 
 712. ARTHUR DAY " " 1859; " 1861 
 
 713. DELLA JANE " " 1864; " 
 
 Descendant* of Edward iciiis of Kiiles, N. V., (70), John sr 
 of Asliiii-lcl, (15), and Richard Ellin. 
 
 (33) CYRUS ELLIS Born, 1799; Living. 
 
 (234) CLARISSA BIRCH - " 1800; Died, 1885 
 
 Married March 3ist, 1825, in Niles, N. Y. 
 THIER CHILDREN.-AI1 born in Niles mow Moravian, N. Y. 
 
 715. EDWARD D. KLLIS. Born, 1826; Died, 1864 
 
 717. POLLY " " 1828; " 
 
 719. MINKRVA " " 1829; " 1872 
 
 721. CLARISSA " " 1832; " 
 
 723. I-IIKAM " " 1834; " 
 
 725. CYKTS " Jr " 1836; " 1863 
 
 727. BIRCH " " 1838; " .... 
 
 729. HENRY F. " " 1843; " 1863 
 
 731. MILES M. " " 1846; " ....
 
 37 
 
 (235) EDWARD . ELLIS Born, 1801; Died, 1848 
 
 (236) LEOPXOR A I. CHAPMAN " 1805; " 1870 
 
 Married at Monroe, Mich., Feb. 2d, 1830. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All born in Monroe except the youngest, who was born in Detroit. 
 
 733. MARY MINERVA ELLIS Born, 1831; Died, 1884 
 
 735. AMELIA " " 1833; " .... 
 
 736. EDWARD CHARLES " " 1835; " 
 
 737. JOHN C. C. " " 1837; " 
 
 739. Kl.IZABETH T. " " 1841; " 1868 
 
 740. HF.NJAMIN F. " 1844; " ... 
 
 Descendants of Diniick Ellis (72), John ST., (15), and i< it li.n <l 
 all of .Vshiielcl. 
 
 (237) DESIAH ELLIS .................... Born, 1803; Died, 1880 
 
 1238) TIBERIUS BELDING .......... " 1800; " *i87o 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Mass., April loth, 1828. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The first six born in Ashfield, and the others in Belding, Mich. 
 
 741. ANNABEL BELDING .......................... Born, 1829; Died ..... 
 
 742. FRANCIS " ' ......................... " 1830; " 1876 
 
 743. EDWARD " .......................... " 1832; " 1863 
 
 744. PRISCILLA " ............. ........... " 1834, " ____ 
 
 745. TIBERIUS "' Jr ....................... " 1838; " 
 
 746. WAITE " ........................ " 1840; " 
 
 747. ELLEN " ....................... " 1845; " ____ 
 
 748. JOHN " .... ...................... " 1849; 
 
 (239) RICHARD ELLIS Born. 1805; Died, 1878 
 
 (240) HATSWAH RANXEY " 1805; Living. 
 
 Married in Ashfield. Nov. "Thanksgiving Day," 1827. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. V. 
 
 749. CHARLKS DIMICK ELLIS Born, 1829; Living. 
 
 751. ERASTUS RANNEY " " 1832; " 
 
 (241) LEWIS ELLIS Born, 1811; Living. 
 
 1242; LOUISA WILSON " 1812; 
 
 Married in Ashfield, Oct. 22nd, 1834. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The first two born in Ashfield, and the others in Belding, Mich. 
 [Five others of their children, all sons, died in infancy.] 
 
 754. GEORGE B. ELLIS Born, 1837; Died, 1851 
 
 755. GEORGE W. " " 1851; 
 
 757. MARY L. " " 1855;
 
 (243) Dr. JOHBJ ELLIS .. Born. 1815, Living. 
 
 244 JIAUY I-:. COIT " 1817; Died. iSso 
 
 Married in Norwich, M.i><.. 1843. 
 
 THEI R CHII.DRKN. Delia born in Grand Rapids. Mich, died in infancy. 
 The others born in Detroit. 
 
 759. ALFRED ELLIS Born. 1847; Died. 1848 
 
 760. WILBUR D. " " 1848; 
 
 243) Or. JOHN ELLIS. Second Wife. 
 
 (245) SARAH M. LEONARD Born, 1828; Living. 
 
 Married in Troy, Mich., Oct. , 1851. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Detroit, and both died in infancy. 
 
 762. LILLY ELLIS Born, 1852; Died, 1852 
 
 763. EDWARD DELL " " 1855; " 1855 
 
 Descendants of Daniel Ellis of Kllisljury, >. v.. 1971, Caleb, 
 1191, iinci Richard of Ashfield. 
 
 (260) ELIZABETH ELLIS Born, 1804; Died, 1873 
 
 (261) GEORGE PADDOCK 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in 
 
 764 HE.NRY A. PADDOCK Born, . . . .; Died, .... 
 
 765. MARIA " > " ....; " 
 
 (264; 91 ARIA ELLIS Born, 1807; Died, 1863 
 
 (265) ELISHA SALISBURY " 1807; 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. V., in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 766. MARTHA SALISBURY Born ; Died 
 
 767. ABIRAM " " ...; " 
 
 (266) LORENZO D. ELLIS . Born, 1805; Died. 1875 
 
 (267) MEHIXABLE B. MARTIN. . ' *r8is ; " 1866 
 
 Married in Cobwell, Canada in 1836. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Canada and New York. 
 
 768. CHRISTINA E. ELLIS Born, 1837; Died, .. . 
 
 770. CARRIE M. " " 1839; " 
 
 772. MYRA " 1842; " .... 
 
 774. OLIVER L. D. " " 1845;
 
 39 
 
 NICHOLAS GROAT ELLIS. .. .Born, 1815; Died, 1871 
 
 (271) ZILPHA B. CASH " 1818; " .... 
 
 Married in Blenheim, Canada West, Feb. 20, 1844. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Canada and in Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 
 776. HENRY G. ELLIS Born, 1845; Died, ... 
 
 778. GEORGE W. " " 1847; " 
 
 780. MARGARET J. " " 1849; " 1857 
 
 781. EDWARD D. " " 1851; " ... 
 
 783. LEWIS M. " " 1856; " 1885 
 
 (273) Rev. ALBERT A. ELLIS Born, 1820; Died, 1859 
 
 1274 ELECT A A. KARXICY " 1822; " 1854 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y.. Sept. 22nd, 1844. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born some in New York and others in Michigan. 
 (Helen C., Alice C., and Eva C. died in infancy.) 
 
 785. EDWARDS. ELLIS Born, 1847; Died, ... 
 
 787. MARY L. " " 1848; " 1885 
 
 789. CHARLES S. " . . . " 1852; " 
 
 (2731 Rev. ALBERT A. ELLIS Second wife. 
 
 (275) MARY S. GREGORY Born, 1821; Died, 1856 
 
 Married June 28th, 1855, in Plymouth, Mich. 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Brooklyn, Mich. 
 
 791 . MARY E. G. ELLIS Born, 1856; Died 
 
 Descendants of Thomas Kills (108), of Kllisburjf, M. V., 
 Caleb i > and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (310 ) RICHARD ELLIS Born, 1813; Living 
 
 (311) EMILY A.CLARK " 1821; " 1849 
 
 Married in 1842 at Copenhagen, N. Y. 
 
 ONE CHILD Born in Roduian^Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
 
 794. THEODORE C. ELLIS Born, 1845; Died, 
 
 (312) RUSSELL ELLIS . Born, 1815; Died, 1850 
 
 (313) MARTHA COOK " 1817; "1878 
 
 Married in Pulaski, N. Y. in 1835. 
 
 ONE CHILD. Born in . 
 
 796. HIRAM ELLIS Born, 1837; Died
 
 40 
 
 (3I4 SARAH IIl.I.IS Born. 1816; Died. 
 
 (315) DAVID FULXOBJ 
 
 Married in Belleville, Jefferson Co., N. Y. in 1836. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All born in Belleville. 
 
 800. JAMES FULTON Born ; Died, 
 
 801. THOMAS "' ; 
 
 802. DAVID " Jr.. " ; 
 
 803. CHARLES N. " " 1855; 
 
 (316) DAVID IIK1.IS Born, 1818; Died, 1884 
 
 (317) PAMELIA CLARK " ....; " 1865 
 
 Married in Belleville, N. Y. 
 ONE DAUGHTER. Bom in Belleville. 
 
 805. HANNAH ELLIS Born, 1862; Died 
 
 (Two other daughters died in infancy.) 
 
 (318) CALEB ELLIS Born, 1820; Died, . 
 
 (319^ MARIA LOUISA BARKER " ....; ' 1858 
 
 Married in Ellisburg. N. Y., Jan. 17, 1843. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All born in Ellisburg. 
 
 808. MARTHA ANN Eu.is Born, 1844; Died 
 
 8 10 VIAL F. " " 1848; " 1864 
 
 811. RUSSELL " " 1852; " ... 
 
 813. HENRY D. " " 1854; " .... 
 
 (318) CALEB ELLIS Born, 1820; Died 
 
 (319)* CHKISTIX A E. ELLIS (2d wife). . " 1837; 
 Married at Ellisburg, N. Y., Oct. 11. 1860. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All Born in Ellisburg. 
 
 815. FLORENCE E. EI.T is Born, 1863; Died 
 
 817. GEO. EDWIN " " 1864; 
 
 819. ALBERT F. " 1869; 
 
 * Daughter of Lorenzo D. Ellis. See No. 768, page 38.
 
 4 1 
 
 (320) MARY ELLIS Born, 1823; Died, .... 
 
 (321) LEONARD O. BARKER " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1843. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Young, Onondaga Co., N. Y. 
 
 821. FANNIE BARKER Born, ; Died, 
 
 822. ADDIE " " ...,; " 
 
 823. HANNAH JANE " " . ; " .... 
 
 824. MARY ADELAIDE " " ; " 
 
 825. SARAH LOUISA " " ....; " .... 
 
 826. THURSTON GARNER " " ....; " 
 
 827. HERBERT EUGENE " " ....; " 1873 
 
 (328) PHEBE ELLIS Born, 1834; Died, 1875 
 
 (329) JOHN CHAMBERLAIN " ...; " 1870 
 
 Married in , 1868, in Belleville, N. Y. 
 
 ONE SON. Born in Belleville. 
 
 828. JOHN CHAMBERLAIN, Jr Born, 1869; Died, 
 
 (328) PHEBE ELLIS-CHAMBERLAIN- 
 
 G AXES WHITE Second husband . . . Born ; Died, .... 
 
 Married in , 1872. 
 
 TWO CHILDREN. Born at Pulaski, N. Y. 
 
 829. GEORGE WHITE Born, 1873; Died 
 
 830. ELLIS " " 1875; " .... 
 
 Descendants of James Hills, (112), of Klli.stourjf , ^. v., Caleb, 
 i > , and Richard, of Ashneld, Mass. 
 
 (332) THOMAS ELLIS, Born, 1817; Died, 1876 
 
 (333) CYNTHIA SHERMAN, " 1826; " .... 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN 
 
 831. POLLY ELLIS . . .Born, ; Died, 
 
 832. JAMES " " ; " 
 
 833. WILLIAM " " ; " 
 
 834. ADELBERT " " ; " .... 
 
 835. LEVI " " ; " 
 
 836. THOMAS, " JR " ; "
 
 42 
 
 (334) JOHN W. ELLIS Born, 1818; Died. .. 
 
 (335) MARY FULLER " 1825; " 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All born in Ellisburg. 
 
 837. RODERICK D. ELLIS Born, 1843; Died, 
 
 838. HELEN " " 1847; " 1853 
 
 839. MARTHA " " 1850; " .... 
 
 840. FRED " " 1856; " 
 
 (33*) ISAAC ELLIS Born, 1822; Died, 
 
 (337) MARGARET REAMER " 1830; " 
 
 Married in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 841. ELLEN ELLIS Born, 1850; Died, 
 
 842. ALEXANDER " " 1852; 
 
 843. BENJAMIN " . . " 1855; " 
 
 844. FRANK " " 1862; " 
 
 Descendants of Robert Ellis 115. of Elllsburg, > . V., Caleb 
 (19), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (340) LYUIAN ELLIS Born, 1817; Died, .... 
 
 (341) MALVINA ZUFELT " 1829; " .... 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y., 1848. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All born in Ellisburg. 
 
 845. DETTE L. ELLIS Born, 1850; Died, 
 
 846. FANNIE " " 1852; " 
 
 847. ARNITA " " 1856; " 
 
 (350) ROBERT ELLIS, Jr. Born, 1824; Died, 1884 
 
 (351) BETSEY CHRISTIAN " 1835; " .... 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1853. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All born in Ellisburg. 
 
 848. GAD ELLIS Born, 1854; Died, 
 
 849. CHARLES " " 1857; " .... 
 
 850. WILLIAM " " 1860; " .... 
 
 851. BYRON " " 1861; "-
 
 43 
 SIXTH GENERATION. 
 
 Descendants of Stephen Hills 1 1<> , of Fayette Co., Intl., 
 Benjamin (22), Reuben (4), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (362) PRUDENCE EL,L,IS .............. Born, 1799; Died, 1871 
 
 (363) CHARLES X. HARRIS ......... " iTgg; " 1877 
 
 Married in Cayuga Co., N. Y., May II, 1817. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The first two born near North Bend, Ohio; the others in 
 Fayette and Henry counties, Ind. 
 
 860 SUSAN HARRIS ........................... Born, 1818; Died, .... 
 
 861. MARY ANN " ........................... " 1820; " 1821 
 
 862. CHARLES W. " ........................... " 1822; " 1831 
 
 863. STEPHEN " ............................ " 1824; " ---- 
 
 864. DORR K. " ............................ " 1827; " 1828 
 
 865. LESTER E. " ............................ " 1829; " 1864 
 
 866. LUCETTA D. " ............................ " 1831; " ____ 
 
 867. ELIZA " ........................... " 1835; " 1873 
 
 (364) MEMIXABUE ELLIS Born, 1800; Died, 1874 
 
 {<>5 I. i:\VIS UOIUNSON " 1791; " 1843 
 
 Married near North Bend, Ohio, May 20, 1821. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born some at North Bend, and the others in Fayette Co., Ind. 
 
 868. MARY ROBINSON . .Born, 1822; Died, 
 
 869. ELIAS " " 1825; " 
 
 870. RACHEL M. " " 1827; " . .. 
 
 871. MINKRVA " " 1829; " 1873 
 
 872. MARTILLA " % " 1834; " 1863 
 
 873. EUNICE " " 1838; " 1860 
 
 874. ERASTUS " " 1841; " 
 
 (366) GRATEFUL ELLIS Born, 1803; Died, 1883 
 
 (367) CASPER XRASK " 1801; " 1873 
 
 Married in Fayette Co., Ind., Dec. 2d, 1821. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 875. MOULTON S. TRASK 77777^. Born, 1823; Died, 
 
 876. CLARISSA " " 1825; " 
 
 877. LETTITIA S. " " 1827; " 
 
 878. HOWELL H. " " 1829; " 
 
 879. Lois " " 1832; " 
 
 880. EDWARD E. " ' 1834; " 1840 
 
 881. HENRY V. " " 1837; " .... 
 
 882. AMELIA A. " ' " 1840; " 
 
 883. DETTE E. " " 1844; " 
 
 884. RUBIES. " " 1846; "
 
 44 
 
 JONATHAN ELLIS ............. Born, 1805; Died, 1876 
 
 (369) CHARLOTTE JEFFREY ...... " .... ; " .... 
 
 Married in Fayette Co., Ind., in 1829. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Fayette Co. 
 
 885. LOUISA ELLIS ............................. Born, ---- Died ..... 
 
 886. ALVAH " ............................. " .. 
 
 887. WILLIAM A." ......... . ................... " .. 
 
 888. MARY " ............................. " .. 
 
 889. DIANTHA J. " ............................ " 
 
 890. SARAH ANN " ............................ " 
 
 891. JOHN A. " ......................... " 
 
 (370) ABIGAIL ELLIS ................... Born,- 1806; Died, 1849 
 
 (371) JOSHUA WIGHTMAN ........... " ...; " .... 
 
 Married in Fayette Co., Ind. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 892. JOHN WIGHTMAN ....................... Born, ____ ; Died,*i864 
 
 893. AUSTIN ........................ " ____ ; " ____ 
 
 894. MINOR ....................... " ____ ; " ____ 
 
 (372) LESTER ELLIS .................. Born, 1811; Died, 1868 
 
 (373) SALLY T. TROWBRIDGE ..... " 1807; " 1879 
 
 Married in Fayette Co., Ind. 
 THEIR CHILDREN All born in Fayette Co. 
 
 895. DIANTHA J. ELLIS ...................... Born, 1833; Died, ____ 
 
 896. CHESTER CoBfRN " ...................... " 1839; " 1864 
 
 897. POLLY " ...................... " '1843; " ____ 
 
 (374) LOIS ELLIS ........................ Born, 1813; Died, 1842 
 
 '375) JOHN JEFFREY ................. " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in 1835, in Fayette Co., Ind. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Fayette Co. 
 
 898. JANE JEFFREY ............................. Born, ____ ; Died ..... 
 
 * Names or dates with this mark (*) may not be exactly, but are very nearly, correct.
 
 45 
 
 Descendants of Moses Kills, (123), 01 Kayette Co., incl., 
 
 Benjamin, (22), Reuben, (4), and Rlcbard, 
 
 of Asnfleld. 
 
 (380) LAURA ELLIS Born, 1806; Died, 1881 
 
 (381) JOSIAH SUXTTOI* '. " 1799; " 1879 
 
 Married March n, 1828, near Connersville, Fayette Co., Ind, 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Fayette Co. 
 
 899. ELSIE SUTTON Born, 1828; Died, 
 
 900. HESTER ANN " " 1835; " .... 
 
 (382) MARY JUD ELLIS Born, 1808; Died, .... 
 
 (383) SUTHERLAND OARD " ....; " .... 
 
 Married about 1830 in Fayette Co. , Ind. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born 
 
 901. LUCETTA CARD Born, . . . ; Died, 1850 
 
 902. SAMANTHA " " ....; " .... 
 
 903. ADELINE " ... " ....; " .... 
 
 904. HARRIET " " ; " .... 
 
 905. HENRY " " ; " 
 
 (382) MARY JUDD ELLIS CARD. 
 JAMBS JAMES Second husband. 
 
 Married . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born . 
 
 906. LAURA JAMES Born, ; Died,*i86o 
 
 907. MOSES " " ; " 
 
 (384) LEWIS ELLIS Born, 1811; Died, ... 
 
 (385} SAMANTHA THOMAS " 1811; " .... 
 
 Married in Fayette Co., Ind. Dec. 3Oth, 1832. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Fayette Co. 
 
 908. CAROLINE ELLIS Born, 1833; Died, 
 
 909. LUCY " " 183.5; " 
 
 910. OLIVER H. " " 1836; " 1837 
 
 911. ELVIN " " 1838; " 1839 
 
 912. JASPKR D. " " 1839; " 1850 
 
 913. EMMA " " 1841; " 1841 
 
 914. MINOR " " 1842; " 1863
 
 4 6 
 
 915. MELVIN ELLIS Born, 1843; Died, 
 
 916. NANCY " " 1845; " 1870 
 
 917. ADELINE " " 1846; " 1861 
 
 918. ANGELINE " '. " 1846; " 1858 
 
 919. MARY " " 1848; " 1848 
 
 920. ELIZA " " 1850; " 
 
 921. ELLEN " " 1852; " 
 
 922. EDWIN W. " " 1852; " 
 
 923. HEWITT " " 1854; " 
 
 (386) BLIZA ANN ELUS Born, 1813; Died, 1842 
 
 (37) WILrlrlAM COLE " ....; " .... 
 
 Married 1834. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. 
 
 924. ANGELINE COLK Born, ; Died, 
 
 925. LEWIS " " ; " 1863 
 
 (388) Hi:STi;U ANN l-:i*I*IS Born, 1816; Died.. .... 
 
 (389) PHILANDER THOMAS " 1811; " 1865 
 
 Married in Fayette Co., Ind., in 1835. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Fayette and Madison Counties, Ind. 
 
 926. LEROY THOMAS Born, 1836; Died 
 
 927. MARy " . " 1839; " 
 
 928. ANN " " 1841; " 
 
 929. LEWIS " " 1844; " 1863 
 
 930. OLIVER H. " " 1849; " 
 
 931. AVERY C. " " 1852, " 
 
 932. IRVIN " '^55; 
 
 933. MARSHAL " 1856; 
 
 (390) AN>Ii: S. 1. 1.1. IS Born, 1822; Died, 1849 
 
 (391) JONATHAN 'WAR O " ....; " 
 
 Married in . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in . 
 
 934. ELLEN WARD Born, 1845; Died 
 
 935. EDWIN " 
 
 All errors and deficiencies in this part of the book will be corrected in the next section, 
 under " Perional Sketches," so far as possible.
 
 47 
 
 Descendants of Benjamin Ellis Jr. (126), of Grotou, Cayuga 
 
 Co., >i. V., Benjamin Sr. (22), Reuben i , and Ricliard, 
 
 of Ashfield. 
 
 (393) 3IYRO1V ELLIS Born, 1817; Died, 1858 
 
 (394)- -CURTIS " ....; " .... 
 
 Married . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Groton, N. Y. 
 
 936. AUGUSTUS ELLIS Born, ; Died, . . . 
 
 937. BENJAMIN " " ; " .... 
 
 938. CASSIUS " " ...; " 
 
 939. LYCURGUS " " ....;, " 1864 
 
 (393) BIYRON ELLIS Second wife. 
 XANCY DUKKS. 
 
 Married . 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Groton, N. Y. 
 
 940. RHODA ELLIS Born, ; Died 
 
 941. MARTHA " " ....; " 
 
 942. HELEN " " ; " 
 
 (395) LEWIS R.ELLIS Born, 1822; Died .... 
 
 (396) ELIZABETH VALE " ..; " .... 
 
 Married in Homer, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born . 
 
 943. ALIDA ELLIS Born, ; Died, 
 
 944. ALBERT " , " ; " 
 
 (397) AMAXOA M. ELLIS Born, 1826; Died,.... 
 
 ? js i ii. vxm u ii. uom:\so>; 1821; .... 
 
 Married May I3th, 1849, in Groton, N. Y.. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Bom in Groton, Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
 
 945. EDMUND E. ROBINSON \~^~. Born, 1851; Died, 
 
 946. LAVENE " " 1856; " 1861 
 
 (399) XATHAX H. ELLIS Born, 1834; Died, .... 
 
 (400) SARAH BOLLES " 1833; Died, .... 
 
 Married in Utica, N. Y., 1867. 
 ONE CHILD. Daughter. Born in Groton, N. Y. 
 947. EDNA ELLIS Born, 1868; Died
 
 Descendants of Reuneii Ellis 1128), of Chautauqua Co., 
 
 > . V., Benjamin sr. , Reuben (4), and Richard 
 
 of Ashfield. 
 
 (401) OLIVET ELLIS Born, 1812; Died, .... 
 
 (402) VI. MI K A I<VMKS " ....; " .... 
 
 Married March 3, 1839, in Clymer, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Panama, N. Y. 
 
 948, ADELAIDE R. ELLIS Born, 1840; Died 
 
 949. EVELINE C. " " 1845; " .... 
 
 (403) HENRY K. ELLIS Born, 1813; Died, 1853 
 
 (404) ELIZA ACKER " ....; " .... 
 
 Married Sept. i6th, 1837, in Clymer, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born . 
 
 950. HENRY R. ELLIS Born, ; Died, 
 
 (407) DANIEL ELLIS Born, 1817; Died, 
 
 (408) PHILINDA ADAMS " ....; " .... 
 
 Married April igth, 1843, in Fredonia, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Bom in Panama, Chautauqua County, N. Y. 
 
 952, FRANCIS ELLIS Born, ; Died, 
 
 953. NEWTON " " ....; " 
 
 (409) EDBIUND ELLIS Born, 1819; Died, 1857 
 
 (4X0) ROXANA FAY " ....; " .... 
 
 Married Sept. i8th, 1842, in Chaut. Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Chautauqua County, N. Y. 
 
 954. HOLLIS FAY ELLIS Born, 1843; Died, ... 
 
 955. HENRY REUBEN " " 1846; " 
 
 956. LUCIEN ELIJAH " .. ... " 1850; " 
 
 957. CHARLES EDMUND " " 1853; " 
 
 958. LILLIE PHEBE " " 1856; "
 
 49 
 
 (4X1) LOIS E. ELLIS Born, r82r; Died, 1881 
 
 (412) 'WILLIAM R. DAVIS ' ....; " .... 
 
 Married Aug. 27th, 1849, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The first two born in Panama, N. Y., the last two in Wisconsin. 
 
 959. CATHARINE DAVIS Born, . . . ; Died, 
 
 ADELIA " " ; " 
 
 JOAN " " ; " 
 
 WILLIAM " . " " 
 
 (413) LYDIA E. ELLIS Born, 1824; Died, 1862 
 
 414 HORATIO R. PALMER " 1826; " 1864 
 
 Married Jan. if$th, 1851, in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in N. Y. and Wisconsin. 
 
 960. ALMARIAN S. PALMER Born, 1852; Died, 1881 
 
 961. EMELINE B. " " 1854; " 
 
 962. ALFRED S. " " 1859; " 1863 
 
 (415) EDWIN M. ELLIS Born, 1825; Died 
 
 (416) DIANA GREEN " 1828; " .... 
 
 Married Sept. 16, 1846. (Now live at Lovell's Station, Erie Co., Pa.) 
 THEIR CHILDREN.-Born in Panama. N. Y. 
 
 963. ORLY J. ELLIS Born, 1847; Died 
 
 964. HENRY H. " " 1849; " 1864 
 
 965. EDITH A. " ' 1852; " 
 
 966. CLARA A. " " 1858; " 
 
 967. FRANCES E. " . . . *, " 1861; " 
 
 968. REUBEN N. " " 1867; " 
 
 (418) REUBEN ERASXUS ELLIS . . Born, 1832, Died, .... 
 (4191 HELEN FREEMAN " 1833; Died 
 
 Married Sept. 24th, 1854, in Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. The first two born in Nekimi, Winnebago Co., Wis., and the 
 others in Portland, N, Y. 
 
 970. IDA E. ELLIS Born, 1856; Died, ... 
 
 971. EDMOND " " 1857; " 1858 
 
 972. GF.ORGE ELMER " " 1864; " .... 
 
 973. WILLIE ALTON " " 1869; "
 
 5 
 
 (4*0) ALFRED O. ELLIS Born. 1835; Died, 1885 
 
 1^1 in;i.i:x M. SKIDHIORE " .. ; " .... 
 
 Married 1858, in Portland, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN.-A11 born in Portland, N. Y. 
 
 974. PORTER ZERAH ELLIS Born, 1858; Died, 
 
 975. LORA BELLE " " 1866; " 
 
 976. CARRIE DELL " " 1868; " 
 
 977. JAMKS EUMOND " " 1870; ' 
 
 978. MINNIE MAY " " 1872; " 
 
 979. FRED. ARDEN " " 1874; " .... 
 
 980. ALGIA FRANK " .. .. " 1877; " 
 
 Descendants of Abel west Ellin < 136), of K i pley , Chautau. 
 
 qua Co., K. Y., Jonathan (26), Reuben (4), 
 
 and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (447) CYRUS ELLIS Born, 1837; Died 
 
 (448) JENNIE S. HAYES " 1856; " .... 
 
 Married Dec. 16, 1874, at Painesville, Ohio. 
 THEIR CHILDREN.-Born in Ripley. N. Y. 
 
 981. FRED HAYES ELLIS Born, 1876; Died, 
 
 982. EMMA MAUDE " " 1878; " 
 
 (451) SARAH J. ELLIS Born, 1841; Died, 1884 
 
 (452) GEORGE D. WILLOBEE " 1837; " .... 
 
 Married Oct. 17, 1867, in Ripley, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All Born at Cedar Run, Grand Traverse Co., Mich. 
 
 983. ABEL M WILLOBEE Born, 1869; Died, 
 
 984. CHARLES H. " ..^ " 1871; " 1884 
 
 985. MARY D. " " 1873; " 
 
 Lois ALICE " " 1878; " 
 
 SOLOMON R. " " 1882; " 
 
 (453) 91 ARY ANN ELLIS Born, 1843; Died 
 
 (454) DANIEL BUCHNER " 1842; " .... 
 
 Married Jan. 19, 1875, in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 ONE CHILD Born in Crowland, Ontario, Canada. 
 
 986. NELLIE MARGARET BUCHNER Born, 1877; Died
 
 Descendants of John Allis Ellis i,j , of Conneaut, Onto, 
 Jonathan (26), Reuben (4), and Richard, of Aslifield. 
 
 (455) WILLIAM A VERY ELLIS ..... Born, 1833; Died, . . . 
 
 (456) MARIA HOLMES ................ " 1836; " .... 
 
 Married in Saybrook, Ohio, Dec. 24, 1856. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Conneaut and Ashtabula, Ohio. 
 
 987. HATTIE MANELLA ELLIS ..................... Born, 1857; Died ..... 
 
 988. FANNIE FLORENCE " .................... " 1861; " 
 
 989. MINNIE MARIA " .................... " 1866; " ____ 
 
 990. WILLIAM WALTER " ..................... " 1872; " ____ 
 
 991. AMY F. " ..................... " 1875; " ____ 
 
 (457) ORSON HENRY ELLIS Born, 1835; Died 
 
 (458) ELIZABETH WOODARD " 1835; " .... 
 
 Married July 6, 1858, in Harrison, Illinois. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Apple River, 111. 
 
 992. JENNIE ELLIS Born ; Died, 
 
 993- JOHN FRANK " " ....; " 
 
 (46!) JOHN DEMETRIUS ELLIS. . .Born, 1842; Died 
 
 (462) MARY JANE BRUCE " 1843; " 187^ 
 
 Married in Conneaut, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1863. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Horn at Conneaut. 
 
 995. BRUCE L. ELLIS Born, 1865; Died, 1866 
 
 996. MARY L. " " 1868; " 
 
 997. EDITH " " 1870; " 
 
 998. BERTHA " " 1872; " 
 
 999. JOHN A. " " 1874; " 
 
 JULIA FRANCES ELLIS Born, 1845; Died, ... 
 
 (464} \VM. BRADLEY COLE " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in Erie Co., Penn., Jan. 10. 1864; now live in Jackson, Tenn. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Erie, Penn. 
 
 1000. WALTER COLE Born, ; Died, 
 
 1001. CARL " " ; " .... 
 
 1002. ARCHIE " " " 
 
 (465) SARAH ALICE ELLIS Born, 1850; Died, .... 
 
 (466) JOHN H. HART " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in Conneaut, Ohio ; now live in Central City, Neb. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in 
 
 1003. BURT HART Born, ; Died, 
 
 1004. JENNIE VEVE " " ....;" 
 
 1005. PEARL " " ; " 
 
 1006. GRACIE " " ; "
 
 52 
 
 Descendants of Rev. Consider Ellis 15*. of Elllsburg;, Pa., 
 Ricbard (29), Reuben (4), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (500) GEORGE ELLIS Born, 1823; Died 
 
 REBECCA RICE Born ; Died 
 
 Married in 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN- Born in Alleghany Co., N. Y. 
 
 1007. WARREN ELUS Born, 
 
 1008. RALPH " " 
 
 1009. JOHN " " 
 
 1010. ELI " " 
 
 xoxx. JANE " " . . . 
 
 1012. RUTH " " 
 
 1013. PRUDENCE " " 
 
 1014. FANNIE " " 
 
 Died, 
 
 Descendants of Rev. John Bills (154), of Ellicottville, N. Y., 
 Richard (29), Reuben (4), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (506) RALPH ELLIS Born, 1829; Died 
 
 (507) CAROLINE W. EVERTS " 1838; " .... 
 
 Married in Benicia, California, in 1858. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in California. 
 
 1015. WILSON R. ELLIS Horn, 1859; Died 
 
 1016. CARRIE C. " " 1861; " 
 
 1017. FRANK E. " " 1864; " 
 
 1018. HENRY F. " " 1866; " 
 
 1019 MAGGIE M. " " 1874; " 
 
 (509) WILLIAM F. ELLIS Born, 1815; Died, 1845 
 
 (510) MATILDA BERDINE " 1818; " 1845 
 
 Married in 1835, 
 THEIR CHILDREN.-Born in 
 
 1020 ELIZABETH ELLIS Born, 1837; Died, 
 
 1021. FRED " " 1840; " 
 
 (511) LUCINDA ELLIS Born, 1820; Died, 1881 
 
 (513) PETER BERDINE " 1816; " 1881 
 
 Married in 1840. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Wisconsin and Iowa. 
 
 1022. HF.LEN BERDINE Born, 1841; Died 
 
 1023. HATTIE " " 1842; " 
 
 1024. HENRY " " 1848; " 
 
 1025. RALPH " " 1849; " 
 
 1026. CLARA " " 1859; " . . 
 
 1027. CARRIE " " 1859; " 
 
 1028. OLLIE " " 1862;
 
 53 
 
 Descendants of Elder Richard Ellis* (158), of Tloga Co., 
 Pa., Rlcbard (29), Reuben (4), and Rlcbard, of Asbfleld. 
 
 (522) AUIASA IC1.LIS Born, 1819; Died 
 
 (523) MARTHA SCHOONOVER " 1831; " .... 
 
 Married Sept. 2gth, 1849. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. All. born in Allcgany Co., N. Y., but now live in Westfield, 
 Tioga Co., Pa. 
 
 1029. MARY E. ELLIS Born, 1850; Died 
 
 1030. DELOS " " 1853; " .... 
 
 1031. JAMES D. " " 1856; " 
 
 1032. FRANK " " 1857; " 1864 
 
 1033. CHARLES " :... " 1862; " 
 
 (524) CONSIDER ELLIS Born, 1821; Died, .... 
 
 (525) MARGARET FORTNER " 1820; " .... 
 
 Married in 1845, in Allegany County, N. Y, 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Belmont, Allegany Co., N. Y. 
 
 1034. JOSEPHINE ELLIS Born, 1846; Died, 
 
 1035. DELPHINE " " 1848; " .... 
 
 1036. LILLIAN " " 1850; " 1864 
 
 (526) SAMUEL, G. ELLIS Born, 1822; Died, 1850 
 
 (527) ROSETTTA CANFIEL.D " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in 1844 in Tompkins Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in 
 
 1037. ELIZA JANE ELLIS .Born. 1845; Died, 
 
 1038. FRANCES " " 1847; " 
 
 (528) JOHN M. ELLIS Born, 1825; Died 
 
 (529) ELIZA FORXHER " 1827; " .... 
 
 Married Feb. 25, 1852, at Ellisburg, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in 
 
 1040. ROSETTA H. ELLIS Born, 1853; Died, 1881 
 
 1041. MAGGIE E. " 1857; 
 
 * He was an unordained Baptist minister.
 
 54 
 
 Descendants of David Hills (160.) of Tloga Co., Pa., Richard 
 .<> , Reuben (4), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (530) THANKFUL ELLIS Born, 1820; Died 
 
 (531) CHARLTOX PHILLIPS " 1815; " ... 
 
 Married in Shippen, Tioga Co., Pa., 1838. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Westfield. 
 
 1043. SYLVESTER D. PHILLIPS Born, 1840; Died 
 
 1044. RACHEL " . " 1842; " . .. 
 
 1045. ALICE " " 1844; " 
 
 1046. ELLIS " " 1847; ' 
 
 1047. WILLIAM " " 1849; " 
 
 1048. DELVIN ' " 1851; " 1879 
 
 1049. CLARENCE " " 1855; " 
 
 1050. CLARA " " 1855; ' 
 
 1051. EMMA " " 1859; " 
 
 1052. EVA " " 1862; " 1863 
 
 1053. CHARLES " " 1869; " 
 
 (53*) CHLOE ELLIS Born, 1822; Died, .... 
 
 (533) JOB REXFORD " 1817; " 1880 
 
 Married March 3, 1844, in Big Meadows, Tioga Co., Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Big Meadows. 
 
 1054. PERRY EMERSON REXFORD Born, 1845; Died 
 
 1055. NANCY ORILLA " 1848; " 
 
 1056. HENRY GILBERT " 1852; " 1853 
 
 1057. STELLA " 1860; " 
 
 (534) CHESTER ELLIS Born, 1823; Died 
 
 (535) CHLOE BLUE " 1827; " .... 
 
 Married in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa., Sept. 25, 1848. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Shippen, Wellsboro and Westfield, Pa. 
 
 1058. LAWRENCE A. ELLIS Born, 1849; Died, 
 
 1059. SEYMOUR D. " " 1851; " 
 
 1060. SIMON W. " " 1857; " 
 
 1061. IDA LUCRETIA " " 1858; " 1862 
 
 1062. NELLIE). " " 1861; " 1863 
 
 1063 MYRA O. " " 1866; " 
 
 1064. ANNIE B. " " i869; "
 
 55 
 
 (53*) JEFFERSON ELLIS Born, 1826; Died, 1877 
 
 (537) LORENA CHAPEL " .... " .... 
 
 Married June 16, 1850 in Shippen, Tioga Co., Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN- Born in Tioga Co., Pa., and Marquette Co., Wis. 
 
 1065. SARAH ELLIS Born ; Died, 
 
 1066. ELLA " " ; " 
 
 1067. JOHN " " ; " 
 
 (538) 9IARIA ELLIS Born, 1828; Died, 
 
 (539) JOHN J. MILLER " ....; " 
 
 Married Feb. 15, 1849, in Knoxville, Tioga Co., Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Potter and Tioga Cos., Pa. 
 
 1068. KATIE MILLER Born ; Died, 
 
 1069. NETTIE MILLER " ; " 
 
 (540) HARRY ELLIS Born, 1831; Died, 
 
 (541) SUSAN SCHUSLER " 1836; " .... 
 
 Married Nov. 29, 1857, in Mansfield, Tioga Co , Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Mansfield. 
 
 1070. EMMA ELLIS Born, 1860; Died, 
 
 1071. MINNIE " " 1862; " 1865 
 
 1072. FRED D. " " 1864; " 
 
 (543) CRETIA ANN ELLIS Born, 1836; Died. . 
 
 (543) WILLIAM ANESLEY " .-.-: " 1881 
 
 Married Jan. I, 1855. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Potter Co., Pa. 
 
 1073. MARY ANESLEY Born ; Died, 
 
 1074. CARRIE " ; 
 
 1075. HENRY " ....;
 
 56 
 
 Descendants of Harry Ellis (168), of Ellistourg;, fa., Rlcnard 
 (29,) Reuben (4,) and Ricliard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (553) A I >0 1 P 1 1 1 S C. ELLIS Born ; Died 
 
 (553) MARY HILL .; " 
 
 Married in 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in 
 
 1077. GENETT ELLIS . . .Born ; Died, . . . 
 
 1078. MARY ' " ; " 
 
 1079. ELLA " " . . - ; " ... 
 
 (554) WILLIAM ELLIS Born ; Died 
 
 (555) ANNA DONALDSON " ....; " . . . 
 
 Married in 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN-Born in 
 
 1080. LETTIE ELUS Born, ; Died, .... 
 
 1081. HARRY " " ; " 
 
 1082. WILLIAM " JR " ; " .... 
 
 (556) RICHARD ELLIS Born, 1840; Died 
 
 (557) MAGGIE LOCKE " 1846; " .... 
 
 Married at Ellisburg, Potter Co., Pa., Jan. I, 1861. 
 ONE CHILD Born in Ellisburg. 
 
 1084. NORA ELLIS Born, 1870; Died, . . . 
 
 (561) AMASA ELLIS Born, ....; Died, 
 
 ALLIE DONALDSON " ....; " 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN-Born near Ellisburg. 
 
 1087. ELIZABETH ELLJ Born, . . . ; Died, 
 
 1088. MARY " " ....; 
 
 1089. DONALDSON " " ... . 
 
 (563) ELLA ELLIS Born, 1851; Died. 
 
 JOHN SIMONS " 1853; " 
 
 Married at Ellisburg, Pa., March 14, 1876. 
 ONE CHILD Born in Ellisburg. 
 
 1090. KATIE SIMONS Born, 1878; Died,
 
 57 
 
 Descendants of Reuben Bills (172)1 of EHisburg, Pa., Richard 
 (29), Reuben (4), and Richard of Ashfield. 
 
 (566) ALVIRA EI^LIS .................... Born, 1833; Died, .... 
 
 (567) CHARLES COATS ................ " ... ; " .... 
 
 Married in Ellisburg, Pa., Jan. 31, 1850. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Ellisburg. 
 
 1092. FRANCES E. COATS ........................ Born, 1851; Died, ____ 
 
 1093. CATHARINE E. " .......................... " 1853; " ____ 
 
 1094. HARRIET A. " ........................ " 1855; " .... 
 
 1095. REUBEN E. " ................ ......... " 1860; " ____ 
 
 1096. WILLIAM H, " ........................ " 1866; " 
 
 Descendants of \villi.-iin Bills, Sr. (176), of Springfield, Brie 
 
 Co., Pa., David, Sr. .jz , Reuben (4), and Richard, 
 
 of Asnfield. 
 
 (570) 'WILLIAM ELLIS, Jr Born, 1810; Died, 1865 
 
 (571) SARAH GEER " 1818; " .... 
 
 Married Nov. I2th, 1840, in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN.- Born in Springfield. 
 
 1097. DAVID ELLIS Born, 1841; Died, 1870 
 
 1098. JESSE " " 1843; " 
 
 1099 RHODA " " 1847; " 1855 
 
 noo. MARTHA " " 1851; " .... 
 
 (572) CHARLES P. ELLIS Born, 1812; Died, 1881 
 
 (573) SARAH HARRIS " 1816; " 
 
 Married in Springfield, Pa., Dec. I5th, 1839. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in La Grange, Wis. 
 
 HOI. PRISCILLA RUMINA ELLIS Born, 1845; Died 
 
 1 102. JAMES ALFRED " 1852; 
 
 1103. CHARLES ELLIO.TX " " 1859; " 
 
 (575) HARRIET ELLIS Born, 1815; Died, 1858 
 
 (576) AMOS SMITH " 1815; " 1851 
 
 Married Dec. 24th, 1835, in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 1104. CYRUS E. SMITH Born, 1839; Died 
 
 1105. CORDELIA L. " 1841; . .. 
 
 1106. JOHN B. " " i844; " 
 
 1107. WILLIAM E. " 1847;
 
 58 
 
 (579) SAMUEL ELLIS Born, 1821; Died 
 
 (580) AMANDA ADAMS " ....; " 1850 
 
 Married in La Grange, Wis., in 1849. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in . 
 
 1108. WILLIAM EDWIN ELLIS Born, 1850; Died 
 
 (579) SAMUEL ELUS Born, 1821; Died, .... 
 
 HARRIET FRENCH (Second wife) " ....; " .... 
 
 Married Sept. I7th, 1854. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Palmyra and Eau Claire, Wis. 
 
 1109. CORA L. ELLIS Born, 1856; Died 
 
 mo. FRANK E. " " 1858; " 
 
 mi. HARRYS. " " 1871; " 
 
 (583) MARY L. ELLIS Born, 1828; Died 
 
 (584) JONATHAN MORRELL " 1824; 1882 
 
 Married Aug. I2th, 1847, in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 IH2. CHARLES P. MORRELL Born, 1848; Died, 1853 
 
 1113. JAMES E. " " 1851; " 1853 
 
 1114. MARCUS L. " 1856; " 
 
 1115. FRANK W. " " 1861; " 
 
 1116. HARRIET R. " " 1865; " 1882 
 
 (585) JOSEPH ELLIS Born, 1831; Died 
 
 (586) MARTHA WEED " 1842; "' .... 
 
 Married Feb. 26th, 1863, in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 1117. NEVADA A. ELLIS Born, 1865; Died 
 
 1 1 18. CARL " " 1868; " 1868 
 
 1119. GEORGE W. " " 1869; " ... 
 
 1120. CHARLES " " 1871; " 1872 
 
 1121. RALPH G. " " 1874; " 
 
 (587) RUMINA ELLIS Born, 1835; Died 
 
 (588) JOHN POTTER " 1830; " 1859 
 
 Married in 1856, in Springfield, Pa. 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Eyota, Minn. 
 
 1122. GILBERT ELLIS POTTER Born, 1858; Died,
 
 59 
 
 Descendants of David Kills, Jr. (180), of Springfield, Erie 
 
 Co., Ia., David, Sr. (32), Reuben (4), and Richard, 
 
 of Asbfield. 
 
 (598) LOUISA ELLIS Born, 1815; Died, 
 
 (599) ROBERT PATTERSON " 1810; 1868 
 
 Married in 1837, in Springfield, Erie Co., Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 1123. WILLIAM S. PATTERSON Born, 1837; Died, 1878 
 
 1124. JOSEPH ELLIS " ... " 1841; " .... 
 
 (601) DR.. GEORGE ELLIS Born. 1818; Died 
 
 (6oa) EUNICE LYON " ...; " 1861 
 
 Married in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN.-Born in Springfield. 
 
 1125. ORRA M. ELLIS Born, 1848; Died 
 
 1126. LOUELLA E. " " 1858; " 
 
 (603) MARSHAL ELLIS Born, 1820; Died, .... 
 
 (604) MARTHA JANE WILSON " ....; " 1886 
 
 Married in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Spiingfield. 
 
 1127. LILLIAN MAY ELLIS Born, 1860; Died, 1865 
 
 1128. HARRY W. " " 1868; " 
 
 (605) LEONARD ELLIS Born, 1822; Died, 
 
 (606) RHODA A. TAYLOR " 1826; " 1879 
 
 Married March 5th, 1854, in Spring Borough, Crawford Co., Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 1129. ELVA C. ELLIS Born, 1855; Died, 
 
 1130. DORA S. " " 1858; " 
 
 1131. MINA P. ' " 1864; " 
 
 1132. FRED T. " " 1865; " 
 
 (607) PETER ELLIS Born, 1824; Died 
 
 (608) VIOLETTA DAVENPORT " 1826; " 
 
 Married Feb. Ilth, 1845, in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 1133. LOUISA F. ELLIS Bom, 1846; Died, 1850 
 
 1134. MARTHA R. " " 1847; " 1850 
 
 1135. GEO. WILBUR " " 1852; 
 
 1136. HAZEN W. " " 1854; " 
 
 1137. ORMAN F. " " 1858; "
 
 6o 
 
 (609) SARAH KLLIS Born. 1827; Died, 
 
 6ic AAKOX WH.SON " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in Springfield, Pa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Springfield. 
 
 1138. L. ESTELLA WILSON Born, 1854; Died, 1863 
 
 1139. ELLIS R. " " 1856; " 1863 
 
 1140. CLAKA L. " " i8f.6; " 
 
 <6ll) OR1KAN F. ELLIS Born, 1829; Died, 1870 
 
 fi2 !>IAK'riIA 1C. NKKSON " 1840; " .... 
 
 Married in Springfield, Pa., Sept. 23d, 1863.. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Springfield. 
 
 1141. FRANK H. ELLIS Born, 1865; Died 
 
 1142. CHARLES MARK " " 1869; " .... 
 
 Descendants of Azel Ellis (209), of Biiles, Cayugra Co., IS. Y., 
 Jolui, Jr. (68), jolm, sr. (15), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (622) 1*1 1 1 : It 1 1 I :LLI Born, 1833; Died. 1863 
 
 JOHN \VINSLO\V " ....; " 1863 
 
 Married March 3d, 1855, in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Marseilles. 
 
 1 143. HARRIET WINSLOW Born, 1857; Died 
 
 (623) LYDIA ELJUIS Born, 1841; Died, .. 
 
 JOHN II. TERRY " 1838; " ... 
 
 Married 1865, in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Canon City, Colorado. 
 
 1144. WILLIAM L. TERRY Born, 1866; Died, ... 
 
 1145. NELLIE " " 1872; " 
 
 1146. JOE " " 1874; " 
 
 Descendants of Hiram Ellis (214), of lilies, :x. V., John Jr. 
 (68), John, 8r. (151, and Richard. 
 
 (6271 REV. ELISHA ELLIS Born, 1837; Died 
 
 628 1.0 VINA WELDOI* " 1837; " .... 
 
 Married 1856. in Caton, Steuben Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Corning and Caton. N. Y. 
 
 1147. EDWIN ELLIS Born, 1858; Died 
 
 1148. EGBERT " " 1866; " .... 
 
 1149. CLARK " " 1874; " ...,
 
 6i 
 
 (609) HANNAH ELLIS Born, 1834; Died, 1873 
 
 WILLIAM COLE " 1836; 1864 
 
 Married in 1856, in Caton, Steuben Co., N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN.- Born in Caton. 
 
 1150. CLOVY COLE Born, 1858; Died, 
 
 1151. EDWIN " " 1860; " 
 
 1152. ELLA. " " 1862; " 
 
 Descendants of Klisha Ellis (216), of Farmersville, Poaey 
 Co., Indiana, Jolin Jr. (68), John r. (15), and Richard. 
 
 (630) NANCY ELLIS Born, 1829; Died, 1852 
 
 H. W. HOLLEMAN " 1826; " 1852 
 
 Married in Farmeraville, Ind., in 1848. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Farmersville. 
 
 1154. ELIZABETH HOLLEMAN Born, 1849; Died 
 
 1153. ELISHA " " 1850; " 1858 
 
 (636) ANN ELLIS Born, 1836; Died, .... 
 
 (637^ SIDNEY ALLYN " 1832; " 1884 
 
 Married in Farmersville, Ind., in 1854. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Farmersville. 
 
 1155. HANNAH ALLYN Born, 1855; Died 
 
 1156. THENA " " 1857; " 
 
 1157. ELISHA " " 1858; " 
 
 1158. BIJAH " " 1864; " 1868 
 
 1159. INDIANA " " 1867; " 
 
 (638) JOHN DAVID ELLIS Born, 1839; Died 
 
 (6391 HARRIET RUSSELL " 1846; " .... 
 
 Married in Farmersville, Ind., in 1862. 
 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Farmersville. 
 
 1160. ELISHA ELLIS Born, 1863; Died, .... 
 
 1 161. SAMUEL " " 1863; " 1863 
 
 1162. GRANT " " 1865; " .... 
 
 1163. JOHN " " 1870; " 
 
 1164. JAY " " 1872; " 
 
 1165. BIRCHARD " " 1876; " ....
 
 62 
 
 Descendants of Richard Cilia 1218), of Xiles, Cayuga Co., 
 
 >. Y., joiin, jr. 1681, Jolm. si 15 , and Richard, 
 of Ashfield. 
 
 (642) CATHARINE 1CLLIS Born, 1833; Died, 
 
 (643) DR. C. J. RODIG " ... ; " 1864 
 
 Married in Toledo, Ohio, in 1854. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born, the firs,t in Toledo and the second in Wyandotte Co., Ohio. 
 
 1166. JOHANNA RODIG Born, 1858; Died, ... 
 
 1167. LENA " " 1860; 
 
 (642) CATHARINE ELLIS Born, 1833; Died, .... 
 
 RICH ARD WILLARD (Swond Huibaad) " ....; .... 
 
 Married in 1866, in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 THIER CHILDREN. Born in Marseilles, Ohio, and Nebiaska. 
 
 1 168. INKS WILLARD Born, 1866; Died 
 
 1169. CLARA ' ' 1868; " 
 
 1170. MARION " " 1872; " .... 
 
 1171. CLYDE " " 1875; " 
 
 (644) MARY ANN ELLIS Born, 1837; Died 
 
 (645) SAMUEL PHILLIPS " 1835; " .... 
 
 Married Oct. nth, 1857, in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Marseilles. 
 
 1172. JOHN W. PHILLIPS Born, 1858; Died, 
 
 1173. EVA O. " " 1860; " 
 
 1174. HARLAN P. " " 1862; " 1862 
 
 1175. MARY A. " " 1863; " 1871 
 
 1176. JAMES E. " " 1865; " 
 
 1177 SELOVER K. " " 1868; " 1872 
 
 1178. CHARLES N. " " 1870; ' .... 
 
 1179. JENNIE O. " " 1872; " 
 
 1180. OTTO F. " " 1875; " 
 
 1181. ANNIE " " 1880; 
 
 (646) WILLIAM M. ELLIS Born, 1845; Died, 
 
 (647) MARCiARET A. KEY'ES " 1843; " .... 
 
 Married Jan. 6th, 1869, in Niles, N. Y. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born, the first in Niles and the others in Kcnton, Ohio. 
 
 1182. SUSAN VIOLA ELLIS Born, 1870; Died, .. 
 
 1183. EVA MINNIE MAY " " 1871; " 
 
 1184. LENA ADELA " " 1872; " 
 
 1185. ESSIE AMAND " " 1874; " 1875 
 
 1186. KATE EDNA " " 1877; " 
 
 1187. EUGENE F. MEAD " " 1879; " ....
 
 63 
 
 (649) SYLVIA JANE ELLIS Born, 1835; Died, 1876 
 
 JOHN KISIII.I-:U ' ....; " 
 
 Married Nov. 7th, 1852. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in 
 
 1188. PORTER S. KISHLER Born, 1855; Died 
 
 1189. CHARLES " " 1857; " 
 
 1190. ANNIE " " 1859; " 
 
 1191. MARY " " 1866; ' 
 
 1192. JENNIE " " 1868; " 
 
 Descendants of Hon. Pitts Ellis (220), of Genesee, Wau- 
 
 kesha Co., \\ i>.. John Jr. (68), John Sr. 15 , 
 
 and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (653) I OI>OSKY S. ELLIS Born, 1845; Died 
 
 (654) ALEX. R. BENZIE " 1837; " .... 
 
 Married in Genesee, Waukesha Co., Wis., Aug. 2, 1866. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Burns, Lacrosse Co., Wis. 
 
 1193. MINNIE L. BENZIE Born, 1867; Died, .... 
 
 1194. GEORGE N. " " 1868; " . .. 
 
 1195. IDA MAY " " 1874; " 
 
 1196. CHARLES ELLIS " " 1878; " 1879 
 
 1197. DOTTIE LORINDA " " 1880; " . 
 
 1198. HAROLD ALEX. " " 1883; " 
 
 (655) PITTS B. ELLIS Born, 1851; Died, ... 
 
 (656) NELLIE DOANE " . . . . ; " .... 
 
 Married in Waukesha, Wis., Sept. 1875. 
 
 ONE CHILD Born in Bangor, Lacrosse Co., Wis. 
 
 1199. RICHARD CLAUD ELLIS ....Born, 1882; Died, .... 
 
 Descendants of Benjamin Ellis (225), of JXiles, :s. v.. John 
 Jr. (68), John Sr. 115), and Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (671) JOHN H. ELLIS Born, 1843; Died 
 
 (672) JANE McCLEARY " ....; " .... 
 
 Married in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Marseilles. 
 
 1200. JOHN ELLIS Born, . . . . ; Died, .... 
 
 1201. ELNORA " " ; "
 
 64 
 
 (677) MARY E. ELLIS Born, 1851; Died 
 
 (678; VINCENT LONG " 1848; ... 
 
 Married in Marseilles, Ohio. 1870. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. -Born in Marseilles. 
 
 1202 A. VILLROY LONG Born, 1873; Died, 
 
 1203. SYLVESTER H. " " 1877; " 
 
 1204 CHARLES R " " 1883; " .... 
 
 Descendants of Ebenezer Ellis (227), of Farmersvllle, Posey 
 Co., Ind., j oli 11 Jr. (681, John Sr. 15 , and 
 Richard, of Ashfield. 
 
 (685) JULIA ELLIS Born, 1840; Died 
 
 (686) JOHN H. MOCKEXX " 1840; " .... 
 
 Married in Genesee, Wis. , March 14, 1860. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Genesee and Stark, Wis. 
 
 1205. JOHN H. MOCKEFT, JR Born, 1860; Died, 
 
 1206. EDWIN R. " " 1863; " ... 
 
 1207. FREDERICK E. " " 1867; " 
 
 1208. EBENEZER E " " 1870; " 
 
 (687) SOPHRONIA ELLIS Born, 1842; Died, .... 
 
 (688) RICHARD H. MOCKEXX " 1838; " .... 
 
 Married in Genesee, Wis., April 24th, 1861. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Genesee, Wis. 
 
 1209. ROBERT SQUIRE MOCKETT.,.. Born, 1863; Died, .... 
 
 1210. EDITH THEODOCIA " " 1866; " 
 
 (689) EDWIN ELLIS Born, 1844, Died 
 
 (690) ELIZA J. MOCKEXX " i848; 1872 
 
 Married in Stark, Vernon Co., Wis. 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Janesville, Wis. 
 
 121 1. WLLIE EBENEZER ELLIS Born, 1870; Died, ... 
 
 (691) HARRIET ELLIS Born, 1847; Died, .... 
 
 (69*) ANDREW DEAN " 1847, " 
 
 Married at Staik, Richland Co., Wis., Jar., ist, j86q. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Wisconsin and Nebraska. 
 
 1212. MABEL DEAN Born, 1869; Died 
 
 1213. NELLIE MAUD " " 1872, " 
 
 1214. ASA " " 1875; " 
 
 1215. ELLIS " " 1877; " 
 
 1216. MARY " " 1880; "
 
 65 
 
 (93) PITTS I I I IS Born, 1852; Died, .... 
 
 (694) OLIVE I*. ROSE " ....; " .... 
 
 Married July 7th, 1880, in Scranton, Iowa. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Denver, Colorado. 
 
 1217. RAYMOND EDWIN ELLIS Born, 1881; Died, ... 
 
 1218. MARION HAROLD " " 1883; " .... 
 
 (695) MARY I.I.I, IS Born, 1854; Died, 1879 
 
 (696) FRANK CLARK " 1845; 1880 
 
 Married in Cuming Co., Neb., April I4th, 1876. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Cuming Co., Neb. 
 
 1219. CLARA E. CLARK Born, 1877; Died, 
 
 1220. SAMUEL " ' 1879; " 1880 
 
 Descendants of Cyrus i.ilis 1233), of Miles, Cayuga Co., 
 
 >. V., Edward (70), John, si . 15 , and Richard, 
 
 of Ashfleld. 
 
 (715) EDWARD D. ELLIS Born, 1826; Died, 1865 
 
 (716) BIARY CAUIP " .!..; " .... 
 
 Married in Moravia, N. Y., Dec., 1850. 
 THEIR CHILDREN Born in Moravia and Omro, Wis. 
 
 1221. CAMP ELLIS Born, 1851; Died, .... 
 
 1222. MARY " " '1858; " 
 
 (717) POLICY ELLIS Born, 1828; Died, 
 
 (718) THOMAS W. BAKER " 1808; " 1877 
 
 Married in Niles, N. Y., October nth, 1854. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Manitowoc, Wis, 
 
 1223. CLARA BAKER _._. ,_. Born, 1855; Died, 
 
 1224. EMMA " " 1856; " 
 
 1225. ELLIS " " 1863; " 
 
 (719) MINERVA ELLIS Born, 1829; Died, 1872 
 
 (720) EDWARD H. OKI EL " 1819; " .... 
 
 Married in Niles, N. Y., Feb. 5th, 1852. 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Niles. 
 
 1226. MARY JANE DEUEL Born, 1853; Died,
 
 66 
 
 (723) HIRAM I I I IS Born, 1834; Died, 
 
 (74) MARGARET VAIV EXTTEI*. . . . " 1839; " 
 Married in Niles, N. Y., July 7th, 1859. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Niles. 
 
 1227. LEVI L. ELLIS Born, 1860; Died, 
 
 1228. HENRY " " 1863; 
 
 (727) BIRCH I.I, I, IS Born, 1838; Died 
 
 72H ,I:K rurm. si.i.ovi;it 1837; " 1871 
 
 Married in Niles, N. Y., Nov. 7th, 1866. 
 ONE CHILD. Born in Niles. 
 
 1230. GERTIE S. ELLIS Born, 1871; Died, 
 
 (731) II I I.I CS m. I : I, I, IS Born, 1846; Died, . . . 
 
 (732) EULEBf M. CLEVELAND " 1846; " ... 
 
 Married in Sempronius, N. Y., Feb. 23rd, 1870. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Niles, N. Y. 
 
 1231. ARTHUR C. ELLIS Born, 1872; Died, 
 
 1232. FRED. A. " " ^875; " ..: 
 
 1233. CYRUS H. " " 1876; " 
 
 1234. HERBERTL. " " 1880; " 
 
 Descendants of Edward D. Ellis, (235), of Monroe, mien., 
 
 i-'.d \\ ari (70), John, st . (13), Of Ashfield, and 
 Richard Ellis. 
 
 ^737) JOHN C. C. ELLIS Born, 1837; Died 
 
 (738) LUCY JANE WHIXAKER " 1844; " 
 
 Married in Lansing, Mich., Dec. 24th 1863. 
 THEIR CHILDREN.-Born in Chicago, 111. 
 
 1236. HARRIET A. ELLIS Born, 1864; Died, ... 
 
 1237. ADA L - " " l866 : " 
 
 1238. LEWIS T. " " 1869; "
 
 6 7 
 
 Descendants of Richard Kills (239), of it* i<i i n u , Ionia Co., 
 
 Mich., Dlmick (72), John, Sr. (is), and Richard Ellis, 
 
 all of Ashfield. 
 
 (749) CHARLES OIMICK ELLIS . . .Born, 1829; Died, ... 
 
 (750) ELIZA A. LOCK WOOD " 1842; " .... 
 
 Married in Grand Rapids, Mich., April 3Oth, 1862. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Belding, Ionia County, Michigan. 
 
 1240. MAY LOUISA ELLIS Born, 1863; Died, 
 
 1241. WM. ERASTUS " " 1867; " 
 
 (751) DR.. ERASXUS R. ELLIS Born, 1832; Died, 
 
 (752) M. MINERVA ELLIS* " 1831; " 1884 
 
 Married in Belding, Mich., April 22nd, 1857. 
 
 THF.IR CHILDREN. Born, the first in Owosso, the three next in Grand Rapids, and the 
 last in Detroit, Mich. 
 
 1242. ELIZABETH B. ELLIS Born, 1858; Died, 
 
 1243. HELEN M. " " 1860; " .... 
 
 1244. JESSIE R. " " 1863; " 
 
 1245. EDWARD D. " " 1867; ' 
 
 1246. ANNA BELLE " " 1873; " 1874 
 
 *Daughter of Edward D. Ellis, of Monroe, Mich. See No. 733, page 37. 
 
 Descendants of I^e-wis Ellis (241), of Belding:, Dllch., Dlmick 
 (72), John, Sr. (15), and Richard Ellis, all of Ashfield. 
 
 (757) 9IARY L. ELLIS Born, 1854; Died, .... 
 
 (758) FRED. E. RA1VNEY " 1853; ". .... 
 
 Married in Belding, Mich., 1875. 
 THEIR CHILDREN. Born in Belding, Mich. 
 
 1247. ELLIS W. RANNEY Born, 1878; Died 
 
 1248. CARRIE L. " ,....^. t ,.. <; 1880; " 
 
 1249. HATTIE B. " " 1883; " 
 
 From page 43 up to this point are included the sixth generation of Richard Ellis' descend- 
 ants, except those of his son Caleb. The latter being much younger than the others it is 
 thought best to omit them from this part of the book, but their names will be given, so far as 
 can be ascertained in connection with their parents, under the next section of Personal 
 Sketches.
 
 68 
 
 PERSONAL SKETCHES 
 
 OF 
 
 ^petard and gane Iplis 
 
 AND THEIR DESCENDANTS. 
 
 In this section will be found sketches of eveiy descendant of Richard 
 Ellis, so far as the same can be obtained. The numbers at the head of each 
 name in the Sketches refer to the same number and person in the Record. 
 
 Where names or dates in the Record differ from those in the Sketches, the 
 latter may be taken as correct. 
 
 FIRST GENERATION. 
 
 (1.) RICHARD ELLIS. (For sketch see pages 9 
 to 16.) 
 
 (2.) JANE PHILLIPS. (For sketch see page 16. 
 For a more full account of the Philllpses see Appendix. 
 
 SECOND GENERATION. 
 
 Children of Richard and Jane Hills and their wives and 
 
 husbands. 
 
 (4.) REUBEN ELLIS, was born in Easton, Bristol 
 Co., (formerly Plymouth Co.) Mass., Nov. 5th, 1728. 
 
 When about n years of age his parents moved to 
 Deerfield, Franklin Co., (then Hampshire Co.) Mass. 
 While his father's family were in Deerfield, his father 
 made a location in Ashfield (at that time called Hunts- 
 town) and removed his family there about 1745. It is 
 probable that Reuben remained in Ashfield with his father 
 until near his majority. According to the records of the 
 town of Sunderland, which is the first town south of 
 Deerfield, Reuben Ellis was married to Mehitable Scott, 
 June 4th, 1749. There in Sunderland they lived for
 
 6 9 
 
 about three years where their two eldest children, Martha 
 and Benjamin, were born, as shown by the records of 
 Sunderland. 
 
 About 1751 Reuben removed to Ashfield, as on the 
 records of that town are found the names and dates of 
 birth of all his children except the first two, his third child, 
 Reuben, Jr., being born in Ashfield, Feb. i2th, 1752, and 
 his youngest David in 1763. About this time Reuben pur- 
 chased of his father, Richard Ellis, a lot of land known as No. 
 56 of the 50 acre "Rights" as the land was then divided. 
 The deed was dated Dec. 25th, 1751. This probably is 
 a part of the farm where Reuben lived and raised his 
 family, and where after his death his youngest son, David 
 Ellis, lived until 1818, when he sold out to Mr. Jesse 
 Ranney and removed to Springfield, Erie Co., Penn. 
 
 Reuben Ellis was a man of worth and highly respect- 
 ed. In the French and Indian War from 1754 to J 757 ^ e 
 was an ensign in the Colonial Service and was in several 
 engagements. On one occasion, himself and several com- 
 panions took captive a squad of French soldiers. Two of 
 the guns taken were retained by Reuben and were in the 
 possession of his sons, Benjamin and Jonathan, 60 years 
 afterwards. They were old fashioned guns, but would carry 
 a ball with great accuracy over a mile. When the Rev- 
 olutionary war for American independence was opened 
 he was too old for military service, but records in posses- 
 sion of his descendants show that he contributed liberally to 
 the support of the cause. His three sons, Benjamin, Richard 
 and David were soldiers in the Revolutionary army. He 
 died April 2ist, 1786, in the 58th year of his age. A stone 
 in the Ellis neighborhood burying-ground* opposite where 
 his father made th.2 first settlement, marks his grave. 
 
 Reuben's residence was built upon the rise of ground 
 about 60 to 80 rods south-west of the large house which 
 
 *This burying-ground was nearly opposite where Richard Ellis made the first settlement in 
 this town. (See page n.) It was in the Ellis neighborhood and will be mentioned in this work 
 as the "Ellis' burying-ground." In after years it was known as the Belding burying-ground 
 from Mr. John Belding having long resided where Richard Ellis first settled. The Beldings 
 have all left Ashfield, but the members of the extensive silk-manufacturing firm of "Belding 
 Brothers" (grandsons of John) were raised on this farm and as they occasionally visit Ashfield, 
 this burying-ground is kept in order mainly at their expense.
 
 70 
 
 now stands on that farm near the main roadway. This 
 house like all houses in those early times, was built of 
 logs. The remains of the cellar and the stone chimney 
 were visible as late as 1840, when the writer, a small 
 boy, visited that locality. It is said that up to the pre- 
 sent time some relics of the old orchard, which was near 
 the house, are to be seen. 
 
 Reuben's farm was considered one of the best in this 
 part of Ashfield, and he displayed good judgment in 
 erecting his house on a pleasant elevation of ground. 
 Its healthfulness was evident from the vigor and lon- 
 gevity of his wife and children. 
 
 His farm comprised much more than the original 50 
 acre Right which he purchased of his father. In 1818 
 Mr. Jesse Ranney, father of Mrs. Hannah Ranney Ellis 
 (240), purchased this farm of David Ellis (32). About 
 1790, David Ellis and his brother Jonathan (26) built the 
 large two story square hduse which yet stands on the 
 northerly roadway from Conway to Ashfield Plain. It is 
 said that the brick used in the construction of the chim- 
 ney, arches, oven and fire places, would be sufficient to 
 build an entire house on the modern plan. 
 
 Here Mr. Ranney raised his family of ten children. 
 He died in 1857. His son, Charles Ranney, succeeded to 
 the farm, which he sold to Mr. John Mann, about 1860. 
 Mr. Mann now owns and resides on this farm. 
 
 (5.) MEHITABLE SCOTT, wife of Reuben Ellis, was 
 born in Sunderland, May 3rd, 1722, and died in Ashfield, 
 Dec. 2nd, 1804, * n tne ^3^ year of her age. Her parents, 
 Richard and Elizabeth Scott, were among the early set- 
 tlers in Sunderland. She was said to have been a good 
 and Christian woman. It is probable that both she and 
 her husband Reuben were members of the Baptist church. 
 She was burried beside her husband in the Ellis neighbor- 
 hood burying ground. Sketches of their children and 
 families may be found from Nos. 21 to 32.
 
 (6.) BENJAMIN ELLIS, second child of Richard 
 Ellis, was born in Easton, Mass., Sept. 26th, 1730, and 
 died Nov. lyth of the same year. 
 
 (7.) MARY ELLIS, third child of Richard Ellis, was 
 born in Easton, March 28th, 1732. Of her descendants the 
 writer gets no trace. It is most likely that she married 
 in the eastern part of Mass., and was but little known 
 to the Ashfield relatives. That she lived to mature years, 
 is quite evident from a letter written in 1850 by Aaron 
 Smith of Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., whose grand- 
 mother was Remember Ellis, (9) a daughter of Richard. 
 Aaron Smith was born in Ashfield in 1792. and in the 
 letter above referred to says: "Richard Ellis had eight 
 children, four of whom John, Jane, Hannah and Remem- 
 ber I have seen." 
 
 (9.) REMEMBER ELLIS SMITH, fourth child of 
 Richard was born in Easton, May ist, 1735. She was 
 about ten years of age when her father settled with his 
 family in Ashfield, where she lived the rest of her life. 
 July ist, 1756, she was married to Elder Ebenezer Smith, 
 a son of Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., the third settler in Ash- 
 field. The following account of their marriage, found in 
 the records of the Smith family, has been sent to the 
 writer. " There being no minister or magistrate at Ash- 
 field at the time, on the wedding day the groom took 
 the bride behind him on horseback and guided by marked 
 trees rode from Ashfield to Deerfield to have the ceremony 
 performed. His father Chileab Smith went before them on 
 another horse with his gun to guard them from the Indians. 
 She was reported in the family as a person of uncommon 
 worth." 
 
 She died at Ashfield, Sept. 15, 1795, aged 60 years. 
 She had seven children. Her husband 
 
 (10.) ELDER EBENEZER SMITH, was born in 
 South Hadley, Mass., Oct. 4th, 1734, and died in Stock- 
 ton, N. Y., July 6th, 1824. He was a Baptist minister,
 
 72 
 
 began to preach when 19 years of age, and was ordained 
 Aug. 20th, 1761. 
 
 When a young man he served in the army in the French 
 and Indian War, and assisted in building a fort around his 
 father's house, which was a resort of the neighborhood 
 against the Indians for about three years. After the death 
 of Remember Ellis, his first wife, in 1795, Elder Smith mar- 
 ried Lucy Shepardson, June I5th, 1796. She died Oct. 5th, 
 1808, aged 68 years. Jan. 5th, 1809, he married Esther 
 Harvey, and she died Oct. I4th, 1814, aged 78. 
 
 Elder Smith was a pure and noble man and was held in 
 high esteem by all who knew him, and he was extensively 
 known throughout New England and New York. Elder 
 Supply Chase, of Detroit, Mich., a Baptist minister now over 
 86 years of age, says: " Elder Ebenezer Smith's is one of the 
 sanctified names in the Baptist denomination." Both he and 
 his father, Chileab Smith, were pioneers in the Baptist faith 
 in western Mass. The persecution they suffered on account 
 of their religious belief was almost incredible. This extend- 
 ed over a course of about ten years and required them to 
 make repeated journeys to the General Court at Boston for 
 redress of their grievances. Their orchards were torn up 
 and lands sold to pay tithes for the support of other churches 
 than their own. Warrants for their arrest on fictitious 
 charges were issued, but in each instance they were com 
 pletely vindicated. A year before his death Elder Smith 
 wrote quite a full account of his ministry and trials, extracts 
 from which may be found in the Appendix. 
 
 Elder Ebenezer Smith was a son of Chileab Smith, Sr., 
 who was born in South Hadley, Mass., in 1708, and he, 
 Chileab, was a son ot Preserved Smith, who was born in 
 i679,who was a son of Preserved Smith, born Jan. 27th, 1637, 
 and the latter was a son of Rev. Henry Smith, of Wethers- 
 field, Conn., who emigrated from England in 1636. In 
 crossing the ocean they encountered such violent storms that 
 all hopes of their reaching land was lost. However they 
 were providentially preserved, and having a son born on the
 
 73 
 
 voyage, they gave him the name of Preserved, which has 
 been a frequent name in the Smith family in every genera- 
 tion since. 
 
 Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., was a very positive character, 
 and the most noted man in Ashfield's history. On account 
 of a schism in the church at Weathersfield, Conn., a large por- 
 tion of the congregation removed to Hadley, Mass. Years 
 afterwards another schism took place at Hadley, when Chileab 
 moved to Ashfield in 1750 then called Huntstown. At the 
 age of 80 years he was ordained a Baptist minister by his 
 sons Elders Ebenezer and Enos Smith. At the age of 85 
 he married his second wife. He died in Ashfield in 1800, 
 aged 92 years. His first wife, and mother of his children, 
 was Sarah Moody. One of his sons, Chileab, Jr., was born 
 in Hadley in 1742, and died in Ashfield in 1843, aged 100 
 years and seven months. 
 
 Elder Ebenezer Smith was a minister of the gospel 72 
 years, and preached 10,920 sermons, and rode one horse over 
 25,000 miles. He preached in Ashfield nearly 40 years. 
 When 76 years of age he made a visit to Cayuga County, 
 N. Y., where several of his children had settled. He made 
 the trip on horseback and was gone 120 days, and preached 
 as many sermons as he was days gone. At Throopsville, 
 Cayuga Co., N. Y., he preached to the settlers there in the 
 hollow of a large buttonvvood tree* which held an audience of 
 32 persons. From this as a beginning the Baptist church 
 there was founded. 
 
 His last sermon in Ashfield was "delivered May 22, 1815, 
 before a large assembly." He was then in his 8ist year. 
 The sermon was printed and reads like a good, old-fashioned, 
 strictly orthodox discourse. The next year he removed to 
 Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where his son Ebenezer, 
 Jr., had settled in 1815. Every Sabbath thereafter, until his 
 death, he rode his horse to the place of worship. He died 
 at the house of his son Ebenezer, Jr., July 6th, 1824, aged 89 
 
 *1 was at the tree in 1813. There was a door on one side. 
 
 [Letter from Aaron Smitk^ 1850.
 
 74 
 
 year, 9 months, and two days, in the full vigor of his mental 
 powers, and as full of honors as of years. While he de- 
 plored his lack of educational privileges in his youth, he 
 knew the advantages of early education and his eldest son, 
 Preserved, and youngest son, Richard, went to Brown Uni- 
 versity, where they graduated. He raised seven children, 
 and a year before his death estimated his posterity then liv- 
 ing at 100 souls. Personally Elder Smith was about five 
 feet eight inches tall, thick set and dark complexioned. For 
 an account of his children and their descendants, see Nos. 
 34 to 46. For a more full account of the Smiths of Ash- 
 field, see Appendix. 
 
 (11.) JANE ELLIS PHILLIPS, third daughter of 
 Richard Ellis, was born in Easton, Nov. nth, 1737. She 
 probably was married in Easton, as all her eight children 
 were born there. In after years several of her children 
 settled in Windham Co., Vermont. After the death of her 
 husband, in 1805, she lived in Nevvfane, Vt., many years. 
 At the time of her death she was living with her son, 
 John Phillips, Jr., in Marlboro, Vt., which is about 25 miles 
 north of Ashfield, Mass. One of her grandsons, James 
 Charter, of Williamsville, Vt., now 77 years of age, writes 
 " I was well acquainted with her. She was a very devoted 
 Christian of the Baptist denomination." She lived to the 
 age of 95 years. She was very smart and could walk a 
 mile up to a week of her death. She was of medium height 
 and weight, light complexion and blue eyes. For an ac- 
 count of her children see Nos. 47 to 61. Her husband 
 
 (12.) JOHN PHILLIPS, was born in Easton, May 
 2ist, 1734. He died Feb. i4th, 1805. He was a son of 
 Samuel Phillips, who was born in Easton in 1702, and a 
 grandson of Capt. John Phillips of Easton. Whether he 
 died in Easton or in Vermont does not appear. For a more 
 full account of the Phillipses of Ashfield and Easton, see 
 Appendix. 
 
 (13). MATTHEW ELLIS, sixth child of Richard Ellis, 
 was born in Easton, Dec. i9th, 1739. He was but two or 
 three years of age when his father moved to Deerfield and
 
 75 
 
 but seven or eight when he settled in Ashfield. From no 
 account which the writer can obtain does it appear with 
 certainty what became of Matthew or where he settled. It 
 is known that after the death of his mother in Ashfield (then 
 Huntstown) his father removed to Colerain, in the same 
 county, about 15 miles north-easterly from Ashfield. He 
 took with him his two youngest children, Hannah and Caleb. 
 That Matthew also went with them, or was there for a time, 
 is evident from a charge found in his father's account book, 
 under the date of Nov., 1768, in acct. with "William Clark, 
 the First: * To stoneing your well 15 shillings. To 
 Matthew one day at ye well 6 shillings and sixpence." 
 
 It is probable that Matthew Ellis was not married at this 
 time, although he was 28 years of age, for no trace of him 
 or his descendants are found in Colerain. Circulars of 
 inquiry have been quite extensively sent throughout the 
 States, from which the following response has been received 
 from Indiana. Whether the writer is one of the descendants 
 of Matthew Ellis of Ashfield, has not as yet been decided 
 but it seems probable that such is the case. Further inquiry 
 will be made, the result of which will have to be deferred to 
 the Appendix, as it is too late for this part of the book: 
 
 JACKSON, Tipton Co., Ind., Dec. i6th. 1885. 
 
 Dear Sir; I have before me a circular handed to my son, W. D. Ellis, 
 making inquiries about the descendants of Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, Mass. 
 My father's name was Eliphalet and his father was Matthew Ellis, who was, 
 I think a son of Richard Ellis of Ashfield. My father Eliphalet was born in 
 1787, and settled in Indiana, about the year 1822, and died in 1844. I have 
 heard him speak of Ellisburg, and of his brothers Enos, Seth and Levi, and 
 sisters Ann and Sarah, but I do not know where they lived. His children were 
 George, born 1815, Ann, 1817, William, 1819, Enos, 1821, David, 1823, 
 Matthew, 1830, Reuben (myself) 1834, Levi, 1836, and Sally, 1838. 
 
 My father, Eliphalet Ellis, was in the war of 1812, and was in the 
 battle of Sackett's Harbor. I think he was born in New York or Vermont. 
 My older brothers are all dead and I have no knowledge of any more distant 
 relatives. I will make inquiries and let you know if I learn anything further. 
 
 Youis &c., REUBEN ELLIS. 
 
 To Dr. E. R. Ellis, Detroit, Mich. 
 
 * "Richard Ellis lived near Mr. Clark's. My father bought the farm of Wm. Clark. 
 I have been many times to the well spoken of. I was born here in 1812. My father, grand- 
 father and great grandfather have lived here since the first settlement of the town. There 
 are no Fultons or Ellises here now." Letter /ram Hugh B. Miller, Calerain. June^jSSj.
 
 7 6 
 
 Jabez Franklin, of Guilford, Vt., now 90 years of age, 
 who married Sarah Fulton, of Colerain, a grand-daughter 
 of Richard Ellis, says that " some, of the Ellises moved into 
 Vermont, but he has lost the run of them." If these were 
 related to Richard Ellis they must have been descendants of 
 Matthew, as all the other Ellis families are accounted for. 
 
 (15). LIEUT. JOHN ELLIS, seventh child of Rich- 
 ard Ellis, was born in Deerfield, Mass., Jan. 23rd, 1742, and 
 died in Ashfield, Aug. i7th, 1827, aged 85 years. 
 
 He said his father moved from Deerfield to Ashfield 
 when he was three years old. July ipth, 1763 (records of 
 Ashfield) he married Mary* Dimick. About this date he 
 bought the farm 100 rods west of the corners where his 
 father first settled. He built a log house about 15 rods 
 west of where the present farmhouse now stands, in which 
 all his family were raised. Remains of this log house were 
 visible up to 40 years ago. About 1795 the present house 
 was built, in which he resided until his death.f He was a 
 man of quite large business capacity tor his time. Besides 
 farming he engaged in the milling business. On Bear river, 
 which runs through the north part of his farm, he had a saw 
 mill, and lower down the stream, about 20 rods below the 
 roadway bridge, was the old grist mill erected by his father 
 and the Smiths, which was later about the time of the 
 Revolutionary war in his charge. He was one of the first 
 to declare for the Independence of the Colonies and to take 
 up arms in behalf of the cause. At this day we can hardly 
 appreciate the moral heroism required of the Colonists to 
 break away from and resort to arms against the mother 
 country. At first many of the old and influential residents 
 of Ashfield were opposed to the rebellion, as they called it. 
 Families were divided and near and dear relatives opposed 
 
 *This name is also written Molly and Polly in various instances among the early genera- 
 tions. 
 
 tMr. Charles Rogers now owns and resides on this farm. In the rear of the house stands 
 an apple-tree ten feet arid six inches in circumference, six feet above the ground. This tree, 
 some years, produces 75 bushels of apples, and Mr. Lewis Kills of Beldinx, Mich., who \va- 
 born on this place in 1811, says that in the early years of his recollection it had been known to 
 grow 150 bushels annually. It may be said that the hill-sides of that mountainous region 
 were famous for growing fruit, principally apples.
 
 77 
 
 each other in the early part of the conflict. Some of the 
 most noted and outspoken tories in Ashfield had sons who 
 had already gone to the front in the patriot army, and had 
 laid down their lives in its service. 
 
 Lieut. John Ellis was commissioned an officer in the war 
 of the Revolution and did service during the whole conflict. 
 He was in several engagements in Eastern New York about 
 Saratoga and Lakes George and Champlain. From 1777 
 to 1780 he was, a portion of the time, detailed for home 
 duty in raising recruits and provisions to carry on the war. 
 In the Appendix will be found some interesting accounts 
 left by him, bearing on this subject. He was said to have 
 been a man of good judgment and large influence, which 
 he exerted most judiciously in the support of the cause 
 of independence. He understood and acted upon the 
 highest principles of liberty. At various times irrespon- 
 sible but over-zealous patriots proposed violence toward 
 some of the leading tories. Lieut. Ellis condemned this 
 vigorously and declared that every man's liberty was sacred 
 so long as he committed no overt acts ot hostility to the 
 cause of independence. About 1800 he visited Central 
 New York, where he bought tracts of land on which two 
 of his sons settled. About this time there was quite an 
 emigration from Ashfield, many of the residents seeking 
 new homes in Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, N. Y. 
 Among these were several of the Ellises, Annables, Bart- 
 letts, Phillipses and others from the Ellis neighborhood in 
 Ashfield. Of these mention will be made in other parts of 
 this work. Lieut. John Ellis in personal appearance was 
 rather short in stature, thick set and of a hardy and 
 vigorous constitution. He was a Methodist in religious 
 belief and a class leader, so called, among the members. 
 Headstones in the Ellis burying ground mark the graves 
 of himself and wife. For sketches of his children, see Nos. 
 63 to 75.
 
 (16). MOLLY IHMICK,* wife of Lieut. John Ellis, of 
 Ashfield, was born in Barnstable, Mass., Dec. 6th, 1838, 
 and died in Ashfield, Sept. 8th, 1827. At' what time she 
 came to Ashfield does not appear, but probably about a 
 year before her marriage, for her brother-in-law, Samuel 
 Annable, Jr., who married her older sister Desiah. settled 
 in Ashfield about 1762. It is probable that Molly or 
 Marv Dimick came at the same time. She was from 
 "the Cape," as Barnstable Co. was called. Old letters 
 from relatives there indicate that she had brothers, Edward, 
 Charles, and Constant Dimick in or near Barnstable, and an 
 older sister, who married an Agry, who lived in Hollowell, 
 Maine. Mrs. Ellis was a very devoted mother, a respected 
 and beloved neighbor, and a sincere Christian woman. 
 
 (17). HANNAH ELLIS FULTON, eighth child of 
 Richard Ellis, was born Oct. I3th, 1750, and died in 
 Guilford, Vt., in 1839. After the death of her mother 
 in Ashfield her father removed to Colerain.f She went 
 with him and her youngest brother Caleb. She was then 
 about 15 years of age and was her father's housekeeper 
 until her marriage in 1772 to James Fulton, of Colerain. 
 They lived in the north-east part of the town, where they 
 raised a family of ten children. She lived here until the 
 death of her husband, when she went to her daughter, 
 Sarah (95) in Guilford, Vt. She was rather short, weight 
 160 Ibs., and of fair complexion. For an account of her 
 children, see Nos. '77 to 95. Her huband, 
 
 (18). JAMES FULTON, was born May 2 4 th, 1749, 
 and died in Colerain, March 2Oth, 1834. He was a son of 
 Robert Fulton, who was one of the first settlers of the 
 town. In early times the Fultons were numerous and 
 influential in Colerain. They lived in the north-east part 
 of the town. In Richard Ellis' account book are found 
 the names of William, John, Robert and Sarah Fulton, 
 
 *The name Dimick is found in old writings, Dimock, Dimmick and Dymock. Elder 
 Thomas Dymock was early identified with the history of Barnstable. He died in 1658 leaving 
 several children. He was probably the ancestor of all the Dimicks of the Cape. A further 
 account of them will be found in the Appendix. 
 
 tThis town probably received its name from Colerain, Antrim Co., in the extreme north 
 of Ireland, from whence some of its earliest settlers emigrated.
 
 79 
 
 residents there previous to the Revolution. James Fulton was 
 a farmer, as were nearly all the residents of Colerain at that 
 time and up to the present. He was tall and large, weight 
 about 200 Ibs., blue eyes, fair complexion, and curly hair, 
 which he wore long done up in a cue, the Continental style. 
 
 (19.) CALEB ELLIS, ninth and youngest child of 
 Richard Ellis, was born August i6th, 1754, anc ^ died m 
 Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in March, 1813. 
 
 It is not probable that he was born in Ashfield, for 
 at the time of his birth the settlers of that town had gone 
 to the older settlements, to avoid the Indians during the 
 period of the French and Indian war. However this may 
 be, it is evident that he was with his father in Cblerain 
 early in life, and on the 24th of Jan., 1777, at which date 
 his name is found in his father's books. He was then 22 
 vears of age. He early joined the Revolutionary army, in 
 which he served several campaigns. He was under Gen- 
 erals Gates and Ethan Allen at Lake Champlain, Ticonde- 
 roga, and when Burgoyne surrendered. He served through 
 most of the Revolutionary war. About 1779 he married 
 Mary Crouch and, it is said, lived for some time in Vermont. 
 He next moved to Oneida Co., N.Y., near Litchfield, and in 
 1795 he settled permanently in Jefferson Co., N. Y., at a 
 place which was named after him, Ellisburg. Here he pur- 
 chased 500 acres of land and built a grist mill. This was his 
 home until his death in 1813. He probably learned the mill- 
 ing business with his father. It is evident that he was a man 
 of industry, courage, and perseverance, for it requires all 
 these qualities to succeed in so wild and remote a region 
 as Jefferson County was when he settled there. Here he 
 raised his family of eleven children, and quite a number of 
 his descendants now reside there and at Belleville, in the 
 same county. (See Nos. 97 to 118). 
 
 (20.) MARY CROUCH, wife of Caleb Ellis of Ellisburg, 
 N. F., was born Aug. 4th, 1757. Where she was born or 
 where married does not appear from any records found. She 
 died in Ellisburg, N.Y., in April, 1813. She and her husband 
 are said to have been members of the Methodist church.
 
 8o 
 THIRD GENERATION. 
 
 Children of Reuben Ellis (41, of AHhfield, and their wives. 
 Grandchildren of Richard i .llin, from NOB. ai to 32. 
 
 (21.) MARTHA ELLIS, first child of Reuben and Me- 
 
 hitable Ellis was born in Sunderland, Mass., in 1750. She 
 was a mute (deaf and dumb) and never married. After the 
 death of her parents in Ashfield she resided with her young- 
 est brother David Ellis, and removed with him to Spring- 
 field, Erie Co., Penn., in 1818, where she died in 1832. She 
 was a very industrious, conscientious and Christian woman. 
 
 (22.) BENJAMIN ELLIS, second child of Reuben Ellis 
 of Ashfield, was born in Sunderland, May 7th, 1751. 
 
 March I5th, 1774, he married Ruth Pike in Ashfield, 
 where their two oldest children Stephen and Lurenca 
 were born ; the last named, born Jan. loth, 1777. About 
 this time he joined the Revolutionary army and was a sol- 
 dier several years. 
 
 His principal occupations were farming and milling. In 
 the early part of his married life he lived in Deerfield, Mass., 
 where most of his eight children were born. In 1800 he 
 purchased a large farm in Sempronius,* Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
 which he divided with his brother Jonathan, where they both 
 settled. 
 
 Benjamin soon after built a small grist mill at Montville, 
 near his farm, which he operated several years, and where 
 his sons Stephen, Moses and Benjamin, Jr., learned the mill- 
 ing business, which they followed long afterwards. 
 
 In 1818 Stephen and Moses Ellis removed to North Bend, 
 on the Ohio river, a few miles below Cincinnati, where they 
 rented a farm of General (afterwards President) Harrison, 
 and where they built a grist mill. 
 
 In 1825 Benjamin followed his sons tc North Bend, and 
 in 1832 they all removed to Fayette Co., Indiana, where 
 Benjamin was Postmaster, at Plum Orchard in Fayette Co., 
 
 *Sempronius at that lime included several townships of land. This farm is in what is 
 now called Miles, and is about three miles north of Moravia.
 
 8i 
 
 up to the time of his death. About 1785 his wife Ruth died, 
 and he married Lois Mann, who is said to have been of the 
 family of which Hon. Horace Mann, once president of An- 
 tioch College, Ohio, was a member. He probably married 
 Miss Mann in Deerfield, Mass., or thereabout. She was the 
 mother of his three youngest children Reuben, Mehitable 
 and Chelometh. The date of her death is not given. 
 
 For his third wife Benjamin Ellis married Mrs. Zilpha 
 Mills in 1822, in Sempronius. She was a widow with one 
 daughter. After Benjamin's death in Indiana in 1835, she 
 and her daughter removed to Illinois about 1837. Benjamin 
 Ellis was said to have been a remarkably pure and upright 
 man, of rare intelligence and excellent memory. For a 
 sketch of his children see Nos. 119 to 132. 
 
 (23.) RUTH PIKE, first wife of Benjamin Ellis, was ac- 
 cording to town records of Ashfield, married March I5th, 
 1774. When and where she was born is not recorded, so far 
 as the writer knows. It is believed, that she died in Deer- 
 field about 1784. She was the mother of Benjamin's five 
 eldest children. 
 
 (25.) REUBEN ELLIS Jr., third child of Reuben and 
 Mehitable Ellis, was born in Ashfield Feb. I2th, 1752. He 
 was a mute, and never married. When his brother Richard 
 moved from Ashfield to Tioga Co., in the southern part of 
 New York, about 1798, Reuben went with him and after- 
 wards to Tioga Co., Penn., where he died in 1832. He was 
 a very industrious, upright and sincere Christian man. In 
 1820 the first Baptist Church in the western part of Tioga 
 Co., Penn., was organized at Delmar, now called Shippen. 
 Reuben Ellis was the oldest member. He was baptized 
 June 2Oth, 1819. He was about 80 years of age at the time 
 of his death. 
 
 (26.) JONATHAN ELLIS, fourth child of Reuben Ellis, 
 was born in Ashfield, Aug. 25th, 1754. He died in Sempro- 
 nius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1812. 
 
 He lived at his father's home and with his brother David 
 built, about 1795, the large house, which now stands on that
 
 82 
 
 farm in Ashfield. In March, 1799, being then about 45 years 
 of age, he married and removed to Sempronius, N. Y., and 
 settled on a farm with his brother Benjamin. He was a 
 mute, but could make a sound which seemed like " daunt," 
 and from this he was generally known by the name of 
 " Daunt" Ellis. He was a great worker and it is said, was 
 the most expert driver of cattle anywhere about. His oxen 
 became so accustomed to him, that they obeyed him with 
 the greatest precision. It is the tradition, which the writer 
 has received from several of the older families who knew 
 of him that, aside from the infirmity of hearing, " he was 
 the smartest Ellis ever in Ashfield." 
 
 There were four mute children in Reuben Ellis' family, 
 and Jonathan was the only one of them who married. He 
 had eight children, four of whom grew to maturity, none of 
 whom were mutes, and it is a gratification to be able to say 
 that the calamity has not reappeared in any of the descend- 
 ants. It is said, that on the birth of each child he made 
 sounds to test the child's hearing capacity, and when he 
 found it perfect in this respect, he manifested the greatest 
 delight. 
 
 Mr. John Allis Ellis of Conneaut, Ohio, is the only one 
 of this family of children now living. He was born in Sem- 
 pronius in 1809. It is said, that he is almost an exact like- 
 ness of his father Jonathan, which fact gives additional in- 
 terest to the very excellent likeness of him found on another 
 page. (See No. 138). For sketches of Jonathan Ellis' chil- 
 dren see Nos. 134 to 140. 
 
 (27.) LOIS ALLIS, wife of Jonathan Ellis, was much 
 younger than her husband. She is said to have been a de- 
 voted wife and mother, and a most lovely woman. After 
 the death of her husband, in 1812, she lived on the farm with 
 her children for several years, when she married a Mr. 
 Wells and had one son. Mr. S. V. R. Wells, the son, now 
 resides in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., with whom his 
 mother lived at the time of her death in 1840.
 
 83 
 
 (28.) SUBMIT ELLIS, fifth child of Reuben Ellis, was 
 born in Ashfield, Mass., Oct. 28th, 1756. She was a mute 
 and never married. She went with her brother Jonathan to 
 Sempronius, lived with him and his children until his death 
 in 1812. 
 
 She then went to her brother Richard in Pennsylvania, 
 where she remained six or seven years, after which she re- 
 turned to Jonathan's children in Sempronius, with whom she 
 lived until about 1833, when she removed with her nephew 
 Abel West Ellis (136) to Ripley, Chautauqua Co., where 
 she died the following year. She was a very industrious 
 woman, and became quite an expert in weaving, as nearly 
 all cloths in those times were made in the family. She de- 
 vised and wove many complicated and beautiful patterns for 
 coverlids for beds, etc. Like all of this family of Reuben 
 Ellis' children, she was a very pious, sincere and devout 
 person. She was the fourth child in her father's family who 
 was a mute, an almost unheard of affliction. The, parents 
 could not understand why they should be subjected to so 
 great a misfortune, and naturally enough had felt somewhat 
 rebellious. But when the fourth mute child was born, they 
 agreed that it was for some good purpose of an All-wise 
 Being that they were thus afflicted, and that it was their 
 duty to be reconciled and submit. They accordingly 
 named her Submit. Two other children were afterwards 
 born, neither of whom were thus affected. In a Note, which 
 will be found on page 88, is given some interesting par- 
 ticulars regarding these people. 
 
 (29.) Dea. RICHARD ELLIS, sixth child of Reuben, 
 was born in Ashfield, Dec. 2Oth, 1760. 
 
 December i2th, 1780, he married Eunice Chilson, of 
 Conway, the next town east of Ashfield. He lived in Ash- 
 field a few years, and it is said, operated a woolen-mill. In 
 1788 to 1792 he lived in Shelburn, a town joining Ashfield
 
 8 4 
 
 on the north, where he was engaged in milling. This mill 
 was on Deerfield river near the Charlemont line.* 
 
 In April, 1795, Richard Ellis leased of Mr. Levi Stone his 
 grist mill in the town of Kent, Litchfield Co., Conn., for one 
 year. Sometime after this he removed to Candor, Tioga 
 Co., N. Y., where he lived and kept a tavern for a dozen 
 years or more. In 1811 he went t Delmar, Tioga Co., Pa., 
 when it was a wilderness, where he bought a large tract of 
 land and built two saw mills and two grist mills. He manu- 
 factured lumber on Pine Creek, which he rafted down that 
 stream and the Susquehanna river to the older settlements 
 east and south. 
 
 While at Delmar in 1819, he lost his second wife, Chloe 
 Ellis in an epidemic of fever, which swept over that part of 
 the country and proved fatal to nearly all who were attacked 
 with it. It was known ever afterwards as the "great sick- 
 ness," and as to its cause was never fully accounted for. 
 Several years later he removed to Potter Co., (next county 
 west of Tioga), where he built a saw mill and grist mill at 
 a place named after him 'Ellisburg, where he died in May, 
 1841. He also built a hotel or tavern here to provide- for 
 travelers, and the building is yet standing. 
 
 He was the father of 19 children, 15 of whom gr6w 
 to maturity and most of them to old age. Mrs. Lucretia 
 Stipp, of Scio, Oregon, wife of Elder John Stipp, a Baptist 
 minister, is the only one now living. (See No. 165). 
 
 Dea. Richard Ellis was a man of great industry and 
 enterprise. He was a Baptist, as were most of his children. 
 When the church was organized at Delmar, its members 
 were nearly all composed of these Ellises and their relatives. 
 Three of Richard's sons, John, Consider and Richard Jr., 
 
 'Adjoining Richard Ellis on the north, lived Ebenezer Ellis, who was probably the father 
 of Dr. Edward Ellis of Meadyille Pa. Dr. Ellis is now 82 years of age and writes that "his 
 father,Ebcnezer, once had an interview with Richard Ellis of Ashfield (No. i of these sketches) 
 and that they could trace no relationship." About this time there were several Ellis families 
 in Goshen.the first town south of Ashfield, and also in Huntington, Hampshire Co. Dr. Ellis 
 of Meadville is a descendant of one of these. In Conway, next town east of Ashfield, lived 
 Harzillia Ellis in the latter part of the last century. He had a numerous posterity, most of 
 whom settled in Chautauqua Co.. N. Y., 75 years ago or thereabouts. Dr. Samuel G. Ellis of 
 Syracuse, N. Y., and Dr. David E. Ellis of Belvidere, 111., are descendants of Barzillia. The 
 latter was not a relative of Richard Ellis of Ashfield, unless through English ancestors. 
 Barzillia Ellis, Sr., died in Chautauqua County in 1825.
 
 were ordained ministers of the Baptist denomination. 
 Richard Ellis was a soldier in the Revolution for some time. 
 He seemed to inherit from his grandfather, the first Richard, 
 a trait which many of the Ellises since have had, that of be- 
 coming pioneers in new parts of the country. None of that 
 name now live in Ashfield. The last to leave was Dea. 
 Dimick Ellis, (72) who removed to Michigan in 1847. His 
 children had all left some time before. The barren and in- 
 hospitable region of Ashfield and thereabouts made it abso- 
 lutely necessary for all the surplus population to get out early 
 in life. 
 
 When Richard Ellis settled in southern New York, that 
 country was very wild. When he went to Tioga Co., Penn., 
 that whole region was a vast wilderness, very difficult to 
 reach. The woods were full of game and the streams 
 abounded in trout and other fish. He settled on Marsh 
 Creek, a branch of Pine Creek, at what is called Big Mead- 
 ows. Ansonia, a station on a branch of the Blossburg & 
 Tioga railroad, is located where Richard Ellis first settled 
 in that county. 
 
 In three or four years after the death of his wife Chloe, 
 Richard married a very worthy woman, a Mrs. Stanton, 
 widow of Judge Stanton, and soon after removed to Ellis- 
 burg, Potter Co. After her death he married a widow 
 Seeley, who was the mother of Betsey Seeley (No. 169) 
 wife of Harry Ellis of Ellisburg, one of Richard's sons. 
 
 Richard lived here until his death, May I4th, 1841. Of 
 him, Mrs. Chloe Rexford, (No. 532) one of his grand- 
 daughters, writes: "I recollect him well, his life was worthy 
 of imitation, his neighbors found in him a wise coun- 
 selor, his house, heart and hand were always open to the 
 needy and unfortunate, he rejoiced with those who had joy, 
 and sympathized with those in sorrow. It can truly be said, 
 we have few like him now." 
 
 For sketch of his children see Nos. 143 to 172.
 
 86 
 
 (30.) EUNICE CHILSON, first wife of Richard Ellis, 
 was from Con way, Mass. She was born Feb. nth, 1763, 
 and died Nov. 27th, 1791. She lived in Shelburn at the time 
 of her death, but she was buried in the Ellis ground in Ash- 
 field, where a headstone now marks her grave. She was 
 probably a Baptist. She had six children. 
 
 (31.) CHLOE CHILSON, second wife of Richard Ellis, 
 was a sister of Eunice. Records of Ashfield, sent to the 
 writer by Henry S. Ranney, Esq., who has been town clerk 
 there for 40 years, give the following: "Richard Ellis and 
 Chloe Chilson of Shelburn were married Feb. ipth, 1792." 
 Richard had lived in Shelburn up to this time, when he may 
 have removed to Ashfield. His wife, Chloe, was a Baptist 
 and was one of the members who, with her husband, organ- 
 ized the first Baptist church in Delmar, Pa.,, in 1819. She 
 had 13 children. She was born in 1767, probably in 
 Conway, and died at her home in Big Meadows, Delmar 
 township, Tioga Co., Penn., August 9th, 1819, with a 
 malignant epidemic fever, which prevailed that season. One 
 of her children and several other relatives died at the same 
 time, with the same disease. 
 
 (S3.) Dea. DAYID ELLIS, seventh and youngest child 
 of Reuben Ellis, was born in Ashfield, Jan. 3Oth, 1763. 
 When 16 years of age he was drafted into the service of the 
 Revolutionary army in which he served several years. He 
 was a faithful soldier, and as a young man was of more than 
 ordinary intelligence and trustworthiness. On the 2oth of 
 May, 1794, he was appointed by Samuel Adams, then Gov- 
 ernor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, an ensign in 
 the Fifth Regiment of militia for Hampshire county. 
 (Hampshire then included Franklin Co., in which Ashfield is 
 situated.) In Sept., 1795, Gov. Adams appointed him a 
 lieutenant in the same regiment. July 8th, 1784. he married 
 Sarah Washburn, and settled on the farm with his father. 
 The latter died two years later, and his mother resided with 
 him until her decease in 1804. David's brother Jonathan 
 also lived with him until about the time of his marriage in
 
 8? 
 
 I799 a d his eldest sister, Martha (21), remained with him 
 during her whole life. She had the best of care, and was 
 beloved by all who knew her. 
 
 David Ellis had five children, all of whom were born and 
 reared on this farm the old homestead where Reuben, his 
 father, first settled in Ashfield in 1751. 
 
 In 1818 David with his sons William (176), and David, 
 Jr. (180), sold out all their interests in Ashfield and removed 
 to North Springfield, Erie Co., Penn. They made the 
 journey with ox teams and were six weeks on the trip, the 
 men walking most of the way. When they settled in their 
 new home it was an unbroken wilderness of heavily timbered 
 land. By dint of hard labor, energy and patience all the 
 usual obstacles met with in a new country were gradually 
 overcome, and they made homes where himself and wife 
 passed the remainder of their days in comfort, and where 
 many of their descendants now live. They first made a 
 clearing and planted an orchard, some of the trees of which 
 are yet standing to show the industry of the early pioneers. 
 His daughter Sarah (178), who married Capt. James Flower 
 in Ashfield, in 1810, removed with her husband to Wesley- 
 ville, Erie Co., soon after their marriage, and it is probable 
 that this event was one of the reasons which induced her 
 father and brothers to settle in the same section. David 
 Ellis was an ardent Baptist and for many years a deacon 
 in the church, and was noted for his Christian example. 
 He lived as he believed God directed him to. Often he 
 filled the pulpit in the absence of the pastor. He was a 
 thorough Bible scholar, it being said of him that he could 
 give the chapter and verse of any Bible quotation given him. 
 His large family Bible, that was used daily in family wor- 
 ship, was brought with him from Ashfield, and is now in 
 the care of his grand-daughter, Mrs. Louisa Ellis Patterson. 
 
 (598.) 
 
 He always retained the old New England custom of 
 rigidly observing the Sabbath from Saturday at sun-down 
 to sun-down of the next day. His religious principles were
 
 88 
 
 carried into all the conduct of his life, and lie was widely 
 known for his integrity and reliability. An incident in 
 confirmation of this was told by one of his grandsons (572), 
 who settled in Wisconsin over 40 years ago. The latter 
 desired to purchase a horse on credit of a man who had 
 known his grandfather years before in Ashfield. He was 
 informed that " if he was a descendant of Deacon David 
 Ellis he could have the horse without other security than his 
 word as to the terms of payment," thus proving that a good 
 name is the best inheritance for children. He still liveth in 
 memory, and his life on earth was one to the honor of his 
 many descendants. 
 
 The old farm bought by Deacon Ellis was the home of 
 his son William (176,) during his lifetime, and is now the 
 home of his grandson, Joseph Ellis (585). 
 
 Dea. David Ellis died in North Springfield, in 1843. For 
 sketch of his children see Nos. 174 to 182. This family of 
 Ellises Reuben's children were mostly large, tall and with 
 dark hair and complexion, which latter they most likely de- 
 rived from their mother, who was a Scott (5). David Ellis' 
 wife 
 
 (33.) SARAH WASHBURN, was born 1764. She 
 was a daughter of Deacon Samuel Washburn, of Ashfield. 
 The Washburns were a prominent family in Ashfield in 
 those times and she was a woman of intelligence and refine- 
 ment. Like her husband she was a radical Baptist. It is re- 
 lated that she often and expressly cautioned her children and 
 grandchildren against the Universalists, a caution which not 
 all observed, as some of the latter became in after years 
 prominent members of that denomination. She died in 
 Springfield in 1848, aged nearly 84 years. 
 
 Note to page 83. In regard to these mute sons and daughters of Reuben 
 Ellis of Ashfield Martha (21), Reuben (25), Jonathan (26), and Submit (28), 
 there is a well-founded tradition worthy of further consideration. The generation 
 which knew them in their early years has gone by, but some are yet living, who 
 have heard these reports from their ancestors, and regard them as well founded. 
 It is, that these persons all had, what was called among people in the neighbor-
 
 hood, "Angels visits." It was claimed, that they had appearances to them of 
 spiritual or angelic beings, who gave them instruction in the way they should 
 live. At the time of these first occurrences they were young and possessed of 
 all the vigor and gaiety of the average youth. They were favorites in society, 
 attended most of the balls and parties, to which they usually had "free tick- 
 ets". They could keep time to the music and go through all the changes of 
 dancing in perfect order. All at once a great change came over them, they 
 became devoutly pious, abjured all dancing and frivolity, and said, that "angels 
 had appeared to them and instructed them how they should live to avoid sin 
 and become upright and useful." They lived to old age, and all accounts agree 
 that they never lost their religious principles or pious ardor. From central 
 and western New York, Ohio and Michigan, the writer gets confirmation of 
 these reports, which were traditional with many who had emigrated from that 
 part of Ashfield 50 to 100 years ago, that these mutes "had angels visits, and 
 all the people believed it." 
 
 Of Jonathan's (26) claim to these extraordinary visitations one instance is 
 related, which convinced many of the people of their truthfulness. He said, 
 that on a time when he was in the sugar-bush, sitting upon a log eating his 
 lunch, he beheld an angel coming down to converse with him. The latter gave 
 him some good instruction, and besides told him that across the Connecticut 
 river, which was about 20 miles distant, there was a deaf and dumb man who 
 wanted to see and talk with him. Jonathan went home full of enthusiasm and 
 told the family of the occurrence, and began to make ready for the trip. His 
 parents tried to convince him that it was folly and deception and to dissuade 
 him from going, as he was a total stranger in the locality mentioned. He re- 
 plied that the angel had offered to go with him and show him the way, and he 
 must go. He dressed in his Sunday suit and started. In due time he returned 
 and reported that he had found the man he went to see, and that he was wait- 
 ing and expecting to see him and that he had had a pleasant interview, etc. 
 As a memorable and convincing part of this occurrence it is stated as a fact, 
 that during the time when Jonathan was under this angelic influence, he had 
 his speech and hearing. 
 
 A relative now 75 years of age, who was born in Ashfield in 1811, and 
 who lived there half his lifetime, and whose veracity none can question, in- 
 forms the writer that several of those ancestors who knew Jonathan Ellis, and 
 his brother and sisters, told him of these occurrences, substantially as related 
 above, and that they all believed them to be true. 
 
 All this was 100 years or more ago, long before modern spiritualism was 
 heard of, and it is not surprising that the people in those times were much 
 puzzled thereat and, without attempting to further investigate the phenomena, 
 let it pass simply as "angels visits," a miracle or mystery beyond their ken. Of 
 course phenomena such as above related are not in accordance with Natural 
 Laws, and hence if susceptible of explanation at all, must be in accordance with 
 Spiritttal Laws or laws of mind, which it is no assumption to say, are as real 
 as are those of a material character with which all are familiar. Probably the most 
 profound investigator and voluminous writer in this department of learning
 
 90 
 
 which the world has ever known, is Swedenborg, who was born in 1688 and 
 departed this life in 1772. It has occurred to the writer that probably one versed 
 in his philosophy might give a reasonable explanation of such phenomena as 
 above related. Accordingly he has submitted these proof-sheets to Rev. Mr. 
 Frost of Detroit, Mich., a minister of the New Jerusalem Church (Swedenbor- 
 gian), also to Rev. Elisha Ellis (627), of Westbury, N. Y., minister of the 
 Christian Church, and to Elder John Stipp, of Scio, Oregon, whose wife, 
 Lucretia (165), was a daughter of Richard Ellis (29), of Ellisburg, Pa. Elder 
 Stipp is an aged minister of the Baptist Church. Each of these reverend gentle- 
 men have been requested to give their views on the subject. If they respond, 
 the same will be given at length in the Appendix. The phenomena mentioned 
 are of a very interesting character and are well authenticated. It is presumed 
 that with the light obtained from the Scriptures with that afforded by the 
 revelations and investigations of these later times, an intelligent explanation of 
 the same can now be given. 
 
 Children of Remember Ellis Smith, (9), and Elder Kbenezer 
 
 Smith, (10), of Ashfield, and their husbands and wives. 
 
 Grandchildren of Richard Kills. From Nos. 34 to 46. 
 
 (34.) IRENE SMITH ALDEN, was born in Ashfield, 
 July 4th, 1757, and died March 16, 1834. She married Isaac 
 Alden, of Ashfield, who was a lineal descendant of John 
 Alden and Priscilla Muggias, who came over in the May- 
 flower in 1620 and whose courtship has been immortalized 
 by the poet Longfellow. The latter left a numerous posterity 
 in Massachusetts. Several of them were residents of Ash- 
 field in early times. One of these was John Alden, whose 
 farm was on the north side of the road opposite Reuben 
 Ellis' farm. This John Alden died about 1840, a very aged 
 man. He was probably a brother of Isaac Alden, men- 
 tioned above. 
 
 Irene and Isaac Alden had nine childen, one daughter 
 and eight sons. The daughter married Dr. John Rathburn. 
 
 (36.) Rev. PRESERVED SMITH, eldest son of Elder 
 Ebenezer Smith, was born in Ashfield, June 25th, 1759. He 
 died Aug. i$th, 1834, * n Rwe, Franklin Co., Mass. 
 
 When 16 years of age, at the beginning of the Revolu- 
 tionary war, he entered the army and served five campaigns
 
 as a soldier. He was under Gen. Gates and present at the 
 surrender of Burgoyne. 
 
 He was early imbued with a desire to obtain an education, 
 and began preparation for college under the instruction of 
 Rev. Mr. Hubbard, of Shelburn. For some time he taught 
 school in the winter and worked in the summer to procure 
 means for study. He entered college in Providence, Rhode 
 Island, and graduated in 1786. Soon after he commenced 
 the study of theology with Rev. Mr. Emerson, of Conway, 
 Mass. In 1789 he settled in the ministry in Rowe, and in 
 January the following year he was married to Miss Eunice 
 Wells, the youngest daughter of Col. David Wells, of Shel- 
 burn. 
 
 Although his parents were the strictest Baptists, and he 
 was reared under this influence, he began his ministry as a 
 Congregationalist. In 1804 he resigned his charge in Rowe 
 and the next year settled in Mendon, Mass., where he 
 preached to two societies or churches for several years. 
 This double duty he found too great a tax on his energies 
 and on a unanimous invitation from the church in Rowe he 
 returned there in 1812. About this time the Unitarian con- 
 troversy began, and from his love of free inquiry and inde- 
 pendent habit of thought he investigated the subject fully. 
 The result was that he became openly a Unitarian, although 
 he preferred the name purely of Christian to that of any 
 sectarian designation. He was a minister for forty-five years. 
 
 He had two children, Rev. Preserved, Jr., and Royal. 
 The latter died early in life, about 1820. The eldest, Pre- 
 served, Jr., was born in Rowe, Aug. ist, 1789, and died in 
 Greenfield, Mass., in 1881, aged 92 years. Like his father 
 he was a Unitarian minister and preached in Warwick, 
 Franklin Co., nearly all his life. He had his faculties unim- 
 paired up to the time of his death. He remembered well, 
 and often related an interview which he had when ten years 
 of age with his great-grandfather, Chileab Smith, Sr., who 
 died in Ashfield in 1800, at 92 years of age a remarkable 
 event of two lives covering a period of 173 years. He had
 
 9 2 
 
 three children: Preserved, Jr., who now resides in Dayton, 
 Ohio; Fayette, who is a lawyer and judge in Cincinnati, O., 
 and Eunice Wells Smith, who married Rev. J. F. Moors, a 
 Unitarian minister who resides in Greenfield, Mass., where 
 he has preached for twenty-five years. 
 
 (38.) JEMIMA SMITH ANNABLE, second daughter 
 of Elder Ebenezer and Remember Ellis Smith, was born in 
 Ashfield, March 18, 1761, and died in Marcellus, Onondaga 
 Co., N. Y., Feb. I3th, 1835. She married Lieut. Edward 
 Annable, of Ashfield, Nov. 24, 1782 and had a family of 
 eleven children. She was a very pious woman, devoted to 
 her family and of rare qualities of mind and heart. She had 
 a good education for one of her times, and it was said was 
 a natural mathematician and could solve problems in arith- 
 metic and algebra mentally with more rapidity and ease 
 than most persons could with figures. She was a great 
 bible student and critic, and understood doctrinal points 
 thoroughly. Her children were all born in Ashfield, except 
 Fernando C., the youngest, who was born in Aurelius, 
 Onondaga Co., N. Y., and he is the only one living at the 
 present date. 
 
 (.39.) LIEUT. EDWARD ANNABLE, husband of 
 Jemima Smith was in his day one of the most noted men of 
 Ashfield. He was born in Barnstable, Mass., June 22, 1753, 
 and when nine years of age his father, Samuel Annable, Jr., 
 settled in Ashfield. He was a large man and of command- 
 ing presence. At 18 years of age he entered the Revolu- 
 tionary army and served seven years without a furlough.'- 
 He was at Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Brandywine, and at the 
 winter encampment at Valley Forge. He commanded the 
 company which relieved Gen. Anthony Wayne after the 
 
 *Lieut. Edward Annable's patriotism was of a high order and came from patriotic ances- 
 tors, although his father was at the opening of the Revolution a prominent tory. In Freeman's 
 "History of Cape Cod" is found the following record: "In Barnstable, June 26th, 1776, 
 Thomas Annable and 22 others issued an address to the citizens of the town of I'arnstable 
 urging them to aid the Independence of the Colonies. At a town-meeting held a short lime 
 before this, the ton" element was in a majority and voted to do nothing to aid independence. 
 Mr. Annable and the others protested in the following language: ' And we request that this 
 Protest may be entered on the town book to let posterity know that there were a few in this 
 town who dared to stand forth in lavor of an injured and oppressed country, and that it is a 
 matter of great grief to us that *he Cause of Liberty is treated with such indignity by some of 
 the inhabitants of the town of Barnstable.' "
 
 93 
 
 surrender of Stony Point, May 31, 1779, anc ^ was with that 
 officer when it was recaptured July 15, 1779. He was one 
 of Andre's guard at his execution, and often dwelt on the 
 brave deportment of that unfortunate officer. He said that 
 when Col. Schamel told him to speak if he wished to say \> C. A fl 
 anything, Andre raised the handkerchief from over his eyes 
 and said: "Gentlemen I wish you all to bear me witness that 
 I meet my fate like a brave man." His arms were tied so 
 slightly that with some difficulty he could raise the handker- 
 chief from before his eyes. 
 
 Lieut. Annable married and settled in Ashfield. His 
 father was Samuel Annable, Jr., and his mother Desiah 
 Dimick, sister of Molly Dimick (16). Samuel, Jr., was born 
 in Barnstable, Mass., 1717, and died in Sempronius, N. Y., 
 about 1806. His father, Samuel, Sr., was a descendant of 
 Anthony Annable and his wife Jane who came over in the 
 Anne* in 1623. Anthony Annable was a prominent man, 
 and much in public life. He died in Barnstable, 1674. He 
 had six children, one of whom, Samuel, born 1646, married 
 Mehitable Allyn in 1667, and died in 1678. He had four 
 children. His son John, born 1673, married Experience 
 Taylor in 1692 and had five children. Samuel, son of John, 
 born 1693, was the father of Samuel, Jr., of Ashfield and 
 grandfather of Lieut. Edward Annable. f A more full 
 account of the Annables will be found in the Appendix, 
 
 The children of Lieut. Edward Annable and his wife 
 Jemima, were Dimick, born Sept. ist, 1783 (died in youth); 
 Mehitable, born Dec. 3131,1784; Annar, born June 29th, 1786; 
 Alcemena, born March 3Oth, 1788; Rhoda, born Jan. 5th, 
 1790; Desire, born Jan. 6th, 1793; Abby, born April loth, 
 1795; Dimick, born Nov. loth, 1798 (died in youth); Isabella 
 and Remember (twins,) born Aug. 28th, 1801; Fernando C, 
 born Dec. 24th, 1805. All born in Ashfield, except the last 
 who was born in Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
 
 *The Mayflower in 1620, Fortune in 1622, and Anne in 1623, were the ships which 
 brought the Pilgrims to this country. 
 
 tEdward Annable's brothers and sisters were Barnabas, David, Thomas, Mehitable, 
 Polly (73) and Bethia.
 
 94 
 
 Mehitable Annable, born 1784, married Lucius Wheaton, 
 and had a large family. 
 
 Annar Annable, born 1786, married Isaac Fish and had 
 two children. 
 
 Alcemena Annable, born 1788, married Judge Smith, of 
 Pompey Hill, N. Y. Two of her daughters married 
 husbands named Ellis, but not descendants of Richard Ellis, 
 of Ashfield; one of them, Robert Ellis, lives in Pompey, 
 Onondaga Co., N. T. 
 
 Rhoda Annable, born 1790, married John Fuller, a 
 merchant of Sempronius, N. Y., Nov. 7th, 1808. She died 
 Jan. ipth, 1883, aged 93 years, at the residence of her son-in- 
 law, Judge Edwin Lawrence, of Ann Arbor, Mich. She was 
 a women of great kindness and remarkable intelligence, and 
 retained all her faculties up to a short time of her death. 
 Mr. Fuller, her husband, died about 1825, and she remained 
 a widow ever afterwards. Her children were, Edward L. 
 Fuller, born in Sempronius, N. Y., 1810, died in San Fran- 
 cisco, Cai., 1851. Desiah Fuller, born 1813, married Anson 
 Brown, and afterwards, Caleb N. Ormsby, who died many 
 years ago, leaving two daughters who with their mother 
 lived, up to a recent date, in Brooklyn, *N. Y. Sibyl Fuller, 
 born Jan. 28th, 1819, married Edwin Lawrence Nov. 2ist, 
 1838. She died March 2Oth, 1872, at Ann Arbor, where she 
 had lived from the early settlement of that town, and where 
 her son, John F. Lawrence, a lawyer, now resides. Her 
 husband, Judge Lawrence, died there in 1885. Mrs. Fuller 
 and her children and their families were highly respected 
 and influential people. She had resided with her daughters 
 and Judge Lawrence, in Ann Arbor about 45 years. The 
 writer met her first while a student at the University of 
 Michigan over 30 years ago and occasionally since, the last 
 time being a few weeks before her death. Her life was such 
 as to leave' a fond recollection by a large circle of relatives 
 and friends. 
 
 Desire Annable, born 1793, married Rev. John S. Twiss 
 and died in Union City, Mich. She had a son, Edward 
 Twiss, M. D.
 
 95 
 
 Abby Annable born 1795, married William Haines, 
 became a widow early in life. She moved to Leslie, Mich., 
 where she lived with a daughter who married Mr. Russell 
 a merchant in that village. Her son, William Haines, is also 
 a merchant in Leslie, and other of her children live there- 
 abouts. The date of her death is not given. 
 
 Dimick Annable, born 1798, died in Newburg, N. Y., in 
 early life. He left no children. 
 
 Remember Annable, born 1801, married Peter Weather- 
 wax and lived in Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., many years. 
 Isabella, her twin sister, died in infancy. 
 
 She died in Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., April 3rd, 1884, 
 in her 8yd year. Her husband, Mr. Peter Weatherwax, 
 died in 1876. She was buried in South Butler, Wayne Co., 
 by the side of her husband. She had resided in Phelps 
 about sixteen years. 
 
 Her last sickness was long and painful, much beyond the 
 usual degree. Her youngest daughter, who was with her 
 all her life writes: " I think that I am not overstating when 
 I say she impressed all with a superior mind, noble in 
 thought, generous, kind and obliging. There was a great- 
 ness in her whole character seldom met, her equal rarely 
 found, her superior not often seen. Her self-control during 
 the weeks of agony of her last sickness was marvelous, 
 ever a pleasant word, a cheerfulness that was suprising with 
 such intense suffering, her mind clear, thoughtful of and for 
 others, occasionally she would say a word or two that showed 
 that her mind wandered. At one time, soon after referring 
 to what she had said, she remarked, 'I have many queer 
 thoughts, but so far have managed not to express them.' 
 This will give a slight idea of the power and greatness of 
 her mind and the mastery she had over it. She was a true 
 Christian woman and a member of the Christian church 
 over 50 years." 
 
 She left six children: L. F. Weatherwax, Port Byron, 
 N. Y.; D. Weatherwax, Northport, N. Y.; Mrs. C. W.
 
 9 6 
 
 Sprague, Luther, Mich, (where her son William Sprague 
 resides); Mrs. E, L. Bolles, Vineland, N. J.; Mrs. T. Finn, 
 Scranton, Penn. and Miss Abbie L. Weatherwax, of Phelps. 
 
 Fernando C. Annable, born 1805, is the youngest child of 
 Lieut. Edward Annable and Jemima Smith his wife. He 
 was born in Aurelius, N. Y., soon after his parents had 
 removed from Ashfield. He married Betsey Ranney, 
 daughter of William Ranney of Ashfield, who married 
 Betsey Alden, a daughter of John Alden who lived opposite 
 Reuben Ellis' farm. William Ranney was a son of Thomas 
 Ranney, a brother or cousin of George Ranney, father of 
 Jessie and grand-father of Hannah Ranney (240). 
 
 Mrs. Betsey Annable died in 1881, aged 76 years. Her 
 husband, Fernando C., now resides in Almena, Van Buren 
 Co., Mich. They have one son, Edwin Ranney Annable, a 
 lawyer in Paw Paw, Mich., and a daughter, Helen Annable, 
 who married John Williams of Almena. 
 
 Mr. Fernando C. Annable has been a farmer most of his 
 life. He now lives at Almena, Mich., in feeble bodily health, 
 but active mental powers. 
 
 The writer is indebted to him for much valuable informa- 
 tion in compiling this work. 
 
 (40.) RHODA SMITH MERRILL, was born in Ash- 
 field, May 29th, 1762, and died Feb. 2ist, 1837. She mar- 
 ried Jesse Merrill and had three children, all daughters. 
 
 (42.) EBENEZER SMITH, Jr., fifth child of Elder 
 Ebenezer and Remember Ellis Smith, was born in Ashfield, 
 April ist, 1766, and died in Cassadaga, Chautauqua Co., N. 
 Y., May 24th, 1855 aged 89 years. 
 
 He married Keziah Elmer, or Elmore, of Ashfield about 
 1791, and had seven children. She died in Cassadaga, 
 March i7th, 1870, aged 93 years. The Elmers were one of 
 the early families in the settlement of Ashfield. Mr. Wilson 
 Elmer, a nephew of Keziah, died there in 1885 an aged man. 
 For his second wife he married Mrs. Amanda Ranney 
 Richmond, widow of Elijah Richmond, an enterprising
 
 97 
 
 citizen of Ashfield, who died about 1850. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Elmer were married about 1875, and lived a short distance 
 easterly from the old church at Baptist-corners, the Chileab 
 Smith neighborhood. Mrs. Elmer died in 1884. She was 
 a daughter of Jesse Ranney, who raised his family on the 
 old farm of Reuben Ellis. 
 
 Ebenezer, Jr., moved with his family from Ashfield to 
 Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in Oct. 1815. Several families from 
 the Ellis neighborhood in Ashfield went with them, namely: 
 Philip Phillips, Israel Smith and Daniel Whitmore. This 
 was just about the close of the war of 1812 and the country 
 was very new and the roads bad. They were over a month 
 on the way from Ashfield. Mr. Smith purchased wild 
 lands, made a clearing and built a log house. He was a 
 farmer by occupation and a scholarly man. His knowledge 
 of the Bible was very thorough, so much so that he was 
 known as the '' Concordance." There was not a passage 
 of Scripture that he was not familiar with and could turn to 
 readily. He was a Baptist, as were most of his descendants. 
 
 His children were Aaron, born 1792; Quartus, 1796; 
 Fidelia, 1798; Gerry, 1803; Rebecca, 1808; Ebenezer and 
 Keziah (twins,) 1813. 
 
 Of Aaron Smith, it was said that he was a great Bible 
 student. He was a farmer, but gave considerable attention 
 to the genealogy of the Smith family. He had recorded 
 the names of over 11,000 of his kin. It was said of him 
 that "he knew more and had forgotten fewer names and 
 dates than any man of his times." He resided most of his 
 life at Stockton, where he died Sept. 23d, 1876, aged 84 
 years. His children were Laurilla, born 1821, died 1825; 
 Lucretia, born 1824, died 1825; Laura, 1826; Lucy, born 
 1828, married a Griffith, and died 1880; Pamelia, born 1830, 
 died 1840; Cyrus, born 1831, died 1877; Milla, 1834; 
 William, 1837; Caroline, 1839; Aaron, Jr., 1843. The last 
 named lives at Burnhams, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.
 
 9 8 
 
 Quartus Smith, born 1796, lived many years in Stockton, 
 N. Y., and died in 1880. He married Pomilla Shepard. 
 They had no children . 
 
 Fidelia Smith, born 1798, and died 1840. She married 
 Elijah Wood, and had five children: Fidelia, who married 
 Dr. Alonzo P. Phillips, of Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 Ursula, who married James Rheem, and had three children 
 two dead and one now living, Mr. Charles Rheem, in 
 Oshkosh, Wis. Mrs. Ursula Wood Rheem married for her 
 second husband Albert G. Blakeslee, and they lived in 
 Dequoin, 111. Elijah married Jane McGregor. Livonia 
 married a Goulding and afterwards Erastus Bowen. Her 
 son, Charles L. Goulding, lives at Fredonia, N. Y. 
 
 Gerry Smith, born 1803, lived most of his life in Stock- 
 ton, where he died July 16, 1882. He married Louisa Ellis, 
 a daughter of Barzillia Ellis, Jr., of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 Their children are Hiram, William, Frank, Flora, and David. 
 
 Rebecca Smith, born 1808, married Freeman Richard- 
 son in 1830. In 1854 they removed to LaCrosse, Wis., 
 where Mrs. R. now lives. Mr. Richardson died in 1868. 
 Their children were : Melissa, died in 1876; Matilda, Jasper, 
 Squire, and Florilla. The last-named married Wm. Gear, 
 and now resides in LaCrosse and has three children, Elsie, 
 Ella, and Edna Gear. Mrs. Rebecca Richardson now lives 
 with her daughter, Mrs. Gear. 
 
 Ebenezer Smith, born in 1813, died in Chautauqua Co. 
 in 1835, unmarried. 
 
 Keziah Smith, born 1813, twin-sister of the above, mar- 
 ried Arunah Richardson, brother of Freeman Richardson. 
 Their children were Eliza Ann, who married John Carpen- 
 ter, and lives at Cassadaga, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Lovina, 
 married Albert Irons ; she lives at Cassadaga. Levant and 
 Truman Richardson, live at Burnhams, N. Y. 
 
 (44.) OBED SMITH, sixth child of Elder Ebenezer and 
 Remember Ellis Smith, was born in Ashfield, April 6th, 
 1770, and died in Stockton, N. Y., Oct. i7th, 1828. He
 
 99 
 
 married Rhoda Sears, of Ashfield. Their children were, 
 Priscilla, Obed, Aretus, Keziah, Daniel, Irene and Pre- 
 served. 
 
 (46.) RICHARD SMITH, youngest child of Elder 
 Ebenezer and Remember Ellis Smith, was born in Ashfield, 
 June 20th, 1774, and died in Ashfield May 8th, 1800. He 
 was a physician, and never married. 
 
 He was a graduate of Brown University at Providence, 
 and was a very scholarly man. He was very proficient in 
 astronomy and mathematics, and it is said once wrote an 
 almanac. 
 
 All these families children of Elder Ebenezer and Re- 
 member Ellis Smith settled in Central and Western New 
 York early in the present century, except Rev. Preserved 
 Smith, their eldest son, who lived and died in Rowe, Mass. 
 
 Children of Jane Ellis Phillips, (n), and John Phillips, (xa), 
 of Marlboro, Vermont, and their wives and hus- 
 bands. Grandchildren of Richard Ellis. 
 From ><>*. 47 to 61. 
 
 (47.) JOHN PHILLIPS, Jr., eldest son of Jane Ellis 
 and John Phillips, was born in Easton, Mass., Feb. i6th, 
 1761, and died Aug. 23rd, 1841. He lived many years in 
 Marlboro, Vermont, where he died. His children were: 
 Anna, Samuel, Cyrus, Ruth, John, Joseph, Polly, Sally and 
 Linus, all of whom are now dead. 
 
 (49.) MOLLY PHILLIPS, second child of John and 
 Jane Ellis Phillips, was born in Easton, Nov. I2th, 1763. 
 Her name is written Polly in some of the records. No 
 further account is given as to who she married or where 
 lived. 
 
 (53.) PERCIS PHILLIPS, fourth child of John and 
 Jane Ellis Phillips, was born in Easton, July 2nd, 1767. He 
 died in April, 1829, in Vermont.
 
 100 
 
 (55.) HANNAH PHILLIPS, born in Easton, March 
 I4th, 1770, and died Jan. I3th, 1850. She is said to have 
 married a Fulton. 
 
 (57.) MARCY PHILLIPS, sixth child of John and 
 Jane Ellis Phillips, was born in Easton, Sept. 22nd, 1773. 
 Her name in some of the records is given as Mary. She 
 married Joseph Bryant. She died in Vermont, Feb. 2ist, 
 1831. 
 
 (59.) PHEBE PHILLIPS, seventh child of Jane Ellis 
 and John Phillips, was born in Easton, Mass., Feb. 4th, 
 1777, and died in Marlboro, Vt,, Aug. I4th, 1863. On Sept. 
 5th, 1797, she was married by Rev. Mr. Lyman to James 
 Charter of Marlboro. The latter was born in Hartford, 
 Conn., in 1742, and died in Marlboro, April 22nd, 1821. 
 
 Their children were as follows: Philena Charter, born 
 Oct. ist, 1798, married Asa Worden Nov. I4th, 1819, and 
 died Oct. 23rd, 1880. 
 
 Ruth Charter, born June 6th, 1800, and died March 6th, 
 1802. 
 
 Hannah Charter, born April 7th, 1803, married Orrison 
 Bruce Feb. 2ist, 1825, and died June 3rd, 1884. 
 
 John Charter, born Nov. 26th, 1805, married Hannah J. 
 Yeaton Sept. i2th, 1830, and died Dec. 5th, 1881. 
 
 James Charter, Jr., bern May 3Oth, 1809, married Mary 
 B. Fillebrown April 2nd, 1829, in Boston, Mass. Mrs. Mary 
 B. Charter was born in Orrington, Me., March ist, 1813. 
 She and her husband, James Charter, Jr., have resided 
 many years in Williamsville, Windham Co., Vt. Mr. 
 Charter has the old family bible of his mother and grand- 
 mother, Jane Ellis Phillips (n), and he has kindly sent 
 me records of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and their descendants, 
 which were not to be found elsewhere. Mr. Charter is a 
 farmer and an aged man. 
 
 His children are as follows: Mary Elizabeth Charter, 
 married Elijah Morse, of New Fane, Vt.
 
 t6t 
 
 James H. Charter, born 1832, married Mary A. Dutton, 
 in E. Boston in 1853, and Esther L. Worden in 1870. 
 
 Charles M. Charter, born in Boston, 1837, married 
 Rebecca Wyman in Boston, Mass. 
 
 Francis H. Charter, born in Boston, 1840, married Helen 
 S. Gallager. 
 
 Anna Viola Charter, born in Vermont, 1844, married N. 
 J. D. Leavett, in Somerville, Vt., in 1863. 
 
 Herbert F. Charter, born in Vermont, in 1848, died in 
 Brewer, Me., 1864. 
 
 John F. Charter, born in E. Boston, 1852, died in 
 Williamsvilie, Vt., in 1876. 
 
 After the death of Mr. Charter, Sr., in 1821, Mrs. Phebe 
 Phillips Charter (59), married Mr. Joseph Brvant. They 
 were married in Marlboro, Dec. I3th, 1831, by Rev. E. H. 
 Newton. 
 
 Mrs. Phebe Charter Bryant was a very devoted Chris- 
 tian woman of the Baptist denomination. 
 
 (61.) SALLY PHILLIPS, youngest child of John and 
 Jane Ellis Phillips, was born in Easton, Mass., May 2nd, 
 1780. She married Joshua Morse, and died May 1710, 1862. 
 
 Children of i .it-ut . John Ellis, (15), of Ashfield, and their 
 
 husbands and -wives. Grandchildren of Richard 
 
 Ellis. From >ios. 63 to 75. 
 
 (63.) HANNAH ELLIS WILLIAMS, eldest child of 
 Lieut. John Ellis, was born in Ashfield, May ist, 1764. She 
 died in Westport, Essex Co., N. Y., March 4th, 1839. 
 About 1789 she married Apollos Williams of Ashfield, 
 where they lived for some years, when they settled in West- 
 port, which is on the western shore of Lake Champlain, 
 where they lived many years. Her husband, 
 
 (64.) APOLLOS WILLIAMS, Sr., was born June 8th, 
 1768. He was married in Ashfield where he lived some
 
 years before and after that event. He was a farmer. He 
 died in Westport, in 1848. 
 
 Their children were: Rhoda, born 1790; Hannah, born 
 1793; Daniel, 1795; Apollos, Jr., 1797; John, 1799; Alpheus, 
 1801 ; and Edward, born 1804. 
 
 Rhoda Williams, born in Ashfielcl, Nov. 3Oth, 1790, died 
 in Racine, Wis., Aug. 7th, 1874. She married Russell 
 Phillips of Ashfield, Jan. 2nd, 1808. He died in Racine, 
 .April i5th, 1856. They lived in Ashfield, in one house, 21 
 years, where all of their children were born. They went to 
 Wisconsin in 1849, to their son John's in Sun Prairie, near 
 Madison, where they lived five years and then removed to 
 Racine, where they both died. Mr. Russell Phillips was 
 born in Ashfield, Mass., Aug. 3ist, 1785. His father was 
 Thomas Phillips, Jr., who was a son of Thomas, Sr., born 
 1712, the second settler in Ashfield, and the latter was a 
 brother of Jane Phillips (2), who married Richard Ellis, the 
 first settler in Ashfield. See Appendix. 
 
 The children of Russell and Rhoda Williams Phillips 
 were eight in number as follows: Hannah, born 1811; Allen, 
 born 1813; John, 1815; Monroe, 1817; Galusha, 1820; Mary, 
 1823; Sarah, 1825; Elizabeth A., 1832. 
 
 Hannah Phillips, born May i8th, 1811, married Calvin 
 Flower, son of Phineas of Ashfield, Nov. 28th, 1833. She 
 had five children James N., born 1835, married, is a lawyer 
 and lives in Chicago. Phineas A., born 1837, lives in Sun 
 Prairie, Wis., and is a farmer. Ellen J., born 1839, died ^ l 
 18 years of age in Wisconsin. George A., born 1841, died 
 1844. Edith C., born 1846, married Bradford Hancock, 
 resides in Chicago and has two children. 
 
 Allen Phillips, was born in Ashfield, May 2Oth, 1813, 
 married Louisa Cross of Ashfield, where he always lived 
 and where he died. 
 
 John Phillips, born 1815 in Ashfield, married Ruth Grin- 
 nell, settled on a farm at Sun Prairie, Wis., where he died in 
 1877, leaving three children Henry on the farm. Emma,
 
 io 3 
 
 who married Charles Vrooman, and resides at Green Bay, 
 Wis., and Edna, who married H. W. Chenoweth and lives 
 in Madison, Wis. 
 
 Monroe Phillips, born March 2nd, 1817, married Amanda 
 Reed. They now reside at Davenport, Wis. They have 
 three children William and Ward who are farmers in 
 Dakota, and Ella, who is at a musical institute in Warren, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Galusha Phillips, fifth child of Rhoda and Russell 
 Phillips, was born in Ashfield, April 2yth, 1820. He 
 married Stella B. Scranton, of Rochester, JSl. Y., Oct. 3rd, 
 1848. They reside in Rochester, and have no children. Mr. 
 P. was in the hat cap and fur business there many years, 
 but for twenty years past has been in the furniture trade. 
 His wife is a woman of rare worth and intelligence, to 
 \vhom the writer is indebted for most of the records of this 
 branch of Phillipses. When a youth, Mr. Phillips lived 
 about seven years on a farm with his mother's uncle Deacon 
 Dimick Ellis (72), in Ashfield. At 14 years of age, he 
 started out in the world to make his way alone, and it is 
 much to his credit, that, in the midst of many discourage- 
 ments, he has ever maintained an upright and honorable 
 career worthy of imitation. 
 
 Mary Phillips, born 1823, married Simeon C. Yout, and 
 they now reside in Racine, Wis. They have three children 
 Adelaide married a Mr. Petitt, he died in 1881. She lives 
 in Racine and has one child. Amelia married Wm. Gilles- 
 pie, they live in Englewood, a suburb of Chicago, she has 
 one son. Nellie Yout married Harry Wright and lives in 
 Racine. Louis Yout, unmarried, also lives in Racine. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Yout lost two children, one of whom, their eldest, 
 was killed in the war of the Rebellion at Chickamauga, 
 Sept. 2Oth, 1863. 
 
 Sarah Phillips was born in Ashfield, May I2th, 1825. 
 She married Charles Hill, who died in 1855, m Nashville, 
 Tenn. She had one son who died in 1860, aged 12 years. 
 Mrs. Hill had resided in Madison, Wis., for many years.
 
 1 04 
 
 Elizabeth A. Phillips was the eighth and youngest child 
 of Russell and Rhoda Phillips. She was born in Ashfield, 
 Oct. I2th, 1832, and died in Madison, Wis., in 1873. She 
 married Sidney Foote in 1857, and he died in 1877, m Jackson- 
 ville, Florida, where he had gone for his health. They left 
 six daughters Florence and Catherine Foote, teachers in 
 public schools, in Madison, Wis. Martha, who lives in 
 Rochester, N. Y., with her uncle Galusha Phillips. Ella, a 
 teacher in Green Bay, Wis. Annie in Knoxville, 111., and 
 Ruth Foote, adopted by Mr. Smith in Winetka, near 
 Chicago. Mr. Foote was a very bright man, a college 
 graduate and a lawyer. 
 
 Hannah Williams, second child of Hannah Ellis and 
 Apollos Williams, Sr., was born Jan. 25th, 1793 in Ashfield. 
 She never married, but lived with her parents in Westport, 
 N. Y., until their death, when she resided for a time with 
 her brother Alpheus, in Coldwater, Mich., and afterwards 
 with her brother Apollos, in Minnesota, where she died in 
 1871. 
 
 Daniel Williams, third child of Hannah and Apollos, was 
 born 1795, and died when about 18 years of age. He died 
 in Westport, from a wound accidently inflicted by a drunken 
 man who was carelessly handling a gun at a general train- 
 ing, or muster. 
 
 Apollos, Jr., born Feb. 2ist, 1797, died in Pleasant 
 Valley, Minn., in 1866. He married Betsy Adams and had 
 ii children, whose names were: John P., born 1834; Alzina, 
 1837; Louisa, 1838; Ann, Lovinda, Lucy, Luther, Angeline, 
 Augustus, Cynthia and Marian, all born in Westport. 
 Augustus Williams lives at High Forest, Minn. His mother, 
 who was born Feb. nth, 1812, is still living; she has had 60 
 grand children, 44 of them now living. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Apollos Williams, Jr., moved to Pleasant 
 Valley, Minn., in 1861 with their entire family of n children. 
 Their son, John P. and his wife Irene, live there now. 
 Their children are Cora, Roger, Ervin, Flora, Linn, Wendel 
 and Warner. Alzina Williams married Wm. Toogood and
 
 their children are : Franklin, Albert, George, Mabel, Maud, 
 Wright, Nellie and Wenn. Louisa Williams married 
 Thomas Wallace and their children are: Jenny, Laura, 
 Annie, Ella, Susie, Hugh and John. Lucy Williams married 
 Dwight Toogood, and their children are: Effie, Nettie, Dory, 
 Lyman and Merrit. Lorinda Williams married Isaac F. 
 Johnson, and their children are: Alma, Clinton, Mattie, 
 Rosa and Phillip. Ann Williams married John B. Dun- 
 ham, and their children are: Ella, Minnie, Edith, Myrtle, 
 Roy and Bertha. 
 
 Luther and Augustus Williams are unmarried, and live 
 with their mother in Pleasant Valley. 
 
 Angelina Williams married Johnson Bentley, and their 
 children are: Lewella, Nora, Edward, Irvin and Walter. 
 They reside at Pleasant Valley. Cynthia Williams married 
 Julius Whaler, and their children are: Blanch, Willie, Marcia 
 and Irene. Marian Williams married Perry E. Babcock, 
 and their children are: Ada, Harry and Nina, and two others 
 dead, Etta and Bertha. In July, 1881, these families and 
 Williams relatives had a reunion at Pleasant Valley,-at which 
 88 of them were present. 
 
 John Williams, born July 27th, 1799, married Sylvia 
 McLane June 5th, 1823. He was accidently drowned in 
 Lake Champlain, Nov. 23rd, 1825. He was on a vessel 
 which was lost in a storm with all on board. He had one 
 son, Daniel, born in Westport, March 9th, 1824, who now 
 lives in Dexter, Minn., and is a thriving farmer and a man 
 of uncommon intelligence and worth. 
 
