B. 10 Jun 1754 in Dracut, Massachusetts
M. 7 Jan 1773 in Dracut, Massachusetts
Husband: Stephen French
D. 13 Oct 1835 in Bedford, New Hampshire
Dorothy Coburn came from a small family in colonial America, but she made up for that by producing her own large family, one that substantially boosted the population of Bedford, New Hampshire.
Dorothy, who went by the name Dolly, came from Dracut, Massachusetts, the town where her great-great grandfather, Edward Coburn first settled in 1654. She was born 100 years later on June 10, 1754 to Ebenezer Coburn and Sarah Whiting, the second of their three children. Older brother Phineas and younger brother Leonard were both soldiers in the American Revolution, serving as Minutemen in 1775. Phineas died in Boston early in the war; Leonard, who served on several campaigns, died in 1785.
On January 7, 1773, Dolly married Stephen French, a tanner who lived in New Hampshire. The wedding took place in Dracut, but soon after they settled in Bedford, New Hampshire, where they spent the rest of their lives. Dolly’s first child was born in April 1774; she was said to have had 14 children with the youngest born in 1801. Only 11 of the children are known by name, so presumably the other three died young.
One-by-one, Stephen and Dolly’s surviving children married (only son James did not), and most produced large families. A couple of the children moved out of the area, but eight stayed in Bedford. Dolly’s husband built a house big enough for two families to live in, and eventually sons Leonard and Daniel did so. It’s easy to imagine Dolly having much contact with her grandchildren as they grew up. At some point, Dolly’s parents also moved from Dracut to Bedford; her father died in 1799, and her mother was well into her 90s when she passed away in 1825.
By 1830, Dolly and her husband seemed to have moved into the household of their son Stephen. In his old age, Stephen Sr. had a “protracted and distressing illness,” but it isn’t known if Dolly also had any serious health issues. He passed away first on November 16, 1832, and Dolly followed three years later on October 13, 1835. She left behind a numerous family of 10 children, 71 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren — a total of 102 living descendants. Dolly was buried alongside Stephen at Bedford Center Cemetery.
Children:
1. Ebenezer French – B. 28 Apr 1774, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 20 Nov 1846, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. Rhoda Coburn (1780-1853), 16 Nov 1697, Merrimack, New Hampshire
2. Stephen French – B. 7 Nov 1775, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 4 Sep 1850, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. Hannah Swett (1777-?), 1800, Bedford, New Hampshire
3. Dolly French – B. 9 Nov 1778, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 12 Nov 1858, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. Gawn Riddle (1777-1837), 20 Feb 1800, Merrimack, New Hampshire
4. William French — B. 24 Mar 1781, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 1 Mar 1847, Prospect, Maine; M. Agnes Riddle (1781-1852), 9 Feb 1807, Bedford, New Hampshire
5. Sarah French – B. 10 Apr 1782, (probably) Bedford, New Hampshire; M. William McDole McPherson (1778-1869), 15 Mar 1804, Bedford, New Hampshire
6. Leonard Coburn French – B. 10 Feb 1785, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 23 Feb 1868, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. Nancy Hutchinson (1787-1870), 26 Jan 1808, Bedford, New Hampshire
7. Elizabeth French – B. 28 Apr 1789, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 2 Apr 1877, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. William Bursiel (1780-1857), 12 Feb 1807, Bedford, New Hampshire
8. Phineas French – B. 14 Dec 1791, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. (1) Hannah Cutler (1792-1845), Dec 1813; (2) Mary Patten, 8 Apr 1847
9. James French – B. 22 Nov 1794, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 3 Mar 1878, Bedford, New Hampshire
10. Reverend Daniel L. French – B. 28 Jan 1796, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. 20 Jul 1860, Hudson, New Hampshire; M. Polly Riddle (1797-1880), 10 Oct 1820, Bedford, New Hampshire
11. Robert W. French – B. 31 Oct 1801, Bedford, New Hampshire; D. Feb 1880, Bedford, New Hampshire; M. Harriet Parker (1812-?), 24 Apr 1832, Bedford, New Hampshire
Sources:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Friday, December 19, 2025
Virginia House of Burgesses Member — Walter Chiles
B. about 1630 In Bristol, England1
M. (1) before 1665 in (probably) Jamestown, Virginia1,2
Wife: ______ Page
M. (2) before 15 Feb 1671 in (probably) Jamestown, Virginia1
Wife: Susanna ______
D. before 15 May 1672 in (probably) Jamestown, Virginia1
The earliest settlers of the Virginia colony included many who took on a ruling class status. One man was Walter Chiles, who followed in his father’s footsteps.
Walter’s parents were Walter and Elizabeth Chiles, and they were from Bristol, England, where young Walter was born in about 1630.1 Not much is known about the family in England, except that there was one other son named William.1 Walter’s father first went to Virginia by himself in 1636, and two years later, he migrated there with his wife and young sons.1 They took advantage of the headright system, which offered 50 acres to a man for each person who he brought with him. The Chiles family got 400 acres in Charles City County on the Appomattox River,3 and this was young Walter’s first home in America.
In 1642, Walter’s father became a member of the brand new House of Burgesses,3 an elected body set up to handle colony issues on a local level. At some point, this put the family in Jamestown, and from 1649, they lived in a place known as Kemp House; it had been built in 1638 and is thought to be the first ever brick house in Virginia.3 Walter Sr. died just five years later,3 and he passed the house on to son Walter, who added “a brick house 37 feet in length” to the property.1
Walter was married twice. His first wife was the daughter of John Page,1 but there is uncertainty about her first name. Some say it was Elizabeth and others believe it was Mary. In either case, John Page was another prominent man in Jamestown, and a marriage to his daughter would further indicate Walter’s status. His first wife gave birth to at least two children during the 1660s, a daughter and son, but she died not long after,4 and Walter remarried to a woman named Susanna.1 The second marriage brought one son.
After the death of his father, Walter became a member of the House of Burgesses, serving in 1653, 1658, 1659 and 1660.1 In 1660, Governor William Berkeley appointed him and others to “act during the recess of the Assembly.”1 Walter also was a justice in Jamestown for a time.1
Walter made out his will on November 15, 1671, and it was probated May 15th of the following year, so he passed away between those dates.1 His widow Susanna remarried to Reverend James Wadding,1 who later became an important figure in Bacon’s Rebellion. Through Walter’s daughter Elizabeth, he was the ancestor of President John Tyler.5
Children by _____ Page:
1. Elizabeth Chiles — B. before 24 Feb 1665, Jamestown, Virginia;2 D. 19 Jan 1703, Williamsburg, Virginia;2 M. Henry Tyler, about 25 Jun 1684, York County, Virginia2
2. John Chiles — B. about 1669, (probably) Jamestown, Virginia;6 D. before 5 May 1723, King William County, Virginia;6 M. (1) Mary ______, before Sep 1693, Virginia;6 M. (2) Eleanor Webber6
Child by Susanna _______:
1. Henry Chiles — B. before 4 Apr 1671, Jamestown, Virginia;1 D. after 29 Apr 1718, Hanover County, Virginia;7 M. Mary _____7
Sources:
1 WikiTree listing of Walter Chiles Jr.
2 WikiTree listing of Elizabeth (Chiles) Tyler
3 WikiTree listing of Walter Chiles Sr.
4 The approximate date of death is based on the fact children Elizabeth and John were known to be grandchildren of her father John Page (per his will).
5 FamousKin.com listing of Walter Chiles Jr.
6 WikiTree listing of John Chiles
7 Tidewater Virginia Families, pp. 224-227, 2004
M. (1) before 1665 in (probably) Jamestown, Virginia1,2
Wife: ______ Page
M. (2) before 15 Feb 1671 in (probably) Jamestown, Virginia1
Wife: Susanna ______
D. before 15 May 1672 in (probably) Jamestown, Virginia1
The earliest settlers of the Virginia colony included many who took on a ruling class status. One man was Walter Chiles, who followed in his father’s footsteps.
Walter’s parents were Walter and Elizabeth Chiles, and they were from Bristol, England, where young Walter was born in about 1630.1 Not much is known about the family in England, except that there was one other son named William.1 Walter’s father first went to Virginia by himself in 1636, and two years later, he migrated there with his wife and young sons.1 They took advantage of the headright system, which offered 50 acres to a man for each person who he brought with him. The Chiles family got 400 acres in Charles City County on the Appomattox River,3 and this was young Walter’s first home in America.
