This person

Elizabeth Arnold b. 1684

/ Kirstin Miller

Elizabeth Arnold 8th great grandma on RootsMagic tree

Elizabeth Arnold was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1684 and died July 11, 1758. She spent her life in Providence, part of the time living in the Stone Ender her dad Eleazer built around 1693, it’s still standing today.

Arnold, Eleazer House Stone Ender at Wikipedia

Eleazer Arnold House, a stone ender

She married 1st William Hawkins in 1704 and 8 years later was a widow. She married 2nd Israel Smith in 1718,  was a widow 8 years later and didn’t marry again.

Her will and inventory is online, last on the page:
In the name of God Amen this 1st day of July in the 35th year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second of Great Britain &c King AD 1758: I Elisabeth Smith widow being Sick & Week of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to allmighty God for the Same, Do make and ordain this to be my Last will & Testament

Elizabeth gave her daughter Naomi, who married Oliver Angell, a square table and 5 pounds money ‘old tenor.’ Elizabeth left her best silver sleeve buttons to her granddaughters.

Sources

Esther Ballard b. 1632

/ Kirstin Miller

Esther Ballard 10th great grandmother on RootsMagic tree

Esther/Hester sailed, on the James, with her parents and younger brother from a London port to Lynn, Massachusetts on July 13, 1635. Page 107 of this book: The original lists of persons of quality, emigrants, religious exiles, political rebels, serving men sold for a term of years, apprentices, children stolen, maidens pressed, and others, who went from Great Britain to the American plantations, 1600-1700 at HathiTrust.

Esther married Joseph Jenckes they had at least 7 children.  Their son Joseph Jenckes was Governor of Rhode Island from 1727-1732 his story at Wikipedia.

At about age 18 Esther was one of 4 people fined for wearing silver or silver lace. In Colonial New England, wearing silver was a crime for plain citizens, those making less than 200 pounds. The colony followed  Sumptuary law, description at Wikipedia. “If bourgeois subjects appeared to be as wealthy or wealthier than the ruling nobility, it could undermine the nobility’s presentation of themselves as powerful, legitimate rulers”.

Page 99 of this book: The history of Lynn, by Alonzo Lewis: At the Quarterly Court, on the twenty ninth of June [1652], the following presentments were made. We present Ester, the wife of Joseph Jynkes Junior for wearing silver lace.

Lynn Marshes


Maria Henrica Rodenbeck b. 1837 and Hinrich Henrichs b. 1836

/ Kirstin Miller

March 18, 1885 Maria, Hinrich, their seven children and probably Hinrich’s brother Martin sailed from Germany on the ship America and arrived in Baltimore, Maryland first making a quick stop in New York harbor. They carried two pieces of luggage, for the whole group. Here’s a photo of Hinrich and Maria, shared on FamilySearch.org. Maria is the maternal grandmother of Mary Frerichs Roose, they could pass for twins.

Henrichs, Henry and Maria Rodenback

Henry and Maria Rodenback Henrichs

Maria was born May 10, 1837 in Germany. She died Apr 9, 1926 in Allison Iowa and is buried at Butler Center Cemetery. Maria married Hinrich Henrichs (spellings vary) in Germany where he was born May 1, 1836, he died Aug 21, 1918. Maria and Hinrich Henrichs share a large headstone with HINRICHS and Ruhe in Gott, Rest in God engraved. Both have a smaller stone Mutter mother and Vater father with their names and birth death dates engraved.

Benedict Arnold b. 1614, the Govr’s son

/ Kirstin Miller
screenshot.png

Photo at Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission

Benedict the 2nd born about 1641 has this headstone with the family crest, three shells, a center star and (not shown) a rose in each corner. This is gorgeous and indexed at the Rhode Island Historic Cemetery Commission : the stone was “carved by John Stevens II and lettered by his brother Philip”. Benedict, other Arnolds and Arnold in laws are at the Governor Arnold Burying Ground in Newport, Rhode Island, in a residential area, a tiny cemetery with less than 70 memorials. On Google maps it appears next to a private home with a bike parked on the side fence and a Starbuck’s within 100 feet or so.

There were five Benedict Arnolds in this family in the early days of America.

