In 2017, year my research stalled due to lack of time. This year, I turned to online groups and looked for help from collective strangers. I wanted to explore ways to achieve what I could in the available time that I had. I got great response from those with like issues. I was taught about research logs, outlines and organization. I was told that genealogical research is really a head game. It requires great puzzle skills in thinking. I learned that taking page after page of notes that lay randomly across my desk may have momentary meaning, but little value at a later date.

I was introduced to research logs. So many from which to choose, I discovered one that felt embraceable and I printed out dozens of copies. I thought to include one in each file I owned. This would solve hours of uselessness. For when I did find a few hours in which to research, half would be spent figuring out where I was and what I was doing. Even the pages of hand written notes that I had left in each file made little sense months later. Research logs were an outline or index of where I had been, what I had been hoping to achieve and what information had been acquired. It was an exact map of my time spent. How such a simple paper could change everything is quite amazing but there it was.

My first quest with my newly acquired techniques was to identify the home in a vintage photo that I had. I knew it was the home of Abijah and Susannah Allen in East Braintree. I had searched for this house for decades. I searched census records, town papers, maps etc. Nothing was found. Surely it wasn’t even still standing. But still, I could feel it. I knew it was standing there. I could feel it.

Research log properly positioned on my desk, I entered my purpose in the first column; Identifying the House. I checked for an address in every census that I knew Abijah would be in. I entered each census that I found my family but under results wrote, no street address. I wrote down the information good or bad. No mention of Abijah’s address in Soldier records, death or marriage, either. I listed each on my log. I thoughtfully pressed onward. On to maps, where I had been before but with research log at my side, I felt more confident, professional and able to be more accurate in my search, instead of a hap hazard, unintentional stumble upon way, I felt purposeful and intentional. I was moving through each category.

I discovered the a number of maps of Braintree which listed home owners. None mentioning Abijah Allen. I checked every map I could find. Carefully browsing each and every home and road, I found an A.Allen on a main road, which in the photograph, looks like a main road. When I crossed referenced this place on google maps, I found the home address to be 404 Commercial street, which matches the #404 on the Census records. I was excited with possibilities. Google maps street view then showed me the house and it looked amazingly like the one in my photograph. My mind raced, my goodness it may be the very same house still standing! As I zoomed in, I started to cry. Not only did it look to be the very same house, unchanged but there on the edge of the house was a historical marker. It listed the owner as Jacob Allen 1777. Jacob was Abijah’s Grandfather. And he married in 1777.Not only had I found Abijah and Susannah’s home but Jacob’s as well. Abijah had his Grandfathers house.

This opens up possibilities for me. Now I can look at that house and compare it to census records again. I can think about how may people really lived there. I can look back at Jacob and see the family he raised there as well. I can figure out how many of my family were born in raised in that house. I also see that two neighboring houses had the last name of Allen. I can investigate these as maybe home of relatives.

I am so excited and peaceful at the same time. I have solved a puzzle that has plagued me for decades. And now with its information, I can move forward and discover more about this branch of my family. And when spring comes, I will be there to take my picture in front of the house. And if the family is lovely, maybe they will allow me a tour. And maybe I will get to walk my Grandmothers garden, stand in her kitchen and walk the road as they must have done so many times.

I press onward.

Susannah

Views: 1275

Here is the scanned version of the article so that you can enjoy its authenticity. I did scan it in black and white and played with scanner settings making it readable. The original is very yellowed and tissue thin.

