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First Families of Westminster

ABBEY (ABBE), ALBEE, ALEXANDER, ANDROSS, AVERILL, AVERY, BRADLEY, BRUSH, BURK, BURT, CARPENTER, CHAFFEE, CLARK, CONE, CRAWFORD, CROWELL, DAY, DICKINSON, DORAND, DOUBLEDAY, EASTON, EATON, ELLIS, FISK, FULLER, GILSON, GOODELL, GOODRIDGE (GOODRICH), GORHAM, GOULD (GOOLD), GROUT, HALL, HALLET, HAMBLIN, HARLOW, HEATON, HITCHCOCK, HOLT, HOWES, HOLTON, IDE, KITTEDGE, LANE, LOVEJOY, MAY, McNIEL, MORSE, NORTON, PAINE, PATERSON, PECK, PERRY, PETTY, PHIPPEN, PIERCE, RANNEY, RICHARDS, ROBINSON, SESSIONS, SPOONER, STODDARD, TUTHILL, WILCOX, WHITNEY, WILLARD, WRIGHT

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ABBEE/ABBEY/ABBEE

Hezekiah Abbey/Abbe, the son of Richard4 (John3,2,1) and Mary (Huntington) Abbe, was born Jan 1755 in Windham, Windham Co., CT and died 25 May 1841 age 86 in Westminster. He married Martha Manning.

Hezekiah was in the American Revolutionary War and received a pension for his service #S21034. He was listed on the Census of Westminster taken 1 Jun 1840; age 85 years & pensioner for Rev. Service. CT, CT Sea Service; resided Windham CT, Capt. Dana's Co., 1776; resided Westminster 1832.

Hezekiah Abbe References: Pension Abstracts; Fisher, 2; Gravestones, Old Cemetery Westminster;  Stevens, 669

ABBEE/ABBE/ALBEE

Jacob Abbey/Abbe/Albee the son of Ebenezer4 (Ebenezer3, Samuel2; John1) and Abigail (Cary/Goodale?) Abbe, was born 23 Aug 1741 in Windham, Windham Co., CT. Jacob "Albe" was living in Westminster during the 1771 and 1791 Census. He was a private in Captain Azariah Wright's Westminster military company. Am Rev: VT, Capt. Hatch's Co.1776? (Fisher, 2). He married Sarah Richardson.

Jacob Abbe References: Westminster Town Records; Fisher, 2; Fairbanks, 620.

ABBEE/ALBEE

John Abbee/Albee, the son of Ebenezer4 (Ebenezer3, Samuel2, John1) and Abigail (Cary/Goodale?) Abbe, was born 22 Aug 1743 in Windham, Windham Co, Connecticut and died after 1791. He married Abial Averill.

John Albe [sic] was living in Westminster as early as the 1771 Census. He was also on the 1791 Census. He was a private in Capt. Azariah Wright's military company. He was a Minute Man and a sergeant during the American Revolution for Vermont. Am Rev: VT, Sgt. Capt. Whitney's Co., 1782; VT, Capt. Hatch's Co.1776? John and Abial removed to Chautaugua Co., NY.

John Abbe References: Fisher, 1-2; DAR. 

ALBEE

Hon. "Ellery Albee was a man of considerable influence in town [Westminster VT]. He was a man of few words, but prompt and efficient in business. He held the office of Justice of the Peace, represented the town in the Legislature in 1821, '22, '30, '46 and '48. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1828, and Judge of Probate from 1838 to '46." Ellery Albee was an early Superintendent of the "Sabbath School" and a Sunday School teacher in 1824.

Albee References: Fairbanks, 600, 608, 609.

ALEXANDER

According to most sources, Philip Alexander was of Deerfield, Mass. 1712-1716, Northfield, Mass. 1716-1737 and Arlington [Winchester, NH] 1737-1743. Philip married Abigail ____; her maiden name has never been found. Their son, Aaron was born on the Great Meadows [Putney, Vt] in 1746 and their daughter, Rhoda, was born in Northfield, Mass. in 1747. He petitioned for the grant of Westmoreland, NH in 1750 and was a grantee in 1752, along with John and Simeon Alexander. He was a first settler in Putney, Vt and grantee in 1752 [some records say he settled there in 1755, obviously an error].

ANDROSS

Dr. Bildad Andross, the son of John and Elizabeth (Orvice) Andross, was born 12 May 1719 in Southington/Farmington, Hartford Co., CT and died in 1802 in Bradford, Orange Co., VT.

He married Mary (Stebbins) Holton on 11 Apr 1750 in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA. Mary, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Stebbins, was born in 11 Jul 1719 in Northfield/ Northampton, MA and died in 1778, age 59, in Bradford, Orange Co., VT. Mary Stebbins married (1) Joshua HOLTON (q.v.) on 17 Aug 1741 in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA. Joshua4, the son of Thomas3 (John2, William1), was born 5 Dec 1715 in Northampton, Hampshire Co., MA and died on 26 Apr 1746 in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA.

Bildad was living in Westminster in 1761 when he was chosen for a committee established to lay out and make roads. In 1766, he was appointed as Justice of the Peace for the whole of the New Hampshire grants in Albany Co. [NY]. He was also one of the first nine members of the first church in the East Parish at Westminster on 11 Jun 1767. Bildad was a primary grantee of the Westminster grant of 36 Mar 1772. He was a member of the Court at Westminster in 1775, where he signed the "statement of facts" relating to the Westminster Massacre. He is said to have removed to Mooretown, Washington Co., VT and to Bradford, Orange Co., VT, where he was elected on 29 May 1777 to the Windsor Convention to represent the town of Bradford in the writing the new state constitution. Andross also ran for a seat in the state legislature which he retained for the rest of his life. He signed a petition on 5 Feb 1780 for the establishment of Bradford and another on 2 Jun 1785 for the confirmation of lands in Bradford.

Children of Bildad Andross and Mary (Stebbins) Holton: i. Naomi born 3 Jan 1750/51 Northfield; ii. Levi Stebbins born 3 Aug 1753 Northfield; iii. Mary born 23 Apr 1754 Northfield; iv. Lucy born 23 Mar 1755 Northfield; v. Mary born 24 Jul 1756 Northfield; vi. Cynthia born 2 Mar 1760 Northfield/Wr?; vii. John born 6 Jun 1762 Northfield/Wr?