Benjamin 1- born 1615, son of William and Christiana Peake Arnold, married Damaris Westcott. He became President then Governor of Rhode Island. Father of

Benjamin 2- born about 1641 married Mary Turner, then Sarah Mumford. Parents of

Benjamin 3- born 1683 married Patience Coggleshall. Parents  of

Benedict 4- born 1719 married Hannah Waterman. Parents of

Benedict 5- born 1741 married Margret Shippen. This Benedict is the one of the American Revolution, labeled a traitor. He is buried in London, at St. Mary’s of Battersea, where William Blake was married, near the river Thames. Changes in Longitude has a full article and a comment section with many opinions about Benedict 5s actual crimes and intentions.

Benjamin 5s mom Hannah Waterman is buried at Old Norwichtown Cemetery in Norwich, Connecticut. This family suffered. From 1738-1755 four of six children died of yellow fever. For some reason, maybe the death of four children, the dad Benedict 4 drank, a lot. By 1756 the life planned for great-grandson of the Govr Benedict 5, private schools then Yale, was dashed, the money was gone, the family somewhat scorned by their community because of the dad’s drinking. Hannah the mom died in 1759, the dad drank more and died soon after. Benedict 5 got an apprenticeship with his mom’s side of the family, then the rest is history.

Hannah’s grave has an anonymous admirer who decorates the grave about once each year, 2011 story here: An anonymous admirer has once again shown devotion to the mother of one of history’s most infamous figures with a gift of flowers and light.

Angell, Israel letter 1775 to brother Hope

/ Kirstin Miller

Brother I am much alarmed At the News of the Conduct of the people in Providence And the towns Adjacent, to hear that they are likely to Rise in mobs on the account of Salt’s rising and Some other Small Articles. I beg of Every honest and well meant Person. both in town and country, to Exert them Selves to The utmost of their power to Suppress any riotous proceedings Among your Selves, Especially at this time. For God Sake Let us unite all as one in America. If we don’t, but fall at variance among our Selves, of all God’s Creation we Shall be the most Miserable.

1775 Dec 1:The war is taking a toll. Israel asks his brother about the status of nails. Their brother Elisha could find no nails in Providence. Israel asks if Hope can find some in Newport. The nails are needed to finish up a room is Israel’s home before winter comes. The British brig Nancy has arrived with 2 Brass Six pounders, Canon Shot and “every war like article that can be mentioned”. Colonel Huntington’s wife Faith Trumball hanged herself months after witnessing the end of battle scene at Bunker Hill.

Israel begins the letter thanking GOD (he always capitalized the word god) for the blessing of health and wishing the same for Hope and his family.

Letter from Israel to Hope, December 1, 1775 from Prospect Hill

Rhode Island Historical Society. Proceedings of the Rhode Island Historical Society. Providence. Volumes and cataloging are a little wonky, this is the 1873-1874 copy, Section 7, then page 45. 

Colonel Huntington and his wife -About May 20, 1775

Wikipedia contributors. “Jedediah Huntington.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 Nov. 2016. Web. 26 Jul. 2017

Gettysburg 1863

/ Kirstin Miller

Elizabeth Salome Myers, a teacher, was on summer vacation in 1863. She and everyone in Gettysburg knew the war was close so it was on all their minds. Salome probably wondered what would happen over the summer, how her life may be affected by the war. By July 1  the battles to the west of town hit Gettysburg and General Robert Lee and the Confederate army arrived. Instantly Salome’s summer, her whole life was taken over by the war- she began tending to injured soldiers in make do hospitals: her own home on West High Street and the Catholic church nearby. Salome kept a diary: The ties of the past: the Gettysburg diaries of Salome Myers Stewart 1854-1922.

Henry F and Alexander M Stewart

Salome’s first patient was Sergeant Alexander McFarland Stewart (1st cousin 4x removed, or cousin to Elizabeth Stewart 2nd great grandmother). Alexander was seriously injured and knew he was dying. Salome asked if there was anything she could do, he asked her to read from the Bible, so she did. After Alexander’s death Salome received a visit from Alexander’s mother and brother. Henry, the brother, thanked Salome for her kindness and care of Alexander. Henry (1st cousin 4x removed) and Salome would eventually marry and Henry joined as Corporal in the Civil War. The brothers were written up in a memorial book of the Company D, 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers.  The book has a short biography and a photo of each. (Henry’s bio is on page 87, photo on page 86f. Alexander’s bio is on page  86, photo on page 86c.) Alexander the older brother died at Gettysburg in July 1863, Henry died in 1868 from complications of a war injury.

Elizabeth Salome would return to teaching and received national recognition for her service. She was the treasurer of the National Association of Army Nurses for several years.