 Mr. Daniel Williams married Miss Adelia Babcock, and 
 they have 10 children and n grandchildren. Their children 
 are: Martha Ann, born 1850; John Jay, 1851; Charles 
 Henry, 1854; Clark Phineas, 1856; Sylvia Ursula, 1857; 
 Melvin Daniel, 1859; Ira Rufus, 1861; Edward Perry, 1863; 
 Alpheus Simeon, 1868; and Ida May, 1872. The first eight, 
 born in Quincy, Mich., and the last two in Dexter, Minn. 
 Mrs. Adelia B. Williams was born in New York, Nov. 6th, 
 1830.
 
 io6 
 
 Alpheus Williams, born Aug. 28th, 1801, married Sylvia 
 M. Williams, widow of his brother John, Sept. 3Oth, 1827. 
 He died near Coldwater, Mich., Oct. loth, 1877. His 
 widow is now living in Michigan. Their children's names 
 are: George, born 1828; John, Henry, Edward, Monroe, 
 died 1874, anc * Ann Eliza, 1840. Most of this family now 
 live in and near Coldwater. Mrs. Sylvia M. Williams, the 
 mother, was born May 2ist, 1804, and now lives with her 
 son Edward, four miles from Coldwater. George Williams 
 has four children: Louella, Cora, Nellie and Sylvia. John 
 Williams' children are: George, Lovina and Dan, Henry 
 Williams, one child, Lena. Monroe Williams at his death 
 left two children, Homer and Monroe. Ann Eliza Williams 
 married a Bidleman, and has one son, Emmet Bidleman. 
 
 Edward Williams, youngest child of Hannah Ellis and 
 Apollos Williams, was born Dec. 29th, 1804, and died in 
 1847. He married Ann R. Keith, and their children were: 
 Harriet, born 1829; Albert K., 1834; Gulielma, 1842; 
 Alborn and Hannah. The last two are dead. This family 
 of children were born some in Vermont and some in Canada. 
 Mrs. Ann R. K. Williams, the mother, was born June 25th, 
 1811, and died Aug. 2Oth, 1844. Albert K. Williams lives 
 in Washington, D. C. Gulielma Williams married a Cooper, 
 and they live in Winnebago, Minn. 
 
 The descendants of Hannah Ellis (63), and Apollos 
 Williams, Sr., (64), are very numerous and have ever been 
 highly respected and useful people. Apollos, Sr., and wife 
 were Baptists and their good example and instruction has 
 shown a good influence in the generation which has now 
 passed, and will no doubt in those to come. 
 
 (65.; DIMICK ELLIS, second child of Lieut. John 
 Ellis, was born in Ashfield, Oct. 23rd, 1766. He died Aug. 
 4th, 1773, according to records of his father's family. In the 
 records of the town of Ashfield, his name is given as 
 Edward Dirmck Ellis, with date of death the same as 
 above.
 
 107 
 
 (66.) JANE ELLIS LINCOLN, third child of Lieut. 
 John Ellis, was born in Ashfield, March 7th, 1779. She 
 married Capt. Samuel Lincoln, in Ashfield, in 1788. They 
 had nine children, some of whom were born in Ashfield, and 
 others in central and western New York. Her husband, 
 
 (67.) CAPT. SAMUEL LINCOLN resided in Ashfield 
 at the time of his marriage and for some time thereafter. 
 He was a man of more than average energy and enterprise. 
 About 1800 he moved with his family to central New York, 
 where both himself and wife died about the same time in 
 1812. Upon this sad event this large family of children, 
 most of whom wore small, the youngest Benjamin, a baby 
 of but a few months, were widely scattered. Mrs. Lincoln's 
 brother Dimick Ellis (72), visited them and took two of the 
 younger, Thomas and Anne to Ashfield, where they lived to 
 maturity. The youngest Anne he carried in his arms most 
 of the way, there being no roads then except for wagons 
 and stages. Anne married a Mr. Haines and removed west. 
 It is said that she had a daughter, Jane who lived in Cold- 
 water, Mich. 
 
 Thomas Lincoln (203), was born Nov. i8th, 1808, in 
 Byron, Genesee Co., N. Y. After the death of his parents 
 in 1812, he lived with his uncle Dimick in Ashfield until 
 1825, when he went to New York. He married Miss Julia 
 Rhodes, who was born in Sempronius, N. Y., Sept. I2th, 
 1812. They were married Sept. 2ist, 1834, and settled in 
 Springville, Erie Co., N. Y., where they and some of their 
 children now reside. Mr. Lincoln is an architect and builder 
 and has erected many of the finest buildings in Springville 
 and surrounding country. In 1836 he moved to Monroe, 
 Mich., where he built the first raidroad bridge over the 
 river Raisin. In 1840 he removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and in 
 1845 he returned to Springville, where he now lives, still 
 actively engaged in his profession. Mr. Lincoln as an up- 
 right, public-spirited and honorable citizen in his town, has 
 no superior, and enjoys the confidence of the entire com-
 
 io8 
 
 munity. Mrs. Lincoln is a very amiable woman, beloved 
 by all. She has been a member of the Presbyterian church 
 nearly 50 year's. Their children are: Anna L., born 1835; 
 Marion T., 1838; Carlottie E., 1839; Helen M., 1843; 
 Americas C., 1845; Josephine J, 1847; Manly B., 1850; 
 Julia A., 1852. 
 
 Anna L. Lincoln, born 1835, married Dr. J. Swain of 
 Golden, Erie Co., N. Y. Marion T. Lincoln was a soldier 
 in the late war and was a prisoner at Saulsbury. He 
 married Miss Katie Gould of Greenville, Mich., where he 
 now resides. Helen M. Lincoln married a Mr. Eggert and 
 has a son, George T. Eggert. She afterwards married Mr. 
 Geo. W. Zink a prominent business man of Buffalo, and 
 they have a son, Geo. W., Jr. Americus C. Lincoln was a 
 soldier in the rebellion and was a prisoner at Andersonville. 
 Josephine Y. Lincoln married Wallace Popple of Collins, 
 Erie Co., N. Y. Their children are: Maud and Willie. 
 Julia Ada Lincoln married William Owen of Buffalo, and 
 their children are: Emily, Willie and Helen. 
 
 Hannah Lincoln (200), married Marvin Williams and 
 lived in Hinckley, Medina Co., Ohio, where she died about 
 1860, leaving one daughter Jane, who married George 
 Thayer of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Their son, George 
 Thayer is said to be a druggist in Toledo, Ohio. 
 
 Phebe Lincoln (198), married Ira Butler, said to be a 
 cousin of Hon. Benj. F. Butler of Mass. They lived near 
 Medina, Ohio, the later years of their life. No further report 
 of them. 
 
 Of this family of Lincolns there was one (not in the list 
 on page 22,) named Dimick Lincoln. After his parents 
 death he lived for several years with Mr. Peleg Standish, 
 of Sempronius, N. Y., when he went away a young man, 
 as he said to visit the old world. No account of him has 
 since been found. 
 
 The youngest of the Lincoln children was Benjamin 
 (205.) He was a baby when his parents died. He was
 
 109 
 
 reared by his sister Betsey, with whom he lived a time. 
 Later in life he went to Ohio, at or near where his sister 
 Marilla, Mrs. Prichard, lived. About the year 1849, he 
 came to Otisco (now Belding), Mich., where his uncle Dimick 
 Ellis (72) then lived, in his old age with his son Lewis (241.) 
 Benjamin Lincoln at this time was a great sufferer from 
 rheumatism, to such an extent that he was helpless. His 
 uncle Dimick's children, Richard and Lewis Ellis, and 
 daughter Mrs. Desiah Ellis Belding lived here. These were 
 Benjamin's cousins, with whom he remained for about three 
 years until his death. His disease took on the form of con- 
 sumption, which proved fatal about 1853. He is remember- 
 ed as a man of great patience and amiability of character, 
 beloved by all. 
 
 Marilla Lincoln (201), was born Feb. 3rd, 1805. She 
 married Sheldon C. Prichard Feb. 22nd, 1819. Mr. Prich- 
 ard was born Aug. ist, 1802. They lived in Moravia New 
 York, a few years after their marriage, when they moved to 
 Wauseon, Ohio, where Mr. Prichard died. Mrs. Prichard 
 removed about 1875 to Prichardville, Barry Co., Mich., 
 where she died Oct. 28th, 1883, at the home of her son Solo- 
 mon Prichard. Mr. and Mrs. Prichard were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected and up- 
 right people. .Their children were Alonzo, born 1824. He 
 married a Worden, sister of Dr. S. T. Worden of Delta, Ohio. 
 Alonzo Prichard now lives at Wauseon, Ohio. Charles born 
 1826, now lives at Prichardville, Mich. Julia born 1829, died 
 in Ohio 1830. Hiram born 1830, now lives at Wauseon, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Jane Prichard, born 1832, married Dr. S. T. Worden of 
 Delta, Ohio. Helen Prichard, born 1835, married a man 
 named Dando, is now a widow and lives in Prichardville, 
 Mich. Solomon, born 1837, lives in Prichardville. George, 
 born 1839, l* ves at Prichardville. Sarah, born 1842, married 
 Isaac Weeks, lives in Prichardville. Mary, born in Liver- 
 pool, Ohio, Jan. 3rd, 1847, lived in Hillsdale, Mich. She 
 married Dr. Chamberlin in 1863, and had one daughter
 
 no 
 
 Myrtle Chamberlin. Dr.Chamberlin died in 1875, and Mrs. 
 Chamberlin married Mr. Bernard in 1878. Mrs. Bernard 
 lived in Jackson, Mich., several years and later in Hillsdale. 
 She died suddenly May I3th, 1885, greatly lamented by a 
 large circle of relatives and friends. Her daughter now 
 lives in Hillsdale. She is widely known as a highly culti- 
 vated and talented singer. 
 
 Polly Lincoln (199), married John Rose and they were 
 in Niles, Cayuga Co., N. Y., for a time about 1834. No 
 further report from them. 
 
 Betsey Lincoln (202), probably married a Worden. 
 Where they lived was not known to the other relatives. As 
 said above when Capt. Samuel and Jane Ellis Lincoln died 
 in 1812 their children were widely scattered, and some of 
 them became lost to each other as well as to their other more 
 distant relatives. This was a matter of grief and sadness 
 in after life to the others, who felt a loneliness thereafter. 
 
 (68.) JOHN ELLIS, Jr., fourth child of Lieut. John 
 Ellis, was born in Ashfield, Sept. ipth, 1771. He lived with 
 his father until about the age of 19 when he enlisted in the 
 army and went with Gen. Anthony Wayne in a campaign 
 against the Indians in Ohio and Indiana from 1793 to 1795. 
 In a hard fought battle at Falling-Timbers, Ind., he was 
 severely wounded. After his discharge he went down the 
 Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, and thence by 
 vessel to New York, and from there home. Soon after his 
 arrival in Ashfield he was married to Abilena Phillips of 
 that town, Dec. 3Oth, 1795. They then settled in Sempron- 
 ius (now Niles), N. Y., where they raised a large family of 
 15 children, all but two of whom grew to maturity, and 
 most of them to old age. Four of them are yet living. 
 
 Elisha, born 1805, now living in Farmersville, Ind., John J. 
 born 1810, living near Auburn, N. Y. Ebenezer, born 
 1815, living in Arkansas City, Kan., and Anthony Wayne 
 Ellis, born 1820, now lives in Niles on the old homestead.
 
 Ill 
 
 John Ellis, Jr., was a Methodist in the early part of his 
 life. He was quite a bible student and often an exhorter in 
 the meetings. In the later years of his life he inclined to 
 universalism. He was an honest, sincere and Christian man. 
 He died at Niles, N. Y., 1848. His wife, 
 
 (69.) ABILENA PHILLIPS, was born in Ashfield in 
 1776. She was a daughter of Vespasian Phillips, of Ash- 
 field. She was a true and devoted wife and mother, and a 
 good Christian woman. After the death of her husband in 
 1848 she lived with her son Anthony W. Ellis in Niles, where- 
 she died in 1854. She has a numerous posterity in New 
 York, Ohio and several western states. For sketches of 
 her children see Nos. 206 to 231. 
 
 (70.) EDWARD ELLIS, fifth child of Lieut. John Ellis, 
 was born in Ashfield, March 2Oth, 1773. He worked on his 
 father's farm during his youth. June 4th, 1798, he married 
 Amanda Flower, of Ashfield, and very soon after removed 
 to Sempronius, N. Y., where he settled on a farm which his 
 father had purchased a short time before. They moved 
 from Ashfield, with an ox team and were 14 days on the 
 way. His wife took from Ashfield a young apple tree, 
 which she planted in their front yard, and which yet bears 
 fruit. Their oldest son Cyrus Ellis, who was born on this 
 place in 1799, lived most of his life and died there in Nov., 
 1885. His father Edward, was a very ambitious and indus- 
 trious man and died suddenly in 1801, it is said from over- 
 work. At his death and burial so new was the country that 
 no boards could be procured of which to make a coffin. 
 The neighbors cut down trees, and _split out slabs of wood 
 for this purpose, and to prevent the wolves from molesting 
 the grave which was near the house, two loads of stone 
 were placed over it. For sketch of his children see Nos. 
 2 33 to 2 35- His wife > 
 
 (71.) AMANDA FLOWER, was born in Ashfield, May 
 I5th, 1780. She was a daughter of Bildad Flower, and 
 granddaughter of Maj. Lamrock Flower, Sr., who lived and 
 died on the farm opposite the home of Lieut. John Ellis.
 
 112 
 
 Bildad Flower married Dorcas , and soon after entered 
 
 the Revolutionary army as a soldier. After three years 
 service he died and left a widow, and two young daughters. 
 Ruth, born about 1777, married Jesse Ranney, of Ashfield, 
 and Amanda, the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Amanda's mother, Dorcas Flower, after the death of her 
 father, Bildad Flower, married Spencer Phillips, also a Rev- 
 olutionary soldier, and they had a large family of children. 
 
 Amanda Flower Ellis, at the death of her husband had 
 .one son Cyrus (233), and another Edward D., who was born 
 two months after his father's death. Mrs. Ellis was a small 
 and frail woman, but had unusual resolution and endurance. 
 
 She took her two infant children and went to Ashfield. 
 After a few months she resolved to go back to her new 
 home in what was then "the west." (This was a very early 
 manifestation of what has since become a general fact that 
 eastern people who have once lived in the west cannot con- 
 tent themselves to remain long in the east again.) She left 
 Cyrus with his uncle Dimick Ellis, and started back to Sem- 
 pronius with her infant child Edward D. On the way she 
 made the acquaintance of a young Presbyterian minister, 
 Rev. Lyman Forbush, who was going into the same section 
 of country. After a time they were married and settled 
 permanently in Sempronius, where they remained the rest of 
 their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Forbush raised a large family of 
 children, mostly daughters. They were : Mindwell, born 1804, 
 died 1854. She married William Potter, and lived in Hills- 
 dale, Mich., many years. Lyman Jr., born 1807, died 1844. 
 He married Emeline Huff". Minerva, born 1810, married 
 George Davidson, and live in New York State. Dorcas, 
 born 1812, died 1842. She married Otis El wood. Thomas 
 M., born 1815. Amanda, born 1818, married Thomas Van 
 Arsdale, and now lives in or near Moravia, N.Y. Elizabeth, 
 born 1822, died in 1844. She married Rev. Edwin R. 
 Wade, a minister of the Christian Church, who now lives in 
 McLean, Tompkins Co., N. Y. Huldah, born 1824, married 
 Benj. Duryee, and she now lives in Niles, N. Y. Dorliska,
 
 "3 
 
 born 1826, married Newton Brokaw, and lives in New York. 
 Amanda Flower Ellis Forbush (71), lived in Niles, or Sem- 
 pronius (see note page 80), over 70 years. There were but 
 six families in the town when she and her first husband, 
 Edward Ellis, settled there. Her second husband, Rev. Mr. 
 Forbush, died there Aug. 7th, 1826, and she was a widow 
 over 41 years. Left as she was by the death of her hus- 
 band, with a large family of small children, the youngest 
 but two years of age, few can realize the amount of courage 
 needed to meet and overcome the obstacles and discourage- 
 ments of her life. She died Nov. I4th, 1867, in her 88th year. 
 She was a pure and noble woman, and retained her mental 
 and physical powers in a high degree to the close of her 
 life. She could count up children, grandchildren and great 
 grandchildren, to the number of two hundred. Her mem- 
 ory will long be cherished. 
 
 (72.) Dea. DIMICK ELLIS, sixth child of Lieut. John 
 Ellis and Molly Dimick his wife, was born in Ashfield, 
 Nov. 26th, 1776. He was the youngest son of his father's 
 family and remained on the homestead until his parents death 
 in 1827, and for nearly 20 years afterwards, when he re- 
 moved to Otisco, (now Belding), Ionia Co., Mich., where his 
 three eldest children had settled some years before. 
 
 The homestead in Ashfield was a very hilly and rocky 
 locality similar to nearly all the farms in that section. It 
 would puzzle one who was accustomed to the broad and fer- 
 tile fields of the Great West to understand how a moderate 
 subsistence even could be obtained from most of the New 
 England farms. That it was is evidence of great economy 
 as well as thrift. All were required to labor, usually early 
 and late. The principal " wealth " that was thus acquired 
 consisted mainly in the vigorous physical and mental con- 
 stitutions which nearly all acquired in a high degree. 
 
 When Dea. Ellis' father died in 1827, at 85 years of age, 
 his surplus accumulations in property could not have been 
 much, yet he made provision in his will for small legacies 
 to each of his children, which his son Dimick paid in full 

 
 114 
 
 according to old receipts found among his effects. The last 
 of these was to his nephew, Benjamin Lincoln, (youngest 
 child of his sister Jane, who married Capt. Samuel Lincoln 
 of Byron, N. Y.,) which was dated Otisco, Nov. 22, 1852, 
 about a year before Benjamin's death. These Lincoln chil- 
 dren had become widely separated after the death of their 
 parents in 1812, (see page 107) which accounts for the above 
 mentioned delay. 
 
 December nth, 1799, Dea. Ellis married Polly Annable. 
 He had four children ; Desiah, Richard, Lewis and John. 
 (For sketch of whom see Nos. 237 to 243.) 
 
 Deacon Ellis was a Baptist in religious belief and always 
 took an active part in religious matters. He was also a 
 strictly temperate man and when the "Washingtonian move- 
 ment," a temperance organization originated about 1825, he 
 was one of the first in his town to advocate the cause. 
 Previous to that time the use of ardent spirits was universal 
 among all classes, in the churches and out. It required a 
 great deal of courage to attempt interference with this 
 ancient and popular custom of liquor drinking at that time, 
 but Deacon Ellis always adhered to his temperance princi- 
 ples and was the means of converting many to his views, 
 both by his upright and Christian example as well as the 
 friendliness of all his ways. He was a prominent and 
 highly respected man all his life, and represented his town 
 in the State Assembly and Town Board for many years. 
 From his father, and grandfather Richard, he learned much 
 of the early history of those trying times, during and before 
 the great Revolution. From him the writer (his grandson), 
 derived most of the facts and incidents contained in the 
 sketch of Richard Ellis, the first settler of Ashfield. (See 
 page 9.) Dimick was about twenty-one years of age when 
 his grandfather died, and he had lived in the same neighbor- 
 hood and most of the time in the same family with him. 
 He always felt a great interest in all his relatives, whether 
 near or remote, and it was mainly in accordance with an
 
 expression of his, made nearly 35 years ago, that he would 
 sometime trace them out and put the record in shape for 
 future reference, that prompted the writer, at this late date? 
 to begin the work. Although the task has proved to be 
 many times greater than was supposed possible at the outset 
 and quite perplexing from the slight data he had to begin 
 with, yet the writer hopes in the end to make the work 
 quite full and of interest to the many families included. 
 
 A year or two before his death Deacon Ellis wrote out 
 some account of the early relatives, and their families, 
 which he put in the keeping of his nephew, Mr. Cyrus 
 Ellis (233,) of Niles, N. Y. All these interesting and 
 valuable records were lost some years later in a fire which 
 destroyed Cyrus' house and contents. The generation to 
 which Deacon Ellis belonged has gone by. All their 
 voices are hushed in a silence we cannot penetrate. They 
 were a noble race of men and women, whose lifework 
 was fully and well done. It is a pleasure to record their 
 names, and a virtue in the present and coming genera- 
 tions, to respect and honor their memories and to imitate 
 their example. "The memory of the just is blessed." The 
 subject of this sketch was one of the purest and noblest of 
 his time. He retained his physical and mental powers with 
 increasing brightness until his last days, which he himself 
 attributed mainly to his uniform sobriety, equanimity of 
 temper and abstinence from those deadly poisons, alcohol 
 and tobacco, and he used tea and coffee even but seldom. 
 His life and energies were devoted to doing good to his fel- 
 low men by whom he was universally respected and 
 beloved. His old age was happy, serene and beautiful, a 
 joy to himself as well as to those around him.* 
 
 * It is worthy to note the influence which an upright, Christian and sober life has on 
 men and women. All through these pages are recorded the names of many who have 
 reached ages approaching one hundred years and still retaining a high degree of physical 
 and mental vigor. This is especially true of the women, to whom fortunately custom forbids 
 the habitual use of stimulants and narcotics. What a contrast is this with the malevolence 
 and insanity caused by the use of alcohol and the filthiness of person, and ugliness of temper, 
 often produced by tobacco. It is hoped that the present and future generations will appreci- 
 ate the pure example of those noble ancestors, so far at least as to scrupulously avoid all 
 unnatural stimulants and narcotics which are now producing such destructive effects upon 
 our race. When this much is done it requires no great effort to live a useful and respectable 
 life in the world.
 
 n6 
 
 He died at 82 years of age from an attack of inflamma- 
 tion of the lungs, brought on from exposure to cold, but his 
 natural vigor of constitution might otherwise have served 
 him for a dozen years. He was a large man and six feet 
 high. 
 
 After the death of his first wife in 1826, Deacon Ellis 
 married Mrs. Catherine Long Wilson, of Shelburn, Mass. 
 She was a widow with six children: Samuel, Stephen, 
 David, Dr. Milo, Mary who married Hiram Belding, Esq., 
 and Louisa, who married Dimick's son, Lewis Ellis (241). 
 
 Mrs. Catherine Ellis died in Belding, Mich., about 1854, 
 at an advanced age. Her son, Dr. Milo Wilson, died about 
 1875 m Shelburn Falls, Mass., where he had been a physi- 
 cian many years. 
 
 Her daugher Mary, who married Hiram Belding, Esq., 
 lived in Belding, Mich., from whom that place was named. 
 It is a thriving village in the township of Otisco, and but a 
 few rods from where the Ellises settled in 1842 and '44, and 
 where Lewis (241) and C. D. Ellis (749), son of Richard 
 (239), and their families now reside. 
 
 The engraving in the front of the book is a very good 
 likeness of Dea. Dimick Ellis when he was 78 years of 
 age. 
 
 (73.) POLLY ANNABLE, first wife of Deacon Dimick 
 Ellis and mother of his children, was born in Ashfield, 1774. 
 She was a daughter of Samuel Annable, Jr., and Desiah 
 Dimick, and a sister of Lieut. Edward Annable (39), all of 
 Ashfield. She was a small woman and never of robust 
 health, but a devoted wife and mother, and a sincere Chris- 
 tian. She died in 1826, quite early in life, considering the 
 average longevity of most of those New England residents. 
 She was greatly beloved by all her relatives and acquaint- 
 ances. She left four children, the two younger of whom 
 are Mr. Lewis Ellis (241), of Belding, Mich., who was born 
 in Ashfield in 1811, and Dr. John Ellis (243), of New York 
 City, born 1815.
 
 "7 
 
 (75.) SYLYIA ELLIS, youngest child of Lieut. John 
 Ellis, was born in Ash field, June 26th, 1779. She married 
 Asher Belding in Ashfield, Oct., 1802, where all their chil- 
 dren were born. Their home was about one-half mile south 
 of the corner where Richard Ellis first located. She died 
 in Ashfield in the year 1829. Her children were: Aretus, 
 Jane, Edward, Ebenezer, Volney, Thomas and Chandler. 
 For sketches of these see Nos. 246 to 253. Her husband, 
 
 (76.) ASHER BELDING, was born in Ashfield, Jan. 
 20th, 1777. His father was Ebenezer Belding, Jr., and his 
 grandfather Deacon Ebenezer, Sr.,* both of -whom lived in 
 Ashfield long before the Revolutionary War. It is prob- 
 able that these Beldings came from Whately, which is 
 about 15 miles southeasterly from Ashfield. Asher Beld- 
 ing's parents were Ebenezer Belding, Jr., and his wife 
 Jenezer Ingram. Asher's brothers were, Ebenezer, born 
 Aug. 23rd, 1769. Abigail, born Sept. 2nd, 1771, and Na- 
 thaniel, born June 22nd, 1774. Mr. Asher Belding was a 
 man of considerable business capacity, which he exercised 
 in various pursuits and speculations, much like what the 
 more modern Yankee has become famous for. For many 
 years he was engaged in raising, buying, distilling and 
 dealing in peppermint oil and essences, in which he did a 
 prosperous business for those times fifty to eighty years 
 ago. After the death of his first wife in 1829, he married a 
 Mrs. Sarah Allen in 1831; she was a widow with several 
 daughters, who married husbands named Sadler, Cutler, 
 and Combes. The two latter lived for a few years in 
 Otisco, Mich., early in the forties. Some years later 
 Mr. Asher Belding removed to Phelps, Ontario Co., 
 
 *Another branch of Beldings was Mr. Samuel Belding. He was from Deerfield. He 
 purchased the farm where Richard Ellis made the first settlement in the town. Here he and 
 his wife Mary raised a large family of children, whose names were: Daniel, born 1754; John, 
 1756; Mary, 1758; Mercy, 1759; Esther, 1761; Samuel, 1762, died young; Asenath, 1764; 
 Louisa 1765; Samuel, 1767; Elizabeth, 1770, and Aaron, 1774. John Belding, born Dec. 17th, 
 1756, lived on the homestead until his death in 1830. He married Priscilla Waite, (probably a 
 daughter of Seth Waite, a prominent resident of that town), July isth, 1784. Their children 
 were David, Tiberius (339), Hiram and others. Hiram Belding, born about 1805, married 
 Mary Wilson. They lived on the homestead of his father and grandfather until about 1853, 
 when they settled in Belding, Mich. Their children were David W., Milo M., Hiram fl., 
 Alvah N., Frank H. and Jennie. The latter died in Belding, Mich., about 1873. The five 
 sons compose the extensive silk manufacturing firm of Belding Bros. & Co. Their mills 
 are at Rockville, Conn., Northampton, Mass., Belding, Mich., San Francisco, Cal., and 
 Montreal, Canada. They are men of great enterprise and ability.
 
 u8 
 
 N. Y., where he died in 1852. It may be said that 
 in the early part of the present century, trafficking in 
 various oils and essences was a very common pursuit in that 
 part of the country. About 1815 Ashfield had attained its 
 largest population, so that there was quite a surplus of in- 
 habitants, and hence a pressing necessity for all who could, 
 to seek other and newer locations. And it is not far from 
 truth to say that about the first and second generations in 
 the present century of New England youths, when they 
 attained to years approaching manhood, invariably supplied 
 themselves with a pair of willow baskets or tin trunks, and 
 with these well filled with oils, essences, pins, needles, 
 thread, etc., suspended from their shoulders with a yoke, 
 started out from the parental fireside to "see the world," and 
 prospect for a situation in life. Many thousands of these 
 young men, full of life and energy, and Yankee sagacity, 
 thus equipped, perambulated New York and the western 
 States. They were the pioneers in all the newer sections of 
 the West, where most of them made for themselves a habi- 
 tation and a name before they returned to the old homes in 
 the east, unless, as was the case with many, to make a hasty 
 visit to secure a wife from among the blooming damsels left 
 behind, who proved themselves no less courageous and desi- 
 rous to face the trials of pioneer life, than had their broth- 
 ers and newly made husbands before them.* Indeed it is 
 conceded that to the energy, enterprise and heroism of New 
 England youth is attributed the rapid settlement, develop- 
 ment and populating of several western States, and wher- 
 ever this influence was felt, there was left for all time the 
 impress for good, of New England's best genius, independ- 
 ence and love of justice and liberty. And it is only fair to 
 say that this was but the natural outgrowth of principles 
 which caused that band of exiles, the Pilgrims, to brave the 
 ocean's storms in mid-winter and establish their homes on 
 
 * However widely separated they became there ever remained an attachment for the old 
 home which time could not efface. Love for the scenes of their youth grew with the years 
 and were ever fresh in their memories. Truly could they say : 
 
 We see it all the pictures that our memories held so dear, 
 
 The homestead in New England far away, 
 And the vision is so natural-like we almost seem to hear 
 The voices that were hushed but yesterday.
 
 New England's sterile shore, two hundred and sixty-five 
 years ago. Their deeds should be praised and their memory 
 honored by every descendant of New England, for all time 
 to come. 
 
 Since the New England States have become so ex- 
 tensively engaged in manufacturing, within the last fifty 
 years, this emigration to the West has been greatly reduced, 
 and hundreds of enterprising and populous villages and 
 cities have sprung up giving profitable employment to all 
 the people therein. But Ashfield, not having any water- 
 powers of importance on her streams, has never become a 
 manufacturing town. 
 
 Children of Hannah Kills Fulton (17), and James Fulton (18), 
 of Coleraln, mass., and their wives and husbands. 
 Grand Children of Richard Ellis. 
 From Nos. 77 to 95. 
 
 (77.) ROBERT FULTON, eldest son of Hannah Ellis 
 and James Fulton, was born in Colerain, Franklin Co., 
 Mass., May 23rd, 1773. He settled in Thetford, Orange 
 Co., Vermont, where he lived to old age. He had five 
 sons and three daughters, named Henry, Stephen, Jesse, 
 Elijah, Chapel, Minerva, and two others names not given, 
 but one married a Burrows. 
 
 Henry and Stephen Fulton lived in Thetford, Elijah in 
 Portland, Me., Jesse in Boston, Mass., and Chapel died in 
 Thetford when about 21 years of age, soon after graduating 
 at Dartmouth College. 
 
 (79.) JAMES FULTON, Jr., was born in Colerain, 
 May 7th, 1775. 1 T 799 ^ e man "i e ^ Miss Sally Choat, by 
 whom he had nine children. Mr. Fulton settled in 1806 in 
 Champion, Jefferson County, N. Y. He was a farmer. 
 He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the battle 
 of Sackett's Harbor, May 2pth, 1813. He died at Cham- 
 pion in 1838. His children were: Samuel, born 1801, died 
 1881; George, born 1803, died in 1879; Lucy, born 1805,
 
 I2O 
 
 died in 1861; Richard, born 1807, died in 1871; Hannah, 
 born 1809, died in 1874; Jesse, born 1812; Nathan, born 
 1815, died 1874; Maria, born 1817, and Ellenor, born 1820. 
 Mr. Jesse Fulton, born 1812, now lives in Watertown, Jeffer- 
 son Co., N. Y. He is a farmer and has one daughter. 
 
 (80.) CALEB FULTON was born in Colerain, May 
 nth, 1777. He married Polly Barnes and settled in the 
 town of Wilna, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in early times, where 
 they both died at an advanced age. He was a soldier in the 
 war of 1812 and was in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. 
 Their children were: Simeon, Fanny, Mary, James, Sally 
 married Becker; Lydia, Lury and Elisha, all farmers. 
 
 Simeon Fulton has no children. 
 
 Fanny Fulton married a Lanphear. She died about 
 1879. Her children are: Madeline, married a Thompson; 
 Hiram, Nelson and Simeon Lanphear. 
 
 Mary Fulton married Samuel Keys, a farmer of Wilna. 
 She died in 1883, leaving her husband and four children. 
 George, Alfreda married a Palmer, Samuel Jr., and Caleb 
 Keys. 
 
 James Fulton was married in 1843 to Caroline Nichols. 
 He died in June 1868. They had five children, namely : John 
 Caleb, born 1844, a lawyer in Carthage, Jeff. Co., N, Y. 
 Francis, born 1846; Simeon B. (died in 1864). Mary N. 
 married a Wilkinson. Larissa (died in 1871); Sally Fulton 
 married Lewis A. Stacy, and had three children. Maryetta, 
 Fanny and William L. Stacy. Her present husband is 
 Jeremiah Becker. Elisha Fulton lives on the old farm of 
 his father Caleb in Wilna. His children are Maria, Joseph 
 and Sedate, twins, born in 1858, Jane and Clark. 
 
 Lury or Filury Fulton married a Gustin, and had 
 Lorenzo, Byron died in the army in the early part of the 
 late war, and Edwin Gustin. After Mr. Gustin's death she 
 married Charles Hosford and had two children, one of 
 whom, Mary Esther, married a Mr. Crowner.
 
 121 
 
 John Caleb Fulton (son of James), born Aug., 1844, is a 
 lawyer in Carthage, Jefferson Co., N. Y. In Nov., 1869, 
 he married Mary L. Woodward of Philadelphia, Jefterson 
 Co., N. Y., and they have five children : Carrie E., born 
 Dec., 1870; Edwin W., born 1872, Mabel A., Nov., 1874, 
 Beth L., and Herbert F., Dec., 1883. 
 
 (81.) DAYID FULTON was born in Colerain, Dec. 25th, 
 1779. He married Jennie Taggart and they settled in 
 Jefferson Co., N. Y., at an early date, where they raised 
 eleven children. Their names were Betsey, Hannah, Susan, 
 Jane, Phebe, John, David, Jr., Sarah., Laura, Luke and 
 Mary. 
 
 David Jr., married Sarah Ellis (314) eldest daughter of 
 Thomas Ellis (108) of Ellisburg, N. Y. They were mar- 
 ried about 1841, lived in Belleville, Jefterson Co., N. Y., and 
 have four sons, James, Thomas, David and Charles N., all 
 farmers. 
 
 (83.) LUCRETIA FULTON was born in Colerain, 
 Mass., March 28, 1782. She married Abel Carpenter and 
 settled in the town of Rutland, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where 
 they both died. She had ten children. One of her sons, 
 Elmer Carpenter, resides at East Houndsfield, Jefferson Co., 
 N. Y. 
 
 (85.) DANIEL FULTON was born in Colerain, Mass., 
 March 2ist, 1784. He married Polly Wood and settled in 
 Carthage, Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1810, where he started in 
 the business of cloth-dressing and wool-carding. In 1813 
 he removed to Watertown in the same county, and con- 
 tinued in the same business. In the same year he was 
 engaged in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. In 1815 he 
 removed to Champion, N. Y., (Jefferson Co.,) where he 
 went to farming and where he remained until 1836, at which 
 time he removed to a farm in Ohio. He died in 1875. His 
 wife died in the year 1864. They had nine children whose 
 names were Hiram, Anna, Elijah, Betsey, Robert, Ruel, 
 Gaylord, Roxie, and another who died in infancy.
 
 122 
 
 Hiram Fulton, born in Colerain, married Polly Jones. 
 He was a farmer in Champion, where he died in 1876. His 
 wife Polly died in 1879. They had four children, Clark, 
 Elijah, Fred, and one who died young. 
 
 Anna Fulton (daughter of Daniel,) married Nat. Rounds 
 in Champion, and moved to Ohio, where they raised a large 
 family. She died about 1866. 
 
 Elijah Fulton (son of Daniel,) was born in Champion, 
 N. Y., in 1811. When eleven years of age he began learn- 
 ing the clothiers trade with his uncle Nathan at Burrs 
 Mills, N. Y., with whom he worked until he was 18 years 
 old, when he went to Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where 
 he worked at his trade. In 1840 he married Betsy Heald. 
 They had one daughter, Anna Elizabeth, who died in her 
 24th year. Mrs. Betsy Fulton died about 1855. 
 
 In 1865 Mr. Elijah Fulton married for his second wife 
 Miss Lavina A. Ellis of Antwerp, a daughter of Joseph P. 
 Ellis, a prominent resident of Antwerp, Jefferson Co., N. Y. 
 Miss Ellis' grandfather was Luke Ellis, who lived at Ware- 
 ham, Plymouth Co., Mass. Mr. Luke Ellis had two 
 brothers, John and Seth, and one sister, Thankful. By his 
 first wife, he had one son, James, who was lost at sea. His 
 second wife was Elizabeth Collins, and they had ten chil- 
 dren : Naomi, who lived and died unmarried in New Bed- 
 ford, Mass. Mary, who married John Bennett, lived in 
 Wareham, where her husband died. She had four children. 
 She went to Iowa with her son, James Bennett, where she 
 died. Eliza, the next child of Luke Ellis, married a Wash- 
 burn, had three children, and lived in Mass. Lavina Ellis 
 married Jedediah Hammond, moved to Philadelphia, Jeffer- 
 son Co., N. Y. They had no children. Sarah, the next, 
 married a Mr. Maxon, had four children, and lived in Fall 
 River, Mass. Eunice Ellis married Mr. Stetson and had 
 one child who was lost at sea. Deborah Ellis married 
 Harvey Farrington, had two children Harvey Jr. and 
 George, both in business in New York City.
 
 I2 3 
 
 Joseph P. Ellis, son of Luke and father of Mrs. Elijah 
 Fulton, settled in Jefferson County, N. Y., and married 
 Almira Steel and had eight children, five daughters and 
 three sons. Mr. Ellis was a thrifty merchant and produce 
 dealer extensively known in northwestern New York. He 
 and his wife died in Antwerp some years ago. Their son 
 J. D. Ellis, a very prominent man and at one time a member 
 of the State Legislature, lives at Antwerp. Benj. R. Ellis 
 a son of Luke had a family of 10 children. He and his 
 wife died in Croghan, Lewis Co., N. Y. Charles F. Ellis, 
 youngest son of Luke, was a physician. He died in 
 Philadelphia, N. Y. early in life, unmarried. These Ellises, 
 of whom Mrs. Elijah Fulton was one, were not among the 
 descendants of Richard Ellis of Ashfield. 
 
 Betsy Fulton, next child of Daniel (85), was born in 
 Watertown, N. Y., married a Rawson and moved to Lorain 
 County, Ohio, where she raised a large family and where 
 she now resides. 
 
 Robert Fulton was born in Champion, N. Y., went to 
 Ohio, when young, married Lois Vaughn and had one 
 child, a daughter, who died at about 18 years of age. 
 They live in Pittsfield, Lorain County, Ohio. Ruel Fulton 
 married Mary Humphrey and had two children, a son and 
 a daughter. The latter, a very promising child, died at 
 12 years of age. The son, Delancy Fulton, is a Baptist 
 minister. His mother lives with him and his father, Ruel, 
 died soon after returning from the war of the rebellion in 
 which he was a union soldier. 
 
 Gavlord Fulton, the youngest son of Daniel, had four 
 children, Alice, Harry, Ella and Frank. He had the 
 homestead of his father and was a successful farmer. He 
 died about 1885. His wife and children live at the old 
 home in Ohio. 
 
 Roxie Fulton, youngest child of Daniel, married 
 Richard Peck. They live in Ohio and have two children, 
 a son Horace, a farmer in Ohio and Marian, the daughter, 
 who lives in New York City.
 
 124 
 
 (87.) ELIJAH FULTON was born in Colerain, Feb. 2d, 
 1788. He married Phebe Bennett about 1810. Restarted 
 a woolen mill at Carthage, N. Y. He also engaged in the 
 same business in Plattsburg, N. Y. He died at Great Bend, 
 Jefferson Co., N. Y., about 1829. His daughter Sylvia, 
 lives in Iowa. He had five children. 
 
 (89.) NATHAN FULTON was born in Colerain, Apr. 
 25th, 1790. He married Philena Hastings and settled at 
 Burr's Mills, Jefferson Co., N. Y., where he run a clothing 
 mill. He removed to Iowa, where he died about 1844. He 
 had seven children. He has a son Harry who lives at 
 Keokuk, Iowa. About the year 1835 Nathan Fulton visited 
 his mother and the old home of his birth in Colerain. The 
 farm was owned by Mr. Aaron Franklin, but the house was 
 vacant and dilapidated. His mother, then very aged, could 
 not recollect him, although she could recite the names of all 
 her children. 
 
 (91.) JESSE FULTON was born July 25^/1792, in 
 Colerain, where he always lived and where he died March 
 1 2th, 1834. He married Sophrona Franklin and had five 
 children, Robert, born Oct. 4th, 1827, Aaron, born 1829. 
 
 Robert, born 1827, married Hannah E. Worden, a 
 daughter of Asa and Philena Worden, (see (59) page 100) 
 and great granddaughter of Jane Ellis Phillips (n.) 
 Mr. Robert Fulton lives at Green River, Vt., and is a farm- 
 er. He has rendered invaluable aid in gathering records 
 of his near and remote relatives for this work. It was 
 mainly through him that a clue was found to the descend- 
 ants of his grandmother's brother, Matthew Ellis, who set- 
 tled in Vermont about the time of the Revolution, and 
 whose sons, Seth and Noah Ellis, lived in Thetford, Vt. 
 Mr. Fulton's wife Hannah was born Feb. loth, 1836, and 
 died Sept. I7th, 1881, leaving her husband and three child- 
 ren Alice E., born 1857, Lizzie J., 1859, Hattie E., 1862, 
 and Robert H., 1875, died in infancy. Lizzie J. Fulton was 
 married March 2Oth, 1884, to Mr. H. C. L. Kellerman of 
 Canton, Mo.
 
 I2 5 
 
 Mr. Robert Fulton married for his second wife, Miss 
 Ellen Horn of Ohio. 
 
 (95.) SARAH FULTON, youngest child of Hannah 
 Ellis and James Fulton, was born in Colerain April 28th, 
 1797. She married Jabez Franklin and lived many years 
 in Guilford, Vt. Mr. Franklin is yet living ( 1886 ), aged 
 over 90 years. Mrs. Franklin was a woman of uncommon 
 talent and worth. After the death of her father, in 1834, 
 her mother, Hannah Ellis Fulton (17), lived with her for 
 about five years. The daughter related that often in the 
 latter part of her mother's life (she died at 90 years of age) 
 she would be startled at some unusual noise and ex- 
 claim " that the Indians were coming." She had a vivid 
 recollection of the scenes in her youth, in Ashfield, when 
 there were incursions of the savages. She was then about 
 five or six years of age. (See pages n and 12). And 
 when her other faculties had failed she recalled these with 
 much alarm. She many times spoke of how the cattle 
 bellowed when the dead were brought into the fort at Deer- 
 field after the massacre at what was called Bloody Brook, 
 when a detachment went out to gather fruit, and the Indians, 
 lying in ambush, cut them off from their stacked arms and 
 murdered all but one who jumped into the river and escaped. 
 It is said that she was a woman of a " very mild and ami- 
 able disposition, while her husband (18) was of the sterner 
 make of many of the early settlers." 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Fulton Franklin resided many years in Guil- 
 ford, where she died in 1872. Her husband Jabez, aged 92, 
 and son James H. Franklin, now live at Guilford Center, 
 Vt. Their daughter Hannah died in early life. 
 
 Mr. Jabez Franklin although at the great age of 92 
 years possesses all his faculties in a high degree. He is a 
 man of uncommon natural abilities, and although passing a 
 quiet life in a country town, he has been noted from his 
 youth up for strict sobriety, honesty and all the elements of 
 a noble character.
 
 126 
 
 Mr. James H. Franklin married Emma M. Franklin, 
 and their two sons, Harry J. and Neil S. are the only 
 grandchildren of Jabez and Sarah Fulton Franklin. 
 
 It will be seen that a large number of these Fultons, 
 children of Richard Ellis' daughter Hannah (17), who 
 married James Fulton of Colerain, Mass., settled in Jeffer- 
 son County, N. Y. It is probable that their mother's 
 brother, Caleb Ellis (19), having settled here about 1795, is 
 what led these Fulton relatives to seek the same locality. 
 
 Later inquiries show that several of Matthew Ellis' (13) 
 sons lived in the same county in New York for a time in the 
 early part of the present century. Matthew, Caleb and 
 Hannah, (children of Richard Ellis) lived mostly in Colerain, 
 and knew but little of Ashfield, where their brothers, 
 Reuben and John, always lived and where their father had 
 made the first settlement in that town, and where he died 
 in 1797, after his return from Colerain, where he had lived 
 fifteen to twenty years. 
 
 Children of Caleb Hills (19) of i ,1 iisi>urji , Jefferson County, 
 
 -X. i"., and their wives and husbands. Grand 
 
 Children of Richard Ellis of Ashfield. 
 
 From 97 to i is. 
 
 (97.) DANIEL ELLIS, eldest son of Caleb and Mary 
 Crouch Ellis of Ellisburg, N. Y., was born Aug. 23d, 1780. 
 He was probably born in Vermont or possibly in Colerain, 
 Mass., (which is near the Vermont line) where his father 
 lived when a young man. Daniel was about 15 years of 
 age when his parents settled in Ellisburg, and here he 
 remained until his death in 1862. 
 
 Daniel Ellis was in the war of 1812 and was a captain in 
 the service. In 1802 he married in Adams, Jefferson Co., 
 N. Y., Mrs. Christina G. Salisbury. About 1829 he mar- 
 ried his second wife, Miss Orpha Pratt, who was born in 
 Marlboro, Vt. She was a Presbyterian, but soon after her 
 marriage joined the Methodist church of which her hus-
 
 127 
 
 band was a member. She was a woman of great, good 
 judgment, force of character, and rare intelligence and 
 worth. She always took pride in her New England 
 extraction, and manifested the greatest independence even 
 in the last years of her life, and after she became blind 
 from age. From her great kindness of heart she con- 
 stantly sought to help and comfort all who were in need. 
 She died Sept. 22d, 1883, aged 91 years, in full faith of 
 a blessed immortality. 
 
 Daniel Ellis was a man of rare worth, intelligence and 
 Christian virtues. He was a farmer in Ellisburg all his 
 life. His wife, 
 
 (98.) MRS. CHRISTINA G. SALISBURY, was the 
 
 mother of his seven children. (See Nos. 260 to 273.) 
 Her maiden name was Groat. By her first husband she 
 had three children, one of whom, Edward Salisbury, died 
 in Ellisburg about 1875. She died about 1825. She is 
 remembered as a woman of great beauty and loveliness 
 of character. Both herself and husband Daniel Ellis were 
 active and prominent members of the Methodist church. 
 
 (99.) HANNAH ELLIS, eldest daughter of Caleb of 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., was born April 3d, 1782. She married 
 Comfort Chapman and had five children. (See Nos. 276 
 to 284, page 23.) 
 
 (101.) JOHN ELLIS, second son of Caleb, was born 
 Feb. 3d, 1784. He was a farmer in Ellisburg, N. Y., 
 where he died in 1847. 
 
 His first wife was Mary Stilwell, by whom he had 
 two children Caleb, born 1807, and Squire, born 1809. 
 
 John Ellis' second wife was Betsey Smith, by whom 
 he had four children. (See Nos. 290 to 296.) She died 
 in 1837. 
 
 John Ellis' third wife was Kate Duran by whom he 
 had one son, Edward N. Ellis (298), who is a captain of a 
 vessel on the lakes. She died in Ellisburg in 1884.
 
 128 
 
 (105.) JANE ELLIS, second daughter of Caleb, was 
 born February 6th, 1786. About 1808 she married 
 Amasa Sheldon, in the town of Ellisburg, N. Y. She 
 died in Ellisburg about 1849, and Mr. Sheldon in 1845. 
 They had six children, all born in Ellisburg. (See Nos. 
 300 to 308, page 24.) 
 
 Parley Sheldon, born 1810, settled in Ohio. He was 
 a wealthy farmer, had a large family, and died about 1862. 
 
 William Sheldon, born 1812, died about 1870, leaving 
 four or five children. 
 
 Philo Sheldon was an invalid all his life. He died 
 about 1873. 
 
 Robert Sheldon was a farmer and a very bright and 
 successful business man. He died about 1880. 
 
 Amasa Sheldon, Jr., the youngest child of Jane Ellis 
 and Amasa Sheldon, left home about 1850 to go " to sea," 
 and has not been heard from since. 
 
 (108.) THOMAS ELLIS, third son of Caleb Ellis of 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., was born June ipth, 1788. He was a 
 soldier in the war of 1812. He was a farmer in Belleville, 
 town of Ellisburg, all his life, where he died in 1869. 
 
 Thomas Ellis was a deeply religious man and an 
 ardent Methodist, in which church he was a prominent 
 and influential member, as well as a liberal supporter. 
 He was a strictly temperance man all his life. He was 
 a man of uncommon mental endowment and provided a 
 liberal education for all his children. His wife, 
 
 (109.) HANNAH SALISBURY, was born in 1793. 
 They were married in 1812 in Ellisburg, N. Y., in which 
 town all their children were born. They had ten children. 
 (See Nos. 310 to 328.) 
 
 (111.) SQUIRE ELLIS, sixth child of Caleb, was 
 born June 6th, 1790. He was a miller with his father in 
 Ellisburg. He died unmarried in 1813.
 
 129 
 
 (112.) JAMES ELLIS, seventh child of Caleb, was 
 born Aug. I2th, 1792. About 1815 he married Rachel 
 Weiser of Ellisburg, where they raised a family of four 
 children. (See Nos. 330 to 336.) Mr. Ellis was a farmer. 
 He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in the battles of 
 Sackett's Harbor and Big Sandy Creek, Jefferson Co., 
 N. Y. He died in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1823. His wife, 
 
 (113.) RACHEL WEISER, was a daughter of Nicholas 
 Weiser and Margaret Walrad, his wife. They were from 
 the Mohawk valley in Montgomery Co., N. Y., but settled 
 in Ellisburg early in the present century. Nicholas Weiser, 
 was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and famous as 
 a scout, and was greatly feared by the Indians and tories. 
 His father, Conrad Weiser, a man of learning and genius, 
 came from Germany in 1711, and settled in New York. 
 Mrs. Rachel Weiser Ellis, raised a family of four children, 
 three of whom are now living. She died in Ellisburg, in 1858. 
 
 (115.) ROBERT ELLIS, eighth child of Caleb, was 
 born March 24th, 1794. He married in 1816 and lived 
 in Ellisburg, N. Y., where he raised a family of eleven 
 children. (See Nos. 340 to 360.) He was a farmer. He 
 was four years old when his father settled in Ellisburg, being 
 the first settler'in that town. They soon built a grist mill at 
 what is now called Woodville, a small village in the town 
 of Ellisburg. His father settled on what was called the south 
 branch of Sandy Creek, but their grist mill was on the north 
 branch of the same stream. Robert Ellis was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812, and in engagements at Sackett's Harbor 
 and Sandy Creek. He was an honest and upright man. 
 He died in 1863. His wife, 
 
 (116.) MARY WEISER, was born in 1798, and died 
 about 1879. She was a sister of Rachel Weiser (113.) 
 
 (118.) POLLY, SALLY, AND BETSEY ELLIS, were 
 the three youngest children of Caleb and Mary Crouch 
 Ellis of Ellisburg, N. Y. They were born Polly, April 
 24th, 1796 ; Sally, March i4th, 1798, and Betsey, May 
 25th, 1800, and it is said all died in infancy or early life.
 
 FOURTH GENERATION. 
 
 Children of Ilenjamln Ellis (22), of Sempronlus, Cayuga Co., 
 >. V., and their wives and husbands. Grand- 
 children of Reuben (41, and Great - grand- 
 children of Richard Ellis of Ashfleld. 
 I roil i 9iOS. XI9 to i,{. 
 
 (119.) STEPHEN ELLIS, eldest son of Benjamin, Sr., 
 was born in Ashfield, Feb. 2ist, 1775. In his early youth 
 his father moved to Deerfield, where Stephen probably mar- 
 ried his wife Susanah Coburn, Jan. ist, 1798. Early in the 
 present century he removed to Sempronius, N. Y., where 
 his father had settled about the year 1800. Here he raised 
 his family of seven children. 
 
 Stephen Ellis, was a farmer and miller. It is said 
 that he joined with his father in building a small grist mill 
 at Montville, a little hamlet in Cayuga County, in or near 
 Sempronius. The mill was built of logs, and was the 
 first one in that section of country. In the year 1818, 
 Stephen Ellis together with his brother Moses and their 
 families removed to North Bend, Ohio, on the Ohio River, 
 a few miles below Cincinnati, where they landed Aug. 2nd, 
 1818, and rented a farm from Gen. W. H. Harrison, "the 
 hero of Tippecanoe," and afterwards president (in 1841) of 
 the United States. Stephen and his brother lived here 
 about eight years, during which time they built a grist mill. 
 In the spring of 1825, they settled on farms in Fayette Co., 
 Ind., near Connersville, where Stephen lived several years. 
 He died in Yorlctown, Ind., in 1838. Stephen Ellis was a 
 man of industry, upright and honest in all his conduct. He 
 was born one year earlier, and in the same neighborhood in 
 Ashfield, as his father's cousin Dea. Dimick Ellis, whom he 
 is said to have greatly resembled. (See likeness in the front 
 of the book.) He was a member of the Christian church. For 
 his second wife he married Mrs. Martha Huntington, who 
 survived him a number of years. She had several children 
 by a former husband, one of whom, Emily Huntington, 
 lived some years ago at Putnam, 111. The latter married 
 Mr. John Langley, of Lafayette, Ind.
 
 (120.) SUSANAH COBURN, born April i 3 th, 1777, 
 wife of Stephen Ellis and mother of his children, was proba- 
 ably from Deerfield, Mass. In removing from Sempronius 
 to North Bend, Ohio, they went across the country over 100 
 miles to Olean, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., on the Allegany 
 river, where with small boats and rafts they went down that 
 river to Pittsburg, and thence on the Ohio river to North 
 Bend, a few miles below Cincinnati. This must have been 
 a difficult journey and attended with great fatigue. Within 
 a year after their arrival Mrs. Ellis died. For account of 
 her children, see Nos. 362 to 374. 
 
 (1210 LURENCA ELLIS, second child of Benjamin 
 Ellis, Sr., was born in Ashfield, Mass., Jan. loth, 1777. 
 Where she married does not appear, but with her husband 
 John Phelps and family she lived in Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
 near Moravia, all her married life. She had ten children. 
 She died Oct. 28th, 1853. 
 
 Lurenca Ellis' and John Phelps' children were : Alvah 
 Phelps, born March 7th, 1799; Susanah, born May 22nd, 
 1802, died May 26th, 1870; Sinthia, born Oct, 25th, 1804, 
 died Feb. i6th, 1832; Ruth, born Sept. i8th, 1806; Lucy 
 born Aug. 27th, 1807, died Oct. 24th, 1830; John W., born 
 Sept. i2th, 1811; David L., born April 4th, 1814; Benjamin 
 E., born Oct. i3th, 1816, died Feb. i6th, 1840; Lurenca, 
 born May I9th, 1819, died May 25th, 1842; and Ashie, born 
 Sept. i8th, 1823, died Jan. 9th, 1824. John W. Phelps, born 
 1811, now lives on the homestead in Niles, near Moravia, 
 N. Y., where he has raised his family. 
 
 (123.) MOSES ELLIS, was born Sept. 17*, 1780, 
 probably in Deerfield, Mass. About the last of Nov., 1802, 
 he left Mass, for Sempronius, N.Y., where his father bought 
 a farm in 1800. He married Elizabeth Judd, Oct. I4th, 1804, 
 and alter her death, in 1841, he married Desire Harris, about 
 1844. She died in 1846. 
 
 In 1818 Moses Ellis and his family left Sempronius, 
 Cayuga Co., and settled at North Bend, Ohio. In 1825 he
 
 132 
 
 removed to Plum Orchard, near Connersville, Ind., where 
 he resided until his death January i6th, 1849. He 
 was a member of the Christian church, well-educated, 
 scholarly and an upright and honorable man, and en- 
 joyed the confidence of the relatives in Ashfield, as is 
 evidenced by an ancient receipt which the writer finds 
 among old papers of his grandfather, in which on Nov. 27th, 
 1802, Moses Elllis was entrusted with a sum ot money to 
 be conveyed to Moses Bartlett, of Sempronius. It will be 
 remembered that this was before the formation of express 
 companies, and the only means of conveying money to dis- 
 tant parts in those times was by individuals of known inte- 
 grity and capacity. It is probable that the above was the 
 date at which Moses left Massachusetts, to settle in Sem- 
 pronius, where his father had bought a farm two years 
 before. His wife, 
 
 (124.) ELIZABETH JUDD, was born March nth, 
 1782, and died near Connersville, Aug. 5th, 1841. She had 
 six children, all of whom except the youngest were born in 
 Cayuga Co., N. Y. (For sketches of these see Nos. 380 
 to 390.) She was a member of the Christian church. 
 
 (129.) DANIEL ELLIS, son of Benjamin, Sr., was 
 probably born in Deerfield about 1782. He left Massa- 
 chusetts early in the present century, and went to Sempro- 
 nius, N. Y. At the outbreak of the war of 1812 he enlisted, 
 and went with his company to the Niagara River, where 
 they were stationed for a time. His next younger brother, 
 Benjamin, Jr., was a member of the same company, and 
 while the latter was on a furlough visiting the home in 
 Sempronius, Daniel was taken sick and died. Mr. Joseph 
 Lassell, of Moravia, N. Y., now 93 years of age, was in the 
 same company and remembers Daniel well. Mr. Lassell 
 was born in Buckland, Mass., next town north of Ashfield, 
 and when 12 years of age settled in Moravia, N. Y., where 
 he has ever since resided. He h?.s a very clear recollection 
 of all these Ellises who lived in that vicinity in the early 
 part of the century.
 
 133 
 
 It is not probable that Daniel Ellis was ever married. 
 When he left Massachusetts for Sempronius the Ashfield 
 relatives intrusted him with money to be paid to friends in 
 Sempronius, and he faithfully complied with the trust. 
 
 (126.) BENJAMIN ELLIS, Jr., was born in Deer- 
 field, Mass., Feb. i3th, 1784. He was a farmer and miller, 
 and for many years an exhorter, or unlicensed minister, in 
 the Methodist Church, of which he was a devoted member. 
 He was a strictly sober and temperate man all his life, and 
 a prominent member of the Sons of Temperance, a very 
 numerous and popular order some years ago, for suppress- 
 ing the evils of intemperance. He was a leading officer in 
 this order, and when he wore the regalia peculiar to the same 
 it gave him a very venerable appearance. He was a soldier 
 in the war of 1812. He was widely known and universally 
 respected as a pure and upright man beloved by all. 
 
 In an early day he purchased a farm three miles north of 
 Moravia, N. Y., on which he raised his family. It was an 
 altogether new country at that time, and deer, bears and 
 wolves were numerous. No grain could be grown until the 
 trees were cleared off and the ground broken up. In those 
 times money was scarce, as well as all the comforts of life. 
 An annual tax of forty cents on a farm was thought extrava- 
 gant. Canals and railroads were then unknown and the 
 settlers few in number. Great economy was necessary in 
 those times to meet the simplest expenses. 
 
 He learned the milling business with his father at their 
 little mill at Montville, near Moravia. 
 
 While a soldier on the frontier at Niagara River he was 
 given a furlough to visit his family in Sempronius, or Niles, 
 as it was afterwards called. In making the trip he walked 
 on foot both ways. He died in Groton, Tompkins County, 
 N. Y., May nth, 1859. He had five children, three of 
 whom survived him. (See Nos. 392 to 399.) 
 
 Benjamin Ellis, Jr.'s wife,
 
 '34 
 
 (127.) ABIGAIL HOWARD, was born in 178-. She 
 married Mr. Ellis in Sempronius, Feb. 236, 1809. They al- 
 ways lived in that'town or vicinity. She died Feb. 5th, 1883, 
 at the residence of her son, Nathan H. Ellis, in Ludlovvville, 
 Cayuga Co., N. Y., with whom she made her home after 
 the death of her husband in 1859. She was a woman ot 
 superior education and talents, and of a remarkable memory. 
 She retained her mental and physical powers in a high de- 
 gree up to her last days, and she lived to be over 90 years 
 of age. 
 
 Before her marriage she crossed the Catskill Mountains 
 on horseback and rode 190 miles to meet her intended hus- 
 band. It was in the month of February, and she often re- 
 lated that the weather was so mild that peach and other 
 fruit trees were in bloom a cheerful omen for a bride, 
 which was fully realized in all her married life. 
 
 (128.) REUBEN ELLIS, fifth son of Benjamin, Sr., 
 was born probably in Deerfield, Mass., April 7th, 1786. He 
 died in Clymer, Chautauqua County, N. Y., Nov. 24th, 1845. 
 He was a half-brother to the elder children. His mother 
 was Lois Mann, the second wife of Benjamin Ellis, Sr. 
 (See page 81.) When a youth he lived with his father in 
 Sempronius, at which place he was married to Miss 
 Elizabeth King, Feb. 6th, 1811, where five of their children 
 were born. 
 
 About 1819 he removed to Murray, Orleans Co., N. Y., 
 and from there to Clymer, Chautauqua Co., about 1830. 
 He was a farmer and a Baptist in religious belief, and 
 said to have been an honorable and upright man in all his 
 ways. His wife, 
 
 (129.) ELIZABETH KING, was born April 3d, 1793. 
 She died in Portland, Chautauqua Co., March 23d, 1876. 
 She was a Baptist. She had twelve children. (See Nos. 
 401 to 420.) 
 
 (130.) MEHITABLE ELLIS, daughter of Benjamin 
 Ellis, Sr., was born about 1788, probably in Deerfield. It
 
 is said that she married Lawrence Kemp, at or near Semp- 
 ronius, N. Y. They soon after removed from there, and 
 the writer has not been able to get any further trace of them 
 or their descendants, if they had any. 
 
 (132.) CHELOMETH ELLIS, youngest child of Ben- 
 jamin, Sr., was born about 1790, in Massachusetts. She 
 married Walter Avery, Jr., in or near Sempronius, and had 
 five children. She died in 1844. Her husband, Walter 
 Avery, was born in 1787, and died in Erie County, Pa., 
 in 1861. 
 
 The children of Walter and Chelometh Ellis Avery 
 were : Fannie, Melvina, Lyman, Sarah, and Mary. 
 
 Fannie Avery, born May I5th, 1826, died Jan. 22nd, 1851. 
 She married Zalmon Ames, and had three sons, Cyrenus C., 
 Alfred O., and Francis M. Ames. They lived at Mina, 
 Chautauqua County, N. Y. 
 
 * 
 
 Malvina Avery, born Dec. 27th, 1827, died April 25th, 
 1876. She married William Haven, and had four children: 
 Martha, Etta, Ella and Walter Avery Haven. They lived 
 in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 
 Lyman Avery, born June ist, 1830, died in 1863. He 
 married Mary Haven, and had two daughters, Emma and 
 Ida May. They lived at Findley's Lake, Chautauqua Co. 
 
 Sarah Avery, born April 29th, 1832, married Ransom 
 Wood. She had three children: George, Elias, and Esther 
 Wood. They now live at Spring Creek, Warren Co., Pa. 
 
 Mary Avery, born July 3Oth, 1834, died Oct. 24th, 1875. 
 She married Zalmon Ames, and had seven children : Lydia 
 M., Henry, Mary E., Fred C., Eva J., Warren M., and 
 Hattie Jane Ames. They lived at Brownsdale, Mower Co., 
 Minn.
 
 136 
 
 Children of Jonatliau i .ills (26), of Semproiilus, >. V., and 
 
 tbelr husbands and wives, Grandchldreii of Reuben 
 
 (4), and Great-grandchildren o f Richard 
 
 Ellis. From >ios. xj4 to 140. 
 
 (134.) SUBMIT ELLIS, eldest daughter of Jonathan 
 Ellis, was born in Sempronius, N. Y., April ipth, 1803. She 
 died in Bronson, Branch Co., Mich., Jan. 23rd, 1877. 
 September pth, 1819, she married Nathaniel Havens, at 
 Moravia, N. Y., and had nine children. She had 46 grand- 
 children and 20 great-grandchildren. Two of her sons were 
 Union soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Most of her 
 children were born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., but later in life 
 she and her husband lived in southern Michigan. Her 
 husband, 
 
 (135.) NATHANIEL HAYENS, was born in Sept., 
 1800, and died at Liberty, Jackson Co., Mich., Nov. 6th, 1874. 
 He was a farmer, as were all his children. The names of the 
 latter were George, Lois, Sarah Ann, Miranda Jane, Susan, 
 Nathaniel Jr., Lyman, John West and Submit Havens. 
 
 George Havens, was born June i8th, 1821, married 
 Lorinda Jane Clifford, Nov. I2th, 1846, lived in Erie, Pa., 
 and died Aug. 2ist, 1855. 
 
 Lois Havens, born April i6th, 1814, married Hiram 
 Moses, June 23rd, 1846. They lived at Somerset Center, 
 Hillsdale Co., Mich. 
 
 Sarah Ann Havens, born April 28th, 1826, married 
 Nelson Gould, April 5th, 1840. They are farmers and live 
 at Byron Center, Kent Co., Mich. Mr. Gould was born in 
 Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y., April 28th, 1818. Their 
 children are John H., born in Somerset, Hillsdale Co., 
 Mich., Apr. 3rd, 1842, enlisted as a Union soldier and died 
 in the army Nov. loth, 1862. Amanda A., born in Somer- 
 set, Sept. ist, 1843, died Jan. 27th, 1854; Lena A., born in 
 Somerset, Feb. 23rd, 1846; Cynthia E., born in Somerset, 
 Dec. pth, 1848; George R., born in Darien, Wai worth Co., 
 Wis., Feb. 3rd, 1852; Endress N., born in Jamestown, 
 Ottawa Co., Mich., March 3oth, 1854; Seymour W., born
 
 137 
 
 in Jamestown, July 4lh, 1857; Emmet F., born in James- 
 town, Oct. 2ist, 1859; Clarissa S., born in Somerset, March 
 23rd, 1863; Sarah E., born in Jamestown, Feb. I2th, 1866, 
 and James F. Gould, born in Jamestown, Oct. ist, 1869. 
 
 John Havens, born Oct. 6th, 1828, died Feb. i6th, 1833. 
 
 Miranda Jane Havens, born Sept. 3rd, 1831, married 
 Benjamin F. Havens, May 3rd, 1855. They live at Ad- 
 dison, Lenawee Co., Mich. 
 
 Susan Havens, born Oct. 2ist, 1834, married Alonzo C. 
 Heydon, March i5th, 1853. They lived in Erie, Pa., where 
 her son Emery Heydon now resides. She died June i2th, 
 1885. 
 
 Nathaniel Havens Jr., born May 28th, 1838, married 
 Tirza M. Swift, June lyth, 1860. They live on a farm six 
 miles from Bronson, Mich. They have had four children. 
 Orville W., died in infancy. Fred L., died in infancy. 
 Arthur J., born Feb. 24th, 1867, in Somerset, Mich. Burt 
 L., born Aug. 25th, 1873, in Bronson. 
 
 Lyman Havens, born Sept. 27th, 1842, married Mary L. 
 Pepper. April 8th, 1866. He married his second wife Marv 
 Beebe, Nov. 28th, 1868. He lives at Byron Center, Kent 
 Co., Mich. He enlisted in Company G., i8th Mich. In- 
 fantry, and was a prisoner in Cahawba prison six months. 
 
 John W. Havens, born Sept. 4th, 1845, married Amy 
 Rhoads, July I2th, 1868. He married his second wife, 
 Augusta Baldwin, Aug. i6th, 1874. ^ e now resides at 
 Moscow, Hillsdale Co., Mich. He was a Union soldier in a 
 Mich. Battery, and served two years. 
 
 Submit Havens, born Aug. I5th, 1848, married James 
 Rhoads, July i2th, 1868. She lives at Liberty, Jackson 
 Co., Mich. 
 
 (136.) ABEL WEST ELLIS, son of Jonathan Ellis, 
 was born in Sempronius, about three miles north of Moravia, 
 N. Y., March 3rd, 1806. He died in Ripley, Chautauqua 
 Co., N. Y., May I4th, 1877. He was a farmer in Ripley, 
 where he settled in 1836. He lived for a time in Alleghany
 
 '38 
 
 Co., N. Y., where he married his wife. Mr. Ellis was over 
 six feet tall, straight and well-proportioned, black hair and 
 eyes and dark complexion. His wife, 
 
 (137.) MARGARET NORTON, was born in Alleghany 
 Co., N. Y., July, 1806. She was married July 2ist, 1832, in 
 Alleghany Co., where her parents lived many years. She 
 died in Ripley, Sept. ipth, 1866. She had six children. 
 (See Nos. 444 to 453.) 
 
 (138) JOHN ALLIS ELLIS, son of Jonathan, was 
 born in Sempronius, March i6th, 1809. His father died 
 when he was about three years of age, but he was raised on 
 the farm where his parents settled in 1800. When of age 
 he made a visit to his uncle Richard Ellis, in Ellisburg, Pa., 
 and in 1833, he visited his uncles David in Springfield, Pa., 
 and Benjamin Sr., at Plum Orchard, (near Connersville) Ind. 
 March 2Oth, 1833, he married Miss Eliza Ann Fairchild, in 
 Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., to which place his elder 
 brother and mother had removed some time before. He 
 lived in Ripley, where his three eldest children were born, 
 until about 1839, when he bought a farm near Conneaut, 
 Ohio, where he has since resided and where he now lives at 
 an advanced age. 
 
 Mr. Ellis is a scholarly man, of close observation and 
 remarkable memory. From his ample correspondence the 
 writer has learned much regarding the early members of 
 the Ellis family, which could not be had elsewhere, and 
 which has been of great value in compiling this work. In 
 nearly every instance, statements from him founded on his 
 recollection from personal observation or communicated to 
 him by his ancestors, have been verified by statistics from 
 various sources. 
 
 Mr. Ellis is a tall man over six feet high, and dark com- 
 plexion. The likeness of him on opposite page was copied 
 from a photograph, taken when he was 75 years of age. 
 His wife was Eliza Ann Fairchild, of Batavia, N. Y.
 
 (138.) JOHN ALLIS ELLIS, 
 
 OF CONNEAUT, OHIO.
 
 (139.) ELIZA ANN FAIRCHILD, was born in Batavia, 
 N. Y., Feb. 8th, 1813. Her father was Henry, and her 
 grandfather John Fairchild, of Columbia Co., N. Y., Mrs. 
 Ellis had been an invalid, and a great sufferer from sciatic 
 rheumatism for several years. She died in the spring of 
 1886. She had six children. (See Nos. 455 to 465.) 
 
 (140.) *BOADISEA ELLIS, youngest child of Jonathan 
 Ellis and his wife, Lois Allis, was born on the homestead 
 in 4 Niles or Sempronius (three miles north of Moravia), N. Y., 
 July 25th, 1811. Early in life she married Mr. John Fritts 
 and had two children, one of whom died young. The other, 
 Mr. Alvin Fritts, born in Cayuga Co., in 1832, married 
 Mary Gray in Concord, Mich., in 1849. Their children 
 were: Avery, born 1852; Emma, born 1854; Charles, born 
 1856 and John Fritts, born 1860. At last accounts they 
 lived at Albion, Mich., where Emma married a Mr. Aldrich. 
 Towards the close of the war, Mr. Alvin Fritts enlisted and 
 went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was attacked with fever 
 and died. He was a man of superior ability, commanding 
 in appearance, pleasing in his address and won for himself 
 many friends. 
 
 Mr. John Fritts died about 1834, an< ^ * n I &39> when 
 twenty-eight years of age, his widow married Mr. Wm. W. 
 King in Ripley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., to which place she 
 had removed just before. They soon after removed to 
 Erie, Pa., for two years, thence to Concord, Jackson Co., 
 Mich., where she died Sept. 4th, 1851. In her youth she 
 joined the Methodist church, of which she was a member 
 until after her marriage to Mr. King, when she joined the 
 Baptist church. 
 
 Her friends remember her as true and kind hearted. The 
 poor spoke of her as benevolent and her children love to 
 think of her as the noble self-sacrificing mother who sought
 
 142 
 
 to shield them from sorrow and mitigate their cares. The 
 church remembers her as a faithful, consistent member, ever 
 loyal to her vows. Full of Christian charity she won for 
 herself many friends. 
 
 "Who knew her, but to love her; 
 Who'l name her, but to praise." 
 
 (141.) WM. W. KING, was born in Pownal, Vt., 
 March 3oth, 1799. His parents died when he was young, 
 and he was brought up by a brother of his mother. At 
 nineteen years of age he went out into the world to make 
 his way. At twenty four-years of age he joined the Baptist 
 church, and has ever been noted for his strong religious 
 convictions and Christian deportment. About 1853 he settled 
 on a farm near Carson City, Montcalm Co., Mich, where he 
 yet resides a hale and heartv old gentleman, at the unusual 
 age of 87 years, widely known and respected. He lives with 
 his only son now living, Mr. Charles D. King, on the 
 homestead which he took up from the government in 1853. 
 
 The children of Mr. and Mrs. King were: William R., 
 born 1841, died in 1871; Charles D., born 1843; James, 
 born 1844, died 1845; Emily D., born 1848 and George, 
 born 1850, died 1852. 
 
 William R. King married Melissa Richardson in 
 Bloomer, Montcalm Co., Mich., in 1866. Their children 
 were: Ina, born 1868 and Electa, born 1870. 
 
 Charles D. King was born in Erie Co., Pa. In early life 
 he went with his father to Montcalm Co., Mich., when that 
 section was a wilderness. His father bought a large farm 
 near Carson City, where the father and son now reside. 
 Mr. Charles D. King lives on the homestead. In 1867 he 
 married Miss Jennie Smith, of Bushnell, Montcalm Co. 
 They have one child, Ethel King, born 1881. Besides 
 farming, Mr. King engages in various other business pursuits. 
 He is a very enterprising and highly respected man. 
 
 Emily D. King was born in Concord, Mich. When three 
 years of age her mother died. At the age of six years her
 
 father settled near Carson City, at a time when schools were 
 few and not of the best, but with energy and perseverance 
 she fitted herself at 18 years of age to become a teacher, 
 which pursuit she followed nearly nine years, a portion of 
 the time as teacher in the grammar department of the Union 
 School in Carson City. 
 
 June ist, 1874, she married Dr. Henry H. Cook, by 
 whom she had two children: Henry H., Jr., and Ely Cook. 
 The latter died in 1881. 
 
 Mrs. Cook resides in Mason, Mich. She is secretary of 
 the Board of Education and also has a lucrative and respon- 
 sible position in the office of county treasurer at Mason 
 where she is highly respected. 
 
 Children of Dea. Richard Bills (ao), of BHisburg, Pa., and 
 
 their wives and husbands. Grandchildren of 
 
 Reuben (4), and Great-grandchildren of 
 
 Richard Ellis of Ashfield. From 
 
 143 to X72. 
 
 (143.) HANFORD ELLIS, first child of Richard, was 
 born, probably in Ashfield, Nov. 7th, 1781. He died Nov. 
 6th, the following year. 
 
 (144.) LYDIA ELLIS, was born Feb. ist, 1783, and 
 died in Shippen, Tioga Co., Pa., Aug. 2nd, 1819. She 
 married Col. Daniel H. Bacon in 1798 and had seven 
 children. They were married in Candor, Tioga Co., N. Y., 
 where they lived until 1815, when they removed to Delmar, 
 Pa., and purchased a large tract of wild land, which 
 Mr. Bacon and his sons cleared up and made for themselves 
 homes. 
 
 Their children: Oliver, born 1801, died April 3oth, 1882; 
 Eunice, born 1803, died 1884; Nancy, born 1805, died 1872; 
 Lewis, born 1807, died 1864; Hannah, born 1809; Chloe, 
 born 1812; Daniel, born 1815, died 1865.
 
 Oliver Bacon, born April 2nd, 1801, married Miss 
 Catharine Houghton March 3Oth, 1823, and their children 
 were: Chauncy, born Aug. 26th, 1825, married Electa 
 Satterlee, of Delmar, died 1857. Eunice, born Jan. i5th, 
 1828, married in 1848 J. C. Barth, of Delmar. Simeon, 
 born June I2th, 1830, married in 1868 to Frances Shelton, 
 of Delmar. Pharez, born June I2th, 1834, married in 1883 
 to Lottie T. Green, of Williamsport, Pa. Eli, born July 
 5th, 1832, married in 1853 to Adaline May, of Charleston. 
 Dr. Daniel, born May 2ist, 1836, married in 1876 to 
 Florence Green and lives in Wellsboro, Pa. Lydia, born 
 May ipth, 1838, married in 1853 to G. F. Butler, of Delmar. 
 Esther, born Oct. 26th, 1840, married in 1875 to James 
 Van Degrift, of Delmar. Aspah, born Aug. i8th, 1843, 
 married in 1867 to Neomi Brooks, of Madison Co., 111. 
 Oliver, Jr., born Nov. I4th, 1845, married in 1869 to Elsie 
 M. Barth. She died in 1874 anc ^ Mr- Bacon married for his 
 second wife, in 1882, Jennie Bunnell, of Greene, Chenango 
 Co., N. Y. They now live in Wellsboro, Pa. Seth, born 
 Oct. i4th, 1847, married in 1869 to Helen Barth, of Delmar, 
 where they now live. 
 
 Mr. Oliver Bacon, Sr.'s wife, Catharine, lives with her 
 son, Oliver, Jr., on the homestead at the advanced age of 82 
 years. 
 
 Eunice Bacon, born 1803, married in 1821 to William 
 Dimick. She died in 1884. 
 
 Nancy Bacon, born 1805, married in 1825 to James 
 Henry. She died in 1872. 
 
 Lewis Bacon, born 1807, married in 1844 to Filena 
 Frost. He died in 1864. 
 
 Hannah Bacon, born 1809, married in 1830 to Calvin 
 Newton. 
 
 Chloe Bacon, born 1812, married in 1838 to William 
 Howe and live in Delmar. 
 
 Daniel Bacon, born 1815, married in 1838 to Louisa 
 Atherton.
 
 MS 
 
 (146.) ASAPH ELLIS, third child of Richard, was 
 born Sept. 8th, 1785, and settled in Clearfield Co., Pa., 
 where he raised a family of eight children. Clearfield is 
 about one hundred miles southwest of Ellisburg, Pa., where 
 many of Asaph's relatives lived, and but little is known 
 about himself and family. His wife was 
 
 (147.) AMANDA SPENCER. Their children were: 
 Charles, Richard, Horace, Chauncy, Harriett, Pliny, 
 Hannah and Orlando. If the writer obtains any definite 
 information regarding them it will be given further on under 
 No. 482. 
 
 (148.) HANNAH ELLIS, fourth child of Richard 
 Ellis, of Ellisburg, Pa., was born probably in Shelburn, 
 Mass., March i2th, 1787. She married Frederick Tanner, 
 while her father lived in Candor, N. Y., and had one child. 
 She died in New York at the age of 23 years. 
 
 (150.) LUCINDA ELLIS, was born April 3 rd, 1789, 
 and died in Wellsboro, Pa., in 1842. She married David 
 Henry and lived near Wellsboro, where they raised seven 
 children. 
 
 William Henry died in 1882. 
 
 Charles is a farmer, married and lives in Delmar. 
 
 David is married and lives in Wisconsin. 
 
 Lovica married Richard English and they live in Wells- 
 boro, Pa. 
 
 Mary married a King. She died in 1871. Her sons, 
 Hugh and Galusha King, are married and live in Westfield, 
 Tioga Co., Pa. 
 
 Lydia lives in Wellsboro and her sister, Margaret Henry, 
 died in Wellsboro in 1877. 
 
 (152.) RET. CONSIDER ELLIS, son of Richard 
 
 Ellis, of Ellisburg, Pa., was born Nov. 6th, 1791, in Shelburn, 
 Mass., and died in Ellisburg, Pa., 1866. He was a Baptist 
 minister and also engaged in milling a portion of his time. 
 He had three children, see No. 500. His wife,
 
 146 
 
 (153.) MARY LOYELL, born 1804, married Mr. Ellis 
 in Delmar, Pa., June 23rd, 1822. She now resides in Ellis- 
 burg with her daughter, Prudence, who married Samuel 
 Rouse. 
 
 (154.) REY. JOHN ELLIS, son of Richard Ellis, of 
 Ellisburg, Pa., was born Aug. 27th, 1792, in Shelburn, Mass. 
 He was a Baptist minister. He married Elizabeth Faulkner, 
 and had five children. See Nos. 506 to 513. About 1830 
 he left Pennsylvania, and settled with his family in the town 
 of Great Valley, about two miles south of Ellicottville, 
 Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where he lived until his death, 
 March I4th, 1862. At Great Valley, he had a good farm 
 and grist mill, also a saw mill near the latter. Himself 
 and family are said to have been very excellent people. 
 His wife Elizabeth, died early in life, 1837. 
 
 (156.) EUNICE ELLIS, born May 3 rd, 1794, and di ed 
 at Big Meadows, Pa., 1874. She was a Baptist, and a truly 
 noble and Christian woman. She married Mr. Reuben 
 Herrington, about 1812, and settled at Big Meadows, where 
 they always lived, and where Mr. Herrington died in 1862, 
 age 71 years. They had twelve children: Richard, Jacob, 
 Sarah Ann, Nancy died in 1843, Charles, Geo. W., Deroy, 
 Elsie, Leonard P., Harriet E., Horace, and Benjamin 
 Herrington. 
 
 Jacob Herrington, born 1815, married Katharine Ann 
 Thompson, about 1840. They had four sons and one 
 daughter. Mr. Herrington now lives in Sweden, Potter 
 Co., Pa. He is an extensive farmer and lumberman. His 
 wife died about 1870. 
 
 Sarah Ann, born 1817, married Chester Corsan, and had 
 seven children. They live in Sweden, Pa., where they keep 
 a hotel. 
 
 Charles, born 1821, married Sarah Jane Mathers. They 
 had six children. They live in Wellsboro, Pa. He is a 
 farmer and lumber merchant. 
 
 George W., born 1823, married Matilda Schoonover, and 
 they have three daughters living in Ansonia, Pa. He was
 
 147 
 
 in the saw and grist-mill business, and more lately keeping 
 a hotel. 
 
 Deroy, born 1825, married Maria Merrick, and had four 
 children. They reside at Ansonia, Tioga Co., Pa. He is a 
 farmer. 
 
 Harriet E., born 1830, married John Purvis, and they 
 reside at Niles Valley, Tioga Co., Pa. 
 
 Horace P. Herrington, born 1837, married Elizabeth 
 Holmes, and lives on the homestead at Ansonia, Pa. They 
 have three children. 
 
 (158.) ELD. RICHARD ELLIS, Jr., son of Richard, 
 of Ellisburg, Pa., was born Dec. 6th, 1795, and died in 
 Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa., 1827. He was a Baptist minister, 
 but unordained. He had four children, all born in Delmar, 
 Pa. (See Nos. 522 to 528.) His wife, 
 
 (159.) PATIENCE HERRINGTON, was born 1802, 
 and married Mr. Ellis Feb. 3rd, 1818. She was a Baptist 
 and a sincere Christian woman. She died at her home near 
 Whitesville, Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1855. 
 
 She was a sister of Mr. Reuben Herrington, who 
 married Eunice Ellis (156). 
 
 (160.) DAVID ELLIS, was born July 8th, 1797, and 
 died at Big Meadows, Tioga Co., where he had resided 
 nearly all his life. He was a mill-wright by trade, and for 
 ten years a justice or magistrate and for six years a county 
 commissioner. He was highly respected and a consistent 
 and active Christian of the Baptist faith all his life. He 
 died in 1857. His wife, 
 
 (161.) ORILLA DIMICK, was born in 1801 and died 
 in Shippen, Pa., 1867. Jan. I3th, 1819 she married Mr. 
 Ellis and they raised nine children, (see Nos. 530 to 546.) 
 She was a Baptist. It is said that she was distantly related 
 to the Dimicks of Ashfield and Barnstable, Mass. 
 
 (162.) POLLY, MEHITABLE, BENJAMIN and 
 
 THOMAS J. ELLIS, children of Richard Ellis, of Ellis- 
 burg, Pa., all died in infancy.
 
 148 
 
 Polly was born Feb. 4th, 1799, died on the 28th of the 
 same month. Benjamin, born March 8th, 1800, died the 
 same month. Thomas J., born April 25th, 1801, died April 
 6th, 1802. Mehitable, born May 4th, 1805, died Sept. 4th, 
 of the same year. 
 
 These four children were born in Candor, Tioga Co., 
 N. Y., where their parents lived after their removal from 
 Massachusetts, up to about 1811, when they settled in Tioga 
 Co., Pa. 
 
 (163.) POLLY ELLIS, daughter of Richard Ellis, of 
 Ellisburg, Pa., was born Aug. I2th, 1803, and died of a 
 malignant fever in the autumn of 1819 at Big Meadows, Pa. 
 She married Paul N. Dimick, who was born in 1799, and 
 they had one child. 
 
 (165.) LUCRETIA ELLIS, was born July 15th, 1806, 
 in Candor, Tioga Co., N. Y. In 1829, she married Elder 
 Benjamin G. Avery, and they settled in Allegany, Cattarau- 
 gus Co., N. Y. They had six children. Richard B., born 
 1831; Thomas W., born 1833; Mary P., born 1835; William 
 C., born 1837 ; Sarah L., born 1840; and James T., born 1843. 
 
 Richard B. Avery, was born June 8th, 1831, in Allegany 
 N. Y. He was an officer in the Union army; first in the 
 commissary department, and afterwards adjutant-general. 
 He married a lady in Mississippi soon after the close of the 
 war. They have two children, Hattie and Blanch. They 
 now reside in Mississippi. Mr. Avery, is the inventor of 
 the " Avery Hydro-Carbon fuel and illuminating gas 
 process," which is said to be an invention of great merit. 
 
 Thomas W. Avery, born in Allegany, N. Y., June 
 i3th, 1833, removed to Oregon with his mother and step- 
 father, where he died Dec. 8th, 1867. He was a member of 
 the Oregon legislature the year before his death. 
 
 Mary P. Aveiy, born in Allegany, N. Y., April 3Oth, 
 1835^ married Mr. C. M. Sawtelle, and removed to San 
 Francisco, Cal, where she now resides with her family. 
 She has four children living. She has studied and graduated
 
 149 
 
 in medicine, and is engaged in the practice, and is widely 
 noted as a lecturer on medicine, physiology, and hygiene. 
 She also publishes a paper called the Medico Literary 
 Journal. 
 
 William C. Avery, was born in Mercer Co., Pa., Sept. 
 5th, 1837. He was married to Salome A. Larkin, Nov. 
 1867, by whom he had one son and three daughters, Mary, 
 James, (drowned in Mill-Creek,) Minnie and Alice. Mr. 
 Avery died in California, March 25th, 1875. 
 
 Sarah L. Avery, born in Mercer Co., Pa., Dec. 27th, 
 1840, died in Aug., 1845. 
 
 James T. Avery, was born in Vermillion Co., 111., June 
 4th, 1843, and died in Clackamas Co., Oregon, June 24th, 
 1867. He was a school teacher. 
 
 Elder Benjamin G. Avery, husband of Lucretia Ellis, 
 was a minister of the Old School Baptist denomination, and 
 devoted his energies and life to the cause of his 'Master. 
 In 1843, he moved with his family to Danville, Vermillion 
 Co., 111. In 1844 he went as a delegate to the Spoon River 
 Association, about 200 miles from home, where he was 
 taken sick with a fever in Sept. and died. He was a man 
 of a pure life, and highly respected by all who knew him. 
 
 Mrs. Lucretia Ellis Avery, after the death of her first 
 husband, married July 6th, 1846, Mr. John Stipp, a widower 
 with four children. The next year Mr. Stipp with his 
 children, his wife and four of her children, started by the 
 overland route for Oregon, where they arrived Sept. nth, 
 1848. They settled in Clackamas Co., when the whole 
 territory was a wilderness, and wild animals and savage red 
 men were all around them. It is almost beyond conception 
 the courage required to undertake such a journey, as was 
 this in those early days. For courage, resolution and faith 
 in God such a migration was equal to that which actuated 
 the Pilgrims of two centuries before. 
 
 Mrs. Lucretia Stipp, is a woman of uncommon intelli- 
 gence and worth. To her the writer has been greatly 

 
 '5 
 
 indebted for many facts and items, regarding the early re- 
 latives who settled in Pennsylvania, many years ago. She 
 is the only child of her fathers' family, (Richard Ellis of 
 Ellisburg, Pa.) now living. She now resides at Scio, 
 Oregon. Her second husband, 
 
 Elder John Stipp, was ordained in May, 1853, a minister 
 of the Old School Baptist Church, (not Presbyterian as 
 stated on page 15.) He was born in Berkley Co., West 
 Virginia, Nov. icth, 1806. He is devoted to his calling, 
 and is still traveling over the country, preaching the gospel 
 at his advanced age. Of their children, who went with them 
 in their western journey, but one of his and one of his wife's 
 are now living. They are most worthy people entitled to a 
 reward of everlasting joy in the life to come. 
 
 (168.) HARRY ELLIS, was born March n, 1809 and 
 died at Ellisburg, Pa., Jan. 24th, 1885. Early in life with his 
 father, Richard, they settled in what is now Ellisburg, Pa., 
 when that country was a wilderness. He was a farmer and 
 miller and a very industrious and worthy man. He was a 
 Baptist in religious belief. For three or four years previous 
 to his decease he was sick and helpless from age and 
 infirmities. His children were eight in number, (see Nos. 
 552 to 563), several of whom resided at Ellisburg. His wife, 
 
 (169.) BETSY SEELEY, was a daughter of Mrs. 
 Seeley, the last wife of Dea. Richard Ellis (29), of Ellisburg, 
 Pa. At the time of Mrs. Ellis' marriage, May 1836, to 
 Harry Ellis, she was the widow of Harry's brother, Reuben 
 Ellis (172), by whom she had one daughter, Alvira Ellis 
 (566), now the wife of Charles Coats, Esq., of Ellisburg. 
 Mrs. Betsy Ellis was a very worthy woman and a Baptist in 
 belief. She died at Ellisburg, Jan. i6th, 1885. Her brother, 
 Lewis Seeley, now lives at Ellisburg. 
 
 "Uncle Harry and Aunt Betsy Ellis," as they were 
 called by friends and neighbors, had lived in Ellisburg over 
 fifty years, and most of the time in the house which Harry 
 and his father built when they first settled in that town.
 
 They were people of gentle manners and great kindness 
 of heart, widely known and greatly beloved. They had been 
 married nearly fifty years and died but eight days apart. 
 
 (170.) ELIZABETH ELLIS, born March 22nd, 1811, 
 married Mr. W. M. Chafee and lived in Mercer Co., Pa., 
 where both died some years ago. They had two children. 
 Mr. John Chafee, of Wellsboro, Pa., is her grandson and 
 Mrs. Seymour D. Ellis (1059), of the sam e place, a grand- 
 daughter. 
 
 (172.) REUBEN ELLIS, youngest child of Richard, 
 and Chloe Ellis, of Ellisburg, Pa., was born in Delmar, 
 Tioga Co., Pa., Feb. i5th, 1813. Maypth, 1832, he married 
 Betsy Seeley and had one child, Alvira Ellis, (see 566). 
 About this time Reuben went from home and no certain 
 report of him has ever been had. It is believed that he died 
 a year or two thereafter. 
 
 All these Ellises, of Tioga and Potter Counties, Pa., like 
 their father Dea. Richard Ellis, were ardent and prominent 
 Baptists. Three of them were ministers of that faith and all 
 were noted for their upright lives and Christian example. 
 The father of them, Richard, was born in Ashfield, Mass., 
 at a time and near a part of the town (Baptist Corner) 
 where the Baptist faith and influence greatly predominated. 
 This religious faith still prevails with nearly all his descend- 
 ants down to the present time. An account of Dea. Richard 
 Ellis' and his children's effort to establish their church and 
 promote the gospel in Pennsylvania, in the early part of the 
 present century, will be found in the Appendix. 
 
 Children of Dea. David Ellis Sr. , (32), of Springfield, Erie 
 
 Co., Pa., and their -wives and husbands, Grandchildren 
 
 of Reuben (4), and Great-grandchildren of 
 
 Richard of Ashfield. From 174 to x8a. 
 
 (174.) MELINDA ELLIS, eldest child of Dea. David 
 
 Ellis, and his wife Sarah Washburn (33), was born in Ash- 
 field, March 22nd, 1785. She married Mr. John Wing, 
 about 1810, and settled in Erie Co., Pa., soon after. Mr. 
 Wing died in 1857, and his wife in 1862. They had one son
 
 152 
 
 Mr. Hamilton Wing, who it is said lived in Chillicothe, 
 Ohio. 
 
 (176.) WILLIAM ELLIS, second child of Dea. David 
 Ellis, was born in Ashfield, March 28th, 1787. He lived on 
 the farm with his father until June 1818, when with his 
 family and parents he removed to Springfield, Pa. He was 
 a Baptist in religious belief, and of unusual piety and de- 
 votion. He was a tall and very fine-looking man, and like 
 his brother David Jr., was fond of music. They both, in 
 early life, were in great demand at " musters," or general 
 trainings, and were noted for their skill in martial music, 
 when one played on the fife, and the other the drum. 
 When he settled in Erie Co., Pa., the country was new, and 
 he purchased a farm which he cleared up and made for him- 
 self and family a comfortable home. About 1810 he mar- 
 ried Miss Rhoda Flower of Ashfield, and they had ten 
 children five of whom were born in Ashfield, and the others 
 in North Springfield, Pa. He died may i3th, 1873. His 
 wife, 
 
 (177.) RHODA FLOWERS, was born in Ashfield, Sept. 
 27th, 1789. She was a daughter of Capt. Lamrock Flower 
 Jr., and granddaughter of Maj. Lamrock Flower Sr. These 
 Flowers lived directly opposite the residence of Lieut. John 
 Ellis (15), and were among the early settlers in the town. 
 Mr. Joshua Hall now lives on that farm where he has resid- 
 ed over thirty years, Mr. Bildad Flower, son of Maj. 
 Lamrock Flower Sr., was a Revolutionary soldier and died 
 in the service, leaving two infant daughters, Ruth, who mar- 
 ried Jesse Ranney, and Amanda (71), who married Edward 
 Ellis (70). Mr. Horace Flower who lived near Belding, 
 Mich., several years previous to his death in 1874, was a 
 brother of Mrs. Rhoda Flower Ellis (177). Horace's 
 daughter Louisa married Volney Belding (249), and now 
 lives at Reeds, Mo. Her brother W. H. Flower is a mer- 
 chant in Muir, Mich. Mrs. Rhoda F. Ellis, was a Baptist 
 and a true Christian woman, and highly respected by all her 
 acquaintances. She died in Springfield, Pa., Aug. 26th,
 
 '53 
 
 1864. Her children were William Jr., Charles P., George, 
 Harriet, Lucretia, Samuel, James F., Mary L., Joseph, and 
 Rumina Ellis. See Nos. 570 to 587. Joseph Ellis now lives 
 on the old farm. 
 
 (178.) SARAH ELLIS, third child of David. Sr., was 
 born in Ashfield, Mass., July i8th, 1791. She was married in 
 Ashfield, J uly 5th, 1810, to Capt. James Flower, of Con way, 
 and soon after settled in Wesleyville, Erie County, Pa., 
 where they raised nine children. She died Dec. 3rd, 1853. 
 Her husband, 
 
 (179.) CAPT. JAMES FLOWER, was born in Conway, 
 Mass., Feb. 2ist, 1781. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. 
 He died in Wesleyville, Pa., Feb. 24th, 1832. Their children, 
 all born in Wesleyville, were: 
 
 Elbridge G., born Aug. 26th, 1811, died March 17, 1832. 
 
 Sally H., born Dec. i3th, 1813, married a Potter, and 
 lived in Wesleyville, Pa. 
 
 David Ellis Flower, born March 6th, 1816, lives in 
 Albion, Pa. 
 
 James M., born July nth, 1818, died Aug. 3rd, 1819. 
 
 Dr. William S., born May 27th, 1821, is a physician and 
 lives in Cochranton, Pa. 
 
 Dr. Clarissa Ann, born May 3rd, 1823, married Dr. 
 Chauncy Fuller, of Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., where 
 she now lives and practices medicine. Her husband died 
 in 1872. 
 
 Melinda Jane, born Dec. 9th, 1825, married Dr. Daven- 
 port, and lives in Wesleyville., Pa. 
 
 Lydia W., born April i8th, 1828, lives in Fredonia, N.Y. 
 
 Dr. Phineas D., born May I3th, 1830, married and lives 
 in Albion, Pa., where he is a physician. 
 
 James G., born April itfth, 1832, married in Fredonia, 
 and lives in Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 
 (180.) DAYID ELLIS Jr., was born in Ashfield, Dec. 
 26th, 1793. In 1818 with his wife and three children, and his 
 parents and brother William and his family, they removed to
 
 154 
 
 Erie Co., Pa. The writer's mother, who was raised in Ash- 
 field and is now 81 years of age, well remembers when these 
 people packed their worldly goods on wagons, and with ox 
 and horse teams wended their way over the hills of their 
 native town, to seek a new home in the then wilds of 
 western Pennsylvania. To part with them was a deep 
 sorrow to those who remained, but the universal desire of 
 mankind to better their condition, impelled these old and 
 respected residents to make the change. Others followed 
 their example, and in less than thirty years after, there 
 were no Ellises remaining in that town, in which their 
 ancestor Richard Ellis, was the first settler in 1745, and in 
 which, for just a century, no other name was more fa- 
 miliar. David Ellis Jr., died in Springfield, Pa., Feb. 2ist, 
 1866. He was noted as an upright and honorable man. 
 His wife, 
 
 (181.) RUMINA FLOWER, was born in Ashfield, 
 
 1795, and died in Springfield, Pa., - - 1872. She was 
 a sister of Rhoda Flower (i77)> who married William 
 Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was a member of the Christian Church. 
 She had nine children, the three eldest born in Ashfield, the 
 others in Springfield, Erie Co., Pa. See Nos. 598 to 611. 
 
 (182.) REBECCA ELLIS, youngest child of David 
 Ellis Sr., was born in Ashfield, May loth, 1799. She re ~ 
 moved to Springfield, Pa., where she married Mr. Jonathan 
 Taylor, and settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, where their three 
 children, Phebe, Sarah and Mary Taylor were born. 
 
 Children of John 1 ;iliH Jr. (68), of Piilea, Cay ujja Co., >. V ., 
 
 and their wives and husbands. Grandchildren 
 
 of John Sr., and Great-grandchildren of 
 
 Richard Ellis of Ashfleld. 
 
 (207.) SYLYIA ELLIS, was born in Niles or Sem- 
 pronius, Cayuga Co., N.Y., Oct 7th, 1798. In the spring of 
 1816, she was married in Sempronius to Mr. John Sprague, 
 and the next year moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., 
 N. Y. Mrs. Sprague died at Perrysburg, in Sept. 1837,
 
 leaving five children. Almerin, Delilah, Lodoska, Dorliska 
 and Ebenezer. 
 
 Almerin Sprague was born in 1818. He was a farmer 
 and settled in Genesee, Waukesha Co., Wis. He went to 
 California in 1853, where he died, leaving a wife and five 
 children at Genesee, Wis. 
 
 Delilah Sprague, born Aug., 1824, married for her second 
 husband George Harrington. She is now a widow and has 
 five children. She resides at Hayward, Wis. 
 
 Lodoska, born Feb. i6th, 1827, married a Mr. Sullivan. 
 She is now a widow, and lives with her only child a married 
 daughter in Chicago, 111. 
 
 Dorliska, born March, 1831, married William Medbury, 
 about two years before her death which occurred in Feb., 
 1852. 
 
 Ebenezer, born Oct. 25th, 1883, married and has six 
 children. He is a traveling man and resides in St. Louis, 
 Mo. 
 
 John Sprague, husband of Sylvia Ellis, was born in 
 Luzerne, Warren Co., N. Y., June 2Oth, 1793. He was a 
 farmer. He died April i8th, 1875, at Cedar Falls, Dunn 
 Co., Wis. His father Ebenezer Sprague, was born in 1769, 
 and died in 1877. His mother Hannah Martin, was born in 
 1768, and died in 1875. They were formerly Baptists, but 
 in their old age they became Universalists. John and Sylvia 
 Ellis Sprague were formerly Baptists, but afterwards be- 
 came Universalists. Mr. Almerin Sprague, brother of John 
 Sprague, now lives at Brodhead, Wis., 86 years of age. 
 
 (209.) AZEL ELLIS, was born in Niles, N. Y., Nov. 
 25th, 1799. At about 25 years of age he married Phebe 
 McGee, and she died about one year later. October 3Oth, 
 1828, he married Mary Hagerman, who was born in New 
 Jersey, Oct. 23rd, 1795. They had three children, Edward, 
 Phebe and Lydia. About 1841, Mr. Azel Ellis and family 
 settled on a farm in Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio, where 
 he died March 2ist, 1863, and his wife Oct. 5th, 1859. He
 
 156 
 
 was a carpenter and builder, and an upright and honorable 
 man. For a sketch of his children see Nos. 621 to 623. 
 
 (212.) TAMER ELLIS, daughter of John Ellis, of 
 Niles, N. Y., was born Aug. i8th, 1802, in Niles. May 8th, 
 1827, she married Matthew Vanderbilt, of Sempronius, 
 N. Y., and they had three children, Abilena, Andrew and 
 Hannah. About 1840, Mr. Vanderbilt and family settled in 
 Marseilles, Ohio, on a larm where Mrs. Vanderbilt died in 
 1855, and Mr. Vanderbilt in 1877. Of their children, 
 
 Abilena, born Dec. i8th, 1828, married Stewart S. 
 Adams. They lived in Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio. 
 Andrew, was born Nov. 22nd, 1832. Lives in Marseilles. 
 
 Hannah, was born July 29th, 1838. She married Mr. R. 
 L. Willard, and they live in Marseilles. 
 
 (214.) HIRAM ELLIS, son of John and Abilena 
 Phillips Ellis, was born in Niles, N. Y., Jan. 7th, 1804. He 
 married Martha Flower in 1832, and they raised two children. 
 Hannah and Elisha, both born in Niles, (see 627 and 629). 
 Mr. Ellis was a thorough bible student, and of remarkable 
 memory. He was radical in his opposition to the use of 
 tobacco, (which he had used up to 45 years of age,) alcoholic 
 liquors, and even tea and coffee. He was a man of great 
 benevolence and generosity, and contributed largely to aid 
 the afflicted and suffering. He was a farmer, and the last 
 few years of his life lived in Caton, Steuben Co., N.Y., where 
 he died in 1874. His wife died in 1864. Mrs. Ellis was a 
 sister of Mrs. Wade, the mother of Rev. E. R. Wade, of 
 McLean, N. Y. Elder Wade says of Mr. Hiram Ellis that 
 " he was a God-fearing man, and as honest as sunlight." 
 
 (216.) ELISHA ELLIS, son of John Ellis, was born in 
 Niles, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 7th, 1805. When a youth 
 of thirteen years he went with his uncle, Elisha Phillips, 
 when the latter with his family removed to Mt. Vernon, 
 Posey Co., Indiana, on the Ohio river, in the extreme south- 
 western part of the State. They went down the Alleghany
 
 and Ohio rivers, on rafts and flat-boats with their household 
 goods, and settled in what was then a very wild country. 
 When Elisha reached manhood (1828), he married Miss 
 Hannah Bradley, and purchased a new farm at Farmersville, 
 Posey Co., two miles north of Mt. Vernon, where he raised 
 his family, and where himself and wife now reside, at an 
 advanced age of over 81 years. When he first saw Mt. 
 Vernon, now the county seat of Fosey Co., in 1818 it had 
 but two log huts. Now it has a population of 6000. In his 
 youth Mr. Ellis was a cooper and carpenter. When 21 
 years of age he visited his old home and parents in Niles, 
 for the last time. In 1849, when the "gold-fever" broke out 
 in California, he went there by way of the Mississippi river, 
 Isthmus of Panama, which latter he crossed on foot, and 
 sail vessel to San Francisco. The vessel was becalmed and 
 they were 90 days out of sight of land, and were reduced to 
 exceedingly low rations of water and food. He remained 
 in California about one year. In 1827 he was appointed a 
 captain in the State militia, and held the commission for five 
 years, and is always addressed by acquaintances as the "Old 
 Captain." He is widely known, and esteemed as an upright, 
 honorable and Christian man of the Universalist faith. 
 
 (218.) RICHARD ELLIS, son of John, of Niles, N. Y., 
 
 was born in that town June i6th, 1806. November 6th, 1827, 
 he married Mary P. Selover of Niles, where they lived un- 
 til about 1836, when with his family he settled on a farm in 
 Jackson, Hardin Co., Ohio, where their three youngest 
 children were born. In 1849 Mr. Ellis went to California, 
 and on his way home he stopped at his brother Ebenezer's, 
 who then lived at Farmersville, Ind., where he was taken 
 sick and died. This was in 1853. 
 
 (219.) MARY P. SELOYER, wife of Richard Ellis, 
 was born in Niles N. Y. She was the youngest daughter 
 of Isaac Selover of Niles. After the death of her husband, 
 she removed with her family to Marseilles, Ohio, where she 
 died April 5th, 1884, aged 75 years. -
 
 (220.) HON. PITTS ELLIS, son of John, was born 
 in the town of Murray, Genesee Co., N. Y., (where his 
 parents lived for a time,) Feb. 2pth, 1808. He received a 
 good education for those times, and in early life was a 
 mechanic. In after life he was a farmer, and dealer in cattle 
 and produce. He was married in Perrysburg, N. Y., Feb. 
 23rd, 1832, to Miss Lucia M. Balcom, and they had five 
 children, four of whom grew to maturity, and are now liv- 
 ing. See Nos. 651 to 657. In 1841 he was one of the 
 pioneers in the settlement of Wisconsin. He located at 
 North Prairie, and afterwards at Genesee, Waukesha Co. 
 He was the first justice of that town, also supervisor and 
 register of deeds of the county, He was elected to the 
 territorial legislature in 1845, and in 1846 to the constitutional 
 convention, on which the territory was admitted as a state to 
 the Union. He was again a member of the Legislature in 
 1850. He was a strong advocate of temperance, and the 
 same may be said of all his brothers and sisters. He was 
 an upright, honorable and Christian man. He died in 
 Genesee, Wis., Feb. ist, 1876. His wife, 
 
 (221.) LUCIA M. BALCOM, wife of Mr. Pitts Ellis, 
 was born Feb. 22nd, 1814, in Gorham, Ontario Co., N.Y. 
 She joined the Baptist church at 14 years of age, and has 
 always been a member of a church since. Since the death 
 of her husband she has lived in Milwaukee, with her 
 daughter Anna, who married Lewis Barling. Mrs. Ellis' 
 parents were Dr. Isaac Balcom and Anna Burr, his wife, who 
 settled in Perrysburg, N. Y., in 1821. Mrs. Ellis and her 
 husband, in later life were inclined toward the Universalist 
 church in their religious belief. 
 
 (222.) JOHN J. ELLIS, son of John, of Niles, N. Y., 
 was born in Murray, N. Y., March I4th, 1810. He married 
 Catharine Selover, about 1838, and they have raised five 
 children. See Nos. 659 to 667. 
 
 Mr. Elllis and his wife, reside in the town of Sennett, 
 Cayuga Co., N, Y., about three miles from Auburn, where
 
 '59 
 
 he has a home and a shop, in which he carries on the busi- 
 ness of manufacturing wagons and carriages. He is quite a 
 mechanical genius, and has invented several very useful 
 implements. He is widely known and esteemed as an up- 
 right, honorable and Christian man, although not a church 
 member. Mrs. Catharine Ellis, was born in Sempronius, 
 July ist, 1813. 
 
 (225.) BENJAMIN ELLIS, son of John, of Niles. N. 
 Y., was born in Niles, June nth, 1813.* He married Jemima 
 Vanderbilt, at Niles, Dec, ist, 1839, where their four eldest 
 children were born. In 1850 he settled in Wyandot Co. 
 Ohio, on a farm. He died March i8th, 1881, and his wife 
 June 2Oth, 1883. They had eight children. See Nos. 669 
 to 683. 
 
 In 1856 Mr. Ellis left his farm, and engaged in the 
 grocery business in Marseilles, until the war of the rebellion, 
 when he sold out and enlisted in Co. D., 8ist Ohio Infantry 
 Volunteers. He served thirteen months when he was 
 discharged for disability. He was in the battles of Pitts- 
 burg Landing, Shiloh and the siege of Corinth. After his 
 discharge he was made First Lieut, of Co. G., 144 Reg. of 
 Ohio National Guards. After the close of the war he en_ 
 gaged as carpenter and builder. He was a man of unusual 
 intelligence, strictly sober and temperate, a great bible 
 scholar, a member of the Methodist church, and an upright 
 and highly respected man. 
 
 (227.) EBENEZER ELLIS, was born in Niles, June 
 i8th, 1815. At 22 years of age he left New York, and set- 
 tled in Farmersville, Ind., where he married Miss Theodocia 
 Phillips, April nth, 1839. They raised six children, all born 
 in Farmersville. See Nos. 685 to 695. In 1859 he removed 
 to Genesee, Wis. His wife and himself with their son Pitts, 
 now reside in Arkansas City, Kansas. 
 
 (229.) RUTH ELLIS, youngest daughter of John Ellis, 
 was born in Niles, N. Y., March 24th, 1818. She married 
 
 *This date is from the family bible of his parents in Niles. His children in Ohio, have re- 
 cords giving the date of his birth as 1810.
 
 i6o 
 
 Mr. George Hall, and for several years they resided in 
 Richland, Kalamazoo Co., Mich. Mr. Hall died there in 
 1872. Mrs. Hall still lives there with her children. The 
 names of the latter were: Maria, Horace and Ahilena. 
 
 (231.) ANTHONY W. ELLIS, youngest son of John, 
 and Abilena Phillips Ellis, was born in Niles, N. Y., Jan. 
 6th, 1820, where he now resides on a farm. He has been a 
 farmer all his life. October i2th, 1843, he married Miss 
 Hannah Van Etten, in Niles, and they have raised three 
 children. See Nos. 708 to 713. 
 
 In the old age of his parents Mr. Ellis lived with them, 
 and from the old family bible, and other sources he has sent 
 the writer family records, and much other information of 
 value in compiling this book. Mr. Anthony W. Ellis was 
 the youngest of his parents' large family (16 children) and 
 they are all noted for being men and women of the strictest 
 sobriety, morality, and sound religious principles, although 
 not all of the so-called orthodox faith. He was named in 
 honor of Gen. Anthony Wayne, under whom his father was 
 a soldier, and for whom he had great admiration. 
 
 Children of Edward Hills (70), of >iles, Cayuga Co., N. Y.. 
 
 and tbelr wives. Grandchildren of i.ieut . John 
 
 (15), and Richard Ellis of Ashfield. 
 
 (232,) HANNAH VAN ETTEN, wife of Anthony W. 
 Ellis, was born in Owasco, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. I3th, 
 1826. Her parents were Anthony Van Etten and his wife 
 Jane Cuykendall, who moved from Orange Co., N. Y., to 
 Cayuga Co., about 1820. 
 
 (233.) CYRUS ELLIS, eldest son of Edward, was 
 born at Niles, about three miles north of Moravia, Feb. 2d, 
 1799. When two years of age his father died and his 
 mother (71) returned with him to Ashfield, where Cyrus 
 remained most of the time with his grandfather, John (15),
 
 and his uncle Dimick Ellis until he became of age. He 
 then went out to Sempronius or Niles, N. Y., where his 
 mother, after her second marriage, to Rev. Mr. Forbush, 
 was living on the homestead which Cyrus' father settled 
 upon in 1798. Cyrus soon after purchased this farm of his 
 mother and here he made his home for the remainder of his 
 long and active life. March 3ist, 1825, he married Miss 
 Clarissa Birch, who was his faithful companion up to the 
 time of her death in the autumn of 1885, a period of over 
 sixty years. They raised a family of nine children, six sons 
 and three daughters. See Nos. 715 to 731. 
 
 Mr. Cyrus Ellis was a man of very radical views. He 
 was one of the earliest Abolitionists of this country and 
 never omitted an opportunity to aid the fugitive slave who 
 was trying to escape from the bondage of the southern 
 master. When the great war of the slaveholders' Rebellion 
 broke out in 1861 four of Mr. Ellis' sons enlisted in the 
 Union army to aid in the preservation of the government.* 
 Of these loyal and courageous young men who shouldered 
 arms with the sanction and blessings of fond parents three 
 gave up their lives a sacrifice on the altar of their country, 
 a great bereavement to their loving parents but the latter, 
 thus deeply stricken, did not diminish in the ardor of their 
 patriotism. It was just such heroism as this of hundreds 
 of thousands of noble sires and sons (and mothers and 
 daughters too) which carried this government through the 
 awful peril of the Great Rebellion and saved it from per- 
 ishing off the earth. Their achievements demand the 
 gratitude of posterity to the latest generations. 
 
 Mr. Ellis was all his life a most ardent advocate of tem- 
 perance and opposed the liquor traffic in every form. He 
 was a man of good mind and judgment and his advice 
 and counsel was often sought by his neighbors to such 
 
 *Mr. Ellis himself, although over 6p years of age, such was his patriotism and desire to 
 free the slave, sought to enlist as a soldier, and was quite indignant when it was intimated that 
 his eye-sight or physical powers might be defective. 
 
 Ell 
 
 those three lines.
 
 162 
 
 an extent that he was widely known and respected as the 
 "sage" of his town. He was a small man of great 
 nervous energy and activity and never allowed time to 
 waste on his hands. The writer remembers his visiting 
 western Michigan in the summer of 1848. He walked 
 much of the way for the last 100 miles, not being railroads 
 there at that time, visited four families of relatives near 
 Belding, and was on his way home the same day of his ar- 
 rival. He never " set around " but " made hay " whether 
 the sun shone or not traits which he probably derived 
 mostly from his mother, (though it is stated as a fact that 
 his father died at the early age of 28 years from overwork.) 
 Unusual economy was one of Cyrus' leading traits. It is 
 told that when a boy in Ashfield and working among the 
 thorns and briars on the old farm of his grandfather he 
 would often remove his shoes and roll up his pants to 
 preserve them from wear and tear, not minding the injury 
 inflicted on himself. He died Nov. ipth, 1885, in his 86th 
 year, with all his faculties bright until near his end. His 
 memory of the relatives and early events connected with 
 this work has aided the writer greatly in his task. His 
 knowledge of the olden times was both minute and exten- 
 sive. His wife, 
 
 (234.) CLARISSA BIRCH, was born Jan. 3 oth, 1800, 
 at Argyle, Washington County, N. Y. She died at the 
 homestead Aug. i7th, 1885. The funeral discourses at 
 the burial of both Mrs. Ellis and her husband were 
 preached by Elder E. R. Wade of McLean, N. Y. 
 Elder Wade for his first wife, married Miss Elizabeth 
 Forbush, half sister of Cyrus Ellis, (see page 112.) 
 He was intimately acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Ellis 
 nearly all his life and writes that he had for them the high- 
 est regard and esteem, and that this was the uniform 
 opinion of all who knew them. Honesty, integrity and vir- 
 tue were the guiding principles which ever actuated them. 
 They have gone to the reward of the just, and their mem- 
 orv should be cherished forever.
 
 i6 3 
 
 The following is an extract from a letter of Elder 
 Wade's written soon after the funeral of Mrs. Ellis : 
 
 " The Book says, ' the righteous shall be in everlasting 
 remembrance.' If this be true, a word in remembrance 
 of the noble mother who was consigned to the grave north 
 of Moravia, last Wednesday, Aug. ipth, will not be out of 
 place. 
 
 " In the year 1825, Cyrus Ellis and Clarissa Birch were 
 married, and in a log house north of the hamlet afterwards 
 called Pennyville began the work of creating a good farm 
 and a nice home, from the domain of nature around them. 
 How well they succeeded in their effort, the large farm and 
 the princely residence will tell. For sixty years they have 
 resided on the farm where they commenced married life. 
 
 " With them, ' Life was real, life was earnest,' and from 
 early morn till dewy eve, work went on and the farm and 
 the home are a monument of their joint labors, and of the 
 children that came to them as the years rolled on. Not a 
 dollar gained by speculation, but all by hard and honest 
 toil. 
 
 " As the years were passing nine children came to them 
 in the old log house, or in the new one, that burned near 
 where the present residence now stands. 
 
 " Six sons and three daughters found a home with them 
 as time rolled on. With all the care of farm, home, and 
 children, she had time to aid and care for the sick, and to 
 help the poor and needy. 
 
 " Her ear was quick to hear the cry of the sick or dy- 
 ing and all homes opened at her approach, as did the ward 
 gate of the prison, at the tread of the God-fearing apostles. 
 
 " Her hand was light ; her presence sweet ; and her 
 care was pleasant in the sick room. She always had time 
 to do good in the home and abroad. Four of her sons 
 enlisted and rallied at the call of country, and in defense 
 of human freedom. Three of them did not return alive. 
 With the grandeur of a Roman mother, she did not com-
 
 164 
 
 plain. She had laid them on the altar of her country. She 
 could not visit the last resting places of her dead, where 
 they were resting among the " Unknown Dead." 
 
 And where the unknown in their silence are sleeping, 
 The feet of the angels are pressing the sod ; 
 
 And vespers of harmony 'round them are keeping, 
 
 While Martyrs of Freedom, have gone to their God. 
 
 " Mother Ellis, was a religious woman in the largest and 
 broadest sense of the word. Her religion was not bigotry. 
 She was at home among all Christians, and had in her 
 heart the truth that all who loved God and humanity were 
 children of one God, and members of one household, 
 and were of one brotherhood. This she saw long before 
 the great world of religionists saw or felt it. She was 
 in her religious life the embodiment of the great truth 
 voiced by Abraham Lincoln : ' With charity for all, and 
 malice toward none,' and her life, and creed, were har- 
 monious and not in conflict. 
 
 "She was as kind and sweet as the breezes that fan 
 the fields, when reapers sing among the garnered grain. 
 In the closing hour of life, when her sandals were 
 already in the stream, once again she sang one of the 
 old songs of triumph, that had lived in her heart, and 
 her kind and loving spirit passed on to the great land, and 
 home of the hereafter. Loved but not lost ; gone on 
 to the higher and better life. 
 
 "The funeral was held at her late residence and was 
 attended by a crowd of old friends and neighbors. 
 
 " Cyrus Ellis, now 86 years of age and quite feeble, was 
 able to sit up during all the exercises. All the remaining 
 children, five in number, were present, and all reside within 
 a distance of twelve miles. 
 
 " One by one the old residents on the hill where I was 
 born are called home, and now but one remains in that 
 vicinity. 
 
 "The Fathers, where are they ? and the Prophets, do 
 they live forever ? EDWIN R. WADE."
 
 (235.) HON. EDWARD D. ELLIS, youngest son of 
 Edward Ellis, of Niles, N. Y., was born in Niles, Oct. 7th, 
 1801, about two months alter the death of his father. His 
 early years were passed on the farm on which his parents 
 settled when they removed from Ashfield in 1798. When 
 a young man he was put to service with a tanner with a 
 view of his learning that trade. This occupation soon 
 proved distasteful to him and feeling a strong desire to 
 become a printer, he sought and obtained a position in a 
 printing office in Auburn, N. Y. He took to the business 
 readily and in due time became proficient in it. When 
 about twenty years of age he visited his grandparents and 
 other relatives in Ashfield and from there went to Spring- 
 field and Boston, Mass., where he worked for a time as a 
 journeyman printer. He returned by way of New York 
 city, Poughkeepsie and Cooperstown to his home in Niles. 
 During this trip and for several years before and after he 
 kept a journal in which is recorded his doings for nearly 
 every day with comments on all the principal events of 
 those times. In this way he became a close observer and 
 a ready writer on political and other topics. He anticipated, 
 by several years, that famous saying of Horace Greeley, 
 " Go West, young man" and purchased an outfit for a print- 
 ing office and started for Michigan. He landed at Mon- 
 roe, where he opened an office and began publishing the 
 " Michigan Sentinel," in 1825. This was the first news- 
 paper printed in the territory of Michigan, outside of De- 
 troit. It commanded a large patronage for that time and 
 brought Mr. Ellis into prominence as a political writer. 
 The leading party about that time, or soon after, was the 
 Democracy, often referred to in the present time as the 
 "Jacksonian democracy," of which Gen. Andrew Jackson, 
 (afterwards President,) was the leader. Mr. Ellis was an 
 intelligent and enthusiastic supporter of his party and its 
 successive leaders until the year 1847, when he broke loose 
 from it on account of its secession proclivities and its sup- 
 port of slavery.
 
 i66 
 
 Mr. Ellis was several times elected a member of the 
 territorial and state legislatures and also of the conven- 
 ion which formed the constitution on which Michigan was 
 admitted into the union of states. In the latter he proposed 
 an original statute which was adopted and ever since re- 
 tained in the organic law of the state (and since by several 
 other states,) that money paid as fines for crimes and mis- 
 demeanors should be devoted to purchasing and sustaining 
 public libraries in every town and city. Mr. Ellis was a 
 ready debater and withal a man of large influence in the 
 early history of the state of his adoption. About 1842, he 
 sold his interests in Monroe and removed to Detroit, where 
 he continued the printing business and publishing of the 
 " American Vineyard," a paper which he started in the lat- 
 ter town. In the political campaign of 1847 and 1848, he 
 took strong grounds in favor of Gen. Zachary Taylor, the 
 hero of the Mexican war, for president, and it is said 
 that he was the first publisher of a newspaper to pro- 
 pose Gen. Taylor's candidacy for that high office. His 
 efforts in his cause attracted the attention of Gen. Taylor, 
 and the latter wrote him in acknowledgment and appre- 
 ciation of the same. Just before the meeting of the nomi- 
 nating convention which placed Gen. Taylor before the 
 people as a candidate, Mr. Ellis was taken suddenly sick 
 and died. A day or two before this sad event he over- 
 exerted himself at a fire and it was thought that some in- 
 ternal injury had been received which accounted for his 
 sudden and unexpected demise, which was a great shock to 
 his family and numerous friends. 
 
 Mr. Ellis had many friends among the older residents 
 of Monroe and Detroit, who hold his memory in high re- 
 gard to the present time. His paper, the " Sentinel," was 
 changed in name to the " Commercial" and for the past 35 
 years has been published in Monroe by Mr. M. D. Hamil- 
 ton and Son, and is one of the most enterprising journals in 
 the state. A few years ago Mr. H. printed a series of ar-
 
 i6 7 
 
 tides found among the unpublished papers of Mr. Ellis, 
 which attracted considerable attention from the people of 
 Monroe and other parts of the state. 
 
 Among papers and letters sent the writer is found one 
 from Hon. Wm. Woodbridge, one of the early Governors 
 of Michigan, dated Jan. 31, 1849, an( ^ which contains the 
 following : " I was long and intimately acquainted with 
 the late Mr. Edward D. Ellis and no man regretted more 
 sincerely I think than I did his sudden and unexpected 
 death. To a mind stored with much and varied knowledge 
 and of great native strength and energy he united a most 
 amiable and generous heart. Strong in his friendships he 
 was still more inflexibly firm in his principles. So far as 
 my long acquaintance with him enabled me to judge I know 
 of no man more confiding, I know of no man more purely 
 honest than was he." 
 
 In all respects he was a man of strict sobriety, integrity 
 and uprightness in all his conduct and his memory is held 
 in high esteem by all who had the honor of his acquain- 
 tance. He was a small sized man, nervous temperament, 
 with dark eyes and hair. He died in Detroit, May 15, 1848. 
 For sketch of his children see Nos. 733 to 740. Feb. 2d, 
 1830, he married 
 
 (286.) LEONORA MARY CHAPMAN, in Monroe, 
 Mich. She was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 25, 1805, 
 and was a daughter of Mr. Asa Chapman, an early resident 
 of Buffalo. Mr, Chapman was a millwright and built a 
 number of grist and saw mills in New York, and Ohio. 
 When a young woman Miss Chapman and a younger sister 
 went to Kentucky, where they became teachers in families. 
 Public schools were then unknown in that section and 
 nearly every family employed teachers. Miss Leonora was 
 thus engaged for several years in the family of Gen. Gaines, 
 a prominent citizen of Kentucky. Most of the people in 
 that section were Roman Catholics in religious belief and 
 these two young women embraced that faith, to which they
 
 i68 
 
 ever afterwards adhered. The younger one, Permelia, took 
 ecclesiastical " vows," and was made a Sister of Charity and 
 Superior of St. Vincent's* Academy, a school for young 
 ladies at Morgansfield, Ky., at the head of which she 
 remained during her life. She died about 1850. Another 
 sister, Eliza, a strong Presbyterian, married Mr. Drake. 
 She was soon left a widow and settled with her two 
 children, a son and daughter, in Farmington, Mich., where 
 she lived highly respected and died about 1860. Her 
 son, Francis M. Drake, died at the same place about 1880, 
 leaving a widow and eight children, three of whom 
 have recently graduated at the University of Michigan, at 
 Ann Arbor. Mrs. F. M. Drake and one daughter, Mrs. 
 Imogene Brown, now live in Brighton, Mich., and Mrs. Dr. 
 Avery, another daughter, in Pontiac. 
 
 Mrs. Leonora M. Ellis was a woman of superior educa- 
 tion and culture. After the death of her husband in 1848, 
 she resided with her children in Chicago and Detroit, the 
 last few years with her eldest daughter, Minerva, in Detroit, 
 where she died Aug. 26, 1870. 
 
 Children of Dea. Dimicfe Cilia (72), and their husband 
 and wives. Grandchildren of i.ieut. John (15), 
 and jpreat-grandchildren of Richard 
 , all of Aslilield. 
 
 (237.) DESIAH ELLIS, eldest child and only -daugh- 
 ter of Dea. Dimick Ellis was born in Ashfield, Mass., 
 Aug. ipth, 1803. She lived with her parents at the old 
 homestead until her marriage, April loth, 1828, to Mr. 
 Tiberius Belding, of Ashfield, where they made their home 
 about 80 rods south from the corner where Richard Ellis 
 made the first settlement in that town. Here six of their 
 children were born. In the autumn of 1840 they removed 
 to Michigan and settled in Otisco, the north-west corner 
 town ot Ionia Co. Their home was one and one-half miles 
 west of what is now the flourishing village of Belding.
 
 169 
 
 They were among the first settlers of that township, prob- 
 ably not over a dozen families preceding them. This whole 
 region was then a wilderness and quite difficult ot access, 
 no railroads being nearer than Detroit, which was 140 miles 
 distant. But this was a beautiful country and settled al- 
 most wholly by intelligent and enterprising emigrants from 
 Massachusetts and Central New York. The name of the 
 town was given by settlers from Otisco, Onondago county, 
 N. Y. They were a very hospitable people and any settler 
 was known to and considered "a neighbor" of all the 
 others who were not more than ten or twelve miles distant. 
 The land was mostly open " plains" and was quite easily 
 brought under cultivation. The willing soil yielded an 
 abundance of the necessaries of subsistence and a more 
 cheerful, contented and virtuous people than these settlers 
 could nowhere be found. " Aunt Desiah," in a surpassing 
 degree had the love and esteem of every one. Her house 
 was always open and a kindly greeting was extended to 
 all. Forty rods north was the district school-house which 
 served also as the meeting-house for many years. Al- 
 though neither herself or husband were church members, 
 the "circuit" ministers of all denominations went straight 
 to her home and always were welcomed by herself and 
 husband. She never wearied in doing good to everybody 
 and her memory should endure forever. She died at the 
 homestead Dec. 25th, 1880. Her husband, 
 
 (238.) TIBERIUS BELDING, was born in Ashfield, 
 Sept. 1 5th, 1800. He was a son of Mr. John Belding, who 
 lived all his life on the farm where Richard Ellis settled 
 in 1745. Tiberius was next oldest brother of Mr. Hiram 
 Belding, who settled at Belding, Mich., (Otisco township), 
 about 1854. 
 
 Mr. Tiberius Belding was a man of uncommon good 
 sense, generous, upright, industrious and respected. It re- 
 quired all these traits with a noble ambition which he 
 possessed to impel one, with a large family, to brave and
 
 170 
 
 overcome the privations of a new country such as was this 
 in the Forties. He died in Otisco, Nov. ipth, 1870. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Belding raised eight children to maturity. These 
 were Annabel P., born 1829; Francis W., 1830; Edward 
 E., 1832; Priscilla A., 1834; Tiberius, jr., 1838; Waite, 
 1840; Ellen M., 1845, and John D., 1849. 
 
 Annabel Polly Belding was born in Ashfield, June 8th, 
 1829. She married Charles F. Morse at Otisco, Feb. 4th, 
 1849. They had seven children, four of whom are now 
 living; the others died in infancy. About 1870, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Morse moved from Otisco to Milo, Lincoln Co., Kan- 
 sas, where they settled on a farm. Mr. Morse died at 
 Milo, July 1 2th, 1884. He was born in Homer, Courtland 
 Co., N. Y., Nov. 9th, 1820. He and his brother, Hon. John 
 L. Morse, were of the first settlers in Otisco about 1837. 
 Mrs. Annable P. Morse resides in Milo, with her children. 
 Her son, Charles Lee Morse, born 1851, married Phoebe 
 Early of Simpson, Kansas, in 1885. Lewis Ellis Morse, 
 born 1858, lives in Milo, Kansas, and has two children. 
 Fred Morse born 1861, also lives in Kansas. Nellie Desiah 
 Morse born 1864, is a school teacher near her mother's 
 home in Kansas. 
 
 Francis W. Belding, born Oct. 28th, 1830, married Miss 
 Julia Day, daughter of Daniel Day, Esq., of Otisco. He 
 settled on a farm two miles west of Otisco Center, where his 
 widow and children now live. He died March 6th, 1879, 
 after a long and painful illness. He was a man of uncom- 
 mon intelligence and industry and was held in high esteem 
 by all who ever knew him. His children are Edward E., 
 Ralph, Blanche, Grace and Pearl. They have an excellent 
 farm and beautiful home. 
 
 Edward Ellis Belding was born in Ashfield, Dec. 2d, 
 1832. At the beginning of the Rebellion he enlisted in Com- 
 pany B, i6th Michigan Volunteers, and was in the seven 
 days battle before Richmond in 1862. He died at Harri- 
 son's Landing, Va., July i5th, 1862, from sickness brought
 
 on by exposure and fatigue incident to the campaign after 
 twelve months of active service. One of his comrades, 
 now the Hon. A. B. Morse,* Chief Justice of the State of 
 Michigan, wrote the following lines : 
 
 Lines on the Death of Edward E. Belding, Company , i6th 
 Michigan Volunteers. 
 
 Died at Harrison's Landing, Va., July ijth, 1862. 
 
 Another form has passed away 
 
 Another heart is cold ; 
 Beneath the earth we laid to-day, 
 
 A soldier true and bold. 
 And sadly have we, comrades all, 
 
 Around his lonely grave, 
 With tears our silent tribute paid 
 
 A noble soul and brave. 
 
 Among the first he left his home 
 
 And friends at Duty's call, 
 His Country's honor to maintain, 
 
 With her to stand or fall. 
 And twelve long months, through hardships dire, 
 
 A soldier's armor wore 
 The toilsome march, the wet bivouac 
 
 He proudly, calmly bore. 
 
 Fatigue and cold, the burning heat 
 
 His soul could never tire ; 
 No danger great, no duty chilled, 
 
 That heart of patriot fire ; 
 And ever in the battle front 
 
 On Gaines's bloody field, 
 His manly form the foremost was 
 
 Among the last to yield. 
 
 *Allen Benton Morse was born in 1837 and was the first white male child born in Otisco 
 He was the eldest son of Hon. John L. Morse, whose farm and house joined Mr. Tiberius 
 Belding's on the south. He enlisted in the same company with Edward E. fielding, with 
 whom he had been acquainted from his childhood. Young Morse was promoted to a lieu- 
 tenantcy and adjutant and served through the war. After the close of the Rebellion he prac- 
 ticed law in Ionia, Mich., until the spring of 1885, when he was elected Chief Justice of Michi- 
 gan over Chief Justice Cooley, one of the most noted public men in this State, by the aston- 
 ishing majority of over 32,000 votes. Judge Morse has literary and judicial ability of a high 
 order.
 
 The fearful days and sleepless nights, 
 
 That marked our " change of base. 
 The hurried march, the desperate fight 
 
 Found Belding in his place. 
 And when fatigue brought on disease, 
 
 And quick and fevered breath ; 
 He suffered pain without complaint 
 
 And calmly waited Death. 
 
 Here, Edward, may thou sleep in peace, 
 
 This noble oak beneath, 
 Where loving comrades made thy bed, 
 
 And wove the laurel wreath. 
 May holly wave and wild rose bloom 
 
 Above thy resting place, 
 As long as yonder noble stream 
 
 Its silvered course shall trace. 
 
 And may no coward traitor's hand 
 
 Disturb thy quiet grave ; 
 Oh, God of right and truth protect 
 
 The bones of lifeless brave ; 
 In life thy soul they could not daunt, 
 
 In death it soars above, 
 And dwells with heroes of the past, 
 
 In realms of endless love. 
 
 At home, the ones that loved him well, 
 
 Kind friends and parents dear, 
 Will sadly miss his cheerful face, 
 
 And weep the bitter tear. 
 And mem'ry will thy worth engrave. 
 
 In every comrade's mind, 
 Of one who dared to do and die, 
 
 A faithful friend and kind. 
 
 A. B. MORSE. 
 
 James River, Va., July i8th, i86a. 
 
 Priscilla A. Belding, second daughter of Tiberius and 
 Desiah Ellis Belding, was born at Ashfield, Sept. 28th, 
 1834. She married Aug. Qth, 1857, Mr. John D. Snyder 
 of Otisco, who lived for several years fifty rods north of 
 Mr. Tiberius Belding. Soon after their marriage Mr. 
 Snyder and wife settled on a farm three miles north of 
 Ionia, where they raised their family of five children. 
 On March 27th, 1884, Mrs. Snyder and her two daughters
 
 173 
 
 visited Ionia and in returning home in the evening the 
 horse became frightened and ran away, throwing out the 
 occupants. Mrs. Snyder, was instantly killed but her 
 daughters escaped serious injury. 
 
 Tiberius Belding, Jr., was born at Ashfield, Sept. 2d, 
 1838. He married Miss Eliza King of Orleans, Mich., in 
 1862, and have one daughter, Bertha Desiah. Mr. Belding 
 was a farmer three miles east of Greenville, Mich., for 
 several years. About 1880, he removed to Groton, Brown 
 county, Dakota, where he is extensively engaged in farm- 
 ing and hotel keeping. 
 
 Waite Belding was born in Ashfield, April 25th, 1840, 
 and was six months old when his parents settled in Otisco. 
 He has been an invalid most of his life and resides with 
 his sisters, Ellen and Mrs. Snyder, previous to the death 
 of the latter. 
 
 Ellen M. Belding was born in Otisco, July 7th, 1845. 
 She married Mr. James Granger and they have three 
 children, Frank, Carl and Glenn. They live on the home- 
 stead of Mrs. Granger's parents. 
 
 John Dimick Belding was born in Otisco, Nov. i8th, 
 1849. He married Miss Amelia Deitz, whose parents lived 
 at Otisco corners, three-fourths of a mile south of the 
 Belding home. They have one daughter, Grace, and live 
 in or near Groton, Dakota. 
 
 All these children and grandchildren of Desiah Ellis and 
 Tiberius Belding, Sr., were and are sober, upright, indus- 
 trious and highly respected and hold in high regard the 
 memory of their devoted parents. 
 
 (239.) DBA. RICHARD ELLIS, eldest son of Dim- 
 ick and Polly Annable Ellis, was born in Ashfield, March 
 2Oth, 1805. He lived at home until his majority when he 
 took a trip through Vermont and northern and central New 
 York. He settled at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 
 about 1826, where he engaged in the coopering business. 
 On "Thanksgiving Day," in November, 1827, he was
 
 J74 
 
 married to Miss Hannah Ranney of Ashfield. They at 
 once took up their home at Pittstown, two miles east of the 
 town " corners," at what is now Boyntonville P. O., named 
 in honor of Mr. Wm. Boynton, now a leading citizen there 
 who was born about 1830. Dea. Ellis lived here until his 
 removal to Michigan in 1844. He was largely engaged in 
 coopering, employing many hands for several years manu- 
 facturing barrels for market at Troy, 15 miles distant. 
 About 1840 he took a leading part in organizing the Chris- 
 tian church there and erecting a meeting-house. May ist, 
 1844, he started with his family, wife and two children, for 
 Otisco, Mich, where his sister, Desiah (237) had settled in 
 1840 and his brother Lewis (241) in 1842. They went up 
 the Erie canal to Buffalo, by steamboat to Detroit and 
 thence with ox teams to Otisco, 140 miles northwesterly 
 from Detroit. They reached their new home after a jour- 
 ney of 21 days. The same trip can now be made in 24 
 hours. Dea. Ellis purchased about 200 acres of new land 
 and began its improvement. His farm is on the north side 
 of Flat River, a part of which is now in the thriving vil- 
 lage of Belding. 
 
 In 1844 this was a wild country, with deer, bears and 
 Indians numerous. Dea. Ellis was a man of delicate health 
 all his life but with industry, perseverance and good man- 
 agement he made for himself and family a good home. 
 Soon after locating in Otisco, he began the organization of 
 a Christian church in connection with Rev. Wilson Mosher 
 who, about that time, together with eight or ten fami- 
 lies from Pittstown, had located there. This church was 
 the principal one in that part of the town for many years 
 and about 1870 a commodious church building was erected 
 at Belding. Dea. Ellis took great interest in his church 
 and was a most exemplary member thereof. For eighteen 
 years he was a justice of the peace, in which official position 
 he settled many difficulties with contentious parties, with 
 seldom a lawsuit, and it is said that he never had a lawsuit
 
 T 75 
 
 of his own. He was a man of uncommon public spirit, 
 always aiding every enterprise which tended to benefit his 
 town and its people. 
 
 Dea. Ellis was reared in Ashfield, in the midst of strong 
 Baptist influences and was from early years of decided re- 
 ligious inclinations, but his independence of thought led 
 him to reject much of the Calvinistic doctrines of his early 
 teachings. About 1835, he embraced the doctrines of the 
 Christian denomination, to which he devotedly adhered the 
 remainder of his life, and it is but truth to say that his 
 was the leading spirit in that church both in Pittstown and 
 Belding, in which his time, labor, counsel and money were 
 ever freely given. In every relation of life his example 
 was a model for others. No unjust act was ever attributed 
 to him. He lived without an enemy and died regretted 
 by all who knew him. He died March 26th, 1878. 
 His wife, 
 
 (240.) HANNAH RANNEY, was born in Ashfield, 
 Dec. I5th, 1805. She was the eldest daughter of Jesse and 
 Ruth Flower Ranney, old residents of that town. When 
 Hannah was 13 years of age, her father purchased the 
 farm and home of David Ellis, Sr., (32) which is about 
 one-half mile east of the corner, where old Richard (Da- 
 vid's grandfather) made the first settlement in the town. 
 In the beginning of the present century the Ranneys were 
 numerous in Ashfield, they having come there from Con- 
 necticut about the close of the Revolutionary war. Mr. 
 George Ranney (Hannah's grandfather) had a large family 
 of children in Ashfield, and one of his grandsons, Henry 
 S. Ranney, Esq., a cousin of Hannah, is now and has been 
 for over 40 years, the town clerk. The latter has aided 
 the writer greatly in procuring statistics and gathering 
 items of interest, regarding the early history of the town, 
 for this book. In the Appendix will be found much of this 
 nature, with a sketch of the Ranneys from the time of their 
 early settlement in America.
 
 i 7 6 
 
 Mrs. Hannah Ranney Ellis now resides on the home- 
 stead with her eldest son Dimick, (749) where herself, hus- 
 band and two sons located in 1844. She has in a high 
 degree the vigorous constitution of her New England pro- 
 genitors and withal an excellent memory which has greatly 
 aided the writer, her youngest son, in compiling this book. 
 She has for over 50 years been a consistent member of 
 the Christian church. 
 
 (241,) LEWIS ELLIS, third child of Dea. Dimick 
 Ellis, was born in Ashfield, Sept. 27th, 1811. He was 
 brought up on the farm with his father and grandfather, 
 John (15), on which he lived until his removal to Michigan, 
 in 1842. He was a farmer and lived on the old homestead 
 with his parents. October 22d, 1834, ^ e was marr ied to 
 Miss Louisa Wilson of Ashfield. They have had eight 
 children, all of whom, except the two youngest, Geo. W. 
 (755) an d Mary L. (757), died in infancy or early youth. 
 The sterilty of the soil and frigidity of the climate of 
 western Massachusetts, finally induced Mr. Ellis to seek 
 a new location. About that time many New England 
 people were emigrating to Michigan, and several from 
 Ashfield had settled in Otisco, and in the opening of 1842 
 Mr. Ellis with his family, then consisting of his wife and 
 two children, started for the latter place, where he pur- 
 chased a large farm on the north side of Flat River, 
 opposite the present village of Belding, and adjoining his 
 brother Richard on the east. Here he made for himself 
 and family an elegant home and is now in his old age 
 surrounded with every comfort. When he located there 
 the country was new and there were not more than a dozen 
 families in the town. The nearest market was Grand 
 Rapids, 30 miles distant. For ten or twelve years wheat 
 and surplus grain was drawn by teams to that place for 
 sale. Prices were low for their productions, and high for 
 all they purchased, and money was scarce. But it may 
 be said that the best of lumber was abundant and cheap. 
 Six miles to the north were the great pine districts, which
 
 177 
 
 gave to this part of the State great advantages over central 
 and even southern Michigan. For many years the best of 
 pine lumber could be had for four dollars per thousand feet, 
 payable in hay and coarse grains, so that about all the ready 
 money which was required for building purposes was what 
 was paid for nails and glass. Long after the latter sections 
 had to depend upon rude logs for houses and barns the 
 former was well supplied with comfortable and often elegant 
 houses and other buildings, and Otisco has long stood in 
 the front rank of Michigan towns for wealth, intelligence 
 and general prosperity, and Belding is a thriving place 
 and an important station on the Detroit, Lansing & Northern 
 Railroad in the northeastern part of the town of Otisco. 
 
 Mr. Ellis although not a church member, is a Univer- 
 salist so far as regards a belief in the elevation of man 
 in this world and his final salvation in the next. He is a 
 man of large influence and has always taken an active 
 interest in the politics and general welfare of his town 
 and county, but has never sought official position himself. 
 
 (242.) LOUISA WILSON, wife of Lewis Ellis of 
 Otisco, (Belding P. O.) was born in Shelburn, Mass., Nov. 
 3rd, 1812. When about 17 years of age her widowed mother 
 (see page 116) married Dea. Dimick Ellis and she removed 
 to Ashfield. After Louisa's marriage to Mr. Lewis Ellis 
 their parents lived with them in Ashfield and followed 
 them to Belding in 1846, where they passed the remainder 
 of their earthly days with them in the quiet contentment 
 of a serene and happy old age. Mrs. Louisa W. Ellis is 
 a Baptist in religious belief, and is a most devoted wife 
 and mother, and grandmother too. 
 