In 1642, Walter’s father became a member of the brand new House of Burgesses,3 an elected body set up to handle colony issues on a local level. At some point, this put the family in Jamestown, and from 1649, they lived in a place known as Kemp House; it had been built in 1638 and is thought to be the first ever brick house in Virginia.3 Walter Sr. died just five years later,3 and he passed the house on to son Walter, who added “a brick house 37 feet in length” to the property.1
Kemp House. (AI-generated image)
Walter was married twice. His first wife was the daughter of John Page,1 but there is uncertainty about her first name. Some say it was Elizabeth and others believe it was Mary. In either case, John Page was another prominent man in Jamestown, and a marriage to his daughter would further indicate Walter’s status. His first wife gave birth to at least two children during the 1660s, a daughter and son, but she died not long after,4 and Walter remarried to a woman named Susanna.1 The second marriage brought one son.
After the death of his father, Walter became a member of the House of Burgesses, serving in 1653, 1658, 1659 and 1660.1 In 1660, Governor William Berkeley appointed him and others to “act during the recess of the Assembly.”1 Walter also was a justice in Jamestown for a time.1
Walter made out his will on November 15, 1671, and it was probated May 15th of the following year, so he passed away between those dates.1 His widow Susanna remarried to Reverend James Wadding,1 who later became an important figure in Bacon’s Rebellion. Through Walter’s daughter Elizabeth, he was the ancestor of President John Tyler.5
Children by _____ Page:
1. Elizabeth Chiles — B. before 24 Feb 1665, Jamestown, Virginia;2 D. 19 Jan 1703, Williamsburg, Virginia;2 M. Henry Tyler, about 25 Jun 1684, York County, Virginia2
2. John Chiles — B. about 1669, (probably) Jamestown, Virginia;6 D. before 5 May 1723, King William County, Virginia;6 M. (1) Mary ______, before Sep 1693, Virginia;6 M. (2) Eleanor Webber6
Child by Susanna _______:
1. Henry Chiles — B. before 4 Apr 1671, Jamestown, Virginia;1 D. after 29 Apr 1718, Hanover County, Virginia;7 M. Mary _____7
Sources:
1 WikiTree listing of Walter Chiles Jr.
2 WikiTree listing of Elizabeth (Chiles) Tyler
3 WikiTree listing of Walter Chiles Sr.
4 The approximate date of death is based on the fact children Elizabeth and John were known to be grandchildren of her father John Page (per his will).
5 FamousKin.com listing of Walter Chiles Jr.
6 WikiTree listing of John Chiles
7 Tidewater Virginia Families, pp. 224-227, 2004
Monday, December 8, 2025
Link From His Father to His Son — Joseph Sutherland
B. about 1680 in (probably) New Kent County, Virginia1
M. before about 1718 in (probably) New Kent County, Virginia2
Wife: _______ Chiles
D. before June 14, 1739 in King William County, Virginia1
There are few surviving records from colonial King William County, Virginia. During the late 19th century, a courthouse fire destroyed nearly everything, making it impossible to track many families. In the case of Joseph Sutherland, only two documents record him by name: a 1699 record regarding his father’s probate, and a 1701 ruling for the same case. With this, we know the name of his father and his two brothers.
Joseph was born in about 1680 in colonial Virginia, likely in the county of New Kent.1 He seems to have been a third-generation American of Scottish and English descent. Joseph’s parents were George and Elizabeth Sutherland (his mother’s maiden name is thought to be Norment),1 and he was their oldest surviving son. New Kent County was tobacco country, and just about everyone who lived there either grew it, or traded it. Joseph’s father had acquired a vast amount of land from the Pamunkey Indians between two small rivers,3 and this was likely where Joseph grew up.
George Sutherland died by June of 1699, leaving behind Joseph and two younger brothers, Phillip and George.3 None of them were of age, and their situation seemed ominous: the courts were questioning the legality of their father’s property title. Basically the authorities said that since it had been acquired directly from the Indians, the Sutherlands had no right to it because only the King of England or his representative could grant land in the colony. The issue was appealed, with Joseph Norment serving as the boys’ guardian, and on September 4, 1701, this order was made by the Virginia House of Burgesses:
Resolved: That it is the opinion of this house that no patents be issued to any persons claiming land within the bounds assigned the Pamunkey Indians, and for this reason no patents to be issued unto Joseph Norment in behalf of Joseph Sutherland, Phillip Sutherland and George Sutherland, orphan sons of George Sutherland, deceased, for 300 acres.3
The issue of ownership of this land was mentioned again on October 28, 1702 when a grant of 312 acres was now approved for the “orphans of George Sutherland,” but only Phillip and George were mentioned, not Joseph.1 Researchers believe that this indicated Joseph had come of age, thus establishing a rough birth year of 1680. They also think that as an adult, he had received his land separately.
In January 1705, Phillip and George were paid money for their claim on land they inherited.3 Later that year, another document used the phrase “heir of George Sutherland, deceased,”3 and this exact wording was repeated in a grant dated June 14, 1739. The recipient of the grant was Fendall Sutherland, grandson of George.1 Unfortunately, the generation between George and Fendall wasn’t named, but since Phillip and George had sold out, this would leave Joseph as the father of Fendall.
Some have inferred from the uncommon name of “Fendall” that Joseph had a wife with that surname, but this does not seem to be true. Instead, evidence suggests that Joseph’s wife was the daughter of John Chiles (~1666-~1723). The case is made for this because of son Fendall’s later connection to the Chiles family in probate and land records,3 and a document saying that John Chiles had two daughters, one of whom married a Sutherland.4 Besides Fendall, three other children have been tied to Joseph, all born between about the years 1718 and 1734; this age range fits with a John Chiles daughter being the wife of Joseph.
The June 1739 land grant does have one conclusive fact about Joseph: he was deceased by that date. Most likely his death occurred earlier that year, although the timing of the grant may also be linked to his son Fendall coming of age and Joseph may have died up to about 5 years earlier.
Children:
1. Fendall Sutherland — B. about 1718, King William County, Virginia;1 D. before 24 Aug 1789 in King William County, Virginia;1 M. (1) UNKNOWN, about 1740;1 (2) Mary Coleman (?-1818), about 17571
2. John Sutherland — B. about 1720, (probably) King William County, Virginia;5 D. before 21 Mar 1771, Carteret, Virginia;5 M. Ann _______, 1745, Virginia5
3. Elizabeth Sutherland — B. 2 Feb 1726, Prince George County, Virginia;6 D. about 1819, Amelia County, Virginia;6 M. Thomas Whitworth (1726-1801), 1745, Virginia7
4. Joseph Sutherland — B. about 1734, (probably) Virginia;8 D. 16 May 1807, Louisa, Virginia;8 M. Grissell Mallory (1744-1807)8
Sources:
1 Sutherlands and Their Tangled Branches, Robert J. Walsh, 1985
2 Approximate marriage date based on estimated birth year of oldest child. See paragraph 7 for explanation of his wife’s surname.
3 “Southerland Family of King William County, Virginia,” Winston of Virginia and Allied Families, Clayton Torrence, 1927, pp. 390-396
4 Reports of Cases in the General Court of Virginia, 1829, p. 133
5 WikiTree listing of John Southerland
6 Find-a-Grave listing of Elizabeth (Southerland) Whitworth
7 WikiTree listing of Elizabeth (Southerland) Whitworth
8 Geni.com listing of Joseph Sutherland
M. before about 1718 in (probably) New Kent County, Virginia2
Wife: _______ Chiles
D. before June 14, 1739 in King William County, Virginia1
There are few surviving records from colonial King William County, Virginia. During the late 19th century, a courthouse fire destroyed nearly everything, making it impossible to track many families. In the case of Joseph Sutherland, only two documents record him by name: a 1699 record regarding his father’s probate, and a 1701 ruling for the same case. With this, we know the name of his father and his two brothers.
Joseph was born in about 1680 in colonial Virginia, likely in the county of New Kent.1 He seems to have been a third-generation American of Scottish and English descent. Joseph’s parents were George and Elizabeth Sutherland (his mother’s maiden name is thought to be Norment),1 and he was their oldest surviving son. New Kent County was tobacco country, and just about everyone who lived there either grew it, or traded it. Joseph’s father had acquired a vast amount of land from the Pamunkey Indians between two small rivers,3 and this was likely where Joseph grew up.