Manford Byron Speedy b. 1838

/ Kirstin Miller

Manford Speedy b.1838 on RootsMagic tree

Manford Byron Speedy was born March 18, 1838 in Island Creek, Jefferson County Ohio. His dad William Speedy and mom Elizabeth Glenn were both from Pennsylvania. MAnford lived on a farm with his parents and 5 brothers.  

In 1856, age 18, Manford left Ohio for Shell Rock, Iowa. In 1864 he married Ann Eliza Coats and they had three children. Typhoid fever takes Ann and the youngest daughter’s life around 1869. In 1870 Manford had a farm where he lived with his Coats in-laws, his father William and his and Ann’s children. In 1874 Manford married Elizabeth Stewart and they had 5 children.

The 1870 Agricultural Census shows Manford’s farm production: 160 total acres, 120 acres tilled, 14 acres of grassland, 3/4 acre of potatoes, 3 acres of apple trees. He had 8 milk cows, produced 700 lbs of butter, had 8 other cows with 4 calves dropped, 112 swine and 50 poultry. This poultry produced 250 dozen eggs for the year. 5 cord of wood were also produced.

Manford was known as MB and considered a noble pioneer in the Shell Rock and Allison areas of Butler County, Iowa. He was involved in local politics, he was a sheriff, farmer, general store owner and livestock buyer. Manford ran for Sheriff and was elected in 1877, newspaper articles document the race and who ‘should be made the victim of slander and abuse this fall.’  In September 1877 Manford was endorsed in the local newspaper, a ’tower of strength’. In October 1877 Manford ‘called’ not on the phone but in person at the newspaper offices ‘MB Speedy one of the straight men on the straight Republican ticket for Butler county called last Saturday and exchanged ideas with us on the political topics of the day. Glad to see him’.

So, Manford had a lot going on. Then in 1903 when he was 64 years old, a telephone was delivered to his home. “Our telephone exchange has enlarged somewhat recently, new ‘phones being put in the residence of M.B. Speedy, H.C. Parsons and E.J. Davis.” This was such a big deal it was posted in the local newspaper.

Sources

Daniel and Rebecca Rhodes Power Williams marry 1676

/ Kirstin Miller

Daniel is the second son of Roger Williams, Roger is credited with founding Rhode Island when banished from Massachusetts because of radical religious beliefs. Rebecca Rhodes is the daughter of Joanna Arnold and Zachariah Rhodes, she first married Nicholas Power (he may have died at sea) she married second Daniel.

When they married around December 1, 1676 King Philips War was just ending. Dated entries in Volume 8 of The early records of the town of Providence, trace the end of the war, understood by most to be the deadliest war of the colonies.  From the preface, “The period succeeding the time embraced in the last named volume was one of disaster to the town, for the Indian War which had raged with varying success throughout the New England Colonies was then brought within the confines of Rhode Island. During a part of this period, previous to March, 28, 1676, and for some time thereafter the town was practically deserted, its business well nigh suspended and a portion of it destroyed by the ravages of the Indians. The townsmen however carried on such governmental affairs as were actually necessary, and during this time Roger Williams held the office of Town Clerk.”

Daniel and Rebecca’s wedding is recorded (Volume 8, page 15)

Dan: Williams & ye Widow Rebekah Power were married ye 2 of 10th ye first Mariage since God mercifully restored ye Towne of Prouidence.

So this could be the most real wedding story ever. “Our town was completely destroyed by war, people fled or were killed until only about 30 remained. We persevered, made a commitment and married.”

In this same Volume 8 Daniel’s brother Providence (page 14) is credited with rescuing his mom and maybe the town?

by Gods Providence it seasonably came to pass ye Providence Williams brought up his mother from Newport in his sloop and cleared ye towne by his vessel of all ye Indians to ye great peace and Content of all ye Inhabitants

Source:

Providence (R.I.). Record Commissioners. The Early Records of the Town of Providence, V. I-XXI … Providence: Snow & Farnham, city printers, 1892 (there are assorted editions of this ebook)

John Parrish b. 1640

/ Kirstin Miller

John Parrish 11th great grandpa on RootsMagic tree

John was born in 1640 probably near Braintree, Massachusetts. He first married Hannah Jewell, she died before 1685 when John married Mary Waddell. John and Mary were active in Groton, John holding many elected positions: selectman, town council, surveyor, constable.