 (243.) DR. JOHN ELLIS, youngest child of Dimick 
 and Polly Annable Ellis, was born in Ashfield, Nov. 26th, 
 1815. During his youth he worked on the farm and attended 
 the district school and later the academy at Shelburne Falls, 
 and the Sanderson Academy on the "Plain," as Ashfield 
 Center was called, about one and one-half miles from the 
 Ellis home. He was always of a very studious turn of mind 
 and early determined to study medicine and become a
 
 i 7 8 
 
 physician. He had a decided mechanical gift and learned 
 dentistry, which he practiced during his studentship to obtain 
 means to enable him to attend college. With this view he 
 took a trip through some of the Southern States, returning 
 from Central Alabama on horseback, stopping here and 
 there for a time to work at his business. This was about 
 1840 to 1841. Before this, and on his return he attended 
 medical college at Pittsfield, Mass., where he graduated in 
 the fall of 1842. After this he attended the medical college 
 at Albany, N. Y. Dr. Ellis began practice in Chesterfield, 
 Mass., where he married Miss Mary Elizabeth Coit, his first 
 wife. After about one year he removed to Grand Rapids, 
 Mich. Here he remained about two years; and during this 
 period he began to investigate the homeopathic method of 
 treating diseases, and at its end he spent a winter in New 
 York City, attending lectures and visiting physicians, and on 
 his return to Michigan in the spring he settled in Detroit, 
 and opened an office as a homeopathic physician in connec- 
 tion with Dr. P. M. Wheaton, who died of the cholera at Cin- 
 cinnati in 1849 or 1850. He purchased books and medicines 
 for the purpose of investigating homeopathy while in Grand 
 Rapids and began their use. He was surprised and pleased 
 at the results obtained. He located in Detroit in 1846, where 
 he practiced until 1861, when he settled in New York 
 City, where he now resides. He and Dr. Wheaton were 
 the first homeopathic physicians in Detroit, and among the 
 first in the State. He acquired a large patronage and held 
 the confidence of the people in a very high degree. For 
 professional knowledge and skill he was regarded by his 
 patrons as without a superior. 
 
 Dr. Ellis in his early practice was a surgeon of rare skill. 
 In 1845 he made the first successful operation of the kind 
 then on record of tying both carotid arteries, at an interval 
 of only about four days, in the neck of a man who was 
 slowly bleeding to death from a gun-shot wound through 
 the neck. He lectured six years in the Homeopathic 
 Medical College in Cleveland, Ohio, just before the Rebel- 
 lion, and was often called by the regular surgeon to assist 
 him in difficult operations. He also was Professor of the
 
 179 
 
 Theory and Practice of Medicine for two years in the New 
 York Homeopathic Medical College. The beginning of his 
 practice was before the discovery of chloroform and the 
 unavoidable suffering consequent on surgical operations, and 
 the infinitely more mild and satisfactory practice of medicine 
 on the homeopathic principle gradually led him to mainly 
 withdraw from the former in favor of the latter practice. 
 For the last fifteen years he has almost wholly given his time 
 to the oil business, but has written much upon medical and 
 theological subjects. Although a medium sized man, a firm 
 of hatters in Detroit said he had one of the largest heads in 
 Michigan. His general culture and qualities of heart are no 
 less ample. He is a man of few words, unusual modesty, 
 quiet, gentle and amiable disposition, but in a discussion he is 
 prepared to go to an exhaustive degree to sustain his point. 
 Both in medicine and theology he is well informed and thor- 
 oughly grounded in his principles. He has been a religious 
 man and for nearly 40 years a member of the New Jeru- 
 salem Church (commonly called Swedenborgian) to which 
 he devotes a small portion of his time, labor and income in 
 propagating its doctrines. At his own expense he has 
 written, printed, and circulated gratuitously, to the clergy of 
 the United States and Canada, over 60,000 copies of an 
 "Address to the Clergy," of 24 pages; and an equal number 
 of a work of 260 pages on "Skepticism and Divine Reve- 
 lation," and also a pamphlet of 52 pages on the " Deteriora- 
 tion of the Puritan Stock." These three works have been 
 sent to every clergyman of every denomination in the 
 United States and Canada whose name could be obtained. 
 One of his late publications is a work of over 700 pages 
 condemning the use of fermented wine as a beverage, or for 
 sacramental purposes, as being unsafe and unscriptural. A 
 number of ministers attacked him for this, but good judges 
 concede that he has the best of the argument. The silence 
 of his opponents seems to confirm this, which shows pru- 
 dence on their part even if they are not convinced, for Dr. 
 Ellis when he is sure that he is right never gives up in any- 
 thing he undertakes. His principles wctfixed, and in religion, 
 temperance and medicine, which so vitally affect mankind, 
 he is inflexible.
 
 i8o 
 
 Some years ago Dr. Ellis published a volume on the 
 " Avoidable Causes of Disease " and another on " Family 
 Homeopathy." These books have had a large sale and 
 are works of a high order of merit. 
 
 While residing in Detroit, Dr. Ellis invested consider- 
 able money in lands, mines and stocks. The lands proved 
 good investments, but the mines and stocks were a failure. 
 
 While engaged in practicing medicine in New York he 
 took an interest in an oil refinery at Binghamton, N. Y. ; and 
 finally invented a new process of refining petroleum, and in 
 connection with the President of the Company, he obtained 
 two patents for the same; but the refinery, entrusted to the 
 care of others, did not prove a financial success; but his son, 
 Mr. W. D. Ellis, and Mr. T. M. Leonard, nephew of his 
 wife, commenced selling the oils in New York. In 1874, * n 
 connection with his son and Mr. Leonard, he started a 
 refinery in Brooklyn, with his improved process for refining 
 oil for lubricating purposes; he attending to the manufactur- 
 ing department of the business, while his son and nephew 
 attended to the selling of the products. The business pros- 
 pered and increased to such an extent that in 1881 they pur- 
 chased a large tract of land at Edgewater, New Jersey, on 
 the Hudson River, across from New York City and about 
 opposite 1 1 7th street, where they constructed one of the 
 finest oil refineries in the world. From small beginnings, 
 about fifteen years ago, this business has grown to large 
 proportions with demands for their oil, and depots for its 
 sale, in every part of the globe. It is Dr. Ellis' characteristic 
 to have whatever he produces first quality, and it is this, 
 together with the strenuous efforts of his son and partner to 
 push its sale far and wide, which has brought their " valvo- 
 line," for oiling machinery, into such extensive demand. 
 
 The likeness of Dr. Ellis, on opposite page, was copied 
 from a photograph taken in 1865 when he was about 50 
 years of age. He is now in his seventy-second year, not 
 robust but in the enjoyment of good health, resulting 
 mainly, from the simplicity and strict sobriety of his life. 
 He is said to resemble his grandfather, John (15), in mental 
 and physical characteristics. Dr. Ellis has had five children, 
 only one of whom, Wilbur D., is now living. For sketch 
 of the latter see No. 760.
 
 (243-) JOHN ELLIS, M. D. 
 
 OF NEW YORK. CITY. 
 
 [181]
 
 1*3 
 
 In writing history, or biography it is not always con- 
 sidered safe to say too much of the living. The mutations 
 of life, and changeableness of human character, are such as 
 sometimes to most unexpectedly reverse our early opinions 
 of men and women. But when they have closed their earthly 
 career, and passed on to the other life, the situation is different. 
 Their record is then made, it is unchangeable. With this 
 view it has been the policy of the writer of these pages to 
 say what he truthfully could of the latter, but with the 
 former, those now living, treat with brevity and conciseness. 
 If any departure from this course can be made, with absolute 
 assurance of right, it is in reference to the one now under 
 consideration. It is not often that we can say of any one 
 that he contains all the perfections of the ideal man. But 
 the writer voices the opinion of many others, as well as his 
 own, in the expression that of all of the Ellises whom he has 
 known, as well as of all men, he excels. Always calm, 
 never impulsive, never spurred hither and thither by each 
 desire that comes uppermost, but self-controlled, self-bal- 
 anced, always self-reliant, and governed by the joint suprem- 
 acy of the intellect and the will; never an act, or expression, 
 without calm deliberation; firm in his convictions of truth 
 and right, with the natural always subservient to the spiritual; 
 living in the world, yet above it; theoretical, yet thoroughly 
 practical; with an unfailing reliance on Divine Providence; 
 presenting all the traits of a pure, noble, and Christian man 
 in an exalted degree; he is, and has been from early man- 
 hood, an example worthy the imitation and reverence of men. 
 June 29, 1843, Dr. John Ellis married in Chesterfield, 
 Mass., his first wife, 
 
 (244.) MARY E. COIT. She was born in Norwich, 
 Hampshire Co., Mass, in 1817. She was the second daughter 
 of Harvey and Nancy Stone Coit. Mr. Harvey Coit lived 
 many years in Chesterfield, Mass., but in later years he 
 removed to Columbus, Ohio. His sons, Messrs. Harvey 
 Coit, jr., and George Coit, are now living in Columbus. 
 
 Mary E. Coit was a descendant of John Coit, who came 
 from Wales in 1635. He was among the settlers at Salem,
 
 184 
 
 in 1638, at Gloucester, in 1644, and at New London, Conn., 
 in 1650, where he died in 1659. His wife, Mary Jenness 
 Coit, died in 1676 aged 80 years. One of their descendants 
 was Dea. Joseph Coit, born 1673, married Martha Harris. 
 One of their sons, Col. Samuel Coit, born in Plainfield, Conn., 
 in 1708, married Sarah Spaulding. Their son, Benjamin, 
 born 1731, married Abigail Billings and lived in Griswold, 
 Conn. Their son, Rev. Joseph Coit, born 1763, married 
 Experience Wheeler of Stonington, Conn., and they were 
 the grandparents of Mrs. Mary Coit Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was 
 a woman of unusual beauty, gentleness and loveliness of 
 character. She died in Detroit, Oct. 15, 1850, aged 33 
 years. Of her three children but one, Mr. W. D. Ellis, 
 (760) of New York city, is now living. 
 
 Mrs. Dr. Ellis was a cousin of Mrs. Aurelia Coit 
 Caskey, wife of Hon. Samuel Caskey, an old and promi- 
 nent resident of Detroit. Mrs. Caskey's father, John H. 
 Coit, lived in Norwich, Hampshire Co., Mass. She has a 
 genealogical record of the Coit family, published in 1874, 
 from which, by her courtesy, the writer has procured the 
 above statistics. 
 
 (245.) SARAH MARIA LEONARD, second wife of 
 Dr. John Ellis, was born in Barker, Broome Co., N. Y., 
 Aug. I4th, 1828. Her father, Joseph Leonard, Jr., was 
 born in Chenango, N. Y., about 1791 and died in Port 
 Huron, Mich., in 1874. Her mother, Margaret Hammar 
 was born in Somerville, N. J., in 1794, an( ^ died ' ln Ionia, 
 Mich., in 1882, aged 88 years. Mrs. Ellis' parents settled 
 in Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., in very early times, when 
 Michigan was a territory. Their childten were, Mary 
 Ann, born 1818, married Ezekiel Crocker Leonard and 
 they live in Edgewater, N. J. Their only son, Theodore, 
 is a partner of Dr. John and W. D. Ellis in the oil business. 
 Seth, born 1820, is a farmer and lives in Troy, Mich. Cath- 
 erine, born 1822, married Alanson King, and they have 
 lived in Ionia, Mich., for many years (Mr. King died early
 
 in 1887), Elizabeth, born 1824, married Hiram King and 
 lived in Saginaw, Mich., several years where Mr. King died 
 about 1880. 
 
 Dr. and Mrs. Ellis were married in Troy, Oakland Co., 
 Mich., Oct. 30, 1851. A short time previous to his last 
 marriage Dr. Ellis had built a large double brick four story 
 residence at 41 and 43 Congress street, west, in Detroit, 
 where he resided and carried on his medical business until 
 his removal to New York in 1861. 
 
 In June, 1884, Dr. and Mrs. Ellis started on an eastern 
 tour to the old world. They visited nearly every country of 
 Europe, and Egypt and the Holy Land. They were gone 
 just one year. A full account of their trip was published 
 weekly in " The Dawn" a London publication, and sent to a 
 large number of their friends in this country. 
 
 Mrs. Ellis is a very bright woman, well-educated, is a 
 graduate in medicine and, several years ago, lectured in 
 the Woman's Medical College in New York. She has 
 aided her husband greatly in his literary, medical and 
 business pursuits. Her two children died in infancy. The 
 eldest, Lilly, was born Aug. 5th, 1852, and died Sept. 2yth 
 of the same year. Edward Dell Ellis, their second child, 
 was born May 3Oth, 1855, and died Aug. 6th, 1855. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Ellis own elegant apartments in " The Chelsea," 
 a new apartment house, or block, ten stories high, at 222 
 West 23rd Street. This kind of a structure is a modern 
 invention in which four or more complete residences are 
 constructed on each story with one or more elevators, besides 
 stairways, leading to the top. The owners of each residence 
 form a joint association for its general management, and 
 none are allowed to buy or rent therein unless acceptable to 
 all the others. The upper stories of such a building are 
 very cool, airy and sightly, and withal quite desirable apart- 
 ments for those who wish to get above the din and dust and 
 confusion of the over-crowded streets below. These build- 
 ings are about 130 feet high, fire-proof, and the light and 
 ventilation of the upper stories, at least, all one could desire.
 
 1 86 
 
 Children of Sylvia Ellis (75), and her husband, Asher Beld- 
 
 inji. Grandchildren of i.leut. John and threat 
 
 grandchildren of Richard icilis, all 
 
 of Ashfield, 246 to 253. 
 
 (246.) ARETUS BELDING, eldest child of Sylvia 
 and Asher Belding, was born in Ashfield in 1803. He 
 married Nancy Pine in Ypsilanti, Mich., where he died 
 in 1830, leaving no children. 
 
 (247.) JANE BELDING was born in Ashfield, in 
 1806. She married, Mr. John Shaw in Washtenaw Co., 
 Mich., but they settled in Otisco, Mich., about 1838. Mr. 
 Shaw was a farmer, a Baptist in religious belief, an 
 Englishman by birth and a man of great good sense, 
 enterprise and wealth. His farm was one and one-half 
 miles north of Otisco Center, where his son, Asher, now 
 lives with his family. Mr. Shaw died about 1880, at 
 Greenville, Mich., to which place he had removed about 
 1865. 
 
 Mrs. Jane Shaw was a woman of great energy and 
 business talent and of the most upright character. She 
 was widely known and respected. She died in Greenville 
 in 1869. Her three children were, William, who lived in 
 Mapleton, Dakota, some years ago ; Sylvia, who married 
 James Tallman, a thriving farmer, in Ordway, Dakota, and 
 Asher, who lives on the homestead in Otisco. 
 
 ( ) EDWARD BELDING, second son of Sylvia an'd 
 
 Asher Belding, was born in Ashfield in 1810. He died at 
 10 years of age. 
 
 (248.) EBENEZER BELDING was born in Ashfield, 
 in 1811. It is said that he went "to sea" when about 24 
 years of age and was never heard from afterwards. 
 
 (249.) VOLNEY BELDING, was born 1814. Like most 
 of Ashfield youths he started out early to seek a new 
 location. In the spring of 1837, he settled in Otisco, one 
 mile north of the town corners or center, where he located 
 a farm of 160 acres of excellent land. Soon after he also 
 engaged in lumbering on " Lincoln creek," about 10 miles 
 further north, where he built the first saw mill in that part
 
 i8 7 
 
 of the State. About 1845, he built other mills three miles 
 further up on Flat River, at what is now Gowan, a 
 station on the Detroit, Lansing & Northern Railroad. All 
 mills in those times were run by water power and the 
 streams were dammed by hard labor and at great expense, 
 and were subject to frequent " wash-outs " from floods. 
 Mr. Belding's experience in this business was varied by 
 all the ups and downs which could be conceived of. But 
 he was a man of the most undaunted courage, perseverance, 
 and hopefulness and ever held the respect and confidence 
 of the people of all that section. In 1844 he returned to 
 Ash field, where he married Miss Louisa Flower, a daughter 
 of Horace or Horatio Flower and niece of Rhoda (177) 
 and Rumina Flower (181), who married William and 
 David Ellis, Jr. She is a woman of rare intelligence 
 and worth. Soon after their marriage they returned to 
 Michigan, where Mr. Belding continued farming and lum- 
 bering nearly twenty years, when he removed to a farm 
 at Saltville, Kansas. They have had eight children, six 
 of whom are now living in Kansas and Missouri. These 
 are Mary Jane, Edward E., Pauline E., Carrie L., Sylvia 
 E. and John Asher Belding. 
 
 Mr. Volney Belding is in poor health and lately has been 
 residing with his son at Flat Creek, Barry Co., Mo. 
 
 (251.) THOMAS BELDING was born in 1816. He 
 went to Michigan with his brother, Volney, and located a 
 farm just east and adjoining the latter. In 1846 he married 
 Miss Emeline Weaver, a daughter of Mr. Aaron Weaver, 
 a very aged resident at the present time, of Otisco. Mrs. 
 Belding died a few years later leaving no children. At 
 the breaking out of the gold-fever excitement in California, 
 in 1850, Thomas went there and remained until 1872. 
 He died in 1878, in Nevada, where he had a farm. 
 
 (253.) CHANDLER BELDING, youngest child of 
 Asher and Sylvia Ellis Belding, was born in Ashfield 
 in 1819. In 1850 he went to California and in 1872 to 
 Nevada, where he had a ranch or farm with his brother 
 Thomas. He died in 1883, leaving no children.
 
 1 88 
 
 Children of Daniel Cilia (97), of Elllsburgr, Jefferson Co., 
 l*. V., and their husbands and wives. Grand- 
 children of Caleb (io), of Elllsburs;, and 
 itre.it grandchildren of Richard, of 
 Ashfield. From 260 to a?3> 
 
 (260.) ELIZABETH ELLIS, eldest child of Daniel 
 Ellis, was born in Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., 1804. She 
 married Mr. Geo. Paddock and had two children, Henry 
 A. and Maria, who are married and live in Prophetstown, 
 Whiteside, Co., Illinois. The latter married a Mr. Nichols, 
 and he died about 1860. 
 
 (264.) MARIA ELLIS, daughter of Daniel Ellis, was 
 born in Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., June nth, 1807, and 
 died in 1863. She married Mr. Elisha Salisbury of Ellis- 
 burg. She had one daughter, Martha, and three sons, 
 Abiram, Daniel and David. The latter are said to live in 
 or near Midland, Mich. 
 
 (266.) LORENZO D. ELLIS, son of Daniel, was born 
 in Adams, N. Y., Nov. nth, 1805. He married a Mrs. 
 Mehitable Brown Martin, a widow with one daughter, 
 Julia Ann. She was one of a family of eleven children. 
 Her parents lived at Chazy, Clinton Co., N. Y., and were 
 Oliver and Ann Babcock Brown, and all were Methodists 
 and highly respected people. 
 
 Mr. Ellis and Mrs. Martin were married at Alburgh, 
 Vt., in 1836. Mrs. Ellis died in 1866, leaving four children, 
 Christina E., Carrie M., Myra and Oliver L. D. Ellis. 
 Christina, born 1837, married Mr. Caleb Ellis of Ellisburg, 
 N. Y., (see 319). Carrie M. was born Oct. 22d, 1839, * n 
 Champlain, N. Y. She has never married, is a teacher at 
 Brooklyn, Cal. Myra was born at Bangor, Franklin Co., 
 N. Y., July i8th, 1842, educated at Union Academy, at 
 Belleville, and in 1864 married Capt. Edwin Swan of 
 Adams, N. Y. Capt. Swan was in the Union army and 
 was a highly respected man. He died in 1865. Mrs. 
 Swan afterwards married Mr. George Nichols of Water- 
 town, N. Y. He is a druggist and has lived at Grand 
 Rapids, Mich., for the past 15 years.
 
 189 
 
 Oliver L. D. Ellis, youngest child of Lorenzo D., was 
 born at Bangor, N. Y., June 2Oth, 1845. He enlisted in the 
 Union army at 16 years of age and served through the 
 Rebellion. He is married, has five children and lives in 
 Kansas. His wife was Fannie Barker, daughter of Leonard 
 O. Barker (320) of Young, N. Y. 
 
 Mr. Lorenzo D. Ellis was too old to join the army during 
 the Rebellion, but he served some time in the hospital at 
 Hampton, Va. He died in Manlius, Onondaga Co., and 
 was buried in Adams, N. Y., in 1875. His wife died in 
 March, 1866. She was a lovely, patient, hopeful and deeply 
 religious woman. 
 
 (268.) CATHARINE ELLIS was born August nth, 
 1813, and died in 1830. 
 
 (270.) NICHOLAS GROAT ELLIS, son of Daniel 
 and Christine Groat Ellis, was born at Ellisburg, N. Y., 
 May 2d, 1815. He married Miss Zilpha B. Case, who 
 was born in Watertovvn, N. Y., Sept. i6th, 1818. They 
 were married Feb. 2Oth, 1844. Their children were Henry 
 G., born Feb. 26th, 1845 ; Geo. W., May 3d, 1847 ; Mar- 
 garet J., Sept. i8th, 1849, died Sept. 4th, 1857 ; Edward 
 D., Dec. 2d, 1851, and Lewis M., Oct. I3th, 1856, the last 
 born at Ellisburg, N. Y., and the others in Canada West. 
 
 Henry G. Ellis married Clara V. Fuller in Wisconsin, 
 in 1867. 
 
 Geo. W. Ellis married Alma Earl, at Bronson, Mich., in 
 1873, and have two children, Maggie Louisa and Lois Maria. 
 
 Edward D. Ellis married at Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1883. 
 
 Lewis M. Ellis married Louisa S. Doust, at Charlotte, 
 Mich., in 1880. Their children were Bertha, Beulah and 
 Paul. Mr. Lewis M. Ellis, with his family, settled at 
 Mason, Mich., where he was secretary and general manager 
 of the Mason carriage works. He was also an alderman 
 of the village and a very prominent and highly respected 
 man. He died Nov. 2d, 1885, much regretted, as he was 
 young and gave great promise of further usefulness to his 
 family and friends. 
 
 Mr. Nicholas Groat Ellis died in 1871.
 
 190 
 
 (272.) MARCUS A. ELLIS, son of Daniel Ellis, of 
 Ellisburg, was born Nov. 25th, 1817. He died in 1879, 
 unmarried. 
 
 (273.) EEV. ALBERT A. ELLIS, youngest child of 
 Daniel Ellis of Ellisburg, N. Y., was born in Adams, (next 
 town north of Ellisburg) April 6th, 1820. He joined the 
 Baptist church and was ordained a minister of that denom- 
 ination. He came to Michigan in early life and preached for 
 a time at Brooklyn, Northville and Plymouth. He married 
 Electa A. Barney, in Jefferson Co., and they had several 
 children. Edward S., born 1847, is a lawyer and judge 
 in Lisbon, Dakota, and also mayor of the town. He 
 married Alice Kearney in 1876. Mary L., born 1848, 
 married Mr. Frank Pratt of Painesville, Ohio. She died in 
 1885. Charles S. Ellis, born June 26th, 1852, married 
 Maggie S. Leys, Feb. I4th, 1883. They live in Sarnia, 
 Canada, where Mr. Ellis is a dry goods merchant. 
 
 Mrs. Electa A. Ellis was born Dec. 2d, 1822, married 
 at Ellisburg, N. Y., Sept, 22d, 1844, and died in 1854. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Ellis, for his second wife, married Mrs. Mary 
 S. G. Noyes, June 28th, 1855. She was born Aug. 2pth, 
 1821. Her maiden name was Mary Sherwood Gregory ; 
 born in Perington, Monroe Co., N. Y., and at the age of 
 nine years removed with her parents to Plymouth, Mich. 
 She first married Dr. Justin Noyes, who died, as did also 
 two children by him, Emma and Mary Noyes. 
 
 Mrs. Mary S. G. Ellis, died in Brooklyn, Jackson Co., 
 Mich., June 7th, 1856. Her parents were William S. and 
 Lydia Gregory, of Plymouth, Mich. She was a woman of 
 sincere piety and usefulness and was beloved by all. A sister 
 of hers Mrs. Lyon, wife of Hon. T. T. Lyon, lives in South 
 Haven, Mich., where Mr. Lyon is engaged largely in rais- 
 ing fruit and is a man of considerable note in this State. 
 She left an infant child, Mary E. G. Ellis, born in Brooklyn, 
 May 17th, 1856, who married Mr. Dewitt H. Moreland, 
 at Plymouth, Jan. 3Oth, 1876. They now reside in Detroit, 
 and have one daughter, Lois Claire Moreland, born May 
 7th, 1877.
 
 Mr. Moreland is in the railroad business. He is general 
 traveling agent for the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba 
 Railroad. He was born and raised in Plymouth, Mich., 
 in the same neighborhood with his wife. The latter, after 
 the death of her mother in Brooklyn, Mich., was reared by 
 her aunt, Mrs. T. T. Lyon, who then, and for many years 
 after, lived at Plymouth. 
 
 Rev. Albert A. Ellis for his third wife married Mrs. Jane 
 Brink Swift, of Northville, Mich. Her first husband was a 
 brother of Dr. Swift, now and for many years a prominent 
 physician of Northville. About a year after her marriage 
 to Mr. Ellis the latter died. Afterward Mrs. Ellis was again 
 married to Mr. Clark of Sarnia, Canada, where they both 
 now reside. Mr. Clark is a wealthy and highly respected 
 merchant there. Mrs. Clark is a woman of great refine- 
 ment, unusual intelligence and amiability. Several of Mr. 
 Ellis' children by his first wife were reared by her after the 
 death of their father. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Ellis was a man of uncommon talent, 
 both as a minister and business man. He dealt largely in 
 pine and other lands and in 1859 visited Grand Rapids, 
 Mich., on a business expedition. He was taken sick at his 
 hotel, the old National, where the Morton House now 
 stands, and suddenly died, in a day or two after. Rev. Mr. 
 C. C. Miller, now of Oxford, Mich., and some other church 
 and lodge friends of an order to which Mr. Ellis and they 
 belonged were notified and sent the remains to his family 
 in Northville. Rev. Supply Chase of this city, the oldest 
 Baptist minister in this State, recollects Mr. Ellis and his 
 last wife and speaks of them both in the highest terms of 
 commendation. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Ellis' parents and grandparents were ardent 
 Methodists in religious belief, as were all the Ellises in and 
 about Ellisburg, N. Y., and he was reared in this belief, but 
 what induced him to depart from the faith of his fathers 
 and become a Baptist does not now appear. However, it 
 may safely be attributed to that feeling of independence and 
 desire to investigate, each for himself, which is an Ellis trait, 
 and as he was a man of unusual intelligence, this assurance 
 may be taken as positive.
 
 192 
 
 Cblldreii of John Cilia doi), of Elliaburff, Ki. v., and their 
 
 wives and hnabands. Grandchildren of Caleb (19) 
 
 and great grandchildren of Richard, of 
 
 Aahfield. From 286 to 298. 
 
 (286.) CALEB ELLIS, eldest son of John, was born 
 in Ellisburg, N. Y., Nov. lyth, 1806. He died several 
 years ago, leaving three children : Melvin, who is a physi- 
 cian, Mary Etta, who married a Lockwood, and Arvilla, 
 who married a Canwell and lived in Toledo, Ohio. 
 
 (288.) SQUIRE ELLIS, son of John of Ellisburg 
 N. Y., was born March ist, 1811. He married Theresa 
 Washburn and had three children. 
 
 Elizabeth married Capt. William Gilbert and they live 
 at Henderson Harbor, N. Y. He sails the schooner Wm. 
 Gilbert. 
 
 Caroline married Augustus Sanford, a farmer, and they 
 live in Ellisburg. 
 
 John H. Ellis, son of Squire, married Nancy Goodnough 
 and they have two daughters : Libbie, who married Avery 
 Otis, a farmer in Illinois, and Carrie, who married Mark 
 Howard, a farmer in Ellisburg. 
 
 Mr. Squire Ellis died Dec. I7th, 1843, and Mrs. Theresa 
 Ellis again married a Mr. William Cronk. They now live at 
 Ellisburg and are over 75 years of age. They have four 
 children, all married, Joseph, Silas, Julia and Owellen Cronk. 
 
 (290) MARY ELLIS, daughter of John (101), and 
 Betsey Smith, his second wife, was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., 
 Sept. I2th, 1822. Jan. 3Oth, 1844, sne married Wm. Mc- 
 Kinley and he died in 1847, leaving two sons, John and 
 Frank, both married and living in or near Benton Harbor, 
 Mich. Mrs. Mary Ellis McKinley was again married to 
 Mr. Hiram Tubbs of Benton Harbor, where they now live. 
 They have four children, Edgar, Everett, Ella and Hattie. 
 
 (292). DANIEL ELLIS, son of John (101), was born 
 in Ellisburg, N. Y. Aug 23d, 1824. He married Laura 
 Etta Woodruff. Mr. Ellis died leaving three children, all 
 now living at Benton Harbor, Mich. Frederick, William 
 and Mary, who married Thomas Winters.
 
 193 
 
 (294.) GEORGE ROGER ELLIS, son of John (101), 
 was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., Aug. ist, 1830. He was 
 married and had two sons. He was thrown from a horse 
 and killed. 
 
 (296.) HANNAH ELLIS, daughter of John (101), was 
 born in Ellisburg, N. Y., March 22d, 1833. She married 
 George Fuller and now lives at Benton Harbor, Mich. 
 They have three children : Adelbert, born 1852, Mary, 1856, 
 and Maggie, 1862. The latter married Frank Ellis and 
 they live at Ellisburg, N. Y. Adelbert Fuller is married 
 and lives at Benton Harbor. 
 
 (298.) CAPT. EDWARD N. ELLIS, son of John 
 (101), and his third wife, Kate Duran, was born in Ellisburg, 
 N. Y., Oct. 2ist, 1839. He i g a sailor and has been on the 
 lakes since he was ten years' old. He has commanded 
 several boats and is now in the iron ore trade between 
 Marquette, Mich., and Lake Erie ports. 
 
 Dec. 23d, 1865, he married Miss Ann Minor, a daughter 
 of Capt. Wm. and Margaret Swarthout Minor. Capt. Ellis 
 has one daughter, Mary Louisa, born Aug. 26th, 1875. 
 His family reside at Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 
 Capt. Ellis' mother's (Kate Duran,) maiden name was 
 Kate or Catharine Colon. Her first husband was William 
 Duran, by whom she had four children : Capt. A W. 
 Duran, Nancy, who married Capt. Hiram Emory and now 
 live in Grand Traverse, Mich., Mary Duran, who married 
 Nathan Farnam and lived in Ellisburg, N. Y., and Jane H., 
 who married a Lafayette and live in Oswego, N. Y. Eight 
 years after Mrs. Duran's marriage to Mr. John Ellis (101), 
 she was again left a widow, with a family of young children. 
 She was married to Mr. Ellis Jan. 2oth, 1839. She was a 
 woman of great courage, industry and perseverance, and 
 was highly respected by all. She died at Ellisburg, N. Y., 
 April i9th, 1884.
 
 194 
 
 Children! of Thomas i.iii- (108 , of i.lli-*i>ur, >J. V., and 
 
 their v\ ivf* and huananda. Grandchildren of 
 
 Caleb (10), and great-grandchildren of 
 
 Richard Ellis. Prom 3x0 to 328. 
 
 (310.) RICHARD ELLIS, eldest son of Thomas, of 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., was born Feb. 7th, 1813, in Woodville, 
 Jefferson Co., N. Y. He graduated at Hamilton College, 
 in 1834, and ever since has been engaged in teaching in 
 academies. In 1842, he married Miss Emily A. Clark, a 
 daughter of John Clark, a mechanic and farmer of Copen- 
 hagen, Lewis Co., N. Y. She died in 1849 at 27 years of 
 age, leaving one son, Theodore C. Ellis. 
 
 In 1853, Mr. Ellis was again married in Cazenovia to 
 Miss Elizabeth A. Barrett, a farmer's daughter. Her father, 
 Amasa Barrett of Cazenovia, died in 1865. Her mother, 
 Fanny Damon Barrett, died in 1875. She was a graduate 
 of Oneida Conference Seminary and since her marriage to 
 Mr. Ellis has been engaged in teaching with her husband. 
 Mrs. Ellis was born in 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis now 
 reside at Cazenovia, Madison Co., N. Y., having partial- 
 ly retired from teaching. They have taught in the Belle- 
 ville Academy, Hudson River Institute, and for the last 
 twenty-three years in Cazenovia. They are members of 
 the Methodist church. 
 
 Mr. Ellis' son, Theodore C., born in Rodman, Jefferson 
 Co., N. Y., in 1845, is a lawyer, graduated at Marietta, 
 Ohio, and now resides in Kansas. 
 
 (312.) RUSSELL ELLIS, second son of Thomas, 
 was born in 1815, in Woodville, N. Y., (township of 
 Ellisburg.) In 1835 he married Miss Martha A. Cook, 
 of Pulaski, N. Y. Mrs. Ellis was born in 1817 and died 
 in 1878. Mr. Ellis was a merchant and in 1850 went to 
 California, and, in returning from San Francisco to Panama 
 on a vessel, was taken sick and died on the passage. He 
 had one son, Hiram Russell Ellis, born in Woodville, N. Y., 
 in 1840. The latter now resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. 
 He married Francis A. Pierce in Grand Rapids, July 6th,
 
 195 
 
 1865, and have had eight children, Russell P., born 1867 ; 
 Lola, 1869 ; Harry H., 1872 ; Frank H., 1875 ; Gertrude, 
 1877, died in 1881 ; Gilbert C, 1879 ; Edwin D., 1881 ; 
 Geo. H., 1884. 
 
 Mr. Hiram R. Ellis was an officer in the Union army. 
 He enlisted from Saugatuck, Allegan Co., Mich., August 
 I9th, 1862, as Sergeant of Co. I, Fifth Michigan Cavalry. 
 August 1 5th, 1864 he was appointed First Lieut., and 
 Brevet Capt. of U. S. Vol. March I3th, 1865, for gallant 
 and meritorious services during the war. He was mustered 
 out June 5th, 1865. 
 
 (314.) SARAH ELLIS, eldest daughter of Thomas, 
 was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1816. She married David 
 Fulton, Jr., in Belleville, N. Y., (Ellisburg township) Jan. 
 1 3th, 1841. Mr. Fulton was born in Ellisburg, in 1817, and 
 was a son of David Fulton, Sr., (see 81, page 121) and a 
 grandson of James and Hannah Ellis Fulton of Colerain, 
 Mass. Mr. David Fulton, Jr., died in Belleville, Oct. 9th, 
 1886. He was a farmer. Mrs. Sarah Ellis Fulton lives 
 on the homestead and has four sons : James, born 1843 ; 
 Thomas, 1849 ; David, Jr., 1852, and Charles N., 1855. 
 
 James Fulton married Frances Grant of Belleville. 
 They have two children. 
 
 Thomas Fulton married Abbie Evans of Belleville, 
 where they now live. 
 
 David Fulton married Ella Young, of Young, N. Y., 
 and they have one child. 
 
 (316.) DATID ELLIS, son of Thomas, was born 
 in 1818, in Belleville, N. Y. He married Miss Pame- 
 lia Clark in Belleville, September, 1841. Mrs. Ellis was 
 born in 1820 and died in 1865, leaving one child, 
 Hannah. Mr. David Ellis held the office of Sheriff of 
 Jefferson County several terms, and was a very prominent 
 man. He was a man of great physical strength, very soci- 
 able and of uncommon popularity. He died in 1884. Two 
 of his children died in infancy. Hannah, born in 1861, is 
 now living in Belleville.
 
 196 
 
 (318.) CALEB ELLIS, son of Thomas, was born in 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1820. He married Maria Louisa 
 Barker in Ellisburg, Jan. 17, 1843. Mrs. Ellis was born in 
 1820 and died in 1858, leaving four children: Martha Ann, 
 Vial T., Russell and Henry D. Ellis. Martha Ann, born 
 1844, married Mr. Vernon Herrington, have four sons and 
 all live in Walker Township, P. O. at Grand Rapids, Mich. 
 Vial T. born May 19, 1848, died Or.t. 29, 1864. Russell, 
 born Jan. 12, 1852, married Miss Gertie A. Enos, Jan. 22, 
 1873. They have two children and reside at Grand Rapids, 
 Mich. Henry D., born June 8th, 1854, is unmarried and 
 lives at Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 
 Mrs. Maria L. Barker Ellis was a sister of Mr. Leonard 
 O. Barker of Young, Onondaga Co., N. Y., who married 
 Mary Ellis (320), a sister of Caleb Ellis, of Belleville, N. Y. 
 Mr. Ellis was a teacher in early life but when his father 
 became aged he took the farm and homestead, where he 
 now resides. 
 
 Mr. Caleb Ellis' second wife is 
 
 (319.) CHRISTINA E. ELLIS, a daughter of Lor- 
 enzo D. Ellis (266). The latter is a cousin oi Caleb. 
 Mrs. Christina E. Ellis was born in Colwell's Manor, 
 Canada, in 1837. She married Mr. Ellis, Oct. nth, 1860, at 
 Bangor, Franklin Co., N.Y., and they now live at Belleville. 
 Mrs. Ellis was a school teacher for several years in Bangor 
 and afterwards at Ellisburg previous to her marriage. She 
 has three children, Florence E., Geo, Edwin, and Albert T. 
 Ellis. Florence E., born May I9th, 1863, graduated at 
 Union Academy at Belleville and has been a teacher. She 
 joined the Methodist Church in early childhood, and is 
 greatly devoted to that and the Sunday School work, and is 
 a prominent member of the Chautauqua Circle, a literary 
 society of rare purity and excellence. She is also much 
 devoted to music and painting, and has spent considerable 
 time in New York City studying art with noted teachers. 
 Geo. Edwin, born Dec. 22nd, 1864, graduated at Union
 
 197 
 
 Academy at the age of sixteen, then entered at Syracuse 
 University, where he graduated at the age of twenty. He 
 is now studying law at Syracuse. He gives promise of 
 uncommon success and usefulness. 
 
 Albert T., born April loth, 1869, lives at home, and is 
 attending Belleville Academy. 
 
 Mr. Caleb Ellis is a farmer and lives in Ellisburg, where 
 all his children were born. His wife, Mrs. Christina E. 
 Ellis, is a woman of unusual intelligence and worth and has 
 aided the writer greatly in this part of his work. 
 
 (320.) MARY ELLIS, second daughter of Thomas 
 Ellis, was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., 1822. She married 
 Leonard O. Barker in 1843, at Ellisburg. Afterwards they 
 removed to Young, (Clay Township), Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
 where they now live. They have had seven children. 
 
 Fannie Barker, the eldest, married Oliver L. D. Ellis, a 
 son of Lorenzo D. Ellis (266), and they have five children. 
 They reside in Kansas. 
 
 Addie Barker died in infancy. 
 
 Hannah Jane Barker is a graduate of Oswego Normal 
 school and was a teacher. She married Charles McKissic, 
 Jan. 20j 1866. 
 
 Mary A. Barker married Lee B. Hibbard of Centerville, 
 N. Y., and they have two children. 
 
 Sarah L. Barker married Amos E. Freeman, of Young, 
 N. Y., and they have one child. 
 
 Thurston G. Barker is a farmer, unmarried. 
 
 Herbert E. Barker died in his eighteenth year. 
 
 Mr. Leonard O. Barker is a farmer. Mrs. Barker is a 
 woman of superior education and talent. 
 
 (322.) VIAL ELLIS, youngest son of Thomas Ellis, 
 of Ellisburg, N. Y., was born in 1825. He graduated at 
 Hamilton College, N. Y., at 21 years of age. He died 
 about one year thereafter, prematurely closing a very prom- 
 ising life.
 
 198 
 
 (324.) JANE ELLIS, daughter of Thomas Ellis, of 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., was born in 1828. She married George 
 Waterson of Missouri. They moved to San Francisco, CaL, 
 where Mrs. W. died in 1878. She was a teacher of music 
 and was very proficient in the art. She had no children. 
 She experienced religion and joined the Methodist Church 
 when a child, and was a woman of uncommon amiability, 
 intelligence and worth. 
 
 (326.) HANNAH ELLIS, daughter of Thomas, was 
 born at Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1831. She married Charles 
 Rounds of Ellisburg, about 1857. She died in 1862, leaving 
 no children. She was a person of very bright intellect, rare 
 wit, and loving diposition. Her early death was greatly 
 deplored by a large circle of relatives and acquaintances. 
 
 (328.) PHEBE ELLIS, youngest child of Thomas, 
 was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1833. She married John 
 Chamberlain in 1868, in Belleville, and had one child, John 
 Jr. Mr. Chamberlain died in 1869, and in 1872, Mrs. 
 Chamberlain married Mr. Gates White of Pulaski, N. Y., 
 and had two children. Mrs. White died in 1875. Her hus- 
 band and three children live in Pulaski, Oswego Co., N. Y. 
 
 Children of James Ellis (1x2), of Elllsburg;, K. Y.. and their 
 
 wives. Grandchildren of Caleb (19) and vjreal- 
 
 ffrandcbildren of Rlcbard of Asbfield. 
 
 From 330 to 336. 
 
 (330.) MARY ANN ELLIS, eldest child of James, was 
 born in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1816. She is unmarried and 
 lives in Ellisburg. 
 
 (332.) THOMAS ELLIS, son of James, was born in 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1817. He married Cynthia Sherman. 
 They lived in Ellisburg where they had six children. Mr. 
 Ellis died in 1876. His widow and children settled in Ber- 
 rien Co., Mich. Their children are Polly, James, William, 
 Adelbert, Levi and Thomas Jr.
 
 199 
 
 (334.) JOHN W. ELLIS, son of James, was born in 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1818. He married Mary Fuller, who 
 was born in 1825, and they have had four children. Roderick 
 D. Ellis, born 1843, married Minerva Albro and they have 
 three children, Helen, Edith, and John E. They live at 
 Ellisburg. Helen Ellis, born 1847, died in 1853. Martha 
 Ellis, born 1850, married M. M.Johnson, and their children 
 are Laura, Ellis and Ernest Johnson. Fred. Ellis, born 1856, 
 married Phebe Matthews in 1874. She died the following 
 year and he married Sybil Matthews in 1877 and they have 
 one son, Leon D., born 1879. Mr- John W. Ellis is a farmer 
 in Ellisburg. 
 
 (336.) ISAAC ELLIS, youngest son of James, was 
 born in Ellisburg, N. Y., in 1822. He married Margaret 
 Beamer and they have four children : Ellen, born 1850; 
 Alexander, 1852 ; Benjamin, 1855, and Frank, 1862. 
 
 Mr. Isaac Ellis is a farmer and lives at La Hogue, 
 Iroquois Co., Illinois. His daughter, Ellen, married Henry 
 Moore and they live in Unadilla, Otoe Co., Nebraska. 
 Alexander married Hattie Crell and they reside in La 
 Hogue. Benjamin married Kate Snyder and they live at 
 Spring Bay, Woodford Co., 111. Frank Ellis married 
 Maggie Fuller and lives at Ellisburg, N. Y. 
 
 Benjamin Ellis married Kate Snyder in Spring Bay, 111., 
 July 23rd, 1876. He was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., 
 July 27th, 1855. His wife was born in Spring Bay, Sept. 
 6th, 1856. Their children are : Alice L., born May 2pth, 
 1877 ; Hannah A., Dec. 2pth, 1879 ; J ulia E -> March 4th, 
 1884 and Mary, Sept. i8th, 1886.
 
 200 
 
 Cbtldren of Robert Kills (1x5), of Elllsburjf , N. V., and their 
 
 wives and husbands. Grandchildren of Caleb (191, 
 
 and threat-grandchildren, of Richard, of 
 
 Ashfleld. From 340 to 360. 
 
 (340.; LYMAN ELLIS, eldest son of Robert, was 
 born in Ellisburg, N. Y., Dec. lyth, 1816. His wife was 
 Malvina Zufelt, born 1829. They were tnarried at Ellis- 
 burg in 1848, where they now reside. Their children are : 
 Dette L., born 1850, Fannie, 1852, and Arnita, 1856. Mr. 
 Ellis is a farmer. 
 
 (342.) JANE ELLIS, eldest daughter of Robert, was 
 born in Ellisburg, N. Y., Feb. i8th, 1818. She died in 1855. 
 
 (344.) MARY ELLIS, daughter of Robert, was born 
 in Ellisburg, N. Y., Nov. loth, 1819. 
 
 (3i6.) CHARLOTTE ELLIS, daughter of Robert, 
 was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., Jan. 29th, 1821. 
 
 (348.) JAMES ELLIS, son of Robert, was born at 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., Oct. 22d, 1822. He died May 9th, 1871, 
 at Black Lake, Muskegon Co., Mich. He was a farmer 
 and never married. 
 
 (350.) ROBERT ELLIS, JR., son of Robert, Sr., 
 was born in Ellisburg, N. Y., April 25th, 1824. He 
 married Betsey Chrisman in 1853, and had four children. 
 His wife was born March xyth, 1835. ^ n J 866 Mr. Ellis 
 moved from Ellisburg to Grand Ledge, Mich., and in 1868 
 to Black Lake, Muskegon County, Michigan, where he 
 died May 6th, 1884. ^ e was a farmer. His children 
 were : Gad, born Sept. 2Oth, 1854, married Samantha 
 Evart ; Charles, July 2d, 1857 ; William, February 3d, 
 1860 ; Byron, Jan. 25th, 1681. Most of this family now 
 live at Black Lake. 
 
 (352.) GAD ELLIS, son of Robert, was born in 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., April 2d, 1826. He died in 1862. 
 
 (354.) HARMON ELLIS, son of Robert, was born in 
 Ellisburg, N. Y., Dec. loth, 1828.
 
 201 
 
 (356.) RACHEL ELLIS, daughter of Robert, was 
 born at Ellisburg, N. Y., July i6th, 1830. She married 
 Joseph Hoyle and lived in Ellisburg until about 1877, when 
 she removed to Stone Mound, Kansas. She has two 
 children, Bertha and Ellsworth Hoyle. For her second 
 husband, Mrs. Hoyle married Mr. David Smith, who is a 
 farmer at Stone Mound, Kansas. 
 
 (358.) CATHERINE ELLIS, daughter of Robert, 
 was born in Ellisburg,- N. Y., Dec. i6th, 1831. 
 
 (360.) FRANKLIN ELLIS, son of Robert, was born, 
 in Ellisburg, N. Y., Sept. 26th, 1834. 
 
 FIFTH GENERATION. 
 
 Children of Stephen Bills (119), of Fayette Co., Ind., and 
 
 their descendants. Grandchildren of Benjamin, 9r. 
 
 22,;. Great-jf raiidcliilclren of Reuben (4), and 
 
 great-Kreat-irrandchlldren of Richard, 
 
 of Ashfield. From Bios. 362 to 374. 
 
 (362.) PRUDENCE ELLIS, eldest daughter of 
 Stephen and Susannah Coburn Ellis, was born in Sem- 
 pronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April I3th, 1799. She 
 married Charles T. Harris in Sempronius, May nth, 1817. 
 She removed to North Bend, Ohio about 1818. She died 
 at Fairview, Randolph Co., Ind., Sept. i5th, 1871. She 
 was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Charles 
 Thomas Harris, husband of Prudence Ellis, was born in 
 Montreal, Canada, August 3rd, 1799, and died at Rochester, 
 Fulton Co., Ind., March 22nd, 1877. His religious belief 
 was Universalism. He was a gun-smith by trade. His 
 parents were: Hopkins Harris, born March 4th, 1776, and 
 Desiah Niles, born in 1784. Mr. Hopkins, Sr., was a 
 blacksmith, and the later years of his life he was also 
 pastor of the Campbellite Church at Freeport, Ind. He 
 died in 1837 and his wife in 1846.
 
 202 
 
 Mr. Charles T. and Prudence Ellis Harris had eight 
 children: Susan, Mary Ann, Charles W., Stephen, Dorr K., 
 Lester E., Leucetta D. and Eliza Harris. 
 
 Susan Harris, born March i8th, 1818, in North Bend, 
 Ohio, married Mr. Reuben C. Niles, at Knightstown, Ind., 
 Sept. 6th, 1833. Mr. Reuben C. Niles was born in Cayuga 
 Co., N. Y., Sept. 17, 1812. His parents removed to Troy, 
 Perry Co., Ind., in 1819. About the time of his marriage 
 he removed to Charlottesville, Ind., where they now live. 
 He is in the hardware trade. 
 
 (364.) MEHITABLE ELLIS, second child of 
 Stephen Ellis, was born in Sempronius, N. Y., Nov. 2ist, 
 1800. She was a member of the Baptist Church for a 
 number of years before her death, which took place July 
 I4th, 1874. She was married at North Bend, Ohio, May 
 2Oth, 1821 to 
 
 (365.) LEWIS ROBINSON, a farmer and shoemaker. 
 He was born in New York, June loth, 1791. He was a 
 Baptist from his youth and was a sincere Christian man. 
 He and his family lived many years on the same farm in 
 Harrison township, Fayette Co., Ind., where he died May 
 1 3th, 1843. They were highly respected people, beloved 
 by all. Their son Erastus Robinson now lives on the 
 homestead. His mother had lived on the same farm over 
 fifty years at the time of her death in 1874. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Robinson's children were: Mary, born 
 1822 ; Elias, 1825 ; Rachel N., 1827 ; Minerva, 1829, died 
 1873 ; Manilla, 1834, died l8 ^3 ; Eunice, 1838, died 1860 ; 
 Erastus, 1841. 
 
 Mary Robinson married Lorenzo Carver in 1838. 
 
 Elias Robinson married Sylvia Ward. 
 
 Rachel M. Robinson married Daniel T. Taylor Jan. 4th, 
 1846. Mr. Taylor was born in New York, Jan. i9th, 1823. 
 He is a farmer and carpenter. Himself and wife are 
 Baptists. They live at Harrisburg, Fayette Co., Ind. 
 There children were: Elias R., born 1846; Alice, 1848, died
 
 203 
 
 1851; Ellen, 1851, died 1870; Mary A, 1853, died 1874; 
 Minerva, 1855, died 1872; Herbert L, 1859; Abbie, 1861, 
 died 1884; Irvin, 1870, died 1871. Elias R. and Herbert L. 
 Taylor live in Harrison township. 
 
 Minerva Robinson married Jonathan Ward. (See 390). 
 
 Martilla Robinson married Lemuel Leffingwell. 
 
 Eunice Robinson married Hiram Hiltabidle. 
 
 Erastus Robinson married Frances Smith and they live 
 on the homestead of his parents in Harrison township, 
 Fayette Co., Ind. 
 
 (366.) GRATEFUL ELLIS, third daughter of 
 Stephen Ellis, was born at Sempronius, N. Y., Jan. 28th, 
 1803. She was a pure and noble woman. She was 
 married Dec. 2nd, 1821 to Casper Trask, probably at North 
 Bend, Ohio. Mr. Trask was born Jan. 2oth, 1801. They 
 lived several years in Fayette Co., Ind., afterwards in Free- 
 port, Barry Co., Mich., where they died. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Trask were Baptists. He died May 25th, 1873, an< ^ Mrs. 
 Trask Feb. 7th, 1883. Mr. Trask's death was sad and 
 untimely. He was in the field where his men were draw- 
 ing stumps with a team hitched to one end of a long pole 
 or timber and the other end made fast to the stump. The 
 chain broke, allowing the pole to spring back striking him 
 and breaking both of his lower limbs. He died soon after. 
 His wife Grateful, was the last of Stephen Ellis' children. 
 
 Their children were: Moulton S., born 1823, is a farmer 
 and lives near Dunkirk, N. Y. 
 
 Clarissa, born 1825, married Chester P. Dow, and lives 
 at Irving, Barry Co., Mich. 
 
 Lettitia S., born 1827, married Edward L. Cook. They 
 live at Putnam, 111. 
 
 Howell H., born 1829, married in 1848 Mary L. Stafford, 
 and they live in Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Howell H. 
 Trask was a Union soldier, entered the service Oct. loth, 
 1861, as Sergeant of Co. B., i3th Michigan Infantry. Was 
 made Second Lieut. Jan. 2Oth, 1863, and First Lieut. April
 
 204 
 
 25th, 1865. He was wounded at Chickamauga, Tenn., Sept. 
 ipth, 1863, and again at Savannah, Ga., Dec. I2th, 1864. 
 
 Lois Trask, born 1832, married Jacob G. Drake. 
 
 Edward E. Trask, born 1834, &ed 1840. 
 
 Henry V. Trask, born 1837, married Jennie Stephenson 
 in 1874. ^ s fi rst w ^ e Mary M. Young, died in 1870. 
 He married her in 1865. Mr. Henry V. Trask, lives at 
 Salmanaca, N. Y. He is a Railroad engineer. 
 
 Amelia A. Trask, born 1840, married Joshua F. Norton. 
 
 De Etta E. Trask, born 1844, married Charles B. Lee 
 in 1865, and Isaac N. Hubbard in 1872. Mr. Lee died in 
 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard live about two miles from 
 Yankee Springs P. O., Barry Co., Mich. 
 
 Rubie S. Trask, born 1846, married Oliver L. Newton 
 in 1872. They now live at Freeport, Barry Co., Mich. 
 
 (368.) JONATHAN ELLIS, son of Stephen Ellis, was 
 born in Sempronius, N. Y., Oct. I4th, 1804. He married 
 Charlotte Jeffery, in Fayette Co., Ind. in 1829, moved to 
 Illinois in 1839, and died at Waynesville, Dewitt Co., 111., in 
 1876. 
 
 Their children were: Louisa, now dead. Alvah who is 
 a farmer at Wapella, 111. William A., now dead, Mary 
 dead. DianthaJ., Sarah Ann and John A. 
 
 Diantha J., and John A. Ellis, live at Sedgewick City, 
 Harvey Co., Kansas. Sarah Ann, married Jasper Buck, 
 and they live at Waynesville, 111. 
 
 (370.) ABIGAIL ELLIS, daughter of Stephen, was 
 born in Sempronius, N. Y., Sept. 22nd, 1806. She married 
 Joshua Wightman, in Fayette Co., Ind., and had three 
 children. John, Austin and Minor. 
 
 Mr. Austin Wightman lives in Padua, McLean Co., III. 
 Mrs. Abigail Ellis Wightman was a member of the 
 Christian Church. 
 
 (372.) LESTER ELLIS, son of Stephen, was born in 
 Sempronius, N. Y., Sept. 2nd, 1811. He married Sally T.
 
 205 
 
 Trowbridge, in Fayette Co., Ind., about 1832. Their 
 children were: Diantha J., Chester Coburn, and Polly Ellis, 
 all born in Fayette Co., Ind. 
 
 Mrs. Ellis was born 1807, and was a daughter of Levi 
 and Abigail Trowbridge. She died in 1879, a S e 7 2 y ears 
 and six months. 
 
 Mr. Lester Ellis died June 26th, 1868. Himself and 
 wife were Baptists in religious belief. 
 
 Diantha J. Ellis, born 1833, married Robert W. Oldfield 
 April 24th, 1856. They are farmers near Rome, Jeff. Co., 
 111. Mr. Oldfield served three years a Union soldier against 
 the great Rebellion. Of their children, Effie Jane was born 
 1857; Elbert, 1859; William T., 1860; Robert C., 1862; 
 Lucius Ellis, 1866; Frank C., 1868. 
 
 Chester Coburn Ellis, born 1839, was a soldier and was 
 killed by the rebels near Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 2nd, 1864. He 
 was a remarkably bright and promising young man. His 
 death was a great grief to his parents, he being their only 
 son. Such is the fate of war. 
 
 Polly Ellis, born 1843, married John R. Cunningham, 
 Jan. 29th, 1866. Their children are: Carrie May, Lester 
 Ellis, Maude Bell, Silas Arthur, Theodore Berthold, Louie 
 Bryson, and an infant. Mr. C. was three years a Union 
 soldier. They live near Rome, Jeff. Co., 111. 
 
 (374,) LOIS ELLIS, youngest child of Stephen Ellis, 
 was born in Sempronius, Oct. loth, 1814. She married 
 John Jeffery, in Fayette Co., Ind., in 1835. She had one 
 child, Jane, who married a Mr. Jones. Mrs. Jeffrey was a 
 member of the Christian Church.
 
 2O6 
 
 Children of ftfoaea Ellis (123), of Fayette Co., ind.. and tiielr 
 
 husbands and wives. Grandchildren of Benjamin, 
 
 si . (22). Great-jn*andchlldren of Reuben (4), 
 
 and ifreat-jcreat-jfrandchildren of 
 
 Richard of Ashfleld. 
 
 1 HUM .{Ko to 39O. 
 
 (380.) LAURA ELLIS, eldest child of Moses Ellis, 
 was born in Sempronius, N. Y., in 1806. She was about 
 twelve years of age when her parents moved to North 
 Bend, Ohio, and about twenty-one when they all settled in 
 Fayette Co., Ind., near Connersville. March nth, 1828, 
 she married Josiah Sutton, a physician. They lived in 
 Madison Co., Ind., where they both died. They were 
 members of the Christian Church. She was a very intelli- 
 gent woman with a remarkable memory. Mr. Sutton died 
 in 1879, aged 80 years. His wife died in 1881. They had 
 two children, Elsie and Hester Ann Sutton. 
 
 (382.) MARY JUDD ELLIS, second daughter of 
 Moses Ellis, was born in Sempronius, N. Y., 1808. About 
 1830 she married Sutherland Gard, a farmer and miller. 
 He was born in 1809. They were members of the 
 Christian Church. Mr. Gard died in 1841, in or near 
 Connersville, Ind. They had five children, Lucetta, born 
 
 1831, died 1850; Samantha, 1833; Harriet, 1835; Adeline, 
 1838; and Henry, 1840. 
 
 About 1843, Mrs. MaryJ. Ellis Gard married for her 
 second husband Mr. James James, a farmer. Mr. James 
 was born in North Carolina. He was a member of the 
 Christian Church. Mr. James and family moved to Illinois 
 in 1859. He died in 1867, in Marion Co., 111. In 1882 
 Mrs. James went to Waterville, Minnesota, to live with a 
 daughter and 'died there in April, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. 
 James had two children, Laura Ann, born 1844, died 1861; 
 and Moses 1847. 
 
 (384.) LEWIS ELLIS, only son of Moses Elllis. was 
 born in Sempronius, N. Y., April nth, 1811. Dec. 3Oth, 
 
 1832, he was married in Fayette Co., Ind., to Samantha 
 Thomas. She was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., Dec. 3rd,
 
 207 
 
 i8n. They both now reside on a farm near Connersville, 
 Ind., and have had 16 children. 
 
 Caroline Ellis, their eldest, was born Nov. nth, 1833. 
 She married Charles R. Williams, Aug. 2nd, 1851. They 
 have one daughter Hattie. 
 
 Lucy, born June 5th, 1835, married J. A. Leffingwell, 
 Oct. 2nd, 1853. 
 
 Oliver B., born Aug. 2nd, 1836, died Aug. 24th, 1837. 
 
 Elvin, born March lyth, 1838, died July 29th, 1839. 
 
 Jasper D., born Nov. i5th, 1839, died ^ ct - 2 6th, 1850, 
 killed by a horse running away. 
 
 Emma, born Jan. 29th, 1841, died April 7th, 1841. 
 
 Minor, born Jan. 25th, 1842, died Sept. 2ist, 1863, of 
 camp diarrhoea at New Orleans. He was a Union soldier. 
 
 Melvin, born Nov. zoth, 1843, married Harriet King, 
 May i6th, 1866. She was a daughter of Benjamin King, 
 born in Aug. 1843, and raised in Fayette Co., Ind. They 
 have two children, Lewis, born June 1868, and Irene, born 
 Sept., 1870. Mr. Ellis and wife are Baptists. 
 
 Nancy, born April 25th, 1845, died Feb. 22nd, 1870. 
 
 Adaline and Angeline, born Aug. i2th, 1846. The first 
 died Oct. ist, 1861, and the last Dec. i6th, 1858. 
 
 Mary, born Nov. 6th, 1848, died Nov. 2Oth, 1848. 
 
 Eliza, born April zoth, 1850, married John Payne, Jan. 
 7th, 1870. Mr.. Payne was born in Fayette Co., Oct. 3Oth, 
 1842. He was a son of Thomas T. and Eleanor Rees 
 Payne. Mr. and Mrs. John Payne have seven children, 
 Wm. T., Edwin C., Lucia, Charles E., Daisy, Edna and 
 Mamie. 
 
 Ellen, born Oct. i6th, 1852. 
 
 Edwin W., born Oct. i6th, 1852, married Ada S. Budd, 
 Oct. 2nd, 1883. He lived with his father on the farm until 
 1880, when he began the study of medicine. Previous to 
 this he had studied surveying and was elected county sur- 
 veyor several terms. He graduated in medicine at the 
 college in Indianapolis in 1882, and began practice at Con- 
 nersville. In 1883 he settled at Falmouth, Fayette Co., Ind.,
 
 208 
 
 where he took the practice of his preceptor, Dr. Jacob 
 Redding, and where he now resides. His wife was a 
 daughter of Samuel O. Budd, a prominent man of Muncie, 
 Ind. Dr. and Mrs. Ellis have one child, Ivy, born Aug. 
 22nd, 1884. 
 
 Hewett T., born Aug. 29lh, 1854, man "i e d Ida Zellar, 
 Feb. 8th, 1882. She was born in Connersville, July 6th, 
 1857. They have one child, Zellar, born Jan. 9th, 1883. 
 Mr. Ellis is in the livery business in Connersville. 
 
 (386.) ELIZA ANN ELLIS, daugher of Moses, was 
 born in Sempronius, N. Y., in 1813. She married William 
 Cole, in Fayette Co., Ind., 1834. Mr. Cole was a s ^ oe- 
 maker. Himself and wife were members of the Christian 
 Church. They moved to Madison Co., Ind., where Mrs. 
 Cole died in 1842. She had three children, Angeline, 
 Lewis E. and Laura. 
 
 In 1844 Mr. Cole married Matilda Floyd, and removed 
 to Mason Co., 111., where he now lives. 
 
 (388.) HESTER ANN ELLIS, daughter of Moses 
 Ellis, was born in Sempronius, N. Y., April 24th, 1816. In 
 1835 she married Philander Thomas in Fayette Co., Ind. 
 Mr. Thomas was a farmer and a member of the Christian 
 Church. He was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1811, 
 and died in Feb., 1865, at Centralia, 111., where his widow 
 and several children now reside. They had eight children : 
 Leroy, born 1836; Mary, 1839; Ann, 1841; Lewis, 1844, 
 died 1863; Oliver H., 1849; Avery C., 1852; Iran, 1855 and 
 Marshall, 1856. 
 
 Oliver H. Thomas is a dentist and lives in Pendleton, 
 Ind. 
 
 (390.) ANNIE S.ELLIS, youngest child of Moses 
 Ellis, was born at North Bend, Ohio, in 1822. She married 
 Jonathan Ward and had two children Ellen and Edwin. 
 Mr. Ward was a farmer and a Baptist. Mrs. Ward died in 
 1849. Mr. Ward married for his second wife Minerva 
 Robinson, a daughter of Mehitable Ellis Robinson, (364). 
 Mr. Ward was a Union soldier, a brave, noble and highly 
 respected man.
 
 209 
 
 Children of Benjamin Cilia. Jr. ixf> , of Groton, Cayuga Co., 
 >. V., and their v*i\es and husbands. Grand- 
 children of Benjamin, Sr. (22). Great-grand- 
 children of Reuben, (4) and jjreat-vfreut- 
 Krandchildren of Richard Ellis, 
 of Ashfielcl. Prom 392 
 to 399. 
 
 (392.) RHODA ELLIS, eldest daughter of Benjamin 
 Ellis, Jr., was born in Sempronius, N. Y., Oct. 3Oth, 1813. 
 She died July pth, 1833. Unmarried. 
 
 (392.) MYRON ELLIS, efdest son of Benjamin Ellis, 
 Jr., was born in Sempronius, Aug. 2Oth, 1817, and died in 
 Groton, N. Y., Feb. i3th, 1858. He was a miller by trade 
 and a lawyer by profession and practiced law the latter 
 years of his life. He was a man of uncommon memory and 
 intelligence. His first wife was a Miss Zurilda Curtis, by 
 whom he had four children, Augustus, Benjamin E., Cassius 
 M. and Lycurgus. Mrs. Ellis died in 1848, and Mr. Ellis 
 married for his second wife Miss Nancy Dunks and four 
 more children were born, Rhoda, Martha, Helen and Emma. 
 After Mr. Ellis' death, his widow married a Mr. Hubart, 
 and they now live in Locke, N. Y. About 1843 Mr. 
 Myron Ellis and his first wife moved to the Fox River 
 country in Illinois, where Mrs. Ellis died at Aurora. 
 Soon after Mr. Ellis married his second wife, they re- 
 turned to Groton, N. Y.; this was in 1851. 
 
 Of Mr. Ellis' children, Augustus Ellis went west many 
 years ago, and no further report of him is given. 
 
 Benjamin Eber Ellis, was born in Owasco, Cayuga Co., 
 N. Y., Nov. 2ist. 1839. I" I ^59 he returned to Illinois, 
 where he has since resided. He married Eliza J. Felts, 
 at Carbondale, Illinois, May 2Oth, 1869. Mrs. Ellis 
 was born Aug. 5th, 1850. She was a daughter of George 
 W., and Rebecca Ellis Felts. (Rebecca Ellis was a 
 daughter of Arthur Ellis, of Belleville, 111. Her brothers 
 and sisters were: Maria, Francis, Jane, Thomas, George, 
 Albert and Edward. It does not appear that these Ellises 
 are descendants of Richard Ellis of Ashfield, Mass.) 
 Benjamin Eber Ellis and wife have four children : Emma, 
 born 1872; Edgar, 1875; Albert, 1881; and Franklin, 1883.
 
 210 
 
 Cassius M. Ellis, son of Myron, is a farmer at Red-House, 
 Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. He was a Union soldier, and 
 taken prisoner at Petersburg, Va., June 17th, 1864, and 
 was conveyed to Andersonville, Ga., that infamous prison 
 where thousands of Union soldiers were confined and 
 starved to death. Here he found his brother Lycurgus Ellis 
 who had arrived there two days previously. Mr. Cassius 
 Ellis, after a few months escaped from Andersonville, and 
 was in the swamps of South' Carolina for thirty days. After 
 over 200 miles travel he reached the blockade squadron off 
 Charleston, and was transferred to New York City, where 
 he was in hospital for some time. 
 
 Lycurgus Ellis was a Union soldier, and a prisoner at 
 Andersonville, Ga., as stated above. He was stripped of 
 his clothing, blankets and cooking utensils, and although at 
 first in excellent health was quickly reduced by the starvation 
 practiced on all Union prisoners. In the latter part of 
 August he was attacked with fever, and died on Sept. 7th, 
 1864. He was a very bright and promising young man, 
 ever true to virtue and honor, and was greatly beloved by 
 all who knew him. 
 
 Of Mr. Myron Ellis' children, by his second wife Nancy 
 Dunks, Rhoda married Charles Niles, and they live in 
 Locke, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Helen married Mr. Maine, 
 and they live at Cortland, N. Y. 
 
 (395.) LEWIS R. ELLIS, son of Benjamin, Jr., was 
 born in Sempronius, June 5th, 1822. He learned the 
 miller's trade with his father and is engaged in that business 
 at North Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., where he resides. In 
 early life he was a Methodist minister, but gave up preach- 
 ing several years ago. He married Elizabeth Yale of 
 Homer, N. Y., and they have two children : Alida and 
 Albert. 
 
 (397.) AMANDA M. ELLIS, daughter of Benjamin, Jr., 
 was born in Sempronius, Aug. nth, 1826. She married 
 Mr. Filander H. Robinson May i3th, 1849. Mr. Robinson 
 is a miller and resides in Groton, N. Y. He is proprietor
 
 of the " Dew Drop Mills." He was born in Virgil, Cort- 
 land Co., N. Y.,in 1821. They have had two children: 
 Edmund E. and Nathan Lavere. 
 
 Edmund Ellis Robinson was born in Groton, Sept. 22nd, 
 1851. He is married and has three children. He resides at 
 Ithaca, N. Y. He has been train dispatcher for the Lehigh 
 Valley Railroad many years, and is also chief of the fire 
 department of Ithaca. He married Alice Wyckoff at 
 Moravia, N. Y., Oct. 3d, 1876. She was born at Spring- 
 port, Cayuga Co., N. Y., May lyth, 1857. Their children 
 are Winnifred, born 1879; Frederick, 1881; N. Lavere, 
 1883. All born in Ithaca. 
 
 Nathan Lavere Robinson was born in Groton, June 
 i6th, 1856. He died June 23rd, 1861. 
 
 (399.) NATHAN H. ELLIS, youngest child of 
 Benjamin Ellis of Groton, was born Oct. pth, 1834. ^ e ' 1S 
 a miller, and run the mills at Ludlowville, Cayuga Co., for 
 many years. He now owns and runs the " Old Red Mills " 
 at Owego, N. Y., where he resides. He married Miss 
 Sarah Bolles in Utica, N. Y., in 1867. She was born in 
 Litchfield, Conn., in 1833. She was a daughter of John 
 Bolles. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have one daughter, Edna, born 
 1868. 
 
 Children of Reuben Ellis (X28), of Chautanq.ua Co., BJ. Y., 
 and tlieir wives and husbands. Grandchildren of 
 Benjamin *r. (22.) Great - grandchildren of 
 Reuben (4), and great - great - grand- 
 children of Richard Ellis, 
 
 of Ashfield. 
 From Bios. 401 to 420. 
 
 (401.) OLIVET ELLIS, eldest son of Reuben, was 
 born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1812. March 3rd, 1839, he 
 married Almira Powers, and they now live in Harmony 
 township, (Panama P. O.), Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Mr. 
 Ellis is a farmer. They have two children, Eveline C., born 
 1840, and Adelaide R., born 1845. The latter lives in 
 Rochester, N. Y.
 
 212 
 
 (403.) HENRY K. ELLIS, second son of Reuben, 
 was born in Cayuga Co. in 1813. He married Eliza Acker 
 in 1837. He was a farmer, and a Baptist. He died in 
 Murray, Orleans Co., in 1853, leaving a son, Henry R., and 
 four daughters. 
 
 (407.) DANIEL ELLIS, third son of Reuben, was born 
 in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1817. April ipth, 1843, he 
 married Philinda L. Adams and settled on a farm of 1 16 acres 
 in Panama, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. They are Baptists in 
 religious belief. They have two sons, the eldest, Francis A. 
 Ellis, is on a farm of his own near Panama. Their son 
 Newton D. Ellis has been an invalid all his life. Mr. Daniel 
 Ellis is a deacon in the Baptist church and believes in living 
 his religion every day in the year. When two years of age 
 his parents moved from Cayuga Co. to Orleans Co., and 
 when he was thirteen years of age they settled in Clymer, 
 Chautauqua Co. Mrs. Philinda Ellis died March 7, 1887. 
 
 (409) EDMUND ELLIS, fourth son of Reuben, was 
 born June 28th, 1819. He married Roxana Fay, Sept. i8th, 
 1842. They had five children. Mr. Ellis was a farmer in 
 Portland, Chautauqua Co. He was a Baptist. He died Oct. 
 6th, 1857. His children were Hollis Fay, Henry Reuben, 
 Lucien Elijah, Charles Edmund and Lillie Phebe. 
 
 Henry R. Ellis, born 1846, resides in Detroit, Mich. 
 He is a physician. 
 
 Lucien E. Ellis, born 1850, lives in Detroit. He is a 
 physician and surgeon of eminence. His home is on Welch 
 avenue in the western part of Detroit. 
 
 Lillie Phebe Ellis, born 1856, now resides with her 
 mother and brother Henry on Maybury avenue, Detroit. 
 They are all very highly respected people. 
 
 Mr. Edmund Ellis died Oct. 6th, 1857, in Portland, N. Y. 
 
 (411.) LOIS E. ELLIS, daughter of Reuben, was 
 born in 1821. She married William R. Davis and had four 
 children, the first three born in Panama, N. Y., and the last 
 in Wisconsin, near Winona, where they lived many years. 
 Mrs. Davis died in 1881.
 
 213 
 
 (413.) LYDIA E. ELLIS was born in 1824. She 
 married Horatio R. Palmer Jan. i5th, 1851, and they lived 
 in Chautauqua, N. Y., for a time, when they removed to 
 Bradtville, Grant Co., Wisconsin, where Mrs. Palmer died 
 in 1862 and Mr. Palmer in 1864. They had four children, 
 Almarion S., Emeline B., Alfred S. and Martin. The last 
 two died young. 
 
 Almarion S. Palmer, born 1852, married Lydia Luce in 
 1878 in Fennimore, Wis. They had one child. 
 
 Emeline B. Palmer, was born 1854, married Edson H. 
 Hoyt Aug. 1 3th, 1876, at Clymer, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
 where they now live on a farm. They have two children, 
 Arthur H. and Effie Hoyt. 
 
 Mr. Horatio R. Palmer was a tanner and currier. He 
 enlisted in the Union army in 1863 and died the next year of 
 disease in the service. 
 
 (415.) EDWIN M. ELLIS was born in Orleans Co., 
 N. Y., in 1825. He married Diana Green Sept. i6th, 1846, 
 and they now reside at Lovell's Station, Erie Co., Pa. 
 They have had six children, five of whom are now living. 
 (See page 49.) Mr. Ellis is a mechanic. He is a Baptist. 
 
 (417.) ELIZABETH ELLIS married Willis Tullar, 
 July 4th, 1849. Both died childless. 
 
 (418.) REUBEN EEASTUS ELLIS, son of Reuben, 
 was born in Clymer, N. Y., May i5th, 1832. He married 
 Helen Freeman Sept. 24th, 1854. Their children are, Ida 
 E., George Elmer and Willie Alton Ellis. They all reside 
 in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. 
 
 (420.) ALFRED 0. ELLIS, youngest child of Reuben, 
 of Chautauqua Co., N. Y., was born Oct. i7th, 1835. He 
 married Helen M. Skidmore in 1858. He was a resident of 
 Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and was a mechanic and 
 builder. He was accidentally killed on the railroad near 
 Brocton, N. Y., in 1885. He was a prominent member of 
 the Baptist church at West Portland, Chautauqua Co. He 
 was a first-lieutenant in the ii2th N. Y. Regiment, a brave 
 soldier and an estimable citizen of genial manner and noble 
 qualities. He had seven children. (See names on page 50.)
 
 2I 4 
 
 Children of Abel West Hills i.jfi , of Ripley, Chautauqva 
 
 Co., !S. Y., and tlielr -wives and husbands. Grand- 
 
 children of Jonathan (26), great-grand- 
 
 children of Reuben (4), and 
 
 great-great-grandchildren of Richard Hills, of Ashfleld. 
 From 444 to 453. 
 
 VAN R. ELLIS, eldest son of Abel West Ellis, 
 was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., April 24, 1833. In 1836 
 his father settled in Ripley, Chautauqua Co. He died in 
 Memphis, Tenn., Dec. ipth, 1877. His widow, Mrs. 
 Laura Ellis, and two children were living in Memphis at last 
 accounts. 
 
 (447.) CYRUS ELLIS, son of Abel West Ellis, was 
 born Dec. 7th, 1837, in Ripley, Chautauqua Co., where he 
 now resides on a farm. He married Jennie S. Hayes, at 
 Painesville, Ohio, Dec. i6th, 1874. They have two chil- 
 dren, Fred. H., born July 25th, 1876, and Emma Maude, 
 born June i5th, 1878. 
 
 (449.) AMARILLA ELLIS was born in Ripley, Feb. 
 5th, 1839. She died Dec. 2Oth, 1858, of brain fever, just as 
 she was about to graduate at the Westfield Academy. 
 
 (451.) SARAH J. ELLIS was born in Ripley, Sept. 
 28th, 1841. She married George D. Willobee in 1867. 
 They removed to Cedar Run, Grand Traverse Co., Mich., 
 where she died April ipth, 1884, leaving five children. 
 
 (453.) MARY ANN ELLIS, youngest child of Abel 
 West Ellis, was born in Ripley, Oct. i5th, 1843. She mar- 
 ried Daniel Buckner, in Westfield, Chautauqua Co., Jan. 
 ipth, 1875, and has one daughter, Nellie M. They reside at 
 Crowland, Ontario, Canada.
 
 215 
 
 Children of jolm Ailis Kills (138), of Conneaut, Ohio, and 
 
 their wives and husbands. Grandchildren of 
 
 Jonathan (26), great-grandchildren of 
 
 Reuben (4), and great-great- 
 grandchildren of Richard Ellis, of Ashneld. 
 From 455 to 465. 
 
 (455.) WILLIAM AVERT ELLIS was born in Rip- 
 ley, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Dec. 22nd, 1833. He married 
 Maria Holmes, Dec. 24th, 1856. She was a daughter of 
 George and Maria Smith Holmes, who came from England 
 just before the birth of their daughter Maria. They settled in 
 Saybrook, near Ashtabula, Ohio. Mrs. Holmes died in 1866. 
 Mr. Holmes still lives on the farm he purchased in 1837. 
 Mr. Ellis settled in Ashtabula, where he carried on for 
 twenty-two years a plow handle factory. In April, 
 1886, he disposed of this and went to Chattanooga, Tenn., 
 where he purchased an interest in a furniture establishment 
 and where he now resides.* 
 
 Mr.. Ellis has five children, Hattie Manella, born 1857, 
 was married in Ashtabula Nov. 22nd, 1883, to Henry Elias 
 Smith, of Conneaut. They have one daughter, Florence 
 Manella Smith, born April 3rd, 1885, and a son, William 
 Ellis Smith, born Dec. 3ist, 1886. 
 
 Fannie F., born 1861, is a teacher in the Union school in 
 Ashtabula. 
 
 Minnie M., born 1866, is a teacher in Plymouth, Ohio. 
 William W. and Amy F. live with their parents. 
 
 (457.) ORSON H. ELLIS was born Nov. 8th, 1835. He 
 married Elizabeth Woodward July 6th, 1856. He resides in 
 Conneaut, Ohio. They have had two children, Jennie and 
 John Frank Ellis. Jennie died several years ago. 
 
 (459.) MARY JANE ELLIS was born Dec. 3151, 1837, 
 in Ripley, N. Y. She married Robert Stewart in 1862. 
 She died May 8th, 1865. 
 
 *He writes under date of Dec. 2ist, 1886, " that on the 6th inst., his father. John A. Ellis 
 (138), of Conneaut, Ohio, walked to the post office, about one mile, and while there was 
 stricken with apoplexy and died at once. That morning he was feeling more jocular and 
 lively than usual.'' The latter is a peculiarity, often noticed in cases of the sudden departure 
 of good people to the other life. It seems as if the heavens opened and the angels were wait- 
 ing to receive and welcome their kind to the happy shores of eternity.
 
 21(6 
 
 (461.) JOHN D. ELLIS was born Nov. ipth, 1842, in 
 Conneaut, Ohio. He married Mary Jane Bruce Dec. 23rd, 
 1863, at Conneaut, Ohio. Her father was Alanson Bruce, 
 of Springfield, Pa., and her mother Sarah Sargeant Bruce. 
 Mr. Ellis' children are Mary, Loretta, Edith, Bertha and 
 John Alanson. Mr. Ellis is a machinist and runs a steam 
 pump of the railroad near Conneaut. 
 
 (463.) JULIA FRANCES ELLIS was born Oct. ipth, 
 1845. She married William B. Cole and they now live in 
 Jackson, Tenn. They have one child living, Archie C. 
 Cole, born 1875 ' m Erie, Pa. 
 
 (465.) SARAH ALICE ELLIS, youngest child of John 
 A. Ellis, was born in Conneaut, Ohio, Feb. i7th, 1850. She 
 married John H. Hart in Conneaut May loth, 1871. They now 
 live in Central City, Nebraska. Mr. Hart was born Aug. 
 5th, 1844, at North East, Erie Co., Pa. Their children are, 
 Bertrand Ellis, born 1872, Genevieve 1874, Pearl M. 1877, 
 and Grace Ellen 1880. 
 
 Children of Elder Asaph Chilson Cilia (1461, of Cleat-field Co., 
 Pa., and tbelr wives and husbands. Grandchil- 
 dren of Dea. Ricbard Ellis, izo>, of Ellia- 
 burg, Pa. Great - grandchildren of 
 Reuben (4), and grreat-jpreat- 
 
 grrandchildren of 
 Rlobard Ellis, of Ashfield. See No. 482, page 29. 
 
 (482.) CHARLES ELLIS, was born in Delmar, Tioga 
 Co., Pa., Jan. i5th, 1815. He now lives at Stuart, Holt Co., 
 Nebraska. He is a farmer and unmarried. He was the 
 eldest son of Asaph Chilson Ellis (146.) The latter was 
 named after his mother's father, Asaph Chilson, of Con- 
 way, Mass. 
 
 HORACE ELLIS, son of Asaph, was born at Delmar 
 Nov. 24, 1817, and died in 1822. 
 
 RICHARD SPENCER ELLIS, son of Asaph, was born 
 Sept. 17, 1821, at Delmar. He now resides at Mahaffey,
 
 217 
 
 Clearfield Co., Pa. He married Julia Ann Avery, a daugh- 
 ter of Elder Benjamin G. Avery (see page 149,) in 1839. 
 They have seven children. Horace A. born 1840. He was 
 a Union soldier, was twice wounded and was one of thirty- 
 seven to whom Congress gave a medal for- special bravery. 
 He was a Methodist in religion. He died in Wisconsin un- 
 married. 
 
 Asaph A., born Aug. nth, 1843, was a soldier all 
 through the Rebellion. He married Hannah McCartney and 
 had three children. He went to Wisconsin, where he died 
 in 1870 of consumption contracted in the army. He was a 
 Methodist. 
 
 Amanda was born irt June, 1845, and is married to 
 Samuel Markley and they live at Ostend, Clearfield Co., 
 Pa. Mr. M. is a farmer, was a soldier, and is a Methodist. 
 They have seven children. 
 
 John was born in June, 1847. He was a soldier and 
 was killed at Fort Stevens in 1864. 
 
 Warren B. was born in May, 1849, is married and lives 
 at Mahaffey, Pa. 
 
 Maria was born in March, 1851, married P. R. Miller, 
 a farmer at Decker's Point, Indiana Co., Pa. 
 
 Deroy was born about 1860, lives with his parents. 
 
 CHAUNCY A. ELLIS was born Nov. 3 oth, 1821, at 
 Delmar. He was a soldier, wounded, and draws a pension. 
 He married Sarah Ann Bell, daughter of Maj. James R. 
 Bell, and had seven children, of whom four are now living. 
 They were Baptists. Mrs. Ellis died May 5th, 1886. She 
 was born Dec. ist, 1825. Mr. Ellis now lives with his son- 
 in-law Samuel Stearns, at Purchase Line, Indiana Co., Pa. 
 
 The children of Chauncy A. Ellis were Louisa, born 
 1849, Orlando S. 1851, Rebecca A. 1852, Sarah Lucy 1855, 
 died the same year. Hannah E. 1856, John C. 1858, died 
 1882. Emily A. 1860, died 1880. Mr. Ellis served nearly 
 three years in the late war and was severely wounded, for 
 which he receives a pension. He is a carpenter by trade. 
 He is a member of the Baptist church.
 
 2l8 
 
 MOSES E. I.I.LIS, son of Asaph, was born Dec. 6th, 
 1823, at Delmar, and died in 1845. He was a licensed 
 Baptist minister, and a very bright and promising young 
 man. 
 
 HARRIET AMANDA ELLIS, daughter of Asaph, 
 was born March 5th, 1826, at Wellsboro, Pa., where her 
 father was at that time living and teaching in the academy. 
 She married Samuel Sunderlin Dec. i8th, 1843. Mr. S. 
 was a grandson of Sergeant Samuel Sunderlin, of the Ver- 
 mont Rangers in the Revolutionary war. They live at 
 Meig's Mills, Clearfield Co. They have had thirteen 
 children, all living but one. Mr. and Mrs. S. are Methodists 
 and farmers. 
 
 LUCY ELIZA ELLIS was born Sept. pth, 1828, at 
 Wellsboro. She married Charles Kingsbury and lives in 
 Stuart, Nebraska. They have five children. Mr. K. owns 
 a large farm. They are Baptists. 
 
 ORLANDO AARON ELLIS, son of Asaph C., was born 
 near Tioga village, Pa., Feb. I4th, 1831. When four years 
 of age his parents moved to Allegany Co., N. Y., and about a 
 year thereafter moved on a raft down the Allegany river to 
 Sharpsburg, Pa., a few miles above Pittsburg. A few 
 months later they settled in Bell Township, Clearfield Co., 
 Pa. This was Nov. 5th, 1835. They settled on a farm ot 
 500 acres of wild pine and hemlock land. Their nearest 
 neighbor was one and a half miles away, and they passed 
 through many hardships. The nearest store was sixteen 
 miles distant, and the school house four miles off. 
 
 Mr. Ellis' mother, Amanda Spencer Ellis, was a gradu- 
 ate of a High school in Hartford, Conn., and took great 
 pains to train and educate her children. The main occupa- 
 tion consisted in clearing the farm and making lumber, 
 which was rafted down the Susquehanna river to market. 
 The streams were well supplied with fish and the forests 
 with bears, deer, panthers, turkeys and other game in abund- 
 ance. In 1843 Mr. Asaph C. Ellis built a saw mill on the 
 Susquehanna.
 
 219 
 
 Mr. Asaph C. Ellis was a very enterprising man, just 
 fitted for his day. Like many of the Ellises of those times 
 he was ever pushing out into some new venture. 
 
 In April, 1844, Mrs. Amanda Ellis died, in the forty- 
 seventh year of her age, leaving a large family. She was 
 an ardent Christian woman of uncommon virtues and talent. 
 It is said that she was never known to he angry. She was 
 married to Mr. Ellis April 7th, 1813. In December, 1846, Mr. 
 Asaph C. Ellis married Mrs. Elizabeth Fairbanks, of East 
 Mahoning, Indiana Co., Pa. She was a daughter of Ezra 
 Warner, of New Lebanon, N. Y. She was an estimable 
 woman. She was a Baptist. Mr. Asaph C. Ellis died April 
 3<Dth, 1853, aged about 70 years. He was a deacon in the 
 Baptist church and held a license to preach. He was an 
 active, earnest Christian, and a scholarly man and a justice 
 over fourteen years. His last wife died in 1855. 
 
 Mr. Orlando A. Ellis was married Sept. 3Oth, 1855, to 
 Louisa Lawrence, in Clearfield Co. She was 15 years of 
 age and her husband 24 when they embarked on the ship of 
 matrimony. They have had eight children. 
 
 Lucy Marie, born 1856, died 1857. 
 
 Ira Chauncy, born 1858. He is a wagon and carriage 
 maker in Marion. He married Mary Cramer. 
 
 Julia Ann Ellis, born 1860, married John Barr and had 
 four children. 
 
 Ida May Ellis, born 1862, died 1877. 
 
 Olmer Ripley Ellis, born 1866 ; is a wagon and car- 
 riage maker, working with his brother Ira, in Marion, 
 Indiana Co., Pa. 
 
 Hattie Jane Ellis, born 1868. Is a graduate of the Day- 
 ton High school. 
 
 Charles Francis Ellis, born 1872. Will graduate at 
 the above school in 1888. 
 
 Harry McGregor Ellis, born 1876; lives at home. 
 
 Mr. Orlando A. Ellis was a Union soldier in Co. A, 6ist 
 Regt. Pa. Vol. He enlisted in Aug. 1861. He served
 
 his country well and faithfully and was wounded three times. 
 He was in the battles of Fair Oaks, Chantilly, Antietam, 
 Williamsport, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and the Wil- 
 derness. He lost his right arm from a gunshot wound. 
 He has been a town constable for 14 years and deputy sheriff 
 lor six years in Indiana Co., and for one term assistant ser- 
 geant-at-arms of the house of representatives at Harrisburg, 
 the State capital. 
 
 Mr. Ellis has been a member of the Methodist church 30 
 years. He now resides at Marion, (Brady P. O.), Indiana 
 Co., Pa. 
 
 PLINY POWERS ELLIS, son of Asaph C., was born 
 near Tioga, Pa., July i4th, 1833. He was a soldier, was 
 severely wounded at the second battle of Bull Run, Va., and 
 lay on the field eight days before being cared for. He was 
 discharged but re-enlisted and wounded again. He draws 
 a pension. He is married ; is a farmer in Bloomer, Chip- 
 pewa Co., Wis.. Is a Universalist in religious belief. 
 
 HANNAH JULIA ELLIS was born July i3th, 1836, in 
 Clearfield Co., Pa. She married Daniel W. Fairbanks, 
 who enlisted, was taken prisoner and starved to death in a 
 rebel prison. His widow married Dec. loth, 1870, Samuel 
 Barker, an engineer. They are Methodists. They live 
 in Sykesville, Jefferson Co., Pa. They have one child, 
 Richard E., now living. 
 
 URIAH SPENCER ELLIS, child of Asaph C. and 
 Amanda Spencer Ellis, was born in Clearfield Co., Pa., 
 Dec. 4th, 1839, and died in 1841. 
 
 ASAPH CHILSON ELLIS, Jr., was born in Clear- 
 field Co., Pa., Sept. 7th, 1842. He died in July, 1851.
 
 221 
 
 Children of Rev. Consider Ellis ( 15* . of l-:ilishur K , Pa., and 
 
 their -wives and li uslmiitf. Grandchildren of Rich- 
 
 ard < 20 1, Krcat-Kraud children of Reuben 
 
 (4>, and great-great-grandchildren of 
 
 Richard Ellis of Aahfield. 
 
 (500) GEORGE ELLIS, eldest son of Elder Consider 
 Ellis, and Mary Lovell Ellis, his wife, was born near Ellis- 
 burg, Pa., in 1823. In 1837 he removed with his parents to 
 the town of Great Valley, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., where 
 his father engaged in farming and milling until 1844, when 
 they removed to Ellisburg, Pa., where his father died in 
 1866 and where his mother now lives at an advanced age. 
 
 Mr. Ellis married Rebecca Rice and they have had eight 
 children, (see page 52). They lived at Stone Dam, Allegany 
 Co., N. Y. 
 
 PRUDENCE ELLIS, daughter of Elder Consider Ellis, 
 was born in 1825. She married Samuel G. Rouse and they 
 now reside at Ellisburg, Pa. They have no children. Mr. 
 Rouse's mother (153), now 83 years, lives with Mr. 
 
 JOHN L, ELLIS, second son of Elder Consider Ellis, 
 was born near Ellisburg, Pa., March 19, 1833. He married 
 Mrs. Jane A. Wilson, of Leroy, Minn., in 1862. Her 
 maiden name was Needham. Her father, Horace C. 
 Needham, was a prominent man in Vermont. He died 
 when Mrs. Ellis was young. Mr. Ellis and family live at 
 Red Bird, Nebraska. He is a farmer. He has two sons, 
 Orson B., born April 5, 1863, in Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa. 
 Fred H. was born in Osage, June 23, 1865. He married 
 Miss Ada S. France, of Runningwater, Dakota, in 1884. 
 They have one son, Clifford, born in Feb. 1885.
 
 222 
 
 Children of Rev. John Ellis U54>t of Elllcottvllle, Catta- 
 
 raugns Co., :x. V., and their wives and husbands. 
 
 Grandchildren of Richard (29), if reat-tf rancl- 
 
 chlldren of Reuben (4), and great- 
 
 Ifreat-xrandchlldren of 
 Richard Bills of Ashfield, Mass. From 506 to 513. 
 
 (506.) RALPH ELLIS was born at Tioga, Pa., in 
 1829. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California where 
 he engaged for a time in mining. In 1855 he was treasurer 
 and messenger for the banking house of Everts, Wilson & 
 Co. In 1857 he was elected clerk of Sierra Co., Cal. In 
 1861 he settled in Napa valley and in 1865 was elected 
 sheriff of Napa county ; since the expiration of this term of 
 office he has been engaged mostly in the wheat and mill- 
 ing trade. He is also editor and manager, in connection 
 with his son, of the " Lodi Sentinel," the leading newspaper 
 in the great San Joaquin valley. 
 
 Mr. Ellis married in Benicia, Cal., in 1858, Caroline W. 
 Evarts, a daughter of Dr. T. C. Evarts from Indiana, who 
 settled in California in 1856 where he died in 1865. Mrs. 
 Ellis was born at Laporte, Ind., in 1838. Their children 
 are, Wilson R., born 1859; Carrie C., 1861; Frank E., 1864; 
 Henry F., 1866 and Maggie M., 1874. 
 
 Wilson R. Ellis married Alice Davis in California in 
 1884. They have one son, Ralph F., born in 1885. Mr. 
 Ellis is manager of the " Sentinel." 
 
 Carrie C. Ellis married Prof. Freeman B. Mills in Aug., 
 1885. 
 
 (508.) *JOHN ELLIS, son of Elder John Ellis of 
 Ellicottville, N. Y., was born in Tioga, Pa., and died 
 unmarried in Ellicottville, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1847. 
 
 ( 509. ) WILLIAM F. ELLIS, son of Elder John Ellis, 
 died leaving two children, Fred and Lizzie, both living in 
 California. Fred Ellis is a mill owner and rancher and 
 resides at Yountville, Napa Co. 
 
 William F. Ellis and wife both died the same night of 
 cholera, in Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1852. Their children
 
 223 
 
 were then brought to Ellicottville, N. Y., and soon after 
 their uncle, Ralph, took them to California. 
 
 Lizzie Ellis married D. H. Berdine, a printer, and pub- 
 lisher of " Once a Week," a temperance journal. They 
 reside at Stockton, Cal. They have one child, Carrie E., 
 born in Ohio in 1860. 
 
 William F. Ellis' wife was Matilda Berdine. 
 
 (511.) LUCINDA ELLIS was born in Pa. in 1820. 
 She married Peter Berdine in 1840. They removed to 
 Wisconsin where both died in 1881, leaving seven children. 
 
 (513.) MARGARET ELLIS, daughter of Rev. John 
 Ellis, was born at Big Meadows, Tioga Co., Pa., about 
 1821. While on a visit to her brother, William, at Cin- 
 cinnati, she took a fever and died there at about 25 years 
 of age. 
 
 Of Elder John Ellis (154), and his family, Mr. Arunah 
 Ward, a lawyer at Ellicottville, N. Y. writes: "The family 
 were old friends of mine and were very nice, respectable 
 people, and had a good farm and mill property when the 
 father, John Ellis, died." 
 
 Children of Elder Richard Ellis (158), and their wives. 
 
 Grandchildren of Richard (29), of Ellisburg, Pa. 
 
 Great -grandchildren O f Reuben (4), and 
 
 .. great -great -grandchildren of 
 Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, Mass. From 522 to 528. 
 
 (522.) AMASA ELLIS was born in Tioga Co., Pa. 
 Feb. 18, 1819. He married Martha Schoonover Sept. 29, 
 1849. She was born in Tioga Co., July 29, 1831. When 
 Mr. Ellis was about seven years of age his father died and 
 he thereafter lived with his uncle, David Ellis (160). Mr. 
 Ellis has been a farmer until recently, owing to ill health, he 
 has bought a home in Westfield, Tioga Co., Pa. In his 
 early married life Mr. Ellis lived in the town of Willing, near
 
 234 
 
 Belmont, Allegany Co., N. Y., where all their children were 
 born. Mr. Ellis is a Baptist and very active in the church 
 and Sunday school service. His children are Mary E., 
 Delos, James D., Frank and Charles. 
 
 Mary E. Ellis was born Oct. 10, 1850. She married 
 E. A. Buck, January ist, 1871. They have three children, 
 Emmer, Annie and Lula. Delos Ellis, born Sept. 13, 1853, 
 married Hattie Bush Oct. 10, 1882. All now live in West- 
 field, Pa. 
 
 (524.) CONSIDER ELLIS was born in Shippen, 
 Tioga Co., Pa., Oct. 20, 1820. He married Margaret 
 Fortner in 1845. She was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., 
 in 1820. Forty years ago Mr. Ellis settled in Belmont, 
 N. Y., on a fine farm which he carried on in connection with 
 wagon making, which trade he had learned in early life. 
 He was a very prosperous man and his farm was noted as 
 being one of the best in Allegany Co. He was a very 
 generous and open-hearted man and highly respected by all 
 his towns-people. He died suddenly Aug. 3rd, 1886, leav- 
 ing his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Brown of Belmont 
 and Mrs. Fowler of Rochester. 
 
 (526.) SAMUEL G. ELLIS was born in Tioga Co. 
 Pa., in 1822. He married Rosetta Canfield about 1844. She 
 was raised in Tompkins Co., N. Y. They had two daugh- 
 ters, Eliza-Jane and Frances. They moved to Canada in 
 1849 where Mr. Ellis died the next year. Mrs. Ellis 
 afterwards married a Mr. Lincoln and lived in Washing- 
 ton, D. C., at last accounts. 
 
 (528.) JOHN M. ELLIS, youngest child of Elder 
 Richard Ellis was born in Tioga Co., Pa., Nov. 6th, 1825. 
 He married Eliza Fortner, Feb. 25, 1852, at Ellisburg, Pa. 
 She was born in 1827 in Independence, Allegany Co., N. Y. 
 They are farmers and now live at Waverly, Beamer 
 Co., Iowa. They have two children, Rosetta H., born in 
 Independence, N. Y., March 28, 1853, died June ist, 1881. 
 Maggie E., born in Franklin, Iowa, May 15, 1857; married 
 A. V. Viner, Jan. 31, 1883. They have one child, Zada 
 May Viner, born at Waverly, June 24, 1884.
 
 225 
 
 children of David Ellis (160), of Tioffa, Pa., and their Hus- 
 bands and wives. Grandchildren of Richard 20 
 Great - Grandchildren of Reuben (4) and 
 Great-Great-Grandchildren of Richard 
 Kills of Ashfleld. From 530 to 544. 
 
 ( 530. ) THANKFUL ELLIS, eldest daughter of David 
 Ellis, was born in Shippen, Tioga Co., Pa., in 1820. She 
 married Charlton Phillips, Aug. nth, 1838, in Shippen. Mr. 
 Phillips was born Feb. 27th, 1815. After their marriage they 
 moved to Westfield, Tioga Co., Pa., where they have lived 
 ever since. Mr. Phillips is a merchant miller in Westfield. 
 Forty years ago Mr. Phillips bought a farm which he cleared 
 up and on which he yet resides. He built a saw mill and 
 grist mill, hotel, stores and houses. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips 
 are active members of the Methodist church. They have 
 had eleven children. 
 
 Sylvester D. Phillips, born 1840, went into the army at 
 the outbreak of the Rebellion. He was captain in the 
 Bucktails, a celebrated regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers. 
 He was promoted to major, and remained in the service until 
 the close of the war. He was married Oct. 22nd, 1865, to 
 Villa Thompson. Capt. Phillips died Dec. 6, 1886, from 
 disease contracted in the army, a victim of the Rebellion. 
 
 Rachel Phillips, born in Westfield, Sept. n, 1842, 
 married Rush C. Doty in Westfield. Mr. Doty died 
 March i7th, 1868, after which his widow married James 
 Richtmyer of Moravia, N. Y., where they now reside on a 
 farm. 
 
 Alice Phillips, born Oct. I3th, 1844, was a successful 
 teacher, and at the age of 24 married C. D. Spafford, of 
 Moravia, N. I 7 "., a farmer. They have one son. 
 
 Ellis D. Phillips, born March i8th, 1847, married Jennie 
 Closson. They have two children. He is a miller in 
 Westfield, Pa. " 
 
 William D. Phillips, born Feb. I4th, 1849, married Ella 
 Broughton, Aug. i7th, 1885. 
 
 Delvin D. Phillips, born May 22nd, 1851. He was an en- 
 gineer at Williamsport. He was accidently killed Sept. 8th.
 
 226 
 
 1879* a d was to have been married on the day he was 
 buried. 
 
 Clarence and Clara Phillips were born Aug. 2pth, 1855. 
 Clarence is a miller, unmarried. Clara married O. A. 
 Tremain, of Westfield, and they have two children. 
 
 Emma Philips, born Feb. I5th, 1859, married William 
 Pease, of "Westfield, Sept. I9th, 1885. 
 
 Eva Phillips, born Aug. I4th, 1862, died Feb. 8th, the next 
 year. 
 
 Charles N. Phillips was born March 28th, 1867. All 
 these Phillips' are highly respected and prosperous people. 
 The father, Mr. Charlton Phillips, is a man of uncommon 
 energy, probity and intelligence. He is said to be a de- 
 scendant of Capt. John Phillips of Eastern Massachusetts. 
 (See page 16.) 
 
 (532.) CHLOE ELLIS was born April i8th, 1822. 
 She married Job Rexford March 3d, 1844. Mr. Rexford 
 was born Jan. 23d. 1819, in Cortland Co., N. Y., and came 
 to Pine Creek, Tioga Co., and engaged .in manufacturing 
 lumber and rafting it down the Susquehanna River to mar- 
 ket. About 1877 he settled at Harrison Valley, Potter Co., 
 Pa., where he died Feb. 23d, 1880. Mrs. Rexford is a Pres- 
 byterian, and a very bright and intelligent woman. She sends 
 the writer an account of a visit to her grandfather, Richard 
 Ellis (29) at Eliisburg, Pa., when she was quite young. " My 
 oldest brother, a young lady cousin from Wellsboro, and my- 
 self, drove our own team over the country. It was very cold 
 and we were nearly three days on the road. Grandfather 
 was very much pleased to see us. He showed us about his 
 house, took us to the saw mill and the grist mill, showed us 
 the process of grinding grain into flour or feed, the water 
 wheels and the improvements he intended soon to make, 
 then took us to his hotel, which at that time was leased to 
 another party. This same building stands there now, but 
 improved and built around with o h-.?r buildings. He intro- 
 duced us as his grandchildren, w!i i had come to see him for 
 fie first time. He showeJ us through the building, and
 
 237 
 
 when in the bar-room ordered made good glasses of ' sling,' 
 as he said he wanted to drink to the health of his grand- 
 children the first time they came to see him. How times 
 have changed in these fifty years ! But he was a true and 
 righteous Christian man."* 
 
 Mrs. Rexford's children are Perry Emerson, born Feb. 
 22d, 1845, married to Clara Sweetland June 26th, 1870. 
 They are both Baptists. Mr. Rexford is a farmer at Har- 
 rison Valley. 
 
 Nancy Orilla, born May 3ist, 1848, married Capt. Jason 
 W. Stevens May ist, 1870, who was a soldier all through 
 the war. Capt. Stevens carries on an extensive mercantile 
 business in Harrison Valley. 
 
 Henry Gilbert, born Feb. 24th, 1852, died Dec. 2Oth, 
 
 1853- 
 
 Stella, born Oct. i5th, 1860, married Dr. E. J. Shaw, 
 Jan. ist, 1879. He died Feb - I2th > T 88i. All of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Rexford's children were born in Tioga Co., Pa. 
 
 (534.) CHESTER ELLIS, son of David Ellis, was born 
 in Tioga Co., Pa., April 22d, 1823. He married Miss 
 Chloe Blue in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Pa., Sept. 25th, 1848. 
 Mrs. Ellis was born in Tioga Co., August 2pth, 1827. Mr. 
 Ellis is a millwright and is now in Las Vegas, New Mexico. 
 His children were all born in Tioga Co., Pa. They are : 
 
 Lawrence A. Ellis, born March i4th, 1849. He is an 
 architect and builder, and resides at Laurel, Maryland, 
 where he has constructed several of the largest and finest 
 buildings in that part of the state. He married, June 3d, 
 1875, Sarah Elizabeth Curley, who was born July 9th, 1853. 
 They have had three children : James C., born 1876, died 
 the same year ; George Frederick, born 1878, and Norman 
 R., born 1880.
 
 228 
 
 Seymour David Ellis was born March 25th, 1851, in 
 Shippen, Pa. He is a carpenter. Mr. Ellis lives in Wells- 
 boro, Tioga Co., Pa. He married Aggie Chafee, of 
 Greenville, Mercer Co., Pa. She was born Dec. i8th, 1860. 
 
 Simon W. Ellis, born at Westfield, Pa., June ist, 1857. 
 He is a carpenter and resides at Wellsboro. 
 
 Myra O. Ellis, born at Westfield, May loth, 1866. She 
 married Lee English, and they reside at English Mills, 
 Lycoming Co., Pa. 
 
 Annie B. Ellis, born Feb. pth, 1869, lives with her mother 
 at Wellsboro. 
 
 (536.) JEFFERSON ELLIS was born June i3th, 1826. 
 He married Lorena Chapel June i6th, 1850, in Shippen 
 Township. Mr. Ellis died about 1877 in Wisconsin. 
 
 His children were Sarah, Ella and John. 
 
 (538.) MARIA ELLIS was born May nth, 1828. 
 She married John J. Miller Feb. i5th, 1849. Mrs. Miller 
 died Feb. 2ist, 1864. Her children were Katie, born Nov. 
 nth, 1849; Lillian Mary, Feb. 7th, 1852 ; Nellie Alphoretta, 
 June 2ist, 1857; Henry Maurice, July i8th, 1862, died the 
 next year ; and Maria Bell Miller, Feb. i3th, 1864, died the 
 same year. 
 
 The Millers live in Williamsport, Pa., at present. 
 
 (540.) HARRY ELLIS, born in 1831, in Tioga Co. 
 He married Susan Schusler, Nov. 29th, 1857. They live at 
 Mansfield, Tioga Co., Pa., where Mr. Ellis is engaged in 
 carpentry and selling wind mills. Himself and wife are 
 ardent Baptists. Mr. E. has been prominent in the church 
 over twenty years, and for nine years at the head of the 
 Sunday school. 
 
 They have had three children : Emma, born Dec. 8th, 
 1860 : Minna, born Nov. 13, 1862, died April i7th, 1865 ; 
 Fred D., born Dec. 6th, 1864. 
 
 (642.) CRETIA ANN ELLIS, born Feb. 7th, 1836, 
 married William Annesley Jan. ist, 1855. Mr. Annesley was 
 born April 24th, 1833. He died Oct. 5th, 1880. They had
 
 229 
 
 three children : Mary, Carrie and Henry. They live at 
 Pike Mills, Potter Co., Pa. 
 
 (544.) BAKER D. ELLIS was born April 2Oth, 1838. 
 He married Bertha Fay, of Detroit, Mich., April 23d, 1882. 
 She was born Dec, I2th, 1860. They live at Hector, Potter 
 Co., Pa. Mr. Ellis' younger brother, Seymour, born 1846, 
 died in 1848. 
 
 Children of Harry Hills (168), of Ivllistjurjf, Pa., and tbelr 
 
 Wives, Grandchildren of Richard (29), Great-Grand- 
 
 children of Reuben (4), and Great-Great- 
 
 Grandcnildren of Richard Ellis of 
 
 Ashfield. From 552 to 563. 
 
 ( 652. ) ADOLPHUS C. ELLIS was born in Ellisburg, 
 Pa., in 1837. He married Mary Hill and they have three 
 children: Nettie, born 1864; Mary E., 1869; and Ella, 1874. 
 They reside at Genesee Fork, Pa. He is a farmer. His 
 daughter Nettie married June ist, 1887, Mr. Seymour 
 Alexander, a merchant of Genesee Fork. 
 
 (554.) WILLIAM ELLIS was born in 1838. He mar- 
 ried Anna Donaldson and they have three children: Violet, 
 born 1870; Harry F., 1873; a "d William M., 1876. He 
 was a merchant in Ellisburg. 
 
 (556.) RICHARD ELLIS, son of Harry Ellis, was 
 born in Ellisburg, Pa., Jan. nth, 1840. He married Maggie 
 Locke Jan. ist, 1861. She was born Feb. 23d, 1846. Mr. 
 Ellis is in the mercantile business in Ellisburg. He has 
 aided the writer greatly in procuring statistics and informa- 
 tion for this work. 
 
 Their only child Nora, born July 2pth, 1870, died of 
 congestion of the brain Oct. 6th, 1886. She was a student at 
 the time in the High school at Lewisville, and was one of 
 the brightest and most accomplished scholars in the institu- 
 tion. She was both lovely in character and in person, and 
 her untimely death was a sad blow to her fond parents. Truly, 
 "Death loves a shining mark." For the bereaved parents 
 the strongest sympathy is felt wherever their daughter was 
 known. While this was of no avail to turn aside the blow,
 
 2 JO 
 
 it will, in time, assist in softening their sorrow. The dear 
 one is but gone on before. Death has embalmed her in all 
 her youthful loveliness. Age can never blanch her cheeks 
 nor sorrow dim her eyes, and her memory will remain the 
 dearest treasure in the broken family circle, and the reunion 
 will surely come. 
 
 The dear departed gone before 
 To that unseen and silent shore, 
 Sure, we shall meet as heretofore, 
 Some summer morning. 
 
 (558.) ORSON ELLIS was born in Ellisburg, Pa. 
 He married Inez Pye and she died in 1882. He is a 
 merchant at Ellisburg. 
 
 ( 560. ) MARION ELLIS born about 1843 in Ellisburg. 
 He died unmarried. 
 
 (561.) AM AS A ELLIS, son of Harry, was born in 
 Ellisburg, Pa., Nov. 4th, 1848. He married Allie Donaldson 
 and they have three children, Elizabeth, Mary and Donald- 
 son. Mr. Ellis is in a hardware store in Wellsboro. 
 
 (562.) GENNET ELLIS, daughter of Harry, was born 
 in Ellisburg, Jan. ipth, 1846. She died in 1861. 
 
 (663.) ELLA ELLIS, youngest child of Harry, was 
 born in Ellisburg, Jan. i8th, 1851. She married John 
 Simons, March i4th, 1876. Mr. Simons was born March 
 I2th, 1853. Their daughter Katie was born Aug. 25th, 
 1878. They live in Ellisburg, Pa. 
 
 ( 566. ) ELYIRA ELLIS, only child of Reuben Ellis 
 ( 172 ), of Ellisburg, Pa., was born Feb. 23d, 1833. She 
 married Charles Coats, a thriving farmer of Ellisburg, 
 Pa., Jan. 3ist, 1850. Their children are Frances E., 
 Catherine E., Harriet A., Reuben E. and William H. Coats, 
 all born in Ellisburg. Miss Frances E. Coats married 
 Benjamin F. Bishop, a farmer. They had one son, born 
 1874. 
 
 Catherine E. Coats married Ira Bishop, a brother of B. 
 F. Bishop. He is also a farmer. 
 
 Harriet A. Coats married R. A. Bradley, her second
 
 23* 
 
 husband. They live in New Mexico, where Mr. Bradley is 
 engaged in mining, '1 hey have three children : Bertha I. 
 Coy, born 1879 ; Irvin R , 1882, and Rena Ethel, 1882. 
 
 William H. Coats, born 1866, died Nov. 8th, 1886. He 
 was a young man of unusual brightness. His last sickness 
 and death was supposed to have been caused by the rupture 
 of a blood-vessel in his brain. When it became apparent 
 that his end was near, the members of the family were 
 called in and he bade good-bye to each, thanked the 
 doctor for coming to see him, and sent his best respects to 
 the doctor's wife, who had been his teacher. He spoke at 
 intervals of the great beauty and brightness all about him, 
 and once said, " The golden chariot is coming." " I would 
 like to live if I could, but it is all right" His last words 
 were, " Good-bye, mother, I'm going to Heaven," and a few 
 minutes later the Angel of Death released him from suf- 
 fering. 
 
 So passed away this noble boy, of whom every one says, 
 " He was always so good." And no wonder, for rare 
 indeed are they who possess so great a degree of amiability. 
 
 His daily prayer, far better understood 
 
 In acts than words, was simply doing good. 
 
 So calm, so constant was his rectitude, 
 
 That by his loss alone we know its worth, 
 
 And feel how true a man has walked with us on earth. 
 
 Children of William Kills, Sr. (176), of Springfield, Erie Co., 
 
 Pa., and their Wives and Husbands, Grandchildren 
 
 of David Ellis, Sr. 132), Great-Grandchildren 
 
 of Reuben (4), and Great-Great-Grand- 
 
 children of Richard Bills, of Ash- 
 
 field, From 570 to 587. 
 
 (570) WILLIAM ELLIS, JR., was born in Ashfield, 
 Mass., May lyth, 1810. At eight years of age he went 
 with his parents to Springfield, Pa., where he lived until his 
 death, Nov. 2pth, 1865. He married Sarah Geer in Spring- 
 field Nov. I2th, 1840. They had four children: David, born 
 1841, died 1870; Jesse, 1843; Rhoda, 1847, died 1855, and 
 Martha, born 1851. i
 
 232 
 
 (572) CHARLES PEEKINS ELLIS, was born in 
 Ashfield March 2oth, 1812. He died in LaGrange, Wis., 
 Jan. 22nd, 1881. When a young man he settled on a farm of 
 1 20 acres, in LaGrange. This was in 1842. When six 
 years of age his parents removed from Ashfield to Spring- 
 field, Pa. 
 
 When eight years old, Charles was accustomed to take 
 the light axe provided for that purpose and go regularly to 
 the woods with his father and grandfather, to assist in clear- 
 ing up the farm. Springfield township was a heavily wooded 
 region, and at that time only partially cleared up. The set- 
 tlers were poor, and the educational advantages afforded the 
 youth were very limited. The principal qualification of a 
 teacher was the ability to flog the large boys. Greased 
 paper in place of glass gave ingress to light in the log school 
 houses, and slabs served for seats and desks. Three months 
 study per year reading, writing and arithmetic constituted 
 a liberal education in that day and region. On reaching 
 manhood Charles found employment in the pinery on the 
 upper waters of the Alleghany river, and continued for sev- 
 eral winters to work at logging going down the streams 
 in the spring with the rafts. It was his custom, on reaching 
 St. Louis with the lumber, to walk across the country to 
 Michigan, where he worked at farming and building through 
 the summer. On one of the latter trips he purchased eighty 
 acres of fine prairie and timber land in Cass County, Michi- 
 gan, which he afterward traded for a team of horses and 
 wagon, when he moved to Wisconsin. December I5th, 1839, 
 he was married to Sarah Harris. She was born in Hender- 
 son, Jefferson County, New York, May nth, 1816. 
 Jeremiah and Priscilla (Cole) Harris, parents of Mrs. Ellis, 
 were also early settlers in Springfield, having located there 
 six years after the Ellises. 
 
 The former was a grandson of Anthony Harris, who 
 was born in Richmond, New Hampshire, in 1836; Jeremiah 
 was also born in Richmond. When Mr. and Mrs. Ellis 
 settled in LaGrange there were about a dozen families in the
 
 233 
 
 town, and people half a dozen miles away were considered 
 near neighbors. Their residence was on the north-east 
 corner of section 21, and was always a home for travelers. 
 At first it consisted of a small log house of one room. In 
 addition to the single room below there was a loft \vhich 
 served as a sleeping room. 
 
 Mr. Ellis was reared under strict Baptist teachings, but 
 became a believer in the doctrines of Universalism, to which 
 he steadfastly adhered from the time he was thirty years 
 old. His family and friends were assured by him just 
 before his death that he had nothing to regret in this regard, 
 or any other. In this faith he w^s accompanied through a 
 long life of Christian charity by his faithful helpmeet. In 
 the days of the Whig party he was a supporter of its politi- 
 cal creed, and afterward of its successor, the Republican 
 party. He was an active worker in its town and county con- 
 ventions nearly all his life, and often served as a town officer. 
 He never sought nor accepted any higher positions. He 
 was town Treasurer in 1844, and was four times subsequently 
 elected to that position; in 1845 he was elected Supervisor, 
 and filled that office for eight terms. He was an active sup- 
 porter of religious services, and his house was always a 
 home for ministers of every sect. For many years, the only 
 churches in the township (which he had helped to build) 
 were owned by the Methodists, and it was largelv owing to 
 
 J O,O 
 
 his efforts and influence that the church near his house was 
 finished jointly by the Methodists and Universalists and 
 dedicated as free to all Christian denominations. The fol- 
 lowing testimonial to his character is taken from an obituary, 
 written by one of his neighbors: 
 
 " The writer of these lines has known the deceased tor 
 nearly 35 years, and for the greater portion of that time was 
 privileged to enjoy his friendship. With loving reverence 
 for his memory, he testifies to his manly virtues. He was a 
 man of stainless character, of strict integrity and solid worth. 
 In his social relations he was genial and pleasant, being pos- 
 sessed of that personal magnetism which wins friends, and 
 of those fine qualities of heart which retain them. He was
 
 234 
 
 a kind neighbor and a good citizen; a faithful husband and 
 indulgent parent. He was a man who always took the 
 keenest interest in all questions affecting the public good, 
 and his opinions of men and measures were broad and lib- 
 eral. In religious matters he had clear and well-defined 
 views. He believed in the infinite love and compassion of 
 God, in the universal brotherhood of mankind, and in the 
 ultimate salvation of all men. There was no doubt in his 
 mind touching these things; hence, in the hour of death, he 
 was 
 
 ' Sustained and soothed 
 
 By an unfaltering trust, and approached the grave 
 Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
 About him and lies down to pleasant dreams.' " 
 
 Mr. Ellis improved his farm in a high degree and erected 
 thereon excellent buildings, where his widow and daughter 
 now reside. 
 
 Priscilla Rumina, the daughter of Charles P. Ellis, was 
 born in La Grange Jan. 28th, 1845. She married Mr. John 
 E. Menzie April I5th, 1871, and lives on the homestead. 
 
 James Alfred, eldest son of Charles P. Ellis, was born in 
 La Grange, April i5th, 1852. He married Eva Lucretia 
 Williams Feb. 8th, 1873, at Hebron, Wis. They live at 
 Whitewater, Wis. They have seven children: Cicero Guy, 
 born Oct. 3ist, 1873; J u ^ a Maud, Aug. 6th, 1875; Priscilla 
 May, Jan. 7th, 1877; Minnie Madge, July 28th, 1879; 
 Charles Williams, July 2d, 1880; James Horace, Nov. I2th, 
 1882, and William David, Sept. 2nd, 1885. 
 
 Mr. James A. Ellis is a fine specimen of manhood, six 
 feet one and one-half inches high, and weighing 190 pounds. 
 He has been engaged in school-teaching, and more lately in 
 the book and map trade in various sections of the country. 
 He is a practical printer and was engaged in journalism tor 
 a time, and is now a member of the publishing firm of 
 Beers, Ellis & Co., of New York City. In religious and 
 political convictions he follows the precepts of his father. 
 His wife was a daughter of Horace and Olive (Delano) 
 Williams, of Vermont. Mrs. Ellis was born in Cold Spring, 
 Jefferson Co., Wis., Oct. 24th, 1855.
 
 2 35 
 
 Charles Elliott Ellis, youngest son of Charles P., was 
 born in La Grange, March i6th, 1859, and was reared 
 on the home farm. Beside the home school, he attended 
 the city school in Delevan for several months. With the 
 exception of four winter terms of teaching, the balance of 
 his life has been spent on the farm, and, up to the spring of 
 1883, on the old homestead. At the latter date he pur- 
 chased 120 acres in Geneva township, near Elkhorn, which 
 he is now engaged in tilling. May I5th, 1883, he married 
 Clarissa M., daughter of Alexander H. and Teressa A. 
 Button, of Linn, where Mrs. Ellis was born May ist, 1859. 
 They have one child, Clara Inez, born June 7th, 1884. 
 
 (575.) HARRIET ELLIS, daughter of William Ellis, 
 Sr., was born in Ashfield, Mass., May i4th, 1815. She mar- 
 ried Mr. Amos Smith in Springfield, Pa., Dec. 24th, 1835. 
 They have four children, Cyrus E., Cordelia L., John B. 
 and William E. Mrs. Harriet E. Smith died at Springfield, 
 Sept. 29th, 1858. 
 
 (577.) LUCRETIA ELLIS was born in Ashfield, Oct. 
 6th, 1817. She now resides with her brother, Joseph, on 
 the homestead in Springfield, Pa. She was never of robust 
 health, but is one of the best and most genial in nature and 
 disposition. 
 
 (579.) SAMUEL ELLIS, son of William, Sr., was 
 born in Springfield, Pa., Nov. ist, 1821. In 1842 he 
 removed to La Grange, Wis., where he worked as a car- 
 penter and builder. He married Amanda Adams in La 
 Grange, Wis., in 1849. Mrs. Ellis died July 24th, 1850, 
 leaving one son, William Edwin Ellis, born April 2d, 1850, 
 who now resides in San Angelo, Texas. William E. was 
 married to Annie L. Black in Eau Claire, Wis., in 1871. 
 They had two children: Mabel E., born at Eau Claire, 
 Aug. 29th, 1872, and Samuel E., born at Chippewa Falls, 
 March loth, 1874. The latter died in infancy. In 1874 
 Mr. William E. Ellis moved to Texas. In 1884 he was 
 married again to Mary B. McKenzie and they have one 
 daughter, Cora Harriet, born June ist, 1885.
 
 236 
 
 Sept. 1 7th, 1854, Mr. Ellis married Harriet French, and 
 they have three children: Cora Lucretia, born 1856; Frank 
 Enrique, 1858; Verne Adrian, 1869, died 1870. Cora L. 
 married Charles B. Walworth Aug. i5th, 1877. Frank E. 
 married Maggie Cullen April 4th, 1880, at Chippewa Falls, 
 Wis. 
 
 Mr. Samuel Ellis lived in Palmyra from 1852 to 1861, 
 where he kept the Palmyra House, when he moved to Eau 
 Claire, Wis., and went into the livery business, in which he 
 is vet extensively engaged. 
 
 (581.) JAMES F. ELLIS was born in Springfield, Pa., 
 Sept. 3d, 1824. He died, Oct. 3d, 1849, at La Grange, 
 Wis. 
 
 (583.) MARY L. ELLIS was born in Springfield, Pa., 
 Sept. 15, 1828. She married Jonathan Morrell in Spring- 
 field, Aug. 1 2th, 1847. They had five children, two of 
 whom are now living. Mr. Morrell died in 1882. Mrs. 
 Morrell now lives in East Springfield, Erie Co., Pa., where 
 she has a beautiful home. 
 
 (585.) JOSEPH ELLIS, youngest son of William 
 Ellis, Sr., was born in Springfield, Pa., Dec. 28th, 1831. 
 He married Martha Weed, Feb. 26th, 1863, and lives on 
 the farm where his father and grandfather settled soon after 
 their removal from Ashfield to Springfield. This is an ele- 
 gant farm with large and convenient buildings. Mr. Ellis 
 is an ardent and influential Republican in politics. In 
 religious faith he is a Universalist. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have had five children, three of 
 whom are now living, Nevada A., George W. and Ralph 
 G. Ellis. Nevada is married and lives with her parents. 
 
 (587.) RUMINA ELLIS, youngest daughter of William, 
 Sr., was born in Springfield, Pa., Oct. 29th, 1834. She 
 married Mr. John Potter in 1856, and they removed to 
 Eyota, Minn., where Mr. Potter was a hardware merchant 
 at the time of his death in 1859. Mrs. Potter has one son, 
 Gilbert Ellis Potter, bora Jan. i4th, 1858. Mr. G. E. Potter 
 married Mary E. Fulkerson. She was born Dec. 9th, 1858,
 
 2 37 
 
 in Marion, Minn. They were married by Rev. John W. 
 Fulkerson. They have one son, Ralph E., born 1885. In 
 1886 Mr. Potter settled in Ashton, Dakota. 
 
 In 1877 Mrs. Rumina E. Potter married Francis A. 
 Owen, formerly of Allegan, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Owen 
 now live in Ashton, Dakota. They are Methodists. 
 
 Children of David Ellis, Jr. 180 , of Springfield, Erie Co., 
 Pa., Grandchildren of David, Sr. (32), Great-grand- 
 children of Reuben (4 , and Great-great- 
 grandchildren of Richard Ellis, of 
 Ashfield. From 598 to 611. 
 
 (898.) LOUISA ELLIS, eldest child of David, Jr., was 
 born in Ashfield, Mass., Feb. 6th, 1815. She was three 
 years old when her parents settled in Springfield, Pa. In 
 1837 she married Robert Patterson, and they resided in 
 Springfield several years, where they' raised two children, 
 William S., born 1838, and Joseph E., 1841. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Patterson were Baptists and always active in church and 
 Sunday school work. Mr. Patterson was born in McKean, 
 Erie Co., Pa., in 1810. When a young man he settled in 
 Springfield township, and lived on the same farm until 1866, 
 when he removed with his family to Erie, Pa., where he 
 died in 1868. His parents were Irish Protestants. 
 
 William S. Patterson was born in Springfield, Dec. 3ist, 
 1837. He was a merchant in Springfield, and afterwards in 
 Erie. He married Orrilla Spencer in 1860. They had one 
 child, Ida E., born in 1862. Mr. Patterson died in Erie; 
 Pa., in 1878. 
 
 Joseph Ellis Patterson was born in Springfield, Pa., July 
 25th, 1841. He lived on his father's farm until twenty-two 
 years of age, then entered the store with his brother. He 
 is still in the hardware trade in Erie, Pa., where he resides 
 with his mother and family. In 1870 he married Martha M. 
 Dyke, of North-East, Erie Co., Pa. They have two 
 children, Georgia Louisa, born 1876, and J. Clyde, born 
 1881. Mr. Patterson and wife are Presbyterians and are 
 very highly respected and upright people. Mr. Patterson 
 has been a member of the City Council in Erie, and is a 
 prominent and public spirited citizen.
 
 (600.) MELINDA ELLIS was born in Ashfield, 1817. 
 She has always resided in Springfield, Pa., with her parents, 
 for whom she cared until their death, since which she has 
 lived with her brother, Dr. George Ellis. She is a member 
 of the Christian Church. 
 
 (601.) DR. GEORGE ELLIS, eldest son of David 
 Ellis, Jr., was born in Ashfield, Mass., in 1818. He was six 
 months of age when his parents removed to Springfield, 
 Pa., where he has ever since resided. In early life he 
 studied medicine and graduated at the medical department 
 of Hudson University, at Cleveland, Ohio. He has a large 
 practice in Springfield and surrounding towns. In 1865 he 
 was appointed U. S. Examining Surgeon for pensions. He 
 is a member of Cache Commandery of K. T., of Conneaut, 
 Ohio. He is a Republican in politics, and a leading mem- 
 ber of the Christian Church of East Springfield. Like 
 most of the early Ellises, he is a thorough Bible student and 
 quite a theologian. He has a large farm near where his 
 father settled in 1818, which is operated mostly by his son, 
 Orra M. Ellis. 
 
 In 1843 Dr. Ellis married Miss Eunice B. Lyon. She 
 was born in Conway, Mass, (next town east of Ashfield), 
 Oct. 25th, 1821. She was a daughter of Marshall and 
 Chloe Lyon and grand-daughter of David and Betsey 
 Lyon, old and influential residents of Ashfield. Her father, 
 Marshall Lyon, was a cousin of the gifted MARY LYON,* 
 
 *Mary Lyon was the most famous woman of Ashfield, and one of the most justly noted 
 of the age. bhe was b'>rn in the northeast corner of Ashfield, near the Conway and Buck- 
 land line Some years after her birth (about 1807) that part of the town, including her 
 father's farm, was set off and joined to Buckland. Miss Lyon was a very ready scholar and 
 had a most logical mind. She was a student in the Sanderson Academy on Ashfield Plain, 
 and at Amherst College, and it is said that after studying a Latin grammar three days, she 
 could recite in any class in the college. In learning, and as a debater, she was the i>eer of 
 any man in thit secti n cf Massachusetts. In her early years she was a teacher for four 
 terms in the district schuol of the Hiis neighborhood, and some are now living including 
 the writer's mother, who were her pupils in that schoolhouse. She afterwards was a pupil 
 and leacher in the Academy on the I'lain. In a late visit (May. 1887,) of the writer to those 
 paits. he noticed at nearly every cross-roads for miles around, neatly painted signs directing 
 the way and Diving th<- distance "To Mary Lyon's birth-place," as a token of reverence for 
 her memory, and to show the esteem in whu h she is held by all the people. 
 
 In i8<6 Miss I. yon founded Mt. Holyoke semin ry at South Hadley, Mass. She con- 
 ducted this Institution with the greatest success until her death, March sth, 1849, > n tne 5V^ 
 year of h< r age. 
 
 Mary Lyon's parents were Aaron Lyon, Jr., and his wife Jemima Shepard, a daughter 
 of Deacon Isaac Shepard a noted resident of Ashfield. Aaron Lyon was born about 1757, 
 died Dec. 31. 1802, leaving seven children. His father, Aaron Lyon. Sr., was a noted patriot 
 in Ashfie'd during the Revolution. All these Lyons were eminent for piety and general 
 worth. In 1777 Aaron L\on. Sr , was one of three persons who were appointed to report 
 at a subsequent meeting what should be done with certain Tories then in Ashfield. who were 
 jubilant at the progress made by the British under Burgoyne. The latter were expected to
 
 239 
 
 whose name is immortalized as the founder of Mt. Holyoke 
 Seminary, the first institution for the higher education of 
 woman known in the world. 
 
 In 1837 Miss Lyon, with her parents, settled in Girard, 
 Erie Co., Pa. In 1838 she joined the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. She was a woman of uncommon piety, worth and 
 intelligence. She died April 3d, 1862, leaving two children, 
 Orra M. and Louella E. Ellis. Alonzo, a third child, had 
 previously died in childhood. 
 
 September 5th, 1863, Dr. George Ellis married Miss 
 Lizzie Flower, a daughter of Rev. Josiah Flower, of Poland, 
 N. Y. She died Jan. 3ist, 1873. 
 
 September 7th, 1876, Dr. Ellis married his present wife, 
 Miss Sarah F. Mauck, daughter of Jacob and Lucy Mauck, 
 a native of Virginia. She is a member of the Christian Church 
 in Springfield, and is a woman of rare culture and refinement, 
 wholly devoted to her husband and family. 
 
 Orra M. Ellis, eldest child of Dr. George Ellis, was born 
 in Springfield in 1848. He married Miss Mahala M. Sher- 
 man, of Springfield, July pth, 1873. She was DOrn in East 
 Springfield in 1854. They are farmers in Springfield and 
 members of the Christian Church. 
 
 Louella E. Ellis was born in Springfield in 1858. She 
 has been engaged for some years as* a teacher, and at the 
 present time in the high school at West Springfield. She is 
 a young woman of superior education and talents. Miss 
 Ellis is a devoted member of the Christian Church in 
 Springfield, and takes a leading part in the Church choir and 
 Sunday School. 
 
 (603.) MARSHALL ELLIS was born in Springfield, 
 Pa., in 1820 ; is a farmer and carpenter in Springfield, Pa. 
 He married Martha J. Wilson, of Springfield. She was a 
 
 march down to Fort Massachusetts at North Adams, cross the Hoosac mountain over to 
 Heaih, and down by BucMand and Ashfield rijht by Aaron Lyon's farm and home, to f"rm 
 a junction with other British ftvces in the eastern part of the colony. In the face of this, 
 Aaron Lyon and the committee did their duty fearlessly, and reported the names of nine 
 prominent and influential residents of Ashrield as "enemies of their country and that they 
 should be brought to immediate trial." One of these was the father-in-law of one of the 
 committeemen, which shows the trying situation in which these noble patriots were p'aced 
 and the fearless manner in which they performed their dutv. Kortunately the surrender of 
 Bur^oyne near Saratoga before his pi in of the invasion of Massachusetts was executed, gave 
 to the patriots great rejoicing and strengthened their cause, while it greatly depressed the 
 Tories, and even won some of them over to the cause of independence.
 
 240 
 
 sister of Aaron, who married Mr. Ellis' sister Sarah. Mrs. 
 Martha J. Ellis died in 1886, leaving one son, Harry W., 
 born in 1868. They were members of the Christian 
 Church. 
 
 (605.) LEONARD ELLIS, third son of David, Jr., 
 was born in Springfield, Pa., in 1822. He married Rhoda 
 A. Taylor March 5th, 1854. They were farmers in North 
 Springfield, where Mr. Ellis now resides. Mrs. Ellis died 
 in 1879, Caving four children, Elva C., born 1855; Dora S., 
 1858; Mina P., 1864, and Fred T., 1865. For his second 
 wife Mr. Ellis married, Oct. 24th, 1883, Miss Adelia E. Mai- 
 lory, a very refined and accomplished lady. 
 
 Dora S. Ellis married Curtis Crew July ipth, 1880. 
 Their children are Carl Ellis, born 1881, and Claud Crew, 
 1885. They live in Ashtabula, Ohio, where Mr. Crew is an 
 engineer. Mina P. Ellis is a very efficient school teacher. 
 
 (607.) PETER ELLIS, son of David, Jr., was born in 
 Springfield, Pa., May i8th, 1824. He married Violet Daven- 
 port Feb. nth, 1845. They are thriving farmers, living but 
 a few rods from where David Ellis, Sr., settled in Spring- 
 field. They have three children living: George Wilbur, 
 born 1852; Hazen W., 1854, an< ^ Orman F., 1858. 
 
 George W. married Louisa L. Kohler March 2ist, 1877, 
 in Erie, Pa. 
 
 Hazen W. lives on the farm with his parents. 
 
 Orman F. married Louisa C. Shetler May 24th, 1883, and 
 they have two children, LeRoy F., born 1884, an( * Carrie, 
 1886. 
 
 Mrs. Violet Ellis was born Oct. 3d, 1826. She was a 
 daughter of Paul Davenport, who was born in Colerain, 
 Mass., May I2th, 1796. He died Oct. i5th, 1881. His 
 wife, Rachel, was born in Colerain Nov. 25th, 1798, and 
 died July 29th, 1884. 
 
 (609). SARAH ELLIS, youngest daughter of David 
 Ellis, Jr., was born in Springfield, Pa., in 1827. She mar- 
 ried Mr. Aaron Wilson and resided in Springfield, where 
 Mr. Wilson is a farmer and painter by trade. They have 
 one child living, Clara L., born 1866, who is engaged in 
 teaching.
 
 241 
 
 (611.) ORMAX F. ELLIS was born in Springfield, 
 Pa., Feb. 5th, 1829. He was a farmer and lived in Spring- 
 field until his death, May 25th, 1870. He married Martha 
 E. Nelson Sept. 23d, 1863. Mrs. Ellis was born Nov. i8th, 
 1840, in Cussevvago, Crawford Co., Pa. Mrs. Ellis was 
 the youngest daughter of James A. Nelson and his wife, 
 Jane Patterson, daughter of James and Nancy (Holt) Pat- 
 terson, early residents of Springfield, Pa. All these people 
 were Baptists. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ellis has 
 lived in Erie, Pa. She has two children, Frank H., born 
 Nov. 25th, 1865, and Charles M., born March 6th, 1869. 
 Frank H. is an engineer in Leavenworth, Kansas. Charles 
 M. lives with his mother in Erie. 
 
 Mr. Orman Flower Ellis was a man of strict sobriety, 
 uprightness and intelligence. He was over six feet high 
 and well proportioned a splendid specimen of physical de- 
 velopment. He was a member of the Christian Church, 
 and could ably defend its doctrines. He was a great reader 
 and a well-informed man; in politics, an ardent Republican. 
 He was a man who had the friendship and good will of all 
 with whom he was acquainted. 
 
 Children of Azel Ellis 009), of Marseilles, Ohio, Grand- 
 children of John, Jr. (68), of Miles, 91. V., Great-grand- 
 children of l.ieut. John, r. (15), and Great-grreat- 
 uranclcliilclreii of Richard, of Ash field. 
 From 621 to 623. 
 
 (621.) EDWARD ELLIS, eldest son of Azel Ellis, 
 was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., November 7th, 1831. He 
 was a carpenter and builder. He died August i7th, 1857, 
 at Marseilles, Ohio. He was unmarried. 
 
 (622.) PHEBE ELLIS, eldest daughter of Azel, was 
 born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 3Oth, 1834. She married 
 Mr. John Winslow, March 3d, 1853, in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 They had one child, Harriet Winslow. Mr. and Mrs. Wins- 
 low both died about two years after their marriage. Their 
 daughter Harriet was raised by her aunt, Mrs. Lydia Terry 
 in Canon City, Colorado, where she now lives.
 
 242 
 
 (623.) LYDIA ELLIS, youngest child of Azel Ellis, 
 was born November 3Oth, 1841. She was educated at Mar- 
 seilles, Ohio, and at 16 years of age became a teacher, which 
 occupation she followed several years. In 1865, she married 
 Mr. John H. Terry, and they settled in Colorado. Mr. Ter- 
 ry was born'in Marion County, Ohio, April 2ist, 1838. He 
 was engaged in mining and milling at Black Hawk, Col., 
 until 1870, when he removed to Canon City, Col., where he 
 now resides. He was elected County Judge in 1872, and 
 again in 1880. He is now extensively engaged in farming 
 and stock raising. They have three children, William L. , 
 born 1866; Nellie, 1872, and Joe, 1874. 
 
 Children of Hiram Ellis (214)1 of Miles, C a.vua Co., *i. V. 
 
 627 to 629. 
 
 (627.) REV. ELISHA ELLIS was born in Niles, N. 
 Y., in 1837. In 1856, he married Miss Lovina Welden, and 
 they have three children: Edwin, born 1858; Egbert, 1866, 
 and Clark, 1874. Mr. Ellis was ordained as a minister in 
 the Christian denomination in 1869, to which he gives his 
 entire time and labor. He resides at Westbury, Cayuga Co., 
 N. Y. Mr. Ellis was a soldier in the Union army three years. 
 
 (629.) HANNAH ELLIS, daughter of Hiram Ellis, 
 was born in Niles, in 1834. She marl "ied William Cole, in 
 1856, and had three children: Clovy, Edwin and Ella. Mr. 
 Cole was a soldier in the Union army, and died in the ser- 
 vice. His wife died in 1873. 
 
 Children of Capt. Elisha Ellis (216), of Farmers-vine, 
 Posey Co., Indiana. 630 to 638. 
 
 (630.) NANCY ELLIS, eldest child of Elisha, was 
 born at Farmersville, Ind., in 1829. In 1848 she married H. 
 W. Holleman, and had two children: Elizabeth, born 1849, 
 and Elisha, 1850. The latter died in 1858. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Holleman both died in 1852. Elizabeth Holleman married 
 Richard Russell.
 
 243 
 
 (632.) ELIZABETH ELLIS, born in 1831, married 
 Felix Duckworth in 1849. She died in 1853, leaving two 
 children, both of whom have since died. Mr. Duckworth 
 was born about 1828, and died in 1872. 
 
 (636.) ANN ELLIS, born in 1836, married Sidney 
 Allyn, of Farmersville, in 1854. Mr. Allyn died in 1884. 
 They have five children, all born in Farmersville. Hannah 
 Allyn, born 1855, married Lee Frothingham, and they have 
 two children: Sylvia and Sidney. 
 
 Thena Allyn, born 1857, married Neal Reno, and they 
 have two children. 
 
 Elisha Allyn married Laura Lewis, and they have one 
 child. 
 
 Indiana Allyn, born 1867, lives with her mother in Far- 
 mersville. 
 
 (638.) JOHN DAYID ELLIS, youngest son of Capt. 
 Elisha Ellis, was born in Farmersville, Ind., in 1839. He 
 married Harriet Russell in 1862, and resides in Farmersville. 
 They have had six children: Elisha, born 1863; Samuel, a 
 twin brother of Elisha, died the same year; Grant, 1865; 
 John, 1870; Jay, 1872, and Birchard, 1876. All live in Far- 
 mersville. 
 
 Mr. John David Ellis is a farmer on the homestead of his 
 parents. 
 
 Children of Richard Ellis (218), of Jackson, Hardln Co., 
 Ohio, Grandchildren of John Ellis, Jr. (68), of 
 , Cayujfa Co., 'N. V. From 640 to 650. 
 
 ( 640. ) ISAAC NEWTON ELLIS, son of Richard, was 
 born in Niles, N. Y., January 22d, 1829, and now lives at 
 Marseilles, Ohio. He owns the place which his mother pur- 
 chased and lived on after the death of her husband, in 1853. 
 He is unmarried and lives with his sister and her husband, 
 Mrs. and Mr. Phillips.
 
 244 
 
 (642.) CATHARINE ELLIS was born in Niles, N. 
 Y., April 2ist, 1833. She married Dr. C. J. Rodig, July 
 1 5th, 1854, m Toledo. He was a Lieutenant in the Union 
 army, and was killed at the battle of Nashville, Tenn., Octo- 
 ber i6th, 1864, leaving two children: Johanna and Lena. 
 Johanna married Robert Mouser. 
 
 Mrs. Rodig was again married to Richard Willard, Sep- 
 tember 5th, 1866. They had four children: Ines, Clara, 
 Marion and Clyde. 
 
 Mr. Willard and family reside at Bellbrook, Green Co., 
 Ohio. They are Presbyterians. 
 
 (644.) MARY ANN ELLIS, daughter of Richard Ellis, 
 was born April i8th, 1837. She married Samuel Phillips in 
 Marseilles, Ohio, October nth, 1857. Mr. Phillips was born 
 June i8th, 1835. They live in Marseilles. They have had 
 ten chil'dren, of whom seven are now living. See page 62. 
 
 John W. Phillips, their eldest son, is travelling for a dry- 
 goods house in Kansas City, Mo. Eva O. married J. L. 
 Hastings, a farmer in Hardin Co., Ohio. James E. is in a 
 dry-goods store in Marion, Ohio. 
 
 Mr. Samuel Phillips is a member of the Methodist church. 
 He was a soldier in the Union army, i44th Ohio National 
 Guards. Mrs. Phillips is a Presbyterian. Mr. Phillips car- 
 ries on business in Marseilles. 
 
 (646.) WILLIAM M. ELLIS was born May 25th, 1845, 
 in Jackson township, Hardin County, Ohio. He married 
 Maggie A. Keyes, of Niles, N. Y., January 6th, 1869. She 
 was born August 26th, 1843. They have had six children, 
 of whom five are now living. See page 62. 
 
 Mr. Ellis was a soldier in the Union army three years, 
 Company A, I23d Reg. Ohio Vol. He was in the battle of 
 Winchester, Va., was wounded in the breast, the ball passing 
 through a testament. He was a prisoner in Libby and Belle 
 Isle prisons thirty-three days, when he was exchanged and 
 joined his regiment, after which, he was in battles at New 
 Market, Va., Opequon, Va., Round Top Mountain, Cedar
 
 245 
 
 Creek, Hatcher's Run, High Bridge and at Appomattox 
 Court House, when the rebels surrendered. Since returning 
 from the army, he has been in the grocery and dry-goods 
 business in Kenton, Ohio, where he now lives. 
 
 (648.) RICHARD S. ELLIS was born August loth, 
 1831. He died September 23d, 1854, unmarried. 
 
 (649.) SYLVIA JANE ELLIS was born October 25th, 
 1835. She died in 1874. She married Mr. John Kishler, 
 November yth, 1852. They had five children. See page 63. 
 Mrs. Kishler was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 Mr. Kishler now lives in Marion, Ohio. ^ He is a Presby- 
 terian, as is also his present wife. 
 
 Children of Hon. Pitts Kills (220), of Genesee, Wisconsin. 
 From 652 to 657. 
 
 (652.) HELEN MINERVA ELLIS, was born at North 
 Prairie, Waukesha County, Wis., July i6th, 1842. She was 
 married at Genesee, Wis., Nov. 6th, 1861, to Mr. Judson 
 Shultis. They have no children. Their residence is at North 
 Prairie, Waukesha Co., Wis. Mr. Shultis has been a mer- 
 chant for many years, but is now engaged in farming. 
 