Andross References: Fairbanks, 568, 603; Southington CT Genealogies; History of Bradford VT.

AVERILL

John Averill came up the Connecticut River, or the "Great River" as is was called, from Northfield MA with his family in canoes in the Spring of 1751 to Westminster, then called No. 1 and under a Massachusetts charter. There were two houses in town at the time, one built by Richard Ellis and his son in 1739, at the foot of Willard's or Clapp's hill, "at the southern extremity of the 10 rods highway," which was then unoccupied. The other house, whose builder is unknown, was "at the lower end of the street, ... at the top of Willard's Hill." The Averills moved into this house which was occupied at the time by four men, one woman and two children; they were, William Gould, John Gould, Amos Carpenter, and Atherton Chaffee. During the summer of 1751, Goold and Carpenter moved their families up from Northfield.

Averill References: Fairbanks 566-567. 

AVERY

Samuel Avery, the son of Humphrey4 (Samuel3, Janes2, Christopher1) and Jerusha (Morgan) Avery, was born on 17 Oct 1731 in Groton MA and died in 1806.   He married (1) Sybil Noyes and (2) Mary Ann Rose.

Samuel became a lawyer and moved to Vermont where he thought he had acquired a large quantity of land. According to an account in "The Burlington Free Press" by Pliny H. White of Coventry VT, there were three Avery Gores in Vermont that were named for him. They were in Addison, Essex and Franklin counties.  There were said to be others as well. 

Samuel Avery lived in Wr and was Deputy Sheriff for Cumberland County and keeper of the jail at Wr. According to Henry Clark Lane, Samuel built and owned one of the finest homes in Wr.  This house was later purchased by Mr. Mark Richards.  Samuel Avery was on the Committee on Printing in 1781 with Ezra Stiles Esq.  (Stiles2, 250).  He was listed on the 1791 Census of Wr (1-2-5-0-0), Samuel, his wife, two sons and 4 daus.  He continued to live in Wr and to be involved in land speculation and was again listed on the 1800 Census Wr (00301-021011).  In about the year 1800, he moved to the Susquehanna Valley, near Tioga Point (now Athens) in Pennsylvania.

Avery References:  Fisher, 21; Averill-2, 185; Avery1; Avery2, #41; 1791 Census Wr, 1800 Census Wr.

BRADLEY

Stephen Row Bradley, the son of Moses4 (Daniel3, Abraham2, William1)  and Mary (Rowe) Bradley, was born 20 Feb 1754 in Wallingford, New Haven Co., CT at Cheshire CT [then Wallingford]. He died in Walpole NH on 9 Dec 1830 age 78 yrs 9 mos 19 das. Resided in Westminster in 1791 (3-2-3-0-0).

He married first to Merab Atwater on 16 May 1780 in Wallingford CT. Merab, the daughter of Reuben and Mary (Russell) Atwater, was born 19 Jun 1757 in Cheshire Twp, New Haven Co., CT and died 7 Apr 1785 age 27 yrs 9 mos 18 das. Stephen married second to Thankful Taylor. Thankful was born in 1768 and died 10 Jan 1802 age 34th yr. He married third to Malinda Willard on 18 Sep 1803. Malinda, the daughter of Billy and Agnes (Blaire) Willard, was born 12 Jul 1785 and died 1837 age 53rd yr.

Stephen was a descendant of William Bradley who came to this country in 1637 with several of his brothers and settled in New Haven CT.  Bradley was in the American Revolution. According to the DAR, he was a Captain from Connecticut. His gravestone says that he was a Brig. General. (DAR #127192). Stephen Row Bradley was a prominent man in Westminster VT. "His first appearance in the State of Vermont is at the adjourned session of the Superior Court at Westminster, 26 May, 1779, and in 1780, he represents the town of Westminster in the General Assembly." He removed from Westminster VT to Walpole NH in 1818. See Fairbanks, pp. 591-596 for considerably more information.

Bradley References: DAR Patriot Index; Fairbanks, 591-592; Gravestones, Old Cemetery, Westminster VT; Westminster Town Records.

BURK/BURKE

Capt. Jesse Burke, the son of Jonathan Sr. and Thankful (Wait) Burke, was baptized 8 Apr 1738 in Brookfield, Worcester Co., MA and died 20 Jan 1811 age 73 years.  He married Widow LEAH (JENNINGS) RICE in May 1761 in Brookfield, Worcester Co MA. Leah, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Webb) Jennings was born 6 Dec 1731 Brookfield, Worcester Co MA and died 5 Aug 1811 age 75 years.

Leah Jennings married first to CHARLES RICE on 6 Jan 1758 in Brookfield, Worcester Co MA. They had a son CHARLES RICE born 7 Mar 1758 Brookfield MA.  Leah was the sister of Olive Jennings who married John Lane (Stevens, 668).

Jesse came from Brimfield MA [Hardwick MA?] to Westminster VT as early as 1771.  He lived where Ira Smith lived in 1870. He ran the Old Burke Tavern in Westminster, which was located nearly opposite the court house.   Capt. Jesse was sheriff of the county in 1775. Jesse was a Captain during the American Revolutionary War for Vermont. He was a 2nd Sergeant in the company of Capt. Azariah Wright of Westminster.

Jonathan Burke Sr. was probably born about 1715 and died in Windsor VT. He married THANKFUL WAIT on 10 May 1731 in Northampton MA.

Jonathan, from the baptisms of his children, appears to have lived in Brookfield, Worcester Co., MA and later in Brimfield, Hampden Co MA. He came up the Connecticut River from Brimfield MA with his three sons, Jesse, Simeon and Silas, as early as 1771. "A deed from 'Jonathan Burk, of Westminster,' conveying to his 'beloved son Jesse,' house-lot No. 22 and meadow-lot No. 39, bears the above date [1771]."  "Charles Rice, who died Mar. 1, 1830, age 72, was a son of the widow Rice, who married Capt. Jesse Burk. A grandson of Mr. Jonathan Rice says his grandfather came to Westminster with Capt. [Jesse] Burk when but 3 years of age, which would give an earlier date by 10 years."  He settled on the rise of ground later called "Court House Hill," probably where his son Jesse kept the "Old Burk Tavern" and lived in Westminster for a time. He later moved to Windsor VT where he died.  The 1771 Census of Westminster listed Isaiah, Jesse, Jonathan, Silas, and Simeon Burk.