Here is my typed out version of the article so that everyone can also enjoy its read easier than trying to read the scanned version above.
(per printed article)

The Sunday Herald-Boston, dated August 11, 1901
Historic House at Bedford.
Eight Generations of the Page Family Called It Home.
More than 200 years covered by tenancy in unbroken line- Present Owner Restored the Landmark to Its original State- Surroundings Are Appropriate.
Standing on the old Page Farm, 100 feet north of the Page Road, is the ancient dwelling where eight generations of the Page family dwelt in succession during more than 200 years. This is one of the few instances where a family line has occupied and tilled the soil of the same farm for so many years.
The farm was a part of the large grant of land from the court of the province to Edward Oakes and was sold by him in 1661 to George Farley and others. Farley dold the farm to Timothy Brooks, who resided on the place during the troubles attending King Phillips war and his family were protected in garrison N.10, a short distance from his home. Brooks sold the farm to George Grimes who sold the farm in 1687 to Nathaniel Page Sr.
Nathaniel Page, Sr. came from England in 1684 and was of Roxbury in 1686 and was probably the brother of Nicholas Page of Boston, who came from Plymouth, Eng.Gov. Joseph Dudley appointed Nathaniel Page sheriff of the county of Suffolk. His wife’s name was Joanna. He died April 12, 1692.
In his will, he mentions “farm, buildings, and land in Billerica $25”; a servant man $15”; farm 200 acres at Dedham $30”, “Farm” at Squabouge and Worcester,$10”.
The farm, buildings and land mentioned in this will as of Billerica are located in the southeastern part of Bedford, in that part of Billerica which was joined to the eastern part of Concord, to form the town of Bedford in 1729.
The old house was moved from its original site in 1889 and located about 300 feet west and a new house was erected on the old site in 1890. This was destroyed by fire in the same year. In 1891 the present large mansion was erected on the site of the house that was burned.
Two magnificent elm trees that stood near the western end of the old house were undoubtedly standing where the old house was erected and those trees are now from 250 to 300 years old. The largest tree situated southwest from the new house is 5’6” in diameter. The other tree on the northwest sire of the new house in 4’6” in diameter. Both are noble spaceman of the American Elm.
Nathaniel Page, Sr., was succeeded by his son, Nathaniel Page, Jr. in possession. The latter was 14 years old when he came from England to the colony of Massachusetts. He married Nov.6, 1701 Susannah Lane who died in 1746.He then married in 1748, Mary Grimes.
Nathaniel Page Jr., was succeeded in possession of the homestead farm by Christopher Page, John Page, Nathaniel Page 3rd, Nathaniel Page 4th and Cyrus Page.
Cyrus Page of the seventh generation was also a farmer, and died in 1887. Cyrus A. Page of the eighth generation was the last of the Page family in possession of the family homestead.
In 1897 the remaining part of the original farm, containing over 90 acres of land, was sold to Nathan H. Daniels, a retired merchant of Boston, who took possession and the title passed from the Page family, who had owned and occupied the farm and homestead for 210 years.
In the town clerk’s office in Bedford, may be seen the original bill of sale whereby Nathaniel Tay sold his negro to Mr. John Page for” twenty pounds in money and six pounds in bills.”.in 1691.
The foundation members of the church on July 30, 1730, were Nathaniel Page Jr and Christopher Page. A record of the pews in the meeting house. Oct 18, 1734, shows “Nathaniel Page’s pew is on the front of the east end of the great door in the meetinghouse”.
In 1777 William Page was town treasurer and in 1780 Christopher Page was selectman.
Besides the town and church records many silent records are found of this prominent and patriotic family on the old slate stones in the first burying ground at Bedford Center., placed there by those who were contemporary in life with those whose record they give. And who knew their life’s work. Cornet Nathaniel Page died March 2, 1755 aged 76 years. Mrs. Susannah died Sept 2, 1746, aged 63 years. Cornet Nathaniel Page died April 6, 1779 aged 76 years. Cornet John Page died Feb 18, 1782, aged 78 years.
In March, 1775, the town of Bedford voted “to pay 25 minute men 1 shilling per week until the first of May next” Jonathan Wilson, captain; Moses Abbot, lieutenant; Cornet Nathaniel Page, standard-bearer.
The standard was carried by Nathaniel Page in this company from Bedford. To Concord, April 19, 1775 and near this banner Capt. Johnathan Wilson was killed the same day. This banner had probably been in the keeping of the Page family from early colonial times. And after the fight at Concord. It was returned to the old house and was carried in the ranks of the Bedford delegates at the celebration at Concord. April 19, 1875. Oct. 19. 1885, the banner was presented by Capt. Cyrus Page to the town of Bedford.
The militia of Massachusetts were organized into three county troops in 1643 and Middlesex country had one of these troops. This banner was carried by the Middlesex troop and is undoubtedly the oldest banner in the country.
Nathaniel Page served in what is called Queen Anne’s war. Ebenezer Page and others of the family were officers and privates in the French and Indian wars. Four of the Page family fought at Concord, including Cornet Nathaniel Page. Christopher was sergeant of the minutemen. And timothy was killed on White Plains, N.Y. Oct. 28, 1776. Ebenezer, William Thomas, and David served at different times during the revolution. Seven of this family were in the company of militia that marched from Bedford to Boston in the war of 1812.
Cyrus Page volunteered as captain of the militia company in the civil war. For three years, or the war, as he was then 60 years of age. Grosvenor A Page served three years and lost his left arm. John Page served three months.
Thanks to Mr. Daniels antiquarian taste and his veneration for the historical landmarks of his native state, the old house has been out in thorough repair, retaining all the ancient characteristics enabling the relic to be handed down to future generations.
With the beautiful plants and great lawn kept in the best possible manner, and on the east the two great aims that have cast their shadow upon the old house for more than two centuries, one would hardly believe that great old mansion was a relic of early colonial days.
The present owner has expended a large of amount of money in laying out the front half of these 90 acres in the natural landscape style around the old and new house, preserving all that nature has done so liberally for the estate now named “Stone Acres”.
Stepping directly from the highly cultivated and beautiful laying out of the front portion of the farm, one enters the northern half, where the oak, walnut, and pine groves stand, surrounded with broad meadows and fields of berry bushes, laurel, bayberry and wild ferns, a contrast as well and picturesque as is found throughout northern New Hampshire and here small game such as woodchucks, quail, mink and rabbits are in abundance as they were when King Phillips allies roamed through these same woods. The running brook dammed for preserving trout and “Pickwick Springs” with clear, cold, crystal water bubbling up through the white sane are the natural fountains of this wild and beautiful spot.