On a tobacco farm. (AI-generated image)
George Sutherland died by June of 1699, leaving behind Joseph and two younger brothers, Phillip and George.3 None of them were of age, and their situation seemed ominous: the courts were questioning the legality of their father’s property title. Basically the authorities said that since it had been acquired directly from the Indians, the Sutherlands had no right to it because only the King of England or his representative could grant land in the colony. The issue was appealed, with Joseph Norment serving as the boys’ guardian, and on September 4, 1701, this order was made by the Virginia House of Burgesses:
Resolved: That it is the opinion of this house that no patents be issued to any persons claiming land within the bounds assigned the Pamunkey Indians, and for this reason no patents to be issued unto Joseph Norment in behalf of Joseph Sutherland, Phillip Sutherland and George Sutherland, orphan sons of George Sutherland, deceased, for 300 acres.3
The issue of ownership of this land was mentioned again on October 28, 1702 when a grant of 312 acres was now approved for the “orphans of George Sutherland,” but only Phillip and George were mentioned, not Joseph.1 Researchers believe that this indicated Joseph had come of age, thus establishing a rough birth year of 1680. They also think that as an adult, he had received his land separately.
In January 1705, Phillip and George were paid money for their claim on land they inherited.3 Later that year, another document used the phrase “heir of George Sutherland, deceased,”3 and this exact wording was repeated in a grant dated June 14, 1739. The recipient of the grant was Fendall Sutherland, grandson of George.1 Unfortunately, the generation between George and Fendall wasn’t named, but since Phillip and George had sold out, this would leave Joseph as the father of Fendall.
Some have inferred from the uncommon name of “Fendall” that Joseph had a wife with that surname, but this does not seem to be true. Instead, evidence suggests that Joseph’s wife was the daughter of John Chiles (~1666-~1723). The case is made for this because of son Fendall’s later connection to the Chiles family in probate and land records,3 and a document saying that John Chiles had two daughters, one of whom married a Sutherland.4 Besides Fendall, three other children have been tied to Joseph, all born between about the years 1718 and 1734; this age range fits with a John Chiles daughter being the wife of Joseph.
The June 1739 land grant does have one conclusive fact about Joseph: he was deceased by that date. Most likely his death occurred earlier that year, although the timing of the grant may also be linked to his son Fendall coming of age and Joseph may have died up to about 5 years earlier.
Children:
1. Fendall Sutherland — B. about 1718, King William County, Virginia;1 D. before 24 Aug 1789 in King William County, Virginia;1 M. (1) UNKNOWN, about 1740;1 (2) Mary Coleman (?-1818), about 17571
2. John Sutherland — B. about 1720, (probably) King William County, Virginia;5 D. before 21 Mar 1771, Carteret, Virginia;5 M. Ann _______, 1745, Virginia5
3. Elizabeth Sutherland — B. 2 Feb 1726, Prince George County, Virginia;6 D. about 1819, Amelia County, Virginia;6 M. Thomas Whitworth (1726-1801), 1745, Virginia7
4. Joseph Sutherland — B. about 1734, (probably) Virginia;8 D. 16 May 1807, Louisa, Virginia;8 M. Grissell Mallory (1744-1807)8
Sources:
1 Sutherlands and Their Tangled Branches, Robert J. Walsh, 1985
2 Approximate marriage date based on estimated birth year of oldest child. See paragraph 7 for explanation of his wife’s surname.
3 “Southerland Family of King William County, Virginia,” Winston of Virginia and Allied Families, Clayton Torrence, 1927, pp. 390-396
4 Reports of Cases in the General Court of Virginia, 1829, p. 133
5 WikiTree listing of John Southerland
6 Find-a-Grave listing of Elizabeth (Southerland) Whitworth
7 WikiTree listing of Elizabeth (Southerland) Whitworth
8 Geni.com listing of Joseph Sutherland
Thursday, November 27, 2025
A Highborn Pedigree in Frontier America — Martha Strode
B. about 1697 in (probably) England or Netherlands1
M. (probably) 1719 in Chester County, Pennsylvania2
Husband: Morgan Bryan
D. 29 Aug 1762 in Rowan County, North Carolina1
Martha Strode and her husband Morgan Bryan each brought a lofty heritage to the American backwoods. And while some researchers doubt his pedigree is accurate, hers has been fully verified through records, although a few sketchy details remain.
Martha’s story begins with her parents Edward Strode and Joanna Hatchett having to leave England because he wouldn’t swear loyalty to King William.3 They fled to the continent where some of their children were born in France, and the youngest of these was Martha whose birth year was about 1697.1 When she was still a baby, the family decided to settle in America, and boarded a ship bound for Philadelphia.3 Then both of Martha’s parents died — it isn’t clear from records if this happened at sea or shortly after landing.3 What is certain is that Martha and her three older brothers suddenly became orphans in a strange new place.
Who raised Martha and her brothers? Unfortunately, we don’t know. It’s believed that people took the children in, perhaps those who had traveled on the same ship. Martha seemed to have had a good upbringing, and was told about who her parents were. In 1719, Martha was said to have married her husband, Morgan Bryan.2 He was much older than she was (born in 1671),2 which would have made him about 47 when they married. Like Martha, Morgan was a high-born immigrant of English, Dutch and Irish descent, but was said to have been born in Denmark because his parents were in exile.2 The couple made their home in Chester County and began a family;2 by 1737, Martha gave birth to at least eight children.
There were two times during her married life that Martha moved with her family to a more remote location. The first venture was in about 1730 when Morgan joined a group who bought a massive amount of land in Frederick County, Virginia.2 For the next several years, the Bryan family lived a pioneer existence in the backwoods of Virginia, moving at least three times. Typically this meant building a log cabin each time they settled, where Martha kept house and looked after her children.
The second major move happened in 1748, and this time Martha’s family settled in the piedmont of North Carolina.2 It’s been written in many places that Martha died in Virginia before they migrated south, but records and a grave stone have disproved this.2 The 1748 trek was described as a “dangerous” route, where Morgan had to sometimes disassemble part of the wagon because the road was too narrow.2 It took three months to reach their destination at the forks of the Yadkin River and the Bryans were said to be the first family to reach it.2
As he had done in Virginia, Morgan acquired as much land as he could, and the place where they lived was called Bryan’s Settlement.2 Within a few years, other families moved into the area, including the father of Daniel Boone;4 Martha’s son William married Boone’s sister Mary, and in 1756, her granddaughter Rebecca married Boone himself.4
Martha died on August 29, 1762;1 her husband Morgan survived her by a short time, dying in April 1763.5 Years later, Martha’s tombstone was uncovered by workers who were building a road. The stone is now in a museum in Rowan County, North Carolina.
Because of Martha’s granddaughter, all descendants of Daniel Boone are also descendants of Martha; this includes Major League Baseball players Ray Boone, Bob Boone, Brett Boone and Aaron Boone.6
Children (many birth years are rough estimates):
1. Joseph Bryan — B. about 1720, Chester County, Pennsylvania;7 D. before Mar 1805, Jefferson County, Kentucky;7 M. (1) Hester ______ (~1720-1741), (probably) Virginia;7 (2) Aylee Linville (1722-1805), about 1741, Winchester, Virginia7
2. James Bryan — B. about 1723, Orange County, Virginia;8 D. 14 Aug 1807, St. Charles, Missouri;8 M. Rebecca Enochs (1732-1768), 1756, North Carolina8
3. Samuel Bryan — B. about 1726, Chester County, Pennsylvania;9 D. 1798, Rowan County, North Carolina;9 M. (1) Masmilla Simpson;9 (2) Elizabeth McMahan (1737-?), 1755, North Carolina9
4. Mary Bryan — B. about 1728, Chester County, Pennsylvania;10 D. 25 Feb 1742, Orange County, Virginia;10 M. Thomas Curtis, about 1740, Virginia10
5. Elenor Bryan — B. about 1729, Chester County, Pennsylvania;11 D. 21 Oct 1792, Madison County, Kentucky;11 M. William D. Linville (1710-1766), about 174511
6. Morgan Bryan — B. 20 May 1729, (probably) Chester County, Pennsylvania;2 D. before 4 Jul 1804, Fayette County, Kentucky;12 M. Mary Forbis (~1731-~1794), about 1747, Rowan County, North Carolina12
7. John Bryan — B. about 1730, (probably) Frederick County, Virginia;2 D. before 5 Nov 1800, Rowan County, North Carolina;13 M. Sarah ______, about 1750, (probably) Rowan County, North Carolina13
8. William Bryan — B. 10 Mar 1734, (probably) Frederick County, Virginia;2 D. 30 May 1780, Bryan’s Station, Kentucky;14 M. Mary Boone (1736-1819), 1755, Rowan County, North Carolina14
9. Thomas Bryan — B. about 1737, (probably) Frederick County, Virginia;15 D. about 1777, Kentucky;15 M. Sarah Hunt15
Sources:
1 Find-a-Grave listing of Martha (Strode) Bryan
2 Morgan Bryan (1671-1763) A Danish-born “Irish Immigrant” and some of his antecedents and descendants, David C. McMurtry, David R. Bryan and Kathryn H. Weiss, 2007
3 In Search of the Strode Orphans: The Ancestry of Edward Strode, Jeremiah Strode, Samuel Strode, and Martha (Strode) Bryan, David C. McMurtry, Michael L. Kallam and Kerry Ross O’Boran, 1998