Major Silas Burke, the son of Jonathan Sr and Thankful (Wait) Burke, was baptized 22 Nov 1744 in Brookfield, Worcester Co., MA and died 15 Feb 1825 age 79 yrs.  He married MARY EASTMAN. Mary was born about 1743 and died 3 Oct 1840 age 97.

Silas came from Brimfield MA to Westminster VT as early as 1771 and settled where Joseph Clark lived in 1870. He "was one of the jury inquest when French was killed."  He was a private in Capt. Azariah Wright's military company and a major during the Revolutionary War.  1771 Census; 1791 Census Wr  (3-0-7-0-0).

SIMEON BURKE, the son of Jonathan Sr. and Thankful (Wait) Burke, was baptized 3 May 1736 in Brookfield, Worcester Co., MA and died 15 Apr 1781 age 44 years.  He married MARTHA STRONG ("Patty").  Martha (Strong) Burke was probably living in Westminster with their son Samuel when the 1791 Census was taken.

Simeon came from Brimfield MA to Westminster VT as early as 1771, when he was listed on the Census. He was a 1st sergeant in Capt. Azariah Wright's military company and a sergeant for Vermont during the American Revolution.

 Burke References:  DAR Patriot Index; Fairbanks, 616, 617, 586; Gravestones Old Cemetery Westminster; 1771 Census Wr

BURT

Benjamin Burt, the son of Asahel4 (Joseph3, David2 Henry1) Burt, was born 10 May 1740 in Northfield MA and died 10 Jun 1835 aged 96 yrs in Bellows Falls at the home of his son-in-law, Solomon Hapgood. Resided Westminster 1791 (2-0-3-0-0). He married Mary Root. Mary, the daughter of Deacon Samuel Root of Westminster VT, was born in 1741 and and died 18 Dec 1831 in Bellows Falls.

Benjamin Burt moved to Westminster VT about 1760/61, soon after the French and Indian War. On arrival in Westminster, he camped with Azariah and Medad Wright, Joel Holton, and John Norton. He settled in the north part of town, just beyond the Saxtons River bridge, where he owned a square mile of land. It was located in the southeast corner of Rockingham and the northeast corner of Westminster. "This land extended on the Connecticut river a half mile north and south of the town line between Rockingham and Westminster, and one mile west, and is now covered by the villages of Bellows Falls and North Westminster. His home was near the mouth of Saxtons river on its northerly side. Charles Chase lived there in 1870. He had a tannery and a saw mill and grist mill; the first on Saxtons River.

He served in the French and Indian War, being part of the expedition to Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1759, and the army that marched to Montreal in 1760. He was commissioned under King George III of England by Gov. Tryon of NY as 'Capt. of a Company of Foot in the township of Westminster' in 1774. He "retained his connection with the government of that province [New York] late enough to be termed a 'Tory:' was present in his official capacity at the Westminster massacre, Mar. 13, 1775, and was the next day arrested by the Liberty men and imprisoned three or four days." He was the treasurer of Cumberland County in 1775 when the jail at Westminster was built. He later came over to the Liberty party about 1780 and thereafter took an active part with them. "He was quartermaster of the Regt. of Vermont troops sent to Guilford to subdue the Tories in 1784, serving under Gen. Ethan Allen." He is cited for Civil Service during the American Revolution by the DAR.

He was elected to represent Westminster as a member of the Governor's Council of his State in 1779 and 1800. He was a member of the Assembly in 1781, 1786, 1796, 1797, and 1798. From 1786 to 1802, he held the position of assistant justice, and from 1781 to 1785, was assistant judge of the Windham County Court.

Fifty citizens of Rockingham signed a protest in 1781 against the appointment by Gov. Chittenden and the State Council of Benjamim Burt as county judge. He received the appointment, however, and served as judge for eighteen years. He held justice court in a hall on the second story of his home for a number of years.

 Benjamin Burt References: Fairbanks, 584; History of Rockingham VT; History of Westmoreland NH; DAR Patriot Index.

Jonathan Burt, the son of Aaron4 (Joseph3, David2, Henry1) and Miriam (Elmer) Burt, was born 3 Sep 1742 [Northfield MA] and settled in Walpole NH. He married Thankful __??__ about 1767 and had a son David Burt, born 4 Sep 1768. This Jonathan would have been a first cousin to Benjamin Burt who settled in Westminster, and was possibly Jonathan Burt of Rockingham.

Jonathan Burt of Rockingham [parents unknown] was born about 1744 and died on 15 Sep 1821 age 77 in Rockingham, Windham Co., VT. He was buried in the Old Rockingham Cemetery. He married Bethiah Preston of Rockingham on 27 Jan 1774 in Rockingham. It was the first recorded marriage on the town church records by Rev. Samuel Whiting.

Jonathan Burt was an early resident of Rockingham VT and lived three-fourths of a mile east of Rockingham village. He was a selectman in 1776, 1780, 1783-1786, 1789, 1790 and 1795; town clerk 1795 to 1812; constable 1781; moderator 1786; town treasurer 1798 to 1802. His home was the location of important town offices for many years. He was one of a committee of seven called "to settle with Rev. Samuel Whiting" in 1782. He belonged to the first Universalist church of Rockingham in 1793. Resided in Rockingham 1791 (1-4-1-0-0).

Jonathan Burt References: History of Westmoreland NH, 360-361; History of Rockingham VT, 608; History of Northfield MA.

Leonard Burt/Burtt, the son of Benjamin5 and Mary (Root) Burt, was born 17 Aug 1768 and died over 90 years old, after 1858. Leonard, of Westminster VT, married (1) Susanna Fay on 19 Dec 1790 in Hardwick MA. Susanna died 16 Nov 1797 in Westminster VT. He married (2) Susannah Whitney. Susannah Whitney was born 5 Dec 1781 in Westminster and died 2 Feb 1832 in Westminster. Leonard was a raftsman on the Connecticut River at one time. He was "extremely tall" (H/R).

Leonard Burt References: History of Rockingham VT; Westminster Town Records; "Hardwick MA VT'ers Noted Under Marriages" submitted by Mrs. Hermon B. Tripp, Branches & Twigs Vol. 20:3, 1991, pp. 88-89.