(end of article)

Note that “as it appears now” refers to the 1901 date that this article was published.

Thanks for reading!

Susannah

Views: 684

My Grampy, Alfred Balentine, descends from the Famous Lincoln family of Hingham, Mass.  We actually come from three brothers of the same Lincoln family. And the house of one of them is noted with a sign as it still stands. Samuel Lincoln’s home is still there for the visiting. People do live there, so unless you knock and make quick friends, they probably aren’t expecting you.

Also worth noting, Abraham Lincoln descends from this same family. I usually don’t note cousins but I have a reason. When I traveled to Hingham for picture taking, I was pleasantly surprised to find a statue of Abraham Lincoln in front of the land of my ancestors.

The Town Green upon which the statue sits is of course LIncoln Street, Hingham, Mass.

Here is the home of Samuel Lincoln,our direct Grandfather.It was originally a large farm. We also descend from two of Samuel’s brothers.

Here is a close up of the sign noting the homestead.

Here is a close up of the Abraham Lincoln Statue. You can see how closely it resembles the one in Washington.

Here is a closeup of the base so you can read the inscription.

This is a great shot of the statue and the grounds that surround it. He is purposely facing the homestead of his Ancestral Grandparents.

And here is me with Abraham at our shared Grandfathers homestead.

Paul thought me touching Abraham’s foot would be a good shot. It is for some reason I can’t explain.

I checked and Abraham Lincoln was 5 generations from our shared Grandfather. That’s a lot but we do share ancestral Grandparents. And it is said that the Samuel Lincoln family lived in the house for 7 generations. That means that when Abraham was President, his cousins were here living in the house of his Great, Great, Great Grandfather.

