Skip to main content

Full text of "History of the Bill family"

See other formats


NYPL  RESEARCH  LIBRARIES 


3  3433  06251899  2 


L 


2 


k 


is^ 


rA\ 


S  >  \\ 


JOUST   W1SV 

JNOA  M3M  a  Hi    1 


HISTORY 


OF   THE 


BILL    FAMILY. 


EDITED   BY 


LEDYARD     BILL 


75     FULTON     STREET,      NEW     YORK. 

1  8G  7. 


i 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1867, 

Bt  ledyaed  bill, 

In  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Southern  Districf  of  New  Tork. 


YORK 
3RARY 


and  Ti-lden 


%.&>•£ 


7 


I 


PEEFACE. 


In  1638,  John  and  Dorothie  Bill,  our  earliest  ancestors  in 
America,  appear  in  Boston,  which  continued  to  be  the  cen- 
tral and  chief  point  of  residence  up  to  about  1700,  when  New 
London  [Groton],  in  Connecticut,  began  to  rival  and  soon 
succeeded  it  as  the  ancient  home  of  the  Bill  family.  In 
1667  or  '68,  Philip  Bill,  of  Ipswich,  Mass.,  at  the  urgent  soli- 
citation, as  is  believed,  of  John  "Winthrop,  Jr.  (afterwards 
Governor  of  Connecticut),  who  was  his  neighbor  in  Ipswich, 
removed  to  New  London,  settling  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Thames  River,  in  what  was  after  1705  known  as  Groton. 
The  exact  location  is  thought  to  have  been  near  Allyn's 
3/  Point,  which  in  the  division  of  Groton,  in  18^56,  was  included 
in  the  present  town  of  Ledyard.  In  this  locality,  for  a  period 
of  nearly  two  hundred  years,  some  representative  of  the 
family  has  lived.* 

Excepting  the  families  residing  in  Saxonville  and  Wal- 
tham,  Mass.,  and  those  in  Decatur  and  Geneseo,  111.,  and 
Troy,  N.  Y. — scarce  a  score  of  people — all  have  descended 
from  the  above  Philip.  His  blood  courses  to-day  in  the 
veins  of  near  a  thousand  who  bear  his  name,  and  these 
are  now  scattered  over  a  continent  which,  in  his  lifetime, 
was  an  unknown  wilderness,  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific. 
Then  but  a  mere  fringe  of  feeble  civilization  had  effected 
lodgments  along   the   seaboard  ;  this,  time  has  proved,  how- 

*  Not  more  than  six  months  is  needed  to  complete  the  two  centuries. 


[y  PREFACE. 

ever,  to  have  been  the  seed  of  the  most  powerful  empire  on 
the  globe. 

In  the  early  settlement  of  the  New  England  colonies  two 
families  by  the  name  of  Bills  appear ;  what  relation  they 
may  have  been  to  our  family  in  England,  the  country  from 
which  it  is  supposed  they  also  came,  is  not  known  ;  certainly 
they  were  distinct  from  the  Bill  family  in  this  country,  though 
(mite  likely  their  ancestors  in  England,  and  those  of  John  and 
Dorpthie  Bill,  may  have  been  the  same.  We  have  not  at- 
tempted to  trace  the  descendants  of  these  two  families;  the 
reader  is  referred  to  the  Appendix  for  further  particulars. 

Again,  there  are  several  families  who  do  belong  to  ours 
who  have  within,  perhaps  fifty  years,  added  the  letter  s  to 
their  names  ;  in  all  such  cases  we  have  omitted  this  additional 
letter,  always  mentioning  the  fact,  however,  in  the  accounts 
given  of  those  families.  It  seems  desirable  to  preserve  the 
name  in  its  purity,  and  in  that  view  of  the  subject  have 
believed  it  our  duty  to  pursue  the  course  adopted. 

In  the  summer  of  1862,  the  late  Andrew  Henshaw  Ward, 
Esquire,  of  West  Newton,  Mass.,  in  reply  to  a  letter  of  in- 
quiry, stated  he  had  himself  been  gathering  all  possible  facts 
relating  to  the  family,  intending  their  publication  at  some 
future  time.  These  papers,  for  which  we  were  exceedingly 
grateful,  proved  both  voluminous  and  valuable.  He  was 
found  dead  in  his  room,  with  them  opened  and  lying  on 
his  writing-table,  from  which  he  had  apparently  just  risen, 
lie  was  by  marriage  a  relative  of  the  Henshaw  family,  from 
whom  he  had  received  the  portraits  of  Richard  Bill  and  his 
daughter,  Elizabeth  (Henshaw).* 

*  These  portraits  are  now  in  the  possession  of  his  grand-daughter,  Mrs. 
Miles  Washburn,  of  Newton  Corner,  Mass.  For  particulars  the  reader  is 
referred  to  pages  110,  111,  and  142. 


V 


PREFACE.  v 

It  is  now  more  than  six  years  since  we  penned  the  first  letter 
on  the  subject  of  which  this  volume  treats.  Since  then,  about 
two  thousand  letters  have  been  addressed  to  various  persons  on 
questions  involved  in  the  compilation,  and"  nearly  all  of  our 
spare  time  during  this  period,  from  our  regular  business,  has 
been  given. 

It  is  quite  possible  for  a  single  individual  to  write  a  booJc, 
but  it  is  utterly  impossible  for  a  single  individual  to  begin  and 
complete  a  family  history,  at  least  such  as  is  now  in  the  hands 
of  the  reader.  His  sources  of  information  are  multiform,  and 
wide-spread,  co-extensive,  in  fact,  with  the  family  itself,  and 
on  whom  he  is  largely  dependent. 

We  have,  however,  personally  examined  several  hundred 
volumes  of  Family,  Town,  State,  and  National  histories,  to- 
gether with  many  miscellaneous  publications,  for  fragments  of 
information  wherewith  we  might  enrich  this  publication,  or 
add  something  of  interest  to  its  pages.  Town,  Probate,  and 
Church  records  have  had  to  be  thoroughly  scrutinized — these 
furnishino-  the  lamer  mass  of  facts  and  dates  embodied  in 
this  volume.  In  brief,  we  have  gleaned  everywhere  with 
diligence  and  patience  among  the  musty  records  of  the  past, 
not  omitting  old  nooks  and  corners,  lest  perchance  some  val- 
uable record  should  remain  unknown. 

Though  this  work  doubtless  lacks  the  finish  and  elegance 
of  style  of  other  and  similar  publications,  yet  we  have  en- 
deavored to  make  it  at  least  a  true  and  faithful  history  of  the 
family  ;  also  something  more  than  a  mere  ghostly  genealogy, 
possessing  by  itself  no  life  and  little  interest.  Hence  history 
and  biography  occupy  the  most  of  the  volume,  and  surely  we 
have  not  miscalculated  as  to  the  additional  value  this  work 
will  have  over  the  majority  of  family  publications. 

All  criticism   might   be    barred,  so   far    as    things   ques- 


vi  PREFACE. 

tionable  in  our  plan  are  concerned,  when  it  is  considered 
that  this  is  a  work  for  purely  private  circulation,  of 
a  very  limited  edition,  and  is  only  published  for  the 
edification  of  the  family  into  whose  hands  it  is  com- 
mitted,— trusting  they  will  look  kindly  upon  all  defects  and 
faults  ;  and  for  whatever  of  merit  there  may  be,  we  would 
claim  little  for  our  share,  cheerfully  according  it  to  those  who 
have  co-operated  with  us. 

We  are  especially  indebted  to  Mr.  Edward  Bill,  of 
New  York,  whither  we  had  removed  in  1863,*  for  a  large 
amount  of  voluntary  research  ;  for  numerous  and  kindly 
rendered  services  in  the  way  of  encouragement,  of  valuable 
suggestions  and  assistance,  all  of  which  has  been  most 
welcome.  The  family,  too,  owe  much  to  him  for  many  of 
the  more  interesting  historical  facts  and  incidents  related. 
His  recompense  must  be  the  pleasure  he  will  take  in  seeing 
this  memorial  volume  in  their  hands. 

To  Rev.  John  A.  Vinton,  for  valuable  assistance  in  an 
arrangement  of  the  ancestral  lines  and  other  labors ;  and  to 
Mr.  T.  B.  Wyman,  Jr.,  who  spent  much  time  in  laborious 
research  ;  also  to  Hon.  Earl  Bill,  of  Ohio,  and  Capt.  Carlos 
Pitkin  Bill,  of  Vermont,  and  finally  to  Robert  Chambers 
Vaugn,  W.  M.  Bill,  and  John  Bill,  Esquires,  of  England,  our 
acknowledgments  and  thanks  are  severally  due. 

Undoubtedly  errors  of  dates  and  names  will  appear ;  it  is 
extremely  difficult  in  a  work  of  this  character  to  wholly  avoid 
them,  owing  partly  to  conflicting  statements  received,  partly 
to  indistinct  ehirography,  and  partly  to  the  printer,  and  also 
to  a  lack  of  vigilance  in  the  supervision.  An  invitation  is 
extended  to  all  the  family,  who,  seeing,  will*  correct  them  in 

*  Prior  to  the  war  we  were  in  business  at  Louisville.  Ky.  ;   in  1862  we 
removed  to  Cleveland,  O.  ;  thence  to  New  York  in  1803. 


V 


PREFACE.  vii 

their  own  volumes  and  send   a  minute  of  the  same  to  the 
undersigned,  by  whom  a  copy  will  be  kept  in  which  these 
errors  will  .be  noted,  that,  should  any  future  edition  be  pub- 
lished, more  perfect  copies  might  result. 
New  York,  October,  1867. 


<^^y^^K^e, 


EXPLANATIONS. 


Commencing  with  John  Bill,  we  have  consecutively  numbered  each 
member  of  the  family  to  the  close  of  the  volume.  These  numbers  we 
•will  call  the  Consecutive  numbers  or  figures.  They  appear  in  bold  type, 
on  the  left  of  each  name. 

Whenever  a  t  is  placed  between  any  consecutive  figures  and  the 
name,  it  indicates  a  further  notice  of  the  individual ;  and  to  find  the  place 
where  such  notice  is  given,  the  reader  has  only  to  look  at  the  consecutive 
number,  which  we  will  assume  now  becomes  an  Index  number — then  look- 
ing forward  to  the  place  where  it  appears,  in  the  center  of  the  page,  where 
will  be  found  a  further  account  of  the  party  sought. 

This  works  as  easily  backward  as  forward,  for  you  have  only  to  take 
the  index  number,  in  the  center  of  the  page,  and  follow  it  backward  to 
the  place  where  it  is  a  consecutive  number.  We  will  give  one  illustration 
each  way.  Take  the  consecutive  number  182,  on  page  122  ;  turn  forward 
to  page  144:,  and  we  there  find  the  same  figures,  or  the  index  number. 
Then  suppose  we  take  the  index  number  413,  on  page  213,  we  turn  back- 
ward till  we  come  to  the  same  figures  among  the  consecutive  numbers,  on 
page  166. 

Where  there  is  no  t  between  the  consecutive  number  and  the  names,  no 
further  account  is  given  of  that  individual. 

Finally,  any  member  of  the  family  can  trace  their  paternal  ancestral  line, 
without  turning  either  forwrard  or  back,  by  looking  at  the  Christian  names 
included  in  parenthesis,  opposite  the  name  of  the  head  of  the  family  to 
which  he  or  she  belongs.  This  shows  at  a  glance  the  number  of  genera- 
tions, and  the  names  of  the  paternal  ancestors  from  whom  they  have  de- 
scended. For  example,  take  Phineas  Bill,4  page  137.  Opposite  his  name 
we  have  (Joshua,'  Philip,2  John1),  who  were  his  ancestors.  The  small 
superior  figures  at  the  end,  and  just  above  the  name,  denote  the  genera- 
tion of  each  to  whom  it  is  attached. 

In  mentioning  any  locality,  if  no  Statejs  given,  Connecticut  is  intended, 
except  otherwise  indicated  in  some  preceding  paragraph. 


ABBREVIATIONS. 


b.  born ;    m.  married  ;  b.   baptized ;    d.  deceased ;    P.    or   p.    page  ; 
and  others  which  will  be  understood  by  the  reader. 


INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 


OUR  ENGLISH  ANCESTORS. 

The  data  from  which  to  compile  a  thorough  know- 
ledge of  our  English  ancestors  can  only  be  obtained  by  a 
visit  to  that  country ;  such  material,  however,  as  we  have 
received  will  doubtless  be  very  welcome  to  the  family 
here.  First,  perhaps,  we  should  bring  the  proof  of  our 
descent  from  English  stock.  It  is  not  an  uncommon  im- 
pression that  our  name  may  be  a  corruption  of  Williams, 
and  a  branch  of  that  family  ;  but  it  is  known  that  that 
name  is  of  Welsh  extraction,  and  as  a  surname  is  proved 
by  records  to  be  a  more  modern  one  than  Bill ;  hence  ours 
could  not  have  sprung  from  it,  since  it  antedates  it. 
Again,  it  might  not  be  unreasonable  to  suppose  the  origin 
to  have  been  accidental,  or  drawn  from  some  surround- 
ing object  in  nature,  art,  or  from  among  the  various  trades 
or  professions  ;  these  being  prolific  sources  of  surnames, 
as  we  may  see  from  the  following  : — Bowditch,  in  his 
work  on  surnames,  classifies  great  numbers  as  being  from 
the  sources  above  referred  to,  namely  :  Mr.  Rivers,  Flood, 
Waters,  Brooks,  Pond ;  then  Mr.  Hill,  Rock,  Peak ; 
then  Mr.  Forrest,  Wood,  Hedge,  Oaks,  Beecher,  Ches- 
nut,  Hawthorne ;  then  Mr.  Appleton,  Plum,  Quincy  ; 
then  Mr.  Wheat,  Rice,  Oatman ;  then  Mr.  Fortune,  Flush, 
Bill,  Go(u)ld,  Sterling ;  then  Mr.  Iron,  Marble,  Stone ;  then 
Mr.  Gushing,  Couch,  Curtain ;  then  Mr.  Coates,  Vail, 
Gear,  Stocking,  and  so  on,  almost  indefinitely,  in  their 
variations.     We  should  feel  bound  to  accept  some  such 


10  INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 

derivation  could  we  not  trace  the  origin  to  its  real  source. 
Bill  is  plainly  an  English  word,  having  a  Norman 
origin.  In  the  time  of  the  conquest  of  England,  the  Nor- 
man soldiers  were  divided  into  several  distinct  classes  or 
grades,  as  are  our  own,  namely  :  we  have  artillery,  cav- 
alry, and  infantry  ;  they  had  knights,  who  were  all  clad 
in  full  armor  and  mounted,  then  battle-axe  or  bill-men, 
then  the  archers  ;  ranking  in  the  order  in  which  they  are 
named.  The  middle  grade  of  soldiers  above  mentioned 
were  known,  when  they  became  incorporated  with  the 
inhabitants  of  Britain,  as  bill-men.  All  had  some  general 
name,  applicable  to  tribes  and  races,  by  which  they  were 
known  to  other  persons  and  races  ;  as  the  Jews,  the  Ro- 
mans, the  Normans,  the  Britons,  &c.  True,  it  is  very 
probable  each  individual  had  some  given  name  by  which 
he  was  personally  identified  among  his  own  people — as 
Isaac,  Jacob,  Saul  of  Tarsus,  &c. ;  but  surnames  were  not 
in  use  much  before  a.  d.  1300.  Indeed,  it  was  full  fifty 
years  later  that  they  came  into  general  use.  The  pre- 
sumption is,  then,  that  at  the  time  of  the  introduction 
of  surnames  into  English  records  our  English  ances- 
tors received  their  name  of  Bill,  from  the  general 
cognomen  that  for  many  years  prior  to  1300  had  been 
applied  to  them,  and  applied,  as  we  have  already  ob- 
served, originally  to  a  class  of  soldiery.  It  was  but 
natural  to  give  this  class— these  bill-men — the  name  of 
Bill. 

We  are  further  sustained  in  this  opinion  by  the 
history  of  those  times.  Worcester  says  bit  is  of  Anglo- 
Saxon  origin  ;  also  German,  beil ;  Danish,  bile  ;  Swedish, 
bila ;  and  gives  the  definition  of  the  word  as  being  a 
hatchet  with  a  crooked  point,  sometimes  called  a  hedge- 
bill.  Milton  uses  the  word  as  meaning  a  sword,  or  a 
battle-axe.  Hall  says  :  There  were  sent  into  France  hun- 
dreds, and  some  not  able  to  draw  a  bow  or  carry  a  bill 
(axe).  As  confirmatory  of  the  descent  of  our  English 
ancestors  from  the  Normans,  we  find  an  eminent  family 


OUR   ENGLISH   ANCESTORS.  -q 

in  Denmark  bearing  the  name  of  Bill.  One  of  the  most 
noted  admirals  in  Danish  history  was  of  this  name.  The 
recent  Danish  minister  at  Washington  also  bore  the 
name  of  Bille,  and  he  expressed  it  as  his  opinion  that  the 
name  of  Bill  in  this  country  was  identical  with  his  own. 

Thus  much  as  to  the  origin  and  application  of  the 
family  name. 

The  writer,  early  in  the  summer  of  1866,  arranged  to 
obtain  what  information  was  possible  of  the  family  in 
England.  The  result  has  been  most  gratifying,  though, 
of  course,  not  all  that  could  be  desired.  During  the  past 
year  a  correspondence  lias  been  opened  with  over  fifty 
different  persons,  bearing  the  name  of  Bill,  in  that 
country. 

It  is  found  that  our  name  is  among  the  oldest  in  all 
England,  being  directly  traceable,  in  a  single  county— 
that  of  Shropshire — for  a  period  of  about  500  years. 
Families  may  be  found  in  the  counties  of  Wiltshire, 
Kent,  Herefordshire,  Yorkshire,  Staffordshire ;  also-  in 
the  cities  of  London,  Birmingham,  Manchester,  and  other 
towns.     The  first  of  whom  we  have  any  special  account  is 

Dr.  Thomas  Bill,*  born  about  1490,  in  Bedfordshire, 
was  a  physician,  and  an  attendant  of  the  Princess 
Elizabeth  in  1549.  This  Thomas  was  a  B.  A.  in  1524,  after- 
wards elected  Fellow  of  Pembroke  Hall,  and  in  1558  the 
degree  of  M.  A.  was  conferred.  Being  a  medical  student, 
he  had  leave  from  his  college,  in  1530,  to  travel  for  three 
years  and  a  quarter  on  the  Continent ;  and  again,  in 
1531,  two  additional  years  were  voted  him  ;  this  was 
that  he  might  be  the  better  fitted  for  his  profession,  by 
visiting  the  medical  schools  and  attending  the  lectures  of 
the  most  eminent  physicians  of  Europe.  He  took  the 
degree  of  M.  D.  at  the  celebrated  university  founded  by 
the  Emperor  Charlemagne,  at  Pavia,  in  Italy,  during  this 


*  See  Athense  Cantabrigienses,  vol.  i.  pp.  98-539. 


12  INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 

time.  He  was  one  of  the  physicians  to  Henry  VIII.  and 
Edward  VI.,  and  from  the  latter  he  received,  on  2Gth 
March,  1546-7,  a  grant  of  £100  per  annum.  The  Princess 
Elizabeth  wrote,  a.  d.,  1549,  the  following  letter  of 
thanks  to  the  Duke  of  Somerset,  in  which  she  mentions 
Dr.  Bill  :— 

*  My  very  good  Loed, 

Many  lines  will  not  serve  to  render  the  least  part  of  the  thanks 
that  your  grace  hath  deserved  of  me,  most  especially  for  that  you 
have  been  careful  for  my  health  ;  and  sending  unto  me  not  only 
your  comfortable  letters  but  also  physicians,  as  Doctor  Bill, 
whose  diligence  and  pains  has  been  a  great  part  of  my  recovery  : 
for  whom  I  do  most  heartily  thank  your  grace,  desiring  you  to 
give  him  thanks  for  me,  who  can  ascertain  you  of  mine  estate  of 
health,  wherefore  I  will  not  write  it.  And  although  I  be  most 
bounden  to  you  in  this  time  of  my  sickness,  yet  I  may  not  be 
unthankful  for  that  your  grace  hath  made  [such]  expedition  for 
my  patent ;  with  my  most  hearty  thanks  and  commendations  to 
you  and  to  my  good  lady  your  wife,  most  heartily  fare  you  well. 
Yo\ir  assured  friend  to  my  power, 

ELIZABETH. 

From  Cheshunt  the  present  Friday — To  my  Lord  Protector's  Grace. 

DOCTOE  BILL  received,  on  2d  March,  1550,  from  St. 
lohn's  College,  a  lease  of  its  estates  of  Heigham  during 
the  Mastership  (Presidency)  of  Dr.  William  Bill.  The 
king  granted  him  and  Agnes  his  wife,  and  to  his  heirs, 
the  Chantry  House  of  Rowney,  also  estates  in  Surry. 
Dr.  Bill's  will  bears  date  June  1,  1551. 

The  next  in  order,  and  perhaps  the  most  conspicuous 
of  all  our  family  in  English  annals,  certainly  a  very 
learned  and  eminent  man,  was 

WILLIAM  BILL,  LL.  D.,  born  at  Ashwell,  in  Hertfordshire, 


*  In  Wood's  Letters  of  Royal  and  Illustrious  Ladies,  vol.  iii  p.  218, 
who  quotes  from  Domestic  Records.  Temp.  Edward  VI.  No.  118  B. 
Stute  Paper  Office. 


OUR   ENGLISH  ANCESTORS.  13 

about  1505,  who  was  probably  a  brother  of  John  Bill,*  of 
Ashwell,  and  also  a  near  relative  of  the  preceding,  cer- 
tainly as  near  as  first  cousin,  and  it  is  not  unlikely  may 
have  been  a  brother.  He  received  his  education  at  St. 
John's  College,  under  Mr.  (afterward  Sir)  John  Chekes. 
He  took  the  degree  of  B.  A.  in  1532-3,  and  was  elected 
Fellow  of  his  college  7th  Nov.,  1535.  About  this  period 
he  was  introduced  by  letter  of  Sir  John's  to  Queen  Anne 
Boleyn,  in  which  he  is  characterized  as  a  "learned  and 
honest  man,  plentifully  endowed  with  knowledge  and  of 
exemplary  morals."  He  attained  the  degree  of  M.  A.  in 
1536,  and  in  1544  the  degree  of  B.  D.  was  conferred.  On 
10th  March,  1546-7,  he  was  (on  the  recommendation  of 
the  Lord  Protector  Somerset)  elected  Masterf  of  St.  John's 
College,  being  at  that  time  "reader  [lecturer]  of  Lynacre's 
Physic  Lecture  ;"  which  post  he  retained  with  his  Mas- 
tership for  two  years. 

In  1547  he  received  the  degree  of  D.  D.,  and  became 
Vice-Chancellor  of  the  University  1548-9,  his  year  of 
office  being  rendered  memorable  by  the  visitation  of 
the  University  under  the  authority  of  a  royal  commis- 
sion. 

In  1551  he  was  appointed  Master  of  Trinity  College, 
and  about  the  same  time  became  one  of  the  King's  six 
Chaplains  in  Ordinary. 

Shortly  after  the  accession  of  Queen  Mary  he  was 
ejected  from  the  Mastership  of  Trinity  in  a  rude  and  inso- 
lent manner  ;  this  was  in  consequence  of  his  decided  faith 
in  Protestantism.  He  now  went  into  retirement,  chiefly 
from  compulsion,  during  the  reign  of  Mary,  remaining 
quite  secluded  lest  his  life  should  be  the  forfeit.    This  was 


*  This  John  Bill  gave  bonds  for  Dr.  William  Bill  in  1535.  This, 
together  with  the  fact  that  Ashwell  was  the  native  place  of  one  and  the 
residence  of  the  other,  confirms  to  our  mind  the  supposed  relationship. 

f  This  term  is  synonymous  with  the  modern  word  President. 


14  INTRODUCTORY   REMARKS. 

a  period  of  great  and  marvellous  events.     At  this  period 
William    Tindall*   was    driven    into   exile,   and    af- 
terward   martyred,    and    all    the    copies    of    his    New 
Testament   that   could   be  found  were  ordered  burned. 
Many  other  eminent  men  of  that  period  forfeited   their 
lives  on  account  of  their  religious  opinions.     From  this 
dire  confusion  in  theology  emerged  Protestant  England, 
full  orbed,  with  Queen  Elizabeth  as  its  champion.     Out 
of  the  darkness  and  chaos  of  struggling  ideas  came  Bun- 
yan'  s  inspired  Pilgrim,  and  Milton' s  Paradise  Regained. 
Dr.  Bill  was  not  allowed  to  remain  in  his  retirement, 
for  those  who  were  persecuted  had  now  all  the  power 
of  the  Throne  behind  them.      On  the  20th  November, 
1558,   being  the  Sunday   immediately   following  Queen 
Elizabeth's  accession,  Dr.  Bill  preached  at   St.  Paul's 
Cross,  and  soon  thereafter  was  made  Her  Majesty's  Chief 
Almoner,   and  was  also   restored  to  the   Mastership   of 
Trinity.     In  June  25,  1559,  he  became  Fellow  of  Etonf 
College,  whereof  he  was  elected  Provost  5th  July  follow- 
ing ;  his  election  being  confirmed  on  the  29th,  by  the 
Chapter  of  Canterbury ;  the   Sees  of  Canterbury  and 
Lincoln  being  both  then  vacant. 

,  On  the  20th  September  in  the  same  year  he  was  insti- 
tuted to  the  Prebend  of  Milton  Ecclesia  in  the  church 
of  Lincoln.  He  was  also  appointed  a  member  of  the 
royal  ecclesiastical  commission,  consisting  of  the  famed 
Bishop  Cranmer  and  others,  empowered  to  revise  the 
calendar  of  Lessons  or  Homilies  to  be  used  in  the  church 


*  William  Tindall  was  born  near  Wales,  and  became  a  very  learned  man 
and  greatly  versed  in  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures.  He  was 
compelled  on  account  of  his  enmity  to  Romanism,  and  its  minions  in  Eng- 
land, to  leave  that  country.  He  went  to  Antiverp,  and  an  English  spy 
was  set  upon  him,  and  he  was  arrested  and  imprisoned,  and  finally  burnt 
at  the  stake  in  Tilford,  a.  d.  153G.  (Fox's  Book  of  Martyrs,  pp.  258, 
264,) 

t  One  of  the  most  noted  schools  in  England  even  in  this  day. 


OUR   ENGLISH   ANCESTORS.  15 

service  throughout  the  year ;  and  was  otherwise  much 
occupied  in  divers  matters  relating  to  the  settlement  of  the 
Church.  On  the  30th  June,  1560,  he  was  installed  Dean 
of  Westminster,  being  the  first  incumbent  of  that  office. 
He  died  on  the  15th  July,  1561,  and  was  interred  on 
the  20th  of  that  month,  in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Benedict,  in 
Westminster  Abbey,  where  there  is  an  altar-tomb  having 
thereon  a  brass  with  an  outline  portrait  [effigy]  of  the 
deceased,  and  also  the  following  inscription  around  the 
verge : — 

Hie jacet  Gualiel  Bill  Theologise  Doctor 
Deanus  Westmonast  Primarius  Collegii  iEtonae 
Collegii  Trinitatis  apud  Cantabrigiam 
Prsefectus  et  serenissamse  Resjinae  Elizabethai 
Summus  Eleemosynaris  Obiit  15  Julii 
Anno  Salutis  1561. 

Under  the  effigy  are  other  lines  in  Latin,  setting  forth 
the  character  of  the  man,  his  moral  worth,  and  his  great 
wisdom.  By  his  will,  dated  May  6,  1561,  and  proved 
December  17  in  the  same  year,  he  constituted  Sir  William 
Cecil  and  Sir  Robert  Catlyn  his  executors,  and  be- 
queathed to  Trinity  College  100  marks  for  the  fabric  of 
the  new  chapel ;  also  £10  for  poor  students,  and  to  the 
poor  of  Ashwell,  his  native  town,  £30.  He  also  gave  his 
plate  to  the  College  of  Westminster,  with  furniture  for 
the  college  ;  and  he  and  Matthew  Page  were  the  donors 
of  the  coverlets  in  the  long  chamber  at  Eton. 

Dr.  Bill  drew  the  statutes  of  the  College  of  West- 
minster, but  they  did  not  receive  the  royal  sanction  until 
after  his  decease,  when,  at  the  instance  of  Dean  Goodman, 
Dr.  Bill's  successor,  they  were  submitted  to  the  Queen's 
learned  counsellors,  and  were  approved  and  adopted.* 
"  He  was  also  associated  with  others  in  reviewing  the  old 
Common  Prayer  Book,  and  weighing  all  things  to  render 


Stow's  Survey  of  London.     Book  vi.  p.  12. 


16  INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

it  fit  to  be  presented  to  Parliament  to  confirm  it  by  an 
act."  This  labor  "  was  performed  at  Sir  Thomas  Smith's 
house  in  Westminster."* 

No  other  person  ever  held,  at  the  same  lime,  the  three 
important  positions  of  Master  of  Trinity,  Provost  of  Eton,' 
and  Dean  of  Westminster.  His  portrait  in  brass,  on  the 
tomb  before  referred  to,  was  sketched  in  1820  by  Hard- 
ing, and  engraved  on  steel  by  a  Mr.  Grave  of  London. 
For  what  publication  this  steel  engraving  was  made  is  at 
present  unknown  to  the  writer,  but  it  gives  us  great 
pleasure  to  state  that  in  the  fall  of  1866,  after  diligent 
inquiry,  a  proof-copy,  on  india-paper,  was  found  in  the 
interior  of  England,  and  is  now  in  our  possession.  It  is 
from  this  that  we  are  enabled  to  furnish  a  likeness  of  this 
distinguished  member  of  the  family  for  the  present  vol- 
ume. Undoubtedly  it  is  a  very  imperfect  representation 
of  the  man  ;  yet,  if  we  remember  that  the  portrait  in 
brass — of  which  this  is  a  perfect  copy — was  cut  when  the 
art  was  in  its  infancy,  no  apology  will  be  required  for  its 
short-comings  as  a  likeness.  It  is  probably  by  far  the 
oldest  portrait  of  any  of  the  family,  in  either  England  or 
America,  extant,  being  over  three  hundred  years  since  it 
was  first  engraved  and  placed  on  his  monument  in  that 
ancient  abbey,  sacred  in  the  memory  of  Englishmen  as 
the  burial-place  of  the  learned  and  great  of  their  country. 

His  daughter  Mary  married  Francis  Samwell,  Auditor 
to  King  Henry  VII.  Their  son  and  heir,  Sir  William 
Samwell, f  received  the  honor  of  Knighthood  at  the  coro- 
nation of  King  James  I.  Sir  William  wedded  Jane, 
daughter  of  Sir  Henry  Skipworth,  Knight  of  Keythorpe. 

CHARLES  BILL,*  born  in  London  about  1550,  and, 
as  believed,  a  son  of  the  preceding,  was  educated  at  Eton, 

•f  See  Strype's  Annals  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  London:  1719.    Vol.  I. 

*  This  ancient  family  of  Samwells  were  seated  at  Restornial  Castle. 
His  estates  were  the  Manor  and  Lordship  of  Upton.  Had  also  estates 
in  Middlesex  and  Surry,  and  in  the  city  of  Londun.      Seat,  Upton  Hall. 


OUR  ENGLISH  ANCESTORS.  17 

and  elected  thence  to  King's  College,  whereof  he  was 
admitted  a  scholar  August  16,  1568,  and  Fellow  in  Au- 
gust 17,  1571. 

He  took  the  degree  of  B.  A.  1572,  and  in  1576  had 
the  degree  of  M.  A.  conferred. 

During  the  time  Dr.  Bridgewater  held  the  office  of 
public  orator,  he  was  chosen  as  his  deputy.  On  the 
21st  of  February,  1580,  he  was  enjoined  at  the  instance 
of  the  royal  authority,  and  by  the  special  request  of  the 
Provost  of  the  college,  "  to  divert  to  the  study  of  the 
Civil  Law  ;"  subsequently  he  became  secretary  to  Lord 
Cobham.  In  1609  he  is  "the  Mr.  Bill,  an  excellent 
scholar,"  who  was  recommended  by  Sir  Vincent  Skinner 
to  Sir  Michael  Hicks  to  succeed,  on  Sir  Thomas  Smith's 
decease,  to  his  office  of  Latin  secretary  to  the  King. 

He  was  the  author  of  several  important  Latin  letters  ; 
also  one  in  English,  published  in  the  name  of  the  Uni- 
versity ;  also  of  Latin  verses  on  the  "  Death  of  Sir  Philip 
Sidney,"  now  in  the  University  Collection.  No  account 
of  his  death  has  been  found. 

JOHN  BILL,  born  in  the  parish  of  Much  Wenlock,+ 
and  baptized  1576  ;  he  appears  in  London  in  1613  X  as  a 
"  Publisher  to  King  James  I.  Most  Excellent  Majestic" 
One  of  the  earliest  volumes  showing  the  imprint  of  this 
Mr.  Bill  is  that  written  by  King  James  I.,  bearing  the 
following  title:  "The  workes  of  the  Most  High  and 
Mighty  Prince  James,  by  the  Grace  of  God  Kinge  of 
Great  Brittain,  France  and  Ireland  ;  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  1616."  This  volume  comprises  a  collection  of  the 
works  written  by  the  king  himself ;  and  it  is  believed 
that  only  one  copy  exists  in  this  country,  and   that  is 

*  Athens  Cantabrigienses,  vol.  i. 
t  This  town  is  in  Shropshire  [Salop],  England. 

\  See  description  of  ancient  editions  of  the  Bible,  by  Francis  Fry, 
London.     (Privately  printed.; 


18  INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

held  to  be  of  great  value  from  its  antiquity  and  conse- 
quent rarity.  It  may  be  seen  at  the  New  York  Society 
Library,  situated  in  University  Place. 

From  the  year  1607*  to  1700,  the  names,  first  of  John, 
and  then  that  of  his  son  Charles,  as  his  successor,  ap- 
pear as  publishers.  The  chief  publications  issued  by 
them  were  Bibles,  Prayer-Books,  for  the  use  of  churches, 
and  copies  of  the  New  Testament  Scriptures  ;  though 
copies  of  sermons  preached  in  London  in  1619  and  1620, 
also  volumes  in  Latin,  are  found  that  bear  the  imprint  of 
the  former,  showing  their  business  to  have  been  that  of 
general  publishing,  f 

The  printing  of  the  Scriptures  at  this  period  was  sub- 
ject to  the  special  control  of  the  crown,  and  none  were 
allowed  to  print  the  same  except  by  royal  permission  ; 
great  care  being  exercised  as  to  who  had  the  royal  license, 
lest  changes  in  the  text  should  occur. 

In  1639  we  find  the  name  of  John  Bill  used  as  pub- 
lisher by  his  assignees,  whether  the  business  of  publish- 
ing had  proved  unprofitable,  or  his  other  enterprises 
involved  him  in  financial  difficulty,  we  know  not ;  the 
fact  that  the  business  being  still  carried  on  in  his  name, 
and  continued  by  his  son,  would  lead  us  to  infer  the 
business  in  itself  was  not,  perhaps,  unprofitable.  Their 
style  of  imprint  after  this  shows  a  partnership,  but  prior 
to  1700  the  son  Charles's  name  appears,  and  continues 
to  that  period,  when  it  is  no  longer  found. 

AVe  find  at  the  American  Bible  House  in  New  York, 
on  Fourth  Avenue,  a  number  of  these  Bibles  above  men- 
tioned. They  are  very  carefully  preserved,  with  other 
valuable  books,  in  a  private  room,  under  lock  and  key, 
into  which  no  stranger  is  allowed  to  enter  without  an 

*  See  Wood's  Atbense  Oxonienses:  London.     Vol.  ii. 

t  W.  A  Jones,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  the  husband  of  Mary  Elizabeth 
Bill,  daughter  ofOapt.  Gordon  Bill,  has  a  copy  of  the  Church  Homilies 
published  by  this  John  Hill  in  1023. 


OUR  ENGLISH  ANCESTORS. 


19 


attendant.  This  society  have  thirteen  copies,  twelve 
of  which  are  of  different  editions,  and  they  range  in 
size  from  large  folios  down  to  18m o.  On  the  same 
shelves  with  the  Bibles  named  stand  the  famous  Thomas 
Matthews*  Bible ;  also,  near  by  is  the  supposed  pocket 
Bible  of  John  Milton,  a  very  beautiful  miniature  copy  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures. 

A  partner  of  John  Bill,  Christopher  Barker,  is  re- 
puted to  have  published  the  first  news-sheet,  called  the 
English  Mercurie,\  issued  to  contradict  false  reports 
concerning  the  descent  of  the  Spanish  Armada  upon  the 
coast  of  England.  There  is  some  doubt  whether  Barker 
was  or  was  not  the  publisher  of  this  news-sheet,  and  the 
query  is,  if  he  was  not,  who  was  %  There  can  be  only 
one  other  person  who  can  rightly  claim  this  distinction, 
and  he  is  John  Bill.  We  know  that  he  printed  the  first 
London  Gazette %%  in  the  time  of  Charles  II.  Bill  & 
Barker  was  the  name  of  the  firm  for  some  years  carrying 
on  the  business  of  publishing.  § 

This  John  Bill  was  the  first  King's  printer,  says 
Cunningham,  and  the  name  of  Printing-House  Square 
was  given  to  his  place  of  business  after  the  royal  license 
was  granted  him.  The  King' s  printers  continued  to  do 
business  in  this  locality  until  1770,  when  a  removal  oc- 
curred, but  it  still  continues  to  be  known  as  Printing- 
House  Square,  and  may  be  said  to  deserve  it,  for  here 


*  Thomas  Matthews  was  the  assumed  name  of  the  Rev.  John  Rogers, 
the  Martyr.     See  Dr.  Kitto,  p.  34. 

t  Harleian  Miscellany,  vol.  iii.  p.  17  :  London,  1745.  Copies  of  this 
paper  may  be  seen  in  the  British  Museum. 

I  Cunningham's  Hand-Book  of  London,  vol.  ii.  Article  :  Printing- 
Ilouse  Square,  Blackfriars. 

§  Repertorium  Bibliographium,  London,  1819,  states  that  at  the  .sale 
of  the  library  of  the  Rev.  S.  Palmer  there  was  an  elegant  4to  Bible  sold, 
with  the  names  of  Bill  &  Barker  as  publishers,  which  had  been  the 
companion  of  John  Bunyan  during  his  confinement  of  twelve  yeai-fl  in 
Bedford  jail.     This  Bible  brought,  in  1814,  £21. 


20  INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

the   London    Times — the   celebrated  newspaper — estab- 
lished January  1,  1787,  is  printed  and  published. 

We  have  an  account  of  an  edition  of  the  Bible  in  the 
Welsh  tongue,  pronounced  one  of  the  purest  translations 
ever  made,  and  issued  between  16fi0  and  1700.  Two  re- 
ports reach  us  relating  to  it :  one,  that  it  was  translated 
by  Charles  Bill,  said  to  be  of  Llundain,  Wales  ;  the  other, 
that  it  was  published  by  him.  Of  course  we  credit  the 
latter  statement,  though  some  color  is  given  to  the  pos- 
sible truth  of  the  first  report,  since  we  find  families  of 
Bills  now,  in  1866,  at  both  Flint  and  Mold,  in  Wales, 
where  they  have  long  resided.  It  is  not  impossible  for 
both  to  be  correct. 

Outside  of  the  Bible  Society  Rooms,  in  New  York,  we 
know  of  but  two  copies — one  is  owned  by  Griirdon  Bill, 
of  Springfield,  Mass.  ;  this  bears  the  imprint  of  Charles 
Bill :  London,  1698  ;  the  othei  is  in  the  hands  of  a  family 
living  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  same  State. 

John  Bill  married  for  his  first  wife  Anne,  daughter 
of  Thomas  Mountford,  D.  D.,  born  about  the  year  15 — . 
She  was  the  author  of  a  work  entitled,  ;i  Mirror  of  Modes- 
tie  ''*  [8vo],  which  was  published  in  London,  1621.  In  a 
subsequent  edition,  published  in  1719,  long  after  her 
death,  by  the  well-known  printer  Bindley,  of  London, 
— whose  works  are  highly  esteemed  as  models  of  the 
typographic  art — was  an  additional  poem,  dedicated 
to  her  memory,  together  with  an  engraved  plate  on 
steel  of  a  "Monument  of  Mortalitie."  This  work  is 
very  rare.  There  are  copies  to  be  had  in  England  oc- 
casionally, but  only  at  fabulous  prices.  At  the  time  of 
its  publication,  in  1719,  even,  it  was  sold  at  £3  16s.  per 
copy,  sterling.  She  was  a  lady  of  some  celebrit}',  greatly 
skilled  in  music,  possessing  eminent  virtues,  and  was 
held  in  high  esteem. 

*  See  Biographers'  Manual,  by  Win.  Tlios.  Lowndes.  Pub.  by  Wm. 
Pickering,  London :   1834. 


OUR  ENGLISH  ANCESTORS.  21 

She  died  May  3d,  1621,  aged  33  years,  and  was  buried 
at  St.  Faith's,  under  St.  Paul's. 

He  married  for  his  second  wife  Joan,  daughter  of 
Henry  Franklin,  of  Throwley,  in  Kent.  Her  death  is  not 
given.  His  will  bears  date  1630  ;  it  may  have  been 
proved  at  a  subsequent  period — further  than  this  we  have 
no  data  of  his  death.  He  was  buried  at  St.  Anne's, 
Blackfriars,  in  London.  By  his  will  he  left  the  sum  of 
£15  to  the  parish  of  Much  Wenlock,  where  he  was 
born.  The  Parish  Register's  office  of  that  town  was 
burned  some  years  since,  and  a  portion  of  the  records 
were  destroyed.* 

The  children  we  give  below  :— 
By  first  wife : 

John. 
By  second  wife  : 
Anne, 
Charles, 
Henry, 
Mary. 
All  these  are  mentioned  in  their  father's  will,  as  are 
also  one  William  Bill,  a  supposed  brother,  and  Thomas 
and  John,  supposed  nephews. 

The  families  at  present  residing  in  England  are  be- 
lieved to  have  descended,  chiefly,  from  Charles  and 
Henry,  named  above. 

We  find  that  Henry  Bill,  Esquire,  a  grandson  of  John 
Bill  (King's  printer),  and  probably  a  son  of  the  son 
Henry  above,  was  settled  at  Seaford  in  1680.  He  married 
Letitia,  a  daughter  of  Sir  James  Colbrond,  Bart.  He  died 
in  1696.     A  cousin  of  the  last  named,  as  is  supposed,  John 


*  This  and  other  facts  were  communicatee!  by  Mr.  John  Bill,  who 
resides  in  the  same  town  where  his  ancestor  and  namesake  was  born. 
He  writes  under  date  of  February  25,  1867,  that  his  is  the  only  family 
bearing  the  name  in  the  parish  of  Much  Wenlock,  the  ancient  homo 
of  the  Bills. 


22  INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

Bill,  Esquire,  whose  name  appears  in  Bloome's  Britannia, 
1672,  as  one  of  the  Middlesex  gentry,  married  Lady  Diana, 
a  daughter  of  Mildmay  Fane,  second  Earl  of  Westmore- 
land, and  widow  of  John  Pelham,  Esquire,  of  Brokelsby, 
County  of  Lincoln. 

*  There  is,  in  a  rare  volume  of  poems,  published  in 
London,  some  verses  dedicated  to  Mrs.  Diana  Bill,  in 
which  a  wish  is  expressed  that  "  the  noble  race  of  West- 
moreland might  spread,"  &c. 

We  have  come  now  to  the  period  when  our  first  ances- 
tors appeared  in  America  ;  these,  as  will  be  shown  in  the 
next  chapter,  were  John  and  Dorothy  Bill.  If  we  turn 
back,  and  look  again  at  the  list  of  the  children  of  John 
Bill  (King's  printer),  we  find  his  eldest  son,  bearing  his 
name,  to  be  a  man  grown  in  1630.  What  became  of  him  % 
I  am  unable  to  find  any  thing  relating  to  him  after  the 
date  of  his  father's  will  [1630],  If  it  be  reasonable  to 
suppose  that  his  father  died  at  or  about  the  time  of  the 
date  of  his  will,  then  it  will  be  seen  he  had  no  nearer 
relatives  living  in  England  than  half-brothers  and 
sisters.  It  is  not  probable  his  father  left  any  great 
estate,  for  he  had  made  an  assignment  some  time  prior 
to  his  decease,  as  has  been  stated.  Then  several  other 
causes,  all  tending  to  induce  emigration,  may  be  men- 
tioned, namely :  the  fact  of  the  loss  of  both  his  father 
and  mother,  and  his  being  left  in  humble  circumstances 
through  unfortunate  enter p rises  of  his  late  father,  and, 
added  to  this,  the  possible  unsatisfactory  treatment  by 
his  stepmother,  and  probably,  above  all,  the  intolerant 
spirit  that  pervaded  all  England  in  religious  affairs — 
these,  quite  likely,  proved  a  sufficient  sum  of  grievances 
to  cause  his  exit  from  the  country  of  his  birth  to  the 
then  new  western  world,  where  he  might  be  free  from 
both  civil  and  religious  despotism. 

*  This  we  have  from  Mr.  W.  M.  Bill,  Bournemouth,  Hants,  England. 


OUR  ENGLISH  ANCESTORS. 


23 


We  do  not  wish  to  assert  as  a  positive  and  ascer- 
tained fact  that  this  John  is  the  John  Bill  whom  we 
claim  as  our  paternal  ancestor  in  America,  but,  neverthe- 
less, it  is  our  belief,  and  many  minor  matters  contribute 
to  confirm  our  opinion.  We  might  name  one  of  the  minor 
considerations  ;  that  is,  the  perpetuation  of  the  same 
family  names  by  John  and  Dorothy  as  were  common  to 
the  family  at  that  very  period  in  England,  and  had  been, 
for  many  years  prior,  old  family  names. 

Nothing  further  remains  for  us  but  to  give  here  the 
coat-of-arms  *  as  worn  by  Charles  Horsfall  Bill,  Esquire, 
of  Dauntsey  House,  Chippenham,  Wiltshire,  England. 

Arms  :  Ei-m.  two  wood-bills  [battle-axes]  sa.  with  long  handles 
ppr.  in  saltier,  on  a  chief  az.  a  pale  or,  charged  with  a 
rose  gu.  betw.  two  pelicans'  heads  erased  at  the  neck  ar. 


*  We  find  in  the  various  works  on  heraldry  five  different  eoats-of- 
arms  belonging  to  the  Bills,  but  the  one  above  given  is  believed  to  be  the 
correct  one,  though  no  crest  is  mentioned;  yet  for  the  full  coat-of-arms  see 
title-page,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred.  It  may  be  worn,  however, 
without  the  crest. 


THE    BILL    FAMILY 

IN    AMERICA. 


FIEST    GENERATION. 

1.    JOHN    AND    DOROTHY    BILL. 

This  country  bad  long  been  known  to  Europeans  prior  to 
tbe  embarkation  of  tbe  Pilgrims  at  Delft  Haven  for  New 
England.  The  coast-line  had  been  roughly  sketched  by  the 
Dutch  and  other  adventurers  who  had  sailed  up  and-  down 
the  line  of  the  continent,  making  lodgments  here  and  there 
for  purposes  of  trade  and  colonization  ;  but  it  was  not  until 
1620  that  the  Pilgrims,  previously  driven  from  England,  left 
Holland  for  a  home  in  America. 

Many  thoughts  come  crowding  for  expression  as  we  reflect 
on  the  mysterious  causes  that  for  centuries  had  been  at  work 
preparing,  as  it  were,  a  people  of  simple  yet  of  pure  faith  as 
seed  with  which  to  populate  a  new  world. 

The  history  of  Europe  and  contiguous  countries  prior  to 
this  time  forms  little  else  than  a  series  of  hideous  chapters 
relating  to  the  conquests  of  States  and  races,  of  wars  and  des- 
potisms, both  civil  and  religious,  ever  culminating  in  martyr- 
doms, and  turmoils,  and  strifes  among  neighboring  popula- 
tions, intolerance  meanwhile  everywhere  prevailing,  even  as 
late  as  the  sixteenth  century. 

Such,  in  brief,  were  the  elemental  causes  inducing  emi- 
gration ;  and  it  is  from  this  point  that  we  proceed  to  the  task 
of  collecting  the  history  of  our  family  in  America. 

The  earliest  mention  of  any  of  the  name  of  Bill  is  found  in 
the  ancient  records  of  the  "  Town  of  Boston,"  where  we  read  :  s 


26  TIIE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

"  John  Bill  died  10  mo.,  163S."  A  month  later,  January  21, 
1638-9,  Richard  Tuttell  [Tuttle]  became  responsible  to  the 
town  of  Boston  for  "  one  Dorothie  Bill,  widdowe,  a  sojourm  r 
in  his  house"  and  "for  any  thing  about  her."* 

Before  proceeding  further,  we  will  state,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  general  reader,  that  prior  to  1752  two  methods  of  com- 
mencing the  year  prevailed  in  England.  The  Ecclesiastical, 
as  also  the  Legal  year,  commenced  on  the  25th  March,  but 
the  Historical  year  on  the  first  of  January.  This  custom  pre- 
vailed in  the  colonies  until  by  an  act  of  Parliament,  in  1751, 
the  first  of  January  was  also  made  the  beginning  of  the  legal 
year.  We  may  add,  also,  that  the  Arabic  numbers  were  fre- 
quently written  in  place  of  the  names  of  the  month  ;  hence  the 
tenth  month,  as  expressed  above,  was  December,  while  1038 
refers  to  the  legal  vear,  and  the  addition  of  the  figure  9,  in 
the  last  quotation  above,  denotes  the  historical  year. 

The  ancient  phraseology  used  above,  pertaining  to  Dorothie 
Bill,  means  that  she  had  lately  become  a  widow,  and  Mr. 
Tuttle,  who  was  probably  her  brother,  engaged  to  meet  any 
expense  that  might  arise  on  account  of  her  and  her  children. 
"Anything  about  her  "  undoubtedly  refers  to  children  con- 
nected with  said  Dorothy,  who  might  possibly  occasion  ex- 
pense. Dorothy  Bill  had  at  this  time  at  least  one  son, 
James  Bill,  who  was  a  full-grown  man,  aged  23.  We  also 
feel  quite  certain  she  had  two  other  sons,  namely,  Thomas, 
near  20  years  of  age,  and  Philip,  who  was  still  younger. 
These  sons,  if  not  living  with  their  mother,  would  be  likely 
to  visit  her  from  time  to  time.  A  year  later,  we  find  Dorothy 
and  her  son  James  living  together. 

We  find  no  record  of  the  arrival  in  this  country  of  John 
and  Dorothy  Bill,  whom  we  believe  to  have  been  husband 
and  wife,  although  no  record  makes  it  certain  ;  but  when  we 
consider  the  record  of  the  death  of  John  Bill,f  as  heretofore 

*  Drake's  History  of  Boston,  p.  245. 

f  Savage's  Genealogical  Dictionary  infers  that,  this  John  v.-a-  the  hoy 

John  that  came  in  the  ship  ••Hopewell.''     This  is  hardly  possible. 


FIRST   GENERATION.  27 

given,  we  are  impressed  with  the  belief  that  it  is  the  death  of 
an  adult,  and  not  of  a  child.  Had  it  been  a  child,  the  parents' 
names  would  have  formed  part  of  the  record,  as  in  other  cases. 

It  is  assumed  that  John  and  Dorothy  must  have  arrived  in 
the  colony  p rior  to  1635,  for  we  find  that  a  boy  named  John 
Bill,  aged  13,  came  in  the  ship  "  Hopewell,"  in  1635 ;  also, 
that  one  Mary  Bill,  aged  11,  came  in  the  ship  "Planter" 
about  the  same  time.  There  is  little  reason  to  doubt  these 
two  children  were  also  the  children  of  John  and  Dorothy,  for 
we  find  the  girl  Mary  Bill  in  company  with  the  Tuttles,  and 
apparently  one  of  their  family,  as  her  name  immediately  fol- 
lows their  names  in  the  list  of  passengers. 

It  is  probable  that  John  and  Dorothy  Bill,  induced  by 
the  same  reasons  that  drove  the  earlier  Pilgrims  to  seek  a 
home  in  America,  and  by  other  reasons  mentioned  in  the  pre- 
vious chapter,  came  hither,  with  their  three  eldest  children,  as 
pioneers  ;  and  made  a  settlement,  and  otherwise  provided  for 
the  reception  of  their  remaining  family  and  friends,  who  came, 
as  we  have  seen,  in  1635,  in  the  vessels  above.  The  fact  that 
after  the  death  of  the  husband  of  Dorothy,  Richard  Tuttle 
became  responsible  for  her  and  her  children ;  and  the  other 
fact,  that  Mary  Bill  came  in  company  with  the  Tuttles,  on 
board  of  the  "  Planter,"  leaves  the  impression  on  our  minds, 
indeed,  there  seems  to  be  no  question,  that  Richard  Tuttle  was 
a  brother  of  Dorothy  Bill,  and  consequently  an  uncle  of  the 
children.  This  in  part  explains  how  the  parents  came  to  leave 
their  two  youngest  children  behind  them  in  England;  also, 
how  it  came  that  Richard  Tuttle  should  volunteer  to  become 
responsible  for  the  widow  and  children  of  John  Bill,  and  that 
the  widow  should  "  sojourn  in  his  house." 

It  is  not  remarkable  that  neither  the  names  of  John  or 
Dorothy  Bill,  or  their  three  eldest  children,  appear  in  any  of 
the  volumes  in  the  Rolls  Office,  London,  containing  names  of 
the  early  emigrants,  and  made  by  order  of  the  Home  Govern- 
ment. They  must  be  incomplete,  or  else  they  do  not  cover  the 
entire  period.     Drake,  in   his  "  Founders  of  New  England," 


28  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

speaks  of  these  volumes  as  being  somewhat  damaged  by 
water,  and  it  will  be  noticed  he  gives  no  list  of  emigrants  for 
New  England  in  1633.  Widow  Dorothy  Bill  did  not  long 
remain  in  the  house  of  her  (supposed)  brother,  Richard  Tuttle, 
for  on  the  27th  of  January,  1639-40,  Robert  Mears  sold  to 
Dorothy  Bill  and  her  son  James  Bill  his  house  a,nd  garden, 
"  where  they  now  live.'7* 

Richard  Tuttle,  above  named,  soon  became  a  man  of  note 
in  Boston.  He  was  made  a  freeman  March  3,  1635-6,  and, 
during  the  same  month,  was  chosen,  with  Thomas  Oliver, 
Thomas  Leverett,  William  Hutchinson,  Thomas  Colbarne, 
and  others,  one  of  a  committee  to  oversee  and  regulate  the 
internal  concerns  of  the  town.  In  1638  he  had  an  allotment 
of  land  at  Rumney  Marsh  and  Pullen  Point,  which  may  have 
led  the  wTay  to  James  Bill,  his  supposed  nephew,  settling 
there.  In  November  5,  1638,  Richard  Tuttle  was  chosen 
constable  of  Boston.  He  died  May  8,  1640.  His  autograph 
is  in  Drake's  History  of  Boston,  p.  243. 

There  is  no  record  of  the  death  of  Dorothy  Bill.  We 
assume,  and  feel  justified  in  the  assumption,  that  John  Bill 
was  the  husband  of  Dorothy  (Tuttle)  Bill,  and  that  they  had 
the  following  children : 

2  f  James,2     b.  in  England  1615  ;  m.  Mary 

3  f  Thomas,'  b.  in       do.       about     1618;     m.     (1)     Elizabeth 

Nichols ;  (2)  Abigail  Willis. 

4  f  Philip,2      b.  in  England  about  1620;  m.  Hannah 

5  John,'        b.  in       do.       1622. 

6  Mary,'       b.  in       do.        1624. 

Of  the  above  children,  we  know  that  James  was  the  son  of 
Dorothy.  Of  John  and  Mary,  we  only  know  that  they  came 
in  1635.  We  do  not  hear  of  them  again.  Of  James,  Thomas, 
and  Philip,  and  their  descendants,  we  have  now  to  trace ; 
and  it  will  be  interesting  to  see  how  so  small  a  family  as  this 
of  John  and  Dorothy's  has  expanded  and  widened,  until,  in 
1867,  a  period  of  over  two  centuries  and  a  quarter,   their 

*  Boston  Record  of  Deeds  in  Drake's  History  of  Boston,  p.  260. 


SECOND    GENERATION.  29 

name  should  come  to  embrace,  in  its  geographical  limits — a 
continent. 


SECOND    GENEEATIOS". 
2. 

JAMES  BILL,  son  of  John  and  Dorothy  Bill,  was  born  in 
England,  in  1615,  as  we  learn  from  the  inscription  on  his 
gravestone,  still  standing  in  Copp's  Hill  burying-ground, 
Boston.  lie  came  to  this  country  in  company  with  his 
parents,  as  has  been  assumed,  prior  to  1635,  at  the  age  of 

20  years.     He  married  Mary ,  who  was  also  born  in 

England,  in  1613.  She  died  August  9,  1688,  aged  75,  seven 
months  after  her  husband,  and  was  buried  by  his  side.  Being 
-  two  years  older  than  her  husband,  it  is  probable  that  she  was 
his  first  and  only  wife. 

James  Bill  is  first  made  known  to  us  by  his  purchase,  con- 
jointly with  his  mother,  Dorothy  Bill,  of  a  house  and  garden 
from  Kobert  Mears,  January  27,  1639-40.  James  and  his 
mother  lived  there  at  the  time.  This  property  must  have 
been  on  or  near  what  is  now  Sudbury  Street. 

He  must,  soon  after  this,  have  bought  property  at  Pullen 
Point,  for  we  find  him  selling  six  acres  of  land  at  that 
place,  which  implies  a  previous  purchase.  The  date  of  the 
said  sale  is  in  April,  1645  :  how  long  he  had  owned  this  piece 
of  property  is  not  known  to  the  writer,  but  it  is  probable  he 
came  into  possession  of  it  between  the  date  of  the  first  pur- 
chase of  a  house  and  garden  in  Boston,  in  1639-40,  and  the 
date  of  his  sale,  which  was,  as  we  have  said,  in  1645.  He, 
however,  must  soon  after  have  made  other  and  extensive  pur- 
chases at  Pullen  Point,  at  which  place  we  find  him  residing 
shortly  after,  and  where  he  continued  during  the  remainder 
of  his  life.  Our  knowledge  of  the  transaction  of  the  sale 
above  named  is  derived  from  the  following  document : — 

"  James  Bill  of  Boston,  in  New  England,  for  the  summe  of 


3()  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Ten  pounds doth  sell  and  deliver  up  to  Bernard  En- 

gle  [Ingalls]  all  my  land  at  Pulling  Point  wch  I  pur- 
chased of  Mr.  "Wentwortli  Daye,  there  inhabiting,  with  all  the 

housing*  upon  it the  s'1  land  being  six  acres  more  or 

lesse,  bounded  North  and  South  with  the  land  of  the  s'1  Mr. 
"Wentworth  Daye,  with  the  land  of  Serg.  Major  Gibbons  to- 
wards the  West,  with  the  land  of  John  Evered  [Webb]  of 
Boston,  towards  the  East.  Morover  I  do  hereby  warrant  the 
house  and  land  now  sold,  &c.  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand 
this  tenth  of  the  second  moneth  [April]  1645."  Subscribed 
by  James  Bill.     (Suff.  Deeds,  5  :  45,  4(5). 

The  foregoing  is  an  indorsement  on  a  confirmatory  deed, 
dated  February,  1664-5,  but  "  signed,  sealed,  and  delivered," 
July,  1666;  acknowledged  before  Richard  Bellingham,  Gov- 
ernor, and  signed  by  James  Bill  and  Mary  his  wife.  In 
explanation  of  this  confirmatory  deed,  we  may  say  that  no 
registry  of  deeds  for  the  county  of  Suffolk  existed  till  1653. 
There  had  been  some  litigation  and  much  confusion  about 
landed  estates,  from  the  want  of  a  proper  system  of  transfers 
and  method  in  their  record.  (See  Drake's  History  of  Boston, 
p.  785.)  The  document  quoted  above  is  of  great  import- 
ance. It  shows  that  James  Bill  bought  land  at  Pulling-  Point 
as  early  as  1645,  if  not  before;  and  that  he  probably  resided 
there  at  that  time.  Pulling  [Pullen]  Point  was  then  a  part 
of  the  territory  of  Boston,  though  afterwards  included  in  the 
town  of  Chelsea  [1738].  and  now  in  the  town  of  Winthrop. 

The  earliest  conveyance  of  landed  property  in  this  country 
to  any  of  the  name  of  Bill,  except  as  already  noted,  is  the  fol- 
lowing. Of  the  two  already  mentioned  there  is  no  copy. 
We  give  an  exact  copy  of  this  deed  ;  not  only  as  a  matter 
of  antiquarian  curiosity,  but  chiefly  in  view  of  the  interest 
all  the  family  will  take  in  its  perusal.  It  will  be  seen  to  be 
a  deed  of  a  house  and  lot  situate  in  Boston,  given  by  Evan 
Thomas  to  James  Bill : — 

*  Housing  or  Ilouaen  was  the  plural  of  house. 


SECOND   GENERATION.  31 

To  all  Christian  People  to  wliome  these  prsents  shall  come 
Evan  Thomas  of  Boston  Newe  England  inholder  sendeth 
greeting  in  our  Lord  God  everlasting.  Know  yee  that  I  said 
Evan  Thomas  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  some  of  ffoure- 
score  poundes  sterl  to  me  in  hand  paid  by  James  Bill  of  Pul- 
lin  Poynt  planter  wherewth  I  do  acknowledge  my  self  to  be 
fully  satisfied  contented  and  paid  &  thereof  &  of  every  pt  & 
prcell  thereof  do  exonerate  aqnitt  &  discharge  the  said  James 
Bill  his  heires  exexutors  &  administrators  &  every  of  them 
forever,  by  theis  prsts,  have  given  graunted  bargained  sold 
enfeoffed  and  confirmed  And  by  theis  prsts  do  freely  and 
absolutely  give  graunt  bargaine  sell  enfeoff  &  confirm  unto 
the  said  James  Bill  his  heires  &  as>ignes  for  ever  All  that 
my  dwelling  house  &  celler  &  what  soever  building  doth 
thereunto  belong  or  appertain  togeither  with  the  land  &  garden 
or  backside  thereunto  belonging  &  adjoining  as  it  is  nowe 
fenced  &  Enclosed  lying  standing  and  being  in  Boston 
aforesaid,  on  the  westerly  side  of  a  lane  or  streete  leading 
from  the  signe  of  the  Castel,  Northerly  and  containing  in 
breadth  to  the  streeteward  Easterly  three  score  &  four 
foote  and  towards  ye  lands  of  Mr.  Will'"  Tinge  Westterly 
fifty  and  five  foote  and  a  half  or  thereabouts  and  in  leno-th 
one  hundred  &  twenty  foote  on  each  side  (be  it  more 
or  lesse)  &  lying  betwixt  the  lands  of  Will1"  Courser  on  the 
Southerly  side  and  francis  Dowse  on  the  Northerly  side  and 
abutting  vpon  the  streete  Easterly  and  the  lands  of  the  said 
Mr.  Will™  Tinge  westerly  together  with  all  &  singlar  the 
apptences  there vnto  belonging  And  all  my  right  title  & 
Interest  of  &  into  the  said  p'misses  wth  their  apptences  and 
every  pt  &  pcell  thereof  To  have  and  to  hold  all  the  said 
dwelling  house  and  cellar  garden  place  or  backside  fences  & 
bounded  as  aforesaid  wth  all  and  Every  of  their  appurtenances 
vnto  the  said  James  Bill,  &  his  heires  &  assignes  forever.  And 
to  the  only  prop  vse  &  behoofe  of  the  said  James  Bill 
&  his  heires  &  assignes  forever.  To  be  holden  in  & 
free  &  common  Soccage   &  not  in  cappitie  nor  by  Knight 


32  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Service.  And  the  said  Evan  Thomas  doth  coven'nt  & 
grant  by  tlieis  pnts  to  <fe  wtt  the  said  James  Bill  his  heires 
&  assignes  that  hee  the  said  Evan  Thomas  is  the  true  sole  & 
prop  owner  of  the  said  bargained  prmises  wth  their  apprtences 
at  the  tyme  of  the  bargaine  and  sell  the  same,  And  that  the 
said  bargained  p'misses  w,h  their  appurtences  &  every  pt  & 
psell  of  them  are  free  &  eleare  of  for  &  from  all  former  bar- 
gaines  sales  guifts  grants  titles  mortgages  &  engagem'8  and 
freely  and  clearly  acquitted  exonerated  &  discharged  of  for  & 
from  all  former  suits  Actions  Arrests  atachm'5  Judgem"  Exe- 
cutions and  incumbrances  whatsoever  from  the  world's  begin- 
ning untill  the  day  of  the  date  hereof  and  shall  &  will 
delivr  or  cause  to  be  delivered  all  deeds  writeings  grants  evi- 
dences and  scripts  concerning  the  said  prmises  or  any  pt  or 
prcell  of  them  that  are  in  his  hands  or  may  lawfully  be  & 
coruse  vnto  the  said  James  Bill  or  his  assignes  wthin  Six 
monthes  next  after  the  date  hereoNaire  &  uncancelled.  And 
the  said  Evan  Thomas  doth  covenant  and  sraunt  bv  theis 
pnts  a  pt  of  the  said  house  called  the  re  are  Roome  or  building 
forthwith  to  cover  or  cause  to  be  couved  over  w,h  newe  Clap- 
board at  his  own  pp  cost  and  charges.  And  the  said  Evan 
Thomas  for  himself  his  heires  execto"  &  administrate"  doth 
Covenant  &  grant  by  theis  pnts  to  &  wth  the  said  James  Bill 
his  heires  and  assignes  all  &  sing?  the  said  prmisses  wth  their 
apptennses  &  Every  pt  &  prcell  of  them  to  warrant  acquitt 
and  defend  against  all  psons  from  by  or  under  him  or  them 
claymeing  any  right  tittle  or  interest  of  or  into  the  said 
prmisses  or  any  pt  or  pcell  thereof  for  Ever  by  theis  pnts 
And  that  it  shall  &  mav  be  lawfull  to  &  for  the  said  James 
Bill  his  heires  &  assignes  to  Enrole  and  record  or  Cause  to  be 
enrolled  <Sz  recorded  the  title  and  tenor  of  theis  pnts  according 
to  the  true  intent  &  meaning  thereof  &  according  to  the 
vsual  order  &  maner  of  Enroleing  Recording  deeds  and 
Evidences  in  such  case  made  &  provided.  In  witness  whereof 
the  said  Evan  Thomas  hath  here  vnto  sett  his  hand  and  Scale 
the  foureteenth  day  of  the  fifth  month  comonly  called  July  in 


SECOND   GENERATION.  33 

* 
the   yere  of  our  Lord  One  thousand  Six  hundred  fifty  and 

one.  Evan  Thomas  (L.  S.) 

Sealed  &  delivered  in  the  pnse  of  Win.  Ludken,  John 
Wakfield,  Nathaniel  Sowthev,  Edmund  Jackson. 

Memorand  that  quiet  and  peaceable  possession  of  the 
w'hin  written  prmisses  was  acknowledged  by  the  wth  in  written 
pties  to  be  given  and  received  accordingly  before  the  Sealing 
&  delivery  of  theis  pnts  in  the  prnce  of  the  same  witnesses  to 
the  delivry  &  Ensealing  hereof.  This  deede  of  Sale  by 
Evan  Thomas  to  the  vse  of  James  Bill  was  acknowledged  this 
30th  of  the  9th  m°.  1652,  before  me,  Wm.  Ilibbins  Entred 
&  Recorded  the  13  february  52       Edward  Rawson  Recorder. 

The  foregoing  deed  may  be  found  in  the  Suffolk  Registry 
of  Deeds,  Lib.  I.  fols.  277,  278,  279. 

1666,  June  6.  The  Executors  of  the  Estate  of  John  Oliver, 
late  of  Boston,  sell,  for  £330,  in  money  and  other  current  pay 
in  New  England,  to  James"  Bill  of  Pulling  Point  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Towne  of  Boston,  their  messuage  tenement  or 
farme  at  Pulling  Point,  late  in  the  occupation  of  the  afore- 
named John  Oliver,  and  all  Edifices,  buildings,  &c. 

which  farm  is  bounded  East  on  land  of  William  Burnell,  de- 
ceased :  North  by  the  marsh  of  Edward  Hutchinson  :  West  on 
land  of  said  James  Bill,  formerly  the  land  of  Wentworth 
Dave  :  South  by  the  Creek  coming  out  of  the  Cove,  northerly. 
Acknowledged  June  5,  1666,  before  Ri.  Bellingham,  Gov. — 
(Suffolk  Deeds,  5,  43.) 

As  early  as  1-666,  James  Bill  was  the  proprietor  of  three 
lots  of  land  on  Spectacle  Island,  in  the  harbor  of  Boston, 
which  he  sells  to  his  (supposed)  brother,  Thomas,  as  follows : 

1666,  Dec.  13.  James  Bill  of  Pulling  Point,  for  a  val- 
uable consideration  sells  to  Thomas  Bill  of  Boston,  Lighter- 
man, all  his  right,  title,  and  interest  to  three  lots  of  land  on 
Spectacle  Island,  within  the  bounds  of  Boston  :  two  of  the  said 
lots  being  on  the  southeasterly  end  of  Spectacle,  furthest  from 
Boston,  and  are  the  lots  which  were  granted  by  the  selectmen 
of  Boston,  the  one  to  Capt.  Johnson,  the  other  to  Benjamin 


34  THE    BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

Negus,  containing  seven  acres;  and  one  lot  being  on  the 
Spectacle  nearest  to  Boston,  formerly  in  possession  of  William 
Beamsley,  deceased,  containing  two  acres. — (Ibid.  9  :  195.) 

Spectacle  Island,  we  find  hereafter,  continued  in  the  pos- 
session of  the  family,  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  for  about 
eightv  rears.  We  defer  further  notice  of  this  island  until  we 
come  to  speak  of  the  above-named  Thomas  Bill  and  his  son 
Samuel  Bill. 

Air.  Vinton  savs  :  "  We  cannot  but  regard  the  transfer  of 
these  rights  of  James  to  Thomas  Bill,  as  tending  to  corrobo- 
rate the  supposition  that  these  two  men  were  brothers; 
and,"  he  adds,  "  that,  since  it  was  transferred  'for  a  valuable 
consideration,'  not  specifically  stated,  it  was  doubtless  on  terms 
quite  favorable  to  his  less  prosperous  brother." 

There  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  great  prosperity  of  James 
Bill,  and  especially  at  this  period,  for  we  find  him  the  owner 
of  large  estates,  and  these  were  chiefly  located  at  Pulling 
Point — the  home  of  many  of  the  most  distinguished  families 
of  those  times. 

The  next  purchase  of  landed  property  was  that  of  a  house 
lot  on  the  North  end  of  Boston. 

1667-8,  Feb.  6.  John  Paine  of  Boston,  merchant,  for  £50, 
sells  to  James  Bill  of  Pulling  Point,  within  the  bounds  of 
Boston,  a  parcell  of  land  at  the  north  end  of  Boston,  contain- 
ing in  breadth  46  feet  on  the  brow  of  the  Banck,  and  below 
the  Banck,  on  the  flats  above  high  water  50  feet  in  breadth,  and 
is,  in  length  from  the  northerly  side  of  the  highway  [Fleet 
Street]  between  the  burying-place  [Copps  Hill]  and  the  said 
land  down  northerly  to  the  low  water  :  bounded  S.  E.  by  land  of 
John  Dacon,  N.  W.  on  land  of  Capt.  Samuel  Scarlett,  "N.  E. 
on  the  sea  or  mouth  of  Charles  River,  S.  W.  on  the  afore- 
said highway  [Fleet  Street] :  the  foote-path  on  the  bank  Ex- 
cepted.— (Suff.  Deeds,  vol.  vi.  305.) 

This  piece  of  land,  says  Vinton,  is  easily  identified.  Part 
of  it  was  "  below  the  bank,"  just  where  is  now  the  western 
terminus  of  the  East  Boston  Ferrv  ;  there  it  was  50  feet  wide. 


SECOND   GENERATION.  35 

Tlie  breadth  elsewhere  was  46  feet.  The  length  is  not  stated. 
The  price  paid  may  or  may  not  determine  that  it  extended  all 
the  way  from  Copps  Hill  burying-ground  to  the  water.  There 
is  deep  water  in  that  vicinity,  and  this  land  now  and  has  long 
been  esteemed  of  great  value.  The  reason,  undoubtedly,  of 
the  purchase  of  this  "  parcel  of  land  "  fronting  and  joining  to 
the  water  was  the  dockage  privilege.  It  is  quite  likely  he 
erected  thereon  a  wharf,  and  held  it  for  his  and  his  sons'  uses. 
That  he  was  engaged  in  commercial  pursuits  we  have  evidence 
of  in  the  inventory  of  his  estate,  to  which  the  reader  is 
referred.  It  is  true  that  we  find,  in  1671-2,  Feb.  28,  James 
Bill,  Senior,  selling  to  his  son,  James  Bill,  Junior,  both  of 
Pudden  Point,*  for  £20,  the  above  lot,  purchased  of  John 
Paine;  also  one  negro,  Jack,  is  included  for  this  sum.  The 
price  named  above  would  lead  us  to  infer  that  this  conveyance 
did  not  probably  include  the  wharfage. 

AVe  now  come  to  a  very  important  document,  dated 
1671-2,  February  28.  It  is  an  Indenture  between  James  Bill, 
Senior,  and  his  wife  Mary,  of  Pudden  [Pulling]  Point,  of  the 
one  part,  and  James  Bill,  Junior,  Jonathan  Bill,  Joseph  Bill, 
and  Joshua  Bill,  who  are  declared  to  be  their  surviving  sons, 
of  the  other  part. 

This  Indenture  made  the  Eight  &  twenty  day  of  Feb- 
rua  An0  Do  one  thousand  Six  hundred  Seventy  &  one,  Be- 
tween James  Bill  of  Pudden-point  within  the  precincts  of 
Boston  in  the  Massachusetts  Colonv  of  New  England  Sen'  of 
the  one  part  &  James  Bill  Junr  Jonathan  Bill,  Joseph  Bill  & 
Joshua  Bill  within  the  same  precincts  of  the  same  Boston 
aforesd  the  Sonns  apparent  of  the  s'1  James  Bill  sen.  &  Mary 
his  wife  of  the  other  part. 

Wittneseth.  That  I  the  sd  James  Bill  Senr  cheefly  in  re- 
spect of  my  deare  Affection  &  Love  that  I  bare  unto  my 
sd  sonns  haveing  not  yet  given  them  any  thing  considerable 

*  This  word  is  spelt  Pullen,  Pulling,  and  Pudden  Point,  all  referring 
to  the  same  locality  in  Boston  Harbor. 


36  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

for  theire  SuLsistance  &  Livelihoode,  And  otherwise  for  & 
in  eonsideraco  of  the  Summe  of  four  hundred  pounds  money 
currant  of  New  England  at  severall  times  &  upon  all  de- 
mands (&  not  otherwise)  according  to  the  Tenor  <fe  purport  of 
these  psents  to  bee  paide,  each  Grantee  to  pay  one  quarter 
part  of  the  sd  Summe  aforesaid  &  Enjoy  one  quarter  part  of 
the  pmisses  hereby  to  bee  bargained  &  sould  &c  have  given, 
granted,  Sould,  aliend  Enfeoffed  &  confirmed  And  by  these 
psents  Doe  fully  clearely  &  absolutely  give,  grant,  Bargaine, 
Sell,  alien  Enfeoffe  &  confirme  unto  the  sd  James  Bill 
Ju.  Jonathan  Bill,  Joseph  Bill  &  Joshua  Bill  (copartners  viz) 
one  fourth  part  to  each  of  them  theire  heires  &  Assignes  for 
Ever  as  is  heerafter  exprest,  all  that  his  farme  &  farme  houses 
wth  all  the  severall  pcells  of  Land,  Medows,  Marshes  Woods, 
Underwoods,  Coves,  Creeks  Rivers  privilages  &  Appurte- 
nances unto  the  same  belonging  or  in  any  measure  Appertain- 
ing lying  &  being  within  the  pscincts  at  Pudden  point  aforesaid 
Bounded  wth  the  Land  of  Capt.  Edward  Ilutchirson  towards 
the  South  in  part  &  a  great  Cove  towards  the  South  &  East 
&  a  creecke  called  ffishers  creecke  towards  the  East  running 
Northward,  &  a  Little  creecke  running  out  of  that  sa  ffishers 
creecke  still  Northward  &  by  Land  of  onr  Dane  Wintrop  still 
Northward  &  by  the  Lands  of  Sam  Burnells  towards  the  North 
&  East  &  by  the  medow  of  s'1  Capt.  JIutcherson  towards 
North  &  East  &  the  westerly  part  thereof  bounded  by  a  great 
Cove  &  a  great  Salt  Creecke  running  Northward  Eastward  & 
"Westward  (Excepting  onely  a  small  parcell  of  land  of  about 
fourteene  rods  over  viz  fourteene  Acres  belonging  to  the 
sd  pcell  of  Capt  Ilutcherson  wch  runeth  between  the  sd  Lands 
abovesaide  &  alsoe  a  pcell  of  Land  at  hodg  Island  denominated 
to  bee  ten  acres  more  or  less)  wlh  all  privilages  &  Appurte- 
nances thereto  belonging.  And  alsoe  with  the  s1  Lands  afore- 
saide  is  hereby  bargained  &  sould  unto  the  s'1  James  Bill  Ju 
Jonathan  Bill,  Joseph  Bill  &  Joshua  Bill  as  copartners  as 
aforesd  all  the  cattle,  viz  horses,  neate  kinde,  small  cattle  swine 
&c  &  all  the  house  hold  stuffe  &  vtensills  for  husbandtree  as 


SECOND  GENERATION.  37 

* 

now  are  or  hereafter  shall  or  may  bee  upon  the  sd  farme  or 
Lands  hereby  bargained  &  Sould  at  the  time  yesRide  James 
Bill  Se  n  shall  demand  require  &  receive  three  hundred  pounds 
money  as  part  of  the  four  hundred  pounds  wch  is  the  consid- 
eraco"  of  the  saicle  bargained  premises  abovesaide  the  wch  is  at 
his  Liberty  wn  to  doe  it  during  the  time  &  terme  of  his  natu- 
ral Life.  And  in  the  meane  time  it  is  hereby  Excepted  & 
full  power  by  the  saide  James  Bill  Sen  retained  that  notwith- 
standing; what  is  in  this  saide  Indenture  Exprest  the  saide 
James  Bill  sen  hath  full  power  to  keeps  possess  improve  & 
enjoy  to  his  one  Yse  &  Benefitt  during  the  time  &  terme  of 
his  naterall  Life  the  saide  bargained  pmises  except  hee  shall 
demand  &  require  the  saide  three  hundred  pounds  before  wch 
is  a  part  of  the  four  hundred  pounds  consideraco-  as  is  afore- 
saide  &  none  other  shall  ever  receive  the  saide  three  hundred 
or  nv  part  or  parcell  thereof  but  hee  the  saide  James  Bill  sen 
or  such  other  as  hee  shall  Authorize  by  a  writing  under  hand 
&  Seale.  But  the  other  hundred  pounds  shall  bee  paid  unto 
the  s'1  Mary  my  Loving  wife  after  my  decease  Viz  in  five 
yeares  that  is  to  say  twenty  pounds  a  yeere  untill  the  whole 
be  paid  provided  it  bee  Satisfactory  to  her  &  she  make  noe 
further  claime  to  any  other  part  of  my  Estate  neither  by 
thirds  nor  right  of  Dower  &c.  Only  it  is  hereby  further  to  be 
unde  rstood  concluded  &  agreed  that  if  any  of  my  saide  Sonns 
shall  depart  this  Life  leaving  noe  children  behind  him  then 
those  that  shall  survive  shall  haue  &  injoy  that  sd  part  equally 
devided  between  them  :  To  haue  &  to  hold  the  sd  farm,  farm- 
house &  houses  &  all  the  severall  parcells  of  Land  wth  all  the 
Cattle  viz  horses  cow-kinde  small  cattle  Swine  &c :  &  all  the 
household  stuffe  &  vtensills  for  husbandtree  with  their  &  every 
of  their  rights  privilages  &  Appurtenances  thereto  belonging  or 
in  any  measure  appertaining  them  &  every  of  them  unto  the 
sd  James  Bill  Jona  Bill  Joseph  Bill  &  Joshua  Bill  as  coepart- 
ners  (Except  before  Excepted)  to  the  Sole  onely  &  proper  Use 
behoof  &  benefit  of  them  the  sd  James  Bill  Jonathan  Bill, 
Joseph  Bill  &  Joshua  Bill  theire  heires  &  Assignes   for  Ever 


3S  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

wth  the  conditions  Limitations  &  provisos  as  aforesaide.  And 
the  s'1  James  Bill  for  liimselfe  his  heires  Executors  &  Admin- 
istrator" doth  covenant  &  grant  &  by  these  psents  affirme  to 
&  wth  the  sa  James  Bill  Jim  Jonathan  Bill  Joseph  Bill  & 
Joshua  Bill  theire  heires  Executors  &  Assignes  in  mann'  & 
form  following. 

That  hee  the  saide  James  Bill  Sen'  at  the  time  of  the 
grant  bargain  &  Sale  of  the  prmises  &  untill  the  confirmaco" 
hereof  unto  the  s(i  partners  as  aforesaide  to  the  Vse  of  them 
theire  heires  Executor3  &  Assignes  as  is  afore  exprest  was  Law- 
fully seized  to  his  one  Vse  of  in  &  to  the  pmiises  in  a  good 
prfct  &  absolute  Esstate  of  inheritance  in  fee-simple  And  hath 
in  himselfe  full  power  good  right  &  lawfnll  Authority  the 
prmises  to  giue  grant  Bargaine  Sell  &  Assure  as  aforesaide 
And  that  the  s'1  James  Bill  Junr  Jonathan  Bill  Joseph  Bill  & 
Joshua  Bill  as  coepartners  theire  heires  Execnto"  &  Assignes 
as  aforesaide  &  every  of  them  for  their  one  part  shall  &  may  at 
the  proper  time  afore  Exprest  &  from  thence  forth  for  Ever 
Lawfully,  peaceably  &  quietly  haue  hold  occupy  possess  & 
enjoy  the  sd  Bargained  prmises  wth  the  privilages  &  appurte- 
nances free  &  cleere  &  cleerely  acquitted  exonerated  &  dis- 
charged &  otherwise  by  the  s'1  James  Bill  senr  his  heires 
Executo™  &  Administrators  from  time  to  time  &  at  all  times 
heerafter  sufficiently  saved  defended  &  keepe  harmless  the 
sd  pmiises  of  &  from  all  &  Singular  other  charges  gifts 
grants  Bargaines  Sales  Leases  Assignements  intailes  Seizures 
dowers  &  all  other  Acts  &  incumbrance  whatsoever  had  made 
done  or  Suffered  to  bee  done  by  mee  the  sd  James  Bill  sen.  his 
heires  Executor3  Administrators  or  Assignes  or  any  other  pson 
or  psons  whatsoever  claiming  or  pretending  to  claime  or  de- 
mand any  Estate  right  litle  or  Interest  of  in  or  to  the  p'mises 
or  any  part  thereof  whereby  the  s'1  James  Bill  Jun  Jonathan 
Bill  Joseph  Bill  &  Joshua  Bill  theire  heires  Executors  or 
Assignes  shall  or  may  be  Evicted  or  Ejected  out  of  the  pos- 
session thereof  or  any  part  or  pcell  thereof  at  any  time  here- 
after With  a  sufficient  warranty  of  the  s1  p'mises  to  them   the 


SECOND  GENERATION.  39 

sd  James  Bill,  Jr.  Jonathan  Bill,  Joseph  Bill  &  Joshua  Bill 
theire  heires  Executors  or  Assignes  in  manner  &  form  as  is 
aforesaide. 

In  witnes  whereof  the  sd  Granter  &  Grantees  to  these 
prsent  Indentures  interchangably  their  hands  &  seales  haue 
set  the  day  &  yeere  first  above  written.  Annoq  Regni  Regis 
Caroli  secunde  XXIII. 

Jamks  Bill  Sen,  [L.  S.] 
Signed  Sealed  &  delivered  in 
p'sents  of  vs  &  the  words 
(sonns  yt)    enterlined    be- 
fore Sealing 
Tho.  Bill. 
William  Howard  Scr. 

This  Instrument  was  acknowledged  by  James  Bill  Senr  as 
his  Act  &  Deede     ffeb  28th  1671  before 

Enw  Ting   Assist 
Entered  &  Recorded  &  Compared  this  15th  4"10  1672 

As  Attests.     Issac  Addington 
(Suff.  Deeds,  VI.  309,  310,  311.) 

The  design  of  this  paper  was  evidently  to  place  his  worldly 
affairs  in  such  a  condition,  that,  should  he  be  suddenly  re- 
moved, his  estate  should  take  the  direction  and  manner  here 
indicated.  This  course  was,  we  think,  a  wise  one  ;  it  possesses 
balances  and  checks  not  unworthy  the  attention  of  any  person 
similarly  situated.  The  wife  and  mother  was  provided  for,  as 
we  see,  and  he  also  reserved  to  himself  supreme  control  du- 
ring his  life.  This  paper  covered  only  a  portion  of  his  real 
estate,  and  not  any  of  his  personal  property. 