CARPENTER

Amos Carpenter lived in Westminster, then called No. 1 and under a Massachusetts charter, in the Spring of 1751. There were only two houses in town at the time --- one which was built by Richard Ellis and then unoccupied, and another, the one Carpenter shared with William Goold, John Goold and Atherton Chaffee. John Averill and his family arrived in the Spring of 1751 and moved in with them. During the following summer, he and the Goolds brought their families up from Northfield. The house, whose builder is unknown, was "at the lower end of the street" "at the top of Willard's Hill" He established his own home and lived on Rocky Hill in Westminster. The farm was sold in 1776 to James Richardson. Amos then moved to Rockingham, Windham Co., VT. The farm, according to the plan of Westminster was Nos. 8 and 9 in the first range of 80 acre lots. The farm was later (ca1870) owned by Clark Whitney.

Amos was listed on 1771 Census of Westminster. He was a mill-wright and a blacksmith. He was called "ingenious." Amos served in the American Revolution in Major Day's unit in 1780.

 Carptenter References: Fairbanks, 566, 577, 578, 613, 627; DAR Patriot Index; Fisher, 96; Carpenter Memorial, #733.

CHAFFEE

Atherton4 Chaffee (David3, Nathaniel2, Thomas1) with his wife and two children were in Westminster, then called No. 1 and under a Massachusetts charter, in the Spring of 1751. There were only two houses in town at the time --- one which was built by Richard Ellis and then unoccupied, and another, the one they shared with William Goold, John Goold and Amos Carpenter. John Averill and his family arrived in the Spring of 1751 and moved in with them. See also "John Averill." During the following summer, Goold and Carpenter brought their families up from Northfield. The house, whose builder is unknown, was "at the lower end of the street; at the top of Willard's Hill." This house afterwards became known as the Averill place. He was chosen for the committee appointed to lay out the roads and build them after the Westminster renewed charter of 1760. Atherton Chaffee was listed on the 1771 Census for Westminster. He was a private in the military company of Capt. Azariah Wright during the 1770's in Westminster. Atherton surveyed Westminster.

CHAFFEE

Otis5 Chaffee, son of Atherton4 (David3 , Nathaniel2, Thomas1) and Rachel (Fuller) Chaffee, was probably born ca1760 and died 25 May 1813/14 [29 May 1813] in Sacket's Harbor NY in the War of 1812. He married ABIGAIL ABBY in Windham County VT. Abigail was probably the daughter of John and Abial (Averill) Abbe, born 3 Jul 1767 Westminster VT.

Otis was a Private for Vermont during the American Revolution. He was in Major Elkanah Day's Unit in 1780.

From the 1791 census, it appears that Otis was married, had two sons and one daughter and lived for a time in Westminster. They apparently were living in Rockingham VT in 1807 and later settled near Olean, Cattarugus Co NY about 1814.

Children of Otis and Abigail (Abby) Chaffee: a. Ory Chaffee born 23 May 1807 Rockingham, Windham Co., VT; b. Lyman Chaffee born 1810 Rockingham, Windham Co., VT.

Chaffee References:  "Branches & Twigs;" DAR Patriot Index; Fairbanks, 566, 568, 577, 578, 613; Fisher, Hist. of Westmoreland NH; Westminster VT Town Records; 1791 Census, Westminster VT.

CLARK

Barnabas Clark, the son of Scotto4 (Scotto3, Andrew2, Thomas1, John of England) and Thankful (Crosby) Clark was born 9 Mar 1743 in Harwich, Barnstable Co., MA and died on 12 Dec 1831 age 88 years in Westminster West. Barnabus married (1) Mehitable Hall, married (2) Hannah __??__; married (3) Priscilla (Goodell) Bemis.

Barnabus and his brother, Scotto, moved from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Westminster West, Vermont in 1796 --- the year after Mehitable's brother, Atherton went there. As with Atherton, the Clarks made the journey in fourteen days with an ox-team. "The Clarks brought their gold to pay for their farms. Scotto brought his in the center of a tierce of salt. Barnabus expressed his through on the back of his oldest son, Joshua" (Fairbanks). American Revolution, Sgt MA.

Barnabas Clark References: Radasch; Harwich MA VR;Westminster VR; DAR; Gravestones, Westminster West Village Cemetery; Fairbanks, 640; Simonds.

CLARK 

Scotto Clark, the son of Scotto4 (Scotto3, Andrew2, Thomas1, John of England) and Thankful (Crosby) Clark, was born on 22 Sep 1745 in Harwich, Barnstable Co., MA and died 27 Mar 1826 age 90 years in Westminster West. He married (1) Sarah Griffith (Fairbanks, 623, calls her Sarah Sears). Scotto married (2) Mary Rockwood.

Scotto was a sea captain while living on Cape Cod. He was in the American Revolutionary War; Sgt MA. He removed from Barnstable MA to Westminster VT about 1794 with his brother Barnabas.

Scotto Clark References: DAR; Gravestones, Westminster West Village Cemetery; Fairbanks, 623; Radasch; Harwich VR. 

CONE

Thomas Cone, the son of Daniel and Susannah (Hurlburt) Cone was baptized on 8 Feb 1763 in Middletown, Middlesex Co., CT and died 16 Apr 1854 age 91 in Westminster. Tailor. He married (1) Mehitable Lyman and (2) Sally Bixby.

Thomas Cone References: Westminster VR; Cone Gen. 

CONE

Samuel Cone was probably born about 1730 and died 23 Apr 1802 age 72 in Westminster. He married (1) Sally Richardson and (2) Mehitable Richardson.

Samuel came from Haddam CT about 1760 and settled in Westminster, Windham Co., VT. He lived there on the "Upper Street" (Lot #19) where he built a log house and in 1770 the one now standing (1958, one story and weatherbeaten). Samuel had a public house which was opposite the "brick" store in Westminster. The business was taken over about 1810 by a Mr. Brown and in 1868 by a Mr. Danforth. Samuel was listed on the 1771 Census. He had eleven children, nine of whom lived to be married.

Samuel Cone References: Fairbanks, 581, 602, 616; Fisher, 129; Gravestones, Old Cemetery Westminster.