4 The Boone Family: A Genealogical History of George and Mary Boone who Came to America in 1717, Hazel A. Spraker, 1974
5 Find-a-Grave listing of Morgan Bryan
6 Ray Boone (Wikipedia article)
7 WikiTree listing of Joseph Bryan Sr.
8 WikiTree listing of James Bryan
9 WikiTree listing of Samuel Bryan
10 WikiTree listing of Mary (Bryan) Curtis
11 WikiTree listing of Elenor (Bryan) Linville
12 WikiTree listing of Morgan Bryan Jr.
13 WikiTree listing of John Bryan
14 WikiTree listing of William Bryan
15 WikiTree listing of Thomas Bryan
M. (probably) 1719 in Chester County, Pennsylvania2
Husband: Morgan Bryan
D. 29 Aug 1762 in Rowan County, North Carolina1
Martha Strode and her husband Morgan Bryan each brought a lofty heritage to the American backwoods. And while some researchers doubt his pedigree is accurate, hers has been fully verified through records, although a few sketchy details remain.
Martha’s story begins with her parents Edward Strode and Joanna Hatchett having to leave England because he wouldn’t swear loyalty to King William.3 They fled to the continent where some of their children were born in France, and the youngest of these was Martha whose birth year was about 1697.1 When she was still a baby, the family decided to settle in America, and boarded a ship bound for Philadelphia.3 Then both of Martha’s parents died — it isn’t clear from records if this happened at sea or shortly after landing.3 What is certain is that Martha and her three older brothers suddenly became orphans in a strange new place.
Who raised Martha and her brothers? Unfortunately, we don’t know. It’s believed that people took the children in, perhaps those who had traveled on the same ship. Martha seemed to have had a good upbringing, and was told about who her parents were. In 1719, Martha was said to have married her husband, Morgan Bryan.2 He was much older than she was (born in 1671),2 which would have made him about 47 when they married. Like Martha, Morgan was a high-born immigrant of English, Dutch and Irish descent, but was said to have been born in Denmark because his parents were in exile.2 The couple made their home in Chester County and began a family;2 by 1737, Martha gave birth to at least eight children.
Raising a family on a colonial farm. (AI-generated image)
There were two times during her married life that Martha moved with her family to a more remote location. The first venture was in about 1730 when Morgan joined a group who bought a massive amount of land in Frederick County, Virginia.2 For the next several years, the Bryan family lived a pioneer existence in the backwoods of Virginia, moving at least three times. Typically this meant building a log cabin each time they settled, where Martha kept house and looked after her children.
The second major move happened in 1748, and this time Martha’s family settled in the piedmont of North Carolina.2 It’s been written in many places that Martha died in Virginia before they migrated south, but records and a grave stone have disproved this.2 The 1748 trek was described as a “dangerous” route, where Morgan had to sometimes disassemble part of the wagon because the road was too narrow.2 It took three months to reach their destination at the forks of the Yadkin River and the Bryans were said to be the first family to reach it.2
As he had done in Virginia, Morgan acquired as much land as he could, and the place where they lived was called Bryan’s Settlement.2 Within a few years, other families moved into the area, including the father of Daniel Boone;4 Martha’s son William married Boone’s sister Mary, and in 1756, her granddaughter Rebecca married Boone himself.4
Martha died on August 29, 1762;1 her husband Morgan survived her by a short time, dying in April 1763.5 Years later, Martha’s tombstone was uncovered by workers who were building a road. The stone is now in a museum in Rowan County, North Carolina.
Martha’s gravestone on display. (Source: Find-a-Grave)
Because of Martha’s granddaughter, all descendants of Daniel Boone are also descendants of Martha; this includes Major League Baseball players Ray Boone, Bob Boone, Brett Boone and Aaron Boone.6
Children (many birth years are rough estimates):
1. Joseph Bryan — B. about 1720, Chester County, Pennsylvania;7 D. before Mar 1805, Jefferson County, Kentucky;7 M. (1) Hester ______ (~1720-1741), (probably) Virginia;7 (2) Aylee Linville (1722-1805), about 1741, Winchester, Virginia7
2. James Bryan — B. about 1723, Orange County, Virginia;8 D. 14 Aug 1807, St. Charles, Missouri;8 M. Rebecca Enochs (1732-1768), 1756, North Carolina8
3. Samuel Bryan — B. about 1726, Chester County, Pennsylvania;9 D. 1798, Rowan County, North Carolina;9 M. (1) Masmilla Simpson;9 (2) Elizabeth McMahan (1737-?), 1755, North Carolina9
4. Mary Bryan — B. about 1728, Chester County, Pennsylvania;10 D. 25 Feb 1742, Orange County, Virginia;10 M. Thomas Curtis, about 1740, Virginia10
5. Elenor Bryan — B. about 1729, Chester County, Pennsylvania;11 D. 21 Oct 1792, Madison County, Kentucky;11 M. William D. Linville (1710-1766), about 174511
6. Morgan Bryan — B. 20 May 1729, (probably) Chester County, Pennsylvania;2 D. before 4 Jul 1804, Fayette County, Kentucky;12 M. Mary Forbis (~1731-~1794), about 1747, Rowan County, North Carolina12
7. John Bryan — B. about 1730, (probably) Frederick County, Virginia;2 D. before 5 Nov 1800, Rowan County, North Carolina;13 M. Sarah ______, about 1750, (probably) Rowan County, North Carolina13
8. William Bryan — B. 10 Mar 1734, (probably) Frederick County, Virginia;2 D. 30 May 1780, Bryan’s Station, Kentucky;14 M. Mary Boone (1736-1819), 1755, Rowan County, North Carolina14
9. Thomas Bryan — B. about 1737, (probably) Frederick County, Virginia;15 D. about 1777, Kentucky;15 M. Sarah Hunt15
Sources:
1 Find-a-Grave listing of Martha (Strode) Bryan
2 Morgan Bryan (1671-1763) A Danish-born “Irish Immigrant” and some of his antecedents and descendants, David C. McMurtry, David R. Bryan and Kathryn H. Weiss, 2007
3 In Search of the Strode Orphans: The Ancestry of Edward Strode, Jeremiah Strode, Samuel Strode, and Martha (Strode) Bryan, David C. McMurtry, Michael L. Kallam and Kerry Ross O’Boran, 1998
4 The Boone Family: A Genealogical History of George and Mary Boone who Came to America in 1717, Hazel A. Spraker, 1974
5 Find-a-Grave listing of Morgan Bryan
6 Ray Boone (Wikipedia article)
7 WikiTree listing of Joseph Bryan Sr.
8 WikiTree listing of James Bryan
9 WikiTree listing of Samuel Bryan
10 WikiTree listing of Mary (Bryan) Curtis
11 WikiTree listing of Elenor (Bryan) Linville
12 WikiTree listing of Morgan Bryan Jr.
13 WikiTree listing of John Bryan
14 WikiTree listing of William Bryan
15 WikiTree listing of Thomas Bryan
Sunday, November 16, 2025
A Wise Puritan Settler — William Learned
B. before about 1581 in (probably) Bermondsey, Surrey, England1
M. (1) 22 Apr 1606 in St. Olave, Southwark, England2
Wife: Goodith Gillman
M. (2) after 1632 in (probably) Massachusetts2
Wife: Jane _______
D. 1 Mar 1645 in Woburn, Massachusetts2
During the 1630s, shiploads of Puritans came over from England to populate Massachusetts. Among them were men above 50 years of age who played leadership roles in their towns, and William Learned seems to fit this description.