 (653.) LODOSKA S. ELLIS was born October 26th, 
 1845, at Genesee, Wis. She married Mr. Alexander R. 
 Benzie, August 2d, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Benzie are members 
 of the Advent Christian Church. They live in Burns, La 
 Crosse County, Wis., where Mr. Benzie is a farmer. They 
 have five children. See page 63. Mr. Benzie was a soldier 
 in the Union army three years. He is of Scotch parentage, 
 and is a strictly temperance man. 
 
 (655.) PITTS B. ELLIS was born in Genesee, Wis., 
 January 3d, 1851. He married Nellie Doane in 1875. They 
 have one child, Richard Claude Ellis, born in March, 1882. 
 They live at Eau Claire, Wis. Mr. Ellis is in the railroad 
 employ at Eau Claire.
 
 246 
 
 (657.) ANNIE A. ELLIS, youngest child of Hon. Pitts 
 Ellis, was born at Genesee, Wis M November 2Oth, 1854. She 
 married Mr. Lewis Barling, Feb. I4th, 1875, in Genesee. 
 He was born in 1848, of English parents. They have no 
 children. They reside in Milwaukee, Wis., where Mr. 
 Barling is a salesman in a wholesale grocery house. 
 
 Children of John J. Ellis (222), of Semiett , Cayugra Co., *i. v . 
 From 659 to 667. 
 
 (659.) JOHN. R. ELLIS was born Oct. i3th, 1839, in 
 Niles, N. Y. His first two wives were sisters named Dirgy. 
 Married in Throop, Cayuga Co. By his first wife he had 
 one son, Charles, born about 1863, in Throop. Mr. Ellis 
 married his third wife in Cortland Co., N. Y. 
 
 (661.) MARTHA ELLIS was born March i6th, 1844, 
 in Niles, Cayuga County, N. Y. She married William Wood 
 and lived in Throop, N. Y., where her two children were 
 born. Eva Wood, the eldest, about 1866. The youngest 
 died in infancy. 
 
 (663.) MYRON ELLIS was born in Niles, Cayuga Co., 
 N. Y., October nth, 1845. He married in Ohio, and has 
 two children. They reside at Marseilles, Ohio. 
 
 (667.) NEWTON S. ELLIS was born in Niles, Cayu- 
 ga Co., N. Y., December 8th, 1855. He married Emma 
 Amerman in December, 1885. Mr. Ellis is a book-keeper 
 by occupation and now resides in Auburn, N. Y. 
 
 Children of Benjamin Ellis 1225), of Marseilles, Ohio. 
 669 to 683. See pane 35. 
 
 (671.) JOHN H. ELLIS was born April i8th, 1843, in 
 Niles, N. Y. He married Jane McCleary, and they have 
 two children: John and Elenora, both born in Marseilles, Ohio. 
 Mr. Ellis and family now live in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio-
 
 247 
 
 (675.) CLARENCE L. ELLIS, son of Benjamin, was 
 born March 24111, 1848. He married Miss Alice Sweet, of 
 Dunkirk, Ohio. Dec. nth, 1884. Mr. Ellis is a farmer and 
 resides at Marseilles, Ohio. 
 
 (677.) MARY E. ELLIS, daughter of Benjamin, was 
 born in Ohio, December 25th, 1851. She married Mr. Vin- 
 cent Long. March 27th, 1870. They reside at Marseilles, 
 Ohio. They have three children : Arnold Vill Roy, Sylvester 
 Hugh, and Charles Russell Long. 
 
 (683.) MELINDA L. ELLIS was born in Ohio, Dec. 
 
 nth, 1861. She lives at Marseilles, Ohio. 
 
 Children of Ebenezer Kllia (297), of Farmersville, Indiana. 
 From 685 to 695. 
 
 (685.) JULIA ELLIS was born in Farmersville, Ind., 
 March i8th, 1840. She married John H. Mockett in Gen- 
 esee, Wis., March i4th, 1860. Mr. Mockett was born in 
 Broadstairs, England, August ist, 1840. They have four 
 children : John H. Jr., Edwin R., Frederick E. and Ebenezer 
 E. The two first were born in Genesee, and the two last in 
 Stark, Vernon County, Wis. Mr. Mockett and family reside 
 at Lincoln, Nebraska. Mr. M. and eldest son are engaged 
 in Life and Fire Insurance business. Edwin R. is a steno- 
 grapher for the Governor of Nebraska, with his office at the 
 Capitol. 
 
 (687.) SOPHRON 1 A ELLIS was born in Farmersville, 
 Indiana, Feb. 2ist, 1842. She married Richard Hobbs 
 Mockett in Genesee, Wis., April 24th, 1861. They now live 
 in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Mr. M. is in Life Insurance 
 business. He is a brother of John H. Mockett above, and 
 was born in Broadstairs, England, February I3th, 1838. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mockett have two children, born in Genesee, 
 Robert S. and Edith T., both students in the University of 
 Nebraska.
 
 248 
 
 (689.) EDWIN ELLIS was born in Farmersville, In- 
 diana, February 27th, 1844. He married Eliza J. C. 
 Mockett, sister of John H. and Richard H. Mockett above. 
 Mrs. Ellis died in 1872, leaving one son, Willie E. Ellis, born 
 February I7th, 1870, at Janesville, Wisconsin. He lives 
 with his uncle and aunt, Richard and Sophronia Mockett. 
 Mr. Edwin Ellis is a locomotive engineer on the Union 
 Pacific Railway and resides at Jefferson, Col. He was a 
 Union soldier, and served in the 28th Wis. Vol. Infantry over 
 three years. 
 
 (691.) HARRIET ELLIS was born in Farmersville, 
 Ind., September 15, 1847. She married Andrew Dean, at 
 Stark, Wis., January ist, 1869. They now live at Arkansas 
 City, Kansas, and have five children. Mr. Dean was born 
 in Medina, Ohio, July i8th, 1847. Of their children, Mabel 
 was born in Wisconsin, Nov. 26th, 1869. Nellie in Wiscon- 
 sin, June i3th, 1872. Asa, Dec. 7th, 1875. Ellis, Nov. i3th, 
 1877, and Mary, May loth, 1880. The last three were born 
 in Cuming County, Nebraska. 
 
 (693.) PITTS ELLIS, son of Ebenezer, was born at 
 Farmersville, Indiana, on a farm three miles east of Mount 
 Vernon, January 23d, 1852. He moved, in the spring of 
 1859 with h* s parents, to Genesee, Wis., and in 1866 to Viola, 
 Richland County, Wis. In July, 1880, Mr. Ellis married 
 Miss Olive L. Rose, at Scranton, Green County, Iowa. In 
 1881, Mr. Ellis' family settled in Arkansas City, Kansas, 
 where he is engaged in buying and shipping grain. His 
 parents, Ebenezer and wife, now reside with him. 
 
 (695.) MARY ELLIS, youngest child of Ebenezer 
 Ellis, was born at Farmersville, Ind., Nov. 25th, 1854. She 
 married Frank Clark, April I4th, 1876. Mrs. Clark died 
 Dec. 22d, 1879; Mr. Clark died in Dec., 1880. They had 
 two children, Clara and Samuel. The latter was born Dec. 
 J4th, 1879, i Cuming County, Neb., and died in August, 
 1880. Clara E., the eldest, lives with her grand-parents in 
 Dexter, Mich.
 
 249 
 
 children of Anthony \v. Gills (231), of Owasco, Cayugra 
 County. >. V. From 708 to 713. 
 
 (708.) ELIAS ELLIS was born Nov. loth, 1844, at 
 Owasco, N. Y. He married Elizabeth Duryea in Novem- 
 ber, 1865. They are farmers in Owasco, on a farm adjoining 
 Mr. Ellis' father, Anthony \V . Ellis. Mrs. Ellis is a daugh- 
 ter of Benjamin Duryea, of Niles, Cayuga County, N. Y. 
 Her mother was Huldah Forbush, half-sister to Cyrus and 
 Edward D. Ellis. See page 112. 
 
 (710.) ISAAC NEWTON ELLIS was born at Owasco 
 N. Y., April yth, 1846. He is unmarried, and a farmer and 
 lives with his parents in Owasco. 
 
 (713.) BELLA JANE ELLIS, youngest child of An- 
 thony W. Ellis, was born at Owasco, Feb. I3th, 1864. She 
 married Joseph W. Brinkerhoff, October 22d, 1884. They 
 are farmers at Owasco, N. Y. 
 
 Children of Cyras Ellis (233), of Niles, Cayugra County, 
 
 N. V., Grandchildren of Edward Ellis (70), ot 
 
 Miles, N. V., Great-grandchildren of Lieut. 
 
 John 15 and Great-great-grrand- 
 
 children of Richard Ellis 
 
 of Ashfield. From 
 
 715 to 731. 
 
 (715.) EDWARD D. ELLIS, eldest son of Cyrus, was 
 born in Niles, N. Y., about five miles north of Moravia, 
 April 2d, 1826. He married Mary Camp in December, 1850. 
 They had two children: Camp, born 1851, and Mary, 1858. 
 Camp Ellis lives in Dennison, Iowa, is married and has two 
 children. Mary Ellis married Mr. Stark; has two children, 
 and lives at SiouX Falls, Dakota. 
 
 Mr. Edward D. Ellis was a soldier in the Union army, 
 and died in the service while at Chattanooga, Tenn., March 
 22d, 1865. Mr. Ellis settled at Omro, Wis., in 1856, and was 
 living at that place when he enlisted in the army.
 
 250 
 
 (717.) POLLY ELLIS was born at Niles, N. Y., June 
 6th, 1828. She married Thomas W. Baker, Oct. n, 1854. 
 Mr. Baker died in 1877. Mr. Baker was a lumberman at 
 Manitovvac, Wis. They had three children: Clara, born 
 1855. Emma, 1856, and Ellis Baker, 1863. Clara Baker 
 married, July i3th, 1874, Dr. W. H. Curtis, a homeopathic 
 physician of Owasco, N. Y. Their children are: Lulu May, 
 Nellie V.,and Fred A. Curtis. Emma Baker married, Dec. 
 28th, 1875, Dorr Van Arsdale, a farmer in Moravia, N. Y. 
 Mrs. Polly Baker now lives with and is house-keeper for her 
 brother Birch Ellis. 
 
 (719.) MINERVA ELLIS, daughter of Cyrus, was 
 born in Niles, Nov. i6th, 1829. She was married in Niles, 
 February 5th, 1852, to Edward H. Deuel. Mrs. Deuel died 
 Dec. i6th, 1872, leaving one child: Mary Jane, who married 
 in 1880 George Conklin, a farmer, of Niles. They have 
 one child: Eddy Conklin. Mr. Edward H. Deuel was born 
 August 2Oth, 1819, in Stamford, Duchess County, N. Y. 
 
 (721.) CLARISSA ELLIS was born March 151*1, 1832. 
 She married Edgar Selover, of Niles, Dec. 29th, 1880. They 
 are farmers and live in Owasco, N. Y. 
 
 (723.) HIRAM ELLIS was born in Niles, N. Y., March 
 28th, 1834. He married Margaret Van Etten, July 7th, 
 1859. They are farmers in Niles. They have two children : 
 Levi-L., born 1861, and Henry, 1863. Levi L.Ellis married 
 Lura Bissell, of Owasco, N. Y., July 4th, 1882. They have 
 one child: Hattie, born December 3ist, 1884. 
 
 (725.) CYRUS ELLIS, JR., was born in Niles, March 
 2Oth, 1836. He was a soldier of the Union army and died 
 in the service at Brownsville, Arkansas, Sept. 5th, 1863. He 
 enlisted at Manitowoc, Wis., in 1862, in the 27th Regiment, 
 Wis. Volunteers. 
 
 (727.) BIRCH ELLIS was born at Niles, N. Y., July 
 3rd, 1838. He married Gertrude Selover, of Niles, Nov. 
 7th, 1866. His wife died August i9th, 1871, leaving one 
 child: Gertie S. Ellis, born July i7th, 1871. Mrs. Ellis was
 
 251 
 
 born Dec. 28th, 1837. Mr. Ellis and daughter now live in 
 Auburn, N. Y., where Mr. Ellis is engaged in the insurance 
 business. He is a strong temperance man and is widely 
 noted for his firm political and temperance principles. Mr. 
 Ellis was a soldier in the Union army and was the only one 
 of four sons of his father's family who returned alive. His 
 three brothers gave their lives to the cause of liberty and 
 Union. Mr. Birch Ellis enlisted Sept. I5th, 1863, in Battery 
 C., ist Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. He was in the battles of 
 Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, and Lookout Mountain. He 
 was mustered out at the close of the war, Oct. lyth, 1865. 
 
 (729.) HENRY F. ELLIS was born in Niles, N. Y., 
 Feb. pth, 1843. He was a Union soldier, and died in the ser- 
 vice at New Orleans, Louisiana, April 2Oth, 1863. He 
 enlisted at Auburn, N. Y., in the 75th Regiment, N. Y. Vol. 
 
 (731.) MILES M. ELLIS, youngest child of Cyrus 
 Ellis, was born in Niles, N. Y., July 8th, 1846. He married 
 Ellen M. Cleveland, of Sempronius, N. Y., Feb. 23d, 1870. 
 He lived on the farm with his parents until their death. He 
 moved to Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska, in April, 1886, 
 where he is in the real estate and loan business. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Ellis have five children: Arthur C., born in Niles, 
 March 8th, 1872; Fred, Feb. 5th, 1875; Cyrus H., May 
 i6th, 1876; Herbert L., Aug. 5th, 1880, and Frank, Sept. 
 I4th, 1886, in Hastings, Nebraska. It is said that Mr. Ellis' 
 father, Cyrus Ellis (233), was the first male child born in the 
 town of Niles or Sempronius, in 1799- 
 
 Children of Hon. Edward D. Ellis (.235), of .Monroe, Mich. 
 From 733 to 740. 
 
 (733.) MARY MINERTA ELLIS was born at Mon- 
 roe, Mich., Nov. ipth, 1831. She married Dr. E. R. Ellis, 
 (751) of Detroit, Mich. For further sketch of her, see No. 
 751, pages 254 and 257.
 
 252 
 
 (735.) AMELIA ELLIS was born in Monroe, Mich., 
 Dec. 1 7th, 1833. After the death of her father in 1848, she 
 lived with friends in central New York for several years, 
 after which, she resided in Chicago, 111., with her brother John 
 for a time. She never married, and was never of robust 
 health, being afflicted with rheumatism most of her life. She 
 died in Detroit, Mich., Jan. 7th, 1887. She had lived for ten 
 or twelve years past with her sister Minerva, and after the 
 death of the latter, with her husband and family. She was 
 a Presbyterian, and a woman of good character, generosity 
 and unusual industry. Her great desire was to be just and 
 do good to all. 
 
 (736.) E. CHARLES ELLIS was born in Monroe, 
 Mich., June 23d, 1835. He nev e r married. He was a Union 
 soldier, and, after the war, went west, and no report of him 
 has been had for many years. 
 
 (737.) JOHN C. C. ELLIS was born in Monroe, Mich., 
 June 2d, 1837. Dec. 24th, 1863, he was married in Lansing, 
 Mich., to Miss Lucy Jane Whitaker, and they went to Chi- 
 cago, 111., where they resided and raised their family of three 
 children. About 1875, Mr. Ellis, being in feeble health } 
 went to Florida and the south to spend a few months in 
 travel. The last report of him was from Memphis at a time 
 when an epidemic of yellow fever was raging. There was 
 an extensive scattering of the people in all directions, and 
 Mr. Ellis' name was reported soon after among the dead in 
 Louisville, Ky. Mr. Ellis was a man of strict integrity and 
 sobriety. Like his father, he w?s quite a politician and 
 stump speaker in political campaigns. His wife was born in 
 Detroit, Mich., in 1844. She is a woman of good sense, 
 uncommon industry and devotion to her family. For her 
 second husband, she married Mr. Charles Case, of Canon 
 City, Colorado, where they now reside. Mr. Case is a prom- 
 inent and highly respected man there, engaged in railroad 
 business. 
 
 Mr. Ellis' children are: Harriet A., born Oct. i6th, 1864; 
 Ada L., Nov. 3d, 1866, and Lewis T., October 26th, 1869.
 
 2 S3 
 
 Harriet A. Ellis married, in 1882, Mr. E. J. Reilly, and 
 they reside at South Pueblo, Col. Ada L. Ellis was a school 
 teacher, is now married and lives at South Pueblo. 
 
 Lewis T. Ellis lives with his mother, Mrs. Case and Mr. 
 Case, in Canon City. He is said to be a very scholarly and 
 promising young man. 
 
 (739.) ELIZABETH T. ELLIS was born in Monroe, 
 Mich., October 7th, 1841. She lived in Chicago the later 
 years of her life with her mother and brother John C. Ellis. 
 About 1867 she married Mr. Louis Voyer, and they went 
 to Louisville, Ky., where she died the following year. She 
 was a very amiable and scholarly young woman. 
 
 (740.) BENJAMIN F. ELLIS, youngest child of Hon. 
 Edward D. Ellis, was born in Detroit, Mich., Sept. 4th, 1844. 
 When four years of age his father died and he went to Niles, 
 N. Y., in care of his uncle Cyrus Ellis (233). Here he lived 
 with Mr. Lloyd Slade, of Sempronius, until the breaking out 
 of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the Union army, Com- 
 pany A. 75th Reg., N. Y. Vol. He was but 16 years of 
 age, and as he was quite small, he was advised to go into the 
 service as an officer's assistant, but he declined this, and in- 
 sisted on carrying a gun and being a thorough soldier. He 
 was a soldier about four years, and went through the entire 
 war. Just before the time for his discharge, from exposure 
 and fatigue, he was attacked with mental derangement, 
 and was transferred to the Government hospital for insane 
 at Washington, D. C., of which institution he has been an 
 inmate ever since. As a young man, he is said to have been 
 remarkably bright, scholarly and promising, strictly sober, 
 upright and conscientious. Patriotism and duty were strong 
 with him. His company officers say of him that "he was 
 steady, reliable, obedient in discipline, always in his place, 
 and in every way a model soldier." It was said that he was 
 the " literary man " of his company, so fond was he of read- 
 ing, and in foraging parties books were the first thing which 
 he sought to secure.
 
 254 
 
 Children of Dea. Richard Ellis (239), of Beldiiijt, Mich. 
 Grandchildren of Dea. Dltnlck Cilia (721, Great- 
 grandchildren of i.ieut. John Kills i % . and 
 Great-Kreat-icrandohildren of Rich- 
 ard Hills, all of \siiiu id. 
 From 740 to 751. 
 
 (749.) C. DIMICK ELLIS was born in Pittstown, 
 (Boyntonville) Rensselaer County, N. Y., Sept. 24th, 1829. 
 In the spring of 1844 he removed with his parents to Beld- 
 ing, (Otisco township), Mich, where he now resides on the 
 farm on which his parents settled in 1844. This farm is on 
 the north side of Flat River, part of which is now included 
 in the thriving village of Belding. Besides farming, Mr. 
 Ellis deals in agricultural machines and implements of all 
 kinds. He is a prominent citizen, and has been town super- 
 visor three years. April 3Oth, 1862, he married Miss Eliza 
 Antoinette Lockwood, of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mrs. Ellis 
 was born in Clinton, Mich., in 1842, but lived most of her 
 youth at Grand Rapids. She is a woman of unusual beauty, 
 purity and loveliness of character, beloved by all. For 20 
 years or more she has been a member of the New Jerusa- 
 lem Church. Her father, Mr. Edward Lockwood, now 79 
 years old, lives with her. Her mother died in Boone, Iowa, 
 in 1884, and her sister, Mrs. Louisa Church, at the same 
 place, in May, 1887. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have two children, both born at Beld- 
 ing: Mae, 1863, and William E., 1867. Both reside 
 at home, where William E. works the farm. Mr. Dimick 
 Ellis' mother, Hannah Ranney Ellis (240), born in Ashfield 
 in 1805, still lives with him on the farm where she and her 
 husband, Dea. Richard Ellis (239), settled in 1844. 
 
 (751.) DR. ERASTUS R. ELLIS, youngest child of 
 Dea. Richard Ellis, was born at Pittstown, N. Y., March 
 3rd, 1832. At 12 years of age his parents settled in Otisco, 
 (now Belding) Ionia County, Mich., where he helped to clear 
 up a farm of wild land and erect the buildings thereon. 
 Mechanics being more to his taste than farming, he, from 16 
 to 19 years of age took jobs, a portion of the time to put up
 
 255 
 
 buildings. In 1851 and '52 he attended St. Mark's College 
 in Grand Rapids, and took courses in surveying and engineer- 
 ing. In August, 1853, his uncle, Dr. John Ellis, of Detroit, 
 offered him special advantages for studying medicine, which 
 he accepted. In 1854 and '55 he attended the medical de- 
 partment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In . 
 1857 he graduated at the Cleveland Homeopathic College, 
 and began practice at Owosso, Mich. At the end of one 
 year he settled in Grand Rapids, where he practised until the 
 fall of 1867, when he removed to Detroit, where he now 
 resides. 
 
 April 22d, 1857, Dr. Ellis married Minerva Ellis (733), a 
 second cousin, daughter of Hon. Edward D. Ellis (235), of 
 Detroit. They were married in Belding by Elder Wilson 
 Mosher, of the Christian Church. They have had five child- 
 ren: Elizabeth B., Helen M., Jessie R., Edward D., and 
 Anna Belle. 
 
 Elizabeth Burpee Ellis, born in Owosso, Mich., May i8th, 
 1858, graduated at the Detroit High School and was a teacher 
 for six or seven years. June 3Oth, 1887, she married Alex- 
 ander Marcus Gunn, of Heppner, Oregon. Mr. Gunn car- 
 ries on blacksmithing business in Heppner, and has a large 
 ranch a few miles from that town. Himself and wife are 
 members of the New Jerusalem Church. He was born in 
 St. Thomas, Ontario, January loth, 1851. His parents, Mar- 
 cus and Catharine McPherson Gunn were born in Scotland. 
 Mr. Marcus Gunn was born about 1800, and his second wife, 
 Catharine, about 1824. Mr. Gunn died in London, Ontario, 
 in 1878. He was a printer, and published the St. Thomas 
 "Observer" for a number of years. His children were : Jessie 
 M., married Thomas Truesdale, and they reside at Cedar 
 Grove, N.J.; Emily J., married Giles Reed, and they live 
 in Kingston, New Mexico; Isabel lives in Kingston, New 
 Mexico; Alexander M. (and wife, above mentioned) in Hepp- 
 ner, Oregon; John C., Charlotte and Nellie. The last three 
 live with their mother in London, Ontario.
 
 256 
 
 Mr. A. M. Gunn left London, Canada, in 1879, for the 
 West. He spent a short time in California, and then settled 
 in Heppner, the county seat of Morrow County, Oregon. 
 
 Helen Minerva Ellis was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., 
 Dec. 2d, 1860. She is a graduate of the Detroit High School 
 and a member of the New Jerusalem Church in Detroit. 
 She married Mr. J. Seward Andrews Sept. nth, 1883, and 
 they have one daughter: Marion E., born August 24th, 1885- 
 Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have a fine residence at 950 Fourth 
 Ave., Detroit. Mr. Andrews was born in Detroit Sept. 2d, 
 1851. His father, John L., was a Captain on the lakes for 
 many years. His mother now lives on Fourth Avenue, near 
 her son. Her children are: Josephine E., a teacher in Col- 
 orado; James Seward (above), Letta C., who married Dr. 
 John J. Hood, and after his death in 1884, his brother, Reter 
 M. Hood, of New Paltz, N. Y., in 1886, where they now 
 reside, and Prudence E., born 1856, died 1883, in Detroit. 
 
 Captain John L. Andrews was born in Vermont April yih, 
 1821. His father, Joel Andrews, sr., was born in Vermont 
 Feb. 27th, 1785. He was a blacksmith, and settled in 
 Michigan about 1823 or 24, at or near Newport, on the St. 
 Clair river, where he died of cholera about 1832. Captain 
 John L. Andrews' wife (mother of J. Seward Andrews 
 above), was Miss Caroline Guedett, born in Walkerville, 
 Canada (opposite Detroit), May 7th, 1827. Her father, 
 Joseph Guedett, died when she was young. Her mother 
 afterwards married a Mr. Crampton, and now lives at St. 
 Clair, Mich., a very aged lady. 
 
 Jessie Ranney Ellis was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., 
 February I7th, 1863. She attended the Detroit High School 
 three years, after which she learned telegraphy, which she 
 has since followed. She is a member of the New Jerusalem 
 Church, of Detroit. 
 
 Edward Dimick Ellis (named from his maternal grandfather 
 235) was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., April i9th, 1867. He 
 attended the Detroit High School three years, and at 18 years 
 of age entered a wholesale hardware store. He is now liv-
 
 257 
 
 ing in Grand Rapids, Mich., and is salesman and purchasing 
 agent for Belknap Brothers' wagon and iron works. He is 
 a memher of the Detroit Light Guard, and also of a company 
 in Grand Rapids, and takes much interest in military affairs. 
 
 Anna Belle Ellis, youngest child of Dr. Erastus R. and 
 Minerva Ellis, was born in Detroit, Dec. nth, 1873. She 
 died June 8th, 1874, a delicate but very bright child. 
 
 Mrs. Minerva Ellis, (see 733, page 251) wife of Dr. E. 
 R. Ellis, was a woman of uncommon worth, purity and 
 strength of mind and character. When quite young she 
 learned type-setting in her father's printing office, which she 
 followed after his death in 1848, and until about the time of 
 her marriage in 1857. In early life, she joined the Detroit 
 Society of the New Jerusalem Church, to which she was 
 devotedly attached for over thirty-three years. She under- 
 stood the doctrines of the church, it was said, more thor- 
 ughly than any other member, and that she lived them 
 most conscientiously all agreed. While she entertained 
 very decided opinions on morality and religious subjects, she 
 was never obtrusive in presenting, although ever ready to de- 
 fend them. In all respects Mrs. Ellis was a most devoted 
 wife and mother, one whose memory is worthy of endur- 
 ance forever. She died in Detroit Aug. i6th, 1884, of 
 acute inflammation of the brain. 
 
 Chlldreu of i.t-wis Mills (2411, of itt-lcliujc, Micb. 754 to 757. 
 
 (754.) GEORGE B. ELLIS was born in Ashfield, Mass., 
 in 1837. When five years of age his parents moved to Otisco, 
 Mich., and settled at what is now Belding, on the north side 
 of Flat River, where they now live. George B. was a very 
 bright and promising young man. He died in 1851. His 
 parents had lost five other children, all sons, in infancy, one 
 of whom, John, died before their removal to Michigan. 
 
 (755.) GEORGE W. ELLIS, youngest son of Lewis 
 Ellis, was born in Belding, Mich., Sept. 26th, 1851. He 
 attended the schools at home and afterwards the High School 
 in Chicago, 111. When about 21 years of age he entered the 
 silk store of Belding Bros. & Co., Chicago branch. He also 
 was traveling salesman for the same firm for several years,
 
 until 1881, when he was made manager of the Philadelphia 
 house of the same company. This branch of the business, 
 by skill and good management, he has built up and increased 
 to a very flourishing condition. As his father is aged and 
 in poor health, he carries on the farm at Belding, which he 
 superintends and visits two or three times a year. He is a 
 man of uncommon worth, talent, business capacity and integ- 
 rity. Mr. Ellis married Miss Sophia Sheridan Belding, in 
 Chicago, June 28th, 1877. Miss Sheridan was born near 
 Brooklyn, N. Y., July roth, 1852. At an early age she .was 
 adopted into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram H. Belding, 
 of Chicago. Mrs. Ellis is a very bright and highly respected 
 woman. They live in Philadelphia, Pa. Their home is on 
 the heights of Germantown Avenue, No. 5304, a beautiful 
 and healthful locality, and historical as being the ground on 
 which the battle of Germantown was fought between the 
 American forces under Washington, and the British, during 
 the Revolution. Although this is nine miles from Mr. 
 Ellis' place of business, the cars take him back and forth in 
 about twenty minutes' time, and from forty to fifty trains 
 pass over the road each day. 
 
 (757.) MARY L. ELLIS, youngest child of Lewis 
 Ellis, was born at Belding, Mich., 1854. She married Fred. 
 E. Ranney, in 1875, anc * they have three children: Ellis W., 
 born 1878; Carrie L., 1880, and Hattie B. Ranney, 1883. 
 
 Mr. Ranney was born in Ashfield, Mass., in 1853. His 
 parents were Charles Ranney and Nancy Davis, his second 
 wife. Mr. Charles Ranney was a brother of Hannah Ran- 
 ny (240) and a son of Jesse Ranney, who purchased of 
 David Ellis, in 1818, the old Reuben Ellis farm (see page 69). 
 Mr. Fred. E. Ranney was born and reared on this place. 
 When a young man he went to Belding, where he now lives. 
 He is superintendent and general manager of the Belding 
 Refrigerator Works, where, from 12 to 15 thousand elegant 
 household refrigerators are made annually, and shipped to all 
 parts of the world. This is one of the large manufacturing 
 industries in Belding, established mainly by the Belding 
 Brothers (see page 117). Mr. and Mrs. Ranney are very 
 worthy, intelligent and highly respected citizens of Belding.
 
 259 
 Children of Dr. John Kills (243), of New York City. 
 
 (759.) ALFRED ELLIS was born in Detroit, Mich., in 
 May, 1847. He died in July, 1848. 
 
 (760.) WILBUR DIXON ELLIS, son and only child 
 living of Dr. John Ellis, was born in Detroit, Mich., Sept. 
 i3th, 1848. When about twelve years of age his father 
 moved from Detroit to New York City, where they both 
 now reside. Mr. W. D. Ellis attended the public schools of 
 Detroit and New York, and also the High School in the 
 latter city. When a young man he was employed for a 
 time in the New York silk house of Belding Bros., until he 
 was about twenty years of age, when he became interested 
 with his father in the manufacture and sale of lubricating 
 oils. Mr. Theo. M. Leonard became a partner, and through 
 their united efforts a very large business has resulted. (See 
 page 180.) Their New York store and depot is at 157 
 Chambers street, and their oil works or refinery at Edge- 
 water, N. J., directly across the Hudson river from the tomb 
 of Gen. Grant. Mr. Ellis is also extensively engaged in 
 cattle and horse raising in Montana, where he has three 
 extensive " ranches," or ranges. These are near Big Tim- 
 ber, on the Northern Pacific Railroad, and not far north 
 from the famous Yellowstone National Park. Into this 
 pursuit Mr. Ellis has put considerable money and a great 
 deal of enthusiasm in breeding and raising superior and 
 thoroughbred horses and cattle. He usually spends a few 
 weeks or months of the hot season in that section for 
 recreation, as well as business. Mr. Ellis is a man of 
 unusual business capacity, talent and success. Himself and 
 wife have traveled extensively in Europe, as well as all 
 parts of this country. They have an elegant brown-stone 
 residence at 136 West 72nd street, New York City, within 
 one block of the elevated railroad and Central Park. 
 
 Seventy-second street, on which Mr. Ellis resides, runs 
 from Central Park about sixty rods westerly to the bank of 
 the Hudson river, where it joins the lower end of the great 
 Riverside Boulevarde, the most elegant driveway on this 
 continent. The latter winds along the bluffs of the river for 
 about three miles, to its upper end, where it terminates in a 
 wide plateau, on which is situated the tomb, and proposed
 
 260 
 
 monument of General Grant. This locality overlooks the 
 Hudson, and is one of the most sightly about New York. 
 Mr. Ellis married Miss Harriet Delta Chittenden, in 
 Albany, N. Y., Sept. ist, 1875. Mrs. Ellis was born in Nichols, 
 Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 22d, 1853. Her parents were Curtis 
 B. Chittenden, born in Durham, Greene Co., N. Y., June 
 3Oth, 1825, and his wife, Harriet Tutton, born in Westbury, 
 Wiltshire, England, June I3th, 1838. .She died in New York 
 City, October ist, 1881. Mr. Chittenden is now living in 
 Montana. Mrs. H. Delta Ellis was reared mostly in Albany, 
 where her parents resided. She is a woman of uncommon 
 refinement, generosity and sociability. 
 
 MATTHEW ELLIS 
 
 HIS ID IE S C JE !LT ID -A. ZtT T S 
 
 (13.) MATTHEW ELLIS, third son and sixth child 
 of Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, was born in Easton, Mass., 
 Dec. I9th, 1739. When the earlier pages of this book were 
 printed but very little trace of him, and none of his descend- 
 ants, had been found. (See pages 17 and 74.) Diligent 
 inquiry since then has enabled the writer to give herewith 
 some account of him and his posterity. His name and date 
 of birth is found, with that of Richard Ellis' other children, 
 in Easton. In the early records of Huntstown (now 
 Ashfield), where Richard Ellis settled in about 1742, 
 Matthew's name is found in several places. When Richard 
 left Huntstown, and settled in Colerain, Mass., about 1764, 
 Matthew went with him, and according to later reports 
 remained there until his death, about the year 1800. About 
 1775 Matthew Ellis married Miss Hannah Clark, of Cole- 
 rain. (Her name is given as Hannah and Anna Clark.) 
 
 As to Miss Clark's parentage, or to which family of 
 Clarks she belonged, does not now appear. She may have 
 been a daughter of the William Clark mentioned on page 
 75. The Clarks were numerous in Colerain. 
 
 As stated on page 13, Richard Ellis kept a country store
 
 26l 
 
 in Colerain from 1764 to about, the close of the Revolution- 
 ary War. In his account book the writer finds the names 
 of Clarks as follows, under dates from 1765 to 1768 : 
 William Clark the First, William Clark the Second, James 
 Clark, George Clark, John Clark, Alexander Clark, all of 
 Colerain ; Samuel Clark, John Clark and James Clark, Jr., 
 of Halifax, and Alexander Clark, of Deerfield. (Halifax is 
 in Vermont, and is the first town on the north of Colerain. 
 Deerfield is about ten miles southeast from Colerain.) 
 
 In Richard Ellis' account book is found these charges : 
 "Jan., 1773. William Clark, Dr., to cutting rail-cuts by 
 Matthew, 155." "May, 1769. John Stewart, Cr., by paid 
 Matthew, i : 155." 
 
 Matthew Ellis had ten children seven sons and three 
 daughters, as follows : Jane, Noah, Seth, Levi, Lurena, 
 Enos, Eliphalet, Reuben, Sally and David, all born in 
 Colerain. The youngest, David, was born in 1798. When 
 he was about two years of age his father died. Soon after 
 his mother, Matthew's widow, married a Mr. Haskell, and 
 removed with her children to Keene, N. H., about forty 
 miles northeasterly from Colerain. Some years later she 
 removed to Thetford, Vt., which is near the Connecticut 
 river and about ninety miles north of Colerain. As her 
 children grew up they scattered to various parts of the 
 country, except Noah and Seth, who settled on farms in 
 Thetford, where they raised families and lived to old age 
 
 JANE ELLIS, eldest child of Matthew Ellis, was born 
 in Colerain, Mass., about 1776. She married Caleb Brooks. 
 They lived in Vermont, and had four children : Joseph, 
 William, Caleb and Mary. William Brooks raised a large 
 family. Joseph had none. Joseph, William and Mary 
 Brooks lived and died in or near Antwerp, Jefferson Co., 
 N. Y.; also their parents. 
 
 NOAH ELLIS, eldest son of Matthew, was born in 
 Colerain Dec. pth, 1777. He married Miss Nancy Dow, of 
 Stratford, Vt., Aug. 28th, 1805. She was born Oct. I2th 
 1784, a daughter of William Dow and Rachel Chace, de- 
 scendents of Aquilla Chace, who settled in Mass, in 
 1630. She died in Thetford, Vt., Sept. i6th, 1850. He died
 
 262 
 
 in Dunning Prairie, Wis., in the autumn of 1860. They 
 were both members of the Methodist church many years. 
 They were greatly respected and beloved people. They 
 had ten children, all born in Thetford, Vt.: Rachel, Lydia, 
 Warren, Sabra, Chace Dow, Dyer, Mary Ann, Sarah Ann, 
 Adaline J. and Harriet. All are now dead except Dyer, 
 who lives at Redfield, Dak.; Adaline J. Peck, in Hancock, 
 Minn., and Harriet Miller, in Stanton, Minn. 
 
 Rachel, eldest child of Noah, was born May i6th, 1806. 
 
 Lydia Ellis was born Jan. yth, 1808, married Dr. Solo- 
 mon Warde July i8th, 1830, in Thetford. They lived in 
 Ohio, Indiana and Morristown, Minn., where she died in 
 1869. Dr. Warde died there at about the age of 70 years. 
 They had seven children : Mary, Finette, Amplias G., 
 Curtis D., Lodema, Philena and Melvin Warde. Mary 
 married C. Denman, a farmer near Northfield, Minn. They 
 have four children. Finette married C. Eldred, and they 
 live in Montevideo, Minn. Amplias G. and Curtis D. 
 Warde are married and live in Minneapolis, and are real 
 estate agents. They were both soldiers in the Union army. 
 Lodema Warde is married and lives in Montana. Philena 
 Warde married S. Wilder. They have two children, and live 
 in Morristown, Minn. Melvin Warde lives in Minneapolis. 
 
 Warren Ellis, son of Noah, was born Dec. 29th, 1809 ; 
 married Diaploma Eastman in Union Village, Vt. After 
 living in Thetford many years, they moved to Beaver Dam, 
 Wis., where he died. Mrs. Ellis married Mr. Woodward 
 and now lives in Beaver Dam. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis had 
 five children : James, Marvin, Amelia, Marshall and War- 
 ren, Jr. James Ellis died in Thetford, aged about 14 years. 
 Marvin died in Beaver Dam, aged about 16 years. Amelia 
 married Mr. Hood in Beaver Dam. He was a soldier and 
 died in the service, leaving three children: Effie, the eldest, 
 is a telegraph operator at Horicon, Wis.; Charles died in 
 Beaver Dam in 1881, and Verne Hood now living in Beaver 
 Dam. Mrs. Amelia Ellis Hood was married again to Mr. 
 Livermore, a lawyer at Beaver Dam. They have three 
 children. Marshal Ellis is married and lives in Wisconsin. 
 Warren, Jr., lives in Hurley, Minn., and has three children .
 
 263 
 
 Sabra Ellis, born 1812 ; Chace Dow, 1814, and Mary 
 Ann, 1818, children of Noah Ellis, all died in Vermont. 
 
 Dyer Ellis, born May pth, 1816, married Christiana 
 Dawsey in Ohio, Jan. 24th, 1839. -They lived on his father's 
 farm in Thetford about 12 years, when they all moved to 
 Dunning Prairie, Wis., where his father died. He was a 
 Union soldier. He now lives at Redfield, Dak. He had six 
 children : Arlington C., Adaline J., Fred, May, Frank and 
 Georgia Ann. Arlington C. was a Union soldier. He now 
 lives in Shasta, Cal., unmarried and in poor health. Adaline 
 J. married D. N. Hunt, a real estate agent and lawyer of 
 Redfield, Dak. They have three children. Fred, May and 
 Frank Ellis died in Wis. and Minn. Georgia Ann married 
 in 1887 Albert Dikeman. They live in Redfield. 
 
 Sarah Ann Ellis, daughter of Noah, born June 21, 1822, 
 married Halsey J. Yarrington in 1839, m Thetford. They 
 lived at Norwich, Vt., where she died, leaving four children: 
 Horace J., Jackson, Nelson and Merrill. Horace is married 
 and lives at Stratford, Vt. He was a Union soldier. 
 Jackson died at five years of age, and Nelson at 21. Merrill 
 is married and lives in Thetford. He was a Union soldier. 
 
 Adaline J. Ellis, born Jan. I3th, 1829, married Ira Peck 
 at Dunning Prairie, Wis., in 1857. They were farmers. 
 Mr. Peck died in 1883. They had four children : Arthur 
 D., Alice May, Alfred Chace and Arlie J. Peck. Arthur 
 D. is married, is a farmer and lives on the old homestead in 
 Stanton, Minn. Arlie J. Peck is married and lives at Han- 
 cock, Minn. His mother now lives with him. 
 
 Harriet Ellis, youngest child of Noah, was born Sept. 
 loth, 1830. She married H. D. Miller Jan. 4th, 1854, m 
 Thetford. They went to Wis., where they lived four years; 
 then to Stanton, Minn., where they now reside. They have 
 four children : Alvin E., born 1856, is married and lives in 
 Minneapolis ; Nelson, born 1861, is married and lives on the 
 farm in Stanton. Cora E., born 1865, married and lives at 
 Fergus Falls, Minn.; Fred C., born 1868, is in Minneapolis. 
 
 SETH ELLIS was born in Colerain, Mass., Oct. i4th, 
 1779. He was a farmer in Thetford, Orange Co., Vt., all his 
 life, and died there May 22nd, 1869, aged 90 years. About
 
 264 
 
 1805 he married Hannah Bartlett, of Norwich, Windsor 
 Co., Vt, and after her death, Feb. 24th, 1835, ne married 
 Mary F. Burnap, of Norwich. The latter died Feb. i4th, 
 
 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis .were Presbyterians. Mr. Seth 
 Ellis and his brother, Noah, after the death of their father, 
 took charge of the family. They bought a farm in 
 Thetford, and as their brothers and sisters grew up most 
 of them went to New York or farther west. Besides 
 farming Noah and Seth Ellis built two saw-mills in Ver- 
 mont. They were in business together about twelve years, 
 when each of them bought nice farms for that country. 
 Seth Ellis had eleven children : Hannah, born 1806 ; 
 William B., 1808 ; Stephen B., 1810 ; George C., 1813 ; 
 John, 1815 ; Lucinda, 1817 ; Major E., 1819 ; Reuben H., 
 1822 ; Henry, 1825 ; Mary Jane, 1827, and Ellenor, 1838 
 all born in or near Thetford, Vt. 
 
 Hannah Ellis lived with her father until his death in 
 
 1869, when she went to Mauston, Wis., where she lived 
 with her sister, Lucinda E. Peck. She died in 1885. 
 
 William Burton Ellis married Louisa Dickinson, of Old 
 Hadley, Mass., about 1835. She died June ist, 1840. They 
 had four children, three of whom died in infancy. A 
 daughter, Hannah M., married Mr. Charles French, and 
 they lived in Rumney, N. H. For his second wife Mr. 
 William B. Ellis married Rosetta Bos worth, and they lived 
 near Copenhagen, Jefferson Co., N. Y. They had two 
 children, Louisa and William. The latter married and 
 went to Kansas. His sister went with them to Kansas. 
 
 Mr. William B. Ellis died in Wattsburg, Erie Co , Pa., 
 about 1879. He was a farmer and hotel-keeper. 
 
 Stephen Bartlett Ellis, son of Seth, of Thetford, Vt., 
 born 1810, married Abigail Newcomb in Thetford, May 3d, 
 1832. They had four children : A. Elmina, Amanda P., 
 Henry E. and Sarah O. The eldest, Abigail Elmina, born 
 Feb. I4th, 1833, married Nathan Andrews June 3d, 1852, 
 and they live in Meriden, N. H., where Mr. Andrews is a 
 farmer. They have had twelve children : John S., Abbie 
 O., Charles H., Addison W., Sarah A., Nathan R., Seth 
 E., Emma G., Frank B., Minnie E., Lillian E. and Clarence
 
 265 
 
 E. The eldest, John S. Andrews, born 1853, married 
 Carrie JL. Packard, and they have one child, Cora. Abbie 
 O. Andrews, born 1854, married James A. Sloan, and they 
 have four children : Ernest H., Arthur A., Herbert A. and 
 Cleon N. Sloan. Charles H. Andrews, born 1856, married 
 Verona Farnsworth October loth, 1876. Sarah and Minnie 
 Andrews died in childhood. 
 
 Amanda P. Ellis, second child of Stephen B., married 
 Thomas Merrill Rugg Nov. 27th, 1856. Mr. Rugg was a 
 farmer. He died in 1883, aged 51 years. They had four 
 children : George E., born 1862 ; Luvina L., 1866, mar- 
 ried Samuel E. Greeley; Hattie A., 1874, anc * Chester, 1878. 
 
 Henry E. Ellis, born Feb. 25th, 1841, son of Stephen 
 B. Ellis, went into the army in 1862. He was wounded and 
 died April I3th, 1865. 
 
 Sarah O. Ellis, youngest child of Stephen B., was born 
 in Thetford May 7th, 1844. She niarried Henry C. Mace 
 Dec. 26th, 1866. They have two children : Fred E., born 
 1869, and Henry O., 1871. Mr. Mace is a teamster. 
 
 Mr. Stephen B. Ellis' first wife, Abigail, died March ist, 
 1848, aged 39 years. For his second wife he married a 
 widow, Sarah Dewey, of Thetford. Mr. Ellis was a 
 farmer and stone-cutter. He always lived in Thetford, 
 where he died July i8th, 1877. He was an upright and 
 highly respected man. 
 
 George C. Ellis, third son of Seth, was born in Thet- 
 ford,Vt., Feb. nth, 1813. He married and lives in Union village 
 (Thetford township). He writes that " Robert Fulton (77) 
 lived in this town. He was a cousin of my father. His 
 children were, so far as I know, Stephen, Elijah, Henry, 
 Jesse, James and Minerva. Robert Fulton came here from 
 Colerain, Mass." He was the eldest son of James Fulton 
 and his wife, Hannah Ellis (17), of Colerain. Mrs. Erastus 
 Howard, of Thetford, is a granddaughter of Robert Fulton. 
 
 Mr. George C. Ellis married Julia A. Morse Dec. 28th, 
 1837. Mrs. Ellis was born Aug. i6th, 1816. They have had 
 five children: Susan A. Ellis, born July 9th, 1839. She 
 married Elias Foote May loth, 1859. They have one child, 
 Frank. Seth C. Ellis, born May i5th, 1841. He died Nov
 
 266 
 
 25th, 1854. Emma E. Ellis, born May ist, 1843, died Sept. 
 5th, 1859. George Luman Ellis, born Aug. 27th, 1849, 
 married Lizzie Waterman Nov. 25th, 1882. They have one 
 child, Grace. Lilla G. Ellis, born Sept. 6th, 1855, died Oct. 
 7th, 1864. All born in Thetford, Vt. 
 
 John Ellis, son of Seth, was born in Thetford, Vt., 
 March nth, 1815. He was married March nth, 1839, to 
 Miss Abigail Peck, of New Hampshire. They moved to 
 Harrisburg, N. Y., where they lived seven years ; thence 
 to Beaver Dam, Wis., living there nineteen years. In 1868 
 they settled in Fremont, Iowa. Mr. Ellis now lives at 
 Greene, Butler Co., Iowa. He is a farmer. He has been a 
 member of the Christian church over 35 years. He had 
 eight children : Abigail L., married C. S. Wheeler, reside 
 at Calmar, Iowa.; Mary J., married W. B. Gilmore, live at 
 Pipe Stone, Minn.; Carrie T., married W. Robinson, live at 
 Fort Atkinson, Wis.; John M., lives in Greene, Iowa ; 
 Daphna M., married G. J. Preston, live at Fort Atkinson, 
 Wis.; Denzil N., marrried M. A. Pratt, live in Greene, 
 Iowa, and Inez A., lives in Greene, Iowa. 
 
 Mrs. Abigail Peck Ellis was born in Wilmot, N. H., Jan. 
 I9th, 1816. She died in Fremont, Iowa, Oct. 26th, 1879. 
 
 Lucinda Ellis, daughter of Seth, was born in Thetford 
 in 1817. She married Mr. H. Peck. She is a widow, 
 living in Mauston, Wis. 
 
 Major E. Ellis, son of Seth, was born in Thetford, 
 where he now lives, a farmer. He married Roxana Clogs- 
 ton in 1840. She died in 1884. They had five children, 
 three of whom died in infancy. Joseph Ellis, horn in June, 
 1851, and Carrol, in March, 1861, are farmers in Thetford. 
 
 Reuben Hazen Ellis, son of Seth, was born in Thetford, 
 Vt., March 2ist, 1822. When 16 years of age he went to 
 live with his uncle, Reuben Ellis, in Centerville, N. Y., where 
 he was married to Martha A. Eddy, Nov. 2ist, 1844. She 
 died April 5th, 1849. In May, 1851, Mr. Ellis married 
 Ruth Eddy, a sister of his first wife, and moved to Beaver 
 Dam, Wis., where he now resides. His second wife died 
 May 27th, 1870, in her 45th year. Jan. 23d, 1872, Mr. 
 Ellis married Lydia Turner. She died Aug. 7th, 1885, at
 
 267 
 
 the age of 53. He was again married Jan. ipth, 1887, to 
 Miss Anna L. Steptoe, of Beaver Dam. Mr. Ellis has been 
 a farmer and cheese-maker most of his life. He moved to 
 Beaver Dam in 1849, an( ^ nas been several times elected a 
 member of the Board of Supervisors, and to the Common 
 Council of the city. 
 
 Mr. Ellis' children were : Shalon W., born 1847 in 
 Centerville, died 1878 at Beaver Dam. He was a printer, 
 and for two years a Union soldier. Amelia J., born 1852, 
 married 1882 to E. S. Mason, of Beaver Dam. They have 
 two children, Ruth and Edna Ellis Mason. Mr. Mason is a 
 book-keeper. His wife had been a school teacher about 15 
 years before her marriage. Sarah E., born 1855, was married 
 in 1877 to Maurice E. Henika, of Madison, Wis., a carpenter 
 by trade. They have one child, Mabel C., born 1879. Mrs. 
 Henika died in 1885 at Beaver Dam. Anna M., born 1857, 
 died 1881. She was a school teacher. D wight W. Ellis, 
 youngest child of Reuben H., was born in Beaver Dam 
 Dec. 27th, 1868. He is located at Schwartzburg, Wis., 
 where he is station agent and telegraph operator for the 
 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, commencing 
 there when 15 years of age. 
 
 Henry S. Ellis, youngest son of Seth, was born in 
 Thetford, Vt., January 24th, 1825. At two years of age he 
 became a mute from scarlet fever. He was well educated 
 at Hartford, Conn., where he married a mute. They had 
 three children, Elsie, Mary and John, all married and live in 
 or near Boston, Mass. 
 
 Mary Ellis, daughter of Seth, was born in Thet- 
 ford, Jan. 4th, 1827. She married William Morse. They 
 lived in or near Union Village. She died young and childless. 
 
 Ellenor V. Ellis, youngest child of Seth, and only child by 
 his second wife, was born in Thetford in 1838. She married 
 a Mr. Pattrell, and resides in Norwich, Vt. 
 
 LEYI ELLIS was born in Colerain. Mass., about 1785. 
 In early life he went to Centerville, N. Y., where his 
 brother, Reuben, had settled. Soon after he went to 
 Champion, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and settled on a farm. He 
 was a clothier by trade. He was in the battle of Sackett's
 
 2 68 
 
 Harbor in the war of 1812. He was married in Champion 
 in 1816, and reared two sons : Ephraim C. and John E. 
 Ellis. In 1836 Mr. Levi Ellis visited his brothers, Enos and 
 Eliphalet, who were then in Vevay, Ind. Mr. Levi Ellis 
 married Mrs. Anne Chamberlain, widow of Ephraim Cham- 
 berlain. Her maiden name was Coe, from Hartford, Conn. 
 She was born in 1775, and died in Beaver Dam, Wis , in 
 1853. She was one of the earliest settlers in Champion. Mr. 
 Levi Ellis died in Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1849. It is said 
 that he bore a strong resemblance to Dea. Dimick Ellis, 
 whose likeness ma)' be seen in the front of this book. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Levi Ellis were Presbyterians. 
 
 His eldest son, Ephraim C. Ellis, was born in Champion in 
 1817. He married Melissa Wilcox, of Oneida Co., N. Y., 
 in 1840. They had six children : Emma C., born 1841 ; 
 Helen M., 1845 ; Edward L., 1849: Charles H.,i85i; Fred 
 E., 1857, and Frank O., in 1859. Mr. Fred K. Ellis died 
 in Minneapolis in 1881. Emma C. married James Pettit. 
 Their children were Lillie and Irving. They live at Cedar 
 Springs, Mich. Helen M. Ellis lives at Somerset, N. Y. 
 Edward L. Ellis married Nellie Hubbard. They have one 
 son Dwight. They live at Somerset. Charles H. Ellis mar- 
 ried Marietta H. Rice, of Grand Rapids, Mich. They have 
 one child, Laura M. Mr. Ellis is a florist in Grand Rapids. 
 Frank O. Ellis married Estella Webber and lives in Somerset. 
 
 Mr. Ephraim C. Ellis is a farmer in Somerset, Niagara 
 Co., N. Y. Himself and family are Presbyterians. 
 
 John Everett Ellis, son of Levi, was born in Champion, 
 N. Y., August 2Oth, 1820. Feb. i8th, 1847, he married 
 Harriet M. Burke in Beaver Dam, Wis. Miss Burke was 
 from Windsor, Vt. They now reside in Murray, Iowa. 
 They are farmers. Mr. Ellis was a Union soldier in the 
 Rebellion, Co. F. ist Reg. Minn. Heavy Artillery. He was 
 badly disabled and is now a pensioner. Their children were: 
 Mary J., Frances E., Laura A. and George Washington 
 Ellis. The first two are dead. Mr. John E. Ellis and fam- 
 ily are Methodists. Of their children, Mary J., born April 
 1 3th, 1848, died in 1883. She married James V. Rice in 
 1864. Francis E., born May 3131, 1850, died 1852. Laura
 
 269 
 
 A., born Feb. 2ist, 1852 ; George W., Oct. i6th, 1856 all 
 born in Beaver Dam, Wis. George W. Ellis married Anna 
 E. Long. They live in Clark Co., near Murray, Iowa. 
 
 LURENA ELLIS, daughter of Matthew, was born in 
 Colerain. She was unmarried and lived with her brother, 
 Reuben in Centerville, N. Y., where she died in 1856. 
 
 ENOS ELLIS, son of Matthew, was born in Colerain, 
 Mass. He went to Vevay, Ind., about 1814. But slight 
 trace of him has been found by the writer. His nephew, 
 Reuben (son of Eliphalet) writes that " Enos joined the 
 Morrnons at Nauvoo, 111., in early times, left them, and died 
 about 1842 at or near Warsaw, 111. He married and had a 
 family of six children, two sons and four daughters. Their 
 names were Martin, Hezekiah, Electa, Sarah and Eliza." 
 
 Electa is said to have married Joel D. Clark, and lived 
 at Warsaw, 111. Eliza married a King, and lived at Warsaw. 
 
 ELIPHALET ELLIS, son of Matthew, was born in 
 Colerain, Mass., about 1787. When a young man he went 
 to Carthage, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and was engaged in the 
 battle of Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., May 2pth, 1813. He 
 and his elder brother Enos went to Vevay, Ind., about 1814. 
 He died in 1844 in Indiana. He was an upright and highly 
 respected man. About the year 1815 he lived for a time, it 
 is said, in Kentucky. He married for his first wife a Miss 
 Haines. She died in 1823. Her children were : George, 
 born 1815 ; Ann, 1817 ; William, 1819 ; Enos, 1821, and 
 David, 1823. In 1829 Mr. Ellis married his second wife, 
 Permelia Hardy. Her children were: Matthew, born 1830, 
 died in infancy ; Reuben, 1834 > Levi, 1836 ; Sally, 1838. 
 
 George Ellis, eldest son of Eliphalet, was born near Big 
 Bone, Ky., in 1815. He died near Florence, Ind., in 1886. 
 He had ten children : Ann, Catherine, Eliphalet, killed in the 
 army, Jane, Caroline, James, Emeline and George. They 
 live near Florence. 
 
 Ann Ellis married Andrew Given and died in 1859 near 
 Florence, where her family now live. 
 
 William Ellis died of fever in Vicksburg, Miss., in 1842. 
 
 Enos Ellis, son of Eliphalet, lived near Osawatamie, 
 Kas. He was a Methodist. He married Sarah Fuller in
 
 270 
 
 1840. They had six children : Ann, Andrew, Mary, 
 Emeline, Emma and William. They live in Kansas. 
 
 David Ellis was born in Switzerland Co., Ind., in 1823. 
 He now lives near Moscow, Mo. He married Mercy Fuller 
 in 1847, and has one child, Cynthia, who married a Chis- 
 holm and lives at Blue Eagle, Mo. 
 
 Reuben Ellis, son of Eliphalet, was born near Florence, 
 Switzerland Co., Ind., in 1834. He married Nancy Skid- 
 more in 1854, and now lives near Jackson, Tipton Co., Ind. 
 Mrs. Ellis was born in Henry Co., Ky., in 1836. They 
 have had ten children ; five sons and one daughter are now 
 living. Mr. Ellis and family are " Friends," or Quakers, in 
 religious belief. Of their children 
 
 W. D. Ellis, born in 1858, married Mary Hankens in 
 1880. She was born in Ripley Co., Ind., in 1863. They 
 have four children : Estella May, Abilam, Nancy Ellen 
 and Elizabeth, born 1886, died 1887. 
 
 Albert Ellis, second son of Reuben, was born in 1860 ; 
 married in 1881 to Lydia Newhouse. Their children are : 
 Drury V., born 1882 ; Louis, 1884, and Caly, 1886. 
 
 Sally Jane Ellis, daughter of Reuben, born in 1866, 
 married Joseph McNew in 1883. They have two sons : 
 Grimaldo Otto, born 1884, and Elmer, 1886. 
 
 Eliphalet Ellis, son of Reuben, born 1864, married 
 Florence McCoy in 1887. She was born in Tipton Co. 1865 . 
 
 Erodis, born 1868, and Marion 1872, are the younger 
 children of Reuben Ellis, of Jackson, Ind. All his children 
 were born in Switzerland Co., Ind. 
 
 Levi Ellis was born in Indiana in 1836. He married 
 Rachel Jane Skidmore in 1859. She was a sister of Reuben 
 Ellis' wife, Nancy. She was born in Henry Co., Ky., in 
 1840. They had ten children, four of whom are now living, 
 Martha, Reuben, John and Levi, in Tipton Co. Mrs. Ellis has 
 since married Thomas Ooten. Levi Ellis died in 1880. He 
 was a Baptist. 
 
 Sally Ellis, youngest child of Eliphalet, was born in 
 Indiana in 1838. She married Hiram Hunt in 1857, and had 
 two children, Levi and Mary. Mr. Hunt died in 1860, and 
 Mrs. Hunt married David L. Dunn, and had four children :
 
 271 
 
 Marion, Reuben, Jenny and William. Reuben is dead. 
 Mrs. Dunn died in 1886. They are Methodists. They live 
 near Vincennes, Ind. 
 
 Of these sons of Eliphalet Ellis, of Indiana, Enos, 
 David, Reuben and Levi were Union soldiers during most 
 of the time of the Rebellion. All were in Co. D., loth Ind. Cav. 
 
 REUBEN ELLIS, son of Matthew, was born in 
 Colerain, Mass., about 1790. When a young man he 
 settled in Centerville, Alleghany Co., N. Y., about 1811, 
 where he was a farmer and a man widely noted for 
 integrity and worth of character. He was a Presbyterian 
 and a thorough Christian. He married Miss Annie Wood- 
 ward, a daughter of P. B. Woodward, Esq., one of the 
 earliest and most prominent settlers in Centerville. Mrs. 
 Ellis died in 1858, and Mr. Ellis in 1868. They left no 
 children. After the death of Mr. Ellis' brother, David, in 
 1847, two of the latter's children, Mary Ann and Henry, 
 were reared by their uncle Reuben in Centerville. 
 
 SARAH M. ELLIS, daughter of Matthew, was born in 
 Colerain. She was married in Vermont to John Tilden. 
 They moved to Beaver Dam, Wis., where Mr. Tilden 
 died. Mrs. Tilden moved to Kansas, where she died. 
 They had six sons : Titus, Franklin, Daniel E., Crawford, 
 Levi and Carlos. Several of them were living near Leav- 
 en worth at last report. 
 
 DAYID ELLIS, youngest child of Matthew Ellis, was 
 born in Colerain, Mass., Aug. 3d, 1798. When a young 
 man he settled in Centerville, Alleghany Co., N. Y., where 
 he married Eliza Woodward and had four children : An- 
 drew, Sarah M., Matthew Clark and Eliza. Eliza died in 
 infancy. Mrs. Eliza Ellis died, and David Ellis married her 
 sister, Polly Woodward. They had four children: Mary 
 Ann, Darwin, Henry and Wayland. 
 
 In 1845 David Ellis moved with his family to Beaver 
 Dam, Dodge Co., Wis , where he died Sept. 2pth, 1846. 
 Soon after Mrs. Ellis, with her four young children, 
 returned to Centerville, N. Y., where she now resides. Mr. 
 Ellis and wife were Presbyterians. He was a farmer. 
 Mrs. Ellis was born in Ashford, Conn., in 1807. She was a
 
 272 
 
 sister of Annie Woodward, who married Reuben Ellis 
 (David's elder brother), of Centerville. Mrs. Polly Ellis 
 now lives with her daughter, Mrs. Allen, in Centerville. 
 
 Of David Ellis' children, Andrew died aged 19 years. Sarah Maria Ellis 
 was born in Centerville, N. Y., June nth, 1822. She was married to Peter 
 Cole in September, 1841. They had four children : Mary A., Frank A., El- 
 bert D. and Walter G., all living. In 1869 Mr. Cole and family removed to 
 Omro, Wis. , where Mrs. Cole and children now reside, engaged in mercantile 
 business. M/. Peter Cole died in 1880. 
 
 Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Cole, Mary A. was born in Centerville, 
 N. Y., in 1846, and was married in March, 1869, to Chauncey J. Fox, of Cen- 
 terville. They are now living on a farm in Beatrice, Dak. 
 
 Frank A. was bom in 1854 and married the third daughter of Rev. Jos. 
 M. Walker, of Wis. M. E. Conference, in Sept., 1882. 
 
 Elbert D. was born in 1859, and Dec., 1880, married Miss Almeda Frost, 
 of Vermont, and removed to Minnesota, afterwards to Nebraska, and finally to 
 Beatrice, Dak., where they now live. They have one child, a daughter. 
 
 Walter G. was born in 1861. Was married Dec., 1884, to Clara C. Car- 
 penter, of Dartford, Wis. 
 
 The Cole family are Presbyterians. 
 
 Matthew Clark Ellis, son of David, was born in Centerville, N. Y., Sept. 
 nth, 1827. In 1846 he went with his father to Beaver Dam, Wis., and later 
 to Oshkosh, Wis., where he lived until about 1871, when he went to Minne- 
 apolis, Minn. Mr. Ellis' first wife was Adaline Gallant, of Milwaukee, Wis. 
 They settled in Oshkosh, where Mr. Ellis was a farmer and subsequently 
 engaged in the flour and feed business. They had five children, two of whom 
 died in infancy. Mrs. Ellis died of consumption April 5th, 1862. She was of 
 English descent, and a Presbyterian. Her children were: Frances A., Adel- 
 bert C. and Ida V. Ellis. 
 
 For his second wife Mr. Matthew Clark Ellis married Jane E. Morey, of 
 Oshkosh. In 1871 Mr. Ellis moved to Minneapolis, where he was in the flour 
 and feed business until his death, Aug. I2th, 1874. He was a Presbyterian, a 
 kind and affectionate husband and father, and a highly respected man. Mrs. 
 Ellis movad to Kansas City, Mo., where she lives with her three children, 
 Nettie, Jessie and Amanda. 
 
 Frances A. Ellis, daughter of Matthew Clark Ellis, was born Jan 3Oth, 
 1851. She was married Sept. 2Oth, 1874, to Dr. Uriah D. Thomas. They 
 have three children: Cora A., Ethel A. and Ernest C. Dr. Thomas and wif- 
 are Spiritualists. He practices medicine in Minneapolis. 
 
 Adelbert Clark Ellis was born July ist, 1852. After his father's death in 
 1874 he remained with and cared for the family for several years. He is a 
 clerk for a fuel company in Minneapolis. He was married Dec. 25th, 1884, to 
 Ella V. Osborn, of Oshkosh, Wis. They have one son, Orison A. Ellis, born 
 Aug I5th, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis are Methodists. 
 
 Ida Viola Ellis was born April 4th, 1860. She was married Dec. 24th, 
 1879. to Mr. M. P. Satterlee, eldest son of Rev. W. W. Satterlee. Mr. Sat- 
 terlee is a printer. Himself and wife are Methodists. 
 
 Mary Ann Ellis, daughter of David Ellis and his second wife, Polly 
 Woodward Ellis, was born in Centerville, N. Y , Feb. 27th, 1836. She mar- 
 ried Amasa P. Allen in 1860. They have had five children: Alice D., born 
 1863; Darwin E., 1865; Lillian, 1868; Clarence, 1874, and Raymond, 1878. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Allen live in Centerville, N. Y. All these people were farmers, 
 and Presbyterians in religious belief. 
 
 Darwin Ellis, son of David, was born in Centerville, N. Y., in 1839. He 
 enlisted at Centerville at the outbreak of the Rebellion, and died May I2th, 
 1864, from wounds received at the battle of the Wilderness, Va. He was 
 unmarried. 
 
 Henry Ellis, born in Centerville, N. Y., in 1841, was a Union soldier. 
 He was killed by the cars in Illinois in 1881. 
 
 Wayland Ellis, youngest child of David Ellis, was born in Centerville, 
 N. Y. He died young.
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 TO 
 
 Biographical Sketches of Richard Ellis 
 
 AND HIS DESCENDANTS. 
 
 Containing Sketches of Ashfield, Mass., where Richard Ellis was the first 
 Settler, with brief mention of other localities where the 
 Ellises have resided, and other Miscellane- 
 ous Matter of Interest. 
 
 The following paper, by Rev. Thomas Shepard, is now pub- 
 lished for the first time. The manuscript has been in possession 
 of Mr. Henry S. Ranney, of Ashfield, over fifty years, and is 
 printed by his courtesy. Mr. Ranney has made some notes 
 thereto, which are designated by his initials, H. S. R. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Shepard, during his residence in Ashfield, was 
 highly esteemed by all the people, some of whom are yet living, 
 and give his name and memory with honorable mention. His 
 foresight and enterprise in writing these sketches should entitle 
 him to the gratitude of all residents of Ashfield, as no other per- 
 son, so far as is known, had, up to his time, written any connected 
 history of the town. 
 
 L 2 73l
 
 SKETCHES 
 
 IN THE 
 
 HISTORY OF ASHFIELD, MASS., FROM ITS FIRST 
 SETTLEMENT TO THE YEAR 1833. 
 
 D ED 1C A TION. 
 
 To the inhabitants of the First Parish in Ashfield over whom the writer 
 was settled in the Gospel ministry for nearly fourteen years, and with whom 
 he lived in uninterrupted harmony and mutual confidence, these sketches in 
 the history of their town are most affectionately and respectfully dedicated, 
 by their most obliged and obedient servant, 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 Amherst, March, 1834. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 It cannot be expected that in a town comparatively of such recent origin, 
 and so retired in its location as this, should afford, in the progress of its his- 
 tory, many events of general interest. To those, however, who were born 
 and educated here, and to those who now live here, it must be a matter of 
 considerable interest to know who were the pioneers of this town, and what 
 are some of those principal events that have transpired here since the howl of 
 the wild beast was alone heard through the forest, which spread unbroken 
 over these hills and vales, now verdant under the cultivating hand of a numer- 
 ous and thriving population. To the generations that may come after us, who 
 may have little or no access to the facts connected with the early history of 
 this place, which are familiar to us by tradition, a written history must be of 
 increasing value. With a view of rescuing from oblivion many events con- 
 nected with the early settlement of this town, and to hand them down for the 
 information and amusement of those who may come after us, as well as to 
 revive in the memory of many now living, the things of former years, I have, 
 by conversation with the few surviving fathers of the town, and by a dilligent 
 examination of its ancient and modern records, drawn out the following 
 imperfect sketch of the principal events in its history. 
 
 [ 2 75]
 
 276 
 
 BOUNDARIES. 
 
 That portion of territory within the County of Franklin now called Ash- 
 field was originally intended to embrace a tract of land six miles square; but, 
 from some unknown cause, its present boundaries do not lie in this exact form. 
 The town, if reduced to regular dimensions, would form a square whose sides 
 would extend six miles and one-fifth, inclosing an area of 24,601^ acres. 
 
 SOIL CLIMATE DISEASES-POPULATION. 
 
 The surface of this town is broken into hills and valleys and contains but 
 a comparatively small portion of arable land. Indian corn succeeds well, but 
 English grain is of secondary quality compared with that raised on the lighter 
 soils of Connecticut river. Wheat is seldom sown. Grazing may be said to 
 be a principal object with the farming interest. Large dairies are kept here, 
 and many tons of the finest wool are yearly furnished for the manufactories. 
 The highest mountain in the town is that situated west of the pond Its 
 night is estimated at about 800 feet.* There are no very considerable streams 
 running through the town, inviting the manufacturing capitalist. The prin- 
 cipal streams, however, furnish water power for all domestic purposes. Water 
 from the springs and wells is generally of ready access and of the purest qual- 
 ity. The winters are long and severe. The snow generally falls about the 
 first of December and continues until the first of April. During February 
 and March the ways are frequently blocked and passing difficult. The 
 climate, though severe in winter, is nevertheless healthy. The prevailing 
 disease with the middle-aged, upon these mountains, may be said to be con- 
 sumption. This may be owing in part, perhaps, to the severe and variable 
 winters. From the year 1819 to 1831, twelve years, one hundred and sixty- 
 three persons died in this town over 12 years of age. Of these, nine died by 
 casualties, or, as is commonly said, by accident; twenty-one of old age, and 
 ten by diseases unknown to the writer; leaving one hundred and twenty-thiee 
 persons over 12 years of age who have died in consequence of some definable 
 disease. Of these 123 persons, fifty-four nearly one-half died with the con- 
 sumption. Dysentery has frequently prevailed among children during the 
 months of August and September. In 1825 twenty-one under five years died 
 in this town, most of whom were carried off by the above complaint. During 
 1829 and 1830 the scarlet fever or canker rash prevailed very extensively, and 
 in several instances proved mortal to children. 
 
 The average number of deaths during the fourteen years of the writer's 
 connection with this people was a fraction over twenty-two a year, which 
 would be one from every twenty-five of its inhabitants. The highest number 
 of deaths in any one year during this period was thirty seven; the lowest 
 number, thirteen. 
 
 The population of Ashfield in 1820 was 1,748; in 1830 it was 1,732. The 
 town contains four houses for religious worship, one academy, thirteen school- 
 
 * Peter's Mountain, named from a colored niau who lived there in early times. About 
 1885 Hon. James Russell Lowell, late U. S. Minister to England, purchased a site for a sum- 
 mer residence on the east side of this mountain. Soon after, his wife died, and Mr. Lowell 
 removed to England, and, it is said, has decided not to build thereon. It is a very sightly 
 place, and from its top, on a clear day, points in New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and 
 New York are visible.
 
 277 
 
 houses, two hundred and fifty dwelling-houses, three taverns, five stores, two 
 gristmills, nine sawmills, three clothier shops and three carding machines. It 
 also has two machines for turning broom handles, five blacksmith shops and 
 two tanneries. 
 
 FIRST SETTLEMENT. 
 
 The original name of this place was Huntstown; a name given to it in 
 honor of Capt. Ephraim Hunt, of Weymouth. In the year 1690 this gentle- 
 man was sent out, by order of Government, as commander of a company of 
 men selected from Weymouth and vicinity, in an expedition against the Can- 
 adas, in a contest between the English and French, commonly called King 
 William's war. This war commenced in the year 1690 and terminated in 1697. 
 It was attended with many disastrous consequences to the American Colonies. 
 An infuriated horde of savage warriors were let loose upon our scattered and 
 defenceless population. The company under the command of Capt. Hunt 
 composed a part of an expedition fitted out by the united colonies of New 
 York, Connecticut and Massachusetts, for the reduction of Montreal and Que- 
 bec, then in the hands of the French. A combination of unfortunate circum- 
 stances, however, defeated the design, and the expedition, after encountering 
 numerous hardships and disasters, returned without accomplishing their 
 object. The success of the expedition had been so confidently antici- 
 pated that no express provision had been made for the payment of the 
 troops. Massachusetts, in the low state of her finances, issued bills of 
 credit as a substitute for money; and in the year 1736, after a delay of more 
 than forty-six years, redeemed those bills; at least, so far as the aforesaid com- 
 pany was concerned, by granting them, their heirs or legal representatives, a 
 tract of land within the limits of this town. In the conditions of the grant 
 express provision was made for the early settlement of the town, the erection 
 of a meeting-house, the settlement of a learned and orthodox minister, and the 
 cause of common schools. By a Committee of General Court sixty-three lots, 
 called Rights, containing from fifty to sixty-three acres each, according to the 
 quality of the land, were set off and numbered, to be disposed of as follows: 
 One right to be given to the first settled minister, one right for the use of the 
 ministry, and one right for the use of common schools. The remaining sixty 
 rights were to be divided by lot among the officers and privates of the afore- 
 said company, their heirs or legal representatives. The grantees or Proprie- 
 tors, as they were henceforth called held their first meeting at Weymouth, 
 where most of them resided, March 13, 1738, and on the 24th of July, 1739, 
 they met again at the same place and drew lots for their respective rights, set 
 off for them by government in this town." 
 
 The early settlement of the town being a desirable object with the pro- 
 prietors, inasmuch as it would tend to enhance the value of the property they 
 now owned in it, they passed a resolve, May 28, 1741, that a bounty of 5 
 should be paid to each of the first ten of their number who should take actual 
 possession of their respective rights, build a house and bring under cultivation 
 six acres of land individually. How many of those men who endured the toils 
 and privations of the Canada expedition lived to receive their bounty of land, 
 does not appear; but the lapse of forty-six years from the expiration of that 
 expedition, very probably had carried the greater part of them to that ' ' bourn
 
 2 7 8 
 
 from whence no traveler returns," and their heirs alone remained to realize 
 the tardy remuneration which should have long before fallen to those who had 
 sustained the burden and heat of that perilous day. Nor does it appear from 
 the records that any of the original proprietors ever settled upon their lands 
 in person. Their rights were sold to others of a more adventurous spirit, from 
 time to time, as they had opportunity. In the meantime taxes began to accu- 
 mulate upon them, and many of. them were parted with for a little more than 
 was sufficient to meet the demands of the collector. 
 
 The precise year when a permanent settlement was made in this town I 
 have not been able to ascertain.* Soon after the lots were drawn, in 1739, 
 it doubtless became the temporary abode of emigrants, as they came out from 
 time to time to pioneer the wilderness From the best information I have 
 been able to obtain, I have been led to fix the first permanent settlement of this 
 town about the year 1745. t The first family that pitched their tent upon 
 these hills as permanent residents was that of Mr. Richard Ellis, a native of 
 Dublin, in Ireland. Respecting the immigration of this gentleman from that 
 distant land to America, tradition has handed down in the family the follow- 
 ing account, which, if true, is only in accordance with many of the like kind 
 the result of the cupidity and knavery of unprincipled shipmasters. The story 
 is this: Mr. Ellis was the only son of a widow. A wealthy planter living in 
 Virginia, a native of Ireland, having no children, made application to his 
 friend in Dublin to send him out some youth of promise, to be adopted into- 
 his family and brought up under his care and patronage. Young Ellis was 
 selected and sent out for this purpose. On his embarkation his passage was 
 paid and an agreement made with the captain of the ship to land him safely 
 on the coast of Virginia. Faithless to his trust, he brought the youth to 
 Boston and there sold him for his passage money. After serving the time 
 thus unjustly extorted from him he removed from Boston, and at length set- 
 tled in Easton, where he was married. From Easton he came to this town. 
 The first tree was felled by his hands, on White Brook, a small stream running 
 a little to the west of the dwelling of Mr. Phineas Flower. He built for his 
 family the first habitation in the northeastern section of the town a log cabin, 
 partly under ground, in the side of the hill, about fifty rods to the east of 
 Mr. John Belding's, near the ancient burying yard, and where the new road 
 runs. The next immigrant to this lonely wilderness was Mr. Thomas Phil- 
 lips, with his family, from Easton, whose sister was the wife of Mr. Ellis. 
 Mr. Phillips built for himself a log house about one-half of a mile to the north 
 of the dwelling of his only fellow-townsman, Mr. Ellis. Soon a third family 
 was added that of Mr. Chileab Smith, from that part of Hadley now called 
 South Hadley. Mr. Smith settled on the spot which the house of his son, 
 Chileab Smith, now occupies. Mr. Smith, the present occupant, now in his 
 92d year.Jwaa about 8 years old when his father removed to this town. To 
 the retentive memory and free communication of this venerable father and 
 pillar in the town I am indebted for many of the facts here recorded. 
 
 * A corn mill was built in the year 1743. It is believed that a permanent settlement 
 was made in 1741. 
 
 t Preaching was had here as early as 1742. tee Proprietors' Records, pp. 51, 54 and 65. 
 } He died in the year 1843, aged 100 years and 8 months. H. 8. R.
 
 279 
 
 Among the earliest accessions to the settlement as it now consisted, of 
 three families, was Dea. Ebenezer Belding, from Hattield, and Samuel fielding, 
 from Deerfield, with their families. Other settlers came in from time to time, 
 from different quarters. A number of families joined them from the southern 
 part of Connecticut, so that by the year 1754 they numbered from ten to 
 fifteen families and nearly one hundred souls. 
 
 TRIAXS OF THE SETTLERS -SETTLEMENT ABANDONED. 
 
 This little colony of immigrants, thus removed from their friends and from 
 civilized society, in the midst of a mountainous wilderness, with scarcely any 
 means of intercourse with those they had left behind, were permitted, under 
 the watchful hand of Providence, to pursue their labors with comfortable suc- 
 cess, subjected, of course, to a thousand self-denials incident to the pioneers 
 of the forest, of which we, in these days of pampered indulgence, can form no 
 adequate conception. For a number of years they had no other means of 
 grinding their corn than by a mill turned by a horse. They had also to con- 
 tend with bad roads, with rapid streams without the convenience of bridges, 
 and with deep snows in the winter without the means of maintaining a beaten 
 path. But all these inconveniences could be endured so long as they were 
 secure from the attacks of the merciless savages, that still prowled around the 
 infant settlements of our country, seeking whom they might devour. Such 
 security and quietness, however, they w*e not long permitted to enjoy. The 
 year 1754 was memorable for the breaking out of fresh hostilities between the 
 French and the. English. This war let loose again the Indians upon the de- 
 fenceless frontier settlements of our colonies. During the month of June of this 
 year a party of men at work near Eice's fort, in the upper part of Charlemont, 
 was attacked by a body of Indians, and two of their number were killed and 
 two taken prisoners. The tidings of this Indian massacre spread abroad and 
 quickly reached the settlement in Huntstown and occasioned great alarm. 
 Being few in number, and with small means of defense, they had no other 
 alternative than to fly back to the older settlements, or to expose their wives 
 and children to the tomahawk and scalping-knife of the savage foe. After a 
 hasty deliberation the former course was resolved on. Accordingly, on the 
 same afternoon in which they received the tidings from Charlemont, they 
 abandoned their houses, improvements, stores, &c., except such as could be 
 transported on horseback, and set off, one and all, for the older settlements 
 on Connecticut River. A middle-aged woman, the mother of the present 
 Chileab Smith, traveled ten miles on foot before they encamped for the night. 
 What is now Con way was then a part of Deerfield and a howling wilderness, 
 without an inhabitant or a shelter to protect the refugees. Their first halt 
 was at Bloody Brook, where they spent the night. Early the next morning 
 the few inhabitants of the latter place abandoned their dwellings and joined 
 them in their various dispersions to places of greater security. This sudden 
 abandonment of their possessions, after having just gotten into a condition of 
 comfortable living, could not have been otherwise than a sore trial to the tirst 
 settlers of this town. It must have involved them in very considerable loss 
 of property, besides being a very serious disappointment to their plans and 
 prospects. But it appears to have been submitted to by them with that
 
 a8o 
 
 patient endurance and undaunted fortitude for which the men of that perilous 
 period were so eminently distinguished. 
 
 RETURN OF THE SETTLERS MEANS OF PROTECTION. 
 
 According to the best information within my reach, the time during which 
 the settlers were absent from their possessions was between two and three 
 years. It is not unlikely, however, that during this period individuals might 
 have visited this place; but they did not presume to return with their families 
 until the time specified. After the 'return of the refugees to their possessions 
 in Huntstown, the war still continuing, their first object was to erect a fort 
 for their common defense. This was accomplished on the ground occupied by 
 Mr. Smith, and principally at his own expense. The area inclosed by the fort 
 was a square piece of ground containing 81 square rods. It was constructed 
 of upright logs of sufficient thickness to be bullet proof, set three feet into 
 the earth and rising twelve feet above. The inclosure had but one gate, open- 
 ing to the south, which was always shut and strongly barred during the night. 
 Within the fort stood the dwelling of Mr. Smith, which served as a garrison 
 within which the settlers felt secure from attack during the night. On its 
 roof was constructed, of logs, a tower of sufficient magnitude to contain six 
 men with their arms. Port-holes were so arranged in its sides as to afford its 
 inmates a fair aim at their assailants without, while secure from their balls 
 within. This house stood in the center of the fort, and on the same ground 
 now occupied by the dwelling of Chileab Smith. 
 
 After remaining in this state for about one year, standing on their own 
 defense keeping watch by night, and laboring by day with their arms by their 
 side they solicited and obtained from the authorities of the colony a company 
 of nine soldiers, under the command of a sergeant by the name of Allen, for 
 their greater security. This guard arrived, under the general order of Col. 
 Israel Williams, June, 1757. This company continued in the settlement until 
 the close of the war, which was about two years from the time of their arrival. 
 Their duty was to go, under arms, with the people, to protect them in their 
 labors during the day, and to return with them into the fort and, in their 
 turn, stand sentinel during the night. In the process of time, and before the 
 close of the war, another fort, six rods square, was built by the settlers, in the 
 same manner as the first, about one mile and a half southwest of it, near the 
 house now occupied by Mr. Seara. This fort was used for the same purposes 
 as the other. 
 
 In the good providence of God the settlement was preserved safe from the 
 attack of the enemy. Nor were any Indians discovered near it except in one 
 instance. As a daughter of Mr. Smith was walking out one evening, just as 
 the sun was setting, she discovered an Indian within about twenty rods of the 
 fort, surveying it very attentively. With great haste and terror she flew 
 back to the gate and gave the alarm: "The Indians are upon us ! " The sol- 
 diers immediately rallied and commenced pursuit; but darkness soon coming 
 on, they returned without discovering the enemy. During the night they 
 slept upon their arms and early next morning renewed their search through 
 the woods, but saw nothing save the evident trail of a small hunting party, 
 probably sent out to reconnoiter the settlement; but, finding it well garrisoned, 
 they presumed not to molest them afterward. For about two years the firsi
 
 *8i 
 
 settlers of this town were destined to live in this state of constant agitation 
 and alarm. Often were their sympathies deeply excited by the narration of 
 savage barbarities committed upon their more unfortunate fellow- citizens in 
 other places. They felt themselves in jeopardy every hour. As they retired 
 to rest each night they knew not but that they should be aroused by the yell 
 of the war whoop, to behold their dwellings in flames, and their wives and 
 little ones in the merciless grasp of the wild men cf the woods. The taking 
 of Quebec by the enterprise and daring of the gallant Gen. Wolf, in 1759, 
 restored peace to the colonies. The soldiers stationed here were disbanded, 
 and the settlers, to their unspeakable satisfaction, were again permitted to 
 pursue their daily avocations without fear of molestation.* 
 
 PROPRIETORS' ACTS. 
 
 The first meeting of the proprietors was held in Weymouth, or Braintree, 
 as the town was originally called, March 13, 1738. They afterwards met at 
 Hadley, then at Hatfield, and finally, in 1754, in Huntstown. The following 
 gentlemen, in the order in which their names are here recorded, served as pro- 
 prietors' clerks, viz : William Crane, Richard Faxon, Israel Williams. Esq., 
 Ephraim Marble, Reuben Belding, Jacob Sherwin, Esq., Ephraim Williams, 
 Esq. 
 
 The proprietors took early measures to supply the settlement with mills. 
 They built, at their own expense, in the year 1743, the first grist mill on Pond 
 Brook, about 100 rods northeasterly from the Episcopal Church, where the 
 remains of a similar establishment may now be seen. Subsequently, in the 
 year 1753, they erected a saw mill on Bear River, about half a mile east of the 
 dwelling of Israel Phillips. 
 
 At the commencement of this sketch we noticed in the original grant ex- 
 press provision for the support of an orthodox ministry. The fathers of New 
 England were the descendents of the Puritans. Although they sought no 
 alliance between Church and State, they knew full well that no government 
 could secure the morality and happiness of a people without the prevalence of 
 pure and undefiled religion. Actuated by the same spirit, the proprietors 
 took early measures to secure to the town the stated ministration of the Gos- 
 pel. At a meeting held November, 1751, a sum of money was raised to supply 
 the settlement with preaching. In 1763 they settled a Congregational minis- 
 ter, and in 1767 they erected and finished a convenient house for public 
 worship. But more concerning these things will be related in its more appro- 
 priate place. 
 
 DOINGS OF THE TOWN ACT OF INCORPORATION. 
 
 The records of the town previous to 1776 are very imperfectly preserved. 
 There are remaining in the town clerk's office only a few separate scraps of 
 paper bearing date prior to the aforesaid year. Of this early period I have 
 been able to glean only the following items : 
 
 The first town meeting of which any record remains was held March 8, 
 1762, at the dwelling house of Jonathan Sprague. Ebenezer Belding was 
 
 *In 1761 there were 19 families residing here.
 
 282 
 
 chosen Moderator, and Samuel Belding town clerk. The business was not of 
 sufficient importance to be noticed here. 
 
 In June, 1765, by act of General Court, the town was incorporated by the 
 name of Ashfteld. The warrant to call the first meeting under the act of in- 
 corporation was issued by Thomas Williams, Esq., of Deerfield, and directed 
 to Samuel Belding, clerk of this town. The first town officers under the 
 incorporation were: Benjamin Phillips, Town Clerk; David Alden, Treasurer; 
 Chileab Smith, Moses Fuller, Thomas Phillips, Selectmen.* 
 
 The subject of common schools began early to engage the attention of the 
 fathers of this town. They seemed fully to understand the orthodox doctrine 
 that a free government can only be sustained by an intelligent population. 
 Accordingly, they voted, in 1772, to divide the town into three school districts 
 and to build a school house, f 
 
 According to the records, the first representative chosen for the purpose 
 of acting in the affairs of the State was Capt. Elisha Cranston. In 1775 this 
 gentleman was chosen to represent the town in the congress to be convened at 
 Watertown, Boston then being in the possession of the British troops. 
 
 WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 A period now approached fraught with the most trying scenes ever expe- 
 rienced by the citizens of these United States. It was the War of the Revo- 
 lution. In the events which preceded and attended that trying period, the 
 citizens of this town, although removed from the principal scene of action, 
 were nevertheless deeply interested, and in them they took a decided part. 
 As early as September, 1774, when events in and about Boston began to wear 
 the aspect of hostilities, and the first Continental Congress had commenced 
 its session in Philadelphia, the following covenant, previously drawn up by a 
 committee chosen for the purpose, was signed by Benjamin Phillips and sixty- 
 four others, citizens of this town: 
 
 " We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Ashfield, from a prin- 
 ciple of self-preservation, the dictate of natural conscience, and a sacred regard 
 to the constitution and laws of our country, which were instituted for the 
 security of our lives and property, do severally and mutually covenant, prom- 
 ise and engage, with each other and all of us : 
 
 " 1. That we profess ourselves subject to our Sovereign Lord the King, and 
 hold ourselves in duty bound to yield obedience to all his good and wholesome 
 laws. 
 
 " 2. That we bear testimony against all the oppressive and unconstitutional 
 laws of the British Parliament, whereby the chartered privileges of this prov- 
 ince are struck at and cashiered. 
 
 "3. That we will not be aiding, nor in any way assisting, in any trade 
 with the Island of Great Britain, until she withdraws her oppressive hand, or 
 until a trade is come into by the several colonies. 
 
 " 4. That we will join with our neighboring towns in this province, and 
 sister colonies in America, in contending for and defending onr rights and 
 
 See the Town Book of Records copied in 1857 page 6. H. 8. R. 
 fin the year 1766, at the first annual meeting subsequent to its incorporation, they 
 voted 4 for the school
 
 28 3 
 
 privileges, civil and religious, which we have a just right to do, both by 
 nature and by charter. 
 
 "5. That we will make preparation, that we may be equipped with am- 
 munition and other necessaries, at town cost, for the above purposes. 
 
 "6. That we will do all we can to suppress petty mobs, trifling and 
 causeless. " 
 
 That the signing of these articles of covenant was not a mere matter of 
 unmeaning form appears evident from the fact that in the following August 
 the town voted to send an agent to Albany for the purpose of purchasing guns 
 and ammunition, at the expense of the town. At length affairs at headquar- 
 ters came to a crisis. On the 19th of April. 1775, an attack was made by a 
 column of the British army, under the command of Maj. Pitcairn, upon our 
 unoffending yeomanry at Lexington; and thenceforth commenced that une- 
 qual conflict which, after eight years of toil, privation and blood, resulted, in 
 the providence of God, in the independence of these United States. 
 
 Such was the poverty of our government, and such their inability to raise 
 the necessary means of sustaining an army sufficient to face the hosts of 
 Britain, that at the commencement of hostilities it, of necessity, devolved 
 upon the patriotism of the towns from which the soldiers were drafted, to fur- 
 nish them with supplies and, in many instances, to become responsible for 
 their wages during service. The citizens of this town, as their records fully 
 evince, did not remain idle spectators of this contest. They fell not behind 
 the spirit of the times in their devotion to the cause of freedom, and their 
 willingness to sacrifice almost any temporal comfort in securing it to themselves 
 and their posterity. 
 
 It would extend altogether beyond the limits of this sketch to quote at 
 length the patriotic doings of this town in lending their aid to encourage and 
 carry forward the War of the Revolution. A few facts selected from their 
 records is all that my limits will permit me to notice. 
 
 In fully estimating the sacrifices made by our fathers in coming forward 
 with their voluntary contributions in sustaining the War of the Revolution, 
 we must take into the account two important circumstances: first, the fact of 
 their having just begun to subdue the wilderness, and the consequent state of 
 dependence in which mo3t of them were placed in regard to the necessary 
 means of subsistence; and, secondly, the uncertain and changeable state of 
 their monied currency. Notwithstanding these pressing embarrassments, we 
 find the inhabitants of this town at one time voting, in open town meeting, to 
 furnish the army with a lot of coats. At another time we find them offering a 
 bounty to such as might enlist from among them to serve in the war; and at 
 another, voting a sum of money to purchase provisions to be sent to the fam- 
 ishing army. In 1779 the town voted to pay the soldiers enlisted from among 
 them, for nine months' service, forty shillings per month in addition to the 
 bounty offered by General Court the value of the money to be regulated by corn 
 at 2s. 6d., rye at 3s. 4d., and wheat at 4s. 6d. per bushel. In 1780 the town voted 
 to give, by way of encouragement, to each man who should enlist in the army 
 for three years, " twenty calves." Said calves were to be procured in the fol- 
 lowing May and kept at the town's cost until the three years had expired. How 
 many of these men returned to receive their bounty, then grown to be oxen 
 and cows, does not appear. In 1781 the town voted to raise "ninety silver
 
 284 
 
 -dollars" to purchase the amount of beef that fell to their share for the army. 
 The same year eight men were enlisted from this town for three months' serv- 
 ice who were to receive from the town treasury 4 per month, and $10 each 
 before they marched. In 1777 Rev. Nehemiah Porter, in consequence of the 
 enfeebled state of his people, and the consequent depreciation of his support, 
 joined the army on the North River [Hudson] in the capacity of Chaplain, and 
 continued with them until the capture of Burgoyne. 
 
 During this severe and protracted controversy with the mother country 
 the people of this town, in common with their brethren in other parts of the 
 provinces, suffered great embarrassments in consequence of the fluctuating 
 state of their paper currency. The enormous depreciation of this currency in 
 1780 may be learned from the fact that during that year the town raised and 
 expended upon the highways three thousand pounds! It was the custom of 
 the town, at their annual meeting in March, to choose a " Committee of Safety, 
 to do what in them lay to regulate the price of provisions and to ease the bur- 
 dens of the people." A Committee of Correspondence was also appointed 
 annually, to confer with similar committees in other places, in relation to the 
 trying and critical state of public affairs. 
 
 One item of record in these troublous times " times which" emphatically 
 " tried men's souls" I cannot omit to notice, although it is somewhat of a deli- 
 cate nature ; but inasmuch as it evinces that ever vigilant and stern spirit 
 which characterized the patriot of that generation, I shall be excused by omit' 
 ting names in the narrative : At a legal meeting held July 18th, 1777, it was 
 voted "that Aaron Lyon be a meet person to procure evidence against certain 
 persons who are thought to be inimical to the American States." At a subse- 
 quent meeting, in August following, the Selectmen were requested to bring in 
 a list of persons whom they viewed to be of the above description. This 
 report contained 1 the names of nine persons, among whom were some of the 
 most respectable and leading men in the town. Whereupon it was voted that 
 the persons thus reported " appear so unfriendly to the American States that 
 they ought to be brought to proper trial." It was also voted at the same 
 meeting, these suspected men "be committed to close confinement in this 
 town." One of the prisoners, however, in consequence of the sickness of his 
 family, was exempted from confinement on condition of delivering up his arms 
 and ammunition. The others were forthwith dispatched to a private dwelling, 
 under a strong guard selected and supported by the town. After continuing 
 thus imprisoned for about seven days and nights the town met again and voted 
 " to dismiss the guard and release the prisoners from close confinement." 
 This transaction is but a faint specimen of what transpired in every section of 
 the country between the resolute and the timid, the friends and the foes of 
 war. Many an house was divided against itself; friends, neighbors, brethren, 
 took different sides in the contest and were fiercely arrayed against each other. 
 Nor can it be a matter of wonder that men of wisdom and foresight should 
 have opposed resistance to the power of Britain; so unequal was the contest 
 and, in human view, so very improbable the attainment of any permanent 
 good on the part of our infant colonies. But the ways of Providence are not 
 as our ways; the result exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the friends 
 of the revolution; the God of Heaven went forth with our armies and the vic- 
 tory was on our side. Never was there a contest between nations in the
 
 285 
 
 decision and determination of which the overruling hand of God was more 
 manifest; and the patriots of that day were led to feel that deliverance from 
 the over whelming power of Britain could alone proceed from the Power that 
 ruleth the nations. Hence they looked to Heaven, and fasted, and prayed 
 for help from above; nor did they pray in vain. In July, 1777, in legal town 
 meeting, it was voted that "this town will do all that lies in their power to 
 suppress vice, and especially that they will use their endeavors to prevent 
 profane cursing and swearing, that the name of God be not blasphemed among 
 them." 
 
 ADOPTION OF A STATE CONSTITUTION. 
 
 The question whether this Commonwealth should form for itself a consti- 
 tution in consonance with the national compact already signed and adopted, 
 became the subject of general discussion. In August, 1779, Capt. Benjamin 
 Phillips and Capt. Samuel Bartlett were chosen delegates to attend a conven- 
 tion about to be held at Cambridge for the purpose of forming a constitution 
 for the Commonwealth. These gentlemen were instructed by the town, among 
 other things, to use their endeavors that an article be inserted in said consti- 
 tution, " that each Representative, previous to his belonging to General Court, 
 shall be solemnly sworn not to pass any ants or laws where his constituents 
 shall be in any sense, name or nature, oppressed or forced in matters of 
 religion." On this subject a portion of the people of this town felt peculiarly 
 sensitive, for reasons which will hereafter be noticed. 
 
 In the following year came up the important question respecting the 
 adoption of the constitution prepared by the aforesaid convention and sent out 
 by them for the approval of the people. In open town meeting this constitu- 
 tion was taken up, debated and acted upon, article by article. The result 
 was, that while many of its provisions were approved by a majority of the 
 town, others were rejected. The third article in the Bill of Rights, which 
 proposed that the preaching of the Gospel should be supported by taxation, 
 was rejected, on the ground that it was "unconstitutional to human nature 
 and nothing in the word of God to support it." The article specifying the 
 appointment of the judges of the Supreme Court by the Executive was 
 rejected, and a substitute proposed, viz : that they should be elected annually 
 by the Legislature. The article constituting the Senate an essential part 
 of the Legislature was rejected, on the ground that such a distinct body was 
 unnecessary. Those articles specifying the pecuniary qualifications of the dif- 
 ferent officers of government, and of voters in town meeting, were rejected by 
 a majority of the votes of this town. An amendment was proposed that 
 Justices of the Peace, instead of being appointed by the Governor, should be 
 elected by ballot annually, in legal town meeting, and commissioned by the 
 Governor. It was also proposed that town clerks be the acknowledgers and 
 registers of deeds, and that the Probate office be lodged in the hands of the 
 Selectmen, and the Town Clerk be ex officio Clerk of Probate. 
 
 These transactions are referred to for the purpose of exhibiting the views 
 of our fathers respecting the science of civil government. While it was happy 
 for our Commonwealth that most of the alterations here proposed did not pre- 
 vail, it is worthy of notice that the views expressed in relation to the Bill of 
 Rights on the prevailing views of the Commonwealth at the present day, and
 
 286 . 
 
 after the lapse of half a century, have effected an essential alteration of this 
 article in the constitution. 
 
 In the order of chronology it may be proper here to notice an incident 
 which occurred here in 1781. During this year the north part of this town 
 was infested with a company of vagrant religious fanatics called " Tremblers." 
 Such extravagance and disorder and indecency were exhibited by them in 
 their intercourse with the inhabitants, and especially in the acts of worship, 
 that the people living in the vicinity where they located themselves became 
 very seriously annoyed and presented them to the authorities of the town as a 
 public nuisance. Whereupon it was voted in legal town meeting that "the 
 Selectmen be requested to warn said straggling Tremblers now in town, 
 and those that shall come in hereafter, to depart in twenty-four hours or 
 expect trouble." 
 
 PECUNIARY EMBARRASSMENT SHAY'S INSURRECTION. 
 
 In 1782 the pecuniary pressure became very severe upon the inhabitants 
 of this town and the community in general. The enfeebled and partially 
 organized condition of the General Government rendered it necessary for indi- 
 vidual States to make great efforts to maintain their credit and meet the 
 demands which the progress of the war was constantly bringing upon them. 
 Massachusetts felt under the necessity of levying a heavy tax upon the people. 
 The result was murmurings and insubordination from every quarter. The 
 people of this town voted not to collect the portion of the State tax assigned 
 to them, and to recommend to their militia officers to resign their commissions. 
 They drew up and signed a covenant for their mutual defense and sent out a 
 committee to inform the neighboring towns of their doings. Other towns were 
 excited to similar measures of resistance from similar causes. Taxes were 
 heavy and money scarce; county conventions began to be held, and one event 
 after another transpired until Shay's rebellion broke out, in 1786. Such were 
 the embarrassments of the times that the people not only resisted the taxes of 
 government, but the demands of common creditors. The regular sittings of 
 the courts at Northampton, Worcester and Taunton were obstructed by the 
 people convening in tumultuous assemblies. Thousands of our citizens in dif- 
 ferent parts of the Commonwealth were arrayed in rebellion against a govern- 
 meat which they had just established at the expense of great toil and much 
 blood. A majority of the people of this town joined in the common panic 
 and took sides with the insurgents. By consent of a majority of the Selectmen 
 the magazine of the town was given into the hands of the rebels, and a militia 
 officer and a company of soldiers volunteered their services and marched off to 
 their assistance. But the same Almighty Hand that sustained our country 
 during her contest with the hosts of England, carried her safely through these 
 scenes of civil commotion, and caused them all to work together for good, to 
 her future peace and permanency. With a few conflicts, and the loss of a few 
 lives, the insurrection was quelled; the people, after further reflection, became 
 satisfied that their embarrassments were occasioned rather by the necessary 
 expenditures of the Revolution than by any defect in the government itself or 
 the manner of its administration.
 
 287 
 
 ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 
 
 The commotions narrated above convinced the people of New England 
 that some stronger bond of union between the States, for their mutual protec- 
 tion, was necessary. Accordingly, a convention was called at Boston in 1787 
 for the purpose of consulting upon the adoption of the confederated constitu- 
 tion proposed by the Congress of the United States. Accordingly, Ephraim 
 Williams, Esq., was chosen to represent this town in said convention, and 
 instructed "to use his influence that said constitution doth not take place." 
 But, notwithstanding the views of the good people of this town, said constitu- 
 tion did take place, and for nearly fifty years the people of this town, in 
 common with their fellow-citizens throughout the Union, have rejoiced in the 
 many blessings which it has imparted. 
 
 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
 
 It has been remarked that the original proprietors of this town took early 
 measures to supply the tirst settlers with Gospel ordinances. In the original 
 grant of the Soldiers' Rights two of them were reserved for the support of a 
 learned and orthodox ministry; and in 1751 a sum of money was raised by the 
 proprietors to supply the settlement with preaching. Rev. Mr. Dickinson, a 
 Congregational minister from Hadley, was the first employed to preach in the 
 settlement. Afterward they were favored with the labors of Rev. Mr. Streeter. 
 Their meetings were held in the dwelling of Deacon Ebenezer Belding, which 
 stood on the same ground now occupied by an house on the opposite side of 
 the way from Dimick Ellis, Esq. [Now (1864) Mr. Bardwell's. H. S. R.] 
 Mr. Joshua Hall now (1887) owns and lives on this farm. 
 
 The first regular church formed in the town was of the Baptist denomina- 
 tion. It was constituted July, 1761, consisting of nine members. In the 
 following August Rev. Ebenezer Smith, the eldest son of Chileab Smith, was 
 ordained its pastor. In May, 1768, Nathan Chapin and seventeen others sent 
 in a petition to General Court setting forth that they belonged to the persua- 
 sion called Anabaptists, and praying to be exempted from the taxation for the 
 support of the Congregational ministry. This petition, after repeated and 
 persevering efforts, during which the petitioners were subjected to many trying 
 scenes, was at last granted. It is to be regretted that there should ever have 
 been occasion, in this land of enlightened liberty, for such a petition as this. 
 Nothing would seem to be more reasonable than that any religious denomination 
 demeaning themselves as peaceable members of society, should enjoy free tol- 
 eration in the exclusive maintenance of their own order. Our fathers fled 
 hither that they might enjoy liberty of conscience in matters of religion. But 
 it must be remembered, by way of apology for any seeming inconsistency in 
 their legislative acts, that for a long while after the settlement of Plymouth 
 the people of this land were very generally of one and the same denomination; 
 hence their laws had respect to this particular denomination alone; and when 
 in the process of events other sects sprang up, they were not so careful, per- 
 haps, as enlightened Christian charity would have dictated, in so modifying 
 their statutes as to give equal toleratiou to all who might conscientiously differ 
 from them. Hence, in the tardy revision of the laws to meet the exigencies 
 of the times, there were, without doubt, insulated cases of what would now
 
 f 
 
 288 
 
 be universally pronounced religious intolerance and oppression. But those 
 were days when free toleration in the things of religion were but imperfectly 
 understood. The progress of nearly a century has thrown much Hght on this 
 subject; we have occasion to thank God that we have fallen on better times. 
 Let not the errors of those years of comparative darkness, long since gone by, 
 be revived and handed down as a matter of reproach or recrimination between 
 Christian brethren differing only in modes, and all enjoying, to their full 
 satisfaction, liberty of conscience and equal toleration. For a long number of 
 years the kindest feelings have been entertained between the Baptist and 
 Congregational churches in this town. 
 
 In 1798, after a ministry of thirty-seven years in this town, Elder Smith 
 was dismissed from his pastoral charge in good standing. He soon after 
 removed to the western part of New York, where he continued to labor in 
 different places until he reached the age of 89. He died at Stockton, in the 
 County of Chautauqua, N. Y. Mr. Smith, though not favored with early 
 opportunities cor a systematic education, is represented to have been a man of 
 strong native powers of mind, thoroughly orthodox in sentiment, and an 
 acceptable preacher. [See (10) page 71.] 
 
 January 14th, 1798, Elder Enos Smith, the youngest son of Chileab Smith, 
 and brother of the former minister, was ordained pastor of this church, and 
 still continues in this relation, having now reached the 85th year of his age and 
 36th of his ministry. 
 
 In 1800 this society, embracing a portion of the southeastern section of 
 Buckland, obtained an act of incorporation. This church has, at different 
 periods, experienced seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. This 
 was particularly the fact during the winter of 183J, when considerable addi- 
 tions were made to their communion. The exact number of communicants 
 now belonging to this church I am not able to state. In the spring of 1831 it 
 was one hundred and six. Their first house of worship stood about fifty rods 
 north of Mr. Chileab Smith's. About two years since the society erected a 
 new and convenient meeting-house, about one-half of a mile to the east of this 
 spot. 
 
 This society, if not the oldest, is certainly among the oldest, of the Baptist 
 denominations in the western section of Massachusetts. It has always occu- 
 pied ground peculiarly its own, having never interfered with, that preoccupied 
 by others. Its church is venerable for its age; many in it have been raised 
 up for the Kingdom of Heaven. It is entitled to and, I doubt not, it receives, 
 the prayers of the people of God of every name around it, for its peace and 
 prosperity. 
 
 December 22d, 1762, the Proprietors gave a call to Mr. Jacob Sherwin to 
 settle with them in the work of the Gospel ministry. February 22d, 1763, a 
 Congregational church consisting of fifteen members was formed by an ecclesi- 
 astical council convened for the purpose, and on the following day Mr. Sherwin 
 was, by the same council, ordained its pastor. The Articles of Faith and 
 Covenant prepared by this council were consented to and signed by the fol- 
 lowing persons: Jacob Sherwin,- Thomas Phillips, Nathan Waite, Ebenezer 
 Belding, Timothy Lewis and Joseph Mitchell. 
 
 Mr. Sherwin's ministry in this place continued a little more than eleven 
 years and two months. Difficulties arising between him and his people, he
 
 289 
 
 was finally dismissed by an ecclesiastical council and recommended to the 
 confidence of the churches. During the ministry of Mr. S. eighty persons 
 were added to this church, including those who became members at the time 
 of its constitution. Forty-nine of these were admitted by profession and 
 thirty-one by letters of recommendation from sister churches. The ordinance 
 of baptism was administered to one hundred and nineteen persons. 
 
 Mr. Sherwin was born in Hebron, Conn., and was graduated at Yale Col- 
 lege in 1759. After his dismission from his pastoral charge he continued to 
 reside in the town, became a Justice of the Peace, the first that was honored 
 with this commission in the place, was elected clerk of the town for a number 
 of years, and also clerk of the proprietors, and occasionally officiated as one of 
 the Selectmen. Afterward he resumed the active duties of the ministry, 
 removed to Shaftesbury, Vt., where he was installed and, as far as it appears, 
 continued his labors until his decease. 
 
 December 22d, 1774, Rev. Nehemiah Porter was installed pastor of this 
 church and continued in this relation until his decease, February 29th, 1820, 
 aged 99 years and 1 1 months. During Mr. Porter's active labors, until the 
 settlement of his first colleague, it being about thirty-five years and a half,. 
 334 persons were admitted to the church 240 by profession and 94 by letter. 
 Eight hundred and fifty received the ordinance of baptism. During Mr. Por- 
 ter's ministry the church enjoyed several seasons of religious revival. In 1780* 
 a year distinguished in the annals of New England for the extraordinary 
 outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the churches there were numbers gath- 
 ered into the Church of Christ in this place; but more particularly in 1797-8,. 
 during which season of precious interest upwards of eighty were added to the 
 Congregational Church. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Porter was born in Ipswich, in this State, in 1720, just about 
 one century from the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, and lived to 
 witness the mighty events that signalized the revolution of almost an entire 
 century from that memorable period. He was graduated at Cambridge Col- 
 lege in 1745, and studied divinity with Prof. Wigglesworth, of that institution. 
 He was first settled at Chebosco, now Essex, in the County of Essex. After Vj * 
 his dismission from that place he removed with his family into the British Do- 
 minions, in New Brunswick, where he labored for a number of years in the 
 character of a missionary. From thence he came into this region and was 
 finally installed over this people in 1 774. 
 
 Mr. Porter was a man of active, energetic and commanding powers of 
 mind. He was favored with a vigorous constitution and an uncommon strength 
 and fullness of voice. His religious sentiments were those of the Reformation, 
 and his style of preaching, though somewhat redundant a characteristic of 
 the age was, nevertheless, energetic and impressive. During the War of 
 the Revolution, his support in a great measure failing, in consequence of the 
 severe pressure of the times, he obtained permission to join the army on the 
 Hudson River, in the capacity of chaplain. He was there during the conflict 
 with Burgoyne and the capture of the British army. That event, so propitious 
 to the American arms, he was wont to say was not the result of human might 
 or power, but by the arm of Jehovah of Hosts. During the heat of the battle 
 which decided the fate of Burgoyne's army Mr. Porter, being with a reserve of 
 men at a little distance from the scene of action, obtained permission of the
 
 290 
 
 officer to retire, with as many as were disposed, to a secluded spot at a little 
 distance, for the purpose of prayer, and, while in the full hearing of the tre- 
 mendous onset they were there calling upon the God of Armies to interpose 
 with His mighty arm in behalf of the cause of liberty and religion, the noise 
 of the battle died away aud the victory of our arms was decisive. Perhaps 
 there never was a contest since miraculous powers ceased, where the interpo- 
 sition of Heaven was more conspicuous, than in that which resulted in the 
 independence of these United States. 
 
 Mr. Porter lived far beyond the common lot of men. He did not wholly 
 cease from the labors of the ministry until he was over ninety years of age; 
 and, indeed, until the last month of his life he was able to conduct the devo- 
 tions of the family and to converse to the religious edification of his friends. 
 With long life he was satisfied. He came to his grave in full age. He was 
 gathered to his fathers like a shock of corn fully ripe in its season. [Rev. Mr. 
 Porter entered the pulpit of his church, and took part in the service, when in 
 the 100th year of his age. He was taken from his house and seated on a chair 
 placed on a "stone boat," was conveyed to the meeting house. Mr. Porter, 
 the present (1887) proprietor of the Ashfield Hotel, on the Plain, is a descend- 
 ant of his]. 
 
 Met. Alvin Sanderson, was installed colleague pastor with Rev. Mr. Por- 
 ter June 22d, 1808, and was dismissed at his own request, on account of 
 declining health January 3d, 1816, after an active and successful ministry of 
 seven years and six months. During this period sixty were added to the 
 church forty- one by profession, nineteen by letter; number of baptisms, 
 seventy -four. Mr. Sanderson was born in Deerrteld and graduated at 
 Williams College. Although his public ministry was short, yet it proved a 
 rich blessing to the people of his charge. His talents were of the active kind, 
 and, though he did not excel as a preacher, he was peculiarly qualified to do 
 good as a pastor in his daily intercourse with all classes. His labors were, 
 emphatically, in season and out of season. In the literary, moral aud religious 
 education of tne young he took a lively interest, and to promote this he 
 labored incessantly. The burden of duties which he took upon himself im- 
 paired his health, and the fatal blow was struck by an attempt to fill with his 
 voice the illy-constructed house of worship recently erected by his congrega- 
 tion. The effort to be heard in its high pulpit, and from beneath elevated 
 ceiling, produced an hemorrhage of the lungs and brought on a gradual 
 decline. In the meridian of life his sun went down. By the last acts of 
 his life Mr. Sanderson more fully developed the influence of that charity 
 which seeketh not her own, over his own heart. Having no family of his own 
 to provide for, the most of the property which he had acquired by his industry 
 and habits of economy he bequeathed to purposes of public learning and reli- 
 gion. The cause of foreign and domestic missions shared each a distinct legacy 
 in his will. To the society over which he had been settled he made a generous 
 donation as a permanent fund for the support of the ministry; and, lastly, the 
 academy which bears his name was originated and endowed, in his earnest 
 desire to do all in his power to improve the minds and hearts of the rising 
 generation in learning and piety. He fell asleep in Jesus June 22, 1817, in the 
 thirty-seventh year of his age. The memory of the just is blessed. The
 
 291 
 
 name of Alvan Sanderson will long be held in grateful remembrance by many 
 surviving members of his beloved flock. 
 
 After the dismission "of Mr. Sanderson the society continued destitute 
 of a pastor for more than three years. During this period it was greatly 
 afflicted with dissensions the trying question who should be its next minister 
 ha 1 well nis;h broken down its energies and prostrated its ability to sustain 
 the ordinances of the Gospel. And yet, even in these troublous times, the 
 Lord did not forget his covenant people. During this season of destitution a 
 revival took place which brought twenty into the fold of the Redeemer. 
 
 The writer of these sketches was ordained colleague pastor with Rev. Mr. 
 Porter, over this church and society, June 19, 1819, and continued in this 
 relation witn mutual harmony and confidence until May, 1833, when, in conse- 
 quence of feeble health and the hope of being more useful in a more active 
 sphere of ministerial labor, he was, at his own request, and by the kind con- 
 currence of his people, dismissed by a mutual council. He was born in Norton 
 and graduated at Brown University in 1813. During his ministry in this place, 
 which continued nearly fourteen year.s, three seasons of special revival were 
 enjoyed. The first was during the winter of 1821-2, when upwards of eighty 
 were added to the church; the second was in the winter of 1829 30, when 
 about the same number was added ; the third was in the autumn, when about 
 thirty-five were gathered into the visible fold of Christ. During the whole of 
 his ministry the number of admissions has been 274, all but thirty-two of 
 which have been by profession. The number of baptisms during the same 
 time were three hundred and five. From the origin of the Congregational 
 Church until the time of the writer's dismission, it being a little more than 
 seventy years, 766 have been admitted to its communion and the ordinance of 
 baptism administered to 1,405 persons. The number of living members at the 
 above date, in regular standing, was 290, of whom 104 were males and 186 
 females . 
 
 In May, 1833, Rev. Mason Grosvenor was installed pastor of this church 
 and society. Mr. Grosvenor was born in Pom fret, Conn., and graduated at 
 Yale College. Since the settlement of Mr. G. some additions have been made 
 to the church. May the Holy Spirit continue to descend upon it as rain upon 
 the mown grass, and many be added unto it from time to time, of such as shall 
 be saved. 
 
 The following brethren have officiated as deacons in this church in the 
 order in which their names are recorded, viz: Ebenezer Belding, Joshua Sher- 
 win, John Bement, Jonathan Taylor, John Porter, Enos Smith, Elijah Paine, 
 Samuel Bement, Daniel Williams, Jared Bement. Deacons Paine, Williams 
 and Jared Bement are still in office. 
 
 The first Congregational house of worship was built by the Proprietors. 
 The frame was set up on the hill west of the dwelling of Dimick Ellis, Esq., 
 but before it was covered it was takenjdown and set up on the southwest corner 
 of the old burying ground on the plain. The removal took place in ] 767. The 
 present house of worship was raised July, 1812, and occupied by the congrega- 
 tion in the autumn of 1813. May the glory of this latter house be greater than 
 that of the former. 
 
 In 1814 a second Baptist society was formed in this town, and a meeting- 
 house built on what is called the Flat, about one mile east of the Congregational
 
 292 
 
 Church. For a number of years Elder Loummus officiated as the minister of 
 this society. In 1820 Mr. L. removed into the State of New York. Since 
 then they have had the occasional labors of Rev. Orra Martin, from Bristol, 
 Conn., who resides in the town. This society shared in the revival of 1829-30, 
 when a church was organized with twenty-seven members. Their present 
 number, probably, does not vary much from what it was then. 
 
 In 1820 an Episcopal society was formed in this town, and in 1829 a neat 
 and commodious house erected and consecrated by the Bishop, by the name of 
 St. John's Church. The society has been supplied at different times by the 
 labors of Rev. Titus Strong, Rev. Lot Jones, Rev. William Withington, 
 Rev. Mr. Humphrey, and Rev. Silas Blaisdale, who now resides with them. 
 Their number of communicants in 1831 was about thirty. Their number has 
 probably increased since, but how many I have not the means of knowing. 
 
 During the four or five years past the Methodists have established a place 
 of worship, near the southeast corner of the town, and their circuit preachers 
 occasionally officiate in other parts of the town. They shared in the revival 
 of 1830. Their number of regular communicants I have no means of ascer- 
 taining. 
 
 Each of these religious societies sustains a Sabbath school, through a part 
 or all of the year, and has a library for the use of its scholars; that belonging 
 to the Congregational Society contains rising of 500 bound volumes. Among 
 these different denominations, mingled together throughout the town, a good 
 degree of harmony prevails. May the language of Abraham and Lot ever be 
 theirs: "Let there be no strife between me and thee, for we be brethren." 
 
 EDUCATION. 
 
 The General Court, as we have before noticed, in their original grant to 
 the proprietors, made express provision for the maintenance of common schools 
 by reserving one right for this object. In the wisdom of our fathers the cause 
 of education one of the main pillars of a republican government was not to be 
 overlooked in the early settlement of the country. The annual income of the 
 school lands is a little rising of one hundred dollars. To this an annual tax of 
 about six hundred dollars is added, and expended in thirteen districts, accord- 
 ing to the number of scholars in each. The whole sum thus expended averages 
 about one dollar annually to each scholar. The quantity of instruction in each 
 district varies according to the number of scholars; taken together it will aver- 
 age about six months to each district. Although the standard of common 
 education is not what it ought to be, and what it might be, in this town, yet 
 it has much improved during the last ten years, and is not now inferior, it is 
 believed, to what it is in other towns similarly situated in the Commonwealth. 
 The occasional establishment of select schools in the vicinity, and particularly 
 those sustained by Miss Mary Lyon, now of Ipswich, has done much to qualify 
 teachers for the more successful management of district schools. 
 
 After Rev. Mr. Sanderson had resigned the duties of the ministry, his 
 health remaining feeble, he prepared a building, one-half at his own expense, 
 and in the spring of 1816 opened a school for the instruction of youth of both 
 sexes in the higher branches of a useful education. Though soon interrupted 
 in his personal labors, yet at his decease he laid the foundation for a continued
 
 2 93 
 
 seminary for the promotion of learning, morality and religion in the rising 
 generation. In 1821 an act of incorporation was obtained under the name of 
 Sanderson Academy, and in the autumn of the same year it went into perma- 
 nent operation under the care of Mr. Abijah Cross, a graduate of Dartmouth 
 College. After Mr. C., followed successively in the labor of instruction, 
 Messrs. A. Converse and S. W. Clark, from Dartmouth College; Messrs. B. B. 
 Edwards, H. Flagg and R. C. Coffin, of Amherst College, and Rev. Silas 
 Blaisdale. For a number of years past, in consequence of the deficiency of its 
 funds, but more especially the want of the united patronage of the inhabitants 
 of the town, it has almost wholly ceased its operation. It is melancholy to 
 contemplate an institution founded in the prayers and charities of a man of 
 God, going to disuse and decay in the midst of a population greatly needing 
 its advantages, merely for the want of a little harmonious fostering care. 
 
 A social library containing about 175 well selected volumes, and yearly 
 increased by an annual tax of fifty cents upon each share, has been in operation 
 since 1815. During the continuance of the academy a debating society, and 
 afterwards a lyceum, were productive of much interest and profit to the young 
 people of the village. 
 
 TEMPERANCE. 
 
 The inhabitants of this town, in common with their fellow-citizens located 
 in a region of fruit and distilleries, have suffered much from the scourge of 
 intemperance. For years the wave of liquid fire rolled over those hills and 
 valleys, carrying disease and poverty and death in its trail, with scarcely an 
 obstacle to withstand its course. Many of the distilleries, first set up for the 
 distillation of mint, by a little additional expense of vats could be employed 
 for a part of the year in distilling cider. It is believed that for a number of 
 years there were as many as eight or ten of these magazines of destruction in 
 operation in the town. It was almost as much a matter of course for the 
 farmer to take his cider to the still and take home his stock of brandy for 
 family use, as it was for him to carry his grain to the mill and furnish the staff 
 of life for his household. But the times are changed the Spirit of the Lord 
 has lifted up a standard against the enemy of all righteousness. In the spring 
 
 of a society was formed on the principle of total abstinence, consisting at 
 
 first of twelve members. Many sober men were at first in doubt whether it 
 was not pressing the cause too far; farmers were people that they could not 
 hire their labor without the use of ardent spirits. But on further considera- 
 tion their difficulties vanished one after another; the members of the society 
 increased rapidly, until in the course of a few months rising of 600 names were 
 found in the temperance constitution. The enemies of the cause were alarmed; 
 they made every effort in their power to stay the work of reform; a strong 
 union between the lovers of strong drink, the lovers of the gain of it, and the 
 lovers of office, was formed, and showed itself at the polls and wherever any 
 attack could be made upon the friends of temperance. But still the good cause 
 could not be put down; opposition only served to strike its roots deeper into 
 the hearts of its friends; an efficient society was formed in the north section of 
 the town, whose fruits were soon manifest in the work of reform. The friends 
 of temperance of different religious denominations go hand in hand in the 
 cause; and, although one or two distilleries, and a few retailing stores and some
 
 294 
 
 temperate drinkers stand in the way, yet a purifying process is in progress 
 which will not stop until the whole town and region is reclaimed from the 
 cruel grasp of this common enemy of God and of man. 
 
 " Fly swift around, ye wheels of time, . 
 And bring the welcome day." p^ 
 
 PROFESSIONAL MEN. 
 
 The following persons, originally inhabitants of this town, have been edu- 
 cated at college, viz: Rev. Preserved Smith, graduated at Brown University 
 and settled in the ministry in Rowe; Rev. Freeman Sears, Williams College, 
 settled in Natick and deceased in 1812; Rev. Samuel Parker, Williams Col- 
 lege, residing in the State of New York; Frederick Howes, Esq., Cambridge 
 College, attorney at law in Salem; Francis Bassett, Esq., Cambridge College, 
 attorney at law in Boston; Rev. Elijah Paine, Jr., .Amherst College, formerly 
 settled in Claremont, N. H. ; Rev. William P. Paine, Amherst College, settled 
 in Holden; Rev. Charles Porter, Amherst College, settled in Gloucester; Re*-. 
 Morris White, Dartmouth College, settled in Southampton; Rev. William 
 Bement, Dartmouth College, eettled in Easthainpton ; Leonard Bement, Esq.,* 
 Union College, attorney at law, Albany, N. Y. ; Francis Gillett, Yale College, 
 attorney at law in Ohio; Rev. John Alden, Jr., Amherst College, principal of 
 Franklin Manual Labor School in Shelburn; Mr. Adell Harvey, Amherst 
 College, student in Divinity; Rev. Anson Dyer, not publicly educated, labor- 
 ing as an evangelist. Several young men are now in the process of a public 
 education. 
 
 Hon. Elijah Paine, a native of Hatfield, has been the only attorney at law 
 which has settled in this town until very recently. Mr. Paine has been a 
 member of the Senate of this Commonwealth and the Chief Justice of the Court 
 of Session in this county until the time of its dissolution. David Aiken, Esq., 
 has recently opened an office as attorney at law in this town. 
 
 The following regular authorized physicians have resided in this town in 
 the order in which their names occur: Moses Hayden, Phineas Bartlet, Francis 
 Mantor, David Dickinson, afterwards settled in the ministry in Plaintield, N. 
 H. ; Hon. Enos Smith, a graduate of Dartmouth College, once a member of the 
 Senate from Franklin County, now living in Granby; Rivera Nash, Green Hol- 
 lo way. Lee, Atherton Clark, now living in Cummington; William Hamilton, 
 now in Providence, R. I. ; Jared Bement, a native of this town; Charles Knowl- 
 ton. The last two are now practising physicians in the town. 
 
 COUNTY AND TOWN OFFICERS. 
 
 The following gentlemen have been commissioned Justices of the Peace 
 while residing in this town, viz: Jacob Sherwin, Philip Phillips, Ephraim 
 Williams, Elijah Paine, Enos Smith, Htnry Bassett, Thomas White, Levi 
 Cook, Dimick Ellis, James McFarland, Russell Bement, Chester Sanderson. 
 
 The following gentlemen have represented this town in the Legislature of 
 the Commonwealth, viz: C.ipt. Elisha Cranston, Dea. Jonathan Taylor, Benja- 
 
 *Judge Beinent removed to Grand Rapids, Mich., about 1850, where he died twenty to 
 twenty-five years later. He was a highly respected man.
 
 2 95 
 
 min Rogers, Chileab Smith, Wm. Williams, Esq., Philip Phillips, Esq., Ephraim 
 Williams, Esq., Hon. Elijah Paine, Henry Bassett, Esq., Thomas White, Esq., 
 Hon. Enos Smith, Capt. Bethuel Lilley, Levi Cook, Esq., Dimick Ellis, Esq., 
 Capt. Roswell Ranney, Dea. .Samuel Bement, Chester Sanderson, Esq., Jona- 
 than Sears, Seta Church, Anson Bement. 
 
 The following persons have served as Town Clerks, viz: Samuel Belding, 
 Benjamin Phillips, Jacob Sherwin, Esq., Dr. Phineas Bartlet, Dr. Francis 
 Mantor, Levi Cook, Esq., Hon. E. Paine, Capt. Selah Norton, Henry Bassett, 
 Esq., Lewis Williams, Hon. Enos Smith, Dimick Ellis, Esq., James McFarland, 
 Esq., Russell Bement, Esq., Wait Bement. 
 
 The following gentlemen have served as Town Treasurers, viz: Benjamin 
 Phillips, DayidAldenj Dr. Phineas Bartlet, Warren Green, Jr., Ephraim 
 Williams, Esq., Levi Cook, Esq., Hon. E. Paine, Charles Williams, Henry 
 Bassett, Esq. , Chester Sanderson, Esq. 
 
 The following gentlemen have served as Selectmen, viz: Ebenezer Beld 
 ing, Reuben Ellis, Nathan Chapin, Philip Phillips, Esq., Moses Fuller, Chileab ^J 
 Smith, Thomas Phillips, Samuel Belding, Dea. Jonathan Taylor, Aaron Lyon, 
 "Samuel Allen, Timothy Lewis, Isaac Shepard, Capt. Joshua Taylor, Peter 
 Cross, Dr. Bartlet, Jacob Sherwin, Esq., Dea. John Bement, Rowland Sears, 
 Warren Green, Jr., Uriah Goodwin, John Sherwin, Thomas Stocking, Benja- 
 min Rogers, Chileab Smith, John Ellis, Ephraim Williams, Esq., William 
 Flower, Philip Phillips, Esq., Capt. John Bennet, Lemuel Spurr, Abner Kel- 
 ley, Joshua Howes, Abiezer Perkins, HOD. E. Paine, Samuel Guilford, Ebene- 
 zer Smith, John Alden, Thomas White, Esq., Capt. Bethuel Lilley, Josiah 
 Drake, Chipman Smith, Nathaniel Holmes, Dimick Ellis, Esq., Capt. Roswell 
 Ranney, Jonathan Sears, Samuel Eldredge, Simeon Phillips, Sanford Boies, 
 Austin Lilley, Seth Church, George Hall, Capt. William Bassett. 
 
 CASUALTY. 
 
 In May, 1827, an event occurred near the center of this town of too signal 
 importance in its history to be omitted in these sketches. I refer to the acci- 
 dental drowning of five persons in the Pond west of the Plain. Their names 
 were Dea. David Lyon, a worthy man, aged 63, and his son, Aaron, aged 18, 
 Arnold Drake, aged 28, and two sons of Mr. Eli Gray, William and Robert, one 
 15, the other 13. These persons, attended by a few others, left their families 
 and friends on a beautiful morning in May, to follow their flocks to the place 
 of washing, under as fair a prospect of returning at evening as ever they went 
 out with in any previous morning in their lives; but, a'as! they were all 
 borne home lifeless corpses. In a tit of merriment, excited by a poisonous stim- 
 ulant which was then deemed a necessary appendage to the washing of sheep, 
 six of the company seated themselves in a log canoe, with two sheep, for the 
 purpose of a short sail. On reaching deep water, about eight or ten yards 
 from the shore, the canoe dipped water, filled and went under. Two of the 
 company the eldest son of Deacon Lyon and a boy dth the sheep, sprung 
 for the shore and reached it safely; Drake, Lyon and the young Grays imme- 
 diately sunk and disappeared. Dea. Lyon, from the shore seeing his son in 
 danger, sprang in to his assistance, but on stepping suddenly from shoal to 
 deep water immediately disappeared. It is remarkable that not one of them,
 
 296 
 
 after sinking the first time, ever rose again until their bodies were raised by 
 others. Alarm was immediately given by those from the bank, the people of th<: 
 village were soon on the spot and measures immediately set in operation to raise 
 their bodies. A young man dove and brought up Dea. Lyon, who had been 
 under perhaps fifteen minutes. They next succeeded in bringing up Drake, after 
 perhaps thirty minutes' immersion; next, the body of young Lyon; and last, 
 after being under about an hour, were brought up the bodies of the young 
 Grays locked in each other's arms. Measures for resuscitation were immedi- 
 ately commenced on the shore, and prosecuted after they were carried to the 
 house of Mr. Asa Sanderson for several hours, but all in vain; the vital spark 
 had fled, nor could it be recalled; not the least sign of reanimation appeared 
 in either of them. They were ensnared in an evil hour. In an unexpected 
 moment their souls were required of them. After all hope of recovering the 
 drowned persons was given up messengers were dispatched to carry the sad 
 tidings to the widows, children, parents, brothers and sisters of the deceased. 
 Soon the messengers returned, bringing with them the widows of Dea. Lyon 
 and Drake, and the daughter ot Dea. L., who was the stepmother of the young 
 Grays. The affecting scenes of that interview may in some faint measure be 
 imagined, but not described. On the following day the funeral of these five 
 corpses was attended in the presence of a large concourse of sympathizing 
 friends and strangers, at the late dwelling of Dea. Lyon. An appropriate dis- 
 course was preached on the occasion by Rev. Mr. Martin, from Eccles. ix. 12, 
 after which their remains were deposited in the graveyard by the Baptist meet- 
 ing-house, in the north part of the town. Who that witnessed any part of that 
 appalling scene can pass by the banks of that secluded pond without recalling 
 fresh to mind the events of that melancholy day? And who that ponders 
 upon the events of that day can think lightly of the Savior's exhortation: 
 " Watch, therefore, for ye know not the hour when the Son of Man cometh." 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Bat it is time to bring these sketches already, perhaps, too far protracted 
 to a close. Permit me then, my brethren and friends, with whom I have 
 besn permitted quietly to sojourn for a time, in conclusion to say: 
 
 It is now about ninety years since the voice of the civilized emigrant 
 first broke upon the silence of this, then lonely, wilderness. Three gen- 
 erations of men have come up and passed off the stage since your fathers 
 came hither. The lofty forests which then crowned these hills and valleys 
 have bowed to the power and industry of man, and given place to cultivated 
 fields and thriving villages. The haunts of wild beasts have been supplanted 
 by the abodes of civilized society. You of this generation roam securely over 
 vour fields, and sleep quietly on your beds, where once lurked in ambush the 
 merciless savage, and where your fathers toiled by day and lay down at night 
 with their arms by their side. This goodly heritage, with all its civil, literary 
 and religious blessings, purchased by their toils, privation and blood, you now 
 enjoy. God forbid that you should prove so ungrateful as to despise such a 
 birthright. Think not lightly, brethren and friends, of the talents committed 
 to your care. Ninety years to come, and where will most of you be ? Who 
 will occupy your possessions ">. Who will dwell in your houses, roam over your
 
 297 
 
 and through your valleys, and sit in your sanctuaries ? Who will break 
 the bread of life to the generations who are to come after you, and point the 
 dying sinner to the Lamb of God ? And what will be the character of the his- 
 tory which will fill up the intervening years ? These are questions of solemn 
 import, and the practical answer must be given by you of this generation. 
 God in mercy grant that you may so live, and train up your children, and so 
 aid in laying broad and deep and strong the foundations of knowledge, moral- 
 ity, religion and good government, that future generations, as they come to 
 reap the happy fruits of your labors, may rise up and call you blessed, as you 
 are permitted to do the memory of your fathers, now no more. 
 
 THOMAS SHEPARD. 
 
 NAME OF ASHFIELD. 
 
 The original forests of Ashfield contained a large proportion of White 
 and Black Ash trees, and it is thought that the name given the town, on its 
 incorporation, was thus suggested. 
 
 EA.RLY SETTLEMENT IN ASHFIELD. 
 
 The following item is from Mr. H. S. Ranney, of Ashfield. In perusing 
 the history of the township of Northfield I noticed the following statement: \s 
 " In 1739 Richard Ellis and his son, Reuben, built a dwelling-house (log hut) /> 
 .and broke up five or six acres of land in township No. 1 (Westminster), on the 
 west side of Connecticut river. Seth Tisdale and John Barney were with 
 them." 
 
 At the time named Northfield was the first town above Deerfield, and 
 Westminster about twenty miles above Northtield, in the State of Vermont. 
 So Richard Ellis and son did not come here (Ashfield) without experience in Y 
 roughing it." Richard Ellis' son Matthew was born in Easton in 1739, and 
 soon after he took his family to Deerfield, where their next child, John, was 
 born, in January, 1742. Most likely his family resided in Deerfield, while he 
 and Reuben were engaged in Westminster, and also for the first year or two 
 that they were making a start in Ashrteld. This must have been about 1742, 
 and it is well established that he was the first settler in that town. [See 
 .page ll.J 
 
 NOTE II.* 
 
 In the traditions of the Annable family, (Lieut. Edward Annable's wife, 
 Jemima Smith, was a granddaughter of Richard Ellis. See No. 38, page 92, ) 
 it was related of Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, " that his parents were Welsh, his 
 father being an officer under Cromwell, who overturned the English govern- 
 ment, which at that time was strongly Catholic. After the downfall of 
 Cromwell many of his adherents had to leave the country, among whom was 
 Officer Ellis, who fled to Ireland, where the son Richard was born." 
 
 *See page 10.
 
 It is hardly probable that such was the fact, so far as Richard's father 
 being an officer under Cromwell. 
 
 Oliver Cromwell, one of the most noted personages in English history, was 
 the son of a country gentleman, and was born in 1599. He was a strict Puri- 
 tan, a sect or class of people who desired a wide departure from both the 
 English and Roman Catholic churches. Charles I. was on the English throne 
 from 1625 to 1649, and he attempted to crush the Puritans. This created 
 civil war. Cromwell was a leader against Charles, and when the latter was 
 dethroned and beheaded, in 1649, Cromwell was elected head of the government 
 under the title of Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. Charles II., Prince 
 of Wales, was the rightful heir to the crown, but did not succeed in establish- 
 ing his cause until 1660, after Cromwell's death. The latter died in 1658, 
 when his son, Richard Cromwell, was at the head of the Commonwealth about 
 one year, when he abdicated. 
 
 Charles II. was then crowned and reigned until 1685. He died without 
 heirs, when his brother, James II., was crowned, and reigned until 1689. 
 James was a thorough Catholic, and through religious dissensions he was over 
 thrown, and William of Orange, a Holland Prince, was invited to the English 
 throne. Prince William was a leading Protestant, and he had married, in 
 1688, Mary, eldest daughter of King James II., just dethroned. They were 
 jointly crowned, as William and Mary, in 1689. Very soon thereafter war 
 arose between England and France, on account of the King of France, Louis 
 XIV., espousing the cause of James II. of England. This was called King 
 William's war, mentioned on page 277. The conflict extended to the American 
 Colonies, and led to the expedition against the Canadas by those who were 
 afterwards granted rights of land in Ashfield. In 1694 Mary died, and Wil- 
 liam was sole monarch of England. During the last quarter of the seventeenth 
 century was the bloodiest era in English history. Protestants and Catholics 
 were in constant strife. King William had many conflicts with James II. and 
 his supporters, who were trying to recover the throne. James was driven into 
 Ireland, whence he and many of his followers fled to France and never 
 returned. Celebrated among their battles were Boyne and Aughrim, Wil- 
 liam died in 1702, and, as he had no heirs, Anne, sister of Mary and daughter 
 of James II., became Queen. 
 
 In 1692 William and his army followed James into Ireland, and it is more 
 reasonable to believe that Officer Ellis (Richard's father) was connected with 
 him than that he was a soldier under Cromwell, whose career ended nearly 
 forty years before. 
 
 The account of Richard Ellis' boyhood, as given by Rev. Mr. Shepard, in 
 his Sketches of Ashfield (see page 278), does not differ materially from that 
 above, nor that on page 10, which the writer derived from those closely 
 related to Richard, and which may be taken as very nearly, if not exactly, the 
 true account of him. While he was born in Dublin, there is no doubt that his 
 father was Welsh. 
 
 COTEMPOKARY KVKXTS. 
 
 The history of the American Colonies was very closely related to that of 
 England and France, as each had their possessions on this side of the Atlantic.
 
 299 
 
 Hence when war arose between those great kingdoms it usually extended to- 
 these colonies. 
 
 After the death of King William (Prince of Orange) in 1702, Queen Anne 
 reigned until her death, in 1714. Then came George I. x who was on the 
 throne until 1727, when he was succeeded by his son, George 1 1., whose reign 
 lasted until 1760. During his reign the settlements in America were greatly 
 extended. Oglethorpe formed a colony in Georgia named in honor of the 
 King. Detroit and most of the region west of the Alleghanies was claimed by 
 the French. In 1755 Gen. Braddock, with an army of English regulars, 
 joined by many colonists, marched against the French, who had established a 
 fort at what is now Pittsburg, Pa. In this war the Indians joined the French 
 and led Braddock into an ambush, and would have destroyed his forces had it 
 not been for the aid rendered him by young Washington and his regiment of 
 Virginians. 
 
 At the same time, war between the English and their colonists on one 
 side, and the French and Indians on the other, was raging in New York and 
 New England. The French were not always able to restrain their Indian allies, 
 and many of the colonists were massacred. It was the imminent fear of this 
 which led the early settlers in Ashfield to abandon their possessions and go 
 to the older settlements, east of the Connecticut river, from 1755 to 1758. It 
 is said that at the beginning of this war the French possessions in America 
 exceeded the English twenty to one. In 1759 the English General, Wolfe, 
 captured Quebec; and all of Canada, including Detroit, fell into the hands of 
 the English. Peace followed, and quietness once more reigned over the colo- 
 nists, greatly to their rejoicing. 
 
 George II. died in 1760, and his son, George III., ascended the throne, 
 which he held until 1820, although for the last ten years of his life he became 
 imbecile, and his son, George IV., was at the head of the government as Prince 
 Regent. It was during the reign of George III. that the American colonists 
 had the long and desperate struggle for nearly eight years in which they 
 finally won their independence. It was during George III.'s time that the 
 Irish Parliament was abolished; which now, under the" leadership of Parnell 
 and Gladstone, is so earnestly sought to be restored. George III. was said to 
 have been pure, pious and honest, often mistaken in policy, but won the love 
 of the English people. It was by his arbitrary and overbearing acts, mainly, 
 which led his colonists in America to revolt in 1775 and declare their inde- 
 pendence. This same unwise course, also, was the cause of the last war of the 
 United States with England, in 1812. His son, George IV., was drunken and 
 profigate, although denominated by his favorites "the first gentleman in Eu- 
 rope." The present Prince of Wales, according to reports, is his counterpart 
 in most respects. His reign extended to 1830, when, on his death, having no 
 heirs, his brother, William IV., became King, for seven years, up to 1837. 
 During William's time negro slavery was abolished in all the British posses- 
 sions. The first railroad was constructed that from Liverpool to Manchester. 
 King William and the four Georges who preceded him were of the Hanover 
 family of Holland Princes. They were all more Dutch than English in their 
 tastes and nature. On William's death, in 1837, having no male heirs, the 
 crown fell to his niece, Victoria, the present (1887) Queen, who has just cele- 
 brated the fiftieth anniversary of her coronation. While Victoria is a woman
 
 of no marked talents, her reign has been a credit to her, and she commands 
 the love and respect of the English people in a high degree. 
 
 Although England is a noted and historic country, her climate is not the 
 most desirable, judging from telegraphic reports of the day on which this page 
 is written (October 13, 1887): "Snow storms, accompanied by thunder and 
 lightning, prevailed throughout England and Wales yesterday, and the country 
 roads in Wales are blocked with snow." It is probable that nothing in New 
 England equaled this at the date given. 
 
 *NOTE III. 
 
 As an illustration of the peculiar temper of Richard Ellis' master, during 
 his early years in this country, he related the following incident: On a time, 
 one of the daughters of his master accidentally broke her father's favorite 
 cider mug, and it was agreed that for a shilling Richard was to assume the 
 responsibility of the matter and take the expected flogging. When the dis- 
 covery was made, and the parent savagely asked the daughter who did it, she 
 silently pointed to Richard, who sat in the corner and who meekly nodded as- 
 sent. The master looked towards the boy and in fierce language said: "Ah, 
 you little Irish brat!" and then turned away. Richard missed the flogging, 
 and, in consequence, was refused the promised shilling. 
 
 EARLY SETTLERS IN NEW ENGLAND. 
 
 The Pilgrims originated in Scrooby, England, and were called "Separa- 
 tists," on account of their separating from the English church. In 1608, on 
 account of persecution, they emigrated to Amsterdam, in Holland, where, 
 from internal dissensions, there was another separation, and part of them went 
 to Leyden, in 1609, twenty miles distant. The penalty in England for sepa- 
 ration was banishment; and yet, when they attempted to leave England they 
 were arrested and detained several months, as it was supposed that they 
 intended to leave for the Colony of Virginia, where none could go without 
 a royal license. 
 
 In 1620 the Separatists, then called "Pilgrims," had increased in Holland 
 to about 300 persons, when they resolved to find a larger field for their opera- 
 tions. In 1620 one hundred and two set sail in the Mayflower for New Eng- 
 land, where they landed at midwinter in Plymouth, after a passage of sixty- 
 six days. The balance came over in the Fortune in 1621, the James and Anne 
 in 1623, and the Handmaid in 1630. 
 
 The Mayflower landed at Plymouth, in Cape Cod harbor, in December, 
 1620, with 102 persons. During that mouth six died, and eight more in Jan- 
 uary, seventeen in February and thirteen in M arch . Within the first year fifty 
 deaths had occurred. It was in the face of such discouragements that the 
 Pilgrims made their home in the New World. 
 
 These noble men and women, exiles from their native land, braved the 
 ocean's storms in winter on a small vessel of 250 tons. It was known that 
 
 * Seepage 10.
 
 3 oi 
 
 they intended making their settlement at New Amsterdam, near what is now 
 New York city. Historians have never been able to decide as to why they 
 landed at Cape Cod, unless it was from an error in the calculations of the nav- 
 igator. After resting here a few days they attempted to round the cape and 
 go further south, towards New York or Virginia, as the whole coast was 
 then called; but the storm drove them back and they were glad to make a final 
 landing. 
 
 From their settlement on the rock-bound shores of New England has 
 grown out the greatest consequences ever recorded in the world's history. 
 Before their time true liberty was unknown in the world. The name and 
 fame of the "Pilgrims" will deservedly go down the ages as the brightest 
 ever known to mankind. 
 
 MILES STANDISH, born about 1586, and his wife Rose, came over in 
 the Mayflower in 1620. His wife died the next month, and he himself, in 
 Duxbury, in 1656. Tradition says that he sought to marry Priscilla Mullens 
 for a second wife, but was defeated in this by his rival, John Alden. How- 
 ever, he married Barbara, who came over in the Ann in 1623, and had Alexan- 
 der, Miles, Josiah, Charles, Lorah and John. 
 