We  cannot  pass  without  calling  attention  to  the  fact  that 
Thomas  Bill  was  a  witness.  This  is  significant  of  the  relation- 
ship heretofore  assumed  as  existing  between  him  and  James 
Bill,  the  signer  of  the  following  instrument : — 

1674,  Dec.  31,  Samuel  Burnell  of  Boston,  cooper,  and 
Anne  his  wife,  for  £180,  sell  to  James  Bill,  Senior,  of  Pulling 


40  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Point,  their  farm  at  Pulling  Point,  containing  36  acres,  with 
all  the  houseing,  &c,  hounded  E.  and  IN".  E.  by  land  of  Deane 
Winthrop,  and  on  every  other  side  by  land  of  said  James 
Bill.     (Ibid.  9  ;  146.) 

1677,  April  25,  James  Bill  purchased  of  Daniel  Turrell 
a  lot  of  land  at  the  north  end  of  Boston.  (Ibid.  16 ; 
57.) 

James  Bill  must  have  been  a  man  of  some  note,  it  would 
be  but  reasonable  to  suppose.  We  find  him  living  at  one  of  the 
most  attractive  points  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston,  and  having 
for  neighbors  gentlemen  of  distinction  and  culture.  We  find 
some  evidence  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  from  the  fol- 
lowing, taken  from  the  Genealogical  Beg.  10  ;  270,  namely : 
William  Burnell,  the  father  of  Samuel  Burnell,  above,  made  a 
will,  dated  5th  of  1st  month,  1660,  and  another  will  16th  of 
2d  mo.,  1660.  Of  both  of  these  wills  he  appointed  James 
Bill  of  Pulling  Point,  and  John  Doolittle  of  Bumney  Marsh, 
"  to  see  this  my  will  fulfilled." 

The  following,  taken  from  the  Tax  List  for  1687,  still  ex- 
isting in  the  State  House  in  Boston,  may  the  better  serve  to 
show  the  extent  of  his  interests  in  and  around  Boston. 

Arable  land,  80  acres. 

Pasture  land,  170  acres. 

Housing,  Mills  and  Wharves,  8. 

Oxen,  4 ;  bulls  and  cows  of  four  years  old  and  upwards, 
5  ;  heifers  and  steers  between  three  and  four  years  old,  9  ; 
heifers  and  steers  between  two  and  three  years  old,  4 ;  heifers 
and  steers  between  one  and  two  years  old,  1  ;  horses  and  mares 
of  three  years  old  and  upwards,  1  ;  Ewe  sheep  and  wethers 
above  one  year  old,  200 ;  swine  above  one  year  old,  4. 

Amount  of  Tax,  £1  3s.  lOd. 

The  property  in  Boston,  the  Sloop  Trial,  and  the  negroes 
are  not  included,  it  will  be  seen. 

James  Bill  attended  public  worship  at  the  second  church 
in  Boston,  where  the  Rev'ds.  Increase  and  Cotton  Mather, 
father  and  son,  preached.     This  church   then  stood  in  North 


SECOND   GENERATION.  41 

Square,  but  hi  time  of  the  Revolution  it  was  pulled  down  and 
used  for  fuel  by  the  British  troops. 

He  died  February  1,  16S7-S.  and  was  buried  on  Copps 
Hill,  Boston.  The  following  is  the  inscription  on  his  grave-, 
stone,  which  is  still  standing  :  "  Here  Lyeth  Buried  ye  Body 
of  James  Bill,  aged  73  years,  Departed  This  Life  ye  First  of 
February  16S7-8."  This  stone  stands  in  the  northwest  part 
of  the  cemetery,  facing  the  northeast,  and  near  the  path 
which  leads  from  the  north  to  the  south  gate.  Near  by  is  the 
grave-stone  of  his  wife,  bearing  this  inscription :  "  Here 
lyeth  buried  ye  body  of  Mary  Bill  wife  to  James  Bill,  aged 
about  75  years  died  ye  29  of  August,  1688." 

We  now  append  the  action  of  the  Probate  Court  relating 
to  the  will  of  James  Bill,  Sr.,  and  also  give  an  exact  copy  of 
the  will  itself,  as  made  by  Mr.  T.  B.  Wyman,  Jr.,  taken  from 
Suff.  Prob.  vol.  x.  pp.  222,  223,  224. 

The  Probate  of  the  will  of  James  Bill  Senr ;  and  Adminis- 
tration granted  thereon  to  his  Three  Sonns  Executo™ 

Sr  Edmond  x\ndros  Kir*.  Captaine  Generall  and  Governor 
in  Cheife  of  his  Majesties  Territory  and  Dominion  of  New 
England  To  all  to  whome  this  shall  come  or  may  Concerne 
Greeting  Know  yee  That  on  the  Two  and  Twentieth  day  of 
ffebry  In  the  yeare  of  Our  Lord  One  Thousand  Six  Hundred 
Eighty  and  Seaven  Before  me  att  Boston  in  the  County  of 
Suffolke  in  the  Dominion  aforesaid  the  Will  of  James  Bill 
Senr.  Late  of  Pudden  Point  within  the  Precincts  of  Boston 
aforesaid  to  these  psents  annexed  was  proved  approved  and 
allowed  who  haveing  wdiile  hee  Lived  att  the  time  of  his 
Death  Goods  rights  or  Creditts  in  Diverse  parts  of  the  said 
Dominion  The  administration  of  all  and  Singular  the  goods 
rights  and  Creditts  the  said  Deceased  and  his  will  in  any 
manner  Concerning  was  comitted  vnto  James  Bill  Jonathan 
Bill  and  Joseph  Bill  Sonns  of  the  Deceased  Executo"  In  the 
same  will  named  well  and  truly  to  Administer  the  same  And 
to  make  a  true  and  perfect  Inventory  of  all  and  Singular  the 


42  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

goods  rights  and  Creditts  of  the  said  Deceased  and  the  same 
to  exhibite  into  the  Secretaire's  Office  of  the  said  Dominion 
according  to  Law  And  alsoe  to  render  a  true  and  plaine  ac- 
count thereof  upon  Oath  In  Testimony  whereof  I  have  here- 
vnto  sett  the  Seale  of  the  Office  for  Probate  of  Wills  and 
granting  Administrations  Dated  the  Three  and  Twentieth 
day  of  ffebruary  Anno  Dm-  1687 

The  Will  of  James  Bill  Senr. 

In    the   nanie    of    God    Amen    I   James    Bill   Sen\    of 

Pudden    Point    within    the   Precincts    of    Boston    in    New 

England    yeoman    Being    weake    in    body    Bat    sound     in 

my  Vnderstanding    and    memory  And    being    conscious    of 

my  Mortallity  Itt  being  appointed  for  all  men  once  to  Dye 

And   being  willing   to   sett   my  house   in  Order   before  my 

Decease  have  and  hereby  Doe  Constitute,  Ordaine  and  make 

this  to  bee  my  Last  will  and  Testament ;  'nulling  and  revoak- 

ing  all  other  wills  by  me  formerly  made  of  what  kind  soever 

In  manner  following   Impris   I  Committ  my  Soule    into  the 

hands  of  God  my  Creator :  hopeing  &  believing  to  Obtaine  the 

Pardon  of  all  my  Sinns  and  the  Acceptance  of  my  person 

vnto   Eternall   Life  through   the  alone  Merritts  and  Media- 

tion  of  my  Onely  Lord   and    Saviour   Jesus  Christ  And  my 

body  to  the  Grave  Descently  to  be  Interred  att  the   charge 

and,    according   to   the   Descretion  of  my  Exec"  hereinafter 

named  And  as  for  what  worldly  Estate  God  of  his  goodnesse 

hath  Lent  vnto  mee  and  bestowed  upon  mee  my  minde  and 

will  is  that  it  should  be  disposed  of  as  follow eth  First  I  give 

and  bequeath  vnto  my  Three  sonns  James  Bill  Junr  Jonathan 

Bill  and  Joseph  Bill  All  that  farme  wch  I  bought  of  Sam-1 

Burnell  Lyeing  and  next  adjoyning  to  Mr  Deane  Winthrops 

farme  Item  I  give  and  bequeath  vnto  my  said  Three  Sonns 

James  Jonathan  and  Joseph  all  that  peece  or  parcel  of  Land 

Lyeing  att  the  North  end  of  Boston  and  is  Scituate  att  the 

Southerly  side  of  Mr  William   Do/res  his    Dwelling  house 

The  wch  farme  and  peece  of  Land  are  equally  to  be  Divided 


SECOND   GENERATION".  43 

among  my  said  Three  Sonns  Item  I  give  and  bequeath  vnto 
my  said  Three  -Sonns  All  that  my  halfe  part  of  my  Sloope 
called  Triall  Burthen  Thirty  and  five  Tuns  or  there  abouts 
with  all  the  appurtenances  there  vnto  belonging  equally  to  be 
Divided  betwixt  them  Also  I  give  vnto  my  said  three 
Sonns  my  two  Negroes  James  and  Jack  equally  to  be 
Divided  amongst  them  Item  I  give  and  bequeath  vnto  my 
Daughter  Mary  Smith  as  a  token  of  my  Love  the  sume  of 
flfourty  pounds  in  money  to  be  paid  vnto  her  within  Three 
yeares  next  after  my  Decease  by  my  Executors  and  the 
reason  why  I  give  her  noe  more  now  is  because  I  have 
given  Largoly  to  her  already  Item  I  give  and  bequeath  vnto 
my  Daughter  Hannah  Kent  as  a  token  of  my  Love  Twenty 
shillings  in  money  to  be  paid  her  wthin  two  Months  next  after 
my  Decease  by  my  said  Executors  I  haveing  given  her  for- 
merly very  considerably  Item  I  give  vnto  my  Daughter  Sarah 
Olivers  [Cheever]  the  sume  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  in  money 
to  be  paid  vnto  her  by  my  Executor8  wth  in  Three  yeares  next 
after  my  Decease  and  is  to  bee  at  her  Sole  Disposall  thereof 
And  as  for  all  other  of  my  estate  whether  itt  be  in  Bonds  Bills 
Household  stuffe  Debts  goods  or  any  other  kind  whatsoever 
I  give  and  bequeath  the  same  vnto  my  said  Three  Sons  James 
Bill  Jonathan  Bill  and  Joseph  Bill  equally  to  be  divided  be- 
tweene  them  whome  I  Doe  make  and  Constitute  to  be  the 
Executors  of  this  my  Last  will  and  Testament  And  in  Testi- 
mony that  this  is  my  Last  will  I  have  herevnto  sett  my  hand 
and  Seale  the  Last  day  of  January  Anno  Dm  1687*  Annoq 
H.  E.  Jas  Secdi  Augt  tertio  1687. 

Signed  by  |=|  the  marke  of  James  Bill  wth  his  Seale. 

Signed  Sealed  and  Declared  by  James  Bill  Senr :  to  be  his 
will  &  Last  Testam'  In  the  prsence  of  vs  Deane  Winthrop 
John  Henry  Burchstead  &  by  the  marke  of  Roben  Rannells 

The  Witnesses  Sworn  22  Feb  1687  Before  the  Governor 
[Sir  Edmond  Andros],  that  Testator  was  of  sound  mind  &c. 

*  In  the  third  year  of  the  reign  of  King  James  the  Second,  King  of 
England.  . 


44  THE   BILL    FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

The    inventor}'  of  James  Bill's   estate,  taken   by  Deane 
Winthrop,  Aaron  Way,  and  William  Ireland,  was  as  follows : 
Land  at  Pulling  Point  ....         £1-10. 

House-lot  in  Boston  .....        80. 

One  half  of  sloop  Trial  and  boat  .         .  119. 

Two  negroes  ......        40. 

Wearing  Apparel  .....  15. 

Two  barrels  Beef  54.  S.  Indian  Corne,  Barley  and 

Eye 36.  18.  4. 

Desperate  Debts  owing  to  the  Estate  .  .  GQ.  14. 
Total  .  £420.  6.  4.  (Suff.  Prob.  10 :  226.) 
Had  he  not  deeded,  as  we  have  seen,  to  his  sons,  nearly 
all  his  landed  property  at  Pulling  Point  prior  to  March  1, 
1671-2,  amounting  in  value  to  £400  (that  was  likely  far 
below  its  real  value,  being  only  what  he  required  his  sons  to 
pay  under  certain  circumstances),  this  would  have  swollen  the 
amount  of  his  inventory  far  beyond  what  is  now  shown. 

The  children  of  James  and  Mary  ( )  Bill  were  : — 

about        1645  ;  m.  Johu  Smith. 
"  1647  ;  m.  John  Kent. 

Nov.  23,   1651  ;  m.  Mehitable -. 

about        1654;  m.  Frances . 

"  1658  ;  m.  Rev.  Thomas  Cheever. 

"  1660;  m.  (1)  Lydia  ,  (2) 

Deliverance  Wakefield. 
1 3     Joshua,'      b.  about        1 66-.  This  was  the  youngest 

of  the  family  of  whom  we  have  any  account.  His 
name  a]  pears  in  the  conveyance  of  land  by  his 
father  to  his  sons,  dated  February  28,  1671-2, 
given  on  a  previous  page.  No  account  of  him 
is  found  after  that,  and  it  is  quite  probable  he 
died  before  his  father,  and,  we  presume,  was  never 
married. 

3. 

THOMAS  BILL2  (John1),  a  supposed  brother  of  the  pre- 
ceding, was  born  in  England,  about  the  year  1618.  Mr.  Yiuton 


7 

t  Mary,3 

b. 

8 

f  Hannah,3 

b. 

9 

f  James,3 

b. 

10 

f  Jonathan, 

3b. 

11 

f  Sarah,3 

b. 

12 

f  Joseph,3 

b. 

SECOND  GENERATION.  45 

gives  us  the  following  as  additional  reasons  why  it  was  proba- 
ble Thomas  and  James  were  brothers,  viz.  :  That  they  both 
resided  in  Boston  (Pulling  Point  was  then  a  part  of  Boston), 
and  they  attended  the  same  place  of  worship,  and  seem  to 
have  both  been  members  of  the  same  church  [Second  Church] ; 
they  were  nearly  the  same  age,  and  that  Thomas  was  a  wit- 
ness to  that  Indenture  made  February  28,  1671-2  ;  also,  that 
James  transfers  to  Thomas  his  interest  in  Spectacle  Island 
without  naming  the  price  ;  probably  for  a  sum  far  below  its 
actual  value ;  and,  too,  that  Thomas  gave  the  name  of  James 
to  his  eldest  son  by  his  second  wife. 

Thomas  Bill  married,  for  his  first  wife,  Elizabeth  Sak- 
gent  Nichols,  widow  of  David  Nichols,  on  the  14th  of  11th 
m°.  1652  [Jan.  11, 1653,  N.  S.].  She  was  the  dau.  of  William 
and  Sarah  Sargent  and  wras  b.  in  England,  and  came  with  her 
parents,  in  1638  (See  Sargent  Genealogy).  She  died  in 
Boston,  March  5,  1657-8,  just  one  week  after  the  birth  of  her 
son  Sargent  Bill. 

Thomas  Bill  married,  for  his  second  wife,  Abigal  Willis, 
b.  about  1633  ;  dau.  of  Michael  and  Mildred  Willis.  The 
date  of  the  marriage  is  not  known.  In  the  will  of  her  mother, 
Mildred  Willis,  dated  September  20, 1680,  mention  is  made  of 
her  dau.  Abigal  Bill. 

Abigal,  second  wife  of  Thomas,  died  in  Boston,  November 
7,  1696,  aged  63,  about  a  week  after  the  death  of  her  hus- 
band, and  was  buried  on  Copps  Hill,  in  Boston.  The  follow- 
ing inscription  may  still  be  read  on  her  gravestone :  "  Here 
Lyeth  Buried  ye  Body  of  Abigal  Bill  wife  to  Thomas  Bill, 
Aged  63  years.     Died  Novem.  ye  7th  1696." 

Thomas  Bill  was  known  in  1666  as  a  "  lighterman,"  and, 
in  16S6,  as  "  innholder,"  and,  in  1688,  as  "  mariner  ;"  in  1696, 
as  *•  planter."  These  several  titles  given  him  in  the  various 
records  indicate  the  business  that  he  probably  followed  at 
those  periods.  He  lived  in  "  Black-Horse  Lane,"  now  a  part 
of  Prince  Street.  He  was  admitted  a  member  of  the  Second 
Church  (in  the  time  of  Rev.  Increase  Mather)  in  1670,  and 


46  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

his  wife  Abigal  in  Dec.  6,  1673.  We  find  bis  name  enrolled 
as- a  member  of  tbe  Artillery  Company  in  1674.  He  was 
admitted  a  freeman  May  31,  1671. 

Tbe  first  grant  of  land  to  bim  was  tbat  of  Spectacle 
Island,  by  James  Bill,  in  December  13,  1666,  mentioned  in 
tbe  account  given  of  James  in  tbe  preceding  pages.  The  next 
is  in  1666-7,  Feb.  21,  wben  Nathaniel  Reynolds,  of  Boston, 
cordwainer,  and  Priscilla  bis  wife,  for  a  valuable  conside- 
ration, sell  to  Thomas  Bill  of  Boston,  lighterman,  two  lots  of 
land  on  the  northwesterly  bead  of  Spectacle  Island,  within 
the  bounds  of  Boston,  containing  in  each  lot  three  acres  or 
thereabouts,  one  of  which  lots  was  granted  and  given  by  the 
Selectmen  of  Boston  unto  Jonathan  and  Thomas  Negus  ;  the 
other  lot,  containing  three  acres,  was  granted  by  tbe  said 
Selectmen  unto  Thomas  "Wheeler;  and  is  bounded,  east  by 
land  of  widow  Davis,  west  on  land  of  the  said  Thomas  Bill, 
and  butteth  north  and  south  on  tbe  sea.  Tbe  possession 
thereof  is  warranted  against  all  claims  and  demands,  "  except 
the  head  rents  of  the  said  two  lots  respectively  to  be  paid  to 
the  Selectmen  of  Boston,  according  to  the  custom  thereof." — 
(Suff.  Deeds,  5  :  536,  537). 

164&,  April  ID,  tbe  selectmen  of  Boston  made  a  grant  of 
Spectacle  Island  forever  to  fifteen  individuals,  on  the  sole 
condition  of  the  payment  by  tbe  grantees  of  sixpence  per  acre 
annually  for  the  use  of  the  town  school.  It  seems  that  if  this 
rent  was  not  paid  to  the  town  treasurer  by  the  first  of  Feb- 
ruary in  each  year,  the  land  was  forfeited.  This  rent,  after 
1709,  is  believed  to  have  become  obsolete  through  forfeiture 
or  otherwise. 

The  above  deed  is  followed  by  three  others,  as  given  in 
the  records. 

1666-7.  Feb.  26.  Josias  Cobham,  Junior,  of  Boston, 
clothier,  for  £6,  sells  to  Thomas  Bill  of  Boston,  lighterman, 
a  piece  or  parcell  on  the  southerly  bend  of  Spectacle  Island, 
containing  three  acres,  or  thereabouts,  bounded  E.  by  the  sea, 
"W.  by  land  of  Daniel  Turell  and  of  Thomas  Bill,  N.  by  the 


SECOND  GENERATION.  47 

Cove,  S.   by  land  of    Ralph   Mason,  &c. — (Suff.  Deeds,  8 : 
315). 

1667-8.  March  3.  Daniel  Turrell  of  Boston  and  Mary  his 
wife  for  £6  sell  to  Thomas  Bill  of  Boston,  2-J-  acres  on  the 
southerly  bend  of  Spectacle  Island. — [Ibid.,  8  :  217.]  Then, 
in  1678,  Aug.  31,  Ralph  Mason  and  Anne  his  wife  sell  to 
Thomas  Bill  8  acres  of  land  on  Spectacle  Island. — (Ibid., 
9  :  418.) 

Thomas  Bill  had  by  these  several  purchases  acquired  title 
to  full  half  of  this  island,  and  in  1681,  Jan.  25,  transfers  the 
same  to  his  eldest  son,  Samuel. 

We  append  a  copy  of  this  deed,  as  was  made  by  A.  H. 
Ward,  Esq. 

Copy  of  Deed  of  Thomas  Bill  and  Abigail  his  wife  to  son, 
Samuel  Bill,  Jan.  25,  1680. 
•  To  all  people  to  whom  this  present  deed  of  sale  shall  come. 
Thomas  Bill  of  Boston  in  New  England  and  Abigail  his  wife 
send  Greeting, — Know  yee  that  for  and  in  consideration  of 
the  full  and  just  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds 
current  money  of  New  England  to  them  the  said  Thomas  Bill 
and  Abigail  his  wife  in  hand  at  and  before  the  sealing  and 
delivery  hereof  well  and  truly  paid  by  Samuel  Bill  of  Boston 
in  New  England  aforesaid  the  receipt  whereof  they  do  hereby 
acknowledge  and  themselves  therewith  fully  satisfied,  con- 
tented, and  paid,  and  thereof  and  every  part  thereof  do  for 
themselves,  their  heirs  Executors  and  Administrators  fully  ac- 
quit and  discharge  the  said  Samuel  Bill  his  heirs  and  assigns 
forever  the  said  Thomas  Bill  and  Abigail  his  wrife  have 
given,  granted,  bargained,  sold,  aliened,  enfeoffed  and  con- 
firmed and  by  these  presents  for  themselves  their  heirs  Execu- 
tors, Administrators  and  assigns  do  fully  and  absolutely  give 
and  grant,  bargain,  sell,  alien,  enfeotfe  and  confirm  unto  him 
the  said  Samuel  Bill,  his  heirs  and  assigns  all  that  their  right, 
title,  interest,  use,  property,  possession,  claim  and  demand  of, 
in,  unto  sundry  parcells  or  lots  of  land  to  the  quantity  of 
thirty-five  acres,  be  the  same  more  or  less,  lying  and  being  in 


48  THE   BILL   FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

and  upon  Spectacle  Island  within  the  township  of  Boston 
aforesaid  and  all  other  lands  whatsoever  lying  in  or  upon  the 
said  Island  whatsoever  the  same  shall  be  or  appear  to  be  to- 
gether with  all  and  all  manner  of  trees,  woods,  fences,  pastures, 
feedings,  waterings  and  all  other  profits,  priviledges  and 
appurtenances  whatsoever  to  the  same  belonging  or  apper- 
taining and  all  deeds,  sales,  writings  and  evidences  whatso- 
ever which  concern  the  premises  only,  with  all  their  right, 
title,  interest  and  possession  thereof  or  thereby  unto  and  in 
the  premises  be  the  same  more  or  less :  TO  HAVE  and  to 
hold  all  and  singular  the  aforementioned  premises  and  every 
part  thereof  with  their  appurtenances  unto  him  the  said 
Samuel  Bill  his  heirs  and  assigns  and  to  the  only  proper  and 
absolute  benefit  and  behoof  of  him  the  said  Samuel  Bill  his 
heirs  and  assigns  forever  more.  And  the  said  Thomas  Bill 
and  Abigail  his  wife  for  themselves,  their  heirs  Executors 
Administrators  and  assigns,  do  by  these  presents  covenant  and 
grant  to  and  with  him  the  said  Samuel  Bill  his  heirs  and 
assigns,  that  at  and  before  the  ensealing  and  delivery  hereof 
they  are  the  true  and  lawful  owners  and  possessed  of  all  and 
singular  the  premises  with  their  appurtenances  and  have  in 
themselves  full  power  good  right  and  lawful  authority  the 
same  to  grant,  assure  and  confirm  as  aforesaid  and  that  the 
same  and  every  part  thereof  is  free  and  clear  and  freely  and 
clearly  acquitted  exonerated  and  discharged  of  and  from  all 
and  all  manner  of  former  and  other  gifts,  grants,  bargains, 
sales,  leases,  mortgages,  dower,  power  of  thirds,  extents, 
seizures,  forfeitures,  wills,  Judgments,  Executions  and  of  and 
from  all  other  titles,  troubles  and  incumbrances  whatsoever. 
And  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  and  free  to  and  for  the 
said  Samuel  Bill,  his  heirs  and  assigns  from  henceforth  the 
premises  and  every  part  thereof  lawfully,  peaceably  and 
quietly  to  have,  hold,  use  occupy,  and  enjoy  without  molesta- 
tion, eviction,  or  ejection  of  or  from  the  said  Thomas  Bill 
and  Abigail  his  wife,  their  or  either  of  their  heirs,  Executors 
Administrators  or  Assigns  ;  or  of  or  from  any  other  person  or 


SECOND   GENERATION.  49 

persons  from  or  under  them  ;  and  that  the  premises  unto  him 
the  said  Samuel  Bill  his  heirs  and  assigns  against  themselves, 
and  all  other  persons  whatsoever  lawfully  claiming  the  same 
they  will  well  and  sufficiently  warrant  and  defend  ;  and  that 
they  shall  and  will  at  all  times  hereafter  do  and  perforin  such 
further  lawful  and  reasonable  acts  and  things  for  the  better 
sure  making  the  premises  according  to  the  true  intent  and 
meaning  hereof  as  in  law  or  equity  can  be  devised  or  required. 
In  witness  whereof  the  said  Thomas  Bill  and  Abigail  his 
wife  have  hereunto  set  their  hands  and  seals  this  five  and 
twentieth  day  of  January  in  the  two  and  thirtieth  year  of  the 
reign  of  Our  Sovereign  Lord  Charles  the  second  of  England, 
Scotland,  France  and  Ireland,  King  &c,  annoque  Dom!. 
1680-1. 


Thomas  Bill,  and  his, 
Abigail  Bill,  [L.  S.] 


Signed,  sealed  and  delivered 
in  presence  of  us 

Richard  Davis. 
Mary  "Warren. 

Thomas  Bill  and  Abigail  his  wife  freely  acknowledge  this 
instrument  to  be  their  act  and  deed  this  1st  day  of  February 
1680-1  before  me 

John  Richards,  Assist. 

Liber  12  :  p  :  17.  Entered  with  the  Records  of  Deeds  for 
the  County  of  Suffolk  23d  Febry  1680 

Per  Jsa  Addington,  Clerk. 

The  early  history  of  this  island  and  that  of  the  Bill  family 
being  more  or  less  intertwined,  we  feel  sure  it  will  be  interest- 
ing to  many  to  learn  some  particulars  relating  to  it ;  and  we 
here  transcribe  the  whole  of  the  first  part  of  an  article,  form- 
ing one  of  a  series  written  by  Dr.  Nathaniel  B.  Shurtleff,  of 
Boston,  and  published  in  the  "  Sunday  Times  "  of  that  city, 


/ 

50  |      THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

on  the  23d  December,  13G6,  under  the  head  of  "  Boston 
Harbor  and  its  Islands." 

He  says :  "  Returning  from  Thompson's  Island  about  a 
mile  in  a  northeasterly  direction  towards  President  Roads, 
and  passing  an  half  a  mile  in  an  easterly  course,  the  reader 
will  come  to  a  peculiarly  shaped  island,  called  Spectacle 
Island  from  its  remarkable  resemblance  to  a  pair  of  spectacles, 
it  being  formed  of  two  peninsular  portions  connected  together 
by  a  short  bar,  which  is  covered  with  water  at  high  tides.  It 
lies  between  Thompson's  Island  west,  and  Long  Island  east, 
being  distant  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  former, 
and  about  one  mile  from  the  latter.  Between  it  and  the 
southeasterly  point  of  Long  Island  lies  Sculpin  Ledge,  the 
easterly  part  of  which  has  a  red  buoy^No.  2)  to  warn  the 
boatmen  of  its  dangerous  hidden  rocks.  Between  this  island 
and  ledge  on  the  northeast  and  Thompson's  and  Moon  Islands 
on  the  southwest,  is  the  back  way,  or  western  passage, 
through  which  the  course  from  Boston  is  south  southeast. 
The  bluff  on  the  northerly  part  of  Spectacle  Island  and  the 
high  land  upon  its  southerly  portion  are  designated  generally 
as  its  north  and  south  heads.  Each  of  these  parts  can  be 
approached  on  their  westerly  side,  where  small  wharves  have 
been  built  by  the  owners  of  the  island,  for  their  own  use  and 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  numerous  visitors  to  its  hos- 
pitable shores.  By  the  old  deeds  of  conveyance,  and  by 
estimation,  it  is  supposed  to  contain  about  sixty  acres  of 
land,  equally  divided  into  two  parts  for  the  two  peninsulas. 

"  The  first  mention  of  this  noted  location,  in  the  records, 
is  on  the  fourth  of  March,  1634-5,  when,  together  with  Deer 
Island,  Hog  Island,  and  Long  Island,  it  was  granted  to  the 
town  of  Boston,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  four  shillings  for  the 
four  islands ;  which  may  be  called  one  shilling  apiece  for  each 
of  them.  Very  soon  after  it  came  into  the  possession  of  the 
town,  it  was  allotted  to  the  different  inhabitants,  who  paid  a 
small  annual  rent,  to  inure  to  the  benefit  of  the  free  school. 
At  this   time  the   island  was  well   covered  with  wood  ;   for 


SECOND    GENERATION.  51 

Governor  Winthrop  relates,  that  on  the  13th  of  January, 
1637-8,  about  thirty  persons  of  Boston  went  out  on  a  fair  day 
to  Spectacle  Island  to  cut  wood,  the  town  being  in  great 
want  thereof.  The  next  night  the  wind  rose  very  high  at  the 
northeast,  with  snow,  and  afterwards  at  the  northwest  for 
two  days,  and  it  was  so  cold  that  the  harbor  was  frozen  over, 
except  a  small  channel.  These  thirty  adventurers  met  with 
hard  luck,  for  of  their  number  twelve  could  get  no  farther 
home  than  the  Governor's  Island,  seven  were  carried  in  the  ice 
in  a  small  skiff  through  Broad  Sound  to  the  Brewsters,  where 
they  had  to  stay  two  days  without  food  and  fire,  and  get  home 
by  the  way  of  Pulling  Point,  and  many  of  the  others,  after 
detention,  had  their  limbs  frozen,  and  one  of  them  died." 

"  In  1619  the  town  began  to  take  measures  for  granting 
the  land  at  the  island  to  planters  for  perpetuity,  reserving  the 
exaction  of  a  small  annual  rent  of  about  sixpence  an  acre  for 
the  benefit  of  the  free  school ;  and  on  the  19th  of  April  of  that 
year,  '  ten  persons  '  bind  themselves  and  their  successors  to 
pay  sixpence  an  acre  p'  yeare  for  their  land  at  Spectacle  Hand, 
forever  to  ye  use  of  the  schole,  y'  soe  it  may  be  proprietye  to 
them  for  euer,  and  they  are  to  bring  in  their  pay  to  the  townes 
treasurer  the  first  day  of  February  for  eu'r  or  else  there  land 
is  forfeit  into  the  townes  dispossing.'  These  persons  did  not 
pay  their  rent  as  promptly  as  they  should,  and  some  of  them 
conveyed  their  rights  to  others,  insomuch  that  there  were  large 
arrearages  due ;  therefore  an  order  was  passed  in  town 
meeting,  in  1655,  of  a  compulsory  character,  and  the 
treasurer  was  authorized  to  levy  and  collect  by  help  of  the 
constable.  It  was  not,  however,  until  the  11th  of  March, 
1666-7,  that  the  town  relinquished  all  its  right  in  the  island  to 
the  planters.  This  it  did  at  that  time,  and  made  void  the 
agreement  about  the  annual  rent  of  sixpence  an  acre  for  the 
benefit  of  the  school,  on  condition  that  the  back  rent  should 
be  paid  up  in  full  to  that  date.  This  was  undoubtedly 
done ;  for  just  previous  to  this  last  date,  Mr.  Thomas  Bill,  a 
lighterman,  began  to  purchase   up  the   rights  of  the  several 


52  THE  BILL   FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

owners  ;  and  when  lie  had  acquired  nearly  the  whole  island  he 
sold  his  thirty-five  acres  of  it,  on  the  25th  of  January,  1680-1, 
to  his  son  Samuel  Bill,  a  butcher,  who  had  previously  pur- 
chased five  acres  of  Mr.  John  Salter  (part  of  his  inheritance 
from  his  father  William,  a  mariner),  and  also  other  parts  of 
several  persons." 

It  will  be  seen  hereafter,  when  we  come  to  speak  of  this 
Samuel,  the  son  of  Thomas  Bill,  that  he  by  subsequent 
purchases  acquired  the  whole  of  this  island,  and  that  it 
remained  for  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  century  in  the 
possession  of  the  Bill  family. 

The  fears  of  an  invasion  of  the  colony  by  the  Dutch,  in 
consequence  of  a  war  with  England,  says  Drake,  may  have 
given  rise  to  the  stupendous  project  for  fortifying  the  town  of 
Boston.  A  circular  wall  was  ordered  to  be  erected,  extending 
from  one  extremity  of  the  cove  to  the  other ;  or,  its  termina- 
tions were  the  Sconce,  at  the  point  now  occupied  by  India 
wharf  on  the  south,  and  Captain  Scarlett's  wharf,  at  the  foot 
of  Fleet  Street,  on  the  north.  Its  length  was  considered  to 
be  about  2,200  feet. 

It  was  at  first  proposed  that  the  work  should  be  done  at 
the  expense  of  the  town  ;  but  at  a  town  meeting  held  on  the 
5th  September,  1672,  a  vote  could  not  be  obtained  to  autho- 
rize it.  The  town,  however,  instructed  the  Selectmen,  that 
if  they  could  dispose  of  the  Flats  to  be  included  by  the  con- 
templated wall  or  wharf,  so  as  to  meet  the  expense  of  it,  they 
had  liberty  to  proceed  with  the  work.  It  was  to  be  twenty- 
two  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  and  twenty  at  the  top,  "  to  be 
convenient  for  a  breastwork  to  play  guns  on,"  and  was  to  be 
about  fifteen  feet  in  height.  The  circular  line  to  be  built 
upon  was  to  touch  the  channel  at  the  nearest  point  before  the 
town,  and  between  the  wall  and  the  seaward  extremities  of 
the  wharves  built  and  to  be  built,  with  one  hundred  feet 
space  left  for  vessels. 

As  great  as  this  undertaking  was  in  its  dav,  it  was  com- 
menced  with  spirit,  and  successfully  completed  in  due  time. 


SECOND   GENERATION.  53 

Forty-one  persons  undertook  the  work,  which  was  let  out  in 
lots  of  from  twenty  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  feet.  Thomas 
Bill  was  one  of  the  parties  who  contracted  to  build  a  portion 
of  this  sea-wall,  having  engaged  to  construct  twenty -two  and 
a  half  feet  of  it.* 

1685.  Dec.  14.  Thomas  Bill  of  Boston,  Innholder,  and 
Abigal  his  wife,  for  £15  lis.  6d.,  mortgage  to  Joseph  Lynde  of 
Charlestown,  malster,  his  house  and  land  in  Boston,  measuring 
in  front  40  feet  on  the  N.  E.  side  of  the  street  [Prince  Street] 
that  leadeth  from  the  North  Meeting  House  [in  North 
Square]  to  centre  Haven,  and  thence  backward  N.  E.  and  by 
E.  60  feet.— (Suff.  Deeds,  Lib.  13 :  406.) 

1686.  April  13.  This  Thomas  and  his  wife  sell  to  John 
Goffe  of  Boston  a  house  and  lot  at  the  northerly  end  of 
Boston  ;  size,  54  by  60  feet.— (Ibid.,  13 :  476.) 

Thomas  Bill  died  in  Boston,  October  29,  1696.  He  is 
presumed  to  have  been  buried  on  Copps  Hill,  though  his 
gravestone  is  not  found  by  Wyman,  who  made  a  thorough 
search. 

His  will  is  dated  October  2,  1696,  and  was  proved  January 
27,  1696-7.  In  it  he  calls  himself  "  planter,'*  and  appoints  his 
eldest  son,  Samuel,  executor.  After  his  debts  are  paid,  he 
gives  to  his  wife  Abigal  (she  died  on  November  7,  following) 
all  his  housing  and  land  in  Boston,  and  all  other  of  his 
estate  whatsoever,  during  her  natural  life,  with  full  power 
to  sell  and  dispose  of  the  same,  if  she  have  need.  To  sons 
Samuel  and  Benjamin,  and  daughter  Susanna  Crawford, 
wife  of  Mungo  Crawford,  he  gives,  after  his  wife's  decease,  all 
the  front  part  of  the  house  he,  the  testator,  dwells  in,  with  the 
land  thereto  belonging.  To  his  son  Jacob  he  gives  the  back 
end  of  said  house,  being  the  northerly  part,  now  occupied 
by  Richard  Barnard;  but  not  till  after  his  wife's  decease. 
Thomas  Bill,  the  testator,  affixes  his  mark  to  the  will ;  which 

is  witnessed  by  F d  Martyn,  John  M.  Barbor,  and  Richard 

Barnard.— (Suff.  Prob.  11 :  250.) 

*  Drake's  Hist.  Boston,  pp.  394-395. 


54  THE    BILL    FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

The  inventory  of  his  estate  is  dated  March  7,  1097-8.  The 
total  amount  of  which  was  £193  2s.  6d. 

His  children  were — by  first  wife,  Elizabeth — 

14:  f  Samuel,'  b.  165-;  m.  Elizabeth  ( ) 

15  Sargent,3  b.  Feb.  26,  1657-8:  probably  d.  young. 

By  second  wife,  Abigal : 

16  Sarah,3  b.  Sept.  28,  1659.       Not  mentioned  in  the  will. 

17  Mary,3  b.  Aug.  15,  1661.  "  "  " 

18  James,3  b.  Dec.  24,   1662-3.     "  " 

19  Thomas,3   b.    Dec.    24,    1664;   m.    Mary and    had 

Thomas,4  Oct.  4,  1686. 

20  Susanna,3  b.  March    18,    1665-6;  m.  Mungo   Crawford,   a 

Scotsman.  They  had  Mary  (Crawford),  m.  Stephen 
Paine,  also  James  (Crawford),  b.  April  26,  1690  ;  d. 
young.     She  d.  near  1713. 

21  Michael,3  b.  Dec.  27,  1667.      Not  named  in  will. 

22  t  Jacob,3  b.  Oct,  21,  1669 ;  Theodosia 

23  t  Benjamin,3  b.  near  1674;  m. 

Those  not  named  in  the  will  of  the  father  are  supposed  to 
have  died  prior  to  his  death.  The  son  Thomas,  above,  is 
questioned  whether  he  was  or  was  not  a  son  of  this  Thomas  Bill. 

We  now  come  to  Philip,  the  first  of  the  family  who  moved 
to  Connecticut ;  settling  in  that  portion  of  the  town  of  New 
London  that  lay  east  of  the  Thames  River,  and  which,  in 
1705,  was  set  off,  receiving  the  name  of  Groton.  It  is  chiefly 
with  the  descendants  of  this  Philip  that  we  shall  have  to  deal 
when  we  reach  the  fourth  generation.  More  than  nine-tenths 
of  all  those  now  living  have  descended  from  him.  It  is 
remarkable  to  note  the  "  current  of  events,"  as  relating  to  our 
family.  While  the  descendants  of  Philip  have  become  nume- 
rous and  widespread,  being  found  in  most  of  the  States  of  the 
Union,  and  all  the  British  Provinces  in  North.  America  (we 
even  find  one  of  his  descendants  comfortably  settled  in  far-off 
Australia — Edward  Manning  Bill);  the  descendants  of  the 
preceding  James  and  Thomas,  his  brothers,  have  become 
nearly  extinct. 


SECOND   GENERATION.  55 

4. 

PHILIP  BILL,'  (John1)  as  stated  in  the  preceding  pages, 
is  believed  to  be  a  son  of  John  and  Dorothy  Bill  and  brother 
of  James2  and  Thomas2  of  Boston.  He  was  born  in  England 
about  1620,  and  is  a  supposed  grandson  of  the  King's  Printer 
mentioned  in  the  last  portion  of  the  chapter  on  our  English 
ancestors.  There  is  no  record  at  the  Rolls  Office  in  Chancery 
Lane,  London,  of  his  departure  in  any  of  the  vessels  bound  to 
America,  nor  do  we  find  there,  either,  any  record  of  the  emi- 
gration of  his  father  and  mother,  or  of  James2  and  Thomas2 ; 
yet  all  these  persons  were  born  in  England,  and  did  emigrate 
to  New  England,  as  their  names  and  the  names  of  their  de- 
scendants are  found  all  along  the  pages  of  municipal  and 
legislative  history  of  those  early  years,  forming  no  small  por- 
tion of  the  honorable  record  of  that  population  which  had  been 
driven  by  persecution  and  stress  of  circumstances  to  buffet 
"  the  wild  waste  of  waters,"  and  seek  a  home  in  this  then 
wilderness,  of  stern  and  desolate  character,  where  naught  but 
great  physical  energy  arid  endurance  could  fight  off  famine, 
and  unceasing  watchfulness  protect  them  from  midnight 
assassination  and  slaughter  at  the  hands  of  those  brutal  and 
treacherous  red  men,  who  were  ever  flitting  along  the  out- 
skirts of  the  opening  forest,  waiting  and  watching  their  oppor- 
tunity. These  privations  and  hardships  were  his,  and  he  was 
taught  them  in  the  impressive  period  of  his  youth — for  though 
he  was  born  in  England,  yet  he  was  but  a  lad  at  the  time  of 
his  arrival  in  America,  and  we  can  truly  claim  him  as  one 
having  been  educated  in  this  country,  and  moulded  to  en-; 
counter  the  trials  attendant  on  a  pioneer  life,  and  such  a 
pioneer  life  too  as  we,  who  now  bear  a  part  on  the  stage  of 
action,  have  little  conception  of. 

But  to  return :  we  first  find  Philip  at  Pulling  Point, 
then  forming  a  portion  of  Boston,  though  it  is  more  than 
likely  he  for  the  first  few  years  was  with  his  mother  Dorothy 
in  Boston  proper ;  and  lie  must  have  been  referred  to  when 
Hie-hard  Tuttle  (his  presumed   uncle)  became  responsible  to 


56  TIIE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

the  town  for  the  widow  Dorothy,  and  "  for  any  thing  about 
her."  After  his  brother  James,2  who  was  several  years  his 
senior,  and  a  man  grown,  made  his  first  purchase  of  land  at 
Pulling  Point,  and  settled  there,  Philip  must  have  followed, 
for  we  find  him  in  1600  a  debtor  to  the  estate  of  William 
Burnell  of  that  place,  a  friend  and  neighbor  of  James,2  and 
probably  of  Philip.2  He  must  have  removed  to  Ipswich  soon 
after,  for  we  have  from  the  Court  files  of  that  place  ample 
evidence  in  the  succeeding  documents  appended  below. 

1663.  May  11.  Philip  Fowler,  Sen.,  of  Ipswich,  puts  into 
the  hands  of  Philip  Bill  two  young  heifers  for  seven  years. 
Philip  Bill  is  *****  *  *  and  at  the  end  of  the 
time  he  is  to  deliver  up  to  Fowler  one-half  the  profit  of  the 
calves.  He  is  to  be  as  careful  of  said  heifers  and  of  their  in- 
crease as  if  they  wTere  his  own.  If  through  God's  providence 
any  accident  happen  to  said  heifers  or  their  increase,  he  is  to 
deliver  half  the  stock  alive. 

(Signed)  By  the  mark  of  Philip  Bill. 

Present — 

Will"  White, 
Deborah  Jackson. 

After  a  residence  of  a  few  years  in  Ipswich  he  must  have 
for  some  reason  become  dissatisfied,  as  he  left  there  about  the 
last  of  the  year  1667  or  early  in  1668.  Miss  Caulkins,  in  her 
history  of  New  London,  places  him  among  the  arrivals  in  that 
town  at  "  about  1668."*  The  next  document  we  append 
would,  from  its  date,  indicate  the  time  of  his  departure  from 
Ipswich. 

Mr.  Fowler,  who  had  placed  cattle  in  his  keeping,  learning 
of  his  proposed  removal  to  Connecticut,  and  feeling  insecure, 
had  this  attachment  issued,  a  true  copy  of  which  is  here  given  : 

To  the  Marshall  of  Ipswich  or  his  Deputy. 

You  are  required  in  his  maiestyes  name  to  attach  the  goods 

*  Miss  Caulkins's  Hist.  New  London,  p.  146. 


SECOND   GENERATION.  57 

or  body  of  Philip  Bill  &  take  bond  of  him  to  the  value  of 
Twenty  pounds  with  sufficient  suretyes  for  his  appearance  the 
next  court  to  be  holden  at  Salem  the  last  teusday  of  this  month 
then  and  there  to  answer  the  complaint  of  Phillip  ffowler  Senr. 
in  an  action  of  the  case  of  security  for  a  pcell  of  cattell  he 
hath  of  his  in  his  hands  (he  being  goeing  out  of  this  jurisdic- 
tion) that  they  may  be  delivered  unto  the  sayd  ffowler  accord- 
ing to  contract  &  soe  make  a  true  return  thereof  under  your 
hand.     Dated  the  3  of  November  1668. 

Robert  Lord, 
By  the  Court  marshall. 

Philip  Bill  meanwhile  left  Ipswich  with  his  family,  and 
went  to  Pulling  Point,  where  he  remained  some  months, 
visiting  Ms  brother  Jame3,  and  making  needful  arrangement's 
before  leaving  for  New  London.  This  fact  is  ascertained  from 
a  paper  "dated  November  3,  1668,  in  the  Court  Files,  which 
paper  is  a  power  of  attorney  from  Philip  Fowler  to  his 
"  Grandchild  Phillip  ffowler  "  of  Pulling  Point,  empowering 
him  to  effect  a  settlement  with  Philip  Bill,  who  was,  as  we 
have  said,  sojourning  there  at  about  this  date. 

John  Winthrop,  the  younger,  a  resident  of  Ipswich,  who 
had  had  a  grant  of  land  confirmed  to  him  in  the  Pequot  coun- 
try (New  London)  of  several  miles  in  extent,  removed  thence 
and  made  it  his  home.  This  land  was  granted  him  with  the 
view  and  hope  that  a  settlement  might  be  established  there 
under  his  auspices,  and  trade  opened  up  along  that  portion  of 
the  coast ;  having  this  in  view,  he  made  several  visits  to  Ips- 
wich and  Boston,  and  was  undoubtedly  instrumental  in  the 
removal  of  Philip  Bill  and  his  family  to  "  Pequot,  on  the  Little 
Fresh  River.'1'*  They  certainly  were  well  acquainted,  as  they 
had  been  neighbors  at  Ipswich. 

Philip  Bill  settled  on  the  east  side  of  the  Thames  River, 
in  that  portion  of  the  township  of  New  London  that  in  1705 

*  The  name  first  given  to  the  Thames  River  by  Capt.  Adrian  Block. 
See  Hist.  New  London,  p.  21,  22. 
5 


58  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

was  incorporated  as  the  town  of  Groton.  This  name  had  been 
previously  given  by  Winthrop,  in  honor  of  his  birthplace  in 
England,  to  his  tract  or  "plantation" — lying  east  of  the 
Thames,  and  between  it  and  the  Poqunnoc  River — extending 
from  the  seashore  back  about  three  miles  northward,  being 
all  included  in  the  present  town  of  Groton. 

Miss  Caulkins  says :  Philip  Bill  settled  near  Robert  Allyn 
and  George  Geer,  which  is  believed  by  the  writer  to  have  been 
at  or  near  Allyn's  Point,  the  present  terminus  of  the  Norwich 
and  Worcester  Railroad.  It  is  presumed  that  Robert  Allyn's 
house  was  not  far  distant,  and  that  this  point  of  land  on  the 
Thames  formed  a  portion  of  his  farm,  hence  its  name. 

At  the  May  session  of  the  State  Legislature,  in  183G,  the 
town  of  Groton,  on  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  North 
Society,  so  called,  was,  after  a  somewhat  protracted  contest, 
divided,  the  South  half  retaining  the  old  name,  while  the 
North  half  received  the  name  of  Ledyard,  in  perpetuation  of 
the  name  of  Col.  William  Ledyard,  who  made  so  gallant  a 
defense  at  Fort  Griswold,  on  Groton  Heights,  and  who,  after 
having  been  overpowered  by  superior  forces  and  surrendered, 
was  brutally  murdered,  with  others  of  his  command,  on  the 
6th  September,  1781.  These  forces  of  Great  Britain  were 
under  the  supervisory  command  of  the  traitor  Arnold. 

Philip  Bill  became  possessed  of  considerable  real  estate, 
prior  to  his  decease.  This  we  learn  from  an  agreement  of 
boundaries,  dated  July  14,  1676.    (New  London  Deeds,  4  :  64.) 

1677.  Oct.  20,  he  sells  to  Richard  Lord  100  acres  of  land. 
(Ibid.,  5  :  32.)  He  also,  by  will,  devised  landed  property  to  his 
children,  as  we  learn  from  a  mortgage  given  by  his  son, 
Joshua,  in  1707. 

A  large  portion  of  the  old  records  of  New  London  was 
burnt,  with  the  town,  by  Arnold,  in  1781.  But  for  this,  we 
should  undoubtedly  be  able  to  greatly  enlarge  this  interesting 
period  in  the  family  history. 

No  will  of  Philip  has  been  found,  though  diligent  searches 
have  been  made  by  the  writer  and  others.       He  died  July  8, 


SECOND  GENERATION.  59 

1689,  of  a  fatal  throat  distemper,  which  prevailed  that  sum- 
mer.""* His  daughter,  Margaret,  died  the  same  day,  of  the 
same  disease.  His  widow,  Hannah,  afterwards  married 
Samuel  Bucknall  or  Buckland,  of  New  London,  and  died  in 
1709. 

The  children  of*  Philip  and  Hannah  Bill  were : 
Born  in  Massachusetts  : 

24  Philip,3  b.  near  1658  ;  m.  (1)  Elizabeth  Lester ;  (2)  Mary • 

25  Mary,3  b.  abt.  1661  ;   see  note  below.f 

26  Margaret,3  b.  abt,  1663  ;  d.  in  July  8,  1689. 

27  Samuel,3  b.  abt.  1665  ;  m.  (1)  Mercy  Haughton.    (2)  Eliza- 

beth   

28  John,3  b.  abt  1667  ;  m.  (1)  Mercy  Fowler.  (2)  Hannah  Rist 

[Hurst]. 

29  Elizabeth* ;    admitted  to  the  church  in   N.  L.    1694, 

and  may  have  m.  James  Avery.     See 
acct.  of  Joshua,  her  brother. 
Born  in  New  London : 

30  Jonathan,3  b. bap.  Nov.  5,  1671  :  was  living  in  1708. 

31  Joshua,3   b.    Oct.    16,    1675;    bap.    March    29,    1675;    m. 

(1)  Joanna  Potts.  (2)  Hannah  Swodel. 

*  Miss  Caulkins's  Hist.  New  London,  p.  198. 

f  In  the  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  published  in  1865,  a  memorandum 
of  Gov.  John  Winthrop,  of  Conn.,  is  published  as  having  been 
made  by  him  in  1670,  while  in  Boston,  on  the  back  of  a  letter,  as 
follows  :  "  Mary  Bill,  14  y.  at  red  lyon,  4  gs.  &  2  gs.  ddd."  Mr.  Vinton 
says  this  must  mean  she  was  14  years  old,  and  that  Winthrop  had  deliv- 
ered her  four  guineas  and  two  guineas,  with  which  to  buy  goods  or  pay 
expenses,  and  gives  this  solution,  that  this  girl,  Mary  Bill,  was  his  neigh- 
bor, Philip  Bill's  daughter,  of  Groton.  We  might  add  that  this 
money  was  undoubtedly  delivered  at  the  request  of  her  father,  and  not 
unlikely  he  sent  this  money  for  her,  per  the  hands  of  Governor  Winthrop. 


CO  THE  BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

THIED    GEXERATIOX. 

7. 

MARY  BILL3  (James,5  John1),  eldest  child  of  James  and 
Mary  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point :  b.  about  1645  :  m.  John  Smith 
of  Boston.  He  died  September  21,  1700,  aged  85,  and  was 
buried  in  North  Chelsea.  He  was  considerably  her  senior* 
and  it  mav  be  that  she  was  his  second  wife. 

They  had  children  in  1676,  as  a  deed  dated  August  4  of 
that  year  shows :  in  which,  for  the  love  of  and  affection  he  bears 
to  his  wife  Mary  Smith  and  his  children,  by  her  he  conveys 
to  his  father-in-law,  James  Bill,  Sen.,  of  Pulling  Point,  his 
house,  &c,  &c.  (Suff.  Deeds,  16:  230.)  The  name  of  only 
one  child  is  learned,  viz. : 
3.2    Jeremiah  (Smith),  b.  May  29, 1665. 

8. 

HANNAH  BILL3  (James,2  John'),  second  child  of  James 
and  Mary  Bill,  and  a  sister  of  the  above :  b.  near  1647 :  m. 
John  Kent  of  Charlestown.  She  died  Januarv  9, 1690-1.  He 
m.  for  second  wife  Sarah  Smith  of  same  place,  December  22, 
1692. 

The  children  of  Hannah  Bill  and  John  Kent  were : 

33  Hannah  (Kent),  b.  July  2,  1667. 

34  Mary  (Kent),  b.   February    3,    1669-70.      Must    have    d. 

young. 

35  Joshua  (Kent),  b.  June  15,  1672.     Must  have  d.  young. 

36  Joshua  (Kent),  b.  July  5,  1674. 

37  Joseph  (Kent),  b.  October,  8,  1675.  m.  Rebeca  Chittenden. 

38  Samuel  (Kent),  b.  March  23,  1678. 

39  Ebenezer'(Kent),  b.  August  18,  1680. 

40  Lydia  (Kent),  b.  July  5,  1683. 

41  Mary  (Kent),  b.  May  12,  1686. 

42  Susanna  (Kent),  b.  August  13,  1689. 

9.     • 

'  JAMES  BILL'  (James,'  John1),  eldest  son  of  James  and 


THIRD  GENERATION.  61 

Mary  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point,  b.  November  23,  1651  :  m.  Herit- 
able   . 

We  find  the  following  public  records  relating  to  him  :  the 
first  is  the  indenture,  dated  February  28,  1671-2,  which  has 
been  given.  The  next  bears  date  1685,  April  27,  in  which 
Samuel  Sewall,*  Esquire,  of  Boston,  and  Hannah,  his  wife, 
for  £.100,  sell  to  James  Bill,  Junior,  Jonathan  Bill,  and  Joseph 
Bill,  of  Pulling  Point,  yeomen,  their  farm  at  Rumney  Marsh, f 
containing  130  acres.     (Suff.  Deeds,  13  :  307,  308.) 

The  next  is  his  father's  will. 

1689.  Oct.  22.  James  Bill  and  Mehitable,  his  wife,  Jona- 
than Bill  and  Frances,  his  wife,  Joseph  Bill  and  Deliverance, 
his  wife,  all  of  Pullen  Point,  for  £357,  sell  to  Thomas  Cheever, 
of  Rumney  Marsh  (their  brother-in-law),  all  their  farme, 
messuage,  or  tenement,  in  Rumney  Marsh,  containing  120 
acres,  at  present  occupied  by  said  Thomas  Cheever,  being  the 
same  that  was  conveyed  to  said  James,  Jonathan,  and  Joseph, 
by  Samuel  Sewall,  of  Boston,  as  per  the  date  above. — (Ibid. 
15  :  2,  3,  4.) 

There  are  several  other  deeds  showing  purchases  and  sales 
of  real  estate,  both  of  Boston  proper,  and  at  Pullen  Point, 
where  James  and  his  brothers  acquired  the  estate  of  Hutchin- 
son, for  £440. 

The  following  is  a  document  that  shows  an  equal  division 
of  all  the  lands  owned  jointly  by  these  brothers.  It  will  be 
found  quite  an  interesting  paper,  and  we  give  it  in  full : 

To  all  Christian  People,  James  Bill,  Jonathan  Bill  and 
Joseph  Bill,  Sendeth  Greeting.  Know  yee,  That  wee  the 
Bd  James  Bill,  Jonathan  Bill  &  Joseph  Bill  all  of  Boston  in 
the  Massachusets  Colony  in  New  England  sons  to  James 
Bill  our  honoured  flather  of  Boston  aforesaid  Deceased  wee 
haveing  purchased  all  the  Lands  our  sd  ifather  was  possessed 
of  in  the  bounds  of  Boston  at  a  place  comonly  called  Pullin 


Point. 


*  This  was  the  Judge  Sewall  who  condemned  the  witches  in  1693. 
t  A  name  applied  to  locality  lying  between  Winnissemet  and  Pulling 


62  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

point,  except  a  piece  of  Land  of  about  Thirty  Acres  the  which 
our  father  gave  us  and  also  have  purchased  all  the  Lands  and 
houseing  with  the  Marsh  belonging  to  Major  Elisha  Hutchin- 
son, Esqr.  adjoyning  to  our  owne  land  aforesd.  Now  we  the 
said  James  Jonathan  and  Joseph  Bill  aforesaid  being  joynt 
purchasers  in  all  the  said  lands  and  equall  in  the  lands 
given  Do  by  these  presents  jointly  agree  and  have  Determined 
That  William  Johnson  Esqr  of  the  Towne  of  AVobourn  shall 
have  full  power  to  Divide  the  sd  parcells  of  Land  with 
Marsh  belonging  to  it,  into  three  equal  parts  which  is 
accordingly  done  as  will  appeare  by  a  plat  given  under  the 
sd  Johnsons  hand  and  the  Land  so  divided  we  by  these 
presents  owne  to  be  our  owne  act  and  Deed  and  do  hereby 
confirm  the  same  to  us  and  either  of  us  wee  and  our  heir* 
forever. 

Namely  to  James  Bill  we  conh'rme  &  make  over  to  him  ana 
his  heires  forever  all  those  housings  buildings  yards  orchards 
Inclosures  meadows  marshs  woods  timber  all  other  appur- 
tenances and  priviledges  belonging  or  in  any  waves  apper- 
taining to  the  South  end  of  said  land  bounded  by  a  line 
drawne  from  a  heap  of  stones  on  the  east  side  sd  ifarme 
between  the  Marsh  and  upland  beginning  at  the  Creeke  by  a 
straight  line  to  the  sd  heap  of  Stones  and  through  the  farme 
by  marked  trees  to  another  heap  of  Stones  in  the  line  that 
was  formerly  Cap  Hutchinsons  where  Jonathan  Bills  land 
corners  and  then  by  Joseph  Bills  line  of  his  highway  to  a 
heap  of  stones  and  stake  standing  in  the  old  line  and  from 
thence  by  a  straight  line  to  the  sea  side  or  salt  water  and  also 
two  parcels  of  Marsh  land  lying  in  the  Marsh  on  the  North  of 
the  farme  the  one  lying  next  Mr  Winthrops  Marsh  the  othei 
between  Jonathan  and  Joseph  Bills  Marsh  being  well 
bounded  the  whole  containing  two  hundred  Acres  be  the 
same  more  or  less  To  have  and  to  hold  the  said  Housing  and 
lands  as  above  bounded  to  the  said  James  Bill  to  him  and  his 
heires  for  ever  with  liberty  to  fetch  his  hay  from  his  marsh 
Also  to  Jonathan  Bill  we  confirme  a  Tract  of  land  lying 


THIRD  GENERATION.  63 

on  the  prest  side  the  said  ffarme  with  all  the  wood  and 
timber  lying  or  growing  thereon  swamps  orchards  fields 
fences  and  all  other  appurtenances  or  priviledges  to  to  the 
same  belonging  or  in  any  waves  appertaining  being  bounded 
as  folio weth  namely  its  bounds  begin  at  a  great  Rock  neer 
the  Marsh  fences  and  from  thence  runneth  southward  between 
his  brother  Joseph's  land  and  his  to  a  walnut  tree  on  which 
their  names  all  stand  marked  and  is  the  south  corner  in 
James  Bills  line  from  thence  it  runneth  to  a  heap  of  Stones  in 
Cap  Hutchinsons  South  and  north  line  and  from  thence  by  a 
straight  line  to  the  sea  or  salt  water  on  the  West.  Also  two 
parcells  of  Marsh  the  one  adjoyning  to  his  owne  upland  the 
other  bounded  by  the  marsh  of  James  and  Joseph  Bill  all  of  it 
containing  two  hundred  acres  be  the  same  more  or  less  and 
will  more  plainly  appeare  by  a  plat  drawne  of  the  same  To 
have  and  to  hold  the  said  Tract  of  Land  and  Marsh  as  above 
bounded  with  all  its  priviledges  and  appurtenances  rights  and 
Improvements  to  the  said  Jonathan  Bill  to  him  and  his  heires 
for  ever  with  liberty  to  fetch  his  hay  from  his  Marsh. 

Also  to  Joseph  Bill  we  do  confirm  all  that  Tract  of  Land 
lying  Eastward  of  Jonathan  Bills  land  and  bounded  by  the 
line  from  the  Rock  to  the  Walnut  Tree  before  mentioned  and 
is  his  west  bounds  and  Easterly  bounded  by  the  land  of  Mr. 
Winthrop  and  North  by  the  Marsh  South  by  the  line  of  James 
Bill  meeting  at  Jonathan  Bills  corner  at  the  Wallnut  Tree 
and  from  said  Tree  by  a  pine  tree  marked  to  a  heap  of  stones 
in  Capt  Hutchinsons  line  takeing  in  two  angels  of  land  for  a 
Highway  and  then  being  twenty  polo  wide  is  an  angel  of  land 
between  his  Brother  James  Bill  and  Jonathan  Bill  taking  in 
the  house  and  orchard  also  two  parcells  of  Marsh  the  one 
lying  against  the  Northwest  corner  of  his  owne  land  and  the 
other  adjoyning  to  it  all  which  house  and  land  (excepting  Six 
Acres  of  land  on  which  stands  a  little  house  on  the  South 
Easterly  corner)  with  its  rights  priviledges  and  appurtenances 
is  confirmed  to  the  said  Joseph  Bill  To  him  and  his  heires  for 
ever  the  whole  containing;  Two  hundred  Acres  be  it  more  or 


64  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

less  Also  by  these  presents  wee  the  said  James  Bill  Jonathan 
Bill  Joseph  Bill  do  give  grant  make  over  to  each  other  wee 
and  our  lieires  for  ever  all  and  every  the  parcells  of  land 
abovesaid  as  they  are  bounded  both  here  and  in  the  platt  and 
upon  the  ground  according  to  the  true  Intent  and  meaning 
thereof  with  liberty  to  fetch  his  hay  from  his  marsh  and  that 
the  same  may  remain  and  continue  a  good,  perfect  proper  and 
absolute  title  of  Inheritance  in  ffee  simple  to  us  and  our  lieires 
for  ever  according  to  this  Division,  we  the  said  James  Bill 
Jonathan  Bill  and  Joseph  Bill  have  hereunto  set  our  hands 
and  seales  this  tenth  day  of  July  sixteen  hundred  ninety  one 

James  Bill  (L.  S.) 
Signed  Sealed  and  possession  given    Jonathan  Bill  (L.  S.) 
before   us  Joseph  Bill  (L.  S.) 

Richard  Knight   &   Edward  Skiving 

James  Bill  Jonathan  Bill  and  Joseph  Bill  personally  ap- 
peared the  tenth  of  July  1691  and  acknowledged  this  Instru- 
ment to  be  their  volentary  act  and  deed 

Joseph  Webb  cler. 
Entered  April  15.  1603. 

Before  William  Johnson  Assist. 
(Suff.  Deeds,  vol.  xvi.  50,  60.) 

In  the  tax-list  for  1687,  we  find  that  James  Bill,  Junior, 
is  assessed  for  30  acres  arable  land,  120  acres  of  pasture  land, 
2  oxen,  4  bulls  and  cows  of  four  years  old,  5  heifers  and 
steers  between  three  and  four  vears  old :  3  likewise  between 
two  and  three  years,  also  2  between  one  and  two  years,  2 
horses  or  mares  of  three  years  old  and  upwards,  3  swine 
above  one  year,  5  buildings.      His  tax  was  10s.  6d. 

In  1693  and  1694  we  find  records  of  sale,  also  the  purchase 
of  real  estate,  in  Boston,  of  considerable  value,  by  this  James.' 
He  was  admitted  a  member  of  the  Second  Church,  in  Boston, 
Dr.  Increase  Mather's,  January  16,  1676-7.  His  wife  was 
admitted  February  23,  1676-7. 


THIRD   GENERATION.  65 

James  Bill  (Junior)  died  in  the  winter  of  1717-18,  aged  66. 
His  widow  was  living  in  April,  1721. — (Suff.  Deeds,  37:  17.) 

An  abstract  of  las  will  is  appended  below.     It  bears  date 
Jan.  6,  1717-18  ;  and  was  proved  Feb.  25  of  the  same  year. 

-  -     I  give  to  my  wife  Mehitable,  the  thirds  of  my 

personal  and  real  estate  during  her  natural  life.  I  give  to  my 
daughters,  Mehitable  Bill  and  Rebecca  Saunders,  all  my  real 
and  personal  estate  after  my  wife's  thirds  are  taken  out ;  and 
they  are  to  pay  my  debts  and  the  legacies  hereinafter  men- 
tioned. To  my  daughter  Hannah  Essex  I  give  iive  pounds,  to 
be  paid  her  at  my  decease,  which  with  £61,  formerly  given 
her,  shall  be  her  portion  ;  and  this  I  do  for  good  reasons  best 
known  to  myself.  To  my  granddaughter,  Mary  Hurst,  I  give 
£150,  to  be  paid  within  one  year  after  my  decease,  if  she  be 
then  eighteen  years  of  age ;  if  she  die  before  eighteen  her 
legacy  shall  go  to  my  said  daughters  Mehitable  Bill  and 
Rebecca  Saunders,  whom  I  make  my  executors  of  this  my 
will.  I  request  my  brothers,  Jonathan  Bill  and  Joseph  Bill, 
also  Deacon  Baker,  Joseph  Belcher  and  Joshua  Cheever,  to  be 
overseers  of  this  my  will,  to  see  it  executed.  (Suff.  Prob., 
20  :  135.) 

Joseph  Belcher  was  the  husband  of  Hannah  Bill,  daughter 
of  Jonathan  Bill ;  and  Joshua  Cheever,  also  named  in  the  will 
was  the  son  of  the  testator's  sister,  Sarah  Bill,  who  married 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Cheever. 

The  children  of  James  and  Mehitable  Bill  were : 

43  James,4  b.  Nov.  23,  1672. 

44  t  Mehitable,4  b.    -  -  167- ;  m.   (1)  Thomas  Selby.    (2)  Wil- 

liam Burgis. 

45  f  Rebecca,4  b.  near    1679  ;  m.  (l)  Samuel  Saunders.  (2)  John 

Tenny. 

46  t  Mary,4  b.  Oct.  10,  1682  ;  m.  Henry  Hirst— [Hurst.] 

47  Bethiah,4  b.  May  6,  1684. 

48  t  Hannah,4  b.  Sept,  27,  1687  ;  m.  (1)  Joseph  Essex.  (2)  Fer- 

diuando  Bood. 

49  f  Abigal,4  b.  near  1690;  m.    (1)  Thomas  Badaley.  (2)  Xortb 

Ingham. 


QQ  THE  BILL   FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

10 

Lieut.  JONATHAN  BILL3  (James,2  John'),  a  brother 
of  the  foregoing :  born  near  1654,  at  Pulling  Point ;  m. 
Frances  ■ ,  who  was  b.  1G52. 

He  resided  at  the  North  End  of  Boston,  where  he  carried 
on  the  business  of  a  butcher,  but  prior  to  his  father's  death 
removed  to  Pulling  Point,  where  it  has  been  shown,  in  a  divi- 
sion of  property  among  himself  and  brothers,  he  had  200  acres. 
In  addition  to  this  real  estate  he  owned  house-lots  in  Boston, 
and,  indeed,  erected  a  house  on  a  piece  of  property  he  bought 
of  John  Paine,  merchant,  at  the  North  End,  fronting  on  the 
street  leading  from  the  North  Meeting  towards  Merries'  Point 
and  adjoining  lands  of  Samuel  Burn  ell,  being  28  feet  in  front 
and  running  back  33  feet.  The  price  paid  was  £82  10.  This 
was  in  16  74-5,  Feb.  4.     (Siiff.  Deeds,  9  :  312.) 

1682,  Dec.  19.  Wait  Still  Winthrop,  of  Boston,  and  his  wife 
Mary,  for  £60,  sell  to  Jonathan  Bill  a  piece  of  land  adjoining 
the  house  and  lot  of  said  Jonathan  Bill,  described  above.  This 
Mr.  Winthrop  was  a  son  of  Gov.  John  Winthrop  of  Conn.,  and 
a  direct  ancestor  of  the  present  Bob.  C.  Winthrop,  of  Boston. 
■'  Lieut.  Jonathan  Bill  is  called  a  "  yeoman  "  of  Boston  in 
1692-3,  in  a  deed  of  land  given  by  him.  His  removal,  as  we 
have  named,  to  Pulling  Point,  severed  his  interests  at  Boston 
greatly,  for  we  find  him  disposing  of  most  of  his  real  estate 
at  that  place.  In  1720  he  and  his  wife  sell  to  Joshua  Bill  30 
acres  of  land  at  Pullen  Point  (within  the  precincts  of  Boston), 
receiving  therefor  £300. 

1720.  "  Lieut,  Jonathan  Bill,  of  Pullen  Point,"  and  wife, 
sell  15  acres  of  land,  at  Pullen  Point,  to  their  son  Jonathan 
Bill,  Junior,  of  the  same  place,  for  the  sum  of  £105. 

1728,  Sept.  29.  He  sells  to  the  same  son  two  pieces  of 
land  for  £100,  "in  current  bills  of  Public  Credit,  of  the 
Province  of  Massach'8  Bay."  They  are  described  as  follows 
in  Suff.  Deeds,  42  :  291,  namely  :  These  "  two  pieces  of  land 
— one  of  upland,  the  other  of  marsh — the  upland  piece  lying  in 


THIRD   GENERATION.  67 

my  farm  on  Pullen  Point,  contains  six  acres  and  lies  on  the 
southerly  side  of  the  19  acres  that  I  sold  to  my  said  son  before 
and  southeasterly  on  the  land  that  was  my  brother  Joseph 

Bill's  land,  &c. The  marsh  piece  is  four  acres,  that 

lieth  by  hog  Island*  over  against  Olivia's  Cove,  it  being  that 
four  acres  that  was  my  father  Bill's  about  seventy  years  agone 
and  hath  been  enjoyed  by  my  father   and  myself  ever  since. 

It  is  bounded  by  two  creeks.''     (Suff.  Deeds, 

42  :  291.)     This  document  bears  date  Sept.  29, 1728. 

His  will  is  dated  Sept.  30 :  1728,  and  proved  May  5,  1729. 

Being  sound  in  mind  but  weak  in  body.     - I  give 

to  my  loving  wife  Frances,  one  third  of  my  estate,  or  in  lieu 
thereof  £26  yearly,  during  the  term  of  her  natural  life.  My 
wife  to  have  a  room  in  the  house  at  Boston,  or  at  Pullen 
Point,  to  live  in,  as  she  shall  choose.  After  her  decease,  the 
household  furniture  to  be  divided  among  my  three  daugh- 
ters, Martha,  Hannah,  and  Mary.  I  give  to  my  son  Jonathan 
and  his  heirs  the  northerly  half  of  my  farm  at  Pullen  Point, 
with  all  the  buildings  thereon.  To  my  son  Joshua  and  his 
heirs,  I  give  the  other  half,  except  25  acres  formerly  sold  to 
pay  Joshua's  debts.  To  my  daughters,  Martha  Giles  and 
Mary  Waite,  I  give  my  house  and  land  in  Boston,  to  be  equally 
divided  between  them.f  These  two  daughters  shall  pay  fifteen 
pounds  apiece  to  the  daughter  of  my  son  William  when  she 
comes  to  the  age  of  eighteen,  or  is  married,  which  [ever]  shall 
first  happen.  To  my  daughter  Hannah  Belcher,  six  score 
pounds  shall  be  paid  by  my  sons  Jonathan  and  Joshua  ;  the 
first  to  pay  £80  the  other  £10.  To  my  grandchildren,  Jona- 
than Belcher  and  Sarah  Belcher,  I  give  five  pounds  each, 
when  they  come  to  full  age.  There  shall  be  a  way  for  each 
of  my  sons  through  the  land  of  the  others,  to  the  Boat-place. 
I  give  my  negro  men  to  my  sons.  If  they  be  discontented, 
they  shall  have  liberty  to   choose   their  master.      My  wife 

*  An  island  in  Boston  harbor,  opposite  Pulling  Point. 
t  This  had  been  his  former  residence  while  in  Boston,  and  was  on  Fish 
Street,  now  north  of  North  Street. 


68  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Frances,  and  sons  Jonathan  and  Joshua,  to  be  my  Execu- 
tors. 

Witnesses — John  Center,  Jonah  Nutting,  Jacob  Cole  and 
[Rev.]  Thomas  Cheever.     (Sufi*.  Prob.  27 :   82.) 

He  died  April  18,  1729,  aged  76,  and  was  buried  in  Chel- 
sea. His  widow  Frances  died  Feb.  26,  1736-7,  aged  86.  She 
was  buried  in  the  King's  Chapel  Burying-ground,  in  the  city 
of  Boston,  adjoining  the  church  of  that  name  that  stands  near 
the  "  Common."  It  is  presumed  from  the  fact  of  her  being 
buried  there,  away  from  her  husband,  that  she  removed  from 
Pulling  Point  and  lived  with  her  daughters  in  the  house  given 
them  by  the  will  of  their  father. 

The  children  of  Jonathan  and  Frances  were  : 

50  t  Hannah,4  b.  about  1676  ;  m.  Joseph  Belcher. 

51  t  Martha,4  b.  about  1678  ;  m.  Thomas  Giles. 

52  t  Jonathan,4  b. 1680  ;  m.  Ann  Allen. 

53  f  Mary,4   b.  168- ;     m.    (1)    Samuel    Worden.    (2) 

Thomas  Waite. 
54:  t  Joshua,4  b. 168-  ;  m.  Sarah  Burnham. 

55  William,4  b.  May  17,  1687  ;  d.  young. 

56  t  William,4  b.  Apr.  7,  1690  ;  in.  Susanna  Whitteredge. 
SARAH  BILL3  (James,    John1),  sister  of  the  preceding 

Jonathan ;  b.  1658 ;  m.  168-,  Rev.  Thomas  Cheever  of 
[Boston].  He  was  born  in  Ipswich,  August  26,  1658,  a 
son  of  the  famous  Ezehiel  Cheever.  rv/W 

Rev.  Thomas  Cheever*  graduated  at  Howard  College  in 
1677  ;  began  to  preach  at  Maiden,  February  14,  1679-80 ; 
was  ordained  pastor  there,  July  27,  1681.  Some  charges,  in 
reference  to  some  imprudent  acts  or  expressions,  and  not 
affecting  his  moral  character,  an  Ecclesiastical  Council,  of 
which  Dr.  Increase  Mather  was  moderator,  was  called  in  1685 
to  examine  them,  and  he  was  dismissed  April  8,  1686.  His  dis- 
mission, however,  was  less  in  pursuance  of  these  charges,  than 
from  a  desire  on  the  part  of  the  people  of  Maiden  to  be  again 
under  the  pastoral  care  of  their  former  minister,  Rev.  Michael 
Wigglesworth — author  of  the   poem  entitled    "  The  Day  of 

*  We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Vinton  for  the  facts  relating  to  Mr.  Cheever. 


THIRD  GENERATION.  69 

Doom,"  and  father  of  the  first  Professor  of  Divinity  at  Harvard 
College.  Mr.  Wigglesworth  accordingly  resumed  his  labors 
therein  16S6,  and  continued  them  till  his  death,  which  occurred 
June  10,  1705.  Mr.  Cheever  appears  not  to  have  lost  the 
confidence  of  the  community.  He  retired  to  Rumney  Marsh, 
now  part  of  Chelsea,  near  the  residence  of  his  wife's  father, 
purchased  a  farm  there  of  his  wife's  brothers,  October  22, 
1689,  and  resided  there  till  his  death.  He  appears  to  have 
been  engaged  in  the  labors  of  the  ministry  to  a  greater  or  less 
extent  for  many  years  previous  to  his  installation  there.  He 
was  installed  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Chelsea,  October 
19,  1715 ;  on  which  occasion  he  himself  preached  from  1  Cor. 
iii.  7 — as  was  then  often,  if  not  commonly  done.  Rev.  Richard 
Brown  of  [South]  Reading  prayed,  Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  oi 
Boston,  gave  the  charge.,  Rev.  Jeremiah  Shepard,  of  Lynn, 
gave  the  Right  Hand  of  Fellowship,  Mr.  Cheever  pronounced 
the  Benediction.  He  continued  pastor  of  the  church  in  Chel- 
sea 34  years,  viz.  :  till  his  death,  which  occurred  November 
27,  1749,  aged  91.  Seventy  years  wanting  only  three  months 
elapsed  between  the  beginning  and  close  of  his  ministry. 
His  marriage  with  Sarah  Bill,  his  first  wife,  and  the  mother 
of  all  his  children,  as  believed,  occurred  prior  to  1685.  She 
died  January  30,  170-4-5,  aged  47. 

He  married  for  his  second  wife  Elizabeth  Warren,  July 
30,  1707 :  after  her  decease  he  married  Abigal  Jarvis. 

The   children  of  Rev.  Thomas  and  Sarah  (Bill)  Cheever 
were  : 

57  Thomas4  (Cheever),  b. ;  hem.  (1)  Mary  Boardman.  (2) 

Mary  Baker. 

58  Sarah4  (Cheever),  b. ;  m.  Thomas  Kendall. 

59  Joshua4  (Cheever),  b.  January  6,  1687;  m.  (l)   Sarah  War- 

ren.    (2)  Widow  Sarah  Jenkins. 

60  Abigal4  (Cheever),  b.  May  20,  1690  ;  m.  John  Burt. 

61  Ezekiel4  (Cheever),  b.  March  7, 1691-2  ;  m.  Elizabeth  Jenner. 

62  Nathan4  (Cheever),  b.  March   16,1694-5;  ra.   (1)  Hannah 

Brooks.     (2)  Anna  Fuller. 


70  TIIE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

12. 

JOSEPH  BILL3  (James2,  John1),  son  of  James  and  Mary 
Bill,  and  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  Sarah  Cheever,  was  born 
near  1660,  and  m.  (1)  Lydia .  (2)  Deliverance  Wake- 
field, of  Boston,  between  the  years  1687  and  1689. 

This  Joseph  resided  at  Pulling  Point,  which,  as  we  have 
seen,  was  the  central  settlement  of  the  Bill  family  at  this 
period.     He  continued  there  during  life. 

He  was  the  owner  of  considerable  real  estate,  and  by  occu- 
pation  was  a  farmer.  His  name  has  appeared  in  some  of  the 
previous  documents  given,  and  we  tind  him  in  1698  buying 
a  "  brick  house  "  in  Boston,  on  the  street  leading  to  Scarlett's 
wharf  [now  East  Boston  Ferry],  for  which  he  paid  £520. 

Nearly  all  of  these  brothers,  sons  of  James"  and  Mary  Bill, 
not  only  had  noble  farms,  but  each  seemed  to  have  had  at 
least  one  or  more  pieces  of  property  in  Boston  proper.  This 
seems  to  us  evidence  of  their  general  thrift  and  prosperity. 

His  will  bears  date  the  31st  of  January,  1717— IS  ;  proved 
February  25,  1717-18.  In  it  he  names  his  four  sons,  Joseph, 
John,  Josiah,  and  Jeremiah,  to  whom  he  gives  all  his  real 
estate  at  Pulling  Point  and  at  Boston,  also  all  his  farming 
implements,  &c,  to  be  equally  divided.  "  My  son  Hezekiah  is 
to  be  brought  up  out  of  the  estate  till  fit  to  be  put  to  a  trade, 
and  is  to  be  taught  to  write  and  cypher."  I  give  him  £o00 
to  be  paid  him  at  21.  Anna  is  to  receive  six  score  pounds 
within  three  years,  thirty  of  which  is  to  be  paid  at  her  mar- 
riage. To  his  daughter  Esther,  £100,  one-fourth  at  once  and 
the  balance  in  three  years.  To  his  daughter  Sarah,  six  score 
pounds,  one-half  at  her  marriage,  balance  in  three  years.  To 
my  grandchildren,  Joseph  Rouse  and  William  House.  £5  each, 
wl  they  come  out  of  their  apprenticeship.  To  my  son 
Joseph  Bill  Igive  my  Silver  tankard  and  my  cane.  My  house- 
hold furniture,  including  my  silver  cups,  spoons,  and  my  rings, 
to  be  divided  among  my  children.  My  negroes  to  have  the 
liberty  of  choosing  their  masters,      tom's  master  shall  allow 


THIRD   GENERATION.  71 

for  him  £40  ;  Titus'  master  shall  allow  for  him  £50,  and  for 
the  negro  woman  £20.  My  son  Hezekiah  and  my  three 
daughters  to  be  put,  in  mourning  out  of  my  estate.  His  four 
eldest  sons  were  made  his  Executors.     (SufF.  Prob.  20  :  134.) 

For  the  Inventory  of  his  estate,  see  SufF.  Prob.  21  :  251. 

We  give  the  following  as  a  relict  of  "  yc  olden  time  :" 

We  Jeremiah  Bill  of  Pullen  Point,  husbandman,  Thomas 
Smith  of  Boston,  sawyer,  and  Anna  [Bill]  his  wife,  Esther 
[Bill]  Goodwin  and  Sarah  [Bill]  Ingram,  widows,  and  Heze- 
kiah Bill  of  Boston,  boat-builder,  the  only  [surviving]  children 
and  heirs  of  Joseph  Bill,  late  of  Pullen  Point,  deceased,  in 
consideration  that  Titus,  negro  man,  and  late  servant  of  said 
deceased,  hath  faithfully  served  him  all  such  time  as  he  was 
his  servant,  and  that  he  hath  desired  to  be  manumitted,  do  by 
these  presents  the  said  Titus  manumit  and  set  at  liberty  and 
free  from  all  and  every  claim,  matter,  or  thing,  that  we  or 
either  of  us,  our  heirs,  &c,  have  on  said  Titus  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world  unto  the  date  hereof,  the  17th  day  of 
January,  1720. 

This  "  free  paper "  of  Titus  was  signed  by  the  several 
parties  named,  and  in  the  presence  of  six  witnesses. 

The  Tax  List  for  1687  (thirty  years  prior  to  his  decease) 
shows  a  list  of  the  taxable  property  of  Joseph  Bill.  It  may  be 
found  at  the  State  House,  Boston. 

He  died  Februarv  — ,  1717-18.  His  wife  Deliverance 
died  10th  March,  1712-13. 

The  children  by  first  wife  were : 

63  f  Lydia,4  b. 168- ;  m.  William  Rouse. 

64  f  Joseph,4  b.   Aug.  26,  1687;  m.   (1)  Mary  Kilemp.  (2)   Re- 

becca Pepper. 
By  second  wife : 

65  f  John,4  b. 169- ;  m.  Mary  Warren. 

66  t  Anna,4  b. 169- ;  m.  Thomas  Smith. 

67'  t  Josiah,4  b.  near  1696  ;  m.  his  cousin  Mary  Hirst  [Hurst]. 

68  Esther,4  b. ;  m.  John  Goodwin. 

69  t  Jeremiah,4  b. ;  m.  Hannah  Foote. 


72  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

70  Sarah/ ;  m.  Henry  Ingram,  Oct.  10,  1718. 

71  t  Hezekiab,4  b. ' 170-;  m.  Hannah  Brown. 

14. 

Samuel  Bill3  (Thomas,2  John1),  son  of  Thomas  and  Eliza- 
beth (Sargent)  Bill,  of  Boston;  b.  near  1054;  and  married 
Elizabeth  (Welsted  ?). 

He  resided  in  Boston  proper,  and  followed  the  business 
of  a  "  butcher."  He  lived  in  Black  Horse  Lane,  in  the  house 
that  was  his  father's. 

We  have  seen  in  the  account  of  his  father,  Thomas,2  that 
he  disposed  to  Samuel  of  a  large  part  of  Spectacle  Island, 
situate  in  the  harbor  of  Boston. 

The  records  show  that  in  16S0,  Samuel  Bill  commenced 
to  buy  up  all  the  remaining  interests  held  in  this  island,  and 
by  1681,  having  expended  £177,  he  had  acquired  a  title  to 
the  whole. 

This  island  now  took  the  name  of  "  Samuel  Bill's  Island," 
and  was  so  called  in  1693  (Drake's  Hist.  Boston,  p.  817).  It 
was  at  this  period  covered  with  heavy  timber,  and  was  valu- 
able for  its  nearness  to  market.  Whether  it  was  ever  used  by 
the  then  owner  as  a  place  to  herd  and  fatten  cattle  for  market 
we  know  not,  yet  it  may  have  been,  since  his  trade  would  give 
color  to  such  a  supposition. 