CONE

Lemuel Cone, the son of Samuel and Sally (Richardson) Cone, was born 1755 in Haddam, Middlesex Co., CT and died in 1824 in Batavia, Orleans Co., NY. He married (1) Susanna Norton.

Lemuel was in the mercantile business. He lived in Westminster during the 1791 census, removed to Hartford VT and then to Clarendon, Orleans Co., NY about 1810. Am Rev: Capt. Hatch's Co. 1776.

Lemuel Cone References: Cone Gen, 328; Fisher, 129. 

JOSHUA CONE

Joshua Cone, the son of Samuel and Sally (Richardson) Cone, was born 1761 in Haddam CT and died in Jul 1806 age 45 yrs in Westminster, Windham Co., VT. He married Mary Wright ("Polly") about 1790.

According to The Cone Family in America, "Joshua was an active thorough-going, conscientious business man." Am Rev: He was in Capt. Whitney's Co. in 1782.

Joshua Cone References: Fisher, 129; Cone Gen, 328; Gravestones, Old Cemetery Westminster.

CRAWFORD

James Crawford, the son of James1 and Elizabeth (Campbell) Crawford of Scotland, was born 13 Sep 1733 in Union, Tolland Co., CT and died 1 Jan 1807, 73 yrs. He married Grace Carpenter on 8 Sep 1755 in Union CT.

The Crawfords are said to be of Scottish descent and to have come to this country from Londonderry, Ireland about 1730. James resided in Union CT and removed to the south part of Westminster West VT in 1769 and to Putney in 1799. He lived on the land owned by William Braley in 1870. James was listed on the 1771 and 1791 censuses of Westminster. James was a Minute Man and a Corporal for Vermont during the American Revolution. Stevens gives the following account:

He was a soldier in the Revolution, evidently a resolute, determined man, and true patriot. The news of the battle of Lexington reached him at sundown. He started the next morning before sunrise to join the army, leaving his son, Theophilus, but 9 years of age, with his mother, to clear the burnt field and get in the grain. He obtained a furlough of a few weeks in autumn to gather the harvest. This done, he left again for the army, leaving the mother and son alone for the winter of 1776.

The son, when nearly 90 years of age, said, "I chopped the wood and drove the steers. Mother helped load, and we kept warm." Noble mother and boy. Their names shall never died, nor their deeds be untold.

Crawford References: DAR; Putney VT; Bertha Miller Collins; Stevens, 638; People of Putney.  

CROWELL

Levi Crowell, the son of Christopher5 (Christopher4, John3,2,1) and Deborah (Sears) Crowell, was born 16 May 1764 and died 2 Feb 1848 in Westminster. He married Susanna Sears. Susanna was born about 1766 and died on 3 Apr 1844.

Levi Crowell removed to Westminster West about 1799/1800.

Crowell References: Westminster VR; Gazetteer; Gravestones, Westminster West Village Cemetery

DAY

DR. ELKANAH DAY, the son of David and Ruth (Whipple) Day, was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on 29 Jan 1732/17333 and died in Strafford NY in Mar 1803.  He resided Chesterfield NH 1770 and was a selectman there that year where "the town meetings were usually held at his house till the meeting house was built (Chesterfield).  He moved to Westminster Vt previous to 6 Jun 1775 and lived on the place formerly occupied by Crean Brush. He was a prominent and influential man and respected physician.  According to Reading2 (pp. 72), he removed from Wr to Reading, Windsor Co., VT before 1790 and  “was killed suddenly by being thrown from his horse.”   1791 Census Wr (1-1-1-0-0); 1800 Census Strafford (00001-0000100)

He married Lavinah Merrill of Chesterfield NH..

He came to the County Convention at Westminster to look into the monetary affairs of the county in the session of 6 Jun 1775. He was a delegate to the meeting of the County Committee of Safety, held in Westminster in June 1776 [with John Norton], and was chosen clerk. "In 1780, Maj. Elkanah Day was one of a committee to consider the feasiblility of a new government formed by a union of Eastern Vermont and Western New Hampshire. He was, with John Sessions, a Representative in the New York Assembly in 1779, and Senator in 1781, Sheriff, 1786 and '87; High Sheriff of Windham County, 1782-87." Elkanah was listed on the 1791 Census of Westminster.

As a physician, he attended the wounded William French at the time of the Westminster massacre. "Elkanah Day, a physician of Westmoreland Vt. [Westminster Vt.], was appointed a captain of rangers by the provincial congress of New York, but resigned Oct. 23, 1776."  He was in the Cumberland County (now Windham County, Vermont), regiment in 1778. He was one of those called "Yorkers" who opposed the State Militia law in 1779 and was fined 40 pounds. He was Major of Southern Regiment, 1778; Adjutant under Gen. Ethan Allen, 1782; Capt. NY

Day References: Fairbanks, 590, 603, 620; 1791 Census, Westminster VT; The History of Rockingham, Vermont; DAR Patriot Index; Fisher, 152; Dudley MA VR; Hist. of Chesterfield, 279; Hall's History of Eastern Vt, p. 640; Reading2, 72-73; Merrill, 298.

DICKINSON

Azariah Dickinson, the son of Azariah3 (Joseph2, Nathaniel1) and Hannah (Spencer) Dickinson, was born 5 Jun 1709 in Haddam, Middlesex Co., CT and died in 1788 age 79 at Haddam, Middlesex Co., CT. He married Hepzebah Walkeley on 30 Nov 1732 at Haddam, Middlesex Co., CT. She is called Hepzibah Chapman by Fairbanks.

It is said that the Dickinsons were the third permanant settlers in Westminster and were there in the 1760's. Their sons Dan, Azariah and Job settled in the south part of town on the hill road to Putney. Azariah settled "on the middle road" nearly opposite of where Zachariah Gilson settled. His land became a part of the Ward farm of 1870. Dan and Azariah were among the nine persons who were a part of the church when it was organized in 1767.