 ALEXANDER married Sarah, daughter of John and Priscilla Mutten& 
 Alden, and had Miles, Ebenezer (1672); Lorah, Lydia, Mercy, Sarah, Eliza- 
 beth, Thomas, Desire, Ichabod and David. 
 
 Descendants of both these Alden and Standish families settled in Ashfield 
 and have intermarried with the descendents of Richard Ellis. 
 
 JOHN ALDENj celebrated in the history of the Plymouth Colony, came 
 over in the Mayflower in 1620. In 1623 he married Priscilla Mullens, and 
 their children were John, Joseph, David, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ruth, 
 and Mary. 
 
 He died in Duxbury in 1687, and his wife Priscilla about 1650. That 
 John Alden and Miles Standish and their families were ever on pleasant terms, 
 notwithstanding the episode of which LongfelJow has mz\de them immortal, 
 may be presumed from the intermarriage of their chileren, Alexander Standish 
 and Sarah Alden. Later generations of these families intermarried with sev- 
 eral of the Ellises of Plymouth and Barnstable counties, and also with V 
 descendants of Richard Ellis, of Ashfield. (See pages 90 and 96.) 
 
 STORIES OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. 
 
 On one occasion a settler had the misfortune to cut his foot badly. His 
 wife was alone with him, and it was not prudent to leave him to seek the 
 assistance of neighbors, but her ingenuity was equal to the emergency, and help 
 soon arrived. The ingenious expedient she adopted was to tie some bloody 
 cloths around the neck of their horse and start him on the trail towards the 
 nearest neighbor. The animal speedily went through to where he was well 
 known. The gory emblem told the story of distress, and no time was lost in 
 rendering the desired aid. 
 
 A settler, hearing his cowbell ring in a peculiar manner, suspected the 
 presence of Indians. The bell would be rung violently for a few strokes and 
 then all would be still. The settler took his gun, and by going out in a circu-
 
 302 
 
 itous route he discovered an Indian watching in the direction of his home. As 
 a matter of course, the settler got the first shot. The Indian escaped, but 
 left a trail of blood for some distance, whence it was supposed he was helped 
 away by his companions, as it was known that the Indians had a great dread 
 of their dead falling into the hands of enemies. 
 
 OLD KOAD TO Ht XTSTOWN. 
 
 Mr. F. G. Howes has copied from the records of Old Hampshire County 
 the minutes of a road to Huntstown which reads thus: " Road to If untstown 
 laid out in 1754. \Ve met at Deerfield, began at the east path, south from 
 the top of Long Hill, which leadeth out to the old sawmill, and in said path 
 until it comes to the path turning out northerly, commonly called Huntstown 
 road, and on said road as it was marked by the town of Huntstown, and'now 
 commonly traveled, until it comes nnto the west side of Deerfield bounds, and 
 from thence in the northern road unto Thomas Phillips' house in Huntstown, 
 and from thence as the road now goes to the west side of said Phillips' lot, 
 and from thence in a straight line to Richard Ellis' new house, from thence as 
 the path now goes unto Meeting-House Hill [Bellows Hill], unto a beech tree 
 with stones around it, near Heber's fence, the whole road to be ten rods wide." 
 
 LAND SOLD BY RICHARD ELLIS, 1751. 
 
 No. 1. Warranty deed by which Richard Ellis conveyed fifty acres of land 
 in Ashtield to his eldest son, Reuben, in 1751. The same being the 56th lot 
 or " Right." 
 
 Know all men by these Presents, that I, Richard Ellis, of Hunts Town, 
 so CalTd, in ye County of Hampshire, in his Majesty's Province of the Massa- 
 chusetts Bay in New England, for and in consideration of Twenty pounds 
 Lawful money, To me in hand before Sealing and Delivering hereof, well and 
 truly Paid by Reuben Ellis of Sunderland in ye County and Province afore- 
 said, the Rec't w'rof I do hereby acknowledge, Have Given, Granted, Bar- 
 gained, Sold and Confirmed, and by these Presents Do Give, Grant, Bargain, 
 Sell, make over and Confirm unto him the s'd Reuben Ellis, his Heirs and 
 Assigns, A Certain Lot of Land Lying and Being in ye Township of Hunts 
 Town Afore S'd, and is the fifty-sixth Lot in Number known by the name of 
 fifty acre Rights: To Have and To Hold the s'd Grante I and Bargained prem- 
 ises with the Privileges and Appurtenances Including, but Half of the after 
 Draughts belonging or may hereafter be drawn upon S'd Lot and No more: 
 and he the S'd Reuben Ellis Doth by these Presents Promise to pay to his 
 Brethren when they come of age the Sum of Thirteen pound Six S trillings and 
 Eight pence of Lawful money in Dollars* at Six Shillings apiece: and I the 
 said Richard Ellis, for my Self, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, Do 
 hereby Promise and Covenant all and Every the S'd Granted and Bargained 
 
 The Dollar was originally a German coin, which is said to have been tint coined at a 
 .town called Dale.
 
 33 
 
 premises unto hioi ye S'd Reuben Ellia his Heirs, Executors and Administra- 
 tors Against the Lawful Claims and Demands of any Person or Persons What- 
 soever for Ever hereafter to Warrant and Defend. 
 
 In Witness W'r of I the S'd Richard Ellis have hereunto set my hand 
 and affixed my Seal this Twenty-fifth Day of Decem'r, Anno Dom. 1751, and 
 in ye Twenty-fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Sec- 
 ond of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, &c. 
 
 RICHARD ELLIS. [SEAL.] 
 Signed, Sealed and Delivered 
 in Presence of us, 
 ISAAC HUBBARD, 
 SIMEON SCOTT. 
 
 HAMPSHIRE, ss., April ye '27, 1702. Tnen Richard Ellis appeared and 
 acknowledged the above Instrument to be his free act and deed. 
 
 ELIJAH WILLIAMS, 
 
 Justice of the Peace. 
 HAMPSH'R, ss. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD, May 14, 1765. 
 Rec'd and Recorded in Libr. 6, folio 3. and Examin'd, 
 
 Per EDW'D PYXCHOX, Regr. 
 
 LAND BOUGHT BY RICHARD ELLIS, 1T53. 
 
 No. 2. To All People to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting: 
 Know ye that I Joseph Melton of Hull in the County of Suffolk in Xew Eng- 
 land, yeoman, For and in Consideration of the sum of five pounds to him 
 in hand before the ensealing hereof, well and truly paid by Richard Ellis 
 of Huntstown in ye County of Hampshire and Province of ye Massachusetts 
 Bay in Xew England, yeoman, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge 
 and my self therewith fully satisfied and contented, and thereof and of every 
 part and parcel thereof, have given, granted, sold, conveyed and confirmed 
 unto him the said Richard Ellis, his heirs and assigns forever, one single lot 
 of land, excluding all other lands, lying and being in the Township of Hunts- 
 town in the County of Hampshire in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay 
 aforesaid, being Xumber Seven containing fifty acres be it more or less, it 
 being a house lot and no other lands or Rights but that only. * In 
 
 witness hereof I now set my hand and seal ye first day of March in the year 
 1753 and in the twenty-sixth year of his Majesty's Reign George the Second. 
 
 JOSEPH MELTON. 
 
 CALEB LORING, 
 
 JOSEPH MELTON, JR., 
 
 Witnesses. 
 
 No. 3. December 6th, 1782, Reuben Ellis deeded to John Ellis 50 acres, 
 being the north half of lot Xo. 53, in the third division of house lot Xo. 9. 
 
 No. 4. October 27th, 1790, Xathaniel Beale, of Braintree, sold to John 
 Ellis and Edward Annable, lot Xo. 12, in the secind division, containing 100 
 
 *This Simeon Scott was probably Reuben Ellis' brother-in-law. 
 
 -
 
 34 
 
 acres by estimate, bounded south by George Ranney, northerly by Seth Waite 
 and John Sherwin. Consideration, 200 pounds. 
 
 Xo. 5. January 25th, 1798, Barnabas Annable sold to John Ellis about, 
 seven acres of Land, being a part of lots Nos. 12 and 13, lying on the north 
 side of highway, by which it is bounded, the north sjde of the same piece of 
 land is the land of Philip Phillips and John Ellis' bounds, excepting the 
 dwelling-house now on it, which I engage to move off. Consideration, S200. 
 
 April 23d, 1763, Nathaniel Gunn, and Hannah Gunn, his wife, sold to 
 John Ellis fifty acres. [This was probably the old Ellis homestead, where John, 
 Jr., Edward and Dimick were born.] 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 
 
 The following are extracts from a pamphlet entitled " Historical Sketches 
 of the Times and Men in Ashfield, Mass., during the Revolutionary War;" 
 by Barnabas Howes, Esq.* 
 
 " The year 1777 was a peculiarly dark and trying one to that part of the 
 inhabitants of Ashfield who were patriotic. Prominent men did not disguise 
 their sympathy with the British government, and the year before three men 
 soldiers from Ashtield had fallen in the Battle of Long Island. The armies 
 of Howe and Burgoyne were driving the Americans before them at almost 
 every point. It is therefore an interesting inquiry: What did our fathers do? 
 The historical account which has come to us gives the answer. They put 
 forth vigorous efforts and offered earnest prayer to the God of Heaven for 
 providential aid. I have often heard how, when a messenger came, on the 
 16th of August, to call for soldiers from that town he found men at the old 
 meeting-house with their guns, ready to go promptly on to the army. 
 
 Mr. Stocking had nine men to guard in his house because of their Tory 
 sympathy. Not only soldiers went on; their minister went as chaplain. The 
 Rev. Nehemiah Porter left Ashfield soon after August 16th, and did not return 
 until after the surrender of Burgoyne. His serving as chaplain in Gen. Gates' 
 army is the great historical event of Ashfield. He was at the front at Saratoga, 
 Fort Stanwix and Bennington. 
 
 Mr. Porter, in the darkest hours of our country, when men's hearts were 
 failing them for fear, and when five Congregational clergymen in what is now 
 Franklin county were Tories, went on to serve as chaplain in Gates' army. 
 And, so far as we can learn, no other clergymen of any denomination offered 
 to serve in that capacity in his army. The men of Ashfield were fully im- 
 pressed with the doctrine that " all men were created free and equal." 1 have 
 what I deem reliable information that the Rev. Jacob Sherwin, the Congrega- 
 tional minister in our town, owned a slave, and for his treatment of her he 
 was dismissed from the ministerial office. 
 
 Of the other years, and of the other men who served in the Revolutionary 
 war from our town, my space will require me to be brief and only relate the 
 most interesting incidents. Their names were : 
 
 *A work of 22 pages, published in 1883; price twenty-five cents. Address the author, 
 Ashfield, Mass.
 
 35 
 
 Moses Smith, Sr., killed; Moses Smith, Jr., killed; Cornelius Warren, 
 killed; Timothy Perkins, Jonathan Taylor, Jr., Zachariah Howes, Elisha Par- 
 ker, John Ward, Samuel Guilford, Joseph Bishop, Samuel Burton, Jonathan 
 Lyon, lost an arm; Elder Enos Smith (youngest son of Chileab Smith, Sr.), 
 Jonathan Lilly, Spencer Phillips [see page 112], Sylvester Phillips, Timo- 
 thy Warren, Bethuel Lilly, Caleb Ward, Lieut. Edward Annable [see page 92]- , 
 John Belding [father of Tiberias Belding, page 169], John Alden. died; Joel ' 
 Cranston, died; Ebenezer Cranston, died; Henry Rogers, died; Josiah Fuller, 
 Capt. Asa Cranston, Dea. John Bement, Phineas Bement, Robert Gray. 
 
 [To these may be added the names of Lieut. John Ellis (15), David Ellis, 
 Sr. (32), Richard Ellis (29), Benjamin Ellis (22), and probably others.] 
 
 Twelve young men who served in the Revolutionary war settled in Ash- 
 field, before it closed or soon after. Their names were as follows: 
 
 Lot Bassett, Stephen Warren, Solomon Hill, Caleb Church. Joseph Gur- 
 ney, Laban Stetson, Caleb Packard, Ezekiel Taylor, David Vincent, Jonathan 
 Sears, Calvin Maynard, Timothy Catlin, Zebina Leonard, Benjamin Shaw. 
 
 [Mr. Howes here follows with a short sketch of each of the above.] 
 
 ASHFIELD MOUNTAIN. 
 
 " There are many rare sights among the Green Mountains, one of which is 
 Peter's Hill, the highest point on Ashfield Mountain. From this point an 
 extensive view can be had, looking over into Vermont and New Hampshire, 
 as well as a large extent of Massachusetts. The top of the mountain is a level 
 plain for some distance. Old Peter had a lot of land and a home there, which 
 gave the mountain its name. It is said that Peter was captured by slave 
 traders in Africa, when he was a boy, and brought to New England. He was 
 said to have been owned by Dr. Bartlett's father, and Dr. Bartlett called him 
 a brother and said he seemed like a brother. He was liberated during the V 
 Revolution, and lived and died in peace, on the mountain which derived its 
 name from him." 
 
 In 1887 Mr. Barnabas Howes published another work, of 20 pages, enti- 
 tled " History of the Town of Ashfield;" same price as above 25 cents. The 
 following is copied from Mr. Howes' pamphlet: 
 
 ASHFIELD, May 14th, 1777. 
 
 Received of the Selectmen of Ashfield, for mileages from Ashfield to 
 Ticonderoga, the sum of twenty-six shillings and eight pence per man: Vr* <S tt*. JT-* 
 Lieut. John Ellis [see page 76], Ezekiel Taylor, Zebulon Bryant, 
 Eliphalet Lindsay, Stephen Graves, Stephen Cross, Elisha 
 Smith, Asa Wait, Daniel Mills*; Barnabas Alden, Sr., Jasper 
 Taylor, Abner Kelley, Elisha Howes, Zachariah Howes, 
 Johnson Pelton, Bezar Benton, Nathan Cook, Preserved 
 Smith [see page 90,] Lamrock Flower, [father of Mrs. David] 
 Ellis, Jr. see page 154]. Jk#v*4,j pki^-tf** q~T -~ 
 On August 16th, the same year, five more men left Ashfield for the army, 
 then at Saratoga Dea. Jonathan Taylor; his son, Henry Taylor; Joseph War- 
 ren, Nathan Chapin and Elisha Parker. " 
 
 \jJL ~4ii<iL<dt* 
 I
 
 306 
 
 LATER TEARS OF RICHARD ELLIS' LIFE. 
 
 About the close of the Revolution Richard Ellis returned from Colerain to 
 Ashfield, where he lived the balance of his days, with his son, Lieut. John 
 Ellis, and his grandchildren. The latter consisted of Richard and David Ellis 
 {sons of Reuben), and Jemima Smith Amiable, wife of Lieut. Edward Annable. 
 Jemima was a daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Smith and his wife, Remember Ellis 
 (Richard's daughter. See page 71). 
 
 It is probable that Richard's ashery and mercantile business in Colerain 
 had not proven a success; at least, not sufficient to have given him a compe- 
 tency _for the remaining years of his life. The disorder and instability of all 
 business pursuits, consequent upon the prolonged war for independence, would 
 account for this. Hence his return to his children and grandchildren in Ash- 
 field, to pass his remaining years in quietude with them. 
 
 It is apparent that they formed an agreement among themselves to pro- 
 vide for him a home, and at the same time leave him in perfect freedom to 
 pass his time among them or others, and come and go at his pleasure. Ac- 
 cording to this agreement each one rendered his account at stated times and 
 was allowed by the others due compensation therefor. They associated 
 together under the name of "The Brethren," evidence of which is found 
 among their accounts of the time, one of which is as follows: 
 
 . d. 
 July ye 6, 1790. The Brethren Dr. to keeping Father Ellis four 
 
 weeks *1 
 
 To 4 weeks' and 2 days' keeping *1 
 
 " 8 weeks' keeping by Edward Annable 2 
 
 Oct. 
 
 2, " 
 
 Feb. 
 
 26, 1791. 
 
 Aug. 
 
 10, /' 
 
 Jtan. 
 
 2, 1792. 
 
 Jan. 
 
 27, " 
 
 Oct. 
 
 13, " 
 
 Apr. 
 
 3, 1793. 
 
 Sept. 
 
 25, " 
 
 Mar. 
 
 5, 1794. 
 
 8 " *2 
 
 8 " " by David Ellis 2 
 
 8 " board *2 
 
 8 " " by Richard Ellis 1 
 
 8 " " *2 
 
 8 " " by Richard Ellis 
 
 8 " " by David Ellis 
 
 " Squire Phillips, for charges tO : 12 : 
 
 EARLY RESIDENTS OF COLERAIN. 
 
 Names of persons in Colerain, Mass., and adjoining towns, with whom 
 Richard Ellis transacted business from 1764 up to the Revolutionary war, as 
 taken from his journal or ledger: 
 
 Colerain, Mass. : William Sever, Nathan Smith, Samuel Ayre, John Hul- 
 burt, Charles Stewart, James Stewart, Samuel Stewart, Alexander Harronn, 
 Thomas McGee, George Clark, Archibald Lawson, Daniel Donnelson, Sarah 
 Fulton, Robert Fulton, James Lukes, Ann McCreles, John Harroun, Joseph 
 
 *These charges were evidently for times when Richard was at his son's, John 
 Ellis. 
 
 t This was a charge for something which Squire Phillips had done for Richard. Squire 
 Phillips (Lieut. Philip Phillips) was a son of Thomas Phillips, ST., the second settler in Ash- 
 field, and was a nephew of Richard's wife, Jane Phillips Ellis.
 
 37 
 
 McClures, John Anderson, Curtis Clements, Nathan Oaks, Robert Willson, 
 Hannah Murdock, James Wallace, John Sennate, Joseph Bell, Silas White, 
 John Clark, Benjamin Henry, Mary McGlaughlen, James Kennady, Hezekiah 
 Smith, Thomas Fox, Elizabeth Newman, Evan Evans (Hugh Smith, of Palmer, 
 engaged to pay this account, before Wm. Stewart,, of Colerain), John Stewart, 
 James Harkness, Abram Pennell, William "McCreles the 2nd, John Cochran, 
 Jr., Dea. Cochran, Hugh Riddle, Thomas Morris, James Clark, Jr., William 
 Wilson, John Mills, John Moore, Abner Newton, John Bolton, Robert Riddle, 
 1st, Robert Riddle, 2nd, Tennet Stewart, Andrew Lukes, William McCreles, 
 1st, Jonathan Wilson, Lydia Stewart, Deacon Riddle, Robert Pennell, Jacob 
 Maquaid, Joseph Thompson, Hugh McClallen, Samuel Morrison, Alexander 
 Thompson, John Morrison, John Stewart, 2nd, William Stewart the 1st, Wil- 
 liam Clark the 1st, Joseph McKown, John Workman, Hugh Bolton, Jr., 
 Isaac Orr, Benjamin Hun, Thomas Anderson, Joseph Stewart, Nancy Wallace, 
 John Wallace, Abraham Peck, Nathaniel Cornwell, Capt. Hugh Morrison, 
 Samuel Stewart the 1st, William Clark the 2nd (son of Alexander Clark, of 
 Colerain;, Joseph McCluer, William Henry, Robert Cochran, Widow Sarah 
 McCreles, John Sennate, John McCreels, Samuel Willson, James Clark, David 
 Harroun [Charles S. D. Harroun, Esq., of Greenville, Mich., is a descendant 
 of the Colerain Harrouns], Elisha Smalley, Robert Crosier, Ebenezer Fisk, 
 Caleb Allen, Catharine Mills, Eunice Harroun, David Rich, Elisha Prat, Mat- 
 thew Bolton, Martha Lukes, John Thompson, James Thompson, Thomas Cro- 
 foot, John May waters, Stephen Tones, David Smead, Abraham Shin, Nathan 
 Davis, Nathan Williams, William Gait, James Bell, James Carr, Silas Her- 
 rington, Hugh McGill, David Mores, John Rugg, Robert Miller, Daniel Brace, 
 Daniel Crace, William Stewart, Watson Freeman, Thomas Fox, Samuel Fisk, 
 Thomas Mores. 
 
 Greenfield, Mass. ; Samuel Hinsdale, Daniel Nash, Matthew Severance, 
 Amos Allen, Matthew Clark, Ezekiel Brown. 
 
 Halifax, Vt. : John Crosier, Samuel Clark, William Henderson, Robert 
 Pattison, Jeremiah Reed, Abner Rich, Dea. John Pennell, David Bartlett, Sol- 
 omon Bartlett, James Hamilton, John Clark, James Taylor. 
 
 Deerfield, Mass. : John Henry, Samuel Hunter, Alexander Clark. 
 
 * CUBKENCY AND PBICES OF COLONIAL TIM ES. 
 
 Specimens of accounts taken from Richard Ellis' ledger while he kept a \/- 
 country store in Colerain. That the currency of those times was greatly 
 depreciated is apparent from the high prices of all commodities. 
 
 * In 1743 Massachusetts proposed to the other New England colonies to appoint commis- 
 sioners to agree on joint action for doing away with colonial bills. They refused to do so. 
 Money was now scarce as ever again, the better kinds being hoarded, and only the worst 
 paper of all the colonies circulating in any. The Governor of Massachusetts, in 1744, said 
 that of ^00,000 Rhode Island bills in circulation 380,000 were in Massachusetts. The peo- 
 ple of the latter colony had lost 25,000 on this sum in nine months. The Governor now 
 took it into his head to capture Louisbourg, on Cape Breton, from the French, and the New 
 England colonies joined in the enterprise, issuing bills as they were needed to prepare for 
 the expedition. The paper issues of Massachusetts alone amounted to 2,466,712. Louis- 
 bourg was captured and Parliament voted to ransom it from the colonies. The sum cominj
 
 3 o8 
 
 1765. 
 Jan. 24. 
 
 August, 1767. 
 it <i 
 
 1765. 
 Jan. 
 
 AMOS ALLEN, or GREENFIELD, 
 To RICHARD 
 Tolaxe 
 " 1,000 of pins . 
 Credit by '2 bushels of lime 
 " by cash 
 
 JAMES STEWART 
 Tojlb. tea 
 
 ELLIS, 
 
 ,, 1 
 2 
 
 .2 
 .. 
 6s. Od. 
 6 
 
 
 .... 
 
 DR. 
 12s. 6d. 
 14 
 
 DR. 
 
 8. d. 
 
 18 
 
 April. 
 
 " 1 broad hoe 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 13 
 
 y 
 
 it 
 
 " 8 jacket buttons and 1 thimble 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 Aug. 
 
 ' 1 cake of soap 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 Oct. 
 
 ' ' 4 ounces of tea 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 3 
 
 Nov. 
 
 " 10 jack knife 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 ii 
 
 " 101 gals, and 1 quart of rum, 
 
 at 20s per gal. 
 
 101 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 CREDITS. 
 
 
 
 8. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 
 
 Feb. 1765. 
 
 By 3 days posting books 
 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 : 6 
 
 
 
 
 " 26, 
 
 " 3 bushels of ashes 
 
 . : 
 
 13 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 April 2, 
 
 " 1 day posting books 
 
 . : 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sept. 
 
 " 2 Ibs. butter 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 : 
 
 
 
 
 Dec. 
 
 " 4 bushels of ashes 
 
 . : 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SILAS WHITE* 
 
 
 
 
 
 DR. 
 
 
 1765. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 d. 
 
 May. 
 
 To 1 spelling book 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 : 10 
 
 : 
 
 it 
 
 ' ' 1 ivory comb 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 : 9 
 
 : 
 
 " 
 
 " 1 horn comb 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 : 3 
 
 : 9 
 
 " 
 
 " 1 paper of pins 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 : 7 
 
 : 
 
 to Massachusetts was 188,649 sterling, and at the request of the colony this was shipped in 
 silver dollars and copper coins. With this hard money the inflated paper currency of the 
 colony was canceled at the rate of one pound of the former to eleven pounds of the latter 
 apparently the ruling exchange at that dale. The silver remained in circulation for several 
 years and trade revived steadily and rapidly. [Cape Breton, mentioned ai ove, is an Island 
 between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.] 
 
 In 1751 Parliament forbade any more legal tender paper issues, and allowed no issue 
 save in the form of exchequer bills redeemable by taxes in a year, bearing interest ; or, in 
 case of war, similar issues redeemable in four years. The colonies set about retiring their 
 old issues, but the war with France in 1756 involved them again in war expenses, and large 
 amounts of bills of small denominations were issued. In 1762 gold was made a legal tender 
 by weight at the rate of two and a half pence per grain. At this rate it was more profitable 
 to pay in gold than in silver, and the latter was soon driven out of circulation, while paper 
 money was depreciated five per cent. In 1767 the agitation was renewed for a new issue of 
 paper money. The paper currency of Vermont appears to have been much more depreciated 
 than that of Massachusetts, and this must have had its effect on prices in towns near the 
 border. The colonial money was of all denominations. We have before us a bill issued at 
 Hartford, Conn., in 1777. Its face value is fourpence, and it is about four times as large a* 
 a postage stamp. At the time of its issue the paper of Connecticut was inflated after the 
 manner of the later Confederate scrip, worth, perhaps, ten per cent, in gold. At this rate it 
 would take about thirty of these Hartford bills to pay for a dozen of eggs. Like the late 
 Confederate, the old Connecticut patriot might carry his money to the store in a basket and 
 carry his egg home in his pocket. {From Prof. Summer's "History of American Currency." 
 
 *It is probable that Silas White was a shoemaker, as among his credits, Feb., 1767, i* 
 " one pair of shoes," and " mending a pair of shoes."
 
 39 
 
 s. d. 
 
 Nov. To 1 quart of rum 6:6 
 
 Oct. 1766. " 2 quarts of rum 
 
 " 1 bushel of salt 2 
 
 March, 1 769. " Caleb going to Greenfield 
 
 " Caleb driving plow 
 
 14 : 
 8 . 
 7 : 6 
 7 : 6 
 : 
 
 " My cattle going to Sunderland 
 
 [This account was not settled'until the following date:] " 1785, Jan. ye 10. 
 Then reckoned with Silas White and balanced accounts from the beginning of 
 the world to this day, as witness my hand. RICHARD ELLIS." 
 
 EUNICE HARROUN DR. 
 
 1765. s. d. 
 
 Jan. To 4 china plates 1 : 14 : 6 
 
 CREDIT. 
 June, 1765. By sugar 
 
 JOHN WALLACE DR. 
 
 1764. s. d. 
 Dec. To 1 paper of pins 0: 7 :6 
 
 " "1 pair of shears : 7 :6 
 
 April. " 1 cake of soap : 6:6 
 
 Nov. " 1 axe 2 : 12 : 6 
 
 Apr. 1769. "3 days, Caleb and oxen 3: 0:0 
 
 WILLIAM CLARK, THE FIRST, DR. 
 
 1765. s. d. 
 
 Jan. To 1,000 pins 
 
 July. "SOOnails* 1 
 
 Oct. " 1 gallon of rum 1 
 
 Nov. 1767. " stoning your well 1 
 
 Jan. 1768. " Matthew.f one day at ye well 
 
 ' ' 1 pair of garters 
 
 " " cutting rail cuts by Matthew 
 
 HANNAH MURDOCH DR. 
 
 1765. *. d. 
 
 Feb. To china cup and saucer , : 15 : 
 
 " 2 ditto 1 : 10 : 
 
 " 10 yards of plaid 10: 0:0 
 
 " " yard ribbon 0: 9:0 
 
 CREDIT. 
 
 1765. *. d. 
 
 Jan. 20. By 2 pair of stockings 1 : 15 : 
 
 " 5 yards of tow cloth 3 : 15 : 
 
 * Nails were made by hand and sold by the piece for fifty years after this date, 
 t Richard's son, Matthew Ellis. See (13) page 260.
 
 3 io 
 
 1781. 
 
 JOHN STKWAHT, 2ND. 
 
 DR. 
 
 d. 
 
 Oct. 
 
 it 
 
 Nor. 
 Mar. 1766. 
 Oct. 
 
 1764. 
 
 Feb. 1765. 
 Oct. 
 Jan. 1766. 
 May. 
 May, 1769. 
 
 1766. 
 Feb. 
 
 June. 
 July, 17S6. 
 
 
 1766. 
 July, 1766. 
 
 1764. 
 Dec. 
 Feb. 1768. 
 
 Jan. 1766. 
 
 To 2 doa, of ooat buttons 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 6 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 3 
 2 
 
 2 
 9 
 3 
 12 
 12 
 12 
 14 
 8 
 
 DR. 
 s. 
 5 
 1 
 11 
 12 
 10 
 5 
 3 
 1 
 
 UK. 
 A 
 18 
 10 
 10 
 1 
 16 
 15 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 6 
 6 
 
 
 
 d. 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 d. 
 : 
 : 
 : 
 : 7 
 : 9 
 : 
 : 
 
 " 2 sticks of mohair ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' ' l yard of ribbon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 1 hoe 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 1 scythe 
 
 
 
 
 CREDITS. 
 
 
 
 1 
 3 
 4 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 LD, 
 
 . 
 4 
 2 
 4 
 12 
 
 1 
 15 
 
 d. 
 6 
 6 
 
 
 6 
 6 
 
 
 
 " 800 of shingles 
 
 " 1200 of shingles 
 
 
 " 1 shad fish 
 
 ' ' paid to Matthew 
 
 ALEXANDER CLARK, OF DEERFIB 
 To 1 blanket 
 
 
 
 
 
 " sundries Day iiook, page 4 
 
 
 
 
 " paid Isaac Orr's order .... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " a cider barrel . . __ - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CREDITS. 
 By carting kettles and clay .... 
 
 
 5 
 3 
 6 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 4 
 
 ft 
 12 
 3 
 15 
 5 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 d. 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 " 14 bushels of ashes 
 
 " carting potash to Hadley . . .... 
 
 1 ' carting a load to Cheapside 
 
 ' ' carting salt from Greenfield ........ 
 
 ' ' carting a barrel of rum from Deerfield 
 
 WIDOW SARAH MCCRELES 
 To 1 pair of gloves 
 
 ' ' 1 earthen pot 
 
 
 
 
 " 1 punch bowl 
 
 
 
 
 " lawn 
 
 
 
 
 " taffety 
 
 
 
 
 " 1 teakettle.- 
 
 
 
 
 " 500 nails .. 
 
 

 
 3 11 
 
 CREDITS. 
 
 *. d. 
 
 1765. By 1 cheese 2: 0:0 
 
 1766. " 41bs. butter : 16 : 
 
 " Hannah : 13 : 
 
 " 8 bushels of ashes . . . 1 : 10 : 
 
 FORM OF SPINSTER'S INDENTURE IN 1T9. 
 
 This Indenture Witnesseth that Dinah Wood Daughter of Simeon Wood 
 of Ashfield In the County of Hampshire and Province of the Massachusetts 
 Bay in New England Husband Man Hath Put Herself and By These Presents 
 Doth Voluntary and of Her Own free Will and accord and With the Consent 
 of her Said Father Simeon Wood Put and Bind Herself aprentis to Amzi 
 Childs of Deerfield in the County aforesaid Husband Man & To Submit Hia 
 Wife To Learn their art Trade or Mystery and With them the s'd Amzi and 
 Submit after the Maner of an aprentis To Serve from the Date of these Pres- 
 ents for and During the Term of Eight Years Six Months Three Weeks and 
 Thres Days from thence Next Ensuing To Be Compleat and Ended During all 
 which Term the s'd aprentice Her Said Master and Mistress faithfully Shall 
 Serve, their Secrets Keep, and Lawfull Comands Every Where Gladly Obey. 
 She Shall Do No Damage To Her S'd Master or Mistress Xor Suffer it to Be 
 Done of others Without Letting or Giving Notice thereof to Her Said Master 
 or Mistress. She Shall Not Waste the Goods of her S'd Master or Mistress 
 Nor Lend them Unlawfully to Any. She Shall Not Comit fornication, Nor 
 Matrimony Contract Within the S'd Term. She Shall Not absent herself By 
 Day or By Night from the service of her S'd Master or Mistress Without their 
 Leave, but in all things Behave Herself as a faithful aprentice ought to Do To 
 wards Her S'd Master and Mistress During the Said Term. 
 
 And the said Amzi Childs for Himself, and Submit His Wife, Doth Hereby 
 Covenant and Promiss to Teach and Instruct, or Cause the S'd Aprentis To be 
 Taught and Instructed, in the art Trade or Calling of a Spinster and House- 
 oldry By the Best Way or Means She May or Can of the s'd aprentiee Capa- 
 ble to Learn and To find and Provide unto the S'd aprentis Good and Sufficient 
 Meet Drink Washing and Lodging and aparrell Both in Sickness and Helth 
 and To Learn Her To Eead During the S'd Term and at the Expiration thereof 
 To Give Unto the S'd aprentis Two Good Suits of aparell one for Sabbath 
 Days and one for W T eek Days, in Testimony Whereof the Parties To these 
 Presents have Hereunto interchangeably Set their Hands and Seals the 15th 
 Day of February in the Ninth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George 
 the Third of Great Britain &c anoghe Domini one thousand Seven Hundred 
 
 and Sixty Nine. 
 
 Her 
 
 DINAH X WOOD. 
 Signed Sealed and Delivered mark 
 
 In Presence of us, AMZI CHILDS. 
 
 SAM'L CHILDS, 
 *SAM'L CHILDS, 2o. 
 
 The handwriting would Indicate that the abore document, found among the Ellis 
 papers, was written by Samuel Childs, 2d.
 
 WALES AND THK WELSH PEOPLE. 
 
 The British Islands were first visited by the PLonician and Carthagenian 
 navigators, where they found tin in abundance. This was about 1,000 years 
 before Christ. Greek navigators also visited these Islands later. They 
 named the country Albion, from its numerous white chalk cliffs. But little, 
 however, was known of these regions until the invasion by Julius Ca-sar, Em- 
 peror of Borne, in the first century, A. D. The Bomans found here a large 
 population of brave and vigorous people.* Caesar and his soldiers had many 
 battles with them and finally subdued, for a time, most of what is now Eng- 
 land, except that part which is known as Wales. The Welsh have always 
 held a portion of England, and they are said to be descendants of the original 
 Britons. Wales is a country in the western part of England, and is about 96 
 miles in width and 135 miles in length. The Welsh have a written language 
 of their own, and in features and many personal traits they differ from any 
 other people of Europe. They have ever been noted for their industry and 
 independence. But few of them have ever become Catholics in religion. For 
 centuries they defied the English Kings and maintained their independence. 
 Through almost unceasing warfare they gallantly defended their liberties. 
 Their last King was Llewellyn, who was slain in 1282 in a battle with the 
 English under King Edward I. To conciliate the Welsh poople, and gain their 
 consent to union with England, Edward promised them a native born sover- 
 eign who could speak no English. In due time he had their barons assemble, 
 when he presented them with his own son, born but a few days before in the 
 T( Welsh castle of Cornowon. He was named Edward Prince of Wales. In 1307 
 he became King Edward the Second and reigned twenty years. Ever since that 
 time the eldest son of the King or Queen of England has been called Prince of 
 Wales, and the Welsh people have been a most conservative and loyal element 
 in the kingdom. 
 
 Under the following date this note was given: 
 
 Jan. 24th, 1783. Dr. to Richard Ellice, for a pair of leather breeches, five 
 bushels and a half of wheat. Witness my hand. 
 
 DAVID STEWART. 
 
 Also the following: 
 
 COLERAIX, Jan. 24th, 1777, for value received, I promise to pay Richard 
 Elis or order the some of twenty Pound on demand, with intris till paid as 
 witnis my hand. 
 
 JOHN NEWELL. 
 
 CALEB ELLIS, t witness. ^ 
 
 *Some of these people were carried prisoners to Rome where they were called Angles by 
 their captors, but St. Gregory when he observed their unuiual beauty and symmetry of 
 form said they were Angelt. 
 
 tSon of Richard Ellis. See page 79 (19).
 
 These sartifie that I, the subscriber, have reseved seven ew sheep from 
 Richard Ellis, for which I promis to pay five pounds and one quarter of good 
 clean wooll yerly and at theende of three yeres return the same number. 
 
 Colerain, Feb. ye 20, 1777. 
 
 JOHN HARROUN. 
 
 UEUT, JOHN ELLIS, OF ASHFHXD. 
 
 Commission of John Ellis (son of Richard), of Ashfield, as a Second Lieut, 
 in the Revolutionary Army: 
 
 COLONY OF THE ) 
 MASSACHUSETTS BAY. ) 
 
 The Major Part of the COUNCIL in the. Massacfiusetts Bay in New England, 
 To John Allis,* Gentleman, Greeting: 
 
 You being appointed Second Lieutenant of the Sixth Company, whereof 
 Benjamin Phillips is Captain, in the Fifth Regiment of Militia, in the County 
 of Hampshire, whereof David Field, Esq. , is Colonel, By Virtue of the Power 
 vested in us, We do by these Presents (reposing special Trust and Confidence 
 in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct) Commission you accordingly. 
 You are therefore carefully and dilligently to discharge the Duty of a second 
 Lieut, in leading, ordering and exercising said company in Arms, both inferior 
 officers and soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline. And 
 they are hereby commanded to obey you as their second Lieut, and you are your- 
 self to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from time 
 to time receive from the major part of the Council and your Superior Officers. 
 Given under our Hands and Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown, 
 
 the Third day of May, in the year of our Lord 1776. 
 By the Command of the Major Part of the Council. 
 
 JOHN LOWELL, Dep'y Seo'y. 
 
 [SEAL.] James Otis, W. Spooner, Caleb Cushing. J. Winthrop, B. 
 Chadbourn, T. Cushing, John Whitcomb, James Pres- 
 cott, D. Taylor, S. flatten, Jabez Fisher, B. White, 
 Moses Gill. 
 
 Lieut. John Ellis was, a portion of the time during the Revolution, on 
 duty in Ashfield, where he was assigned to service ordered by the General 
 Court, in session in Boston. Among his papers is a memorandum as follows : 
 " Fines collected agreeable to an order of Court of Aug. 15th, 1777: " 
 
 
 
 Ashel Amsden ,15 
 
 Eli Colton 15 
 
 Jedediah Sprague 15 
 
 Lieut. P. Phillips 15 
 
 Seth Waite 15 
 
 Reuben Ellis " 15 
 
 *This name was a clerical error, afterwards corrected.
 
 3M 
 
 
 
 Thomas Pkillips 15 
 
 Joseph R. Paine 15 
 
 Ebenezer Balding 15 
 
 Daniel Belding 15 
 
 John Sberwin 15 
 
 Jeremiah Waite 15 
 
 Moses Smith 15 
 
 Samuel Belding 15 
 
 Dea. Isaac Shepard 15 
 
 DavidAlden., 15 
 
 " Fines paid agreeable to an order of Court of June 10th, 1778: " 
 
 
 
 John Belding 10 
 
 Oliver Cook 10 
 
 Samuel Cranston 10 
 
 Lieut. Philip Phillips 10 
 
 Isaac Shepard 10 
 
 Philip Matigan 10 
 
 Abner Phillips 10 
 
 Daniel Bacon 10 
 
 Abel Smith 10 
 
 Vespatian Phillips 10 
 
 Johnson Pelton 10 
 
 Silas Lilly 10 
 
 John Ames 10 
 
 Samuel Truesdel i 10 
 
 Abel Cook 10 
 
 Josiah Cook 10 
 
 Samuel Batchelder 10 
 
 Samuel Belding 10 
 
 Seth Waite 10 
 
 Jesse Edson 10 
 
 " Fines paid agreeable to an order of Court of June 20th, 1778: " 
 
 
 
 Samuel Belding 20 
 
 Ebenezer Belding, jr 20 
 
 David Alden, jr 20 
 
 John H. Blackmer 20 
 
 Ashel Amsden 20 
 
 Chileab Smith.. ..20 
 
 T 
 
 " Fines paid agreeable to an order of Court June 5th, 1780: '* 
 
 
 
 Johnson Pelton 150 
 
 Seth Wait. . ..150
 
 It is known that some of these men were stanch loyalists, or toriea as 
 they were called, and were opposed to the Revolution or revolt against the 
 King of England. Such was the division of sentiment on the subject of the 
 war at that time that many families were divided among their members. 
 Many tory fathers had patriot sons who were fighting for the independence of 
 the colonies. But in Ashfield, as elsewhere, there was a strong home guard, 
 who did all they could to encourage the soldiers. At a town meeting held 
 June 10th, 1777, it was voted "that Aaron Lyon was a suitable person to pro- 
 cure evidence against certain persons who were regarded as enemies of the 
 American States." 
 
 About this time Burgoyne, who was at the head of the British army near 
 Saratoga, X. Y., was expected to push his way through to join other British 
 forces in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It was supposed that his route 
 would be to Fort Massachusetts (now North Adams), where he would cross the 
 Hoosac Mountain over into the towns of Heath and Buckland, then ford the 
 Deerfield river and pass through the north part of Ashfield, exactly by where 
 Aaron Lyon lived. 
 
 This made the tories jubilant, but Aaron Lyon did his duty, and in Au- 
 gust, 1777, he, with Peter Cross and Dr. Phineas Bartlett, Selectmen of the 
 town, brought in a report "that * * * ought to be brought to a proper 
 trial." (Nine tories. Their names are omitted here.) 
 
 CHARGES AND PRICES OF EARLY TIMES IN ASHFIELD. 
 
 Specimens of accounts taken from an old account book of Lieut. John Ellis, 
 of Ashfield: 
 
 MAJ. LAMROCK FLOWER, SR> 
 
 To JOHN ELLIS DR. 
 
 1774. 
 
 Jan. ye 8. To 1 bushel of rye and oats 
 
 " Cash by Bildad 
 
 " " " Ebenezer Belding 
 
 " my oxen one day 
 
 " my horse to Springfield 
 
 Feb. 25. 
 May 10. 
 Nov. 
 
 1784. 
 
 Mar. ye 4. 
 Feb. 24, 1786. 
 Oct. 
 June 12, 1788. 
 
 1 pint of rum 
 
 a pine tree 
 
 1 barrel 
 
 2 days' work by Dimick 
 
 6 days' work by John 
 
 " " 2 bushels of wheat 
 
 Feb. 28, 1791. " 1 pound in grain for Thomas Phillips 1 
 
 May 3. " my John one day 
 
 Sept. 28. " Dimick one day 
 
 " " Edward one day 
 
 Aug. ye 20, 1792 " my horse to Conway 
 
 " my cart to Buckland 
 
 " my horse to Goshen 
 
 Dec. 10, 1794. " Edward and Dimick one day 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 4 
 

 
 316 
 
 CAPT. LAMROCK FLOWEK, JUN. DR. 
 
 1799. . d. 
 
 Mar. 21. To ten hundred of hay 1:0:0 
 
 " 21bs. cheese : :10 
 
 $ c. m. 
 
 May.* " a plow 2 days and a half : 84 . 
 
 " 1 bushel of parsnips : 33 : 
 
 " " 61bs. of iron : 24 : 
 
 CREDITS. s. d. 
 
 1774, May 10. By 1 day with Phineas and your oxen... 0:3:0 
 Oct. 29. " $ " " " ' 0:1:6 
 
 1774. JOHN BELDiNGt DR; 
 
 Jan. ye 24. Then reckoned and settled all book accounts. 
 
 JOHN BELDING. 
 JOHN ELLIS. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 Apr. 28,1785. To 1 bushel of corn 0: 3:0 
 
 " my horse to New Providence ' 4:0 
 
 Mar. " my horse and sleigh to Springfield : 14 : 
 
 " my two boys and one yoke of oxen and plow 
 
 two days : 10 : 
 
 Mar. 6. 1788. " my sleigh to Deerfield : 1:0 
 
 Jan. ye 6, 1789. Then reckoned all book account and settled the whole. 
 
 JOHN BELDING. 
 
 EBENEZER BELDING. DR. 
 
 1774. *. d. 
 
 Apr. 25. To keeping of a heifer 8 weeks : 4:6 
 
 Jan. ye 30, 1775. " " " cow 15 " 0:13:4 
 
 "51bs. of cheese : 2:4 
 
 SAMUEL BELDING DR. 
 
 1774. . *. d. 
 
 Sept. ye 24. To 2 baskets 0:4:0 
 
 July^SO, 1782. " cash paid Capt. Flower 0:7:6 
 
 " 6,1786. " 2 Ibs. of tobacco 0:1:0 
 
 1782. CREDITS. s. d. 
 
 Nov. 25. By making 8 ropes to tie up cattle 0:2:8 
 
 " 25. "Ibedrope 0:2:0 
 
 '" 13,1785. " making 3 small ropes 0:3:0 
 
 Dec. 12, 1791. " making one draw rope and leadipg line 
 and three small ropes 
 
 *0n and after this date the account was continued in dollars, cents and mills, which 
 were written in the manner similar to that of pounds, shillings apd pence. 
 
 tOrandfather of fielding Bros., silk manufacturers. 
 JFather of Asher fielding. See page 117. 
 t Great Grandfather of fielding Brothers.
 
 3i 7 
 
 Doer. MOSES HAYDEN DR. 
 
 1773. . d. 
 
 Dec. ye 15. To 8 hundred of hay -. 0:8:0 
 
 Jan. 20, 1774. "cash 0: 3:0 
 
 Mar. 18. " keeping your horse 14 days : : 4 : 
 
 June 21. "16 hundred of hay : 16 : 
 
 Conway, Aug. ye 6th, 1774. Then reckoned and balanced all acct. with 
 Doct. Moses Hayden, as witness our hands. 
 
 MOSES HAYDEN. 
 
 Doer. PHINBAS BABTLET DR. 
 
 1773. s . d. 
 
 Jan. ye 3. To sleding two loads of boards from Abner Phillips' 
 
 mill 
 
 " sleding one load from my mill , 
 
 Feb. 1774. " 4 Ibs. butter 
 
 Jan. 1775. " six hundred of hay 
 
 Oct. 1777. " 13 Ibs. of pork 
 
 Nov. 1779. " i bushel of salt 
 
 June 6, ) 785. " one quart of rum 
 
 Sept. 4, 1788. " 24 Ibs. of flour 
 
 Mar. 24, 1792. Then reckoned and settled all book acct. with Lieut. John 
 Ellis in full. 
 
 PHINEAS BARTLET. 
 [Dr. Bartlet was a physician in Ashfield forty years.] 
 
 AARON LYON DR. 
 
 1774. s. d. 
 
 Nov. ye '23. To keeping a colt 3 weeks 0:1:6 
 
 Aug. ye 19, 1776. " my horse to Charlemont 0:1:2 
 
 Aug. ye 10, 1785. " 1 \ gallons of rum 0:6:0 
 
 CREDIT. 
 
 Dec. 8, 1785. By 1 bushel and 10 quarts of wheat 0:5:6 
 
 June ye 20, 1785. Then reckoned all book acct. with Mr. Lyon and found due 
 to him six pence. AARON LYON. 
 
 JOHN ELLIS. 
 
 KIMBEL HOWBS DR. 
 
 1776. a. d. 
 
 JulyyelS. To cash 0:0:6 
 
 Jan. 21, 1777. " 8 bushels of corn 1:4:6 
 
 CREDIT. 
 
 *. d. 
 
 July, 1776. By 8 days' work 1:4:0 
 
 "cash 0:0:6 
 
 Jau 21, 1777. Then reckoned and balanced all book acct. between Kimbel 
 Howes and John Ellis, as witness our hands. 
 
 KIMBEL HOWES.
 
 SAMUKL LINCOLN DR. 
 
 1789. d. 
 
 Sept. 4. To 1 bushel of wheat 
 
 " one half a aide of leather 
 
 Apr. 1791. " Edward two days' work 
 
 " Dimick one " " 
 
 Oct. " Dimick and the oxen 1 day 
 
 " 1794. " my horse to Hardwick* 
 
 CREDIT. 
 
 s. d. 
 Aug. 1791. By weaving 29 yarda of cloth ............ : 14 : 9 
 
 Feb. 1793. "weaving ............................ 3:10:1 
 
 Apr. " weaving a coverlid ................... 0: 7:6 
 
 Apr. 1793. Then reckoned and settled all accounts, as witness our hand*. 
 
 SAMUBL LINCOLN. 
 
 GBORGE RANNBYt DR. 
 
 1786. . d. 
 
 May 26. To 1 quart of old rum ............................ 0:1: 6 
 
 "2 " " " " ................................ 0:1:11 
 
 CRBDIT. 
 
 1785. . d. 
 May29, By cash .............................. 0:1: 6 
 
 " flx .............................. : 1 : 11 
 
 LIBUT. EDWARD ANNABLI D. 
 
 1786. t. d. 
 
 Mar. ye 12. To 1 quart of old rum 
 
 " more for rum 
 
 " 1 barrel of cider 
 
 " cash lent your father 
 
 Feb. 20, 1786. " 38 feet of pine boards 
 
 Deo. 27, 1790. " 3 bushels of rye 
 
 May, 1791. " 1 bushel of salt 
 
 Oct. ^29, 1793. " my Edward 1 day at work 
 
 " 2 days Edward, oxen and cart 
 
 Get 24, 1794. " Dimick and oxen one day 
 
 6 
 4 
 
 
 10 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 Feb. 16, 1795. This day reckoned and settled all acct. between Lt. Ellis and 
 Lt. Anuable. EDWARD ANNABLB. 
 
 June ye 19, 1785. Then received of John Ellis eight shillings and two 
 pence, being the tax due on the Lot No. 53, on the north side of said lot. 
 
 PHILIP PHILLIPS, Col. 
 
 Hardwick is in Worcester Co., Mass., about 40 mileg southeast from Ahfild. Ai I 
 find no other Lincolns in Ashfleld, I think it probable that Samuel came from Hardwick. 
 See page 107. 
 
 tGrandfather of Hannah Ranney Ellis (see page 176), and H. S. Kanney, of Aghfleld.
 
 ELDER EBENEZER SMITH DR. 
 
 1736. ,. d. 
 
 Jan. 3. To my sleigh to Goshen 
 
 " " " for a number of seasons 
 
 " butter 
 
 May 11, 1789. " grinding 2 bushels of wheat and 2 of rye 
 
 " 2 sheep that weighed 155 Ibs 
 
 I : 
 
 1 : 4 
 
 2 : 6 
 1 : 5 
 
 12 : 11 
 1 : 4 
 
 Mar. 11, 1790. " 1 peck of wheat for father 
 
 May 11, 1789. Then reckoned and settled all past accounts between Elder 
 Smith and myself. 
 
 JOHN ELLIS. Y 
 
 EBENEZER SMITH. 
 
 RICHARD ELLIS* DR. 
 
 1785. 8 . d. 
 Apr. 18. To 1 pint of old rum : : 10 
 
 "4 " " " 0:0:4 f 
 
 1786. CREDIT. 
 
 Mar. 24. By cash 0:1: 
 
 BENJAMIN ELLIS, SR.| CR. 
 
 1789. s . d. 
 
 July 15. Credit by Boards, to be paid in Beef or grain at the 
 
 market price 1 : 9 : 10 
 
 DEBTOR 
 1789. s. d. 
 
 July 25. To meat 0: 4:2 
 
 Dec. 14. " 98 Ibs. of beef : 16 : 5 
 
 Nov. 20, 1790. " Isheep 0: 6:0 
 
 March 7th, 1791. This day reckoned with Edward Annable for keeping 
 Father Ellis, and all other accounts, and found due him one shilling, as wit- 
 ness our hands. 
 
 JOHN ELLIS. 
 EDWARD ANNABLE. 
 
 Besides the foregoing the following are names of persons in Ashfield with 
 whom Lieut. John Ellis did business between the years 1773 and 1800. It is 
 probable that most of these persons lived in the EUis neighborhood, or north- 
 east part of the town: 
 
 Samuel Annable, Jr., Barnabas Annable, Edward Annable, John Amsden, 
 James Andrews, Erastus Andrews, David Alden, Abel Allis, Isaac Alder, Ebe- 
 nezer Belding, Jun. , John Belding was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, 
 Daniel Belding, Samuel Belding, John Blackmore, Dr. Phineas Bartlet, Samuel 
 
 *Son of Reuben Ellis. See (29) page 83. tSee page 80 (22).
 
 Bartlet, Davis Butler, Nathan Batchelder, Dea. John Bement. Kolin Blackmore, 
 Samuel Bardwell, Bezer Benton, William Billings, Benjamin Orittenden, Jere- 
 miah Center, Noah Cross, John Conley a tailor, Nathan Chapin, Levi Cook, 
 David Cobb, Benjamin Ellis, Richard Ellis, David Ellis, Samuel Elmer, Maj. 
 Lamrock Flower, Sr., Capt. Lamrock Flower, Jr., Bildad Flower, William 
 Flower. Phineas Flower, Oliver Field, Moses Frarey, Uriah Goodwin, Mr. 
 Griswold, Mr. Gay, Dr. Moses Hayden, of Conway; Kimbel Howes, Aaron 
 Hayden, Ephraim Jennings, Reuben Kendrick, John King, Caleb King, Jacob 
 Kilburn a shoemaker, Samuel Linconln, Archibald Lindsey, Jonathan Lyon, 
 Kliali Lindsey, Silas Lilly, Aaron Lyon, Dr. Francis Mantor, Samuel Moody, 
 Capt. Norton, Jacob Orcutt, Richard Phillips, Abner Phillips, Philip Phillips, 
 Timothy Perkins, Enos Pomeroy clothier, of Buckland; Thos. Phillips, Jr.. 
 Joha Perry, John Porter, Samuel Porter, Rufus Perkins, Joseph Potter, Samuel 
 Prince, Spencer Phillips was a soldier in the Revolution, Daniel Phillips, 
 Eliab Perkins, Elizabeth Potter, Samuel Rockwood, George Ranney, Abel 
 Smith, Levi Steel, Jacob Sherwin first minister of the Congregational Church, 
 Elihu Smead, Ephraim Smith, Stephen Smith, Lemuel Spurr, John Sherwin, 
 Nehemiah Sprague, Thomas Stocking, Rufus Sears, Mehitable Smith, Ezariah 
 Selden, Chileab Smith, Jr., Ebenezer Sprague, Elder Ebenezer Smith, Jona- 
 than Taylor, C p t. Thomas Warner, Seth Waite, Josiah Ward, William Ward, 
 Samuel Washburn, Caleb Wood, John Wilke, Elijah Ward, Jonathan Yemans . 
 
 CELEBRATION AT THE ELLIS AND PHILLIPS FORT IN 1886. 
 
 September 8th, 1886, a celebration was held at the site of the old fort, 
 near Thomas Phillips, Sr.'s, house, in Ashfield. This fort was situated about 
 fifty rods north of Bear River, and twenty rods west of the north and south 
 road which run from Richard Ellis' house to Baptist Corner. Rev. Mr. 
 Shepard, in his sketches [see page 280], locates this fort at about one mile and 
 a half southwest of Mr. Chileab Smith's residence, and near the house occupied 
 in 1833 by Mr. Sears. The spot is really about one-half mile south of Mr. 
 Smith's. This fort was the principal one in Ashfield, that at Mr. Smith's 
 house being mostly of a private character and constructed mainly by the 
 Smiths. Early residents of Ashfield say that the site of the Ellis and Phillips 
 fort was the one, and only one, pointed out to them by their grandfathers, the 
 first settlers, as being the site of their ancient refuge in the war of 1756. Mr. 
 Lewis Ellis [241], of fielding, Mich., who was in Ashfield in May of the pres- 
 ent year [1887], together with the writer, informed the latter that his father 
 and grandfather had often pointed out this spot to him as the site of the old 
 fort. His grandfather, Lieut. John Ellis [see page 76], was fourteen years of 
 age at the time, and aided in building the fort. Mr. Lewis Ellis was thirty- 
 one years of age when he removed from Ashfield to fielding. He was well 
 acquainted with the Smiths and others at Baptist Corner, but never heard 
 mention of the fort there. 
 
 The following is an extract from a letter from H. S. Ranney, Esq. : 
 " Respecting the meeting at the site of the old fort on the 8th inst. [Sep- 
 tember, 1886], I have to say: There was a very large attendance and a time 
 of much enjoyment to all, a report of which, in the Gazette and Courier, I send
 
 321 
 
 you. The location is called 'Fort Ellis & Phillips.' The fort was not an 
 earthwork, but was constructed of upright logs of sufficient thickness to be 
 bullet proof, set three feet into the earth, and rising ten or twelve feet above. 
 
 " The location is at the spot where it is believed Thomas Phillips first set- 
 tled, forty or fifty rods north of Bear river, about t\venty rods west of the road 
 and a little more than half a mile north of the first Richard Ellis' house, 
 being on the south side of the discontinued road that led due east from the 
 place where Obed Elmer lived fifty years ago. 
 
 "The stockade or fort that enclosed the dwelling-house of Chileab Smith 
 was a half mile north from this." 
 
 But it is probable that Mr. Shepard was mainly right in what he states of 
 the Chileab Smith fort, as he derived his information from Chileab Smith, Jr., 
 who was fourteen years of age at the time the fort was built by his father and 
 brother Ebenezer, and perhaps others. 
 
 The fact of the celebration of 1886 at the Ellis and Phillips site is confirm- 
 ation that this was the historic fort of Ashfield or Huntstown, as it was then 
 called. By reference to the Map of that section of Ashfield, it will be seen 
 that this locality is between the early residences of Richard Ellis and Thomas 
 Phillips, and but a few rods south from where Mr. Sears lived in 1833. 
 
 The report of the celebration alluded to above is taken from the Greenfield 
 Gazette and Courier of September, 1886: 
 
 Away up in the town of Ashfield, three miles northeast of "The Plain," 
 is a sort of basin formed by the hills, with a bottom nearly circular, a half mile 
 or more in diameter. Upon this bottom, on a little rise not far from its cen- 
 ter, the savants will show you a half-dozen hollows in the ground, the largest 
 of which a half-dozen cartloads of earth would fill up, and a hole as big as a 
 man's body and four feet deep. The hollows, they will tell you, were the cel- 
 lars of buildings constructed within a stockade, and the hole was the well 
 from which the water for the occupants was drawn. This stockade was the 
 fort to whose protection the settlers would fly when danger menaced. From 
 some of these early settlers it is supposed it took its name Fort Ellis and 
 Phillips. This was the spot of the celebration on Wednesday last, under the 
 auspices of the Pocomtuck Valley Memorial Association [named from a locality 
 near Deerfield, Mass.], an organization whose purpose it is to preserve ancient 
 things, to mark with monuments historical spots, and gather up and preserve 
 all fragments of local history. 
 
 The day was a fine one, and the thousand, more or less, of people who 
 assembled in the fragrant pine grove, a few paces from the site of the fort, had 
 a most enjoyable time. They feasted the inner man on the good things they 
 had brought with them, or on the viands so bountifully provided at the table 
 for the guests, and their eyes upon those worthies who occupy the seats of 
 honor upon such occasions, and who by their labors and pre-eminence in this 
 field are worthy to occupy them, of whom two good specimens are Hon. Geo. 
 Sheldon and Jonathan Johnson. The committee of arrangements, of which F. 
 G. Howes was chairman, had ..made every provision in way of platforms and 
 seats for the comfort and convenience of audience and speakers. 
 
 In the forenoon at about 10:30 F. G. Howes, for the committee, made the 
 address of welcome, and in the absence of Mr. Sheldon, who had not yet ar- 
 rived, George William Curtis was designated to act as presiding officer. He
 
 322 
 
 happily introduced Prof. J. Stanley Hall, of John Hopkins University, and a 
 native of Ashtield, to whom had been assigned the historical address. The 
 following is a brief outline of what he said: 
 
 The history of Ashfield is preceded by a legend never written or printed, 
 the elements of which are clearly of great antiquity; but which is only loosely 
 allotted to these hills. I was first "let in " to it this summer by an aged man, 
 known and revered by all, only after long persuasion, for fear lest I should re- 
 gard it or him as ridiculous, and after a promise not to connect his name with 
 it. It runs about as follows: 
 
 The world began in the vicinity of the "Tunnel Mountain," which first 
 of all land in this part of the world rose out of the watery chaos. After many 
 ages pale-faced men of great stature and sagacity appeared from the northeast 
 and settled miles apart upon the best hills one upon Indian Bill, one upon 
 Catamount Hill, and others elsewhere, these two being the headquarters of all 
 high hills and wild Indians. These two brothers were not satisfied with the 
 world as they found it, and would make it better, and first sought to remould 
 the great features of the landscape. What is now the Deerfield river was far 
 larger th&n at present, and flowed south of these hills, making a broad and 
 deep lake over Buckland Bay, the only outlet of which was by the Richmond 
 or Hermon Howes place into the pond. Thence its majestic current covered 
 all the plain and South Ashfield, with a dangerous rapid between them, down 
 to Dug Way (the newer and narrower channels not being yet cut), and thence 
 through Conway to the Connecticut. These two great squatter sovereigns 
 agreed to employ large troops of Indians, working with sharpened sticks day 
 and night for many years, first to drain Buckland lake toward the northeast, 
 and finally to turn the river further up at Catamount Hill into its present and 
 geologically new and unnatural course. The Indians followed the river for 
 new fishing ground, as it washed over upon the barren wastes of Shelburne 
 Falls and left Ashfield to the peace and solitude she still so devoutly cherishes, 
 and with new and fertile acres. For several generations Ashfield flourished, till 
 men grew idle, too comfortable, and therefore discontented, till the older fam- 
 ilies died out, public spirit languished, and reverence and love of truth had tied, 
 and at length Indians and re-encroaching forests closed in and destroyed all 
 trace of a period which, had it developed as nobly as it began, would have set 
 an example in morals and industry that the world would not soon have lost. 
 ****,,**** 
 
 After the address came the intermission for dinner, and about two the 
 seats were all occupied and the platform fringed by those desiring to hear the 
 speaking. The Shelburne Falls band, which was in attendance during the 
 day and frequently respon<ied,to the calls made upon it, opened the exercises, 
 and then came an address of naif an hour by Kon. Greorge Sheldon, who had 
 been felicitously introduced by Mr. Curtis*, as the master of ceremonies for the 
 rest of the day. His address was in the historical line, and extracts are pre- 
 sented below : 
 
 Through the joint action of the committees having in charge the exercises 
 of this day, I have been assigned a part in which it becomes my pleasant and 
 
 *Hon. George William Curtis, editor of Harper's Weekly of New York City. For twenty- 
 two years Mr. Curtis has passed the summers in Ashfield.
 
 3 2 3 
 
 grateful duty to thank the people of Ashfield for the cordial welcome which 
 has been so gracefully offered, and especially to congratulate them on the pos- 
 session of that spirit which alone made this gathering possible. * * As yet, 
 I have found no sponsor for your name of Ashfield. It may hare been named 
 as, according to tradition, were the towns of Athol, Orange, Coleraine, Shel- 
 burne, Montague and Warwick, after some English, titled man, in considera- 
 tion for a church bell which he was to present to the town honored by his 
 name. Now, this is a pretty romance; but, to my knowledge, it has 
 
 not been adopted by your people. I am sure, however, you have just as good 
 a right to such a tradition as the towns named, provided you first catch the 
 necessary Lord Ashrield. As I have not faith that you will succeed in that 
 field, I will venture another theory to account for the name Ashfield a theory, 
 not a historical fact. But I give the facts on which the theory is founded : 
 
 The grant of Huntstown was to be laid out west of and adjoining Deer- 
 field. When the settlers began their battle with the sylvan gods, it is recorded 
 that it was "near the easterly bounds, so to be near our Deerfield neighbors," 
 and consequently it must have been on the easterly tier of lots. The mighty 
 oak, the towering pine, the dark, spreading hemlock, the fruitful chestnut 
 diadems in the glorious crown of a primeval age bowed to the ground before 
 their sturdy blows. The fierce flames assailed the prostrate giants, and in 
 place of the green woodland nothing met the eye but charred stumps and a 
 field strewn with ashes an ashfield literally. It was this very clearing that 
 Deerfield people claimed as being within their bounds, and while the process 
 of cutting down and burning was going on, the Deerfield neighbors, near whom 
 they were so anxious to live, would taunt them from the border woods, and 
 cry out: " Clear away as fast as you can; we shall soon come and occupy it." 
 * * * * * * * * * 
 
 I wish here to acknowledge the lasting obligations which the valley towns 
 lie under to Huntstown. But for her valor the river settlements might have 
 been all swept away in the last French war. I speak now of her own estimate 
 of her own prowess, given under her own hand, as found in history. It may 
 be thought racher late in the day, but now, after 130 years have passed, as a 
 representative of the valley, I tender grateful thanks to Ashfield; and no spot 
 is so fitting on which to make this acknowledgment as that where we meet to- 
 day. Here stood the bulwark of our safety. Here was shown taking, as in 
 common courtesy we are bound to do, Huntstown's view of it the patriotism 
 and self denial which assured our safe continuance in the land of the living. 
 In a petition addressed by the people of Huntstown to the General Court, ask- 
 ing aid in holding the fort, one of the prime considerations set forth was its 
 benefit to the settlements in the valley below. They say, from their own sit- 
 uation they are a " Spesil gard to Hatfield & dearfield, & thar viligses, to wit. 
 a place cald roreing brook, a place cald Scras (?) and a place cald Moody brook, 
 & the place cald the Bars & a place called wopin. " This was in 1756. For 
 the information of the General Court a map of this region was sent with the 
 above. The Connecticut Valley its base was represented by two circles with 
 a dot in the center of each. One was marked: " Hear is hatfield;" thence ran 
 a straight road marked: "Northwest about 18 miles is Huntstown." The 
 other circle was labeled "Hear is Deerfield," and a similar road thence was 
 marked "About 8 miles west is Hunts town." The acute angle where these
 
 3 2 4 
 
 roada meet must be at this very spot. This map was evidently home-made, 
 and I assume it to be the work of Huntstown's first highway surveyor, Wil- 
 liam Curtis. * * 
 
 Our Association comes here to-day, Mr. Chairman, to awaken a new pub- 
 lic interest in one particular event in the life of Ashfield the erection on this 
 spot of that fortification which was the ark of safety to the settlers in 1756. 
 We trust the interest so manifestly shown to-day will not die out until some 
 Appropriate monument marks the spot; to the end that coming generations 
 may seek this place and take note of the patience and fortitude of their ances- 
 tors in battling against the forces of nature and a savage foe, and thence draw 
 strength for their own warfare. 
 
 But from a different point of view this locality is worthy of another mon- 
 ument, to be dedicated to brave Chileab Smith, his faithful son Ebenezer and 
 their compeers, who battled for long years to obtain what the Pilgrims sought 
 afar freedom to worship God after ways of their own choice; freedom to think 
 for themselves. For this they struggled against the combined forces of church 
 and State, which strove to stifle their thoughts and bend their consciences to 
 one narrow creed. The men who planted themselves on this corner and on 
 this principle were men of pluck, with iron wills and muscles of steel, with a 
 tenacity which enabled them to hold their own against all comers the Indian 
 barbarian, the land-grabber from Deerfield, the exactions of civil and ecclesi- 
 astical oppression. They were persecuted, but not subdued. When their 
 lands were sold and their cattle taken to support a doctrine to which they 
 could not subscribe, they submitted, but with solemn protest and righteous 
 indignation expressed in strong terms. What though their theological integu- 
 ments were as tough as their own buckskin garments, it matters not. They 
 stood up manfully for liberty. They fought a good fight for an inborn right 
 the right to think for themselves. They sowed good seed, but for them the 
 harvest was scant. All honor, then, to Chileab, Ebenezer, the brave Remem- 
 ber, and their fellows, for their vigorous tugging at the cords with which the 
 standing order essayed to bind the thoughts and emotions of men. Liberty 
 stands to-day on a broader foundation; thought to-day is more free all over our 
 wide land for the earnest and incessant protest that went up from Baptist 
 Corner. 
 
 Mr. Sheldon also gave an account of what he called the first Fourth of 
 July celebration in Huntstown, when Ebenezer Smith, with Remember Ellis 
 {see page 71] on a pillion behind him, with his father riding in front as a body 
 guard, rode through the wilderness to Deerfield, where the two former were 
 united in marriage by Parson Ashley. It was during the hight of the last 
 French War and a bold adventure. " Go back to the deeds of chivalry, " said 
 the speaker; "explore the whole circumference of the Round Table, and 
 among all the heroes, clad in silken doublet and encased in burnished steel 
 and gleaming silver, where will you find a more daring and romantic quest ? 
 Where a braver and more knightly heart than that which beat under the 
 homespun butternut of your good Knight Chileab ? " 
 
 At the close of Mr. Sheldon's address the St. Cecelia Club, of Shelburne 
 Falls, composed of Mrs. Baker, Miss Bardwell and Messrs. Hawks and Had- 
 ley, sang most acceptably, repeating their success of the morning. Later they
 
 3 2 5 
 
 were called upon again, and made an excellent hit, proving once more that 
 this is a musical combination of unusual merit. 
 
 J. Johnson, of Greenfield, gave a brief account of the organization of the 
 P. V. M. A. and a brief review of some of the celebrations it has been instru- 
 mental in holding, and closed with an exhortation to the young to make col- 
 lections of relics similar to that at Deerfield for every village. Prof. W. F. 
 Sherwin, of the Boston Conservatory of Music, a native of Buckland, made a 
 very felicitous speech, of which the main idea was that these gatherings are 
 excellent for kindling anew the love for old-time things and the old-time virtues 
 of the fathers. Hon. W. B. Davenport, of New York city, happening to be 
 present, was presented, and he, too, dwelt upon the propriety of keeping green 
 the memories of the early settlers, through whose pluck and endurance we 
 have this fair heritage. Prof. Charles Eliot Norton, of Harvard Universitv, 
 the next speaker, warmly urged that in the public hall of each town mural 
 tablets be put up, and, under the inscription: " These have done their part for 
 Ashfield," or Charlemont, or Hawley, as the case may be, the names of the 
 men who have been the leaders in the town's progress may be chiseled, that 
 succeeding ages may have constantly before their eyes an inspiration to do 
 their part in bearing public burdens. Judge Conant, of Greenfield, had a few 
 words of the same general tenor, giving due credit to the P. V. M. A. for the 
 unselfish work it is doing. The closing address was made by George William 
 Curtis. Mr. Curtis spoke of the pride New England takes in these historical 
 places, hallowed by the virtue, patriotism and persevering industry of the 
 fathers, and thought that while this feeling of reverence for these consecrated 
 things remains there need be no fear for the safety of the Republic; but when 
 Concord and Trenton and Bunker Hill cease to warm the feelings and quicken 
 - the pulses, a decay in patriotic sentiment has begun that will end in the down- 
 fall of the nation. Mr. Curtis spoke on this theme with great eloquence, 
 fascinating his hearers by a magic power of oratory possessed by few other 
 Americans, if by any. 
 
 It was a little after 4 o'clock when the gathering broke up, and all went 
 away feeling, as one man said, that "it was the most enjoyable picnic of hia 
 life." 
 
 SOLDIERS' GUARD AT HUNTSTOWN IN 1756. 
 
 The following is taken from a "History of Deerfield," by Hon. George 
 Sheldon: 
 
 " March 27th, Col. Williams writes Shirley that ' Huntstown people quit- 
 ted their place last summer for want of protection, hut several families returned 
 and lived there through the winter, & others will join them if they can have 
 help. Encouraged by what they heard from you by their messenger they have 
 begun to fortifie & in a few days will have a garrison completed. Before the 
 war they had fitted a large area of land for^tillage & raised considerable provi- 
 sions. That is gone and they know not where to look for their bread, or what 
 method to take for their support, & unless something can be done for them 
 they must again leave the place With a guard of 10 or 12 men they think 
 they may work upon their land with tolerable safety.' Williams recommends 
 putting part of the men under pay to guard the rest. "
 
 326 
 
 "July 8th, Col. Williams is directed to send a guard to Huntstown." 
 
 "Sept. 6th, Capt. John Catlin returns a list of men he had "impressed 
 for his majesties Service," doubtless for the army under Lord Loudon, near 
 Albany. They were: 
 
 " ' Sergt. John Sheldon, Sergt. Joseph Smead, Sergt. David Hoyt, Corp. 
 Nathan Frary; Centinals Seth Catlin, Samuel Dickinson, Joseph Mitchell, 
 John Hinsdale, John Hawks, Jr., David Childs, Caleb Allen, Eliakim Arms, 
 Samuel Belden, Moses Nims, Augustus Wells, Jona. Catlin, Solomon Newton, 
 Samuel Hinsdale, Justin Bull, Benjamin Munn, Jr.' 
 
 " These men were the real bone and muscle of Deerfield and could not well 
 be spared in her straitened circumstances. Greenfield and Northfield were 
 drained in the same manner of their best material for Loudon's army." 
 
 In the above extract Mr. Sheldon gives the names of two Joseph Mitchell 
 and Samuel Belding who became, soon afterwards, residents of Huntstown. 
 
 COMMISSION OF LIEUT. DAVID KM. IS IN 1795. 
 
 By his Excellency, SAMUEL ADAMS, ESQ., Governor and Commander-in- 
 Chief of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to David Ellis, Gentleman, of 
 Ashfield, Greeting: 
 
 You being appointed Lieutenant of a Company in the Fifth Regiment of 
 the Second Brigade, Fourth Division of the Militia of this Commonwealth, By 
 Virtue of the Power vested in me, I do by these presents (reposing special 
 Trust and Confidence in your Ability, Courage and good Conduct) Commision 
 you accordingly. You are therefore carefully and dilligently to discharge the 
 Duty of Lieutenant in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, 
 both inferior officers and soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Disci- 
 pline. And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Lieutenant. 
 And you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as 
 you shall from time to time receive from me or your Superior Officers. 
 
 Given under my Hand and the Seal of the said Commonwealth, the fourth 
 day of September, in the year of our Lord 1795, and in the Twentieth year of 
 the Independence of the United States of America. 
 By the Governor, 
 
 SAMUEL ADAMS. 
 JOHN AVERV, JUN., 
 
 Sec'y. 
 
 May 1st, 1798, Lieut. David Ellis was honorably discharged, at his own 
 request. 
 
 COMMISSION OF LIEUT. DIMICK ELLIS IN 18O6. 
 
 On the 5th day of May, 1806, Mr. Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield, was commis- 
 sioned a Lieutenant of a Company in the Fifth Regiment of the Second Brigade. 
 The commission is in the same form as that above, but signed by CALEB 
 STRONG, Governor, and John L. Austin, Secretary.
 
 329 
 
 EXPLANATION OF THE MAP OF THE NORTHEAST PART OF 
 ASHFIEL.D. 
 
 The Map is engraved from drawings kindly furnished by Messrs. Henry S. 
 Ranney and Frederick G. Howes, of Ashfield. The reader is also indebted to 
 the public spirit and generosity of these gentlemen for much of the descrip- 
 tions following. 
 
 A. Is the roadway running from Conway westerly through the Ellis set- 
 tlement up to the Plain or village near the center of the town a distance of 
 about three miles. Its many crooks and turns are to avoid impassable 
 ledges of rocks. The whole face of country hereabouts is very uneven. 
 Standing at the site of the old residence of Lieut. John Ellis (No. 14 on 
 the map), is a plat of four or five acres nearly level. East and north is a 
 steep descent of about 200 feet to White Brook and Bear River. South and 
 southwest is Mill Hill, about 300 feet higher than the Ellis residence; directly 
 west is Bellows Hill, about 100 feet lower than Mill Hill. Between these ele- 
 vations is a depression, through which the roadway passes. North from the 
 John Ellis home about three-fourths of a mile, and across Bear River, are high 
 lands again, which, like all hereabouts, ar ecomposed of immense ledges of 
 rocks, covered in places with thin soil. In early times these mountain sides were 
 cleared, and made fair pasturage for cattle and sheep. Many of these places 
 have been neglected, and are now covered with young pine and hemlock trees. 
 Some of the valleys between these hills and along the streams are quite fertile, 
 producing considerable grass and coarse grain. 
 
 JB. Is the roadway to South Ashfield and Goshen township. 
 
 C. Road north to Baptist Corner (the Smith neighborhood) and Shel- 
 burne Falls. From Baptist Corner north to the Buckland towm line is 352 
 rods. 
 
 E>. Road from Baptist Corner, west and southerly, to the Plain (Ashfield 
 village). This road now runs from No, 49 in a northerly direction to Baptist 
 Corner. Tnat part which originally ran from 49 easterly by the old fort at 
 30 to the north and south road is now discontinued. 
 
 E. Road from the Plain southeasterly to South Ashfield and Conway 
 township. 
 
 F. Road from the Plain southwesterly to Plainfield township, and Peru, 
 Hinsdale and Dalton in Berkshire County. 
 
 % G. Road northwesterly to Hawley township. 
 
 H. Stage road northerly to Buckland township and Shelburne Falls. 
 
 OO. Road laid out in 1754 from Deerfield to Heber's fence, 29 (see page 
 302). What was then called "Deerfield bounds" included what is now the 
 town of Conway, up to the line of Huntstown or Ashfield, marked A. on the 
 map. Part of the road from A. to 35 is now discontinued. 
 
 The Streams of Ashfield are very unpretentious in size, except in times of 
 freshets, and are of no importance as waterpowers. Bear River is the largest, 
 and ordinarily is not more than twelve feet in width and eight to twelve inches 
 in depth. It runs easterly through the eastern part of Ashfield, and then 
 northeasterly through Conway to Deerfield River. There are now no mills on 
 it within the limits of Ashfield. 
 
 Pond Brook is the outlet to Great Pond. It runs in the rear of the village 
 on the Plain down through South Ashfield, where it becomes or is called
 
 33 
 
 South River, then rung northeasterly and empties into Deerfield River, two or 
 three miles east from Bear River outlet. At South Ashfield there were dams 
 on this stream, with small mills. At the Pond there is a dam which raises the 
 water about eight feet. In 1878 this dam was overtiowed in a freshet and 
 Carried away. The waters of the Pond rushed down the narrow gorge, destroy- 
 ing a number of mills and other buildings in its course. 
 
 White Brook and Alden's Brook are small mountain streams about a 
 mile in length. 
 
 1. Site of Richard Ellis' house in 1742. ' About 1764 Mr. Ellis removed 
 to Colerain, and Mr. Samuel Belding then lived on this place. His son, John 
 born 1756, succeeded his father on this homestead, where he lived until 1839. 
 He raised a large family. His youngest son, Hiram, lived here until about 
 1855. when he removed to Otisco, (now Belding), Michigan. (See page 117.) 
 This location is not the exact site of the "log cabin partly underground, in 
 the side of the hill," which Priest Shepard, in his Sketches (see page 278), says 
 was about fifty rods further east, near the burying ground, and where the 
 present road runs. In early times the road ran over the hill, in nearly a 
 straight line from the Alden house (5) to the schoolhouae (8), and on the north 
 side of the burying ground (7). Mr. Lswis Ellis, of Belding, Mich., born in 
 Ashfield in 1811, says the location of his great grandfather's cabin was pointed 
 out to him as being on the side hill near White Brook, where Richard felled 
 the first tree, and not far from where Mr. Phineas Flower (12) lived in 1833. 
 In 1754, when the "old road to Huntstown" (see page 302) was laid out, it 
 ran from Thomas Phillips' south "to Richard Ellis' new house,'' which is the 
 site marked 1 on the map. This makes it evident that Richard's first log 
 cabin was not situated exactly at the corner, where the new house was built, 
 and where the Beldings for four generations lived, and where Mr. Leonard D. 
 Lanfair now resides. This farm, or " Right," where Richard Ellis first settled, 
 was said to have been one of the best in that part of the town. It was lot 49, 
 and was about 56 rods in width east and west, and 160 rods from Bear River 
 on the north, to about 60 rods south of Richard's house at No 1. 
 
 2. Is the house where Reuben Ellis (see page 68) lived and raised his 
 family. He bought this farm "the 56th Right" of his father, in 1751. 
 (See page 302.) This house, like all others in those days, was built of logs. 
 It was occupied until about 1795. 
 
 3. Mount Owen, a rocky and almost inaccessible peak, about 100 rods in 
 the rear of Reuben Ellis' house. It was named from a Mr. Owen, a surveyor, 
 who became lost on the mountain when making the first surveys in the town. 
 Its top is about 1,700 feet above the sea. 
 
 4. House built by David and Jonathan Ellis (sons of Reuben) about 1795. 
 David Ellis, Sr., (page 86) lived here until 1818, when he sold the house and 
 farm to Mr. Jesse Ranney, and moved to Springfield. Erie Co., Pa. Mr. Ran- 
 ney lived on this place until his death, about 1859. He raised a large family, of 
 whom five are yet living Hannah (see page 175), Erastus, Eiwin, Lucretia 
 and Ruth all living in Michigan except Ruth. 
 
 Mr. Charles W. Mann now lives on the old Ellis-Ranney homestead in 
 Ashtield. 
 
 5. The Alden home. Dea. David Alden settled here in 1765. John
 
 Alden, a very aged man, son of David, lived there as late as 1840. John, 
 Jr., and Cyrus were his sons. A Mr. Kelley now lives on this place. 
 
 6. Old grist mill on Bear River, built about 1750 by Richard Ellis and >./-. 
 Chileab Smith, Sr. It was on the north side of the stream and about 20 rods f 
 east of the present bridge and roadway. Remains of the mill were visible 
 until recent times. In 1886 one of the old millstones was removed to the site 
 
 of the anoient Ellis and Phillips fort, about 100 rods northwest. It is not quite 
 certain whether this was the first grist mill built in Ashfield, or the one 
 marked (22) near the Plain. Both have long since gone to decay. 
 
 7. Burying ground near Richard Ellis'. This was the second burying 
 ground in Ashfield. It is small in extent not over one acre and only used 
 
 for the immediate neighborhood. There lie the remains of Richard Ellis and >|t 
 wife. (See cut of monument on another page.) / 
 
 On this ground are several tombstones bearing an early date. One marked 
 " E. B., 1776," is a dark, rough granite, eight or ten inches across the face, 
 and perhaps 15 inches high. It is presumed to mark the burial spot of 
 Ebenezer Belding, Sr., the grandfather of Asher Belding. (See page 117.) 
 
 8. The Ellis neighborhood schoolhouse. District school where Mary 
 Lyon taught three terms, about 1815-16. 
 
 9. Old Fort, built in 1756 around the house of Chileab Smith, Sr., at y 
 "Baptist Corner." (See page 280.) 
 
 10. House where Tiberius Beldins? (see page 169) lived from 1833 to 1840. 
 Mr. Clarence Hall now lives on this place. 
 
 1 1. House where Dea. Ebenezer Belding lived at an early date, and 
 where his son Asher (see page 117) lived and raised his family. Ebenezer died 
 about 1820. 
 
 12. Site where Phineas Flower lived, from an early date up to about 
 1840. The house was built by his father, Maj. William Flower. The Major 
 was a captain of militia, and aided to put down Shay's Rebellion or insur- 
 rection; just after the Revolution. 
 
 13. House where Maj. Lamrock Flower lived from the earliest times, in 
 Ashfield, until his death in 1815. His son. Capt. Lamrock Flower, raised his 
 family here. (See page 152. ) Mr. Joshua Hall has lived here for about thirty 
 years past. He has erected new buildings and reconstructed the old in a very 
 handsome manner. This house stands opposite the Lieut. John Ellis house, 
 where Dimick Ellis, Esq., lived in 1833, when Rev. Mr. Shepard wrote his 
 sketches. Mr. Shepard (see page 287) states that Dea. Ebenezer Belding lived 
 there in 1763. He may have done so for a short time. 
 
 14. House of Lieut. John Ellis, erected about 1795. His first house was 
 built of logs, about 1763, and was some twenty rods west of the present house. 
 Lieut. John Ellis raised his family on this place. (See page 76.) His young- 
 est son, Dimick, lived on the homestead after the death of his parents, in 1827, 
 and until about 1842, where he raised his family. Dimick's son, Lewis Ellis, 
 now of Belding, Mich., was born in this house, in 1811, and lived on and 
 worked the farm until his removal to Michigan, in 1842. Mr. Charles Rogers 
 now owns and lives on thia place. This house is on the southeast corner of lot 
 7, or the southwest corner of lot No. 8 according to the original survey of the 
 proprietors. 
 
 15. Site where Samuel Annable, Jr., settled, about 1762, and where he
 
 332 
 
 lived until about 1802, when he removed to Cayuga Co., N. Y. He raised a 
 large family here. One of his sons, Lieut. Edward Annable, was a prominent 
 soldier in the Revolutionary army. (See page 92.) Rev. Jacob Sherwin, the 
 first Congregational minister, lived at one time on this site, or very near it. 
 
 1(5. Nightingale's place. One of the first settlers was Samuel Nightin- 
 gale. His cabin was on the north side of the road, the back of which was 
 built up against the* face of a large rock. This rock is one of the ancient land- 
 marks. It has a perpendicular surface ten or twelve feet square, facing to the 
 southeast. Nightingale was an emigrant from England, and was a man of 
 uncommon learning but, withal, so queer in his ways that he was counted a 
 "wizard." 
 
 17. Site of Joseph Mitchell's tavern, the first public house in the town. 
 No remains of it are now seen. 
 
 18. Site of sawmill. Built by Lieut. John Ellis and Abner Phillips before 
 the Revolution. It went to decay about 1790. About 1825 Luther Phillips 
 built a carding mill, or works, on this site. No remains are now visible here 
 except the mud-sill to the dam, at the lower edge of the bridge which crosses 
 Bear River at this point. Before the Revolution Samuel Elmer settled about 
 100 rods east of this point, on the north side of the road. 
 
 19. Site, on Bellows Hill, of the first church (Congregational), built in 
 the town. The frame was put up in 1767, and the following year it was taken 
 down and re- erected, and the building completed in the cemetery on the Plain. 
 (Marked 23 on the map.) 
 
 20. Mill Hill. Purchased by Dea. Dimick Ellis, about 1820, for a wood 
 lot and sheep pasture. The top of this hill is about 1,700 feet above the sea. 
 
 21. Gray Brothers' house. About 1886 the Grays two brothers 
 erected the largest and finest barn in the town, if not in the county. It is two 
 stories high above the basement, and furnished with every convenience. The 
 following year they erected an elegant and costly house on this farm, a few- 
 rods south of the barn. 
 
 22. Old Mill on Pond Brook. Erected by the Proprietors about 1743. 
 After this went to decay another was built, which also disappeared many 
 years ago, about 1831. 
 
 23. Cemetery, where stood the Congregational Church after its removal 
 from Bellows Hill, in 1768. This is the principal cemetery in the town, and 
 has many beautiful monuments in it. 
 
 24. Residence of Henry S. Ranney, Esq., town clerk for the past forty 
 years. This is also the site of the ancient tavern of John Williams, built in 
 1792, by Zechariah Field. It is one of the finest locations on the Plain, or 
 Ashfield village. 
 
 25. Residence and farm of Frederick G. Howes, Esq., an enterprising 
 citizen of Ashfield. 
 
 26. Site of Philip Phillips, Esq.'s house. He was a son of Thomas Phil- 
 lips, the second settler in the town, and was a very intelligent and influential 
 man. He had thirteen children eleven of whom were SODS, each one over six 
 feet tall. Esquire Phillips was an officer in the French and Indian war of 
 1756. He formed his sons into a company and took great pride in exhibiting 
 them at military trainings. 
 
 27. Residence of Mr. Samuel A. Hall. Previous to 1860 this house
 
 333 
 
 stood about 20 rods south of I, and was occupied by David, son of John 
 Belding. 
 
 28. Site of a house on Bellows Hill, where Philip Phillips, Esq., once 
 lived. Samuel Annable also lived there for a time. This is near the south- 
 west corner of lot or Right No. 1. The old cellar-hole is yet visible. 
 
 2$J. Site of Heber's cabin, on the west side of Bellows Hill. Heber was 
 a black man, said to have been brought a slave from Africa. He came to 
 Ashfield with the Phillipses, from Easton, or the eastern part of the State. 
 Lot or Right No. 1, where his cabin was built, was taken by him from the 
 original Proprietors. Lots 2, 3 and 4 were on the west from this lot. Lots 
 7, 8 and 9 were on the east side of lot No. 1. That Heber was an honest and 
 respected man is evident from the early records of the town, where he is men- 
 tioned in several places, when taxes were assessed to him, as "Heber honest- 
 man," a compliment which any person might be proud of. 
 
 30. Site of the Ellis and Phillips Fort. (See pages 280 and 320.) 
 
 31. Site of house of Mr. Sears. This is the place to which Rev. Mr. 
 Shepard referred as being near the fort. (See page 280). 
 
 32. Site of residence of Thomas Phillips, Sr., brother of Richard Ellis' V 
 wife. He was the second settler in the town. There is a tradition that his / 
 first house was about 80 rods south of 32, near the point marked 0, and a few 
 rods northeasterly from the fort, where there is yet to be seen a cellar hole. 
 Nearly opposite (32) lived Thomas Phillips Jr., and after him his son, Russell 
 Phillips, who married Rhoda, eldest daughter of Hannah Ellis Williams (see 
 page 101). All of their children were born on this place. 
 
 33. Burying Ground at Baptist Corner. 
 
 34. First site of the Baptist Church, built about 1775. X 
 
 35. Second site of the Baptist Church, about sixty rods east of the Cor- 
 ner. This church was built about 1830. A school house now stands there. 
 In early times Israel Standish lived about 60 rods east of No. 35. 
 
 36. House where John Sadler, an early settler, lived. 
 
 37. The farm where George Ranney settled, in 1780, and where he raised 
 a large family. His son, George Ranney, Jr., and Henry S. Ranney, Esq., 
 son of the latter, were born and reared on this farm. 
 
 38. Site of Capt. Samuel Bartlett's house, where the nine tories were 
 confined, in August, 1777. This site should be marked about 60 rods nearer . 
 the Plain on the discontinued road. There is yet to be seen a cellar-hole at 
 the site. 
 
 39. Seth Wait's tavern in 1783; now the Episcopal parsonage. 
 
 40. Capt. Moses Fuller's tavern in 1767. Moses Cook has built and 
 now lives on this site. 
 
 41 . Timothy Perkins' tavern in 1778. The Ashfield House, now kept by 
 Lewis Porter, Esq., is on or near this site. 
 
 42. Chileab Smith, Jr.'s, tavern in 1786. 
 
 43. Jonathan Yeoman's house, 1767. 
 
 44. Peter's Hill, or Mountain, is about one-half mile west from this point. 
 It is the highest elevation in Ashfield, being, according to U. S. survey, 1,800 
 feet above the sea and 600 feet above the Plain, or Ashfield village. It is now 
 cleared of trees and affords some pasturage, and also grows the finest and largest 
 wintergreen berries the writer has ever seen. The writer was misinformed,
 
 334 
 
 on page 276, about Hon. J. R. Lowell's having purchased a site on this moun- 
 tain for a. summer residence. 
 
 45. Ridge Hill, a mountain in the north part of the town. 
 
 46. Dea. David Lyon's residence, being the same where his father, Aaron 
 Lyon, settled as early as 1765. 
 
 MARY LYON'S birthplace was about one mile north from her uncle, Dea. 
 David Lyon's. (See page 238). 
 
 47. That part of Great Pond where Dea. David Lyon and four others 
 were drowned in 1827. (See page 295). 
 
 48. Site of residence of Dea. Samuel Washburn in 1764, and of his son, 
 Samuel, Jr. David Ellis, Sr.'s wife, Sarah Washburn, was reared on this 
 place. (See page 88.) John Pfersich now lives here. 
 
 49. Site of Capt. Benjamin Phillips' house in 1765. Capt. Phillips was 
 the first town clerk of Ashfield, on its incorporation. The old cellar-hole is 
 yet to be seen a few rods south of the figures 49. 
 
 50. The site of the residence where Elder Ebenezer Smith lived is about 
 ^80 rods north of this point. (See page 71). His younger brother, Elder Enos 
 
 Smith, also lived on this place or very near it. From No. 50 north to the 
 Buckland town line is about one-half mile. 
 
 51. Where Rev. Thos. Shepard lived in 1820, while pastor of the Congre- 
 gational Church. See his Sketches of Ashfield, pages 275 to 297. Before Mr. 
 Shepard settled in Ashfield he was a missionary and teacher in Georgia. After 
 leaving Ashfield, in 1833, he was agent of the American Bible Society about 
 two years, when he was installed as pastor in Bristol, R. I., in 1835, where he 
 remained in active and successful service until his death, about 1875. This 
 house is now the summer residence of Prof. C. E. Norton, of Cambridge. 
 
 52. Site of Dr. Phineas Bartlett's residence in 1765. Dr. Bartlett was a 
 physician in Ashtield over 40 years. At his death, it is said, there was the 
 largest attendance at the funeral ever known in the town. He was a great 
 patriot in Revolutionary times. One of the seven tories whom he voted to 
 confine in 1777 was a near relative of his. In 1792 Dr. B. built and lived in 
 the house marked 51. 
 
 53. Residence of Rev. Nehemiah Porter in 1774. This spot is 100 rods 
 southwest of where Dr. Bartlett lived. 
 
 54. Center Cemetery, in the geographical center of the town. In 1812 
 the Congregational Church was erected on this ground, the old church in the 
 cemetery (at 23) having gone to disuse. About the year 1855 there was a 
 division in the church, and a part of the congregation created a new church 
 building at the Plain, on the north side of the main street, the two societies of 
 this church have united, and in 1857 moved the church building from the 
 Center Cemetery to the south side of the main street on the Plain. This is a 
 large and commodious building and is now the Town Hall, 
 
 55. Sawmill on White Brook, built about 1828 by Dimick Ellis, Asher 
 Belding and Phineas Flower. Water to run it was brought from Bear River, 
 in a race across the fiat, shown by the dotted line. This went to decay and 
 disappeared twenty years later. 
 
 56. Site where Israel Phillips lived in 1/95. 
 
 57. Location where Dea. John Bement lived in 1759. On this place
 
 335 
 
 were raised Judge Leonard and Edmund Bement, who lived in Grand Rapids, 
 Mich., in 1860. 
 
 58. Site where Dea. Isaac Shepard lived in 1764. His daughter Jemima 
 was the wife of Aaron Lyon, Jr., and mother of Mary Lyon. 
 
 6O. New summer house of Mrs. John W. Field, of Philadelphia. 
 
 Ol. Site of a Baptist church, built in 1870. 
 
 62. Episcopal church, built in 1827. 
 
 63. Site of old house where lived Thomas White, Esq., in 1794; father 
 of Capt. Thomas White, who lived in Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, Mich., 
 from about 1836 to 1880. His sister Amanda, who married Rev. Wm. M. 
 Ferry, was born in this house. Mr. and Mrs. Ferry were Congregational 
 missionaries among the Indians of Mackinaw and Grand Haven, Mich., in 
 early times. They were the parents of Hon. Thomas White Ferry, U. S. sen- 
 ator from Michigan many years, and Vice -President pro tern, previous to the 
 inauguration of Hayes and Wheeler in 1877. The old house was burned in 
 February, 1820, and rebuilt in the same year. It is directly opposite the 
 town hall, and is now owned by Mrs. Amanda Ferry Hall, a granddaughter 
 of the original owner. 
 
 64. Site of residence of Levi Cook, Esq., an early resident of Ashfield. 
 It is now the summer residence of Hon. George William Curtis, of New York 
 city. 
 
 65. Town Hall, and Soldiers' Monument and Fountain nearly in front 
 of it. 
 
 66. Residence of Hon. Enos Smith, M. D., in 1796. Present residence 
 of Lemuel Cross, Esq. 
 
 67. House where James Ranney, Esq., eldest son of Jesse, lived from 
 about 1825 to 1860. 
 
 REGARDING "ANGELS' VISITS "-NOTE TO PAGES 89 AND 9O. 
 
 By request the following comments on the "Angels' visits," mentioned 
 on pages 89 and 90, are given by Rev. A. F. Frost, pastor of the New Jerusalem 
 Church, Detroit, Mich. : 
 
 The statements made about the visits of angels to certain members of the 
 Ellis family seem to be well authenticated and are of an exceedingly interest- 
 ing nature. That such visits are not only possible, but to those in their 
 situation cut off, as they were, from all other means of knowing of the exist- 
 of a God and a life after death it would appear as if the visits were wholly 
 providential. All who read and believe in the Bible as a Divine revelation 
 will not be slow to believe in the possibility or usefulness of such visitations, 
 since the Bible is full of accounts of the people of all ages who have seen, 
 heard and conversed with angels. Swedenborg, from actual experiences in 
 the same direction, has very clearly explained what is said in the Bible about 
 such visits, and the purpose of them. In his work entitled " The Apocalypse 
 Revealed," which is an explanation of the book of Revelation, commenting on 
 the words: " I was in the spirit on the Lord's Day" (Rev. i. 10), Swedenborg 
 says: "This signifies the spiritual state in which John was when he was in 
 visions. Concerning the prophets, it is written that they were in the spirit or in
 
 336 
 
 vision; also, that the Word came to them from the Lord. When they were 
 in the spirit or vision they saw with their spiritual eyes but not with their 
 natural eyes. They were not in the body, but in their spirit, in which state 
 they saw such things as are in heaven. In the state of vision the eyes of their 
 spirit were opened, and the eyes of their body shut; and then they heard what 
 the angels spake, or what the Lord spake by the angels, and also saw the things 
 which were represented to them in heaven; and then they sometimes seemed 
 to themselves to be carried from one place to another, the body still remaining 
 in its place. In this state was John when he wrote the Apocalypse; and 
 sometimes, also Ezekiel, Zechariah and Daniel; and then it is sid that they were 
 in vision, or in the spirit. Ezekiel says: "The spirit took me up and brought 
 me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea; so the vision that I had ween 
 went up from me" xi. 1, 2, 4. It is also said that the spirit took him up, 
 and that he heard behind him a voice of a great rushing, and other things iii. 
 12, 24; also, that the spirit lifted him up between the earth and heaven and 
 brought him, in the visions of God, to Jerusalem viii. 3. The same was the 
 case with Zechariah, with whom there was an angel at the time when he saw 
 a man riding among the myrtle trees i. 8; when he saw a man in whose 
 hand was a measuring line ii. 1. 5; when he saw Joshua the High Priest iii. 
 1; when he saw the candlestick and the two olive trees iv. 1. In a similar 
 state was Daniel, when he saw four beasts coming up out of the sea vii. 1; 
 when he saw the battle of the ram and the he goat viii. 1, which things he 
 says he saw in visions. It was the same with John, as when he saw the Son 
 of Man in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, when he saw a throne, 
 a book sealed with seven seals, four horses coming out of the book, when he 
 heard the seven angels sound with the seven trumpets, when he saw the dragon, 
 the two beasts, the great whore, the white horse, the new heaven and the new 
 earth, and the New Jerusalem. All these things he says he saw in the spirit 
 and in vision i. 10; iv. 2; ix. 17. It appears, evidently, from these examples, 
 that to be in the spirit is to be in vision , which is effected by the opening of 
 the sight of a man's spirit, when the things in the spiritual world appear as 
 clearly as the things in the natural world appear to bodily sight. I can testify 
 that it is so from many years' experience. In this state the disciples were 
 when they saw the Lord after his resurrection, wherefore it is said that their 
 eyes were opened Luke xxiv. 30, 31. Abraham was in a similar state when 
 he saw the three augels and talked with them. So were Hagar, Gideon, 
 Joshua and others, when they saw angels. In like manner the lad with Eli- 
 sha, when he saw the chariots of tire and horses about Elisha; for Elisha prayed 
 ami said: "O Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see; and the Lord 
 opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw " 2 Kings, vi. 17. 
 
 This will easily explain the process of all genuine visions, where persons 
 have seen, heard and talked with angels. Every man, as to his interiors, is a 
 spirit, and is surrounded by and in association with spirits and angels in the 
 spiritual world, although not ordinarily conscious of it. The spirit of man has 
 yes, ears, tongue, hands, feet, and all the other organs of the human frame, 
 since the spirit is in a substantial human form. The eyes and ears of the spirit 
 may be opened by the Lord whenever He sees that it is for some good and 
 useful purpose. This frequently happens with those who are dying. They 
 ee those in the spiritual world with the eyes of the spirit, and are filled with
 
 337 
 
 rapture at the thought of soon joining them. The organs of the spirit of man 
 are in a perfect state, however imperfect or deformed are the organs of the 
 body. On their entrance into the spiritual world, those who had been blind, 
 deaf, dumb or lame here, would at once see, hear, speak and walk. And if 
 the spirit of those deaf and dumb should be opened while they were living in 
 the body, they could perfectly hear and speak the language of the spiritual 
 world, which is a universal language, is interiorly impressed upon the spirit of 
 every one; and hence all understand all in the other life, whatever may have 
 been their nationality or language in this world. It is perfectly reasonable to 
 believe that the deaf and dumb persons of the Ellis family saw, heard and 
 talked with the angels; and that deaf and dumb persons could speak with each 
 other, provided both were in the spirit at the same time. The disciples talked 
 with the Lord, and He with them, after the resurrection, when the Lord was 
 in the spiritual world, and the interiors of the disciples must have been opened; 
 for, otherwise, they could not have done this. Also in the mount of transfig- 
 uration, when Peter, James and John were in vision and saw the Lord in glory, 
 they also saw and heard and spake with Moses and Elias, and likewise talked 
 with each other. This would be just as perfectly the case with persons who 
 were deaf, blind and dumb as to the body, since an impaired condition of the 
 bodily senses does not extend to the spirit of man at all. As there was no 
 sign language, or other means of instruction for the deaf and dumb, in the days 
 when these members of the Ellis family lived, there was no other way for 
 them to know anything about God, religion and the life after death, than by 
 some such direct communication with angels as it is related took place. The 
 Lord gave them these opportunities, which are denied men ordinarily, because 
 most men can read the Bible and hear preaching and by these means learn 
 spiritual truth. That Jonathan Ellis had both his speech and hearing when 
 under angelic influence is easily explained, therefore, since both the tongue 
 and ears would be controlled from an internal influence and power, and not by 
 an external power, as is ordinarily the case. The angel that stood in the way 
 of Balaam caused it to appear that even the dumb ass spake. This was only 
 the appearance, however, as the angel himself, and not the ass, spake; but 
 Balaam was so obstinate that he could not listen to the angel; he could be 
 brought to consider his situation only when startled by the remarkable 
 appearance that he was being reproved by his ass. Although at times, 
 and for special reasons, men may see and speak with angels, yet the orderly 
 way of receiving instruction in spiritual truth is by means of the Scriptures. 
 It is disorderly, dangerous, and forbidden us in the Bible, to seek intercourse 
 with the inhabitants of the spiritual world, or to come into communication with 
 the dead. Under no circumstances of our seeking will any good spirit or angel 
 appear to us. The spirits that operate by speaking, writing or other manifesta- 
 tions through modern mediums, are always evil spirits, of a low and sensual 
 nature, who deceive and flatter, and lead men away from the Lord, heaven, 
 the church and the Bible. As in the case of the members of the Ellis family 
 there was no effort on their part to pry into spiritual mysteries, but a real 
 need because of their inability to speak or hear, that they should learn about 
 God, religion and the future outside of the ordinary means, it is reasonable to 
 believe that what i& related of their angelic visitants is true.
 
 BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND TRIALS OF KLDER EBEXEZER 
 SMITH, OF ASHFIELD, MASS WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. 
 
 Smith was a son in-law of Richard Ellis, of Ashfield. For an 
 account of him see page 71. The manuscript from which the following 
 article is printed was sent the writer by Dr. A. P. Phillips, of Fredonia, X. Y., 
 whose wife is a great granddaughter of Elder Smith. See page 98.] 
 
 "Come and bear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my 
 soul." 
 
 " One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts." 
 
 [DAVID. 
 
 Having been requested to write some of the experiences I have met with 
 in my life, I did not conclude to do it until I received a letter from a much 
 esteemed friend in which was the following: " I read your letter at the meeting 
 of our Missionary Board, and the members expressed a wish that you would 
 commit to writing the most remarkable circumstances of your life, and the 
 observations you have made from time to time relative to the cause and church 
 of Christ. You have outlived most of your cotemporaries; of course, you have 
 more experience of the ways of God than many of your junior brethren; you 
 have also experienced many trials which most of us have been exempted from. 
 I hope, dear sir, while your health and powers of mind hold out, you will 
 devote a little of your precious time to this labor of love, for the good of the 
 cause and for the benefit of those who may follow after you." 
 
 Upon receiving this letter 1 thought it my duty to enter upon the work, 
 concerning which, I would observe that I am now almost eighty-six years old, 
 and I have nothing to write from but my memory, but I shall be careful not to 
 write anything but what I am sure is the truth. Perhaps, in writing what 
 was said many years ago, I shall not always use the same words, but I shall be 
 very careful to give the true sense. Stockton, Chautauqua Co., X. Y., Aug. 
 29, 1820. 
 
 I was born in South Hadjey. Mass., October 4, 1734. There was but very 
 little schooling for anyone in my young days. I went to a woman's school a 
 little while and learned to read, and afterwards to a man's school and learned 
 to write, which was all the teaching I had except what I received at my 
 father's house. I could read pretty well, could write so aa it might be read, 
 and had a knowledge of arithmetic sufficient for the business of a common 
 fanner, but never saw a grammar till I bought one for my own children. 
 
 In my seventeenth year my father removed to Ashfield. There were but 
 two families in the town before him. I had serious impressions on my mind 
 when very young and, by turns, throughout my youthful days; at times would 
 be light and merry with my mates, but never went to what was then called a 
 frolic. After we removed to Ashfield [then Huntstown] my father proposed 
 to the neighbors to meet together on the Sabbath for religious worship; they 
 assented, and my father took the lead in the worship. 1 was under deep con- 
 cern of mind until in the month of March, 1753 (I do not remember the day 
 of the month, but the place where and the time of the day between sundown 
 and dark), as I was looking to God alone, as a poor, guilty sinner, I was 
 enabled to give myself into the hands of a just God, and a peace and joy fol- 
 lowed which I never knew before.
 
 339 
 
 I cannot tell of such views of the names of hell, and of Christ hanging on 
 the cross as I have heard others relate, but my understanding was led to see 
 the holiness of God's law and my utter inability to do anything to recommend 
 myself to Him; and I also saw the infinite fullness of the Savior's merits 
 that pardon could be had through His atoning blood, and justification through 
 His spotless righteousness. And this is all my hope; whatever becomes of me 
 at last, I can only plead: " God be merciful to me, a sinner;" and I believe it 
 will be infinitely safe to be in this way. 
 
 I now began, as opportunity offered, to speak of the things of God. In 
 the course of the summer my mind was led to particular texts of Scripture 
 that would open to my view. This one often came to mind: "As every man 
 hath received the gift, so let him minister the same;" but I am but a child; how 
 can I speak to those who are so much older than I ? To this self-questioning 
 the answer would return: "As every man hath received the gift," followed by 
 "Lo, I am with you." So I labored along undor these trials until November. 
 On the 29th day of that month 1 was called upon in such a manner that I 
 could no longer refrain, and attempted to preach unto the people. From that 
 day to this sixty-seven years next November I have endeavored to improve 
 and to speak forth the truth according to my ability. I must new begin to 
 relate some of the trials in my experience. 
 
 The next summer after this beginning I was requested to go and preach 
 in another town. A great number assembled to hear; the minister of the 
 town, and another scholarly man who had just begun to preach, were present, 
 and they both remained seated during prayer. The minister several times 
 interrupted my discourse, but the rest of the people behaved orderly. After 
 the meeting the minister asked me what a butler was. I answered: a "cup- 
 bearer." He said I used the word "butler" instead of "buckler," in my dis- 
 course. I cannot say but I might have made such a slip, and a few years after- 
 wards my utterance at the time alluded to was ridiculed in the public prints 
 by him. A further example of the minister's treatment of me was as follows; 
 In praying for the ministers of Christ I used these words: " That they may 
 stand in their lot." In his talk after the meeting he asked: "In what lot 
 must ministers stand in home lot or second division lot?" His whole con- 
 duct was in this line of mockery. I have ever been grateful that through the 
 goodness of God I was enabled young as I was, and among strangers to go 
 through with my discourse. 
 
 Soon after this the war of 1756 broke out, and for two summers we were 
 forced to leave town from fear of the Indians. I was called to go into 
 the army for about three months, and then we built a fort [at Ashfield or Hunts.- 
 town] and had some men sent to guard us. So we lived in the fort in the 
 summer for three summers, and in our own houses in the winter. We were 
 in a broken situation at that time, but I still continued to preach, when there 
 was time for it. 
 
 I was brought up to believe that sprinkling infants was baptism, and 
 never had much thought but such was right, until I was married and had a 
 child of my own, then I thought more about it. I had never seen a Baptist 
 nor a Baptist's writings. I heard there were Baptists, but they were spoken 
 of as a deluded people, and my further inquiries about the ordinance of baptism 
 led me to conclude that the subject was left in the dark there was nothing
 
 340 
 
 certain about it, and I might accept what my father had done for me, and let 
 that go f r m y baptism; but I could not get my own children baptised. O 
 what blindness ! 
 
 In April, 1761, a Baptist elder came into town on business. Inviting him 
 to my house, I desired him to tell me how he came to be a Baptist, and I found 
 that he was settled and unshaken in regard to that ordinance, whereas I had 
 thought that nobody could be certain whether he was right or not. After dis- 
 covering that one could be established in regard to that ordinance, I came to 
 the determination to search carefully at once as to what was right, and I can 
 truly say that I could not find, then nor since, that I had the least choice but 
 to accept t/ie truth; and this Scripture came to me with great solemnity: M Let 
 God be true, and every man a liar." I went to my Bible; I read no other 
 book; 1 said nothing to any man till I had become settled beyond doubt, that 
 believers in Christ, and none other, had any right to that ordinance; and that 
 to be buried in the water, and raised out or it, in the name of the Father, and 
 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is the only Gospel baptism. 
 
 And now I was brought to see the reason why I was so long in the dark 
 about that ordinance. It was because I let the traditions of men be of weight 
 in the balance with the word of God. And 1 am persuaded that every true 
 believer in Christ that reads the Bible, if he has but a single eye, will let that 
 doctrine of Antichrist that sprinkling infants is baptism go, and embrace 
 the pure ordinance of Christ; delivered to 'the saints; for Christ saith: "If 
 thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light;" and He will fulfill 
 His word. 
 
 Making my mind known to my friends I found some who had a desire to 
 be baptised; and I knew of but one elder on earth that we could apply to, 
 and he was sixty miles away; but I went to him with my errand, and he 
 came, with one of his brethren, and baptised seven one day, and one the 
 next day; and there was one of that elder's members who had moved into the 
 town a little before; he joined us, making our number nine. We formed a 
 church, the elder gave us the right hand of fellowship, and administered the 
 Lord's supper. 
 
 It made a great tumult among the people. Such a thing was never heard 
 of in that part of the country before. All manner of evil was said about us; 
 and we a feeble band and no friends near us. But he that is a sanctuary 
 to His people through His grace we were enabled to keep our ground, and 
 the church gave me a call to be ordained and to become their pastor. We 
 sent to the same elder (60 miles), and to another elder (90 miles), and to a 
 church that had no elder (90 miles), they came, and I was ordained August 
 20, 1761. 
 
 From this time the Lord carried on His work, and additions were made 
 to the church. One thing that took place a few months after my ordination I 
 will mention, as perhaps it may do good: There came a young man from a 
 distance of ninety miles, in order to be baptised. He went to meeting with 
 me, but when it came time for him to tell his experience he was so dark in his 
 mind that he could not do it. I pitied the young man, and took him with me 
 to my house. After some conversation, I told the young man that I could tell 
 what the difficulty was with him that kept him so in the dark: You live near 
 one of the elders that attended my ordination; some of his church live in the
 
 same town with you, and you could not bear to take up the cross or be bap- 
 tised among your old acquaintances, so you come up here into the woods to be 
 baptised and shun the cross. He freely confessed that to be the very reason 
 of his coming, and he soon had such light and comfort in his soul that he de- 
 cided to return home and be baptised among his own people. The next I 
 heard of him he was baptised and preaching the Gospel, and became a worthy 
 minister of Christ. 
 
 If we mean to be Christ's friends we must deny ourselves and take up the 
 cross. 
 
 When 1 was ordained above half the people that were then in the town 
 were agreed in it and attended my ministry ; but, the war being over, the Pedo- 
 baptists [believers in infant baptism] came into the town, and in 1763 they 
 settled a minister. There were 300 acres of land for the first minister who 
 settled in the town. They took all that and did not let me have one foot of it. 
 There were 300 more, iheuse of which was for the support of the minister, 
 which was rented out to the utter exclusion of the Baptists. The General 
 Court made a law that all the land in town might be taxed to pay the Pedo- 
 baptist minister and build their meeting-house; and if any did not pay, the 
 land could be sold to obtain the tax. We jsent a petition to the Court for 
 relief, and, not being heard, we all agreed that we would not pay the tax, let 
 what would come of it. In the month of April, 1770 they came forward with a 
 tax of 507 for their minister and meeting-house, and began selling our lands. 
 They sold about 400 acres in all ten acres of my home lot, that were worth 
 ten dollars an acre. The man came with a surveyor and a band of men, to 
 measure it off. My little son, about four years old, came crying to me, say- 
 ing: "Father, has the man come to takeaway our land?" I saw the man 
 next day, who told me to go and put up half the fence between us and he 
 would put up the other half. I replied: no, there should be no fence put 
 there; if he had a mind to sue me for the land I would stand trial, and see who 
 had the best right to it ; but come on it he should not and I have never seen 
 his face since. To be short about the matter, I went five times to Boston to 
 try to get that law repealed, but failed in my errand. Other trials of those try- 
 ing days are worth mention : One day, when Col. Dexter and some other mem- 
 bers of the Court desired to see>my ordination, the record was shown him; he 
 read it over and said : " This looks like an ordination ' according to the pattern 
 shown in the mount.' " 
 
 Once, when the matter was being debated in Court, Col. Bowers said he 
 would " not call it highway robbery, but if such things were done on the high 
 seas, he would call it piracy." 
 
 One morning L went to see Col. Tyler. He was unable to go to the Court 
 that day, but he wrote a letter for me to carry to Dexter, to have him help 
 me, and in the letter he said: "They are devilishly oppressed." 
 
 Discoursing with a number of the Court one day, one of them said: "Sup- 
 pose eight or ten Baptists go into a new town and settle a minister, and then 
 the other order are not able to settle a minister without the Baptists' help, 
 must they do without a minister because there are eight or ten Baptists there?" 
 I replied: "The Court allows sixty proprietors to every new town. Now ten 
 Baptists go in and settle a minister, and the fifty cannot settle their minister
 
 342 
 
 without the ten support their own minister and help the fifty support theirs, 
 too. Do look at it!'' 
 
 While these things were going on there appeared an article in public print, 
 said to have come from a minister residing near Ashfield, in which the writer 
 says: " It is a common observation that the Baptists in Ashfield will not stick 
 at any falsehood, to serve their purposes;" and to prove his charge, he says 
 that we say in our petition to the Court: " there are 507 pounds raised for the 
 minister and the meeting house, whereas 100 were for highways." A> heavy 
 charge; to come from a minister, too, and from one that lived near us. I 
 thought it time to appear in my own and my brethren's defence. I sent to 
 the Clerk and got a copy of the vote for raising money, and went right down 
 to Boston and put an answer into the same paper, just four weeks after the 
 other article appeared. 
 
 I said, in my answer: "We did in our petition say that the sum of 507 
 was raised for the minister and meeting-house; then, he adds that ' 100 was 
 for highways/ which is a notorious falsehood. That 100 was raised for high- 
 ways I well knew, but it was no part of the 507 for the minister and meeting- 
 house ; and, to satisfy the public, here follows a copy of the votes, attested by 
 the clerk, that said 507 are for the minister and meeting-house and 100 for 
 highways." I heard no more of that charge. 
 
 The last time that I went down to the Court at Boston, one of the men 
 who sold our land also went down to meet me there. The Court chose a com- 
 mittee of five men, with Col. Brattle as their chairman. We pleaded our 
 cause before them and left it for them to make their report. Col. Bowers told 
 me that his affairs were such that he thought he must go home. I desired he 
 would stay till the committee reported. He replied that if his going would be 
 any damage to me, he would stay if it cost him 100. Accordingly he did 
 stay. I cannot tell the very words of the report, but the substance of it was, 
 that in the sale of our lands there was nothing unjust, but all was right and 
 we had suffered no wrong; and, notwithstanding all my friends could say, the 
 Court accepted the report. Thus were we left by an act of the Government 
 in the hands of our neighbors, who might tax and sell just as much of our land 
 as they pleased. This looked like a dark day, but I had this for my support, 
 that there is a ' God in heaven that governed the affairs of men. ' 
 
 By the help of some friends the matter was sent over to the King. This 
 was in April. The King's order came the same year, in October. I suppose 
 there were but three men in the country who knew it had gone to the King, till 
 his order came, by which order he overthrew the sale under our law, and put 
 a stop to their taxing us any more. This was " good news from a far country, ' 
 and rejoiced the hearts of my afflicted brethren. 
 
 Perhaps the reader will ask how I was exercised in mind by the trying 
 circumstances of these times. I can say that I viewed them to be of the prov- 
 idence of God that He cast my lot where it was, and that it was the cause of 
 truth that I was callad upon, according to my ability, to defend; and being in 
 the path of duty I had God to go to; and, having His fear before my eyes, 
 creatures vanished from sight; that I felt under obligations to speak my mind 
 plainly, before high and low. At that time there was much said about liberty, 
 and the people in this land was complaining of Britain's oppression. One day, 
 when I was discoursing, with a number of the members of the Court, they
 
 343 
 
 pleaded for their right to tax the Baptists, and that they could not support 
 their ministers without the Baptists' help. I say the truth I lie not; my 
 spirit was stirred within me; not with anger, but with an abhorence of such 
 tyranny; and with a zeal for the cause of truth, and to defend my oppressed, 
 brethren, I told them they were calling themselves the sons of liberty and were 
 erecting their liberty poles about the country, but they did not deserve the 
 name, for it was evident all they wanted was liberty from oppression that they 
 might have liberty to oppress ! 
 
 I was told that the man who went down to meet me before the Court said 
 to his neighbors, after he came home, that " Elder Smith would speak the 
 truth, let the consequences be what they would." 
 
 In those days of trial 1 received many favors from my brethren in and 
 about Boston, which I have not forgotten. But they are now mostly all, if 
 not all, gone home to glory, I trust; while I, poor and unworthy, yet continue 
 in this vale of tears. O that I may be enabled to be faithful unto death. But 
 to return to my narrative: 
 
 The brethren in Newport sent a request to me to come and see them; and 
 a little after the King's order came into the town, and we had gained my 
 brethren's liberty, 1 went to see them. 
 
 As I was on my way home I met one of my acquaintances, in a town where 
 I intended to tarry over the Sabbath, and he told me that since 1 had left 
 home they had sent out a warrant to take me for counterfeiting money. I told 
 him I never was afraid to travel the King's highway, and I should not turn out 
 for that noise. He said they would take me as soon as I got home, or before. 
 I went on to where I intended to put up. When my friend saw me come in, 
 he said: "Are you here? I just now heard that you were in Springfield jail 
 for counterfeiting money!" I told him it was not worth while for me to say 
 anything about it, for people would reply that if I would counterfeit money I 
 would deny it; but you know that I am not in Springfield jail, because you see 
 me here. 
 
 He sent out to let the people know that I was come. I did not see but 
 there came as many to hear me preach as ever before when I had been there. 
 As I went on my way home there was a great stir about the affair, but I got 
 home the day I meant to, and they never showed me the warrant. May God 
 have the glory. 
 
 [It is astonishing to what indignities the Baptists were subjected during 
 these times, especially Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., the father of Elder Ebenezer 
 Smith. Mr. Smith was the third settler in Ashfield, and was the most noted 
 resident of the town for thirty years or more. He was an ardent Baptist, and 
 was ordained into the ministry when 80 years of age. He died in 1800, in his 
 93d year. In the year 1771, in the midst of the persecutions mentioned above, 
 it was reported that he "had put off a bad dollar " upon a Mr. Pike, a resident; 
 and although Mr. Pike said that "there was no truth in the report," Mr. 
 Smith was arrested and taken before the Judge of the Court at Hatfield, twenty 
 miles away. Ten witnesses were summoned and no evidence was found against 
 him, yet the Judge was very insulting, and held him to bail in a sum so large 
 that he supposed Mr. Smith could not procure it, and hence could be kept in 
 jail a few months. The result was, as he himself stated, that " he was greatly 
 injured iu his health and lost most of a winter's work." It turned out that
 
 344 
 
 his arrest was mainly due to the fact that smoke was seen, by jealous persons, 
 to issue from the chimney of bis shop on Sundays, where he had built a fire to 
 warm those who came to his house to attend meetings Baptist meetings for 
 several years being held at his house. Previous to this, his orchard had been 
 torn up and twenty acres of his best land sold, to pay taxes to another minister 
 and for building the meeting-house of another denomination. " His house was 
 searched; and when he went abroad about his lawful business his track was pur- 
 -aued, to see if they could not find some evil thing done by him." His people 
 were taunted with the saying: "When the negroes get free, then the Baptists 
 may," &c. In all the trials to which these people were subjected they were 
 fully vindicated; and the verdict, finally, of all who ever knew Chileab Smith, 
 ST., the champion of the Baptists, was: " that he was as honest a man as ever 
 lived." He never wavered in his faith or purposes, and could have gone to the 
 stake with as much heroism as any martyr of old. He was the human embodi- 
 ment of that inspiration which at Baptist Corner gained for religious freedom 
 one of the greatest victories in the world's history. Yet, for one of the present 
 time who looks over these "rock-ribbed and sterile hills," now mostly deserted, 
 the wonder is, how these hardy pioneers gained a bodily subsistence, even. The 
 name and fame of CHILEAB SMITH, SR., should be perpetuated forever among 
 men, and a monument erected to his memory on the sanctified ground of Baptist 
 Corner. Some future generation will do this. It may be said that the odium 
 which was sought to be cast upon the Baptist people by other denominations 
 continued for thirty years later, until the time when that great missionary, 
 Adoniram Judson, was sent out from Massachusetts to India, in 1812 to con- 
 vert the heathen. On his passage to that country he investigated Baptist 
 doctrines, and soon after his arrival announced his conversion thereto. This 
 was the end of the persecution of the Baptists in this country, the humiliation 
 of their opponents being complete. See page 324. ] 
 
 And now they took another method to annoy me: They put me into the 
 civil tax three years going; made up the tax and put the collection thereof 
 into the hands of three collectors. One of them called on me to pay. I told 
 him I should not pay, and forbade his taking any thing of mine; I agreed not to 
 go out of his way, so that he might take me if he would, but meddle with my 
 property he must not. Before he distrained on me another Elder in the county 
 was taxed in the same manner, who sued the town for his right, in the Su- 
 preme Court at Northampton, and gained his case. These three collectors 
 were present at that trial, and never again called on me to pay the tax. 
 
 Concerning this affair I would make the following remark: The assessors 
 who made up the tax were under oath to proceed according to law. The law 
 forbade taxing a minister of the Gospel, and the only way they could tax me 
 without violating their oaths, as they thought, was by denying that I was a 
 minister. Had I paid the tax when it was demanded I would seem thereby to 
 have acknowledged that I was not a minister, and thus have brought reproach 
 upon my calling, my people and the cause of God. These considerations moved 
 me to refuse to pay the tax; the money was only a trifle, but the honor of God 
 required that I should not wound His cause or give occasion to the adversary 
 to rejoice. I fully expected when I refused payment that my property would 
 be levied upon, and my escape from loss or annoyance was due to the judgment 
 of the court in the case of the other elder. It appeared to me a providence of
 
 345 
 
 God in my behalf that the case was tried just at this time, and that the three 
 collectors should have been present at the trial and have been convinced that 
 they had no right to collect a tax from me. Such things do not come by 
 chance. To God be the glory ! 
 
 But I turn to relate things of a different nature : Though our adversaries 
 had lost the power to oppress us, they yet manifested their spite by all man- 
 ner of reproaches and evil-speaking, and the ministers would try to prejudice 
 the people against the Baptists. One instance I mention: A man belonging 
 to the Pedobaptist Society desired me to go and preach at his house. I passed 
 the house of the minister on the way to my appointment, and the minister, 
 seeing me, set out to follow me, keeping a distance behind, so as to avoid 
 speaking with me. He came into the house a little after my arrival and began 
 to reprove the man for inviting me to preach at his house without leave from 
 him. The minister displayed much heat of spirit, but I thought it prudent 
 not to interfere between them, and sat silently by. When, however, the people 
 had assembled, I spoke to the minister and told him the time for worship had 
 arrived. He arose and said: " If you will go on, I charge all my people not 
 to stay to hear you," and went out. As he was going these words came to my 
 mind, which I repeated so that he might hear: 
 
 1 Why should the nations angry be? 
 
 What noise is this we hear? 
 The Gospel takes away their gods, 
 
 And that they cannot bear." 
 
 One man followed the minister; all the rest remained throughout the 
 service. 
 
 But Jesus is King upon the holy hill of Zion, and notwithstanding all the 
 rage of the devil and antichrist, He carried on His own work and the church 
 increased; another church was formed in New Salem, and I was sent for to 
 baptize a number in Chesterfield I suppose the first ever baptized in that 
 town and soon there were enough to form a church. I was soon after called 
 to baptize in Colerain, and a church was gathered there; another church 
 ormed in Montague ; another in Leyden; a second church was formedin Cole 
 rain; another rose up in Charlemont, and I had the happiness of assisting in 
 ordaining elders in five of these churches. O what hath God wrought in my 
 day ! Glory to His holy name ! 
 
 When the Pedobaptists found they could not stop the work of God by 
 oppression nor reproaches, they turned to nattering. "Come, let us all be 
 one; we allow your baptism to be good; we can commune with you, why will 
 you not commune with us?" And a number of their ministers invited me into 
 their pulpits to preach for them on the Sabbath; and it so happened that I 
 went into my own county town, where I was born and brought up South 
 Hadley and their minister being away they requested me to preach for them. 
 That was a good occasion for me to preach the Gospel of Christ to my kinsmen 
 according to the flesh, and to those who had been my neighbors from my in- 
 fancy. What will be the fruit of that day's labor I must leave till the Lord 
 brings it to light. 
 
 In these times of flattery there came three persons to me from a town 
 adjoining, where they had no minister men who had been acquainted with 
 me a number of years and had often been to my meetings to see if I would
 
 346 
 
 not go and be their town's minister. They offered me a good salary and con- 
 sented to my baptizing in my own way all that so desired; but also to sprinkle 
 infants for them who requested it, and so to commune with them. I suppose 
 these men were really honest in their own minds, and thought that baptism 
 was such a nonessential thing that we might compromise. I thought that if 
 they had ever felt the power of that word: "Let God be true, and every man 
 a liar," they would not have made such a proposal to me. I told them I could 
 not sell the truth. I pitied them, for they were men for whom I had a high 
 regard, and they appeared to be really grieved that I could not grant their 
 request. 
 
 This brings me down to the year 1795. And now, to look back and see 
 what the Lord has done in thirty-four years, when we were but nine in num- 
 ber, surrounded by enemies that would gladly have rooted us out of the world 
 if they could, and the nearest of our Baptist brethren sixty miles from us, but 
 now with churches all around us, but a few miles away, and elders ordained 
 with whom I could take sweet counsel; verily, it is all of the Lord, who hath 
 said: "A little one shall become a thousand and a small one a strong nation^ 
 and the Lord will hasten it in his time. " 
 
 In this year I was called to part with the dear companion of my youth, 
 who had been a partner with me in many joys and sorrows, through more than 
 thirty-seven years; and now, being left alone in the world, I took a journey 
 into the new country, starting the first of November, and being absent six 
 months, traveling and preaching in the new settlements where there were no 
 churches nor ministers of any order. From the middle of December to the 
 middle of March I preached as many sermons as there were days, and was so 
 favored, "through the good hand of my God upon me, "as never to have 
 missed an appointment in all my journey, and I trust " my labor was not alto- 
 gether in vain in the Lord. " I reached home the last day in April. After a 
 while, in 1796, I was married again, to one who was truly a helpmeet to me, 
 with whom I lived over twelve years. In the year 1798, the church having 
 another elder ordained, I requested a dismission, which the church granted in 
 January, and thereafter I preached where Providence opened a door. There 
 was a Church newly organized in a town then called Partridgefield, containing 
 two parishes the first is now called Peru, and the second Hinsdale; they will 
 be called by these names in what I have further to say. The Baptists lived 
 in both these towns. In June they sent two brethren to request me to come 
 and see them. In response I preached to them and administered the Lord's 
 supper. They were a church of eighteen members, and desired me to visit 
 them again with a view of settling among them, and in the course of the sum- 
 mer 1 baptized a number there one a man about 80 years old. Some of the 
 townpeople had said they thought Elder Smith would not baptize children,, 
 but I baptized one child, though he was not so young but that while he lived 
 which was a number of years he was an honor to religion, and his wife as 
 well, who had been baptized before. They brought forth fruit in old age, to 
 show that " the Lord is upright, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." 
 
 In November I removed into that town, joined the church and became 
 their pastor. Here new trials awaited me that I had not thought of. The 
 people in Hinsdale were building a costly meeting-house, which was about half 
 completed at the time of my settlement. They had sold the pews in advance,
 
 347 
 
 and were paying the costs of erection from the proceeds of these sales. Very 
 soon one of the building committee came to me saying many who had engaged 
 pews had moved away without paying therefor and the cost of the building was 
 to be met by a tax upon the town, and suggested that the Baptists should thus 
 help to build it and have the use of the house part of the time. We considered' 
 the matter and replied that such measures would not accommodate us and we 
 declined to accede to them; they might build and enjoy the full fruits of their 
 work, which was the same privilege that we asked for ourselves. 
 
 Upon this they voted to lay a tax upon the town Baptists and all and 
 made up the tax roll. To give an idea of the burden upon the Baptists it may 
 be mentioned that one poor man who had no land, but supported a large 
 family by his daily labor and had only one cow, was taxed ten dollars in one 
 tax, besides other small taxes; and others were taxed in like proportion to their 
 means. When the money was called for the General Court was sitting in Bos- 
 ton; it was in the month of February, in the year 1800. The brethren desired 
 me to go down to Boston and see if I could get any help for them . Setting 
 out on Thursday morning, when the weather was so cold that some travelers I 
 met would not encounter it, I made thirty miles that day. The next day at 
 about 9 o'clock it began to snow, and a northeast wind as severe as any I ever 
 experienced blew directly in my face, yet I pursued my way for another thirty 
 miles before putting up for the night. The third day I made six miles over an: 
 unbeaten track before breakfasting. As the people began to break the road I 
 went on and passed out of the town of Worcester as the clock struck twelve. 
 I rode until nine o'clock. The next morning I came to a guide-board, a few 
 rods from where I had tarried for the night, which said: "38 miles to Worces- 
 ter." I write this that others may know what I have gone through to help 
 my brethren when in distrees. I went into Boston on Monday, put in a peti- 
 tion to the Court setting forth our distress and praying for help, and they chose 
 a committee of both houses to look into the affair. When they cauie to meet 
 and consult upon the matter they said we were free by the law of the State, 
 and there was no right to tax us, though they did not see as that Court could 
 help us; our remedy for such oppression should be sought in the civil courts. 
 
 I became acquainted with a number of dear friends in Boston from whom 
 I received no little kindness, for which I here record my thanks and wish them, 
 the best of Heaven's blessings. 
 
 When I came home they began to seize my brethren's property and sell it 
 at vendue. One man whom they carried to jail desired me to go with him, 
 and take advice of a lawyer, which I did. The advice was to pay the tax and 
 sue for its recovery, as there would be no advantage in remaining in jail. I 
 assisted that man in counting out upwards of sixty dollars for one tax, to en- 
 able him to get out of jail. Then one of the brethren sued the town for his . 
 money. I was called upon to attend the court. As an incident I may relate 
 that the lawyer for the town, during his plea began to disparage me. He had 
 spoken but a few words in that vein before he was interrupted by the first 
 judge of the court, who said: "Gould (his name was Gould), you had better 
 let Elder Smith alone; he is a man of as good credit among his own people as 
 Dr. Stilman, of Boston. Don't let me hear you run on against Elder Smith 
 here." I could not but rejoice at the goodness of God, that He should move
 
 348 
 
 the heart of such a man, at such a time, to defend me from reproach, for the 
 court-house was very full of people. 
 
 The Court gave judgment in favor of the Baptist, and the town appealed 
 to the Superior Court. When it came to trial at that court the judges said the 
 case had not been brought in the lower court according to the forms of law, 
 which ruling turned the case against the Baptist and involved him in $100 
 costs. This waa a distressing day for my poor brethren, left, as they were, in 
 the hands of their oppressors by the highest tribunal of the State. 
 
 At their desire I went down to Boston again, to see if I could get any 
 information as to how to proceed for relief. I found that by taking the matter 
 up in my own name there was a prospect of gaining the case. When the town 
 learned that I was going to take it up they offered to pay back half the tax, 
 and the Baptist agreed to that and so settled the matter; thus they got half 
 the tax and $100 court charges of the Baptist, as unjustly as if by highway 
 robbery; and this to build a house for the worship of that God. who says: " I 
 hate robbery for burnt offering;" aye, by those who call themselves the church 
 of Him who said to His followers: " All things whatsoever ye would that men 
 should do unto you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets. ' ' 
 "Be astonished, O ye Heavens! and amazed, O Earth!" Inasmuch as the town, 
 by paying back half the tax, plainly confessed that they had been unjust, and 
 restored the half only from fear that otherwise they might lose the whole. 
 
 But my labors in defense of my brethren did not end here; I had still an- 
 other trying scene to go through. Part of my brethren lived in Dalton, where 
 a minister was about to be settled. A farm was bought for him for $1,300, 
 and for this sum and the minister's salary the Baptists were sought to be taxed. 
 I went there and requested that my brethren should be let alone. "No," they 
 said; "if they can escape by law they may, otherwise we shall tax them." I 
 put a short account of our persecutions in the public print. A writer undertook 
 to answer it, and charged me with falsehood. By town records attested by 
 the clerk, and writings received from inhabitants of the town of the Pedobap- 
 tist, I proved his article to be a complete libel. I never heard more of my 
 alleged falsehood, ftor did the writer attempt to reply. Who he was I never 
 knew. 
 
 He said: "If the Baptists in Dalton think they are exempt from paying 
 taxes to the minister, let them try it in the courts; but they dare not try it." 
 As the judges of the Supreme Court had said that the minister must sue for 
 the money because those who paid the tax could not recover it, I thought I 
 would venture to "try," notwithstanding that writer had said I dare not. 
 
 . The town authorities said I had better sue for one man's tax; that if I got 
 the case for one they would pay the whole, and such a course would diminish 
 the costs. Accordingly, I sued before a single justice, who gave me the case. 
 They then appealed to the County Court, where I also won the suit and the 
 bill of costs against them, which was $30. The town's agent advised me to 
 let the costs lie over, for they intended to carry the case to the Supreme Court, 
 and if the decision went against me I would have to refund to him. I replied 
 that I knew that as well as he, but as the town had had the use of the money, 
 I believed it right for me to have it now, and so the bill must be paid. 
 
 They took it to the Supreme Court by what w&s called a writ of error. 
 It came up for trial on Tuesday. The court met in the afternoon, discussed
 
 349 
 
 the matter till sundown, when the judges said they would consider it until 
 morning. But what an afternoon it was to me! The court-house crowded 
 with people, and no faces known to me except those of the members of the 
 court; and by all that the judges said, it looked as if they intended to turn the 
 case against me. I went to my quarters .with the sole consoling thought that 
 there was a God in heaven that disposed of all events on earth. But little 
 sleep visited me that night. In the morning I went to the court-house to see 
 my attorneys, one of whom said it looked as though the decision would be 
 against me. The other said he had talked with the judges after the court 
 broke up, and was inclined to believe that I should win the case. This was all 
 my encouragement till the afternoon of Saturday, when the Court gave their 
 judgment and gave it full in my favor, which put a stop to taxing the Bap. 
 tists in that part of the State. 
 
 After I was ordained parties came to me to be married and I married them, 
 whereupon a great outcry was raised. Some said they would complain of me, 
 and there was 50 fine. It went on a few years; I married when applied to, 
 and the threatenings continued. At length I was told that they had carried a 
 complaint to the grand jury at Springfield, but could get nothing done. 
 During my residence in Ashfield nothing more was heard on this subject, but 
 after my removal to Hinsdale, going to nourt one day I met a neighbor who said 
 he should enter a complaint against me for marrying people. I replied: "Very 
 well, you may complain of me and I shall continue to marry, and we will see 
 who holds out the longest. " After further conversation, 1 remarked that it was 
 my intention to act up to my profession before all mankind; it was well known 
 that a settled minister had a right to marry and I professed to be one; should 
 I refuse to perform the ceremony when called on it would be a virtual denial of 
 my profession; so you may complain, and I will marry. 
 
 I saw one of the grand jury after they had completed their business, who 
 said that the man had entered his complaint to them, but that they would not 
 entertain it. This ended the whole matter. 
 
 Let me here remark, that I have lived in the world and dealt with my 
 fellow-men almost seventy years, and never had so much difficulty with any 
 man in my own private concerns but that it could be settled quietly without a 
 mediator. But, in defending the liberties of the Baptists in the State of Mas- 
 sachusetts I have had as much law, and perhaps more, than any man in my 
 day. It seemed to be laid upon me in the course of God's holy providence, 
 and through the good hand of God upon me I have always obtained the right. 
 Sometimes matters would look exceedingly dark, yet it was so overruled that 
 the enemy did not triumph over me. the marvelous goodness of God! 
 
 And now, that through the good hand of God my brethren were free from 
 oppression, I thought it best to leave them, and they gave me a dismission from 
 the pastoral care of the church and a recommendation, but a request to con- 
 tinue mv relation with them as a member. In November, 1807, I moved back 
 to Ashfield, and in the course of the seven following years met with nothing in 
 my religious life uncommon to Christians generally. I continued to preach 
 where Providence opened the door, made one journey up to the new country 
 of eight weeks' duration, buried my second wife, married again, and buried 
 my third wife in October, 1814. Being now left alone in the world, in 1815 I 
 et out on a journey, spending sixteen weeks in the new settlements in New
 
 35 
 
 York State, traveling and preaching. And the land was not a wilderness, nor 
 a laud of darkness to me; I enjoyed much of the Divine Presence, and have 
 reason to think my labors were not in vain in the Lord. Though I had not the 
 care of any particular people, I was called to preach somewhere the chief part 
 of the time. 
 
 In 1816 my son desired me to accompany him to a permanent residence 
 in the new country. I therefore spent the summer making farewell visits to 
 the churches and people with which I had formerly been associated, preaching 
 and endeavoring to confirm the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to 
 continue in the faith. The visiting finished, I set out on my journey the 10th 
 day of September, having many calls to preach during my progress, insomuch 
 that my destination was not reached until May 27th, when I found I had 
 traveled 1,600 miles, preached 149 times, assisted in one ordination, attended 
 one council where a church was under some trials, attended the Lord's supper 
 three times, and about twenty other religious meetings. 
 
 When arrived at my new home I found a small rfmrch had formed just 
 ^previous to my arrival, which I joined; and there has been a number added to 
 it, and four new churches raised up a few miles distant. There is a large field 
 for labor in this wilderness, and though I am old and feeble, truth appears at 
 precious as ever. There are many errors and false doctrines in the world, yes 
 I am at rest, because I believe truth will finally prevail over every error; and 
 it is a comfort to me that God is raising up witnesses for the truth that may 
 stand when I am laid in the" grave. Oh, in looking back through the years 
 since I was called to be a witness for the cause of God, and against the doc- 
 trines of Antichrist in the face of a frowning world, I cannot but rejoice at the 
 overwhelming goodness of God, who has carried me through so many trials; 
 that He should so care for a poor unworthy worm, and suffer me to live to see 
 the churches of Christ on the right hand and on the left. I exhort all to keep 
 on the side of truth and trust in God; we have nothing to fear; let us bear a 
 ' faithful testimony against the mother of harlots and all her daughters, and 
 never cherish the thought of a confederacy with Popish errors. Oh, that all 
 the world would come out of Babylon, that they be not partakers of her sins 
 and receive not of her plagues. The day will come when every plant which 
 our Heavenly Father has not planted shall be rooted up. May the Lord hasten 
 it in its time. 
 
 Still has my life new wonders seen 
 
 Repeated every year ; 
 Behold, my days that yet remain, 
 
 I trust them to Thy care. 
 The land of silence and of death 
 
 Attends my next remove ; 
 O may these poor remains of breath 
 
 Teach the wide world Thy love! 
 
 By long experience have I known 
 
 Thy sovereign power to save ; 
 At Thy command I venture down 
 
 Securely to the grave. 
 When I lie buried deep in dust 
 
 My flesh shall be Thy care 
 These withered limbs with Thee I trust 
 
 To raise them strong and fair.
 
 When the above was written I thought of concluding, but on further con- 
 sideration a little more will be added. 
 
 I never gave much weight to dreams, but about the time of beginning the 
 land suit with Dal ton I had a dream that I will venture to relate: It was that 
 the Lord ordered me to lead the tribes of Israel out of Egypt to the land of 
 Canaan; I thought the Lord spoke to me plainly, as we read he spoke to Moses. 
 I got the tribes together and we set out on our march, but had not gone far 
 before Pharaoh met us with a mighty army. The people were in great dis- 
 tress, but I told them to be quiet, we should be relieved, though I knew not 
 how; I had a calm and assuring faith in our deliverance. The Lord spoke and 
 bade me go to Pharaoh and demand a free passage for the chosen tribes through 
 his host, also saying: "If he does not grant it, I will smite him and all his 
 host." I was not bidden to make the threat, but only to demand the passage. 
 Telling my people to halt, I went up to the army and called for Pharaoh. 
 Some of the leading men came forward and inquired what was wanted. My 
 reply was: I must see Pharaoh and deal directly with him. At length he 
 came, I demanded a quiet passage for the chosen tribes through his host that 
 we must go through unmolested. The request was granted, so that I led the 
 tribes safely through, got them clear of danger and awoke, and behold it 
 was a dream. 
 
 Having related my dream I now give a more particular account of the law- 
 suit with Dalton. There were but few Baptists in that town, they were not 
 very forehanded, and the town had taken about forty dollars from them for 
 the first tax, and the case could not be prosecuted unless they could let me 
 have what money was needed for the purpose. They said they did not see as 
 they could do it, so they must submit to the oppression, for the town said the 
 tax must be paid unless they could get clear by law. And they sank down, 
 having no hope of deliverance, apparently as much distressed as the tribes 
 were in my dream. Then one of my hearers who lived in Peru heard how the 
 matter stood, and the Lord opened his heart, so that he offered to assist me 
 with what money I should want to carry on the suit, provided those who 
 paid the tax should make a free gift of it to me in case I recovered it; he said, 
 moreover, that he could spend $1,300 without breaking in upon his estate. 
 Having reported this offer to the brethren concerned, I further added tha$ I 
 would prosecute the case without cost or trouble to them would take it all 
 on myself. In other words, as in my dream, I called to the tribes to halt 
 while I went to seek a way for them. Without repeating what has before 
 been written, some other circumstances of this trial may be mentioned: The 
 case was continued through several terms of the courts to await its turn, so 
 that three years elapsed before a final judgment was obtained, which made 
 it necessary for me to be present at every session of the courts during this 
 time, because of not knowing when the case would be called. Twice had I to 
 leave Lenox on Saturday night after sundown and once in January, when the 
 cold was as severe as we have in winter and ride home 20 miles, and on the next 
 morning go eight miles the other way to preach. But the Lord carried me 
 through, so that I never disappointed a religious meeting by attending courts. 
 After three years' labor and toil, through "the good hand of my God upon 
 me," I brought the chosen tribes through the Egyptian host in safety, to where 
 they were out of all danger.
 