There  arose,  prior  to  the  last  above-named  period,  great 
uneasiness  among  the  people  of  the  colony  as  to  their  titles  ; 
whether  from  any  action  on  the  part  of  the  mother-country,  or 
from  new  colonists  coming  forward,  we  know  not;  but  certain 
it  is  that  in  1684-5  Mr.  Samuel  Bill  saw  fit  to  clinch  his  title 
by  securing  from  a  big  Indian  (so  called  !)  a  confirmatory  one. 
This  course  was  pursued  by  others,  whether  absolutely  neces- 
sary or  not,  with  a  view  doubtless  to  prevent  any  further 
J/acA'-mailing  by  these  wandering  claimants,  whether  white, 
black,  or  red.     We  herewith  append  a  copy  of  said  deed. 

i 

To  all  Christian  People  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come. 
Josiah,  son  and  Ileyer  of  Josiah  otherwise  called  Wamputuck, 


THIRD   GENERATION.  73 

late  Sachem  of  the  Massachusets  Country  in  New  England 
Sendeth  Greeting : — 

Know  ye  that  I  the  said  Josiah,  son  of  Josiah,  for  diverse 
causes  and  good  considerations  me  thereunto  moving  and  in 
particular  for  and  in  consideration  of  a  valuable  consideration 
of  money  to  me  in  hand  payd  before   the  ensealing  of  this 
deed  by  Samuel  Bill  of  Boston  Butcher,  Have  with  know- 
ledge and  consent  of  my  wise  men  and  Councellors  William 
Ahoton,  Sen,  William  Ahoton,  Jun,  and  Robert  Mamentaug, 
Given,  granted,  sold,  enfeoffed,  and  confirmed,  and  by  these 
presents  Do  fully  freely  and  absolutely  give  grant,  sell,  en- 
feoffe,  convey  and  confirme  unto  the  sayed  Samuel  Bill  his 
hey  res  and  Assignes  forever  one  certain  Island  Scituate  in  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  commonly  known  and  called  by  the  name 
of  Spectacle  Island  in  the  present  possession  the  same  Bill  with 
all  rights  priveledges  and  appurtenances,  thereunto  in  any 
wise  appertaining  and  belonging.     To  have  and  to  hold  the 
same  and  every  part  and  parcel  thereof  unto  him  the  said 
Samuel  Bill  his  Heyers  and  Assigns  to  his  and  their  sole  use 
and  benefit  in  firm  and  indefeasible  estate  of  inheritance  in 
fee   simple   forever.  —  And  the  said  Josiah  for  himself  his 
heyers  Executors  Administrators  and  successors  doth  hereby 
covenant  and  promise  to  and  with  the  said  Samuel  Bill  his 
heyers  and  Assigns  that  at  the  time  of  the  ensealing   and 
delivery  of    these  presents   that   (according  to  Indian  right 
and  title)  he  is  the  sole  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  said  Island 
and  hath  full  power  and  authority  to  sell  and  convey  the  same 
as  abovesayd  and  that  the  sayd  bargained  Island  with  all  its 
priveledges,  rights,  and    appurtenances   belonging,  will    and 
doth  unto  the  sayd  Samuel  Bill  his  heyers  and  Assigns  forever 
sufficiently  warrant  and  defend  against  himself  his  heyers  and 
successors  and  against  all  and  every  other  person  whomsoever 
having,  claiming  or  pretending  to  have  or  claim  any  Indian 
right,  title  or  interest  in  or  to  the  same  or  any  part  or  parcel 
thereof. 

In  witnesse  whereof  the  said  Josiah  and  his  councellors 

6 


74  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

above  sayd  have  hereunto  put  their  hands  and  seals  this 
thirtieth  day  of  April  in  the  year  one  thousand  six  hundred 
eighty-four. 

Josiaii  his  mark  =o  [Seal] 
William  hahaton  [Seal] 

his 

Old  William  a  Ahaton  [Seal] 

mtirke 

Hi 

Robert  Momentong  Z  [Seal] 
Signed  sealed  and  delivered 
in  presence  ot 

George  Meriott 
Experience    Ffishee 
Josiah,  Indian  Sachem,  and  his  Councellors  acknowledged 
this  to  be  their  Act  and  Deed,  May  1st  1684  before  me 

William  Stougiiton 
(Suff.  Deeds,  13:  172,  173.) 

How  long  before  the  next  red  or  white  Indian  came  along 
willing,  for  a  "valuable  consideration,"  to  "give  grant  and 
enfeoffe "  unto  Samuel  Bill  or  "  any  other  man,"  is  not 
recorded,  and  we  presume  that  the  above  was  the  end  of  that 
business.  We  at  this  day  can  but  faintly  imagine  the  con- 
stant hot  water  the  early  settlers  were  kept  in  from  various 
causes,  and  not  among  the  least  of  these  was  that  satrap  of 
English  impertinence  and  power — Andros,  who  early  won 
and  constantly  maintained  the  hearty  disgust  of  all  upright 
and  right-thinking  citizens. 

Dr.  N.  B.  Shurtlitf,  of  Boston,  says,  in  his  article  on  the 
Islands  of  Boston  Harbor,  before  referred  to,  that  Mr. 
Samuel  Bill  remained  in  full  possession"  of  Spectacle  Island 
until  his  decease,  on  the  18th  of  August,  1705,  when  it  fell  to 
his  widow  Elizabeth,  by  a  provision  of  his  will,  which  pro- 
vided that  she  should  enjoy  the  benefits  of  it  during  her 
widowhood,  and  at  her  decease  it  should  go  to  his  son  Samuel. 
Mr.  Bill  also  provided  that,  in  case  of  the  marriage  of  his 
widow,  she  should  retain  only  her  thirds  in  the  real  estate  left 
by  him.     Mrs.  Bill  chose  the  latter  alternative,  and  on  the 


THIRD    GENERATION".  75 

22d  of  March,  1705-6,  married  Mr.  Eleazer  Phillips  of  Charles- 
town.  In  consequence  of  this  marriage,  the  estate  of  Mr.  Bill 
was  amicably  divided,  and  two-thirds  of  Spectacle  Island,  as 
well  as  two-thirds  of  the  seventy-six  sheep  and  two  cows,  and 
the  whole  of  two  negro  men,  a  boat,  one  old  mare,  and  the 
family  hog,  together  with  sundry  tools,  were  apportioned  to 
Mr.  Samuel  Bill,  the  heir  apparent,  the  whole  value  of  his 
portion,  amounting  to  £444:  18*.  $d.  In  the  course  of  events, 
Mr.  Phillips  and  his  wife  died,  and  the  title  became  vested  in 
Mr.  Samuel  Bill,  his  son,  in  accordance  with  the  will  of  his 
father. 

Samuel  Bill's  will  bears  date  Aug.  13,  1705,  and  was 
proved  Sept.  20,  1705. 

Below  is  given  an  abstract  of  his  will. 

He  gives  to  his  wife  Elizabeth  the  use  of  all  his  real  estate 
as  long  as  she  shall  remain  his  widow,  but  should  she  marry, 
then  the  use  of  only  one-third  part.  To  my  son  Samuel  Bill, 
&c,  I  give  all  my  island  known  as  Spectacle  Island  (in  the 
various  deeds),  and  all  my  stock  of  cattle  upon  it,  he  paying 
to  my  son  Richard  Bill  six  pounds  a  year  out  of  the  income 
thereof,  during  his  natural  life.  To  Samuel  he  also  gives  two 
negro  men.  To  Richard  he  gives  his  house  and  garden  in 
Black  Horse  Lane,  in  Boston,  "  which  was  my  father's,"  and 
also  £-200  current  money,  when  he  finishes  his  apprenticeship. 

After  the  payments  of  debts,  &c,  the  remainder  shall  be 
equally  divided  between  his  two  sons,  Samuel  and  Richard. 

The  Executors  were  his  son  Samuel  and  William  Welstead, 
to  the  latter  of  whom  he  gave  five  pounds. 

The  witnesses  were  [Doctor]  Oliver  Noyes,  Robert  Staples, 
and  John  Yallentine.     (Sufi".  Prob.  16  :  46.) 


7G  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

INVENTORY. 

S.  d. 

Household  furniture £9S  6.  6. 

Silver  ware £42  8.  6. 

Two  Negro  men £60 

Spectacle  Island £500 

76  Sheep  and  2  Cows  on  the  island £35  S. 

House  and  garden  in  Black  Horse  Lane  [Boston]  £80 

Other  property      .     .     . £27  6. 

Total £843  9.  2. 

(Suff.  Prob.  16:  134.) 

After  the  marriage  of  the  widow  to  Eleazer  Phillips, 
which  occurred  before  the  settlement  of  the  estate,  we  find 
that,  at  the  adjustment  of  the  same  as  provided  for  in  the  will, 
there  appears  in  addition  to  the  amount  of  the  above  inventory 
the  sum  of  £194  29s.,  as  being  due  said  estate  from  one  Capt. 
Thomas  Savage. 

The  children  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Bill  were  : 

72  t  Samuel4,  b.  Sept.  22,  1683 ;  m.  Sarah  Shapley. 

73  f  Richard4,  b.  March  25,  1685  ;  m.  (l)  Sarah  Davis.  (2)  Mehi- 

table  Minot. 

22. 

JACOB  BILL3  (Thomas,5  John1),  son  of  Thomas  and 
Abigal  (Willis)  Bill,  b.  in  Boston,  Oct.  3,  1669,  and  married 
Theodosia  — ■ . 

He  resided  in  Black  Horse  Lane,  Boston ;  was  a  mariner 
by  profession.  His  wife  was  member  of  the  Second  Church, 
where  he  also  attended.  There  is  very  little  found  relating  to 
him  in  any  of  the  public  records,  and  that  is  not  much  more 
than  we  could  expect,  since  his  life  was  a  seafaring  one.  His 
inventory,  to  be  found  in  the  Probate  Records,  shows  the  fol- 
lowing : 

House  and  land  in  Boston £70 

A  negro  man,  "  Cuflee  " £35 

Other  property £36  9. 

Total £141  9. 


THIRD   GENERATION.  Y7 

lie  died  about  1705,  and  left  no  will.     His  widow  after- 
wards married  one  "  John  Ellett  [Eliot]  of  Gt.  Brittaine." 
Children  of  Jacob  and  Theodosia  Bill  were  : 

74  f  Thomas4,  b.  March  30,  1693  ;  m.  Ruth  Belcher. 

75  Abigal4,  b.  April  11,  1697. 

*7Q     Susanna4,  b.  Aug.  7, 1700 ;  m.  (1)  Thomas  Mellen.  (2)  James 
Peraway. 

23. 

BENJAMIN  BILL3  (Thomas,2  John1),  youngest  son  of 
Thomas  and  Abigal  (Willis)  Bill,  b.  in  Boston  about  1674  and 

married . 

He  was  early  apprenticed  to  a  Dea.  Robert  Cumbery,  a 
cooper,  of  Boston,  and  it  is  supposed  that  in  consequence  of 
dissatisfaction  he  left  the  colony,  removing  to  New  York. 
His  father's  will,  dated  1690,  mentions  him,  and  after  this 
he  disappears ;  but  in  our  investigations  we  find  a  Benjamin 
Bill  residing  in  New  York  City  in  1695,  and  that  he  was 
also  there  in  1703,  and  at  that  period  his  family  is  represented 
as  consisting  of  "  one  male,  one  female,  two  children,  and  one 
negress."  After  this  we  find,  in  the  records  of  the  Dutch 
Church,  the  names  of  his  children,  as  baptized,  viz. : 

77  Abigal4,  b.  Nov.  13,  1695. 

78  Benjamin4,  bap.  June  27,  170.5. 

79  Susanna4,  bap.  Oct.  31,  1705. 

80  Mary4,  bap.  Jan.  3,  1711 ;  m.  James  Jarvis,  1753. 

81  Penelope4,  bap.  May  25,  1712;  died  in  infancy. 

82  Penelope4,  bap.  April  17,  1715  ;  m.  Collin  Bussey,  1737. 

83  John4,  bap.  Jan.  1,  1718  ;  m.  Mary  Sleigh,  1743. 

We  learn  the  above  facts  from  Valentine's  N.  Y.  City 
Manual  for  1863,  and  from  a  volume  of  Provincial  marriage 
licenses  issued  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Province  of  New  York, 
and  published  under  the  patronage  of  the  State,  in  1865. 
There  is  also  given  in  tbis  latter  work  the  following : 

Lydia  Bill;  m.  Henry  Brookman,  Nov.  22,  1760. 

Benjamin  Bill ;  m.  Ann  Smith,  May  21,  1768. 

Ann  Bill;  m.  James  Minott,  Mch.  29,  1773. 


78  THE   BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

These  three  persons  must  be  of  a  later  generation,  and  it 
is  supposed  they  are  the  children  of  either  Benjamin4  or 
John4  Bill,  sons  of  Benjamin  Bill3. 

This  entire  family  are  lost  to  us,  yet  it  can  hardly  be  possible 
that  they  became  extinct.  The  writer  believes  that  the  last 
named  Benjamin  Bill  is  the  grandfather  of  Lydia  (Bill)  Syl- 
vester, of  Albia,  Iowa,  the  mother  of  Esther  Alice  (Sylvester), 
the  present  wife  of  Edward  Mitchell  Bill7.  The  dates  make 
it  possible,  and  the  circumstances,  probable.  First,  Benjamin 
Bill,  who  married  Ann  Smith  in  1768,  we  will  suppose,  had  a 
son  (Joshua  is  the  name  claimed  by  Mrs.  Lydia  (Bill)  Sylves- 
ter as  being  her  father's  name)  born  in  1770  ;  and  that  this  son 
was  Joshua,  and  settled  after  reaching  manhood  in  or  near 
Ontario  County,  New  York  (the  place  claimed  as  his  resi- 
dence). That  he  was  married  at  about  the  age  of  25,  which 
would  bring  us  to  1795.  This  is  certainly  reasonable.  Now, 
Mrs.  Sylvester  gives  the  date  of  her  own  birth  as  being  April 
8,  1796.  True,  she  claims  to  be  the  fourth  child  of  her 
parents.  That  will  not  shake  the  conclusions  arrived  at  in  the 
least ;  for  we  might  assume  that  her  father,  instead  of  being 
born  in  1770,  was  born  in  1769,  and  that  instead  of 
waiting  till  he  was  25  before  marriage,  he  was  but  21  or 
22,  which  is  as  likely  as  that  he  was  25  ;  this  would  make  it 
possible  for  her  to  have  been  the  fourth  child,  but  it  may  be 
she  is  mistaken  on  this  point,  as  her  parents  died  while  she  was 
but  a  child,  and  the  family  records  have,  in  consequence  of  fire, 
become  destroyed. 

24. 
Sekgt.   PHILIP   BILL3   (Philip,2   John'),   eldest   son   of 

Philip  Bill  of  New  London   [Grot on],  born  about  1658,  at 

Pulling  Point,  in  the  "  Town  of  Boston,"  as  is  supposed.     He 

came  with   his  father,  Philip   Bill,  from  Ipswich  to  Groton 

[New  London],  Ct.,  "  about  1668."     He  married  (1)  Elizabeth 

Lester,  daughter  of  Andrew  Lester,  of  Groton.     (2)  Maky  — . 

We  constantly  experience   the  great  loss  of  the  ancient 

records  of  New  London  :  in  our  sketches  of  the  earlier  members 


THIRD   GENERATION.  79 

of  the  family  in  Connecticut,  nothing  scarce  remains  to  us 
except  disjointed  and  fragmentary  scraps  of  dates  and  memo- 
randa. If  Arnold,  cold-hearted  and  traitorous  as  he  was, 
could  have  dreamed  of  the  additional  countless  anathemas 
that  were  to  be  heaped  upon  his  name  for  this  wanton  piece 
of  incendiarism,  by  the  children  of  that  inhabitance,  he  surely 
would  have  hesitated  before  giving  the  order  to  destroy  the 
town  ! 

The  place  of  residence  in  Groton  is  stated  as  being  "  near 
the  Long  Hill." 

1698,  November  24.  Philip  Bill  conveys  by  deed  to  his 
brother  Samuel  Bill,  lands.     (Groton  Town  Record  2.,  p.  67.) 

1727,  June  1.  He  gives  a  deed  to  his  son  Joseph  Bill  of 
Groton.     This  deed  is  witnessed  by  Thos.  Bill.    (Ibid.  2  :  327.) 

1733,  December  24.  Philip  Bill,  "  in  love  and  affection  " 
for  his  son  Samuel  Lester,  gives  deed  of  land.     (Ibid.  3 : — ) 

1739,  January  22.  He  deeds  land  to  his  son  Thomas  Bill. 
(Ibid.  4  :  192.) 

The  following  is  a  very  curious  and  certainly  a  very  inter- 
esting paper.  It  is  a  relict  of  considerable  antiquarian  interest, 
and  we  subjoin  it  as  found  on  the  Groton  Records. 

To  all  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  Greeting. 
Know  ye  that  I  Philip  Bill  of  Groton  in  the  County  of  New 
London  within  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  Yeoman  for  divers 
good  causes  and  consideration  we  thereunto  moving  Especially 
for  the  regard  and  good  will  I  have  to  my  beloved  son  Samuel 
Lester  of  the  town  County  &  Colony  aforesaid  have  given 
granted  confirmed  &  Delivered  and  by  these  present  according 
to  Due  form  of  Law  do  give  grant  confirm  &  Deliver  unto  the 
sd  Samuel  Lester  a  Spanish  Indian  Girl  of  about  Ten  years  of 
age  called  Dinah  the  sd  Indian  Girl  to  have  &  to  hold  to  the 
proper  use  and  behoof  of  him  the  sd  Samuel  his  heirs  Execu- 
tors Admrs  and  assigns  forever  and  I  the  sd  Phillip  Bill  for 
myself  &  Executors  &  Admrs  the  sd  bargained  premises  unto 
the   s'    Samuel  Lester  his  Executors  &  Admrs   &   Assigns 


SO  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

against  all  &  all  manner  of  persons  shall  Warrant  &  forever 
Defend  by  these  presents  In  Witness  whereof  with  the  Delivery 
of  sd  Indian  Girl  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  <fc  seal  this  24 
day  of  December  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty -three 

Philip    Bill. 
In  presence  of 

Chris  Avry 

Robert  Allyn 
Rec.  Feb.  27  1733-4 

Philip  Bill  must  have  been  a  man  of  good  reputation,  and 
possessing  considerable  influence.  He  held  the  office  of 
constable,  and  was  a  Sergeant  in  the  first  company  of  train- 
bands formed  in  Groton.  He  was  also  ensign  in  1722,  and 
was  familiarly  known  by  his  neighbors  as  "  Sergeant  Bill," 
and  as  "Ensign  Bill."  He  was  licensed  February  23, 
1719-20,  to  keep  a  house  of  public  entertainment. 

We  find  in  the  Patent  of  New  London  granted  by  the 
Colony,  the  name  of  Philip  Bill ;  the  date  of  said  Patent  is 
1663,  April  23,  but  it  was  not  sanctioned  until  October  14, 
1704.  There  is  some  reason  for  supposing  this  Philip  was 
the  elder  Philip,  but  as  he  never  came  to  New  London  till 
166S,  which  was  after  the  date  of  the  petition,  which,  as  we 
have  said,  was  in  1663,  and  as  the  elder  Philip  died  in  1689, 
before  the  Patent  was  sanctioned,  we  are  persuaded  that  it 
is  Philip  the  younger  whose  name  appears  in  this  document. 

In  either  case,  the  name  had  to  be  inserted  after  the  first 
date  of  the  instrument,  a  copy  of  which  we  append. 

Patent  of  New  London  sanctioned  by  the  Governor  and  Com- 
pany, \Mh  October,  1704. 

To  all  persons  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come.  The 
Govenor  and  Company  of  Her  Majesty's  Colony  of  Connecticut 
in  General  Court  assembled  send  greeting : — Whereas  we  the 
said  Govr  and  Compy  by  virtue  of  Letters  Patent  to  us  granted 
by  his  Royal  Majy  Charles  the  Second  of  England  &c.  King, 


THIRD   GENERATION.  gl 

bearing  the  23d  day  of  April,  in  the  14th  year  of  his  reign, 
a.  d.  1663,  have  formerly  by  certain  acts  and  grants  passed 
in  Gen.  Assembly  given  and  granted  to  John  Winthrop  Esq. 
(Governor  of  Ct.)  and  forty-nine  others — among  whom  ap- 
pears the  name  of  Philip  Bill. 

He  continued  to  reside  in  Groton  from  1668-9,  till  the 
close  of  his  life.  He  died  July  10,  1739,  aged  over  eighty 
years.  "  The  church  bell  (says  Hempstead  in  his  diary)  tolled 
twice  on  that  occasion."  "  We  infer  from  this,"  says  Miss 
Caulkins,  "  that  it  was  customary  at  that  day  to  have  only  a 
death-bell  to  announce  decease,  but  no  passing-bell  to  sol- 
emnize the  funeral." 

His  will  is  dated  June  22,  1739,  and  was  proved  August  2, 
of  the  same  year. 
In  the  name  of  God,  Amen. 

I  Philip  Bill  of  Groton  in  the  County  of  New  London, 
being  weak  of  body  but  of  sound  mind  and  memory,  and 
calling  to  remembrance  my  mortality,  have  thought  fit  to 
make  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament,  and  I  do  hereby  make 
and  ordain  this  my  last  will  and  testament  revoking  all  others. 

Imp9 : — I  resign  my  soul  into  the  hands  of  God  who  gave 
it,  beseeching  him  of  his  mercy  to  receive  it  for  the  merits 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  my  only  Saviour  and  Redeemer,  and 
my  body  to  the  ground  to  be  decently  buried  at  the  discretion 
of  my  Executors  hereafter  to  be  mentioned  :  and  as  for  the 
temporal  Estate  wherewith  it -has  pleased  God  to  bless  me 
(after  my  just  debts  are  paid  which  it  is  my  will  may  be  done 
with  all  convenient  speed)  I  give  and  bequeath  as  follows  : — 

I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  loveing  Wife  Mary  Bill  as  and 
in  lieu  of  her  right  of  Dower  in  my  Estate  the  profits  of  the 
one-third  part  of  my  Real  Estate  during  her  natural  life,  and 
also  the  use  of  my  Great  Bible  during  her  natural  life,  and  I 
do  hereby  also  order  and  enjoin  my  son  Benjamin  Bill  that 
he  find,  procure  and  provide  to  and  for  my  said  loveing  Wife 
during   her   natural    life   whatever   is   proper,    suitable    and 


82  THE   BILL    FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

necessary  for  lier  comfortable  subsistence  and  well  being  in 
this  world,  and  further  it  is  my  will  that  this  be  the  whole 
that  rny  ?aid  loveing  Wife  shall  have  or  possess  of  my  Estate. 

Item — I  give  and  bequeatli  to  my  son  Philip  Bill  (if  ever 
he  return  to  this  Town)  Five  acres  of  land  below  the  steep 
hill  to  be  set  off  near  the  Damm  there  to  him  and  his  heirs 
forever ;  but  if  my  said  son  Philip  nor  any  of  his  heirs  (law- 
fully begotten  of  his  body)  never  return  or  come  to  this  Town 
of  Groton,  then  and  in  such  case  I  give  and  bequeath  said  five 
acres  of  land  to  my  son  Benjamin  Bill  his  Heirs  &c  forever. 

Item — I  give  to  my  son  Joseph  Bill  all  my  wearing  apparel, 
which  is  the  whole  of  what  I  give  him  by  Will  he  having  had 
a  portion  of  my  Estate  already  given  him  by  deed  of  Gift. 

Item — I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  son  Thomas  Bill  one 
Draft  chain,  and  at  my  Wife's  decease  my  Great  Bible,  which 
is  all  I  give  him  by  Will,  he  also  having  already  had  his 
portion  of  my  Estate  by  deed  of  Gift. 

Item — I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  son  Benjamin  Bill,  his 
Heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  the  House  and  land  where  I  now 
dwell  in  said  Groton,  together  with  the  Barn  &  orchard 
thereon  and  appurtenances  thereunto  belonging  and  all  other 
my  lands  in  the  Township  of  Groton,  aforesaid  and  elsewhere 
not  hereby  otherwise  disposed  of  together  with  all  my  move- 
able estate  (not  already  hereby  otherwise  bequeathed)  as  my 
liveing  Stock  of  Horse  kind,  cattle  sheep  and  swine,  together 
with  all  my  farming  utensils  and  Household  goods  of  what 
name  or  denomination  soever,  and  also  all  my  stock  of  grain 
and  Hay,  and  the  crop  that  may  be  on  mjT  land  at  my 
decease,  He  paying  the  Legacies  that  I  shall  herein  bequeath 
to  my  Daughters,  and  performing  what  I  have  hereby  ordered 
and  enjoined  him  in  behalf  of  my  loving  wife  as  is  above 
mentioned. 

Item — I  do  give  and  bequeath  to  my  loveing  daughters 
Elizabeth  Avery,  Hannah  Lester,  and  Sarah  Leflingwell  that 
is  to  each  of  them  Three  Pounds  in  money,  to  be  paid  to 
them  by  my  son  Benjamin  Bill  at  my  decease,  this  with  a 


THIRD  GENERATION.  83 

considerable  portion  already  given  them  is  their  full  portion 
in  my  Estate. 

Lastly — I  do  hereby  ordain  and  appoint  my  said  son 
Benjamin  Bill  to  be  the  sole  Executor  of  this  my  last  Will  and 
Testament. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  Set  my  hand  and 
seal  this  22d  dav  of  June  Anno  Domini  1739. 


Signed  Sealed  pronounced  and 
declared  by  the  Testator  to 
be  his  last  Will  and  Testa- 
ment in  presence  of 
John  Ledyard 
John  Wills 
Joseph  Stare 
/-n    His  children  by  first  wife  Elizabeth  were  : 

84  Elizabeth4,  bap.    Deo.   27,    1691;  m.    Jonathan    Avery,  of 

Groton. 

85  Hannah4,  bap.  Dec.  27,  1691  ;  m.  Samuel  Lester  of  Groton. 

86  Sarah4, ;  m. Leffingwell. 

87  "  A  child4,"  bap.  July  14,  1692;  died  young.    , 

88  Philip4,  bap.  Jan.  13,  1694-5  ;  lost  at  sea. 

89  t  Joseph4,  b.  near  1695  ;  m.  Bethia  Packer. 
Children  by  second  wife  Mary  were  : 

90  t  Thomas4,  b.  Sept.  26,  1705  ;  m.  Abigal . 

91  f  Benjamin4,  b.  Aug.  6,  1708  ;  m.  Sarah  Davis. 

27. 

SAMUEL  BILL3  (Philip,2  John1),  second  son  of  Philip 
Bill,  of  New  London,  born  about  1665,  in  or  near  Boston, 
Mass.,  came  with  his  father  to  Groton,  Conn.,  then  a  part  of 
New  London,  in  1669.  He  married  for  his  first  wife  Mercy 
Haughton,  daughter  of  Richard  Haughton,  of  New  London. 
He  married  for  his  second  wife  Elizabeth . 

Samuel  Bill  and  his  first  wife  Mercy  were  admitted  to  the 


84.  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

church  in  New  London,  Sept.  3,  1693.  He  was  one  of  five 
members  that  composed  the  church  in  New  London,  who  in 
1700  signed  the  paper  entitled  "  Complaint  Against  The 
Elder  of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  New  London."  The  Elder 
was  Pev.  Gurdon  Saltonstall,  who  was  pastor  of  the  church 
at  that  time,  and  afterwards  Governor  of  Connecticut.  For 
this  action  all  of  the  complaining  members  were  suspended 
from  the  privileges  of  the  church. 

We  find  on  the  records  several  deeds  of  purchases,  and  of 
sale  of  land  in  Groton,  made  by  this  Samuel  BilJ ;  beside  these 
there  is  very  little  left  on  the  records  relating  to  him,  and  we 
have  found  but  few  papers  that  give  us  any  knowledge  of  him 
or  his  family,  except   his  will,  which  was  proved   Jan.  27 
1729-30,  in  which  he  gives  to  his  wife  Elizabeth  his  house 
&c. ;  to  his  son  Samuel  twenty  shillings;  to  his  son  Ebenezer 
house,  &c.  ;    to  his   children,  Philip,  James,  Joseph,  John 
Hannah,  Mercy,  and  Abigal,  five  shillings  each. 

His    inventory   amounted   to  about  £'90.    [Wind.   Prob. 
Eecords,  Vol.  27 :  159.] 

His  children  were : 

92  Hannah4,  b. . 

93  f  Samuel4,  b.   about    1690;   m.    (l)    Hannah   .     (2) 

Joanna  Atwell. 

94  f  Philip4,  b.  about  1692 ;  m.   (1)   Jane  .    (2)  

Elizabeth .    (3)  Ruth . 

95  f  James4,  b.  about  1694  ;  m.  Mary  Swodel. 

96  A  child4,  baptized  Dec.  14,  1695. 

9 7  f  Ebenezer4,  b.  1 69- ;  m.  Patience  Ingiaham. 

98  t  Joshua4,  bap.  June  5,  1698. 

99  Jonathan4,  bap.  Sept.  8,  1700. 

100  Mercy4,  bap.  Sept.  27, 1 702  ;  m.  Joseph  Marsh,  of  Lebanon, 
Sept.  25,  1722.  Their  son,  Joseph  Marsh,  b.  Jan. 
12,  1727;  m.  Jan.  10,  1750,  Dorothy  Mason,  who 
was  a  descendant  from  Maj.  John  Mason,  the 
conqueror  of  the  Pequots.  Joseph  and  Dorothy 
Marsh  settled  in  Lebanon,  but  in  1774,  or  there- 
abouts, they  removed  to  Hartford,  Vt.     He  was 


THIRD   GENERATION.  85 

the  first  Lieut.-Governor  of  that  State,  and  was 
also  several  years  Judge  of  the  County  Court 
where  he  lived.  He  died  Sept.  9,  1811.  This 
family  are  the  ancestors  of  the  Hon.  John  P. 
Marsh,  the  distinguished  scholar,  and  the  present 
Minister  of  the  U.  S.  at  one  of  the  European 
Courts. 

101  f  John4,  b. 170-. 

102AbigalM>. . 

27. 

JOHN  BILL3  (Philip,2  John'),  third  son  of  Philip  Bill, 
of  New  London  ;  b.  1667  ;  came  with  his  father  in  1669  to 
New  London.  He  married,  first,  Mercy  Fowler.  Second, 
Hannah  Rist  [Rust],  March  30,  1726.  He  early  removed 
from  Groton  to  the  town  of  Lebanon,  situated  about  20  miles 
distant,  where  he  seems  to  have  spent  the  remainder  of  his 

life. 

We  find  in  the  records  of  the  old  town  of  Norwich,  a  deed 
of  a  hundred  acres  of  land,  purchased  of  Joseph  Elderkin  of 
New  London,  being  land  bought  by  him  of  Captain  John 
Mason,  and  forming  a  part  of  what  was  known  as  "  Mason's 
Mile,"  situated  in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Lebanon. 

We  give  herewith  a  copy  of  this  deed  : — 

Whereas  I  Joseph  Elderkin  of  Norwich  in  the  County  of 
New  London  in  the  Collony  of  Connecticut  in  New  England, 
Weaver,  have  formerly  sold  one  hundred  acres  of  land  which 
Land  I  have  a  deed  for  signed  by  Capt.  John  Mason  of  Leb- 
anon, which  land  is  lyeing  in  that  (year)  *  *  *  called  Masons 
mile,  within  the  Township  of  Lebanon  afforesaid,  which  land 
I  sold  to  John  Bill  then  of  New  London  in  the  County  and 
Colony  afforesaid,  and  have  received  of  sd  Bill  full  satisfaction 
for  the  same. 

Wherefore  to  all  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  Come 
Greeting.  Know  yea  that  I  the  sd  Joseph  Elderkin  for  &  in 
consideration  of  thirty  pounds,  current  money  or  as  many 
before  the  signing  &  sealing  of  these  presents  by  the  sd  John 


8G  THE  BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Bill  to  me  in  hand  well  &  truly  payed,  the  receipt  whereof 
I  do  hereby  acknowledge  and  herewith  am  fully  satisfied  con- 
sidered  wherefore  I  the  sd  Joseph  Elderkin  do  by  these  pres- 
ents acquit  exonerate  &  discharge  him  the  sd  John  Bill  his 
heirs  Executors  Administrators  and  assimies  and  every  of  them 
for  ever.  I  have  therefore  &  by  these  presents  do  fully  freely 
&  absolutely  giye  grant  Alliened  Enfeoffed,  convey  demise, 
confirm  &  Deliver  unto  him  the  srt  John  Bill  and  to  his  heirs 
&  assigns  forever,  The  above  s'1  one  hundred  acres  of  land  be 
the  same  more  or  less  within  the  following  boundaries  which 
Tract  of  land  is  lying  and  being  within  the  above  s'1  tract 
called  the  Masons  mile  &  within  the  Township  of  s'1  Lebanon, 
and  is  lyeincr  on  both  sides  of  Pooses  brook  and  is  in  length 
eight  score  rodds  from  the  Northwest  to  the  Southeast  and  one 
hundred  rods  in  width  from  the  Northeast  to  the  Southwest, 
bounded  by  trees  of  the  four  corners  marked  I  E  G  the  South- 
east corner  bounded  by  the  land  of  John  Baldwin  &  otherwise 
bounded  inland  of  Capt  John  Mason  with  a  highway  thrug 
the  Northwestward  part  of  the  s'1  hundred  acres  or  however 
otherwise  bounded  orsuposed  to  be  bounded  Together  with  all 
the  timber  trees  woods  undermined  mines  minerals  stones 
woods  motive  runs  profits  priviledges  accommodations  &  appur- 
tenances, thereon  therein  standing  or  being  on  thereunto  in 
anywise  belonging  as  also  all  the  esen  right  title  as  properly 
claim  &  demand  of  me  the  sd  Joseph  Elderkin  of  in  and  unto 
the  same  or  any  part  thereof  To  have  &  to  hold  all  the 
6d  one  hundred  acres  of  land  be  the  same  more  or  less  abutted 
&  bounded  as  afforsaid,  or  however  otherwise  bounded  or 
reported  to  be  bounded  with  all  the  proffitts  priviledges  ac- 
commodations &  appurtenances  as  aforesaid  and  the  s'  bar- 
gained premises  in  anywise  belonging;  unto  him  the  s'1  John 
Bill  his  heirs  &  assigns  &  to  his  or  their  only  proper  use 
proiitt  and  behoof  forever  &  the  s'1  Joseph  Elderkin  for  my 
self  my  heirs  Executors  Administrators  do  covenant  promise 
grant  &  agree  to  and  with  the  s'1  John  1 3 1 11  his  heirs  &  assigns 
in   mode   following   (that   is   to    say)    that    att     the   time  of 


THIRD  GENERATION.  87 

this  sale  and  untill  the  ensealing  and  recording  of  these  presents 
I  the  sd  Joseph  Elderkin  am  the  true  sole  Lawful  owner  and 
stand  Lawfully  seized  to  my  own  proper  use  in  a  good  and 
perfect  state  of  Inheritance  in  fee  simple,  of  and  in  the  premi- 
ses above  mentioned  to  be  bargained  and  sold,  without  any 
more  of  consideration  Remuneration  or  limitation  and  that  I 
have  in  &  of  myself  full  power  good  right  and  Lawful 
authority  to  sell  and  dispose  thereof,  and  that  the  above 
granted  premises  are  free  and  clear  and  freely  and  clearly 
acquitted  and  discharged  of  &  from  all  manner  of  action  gifts 
grants  bargains  sales  mortgages  wills  entails  &  from  all  other 
conveyances  &  incumbrances  whatsoever  &  furthermore  1  the 
sd  Joseph  Elderkin  for  myself  my  heirs  Executors  do  Covenant 
promise  &  grant  to  warrant  and  defend  the  within  Granted 
premises  with  the  appurtenances  att  all  times  hereafter  unto 
him  the  sd  John  Bill  his  heirs  &  assigns  against  the  Lawful 

* 

Claims  and  demands  of  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever 
Laying  any  claim  or  challenging  any  title  in  or  unto  the 
same  or  any  part  thereof.  In  witness  &  for  Confirmation  of 
every  &  singular  which  premises  Covenants  Giants  &  agree- 
ment. I  the  sd  Joseph  Elderkin  by  these  presents  have  with 
my  hand  &  seale  this  28th  day  of  June  in  the  fourth  yeare  of 
her  Majesties  reigne  anoque  domini  1705-6 

Joseph  Eldeekin 

Signed  sealed  and  delivered  in 
presence   of  us   Witnesses. 
Daniel  Tracy 
Elizabeth  Bushnell 
Joseph  Elderkin  the  publisher  personally  appeared  &  ac- 
knowledged the  within  written  instrument  to  be  his  free  & 
voluntary  act  &  before  me. 

Richard  Bushnell  Junior 
Entered  Feb  2  1705-6 

P  K  Blshnell,  Recorder. 
This  deed  was  a  confirmatory  deed  of  a  previous  one  given 
by  Mr.  Elderkin. 


8S  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

"  Mason's  Mile  "  was  a  tract  of  land  in  Lebanon,  five 
miles  in  length  and  one  in  breadth,  which  was  bestowed  in 
1695,  by  Owaneco,  son  and  successor  of  Uncas,  chief  of  the 
Mohegan  Indians,  on  Rev.  James  Fitch,  first  minister  of 
Norwich,  and  on  his  wife's  brother,  Capt.  John  Mason  of 
Norwich,  son  of  the  famous  Maj.  John  Mason,  the  conqueror  of 
the  Pcquots.  In  Mr.  Fitch's  share  of  this  tract  was  a  large 
cedar  swamp,  which  by  the  principle  of  association  suggested 
to  its  owner  the  name  of  Lebanon  for  the  whole  township. 
(See  Miss  Caulkins'  History  of  Norwich,  page  86.) 

We  find  Mr.  John  Bill  was  in  1712  a  surveyor  of  high- 
ways, though  we  presume  his  ordinary  occupation  was  that  of 
husbandman. 

There  also  appears  several  deeds  of  real  estate  granted  by 
him  and  unto  him  from  various  parties,  and  at  various  dates. 

He  died  in  the  early  part  of  1739.  We  find  his  will  bears 
date  April  21,  1736,  and  was  proved  January  28,  1739. 
[Wind.  Frob.  Yol.  2  :  206,208.] 

The  children  born  in  Groton  of  John  and  Merer  Bill  were  : 

103  t  John,  baptized  Dec.  16,  1696  ;  m.  Mary . 

104  Abigal,     do       Nov.  1,  1702  ;  m.  Nathaniel  House. 
The  children  born  in  Lebanon  were : 

105  t  James,  b.  Sept.  20,  1703;  m.  Keziah  French. 

106  Laurana,  b. ;  m.  Feb.   1,   1726-7,  David  Lambert 

of  Norwich,  Ct. 

107  t  Benajah,  b. ;  m.  Mary . 

30. 

JOSHUA    BILL'  (Philip,2  John1),  the   youngest  son   of 
Philip  Bill',  and  a  brother  of  the  preceding,  was  born  October  6, 
1675,  in  that  part  of  New  London  which  was,  in  1705,  known 
as  Groton,  and  which,  in  1836,  formed  a  part  of  what  is  now 
the  town  of  Ledyard.     He  was  baptized  March  29,  1675-6. 

Joshua  Bill  married  for  his  first  wife  Joanna  Potts,  a 
daughter  of  William  Potts  of  New  London,  on  November  1, 
1699.     She  was  born  in  May,  1679,  was  admitted  a  member  of 


THIRD    GENERATION.  §9 

the  church  at  New  London  on  May  9,  1701.  She  died  No- 
vember 3,  1718.  For  his  second  wife  he  married  Hannah 
Swodel,  a  daughter  of  William  Swodel  of  Groton,  on  4th  of 
October,  1719.     She  was  born  in  December,  1697. 

In  our  examinations  of  the  Groton  town  records  we  were 
surprised  at  finding  so  frequent  the  name  of  this  Joshua  Bill ; 
scarce  a  single  public  transaction  can  be  found  in  which  he  is 
not  a  prominent  actor,  nor  can  a  half  dozen  pages  be  turned 
in  the  earlier  records  of  Groton  without  his  name  appearing. 
This  would  seem  to  testify  that  he  was  held  in  high  esteem, 
and  had  the  confidence  of  his  fellow-townsmen.  We  are 
inclined  to  believe  also  that  he  was  possessed  of  a  superior  edu- 
cation compared  with  others  of  those  times.  What  his  facilities 
were,  or  where  he  obtained  his  education,  we  cannot  say ; 
probably  by  laborious  study  at  home,  and  the  perusal  of  such 
text-books  as  came  in  his  way,  having  a  natural  taste  for  these 
things. 

As  tending  to  prove  the  relationship  of  this  family  in  Con- 
necticut with  the  families  at  Pulling  Point  [in  town  of  Bos- 
ton], we  subjoin  the  heads  of  the  following  document : 

1706-7.  Feb.  11.  Joshua  Bill  of  Groton,  in  the  County 
of  New  London,  in  the  Colon v  of  Connecticut,  in  New 
England,  blacksmith,  for  divers  good  considerations  do  grant, 
convey,  &c.  (by  a  mortgage  deed),  to  Jonathan  Bill,  of  Bos- 
ton, in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  &c  his  heirs  &c  all  that  mes- 
suage or  tenement,  with  all  the  lands  tfcc  situate  in  Groton 
aforesaid,  measuring  by  estimation  forty  acres,  more  or  less, 
and  is  the  same  which  Philip  Bill,  deceased,  father  of  the  said 
Joshua  Bill,  devLsed  to  him  by  will,  being  bounded  northerly 
and  southerly  upon  land  of  Samuel  Bill,  westerly  upon  the 
Long  lots  that  come  from  the  Great  River  [Thames],  and 
easterly  upon  the  Common.     Also,  forty  acres  more  of  land  in 

said  Groton,  -  - and  is  the  same  the  said  Joshua  Bill 

purchased  from  his  brother  Philip  Bill,  bounded  northerly 
upon  land  of  Samuel  Bill,  westerly  by  the  long  lots  that  come 
7 


90  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

from  the  Great  River,  easterly  by  the  Creek,  southerly  by  a 
bound  mark-stone,  with  all  the  barns  and  houses,  orchards,  &c, 
appertaining  unto  both  and  each  of  the  granted  premises,  &c. 
Then  follows  a  declaration  that  if  said  Joshua  Bill  shall  dis- 
charge a  debt  due  from  him  to  one  Jane  Kind  of  Boston, 
which  Jonathan  Bill  had  become  surety  for,  then  the  above 
mortgage  deed  of  lands  in  Groton  should  be  null  and  void, 
&c,  &c. 

It  is  clear  that  the  Bills  of  Boston  and  those  of  Connecti- 
cut were  well  acquainted  and  near  related. 

The  trade  or  occupation  of  Joshua  Bill  is  shown  by  the 
foregoing  instrument  to  have  been  that  of  a  "  blacksmith  ;"  vet 
though  that  may  have  been  nominally  and  probably  actually 
in  early  life  his  business,  still  we  know  that  the  middle  and 
later  part  of  his  life  was  spent  as  a  public  officer,  his  various 
positions  requiring,  necessarily,  the  chief  portion  of  his  time 
and  attention. 

"We  find  him  in  1719,  April  16,  acting  as  the  Moderator  of 
a  town  meeting  holden  on  that  day,  to  consider  the  propriety 
of  the  division  of  the  "  town  Commons."  A  committee  was 
appointed,  of  which  he  was  one,  to  take  such  action  as  was 
deemed  best.  It  seems  a  division  of  these  lands  was  decided 
upon,  for  we  find,  on  February  15,  1720,  John  Winthrop, 
Samuel  Bill,  John  Seabury,  and  other  Patentees  of  said  town 
of  Groton,  protested  against  said  division.  But  at  a  subse- 
quent meeting  of  the  town  it  was,  after  considerable  discus- 
sion, decided  that  the  lands  be  divided  and  disposed  of,  and 
the  said  committee  were  authorized  to  grant  deeds  of  the  same 
on  behalf  of  the  town. 

The  following  document  relating  to  the  Pequot  Indians  is 
of  considerable  historical  interest,  and  we  give  it  entire: — 

Whereas  at  town  meeting  holden  in  Groton  february  the 
13  Day  1720-1,  there  was  a  Committee  chosen  to  perambulate 

with  ye  proprietors  ye to  y*  common  or  undivided  Land 

in  said  Groton  &  also  to  set  out  to  the  Pequot  Indians  a  suf- 


THIRD   GENERATION.  91 

ficienc/<3  of  Land  for  there  use  &c  pursuant  to  said  vote  we 
whose  names  are  here  under  written  a  Committee  as  aforesaid 
do  set  out  to  ye  Pequot  Indians  their  Heirs  and  Successors  all 
the  west  part  of  ye  Land  wch  is  Scituate  in  Groton  and  North- 
ward from  Capt.  John  Morgans  now  dwelling  house  in  said 
Groton  &  adjoining  on  ye  North  of  said  Morgans  and  in  part 
with  Saml  Packers  Land  and  in  West  partly  with  said 
Morgans  Land  and  so  Punning  according  to  ye  former 
surveigh  to  ye  Northwest  corner  bounds  as  well  as  all  ye 
Land  that  Butts  upon  Capt.  Morgans  and  Saml  Packers  is 

set  out  according  to  ye  ancient  surveigh and  from 

sd  Norwest  Corner  tree  to  run  according  to  ye  former  sur- 
veigh on  ye  North  Easterly  to  a  tree  standing  near  ye  Cedar 
Swamp  sometimes  called  a  side  line  tree  and  from  said  tree 
Southwardly  by  said  Swamp  till  it  comes  to  ye  Southward- 
stermost  part  of  sd  Swamp  and  from  thence  South  Eastwardst 
till  it  comes  to  a  Pock  wth  stone  Laid  on't  and  a  Chesnut  bush 
or  stoddle  standing  by  sd  Pock  marked  and  also  two  springs 
of  water  arising  out  of  ye  Earth  under  sd  Pock  and  running 
East  and  ye  other  west  said  Pock  being  about  ninety  Rods 
Eastward  of  Samuel  Packer  Junr  his  now  dwelling  house  in 
said  Groton  said  Land  by  Estimation  being  one  Thousand 
acres  ye  Peqmt  Indians  shall  have  full  Liberty  of  Farming  & 
planting  or  Living  upon  said  Land  and  of  their  Orchards. 
They  bearing  ye  Damage  yl  shall  or  may  be  done  them  by  the 
English  Creatures  by  means  of  ye  Insufficiency  of  their  fence 
the  summer  feed  of  ye  above  said  Land  which  said  Indians  do 
not  see  -  -  -  feed  to  belong  to  said  Town  of  Groton  and  of 
their  fields  after  Indian  harvest  and  y°  above  said  Indians  are 
to  have  &  shall  have  the  use  of  their  Orchards  wch  stands  on 
ye  Eastward  part  of  the  Land  which  they  had  formerly  Liberty 
of  planting  of  near  Lanthorn  hill  till  they  or  any  of  them  see 
cause  to  sell  said  trees  or  said  trees  shall  Dye  and  further  we 
do  agree  and  order  y'  there  shall  be  Six  hundred  acres  of  Land 
part  on  ye  hills  Eastwardly  from  Pine  Swamps  and  part  on 
Walnut  hill  which  when  it  is  Layed  out  shall  be  for  ye  use  of 


92  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

j"  Pequot  Indians  to  plant  and  Live  on  if  they  see  cause  and 
ye  herbage  thereof  for  ye  use  of  ye  Town  of  Groton  as  above 
said  in  Conformation  whereof  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands 
and  seals  this  20  Day  of  March  in  ye  Seventh  year  of  his 
Majesties  Reighn  Anno  Dommin  1720-1. 

Kehemiah  Smith  Junr    (l.s.) 
JosnuA  Bill  (l.s.) 

Nicholas  Street  (l.s.) 

Saml  Lester  (l.s.) 

Committee. 
Signed  Scaled  in  Presence  of 
Saml  Avery  ^y 
John  Morgan 
(Copied  from  Book  I.  of  the  Groton  Records.) 

To  the  descendants  of  this  Joshua  Bill  the  following  paper 
will  also  be  of  peculiar  interest,  and  especially  to  the  family 
ot  the  writer,  who  are  so  familiar  with  the  localities  named. 

"Wee  the  Subscribers  being  Select  men  for  this  year  Anno 
Dom  1723  we  do  appoint  Mr.  Ralph  Stoder  to  Assist  Mr. 
Joshua  Bill  to  lay  a  particular  highway  fore  Rod  wide  from 
the  meeting  house  to  the  pine  swampe  Road  for  the  North 
people  of  the  Town  to  come  to  meeting  and  also  to  make 
satisfaction  to  all  the  proprietors  which  the  said  way  is  laid 
out  through  their  land  which  satisfaction  is  to  be  made  in 
Common  or  undivided  land  we  the  sd  Select  men  having  suf- 
ficient power  to  lay  out  any  particular  ways  when  it  is  want- 
ing in  our  town. 

Groton  October  y°  21  :  1723  ;  Joshua  Bill 

Saml  Lester 
JonN  Avery 
JSTich"  Street 
t      Entered  for  Reed  Oct  ye  24,  1723.  Selectmen. 

The  road  laid  out  under  this  order  is  that  now  running 
from  Meeting-house  Hill — so  called  from  the  early  location  of 
a  house  of  worship  in   North   Groton — to  the  Great   Pine 


THIRD  GENERATION.  93 

Swamp  near  the  Preston  town  line,  and  included  in  the 
Pequot  reservation.  This  road  is  now  the  main  traveled 
highway  leading  from  Groton  to  Preston,  and  divides  the  town 
of  Ledyard  nearly  in  the  center. 

Meeting-House  Hill,  in  North  Groton,  was  located  on  a 
considerable  of  an  eminence,  and  was  the  center  of  a  people 
known  as  the  North  Society.  This  Society  was  a  branch  of, 
and  for  a  long  period  was  presided  over  by  the  pastor  of,  the 
church  in  the  South  Society.  This  connection  continued  until 
near  the  time  of  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Timothy  Tuttle, 
when  a  church  was  established. 

About  one  mile  and  a  quarter  north  from  Meeting-house 
Hill,  on  this  highway,  was  the  birthplace  and  early  home  of 
the  writer.  The  church  above  named  was  where,  on  Sabbath 
days,  we  were  wont  to  visit,  and  of  its  pleasant  Sabbath 
School  we  were  a  member.  The  aged  pastor  whom  we  heard 
preach  his  fiftieth  anniversary  sermon  was  apparently  as  ven- 
erable to  us  when  we  first  knew  him  as  when  we  last  saw  him, 
which  was  but  a  few  days  prior  to  his  decease. 

The  Eev.  Timothy  Tuttle  was  a  native  of  New  Haven 
County,  Ct.,  and  a  graduate  of  Yale  College.  He  is  believed 
to  be  a  descendant  of  Richard  Tuttle,  of  Boston,  who  was  a 
brother  to  Dorothy  Bil^  the  wife -QiLJohn  Bill T  the  first  settler 
of  our  family  in  America. 

1721,  Jan.  IT.  John  Pelton  deeds  300  acres  of  land  to 
Joshua  Bill.     (Groton  Records,  Book  I.  p.  726.) 

We  find  several  deeds  and  conveyances  of  real  estate,  in 
which  the  name  of  this  Joshua  Bill  appears.  He  was  a  Select- 
man for  many  years,  and  was  also  one  of  the  Town  Com- 
mittee from  1719  to  1730. 

1729,  Dec.  27.  Joshua  Bill  witnessed  the  will  of  Robert 
Allyn.  They  probably  lived  near  each  other,  and  must  have 
been  not  only  neighbors  but  intimate  friends,  for  the  records 
show  various  transactions  between  them,  all  confirming  these 
suppositions. 

During  our  researches  in  connection  with  the  history  of 


94  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

this  Joshua  Bill,  we  obtained  traces  of  an  old  family  Bible, 
which  was  reported  to  have  belonged  to  him.  By  diligent 
inquiry  among  his  descendants,  we  at  last,  to  our  great  sur- 
prise and  joy,  located  it,  and  obtained  the  leaves  of  the  said 
Bible,  containing  the  family  record  of  Joshua  Bill,  written  in 
his  own  hand.  "We  have  said  it  was  to  our  "  great  joy,"  and 
so  it  was,  for  up  to  that  we  had  been  utterly  unable  to  make 
out  our  ancestral  line,  but  with  it  all  was  clear  as  noondav. 
The  Bible  itself  is  an  ancient  one,  and  was  printed  by  Charles 
Bill,  of  London,  about  1690.  It  is  suggestive  to  our  minds,  and 
we  query  whether  our  early  ancestors  in  Connecticut  and  in 
Massachusetts  were  not  in  frequent  communication  with  their 
relatives  in  England.  This  Charles  Bill,  of  London,  could 
have  been  as  near  as  second  cousin  to  Joshua  Bill,  of  Groton. 
But  now  for  that  old  Bible  record,  an  exact  copy  of  which  we 
append,  as  it  appears,  in  the  hand- writing  of  Joshua  Bill : 

The  aCount  of  my  self  and  my  wifes  and  children  age. 

I  my  self  was  born  the  16  day  of  October  in  the  year  16T5. 
I  was  maryed  to  my  fust  wife  Joanna  the  fust  day  of  Novem- 
ber in  the  year  1699  and  my  fust  son  was  born  the  29  day  of 
July  in  the  year  1700  and  died  the  28  day  of  September  my 
son  Joshua  was  born  the  28  day  of  September  in  the  year  1707 
my  son  Edward  was  born  the  fust  day  of  December  in  the 
year  1710  my  son  Benaih  was  born  the  3  day  of  March  in  the 
year  1713  my  Daughter  Mary  was  born  the  6  day  of  Aprel 
in  the  year  1716  my  fust  wife  was  born  in  May  in  the  year 
1679  and  died  the  3  day  of  November  in  the  year  1718. 

I  was  mariyed  to  my  second  wife  Octobr  4  1719  Hannah 
who  was  born  in  december  in  the  year  1697.  Our  son 
Phinehas  was  born  the  3  day  of  September  in  the  year  1720 
our  Daughter  Naomi  was  born  the  10  day  of  March  in  the 
year  1722.  Our  Daughter  Orpah  was  born  the  20  day  ot 
October  in  the  year  1723  our  daughther  Hannah  was  born 
the  Last  day  September  in  the  year  1725. 

Sarah  Bill  was  boren  in  the  year  1727  in  September  the 


THIRD   GENERATION.  95 

12  day  Esther  Bill  was  born  in  the  year  1729  July  the  9  day 
Our  dafter  Jonaan  Bill  was  boren  the  seventh  day  of  May 
in  the  year  1731  and  dyed  the  fift  of  Juen  our  daufter  Phebe 
was  born  October  the  26  day  1733. 

The  latter  part  of  the  above  record,  commencing  with 
Sarah  Bill,  was  evidently  written  by  some  other  person  than 
Joshua  Bill,  but  all  of  the  prior  portion  bears  evidence  of  his 
own  hand,  and  also  that  it  was  written  at  one  time. 

The  Bible  from  which  the  above  was  taken  must  have 
fallen  to  the  possession  of  his  son  Phineas,  and  then  to  Phineas 
his  grandson,  born  in  1751,  September  8,  who  married  Mercy 
Allyn,  and  in  1818  removed  to  Palmyra,  New  York.  This 
family  Bible  passed  next  into  the  keeping  of  his  daughter 
Mercy  Bill,  who  married  Capt.  Park  Allyn.  By  this  connection 
there  were  twins,  Park  Carlos  and  Sarah  Caroline  Allyn,  born 
September  8,  1809.  This  Sarah  Caroline  Allyn  married 
Charles  Allyn,  of  Palmyra,  who  subsequently  removed  to 
Clarkston,  Oakland  County,  Michigan,  and  it  was  in  her 
keeping  that  this  sacred  relict  was  found. 

He  died  in  the  year  1735. 

His  widow,  Hannah,  appeared  before  the  Probate  Court  at 
New  London,  September  26,  1735,  and  was  qualified  to  act 
as  administratrix  on  the  estate  of  her  late  husband,  Joshua 
Bill,  deceased. 

The  Inventory  amounted  to  but  £15  lis.  Id. 

The  children  of  Joshua  and  Joanna  (Potts)  Bill,  his  first 
wife,  were : 

108  A  son,4  b.  July  29,  1700  ;  d.  Sept.  28,  1700. 

109  t  Joshua,4  b.  Sept.  28,  1707.     (See  Joshua,  No.  98.) 
HOt  Edward,4  b.  Dec.  1,  1710;  m.   Zeruah ,  and  lived  in 

Colchester. 
lllf  Benajah,4  b.  March  3,  1713  ;  m.  Judith  Waterman. 

112  Mary,4  b.  April  6,  1 716. 

Children  by  second  wife,  Hannah  (Swodel)  Bill,  were  : 

1 13  t  Phineas,4  b.  Sept.  3,  1720 ;  m.  Mehitable  Woodworth. 

1 14  Naomi,4  b.  March  10, 1 722. 

115  Orpah,4b.  Oct.  20,   1723.     She,  as  a  minor,  was  placed 


96  THE  BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

under  the  guardianship  of  Samuel  Allyn,  June  4,  173G. 

116  Hannan,4  b.  Sept,  30,  ]  725. 

117  Sarah,4  b.  Sept.  12,  1727. 

118  Esther,4  b.  July  9,  1 729. 

119  Joanna,4  b.  May  7,  1731  ;  d.  June  5,  1731. 

120  Phebe,4  b.  Oct.  26,  1733. 

FOURTH    GENERATION. 

44. 

MEHITABLE  BILL4  (James,3  James,2  John1),  the  eldest 
daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point  [Boston], 
was  born  there  about  1675 ;  married  first  Thomas  Selby, 
September  6,  1719  ;  for  her  second  husband  she  married  Wil- 
liam Burgess,  about  1729-30.  She  was  the  second  wife  of 
Thomas  Selby,  and  was,  as  we  see,  about  45  years  of  age 
when  first  married. 

We  find  no  record  of  any  children  by  this  connection. 

After  marriage  she  resided  in  Boston  proper. 

Her  first  husband  died  near  1727. 

Administration  was  granted  to  the  widow  on  the  estate  of 
her  late  husband.  It  is  found  from  the  records  that  a  large 
sum  was  left  to  the  widow,  amounting  to  £4,463  3s.  Id.  The 
inventory  of  her  late  husband's  estate  is  quite  curious  and 
interesting,  so  much  so  that  we  take  the  liberty  of  transcri- 
bing a  portion  of  the  same. 

Among  the  several  articles  we  find  : — 

12  pipes  of  Madeira  Wine,  valued  at  £27  10s.  per  pipe. 
10  pipes  of  Madeira  Wine,  valued  at  £23  per  pipe. 
10  pipes  of  Madeira  Wine,  valued  at  £18  per  pipe. 

We  are  at  a  loss  to  know  how  to  account  for  the  differing 
values  attached  to  them,  but  it  is  not  unlikely  that  the  town 
pump,  then  as  now,  had  something  to  do  with  such  matters  ! 

The  amount  of  plate  inventoried  was  £211  19s.  6d.,  of 
which  were  8  silver  Punch  Bowls,  valued  atlSs.  6d.  per 
ounce,  amounting  to  £58  &  2d. 

We  have  no  knowledge  of  this  family  after  this  period. 


FOURTH   GENERATION".  97 

45. 
EEBECCA  BILL4  (James,3  James,2  John1),  sister  of  the 
preceding,  born  about  1680  ;  married  first,  October  20,  1715, 
by  Rev.  Thomas  Cheever,  to  Samuel  Saunders,  of  Boston ; 
second,  to  John  Tenny.  Her  first  husband  followed  the  sea 
for  a  living,  as  did  his  father  before  him.  He  died  in  1717. 
His  inventory  amounted  to  £200  6s.  and  6d.  Her  second 
husband  was  also  a  mariner,  and  no  account  of  his  death  is 
given,  nor  have  we  any  account  of  children  by  either  mar- 
riage. 

46. 
MARY   BILL4  (James,3    James,2  John1),  a   sister  of  the 

preceding,  born  October  10,  1682  ;  married  August  31,  1704, 
by  Rev.  Thomas  Cheever  (her  uncle),  to  Henry  Hirst 
[Hurst?]  of  Boston.  Very  little  is  known  of  this  family. 
From  the  will  of  her  husband,  dated  in  1717-18,  mention  is 
made  of  their  children.  Mrs.  Mary  (Bill)  Hurst  died  Novem- 
ber 23,  1717,  aged  35.  She  died  before  her  husband,  and 
before  her  father,  and  was  buried  on  Copps  Hill,  Boston. 

The  following  is  the  inscription  on  her  gravestone.  "  Here 
lyes  ye  body  of  Mary  Hirsst,  wife  to  Hindreth  Hirsst,  dau  of 
James  Bill  &  Mehitab1  his  wife  died  Novr  ye  23,  1717  in  y°  37 
year  of  her  age."  This  stone  is  near  those  of  her  grand- 
parents, James  &  Mary  Bill. 

Their  children  were : 

121  Mary  Hirst5  (Hurst),  b.  Oct.  10, 1705  ;  m.  (l)  her  mother's 

cousin,  Josiah  Bill.  (2)  Richard  Clan. 

122  Mehitable,5  b.  Aug.  30,  1707  ;  died  young. 

123  Mehitable,5  b.  May  26,  1709 ;  also  died  in  infancy. 

48. 
HANNAH  BLLL4  (James,3  James,  John1),  sister  of  the 
preceding;  born  Sept.  27,  1687;  m.  first,  arch  30,  1713, 
by  her  uncle,  Rev.  Thomas  Cheever,  to  Joseph  Essex  ;  second, 
April  27,  1720,  to  Ferdinando  Bowd  [Boad].  Eer  first  hus- 
band must  have  died  prior  to  Oct.  12,  1719,  for  we  find  her 
appointed  administratrix  on  his  estate.     Of  the  second  bus- 


98  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

band  there  is  no  information.  It  is  evident,  however,  from 
the  amount  of  the  inventory  of  their  estate,  that  they  were 
in  very  humble  circumstances,  and  must  have  lived  in  con- 
siderable obscurity. 

This  Hannah,  and  her  sister  Abigal,  must  have  undoubtedly 
displeased  their  father  at  some  period,  and  for  some  cause. 
What  that  cause  was  we  are  unable  to  say,  unless  it  should  be 
that  they  married  unadvisedly,  and  without  the  approbation 
of  their  father.  The  reader  will  remember  that  in  the  will  of 
their  father,  James  Bill,  he  bequeathed  them  the  trifling 
gratuity  of  £5  each,  and  adds :  "  This  I  do  for  good  reasons, 
which  are  best  known  to  myself." 

It  is  believed  there  was  a  son,  Ferdinando,  by  the  second 
marriage,  but  we  cannot  speak  positively  on  this  point. 

49. 

ABIGAL  BILL4  (James,3  James,2  John1),  also  a  sister  of 
the  preceding  ;  born  about  1690  ;  m.  first,  October  15, 1713,  to 
Thomas  Badaly,  of  Great  Britain.  For  her  second  husband 
she  married  Nokth  Ingham.  Her  first  husband  died  about 
1719. 

There  was  one  son  by  the  first  marriage.  He  was 
baptized  in  the  Second  Church,  July  24,  1715,  and  died  soon 
afterwards. 

Very  little  is  known  of  the  second  husband,  and  nothing 
at  all  of  the  family  beyond  this  period. 

50. 

HANNAH  BILL,4  (Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  daughter 
of  Lieut.  Jonathan  &  Frances  Bill,  of  Boston,  born  about 
1676,  and  was  married  Jan.  7,  1697-8,  by  her  uncle,  Kev. 
Thomas  Cheever,  to  Joseph  Belchek,  of  Rummey  Marsh. 
They  were  both  baptized,  and  admitted  to  full  communion 
with  the  church  in  Chelsea,  April,  1716,  and  three  of  their 
children,  Nathaniel,  James,  and  Hannah,  were  baptized  May 
6,  1716. 

Mr.  Cheever  was  at  this  time  pastor  of  this  church. 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  99 

They  had  children  : 

124  Joseph5  (Belcher),  h.  Oct.  25,  1698. 

125  Nathaniel5  (Belcher). 

126  James5  (Belcher),  b.  Oct.  30,  1707 ;  died  Dec.  1,  1723. 

127  Hannah5  (Belcher),  b.  Feb.  20,  1712-13. 

128  Jonathan5  (Belcher),  b.  Feb.  27,  1717-18. 

129  Sarah5  (Belcher),  b.  July  6,  1721. 

51. 

MABTHA  BILL4  (Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  a  sister  of 
the  foregoing;  b.  in  Boston,  about  1678  ;  m.  Jan.  18,  1699- 
1700,  by  Rev.  Thomas  Oheever,  to  Thomas  Gyles,  a  native  of 
Topsham,  Maine,  and  a  son  of  Thomas  Gyles,  Esq.,  of  that 
place.  Thomas  Gyles  the  younger,  the  husband  of.  Martha 
Bill,  was  a  ferryman  in  1727,  and  was  probably  employed  on 
the  ferry  between  Charlestown  and  Boston.  After  the  death 
of  his  father  he  was  put  in  possession  of  a  small  property,  and 
was  thereafter  known  as  a  u  retailer."  He  lived  in  Fish 
Street,  a  section  of  the  present  North  Street,  Boston,  in  the 
house  which  had  been  given  bv  Jonathan  Bill  to  his  daugh- 
ters,  Martha  Gyles  and  Mary  Waite. 

The  children  of  Thomas  and  Martha  (Bill)  Gyles  were  : 

130  .  Hannah5  (Gyles),  b.  Feb.  4,  1701-2. 

131  Martha5  (Gyles),  b.  July  9,  1704;  m.  Charles  Warham. 

132  Thomas5  (Gyles),  b.  Sept.  29, 1709  ;  died  Feb.  1,  1713-14. 

133  Mary5  (Gyles),  b.  Dec.  6,  1714;  m.  Samuel  Tolman. 

134  James5  [Gyles],  b.  June  15,  1717. 

52. 

JONATHAN  BILL4  (Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  eldest 
son  of  Jonathan  and  Frances  Bill ;  born  at  the  North  end  ot 
Boston,  in  1680  ;  married,  at  Salisbury,  Jan.  2,  1700-1,  for 
his  first  wife,  Ann  Allen,  born  May  3,  1678,  daughter  of 
William  Allen,  of  Salisbury. 

1729,  June  13.  Jonathan  Bill  and  his  brother  Joshua 
Bill  agreed  on  a  division  of  land  left  them  by  their  father. 
(See  Suff.  Deeds,  48  :  136.) 

1729,  June  16.  Samuel  Tuttle,  of  Kumney  Marsh,  for  £60, 


100  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

sells  to  Jonathan  Bill,  of  Pnllen  Point,  5  acres  of  land  in 
Buinney  Marsh. 

We  also  find  records  of  other  purchases  and  sales  of  real 
estate  in  which  the  name  of  Jonathan  Bill  appears. 

Jonathan  Bill  died  at  Pulling  Point,  December  16, 1731. 

We  find  among  the  papers  that  were  formerly  in  the  pos- 
session of  Andrew  Ilenshaw  Ward,  a  docummt  in  which  Ann 
Bill,  widow,  appears  as  the  administratrix  upon  the  estate  of 
this  Jonathan  Bill.     We  quote  from  this  paper  as  follows  : 

"  Ann  Bill,  widow,  in  consideration  of  £30  to  be  paid  her 
yearly,  and  every  year  during  her  natural  life,  by  her  two 
sons,  Jonathan  Bill  and  Charles  Bill,  of  Pullen  Point,  yeo- 
men, for  the  security  of  which  payment  she  held  a  bond  under 
their  hands  and  seals,  bearing  even  date  with  these  presents, 
and  for  divers  other  good  causes  her  moving  thereto,  hereby 
gives  and  sells  unto  her  said  two  sons,  and  released  to  them  in 
their  full,  quiet,  and  peaceable  possession,  now  being  in  equal 
parts,  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns,  all  her  right  to  dower  or 
thirds  in  the  housing  and  lands  of  her  late  husband  Jonathan 

Bill provided  always  that  she,  the  said  Ann  Bill, 

reserves  unto  herself  the  use  and  improvement  of  the  westerly 
chamber  in  the  dwelling-house  of  her  late  husband,  so  long 
as  she  shall  have  necessity  for  the  same. 

"  Witnesses — 

§ 

"  JosEPn  Belcher, 
"  James   Blake." 

The  foregoing  deed  was  never  acknowledged  or  recorded. 

Jonathan  Bill  was  buried  in  North  Chelsea.  The  follow- 
ing inscription  was  taken  from  his  tombstone.  "  Here  lyes 
buried  the  body  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Bill,  aged  51  years,  died 
Decern'  y"  16,  1731." 

The  children  by  this  connection,  whose  names  we  have 
ascertained,  are : 

135  Jonathan,5  b.  Nov.  27,  1701  ;  in.  Hannah  Bellamy. 

136  Charles,6  b.  March  22,  1710-11 ;  m.  Ruth  Fuller. 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  101 

53.  - 

MARY  BILL4  (Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the 
preceding;  born  in  Boston  about  168-.  She  married  for  her 
first  husband  Samuel  Worden,  on  July  25,  1706.  She  was 
again  married  to  Thomas  Waite  on  June  4,  1718. 

1741-2.  Jan.  27.  Thomas  Waite  of  Boston,  shopkeeper, 
and  Mary  his  wife,  for  £300,  sell  to  Jonathan  Bill  of  Chelsea, 
Yeoman,  a  dwelling-house  and  land  situated  in  Fish  Street 
bounded  east  on  said  street,  measuring  18  feet,  south  on  an 
alley  passage  22  feet ;  west  on  land  now  or  late  of  Thomas 
and  Martha  Giles,  27  feet,  north  on  land  of  Jonathan  Burnal, 
35  feet  9  inches.     (Sutf.  Deeds,  62  :  203.) 

There  is  no  knowledge  of  any  children,  though  not  unlikely 
there  may  have  been. 

54. 

JOSHUA  BILL4  (Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  a  brother  of 
the  preceding;  born  in  Boston  168- ;  married  in  170S,  to 
Sarah  Burnham,  of  Ipswich.  She  was  born  1688,  and  died 
in  1731. 

He  inherited  by  will  the  southerly  half  of  his  father's  farm 
at  Pulling  Point,  his  brother  Jonathan  having  the  other  half. 
He  seems  to  have  spent  his  life  there,  though  he  owned  lands 
in  several  other  places  in  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts.  His 
daughter  Anne  was  baptized  at  the  Second  Church  in  Boston, 
May  24,  1713,  where,  it  is  presumed,  the  parents  attended 
public  worship. 

We  find  some  fifteen  different  conveyances  of  land,  in  the 
records  of  Suffolk  County,  in  which  Joshua  Bill  is  either 
grantor  or  grantee.  The  last  of  tbese  bears  date  February 
26,  1732,  in  which  Joshua  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point,  for  £833, 
mortgages  to  James  Pitts,  merchant  of  Boston,  for  one  year, 
61^  acres  of  land  in  Pulling  Point,  bounded  as  follows :  E.  on 
land  of  Jonathan  Bill,  S.  on  land  of  Joseph  Bill,  1ST.  and  W. 
on  the  sea  or  harbor.     (Suff.  Deeds,  Yol.  47,  p.  126.) 

We  again  hear  of  Joshua  Bill  in  the  year  1735,  where  his 


102  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

name  appears  in  a  deed  of  land  granted  to  James  Pitts,  a 
merchant  of  Boston.  After  this  we  have  no  trace  of  him. 
It  is  evident  that  after  a  period  of  prosperity  he  lost  all 
his  property  ;  accordingly  we  find  no  will  of  his,  or  settlement 
of  estate,  nor  is  it  known  when  or  where  he  died. 

In  the  graveyard  at  North  Chelsea  is  the  following  inscrip- 
tion on  a  tombstone. 

"Here  Ives  Buried  ve  bodv  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Bill,  wife  to  Mr. 
Joshua  Bill  Who  Died  April  ye  24th  1731  aged  43." 

The  names  of  but  two  children  of  theirs  are  known,  viz.  : 

137  Sarah,5  b.    November  11,   1709;    m.   John    Tewskbury, 

Nov.  5, 1733. 

138  Anne,5  b.  March  6,   1712-13;  m.   Jacob  Cole,  Jan.  30, 

1729-30. 

56- 

WILLIAM  BILL4  (Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  youngest 
son  of  Jonathan  and  Frances  Bill,  born  April  7, 1690  ;  married 
to  Susanna  Whittkedge,  February  23,  1711-12.  She  was 
born  March  3,  1696,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Richard  and 
Phebe  Whittredge,  of  Boston.  Very  little  is  known  of  this 
family,  except  he  must  have  died  when  near  30  years  of  age. 

In  his  father's  will,  September  30,  1728,  a  legacy  of  £30  is 
left  to  his  daughter  Susanna,  then  12  years  of  age.  She  ap- 
pears to  have  been  the  only  child  of  William  Bill  then  living. 
His  widow  married  John  Hopkins,  December  22,  1719. 

The  children  of  William  and  Susanna  Bill  were: 

139  William,5  b.  Nov.  8,  1712  ;  died  Feb.  12,  1812-13. 
1-40     William,5  b.  March  27,  1714;  prpbably  died  young. 
141     Susanna,5  b.  May  8,  171G  ;  m.  Seth  Foster,  of  Stoughton, 

Au<r.  1,  1732. 


a* 


63. 

LYDIA  BILL4  (Joseph,3  James,8  John'),  the  daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Lydia  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point;  born  near  1685,  and 
married  William  Bocse,  November  15,  1705.  This  Lydia, 
Bill  is  not  mentioned  in  her  father's  will,  dated  January  31, 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  103 

1717-18,  and  no  doubt  died  previously  to  that  time.     Her 
children,  Joseph  and  William,  are  named  in  that  instrument ; 
and  a  legacy  of  £5  each  is  left  to  them,  to  be  paid  "  when 
they  come  out  of  their  apprenticeship." 
Their  children  were : 

142  Joseph5  (Rouse),  b.  July  14,  1706  ;  m.  Abigail  Prior. 

143  William5  (Rouse),  b.  Nov.  8,  1707  ;  m.  Rebecca  Ingalls. 

64. 

JOSEPH  BILL4  (Joseph,3  James,5  John'),  a  son  of 
Joseph  and  Lydia  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point,  born  August  26, 
1687;  married  for  his  first  wife,  Mary  Kilcup,  of  Boston, 
November  22,  1722.  He  married  for  his  second  wife,  Rkbecca 
Pepper,  as  believed,  of  Roxbury,  August  5,  1736.  He  was 
the  owner  of  lands  at  Pulling  Point  for  many  years,  being  en- 
gaged in  the  business  of  a  husbandman. 

We  find  quite  a  large  number  of  sales  and  purchases  of 
land,  together  with  records  of  mortgages,  quit-claims,  &c,  in 
which  his  name  appears,  but  it  is  evident  that,  from  some 
cause  unknown  to  us,  these  large  possessions  at  Pulling  Point 
must  have  passed  from  his  hands  prior  to  his  death. 

There  is  no  trace  of  the  family  after  the  death  of  Mr. 
Joseph  Bill,  the  date  of  which  is  established  by  a  gravestone 
in  the  Copp's  Hill  Burying-ground,  having  the  following 
inscription :  "  Here  Lyes  Buried  the  Body  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Bill,  Aged  55  years.     Died  Feb".  Ye  3d  1747-8." 

65. 

JOHN  BILL4  (Joseph,3  James,2  John1),  a  son  of  Joseph 
and  Deliverance  (Wakefield)  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point ;  born 
near  1690,  and  married  Mary  Warren,  May  9,  1718,  by  the 
pastor  of  the  New  North  Church.  He  lived  in  Boston,  and 
was  a  "mariner." 

1720,  Nov.  30.  John  Bill,  of  Boston,  mariner,  and  Mary, 
his  wife,  for  £130  in  Bills  of  Credit,  sold  to  his  brothers, 
Joseph  and  Josiah  Bill,  one-quarter  of  the  farm  of  which  his 


104  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

father  died  seized  of,  the  whole  containing  20(3  acres.     (See 
Suff.  Deeds,  35,  p.  52.) 

He  inherited  one-quarter  of  his  father's  estate,  but  he  was 
not  living  at  the  final  settlement  of  said  estate,  October  11, 
1731,  and  must  have  died  before  July  21,  1731,  when  his 
brothers  and  sisters  sold  their  house  in  Boston.  His  widow 
was  again  married.  There  is  no  record  of  any  children  of  his, 
and  no  further  traces  of  this  family  are  found. 

66. 

AJNTNA  BILL'  (Joseph,3  James,"  John1),  a  sister  of  the 
preceding  ;  born  about  1695,  and  was  published  October  17, 
1716,  to  Thomas  Barnard,  of  "Great  Britain,"  but  the  bans 
were  forbidden  by  her  father,  April  10,  1717,  and  the  marriage 
did  not  take  place.  After  the  death  of  her  father  she  was 
married  to  Thomas  Smith,  June  23,  1718,  by  the  then  rector 
of  King's  chapel,  Boston.  Nothing  further  is  known  of  this 
family. 

67. 

JOSIAII  BILL4  (Joseph,3  James,5  John1),  a  brother  of 
the  preceding  Anna  Bill;  born  about  1697,  and  was  married 
December  16,  1720,  to  Maey  Hirst,  daughter  of  Henry  and 
Mary  (Bill)  Hirst. 

His  wife's  grandfather,  James  Bill,  gave  her  in  his  will  a 
legacy  of  £150. 

He  died  January  3,  1721-2,  aged  25.  His  widow  was 
afterwards  married. 

Nothing  further  is  known  of  this  family. 

69. 

JEREMIAH  BILL4  (Joseph,3  James,2  John1),  a  brother 
of  the  preceding,  born  near  1700;  married  Hannah  Foot, 
of  Boston,  March  7,  1726-7,  by  Rev.  Peter  Thatcher. 

He  resided  at  Pulling  Point,  and  appears  to  have  followed 
various  employments,  as  we  find  him  called  "  yeoman,"  "  jack- 
maker,"  "  husbandman,"  "  brightsmith  or  tanner." 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  105 

A  half  dozen  conveyances  of  land,  in  which  his  name  ap- 
pears, are  of  too  trifling  importance  to  bear  quotation,  and 
we  have  nothing  further  to  give  of  this  family  except  the  list 
of  children,  which  were  : 

144  Hannah,5  b.  Sept.  23,  1728. 

145  John,5b.  Oct.  25,  1729.    - 

146  Jeremiah,0  b.  Sept.  14,  1732. 

147  Susanna,6  b.  April  27,  1736;   m.  John  Riorden,  Jan. 

1754. 

71. 

HEZEKIAH  BILL4  (Joseph,3  James,5  John1)  was  the 
youngest  son  of  Joseph  and  Deliverance  (Wakefield)  Bill  ; 
born  about  1708,  married  Hannah  Beown,  June  8,  1730. 
His  occupation  appears  to  have  been  a  boat-builder,  and  his 
residence  was  in  Boston.  It  is  thought  his  death  must  have 
occurred  between  1730  and  1710.  His  widow,  Hannah,  sur- 
vived him  many  years,  and  died  in  Boston,  May,  1790,  aged  85. 

But  two  children  are  found  on  record,  viz. : 

148  Benjamin,5  b.  July  20,  1732  ;  m.  Martha  Cotton,  Nov.  11, 

1762. 

149  Hannah,5  baptized  Jan.  19,  1735-6. 

72. 

SAMUEL  BILL4  (Samuel,3  Thomas,2  John1),  the  son  of 
Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Bill,  of  Boston,  born  there,  September 
28,  16S3,  and  was  married  to  Sarah  Shaplet,  daughter  ot 
John  and  Sarah  Shapley,  March  19,  1701-2.  He  was  a  large 
provision  dealer  in  the  city  of  Boston,  where  he  spent  the 
most  of  his  life.  We  should  judge  him  to  have  been  an  active, 
industrious,  and  for  the  most  part  a  prosperous  man.  This 
we  gather  from  the  various  records  we  have  had  inspected 
relating  to  him. 

His  residence  in  the  city  of  Boston  was  on  what  is  now 
the  north  corner  of  State  and  Washino-ton  Streets. 

The  great  fire  which  occurred  October  2,  1711,  destroyed 
his  dwelling  and  turned  him  out  of  doors,  together  with  110 

8 


106  THE  BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

other  families.     This  was  a  most  lamentable  and  destructive 
conflagration. 

We  find  several  purchases  and  sales  of  important  pieces  of 
property,  situated  in  Boston,  in  which  his  name  appears,  but 
perhaps  his  most  important  real  estate,  it  will  be  remembered, 
was  Spectacle  Island,  situated  m  Boston  Harbor,  and  to  which 
previous  reference  has  been  made  in  the  account  given  of  his 
father,  Samuel  Bill.  It  will  be  exceedingly  interesting  to 
trace  the  further  history  of  this  Island. 

In  1714  an  Indenture  was  made,  whereby  Samuel  Bill,  of 
Boston,  victualer,  and  Sarah  his  wife,  for  £200,  to  be  at  5  per 
cent,  interest,  mortgaged  to  Andrew  Fletcher,  Addington 
Davenport,  Thomas  Hutchinson,  John  Wood,  and  Edward 
Hutchinsou,  all  his  Island,  commonly  called  and  known  by 
the  name  of  Spectacle  Island,  containing  60  acres  on  two 
heads.  This  mortgage  was  discharged  May  4,  1720.  (Surf. 
Deeds,  29 :  25.) 

Samuel  Bill  was  a  resident  of  the  town  of  Boston,  as  we 
have  seen,  as  was  his  father  and  grandfather  before  him. 

Dr.  N.  B.  Sliurtliff,  in  his  article  in  the  Boston  Sunday 
Times,  from  which  we  have  before  quoted,  says  : — 

"  Early  in  the  last  century,  our  wise  and  considerate  rulers 
began  to  think  earnestly  of  establishing  a  quarantine  in  Boston 
Harbor;  and 'for  that  purpose  the  General  Court  of  the 
Province,  on  the  11th  of  June,  1716,  appointed  a  committee 
'  to  investigate  a  suitable  place  for  the  erecting  a  hospital  for 
infectious,  persons,  with  minutes  for  an  Act  for  that  purpose.' 
The  committee  attended  to  the  duty  assigned  them,  and  on  the 
20th  of  the  ensuing  November  reported  on  the  subject,  recom- 
mending, among  other  things,  that  an  acre  of  land,  with  the 
necessary  privileges,  should  be  purchased  at  Squantum  Neck. 
This  part  of  the  report  was  accepted,  and  an  appropriation 
was  made  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  for  the  object,  and 
for  the  erection  of  the  necessary  buildings,  Samuel  Thaxter 
and  William  Payne,  Esquires,  being  the  committee  to  carry 
the  order  into  effect.     But  on  the  11th  of  April,  1717,  one 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  107 

hundred  and  five  inhabitants  of  Dorchester,  fearing  the  effects 
of  having  a  pest-house  so  near  them,  remonstrated  against  the 
same,  and  another  committee,  with  the  same  powers  and  in- 
structions, and  consisting  of  Adam  Winthrop,  William  Payne, 
Samuel  Thaxter,  and  Jonathan  Dowse,  Escpiires,  was  appointed, 
and  directed  to  use  all  convenient  speed  in  selecting  another 
place  for  the  object.  It  was  undoubtedly  in  consequence  of 
this  remonstrance,  that,  on  the  15th  of  the  following  May,  the 
philanthropic  townsmen  of  Boston  passed  the  following 
vote : — '  That  the  Selectmen  be  impowered  to  Lease  ©ut  a 
piece  of  Land  on  Dere  Island  not  Exceeding  one  acre,  for  a 
Term  not  Exceeding  ninety-nine  years,  to  be  improved  for  the 
Erecting  an  Hospital  or  Pest  House  there  for  the  reception  & 
entertainmt  of  sick  persons  coming  from  beyond  the  Sea  and 
in  order  to  prevent  the  spreading  of  Infection.'  It  does  not 
appear  that  Deer  Island  was  taken  at  that  time  for  the  purpose ; 
but  it  is  certain,  that  on  the  30th  of  July  of  the  same  year 
(1717)  Samuel  Bill  and  his  wife  Sarah,  for  £100  in  bills  of 
credit,  did  convev  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Province,  Jeremiah 
Allen',  Esq.,  a  portion  of  land,  'being  part  of  the  southerly 
end  of  Spectacle  Island,  so  called,  and  is  bounded  northerly  by 
said  Bills  land,  ten  feet  to  the  northward  of  the  cellar  wall 
lately  built  there,  to  erect  a  house  on  for  the  Province  to  enter- 
tain the  sick,  and  is  on  the  cleft  or  brow  of  the  southerly  head 
or  highland  of  sd  island  forty-four  feet  wide,  and  from  thence 
to  run  on  a  line  about  south-southwest  ninety  feet,  where  it  is 
also  forty-four  feet  wide,  and  thence  to  continue  the  line  on 
the  easterly  side  streight  down  to  the  sea,  and  from  sd  ninety 
feet  on  the  westerly  side  to  widen  gradually  on  a  streight  line 
to  the  sea  or  salt  water,  where  it  is  to  be  sixty  feet  wide, 
together  with  the  liberty  of  landing  on  the  southerly  beach 
point,  and  thence  to  pass  and  repass  to  and  from  the  said 
granted  land.'  " 

The  Province  continued  to  hold  this  portion  of  Spectacle 
Island  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  originally  acquired 
until  about  1735,  when  the  General  Court  appointed  a  com- 


108  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

mittee  for  the  purchase  of  a  more  suitable  place  to  which  the 
Hospital  might  be  removed,  and  the  result  of  their  delibera- 
tions was  the  selection  of  Rainsford  Island. 