  • 1669: Original proprietor in Groton, granted 5 acres of land
  • 1676 Mar 13: The couple lived in Groton when it was destroyed by Indian wars
  • 1677: John was on the committee to rebuild after the town evacuated then returned months later. The record from October 12, 1677, Pages 52, 53, The Early Records of Groton, Massachusetts: 1662-1707 at HathiTrust, “This is the last record of any meeting held before the destruction of the town by the Indians, March 13, 1676. The inhabitants then were compelled to forsake their homes, and did not return until the spring of 1678. …that those present would go up in the spring following, and begin to repair our habitations again… which agreement he signed”.
  • 1685 John received 10 acres of land in Groton. After rebuilding the town, John and probably Mary, both played a big part in getting a pastor and church to Groton.
  • 1691 Dec 21, “At the same day thay did apoint and by uoat daclare that sd Josiah parkar and sar John parish & Wiliam longly & sam James parkar should go down & fach up som meet parson to preach to us & the town is to bare the charg”.
  • 1692 March 21, “Groton at a genaral town meting legally warned the town did then by uoat datannan that thay would giue to master hancock the full som of sixtey pound one fourth part siluer for a yers salarey for Preaching in order to ordnation in dew time and the other three parts in pay corn or prouishon at comon pays and mr hancocock bored himself:  John Parish was chosen to dascors with mr hancock to see if he wil acs apt of the towns profr”.

groton-first-parish-meeting-house

Sources
Groton (Mass. : Town). The Early Records of Groton, Massachusetts: 1662-1707. Groton: [Town of Groton], 1880.

Parish, Roswell. New England Parish Families: Descendants of John Parish of Groton, Mass, And Preston…  Rutland, Vt.: The Tuttle Publishing Company, inc, 1938.

And some $ Ancestry sources, Marriages, North American Families.

Alice Ashton b. 1617

/ Kirstin Miller

Alice Ashton 10th great grandmother maternal, sailed from St Albans, England to Virginia in 1635, she was about 20. At HathiTrust a list of passengers, “x? Aug 1635 Theis underwritten names are to be transported to Virginea, imbarqued in the Safety, John Graunt Mr, almost 3 pages of names, Alice Ashton 20.” These lists are published in a book: The original lists of persons of quality, emigrants, religious exiles, political rebels, serving men sold for a term of years, apprentices, children stolen, maidens pressed, and others, who went from Great Britain to the American plantations, 1600-1700. With their ages, the localities where they formerly lived in the mother country, the names of the ships in which they embarked, and other interesting particulars. From mss. preserved in the State Paper Dept. of Her Majesty’s Public Record Office, England, by John Hotten  published in 1832. That’s the actual title, generally shortened to The original lists of persons of quality, which is kind of worse.

Anyway Alice is sailing, she is the only Ashton on The Safety.

  • 1635 April Alice’s sister Mary Ashton 10th great grandmother, sailed with her husband Thomas Olney, and kids: Thomas age 1, Epenetus an infant. The Olneys left St Albans, England on the Planter 2 Apr 1635, then arrived in New England maybe mid May of 1635.
  • 1635 June on the ship with Alice “a trunk and a desk, which my mother gave to me”
  • 1635 August Alice probably joins her sister Mary’s family in colonial Massachusetts.
  • 1635 October In Providence is Thomas Angell who escaped with Roger Williams and 4 others in a canoe in the dark of night 08 Oct 1635.
  • 1637 Thomas Olney is a freeman and holds several Civil positions. He is also a baptist and associated with Roger Williams so is banished from Massachusetts.
  • 1638 Olneys and Ashtons follow Williams to Providence.
  • 1646 Thomas Angell and Alice marry
  • 1668 Angells and Olneys are some of the original settlers of Rhode Island and founders, members of the First Baptist Church.

Alice and Thomas Angell have eight children and long lives in Providence. They die in the same year 1694, Alice age 77, Thomas age 78. Alice Ashton Angell writes her will  and gives the trunk and desk which sailed with her from St. Albans to her namesake daughter Alice Angell who is 45 and married to Eleazer Whipple. Eleazer and Alice Angell Whipple may have had 10 children. They lived and died in Providence, Alice lived to age 94. Both are buried in the Whipple Mowry Cemetery also known as Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Lincoln 15.

Snapshot from page 75 The Providence oath of allegiance and its signers, 1651-2 at HathiTrust

ashton-alice-will

Ashton Angell, Alice will 1694

Sources

The Providence oath of allegiance and its signers, 1651-2 by Bowen, Richard LeBaron page 75 at HathiTrust

The Original Lists of Persons of Quality: Emigrants by Hotten, John Camden page 123 at HathiTrust.