 352 
 
 And now, looking back over these times, it brings to my mind what the 
 prophet Micah said: "Remember, O my people, what Balak, King of Moab, 
 consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered, that ye may know the 
 righteousness of the Lord. Balak built his altars three times to have Israel 
 cursed, and Balaam was no better friend to Israel than Balak, yet he had to 
 bless Israel every time." So in this case, Dal ton consulted to have the Bap- 
 tists cursed, and built their altars three times; and the judges, and the attor- 
 neys that had the management of the case against us, were none of them 
 Baptists, and yet they blessed them altogether. It was not my wisdom, nor 
 any power of mine; no, it was the Lord who did it, and may all the glory be 
 given to His holy name. 
 
 While this case was in the law three years they kept taxing the Baptists 
 and getting their money, and it took me another year to get those taxes back. 
 Once while the men were talking to me who were to see that the taxes were 
 refunded, their minister came in remarked: " You must wait for your money; I 
 have to wait for mine; I can't get it so soon as I should." "There is a great 
 difference," I rejoined, "between your waiting and mine; you wait on your 
 own people; my people have paid their money and you have had it, and now tell 
 me I must wait; no, you ought to pay me that money now. " Some things 
 were trying to the old nature within me. I found there was much need of 
 watching and praying, that I might not say or do anything that would dis- 
 honor God, or bring reproach on the Redeemer's precious cause. 
 
 There was one thing that I passed over when writing about my ordina- 
 tion and, on further thought, I will give it here: We appointed the ordination 
 to be on Thursday, and the elders we invited sent word that I must preach a 
 sermon on Wednesday in the afternoon, that they might hear me before my 
 ordination. On the week before an inflamed sore came upon my foot. I made 
 out to attend the Sabbath meeting and preach, though in much pain. After 
 returning home from meeting my foot grew more painful and distressed me 
 exceedingly all night. The cause of God lay near my heart, and how would 
 our enemies triumph if I were unable to keep my appointment. This thought 
 caused me an anxiety less endurable even than mv physical pain. I tried to 
 carry the case to God, and finally was enabled to leave it with Him; then was 
 my spirit comforted by the promise of the prophet to King Hezekiah when he 
 was sick, that the King should " go up to the house of the Lord the third 
 day." The passage was presented to me with such power and sweetness as to 
 bring entire relief to both body and mind, and I was enabled to rest under the 
 most complete assurance that I should perform my duties for the week, as usual. 
 This peace was given to me on Monday morning, and Wednesday afternoon 
 would be the "third day." I said to wife that however dark matters might 
 appear at the present, I should certainly go to the house of the Lord on the 
 third day. The boil broke that day, the pain abated, and when the third day 
 arrived I performed my preaching and all my work with comfort and satisfac- 
 tion. How marvelous hath been Thy goodness, God, to such a poor, 
 unworthy worm as I. Oh, that all might trust in God, keep His command- 
 ments, deny themselves and take up the cross. 
 
 I have experienced many trials, also, among my own brethren, that for 
 the honor of God should not enter into this narrative. I dismiss them in 
 silence. Let them be forgotten. Amen. 
 
 EBEXEZER SMITH.
 
 353 
 
 THE ORIGINAL, PROPRIETORS OF \ - 1 1 1 I 1 . 1. 1 > . 
 
 The proprietors of Ashfield, or Huntstown (see page 277), lived in the 
 eastern part of the State. They mostly sold their claims or " Rights" to others, 
 and but few of them ever settled in the town. The following are the names of 
 the original proprietors in 1739: John Hunt, Thomas White, Nathaniel Wales, 
 Benjamin Ludden, Gideon Turrel, Richard Foxon, William Crane, Ebenezer 
 Hunt, Rev. Joseph Belcher, Jonathan Webb, Seth Chapen, Capt. John K 
 PJulUgBj John Herrick, Zeuhariah Briggs, Job Otis, Joaathan Dawes, 
 Hebr. Pratt, Richard Davenport, Ezra Whitman, Solomon Leonard, 
 James Meares, Joseph Good, Thomas Bolter, Ephraim Emerson, Benjamin 
 Beal, Barnabas Daily, John Miller, Josiah Owen, Samuel Thayer, Ephraim 
 Copeland, James Hayward, Samuel Gay, Ebenezer Staples, Samuel Staples, 
 John King, Samuel Niles, Jr., Joseph Penniman, Joshua Phillips, William 
 Lintield, Ebenezer Owen, Samuel Darby, Jonathan Webb, John Bass, 
 
 Keith, J. French, Amos Stetson, Joseph Drake, Thomas Wells, Samuel 
 
 Andrews, John White, Benjamin Stuart, Joseph Veckery, Joseph Lobdle, 
 Joseph Melton, and John Bartlet. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM PROPRIETORS' RECORDS. 
 
 A few notes from the "Proprietors' Records" will indicate the measures 
 taken by the proprietors to induce settlement and make it permanent. For 
 several years their meetings were held in the eastern towns. 
 
 May 28, 1741. " Voted that William Curtis be employed in mending The 
 Way to said Township, the Labour done on said way by him not to Exceed 
 ten pounds. " 
 
 By the following votes it seems the proprietors had a good deal of trouble 
 in getting a saw mill or corn mill that was satisfactory: 
 
 June 28, 1739. "Voted that One Hundred and twenty pounds be as- 
 sessed on ye Proprietors, as an Incouragement to him or them yt shall build a 
 saw mill in some convenient place & Convenient to ye Lots allready Laid out; 
 Provided, The Owner or Owners of said mill saw for the Proprietors for the 
 first seven years For twenty shillings per Thousand; Provided, also, that the 
 said miller or milleres, viz't, Owner or Owners, do keep said mill in order for 
 business for seven years, and as he or they shall have water; and if said Pro- 
 prietors do bring logs, that he or they saw them as aforesaid. Passed in ye 
 affirmative. " 
 
 Sept. 16, 1741. ' Voted that those who build a saw mill do not have lib- 
 erty to draw the money from the Treasury." 
 
 Feb. 12, 1*42. ''Voted to do nothing further in the matter of a saw 
 mill" 
 
 Sept. 21, 1742. " Voted, That a good Whip Saw be procured at the ex- 
 pense of the Proprietors, and that Samuel White and Job Porter have said saw 
 delivered to them for sawing boards for the Proprietors, provided that they 
 saw sd boards for said Proprietors for 4 Old Tenor per Thousand, for the sd ' 
 Proprietors; and Chileab Smith, Nathaniel Kellogg and Richard Ellis be a r 
 committee to procure saw and files, and take bond from said White and Porter 
 in behalf of the Proprietors; also that 18 pence per pound be paid Richard Ellis "V
 
 -f 
 
 354 
 
 for a crank and gudgeon for saw mill, to be delivered to Icbabod Smith." A 
 committee was appointed at the same meeting " to take Care that no White 
 pine timber be Cut and Convey'd out of the Town, and to Prosecute all such 
 offenders." 
 
 July 1, 1743 (At Hadley, the previous meetings being held at Braintree. ) 
 "Voted, That we will proceed the present year to build a corn mill in said 
 Huntstown, on the Pond Brook, so called, where a committee for that purpose 
 shall think proper. Voted that this com. agree with some person or persons 
 to build it; also to lay out a mill lot; also, to give opportunity for ponding, 
 shall serve the people with grinding, as they shall have occasion, for lawful or 
 customary toll." 
 
 At Braintree, Feb. 1, 1744. "Voted to take the accounts of work done 
 on the corn mill." And Apr. 4, "Voted that Caleb Phillips [probably a son of 
 Capt. John Phillips, of Easton] be intrusted the care of the corn mill lately 
 built in Huntstown, and be tender thereof. " 
 
 Dec., 1751. " Voted to raise five pounds six shillings and eight pence to 
 repair the corn mill Mr. Chileab Smith and Mr. Thomas Phillips to be paid 
 the money." And in May, the next year, Chileab Smith directed to put the 
 gristmill in order at once, and have charge of it for one year. Committee 
 chosen to see if they can find some one to build a saw mill. 
 
 July 6, 1752 "Voted that Chileab Smith, Samuel Smith and Charles 
 Phelps be a committee to see about a new corn mill; meanwhile to see if they 
 can't agree with some person to keep the present grist mill in good repair and 
 run it." 
 
 Apr. 12, 1/53. Granted the corn mill to John Blackmer, also 50 acres of 
 land on Mill Brook and 50 more near it; Provided he will put the mill in good 
 repair, live near it and do grinding for the inhabitants; must bind himself and 
 heirs to do this; failing to fulfil, the property reverts back to the proprietors. 
 At the same meeting: "Voted to grant William and Nathaniel Church sixteen 
 acres of land at the [north] end of Ki'd Ellis' lot, also the right of Bear River, 
 if they will set up a saw mill within six months. 
 
 Voted, May 29, 1754, the mill and its appurtenances, to Chileab Smith, 
 J to Eliphalet Gary, of Bridgewater, and J to David and Barnabas Alden, of 
 Stafford. 
 
 May 20, 1761. Voted to leave it to indifferent men what Chileab Smith 
 should have for sawing, and accordingly made choice of Col. John Hawks, 
 Lieut. David Field and Mr. Zadoc Hawks, all of Deerfield, to settle that affair. 
 And, Dec. 9, voted to choose a committee, viz: Ebenezer fielding, Samuel 
 Belding and Reuben Belding, to confer with Mr. Chileab Smith as to why he 
 does not perform, as he is obliged to do, the sawing of boards for the Pro- 
 
 prietors. 
 
 1763. Voted, That complaint now being bro't to this meeting that Mr. 
 Chileab Smith has a corn mill at some place which is said to be detrimental to 
 the saw mill, and to boards being sawed for the proprietors, it is therefore 
 Voted, That said Chileab Smith be ordered and directed forthwith to remove 
 his corn mill, which he has erected at the saw mill dam, as he would avoid 
 what may ensue upon his failure hereof. Voted, That Ebenezer Belding, 
 Samuel Belding and Philip Phillips be a committee to warn said Smith to 
 remove his corn mill as aforesaid.
 
 355 
 
 (It looks as if the corn mill on Pond Brook was not well built, and failed 
 to give satisfaction, therefore the corn mill on Bear River was built [at 6. 
 See Map, page 328.] Tradition says that Blackmer failed to repair the mill 
 in a satisfactory manner, under his lease. F. G. H.) 
 
 August 22, 1777. "Voted yt * * * [nine tories] be committed to 
 close confinement in this Town." 
 
 " Voted that Capt. Bartlet's house be the place of their confinement." 
 
 "Voted yt the Selectmen make Provision for the support of those who 
 are put under confinement; as also for the Guard which shall have the care of 
 them, upon the Town's cost." 
 
 May 24, 1781." Voted to allow Elisha Bartlet 7 for going to Surrotoga 
 to Carry Packs to the Soldiers." 
 
 "Voted to allow 14 as Rations for fourteen Men from Ashfield to Ticon- 
 deroga, in Feb., A. D. 1776, &c." 
 
 PARTIAL, LIST OF VOTERS IN 1798. 
 
 In the records of Ashfield for 1798 the list of voters is given. In this list 
 of names are the following (there being then a property qualification, this list 
 does not include the names of all the men of the proper age for voting): David > 
 Aldn, David Alden, Jr., Samuel Annable, Samuel Annable, Jr., Barnabas 
 Annable, Samuel fielding, John Belding, Ebenezer Belding, Daniel fielding, 
 Bezer Benton, Dr. Phineas Bartlet, Lieut. John Ellis, Lieut. David Ellis, Capt . 
 Lamrock Flower, Maj. William Flower, Jonathan Lyon, Lieut. David Lyon, 
 Aaron Lyon, Philip Phillips, Esq.; David, Simeon, Thomas, Elijah, Abner r 
 Lemuel, Philip, Jr., Israel, Vespasian, Spencer, Caleb, Sylvester, Daniel and 
 Joshua Phillips; George Ranney, Thomas Ranney, Francis Ranney; Chipman 
 Smith, David, Chileab, Jr., Chileab, 3d, Jeduthaii, Elijah, Martin, Abner, 
 Jonathan and Ebenezer Smith, Jr. ; Israel Standish, Apollos Williams. 
 
 SELECTMEN OF ASHFIELD. 
 
 On the list are the following names: 
 
 1762. Ebenezer Belding, Chileab Smith, Thomas Phillips. 
 
 1763. Nathan Wait, Reuben Ellis, Samuel Belding. 
 
 1764. Reuben Ellis, Jonathan Edson, Nathan Chapin. 
 1768. Moses Fuller, Reuben Ellis, Philip Phillips. 
 1774. Samuel Belding, Reuben Ellis, Jonathan Taylor. 
 1784. Thomas Stocking, Chileab Smith, Jr., John Ellis. 
 1816-19. Nathaniel Holmes, Dimick Ellis, Bethuel Lilly. 
 1820. Bethuel Lilly, Roswell Ranney, Jonathan Sears. 
 1854. Aivan Hall, Henry S. Ranney, Addison Graves. 
 1865. Alvan Hall, Frederick G. Howes, Josiah Cross. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES IN THE LEGISLATURE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 Among the Representatives from Ashfield are the following: 1775, Capt^ 
 Elisha Cranston; 1787, Chileab Smith, Jr.; 1789, Capt. Philip Phillips; 1809, 
 Thomas White; 1814, Dr. Enos Smith; 1823, Dimick Ellis; 1829, Capt. Ros- 
 well Ranney; 1851 and 1867, Henry S. Ranney; 1874, Frederick G. Howes.
 
 356 
 
 TOWN CLERKS. 
 
 The first Clerk was Samuel Belding, from 1762 until the incorporation of 
 the town, in 1765. Then followed Benjamin Phillips, up to 1775; Phineas 
 Bartlett, in 1776; Dimick Ellis, in 1823; Henry S. Ranney, from 1839 to 1847, 
 and again from 1873 up to the present time. 
 
 INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS IN ASHFIELD. 
 
 As has already been remarked, the leading industrial interest of the town 
 is that of agriculture. The want of ample water-power has prevented capital 
 of much amount from being invested in manufacturing enterprises. Saw mills 
 are erected on the streams, and considerable timber is sawed during the season 
 of high water and carried to other places for sale. Gristmills have also always 
 existed in the town. The first was built in 1743, to supply the first settlers in 
 the town with meal, and stood about one hundred rods northeasterly of the 
 present Episcopal Church (22 on Map), and was in use until about the year 
 1831. In 1753 a saw mill stood upon Bear River, one-fourth of a mile east of 
 the dwelling-house of Solomon H. Deming. At the present time A. D. Flower 
 has a gristmill at Ashfield Plain, and Walter Guilford another at South Ash- 
 field; L. & J. S. Gardner a saw mill at South Ashfield; Nelson Gardner a saw 
 mill at Spruce Corner, and William E. Ford one in the west part of the town. 
 Besides these, different varieties of wooden- ware are manufactured in the town 
 by Nelson Gardner, Marcus T. Parker, Walter Guilford and Charles H. Day. 
 
 Many considerable fortunes were made in earlier portions of the present 
 century in the traffic of various essences and oils. There were several distil- 
 leries where all kinds of herbs and plants that could find a market were made 
 to contribute of their peculiarities. Ashfield essence-peddlers could be found 
 all over Massachusetts and neighboring States, and many even sought the West 
 and South. 
 
 About the year 1814 Samuel Ranney introduced here, upon his farm, the 
 culture and distillation of the peppermint herb, which was found to be for 
 many years quite a profitable pursuit. For a number of years the price of oil of 
 peppermint was from $6 to $16 per pound. Its production was continued to a 
 considerable extent until about the year 1833, many acres being raised each 
 year. At that time and before, its cultivation had been commenced in Phelps, 
 N. Y. , where the soil and the climate were better suited to its growth, and 
 where it was produced at much less expense. Of late years the crop is largely 
 raised in Wayne and St. Joseph Counties, Mich. 
 
 ASHFIELD FOR SUMMER RESIDENCE. 
 
 The writer learns, with much satisfaction, that quite recently there has 
 been " a boom" in the price of desirable sites for summer residences in Ashfield, 
 The salubrious mountain air in the warm season, with its inland quietude, 
 commends that town to those who seek relief from overcrowded cities in hot 
 weather. A mile or so southwest from the Plain are a number of very ele- 
 gant building sites, looking down a valley between the mountains, which by a 
 little imagination some consider to be the ' Switzerland of America," 
 
 The streams and hills of Ashfield also are quite a resort for sportsmen. It 
 is said that there is no game there, but this makes all the more "hunting." 
 Several acquaintances of the writer go there periodically for this amusement, 
 which they find quite invigorating.
 
 358 
 
 MONUMENT TO RICHARD ELLIS AND WIFE. 
 
 The above cut ia & fac s'mile of a monument erected in 1887 to the 
 memory of Richard Ellis, and Jane Phillips his wife, in the Ellis bury- 
 ing ground (marked 7 on the map on page 328). The monument is of highly 
 polished Quincy granite. The upright part is two feet square [and three feet 
 two inches high. The base, also of Quincy granite, is two feet six inches 
 square and twelve inches in hight. The sub-base, of sandstone, is three feet 
 two inches square and sixteen inches high. Total hight, five feet six inches.
 
 359 . 
 
 In May, 1887, a party of Ellis' relatives were visiting in Ashfield, composed 
 of the following, Mr. Lewis Ellis and wife, of Belding, Mich., and their son, Geo. 
 W. Ellis and his wife, of Philadelphia; Dr. John Ellis and his son, W. D. Ellis, 
 and wife, of New York City, and the writer. While the party were looking 
 over the old burial place, Mr. George W. Ellis proposed that a monument be 
 erected to the memory of their first progenitor in this country, and offered to 
 contribute $100, or more if necessary, towards the same. Dr. John Ellis 
 and W. D. Ellis cheerfully responded, and the next day the contract was made 
 with the Shelburne Falls Marble Co. for the erection of the monument for the 
 sum of $350. 
 
 It is further proposed to have engraved on the monument, at some con- 
 venient time, the inscription that " Richard Ellis' first cabin was located about 
 ten rods south of this spot." See page 278. 
 
 BURIAL PLACES IN ASHFIELD. 
 
 The oldest burying ground is in the northeast corner of the town, and was 
 probably laid out at the time of the organization of the Baptisi Church in that 
 locality, in 1761. It comprises about half an acre of land. Some of the earliest 
 settlers of the town are buried there. Three Chileab Smiths are buried there, 
 but with no inscriptions on the stones at the head of the graves. The follow- 
 ing inscription to Mary Lyon's father is found: 
 
 " Aaron Lyon, died Dec 21, 1802. Aged 45 years." 
 
 "A loving husband, kind and true, 
 A tender father was, also ; 
 A faithful son, a brother dear, 
 A peaceful neighbor was while here. 
 Though now his body here doth rest, 
 We trust his soul's among the blest." 
 
 The next burying place in point of age is a mile and a quarter south of the 
 first named. Richard Ellis, the first settler of the town, and others of that V 
 name were interred there; also the Beldings and Ranneys, and other settlers ' 
 of the town. It was laid out about the same time as the other, comprises about 
 an acre and is still in use. 
 
 The burying ground near the " Plain " was in use as early as 1767, though 
 not formally devoted to public use until 1770, in accordance with the following 
 vote of the town: 
 
 "Dec. 17. 1769. Voted to purchase a piece of Land by the Meeting- 
 House for a Burying -Place; also, voted and Chose Mr. Nathan Waite and 
 Capt. Moses Fuller and Timothy Perkins a Committee to purchase and lay out 
 a burial place. 
 
 There are other local burial places at Spruce Corner, Northwest, South 
 Ashfield and Brier Hill. 
 
 Some of these grounds have been sadly neglected, but last summer (1887) 
 the "Ashfield Burial Ground Association" was formed, having for its object the 
 improvement of these old places, and the work in some of them has already 
 been commenced.
 
 3 6 
 
 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN \ - 1 1 I I I I I >. 
 
 June 21st, 1865, just one hundred years from the incorporation of the 
 town, a Centennial Celebration was held in Ashfield. A large assembly gath- 
 ered, many of which were from abroad and had been former residents, or were 
 descendants of those who once lived in the town. 
 
 Rev. Dr. William P. Paine, of Holden, delivered the address. 
 
 Rev. Charles S. Porter wrote the following poem for the occasion: 
 
 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. 
 fit 
 
 One hundred years ago 
 
 The sun walked in the sky, 
 Stars in their far-off homes 
 
 Blinked bright and silently, 
 And savage beasts and savage men 
 Were monarcbs sole of bill and glen. 
 
 The hardy pioneer 
 
 Rose mid the sylvan scene, 
 The woodman's sturdy stroke 
 
 Rang loud o'er hill and plain ; 
 From hillside and from mountain nook 
 Curled slow to heaven the cabin's smoke. 
 
 Since then the scroll of time 
 
 Hath record of vast change; 
 Harvests have graced the fields, 
 
 Flocks, herds, the mountain range, 
 And human life bath been ablaze 
 With bridal and with burial days. 
 
 We stand where others stood ; 
 
 Where others sowed, we reap ; 
 Transmit the garnered good, 
 
 Then with them fall asleep. 
 God over all does thus fulfill 
 His purpose vast, His sovereign will. 
 
 One hundred years to come, 
 
 Fled hour by hour away ,3 
 Who then will here find home 
 
 And celebrate the day ? 
 That history of joy or woe 
 Nor man nor angel can foreknow. 
 
 God of our Fathers, hear;? 
 
 Command Thy grace to rest 
 On coming thousands here, 
 
 All blessing and all blest. 
 A grand succession here arise. 
 Be called and garnered for the skies. 
 
 An incident of the celebration was a toast by Hon. Henry L. Dawes, U. S. 
 Senator in Congress from Massachusetts, who presided at the table, and given 
 in honor of Mrs. Eunice Forbes, then living at 104 years of age, as "the only 
 living bridge then spanning the century of time. " Mrs. Forbes was mother 
 of Daniel Forbes and Bliss Forbes (or Forbush), who married Mabel Phillips, 
 daughter of Elijah, the eldest son of Philip Phillips, Sr. , Esq.
 
 INCIDENTS. 
 
 On December 10th, 1878, a great freshet swept over the Green Mountain' 
 region of this State, caused by a powerful rain falling upon fifteen inches of 
 newly-fallen snow. As evening came on the temperature rapidly grew warm, 
 the thermometer rose twenty- five degress in two hours, and the melting snow, 
 filled by the accumulated rainfall of the day, came down the hillsides in tor- 
 rents. At 9 o'clock in the evening the Great Pond reservoir in this town, on 
 South River, gave way, immediately draining off the 75 acres of water that had 
 there been held in check, thus precipitating a great flood into the valley below. 
 The gristmill of A. D. Flower and the tannery of L. C. Sanderson, at the center 
 village, were destroyed. At South Ashfield, three dwelling-houses, two barns 
 and a blacksmith shop were swept away on the instant that the flood reached 
 them. In the southwest part of the town Darius Williams' reservoir broke 
 away, carrying his large saw mill to destruction. The roads and bridges here 
 and throughout the region were greatly damaged. Through the valley, in the 
 course of South River, the fields, fences and bridges suffered almost total de- 
 struction. This saw mill was originally built in 1771, by Darius Williams' 
 grandfather, Ephraim Williams, Esq., who came from Easton to Ashfield, a 
 journey of 120 miles, on foot, with a hired man, carrying on their backs what 
 tools would be necessary to build a saw mill. 
 
 In June, 1830, a full-sized bear was captured and killed. He was discov- 
 ered when crossing the road near the present residence of L. W. Goodwin, 
 chafed into a tree near by where Stephen Jackson lives, and soon made to 
 smell powder. 
 
 ITEMS I-'KO M COLERAIN. 
 
 About 1764 Richard Ellis moved from Ashfield to Colerain, where he v/ 
 lived until about the close of the Revolution. During the war of 1756 the set- 
 tlers in Colerain had a similar experience with Indian incursions as had the 
 settlers in Ashfield. They were driven to the eastern settlements for two or 
 three years. After the war they returned, and " by 1767 ninety farms were 
 occupied and nearly 1,000 acres cleared." 
 
 In 1765 Richard Ellis, William Henry, John McCreles and Matthew Bol- 
 ton were selectmen of the town. 
 
 During the Revolutionary war there was great patriotism manifested by V 
 the people of Colerain. In 1779 the town resolved that: 
 
 "No person belonging to any other town shall purchase cattle or any 
 other provisions in this town, unless such person shall produce a certificate- 
 from the town to which he belongs that he is not a monopolizer or forestaller, y 
 and that he is a friend to the United States." 
 
 At the close of the war, in 1783, it was voted that "the people called 
 refugees that have gone to the British shall not return to live among us." 
 
 In 1753, on April 12th, the members of the settlement observed a day of 
 fasting and prayer, and a record relates that Mr. Abercrombie and Mr. Ashley, 
 ministers of Deerfield, were invited " to come and keep the fast." 
 
 Hugh Morrison kept a house of entertainment very soon after the earliest 
 settlement, and he presented a bill in 1753 "for bording the ministers and 
 some likyure spent at the ordenation. "
 
 3 6z 
 
 A bridge was built over North River, a stream in the town, in 1752, and 
 for the " Rhumb," furnished by him on the occasion of the raising of the 
 bridge-frame, Hugh McLellan presented a bill. 
 
 It should be borne in mind that the use of liquor was universal in those 
 days. The writer's great-grandfather, one of the earliest residents of Ash- 
 field, and a pious man, regarded it as "one of the good gifts of God to man, 
 when used with discretion." Even Scriptural arguments were used then to 
 sustain this custom, as it was, one hundred years later, to defend human 
 slavery, by its mistaken advocates. But times change; ihe world does move, 
 even if slowly, and the best-loved customs of one generation are often over- 
 turned by the innovations of the next. Physicians have taught, and mankind 
 have believed, for ages, that alcohol "strengthened" the system. This is the 
 greatest falsehood ever invented. Its first action is that of an irritant or 
 excitant, followed, if taken in large doses, by congestion and partial, if not 
 complete, paralysis. If used continually it always disorders the system, cor- 
 rupts the morals and shortens life. The sooner its use as a beverage, or as a 
 medicine, is forever abolished, the better will it be for mankind. 
 
 THE TREMBLERS " OB SHAKERS, OF ASHFIELD. 
 
 The "Tremblers," spoken of by Rev. Mr. Shepard (p. 286), lived and held 
 their meetings on the old road, about eighty rods east of where Mrs. Samuel 
 Hale (near 35) now lives, where the old cellar is still visible. They were pre- 
 sided over by a woman called the " Eleck Lady, 'and she had the reputation 
 of being "a witch." The old people remember hearing them spoken of as 
 " Shakers," oftener than " Tremblers." The meetings were attended by people 
 from other parts of the town, and created much excitement. Many who came 
 into their meetings out of mere curiosity, in a short time "shook" or "trem- 
 bled " with the rest. In the churches the members were warned to beware of 
 the " Tremblers," and finally the action taken by the town cleared them out. 
 
 VALUATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS IN ASHFIELD IN 1786. 
 
 The assessors of taxable property in Ashfield in 1766 were Richard Phil- 
 lips, Aaron Lyon and Nathan Chapin. The number of persons assessed was 
 71. The total number of acres assessed was 735; of houses, 49; oxen, 37; 
 cows, 86; horses, 19; swine, 76; sheep, 185; goats, 4; mills, 3. Total amount 
 of assessment, 1,633. f \ It does not seem possible that this comprised all the 
 property in the town; and if not, the balance may have been exempt from 
 taxation. 
 
 Those who were assessed for mills were: Reuben Ellis, 1; Thomas Phil- 
 lips, ; Philip Phillips, ; Jonathan Sprague, 1. In another valuation, in 
 1771, the following were assessed as noted: Benjamin Phillips, 65; David "S 
 Alden, 61; Aaron Lyon, 30; Ebenezer Belding, 37; Ebenezer Belding, Jr., 
 28; Chileab Smith, 25; Reuben Ellis, 63; John Ellis, 57; Capt. Moses 
 Fuller, 74; Samuel Belding, 113; Isaac Shepard, 36; Joseph Mitchell, 97; 
 Philip Phillips, 90; Thomas Phillips, 54; Zebulon Bryant, 25; Timothy 
 Perkins, 34; Samuel Allen, 49; Jonathan Lilly, 29.
 
 36 3 
 
 FIRST DIVISION OF LANDS IN ASHFIELD. 
 
 The original survey comprised but one division; a small portion of Hunts- 
 town, or Ashfield. 
 
 To carry out the conditions of the grant, a meeting at Braintree, March 13, 
 1738, was held. The Proprietors voted: "That the first lots laid out in said 
 Township shall, at the least, be Fifty acres; and, on account of badness of 
 land, the said lots should extend to the number of 65 acres, according to the 
 Goodness or Meanness of the land in the opinion of the Committee." These 
 lots were accordingly laid out in 1738, lot No. 1 being described as follows: 
 " The N. W. corner is a stack and stones which stands about 23 rods south of 
 Bear River, where there is a Beaver Meadow, so called, on said River, from 
 which it runs south 20 degrees west 160 rods, thence east, 20 degrees south, 
 50 rods; thence north 20 degrees east, 160 rods, thence west.20 degrees north, 
 50 rods, and closed at point of beginning." This includes just 50 acres. 
 
 This beaver meadow is now a part of the mowing lot of L. F. & W. H. 
 Gray, of the "Beaver Meadow Farm." The west line of the lot runs a few 
 rods east of their buildings, now south about 22 degrees west, instead of 20 de- 
 grees, and the S. W. corner is near the old cellar hole (28 on the map), at the 
 south end of Solomon Demming's pasture, close by the highway; then the line 
 runs over the hill to a point about 12 rods north of the green level spot in Mr. 
 Rogers' pasture (site of Mitchell's tavern, 17), thence north 22 degrees 
 east, through the west part of the locust grove, crossing the highway just west 
 of the " Factory" bridge, near 18; then continuing to the northeast corner, on 
 the line between the Gray farm and land now owned by George Church. Lot 
 No. 2 is directly west of lot 1, and extends to the corner where the highway 
 goes north past the Gray Bros. ; Nos. 3, 4 and 5 being west of that. No. 7 
 was east of lot 1, the southeast corner being near the old cellar hole near 14. 
 This is the lot sold by Joseph Melton to Richard Ellis (page 303). Nos. 8 and 
 '9 are east of this, the east boundary of 9 being a little west of the highway 
 leading north to Baptist Corner. The first division of lots extended north to 
 " No Town" (afterwards Buckland), east to what was supposed to be Deerfield 
 line, south to land now owned by Job Lilly and Hiram Warren. Richard Ellis 
 settled on lot No. 49 (I on map), Thomas Phillips probably on No. 24 or 25 
 (at 30 or 32 on map); he also paid taxes on the north end of No. 9, where the 
 Phillips & Ellis Fort was, and might have first located there (at 30 on map). 
 In 1739 it was voted "That the Twenty-fourth Lot be for the Minister, that 
 the Fifty-fifth be for the Ministry, and the Fifty-fourth Lot be for the 
 School. " The minister's lot was where E D. Church and J. Yeomans now 
 live, extending north to the road east past Houg'.ton Smith's (35 on map). 
 The school lot included the top of the hill southwest of the village or Plain, a 
 large portion of the Flat and old cemetery, extending south to Job Lilly's and 
 H. Warren's land. In 1742 Chileab Smith, Richard Ellis and Nathaniel Kel- 
 logg were chosen a committee to lay out more lots, but for some reason they 
 were not laid out, probably because the first division was not sold and settled 
 upon as soon as the proprietors anticipated. In 1754 it was again voted to lay 
 out a second division of lots, and additions were made to this committee, but 
 the lots were not laid out until 1761. A large portion of these lots were laid 
 out in South Ashfield, and contained 100 acres each instead of 50; the rest 
 were scattered.
 
 3 6 4 
 
 Between this time and 1800 three more divisions were laid out the third 
 of 100, and fourth and fifth of 50 acres each. The third division was mainly 
 in the south and southwest part of the town, the fourth mostly in the north- 
 west part, and the fifth over the town, to till up some vacant spaces that were 
 left. These irregular gores, and the four rod roads left between the lots, have 
 made many disputes over lines between landholders, and some serious neigh- 
 borhood quarrels. 1 Most of the large swamps some now being valuable 
 meadow land were not laid out at all, being called worthless. Some of these 
 old lots were laid over into other towns; at least Deerfield claimed about two 
 tiers of the lots through the whole length of the east part of the town, causing 
 the proprietors and settlers much trouble. The dispute was finally settled by 
 a committee appointed by the General Court, who reported June 18, 1765, giv- 
 ing the disputed territory to Huntstown. See Province Laws, Vol. IV., p. 
 S65. Differences also arose afterwards between the towns of Bucklaud and 
 Plainfield in regard to the lines. Nathaniel Kellogg was the surveyor em- 
 ployed in laying out the early lots, and Ephraim Williams, Esq., those later. 
 
 About twelve years ago a map was made of these old lots from the Pro- 
 prietor's records, and in 1880 all the school lots in town were surveyed, located, 
 and a map made of them by a committee chosen for that purpose. These maps, 
 are deposited in the Clerk's office. 
 
 EARLY FAMILIES OF ASHFIELD. 
 
 THE \IKJN-. 
 
 The Aldens (page 90) were conspicuous actors in the early history of the 
 town. Elder Noah Alden, of Stafford, Conn., was the minister who ordained 
 Elder Ebenezer Smith over the Baptist Church, in 1761. In 1753 Daniel 
 Alden, of Stafford, deeds lots Nos. 22 and 28, also 100 acres to be laid out, to 
 his son Barnabas. In 1754 Daniel Alden is Moderator of a Proprietors' meet- 
 ing held in Huntstown. In 1761 he sells to Israel Standish, of Stafford, lota 
 35 and 28. 
 
 May 5, 1764, David Alden and his wife, Lucy, joined the Congregational 
 Church, by recommendation, from Stafford. He settled on the place now 
 owned by T. & C. Kelley (No. 5 on map, page 328). His house was a few 
 rods to the west of the present building, a part of which he built in 1791. He 
 had Isaac, David, John, Enoch and Lydia. In 1766, on the first town valua- 
 tion, he is taxed for 30 acres of improved land, showing that dilligent work 
 had been done on the settlement. Isaac (page 90) was the oldest son of David. 
 He was of the sixth generation in descent from John Alden, who came over in 
 the Mayflower in 1620. The descendants of the Aldens tell this story in con- 
 nection with Isaac's marriage to Irene Smith, daughter of Elder Ebenezer and 
 Remember Ellis Smith: David, whenever a question was asked him, had an 
 inveterate habit of rolling up his eyes before answering. In those good old 
 days of filial respect it was the custom of the son to ask the father's consent 
 before marrying. When Isaac asked the consent of his father to marry Irene
 
 365 
 
 he told him he need not reply, but signify his assent by rolling up his eyes; 
 
 which, it is said, David did. Their children were Philander, .Joshua, Pliny, 
 
 Hiram, Enoch, Richard, Philo, and Isaac, Jr. Philander was drowned in Lake 
 
 Erie. Joshua went to sea when a lad, was pressed into the British service, 
 
 escaped off the coast of Spain near Cadiz, went to South America, came home, 
 
 married, and died about 1850. Pliny, Hiram and Enoch are dead. Richard 
 
 settled in Warren, Pa. , and Philo and Isaac, Jr. , settled in Louisiana. Isaac, 
 
 Sr., died in Pennsylvania, aged 65 years, John, the second son of David, JoHW <&. l$i 
 
 remained on the old farm in Ashfield and married Nancy Gray; while her N Ji jJ / v- 
 
 brother, Jonathan Gray, married Lydia Alden, John's sister. 
 
 John left a numerous posterity in the vicinity, and Lydia was the grand- 
 mother of the Gray brothers, now living on the Beaver Meadow farm (21 on the 
 map). Rev. John Alden, now living in Providence. R. I., was formerly prin- 
 cipal of the Shelburne Falls Academy, and was the second son of John; Betsey 
 married William Ranney; Armilla married Aaron Lyon, a brother of Mary 
 Lyon; Lucy married Dr. Charles Puffer, of Colerain; Eunice married Luther 
 Ranney; Nancy, Capt. William Bassett, and Cyrus, who died about 1842 
 His widow now lives at Shelburne Falls. William Ranney and Aaron Lyon 
 moved into the State of New York. The wife of John Alden, Sr., died 
 in her 42d year, and was buried with her fifteenth child on her arm. He 
 afterwards married a Mrs. Gillett, who had a son, Francis, attending school at 
 / Sanderson Academy while his mother was living* here. He was afterwards 
 Y United States Senator from Connecticut. 
 
 Barnabas Alden, Jr. , a relative of David, came to town later, and settled 
 near where Elisha Wing now lives. 
 
 In February, 1814, the Baptist Church voted to give Bro. John Alden a 
 "iLetter of Recommendation, as having a Gift of Publick Improvement by 
 way of Doctrine." 
 
 THE ANNABLES, 
 
 The first of the Annables who settled in Ashfield was Mr. Samuel Anna- 
 ble, Jr. He came from Windham, Conn., where he had resided but a short 
 time; Barnstable County, or "The Cape," as it was more generally called in 
 those days, being the place of his nativity, as well as that of his wife's family, 
 the Dimicks. Freeman's ' ' History of Cape Cod " states that Anthony Annable 
 came over in the ship Anne, in 1623, with his wife Jane, and daughter Sarah. 
 His wife died in 1643 and he married Anne Clarke in 1645. He was a promi- 
 nent man, much in public affairs. In September, 1642, he formed a company, 
 of which Miles Standish was captain, to guard against the Indians. He died 
 in 1674. His children were: Sarah, born in England, married Henry Ewell 
 in 1638; Hannah, born in Plymouth in 1625, married Thomas Freeman in 1645; 
 Susanna, born 1630, married William Hatch, Jr., in 1652; Deborah, born 1637; 
 Samuel, born 1646; Desire, born 1653, married John Barker in 1677. 
 
 Samuel Annable, born in 1646, married Mehitable Allyn in 1667, and 
 died in 1678. His children were Samuel, Jr., born 1669; Hannah, 1672; John, 
 1673, and Anne, 1676. 
 
 Samuel Annable, Jr., born 1669, married Patience Dogget in 1695. He
 
 3 66 
 
 died in 1744, and his wife in 1760, aged 90 years. Their children were: De- 
 sire, born 1696; Anne, 1697; Jane, 1699; Samuel, 1702; Patience, 1705, and 
 Thomas, 1708. 
 
 John Annable, born 1673, married Experience Taylor, daughter of Edward 
 Taylor, in 1692, and had Mehitable, born 1694; Samuel, 1697; John, 1699, 
 Cornelius, 1704, and Abigail, 1710. 
 
 Samuel Annable, Sr., born 1697, was a farmer at Cape Cod. He died in 
 1794, aged 97 years. His son, Samuel Annable, Jr., was born in 1717. He 
 married Desire Dimmick and settled in Ashfield about 1762, as above noted, 
 where he raised his family of eight children. Mr. Amiable, Jr., was a promi- 
 nent man in Ashfield many years. He resided at No. 15 on the map, a little 
 west of the residence of Lieut. John Ellis, whose wife was Mrs. Annable's sis- 
 ter. About 1802 Mr. and Mrs. Annable removed to Sempronius, Cayuga Co., 
 N. Y., where some of their children had settled before them, and where Mr. 
 Annable died, in 1806, aged 89 years. Mrs. Annable lived with her son Barn- 
 abas until her death in 1818. 
 
 Samuel Annable, Jr.'s children were Mehitable, Thomas, Edward, born 
 1753; Barnabas, Samuel 3d, David, born 1771; Mary or Polly, boru 1774, and 
 Bethiah. 
 
 Sept. 14, 1768, Mehitable Annable married Dr. Phineas Bartlett, of Ash- 
 field, where they lived, and where both died Mrs. Bartlett about 1785 and 
 Dr. Bartlett in 1800. Their children were Moses, Mabel, Phineas, Jr. and 
 Hannah. The last named married a Hall. Moses Bartlett married, had four 
 children, and lived in Saline, Michigan. 
 
 Thomas Annable never married. He was a school teacher in Ashfield, 
 where he lived and died. He was a peculiar character, and said to have been 
 very odd in his ways, but a man of talent and worth. 
 
 Lieut. Edward Annable, son of Samuel, Jr., was born in Windham, Conn., 
 Jnne 22, 1753. He married Jemima, a daughter of Elder Ebenezer Smith, of 
 Ashtield, and lived about 50 rods northeast of where Mr. Nelson Drake now 
 lives, just north of the present Ashfield line, in the town of Buckland. The 
 lot is called the "Annable Lot;" the cellar hole is still pointed out, and the 
 house he occupied was moved off and is now occupied by Mrs. Samuel Hale. 
 The lot is about one-half mile from where his wife's father, Elder Ebenezer 
 Smith, lived, and the houses in sight of each other. 
 
 About 1802 Lieut. Annable and family removed to Aurelius, Onondaga 
 Co., N. Y., where he died in 1836. The youngest and last survivor of his chil- 
 dren,' Mr. Fernando C. Annable, of Almena, Mich, died in 1886. For further 
 account of Lieut. Edward Annable and his descendants, seepage 92. 
 
 Barnabas Annable, son of Samuel, Jr. , married Ruth Moon, of Ashfield. 
 About 1802 they moved to Seuipronius, Cayuga Co., N. Y. Mr. Barnabas An- 
 nable was a very worthy and extremely pious man. He was a great Bible 
 student and religious enthusiast and preacher, a portion of his time. His 
 father and mother lived with him in their later years, and he and his wife were 
 greatly devoted to them. After the death of his mother, in 1818, he removed, 
 the next year, with his family, to Mt. Vernon, Indiana, in the extreme south- 
 western part of the State. From Sempronius they went overland to Olean, 
 Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., on the Alleghany River, where they went on rafta 
 and flatboats down that river and the Ohio, to their new home in Indiana.
 
 3 6 7 
 
 There they lived the remainder of their lives. Barnabas Annable died in 1835,. 
 and his wife Ruth in 1827. Their children were Electa, Nancy, Samuel, 
 Fanny, Bromley, Bartlett, David, Daniel and Enos. Electa Annable married. 
 Elisha Phillips, a son of Vespasian Phillips, of Ashfield, and brother of Abilena 
 Phillips, the wife of John Ellis, Jr., of Sempronius (see page 111). Elisha 
 Phillips and wife settled in Farmersville, Indiana, in 1818, where they raised 
 their family. Two of their sons, Ransom and Moses Phillips, yet live near 
 Farmersville, Ind. Each of them has several sons. 
 
 Elisha Phillips was born in Ashfield. His parents were Vespasian Phil- 
 lips and Abilena Belding. Vespasian was a cousin of Joshua Phillips, of Ash- 
 field. Elisha Ellis, and Enos and Bromley Annable, went with them to Indiana. 
 They all went down the Alleghany and Ohio rivers on boats and rafts. Capt. 
 Elisha Ellis, then but 13 years of age, is yet living there (see page 156). 
 
 Samuel Annable, son of Barnabas, went to Mt. Vernon soon after his 
 parents left Sempronius, N. Y. In early life he was a school teacher. He 
 was an unusually bright and scholarly man. He was born in Ashfield July 7, 
 1794, married M. W. Davis September 13, 1832, and had one child, David D. 
 Annable, born October 12, 1840, and now living in Grayville, 111. Mrs. Sam- 
 uel Annable died January 29, 1861, and Mr. Annable married Hannah Kirby 
 June 10, 1862. Mr. Samuel Annable died April 4, 1870, in Grayville, where 
 he had lived many years. 
 
 Fannie, fourth daughter of Barnabas and Ruth Annable, born 1812, mar- 
 ried in 1836, in Mt. Vernon, Ind., Mr. J. C. Wellborn. In 1849 they removed 
 to Lafayette Co., Mo., and in 1854 to Sherman, Tex.; and to Pilot Point, 
 DentonCo., Texas, in 1868, where they now live. She had two sons and three 
 daughters. Her eldest son, D. A. Wellborn, was a strong Union man, and is 
 now a thorough Republican. When the rebellion broke out, in 1861, he came 
 north and enlisted as a private soldier. Before and at the close of the war he 
 was a captain in a regiment of which Gen. George Spalding, of Monroe, 
 Mich, was the colonel. He is a man of unusual intelligence and worth. Mr. 
 Wellborn, Sr., and the balance of the family, were Democrats. The other 
 son, Samuel N. Wellborn, went into the Southern army. He is now dead. 
 Mrs. Fannv Annable Wellborn is in her 77th year, and in vigorous health for 
 that age. Pilot Point, where they live, is a thriving place on the Missouri 
 Pacific Railway. 
 
 Bartlett Annable, son of Barnabas, went to Texas in 1838. About 1848 
 he started for the City of Mexico with a drove of cattle. It is supposed that 
 he was murdered by the Mexicans, as he has never been heard from since. 
 
 Bromley and Enos Annable, sons of Barnabas, went to Indiana in 1818 
 with Elisha Phillips, their brother-in-law. They lived and died in Farmer- 
 ville, Ind. Bromley had a daughter Rhoda, who married a Mr. Sessions and 
 moved to Texas in 1858. She died in 1861. 
 
 Daniel, David and Nancy Annable, children of Barnabas, removed to Far- 
 mersville with their parents in 1819, where they all died, leaving no children. 
 Enos had no children. 
 
 Samuel Annable, 3d, was a son of Samuel, Jr., of Ashfield. He married 
 Rebecca Standish, a daughter of Israel Standish, of Ashfield, a lineal descend- 
 ant of Miles Standish, one of the pilgrims who came over in the Mayflower in- 
 1620. They were married in Ashfield, Feb. 4, 1790. Mrs. Rebecca Standish
 
 3 68 
 
 Amiable was a sister of Mr. Peleg Standish, a prominent man, in his day, of 
 Sempronius, N. Y. Mr. Annable and his wife Rebecca removed from Ash- 
 field about 1800 and settled in Sempronius, where Mr. Annable died, about 
 1810. He had no children. 
 
 Dr. David Annable was born in Ashtield, February 23d, 1771. He mar- 
 ried Lucy Whiting, who was born in Groten, Conn., May 25th, 1774. They 
 were married ia 1800 and settled in Moravia, near Sempronius, N. Y. Dr. 
 Annable was a physician and surgeon, and practiced extensively in Scipio, 
 Moravia and Sempronius. He died November 23d, 1829. His wife died June 
 2d, 1851, at Ann Arbor, Mich. Their children, all born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
 were Minerva, Whiting, Lucretia, Lucy, and Wealthy Ann. Minerva, born 
 Nov. 13th, 1801, died May 7th, 1851. She married Dwight Kellogg, in Mora- 
 via. Their children were Charles, Calvin, Julia, William Henry, Daniel W. 
 and George D. Julia Kellogg married Richard Merritt and lives at Battle 
 Creek, Mich. Whiting, born October 3d, 1802, died at Dubuque, Iowa., Au- 
 gust 31st, 1834, leaving no children. 
 
 Lucretia, born November 20th, 1803, died at Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1862. 
 She married Dorr Kellogg, and they settled in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1836. 
 He came from Cayuga County, N. Y., on horseback, in 1825, and remained a 
 few weeks, buying some land. He returned in 1836 and, in company with his 
 brother, built a mill about 1 miles up the river from the city, known as the 
 McMahon mill, which was burned a few years ago. Since 1874 he had been 
 living a retired life at the University city. In 1835 he went with a brother to 
 Buenos Ayres, South America, being on the water 47 days, the time being the 
 shortest that had been made. He had held many responsible offices, having 
 been Justice of the Peace, City Collector and City Treasurer. He died in Bat- 
 tle Creek, Mich., March 15th, 1884. They had no children. 
 
 Lucy Annable. born March 25tb, 1807, lives at Iowa City, Iowa. She 
 married Oliver Reynolds, in Geneva, Cayuga County, N. Y. Their children 
 were Julia, Mary and Augusta. Julia Reynolds married L. S. Saunders, and 
 they live at Iowa City, Iowa. 
 
 Wealthy Ann Annable, youngest daughter of Dr. David Annable, was 
 born December 25th, 1808. She married Matthew N. Tillotson October llth, 
 1832. Mr. Tillotson was born February 1st, 1800. They settled in Owosso, 
 Mich., about 1842, where Mr. Tillotson died, March 23d, 1851. Their chil- 
 dren were Whiting A , William K., Seth H., Dorr, Lucy A., and Charles N. 
 Tillotson. Whiting Annable Tillotson was born in Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y., 
 September 3d, 1833. He lives in Detroit, Mich., and is in the fur trade. 
 William K., born November 13th, 1835, in Sodus, N. Y., married Miss Beach 
 and lives in Owosso, Mich. They have two sons and two daughters. Mr. T. 
 was a Union soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson are prominent and highly re- 
 spected people in Owosso, where they have lived many years. 
 
 Dorr Tillotson was born in Owosso, where he now lives, September 20th, 
 1844. 
 
 Charles N. Tillotson was born in Owosso, September 24th, 1848. He is 
 married and lives in New York city, and is employed in the office of the Sci- 
 entific American. 
 
 Seth H. and Lucy A. Tillotson died in infancy. 
 
 Mrs. Wealthy Ann Annable Tillotson was a widow thirty-four years.
 
 3 6 9 
 
 She lived most of the time with her son, William K., in Owosso. where she 
 died. The writer was acquainted with her for nearly twenty-five years, and 
 can truthfully say that she was a woman of uncommon intelligence and worth. 
 Of her a friend, in the local paper (Owosso Press), comments as follows: 
 
 " After a protracted illness, Mrs. Wealthy Ann Tillotson died, at the resi- 
 dence of her son, Mr. William K. Tillotson, Saturday, September 5th, 1885. 
 She was the widow of Matthew N. Tillotson, one of the early settlers of Owosso, 
 and one of its first merchants. He maintained also for years a promi- 
 nent trading post for Indians. Mrs. Tillotson was a very useful, active 
 and popular woman in society in her vigorous days one of the old 
 pioneer stock that "pushed things" in the early times of Owosso, and her 
 nfluence and work were felt in the community. She was a true Christian 
 woman, an early member of the M. E. Church in this city, and also a hearty 
 co-operator with other denominations in Christian and benevolent work. The 
 esteem in which she was held by our older citizens, who knew her in her days 
 of vigor and public usefulness, was manifested by the large attendance of 
 prominent citizens at the funeral services, which took place at the residence 
 Monday afternoon. Rev. Mr. Wilson, of the Congregational Church, of which 
 church, we understand, she was of late years a member, officiated. There 
 were beautiful flowers and floral designs placed upon the casket tributes of 
 love to this excellent woman. 
 
 " Wealthy Ann Annable began to teach school at the early age of fifteen. 
 Later she finished her education at a young ladies' seminary, after which she 
 continued to teach until her marriage with Mr. Matthew Norton Tillotson. 
 Mr. Tillotson was a merchant at Sodus, N. Y. In 1836, with the tide of emi- 
 gration setting westward, Mr. Tillotson and his little family came into the 
 Territory of Michigan and settled at Ann Arbor. A few years later they came, 
 pioneers, into Owosso, then only a trading post. Mr. Tillotson opened a store 
 where Mr. McBain's clothing store now stands, and became famous among the 
 Indians of this region as " Bekanoga," the cheap trader. Mr. Tillotson died 
 in 1851. The eldest sons, William and Whiting, continued in business and 
 cared for their mother and younger brothers, Dorr and Charles, till the break- 
 ing out of the war, when William and Dorr enlisted in the army and Whiting 
 moved to Detroit. This separation of the family and anxiety for her soldier 
 boys, though she with true Christian patriotism bade them obey their country's 
 call, so wore upon their mother that she never again recovered her health or 
 former exuberance of spirits. Mrs. Tillotson's rare social qualities, tempered 
 by a most lovely Christian character, endeared her to a large circle of friends 
 in the church and community. She was keenly alive to every plan for doing 
 good; in her home she was ever mild, gentle, and loving; her presence has 
 been a benefaction upon the grandchildren, and in the years to come how often 
 will her sons, with their children, 'rise up and call her blessed.' " 
 
 Polly Annable (also called Mary and Molly) was a daughter of Samuel An- 
 nable, Jr., of Ashfield. She was born in 1774 and married Dea. Dimick Ellis. 
 They lived at 14 on the map, page 328. For further account of her see 
 page 116. 
 
 Bethiah, youngest child of Samuel Annable, Jr., was born in Ashfield 
 about 1776. She never married. She lived with her brother Barnabas, and 
 went to Indiana with him and his family, where she died.
 
 According to the records of Ashfield Anna Annable was married Decem- 
 ber 9th, 1778, to Pelatiah Phillips. No other account of her is found, and it is 
 not known whether she was a daughter of Samuel Annable, jr., of Ashtield, or 
 not. 
 
 (In an old letter, written in 1804, by Mrs. Desire Annable, wife of Samuel 
 Annable, Jr., then living in Sempronius, X. Y., and directed to her daughter 
 Polly, wife of Deacon Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield, she mentions Thomas Annable 
 as an ancle of Mrs. Ellis. Hence it is an error on page 366, where Thomas is 
 given as a son of Samuel Annable, Jr. It seems that he was his brother.) 
 
 THE BARTL.ETTS. 
 
 Dr. Phineas Bartlett, a son of Rev. Moses Bartlett, was born in 1745, at 
 Chatham, now Portland, Conn. , on the place now occupied by Wm. H Bart- 
 lett, Esq. 
 
 He settled at Ashfield in 1766, and at the age of 21 began the practice of 
 his profession, which after a few years became extensive and lucrative; and 
 he earned and enjoyed the esteem of the community which he served. 
 
 He was quite active and prominent in the public affairs of the township; 
 was for many years its clerk and treasurer, and was permitted to witness a 
 rapid and large increase in its population, which increase was from about 300 
 at the time of his arrival, to nearly 1,800 at the date of his death, Oct. 20, 
 1799, at the age of 54 years. The manner of his death was by falling from 
 his horse in a fit, while on a visit to patients in a distant part of the town, 
 after which he lived but an hour. 
 
 He married, Sept. 14, 1768, Mehitable, daughter of Samuel Annable, Jr. 
 She died Oct. 31, 1780, aged 30. He married (second) March 20, 1781, Sarah 
 Ballard. She died Jan. 9, 1832, aged 81. His children were Mehitable, born 
 Nov. 14, 1769; Moses, born May 22, 1772. He married, Feb. 1, 1801, Persis, 
 daughter of Thos. Ranney, of Ashfield. Hannah, born Aug. 13, 1778; Lydia, 
 born Jan. 17, 1782. She died June 14, 1807. Phineas, born Aug. 8, 1783, 
 harness maker; settled at Conway, where he became a leading and influ- 
 ential citizen; held various offices; had a family and died in old age. Jerusha, 
 born April 31, 1785; Horatio, born Oct. 8, 1786; remained in Ashfield and 
 died Feb. 23, 1836; unmarried. William, born Jan. 7, 1793; went to central 
 New York, where he became a leading man; was member of State Assembly 
 and Senator, and one of the Court Judges. 
 
 About 1770, and later, three of Dr. Bartlett's brothers came to Ashfield 
 to reside, one of whom, ( 'apt. Samuel, was a leading citizen here, and repre- 
 sented the town in the General Court in Boston. 
 
 It is probable that Moses, son of Dr. Phineas Bartlett, soon after his 
 marriage in 1801, lived for a time in Sempronius, N. Y., and afterwards in 
 Saline, Mich., where he raised a large family and died at an advanced age. 
 
 The Bartletts were an influential people in Ashfield, and took an active 
 part during the Revolution in aid of the independence of the Colonies.
 
 THE I ', I- I I > I N < .-. 
 
 Two of the early families in Ashfield were those of Samuel Belding, of 
 Deerfield, and Ebenezer Belding, Sr., of Hatfield. It is not known whether 
 they were relatives, but probably they were cousins, or if not, then more 
 remotely connected. 
 
 1. William Belding, of Wethersfield, Conn., in 1646 removed to Nor- 
 walk; married a Thomasine. 
 
 Children: Samuel, July 20, 1647 of Norwalk, 1734; Daniel, Nov. 20, 1648 
 (2); John, Jan. 9, 1650; Susanna, Nov. 5, 1651; Mary, Feb. 20, 1653; Nathan- 
 iel, Nov. 14, 1654. 
 
 2. Daniel Belding, son of William. (1) b. 1648; of Hartford, 1671; of 
 Deerfield, 1686; lived on No. 10. Sept. 17, 1696, a great part of his family 
 was killed or captured by Indians. He was a leading man in town, and d. 
 Aug. 14, 1731. M., Nov. 10, 1670, Elizabeth dau. of Nath'l Foot, of Weth.; 
 she was k. Sept. 16, 1696; (2) Feb. 17, 1699, Hepzibah (Buel), wid. of Lieut. 
 Thomas Wells; she was cap. Feb. 29, 1704, and k. on the route to Canada, 
 aged 54; (3) Sarah, dau. John Hawks, wid. of Philip Mattoon; she d. Sept. 
 17, 1751, a. 94. 
 
 Children: William, Dec. 26, 1671, (3), Richard, Mar. 29, 1672; Elizbeth, 
 Oct. 8, 1673; m. Ebenezer Brooks; Nathaniel, Jan. 26, 1675; cap. Sept. 15, 
 1696: d. Aug. 21, 1714; Mary, Nov. 17, 1677; m. 1698, James Trowbridge; 
 Daniel, Sept. 1, 1680; k. Sept. 16, 1696; Sarah, Mar. 15, 1682; m. Mar. 27, 
 1702, Benj. Burt; cap. 1704; Hester, Sept. 29. 1683; cap. Sept. 16, 1696, not 
 after heard from; Abigail, Mar. 10, 1686; d. June 25, 1696; Samuel, Apr. 10, 
 1687; wounded 1696, (4); John, June 24, 1689; d. the next day; Abigail, 
 Aug. 18, 1690; wounded 1696; d. before 1732; John, Feb. 28, 1693; k. 1696; 
 Thankful, Dec. 31, 1695; k. 1696. 
 
 3. William Belding, son of Daniel. (2) b. 1671; rem. to Norwalk, 1725; 
 m. May 2, 1700, Margaret, dau. Wm. Arms. 
 
 Children: Margaret, Feb. 10, 1701; m. Dec. 17, 1719, Nathaniel Stoffon, 
 of Norwalk; Daniel, Sept. 14, 1702, (5); Elizabeth, Nov. 10, 1704; Thankful, 
 Feb. 9, 1707; d. Aug. 26, 1717; Mary, June 25, 1709; Abigail, Jan. 4, 1711; 
 Ruth; Jan. 18, 1713; Miriam, Nov. 11, 1714; Esther, Oct. 11, 1716; Thank- 
 ful, Oct. 5, 1718; Sarah, Aug. M, 1721; Azor, Dec. 10, 1723. '* 
 
 4. Samuel Belding, son of Daniel, (2) b. 1687; d. Dec. 14, 1750; m. Feb. 
 26, 1724, Anna Thomas; she d. Dec. 13, 1724; (2) Sept. 26, 1726, Elizabeth, 
 dau. Nathaniel Ingram, of Had.; alive in Hatfield in 1761. 
 
 Children: Samuel, Apr. 1, 1729, (6); Elizabeth, Nov. 1, 1731, m. Jan. 24, 
 1751, Seth Hawks; John, Aug. 15, 1734; Daniel, June 17, 1737; d. Aug. 27, 
 1743, and Prob. Lydia, who m. Joseph Mitchell. 
 
 5. Daniel Belding, son of William, (3) b. 1702. In the spring of 1744, 
 "his brethren, with six horses, came up after him," from Norwalk, and that 
 is the last heard of him here; m. Feb. 22. 1727, Esther, dau. Samuel Smith, 
 of Hatfield. 
 
 Children: Esther, Nov. 1, 1727; Daniel, July 10, 1729, d. Jan. 1, 1730; 
 Daniel, Dec. 18, 1730; d. Jan. 21, 1731; Sarah, Jan. 27, 1732; Eunice, Dec. 
 5, 1734; Abigail, Dec. 12, 1736; Margaret, Feb. 16, 1739; William, Jan. 22, 
 1741; Miriam, May 14, 1743. 
 
 (The above account of the Belding's is taken from Hon. Geo. Sheldon's 
 genealogical reports in the Greenfield Gazette and Courier for July, 1887.)
 
 372 
 
 6. Samuel Belding, son of Samuel (4), born 1729, was a resident of Deer- 
 fit-ld previous to his locating in Ash field, or Hu,ntstown, as it was then called. 
 He was the first town clerk in 17<>5, when the town was incorporated as 
 Aslitidil. He settled at the four corners marked 1 on the map, page 328 
 where Bichard Ellis made the first settlement in the town. It is probable 
 that Mr. Belding purchased this farm of Richard Ellis. From records given 
 on page 316, it is probable that Mr. Belding was a manufacturer of ropes as 
 well as a farmer. He married, June 28, 1753, Mary, daughter of Joseph 
 Mitchel, of Deerfield, who afterwards kept tavern in Ashfield, at 17 on the map. 
 
 Children of Samuel and Mary Belding: Daniel, born June 17, 1754; 
 John, Dec. 17, 1756; Mary, March 3, 1758; Mercy, Nov. 29, 1759; married 
 Sept. 6, 1781, Azariah Cooley ; Esther, April 18, 1761; Samuel, Jr., Nov. 26, 
 1762, (died young); Aseneth, Feb. 29, 1764; Louisa, June 6, 1765; Samuel, 
 Jr., Nov. 10, 1767; Elizabeth, Jan. 7, 1770, and Aaron, July 21, 1774. Daniel 
 Belding born 1754 ; settled in Shelburn, Mass. 
 
 John Belding, born 1756, married, July 15, 1784, Priscilla VVaite, and 
 lived on the old farm of 'his father's at No. 1 on the map, page 328, where he 
 raised a large family. He died in 1839, and his wife near the same time, very 
 aged and respected people. Their children were: Aaron, Moses, Reuben, 
 Esther, Submit, David, Tiberius (see page 169) and Hiram. 
 
 Hiram Belding, youngest son of John, married Mary Wilson, step-daugh- 
 ter of Deacon Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield. They remained on the old place at 
 No* 1, where they raised their family of six children. About 1855, Mr. 
 Hiram Belding removed to Otisco, Mich., and purchased what is now the site 
 of Belding in that township. He died there some years later. Mrs. M*vry 
 Belding is still livinp, at an advanced age, most of the time with her son 
 Hiram H., in Chicago. Her four sons (see page 117) constitute the firm of 
 extensive manufacturers of silk thread and cloths. One of their large fac- 
 tories is located at Beldin.ar, besides which they have recently erected a large 
 brick and stone hotel building and opera house. The Belding Bros, have 
 other large manufacturing interests in Belding, as well as an extensive farm 
 adjoining the village. They reside as follows: David Wilson Belding, in 
 Cincinnati, Ohio; Milo M., in New York city; Hiram H,, in Chicago, 111., and 
 Alvah N., Rockville, Conn. Their youngest brother, Frank, died in New 
 York city in the fall of 1887, and was buried at Belding, Mich. Their 
 only sister, Jennie, married Mr. Jerome Vincent, a farmer near Belding. She 
 died about 1875, leaving two sons. The Messrs. Belding often visit Ashfield, 
 their native town, and take much interest in its prosperity. Some of them, 
 with their families, usually pass the hot season on the Plain. 
 
 Mr. Hiram H. Belding usually spends the summers in Belding with his 
 family, where he has a large farm and commodious buildings. Of the other 
 sons and daughters of Mr. Samuel Balding the writer has no further 
 account. 
 
 Of Mr. John Belding's children, David married and lived on the old farm 
 in a house situated about 20 rods south of No. 1, where his father lived. One 
 of his daughters, Jennie, married a Baptist clergyman, and they now reside 
 at Shelburne Falls. 
 
 Submit Belding, daughter of John, married Elder John Liscomb. In 
 thir old age they lived with his son, Horace Liscotnb, one of the earliest set-
 
 373 
 
 tiers in Otisco. They died about 1855. Mr. Horace Liscomb has a farm two 
 miles west of Belding, where he lives a hale and hearty old gentleman of 80 
 years or over. 
 
 One of Mr. John Bel ding's daughters married a Mr. Putney, of Ashfleld. 
 Of their children, Mr. Charles Putney has lived at Belding, Mich., about 30 
 years past. He is a prominent man there, aud an ardent supporter of the 
 Christian church in Belding, of which himself and wife are members. 
 
 Another son (brother of Charles), Norman Putney, has lived in Ionia, 
 Mich., for many years. 
 
 Deacon Ebenezer Belding, Sr., was an early settler in Ashfield. He 
 was from Hatfield, a town about 20 miles southeast of Ashfield. The writer 
 gets but little account of him, except what is given in Rev. Mr. Shepard's 
 sketches, page 279. He lived at the site marked 11 on the map. In the 
 old burying ground at 7, there is an ancient looking headstone marked " E. 
 B., 1776." It is presumed that this stone marks his grave. 
 
 Ebenezer Belding, Jr., (son of the above) married Jenezer Ingram. They 
 lived at No. 11, where they raised children as follows: Ebenezer, born Aug. 
 23, 1769; Abigail, Sept. 2, 1771; Nathaniel, June 22, 1774, and Asher, born 
 Jan. 20, 1777. Asher married Sylvia Ellis (see page 117). Of the others no 
 further account is found. In the early settlement of Ashfield, and up to 
 about 1840, the Beldings were numerous there, but the writer is informed 
 that none of that name now live in the town. Most of them went " west " 
 as they reached manhood. 
 
 THE ELMERS AND I I U.I I >. 
 
 Samuel Elmer, before the Revolution, settled where Geo. B. Church now 
 lives. Most of the Elmers in this vicinity are his descendants. One of his 
 daughters, Keziah, married Ebenezer Smith, Jr., son of Elder Ebenezer. She 
 and her husband settled at Stockton, N. Y., in 1815 (see page 96). 
 
 Of the Lillies, David, Silas, Samuel and Jonathan, all Stafford people, 
 mentioned in the old records, only Jonathan left descendants. David and 
 Silas owned land on the Plain, and Jonathan, in 1764, bought of Jonathan 
 Sprague, of Huntstown, for 100, lot No. 61, with a dwelling house thereon 
 standing; also all rights belonging to No. 32, of undivided land. Lot No. 61 
 was west of where Henry Lilly now lives, and was where Jonathan settled. 
 All rights belonging to No. 32, meant one sixty-third part of the then unsur- 
 veyed part of the township. 
 
 Jonathan Lillie served four years in the French war, and was in the 
 Revolutionary war. He had seven children, and left numerous descendants 
 in this vicinity. 
 
 Alonzo Lilly, of Newton, a grand-son of Jonathan, has been a liberal 
 benefactor to the public institutions of this, his native town. 
 
 THE FLOWERS. 
 
 Major Lamrock Flower was an early settler in Ashfield. He was born in 
 Connecticut in 1720. His wife was a Goodwin, of West Hartford, sister of 
 Uriah Goodwin, of Ashfield. The first of the Flower family in New England
 
 374 
 
 was Lamrock Flower, born in England about 1660. The "American College 
 of Genealogical Registry " states that he was probably a son of Capt. Wil- 
 liam Flower and grandson of Sir William Flower, of Whitwell, England. 
 
 Lamrock Flower, born 1660, emigrated to America, and was in Hartford, 
 Conn., where he married in 1686. He had eight children, four sons: Lam- 
 rock, born 1689; John, 1695; Francis, 1700, and Joseph, 1706. Lamrock, 
 born 1689, had two children: Elijah, born 1717, and Dinah, born 1714. John 
 Flower, born 1695, was probably the father of Major Lamrock Flower, of 
 Aahfield. Major Flower lived across the road from Deacon Dimick Ellis, at 
 No. 13 on the map, in the gambrel-roofed house where Mr. Joshua Hall now 
 lives. He was a prominent man in Ashfield, and raised several children. He 
 died Jan 8, 1815, aged 95 years. His children were Hannah, Bildad, Lam- 
 rock, Jr. , and others. 
 
 Hannah Flower married, it was said, Major William Flower, of Ashfield, 
 and their son Phineas resided there until about 1840, when he removed to 
 Phelps, N. Y., where he died many years ago. "Uncle Phin's" sons, James 
 B. and Chester, now live in Greeley, Colorado. Mr. Chester Flower, born in 
 Ashfield about 1812, always lived there until in the autumn of 1887, when he 
 went to Colorado. Calvin was also a son of Phineas. 
 
 Bildad Flower, son of Major Lamrock, was born about 1750. He married 
 and had two daughters, Ruth, who married Jesse Ranney, of Ashfield, and 
 Amanda (seepage 111), who married Edward Ellis, and second, Rev. Lyman 
 Forbush, of Sempronius, N. Y. 
 
 Capt. Lamrock Flower, son of Major Lamrock, was born in Ashfield, 
 where he raised a family of several children: Rhoda, Rumina (see pages 152 
 and 154), Horace and others. Mr. Horace or Horatio Flower removed to 
 Otisco, Mich., about 1850, and later to Muir, where he died. One of his sons 
 now lives at Muir, in the jewelry trade. Louisa, a daughter of Horace, mar- 
 ried Mr. Volney Belding (see page 186). 
 
 The Flowers, of Connecticut, aad their posterity were numerous. 
 
 Kon. Roswell P. Flower, of New York city, a Democratic politician of 
 note and prospective candidate for the Presidency, is a descendant of the Con- 
 necticut branch. He is said to be one of the most charitable of New York 
 millionaires. He was born in Theresa, N. Y, in 1835. His father was Nathan 
 Munroe Flower, of Oak Hill, N. Y., born in 1796, a son of Elijah Flower, of 
 New Hartford, Conn., born 1750, who was a son of Elijah Flower, born in 
 Hartford, Conn., in 1717, a son of Lamrock Flower, of Hartford, born 1689, 
 who was a son of Lamrock Flower, of Whitwell, England, born about 1(560, 
 and who settled in Hartford, Conn., previous to 1686, as above. 
 
 THE CHAPIN8. 
 
 Nathan Chapin was a descendant of Samuel, who settled in Springfield 
 in 1642, and whose statue has recently been erected on one of the parks of 
 that city. 
 
 There is a legend current among Nathan's posterity here that he was one 
 of the guard sent to Huntstown, and that while here he fell in love with 
 Chileab Smith's oldest daughter, Mary, and married her in 1757. After liv- 
 ing here a number of years he moved back to Springfield, where several of his
 
 375 
 
 children were bora. Afterwards he returned to lAshtield, where he spent 
 the rest of his life. He lived at one time at or near 32 [see map, page 328], 
 owning quite a tract of land to the northeast of this, on which he probably 
 lived for many years. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and was taken pris- 
 oner at the battle of Ticonderoga, but escaped in a short time with nine others. 
 He was one of the selectmen as early as 1764 and '68. One of his daughters 
 married Samuel Elmer, 2d, father of Erastus Elmer, now living in this town 
 at tha age of 90 years. Nathan's son, Japhet, was a justice of the peace for 
 many years, and in the southeast part of Buckland. He was the father of 
 Lather, now living in this town, who has in his possession a diary kept by 
 his father, from which this extract w made from the year 1831: 
 " May 4. Rained the Baptist meeting-house in Buckland. 
 May 5. Raised the Baptist meeting-house in Ashtield, moved down 
 from the hill." Moved from 34 to 35, see page 333. 
 
 THE D I MICKS. 
 
 Lieut. John Ellis and Samuel Amiable, Jr., residents of Ashtield, married 
 sisters Mary (or Molly) and Desire Dimick (see pages 78 and 366). They 
 were from "the Caps," or Barnstable Co., Mass., where the Dimicks were 
 numerous. 
 
 The first of this family in New England was Elder Thomas Dymock, as 
 the name was then spelled. He died in 1658, leaving a wife, Annie, and sev- 
 eral children: Eliza, John, Mehitable and Shubael. The latter, Shubael. born 
 1644, married Joanna Bursley in 1663, and had Thomas, John, Timothy, Shu- 
 bael, Joseph, Mehitable, Benjamin. Joanna and Thankful. Shubael, born 
 1673, married Tabitha Lothrop, and had five children: David, Samuel, Shu- 
 bael, Joanna and Mehitable. 
 
 Joseph Dimick, born 1675, married Lydia Fuller in 169 1 J, and had Thomas, 
 Bathiah, Mehitable, Ensign, Ichabod, Abigail, Pharaoh and David. 
 
 General Joseph Dimick, a lineal descendant of Elder Thomas Dimick, was 
 born in 1734, and died in 1822. At the opening of the Revolution he took a 
 decided staid on the side of liberty. He was early a professor of religion, 
 and ever maintaine 1 a consistent Christian life. He married Mary Meiggs in 
 1759. Their children were Braddook, Prince, Martha, Temperance, Mary, 
 Joseph, Auselm, William and Tabitha. Hon. Braddock Dimtok, born 1761, 
 was many years a inembsr of the State Legislature, and a de?con in the Con- 
 gregational Church for 35 years. He died in 1845. His son, William F., now 
 lives in Falmouth, Mass. 
 
 Lieut. Lot Dimick, brother of Gen. Joseph Dimick, was a most daring 
 soldier during the Revolution. He was of a party who captured a British 
 brig, a valuable prize, in Nautucket harbor. It is said that " he handled his 
 gun so as to make sure to get two Britishers in range." On his tombstone is 
 written: " Be merited the noblest of mottoes An Honest Man." He died in 
 1816, aged 80 years. 
 
 Charles, Edward and Constant Dimick, of Barnstable, were probably 
 brothers of Desire and Molly, of Ashfield.
 
 376 
 
 THK LYONS. 
 
 Aaron Lyon, Sr., and Mary, his wife, probably came to town in 1764. 
 They settled on Lot 44, and there is little doubt that he built the house where 
 Arnold Smith now lives, 46. They joined the Congregational church by let- 
 ters from Sturbridge, Nov. 17, 1764, but in 1767 joined the Baptist church 
 under Elder Ebenezer Smith. They had five sons and five daughters. Of 
 these, Nathan settled in Baptist Corner, Aaron 2d, located just over the line 
 in Riu'kland, and David continued on the home farm until his death by drown 
 ing (page 295). In 1784, Aaron, Jr,, married Jemima Shepard, daughter of 
 Deacon Isaac Shepard, who lived at 58, just over the bill from where Aaron, 
 Jr., lived. Her mother was Jemima Smith, daughter of Chileab, Sr. 
 
 The young couple moved into their little house about half a mile north 
 of Ashfield line into Buckland. Here several children were born previous to 
 1797 when Mary Lyon was born. Aaron, Jr., died in 1802, when Mary was 
 five years old. Mary attended the district schools in Buckland and Ashfield, 
 and the Sanderson Academy on the Plain. The stoiy of the life of this won- 
 derful woman has been told by several authors,* and is familiar to most 
 people. The little house where she was born has gone to decay; the cellar 
 and chimney foundation, partially grassed over, remain. There is a very 
 large boulder jjust west of the old cellar, and into the side of this rock is 
 cemented a bronze tablet, bearing this inscription : 
 
 MARY LYON, 
 
 THE FOUNDER OF THE 
 
 MOUNT HOLYOKE SEMINARY, 
 
 WAS BORN HERE, 
 
 FEB. 28, 1797. 
 
 Hundreds of people every year visit this secluded spot, and at the road 
 corners, within several miles, are placed guide boards, giving the direction and 
 distance to the "Birthplace of Mary Lyon." [See page 238.] 
 
 Her brother, Aaron Lyon, 3d, moved to Stockton, N. Y. Two of her 
 sisters married Elisha Wing, of Ashfield; Lavina married Daniel Putnam, of 
 Buckland. Electa, who is remembered by some of our oldest people as an 
 excellent schoolteacher, went to Stockton. None of the Lj'on posterity bear- 
 ing that name are now in town, but are found in the Wing and Elmer .families. 
 Mary's mother, for her second hu&band, married Deacon Jonathan Taylor, of 
 Ashfield. 
 
 Deacon David Lyon, who was drowned in 1827, had seven children. 
 One of his sons, Marshall Lyon, married a Sherman and removed to Girard, 
 Erie Co., Penn., about 1834, where they raised a family. Eunice, one of their 
 daughters, married Dr. George Ellis, of North Springfield, Pa. (see page 238). 
 Other children of Marshall Lyon were Elvira, married Marshall Pengra, and 
 lived at Juda, Wis. Wasbburn lives at Union City, Erie Co., Pa.; David at 
 Platea, Erie Co., Pa.; Sophia, Betsey, Josiah and Minerva, who married Henry 
 Howard, of Irving, Barry Co., Mich. Marshall Lyon died in Girard in Jan. 
 1880, and his wife Aug. 15, 1875. Children of David and Betsey (Washburn) 
 
 *See " Life of Mary Lyon," by Dr. Edward Hitchcock : " Recollections of Mary 
 Lyon," by Miss Fiske, also " Life of Mary Lyon," published by American Tract Society.
 
 377 
 
 Lyon: Betsey, Achsah, David, Marshall, Sally, Hepzibeth and Aaron. 
 Betsey married Eli Gray; Achsah m. Aruna Hall; Sally m. Constant Dimick; 
 Marshall m. Chloe Sherman, daughter of Caleb and Eunice (Bacon) Sherman, 
 of Con way, Mass. Their children were: Joseph, John, William, Caleb, Orra, 
 Chloe, Lydia and Eunice Sherman. Marshall Lyon and Chloe Sherman were 
 married in Conway, Apr. 20, 1818. They were the parents of twelve children, 
 five of whom are now living. 
 
 THE PHILLIP8ES. 
 
 Of all the families of Ashfield, whether in early or later times, the Phil- 
 lipses were the most numerous. 
 
 In the settlement of the town in 1745, Thomas Phillips, son of Captain 
 John Phillips, of Easton, Mass., was the second settler, his brother-in-law, 
 Richard Ellis, being the first. Thomas married in or near Eastou. He and '/'- 
 his wife, Katharine, lived at Deertield a time previous to settling in Ashfield. 
 He was born in Easton, Jan. 25, 1712. He located in Ashfield at No. 32 on the 
 map (page 328), or possibly his first cabin, as many of the dwellings were 
 then called, was about 80 rods further south, and at or near the Ellis and 
 Phillips fort, No. 30. 
 
 Capt. John Phillips, of Easton, father of Thomas, was a soldier in 1690 
 in an expedition undertaken by the Colonies for the reduction of Quebec, 
 Canada. For this service he became entitled, about 40 years afterwards, to 
 "Rights "of land in what is now Ashfield. Undoubtedly this fact is what 
 led Thomas Phillips and Richard Ellis, a son-in-law of Capt. John Phillips, to 
 seek homes in this then wilderness region. 
 
 Of Capt. John Phillips, of Easton, it is said that he was a man of unusual 
 ability and iutegrity of character. He was one of the earliest settlers in 
 Easton in 1694. He removed from Weymouth, Mass., to Easton, with his 
 wife, Elizabeth Drake, daughter of Thomas and "sister of Benjamin Drake, 
 residents of Weymouth, who settled in Easton about 1700. Capt. Phillips 
 was a prominent man in the early town history, and was the first town clerk, 
 serving for twelve years. In his bold handwriting is found on the records of 
 Easton the marriage of his daughter, Jean, to Richard Ellis in 1728, and the 
 names and date of birth of seven of their children. The writer is greatly 
 indebted to Rev. Wm. L. Chaffin, of Eastou, for these reports, without which 
 he could have made little or no progress in tracing the descendants of Richard 
 Ellis. (Mr. Chaffin has searched the records of Easton thoroughly, and has 
 lately published a volume of over 800 pages of the history of that town). 
 
 Capt. John Phillips is noted as the first person in Easton who held a com- 
 mission as captain. He was a son of Richard and Elizabeth ( Packer) Phillips, 
 and grandson of Nicholas Phillips. 
 
 Capt. John Phillips' children were John, Jr., William, Experience, Sam- 
 uel, Joshua, Caleb, Jean (or Jane), Thomas and Richard (see page 16). 
 
 John, Jr., was born at Weymouth in 1692. He died in Easton in 1758. 
 His son, Deacon Ebenezer Phillips, lived there after him. Samuel, son of 
 Capt. John, was born 1702. He married Damaris Smith, of Taunton. He 
 lived and died in Easton, and his son, Samuel, also.
 
 378 
 
 William Phillips, son of Capt. John, was born about 1095. He was a 
 carpenter, and built and owned a saw mill in Easton. 
 
 A few years after the settlement of Ashfield there were Joshua, Caleb 
 and Richard Fhillips's names on the town records. It is not now certain whether 
 these were all sons of Capt. John, of Easton, or not. However, such is prob- 
 ably the fact, as Thomas and Jane (Richard Ellis's wife), children of Capt. 
 John, had become permanent residents there, which would naturally lead 
 others of their kin to the same locality. Jean or Jane, daughter of Capt. 
 John Phillips, of Kaston, married Richard Ellis, the first settler in Ashtield 
 (see page 16). 
 
 Thomas Phillips, Sr., son of Capt. John, was born in Easton, Jan. 25, 
 1712. He lived in Deerfield for a time, and then followed Mr. Ellis to Ash- 
 field about 1745, where he remained the rest of his life. His children were: 
 Philip, born Feb. 3, 1739 (one account gives the year as 1738); Simeon, April 
 15, 1742; Charity, Oct. 10, 1744; Thomas, Jr., June 7, 1747; Elizabeth, Oct. 
 31, 1749; Sarah, 1752, and Caleb? 
 
 Of Thomas Phillips, Sr's, children, Capt. Philip Phillips was the eldest, 
 and in his time one of the most prominent men of Ashfield. It is said that 
 his mother died when he was a babe, but it seems that his father married 
 again, for the Congregational Church records say that Thomas Phillips and his 
 wife, Catharine, were among the fifteen members that first formed that church 
 in 1763, and that she died in 1775. When Thomas, Sr., settled in Ashfield, 
 there came with him a colored man, Heber (Honestman), by name, and his 
 wife. It is said that this colored woman was a nurse for the children, and in 
 return for her and her husband's kindness, they were taken care of by Capt. 
 Philip Phillips in their old age. Heber occupied a cabin at 29, just north of 
 Capt. Phillips, a short distance above the spring. According to the old Con- 
 gregational records, Heber joined that body at its formation in 1763, and died 
 in 1768, aged 67 years. 
 
 Capt. Philip Phillips lived at 28 on the map, on the southwest corner of 
 lot No. 1. He afterwards moved 100 rods north and located on the corner at 
 26, where he built a large frame house. He was a Justice of the Peace, 
 Selectman, and represented the town in the State Legislature. He married 
 Mercy, daughter of Joshua Phillips, of Dighton, Mass., a town about 15 miles 
 south of Easton. She was born in 1737, and died Oct. 15, 1815. She was a 
 sister of Richard Phillips, a resident of Ashfield, and of Abiather, Samuel 
 and Joshua Phillips, of Dighton. One of her sisters married a Truesdale, and 
 the other a Dwelly. 
 
 Capt. Phillips died in Ashfield Aug. 10, 1800. He had 13 children, 11 
 sons and two daughters. Each of his sons were over six feet tail, and formed 
 a platoon or military company, in which the father took great pride in exhib- 
 iting at trainings and on other public occasions. The names of Capt. Phillips's 
 children were Elijah, born 1759; Abner, 1760; Lemuel, 17(52; Philip, Jr., 1764; 
 David, 1766; Simeon, 1768; Israel, 1770, Joshua, 1771; Abiather, 1773; 
 Samuel, 1775; Liscomb, 1777; Hannah, 1779, and Anna, 1782. 
 
 Elijah Phillips, born Feb. 14, 1759, married Cynthia Goodwin, of Ash- 
 field, and removed to West Virginia, where he died in 1840. They had 17 
 children. Elijah, Jr., married Fannie Rude, and had a family of 10 children, 
 some of whom live in Bucklaud, Mass., with their descendants. Mabel mar-
 
 379 
 
 ried Bliss Forbes, or Forbush, of Ashfield. Ansel, Abiezer, Mercy, Eusebia, 
 Lyman, Cynthia, Samantha, Delia married Elias Perry, and once lived in Fre- 
 donia, X. Y. Edwin, Lydia, Jonathan and others died young, all children of 
 Elijah, Sr. His descendants in West Virginia took an active part in the 
 Union army in the great Rebellion. They were noted for daring bravery. 
 One of Mercy's sons was a captain, and had 14 Phillips' relatives in his com- 
 pany. They lived at French Creek, and did noble service during the war. 
 
 Abner Phillips, born March 25, 1760, died in Ashfield, Nov. 26, 1829. 
 He married Molly Cranson, and had five children. 
 
 Lemuel Phillips, born Nov. 26, 1762, married Sarah Cranson. or Cranston, 
 and had 11 children. He died April 28, 1843, in Ashfield. It is stated that 
 he had 1 1 children. Many of the descendants of Lemuel Phillips and his 
 brothers, Israel, Simeon and Samuel, are now in the vicinity of Ashfield. 
 
 Philip Phillips, Jr., was born July 29, 1764. He married Elizabeth 
 Smith, only daughter of Chileab Smith, Jr., of Ashfield. In 1816 they 
 removed to Cassadaga, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., where they located on a farm 
 and remained until their death. They had five children: Sawyer, born 1791; 
 Elizabeth married John Robinson and died about 1828. Esther married Israel 
 Smith, Jr., and died about 1830. Philip died about 1808, aged eight years, 
 and Joshua, who died in Cassadaga, unmarried, aged 28. Sawyer, born 1791, 
 married, in Cassadaga, Jane Parker, a daughter of Benjamin Parker, and 
 granddaughter of Thomas Parker, of Washington Co., N. Y. They had 15 
 children, all born in Cassadaga. 
 
 Alonzo, born 1821, died 1826. Thomas D. , 1822, resides in Cassadaga, and 
 has three children; Williston, 1824, lives in Cassadaga; Rosina, 1825, died 1836; 
 Dr. Alonzo P., Dec. 28, 1826, resides in Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
 where he has an elegant home on a high bluff, about 100 rods from the center 
 of the village, surrounded with several acres of the choicest gardens, grape 
 vines, fruit and ornamental trees, etc. Dr. Phillips has been a practicing phy- 
 sician in Chautauqua County for many years. He has mostly retired late 
 years, and is enjoying the well earned luxuries of a long and active profes- 
 sional life. His wife was Miss Fidelia Wood, a daughter of Elijah Wood, 
 and his wife, Fidelia Smith, daughter of Ebenezer Smith, jr. Mrs. Dr. Phil- 
 lips is thus a great granddaughter of Elder Ebenezer Smith, a celebrated Bap- 
 tist minister in the early history of Ashfield (see pages 71 and 98), and Dr. 
 Phillips is a great grandson of Chileab Smith, jr. (he of 100 years of age), 
 a brother of Elder Ebenezer. Dr. and Mrs. Phillips have had three children, 
 none of whom are now living. From personal acquaintance the writer can 
 say that they are most genial and worthy people. They have aided him greatly 
 in furnishing material for this part of the work. 
 
 William W., sixth child of Sawyer Phillips, was born Oct. 8, 1828, and 
 now resides at Cassadaga. He has two sons. 
 
 Charles, born 1830, lives at Cassadaga. Sawyer, jr., born 1831, died 
 1854; Joshua, 1833, died 1850; Philip, born 1834, is noted as the "Singing 
 Pilgrim," in 1880 he published a volume of nearly 500 pages, giving an account 
 of a "Song Pilgrimage Around the World," which he had made, a most inter- 
 esting work, giving an account of his trip with numerous incidents connected 
 there wiih.
 
 Rosina, eleventh child of Sawyer Phillips, was boru in 1836. She mar- 
 ried M. E. Bet-be, and resides in Fredonia. She has one son. 
 
 Benjamin C. and Alphonso R., children of Sawyer, died young. 
 
 George H., born 1841, resides in Springfield, Ohio, and has two children. 
 
 Zerah Barney, youngest child of Sawyer, born 1843, died in 1879, leaving 
 four children. Mr. Sawyer Phillips, father of this large and very intelligent 
 family, died in 1872, in Cassadaga; his wife a few years previously. 
 
 David, son of Capt. Philip Phillips, of Ashtield, was born Feb. 2, 1766. 
 He married Anna Goodwin, of Ashfield. They had nine children. David 
 moved to West Virginia with his oldest brother, Elijah. They went overland 
 with teams and wagons, containing their families and goods. 
 
 Simeon, sixth child of Capt. Phillips, was born in Ashfield, June 1, 1768. 
 He married Ruth Andrews, of Ashfield, a very superior woman, and had five 
 children. He lived in Conway, Mass., and died about 1855. Their children 
 were: James, Phillip M., Simeon, jr., and other?., who died young. 
 
 Capt. James Pnillips, eldest son of Simeon, was a farmer all his life in 
 Ashfield and Conway. He married Mary Ann Wheeler, and had two chil- 
 dren. Joseph, a farmer, who lives in Conway, and has two sons: Charles, in 
 Hatfield, Mass., a fine piano tuner, and James, living with his father in Con- 
 way. Capt. James Phillips had a daughter, Harriet, now Mrs. A. P. Eldred, 
 residing in Springfield, Mass. .She has two sons: Willis and Fred, now living 
 in the same city. Capt James Phillips died in Conway about 1873, at an 
 advanced age. a few weeks after the death of his wife. 
 
 Philip M., second son of Simeon, was a farmer, and spent his life in Ash- 
 field and Conway. He married Dollie Carrier, a woman dearly beloved by 
 all. He died about 1879, and his wife two years later. They had four chil- 
 dren, the first dying in infancy. The second, Ruth, now Mrs. Lee, a widow, 
 living in Conway. She has four children. George married and living in Con- 
 way; in trade there. Frank, unmarried. Capt. Eber, unmarried, a carpen- 
 ter in W. T., and Nettie, now Mrs. Eddy, living with her mother in Conway. 
 
 Philip M.'s second daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Emerson Mark ham, lives 
 at Hoosac Falls, N. Y., where her husband is iu trade. They have three chil- 
 dren. % 
 
 Philip M. 's third daughter, Julia, now Mrs. R. M Tucker, lives at Orange 
 City, Florida, where they have orange groves. 
 
 Simeon Phillips, jr., was born in Ashfield, Feb. 22, 1815, at a house sit- 
 uated on the road from the Plain to Buckland four corners, and about half way 
 down the long hill. He first married in Plymouth, Conn., Emily Wolten. 
 She died four years later childless. He then moved back to Conway, where 
 he engaged in farming, and married Louisa Carrier, of Hawley, Mass. After 
 four years he moved to Greenfield, Mass., where he now lives; he is a machin- 
 ist. They had three child cen; Jennie E., now Mrs. Frank E. Wood. Mr. 
 Wood is a brick mason and plasterer. They have no children, and live with 
 her father, Simeon. Mr. Simeon Phillips had two other children, who died 
 young. His wife, Louisa, Jived 18 years, after which he was married 14 years 
 ago to Lucy Wade a young widow had two children: Raymond, now eight 
 years, a very bright child, and Harold M., who died in infancy. Mrs. Lucy 
 Phillips died in 1884.
 
 Israel Phillips was born May 23, 1770. Although not a doctor, he was, 
 on account of his being the seventh son, called ' ' Doc " Phillips, from a super- 
 stition then popular that the seventh son had necessarily some mysterious or 
 curative virtues as a physician. He married Mabel, or Mehitable Belding, 
 and had one child, Israel, jr., who married Sabrina Ward, and had nine chil- 
 dren: Emeline married Henry Barrows, of Ashfield; John W. married D. D. 
 Reniff, of Buckland; Alonzo married Eliza Green, of Ashfield; Winsor, unmar- 
 ried, accidentally shot and killed, aged 37; Louis married Henry Green, of 
 Ashfield; Mabel married Alonzo Paine, of Ashfield; Edwin married Eliza Ann 
 Phillips, of Ashfield; Ann Eliza married Henry Bassett, of Ashfield, and 
 Ralph, who married Mrs. E. M. Wilder. Israel Phillips, Sr. and Jr., lived 
 all their lives at No. 56 on the map. 
 
 Joshua, son of Capt. Philip Phillips, born Nov. 30, 1771, died unmarried ] 
 May 9, 1826, in Ashfield. 
 
 Abiather Phillips, born Oct. 27, 1773, married Hannah Ranney. They 
 moved about 1316 to Orleans Co., N. Y., where they lived for a time, and 
 from there to Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., about 1830, where they died about 
 1858. They had 11 children: Esther married a Leach, and lived and died in 
 Michigan; Ann married Elias Fish, and died in Minnesota; Eliza married 
 Robert Wilbur, had three children, and lived in Cattaraugus Co. ; Abiather, 
 jr., married Amanda Ellis (one of Barzillia Ellis' descendants of Chautauqua 
 Co.) had one child, and lived in Hillsdale. Mich; George married M. Andrus, V 
 had four children; lived and died in Wattsbury, Perm. ; Samuel Ranney Phil- / 
 lips married Safronia Smith, had three children, and lived and died in Catta- 
 raugus Co.; William H. married Elmira McClure, and lives in Clearwater, 
 Minn. ; Charles married Elmira Blackman, and lived in Cerro Gordo, Iowa; John 
 married Mrs. Safrona Hughes, and lived in Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. 
 Alonzo died in Michigan, unmarried. Harriet, youngest child of Abiather 
 and Hannah Ranney Phillips, lives with her brother, William H., in Minn. 
 
 Samuel, tenth son of Capt. Philip Phillips, of Ashfield, was born Aug. 
 14, 1775. He married Sally Ranney, and had six children: Sally, born 1794, 
 married a Mansfield, and died in 1853; Rachel married Ansel Elmer; Emily 
 married a Bassett; Francis married, and his son, Francis E, Phillips, now 
 lives at or near 58 on the map of Ashfield; Ann E., born 1803, and Anson. 
 
 Liscom, youngest son of Captain Philip Phillips, was born March 23, 
 1777. He married Nancy Padelford, and had nine children. He was a phy- 
 sician, and lived in South Adams, Mass. He died Oct. 10, 1821. His chil- 
 dren were: Henry P., born 1807, was a physician in North Adams. He died 
 in 1880. Sarah, born in Savoy, \iass., in 1808, married William Smith; 
 Erasmus D., born 1810, resides in Geneva Wis. ; Charles F. lives in Black- 
 water, Wis. ; William, born in South Adams, died at 11 years of age; Julia 
 Ann married S. E. Dean, of South Adams; Benjamin F. married Miss Moran, 
 and second, O'Neil; Albert Liscom, youngest child of Dr. Liscom Phillips, 
 was born in 1821; he married a Miss Green, and resides in Racine, Wis. 
 
 Hannah, daughter of Capt. Philip Phillips, was born Feb. 5, 1779. She 
 married Mr. Henry Bassett, one of the principal citizens of Ashfield. She 
 died Feb. 14, 1849. It is said she had nine children. Many of her descend- 
 ants are now living in Ashfield and vicinity. Esquire Bassett's children have
 
 often heard their mother relate how the family used to go from their cabin 
 down to the Ellis and Phillips fort to stay nights from fear of the Indiana. 
 
 Anna, youngest child of Capt. Phillips, was born Oct. 27, 1782. She 
 married Ebenezer Porter, of Ashtield, a grandson of Rev. Nehemiah Porter, a 
 celebrated Congregational minister pf Ashfield. She is also grandmother of 
 Mr. Lewis Porter, the present landlord of the "Ashfield House," on the 
 Plain. She died Dec. 26, 1820, leaving six children. 
 
 Of Thomas Phillips, sr's, other children: Simeon, born 1742; Charity, 
 1744, and Elizabeth, 1749; the writer gets no further report. They probably 
 left Ashfield in an early day. The Congregational church records say that in 
 1770 Simeon Phillips was killed by the falling of a tree, but his age is not 
 given. There was a Simeon Phillips on the valuation list for 1766, but his 
 name does not appear on the list for 1771. Hence, he may have been this 
 second son of Thomas Phillips, sr., and brother of Capt. Philip Phillips. There 
 were other Simeons, but they came on later. 
 
 Sarah, daughter of Thomas, sr., was born 1752, and died Dec. 22, 1822, 
 aged 70. She married Elisha Cranson, jr. He died May 27, 1813, aged 62. 
 She married (second) Zachariah Howes. One grandchild and later genera- 
 tions of hers are now in Ashfield. 
 
 Caleb, supposed to be a son of Thomas, sr., married about 1780, Sally 
 Green, of Ashfield. They had six or more children baptized at the Congrega- 
 tional church. Early in this century they moved on to a farm in Phelps, N . 
 Y., and died there, where they have descendant*. 
 
 Thomas Phillips, jr., son of Thomas Phillips, sr., born June 7, 1747, mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Noyes, and resided in Ashfield until his death, July 9, 1829. 
 They were married in Easton, Nov. 7, 1771. Their children were: fthoda 
 married Enoch King; Molly (or Mary) married Zenas Elmer; Betsey married 
 Roger Bronson; Rachel married Samuel Bronson; Dorcas married Rev. Ibri 
 Cannon, and Russel, born 1785. married Rhoda Williams, eldest daughter of 
 Apollos Williams and Hannah Ellis, his wife (see page 101). 
 
 Dorcas Phillips, daughter and youngest child of Thomas, jr., was a woman 
 of remarkable piety and loveliness of character. Aged residents of Ashfield 
 remember her as "the most gifted person [in prayer] in all that section." 
 At 30 years of age she married Rev. Ibri Cannon, a Methodist minister, and 
 lived in Troy, N. Y. She had several children. One of her daughters, Achsah, 
 now Mrs. Thomas M. Dunham, lives at Ocean Grove, N. J. She is a highly 
 educated and accomplished lady, and has a family of four daughters. Her 
 parents are both dead. Mr. Cannon, her father, died in Troy many years ago. 
 
 Thomas Phillips, jr., had another son (brother of "Uncle Russ"), who 
 left home when young, of whom no trace has since been had by his relatives. 
 This may have been Caleb. Many of Thomas Phillips, sr's, descendants are 
 still in town, but they are descendants of Capt. Philip Phillips. Thomas, jr. , 
 lived with his sou, Russell, in a gambrel-roofed house, nearly opposite No. 32, 
 on the map, where he died in 1829. This place was just west of where Mr. 
 Hough ton Smith now lives. It is said that none of his descendants are now 
 in Ashfield. 
 
 Of the other Phillipses, of Ashfield, the writer gets but little informa- 
 tion. Vespasian, Richard, John, Spencer, Pelatiah, Benjamin, Caleb and 
 others lived there in an early day, 100 years and more ago. Vespasian Phil-
 
 lips married Abilena Belding, May 7, 1772. Their names were on the Baptist 
 Church records in 1798, and were dismissed in 1803. Their daughter, Abilena, 
 married John Ellis, jr., and settled in Sempronius, N. Y., (see page 110). 
 
 Richard is said to have been a brother of Mercy, wife of Captain Philip. 
 He joined the Baptist Church in 1766. His house was a little east of O on 
 the map. He is said to have had several children, and Spencer, Vespasian, 
 Petetiah and John may have been his sons. John joined the Baptist church 
 in 1773, and died in 1776. Pelatiah married Cynthia Wait in 1789. 
 
 Caleb Phillips was early spoken of as tender of the corn mill. It is sup- 
 posed that he was either a brother of Thomas, sr. , or Richard. He disap- 
 peared soon, and about 1780 another Caleb joins the Congregational church; 
 also Daniel. Caleb has first child baptized in 1787, and a number more up V" 
 to 1800. About this time he went to Phelps. N. Y. There was a general / 
 exodus from Ashfield about this time to central and western New York. 
 
 Spencer Phillips married, Nov. 28, 1783, Dorcas, the widow of Bildad 
 Flower, who died in the Revolutionary army (see page 112). One of his sons, 
 Spencer, jr., lived in Ohio, near Sandusky, about 1850. Another son, Bildad, 
 settled at Clarkston, Mich., About 1835. He died thgre about 1862. His 
 widow and several sons live there now Theodore and Sylvester, and two 
 daughters, Mrs. Jane Vliet and Mrs. Ruth West, and a grandson, Clarence 
 Phillips. 
 
 Hon. S. W. Smith, of Pontiac, Mich., is another grandson of Bildad's. 
 Mr. Bildad Phillips was born in Ashfield in 1797, and his wife about 1808. 
 
 Samuel and Daphne (Butler) Phillips lived in Deerfield. It is not known 
 whether they were of the Ashfield Phillipses or not. Their daughter Theo- 
 docia married Ebenezer Ellis (see page 159). 
 
 THE RANNEYS. 
 
 Thomas Ranney, believed to be the progenitor of all of the name in 
 America, was born in Scotland in the year 1616, the year of Shakspeare's 
 death. He migrated, when young, to this country, and was one of the orig- 
 inal settlers in Middletown, Conn., being one of the 15 or 20 who first struck 
 the axe into the forest at that place. In May, 1659, at the age of 43 years, 
 he married Mary, aged 17, daughter of George Hubbard, also an early settler 
 there. 
 
 He subssquently purchased the homestead and other lands of George 
 Graves, situated in the south part of that part of Middletown called "Upper 
 Houses," since 1850 known as the town of Cromwell, beside the Connecticut 
 river. It is the location on which the Meriden Railroad Company have built 
 their depot. The house which stood on the street at the west end of the land 
 was the home of the adventurer and the birth-place of four generations of his 
 descendants. The deed of sale to Mr. Ranney was made Nov. 17, 1663. 
 
 He was energetic and thrifty, and was rated second in amount on the 
 township tax list of 1670, and was identified with the settlement and growth 
 of the town. He lived 54 years with the bride of 17, and died June 25, 1713, 
 aged 97, being the first one buried in the second cemetery consecrated for
 
 384 
 
 burial purposes in Middletown. As the snows of almost a century of winters 
 had silvered his locks, he was doubtless one of the very last of that patri- 
 archal band of pioneers who first settled in the town. 
 
 His wife survived him some eight years; the record of her death being 
 Dec. 18, 17-1, aged 79. The inscription on his headstone is nearly illegible, 
 and there is no other stone of the shape of that which marks the grave of this 
 first American Ranney. At times he wrote his name Rhen y. 
 
 This has been a highly respectable and moral family for more than two 
 centuries; many of their posterity have helped the new States, and a few 
 remain in the land of their fathers. And it has been a prolific race, embrac- 
 ing several thousands who have lived in this country, the names of several 
 hundreds of whom are in possession of the writer. 
 
 1. Thomas Kanney, farmer, born in the year 1616, in Scotland; settled 
 at Middletown, Conn.; d. June 25, 1713, aged 97; ra. in 16~>9, Mary Hubbard; 
 she died Dec. 18, 1721, as;ed 79. They had 10 children. 
 
 Their children: Thomas, jr., born March 14, 1661 (2). 
 
 John, born Nov. 16, 166*2; married, in 1693, Hannah Turner. Had eight 
 children. f 
 
 Joseph, born Sept., 1663; m. in 1693, Mary Starr; had eight children; he 
 died in 1745. 
 
 Mary, born Oct.. 1665; m. John Savage, jr.; had 11 children; she died in 
 1734. 
 
 Elizabeth, born April 12, 1668; m. in 1698, Jonathan Warner; had two 
 children; she died Feb. 11, 1737. 
 
 Esther, born in 1674; m. 1696, Lieut. Nathaniel Savage; had nine chil- 
 dren; died April 1, 1750. 
 
 Ebenezer, born 1678; m. 1698, Sarah Warner; had five children; died 
 1754, aged 76. 
 
 Hannah, born ; m. Samuel Wilcox; died Nov. 29, 1713. 
 
 Margaret, born ; m. Stephen Clark, of New Haven. 
 
 Abigail (twin of Margaret), born ; m. Walter Harris, of Glaston- 
 
 bury; had one child, and died Dec. 15, 1714. 
 
 2. Thomas Ranney, son of Thomas, (1); born Aug. 14, 1661, farmer; 
 removed in 1710 across the river and settled in Chatham; died Feb. 6, 1727; 
 he married, May, 1690, Rebecca Willet, of Hartford; she married, second, 
 Dec. 16, 1729, Jacob White; they had seven children. 
 
 Children: Thomas, born Aug. 14, 1692, (3); Willet, born March 30, 1694; 
 m. April 20, 1720, Anna Johnson; she died March 29, 1731; he m., second, 
 Dec. 23, 1732, Deborah White, and had six children; George, born Oct. 28, 
 1695 (4); Rebecca, born Dec. 10, 1700; Nathaniel, born June 17, 1702; died 
 Sept. 25, 1766; m. Jan. 16, 1734, Rebecca Sage; had eight children; Ann, 
 born July 23, 1706; Margaret, born Aug. 21, 1708. 
 
 3. Thomas Ranney, son of Thomas (2); born Aug. 14, 1692; died 1764; 
 m. Feb. 26, 1720, Esther, daughter of Ephraim and Silence Wilcox. 
 
 Children: Jeremiah, born July 13, 1721; m. Martha Stow, and have chil- 
 dren; he removed to Woodford, Conn.; Thomas, born Feb. 13, 1723; m. Mary 
 Little, and removed to Westminster, Vt. ; had two children; Ephraim, born 
 April 10, 1725; died 1762; m. Nov. 26, 1747, Silence Wilcox; had seven sons 
 and four daughters. He accumulated for those days much wealth, giving
 
 each child at their marriage $1,000, and leaving a large dividend at death. In 
 1760 they removed to Westminster, Vt. He was prominent, and an active, 
 influential Christian; for many years a deacon of the Congregational church. 
 With but few exceptions, his descendants have followed him in his religious 
 faith, many of whom have been professional men, and among whom were Dr. 
 W. R. Ranney, late Lieut. Governor of Vermont, and Ambrose A. Ranney, 
 late Representative in Congress from Massachusetts. 
 
 4. George Ranney, son of Thomas (2); born Oct. 28, 1695; died March 
 26, 1725, aged 29; hia wife, Mary, died Nov. 26, 1749. 
 
 Children: George, born 1723 (5); a daughter, born 1725; died young. 
 
 5. George Ranney, son of George (4); born 1723; lived in Chatham, now 
 Portland, Conn.; died Feb. 23, 1804, aged 81; he m. Jan. 23, 1746, Hannah 
 Sage; she died June 9, 1797; had nine children. 
 
 Children: George, born Jan. 9, 1747 (6); Thomas, born July 6, 1749 (7); 
 Francis, born April 19, 1753(8); Hannah, born May 9, 1755; m. Joel Hall; 
 her sons were Capt. Joel, Samuel, Joseph and Jesse Hall; Molly, born June 
 9, 1757; m. a Bosworth; Esther, born Jan. 8, 1761; m. a Parks; Lucy, born 
 Sept. 6, 1763; m. Seth Knowles,; Jonathan, born Sept. 3, 1765; died in 1831; 
 m. Sally Parsons; she died in 1851; they had nine children; Nabby, born 
 about 1767; m. Opt. Ithamar Pelton. 
 
 6. George Ranney, son of George (5); born Jan. 9, 1747, at Chatham, 
 Ct.; was in early life in the West India trade; he died in Ashfield, Jan. 14, 
 1822, aged 75 years; he m. in 1770, Esther, daughter of Capt. Samuel Hall; 
 ahe died March 3, 1807, aged 56; m., second, Aug. 8, 1809, to Alithea, widow 
 of Oliver Patch; she died Aug. 6, 1827, aged 76. In the spring of the year 
 1780 he removed with his family to Ashfield, where he had purchased from 
 Lamberton Allen the 100 acre farm now owned by Charles Howes. Only a 
 small portion of the original forest had been cleared from his land, and a house 
 of logs was the only dwelling place ready for their reception. That house 
 was on the hillside, some 35 or 40 rods westerly from the residence of Charles 
 Howes, where the site is yet visible. He was a man of industry and perse- 
 verance. To clear and bring his land into proper condition for crops, a great 
 outlay of strength and vigor was required, but with the ultimate help of his 
 rugged boys growing up around him, he accomplished the task, and the farm 
 became one of the best in the township, and here he brought up his large 
 family of children. Upon the location, in 1798, of the new county road 
 through this farm, leading from South Ashfield to the Plain village, Mr. Ran- 
 ney erected the substantial two story house where Mr. Howe resides (37 on 
 map, page 328.) Mr. Ranney was for more than 40 years identified with the 
 growth and prosperity of the town; a man of retiring disposition; an exem- 
 plary character, and much esteemed. His religious associations were with the 
 Society of Congregationalists. His children were: 
 
 Samuel, born March 6, 1772 (9); Sarah, born Dec. 20, 1773; died Jan. 11, 
 1774; Jesse, born Oct. 13, 1775 (10); Joseph, born July, 1777 (11); Kannah, 
 born Oct. 3, 1781; m. Dec. 4, 1800; Abiather, son of Philip Phillips, Esq.; 
 they had 12 children; she died July 28, 1857; Esther, born March 5, 1784; 
 m. May 3, 1804, Benjamin Jones, jr.; he died Sept. 20, 1804; she married, 
 second, July 27, 1809, Forest Jepson; they had 12 children; he d. Sept. 20,
 
 3 86 
 
 1844; she d. Aug. 23, 1802; Anna, born June 20, 1786; m. Nov. 27, ISM, 
 James McFarland, Esq.; had four children: George, born May 12, 1789 (12). 
 
 7. Thomas Kanney, son of George (5); born July 6, 1749; settled in Ash- 
 field about 1792, on the farm now owned by Chauncey Boice; died April 20, 
 1823, aged 72, m. widow Mary Miles; she died Oct. 5, 1819, aged 72. 
 
 Children: Persis, born ; m. Feb. 1, 1801, Moses, son of Dr. Phineaa 
 
 Bartlett; Catherine, born ; m. Jan. 1, 1799, Wm. Belding; Roswell, 
 
 born Nov. 22, 1782 (13); William, born June 30, 1785 (14). 
 
 8. Francis Ranney, son of George (5); born April 19, 1753; settled in 
 Ashfield, Feb., 1786, in south part of the town, where Charles F. Howes 
 lives; died April 7, 1804, aged 51; m. Rachel, daughter of Capt. Samuel Hall; 
 she d. 1827. He was a Revolutionary soldier. 
 
 Children: Sally, m. Samuel, son of .Philip Phillips, Esq.; Giles, born 
 Aug, 15, 1773; Daniel (16), born 1776; moved to LeRoy, N. Y.; m. Anna 
 Bittern; Dr. Geo. E. Ranney, now or formerly Sec. of State Medical Society, 
 at Lansing, Mich., is a grandson of Daniel. His children: Charlotte, Joel, 
 Hezekiah, Ozias, Julia and Laura Ann; Betsey, m. Feb. 17, 1802, had five 
 children; Ruth, m. Josiah Wells; Luther, fcorn Sept. 6, 1785; Rachel, m. 
 an Eastman; Lucy m. Enos Bush. 
 
 9. Samuel Ranney, son of George (6); born March \ 1772; settled in 
 Ashfield on the farm next south of his father's. In 1821 he built the two-story 
 brick house that is yet standing there. In 1836 he removed to Phelps, N. Y., 
 where he died June 27, 1837; m. 1795, Polly Stewart, of Branford, Conn.; 
 she died in Michigan about 1850. 
 
 Children: Lucretia, born June 17, 1796; she d. May 17, 1879 at School- 
 craft, Mich.; she m., 1816, Lemuel Sears; he d. May 28, 1819; she m., 
 second, 1820, Col. Nehemiah Hathaway, blacksmith; he died 1844, at Grand 
 Rapids, Mich.; she had five children; Charles W. and his son, Charles S., both 
 living in Detroit, Mich. ; Emily, who married James D. Lyon, of Grand Rapids, 
 and another daughter who married Dr. Freeman, of Schoolcraft. [Mrs. Lu- 
 cretia Ranney Hathaway was a woman of unusual intelligence and worth. She 
 lived many years at Grand Rapids after the death of her husband; the last 
 few years with her daughter in Schoolcraft.] Braddock, born May 20, 1800: 
 d. Sept. 6, 1803; Harriet, born March 12, 1802; d. Aug. 22, 1803; William, 
 born Oct. 23, 1805; he moved to Michigan about 1838; was, in 1860, living in 
 Iowa; postmaster and deacon; m., 1828, (?) Eliza Ann Smith; she died April 16, 
 1832; he again m., and had several children; is now living in Potawotamie, 
 Kansas; Dexter, born June 5, 1808; was drowned Aug. 22. 1850, in Grand 
 River, Mich.; m. Laura Robinson; Lucius, born' June 17, 1812; d. Feb. 1, 
 1815; Julia, born Nov. 7, 1815; d. Sept., 1838, unmarried: Emily, born Jan. 
 9, 1818; died April 22, 1837; she m., April 12, 1837, at Phelps, N. Y., Dr. 
 James Davis; Frederick T. was born March 12, 1820; he married and settled 
 in Grand Haven, Mich, where he was in the lumber business many years. 
 After the death of his first wife he married, in 1857, Miss Fannie A. Bates, 
 a very estimable lady, by whom he had two sons and three daughters. Mr. 
 Ranney lived in Petoskey, Mich., 10 or 12 of his last years, where he died 
 about 1885. His eldest son, Frederick T., m. Jan. 26, 1887, Miss Mary E. 
 Balch, dau. of Geo. W. Balch, Esq., of Detroit, Mich. Mr. R. lives in 
 Datroit, where he is doing a large and successful business in real estate. He
 
 graduated at Williams College, Mass, in 1884. His mother and her three 
 younger "children now live in Olivet, Mich., where the children are being 
 educated in Olivet College. Mr. Ranney was a very active business man, 
 and highly respected by all who knew him, and his children give promise of 
 great usefulness. Samuel H. is a son by his first wife; m. and lives at Grand 
 Rapids, Mich, (a lumberman); and a dau. Mary, who married Albert D. Reed, 
 of Batavia, 111. 
 
 Of Mr. Ranney's children, by his second marriage, Fred T. was born Apr. 
 19, 1859; Florence, 1862 living in Detroit; Lewis J., 1872; Elizabeth, 1875; 
 Francis A., 1877. 
 
 1O. Jesse Ranney, son of George (6); born Oct. 13, 1775, at Chatham, 
 Conn.; settled on the farm in Ashfield next north of his father's; built a house 
 on that farm, which he sold to his brother Joseph, and in 1818 removed to the 
 large farm in Ashfield that he purchased of David Ellis [see page 86], where 
 he died July 18, 1861, aged 86 years. For many years he had been a con- 
 sistent and worthy member of the Baptist church; was a man of sterling good 
 sense; of retiring disposition; of exemplary life, and most esteemed by those, 
 who knew him best. He m., Dec. 5, 1798, Ruth, dau. of Bildad Flower. 
 
 Children: James, born Sept. 15, 1799; Bildad, born Feb. 27, 1802; d. 
 Aug. 4, 1815; Charles, born Dec. 4, 1803; Hannah, born Dec. 16, 1805; m. 
 Nov., 1827, Richard, son of Dimick Ellis, Esq.; Erastus, born Oct. 8, 1807; 
 Amanda, born Aug. 17, 1809; died Oct. 19, 1884; m., March, 1829, Elijah 
 Richmond; m. (2) Wilson Elmer; she had three children; Edwin, born July 
 25, 1811; Polly, born Feb. 16, 1815; m. Augustus F. Daniels; Lucretia, born 
 Feb. 7, 1819; m. Darius Cross; Ruth- Ann, born June 23, 1821; m. Sylvester 
 W. Hall. 
 
 [Of these children of Jesse and Ruth Ranney, the following may further 
 be said: James m. Sally Andrews, and lived at 67 on the map, where he 
 raised a large family of children. About 1878 he and his wife came to Beld- 
 ing, Mich. , where they lived three or four years with their daughter, Mrs. 
 Field, a widow, and their son, Charles. Mrs. Field married Mr. Wheeler, 
 and moved upon a farm in Augusta, Mich, (near Kalamazoo), where Mr. and 
 Mrs. James Ranney died about 1883, at advanced ages. They were very 
 worthy and highly respected people. Their children were: Jane (dead) m. a 
 Woodbridge; Caroline (dead) ^m. Alden and Young; William, Charles, James 
 H. (dead); has a widow and several children in Hartford, Conn.; Elizabeth 
 m. Field and Wheeler; has two children: Edgar Field and a daughter, in 
 Hartford, Conn.; Austin in Concord, N. H., and Silvador 0. Ranney, in 
 Hartford, Conn. 
 
 Charles Ranney, son of Jesse, m. Sarah Hall, and had two children. He 
 remained on the farm in Ashfield and took care of his parents. He died 
 about 1870. Mrs. Sarah R. died about 1847, and he again m. Mrs. Nancy 
 Davis, and had two sons. Mrs. Nancy Ranney died many years ago in Ash- 
 field. Mr. Charles Ranney's children are all living. Martha, wife of Theo- 
 dore Wood, lives in Shelburne Falls, Mass.; George in Portland, Mich., 
 unmarried; Thomas and Frederick E., in fielding, Mich. ; Fred. E. m. Mary L. 
 Ellis (see page 258). 
 
 Hannah Ranney, mother of the writer (751), m. Richard Ellis. She now 
 lives at Belding, Mich., in her 83d year (see page 175).
 
 3 88 
 
 Erastus Ranney, son of Jesse, left Ashfield when a young man and settled 
 on a farm four miles east of Eaton Rapids, Mich., where he and his wife now 
 live in comfort, with their only son, Charles. Their only daughter, Climena, 
 died in 1887. They are most worthy people, and enjoy the esteem of all in 
 that region of country, where they have lived nearly 60 years. 
 
 Amanda Ranney m. Elijah Richmond, and lived for a few years in the 
 north part of Ashfield, about 20 rods north of the Ellis and Phillips fort, where 
 their children were born Alanson, Diadema and Lucretia. Alanson now 
 lives on a farm near Shelburne Falls. Diadema, now dead, m. Mr. Whiting, 
 and lived in Shelburne Falls many years, where her sister Lucretia, now Mrs. 
 Ware, lives, with her husband and married daughter. Mr. Elijah Richmond 
 was a man of unusual enterprise and capacity. He died about 1850. His 
 widow, Amanda, m. Wilson Elmer, about 1870, and lived in Asbfield, a few 
 rods east of No. 35, where she and Mr. Elmer both died, about 1885. 
 
 Edwin Ranney, son of Jesse, was a cooper, lived in Pittstown, N. Y., 
 when a young man, where he m. Eliza Button, a very superior young woman. 
 After n few years they removed to Belding and purchased a farm, one-half 
 mile north of the village, where Mr. Jerome Vincent now lives. Their chil- 
 dren were Edwin J., Marcia (m. a Smith), Alvor, Franklin, Loudon, Cora 
 and Charles. Mrs. Eliza Ranney died about 1870. Mr. Edwin Rauney lives 
 most of the time with his son, E. J. , on the latter's farm, near Hungerford, 
 Mich. Alvor, Franklin and Loudon are in Colorado, on a ranch near Bear 
 river. 
 
 Polly Ranney m. Augustus Frederick Daniels and settled on a farm six 
 miles south of Adrian, Mich., about 1840, where they had three children. 
 Mrs. Polly Daniels died about 1870, and Mr. Daniels married again and still 
 lives on his farm. 
 
 Lucretia Ranney m. Darius Cross in Ashfield. They settled on a farm 
 four miles south of Adrian, Mich., about 1840, where they now live, on a large 
 and valuable farm. They have one son, Edwin, and two daughters. 
 
 Ruth Ann Ranney, youngest daughter of Jesse, m. Sylvester Woodbridge 
 Hall in Ashfield. They have lived in Greenfield, Mass. , many years, as do 
 also their children.] 
 
 1 1. Joseph Ranney, son of George (6), born July, 1777. He died Jan- 
 uary 15, 1838. Early in life he worked for many years as a stonecutter, at 
 the Chatham quarry, for his uncle. In 1818 he settled in Ashfield, upon the 
 place he bought of his brother Jesse. He m. Sarah Allen. She d. Sept. 9, 
 1825; m. (second) Feb., 1826, Tempey Eldredge; he m. (third) May 17, 1831, 
 Lucy Selden, widow of Lemuel Eldredge. Mr. Ranney was killed in his wood 
 lot, in Ashneld, by a blow from a falling tree. He was a member of the Epis- 
 copal Church. 
 
 Children: Clarissa, b. 1803; d. before 1830; unmarried. Harriet, b. 
 Sept., 1805; m. Lyman Williams. Emily, born Dec., 1808; died April 5, 1811. 
 Samuel A., born Sept., 1811; lives in Ashfield; m. Sept., 1836, Flora, dau. of 
 Jesse Selden; had six children. Edward, born Nov. 9, 1814; d. Dec. 15, 1839; 
 m. Nov. 1837; Marvilla Selden, she m. (second) Levi Gardner; no children. 
 Sarah Amelia, born Nov., 1817; m. Levi C. Kingman. Eliza Ann, b. Sept. 9, 
 1820; m. Samuel Kingman. Sabra, b. Dec. 25, 1828; m. May, 1S48, Oscar 
 Richardson; has two children. Clarissa, b. 1832; m. C. Thos. Parker.
 
 lii. George, son of George (6), b. May 12, 1789. He succeeded to his 
 father's old homestead in Ashfield, where nearly all his children were born 
 and reared. With his family, in Oct., 1833, he removed to Phelps, N. Y. , 
 where he died, Sept. 9, 1842, aged 53 years. In the years 1836-37 he spent 
 about a year on Grand River, Mich., with two of his sons and Col. Hathaway, 
 on a contract which they took for getting lumber down the river to Grand 
 Haven. Mr. Ranney much resembled his father in personal appearance waa 
 short in stature, thick-set, with a compact, vigorous frame. Of a mild and 
 retiring disposition, he was kind, unobtrusive and exemplary in his conduct, 
 and highly respected. Near the close of life he became a professor of the 
 religion of Christ, and died in that faith. He m., Nov. 11, 1811, Aclisah, 
 dau. of Paul Sears, of Ashfield. She d. Aug. 7, 1869, aged 80; a woman of 
 unusual worth. She united with the Congregational Church at Ashfield, 
 in 1830. 
 
 Children: Alonzo Franklin, b. Sept. 13, 1812. George Lewis, b. Mar. 
 10, 1815; d. Apr., 1881 at Hillsdale, Mich.; m. Sarah McConnell; had no 
 children. Henry Sears, born Mar. 5, 1817(15). Lucius, born Apr. 12, 1819; 
 lives at Allen, Mich; farmer; town treasurer; m. Clarissa A. Wilcox. Their 
 daughter, Caroline E.. d. Feb. 2, 1858, aged 8 years. Priscilla M.,b. Jan. 19, 
 1822; lives at Allen. Mich.; m. Handolph Densmore. He died in Michigan. 
 Had a dau. that died young. Harrison J., b. Mar. 4, 1824; merchant; lives 
 at Clearwater, Minn.; m. Helen McConnell; has three children, that are mar- 
 ried. Lyman A., b. Aug. 1, 1828; d. Mar. 7, 1854, at \ r an Buren, Ark.; was 
 a merchant's clerk; unmarried. Lemuel S., born Jan. 7. 1831; lives at Hills- 
 dale, Mich; alderman; supervisor, former member of Legislature of Michigan; 
 m., May 24, 1882. Maggie, dau. of Samuel Gilmore; has one son, Samuel 
 Owen. Anson B., b. May 31, 1833; d. Mar. 24, 1886, near Hillsdale, Mich.; 
 farmer; m. Caroline Baggerly; had one son, Everett B. 
 
 13. Capt. Roswell Ranney, son of Thomas (7), born Nov. 22, 1782, at 
 Chatham, Conn. ; became prominent in public affairs; Captain of Militia twice ; 
 twice Representative in Massachusetts Legislature; held various town offices 
 in Ashfield. With special qualifications as a presiding officer, he was often 
 called to serve as moderator in town meetings. He was an enterprising and 
 honorable business man; was a farmer and speculator, dealing largely in pep- 
 permint and other essential oils. His sagacity and integrity were crowned 
 with such a degree of success that he accumulated and left a large estate. He 
 succeeded his father in possession of the farm in Ashfield, and in Sept. 1839, 
 removed to Phelps, N. Y., where he died Sept. 7, 1848, aged 66. On his farm 
 in Phelps he had built a large house and barn, both of cobble stone. He m. 
 Feb. 17, 1803, Irvinda, daughter of Dea. John Bement, of Ashfield. She died 
 Apr. 18, 1844. 
 
 Children: Horace, b. May 22, 1803. He removed, about 1832, to Phelps, 
 N. Y., and thence to Penfield, where he died. He m. Sept. 24, 1834, Waity 
 Phillips. Had three children. Willis, b. Sept. 24, 1805; became a lawyer; 
 has been for many years a merchant, at Louisville, Ky. He m. Nov. 8, 1837, 
 Sophia A. Leight; has four children. Clarissa, b. Oct. 3, 1807; d. Mar. 15, 
 1849; m. Sept. 4, 1834, Wait Bement, Esq.; had one daughter. Madison, b. 
 >ct. 9, 1809. He was loilg connected with railroad business at Framingham, 
 Mass., where he died. He m. Sept. 9, 1840, Adeline M. Cary. Mary, b. Oct.
 
 39 
 
 9, 1814. She m. Apr. 23, 1839, Doctor Milo Wilson. She had three 
 children. Dr. Milo Wilaon was a brother of Louisa, who m. Lewis Ellis 
 (see page 177). Dr. W. practiced medicine in Ashtield several years. He 
 lived on the Plain, and about 1850 removed to Shelburne Fall*, where he con- 
 tinued in practice until his death, about 1870. He left two children a son 
 and daughter. The son, Charles, is a physician, practicing in Kansas. His 
 mother lives with him. Amanda, b. Mar. 23, 1817; m. Oct. 7, 1841, Jacob 
 Jenkins. She d. June 14, 1847. Hiram, b. Aug. 7, 1819; m. Jan. 7, 1841, 
 Sarah, dau. of Lucius Smith. He lives in Monroe Co., N. Y. ; has three chil- 
 dren. Thomas, b. Aug. 7, 1825; was for many years chief clerk in the office 
 of collector of United States revenue, at Boise City, Idaho Territory, where he 
 d., about 1881. He m., Sept. 6, 1848, Cordelia Butler; had a daughter. 
 
 14. William Ranney, son of Thomas (7), b. June 30, 1786. He removed 
 from Ashfield in 1823, to Aurelius, N. Y ; from thence, in 1835, to Elbridge, 
 N. Y., where he died Sept. 9, 1857; a farmer. He is represented as having 
 been a leading man, of good judgment, and large influence in the communities 
 where he resided, and was honored with their confidence. He m., Dec.. 1807, 
 Betsey, a daughter of John Alden. She d. Vay 9, 1870, aged 81. 
 
 The Aldens trace their lineage directly back to John Alden, who landed 
 from the Mayflower, on Plymouth Rock, 1620 the same John who asked 
 Miss Priscilla Mullens if she would have Capt. Miles Standish, and she hinted 
 to him to ask for himself, and he knew enough to take the hint. The Aldens 
 have been noted for their great longevity and strong Puritanic religious char- 
 acter, many of them having been clergymen. 
 
 Children: Betsey, m. Fernando C. Annable. They removed to Almena, 
 Mich., and died there (see page 96). John, b. 1811; settled at Almena; un- 
 married. Luke, b. Nov. 8, 1815; is a resident of Elbridge, OnondagaCo., N. 
 Y. ; a farmer and surveyor; formerly a teacher; member of State Assembly. 
 A man of sterling qualities; he has frequently been called by his fellow-citizens 
 to positions of honor and trust. He m. , May, 1844, Rebecca, daughter of 
 
 Dea. Cyrus Lyon; they have children. Martha, . Mary, m. Edwin 
 
 Whitney. 
 
 When in the legislature of New York, Hon. Luke Ranney's speeches gave 
 him a State reputation as one of the best debaters in the assembly. Mr. Ran- 
 ney says that the greatest good he ever accomplished for his country was in 
 the organization of the opposition to the increase of the way fare on the New 
 York Central Railroad, and continuing the contest until its final defeat by the 
 veto of Gov. Fenton. By this defeat the way passengers are saved from paying 
 into the treasury of that mammoth corporation from five hundred thousand to- 
 one million dollars annually. 
 
 He has been extensively employed as a surveyor, and often on disputed 
 lines has harmonized parties and saved litigation. He has had many estates 
 to settle, as executor, administrator and assignee, in Onondaga and Cayuga 
 counties, and in Michigan. He is president of the board of trustees of Munro 
 Collegiate Institute, an institute of learning hardly second to any in the 
 county. 
 
 15. Henry Sears Ranney, third son of George (12), was born in Ashfield 
 March 5, 1817. In early life he was a merchant on the Plain, and in Boston- 
 for four years. Of all the Ranneys, who were so numerous in Ashfield from
 
 39 1 
 
 50 to 100 years ago, he is one of the few now remaining there. He has been 
 town clerk for most of the time since 1839, and has been Justice of the Peace 
 since 1851. He has been also twice a member of the State legislature, and 
 one of the most useful as well as noted flien in the history of Ashfield. He is 
 thoroughly informed regarding every item of value in the history of the town, 
 from the earliest times to the present, and has aided the writer greatly in 
 compiling this work. For the great amount of time and labor he has thus 
 expended he is entitled to the thanks of every reader of this book. Mr. Ran- 
 ney married, June 20, 1844, Maria Jane, daughter of Anson Goodwin, of 
 Ashfield. She died Jan. 14, 1855, aged 33 years. He married (second) June 
 26, 1856, Julia A., daughter of Francis Bassett, Esq., of Ashfield. They* 
 reside on the Plain, at 24. 
 
 Of Mr. Ranney's four children none are now living. Ralph Henry was 
 born in Ashfield, March 16, 1845; he died in Boston, Oct. 30, 1876. He m., 
 1868, Rosa Bassett. His children: Clara M. was born Jan. 8, 1869; Raymond 
 R., born July 29, 1871. 
 
 Ella L., born in Charlestown, Mass., Sept. 24. 1847; she died in Ashfield, 
 Dec. 21, 1874. She m , Jan. 21, 1869, Albert W. Packard. Her childre'h: 
 Austin G. was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan, 24, 1870; Ella M. born Dec. 15, 
 1874. 
 
 Clara Maria, born Aug. 2, 1851; died Sept. 28, 1855. 
 George G., born May 22, 1853; died Sept. 8, 1853. 
 
 16. Daniel Ranney, son of Francis (8), was born in Springfield, Mass., 
 about 1776. He lived in Ashfield until 1821, when he went to LeRoy, Genesee 
 Co., N. Y. He had four daughters and three sons: Charlotte, who m. Lorrin 
 Havens, of LeRoy; she died leaving several children, one of whom is Mrs. Susan 
 Dodge, of Downer's Grove, 111. Hezekiah Bartlett Ranney, son of Daniel, b. 
 1808, d. 1832. Julia, dau. of Daniel, m., about 1836, Asiel Crittenden, of 
 Pavilion, N. Y. ; they both died about five years later, leaving one son, Edward, 
 who has since lived with his aunt, at Downer's Grove. Ozias Ranney, son of 
 Daniel, m. Abbie Northrup. He died in LeRoy in 1845, aged 28, leaving one 
 daughter, Marian. Laura Ann, m. Alpheus Wilsey, and they now live at Dell 
 Rapids, Dakota. They have one child married and living near them. 
 
 Mr. Daniel Ranney died in 1857, in Dupage Co., 111., being at the time 
 with his daughter, Mrs. Havens. He was aged 86 and very smart for his years. 
 Joel Ranney, son of Daniel (16), was born in Massachusetts in 1807, d. in 
 1851. He m. Elizabeth Peck Champlain in 1830. She was a dau. of Isaac 
 and Sarah (Peck) Champlain, who came to West Bloomfield, Ont. Co.. N. Y., 
 in 1803. Isaac died in 1815, at 33 years of age, from injuries received in the 
 war of 1812. He was a lineal descendant of Samuel Champlain, a celebrated 
 French naval officer who, iu 1609, discovered Lake Champlain, and -founded 
 Quebec in 1608, and to whose courage and enterprise France owed much for 
 the establishment of her colony of Canada. Mrs. Elizabeth P. Raniiey 
 was born in 1811. They had four children: Hezekiah B., b. 1833, d. at the 
 age of 49. He was a physician, m. Martha Barnett. Elizabeth Jane, b. 1835, m. 
 John Morris, ex warden of the Michigan prison, at Jackson. Dr. George E., 
 b. at Batavia, N. Y., in 1839, m. in 1861, lives in Lansing, Mich., is a noted 
 physician and surgeon; and John S. Ranney, b. 1842, youngest child of Joel, 
 is a pine land and real estate dealer in Chicago, 111. Mrs. Joel Ranney now
 
 392 
 
 lives with her son, Dr. George K., in Lansing. Dr. llanney entered the Union 
 army in 1861 as a private soldier, and was soon made hospital steward of the 
 Second Michigan Cavalry. In 1863 he WAS made assistant surgeon, and soon 
 after brigade surgeon and placed in charge of Corps Hospital of Cavalry of the 
 Division of the Mississippi. Since Feb., 1866, he has practiced in Lansing. Mich., 
 and has acquired a wide celebrity. He is a member of several American and 
 European medical societies, and consulting surgeon for several railroads in this 
 State. Dr. Ranney m. in 1869 Isabella . Sparrow, d. of the late Bartholo- 
 mew Sparrow, of "Kellebeq," Enniscarthy, Ireland. They have ona son, 
 . Ralph S., aged 15; and a dau. Florence, 7 years of age. 
 
 Other Ranneys of the same descent as the above are Judge Kulus P., of 
 Cleveland, O. ; also three sisters living in Howell, Mich., wives of Dr. Wells, 
 Philo Gay, Esq., and Mr. McPherson, and Hon. Peyton Panney, of Kalama 
 zoo, Mich. 
 
 HON. ELIJAH PAINE. 
 
 Conspicuous among the prominent men of the town was Elijah Paine, 
 Esq., a lawyer, who settled in this village near the close of the last century, 
 and spent the remainder of his days here. He was a son of Dr. Elijah Paine, 
 of Hattield and Williamsburg; was born in Hat Held, Nov, 29. 1760. graduated 
 at Yale in 1790, and died Aug. 3. 1846, aged 85. He m., July 1, 1795, Patty 
 Pomeroy, of Northfield. She d. Jan. 28, 1842, aged 69. Esquire Paine be- 
 came a man of much usefulness and influence in the community; of sterling 
 character, with dignified bearing, and manners of a gentleman of the old 
 school; a ruffle on his bosom was always a part of his attire. He served as a 
 member of each branch of the legislature; and, on the division of the old 
 county, in 1811, was appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Sessions, and 
 held the office some fifteen years, until it was abolished by law. For his 
 dwelling he built, in 1794, the house where Mrs. Pease now resides, and 
 which, with land adjoining, is yet owned by his granchildren. For many 
 years he was a deacon of the Congregational Church, and three of his sons 
 Elijah, William P. and John C. became clergymen. 
 
 His children were: Louisa, born Nov. 21, 1795; Elijah, Dec. 9, 1797; 
 Henry, Mar. 20, 1799; William P., Aug. 1, 1802; Mary, June 15, 1804; John 
 C., Jan. 29, 1806; Lucius H., Jan. 7, 1839; Martha was baptised Oct., 1811, 
 and Frederick baptised Nov., 1815. 
 
 THE TAYLORS, SEARS, PARKERS, HALLS AND HOWES. 
 
 Dea. Jonathan Taylor, mentioned in several places in these pages, was 
 one of the three brothers settled near each other in the northerly part of Cape 
 street. Jonathan settled about half a mile south of where Harrington Kelley 
 now lives, and built a sawmill near there. He was in town as early as 1769, 
 coming here, with his wife, from Hardwick, although originally from Yar- 
 mouth. He and his wife, Thankful, joined the Congregational Church, but, 
 having some trouble with Mr. Sherwin, the minister, he left and joined Elder 
 Smith's church, at Baptist Corner, and he and his descendants were ever after 
 strong supporters of the Baptist denomination. Quite a number of his children 
 went West. His son Jonathan remained on the old place for many years, and
 
 393 
 
 was the father of Mrs. Epaphroditus Williams and Miss Sally Taylor, later, 
 wife of Elder Pease. 
 
 Isaac and Jasher Taylor came to town later, from Yarmouth; prohably 
 in 1771. Isaac settled on the farm where his great grandson, Henry, now 
 lives. He had four sons, of whom Ezekiel and Stephen staid in AshHeld, on 
 the old farm. Ezekiel was the grandfather of Daniel and Henry, now living 
 in town, and Stephen was the father of Ansel, who went to Buckland and left 
 numerous descendants. Isaiah, the third son, settled in the northwest part 
 of the town and was the grandfather of Alvah Taylor, of Buckland. Jeremiah 
 moved to Hawley, and from his family have come a large number of ministers. 
 Jasher, the third original Taylor settler, moved to Buckland. Geo. Taylor, of 
 Buckland, also Wells and Darius, of this town, are his descendants. 
 
 Rowland, Jonathan, Paul and Enos Sears were also early settlers in Cape 
 street, Rowland being in town as early as 1772 He and Paul, although only 
 distantly related, bought and worked a tract of land together. They built 
 two frame houses and then cast lots for the occupancy. Rowland drew for the 
 north house, where Mr. Cowan now lives, and Paul about thirty rods south, 
 the house afterwards occupied by the Kelley family. Rowland, when asked 
 how they could live together so peaceably, said that Paul wouldn't quarrel, 
 anyway. They both died in town. Rowland had eight children; of the sons, 
 only Ahira staid in town. He lived and died on the old place. Paul had 11 
 children; and of the daughters Clarissa married Sanford Boice, Achsah m. 
 George Ranney and was the mother of H. S. Ranney, Esq., Betsey m. Ansel 
 Taylor, and Priscilla m. Mr. Pratt, of Buckland. Enos was a brother of Paul, 
 and lived where his grandson, Nathan, lived for many years. 
 
 Jonathan Sears settled on the farm where Benjamin Sears now lives, and 
 was his great grandfather. He had Jonathan, Jr., who settled on the old 
 place; Freeman, a minister, located in the east part of the State, and 
 Asarelah, who settled on the south part of the old farm. Other settlers, about 
 the time of the Revolution, were Elisha Parker, grandfather of Marcus, and a 
 Revolutionary soldier; Levi and Eli Eldredge, Abner Kelley, Asa Selden and 
 Samuel Hall. 
 
 All the settlers through that street came from Yarmouth, on the Cape; 
 hence, "Cape street." Elisha Parker settled on the hill, about 50 rods south 
 of the schoolhouse; Levi Eldredge, south of Enos Sears, building the house 
 now standing where Levi's son Samuel lived; Abner Kelley settled just oppo- 
 site him, and Asa Selden 50 rods farther south; Samuel Hall settled about 100 
 rods south of the Taylor Corners, and was t.he ancestor of Samuel W. Hall, 
 Atherton, of Savoy, and Daniel and Joshua. Nearly all of these settlers had 
 large families, seventy-five scholars attending the school in that district in the 
 winter. "Cape Street" is in the south part of the town. It was so named 
 because all the settlers who came to that locality and settled, near the close 
 of the last century, were emigrants from Cape Cod. It is simply a school dis- 
 trict, nearly all the inhabitants of which are on one road a mile and a half in 
 length. 
 
 Mr. Marcus Parker says that the settlers of Cape street came up one year 
 and cleared their land and built their log houses, and the next year brought 
 up their families. While here the first season they ho*rded a portion of the 
 time at Aaron Fuller's tavern, where Hiram \Varren now lives.
 
 394 
 
 Besides the Samuel Hall who settled in Cape street, there were Joseph 
 and Reuben Hall. Joseph came from Yarmouth in 1797, and bought of Jona- 
 than Taylor lot No. 2, 2d division, being the farm where his grandson, A. G. 
 Hall, now lives. He married in Yarmouth Lucy Sears, sister of Jonathan, 
 who married Joseph's sister. Of Joseph's children, Joseph, George and Seth 
 lived and died in Ashfield. The others emigrated to the State of New York. 
 Joseph Hall, of Hartford, Conn., son of Seth, has been for twenty five years 
 principal of the Hartford High School. 
 
 David Hall, brother of Samuel, came here previous to 1780, with his son 
 Reuben, and settled about 100 rods west of where Allen Hall now lives. 
 Reuben was an officer on the ship from which the tea was thrown overboard 
 in Boston Harbor. Reuben was the father of Thomas, who left a large pos- 
 terity in this town, and great grandfather of Dr. G. Stanley Hall, professor in 
 the Johns Hopkin University, of Baltimore, and a noted writer on educa- 
 tional topics. 
 
 Of the Howes families there were seven different men by that name who 
 settled and died in town. Kimbal and Zachariah came to town in 1775 or 1776, 
 and settled on land now occupied by Ephraim Williams, Kimbal living where 
 Ephraim now lives, and Zachariah 100 rods farther south. Afterwards Kimbal 
 moved to New Boston, where he died. He was the father of Capt. Kimbal 
 and Barnabas, and grandfather of Barnabas, late author of the two books of 
 Ashfield history before alluded to. 
 
 Zachariah moved to Briar Hill, on the farm now occupied by his grandson, 
 Otis Howes. He was also the father of Nathan, and grandfather of Mrs. 
 Moses Cook. 
 
 Samuel came to town about the same time and settled on the farm north 
 of Great Pond, now occupied by his great grandson, Charles Richmond. His 
 son Heman married Eliakem Lilly's sister, and the same year Eliakem mar- 
 ried Heman's sister. Heman lived and died on the old place, raising a large 
 family, most of which settled in Ashneld and vicinity. 
 
 Ezekiel and Mark, sons of "Sailor Thomas," settled a few years later in 
 the northwest part of the town. They both raised large families. David S., 
 son of Ezekiel, now lives on the farm his father occupied, and Henry A., 
 grandson of Mark, no v? tills the farm his grandfather cleared up. 
 
 Dea. Anthony Howes and Joshua, his brother, distant relatives of the 
 other Howes, settled on the hill, about 100 rods south of Mrs. John Field's 
 new house (60 on map), on the old road to South Ashneld. They came previ- 
 ous to 1788. Anthony was the father of the late Frederick Howes, Esq., of 
 Salem (see page 294), also of David, who was the father of Mrs. Wait Bement. 
 Joshua had one son, Joshua, who married a sister of Seth Hall and emigrated 
 to the Mohawk Valley. None of the descendants of Anthony or Joshua are 
 now in town. All these families were descendants of Thomas Howes, of Yar- 
 mouth, who, with John Crowell, bought of the Indians, in lt>36, what now 
 comprises the towns of Dennis and Yarmouth. 
 
 One of the best known and highly respected men of Ashfield at the present 
 time is Frederick G. Howes, Esq. He is a farmer and resides at 26 (see map, 
 page 328), a member of the Massachusetts State Horticultural Society, and a 
 surveyor by profession. An old resident of Ashtield says of him: " I wish 
 you should not fail to know that he has for many years been a leading and
 
 395 
 
 influential citizen here; has had most of the town offices; was for a long time 
 school teacher; ha,s done valuable and long continued service on school com- 
 mittees; was member of State legislature, and is in service as Justice of the 
 Peace.'' Mr. Howes has kindly given much time and labor to preparing 
 matter for this part of the book. 
 
 THE \\ I I.I.I A MM->. 
 