Prior  to  this,  however,  in  the  year  1729-30,  March  18, 
Samuel  Bill,  by  an  Indenture  made  between  him  and  Richard 
Bill,  Esquire  (his  brother),  in  consideration  of  £705,  and  also 
in  consideration  that  the  said  Richard  Bill  hath  undertaken 
to  discharge  the  mortgage  money  with  which  the  premises 
hereinafter  granted  stand  chargeable,  sells  to  said  Richard  Bill 
all  that  his  said  Samuel  Bill's  certain  Island  called  Spectacle 
Island,  containing  by  estimation  60  acres,  more  or  less,  with 
the  dwelling-house,  bam,  <fec,  standing  thereon,  saving  and 
reserving  from  this  grant  and  sale,  that  part  of  said  Island 
which  the  said  Samuel  Bill  conveyed  to  Jeremiah  Allen, 
Esquire,  Treasurer  of  the  Province,  July  30,  1717,  subject 
nevertheless  to  the  payment  of  the  principl  money  and  inter- 
est now  due  and  to  become  due  upon  two  mortgage  deeds  on 
the  granted  premises,  one  of  them  given  by  the  said  Samuel 
Bill  to  John  Clark  Esquire  and  others  commissioners  of  the 
one  hundred  thousand  pound  loan  dated  February  13,- 1719, 
and  recorded  with  Suffolk  Deeds,  vol.  31:  p.  170.  The  other 
(mortgage)  given  by  said  Samuel  Bill  to  Samuel  Appleton,  late 
of  Boston,  merchant,  deceased,  dated  April  12,  1728,  and  re- 
corded in  vol.  42 :  p.  89.     (Suff.  Deeds,  11,  115.) 

The  original  of  the  above-named  Indenture  between 
Samuel  Bill  and  Richard  Bill  (brothers),  came  into  the  hands 
of  the  writer  with  the  papers  of  the  late  Andrew  llenshaw 
Ward,  Esq.,  and  is  now  in  our  possession.  I  herewith  give 
a  fac-simile  of  the  signature  of  the  said  Samuel  Bill,  as 
written  by  him,  and  attached  to  the  said  document. 


cfc^n^cA^L 


Samuel  Bill  had  now  parted  with  all  his  landed  estates, 
both  in  and  out  of  Boston.  The  date  of  his  deatli  is  unknown, 
but  it  must  have  occurred  prior  to  February  13,  1738-9,  when, 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  109 

iii  the  conveyance  of  the  Province  interest  in  Spectacle  Island 
to  Richard  Bill,  of  Boston,  it  is  stated,  "  Samuel  Bill  and 
Sarah  his  wife  "  were  both  deceased. 

Sarah,  the  wife  of  Samuel  Bill,  was  buried  July  15,  1720. 

The  children  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Shapley)  Bill  were  :  — 

150  Samuel5,  b.  May  21,  1702;  died  young. 

151  Joseph5,  b.  June  26,  1704;    died  July  22,  1705. 

152  Joseph5,  b.  February  8,  1705-6. 

153  Richard5,  b.  Dec.  2,  1708. 

154  Benjamin5,  b.  Nov.  1,  1709. 

155  Sarah5,  b.  Feb.  12,  1710-11 ;  published  to  James  Fawar, 

Oct.  29,  1729. 

156  Ruth5,  b.  March  18,1711-12;  published  to  Thomas  Price, 

June  20,  1732. 

157  Elizabeth5,  b.  June  2,  1713-14. 

158  Mary5,  b.  June  7,  1714-15  ;  m.  John  Litten. 

159  f  Samuel5,  b.  —   1720;    m.   (1)    Mary   Davis.    (2)    Grace 

Crawley. 

75. 

Hon.  RICHARD  BILL4,  Esquire  (Samuel3,  Thomas2, 
John1),  the  second  son  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Bill ;  born  in 
Boston,  March  25,  1685,  and  was  married,  first,  on  June  30, 
1709,  to  Sakaii  Davis,  daughter  of  Major  Benjamin  and 
Sarah  (Richards)  Davis,  of  Boston.  They  were  married  by 
Rev.  Benjamin  Coleman,  D.  D.,  first  pastor  of  Brattle  Street 
Church. 

Sarah,  his  wife,  was  horn  in  1683,  and  died  April  24, 
1727,  aged  44. 

His  second  wife  was  Mehitable  Minot,  whom  he  married 
October  1,  1733.  She  was  born  December  6,  1692,  and  was 
the  daughter  of  Stephen  and  Mary  (Clark)  Minot,  of  Boston. 

Richard  Bill  was  a  prosperous  merchant,  doing  business 
on  old  Cornhill,  near  the  post-office,  in  the  city  of  Boston. 
He  was  a  noted  citizen  of  his  time,  and  must  have  been  well 
known  through  the  entire  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  He 
was  certainly  the  most  conspicuous,  as  well  as  the  most  dis- 


HO  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

tinguished  member  of  the  family  at  this  period.  We  find  his 
name  among  the  list  of  the  Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery 
Company  in  1707  :  in  1716  he  was  Ensign,  and  in  1720  a 
Lieutenant.  He  was  afterwards  Captain  in  another  military 
organization.  That  he  was  a  man  greatly  esteemed  and  much 
honored,  we  infer  from  the  fact  of  his  election  as  a  member  of 
the  Colonial  Council  of  the  Province.  This  fact  is  established 
rom  MS.  records  found  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, at  Boston,  of  a  meeting  held  May. 31,  1737.  He 
must  have  continued  a  member  of  this  Council  Board  as  late  as 
February  5,  1741-2,  for  we  find  his  name  in  the  records  of 
the  various  frequent  meetings  of  the  Board  up  to  the  latter 
date,  after  which  it  no  longer  appears.  It  was  a  custom 
of  the  Council  to  meet  every  few  days,  at  this  time.  Mas- 
sachusetts still  preserves  this  relic  of  her  early  history,  and 
is  the  only  State  that  has  to  our  knowledge  an  Executive 
Council. 

In  a  volume  recently  published,  relating  to  the  Abenaki 
Indians  of  Maine  and  New  Hampshire,  a  copy  of  a  treaty  is 
found,  dated  at  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire,  July  28,  1714, 
in  which  the  names  of  the  various  commissioners  on  the  part 
of  the  Province  are  attached,  and  among  the  several  wit- 
nesses we  find  a  fac-simile  of  the  signature  of  Richard  Bill, 
from  which  we  infer  he  must  have  been  present,  and  not 
unlikely  bore  an  active  part  in  the  negotiations,  if  not  as  com- 
missioner, at  least  as  an  agent  of  the  Province. 

Report  says  of  him,  that  he  was  a  very  pious  and  devout 
man,  upright  in  all  his  dealings  with  his  fellow-men,  and 
highly  honorable,  and  esteemed  among  them. 

The  writer,  in  1861,  while  visiting  Boston  and  vicinity, 
learned  of  the  existence  of  a  portrait  of  this  Richard  Bill,  and, 
by  diligent  inquiry  and  search  therefor,  was  at  last  re- 
warded by  tracing  the  same  to  the  family  of  Andrew  Iien- 
shaw  Ward,  Esq.,  of  Newton,  the  gentleman  to  whom  special 
reference  is  made  in  the  preface  of  this  volume.  It  was 
several  years  after  this,  however,  before  we  were  enabled  to 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  HI 

view  it ;  meanwhile  it  passed,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of 
Mr.  Ward  and  his  wife,  into  the  hands  of  his  grand-daughter, 
Mrs.  Miles  Washburn,  of  Newton  Corner  (near  Boston).  We 
were  greatly  sm*prised  to  find  the  portrait  in  such  a  perfect 
state  of  preservation,  it  having  been  carefully  and  choicely 
kept  as  a  family  relic  for  the  last  hundred  years.  It  is  a 
"  three-quarter "  portrait  in  length,  and  is  believed  to  have 
been  painted  by  the  celebrated  Copely.  It  certainly  bears 
many  distinguishing  marks  of  his  pencil. 

The  drapery  consists  of  a  large  antique  coat  and  long  under 
jacket,  both  of  red  velvet,  with  ruffled  shirt-front  and  an  im- 
mense floAving  wig,  and  otherwise  arrayed  in  the  costume  of 
the  notable  men  of  his  time.  Throuo-h  the  kindness  of 
Mrs.  Washburn  (the  present  possessor  of  this  portrait,  to 
whom  we  would  here  express  our  thanks),  a  loan  was  made  us 
of  the  original,  and,  having  commissioned  the  well-known 
artist,  Mr.  E.  H.  Emmons,  of  Norwich,  Ct.,  to  copy  the 
same,  have  now  in  our  possession  a  faithful  transcript,  and  it 
is  from  this  copy  of  ours  that  the  photograph  which  adorns 
this  volume  was  taken.  It  gives,  however,  but  a  very  imper- 
fect idea  of  the  magnificent  painting  itself. 

The  times  in  which  Richard  Bill  lived  were  stirring  ones. 
The  colonies,  after  having  spent  several  generations  under  the 
government  of  England,  had  come  to  be  jealous  of  their  rights 
and  liberties.  The  early  records  furnish  many  documents,  in 
the  shape  of  petitions  and  other  papers,  asking  for  redress  for 
the  many  grievances  to  which  the  people  of  the  colonies  were 
subject.  This  not  being  granted,  a  spirit  of  rebellion  grew, 
which  finally  culminated  in  the  sundering  of  the  ties  with  the 
mother  country. 

He  had  for  compeers  and  for  neighbors  such  men  as  Samuel 
Adams,  John  Hancock,  Andrew  Oliver,  the  Hutchinsons 
and  the  Winthrops,  and  others  of  lesser  note,  wmose  names 
appear  all  along  the  pages  of  the  colonial  and  legislative  his- 
tory of  Massachusetts.  There  are  a  large  number  of  deeds  or 
conveyances  of  land,  in  which  he  appears  as   an  interested 


U2  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

party.     He  became  possessed  of  large  landed  estates,  both  in 
the  city  and  harbor  of  Boston. 

We  again  have  occasion  to  refer  to  Spe  ctacle  Island,  which, 
in  1738-9,  February  17,  William  Foye,  Province  Treasurer, 
by  virtue  of  a  resolve  of  the  General  Court,  passed  at  the 
session  in  Nov.,  1736,  for  £130,  conveys  to  Kichard  Bill, 
of  Boston,  all  the  interest  of  the  Province  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  in  and  to  Spectacle  Island,*  including  the  buildings  where 
the  Hospital  now  is,  being  the  same  premises  which  were 
conveyed  to  Jeremiah  Allen,  Treasurer,  by  Samuel  Bill  and 
Sarah  his  wife,  both  deceased,  by  their  deed  of  July  30, 1717. 
(Suff.  Deeds,  57:  162.) 

By  the  above-mentioned  conveyance,  Richard  Bill  came 
in  full  and  absolute  possession  of  the  whole  island,  he  having 
acquired  the  title  of  the  remaining  portion  on  the  18th  of 
March,  1729-30,  from  his  brother,  Samuel  Bill. 

On  the  16th  of  January,  1741-2,  Richard  Bill,  Esq.,  of 
Boston,  in  full  for  the  good-will  and  affection  which  I  bear 
toward  my  son-in-law,  Joshua  Henshaw,  Junior,  of  Boston, 
merchant,  and  Elizabeth  his  wife,  my  daughter,  conveys  to 
said  Joshua  Henshaw  and  Elizabeth  the  house  and  land  in 
Sudbury  Street,  Boston,  now  in  the  tenure  and  occupation  of 
the  said  HeDshaw,  fronting  to  Sudbury  Street  on  the  S.  S.  E., 
there  measuring  forty  feet ;  *  *  *  *  on  the  South  West, 
on  land  of  Thomas  Cooper,  late  deceased,  there  measuring  99 
feet ;  N.  W.  on  Bartholomew,  three-needles  nineteen  and  a 
half  feet,  &c.     (Suff.  Deeds,  62  :  256.) 

On  the  18th  of  February,  1712-3,  Richard  Bill  sells  the 
whole  of  Spectacle  Island  to  Joshua  Henshaw,  Jr.  Thus 
this  island  passed  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Bill  family,  which, 
for  more  than  three-quarters  of  a  century,  had  been  in  their 
possession.  Since  this  transfer  in  1712,  above  named,  Spec- 
tacle Island  has  been  given  up  to  agricultural  uses,  though,  for 
quite  a  period,  it  was  a  frequent  resort  of  pleasure  parties, 


*  We  have  in  our  possession  this  original  deed. 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  113 

It  is  from  this  deed,  last  named,  that  we  have  had  made,  on 
wood  a  facsimile  of  the  signature  of  Richard  Bill,  which 
we  herewith  append.  This  bold  signature  of  his  is  signifi- 
cant of  the  uprightness  of  his  character,  which  was  a  marked 
trait  through  all  his  life. 


^JiidLaA^  ~J&'<M: 


As  a  matter  of  curiosity,  and  at  the  same  time  to  justify 
the  use  of  the  titles  given  this  eminent  member  of  our 
family,  we  copy  the  acknowledgment  attached  to  an  indenture 
in  favor  of  Andrew  Oliver.     It  appears  as  follows : 

Suffolk  ss. :  Boston,  Nov'r  30th,  1741. 

The  Hon.  Richard  Bill,  Esqr.,  Personally  appeared  and 
acknowledged  the  aforewritten  Instrument  to  be  his  free  Act 
and  Deed.  Before  me, 

Sam'l  Sewall,  Just.  Pacis. 

We  find  him  selling  his  house  and  land  where  he  lived,  on 
Sudbury  Street,  measuring  83|-  by  111^  feet;  also,  his  two- 
thirds  of  a  house  on  the  corner  of  Water  and  Devonshire 
Streets ;  also,  the  house  on  Prince  Street  that  was  bequeathed 
to  the  said  Richard  Bill  by  his  father,  Samuel  Bill,  deceased. 
(Suff.  Deeds,  62 :  255.) 

It  is  exceedingly  manifest  that,  from  some  cause,  the  finan- 
cial affairs  of  Richard  Bill  had  fallen  into  a  state  of  hopeless 
confusion.  It  appears  that  he  was  compelled  to  part  with  all 
his  real  estate,  and  that  the  proceeds  arising  from  its  sale  was 
wholly  inadequate  to  meet  the  demands  of  his  creditors. 

About  the  end  of  the  year  1741,  he  and  his  partner,  Sam- 
uel Sewall,  made  an  assignment  for  the  benefit  of  theii 
creditors.  On  the  1st  of  March,  1742,  the  assignees  declared 
that,  to  that  date,  they  had  received  of  Richard  Bill  the 
sum  of  £2,869  8s.  2d. 


114  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

At  .his  death,  his  estate  was  able  to  pay  but  13s.  and  8d.  on 
the  pound. 

Kichard  Bill  and  Jacob  Holyoake,  of  Boston,  were  execu- 
tors of  the  will  of  Lewis  Vassall,  of  Braintree,  who  died  Sep- 
tember 15,  1713.  He  was  also  appointed  guardian  of  Anna 
Yassall,  eldest  child  of  Lewis  Yassall,  November  20,  1751. 

He  and  Joshua  Henshaw  were  also  executors  of  the  will 
of  Col.  John  Yassal,  Nov.  7,  1752.  Concerning  the  first  wife 
of  Kichard  Bill  we  haTre  the  following  account,  copied  from 
the  Boston  News  Letter  of  Thursday,  April  27,  1727  : — 

"  On  Monday  last  [24th  inst.],  Mrs.  Sarah  Bill,  the  consort 
of  Mr.  Richard  Bill,  merchant,  and  only  surviving  daughter 
of  the  late  Maj.  Benjamin  (and  Mrs.  Sarah)  Davis,  died  in  the 
sorrows,  or  rather  sickness,  of  child-bed.  She  was  visibly 
adorned  with  those  ornaments  which  are  in  the  sight  of  God 
of  great  price,  which  made  her  much  valued  in  her  life,  and 
lamented  in  her  death,  by  all  that  knew  her."  1  Tim.  ii. 
9,  10.     (Genealogical  Beg.  vol.  xiv.  p.  233.) 

His  second  wife,  Mehitable,  died  Aug.  7,  1741.  "We  have 
not  the  exact  date  of  Richard  Bill's  death.  Administration 
on  his  estate  was  granted  Nov.  25,  1757,  to  his  son-in-law, 
Joshua  Henshaw,  Esq.,  of  Boston. 

The  inventory  was  taken  Oct.  26,  1757,  by  Jeremiah 
Green,  William  Coffin,  and  William  Story.  The  amount  was 
£440  13s.  2d,  old  tenor.     (Suff.  Prob.  52,  386,  387.) 

1759,  April  20.  Joshua  Henshaw,  Esq.,  Administrator  of 
the  estate  of  the  Hon.  Richard  Bill,  Esq.,  late  of  Boston,  ren- 
ders his  first  account  of  administration.  In  his  list  of  ex- 
penses appears  the  item  of  £3  10  9|-,  as  the  charge  for  the 
coffin. 

The  children  of  Richard  and  Sarah  (Davis)  Bill,  were : 

160  Elizabeth,  b.  Sept.  8,  1710  ;  died  Aug.  12,  1712. 

161  t  Elizabeth,  b.  Sept.  9,  1712 ;  m.  Joshua  Henshaw. 

162  William,  b.  Aug.  31,  1715  ;  died  May  3,  1718. 

163  Sarah,  .b.  April  15,  1727;  m.  Edmund   Grice  Dolbeare, 

March  13,  1755. 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  115 


73. 


THOMAS  BILL4  (Jacob,3  Thomas,2  John'),  son  of  Jacob 
and  Theodosia  Bill ;  born  in  Boston,  March  30,  1693,  and  was 
married  June  6,  1723,  to  Ruth  Belchek. 

He  was  a  resident  of  Boston,  and  was  known  as  a  "  boat- 
builder."  His  name  appears  in  several  real-estate  transactions, 
as  is  found  in  the  records  of  the  town  of  Boston,  but  they  are 
not  apparently  of  sufficient  importance  to  warrant  their  being 
reproduced  in  this  connection.  After  1730  we  find  no  further 
notice  of  Thomas  Bill.  Ruth,  his  widow,  died  April  15,  1775, 
as  per  her  grave-stone  found  in  the  Granary  Burying-ground. 

Their  children  were  : 

1 64  Abigail,5  b.  Dec.  10,  1 723. 

165  Jacob,5  b.  May  24,  1725;  mi  Dorcas  Brown  of  Charles- 

town,  Jan.  3,  1747-8.  This  Jacob  with  his  family 
appeared  at  Concord  in  1752,  but  after  this  they 
are  lost  to  us. 

166  Thomas,5  b.  Dec.  29,  1729. 

167  Sarah,5  b.  Dec.  11,  1731. 

168  John,5  b.  March  27,  1734. 

89. 

JOSEPH  BILL4  (Philip,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  Philip 
and  Elizabeth  Bill  of  Groton,  Conn. ;  born  near  1695,  and  was 
married  in  Nov.  1716,  to  Bethia  Packer,  a  daughter  of 
John  Packer,  of  Groton.  This  family  resided  for  a  time  in 
Groton.  After  this  we  hear  of  them  in  the  northern  portion 
of  the  town  of  Preston,  in  what  is  now  known  as  Griswold, 
where  his  father  owned  lands,  and  where  he  also  made  several 
purchases.  How  long  he  resided  in  this  section  of  Preston  we 
do  not  know,  but  we  conclude  many  years,  since,  after  a  second 
search  of  the  town  records  of  both  Preston  and  Norwich,  we 
are  unable  to  learn  any  thing  of  him  after  1745.     Little  is 


116  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

known  concerning  this  family  beyond  the  record  of  their  three 
children,  which  are  as  follows : 

169  Philip,6  b.  in  Groton,  Oct.  22,  1717. 

170  Joseph,6  b.  in     do.     Aug.  26,  1720. 

171  Jacob,5  b.  in       do.     Feb.  8,  1723. 

90. 

THOMAS  BILL4  (Philip,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Philip 
and  Mary  Bill  of  Groton,  Conn. ;  born  Sept.  26,  1705  ;  married 
Abigail . 

We  find  this  family  living  in  Groton  as  late  as  1745,  after- 
wards in  New  London,  or  that  part  of  New  London  called 
Montville. 

1730-1,  Feb.  13.  Thomas  Bill  of  Groton  for  £20  buys  of 
Daniel  Leffingwell  of  Norwich  fifty  rods  of  land  on  the  east 
side   of  Shetucket   River,  the   boundary   beginning   on    the 

at  Simon  Tracey's  corner  and  extending  N.  22  rods. 

Then  running  by  land  of  Nathaniel  Giddings  two  rods  and 
12  feet  with  a  house  on  the  lot.  (See  Norwich  Deeds,  vol.  6, 
p.  280.) 

1741-2,  Feb.  6.  Daniel  Leffingwell  of  Norwich  for  £650 
sells  to  Thomas  Bill  of  Groton  30  acres  of  land  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Shetucket  River.  (Groton  Records,  vol.  8,  p. 
385.) 

We  append  herewith  the  will  of  Thomas  Bill  in  full,  as 
taken  from  New  London  Prob.  Records  : — 

In  the  name  of  God,  amen.  I  Thomas  Bill  of  New 
London  in  the  county  of  New  London  in  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut in  New  England  being  sick  but  of  sound  disposing 
mind  and  memory  thanks  be  given  to  God  therefor  but  call- 
ing to  mind  my  mortality  and  knowing  that  it  is  appointed 
unto  man  once  to  die,  do  make  and  ordain  this  my  last  will 
and  Testament  in  the  manner  following : 

First  of  all  I  commit  my  immortal  soul  into  the  hand  of 
him  who  gave  it  hoping  thro  the  burdens  and  Death  of  his 


FOURTH   GENERATION".  1p7 

only  begotton  son,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  receive  the  free 
and  full  pardon  of  all  my  sin  and  an  inheritance  among  the 
Blessed  ;  my  body  I  commit  to  the  grave  to  be  decently 
buried  at  the  discretion  of  my  executrix  hereinafter  named 
hoping  in  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 

And  as  touching  such  worldly  estate  wherewith  it  hath 
pleased  God  to  prosper  me  I  give  and  dispose  of  the  same  as 
follows :  viz — imprimis,  I  will  that  all  my  just  debts  and 
funeral  charges  be  in  time  convenient  after  my  decease  fully 
paid  by  my  Executrix  hereinafter  named — Item,  I  give  and 
bequeath  to  my  beloved  wife  Abigail  all  my  personal  Estate 
to  be  disposed  of  as  she  shall  think  fit ;  Moreover  I  give  to 
her  the  improvement  of  all  my  real  estate  until  my  sons 
Jabez,  Charles,  and  William  come  to  the  age  of  21  years,  they 
to  receive  their  portion  when  and^as  ffiey  come  of  age.  All 
this  I  do  for  my  wife  upon  condition  of  her  bringing  up  the 
children  which  are  not  yet  of  age  and  of  paying  the  legacies 
which  I  herein  order  her  to  pay  and  with  this  view  that  she 
may  do  for  her  daughters  what  she  shall  think  equal  and  just 
between  them. 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter,  Anna,  10  shillings,  to  be 
payd  her  at  my  decease  which  together  with  what  I  have 
given  her  already  is  the  full  of  her  portion — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter,  Lucretia,  10.  s.  to  be  payd 
her  at  my  decease  which  together  with  what  I  have  given  her 
already  is  the  full  of  her  portion — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter,  Priscilla,  £50  money,  old 
Tenor,  to  be  payd  her  by  my  Executrix  in  two  years  after  my 
decease  which  together  with  what  I  have  already  given  her  is 
the  full  of  her  portion — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter,  Abigail,  Fifty  Pounds  money 
Old  Tenor  to  be  payd  her  by  my  Executrix  in  two  years  after 
my  decease  which  together  with  what  I  have  already  given 
her  is  in  full  of  her  portion — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter  Bethshua  One  hundred 
Pounds  money  Old  Tenor  to  be  payd  her  by  my  son  Jabez 


118  THE  BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

in  one  year  after  lie  comes  of  age  which  together  with  what  I 
have  already  given  her  is  in  full  of  her  portion  — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter,  Philena,  One  hundred 
Pounds  money,  Old  Tenor,  to  be  payd  her  by  my  son  Charles 
in  one  year  after  he  comes  of  age  which  together  with  what  I 
have  already  given  her  is  in  full  of  her  portion — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  daughter,  Susanna,  One  hundred 
Pounds  money  Old  Tenor  to  be  payd  her  by  my  son  "William 
in  one  year  after  he  comes  of  age  which  together  with  what  I 
have  already  given  her  is  in  full  of  her  portion — 

Item,  I  give  to  my  sons  Jabez,  Charles,  and  William  all 
my  Real-Estate  Houses  and  Lots  to  them  and  their  heirs  for- 
ever, to  be  equally  divided  between  them  when  and  as  they 
come  to  the  age  of  21  years  :  this  upon  condition  of  their  com- 
plying with  my  Will  in  paying  their  sisters  the  Legacies 
which  I  have  ordered  them  to  pay  as  above  expressed — 

Item,  I  do  hereby  constitute  and  appoint  my  Dearly 
Beloved  Wife,  Abigail,  sole  Executrix  of  this  my  last  will  and 
Testament  nothing  doubting  of  her  faithfulness  in  fullfiling 
the  same.  Moreover  I  do  hereby  revoke  disannul  and  make 
void  all  other  or  former  wills  at  any  other  time  heretofore 
by  me  made  declaring  this  and  this  only  to  be  my  last  will 
and  Testament. 

In  confirmation  of  which  I  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal 
this  sixth  day  of  November,  Anno  Domini,  One  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  three. 


[L.S.] 

Signed,  sealed,  published,  pronounced,  and 

declared  by  the  above  named  Thomas 

Bill  the  Testator  to  be  his  last  Will  and 

Testament  in  presence  of  us  as  witnesses 

Caleb  Leffixgwell 
Sam1-  Leffingwell,  Junr. 
Daved  JEwnr. 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  119 

New  London  North  Parish  Dec.  10, 1754  the  above  named 
witnesses  appeared  and  testify  to  the  correctness  of  the  above 
Will. 

The  children  of  Thomas  and  Abigail  Bill  were  : 

172  t  Jabez,5 

173  t  Charles,5 
1  74  f  William,5 

175  Anna,5 

176  Lucretia,5 

177  Priscilla,5  y 

178  Abigail,5  -^ 

1 79  Bethshua,5 

180  Philena,5 

181  Susanna.5 

91. 

BENJAMIN  BILL4  (Philip,3  Philip,3  John1),  a  son  of 
Philip  and  Mary  Bill.  Born  in  Groton,  Aug.  6,  1708. 
Married  Sarah  Davis.  This  family  were  residents  of  Groton, 
and  it  is  supposed  they  lived  near  Allyn's  Point,  in  what  is 
now  known  as  the  town  of  Ledyard.  We  find  his  name 
appended  as  a  witness  to  the  will  of  Kobert  Allyn,  Esq.,  of 
Groton,  in  the  year  1729. 

In  1744-5,  March  9,  Benjamin  Bill,  of  Groton,  sells  land 
to  Ensign  Thomas  Bill  of  Groton,  his  brother.  (See  Groton 
Eecords,  vol.  4,  p.  192.)  He  was  also  a  witness  to  a  deed  given 
by  Thomas  Bill  to  his  brother-in-law  Samuel  Lester  in  1733. 

We  give  herewith  his  Will  in  full. 

In  the  name  of  God,  amen. 

I,  Benjamin  Bill"  of  Groton,  in  the  county  of  New  London, 
Colony  of  Connecticut  in  New  England  being  weak  and  much 
indisposed  in  body  yet  of  sound  disposing  mind  and  memory 
thanks  be  given  to  God  therefor  and  calling  to  mind  the 
mortality  of  my  body  and  knowing  it  is  appointed  for  all  men 
once  to  die  do  make  &  ordain  this  my  last  Will  and  Testa- 


120  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

merit.  That  is  to  say  first  and  principally  I  recommend  mv 
soul  into  the  hands  of  the  God  who  gave  it  and  my  body  in 
the  earth  to  be  buried  in  a  decent  manner,  at  the  discretion 
of  my  Executor,  hereinafter  named;  and  as  touching  such 
worldly  Estate  wherewith  it  hath  pleased  God  to  bless  me 
with  in  this  life  I  dispose  of  in  the  following  manner  and 
form. 

Imprim8  — After  all  my  just  debts  and  funeral  charges  are 
first  met  out  of  my  Estate  I  will  and  bequeath  unto  my  true 
and  loving  Wife  Sarah  Bill  the  whole  use  and  improvement 
of  all  my  housing  and  lands  in  the  manner  following,  that  is 
to  say,  the  use  of  the  improvement  of  one-third  during  her 
natural  life  and  the  use  of  all  the  rest  until  my  son  Benjamin 
shall  arrive  at  the  full  age  of  21  years  and  then  to  one-half  of 
the  remainder  until  my  son  Christopher  shall  arrive  at  the  full 
age  of  21  years. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  son  Benjamin  Bill  and 
to  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever  the  one-half  of  all  my  housing 
and  lands  upon  condition  that  my  said  son  Benjamin  pay  to 
my  daughter  Abigail  Bill,  my  wife's  eldest  daughter,  one 
hundred  Pounds  old  Tenor  Bills  within  one  year  after  my  said 
son  shall  arrive  to  the  age  of  21  years. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  son  Christopher  Bill 
and  to  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever  the  other  half  of  my  hous- 
ings and  lands  to  be  divided  among  my  said  sons  according  to 
quantity  and  quality  and  use  of  one-third  of  the  whole  ex- 
cepted, to  my  Wife  as  above  given  to  her  upon  condition  that 
my  said  son  Christopher  pay  to  my  Daughter  Catherine  Bill 
one  hundred  Pounds  Old  tenor  Bills  within  one  year  after  he 
shall  arrive  at  the  full  age  of  21  years.  And  I  further  order 
my  two  said  sons  Benjamin  and  Christopher  to  pay  my  said 
daughters  Prudence  Tabitha  and  Deborah  Three  hundred 
Pounds  Old  tenor  bills  that  is  to  say  One  hundred  Pounds  old 
tenor  bills  to  each  of  them  :  That  is  to  say;  my  son  Benjamin 
to  pay  to  my  Daughter  Prudence  One  hundred  Pounds  old 
tenor  bills  and  Fifty  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  to  my  Daughter 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  121 

Tabitha  Bill  within  one  year  after  my  said  son  Benjamin  sliall 
arrive  at  the  fall  age  of  21  years  and  my  son  Christopher  to 
pay  to  my  Daughter  Tabitha  Bill  Fifty  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills 
and  one  hundred  Pounds  Old  tenor  Bills  to  my  Daughter 
Deborah  Bill  within  one  year  after  my  said  son  Christopher 
shall  arrive  to  the  age  of  21  years. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  aforesaid  Daughter 
Abigail  Bill  one  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  to  be  paid  to 
her  as  herein  before  ordered. 

Item,  I  give  to  my  Daughter  Prudence  one  hundred 
Pounds  old  tenor  Bills  to  be  paid  to  her  as  before  ordered. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  Daughter  Catherine 
Bill  one  hundred  Pounds  old  tenor  bills  to  be  paid  to  her  as 
above  ordered. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  Daughter  Tabitha 
Bill  one  hundred  [Pounds]  old  tenor  Bills  to  be  paid  to  her  as 
above  ordered. 

Item,  I  give  and  bequeath  unto  my  Daughter  Deborah 
one  hundred  Pounds  Old  tenor  bills  to  be  paid  to  her  as  above 
ordered ;  and  I  do  appoint  my  said  Wife  Sarah  Bill  my  sole 
Executrix  to  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament  and  I  do  hereby 
disallow  of  all  other  former  wills  by  me  made  and  allow  this 
and  this  only  to  be  my  last  Will  and  testament. 

In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal. 
Groton  June  the  17th  day  1754. 


3^j 


«,  KM    Wj/ffl  [L.S.] 


Signed,  sealed,  published  pronounced 
and  declared  by  the  said  Benjamin 
Bill  to  be  his  last  will  and  testa- 
ment in  presence  of 

Luke  Perkins 
Samll  Lester 
Asa  Woodwortii. 

9 


122  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

The  above  will  was  proved  Jan.  10,  1758,  before  Gurdon 
Saltonstall,  Judge  of  Probate. 

Mr.  Lester,  one  of  the  witnesses  to  the  above  Will,  was  a 
brother-in-law  of  the  testator,  and  is  one  of  the  ancestors  of 
that  numerous  family  that  for  so  long  a  period  have  resided 
in  both  the  towns  of  Ledyard  and  of  Groton.  The  names  of 
Perkins  and  of  Woodworth  still  abound  in  New  London 
County. 

The  inventory  of  Benjamin  Bill's  estate  amounted  to  the 
sum  of  £745  10s.  6d.     (New  London  Prob.  vol.  6  :  62,  89.) 

The  children  of  Benjamin  and  Sarah  (Davis)  Bill,  as 
named  in  the  will,  were : 

182  t  Benjamin,  b. 1740;  m.  Sarah  He[o]lmes 

183  Christopher,  b.  lived  in  Stonington.     Administra- 

tion on  his  estate  was  granted  to  Walter 
Burdick  June  5,  1798.  (Stonington  Prob. 
6:  87.) 

184  Abigail,  b. 

185  Catherine,  b. 

186  Prudence,  b. 


187  Tabitha,  b.  )  Mr.  Giles  Bailey,  the  present  town 

188  Deborah,  b. f  clerk  of  New  London,  informs  us 

that  he  personally  knew  these  two 
maiden  ladies,  and  has  visited  their 
house,  near  Groton  Bank,  on  various 
occasions.  He  represents  them  as 
being  estimable  old  ladies,  very  in- 
dustrious and  of  good  character,  and 
also  informs  us  that  he  believes  they 
died  unmarried. 

93. 

SAMUEL  BILL4  (Samuel,3  Philip/  John1),  the  eldest  son 
of  Samuel  and  Mercy  (IJaughton)  Bill,  was  born  in  New  Lon- 
don, about  1690.  lie  married  for  his  first  wife  Hannah 
,  who  died  May  7,  1740,  aged  4S. 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  123 

For  his  second  wife  he  married  Joanna  Atwell,  on  the 
27.  of  Nov.  1740. 

We  experience  the  same  difficulty  with  regard  to  this 
family  that  we  have  with  every  other  for  whose  history  we 
have  had  to  depend  on  what  remains  of  the  New  London 
records. 

From  an  expression  in  his  will,  and  from  an  incident 
related  to  us  by  his  great-grandson,  Mr.  Edward  Bill  of  New 
York,  we  infer  that  his  life  was  a  sea-faring  one. 

Mr.  Edward  Bill  relates  the  following,  as  told  him  by  his 
father,  of  this  Samuel  Bill,  viz. : 

He  was  the  owner  and  master  of  a  small  sloop  which  was 
employed  in  the  trade  between  the  towns  near  the  mouth  of 
the  Connecticut  River.  In  one  of  his  cruises  he  fell  in  with 
a  brig  of  considerable  size,  and  on  boarding  her  found  that  she 
was  fully  armed,  and  with  more  than  the  usual  complement 
of  men.  He  expressed  surprise,  and  in  answer  to  his  questions 
was  told  :  "  We  never  know  whom  we  are  to  meet;  and  it  is 
best  to  be  prepared  both  for  friend  and  foe.  We  like  to  be 
independent.  Now,  sir,  as  you  are  a  sailor,  and  profess  to  be 
well  acquainted  with  the  coast  and  islands  hereabouts,  we  will 
state  our  business.  We  wish  you  to  pilot  us  into  some  cosy  nook 
or  sheltered  place,  free  from  observation,  where  we  can  clean 
the  bottom  of  our  vessel,  make  some  necessary  repairs,  and 
get  a  supply  of  fresh  water." 

He  piloted  the  vessel  into  a  small  harbor,  not  far  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Connecticut  River,  supposed  to  be  what  was  then 
known  as  Thimble  Island,  where  they  drew  his  small  vessel 
up  on  the  beach,  and  took  off  his  rudder  and  sails,  to 
prevent  his  too  speedy  departure.  They  kept  him  there  a 
prisoner  for  some  days,  until  they  were  ready  to  depart,  when, 
after  paying  him  handsomely  for  his  trouble  and  detention, 
they  bade  him  good-by,  and,  with  a  fair  wind,  left  for  sea. 
He  [Samuel  Bill]  supposed  her  to  be  a  pirate,  as  at  this  time 
vessels  of  this  character  infested  our  coast. 

In  1738  and  1742,  respectively,  Samuel  Bill  gives  to  his  sons, 


124  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Samuel  Bill,  Jr.  and  Ephraim  Bill,  land  which  he  had  bought 
of  the  First  Society  in  New  London,  to  be  equally  divided 
between  them.     (See  New  London  Deeds,  vol.  12,  p.  141.) 

As  a  matter  of  considerable  interest  to  his  descendants,  we 
transcribe  in  full  his  will,  as  it  appears  in  the  Probate  Records 
of  New  London  : — 

I  ye  Name  of  God  amen  : 

Saml  Bill  of  New  London  in  ye  County  of  New  London 
sends  Greeting :  and  know  ye,  that  I  y"  sd  Sam"  Bill  being  in 
Perfic  helth  and  sound  mind  &  memmory,  &  being  bound  to 
Sea,  &  considering  the  Dangers  thereof,  ye  Sartaintye  of  Death 
&  unsartaintye  of  this  Life  think  it  my  Duty  to  dispose  of 
what  Estate  I  have  in  this  Life  and  as  to  my  body  I  give  it 
to  ye  Earth  from  whence  it  was  Taken,  to  be  Decently  buried 
at  ye  discretion  of  my  Executors  hereafter  mentioned  &  my 
Sole  I  bequeth  to  God  who  gave  me  being,  not  Douting  but 
that  at  ye  End  of  ye  world  my  Sole  and  body  by  ye  Power  of 
God  will  be  Reunited  and  by  ye  medeation  of  Christ  made 

Parfitly  Blesed  for  Euer 

and  as  to  my  warly  Goods,  I  Despose  of  as  follows,  first  that  my 
house  and  Land  be  sold  by  my  Executrix  hereafter  mentioned, 
&  my  just  Debts  all  first  to  be  paid,  and  then  out  of  y"  Product 
of  sci  house  my  wife  shall  have  paid  her  fifty  Pounds  old  Tener 
bills,  and  also  I  Give  my  Loueing  Wife  all  my  moueable 
Estate  of  what  sort  or  Denomination  whatever 


2ly.  What  Euer  Remains  of  ye  Produce  of  my  sd  house 
and  Land  after  my  Debts  being  paid  as  aforesd  &  y"  fifty 
Pound  Giuen  to  my  wife,  that  then  all  ye  Residue  thereof  I 
Despose  of  and  giue  to  my  Daughter,  Marcy  Smith 

3,y.  As  to  my  other  Three  Children  viz  Sam,"  Ephraim, 
and  Sarah,  I  have  alredy  Giuen  them  there  full  Portion 

4lv.  I  appiont  my  Loueing  Wife  my  sole  Exectrix  of  this  my 
Last  will  and  Testament  and  I  do  Revoake  all  former  or 
Other  Wills  by  me  made  or  Suffered  to  be  made  aloweding 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  125 

Ratifying  and  confirming  this  and  no  other  to  be  my  Last 
will  and  Testement. 

And  in  confirmation  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
fixed  my  seal  this  fust  day  of  July  a.  d.  1747. 

Signed  Seal1  Pronounced  and  Declared  to  be  the  Last 
Will  and  Testament  of  ye  aboue  named  Sam11  Bill  on  ye  day 
of  ye  date  aboue  mentioned. 


J^^#£^ 


[L.S.] 


In  Presence  of  Us 

Geo  :  Richards  Junr 

Guy  Richards 

Nath"  Richards 
At  a  Court  of  Prob*  holden  March  1,  1753,  appd  George 
Richd  Junr.  &  Guy  Richd,  and  made  Solem  oath  that  they 
saw  Sam1  Bill  testar  to  ye  above  Inst,  sign  &  seal  &  heard 
him  pronounce  &  Declare  it  to  be  his  Last  Will  and  Testa- 
ment, and  that  lie  was  then  as  they  Judgd,  of  sound  mind  & 
memory  &  yl  they  with  N.  R.  signd  as  Evidence  to  it  in 
presence  of  sd  Testf. 

The  above  will  was  proved  at  a  Court  of  Probate,  holden 
March  1,  1753. 

The  inventory  of  his  estate  was  sworn  to  by  Joanna  Bill, 
September  10,  1753.     (K  L.  Prob.,  vol.  5 :  124,  127.) 

1754,  August  1.  Joanna  Bill,  relict  of  Samuel  Bill,  and 
Executrix  of  his  will,  for  £475,  sells  to  Benjamin  and  Eliza 
Appleton  his  house  and  land,  lately  belonging  to  the  said 
Samuel  Bill,  deceased,  having  a  front  of  three  rods.  The 
boundary  line  begins  at  the  northwesterly  corner  of  Samuel 
Latimer,  bounded  west  on  the  Town  street,  east  on  land  of 
John  Bolles,  thence  to  Latimer's  corner,  the  place  of  begin- 
ning.    (N.  L.  Deeds,  vol.  16 :  70.) 

The  children  of  Samuel  and  Hannah  Bill  were : 

189  f  Samuel,5  b.  171- ;  m.  Martha  Wheeler. 

190  Sarah,5  b. ;  in.  William  Newport,  July  7,  1737.     ; 


12 G  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

191  t  Ephraim,5  b.  Aug.  15,  1719;  in.  Lydia  Huntington. 

192  Mercy5,  b.  17 — ;  m. Smith,  and  was  admitted  to 

the  church  at  N.  L.  in  1741. 

94. 

PHILIP  BILL4  (Samuel/  Philip,1  John'),  a  brother  of  the 
preceding  ;  born  in  New  London  about  1692,  and  was  married 

in  1714  to  Jane ,  who  died  in  child-bed,  July  21, 

1731.     His  second  wife  was  Elizabeth ;  his  third 

wife,  Ruth . 

Soon  after  his  marriage  he  settled  in  Lebanon,  near  his 
uncle,  John  Bill,  who  had  emigrated  thither  some  twenty 
years  prior.  He  continued  to  reside  in  Lebanon  the  remainder 
of  his  life.  His  brothers,  James  and  Ebenezer,  and  his  father 
also,  went  to  Lebanon  not  far  from  the  same  time. 

Philip  Bill  was  the  owner  of  lands  in  Groton,  which  had 
been  deeded  to  him  by  his  father.  He  also  made  purchases 
of  considerable  extent  in  the  town  of  Lebanon — in  that  portion 
known  as  the  New  Parish. 

His  will  was  dated  June  24,  1754,  and  was  proved  Decem- 
ber 24,  1762.  He  calls  himself  Philip  Bill  of  Lebanon,  and 
gives  to  his  wife  Ruth  one-third  of  his  estate,  during  her 
natural  life.  To  his  son  Elisha,  whom  he  appoints  executor, 
he  gives  all  the  real  estate,  except  the  reserve  already  men- 
tioned, on  condition  of  his  paying  the  debts  and  pecuniary 
legacies. 

His  inventory,  on  December  22,  1762,  amounts  to  £171 
lis.  9d. 

The  children  of  Philip  Bill  were,  by  his  first  wife  : 

193  Zipporah,5    b.     in    Groton,    Feb.   16,   1715;    m.   Jabez 

Chappell. 

194  Lucy,5  b.    in    Groton,   Dae.     25,1717;    m. Rood 

[or  Rude]. 

195  f  Elisha,5  b.   in  Groton,  Feb.   7,  1719;    m.  Lydia  Wood- 

ward. 

196  t  Philip,6  b.  in  Lebanon,  Dec.  21,  1723  ;  m.  Mary  Tihlen. 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  127 

197  f  Solomon,5    b.  in   Lebanon,  April  25,   1726;     m.  Sarah 

Sizer. 

198  Mercy,5  b.  in  Lebanon,   Jan.   6,  1729;   m.  Joseph  Sim- 

mons. 

199  Elijah,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  July  17,  1731 ;  died  young. 
The  children  by  his  second  wife  were : 

200  t  Jonathan,5  b.  in  Lebanon,   Sept.  15,  1735;  m.  Elizabeth 

Dunham. 

201  Sybil,5  b.  in    Lebanon,   March  t6,    1740;     m. 

Hutchinson. 

202  t  Samuel,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  July  4,  1744;   m.  (1)   Martha 

Goodwin.  (2)  Sarah  Mills. 

95. 

JAMES  BILL4  (Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Samuel 
and  Mercy  Bill ;  born  in  New  London,  about  1694,  and  mar- 
ried Mary  Swodel,  daughter  of  William  Swodel,  of  Groton, 
and  sister  of  Hannah  Swodel,  who  was  the  second  wife  of 
Joshua  Bill,  an  uncle  of  this  James. 

It  is  supposed  that,  soon  after  his  marriage,  he  removed  to 
Lebanon,  where  his  uncle,  John  Bill,  and  his  brothers,  Philip 
and  Ebenezer,  his  sister  Mercy,  and  his  father,  had  already 
settled.  In  1719,  however,  James  Bill  bought  a  farm  in 
Hebron,  an  adjoining  town,  and  resided  there  at  least  twelve 
or  fourteen  years.  In  1713  we  find  him  again  in  Lebanon, 
where  he  remained  till  at  least  1751. 

The  children  of  James  and  Mary  Bill  were — born  in 
Lebanon : 

203  f  James,5  b.  Dec.  31,  1717  ;  m.  Mary . 

204  t  Jedediah,5  b.  July  18,  1719;  m.  Hannah  Foster. 
Children  born  in  Hebron  are  : 

205  Mary,5  b.  July  2,  1721.      She  or  her  sister,  Experience, 

m.  Joshua  Eells. 

206  Nathan,5  b.  June  27,  1723. 

207  Experience,5  b.  Oct.  10,  1724. 

208  t  Jonathan,6  b.  Aug.  3,  1731  ;  m.  Esther  Owen. 


128  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

About  1755,  his  son  James5  removed  to  New  Jersey,  and 
it  is  not  impossible  that  the  father  went  with  him. 

This  fact  of  the  removal  to  New  Jersey  is  established  by 
deed,  dated  December  14,  1756,  wherein  these  words  occur: 
"  James  Bill,  late  of  Lebanon,  now  of  Wantage,  Sussex 
County,  New  Jersey,  for  £100,  quit-claims  to  Hezekiah  New- 
comb,  of  Lebanon,  one  hundred  acres  of  land  in  the  village  of 
Lebanon,  formerly  belonging  to  my  father,  James  Bill." 

This  deed  was  recorded  May  10,  1801.  (Lebanon  Deeds, 
vol.  19 :  338.) 

The  removal  of  James  Bill5  (b.  1717)  to  New  Jersey,  about 
the  time  above  named,  is  certain  ;  and  it  is  quite  probable 
that  his  brother  Jedediah5  also  removed  thither  at  the  same 
period.  Whether  their  father  died  in  Lebanon,  or  joined  his 
sons  in  New  Jersey,  we  are  unable  to  determine,  though  dili- 
gent efforts  have  been  made  to  procure  reliable  information. 

The  history  of  this  New  Jersey  branch  of  the  family  is 
wrapped  in  something  of  uncertainty,  but  yet  enough  is 
known  to  trace  them  for  several  generations.     • 

During  their  residence  in  New  Jersey  they  became  mem- 
bers of  the  Society  of  Friends,  or  Quakers,  in  that  region,  and 
we  find  that  Daniel  Bill,  a  son  of  the  aforesaid  James  or  Jede- 
diah, during  the  Revolution,  refused  to  take  up  arms  in  conse- 
quence of  his  peculiar  religious  faith,  though  he  consented  to 
serve  his  country  in  the  capacity  of  a  commissary  in  the  army. 
About  this  time  he  removed  to  Surrey  County,  in  North  Caro- 
lina, in  the  neighborhood  of  a  large  settlement  of  those  pecu- 
liar people.  From  North  Carolina  he  removed  to  Marshall 
County,  Tennessee,  taking  his  family  with  him,  where  he  died 
in  1820.  We  find  that  the  above-named  Daniel  left  a  son, 
Isaac  Bill,  who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  and,  after  the  death 
of  his  father,  removed  from  Marshall  to  Maury  County,  Ten- 
nessee, where  he  also  died,  leaving  four  sons  and  three  daughters. 
His  occupation  was  that  of  a  planter.  Lie  left  several  chil- 
dren, but  the   name  of  one  only   is  known   to    us,   that  of 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  129 

John  H.  Bill,  who  was  born  in  Tennessee,  and  now  resides  at 
Bolivar  in  that  State. 

He  is  a  man  of  learning  and  liberal  culture,  has  traveled 
extensively  both  in  this  country  and  in  Europe,  and,  prior  to 
the  late  war,  possessed  large  wealth ;  and  notwithstanding  the 
heavy  losses  he  has  sustained  during  the  late  contest,  he  is 
still  in  comfortable  circumstances. 

97- 

EBENEZER  BILL4  (Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother 
of  the  preceding;  born  in  Groton  [New  London],  about  1695; 
was  married  September  8,  1726,  in  Lebanon,  to  Patience 
Ingeaham.  He  removed  to  Lebanon  in  1722,  and  remained 
there  for  upwards  of  a  score  of  years.  We  find  his  wife, 
Patience,  was  admitted  to  the  church  there  February  29, 
1736,  and  that  he  was  a  surveyor  of  highways  in  that  town  in 
1741. 

By  his  father's  will,  he  inherited  his  father's  house  and  land 
in  Lebanon.  It  appears  that  about  the  year  1751  he  sold  a 
house  and  farm,  containing  one  hundred  acres,  to  his  eldest.^ 
brother,  James  Bill.  After  this  period  this  family  is  lost  to  us 
in  the  Lebanon  records,  and  the  next  we  hear  of  them  is  in  the 
Province  of  Nova  Scotia,  whither,  it  is  supposed,  he  must  have 
removed  prior  to  the  Eevolution,  or  about  1755-'60,  as  the 
removal  of  the  "French  Neutrals,"  so  called,  from  said  province 
occurred  about  this  time,  and  their  places  were  partly  filled  by 
emigrants  from  Great  Britain  and  from  the  New  England 
Colonies. 

The  descendants  of  this  family  in  Nova  Scotia  have 
attained  considerable  eminence  and  distinction,  as  will  be 
seen  hereafter. 

The  children  of  Ebenezer  and  Patience  (Ingraham)  Bill 
were  : 

209  t  Samuel,5  b.  in  Groton,  Sept.  25,  1719  ;  tn.  Sarah  Bond. 

210  Bridget,5  b.   in  Lebanon,   Dec.    14,  1727;   removed    to 

Nova  Scotia. 


130  THE   BILL    FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

211  Beulah,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  April  30,  1730. 

212  Hannah,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  August  10,  1732. 

213  Jonathan,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  ,  1734;    died  Aug.   24, 

1734. 

214  Ebenezer,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  July  11,  1737. 

215  t  Thomas,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  Feb.  28,  1741-2;  m.   (1)  Anna 

Phelps.  (2)  Elizabeth  Gager. 

216  t  Asahel,5  b.  in   Lebanon,  April  7,  1748;  in.  Mary  Rand, 

of  Nova  Scotia. 

217  Eunice,5  b.  in  Lebanon,  July  7,  1751. 

98. 

JOSHUA  BILL4  (Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of 
the  foregoing ;  was  born  in  New  London  [Groton]  ;  baptized 
June  5,  1698.  We  have  no  exact  knowledge  of  this  Joshua 
Bill,  further  than  that  he  was  living  at  the  date  of  his  father's 
will,  Oct.  28,  1728.  What  became  of  him  we  are  unable  to 
determine,  except  it  is  he  whom  we  find  living  at  Jamestown, 
Rhode  Island,  in  May,  1741,  at  which  time  he  was  admitted 
a  Freeman. 

Again,  in  1750,  we  find  a  Joshua  Bill,  of  South  Kingstown, 
Rhode  Island,  was  plaintiff  in  an  action  of  debt,  at  Norwich, 
Connecticut,  against  N.  Lathrop  of  that  place. 

March  6,  1755,  a  Joshua  Bill  was  ensign  in  the  first  com- 
pany formed  in  a  regiment  raised  in  Rhode  Island,  to  march 
to  Crown  Point,  to  resist  French  invasion.  Whether  any  or 
all  of  these  items  refer  to  this  Joshua,  or  to  his  cousin  Joshua, 
the  son  of  Joshua  Bill  of  Groton,  who  was  a  direct  ancestor  of 
the  writer,  we  cannot  positively  determine,  since  but  faint 
traces  remain  to  us  of  either  of  them.  We  have  spent  hours, 
and  almost  days,  in  cogitating  and  pursuing  these  two  Joshuas, 
with  a  view  to  determine,  if  it  were  possible,  their  where- 
abouts and  history,  but,  up  to  this,  all  attempts  have  proved 
abortive. 

101. 

JOHN   BILL4  (Samuel,3  Philip,8  John'),  a  brother  of  the 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  131 

preceding ;  born  in  New  London  [Groton],  about  1705.  He 
was  living  at  the  date  of  his  father's  will,  Oct.  28,  1728. 
Who  he  married  is  unknown.  It  is  supposed  that  he  settled 
in  the  town  of  Norwich,  not  far  from  the  landing. 

We  have  no  account  of  any  children,  or  of  his  decease. 

103. 

JOHN  BILL4  (John,3  Philip,2  John'),  the  eldest  son  of 
John  and  Mercy  (Fowler)  Bill ;  was  born  in  New  London 
[Groton],  1696  ;  baptized  December  16,  1696,  and  married 
Mary . 

He  removed  to  Lebanon  with  his  father  in  1703,  and  there 
resided  during  the  remainder  of  his  life. 

He  was  admitted  to  the  church  in  Lebanon,  June  6,  1725. 

His  wife  was  admitted  July  1,  1733. 

All  their  children  were  baptized  in  Lebanon. 

His  will  is  dated  Feb.  10,  1715-6  :  proved  June  25,  1746. 

We  append  a  copy  of  said  will,  as  taken  from  the  Windham 
Prob.  Kecords,  vol.  3,  p.  272  : 

In  the  name  of  God,  Amen,  I,  John  Bill,  being  on  a  bed 
of  sickness,  and  apprehensive  that  my  departure  is  at  hand, 
but  of  sound  mind  and  memory,  do  recommend  my  soul  to 
God,  who  gave  it,  and  my  body  to  burial  in  decent  christian 
burial  at  the  discretion  of  my  Executors,  and  as  to  my  worldly 
substance  I  do  dispose  of  it  in  the  manner  following,  (viz.) 
After  my  honest  debts  and  funeral  charges  are  paid  out  of  my 
moveable  estate,  I  do  give  and  becpieath  as  follows  : 

Impr.  To  my  loving  wife,  Mary  Bill,  all  my  household 
goods,  and  also  the  improvement  of  my  whole  estate  for  the 
space  of  four  years  after  my  death,  in  consideration  of  her 
bringing  up  the  children,  and  after  the  said  term  of  four  years, 
I  give  to  her  the  improvement  of  one-third  part  of  my  whole 
estate,  personal  and  real,  so  long  as  she  continues  my  widow. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  loving  son,  Simeon  Bill, 
a  double  part  or  portion  of  my  estate,  viz.  two-eighth  parts, 
excepting  as  hereafter. 


132  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  loving  sons,  Jonathan 
Bill,  Judeth  Bill,  John  Bill,  Elijah  Bill,  equal  parts  of  the 
remainder  of  my  estate,  excepting  as  hereinafter  mentioned. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  loving  daughters, 
Mercy  Bill,  Mary  Bill,  and  Martha  Bill,  to  each  of  them  fifty 
pounds  per  ye  old  tenor,  as  money  now  goes,  to  be  paid  to  my 
daughter  Mercy  at  the  expiration  of  four  years  after  my  death, 
with  the  lawful  interest,  and  to  each  of  the  others,  Mary  and 
Martha,  when  they  arrive  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  and  it 
is  my  will  that  this  be  paid  by  my  five  sons,  each  one  paying 
his  proportion  according  to  what  I  have  given  them,  and  I  do 
hereby  appoint  my  brother,  Benajah  Bill,  and  Mr.  James 
Vinno,  my  neighbour,  Executors  of  this  my  last  will  and  testa- 
ment. In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
seal  this  10th  day  of  Feb.,  1745-6. 

JOHN   M  BILL,  (l.s.) 


In  presence  of 

John  Newcomb, 
James  Bill,  of  Goshen. 
Eleazar  Whelock. 

He  was  buried  in  the  cemetery  in  the  town  of  Columbia, 
where  is  a  gravestone  with  the  following  inscription :  "  Here 
lies  yfl  body  of  the  Well  beloved  Mr.  John  Bill,  who  died 
Feby.  ye  4,h,  1746,  aged  about  Fifty  years."  His  widow  sur- 
vived him  nearly  half  a  century.  Her  will  was  proved  Sept. 
27,  1795.  The  witnesses  to  her  will  were  Benajah  Bill,  Eli- 
phalet  Bill,  and  Mary  Bill. 

The  children  of  John  and  Mary  Bill,  all  born  in  Lebanon, 
were : 

218  t  Simeon,5  b.  Nov.  8,  1V23  ;  m.  Martha . 

219  f  Jonathan,5  b.    Feb.  6,   1725-6;   m.    (1)   Mary . 

(2)  Phebe . 

220  Mercy,5  b.  May  25,  172S  ;  d.  young. 

221  t  Judah,5  b.  Feb.  6,  1730-1. 

222  t  John,5  b.  June  6,  1733. 


FOURTH  GENERATION.  133 

223  Jonathan,5  b.  Aug.  18,  1734-5. 

224  Mercy,5    b.    Sept.    17,   1735;    m.    (1)    Stephen   Harding 

Williams.  (2) Corbet. 

225  t  Elijah,5  b.  May  1,  1736  ;  m.  Patience  Barbor. 

226  Joseph,5  b.  June  1,  1738. 

227  Mary,5  b.  Dec.  16,  1741 ;  unmarried,  living  1795. 

228  Martha,5  b.  Oct.  23,  1743  ;  unmarried,  and  living  in  1795. 

105. 

Lieut.  JAMES  BILL4  (John,3  Philip,2  John1),  second  son 
of  John  and  Mercy  (Fowler)  Bill;  was  born  in  Lebanon, 
Sept.  20,  1703,  and  married  in  1727,  to  Kezia  French,  a 
daughter  of  John  French.  He  resided  in  the  south  part  of 
Lebanon,  in  what  is  known  as  "  Goshen  Society,"  where  he 
spent  his  whole  life.  He  seems  to  have  been,  from  all  we 
learn,  a  highly  respectable  and  worthy  man.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  First  Church  in  Lebanon,  April  25,  1725.  He 
was  of  the  thirty  persons  who  united  in  organizing  the  church 
in  Goshen  Society,  Nov.  26,  1729,  to  which  church  his  wife 
was  admitted  in  1730. 

His  name  appears  very  frequent  among  the  various  records 
of  the  town,  from  which  we  learn  that  he  was  a  Surveyor  of 
Highways  for  many  years  ;  also  a  Grand  Juror. 

1735,  Aug.  25.  James  Bill  and  Kezia  Bill,  his  wife,  sign" 
a  quit-claim  or  release,  dated  at  Norwich,  of  a  certain  por- 
tion of  John  French's  estate,  wherein  occurs  these  words : 
"Our  honored  father,  John  French."  In  1745-6,  Feb.  10, 
as  we  have  already  seen,  he  was  a  witness,  together  with  John 
Newcomb  and  Itev.Eleazar  Wheelock,to  the  will  of  his  brother, 
John  Bill  of  Lebanon. 

In  1750,  Nov.  14,  his  name  appears  in  the  Lebanon  deeds, 
as  having  sold  a  piece  of  land  in  Goshen  [Lebanon],  to  Noah 
"Webster. 

The  Lebanon  town  record  says,  "  Lieut.  James  Bill  died 
Nov.  9,  1781,  aged  78  years,  on  the  20th  of  Sept.  last."  His 
will   is  dated   March   20,  1781,  proved   Nov.   27,  1781.     By 


134  THE  BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

this  will  lie  gives  to  his  wife  Kezia  one-third  of  his  real  estate 
during  her  natural  life,  and  her  personal  estate  forever.  To 
his  eldest  son,  Amos,  he  gives  £80.  To  my  grandson,  Abiel, 
the  only  surviving  son  of  my  son  Peleg,  deceased,  he  gives 
£5.  To  his  son  James  £5,  and  lands  in  Chatham.  lie 
appoints  his  son  Oliver,  Executor,  and  gives  him  land  in 
Goshen.  To  his  daughters,  Lurana  Woodruff,  Lucy  Abel, 
Kezia  Pratt,  and  Betty  Williams,  I  give  lands  which  I  bought 
of  P.  Marsh,  and  E.  Carpenter. 

The  inventory  of  his  estate  amounted  to  £583  lis.  lOd. 
(Wind.  Prob.  Pec.  10  :  448.) 

Kezia  Bill,  widow  of  Lieut.  Joshua  Bill,  made  her  will 
May  20,  1783 :  proved  March  13,  1786.  She  describes  her- 
self as  residing  in  Exeter  Society  [Lebanon],  and  she  gives  to 
her  eldest  daughter,  Lurana,  a  gold  necklace;  and  to  her 
daughters  Luc}r,  Kezia,  and  the  heirs  of  Betty,  each,  three- 
quarters  of  the  residue.  The  witnesses  to  her  will  were  Mrs. 
Patty  Bill,  and  Mary  Bill.     (Ibid.  12 :  24.) 

In  the  cemetery  in  Exeter  Society,  in  the  town  of  Lebanon, 
half  way  down  the  inclosure,  at  the  right  hand  of  the  path 
under  an  apple-tree,  is  a  gravestone  with  this  inscription : 
"In  memory  of  Lieut.  James  Bill,  Who  Died  Nov.  9tji,  1781, 
in  the  79th  year  of  his  age. 

"  My  flesh  shall  slumber  in  the  ground, 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound  : 
Then  burst  the  chains  with  sweet  surprise, 
And  in  my  Saviour's  image  rise." 

At  the  right  hand  of  this  gravestone  is  another  with  this 
inscription  : 

"  In  memory  of  Mrs.  Kezia,  Relict  of  Lieut.  James  Bill, 
Decest,  who  departed  this  life,  Feb.  12,  1786,  in  the  83d 
year  of  her  age.     Our  rest  together  is  in  the  dust." 

The  children  of  Lieut.  James  and  Kezia  Bill  were : 

2  29     Lurana,5  b.  Aug.  29,  1728  ;  m.  James  Woodruff. 

230  tAmos>6b- 

231  t  Peleg,6  b.  Jan.  8,  1733  ;  m.  Jerusha 


FOURTH   GENERATION.  135 

232  t  James,5  b.  Feb.  20,  1736;  m.  Asenath  Norton. 

233  t  Oliver,5  b.  Oct.  27,  1737 ;  m.  Martha  Skinner. 

334    Lucy,5  b. ;  m.  Dea.  Daniel  Abel  [1] ;  she  died  aged 

90. 

235  Kezia,5  b.  March    14,1741-2;   m.  Col.   David  Pratt,   of 

Spencertown,  N.  Y. 

236  Betty,5  b.  Sept.  5,  1746;  m.  Isaiah  Williams.     She  died 

prior  to  1783. 

107. 

BENAJAH  BILL,4  Esq.  (John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of 
John  and  Mercy  (Fowler)  Bill,  was  born  in  Lebanon,  about 

1715  ;   married   Mary .     There   is    no   record   of  his 

birth,  or  baptism,  or  marriage,  so  far  as  known.  That  he 
was  a  son  of  John  Bill,  of  Lebanon,  is  established  by  the  will 
of  the  latter.  He  inherited  the  greater  part  of  his  father's 
estate.  His  name  occurs  frequently  in  the  town  records, 
from  which  we  judge  he  was  an  active,  intelligent,  and  highly 
capable  man.  "We  find  him  filling  the  office  of  Surveyor  of 
Highways  in  1714: ;  constable  and  collector  of  taxes,  from 
1750  to  1760  ;  and  selectman  for  an  equal  number  of  years. 
He  was  also  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  1772.  We  append  below 
his  signature  at  this  period,  found  on  a  document  bearing  date 
25th  of  Aug.  1772. 

(tfzAx4y^'\s  dVMfafi^ ]*fv<!ja~ej^ 

For  this  original  signature  we  are  indebted  to  Mr.  John 
Newcomb,  of  Elgin,  Illinois. 

Benajah  Bill,  in  exchange  of  lands,  sells  to  S.  Thomas 
four  acres  of  land  at  Ten  Mile  Run,  by  the  bridge,  near 
Webster's  grist-mill,  reserving  the  brook  that  runs  through 
said  Bill's  land  to  Ten  Mile  Brook,  which  water  now  turns 
said  Bill's  Spinning-mill  wheel ;  bounded  E.  by  the  Hartford 
road,  &c.     (Lebanon  Deeds,  10  :  80.) 

He,  and  his  wife  Mary,  were  members  of  the  church  at 
''Lebanon  Crank"  [Columbia],  and,  according  to  the  records 
of  that  church,  both  died  in  1776. 


136  THE   BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

No  will  is  found,  but  a  division  of  his  estate  to  the  heirs 
was  made  April  21,  1778. 

The  heirs  were:  Eliphalet  Bill  of  Lebanon;  John  Howell 
Wells  of  Hebron,  and  wife  Mary  ;  and  Ruby  Bill  of  Lebanon. 
(Wind.  Prob.  10:  445-9.) 

Their  children  were : 

237  Lucretia,6  b.  July  26,  1743;  d.  same  year. 

238  Mary,5  b.  Nov.  27,  1744  ;  m.  John  Howell  Wells. 

239  Eleazar,5  b.  March  16,  1746-7  ;  d.  Aug.  22,  1747. 

240  Benajah,5  b.  June  11,  1749  ;  d.  Sept.  4,  1749. 

241  t  Eliphalet,*  b.  Aug.  25,  1750;  m.  Dorothy  Mason. 

242  Ruby,5b. ■ 

109. 

JOSHUA  BILL4  (Joshua,3 Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Joshua 
and  Joanna  (Potts)  Bill,  of  Groton ;  born  Sept.  28,  1707. 
He  gave  a  deed  to  John  Ledyard,  April  8,  1732,  of  lands 
originally  granted  to  his  grandfather,  William  Potts,  by  the 
town  of  New  London,  Feb.  23,  1701-2.  (Groton  Town  Re- 
cords, Book  3,  p.  63.) 

The  remarks  applied  to  Joshua4  Bill,  son  of  Samuel,3  and  a 
cousin  of  this  Joshua,  are  also  applicable  to  this  Joshua  Bill, 
to  which  the  reader  is  referred. 

110. 

EDWARD  BILL4  (Joshua,3  Philip,5  John1),  son  of  Joshua 
and   Joanna   (Potts)    Bill,   of  Groton;   born    Dec.  1,   1710; 

married  Zeruiah .    He  settled  first  in  Colchester,  about 

1732.     In   1740,  he  appears  in  East  Hampton,  which  was  a 
portion  of  Chatham. 

Edward  Bill  was  one  of  26  petitioners,  north  of  the  Neck 
in  Chatham,  who  in  Oct.  173S,  petitioned  for  an  act  of  incor- 
poration as  a  parish. 

We  know  of  but  one  child  of  Edward  Bill : 
243     Jonathan,5  b.  in  Colchester,  May  5,  1733  ;  m. 

111. 

BENAJAH   BILL4   (Joshua,3   Philip,5   John1),  a   son    of 


FOUETH   GENERATION.  137 

Joshua  and  Joanna  (Potts)  Bill,  of  Groton  ;  was  born  March 
3,  1713,  and  married,  March  18,  1762,  Judith  Waterman, 
daughter  of  William  and  Margaret  [Tracey]  Waterman.  It 
is  said  that  she  was  a  cousin  of  Benedict  Arnold,  though 
whether  this  is  a  fact  we  are  unable  to  determine.  She  died 
July  5,  1783,  aged  48. 

Chancellor  Walworth,  in  his  Hyde  Genealogy,  gives  the 
name  of  this  Benajah  as  Beriah,  which  undoubtedly  is  an 
error.     This  family  resided  at  Norwich. 

Their  children  were : 

244  Judith,5  b.  March  13,  1763  ;  m. Tinker. 

245  Uriah,5  b.  March  1,  1765;  m.  Elizabeth  Shroud,  Oct.  10, 

1790. 

113. 

PHINEAS  BILL4  (Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of 
Joshua  and  Hannah  Bill;  was  born  in  that  part  of  Groton 
which  is  now  included  within  the  town  of  Ledyard,  Sept.  3, 
1720.  He  married  Merttabel  Wood  worth.  At  the  age  of 
15  years  his  father  died,  when  he  was  placed  under  the 
guardianship  of  B.  Davis,  March  14,  1737-8. 

1745,  May  2.  John  Allyn  gives  a  deed  to  Phineas  Bill  of 
Groton.     (Groton  Town  Becords,  5  :  38.) 

He  resided  in  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  now  town  of 
Ledyard,  about  equidistant  from  the  village  of  IJnionville, 
so  called,  and  Allyn's  Point,  in  said  town.  Indeed  the  exact 
place  of  residence  has  been  established,  and  must  have  been 
in  what  is  now,  and  has  been  for  the  last  century,  known  to 
the  neighboring  inhabitants  as  the  "  Phineas  Bill  House." 
He  was  a  cooper  by  trade,  and  an  industrious  and  honorable 
man,  and,  though  in  humble  circumstances,  enjoyed  the  respect 
and  confidence  of  his  neighbors.  He  died  of  cancer,  in  the 
family  of  his  eldest  son,  Phineas,  in  Feb.  1780,  at  the  age  of 
60  years. 

At  a  Prob.  Court  held  at  Stonington,  Dec.  25,  1784,  his 
widow  Mehitabel  was  allowed  £18  out  of  his  estate.      She 

10 


138  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

survived  him  many  years,  dying  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  July, 
1813,  aged  90,  and  was  buried  by  the  side  of  her  husband. 
With  a  view  to  determine  their  place  of  burial,  we  have 
caused  searches  to  be  made  in  the  various  burial-places  in  that 
locality,  without  success.  We  feel  confident  however  that  a 
renewal  of  the  search  might  prove  entirely  satisfactory. 
The  children  of  Phineas  and  Mehitabel  Bill  were  : 

246  f  Phineas,6  b.  Sept.  8,  1751  ;  m.  Mercy  Allyn. 

247  Mehitabel,5  b. ;  m.  William  Spink,  of  Colchester. 

248  Mary,5  b. ;  m.  (1)  Richard  Dayton,  of  New  London. 

(2)  Alpheus  Chapman,  of  Montville.     She   left  no 
children  by  either  husband. 

249  f  Benajah,5  b.  June  29,  1760  ;  m.  Content  Park. 

250  t  Joshua,5  b.  May  14,  1762  ;  m.  Abigail  Miner. 

251  Gurdon,5  b. 1766  ;  d.  Sept.  1781,  aged  15. 

252  A  daughter,  name  unknown  ;  m.  Emanuel  Simons. 


FIFTH    GEI^EEATIOX. 
135. 

JONATHAN  BILL5  (Jonathan,4  Jonathan,3  James,8 
John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Jonathan  and  Ann  (Allyn)  Bill,  of 
Pulling  Point ;  was  born  there,  Nov.  27, 1701  ;  married  Han- 
nah Bellamy,  April  16,  1730.  He  was,  as  were  his  ancestors 
before  him,  who  resided  in  this  vicinity,  a  farmer. 

In  1738-9,  Jan.  10,  the  town  of  Chelsea  was  incorporated, 
embracing  in  its  boundaries  Pulling  Point.  He  attended 
and  was  admitted  a  member  of  the  New  North  Church,  in 
Boston,  March  17,  1710-1.  His  three  children,  Mary,  Han- 
nah, and  Ann,  were  baptized  there,  May  20,  1711.  Jonathan 
Bill  died  Oct.  19,  1761,  aged  60 ;  and  was  buried  in  North 
Chelsea.  He  left  no  will.  John  Tewksbury,  of  Chelsea,  the 
husband  of  his  daughter  Ann,  was  appointed  administrator 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  139 

on    his  estate,   Oct.    30,  1761,  with  Jonathan   Belcher   and 
John  Sergeant  as  sureties.     (Suff,  Prob.- 59  :  176.) 

The  inventory  of  his  personal  property  was  as  follows: 
Two  wiggs,  20s. ;  beaver  hat,  26s.  8d.  ;  hilted  sword,  40s.  ; 
great  Bible,  12s. ;  books,  30s.  ;  100  bushels  of  corn,  at  3s.  = 
£15  ;  negro  man,  £13  6s.  Sd.  ;  32  ounces  silver  [plate],  £10 
3s.  4d. ;  100  best  sheep,  at  8s.  =  £40  ;  76  other  sheep,  5s.  4d. 
=  £20  5s.  4d.  A  schooner,  tackle,  and  appurtenances  =  £50. 
Total,  £276  18s.  5d.     (Suff.  Prob.  59  :  226.) 

The  appraisal  of  his  real  estate,  made  May  9,  1763,  is  as  fol- 
lows : 

£     s.    d. 
Half  a  dwelling  house  in  Chelsea     .     .     21 
Half  a  barn  and  half  a  shop    ....     11 
118  acres  of  Upland  at  £6  8s.  per  acre    691     4 
13  acres  of  Marsh  at  £112  per  acre   .     20  16 
2  acres  of  Marsh  at  the  bank    ...       34 
2-|-  acres  of  Marsh  above  the  dam     .       7  10 
2  acres  and  60  rods  at  Cherry  Island     12  13  4 
4  acres  and  100  rods  at  Hog  Island  .     24  13  4 
A  dwelling  house  in  Boston    ....     73     6  8 
Half  a  pew  in  Mr.  Eliots  meeting  house 

in  Boston       3     6  8 

Total £S68  14  0 

(Suff.  Prob.  62  :  60,  61.) 

The  children  of  Jonathan  Bill  were: 

253  Mary,6  b.  June  4,  1730  ;  d.  in  Chelsea,  July  1,  1790,  un- 

married. 

254  Hannah,6  b.  Nov.  3,  1735;    m.  James  Floyd,  March  3, 

1757. 

255  Ann,6  b.  Sept.  3,  1739  ;  m.  John  Tewksbury. 

256  Jonathan,6  b.  Feb.  24,  1747.     He  was  mentally  infirm. 
Hannah  Bill,  the  widow  of  Jonathan  Bill,  was  married  to 

John  Floyd,  Aug.  24,  1763. 

136. 

CHAKLES  BILL5  (Jonathan,4  Jonathan,3  James,2  John1) 


140  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

a  son  of  Jonathan  and  Ann  (Allen)  Bill,  of  Pulling  Point ; 
born  there,  March  22,  1710-11  ;  married  Ruth  Fuller,  of 
Lynn,  May  18,  1782.  lie  also  resided  at  Pulling  Point 
[Chelsea],  where  he  possessed  a  handsome  property,  which 
had  been  left  him  by  his  father,  but  which,  probably  from 
careless  management,  must  soon  have  passed  from  his  hands. 
It  is  supposed  he  died  prior  to  May  12,  1755,  and  that  his 
widow,  Ruth,  with  a  portion  of  her  children,  removed  to 
Woburn,  near  Boston. 
Their  children  were : 

257  Charles,6  b.  April  14,  1734. 

258  Ann,6  b.  July  10,  1736. 

259  Jonathan,6  b.  July  17, 1738  ;  m.  Mary  Bentley,  in  Boston, 

Nov.  11,  1762  ;  he  died  Nov.  23,  1822. 

260  f  Benjamin,6  b.  Nov.  17,  174]  ;  m.  Elizabeth  Watts. 

261  Hannah,6   b. 174(3);      m.    Aug.    21,    1767,   to 

Joseph  Hasey. 

262  Susanna,6  b.  Nov.  29,  1746;   m.  Seth  Wood,  March   7, 

1769. 

159. 

SAMUEL  BILL5  (Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Thomas,2  John1), 
presumed  to  be  youngest  son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Shapley) 
Bill,  of  Boston,  was  born  July,  1720,  and  married  first,  Mary 
Davis,  published  June  18,  174.0.  He  married  for  his  second 
wife  Grace  (Norcross)  Crawley,  July  12,  1769.  She  was 
born  March  27,1724,  and  was  the  eldest  of  ten  children  of  Philip 
and  Sarah  (Jackson)  Norcross,  of  Newton.  Her  first  husband, 
whom  she  married  in  1744,  was  Gershom  Hyde,  of  Newton. 
He  died  prior  to  April  5,  1756,  and  his  widow,  Grace,  admin- 
istered on  his  estate.  She  had  five  children  by  this  connection. 
In  1756-7,  the  widow,  Grace  Hyde,  became  the  wife  of 
Abraham  Crawley,  of  Watertown.  He  died  about  1768, 
having  had  by  Grace  also  five  children.  [Bond's  Watertown, 
pp.  188,  378.]  The  widow,  Grace,  was  also  appointed  admin- 
istratrix  on   his  estate,  Sept.  6,  1768.     Soon  after  this,  as  we 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  141 

have  seen,  Samuel  Bill  married  widow  Grace  Crawley,  and 
he  is  now  called  "  Samuel  Bill  of  Dedham." 

The  names  of  Ebenezer  Bill  and  Hannah  (Bullard)  his 

wife,  also  Nathaniel  Bill  and  Ruth his  wife,  appear  as 

residents  of  Dedham,  between-  the  years  of  1775  and  1839. 
It  is  supposed  that  these  families  were  near  relatives  of  the 
above  Samuel  Bill. 

The  children  of  Samuel  Bill,  known  to  us,  are  : 

263      t  Richard,6  b. . 

263i    f  Nathaniel,6   b.    in   Roxbury;   m.   Jane    (Damon?),  of 

Chelsea.      They  moved  to  Dedham,  where  they 

died  about  1837. 

161. 

ELIZABETH  BILL6  (Richard,4  Samuel,3  Thomas,2  John1), 

the  daughter  of  the  Honorable  Richard  and  Sarah  (Davis) 
Bill.  She  was  born  in  Boston,  Sept.  9, 1712,  and  was  married 
Dec.  27,  1733,  to  Joshua  Henshaw,  Junior,  by  the  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin Coleman,  of  the  Brattle  Street  Church,  Boston. 

Joshua  Henshaw,  Jr.,  her  husband,  was  born  in  Boston, 
Aug.  3,  1703,  and  was  the  son  of  Joshua*  and  Maryf  (Web- 
ster) Henshaw.  He  was  a  merchant  of  Boston,  as  was  his 
father,  and  attained  considerable  eminence  in  public  life.  He 
was  a  Selectman  of  the  town  of  Boston,  also  a  representative 
to  the  General  Court,  and  one  of  a  committee  to  distribute 
a  public  fund  of  £3,000  among  the  sufferers  by  the  Great 
Fire,  in  1760-1.  He  was  one  of  the  Committee,  in  1766,  that 
waited  on  Governor  Bernard  in  reference  to  the  seizure  of  John 
Hancock's  Sloop  Liberty ;  also  one  of  a  committee  to  instruct 
the  representatives  of  the  town  in  regard  to  the  oppressive 
measures  of  the  British  Government,  in  1769. 

In  1768  he  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  Executive  Council, 
and  at  a  later  period  took  an  active  part  with  the  many  distin- 
guished patriots  of  those  times  in  behalf  of  the  rights  of  the 
people. 

*  This  Joshua  was  the  son  of  Joshua  and  Elizabeth  (Sumner)  Henshaw. 
t  A  daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Webster. 


142  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

He  removed  from  Boston  in  1771  to  Leicester,  and  from 
thence  to  Dedham,  and  resided  witli  the  family  of  Hon.  Samuel 
Dexter,  where  he  died,  Aug.  5, 1777. 

His  wife,  Elizabeth  [Bill]  Henshaw,  was  a  noted  lady  of 
her  time.  Tradition  informs  us  of  her  great  beauty  and  grace 
of  manners,  of  her  gentle  disposition  and  benevolent  character, 
sharing  with  her  distinguished  husband  the  respect  and  confi- 
dence of  all  who  knew  them. 

She  inherited  many  of  her  father's  nobler  traits,  and  her  life 
was  an  example  to  all.  She  died  at  Boston,  whither  she  had 
removed  after  the  decease  of  her  husband,  Sept.  2,  1782,  aged 
70  years. 

It  is  related  that  at  her  marriage  there  were  many  of  the 
most  distinguished  citizens  present  to  do  honor  to  the  occasion  ; 
also,  that  her  bridal  outfit  had  been  imported  from  Europe, 
as  well  as  her  bridal  presents,  which  were  by  no  means  insig- 
nificant or  unimportant  in  those  times,  the  chief  of  them  being 
a  complete  and  solid  silver  tea-service.  One  of  these  pieces  is 
still  in  existence,  and  is,  as  believed,  in  -the  possession  of  one  of 
the  Henshaw  family  living  at  or  near  Boston.  Her  portrait 
was  painted,  as  is  supposed  from  its  appearance,  prior  to 
her  marriage,  and  is  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Miles  Wash- 
burn, who  also  has,  as  we  have  before  stated,  the  original 
portrait  of  Hon.  Richard  Bill,  the  father  of  this  Elizabeth. 

The  children  of  Joshua  and  Elizabeth  (Bill) Henshaw  were: 

264  Sarah  (Henshaw),  b.  Jan.  16,  1736. 

265  Richard  Bill  (Henshaw),  b.  June  10,  1737. 

266  Andrew  (Henshaw),  b. ,  1751.    He  died  in  Boston, 

Dec.  1782,  without  issue.  At  the  special  request 
of  Sarah  Henshaw,  above,  of  Shrewsbury,  Andrew 
Henshaw  Ward,  who  was  born  there,  May  26,  1789, 
received  his  name  in  memory  of  her  deceased 
brother,  Andrew  Henshaw,  and  this  accounts  in 
part  how  he  (Ward)  came  in  possession  of  the  two 
portraits  of  Richard  Bill  and  that  of  his  daugh- 
ter.     Though  it  is  true  Mr.  Ward  married  a  Miss 


o 


FIFTH  GENERATION.  143 

Henshaw,  what   relation,  if  any,  she  was  to  the 
family  of  Joshua  Henshaw  we  have  not  learned. 

172. 

JABEZ  BILL5  (Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of 

Thomas  Bill  of  Groton ;  born  about  1745.  He  was  a  Lieut, 
in  the  army  of  the  Revolution,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war 
he  settled  in  the  town  of  Hancock,  Berkshire  Co.,  Mass.  He 
died  in  Yerona,  N.  Y. 

His  descendants,  if  any,  are  unknown  to  us. 

173. 

CHARLES   BILL5  (Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip,2  John'),   a 

brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Groton,  in  1746,  and 
married  Rhoda  Leffingwell,  of  Norwich,  Ct.  1761,  April 
14,  Charles  Bill,  son  of  Thomas  Bill,  being  more  than  fourteen 
years  of  age,  chose  William  French  to  be  his  guardian  (New 
London  Prob.  Records,  vol.  6,  p.  132).  We  find  him  in  1773 
selling  lands  in  the  town  of  New  London.  In  1801,  he  re- 
moved with  his  family  to  Meredith,  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y., 
where  he  continued  to  reside  for  a  considerable  length  of  time, 
but  about  1825  he  returned  to  Norwich,  Ct.,  where  he  died 
soon  afterwards.  He  had  quite  a  large  family  of  children,  who 
were  raised  chiefly  in  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.,  at  which  place  they 
remained  after  the  removal  of  their  father. 

Their  names  were : 
2  6  7  t  Charles,6  b. ;  m.  Lydia  Pratt. 

268  t  Andrew,6  b.  March  6,  1775  ;  m.  Susan  Smith. 

269  Partl.enia,6  b. 

270  Rhoda,6  b. 

271  Eunice,6  b. 

272  Clarissa,6  b. 

273  Nancy,6  b. 

174. 
WILLIAM    BILL5  (Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip,2  John'),  a 
son  of  Thomas  Bill  of  New  London  ;  born  1748,  in  that  portion 
of  New  London  which  is  now  known  as  Montville.      He  mar- 
ried Sarah  Ashley,  of  Westfield,  Mass. 


144  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

In  1769  lie  sells  to  Amos  Bowles,  of  New  London,  two 
lots  of  land  near  the  lands  of  Thomas  Bill,  for  the  sum  of 
£153  2s.  6d.  (New  London  Deeds,  19  :  269.)  Soon  after  this 
date  he  removed  to  Washing-ton,  Berkshire  Co.,  Mass.,  where 
he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  In  the  "Documentary 
History  of  the  State  of  N.  Y.,"  Yol.  4  :  p.  670,  is  a  petition 
signed  by  William  Bill  and  others,  and  dated  December  3, 
1770,  entitled  a  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  on  the  West  side 
of  the  Connecticut  River,  in  the  Province  of  New  York,  to 
John,  Earl  of  Dunmore,  Governor  of  the  said  Province  of 
New  York. 

He  is  said  to  have  possessed  a  remarkable  memory,  and 
could  repeat  entire  chapters  from  the  Bible.  He  died  Sept. 
1832[4]. 

Their  children  were : 

274  Sarah,6  b.   about    1773;   m.  Thomas   Kagwin,  of  Mont- 

gomery, Mass. 

275  Louisa,6  b.  near  1775  ;  m.  Amos  Haskin,  of  Washington, 

Mass.,  where  they  lived  and  died. 

276  fBeUV  b.  about  1779;  m.  Lydia  Horton. 

277  Anne,6  b.  Aug.  5,  1781  ;  m.  Elisha  Sibley,  of  Hinsdale, 

Mass.     They  lived  in  Rush,  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y. 

278  t  Charles,6  b.  April  11,  1783 ;  m.  Anna  Grant. 

279  t  Jere,6  b.  Feb.  2,  178g;  m.  Sophia  Milliken. 