And here is the North Church also at the same town green. One of the founders of the church was Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, a cousin. The original settlers all attended the Old Ship Church but when expansion came upon them, this church was built as an additional church and built near the Lincoln farm.

I think family history stays alive easier when you have real places to visit and can say, “Hey, my Grandfather lived there!”

Here are a few facts.

• I am 13 generations from Samuel Lincoln.Read about him here.
• Abraham Lincoln and I share a Great, Great, Great Grandfather. (I know, pretty far but some people like to know)
• The Lincoln House in Hingham, Mass is the land of my 13th generation Grandfather. build by my cousin, Samuel 3rd.
• My Lincoln ancestors were founders of the North Church in Hingham, Mass.
• Read about the history of the church here
• But First Samuel was an original founder of the historic Old Ship Church in Hingham Mass. A future post awaits this famous place.

Here is my line to Samuel Lincoln.

Me > Ruth Balentine > Alfred Balentine > Laura May Whitman b. 1896 >Alfred w. Whitman b.1871 > Ada V. Bates b.1855 > Lewis D. Bates b. 1836 > Phineas Bates b. 1790 > Zealous Bates b. 1754 > Grace Lincoln b. 1725 > Elisha Lincoln b. 1699 > Samuel Lincoln b. 1650, Samuel Lincoln b.1621 who immigrated in 1637.

Views: 430

I was, of course drawn to the garden that has been added to represent a kitchen garden appropriate to the time.

The back view has been updated for an apartment for the caretaker. I’m sure the skylight isn’t original as well as the plumbing.:)

Here is the view from the street. The windows are gorgeous. You can see the addition that was added to the original structure

I have a bed just like this, including the fishnet canopy. It made me feel connected to my past. That and I still sleep on my Great Grandmother’s feather pillow.

Here is the living room, fireplace and doors all intact.

These are not toys but replicas of the stages of the home’s growth.

Here is the front of the house, shot through the kitchen garden.

I was thrilled to walk through the home of my ancestral grandparents. If you also descend from The Whipples, check out the house here and I hope you visit. The Whipple Home

Here is my Lineage to the Whipples

Myself> Ruth Balentine b. 1939> Sara Kohler  b.> Inez Vinton Allen b.1889> Mary Caroline Page b.1861> John Page Jr. b.1834>John Page Sr b. 1810> Capt Benjamin Page b. 1781> Nathaniel Page b. 1742> John  Page b. 1704 > Susannah Lane b. 1683 > Susannah Whipple b. 1662 >  John Whipple (the Immigrant) b. 1625 > John Whipple (the elder) b. 1596

Views: 629

The added difficulty was that we have a vast amount of information on the Allen Family settling in Braintree,Mass. There were Jeminas there but not one matched the one we searched.

Today I solved the lineage.

Samuel Allen came to America and landed in Braintree in1632 being a first settler there. I descend from Samuel’s second wife Margaret French, through their son Joseph b. 1650. This line is complete and well documented.

But Jemina Allen has proven a second line to the Immigrant Samuel Allen. Upon further research, Samuel Allen came to America originally with first wife Ann Whitmore in 1632. Their first child was born that same year, Samuel Allen.Jr. When Samuel Jr. married Sara Patridge from Duxbury, they moved to Bridgewater and became one of the first settlers there. The East Bridgwater Library, I am told, has a plaque in his honor.(trip planned)

This is significant due to the Pratt Farm (trip planned). Pratt Farm is said to be the land that Nehemiah Allen sold to the Pratt family. There is mention of Nehemiah being the original owner of the land, in fact it was willed to him by his father, Samuel Allen Jr..Jemina Allen is the great granddaugher of Samuel Allen of Bridgewater, the original owner of the Pratt Farm. It is now conservation land. We can walk it knowing our heritage is there.

Confused? I’m about to make it worse.Here are three lineages to Samuel Allen, the immigrant. Jemina’s line is the third. I have highlighted in red the differences. The two Braintree lines are nearly the same except for 4 generations.