As with many immigrants in the 17th century, little is known of William’s life in England. He was likely born by 1581 in a place called Bermondsey.1 Although described as being in Surrey, today it’s a part of London, and just south of the Thames; the Tower of London was a short distance away. It was in Bermondsey that William first turned up in records with his marriage to a woman named Goodith Gillman on April 22, 1606.2 The unusual name Goodith was not a alternate spelling of Judith, nor was it the Puritan “Goodwife” — it was her real name. William and Goodith had at least six children by 1624, with the youngest being their only surviving son.
At some point, William became a follower of the Puritan movement, and because he was so near London, he seems to have been enlisted into the Winthrop Fleet. This is known because his name turned up in Charlestown by the end of 1630, and so he must have been on a ship that year.2 He and his wife were on the list of founding members of the church in Charlestown. “1632, 10 mo. day 6, William Learned and Goodeth, his wife, were admitted.”2 The fact their names were at the top of the list is an indicator he was seen by others as having some status, and in fact he was made selectman in 1636.2
William’s Charlestown property was described in 1638 as being seven parcels of land: “three acres of arable land and meadow … with a dwelling house,” “four acres of arable land … in the East Field,” three and three-quarters cow commons,” “two acres of meadow … in Mystic Marshes,” “five acres of woodland in Mystic Field,” “fifteen acres of woodland … in Mystic Field,” and “forty acres of land … in Rock Field.”2 But soon he left this behind to make his home in the new community of Woburn.
The town of Woburn, Massachusetts was first settled in 1640 and incorporated two years later, and William was said to be one of its earliest men. “He was a subscriber to the town orders for Woburn, drawn up at Charlestown, Dec. 18, 1640; [he] was one of the seven original members of the church in Woburn which was gathered Aug. 14, 1642…”4
Sadly, William didn’t live much longer than Woburn’s founding. He served in Woburn as selectman in 1644,5 and as constable (who also collected the taxes) in 1644 and 1645,5 but he died just before he would have been elected for a third year.5 His son Isaac had to settle the accounts he had managed as constable.5 William was the ancestor of Abigail Powers Fillmore, Eli Whitney, Clara Barton, Sir Robert Laird Borden (Prime Minister of Canada), George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, John Ritter, Billie Jean King, Treat Williams and Elon Musk.6
Children (all by Goodith Gillman):
1. Sarah Learned — B. before 18 Jan 1607, (probably) Bermondsey, Surrey, England;7 M. (1) Thomas Ewer (1593_1638), 13 Jan 1624, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 (2) Thomas Lothrop, 11 Dec 16392
2. Bethiah Learned — B. before 29 Oct 1612, Bermondsey, Surrey, England2
3. Mary Learned — B. before 15 Sep 1615, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 D. about 26 Jul 1625, Bermondsey, Surrey, England2
4. Abigail Learned — B. before 30 Sep 1618, Bermondsey, Surrey, England2
5. Elizabeth Learned — B. before 25 Mar 1621, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 M. John Hall, before 21 Sep 16458
6. Isaac Learned — B. before 25 Feb 1624, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 D. 27 Nov 1657, Chelmsford, Massachusetts;9 M. Mary Stearns, 9 Jul 1646, Woburn, Massachusetts2
Sources:
1 WikiTree listing of William Learned
2 Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620-1633, Robert Charles Anderson, 1995
3 William Learned: Winthrop’s Fleet Woburn, Mass. Settler (website)
4 The History of Woburn, Middlesex County, Mass. from the grant of its territory to Charlestown, in 1640, to the year 1680, Samuel Sewall, 1868
5 Genealogies of the Families and Descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts, Henry Bond, 1855, p. 333
6 FamousKin listing of William Learned
7 “Updated from English Records for some Great Migration immigrants who came by 1635,” NEHGR, V. 172, 2018
8 WikiTree listing of Elizabeth (Learned) Hall
9 Death record of Isaac Learned, Vital Records of Chelmsford Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, 1914
M. (1) 22 Apr 1606 in St. Olave, Southwark, England2
Wife: Goodith Gillman
M. (2) after 1632 in (probably) Massachusetts2
Wife: Jane _______
D. 1 Mar 1645 in Woburn, Massachusetts2
During the 1630s, shiploads of Puritans came over from England to populate Massachusetts. Among them were men above 50 years of age who played leadership roles in their towns, and William Learned seems to fit this description.
As with many immigrants in the 17th century, little is known of William’s life in England. He was likely born by 1581 in a place called Bermondsey.1 Although described as being in Surrey, today it’s a part of London, and just south of the Thames; the Tower of London was a short distance away. It was in Bermondsey that William first turned up in records with his marriage to a woman named Goodith Gillman on April 22, 1606.2 The unusual name Goodith was not a alternate spelling of Judith, nor was it the Puritan “Goodwife” — it was her real name. William and Goodith had at least six children by 1624, with the youngest being their only surviving son.
William’s signature.
At some point, William became a follower of the Puritan movement, and because he was so near London, he seems to have been enlisted into the Winthrop Fleet. This is known because his name turned up in Charlestown by the end of 1630, and so he must have been on a ship that year.2 He and his wife were on the list of founding members of the church in Charlestown. “1632, 10 mo. day 6, William Learned and Goodeth, his wife, were admitted.”2 The fact their names were at the top of the list is an indicator he was seen by others as having some status, and in fact he was made selectman in 1636.2
William’s Charlestown property was described in 1638 as being seven parcels of land: “three acres of arable land and meadow … with a dwelling house,” “four acres of arable land … in the East Field,” three and three-quarters cow commons,” “two acres of meadow … in Mystic Marshes,” “five acres of woodland in Mystic Field,” “fifteen acres of woodland … in Mystic Field,” and “forty acres of land … in Rock Field.”2 But soon he left this behind to make his home in the new community of Woburn.
The town of Woburn, Massachusetts was first settled in 1640 and incorporated two years later, and William was said to be one of its earliest men. “He was a subscriber to the town orders for Woburn, drawn up at Charlestown, Dec. 18, 1640; [he] was one of the seven original members of the church in Woburn which was gathered Aug. 14, 1642…”4
Ordaining the first minister of Woburn in 1642. (AI-generated image)
Sadly, William didn’t live much longer than Woburn’s founding. He served in Woburn as selectman in 1644,5 and as constable (who also collected the taxes) in 1644 and 1645,5 but he died just before he would have been elected for a third year.5 His son Isaac had to settle the accounts he had managed as constable.5 William was the ancestor of Abigail Powers Fillmore, Eli Whitney, Clara Barton, Sir Robert Laird Borden (Prime Minister of Canada), George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Jeb Bush, John Ritter, Billie Jean King, Treat Williams and Elon Musk.6
Children (all by Goodith Gillman):
1. Sarah Learned — B. before 18 Jan 1607, (probably) Bermondsey, Surrey, England;7 M. (1) Thomas Ewer (1593_1638), 13 Jan 1624, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 (2) Thomas Lothrop, 11 Dec 16392
2. Bethiah Learned — B. before 29 Oct 1612, Bermondsey, Surrey, England2
3. Mary Learned — B. before 15 Sep 1615, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 D. about 26 Jul 1625, Bermondsey, Surrey, England2
4. Abigail Learned — B. before 30 Sep 1618, Bermondsey, Surrey, England2
5. Elizabeth Learned — B. before 25 Mar 1621, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 M. John Hall, before 21 Sep 16458
6. Isaac Learned — B. before 25 Feb 1624, Bermondsey, Surrey, England;2 D. 27 Nov 1657, Chelmsford, Massachusetts;9 M. Mary Stearns, 9 Jul 1646, Woburn, Massachusetts2
Sources:
1 WikiTree listing of William Learned
2 Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620-1633, Robert Charles Anderson, 1995
3 William Learned: Winthrop’s Fleet Woburn, Mass. Settler (website)
4 The History of Woburn, Middlesex County, Mass. from the grant of its territory to Charlestown, in 1640, to the year 1680, Samuel Sewall, 1868
5 Genealogies of the Families and Descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts, Henry Bond, 1855, p. 333
6 FamousKin listing of William Learned
7 “Updated from English Records for some Great Migration immigrants who came by 1635,” NEHGR, V. 172, 2018
8 WikiTree listing of Elizabeth (Learned) Hall
9 Death record of Isaac Learned, Vital Records of Chelmsford Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, 1914
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Woman of the First House In Billerica — Elizabeth Poulter
B. 1 Sep 1633 in Rayleigh, Essex, England1
M. 22 Nov 1654 in Boston, Massachusetts2
Husband: Jonathan Danforth
D. 7 Oct 1689 in Billerica, Massachusetts3
Like most women of her day, Elizabeth Poulter had the primary identity of being a wife and mother. But there were some other facts about her life as a Puritan settler that give her a bit of a story, including the importance of her home.