280  Sophia,6  b.  June  11,  1788;  m.  Dea.  Henry  Pitt,  of  Hins- 

dale, Mass.      She  is   living  at  this  date,  and  has 
children :  Charles,  William,  Cynthia,  and  Beulah. 

.     182. 

Capt.  BENJAMIN  BILL5  (Benjamin,4  Philip,3  Philip,0 
John1),  a  son  of  Benjamin  and  Sarah  (Davis)  Bill ;  born  in 
Groton,  about  1740,  and  married  Sarah  He[o]lmes. 

We  find  on  the  Groton  Town  Records,  vol.  10,  p.  -14,  the 
following  sale  of  land,  viz.:  Benjamin  Bill,  and  Christopher 
Bill,  his  brother,  of  Groton,  Aug.  13,  177S,  sells  to  Daniel 
Knowles,  of  Charlestown,  Rhode  Island,  lands  in  Groton,  re- 
ceiving therefor  the  sum  of  £1,500. 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  1-45 

This  family  lived  in  Groton,  where  he  died  March  17, 1813. 
Their  children  were : 

281  t  Benjamin,6  b.  about  1705  ;  m.  Amy  Ball. 

282  t  Philip,6  b.  about  1767  ;  in.  Hannah  Abell. 

283  Richard,6  b.  June  28,  1776  ;  m. .     He  lived  in  what 

is  now  known  as  Mystic,  subsequently  he  removed 
to  Pennsylvania,  where  he  left  but  one  daughter, 
who  also  died  at  about  the  age  of  22  :  unmarried. 

284:     Catherine,6  b. ;  m.  James  Packer,  of  Stonington ; 

they  had  several  children,  who  are  cousins  of  the 
well-known  Hon.  Asa  Packer,  of  Pa. 

285  Sabra,6  b.   ;    m.  Joshua  Smith,  of  Groton.     This 

family  also  removed  to  Pa.,  where  they  died. 

286  Eunice,6  b.   ;  m.  Hezekiah  Abell,  of  Bozrah,  Ct. 

He  was  a  grandson  of  Simeon  and  Lydia  (Gifford) 
Abell,  of  Norwich.  He  died  at  Colchester,  Sept. 
30,  1854.  They  had  two  sons  and  five  daughters. 
One  of  these,  Hezekiah,  m.  May  8,  1834,  Mary  Ann 
Bill,  of  Franklin,  and  settled  at  Colchester,  where 
they  were  living  in  1859. 

189. 

SAMUEL  BILL5  (Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a 
son  of  Samuel  and  Hannah  Bill,  of  New  London ;  born  about 
1715,  and  on  May  10, 1737,  was  married  to  Martha  Wheeler, 
a  daughter  of  John  Wheeler,  of  Long  Island,  New  York.  He 
received  from  his  father,  July  10,  1738,  one-half  of  a  piece  of 
land  that  he  had  purchased  of  the  First  Society  of  New  London. 
We  find  him  selling,  in  1744,  to  his  brother  Ephraim  Bill,  for 
£310,  a  house  near  Col.  Salstonstal's  land.  Samuel  Bill 
owned  the  "  Covenant,"  and  had  his  infant  son  Samuel  bap- 
tized April  29,  1739.  This  family  resided  in  New  London. 
He  died  March  5,  1779.  His  widow,  Martha,  died  July  21, 
1785.  Her  wrill  is  dated  New  London,  Aug.  11,  1780,  in  which 
she  gives  all  her  estate  to  her  son  Daniel,  and  daughter  Mary 
Hempstead.     (N.  L.  Prob.  vol.  1,  p.  179.) 

The  children  of  Samuel  and  Martha  (Wheeler)  Bill  were : 


146  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

287  Samuel,6  b.  April  12,  1*739. 

288  John,6  b.  April  7,  1741 ;  d.  Nov.  27,  1  747. 

289  Mary,6  b.  Aug.  5,  1742  ;   m.  Capt.  John  Hempstead,  Nov. 

1,  1767. 

290  John,6  b.  March  13,  1747-8  ;  d.  June  19,  1756. 

291  Elizabeth,6  b.  Oct.  17,  1749 ;  d.  April  3,  1756. 

292  t  David,6  b.  Oct.  2,  1751  ;  m.  Temperance  Harris,  1776. 

293  t  Daniel,6  b.  Dec  1,  1755  ;  m.  Joanna . 

294  John,6  b.  Sept.  14,  1757. 

191. 

Capt.  EPHKAIM  BILL5  (Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  youngest  son  of  Samuel  and  Hannah  Bill :  born  in  New 
London,  Aug.  15,  1719,  and  was  married  April  3,  1746,  to 
Ltdia  Huntington  (born  March  15, 1727),  a  daughter  of  Capt. 
Joshua  and  Hannah  (Perkins)  Huntington,  of  Norwich.  She 
was  of  a  very  distinguished  family,  and  for  her  pedigree  we 
refer  the  reader  to  the  "  Huntingdon  Family  Memoir." 

Ephraim  Bill  lived,  when  married,  in  a  small  one  and  a 
half  story  frame  house  on  Shetucket  Street,  near  the  old  bridge 
leading  to  Preston,  where  now  is  located  the  new  iron  free 
bridge,  leading  to  Laurel  Hill,  formerly  a  portion  of  Preston, 
but  now  constitutes  a  part  of  the  town  of  Norwich,  having 
been  set  off  from  the  town  of  Preston  about  1860.  This 
house  where  Ephraim  Bill  lived  was  afterward  removed 
across  the  street.  This  building  was  for  many  years  one  of 
the  old  land-marks  of  Norwich.  Before  the  Revolution 
it  was  occupied  by  Gen.  Jedediah  Huntington,  and  in  17S5 
Jabez  Huntington,  his  son,  commenced  business  there,  and 
since  that  period  it  has  been  used  as  a  store  by  various  mer- 
cantile firms  until  1865,  when  it  was  demolished  to  make 
room  for  a  more  modern  structure. 

Capt.  Ephraim  Bill,  having  married  the  only  daughter  of 
Capt.  Joshua  Lluntington,  inherited,  through  her,  a  piece  of 
property  at  the  "  Point,"  the  buildings  on  which  have  been 
leveled  and  the  present  steamboat  freight  depot  takes  their  place. 

During  the  war  of  the  Revolution  he  was  active  and  zealous 


FIFTH  GENERATION.  147 

in  the  cause  of  his  country  and  its  defense,  and  was  appoint- 
ed to  the  responsible  office  of  military  and  marine  agent  of 
the  colony  of  Connecticut,  and  in  that  capacity  displayed 
great  industry,  integrity,  and  perseverance.  Among  many 
transactions  reported  in  the  history  of  that  period  are  the 
following : — 

In  August,  1775,  he  was  appointed,  with  Benjamin  Hunt- 
ington, to  oversee  and  direct  the  building  of  a  Battery  at 
Waterman's  Point.  In  February,  1776,  he  was  ordered  to 
Saybrook,  to  superintend  the  ship-of-war  "Defense,"  of  14 
guns,  that  was  being  built  there  by  the  Colony ;  orders  were 
drawn  in  his  favor,  by  the  colonial  authorities,  to  the  amount 
of  £550,  to  enable  him  to  purchase  and  complete  her  rigging 
and  outfit ;  also  a  draft  for  £300,  in  his  favor,  to  be  expended 
on  the  ship  "  Oliver  Cromwell." 

He  was  also  directed  to  take  charge  of  the  prize-ship 
"  Sally  "  and  schooner  Hannah  and  Elizabeth,  and  distribute 
the  proceeds.  In  his  charge  as  military  storekeeper  he  had 
large  supplies  of  various  stores  belonging  to  the  Colony. 

His  father-in  -law,  Joshua  Huntington,  conducted  a  large  and 
successful  mercantile  business,  as  did  his  son-in-law,  Ephraim 
Bill.  They  had  a  warehouse  at  Norwich  Landing,  and  both 
were  distinguished  for  their  liberality  and  enterprise ;  and 
doubtless  the  town  of  Norwich  owes  more  to  these  two  men 
than  any  others  that  business  was  made  to  center  in  that 
place,  now  so  flourishing. 

His  name  appears,  in  1782,  with  a  list  of  merchants  who 
protest  "  against  illicit  traffic  with  the  enemy." 

A  church,  37x40  feet,  was  erected  at  Norwich  Landing  in 
1766,  and  Pew  No.  12  was  occupied  by  Ephraim  Bill  and 
Hugh  Ledlie. 

Among  the  interesting  reminiscences  of  the  town,  he  often 
related  that,  when  he  was  a  boy,  he  accompanied  his  father 
in  a  boat  from  New  London  to  Norwich,  on  their  way  to 
Lebanon,  to  visit  their  relatives  ;  and  at  that  time  there  were 
only  two  houses  and  one  warehouse  at  the  Landing. 


148  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

As  regards  that  branch  of  the  family  at  Boston  and  vicinity, 
it  was  related  by  Capt.  Ephraiin  Bill,  that  during  one  of  his 
annual  visits  to  Boston,  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  a  suppl}r 
of  stores,  a  fine-looking  gentleman,  dressed  in  red  velvet  and 
ruffled  shirt,  the  fashion  among  the  more  noted  people  of 
those  times  who  lived  in  the  cities,  came  into  a  store  where 
he  was  trading,  and  after  a  brief  interview  with  the  proprietor 
left.  After  his  departure  the  storekeeper  remarked  :  "  I  wished  I 
had  thought  to  have  introduced  you  to  the  gentleman  who 
has  just  gone  out — it  wras  Mr.  Richard  Bill,  one  of  our  most 
influential  merchants."*  This  must  have  been  the  Richard  Bill 
whose  portrait  illustrates  this  volume. 

We  have  seen  from  an  account  of  his  father,  that  he  re- 
ceived a  piece  of  land  in  New  London  as  a  gift,  in  connection 
with  his  brother  Samuel,  who  also  received  a  similar  portion  ; 
but  after  his  removal  to  Norwich  he  sold,  on  July  12,  1748, 
this  property  to  Joshua  and  Jane  Appleton.  (N.  L.  Deeds,  vol. 
11,  p.  38;  vol.  15,  p.  111.) 

1753,  April  20.  Ephraim  Bill  and  wife  Lydia  sold  to  Elipha- 
let  Dyer,  of  Windham,  land  wharfage  at  Norwich  Point,  west 
of  Capt.  Bushnell's  wharf  and  warehouse,  formerly  belonging 
to  Joshua  Huntington,  receiving  therefor  the  sum  of  £150 : 
again,  he  and  his  wife  sells  for  £1,961  lis.,  to  Jabez  Hunt, 
75  acres  on  Hucklebery  Plain ;  also  30  acres  at  Salt  Rock ; 
also  land  on  Sawpit  Hill ;  and  lands  at  New  Hartford.  (See 
Norwich  Deeds,  vol.  9,  pp.  379,  172.) 

His  children  married  into  some  of  the  first  families  of  the 
town,  and  their  descendants  are  widespread  and  numerous. 

He  died  Nov.  21,  1802,  aged  83  years ;  and  was  followed 
to  his  grave  by  a  large  number  of  mourning  relatives  and 
friends.  His  wife,  Lydia  (Huntington)  Bill,  died  Sept.  23, 
1798,  aged  71  years. 

We  append  a  copy  of  his  will. 

In  the  name  of  God,  Amen.     I  Ephraiin  Bill  of  Norwich 

*  Mr.  Edward  Bill,  of  New  York  City,  gave  us  this  fact,  as  told  him  by  his 
father. 


FIFTH   GENERATION".  149 

in  the  County  of  New  London  state  of  Connecticut  in  New 
England,  being  well  in  health  and  perfect  mind  and  memory, 
knowing  it  is  appointed  for  all  men  once  to  die  do  think  it 
convenient  to  make  this  my  last  will  and  testament  which  I 
do  in  manner  following. 

First  and  principally  I  give  my  soul  to  God  its  author, 
humbly  beseeching  his  acceptance  of  it  through  the  alone 
merits  of  my  redeemer  and  my  body  to  the  earth  for  decent 
burial  at  the  discretion  of  my  friends. 

And  as  to  what  worldly  substance  it  has  pleased  God  to 
bless  me  with  I  give  and  bequeath  in  the  following  manner, 
after  all  my  just  debts  and  funeral  charges  are  paid. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  eldest  son  Gurdon  Bill  one 
half  of  my  lott  of  land  on  the  little  plain,  between  the  house 
of  the  Rev.  Walter  King  and  the  house  of  Capt.  Solomon 
Ingraham  being  the  Northerly  side  of  said  lott  to  be  divided 
from  the  rest  of  said  lott  by  a  line  running  from  the  road  to 
the  rear  of  said  lott  in  such  manner  as  to  give  him  one  half  of 
the  front  and  one  half  of  the  rear  as  nearly  as  may  be  to  him 
and  his  heirs  forever. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeath  to  my  youngest  son  Silvester 
Bill  one  half  of  my  lot  on  the  little  plain  above  described 
being  the  northerly  side  of  said  lot  and  to  be  divided  from  the 
other  side  of  said  lot  by  a  line  drawn  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
give  him  one  half  of  the  front  and  one  half  of  the  rear  as 
nearly  as  may  be  to  him  and  his  heirs  forever. 

Item.  To  each  of  my  children,  viz.  Gurdon  Bill,  Silvester 
Bill,  Lydia  Iiowland,  Elizabeth  Coit  and  Hannah  Lathrop,  I 
give  and  bequeath  one  fifth  part  of  all  my  estate  both  real  and 
personal  save  what  is  herein  otherwise  disposed  of  to  them 
and  their  heirs  forever,  provided  nevertheless  they  be  all 
living  at  that  time  or  in  the  case  of  the  death  of  any  or  either 
of  them  that  they  leave  children,  in  that  case  are  to  be  con- 
sidered as  the  representative  or  representatives  of  their  father 
or  mother  and  to  receive  such  part  of  my  estate  as  their 
father  or  mother  would  have  done  if  living  but  should  any  of 


150  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

my  children  aforesaid  die  without  children,  then  that  part  of 

my  estate  bequeathed  to  him,  her  or  them  so  dying  without 

natural  heirs  to  go  to  my  surviving  children  equally  among 

them  or  to  their  heirs  in  case  of  'the  death  of  any  such  of  my 

children  who  shall  leave  heirs. 

Finally — I  hereby  constitute  and  appoint  my  loving  sons 

Gurdon  Bill  and  Silvester  Bill  executors  of  this  my  last  will 

and  testament,  and  do  hereby  revoke  and  make  null  and  void 

all  other  wills,  heretofore  made  by  me  and  confirm  this  to  be 

my  last  will  and  testament,  in  confirmation  whereof  I  have 

hereunto  set  my  hand  and  affixed  my  seal  this  seventh  day  of 

October,  One  Thousand  Eight  Hundred. 

Ephraim  Bill.  (l.  s.) 
Signed,  sealed  and  published 

in  presence  of 

Daniel  Mix. 

David  Kevins,  Junior. 

The  children  of  Ephraim  and  Lydia  Bill  were: 

295  Silvester,  b.  Jan.  15,  1747;  d.  July  30,  1753.* 

296  Lynde,  b.  Sept.  3,  1749 ;  d.  Aug.  6,  1753.* 

297  Gurdon,  b.  Sept.  29,  1751  ;  d.  Aug.  6,  1753'.* 

298  t  Lydia,  b.  July  7,  1753  ;  m.  Joseph  Howland. 

299  Hannah,  b.  April  6,  1755  ;  d.  April  23,  1756. 

300  t  Gurdon,  b.  Aug.  26,  1757  ;  m.  Betsey  B.  Tracy. 

301  Ephraim,  b.  May  31,  1759  ;  d.  at  sea,  Nov.  1780. 

302  Abigail,  b.  June  18,  1761  ;  d.  Oct.  2,  1775. 

303  t  Zachariah  Huntington,  b.  June  10, 1763;  d.  at  sea,  June 

8,  1788. 

304  William,  b.  April  19,  1765  ;  d.  at  sea,  Sept.  25,  1784. 

305  t  Elizabeth,  b.  May  11,  1767;  m.  Daniel  L.  Coit. 

306  t  Hannah,  b.  Sept.  21,  1769  ;  in.  Thomas  Lathrop. 

307  t  Silvester,  b.  Aug.  1,  1771;  m.  (1)  Mary  King.  (2)  Mrs. 

Mary  Ferris. 

195. 
ELISHA  BILL6  (Philip,4  Samuel,'  Philip,2   John1),    the 

*  These  children  died  of  a  malignant  fever. 


f.    FIFTH   GENERATION.  151 

eldest  son  of  Philip  and  Jane  Bill,  of  Lebanon ;  born  in 
Groton,  Feb.  7,  1719;  married  Ltdia  "Woodward,  June  25, 
1741. 

Pie  removed  with  bis  father  to  Lebanon  in  1723,  where  it 
is  supposed  he  spent  his  life. 

1751,  June  21,  Philip  Bill,  for  £S00,  conveys  to  his  son 
Elisha  a  tract  of  land  "  on  the  northeast  side  of  my  farm." 
(Lebanon  Deeds,  vol.  9  :  521.) 

There  are  various  records  of  purchases  and  sales  of  real 
estate,  in  which  his  name  appears  as  either  grantor  or  grantee. 
The  date  of  his  death  is  unknown.  That  of  his  widow  oc- 
curred May  24,  1786. 

Their  children  were : 

308  t  Calvin,6  b.  May  8,  1745  ;  m.  Lois  Gibbs. 

309  Rachel,6  b.  July  2,  1747. 

310t  Elisha,6  b.  April  7,  1749;  m.  Christiana  Baxter. 

311  t  Azariah,6  b.  April  27,  1751  ;  ru  Elizabeth  Daggett. 

312  t  Reuben,6  b.  June  21,  1753;  m.  Amy  Fuller. 

313  Lydia,6  b.  April  26,  1756. 

314  Aaron,6  b.  Sept.  10,  1759  ;  d.  Oct.  27,  1769. 

196. 

PHILIP  BILL*  (Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a 
brother  of  the  preceding;  born  in  Lebanon,  Dec.  31,  1723; 
married  at  Hebron,  March  4,  1747,  to  Mary  Tildes.  In  the 
Hebron  records  there  are  various  transfers  of  property  with 
which  his  name  is  connected ;  very  little  is  however  known  of 
this  family,  except  the  fact  of  one  child,  whose  name  was : 

315  Joel,6  b.  in  Hebron,  April  14,  1748. 

197. 
SOLOMON  BILL6  (Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a 
son  of  Philip  and  Jane  Bill ;  born  in  Lebanon,  April  25, 1726  ; 
married  Sarah  Lizer,  Jan.  19,  1761.  We  find  him  a  resi- 
dent of  Middletown,  Ct.,  about  1788.  He  was  put  under 
arrest,  and  confined  to  the  limits  of  the  town.  The  exact 
reason  of  his  arrest  is  unknown  to  us,  but  it  is  supposed  to 


152  THE   BTLL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

have  some  connection  with  the  fact  of  his  being  a  member  of 
■what  at   that  time  was  known  as  the  "  Strict  Congregational 
Church,"'   the   members  of  which  had  become  more  or   less 
obnoxious  to  the  inhabitants. 
His  children  were : 

316  Asa,6  b.  Aug.  2,  1761  ;  d.  March  22,  1780. 

317  Sarah,6  b.  Feb.   10,   1763;  ra.   Tristram  Hall,  of  Rhode 

Island. 

-318     Mary,6  b.  Nov.  8,  1764  ;  m.  (l)  Joshua  Buffum.  (2)  

Lane  ;  both  of  Salem,  Mass. 

319  Martha,6  b.  Feb.  15,  1766 ;  m.  Obadiah  Johnson,  and  lived 

in  Mexico,  N.  Y. 

320  t  John,6  b.  March    28,  1769;  m.    (1)  Fanny   Rogers.     (2) 

Anna  Star. 

321  Lois,6  b.  April  14,  1771 ;  d.  Sept.,  1822. 

200. 

JONATHAN  BILL5  (Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John'),  a 
son  of  Philip  and  Elizabeth  Bill  ;  born  in  Lebanon,  Sept.  15, 
1735  ;  m.  March  3,  1756,  to  Elizabeth  Dunham.  He  was 
called  Jonathan  Bill,  Jr.,  to  distinguish  him  from  his  second 
cousin,  Jonathan  Bill,  born  Feb.  6,  1725-6,  and  son  of  John 
Bill. 

After  1786,  this  family  entirely  disappear. 

202. 

SAMUEL  BILL5  (Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a 
brother  of  the  preceding  ;  born  in  Lebanon,  July  1,  1741 ; 
married  tor  his  first  wife  Martha  Goodwin,  Sept.  25,  1756. 
For  his  second  wife  he  married  Sarah  Mills  (?),  March  29, 
1789.     This  family  lived  in  Middletown,  Ct. 

His  children  were,  by  his  first  wife,  Martha  : 

322  Jonathan,  b.  Aug.   15,  1767;  m.  Lucy  Paddock,  July  3, 

1797. 

323  Samuel,b.  Dec.  25,  1786. 

His  children  by  second  wile,  Sarah,  were  : 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  153 

324  Sally,  b.  June  5,  1789. 

325  Polly,  b.  June  20,  1791. 

326  Harriet,  b.  April  22,  1793. 

203 

JAMES  BILL5  (James,4  Samuel,'  Philip,3  John'),  eldest 
son  of  Samuel  and  Mary  Bill ;  born  in  Lebanon,  Ct.,  Dec.  31, 
1717  ;  m.  Mary . 

This  family  resided  in  Lebanon  until  about  1755,  when 
they  removed  to  Wantage,  New  Jersey,  as  would  appear  from 
the  following  deed,  to  which  reference  has  heretofore  been 
made.     (See  account  of  his  father.) 

1750,  Dec.  14.  James  Bill,  late  of  Lebanon,  now  of  "Wan- 
tage, Sussex  Co.,  N.  J.,  for  £400,  quit-claims  to  Hezekiah 
Neweomb  100  acres  of  land  in  the  village  of  Lebanon,  for- 
merly belonging  to  my  father,  James  Bill.  (See  Lebanon 
Deeds,  19  :  33S.) 

He  had  the  following  children  : 

327  Anna,6  b.  Nov.  23,  1744. 

328  Azariah,6  b.  April  15,  1748  ;  baptized  July  17,  same  year. 

204. 

JEDIDIAH  BILL5  (James,4  Samuel,5  Philip,2  John1),  a 
brother  of  the  preceding;  born  in  Lebanon,  July  18,  1719: 
married  Hannah  Foster,  April  10,  1740.  It  is  supposed  he 
removed  with  his  brother  James,  above,  to  New  Jersey. 

His  children,  born  in  Lebanon,  were : 

329  Israel,6  b.  Nov.  4,  1740. 

330  Sarah,6  b.  Jan.  81,  1743. 

331  Dan,6  b.  May  5,  1744. 

332  Jedidiah,6  b.  March  1,  1746. 

333  Esther,6  b.  Dec.  29, 1747. 

208. 

JONATHAN  BILL6  (James,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),   a 
son  of  James  and  Mary  Bill ;  born  in  Hebron,  Ct.,  August  3, 
li 


154  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

1731 ;  married  Esther  Owen,  Aug.  1,  1749.  After  a  brief 
residence  in  Lebanon,  lie  removed  to  Salisbury,  Ct.,  where  he 
died. 

Their  children  were  : 

334  Mary,6  b.    in    Lebanon,    May   6,    1750 ;     m.    Hezekiah 

Colburn. 

335  t  Roswell,6  b.   in  Salisbury,  Dec.    29,  1753;   m.  Rebecca 

Burgess. 

209. 

SAMUEL  BILL5  (Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the 
eldest  son,  as  is  supposed,  of  Ebenezer  and  Patience  (Ingraham) 
Bill,  of  Lebanon,  Ct.  ;  born  in  Groton,  Sept.  25,  1719  ;  was 
married  Sept.  16,  1712,  to  Sarah  Bond,  at  Hebron,  a  town 
adjoining  Lebanon.  She  was  born  May  28,  1719.  It  is 
supposed  that  he  removed  with  his  father  and  his  brothers  to 
Nova  Scotia,  and  afterwards  returned  to  Connecticut,  though 
we  are  not  certain  upon  this  point ;  but  we  are  certain  that  a 
few  years  prior  to  the  Revolution  he  removed  from  the  town 
of  Hebron  (where  he  had  first  settled  after  marriage),  with  all 
his  children,  to  Gilsum,  ~R.  H.,  where  he  died. 

1718,  Jan.  28.  Samuel  Bill  quit-claims  15  acres  of  land 
in  Hebron,  in  exchange  for  other  lands.  (Hebron  Deeds,  vol. 
3,  p.  212.) 

Their  children  were  : 

336  Samuel,6  b.  in  Hebron,  Aug.  7,  1744  ;  died  young. 

337  f  Sarah,6   b.  in   Hebron,   Jan.    30,    1746-7;   m.    Ebenezer 

Kilburn. 

338  t  Elizabeth,6  b.     in   Hebron,    Feb.  5,    1748-9;    m.    John 

Rowe. 

339  f  Ebenezer,6  b.    in   Hebron,  Jan.    19,  1750-1;    m.  Rachel 

Root. 

340  t  David,6  b.  March   2,   1753;    in.    (1) .      (2)    Susan 

Locke. 

341  t  Patience,6  b.  July  26,  1757;  m.  Gen.  Daniel  Wright. 

342  Rachel,6  b.  Jan.    7,  1760;    m.  Jonathan  Church.      They 

lived  in  Gilsum,  where  he  died  April,  1826.     She 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  155 

died,  same  place,  Jan.  3,  1841.     They  had  children  : 
Olive,  Rachel,  and  Betsey. 
343  t  Samuel,6  b.  Feb.  27,  1763  ;  m.  Lydia  Mack. 

215. 

Lieut,  THOMAS  BILL5  (Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,1 
John1),  a  son  of  Ebenezer  and  Patience  (Ingraham)  Bill ; 
born  in  Lebanon,  Feb,  28,  1741-2  ;  married  for  his  first  wife, 
Anna  Phelps,  Dec.  19,  1765.  She  died  July  4,  1773.  For 
his  second  wife,  lie  married  Elizabeth  Gagek,  widow  of 
William  Gager. 

He  resided  in  the  north  part  of  Lebanon,  which  was  then 
called  "  The  Crank,"  now  in  the  town  of  Columbia.  It  is 
reported  that  he  removed  with  his  parents  to  Nova  Scotia ;  if 
so,  he  could  not  have  remained  there  long;  indeed,  there  is 
some  doubt  as  to  his  ever  having  gone  there. 

He  was  an  Ensign  in  the  Connecticut  company  at  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Israel 
Putnam.  He  was  in  "  General  Orders  "  commended  for  his 
great  courage,  and  bravery  in  battle. 

1779  Abijah  Lincoln,  for  £2,000,  sells  to  Thomas  Bill 
lands  he  bought  of  S.  Gary.  His  name  appears  very  often  in 
the  Lebanon  town  records,  but  we  have  no  space  for  them,  as 
in  themselves  they  seem  unimportant. 

He  died  in  1805,  and  of  his  family  we  have  no  account. 

216. 

ASAHEL  BILL5  (Ebenezer4,  Samuel3,  Philip2,  John1),  a 
son  of  Ebenezer  and  Patience  (Ingraham)  Bill ;  born  in 
Lebanon,  Ct.,  April  7,  1748. 

He  removed  with  his  father  to  Nova  Scotia  about  1755, 
where  he  was  married  to  one  Mary  Rand,  a  supposed  native 
of  that  Province,  though  this  is  not  certain. 

Asahel  Bill,  soon  after  his  marriage,  settled  on  a  magni- 
ficent tract  of  land  in  central  Cornwallis,  afterwards  called 
Billtown.     He  was  highly  respected  for  his  integrity  of  char- 


156  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

acter  and  for  Lis  truly  Christian  life.  By  his  industry  and 
frugality  he  accumulated  what  was  then  considered  a  large 
property.  His  influence  was  always  on  the  side  of  virtue  and 
of  truth.  As  such  he  was  much  beloved  and  honored  in  his 
life,  and  in  death  deeply  lamented.  His  wife  was  a  truly 
Christian  woman,  and  trained  her  household  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 
Their  children  were : 

344:     Meltiah,6  b.  ;  died  in  infancy. 

34:5     Asahel,6  b. ;  died  in  infancy. 

346  f  Jonn  Mahen,6  b. ;  m.  (1)  Sarah  De  Wolf.  (2)  Jane 

Bentley. 

347  t  Caleb  Rand,6  b. ;  m.  Rebecca  Cogswell. 

34:8  t  Sarah,6  b. — ;  in.  James  Calkins. 

349  Charlotte,6  b. ;  d.  in  infancy. 

350  Rebecca,6  b. ;  m.  Samuel  Rockwell,  and  had  eight 

children. 

351  t  Mary,6  b.  Nov.  25,  1794;  m.  Stephen  Eaton. 

352  Lavinia,6  b. ;  m.  Thomas  Hemming. 

353  t  Ingram  Ebenezer,6  b.  Feb.  19,  1805  ;  m.  Isabella  Lyons. 

218. 

SIMEON  BILL5  (John4,  John3,  Philip2,  John'),  eldest  son 
of  John  and  Mary  Bill;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  November  8, 
1723  ;  married  Maetha . 

His  father  gave  him  by  will  a  tract  of  land  in  Lebanon, 
which  he  afterwards  sold  to  his  brother  Jonathan.  (Lebanon 
Deeds,  7:  110.) 

After  his  marriage  he  removed  to  Sheffield,  Mass. 

They  had  children : 

354:     Lucretia,6  b.  Aug.  7,  1755  ;  d.  young. 

355  Zilpah,6b.  Sept.  3,  1757;   m. Foskett,  and  removed 

to  Vt. 

356  t  Rosea,6  b.  Aug.  22,  1759  ;  m.  Sarah  Kellogg. 

357  Zeruiah,6  b.  May  13,  1763  ;  m.  David  Ferry. 

358  Adonijah,6  b.  July  15,  17G5  ;  died  unmarried. 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  157 

219. 

JONATHAN  BILL5  (John4,  John3,  Philip2,  John'),  a 
brother   of  the   preceding;   born   in   Lebanon,   February   6, 

1725-6,  and  was  married,  first,  to  Maky  ;  second,  to 

Phebe . 

He  was  a  large  and  prosperous  farmer  in  Exeter  Society, 
Lebanon. 

There  are  eight  transactions  in  real  estate  on  record  in 
which  he  figures,  and  which  afford  ample  evidence  of  his 
prosperity,  above  referred  to. 

He  died  April  29,  1796.  He  was  buried  in  the  Exeter 
Society  Cemetery,  where  his  gravestone  may  now  be  found, 
with  the  following  inscription  :  "  In  memory  of  Mr.  Jonathan 
Bill,  who  departed  this  life  April  29,  1796,  in  the  71st  year  of 
his  age." 

His  children  were : 

359  Lucy,6  b.  Feb.  25,  1752  ;  m.  Thomas  Clark. 

360  Joseph,6  b.  Feb.  8,  1754  ;  was  a  soldier  in  the  Revolution, 

and  died  on  or  near  Lake  Champlain. 

361  f  Jonathan,6  b.  April  21,  1756 ;  m.  his  cousin,  Asenath  Bill. 

362  t  Eleazer,6  b.  Feb.   24,   1758;   m.   (1)   Elizabeth  Cole.  (2) 

Betsey  Fitch. 

221 

JUDAH  BILL,5  (John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John ),  a  brother 
of  the  preceding  ;  born  in  Lebanon,  Feb.  6,  1730-1. 

This  son  is  called  Judith  in  his  father's  will. 

He  was  living  in  1795,  the  date  of  his  mother's  will.  He 
removed  from  Lebanon  and  is  lost  to  us. 

222. 

JOHN  BILL5  (John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother 
of  the  preceding ;  born  in  Lebanon,  June  6,  1733. 

He  was  living  in  1795,  though  he  had  removed  from 
Lebanon  prior  to  that  date,  and  his  family  are  unknown. 


1 


158  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

225. 

ELIJAH  BILL6  (John,4  John,3  Philip,3  John'),  a  brother 
of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  May  1,  1736,  and 
married  Patience  Barber. 

After  selling  his  real  estate  left  to  him  by  his  father,  he 
was  married  and  removed  to  Harwinton,  Ct. 

His  children  were : 

363  t  Ehjah,6  b.  December,  1762  ;  m.  Nancy  Scott. 

364  Eliphalet,*  b. 

365  Comfort,6  b. ;  m.  Hezekiah  Hubbard. 

366  Mehitable,6  b. 

367  Roswell,6b. 

368  Mary,6b. 

369  Sarah,6  b. 

230. 

AMOS  BILL6  (James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest 
son  of  Lieut.  James  and  Keziah  (French)  Bill ;  was  born  in 
Lebanon,  about  1730,  and  married  — - . 

It  is  supposed,  from  the  fact  that  Amos  Bill  and  Jernsha 
Bill  being  witnesses  to  the  execution  of  a  deed  of  land  given 
by  Dea.  John  Newcomb  to  Jonathan  Trumbull,  that  she 
was  the  wife  of  Amos  Bill.  Of  course  it  is  mere  conjecture, 
yet  it  is  quite  probable  that  his  wife's  name  was  Jerusha. 

He  removed  from  Lebanon  to  the  adjoining  town  of 
Colchester  somewhere  about  1760. 

His  children,  as  known  from  the  Lebanon  records,  were . 

370  Jerusha,6  bap.  Dec.  17,  1758.-    1 

371  Bethiah,6  bap.  May  20,  1759. 

It  is  quite  likely  he  had  other  children,  born  in  Colchester. 

231. 

PELEG  BILL6  (James,4  John,3  Philip,3  John1),  a  brother 
of  the  preceding,  Amos  Bill ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Jan.  8, 
1733,  and  married  Jkrusiia . 

He  lived  in  Colchester,  where  he  owned  a  small  tract  of  land, 
and  was  a  soldier  in  the  old  French  War,  and   was  stationed 


FIFTH   GENERATION  159 

near  Lake  George.  No  record  of  his  death  is  found,  but  it  is 
presumed  he  never  returned  from  his  campaign. 

His  widow,  Jerusha  Bill,  was  married  to  Lemuel  Clark,  of 
Mansfield,  Ct.,  March  9,  1763.  By  this  connection  there  were 
several  children  who  stand  related  to  "  President  Edwards," 
"  Grace  Greenwood,"  and  others  of  note. 

The  children  of  Peleg  and  Jerusha  Bill  were  : 

372  Jerusha,6  bap.  July  25,  1756. 

373  f  Abiel,6bap.  June  18,  1758. 

232. 

Deacon  JAMES  BILL5  (James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John'),  a 
brother  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Feb.  20, 
1736,  and  married  Asenath  Norton,  July  13,  1758.  She  was 
born  Dec.  1,  1738,  and  was  the  daughter  of  the  Kev.  John 
Norton,  of  Middletown,  of  which  Chatham  formed  at  that 
time  a  part. 

He  lived  in  East  Hampton,  a  parish  in  the  town  of 
Chatham,  where  he  removed  in  1763,  to  lands  given  him 
by  his  father  in  that  year,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of 
his  life. 

Dea.  James  was  highly  respected  among  his  neighbors, 
and  was  a  man  of  no  little  character.  He  was  a  Justice  of 
the  Peace  for  a  considerable  length  of  time,  and  was  chosen  a 
representative  to  the  State  Legislature  twelve  consecutive 
sittings  of  that  body,  commencing  with  the  fall  session  of  1782. 
There  were  at  that  period  two  annual  sessions. 

He  died  July  25,  1823,  aged  87.  His  wife  died  Jan.  2, 
1810,  aged  71. 

Their  children  were : 

374  Asenath,6  b.  Nov.  13,  1759 ;  m.  Jonathan  Bill  (No.  361). 

375  Lucy,6  b.  Dec.  3,  1761 ;  in.  Apollos  Arnold. 

376  James,6  b.  Feb.  4,  1764.     He  removed,  it  is  supposed,  to 

New  York,  and  represented  Albany  in  the  State 
Legislature,  was  afterwards  County  Clerk  of 
Greene  County  in  that  State,  and  again  he  appears 


1(30  THE  BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

as  a  Judge  in  Oswego  County.  We  have  been 
unable  to  get  any  trace  of  his  descendants. 

377  Elvira,6  b.   Feb.  22,  1766;    m.   Eleazer   Skinner.     Died 

in  Steuben,  N.  Y. 

378  Erastus,6   b.   July   6,    1768;   m.   (l)  Charlotte  .  (2) 

Sally   Hall.      This   family   lived    in    Southwick, 
Mass.     They  had.  a  son  Erastus,7  b.  180/,  who  m.  L_ 
(2)  Eliza  Miller,  and.  lived  in  Westfield,  Mass. 

379  Norton,6  b.  July  14,  1770;   m.   Sally  Buell.     He  was  a 

young  physician  of  great  promise.  Died  Jan.  6, 
1798,  in  Chatham,  aged  27  years.  She  died  April 
17,  1794,  aged  26  years.  They  had  two  children, 
Sally7  and  Julius.7  He  removed  to  Ohio,  where 
he  died. 

380  Clarissa,6  b.  Aug.  18,  1772  ;  m.  her  cousin,  Oliver  Bill. 

381  Achsah,6b.  Nov.  1,  1774;  d.  July  8,  1775. 

382  Achsah,6  b.  Aug.  26,  1776;  d.  May  3,  1812. 

383  Amos,6  b.    June   9,   1779;    m.   Hannah   Ingham.     They 

lived  and  died   in   Poland,  N.  Y. 

384  Abner,6  b.  Aug.  11,  1781 ;  d.  Dec.  27,  1809,  at  Canandai- 

gua,  N.  Y. 

The  descendants  of  this  large  family  of  children  are  quite 
lost  to  us,  and  it  seems  incomprehensible  that  it  should  be 
so.  We  are  informed  by  the  town  clerk  of  Chatham,  that 
the  "  sons  of  James  Bill  have  not  resided  in  Chatham  for 
about  sixty-six  years,"  or  not  since  in  1S00.  It  must  be  that 
in  the  State  of  New  York  there  are  lineal  descendants  of  some 
of  these  sons.  Every  effort  was  put  forth  to  find  them  out,  but 
without  success.  Perhaps  of  all  the  families  we  have  traced, 
this  is  left  in  the  most  obscurity. " 

233. 

OLIYEK  BILL6  (James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of 
Lieut.  James  and  Keziah  Bill,  and  a  brother  of  the  preceding 
Dea.  James  Bill ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Oct.  27,  1737,  and 
was  married  to  Martha  Skinner,  Sept.  3,  1763. 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  161 

He  lived  in  Goshen  Society,  Lebanon,  where  he  spent  a 
long  and  useful  life,  enjoying  the  respect  and  confidence  of 
his  townsmen. 

He  held  many  public  offices,  which  we  judge  he  must  have 
filled  with  honor  to  his  town  and  credit  to  himself.  He  held 
the  position  of  Ti thing-man,  Assessor,  Highway  Surveyor, 
Constable  (for  five  years),  Grand  Juror,  &c. 

1707,  April  13.  Oliver  Bill  and  others  were  allowed  by 
the  town  to  build  a  dam  on  the  Great  Brook  coming  out  of 
the  Great  Meadow. 

His  father,  in  1759  and  1763,  conveys  to  his  son  Oliver 
parcels  of  land  in  Groton.     (Lebanon  Deeds,  10  :  91,  92.) 

1773.  Daniel  Webster,  for  £50,  sells  to  Oliver  Bill  15  acres 
and  72  rods  in  Lebanon  :  also  5  acres  on  the  road  to  Colchester. 
(Ibid.,  12:  185). 

He  was  buried  in  the  cemetery,  in  Exeter  Parish,  Leb- 
anon, near  the  grave  of  his  father  and  mother.  His  grave- 
stone has  the  following  inscription :  "In  affectionate  remem- 
brance of  Mr.  Oliver  Bill,  who  died  May  23,  1828,  in  the  91st 
year  of  his  age."  Close  by  is  the  grave  of  his  wife,  with 
this  inscription  on  her  gravestone  :  "  In  affectionate  remem- 
brance of  Mrs.  Martha,  wife  of  Oliver  Bill,  who  died  March 
22,  1805,  in  the  63d  year  of  her  age." 

The  children  of  Oliver  and  Martha  (Skinner)  Bill  were  : 

385  Martha,6  b.  Jap.   10,  1765;    m.  Moses  Clark.     Died  at 

Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

386  Apama,6  b.  Oct.   22,  17(36;  m.  Frederic  Clark.     Died  at 

Madrid,  N".  Y.,  1857. 

387  Betty,6  b.  Feb.  27,    1768;    m.    Abner   Clark.     Died   at 

Madrid,  N".  Y.,  1843. 

388  t  Earl,6  b.  Nov.  5,  1770;  m.  (1)  Sarah  Jackson.    (2)  Olive 

Baker.  (3)  Susan  Johnson. 

389  t  Cyrus,6  b.  Oct.  17,  1772  ;  m.  Eunice  Taintor. 

390  t  Oliver,6  b.  Oct.  29,  1774;  m.  Clarissa  Bill,  his  cousin. 

391  Jerusha,6  b.  July  29,  1776;  m.  Dea.  Nathaniel  Johnson, 

and  resided  at  Trenton,  N.  Y. 


162  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

392  t  Amos,6  b.  June  10,  1779;  m.  Clarinda  Porter. 

393  Lucy,6  b.  May  30,  1 7S5  ;  m.  Joseph  Ingham.     She  diet!  at 

Danbury,  Ohio,  1818. 

241. 

ELIPHALET  BILL5  (Benajali,4  John3,  Philip,2  John'),  the 
son  of  Benajah  and  Mary  Bill ;  born  at  "  Lebanon  Crank " 
[Columbia],  August  25,  1750.  He  married  Dorothy  Marsh 
about  1772.  She  was  born  April  20,  1752,  and  was  the 
daughter  of  Joseph  [who  was  the  son  of  Joseph  and  Mercy 
(Bill)  Marsh]  and  Dorothy  (Mason)  Marsh,  of  Lebanon  ;  after- 
ward he  removed  to  Hartford,  Yt.,  the  place  of  residence  of 
Hon.  Joseph  Marsh,  his  father-in-law. 

It  is  said  that  many  families  in  Lebanon  sold  their  farms 
and  removed  to  Vermont  about  the  time  the  Bev.  Eleazer 
Wheelock  founded  Dartmouth  College,  at  Hanover,  N.  H. 
This  divine  was  for  many  years  the  pastor  of  the  people  living 
in  the  northern  portion  of  Lebanon. 

Mr.  Bill  was  a  farmer  and  a  man  of  considerable  note,  and 
occupied  several  public  stations  of  importance. 

1778.  He  sells  to  Asa  Aspinwall  a  farm  of  70  acres  near 
Dr.  Lathrop  and  Dr.  Story.     (Lebanon  Deeds,  13  :  58.) 

There  are  several  transactions  in  real  estate  on  record  in 
which  he  was  an  interested  party. 

Eliphalet  Bill  died  at  Cabot,  Vermont,  whither  he  had 
removed,  September,  1825,  aged  75.  His  widow,  Dorothy, 
died  at  Orange,  Vt.,  March,  1835,  aged  83. 

The  children  of  Eliphalet  and  Dorothy  (Mason)  Bill,  born 
in  Lebanon,  were  : 

394  t  Benajah,6  b.  near  1773  ;  m.  Hannah  Udall. 

395  f  Eliphalet   Mason,6  b.  Sept.  6,  1775;  m.  Rhoda  Pitkin. 

396  t  Mary,6  b.  about  1777;  m.  Thomas  White  Pitkin. 

397  Dorothy,6  b.  about  1779;  m.  Olmstead  Gates.     This  family 

removed  to   Canada    West;    they  had   one  son, 
Ogden'  (Gates),  who  resides  at  Longueil,  C.  W. 
Children  born  at  Hartford,  Vt. : 

398  Roswell,6  b.  about  178-     He  studied  medicine,  and  be- 


FIFTH   GENERATION".  163 

came   a   practising   physician    in   New    Chester, 
'N.  H.     He  died  in  1812,  at  his  father's,  deeply 
lamented. 

399  Betsey,6  b.  Dec.  8,  1791;  m.  (1)  Josiah  Fifield,  Nov.  14, 

1816.  She  was  his  second  wife.  He  died  at 
Albany,  Vt.,  Oct  1,  1850.  They  had  no  children. 
She  m.  (2)  Zenas  Smith,  May  9,  1858,  and  was 
also  his  second  wife.  They  now  live  at  West 
Topsham,  Vt.,  having  no  children. 

400  t  Dyer>6  D-  April  7,  1794;    m.    (1)   Ruth  Richardson.  (2) 

Ruth  P.  Coburn. 

401  f  Almira,6  b.  Sept.   23,  1799;    m.    (1)   Samuel  Smith.  (2) 

[Amos  Sanborn. 

243. 

JONATHAN  BILL5  (Edward,4  Joshua,3  Philip/ John1), 
the  son  of  Edward  and  Zervia  Bill ;  was  born  in  Colchester, 
May  5,  1733 ;  was  married  to . 

He  lived  in  either  Chatham  or  Haddam. 

He  had  at  least  one  son — 

402  t  Daniel,6  b.  March  9,  1758  ;Jm.  Mindwell  Brainard. 

24  3. 

PHINEAS  BILL5  (Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  the 
eldest  son  of  Phineas  and  Mehitable  (Woodworth)  Bill,  was 
born  in  that  portion  of  Groton  which  is  now  Led}7ard,  on 
September  8,  1751.  He  married  Mercy  Allyn,  the  grand- 
daughter, as  is  believed,  of  Robert  Allyn,  Esquire,  one  of  the 
early  settlers  on  the  east  side  of  the  Thames  River.  She  was 
born  November  16,  1751. 

He  was  by  trade  a  cooper,  and  lived  in  what  is  now  known 
as  the  ''Phineas  Bill  House,"  situate  in  the  town  of  Ledyard. 
He  inherited  this  property  at  the  death  of  his  father,  in  1780. 
His  occupation  was,  in  those  days,  far  more  remunerative  than 
that  of  husbandry,  from  the  fact  that  the  city  of  New  London 
was  largely  engaged  in  the  whale  fisheries,  thus  creating  an 
extensive  demand  for  casks.     The  whaling  business  was  for 


104  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR 

many  years  so  profitable,  that  it  absorbed,  in  various  ways, 
the  attention  and  labors  of  the  surrounding  population. 

In  1818   he  removed   with  his  family  to  Palmyra,  New 
York,  where  he  afterwards  lived  upwards  of  twenty  years. 

In  the  account  given  of  his  grandfather,  Joshua  Bill,3  we 
related  how  we  traced  and  obtained  a  knowledge  of  his  old 
Family  Bible,  &c.  We  may  properly  add  a  word  here  rela- 
ting to  it.  This  valuable  and  interesting  relic  was  naturally 
left  to  the  possession  of  this  Phineas  Bill5  by  his  father, 
Phineas  Bill,4  since  he  continued  to  live  where  his  father  had 
lived  and  died,  thus  not  only  becoming  the  possessor  of  the 
homestead,  but  also  of  all  the  family  papers  and  household 
relics,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  this  Bible  was  left  to  him 
especially,  since  he  was  the  eldest  son.  On  his  removal  to  Pal- 
myra he  carried  this  treasure  with  him,  and,  dying  before  his 
wife,  it  came  under  her  control,  since  he  left  no  will.  At  her 
death,  which  occurred  some  four  years  subsequently,  she 
placed  it  in  the  keeping  of  her  grand-daughter,  Sarah  Caroline 
Allyn,  the  daughter  of  Park  and  Mercy  (Bill)  Allyn,  in  whose 
family  she  lived  after  the  death  of  her  husband,  Phineas  Bill.5 
Thus  we  see  how  this  ancient  relic  of  the  Bill  family  has 
passed  from  out  the  keeping  of  any  bearing  the  family  name. 
It  is  a  precious  relic,  and  the*  writer  hopes  that,  at  some  future 
period,  it  may  be  restored  to  the  family,  and  ever  kept  among 
the  male  descendants  as  long  as  time  shall  last,  for  the  reason 
that  these  things  serve  to  connect  the  latest  with  the  earlier 
generations,  and  link  them  together  in  memory.  Nothing  scarce 
serves  so  much  among  earthly  things  to  hold  the  living  to 
truth  and  virtue  as  some  precious  memento  of  dear  ones 
departed,  and  this  ancient  relic  above  named  is  thrice  hal- 
lowed in  view  of  the  birth  and  death  of  at  least  three  genera- 
tions, unto  whose  lives  it  proved  ever  a  joy  and  a  consolation. 

Phineas  Bill  died  at  Palmyra,  January  25,  1839,  aged  87 
years,  4  months,  and  17  days.  His  wife,  Mercy  (Allyn)  Bill, 
died  at  same  place,  on  April  11,  1843,  aged  91  years,  4  months, 
and  25  days. 


FIFTH   GENERATION.  165 

They  had  fourteen  children,  all  born  in   Groton,  but  we 
have  learned  only  the  names  of  the  following : 
403  f  Richard  Dayton,6  b.  Nov.  25,  1772;  m.  Tabitha  Allyn. 

4-0-4     Avery,6  b. ,  1774  ;  m.  in  Wilmington,  N.  C,  which 

place  he  made  his  residence.  His  occupation  was 
a  sailing-master.  He  died  at  Wilmington,  Nov., 
1811,  aged  37.  It  is  believed  he  left  several  chil- 
dren, the  descendants  of  whom  are  scattered  in 
various  sections  of  the  South.  There  was,  during 
the  war,  a  Lieut.  Bill,  taken  %as  a  rebel  prisoner, 
and  for  a  time  confined  at  Fort  Warren,  Boston 
Harbor ;  at  least,  such  was  the  published  report, 
though  we  were  unable  to  prove  the  fact,  since 
the  officers  of  the  said  fort  refused  to  give  any 
information. 

It  is  known  to  the  writer  that,  during  his 
travels  several  years  since  in  the  eastern  portion 
of  Tennessee,  he  learned  of  a  family  of  Bills  living 
in  the  southwestern  portion  of  Virginia.  It  is  also 
known  to  us  that,  prior  to  the  war,  and  while  we 
were  living  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  we  met  there  a 
Mr.  Bill,  who  resided  in  Florida.  We  took  his 
name  and  address,  but  in  our  removal  from  that 
city,  in  18G1,  the  memorandum  was  lost,  and  the 
name  cannot  be  given,  but,  possibly,  this  Avery 
Bill  may  have  been  the  ancestor  of  the  several 
families  indicated  above. 

405  f  Mercy,'  b.  Oct.  7,  1776;  m.  (1)  Allyn  Turner.    (2)  Park 

Allyn. 

406  Lucy  Maria,6  b. 1779  ;  d.  in  Groton,  April  22,  1801. 

407  Isaac,6  b. ;  m.  a  widow,  whose  name  is  unknown. 

He  lived  for  a  Avhile  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  became  very 
intemperate,  and  finally  died  at  Hartford,  Ct., 
about  1835. 

408  t  Nancy,6  b.  Jan.  17,  1785  ;  m.  Eldridge  Havens. 

409  Benjamin  Franklin,6  b.  ;    m.  a  western  lady;  re- 

moved to  Louisiana,  as  is  supposed,  where  he  died 
about  1840,  leaving  several  children. 


ICG  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

410  Tabitha,6  b. 1  7"90  ;  d.  May,  1794. 

41 1  f  David,6  b. ;  m.  Hannah  Babcock. 

249. 

BENAJAH  BILL5  (Phineas,4  Joshua,'  Philip,2  John1),  the 
second  son  of  Phineas  and  Mehitable  (Woodworth)  Bill ;  was 
born  in  Groton,  June  29, 17G0,  and  was  married  in  1782,  Jan. 
17,  to  Content  Park.     She  was  born  Feb.  4,  1761. 

In  the  earlier  part  of  his  life  he  lived  on  what  is  now 
known  as  "Meeting-House  Hill,"  in  the  present  town  of 
Ledyard,  though  formerly  a  part  of  Groton.  He  followed  the 
trade  of  a  cooper,  as  did  his  father  and  brothers.  Later  in  life 
he  removed  to  Lyme,  Ct.,  about  20  miles  west  from  his  pre- 
vious residence,  and  there  he  engaged  in  husbandry. 

He  died  at  Lyme,  May  22,  1812,  in  his  eighty-second  year. 
Content,  his  wife,  died  May  27,  1845,  aged  84. 

Their  children,  born  in  old  Gi  "*r,on,  were: 

412  Polly,6  b.  Dec.  29, 1782  ;  m.  Nov.  3, 1803,  Samuel  Newton, 

of  N.  H.  had   one   son,  Isaac    Sherman 

(Newton),  b.  Nov.  14,  1804.  He  is  now  living  in 
or  near  Akron,  Ohio. 

413  t  Lodowiek,6  b.  Oct.  9,  1784;  m.  Betsey  Geer. 

414  Eunice  Park,6  b.  Jan.  27,  178S;  m.  S.  Newton,  widower. 

415  t  Alexander  Tullius  Franklin,6  b.  Nov.  27, 1790  :  unmarried. 

416  t  Sarah,6  b.  May  7,  1793  ;  m.  (1)  Amos  Williams.    (2)  Jacob 

Gallup. 

417  f  Elisha  Satterlee,6  b.  March  1,  179G;  m.  (1)  Olivet  Geer. 

(2)  C.  L.  A.  W.  Barber. 

418  t  Nelson  Horatius,6  b.  Sept.  24,  1798;  m.  Betsey  Stark. 

419  Park  Allyn,6  b.  July  1,  1801 ;  m.  Maria  Barrows,  of  South 

Mansfield,  Ct.  She  was  born  April  17,  1798. 
They  removed  to  Saquoit,  Oneida  County,  N.  Y., 
where  they  now  live.     No  children. 

420  Lyman  Edgecomb,6  b.  April  13,  1805;  m.  Nov.  5,  1828, 

Maria  Hugh,  of  Bozrah,  Ct.  They  removed  to 
Tennessee,  where  they  still  reside.  They  have 
had  three  children,  one  of  whom  is  reported  as 


FIFTH   GENERATION".  167 

killed  while  fighting  for  the  rebellion  ;  another 
lives  in  Memphis,  who,  during  the  war,  visited  the 
North,  and  foolishly  boasted  that  his  next  visit 
would  only  be  after  the  South  should  be  recog- 
nized as  an  independent  power.  It  is  thought  by 
some  he  will  not  be  this  way  very  soon !  The 
other  is  a  daughter  of  brilliant  mental  powers, 
and  a  pleasing  person.  We  learn  she  was  recently 
married.  Our  letters  of  inquiry  have  never  been 
answered  by  this  family. 
42 1     An  infant,  that  died  soon  after  its  birth. 

250. 

JOSHUA  BILL6  (Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,^ John1),  the 
third  son  of  Phineas  and  Mehitable  (Woodworth)  Bill ;  was 
born  in  that  part  of  the  old  town  of  Groton  which  is  now 
Ledyard,  on  the  14th  of  May,  1762.  He  married  Abigail 
Miner,  who  was  born  Dec.  15,  1759. 

The  life  of  Joshua  Bill  was  not  an  eventful  one,  yet  it  can 
be  truthfully  said  to  have  embraced  many  estimable  traits  of 
character.  As  a  man,  he  was  of  a  quiet  and  unobtrusive 
disposition,  though  not  lacking  in  the  elements  of  energy  or 
force  on  occasion.  His  occupation  and  the  demands  of  a 
large  family  on  his  time  quite  absorbed  his  labors  and 
attention.  In  early  life  he  learned  the  trade  which  was  his 
father's,  and  this  gave  him  and  his  family,  together  with  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  a  good  living.  He  settled  not  far  from  the 
place  of  his  birth,  about  equidistant  between  it  and  "Meet- 
ing-House Hill  " — a  place  before  referred  to — in  the  town  of 
Groton  [Ledyard]. 

He  was  a  man  of  strictly  temperate  habits,  and  possessed 
fine  social  qualities  and  exhibited  eminent  Christian  virtues. 
His  home  wras  ever  a  cheerful  and  a  happy  one. 

He  was  a  soldier  of  the  Kevolution,  and  was  wrounded 
in  the  leg,  while  serving  his  country,  by  means  of  a  cannon- 
shot,  which  caused  him  much  suffering  and  trouble.  In  the 
later  part  of  his  life,  through  the  exertions  of  his  son,  Gurdon 


168  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Bill,  a  pension  was  granted  him  by  the  Government  of  ei^lit 
dollars  per  month. 

He  died  on  the  20th  of  December,  1S41,  in  the  80th  year 
of  his  age,  at  the  house  of  his  son  Gnrdon,  in  Ledyard,  and 
was  buried  in  the  family  burying-ground,  on  the  farm  belong- 
ing to  his  son  above  named.  His  wife  Abigail  died  Feb.  14, 
1839,  aged  79. 

Their  children  were : 

422  t  Guidon,6  b.  Jan.  18,  1784  ;  m.  Lucy  Yerrington. 

423  t  Sabrina,6  b.  Jan.  14,  1786  ;  m.  Samuel  Taylor. 

424  t  Sarah,6  b.  Sept.  16,  1787  ;  m.  Robert  Chapman. 

425  t  Phineas,6  b.  Sept.  16,  1789;  m.  Fanny  Gallup. 

426  t  Abigail,6  b.  Aug.  29,  1791 ;  m.  Samuel  Taylor. 

427  f  Betsey,6  b.  Aug.  24,  1793;  m.  John  Darrow. 

428  Fanny,6  b.  March  9,  1795;  m.  Jesse  Bedent,  of  Poque- 

•  tonnock,  a  village  situate  on  the  northwest 
boundary  line  separating  the  towns  of  Ledyard 
and  Preston.  She  died  in  about  three  months 
after  her  marriage,  and  was  buried  near  her 
birthplace. 

429  t  Avery,'  b.  Oct.  1,  1796;  m.  Betsey  Barnes. 

430  Nancy,6  b.  June  2,  1798;  d.  Oct. ,  1799. 


SIXTH    GENERATION. 
260. 

BENJAMIN  BILL6  (Charles,6  Jonathan,4  Jonathan, 
James,2  John1),  a  son  of  Charles  and  Ruth  (Fuller)  Bill,  of 
Chelsea,  Mass. ;  wast  born  there,  Nov.  17,  1741,  and  married 
17G1,  April  16,  Elizabeth  Watts,  who  was  born  March  9, 
1742,  the  daughter  of  Richard  and  Sarah  Watts,  of  Chelsea. 

He  was  a  resident  of  Chelsea,  and  died  there  prior  to  Aug# 
14,  1774,  at  which  time  his  widow,  Elizabeth,  w&a  published  to 
John  Watts,  to  whom  she  was  aftewards  married.     This  John 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  169 

Watts  was  lost  at  sea,  and  Elizabeth,  the  now  widow  of  both 
Benjamin  Bill  and  John  Watts,  died  in  Boston  about  1828. 

The  only  child  of  Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  (Watts)  Bill,  so 
far  as  known,  was : 

431  t  Benjamin,7  b.  Jan.  19,  1762;  m.  Tabitha  Nichols. 

263. 

RICHARD  BILL6  (Samuel,5  Samuel,1  Samuel,'  Thomas,2 
John1),  the  supposed  son  of  Samuel  Bill,6  yet  an  unusual 
cloud  of  doubt  rests  on  this  supposition.  There  are  one  or  two 
reasons  for  giving  this  person  a  place  here.  The  contradictory 
statements  and  the  faint  recollection  of  his  descendants,  even 
with  the  grandchildren,  with  whom  we  have  corresponded,  tend 
to  give  great  uncertainty  as  to  the  place  of  this  Richard,  yet  it 
is  our  belief  he  belongs  here.* 

He  married  Abigail  Kenney,  the  daughter  of  Dea.  Moses 
Kenney,  March  31,  1768. 

Their  children  were  : 

432  t  Gardner,7  b.  near    Boston,  Sept.    19,    1773;   m.  Arpatia 

Church. 

433  f  Davis,7  b.  about  1775. 

263L 

NATHANIEL  BILL*  (Samuel,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,' 
Thomas,2  John1),  the  son  of  Samuel  Bill  ;5  born . 

He  married  Jane  (Damon  ?),  near  Boston,  and  resided  for 
a  time  in  Chelsea ;  they  afterwards  moved  to  Dedham,  where 
they  both  died,  about  1837. 

They  had  three  children,  of  whom  we  have  the  name  of 
but  one : 

434  Jonathan  Damon,7  b.  June  22,  1790;  m.  Eliza  Colburn, 

Sept.  12,  1822,   of  Dedham,  which  was  his  place 
of  residence.     She  died  Nov.  21,  1851.     He  died 

*  Subsequent  information  leaves  no  doubt  that  this  is  the  proper  place 
for  this  Richard. 
12 


170  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 


at  Waltham,  June  7,  1S64,  and  was  buried  at 
Dedham,  by  the  side  of  his  wife.  They  had  six 
children  viz. : 

Lewis  Augustus,8  b.   July  3,  1824  ;  m.  Fanny 
Louise   Hatching,  of    Hanover,  N.    IT., 
on   Jan.   12,  1851.     She  died  Nov.    14, 
1863.     They  had  children  : 

George  Lewis,"  b.  at  Dedham,  Oct.  17,  1851. 

Mary  Louise,9  b.  at  Dedham,  April  27,  1854. 

Fanny  Eliza,9  b.  at  Dedham,  March  27,  1856. 

Charles  Augustus,9  b.  at  Dedham, Dec.  24, 1857. 

Henry  Bradford,9  b.  at  Dedham,  April  7,  1861. 

Willis  Abner,9  b.  at  Dedham,  Sept.  4,  1863. 
On  the  7th  June,  1865,  he  married  for 
his  second  wife  Isabell  Dawson,  of  Ste- 
wlack,  N.  S.  By  this  marriage  they  have 
a  pair  of  twins,  viz  : 
Edwin  Lewis,10  b. 


.  July  4,  1866. 
Grace  Gertrude,10  b.    )        J 

Mary  Ann,8  b.  at  Dedham,  Sept.  2,  1826;  m. 
Feb.  1854,  John  "Warren,  of  Boston. 

George  Damon,8  b.  at  Dedham,  Sept.  30,  1829  ; 
d.  Oct.  11,  1840. 

Charles  Colburn,8  b.  at  Dover,  Mass.,  April  28, 
1833  ;  m.  July  27, 1854,VestaRyerson,of 
Paris,  Me.    They  have  two  children,  viz : 
Ella  Gertrude,9  b.  Nov.  27, 1856. 
Ida  Estella,9  b.  April  16,  1861. 

This  family  resides  at  Waltham,  Mass.  He  is  a 
merchant  at  87  Pearl  St.,  in  Boston. 

Sarah  Eliza,8  b.  at  Dover,  Mass.,  Nov.  16, 1836  ; 
m.  Jan.  18, 185S,  Levitt  Kingsbury  Bon- 
ney,  of  Walpole,  Mass.  They  reside  at 
Waltham,  Mass.,  and  have  one  child. 

Susan  Bradford,8  b.  at  Dedham,  Oct.  20,  1841. 
Resides  at  Boston. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  171 

267. 

CHAELES  BILL6  (Charles,6  Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip,5 
John1),  the  son  of  Charles  and  Rhoda  (Leffingwell)  Bill. 

He  married  for  his  first  wife  Lydia  Pratt,  of  Meredith, 
Delaware  County,  N.  Y.  ;  his  second  wife  was  Cynthia 
French.     He  died  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

The  children  by  first  wife  were  : 

435  t  Charles,7  b.  June  26, 1803  ;  m.  Lois  S.  Woodworth. 

436  t  David,7  b.  March  IT,  1811 ;  m.  Louisa  Kimball. 

Children  by  second  wife: 

437  Charlotte,7  b. ;  m.   A.  F.  Mathewson,  of  Fort 

Plain,  K  Y. 

268. 

ANDREW  BILL6  (Charles,6  Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip.2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding ;  born  March  6,  1775,  and 
married  Susan  Smith,  born  Sept.  4,  1780,  and  died  March  5, 
1847. 

He  died  April  20,  1848.  They  lived  in  Delaware  County, 
N.  Y.     Their  children  were : 

438  Sally,7  b.  Aug.  1,  1801 ;  m.  George  Gilbert. 

439  Susan,7  b. ,  1804  ;  ra.  Mason  Gilbert. 

4-40     Juna  C.,7  b.  April  20, 1806  ;  m.  Leonard  Avery. 

441  Harriet  M.,7  b.  Sept.  17,  1808;  m.  L.  Turrell.     She  died 

1839. 

442  Warren,7  b.   March  27,  1810;  m.  July  4,  1839,  Betsey 

Pearsall.     They  reside  near  Bainbridge,  N".  Y., 

and  have  children : 

Harriet  M.,8  b.  April  5,  1840;  m.  William  B. 

Main,  of  Galesburg,  111. 
George  Herman,8  b.  May  27,  1858. 

443  Clarissa,7  b.  March  — ,  1812  ;  m.  Thomas  Burns,  of  Pa. 

444  Marvin,7  b.   |      T„i„  *   ^o^^      f  He  died  young.     She  m. 


»,  h.  T  ,  ( 

'         \     July  7,  1814.    \ 

ra,7  b.  J     '  ( 


445  Minerva,7  b.  )  J  ( Edmunds. 

446  Mary,7  b.  June  23,  1817. 


172  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 


276. 


BELA  BILL6  (William,6  Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip,2  John1), 
the  eldest  son  of  William  and  Sarah  (Ashley)  Bill,  of  Wash- 
ington, Mass. ;  born  in  1779,  and  married  Lydia  Hoeton,  of 
Pittstown,  N.  Y. 

They  for  a  time  resided  at  the  latter  place. 

lie  died  at  the  place  of  his  birth,  May  2,  1865,  and  was 
buried  in  Hinsdale,  the  adjoining  town. 

Their  children  were : 

447  f  Alson,7  b.  Dec.  16,  1800. 

448  An  infant,  who  died  without  name. 

449  Clarissa,7  b. ,  1805  ;  d.  Aug.  2,  1857. 

450  Cyrus,7  b.   May,    1808;    unmarried;   d.  Nov.,    1843,   at 

Washington,  Mass. 

451  t  Lucinda,7  b.  Dec.  25,  1811 ;  m.  Edward  Cheeseman. 

452  Charles,7  b.  June  6,  1813;  m.  Almena  Kent.     They  live 

in  Middlefield,  Mass. 
4:53     Orsemus,7  b.  Sept.  7,  1815  ;  m.  Laura  Nicholson,  Dec.  27, 

1847.     They  reside  in  Hinsdale,  Mass. 
454:  f  Marshall,7  b.  Jan.,  1818  ;  ni.  Susan  Johnson. 
4:55     Palmyra,7  b.  July,  1822.     Resides  at  Laona,  HI. 
4:56  f  Charlotte,7  b.  Nov.  8,  1824  ;  m.  Cyrus  Messenger. 

278. 

CHAELES  BILL6  (William,5  Thomas,4  Philip,'  Philip,3 
John1),  the  second  son  of  William  and  Sarah  (Ashley)  Bill ; 
was  born  in  Washington,  Mass.,  April  11,  1783,  and  married 
Anna  Grant,  of  Montgomery,  Mass.,  Sept.  8,  1815. 

He  was  a  man  of  some  poetic  talent,  as  we  learn.  He  wrote 
poetry  with  great  ease,  and  had  his  advantages  been  more  than 
what  is  picked  up  at  country  schools,  he  might  have  turned 
his  attention  wholly  to  literature  with  credit  to  himself.  He 
certainly  possessed  fine  natural  talents,  and  for  a  while  taught 
school. 

He  was  a  resident  of  his  native  town  up  to  the  time  of  his 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  173 

death,  which  event  was  caused  by  the  fall  of  a  tree,  in  1823, 
which  he  was  cutting  down. 

The  children  of  Charles  and  Anna  (Grant)  Bill  were  : 

457  John,7b. 

458  Charles,1  b. 

459  William,7  b. 

460  Sabrina,7  b. 

46 1  Juliette,7  b. 

279. 

JEKE  BILL6  (William,5  Thomas,"  Philip,3  Philip,2  John1), 
a  brother  of  the  above  Charles  Bill ;  born  Feb.  2,  1785,  at 
Washington,  Mass. ;  was  married  May  19,  1814,  to  Sophia 
Milliken,  of  the  same  town. 

He  was  famed  as  a  school-teacher,  having  taught  thirty 
terms,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  public.  There  is  evi- 
dence in  the  various  members  of  this  family  of  a  high  degree 
of  literary  culture. 

His  residence  was  in  the  town  of  his  birth,  where  he  died 
on  29th  May,  1844.     His  widow  died  July  2,  1863,  aged  71. 

Their  children  were : 

462  William  Ashley,7  b.  March  12,   1815;  m.  June    1,  1840, 

C.  Maria  Clark,  of  Vt.  He  resides  in  Chicago  ; 
where  for  many  years  he  has  prosecuted  an  exten- 
sive wholesale  boot  and  shoe  trade,  under  the  firm 
name  of  Fargo  &  Bill.  His  firm  was  the  first  to 
introduce  in  the  Northwest  the  manufacture  of 
heavy  boots  and  shoes.  Since  the  war  he  has 
withdrawn  from  said  firm  and  entered  into  the 
manufacture  of  leather;  a  large  stock  company 
having  been  formed  for  that  purpose,  of  which  he 
was  chosen  President.  He  has  one  -child  only  : 
Edwin  Layton,8  b.  June  20,  1847. 

463  Henrietta  Sophia,7  b.  Aug.  12,  1820  ;  m.  Oct.  23, 1849,  to 

William  Avery  Wright,  of  Montgomery,  Mass. 

They  have  only  one  child  : 

Jere  Bill  (Wright),  b.  Sept.  24,  1851. 

464  Polly  Maria,7  b.  Sept.  21, 1822 ;  d.  Oct.  17,  1842,  aged  20. 


174  THE   BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

281. 

BENJAMIN  BILL6  (Benjamin,5  Benjamin/  Philip,1 
Philip2,  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Capt.  Benjamin  and  Sarah 
(He[o]lmes)  Bill,  of  Groton ;  born  about  1765  ;  married  to 
Amy  Ball,  May  8,  1791. 

It  is  supposed  this  family  lived  in  Groton.  They  had  one 
child,  named — 

465  Fanny,7  b. ;  m.  Feb.  3,  1822,  Peter  L.  Hurlburt,  of 

Groton.  They  lived  at  Gale's  Ferry,  Groton, 
which,  in  the  division  of  that  town,  in  1836,  was 
included  in  Ledyard.  They  both  died  there. 
She  died  in  1866,  having  survived  her  husband 
several  years.     They  had  several  children. 

282. 

PHILIP  BILL"  (Benjamin,5  Benjamin,4  Philip,3  Philip,1 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  was  born  in  Groton,  in 
1767,  and  was  married  to  Hannah  Abell  ;  she  was  born 
April  15,  1773,  daughter  of  Simeon  and  Lydia  (Gifford)  Bill, 
of  Bozrah,  Ct. 

He  lived  for  a  while  in  Bozrah,  afterwards  in  Franklin,  an 
adjoining  town.  His  occupation  is  supposed  to  have  been 
that  of  a  husbandman. 

He  died  March  11,  1813,  aged  46,  and  was  buried  in  Boz- 
rah. His  inventory,  dated  April  1,  1813,  amounted  to 
$3,048.30,  including  68  acres  of  land.  It  is  from  this  inven- 
tory that  we  learn  he  was  a  resident  of  Franklin.  (Norwich 
Probate  Records.) 

His  widow  survived  him  46  years,  and  died  April  15, 1859, 
aged  86.     They  had  children  : 

466  Benjamin,7  b. ,  1798.     Never    married.      He  was  a 

merchant  in  Franklin  many  years,  and  acquired  a 
handsome  property.  He  died  March  17,  1855, 
aged  57. 

467  Martha  Abell,7  b. 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  175 

468  Mary  Ann,'  b. ;  d.  young, 

469  t  Elijah  Abell,7  b.  Aug.  18,  1804;    m.  Angeline  Margaret 

Hazard. 

470  Mary  Ann,7  b. ;  ra.  May  8, 1834,  her  cousin,  Heze- 

kiah  Abell.     They  settled  in  Colchester,  and  had 
one  daughter : 

Hannah  Bill8  (Abell),  unmarried. 

292. 

DAVID  BILL6  (Samuel,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,5 
John '),  son  of  Samuel  and  Martha  (Wheeler)  Bill,  of  New- 
London  ;  was  born  October  2,  1751 ;  married  Temperance 
Harris,  in  1776. 

This  David  Bill  removed  to  Boston,  where  he  was  living 
in  1776,  June  25.  He  removed  from  there,  as  is  supposed, 
but  to  what  place  is  unknown,  except  it  be  New  London, 
where,  it  is  believed,  he  had  children : 

471  Mary,7  b.  about  1777. 

472  f  David,7  b.  about  1779;  m.  Mary  P.  Gallagher. 

293. 

DANIEL  BILL6  (Samuel,5  Samuel,"  Samuel,3  Philip,1 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  born  in  New  London, 
December  1,  1755  ;  m.  Joanna . 

He  lived  in  Groton.  He  must  have  died  prior  to  1823,  as 
at  that  time  his  estate  was  distributed  to  his  heirs.  His  chil- 
dren were: 

473  Patty,7  b. ;  m.  Orlando  Hedden. 

474  Jemima.7 

475  Mary,7 ;  m. Edgecomb.     Had  a  daughter : 

Mary   Adelia8    (Edgecomb).      (Groton   Probate 
Records.) 

298. 

LYDIA  BILL6  (Ephraim,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,5 
John  '),  daughter  of  Capt.  Ephraim  and  Lydia  (Huntington) 


176  TnE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Bill,  of  Norwich.  She  was  born  July  7,  1753 ;  married 
Joseph  Howland,  of  Norwich,  May  26,  1772.  He  was  born 
October  11,  1750. 

Joseph  Howland  was  for  forty  years  one  of  the  most  enter- 
prising merchants  of  Norwich,  and  his  name  is  identified  with 
many  of  the  early  enterprises  of  that  town.  He  finally 
removed  to  New  York  with  his  family,  where  his  descendants 
have  become  eminent  in  the  commercial  circles  of  that  me- 
tropolis. The  names  of  "  Howland  and  Aspinwall  "  are  widely 
known  in  both  hemispheres  among  business  men. 

He  died  at  New  York,  March  11,  1836.  She  died  there, 
May  1,  1838. 

The  children  of  Joseph  and  Lydia  (Bill)  Howland  were  : 

476  Lydia7  (Howland),  b.  Oct,  3,  1773  ;  m.  Levi  Coit,  of  Nor- 

wich, Feb.  5,  1794.  He  was  for  many  years  a 
merchant  of  New  York.  He  died  Jan.  5,  1851. 
She  died  Jan.  7,  1852. 

477  Abigail7   (Howland),  b.  Aug.   17,1776;   m.  George   M. 

Woolsey,  Sept.  26,  1797.  She  died  March  4, 
1833.  He  resided  in  England  the  latter  part  of 
his  life,  and  was  interested  in  mercantile  affairs. 

478  Susan7  (Howland),  b.  May  20,  1779;  m.  John  Aspinwall. 

He  died  Oct.  6,  1847.  She  died  Dec.  23,  1832. 
They  were  the  parents  of  William  H.  Aspinwall,the 
present  distinguished  and  benevolent  merchant  of 
New  York.  A  brief  outline  of  the  career  of  this 
eminent  descendant  of  Lydia  (Bill)  Howland  will 
surely  be  welcome.  He  was,  at  an  early  age, 
placed  in  the  counting-room  of  his  uncles,  G.  G. 
and  S.  S.  Howland,  who  were  extensively  engaged 
in  a  foreign  commission  business.  His  opportu- 
nity to  become  a  thorough  merchant  was  improved, 
and,  in  the  retirement  of  his  uncles,  a  new  firm 
was  formed,  consisting  of  William  Edgar  Howland 
and  William  II.  Aspinwall,  under  the  firm-name  of 
Howland  &  Aspinwall.  They  soon  became 
a  leading,  prominent    house,   and    were    largely 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  177 

engaged  in  the  Pacific  coast  trade ;  and  on  the 
opening  of  the  California  markets,  and  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  gold  excitement,  they  were 
among  the  first  to  enter  this  new  field,  and  during 
the  years  that  followed,  fortunes  were  rolled 
in  upon  them.  In  1848,  Wm.  H.  Aspinwall 
retired  from  business,  giving  place  to  his  son 
and  cousin,  who  still  continue  the  firm-name  and 
business.  His  efforts  and  time,  after  withdrawal 
from  the  firm,  were  given  to  the  Panama  Railroad 
and  Pacific  Mail  Steamship  Companies,  which 
companies  were  largely  indebted  to  his  perseve- 
rance, character,  and  firmness,  in  carrying  them 
forward  to  a  successful  completion.  The  name 
of  Aspinwall  was  given  to  the  terminus  of  this 
railroad,  on  the  Isthmus,  in  his  honor. 

At  his  New  York  residence  he  has  a  large  and 
extensive  gallery  of  paintings,  to  which,  with 
his  usual  liberality,  the  public  often  have  free 
access. 

479  Joseph7  (Howland),  b.  Dec.  23, 17S0  ;  never  married ;  died 

Sept.  5,  1827. 

480  Elizabeth  Burt7  (Howland),  b.  Aug.  IV,  1782  ;  m.  George 

Brinkerhoff,  Oct.  25,  1804.  He  was  an  eminent 
lawyer  at  the  New  York  bar.  He  d.  April  2, 
1848.     She  d.  March  4,  1857. 

48 1  Harriet7  (Howland),  b.  Sept.  4, 1784  ;  m.  James  Roosevelt, 

Jan.  29,  1821.  He  died  Feb.  6,  1847.  She  died 
April  18,  1856. 

482  William  Bill7  (Howland),  b.  July  28,  1786;    d.  Aug.  21, 

1786. 

483  Gardiner  Greene7  (Howland),  b.  Sept.  4,1787  ;  m.  (1) Louisa 

Edgar,  Dec.  14,  1812.  She  died  Aug.  26,  1826. 
(2)  Louisa  Meredith,  July  7, 1829.  He  died  Nov. 
11,  1851. 

484  Nathaniel7  (Howland),  b.  June  6,  1789;  d.  June  9,  1789. 

485  Samuel   Shaw7   (Howland),  b.  Aug.  15,  1790;  m.  Joanna 

Hoj&e,  Dec.  16,  1818.  He  died  Feb.  9,  1853. 
She  died  Sept.  29,  1848. 


1  78  THE  BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

486  Mary  Ann*  (Howland),  b.   March   13,1792;  m.   Ezra  C. 

Wooclhull,  May  12,  1817.  He  died  March  17, 
18—.  She  died  March  16,  1806.  Mr.  Woodhull 
was  a  lawyer  of  considerable  repute,  and  was,  at 
the  time  of  the  Astor  Place  riot,  Mayor  of  New 
York. 

487  Edward7  (Ifowland),  b.  Oct,  20,  1794;  died  Dec.  8,  1794. 

488  Frances7   (Hovvland),  b.  Oct.  2,  1790;  died  Oct.  11,  1796. 

300. 

Capt.  GURDON  BILL*6  (Ephraim,6  Samuel,4  Samuel,' 
Philip,2  John'),  son  of  Capt.  Ephraim  and  Lydia  (Huntington) 
Bill,  was  born  in  Norwich,  Aug.  26,  1757;  and  married 
Betsey  Backus  Tkacy,  Dec.  24,  1797.  She  was  born  March 
20,  1781,  and  died  July  31,  1847. 

His  early  days  were  spent  at  Norwich,  in  procuring  the 
elements  of  an  education  such  as  those  times  afforded,  but 
as  he  grew  up  a  spirit  of  adventure  and  the  prospect  of  gain 
held  out  by  a  seafaring  life  tempted  him  to  select  that  as  his 
future  occupation.  Among  the  many  voyages,  we  find  re- 
corded the  following.  In  November,  1784,  he  commanded  the 
"strong  built  double  brierantine  Little  Joe" — owned  bv 
Howland  and  Coit,  and  named  after  Mr.  Howland's  son.  In 
her  he  made  a  voyage  to  London.  In  1785  he  made  two 
voyages  to  different  ports  in  Europe  in  the  ship  "  Centurion." 
In  December,  1798,  he  sailed  for  the  West  Indies  in  the 
schooner  "  Hannah."  She  was  seized  by  the  French,  carried 
into  Guadaloupe,  and  there  confiscated.  He  was  an  enterpri- 
sing and  successful  shipmaster,  and  contributed  much  to  the 
revival  of  commerce,  after  the  prostration  caused  by  the  Rev- 
olution, at  the  ports  of  Norwich  and  New  London.  He  was 
an  officer,  a  lieutenant  of  marines,  in  1798,  in  the  U.  S.  Navy, 

*  We  give  here  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  179 

and  the  particular  favorite  of  Commodore  Truxton.  Capt.  Bill 
gave  the  name  of  this  gallant  officer  to  his  eldest  son. 

In  1801,  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  his  wife,  he  abandoned 
his  dangerous  life  on  the  sea. 

His  residence  was  in  a  house  standing  on  the  "  Point ;" 
has  since  been  taken  down  to  give  place  to  railroad  uses. 

An  incident  of  his  life  is  related  by  his  family,  that  whilst 
at  sea,  during  the  troublesome  times  about  1798,  he  was  taken 
prisoner  by  the  French.  On  entering  his  place  of  confinement, 
the  first  person  he  met  was  Jesse  Breed,  his  townsman  and 
near  neighbor  in  Norwich.  They  managed  to  escape,  and 
met  again  under  very  peculiar  circumstances ; — going  to 
Paris,  they  were  relieved  and  sent  home  by  the  American 
Minister. 

He  took  an  active  and  leading  part  in  all  matters  tending 
to  the  education  of  the  young. 

The  Chelsea  Grammar  School,  organized  in  1806,  and 
incorporated  in  1821,  situate  in  Norwich,  was  chiefly  indebted 
to  his  exertions  that  it  had  an  existence.  The  original  pro- 
prietors of  this  school,  who  purchased  the  land  and  built  the 
house,  were:  Gurdon  Bill,  Jabez  Huntington,  Dwight  Ripley, 
Charles  Rockwell,  James  Lanman,  and  ten  others.  He  was 
a  member  of  the  Society  of  Cincinnati,  of  which  Gen.  Wash- 
ington was  President  and  Gen.  Knox  Secretary.*  He  was 
also  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

His  course  of  life  was  exemplary,  and  he  left  a  good  name 
as  an  inheritance  to  his  children.  He  lived  at  a  time  when 
men  worked  hard,  and  were  satisfied  with  gaining  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  and  did  not  waste  their  gains  on  luxuries.  He 
was  a  devoted  husband  and  father,  and  his  loss  was  much  felt 
by  all. 

He  died  at  Norwich,  March  6,  1815.  After  his  death  his 
widow  married  Jonathan  Little. 

The  children  of  Gurdon  and  Betsey  Bill  were : 

*  Dr.  Joseph  Howland  Bill,  of  Philadelphia,  of  the  U.  S.  Regular 
Army,  has  the  original  certificate  of  his  membership  in  his  possession. 


180  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

439     William  Truxton,7  b.  March  10,   1799;    d.   at  sea,  Nov., 
1825. 

490  George  Washington,7  b.  Dec.   9,   1801;  d.  at  sea,  Nov., 

1825. 

491  t  Henry,7  b.  June  10,  1804;  m.  Letitia  H.  Smith. 

492  t  Lydia  Huntington,7  b.  March  18,  1806  ;  m.  Rev.   Samuel 

Seabury. 

493  t  Mary  Elizabeth,7  b.  Jan.  18,  1808 ;  m.  William  A.  Jones. 

494  t  Joseph  Howland,7  b.  March  18,  1810;  m.  Caroline  Day. 

495  Abby  Woolsey,7  b.  March  27,  1812;  d.  April  9,  1812. 

496  Leonard  Tracy,7  b.   Sept.  4,  1814;  d.    at  San  Francisco, 

Nov.  17,  1856. 

303. 

Capt.  ZACHAEIAH  HUNTINGTON  BILL6  (Ephraim/ 

Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing; 
born  June  10,  1763,  and  was  never  married. 

"  In  August,  1785,  the  sloop  Lydia,  Zachariah  Bill,  master, 
was  wrecked  in  a  gale  near  St.  Martin's;  vessel  and  cargo  lost, 
and  one  man  drowned.  Aug.  22,  1788,  the  brig  Narcissa 
arrived  at  Norwich  from  the  coast  of  Africa,  Zachariah  Bill 
late  master.  Four  days  from  the  African  coast,  Capt.  Bill 
died."     (Miss  Caulkins'  Hist,  of  Norwich,  1866,  p.  493.) 

He  died  at  sea,  June  8,  1788,  aged  25. 

305. 

ELIZABETH  BILL6  (Ephraim,6  Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,' 
John1),  a  daughter  of  Capt.  Ephraim  and  Lydia  (Huntington) 
Bill,  of  Norwich,  was  born  May  14, 1767,  and  married  Daniel 
Lathrop  Coit,  of  Norwich,  Nov.  23,  1786.  He  was  born 
Sept.  20,  1754,  at  New  London. 

In  earlv  life  Daniel  L.  Coit  went  to  Norwich  to  reside, 
and  was  placed  in  a  drug-store  with  his  uncle. 

After  a  few  years  he  was  admitted  a  partner,  under  the 
firm  name  of  "Lathrop  &  Coit."  He  continued  to  do  busi- 
ness for  many  years  there.  After  his  retirement  from  business 
he  devoted  himself  to  the  education  of  his  children,  to  the 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  181 

employments  of  agriculture,  and  the  pursuits  of  science,  for 
which  he  had  a  natural  taste.  He  was  a  man  of  large  infor- 
mation and  distinguished  intelligence.  He  was  indeed  one  of 
the  sterling  men  of  his  time. 