Two Braintree Lines…

Susannah (me)>Ruth Balentine> Sara Kohler>Inez Vinton Allen b.1889>John Vinton Allen b.1856>Abijah Allen b.1822>Abijah Allen b.1787> Jacob Allen b. 1754> Abijah Allen b.1726> Joseph Allen b. 1671>Dea. Joseph Allen b. 1650 > Samuel Allen b. 1598 U.K.

Susannah (me)>Ruth Balentine> Sara Kohler>Inez Vinton Allen b.1889>John Vinton Allen b.1856>Abijah Allen b.1822>Sara Allen b.1781> Col. William Allen b. 1746 > Thomas Allen b.1711> Benjamin Allen b. 1679>Dea. Joseph Allen b. 1650 > Samuel Allen b. 1598 U.K.

Bridgewater Line…….

Susannah (me)>Ruth Balentine> Sara Kohler>Inez Vinton Allen b.1889> Mary Page b.1861> John Page Jr b.1834> Mary Newcomb b. 1809> Capt. John Newcomb b.1761> Jemina Allen b. 1732> Jacob Allen b. 1702> Ebenezer Allen b. 1674> Samuel Allen Jr. B. 1632> Samuel Allen b. 1598 U.K.

FYI – I underlined Mary Page and John Allen . They married and if I calculated correctly, were cousins 4th removed.

FYI- I get to say that both my Great, Great Grandparents descend from Samuel Allen the immigrant. Mary Page descndes from Samel Allen’s first wife,Ann and John Vinton Allen descends from Samuel Allen’s second wife, Margaret. Isn’t it interesting that a line from each wife married 7 generations later.

Views: 735

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.

Views: 771

Located at 295 North Road (Route 4), Bedford, Ma
Active Museum
Tours: 2nd and 4th Sunday, May to October, 2-4 PM

The Job Lane House is owned by the Town of Bedford and managed by the Bedford Historic Preservation Commission. The Friends of the Job Lane House conduct tours and run events such as the annual Colonial Craft Faire; they also arrange rentals of the barn and grounds. The Bedford Garden Club maintains the herb garden.

The official website with lots of photos, tour dates, activity dates and the history of the house is entitled JobLaneHouse.org. Click here for their website,  http://www.joblanehouse.org/index.html

Here is our history to this house.  This first insert taken from The Bedford HIstorical Society.  You can visit them at /www.bedfordmahistory.org

~”Lane Family biographies

When Job Lane (1) (1620-1697) purchased a substantial tract of land in Billerica from the heirs of Governor John Winthrop in 1664, the Lane family’s long involvement in the affairs of the area began. The Lane Family Papers – which contain the oldest documents held by the Bedford Historical Society – tell the story of this family. The papers of seven family members – the first Job Lane; his son Major John Lane; Deacon Job Lane (John’s son); Job Lane, the Deacon’s son; Samuel Lane; Captain James Lane; and David Woodward Lane – comprise the bulk of this collection. The first Job Lane divided his time between Malden and Billerica, but sufficiently developed his land in Billerica to be able to leave his son a dwelling house, outbuildings, and an orchard, as well as land, at his death in 1697. He was married twice, first to Sarah Boyce (often spelled Boyes or Boys in these documents), and then to Hannah Reyner. He had eight children, seven daughters and a son. The son, John Lane, was Job’s principal heir.

Job Lane (1) was a carpenter by trade and built bridges and houses in the Boston area. He also became the owner of land in England through his marriage to Hannah Reyner, and the rents from tenants on this land enabled Job to obtain goods from England, primarily fabric, that were in demand in the colonies.