Children of Azariah and Hepzebah (Walkeley) Dickinson born Haddam, Middlesex Co., CT:

  1. Azariah Dickinson born 17 Jul 1733 Haddam and died 19 Jul 1808 age 75 yrs in Westminster. He married Temperance Shipman.
  2. Mary Dickinson born 2 Sep 1735 Haddam.
  3. John Dickinson born 27 Dec 1737 Haddam. He married Martha __??__.
  4. Daniel Dickinson born 14 Jan 1739 in Haddam. He married Margaret Brown.
  5. Ruth Dickinson born 10 Mar 1741 Haddam.
  6. Agnes Dickinson born 21 Mar 1745 Haddam.
  7. Job Dickinson born 13 Dec 1747 Haddam and died 4 Mar 1817 age 70 yrs in Westminster. He married Rachel Ranney on 11 Apr 1776 in Westminster.
  8. Thankful Dickinson born 1749 Haddam.

Dickinson References: Fairbanks, 584, 598, 618; Gravestones, Gilson Cem, Westminster; Gravestones, Old East Parish Cemetery, Westminster; Westminster Town Records.

DORAND/DORAN

RICHARD DORAND/DORAN settled in Westminster about 1782/83 and was living there during the census of 1791. He had no descendants there in 1870  (Fairbanks, 598).

DOUBLEDAY

Nathaniel Doubleday, the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Woodhead) Doubleday of Charlestown MA, was born ca1734 and died in Aug 1783, age 49 in Westminster, Windham Co., VT (Adm. of Estate, 6 Oct 1783) (g.s., So. Valley Cem, WrW, Lt. Nathaniel Doubleday, died in Aug 1788 age 49th yr; has flag epitaph at grave; probably misread and should be 1783).

Nathaniel and his wife settled in Westminster West before 1770 and was one of the first settlers there. History of Northfield says that their dau Anna was born in Wr in 1760.  The jury roll says he resided on lot No. 6, fifth range of 80 acre lots. An old cellar discloses the spot where his house stood, now far away from any house or road. (Stevens, 639).  "He was one the jury of inquest on the body of William French, who was killed by the British troops, at Westminster, Mar 13, 1775. He was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. Mass Soldiers & Sailors Vol IV gives the following information on his service:

 p. 496: Doubleday, Nathaniel. Westminster (MA/VT?); Lieutenant, Capt John Wood's Co., Col Paul Dudley Sargent's Regt.; muster roll dated Aug 1, 1775; engaged April 24, 1775; service 3 mos, 15 dys, etc." (Barbour Collection also).

p. 894: "Doubledee, Nathaniel, Putney. Private, Capt Abijah Moore's Co. of minute men, which marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; service from Apr 23, 1775, to time of returning home, 14 days," It is not known what relation, if any, this Nathaniel was to the one in Westminster.

He married DINAH HARRIS on 13 Apr 1757 in Pomfret, Windham Co., CT. Dinah, the 6th child of Samuel and Dinah (Wilcox) Harris, was born 18 May 1733 in New London, New London Co., CT and died 5 Dec 1793 in Westminster, Windham Co., VT (CR1, 469, as "Widow Doubledee"). (VT VR Index, as "Widow Doubledee").

The 1791 Census Westminster (p. 56) shows "Widow Doubleday" as a head of family consisting of two females. Probably her unmarried daughter, Abiah, was living with her.

Doubleday References: Stevens, 639; Barbour Collection, Pomfret VR 1:107; Mass. Soldiers & Sailors; Doubleday Families of America; Centennial Proceedings of Northfield VT; Robinson Genealogy; Fisher, 162, not named; Stevens2, 346.

EASTON

Bildad Easton.  He married (1) ______  and (2) Martha __??__.  He moved to Westminster VT from Alstead NH about the time of the American Revolution and was deputy sheriff during the time of the "Westminster Massacre" of 1775. "He was noted for his Tory proclivities and the active part he took at the time of the Revolutionary proceedings in Westminster."  He was one of the 30 men arrested in 1779 and jailed at Westminster for noncompliance with the conditions of the new militia law of the state of Vermont.  Easton References:  Fairbanks, 589; Westminster Town Records.

EATON

Asa Eaton, the son of David6 (Thomas5, John4, John3, Nicholas2, William1) and Bethiah (Tiffany) Eaton, was born 16 Mar 1746 in Ashford CT.  He married Abigail Goodell on 5 Nov 1772 in Ashford.  Abigail, the dau of Jabez4 (Thomas3, Zachariah2, Robert1) and Abigail (Lyon) Goodell, was born 28 Jan 1749 in Pomfret CT.

EATON, Asa [and Abigail GOODELL (Ashfield CT)]; their children:

         Bethia born 22 Jan 1774 Ashford CT; m. Samuel Mason

         Simeon born 21 May 1775 Ashford CT

         David born 6 Jan 1778 Ashford CT; m. Ama Clark. 1791 Census Wr (3-1-2-0-0)

         Asa Jr. born 27 May 1780 Ashford CT; m. Malinda Hitchcock. 1791 Census Wr (3-3-3-0-0)

         James born 10 Jun 1782 Ashford CT; m. Fanny Richards

         Abigail "Nabby" born 16 Aug 1784 Ashford CT; m. Thomas Tolman

Samuel born 8 Dec 1788 Wr; m. Anna Merrifield.  They had a dau Elizabeth R. Eaton said to have been born 23 Mar 1824 Wr (not found in Wr records).

Isaiah Eaton, the son of Timothy and Abigail (Massey) Eaton, was born 15 Oct 1757 in Haverill MA.  He m. (1) Priscilla West  and (2) Azubah (Rockwood) Grout.  The deaths of Isaiah, his second wife, and several of his children appear in Wr records.

Eaton References: Rockingham2, Ashford VR, David Swaney; Thompson Church Records.Walpole, 87-88; NH Births; Old East Parish Cem Wr; Wr Town Records, Wr West Village Cem

ELLIS

Richard Ellis built one of the first two houses in Westminster.  He did not stay and was gone by 1751.  Nothing else is known about him.

FISK

Nathan Fisk, the son of William3 (Nathan2, Nathan1) and Eunice (Jennings) Fisk, was born 13 Feb 1722 in Ashford CT. He m. (1) Eleanor Whitney on 14 Feb 1743 in Wellington CT and m. (2) Olive __??__.

Nathan was living in Wr as early as 1777 when three of his children were buried.  He was the jail keeper in Wr at the time that Judge Chandler was buried.  He was a member of the Wr Militia Co. in 1780.