His  residence  in  the  upper  part  of  Norwich  was  adorned 
by  two  beautiful  elms  in  its  front,  planted  by  Capt.  Erastus 
Perkins,  in  1754,  and  long  reckoned  among  the  old  land-marks 
of  the  town.    These  venerable  elms  are  now  standing,  in  1867. 

He  died  at  Norwich,  Nov.  27,  1833.  His  widow,  Eliza- 
beth, died  there,  March  7,  1846. 

The  daughters  of  this  family  were  uncommonly  fortunate 
in  their  marriage  connections. 

Their  children  were: 

497  Daniel  Wadsworth7  (Coit),  b.  Nov.  29,  1787  ;  m.  Hannah 

F.  Coit. 

498  Lydia7  (Coit),  b.  Aug.  25,  ]789;  m.  in  1811,  James  L. 

Kingsley,  Professor  in  Yale  College.      She  died 
1861. 

499  Henry  H.7  (Coit),  b.  June  17,  1791  ;  m.  Mary  Breed,  of 

Norwich,  in  1819. 

500  Maria7  (Coit),  b.  June  13, 1793  ;  m.  in  1823,  Pelatiah  Perrit, 

long  an  eminent  merchant  in  New  York,  and  for 
many  years  was  the  President  of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce  of  that  city.  .  He  was  a  very  distin- 
guished man,  and  was  well  known  for  his  large 
benevolence  and  great  kindness  of  heart.  During 
one  of  the  visitations  of  cholera  in  New  York,  he 
voluntarily  placed  himself  on  the  committee  to 
visit  the  sick,  and  care  for  their  wants  and  relieve 
their  necessities.  He  died  in  New  Haven,  Ct.,  in 
1865. 

501  Eliza7  (Coit),  b.  Aug.  23,  1796  ;  m.  in  1820,  William  Coit 

Gilman,  of  Norwich,  well  known  for  his  many 
virtues  and  eminent  Christian  character.  He  has 
a  grandson,  Daniel  Coit  Gilman,  a  Professor  in 
Yale  College,  and  well  known  in  the  world  of 
letters. 

502  Joshua7  (Coit),  b.  Aug.  25,  1800;  never  married. 


1S2  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 


306. 


HANNAH  BILL*8  (Ephraim,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,' 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing  ;  was  born  Sept.  21,  1769,  and 
married  Sept.  21,  1791,  to  Thomas  Lathrop,  of  Norwich. 

He  was  an  old  resident  of  Norwich.  His  agreeable  man- 
ners and  social  qualities  emphatically  pointed  him  out  as  one 
of  the  "  gentlemen  of  ye  olden  time."  He  resided  in  one  of 
the  finest  situations  in  the  town,  was  blessed  with  affluence, 
and  did  much  to  relieve  the  destitute.      He  spent  a  quiet  and 

peaceful  life,  and    died .     She    died  a  widow,  at 

Norwich,  Jan.  27,  1862,  aged  92  years,  having  survived  her 
husband  many  years. 

The  children  of  Thomas  and  Hannah  (Bill)  Lathrop 
were  : 

503  Lydia  Austin' (Lathrop),  b.  Sept.  21,1792  ;  m.May7,1816, 

Aaron  Porter  Cleveland,  of  the  firm  of  Salisbury 
&  Cleveland,  importers  of  Boston.  He  is  believed 
to  have  been  a  native  of  Ct.  They  had  one  son, 
Tliomas  Lathrop8  (Cleveland) ;  he  is  m.  and  resides 
at  Batavia,  111. 

504  Mary7  (Lathrop),  b.  Oct.  14,  1795;  d.  at  Bethlehem,  Pa., 

July  31,  1809,  while  attending  school. 

505  Emily7  (Lathrop),  b.  July  30,  1798;  m.  George  Lathrop 

Perkins,  June  1,  1819.     They  had  children  : 
Mary    Lathrop8   (Perkins),  b.  Aug.  30,  1820,  d. 

March  14,  1842. 
George    Perit8    (Perkins),   b.    Oct.  14,  1S22;  d. 

Aug.  10,  1849. 
Thomas  Hezekiah8  (Perkins),  b.   Aug.    14,   1834; 

m.  Elizabeth  S.  Lusk,  July  14,  1802. 
Emily  Newton'  (Perkins),  b.  Oct.  11,  1836. 

*  We    attach  an  exact  copy  of  the  autograph  of  Mrs.  Hannah  (Bill) 
Lathrop. 


A*ie*4l^lZ^fe,4^ 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  183 

506  William7  (Lathrop),  b.  June  1,  1801;    m.  Jerusha  Gil- 

christ. He  died  Sept.  13,  1825  ;  leaving  three 
children. 

507  Hannah  Gardner7  (Lathrop),  b.  March  9,  1806;  m.  Oct. 

19,  1825,  to  George  B.  Ripley.  He  was  a  promi- 
nent citizen  of  Norwich,  where  he  died  in  185 — . 
They  had  children : 

William  Lathrop8  (Ripley),  b.  April  30, 1827. 
Dwight8  (Ripley),  b.  June  8,  1829. 
Hannah  Lathrop8  (Ripley),  b.  Nov.  14,  1830. 
Harriet8  (Ripley),  b.  Sept.  6,  1832. 
James  Dickinson8  (Ripley),  b.  Nov.  14,  1837. 
George  Coit8  (Ripley),  b.  Aug.  24,  1839. 
Emily  Lathrop8  (Ripley),  b.  June  15,  1841. 

307. 

Capt.  SILVESTER  BILL8  (Ephraim,*  Samuel,4  Samuel,' 
Philip,"  John1),  the  youngest  son  and  child  of  Capt.  Epliraim 
and  Lydia  (Huntington)  Bill  ;  was  born  at  Norwich  Landing 
[Norwich],  Aug.  1,  1771,  and  married  for  his  first  wife,  Mary 
Kino,  Oct.  29,  1797.  She  was  born  Dec.  27,  1776 ;  daughter 
of  Capt.  Thomas  and  Susanna  King,  of  Norwich. 

At  an  early  age,  he  was  for  a  short  time  a  clerk  with  Mr. 
Thomas  Fanning,  in  a  store  somewhere  between  the  town 
and  the  "  landing."  His  employer  induced  him  to  remove 
to  Charleston,  S.  C,  and  from  there  he  went  to  the  interior  of 
the  State  and  took  charge  of  a  plantation. 

After  remaining  there  a  while,  he  found  that  the  business 
and  the  people  with  whom  he  had  to  associate  were  neither 
suited  to  his  tastes  or  habits,  and  he  returned  to  his  native 
place.  At  that  period  a  large  trade  was  carried  on  by  the 
merchants  of  Norwich  and  New  London  with  the  West  India 
Islands  ;  and,  following  the  example  of  his  father  and  brothers, 
he  commenced  a  seafaring  life.  As  soon  as  he  became 
capable  he  was  placed  in  command  of  different  vessels,  at 
different  times.  As  mate  of  a  ship  he  was  in  France  during 
the  great   excitement  of  the   French  Revolution,    when   the 


184  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

news  arrived  from  Paris  of  the  death  of  Robespierre ;  and  again, 
as  captain  of  the  armed  ship  "Hope,"  it  was  his  fortune  to 
be  at  Jeremie,  St.  Domingo,  when  the  blacks  revolted,  and 
massacred  a  large  portion  of  the  white  inhabitants  on  the 
island.  He  was  instrumental  in  saving  many  persons  and 
their  effects.  In  1804  he  removed  to  Troy,  IN".  Y.,  where  he 
resided  several  years.  On  the  23d  January,  1809,  his  wife, 
Mary,  died,  and  in  the  succeeding  winter  the  hotel  in  which 
he  was  interested  was  burnt :  this  changed  his  plans  of  life, 
and  induced  him  to  again  seek  his  fortune  on  the  ocean.  At 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1812  he  was  at  Bahias,  in 
Portugal,  anxious  to  return  home.  The  sloop-of-war  "Hornet" 
came  off  that  port,  and  being  in  want  of  a  sailing-master,  the 
situation  was  offered  him  and  accepted.  His  knowledge  of 
the  coast  was  important,  and  a  prize  was  made  shortly  after. 
He  was  detailed  to  take  command  of  her,  and  endeavor  to 
take  her  safely  home.  In  this  he  was  successful,  and  soon  after 
joined  his  ship,  while  on  her  return  voyage.  The  "  Hornet  " 
attempted,  after  her  arrival,  to  go  to  sea  with  the  frigate 
"  Macedonian  "  and  other  vessels,  through  Long  Island  Sound, 
but,  meeting  a  superior  British  fleet,  were  driven  into  New 
London  harbor,  and  up  the  river  Thames  to  Allyn's  Point, 
where,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  on  a  commanding  hill,  a 
defensive  batter v  was  erected.* 

After  the  war  was  over  he  settled  in  New  York,  and  was 
married  to  the  widow  Mary  Ferris. 

In  1814  he  went  south,  and  located  at  Blakely,  Ala.,  and 
at  Pensacola  and  Mobile.  About  1S30  he  returned  to  New 
York.  His  second  wife  died  on  the  16th  March,  1839,  and  he 
soon  after  removed  to  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  There  he  spent 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  Old  age  with  its  attendant  evils 
came  quietly  upon  him,  and  his  system  gradually  gave  way, 
till  he  died  on  the  16th  Jan.,  1862,  in  the  full  possession  of  his 
mental  faculties,  and  in  the  91st  year  of  his  age.  His  remains 
rest  in  Greenwood  Cemetery. 

*  Miss  Caulkius'  History  Norwich,  pp.  482,  499. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  185 

His  life  was  one  of  persevering  industry  and  integrity,  and 
although  not  marked  by  any  great  event,  yet  was  he  blessed 
with  the  assurance  of  having  at  all  times  acted  from  a  sense 
of  duty,  ever  keeping  in  mind  the  golden  rule,  of  doing  unto 
others  as  he  would  have  them  do  to  him.* 

His  first  wife,  and  the  mother  of  his  children,  Mary  (King) 
Bill,  was  a  lady  of  pleasing  address  and  affable  manners — an 
exemplary  and  warm-hearted  friend,  a  devoted  daughter 
and  mother,  and  a  loving,  affectionate  wife.  In  the  prime  of 
life  and  in  the  midst  of  her  usefulness  she  was  suddenly  taken 
from  her  young  family,  to  their  irreparable  loss.  The  follow- 
ing are  extracts  from  a  touching  obituary  notice  which  ap- 
peared in  one  of  the  Troy  papers,  shortly  after  her  death  : — 

"  Few  instances  of  mortality  excite  more  sympathetic  sorrow 
than  the  late  sudden  death  of  Mrs.  Bill.  Her  character  was 
such  as  friendship  delights  to  contemplate — 'it  is  like  the 
recollections  of  the  days  that  are  past,  sweet,  yet  mournful  to 
the  soul ' — and  the  loss  society  sustains  in  her  death  will 
long  be  remembered. 

"To  her  personal  attractions  and  native  elegance  of  man- 
ners were  united  a  mind  cultivated  by  education,  and  an 
unaffected  sensibility  and  benevolence  of  heart  which  embel- 
lished rather  than  fascinated  society,  and  gave  her  the  true 
friendship  of  a  numerous  acquaintance.  Her  attention  was 
ever  called  to  the  complaints  and  necessities  of  the  wretched. 
Few  have  ever  lived  who  held  higher  claims  to  their  blessing. 

"  Blessed  spirit,  thou  art  at  rest. — '  No  angel  arm  could 
save  thee  from  the  grave ;  legions  of  angels  can't  confine  thee 
there.'  No  more  shall  we  hear  thy  voice,  no  more  awake  at 
thy  call.     Farewell !    future  time  shall  hear  of  thee." 

The  children  of  Silvester  and  Mary  (King)  Bill,  born  at 
Norwich,  were : 

*  We  attach  herewith  an  exact  copy  of  his  autograph,  at  middle  life. 


13 


186  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

508  Thomas  King,7  b.  July  18,  1799  ;  d.  Nov.  30,  1799. 

509  Thomas  King,7  b.  Oct.  29,  1800;  d.  Aug.  2,  1801. 

510  t  Edward,7  b.  Nov.  5,  1801  ;  m.  Margaret  Everingham. 

511  f  Alfred,7  b.  Dec.  25, 1803;  m.  (1)  Camilla  Livingstone.  (2) 

Gertrude  L.  Farmer. 

512  Harriet,7  b.  Oct.  6,  1805  ;  d.  Sept.  24,  180G. 

513  Harriet,7  b.  March  22,  1807  ;  d.  Oct.  13,  1808. 

335. 

Capt.  ROSWELL  BILL8  (Jonathan,6  James,4  Samuel,8 
Philip,2  John1),  the  son  of  Jonathan  and  Esther  (Owen)  Bill  ; 
born  in  Salisbury,  Ct,,  Dec.  29,  1  753  ;  was  married  Nov.  20, 
1777,  to  Rebecca  Burgess,  born  Aug.  11,  1758,  daughter  of 
William  and  Eunice  (Putnam)  Burgess,  of  Windham,  Ct. 

He  removed  to  Hampton,  Ct.,  in  early  life,  in  that  part 
now  included  in  Chaplin.  He  enlisted  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  was  honorably  discharged,  and  was  afterwards 
commissioned  a  Captain  in  the  State  Militia  of  Ct. 

His  family  were,  with  two  exceptions,  all  baptized,  Sept. 
25,  1799. 

He  spent  his  life  at  the  above  place,  where  he  died,  Oct. 
13, 1830,  aged  77.  His  w7idow,  Rebecca,  died  in  Braintree, 
Yt.,  Jan.  17,  1834. 

■ 

Their  children  were  : 

514  Eunice,7  b.  Jan.   17,  1779;  m.  Rev.  Ammi  Nichols,  Oct. 

15,1 807.  They  removed  to  Braintree,  Yt.,  where 
she  died  in  1860.     He  is  still  living,  1866  ;  and  is 

perhaps  the  oldest,  or  one  of  the  oldest  clergymen 

in  New  England. 

515  f  Elisha,'  b.  Jan.  31,  1782  ;  m.  Betsey  Trowbridge. 

516  Hannah,7  b.  July  26,  1784;  m.  Perley  Wilson,  Oct,  23, 

1806.  They  removed  to  Williamstown,  Yt, 
■where  she  died,  Oct.  21,  1826.  They  had  four 
children. 

517  Amanda,7  b.  Jan.  21,  1788;   m.  Samuel  Belcher,  Jan.  12, 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  187 

1812.  She  d.  in  Brookfield,  Vt.,  April  24,  1822. 
Left  three  children. 

518  Esther,7  b.  March   24,  1791;  m.  (1)   Ezra  Clark.     They 

lived  in  Chaplin.  They  had  five  children,  one 
of  whom  was  Rev.  Allen  Clark,  who  died  in 
Windham,  Ct.,  about  1850.  The  youngest  son, 
Dr.  Rufus  B.  Clark,  is  a  physician  of  note  in 
Racine,  Wis.  She  m.  (2)  Samuel  Freeman  ;  they 
had  one  child.     She  d.  in  Vt.,  Jan.  7,  1842. 

519  f  Rufus,7  b.  Feb.  26,  1794  ;  m.  Betsey  Fisk. 

520  t  Roswelh7  b.  May  25,  1797 ;  m.  Olive  Ross. 

308. 

.  CALVIN  BILL6  (Elisha,5  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John'), 
the  eldest  son  of  Elisha  and  Lydia  Woodward  Bill,  of  Lebanon, 
was  born  there,  May  19,  1745  (N.  S.),  and  married,  in  1769, 
Lois  Gibbs,  who  was  born  on  Cape  Cod,  April  22,  1748. 

They  removed  to  Wilmington,  Vt.,  about  1771,  settling 
•there  on  a  farm,  where  they  resided  to  the  time  of  their  death. 
He  died  Oct.  10,  1817.     She  died  Nov.  8,  1830. 
They  had  one  child  born  at  Lebanon  : 

521  t  Aaron,7  b.  Nov.  16,  1770;  m.  Silence  Davis. 
Children  born  at  Wilmington  : 

522  t  Hiram,7  b.  June  12,  1773  ;  m.  Virtue  Ball. 

523  t  Isaac,'  b.  March  19,  1776  ;  m.  Lucy  Dix. 

524  t  Artemus,7  b.  Aug.  31,  1778;  m.  Mary  Crocker. 
525tLois>7b-  ^Pt-     17>  1781 ;    m.  (1)   Apolios  Lincoln.    (2) 

Joseph  Snow. 

526  Mercy,7  b.  Aug.  6,  1784  ;  m.  John  Envin.     They  lived  in 

Pittsfield,  Mass.,  where  she  died,  Dec.  17,  1825. 
They  had  7  children. 

527  Phebe,7  b.  Oct.  24, 1788  ;  d.  March  17,  1810,  unmarried. 

310. 

ELISHA  BILL 6  (Elisha,6  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1), 
son  of  Elisha  and  Lydia  (Woodward)  Bill,  of  Lebanon,  was 


18S  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

born  there,  April  IS,  1749  (K  S.),  and  married  Christiana 
Baxter,  born  June  1,  1752. 

This  family  lived,  up  to  1801,  in  Hebron  ;  after  this  they 
removed  to  Hartwick,  Otsego  County,  1ST.  Y.,  -where  he  died, 
Dec.  4,  1S44,  aged  95.*  His  wife,  Christiana,  died  June  18, 
1841,  aged  89. 

Their  children  were  : 

528  t  Alanson,7  b.  April  13,  1774  ;  m.  Electa  Hill. 

529  Reuben,7  b.  Oct.  1,  1775  ;  d.  in  infancy. 

530  Persis,7  b.  Aug.  18,  1777  ;  m.  (1)  Solomon  Curtis.   (2)  Isaac 

Edson.     She  d.  Dec.  22,  1822.     They  had  : 
Van  Rensaleers  (Curtis), 
Solomon8  (Curtis), 
Isaac8  (Curtis). 

The  children  by  Edson  were : 

Alonzo8  (Edson).     Also,  two    twin    sons,  names 
unknown. 

531  Elisha,7b.  March  30,  1780. 

532  Zelotes,7  b.  Oct.  5,  1782. 

533  Polly,'  b.  April  13,  1786  ;  d.  Nov.  25,  1859. 

534  Harvey,7  b.  May  16, 1789  ;  m.  Lucy  French.     He  d.  April 

25,  1856.     They  had  : 
Zelotes,8  b. 

George  Washington,8  b. 
Harvey,8  b. 
Douglas,8  b 
Matilda,8  b. 

535  Electa,7  b.  May  14,   1792  ;  m.  Moses  Luther,  and  lived  in 

Otsego   County,    N.  Y.     She   d.    Jan.    15,  1865. 

They  had : 

Martha8  (Luther),  deceased. 

*  This  Elisha  Bill  and  his  brother  Azariah  Bill  added  the  letter  s  to 
their  names,  and  this  has  been  continued  by  their  descendants,  for  the 
most  part.  Their  brother,  Calvin  Bill,  continued  the  original  name  in 
his  family,  and  so  instructed  his  children,  considering  the  use  of  the  «  as 
unwarrantable. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  189 

Polly  Juliet3  (Luther),  deceased. 

Thirza  Deidamia8  (Luther,)  deceased. 

Rachel  Ann8  (Luther),  deceased. 

Harriet  Eliza8  (Luther),  hl  and  lives  in  Milford, 

N.  Y. 
Cynthia    Amanda8     (Luther),   m.    and    lives   in 

Oneonta,  N.  Y. 

311. 

AZARIAH  BILL6  (Elisha,5  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding,  was  born  in  Lebanon, 
April  27,  1751,  and  married  on  Feb.  16,  1775,  to  Elizabeth 
Daggett.     She  was  born  in  1750. 

His  life  was  chiefly  spent  in  Lebanon,  his  native  town, 
though  for  a  number  of  years  he  lived  in  Hebron,  but  finally 
removed  to  Columbia,  north  of  Lebanon.  He  was  a  man 
much  respected,  and  for  several  years  filled  the  offices  of 
grand  juror,  collector,  &c.  He  died  Jan.  31,  1829,  aged  78. 
His  widow  died  Dec.  3, 1844,  aged  94.  Her  mother  is  said 
to  have  lived  to  be  one  hundred  years  old  and  over. 

The  children  of  this  family  were  : 

536  Cynthia,7  b.  May  22,  1776  ;  d.  Aug.  1,  1780. 

537  Betsey,7  b.  March  8,  1779. 

538  Aaron,7  b.  March  22,  1781  ;   m.  Sally  S .     They  had  : 

Sally,8  Lydia,8  and  Caroline.8 

539  Cynthia,7  b.  May  1,  1783  ;  m.  Dudley  Williams. 

540  t  Eleazer,7  b.  Sept.  14,  1785;  m.  Nancy  Richardson. 

541  Lydia,7  b.  May  11,  1788  ;  m.  William  Hazard. 

542  Horace,7  b.  May  10,  1791 ;  d.  April  23,  1793. 

312. 

REUBEN  BILL6  (Elisha,6  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding,  was  born  in  Lebanon,  June 
21,1753  ;  married  for  his  first  wife  Amy  Fuller.  His  second 
wife's  name  is  unknown  to  us. 

His  children  by  first  wife  were  : 


190  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

543  Delilah,7  b. 

544  Cynthia,'  b. 

545  Aaron,1  b. 

546  Amy,7b. 

547  Lydia,1  b. 

Children  by  the  second  wife : 

548  "Reuben,7  b. 

549  Lucinda,7  b. 

320. 

JOHN  BILL6 (Solomon,5 Philip,4  Samuel,' Philip,2  John'). 
a  son  of  Solomon  and  Sarah  Bill,  of  Middletown,  was  born 
there,  March  28,  1769 ;  was  married  to  his  first  wife,  Fanny 
Rogers,  in  June,  1794.  She  was  born  in  1778,  and  died  Aug. 
24, 1822.   His  second  wife,  Anna  Stakr,  he  married  Oct.  1828. 

He  resided  at  the  place  of  his  birth  till  late  in  life,  when 
he  removed  to  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  1844,  aged  75. 

His  children,  by  first  wife,  were  : 

550  Hannah,7  b.  March  9, 1795  ;  m.  Stebbins  Johnson,  in  1813. 

They  moved  to  Ohio  and  finally  to  Mo.,  where  they 
died.  They  had  William  B.8  (Johnson),  a  phy- 
sician ;  Sarah  Wells3  (Johnson),  and  three  others. 

551  f  John,7  b.  Nov.  15,  1796;  m.  Clarissa  Gilman. 

552  Fanny,7  b.  Oct.  3,  1798  ;  d.  in  infancy. 

553  Maria,7  b. ,  1800 ;  burned  to  death  in  1811. 

554  f  Fanny,7  b.  June  4,  1802;  m,  Ezra  L.  H.  Chamberlain. 

555  t  Asa  Gilbert,7  1>.  June  — ,  1804  ;    m.    (1)    Julia  A.  Bailey. 

(2)  Ada  Crowell. 

556  f  Martha,7  b.  Dec.  22,  1806;  m.  Jacob  R.  Chamberlain. 

557  t  Joseph   Rodgers,7  b.  Aug.  17,   1808;   m.  (1)  Sophia   L. 

Austin.     (2)  Mary  Taylor. 

558  Almira,7  b.  Feb.  — ,  1811 ;  d.  iu  childhood. 

559  f  Henry  W.,7  b. ,  1813  ;  m.  Harriet  Eliza  Butler. 

560  Maria,7  b. ,  1815  ;  d.  in  infancy. 

561  t  Frederic,7  b.  Oct.  — ,  1810;  m.  Charlotte  Baden. 

562  f  Mary  Ann,7  b.  Feb.  6,  1819 ;  m.  Ezra  L.  H.  Chamberlain. 

563  Sarah  Jane,7  b.  Feb.  — ,  1821 ;  d.  in  infancy. 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  191 

Children  by  second  wife  : 

564  Alinira,7  b. ,  1829  ;  d.  in  infancy. 

565  Almira,7  b. ,  1833  ;  d.  in  childhood. 

337. 

SAKAH  BILL* 6  (Samuel,6  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,8  Philip,2 
John1),  the  eldest  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Bond)  Bill, 
of  Hebron,  where  she  was  born,  Jan.  30,  1746-7.  She 
married  Capt.  Ebenezer  Kilbourn,  of  Hebron. 

He  was  a  captain  in  the  Revolution  and  was  in  the  battle 
of  Bennington,  where  he  acquired  considerable  character  for 
bravery  and  coolness  in  confronting  danger.  He  was  a  large 
and  powerful  man,  and  noted  especially  for  his  great  strength. 

Sarah  Bill  was  his  second  wife,  and  the  mother  of  all  his 
children,  as  is  supposed.  His  home  was  in  Gilsum,  N.  II., 
where  all  his  children  were  born. 

The  children  of  Ebenezer  and  Sarah  (Bill)  Kilbourn 
were : 

566  Ebenezer7  (Kilbourn),  m.  Eunice  White,  of  Keene,  N.  H. 

567  Lydia7  (Kilbourn),  m.  Nathan  Nye,  of  Randolph,  Vt. 

568  t  Jehiel7  (Kilbourn),  m.  Zilpah  Wright,  of  Keene,  N.  H. 

569  David7  (Kilbourn).     He  was   for  over  50  years  a  Meth- 

odist Minister;   d.  in  1864,  at  Hartland,  Vt. 

570  Abigail7  (Kilbourn),  m.  Daniel  Day,  of  Keene. 

571  Sarah7  (Kilbourn),  m.  J.  Randall;    d.  in  Gilsum. 

572  Iddo7  (Kilbourn),  m.  A.  Sampson,  of  Ashburnham,  Mass. 

573  Mary7  (Kilbourn),  m.  Rufus  Day,  of  Keene. 

574  Clarissa7  (Kilbourn),  m.  N.  Ellis,  of  Plattsburgh,  N.  Y. 

338.       . 


ELIZABETH  BILL6  (Samuel,5  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,5 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing  ;  born  in  Hebron,  Feb. 
5,  1748-9  ;  married  John  Rowe,  of  Sullivan,  N/.  H. 

He  served  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  it  is  reported  he 

*  Her  great-grandson,  Edward  Everett  Sturtevant,  was  the  first  vol- 
unteer in  the  late  war  from  New  Hampshire. 


192  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

had  a  hand  to  hand  encounter,  by  agreement,  with  a  Hes- 
sian soldier,  and  came  off  victor. 

They  had  several  daughters,  but  we  have  no  knowledge  of 
them. 

339. 

EBENEZER  BILL 6  (Samuel,5  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding,  born  in  Hebron,  Jan.  19, 
1750-1,  and  married  Rachel  Root. 

Prior  to  the  war  of  the  Revolution  they  removed  from 
Hebron  to  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  where  they  both  died.  He  died 
in  1815. 

The  children  of  Ebenezer  and  Rachel  (Root)  Bill  were  : 

575  f  Ebenezer,7  b.  March  30,  1776  ;  m.  Elsey  Adams. 

576  Rachel,7  b. ;    m.  William  Baxter,  of  Surry,  N.  H. 

577  Mehitable,7  b. -;   m.  Josiah  Hammond,   of  Gilsum, 

Avhere  they  lived  and  died.     He  d.  Aug.  15,  1851. 
She  d.  June  8,  1857.     They  had  one  son : 
George   W.    Hammond,8  a   physician,   living    at 
Bennett's  Corner,  Stockbridge,  N.  Y. 

578  Anna,7b.  Oct.  16,  1779;  m.  Doct.  Messer  Cannon,  Nov. 

29,  1796.     He  d.  Feb.  3,  1829.     She  is  still  living, 
1866,  in  Surry,  N.  II.     They  had  children  : 
Eliza8  (Cannon), 
Nancy8  (Cannon), 
Laura8  (Cannon), 
Mary  Ann8  (Cannon). 

340. 
DAVID  BILL6  (Samuel/  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,'  Philip,* 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding,  was  born  in  Hebron,  March 
2, 1753.  He  had  two  wives :  the  name  of  the  first  is  unknown  ; 
that  of  the  second  was  the  widow  Susan  Locke.  This 
family  resided  in  Gilsum,  where  he  died,  Nov.  18,  1827.  His 
children  were,  by  first  wife : 

579  Prudence,7  b. ;  m.  (1)  Thomas  Reading.  (2)  Capt. 

Thompson. 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  193 

Children  by  second  wife : 

580  Susan,7  b. ,  1S00;  d.  at  Clinton,  Mass.,  June  2,  1866. 

341. 

PATIENCE  BILL6  (Samuel,5  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  (Bond)  Bill,  was  born 
in  Hebron,  July  26,  1757,  and  married  Gen.  Daniel  Wright. 
They  moved  from  Hebron,  Ct.,  to  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  and  later  to 
Westport,  Essex  County,  1ST.  Y. 

He  was  in  command  of  the  American  land  forces  at  the 
battle  of  Plattsburg,  being  a  General  in  the  N.  Y.  State 
Militia  at  that  time.  He  won  an  enviable  reputation  as  an 
officer. 

Little  is  known  of  his  personal  history  and  private  life, 
and  we  are  compelled  to  be  brief  where  it  would  be  a 
pleasure  to  write  at  length.  He  died  at  Westport,  in  1822, 
aged  66.     She  died  at  the  same  place,  April  15,  1829. 

Genl.  Daniel  and  Patience  (Bill)  Wright  had  one  child  : 

581  Jerusha8  (Wright)  ;  m.  Elias  Sturtevant,  of  Keene,  N.  H. 

343. 

SAMUEL  BILL6  (Samuel,6  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding ;  born  Feb.  27, 1763  ;  was 
married  to  Lydia  Mack,  of  Gilsum,  N.  H. 

He  was  a  husbandman,  and  before  the  Revolution  he 
removed  with  his  father's  family  to  Gilsum,  from  Hebron,  Ct., 
where  he  died,  Aug.  13,  1845.     His  wife  died  Jan.  8,  1826. 

The  children  of  Samuel  and  Lydia  (Mack)  Bill  were  : 

582  f  Lydia,7  b.  Jan.  30,  1787  ;  m.  Truman  Miller. 

583  Samuel,7  b.  Sept.  1,  1788;  d.  April  12,  1827. 

584  t  David,7  b.  Nov.  2,  1795 ;  m.  Lucy  Dort. 

585  t  Lucy,7  b.  Jan.  8,  1798 ;  m.  Amasa  Miller. 

346. 

JOHN  MAHEN  BILL6  (Asahel,5  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  the   third   son    of  Asahel  and  Mary  (Rand) 


194:  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Bill,  was  Lorn  in  Cornwallis,  Nova  Scotia,  and  married  for 
his  first  wife,  Sarah  De  Wolf.  His  second  wife  was  Mrs. 
Jane  Bentley. 

He  is  a  resident  of  Cornwallis,  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits,  and  is  a  man  of  integrity,  and  possesses  good 
natural  abilities.  Like  his  brother,  is  situated  in  the  very 
heart  and  center  of  the  Province. 

His  children  by  first  wife  were: 

586  Gurdon,7  b. . 

587  Charles,7  b. . 

588  Rebecca,'  b. . 

589  Mary  Ann,7  b. . 

Children  by  his  second  wife  were  : 

590  Henry,7  b. . 

591  John,7b. . 

347. 

Hon.  CALEB  RAND  BILL  6(Asahel,6Ebenezer,4  Samuel,' 
Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  Asahel  and  Mary  (Rand)  Bill,  and 
brother  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Cornwallis,  Nova 
Scotia,  and  married  Rebecca  Cogswell. 

He  is  a  resident  of  Billtown,  Cornwallis,  Nova  Scotia,  and 
is  a  farmer,  though  the  most  of  his  life  has  been  spent  in 
public  office.  He  is  a  sedate,  thoughtful  person,  of  good 
sound  practical  judgment,  has  a  superior  capacity  for  business, 
in  which  he  has  been  greatly  prospered,  having  amassed  a 
vast  property  in  the  very  heart  of  his  native  province,  where 
he  exercises  a  generous  hospitality.  He  has  long  been  one  of 
the  Queen's  justices,  and  during  the  last  few  years  has 
been  honored  by  his  constituents  with  a  seat  in  the  Provincial 
Parliament,  at  Halifax. 

A  few  years  since,  a  brother  of  the  writer  was  traveling 
through  Nova  Scotia  and  called  on  this  Mr.  Bill,  and  was  his 
guest  for  several  da}Ts,  and  has  given  me  a  very  interesting 
account  of  the  surrounding  people  and  country. 

Cornwallis  is,  for  the  most  part,  a  level  section  of  country, 
situate  in  a  beautiful  valley,  possessing  a  rich  alluvial  soil;  and 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  195 

though  the  spring  does  not  advance  as  rapidly  as  in  New 
England,  perhaps,  yet  the  sheltering  coast-line  range  of  hills 
or  mountains,  bordering  the  Bay  of  Fnndy,  breaks  off  the 
winds,  and  gives  this  whole  valley,  of  many  miles  in  extent,  a 
warm  and  genial  climate,  favorable  to  the  growth  of  all  grains 
and  roots  to  great  perfection ;  probably  no  locality  on  the 
continent  can  surpass  this  for  the  great  excellence  of  many  of 
its  crops. 

While  we  write,  the  Province  of  Nova  Scotia  has  by  royal 
Proclamation  been  incorporated,  together  with  the  Provinces 
of  New  Brunswick  and  the  two  Canadas,  into  one  general 
government,  styled  "  The  Dominion  of  Canada,"  the  act  to  take 
effect,  by  the  terms  of  the  Queen's  Proclamation,  on  the  first 
of  July,  1S67.  By  the  terms  of  the  act  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, the  Queen  was  authorized  to  appoint  to  the  first 
Senate  such  persons  as  she  should  choose,  and  M-e  find  that 
among  the  twelve  Senators  nominated  by  the  Queen  on  behalf 
of  Nova  Scotia  is  the  name  of  Caleb  Rand  Bill.  This 
is  no  small  compliment,  and  is  confirmation  from  a  high 
quarter  of  oiir  estimate  of  his  general  character.  We  are 
proud  to  note  this  high  mark  of  approbation  from  the  most 
eminent  crowned  head  of  the  earth  to  one  of  our  kinsmen.* 

The  children  of  Caleb  Rand  and  Rebecca  (Cogswell)  Bill 
were  : 

592     William  C.  ,7  b. . 


593  Nancy, 7  b. ;  married  and  lives  in  Nova  Scotia. 

594  Eunice,7  b. ;  married  and  lives  in  Nova  Scotia. 

*  The  following  is  an  exact  fac-shnile  of  his  autograph  : 


^XC? 


19G  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

348. 

SARAII  BILL0  (Asahel,6  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,8  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Cornwallis, 
N.  S.,  and  was  married  to  James  Caulkins,  in  1803. 

In  1823  this  family  removed  to  the  United  States,  settling 
in  Niagara  County,  New  York.  After  a  few  years  they  again 
changed  their  residence,  and  this  time  to  Mount  Vernon,  Ohio, 
where  they  still  live. 

Mr.  Caulkins  was  an  industrious  man  and  the  father  of  a 
numerous  family  ;  he  died  Feb.  3,  18-44-. 

The  children  of  James  and  Sarah  (Bill)  Caulkins,  born  in 
Nova  Scotia,  were : 

595  Asahel7  (Caulkins),  b.  Aug.  12,  1804;  m. ;  lives  at 

New  London,  Ohio. 

596  John7  (Caulkins),  b.  Sept.  7,  1806,;  d.  July  5,  1840. 

597  Mary7  (Caulkins),  b.  Aug.  27,  1808;  m.  Job  Rush.     They 

live  at  Mount  Vernon,  O. 

598  William  L.7  (Caulkins),  b.  Nov.  28,  1810;  m.   (1)  Eliza 

Cook.    (2)  Cynihia  Bill.     They  live  at  McGregor, 
Iowa. 

599  Edward7  (Caulkins),  b.  Jan.  24,  1813;  d.  April  6,*1864. 

600  Rebecca7  (Caulkins), b.  April  20, 1815  ;  m.  Ira  Remington, 

of  Grand  Lake,  Mich. 

601  James    Ingersoll 7    (Caulkins),  b.  May  8,  1817;  lives  at 

Adrian,  Mich. 

602  Lavinia7  (Caulkins),  b.  Nov.  5,  1819  ;  m.  Josiah  Streeter, 

of  Oconomowoc,  Wis. 

603  Leonard  Caleb7  (Caulkins),  b.  Aug.  19,  1822;  d.  Jan.  28, 

1830. 

Children  born  in  the  United  States  were : 

604  Caroline7    (Caulkins),   b.   July   4,   1825;    m.   Martin   T. 

Draper,  of  Oconomowoc,  Wis. 

605  Elias  A7   (Caulkins),  b.  Feb.   7,   1828;  m.  Helen  Eliza 

Keyes,  Sept.  30,  1857.     They  reside  in  Madison, 
Wis.     He  enlisted    in  the  war  for    the  Union, 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  197 

Sept.  7,  1861,  in  a  regiment  of  volunteers  from 
Wisconsin,  was  commissioned  as  Major  of  the 
Third  Wis.  Cavalry,  on  Nov.  28,  1861,  and  for 
bravery  in  the  field  he  won  the  rank  of  Lieut.  Col. 
of  that  regiment  in  Dec.  the  26th,  1863. 

He  served  in  Kansas,  Missouri,  Arkansas,  and 
the  Indian  Territory.     They  have  children  : 
Hetty  Lilley8  (Caulkins),  lx  Aug.  30,  1S58. 
John  St.  John8  (Caulkins),  b.  March  5,  1865. 

351. 

MARY  BILL5  (Asahel,6  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing;  born  in  Cornwallis,  1ST.  S., 
Nov.  25,  1794,  and  married  to  Stephen  Eaton,  on  June  20, 
1815. 

This  family  came  to  the  United  States  in  company  with 
Mr.  Caulkins's  family,  above  named,  in  1823,  and  settled  in 
the  same  county  with  them,  in  the  State  of  New  York. 
Mrs.  Eaton  is  remembered  by  those  who  knew  her  as  a  most 
noble  woman  and  much  beloved.  The  section  where  they 
settled  was  not  perhaps  at  that  time  as  free  as  many  others  from 
a  debilitating  climate,  owing  chiefly  to  the  uncleared  condi- 
tion of  the  country,  and  its  naturally  low,  wet  character. 
Then  too  the  duties  of  both  men  and  women  in  a  frontier  life 
are  far  more  arduous  and  trying  to  their  constitutions,  and 
these  things  proved  too  much  for  one  of  her  delicate  struc- 
ture, and  on  the  7th  of  May,  1842,  at  Porter,  Niagara  Co., 
N.  Y.,  her  gentle  spirit  took  its  flight  to  its  everlasting  home 
beyond  the  skies. 

Their  children  born  in  Nova  Scotia  were  : 

606  t  Douglas  W.7  (Eaton),  b.  Aug.  23,  1816;  m.   (l)  Rhoda 

Hopkins.    (2)  Wealthy  M.  Moss. 

607  Asahel   Bill7   (Eaton),  b.   May  12,  1818;    m.   Maria   B. 

Palmer,  and  resides  at  Wilson,  N.  Y. 

608  Ingraham  Ebenezer7  (Eaton),  b.  Jan.  30,  1821 ;  m.  Susan 

Hopkins,  and  lives  at  Wilson,  N.  Y. 


198  TTIE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Children  born  in  the  United  States  were: 

609  t  Stephen7  (Eaton),  b.  Aug.  27,    1823.    Resides  in   Cali- 

fornia.    He  has  several  children. 

610  Jacob7  (Eaton),  b.  March  27,  1826;  d.  June  3,  1842. 

611  Mary  E.'  (Eaton),  b.  March  24,  1829;     m.   Rev.  Allen 

R.  McDougall,  April  13,  1853.     They  reside   in 
Canada  West. 

612  Edward  Manning7  (Eaton),  b.  Oct.   3,  1831  ;  m.  Harriet 

Hopkins,  and  lives  at  Wilson,  X.  Y. 

613  Adoniram  Judson7  (Eaton), b.  July  20,  1835  ;  m.  Henrietta 

E.  Peet,  of  Porter,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  23,  18G0.     They 
reside  at  Porter,  N.  Y. 

353. 

Rev.  INGRAM  EBENEZER  BILL6  (Asahel,6  Ebenezer,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  youngest  child  of  Asahel  and 
Mary  (Rand)  Bill,  and  a  brother  of  the  foregoing;  was  born 
in  Cornwallis,  N.  S.,  on  19  Feb.  1805,  and  married,  April  20, 
1826,  Isabella  Lyons,  born  Jan.  28,  1806. 

He  entered  the  ministerial  office  at  the  earlv  a<re  of  23, 
and  for  a  period  of  twenty -three  years  was  the  pastor  over 
the  Baptist  Church  at  Nictaux,  in  Nova  Scotia,  a  congrega- 
tion numbering  between  five  and  six  hundred  members.  He 
presided  with  great  acceptance  to  that  people,  between 
whom  and  himself  there  still  remain  tenderest  chords  of 
respect  and  affection.  Subserviently  he  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  Germain  Street  Baptist  Church  in  the  city  of 
St.  John,  in  the  adjoining  province  of  New  Brunswick. 

In  both  of  these  spheres  of  labor,  his  ministry  was  emi- 
nently successful  in  winning  souls  to  Christ.  In  addition  to 
these  pastoral  labors  he  has  preached  the  Gospel  extensively 
throughout  the  provinces  of  Nova  Scotia,  New  Brunswick, 
and  the  Island  of  Prince  Edward,  also  in  most  of  the  principal 
cities  of  the  United  States,  from  Maine  to  Alabama. 

Many  years  since  he  visited  England,  and  while  there 
occupied  pulpits  in  Liverpool,  Manchester,  and  London. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  199 

lie  has  taken  a  very  active  part  in  originating  and  carry- 
ing forward  the  educational  and  missionary  interests  of  the 
Baptist  denomination  in  all  the  maritime  Provinces. 

Daring  the  last  twelve  years  he  has  conducted,  as  editor, 
the  "  Christian  Visitor,"  the  organ  of  the  associated  Baptist 
churches  of  New  Brunswick,  and  a  highly  influential  journal. 

His  health  ultimately  gave  way  under  the  pressure  of 
severe  physical  and  mental  exertion,  and  for  eight  months  he 
was  unable  to  preach,  and  he  resigned  the  pastorate  of  the  Ger- 
main Street  Church,  and  has  so  far  regained  his  health  by  this 
course  as  to  still  be  able  to  continue  his  connection  with  the 
before-mentioned  paper,  and,  of  late,  preaches  occasionally. 
His  autograph  is  given  below.* 

The  children  of  Rev.  I.  E.  and  Isabella  (Lyons)  Bill 
were : 

614  Asahel,7  b.   May   14,   1827.     He  was  a   youth   of  great 

promise,  but  while  a  student  in  Acadia  College 
contracted  a  lung  disease,  and  was  cut  down  by 
death,  July  20,  1848,  at  the  age  of  21. 

615  Mary   Ann,7  b.  April  27,   1829  ;    m.  Thomas   McHenry, 

Esquire,  Sept.  14,  1851.  Mrs.  McHenry  was  truly 
a  woman  of  exalted  attainments  and  diversified 
talents;  commanding  the  respect  and  calling  forth 
the  admiration  of  all  who  knew  her.  Her  life 
was  an  unceasing  unfolding  of  Christian  and 
womanly  virtues  ;  and  her  death,  which  occurred 
on  the  17th  Nov.,  1865,  was  a  practical  and  power- 
ful testimony  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  She 
left  six  daughters  and  one  infant  son,  which  has 
since  died. 

616  Edward  Manning,7  b.   March  27,   18-31;  m. ,  and 

*  Autograph  of  Rev.  I.  E.  Bill : 


200  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

is  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  in  Australia. 
He  has  no  children. 

617  Caleb  Rand,7  b.  May  30, 1833 ;  m.  Annie  Bolraan,  June  7, 

1855.  He  resides  at  Fredericton,  the  capital  of 
New  Brunswick ;  is  a  music  teacher,  and  is 
gifted  with  superior  musical  talents. 

618  Ingram  Ebenezer,7  b.  April  8,  1836.     He  is  unmarried, 

and  lives  in  New  Zealand,  where  he  is  preparing 
to  enter  the  Christian  ministry. 

356. 

HOSE  A  BILL"  (Simeon,6  John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a 
son  of  Simeon  and  Martha  Bill,  of  Sheffield,  Mass. ;  was  born 
August  22,  1759,  and  married  Dec.  29,  1790,  to  Sarah 
Kellogg,  of  Sheffield,  born  July  25,  1772. 

He  was  a  farmer  and  a  resident  of  Sheffield.  He  died 
July  4,  1829,  in  his  seventieth  year.  His  widow  survived 
him  many  years,  dying  July  4,  1847. 

It  is  noticeable  that  both  of  their  deaths  occurred  on  the 
4th  of  July. 

Their  children  were : 

619  t  Orrin  [C.],7  b.  Nov.  8,  1791 ;  m.  Sarah  F.  Dubois. 

620  Eveline,7  b.  March  31,  1794;  m.  Chauncy  Lathrop.     She 

is  now  a  widow,  and  lives  in  the  South. 

621  t  Norman  Kellogg,7  b.  Sept,  25,  1796  ;  m.  Huldah  Clark. 

622  Eli,7b.  Dec.  17,  1799. 

623  Bona,7  b.  Aug.  15,  1802  ;  m.  Piatt  Whitney.     She  is  now 

a  widow,  and  resides  in  South  Egremont,  Mass. 

624  Sarah  Ann,7  b.  March  4,  1805  ;  m.  John  Curtis,  and  lives 

in  Huron,  N.  Y. 

625  Fanny  E.,7  b.  Sept.  29,  1809;  m.  William  Clark.     She  is  a 

widow,  and  lives  in  Sheffield,  Mass. 

361. 

JONATHAN  BILL6  (Jonathan,6  John,4  John,'  Philip,2 
John1),  the  son  of  Jonathan  and  Mary  Bill,  of  Lebanon  ;  born 
April  21, 1756.     lie  married  his  second  cousin,  Asenatii  Bill, 


SIXTH    GENERATION'.  201 

who  was  born  Nov.  13,  1759,  the  daughter  of  James  Bill,  of 
Chatham.     [See  No.  232.] 

He  was  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  was  at  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  and  with  Arnold  in  that  remarkable 
expedition  to  Quebec,  and  he  also  suffered  the  hardships  of 
Valley  Forge. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  married  and  removed  to 
Soutlnvick,  Mass.,  where  he  remained  till  after  1800,  about 
which  time  lie  removed  to  the  vicinity  of  Poland,  Chautauque 
County,  New  York,  where  he  died  about  1845.  His  wife 
died  there  in  1836,  July  31. 

Their  children  were  : 

626  Polly,7  b. Aug.  25, 1782  ;  m.(l)  Elihu  Burrington.  (2)  James 

Merwin.     She  d.  at  Poland,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  31,  1841. 

627  Asenath,7   b.   May    17,   1784;  m.   (1)   Archer   Reed.   (2) 

Obadiah  Wheelock.      She   d.  in  Vienna,  N.  Y., 
Sept.  2,  1850. 

628  Joseph,7  b.  March    27,   1787;    m.  Ruth   Damon,  of    St. 

Johnsbury,  Vt.     He  d.  near  or  in  Poland,  N.  Y., 
March  4,  1865. 

629  Betsey,7  b.  June  13,  1791 ;  m.  Josiah  Talmadge,  of  South- 

wick,  Mass.     She   d.   in  Perry,  N.  Y.,  May  23, 
1845. 

630  t  Norton  Buell,7  b.  Dec.  26,  1794;  m.  Semantha  Ransom. 

631  t  Jonathan,7  b.  May  2,  1797  ;  m.  Almira  Carver. 

362. 

ELEAZER  BILL6  (Jonathan,6  John,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Feb. 
24,  1758,  and  on  May  27,  1790,  married  for  his  first  wife 
Elizabeth  Cole,  of  same  town.  His  second  wife  was  Betsey 
Fitch,  of  Lebanon,  whom  he  married  March  31, 1808. 

He  was  a  farmer,  and  resided  in  the  town  of  his  birth, 
where  he  died  April  4,  1851,  at  the  advanced  age  of  93  years. 
He  served  as  a  soldier  in  the  Revolution,  and,  being  wounded, 
received  from  the  Government  a  pension. 


202  TnK  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

He  had  children  : 

632  t  Chester,7  b.  July  4,  1791 ;  m.  Phebe  Williams. 

633  t  Josiah    Bissell,'   b.  May    13,   1793;    m.    Harriet   Tracy 

Hough. 

634  David,7  b.  Feb.  27,  1797  ;  d.  Oct.  20,  1820. 

363. 

ELIJAH  BILL6  (Elijah,6  John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1), 
the  son  of  Elijah  and  Patience  (Barber)  Bill,  of  Harwinton, 
Ct. ;  was  born  about  1762,  and  married  Nancy  Scott. 

This  Mr.  Bill  added  the  final  letter  s  to  his  name. 

He  died  Nov.  15,  1833.  His  widow  died  in  1819,  Aug. 
29,  aged  91. 

This  family  lived  both  in  the  towns  of  Waterbury  and 
Harwinton,  Ct. 

They  had  children : 

635  Jesse,7  b.  Jan.  3,  1783  ;  m.  Alvira  Cooke. 

636  t  Elijah,7  b.  March  4,  1785  ;  m.  Betsey  Griswold. 

637  Hannah,7  b.  Oct.  7,  1796  ;  m.  June  8, 1846,  to  Titus  Foote, 

widower,  and  late  husband  to  her  sister.  He  died 
in  1850.     She  still  survives  him. 

638  Patience,7  b.  July  30,  1799;  m.  Feb.  21,  1845,  to  Titus 

Foote.  He  was  three  times  married.  There 
were  no  children  by  this  or  the  succeeding  mar- 
riage with  Hannah,  above. 

373. 

ABIEL  BILL6  (Peleg,6  James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John'),  a 
son  of  Peleg  and  Jerusha  Bill,  of  Colchester,  was  baptized 
June  18,  1758.  He  was  married,  but  to  whom  is  unknown. 
He  owned  lands  in  Lebanon,  and  must  have  lived  in  that  or 
in  some  one  of  the  adjoining  towns,  probably. 

The  supposed  names  of  his  children  were  : 

639  t  Chester.7 

640  Peleg.7     This  son  gave  a  deed  of  land  to  W.  Bliss  in  1820. 

(Lebanon  Deeds,  vol.  26.) 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  203 

388. 

Dr.  EAEL  BILL6  (Oliver,6  James,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Oliver  and  Martha  (Skinner)  Bill,  of 
Lebanon.  He  was  born  there,  Nov.  5,  1770,  and  married,  for 
his  first  wife,  Sarah  Jackson,  in  1804;  she  was  the  daughter 
of  a  Lieut.  Jackson  of  the  Revolution.  She  died  in  1818. 
His  second  wife  was  Olive  Baker,  a  widow,  who  died  in 
1823,  only  two  years  his  companion.  His  third  wife  was 
Susan  Johnson,  whom  he  married  in  1824.  She  died  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1864. 

He  was  a  graduate  of  the  Berkshire  Medical  School,  Mass. 
After  finishing  his  course  there,  he  pushed  for  what  was  at 
that  time  "  the  West."  He  settled  in  the  town  of  Steuben, 
Oneida  County,  New  York.  This  town  had  received  its  name 
in  honor  of  Baron  Steuben,  of  Revolutionary  fame.  The 
country  was  of  course  new,  and  the  habits  of  the  people  rude 
and  independent,  and  for  the  young  physician  to  have  cast 
his  lot  in  that  then  distant  settlement,  was  at  least  evidence  of 
enterprise  and  courage  in  commencing  his  professional  life. 

In  1814  he  removed  to  the  village  of  Remsen,  situate 
about  eight  miles  from  his  former  residence,  which  was  now 
known  as  "Starr's  Hill."  Here  he  remained  for  many  years 
practicing  his  profession,  always  enjoying  the  confidence  and 
respect  of  his  fellow-citizens  of  all  classes.  Not  till  he  had 
obtained  the  advanced  age  of  86  years  did  he  relincpiish  the 
profession  which  he  had  adorned  for  more  than  half  a  century, 
and  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  which  he  had  endeared 
himself  to  at  least  two  generations,  by  his  kindness,  self- 
denial,  and  medical  skill.  He  died  in  the  family  of  his  son 
Gen.  Horace  Newton  Bill,  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  on  the  16th 
May,  1864,  aged  94  years. 

His  body  reposes  in  the  burial-ground  of  a  son,  at  Oak 
land  Cemetery,  Sandusky,  Ohio. 

Doctor  Bill  was  in  some  respects  a  peculiar  character. 
He   was  a   practical   philosopher,  never   borrowing   trouble, 


201  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

always  bearing  himself  with  an  habitual  calmness  and  cheerful 
resignation  to  the  will  of  Heaven.  He  was  a  true  and  sincere 
Christian,  as  well  in  deportment  as  in  profession  ;  naturally  of 
a  quiet  and  forgiving  spirit,  he  seldom  had  differences  with 
his  fellow-men. 

His  son  writes  of  him,  that  his  recollection  of  his  father 
extended  over  near  half  a  century,  and  yet  he  never  saw  him 
angered  but  once,  and  then  the  provocation  was  very  great. 
Truly  this  is  saying  much,  and  yet  the  life  of  this  good  man 
testifies  to  its  truthfulness.  Attached  herewith  is  a  fac-simile 
of  his  autograph,  at  an  advanced  age. 


y?  coy  £  ^  <^C 


The  children  of  Dr.  Earl  and  Sarah  (Jackson)  Bill  were : 
Bom  at  Steuben,  New  York. 

641  Henry  Jackson,7  b.  1805  ;    d.  at  Unionville,  ST.  Y.,  1833. 

642  t  Cyrus  Skinner,7  b.  Oct.  16,  1807;  m.  Pamela  Hubbard. 

643  t  Charles  Oliver,7  b. ,  1809  ;  was  drowned  at  Trenton 

Falls,  in  1830. 

644  f  Chauney  Clark,7  b.   June   16,    1811;    m.   Anna  Everett 

Case. 

645  f  Earl,7  b.  Aug.  16,  1813  ;  m.  (1)  R.  Ann  Allyn.  (2)  Susan 

Eliza  Johnson. 
Born  at  Remsen,  New  York. 

646  t  Horace    Newton,7  b.  Aug.  1,  1815  ;  m.    Rhoda  Sylvania 

Mitchell. 

647  Sarah  Mariah,7  b. ,  1818  ;  m.  George  Putnam,  Esq. 

They  reside  at  Waterville,  N.  Y. 
By  the  third  wife,  Susan  (Johnson)  Bill — 

648  Susan  Jerusha,7  b.  ,   1825;    m.    Orlo    Damon,   of 

Waterville,  N.  Y.     She  died  there,  in  1849. 

389. 

CYRUS  BILL6  (Oliver,5  James,4  John,3  Philip,5  John1), 
son  of  Oliver  and  Martha  (Skinner)  Bill ;  was  born  at  Lebanon, 
October    17,   1772 ;    married    December    19,  1799,   Eunice 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  205 

Taintor,  of  Colchester,  who  was  born  in  1770,  and  was  the 
daughter  of  Charles  and  Mary  (Skinner)  Taintor,  of  that 
place. 

This  family  resided  at  Middle  Haddam,  a  parish  in  the 
town  of  Chatham,  till  1815,  at  which  time  they  removed  to 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  where,  up  to  1845,  he  was  engaged  in  the 
dry-goods  trade.  He  died  in  1852,  and  was  buried  in  Green- 
wood Cemetery. 

Their  children  were: 

649  Sophia  Maria,7  b.  May  27,  1801  ;  d.  in  1819. 

650  Charles  Edward,7  b.  March  6,   1803.     He  was  married 

and  has  had  several  children,  but,  it  is  believed, 
no  son.  This  family  reside  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.r 
and  he  has  been  called  upon  by  the  writer  several 
times  for  facts  and  information  pertinent  to  this 
volume,  but  in  each  case  a  promise  was  made  to 
furnish  them,  and  yet  no  material  has  been  given 
us.  Why  this,  we  are  utterly  unable  to  compre- 
hend. Charles  Edward  Bill  is  probably  the 
wealthiest  member  of  the  Bill  family  in  America, 
being  reputed  as  worth  from  one  to  two  millions 
of  dollars ! 

651  Caroline,7  b.   March    7,    1805;  m.    in    1822,  George   A. 

Hicks.     She  d.  in  1853.     They  had  children: 
George  A.8  (Hicks),  resides  in  Brooklyn,  X.  Y. 
Eunice8   (Hicks),  m.  H.  P.  Morgan,   and   resides 
in  Brooklyn. 

652  George  Richard,7  b.  June  9,  1807  ;  d.  1825. 

653  Charlotte,7  b.  ,  1809;  d.  1834. 

390. 

OLIVER  BILL6  (Oliver,5  James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1), 
a  brother  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Oct.  29, 
1774,  and  married  Nov.  16,  1797,  his  cousin,  Clarissa  Bill, 
born  Aug.  18,  1772,  the  daughter  of  Dea.  James  and  Asenath 
(Norton)  Bill,  of  Chatham,  Ct. 

This  family  removed  from  Lebanon  to  Steuben,  Oneida 
County,  New  York,  about  1800. 


200  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

He  died  in  Westmoreland,  Oneida  County,  X.  Y.,  Oct.  1, 
1852.     His  widow  died  April  28,  1854. 
They  had  children : 

654  f  Apamn,7  b.   at  Lebanon,  Dec.   11,    1798;    m.  James   II. 

Pratt. 

655  t  Clarissa,7  b.  at  Steuben,  June  5,  1801  ;  m.  Mavor  Brig- 

bam. 
Q5Q     Oliver  Augustus,7  b.  at  Steuben,  July  6,  1812  ;  d.  June  13, 
1816. 

392. 

AMOS  BILL6  (Oliver,5  James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John'), 
brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born  at  Lebanon,  June  10,  1779, 
according  to  the  records  of  that  town,  but  the  family  record 
has  it,  June  10,  1780.  He  married  on  May  20,  1805,  Cla- 
kestda  Porter;  she  was  born  May  26,  1786. 

They  resided  for  a  while  in  Lebanon,  when  they  removed 
to  the  west  end  of  Long  Island ;  after  this  he  returned  to 
Lebanon,  where  he  died  March  4,  1861,  aged  80  years.  His 
widow  is  still  living  at  this  date. 

They  had  children  : 

657  Lucius  Carlo,7  b.   Aug.   16,  1810.     He  lived    for  a  time 

in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  but  removing  from  there  he 
has  become  lost  to  his  family,  and  it  is  supposed 
he  cannot  be  living. 

658  f  Harriet   Porter,7   b.    Nov.    20,  1812;  m.    Jarvis   Porter 

Lord. 

659  t  Marcius  Edward,7  b.  Dec.  12,  1814;  m  Harriet  A.  Carl. 

660  t  Oliver  Augustus,7  b.  Dec.   10,  1816;    m.    (1)    Julia   A. 

Abell.  (2)  M.  A.  Jewell. 

661  t  Caroline  Maria,7  b.  June  10, 1821 ;  m.  Elias  L.  Williams. 

662  t  George  Richard,7   b.   Sept.    12,    1825;    m.    (1)    Lois   A. 

Robinson.  (2)  E.  D.  Blodgett. 

663  Amos  Bassett,7  b.  Sept.  16,  1828  ;  d.  Sept.  20,  1831. 

394. 
BENAJAH  BILL  (Eliphalet,5  Benajah,-1  John,3  Philip,1 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  207 

John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Eliphalet  and  Dorothy  (Marsh) Bill; 
was  horn  at  Lebanon,  about  1773.  He  married  Hannah 
Udall  [Woodhull],  of  Hartford,  Yt. 

He  removed  from  the  latter  place  to  Compton,  in  Canada 
East,  where  he  died,  December  22,  1851.  His  wife  Hannah 
died  there  December  15,  1830. 

They  had  children  : 

664  t  Erastus,7  b.  ;  m.  (1)  Betsey  Hill.  (2)  Hill. 

6  6  5  t  Horace,7  b. ;  m.  Achsah  Fisk. 

QQQ     Hannah,7  b. ;  ra.  (l)  George  Huntington.  (2)  

Johnson.     By  Johnson  she  had  : — 

Abbott8  (Johnson), 

Abigail8  (Johnson). 

She  is  now  a  widow  at  Longueil,  C.  W. 

667  Laura,7   b.    ;    m.    Asaph   Shurtleff.     This    family 

resided  in  Canada,  where  they  had  four  children 
born  to  them  ;  afterwards  they  removed  to  the 
northeastern  part  of  New  York. 

668  Malvina  A.,7  b.  June  6,  1816  ;  m.  (1)   Julius  Burpee.  (2) 

Frebig.     She  is  a  widow,  and  lives  in  By- 


town,  C.  W. 


395. 


Dr.  ELIPHALET  MASON  BILL6  (Eliphalet,5  Bena- 
jah,4  John,  Philip,2  John1),  the  second  son  of  Eliphalet  and 
Dorothy  (Marsh)  Bill ;  was  born  at  Lebanon,  Sept.  6,  1775, 
and  married,  in  1803,  at  Hartford,  Yt,,  his  cousin,  Hhoda 
Pitkin,  born  at  Bolton,  Ct.,  Oct.  26,  1774,  the  daughter  of 
Thomas  White  and  Khoda  (Marsh)  Pitkin.  His  mother  and 
his  wife's  mother  were  sisters,  and  daughters  of  the  Hon. 
Joseph  and  Dorothy  (Mason)  Marsh,  of  Hartford,  Yt,  of 
whom  we  have  before  spoken. 

Doct.  Bill  studied  medicine  in  Hartford,  Yt.,  and  in  1804 
he  removed  from  there  to  Orange,  Yt,,  where  he  built  up  a 
large  and  extensive  practice  as  a  physician  in  that  and  the 
surrounding  towns.     At   this  time  the  country  was  so  new 


908  T[IE  BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

that  public  roads  in  that  section  had  little  or  no  existence  ; — 
the  chief  travel  was  necessarily  on  horseback  or  on  foot, 
and  for  twenty  odd  years  he  pursued  his  profession  under 
these  trying  circumstances. 

In  the  spring  of  1839  he  removed  from  Orange  to  the  town 
of  West  Topsham,  Vt.,  where  he  continued  in  the  practice  of 
medicine  to  the  time  of  his  decease,  which  occurred  on  21st 
Sept.,  1854,  having  spent  nearly  half  a  century  in  the  public 
service.     He  died  suddenly,  of  heart  disease. 

His  wife  Khoda  died  at  Barre,  Vt.,  April  8,  1859,  aged  85 
vears. 

He  had  so  much  business  of  his  own  that  he  never  sought 
political  preferment,  yet  in  1815  he  consented  to  be  placed  in 
nomination  for  the  office  of  representative,  and  was  duly 
elected.  He  held  the  post  of  surgeon's  mate  over  ten  years  in 
the  State  militia. 

The  children  of  Doctor  Bill  are  all  living,  Jan.  1,  1867. 
The  eldest  was  born  in  Hartford,  and  the  others  in  Orange, 
Vt.     They  are  as  follows  : 

669  t  Carlos  Pitkin,7  b.  Xov.  20,  1803  ;  m.  Mary  Ann  Jenness. 

670  Daniel   Marsh,7   b.  June    15,  1805;    m.    Louisa   Ball,  at 

Topsham,  Aug.   25,  1861.     They   reside   at   West 
Topsham,  Vt. 

671  t  Frances  Maria,7  b. '(     twins;  born    )  m.  Carlos  Carpenter. 

672  t  Julia  Emily,7  b.     )  Aug.  9,  1808;  f  m.      (1)       Jonathan 

Houghton.  (2)  Chauncy  Goodrich. 

673  f  Roswell  Mason,7  b.  April  19,  1810;  m.  Merinda  Nelson. 

396. 

MARY  BILL6  (Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing,  Doct.  E.  M.  Bill;  was  born  in 
Lebanon,  near  1777,  and  was  married  at  Hartford,  Vt.,  to  her 
cousin,  Col.  Thomas  White  Pitkin,  a  son  of  Thomas  White 
and  Rhoda  (Marsh)  Pitkin,  of  that  place. 

He  was  a  farmer,  and  lived  and  died  in  the  place  of  his 
nativitv. 

They  had  children  : 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  209 

674  Thomns  White7  (Pitkin).     He  lives  in  Hartford,  Vt. 

675  Mary1  (Pitkin), ;  m.  Oro  Wood,  at  Hartford,  Vt.,  and 

resides  there. 

676  Eliza7  (Pitkin).     Resides  at  Hartford,  Vt. 

677  Lucius7  (Pitkin);  m.  Ellen  Wood.     He  is  a  lawyer,  and 

resides  in  the  city  of  New  York. 

400. 

Doct.  DYER  BILL6  (Eliplialet,5  Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  the  youngest  son  of  Eliplialet  and  Dorothy  (Marsh) 
Bill ;  was  born  at  Hartford,  Vt.,  April  7,  1793  or  4,  and  in 
Sept.  14,  1814,  he  married  Ruth  Richardson,  of  Strafford. 
She  was  born  Oct.  9,  1792,  and  died  Aug.  13,  1829.  His 
second  wife  was  Ruth  P.  Coburn,  whom  he  married  on  7th 
January,  1830.     She  was  born  at  Cabot,  Vt.,  Jan.  30,  1803. 

He  studied  medicine  with  his  brother,  Doct.  Eliplialet 
Mason  Bill,  at  Orange,  Vt.,  where  he  entered  the  practice  of 
his  profession  ;  from  there  he  removed  to  Cabot,  in  the  same 
State,  and  in  1S19  removed  to  Albany,  Vt.,  where  he  now 
lives.  He  has  acquired  an  enviable  reputation  as  a  physician, 
and  in  consequence  has  had  an  extensive  practice. 

He  has  on  various  occasions  held  offices  of  trust  and 
honor,  whenever  the  people  called  and  he  found  it  not  incon- 
sistent with  his  professional  employment.  He  has  been  a 
Justice  of  the  Peace  a  number  of  years,  and  has  several  times 
represented  the  town  of  Albany  in  the  State  Legislature.  In 
1866  he  was  a  member  of  said  legislative  body. 

The  children  by  first  wife  were : 

678  t  Louisa  M.,7  b.  in  Orange,  Dec.   15,  1815;  m.  Win  thro  p 

Howard. 

679  t  Josephine,7  b.  in  Albany,  April  4,  1820;  m.  (1)  Joseph 

T.  Howard.  (2)  Charles  C.  Doty. 

680  t  Eraeline,7  b.  Aug.  3, 1822;  m.  (l)  Dwight  S.  Strong.  (2) 

Warren  White. 

681  t  Lucinda,7  b.  June  6,  1824;  m.  Charles  Howard. 

682  f  Mary,7  b.  May  13,  1826:  ra.  Joshua  C.  Rowell. 


210  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

683  t  Dye**  Richardson,7  b.  July  23,  1829;  m.  Amanda  Milner. 
Children  by  second  wife  were : 

684  f  Frank  Coburn,1  b.  May  20,  1832  ;  in.  Elizabeth  Harvey. 

685  t  Curtis  Harvey,7  b.  July  2,  1835  ;  m.  Mary  Worcester. 

686  James  RaAvson,7  b.  Nov.  16,  1836.     He  resides   at   Ply- 

mouth, N.  H.,  and  is  unmarried. 

687  D  wight  Strong,7  b.  Aug.  3,  1839.     Resides  in  Maryland. 

688  George  Augustus,7  b.  Jan.  1,  1841.     Is  a  clerk  in  Boston. 

401. 

ALMIRA  BILL6  (Eliphalet,8  Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding,  Dr.  Dyer  Bill,  was  born  at 
Hartford,  Yt.,  Sept.  23,  1799.  She  was  married  in  1821,  at 
Hartford,  to  Samuel  Smith,  of  Cabot,  Vt.,  who  was  born  in 
1791:.  He  died  there,  in  June,  1838.  She  married  for  her 
second  husband  Amos  Sanborn,  in  Sept.,  1849.  He  died  at 
Topsham,  Yt.,  Oct.,  1858. 

She  died  at  the  same  place,  in  Jan.  26,  1866. 

Her  children  (all  by  first  husband)  were: 

689  Rosaline  D.7  (Smith),  b.   1822;  m.  William  Bradford,  of 

Barre,  Yt.     She  d.  at  that  place  on  Sept.  30, 1852. 
He  d.  Sept.  5,  1855. 

690  Arabella  M.7  (Smith),  b.  June  2,  1825  ;  m.  Lionel  L.  Goff, 

Sept.  5, 1849.   They  have  one  child,  Ada  B.s  (Goff). 
This  family  reside  in  Barre,  Yt. 

691  Amanda E.7  (Smith),  b.  Jan.  5,  1829 ;  m.  October,  1851,  at 

Bradford,  Yt.,  to  Chester  M.  Huckins.    They  live 
at  Topsham,  Yt.     They  have  children  : 
Gertrude  A.8  (Huckins),  b.  Aug.  4,  1857. 
Corra  Ella8  (Huckins),  b.  Sept.  2,  1863. 

692  Malvina7  (Smith),  b. ;  m.  Mark  Fuller,  of  Barre,  Yt. 

Their  residence  is  supposed  to  be  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

693  William    P.7    (Smith),   b.  ;  m. .     Resides   at 

Spuyten  Duyvel,  on  the  East  River,  near    New 
York  City,  N.  Y. 

694  Azro  N.7  (Smith),  m.  .     Resides  in  or  near  Chi- 

cago, 111. 

695  Almira7  (Smith),  b.  Oct.,  1836  ;  d.  at  Barre,  Oct.  26,  1853. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  211 

402. 

DANIEL  BILL6  (Jonathan,5  Edward,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2 
John'),  a  son  of  Jonathan  Bill,  of  Chatham,  as  is  supposed ; 
was  born  March  9,  1758,  and  married  May  1,  1782,  Mindwell 
Brainard,  of  Haddam,  Ct. 

He  died  May  4,  1845.     She  died  May  28,  1843,  aged  86. 

Their  children  were : 

696  t  Daniel,7  b.  June  20,  1784;  m.  Hannah  Waldron. 

697  Orpah,7  b.  Aug.  10,  1786. 

698  Ruth,7  b.  April  19,  1789;  m.  Elisha  Hubbard.    She  died 

Sept.  1,  1851. 

699  Mindwell,7  b.  March  20,  1793. 

700  Lathrop,7  b.  Jan.  2,  1797  ;  d.  in  early  manhood. 

701  Sherman,7  b.  Feb.  5,  1792. 

702  f  Elijah,7  b.  May  10,  1800;  m.  Mary  Howard. 

703  Celestia,7  b.  Dec  9,  1803. 

403. 

RICHARD  DAYTON  BILL6  (Phineas,5  Phineas,4  Josh- 
ua,3 Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Phineas  and  Mercy 
(Allyn)  Bill,  of  Groton  ;  was  born  there,  Nov.  25, 1772  ;  and  on 
the  27th  March,  1803,  married  Tabitha  Allyn,  of  Groton, 
who  was  born  April  24,  1772,  a  grand-daughter  of  Esquire 
Robert  Allyn,  of  that  place. 

This  family  resided  in  Groton,  where  all  of  their  children 
were  born,  up  to  1818,  or  near  that  time,  when  they  removed 
to  Palmyra,  New  York,  whither  Phineas  Bill,  the  father  of 
Richard  Dayton  Bill,  had  moved. 

The  children  of  this  family  were  : 

704  Joseph  Allyn,7  b.  June  6,  1804. 

705  Richard  Carlton,7-b.  May  13,  1806;  d.  in  Groton,  April 

3,  1810. 

706  Lucy  Ann,7  b.  April  26,  1809. 

707  Emeline  Sheffield,7  b.  May  7,  1811. 

708  Robert  Allyn,7  b.  March  23,  1813  ;  d.  July  30,  1816. 


212  THE    BILL   FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

709  Paul  Frederic,7  b.  June  29,  1815.     Resides  at  Hall's  Cor- 

ners, near  Geneva,  New  York. 

405. 

MERCY  BILL6  (Phineas,6  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2 
John'),  a  sister  of  the  preceding;  was  born  in  Groton,  Oct.  7, 
1776,  and  married  first  to  Capt.  Alltn  Turner,  who  died  at 
sea,  leaving  no  children.  Her  second  husband  was  Park 
Allyn,  whom  she  married  Jan.  3,  1807;  he  was  bora  April  15, 
1776,  a  son  of  Elder  Park  Allyn,  of  Groton. 

The  last  husband  was  also  a  seafaring  man,  and  he  attained 
to  the  command  of  a  vessel,  and  was  known  as  Capt.  Allyn. 
He  likewise  died  at  sea,  in  the  month  of  November,  1815,  and 
was  buried  in  the  ocean. 

She  removed  with  her  father's  family,  about  1818,  to 
Palmyra,  K  Y.,  and  died  there,  Aug.  29,  182k 

The  children  of  Capt.  Park  and  Mercy  (Bill)  Allyn,  bom 
in  Groton,  were : 

710  Park  Carlos7  (Allyn),  b.  Sept.  3,  1809.     He  was  a  jeweler 

by  trade  ;  d.  in  Genesee,  N.  Y.,  about  1856,  leav- 
ing a  widow  and  three  children. 

711  Sarah  Caroline7  (Allyn),  b.  Sept.  3,  1809.     She  m.  Charles 

Allyn,  of  Palmyra.  They  now  reside  in  Clarks- 
ton,  Oakland  County,  Mich.  These  two  children, 
Park  Carlos  and  Sarah  Caroline,  were  twins. 
The  latter  was  brought  up  in  the  family  of  her 
grandfather,  Phineas  Bill,  and  his  old  family 
Bible  came  into  her  possession.  See  account  of 
Phineas  Bill,4  her  grandfather,  !NTo.  113. 

408. 

NANCY  BILL6  (Phineas, 5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,3 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing  ;  was  bom  in  Groton,  Jan.  17, 
1785,  and  married  Eldridge  Havens,  of' Groton,  Dec.  11, 
1808. 

This  family  resided  in  Groton  up  to  about  ISIS,  when 
they  removed  to  Palmyra,  N.  Y.     All   their  children  were 


SIXTH  GENERATION".  21 


born  in  Groton.     She  died  April  8,  1830.     He  died  Feb.  17, 
1859. 

They  had  children : 

712  Avery  Eldridge7  (Havens),  b.  Sept.  26,  1809;  m.  July  6, 

1836,  Susan  S.  Power,  of  Woodstock,  Vt.     He  d. 
July  28,  1837.     No  children. 

713  Ann  Maria7  (Havens),  b.  Dec.  27,  1811  ;  m.  Jan.  9,  1S32, 

Henry   P.   Allyn,  of  Groton.       They   reside    in 
Palmyra,  X.  Y.     Children  : 
Charles  Alexander8  (Allyn),  b.  1833  ;  living. 
Eldridge     Havens8     (Allyn),   b.     1834;    d.  July 


22,  1838. 


Eldridge  Turner  Havens8  (Allyn),  b.  —  ;  living. 

714  Allyn  Turner7   (Havens),  b.   Jan.   22,   1818;  m.  Aurelia 

Smith,  of  Palmyra,  May  6,  1846.     He  d.  Feb.  29, 
1852,  leaving  one  child,  now  deceased. 

411. 

DAVID  BILL*  (Phineas,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Groton,  about 
1787,  as  is  supposed. 

It  is  said  he  married  Hannah  BxVbcock,  of  Mystic,  a  village 
on  the  eastern  boundaries  of  the  town  of  Groton. 

Very  little  is  known  as  to  the  residence  of  this  family  ;  it  is 
thought  they  removed  to  Central  York  State. 

The  children  born  in  Groton  belonging  to  this  family 
were : 

715  James  Henry,7  b. ;  d.  in  Palmyra,  N.  Y.,  June    27, 

1837. 

716  Frances  Maria,7  b. ;  d.  in  Albany,  N.  Y,  in  1841. 

717  t  David,7  b.  Nov.  2,  1817;  m.  Elizabeth  Logan. 

718  Ann  Maria,7  b. ;  d.  at  New  London,  Ct. 

413. 
Judge  LODO WICK  BILL6  (Benajah,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip2,  John'),  the  eldest  son  of  Benajah  and  Content  (Park) 
Bill,  of  Groton  ;  was  born  in  the  north  portion  of  that  town, 


214:  THE    BILL   FAMILY    MEMOIR, 

which  is  now  included  in  the  town  of  Ledyard,  Oct.  9,  17*4. 
He  married  Oct.  20, 1805,  Betsey  Geer,  of  the  same  town  ;  a 
descendant  of  the  Rev.  John  Wight,  a  clergyman  of  some 
distinction. 

After  he  was  married  he  removed  to  Lyme,  a  town  west 
of  the  Thames  River  from  Groton,  where  he  still  continues  to 
reside. 

He  is  a  man  of  marked  traits  of  character.  His  upright- 
ness and  fidelity  in  all  business  transactions,  his  unusual  social 
qualities,  added  to  an  eminently  practical  mind,  form  some  of 
these  traits  referred  too.  His  frugal  life  and  industrious  habits 
have  brought  together  an  ample  fortune  ;  and  in  view  of  his 
having  commenced  life  under  adverse  circumstances,  it  fur- 
nishes encouragement  to  those  who,  similarly  situated,  go 
forward  with  hesitancy. 

His  life  has  been  somewhat  a  public  one,  having  borne 
the  offices  of  constable,  deputy  sheriff,  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
judge  of  probate,  which  latter  office  he  held  until  disqualified  by 
age.  He  has  also  represented  his  town  in  the  State  Legislature. 
His  occupation  is  nominally  that  of  a  farmer,  yet  for  many 
years  he  has  been  an  extensive  dealer  in  the  purchase  of  wool. 

It  is  over  half  a  century  since  his  marriage,  and  still  this 
hale  and  cheerful  couple  of  octogenarians  have  to  all  appear- 
ances a  considerable  lease  of  life  remaining  unto  them.  He 
is  the  father  of  a  large  family,  and  has  more  than  forty  grand- 
children and  great-grandchildren  living  within  half  a  mile  of 
his  own  residence. 

A  portrait  of  Judge  Lodowick  Bill  accompanies  this  sketch. 
A  fac-simile  of  his  autograph,  as  taken  from  a  letter  addressed 
to  the  writer  when  in  his  83d  year,  is  appended. 

_____ -X?s&>-u?x^£;  n  ^J-^6L. 

The  children  of  Lodowick  and  Betsey  (Geer)  Bill  were : 
719     Eliza,7  b.  March  25,  1806;  d.  in  Groton,  Dec,  1809,  and 
was  buried  in  the  old  churchyard  just  east  of  the 
residence  of  Gurdou  Bill. 


SIXTH    GENERATION.  215 

720  t  Julia  Ann-,?  ]>-  Sept-  255  180?5  m-  Jolin  G-  Hughes. 

721  Polly,7   b.    Sept.    25,    1809;    m.   Asa   P.    Edgecomb,    of. 

Groton,  June  25, 1827.  She  d.  June  10, 1829,  and 
left  one  son,  David8  (Edgecomb),  who  d.  in  1863, 
leaving  one  daughter,  Nina9  (Edgecomb),  now 
living  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

722  Hiram  Geer,7  b.  Nov.  13,  1810  ;  d.  in  Montville,  Dec.  26, 

1830. 

723  t  John  Wight,7  b.  Jan.  4,  1813  ;  m.  Prudence  Gallup. 

724  t  Benajah  Park,7  b.  Dec.  5,  1814  ;  m.  (1)  Mary  B.  Pitcher. 

(2)  Louisa  M.  Peck. 

725  t  James  Alexander,7  b.  March  30,  1817  ;  m.  Ann  L.  Lord. 

726  Ellen  Jane,7  b.  March  18,  1819. 

727  t  Lucy  Stark,7  b.  March  23,  1822;  m.  Ebenezer  E.  Brock- 

way. 

728  Gilbert  La  Fayette,7  b.  Oct.  7,  1824  ;  d.  Oct.  14,  1838. 

415. 

ALEXANDER  T.  F.  BILL6  (Benajah,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,2  John1),  the  second  son  of  Benajah  and  Content  (Park) 
Bill ;  was  bora  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  Nov.  27,  1790,  and  was 
never  married. 

His  residence  was  for  a  while  in  New  London. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1812  with  Great 
Britain,  he  engaged  with  great  earnestness  in  the  contest. 
He  was  appointed  recruiting  officer,  and  stationed  at  New 
London.  His  energy  and  impulsive  character,  aided  by  the 
general  stagnation  in  business  consequent  on  the  war,  enabled 
him  in  a  brief  space  of  time  to  enlist  a  company  of  soldiers. 
He  was  assigned  to  the  U.  S.  Twenty-third  Regiment,  under 
the  command  of  Col.  Cutting.  He  was,  prior  to  this  con- 
solidation, commissioned  ensign,  July  6,  1812,  and  as  first 
lieutenant,  Aug.  13,  1812.  He  received  high  encomiums  from 
his  superiors  for  the  zeal  and  ability  with  which  he  served  the 
Government,  and  especially  was  he  thus  complimented  by  a 
Col.  (or  Mr.)  Washington,  a  descendant  of  Gen.  George 
Washington,   who    held  at    that  time  some  important  office 


216  THE   BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

under  the  Government,  and  visited  New  London  during  or 
near  the  close  of  said  war.  Mr.  Bill  was  afterwards  appointed 
Deputy  United  States  Marshal  for  the  District  of  Columbia. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  Florida  war,  in  1835,  he 
again  rallied  to  the  defense  of  his  countrv,  and  ere  it  ended  he 
died,  in  Pensacola,  May  22,  1837. 

lie  was  a  man  noted  for  some  eccentricities  of  manner,  but 
yet  was  greatly  honored  for  his  patriotic  and  noble  qualities. 
To  say  that  he  was  ardent,  impulsive,  and  energetic  would  be 
saying  nothing  that  his  character  would  contradict ;  had  he 
lived  in  this  age  of  steam  and  electric  forces,  he  would  have 
been  more  in  his  true  time  and  place. 

416. 

SAEAII  BILL6  (Benajah,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Groton  [Led- 
yard],  May  7,  1793 ;  and  married,  first,  Amos  Williams, 
junior,  Feb.  4,  1816.  They  lived  in  the  first  house  south  of 
Gurdon  Bill's  residence,  in  what  was  then  Xorth  Groton. 

They  had  no  children.  lie  died  June  21,  1828.  Her 
second  husband  was  Capt.  Jacob  Gallup,  whom  she  married 
Oct.  15,  1830;  he  died  Nov.  11,  1S52.  They  lived  in  the  town 
of  Ledyard,  and  his  occupation  was  that  of  a  farmer.  Capt. 
Jacob  Gallup  was  a  worthy  representative  of  the  olden  time ; 
a  man  of  unsullied  honor,  of  great  energy  and  firmness,  possess- 
ing an  inflexible  will,  yet,  withal,  in  his  family  relations  he  was 
kind  and  tender-hearted  and  overflowing  with  good-humor ;  in 
his  intercourse  with  his  fellow-men  he  was  often  stern  and  punc- 
tilious. He  gave  to  the  writer,  who  knew  him  very  well,  always 
an  idea  of  Andrew  Jackson,  in  his  mental  composition,  and  we 
may  add,  what  was  quite  true,  that  his  personal  appearance 
and  stature  were  not  unlike. 

He  represented  his  town  in  the  lower  branch  of  the  State 
Legislature  just  about  as  often  as  he  would  consent  to  serve  iu 
that  capacity ! 

Mrs.  Gallup  was  distinguished  for  many  charming  traits  of 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  217 

character.  Her  personal  beauty  and  elegance  of  manners,  with 
great  gentleness  of  spirit,  combined  with  rare  social  qualities 
and  her  never-failing  good  sense,  were  not  among  the  least  of 
these.  Visitors  at  that  hospitable  mansion  never  departed 
but  with  blessings  on  her,  and  on  her  generous  and  courteous 
husband. 

After  the  death  of  her  second  husband  and  the  marriage 
of  her  only  daughter,  she  removed  to  Montville,  Ct.,  and 
resided  with  this  daughter,  to  whom  she  was  now  more  than 
ever  most  devotedly  attached.  Since  the  death  of  this  only 
child,  her  ambition  and  spirits  have  become  much  chastened. 
She  now  lives  at  the  old  homestead  in  Ledyard,  quite  advanced 
in  years,  and  is  much  honored  for  her  many  womanly  virtues. 

By  her  second  husband,  Capt.  Jacob  Gallup,  she  had  one 
child,  a  daughter,  viz. : 

729  Sarah7  (Gallup),  who  m.  Calvin  Allyn,'  of  Montville,  Ct. 

She  d.  in  1864,  leaving  one. child. 

417. 

ELISHA  SATTERLEE  BILL6  (Benajah,5  Phmeas," 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John'),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born 
in  Groton  [Ledyard],  March  1,  1796,  and  married  on  the  first 
of  Nov.,  1817,  Olivet  Geer,  of  Preston,  Ct.,  the  daughter  of 
Jephthah  Geer.  She  was  born  Jan.  24,  1800,  and  died  in 
Griswold,  March  19,  1837.  His  second  wife  was  Mrs.  Celes- 
tina  Lucy  Ann  Wolcott  (Shaw)  Barber,  whom  he  married 
on  July  23,  1837  (one  day  being  sufficient  to  complete  the 
ceremony,  notwithstanding  the  length  of  the  lady's  name !) 
She  died  Feb.  9,  1866. 