John Lane (2) (1661-1714/15), Job 1’s only son, inherited part of Job Lane’s land in Billerica, along with his nephews Mathew Whipple and Samuel Fitch. John was active in military affairs in Massachusetts and is commonly known as “Major” John Lane. As heir to his father’s English lands, he conducted an active correspondence with his British land managers. He was married to Susanna Whipple of Ipswich, with whom he had nine children”.~

We then descend from John Lanes daughter Susanna who married Nathaniel Page. (Ironically Nathaniel and Susanna house still stands as well but is currently inhabited and recently renovated on This Old House.)

Here is our Lineage to the Lane House. Each name being the parent of the person below on the list.

• Job Lane b. 1620 (Aquired the original land)
• Major John Lane b.1661(Inherited it from Job)
• Susanna Lane Page b.1683 (Brother Job build house that stands today)
• John Page b. 1704
• Cornet Nathaniel Page b.1742 (Historical Figure)
• Capt. Benjamin Page b. 1781
• John Page b. 1810
• John Page Jr. b. 1834
• Mary Carolyn Page Allen b.1861
• Inez Vinton Allen Kohler b. 1889
• Sara Kohler Balentine
• Ruth Balentine Whittall
• Me

Views: 564

The General Israel Putnam House in Danvers, Massachusetts is recorded in the National Register of Historic Places. The house is also sometimes known as the Thomas Putnam House after Lt. Thomas Putnam (1615-1686), who built the home circa 1648. His grandson, Israel Putnam, the famous general of the American Revolution, was born in the house. Lt. Thomas Putnam was the father of Sgt. Thomas Putnam Jr., (Israel’s half-uncle), a notorious figure in the Salem Witch Trials. The Putnam House is now operated by the Danvers Historical Society and open by appointment. ( from Wikipedia)

Views: 468

Ipswich Museum | 54 South Main Street | Ipswich, MA 01938 | Active Museum
Wed-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4, May 1 – Oct 15 • Tel: 978.356.2811
The 1677 Whipple House is one of the finest examples of “first period” American architecture (1625-1725). The oldest part of the house dates to 1677 when the military officer and entrepreneur Captain John Whipple constructed an impressive townhouse near the center of Ipswich to showcase his wealth.
The 17th Century Housewife’s Garden at the Whipple House contains herbal plants that were in many Housewives’ gardens in Ipswich the 17th century. The Old Rose Gardens at the Whipple House contain pre-1864 rose varieties, many originally from Ipswich residents’ gardens. Primary bloom time for these single-bloomers is mid-June to mid-July and a sale of Old Roses occurs in June, weather permitting.

Views: 343

I am the 14th Generation of grandchildren of John and Priscilla Alden. I am enormously proud of my heritage regarding Thanksgiving. Every year. I cook a turkey remembering that I come from the original Feasters and one of the original women who cooked and served the meal.

Located at 105 Alden St. Duxbury, MA 02331
Active Museum
Open June 1- September 30.  Wed-Sat. 12:00-4:00 (last tour: 3:30)
The hours are 10 – 5 Mon – Sat and 12 – 5 on Sun. Open Mid-May to Mid-Oct. • 105 Alden St. • (781) 934-9092
Some interesting features of this 1653 building are the powdered clam and oyster shell ceiling in the “great” room, the cambered panels in the “best” room and the gunstock beams found in the chambers.
A quote form the Alden Website, “It would be difficult to write a better summary of the significance of the John Alden House than that written by Dorothy Wentworth in the foreword to her publication, The Alden Family in the Alden House:
“There are houses built in the 17th century, but few have survived without ‘improvements’ such as plumbing, electricity, and modern kitchens. That the property which was granted to the Alden family in the 1620′s has never been owned by any other family is remarkable, if not without parallel among historical sites. Today the property is owned by the family association, the Alden Kindred of America.”
Their website is http://www.alden.org/default.htm

Check out a tour on Utube www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJKaS72K1jY

and also  www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGDii5D60ag

The Alden Website has a complete history but also, also a complete virtual tour of the house gardens and grounds. which is wonderfully done. Enjoy!   http://www.alden.org/Virtual%20Tour/tour.htm

Views: 394