The path Elizabeth followed to New England was fairly typical. She was born September 1, 1633 in the town of Rayleigh, England,1 which was in Essex. Her parents were John and Mary Poulter and she was one of at least three children. The East Anglia region of England was the source of the majority of Puritan settlers to England, and so being in a family that followed that set of beliefs was only natural.
Sadly, Elizabeth didn’t live an especially long life; she passed away on October 7, 1689 at the age of 54.3 Jonathan remarried about a year later,5 and he died in 1712.6 Their saltbox house was said to have survived until the 1880s.7 Elizabeth was an ancestor of Bette Davis.
M. 22 Nov 1654 in Boston, Massachusetts2
Husband: Jonathan Danforth
D. 7 Oct 1689 in Billerica, Massachusetts3
Like most women of her day, Elizabeth Poulter had the primary identity of being a wife and mother. But there were some other facts about her life as a Puritan settler that give her a bit of a story, including the importance of her home.
The path Elizabeth followed to New England was fairly typical. She was born September 1, 1633 in the town of Rayleigh, England,1 which was in Essex. Her parents were John and Mary Poulter and she was one of at least three children. The East Anglia region of England was the source of the majority of Puritan settlers to England, and so being in a family that followed that set of beliefs was only natural.
Elizabeth's birth was later recorded in Billerica, Massachusetts records.
Where Elizabeth differs a bit was in the fact that her family didn’t join the mass migration of the 1630s. Her father died in 1639, and Rayleigh records show that his will was proved there on May 30th.1 Even though Elizabeth was 6-years-old, her father bequeathed her £100 (a substantial amount of money) to be paid to her when she came of age.
It was Elizabeth’s mother who migrated to America, bringing along Elizabeth and her brother John. The date of this move is uncertain and may have been as late as 1653.4 At some point, the widow Mary Poulter married John Parker, and their family was part of the first settlers of the new community of Billerica. On November 22, 1654, Elizabeth (presumably with her inheritance awarded) was the bride in the first wedding held at Billerica.2 Her husband was Jonathan Danforth, a surveyor from Suffolk, England, and he would become a prominent member of the town.
Elizabeth’s husband and step-father formed a tight relationship, and together took purchased a piece of property called the “Farm Grant.”1 It was on this land that Jonathan and Elizabeth’s house was built, said to be the first one in Billerica. The style of architecture was called a saltbox, a distinctly-shaped structure of 17th-century New England. These homes had a long, low roof line extending to the back, so that there were two stories in the front and one in the back. This was where Elizabeth presumably gave birth to her eleven children, raising many of them to adulthood.
It was Elizabeth’s mother who migrated to America, bringing along Elizabeth and her brother John. The date of this move is uncertain and may have been as late as 1653.4 At some point, the widow Mary Poulter married John Parker, and their family was part of the first settlers of the new community of Billerica. On November 22, 1654, Elizabeth (presumably with her inheritance awarded) was the bride in the first wedding held at Billerica.2 Her husband was Jonathan Danforth, a surveyor from Suffolk, England, and he would become a prominent member of the town.
Elizabeth’s husband and step-father formed a tight relationship, and together took purchased a piece of property called the “Farm Grant.”1 It was on this land that Jonathan and Elizabeth’s house was built, said to be the first one in Billerica. The style of architecture was called a saltbox, a distinctly-shaped structure of 17th-century New England. These homes had a long, low roof line extending to the back, so that there were two stories in the front and one in the back. This was where Elizabeth presumably gave birth to her eleven children, raising many of them to adulthood.
17th-century saltbox house. (AI-generated image)
Sadly, Elizabeth didn’t live an especially long life; she passed away on October 7, 1689 at the age of 54.3 Jonathan remarried about a year later,5 and he died in 1712.6 Their saltbox house was said to have survived until the 1880s.7 Elizabeth was an ancestor of Bette Davis.
Children:
1. Mary Danforth — B. 29 Jan 1656, Billerica, Massachusetts;8 D. May 1732, Chelmsford, Massachusetts;9 M. John Parker (1647-1699)9
2. Elizabeth Danforth — B. 27 May 1657, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;10 D. 9 Dec 1739, Westborough, Massachusetts;11 M. Simeon Hayward (1648-1733), 7 Mar 1687, Billerica, Massachusetts12
3. Jonathan Danforth — B. 18 Feb 1659, Billerica, Massachusetts;13 D. 11 Jan 1711, Billerica, Massachusetts;14 M. Rebecca Parker (1661-1754), 27 Jun 1682, Billerica, Massachusetts15
4. John Danforth — B. 23 Jan 1660, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;7 D. 7 Feb 1661, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts7
5. John Danforth — B. 22 Feb 1661, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;7 D. 4 Jun 1662, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts7
6. Lydia Danforth — B. 1 Jun 1664, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;16 M. Edward Wright7
7. Samuel Danforth — B. 5 Feb 1666, Billerica, Massachusetts;17 D. 19 Apr 1742, Billerica, Massachusetts;18 M. Hannah Crosby (1672-1752), 8 Jan 1695, Billerica, Massachusetts19
8. Anna Danforth — B. 8 Mar 1668, Billerica, Massachusetts;20 D. 13 Aug 1737, Billerica, Massachusetts;21 M. Oliver Whiting (1665-1736), 22 Jan 1690, Billerica, Massachusetts22
9. Thomas Danforth — B. 29 Apr 1670, Billerica, Massachusetts;23 D. 31 Jul 1670, Billerica, Massachusetts24
10. Nicholas Danforth — B. 1 Apr 1671 Billerica, Massachusetts;25 D. 8 Mar 1694, Billerica, Massachusetts26
11. Sarah Danforth — B. 23 Dec 1676, Billerica, Massachusetts;27 D. 15 Oct 1751, Concord, Massachusetts;28 M. (1) William French (1668-1723), 22 May 1695, Billerica, Massachusetts;29 (2) Ebenezer Davis (1676-1753)28
Sources:
1 “The Poulter Family of Rayleigh, Essex, England and Billerica, Massachusetts,” NEHGR, V. 141, 1987
2 Marriage record of Jonathan Danforth and Elizabeth Poulter, Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001
3 Death record of Elizabeth Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
4 Date of arrival in America roughly based on Elizabeth Poulter’s marriage in 1654.
5 Marriage record of Jonathan Danforth and Esther Converse, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
6 Death record of Jonathan Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
7 Historic homes and places and genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, William Richard Cutter, 1908, p. 165
8 Birth record of Mary Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
9 Find-a-Grave listing of Mary (Danforth) Parker
10 Birth record of Elizabeth Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
11 Death record of Elizabeth Hayward, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
12 Marriage record of Simeon Hayward and Elizabeth Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
13 Birth record of Jonathan Danforth (younger), M., T. C., V. & T. R.
14 Death record of Jonathan Danforth (younger), M., T. C., V. & T. R.
15 Marriage record of Jonathan Danforth and Rebecca Parker, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
16 Birth record of Lydia Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
17 Birth record of Samuel Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
18 Death record of Samuel Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
19 Marriage record of Samuel Danforth and Hannah Crosby, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
20 Birth record of Anna Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
21 Death record of Anna Whiting, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
22 Marriage record of Oliver Whiting and Anna Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
23 Birth record of Thomas Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
24 Death record of Thomas Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
25 Birth record of Nicholas Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
26 Find-a-Grave listing of Nicholas Danforth
27 Birth record of Sarah Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
28 Find-a-Grave listing of Sarah (Danforth) Davis
29 Marriage record of William French and Sarah Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
1. Mary Danforth — B. 29 Jan 1656, Billerica, Massachusetts;8 D. May 1732, Chelmsford, Massachusetts;9 M. John Parker (1647-1699)9
2. Elizabeth Danforth — B. 27 May 1657, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;10 D. 9 Dec 1739, Westborough, Massachusetts;11 M. Simeon Hayward (1648-1733), 7 Mar 1687, Billerica, Massachusetts12
3. Jonathan Danforth — B. 18 Feb 1659, Billerica, Massachusetts;13 D. 11 Jan 1711, Billerica, Massachusetts;14 M. Rebecca Parker (1661-1754), 27 Jun 1682, Billerica, Massachusetts15
4. John Danforth — B. 23 Jan 1660, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;7 D. 7 Feb 1661, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts7
5. John Danforth — B. 22 Feb 1661, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;7 D. 4 Jun 1662, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts7
6. Lydia Danforth — B. 1 Jun 1664, (probably) Billerica, Massachusetts;16 M. Edward Wright7
7. Samuel Danforth — B. 5 Feb 1666, Billerica, Massachusetts;17 D. 19 Apr 1742, Billerica, Massachusetts;18 M. Hannah Crosby (1672-1752), 8 Jan 1695, Billerica, Massachusetts19
8. Anna Danforth — B. 8 Mar 1668, Billerica, Massachusetts;20 D. 13 Aug 1737, Billerica, Massachusetts;21 M. Oliver Whiting (1665-1736), 22 Jan 1690, Billerica, Massachusetts22
9. Thomas Danforth — B. 29 Apr 1670, Billerica, Massachusetts;23 D. 31 Jul 1670, Billerica, Massachusetts24
10. Nicholas Danforth — B. 1 Apr 1671 Billerica, Massachusetts;25 D. 8 Mar 1694, Billerica, Massachusetts26
11. Sarah Danforth — B. 23 Dec 1676, Billerica, Massachusetts;27 D. 15 Oct 1751, Concord, Massachusetts;28 M. (1) William French (1668-1723), 22 May 1695, Billerica, Massachusetts;29 (2) Ebenezer Davis (1676-1753)28
Sources:
1 “The Poulter Family of Rayleigh, Essex, England and Billerica, Massachusetts,” NEHGR, V. 141, 1987