Fisk References: DAR, Brookfield VR, Gs-1; Fisher, 188; Barbour Collection; Fairbanks, 590

EXPERIANCE/EXPERIANS FISK, son of Nathan4 (William3, Nathan2, 1) and Eleanor (Whitney) Fisk, was born 19 Nov 1751 Greenwich MA and died 31 Mar 1825 (g.s., East Brookfield Cem, age 73 yrs 6 mos) [31 Mar 1823-5 (DAR)]. He married MARY EARLE ("Polly") on 12 Oct 1785 in Westminster (VR) (Brookfield VR). Mary, was born ca1754 (g.s.) and died 30 Mar 1838 (g.s., East Brookfield Cem, age 74).  1791 Brookfield, Orange Co., VT (1-1-3-0-0).    Lt MA and VT.  Resided Westminster and Brookfield VT.

Fisk References:  Vt Fam 1:67-68; DAR 

SYLVANUS FISK, son of Nathan4 (William3, Nathan2, 1) and Eleanor (Whitney) Fisk, born about 1753 and died 27 Jun 1784 in 31st yr in Westminster VT. He was in the Revolutionary War. Bertha Miller Collins summarized his service as follows:

 "Rev. War Rolls, State of Vt," p. 35, name appears in pay roll of company commanded by Capt. John Petty in Col. William Williams' Regt. of Militia, served 30 days beginning Aug 29, 1777; p. 266, name appears in two companies of Militia in Westminster, officers and soldiers, who marched in alarm Oct. 17, 1780, served 8 days; p. 629, listed as Sergt. in pay roll of Capt. Benj. Whitney's Co. in the State of Vt., at Guilford and other adjacent parts in the county of Windham, from Nov. 1, 1783 to Mar. 1, 1784, served 4 mos., 2 dys. "Hall's History" pp. 518, 520, 527. "State Papers of Vermont," Vol. III, pps. 29, 32, 77. Wounded in Jan 1784 at Guilford and died in June. Expenses of sickness paid by State. Bronze DAR marker 1946. (Caggiano)

GOOLD

John Goold Sr., said to be the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Makepeace) Goold, was born about 1730/32 and died 27 (26?) Feb 1809 age 77 yrs in Westminster. He married Abigail Hall.

He was living in Westminster in the Spring of 1751 with William Goold, Amos Carpenter and Atherton Chaffee. In the summer of that year he moved his family from Northfield MA to Westminster. He ran the "Whig Tavern" on the lower street in 1755 and was a large land owner in the town. He was known as a great story teller and was said to have been quite proud of it. The story Guilty or Not Guilty included under Westminster Vignettes is supposed to have taken place at his tavern and been told by him.

John was listed on the 1771 census of Westminster and was a proprietor on 26 Mar 1772 when Westminster was re-chartered under New York state, along with Seth and Nathaniel Goold. He was a soldier during the American Revolution (Fisher, p. 216).

Fairbanks lists the following children: John Jr., Abigail, Aaron, Jonathan, Luther and Sarah. The name of a daughter Mary is found on a gravestone.

Note: Fairbanks states that Seth, John, and Nathaniel Goold, proprietors under the New York charter of 1772, "were probably brothers" (p. 613). In the same paragraph, he also states that John was the son of William. This does not seem to follow with information known about the family and it seems more likely that William would have been another brother. Seth and William were privates in Capt. Azariah Wright's Westminster Militia in the 1770's. As mentioned, Seth, John, and William Goold are listed on the census of 1771. Seth, William and Nathaniel were members of the Baptist Society of Westminster in 1784.

John Goold Sr. References: Fairbanks, 613; Fisher, 216.

GOOLD

John Goold Jr., said by Fairbanks (p. 613), to be the eldest son of John Sr and Abigail (Hall) Goold, was born 25 Mar 1760/61 in Westminster, Windham Co., VT and died 22 May 1850 in Chester, Windsor Co., VT. He married Nancy Graves.

John was a private in the American Revolution from Vermont; Capt. Whitney's Co., 1782. He was a printer with Spooner & Green and later had his own printing business. John Jr. lived in Westminster [where the parsonage stood in 1870], in Windham VT, and Chester VT. Fairbanks lists the following children: John, Nancy, Abigail, Sylvester, Lydia, Amos, Allen, David, Polly and Aaron.

John Goold References: Chester VR; Fisher, 214; DAR; Fairbanks, 579.

JONATHAN GOOLD

Jonathan Goold, the son of John Sr. and Abigail (Hall) Goold, was probably born in Westminster. He married Anna Whitney.

They lived in and ran the "Goold Tavern" in Westminster. It stood on the west side of the street, opposite where it stood in 1870. Jonathan was living in the Goold Tavern with his father John Sr. during the Census of 1790. They moved to Ohio. (Fairbanks, 613)

Jonathan Goold References: Fairbanks, 613; History of Surry NH.

SETH GOOLD

Seth was listed in the 1771 Census of Westminster and was a proprietor there when Westminster was re-chartered under New York State on 26 Mar 1772. He was a private in Capt. Azariah Wright's Westminster military company in the 1770's

Seth Goold References: Fairbanks, 613, 579.

GOOLD

Seth Goold was born about 1758/60, probably in Westminster, and died 23 Oct 1844 age 84/86 yrs Westminster. He married Submit (Page) Williams.

He was in the Revolutionary War. He received a pension for his service, R4162 NH & VT Line, also possibly MA. Seth was listed on the Westminster Census taken 1 Jun 1840, age 80. He was a cousin of William and Daniel Goold.

Seth Goold References: Westminster VR; Old Cemetery Westminster.

GOOLD

William Goold, possibly the son of Nathaniel and Mary (Makepeace) Goold, was probably born about 1730 or before in Massachusetts. William was living in Westminster, then called No. 1, in the Spring of 1751. There were only two houses in town at the time --- one which was built by Richard Ellis and then unoccupied, and another, the one he and John Goold shared with Amos Carpenter, and Atherton Chaffee. John Averill and his family arrived in the Spring of 1751 and moved in with them. During the following summer, the Goolds and Amos Carpenter brought their families up from Northfield. Their house was at the lower end of the street at the top of Willard's Hill. This house afterwards became known as the Averill place.