 The following is an extract from an address delivered by Rev. Francis 
 Williams, of Chaplin, Conn., at the Williams family gathering, in Ashfield, 
 Sept 4, 1878: 
 
 Our grandfather, Ephraim Williams, Esq. , was descended on the maternal 
 side from Capt. Hunt, who had command of a company of men who did such 
 ' good service in the early conflicts of the colony, that Ashtield, first called 
 Huntstown, was granted to that company. His mother was a Hunt, and it 
 was from his connection with this grant that he came to settle in Huntstown. 
 He was a skillful surveyor, and his services were called in constant requisition 
 among the first settlers of the town. He bought out many of the soldiers' 
 claims and owned more than 1,500 acres, most of which he afterwards gave to 
 his children. He was for a time reckoned one of the wealthiest men west of 
 the Connecticut river. He came to Ashfield in 1771, a journey of J20 miles, 
 on foot, with a hired man, carrying on their backs what tools would be neces- 
 sary to build a sawmill, and a few necessary pieces of sawed lumber. They 
 fixed upon a place for the mill where the mill of Darius Williams now stands. 
 The first night he slept foetfween two hemlock barks, on his great coat, keeping 
 up his camp-fires as a protection against wild animals; and during the night 
 the howling wolves appeared near enough for him to see their eyes glisten 
 from the light of his fire. By the second night they had a cabin built, where 
 they could sleep with a sense of safety. The millwright, who came from 
 Kastou to do the work, finished the job, and his bill is now in the hands of one 
 of your number present to-day, and. it was $13.33, when computed in our cur- 
 rency. Wages were really low then, and yet strikes for higher wages were 
 not even dreamed of. The boards for covering the mill were sawed in it as 
 soon as they could put it in running order. 
 
 When he could establish a home, like a good domestic man, as he was, he 
 went to Mendon and took his bride elect, Miss Mercy Daniels, who was born 
 Aug. 7, 1757. They were married Sept. 14, 1775, and set out immediately for 
 their wilderness home. Both were of good families, but their wedding trip 
 differed essentially from that of persons in like position in modern times. An 
 ox wagon was constructed, the wheels from two carts of the same size were 
 put upon it, two yoke of good stout oxen were yoked to it, some necessary 
 household furniture loaded on, a seat prepared for the bride, and they left the 
 old homestead, with many good wishes for their success and happiness in life. 
 The roads were^rough, but the young bridegroom, cartwhip in hand, started 
 his gentle tem with the precious freight, all carefully cared for by joyous, 
 youthful love. He walked by the side of his team where the roads were rough, 
 and when they came to the smooth plains she gladly gave him a seat by her 
 side, and they talked of the new home, anticipated with so much interest. 
 When hunger told its story as it will, even to loving couples the oxen were
 
 396 
 
 fed, the bride set out the frugal lunch from the boxes and baskets, the bless- 
 ing was asked, and a feast, better than a stalled ox without love, was enjoyed. 
 When they come within a little more than three miles of their new home, 
 nothing but a bridle path lies before them; they can go no further. At a 
 house on or near the place of the late Mr, Fuller, on the opposite side of the 
 road from the old Williams home, where grandfather died, and where Mr. 
 Orville Hall now resides, she remained for about a week, until her young hus- 
 band, and kind friends from near and far, could cut through a road for an ox 
 team to pass. Then the young bride, amid the congratulations of most persons 
 in the vicinity, was conveyed to her new home, of which she became the light 
 and joy. 
 
 When winter came no corn could be ground nearer than Williamsburg, 
 southeast nine miles. Snow fell to the depth of four feet on the level. He 
 pounded corn in bis 5-pail iron kettle, with his mill-bar, and was happy in 
 the thought that he was so conveniently situated, with so good implements for 
 obtaining his meal. Before he went back for his bride he went to what is now 
 New Boston, bought half a steer, bound it upon his saddle before him and 
 started around through the center near by, as there was no bridle path nearer. 
 Night drew on. and the wolves began to call and answer each other. He 
 knew they scented meat and were gathersng the pack for pursuit. His horse 
 was good, and anxious, like himself, to reach safety and home. His plan was 
 quickly formed to hasten as fast as possible, and if they overtook him to cut 
 the cord, drop the side of beef, with which he thought they would be fully 
 occupied until he reached home. But his good steed bore him safely through, 
 and his new bride found the beef in good order for her winter cooking. Others, 
 however, were not so well provided. It was thought the road must be opened 
 to the mill in Williamsburg, and the scattered inhabitants of Ashrield started 
 with their teams and shovels to break out roads. After a few days of earnest 
 work they met, in Goshen, a party from Williamsburg who were breaking 
 through to relieve those they feared were suffering form hunger. That was a 
 joyful meeting for the tired men and teams from Ashfield. They realized the 
 good of having kind neighbors, if they were nine miles from them. 
 
 By hunting and fishing the early settlers helped out the winter's 
 provisions. The bears, raccoons, rabbits, partridges, squirrels and other 
 game often made a well filled larder and a cheerful fireside. Grandfather, 
 with his gun and traps, often came from the forest a successful hunter. The 
 home circle was also enlarging, and a numerous family cheered the hearts of 
 father and mother with their joyful, loving greetings. 
 
 Grandfather had ten children nine by his first wife and one by his 
 second. David, born Dec. 6, 1776, died in Ashfield, in the bouse where we 
 are now assembled, at a good old age. Daniel, b. Mar. 2, 1778, was a most 
 consistent Christian, deacon in the Congregational church, and lived and died 
 on the old homestead of his father, where his son Darius now lives. The old 
 place where grandfather commenced domestic life has always remained in the 
 family, and the sawmill has always been a place of busy activity in the lumber 
 business since this town was a wilderness. Rebecca Mentor, b. Nov. 28, 1779, 
 d. in Hawley in 1807; Abigail Warren, b. May 7, 1781; d. in Conway; Eph- 
 raini, b. June 22, 1783; d. while a member of Williams College preparing for 
 the ministry, and his room-mate, Gordon Hall, afterwards a missionary, pro-
 
 397 
 
 nounced his college eulogy. Apollos, b. May 24, 1785, died in Ashfield; Ezra, 
 b. May 21, 1787, d. in Ashfield; Israel (my father), b. Sept. 4, 1789, d. in 
 Geneva, Wis., Oct. 14, 1846, at the age of 57; Moses, b. April 6, 1793, d. at 
 the age of 14; Abel, b. Sept. 26, 1794, son of grandfather's second wife, resided 
 with his father upon the new homestead until after grandfather's death, and 
 some years afterwards sold his place and removed to Windsor, where he died 
 after a few years' residence. 
 
 [Feb. 14, 1763, Joseph Belcher of Stoughton, conveyed to Daniel Williams, 
 Esq., of Easton (Ephraim's father), "so much of that share of the common and 
 undivided lands in Huntstown, that belonged to my honored father, Joseph 
 Belcher, as to make up and entitle him to 250 acres;" consideration, 30 
 Squire Williams bought the place now occupied by Orville Hall in 1793.] 
 
 Apollos Williams, who married Hannah Ellis, (see page 101), was a 
 grandson of Daniel Williams, of Easton. Daniel married a Hunt, probably 
 a daughter of Ebenezer, the head petitioner for the grant. Daniel owned lands 
 in different parts of the town. Apollos was a nephew of Ephraim Williams f 
 Esq., and lived on or near the James Ranney place, about 150 rods north of 48. 
 
 Tin SHEPAR1>S. 
 
 Dea. Isaac Shepard was in Huntstown as early as 1763, and was then 31 
 years of age. He married Jemima, the fifth child or Chileab Smith, Sr. It is 
 not known that he lived at any other place than 58, on the farm now occupied 
 by Francis R. Phillips, where he is supposed to have settled, and upon which 
 he died. In 1770, by the Springfield records, he bought of John Blackmar lot 
 No. 22, which was the lot adjoining his on the west. Not long after, 
 Isaac's brother, Samuel, settled on this lot. The house upon the lot was 
 already built when Samuel settled there, and is now occupied by Chapin 
 Elmer, a great great grandson of Samuel Elmer, 1st, and Nathan Chapin. 
 The house must be 120 years old, and was probably built by John Blackmer. 
 
 Dea. Isaac had Isaac, Jr., who married Jerusha Phillips and moved to 
 Stockton; Stillman, who died on the old place; Jemima, who married 
 Aaron Lyon, Jr.. and was the mother of Mary Lyon; Almena, who married 
 Deacon Harris Wight, of Buckland, and Lura, who married Deacon William 
 Putnam, of Buckland, Isaac was chosen deacon in Chileab Smith's church, 
 just after the division in 1788, and continued in the office until his death. He 
 was a man highly esteemed in the town and served on the Board of Selectmen 
 and in other offices. He was buried in the Baptist Corner burial ground, and 
 on his headstone is inscribed: 
 
 " In memory of Deacon Isaac Shepard, who departed this life May 13, 1802, aged 69 
 yean. 
 
 A husband dear, a father kind, 
 
 A pious heart, a patient mind ; 
 
 He's left all things below in peace, 
 
 And gone, we trust, where sorrows cease. 
 
 His body rests beneath this bed 
 
 Till Gabriel's trump shall raise the dead." 
 
 Samuel, with his five children, went to Stockton. Pamelia, his eldest 
 daughter, married Quartua Smith, grandson of Elder Ebenezer. Mr. Smith and
 
 his wife celebrated their golden wedding a few years since, and both died soon 
 after. Not many years before their death they visited Ashfield, and were 
 greatly interested in looking over the places familiar to them in their youthful 
 days. They were much affected when they bade a final good bye to the old 
 birth places, and looked upon them, as they said, for the last time. (See 
 page 98.) 
 
 THE SMITHS. 
 
 Chileab Smith, Sr., moved with his family to Huntstown, from Hadley, 
 in 1750. It is probable that he was there before that time, and held some 
 interest, as he was chosen, at a mcetinp in Hadley in 1742, a committee, with 
 Richard Ellis and Nathaniel Kellogg, to lay out lots. The next year he was 
 chosen on a committee to "provide and agree with a minister to preach to such 
 as Inhabit at Huntstown." Between this time and 1750 he was on a commit- 
 tee to build the corn mill, and for other purposes. He settled on lot 27, and 
 built his house at the southerly end of the lot, about a dozen rods southeast 
 of the house occupied by his great grandson, the late Ziba Smith. 
 
 A history of the Baptist Church in this part of the town is a history of 
 the Smith family at this period, and their peculiar traits of character can be 
 shown no better than by giving extracts from the early records of this church, 
 now in the hands of private parties. 
 
 " RECORD OF THE PLANTING, GATHERING AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE 
 BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN ASHFIELD: 
 
 " In the spring of the year 1753 Chileab Smith moved it to his Neighbor* 
 to set up Religious Meetings, which they did, and a Blessing followed; and a 
 Number (in the Judgment of Charity) were brought savingly home to Christ. 
 
 "Oct. 25, 1753. A number met to Gather for solemn fasting and prayer, 
 and Chileab Smith and Sarah his wife, Ebenezer Smith, Mary Smith and 
 Jemima Smith entered into a written covenant together to keep up the Wor- 
 ship of God, and to walk up to farther light as they should require it. 
 
 " Nov. 29, 1753. Ebenezer Smith, being desired, began to improve among 
 them by way of Doctrine." 
 
 At this time Chileab Smith was 45 years old; his son, Ebenezer, just 
 named, 19; the daughter Mary older than Ebenezer, and Jemima younger. 
 The records continue: 
 
 " In the years 1754 and 1755 they were Forced to leave the Town for 
 some months, for fear of the Indians. 
 
 " 1756. They continued in the Town and kept up the Pnblick Worship 
 of God on the first day of the week continually, Refreshing all that Came to 
 Hear and Attend the Worship with them." 
 
 July 2, 1761, they were embodied as a church of ten members, of whom 
 six were members of Mr. Smith's family. Chileab, Enos and Eunice, three 
 more of his children, a short time after united with the church. The records, 
 after giving the formation of the church, articles of faith and the covenant, 
 with a list of those baptised and joining the covenant, continue thus: 
 
 " Feb., 1763. The people of another Persuasion settled a Minister in the 
 Town, and obliged the Baptists to pay their proportion of his Settlement and 
 Salary till 1768. Then the Church sent Chileab Smith to the General Court, 
 at Boston, with a petition for Help; but Got None. 
 
 f
 
 399 
 
 "In 1769 the Church made their ase known to the Baptist Association 
 at Warren [Worcester Co.] and Received from them a Letter of Admittance 
 into that Body. 
 
 "In April, 1770, the other Society sold 400 acres of the Baptist Lands \ . 
 for the support of their Minister and Meeting-House. 
 
 " Under our Oppression we sent eight times to the General Court at Boston 
 for help; but Got None. 
 
 "In Oct., 1771, We were set at Liberty by an Order from the King of \. 
 Great Britain, and our Lands Restored." 
 
 Between 1771 and 1785 the records are meager and incomplete, eight 
 pages being missing during this time. The church seems to have flourished 
 and received large accessions under Elder Ebenezer Smith's ministrations. 
 The church on the hill [34 on map] was built during this time, about twenty A 
 rods north of Chileab Smith's house. 
 
 In the year 1785, with Enos Smith as clerk, the records give a minute 
 account of a difficulty which arose between Elder Ebenezer Smith and his 
 father Chileab, respecting the salary of a minister, the Elder contending that 
 he should have a fixed salary, and his father that ministers should not be hire- 
 lings, but should preach for a love of the work, and be content with what the 
 church sees fit to give him. The church and Mr. Chileab Smith's family were 
 divided on the question. Meeting after meeting was held, the advice of neigh- 
 boring churches sought without avail; the breech grew wider. Finally, 
 (resuming the record): 
 
 "Oct. 25, 1786. Tbe Church Concluded that any further Labour with 
 the Elder amongst ourselves would be fruitless, agreed once more to send to 
 sister Churches for help." 
 
 The Council, being convened Dec. 27, after hearing both sides, decided : 
 
 " That the Elder was justifiable in his conduct; and advised the church, 
 after they had concluded their acts were invalidated, to receive the Elder into 
 his office in the church again, and to let him know that we have made him a 
 Reasonable Compensation for his Labours amongst us, and then to Continue 
 the Relation as Church and Pastor, or Dismiss him in Peace." 
 
 " Jan. 24, 1787. The Church considered the Result of the Council before 
 mentioned, and found that it wanted the' Testimony of Scripture for its sup- 
 port, by which we desired to be tried; and that if we followed their Result 
 and advice we must leave God's word as to our understandings. Therefore, 
 Voted, That we cannot agree with their Result, for many obvious and Scrip- 
 tural Reasons, which may be seen at Large in the original Records. 
 
 "Aug. 29, 1788. Friday the Church met for solemn fasting and Prayer 
 to Almighty God, it being a dark time with us, we being Despised by men, 
 Elder Smith and his party having taken from us our meeting-house, and we 
 turned out to meet where we could find a place, and the Association, on hear- \ 
 ing his story, having dropped us from that body." 
 
 But Chileab Smith did not despair. He immediately set about organizing 
 a church again, without the aid of ministers or other churches, and, Jan. 14, 
 1789, Chileab Smith, Sr., then over 80 years of age, and Enos Smith, his son, 
 were ordained as elders and leaders in the church, and Isaac Shepard and 
 Moses Smith, deacons. They united with Baptists from Buckland and built 
 a church building just opposite where the house of Nelson Drake now stands.
 
 f- 
 
 400 
 
 It was a one-story building, with a four-sided, pointed roof. There is good 
 evidence that they built this houae in 1789. (It was a little over one mile 
 north of the church then at 34.) The church seemed to gain in numbers, and 
 was by degrees received into fellowship with the other churches. Jan. 23, 
 1798: Voted to receive back Elder Ebenezer Smith, with such members as 
 are willing to tell their experience. Eighteen members are recorded as 
 received into full communion. Among them were John Alden, Mehitable Ellis 
 [widow of Reuben Ellis], Elisha Smith, Japhet Ohapin. Thomas Phillips and 
 Nancy Alden. 
 
 Chileab Smith, Sr., died in 1800. Elder Enos Smith continued to preach 
 for many years. He lived up to his belief, charged nothing for preaching, 
 but was supported by voluntary contributions. Erastus Elmer, now 90 years 
 of age, well remembers the neighbors and his father carrying in their gifts. 
 Elder Eaos lived on the opposite corner from Nelson Drake's house. Elder 
 Ebenezer lived nearly opposite where Mr. Temple now lives. Both were good 
 men, highly respected by all who knew them. Elder Enos died in his old 
 house, and Elder Ebenezer moved to Stockton, N. Y., in 1816. 
 
 One of Elder Enoe' daughters married Hiram Richmond. Several of her 
 sons are now living in this vicinity. Nathan Elmer married the other daugh- 
 ter, Julia. Enos' son Calvin moved to Stockton, Emory to Wisconsin; Enos, 
 Jr., died in Tully, N. Y. 
 
 Chileab Smith, 2d, died on the old place in 1843, aged 100 years and 7 
 months. He had two sons, Chileab, 3d, and Jeduthan. Chileab lived where 
 Mr. March now does, and Jeduthan on the old place. When Jeduthan went 
 to Stockton, N. Y., Chileab, 3d, moved to the old place, where he died, leav- 
 ing Ziba, Elias, Daniel and Russell. Ziba lived with his father, and died on 
 the old place; Elias lived and died on a farm one-third of a mile south; Daniel 
 was deaf and dumb, and Russell went West, to a locality unknown by his 
 relatives here. Chileab, 3d, had six daughters, four of whom married in ad- 
 joining towns; Sybil, a Fairbanks, of Adrian, Mich. , and Louisa, a Fisk, of 
 Brattleboro, Vt. Elias left no issue. Three of Ziba's children are now living; 
 one son, Houghton, now lives on a portion of the original farm, with three 
 boys and one girl, and these members of Houghton's family are the only de- 
 scendants of the Chileab Smith family in Ashtield bearing his name. 
 
 The houses built by the Chileabs 1st and 2d are torn down; the house 
 built by Jeduthan, and occupied by Chileab, 3d, and Ziba, is deserted. The 
 meeting-house on the hill just above, was taken down and moved 60 rods east, 
 in 1831. Very soon desertions to the Free Will Baptists made havoc in their 
 already enfeebled ranks, and between 1840 and 1850 Millerism and the Second 
 Adventists so diminished their numbers that meetings ceased to be held. The 
 building soon went to ruins, and now a modest schoolhouse stands upon the 
 pot. 
 
 Not only the building, but the church itself, which Chileab Smith and his 
 sons planted and gathered with so much labor, has ceased to exist. 
 
 The following document was written by Elder Ebenezer Smith the year 
 before his death: 
 
 "STOCKTON, CHAUTAUQUA Co., N. Y., May 1st, 1823. 
 
 " For the information of "my children I write the following account of my 
 grandfather's posterity. My grandfather's name was Preserved Smith; his
 
 401 
 
 wife, Mary Smith, by whom he had one daughter and six sons. He died when 
 they were all small. His daughter, Mary, and oldest son, Preserved, died 
 young, and were not married; his second son, Ebenezer, married, had a son, 
 Preserved, and a daughter, Hannah; he was killed at raising my Grandfather 
 Moody 's house; his son went into the army and died with sickness; his daugh- 
 ter married, had a family, and died in old age. My grandfather's third son, 
 Samuel, married Sarah Morton, and had 12 children. My grandfather's fourth 
 son, Chileab Smith, who was my father, married Sarah Moody, and had 13 
 children. My grandfather's fifth son, James, married Sara Smith; had only 
 two daughters that lived to grow up. Samuel, Chileab, James, three brothers, 
 all lived to be upwards of 90 years of age, and died one after another as they 
 were born. My grandfather's sixth son, Moses, died when a child. 
 
 " My father's children were Mary, who lived to have a family, and died 
 Aug. 4, 1787; then myself, Ebenezer, then Moses, Sarah, Jemima and Chileab, 
 who are all living; then Enos and Mariam, who died little children; then 
 Mariain and Enos, who are yet living; then a son who died an infant; then a 
 daughter, Eunice, who is yet living. Of my father's twelve children, four 
 sons and four daughters are yet living, April 30, 1823. I am the oldest, in my 
 89th year. Eunice, the youngest, in her 67th year. My grandmother, Mary 
 Smith, died in 1763, aged 82 years. My mother died on her birthday, Dec. 
 23, 1789. My father died Aug. 19, 1800, aged 92 years. I married Remember 
 Ellis July 1, 1756, and she died Sept. 15, 1795, aged 60. She was a daughter 
 of Richard Ellis, who was born in Ireland Aug. 16, 1704, and died in Ashfield 
 Oct. 7, 1797, aged 93 years. He came to America at the age of 13 years, and 
 lived in Easton, then moved to Deertield, then to Huntstown, now Ashfield, 
 in the year 1750. He was the first settler of that town, and cut down the 
 first tree in the town. I married Lucy Shepardson June 14, 1796, and she 
 died Oct. 5, 1808, aged 68. I married Esther Harvey Jan. 4, 1809, and she 
 died Oct. 14, 1814, aged 78, since which time I have lived alone; that is, with- 
 out any companion, and spent my time chiefly in preaching the Gospel. My 
 children are so scattered about the world that I cannot tell how many there 
 are of them, but, by the best information that I can get, I suppose that there 
 is not much odds of one hundred of my posterity now living. I never expect 
 to see but few of them in this world, but if we may all meet hi that world of 
 JOY, how happy it will be; but, oh ! how awful the thought that any of my 
 offspring should hear that dreadful sound: Depart ! O thou God of grace, dis- 
 play Thy saving power and bring them home to Thyself. And oh, my dear 
 children, my prayer for you is that you might be saved. You must deny 
 yourselves and follow the Lamb, or lie down in sorrow for eternity. " Strait 
 is the gate and narrow the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find 
 it." Oh, to be born again, and become new creatures in Christ Jesus, is of 
 infinite importance to every one. So I leave this as the token of my regard 
 for my dear children, praying the Lord to bless them all." 
 
 P. S. My son, Ebenezer: I commit this to your care to show to as many 
 of ray children and grandchildren as you have opportunity. E. S. 
 
 Letter from Dea. Aaron Smith, of Stockton, N. Y., te his second cousin, . 
 Dea.Ziba Smith, of Ashfield, dated Mar. 30, 1851. Aaron was a son of Ebenezer, X 
 Jr., and grandson of Elder Ebenezer Smith. Ziba was a son of Chileab, 3d, 
 and grandson of Chileab, Jr. The latter was a brother of Elder Ebenezer.
 
 402 
 
 " DEAR COUSIN: I sit down to inform you of our welfare. We are all 
 well as usual. It is a general time of health here. I have had a good deal 
 of sickness in my family since I have begun to keep house. I have had ten 
 children; have buried five of them, all daughters; have three sons and two 
 daughters living; the oldest a daughter of 22, the youngest a son 7 years of 
 age. As to religion, it is quite a low time here. Ziba, I want to see you and 
 your family, and brothers and sisters, very much, once more, in the land of 
 the living. Have not forgotten the comfort taken in your company at school, 
 and at the old Baptist meeting-house, in singing, in our younger days. I want 
 to go to New England, the land of my birth, once more; think some of going 
 this season, if my life is spared and my family are well. The last time I saw 
 you was thirty-one years ago this month, at your father's. I want to go with 
 you once more on to the ground where the old meeting-house used to stand; 
 also to the burying ground; think I could pick out Jeduthan's grave; also our 
 great grandfather's, Chileab Smith's; and the first one who was buried there, 
 who was a sister of your father. My father and mother are quite old and 
 feeble. Father doesn't labor any; his memory is very good for so old a man; 
 he lives with his youngest daughter; he will be 85 next month. My brother 
 Quartus and his wife are well, also Gerry and my sisters. Your cousin, Na- 
 than Smith, and family are all well; his four older sons are great stout giants, 
 your aunt Naomi is well, and lives with Lyman, on the Fox river, in Illinois; 
 he has married his second wife. Your cousin Sawyer Phillips is well; he has 
 sold his farm and gone to Latarany; it is 70 miles from here. His oldest 
 son is a widower; his second son married Asa Ellis' daughter, is a doctor, and 
 lives near his father. Your cousin Hiram Lazelle and family are all well; he 
 pays the highest tax in town that is $30; he has a dairy of sixty cows, the 
 income of which last season was $1,800. Your cousin Philip Lazelle and 
 family are well. He and Royal Carter are in the mercantile trade; are doing 
 well. Royal's mother is well. Your cousin Alvrary Lazelle is well. I will 
 give you a sketch of the Smith family which we belong to: It is to be traced 
 to Rev. Henry Smith, of Wethersfield, Conn., who came from Old England. 
 All such information is important to be collected for the benefit of our posterity, 
 that the branch of Smiths that we belong to may not be lost. Henry Smith 
 is as far back as I can trace our ancestors. 
 
 The first of our ancestors that came from England ware Henry Smith and 
 his wife, Dorithy Smith. On his passage to this country he had a son born, 
 and from the unusual circumstances of his birth he called his name Preserved, 
 which is the origin of this name, which has since been retained in several 
 branches of the families of his posterity. The first notice of Henry Smith is 
 on the records of the First Congregational Church in Charlestown, Mass. He 
 and his wife Dorithy were admitted to the full communion of the church the 
 5th of October, 1637. It is believed he came to America in the year 1637, 
 ., which was seventeen years after the Plymouth company. He was the first 
 minister of the first Congregational church in Wethersfield, Conn., as near as 
 can be ascertained. He was installed in the spring of 1641, at which time the 
 church was gathered. He died in 1648, and very little is known of his 
 ministry. Dorithy, his widow, married a Mr. Russell, father of Rev. John 
 Russell, who succeeded Henry Smith in the ministry at Wethersfield. Mr. 
 Russell and his son, the minister, went to Hadley with a colony, comprising 
 
 - 1
 
 the larger body of the church, in 1659, and some of Henry Smith's children 
 went with the colony to Hadley and settled there. Rev. Henry Smith was 
 great grandfather to our great grandfather, Chileab Smith. We are the sev- 
 enth generation from the Rev. Henry Smith The Preserved born on the 
 passage to this country was grandfather to our great grandfather, Chileab 
 Smith. Our great grandfather's father's name was Preserved, jr. Our great 
 grandfather, Chileab Smith, was born in South Hadley, June 1, 1708, and died 
 Aug. 19, 1800, in the 93d year of his age. He left when he died, living, 8 
 children, 46 grandchildren and 91 great grandchildren; total, 145. He was 
 ordained in the Gospel ministry when he was 80 years of age. He had a 
 family of 12 children. He was one of the first settlers of Huntstown, now 
 Ashfield. He settled in the town in the year 1751. My grandfather, Elder 
 Ebenezer Smith, was born in South Hadley Oct. 4, 1734. He began to preach 
 Nov. 29, 1753; ordained Aug. 20, 1761. He died July 6, 1824, aged 89 years. 
 He had a family of seven children. He was a preacher of the Gospel ministry 
 72 years, and preached nine thousand and twenty sermons, rode one horse 19 
 years, and traveled in that time 23,000 miles. Our great aunt, Jemima Shep- 
 ard, was born in South Hadley March 26, 1740, and died Sept. 29, 1828, aged 
 88 years. She had a family of seven children. I will give you a sketch of 
 what my grandfather left on record before he died. [See above.] Twelve of < , 
 our great grandfather Chileab Smith's posterity are and have been ministers; / 
 all living but three; two settled in this county, and five of the females married 
 ministers; two of them and their husbands are missionaries, one in China and 
 the other in India. There is not much odds of one hundred and thirty of his 
 posterity living in this county; the sixth generation from him lives in this 
 town, and the tenth from Rev. Henry Smith lives in the county. If you 
 conclude to come here this season, send me a letter the time you are going to 
 start on your journey, that I may not miss of you if I go down, for 1 want to 
 visit you more than any one in Ashfield. Give my respects to your brothers 
 and sisters, especially to Betsey and her husband. Read this to your brother 
 Elias and your sisters. * 
 
 Believe me your affectionate relative, 
 
 AARON SMITH. 
 To DBA. ZIBA SMITH, of Ashfield. 
 
 Of Ebenezer Smith, Jr., second son of Elder Ebenezer, and Remember X 
 (Ellis) Smith, and his descendants, an acquaintance writes as follows: 
 
 "They all lived in my native town of Stockton. Ebenzer, Jr., was a 
 self-educated man, could calculate an eclipse with accuracy. He was a nat- 
 ural mathematician [like his sister Jemima, see page 92], and able to solve 
 any problem, that the inquisitive pedagogue had the inclination to offer. 
 Venerable Doctors of Divinity would visit him, for his opinion on Bible exposi- 
 tions. He was greatly afflicted with rheumatism, for more than twenty of his 
 last years. He was a small man in stature, but very active, never requiring 
 more than four or five hours sleep in the twenty-four. The young and old 
 sought his counsel, as well as to share the richly stored knowledge he possessed. 
 He was a great reader, and it was said he never forgot a thing worth remem- 
 bering. When he began to converse, he would always say how limited was 
 our knowledge to what the human intellect was capable of, and would speak 
 often of the attainments we should make in the future life. He was thor-
 
 404 
 
 oughly orthodox and often spoke of the masterly love of God, in the redemp- 
 tion of the world. His daughter, Keziah, tenderly cared for the aged couple. 
 He died in 1855 and was buried in the Cassadaga Cemetery, by the side of hi 
 son, Ebenezer, who died a younp man, about twenty years previous. See 
 page 96. 
 
 "Of his children: Dea. Aaron Smith married Laura Harrison, who was 
 born in Conn., May 29, 1802, and is now living on the old homestead next to 
 the lands of his father, Ebenezer, which was bought of the Holland Land 
 Company, in 1816. Aaron Smith was a very peculiar man, perfectly unos- 
 tentatious, possessing a memory of history and events that is rarely equaled; 
 self-sacrificing and willing to deny himself, that he might add to the happi- 
 ness of others. He, like all the others, was a zealous Baptist of the old type, 
 but it seldom expressed itself in other than noble, honest and benevolent acts. 
 He possessed great fondness for relics and archeological specimens, and his 
 collection of such, and manuscripts, was quite extended. He had in his 
 collection spikes and hinges, from the door of the fort at Deertield, Mass., 
 where the settlers defended themselves before the Bloody Brook massacre at 
 that place, by the Indians. He was a historian of quite enviable attainments, 
 and often his countenance would brighten in describing events in the reign of 
 the Cesars. He died in 1876, aged upwards of 80 years. He quietly passed 
 away, conscious to the last, . cheerfully welcoming the change. He was 
 buried in the old Stockton Cemetery by the side of several of his children. 
 He had ten children; only three of whom are living, two sons and a 
 daughter. The two sons live upon the old homestead and are highly 
 prosperous and worthy citizens. The only daughter living (Pomilla), 
 married August Sornberger, a worthy farmer, and lives in the adjoining 
 town of Charlotte. The sons, (living) names are William, who married 
 Minerva Guest, and they have one child, named Aaron, the other son 
 (living), Aaron Jr., is unmarried and lives with his mother on the farm. 
 
 "An older brother, Cyrus, who died soon after the close of the war, was 
 with Sherman in his grand campaign through the South, and was a brave and 
 loyal soldier. He died in Iowa. He left two daughters; one, named Laura, 
 has lived here with her uncle Aaron, Jr., since her father's death, and in 
 December, 1887, was married to Edson Phillips, a son of Wm.'W. Phillips. 
 See page 379. 
 
 " Quartus, the second son of Ebenezer, married Pomilla Shepard, a 
 daughter of Dea. Samuel Shepard and grand-daughter of Jemima (Smith) 
 Shepard. They had no children. Both lived to be upwards of eighty years 
 of age. They were industrious and frugal in their habits, accumulated a 
 competence and were liberal in charitable objects and strongly attached to 
 the religious faith of their ancestors. As they were childless, the last few 
 years of their lives were spent with her sister Polly, (Mrs. Isaac Miller), and 
 their son, Phineas M. Miller, who gladdened their last years with all the 
 kindness and affection of an own child. Mrs. Smith died January 14, 1885. 
 They were buried in the Stockton Cemetery and the highest granite monu- 
 ment of the ground marks their last resting place. 
 
 ' ' Fidelia Smith, dau. of Ebenezer, Jr., married Elijah Woods, who was 
 a native of Keene, N. H. She was a woman who possessed the usual family 
 traits in a marked degree, which rendered her a devoted mother to her chil-
 
 405 
 
 dren, and a worthy help and aid to her companion in early pioneer life. 
 They had a family of six children, three sons and three daughters; two of the 
 sons died in boyhood The oldest, Fidelia Woods, married Dr. A. P. Phillips, 
 a native of her own town. See page 379. They had three children, Jenny, 
 Burton and Frank Hamilton Phillips. Frank died in 1875, and Jenny in 
 1878. Burton m. Nellie Baker; had one son, named Frank B., who died 
 in 1882 aged three years. The father had died in 1880. 
 
 "Gerry Smith was the fourth of Ebenezer Jr.'s children. He suffered 
 early from physical infirmities. He m. Louisa, daughter of Barzillai Ellis, of 
 Sheriden, Ghaut. County, and had a family of six children. Three were sol- 
 diers in the Union Army, and two (William and Hiram) sacrificed their 
 lives. Three are now living. Flora, a daughter, married Alson Tambling, a 
 thriving farmer, and resides in Pomfret, where her father was so tenderly 
 cared for and died about 1882. His wife, Louisa, died about 1870. 
 
 "Rebecca, dau. of Ebenezer, Jr., married Freeman Richardson. They 
 had eight children, all born in Stockton. They emigrated to North La 
 Crosse, Wis., about 1855. The husband died there, about 1865, and she in 
 1887. Most of her family are settled in that vicinity. She was a noble 
 woman, partaking freely of the ' Smith ' blood, and was a devoted Christian 
 of the Baptist faith." 
 
 1. Rev. Henry Smith and his wife, Dorithy, came from England in 1637. 
 (See above). Their children were: Mary, John, Preserved (2), Samuel (3), 
 Dorithy, Joanna, Noah and Elijah. 
 
 2. Preserved Smith was born in 1637, on board of ship coming to America. 
 Of his children we have an account of but one, Preserved (4). 
 
 3. Samuel Smith, son of Rev. Henry (1), had a large family of children: 
 Samuel, Sarah, Dorithy, Ebenezer, Ichabod, Mary, James and Preserved. 
 
 4. Preserved Smith, son of Preserved (2), married and had seven children. 
 He died when his children were young. His wife, Mary, was born in 1681 
 and died in 1763. Their children were Preserved, Mary, Ebenezer, Samuel, V 
 Chileab (5), James and Moses. Preserved, Mary and Moses died young. 
 Ebenezer was killed at the raising of Mr. Moody's*barn; he had two children 
 Preserved, who died in the army, and Hannah, who married and had a 
 family. Samuel m. Sarah Morton and had 12 chiidren. He lived to be over 
 .90 years of age. He settled in Northfield, Mass. James m. Sarah Smith, 
 and lived to be over 90. He had two daughters. 
 
 5. Chileab Smith, son of Preserved (4), was born in South Hadley in 
 1708. He m. Sarah Moody and became the third settler in Ashfield, in 1751. 
 He was, in his time, the most noted man in Ashfield, and was the champion 
 of the Baptists for many years in that town. In 1774 he printed a pamphlet 
 of 18 pages, entitled " An Answer to the many Slanderous Reports Cast on the 
 Baptists at Ashfield, wherein is Shown the First Rise and Growth of the Bap- 
 tist Church there, together with the Sufferings they Passed Through." This 
 work was in the possession of one of his descendants, Mrj. Rebecca Smith 
 Richardson, of North LaCrosse, Wis. Mr. Smith died in 1800. His children 
 were: Mary, Ebenezer (6), Moses, Sarah, Jemima, Chileab (7), Mariam, Enos 
 (8), Eunice, and three others who died young. Mary m. Nathan Chapin. 
 They lived and died in Ashfield, where some of their posterity are yet to be 
 iound. They had seven children. Moses m. Diathena Briggs and had 11 

 
 406 
 
 children. He died March, 1828, aged 94 years. Sarah m. three times Na- 
 thaniel Harvey, Israel Standish and Samuel Elmer. She died aged 92. 
 Jemima m. Dea. Isaac Shepard, of Ashtield. She died in Stockton Oct. 29, 
 1828. Mariam m. Ephraim Jennings and had 5 children. Eunice m. Benja- 
 min Randall. 
 
 6. Elder Ebenezer Smith, son of Chileab, Sr. (5), m. Kemember Ellis. 
 *~v The last few years of his life was spent with his son, Dea. Ebenezer, Jr., in 
 
 Stockton, N. Y. He was buried in the cemetery in the village of Delanti 
 which is in the town of Stockton by the side of his grandson, Quartua, and his 
 sister, Jemima, widow of Dea. Isaac Shepard. A neat monument marks his 
 grave. For further account of him and his descendants see p. 71. 
 
 7. Chileab Smith. Jr., son of Chileab (5), was born in Hadley, Mass., 
 Oct. 16, 1742; died in Ashfield May 25, 1843. He married for his first wife 
 Elizabeth Sawyer, of Montague, and raised three children, two sons (twins) 
 and a daughter Chileab, 3d (9), Jeduthan (10), and Elizabeth (11). Chileab, 
 Jr. (7), had four wives. He married the last when he was 96 years of age, and 
 it is recorded that "the fifth generation of his posterity were present at the 
 nuptials." His last wife outlived him. Long accustomed to the good old 
 ways, he at first opposed, it is said, the use of stoves and instrumental music 
 in churches. He was a rigid Baptist, a sincere and pious man, and believed in 
 the Divine ordinance of marriage, claiming that, as to his wives, "the Lord 
 provided them," and each time that " the last was the best." Good philoso- 
 phy, whether based on religious motives or not. He outlived all his children. 
 The writer saw him a year or two before his death. He retained much 
 of his mental and physical vigor to the last. Ashfield produced many aged 
 men, but Chileab Smith, Jr. , was noted as the only one who reached the full 
 period of a century. 
 
 8. Elder Enos Smith, youngest son of Chileab, Sr. (5), was a Baptist 
 minister over 40 years in Ashfield. He m. Hannah Drake, of Buckland. He 
 died at 87 years of age. Their children were Zebina, m. Hannah Smithy 
 Calvin, m. Eunice Cobb; Emery, m. a Johnson; Uriah, m. Hatura Smith; 
 Laurilla, m. Ozee Munson ; Enos, m. Cynthia Chapin; Theressa, m. Hiram 
 Richmond, brother of Elijah; Julia m. Nathan Elmer. 
 
 9. Chileab Smith, 3d son of Chileab, Jr. (7), was born in Ashfield Aug. 
 4, 1765; d. 1839. He m. Lydia Briggs. Their children were: * Daniel, Lucy, 
 Betsey, Patty, Huldab, Russell, Sybil, Louisa, Ziba (12), and Elias (13). 
 
 10. Jeduthau Smith, twin brother of the above, d. 1835; m. Naomi 
 Bryant. Of their children: Nathan, born Sept. 15, 1788, m. Sally Putnam; 
 Polly died at the age of 56; Benajah, Eunice, Jeremiah, Lydia, Amerancy, 
 Andrew, Ezra, Lyman, Jeduthan, d. aged 19; William d. aged 21. 
 
 Jeduthan came to Chaut. Co. in 1816, but afterwards went west, where 
 he died. His son, Nathan, came with him from Ashfield and settled in 
 Cassadaga, N. Y., and had a family as follows: Dexter, now in Stockton; 
 Pliny and Jason in Fredonia; Sidney in Boston, Mass. ; Newell and Lydia in 
 Stockton; Naomi, who died in 1847, and Charlotte, who m. Ami Richardson, 
 and has several children in Chaut. Co. 
 
 11. Elizabeth Smith, dau. of Chileab (7), m. Philip Phillips, Jr., and 
 moved to Cassadaga, N. Y. (See page 379). 
 
 *The star indicates that the births of these children were not in the order named.
 
 407 
 
 12. Ziba Smith, son of Chileab, 3d (9), was born April 9, 1797; 
 he lived and died in Ashfield. He was a deacon in the Baptist church. 
 He died June 5, 1881, aged 84; married December, 1821, Rebecca Thayer; 
 she died 1830; married (second) June, 1832, Hannah Holoway; she died 
 July 18, 1887. Their children were: Edward T., born December 26, 
 1823, died 185J ; Lucius F., born May 25, 1826, died 1855; Hassadiah, 
 b. April 17, 1830, m. Austin Drake; Josiah Holoway, b. March 24, 1835, 
 d. about 1870; Lydia M., b. June 6, 1839, m. Drake; has one daughter; 
 Sarah S., b. May 2, 1842, (died), married November, 1873; John L. Newell; 
 had one son; Houghton Z , b. February 22, 1846, (14). 
 
 13. Elias Smith, son of Chileab 3d, (9) was born October 10, 1799, died 
 July 4, 1879; married Lydia Holoway. She died July 25, 1875; no children. 
 
 14. Houghton Z. Smith, son of Ziba, (12) b. February 22, 1846; is a 
 farmer; resides in Asfield, and owns the land where his forefather, Chileab 
 Smith, Sr. , settled in 1751. Hia is the only Smith family in that township 
 representing that ancestry. He m. April 20, 1870, Sarah M., dau. of Samuel 
 Howes, and their childen are: Charles Ziba, born April 5, 1871; Anna May, 
 b. September 9, 1872; George Holton, b. February 22, 1877; Frank Holoway, 
 b. September 16, 1878. Mr. Houghton Z, Smith lives at or near 35. See 
 map page 328. 
 
 THE BASSETTS. 
 
 Toward the close of the last century, among the many immigrants from 
 Cape Cod, were two sons of Capt. Elisha Bassett, of Dennis, Elisha, and Lot. 
 
 1. Elisha Bassett, with Susanna, his wife, settled on the farm now 
 owned by Ezra Packard, near the great pond. He was born in 1745; died 
 December 31, 1832. His wife d. July 27, 1831; had four children, Mary, 
 Henry, Abigail and William. 
 
 Mary Bassett, born in 1774; died in Ashfield, February 15, 1855. She 
 married Alvan Clark, and had nine children. Her fourth child, Alvan Clark, 
 Jr., was born in Ashfield, March 8, 1804. He was a successful portrait 
 painter, and later became noted and distinguished as an astronomer, and as a 
 manufacturer of telescopes. The one in the Lick Observatory, on Mount 
 Hamilton, California the largest one in the world was made by him and 
 his sons. He died at Cambridge, Mass., Aug. 19, 1887, aged 83 years. 
 
 Henry Bassett, Esq., born August 9, 1775; died in Ashfield, October 4, 
 1851; farmer; a respected and honored citizen; was for several years town 
 clerk, selectman, treasurer and member of State Legislature. He married 
 Hannah, dau. of Capt. Philip Phillips. She d. February 7, 1849. See page 
 381. Their children were: Susanna, boru 1801; m. J. F. L T pton, no children; 
 George, born April 2, 1803, d. April 11, 1885, unmarried; Mercy, born June 
 4, 1805, died February 21, 1874; m. Lorenzo Lilly, and had four children; 
 Phillip, born September 19, 1807, d. June 17, 1874; was selectman and mem- 
 ber of legislature; m. Sarah Vincent, she d. June I, 1862; he m. (second) 
 Jerusha S., dau. of Sanford Boice, has one daughter; Henry, born April 22, 
 1810, lives in Charlemont; m. Hannah Chapman; has children; William, 
 born November 1, 1819, d. November 9, 1869; m. Lucretia Crittenden; no 
 child; Hannah, Anna and Mary Bassett died, unmarried.
 
 408 
 
 Abigail Baaaett, born 17S2; d. 1867. She in. Barnabas Howes, and had 
 nine children, born in Ashfield. Her son, Barnabas Howes, Jr., has published 
 historical sketches of Aslield. See page 304. 
 
 Capt. William Bassett, born in 1787. An estimable citizen. About the 
 year 1825, settled on the Capt. Philip Phillips' farm, where he d. September 
 22, 1837. He m. in 1823, Nancy, dau. of John Alden; she died April 8, 1840. 
 He m. (second) November 1841, Lydia Gray. Their children are Wm. F., b. 
 July 11, 1825, and Nancy, b. August 22, 1828. 
 
 2. Lot Bassett, (son of Capt. Elisha,) was born in 1755. Settled on a 
 farm, in the Spruce corner district, about 1784; farmer and land surveyor; 
 had served some years in the Revolutionary war. He died July 23, 1835; m. 
 Deborah Howes. She d. June 6. 1846. They had ten children. 
 
 WiHiam, born December 17, 1782; lived in Hawley, and died there in 
 old age; had two children. 
 
 Elisha, Deborah and Mary Bassett died young. 
 
 Thomas, born April 10, 1789, d. about 1862; m. Fanny Sears; had nine 
 children; oldest son, Elisha Bassett, born in Ashfield, is a lawyer in Boston, 
 and Clerk of the United States District Court. 
 
 Lydia, born February 10, 1794, d. July 7, 1880; m. Lucius Smith, and 
 had seven children. 
 
 Francis, born May 4, 1796, in Ashtield; d. May 18, 1876. He m. Mehit- 
 abel Ford, and had three sons, who are in business in New York, and six 
 daughters, of whom, Julia A., the eldest, is wife of Henry S. Ranney. See 
 page 391. 
 
 Abigail, born May 27, 1799; d. May 5, 1881. 
 
 Samuel, born July 26, 1802; d. April 11, 1876. He was member of 
 School Committee many years, and teacher for over twenty terms. 
 
 Lot, born March 13, 1805; d. March 15, 1881. Had served as selectman, 
 and justice of the peace. The three last-named remained in possession of 
 the old homestead farm, and were unmarried. The inventory of their estate 
 was nearly SI 00, 000. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM RECORDS OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN 
 ASHFIELD. 
 
 December 24, 1800. At this meeting, after solemn labor with Bro. 
 Elisha Smith* for joining the Freemasons. After choosing a committee to 
 confer with him, and after solemn labor with him, the Church voted that they 
 could not commune with him in his present condition. 
 
 May 27, 1801. After considerable labor with Zadok King, for his joining 
 the Methodists. Voted that this Church cannot commune with him. [Zadok 
 wanted a letter giving Scriptural reasons for their course. ] 
 
 1803. Elisha Smith wished to be restored to the Church. After much 
 labor with him the matter was postponed to some future opportunity. 
 
 June 24, 1818. Voted to give Bro. David Ellis and his wife, Bro. Wil- 
 liam Ellis and his wife, a letter of recommendation where God in his Provi- 
 dence may cast their lot. [See page 87 .] 
 
 From Huckland ; father of Hoyt Smith.
 
 409 
 
 April 25, 1827. After consulting about the Freemasons, voted that it is 
 a burden to the Church that any of its members should be of that order. 
 
 June 18, 1828. At a Church meeting: voted that it is a grief to the 
 Church for any member of the Church to belong to the Freemasons, but, voted 
 that the grief is not so great as to expel a member from the communion; by 
 thirteen members to five against it, including the Elder for one. 
 
 At a Church meeting, June 25. Voted again, that it is a grief for any 
 member to belong to the Freemasons. Five members, including the Elder, 
 voted that they have no fellowship -with the Freemasons. Voted to put by 
 the communion next Lord's day, by reasons of the difficulty attending those 
 five members as mentioned above. 
 
 Lord's day, June 29. By reason of so general attendance of the Church 
 and the materials for the communion provided, the Church voted to recon- 
 sider the above vote for putting by the communion. Voted, by a great 
 majority, to attend upon the communion this day. 
 
 August 27. Taking into consideration, concerning the Freemasons who 
 belong to the Church, the following was voted : 
 
 "Viewing the imperfections of mankind which causes various minds in 
 the Church, we view it reasonable and agreeable to the word of God, that we 
 should use great condescension one towards the other in church discipline, and 
 not hastily expel a member from the Church who thinks different from us, who 
 are the majority. We find that many things creep into the Church hurtful to 
 the minds of some; one in particular concerning the Freemasons, which causes 
 uneasiness for a member to join that order; and, as there is some of that 
 order who are members of our Church, we view it as a duty, as a body, to let 
 it be known throughout the Church, that we think it will be for the union 
 of the Church and for the honor of religion, for those members of the Masonic 
 order not to meet with the lodge, to the grief of their brethren, which if 
 they do, they may expect it will cause a labour if not a discipline with them. 
 And, if any member hereafter should join the Freemasons, knowing that it is 
 a grief to the Church, it should be considered just grounds for the Church to 
 xcommuiiicate them." 
 
 NAMES OF [SOLDIERS "WHO BECAME ENTITLED TO " RIGHTS " OF 
 LAND IN ASHFIELD. 
 
 The following list of soldiers, in the Canada expedition in 1690, by sea 
 and by land, is copied verbatim from the manuscript record, that was evi- \/ 
 dently made by the clerk or some member of the company. His remark that r 
 ' ' several dyed " accounts for the remainder of the company. 
 
 Capt. Hunt was Colonel in the expedition at Groton, Mass., against 
 Indians in 1706-7, &c. He died at Weymouth in 1713, aged 63. He had X 
 twelve children. 
 
 The sacrifice of toil and blood, which was the price of the territory of 
 this township, should at least be recognized in the preservation of the names 
 of those by whom it was accomplished. [H. S. R.] 
 
 1 ' A list of the trained soldiers under the command of Capt. Ephraim 
 Hunt, Left., Ebenezer White, Ensigne, Nath'l Wales; Sergeants: Ben. Ludin, 
 Henry Prane, Gideon TirreJ, Thomas Fackson; Corporals: Nash, Palmer,
 
 ""^J 
 
 4io 
 
 Bailey, Chapin; Soldiers: Richard Phillips, Sam'l King, John Harricks, John 
 Phillips, Clement Briggs, James Otis, Sam'l Dawes, Sam'l Pratt, Richard 
 Davinport, John Whitmardh, Jacob Leonard, Thomas Hollis, Joseph Gooding, 
 Thomas Bolter, Ephraim Emerson, Moses Guest, Barnabas Douglas, John 
 Miller, Josi&h Owen, Samuel Thaire, Ephraim Coupland, Jehosaphat Crabtree, 
 Will Black, William Howard, John Pooll, Isaac Staple, John Staple, Corne- 
 lius Campbell, Caleb Littlefield, John China, Samuel Nightingale, Joseph 
 Penniman, Joshua Phillips, William Linfield, Joseph Drake, Ebenezer Owen, 
 Edward Darbie, Nath'l Blancher, Samuel Bass, Joseph Pratt, John Wild, 
 Isaack Thaire, William Drake, William Wells, John Joans. 
 
 " Wee arrived in Cape pann, November the 22; Several dyed." 
 
 One of the early proprietors of this township Col. Israel Williams, of 
 Hathfield, an active leader in military affairs was, in 1746, chosen Proprie- 
 tor's Clerk, and held the office fourteen years until 1760. Fourteen of the 
 quarto pages of the book of records of doings and proceedings at their meet- 
 ings, stand written in his clear and firm hand. And doubtless the families 
 of this little border hamlet were to him much indebted for their military pro- 
 tection against the relentless savages during the last Indian wars. 
 
 The tradition, that the settlers were absent from their homes here 
 between two and three years* from the date of their flight, June 11, 1755, 
 the day of the Charlemont massacre is not confirmed by further investi- 
 gation, as will appear in the following recital. 
 
 In August, 1754: hostilities with the French having again broken out 
 Gov. Shirley placed Col. Israel Williams in command, of all the forces raised, 
 and to be raised, for the the defense of Hampshire County. 
 
 Col. Williams writes to Shirley, September 12: "It is open war with 
 us, and a dark and distressing scene opening. A merciless and miscreant 
 enemy invading us from every quarter." 
 
 On the first scent of blood the border Indians put on the war-paint, and 
 the whole frontier was in danger from their incursions. The neighboring 
 forts were garrisoned, and Corporal Preserved Clapp, of Amherst, was sent 
 with ten men, as a guard, to Huntstown, but there was no fort there. The 
 corporal reports that they "garded the inHabitance until we had a Desmishon 
 from them." 
 
 1755. This was a year of great activity, and of disaster in the colonies. 
 On the 9th of July, Gen. Braddock was defeated at Fort Du Quesne, from 
 from which Col. Geo. W T ashington conducted the retreat. 
 
 June 11. Moses Rice and others were killed at Charlemont and hos- 
 tilities continued throughout the year. 
 
 In March, 1756, garrisons were established in the neighboring forts, and 
 towns. July 1, occurred the notable wedding trip of Ebenezer Smith and 
 Remember Ellis. July 8. Col. Williams stationed a guard to the families 
 there. 
 
 The spirit actuating the French commander, in conducting the war, is 
 indicated by the following extract from Montcalm's despatches home, Sep- 
 tember 22: "I will, as much as lies in my power, keep up small parties to 
 scatter consternation and the miseries of the war throughout the enemy's 
 
 *Rev. Dr. Shepard ; page 280.
 
 country," and with the help of his Indian allies well did he succeed in that 
 purpose. 
 
 "The man of thought, and even he of the dullest imagination, can pic- 
 ture the daily life of the pioneer far better from such notes than it can be 
 painted by the readiest pen. The parting each morning which may be the 
 last as the husbandman goes forth to sow or reap, that those dependent on 
 him may have bread. A slow death for them by starvation, or the risk of 
 a swift one by the bullet or tomahawk for him, was the only alternative. 
 We picture the slow hours of torturing anxiety to the wife and mother, 'til 
 night brought the loved ones home. " 
 
 During this year, many were the alarms, conflicts, deaths and captivities 
 suffered throughout the valley and the colonies. 
 
 1757. This spring the various garrisons were renewed; that at Hunts- 
 town with nine men, under Sergt. Ebenezer Belding, and for a portion of the y 
 time, under Sergt. Allen. There was an active campaign during the season, 
 throughout the colonies. The British arms suffered general disaster, and 
 
 the greatest was the surrender of Fort Wm. Henry, on Lake George, which 
 occurred August 9, with loss of great numbers of men and munitions of war. 
 The season closed with a great degree of gloom among the colonists. 
 
 1758. This year opened with improved prospects regarding the war, in 
 consequence of the accession of the able and intrepid William Pitt to the 
 head of affairs in the British government, and the campaign was conducted 
 with much greater success. 
 
 Colerain was twice invaded by Indians, by whom one or two of its 
 inhabitants were killed, and several taken prisoners. Huntstown was this 
 year garrisoned by Sergt. Moses Wright with nine men. 
 
 The enemy suffered many repulses, which paved the way to the reduc- 
 tion of Quebec in the following year, and soon after to the conquest of 
 Canada, and the final close of all Indian hostilities in New England. 
 
 The so-called "bars fight" occurred on the Deerfield Meadows, June 25, \ / 
 1746. Several persons while haying there were attacked by a large party of X 
 Indians, and made a stubborn defence with their guns, which they had taken 
 along. Five of the men were killed, a few escaped, and some were taken 
 prisoners; among the latter was the boy, Samuel Allen, who was for three 
 years held a captive in Canada. He and John Sadler, who escaped, were 
 afterwards among the most honored citizens of Ashfield. 
 
 The following, residents of Huntstown, or who afterwards became such, 
 were active participants in those old French and Indian wars: Richard Ellis, f- 
 Lieut. John Ellis, Reuben Ellis, Moses Nims, Asabel Amsden, Dea. John 
 Bement, Robert Gray, Nathan Frary, Joseph Mitchell, Samuel Belding and 
 Jonathan Lillie. 
 
 In March, 1758, the Indians attacked and wounded John Morrison and 
 John Henry, burnt a barn, and killed several cattle, in Coleraine. On the 
 21st of March, 1759, Indians again appeared in Coleraine, and captured John 
 McCown and his wife, and the latter was murdered on the second day's 
 march. 
 
 The population of Ashfield increased rapidly upon cessation of hostilities . 
 In 1776 it was 628, in 1790 it was 1,460, and in the year 1810 it had risen to 
 the number of 1809, the largest census it has had. The homes of the original
 
 412 
 
 proprietors were near Boston, but by removals and sales of rights, by the 
 time this town was settled, many persons in Hadley, Deerfield, and vicinity 
 held titles in the township lands. 
 
 The first recorded meeting of the proprietors of Huntstown was held at 
 Weymouth, March 13, 1738, when Capt. John Phillips was chosen moderator, 
 and a Clerk and Treasurer were also chosen. Measures were taken to have 
 the granted lands surveyed, divided, and settlements thereon made, and ways 
 constructed. A committee for that purpose was appointed, consisting of 
 Capt. Phillips, Capt. Cushing, and three others. Their report was made in 
 the month of July, 1739, at a meeting held in Braintree, and the first division 
 - of lands there made Capt. John Phillips drew lot No. 6 for himself. He 
 
 fdrew No. 13 for Richard Phillips, and Joshua Phillips drew No. 56 for 
 himself. The Proprietors' Records are in my possession and in pretty good 
 condition. The manuscript covers over two hundred large pages, made by 
 successive clerks, of good intelligence and capacity. At the time of their 
 services as soldiers, Capt. Hunt and his men were residents of Weymouth, 
 Braintree, Stoughton and Easton, towns situated near Boston, and contiguous 
 to each other. H. S. R. 
 
 -\ 
 
 THE ELLISES OF GREAT BRITAIN. 
 
 The name of ELLIS is common in English literature for several centuries 
 past. In early times it was written in various ways thus : Allis, Allice, Elis, 
 Ellis, Elles, Elys, Ellys, Ellice, &c. In our branch in this country, so far as I 
 can learn, it has uniformly been written Ettisby themselves, but in several old 
 letters written a century and more ago, and addressed to Richard and John 
 Ellis by others, they were sometimes addressed as Elis, Allis and Allice. 
 
 Wm. Smith Ellis, an attorney, of London, England, has given much 
 attention to the origin of the Ellis families of Great Britain from the earliest 
 times. His investigations extended over many years, and have been published 
 under the title of "Notices of the Ellises of England, Ireland and Scotland." 
 
 The earliest date at which the name is found is A. D. 815, in Wales, 
 where Griffin, a brother of the Elliaes, was slain. In 843, Roderick the 
 Great, King of Wales, had a grandson named Elis, who, it is thought, was the 
 progenitor of the numerous family of Ellises in that country.* 
 
 A descendant of Roderick, by name of Gwynnedd, who was king of 
 North Wales in the twelfth century, is said to have been the progenitor of 
 the Ellises of that section. The name of Ellis in Wales during several cen- 
 turies was not common, at least the record of the same is very imperfect, 
 down to the beginning of the seventeenth century. Since that time, as I am 
 informed, there have been many of them there. Of these it is probable that 
 most of the early representatives came from England. 
 
 Rev. John Ellis was born in Wales, in 1638. He was an Episcopal 
 minister in Dublin, where he died. 
 
 Rev. James Ellis, rector of Lelanduroy, died about 15%. 
 
 Anthony Ellis died in Wales about 1763. 
 
 In the later generations of Ellises, in Wales, the names of Richard, 
 Edward, John and Benjamin are common. 
 
 *In the tenth century the Christian names of the fathers wtre taken by the sons 
 as surnames.
 
 413 
 
 Wm. Smith Ellis estimates that there are about 40,000 Ellises in Great 
 Britain, of which about 2,500 are in Wales. His "Notices" contains the 
 names of probably 5,000 altogether, but a careful inspection does not enable 
 the writer to trace Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, Mass., back to any definite 
 family there. In Alrey, Wern and Pickhill there are Ellis families of great 
 antiquity. Common names among them were: Richard, John, David, 
 Ralph, Edward and Thomas. 
 
 Hugh, Thomas, Richard, Andrew and Edward Ellis lived in Northope, 
 Wales, from 1580 to 1724. 
 
 Richard, David (a clergyman), Owen, and other Ellises, lived in Body- 
 chan, Wales from 1649 to 1788. 
 
 At Overleigh, Wales, was a large family of Ellises, extending from 1500 
 to 1689. There were one or more in each generation named Matthew. 
 
 In 1884, John Ellis lived* at Macbynlleth, Wales, and Richard Ellis 
 resides there now. The latter is a grocer and in commercial business. His 
 father, John, was born in 1806 and is yet a strong and hearty man. Evan, a 
 brother of John, is now over 80 years of age. The father of these aged men 
 was Richard Ellis, and his father was Evan, who lived in 1720, and his grand- 
 father Rees Ellis, who was born previous to 1700. This branch of Ellises 
 was from Talyllyn and Mallwyd, in the County of Montgomery, Wales, in 
 early times. Rees had seven sons and two daughters. Two of his sons went 
 abroad and never returned. 
 
 In 1683 to 1711, Edward, George, James, Ralph, Matthew, and other 
 Ellises, are found in Yorkshire, in 1689. 
 
 In Leinstead, England, John Ellis and Mary Yenns were married in 
 1673. Also William Ellis in 1683. Peter and Elizabeth Ellis lived at thfr 
 same place in 1694 . 
 
 In 1689, John and Mary Ellis lived in Boughton, England. 
 
 William and Stephen Ellis lived at Lydd in 1449. 
 
 John Ellis and Mary Palmer were married in Wadhurst, England, in 
 1685. 
 
 Benjamin Ellis was a churchwarden in Lewes, England, in 1720. 
 
 In 1697, Thomas Ellis and Mary Ayres were married in Chailley. 
 
 In 1689, John Ellis and Mary Culpepper were married in Wadhurst. 
 
 In 1727, James Agar, son of Henry, married Lucia Martin, and their 
 only surviving son, Henry Welbore Agar, assumed the name of Ellis, since 
 which time that family have retained the name of Ellis. 
 
 Benjamin Ellis, of Somerset, died in 1758. His son, John, born 1754, 
 died in 1803. The latter's son, Benjamin, born 1784, died in 1844; leaving 
 seven sons: Octavius, Septimus, George, Gerard, Henry, William and 
 Benjamin. 
 
 In 1734, John, Anthony and Richard Ellis lived in Sussex, England. ., 
 Richard Ellis and Elizabeth Young were married in Leeds, England, in 1663. / 
 
 Henry and Annie Ellis lived in Lydd, England, in 1701. 
 
 In 1701, Edward Ellis and Elizabeth Gawen were married in Otham. 
 John Elfi?,s^r., and Elizabeth, _his wife, lived in Otham.
 
 4U 
 
 THK ELLISES OF IRELAND. 
 
 Thomas Kllis was Dean of Kildare in 1598. He had one son, Alson. 
 
 John Ellis, of Londonderry, died in 1754, leaving a son, Joseph. 
 
 Robert Ellis, of Dublin, died in 1746. 
 
 Thomas Elllis died in Cavan in 1758. He had two sons, Thomas and 
 Humphrey. 
 
 Henry Ellis was sheriff of Galway in 1731. 
 
 William Ellis was a scholar in Trinity College, Dublin, in 1711, and 
 Edward Ellis also, in 1713. 
 
 Thomas Ellis, of Athlone, made his will in 1637. He was from Wales. 
 He mentions his son, Thomas, Jr., and his brothers, Hugh, Robert, Oliver 
 and Richard. 
 
 Richard Ellis, of Ireland, about 1750, was ancestor of Richard Ellis, 
 M. D., of Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1867. 
 
 THE 1 .1.1.1 .!> OF ENGLAND. 
 
 Thomas, Simon and Adam Ellis are mentioned as early as 1270 to 1300, 
 in Yorkshire. 
 
 John, Ralph and Richard Ellis are found there in 1480. 
 
 Rev. John Ellis died there in 1493. 
 
 Richard Ellis was married there in 1640. 
 
 Matthew Ellis was sheriff in that county in 1787. 
 
 An old and numerous family of Ellises lived at Kiddall Hall, in Yorkshire 
 county. Sir John Elys, of Kiddall, died in 1398. Robert Elys was his heir. 
 Succssive members of this family were: Thomas, Henry "and William Elys. 
 Then followed Richard Ellys, Rev. John Ellis and Welbore Ellis, who was a 
 Bishop in the Episcopal church in 1705. The latter had a son, Welbore, who 
 married Anne Stanley, and they had a daughter, Anna Ellis, born 1707. 
 
 Wm. Smith Ellis, in the last number of his "Notices of the Ellises of 
 Great Britain," issued in 1881, states that the Ellis family of Kiddall endured 
 upwards of five centuries, and the Ellises of Stoneacre nearly four centuries. 
 His inquiries have been widely extended and he arrives at the consoling 
 conclusion, " that many of the Ellises of the present day may feel that 
 
 They are not of those whose ignoble blood 
 
 Has crept through scoundrels ever since the flood." 
 
 OTHER ELLISES. 
 
 The name of Ellis is at this day common in England, Ireland and Wales. 
 The first mention of this family that the writer finds is at Kiddall Hall, in 
 the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, and it dates back to the time of 
 the Norman Conquest, (A. D., 1055). In 1503, John Ellis was sheriff of 
 Yorkshire. One of this family, Sir Thomas Ellis, was six times mayor of 
 Doncaster. He died in 1562. 
 
 In 1617, Bernard Ellis, Esq., was recorder of York, and in 1709 William 
 Ellis, Esq., was high-sheriff of Yorkshire.
 
 In 1606, John Ellis was born at Kiddall Hall. He became an Episcopal 
 clergyman. He had six sons, one of whom, John, born 1645, was collector 
 of revenue for King James second, in Dublin Ireland, during the years 
 1686, 7 and 8. His brother, Phillip, known at Westminister School as 
 "Jolly Phil," was when a boy kidnapped, it was said, by the Jesuits, while 
 in school, and became a priest. In the "Gentlemen's Magazine," for 1769, is 
 an article, headed "Anecdotes of the Ellis Family," in which the writer says: 
 "that about the year 1730, there lived in Piccadilly a Mr. Ellis, [the above- 
 named John Ellis born 1645 and died in 1738] the history of whose family, 
 as related by himself, is very remarkable. Of his brother Philip, of whom 
 he had not heard for many years, he says: that being in a coffee-house one 
 day, he overheard an officer, who had been in Flanders, mention the great 
 civilities he had received there from a catholic priest, who was commonly 
 known as 'Jolly Phil.' This excited Mr. Ellis' curiosity, and, on further 
 inquiry, he was induced to write to the Bishop of Flanders, when he soon 
 found that the priest was his brother, Philip Ellis. He invited him over to 
 England, where he remained for some time, and was Confessor and in high 
 favor with James second, until the Revolution of 1688, when King James 
 was overthrown, and the penal laws against Catholics being strictly enforced 
 he went to Rome, where he was made a bishop." 
 
 Welbore Ellis (Episcopal) was Bishop of Meath. He died in 1734. 
 Xone of these brothers left children, and the family is believed to be extinct, 
 unless Samuel, who was Marshall of the King's Bench in 1688, or Charles, 
 who became a clergyman, left children. 
 
 OTHER ELLISES WHO WERE EARLY IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 The first Ellis of whom we find mention in Massachusetts was Dr. 
 Edward Ellis, a native of Wales. The year of his arrival is not given, but in 
 1652 he married Sarah Blott, a daughter of Robert and Susan Blott, of Boston. 
 Dr. Edward Ellis lived on the corner of Winder and Washington streets. 
 He died 1695, aged 74; his wife in 1711. They had ten children: Sarah, 
 born 1654; Anna, 1658, died 1678; Lydia, 1661; Edward, 1663; Mary, 1666; 
 Lydia, 1669; Robert, 1671; James, 1674. 
 
 In the settlement of this country, Ellis is a name early found among the 
 pioneers. Soon after the first landing of pilgrims, John Ellitf located in 
 Barnstable county, Massachusetts, and his descendants were very numerous 
 in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. About 1690, Samue', John and 
 Ebenezer Ellis, three brothers, came to Boston from Chester, England. 
 
 Samuel settled in Dedham, Massachusetts, and had four sons: John, 
 Samuel, Noah and Ebenezer. Dr. L. S. Ellis, of Manistee, Michigan, is a 
 descendant of Samuel, Jr. Dr. Edward Ellis, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, 
 82 years of age and in the active practice of his profession, is a son of 
 Ebenezer. This Ebenezer, about one hundred years ago, had an interview 
 with Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, but they could trace no relationship. Doctors 
 Rufus, George, and Calvin Ellis, noted men in Boston and Cambridge are 
 descendants of the EUises of Dedham.
 
 4i6 
 
 According to the records of Middleborough, Plymouth county, Massa- 
 chusetts, Joel Ellis and Elizabeth, his wife, lived in that town in 1716. Their 
 children were: Samuel, Matthias, Rebecca, Charles and Thomas. Of these: 
 Matthias, born 1720, had ten children: Joseph, George, Cornelius, Ebenezer, 
 Gamaliel, Daniel, etc. Ebenezer married Hannah Wood in 1777 and they 
 had ten children, Zephaniah, Daniel, Orren, Cyrus, Ebenezer, Jr., etc. 
 Ebenezer, Jr., born in 1797, married Mary D. Wheeler and they had four 
 children, two sons, James H. and Wm. W. Ellis, etc. The last was born in 
 1838, and now resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
 
 About 1700, an Ellis family from Wales settled in Montgomery county, 
 Pennsylvania, and a numerous posterity are found in that and in adjoining 
 counties now. Mrs. W. H. Holstein, of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, and J. 
 Alder Ellis, of Chicago, Illinois, are of that family. 
 
 About the time of the Revolution, Barzillai Ellis and two brothers came 
 from England and settled in Massachusetts. Barzillai removed to Conway, 
 Massachusetts, and afterwards to Chautauqua county, New York, where he 
 died about 1830. He had seven sons, all now dead, but they have numerous 
 descendants in western New York. Dr. David E. Ellis of Belvidere, Illinois, 
 and Dr. Samuel G. Ellis, of Syracuse, New York, now 72 years of age, are 
 grandsons of Barzillai Ellis. 
 
 Early in the history of the colonies, John, Amos and William Ellis came 
 from Wales to this country; it is said that they were shoe and leather dealers. 
 John settled at Boston, Amos in Quebec, and William in Jamestown, Vir- 
 ginia. Rev. Dr. F. M. Ellis, now of Tremont Temple, Boston, is a descend- 
 ant of William, who settled in Virginia. It is probable that this last is the 
 family which it was intended Richard Ellis, of Ashfield, should find, when 
 he emigrated to this country, an orphan boy, in 1717. See page 9. 
 
 Thomas Ellis came from England soon after the landing of the pilgrims. 
 He settled in Medfield, Massachusetts. His son, Samuel, had two sons, 
 named Samuel and Timothy. The latter, Timothy, settled in Medway in 
 1725. His son, Oliver, lived on the homestead, where he died in 1848, 
 aged 81 years. His son, Simeon, died there in 1872, aged 83 years. The 
 latter's son, Chester Ellis, now lives in Medway, and Chester's sister, Mrs. 
 Mary Ellis Jones, in Milford, Massachusetts. 
 
 Judge Caleb Ellis, born at Walpole, Massachusetts, 1767, died 1816; 
 graduated at Harvard 1793, and practiced law at Claremont, New Hampshire, 
 was in Congress in 1804. 
 
 Rev. Rufus Ellis was ordained in Northhampton, Massachusetts, in 
 1843, where he preached ten years, afterwards in Boston. 
 
 In 1762, Mercy Ellis, of Plymouth, married John Bartlett, and had Ellis 
 in 1770, who m. Anna Bartlett in 1796, and had Ellis, born 1817, who m. 
 Sophia Ashmead, of Philadelphia, and had Wm. Ashmead Ellis Bartlett, in 
 1846, who married Baroness Burdett Coutts, of England. 
 
 In the town of Orange, Franklin county, in 1791, the town was divided 
 into five school districts or wards. In ward five were the names of John, 
 Nathan, Moses and Seth Ellis. 
 
 Rev. Harmon Ellis preached to the Baptist church in Hancock, Berkshire 
 county, Massachusetts, in 1849.
 
 417 
 
 Kev. Robert F. Ellis, Baptist, preached in Chicope, Hampden county, 
 Massachusetts, in 1845. 
 
 Rev. Geo. E. Ellis, of Boston, is author of "Massachusetts and its 
 Early History." 
 
 Dr. Ellis was a physician in Ludlow Massachusetts, many years ago. 
 Children of Jonathan Ellis, of Vermont: Hiram Ellis, born about 1800, 
 now dead; Loren Ellis lives in Ohio; Thomas Ellis, dead; Daniel Ellis, born 
 1806, died in Rawsonville, Michigan, in 1871; Elijah Ellis lives in Cleveland, 
 Ohio; David Ellis, dead; lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan; John Ellis, born about 
 1812, now dead; and Mary Ellis. 
 
 Daniel was father of Hon. Myron H. Ellis, aged 45, of New Boston, 
 Michigan, late member of the Michigan Legislature. 
 
 Mrs. J. S. Jenness, of Ypsilanti, is a daughter of Elijah Ellis, of Cleveland. 
 
 Barzillai Ellis lived in Conway, Massachusetts, next town east of Ashfield, 
 a century ago. He removed with his large family to Chautauqua county, 
 New York, where he died in 1827. His children were: Barzillai, Jr., died 
 1854; Asa, d. 1857; Freeman, d. 1842; Benjamin, d. 1855; Joel, d. 1852; 
 Elnathan, d. 1854; Samuel, d. 1856, in Chicago. 
 
 Barzillai Ellis, Jr.'s children: Louisa, m. Gerry Smith; Samuel, was a 
 physician in Syracuse, New York; David, a physician in Belvidere, near Chi- 
 cago, and Elisha . 
 
 Asa Ellis' children: Mary, m. Williston Phillips; Asa, Jr.; Levi; Cla- 
 rissa, m. a Goulding; Lucy, m. a Bailey; Franklin, m. a Smith; and Sally, m. 
 a Crawford. if 
 
 Freeman Ellis' children: Barzillai, Freeman, Lyman, Lucius, Livenus> 
 lives at Laoni, New York; Lewis, Polly, Lydia and Rachel. 
 
 Benjamin Ellis' children: Permelia, Eleanor, Jane, Sophia, Mason, 
 Datus, Joel and Ensign. 
 
 Asa Ellis, born 1804, in Smyrna, Chenango county, New York, now lives 
 in DeRuyter, New York. His father, Joel, was born in Conway, Massa- 
 chusetts, in 1775. Joel was a son of Barzillai and Sarah (Tobey) Ellis. Bar- 
 zilliai was born June 9, 1747, and his wife June 5, 1755; married March 6, 
 1773. This family lived in Conway, Massachusetts, and later in Chautauqua 
 Co., New York. Joel Ellis died in Madison Co., New York, about 1852. 
 
 Thomas, Samuel and Timothy Ellis lived in Medway, Massachusetts, 
 in the middle and later part of the last century. Chester Ellis died there 
 in 1872, aged 83 years. His father, Oliver, died there in 1848 aged 
 81 years. He was a son of Timothy, Jr., son of Samuel, and great 
 grandson of Thomas. All the Elliscs are now gone from that town, 
 except Chester Ellis. John and Caleb Ellis, aged men, now live in Medfield, 
 Massachusetts. Mrs. Mary Ellis Jones, sister of Chester Ellis, now lives at 
 Milford, Massachusetts. 
 
 John W. Ellis, a leading capitalist and banker of New York city, resides 
 at 20 W. 57th street. His wife is a lady of unusual intelligence. She has 
 given much attention to the genealogy of some of the New England Ellises, 
 as well of those of Great Britian, and has favored the writer with several 
 volumes mentioning these families. Mr. Ellis is a lineal descendant of John 
 Ellis, Jr., who m. Elizabeth Freeman in 1644. He was a surveyor in 
 Sandwich, Barnstable county, Massachusetts. Their children were: Bennet,
 
 4i8 
 
 Mordecai, Joel, Matthias, and John, Jr. Mordecai, born 1050, m. 1671, d. 
 1715. His children were: John, Samuel, Josiah, William, Mordecai, Jr., 
 Benjamin, Sarah, Eleanor, Mary and Rebecca. Josiah m., 1712, Sarah Black- 
 well; children: Josiah, Jr., Deborah, Stephen, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Philip, 
 Micah and Sarah. Benjamin, son of Josiah, born 1721, d. 1806, m. Elizabeth 
 Tapper in 1745. Their children: Susan, born 1746; Philip, 1750; Sally, 
 1752; Micah, 1754, Mordecai, 1759; Jesse, Elizabeth and Polly. Philip, b. 
 1750, m. an Alden; Micah, b. 1754, m. Mary T. Copeland in 1780; she was 
 b. 1762 aiid died 1812. Their children: Tryphena, b. 1781; Benjamin, b. 
 1786; d. in Brooklyn, New York, 1862; m. Sallie Tweed in Ohio, February, 
 1815; she died in 1826. Their children: Mary, b. December, 1815; John 
 Washington, b. August 15, 1817, and Townsend, 1821. Mr. John W. Ellis 
 has one son, Ralph N., b. March 12, 1858. 
 
 Henry D. Ellis, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has devoted "much time 
 and labor to collecting Ellis genealogies. He is of the Alden-Ellises, a 
 grandson of Josiah, above. It ia hoped that he will have his researches in 
 the Ellis' genealogy published. 
 
 John French Ellis, of the Stoneacre family of Ellises, was born in 
 England in 1776; came to America in 1795; m. Maria, dau. of Wm. Willcocks, 
 field officer in the Continental army. He had four sons: William, d. in 
 infancy; Henry A , d. unmarried; John French, d. , leaving no male issue; 
 and Samuel Corp. The latter m. Elizabeth, dau. of Aug. C. Van Horn and 
 Margaret Livingston, of the Livingston Manor, and had five sons: Gen. 
 Aug. V. H. Ellis, who died without issue; John Stoneacre, having one son; 
 Col. Henry A., of the U. S. Army, died without male issue; Maj. Julius 
 Livingston, died unmarried; and Samuel Claudius Ellis, unmarried. The 
 latter lives at 121 Madison Avenue, New York city. 
 
 Their were several Ellises in Dedham, Massachusetts; settled as early as 
 1643. Richard Ellis, a fine penman, whose signature is on record. Also a 
 John Ellis, at about the same date, lived near Richard, could not write 
 makes his "mark" when signing documents. R. Ellis married Elizabeth 
 French, 1650; he was born 1621, or 2. She was also born in England. John 
 Ellis, of Dedham, married, in 1641, Susan Lombard or Lambart. 
 Ann Ellis, of Dedham, married Edwin Colver, 1638. 
 An early settler of Salem was named Thos. Ellis. Another was Christo- 
 pher Ellis. 
 
 Mary Ellis, of Boston, Massachusetts, nearly related to Edward Giblons, 
 who married Samuel Scarlett, in the town of Kersey, County Suffold, Eng- 
 land, previous to 1657. 
 
 Freeman Ellis' will, St. James Clerkenwell, proved at Doctor's Commons, 
 October 2, 1664. 
 
 E. R. Ellis, a young man, with his brother. Richard A., and another 
 brother, a sister and mother, have recently located 2,000 acres of land on 
 Big Sandy creek, about twelve miles north-east of Lamar, Bent county, 
 Colorado. They were from Georgia. Wm. A. Ellis, (455) late of Ashtabula, 
 Ohio, has settled on a farm near these Ellises. 
 
 William J. Ellis, born in Wales, 1837, now lives in Auburn, New York. 
 There are many Ellises along the Ohio river, of Welsh stock. Ellis Ellis
 
 419 
 
 <:ame to this country about the middle of the last century. His son, William, 
 left the homestead, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and went to Kentucky. 
 
 William Ellis had three sons: Elias, Amos and Isaac, who were then 
 young men Elias having a wife and two children. Slavery was repugnant 
 to the family, and as soon as it was safe to risk the Indians, they crossed from 
 Maysville, Kentucky, to Ohio. William and his sons, Amos and Isaac, settling 
 in 1795, in Brown county, and Elias, in Muskingum county. There was 
 another large family, also of Welsh descent, who settled in Adams and 
 Brown, about the same time; and still another who settled in the river 
 counties, on the Kentucky side of the Ohio. The family names were : Abram, 
 James, John, Nathan, Samuel, Noah, etc. Col. Elias Ellis, who for many 
 years represented Muskingum county, and Amos Ellis, of Woodford county, 
 Illinois, are the only living children of the pioneers, and they are now very 
 old men. 
 
 Mr. E. C. Ellis, grandson of Isaac, above, lives at Elliston Station, 
 Ohio, on the C., H. & D. Railroad. The place was named for John W. Ellis, 
 Esq., of New York City, a Vice-President of the road. 
 
 Orville N. Ellis, of Kankakee, Illinois, and Anderson N. Ellis, of Ham- 
 ilton, Ohio, are both physicians of note. 
 
 Seth Ellis, a farmer of prominence, residing near Springboro, Warren 
 county, Ohio. He was for four years Master of the State Grange of Ohio, and 
 is something of a local preacher in the M. E. Church. 
 
 A few years ago, there was also a family of the name living at Cedarville, 
 Green county, Ohio, who were Methodists. One or two of the young men 
 became preachers. 
 
 There was a John Ellis, a preacher, in the Christian Church, who resided 
 several years in Dayton, Ohio. He was a New Yorker now preaching in 
 California. 
 
 There is an Ellis family in Cincinnati, from Massachusetts. They are 
 mostly bankers, and Unitarians in religion. 
 
 W. R. Ellis, Esq., is a prominent lawyer at Heppner, Oregon. His 
 father, James, born in Kentucky, about 1823, died in Montgomery county, 
 Indiana, 1851. His grandfather, Thomas, lived near Shelbyville, Kentucky, 
 and was formerly from Virginia. H. C, Ellis, son of Thomas, lives at Ross- 
 ville, Illinois. 
 
 Mr. W. D. Ellis, inventor of an automatic gate, lives at Blaine, Illinois. 
 His father, William, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1812, and a brother, 
 James, lives at Mariuette, Wisconsin. Jackson Ellis lives in Beloit, Wis- 
 consin, and a Dr. Ellis at Rockport, Illinois. 
 
 Gideon Ellis, born in Massachusetts, died in Randolph, Vermont, about 
 fifty years ago, aged nearly 100 years. His children were: Calvin, Elijah, 
 Josiah, Bethuel, Asa and Gideon. The last-named died in 1861, aged 90 
 years; had nine children. H. G. Ellis, of Roxbury, Vermont, and B. W. 
 Ellis, a lawyer, of Chicago, are his grandsons. 
 
 Rev. Luther Ellis is an aged clergyman, of Waterloo, Iowa. 
 
 James Fulton Ellis lives at Marinette, Wisconsin. He has brothers, 
 William A., at Peshtigo; Robert and Oakman A., at Oconto; and Charles J., 
 at Marinette. Their father, William, was a son of Rev. Jonathan Ellis, born 
 in Franklin, Connecticut, 1762; m. Mary, dau. of Robert Fulton, of Top-
 
 420 
 
 sham, Maine. She died in I860, aged 91 years. Jonathan was a son of 
 Rev. John Ellis, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1727 Chaplain in the 
 Revolutionary army died at Norwich, Connecticut, 1805. He was a son of 
 Caleb Ellis, who came from England, and lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 
 
 Samuel Ellis was an early settler in Dedham, Massachusetts. His chil- 
 dren were John, Noah, Ebenezer and Amelia. He went to Norwich, Hamp- 
 shire Co., Mass., in early times, and where he died about 1825, a very aged 
 man. He had three brothers, two of whom died in the French and Indian 
 war. His son, Ebenezer, lived in Chester and Norwich, Massachusetts, 
 where his children, Samuel, Edward, Hylas, Ebenezer H., Harriet and 
 Chris ta, were born. Samuel, born in 1802, died in Cummington, Mass., In 
 1875. Dr. Edward Ellis, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, born 1804, d. 1886, 
 was the second son of Ebenezer. Samuel, born 1802, was the father of 
 Dr. L. Stiles Ellis, of Manistee, Michigan, and Miss Elvira Ruth Ellis, 
 of 324 E. 27th st., New York City. Miss Ellis is a noted teacher. Dr. E., 
 of Manistee, is a prominent physician and widely noted temperance advocate. 
 
 Moses Ellis, born about 1766, came to East Barnard, Vermont, from 
 Walpole, Massachusetts. His brothers were: Joseph, Daniel, Aaron and 
 Jesse. Moses had two sons, Clark and Enoch. Clark was born 1795, died 
 1862. Enoch, born 1804, died 1879, leaving four sons. Joel C., only son of 
 Clark, was born 1816 and now lives in East Barnard. Aaron lived in Wal- 
 pole, and had five sons: James, Charles, Oliver, Caleb and Albert. Jesse 
 had two sons, Joseph and Jesse, Jr. 
 
 Thomas J. Ellis, of Covington, Ky., was born 1836; his father, James, 
 born 1802, in Virginia; his grandfather, William, was born in Virginia about 
 1764, died in Kentucky, at 81 years of age. Russell B. Ellis, son of William, 
 now lives in Kokomo, Ind., over 70 years of age; the last of eight children. 
 
 Amos Ellis lives in Williarnsburg, and his brothers, Nelson and Alonzo, 
 in Ripley, Ohio. 
 
 Hon. Lorenzo Ellis lives at Eiliston, Ohio; he is in the stave and store 
 business; he was born in Walpole, Mass., in 1834; has a son, William D., b. 
 1860. Billings Ellis, elder brother of Lorenzo, lives at Walpole, Mass. 
 Lorenzo Ellis has been a member of the Ohio legislature two terms. 
 
 Mr. A. D. Ellis is a prominent resident of Owego, N. V. 
 
 N. J. Ellis is a farmer, lives near Springfield, Mich. His father, Benj. 
 A., lived in Ontario Co., N. Y. Harry, a cousin of Benj. A., a very aged 
 man, lives in Victor, N. Y., as does his son, Bolivar Ellis. 
 
 Benj. Ellis, son of John, lives in Freeville, N. Y. His grandfather, 
 John, Sr., had brothers, Peleg, Arnold and Oliver. 
 
 Rev. Charles D. Ellis is a Presbyterian clergyman at Saginaw, Mich. 
 
 Hon. J. V. Ellis, of St. John, N. B. , member of the Canadian parliament 
 1887, declared himself in favor of the annexation of Canada to the United 
 States. 
 
 Richard Allis, or Ellis, was a passenger in the ship Lion, June 22, 1632, 
 for New England. (New England, at an early date, was often designated as 
 Virginia. ) 
 
 Mrs. Mary Ellis Durkee, born 1798, lives with her son-in-law, T. J. 
 Potter, at Fort Edward, N. Y. Her father, John, born 1759, died 1826. 
 Her grandfather, John, Sr., died in Montreal, in 1770, aged 79 years. James
 
 421 
 
 Ellis, of Plymouth. Ohio, is a nephew of Mrs. Durkee. Benson Ellis lives 
 at Greenwich, Ohio. 
 
 David F. Ellis, born in Wales in 1841, a printer, lives at Utica, N. Y. 
 His father, Ellis Ellis, lives at Deerfield, Oneida Co., N. Y., on a farm, with 
 his son, Hugh M. They all came from Wales, about 1848. Hugh was four 
 years in the Union army. 
 
 Mr. J. W. Ellis, of New Castle, Ind., is of the Carolina Ellises. His 
 grandfather, John, and two brothers were from Scotland. 
 
 James M. Ellis, born 1810, lives at Syracuse, N. Y. ; a banker. His 
 father, Gen. John Ellis, was born in Hebron, Conn., 1764. His parents were 
 John, Sr., and Elizabeth (Sawyer) Ellis. 
 
 M. E. Ellis, of Pittsburg, Pa., was born 1852. His father, Geo. Riley 
 Ellis, was born in Henrietta, Monroe Co., N. Y. ; grandfather Guerdon and 
 great-grandfather William Ellis were from Norwich, Conn. 
 
 Mr. William P. Ellis lives in Washington City, lud., of \hich he is 
 mayor. His father, William, born 1802, died 1883; was from North Carolina, 
 and was the youngest of his father's family; his brothers were John and 
 David, all sons of William, Sr. 
 
 Mr. H. Z. Ellis, of Philadelphia, Pa , is agent for the Ellis Family of 
 Professional Vocalists. He was born 1824, at Plymouth, Vt. He has Ellis 
 uncles, Caleb, Ebenezer and Warren, at Newton Center, Mass. His children 
 the vocalists are Misses Romie M. , Fanny May, Gracie Marie, and Messrs. 
 Frank H. and Fred. S. Ellis. Their summer residence is at York Beach, 
 Maine. 
 
 Dr. Edwin Ellis has a drug store at Ashland, Wis. He was born in 
 Maine in 1824. His father, John, born 1798, died in California in 1871, had 
 brothers, Ebenezer, Gideon, Jonathan and Scott. 
 
 Elias Ellis, born 1805, in Ohio; lives at Ellis, Muskingum 'Co., Ohio. 
 He is a farmer. His great-grandfather, Ellis Ellis, was a Welshman; came 
 to America early in 1700; his grandfather, William, died 1813, in Ohio; his 
 father, Elias, died 1833. 
 
 Mr. A. N. Ellis, of Austin, Minn., was born at Potsdam, N. Y., 1834. 
 He is in the farming and cattle business. His father, Freeman Ellis, was 
 born at Yarmouth, Mass., in 1790. His grandfather, Isaac, lived in Yar- 
 mouth, and afterwards in Springfield, Vt. Great-grandfather, Joseph, and 
 the latter's father, Joshua Ellis, were from Cape Cod, Mass. 
 
 Dr. Richard W. Ellis is a druggist at Los Angeles, Cal. 
 
 Jehu Green Ellis lives at Auburn, N. Y. His father, Richard, is English, 
 born 1830; died 1872. 
 
 Ernest Spencer Ellis, born 1858, in Vermontville, Mich., is a lawyer at 
 Kalkaska, Mioh. His father, Elmer Eugene was^born in Genesee Co., N. Y. 
 Grandfather, Harvey, and great grandfather, Gideon Ellis, all resided in 
 Genesee Co., N. Y. Elmer Eugene Ellis now lives in Charlotte, Mich. 
 
 Mr. W. C. Ellis lives at North's Landing, Ind. His father was John, of 
 Calhoun, Ga., a son of Stephen Ellis, of South Carolina, of Scotch descent. 
 
 Burwell P., Carlos W., Charles, Geo. W., Luther P., Mortimer M. and 
 Caroline S. Ellis live in Richmond, Va. 
 
 Dr. C. F. Ellis is a physician at Ligonier, Ind. 
 
 Noah, John, James and Joseph Ellis were coopers, and lived near
 
 422 
 
 Newburg, and later near Goshen, N. Y. Noah m. Hanuah Carpenter; born 
 178(5; had seven children: Lydia, Samuel, Lewis, Susan, Harriet, William 
 and Ira. James Ellis had four children: John, William, Walter and Eliza. 
 Noah Ellis died about 1840. Ira, son of Noah, had several children; one of 
 whom, George A. Ellis, lives in Brooklyn, N. Y., and has been book-keeper 
 and local manager for Leonard & Ellis see page 259 for twelve to fifteen 
 years. He has a younger brother in the same office. 
 
 J. M. Ellis, Esq., is a lawyer, of Denver, Col. His father was a native of 
 North Carolina, and was of Welsh descent, and a brother of Geo. R. Ellis, 
 of Pontotoc, Miss. 
 
 Robert Ellis is a resident of Pompey, N. Y. His grandfather, Robert, 
 had six sons: Clark, Samuel, Hiram, Elias, John and Pierce; born in or near 
 Amsterdam, N. Y. William B. Ellis, son of Clark, lives at Greenwich, Ohio. 
 
 Mr. W. R. Ellis lives at Goshen, Ind. His father was Erastus W. H., 
 born 1815, and grandfather, William R., born in Windham, Conn., in 1784; 
 great-grandfather, Ezekiel Ellis, an officer in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 Daniel Ellis, from North Carolina, settled in Indiana about 1810. His 
 children were: Levi, Jesse, James, Marvin, John, Willam, Mary Elizabeth, 
 Margaret and Sarah. Marvin, born 1821, has a son, 0. W. Ellis, born 1845, 
 at Dubois, Ind. 
 
 J. A. Ellis. Chicago, 111., is a commission merchant. He has a sister, 
 Mrs. William H. Holstein, Bridgeport, Pa. Their grandfather, Wm. Ellis, 
 lived in Muncie, Perm. His son, William Cox Ellis, father of J. A., was a 
 lawyer and Congressman and widely noted for talent and benevolence. 
 
 The Ellises of this country number many thousands, some of whom 
 descended from Welsh, English and Scotch ancestors, who came here soon 
 after the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620. 
 
 In 1883, Wm. T. Davis, of Plymouth, Mass., published a volume entitled 
 ' ' Geneqlogical Register of Plymouth Families and Ancient Landmarks of 
 Plymouth." Mr. Davis had made extensive researches and his book contains 
 the names of nearly three hundred Ellises. 
 
 PERSONAL LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS. 
 
 It is usual in books of the nature of this to include some family letters 
 and documents, for the purpose of revealing to the later generations some- 
 what of the trials and experiences of those who have gone before. With 
 those here given is revealed much of the personal traits of the writers and 
 the motives by which they were actuated, as well as the struggles which 
 they cheerfully and nobly made to overcome the obstacles of their often 
 unpropitious surroundings. Considerable of historical interest is also to be 
 found in these communications. Many of these people were pioneers in the 
 then wilderness regions of country which, in order to develop and make for 
 themselves and their posterity desirable homes, required a degree of heroism 
 which we now can scarcely appreciate. So far as we can ascertain they were 
 all people of integrity and virtue, with just and pure ambitions and filled 
 well the duties of their station. Few of them attained much of worldly 
 wealth, the standard of success which is now so generally recognized, and yet
 
 423 
 
 we, in this day, have an instinctive feeling that no one makes a failure of 
 life, if in all his life-work he keeps his affections pure and tender, his head 
 clear and his heart right. In this respect our progenitors have given us 
 examples worthy of imitation and are entitled to our gratitude and veneration. 
 
 The following letter was written in June, 1804, by Mrs. Samuel Annabie 
 to her daughter Polly (or Molly) Ellis, wife of Dea. Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield. 
 Bethiah, whose name is found at the close of the letter was Mrs. Annable's 
 youngest daughter. See page 365. The numbers in brackets thus [ ] refer 
 to corrre spending numbers in the main part of the book. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, N. Y. 
 To MOLLY ELLIS, Ashfield, Mass. : 
 
 These lines come to let you know that we are all well. I think I am 
 better than when I lived in Ashfield. Your father also has his health I 
 think very remarkably. David [see page 368] and family are well. We 
 heard you were coming up this fall. I suppose you and your child are well, 
 but, oh! remember, we are liable every day to sickness and death; and do, 
 Molly, let us strive to be prepared to change worlds, it will soon come; and 
 do let us strive to live in love with God and set our affeotious on things 
 above, so that we may live happy and die happy. When you see Hannah H. , 
 
 ytell her that Irene [probably 34] does not forget her wants her to live so V 
 that she may be happy with Christ to all eternity. Your uncle, Thomas, ' 
 [see page 366] seemed to live this world purely. He told me, often, he 
 prayed all the time. I take much satisfaction in Moses [probably her grand- 
 son, Moses Bartlet] and his wife. I bid you all farewell. 
 
 DESIRE ANNABLE. 
 
 Remember my love to all my neighbors, one and all, and all my friends. 
 Give our love to Mr. Lyon and wife. 
 
 To SAMUEL AND REBECCA : [See page 367.] 
 
 We heard from you by Mr. Balding. You were all well then and I hope 
 these lines will find you well. I heard you had three children to take care [: 
 of; do teach them the fear of the Lord as well as to take care of their bodies, v 
 I want you to write to us about Edward [probably 39] and his family. Rufus 
 Johnson's wife has got a son. Mrs. Forbush [71] has a daughter. She 
 names it Elizabeth Mindwell, [born June 13, 1804.] Jonathan Ellis [26] and 
 his family are well. I want you to write concerning Abigail Bslding, whether 
 she was willing to die. Give my love to Sylvia [75.] I went to quarterly 
 meeting last winter. A solemn assembly met together. Mr. Savage has 
 bought about a mile and a half from our house. Give my love to Hannah 
 Williams [63.] BETHIAH. 
 
 Letter from E Iward Ellis [70] to his father, Lieut. John Ellis, of Ash- 
 field. No date is given, but it must have been written probably in June, 
 1799 or 1800. 
 
 HONORED PARENTS : SEMPRONIUS, N. Y. 
 
 I now take my pen in hand to inform you of the welfare of my family. 
 Amanda is sick and has been under the doctor's care for some time. 
 Although she is some better, the doctor thinks she will not be able to do
 
 424 
 
 much this summer. It is a general time of health here: our friends are all 
 well. My cousin, Banjamin Ellis, has bought him a farm, about a mile from 
 here. Peleg Standish lives with me this summer, and has bought laud 
 adjoining Mr. Ellis and Mr. Stafford, and now there is a lot to be sold a mile 
 west of him. I think it is as handsome land as ever I saw. There is a great 
 deal of valuable timber on it and is well waiered by a number of very fine 
 springs. It is number 33 and is owned by one, Major Xewkirk. I have 
 been informed, by men who have seen him, that it may be had very reason- 
 ablyfor two dollars if paid down or twenty shillings if paid one-third down. 
 Major Ledyard says it is as good a title as any in the country. Maj. New- 
 kirk lives on the Mohawk river, at Palatine Church, and if there is anyone 
 coming from Ashfield into this country they can call and see Xewkirk. That 
 land is worth four dollars an acre, and I should be glad to buy one hundred 
 acres myself. Crops look promising. The distance is so preat that we can 
 seldom see each other, but I mean to come to Ashfield as soon as I can, but 
 I get little time and I do not know what will happen. I am haying and in 
 a hurry and must close my letter, hoping these lines will find you all enjoying 
 the blessing of health. Give my love to all inquiring friends. 
 
 From your son, EDWARD ELLIS. 
 
 Letter from Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield, to Barnabas Annable of Sem- 
 pronius, N. Y. 
 
 DEAR SIR : ASHFIELD, MASS., May 12, 1802. 
 
 The note that you left in my care, against Ezra Williams, I have received 
 the contents of, except seventy-three dollars. I have taken up the orders 
 as you directed and have paid Dr. Dickinson, Dr. Smith and Thomas White 
 some money, in settlement of their accounts. I did not take my pay for my 
 note that I hold against you, as I did not stand in need of it, but will send 
 you the note and take my pay of Williams, when he pays the balance due 
 you. I am well at present and Polly also. Our child is sick, but I think he 
 is getting some better now. I hope these lines will find you well. Give our 
 love to father and mother Annable and 'to all inquiring friends, etc. 
 
 DIMICK ELLIS. 
 
 P. S. Please write to me by the bearer of this and send receipt for the 
 money I send you. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, June 2, 1802. 
 
 This day received by the hand of Lieut. John Ellis, $309.45 in full of 
 this bill. BARXABAS ANNABLE. 
 
 Letter from Barnabas and his wife, Ruth (Moon) Annable, to Dea. 
 Dimick Ellis and wife. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1806. 
 
 DEAR SISTER: I am now quite sick. I have not been so well the last two 
 years as I was the two first years after we came into this country. Dear Sister: 
 The Lord, in his providence, has been pleased to visit this family with the stroke 
 of death. Our brother Samuel is gone and left us here to mourn, but not 
 as those without hope. [See page 367.] You desired us to write the par- 
 ticulars of his death. He was sick about two months, he got better twice 
 when he had the third relapse. David [his brother, see page 368] told him
 
 425 
 
 he must certainly die. He said they must send for his brother Barnabas, to 
 
 pray with him, for, said he, I must certainly go to if I die in my present 
 
 situation. Barnabas went and stayed with him until the day ot his death, 
 all the time of which he appeared in bitter agony of soul, pleading for salva- 
 tion, until about three days before he died, when he revived and said he had 
 been in perfect readiness for three days. 
 
 Ruth failing, I take the pen to finish her letter. He readily confessed 
 that he had many hard thoughts of me for spending so much time in preach- 
 ing, but now, said he, I see that souls are of some consequence and you have 
 done much good in preaching; therefore, go and do all the good you can. 
 Respecting his property, he left it in will to his wife, or widow, during her 
 life, directed after her decease to Hiram Dennison, provided he serves the 
 widow faithfully his time out, and in case he should die, leaving no heir, then 
 what may be left is directed unto us, as heirs, the brothers and sisters of 
 the deceased. Peleg Standish is administrator with the widow. It was 
 supposed that she was soon to have married had not the Lord have taken 
 the young man's life. She is now going to live with her brother Peleg. 
 
 Respecting religion here Electa has written. Brother Ellis, if you have 
 collected the Crapo notes, I wish you would send the money due unto daddy 
 Moon to him, then take your own pay for your pains and send the remainder 
 to me the first good opportunity and by Daniel Ellis, [125] if he returns soon. 
 I have many trials in life which would make me weary of the world 
 'did not the Lord often happify my soul with showers of divine blessings. 
 May the blessings of heaven rest on you and yours. 
 
 From your feeling brother, 
 
 BARNABAS ANNABLE. 
 
 P. S. We hear that Capt. Lincoln [67] is at Lake Erie. 
 
 Letter from Lucretia Smith to Miss Polly Annable. See page 116. 
 
 SHELBURNE, MASS., April 23, 1797. 
 To Miss POLLY ANNABLE : 
 
 Please to read these lines with patience. Well, Polly, I did not begin 
 my school until the third day after I arrived at Shelburne, and those days 
 should have been glad to have spent with you in Ashfield. I have kept 
 school three days and tedious long days they were. I shall not tell you that 
 I am homesick, but will venture to say that I feel very low-spirited, though 
 my school is very agreeable, yet the people are all strangers to me in this 
 town and it seems as if they always would be. Mary, [or Polly] if you had 
 any idea of my feelings you would come and see me. I saw Mr. Norton 
 that evening, after I parted with your dear self, and earnestly requested him 
 to wait on you to Shelburne. He said that would be a very great pleasure, 
 but he expected to go out of town next week. Hark! Somebody knocks. 
 I must bid you good bye for a moment, but shall disturb you again directly. 
 
 Mary, I have a short story to tell you. While I was engaged in writing 
 to you, I was interrupted by a gentleman and lady, who came to see if I 
 would walk down town with them. So accordingly I went, and there I saw 
 a number of your acquaintances, which afforded me but little satisfaction. 
 What I should call satisfaction would be to see or here something from all
 
 426 
 
 my good friends at Ashfield. If 1 do not get a letter (if not two) from you 
 soon I shall ever cease to subscribe myself your affectionate friend and 
 admirer. I shall come home in about three weeks if I can have a horse. 
 
 LUORETIA SMITH. 
 
 Letter from Ira Butler, husband of Phebe Lincoln, to his wife's uncle, 
 Dimick Ellis. In 1812, Capt. Samuel Lincoln and his wife, Jane Ellis, sud- 
 denly died leaving a large family of children. See pages 107 to 110. 
 
 MURRAY, [Orleans Co.] N. Y., May 16, 1813. 
 
 DEAR UNCLE: With a favorable opportunity we inform you that we are all 
 well now, and hope these few lines will find you enjoying the same great bless- 
 ing. Last week we heard from the children and they are all well and feel con- 
 tented with their situations. Your nieces, Polly and Phebe, lost each an 
 heir. March 27, I, Polly, lost my child, aged ten months about; died with 
 quick consumption. Phebe's died the 24th of March, with camp distemper. 
 We have enjoyed a good state of health since. The letters that you sent me 
 we never received. They came to a neighbor's house, Mr. Wilber's, and were 
 burned. He had everything burnt up. We think it is very hard times, for 
 we are afraid of the Indians. Betsey has Benjamin, the baby, with her and 
 he has been very sick all winter, but he has grown hearty again and grows 
 smart, and weighs eighteen pounds. 
 
 This from your loving nieces, in the town of Murray, Phebe, Polly, 
 Betsey. IRA BUTLER. 
 
 From Mrs. Ruth (Moon) Annable see page 366 to Mrs. Polly (Anna- 
 ble) Ellis, of Ashfield. No date is given, but it must have been written 
 previous to 1818. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, N. Y. 
 
 DEAR SISTER: I take this opportunity to inform you that we are all 
 well at present. Mother and Bethiah are very well. Mother has been able 
 to visit the Doctor, Moses and Lecta. [Dr. David Annable, Moses Bartlett, 
 her grandson, and Mrs. Electa Phillips, her granddaughter.] I have the 
 sorrowful news to write that we have heard of the death of father and 
 brother Daniel Moon. I think my poor mother must be in trouble. I wish 
 you would come and see your mother and sister once more, if I never can 
 mine. Your mother grows childish, but not troublesome. Edward and 
 Mima [Lieut. Edward and Jemima Annable] were here on a visit last week. 
 Mima was ill. She said the doctor said she was going into consumption. 
 Alcemena [see page 94] has been very sick. Samuel and Nancy [her chil- 
 dren] are teaching schools. The Doctor [David Annable] talks of going to 
 see you. We all send love to uncle and aunt, [Lieut. John and Molly Ellis] 
 likewise to Hannah Hale. 
 
 MRS. RUTH ANNABLE. 
 
 Letter from Edward D. Ellis to his mother and step-father, in Sem- 
 pronius. Young Edward had gone out to learn the printer's art. [235]. 
 
 WATERLOO, N. Y., Aug. 24, 1819. 
 
 DEAR PARENTS: I have succeeded in making as advantageous a bar- 
 gain with my employer as we had anticipated. He is to allow me one hun- 
 dred dollars in cash and twenty in whatever I may wish, payable quarterly.
 
 427 
 
 I am of opinion that cash can procure whatever you may think best, at better 
 advantage than trade. One quarter will end about the middle of January 
 next, when $25 in money and $5 in something else will be due. I shall 
 probably be in want of many articles, however, I have been thinking that it 
 might be a good plan at the end of the first quarter to take a quantity of 
 garden seeds, that is if you can turn them to advantage at any of the stores 
 where you trade. Mr. Leavenworth is to receive them for printing, and if 
 you can let them go to merchants for articles of trade, it may not be amiss 
 to take them. I merely mention this that you might make inquiries, in 
 which case let me know the kinds wanted. * * The sickness which has 
 prevailed all over the United States is gradually subsiding. In New York 
 the inhabitants are gradually returning to their dwellings, where several 
 weeks since the yellow fever raged to an alarming extent. * * I have 
 sent two papers for you by the mail. I expect to procure me a decent chest 
 for $1.25, if so, I shall not be obliged to send for my basket. 
 
 From your obedient son, 
 
 E. D. ELLIS. 
 
 Letter from Minerva Ellis [733] to her uncle, Cyrus Ellis, regarding the 
 death of her father, Edward D. Ellis [235], brother of Cyrus. 
 
 DETROIT, MICH., June 3, 1848. 
 
 * DEAR UNCLE: I received your letter, of the 24th of May, written to 
 my dear father, but it came too late for his perusal. He died on the 15th of 
 May, Monday morning, at 8 o'clock, after being confined to his bed only one 
 day. The cause of his death was over-exertion at a large fire, which took 
 place a few weeks ago. He died very happy, rejoicing in his Saviour. He 
 was beloved and respected by all who knew him. He has been a worthy 
 citizen, and a kind affectionate father and husband, but it pleased God to 
 take him to himself, and 1 hope one day to join him in that land of bliss. 
 
 There let his spirit rest secure 
 
 III the arms of angels blest and pure. 
 
 There are six children of us. I am the oldest, and was 16 last Novem- 
 ber; Benjamin F. is the youngest, aged 4 years. You mention in your letter 
 visiting us next year. We shall be happy to see you out here. Mother is in 
 very poor health at present. The children are all well. Aunt Mindwell 
 Potter father's half-sister is out in Hillsdale, Michigan. Cousin John Ellis 
 [243] lives here, and his family. Mother sends her love to you and your family. 
 
 Your affectionate niece, 
 
 MARY MINERVA ELLIS. 
 
 From Hannah Diinick to her aunt, Mrs. Lieut. John Ellis [16], of Ash- 
 field: 
 
 BARNSTABLE, Oct. 17, 1806. 
 
 DEAR AUNT These lines are to inform you of the death of my father. 
 He died four weeks ago last Friday, after being sick about ten months. He 
 was so as to be able to go out till four weeks before he died. We are all 
 well now and hope this will find you and family the same. We have not had
 
 428 
 
 letters from Sandwich since my uncle Edward died, but hear that they are all 
 well. My mother sends love to you and family, and wishes you to write to 
 uncle Annable. 
 
 From your^friend and niece, 
 
 HANNAH DIMOCK. 
 To Mrs. Mary Ealis. 
 
 Letter from John Agry, of Hallowell, Maine, to his cousin, Dimick Ellis. 
 Mr. Agry's mother was a Dimick, from "The Cape." She was a sister of 
 Mrs. Samuel Annable, Jr., and Mrs. Lieut. John Ellis. See pages 78 and 
 366. 
 
 HALLOWELL, MAINE, March 23d, 1818. 
 MR. DIMTCK ELLTS, ASHFIELD: 
 
 DEAR SIR Your letter of the 15th December last came safe to Hallowell, 
 but my brother, Thomas, and myself being in Boston the most part of the 
 winter, will account for this late answer. It was with pleasure we received 
 information from relations known to us only by the affectionate regards of my 
 mother, who never ceased to cherish an anxious desire for their welfare while 
 she lived. 1 will now proceed to give you the information requested, with a 
 short account of our family since they left Barnstable; occurrences prior to 
 this, I presume, are familiar to your mother. My father and mother removed 
 to Gardinerston, now called Pittston, in 1763; the family consisted of one 
 daughter and three sons: Hannah, Thomas, David and John. My father died 
 in 1783; my sister married Samuel Oakman, and died, much respected and 
 lamented, in 1787, leaving two sons and four daughters, both sons are since 
 dead, one of which has left three children (the oldest, a daughter about 13), 
 and are now under my guardianship, the daughters are married and well set- 
 led in life. My mother died in 1807. The oldest son, Thomas Agry, has 
 seven children, two sons and live daughters. The two eldest daughters are 
 well married and live in the neighborhood; one son is settled at Bath, about 
 30 miles off, the rest are young and at home. David Agry died in Petersburg, 
 Virginia, August, 1813; he followed the sea in a ship of which he was master 
 and owner, and left no family. John Agry, the third son and writer of this, 
 has seven children, four sons and three daughters, the oldest 24 years 2d day 
 of August last. I have been thus particular, thinking it might be interesting 
 to your mother, as I think I have heard my mother say that my aunts made a 
 visit to Barnstable before she left there, and your mother may recollect some 
 of the children, although young at the time, and wish to know something par- 
 ticularly about them. The business of myself and brothers has been commer- 
 cial, and we have suffered greatly with the war, having lost between thirty 
 and forty thousand dollars, but fortunately saved enough to continue our 
 business, though it is now dull and nets but little profit. 
 
 Betsy Lewis married Reuben Colburn, and they are now both living in 
 Pittston; they have one son and six daughters living. Her husband's mind, for 
 two or three years past, has been slightly deranged, but not so far as to require 
 confinement. They subsist comfortably with the assistance of their children. 
 Hannah Dimick I have heard nothing from for two years past, she then lived 
 by herself in one part of a house occupied by her brother, Charles Dimick. 
 My uncle, Edward Dimick, died in 1803. He was in perfect health one hour 
 before his death.
 
 429 
 
 Pray write us; it will be a great satisfaction to hear from you often. 
 Please present my regards to your mother and all relations, and accept my 
 sincere wishes for your and their health and happiness. 
 
 I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, 
 
 JOHN AGRY. 
 
 Letter from Samuel, son of Elder Barnabas Annable, to his aunt, Mrs. 
 Polly Annable Ellis. See page 367. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, N. Y., Sept. 27th, 1818. 
 
 DEAR AUNT In compliance with your request, and my own feelings do I 
 gladly embrace the opportunity of writing to one for whom I ever have and 
 ever shall cherish the highest sentiments of respect and esteem. I cannot 
 but reflect for a moment on the happiness your presence afforded in the early 
 hours of my life. Nothing could then afford more pleasure than the company 
 of those to whom I was allied by the ties of natural affections. Fondly imag- 
 ing them to be the best of human beings, I really enjoyed in their presence 
 consummate bliss. 
 
 But in the dispensations of Providence, it was ordained that I should part 
 with some of them and move to the new country [from Ashfield to Sempro- 
 nius.] This was trying, though I was hardly large enough to realize it. 
 Nothing caused greater sorrow and made deeper impressions on my mind than 
 the thought of leaving Aunt Polly perhaps never to see her again never did 
 the impressions of sorrow fully wear away; and it was long before, in sweet 
 remembrances of past scenes, I could hail your arrival in Sempronius. Your 
 visits were gladdening to my feelings, and I only regretted that you must 
 return again. 
 
 But those scenes are past, and I have now one still more trying to relate. 
 Last Thursday, Electa and Nancy, Bartlet and Enos, two ever dear and affec- 
 tionate sisters, with two beloved brothers, took their leave at Sempronius for 
 the long contemplated journey to the wilds of Indiana. The rest of the family 
 remain till next spring. You will, no doubt, be curious to know the feelings 
 that were manifested on this trying event. In the morning the neighbors 
 nocked in to pay their respects and render them what assistance they could 
 about loading and getting them ready for a start. Notwithstanding all seemed 
 to be filled with the deepest regret at the thought of separating, each one 
 assumed as much of an air of merriment as they could, in order to repress in 
 some measure the anguish of those who were about to leave us. Each cor- 
 dially bestowed their best wishes for their future comfort and prosperity. Sister 
 Nancy, with a firm resolution, if possible, to restrain her feelings so as to refrain 
 from tears, braved it till she got as far as Elisha's, where we accompanied her. 
 We went in; I shook hands with sister Electa, and she burst into tears. Sister 
 Nancy could no longer restrain her feelings she wept, and most of the 
 women present gave vent to their feelings in the same way. For my own 
 part the scene was truly heartrending. The boys braved it. To think that 
 fourteen hundred miles should separate me from those with whom the happy, 
 though transient, morning of my life had been spent, was truly painful. I 
 could hardly refrain from giving vent to my own feelings in a flow of tears. 
 Yet I did. Not that I was ashamed to cry. Ah, no! Reason forbade that I
 
 43 
 
 should add fuel to the fire of anguish already kindled in the breasts of those 
 who were about to leave us. The struggle was hard indeed. With many a 
 deep drawn sigh did I resist the anguish of my soul. 
 
 They are gone, and how shall I be reconciled ? Reason dictates flattering 
 with a hope that all is for the best. Considering it providential, already be- 
 gins to calm the anguish of my soul. How good, how comforting is the power 
 of reflection. Were it not for this, the passions would overcome the other 
 faculties of the mind, the soul would sink into a state of dejectedness which 
 would render life miserable. 
 
 I am sorry to inform you that Nancy, through extreme hurry of business 
 in preparing to get away, was obliged to neglect copying that writing which 
 she promised you. Having to go away myself in search of employment, I 
 could not attend to it. 
 
 I have not yet engaged a school, but I expect to soon. Bromley has 
 engaged to work for uncle David this winter in the brewery. We are all in 
 tolerable health. Mrs. Fuller being present, wishes me to write her compli- 
 ments [Rhoda Annable Fuller, see page 94.] 
 
 Grandmother wishes me to remember her; says she is still alive, but does 
 not expect to be a great while. She is nearly as comfortable as she was when 
 you was here. Aunt Bethiah wishes me to write her respects to you and the 
 family. She wishes Desiah [237] would write to her. She sends her compli- 
 ments to Mr. Belding's people [John Belding's, see page 372.] 
 
 Father and mother wish me to write for them. They feel anxious to have 
 you write to them. It is a general time of health with us. Give my respects 
 to uncle Dimick, to great-uncle and aunt, and likewise to the rest of the 
 family, your children, and to all enquiring friends. I wish you or uncle 
 would write me. 
 
 I am, dear aunt, your sincere friend and affectionate nephew, 
 To MRS. POLLY ELLIS. SAMUEL ANNABLE. 
 
 * 
 Tjetters from Elder Barnabas Annable and wife to Dea. Dimick Ellis 
 
 and other relatives in Ashfield. 
 
 SEMPBONIUS, N. Y. February 14th, 1819. 
 
 May God prepare the hearts of my dear sister and brother, aunt and 
 uncle to receive the particulars of the death of mother Annable. She con- 
 tinued to decline from the time you left here until some of the first days of 
 February, when she grew worse, having her senses to the last minute, and 
 exercising, as her prayer was perfect patience, until her Lord should come. 
 She lived from midnight, after being sensible that she was struck with death, 
 until the next night, sun half an hour high, when faltering a few minutes, her 
 struggles being over, she apparently breathed her life sweetly out. This was 
 on the 9th day of the month. Another exemplary life and peaceable death 
 stimulated us all to fear God and keep his commands that we may have 
 right to the tree of life, and enter into the city where we trust she is gone. 
 The text was: "Be ye also ready, for in such an," etc. We, our friends and 
 yours in this quarter are well. John is well [68], 
 
 We have received a letter from our children in Indiana. They inform us 
 that they are well and pleased with the country, and have bought four miles
 
 43 1 
 
 from Mount Vernon, a village on the Ohio river, and fifteen from the Wabash 
 river. Probably in about three weeks we shall start. We now expect that 
 Bethiah will go with us. However, Edward [39] appears anxious to have her 
 stay and make her home at his house. We shall make it a point to write 
 from that place when we get there, hoping thereby to perpetuate a remem- 
 brance of each other. With warm affections to you all whom I cannot see, 
 and strong attachment to all my old acquaintances, 
 
 I subscribe myself yours, 
 
 BARNABAS ANNABLE. 
 
 DEAR SISTER The reason that I did not write according to my agree- 
 ment is, my health has been very poor, my two little ones very cross, my 
 care other ways very great, which renders me unfit for writing. Polly, my 
 trials have been great since I saw you last fall. Four of my children fourteen 
 hundred miles from me, and the trial of parting with mother and Bethiah, 
 together with my own mother and the neighbors, has been as much as I could 
 bear. 
 
 We received three letters from our children after they left this town be- 
 fore they got to Indiana. The water was very low, for which reason they had 
 to buy a small boat, and then taking some boards and forming a small raft, 
 they put a part of the goods on it, and set Eaos and Elisha Ellis to stearing it. 
 Then they had to hire two robust men to help them lift the boat over the 
 shoals and stones until they got almost 100 miles below Pittsburg. They were 
 from the 22d of September until the 5th of December before they landed at 
 their home. They in their letters have expressed good health and good cour- 
 age. I leave this subject. 
 
 Perhaps you would wish to know something more concerning Bethiah. 
 She bears the death of her mother better than any of us had expected. She 
 inclines to go with us, though her trials seem to be great about leaving friends 
 behind. 
 
 I went to the Nine Mile Creek to Eleazar Smith's last fall. Had a very 
 agreeable visit. Likewise to Edward's. I can think of nothing more at 
 present but to give my love to your family and connections and your neigh- 
 bors. Bethiah is not at home, or she would send a great deal of love. 
 
 I remain your affectionate sister, 
 To POLLY ELLIS. RUTH ANNABLE. 
 
 Letter from Cyrus Ellis page 160 to Dea. Dimick Ellis, written soon 
 after he left Ashfield and settled on the homestead where he was born, in 
 1799, and where he lived until his death in 1885. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, N. Y., May, 1820. 
 
 RESPECTED SIR : I now have the satisfaction to sit down to write a 
 few lines and to inform you, agreeable to your request, that I am in perfect 
 health, and have been so almost without exception ever since I left Ashfield. 
 It is a tolerable healthy time here now, but it has been rather sickly in sev- 
 eral towns adjoining the Cayuga lake, that is many are laid up with the 
 fever and ague. The position of those places, in the Spring season of the 
 year, is calculated to bring it on. Sempronius is not much distinguished for 
 this disorder, yet there are some in our own neighborhood that have had it.
 
 43 2 
 
 As a disease, chills has .never as yet attacked me, and I humbly hope never 
 will. I received the letter which you wrote, in ten days after date, and 
 hastened to know what was contained in your very brief letter, but I have 
 made no haste to send back another. You write that it was a healthy time 
 in Ashfield, yet there had been several deaths since I left there, the mention 
 of those (especially S. Bement's) came quite unexpected to me. You would 
 have favored me much if you had given more particulars of their deaths and 
 the time when they occurred. Two persons have died since I came here; 
 they were neither young nor old, and there was no funeral ceremonies, only 
 but a few neighbors collecting to inter the dead, having no prayers, attend- 
 ance, nor address to the mourners. I think it as being a singular thing. 
 The old farm, seventy acres, which my father left at his death, I have the 
 whole charge of it given up to me. My step-father not having lived upon 
 said farm for four years past, in which time different families have lived 
 upon it, it has been rather badly conducted. I have reasons to blame some- 
 body as to the management of it, yet I think I have succeeded in making as 
 advantageous a change of residence as I could have anticipated; that is. 
 my earnings and employment are more satisfactory, and at present there is 
 a probability of its being much better for me than I could possibly have done, 
 if I had stayed at Ashfield. 
 
 The suffrages for governor were taken on the last Tuesday in April, the 
 last month, throughout this State, and a hot election too. The parties with 
 us are not Federals and Republicans, but Clintonians and Bucktails. The 
 one upheld Mr. Clinton, as candidate for Governor, and the other Mr. 
 Tompkins, the Vice-President. These men, previous to the late election, have 
 been reproachfully abused and degraded by their enemies, and cried up and 
 magnified by their friends, by every newspaper in the State. Indeed, where 
 there is a great strain of party zeal for statesmen, the fittest and best are, 
 and will be scandalized when there is no cause for it, and in fact it is curious 
 and intelligible to read the papers, at the present time, if nothing more than 
 to see what genius and ideas are displayed by electioneering; time has not 
 sufficed yet to ascertain the number of votes given in the whole State, but 
 from the counties, as far as we have heard, there is a very small majority for 
 Clinton, so it is impossible to tell at this time of whom the choice for Gov- 
 ernor is in favor of. 
 
 From your obedient, 
 
 C. ELLIS. 
 
 P. S. You will remember me to all the family, etc. Inform Desiah that 
 I saw Emma and Climena Rhodes last month. 
 
 Letter from Ruth Annable, wife of Barnabas, to Dr. David Annable and 
 Moses Bartlett, of Sempronius, X. Y. See page 370. The letter was re- 
 ceived February, 1820. 
 
 BLACK TOWNSHIP, POSEY COUNTY, INDIANA. 
 
 DEAR FRIENDS : I expect it is with anxiety you have waited to see some 
 of my scribblings. I will assure you that it has not been for want of affec- 
 tion towards you, but, having much trial and suffering, I have felt unwilling 
 to till your ears with the same. Surely, dear friend, I never shall forget you, 
 neither the favor you bestowed on me before I left you. I often sleep a short
 
 433 
 
 nap, then awake, can sleep no more till the day breaks, thinking of my 
 neighbors and friends I have left behind. I one night began my medita- 
 tions thinking of you all. I could not close my eyes to sleep that night. 
 1 remember my promise, that I would write to you my journal and how I 
 liked the country, after I should get here, and how we fared. 
 
 I expect Mr. Belding* gave you my journal by land. We took water 
 about two weeks after our teamsters left us. We began with pleasant sailing, 
 for a few hours, then we met with sudden turns in the river, and, the current 
 being swift, we were hurried on shore, or driven upon an island or sand-bar. 
 The boat struck so hard against the root of a tree, the first day, that every 
 child was sent upon its head, and the one who commanded our boat crying 
 out, "we are gone for it," gave me such a shock, together with the cold, set 
 me into such ague fits as I hardly ever experienced; for we had two families 
 aboard, which made nineteen souls of us, all inexperienced hands. So I 
 lived the first week, having sudden shocks. It got my stomach so weak that 
 I could not receive any food, but once in four and twenty hours, for about 
 ten days. My fatigue was likewise very hard, my little ones being sick. I 
 had them both to wait on and to hold in my lap, till I could hardly stand 
 when I rose up. When we entered the Ohio river my trials were some less 
 by day, but then we sailed at night too; which filled me with fear that we 
 should run on to a sawyer, [fallen trees.] I had but little rest. We had no 
 pilot and strove to follow a boatman, that was used to the river, by this 
 means was deprived of the privilege of visiting Stephen Ellis' family, [119] 
 for which I was very sorry. We found where they were and an opportunity 
 to send the gown and letter directed to them. 
 
 We stopped at Cincinnati; there we saw Levi Fuller and John Wood. 
 They both appeared to be very glad to se,e us. John Wood has since been to 
 see us; he said that Stephen Ellis was doing; tolerably well, but his wife was 
 weakly; likewise, that they had received the gown and letter. At Gallipolis, 
 about 100 miles down the river, we got rid of a very disgreeable family; for 
 which I was never more glad. I would warn every one that takes passage 
 to keep everything they can under lock and key; for I lost, by not having 
 this care, Eliza's gingham frock, three pair of stockings, one run of stocking 
 yarn, one sheet, one shirt, a pair of pillows, and mother's old long loose gown. 
 
 I have been sick and unable to write. The last of October now begins. 
 I now again begin to write. My sickness was the same as when Doctor 
 White doctored me, though not so severe. I suffered considerable for nour- 
 ishment that could not be had. I am now in tolerable health. I shall not 
 strive to give you much more of my journal. On the Ohio we had some pleas- 
 ant sailing, some pleasing prospects such as steamboats, floating- mills, together 
 with villages. We landed at Mount Vernon the 22d of April, all in good 
 health, excepting myself and babe. We found our children all in good health, 
 but Xancy. She grew more ill, and was not able to do her own work for as 
 much as one month. I went into the house with Xancy. We suffered for 
 provisions, for we could not get anything but hoe-cake, but I think it no dis- 
 paragement to the country, but a neglectful people; but, being unwell, this 
 kind of fare went very hard, but harder yet when we could not get our bacon. 
 
 *Probably Win. Belding, who m. Catherine, da*, of Thomas Ranney. See page 386.
 
 434 
 
 Meat was very scarce, by reason of its being sent off in boat loads to New 
 Orleans, so the people did not save enough for themselves, so we have had to- 
 do without meat, sometimes two and three weeks. We bought two cows. 
 Three quarts of milk were the most that ever we had from them both, besides 
 suckling their calves, and were as good as cows commonly here that run in 
 the woods. We could not get any sauce, if it had been to save our lives. I 
 have not room enough to finish my letter. I will conclude on another sheet. 
 
 The people of this place care for nothing but to raise corn and hogs. 
 They raise a few beans, which they call snaps, only. There are men here 
 who have lived here twelve years, and have not a spear of grass growing; but 
 I think grass will do well here. I saw a small piece of meadow; I think I 
 never saw so much hay come off so small a piece of ground in my life. Wheat 
 does well here; is a very sure crop. Potatoes can be raised largely to the 
 acre; the sweet potato in greater abundance; they are the best potato that 
 ever I ate; could live on them alone. The season has been too dry for pota- 
 toes to do well. The people say it never was so dry since the country has 
 been settled. We have not raised much sauce, by reason of the same, but we 
 have a few bushels of potatoes, some small turnips and French turnips, some 
 cabbage, about three hundred pumpkins, and three hundred and fifty bushels 
 of corn. We have sowed thirteen acres of wheat and some expect to sow 
 three acres more. We have two cows and four calves, one five year old mare, 
 seven yearling hogs and eight shoats. We fared hard this year, but no reason 
 to complain, for my family was never so healthy as they have been this 
 season. 
 
 I am not discouraged about getting a living, but the people do not seem 
 natural. We have not received a visit from any woman since we have 
 been here, excepting two of our own country people. Tell her that was the 
 Widow Foster, that she has a brother living near neighbor to me. He came 
 here this summer; likes the country well. I think he will get rich. I do 
 not look for riches for my own part, but I think that we could have done 
 well, if we had only brought $200 with us. We have bought two cows, one 
 to give milk, the other one to fatten for beef; one at thirteen and the other 
 at nineteen dollars. 
 
 I like our farm very well; it lies handsome, and tolerably well watered. 
 There are two living springs upon it, and plenty fencing timber. We have a 
 house built, with a good cellar under it, and a corn house, seventeen feet 
 square, set on blocks, made very convenient. We have a well close to the house. 
 The snakes, that were so much dreaded, have not been seen on our farm. 
 I think the hogs have thinned them off. Tae water in this place will not 
 wash without cleansing, but the pleasant showers affords us water enough 
 to wash, in the fore part of the season, but we have been very much pestered 
 for water to wash with for two months past. My life has been made very 
 uncomfortable by reason of inconveniences, but we have a hope of having 
 things better. 
 
 I have no wheels, but can borrow one. My flax and wool are not yet 
 spun. I have to patch comfortably, and I keep my family comfortable and 
 decent. I could advise a family that comes here to be well clothed, for flax 
 and wool can hardly be gotten till you raise it. Flax does well here, with 
 those who know how to raise it. I'fcav,e seen but few sheep; they were large;
 
 435 
 
 they shear them twice a year. I have written many irregular mistakes; you 
 must patch as well as you can. I have but little time to write. I have my 
 bread all to bake by the tire, and get but little time to do anything else but get 
 victuals. I have not seen an oven since I have been in this town. The people 
 are very ignorant of house-wifery. They have a very different way of cooking, 
 in almost every respect. They make a pie that suits my taste very well. They 
 make a crust, put it into a bake kettle, fill it up with peaches, put in a little 
 water; then put on a crust and bake it. We have gotten brick for an oven 
 and a hearth. We have bought a fraction of land, consisting of about twenty 
 acres, adjoining our farm. Our boys all have good courage; like the place 
 well. I never saw fellows work so well as they have this summer, in my life. 
 My husband flies around like a boy; better than since he was a child. 
 They say that I have written concerning the corn, instead of three hundred 
 and fifty I must write four hundred and fifty bushels, and they have got it 
 all harvested; they raised part of it on shares. On the whole they reckon 
 they have raised six hundred. Our wheat, on the ground looks like a pink- 
 bed. You need not be afraid that you will have to eat all Indian bread, for 
 wheat does better here than in York State. I think there is no danger but 
 what a man can get a good living, if he can have money enough to buy a horse 
 and cow or two, and other provisions to give him a start. It is far better for 
 fruit in this place than in York State. Some of our grafts have grown a 
 yard and half in length, this summer. The longer I stay here the better I 
 like the place. 
 
 We understood, before we came here, that it was difficult to preserve 
 meat, but it can be here, as well as in York State. Flies are not so very 
 troublesome. If you wish to know about other insects, I must tell you that 
 musketoes are very troublesome, a few weeks iu the spring season; fleas, there 
 scarcely ever are any seen in the hottest of summer. By this time you think 
 it strange that I say nothing about Bethiah. She has not shed one tear 
 to where she did ten thousand before she left Sempronius. She never will 
 own that she is sorry that she came with us. She sends her love to you 
 all. Says I must tell yon that she likes here well, and, likewise, to tell 
 you that blackberries are plenty, and the people give us plenty of peaches; 
 that we have muskmelons and watermelons in abundance; and that we have 
 a nursery of two thousands apple trees, growing. It has been very healthy 
 in this place. There has been no need of a doctor in this place this summer. 
 
 Samuel lives at Evansville, has just made us a visit; is in good health. 
 He earned for himself $70 in three months. Now for you to know the particular 
 advantages and disadvantages of our country. Salt, at present, is scarce and 
 dear; it is not to be obtained for less than three or four dollars a bushel, 
 but the people think it will be found more plenty. Sugar is scarce and 
 dear; the price is thirty-two and a half cents a pound. There are some of 
 our neighbors who have maple trees, and make three or four hundred weight 
 of sugar in a season. I think the difficulty about milling is not great, for we 
 have horse and water mills a plenty; the latter does not grind, only in a time 
 of high water. The horse mills will grind thirty bushels a day; but it is 
 somewhat bad for a poor man, for he must find his own team, or pay twelve 
 cents for every bushel, besides the toll. Corn whisky is generally seventy- 
 five cents per gallon; wheat whisky, one dollar.
 
 43 6 
 
 It is now the tenth of December. It begins to be cold weather. We 
 have a very pleasant season. I shall advise no one to come here; for I know 
 not how they will like it, but I have wished many times that I had my old 
 neighbors and friends around me. The great distance does not hinder my 
 feeling for you whenever you are in trouble. When 1 heard of the death 
 of Mr. Whitewood, 1 can truly say, my feelings were very much affected. 
 Peleg Allen came into our neighborhood, yesterday. Abigail has gone to 
 live in a house close to Nancy; he has not purchased yet, but thinks he shall 
 in this place I have enough more to write, but have not room on my paper. 
 You may wish to know about the privilege of meetings. There are Metho- 
 dist and Baptist preachers in this place, but the people are not so fond of 
 meetings as I wish they were. 
 
 I conclude, subscribing myself your friend and well-wisher until death, 
 
 RUTH ANNABLE. 
 
 (Moses Bartlett, mentioned at the head of this letter, and on pages 306, 
 370 and 386, settled in Sempronius about 1800, where he lived until the 
 spring of 1837, when he removed to Saline, Mich., where he died in 1846, aged 
 74 years. His wife died there in 1843, aged 60. They had nine children: 
 Mary, Mabel, Hannah, Kate, Phineas, Jerusha, William, Moses, Jr., and 
 Horace. Mary m. a Hull, and both lived and died in Saline. Mabel m. 
 Abraham Bodine and lived in Clarence, Erie Co , N. Y. Hannah m. Cooper 
 Snyder and lives in Moravia, N. Y., aged about 82. Mr. Snyder is dead. 
 Kate m. Amos Miller, moved to Saline in 1837, where both died. Jerusha m. 
 Austin Convers, of Saline; both are dead. The four sons, Phineas, William, 
 Moses and Horace are farmers all living in Clinton, Lenawee Co., Mich.) 
 
 Letter from Dea. David Lyon (see pages 295 and 376) and wife, of Ash- 
 tield, to Dea. David Ellis and wife (see pages 86 and 88), of Springfield, Erie 
 Co., Penn. Mrs. Lyon and Mrs. Ellis were sisters. 
 
 ASHFIELD, MASS., June 8th, 1824. 
 
 BELOVED BROTHER AND SISTER: These lines are to inform you that 
 through a merciful God I and my family are enjoying a measure of health, 
 thanks to His name, and hoping these lines may find you and yours enjoying 
 health and prosperity. As to particular news, I have nothing worthy of re- 
 mark. It is a general time of health in this place, although there has been 
 several deaths. Abraham Jones and, daughter died a few weeks past; Dr. 
 Clark's wife, Col. Banister, and a number of others. As respects religion, it is 
 now much as it was when you left these parts. I understand she, that was 
 Chloe Drake, now Zenos Field's wife, has of late experienced religion. I hope 
 she will follow on to know the Lord. Oh, brother and sister, pray for us in 
 this place that the Lord would visit us in mercy. Almorean Hayward came 
 here the fore part of December. He stayed about a fortnight. His health 
 improved much while he was here. 1 received a letter from brother Hayward 
 last March: they were all well. We heard from Norwich last winter; they 
 are all well there. We heard from Hawley ; Brother Brackett's folks were 
 -well. List week brother Cobb's family were all well as common. Please to
 
 437 
 
 write me by Jonathan Taylor [see 182], the bearer of this letter. He can tell 
 you much more than I can write. No more at present. 
 
 We remain your friends in love, 
 
 DAVID LYON, 
 
 BETSEY LYON. 
 To Dea. David Ellis, Springfield, Pa. 
 
 Letter from Mrs. and Mr. Barnabas Annable to Mr. and Mrs. Dimick and 
 Lieut. John and Molly Ellis, of Ashfield, written in 1820, after they reached 
 their new home in the extreme southwestern part of Indiana: 
 
 MY LOVING SISTER, BROTHER, UNCLE AND AUNT ELUS: 
 
 My neglect of duty to you unto the present, has been owing to much care 
 and a disposition to have a fair opportunity to judge of the health of the 
 country. Proceeding, I inform you that we took water at Glean, N. Y., on 
 the Allegheny river, Mch. 28: 1819, and landed the 23d of April at Mount Ver- 
 non, on the Ohio river, a distance of more than twelve hundred miles by 
 water. Four miles from this place I found my children on a pleasant and 
 good piece of land, entered for me. After the fatigue of the journey was over 
 with us. Myself and family have spent a year in animating hopes of prosper- 
 ity; the country being by far the best, in my opinion, that the good Lord ever 
 made. We are now, and have for the most part of the time, enjoyed a far 
 better state of health than ever before in the course of our lives. We have 
 had only one five dollar doctor's charge, and that was for setting a broken leg 
 of David's, my little boy, occasioned by his improving the uncommon snow of 
 six inches deep in sliding down hill. 
 
 Wheat, in common, is worth seven ty-five cents per bushel; corn, fifty in 
 the spring season, but twenty-five in the field. Mast, or shack pork, is worth 
 from three to four dollars per hundred, and is raised in vast quantities. Com- 
 mon farmers have for stock from fifty to one and two hundred hogs, the best 
 article of trade in this country. 
 
 We have about twenty acres of new land that I expect to plant. I have 
 fifteen acres of good looking wheat on the ground, and have sowed three or 
 four acres of oats, flax and barley. The corn of this country makes better 
 bread than corn in your country, and likewise wheat, as it never smuts; but 
 from the long season of hot weather, after harvest, it is liable to breed the 
 weavel, as the peas do bugs in your country, which affects the taste of the 
 wheat bread. I have reason to hope that of all kinds of grain, with a com- 
 mon blessing, to raise twelve hundred bushels the present season. We expect 
 to reap our wheat by the middle of June; it is full in the milk; looks the best 
 I ever saw. 
 
 Dear Sister and Brother, by this time you begin to think that we do not 
 care to write to let you know how we.do. Surely, dear sister, the long absence, 
 neither the great distance which separates us from each other, can ever erase 
 you from my memory. I often wish Dimick and Polly here, were but it may 
 be that you would not like it here as I do. I am well suited with the country, 
 but the ways and manners of the people are not so agreeable as they were in 
 New England or York State, although they are friendly to me and my family. 
 The place is very beautiful; there are peaches in abundance ; apples do well
 
 438 
 
 here. One of our neighbors gathered one hundred bushels of apples from 
 twenty-five trees, only eleven years from the seed. We have a nursery of two 
 thousand apple trees. We have thirty grafts that we brought with us from 
 our old orchard. We have pear, cherry and plum trees red and damson 
 quinces, currants and grapes. Every thing looks well. We live on a big 
 road. Electa lives about a quarter of a mile*from us. Xancy, on the same 
 road, a half-mile. Electa has a babe one week old, and Nancy has one four 
 months' old. Sam ue\ lives at Evansville, about twenty miles from here; he 
 keeps school; he has been sick, but is regaining his health. The rest of the 
 family never enjoyed such good health as they have since we have been here. 
 As to my own part, I have been so unreconciled to leaving friends and rela- 
 tions, together with hard fare and inconveniences, that it has taken off my 
 flesh more than any fit of sickness that ever I had. In about ten months I 
 lost forty-four pounds of flesh. The reason of hard fare was not because pro- 
 visions were not raised, but they had been sent down the river to Orleans for 
 market. We were put to to get meat, but we got enough bread. The inhabi- 
 tants are a singular people; their living is chiefly corn bread and bacon. They 
 raise but little sauce, if any; if they have any flour they know not how to use 
 it as our country people do; they use it without raising it. I expect you want 
 to know more than I can think to write. I agreed to write my journal, but it 
 would be quite a volume, so I will give it to you in short terms: Such trials 
 and frights I never experienced in my life as I did coming down the Allegheny 
 river. I could not take any food only when we landed at night so long as we 
 were on the Allegheny river, but this was all by reason of inexperienced hands. 
 There was aboard of our boat no one that knew anything about the water, but 
 thanks be to God, we were all landed safe. The whole family is well pleased 
 with the country. Your brother acts ten years younger than ever he has 
 since I knew him. They work as if they hurried; they all live at home but 
 Samuel. The rattlesnakes that were so much dreaded have become very 
 scarce. It's now the first of May; the wheat is heading out and looks wonder- 
 fully well. Some are hoeing their corn. My garden seeds are all up and 
 growing well. Bethiah wished me to write all that I had to and then write 
 for her; her health is as good as it has ever been, considering her age. She 
 says I must tell you she is contented and likes this place, but feels anxious to 
 hear from you and your children. She sends her love to uncle and aunt and 
 all their children. We wish you to write as quick as you can. We want to 
 hear from you all. Give my love both to friends and relations. 1 remain, 
 
 Your affectionate sister, 
 
 RUTH ANNABLE. 
 
 Ruth, being a little unwell, closes, leaving room for a few lines, charging 
 me to write her love to Hannah Hale. 
 
 Direct your letter to Mount Vernon Postoffice, Posey County, Indiana. 
 
 It is now the 28th of May. We are all iu good health. Perhaps you wish 
 to know something more concerning Bethiah; although we have fared hard 
 the season oast, she never has appeared to be sorry she came with us. I have 
 asked if she was not sorry; she would always say, No; could not have con- 
 tented herself from the children. She seldom sheds tears, but she mourns the 
 loss of her mother.
 
 439 
 
 It is now July 12th that I have come to finish my letter. As to religion in 
 this quarter, the Sectarians are numerous, but luke-warmness greatly prevails. 
 I still believe in *Apollion's coming from his place of perdition, Saint Helena. 
 
 BARNABAS ANNABLE. 
 
 P. S. Give my love to all; hoping these lines will find you well, with 
 all inquiring friends of my old acquaintances, paper and time fails me. B. A. 
 
 From Dea. Ebenezer Smith [42] to his cousin, Dea Dimick Ellis, of Ash- 
 field. (Ebenezer Smith's mother, Remember (Ellis) Smith and Dimick Ellis's 
 father, Lieut. John, were sister and brother. ) 
 
 GHAUT AUQUA, N. Y., Feb. 10, 1820. 
 MOST RESPECTED AND DEAR FRIEND : 
 
 Through the goodness of God I am enabled to take my pen in hand to 
 write to one whom I sincerely respect and long to converse with, but as I am 
 somewhat troubled with rheumatic complaint, I must convey my desire in 
 writing. My family enjoys good health, and I hope this will find yours with 
 the same blessing. The bearer of this letter will inform you of matters of 
 news better than I can. 
 
 I understand that my affairs at Ashfield are very precarious, which causes 
 me to write you. I sent letters to brother Gad Elmer, in August, desiring 
 him to get security by a mortgage, or some other way as he should think 
 proper, on some notes due me. I conclude that he never received them, and 
 now I must desire one in whom I can put the greatest trust and confidence, 
 
 to accept of my request. I have two notes against Ebeuezer A , one 
 
 of S-lOO, and another of 351, and some other money to be paid by Mr. Mai- 
 lory. The 8400 note was out, I think, a year ago last May. The other is 
 out, I think, next May. I cannot travel as well as my son, and I send him 
 to Ashfield. I wish the debts to be secured, if possible, and I send you the 
 power of attorney in case there is need of it. * * I shall leave it entirely 
 with you to act your judgment, as you are acquainted with Mr. A's circum- 
 stances, and as you are one of the selectmen, and have lately been called 
 upon to prize brother Gad Elmer's estate, near him. I do not wish to hunt 
 
 *Mr. Annable regarded Napoleon Bonaparte as the APOLLION predicted in Revelations 
 IX, 11. He was a very pious man and a devoted student of the bible. About 1812 he wrote 
 and printed a boob, in which he presented scripture texts and prophecies, which convinced 
 him that the " end of the world " was near. He believed that he had solved the meaning of 
 all those texts referring to " golden candlesticks." " seven seals," " falling stars," " bottomless 
 pit," "ten horns," etc., etc. His ardor and sincerity is evident, from the fact that he in- 
 vested most of his property in this work. But he failed, as all religious enthusiasts, before 
 and since his time, have and ever will, who atte > pt to predictor explain natural events 
 from the literal sense of the bible. The world, or globe, on which we live, is round, and has 
 no "end", and will continue for millions of years in the future, as it has for ages past. The 
 "coming of the Lord" is evidently to individuals, spiritually, "like a thief in the night," 
 in which " one is taken and another left," and is not attended with auy worldly change or 
 commotion of Nature. As the first Christian era had been inaugurated nearly three hun- 
 dred years before it was recognized, so, probably, we will be two or three centuries into the 
 New Jerusalem before the world at large is aware of it. The " second advent," in the man- 
 ner generally looked for, is one of the most enormous follies which pious, but deludea man 
 has ever invented. It would seem as if 1800 years of continual diappointment would suffice 
 to cure him of it.
 