This  family  resided  in  Griswold,  Ct.  ;  we  can  note  nothing 
else  remarkable  of  them  except  we  were  to  call  attention  to 
the  fact  that  this  is  the  most  numerous  family  of  children 
embraced  in  this  volume. 

The  children  by  the  first  wife  were : 

730  f  Sarah  Maria,7  b.  Feb.  18,  1819;  m.  (1)  Silas  Fitch.    (2) 

Roswell  Turner. 
15 


218  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

731  f  James   Leonard,7   b.  Aug.    10,    1821;  m.    (1)    Lucy   A. 

Main.  (2)  Juliett  Chapman. 

732  t  Jephthah  Geer,7  b.  Sept.  7, 1823  ;  m.  Prudence  P.  Benjamin. 

733  Ann  Elizabeth,7  b.  ,  1825  ;  d.  Aug.  26,  1827. 

734  f  Amos  Williams,7  b.  Jan.  26,  1828;  m.  (l)  Mary  E.  How- 

land.  (2)  O.  A.  Latham. 

735  t  Sidney  Worthington,7  b.  Oct.  23, 1830  ;  m.  Emeline  Hyde. 

736  t  Elisha,7  b.  June  29,  1833  ;  m.  Frances  M.  Richmond. 

737  f  Ezra  Gardner,7  b.   Oct.  3,1836;  m.   (1)  Lauretta  Hyde. 

(2)  Sarah  Elizabeth  (Masters)  Champlain. 

The  children  by  second  wife  were  : 

738  Celestina  Ann  Elizabeth,7  b.  March  27,  1839  ;  d.  July  23, 

1857. 

739  Benjamin  Shaw,7  b.  May  23,  1840;  m.  Maria  Lyon.     He 

was  a  soldier  in  the  late  war ;  was  attached  to 
the  First  Ct.  Cavalry,  and  during  the  war  was 
captured  and  imprisoned  at  Andersonville,  where 
he,  with  thousands  of  other  gallant  men,  misera- 
bly perished  ! 

740  George  Washington,7  b.  Sept.  14,  1841;  m. .    Lives 

in  Preston. 
74:1     Lucy  Angeline,7  b.  Jan.  4,  1844;  d.  June,  1850. 

742  William  Francis,7  b.  March  7,  1845  ;  d.  April  7,  1845. 

743  Hibbard  Denison,7  b.  March  7,  1847.     Resides  in  Provi- 

dence, R.  I. 

744  Henry  Edgar,7  b.  April  14,  1848. 

745  Nelson  Alexander,7  b.  April  17,  1849. 

746  Edna  Alberta,7  b.  July  3,  1853  ;  d.  April  12,  1857. 

747  Nancy  Angenette,7  b.  Sept.  2, 1855. 

418. 

NELSON  IIORATIUS  BILL6  (Benajah,5  Phineas/ 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born 
in  Groton  [Ledyard],  Sept.  24,  1798.  He  married  on  Nov. 
27,  1822,  Betsey  Stark,  who  was  horn  July  11,  1798,  a 
daughter  of  Caleb  Stark,  of  Lebanon. 

This  family  were  residents  of  Lebanon,  and  one  of  his  sous 
resides  near  there. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  219 

He  leased,  according  to  the  Lebanon  Record  of  Deeds, 
vol.  27,  p.  298,  a  farm  of  250  acres  to  the  State  of  Connecti- 
cut, from  Sept.  8,  1832,  to  1836,  for  the  sum  of  $900,  and  in 
1837  sells  to  the  town  of  Lebanon  40  acres,  situated  in 
Goshen  Society. 

He  died  Sept.  22,  1837.     His  widow  is  still  living. 

Their  children  were : 

748  f  Horatio   Nelson,7   b.    March    25,    1824;    m.    Julia    Ann 

Branch. 

749  Edward  Lyman,7  b.  Nov.  28,  1825  ;  d.  July  27, 1841. 

750  f  Jeremiah  Canning,7  b.   Sept.  21,  1827;  m.  Julia  Hurlbut 

Corey. 

422. 

GTIRDON  BILL6  (Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2 
John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Joshua  and  Abigail  Bill ;  was  born  in 
Groton  [Ledyard],  Jan.  18,  1784.  He  married  Nov.  18,  1821, 
Lucy  Yerrington.*     She  was  born  Jan.  6,  1795,  and  was  the 

*  Joseph  Yerrington,  the  father  of  the  wife  of  Gurdon  Bill,  was  born 
1742,  and  was  twice  married — first,  about  1770,  to  Lucy  Leffingwell— 
second,  to  Anna  (Witter)  Park,  the  daughter  of  Ezra  Witter,  of  Preston, 
and  the  widow  of  Jonathan  Park. 

The  children  by  the  first  wife,  Lucy  Leffingwell,  were : 
Amos  (Yerrington).     He  died  at  sea. 

Polly  (Yerrington).  She  married  William  Grant,  a  supposed  de- 
scendant of  Mattlie  Grant,  who  was  also  the  ancestor  of 
Gen.  Ulysses  S.  Grant.     They  had  children  : 

Amos  Yerrington  (Grant),  m.  (1)  Eebecca  Fish.   (2) 

Anna  Gore,  daughter  of  Asa  Gore. 
Lucy  (Grant),  in.  John  H.  Shelly. 
Joseph  (Grant),  m.  Susan  Youngs. 
Betsey  (Grant),  m.  Reuben  Brooks. 
William  (Grant),  m.  Nancy  Hardenburgh. 
Polly  (Grant),  m.  Randal  Wilmot,  the  father  of  Judge 
David  Wilmot,  of  Towanda,  Pa.,  who  is  famous  as 
the  author  of  the  "Wilmot  Proviso." 
Nathan  (Grant),  m.  Jemima  Gillett. 


220  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

daughter  of  Joseph  and  Anna  ("Witter  Park)  Yerrington,  of 
Preston,  Ct. 

It  is  very  difficult  at  any  time  for  a  child  to  speak  of  a 

Betsey  (Yerrington),  in.  Peleg  Brown.     They  had  five  children, 
viz. : 

Polly, 

Betsey, 

Lucy, 

Edwin, 

Almira, 
Ezekiel  (Yerrington),  m.  Eunice  Starkweather,  and  had  thirteen 
children : 

Caroline, 

Harriet, 

William, 

Sophia, 

Louisa, 

John, 

Sidney, 

Horace, 

Hiram, 

Austin, 

Edwin, 

Franklin, 

Lucius. 
Lucy  (Yerrington).  She  m.  Gurdon  Chapman.  They  had  one 
child,  Gurdon  Chapman,  Junior.  He  was  a  well-known 
citizen  of  Norwich,  and  was  at  one  time  its  Mayor.  He  in. 
first,  Betsey  Phillips;  second,  Mary  Ann  Moore:  died 
about  1864,  leaving  no  children.  He  was  eminently  a  self- 
made  man. 
Kuth  (Yerrington).  She  married  Asa  A.  Gore.  They  lived  in 
Preston  and  had  children  : 

Hannah  (Gore),  m.  Jesse  Bedent,  of  Ledyard,  Ct. 

Eliza  (Gore),  m.  Amos  L.  Latham,  of  Ledyard. 

Amos  A.  (Gore),  m.  Orra  Geer. 

Anna  (Gore),  m.  Amos  Yerrington  Grant,  of  N.  Y. 

Asa  (Gore),  m.  Christa  Cook,  of  Preston,  Ct. 

Lucy  O.  (Gore),  m.  Charles  S.  Williams. 

Lydia  M.  (Gore),  m.  Daniel  Wright. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  221 

parent  without  bias,  but  especially  is  it  so  when  that  parent 
has  been  removed  by  death ;  yet  the  writer  feels  it  to  be  no 
flattery  to  the  memory  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch— Mr. 

Clarinda  (Gore),  m.  Amos  A.  Standish. 

John  P.  (Gore),  m.  (1)  Hannah  Hallett.  (2) . 

Joseph  Albert  (Gore),  m.  Nancy  Fitch. 

Polly  (Gore),  m.  Joseph  Berger,  of  Germany. 
Nancy  (Yerrington),  m.  Barstow  Bromley.    They  had  : — 

Joseph  (Bromley),  m. Miner. 

Maria  (Bromley),  m.  Daniel  Lovett. 

Calvin  (Bromley),  m.  . 

J.  Duane  (Bromley).     Drowned. 

Sanford  (Bromley),  m. Rose. 

Eliza  (Bromley),  m. Browning. 

Ezekiel  (Bromley),  m. . 

Lucy  Anna  (Bromley),  m.  John  Gager. 

Gurdon  Chapman  (Bromley),  m. . 

Charles  (Bromley),  m. . 

Lucretia  (Yerrington),  m.  Justin  Brooks,  of  New  York.     They  had 
children : 

Nancy  (Brooks), 

Randall  (Brooks). 

Children  by  the  second  wife,  Anna  "Witter  (Park),  were : 

Sally  (Yerrington),  m.  Caleb  Woodward,   of  Preston.     They  had 
children : 

Caleb  Nelson  (Woodward),  m.  Amanda  D.  Scott. 
Joseph  M.  (Woodward). 

Shubael  Park  (Woodward),  m.  Martha  J.  Brewster. 
Gideon  P.  (Woodward). 
Sarah  Avery  (Woodward).     Unmarried. 
Joseph    Avery  (Yerrington),  b.  March    6,  1793  ;    m.  Mary  Park 
Meech,  of  Preston;  b.  Aug.  22,  1792.     They  had  children: 
Mary  Emeline    (Yerrington),   b.   Sept.  20,    1814;    m. 

Morgan  Safford,  and  lives  in  Norwich. 
Luther  Smith  (Yerrington),   b.  April  29,  1816.    Has 
had  two  wives.     Died  Oct.  4,  1851. 

Lucretia    (Yerrington),  b.  March   11,    1818;    m.    

Tarbox.     Lives  in  Norwich. 
Lucy  Ann  (Yerrington),  b.  Feb.  17,  1820;    m.  Albert 
Ray.     She  d.  Aug.  31,  1844. 


222  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Gnrdon  Bill — to  say  that  nature  had  endowed  him  with 
mental  faculties  of  no  common  order.  It  is  true,  his  earlier  life 
afforded  but  slender  opportunity  for  acquiring  knowledge. 
His  home  was  far  removed  from  the  public  school,  which  in 
those  early  days  was  holden  but  for  very  brief  periods,  and  then 
always  in  the  most  inclement  season  of  the  year.  We  have 
heard  him  say,  that,  up  to  the  time  when  he  was  twenty- 
one  years  old,  he  had  not  attended  school  as  many  days 
as  he  had  attained  years.  But  at  this  period,  feeling  greatly 
the  want  of  an  education,  he  resolved  to  make  an  effort 
to  obtain  it.  After  a  summer's  work  for  wages,  he  repaired, 
to  the  Plainfield  Academy,  where  he  was  admitted  as  a 
student  to  one  of  the  lower  classes ;  and  though  his  pride 
was  greatly  mortified  at  this  necessity,  still  his  purpose 
remained  unshaken.  He  rapidly  rose  from  class  to  class,  till 
he  was  ranked  with  those  of  his  own  age.  As  a  student  thus 
situated  is  always  sure  to  appreciate  his  opportunities,  it  may 
be  believed  that  his  progress  was  rapid,  and  entirely  satisfactory 
both  to  teachers  and  pupil.  On  leaving  this  institution  he 
was  foremost  of  his  class  in  all  those  branches  to  which  he 
had  devoted  his  attention.  That  he  excelled  in  spelling, 
reading,  writing,  also  in  grammar,  and  in  mathematics  and 
surveying,  is  well  known  to  us.  His  aim  had  been  to  fit  him- 
self as  a  teacher,  and  on  returning  to  his  native  town  he  at 

Charles  Alonzo    (Yerrington;,    b.    Feb.  14,   1822;   m. 

Sarah  "Weeks. 
Stephen  Noyes  (Yerrington),  b.  Jan.  9,  1825 ;  in. 

Morse. 
Ezra  Witter  (Yerrington),  b.  Aug.  17,  1828;  m.  Mary 

Huntington,  and  resides  in  Norwich. 
Henry  Warren  (Yerrington),  b.  March  29,  1831. 
Sarah   Brewer   (Yerrington),   b.    June    16,    183-4;   in. 

Lucius  Fenton. 

Noyes  (Yerrington),  b.  . 

Lucy  (Yerrington),  b.  Jan.  C,  1795  ;  m.  Gurdon  Bill,  of  Groton,  in 
the  text,  Nov.  18,  1821. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  223 

once  engaged  in  that  calling.  This  employment  he  pursued 
for  seven  successive  winters.  The  intervening  summers  he 
spent  in  farming,  receiving  therefor  the  customary  compen- 
sation of  those  times.  He  taught  the  first  grammar  school 
ever  held  in  the  town  of  Groton.  Long  ere  the  close  of  the 
period  above  named,  he  had"  acquired  a  wide  and  honorable 
reputation  as  a  teacher  and  citizen,  and  was  the  ever  welcome 
guest  of  the  people  in  the  adjacent  region. 

During  the  war  of  1812  he  was  temporarily  stationed 
on  picket  duty,  at  Stonington,  while  the  British  fleet  were 
cruising  off  that  port. 

He  was  for  a  brief  period  in  the  wholesale  fish  trade,  at  the 
old  Fly  Market  in  New  York  City ;  leaving  there,  he  em- 
barked in  mercantile  business  with  Mr.  Philip  Grey,  in  his 
native  town,  Groton  [Ledyard],  where  afterwards  he  pur- 
chased lands  and  resided.  After  a  few  years  of  successful 
mercantile  life,  he  bought  out  his  partner  and  conducted  the 
business  on  his  own  account.  He  continued  thus  till  his  family 
had  considerably  increased  in  numbers.  His  family  being 
mostly  boys,  he  thought  it  his  duty  to  rear  them  in  habits  of 
industry  and  economy,  and  to  this  end  he  changed  his  busi- 
ness to  the  pursuit  of  agriculture. 

He  had  already  purchased  what  had  constituted  the  chief 
part  of  two  small  farms,  on  which  were  three  dwelling-houses, 
three  barns,  and  one  store,  situate  on  three  of  the  four  corners 
made  by  the  main  roads,  one  leading  from  Norwich  to  Ston- 
ington, and  the  other  from  New  London,  through  Groton,  to 
Preston  City. 

This  place  was  a  central  point,  rough  in  its  externals, 
still  quite  characteristic  of  a  country  home  in  New  England. 
There  was  much  of  severe  labor  to  be  performed  to  make  this 
home  on  the  hillside  blossom,  yet  it  was  cheerfully  done,  and 
the  now  comparatively  smooth  fields,  bounded  on  nearly  all 
sides  by  its  giant  walls,  attest  somewhat  of  the  character  of 
the  man.  His  voice  and  influence  as  a  citizen  was  always  on 
the  side  of  truth  and  justice  ;  he  despised  a  mean  action,  and 


221  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

was  the  friend  of  the  defenseless  and  charitable  everywhere. 
"  Do  unto  others  as  you  would  have  them  to  do  to  you  "  was 
his  rule  in  life. 

In  1828  he  represented  his  native  town  [Groton]  in  the 
State  Legislature.  His  acquaintance  with  public  men  was 
extensive  for  one  situated  as  he  was,  away  from  public 
centers.  Few  men  in  Eastern  Connecticut  have  led  so  quiet 
a  life,  and  yet  impressed  society  as  much  as  he.  In  the 
division  of  the  old  town  of  Groton  he  was  chiefly  instrumental ; 
it  was  a  protracted  political  contest  of  a  very  determined 
character,  and  but  for  the  aid  of  such  persevering  and  reso- 
lute men  as  Capt.  Jacob  Gallup,  Capt.  Anson  Avery,  Col. 
Eoswell  Allyn,  and  Capt.  John  Spicer,  the  town  of  Groton 
might  to-day  boast  its  ancient  boundaries ;  but  at  the  spring 
session  of  the  State  Legislature,  in  1836,  their  efforts  were 
crowned  with  success,  and  a  committee  appointed  to  arrange 
the  details  of  the  division.  This  Committee  met  at  the  house 
of  Gurdon  Bill  and  performed  its  duties. 

An  incident  occurred  at  this  time  and  place  which  is 
of  considerable  interest  to  the  writer,  and  possibly  merits 
mentionino-  here.  A  son  was  born  to  Mr.  Bill,  and  the 
above-named  committee  proposed  to  christen  the  said  son, 
who  was  the  first-born  in  the  new  town,  after  the  town,  and 
this  was  accordingly  done,  accompanied  by  a  slight  token 
from  the  chairman  of  the  committee,  Capt.  Anson  Avery. 
Thus  the  name  of  Ledyard,  which  had  been  given  to  the  town, 
in  honor  of  Col.  William  Ledyard,  was  given  to  this  son. 

Mr  Gurdon  Bill*  died  Sept.  10,  1856,  aged  72  years ;  and 

*  We  are  unable  to  procure  an  original  autograph  that  does  his  pen- 
manship justice,  and  have  been  obliged  to  accept  the  following: — 


6C<7756?77/ 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  225 

was  buried  with  ceremony  by  the  Masonic  fraternity,  in  his 
family  burying-ground,  located  on  his  farm.  The  following 
lines  were  selected  by  him  prior  to  his  decease,  and,  at  his 
request,  were  placed  on  his  tombstone. 

"In  hope  of  future  bliss, 
Content  I  lie, 
Though  pleased  to  live, 
Yet  not  displeased  to  die. 

"  Life  hath  its  charms  and  its  sorrows  too, 

For  both  to  all- wise  Heaven  our  thanks  are  due. 
How  far  my  hope  is  vain,  or  founded  well, 
God  only  knows Eternity  will  tell." 


Lucy  (Yerrington)  Bill,  wife  of  Gurdon  Bill,  died  of  a  fever, 
October  1st,  1846,  aged  fifty-one  years,  after  an  illness  of 
seven  days.  Taken  in  perfect  health,  as  supposed,  she  was 
in  the  brief  space  of  a  single  week  reduced  to  a  lifeless 
corpse.  This  was  a  sad  blow  to  that  family,  and  especially 
so  to  the  five  young  children  thus  suddenly  bereft  of  the 
tender  affection  and  constant  care  of  a  most  exemplary  mother, 
who  so  much  needed  a  mother's  watchfulness  to  mold  and 
guide  them.  The  gloom  which  filled  and  crowded  those 
never-to-be-forgotten  days,  comes  so  vividly  up  before  us  as 
we  write,  that  it  is  with  great  reluctance  we  go  forward,  so 
sacred  and  so  solemn  is  the  task.  A  loving  father  was  still 
left  us,  yet  his  cup  of  bitterness  was  full,  and  that  only 
added  to  the  general  bereavement.  Death  was  to  us  so  strange 
a  visitor,  and  he  seemed  to  have  touched  our  sainted  mother 
so  lightly,  that  we  were  awed  by  its  presence,  and  fascinated 
by  the  remarkable  likeness  of  the  dead  to  the  living ! 

It  is  right  and  proper  that  all  children  should  regard  their 
mothers  as  the  "  best  of  mothers,"  yet  we  have  only  to  look 
around  us  and  note  the  wide  difference  in  all  that  goes  to  make 


22 6  THE    BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

up  a  perfected  character  in  the  mothers  of  the  race,  to  make 
us  feel  that  ours  was  a  truly  noble  woman  and  model  mother 
and  housewife.  Her  character,  as  her  person,  was  one  of  great 
loveliness.  She  expressed  but  one  wish  for  which  she  desired 
to  live,  and  that  was  that  she  might  see  her  children  grown  to 
man's  estate. 

She  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church  at  Preston  City, 
and  her  life  ever  exemplified  that  of  the  true  Christian. 

Ever  blessed  is  her  name  and  memory  in  the  recollection  of 
her  children,  and  may  the  recollection  of  her  gentle  and  exem- 
plary spirit  be  in  death,  as  in  life,  a  guide  to  their  ever-erring 
footsteps. 

The  children  of  Gurdon  and  Lucy  (Yerringtun)  Bill  were : 

751  f  Edward  Mitchell,7  b.  April  24,  1822  ;    m.  Esther  Alice 

Sylvester. 

752  t  Henry,7    )  twins,  born      )  m.  Julia  Octavia  Chapman. 

753  Joshua,7  )  May  18,1824;  )  d.  May  19,  1824. 
54     Joseph,7  b.  Feb.  12,  1826  ;  d.  March  8,  1826. 

755  t  Gurdon,7  b.  June  7,  1827  ;  in.  Emily  Alice  Denison. 

756  Frederic,7  b.  April  6,  1829;  d.  April  9,  1830. 

757  Eliza,7  b.  May  27,   1831;  d.  July   31,   1847,  of  typhoid 

fever. 

758  f  Frederic,7  b.  Sept.  7,  1833;  m.  Lucy  Glover  Denison. 

759  t  Ledyard,7  b.  May  14,  1836. 

760  Harriet,7  b.  April  28,  1838  ;  d.  Nov.  17,  1857. 

761  t  Charles,7  b.  June  7,  1840. 

423. 

SABEINA  BILL6  (Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua3,  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding;  was  bom  in  Groton  [Led- 
yard], Jan.  14,  1786,  and  married  Sept.  15,  1805,  Samuel 
Taylor,  born  Feb.  26,  1781. 

In  girlhood  she  was  the  pet  and  pride  of  her  father's  house- 
hold, and  among  the  neighboring  circles  was  an  ever  welcome 
guest.  In  maturer  years  her  life  was  that  of  an  exemplary 
Christian ;  possessed  of  a  noble  nature,  and  adorned  by  all  of 
those  gentle  qualities  that  attract  and  cement  true  friendship. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  227 

Her  memory  is  cherished  in  the  recollections  of  her  kindred. 
She  died  July  29,  1817,  at  Roxbury,  Delaware  County,  New 
York,  where  her  husband  at  that  time  resided.  Mr.  Taylor 
afterwards  married  her  sister  Abigail. 

The  children  of  Samuel  and  Sabrina  (Bill)  Taylor  were  : 

762  t  Samuel  Bill7  (Taylor),  b.  July  20,  1806;  m.  Eunice  G.  Miner, 

of  Mystic,  Ct. 

763  Rodman7  (Taylor),  b.  Jan.  19, 1808  ;  m.  Cynthia  Mudgett. 

They  reside  in  Michigan  and  have  children  : 
Lorain,8  Levi,3  Elvira,8  and  Macy.8 

764  t  Alfred  H.7  (Taylor),  b.  Jan.   4,    1812;  in.   Phebe   Eliza 

Taylor. 

765  Maria7  (Taylor),  b.  March  19,  1814;  m.  Edwin  St.  John. 

She  died  Jan.  11,  1848.     They  had, 
Urban,8  who  d.  Sept.  6,  1864. 
Elizabeth8  is  living  near  Lindenville,  N.  Y.,  and 
is  unmarried,  1867. 

766  f  Mary    Ann7  (Taylor),  b.  Feb.  16,  1816;  m.  Horatio  K 

Parker. 

424. 

SAEAH  BILL6  (Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John'), 
a  sister  of  the  preceding;  was  bom  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  Sept. 
16, 1787,  and  was  married  about  1810,  to  Robert  Chapman,  of 
Groton. 

This  family  resided  in  Groton,  where  they  both  died.  She 
died  Jan.  9,  1845,  and  was  buried  in  the  family  burying- 
ground  of  her  brother,  Gurdon  Bill,  in  Ledyard. 

The  children  of  Robert  and  Sarah  (Bill)  Chapman  were  : 

767  Robert7  (Chapman),  b.  Aug.  9,  1812  ;  m.  Sept.  15,  1838, 

Ann  Miller,  who  was  born  April  11,  1821.  This 
family  reside  in  Groton,  nearly  opposite  the  city 
of  New  London,  on  a  large  and  beautiful  farm 
which  overlooks  both  the  city  and  harbor,  and 
also  commands  an  extended  view  of  Long  Island 
Sound.  In  summer,  the  writer,  from  this  rare  point 
for  observation,  has  witnessed,  especially  during 


22S  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

the  sojourn  of  the  New  York  yacht  fleet,  views  at 
once  picturesque  and  beautiful.  Mr.  Chapman  is 
one  of  the  most  industrious  farmers" we  ever  met, 
and  he  is  possessed  of  greater  physical  endurance 
than  that  of  any  man  we  ever  knew ;  but  time  is 
rapidly  telling  on  his  overtaxed  system.  His 
amiable  wife  seems,  notwithstanding  the  multi- 
tudinous demands  of  her  numerous  family  on  her 
time  and  attention,  to  grow  more  ponderous  in 
person  and  cheerful  in  spirit  as  the  years  roll 
along. 

With  years  of  prosperous  toil  they  have  secured 
this  pleasant  home,  and  naught  now  remains  for 
them  but  to  enjoy  it.  The  children  of  Robert 
Chapman  are: 

Ann  Elizabeth8  (Chapman),  b.  March  2,  1844. 

John8  (Chapman),  b.  July  11,  1846. 

Charlotte  Starrs  (Chapman),  b.  Feb.  2,  1848. 

George  Henry8  (Chapman),  b.  Nov.  7,  1850. 

Charles  Hempstead8  (Chapman),  b.  Oct.  7,  1854. 

Frank8  (Chapman),  b.  May  3,  1S56. 

"Walter  Eugene8  (Chapman),  b.  Oct.  31,  1859. 

Florence  Marion8  (Chapman),  b.  Nov.  11, 1861  ; 
d.  May  1,  1S62. 

768  Sarah7   (Chapman)   b. ;    m.  Allyn  Avery.     They 

resided  in  Greenville,  Ct.    She  died ,  and  left 

children  : 

George8  (Avery), 

Robert8  (Avery), 

Elizabeth8  (Avery). 

769  William7  (Chapman),  b. ;  died  at  sea. 

425. 
PHINEAS  BILL6  (Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding,  was  born  in  Groton  (Led- 
yard),  on  16th  Sept.,  1789.  He  married  Fanny  Gallup,  Nov. 
23,  1817.  She  was  born  Dec.  10,  1787,  daughter  of  Jesse 
Gallup,  of  Groton. 


SIXTH  GENERATION.  099 

Phineas  Bill,  in  the  war  of  1812,  was  sergeant  of  volun- 
teers called  out  for  the  defense  of  the  seaboard.  He  was 
stationed  at  New  London,  and  then  at  Stonino;ton. 

His  trade  was  that  of  a  cooper,  as  was  that  of  his  father 
and  grandfather  before  him.  He  worked  at  this  employment 
for  a  number  of  years  in  Groton,  but  finally  removed  to 
Norwich  about  1830,  taking  his  family  with  him  ;  from  there 
he  embarked  on  two  whaling  voyages  as  a  cooper.  After  his 
return  from  sea  he  removed  to  Sag  Harbor,  Long  Island,  and 
at  the  end  of  a  year,  having  settled  his  family  here,  he  went 
South  to  work  at  his  trade,  and  while  at  the  parish  of  Assump- 
tion, Louisiana,  he  was  brutally  murdered  by  a  fellow-work- 
man, Dec.  19, 1839,  aged  50  years  3  months.  He  was  buried 
at  that  place. 

The  following  statement,  copied  from  a  Norwich,  Ct., 
paper,  gives  the  particulars  of  this  terrible  affair. 

Mr.  Dunham: — By  the  following  melancholy  intelligence,  it  will  be 
learned  that  a  husband  and  a  father  has  been  relentlessly  torn  from 
amidst  his  family  and  a  large  circle  of  relatives  and  friends,  to  whom  he 
was  attached  by  the  strongest  ties  of  friendship  and  esteem.  The  de- 
ceased was  naturally  a  very  inoffensive  and  quiet  citizen — so  much  so, 
that  the  guilt  of  the  unfeeling  inebriate,  who  imbrued  his  hands  with  in- 
nocent blood,  is  aggravated  tenfold.  He  was  a  native  of  Groton,  in  this 
State,  but  removed  his  family  to  this  town  some  years  since,  where  they 
have  resided  until  within  a  few  months  past,  when  they  removed  to  Sag 
Harbor,  L.  I.  He  was  a  cooper  by  trade,  and  had  performed  a  whaling 
voyage  in  that  capacity : 

IIOEPJBLE    MUBDER. 

New  Orleans,  Dec.  26,  1839. 

A  most  atrocious  murder  was  committed  on  the  20th  inst.,  in  the  parish 
of  Assumption,  La.,  on  the  person  of  a  man  named  Phineas  Bill,  about  50 
years  of  age,  and  but  lately  arrived  from  Boston.  The  perpetrator  of  this 
diabolical  deed  is  named  Robeson,  who,  as  well  as  the  deceased,  is  a 
cooper.  It  appears  that  this  Robeson  is  a  drunkard,  and,  jealous  of 
the  old  man  taking  his  situation,  in  a  fit  of  desperation,  after  a  few  words 
he  struck  him  with  a  cooper's  axe  immediately  below  the  throat,  on  the 


230  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

left  side,  commencing  from  the  first  rib  to  the  fifth,  dividing  the  breast- 
bone, from  the  first  rib  to  the  third,  exposing  the  thorax  from  the  point 
opposite  the  first  to  the  fourth  rib,  causing  instant  death.  The  murderer 
gave  himself  up  to  the  authorities,  saying  he  was  satisfied  that  lie  had 
killed  him,  for  he  had  lived  quite  long  enough.  A  coroner's  inquest  was 
held  on  the  body,  and  a  verdict  of  murder  rendered  against  the  prisoner. 
We  are  sorry  to  say  that  the  deceased  has  left  a  wife  and  several  children 
to  lament  his  untimely  end. — New  York  Sun. 

The  widow,  Mrs.  Fanny  (Gallup)  Bill,  is  still  living,  and  for 
ten  years  has  resided  with  her  son,  Erastus  Denison  Bill,  first 
at  Sheffield,  111.,  then  at  Plymouth,  Indiana.  She  is  in 
almost  perfect  health,  and  retains  her  physical  and  mental 
faculties  quite  unimpaired,  though  she  verges  on  her  eightieth 
birthday.  We  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  several 
autograph  letters  from  her,  which  show  an  unusually  retentive 
memory  and  sprightliness  of  spirit. 

The  children  of  Phineas  and  Fanny  Bill  are  : 

770  Sabrina  Taylor,7  b.  Sept.   19,  1818;  m.  John  Chester,  at 

Sag  Harbor,  Jan.  28,  1849.  She  died  Sept,  25, 
1849.     No  children. 

771  f  Frank  Wesley,7  b.  June  4,  1820  ;  m.  Rowena  Cleveland. 

772  Abby,7b.  Sept.  13,  1822;  m.  Sept.  19,  1841,  to  Frederic 

A.  Glover,  of  Sag  Harbor,  a  carpenter.  They 
removed  to  Minnesota  about  1856-7.  They  have 
three  children  living. 

773  f  Edwin,7  b.  July  17,  1824  ;  in.  Eleanor  A.  Miller. 

774  f  Erastus  Denison,7  b.  May  13,  1826  ;  m.  (1)  Eliza  J.  Phil- 

lips. (2)  A.  M.  West. 

775  Adelia  A.,7  b.  April  5,  1828;  m.  to  William  L.  Heath, 

April  18,  1849.  He  was  a  sailor,  of  Fall  River, 
Mass.  They  removed  in  1855  to  Illinois,  and 
engaged  in  farming.  In  1858,  June  22,  they  re- 
moved to  Minnesota.     They  have  six  children. 

776  Mary  F.,7  b.  Aug.  26,  1829  ;  m.  June  8,  1847,  George  M. 

Tallmage,  a  ship-carpenter.  They  reside  at  Sag 
Harbor,  L.  I.,  and  have  live  children. 

777  Phineas,7  b.  Aug.  1,  1833  ;  died  Sept,  29,  1833. 


SIXTH   GENERATION".  231 

The  two  first  children  of  this  family  were  born  in  Groton, 
the  third  in  Stonington,  and  the  others  in  Groton,  except  the 
youngest,  which  was  born  in  the  town  of  Norwich. 

426. 

ABIGAIL  BILL6  (Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,5 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing,  Phineas  Bill ;  was  born  in 
Groton  [Ledyard],  Aug.  29,  1791.  She  married,  on  the  11th 
Dec,  1818,  Dea.  Samuel  Taylor,  who  had  been  the  husband 
of  her  sister  Sabrina.  She  was  known  as  "  Abby,"  and  is  so 
spoken  of  by  her  relatives  and  descendants. 

Mr.  Taylor  was  a  truly  good  man,  and  well  known  for 
his  uprightness  in  all  the  affairs  of  life ;  if  he  erred  it  was  on 
the  side  of  kindness  of  heart.  He  lived  an  honorable  and 
exemplary  life,  abounding  in  piety  and  good  deeds.  He  was 
at  one  time  prosperous  and  independent  in  circumstances, 
owning  a  large  and  valuable  farm  in  what  was  and  still  is  the 
garden  of  the  Genesee  Valley,  but  in  consequence  of  the 
prodigality  and  reckless  habits  of  some  of  his  boys,  he  was 
eventually  reduced,  prior  to  his  decease,  to  very  humble 
circumstances.  They  resided  in  the  town  of  Yates,  Orleans 
County,  New  York,  where  all  his  children  by  this  his  second 
wife  were  born. 

He  died  at  Lindenville,  K  Y.,  Dec.  14,  1858,  of  cancer, 
aged  78.     She  died  April  19,  1863,  aged  72  years. 

Their  children  were : 

778  t  Gurdon  Bill7  (Taylor),  b.  Sept.  21,   1819;  m.  (1)  Mary 

Morris.  (2)  Amanda  Johnson. 

779  Henry'  (Taylor),   b.   Dec.    12,    1820;    m.   Helen   Laura 

Chamberlain,  Dec,  1843.    He  died  Aug.  11,  1846, 

leaving  one  son  : 

Henry  Selden8  (Taylor),  of  Lockport,  N.  Y. 

780  James  Hervey7  (Taylor),  b.  Aug.  1,  1822;  m.  his  cousin, 

Mary  E.  Taylor,  the  daughter  of  Henry  Taylor, 
of  Trumansburg,  N.  Y.     He  was  a  man  of  fine 


232  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

business    talents,  but   became    insane.     He  died 
Feb.  11,  1863,  leaving  one  child  : 
Laura8  (Taylor). 

781  Julius7  (Taylor),  b.  Aug.    1,   1824;  m.    Frances  Ewing, 

July  1G,  1848,  at  New  London,  Ct.  She  was 
b.  Feb.  17,  1828.  He  was  for  a  while  engaged 
as  a  writer  on  the  New  York  News,  but  latterly 
has  been  engaged  in  other  business.  They  have 
no  children. 

782  Elizabeth7  (Taylor),  b.  Sept.  7,  1826  ;  d.  Sept.  3,  1831. 

427. 

BETSEY  BILL6  (Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip.2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Groton  [Led- 
yard],  August  24,  1793.  She  married  John  Darrow,  a 
widower,  and  a  native  of  Preston,  Ct.,  October,  1825.  He  was 
by  trade  a  cooper,  and  resided  at  this  time  in  western  Massa- 
chusetts, near  the  southwest  corner  of  that  State,  where  they 
remained  only  one  year,  when  they  removed  to  Meeting- 
House  Hill,  in  North  Groton  [Ledyard],  and  took  up  their 
residence  in  the  first  or  second  house  east  of  the  residence 
of  Esquire  John  Spicer,  on  the  road  leading  from  said 
meeting-house  toward  Stonington.  Here  their  daughter 
Lucy  was  born.  It  is  not  known  exactly  how  long  they 
remained  at  that  place.  Mr.  Darrow  found  it  very  unre- 
munerative  in  the  prosecution  of  his  trade  there,  and  as  Xew 
London  offered  many  advantages,  he  determined  on  a  removal 
thither,  which  was  accordingly  done.  They  still  reside  in 
that  city,  both  having  attained  to  a  comfortable  old  age. 
Though  life's  toil  has  borne  heavily  upon  him  till  now,  lie  is 
on  what  might  be  termed  the  "retired  list.''  His  chief  traits 
of  character  are  his  quiet  and  unobtrusive  habits,  united  to  a 
most  gentle  and  tender  heart. 

AVe  should  do  neither  justice  to  Mrs.  Darrow — ""Aunt 
Betsey,"  as  she  is  familiarly  known  among  her  near  relatives 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  933 

— nor  justice  to  her  friends  or  ourselves,  if  we  failed  to  give 
here  nothing  but  a  mere  genealogical  record  of  this  notable 
member  of  the  family,  leaving  her  many  pleasing  and  marked 
characteristics  entirely  out  of  view. 

In  the  western  and  central  part  of  the  old  town  of  Groton, 
about  six  miles  from  New  London,  and  some  two  miles  south- 
west from  Meeting-Iiouse  Hill,  on  a  gently  sloping  hillside, 
amid  the  usual  scenery  of  New  England,  stands  a  story-and-a- 
half  unpainted  cottage,  where  the  subject  of  this  sketch — "  Aunt 
Betsey  " — was  born,  as  were  all  the  children  of  her  father's 
family.  This  house,  then  the  homestead  of  the  family,  is  of 
that  old-fashioned  type,  having  large  fireplaces,  friendly  old 
hearthstones,  and  projecting  timbers  of  a  century  gone — ven- 
erable and  strong  in  the  impressions  they  leave  upon  the 
mind,  not  unlike  our  ideas  of  the  character  of  the  early  popu- 
lation of  our  country — simple,  strong,  and  bold  in  truth  and 
manhood.  This  home  and  its  surroundings,  originally  plea- 
sant, is  now  much  changed,  from  the  sad  neglect  of  later 
occupants. 

It  was  in  this  plain  and  unpretending  home,  like  so  many 
others  in  New  England  from  which  have  gone  sturdy  and 
patriotic  men  and  women,  that  the  subject  of  this  reference 
was  reared  and  educated ;  of  course,  her  advantages  were 
small,  as  at  this  time  the  country  had  but  just  emerged  from 
the  Revolutionary  War,  in  which  her  father  had  been  wounded, 
in  the  defense  of  New  London  ;  while  habits  of  simplicity  and 
economy  characterized  the  people,  especially  all  the  agricultural 
communities,  and  the  opportunities  for  an  education  were  small 
indeed  compared  with  the  present.  This  lack  of  early  advan- 
tages was  in  a  great  measure  counterbalanced  and  overcome  by 
that  rare  jewel,  good  sense  ;  then  too  she  was  gifted  with  many 
cpialities  and  traits  of  character  of  more  value  than  the  mere 
learning  of  schools,  which,  even  in  early  life,  made  her  an 
engaging  companion,  and  in  womanhood  a  valued  and  en- 
tertaining friend.  A  shrewd  observation  of  life  and  its  events 
gave  a  keenness  to  her  native  wit,  that  flowed  as  fresh  and 

16 


234:  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

sparkling  as  a  living  fountain  ;  and  her  vivacity  of  spirit 
was  equal  to  her  humor,  and,  as  may  be  inferred,  the  posses- 
sion of  these  qualities  rendered  her  an  attractive  conversation- 
alist, and  an  hour  in  her  company  was  a  sure  medicine  for 
depression  and  the  "  blues." 

For  several  years  she  kept  house  for  her  brother  Gurdon, 
who  was  then  a  merchant  in  North  Groton,  now  Ledyard, 
until  his  marriage. 

In  early  life  she  united  with  the  Baptist  Church,  and  has 
continued  a  consistent  and  worthy  member. 

The  only  surviving  member  of  a  family  of  nine  children, 
and  herself  already  past  the  allotted  threescore  and  ten,  she 
still  retains  much  of  the  vigor  and  freshness  of  youth,  both 
physically  and  mentally,  and  one  may  still  note  the  unladed 
color  in  her  cheek ;  and  her  unbended  form  gives  proof  of  how 
well  she  has  endured  the  flight  of  time,  which  has  whitened 
the  heads  and  palsied  the  hands  of  so  many  of  her  earlier 
companions.  There  is  every  promise  of  many  years  yet  to 
her,  and  however  long  her  life  shall  be  prolonged,  sad  indeed 
will  be  the  day  when  her  cheering  voice  is  hushed  midst  the 
silence  of  the  tomb. 

They  had  two  children,  namely  : 

An  infant,  that  died  at  birth. 

783  Lucy,7  b.  Feb.  3,  1829,  at  "Meeting-House  Hill,"  in  Led- 
yard, then  Groton.  She  married,  first,  Francis 
Smith  Hunter,  on  21st  June,  1845.  He  died  at 
sea,  as  is  supposed.  Her  second  husband  is 
Charles  Henry  Mills,  whom  she  married  Sept. 
15,  1858.  He  is  a  jeweller,  and  is  in  business  at 
126  Atlantic  Street,  Brooklyn,  New  York,  in 
which  city  this  family  reside.  There  are  no 
children  by  either  marriage. 


SIXTH   GENERATION.  235 


429. 


AVERY  BILL6  (Joshua,6  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,5 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing,  and  youngest  son  and 
child  of  Joshua  and  Abigail  Bill  ;  was  born  in  Groton  [Led- 
yard],  Oct.  1, 1796.  He  married,  on  the  10th  December,  1820, 
Betsky  Barnes,  of  Preston,  born  March  20,  1797.  She  was 
a  true  Christian  woman,  possessing  very  many  estimable  traits 
of  character,  and  died  much  lamented  by  her  relatives  and 
friends,  July  7,  1861,  and  was  buried  at  Norwich,  in  the  new 
cemetery  near  Norwich  Falls. 

He  was  an  industrious  and  hard  working  man.  His  oc- 
cupation was  ostensibly  that  of  a  farmer,  though  the  cutting 
and  hauling  of  timber  and  wood  to  market  received  his  chief 
attention.  In  a  brief  period  he  stripped  several  farms  in 
Ledyard,  Preston,  and  Griswold  of  their  growth  of  wood, 
accumulating  in  this  way  some  property ;  he  finally  settled  in 
Southington,  Ct.,  where  he  died  March  12,  1866.  His  remains 
were  placed  by  the  side  of  those  of  his  late  wife,  in  the 
cemetery  at  Norwich. 

He  reared  a  large  family  of  children,  and  had  lived  to  see 
them  inducted  up  to  manhood  and  each  comfortably  settled. 
This,  to  a  parent,  must  be  supreme  satisfaction.  It  may  be 
noted  as  remarkable,  that  in  this  family  of  ten  children  death 
has  never  broken  as  yet  a  single  link ;  their  united  lives 
amount  to  the  number  of  over  three  hundred  and  fifty  years, 
and,  further,  all  are  married  except  the  youngest. 

The  names  of  these,  their  children,  are  : 

784  t  Avery,7  b.  Dec.  5,  1821  ;  m.  Hannah  Ray. 

785  t  Punier,7  b.  April  20,  1823  ;  m.  Sarah  Ann  Brown. 

786  t  Maria  Elizabeth,7  b.  Dee,  3,  1824  ;  m.  Horatio  Barden. 

787  f  Roswell,7  b.  Jan.  14,  1827;  m.  Anna  L.  Kuhn. 

788  t  Nancy,7  b.  Dec.  4,  1829  ;  m.  Cyrus  Chapman. 

789  Fanny,7  b.  Dec.   6,  18jl ;   m.  Julius  Chapman,  Oct     15, 

1850.     They  reside   in    Griswold,  and    have    no 
children. 


236  THE   BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

790  Joshua,7  b.  Nov.  20,  1833;  m.  Angeline  1ST.  Neal,  Nov. 

11,  1856.     They  reside  in  Southington,  Ct.,  and 
have  no  children. 

791  f  Emeline,1  b.  Dec.  20,  1 835  ;  m.  William  O.  Brooks. 

792  Abby,7  b.  March  20,  1838;  m.  Henry  D.  Frost,  of  South- 

ington, Oct.  18,  1864.     They  reside  at  Plainville, 
Ct.,  and  have  one  child. 

793  Mary  Ann,7  b.  June  14,  1840.     She  is  teaching  school  in 

Illinois. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  237 


SEVENTH    GEKEBATIOK 

As  we  pass  from  the  sixth  to  the  seventh  generation,  we 
leave  the  dead  and  have  to  deal  with  the  living.  Whatever 
terms  of  praise  we  may  have  indulged  in  when  speaking  of 
the  departed,  and  of  their  life  and  character,  so  far  as  known 
to  us,  we  have  felt  has  been  merited,  and  it  has  been  no 
more  than  their  just  deserts;  but  it  is  always  safer,  if  not 
easier,  to  pronounce  on  the  lives  of  the  dead  than  to  indulge 
in  eulogistic  terms  of  the  living,  and,  as  we  proceed,  we 
shall  be  more  guarded ;  yet  we  hope  to  speak  justly  of  all. 

Among  all  of  those  of  the  six  preceding  generations 
there  scarce  remains  to  us  a  living  soul,  at  least  they  can  all 
be  counted  on  one's  hands.  We  do  not  now  recall  to  mind 
any  except  the  families  in  the  British  Provinces,  and  our 
affectionate  aunt,  Mrs.  Betsey  (Bill)  Darrow,  of  New  London, 
also  several  children  of  Benajah  Bill.5  These  of  the  past  only 
remain,  and  their  sojourn  among  the  living  can  at  longest  be 
but  brief. 

Mingled  feelings  of  sadness  and  of  pleasure  take  posses- 
sion of  us  as  we  pass  this  landmark  in  the  family  history — 
feelings  of  sadness  as  we  turn  from  the  contemplation  of  the 
memorials  of  the  dead,  and  feelings  of  pleasure  as  we  advance 
to  the  consideration  of  those  now  living;  active  and  busy 
with  the  affairs  of  life,  establishing  their  characters,  and  all 
forming,  as  we  trust,  good  names,  which  will  be  the  chiefest 
inheritance  to  their  children. 

431. 

BENJAMIN  BILL7  (Benjamin,6  Charles/  Jonathan,4  Jona- 
than,8 James,2  John1),  the  son  of  Benjamin  and  Elizabeth 
(Watts)  Bill,  of  Chelsea,  Mass. ;  was  born  on  Jan.  19,  1762,  and 


23S  THE   BTLL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

on  the  6th  of  May,  1787,  married  Tabitha  Nichols,  horn 
April  7,  1761,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Burditt) 
Nichols,  of  Maiden,  Mass. 

This  family  resided  in  Chelsea,  where  he  died  July  22, 
1790,  leaving  two  children.  His  widow  married,  March  11, 
1801,  Winslow  Sargent,  of  Maiden.  She  died  on  the  28th  of 
May  of  the  succeeding  year,  and  was  the  second  wife  of  Sar- 
gent, who  wTas  married  twice  afterwards.  He  died  Sept.  8, 
1819,  at  Maiden. 

The  children  of  Benjamin  Bill  were  : 

794  Betsey,8  b.  May  14,  1788  ;  unmarried,  and  living  in  18GG. 

795  f  Benjamin,8  b.  March  5,  1790  ;  m.  Elizabeth  Cutter. 

432. 

GARDNER  BILL7  (Richard,6  Samuel,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3 
Thomas,2  John1),  a  son  of  Richard  and  Abigail  (Kenney)  Bill ; 
was  born  in  Roxbury,  Mass.,  Sept.  19,  1773,  and  married 
Arpatia  Church,  of  Guilford,  Vt. 

The  records  of  this  family  and  their  recollections  of  their 
ancestors  have  been  very  conflicting,  and  consequently  un- 
certain ;  but  we  have,  we  think,  so  nearly  established  the 
ancestry,  that  we  feel  little  hesitation  in  pronouncing  our 
conclusions  correct. 

Gardner  was  brought  up  in  Chesterfield,  N.  H.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-one  he  settled  in  Wardsborough,  Vt.,  and  soon 
thereafter  married  and  removed  to  Jamaica,  in  the  same  State, 
where  he  died  June  30,  1844.  His  wife  died  there,  Aug.  7, 
1816.  For  near  forty  years  prior  to  his  decease,  he  had  by 
accident  been  rendered  quite  infirm. 

Their  children  were : 

796  America  Church,8  b.  Aug.  18,  1797;  d.  in  infancy. 

797  t  Alanson,8  b.  Nov.  14,  1798 ;  m.  Clarissa  Howard. 

798  t  John  Alonzo,8  b.  Dec.  26,  1800;  m.  (1) .  (2)  Doro- 

thy Gleason. 

799  f  Lorenzo,8  b.  Nov.  16,  1802  ;  m.  Pamela  Maynard 

800  t  Lewis,8  b.  Sept.  3,  1804;  m. . 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  239 

801  Cotton  Brown,8  b.  June  4,  1807  ;  d.  young. 

802  Celestia  C.,s  b.  Feb.  13,  1809;    m.  Nathan  Howard,    of 

Jamaica,  Yt.,  where  they  still  live,  having  had 
many  children. 

803  Joseph,8  b.  Oct.  7,  1812  ;  d.  young. 

804  Alfonzo,8  b.  July  9,  1815;  m.  ,  and  lives  in  Troy, 

N.  Y. 

And  two  others  who  died  without  names.     The 

children  of  this  family  have  adopted  the  final  s. 

433. 

DAYIS  BILL7  (Richard,6  Samuel,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3 
Thomas,2  John'),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  ;  was  born  in  1775, 
and  was  never  married,  so  far  as  known. 

The  report  of  this  Davis  is,  that  he  was  a  noted  traveler, 
and  had  a  natural  fondness  for  adventure,  and  his  gift  at  story- 
telling was  very  remarkable.  We  hear  of  him  in  London  and 
in  many  other  places.  It  is  also  reported  that  he  published 
a  small  volume  containing  an  account  of  his  travels,  and  that 
but  very  few  of  them  were  ever  published,  wdiich  Ave  can 
readily  accredit,  since  we  have  sought  in  some  of  the  largest 
public  libraries  for  a  copy  without  success.  Nothing  has  been 
heard  of  him  since  1815,  when  lie  was  living  in  London. 

435. 

CHARLES  BILL7  (Charles,6  Charles,5  Thomas,4  Philip,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  Charles  and  Lydia  (Pratt)  Bill,  was 
born  June  26,  1803.  He  married  Lois  Story  Woodwokth,  of 
Norwich,  Ct,  b.  Nov.  6,  1806,  and  died  Feb.  16,  1848.  This 
family  reside  in  Delhi,  N.  Y. 

They  had  children  : 

805  Ann  Eliza,8  b.  Feb.  2,  1831. 

806  George  W.,8  b.  Sept.  28,  1832. 

807  Susan  M.,8  b.  June  28,  1835. 

808  Charles  W.,8  b.  Oct.  28,  1838. 

809  t  William  R.,8  b.  Nov.  15,  1840. 


240  TIIE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 


436. 


DAVID  BILL7  (Charles,6  Charles,5  Thomas,4  Philip,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in 
Franklin,  N.  Y.,  March  17,  1811,  and  was  married  June  21, 
1835,  to  Louisa  Kimball,  who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
March  15,  1815.     This  family  reside  in  Franklin,  K.  Y. 

They  have  had  children:       *Kj*  L"»,  PSf' 

810  Charles  Abell,8  b.  May  20,  1836;   resides  at  San  Jose, 

Cal. 

811  Lydia  Maria,8  b.  Feb.  17,  1838;  m.  in  1858,  to  William 

H.  Colburn,  of  Franklin,  N.  Y. 

812  Julia  Anne,8  b.  May  1 1 ,  1 840  ;  m.  Clark  S.  Clydenville. 

813  Eunice  A.,8  b.  May  29,  1843  ;  d.  May  6,  1852. 

447. 

ALSON  BILL7  (Bela,6  William,5  Thomas,4  Philip,' 
Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Bela  and  Lydia  (Horton) 
Bill ;  was  born  Dec.  16,  1800,  and  married . 

This  family  is  living  at  Laona,  Winnebago  County,  Illinois. 
There  are  several  daughters,  whose  names  are  unknown  to  us, 
but  we  have  the  name  of  a  son  : 

814  James  Hervey,8  b. ,  1832.     He  was  a  conductor  on 

the  Western  Railroad  in  Mass.,  and  was  killed  by 
the  explosion  of  an  engine,  in  Oct.,  1864. 

451. 

LUCmDA   BILL7   (Bela,6  William,5   Thomas,4    Philip, 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding;  was  born  Dec.  25, 
1811,  and  married  to  Edward  Cheeseman,  of  Hinsdale,  Mass., 
Nov.  30,  1S35. 

They  had  children : 

815  John  Mack8  (Cheeseman),  b.  June  12,1838;  m.  Cynthia 

Ann  Foster,  Jan.,  1864. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION".  241 

816  Mary  Ann8  (Cheeseman),  b.  July  3,  1S40;  d.  Sept.   17, 

1843. 

817  Sidney  Horton8  (Cheeseman),  b.  Aug.  11,  1843  ;  m.  Emily 

L.  Foster,  March  6,  1866. 

818  Edward8  (Cheeseman),  } 

o-i  ^     T7.T    •«  /At.  n      f   twins;  born  May  12,  1847. 

819  Edwin8  (Cheeseman),    J  J 

454. 

MARSHALL  BILL7  (Bela,6  William,5  Thomas,4  Philip,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born  Jan.,  1818, 
and  in  1843  was  married  to  Susan  Johnson,  of  Sand  Lake, 
K  Y. 

lie  died  in  Washington,  Mass.,  June  2,  1865,  and  was 
buried  at  Hinsdale,  of  the  same  State. 

The  children  were : 

820  Charles  Arthur,8  b.  Nov.  18,  1844. 

821  George  Archibald,8  b.  Feb.  12,  1847. 

822  Cyrus  Edward,8 b.  Nov.  14,  1850. 

823  Inez  Estella,8  b.  Aug.  10,  1859. 

456. 
CHARLOTTE  BILL7  (Bela,6  William,5  Thomas,4  Philip,3 

Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  ISTov.  8, 
1824,  and  on  April  29,  1845,  married  Cyeus  Messenger,  of 
Peru,  Mass. 

They  have  had  children  : 

824  Emily  Palmyra8  (Messenger),  b.  June  30,  1846. 

825  Milan8  (Messenger),  b.  July  7,  1848;  d.  March  15,  1860. 

826  Ehna  Janette8  (Messenger),  b.  Feb.  19,  1851. 

827  Willard  Bela8  (Messenger),  b.  Dec.  16,  1852. 

828  George  Alson8  (Messenger),  b.  June  5,  1855. 

829  Elmer  Byron8  (Messenger),  b.  Sept.  22,  1857. 

830  Lena  Jane8  (Messenger),  b.  May  12,  1861. 

469. 
ELIJAH  ABELL  BILL7  (Philip,6  Benjamin,6  Benjamin,4 


242  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Philip,3  Philip,2  John'),  the  second  son  of  Philip  and  Hannah 
(Abell)  Bill,  of  Bozrah,  Ct. ;  was  burn  there,  Aug.  18, 1804,  and 
on  May  27,  1831,  married  Angeline  MakCxAket  Hazard,  of 
Phode  Island. 

Mr.  Bill  is  a  self-made  man,  and  has  risen  by  dint  of  his 
untiring  industry  and  strict  integrity  to  a  position  of  indepen- 
dence and  honorable  station  among  hi:-  fellow-men.  He  is 
widely  known  as  an  active  and  successful  merchant  of  Nor- 
wich, Ct.,  where  he  has  been  in  business  during  a  period  of 
forty  years,  ever  maintaining  habits  of  unwavering  kindness 
and  marked  urbanity  toward  all  classes ;  and  he  enjoys  to 
an  eminent  degree  the  confidence  of  the  community  in  which 
he  lives.  He  belongs,  properly,  to  that  older  class  of  mer- 
chants whose  word  was  always  esteemed  as  good  as  their 
bond,  fidelity  and  promptness  ever  characterizing  all  their 
eno-ao'ements. 

He  in  Oct.,  1860,  relinquished  his  mercantile  pursuits  to 
his  son-in-law,  James  S.  Lewis,  wlio  continues  the  business  of 
Mr.  Bill  in  company  with'  a  partner. 

He  is  now  engaged  on  a  Government  contract  to  deepen 
the  channel  of  the  Thames  River,  the  thirty-ninth  Congress 
having  appropriated  a  large  sum  of  money  for  this  purpose. 

For  many  years  he  has  been  President  of  the  New  London 
County  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Company,  and  has  held  other 
responsible  positions  which  we  are  unable  to  recall.  We  give 
here  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph. 


The  children  of  Elijah  Abell  and  A.  M.  (Hazard)  Bill 
have  been  : 

831  Elizabeth  Dwight,8  b.  Dec.  29,   1832;  m.   James  Stiles 

Lewis,  b.  Nov.  3,  1 836,  son  of  Horace  Lewis,  Esq., 
of  Stonington,  Ct. 

832  Sarah  Hazard,8  b.  April  17,  1837. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  243 

833  Julia  Almira,8  b.  Oct.  31,  1840. 

834  Mary  Hannah,8  b. 

835  Benjamin  Leighton,8  b.  April  — ,  1852  ;  d.  in  June,  1855. 

472. 

DAVID  BILL7  (David,6  Samuel,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  the  supposed  son  of  David  and  Temperance 
(Harris)  Bill ;  was  born  at  New  London,  in  1779,  and  married 
Mary  P.  Gallagher,  March  11,  1819. 

He  was  a  hatter  by  trade,  and  was  employed  first  in 
Boston,  then  in  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  He  died  in  the 
latter  city,  Oct.  13,  J  8-13.  His  widow  is  living  in  New  York 
with  her  son,  Richard  Shippen  Bill. 

We  have  been  obliged  to  rely  on  the  statements  of  the 
children  of  this  family  for  the  facts  as  we  have  given  them. 
They  are  probably  correct.  It  is  supposed  the  wife  of  David 
Bill6  was  the  widow  Temperance  (Chappel)  Harris ;  if  so,  this 
would  confirm  the  recollection  of  the  grandchildren,  that  their 
grandmother's  maiden  name  was  Chappel. 

The  children  of  David  Bill  are  : 

836  Jane,8  b.  in  Boston,  April  13,  1820;  d.  young. 

837  t  Richard  Shippen,8  b.  in  Philadelphia,  Dec.  10,  1821;  m. 

Sarah  Ann  Sutton. 

838  David,8  b.  in  New  York  city,  Feb.  8,  1824;  d.  in  Brook- 

lyn, Aug.,  1826. 

839  Anna  M.,s  b.  in  Brooklyn,  Nov.  3,  1832  ;  unmarried. 

840  Frederic,8  b.  in  Brooklyn,  Oct.  19,   1834;  resides  in  the 

city  of  New  York. 

491. 

HENRY  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Ephraim,5  Samuel,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  Capt.  Gurdon  and  Betsey  B.  (Tracy) 
Bill ;  was  born  at  Norwich,  June  10,  1804,  and  married  Nov., 
1835,  Letitia  Henry  Smith,  of  Philadelphia. 

We  regret  not  being  able  to  furnish  something  of  a  sketch 


244  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

of  tliis  member  of  the  family.  He  died  at  Piscataway,  N.  J., 
July  1,  1850. 

The  children  of  this  family  were  : 

841  f  Joseph  Rowland,8  b.  Feb.  9,  1837;  m.  Elinor  Randolph 

Wallen. 

842  Anna  Maria  Henry,8  b.  Jan.  18,  1839. 

843  Alexander   Henry,8  b.  Sept.  16,1841. 

844  Henry  Weir,8  b.  March   11,  1843.     Is  a  clerk  in  N.  Y. 

City. 

845  Mary  Elizabeth,8  b.  March  8,  1845  ;  d.  March  22,  1845. 

492. 

LYD1A  HUNTINGTON    BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Ephraim,' 

Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  daughter  of  Oapt. 
Gurdon  Bill ;  was  born  at  Norwich,  March  18,  1806,  and 
married,  May,  1829,  Rev.  Samuel  Seabury,  a  grandson  of 
Bishop  Seabury,  the  first  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church  in  the  United  States. 

This  family  reside  in  the  city  of  New  York. 

The  children  are : 

846  Anna  Saltonstall8  (Seabury),  b.  April  14,  1830;  d.  young. 

847  Lydia  Huntington8  (Seabury),  b.  Nov.  27,  1833.     She  is 

living,  1867. 

493. 

MARY  ELIZABETH  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Ephraim,6  Sam- 
uel,4 Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  second  daughter  of  Capt. 
Gurdon  Bill,  and  sister  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  Jan.  18, 
1808,  and  on  December  15,  1841,  married  William  Alfred 
Jones,  the  Librarian  of  Columbia  College,  in  New  York  City, 
where  this  family  reside.  They  have  in  their  possession  a 
volume  entitled — "  Sermons  and  Homilies,  appointed  to  be 
read  in  Churches  in  the  time  of  the  late  Queen  Elizabeth, 
of  famous  memory,  and  now  thought  fit  to  be  reprinted,  by 
authority  from  the  King's  Most  Excellent  Majesty,  London. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  245 

Printed  by  John  Bill,  1623."  This  John  Bill  is  referred  to 
in  the  English  Chapter  at  the  commencement  of  this  Memoir. 
This  family  also  have  a  pencil  portrait  of  Capt.  Gurdon  Bill, 
Mrs.  Jones's  father.  It  is  from  this  portrait  that  photographs 
have  been  procured,  which  illustrate  quite  a  number  of  these 
volumes. 

Mr.  Jones  comes  of  a  distinguished  family  of  that  name, 
quite  prominent  in  the  early  history  of  New  York  and 
vicinity.  The  noted  David  Flo}rd  Jones,  of  the  Revolution, 
and  Judge  Jones,  of  a  more  recent  date,  are  among  his  ances- 
tors ; — he  himself  is  quite  well  known  to  the  eitzens  of  New 
York,  as  a  man  of  considerable  literary  attainments  and  of 
cultivated  manners.  He  is  the  author  of  several  minor  works 
whose  titles  just  now  escape  our  recollection.  For  further 
particulars  we  refer  the  reader  to  volume  ten  of  Appleton's 
Cyclopedia. 

They  have  no  children. 

494. 

JOSEPH  HOWLAND  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Ephraim,6  Sam- 
uel,4 Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was 
born  in  Norwich,  March  18,  1810,  and  in  1838  was  married 
to  Caroline  Dey,  the  daughter  of  Anthony  Dey,  a  distin- 
guished lawyer  of  New  York. 

He  for  a  time  resided  in  London,  and  was  interested  in 
mercantile  pursuits  with  the  house  of  Ilowland  &  Aspinwall, 
of  New  York  City.  He  was  afterwards  in  the  employ  of  this 
firm  in  different  portions  of  Mexico  and  the  Central  American 
States.  During  the  first  years  of  the  late  civil  war,  he  was  an 
Assistant  Paymaster  in  the  U.  S.  Navy. 

He  died  at  Aeapulco,  in  Mexico,  May  15,  1S65,  at  which 
time  he  was  acting  as  a^ent  for  the  well-known  house  of 
Wells,  Fargo  &  Co.,  between  Panama  and  San  Francisco. 

Their  children  were : 

848     Caroline  Richard  Dey,-  b.  April  3,  1839. 


246  THE    BILL   FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

849  Mary,8  b.  Feb.  22,  1840. 

850  Joseph  Howland,8  b   April  10,  1842;  d.  at  siege  of  Vieks- 

burg,  in  1863. 

851  Alice,'  b.  Oct.  26,  1843. 

852  Lillian,8  b.  April  26,  1845  ;  d.  July  9,  1846. 

853  Edward  Woolsey,8  b.  Nov.  4,  1846. 

854  Archibald  Herbert;  b.  July  2,  1850. 

510. 


EDWAED  BILL7  (Silvester,8  Ephraim,6  Samuel,4  Samuel,3 
Philip/  John1),  the  son  of  Silvester  and  Mary  (King)  Bill ; 
was  born  in  Norwich,  Nov.  5,  1801,  and  on  April  4,  1833, 
was  married  to  Margaret  Everixghim,  the  daughter  of 
Joseph  D.  Everinghim. 

He  removed  with  his  parents  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  in  1803 — 
remaining  there  until  the  spring  of  1810,  when,  the  death  of 
his  mother  breaking  up  the  family,  he  was,  with  his  brother 
Alfred,  placed  in  charge  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  Coit,  at 
Canterbury,  Ct.  Here,  under  the  influence  of  this  most  exem- 
plary family,  were  inculcated  those  moral  precepts  and  prin- 
ciples that  undoubtedly  helped  to  form  his  future  character. 

The  advantages  of  a  college  education  were  denied  him, 
but  with  perseverance  and  study  in  after  life  that  want  was 
measurably  remedied.  In  the  fall  of  1814,  while  the  war 
with  England  was  still  going  on,  he  arrived  in  Xew  York,  to 
commence  a  mercantile  career.  These  were  stirring  times. 
The  city  was  then,  as  he  well  remembers,  full  of  moving  troops, 
and  great  excitement  prevailed.  All  classes  of  citizens,  and 
of  nearly  all  ages,  including  the  subject  of  this  notice,  volun- 
teered daily  to  handle  the  "shovel  and  the  hoe"  in  erecting 
fortifications  on  the  Heights  of  Brooklyn.  In  the  following 
month  of  February,  in  1815,  of  a  cold  winter  night,  there 
arrived  the  armed  vessel  "  Bramble,"  bringing  the  news  that 
there  was  '•  Peace,"  "  Peace,"  which  was  taken  up  and  shouted 
through  the  streets,  and  thus  over  the  land,  conveying  joy  to 
many  an  anxious  heart.      Business  after  this  at  once  revived, 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  217 

and  in  the  spring  of  that  year  Mr.  Bill  entered  the  hardware 
store  of  his  uncle,  Henry  King,  of  the  firm  of  King  &  Hill- 
house,  where  he  remained  till  the  year  1S20,  when  a  dissolu- 
tion of  the  firm  occurred.  New  York  City  at  the  time  of  his 
arrival  contained  but  about  100,000  inhabitants,  two-thirds  of 
whom  were  living  below  Canal  Street,  in  which  at  that  time 
not  a  single  house  had  been  built,  and  the  larger  portion  of 
the  wealthy  merchants  resided  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city. 

His  father,  meanwhile,  ha'd  removed  to  Blakely,  Alabama, 
his  son  following  him  in  1820,  but  the  climate  not  being 
favorable  to  his  health,  he  returned  to  New  York  in  1822,  and 
two  years  afterward  was  engaged  with  Messrs.  R.  M.  &  I. 
Russell.  This  firm  failing  in  1826,  he  resolved  to  commence 
business  on  his  own  account,  and  has  continued  to  do  business 
near  the  same  neighborhood  ever  since — a  period  of  forty 
yea^rs.  Living  in  the  metropolis  of  the  country  for  a  period 
of  over  half  a  century,  he  lias  been  the  witness  of  many  of 
the  exciting  scenes,  as  well  as  of  the  great  changes  that  have 
marked  the  growth  of  the  city. 

He  relates  a  very  gloomy  account  of  the  Yellow  Fever 
pestilence  in  1822,  when  a  board  fence  was  placed  across 
Broadway  at  the  corner  of  Chambers,  as  also  at  the  other 
cross  streets  leading  to  the  infected  district,  from  which 
all  of  the  inhabitants  were  ordered,  the  streets  strewn  with 
lime,  and  the  gutters  whitewashed  ; — nothing  living  was  to  be 
seen. in  the  infected  neighborhood  except  an  occasional  stray 
cat  or  rat  in  quest  of  food.  Then  again,  in  1832,  the  cholera 
raged,  producing  a  panic  among  the  citizens.  Though  Mr.  Bill 
remained  in  the  city,  yet  he  did  not  escape  an  attack  ;  early 
remedies  saved  him  ;  but  his  partner,  Mr.  Robert  M.  Russell, 
being  taken,  died  after  an  illness  of  only  four  hours. 

He  remembers  the  old  colored  burying-ground  on 
Chambers  Street,  back  of  the  City  Hall,  and  its  being  leveled, 
and  the  remains,  for  the  most  part,  removed.  At  this  time 
John  Jacob  Astor  lived  where  the  Astor  House  now  stands. 
This  was  for  many  years  a  row  of  private  dwellings,  occupied 


24.g  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

by  the  more  wealthy  citizens,  a  kind  of  Fifth-Avenue  neigh- 
borhood. Scarce  a  public  person  of  note,  whose  debut  has 
been  made  in  the  musical,  domestic,  or  literary  world  during 
the  last  fifty  years  in  the  great  metropolis,  that  he  has 
not  witnessed  ;  indeed,  his  mind  is  richly  stored  with  valuable 
and  interesting  reminiscences  of  the  Port  of  New  York  and 
its  remarkable  population. 

Mr.  Bill  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  all  the  accumulations 
of  his  previous  life  in  the  eventful  year  of  1837,  when  so 
many  fortunes  were  carried  away  by  the  financial  whirlwind 
that  swept  the  country.  Since  then  he  has  conducted  a  flour 
and  grain  brokerage  business  exclusively,  and  being  greatly 
prospered,  his  previous  severe  losses  have  been  made  up  to 
him  "  tenfold."  He  has  been,  and  still  deservedly  stands,  at 
the  head  of  his  profession  or  business.  His  energy,  perseve- 
rance, and  integrity,  coupled  with  untiring  industry  and  an 
amiable  disposition,  have  secured  him  a  large  business  and 
surrounded  him  with  very  many  friends. 

His  flour  and  grain  circular,  regularly  issued  for  the  last 
thirty  years,  has  obtained  for  him  a  wide  reputation  both  at 
home  and  abroad,  and  is  not  unfrequently  quoted  in  the 
markets  of  both  New  York  and  London  as  good  authority. 
His  ample  fortune,  the  result  of  an  industrious  and  frugal  life, 
has  enabled  him  to  scatter  around  him  many  a  blessing.  He 
is  still,  in  1867,  in  active  business  and  in  the  enjoyment  of 
perfect  health,  with  the  promise  apparently  of  yet  many  years 
of  usefulness.     We  append  herewith  a  copy  of  his  autograph. 


1/~<ZC£ 


He  has  but  one  child,  viz. : 

855     Susan  Randolph,8  b.  Aug.  15,  1834;  m.  Eli  Hasbrouck,  of 
Ncwburgh,  N.  Y.,  where  they  reside. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  249 


511, 


ALFRED  BILL7  (Silvester,6  Ephraim,6  Samuel,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  was  born  at  Nor- 
wich, Dec.  25,  1803.  He  first  married,  Sept.  30,  1828, 
Camilla  Livingston,  at  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.  She  was  born 
March  10,  1813,  and  died  January  19,  1833,  at  Mobile.  His 
second  wife  was  Gertrude  L.  Farmer,  to  whom  he  was 
married  Sept.  3,  1831,  at  New  Brunswick,  N.  J.  She  was 
born  July  18,  1804,  and  is  still  living,  1867. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  removed  to  Troy  with  his 
parents,  and  after  the  decease  of  his  mother,  in  1809,  spent  the 
five  succeeding  years  at  Canterbury,  Ct.,  in  company  with  his 
brother  Edward,  in  the  family  of  Mr.  Thomas  Coit.  Here 
it  was  that  he  took  on  that  character  which  in  after  life  gave 
tone  in  all  his  intercourse  with  family  and  friends.  He  ac- 
companied his  father  to  Alabama,  and  there  secured  a  clerk- 
ship under  Mr.  John  Stocking,  whose  good  opinion  he  soon 
gained  by  his  energy  and  industry.  In  1823  or  4,  through  the 
kindness  of  Mr.  Stocking,  he  procured  a  stock  of  goods  and 
located  at  Tallahassee,  Fla.,  which  at  that  time  had  just  been 
laid  out.  Building-  him  a  house  in  the  woods,  almost,  he 
commenced  business ;  his  goods  were  soon  disposed  of,  and  he 
at  once  removed  to  Mobile,  and  went  into  business  there  with 
a  Mr.  Ticknor,  under  the  name  of  "  Ticknor  &  Bill."  Here 
he  continued  several  years,  meeting  meanwhile  with  a  severe 
loss  by  a  fire,  which  destroyed  a  large  quantity  of  goods. 
About  this  time  his  health  became  precarious,  and  under 
the  advice  of  his  physician  he  returned  North,  but  his  days 
were  not  many.  In  1839,  October  18th,  he  was  suddenly 
stricken  down  with  apoplexy,  and  died  in  his  36th  year. 
Thus  passed  away  one  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  full  enjoyment 
of  much  that  was  calculated  to  make  life  happy,  surrounded 
as  he  was  by  a  loving  wife  and  affectionate  children  and 
friends. 

He  was  of  a  genial  disposition,  and  with  his  warm  heart 
17 


250  THE  BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

and  his  peculiarly  large,  speaking  eye,  he  won  the  good-will 
of  those  who  came  in  contact  with  him,  and  left  as  an  inheri- 
tance an  honorable  name. 

His   children,  all   born  in   Mobile  except  the  youngest, 

were : 

By  first  wife : 

856  Edward  Livingston,8  b.  Sept.  30,  1829.     He  commenced 

a  mercantile  life  at  New  York  in  the  store  of  his 
uncle,  Edward  Bill,  but  left  to  seek  his  fortune 
on  the  Pacific  coast.  He  at  present  resides  in 
West  Virginia  ;  and  he  has  one  child,  a  daughter, 
Maggie  Randolph  ;9  —  d.  1867. 

857  Silvester  King,8  b.  March  17,  1831 ;  d.  April  19,  1830. 

858  Alfred,8  b.  Jan.  12,  1833;  d.  Feb.  19,  1835. 

By  second  wife  : 

859  George  Farmer,8  b.  April  21,  1836 ;  d.  May  21,  1842. 

860  t  Charles  King,8  b.  in  New  York,  April  2,  1839. 

515. 

ELISHA  BILL7  (Koswell,6  Jonathan,5  James,4  Samuel,8 
Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Capt.  Koswell  and  Rebecca 
(Burgess)  Bill ;  was  born  in  Hampton,  Ct,  what  is  now  the 
town  of  Chaplain,  Jan.  31,  17S2,  and  on  Dec.  22,  1801,  mar- 
ried Betsey  Trowbridge,  who  died  April  22,  1843. 

He  inherited  the  old  homestead  in  Chaplain,  where  he 
spent  his  life,  dying  Dec.  17,  1858. 

His  children  were : 

861  Almira,8  b.  Dec. ,  1803  ;  m.  Eliab  Hunt,  Jan.  1,  1822. 

They  reside  in  Chaplain. 

862  Elisha,8  b.  Feb.  4,  1805  ;  m.  Mary  Ann  Eastman,  Oct.  13, 

1831.     They  reside  also  in  Chaplain,  Ct. 

863  t  Lester,8  b.  Oct.  7,  1807  ;  m.  Mary  Goodell. 

864  Betsey,8  b.  Dec.  11,  1809;  m.   (1)  David  Keyes,  in  Oct. 

1831.  He  died  in  Ohio,  leaving  no  children.  (2) 
Mason  S.  Kendall.  They  reside  in  Ashford,  Ct., 
and  have  two  children. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  251 


519. 


KUFTJS  BILL7  (Eos well,6  Jonathan,5'  James,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing,  Elisha  Bill ;  was  born 
in  Chaplain  (Hampton),  Feb.  26,  1794,  and  was  married  to 
Betsey  Fisk,  Sept.  20,  1818. 

He  died  in  Woodstock,  Yt.,  Aug.  28,  1841. 

Their  children  were : 

865  Orin  W.,8  b.  April  13,  1823;  m. .  Lives  in  Prince- 

ton, 111.,  and  has  children. 

866  Charles  B.,8  b.  June  15, 1825  ;  m. .  Lives  at  Frank- 

lin Grove,  111. 

867  Sarepta  G.,8  b.  Oct.  7,  1827  ;  d.  young. 

868  William  H.,8  b.  Sept.  13,  1829 ;  d.  in  infancy. 

869  Joseph  N.,8  b.  Aug.  16,  1831.     Resides  in  Minnesota, 

870  Edward  S.,8  b.  Dec.  2,  1832.     Resides  in  Minnesota. 

871  Martha  J.,8  b.  Aug.  10,  1834 ;  m. .  Lives  in  Prince- 

ton, 111. 

872  David  Keyes,8  b.  Feb.  24,  1836.    Lives  in  Minnesota. 

520. 

ROSWELL  BILL7  (Roswell,6  Jonathan,5  James,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  the  youngest  brother  of  the  foregoing,  Rufus 
Bill ;  was  born  in  what  is  now  Chaplain,  May  25,  1797, 
and  married  Olive  Ross,  Dec.  31,  1820. 

He  resides  near  the  place  of  his  birth  in  Chaplain. 

Their  children  were : 

873  Adeline   Amelia,8  b.  Dec.  20,  1821  ;    m.  James  Arnold. 

They  reside  in  Illinois. 

874  Francis  Putnam,8  b.  April  15, 1823;  m.  Sarah  Ann  North, 

March  28,  1854.     They  live  in  Hartford,  Ct.,  and 
have  children. 

875  Elnathan  Ross,8  b.  July  23,  1825  ;  d.  March  25,  1831. 

876  Edwin  Storrs,8  b.  June  3,1827;  m.  Lydia  M.  Downing, 

Oct.  9, 1854.     This  family  also  reside  in  Hartford. 


252  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

877  Charles  Carroll,8  b.  July  9,  1829  ;  in.  Julia  A.  Emerson, 

Oct.  17,  1855.     They  reside  in  Hartford  also. 

878  George  Wyman,8  b.  Sept.  23,  1831  ;  m.  Mary  E.  Down- 

ing, Nov.  25,  1859.     They  too  reside  in  Hartford. 

879  Caroline  Rebecca,8  b.  Dec.  5,  1834  ;  m.  Martin  S.  Preston, 

May  1,  1860.     This  family  live  in  Chaplain,  Ct. 

880  Roswell  Clark,8  b.  Sept.   1,  1838;  m.  Celia  L.  Robinson, 

Sept.  2,  1860.     They  reside  in  Illinois. 

881  Alvin  Herbert,8  b.  March  21,  1841  ;  m.  Mary  Jane  Burn- 

ham,  Jan.  1,  1862.     Lives  in  Hartford,  Ct. 

521. 

AARON  BILL7  (Calvin,6  Elisha,6  Philip,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Calvin  and  Lois  (Gibbs)  Bill ; 
was  born  in  Lebanon,  Ct.,  Nov.  16,  1770,  and  married,  Dec.  1, 
1796,  Silence  Davis,  born  April  9,  1766,  and  died  July  11, 
1820. 

When  an  infant  he  was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Wilming- 
ton, Vt.  After  he  was  married  he  settled  in  Canaan,  New 
York,  where  he  remained  till  after  1820,  when,  his  wife  having 
died,  he  was  quite  desponding,  and  in  1821  joined  the  com- 
munity of  Shakers,  in  the  adjoining  town  of  New  Lebanon, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  near  the  close  of  his  life.  He  died 
in  Canaan,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  18,  1813. 

His  advantages  in  early  life  were  quite  limited,  yet,  by 
the  force  of  application  and  a  natural  thirst  for  knowledge,  he 
had,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  so  far  advanced  as  to  teach  a  town 
school  in  Wilmington,  and  was  not  unfrequ en tly  employed  by 
the  people  of  that  section  in  the  capacity  of  a  field  surveyor,  of 
which  he  had  a  very  thorough  knowledge.  A  man  of  quiet 
demeanor,  of  strictest  personal  habits,  a  sound  counselor  and 
firm  friend  he  ever  proved  himself.  By  his  frugality  he  ac- 
quired some  little  property,  which  was,  however,  for  the  most 
part,  turned  over  to  those  peculiar  but  kind  people  among 
whom  he  had  chosen  to  dwell.  That  he  was  a  man  careful 
in  his  habits,  is  manifest  from  the  fact,  stated  by  his  son,  that 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  253 

he  never  owned  but  one  pocket-knife,  and  this  he   carried 
over  fifty  years ! 

He  had  but  one  child — a  son : 

882  Aaron  Davis,8  b.  Aug.  15,  1805.  He  is  unmarried,  and 
resides  at  Smyrna,  N.  Y.  At  the  age  of  fifteen 
he  went  with  his  father  to  live  in  the  Shaker 
settlement  at  New  Lebanon.  He  continued  with 
them  twenty-eight  years,  holding  to  their  faith 
and  enjoying  their  esteem  and  confidence,  having 
sustained  many  important  offices  of  honor  and 
trust  among  them.  At  the  age  of  forty-three 
he  withdrew  from  them,  and  settled,  as  named 
above,  at  Smyrna,  N.  Y.,  keeping  house  with  an 
aged  relative,  and  is  still  unmarried.  He  is  quite 
advanced  in  years,  and  of  late  has  been  son: e what 
afflicted  by  the  attendant  ills  of  age,  yet  his  spirit 
is  buoyant ;  and  we  cannot  close  this  brief  outline 
of  this  most  worthy  man  without  expressing  our 
thanks  for  the  earnest  interest  and  active  co- 
operating labor  given  us,  in  gathering  up  the 
scattered  records  of  his  branch  of  the  family.  We 
are  also  indebted  very  largely  to  him  for  many 
important  items,  as  well  as  to  the  cheer  he  has 
given  us  in  our  protracted  labors.  We  herewith 
append  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph. 


k4<*/u>*i~  ££, 


'eH/tfw 


522. 

HIRAM  BILL7  (Calvin,6  Elisha,6  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing;  was  born  in  Wilmington, 
Vt.,  June  12,  1773.  He  married  Viktue  Ball,  from  New 
Bedford,  Mass. 

His  children  adopted  the  final  letter  s  to  their  names,  and 
it  is  continued  among  all,  or  nearly  all,  of  their  descendants. 

Hiram  Bill  was  a  hard-working  yet  withal  an  enter- 
prising man.    He  found  his  life  cast  on  the  borders  of  civiliza- 


254  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

tion,  and  went  resolutely  at  work  to  hew  himself  out  a  home 
and  the  means  of  livelihood  for  himself  and  family.  He 
purchased  a  tract  of  timber  land,  which  he  cleared  up  into 
a  fine  farm  ;  also  constructed  a  fine  saw-mill  on  his  premises, 
and  thus  made  the  timber  profitable  to  him  as  he  removed 
it ;  the  market  for  lumber  increasing,  he  was  induced  to  erect 
a  second  saw-mill,  and  at  the  end  of  life  he  could  say  with 
truth  that  he  had  not  lived  wholly  in  vain.  He  died  in 
Wilmington,  Yt.,  Aug.  19,  1840,  leaving  a  good  name.  His 
wife  died  at  same  place,  on  the  4th  of  the  following  October. 
They  had  children  : 

883  Hiram,8  b.  July  19,  1806;  d.  unmarried,  Sept.  1830. 

884  Virtue,8  b.  July  17,  1808;  m.  (1)  Dec.  3,  1829,  William 

Stearns,  who  in  a  fit  of  derangement  took  his  own 
life,  May  10,  1848.  (2)  Feb.  14,  1849,  she  mar- 
ried Rev.  Phineas  Howe.     No  children. 

885  t  Perley,8  b.  June  10,  1810  ;  m.  Caroline  Brown. 

886  David,8  b.  June  9,  1812;  m.  Sept.   10,  1834,  to  Harriet 

Eliza  Parmenter,  b.    March    9,    1814.     He   is   a 
farmer,  in  Wilmington,  and  is  considerable  of  a 
public  man   and  is   much  esteemed.      They  had 
one  child,  viz : 
Julia  Eliza,9  b.  April  5,  1838  ;  d.  May  17,  1839. 

523. 

ISAAC  BILL7  (Calvin,6  Elisha,5  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John'),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  born  in  Wilmington,  Yt., 
March  19,  1776  ;  was  married  May  27,  1804,  to  Lucy  Dix. 

He  settled  in  Smyrna,  N.  York,  in  1805,  where  he  died, 
Feb.  26,  1865.  He  was  a  most  estimable  man,  of  a  kind 
and  tender  heart,  and  was  much  beloved  bv  all  who  knew 

7  t/ 

him.  His  nephew,  Aaron  Davis  Bill,  with  whom  his  widow 
now  resides,  has,  out  of  his  love  and  affection  for  his  Uncle 
Isaac,  placed  in  many  of  these  volumes  his  portrait,  as  a  mark 
of  remembrance  and  respect.  This  family  refused  to  adopt 
the  final  letter  s,  as  many  of  their  near  relatives  had  done. 
The  children  of  Isaac  and  Lucy  (Dix)  Bill  were : 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  255 

887  Miranda,8  b.  June  2,  1805. 

888  Alvira,8  b.  Sept.  27,  1807 ;  m.  Allen  Mies.     They  live  at 

Lebanon,  N.  Y. 

889  Lucy,8  b.  March  14,  1810  ;  m.  Rowland  Tefft.     They  live 

at  Smyrna,  N.  Y. 

890  Arethnsa,8  b.  Dec.  24,  1813;  m.    George   Ames.      This 

family  live  in  Mendota,  111. 

891  Emily,8  b.  June  23,  1816  ;  m.  Nathan  Niles,  and  lives  at 

Georgetown,  N.  Y. 

524. 

ARTEMAS  BILL7  (Calvin,6  Elisha,B  Philip,4  Samuel,8 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  born  in  Wilming- 
ton, Vt.,  Aug.  31,  1778  ;  married  Mart  Crocker. 

This  family  added  the  final  s  to  their  names,  notwithstand- 
ing it  had  never  been  used  by  any  of  their  ancestors. 

He  died  March  29,  1847,  at  Pittsfield,  Mass. 

His  children  were : 

892  George,8  b.  April  ,  1815;  m.  Mary  Bigelow.     This 

family  reside  in  Dover,  111.,  and  have  children : 

Josephine,9 

Artemas,9 

Abby  Maria.9 

893  Jarius,s  b. ,  1811 ;  is  unmarried,  and  lives  in  Pitts- 

field,  Mass. 

894  Sidney,8  b.  Dec. ,  1820  ;  m.  Virtue  Barber;  they  re- 

side   in   Lebanon,  Madison  County,  1ST.  Y.,  and 

have  children  : 

Charles,9  b.  Oct.  28,  1845. 