John, Seth, and William were listed on the 1771 Census of Westminster. John, Seth, and Nathaniel [William?] were proprietors in Westminster in 1772 at the time of the grant from New York. Seth and William were privates in Capt. Azariah Wright's Westminster militia in the 1770's. William may have had children William born 1756 and Daniel.

 William Goold References: Fairbanks, 566, 577, 578, 613.

HARLOW

Eleazer Harlow came to Westminster from Taunton MA in about 1758 and settled on House-Lot No. 18 on the Upper Street a little to the south of the Wright brothers on a rise of ground. It later became the Charles Willard place. He built a plank house instead of a log cabin; the first in town. In 1782, he built another house which is still standing. Eleazer was a prominent resident of the town and was "a substantial element in town affairs." He was listed on the 1771 and 1791 censuses of Westminster. Eleazer married Rhoda Alexander, the daughter of Phillip Alexander, who was another early associate of Westminster, although he lived on the Great Meadows in Putney.

Daniel Houghton and William French were mortally wounded at the Revolutionary battle which became known as the "Westminster Massacre" of March 12, 1775. William French died immediately. Daniel Houghton was taken to the home of Eleazer Harlow, where he was protected and nursed for the several days before his death. The house stood a short distance, northwest of the courthouse, the sight of the "Massacre." For this public service during the American Revolutionary War, Eleazer Harlow's descendants have become members of the DAR.

Harlow References: Fairbanks, 575, 579, 613.


The Harlow family has a strong Pilgrim and Mayflower heritage starting with William1 Harlow. William was born in England and came to this country as early as 1637 and settled at Plymouth MA. The date and the ship he came on are unknown. In Plymouth, he married his first wife, REBECCA BARTLETT. Rebecca was the daughter of ROBERT BARTLETT of the "Anne" and MARY WARREN of the "Mayflower." Mary was the daughter of RICHARD WARREN and ELIZABETH MARSH, both of the "Mayflower."

Their son, Samuel2 Harlow, married his first cousin HANNAH MOREY as his second wife. Hannah was the daughter of JONATHAN MOREY and MARY BARTLETT MOREY and the grandaughter of ROGER MOREY and MARY JOHNSON. Mary Bartlett was the grandaughter of ROBERT BARTLETT of the "Anne" and MARY WARREN of the "Mayflower" (above).

Their son Eleazer3 Harlow married first to HANNAH DELANO. Hannah was the daughter of Dr. BENONO DELANO and ELIZABETH DREW; the grandaughter of Dr. THOMAS DELANO and MARY ALDEN; and the great grandaughter of PHILIP DELANO (DE LA NOYE), the Huguenot Pilgrim of the "Mayflower" and his wife HESTER DEWSBURY. Hannah Delano was then the grandaughter of Mary Alden and the great grandaughter of JOHN ALDEN and PRISCILLA MULLINS, both of the "Mayflower." Priscilla Mullins was the daughter of WILLIAM MULLINS and ALICE [PORETIERS?], both of the "Mayflower." Elizabeth Drew was the daughter of JOHN and HANNAH (CHURCHILL) DREW, but they were not of the early Pilgrim Company.

Harlow References: Theo P. Adams, Harlow Genealogy, compiled 1857-1860, revised & copied 1923 (The Sgt. William Harlow Family Association, May 1979); Plymouth Mass. Vital Records; Harlow Family. Descendants of Sgt. William Harlow [1624/25-1691 of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Compiled by The Genealogy Committee of the Harlow Family Association, Edited by Alicia Crane Williams (Baltimore MD: Gateway Press, Inc., 1997)..

HOLTON

John and Joshua Holton were cousins who lived in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA. It is not known if either of them spent time in Westminster; however, a number of their children settled there. The family of John is the better known of the two cousins.

John Holton, the son William3 (John2, William1) and Abigail (Edwards) Holton was born 24 Oct 1707 in Northfield MA and died 25 Oct 1793. He married Mehitable Alexander on 7 Mar 1731 in Northfield MA. Mehitable, the dau of Ebenezer and Mehitable (Buck) Alexander, was born in 11 Aug 1713 in Northfield MA and died 28 Dec 1792. She was blind for many years.

Children of John Holton and Mehitable Alexander born in Northfield MA; surname HOLTON:
i. Chloe Holton born
1 Jan 1733; m. Ebenezer Dickinson
ii. Mehitable Holton born
24 Feb 1735; m. Abner Howe
iii. Joel Holton born
10 Jul 1738; m. Bethia Farwell
iv. Irene Holton born 20 Oct 1741; m. Medad Wright
v. Anna Holton born 23 Oct 1744; m. John Norton
vi. John Holton born
22 Oct 1747; m. Hannah Sheldon.

Joel Holton was a soldier in 1759 and moved to Westminster VT in 1761, soon after the French and Indian War. He came up the Connecticut River from Northfield with his brother-in-laws, Medad Wright of Northfield MA and John Norton of Farmington CT along with Medad's brother Azariah Wright. They camped together with Judge Benjamin Burt and Aaron Petty. These men settled in the same area in Westminster --- Joel Holton on Lot #10, north of Azariah Wright on Lot #11 [bought from Josiah Willard; deed dated 20 Apr 1761], Medad Wright on Lot #12, John Norton on Lot #13, Aaron Petty Lot #17, along with Eleazer Harlow on Lot #18. Joel was listed on the 1771 Census of Westminster.


Joshua Holton had at least three children, Ebenezer, Jonathan, and Joshua. They lived in Westminster and the surrounding area, though they were in Westminster for only a relatively short period of time and their presence there has been almost erased.

Joshua Holton, the son of Thomas3 (John2, William1) and Mindwell (Allen) Holton, was born 5 Dec 1715 in Northampton, Hampshire Co., MA and died on 26 Apr 1746 in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA. He was killed by the Indians "while on his way home from Boston, with money to pay the soldiers, and those who had billited them." Joshua had a brother Thomas who settled in Dummerston VT in 1799. Joshua married Mary Stebbins on 17 Aug 1741 in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA. Mary, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Williams) Stebbins, was born in 11 Jul 1719 in Northfield/ Northampton, MA and died in 1778 in Bradford, Orange Co., VT.

Children of Joshua Holton and Mary Stebbins born Northfield MA; surname HOLTON:
i. Ebenezer Holton was born
9 Apr 1742 in Northfield