2 Marriage record of Jonathan Danforth and Elizabeth Poulter, Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001
3 Death record of Elizabeth Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
4 Date of arrival in America roughly based on Elizabeth Poulter’s marriage in 1654.
5 Marriage record of Jonathan Danforth and Esther Converse, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
6 Death record of Jonathan Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
7 Historic homes and places and genealogical and personal memoirs relating to the families of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, William Richard Cutter, 1908, p. 165
8 Birth record of Mary Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
9 Find-a-Grave listing of Mary (Danforth) Parker
10 Birth record of Elizabeth Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
11 Death record of Elizabeth Hayward, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
12 Marriage record of Simeon Hayward and Elizabeth Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
13 Birth record of Jonathan Danforth (younger), M., T. C., V. & T. R.
14 Death record of Jonathan Danforth (younger), M., T. C., V. & T. R.
15 Marriage record of Jonathan Danforth and Rebecca Parker, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
16 Birth record of Lydia Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
17 Birth record of Samuel Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
18 Death record of Samuel Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
19 Marriage record of Samuel Danforth and Hannah Crosby, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
20 Birth record of Anna Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
21 Death record of Anna Whiting, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
22 Marriage record of Oliver Whiting and Anna Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
23 Birth record of Thomas Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
24 Death record of Thomas Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
25 Birth record of Nicholas Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
26 Find-a-Grave listing of Nicholas Danforth
27 Birth record of Sarah Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
28 Find-a-Grave listing of Sarah (Danforth) Davis
29 Marriage record of William French and Sarah Danforth, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Keeping the Property She Inherited — Joanna Larkin
B. 8 Mar 1676 in Charlestown, Massachusetts1
M. (1) 1693 in Beverly, Massachusetts2
Husband: Joshua Dodge
M. (2) 20 Apr 1696 in Beverly, Massachusetts3
Husband: John Thorndike
D. 12 May 1716 in Beverly, Massachusetts4
When Joanna Larkin’s husband died in 17th-century New England, his probate file had a remarkable claim: his widow was the rightful owner of most of their joint property.
Joanna was born on March 8, 1676 to John Larkin and Joanna Hale;1 she was one of six children, two of whom died young. Her father died when she was 2-years-old in a smallpox epidemic.5 Her mother remarried to William Dodge in 1685,6 and he had several children of his own. This is how 9-year-old Joanna met her first husband, Joshua Dodge, who was her 16-year-old step-brother. They married in about 1693.2
Sadly their marriage didn’t last long. After Joanna got pregnant, Joshua died at age 24 on April 15, 1694;7 their son was born six months later. Since there was no will for Joshua, the probate file was quite detailed, and it suggested that Joanna had brought her own property and possessions into the marriage.8
To understand Joanna’s holdings, we need to look at her progenitors. Her grandparents were all part of the Great Migration from England to Massachusetts during the 1630s. Maternal grandfather Robert Hale was a prominent man in Charlestown, but he died young,9 and her grandmother Joanna remarried to a man named Richard Jacob10 who left her widowed again.11 When she passed away in 1679, she had property from both husbands, and bequeathed it to many of her descendants, including young Joanna. The will said “And my remaining acres of land in the field I give to be equally divided between my Daughter Larkin’s four children.”11 This amounted to three acres to be split between Joanna and her siblings.
In addition to this, Joanna had 2 acres left to her by her father, also in Charlestown, that was “in the hands of her brother Edward,” and “a legacy” from her paternal grandmother, Joanna Penticost.12 In looking at the inventory for Joshua Dodge’s estate dated September 20, 1695, the list has very few items that weren’t the part of what Joanna had gotten from her own deceased relatives.8 In addition to land, there were pewter platters, table and cupboard cloths, napkins and other items from her two grandmothers. And also “4 tablecloths and 4 towels” from her mother.8
Describing these possessions as belonging to Joanna was so that she could retain them even if she took a second husband. Usually a widow lost the joint property she had with her husband if she got remarried. And presumably Joanna did keep everything when on April 20, 1696, she married John Thorndike.3
Joanna and John had a total of eight children together born between 1697 and 1712. They lived in a house that John built during the early years of their marriage; it is a New England “salt box,” and it is still standing today.13 Joanna didn’t live to see most of her children grow up because she passed away on May 12, 1716 in Beverly.4 Her husband John remarried twice more, and died in 1760.14
Child by Joshua Dodge:
1. Joshua Dodge — B. 20 Sep 1694, Beverly, Massachusetts;15 D. 20 Dec 1772, Beverly, Massachusetts15
Children by John Thorndike:
1. Robert Thorndike — B. 4 Feb 1697, Beverly, Massachusetts;16 M. Elizabeth Woodbury (1696-1781), 20 Nov 1718, Beverly, Massachusetts17
2. Paul Thorndike — B. 5 Feb 1699, Beverly, Massachusetts;18 M. Mehitable Woodbury (1705-?), 30 Sep 1725, Beverly, Massachusetts19
3. John Thorndike — B. 22 Aug 1701, Beverly, Massachusetts;20 D. 10 Jul 1769, Beverly, Massachusetts;21 M. (1) Elizabeth Ober (1704-1750), 13 Nov 1723, Beverly, Massachusetts;22 (2) Sarah Cleeves (1728-1833), 18 Feb 1753, Beverly, Massachusetts23
4. Joanna Thorndike — B. 1 Aug 1703, Beverly, Massachusetts;24 D. 27 Mar 1775, Beverly, Massachusetts;25 M. Ebenezer Lovett (1702-1778), 17 Apr 1725, Beverly, Massachusetts26
5. James Thorndike — B. 11 Jan 1706, Beverly, Massachusetts;27 D. 20 Feb 1787, Tewksbury, Massachusetts;28 M. Anna Ober (1708-1787), 21 Jan 1728, Beverly, Massachusetts29
6. Herbert Thorndike — B. 3 Jan 1708, Beverly, Massachusetts;30 D. 10 Jul 1746, Beverly, Massachusetts;31 M. Abigail Ober (1708-1796), 4 Feb 1731, Beverly, Massachusetts32
7. Edward Thorndike — B. 10 Apr 1711, Beverly, Massachusetts;33 D. 21 Apr 1711, Beverly, Massachusetts34
8. Sarah Thorndike — B. 17 Sep 1712, Beverly, Massachusetts;35 M. Joshua Thorndike, 14 Dec 1738, Beverly, Massachusetts36
Sources:1 Birth record of Joanna Larkin, Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and town Records, 1626-2001, FamilySearch.org
2 Marriage record of Joshua Dodge and Joanna Larkin, U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700, Ancestry.com
3 Marriage record of John Thorndike and Joanna Dodge, Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910, FamilySearch.org
4 Death record of Joanna Thorndike, The Massachusetts Vital Records Project – Vital Records of Beverly, Massachusetts, Vol. 3, p. 577