 440 
 
 any man, but 1 think it right that I should have my just due. * * Could 
 I see you, and your family, and your parents, one hour, it would be of such 
 satisfaction that it is not possible for me to dissemble, but I hope through the 
 tender mercies of God. that we shall yet see each other face to face. * * 
 There has been considerable of an awakening in these parts. Last Sunday 
 Elder Wilson baptized nine persons. 
 
 I will satisfy you for whatever trouble you are at on my account. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 EBEM'R SMITH, JR. 
 
 From Dr. David Annable, to his brother-in-law, Dimick Ellis. See p. 368. 
 
 SEMPRONICS, N. Y., April 7, 1824. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER : It has been a few days since I received your letter. I 
 was at that time unable to write. I have now so far recovered as to be able to 
 do some business. My complaint was vertigo, or dizziness in the head; objects 
 appeared to turn around. The vertigo continued until I was bled largely, 
 three pints from my arm and three pints from the temporal arteries. I am at 
 present recovering slowly, but my head does not feel well, and I think there 
 is danger of another attack and that it will be likely to terminate in appo- 
 plexy or palsy. But I mean to be as prudent as I can well be, but it is hard 
 to govern my appetite, agreeable to the dictates of my judgment, as that is 
 very keen. I was very glad to receive your letter. I have received a letter 
 from Samuel Annable, [his nephew] in Indiana. He informs me that our 
 friends there are well, and doing well in that country. He said he had just 
 returned from a tour of service in the legislature. He says the legislature 
 are for Adams for President. He remains a bachelor. My family are well. 
 Whiting was again elected constable. * * It is a healthy time here, but 
 there are many sudden deaths. I never saw the time before when death 
 seemed so near as it does now. I am in some hope of completely recovering 
 and enjoying my usual health, which hope, I suppose, generally continues to 
 the end of life. All our friends are well in this quarter. It is cold weather 
 here now, but some people are plowing. 
 
 Our two daughters, Lucy and Welthyann, think of engaging in school 
 teaching. I have not seen your brother [John, 68] since you left here. My 
 wife and children were very much gratified with your visit and send their 
 best respects to you and your family. I hope you will write again soon. I 
 shall want more than ever to hear from you. 
 
 Your affectionate brother, 
 
 DAVID ANNABLE. 
 
 Letter from Elder Barnabas Annable to his relatives in Ash field. 
 
 MOUNT VERNOX, Ind., Oct. 11, 1825. 
 
 1 II..M. BROTHER AND SISTER, DIMICK AND POLLY ELLIS: With my uncle 
 and aunt, if in the land of the living. Although it is a long time since I have 
 written to you, yet I have often thought of you with due affection. Not hav- 
 ing much news to write, my neglect has been great. Two years ago my son 
 Enos died in his one and twentieth year, at a time when I was very low my- 
 self with the fever and ague. This year, in July, our sister Bethiah died after
 
 441 
 
 lingering a few months with consumption. Samuel is apparently recovering 
 from a liver complaint that has afflicted him nearly a year. The rest of us are 
 now in tolerable health, God be thanked. We ate in a country abounding 
 with plenteousness of provisions, and a land delightsome to till, and our fruit 
 trees begin to bear, so we should be happy if we were but well on it for relig- 
 ion, which at this time is at a low ebb, yet we despair not. I recollect you 
 wished me to write concerning the price of Congress lands. The price is one 
 dollar and a quarter per acre paid down, and there is a considerable wild land 
 in this county not bought up. 
 
 The season here has been the dryest perhaps ever known here, but our 
 land bears the drought exceedingly well. 
 
 The topic of conversation here in these days is Mr. Robert Owen's Social 
 System,* now going into operation about twelve miles from this place. Per- 
 haps you may have formed some idea of the system by reading his speeches to 
 Congress last March, that is, if you have had them in your papers. There is 
 a flocking to his standard of rich and poor from all parts of the United States 
 and many from Europe. I have been out to see them; went through the rota- 
 tions of their schools, of about one hundred and fifty scholars, and looked at 
 the laboriousness of teachers who were not allowed to chastise them, and I like- 
 wise visited the Committe Room and made rather a favorable estimate of their 
 community, to which the best enlightened part of the western world or States 
 are rapidly becoming converted. We have a very favorable site in this neigh- 
 borhood. If we can obtain it, I think we shall soon go into operation, and ae 
 it is but a few miles from the Ohio river it will be favorable for emigration. 
 Should you, or anybody else, become converted, please direct them to Posey 
 County, Indiana. From the landing at Mount Vernon to Mr. Owen's New 
 Jerusalem, so called, to be completed in three or four years, is but fourteen 
 miles from the Ohio river. Perhaps you may come to see, as you can come 
 eleven hundred miles by the way of the Ohio river. The projected institution 
 is not a patent right one, if it was your State would doubtless go into it. The 
 range of buildings for dwellings are to be on four lines of seventy rods; the space 
 way in the middle to be for play-grounds except a few public buildings. On 
 this space all the male scholars are learned to march and perform some mili- 
 tary evolutions. Here note. Mr. Owen says, "That as wars come through 
 delirium, it is therefore necessary for the enlightened to learn to defend them- 
 selves when nations become crazy." However, he is sanguine in the opinion 
 that the nation will receive the light which surrounding circumstances lead 
 him in the way of, and when they do, wars will cease. As for religion, his 
 
 * Robert Owen, a social reformer, was born in North Wales in 1771. He died in 1858. 
 He married a daughter of David Dale, of Glasgow, Scotland. In 1823 he came to the United 
 States and bought 20,000 acres of land at New Harmony, Indiana, on the Wabash river, 
 where he started a communistic scheme which was quite novel and popular for a time, but 
 soon failed. In 1828 he tried the same system in Mexico, by invitation of the government 
 of that country, but this also failed. His son, Robert Dale Owen, born in Glasgow in 1801, 
 lived at New Harmouy for a long time, and was a member of Congress from that district in 
 1843 to 1847. He was a ready writer and published many pamphlets and books, the most 
 noted one was a spiritualistic work called "The Debatable Land." His brother, David 
 Dale Owen, born 1807, died in New Harmony in 1860. He was a noted geologist and em- 
 ployed by the government in 1837 to make a geological suivey of Iowa, Minnesota and 
 Wisconsin.
 
 442 
 
 worship-house doors are open for all denominations, Brahmins, Mohammedans, 
 or even Deists not excepted. He urges, in the most vehement manner, the 
 necessity of charity, and tnus shames the Christian world. His love for man- 
 kind is apparently great, although taken to be a Deist. As his pamphlets will be 
 scattered through the country, you may soon know more about him and his 
 institution ; so of this no more at present. 
 
 Brother and sister: I have not heard from you for five long years. Do 
 write me soon, pardoning my long neglect in writing to you. Ruth often 
 speaks of Polly with great feelings of heart. May they one day meet where 
 tears will be no more. 
 
 Give our love to all of our friends and acquaintances who may not have 
 forgotten us. Our children would be remembered to you and your children. 
 Xancy and her husband are calculating in a few months to join the New Har- 
 inonian Community, of which I have written. I was drawing to a close, but 
 as it is long since I have written you doubtless will read with patience what 
 the present quarter sheet will contain, whether of more or less importance. 
 
 I have latterly attached myself to a people in this quarter, known by the 
 name of Christian Body, who take the bible, as it stands, for a rule of faith 
 and practice, discarding all other disciplines, creeds and confessions of faith pre- 
 tended to be drawn from it. They are Unitarians in general, at least of one 
 kind. I therefore preach more constantly than when in an independent state. 
 
 Perhaps you would know as to the productions of our country. We raise 
 cotton for our own use, and the last two seasons as good crops of flax as ever 
 in Massachusetts, and if the frost should hold off, as we expect it, two weeks 
 longer, we shall raise something better than four hundred bushels of Irish 
 potatoes, which are a good article for Orleans market. We have likewise a 
 good crop of sweet potatoes. The wheat in this country is generally good for 
 fiome months, when it is affected by the weavel and sometimes wholly de- 
 voured, unless kept in some cold state by threshing it out and putting it in 
 underground rooms or immediately flouring it. Wheat is worth fifty cents, 
 corn commonly twenty-five cents per bushel. 
 
 The inhabitants may be said to be from the four winds or quarters of the 
 world, but we insensibly shape to each other's manners, and the God of peace 
 is helping us to love one another. Finally, everything considered, I think we 
 are in a very good portion of the country for beauty, fertility and accommoda- 
 tions as to market, as the steamboat business is increasing and carried on 
 reasonably, which is a dollar and a quarter per hundred, and often less. So I 
 can freely invite those who are of an emigrating spirit to inquire for Mount 
 Vernon, Posey County, Indiana, which i four miles from my cabin, in the 
 township of Black. 
 
 I am, with all due respects, yours, 
 
 BARNABAS ANNABLE. 
 
 Letter from Elder Barnabas Annable to Dea. Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield, 
 in reply to one announcing the death of his wife, Mrs. Polly Annable Ellis. 
 See page 116. 
 
 BLACK TOWNSHIP, POSEY Co., IND., June 17, 1826. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER; I received your letter the 20th of May, stating the sor- 
 rowful news of the death of my sister. It is a great consolation to me to
 
 443 
 
 expect that after her many painful hours in a short life she changed worlds 
 for a glorious resting place in heaven, where, I hope, it will be the anxious 
 care of us all who survive, so to live as that we may meet in the paradise of 
 our God when our time on earth shall be out. By your letter my uncle and 
 aunt are yet alive; may their last days be their best days, by reason of a 
 redoubled life of holiness. My sister's children I should be glad to see in this 
 life, but cannot expect to. I hope their fond mother may be permitted to 
 have a guardian angel's charge of them, at least to lead in visions of the night, 
 convincing them when they awake of the great propriety of remembering 
 their Creator in the days of their youth. 
 
 Brother, the influenza has been severe the winter past with my family, 
 yet, through mercy unexpectedly, we are all alive till the present. It affected 
 all in the family but myself. I was taken about the first of March with a 
 complaint that I had been accustomed to in York State, called dry colic, 
 operating in the bowels like the gout pains in the limbs. For about a month 
 I did not expect to get well, and have not been able to work until two or 
 three weeks past, and although I have suffered greatly by the complaint a 
 number of years by spells, at present I have no symptoms of it, God be 
 praised ! 
 
 The season of the year has been highly favorable for crops. You doubt- 
 less would wish to know how I like the country by this time. I know no 
 reason why I should dislike it, for it is feasible, there being no stone, and it 
 is very fertile. The only reason why produce is low in this country is, and 
 ever will be, the great abundance of it raised, for steamboat charges are but 
 from seventy-five cents to one dollar per hundred for freight from New Orleans 
 to this place. 
 
 My wife would have written, but her nerves have failed for several years, 
 so that she has excused herself from writing to any of her friends, but wishes 
 to be remembered with the rest of our family to you and yours that may be 
 yet living, and Hannah Lincoln, together with all who may remember us. I 
 expect you would wish to have the paper filled out, and am at a loss to know 
 what news might entertain you. The Owen System, of which I wrote last, 
 is still progressing, and but for the old corrupt doctrine of man's not being 
 blamable or praiseworthy, he being a creature of circumstances, being con- 
 nected with it, I could wish it great success. The first, or old community, 
 like a beehive, has swarmed twice this season, and others are forming upon 
 the same plan, except doctrines. 
 
 Mr. Owen professes great love for the poor of mankind, and sacrifices 
 great pains, or gives himself to grea^ laboriousness for his people, yet is pru- 
 dent with his money or fortune. With me, he is a paradox, as in some of his 
 written addresses there is language so arranged as to answer the description 
 of St. Paul's man of sin, mentioned in Paul's second epistle to the Thes- 
 salonians, and second chapter. He has about as much to say about Jesus 
 Christ as Mahomed had, but applies those Scriptures which the prophets 
 wrote of Christ, to himself. I read his newspaper weekly. He has capable 
 writers. His papers are quite entertaining, and there is something apper- 
 taining to his system to be found in almost all his newspapers. I think his sys- 
 tem will revolutionize Europe before it will America, therefore, it will be a 
 longtime before I may expect to see you here on a pilgrimage visit, as the Mahom-
 
 444 
 
 edans to Mecca or Medina; yet I hope as long as we all live that I shall have 
 the prayers of all my relations and friends that we may steer our course so as 
 to meet with approbation in heaven at last to solace our souls in seas of heav- 
 enly bliss. 
 
 I remain your faithful brother, 
 
 BARXABAS ANNABLE. 
 
 SEMPRONIUS, N. Y., July 29, 1827. 
 
 DEAR UNCLE : This letter is to inform you that Azel Ellis' [209] wife 
 died one day after Independence, and her child a week before. This was a 
 great loss to all her acquaintances, and especially to Azel, who appears to 
 mourn above measure in parting from his family. Her illness was short, being 
 a little over a week, and previously she openly manifested her reconciliation 
 to God. All the powers of men could not make her to live, I suppose. I 
 attended the funeral; the sermon on the occasion was by dominie Becrow. 
 
 I think jour land may be sold for ten dollars per acre, one half ready 
 pay. There was such a chance a while a^o; probably a fair price as lands 
 around about it are selling. We have heard of the extraordinary casualty on 
 Ashfield pond [page 295.] It was a great shock to us all. We want to hear 
 the particulars. We are hoping and expecting you to visit us in Sempronius 
 next fall or winter. 
 To Diinick Ellis, Ashtield. CYRUS ELLIS. 
 
 Memorandum of a trip in 1828, by Dea. Dimick Ellis, from Ashfield to- 
 Sempronius, N. Y., and return, 
 
 ASHFIELD, Jan. 2, 1828. 
 
 At three o'clock in the afternoon took the stage for Sempronius, New 
 York, arrived at Smith's Tavern, in Cheshire, in the evening, and started from 
 there at two o'clock in the morning. Arrived at Troy in the afternoon. 
 Crossed the Hudson River on the ice, on foot, and arrived at Albany the 
 same night, and put up at Milliken's Inn for the night, and paid four dollars 
 for a passage in the stage to Utica. Left Albany at ten o'clock the next day 
 for Utica; arrived there at seven o'clock the next morning, and went from 
 there to New Hartford. The 6th, set out in the stage for Marcellus Village; 
 arrived there the 7th, at one o'clock in the morning. Found the traveling 
 very bad, snow all gone, and the frost all out of the ground. Visited Benja- 
 min Rhoades. The 8tb, left Mr. Rhoades and >ent to Auburn. The 9th, left 
 Auburn and travelled to Sempronius on foot, and found my friends in health; 
 and went from Sempronius to Mentz and visited Lieut. Edward Annable and 
 wife. Saw them at their daughter's, Mrs. Wheaton. [See page 94. ] From 
 there went to Sennet and visited Elder Twiss and family. [Page 94.] Returned 
 to Auburn and went into the State Prison. Saw the prisoners at work, in 
 their different departments, numbering five hundred and thirty one males and 
 seventeen females, and returned again to Sempronius. February, the 21st, 
 left Sempronius and came to Mr. Rhoades, in Marcellus. The 22d, took the 
 stage at Marcellus Village for New Hartford; found the travelling very bad, 
 and arrived at New Hartford the 23d; at four o'clock P. M. left New Hartford 
 for Paris, and stayed at Daniel Lanterman's the 24th. The 25th, left Paris- 
 and took the stage at Utica for Albany. Arrived at Albany the 26th at five 
 o'clock, P. M. The 27th, left Albany for Pittetown; arrived there in the
 
 445 
 
 afternoon and stayed over night at my son's, Richard Ellis. The 28th, left 
 Pittstown and arrived at North Adams. The 29th, left Adams in the stage 
 and crossed Hoosack Mountain, found the traveling very bad; arrived at 
 Charlemont in the evening. March 1st, left Charlemont and arrived at home 
 at five o'clock P. M., and found my family all well. 
 
 Letters from Thomas Lincoln, of Springville, Erie Co., N. Y., to his 
 uncle, Dea. Dimick Ellis, and his youngest sister, Annie, of Ashfield. Mr. 
 Lincoln's mother, Jane Ellis, was a sister of Dea. Ellis, and when she sud- 
 denly died in 1812, in western New York, the latter went there and took two 
 of the children, Thomas and Annie, to his home in Ashfield. In 1825 young 
 Thomas, not being pleased with his prospects in that rather forbidding coun- 
 try, somewhat unceremoniously, it is said, departed. Seepages 107 to 110. 
 
 SPRINGVILLE, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1831. 
 
 DEAR UNPLE: Once more, by the leave of Divine Providence, I take 
 my pen in hand to inform your honor of my present situation. I am in pretty 
 good health, and hope this will find you and my friends in Ashfield enjoying 
 the same. I am still a single man and living in the village of Springville. I 
 make my home at a public house where I have lived for about two years. I 
 give 1 75 per week for my board, and the proprietor is a great friend of mine. 
 But this is not living much as when I lived with you. Ob, what a kind parent 
 you was, and you have done all for me that a parent could for his own chil- 
 dren, but I cannot express my feelings on this paper as I would if I could 
 come and see you. I work at my trade, and work by the job. I have just 
 commenced to build a meeting-house which will take me until next spring to 
 complete it. Give my respects to your children and all who inquire for me. 
 When I look back upon the days I spent with you and your children, it seems 
 but a few weeks ago. Time rolls swiftly on. Please write as soon as you 
 
 get my letter. 
 
 THOMAS LINCOLN. 
 
 p. . Please convey these few lines to my sister. Dear sister: I long 
 to see you very much and all my relatives. If I have my health I will come 
 and see you within one year. I have been sick some, and have had many 
 troubles and trials. * * * Write as soon as you can, and give 
 my respects to all. T. L. 
 
 SPRINGVILLE, N. Y,, Jan. 12, 1833. 
 
 DEAR SISTER: I have written to uncle Dimick several times, and have 
 addressed a few lines to you in each of them, and have not had but one letter 
 from you and one from him. Eight years have passed and gone since I left 
 your town, dear sister. Do you remember the last time I saw you I told you 
 that I should not see you again in one year. You did not seem to believe it, 
 but the year has come and gone and gone again, and the hour of meeting has 
 not yet come, and perhaps it never will whilst we live on earth. 
 Dear sister, I cannot give any encouragement as to when I can come to see 
 you, as my business is such that I cannot leave at present. I have taken 
 another meeting-house to build, and have to finish it by the first day of 
 August next. I hope these few lines will find you well and enjoying the
 
 446 
 
 sweet comforts of life, and that you may receive them as a token of friend- 
 ship. I am still a single man. Give my respects to uncle Asher's folks and 
 Jane, and all others of my cousins, and all who ever knew me. 
 
 Youra with respect, 
 
 THOMAS LINCOLN. 
 
 P. S. A few lines to my uncle Dimick Ellis. Dear sir: I have written 
 one or two letters to you and got no answer. I hope you have not forgotten 
 me, and especially when you call your little family around you to offer up 
 your prayers to Almighty God. I am not a professor of religion, but I am a 
 well-wisher of the cause and help to support the Gospel here. Last spring 
 there was a protracted meeting here for 18 days, and a great reformation fol- 
 lowed. * * Dear uncle, while you are reading these lines over 
 think of the days that have passed and gone when I was one in your family, 
 and whether yon did your duty or not in offering your prayers for me. I can say 
 for one that I do think you did, and that you gave your best advice to me. 
 But I was young then, and did not always know what was best. I shall not 
 be able to come and see you till next fall. * * I have built me 
 a shop and got a good stock of tools. I send my warmest love and best 
 respects to you and your family, and to all who ever knew me. Please send 
 me a letter as soon as you receive this, with all the deaths, marriages, etc. 
 
 Yours with much reapect, 
 
 THOMAS LINCOLN. 
 
 From Fernando C. Annable. youngest child of Lieut. Edward Annable, to 
 Dea. Dimick Ellis, of Ashtield. See pages 96 and 390. Mr. Annable settled in 
 Almena, Mich., one year after the data of this letter, where he died in 1886. . 
 
 MENTZ, CAYUGA Co., N. Y., June 24, 1835. 
 
 HIGHLY RESPECTED UNCLE: Through the kindness of Mr. Cyrus Alden, 
 who condescends to be the bearer of this letter, I have an opportunity of writ- 
 ing to you. The most important news which I have to communicate is the 
 death of my mother. She died on the first of February of an inflammatory 
 complaint which was quite prevalent through this country last winter, and 
 generally fatal to old people. The first alarming symptom of her disease was 
 a severe ague chill nine days before her death, and when the chill subsided the 
 succeeding fever deprived her of her senses, and she remained delirious except 
 at short intervals, during the remainder of her sickness. Her sufferings were 
 rather more than is generally experienced by old people in their last illness. Her 
 hope in the Redeemer of souls was unusually lively, and at intervals of sanity 
 was always expressed. Father lives in Marcellus, enjoying good health, but 
 has lost almost all his faculties. I have recently heard from Anna and that 
 she is in a dangerous situation as to health, with small prospects of recovery. 
 The rest of the friends are well, as far as I know. I have commenced keeping 
 house in the neighborhood in which I was brought up, and have postponed 
 my intended removal to Michigan for the present. Betsey's health has been 
 very discouraging most of the time since we were at Ashfield the cause of my 
 settling here but is something more encouraging now. Let me hope, sir, 
 that the opportunity may yet occur when I shall have the pleasure of seeing 
 you here, when I shall have a better opportunity of expressing my feelings
 
 447 
 
 towards you for the kind reception you gave me when I was in AahfieldL 1 
 perceive, as I am more and more deprived of the society of my parents, my 
 affections increase towards those with whom they were familiar and esteemed. 
 The evening is far spent, and I believe that I have communicated the news of 
 importance. I wish you to give my respects to aunt and each member of your 
 family, and believe me, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 F. C. ANNABLE. 
 
 From Samuel Annable, son of Barnabas, to I)ea. Dimick Ellis, of Ashfield. 
 
 YANKEE SETTLEMENT, POSEY COUNTY, IND., Dec, 15, 1839. 
 
 DEAR UNCLE: Agreeable to brother Elisha Phillips' wish, I cheerfully 
 undertake to answer your letter to him, bearing date September 14th, and 
 would have written sooner, but at the date of your letter I was on an expedi- 
 tion to Iowa, Wisconsin and the northern part of Illinois, under Mr. David 
 Dale Owen, who was employed by the government as principal agent to ex- 
 plore those regions for the purpose of ascertaining the localities of the mineral 
 lands, from which expedition I have but just returned. It affords me great 
 satisfaction to see a letter from under your hand. I have often thought of 
 you in connection with the scenes of my childhood, and thought it would 
 afford me great satisfaction to pay a visit to the place of my nativity, and to 
 my esteemed uncle, but I am afraid that circumstances will never favor such 
 an undertaking. I have often thought about writing, but the uncertaintv of 
 your being in the land of the livinp would deter me. It appears by your let- 
 ter that you have never been fully informed with regard to the mortality in 
 my father's family, and I am now unable to give you the precise date, having 
 had a house burned in which the records were consumed, and I am not able 
 to recollect them. 
 
 It was eleven years ago last summer that an unusual fever for this coun- 
 try broke out in our family in the month of June. My mother was the first 
 who fell a victim to it, sister Nancy next, then brother David and Bromley, 
 then sisters Eliza and Rhoda all in the space of six weeks. I had the same 
 fever, but through the mercy of God, recovered after a long and severe illness. 
 Three others of the family had it and recovered. It was confined principally 
 to our family, but few of our neighbors having it. As to the cause, there was 
 a diversity of opinion. Some thought the disease was brought from New 
 Orleans in some articles of clothing which my brother Bartlet (who had been 
 trading down the river the winter previous) had brought with him. Various 
 other causes were assigned. Suffice it to say, it was a very unusual occurrence 
 for this country, and you may be sure a very trying season. 
 
 My father died the ninth of May, H35, after suffering for something more 
 than a year with pulmonary consumption. My brother David died in October 
 1836 of bilious fever. Brother Bartlet has gone to Texas. I have had no 
 letter from him since last winter. He was much pleased with the country, 
 had obtained 2,750 acres of land, was unmarried. This is about all the infor- 
 mation I could get from him. [See page 367]. I have but one brother left in 
 the country. That is Russel, the youngest. He is a young man, about 
 twenty-three, rather an oddfellow, something like old uncle Thomas Annable.
 
 448 
 
 Sister Elects, Elisha Phillips' wife, is still living; her eldest son and daughter 
 are married and have children. She has four other children Jiving, two sons 
 and two daughters. Sister Fanny is married to a man by the name of Wil- 
 bourn, and has two children, a son and daughter. [See page 367]. 1 have 
 been married only seven years; have a very agreeable companion; we have 
 had but one child, which we lost. My wife's maiden name was Davis. I am 
 proprietor of the farm on which father settled; have 160 acres of land, about 
 half under good improvement; an orchard of bearing fruit trees; have built 
 me a comfortable framed house and barn, and we are generally blessed with 
 plenty of the good things of this world, though we have had to labor under 
 considerable embarrassments. 
 
 With regard to religion, I would like to say something, feeling a deep in- 
 terest in the cause. There is a great proportion of the population who are 
 religions, and a considerable degree of religious excitement prevails at times, 
 but the people are so cut up into different denominations and manifest, at 
 times, so much of party spirit, as I fear, seriously to affect the prosperity of Zion. 
 The denominations are Methodists, what are called Regular Baptists, General 
 Baptists, Cumberland Presbyterians, a few Congregationalists, and those who 
 style their church by no other name than that of Christian. Of the latter, I, 
 my wife, brother E. Phillips and wife, and brother John Wilbourn and his 
 wife are members. As a religious society, we seem to be every where evil 
 spoken of ; by some called heretics, Unitarians, Campbellites, reformers, and 
 by some disorganize, etc. But we wish to take the bible for the man of our 
 counsel, and trust in God that if we live agreeable to its dictate it will go well 
 with us; without so doing, we feel assured that it would go ill with us, no 
 matter to what church we may have attached ourselves. 
 
 I would remark, in relation to health, that it is a general time of good 
 health in this section of country, though it was very sickly in parts of the 
 country I traveled over in the fall, particulerly Iowa. I had always heard 
 Jowa spoken of as a very healthy country, but I think it has been much over- 
 rated. Fever, I think, must prevail to a great extent, owing to the swamps 
 with which the country abounds. 
 
 I wish you to write and let us know that you have received this. Give 
 what information you can about such things as you think most interesting, 
 and should we never meet in life, pray God that we have the happiness to 
 meet and enjoy each other's society in a happier state of existence. 
 
 Your affectionate nephew, 
 
 SAMUEL ANN ABLE. 
 
 Letter from Dear. Richard Ellis [239] to his brother, Lewis Ellis, of Otisco 
 now Belding, Mich. 
 
 PITTSTOWN, RENSSELAER Co., N. Y., March 2d, 1844. 
 
 DEAR BROTHER : I take my pen to answer your letter. I have delayed 
 writing to hear from Ashfield. Edwin [Ranney] and wife have been to A., 
 and returned yesterday. He was married to Miss Eliza Button, January 29. 
 [See page 388.] We are all well here and father and mother, in A., also. 
 Tell Abner Wright and Hiram Green that their friends here are well. [Messrs. 
 W. and G. removed, in 1843, from Pittstown to Otisco, and settled on farms
 
 449 
 
 adjoining Lewis and Richard Ellis.] Kingsley Slade and Miss Martin were 
 married January 30; also Michael Weters and Emeline Gibbs last Tuesday. 
 [Mr. and Mrs. W. settled in Otisco, in 1845, where they now live.] You 
 want to know if we are coming to Michigan this spring. I will give you a 
 direct answer. We shall come. We have had a cold winter and the most 
 sleighing I ever knew. Abner's brother, Norman, was married to Miss Maria 
 Hydorn in January. He and Elder Mosher intend to go out to Michigan in 
 the spring. [They both settled in Otisco the next year.] Job Gibbs, I think, 
 will come. He talks of taking a thrashing machine along. It works by horse- 
 power, and it is said that with it three hands can thrash one hundred bushels 
 a day. I should have started last fall with John, but could not then get 
 father and mother started. [Dr. John Ellis located in Grand Rapids, Mich., 
 in the fall of 1843.] I have sold my place here and turned myself, so as to 
 be ready to go this spring. I will bring the nails you wrote for. I have had 
 built a very stout wagon. I think it will carry one hundred bushels of wheat 
 anywhere. Volney Belding is in Ashfield. We expect him here soon. Give 
 my respects to all our friends. We want to see them all. 
 
 I remain your brother, 
 
 RICHARD ELLIS. 
 
 Letters from Dea. Dimick Ellis to Cyrus Ellis, of West Niles, N. Y., 
 near Moravia. 
 
 OTISCO, MICH., March 9. 1850. 
 
 DEAR NEPHEW: I received your letter of 2d of January, and meant to 
 have answered it before this time. I was much pleased on receiving it, being 
 the first information that I had received from you since you left this place. 
 Was glad to hear of your safe arrival at your home, and that you found your 
 family in health. In regard to my own health, it is very good and has been, 
 with but little exception, ever since you left here. My wife's health has been 
 poor. She has been much troubled with rheumatism. She is more comfort- 
 able now. Lewis' health is good; his wife has been sick with the ague and 
 fever, but is better now. The rest of the family are well. Richard and fam- 
 ily are well; he and sons are at work in the pinery; has bought him a span of 
 horses and has paid for them in drawing saw mill logs; gave $230 for the 
 horses and harness. Tiberius Belding and family are well and doing well. 
 Deacon John Shaw [247] and family are well. Stephen Wilson is married 
 again; is well and family. The wheat crop last season fell short almost one-half 
 of a full crop. Corn and potato crops good. Lewis and Richard sowed nearly 
 60 acres of wheat last fall; it looked very well in the fall. The winter past has 
 been very moderate; snow not over two or three inches deep. I will now 
 proceed to write you a copy of the record of your grandfather Ellis' family, 
 agreeable to your request. * * [See page 19, Nos. 15 and 16]. 
 
 You will perceive by this family record that I am the only surviving per- 
 son of your grandfather's family, and, no doubt, before many years are past 
 away that I shall go the way of all the earth. Solemn thought; and when I cast 
 my thoughts back to the years of my childhood and youth and middle age life, 
 it fills my mind with solemnity. I can truly say that one generation hath passed 
 away and another come, and the generation that I belonged to has mostly passed 
 away and another hath come. I hope that when it shall be ours to die that we
 
 45 
 
 shall be prepared to meet in another and better world, where there is no 
 sin and, of course, no sorrow. There has been quite a gold excitement here 
 of late. There has been a man [Michael O'Connell] from this place to Cali- 
 fornia and returned home the winter past, and brought honie something like 
 $18,000, and there has been a number of other men started from this place 
 of late for California. Thomas and Chandler Belding [251 and 253] have both 
 , gone. I wish you, as soon as convenient after you receive this letter, to 
 write to me about your mother's health, and what you know about brother 
 John Ellis' widow and children, and likewise, what you know about your 
 uncle Lincoln's children, and be pleased to receive for yourself and family my 
 best wishes. Your aunt sends her respects to you and family, likewise Lewis 
 and wife send theirs. DIMJCK ELLIS. 
 
 OTISCO, MICH., February 19th, 1853. 
 
 DEAR NEPHEW: After a long delay I take pen in hand to answer your 
 letter of December last, in which you informed me of the death of Hannah 
 Lincoln [see page 180] and of the ill health of Marilla Lincoln. It seems that 
 the greatest part of the Lincoln family are dead. There were ten of them, and 
 I believe there are but three or four of them now living, two sons, Thomas 
 and Benjamin. Thomas is married, has eight children and lives in Springville, 
 Erie Co., N. Y. Benjamin is now in Otisco, an unfortunate man, forty years 
 old; has been out of health five or six years with the rheumatism. You wrote 
 that you, together with many others in Xew York State, were engaged to get 
 the Maine liquor law passed. I hope you will see it become a law in your 
 State, for 1 am well assured that it would be a great benefit to the inhabitants 
 thereof. There are many people in Michigan engaged in the temperance 
 cause. I have been engaged in that cause twenty-two years past, and feel now 
 the same anxiety to see it prosper that I ever have. I have ever considered 
 it to be one of the best of causes. I have learned of late that the legislature 
 of Michigan has enacted a law similar to the Maine law, and I understand it 
 is to be submitted to the people whether it shall become a law or not. It is 
 believed that the people will vote in favor of it. My own health is good. I 
 have entered my 77th year. My wife's health is very poor. Lewis and the 
 rest of the family are welL Richard and family are well. Tiberius Belding 
 and family are well. Jane Shaw and family are well, and it is a very healthy 
 time at present in this part of the country. Mr. Moseman, who lived in Ionia, 
 and who formerly lived in your town of West Niles, N. Y., died a few weeks 
 past. We have had a very moderate winter so far, had but little snow. 
 Wheat sells at Grand Rapids for 75 cents, corn at home for 50 cents, oats for 
 37^ cents. Lewis sowed last fall 37 acres of wheat. He is getting lumber to 
 build him a new house. I wish you to write a letter to me as soon as conven- 
 ient after receiving this, more particulars about your family. Have any of 
 them settled in the world, and if so, where do they live? And write how your 
 mother does [71] and how her children do and where they live, and likewise 
 how your uncle John's widow does [69] and where she lives and what you 
 know about her children. Give my respects to your wife and family, and 
 like wise'to your mother, and to your aunt Ellis, and to all inquiring friends, 
 and be pleased to accept for yourself and family my best regards. 
 
 DIMICK ELLIS. 
 To Cyrus Ellis, Euq.
 
 45* 
 
 Letter from Russel Phillips' daughter [see page 102] to Dea. Dimick 
 Ellis, of Otisco, (now Belding) Mich. Her mother, Rhoda (Williams) Phillips, 
 was a niece of Dimick Ellis. Rhoda's mother, Mrs. Hannah Ellis Williams, 
 was Dimick Ellis' eldest sister. 
 
 RACINE, Wis., March 24th, 1853. 
 
 DEAR UNCLE: By the request of my parents and from the remembrance 
 of you, I am induced to perform the agreeable task of writing to you. Allow 
 me first to introduce myself as Elizabeth, the youngest of Russel and Rhoda 
 Phillips' family. The memory of myself has probably passed from your mind, 
 but that of my parents must still remain fresh. You have probably before 
 this heard of our removal to this State. We came here in the summer of 1848. 
 From that time until last summer my parents made their home with my 
 brother John, who lives about a hundred miles from here in a farming place. 
 Last summer they removed to this ciiy where they have since remained. 
 Since my parents' residence in this State their health has been very good. My 
 father has had several attacks of the fever and ague, which has affected him 
 very much, but mother's health has been better since she came west than it 
 was east. 
 
 While I have been writing, your letter has been brought in. It was joy- 
 fully received, I can assure you. I should have written ere this had I known 
 where you lived. And the knowledge that we have obtained came from Mr. 
 McDonald; and now that we know that you are alive and well, and also 
 where you live, I can finish it with all pleasure, and tell you about the situa- 
 tion of my parents' family. Of the family of eight, they are all still living and 
 well. Hannah Phillips [see page 102] and husband live in the county where 
 my brother John lives. They have a family of four. John's wife is unknown 
 to you. He has a family of three. Both John and Flowers are farming, and 
 possess very valuable farms apiece. Monroe is married and has one child. 
 Himself and family reside in Lockport, N. Y. He is in the mercantile busi- 
 ness. Galusha is also married and lives in Rochester, N. Y. Allan and wife 
 still remain in Ashfield, Mass. Mary is married to a Mr. Yout. They reside 
 in this city, have a family of three. Sarah is also married to a Mr. Hill; her- 
 self and only child are now staying with me, her husband having gone south. 
 Our family and our families family have not only been blessed with life and 
 good health, but prosperity, which, taking all things into consideration, is 
 uncommon for so large a family as ours. We are very pleasantly situated in 
 this place, and like living here very well. Mother and father send their love 
 to you and would like to see one and all of you at any time. We would like 
 to know about the death of uncle Asher Belding. I wish you would visit us, 
 uncle Dimick; I remember you very distinctly. I remember you as being a 
 large, corpulent man, with a round, smiling face, hair that was white with 
 the frosts of age, and a stiff white beard, which you said was good to make 
 childrens' cheeks red; consequently, when I was a child you used to put it to 
 the test, and many a time my cheeks have smarted keenly from its brushing. 
 Sometime ago w received a letter from uncle Apollos Williams [see page 104], 
 stating the death of grandfather and uncle Edward. I answered it and re- 
 ceived in return one from his son, which I enclose, that you may peruse it. 
 Please return it when you write. My love to all. 
 
 Your niece, 
 
 ELIZABETH A. PHILLIPS.
 
 452 
 
 T^etter from Dea. Dimick Ellis, of Otisco, now fielding, Mich., to Cyrus 
 Ellis [233]. 
 
 OTISCO, IONIA Co., MICH., Jan. 7, 1856. 
 
 DEAR NEPHEW: I now take pen in hand to inform you of my present 
 health, which is as good as it was when I left you last spring on my way to 
 Massachusetts; likewise, all your friends in this part of Michigan are as well 
 as usual. I will next proceed to write you about my journey to Massachu- 
 setts, and of my safe return home to Michigan. You recollect, no doubt, car- 
 rying and leaving me and the young man that was with me to the railroad, near 
 Benjamin's Rhoades. I took the cars and arrived at Springfield, Mass., at 9 
 o'clock p. m. The young man left me at Albany, I stayed at Springfield 
 over night. Next morning I took the cars for Greenfield, then the stage for 
 Shelburne Falls; arrived here at about 2 o'clock p. m. I called on Dr. Milo 
 Wilson; found him and family well. I stayed at Shelburne several days, then 
 went to Ashfield to your uncle Jesse Ranney's; found them comfortable for 
 people of their age. I then visited about among old friends. There are but 
 few persons living in the school district where I used to live when you lived 
 with me. Your uncle Jesse Ranney and family, David fielding and widow 
 Perry and one son, I believe, are all that live in the district now. The rest 
 have died or have moved away. Surely, one generation passeth away and 
 another cometh. There are not so many inhabitants in Ashfield now as there 
 were when you lived there. I went to South Hadley and saw the Mt. Holy- 
 oke Female Institution, founded by Miss Mary Lyon; saw the monument 
 raised to her memory by her pupils. The institution is in a flourishing condi- 
 tion. The pupils frequently go to Buckland to see the place where she was 
 born. Truly, she was an extraordinary woman, and her name will go down 
 to posterity as such. Shelburne Falls has become quite a village; there are 
 three meeting houses there ; one Baptist, one Congregationalist, and one 
 Methodist. There is a large knife factory on the Buckland side of the Falls. 
 There is a flourishing academy on the Shelburn aide, and it has become a 
 place of considerable business. Lewis [241] and wife came to Massachusetts 
 about the middle of October and stayed until the 3rd day of December, when 
 they returned, together with myself, to Michigan. We stopped at Detroit 
 and stayed at John's one day and two nights. Found him well and doing 
 well. We returned home the 9th day of December all well. I wish you, on 
 receiving this letter, to write an answer immediately. Give my respects to 
 your mother and to your uncle John's children [68], and receive for yourself 
 and family my best wishes for your and their present and future health and 
 
 happiness. 
 
 From your affectionate uncle, 
 
 To Cyrus Ellis, Esq. DIMICK EL"LIS. 
 
 Letter from Dr. John Ellis (243) on the death of his brother, Dea. Rich- 
 ard Ellis, (239) of Belding, Mich. 
 
 NEW YORK CITY, March 27, 1878. 
 
 DEAR NEPHEW: Your telegram came at one o'clock this morning announc- 
 ing the death of my dear brother, your father. It was not unexpected, for 
 the symptoms you have written of in cases like his denote approaching disso- 
 lution of the material body. Allow me to sympathize and console with you
 
 453 
 
 in this, our affliction. A kind husband, father and grandfather has departed 
 and left your little circle; a dear brother from our older circle; a good citizen, 
 an earnest and sincere Christian in the good providence of the Lord has moved 
 on and entered the real, the living world. His past life useful, earnest and 
 true is an assurance to us that what is our loss is his gain. He has simply 
 gone before us, for death in this world is but birth into the next, for as the 
 material body dies, the spiritual body is raised. As the material eyes close on 
 friends in this world the spiritual eyes open amid friends in the spiritual 
 world. In a very short time a few years at most we must all follow him. 
 How short is life. 
 
 After receiving your dispatch I lay awake three or four hours, dwelling 
 in thought, amid the days of my childhood, youth and adult life; amid scenes 
 of joy and gladness, and sorrow and sadness. Such is life in this world. Let 
 us all strive to do our duty faithfully and honestly, trusting in the Lord, for 
 His providence is around us ever. May the Lord preserve and keep you in 
 this hour of trouble, is my earnest prayer. A little circle of four one sister 
 and three brothers which has existed from childhood to old age has now 
 been broken in this world, to be re-united, ere many years, in the spiritual 
 world, for we are all advancing step by step, and one by one we shall lay 
 aside our mantle of flesh and join our brother. God grant that we who remain 
 may strive earnestly to be as well prepared to depart as was he who has now 
 
 gone before us. 
 
 Affectionately yours, 
 To C. D. ELLIS, Belding, Mich. JOHN ELLIS. 
 
 Extracts from No. 20, "Vol. 2," of the "Michigan Sentinel," published 
 by Edward D. Ellis. See page 165. 
 
 MICHIGAN SENTINEL. 
 
 MONROE, MICHIGAN TERRITORY, Nov. 4, 1826. 
 
 Monroe on the River Raisin. Published every Saturday, by Edward D. Ellis. 
 Terms, $2.50 per annum. 
 
 Sample articles "A proclamation by John Quincy Adams, president of 
 the United States, by H. Clay, Secretary of State, of a General Convention 
 of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the United States of 
 America and His Majesty, the King of Denmark. Done at Washington Oct. 4, 
 1826." 
 
 Market reports Butter, 10 to 15 cents. Wheat, 62 cents. Oats, 25 
 cents. Flour, $3.50 to $4.00. Pork, 12 to 14 cents. Salt, $4.50 to $4.75 per 
 bbl. Sugar, 10 to 12. Whiskey, 37. Apples, 38 to 50. 
 
 Lewis Cass was governor of the territory. The territory was governed by 
 a legislative council appointed for two years. Those from the 9th of March, 
 1826, were Abraham Edwards, Harry Connor, Andrew G. Whitney (deceased) 
 and Robert Forsythe, from Wayne and Washtenaw; Walcott Lawrence, 
 Hubert Leacroix and Laurent Durocher from Monroe and Lenawee; Sidney 
 Dole, Wm. F. Mosely, from Oakland; John Stockton, Wm. A. Burt, Ma- 
 comb; Zephaniah W T . Bunce, St. Clair Co. ; Robert Irwin, jr., Mackinaw and 
 Crawford counties. June 9th, 1826, Gen. Cass made proclamation calling 
 together the council for Nov. 2, 1826.
 
 454 
 
 " Marriage enlarges the scene of our happiness and miseries. A marriage 
 of love is pleasant; a marriage of interest easy, and a marriage where both meet 
 happy. A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendship and all the 
 enjoyments of sense and reason, and indeed all the comforts and sweets of this 
 life. Goodnature and evenness of temper will give you an easy companion for 
 life; virtue and good sense an agreeable friend ; LOVE and CONSTANCY a good 
 wife or husband. " 
 
 "Printer's Call, June 9th, 1826. The undersigned Hading it hard to live 
 entirely upon air, earnestly requests that those indebted on account of Vol. 1, 
 will make payments on or before Jan. 1st, 1827, and those who are unable to 
 pay are requested to call and promise." 
 
 Luther Tucker & Co.. of Rochester, N. Y., propose to publish the Tele- 
 graph, a daily paper, for six dollars a year. 
 
 There is an account of the proposed Welland Canal in Canada, and the 
 formation of a company with a capital of 1,000,000 to construct it. 
 
 The Sentinel is a five column folio. Over one-half is devoted to publish 
 ing United States and Territorial laws. 
 
 In a subsequent number of the Sentinel is the following : " We should 
 never despair, for we may be assured that there is a Pilot at the helm of all 
 earthly concerns who is guiding the great ship of human affairs in the best 
 possible way to a haven of peace and prosperity. " 
 
 THE OM> IH I M \K CHURCH. 
 
 The following extract from the WeU$>oro Agitator, (TiogaCo., Penn.) for 
 March 21, 1876, was written by Elder 0. N. Worden, of New Milford, Penn. 
 It relates mostly to Dea. Richard Ellis and his descendants, who were among 
 the first settlers in that portion of Pennsylvania in the early part of the pres- 
 ent century. See pages 83, 86. 
 
 " Perhaps the first church in Delmar, when this township comprised nearly 
 one-fourth of the west part of the county of Tioga, was on Big Pine Creek, west 
 of Wellsboro and the Big Marsh or Meadow. The meetings were principally 
 at the first school house and at the house of the Ellis family. There had been 
 no preaching or special efforts recently, if ever, and yet a work of grace on the 
 hearts of the people was evident. 
 
 In June, 1819, Elder Oviatt preached at the house of Richard Ellis to 
 most of the people of the settlement. 
 
 Eleven were baptised on the 27th day of June, 1819. They were Reuben 
 Ellis, Richard Ellis, sr., and jr., Asaph, John, Consider, Chloe, (Richard's wife), 
 Amanda and Lucretia Ellis, Martha Herrington and Eunice Bacon. 
 
 June 29th, Elder S. Bigelow, from New York State, baptised four David 
 Dimick, Anna Phoenix, Eunice Herrington and Patience Ellis. 
 
 In September of the same year, Elder John Stone visited the settlement 
 and baptised Polly Ellis and Nancy Bacon. On Dec. 22d, 1819, the above 
 and a few others were organized into a regular Baptist church. The next 
 day David Ellis was baptised. 
 
 More than half of the early members of this church were of the Ellis name 
 or relations of the family. Reuben, the oldest, was a deaf mute, who had
 
 455 
 
 long waited to follow Him he loved in His holy ordinance of baptism. 
 "AsaphRun"is named after Dea. Asaph Ellis. Ellisburg, Potter County, 
 is named after this family there located. One Ellis was a deacon in Tioga 
 Church. John, Richard and Consider were licensed preachers or exhorters, 
 and the last named was ordained in Potter County, March 19th, 1835. In 
 182 [the exact year is not given] there was what was known as the "great 
 sickness," in which there was great mortality among these people." 
 
 Localities where numbers of the Ellises have located, or where they now 
 reside. 
 
 OTISCO AND BELDING, MICH. 
 
 The township of Otisco is the northwest corner town of Ionia County, 
 Mich. It began to be settled about 1836 and 1837, principally by emigrants 
 from Central New York and Ashfield, Mass. The first township election was 
 held April 2d, 1838, at the shanty of Mr. Robert W. Davis, who, with several 
 others from Oakland County, Mich. , had settled there. Mr. Davis' home was 
 a little northwest of the house and farm of Mr. Volney Belding, whose place 
 was one mile north of the town center and was on the northwest corner of the 
 cross roads at that point. 
 
 The officers elected were as follows: Supervisor, John L. Morse; Clerk, 
 R. W. Davis; Assessors, Amos H. Russell, George W. Dickerson and Ambrose 
 Spencer; Highway Commissioners, Geo. W. Dickerson, Ambrose Spencer and 
 Rufus R. Cook; Directors of the Poor, William M. Springer and Volney Beld- 
 ing; Justices of the Peace, R. \V. Davis, G. W. Dickerson, Rufus R. Cook and 
 Nathaniel E. Horton; School Inspectors, Robert W. Davis, Geo. W. Dicker- 
 son and N. E. Horton; Constable and Collector, Ambrose Spencer. 
 
 There are but three men now living (1888) who cast their votes at that 
 time: John L. Morse, C. S. D. Harroun and Volney Belding; the others have 
 been rowed across the river by the silent boatman. Fourteen votes were cast. 
 Those who did not aspire for office were Wm. Russel, C. S. D. Harroun, Dan- 
 iel Horton, Munson Seeley, Asa Palmer and Patrick Kelly. 
 
 There are but two persons now residing in the town who were there then, 
 Mrs. James Moon and Gilbert Russell. This year (1838) was born the first white 
 child in the town, Eliza Russell, daughter of Amos Russell, now the wife of 
 L. C. Fales, of Orleans. The first white boy born in the town the following 
 February, was A. B. Morse, son of John L. Morse, now Supreme Judge of 
 Michigan. (See page 171 ) In fifty years the town has grown, by birth and 
 immigration, from fourteen votes to about six hundred . 
 
 Otisco was a town of remarkable fertility, and settled almost exclusively 
 by men and women of uncommon intelligence and worth. Among the agri- 
 cultural towns of Michigan it has for many years stood next to one the highest 
 in the state for wealth, enterprise and moral and intellectual advancement. 
 Among the early settlers were the following from Ashfield, Mass. : Volney 
 and Thomas Belding and their sister, Mrs. Jane Shaw. (See page 186), Joseph 
 and Nathaniel Fisk, (the latter has just died, March, 1888), Frederick and Silas 
 Kimberley, with several sisters and their father, Sterns Kimberly, Geo. Coo- 
 ley, Dexter Cutler, Mr. Coombs. Most of the above had families and located 
 there previous to 1840. In the forties there arrived Mr. Tiberius Belding, 
 Lewis Ellis, Dea. Dimick Ellis, Horace Liscomb, Orpheus Nelson. Chandler
 
 45 6 
 
 Belding, Charles and Norman Putney, all of whom, except Mr. Nelson, had 
 families. Nearly all of these Ashfield people located on farms in the north 
 part of the town and were neighbors and steadfast friends during all their 
 lives. But few of these people are now living, but they have all left names 
 worthy of lasting remembrance. 
 
 In the township of Ottsco are several villages Smyrna, in the south p;irt 
 of the town; "the corners" or Otisco Center; Kiddville, in the extreme north- 
 east, and Belding about one mile and a half southwesterly from Kiddville. 
 The latter place is a station on the Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad, from 
 which point a branch road runs over to Belding. Freight trains go out and in 
 from Belding every day, but passengers are conveyed by a horse car which 
 connects with all trains. Belding is a flourishing village of about 1,000 popu- 
 lation and rapidly growing. 
 
 At this locality is what was known in early times as Broas' Rapids, so- 
 called from Mr. Charles Broas, one of the early settlers, whose house was one- 
 half mile south, and whose farm included the lands where Belding now stands. 
 In 1855 Mr. Hiram Belding, from Ashfield, purchased this site, and a few 
 years after improvements of the water-power and the erection of a large saw 
 mill by the Wilsons, Luther and Belding Bros., and a first-class flouring mill 
 by Knott & Co., led to the quite rapid growth of the village. In 1886, the 
 Belding Bros, erected a large mill there for the manufacture of sewing silks, 
 and at the presest time have nearly completed one of the largest and finest 
 brick and stone hotel and opera house buildings in that part of the State. 
 The same parties also have a factory employing 100 M'orkmen engaged in 
 making refrigerators, and are about to enlarge the same works four fold. 
 
 The churches of Belding are the Christian, built about 1875, and the Method- 
 ist, erected in 1887. Belding also has a flourishing union school with a large 
 and costly brick building. At Otisco Center there is a Baptist church, erected 
 about 1855. Belding is one of the largest shipping stations on the D., L. & N. 
 railroad. The Belding Bros, have here nearly 1000 acres of land, mostly under 
 cultivation and well stocked with superior cattle and sheep. 
 
 On the north bank of the Flat river, opposite the main part of the village, 
 are the farms of Messrs. Lewis and Richard Ellis, who located there in 1842 
 and 1844, and where they and some of their descendants now reside except 
 Dea. Richard Ellis, (239) who died in 1878. 
 
 P1TTSTOWN, N. Y. 
 
 Pittstown, Rensselaer County, N. Y., is an agricultural town situated on 
 the Macadam or stone road half way between Troy, N. Y., and Bennington, 
 Vt. It is a. large township and near the southeast corner is the hamlet of 
 Boyntonville, named for Mr. Wm. Boyuton, who was born there about 1830, 
 and still lives there. At this place, Dea. Richard Ellis, ( 239 ) eldest son of 
 Dimick of Ashfield, settled when a young man. \Yhen he was about 21 
 years of age, he started out, as did most of Ashfield young men, (see page 
 118), on a prospecting tour through Vermont and New York. In a year or so 
 he located at Pittstown and began the coopering business manufacturing 
 barrels for the market at Troy, 15 miles distant. This was about 1826 or 1827, 
 Here he remained until the spring of 1844, when he removed to Otisco. Mich.
 
 457 
 
 In 1842, his brother Lewis and brother-in-law Tiberius Belding having settled 
 in Otisco, he made a trip out there and bought 200 acres of land. At this 
 time the emigration to the west was beginning to set in quite strong, and 
 within a few years several families and many young men left Pittstown for 
 Otisco. In 1843, Messrs. Hiram Green, John Penny, Abner Wright and 
 James Tallman were among these. In 1844, were Dea. Eichard Ellis, Job 
 Gibbs, Wm. Stokes, Aaron Weaver and Erastus Jencks. Within the next 
 year or two, these were followed by Elder Wilson Mosher, Charles Spicer, 
 John Gibbs, Michael Weter, Allen Thompson, Edwin Ranney, Alex. Tallman, 
 Daniel Green and his father and mother, James, Norman and Charles Wright, 
 (brothers of Abner above) Joseph Boynton, Joseph Felsbaw, John and his son, 
 Matthew Hydorn, Nicholas Demory and Andrus Phillips. The last four were 
 from Graf too, about one mile south of Boyntonville. Several more of Pitts- 
 town people settled in other parts of Michigan in the forties, and soon after 
 Loudon, Darius and Demetrius Button, with their mother and the latter's 
 brother, Allen Thurber, in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Mary Wadsworth, who 
 married a Lawrence who owned and kept the Lawrence hotel, in Adrian, Mich., 
 for many years up to the spring of 1888. The writer left Boyntonville, his 
 native place, when but a lad. Forty-three years later, (in 1887), he made a 
 short visit there. It is a bright spot with many cheerful happy faces to be seen, 
 but few who were known to him. The Gibbs, Warren, Raskins and Wads- 
 worth families, once numerous and influential, have mostly "gone west" or 
 that other ' ' way of all the world. " Some of the Campbells and Richmonds, 
 elegant people, hold to the old homesteads yet, each of which have strong 
 attachments near relatives in Otisco now. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD, PENX. 
 
 Springfield, the northwestern township of Erie County, Pa., lies on the 
 southern shore of Lake Erie, and is where Dea. David Ellis, with his sons 
 William and David, jr., with their families from Ashfield, settled in 1818. 
 See pages 86 to 88. 
 
 The lake shore plain is about three miles wide. In the eastern part of the 
 plain and along the ridge road are excellent farms. When the first settler, Capt. 
 Samuel Holliday* came here to locate in 1796, he found an unbroken forest. 
 Other settlers soon followed, and when in 1818 the Ellis families came, Spring- 
 field contained about 700 inhabitants. East Springfield, situated on the Ridge 
 Road, three miles from the lake, was then Springfield Four Corners, and con- 
 tained two hotels, a store, a school-house and a few houses, mostly built of 
 logs. On the beach of the lake was a road which extended west as far as 
 Conneaut, Ohio, along which many of the new comers settled. All trace of 
 the road has now disappeared, the water having washed away the bank, in 
 some places, over 100 feet since then. Some buildings have been moved over 
 one-half a mile for safety from the waves. The first Methodist-Episcopal 
 church was erected a mile south of West Springfield in 1804. There are now 
 two M. E. churches, one at East and one at West Springfield. The first 
 Presbyterian church building was a small log structure standing on the older 
 
 *Mrs. Richardson, wife of Hon. D. M. Richardson, of Detroit, Mich, was a Holliday, 
 born and reared in Springfield,
 
 portion of the cemetery grounds. It was built in 1804. The Christian church 
 at East Springfield was organized in 1826, with twelve members, one of whom 
 was Mrs. Rumina Ellis, (181.) A church was built in 1839, and the present 
 building was erected on the same site in 1885. The Baptist congregation was 
 organized in 1826, at West Springfield, a village on the Ridge Road four miles 
 from East Springfield. David Ellis, sr., (3*2) was a charter member and deacon 
 in the Church. At West Springfield a Universalist church was built in 1850. 
 Of the three villages, East, West and North Springfield, the East village 
 is the largest. There are several handsome residences with beautiful lawns 
 and gardens, several places of business, an academy used as high and public 
 school. A large, well kept cemetery in which are many beautiful and costly 
 monuments, is situated one half mile north of East Springfield. There are two 
 lines of railroads, Lake Shore &, Michigan Southern and New York Central 
 & St. Louis. (The latter road is popularly called the nickle plate from the fact 
 or impression that its builders spared no expense of money in its construction. ) 
 This road has a depot at East and West Springfield, the former a depot at 
 North Springfield. A short distance east of the depot at North Springfield, is 
 the most solid and costly piece of work in the township, the L. S & M. S. 
 culvert and embankment over Crooked Creek. The embankment is 90 feet 
 above the water and between 700 and 800 feet in length. About 200 men 
 were employed in its construction, and it required two years to complete it. 
 About one mile south of this structure, where the "nickle plate" road 
 crosses the same stream and gulch, there is a long and high tressle-work of 
 iron and steel for the roadway an elegant and costly structure. The depot 
 of this latter road is only about twenty rods from Dr. George Ellis' residence, 
 and is in the immediate neighborhood where the Ellises settled in 1818. 
 
 The following will illustrate the courage, resolution and sound principles 
 of some of the early settlers in that new country: 
 
 "Many stories are told of the courage of the women of that early generation 
 which first broke the ground in the forests of Pennsylvania. They were in 
 constant peril from wild beasts and hostile Indians, but with heroic patience 
 endured hardships, labor and disease. An example of another kind of cour- 
 age is preserved of Christina Dickson, the wife of one of the first settlers of 
 Erie County, Pennsylvania. 
 
 She was a small, low voiced woman, extremely timid by nature; but upon 
 one subject she was resolute; she had a horror of drunkenness. She lived in 
 the days when the use of liquor was universal. Whisky was as common as a 
 drink of water among these hardy, hardworking pioneers. A temperance or 
 abstinence society was unheard of. But when her sous were born, she re- 
 solved, as far as she could, to put a stop to whisky drinking in her home. 
 
 Her husband being absent, her brothers called for the help of the neigh- 
 bors, according to the custom of the time, to put up a barn needed on her 
 farm. They all assembled and went to work, while she prepared a great din- 
 ner. After an hour or two whisky was asked for. One of the brothers came 
 to the house for it; she refused to provide it to make her friends drunk. Her 
 other brothers, and at last an elder in the church, came to reason with her, to 
 tell her she would be accused of meanness. Without a word the little woman 
 went out to the barn, and baring her head stepped upon a log and spoke to 
 them in a faltering voice. "My neighbors," said she, "this is a strange
 
 459 
 
 thing. Three of you are my brothers, three of you are elders in the churchy 
 all of you are my friends. 1 have prepared for you the best dinner in my 
 power. If you refuse to raise the barn without liquor so be it. But before I 
 will provide whisky to give you, these timbers shall rot where they lie." 
 The men angrily left the work and went home; the little woman returned 
 to the house, and for hours cried as though her heart would break. But the. 
 next day every man came back, went heartily to work, enjoyed her good din- 
 ner, and said not a word about whisky. 
 
 Afterwards, whisky at barn raisings was discontinued in the county. 
 Her sons grew up strong, vigorous men, who did good work in helping to 
 civilize and Christianize the world; and their descendants are all of high-stand- 
 ing, intellectual, moral men and women. If she had yielded this little point, 
 they might have degenerated, like many of their neighbors, into drunkards 
 and spendthrifts. 
 
 There are still vices and maligant customs to be conquered, and for the 
 work we need women of high souls and gentle spirit like Christina Dickson.'^ 
 
 EASTON. MASS. 
 
 Easton, Mass. , is in the northeast corner 'of Bristol county. About 
 1690 to 1700 many settlements were made here from families near Boston and 
 Cape Cod. Probably the most numerous familly was the Phillipses Capt. 
 John Phillips and his brothers and their descendants. The first two families 
 who settled in Ashfield, Richard Ellis and his wife's brother, Thomas 
 Phillips, and their families were from Easton. It is now a flourishing manu- 
 facturing town and has long been noted for the immense Ames Shovel Factor- 
 ies. Oakes and Oliver Ames, men of great industry and enterprise, began this 
 business here nearly sixty years ago. One of their descendants, Hon. Oliver 
 Ames, a native of Easton, is now governor of Massachusetts. In 1886 Rev, 
 William L. Chaffin, pastor of the Unitarian church of Easton, wrote and 
 printed a large volume of over 800 pages of the history of Easton. It is a 
 work of great merit and a credit to the town. 
 
 CONNERSVIMJE, IND. 
 
 Connersville, Ind., on Whitewater river, is the county seat of Fayette 
 county, Indiana. The town was organized in 1819. The first settlements 
 were made about 1804 to 1808. John Conner and his family lived here 
 among the Indians in those days. About 1825 Stephen and Moses Ellis 
 (see pages 130 to 132) settled near here, where several of their descendants 
 now live. It is a thriving city of about 4000 population. 
 
 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EIXISES. 
 
 In concluding his work, the writer would be glad to give somewhat of the 
 personal traits, or characteristics, of his branch of Ellises, but inasmuch 
 as they probably differ but little, if any, from most of those of their times and 
 localities, and as his acquaintance with them is somewhat limited, whatever 
 is said in this respect need not be greatly extended. 
 
 It can, he believes, be said in truth of a great majority, if not all of these 
 people, that they have, in a commendable degree, a strong desire to be and
 
 460 
 
 become moral, intelligent and respected citizens of the localities wherever they 
 may chance to live. Industry and persistence in whatever they undertake are 
 also traits worthy of mention. In these respects failure to obtain great results 
 suddenly, gives no disappointment and leads to no relaxation of steady, consist- 
 ent effort and patient toil. With them, more than with many others, if the 
 expectations of youth and mature years are not fully realized, no discourage- 
 ment follows, nor is old age soured thereby and rendered complaining; and 
 with some, their most successful efforts and best work comes late in life. 
 
 Firmness is also a leading trait of the Ellises. With all there is a becom- 
 ing desire to be right, to be grounded in correct principles and in truth, and in 
 this will they maintain their position with an unalterable determination and 
 firmness even to obstinacy. 
 
 They are, too, a religious people. With the earlier generations the relig- 
 ious sentiment predominated. One hundred years ago books and newspapers 
 were not common, and the literary propensities of the average New Englander 
 had a limited range. The bible was the great book and often the only one in the 
 family. With this all the members became, in time, familiar, and many were 
 devoted students of the sacred volume. The head of the family often became 
 a decided theologian and was not loth to meet in bible argument any adversary. 
 He had very positive and fixed opinions regarding salvation, damnation, 
 infant "sprinkling," immersion, predestination, foreordination, the trinity, 
 or unity, of the Godhead, the co-equality of "God the Son with God the 
 Father," etc., etc. No day was too long, or fair, or business too urgent to 
 interfere with the periodical discussion of these questions. The casual visit of 
 a stranger was soon followed by the usual salutation, or inquiry, " AVhat are 
 your viewt ? " meaning his opinions on all the various theological tenets and 
 often he found one as fully informed and determined as himself, with whom he 
 quickly "locked horns" for, perhaps, a day's discussion, the result of which 
 was only to end where it began, if, indeed, each was not the more fully con- 
 firmed in the truth and importance of his own opinions. They were withal a 
 practical people, free from the follies and dissipations which impairs, if not 
 destroys the usefulness of so many in these later times. 
 
 lu political sentiments all with whom the writer is acquainted, or of 
 whom he has heard, are Republicans, and during the late great rebellion not 
 one was disloyal to the Union. 
 
 While the present generation of Ellises is noted for sobriety, it is 
 doubted by some if they, as a whole, maintain the standard of piety, devotion, 
 perseverance and all the general excellencies of their New England ancestors. 
 Without examples of vaulting ambition or astonishing brilliancy, they seem 
 content generally to follow the even tenor of a life of virtue and usefulness, 
 and evidently in the great economy of God and nature they fill well their 
 sphere. Of such it is a credit to be one.
 
 INDEX 
 
 ELLIS. 
 Aaron, 420. 
 
 Abel West, 20, 28, 137. 
 Abilam, 270. 
 
 Abigail (Wight man), 25, 44, 204. 
 Abilena, 34. 
 Adelbert C., 272. 
 Adaline G., 263. 
 Adelbert, 41, 198. 
 Adaline, 46. 
 Adelaid R., 48, 211. 
 Ada L., 66, 252. 
 Albert T., 40, 196. 
 Rev. Albert A., 23, 39, 190. 
 Adolphus C., 31, 56, 229. 
 Alexander, 42, 199. 
 Algia Frank, 50. 
 Alfred, 38, 259. 
 Alfred O., 27, 50, 213. 
 Albert, 270. 
 Alonzo, 239. 
 Alvah, 44. 
 Amarilla, 28, 214. 
 Amanda M. (Robinson), 26, 47, 210 
 Amos, 419. 
 Amasa, 30, 53, 223. 
 Amasa, 31, 56, 230. 
 Amanda, 272. 
 Amelia, 37, 252. 
 Amelia, 262. 
 Amelia G., 267. 
 Amy R, 51, 215. 
 Anthony W., 22. 30, 160. 
 Andrew, 272. 
 Angeline, 46. 
 Ann (Allyn), 34, 61, 243. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Annie S. (Ward), 26, 46, 208. 
 Anna S. (Barling), 34, 246. 
 Annie B., 54, 228. 
 Anna Belle, 67, 257. 
 Ann, 269. 
 Arlington C , 263. 
 Arnita, 42, 200. 
 Arnold, 420. 
 Arthur, 209. 
 Arthur C., 66, 251. 
 Arthur Day, 36. 
 Asa, 417. 
 
 Asaph, 20, 29, 145. 
 Asaph C., 220. 
 Asaph A., 217. 
 Augustus C. V., 418. 
 Augustus, 47, 209. 
 Azel, 22, 33, 155. 
 Baker D., 31, 229. 
 Barzillai, sr. 416. 
 Barzillai, jr. 417. 
 Benjamin, 18, 20, 80. 
 Benjamin, jr. 20, 26, 133. 
 Benjamin, 22, 35, 159. 
 Benjamin, 42, 199. 
 Benjamin Eber, 47, 209, 
 Benjamin F., 37, 253. 
 Benson, 421. 
 Beulah, 189. 
 Bertha, 51, 216. 
 Bertha, 189. 
 Bernard, 414. 
 Billings, 420. 
 Birch, 36, 65, 250. 
 Birchard, 62, 243.
 
 .462 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 JDLLIS. 
 
 Boadi 8 ea(King), 20, 28, 141. 
 
 Bolivar, 420. 
 
 Bruce L., 51. 
 
 Burwell P., 421. 
 
 Byron, 42, 200. 
 
 Caleb, 17, 19, 79. 
 
 Caleb, 24, 192. 
 
 Caleb, 24, 40, 196. 
 
 Camp, 65, 249. 
 
 Carl, 58. 
 
 Carrie C., 52, 222. 
 
 Carrie Dell, 50. 
 
 Carrie M., 38, 188. 
 
 Carrol, 266. 
 
 Caroline, 45, 207. 
 
 Carrie C., 222. 
 
 Capt. Cassius M., 47, 210. 
 
 Catharine, 25, 201. 
 
 Catharine (Willard), 34, 62, 244. 
 
 C. Dimick, 37, 67, 254. 
 
 Charles J., 419. 
 
 Charles, 42, 200. 
 
 Charles S., 39, 190. 
 
 Chauncey A., 29, 217. 
 
 Charles, 29, 216. 
 
 Chelometh (A very), 20, 27, 135. 
 
 Charles P., 32, 57, 232. 
 
 Chester, 30, 54, 227. 
 
 Chester Coburn, 44, 205. 
 
 Charles E., 48, 212. 
 
 Christina E., 38, -188, 196. 
 
 Charles, 53, 224. 
 
 Charles E., 57, 235. 
 
 Chace, 263. 
 
 Chloe (Rexford), 30, 54, 226. 
 
 Charles, 58. 
 
 Charles M., 60, 241. 
 
 Charles H., 268. 
 
 Rev. Charles D.., 420. 
 
 Christa, 420. 
 
 Christopher, 418. 
 
 Chester, 417. 
 
 Clara A., 49. 
 
 Clarissa (Selover), 36, 250. 
 
 Clara Inez, 235. 
 
 Clarence L., 35, 247. 
 
 Clark, 60. 
 
 KI.I.IS. 
 
 Rev. Consider, 20, 29, 14"), 455. 
 Consider, 30, 53, 224. 
 Cora L., 58, 236. 
 
 Cretia Ann ( Anesley), 31, 55, 228. 
 Cyrus, 22, 36, 160, 432, 444. 
 Cyrus, 28, 50, 214. 
 Cyrus, jr., 36, 250. 
 Cyras H., 66, 261. 
 Dr. C. F., 421. 
 Darwin, 272. 
 Daniel, 19, 23, 126. 
 Daniel, 20, 132. 
 Daniel, 24, 192. 
 Daniel, 26, 48, 212. 
 Datus, 417. 
 David, 21, 30, 147. 
 David, jr. 21,33, 153. 
 David, 24, 40, 195. 
 David, 57, 231. 
 David, 271. 
 David, 270. 
 Dr. David E., 416. 
 David F., 421. 
 Dea. David, 18, 21, 86. 
 Delos, 53, 224. 
 Deborah, 418; 
 
 Desiah (Belding), 23, 37, 168. 
 Dette L., 42, 200. 
 
 Dea. Dimick, 13, 19, 113, 424, 450. 
 Delia Jane (Brinkerhoff), 36, 249. 
 Delphine, 53. 
 Diantha J., 44, 205. 
 Donaldson, 56, 230. 
 Dora S., 59, 240. 
 Dwight W., 267. 
 Dyer, 263. 
 
 Ebenezer, 22, 36, 159. 
 Edith, 51, 216. 
 Edith A., 49. 
 Edmund, 27, 48, 212. 
 Edmond, 49. 
 Dr. Edward, 420. 
 Edna, 47, 211. 
 Edward, 19, 22, 111, 424. 
 Hon. Edward D., 22, 37, 165, 427. 
 Capt. Edward N., 24, 193. 
 .Edward, 33, 241.
 
 INDEX, 
 
 463 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Edward E., 35. 
 
 Edward D., 36, 65, 249. 
 
 Edward Charles, 37, 252. 
 
 Edward Dell, 38, 185. 
 
 Dr. Edwin, 421. 
 
 Edwin M., 27, 49, 213. 
 
 Edwin, 36, 64, 248. 
 
 Edward D., 39, 189. 
 
 Edward D., 67, 256. 
 
 Edward L., 268. 
 
 Edward S., 39, 190. 
 
 Dr. Edwin W., 46, 207. 
 
 Edwin, 60. 
 
 Egbert, 60. 
 
 Electa, 269. 
 
 Elmina, 264. 
 
 Elmer Eugene, 421. 
 
 Ellenor V., 267. 
 
 Elsie, 267. 
 
 Elijah. 
 
 Elvira Euth, 420. 
 
 Ella, 56, 229. 
 
 Ella, 55, 228. 
 
 Ella (Simons), 31, 56, 230. 
 
 Eliza Ann (Cole), 26, 46, 208. 
 
 Eliza, 46, 207. 
 
 Eliza Jane, 53. 
 
 Eliza, 269. 
 
 Elizabeth, 52, 224. 
 
 Elizabeth T., 37, 253. 
 
 Elizabeth (Chaffee), 21. 
 
 Elizabeth (Paddock), 23, 32, 188. 
 
 Elizabeth (Fullar), 27, 213. 
 
 Elizabeth (Duckworth), 34, 243. 
 
 Elizabeth, 56, 230. 
 
 Elizabeth B. (Gunn), 67, 255. 
 
 Ellen, 46. 
 
 Ellen, 42, 199. 
 
 Elias, 36, 249. 
 
 Capt, Elisha, 22, 34, 156. 
 
 Rev. Elisha, 34, 60, 242. 
 
 Elisha, 61, 243. 
 
 Eliphalet, 269. 
 
 Elnora, 63, 246. 
 
 Eli, 52. 
 
 Elvira (Coats), 57, 230. 
 
 Elva C., 59, 240. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Emma Maude, 50, 214. 
 Emma, 55, 228. 
 Enos, 269. 
 Ensign, 417. 
 Enoch, 420. 
 Ephraim C., 268. 
 Dr. Erastus R., 37, 67, 254. 
 Erastus W. H., 422. 
 Erodis, 270. 
 Ernest Spencer, 421. 
 Essie Amand, 62. 
 
 Eunice (Herrington), 21, 30, 146. 
 Eunice, 26. 
 Eunice, 122. 
 Eugene F. M., 62. 
 Eva Minnie M., 62. 
 Eveline C., 48, 211. 
 Fannie, 26. 
 Fannie, 42, 200. 
 Fannie, 52. 
 Fannie F., 51, 215. 
 Florence E-, 40, 196. 
 Frances A., 272. 
 Frances, 53. 
 Francis A., 48, 212. 
 Frances E., 49. 
 Frank, 42, 199. 
 Frank E., 52, 222. 
 Frank, 53, 224. 
 Franklin, 25, 201. 
 Frank E., 58, 236. 
 Frank H., 60, 241. 
 Freeman, 417. 
 Fred., 42, 199. 
 Fred., 52, 222. 
 Frederick, 211. 
 Fred. A., 50. 
 Fred. A., 66, 251. 
 Fred. D., 55, 228. 
 Fred. E., 268. 
 Fred. Hayes, 50, 214. 
 Fred. 8., 421. 
 Fred. T., 59, 240. 
 Gad, 25, 200. 
 Gad, 42, 200. 
 Genett, 56, 229. 
 Genett, 31, 230.
 
 464 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 George, 29, 52, 221. 
 George Roger, 24, 193. 
 Dr. George, 33, 59, 23*. 
 George B., 37, 257. 
 George W., 7, 37, 257, 359. 
 George W., 39, 189. 
 Geo. Edwin, 40, 196. 
 Geo. Elmer, 49, 213. 
 George W., 58, 236. 
 Geo. Wilbur, 59, 240. 
 George C., 265. 
 George W., 269. 
 George, 269. 
 Rev. George E., 417. 
 George A., 422. 
 George K., 422. 
 Gertie S., 66, 250. 
 George F., 227. 
 Gideon, 419. 
 Groat N., 23, 39, 189. 
 Grateful (Trask), 25, 43, 203. 
 Gracie M., 421. 
 Grant, 61, 243. 
 Guerdon, 421. 
 Hanford, 20. 
 Harry, 21, 31, 150. 
 Harry, 31, 55, 228. 
 Harry, 56, 229. 
 Harry W., 59, 240. 
 Harry M., 219. 
 Hazen W., 59, 240. 
 Hannah (Fulton), 17, 19, 78. 
 Hannah (Williams), 19, 21, 101. 
 Hannah (Chapman), 19. 
 Hannah (Fuller), 24, 193. 
 Hannah (Bounds), 24, 198. 
 Hannah J. (Barker), 29, 220. 
 Hannah (Cole), 34, 61, 242. 
 Hannah, 40, 195. 
 Hannah, 264. 
 Harriet, 263. 
 
 Harriet A. (Riley), 66, 252. 
 Hattie Manella, 51, 215. 
 Harriet (Smith), 32, 57, 235. 
 Harriet A., 218. 
 Harmon, 25, 200. 
 Hester Ann (Thomas), 26, 46, 208. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Henry, t>6, 250. 
 
 Henry H., 49. 
 
 Henry K., 20, 48, 212. 
 
 Henry F., 3<>, 251. 
 
 Henry G., 39, 189. 
 
 Henry D., 40, 196. 
 
 Henry R., 48, 212. 
 
 Dr. Henry Reuben, 48, 212. 
 
 Henry F., 52, 222. 
 
 Henry S., 267. 
 
 Henry D., 418. 
 
 Herbert L., 66, 251. 
 
 Hezekiah, 269. 
 
 Helen M. (Shultis), 35, 245. 
 
 Helen, 42, 199. 
 
 Helen, 47, 210. 
 
 Helen M. (Andrews), 67, 256. 
 
 Helen M., 268. 
 
 Hewitt T., 46, 208. 
 
 Hiram, 22, 34, 156. 
 
 Hiram, 36, 66, 250. 
 
 Hiram R., 39, 194. 
 
 Hollis Fay, 48, 212. 
 
 Horace, 29, 216. 
 
 Hugh M., 421. 
 
 Hylas, 420. 
 
 H. Z., 421. 
 
 Ida E., 49, 213. 
 
 Ida V., 272. 
 
 Inez A., 266. 
 
 Ira, 219. 
 
 Ira, 422. 
 
 Isaac, 25, 42, 199. 
 
 Isaac N., 34, 243. 
 
 Isaac Newton, 36, 249. 
 
 Ivy, 208. 
 
 James, 19, 25, 129. 
 
 James, 25, 200. 
 
 James F., 32, 236. 
 
 James, 41, 198. 
 
 James E., 50. 
 
 James D., 53, 224. 
 
 James Alfred, 57, 234. 
 
 James, 262. 
 
 James Fulton, 419. 
 
 James M., 421. 
 
 James, 269.
 
 INEEX. 
 
 465 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Jane (Phillips), 17, 18, 74. 
 Jane (Lincoln), 19. 
 Jane (Sheldon), 19. 
 Jane (Waterson), 24, 198. 
 Jane, 52. 
 Jane, 261. 
 Jay, 61, 243. 
 Jefferson, 31, 55, 228. 
 Jehu Green, 421. 
 Jennie, 51, 215. 
 Jesse, 57, 231. 
 Jessie E., 67, 256. 
 Jessie, 272. 
 John, 267. 
 John, 266. 
 John, 63, 246. 
 John, 61, 243. 
 John, 55, 228. 
 John, 52. 
 
 Lieut. John, 17, 19, 76, 331, 313. 
 John, jr. 19, 22, 110. 
 John, 19. 
 
 John A His, 20, 28, 138. 
 Rev. John, 21. 
 John J., 22, 35, 158. 
 Dr. John, 23, 38, 177, 359, 453. 
 John W., 25, 42, 199. 
 John S., 28. 
 
 John Demetrus, 28, 51, 216. 
 John L., 29, 221. * 
 
 John 30, 222. 
 John M., 30, 53, 224. 
 John David, 34, 61, 243. 
 John R, 35, 246.. 
 John H., 35, 63, 246. 
 John C. C., 37, 66, 252. 
 John A., 44, 204. 
 John Frank, 52, 215. 
 John A., 51, 216. 
 John M., 266. 
 John E., 268. 
 John W., 417, 419. 
 Jonathan, 18, 20, 81. 
 Jonathan, 25, 44, 204. 
 Joel, 417. 
 
 Joseph, 32, 58, 236. 
 Joseph, 266. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Joseph P., 123. 
 Josephine, 53. 
 
 Julia Frances (Cole), 28, 51, 216. 
 Julia (Mockett), 36, 64, 247. 
 J. A., 422. 
 J. M. 422. 
 Hon. J. V., 420. 
 J. W., 421. 
 Kate Edna, 62. 
 Mrs. Laura, 214. 
 Laura (Sutton), 26, 45, 206. 
 Lavina A., 122. 
 Lawrence A., 54, 227. 
 Lodoska S. (Benzie), 35, 63, 245. 
 Lena Adela, 62. 
 Lewis, 13, 23, 37. 176, 450. 
 Lewis, 26, 45, 206. 
 Lewis, 207. 
 Lewis M., 39, 189. 
 Lewis R., 26, 47, 210. 
 Lewis T., 66. 252. 
 Lester 25, 44, 204. 
 Lettie, 56. 
 
 Leonard, 33, 59, 240. 
 Levi, 41, 198. 
 Levi L., 66, 250. 
 Levi, 267. 
 Lillian May, 59. 
 Lillian, 53. 
 Lillie Phebe, 48, 212. 
 Lilly, 38, 185. 
 Livenus, 417. 
 Lizzie, 223. 
 
 Lois E. (Davis), 27, 49, 212. 
 Lois (Jeffrey), 25, 44, 205. 
 Hon. Lorenzo, 420. 
 Lorenzo D., 23, 38, 188. 
 Loien, 417. 
 .Louella E., 59, 239. 
 Louisa (Patterson), 33, 59, 237. 
 Louisa, 44. 
 Louisa F,, 59. 
 Louisa, 264. 
 Lora Belle, 50. 
 Dr. L. Stiles, 420. 
 Lurena (Phelps), 20, 131. 
 Eev. Luther, 419.
 
 4 66 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Lucinda (Berdme), 30, 52, 223. 
 Lucinda (Henry), 20. 
 Lucretia, 32, 235. 
 Lucretia (Stipp), 15, 21, 31, 148. 
 Dr. Lncien E., 48, 212. 
 Lucius, 417. 
 Luke, 122. 
 
 Lucy E. (Kingsbury), 218. 
 Lucy, 45, 207. 
 Luther P., 421. 
 Lurena, 269. 
 Lydia (Bacon), 20. 
 Lydia E. (Palmer), 27, 49, 213. 
 Lydia (Terry), 33, 242. 
 Lydia, 262. 
 Lycurgus, 47, 210. 
 Lyman, 25, 42, 200. 
 Lyman, 417. 
 Matthias, 418. 
 Matthew, 17, 74, 260. 
 Matthew Clark, 272. 
 Marion H., 65. 
 Maggie E., 53, 224. 
 Maggie M., 52, 222. 
 Marion, 31, 230. 
 Martha R., 59. 
 Maria, 217. 
 Marcus A., 23, 190. 
 Marvin, 422. 
 
 Maria (Salisbury), 23, 38, 188. 
 Maria (Miller), 31, 55, 228. 
 Mary, 17. 
 
 Mary (McKinley, Tubbs), 24, 192. 
 Mary (Barker), 24, 41, 197. 
 Mary L. (Morrell), 32, 58, 236. 
 Mary (Clark), 36, 65, 248. 
 Mary L., 39, 190. 
 Mary E. G. (Moreland), 39, 190. 
 Mary E., 53, 224. 
 Mary Ann, 25, 198. 
 Mary Ann (Buckner), 28, 50, 214. 
 Mary Ann (Phillips), 34, 62, 244. 
 Mary Judd (Gart James), 26, 45, 
 
 206. 
 
 Mary Jane (Stewart;, 28, 215. 
 Mary E. (Long), 35, 64, 247. 
 Mary L. (Eanney), 37, 67, 258. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Mary L., 51, 216. 
 Martha, 18, 80. 
 Martha (Wood), 35, 246. 
 Martha Ann, 40. 
 Martha, 42, 199. 
 Martha, 57, 231. 
 Margaret, 30, 223. 
 Margaret J., 39. 
 Mason, 417. 
 Marshall, 35, 59, 239. 
 Marshall 262. 
 Mae L., 67, 254. 
 Major E., 266. 
 Mary, 44. 
 Mary, 56, 229. 
 Mary, 56, 230. 
 Mary, 65, 249. 
 Mary (Durkee), 420. 
 Mary Ann, 263. 
 Marvin, 262. 
 Martin, 269. 
 Melinda L., 35, 247. 
 Melinda (Wing), 21, 151, 32. 
 Melinda, 33, 238. 
 Melvin, 46, 207. 
 Dr. Melvin, 192. 
 Mehitable (Kemp), 20, 27, 134. 
 Mehitable (Robinson), 25, 43, 202. 
 Miles M., 36, 66, 251. 
 'Minerva (Deuel), 36, C5, 250. 
 M. Minerva, 37, 67, 251, 255, 427. 
 Minnie, 55. 
 Minnie Maria, 51, 215. 
 Minnie May, 50. 
 Minor, 45, 207. 
 Mina P., 59, 240. 
 Micah ; 418. 
 Mose?, 20. 
 Moses, E, 218. 
 Mortimer, 421. 
 Mordecai, 418. 
 Myra, 38, 188. 
 Myra O., 54, 228. 
 Myron, 26, 47, 209. 
 Myron, 35, 246. 
 Hon. Myron H., 417. 
 Nancy (Holleman), 34, 61, 242.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 467 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Nancy, 46, 207. 
 
 Nathan H., 26, 47, 211. 
 
 Nelson, 420. 
 
 Newton D., 48, 212. 
 
 Newton S., 35, 246. 
 
 Nettie, 272. 
 
 Nevada A., 58, 236. 
 
 Nicholas Groat, 189. 
 
 Noah, 261. 
 
 Nora, 56, 229. 
 
 Norman R., 227. 
 
 N. J., 420. 
 
 Oakman A., 419. 
 
 Olivet, 26, 48, 211, 
 
 Olmer R., 219. 
 
 Oliver H., 45. 
 
 Oliver L. D., 38, 189. 
 
 Orman F., 33, 60, 241. 
 
 Orman R, 59, 240. 
 
 Orlando S., 217. 
 
 Orlando A., 218. 
 
 Orley J., 49. 
 
 Orson Henry, 28, 51, 215. 
 
 Orra M., 59, 238. 
 
 Orson, 31, 230. 
 
 Orson B., 221. 
 
 Orison A., 272. 
 
 Orville N., 419. 
 
 O. W.. 422. 
 
 Paul, 189. 
 
 Permelia, 417. 
 
 Peter, 33, 59, 240. 
 
 Peleg, 420. 
 
 Philip, 418. 
 
 Phebe ( Chamberlin, White ), 24, 
 
 41, 198. 
 
 Phebe (Winslow), 33, 241. 
 1 Pierce, 422. 
 Hon. Pitts, 22, 35, 158. 
 Pitts B., 35, 63. 245, 
 Pitts, 36, 65, 248. 
 Pliny P., 29, 220. 
 Polly, 41, 198. 
 Polly, 44, 205. 
 Polly (Dimick), 21. 
 Polly (Baker), 36, 65, 250. 
 Porter Z., 50. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Prudence, 25, 43, 201. 
 
 Prudence, 29, 221. 
 
 Prudence, 52. 
 
 Priscilla, 57, 234. 
 
 Raymond Edwin, 65. 
 
 Rachel, 262. 
 
 Rachel (Hoyle, Smith), 25, 201. 
 
 Ralph, 30, 52, 222. 
 
 Ralph, 52. 
 
 Ralph G., 58, 236. 
 
 Ralph N., 418. 
 
 Rebecca (Taylor), 21, 33, 154. 
 
 Reuben, 17, 18, 63, 330. 
 
 Reuben, 18, 81. 
 
 Reuben, 20, 26, 134. 
 
 Reuben, 21, 151. 
 
 Reuben, 271. 
 
 Reuben, 75, 270. 
 
 Reuben E., 27, 49, 213. 
 
 Reuben N., 49. 
 
 Reuben Hazen, 266. 
 
 Remember, 17, 18, 71, 401, 324. 
 
 Rhoda, 26, 209. 
 
 Rhoda, 47, 210. 
 
 Rhoda, 57, 231. 
 
 Richard A., 418. 
 
 Richard, 9, 17, 330, 358, 401. 
 
 Dea. Richard, 18, 21, 83. 
 
 Richard, 22, 34, 157, 454. 
 
 Dea. Richard, 23, 37, 173, 448. 
 
 Richard, 24, 39, 194. 
 
 Elder Richard, 21, 147. 
 
 Richard S., 29, 216. 
 
 Richard, 31, 56, 229. 
 
 Richard Claud, 63, 245. 
 
 Roderick D., 42, 199. 
 
 Romie M., 421. 
 
 Rosetta H., 53, 224. 
 
 Robert, 19, 25, 129. 
 
 Robert, 25, 42, 200. 
 
 Russell, 24, 39, 194. 
 
 Ruth (Hall), 22, 36, 159. 
 
 Rumina (Potter), 32, 58, 236. 
 
 Rev. Rufus, 416. 
 
 Russell, 50, 196. 
 
 Russell B., 420. 
 
 Ruth, 52.
 
 468 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 
 Samuel Claudius, 418. 
 Sabra, 263. 
 
 Sarah (Flower), 21, 153. 
 Sarah (Fulton), 24, 40, 195. 
 Sarah J. (Willobee), 28, 50, 214. 
 Subnut, 18, 83. 
 Samuel Gilbert, 30, 53, 224. 
 Samuel, 32, 58, 235. 
 Samuel, 61. 
 
 Sarah Alice (Hart), 28, 51, 217. 
 Sarah (Wilson), 33, 60, 240. 
 Sarah Ann, 44. 
 Sarah, 55, 228. 
 Sarah M., 271. 
 Sarah Ann, 263. 
 Sarah M. (Cole), 272. 
 Sabra, 263. 
 Dr. Samuel G., 416. 
 Seymour D., 54, 228. 
 Seth, 23. 
 Shalon W., 267. 
 Simon W., 54, 228. 
 Sophronia (Mockett), 36, 64, 247. 
 Sophia, 417. 
 Squire, 19, 128. 
 Stephen B., 264. 
 Stephen, 20, 25, 130. 
 Susan V., 62. 
 Susan, 422. 
 Sylvia (Belding), 19. 
 Sylvia (Sprague), 22, 33, 154. 
 Sylvia Jane (Kishler), 34, 63, 245. 
 Tamer (Vanderbilt), 22, 34, 156. 
 Thankful (Phillips), 30, 54, 225. 
 Theodora C., 39, 194. 
 Thomas, 19, 24, 128. 
 Thomas, 25, 41, 198. 
 Thomas, jr., 41, 198. 
 
 Timothy, 417. 
 
 Tryphena, 418. 
 
 Uriah S., 220. 
 
 Van R., 28, 214. 
 
 Vespasian, 22. 
 
 Vial, 24, 197. 
 
 Vial F., 40. 
 
 Violet, 229. 
 
 Walter, 422. 
 
 ELLIS. 
 Warren, 52. 
 Warren, 262. 
 Warren B., 217. 
 Wayland, 272. 
 Welbore, 415. 
 Wilbur D., 7, 38, 259, 359. 
 William, 264. 
 William, 21, L52. 
 William, 31, 56, 229. 
 William, jr., 32, 57, 231. 
 William, 41, 198. 
 William, 42, 200. 
 William M., 56, 229. 
 William B., 422. 
 Hon. William Cox, 422. 
 William Avery, 28, 51, 215, 418. 
 William A., 44. 
 Willie Alton, 59, 213. 
 William Edwin, 58, 235. 
 William Ebenezer, 64. 
 William E., 67, 254. 
 William Burton, 264. 
 
 William F., 30, 52, 222. 
 
 W. D.. 270. 
 
 William P., 421. 
 
 William Walter, 51, 215. 
 
 William M., 34, 62, 244. 
 
 William N., 36. 
 
 Wilson R., 52, 222. 
 
 Winnifred, 211. 
 
 W. D., 419. 
 
 W. R., 419, 422. 
 
 W. C., 421. 
 
 Zellar, 208. 
 
 Andrews, James Seward, 256. 
 
 Capt. John L., 256. 
 
 Josephine, 256. 
 
 Marion, 256. 
 
 Sally, 387. 
 
 Acker, Eliza, 48, 212. 
 Adams, Amanda, 58, 235. 
 
 Philinda L., 48, 212. 
 
 Gov. Samuel, 86, 326. 
 
 Stewart S., 156.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 469 
 
 Agry, John, 429. 
 
 David, 428. 
 
 Thomas, 428. 
 Albro, Minerva, 199. 
 Allis, Lois, 82. 
 Allen, Amasa P., 272. 
 
 Alice D., 270. 
 
 Clarence, 270. 
 
 Darwin E., 270. 
 
 Raymond, 270. 
 Allyn, Sidney, 61, 233. 
 
 Elisha, 61/243. 
 
 Indiana, 61, 243. 
 ALDEN FAMILY, 364, 365, 390. 
 
 Isaac, 90. 
 
 John, 90. 
 
 John, 301. 
 
 Aldrich, Mrs. Emma F., 141. 
 Amerman Emma, 246. 
 Ames, Hattie Jane, 135. 
 
 Gov. Oliver, 459. 
 Anesley, VVm., 55, 228. 
 
 Carrie, 55, 229. 
 
 Henry, 55, 229. 
 
 Mary, 56, 229. 
 ANNABLE FAMILY, 365, 370. 
 
 Elder Barnabas, 366, 424, 
 
 Desire, 94. 
 
 Lieut. Edward, 92. 
 
 Edwin K., 96. 
 
 Fernando C., 94, 390, 447. 
 
 Helen, 96. 
 431, 439. 
 
 Mehitable, 94. 
 
 Polly or Mary, 23, 116, 425. 
 
 Remember, 95. 
 
 Rhoda, 94. 
 
 Ruth, 426, 431, 438. 
 
 Samuel, jr., 93. 
 Avery, Eld. Benj. G., 31, 148. 
 
 Fannie, 135. 
 
 James T., 147. 
 
 Julia Ann, 217. 
 
 Lyman, 135. 
 
 Malvina, 135. 
 
 Mary, 135. 
 
 Dr. Mary P., 148. 
 
 Mrs. Dr., 168. 
 
 Avery, Richard B., 148. 
 
 Sarah, 135. 
 
 Thomas W., 148. 
 
 Walter, 27, 135. 
 
 William C., 149. 
 Baker, Thomas W., 65, 250. 
 
 Clara, 65, 250. 
 
 Ellis, 65, 250. 
 
 Emma, 65, 250. 
 Balcom, Dr. Isaac, 158. 
 Bacon, Col. Daniel H., 28, 143. 
 
 Eunice, 28, 144. 
 
 Nancy, 28, 144. 
 
 Lewis, 28, 144. 
 
 Chloe, 28, 144. 
 
 Oliver, 28, 144. 
 
 Hannah, 28, 144. 
 Barling, Lewis, 158. 
 Babcock, Adelia, 105. 
 
 Perry E., 105. 
 
 Balcom, Lucia M., 35, 158. 
 Barker, Maria L., 40, 196. 
 
 Leonardo., 41, 197. 
 
 Fannie, 189. 
 
 Thurston, 197. 
 
 Samuel, 220. 
 
 Richard E., 220. 
 Barney, Electa A., 39, 190. 
 Barrett, Elizabeth A., 194. 
 BAKTLETT FAMILY, 370, 436. ' 
 
 Hannah, 264. 
 
 Moses, 132. 
 
 Dr. Phineas, 317. 
 Barr, John, 219. 
 Barrett, Amasa, 194. 
 Balch, Mary E., 386. 
 BASSETT FAMILY, 407. 
 
 Julia A., 391. 
 BELDING FAMILY, 117, 371, 373. 
 
 Annabel, 37, 170. 
 
 Aretus, 23, 186. 
 
 Asher, 23, 117. 
 
 Chandler, 23, 187. 
 
 Jane, 23, 186. 
 
 John D., 37, 173. 
 
 Ebenezer, 23, 186. 
 
 Edward, 186. 
 
 Edward E., 37, 170.
 
 470 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Belding, Ellen M., 37, 173. 
 
 Thomas, 23, 187. 
 
 Tiberias, 37, 169. 
 
 Volney, 23, 186. 
 
 Francis W., 37, 170. 
 
 Priscilla A., 37, 172. 
 
 Waite, 37, 173. 
 
 Sophia 8., 258. 
 
 Hiram, 116, 117, 456. 
 Bement, Dea John, 389. 
 Bentley, Johnson, 105. 
 Benzie, Alex. R., 63, 245. 
 
 Dottie L., 63. 
 
 George N., 63. 
 
 Ida May, 63. 
 
 Harold, 63. 
 
 Minnie L., 63. 
 Bell, Sarah Ann, 217. 
 
 Maj. James R., 217. 
 Beamer, Margaret, 42, 199. 
 Berdine, D. H., 223, 
 
 Helen, 52. 
 
 Henry, 52. 
 
 Ralph, 52. 
 
 Matilda, 52, 223. 
 
 Peter, 52, 223. 
 Birch, Clarissa, 36, Iti2. 
 Bolles, Sarah, 47, 211. 
 
 Mrs. E. L., 96. 
 Bishop, Benj. F., 230. 
 
 Ira, 230. 
 
 Bissell, Lura, 250. 
 Blakeslee, Albert G., 98. 
 Black, Annie L., 235. 
 Blue, Chloe, 55, 227. 
 Bower, Erastus, 98. 
 Boynton, Wm., 174, 456. 
 Brinkerhoff, Joseph W., 249. 
 Bradley, R. A., 230. 
 
 Hannah, 34, 157. 
 Broughton, Ella, 225. 
 Brink, Jane, 191. 
 Brooks, Caleb, 261. 
 
 Joseph, 261. 
 
 Mary, 261. 
 
 William, 261. 
 Bruce, Alanson, 210. 
 
 Mary Jane, 51, 216. 
 
 Bryant, Joseph, 100. 
 
 Phebe Charter, 101. 
 Buchner. Daniel, 50, 214. 
 
 Nellie M., 50. 
 Buck, Jasper, 204. 
 
 Mary E., 224. 
 Burke, Harriet M., 268. 
 Burr, Anna, 158. 
 Butler, Ira, 108, 426. 
 Budd, Ada S., 207. 
 Bush, Hattie, 224. 
 Button, Clarissa M., 235. 
 Button, Eliza, 388. 
 
 Alex. M., 235. 
 Camp, Mary, 65, 249. 
 Canfield, Rosetta, 53, 224. 
 Carpenter, Abel, 121. 
 
 Clara C., 272. 
 
 Elmer, 121. 
 Case, Zilpha B., 39, 189. 
 
 Charles, 252. 
 Caskey, Aurelia C., 184. 
 Chaffin, Rev. Wm. L., 7, 377, 459. 
 Chapin, Nathan, 374. 
 Charter, James, jr., 100. 
 
 John, 100. 
 
 Charles, 101. 
 
 Phebe Phillips, 101. 
 Chase, Rev. Supply, 72, 191. 
 Choat, Sally, 119. 
 Childs, Samuel, 311. 
 Chapel, Lorena, 55, 228. 
 Chamberlin, Dr., 109. 
 
 John, 41, 198. 
 
 Myrtle, 110. 
 
 Anne, 268. 
 Chitlenden, Curtis, 260. 
 
 H. Delta, 260. 
 Chaffe, Aggie, 151, 228, 
 
 John, 151. 
 
 W. M., 31, 151. 
 Chace, Aquilla, 261. 
 Chapman, Asa, 167. 
 
 Permelia, 168. 
 
 Comfort, 23. 
 
 Darius, 23. 
 
 Elisha, 23. 
 
 John, 23.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 471 
 
 Chapman, Sidney, 23. 
 
 Squire, 23. 
 
 Leonora M., 37, 167. 
 Chrisman, Betsey, 42, 200. 
 Chilson, Chloe, 86. 
 
 Eunice, 83. 86. 
 Chisam, Cynthia Ann, 270. 
 Cleveland, Ellen M., 66, 250. 
 Clark, Alexander, 261. 
 
 Alvan, jr., 407. 
 
 Emily A., 39, 194. 
 
 Frank, 65, 248. 
 
 Clara E., 65, 248. 
 
 Pamelia, 40, 195. 
 
 Samuel, 65, 248. 
 
 Hannah, 260. 
 
 William, 260. 
 
 James, 261. 
 
 Joel D., 269. 
 
 Mrs. Jane B., 191. 
 Clogston, Roxana, 266. 
 Closson, Jennie, 225. 
 Conklin, George, 250. 
 Coats, Reuben E., 230. 
 
 Wm. H., 231. 
 
 Charles, 57, 230. 
 Coit, George, 183. 
 
 Harvey, 183. 
 
 Rev. Joseph, 184. 
 
 Mary E., 38, 183. 
 Cook. Levi, 335. 
 
 Edward L., 203. 
 
 Martha A., 39, 194. 
 
 Crell, Hattie, 199. 
 Corson, Chester, 146. 
 Cooper, Gulielma W., 106. 
 Cook, Dr. Henry H., 142. 
 
 Emily D., 142. 
 Coburn, Susanah, 25, 131. 
 Cole, Mary A., 272. 
 
 Sarah M., 272. 
 
 Frank A., 272. 
 
 Elbert D., 272. 
 
 Walter G., 272. 
 
 Peter, 272. 
 
 Archie, 51. 
 
 Angeline, 46, 208. 
 
 William, 46, 208. 
 
 Cole, Lewis, 46, 208. 
 
 Wm. Bradley, 51, 216. 
 
 William, 61, 242. 
 
 Edwin, 61, 242. 
 Cramer, Mary, 219. 
 Crew, Curtis 240. 
 Cross, Darius, 387. 
 Cromwell, Oliver, 298. 
 Crouch, Mary, 19, 79 
 Cross, Louisa, 102. 
 Cronk, William, 192. 
 
 Joseph, 192. 
 < urtis, Lurilda, 47, 109. 
 Curtis, Hon. Geo. Wm., 322, 335. 
 
 William, 353. 
 Curkendall, Jane, 160. 
 Cullen, Maggie, 226. 
 Cunningham, Lester E., 205. 
 
 John R., 205. 
 
 Silas A., 205. 
 Curley, Sarah E., 227. 
 Daniels, Aug. Fred., 387. 
 Davis, Naccy, 258. 
 Davenport, Dr., 153. 
 
 Mrs. Melinda Jane, 153. 
 
 Violet, 59, 240. 
 Davis, William R., 49, 212. 
 
 Alice, 222. 
 
 Daws?y, Christina, 263. 
 Davidson, Geo., 112, 
 Day, Julia, 170 
 Dawes, Hon. Henry L., 360. 
 Dean, Andrew, 64, 248. 
 
 Asa, 64, 248. 
 
 Ellif, 64, 248. 
 
 Mabel, 64, 248. 
 
 Mary, 64, 248. 
 
 Nellie, M., 64, 248. 
 Deming, Solomon H., 356. 
 Deuel, Edward H., 65, 250. 
 
 Mary Jane, 65, 250. 
 Deitz, Amelia, 173. 
 Dewey. Sarah, 265. 
 Dickinson, Louisa, 264. 
 Dickson, Christina, 458. 
 DIMICK FAMILY, 375. 
 
 Molly or Mary, 19, 78. 
 
 Hannah, 428.
 
 472 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dimick, Orilla, 30, 147, 
 
 Paul N., 31, 148. 
 Doane, Nellie, 63, 245. 
 Donaldson. Anna, 56, 229. 
 
 A Hie, 56, 230. 
 Doty, Rush C., 225. 
 Dow, Chester P., 203. 
 
 Nancy, 261. 
 
 William, 261. 
 Doust, Louisa S , 189. 
 Drake, Eliza C., 168. 
 
 Elizabeth, 16. 
 
 Francis M., 168. 
 
 Jacob G., 204. 
 Dunn, Maricn, 271. 
 
 David L., 270. 
 
 William, 271. 
 Dunks, Nancy, 47, 209. 
 Duran, Kate, 24, 193. 
 
 William, 193. 
 Duryee, Benjamin, 112. - 
 
 Elizabeth, 249. 
 Dymock, Eld. Thomas, 78. 
 Dyke, Martha M., 237. 
 Earl, Alma, 189. 
 Eastman, Diaploma, 262. 
 Eddy, Martha A., 266. 
 
 Ruth, 266. 
 Emory, Capt. Hiram, 193. 
 Elmer, Gad, 439. 
 
 Keziah, 96. 
 
 Wilson, 96. 
 
 Samuel, 373. 
 English, Richard, 145. 
 
 Lee, 228. 
 
 Enos, Gertie A., 196. 
 Evans, Abbie, 195. 
 Everts, Caroline W., 52, 222. 
 
 Dr. T. C., 222. 
 Evert, Samantha, 200. 
 Fairbanks, Elizabeth, 219. 
 
 Daniel W., 220. 
 Fairchild, Eliza Ann, 28, 141. 
 
 Henry, 141. 
 
 John, 141. 
 
 Faulkner, Elizabeth, 30, 146. 
 Fay, Bertha, 229. 
 
 Roxana, 48, 212. 
 
 Felts, Eliza J., 209. 
 
 George W., 209. 
 Ferry, Hon. Thos. White, 335. 
 Field, Edgar, 387. 
 Finn, Mrs. T., 96. 
 FLOWER FAMILY, 373, 374. 
 
 Maj. Lamrock, 111. 
 
 Bildad, 111. 
 
 Dorcas, 112. 
 
 Horatio, 152. 
 
 W. H., 152. 
 
 James G., 153. 
 
 Ruth, 175. 
 
 Lizzie, 239. 
 
 Rev. Josiab, 239. 
 
 Calvin, 102. 
 
 Hannah, 156. 
 
 Polly, 34. 
 
 Amanda, 22, 111. 
 
 Dr. Clarissa A, 32, 153. 
 
 David E., 32, 153. 
 
 Lydia, 32, 153. 
 
 Melinda Jane, 32, 153. 
 
 Capt. James, 32, 153. 
 
 Sally H., 32, 153. 
 
 Dr. William ^., 32, 153. 
 
 Dr. Phineas D., 32, 153. 
 
 Rhoda, 32, 152. 
 
 Rumina, 33, 154. 
 
 Hon. Roswell P., 374. 
 Floyd, Matilda, 208. 
 Foote, Ella, 104. 
 
 Sidney, 104. 
 
 Cathaiine, 104. 
 
 Florence, 104. 
 
 Elias, 265. 
 Forbush, Amanda, 112, 423. 
 
 Huldah, 112. 
 
 Rev. Lyman, 112. 
 
 Elizabeth, 112. 
 
 Mind well, 112. 
 
 Minerva, 112. 
 Forbes, Mrs. Eunice, 360. 
 Fox, Chauncy J., 272. 
 Fortner, Eliza, 53, 224. 
 
 Margaret, 53, 224. 
 Fritts, John, 141. 
 
 A Ivan, 141. 
 Freeman, Helen, 49, 213.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 473 
 
 Freaiuan, Amos E., 197. 
 French, Harriet, 58, 236. 
 Frost, Almeda, 27'2. 
 
 Rev. A. F., 335. 
 France, Ada S., 221. 
 Franklin, Jabez, 76, 125. 
 
 Aarou, 124. 
 
 James H , 125. 
 
 Harry J., 126. 
 
 Neil S., 126. 
 Fuller, Capt. Moses, 333, 359. 
 
 George, 193. 
 
 Clara V., 189. 
 
 Dr. Chauncy, 153. 
 
 Desiah, 94. 
 
 John, 94. 
 
 Mary, 42, 199. 
 
 Sarah, 269. 
 
 Mercy, 270. 
 
 Edward L., 94. 
 
 Dr. Clarissa A., 153. 
 
 Adelbert, 193. 
 
 Maggie, 193. 
 Fulton, Caleb, 19, 120. 
 
 David, Jr., 40, 195. 
 
 Charles N., 40, 195. 
 
 Clark, 122. 
 
 Anna, 122. 
 
 Daniel, 19, 121. 
 
 David, 19, 121. 
 
 Rev. Delancy, 123. 
 
 Elijah, 19, 124. 
 
 JohnC., 121. 
 
 Elisha, 120. 
 
 Joseph, 120. 
 
 Gay lord, 123. 
 
 James, 19, 78. 
 
 James, 40, 195. 
 
 James, Jr., 19, 119. 
 
 Hiram, 122. 
 
 Jesse, 19, 124. 
 
 Lucretia, 19, 121. 
 
 Nathan, 19, 124. 
 
 Robert, 19, 119, 265. 
 
 Robert, 75, 124. 
 
 Ruel, 123. 
 
 Epxie, 123. 
 
 Sarah, 19, 125, 75. 
 
 Fulton, Thomas, 40, 195. 
 Fulkerson, Mary E., 236. 
 
 Ralph E., 237. 
 Gallant, Adaline, 270. 
 Gard, Adaline, 45, 206. 
 
 Henry, 45, 206. 
 
 Harriet, 45, 206. 
 
 Sutherland, 45, 206. 
 
 Samantha, 45, 206. 
 Geer, Sarah, 57, 231. 
 
 William, 98. 
 Gilbert, Wm., 192. 
 Gillmore, W. B., 266. 
 Gillespie, William, 103. 
 Given, Andrew, 269. 
 Grant, Frances, 195. 
 Granger, James, 173. 
 
 Frank, 173. 
 
 Carl, 173. 
 
 Gray, L. F. & W. H., 332, 363. 
 Greeley, Samuel E., 265. 
 Green, Diana, 49, 213. 
 Grinnell, Ruth, 102. 
 Gregory, Mary S., 39, 190. 
 
 WilliamS.. 190. 
 Goodwin, Anson, 391. 
 
 Maria Jane, 391, 
 Goodnough, Nancy, 192. 
 Goulding, Charles L., 98. 
 Gunn, Alex. Marcus, 255. 
 
 Marcu, 255. 
 
 John C., 255. 
 Hamilton, Milo D., 166. 
 Hall, Abilena, 160. 
 
 George, 36, 160. 
 
 Horace, 160. 
 
 Joshua, 331. 
 
 Prof. J. Stanley, 322, 394. 
 
 S. Woodbridge, 388. 
 
 Samuel, 394. 
 
 Allen, 394. 
 
 A. G., 394. 
 
 Hagerman, Mary, 33, 155. 
 Hart, John H , 51, 216. 
 
 Bertrand E., 51, 216. 
 Havens, George, 27, 136. 
 
 John West, 27, 137. 
 
 Lois, 27, 136.
 
 474 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Havens, Nathaniel, 27, 136. 
 
 Lyman, 27, 137. 
 
 Miranda, 27, 137. 
 
 Sabmit, 27, 137. 
 
 Sarah Ann, 27, 136. 
 Hardy, PermeJia, 269. 
 Hankens, Mary, 270. 
 Harvey, Esther, 72. 
 Hathaway, Charles S., 386. 
 
 Col. Nehemiah, 386. 
 Harroun, John, 313. 
 
 C. S. D., 307, 455. 
 Harris, Anthony, 232. 
 Harris, Charles T., 43, 201. 
 
 Eliza, 43. 
 
 Lester E., 43. 
 
 Lucetta D., 43. 
 
 Stephen, 43. 
 
 Susan, 43, 202. 
 
 Sarah, 57, 232. 
 
 Desire, 131. 
 
 Hopkins, 201. 
 Hastings, Philena, 124. 
 
 J. L., 244. 
 
 Harrison, Gen, Wm. H., 130. 
 Harrington, Geo., 155. 
 Hawks, Zadoc, 354. 
 Hayes, Jennie S., 50, 214. 
 Henry, David, 29, 145. 
 
 John, 14. 
 
 Charles, 29, 145. 
 
 Louisa, 29, 145. 
 
 Mary, 29, 145. 
 
 Lydia, 29, 145. 
 Herrington, Charles, 30, 146. 
 
 Deroy, 30, 147. 
 
 Jacob, 30, 146. 
 
 Patience, 30, 147. 
 
 Nancy, 30. 
 
 Reuben, 30, 146. 
 
 Harriet, 30, 147. 
 
 Horace P., 30, 147. 
 
 George W, 30, 146. 
 
 Sarah Ann, 30, 146. 
 
 Vernon, 196. 
 Heber (Honestman), 333. 
 Hibbard, Lee B., 197. 
 Hiltabidle, Hiram, 203. 
 
 Hill, Charles, 103,451. 
 
 Mary, 56, 229. 
 Holmes. Maria, 51, 215. 
 
 Elizabeth, 147. 
 Holleman, H. W., 61, 242. 
 
 Elizabeth, 61, 242. 
 Horn, Ellen, 125. 
 Hood, Mrs. Letta A., 256. 
 Hosford, Charles, 120. 
 Howes, Barnabas, 304. 
 
 Frederick G., 302, 321, 329, 3-55. 
 
 Capt. Kimbal, 394. 
 Howard, Abigail, 26, 134. 
 
 Mrs. Erastus, 265. 
 
 Mark, 192. 
 Hoyle, Joseph, 201. 
 
 Ellsworth, 201. 
 Hoyt, Edson H., 213. 
 
 Arthur H., 213. 
 Humphrey, Mary. 123. 
 Huntington, Emily, 130. 
 
 Martha, 130. 
 Hunt, Capt. Ephraim, 277, 395. 
 
 Hiram, 270. 
 Hubbard, Isaac N., 204. 
 Hubert, Nancy D, 209. 
 James, James, 45, 206. 
 
 Laura Ann, 45, 206. 
 
 Moses, 45, 206. 
 Jeffrey, Charlotte, 44, 204. 
 
 John, 44, 205. 
 
 Jane, 44, 205. 
 Johnson, Martha E., 199. 
 Jones, Mrs. Jane E., 205. 
 Judd, Elizabeth, 26, 132. 
 Kellerman, Lizzie F., 124, 
 Kearney, Alice, 190. 
 Kemp, Lawrence, 27, 135. 
 Keyes, Margaret A., 62, 244. 
 King. Alanson, 184. 
 
 Catharine, 184. 
 
 Charles D., 28, 142. 
 
 Eli/,a, 173. 
 
 Harriet, 207. 
 
 Emily D., 28, 142. 
 
 Elizabeth, 26, 134. 
 
 Ethel, 142. 
 
 Galusha, 145.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 47S 
 
 King, Hiram, 185. 
 
 Hugh, 145. 
 
 Wm. W., 28, 142. 
 
 William R., 142. 
 Kingsbury, Charles, 218. 
 Kishler, Annie, 63. 
 
 Charles, 63. 
 
 Mary, 63. 
 
 John, 63, 245. 
 
 Porter S., 63. 
 
 Lanfair, Leonard D., 11, 330. 
 Lanphere, Mrs. Fanny, 120. 
 Langley, John, 130. 
 Lassell, Joseph, 132. 
 Lawrence, Edwin, 94. 
 
 John F., 94. 
 
 Louisa, 219. 
 Leffingwell, Lemuel, 203. 
 
 J. A., 207. 
 Lewis, Laura, 243. 
 Leonard, Ezekiel C., 184. 
 
 Joseph, 184. 
 
 Sarah M., 38, 184. 
 
 Theodore M., 180, 184. 
 
 Seth, 184. 
 
 Leys, Maggie S., 190. 
 Livermore, Amelia E., 262. 
 Lincoln, Capt. Samuel, 22, 107, 318. 
 
 Anne, 22, 108. 
 
 Benjamin, 22, 107. 
 
 Hannah, 22, 108, 450. 
 
 Marilla, 22, 109. 
 
 Betsey, 22, 110. 
 
 Phebe, 22, 108. 
 
 Polly, 22, 110. 
 
 Thomas, 22, 107, 446, 450. 
 
 Manly B., 108. 
 
 Americus C., 108. 
 
 Mrs. Roeetta C., 224. 
 Lillie, Jonathan, 373. 
 Lockwood, E. Antoinette, 67, 254. 
 
 Edward, 254. 
 Locke, Maggie, 56, 229. 
 Long, Vincent, 64, 247. 
 
 Arnold, Villroy, 64, 247. 
 
 Charles R., 64, 247. 
 
 Sylvester H., 64, 247. 
 
 Anna E., 269. 
 
 Lovell, Mary, 29, 146. 
 
 Lowell, Hon. Jas. Russell, 276, 334. 
 
 LYON FAMILY, 238, 376. 
 
 Aaron, 238, 376. 
 
 David. 295, 376, 437. 
 
 Chloe, 238. 
 
 Eunice B., 59, 238. 
 
 Mary, 238, 276, 334, 452. 
 
 Marshall, 238. 
 
 Mrs. Emily H., 386. 
 
 Dea. Cyrus, 390. 
 
 Hon. T. T., 190. 
 Luce, Lydia, 213. 
 Mace, Henry C., 265. 
 
 Henry O., 265. 
 
 Fred. E., 265. 
 Mann, John, 70. 
 
 Charles W., 330. 
 
 Hon. Horace, 81. 
 
 Lois, 81, 134. 
 Martin, Mehitable B., 38, 188. 
 
 Hannah, 155. 
 Maine, Helen E.. 210. 
 Mathers, Sarah Jane, 146. 
 Matthews, Sybil. 199. 
 Markley, Samuel, 217. 
 Mallory, Adelia E., 240. 
 Mauk, Sarah F., 239. 
 
 Jacob, 239. 
 McCreles, Sarah, 310. 
 McCleary, Jane, 63, 246. 
 McCartney, Hannah, 217. 
 McCoy, Florence, 270. 
 McGee, Phebe, 155. 
 McKenzie, Mary B., 235. 
 McNew, Elmer, 270. 
 
 Joseph, 270, 
 
 Grinaldo Q., 270. 
 McKissic, Charles, 197. 
 McKinley, Wm., 192. 
 
 John, 192. 
 
 McLane, Sylvia, 105. 
 Medbury, William, 155. 
 Menzie, John E., 234. 
 Merrick, Maria, 147. 
 Merrill, Jesse, 96. 
 
 Rhoda, 96. 
 Minor, Ann, 193.
 
 476 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Minor, Capt. Wm., 193. 
 Miller, Alvin E., 263. 
 
 Fred. C., 263. 
 
 John J., 55, 228. 
 
 Katie, 55, 228. 
 
 Nettie, 55, 228. 
 
 H. D., 263. 
 
 Nelson, 263. 
 
 Hugh B., 75. 
 
 Rev. C. C., 191. 
 
 R. P., 217. 
 Mills, Prof. F. B., 222. 
 
 Zilpha, 81. 
 
 Moors, Rev. J. F., 92. 
 Mockett, Eliza J., 64, 248. 
 
 John H., 64, 247. 
 
 Edwin R., 64, 247. 
 
 Ebenezer E., 64, 247. 
 
 Frederick E., 64, 247. 
 
 Edith T., 64, 247. 
 
 Richard H., 64, 247. 
 
 Robert S -, 64, 247. 
 Morrell, Jonathan, 58, 236. 
 
 Frank, 58. 
 
 Marcus L., 58. 
 Morse, Hon. A. B., 171, 455. 
 
 Julia A., 265. 
 
 William, 267. 
 
 Mrs. Annabel P., 170. 
 
 Charles F., 170. 
 
 Lewis Ellis, 170. 
 Morey, Jane E., 272. 
 Mosher, Rev. Wilson, 174, 457. 
 Moreland, D. H., 190. 
 
 Lois C., 190. 
 Moore, Henry, 199. 
 Mullens, Priscilla, 301, 390. 
 Needham, Horace C., 221. 
 Nelson, Martha E., 60, 241. 
 Newcomb, Abigail, 264. 
 Newhouse, Lydia, 270. 
 Newton, Oliver L,, 204. 
 Nichols, George, 188. 
 Niles, Charles, 210. 
 Desiah, 201. 
 Reuben C., 202. 
 Nightingale, Samuel, 332. 
 Norton, Joshna F., 204. 
 
 Norton, Prof. C. E., 334. 
 
 Margaret, 28, 138. 
 Noyes, Dr. Justin, 1 90. 
 
 Mary G., 190. 
 Oldfield, Robert W., 205. 
 
 Frank, 205. 
 
 Lucius E., 205. 
 
 Robert C , 205. 
 
 William T., 205. 
 Ormsby, Desiah, 94. 
 
 Caleb N., 94. 
 Osborn, Ella V., 272. 
 Otis, A very, 192. 
 Orten, Thomas, 270. 
 Owen, Francis A., 237. 
 
 Robert Dale, 441. 
 
 David Dale, 447. 
 Pattrell, Elenor V., 267. 
 Patterson, Ida E., 237. 
 
 Robert, 59, 237. 
 
 Joseph E., 59, 237. 
 
 William S., 59, 237. 
 
 Louisa E., 87. 
 Paddock, Geo., 38, 188. 
 
 Henry A., 38, 188. 
 
 Maria, 38, 188. 
 Palmer, Almerian S., 49, 213. 
 
 Emeline B., 49, 213. 
 
 Horatio R., 49, 213. 
 Phelps, Alvah, 131. 
 
 David, L., 131. 
 
 Benjamin, 131. 
 
 John, 26, 131. 
 
 John W., 26, 121. 
 
 Lurena, 131. 
 
 Ruth. 131. 
 
 Susanah, 131. 
 PHILLIPS FAMILY, 372, 383. 
 
 Abilena, 22, 111. 
 
 Alice, 54, 225. 
 
 Dr. Alonzo P., 98, 338, 379. 
 
 Allen, 102. 
 
 Caleb, 16. 
 
 Charles N., 54, 226. 
 
 D. Charlton, 54, 225. 
 
 Clarence, 54, 226. 
 
 Delvin D., 54, 225. 
 
 Charles N., 62.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 477 
 
 Phillips, Ellis D., 54, 225. 
 
 Eva O., 62, 244. 
 
 Hannah, 18, 102, 451. 
 
 Galusha, 103, 451. 
 
 Monroe, 103. 
 
 Elizabeth, 104,451. 
 
 Jane (or Jean), 16, 17. 
 
 Capt. John, 10. 
 
 John, 18, 74, 99. 
 
 John W., 62, 244. 
 
 James E., 62, 244. 
 
 Jennie O., 62. 
 
 Joshua, 16. 
 
 Marcy, 18, 100. 
 
 Molly, 18, 99. 
 
 Nicholas, 16. 
 
 Otto, 62. 
 
 Theodocia, 36, 159, 383. 
 
 Percis, 18, 99. 
 
 Phebe, 18, 100. 
 
 Richard, 16. 
 
 Rachel, 54, 225. 
 
 Russell, 102. 
 
 Sally, 18, 101. 
 
 Sarah, 103. 
 
 Samuel, 16. 
 
 Samuel, 62, 244. 
 
 Sylvester D., 54, 225. 
 
 Vespasian, 111. 
 
 Wm. D., 54, 225. 
 Parker, Marcus, 393. 
 Paine, Rev. Dr. Wm. P., 360. 
 . Hon. Elijah, 392. 
 Payne, John, 207. 
 
 Edwin C., 207. 
 Pease, Wm., 226. 
 Peck, Abigail, 266. 
 
 Alfred C., 263. 
 
 Arthur D., 263. 
 
 Artie J., 263. 
 
 Ira, 263. 
 
 Lucinda E., 264. 
 
 Richard, J23. 
 
 Horace, 123. 
 Pettit, James, 268. 
 
 Lillie, 268. 
 
 Irving, 268. 
 Pike, Ruth, 81. 
 
 Pierce, Francis A., 194. 
 Porter, Rev. Charles 8., 360. 
 
 Rev. Nehemiah, 304. 
 
 Lewis, 333. 
 Potter, Sally H., 153. 
 
 John, 58, 236. 
 
 Gilbert E., 58, 236. 
 
 William. 112. 
 Powers, Almira. 48, 211. 
 Pratt, Frank, 190. 
 
 Orpha, 126, 
 Preston, G. J., 266. 
 Pritchard, Alonzo, 109. 
 
 Jane, 109. 
 
 George, 109. 
 
 Sheldon C., 109. 
 
 Solomon, 109. 
 
 Mary, 109. 
 Purvis, John, 147. 
 Pye, Inez, 230. 
 RANNEY FAMILY, 383, 392. 
 
 Betsey, 96. 
 
 Carrie L., 67, 258. 
 
 Ellis W.. 67, 258. 
 
 Fred. E., 67, 258. 
 
 Hattie, B., 67, 258. 
 
 Henry Sears, 273, 297, 320, 329, 
 332, 355, 390, 393, 408, 412. 
 
 Charle=, 70. 
 
 George E , 175, 385. 
 
 Dr. George E., 391. 
 
 Hon. Luke, 390. 
 
 Frederick T., 386. 
 
 Erastus, 387. 
 
 Edwin, 388. 
 
 Hannah, 37, 70, 175. 
 
 James, 387. 
 
 Jesse, 70, 330, 175. 
 Rathburn, Dr. John. 90. 
 Rawson, Betsey F., 123. 
 Reem, Charles, 98. 
 Rexford, Chloe, 54, 226. 
 
 Job, 54, 226. 
 
 Nancy O., 54, 227. 
 
 Perry E., 54, 227. 
 
 Stella, 54, 227. 
 Reno, Neal, 243. 
 Reilly, E. J., 253.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Rhodes, Julia, 107. 
 Rice, Rebecca, 52, 221. 
 Richmond, Elijah, 96. 
 
 Amanda R., 96. 
 
 Alanson, 388. 
 Richardson, Freeman, 98. 
 
 Mrs. Rebecca, 98. 
 
 Arunab, 98. 
 
 Mrs. D. M., 457. 
 Ritchmyer, James, 225. 
 Rodig, Dr. C. J., 62, 244. 
 
 Johanna, 62, 244. 
 
 Lena, 62, 244. 
 Rose, Olive L., 65, 248. 
 
 John, 110. 
 Robinson, Filander H., 47, 210. 
 
 Edmund E., 47, 211. 
 
 Lewis, 43, 202. 
 
 Elias, 43, 202. 
 
 Eunice, 43, 203. 
 
 Erastus, 43, 203. 
 
 Rachel M., 43, 203. 
 
 W., 266. 
 
 Minerva, 203. 
 
 Martilla, 203. 
 Rounds, Nat., 122. 
 Rogers, Charles, 331. 
 Rouse, Samuel G., 146, 221. 
 Russell, Harriet, 61, 243. 
 Kugg, Thomas Merrill, 265. 
 
 George E., 265. 
 
 Chester, 265. 
 
 Luvina L., 265. 
 Sanderson, Rev. Alvan, 290. 
 Salisbury, Hiram, 38, 188. 
 
 Hannah, 24. 
 
 David, 188. 
 
 Christina G., 23, 127. 
 Salsbury, Elisha, 38, 188. 
 Sadler, John, 333. 
 Sanford, Augustus, 192. 
 Sawtelle, Dr. Mary P., 148. 
 Satterlee, M. P., 272. 
 Schusler, Susan, 55, 228. 
 Schconover, Martha, 53, 223. 
 
 Matilda, 146. 
 -Scott, Mehitable, 18, 70. 
 Richard, 70. 
 
 Scranton, Stella B., 103. 
 Sears, Achsah, 389. 
 
 Paul, 389, 393. 
 
 Rowland, 393. 
 Seeley, Betsey, 31, 150. 
 
 Lewis, 150. 
 Selover, Edgar, 250. 
 
 Gertrude, 66, 250. 
 
 Catherine, 35, 158. 
 
 Mary P., 34, 157. 
 
 Isaac, 157. 
 Shaw, Dr. E. J., 227. 
 
 Dea. John, 186. 
 
 Asher, 185. 
 Sherman, Cynthia, 41, 198. 
 
 Mahala M., 239. 
 Sherwin, Rev. Jacob, 332. 
 
 Prof. W. F., 325. 
 Shepard, Rev. Thomas, 275, 297. 
 
 Dea. Isaac, 397. 
 
 Jemima (Smith), 397, 404. 
 Sheldon, Hon. Geo., 322, 325. 
 
 Amasa, 24, 128. 
 
 Robert, 24, 128. 
 
 Parley, 24, 128. 
 
 William, 24, 128. 
 Shepardson, Lucy, 72. 
 Shultis, Judson, 245. 
 Simons, John, 56, 230. 
 
 Katie, 56, 230. 
 Skidmore, Helen M., 50, 213. 
 
 Nancy, 270. 
 
 Rachel, Jane, 270. 
 Slade, Lloyd, 253. 
 SMITH FAMILY, 398, 407. 
 
 Betsey, 24. 
 
 Aaron, 71, 97, 403. 
 
 Chileab, Jr., 406. 
 
 Chileab, Sr., 13, 71. 
 
 Dr. Enos, 335. 
 
 David, 201. 
 
 Amos, 57, 225. 
 
 Cyrus E., 57, 235. 
 
 Cordelia L., 57, 235. 
 
 John B., 57, 235. 
 
 Wilfiam E., 57, 235. 
 
 Elder Ebenezer, 15, 18, 71, 338, 
 400.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 479 
 
 Smith, Ebene/.er, Jr., 18, 96, 403. 
 
 Gerry, 97, 98. 
 
 Frances, 203. 
 
 Henry Elias, 215. 
 
 Irene, 18, 90. 
 
 Israel, 97. 
 
 Jemima, 18, 92. 
 
 Obed, 18, 98. 
 
 Houghton Z., 407. 
 
 Lucretia, 426. 
 
 Rev. Preserved, Sr., 18, 90. 
 
 Rev. Preserved, Jr., 91, 99. 
 
 Ziba, 401, 407. 
 
 Quartus, 97. 
 
 Rebecca, 98. 
 
 Rhoda, 18, 96. 
 
 William E., 215. 
 
 Richard. 18, 99. 
 Snyder, John D., 172. 
 
 Kate, 199. 
 Sprague, Almerian, 33, 155. 
 
 Delilah, 33, 155. 
 
 Dorliska, 33, 155. 
 
 John, 33, 155. 
 
 Ebenezer, 33, 155. 
 
 Lodoska, 33, 155. 
 
 Mrs. Catharine, 96. 
 
 William. 96. 
 Spencer, Orrilla, 237. 
 
 Amanda, 29, 145. 
 ' Spafford, C. D., 225. 
 Standish, Miles, 301, 390. 
 
 Alexander, 301. 
 
 Israel, 333. 
 
 Peleg, 108, 424. 
 Strong, Gov. Caleb, 326. 
 Stanton. Judge, 85. 
 Stafford, Mary L., 203. 
 Steptoe, Anna L., 267. 
 Stipp, Eld. John, 15, 31, 150. 
 
 Lucretia E., 148,454. 
 Stewart, Robert, 215. 
 Stilwell, Mary, 24. 
 Stearns, Samuel, 217. 
 Stone, Levi, 84. 
 Stark, Mary Ellis, 249. 
 Sunderlin, Samuel, 218. 
 Sutton, Dr. Josiah, 45, 206. 
 
 Sutton, Elsie, 45. 206. 
 
 Hester Ann, 45, 206. 
 Sullivan, Lodoska S., 155. 
 Swan, Capt. Edwin, 188. 
 Sweet, Alice, 247. 
 Swedenborg, Emanuel, 335. 
 Tallman, Jame?, 186. 
 
 Sylvia Shaw, 186. 
 Taggart, Jennie, 121. 
 Tanner, Frederick, 145. 
 Taylor, Jonathan, 33, 154, 437. 
 
 Mary, 33. 
 
 Phebe, 33. 
 
 Sarah, 33. 
 
 Rhoda A., 59, 240. 
 
 David T., 202. 
 
 Elias R., 20?. 
 Terry, John H., 60, 242. 
 
 Joe, 60, 242. 
 
 Nellie, 60, 242. 
 
 William L., 60, 242. 
 Thomas, Hester Ann, 46, 208. 
 
 Dr. Oliver H., 46, 208. 
 
 Philander, 46, 208. 
 
 Dr. Uriah D, 272. 
 
 Ernest C., 272. 
 
 Samantha, 45, 206. 
 Thompson, Katharine Ann, 146. 
 
 Villa, 225. 
 Tilden, John, 271. 
 
 Titus, 271. 
 
 Franklin, 271. 
 
 David E., 271. 
 
 Levi, 271. 
 Toogood, Dwight, 105. 
 
 Lyman, 105. 
 
 Merritt, 105. 
 
 William, 104. 
 Trask, Amelia, 43, 204. 
 
 Casper, 43, 203. 
 
 Clarissa, 43, 203. 
 
 Lieut. Ho well H., 43, 203. 
 
 Lettie S., 43, 203. 
 
 Moulton S., 43, 203. 
 
 Henry V., 43, 204. 
 
 De Etta E., 43, 204. 
 
 Louis, 204. 
 
 Ruble S., 204.
 
 480 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Trowbridge, Abigail, 205. 
 
 Levi, 205. 
 
 SaUy T., 44, 204. 
 Tubbs, Hiram, 192. 
 
 Edgar, 192. 
 
 Everett, 192. 
 Turner, Lydia, 266. 
 Tullar, Willis, 213. 
 Tutton, Harriet, 260. 
 Twiss, Kev. John S., 94. 
 
 Dr. Edward, 94. 
 Vanderbilt, Abilena, 34, 136. 
 
 Andrew, 34, 156. 
 
 Hannah, 34, 156. 
 
 Matthew, 34, 156. 
 
 Jemima, 35, 159. 
 Van Arsdale, Thomas, 112. 
 Van Etten, Anthony, 160. 
 
 Hannah, 36, 160, 161. 
 
 Margaret, 66, 250. 
 Vaughn, Lois, 123. 
 Viner, Maggie E., 224. 
 
 Zadie May, 224. 
 Vincent, Jerome, 383. 
 Walker, Rev. Jos. M., 272. 
 Wade, Rev. Edwin R., 112. 
 Wads worth, Mary, 457. 
 Ward, Arunah, 223. 
 
 Curtis D., 262. 
 
 Jonathan, 46, 208. 
 
 Amplias G., 262. 
 
 Melvin, 262. 
 
 Dr. Solomon, 262. 
 
 Edwin, 208. 
 
 Ellen, 208. 
 Washburn, Sarah, 88. 
 
 Samuel, 88, 384. 
 
 Theresa, 192. 
 Waterman, Lizzie, 266. 
 Walworth, Charles B., 236. 
 Waite, Seth, 333. 
 Ware, Mrs. Lucretia R., 388. 
 Waterson, Geo., 198. 
 Warren, Hiram, 393. 
 Weaver, Emeline, 187. 
 
 Aaron, 187, 457. 
 Weed, Martha, 58, 236. 
 Webber, Estella, 268. 
 
 Weiser, Mary, 2o, 129. 
 
 Rachel, 25, 129. 
 Weatherwax, Abbie L., 96. 
 
 J. T., 95. 
 
 Peter, 9-~>. 
 
 Remember A., 95. 
 
 D., 95. 
 
 Weldon, Lovina, 60, 242. 
 Wells, S. V. R., 82. 
 
 Eunice, 91. 
 
 Col. David, 91. 
 Wellborn, John C., 367, 448. 
 
 D. A., 367. 
 
 Mrs. Fannie A., 367, 448. 
 Wheeler, C. S., 266. 
 Whitmore, Daniel, 97. 
 White, Capt. Thomas, 335. 
 
 Amanda (Ferry,) 335. 
 
 Gates, 41, 198. 
 
 George, 41. 
 
 Ellis, 41. 
 
 Whitaker, Lucy Jane, 66, 252. 
 Willard, Richard, 62, 244. 
 
 Marion, 62, 244. 
 
 Clyde, 62, 244. 
 
 R. L., 156. 
 
 Wilcox, Melissa, 268. 
 WILLIAMS FAMILY, 395, 397. 
 
 Apollos, 21, 101. 
 
 Apollos, Jr., 21, 104. 
 
 Alpheus, 21, 106. 
 
 George, 106. 
 
 Henry, 106. 
 
 Daniel, 21, 105. 
 
 Edward, 21, 106. 
 
 Albert K., 106. 
 
 Ev L., 234. 
 
 Hannah, 21, 104. 
 
 Horace, 234. 
 
 John, 21, 103. 
 
 John, 96. 
 
 Marvin, 108. 
 
 Rhoda, 21. 102. 
 Wilson, David, 116. 
 
 Dr. Milo. 116. 
 
 Stephen, 116, 449. 
 
 Jane A., 221. 
 
 Aaron, 60 240. 
 
 Wilsons and Luther, 456.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 481 
 
 Wilson, Louisa, 37, 1 17. 
 
 Martha Jane, 59, 239. 
 
 Clara L., 60, 240. 
 Winslow, Harriet, 60, 241. 
 
 John, 60, 241. 
 Winters, Thomas, 192. 
 Wiliobee, Geo. D., 50, 214. 
 
 Lois A., 50. 
 
 Solomon R., 50. 
 W'ightman, Joshua, 44, 204. 
 
 Austin, 44, 204. 
 Wing, Hamilton, 32, 152. 
 
 John, 32, 151. 
 Wood, Theodore, 387. 
 
 Dinah, 311. 
 
 William, 246. 
 
 Fidelia, 98. 
 
 Elijah, 98. 
 
 Elias, 135. 
 
 George, 135. 
 
 Ransom, 135. 
 
 Ursula, 98/ 
 
 Polly, 121. 
 
 Woodruff; Laura E., 192. 
 
 Woodward, Annie, 271. 
 
 Eliza, 271. 
 
 Elizabeth, 51, 215. 
 
 Polly, 271. 
 
 Mary L. f 121. 
 
 Woodbridge, Gov. Wm., 167. 
 Worden, Dr. S. T., 109. 
 
 Hannah E., 124. 
 Wright, Harry, 103. 
 
 Abner, 448. 
 Wyckoff, Alice, 211. 
 Yale, Elizabeth, 47, 210. 
 Yarrington, Halsey J., 263. 
 
 Horace J., 263. 
 
 Merrill, 263. 
 Yout, Adelaid, 103. 
 
 Amelia, 103. 
 
 Louis, 103. 
 
 Simeon C., 103, 451. 
 Young, Mary M., 204. 
 Zellar, Ida, 208. 
 Zufelt, Malvina, 42, 200. 
 
 SPECIAL INDEX. 
 
 Albion, Penn., 153. 
 Almena, Mich., 96. 
 Andersonville, Ga., 210. 
 Ann Arbor, Mich., 94. 
 "Angel's Visits," 89, 335. 
 Ashfield, Mass., 9, 85, 86, 237. 
 
 History of, 273. 
 
 Soil and climate of, 276. 
 
 First settlement of, 277. 
 
 Trials of settlers, 279. 
 
 Incorporation, 281. 
 
 Means of protection, 281. 
 
 Ecclesiastical history, 287. 
 
 Education, 292. 
 
 Temperance, 293. 
 
 Ashfield, Professional men of, 294. 
 Towa officers, 294, 356. 
 Great casualty, 295. 
 Cotemporary events, 298. 
 Stories of the early settlers, 301. 
 Celebration in 1886, 320. 
 Soldiers guard in 1756. 
 Map of, 328. 
 Houses of early settlers in, 330 to 
 
 335. 
 
 Selectmen in, 355. 
 For summer residence, 356. 
 Burial places in, 359. 
 Centennial celebration in 1865 in, 
 
 360.
 
 482 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Ashfield, Valuations in 1766, 362. 
 
 Early families, 364 to 408. 
 Baptist Church in Ashfield, 408. 
 "Baptist Corner," 14, 15, 329. 
 Barnstable, Mass., 78, 92, 427. 
 Beaver Dam, Wis., 266, 271. 
 Bear River in Ashfield, 329. 
 Bellows Hill, 11, 329. 
 Belding, Mich., 113. 
 Belleville, N. Y., 121, 195. 
 Boyntonville, N. Y., 174. 
 Brandywine, 92. 
 Canon City, Col., 242, 253. 
 Cape Cod, Mass., 78. 
 Carson City, Mich., 142, 143. 
 Cassadaga, N. Y., 97, 98. 
 Casenovia, N. Y., 194. 
 Centerville, N. Y., 271, 272. 
 Colerain, Mass., 13, 75, 78, 119, 121, 
 
 260, 306, 361. 
 Coldwater, Mich., 104. 
 Conway, Mas., 70. 
 Clymer, N. Y., 134. 
 
 Commissions as Lieutenants of David 
 and Dimick Ellis, 326. 
 
 Conneaut, Ohio, 82, 138. 
 Connersville, Ind., 206. 
 
 Currency and prices in early times, 
 . 307, 311, 315, 319. 
 
 Deerfield, Mass., 12, 14, 17, 68, 329. 
 
 Delta, Ohio, 109. 
 
 Delmar, Penn., 81, 84, 86. 
 
 Dexter, Minn., 105. 
 
 Dublin, Ireland, 9. 
 
 Easton, Mass., 10, 260. 
 
 Edge water, N. Y., 259. 
 
 Ellises of Great Britain, 412, 414. 
 
 Ellis and Phillips fort, 280, 320, 333. 
 v Ellishurg, N. Y., 15, 79, 190, 195. 
 Penn., 14, 85, 145, 229. 
 
 Erie, Penn., 237, 241. 
 
 Farmersville, Ind., 157, 248. 
 
 Fredonia, N. Y., 153. 
 
 Germantown, Penn., 258. 
 
 Guilford, Vt. ( 75, 125. 
 
 Grand Rapids, Mich., 203. 
 
 Greenfield, Mass., 91. 
 
 Great Pond, 328, 334. 
 
 Hamilton College, 197. 
 Harrison Valley, Pa., 22'">. 
 Heber's Cabin; 333. 
 Heppner, Oregon, 255. 
 Huntstown (Ashfield), 10, 17, '73. 
 Jackson, Ind.. 271. 
 LaGrange, Wis., 232, 2.".'>. 
 Lands bought and sold by Richard 1 
 
 Ellis, 302, 304. 
 
 Letters and documents, 422 to 460. 
 Lincoln, Neb., 247. 
 Marlboro, Vt., 99. 
 Marseilles, Ohio, 241. 
 Mason, Mich., 143. 
 Minneapolis, Minn., 272. 
 Montville, N. Y , 133. 
 Monroe, Mich., 165, 251, 253. 
 Moravia, N. Y., 131, 160. 
 Mt. Holyoke Seminary, 239, 452. 
 
 Mount Vernon, Ind., 156. 
 
 New England, early settlers, 300. 
 
 North Bend, Ohio, 130, 131, 202. 
 
 Old Road to Huntstown, 302. 
 
 Olean, N. Y., 131. 
 
 Omro, Wis., 272. 
 
 Otisco, Mich., 109, 168, 186. 
 
 Peter's Hill, or Mountain, 305, 333. 
 
 Phelps, N. Y., 95, 117. 
 
 Pine Creek, Penn., 84. 
 
 Pittstown, X. Y., 173, 175. 
 
 Prichardville, Mich., 109. 
 
 Proprietors' Acts and Records, 281, 
 353. 
 
 Racine, Wis., 102. 
 
 Ripley, N. Y., 83, 137, 141. 
 
 Revolutionary incidents, 304. 
 
 Rowe, Mass., 90, 99. 
 
 Rochester, N. Y., 103. 
 
 Rockville, Conn., 117. 
 
 Sacketts Harbor, N. Y., 75, 119, 269. 
 
 Sanderson Academy, 117, 238. 
 
 Sempronius, N. Y., 80, 111, 131. 
 
 Shay's Insurrection, 286. 
 
 Shelburne, Mass., 91, 116. 
 
 Scio, Oregon, 15, 84, 149. 
 
 Somerset, N. Y., 268. 
 
 South Hadley, Mass, 72. 
 
 Spinster's indenture, 311.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 483 
 
 Springville, N. Y., 107. 
 Sunderland, Mass., 7, 18, 68, 80. 
 Springfield, Perm., 69, 80, 87, 154, 236. 
 StocktoD, N. Y., 71. 
 Thetford, Vt., 119, 260. 
 Tremblers, or Shakers, of Ashfield, 
 
 362. 
 
 Troy. Mich., 184, 185. 
 Union Academy, 188. 
 Union Village, Vt , 265. 
 
 Voters in Ashfield in 1798, 355. 
 Wales (Great Britain), 9, 183, 312. 
 War of the Revolution, 282. 
 Wellsboro, Penn., 144, 227. 
 Weymouth, Mass., 16. 
 Westfield, N. Y., 82. 
 Wesleyville, Penn., 87. 
 Williamsville, Vt., 74, 100. 
 Woodville, N. Y., 129. 
 
 [In the back part of some of these books the binder will insert blank 
 pages in which every family may keep their Family Records. It is hoped 
 that this will be done with completeness and accuracy for generations to 
 come.]
 
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