Exploring my Whitman Family Line
I was able to explore my lineage in Bridgewater, Mass. Well, I explored to a degree, not as deeply as I hoped but as with any lineage, it is an on-going journey. I do know that I descend from the Whitman family.
In my travels so far, I was able to find out that I descend from Thomas Whitman. He built one of the first homes and the very first mill in East Bridgewater, Mass. I found that original site of The Whitman Family Mill. Adding to this enthusiastic find, I also discovered the street that it parallels is named Whitman Street. It is a side street off Route 18 in East Bridgewater, Mass. I have take a photo to help make discovery easier. You can see the photo below of the street signs.
I also discovered that the Indian,Massasoit, sold a large lot of land to the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims then sold the most northern section to the Byram family ,also an ancestral Grandfather. This land is found across the road from Peaceful Meadows in Whitman, Mass. I was not able to find markers to indicate home sites but the general area is adjacent to Route 18, across from Peaceful Meadows. I hope to find more definitive borders.
I also discovered that the next section of land south of this was sold to Thomas Whitman, son of John Whitman the immigrant whom landed in Weymouth, Mass.Thomas married Abigail Byram and then built a home and the first mill in Bridgewater.Mass. They were then the first two settlers in East Bridgewater, Mass.
Interestingly, during King Philips’s war in 1676, the Indians burned all 9 homes except Byram’s,. He owned a large amount of apple orchards and sold apple cider to the Indians. It is assumed that this is the reason the Indians did not hurt him.
I was able to find the Whitman Family Mill site. I took photos. I also found that East Bridgewater has created an official stone for the site of the land sale between Pilgrims and Massasoit.
I continue to search and confirm facts.
The gallery below shows photos of two sites; the Sachem Rock Farm and The Whitman Mill, they are located nearly 1/2 mile apart in East Bridgewater, Mass. Click on a photo to see it enlarged with information.
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Interestingly, during King Philips’s war in 1676, the Indians burned all 9 homes except Byram’s. He owned a large number of apple orchards and sold apple cider to the Indians. It is assumed that this is the reason the Indians did not hurt him.
Nicholas Byram was a huge political figure in the Bridgewaters. He was Councilor of War in the King Philip’s War and was very well regarded by the Indians. Thomas Whitman and his family took refuge in his home. Thomas rebuilt his home in the fork of the river near the mill.