5 Find-a-Grave listing of John Larkin
6 Marriage record of William Dodge and Joanna Larkin, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
7 WikiTree listing of Joshua Dodge
8 Probate record of Joshua Dodge
9 Find-a-Grave listing of Robert Hale
10 Marriage record of Richard Jacob and Joanna Hale, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
11 Probate record of Joanna Jacob
12 Probate record of Joanna Penticost
13 Capt. John Thorndike House (Wikipedia article)
14 Death record of John Thorndike, Massachusetts Deaths and Burials, 1795-1910, FamilySearch.org
15 Find-a-Grave listing of Deacon Joshua Dodge Jr.
16 Birth record of Robert Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
17 Marriage record of Robert Thorndike and Elizabeth Woodbury, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
18 Birth record of Paul Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
19 Marriage record of Paul Thorndike and Mehitable Woodbury, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
20 Birth record of John Thorndike (younger), M.T.C., V. & T.R.
21 Death record of John Thorndike (younger), M.T.C., V. & T.R.
22 Marriage record of John Thorndike and Elizabeth Ober, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
23 Marriage record of John Thorndike and Sarah Cleeves, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
24 Birth record of Joanna Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
25 Death record of Joanna Thorndike Lovett, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
26 Marriage record of Ebenezer Lovett and Joanna Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
27 Birth record of James Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
28 Death record of James Thorndike, Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850, AmericanAncestors.org
29 Marriage record of James Thorndike and Anna Ober, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
30 Birth record of Herbert Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
31 Death record of Herbert Thorndike, Massachusetts Vital Records, Beverly, Vol. 2, p. 575
32 Marriage record of Herbert Thorndike and Abigail Ober, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
33 Birth record of Edward Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
34 Death record of Edward Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
35 Birth record of Sarah Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
36 Marriage record of Joshua Thorndike and Sarah Thorndike
M. (1) 1693 in Beverly, Massachusetts2
Husband: Joshua Dodge
M. (2) 20 Apr 1696 in Beverly, Massachusetts3
Husband: John Thorndike
D. 12 May 1716 in Beverly, Massachusetts4
When Joanna Larkin’s husband died in 17th-century New England, his probate file had a remarkable claim: his widow was the rightful owner of most of their joint property.
Joanna was born on March 8, 1676 to John Larkin and Joanna Hale;1 she was one of six children, two of whom died young. Her father died when she was 2-years-old in a smallpox epidemic.5 Her mother remarried to William Dodge in 1685,6 and he had several children of his own. This is how 9-year-old Joanna met her first husband, Joshua Dodge, who was her 16-year-old step-brother. They married in about 1693.2
Step-siblings who would one day get married. (AI-generated image)
Sadly their marriage didn’t last long. After Joanna got pregnant, Joshua died at age 24 on April 15, 1694;7 their son was born six months later. Since there was no will for Joshua, the probate file was quite detailed, and it suggested that Joanna had brought her own property and possessions into the marriage.8
To understand Joanna’s holdings, we need to look at her progenitors. Her grandparents were all part of the Great Migration from England to Massachusetts during the 1630s. Maternal grandfather Robert Hale was a prominent man in Charlestown, but he died young,9 and her grandmother Joanna remarried to a man named Richard Jacob10 who left her widowed again.11 When she passed away in 1679, she had property from both husbands, and bequeathed it to many of her descendants, including young Joanna. The will said “And my remaining acres of land in the field I give to be equally divided between my Daughter Larkin’s four children.”11 This amounted to three acres to be split between Joanna and her siblings.
In addition to this, Joanna had 2 acres left to her by her father, also in Charlestown, that was “in the hands of her brother Edward,” and “a legacy” from her paternal grandmother, Joanna Penticost.12 In looking at the inventory for Joshua Dodge’s estate dated September 20, 1695, the list has very few items that weren’t the part of what Joanna had gotten from her own deceased relatives.8 In addition to land, there were pewter platters, table and cupboard cloths, napkins and other items from her two grandmothers. And also “4 tablecloths and 4 towels” from her mother.8
Inventory of Joshua Dodge’s estate.
Describing these possessions as belonging to Joanna was so that she could retain them even if she took a second husband. Usually a widow lost the joint property she had with her husband if she got remarried. And presumably Joanna did keep everything when on April 20, 1696, she married John Thorndike.3
Joanna and John had a total of eight children together born between 1697 and 1712. They lived in a house that John built during the early years of their marriage; it is a New England “salt box,” and it is still standing today.13 Joanna didn’t live to see most of her children grow up because she passed away on May 12, 1716 in Beverly.4 Her husband John remarried twice more, and died in 1760.14
Child by Joshua Dodge:
1. Joshua Dodge — B. 20 Sep 1694, Beverly, Massachusetts;15 D. 20 Dec 1772, Beverly, Massachusetts15
Children by John Thorndike:
1. Robert Thorndike — B. 4 Feb 1697, Beverly, Massachusetts;16 M. Elizabeth Woodbury (1696-1781), 20 Nov 1718, Beverly, Massachusetts17
2. Paul Thorndike — B. 5 Feb 1699, Beverly, Massachusetts;18 M. Mehitable Woodbury (1705-?), 30 Sep 1725, Beverly, Massachusetts19
3. John Thorndike — B. 22 Aug 1701, Beverly, Massachusetts;20 D. 10 Jul 1769, Beverly, Massachusetts;21 M. (1) Elizabeth Ober (1704-1750), 13 Nov 1723, Beverly, Massachusetts;22 (2) Sarah Cleeves (1728-1833), 18 Feb 1753, Beverly, Massachusetts23
4. Joanna Thorndike — B. 1 Aug 1703, Beverly, Massachusetts;24 D. 27 Mar 1775, Beverly, Massachusetts;25 M. Ebenezer Lovett (1702-1778), 17 Apr 1725, Beverly, Massachusetts26
5. James Thorndike — B. 11 Jan 1706, Beverly, Massachusetts;27 D. 20 Feb 1787, Tewksbury, Massachusetts;28 M. Anna Ober (1708-1787), 21 Jan 1728, Beverly, Massachusetts29
6. Herbert Thorndike — B. 3 Jan 1708, Beverly, Massachusetts;30 D. 10 Jul 1746, Beverly, Massachusetts;31 M. Abigail Ober (1708-1796), 4 Feb 1731, Beverly, Massachusetts32
7. Edward Thorndike — B. 10 Apr 1711, Beverly, Massachusetts;33 D. 21 Apr 1711, Beverly, Massachusetts34
8. Sarah Thorndike — B. 17 Sep 1712, Beverly, Massachusetts;35 M. Joshua Thorndike, 14 Dec 1738, Beverly, Massachusetts36
Sources:
2 Marriage record of Joshua Dodge and Joanna Larkin, U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700, Ancestry.com
3 Marriage record of John Thorndike and Joanna Dodge, Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910, FamilySearch.org
4 Death record of Joanna Thorndike, The Massachusetts Vital Records Project – Vital Records of Beverly, Massachusetts, Vol. 3, p. 577
5 Find-a-Grave listing of John Larkin
6 Marriage record of William Dodge and Joanna Larkin, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
7 WikiTree listing of Joshua Dodge
8 Probate record of Joshua Dodge
9 Find-a-Grave listing of Robert Hale
10 Marriage record of Richard Jacob and Joanna Hale, M., T. C., V. & T. R.
11 Probate record of Joanna Jacob
12 Probate record of Joanna Penticost
13 Capt. John Thorndike House (Wikipedia article)
14 Death record of John Thorndike, Massachusetts Deaths and Burials, 1795-1910, FamilySearch.org
15 Find-a-Grave listing of Deacon Joshua Dodge Jr.
16 Birth record of Robert Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
17 Marriage record of Robert Thorndike and Elizabeth Woodbury, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
18 Birth record of Paul Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
19 Marriage record of Paul Thorndike and Mehitable Woodbury, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
20 Birth record of John Thorndike (younger), M.T.C., V. & T.R.
21 Death record of John Thorndike (younger), M.T.C., V. & T.R.
22 Marriage record of John Thorndike and Elizabeth Ober, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
23 Marriage record of John Thorndike and Sarah Cleeves, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
24 Birth record of Joanna Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
25 Death record of Joanna Thorndike Lovett, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
26 Marriage record of Ebenezer Lovett and Joanna Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
27 Birth record of James Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
28 Death record of James Thorndike, Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850, AmericanAncestors.org
29 Marriage record of James Thorndike and Anna Ober, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
30 Birth record of Herbert Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
31 Death record of Herbert Thorndike, Massachusetts Vital Records, Beverly, Vol. 2, p. 575
32 Marriage record of Herbert Thorndike and Abigail Ober, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
33 Birth record of Edward Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
34 Death record of Edward Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
35 Birth record of Sarah Thorndike, M.T.C., V. & T.R.
36 Marriage record of Joshua Thorndike and Sarah Thorndike
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