Record,9  b.  Oct,  26,  1847. 

Chester  Perley,9  b.  April  9,  1856. 

895  Jane   Esther,8  b.    March   4,    1824;    na.   William   Henry 

Reynolds.     They   live    at    Pittsfield,  Mass.,  and 

have  children : 

Ida  May9  (Reynolds), 

Percy  Eugene9  (Reynolds),  died  in  infancy. 

Mary  Jane9  (Reynolds), 


256  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Percy  Eugene9  (Reynolds), 
Lewis  Andrew9  (Reynolds), 
Alanson9  (Reynolds),  deceased. 
Chester9  (Reynolds). 

525. 

LOIS  BILL7  (Calvin,6  Elisha,5  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,3 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Wilmington, 
Vt.,  Sept.  17,  1781.  She  first  married  Apollos  Lincoln,  who 
died  near  1810 ;  her  second  husband  was  Joseph  Snow. 

They  resided  at  Wilmington,  where  she  died,  Sept.  26, 
1821. 

The  children  by  first  husband  were 

896  Calvin  (Lincoln), 

897  Arethusa  (Lincoln), 

898  Clarissa  (Lincoln). 

Children  by  the  second  husband  were  : 

899  Laurinda  (Snow), 

900  Stephen  (Snow), 

901  Zebina  (Snow), 

902  Lucinda  (Snow), 

903  L"cy  (Snow), 

904  Belinda  (Snow),  ) 

905  Harlow  (Snow),  ) 


twins, 
twins. 


528. 

ALANSON  BILL7  (Elisha,6  Elisha,6  Philip,4  Samuel, 
Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Elisha  Bill ;  was  born  in 
Hebron,  Ct,  April  13,  1774  ;  married  Electa  Hill. 

The  children  of  Alanson  aud  Electa  Bill  were : 

906  Ensign,8 

907  Elijah,8 

908  John,8 

909  Cyrus,8 

910  Sarah,8 

911  Electa.8 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  257 


540. 


ELEAZER  BILL7  (Azariah,8  Elisha,5  Philip,4  Samuel,8 
Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  Azariah  and  Elizabeth  (Daggett)  Bill ; 
was  born  in  Lebanon,  Ct.,  Sept.  14,  1785,  and  on  the  19th  of 
April,  1805,  was  married  to  Nancy  Richardson,  born  Feb.  10, 
1788,  a  daughter  of  Ephraim  and  Lois  (Porter)  Richardson. 

His  father  adopted  the  final  s  in  the  spelling  of  his  name, 
and  this  he  continued,  as  do  his  children.  This  family  have 
lived  many  years  in  Lebanon  and  Columbia,  but  within  a  few 
years  removed  to  Norwich,  where  they  live  with  their  son, 
George  Clinton  Bills. 

Mr.  Eleazer  Bill  is  an  old  man,  yet  he  still  retains  his 
mental  faculties  unimpaired  and  enjoys  fine  health,  the  result 
of  careful  habits  in  life.  He  has  kept  the  records  of  his 
branch  of  the  family  very  perfect,  and  extending  back  a 
further  period,  perhaps,  than  any  other  with  whom  we  have 
become  acquainted. 

Their  children  have  been  : 

912  Cynthia  Porter,8  b.  Nov.  27,  1805  ;  m.  Aaron  Yeonians, 

March  21,  1827,  and  died  March  15,  1836. 

913  Horace  Bradley,8  b.  March  19,  1807;  m.  Lucy  Edwards 

Porter,  May  31,  1832,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Alanson 
Porter,  of  Wilmington,  Mass.     They  have  one 
child  : 
Mortimer  Irving,9  b.  July  9,  1833. 

914  William  Carver,8  b.  Aug.  15,  1816  ;  d.  March  31,  1838. 

915  George  Clinton,8  b.   Sept.   18,  1818;   m.   Feb.    7,    1844, 

Mary  Grant  Munger,  born  April  23,  1823.     They 
reside  in  Norwich,  and  have  children  : 
William  Leroy,9  b.  May  29,  1848. 
Nancy  Leroy,9  b.  Sept.  23,  1856. 

551. 

JOHN  BILL'  (John,6  Solomon,6  Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2 
John1),  the  eldest  son  of  John  and  Fanny  (Rogers)  Bill ;  was 


258  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

born  in  Middletown,  Ct.,  Nov.  15,  1796,  and  in  1823  married 
Clarissa  Gilman,  who  died  in  March,  1864. 

He  for  a  time  resided  in  Middletown,  but  finally  removed 
to  Oharlestown,  Portage  County,  Ohio,  in  1831,  where  he 
died  in  March,  1S64. 

Their  children  were : 

916  Nelson,8  b.  in  1825.     He  was  a  member   of  an   Illinois 

regiment  during  the  late  war. 

917  Jane,8b.  in  1827. 

918  Sophia,8  b.  in  1830,  and  died  in  1837. 

919  t  Charles  H.,8  b.  in  1840.     Captain  of  cavalry  in  late  war. 

554. 

FANNY  BILL7  (John,6  Solomon,5  Philip,4  Samuel,* 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born  in  Middle- 
town,  Ct.,  June  4,  1802,  where  she  married,  Nov.  2,  1825, 
Ezra  L'Hommedieu  Chamberlain,  born  at  Redfield,  N.  Y., 
Sept.  7,  1798. 

This  family  resided  at  Middletown,  Ct.  She  died  Nov.  4, 
1810. 

They  had  children : 

920  Ezra  Bill8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Aug.  18,  1826  ;  m.  Fanny  S. 

Burr,  at  New  Haven,  Ct.,  May  18,  1853.     They 
reside  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  have  children : 
Frank  B.9  (Chamberlain),  b.  March  12,  1854. 
Willie  M.9   (Chamberlain),  b.  Oct.  23,  1855  ;    d. 
July  26,  1862. 

Howard  B.9  (Chamberlain),  b.  July  14,  1859. 
Winthrop  B.9  (Chamberlain),  b.  Jan.  5,  1864. 
Edwin  A.  J.9  (Chamberlain),  b.  Oct.  21,  1865. 

QPP      }  Twin  sons,8  b.  June  23,  1S27;  died  day  of  birth. 

923  Henry  Augustus8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Feb.  1,  1831;  m.  at 

Portland,  Ct.,  in  1853,  Emily  R.  Hopkins.      They 
live  at  Middletown,  Ct,  and  have  two  children. 

924  Frances   Rogers8   (Chamberlain),  b.  April  15,  1835;  d. 

Jan.  26,  1856. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  259 

925  Mary  Ann8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Jan.  28,  1837. 

926  William  Card8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Nov.  11,  1838  ;  d.  Nov. 

10,  1857. 

927  Jane  Bill8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Sept.  7,  1840;  d.  May  12, 

1860. 

555. 


ASA  GILBERT  BILL7  (John,6  Solomon,5  Philip,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  second  son  of  John  and  Fanny 
(Rogers)  Bill  ;  was  born  at  Middletown,  Ct.,  June,  1804.  He 
first  married  at  that  place,  in  1831,  Julia  Ann  Bailey  ;  she 
died  the  same  year.  He  married,  second,  in  1833,  to  Ada 
Ceowell,  born  June  11,  1808.     She  is  still  living. 

This  family  reside  at  Cuyahoga  Falls,  Ohio. 

They  had  children  : 

928  Julia  Ann,8  b.  May  25,  1834  ;  m.  October  23,  1856,  Giles 

L'Hommedieu,  of  Cuyahoga  Falls.    Their  children 

are  : 

Helen  Louise9  (L'Hommedieu),  b.  Aug.  2,  1858. 

Henry   Gridley9    (L'Hommedieu),   b.    March    23, 

1864. 

929  Helen  Frances,8  b.  Dec.  30,  1835  ;  is  unmarried. 

930  Mary  Crowell,8  b.   June  4,  1843;  m.   July  5,   1866,  to 

Julian  H.  Pitkin,  of  Akron,  Ohio. 

556. 

MARTHA  BILL7  (John,6  Solomon,5  Philip,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing;  was  born  at  Middle- 
town,  Ct.,  Dec.  22, 1806,  and  married,  in  1833,  Jacob  Randall 
Chamberlain,  born  in  1811. 

This  family  also  reside  at  Cuyahoga  Falls,  Ohio. 

They  have  children  : 

931  Almira8  (Chamberlain),  b.  July  26,  1834. 

932  Emma8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Oct.  15,  1835  ;  d.  in  Sept.,  1837. 

933  Emma8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Oct.  24,  1839. 

934  Fanny8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Sept.  28,  1842. 

935  Ernest  Henry8  (Chamberlain),  b.  March  28,  1848. 


260  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

i  557. 

JOSEPH  ROGERS  BILL7  (John/  Solomon,6  Philip,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,0  John1),  son  of  John  and  Fanny  (Rogers)  Bill ; 
was  born  at  Middletown,  Ct.,  Aug.  17,  1808.  He  married  on 
Jan.  1, 1836,  Sophia  L.  Austin,  born  in  Charlestown,  O.,  April, 
1S19,  and  died  in  Aug.,  1814.  His  second  wife  was  Mary 
Tayloe,  whom  he  married  at  Edinburg,  O.,  Oct.  22,  1816. 

This  family  reside  at  Greenfield,  Mercer  County,  Pa. 

The  children  by  first  wife  were : 

936  Emilia  M.,8  b.  Dec.  2,  1839 ;  m.  April  14,  1856,  to  Frank 

L.  Seeley,  who  lived  and  died  at  Ravenna,  Ohio, 
May  28,  1865.     She  is  living  there,  and  they  had 
one  child  : 
Clara  F.9  (Seeley),  b.  April  5,  1862. 

937  t  George   Austin,8   b.  Oct.    11,    1842.     He   was   a   soldier 

during  the  late  war. 

Children  by  the  second  wife  : 

938  Thomas  Francis,8  b.  Feb.  20,  1848.     He  was  also  a  volun- 

teer soldier  during  a  part  of  the  civil  war. 

939  Sarah,8  b.  Oct.  12,  1851. 

940  Ada  L.,8  b.  May  18, 1854. 

941  John  E.,8  b.  March  31,  1856. 

942  Charles  T.,8  b.  March  18,  1860. 

559. 

HENRY  TV.  BILL7  (John,8  Solomon,5  Philip,4  Samuel,9 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  at  Mid- 
dletown, Ct.,  in  1813,  and  married  at  Atwater,  Ohio,  Oct.  3, 
1812,  Harriet  Eliza  Butler,  born  in  Bran  ford,  Ct.,  March 
21,  1828,  a  daughter  of  David  and  Betsey  (Foote)  Butler,  of 
that  place.  The  following  year  this  family  of  Butlers,  to- 
gether with  the  subject  of  this  sketch, removed  to  Ohio;  the 
former  settled  at  Atwater,  Portage  County,  and  the  latter  at 
Cuyahoga  Falls,  near  Cleveland,  where  they  still  reside. 

Their  children  are : 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  261 

943  Alice,8  b.  Oct. ,  1845. 

944  Albert,8  b.  Jan. ,  1851. 

561. 

FREDERIC  BILL7  (John,8  Solomon,6  Philip,4  Samuel,1 
Philip,*  John'),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  ;  was  born  in  Mid- 
dletown,  Ct.,  Oct.,  1816,  and  married  Charlotte  Baden,  of 
Lee,  Mass. 

This  family  removed  to  Cuyahoga  Falls,  Ohio,  where  he 
was  engaged  at  his  trade  of  a  machinist,  but  in  consequence 
of  a  disease  of  the  kidneys,  his  health  failed  him,  and  on  the 
22d  Feb.,  1860,  he  died. 

His  widow  still  resides  at  Cuyahoga  Falls,  O. 

Their  children,  all  born  there  except  the  eldest,  who  was 
born  at  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  are  : 

945  Herbert  Weston,8  b.  May  16,  1847.     He  is  a  student  at 

the  present  in  the  Western  Reserve  College. 

946  Frances  Rogers,8  b.  Dec.  4,  1851. 

947  Frederic,8  b.  Feb.  26,  1854. 

948  Frank,8  b.  Oct.  4,  1858. 

562. 


MARY  ANN  BILL7  (John,6  Solomon,6  Philip,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  at  Middle- 
town,  Ct.,  Feb.  6,  1819.  She  married  there,  Nov.  8,  1842, 
Ezra  L'Hommedieu  Chamberlain,  the  late  husband  of  her 
deceased  sister,  Fanny. 

This  family  reside  in  Middletown,  Ct.,  and  have  children  : 

949  t  George  Frederic8  (Chamberlain),  b.  April  21,  1844.  He 
enlisted  as  a  private  in  the  14th  Ct.  Vol.  Infantry 
but  a  few  weeks  prior  to  the  battle  of  Antietam.* 
He  took  part  in  the  battle  of  South  Mountain  and 

*  The  battle  of  Antietam  was  fought  on  the  17th  September,  1862.  For 
particulars  of  that  battle,  see,  Pen-Pictures  of  the  War,  compiled  by 
the  writer,  page  245. 


262  THE  BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

was  severely  wounded  in  the  knee  at  Antietam, 
in  consequence  of  which  he  became  a  cripple  and 
was  discharged  in  about  six  months  thereafter. 

950  Joseph  Solomon8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Jan.  6,  1847;  d.  Oct, 

6,  1848. 

951  Joseph  Gurney8   (Chamberlain),  b.   Oct.    14,  1848;  was 

drowned  June  10,  1859. 

952  Ellen  Josephine8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Dec.  27,  1850. 

953  Alice8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Jan.  12,  185:3  ;  d.  same  day. 

954  Alice  Starr8  (Chamberlain),  b.  Dec.  14,  1853;  d.  Dec.  8, 

1855. 

955  Grace8  (Chamberlain),    |   born  March    (  d.  Jan.  20,  1865. 

956  Ada8  (Chamberlain),       )      14,1856;      (  d.  June  4,  1856. 

575. 


EBENEZER  BILL7  (Ebenezer,6  Samuel,6  Ebenezer,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  only  son  of  Ebenezer  and  Rachel 
(Root)  Bill,  of  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  where  he  was  born,  March  30, 
1776.  He  married,  Nov.  7,  1802,  Elsy  Adams,  who  was  born 
Oct.  25,  1781.     They  lived  in  Gilsum. 

He   died .     The    widow   is   now   living   with   her 

daughter,  Mrs.  Samuel  Woodward. 

Their  children  were  : 

957  t  Willard,8  b.   Dec.    8,    1803;    m.    (1)    Clarissa   Esty.  (2) 

Betsey  Isham. 

958  t  Harvey  Adams,8  )      twins,  born        j  m.  Susan  B.  Keyes. 

959  Emily,8  J   April  30,  1808;    ( 

960  1  Mary,8  b.  April  19,  1813  ;  m.  Samuel  Woodward. 

961  Hiram,8  b. ;  died  in  infancy. 

582. 

LYDIA  BILL7  (Samuel,6  Samuel,6  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1), 'the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Lydia  (Mack) 
Bill,  of  Gilsum,  N.  II.  ;  born  there,  Jan.  30,  1787,  and  mar- 
ried Truman  Miller.  She  died  in  Marlow,  X.  H.,  March  1, 
1S65. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  263 

Their  children  were  : 

962  Zilpah8   (Miller),  b. ;    m.   and  living  in  Marlow, 

N.  H. 

963  Polly8  (Miller),  b. ;  m.  and  living  in  Marlow,  a 

widow. 

964  Ezra8  (Miller),  b.  —  ;  lives  in  Stow,  Mass. 

965  Emily8  (Miller),  b. ;  died  Aug.,  1815. 

966  Elmira8  (Miller),  b.  ;  died  in  Marlow,  N.  H. 

584. 

Capt.  DAVID  BILL7  (Samuel,6  Samuel,6  Ebenezer,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Lydia  (Mack) 
Bill,  of  Gilsum,  N.  H.  ;  was  born  in  that  place,  Nov.  2,  1795, 
and  on  Jan.  11, 181S,  married  Lucy  Dokt,  born  April  4, 1797. 

This  family  resided  in  the  town  of  Gilsum,  and  followed 
the  business  of  farming.  In  the  war  of  1812  he  was  a  soldier, 
and  was  for  a  time  stationed  at  Portsmouth.  He  was  after- 
ward a  captain  in  the  State  militia.  For  three  years  he  re- 
presented his  native  town  in  the  Legislature  of  K.  H.,  and 
has  for  eight  years  served  as  a  Selectman. 

His  wife  died  June  29,  1861.  He  is  at  present  living  on 
the  old  homestead,  with  his  son  Daniel. 

We  append  here  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph. 

Their  children  are : 

967  f  David  Wilder,8  b.  Dec.  20,  1818  ;  m.  Lucretia  Tenney. 

968  t  Daniel  Wright,8  b.  July  10,  1822  ;  in.  Fanny  H.  Butler. 

969  t  Samuel  Dennis,8  b.  Sept.  9,  1824;  m.  Susan  P.  Knight. 

970  t  Louisa  Dort,8  b.  April  5,  1827 ;  m.  Martin  L.  Goddard. 

585. 
LUCY  BILL'  (Samuel,6  Samuel,5  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding;  was  born  in  Gilsum, 
1ST.  H.,  Jan.  8, 1798,  and  in  Oct.,  1S16,  married  Amasa  Miller, 
of  Marlow,  N.  H.  He  died  at  the  latter  place  in  March,  1818. 
She  died  at  Reading,  Vt,  Nov.  5,  1816. 


204  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

They  had  children  : 

971  David8  (Miller),  b.  in  Gilsum,  March,  1817  ;  d.  in  1824. 

972  Clarinda8  (Miller),  b.  in  Surry,  N.  H.,  Oct.,  1818;  is  m. 

and  lives  in  Windsor,  Vt. 

973  Lucius8  (Miller),  b.  in  Sullivan,  N.  H. ;  d.  in  Reading,  Vt., 

in  1846. 

974  Harvey8  (Miller),  b.  in  Keene,  N.  IT.     Lives  in  Gilsum. 

975  Lydia  E.8  (Miller),  b.  in  Sullivan,  N.  H. ;  d.  in  Westfield, 

N.  Y.,  Dec.  9,  1847. 

976  David8  (Miller),  b.  in  Reading,  Vt.;  d.  in  Cavendish,  Vt. 

977  Louisa  Maria8  (Miller),  b.  in  Reading,  Vt.      She  m.  S.  A. 

Wright,  of  Troy,  N.  H.,  where  they  now  live. 

606. 

DOUGLAS  W.  EATON7  (Mary,6  Asahel,5  Ebenezer,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,"  John1),  a  son  of  Stephen  and  Mary  (Bill) 
Eaton;  born  at  Cornwallis,  N.  S.,  Aug.  23,  1816.  He  m. 
first  Rhoda  Hopkins,  April  6,  1842 ;  she  d.  July  9,  1849  : 
Second,  Wealthy  M.  Moss,  May  29,  1850.  He  resides  at 
Ransomville,  N.  Y. 

Children  by  first  wife  were  : 

978  Ingraham  D.8  (Eaton)  b.  Jan.  1,  1843  ;  d.  July  11,  1866. 

979  James  E.8  (Eaton),  b.  July  5,  1849  ;  d.  Jan.  7,  1850.      , 

Children  by  second  wife,  born  at  Porter,  IN".  Y.  : 

980  George  M.8  (Eaton),  b.  May  3,  1851. 

981  Elmer  D.8  (Eaton),  b.  Oct.  8,  1852. 

982  Charles  M.8  (Eaton),  b.  Jan.  1,  1862. 

983  Mary8  (Eaton),  b.  March  23,  1864. 

609. 

STEPHEN  EATON7  (Mary,6  Asahel5,  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  ;  born  Aug.  27, 
1823  ;  married  Hester  A.  Black,  Jan.  1,  1852. 

This  family  resides  at  Nicolaus,  Sutter  County,  Cal. 

Children : 

984  Ida8  (Eaton),  b.  March  27,  1853  ;  d.  June  11,  1854. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  265 

985  Edward  A.8  (Eaton),  b.  Feb.  11,  1855. 

986  Mary  E.8  (Eaton),  b.  June  30,  1856. 

987  Francis  H.8  (Eaton),  b.  Sept,  27,  1858. 

988  Charles  S.8  (Eaton),  b.  April  4,  1861. 

989  Harry  B.s  (Eaton),  b.  April  5,  1863. 

619. 

ORPJN  [C]  BILL7  (Hosea,6  Simeon,5  John,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  the  oldest  son  of  Hosea  and  Sarah  (Kellogg)  Bill, 
of  Sheffield,  Mass. ;  born  in  that  town,  on  Nov.  8,  1791.  He 
married,  Nov.  3,  1825,  Sarah  F.  Dubois.  She  was  born 
March  4,  1805,  at  Granby,  Ct. 

This  family  have  always  resided  in  Sheffield,  Mass.,  where 
he  died,  Aug.  25,  1S54,  after  a  brief  illness.  We  experienced 
no  little  difficulty  in  gathering  sufficient  data  relating  to  the 
ancestors  of  this  family,  that  they  might  take  their  proper 
place  in  this  memoir ;  but,  after  many  perplexities  and  con- 
siderable assistance,  their  ancestral  line  is  quite  satisfactorily 
and  properly  established. 

Mr.  Bill  was  an  industrious  citizen,  of  an  upright  character, 
and  his  life  had  been  marked  wTith  success,  having  accumu- 
lated considerable  property.  He  has  left  a  couple  of  very 
enterprising  sons,  who  are  at  this  time  in  a  wholesale  cloth 
house  in  New  York  City,  one  as  a  partner,  the  other  as  salesman. 

We  append  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph : 


yfrw^ 


His  daughter  Catherine,  a  most  accomplished  and  beau- 
tiful woman,  who  had  been  married  but  little  more  than  a  year 
at  the  time  of  her  father's  decease,  and  had  recently  become 

18 


266  TIIE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

a  mother,  was  also  prostrated  at  and  during  the  time  of  her 
father's  illness,  and  by  the  same  disease,  which  was  a  species 
of  cholera ;  her  weakened  frame  was  in  no  condition  to  with- 
stand this  attack,  and  she  too  was  borne  away  in  death  on 
the  same  day  as  her  father,  surrounded  by  this  doubly 
afflicted,  terror-stricken  family.  It  was  a  memorable  day  to 
that  household  ! 

This  family  have  adopted  the  use  of  the  final  6-. 

The  widow,  Sarah,  still  resides  in  Sheffield,  though  fre- 
quently visiting  her  sons  in  New  York  during  the  winter 
seasons. 

The  children  of  this  family  have  been  : 

990  George  S.,8  b.  July  24,  1826  ;  d.  April  8,  1828. 

991  Emma  Elizabeth,8  b.  Sept.  3,  1828;  d.  Feb.  16,  1834. 

992  Catherine  Hillyer,8  b.  April  25,  1831;  m.  Rev.  Edward 

S.  Skinner,  July   12,  1853.      She  died  Aug.   25, 
1854;  leaving  one  child,  a  daughter. 

993  James  Freeland,8  b.  Dec.  3,  1834.     Resides  in  New  York 

City. 

994  Franklin,8  b.  Sept.  25,  1839.     Resides  in  New  York  City. 

621. 


NORMAN  KELLOGG  BILL7  (Hosea,6  Simeon,5  John,4 
John,3  Philip,5  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  was  born 
in  Sheffield,  Mass.,  Sept.  25,  1796.  He  married,  in  Nov., 
1830,  Huldah  Clark,  of  same  place;  born  July  15,  1S09. 

This  family  live  in  South  Egremont,  Mass.,  whither  he 
had  moved  soon  after  his  marriage.  Here  he  has  been  for 
over  twenty  years  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  For 
seventeen  years  he  has  filled  the  office  of  Postmaster,  with 
satisfaction  to  the  citizens,  and  having  the  confidence  of  the 
several  administrations  under  whom  he  served. 

They  still  live  in  the  enjoyment  of  fair  health ;  having 
no  children  of  their  own,  they  adopted  a  son,  who  bore  the 
name  of  John  G.  Bill.  He  was  killed  May  17,  1S64,  by  the 
explosion  of  a  great  gun  on  board  of  one  of  the  United  States 


SEVENTH   GENERATION".  267 

iron-clad   vessels  lying  in   Hampton   Roads,   near  Fortress 
Monroe,  while  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  as  an  officer. 

630. 

NORTON  BUELL  BILL7  (Jonathan,6  Jonathan,5  John,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  Jonathan  and  Asenath  (Bill) 
Bill ;  born  at  Southwiek,  Mass.,  Dec.  26,  1794,  and  married 
Semantha  Ransom. 

This  family  have  resided  at  Vienna,  Perry,  and  lastly  at 
Poland,  New  York. 

They  have  had  children  : 

995  Emily  Asenath,3  b.  at  Vienna,  Dec  6,  1819;  m.  James 

Forbes,  Jan.   17,  1844,  and  d.  at  Poland,  June 
12,  1846. 

996  Amanda  Malvina,8  b.  at  Perry,  May  22,  1824;  m.  Aaron 

Fuller,  March  4,  1846. 

997  Ruth,8  b.  at  Poland,  N.  Y.,  May  13,  1830;  m.   Darius 

Wyman. 

998  Amos,8  b.  at  do.,  July  9,  1834;  m.  Arlemetia  Smith. 

999  Julia,8  b.  at  do.,  April  26,  1838  ;  m.  Emory  Woodward, 

of  Poland,  N.  Y. 
1000     Mary,8  b.  at  do.,  March  19,  1840;  m.  Miles  Ferry,  of 
Poland,  N.  Y. 

631. 

JONATHAN  BILL7  (Jonathan,6  Jonathan,5  John,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born  May  2, 
1797,  and  married,  in  1830,  Almiea  Caevee,  of  Hebron, 
Ct.,  who  was  born  in  1800. 

This  family  settled  in  Perry,  N.  Y.,  where  they  have  lived 
for  upward  of  forty  years.  All  of  the  children  were  born  in 
the  same  house. 

He  died  there,  in  July,  1864.  The  widow  now  lives  in 
Warsaw,  N.  Y.,  which  is  not  very  distant  from  the  old  home- 
stead in  Perry. 

Their  children  have  been  : 


268  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

1001  t  James  Earl,8  b.  Aug.  3,  1832;  m.  Mary  A.  Gilbert. 

1002  t  John  Carver,8  b.  Nov.  7,  1833;  m.  Clara  B.  Bliss. 

1003  t  Jared  Milton,8  b.  May  4,  1835  ;  m.  Emily  E.  Darling. 

1004  Jane  Almira,8  b.  Dec.  10,  1837.     She  is  the  Preceptress 

of  Perry  Academy,  at  Perry,  N.  Y. 

1005  Emma  Adeline,8  b.  April  17,  1839;  d.  July  11,  1856. 

1006  t  Charles  Wesley,8  b.  Feb.  17,  1841  ;  d.  Oct.  4,  1862. 

1007  Henry  Harrison,8  b.  April  30,  1845. 

1008  Walter  Harvey,8  b.  March  24,  1847. 

632. 

CHESTER  BILL7  (Eleazar,6  Jonathan,5  John,4  John,3 
Philip,'  John1),  the  eldest  son  of  Eleazar  and  Elizabeth  (Cole) 
Bill  ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Ct.,  July  4,  1791,  and  on  the  25th 
March,  1812,  married  Phebe  Williams,  of  Columbia,  an  ad- 
joining town,  where  they  subsequently  settled. 

His  occupation  was  that  of  a  farmer  in  earlier  life,  and 
later  he  kept  an  inn.  He  died  March  15,  1853.  His  wife 
died  Nov.  15,  1853. 

They  had  children : 

1009  t  George  William,8  b.  May  18,  1813;  m.  (l)  Anna  Wil- 

liams. (2)  Harriet  P.  Fisher. 

1010  t  David  Bissell,8  b.  Feb.  9,  1820;  m.  Harriet  M.  Snow. 

1011  Lucy  Ann,8  b.  June  3,  1830;  m.  Charles  A.  Post,  of 

Columbia,  Oct.  24,  1850.    They  now  live  in  Hart- 
ford, Ct.     They  have  children : 
Rosella  A.9  (Post),  b.  Feb.  15,  1855. 
Lizzie  A.9  (Post),  b.  Oct.  25,  1862. 

633. 

JOSIAH  BISSELL  BILL7  (Eleazar,6  Jonathan,5  John,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born 
in  Lebanon,  May  13,  1793,  and  married,  March  27,  1816, 
Harriet  Tracy  Hough,  of  Bozrali,  born  May  3,  1794. 

He  removed  immediately  after  his  marriage  to  New  Mil- 
ford,  Pa.,  where,  for  twenty  years,  he  followed  the  business 
of  teaching ;  at  the  end  of  this  time  he  returned  to  Connec- 


SEVENTH   GENERATION'.  269 

ticut,  settling  in  Vernon ;  from  there  he  moved  to  Lebanon, 
in  which  town  he  was  engaged  in  trade  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  on  Nov.  16,  1846.  "We  learn  he  was 
a  man  of  very  correct  and  abstemious  habits.  His  widow 
died  at  Rockville,  Ct,  April  1,  1S52.  They  were  both  buried 
at  Lebanon. 

They  had  children : 

1012  Joseph  Clement,8  b.  Feb.  7,  1817.     He  died  at  Vernon, 

Sept.  11,  1839,  aged  22,  while  prosecuting  a 
course  of  liberal  study  at  Norwich. 

1013  Mary  Elizabeth,8  b.  in  Pa.,  Feb.  14,  1822.    She  married, 

Nov.  26,  1848,  Hon.  Dwight  Loomis,  a  son  of 
Elam  and  Mary  Loomis,  of  Columbia,  Ct. ;  born 
July  27,  1821.  He  is  a  lawyer  by  profession,  has 
been  a  member  of  both  branches  of  the  State 
Legislature,  also  a  member  of  Congress  two  terms, 
and  is  now  a  Judge  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Con- 
necticut. This  family  reside  in  Rockville,  Ct., 
where  she  died,  June  1,  1864. 

1014  t  Edwin,8  b.  in  Pa.,  July  2,  1827 ;  m.  Susan  Corey. 
1015tBenezet  Hough,8  b.  in  Pa.,  Feb.    26,    1829;    m.   Kate 

Griera-s. 


'too1- 


636. 

ELIJAH  BILL7  (Elijah,6  Elijah,6  John,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  son  of  Elijah  and  Nancy  (Scott)  Bill;  was  born  in 
Waterbury,  Ct.,  March  4,  1785,  and  in  1811  married  Betsey 
Gkiswold,  of  Harwinton,  Ct. 

Their  children  were : 

1016  Eliza,8  b.  May  23,  1814.     She  m.  in  1837,  Horace  Hin- 

man,  of  Plymouth,  Ct.     He  was  b.  Jan.  12,  1815, 
and  d.  March  27,  1865.     They  had  children  : 
Charles9  (Hinman),  b.  July  14,  1838. 
Ralph9  (Hinman),  b.  July  13,  1842. 

1017  t  Henry  A.,8  b.  May  26,  1820;  m.  Aug.  3,  1845,  Jane  H. 

Mills,  of  Colebrook,  Ct.     He  resides  in  Winsted, 
Ct.,  and  has  no  children. 


270  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

639. 

CHESTER  BILL7  (Abiel,6  Peleg,6  James,4  John,3  Philip,* 
John1),  the  son  of  Abiel  Bill,  of  Lebanon  ;    born   there   in 

1788,  and   married   Mika   ,  who   was   born   Jan.  23, 

1792.  This  family  is  little  known  to  us,  though  it  is  quite 
certain  they  lived  in  Lebanon.  He  died  at  Norwich,  August 
29,  1867,  where  his  wife  and  son  are  buried.  He  owned 
lands  in  Lebanon,  as  there  are  records  of  the  fact.  His  wife 
died  Dec.  13,  1863,  as  per  record  on  the  gravestone  at  Nor- 
wich, old  town. 

They  had  but  one  child  known  to  us : 

1018  Orrin  H.,8  b. ,  18]  5,  and  died  Sept.  5,  1840.    He  is 

buried  by  the  side  of  his  mother.      His  will  was 
proved  Dec.  15, 1840. 

642. 

CYKUS  SKINNER  BILL' (Earl,6  Oliver,6  James,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John'),  son  of  Earl  and  Sarah  (Jackson)  Bill ;  born  at 
Steuben,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  16,  1807.  He  married,  April  2,  1829, 
Pamela  Hubbakd,  who  was  born  Sept.  13,  1806. 

He  is  by  occupation  a  tanner,  and  lives  at  Turin,  Lewis 
County,  N.  Y. 

His  children  have  been : 

1019  Susan  Maria,8  b.  Jan.  5,  1 830. 

1020  Nancy  Charlotte,8  b.  Oct.  2, 1831 ;  d.  March  25,  1841. 

1021  Charles  Earl,8  b.  July  29,  1833. 

1022  Horace  Newton,8  b.  May  4,  1837. 

1023  Mary  Estella,8  b.  June  20,  1 849. 

643. 

CHARLES  OLIVER  BILL7  (Earl,6  Oliver,*  James,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Dr.  Earl  Bill ;  was  born  at  Steu- 
ben, N.  Y.,  August  1,  1809,  and  was  drowned  at  Trenton 
Palis,  Trenton,  N.  Y.,  August  2,  1830. 

The  circumstances  attending  the  death  of  Charles  Oliver 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  271 

possess  sufficient  interest  to  warrant  a  narration.  On  the 
occasion  of  a  visit  to  his  father's  family  by  the  late  Cyrus 
Bill,  Esq.,  and  daughter,  accompanied  by  a  young  lady  friend, 
the  four  formed  a  party  to  visit  the  romantic  scenery  of  the 
Falls  of  the  Canada  Creek,  known  as  Trenton  Falls,  only  five 
miles  distant.  While  escorting  his  young  cousin  along  a 
narrow  ledge  almost  washed  by  the  waters  of  the  creek,  find- 
ing there  was  only  room  for  one  person  in  the  path,  he  step- 
ped down  into  the  stream,  holding  his  cousin  by  the  hand  to 
steady  her  pace,  until  the  sharp  projection  in  the  overhanging 
cliff  could  be  passed.  At  the  critical  point,  the  rocks  being 
slippery,  he  fell.  Disengaging  his  hand  so  as  not  to  involve 
the  lady  in  his  own  danger,  he  partially  recovered  himself, 
but  in  the  mean  time  he  had  slipped  farther  into  the  stream, 
owing  to  the  shelving  character  of  the  rock.  In  his  second 
attempt  to  rise  he  was  more  successful ;  but  by  this  time  he 
was  in  the  rapids,  and  was  carried  by  the  remorseless  stream 
over  a  fall  of  thirty-six  feet  in  depth,  and  plunged  into  the 
terrible  abyss.  His  agonized  companions  were  powerless  to 
aid  him,  and  they  asserted  that,  having  recovered  his  erect 
position,  he  was  swept  away  with  his  back  to  the  Falls,  and 
with  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  loved  ones  from  whom  he  was 
so  suddenly  torn  !  His  death  was  a  very  heavy  affliction  to 
his  father,  and  all  the  more  so  from  the  fact  that  Charles  had 
been  educated  to  succeed  him  in  the  profession  of  medicine, 
and  he  was  looking  to  this  promising  son  to  share  with  him 
the  burdens  of  his  arduous  vocation,  and  eventually  succeed 
him  in  his  business. 

644. 

CHAUNCY  CLAKK  BILL7  (Earl,6  Oliver,6  James,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  fourth  son  of  Dr.  Earl  Bill ;  was 
born  at  Steuben,  X.  Y.,  June  16,  1811,  and  on  the  31st.  Dec, 
1840,  was  married  to  Anna  Everett  Case,  of  Yernon,  IST.  Y. 

A  printer  by  trade,  he  commenced,  when  in  the  21st  year 
of  his  age,  the  publication  of  the  "  Northern  Telegraph,"  a 


272  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

weekly  newspaper,  in  the  village  of  Canton,  the  shire  town  of 
St.  Lawrence  County,  X.  Y.,  then  the  residence  of  the  Hon. 

*/    7  7 

Silas  Wright.  Under  a  leader  so  competent  as  Mr.  Wright,  it 
was  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  Democratic  party  had  at 
that  time  an  overwhelming  majority  in  the  comity. 

But  one  other  newspaper  was  published  in  the  county,  and 
that  was  conducted  by  the  late  lamented  Preston  King,  and 
in  the  interest  of  the  Jackson  party.  At  the  time  the  "  Tele- 
graph "  was  started,  the  political  contest  which  ended  in  the 
defeat  of  Henry  Clay  was  about  to  commence,  and  its  columns 
were  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  Clay  party. 

The  campaign,  as  is  well  known,  was  a  failure,  and  Gen. 
Jackson  was  re-elected  by  a  largely  increased  majority. 

In  1834  he  removed  to  the  city  of  New  York,  where  he 
remained  about  a  year,  working  at  his  trade. 

Returning  to  Oneida  County  in  1835,  he  commenced 
publishing  a  newspaper  called  the  "Vernon  Courier,"  at 
Vernon,  N".  Y.,  which  was  subsequently  sold  to  his  brother 
Horace,  and  removed  to  Rome,  N.  Y.  He  remained  in  Vernon 
nearly  twenty  years,  filling  the  office  of  Postmaster  under 
President  Taylor,  and  in  1855  he  removed  to  Sandusky,  O. 

In  the  summer  of  1857,  he  purchased  an  interest  in  the 
Sandusky  Daily  Commercial  Register,  and  assumed  the  finan- 
cial management  of  the  paper,  Mr.  Henry  D.  Cooke,  his  part- 
ner, having  charge  of  its  editorial  department.  Subsequently, 
Mr.  Cooke,  in  connection  with  a  Mr.  Miller,  purchased  the 
Ohio  State  Journal,  published  at  Columbus,  in  which  Mr.  Bill 
also  took  an  interest,  which  he  retained,  however,  but  a  short 
time.  , 

The  Register  was  a  thoroughgoing  Republican  paper,  and 
the  only  daily  newspaper  in  the  Ninth  Congressional  District 
— a  district  which  had  the  honor  of  sending  the  Hon.  John 
Sherman  to  Congress. 

The  Register  printing-office  was  burned  in  the  spring  ot 
1862.  The  firm  by  which  it  had  been  carried  on  was  then 
reorganized,  Dr.  Agaid  and  Mr.  Cooke  retiring  from  the  con- 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  273 

cern,  and  Mr.  Bill  and  Mr.  H.  C.  Johnson,  editor  of  the 
paper,  and  one  of  its  former  proprietors,  assuming  its  manage- 
ment, under  the  firm  name  of  Bill  c&  Johnson.  In  about  six 
weeks  from  the  time  of  the  fire  they  had  a  new  office  started, 
and  continued  to  publish  the  paper  until  the  fall  of  1864, 
when,  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Johnson's  failing  health,  they 
sold  the  Register  office  to  other  parties. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bill,  with  their  two  surviving  children,  are 
now  (1867)  living  at  Sandusky,  Ohio. 

Their  children  have  been  : 

1024  Everett  Case,8  b.  Nov.  1,  1841;  d.  Feb.  9,  1847. 

1025  Caroline  Curtis,8  b.  July  16,  1843  ;  d.  Feb.  1,  1S47. 

1026  Eva  Caroline,8 b.  Jan.  27,  1847;  d.  Sept,  13,  1859. 

1027  Anna  Everett,8  b.  July  1,  1849. 

1028  Chauncy  Earl,8  b.  Sept.  9,  1851  ;  d.  Aug.  25  ,  1852. 

1029  Chauncy  Clark,8 b.  Aug.  31,  1853. 

1030  Henry,8  b.  Sept.  1,  1856  ;  d.  Aug.  8,  1859. 

645. 

EAEL  BILL7  (Earl,6  Oliver,5  James,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  the  fifth  son  of  Dr.  Earl  and  Sarah  (Jackson)  Bill,  and 
brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Steuben,  N.  Y.,  Aug. 
16,  1813.  He  first  married,  Sept.  30, 1838,  Koxy  Ann  Alltn, 
a  native  of  Connecticut,  who  died  Jan.  18,  1817.  His  second 
wife  was  Susan  Eliza  Johnson,  whom  he  married  Sept.  4, 1848. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  was  apprenticed  to  a  house 
carpenter  and  joiner  until  the  age  of  twenty.  In  his  twenty- 
second  year  he  left  the  place  of  his  boyhood  and  emigrated 
to  Ohio,  settling  at  Sandusky  in  the  fall  of  1835,  and  pursu- 
ing his  vocation  until  the  winter  of  1840-1,  when  he  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  Sheriff  of  the  County  (Erie).  At  the 
expiration  of  his  term,  and  failing  of  an  election  for  another, 
his  neighbors  constituted  him  one  of  the  arbiters  of  their 
petty  disputes  by  electing  him  a  Justice  of  the  Peace.  This 
position  was  resigned  in  1843,  to  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
Assistant  Clerk  of  the  County  Courts.      In  1845  and  1847, 


274  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

respectively,  he  was  chosen  County  Treasurer,  and  the  par- 
tiality of  his  neighbors  culminated  in  1850,  in  an  election  to 
represent  the  counties  of  Erie  and  Huron  in  the  Senate  of 
Ohio.  In  1851,  he,  in  company  with  Clark  Waggoner,  Esq., 
purchased  the  printing  establishment  known  as  the  Sandusky 
Clarion,  and  became  the  editors  and  publishers  of  the  San- 
dusky Register,  published  daily,  tri-weeklv,  and  weekly : 
the  daily  edition  being  known  as  the  Daily  Commercial 
Register. 

In  1852,  Henry  D.  Cooke,  Esq.,  now  of  the  firm  of  Jay 
Cooke  &  Co.,  Bankers,  at  Washington,  D.  C,  was  associated 
with  them,  under  the  firm  name  of  Bill,  Cooke  <&  Co., 
and  this  connection  was  maintained  until  1856,  when  Mr.  Bill 
disposed  of  his  interest  to  Mr.  Cooke,  and  dissolved  his  con- 
nection with  the  paper.  This  paper  was  known  as  the 
advocate  of  the  principles  of  the  party  designated  as  "  Whig," 
and  was  generally  regarded  as  not  among  the  least  influential 
of  Whig  papers  in  the  State.  When  that  party  committed 
hari-kari  on  the  Kansas-Nebraska  issue,  the  Register  was 
one  of  the  first  newspapers  of  that  faith  to  declare  for  the 
new  organization  afterward  known  as  the  Republican  party. 

In  1857,  Mr.  Bill  removed  from  Sandusky  to  the  city  of 
Tiffin,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the  purchase  and  sale  of  grain 
and  other  produce,  where  he  remained  until  April,  1S61,  when 
he  removed  to  Cleveland,  to  assume  the  duties  of  United  States 
Marshal  for  the  Northern  District  of  Ohio ;  Cleveland  being 
the  place  of  holding  the  Courts  of  the  United  States.  The 
appointment  was  made  by  the  late  President  Lincoln,  whose 
nomination  had  been  promoted  by  Mr.  Bill,  in  his  capacity 
of  delegate  in  the  Chicago  Convention  of  1860,  in  preference 
to  Hon.  W.  H.  Seward. 

At  the  expiration  of  his  official  term  of  four  years,  Presi- 
dent Johnson  saw  fit  to  bestow  a  reappointment  for  an  addi- 
tional term  of  four  years ;  but  in  the  summer  of  1866  sought 
and  found  one  more  in  accord  with  his  peculiar  "policy,"  in 
whose  favor  he  was  compelled  to  vacate  the  office,  after  an 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  275 

incumbency  of  five  years  and  six  months.  Owing  to  the 
condition  of  civil  war,  in  which  the  country  was  involved 
nearly  the  whole  of  his  term  of  office,  the  position  was  more 
arduous  and  responsible  than  lucrative. 

In  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bill,  received  by  us,  referring  to  his 
retirement  from  the  office  of  marshal,  he  writes : 

"Conscious  of  many  failings  of  judgment  in  the  admin- 
istration of  the  office,  as  I  truly  am,  I  hope  it  may  not  be 
deemed  a  trespass  upon  the  bounds  of  modesty  to  refer  to  the 
fact,  that  neither  by  friends  or  foes  has  any  charge  of  venality 
or  official  wrong  been  preferred ;  and  my  retirement  was  the 
occasion  of  the  expression  of  regrets  by  those  of  both  political 
parties."* 

We  most  cordially  add  our  testimony  to  the  general 
acceptability  with  which  he  performed  the  duties  of  his  posi- 
tion, and  indeed  it  is  bnt  an  act  of  justice  to  the  high  char- 
acter of  the  man  that  we  do  this,  and  we  speak  advisedly, 
since  a  year's  residence  in  Cleveland,  during  his  term  of  office, 
gave  ns  ample  opportunity  to  learn  these  facts,  as  it  did  also 
to  form  the  acquaintance  both  of  him  and  his  family. 

His  house  was,  indeed,  our  only  real  home  during  our 
brief  residence  there,  and  we  may  not  refrain  from  saying  that 
pleasing  reminiscences  of  those  days  yet  linger  with  us,  and 
we  would  never  forget  them. 

Mr.  Bill  is  a  man  of  some  marked  traits  of  character, 
which  wre  feel  will  be  of  interest  to  note  here.  Few  men  on  a 
slight  acquaintance  so  readily  impress  us  with  their  earnestness, 
candor,  and  integrity  as  he :  these  qualities  are  inherent,  or 
they  would  not  produce  on  us  the  conviction  they  do.  His 
mind  is  of  a  reflective  turn,  thoughtful,  yet  ever  prompt  on 
all  occasions  in  which  he  is  expected  to  bear  a  part.  We 
apprehend  he  has  devoted  much  of  time  to  the  careful  read- 


*  Since  his  dismissal  by  the  President,  Judge  Sherman,  U.  S.  District 
Judge  for  Northern  Ohio  (a  brother  of  Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman  and  Senator 
John  Sherman),  has  appointed  him  Clerk  of  the  U.  S.  District  Court. 


276  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

ing  of  general  literature,  and  thus  largely  stored  his  mind 
with  those  things  which  usually  come  of  an  early  and  liberal 
course  of  study  only.  "With  him,  as  with  most  of  us,  our 
parents  possessed  limited  means,  and  were  unable  to  give  a 
college  education  to  their  children :  their  benefactions  consisted 
mainly  in  conferring  the  benefits  of  a  common-school  educa- 
tion and  leaving  the  example  of  their  blameless  lives :  these 
constitute,  an  invaluable  inheritance,  and  they  were  his. 

His  unusual  natural  intelligence,  aided  by  his  varied 
experience  in  life,  lead  him  in  most  cases  to  correct  iudsments. 
Possessed  of  unobtrusive  manners  and  habits,  arid  great  sreni- 
ality  and  kindness  of  heart,  with  a  pleasant  vein  of  humor 
pervading  his  Avhole  composition,  giving  tone  and  variety  to  his 
social  qualities,  renders  him  an  agreeable  conversationalist. 

We  append  herewith  a  copy  of  his  autograph. 


The  children  by  first  wife  were  : 

1031  Charles  Earl,8  b.  Nov.  21,  1839  ;  died  July,  1840. 

1032  t  Horace  Harper,8  b.  April  4,  1842  ;  was  killed  at  Antie- 

tam,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

1033  Mary  Rose,8  b.  Oct.  20,  1845. 

Children  by  second  wife: 

1034  Charles  Henry,8  b.  July  19,  1849. 

1035  Eva  Caroline,8  b.  Nov.  10,  1852. 

1036  George  Putnam,8  b.  Aug.  2,  1855  ;  died  June  22,  1S59. 

1037  Gertrude,8  b.  Sept.  9,  1857. 

1038  Florence,8  b.  July  31,  1863  ;  died  Feb.  21,  1866. 

646. 

Gen.  HORACE  NEWTON  BILL7  (Earl,6  Oliver,6  James,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  youngest  son  of  Dr.  Earl  and  Sarah 
(Jackson)  Bill ;  was  born  at  Bemsen,  Oneida  County,  N.  Y., 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  277 

Aug.  1,  1815,   and  was    married  June  28,  1838,  to  Rhoda 
Sylvania  Mitchell,  of  Vernon,  N.  Y. 

He  purchased  of  his  brother  Chauncv  the  "  Vernon 
Courier"  somewhere  about  1840,  which  it  is  supposed  he 
published  for  several  years.  After  this  he  removed  to  Rome, 
N.  Y.,  where  he  lived  for  a  number  of  years,  and  for  three 
terms  was  collector  of  the  canal  tolls.  In  1851  he  had  a  posi- 
tion in  the  Comptroller's  Office  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
In  the  winter  of  1851-2,  he  was  Librarian  to  the  New  York 
House  of  Representatives.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1852 
he  removed  to  Sandusky,  Ohio.  From  1853  to  1859  he  was 
Clerk  of  the  County  of  Erie,  O.  In  1860  he  was  commissioned 
by  Governor  William  Denison  as  Brig. -General  of  militia.  In 
1861  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  Camp  Jefferson,  near  the 
Virginia  State  line,  and  he  continued  in  command  up  to  the 
time  of  its  discontinuance.  On  the  first  of  Jan.,  1862,  he  was 
appointed  U.  S.  Deputy  Marshal  of  the  Northern  District 
of  Ohio,  by  his  brother,  Earl  Bill.  He  continued  in  this  office 
upward  of  four  years,  and  during  this  time  he  with  his  family 
resided  at  Cleveland,  O.,  where  they  now  are.  At  a  recent 
municipal  election  he  was  chosen  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  which 
office  he  now  holds.  In  1862  or  3,  at  Cleveland,  while  return- 
ing to  his  home  late  at  night,  he  was  most  brutally  assaulted 
by  one  or  more  ruffians,  armed  with  some  merciless  weapon. 
He  was  knocked  down  and  severely  cut  about  his  head,  and 
was  left  sweltering  in  pools  of  blood.  He  so  far  recovered  as 
to  be  able  to  reach  his  home,  where  for  many  weeks  he  was 
confined,  his  life  at  times  quite  despaired  of.  He  is,  however, 
now  in  fair  health,  but  careful  of  dark  corners  and  suspicious- 
looking  people ! 

His  children  have  been  : 

1039  Sarah  Sylvania,8  b.  April  4,  1S41  ;  m.  J.  Eugene  Jones, 

now  deceased. 

1040  Horace  Earl,8  b.  Jan.  28,  1849  ;  d.  in  infancy. 


278  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 


654. 


APAMA  BILL7  (Oliver,8  Oliver,6  James,4  John,8  Philip,* 
John1),  a  daughter  of  Oliver  and  Clarissa  (Bill)  Bill ;  was  born 
in  Lebanon,  Dec.  11,  1798,  and  married,  on  the  18th  of  Sept., 
1822,  James  Hempstead  Pratt,  born  Jan.  16, 1797. 

Their  children  were : 

1041  William  R.8   (Pratt),  b.  Nov.  29,  1823;  m.  Sarah  W. 

Blackraan,  Feb.  7,  1849. 

1042  Augustus  M.e   (Pratt),  b.  April   10,  1825;  m.  Anna  M. 

Cane,  Feb.  23,  1852. 

1043  Nancy   E.8  (Pratt),   b.    Aug.  23,    1826;  m.  Caleb  W. 

Goodrich,  April  8,  1849. 

1044  Mary  C.8  (Pratt),  b.  June  3,  1828  ;  m.  Elijah  Goodrich, 

Jan.  25,  1865. 

1045  Delia  A.8  (Pratt),  b.  May  18,  1830;  d.  Nov.  29,  1830. 

1046  Morris  B.8  (Pratt),  b.  Oct.  10,  1832. 

1047  Joel  B.8  (Pratt),  b.  Feb.  17,  1835  ;  d.  April  11,  1861. 

1048  Sylvia  C.8  (Pratt),  b.  Feb.  21,  1837. 

1049  George  O.8  (Pratt),  b.  Dec.  24,  1838;  d.  Jan.  13,  1839. 

1050  Charles  S.8  (Pratt),  b.  May  10, 1841  ;  d.  May  13,  1841. 

655. 

CLARISSA  BILL7  (Oliver,6  Oliver,5  James,4  John,* 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  born  at  Steuben,  N. 
York,  June  5,  1801,  and  married,  Sept.  30,  1830,  Dea.  Mavok 
Bkigham. 

She  died  March  9,  1S42.  Mr.  Brigham  married  again,  July 
27,  1843,  Melinda  P.  Merrill,  of  New  York.  He  resides  at 
Toledo,  O. 

The  children  by  first  wife,  Clarissa  Bill,  were  : 

1051  Harriet  Eliza8   (Brigham),  b.  July  4,   1831;  m.  W.  A. 

Beach,  May  28,  1851,  and  lives  in  Toledo,  O. 

1052  Celina  Emily8  (Brigham),  b.  March  19, 1833  ;  d.  Dec.  19, 

1834. 

1053  Sylvania  Emeliue8  (Brigham),  b.  Sept.  1 7,  1835  ;  d.  Aug. 

8,  1838. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  279 

1054  Charles  Oliver8  (Brigham),  b.  Sept.  9,  1838;  ra.  Sarah 

M.  Graham,  Oct.  11, 1860,  and  lives  in  Toledo,  O. 

1055  Franklin  Sullivan8  (Brigham),  b.  Feb.  9,  1842  ;  d.  June 

29,  1842. 

658. 

HARRIET  PORTER  BILL7  (Amos,6  Oliver,5  James,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  daughter  of  Amos  and  Clarinda  (Por- 
ter) Bill ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  'Nov.  20,  1812,  and  married 
Jarvis  Porter  Lord,  May  25,  1826,  a  presumed  cousin. 

She  bears  off  the  honor  of  being  the  earliest  married  of 
any  of  whom  we  have  given  any  account.  We  were  led  to 
question  the  truthfulness  of  the  statement,  but  have  been  as- 
sured of  its  entire  reliability.  She  was  married  at  the  age  of 
13^  years,  and  became  a  mother  at  a  little  rising  of  15.  This 
is,  to  say  the  least,  not  a  common  incident.  This  family 
reside  in  Lebanon. 

They  have  had  children  : 

1056  Harvey  Porter8  (Lord),  b.  March  6,  1828;  d.  Sept.  28, 

1830. 

1057  Nelson  Porter8  (Lord),  b.  June  30,  1831. 

1058  Clarinda  Bill8  (Lord),  b.  Sept.  3,  1833. 

1059  Lydia  Maria8  (Lord),  b.  Feb.  11,  1836. 

1060  Osca  Frederica8  (Lord),  b.  Nov.  17,  183S;  d.  March  11, 

1841. 

1061  Frederic  Washington8  (Lord),b.  April  9,  1845  ;  d.  July 

15,  1854. 

659. 

* 

MARCIUS  EDWARD  BILL7  (Amos,8  Oliver,6  James,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  ;  born  in 
Lebanon,  Dec.  12,  1814,  and  married,  Dec.  19,  1847,  Harriet 
Adeune  Card,  born  July  11,  1823. 

This  family  reside  at  Sodorus,  Champaign  County,  111. 

They  have  had  children  : 

1062  Francis  Edward,8  b.  June  16,  1854. 


280  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

1063  Mary  Clarinda,8  b.  July  19, 1856. 

1064  Arthur  Jay,6  b.  April  4,  1862. 

660. 

Capt,  OLIVER  AUGUSTUS  BILL7  (Amos,6  Oliver,6 
James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was 
born  at  Lebanon,  Dec.  10,  1816;  married  first,  Feb.  7,  1843, 
Julia  Ann  Abell,  of  same  place ;  b.  Nov.  27,  1818,  and  died 
Nov.  14, 1S64.  His  second  wife,  M.  Augusta  Jewell,  widow, 
he  married  June  30,  1865. 

This  family  reside  in  New  Haven,  Ct.,  where  he  is  engaged 
in  business,  having  given  up  the  coasting  trade,  that  for 
many  years  prior  had  occupied  his  time,  sailing  as  master  of 
his  vessel. 

His  children,  all  by  first  wTife,  were : 

1065  Mary  Frances,6  b.  May  9,  1844. 

1066  Martha  Sophronia,8  b.  Oct.  28,  1846 ;  d.  Jan.  24,  1847. 

1067  Martha  Julia,8  b.  Aug.  15,  1848. 

1068  Rollin  Ilibbard,8  b.  May  21,  1852. 

1069  Carrie  Webster,8  b.  Feb.  9,  1857. 

1070  Hattie  Porter,8  b.  Sept.  24, 1860. 

661. 

CAROLINE  MARIA  BILL7  (Amos,6  Oliver.5  James,4 
John,3  Philip,5  John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing  ;  was  born  at 
Lebanon,  June  10,  1821,  and  married,  March  17,  1846,  Elias 
Loomis  Williams,  born  March  25,  1815.  He  died  Aug.  13, 
1860,  at  New  Haven,  where  the  family  now  live. 

They  had  children : 

1071  Charles  Allen8  (Williams),  b.  Dec.  22,  1846;  d.  May 

20,  1858. 

1072  Henry  Elias8  (Williams),  b.  Aug.  23, 1848  ;  d.  Jan.  30, 

1864. 

1073  George  Bill8  (Williams),  b.  Oct.  30,  1853. 

1074  Eunice  Loomis8  (Williams),  b.  July  8,  1856. 

1075  Arthur  Clark8  (Williams),  b.  Sept.  6,  1859;  d.  Aug.  2, 

1860. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  281 


662. 


GEOEGE  RICHARD  BILL7  (Amos,6  Oliver,5  James,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born  in 
Lebanon,  Sept.  12,  1825  ;  married  first,  Lois  Amelia  Roblnsok, 
May  29,  1850.  She  died  Feb.  25,  1856.  His  second  wife 
was  Emellne  D.  Blodgett,  whom  he  married  June  4, 1857.  He 
is  a  farmer,  and  resides  at  Lebanon.  During  the  late  war  he 
enlisted  in  the  service  of  his  country,  and  since  his  return 
home  has  been  elected  to  represent  his  town  in  the  State 
Legislature. 

His  children  by  first  wife  were : 

1076  Charles  Edwin,8  b.  March  17,  1851. 

1077  Harriet  Amelia,8  b.  Nov.  10,  1855;  d.  July  6,  1858. 

Children  by  second  wife  : 

1078  Frederic  Blodgett,8  b.  Feb.  10,  18C1 ;  d.  Feb.  14,  1861. 

1079  George  Lincoln,8  b.  July  27,  1862. 

664. 

ERASTUS  BILL1  (Benajah,6  Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Benajah  and  Hannah  (  Udall)  Bill,  was 
born  about  1800,  and  married  first,  Betsey  Hall.  His  second 
wife  was  her  sister. 

He  resided  in  Compton,  Canada  East,  up  to  1836,  when 
he  removed  to  New  Ireland,  where  his  second  wife  died  ; 
subsequently  he  removed  to  Fox  Lake,  Wis.,  where,  it  is 
believed,  he  now  lives  with  his  son  Sanford.  One  of  his 
daughters  married  a  Mr.  Frazier,  of  Bytown,  C.  W. 

His  children  were,  by  first  wife  : 

1080  A  son. 

1081  A  daughter. 

1082  A  daughter. 
By  second  wife : 

1083  Sanford.8     Resides  near  Fox  Lake,  Wis. 
19 


282  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

665. 

HORACE  BILL7  (Benajah,6  Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,3 

Philip,2  John'),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born ; 

married  Achsah  Fisk,  of  Temple,  Me. 

He  died  in  1840.  His  widow  resides  at  Compton,  C.  E., 
or  Compton,  in  the  "  Province  of  Quebec." 

His  children  were : 

1084  Armorica,8  b.  Dec.  11,  1826;  m.  June  28,  1848,  War- 

ren Loomis,  Jr.     They  have  five  children. 

1085  Xenophon,8  b.  Jan.  19,  182-;  d.  Jan.  11,  1854. 

1086  Amanda  M.,8b.  April  13,  1831 ;   m.  Oct.  3,  1854,  James 

Osgood;  she  d.  Nov.  24,  1863,  leaving  one  child, 
James*  (Osgood). 

1087  Horace  A.,8  b.  Sept.  2,  1834  ;   m.  June  30,  1859,  Martha 

Russell.     He  d.  April  29,  1864. 

669. 

Capt.  CARLOS  PITKIN  BILL7  (Eliphalet  Mason,6  Eli- 
phalet,5 Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  the  eldest  son  of 
Doctor  Eliphalet  Mason  Bill ;  was  born  in  Hartford,  Vt., 
Nov.  20,  1803,  and  married,  Dec.  1,  1S29,  at  Topsham,  Vt., 
Mary  Anx  Jenness,  born  in  that  place,  Nov.  20,  1812. 

Capt.  Bill  is  one  of  the  few  who  has  lent  us  his  invaluable 
aid  and  active  co-operation  in  gathering  material  and  search- 
ing the  family  records  of  ancestors,  thereby  laying  us  under 
many  obligations  for  these  voluntary  acts  of  kindness.  His 
labors,  it  is  true,  have  embraced  only  his  own  branch  of  the 
family,  yet  they  have  not  been  inconsiderable,  and  have  in- 
volved, as  we  can  readily  understand,  no  little  pains  or 
expense.  No  material  received  by  us  from  any  member  of 
the  family  came  in  such  readiness  for  the  press  as  did  his. 
We  mention  this  in  justice  to  his  patience,  and  the  lively 
interest  taken  in  the  compilation  of  this  volume.  His  re- 
ward is  the  satisfaction  he  will  have  in  knowing,  and  in  due 
time  seeing,  when  this  volume  shall  reach  his  hands,  that 
his  labors  have  not  been  thrown  away. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  283 

For  a  period  of  over  thirty  years,  Capt.  Bill  lias  been  a 
merchant,  commencing  business  in  1826,  at  Orange,  Yt.,  the 
residence  of  his  father.  Here  he  remained  but  three  years, 
when  he  removed  to  West  Topsham,  Yt.,  the  place  of  his 
present  residence.  He  was  commissioned  captain  in  the  State 
militia  in  1829.  He  has  filled  various  offices  in  the  town,  from 
1 835  to  the  present  time.  He  has  held  the  office  of  justice  of 
the  peace  from  1S37  till  now,  and  during  the  years  of  1845 
and  1846  he  represented  the  town  of  Topsham  in  the  State 
Legislature. 

We  append  a  copy  of  his  autograph : 


V  — 7 


The  children  of  Carlos  Pitkin  and  Mary  Ann  (Jenness) 
Bill  have  been : 

1088  Eveline  Pitkin,8  b.  May  17,  1831;  m.  June  14,  1865, 

Calvin  H.  Blodgett,  b.  April  7,  1827,  son  of  Hon. 
Calvin  Blodgett.     They  reside  at  Burlington,  Yt. 

1089  Emily  M.,8  b.  Oct.  9,  1835  ;  d.  May  6,  1842. 

671. 

FPvANCES  MAKIA  BILL7  (Eliphalet  Mason,6  Eliphalet,5 
Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,5  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding,  and 
twin  sister  of  the  succeeding  ;  was  born  in  Orange,  Yt.,  Aug. 
9,  1808,  and  on  Dec.  8,  1830,  married  Col.  Carlos  Carpen- 
ter, of  the  same  place ;  born  Sept.  30,  1S04. 

Col.  Carpenter  is  a  man  of  some  public  note  in  the  State 
of  Yermont.  His  occupation  is  that  of  a  farmer,  yet  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  his  life  has  been  devoted  to  the  interests 
of  his  fellow-citizens  in  some  official  capacity.  He  resided 
with  his  family  in  the  town  of  Orange  up  to  1854,  at  which 
time  he  removed  to  Barre,  Yt.,  where  he  lives  at  the  present 
time.     He  represented  the  town  of  Orange  in  the  State  Legis- 


284  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

lature  several  years  between  1837  and  1845,  and  at  one  time 
was  High  Sheriff  of  Orange  County,  and  has  been  State 
Auditor,  besides  holding  all  the  grades  in  the  State  militia, 
from  adjutant  to  colonel,  as  well  as  the  various  minor  yet 
important  civil  offices  in  both  the  towns  of  Orange  and  Barre. 
They  have  had  children,  all  born  in  Orange : 

1090  Flora  M.8  (Carpenter),  b.  May  27,  1837;   m.    Jan.    1, 

1862,  Isaac  Newton  Camp,    a  school-teacher,  at 
Burlington,  Vt. 

1091  Clara8  (Carpenter),  b.  Sept.  6,  1839;  unmarried. 

1092  Delia8  (Carpenter),  b.  Aug.  7,  1842;  d.  April  4,  1848. 

1093  Mason  Bill8  (Carpenter),  b.  Oct.  7,  1845  ;  a  student  in 

the  University  of  Vermont,  at  Burlington. 

1094  Solon  Eugene8  (Carpenter),  b.  Nov.  17,  1849. 

672. 

JULIA  EMILY  BILL7  (Eliphalet  Mason,6  Eliphalet,5 
Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  twin  sister  of  the  preceding  ; 
was  born  in  Orange,  Vt.,  Aug.  9,  180S.  She  married  first, 
June  17,  1828,  Jonathan  Houghton,  Jr.,  a  tanner;  born 
April  6,  1806,  and  died  at  Peoria,  111.,  July  27,  1838.  Her 
second  husband,  Chauncy  Goodrich,  she  married  Dec.  8, 
1840.     He  died  Oct.  3,  1854. 

Mrs.  Goodrich  and  her  daughter  Alice  reside  in  Barre, 
Vt.,  1867. 

Her  children,  by  her  first  husband,  were : 

1095  Jonathan  Augustus8  (Houghton),  b.  at  Craftsbury,  Vt., 

Sept.    16,  1834;    was  drowned  in  the  Connecticut 
River,  at  Newbury,  Sept,  1,  1852. 

1096  Eliza  Maria8  (Houghton), b.  at  Orange,  Aug.  29,  1837  ; 

m.  George  W.  I.  Carpenter,  Aug.  20, 1862.     They 
live  in  Elkhart  City,  III. 
Children  by  her  second  husband  were  : 

1097  Alice  Bill"  (Goodrich),  b.  Oct.  7,  1841. 

1098  Mary  Pitkin8  (Goodrich),  b.  Dec.  24,  1845 ;  d.  at  Barre, 

Mav  18,  1862. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  285. 

673. 

Maj.  EOS  WELL  MASON  BILL7  (Eliphalet  Mason,6 
Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,8  Philip,2  John1),  brother  of  the 
preceding  ;  was  born  in  Orange,  Yt.,  April  19,  1810,  and  on 
14th  Nov.,  1838,  married  Merinda  Nelson  ;  born  at  Orange, 
Oct.  8,  1813. 

Maj.  Bill,  the  year  following  his  marriage,  removed  to 
"West  Topsham,  Yt.,  where  for  six  years  he  was  employed  in 
his  brother  Carlos  P.  Bill's  store,  at  the  same  time  holding 
the  office  of  Deputy  Sheriff.  In  1845  he  opened  a  store  on 
his  own  account  at  that  place,  and  continued  in  the  mercantile 
business  till  1851.  Subsequently,  his  time  and  attention  have 
been  divided  between  his  own  affairs  and  public  duties. 

He  represented  the  town  of  Topsham  in  the  State  Legisla- 
ture during  the  years  of  1851,  1855,  and  1857.  He  was  a 
delegate  to  the  Constitutional  Convention  in  1S56,  and  was 
elected  State  Senator  for  Orange  County  in  the  years  1858 
and  1859.  He  has  held  the  offices  of  Captain  and  Major  in 
the  State  militia.  For  several  years  prior  to  1865,  was  a 
director  of  the  Bradford  Bank,  and  has  had  much  to  do  with 
the  settlement  of  estates  of  deceased  persons. 

Maj.  Bill  is  an  energetic,  upright,  and  faithful  citizen, 
exerting  a  wide  and  salutary  influence  in  the  section  of  country 
where  he  resides. 

The  children  of  Boswell  M.  and  Merinda  (Nelson)  Bill 
have  been  : 

1099  Adela  M.,8b.  Sept.  1,  1839  ;  m.  Ferdinand  Sherwin,  Jau. 

1,  1866.     They  reside  at  Wells  River,  Yt. 

1100  Roselle  M.,8  b.  July  8,  1841. 

1101  Emma  F.,8  b.  Sept.  9,  1846. 

1102  Cora  I.,8  b.  Oct.  22,  1848. 

678. 
LOUISA  M.  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,8 


286  TIIE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Pliilip,2  John1),  daughter  of  Dr.  Dyer  and  Ruth  (Richardson) 
Bill  ;  born  in  Orange,  Yt.,  Dec.  15,  1815,  and  married,  Sept., 
1838,  Winthrop  Howard,  born  in  Sturbridge,  Mass.,  May  13, 
1811. 

This  family  reside  at  Albany,  Yt.,  and  have  had  children : 

1 103  Charles8  (Howard),  b.  March  18,  1840. 

1104  Julia8  (Howard),  b.  Sept.  18,  1844;  m.  Oct,  1,  1861,  to 

George  Nye.       They  live  in  Montpelier,  Yt,  and 
have  children  : 

Jennie  Louise9  (Nye),  b.  June  20,  1862. 
Charles9  (Nye),  b.  April  8,  1865. 

679. 

JOSEPHINE  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,6  Benajah,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John'),  a  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  at  Albany, 
Yt.,  April  1, 1820,  and  married,  first,  Joseph  T.  Howard,  May 
10,  1840.  He  died  June  15,  1849,  at  Albany,  Yt. ;  second, 
Sept.  24,  1851,  Charles  C.  Doty. 

Her  first  husband  was  a  merchant,  and  her  second  is  a 
blacksmith.  They  reside  in  Craftsbury,  Yt.,  at  the  present 
time,  1867. 

Her  children  have  been  : 

1105  George8  (Howard),  b.  Nov.  4,  1848. 

1106  Emily  A.8  (Doty),  b.  July  24,  1852. 

680. 

EMELINE  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing;  was  born  in  Albany, 
Yt.,  Aug.  3,  1822.  She  married,  first,  on  June  5,  1839, 
Dwight  S.  Strong,  who  died  at  Manlius,  N.  Y.  ;  second,  in 
Nov.,  1852,  Warren  White.  This  family  reside  at  Manlius, 
N.  Y. 

Her  children  have  been,  by  first  husband : 

1107  Dyer*  (Strong),  b.  Aug.  23,  1842. 

1108  Frederic8  (Strong),  b.  April  11,  1845. 

1109  George8  (Strong),  b.  Jan.  — ,  1848. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  287 

By  second  husband : 

1110  Emeline  L.e  (White),  b.  Oct.  23,  1853. 

1111  Frank8  (White),  b.  Oct.  30,  1855.   A*** 

681. 

LTTCINDA  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,5  Benajah,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born  at  Albany, 

Yt,,  June  6, 1824,  where  she  married,  Oct.  13,  1810, . 

They  reside  in  Irasburg,  Yt.,  where  she  died  in  Jan.,  1851. 

Their  children  were : 

1112  Wallace8  (Howard),  b.  Feb.  12,  1841. 

1113  Josephine8  (Howard),  b.  July  25,  1842. 

1114  Augusta8  (Howard),  b.  Feb.  2,  1847. 

682. 

MARY  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,6  Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2 
John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  at  Albany,  Yt., 
May  13,  1826,  where  she  married,  Jan.  16,  1845,  Joshua  C. 
Rowell  ;  born  June  5,  1819. 

They  reside  at  Albany,  Yt.,  and  follow  farming. 

Their  children  have  been  : 

1115  Ladora8  (Rowell),  b.  Nov.  8,  1847. 

1116  Ella8  (Rowell),  b.  Sept.  8,  1852. 

1117  Ida8  (Rowell),  b.  Sept.  23,  1854. 

683. 

DYER  RICHARDSON  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,5  Bena- 
jah,4 John,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  was 
born  at  Albany,  Yt.,  July  23,  1829,  and  married,  at  Manlius, 
N.  Y.,  Amanda  Milner,  of  that  place. 

This  family  reside  in  the  West,  and  are  farmers. 

His  children  are : 

1118  Frank  D.,8  b.  June  1 7,  1 853. 

1119  Edward  H.,8  b.  June  5,  1857. 

1120  Frederic  I.,8  b.  Aug.  11,  1859. 

1121  James  W.,s  b.  Aug.  2 7,  1 86 1 . 

1122  Kate  M.,8  b.  June  2  7,  1 864. 


28S  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 


684. 


FRANK  COBURN  BILL7  (Dyer,6  Eliphalet,5  Benajal.,4 
John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Dr.  Dyer  and  Ruth  (Coburn) 
Bill,  and  a  half  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  at  Albany, 
Yt.,  May  20,  1832,  and  married,  in  May,  1860,  Elizabeth 
Harvey,  of  Barnet,  Yt. 

This  family  reside  at  Boston,  Mass.,  where  he  is  a  mer- 
chant, though  they  were  formerly  of  East  Saint  Johnsburg,  Yt. 

They  have  had  children  : 

1 123  Harvey,8  b.  May  23,  1861. 

1 124  Carrie,8  b.  May  — ,  18G2. 

685. 

Doct.  CURTIS  HARVEY  BILL7  (Dyer",  Eliphalet,6 
Benajah,4  John,3  Philip,2  John'),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  ; 
was  born  at  Albany,  Yt.,  July  2,  1835,  and  on  Sept.  20, 1865, 
married  Mary  J.  Worcester,  of  Hollis,  N.  H. 

In  1854,  he  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  under  Dr. 
Charles  B.  Chandler,  of  Montpelier,  Yt.  After  this  he  at- 
tended two  courses  of  medical  lectures  at  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege, one  at  the  University  of  Yermont,  and  one  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  New  York  City,  at  the  last  of  which  he  received 
the  degree  of  M.  D.,  in  the  spring  of  1859.  At  his  final  ex- 
amination in  anatomy  and  surgery,  he  was  highly  commended 
by  the  Faculty.  He  soon  settled  in  Tennessee,  and  entered 
upon  the  practice  of  his  profession,  which  he  continued  up  to 
the  time  of  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  civil  war,  in  1861. 
The  condition  of  public  sentiment  in  Tennessee  was  at  that 
time  more  or  less  chaotic,  and  it  being  well  known  that  he 
was  by  birth  a  Northern  man,  he  felt  it  to  be  the  course  of 
prudence  to  withdraw  fur  the  time  from  public  duties.  He 
was,  however,  soon  offered  a  commission  in  the  Rebel  army : 
this  he  very  resjiectfully  declined,  and  the  result  of  this  de- 
clination was,  that  he  found  himself  obliged  to  leave  that  sec- 
tion of  the  country.     He  proceeded  northward  by  the  way  of 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  289 

Louisville,  Ky.  ;  while  here  he  met  and  was  introduced  to 
Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman,  who  had  command  of  that  Department, 
and  through  his  influence  he  obtained  a  commission  as  Sur- 
geon  in  the  United  States  Army.  He  was  assigned  to  the 
Fifteenth  Kegiment  U.  S.  Infantry,  and  continued  in  the  ser- 
vice of  this  regiment  during  1861,  1862,  and  1863,  and  re- 
ceived, during  all  this  period,  the  respect  and  confidence  of 
both  officers  and  men. 

The  General  under  whom  he  served  paid  him  this  high 
compliment,  namely  : — "  Dr.  Bill  could  always  be  found  on  the 
field,  and  conducted  himself  the  most  bravely  of  any  surgeon 
in  my  command."  The  regiment  presented  him  with  a  beau- 
tiful and  expensive  case  of  surgical  instruments,  in  token  of 
their  appreciation  of  his  valuable  services  rendered  to  them. 
He  was  in  the  battles  of  Shiloh,*Murfreesboro',  Nashville,  and 
many  other  minor  engagements,  doing  active  duty  on  those 
fields. 

He  was,  at  his  own  request,  relieved  from  active  duties 
and  assigned  to  the  Department  Head-Quarters,  as  examining 
surgeon  for  discharges,  forming  one  of  a  board  of  three 
surgeons.  This  medical  board,  we  are  informed,  had  passed 
upon  more  than  7,000  applications  for  discharge  in  the  space 
of  three  months ! 

He  was  afterwards  detailed  as  Surgeon-in-Chief  of  "  How- 
ard Hospital,"  at  Nashville,  which  post  he  held  for  nearly 
one  year,  having  during  this  time  the  care  of  many  wounded, 
and  disabled  soldiers ;  he  here  performed  many  capital  opera- 
tions in  surgery  with  marked  success.  His  health  failing  him, 
he  was  compelled  to  resign,  but  after  a  brief  respite  among 
his  relatives  he  returned  to  Nashville,  and  at  the  solicitation 
of  Andrew  Johnson,  then  military  governor  of  Tennessee,  he 
accepted  an  appointment  as  surgeon  of  the  Fifth  Regiment 
of  Tenn.  Cavalry,  and  he  continued  to  act  in  that  capacity 
till  the  close  of  the  war,  in  1865,  being  mustered  out  of  the 
service  in  August  of  that  year.     The  subsequent  month  he 

*  This  is  sometimes  known  as  Pittsburg  Lauding. 


290  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

was  married  to  Miss  Worcester,  as  stated.  He  is  now  living 
in  Fayetteville,  Tenn.,  practicing  his  profession  and  attending 
to  the  cultivation  of  a  cotton  plantation. 

699. 

DANIEL  BILL7  (Daniel,6  Jonathan,5  Edward,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Daniel  and  Mindwell  (Brainerd)  Bill  ; 
was  born  in  Hartford,  Ct,  June  20,  1781.  He  married,  on 
Oct.  11,  1810,  Hannah  "Waldron. 

He  removed  to  Ohio  about  the  time  of  his  marriage,  and 
settled  at  or  near  New  London,  in  that  State,  as  is  believed, 
where  he  died,  Oct.  2,  1862. 

Their  children  were : 

1125  Lathrop,8b.  Nov.  18,  1811. 

1126  Hortense,8  b.  March  29,  1813. 

1127  Perry  H.,8  b.  June  8,  1815. 

1128  Roby  P.,8  b.  Feb.  10,  1817. 

1129  Daniel,8  b.  Oct.  22,  1820. 

1130  Sherman,8  b.  Dec.  1,  1822. 

1131  Mindwell,8  b.  Dec.  21,  1824. 

1132  Hannah,8  b.  April  22,  1827. 

1 133  Myron,8  b.  March  8,  1829. 

1 134  Roxana,8  b.  June  7,  1831. 

1135  Spencer,8  b.  Dec.  18,  1833. 

702. 

ELIJAH  BILL7  (Daniel,6  Jonathan,5  Edward,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,'2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  May  10, 
1800,  in  Hartford,  Ct.,  and  in  1822  married  Mary  Howard. 

He  removed  about  a  half  century  since  to  Ohio,  and  set- 
tled in  Hartland,  Huron  County,  of  that  State,  where  he  still 
resides,  though  when  last  heard  from  he  was  dangerously  ill, 
and  may  not  now  be  living.  He  was  a  man  of  great  size, 
weighing  between  three  and  four  hundred  pounds. 

Their  children  have  been: 

1136  Sion  E.,8  b.  June  10,  1 823. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION. 


291 


1137 

Harriet,8  b.  Feb.  7,  1825. 

1138 

Stephen,8  b.  Oct.  11,  1828. 

1139 

Amanda  M.,8  b.  June  1,  1834 

1140 

John  Elijah,8  b.  Nov.  2,  1841 

1141 

Charles,8  b.  Feb.  11,  1847. 

717. 

DAVID  BILL7  (David,6  Phineas,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  son  of  David  and  Hannah  (Babcock)  Bill  ; 
was  born  in  Groton,  Nov.  2,  1817,  and  married,  Feb.  8,  1852, 
Elizabeth  Logan,  daughter  of  John  A.  Logan,  of  New  York, 
and  an  own  cousin  of  Maj.-Gen.  John  A.  Logan,  of  111. 

This  family  reside  at  Palmyra,  N.  Y. 

Their  children  are : 

1 142  Benjamin  Franklin,8  b.  Nov.  13,  1852. 

1 143  David  Turner,8  b.  Oct.  9,  1854. 

1 144  George  Washington,8  b.  Sept.  6,  1856. 

1 145  Daniel  Webster,8  b.  Dec.  28,  1858. 

1146  Caroline  Adelia,8  b.  Aug.  31,  1861. 

1 147  William  Wirt,8  b.  Nov.  14,  1863. 

720. 

JULIA  ANN  BILL7  (Lodowick,8 '  Benajah,5  Phineas,4 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  daughter  of  Lodowick  and  Betsey 
(Geer)  Bill ;  was  born  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  Ct.,  Oct.  20, 
1S07,  and,  on  Jan.  20,  1824,  married  John  G.  Hughes,  of 
Lyme,  Ct. 

His  occupation  is  that  of  a  farmer  and  fisherman. 

Their  children  have  been  : 

1 148  Mary  Sedley 8  (Hughes),  b.  March  19,  1825. 

1 149  Charles  Gordon8  (Hughes),  b.  Dec.  11,  1826. 

1150  Alfred  Smith8  (Hughes),  b.  Feb.  19,  1829  ;  d.  in  1854. 

1151  Hiram  Geer 8  (Hughes),  b.  April  21,  1832. 

1152  John  Wight8  (Hughes),  b.  May  23,  1834. 

1153  Ann  Louisa 8  (Hughes),  b.  March  22,  1 838 ;  m.  James  H. 

Bliss,  of  Springfield,  Mass.     They  have  one  child, 
a  daughter.     He  died  Sept.  6,  1867. 


292  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

1 1 54  Jennie  Eliza 8  (Hughes),  b.  Feb.  22,  1 841. 

1155  Elizabeth  Maria8  (Hughes),  b.  Sept.  2,  1843. 

1156  Fannie  Emeline8  (Hughes),  b.  June  10,  1847. 

1157  Ellen  Burnham8  (Hughes),  b.  Nov.  21,  1849. 

1158  Julia  Emma8  (Hughes),  b.  April  19,  1852. 

723. 

Judge  JOHN  WIGHT  BILL7  (Lodowick,6  Benajah,5 
Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John '),  son  of'Lodowiek  and  Betsey 
(Geer)  Bill,  and  brother  of  the  preceding ;  was  born  in  Groton 
[Ledvard],  Jan.  4,  1813,  and  on  Aug.  4,  1836,  married  Pru- 
dence Gallup,  a  daughter  of  Capt.  Jacob  Gallup,  of  Ledyard. 

This  family  reside  in  Lyme,  Ct.,  on  what  is  now  known 
as  "  Bill  Hill,"  a  title  given  to  this  elevated  tract  of  land  in 
consequence  of  its  being  the  residence  of  several  families 
of  the  name.  Judge  Lodowick  Bill  and  his  three  sun.-, 
John  Wight,  Benajah  Park,  and  James  A.,  live  there,  and 
their  several  dwellings  are  clustered  within  speaking  distance 
of  each  other. 

Mr.  Bill  is  an  enterprising  and  well-to-do  farmer,  taking 
an  intelligent  interest  in  all  matters  relating  to  agriculture, 
and  finds  abundant  leisure  to  keep  well  informed  on  all  local 
and  national  concerns. 

He  has  taken  an  active  part  in  party  politics,  though 
never  to  our  knowledge  as  a  candidate  for  his  own  preferment, 
until  the  present  year,  when,  at  the  annual  State  election,  he 
ran  for  the  office  of  Judge  of  Probate  on  the  Democratic  ticket, 
and  was  duly  elected,  thus  succeeding  to  the  position  once  held 
by  his  father. 

The  children  of  John  Wight  and  Prudence  (Gallup)  Bill 
have  been : 

1159  John  Oscar,8  b.  Nov.   13,  1837.     In  1861,  April  21,  he 

enlisted  in  the  first  company  and  first  regiment 
of  Connecticut  Volunteers,  as  a  "  three-months' 
man."  This  regiment  was  mustered  out  at  the 
expiration  of  three  months,  and  he  was  honorably 
discharged,  July  21,  1861. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  293 

1160  Prudence  Parthenia,8  b.  March  27,  1839;  d.  Feb.  21, 

1842. 

1161  Gilbert  La  Fayette,8  b.  Jan.  15,  1842;  d.  Feb.  17,  1863, 

having  just  entered  manhood.  He  was  a  young 
man  of  unusual  promise,  and  had  been  carefully 
educated,  with  the  expectation  of  his  eventually 
entering  on  the  study  of  the  law. 

He  was  the  idol  of  his  parents — on  him  they 
built  their  fondest  hopes,  and  his  death  was  a 
most  crushing  affliction  to  them,  as  well  as  a 
great  loss  to  all  his  relatives  and  friends,  who 
were  numerous,  and  by  whom  he  was  much  be- 
loved and  deeply  lamented.  He  was  educated 
at  Fort  Edward  Institute,  New  York,  where  he 
won  many  honors,  and  where  the  tidings  of  his 
decease  were  received  with  deep  sorrow.* 

1162  Ellen  Loraine,8  b.  July  30,  1844;  was  married  March 

17,  1864,  to  William  H.  Fowler,  of  Williamsburg, 
L.  I.,  1ST.  Y.  They  now  reside  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
They  have  a  daughter,  Susan  Wight9  (Fowler), 
b.  April  13,  1865. 

1163  Lodowick,8  b.  March  30,  1 847. 

1 1 64  Emma  Gallup,8  b.  Aug.  8,  1840. 

*  The  following  lines,  composed  by  his  Aunt  Louisa,  the  wife  of 
Benajah  P.  Bill,  now  deceased,  are  worthy  of  preservation,  as  showing 
the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  : 

Alas!  those  hours  of  pleasing  hope  were  all  too  bright  to  last ; 
With  blinding  tears  we  think  of  them,  as  records  of  the  past  : 
Each  well-remembered  look,  each  sweet  and  pleasant  tone. 
In  memory's  store  are  garnered  up,  as  treasures  all  our  own. 

When  the  ''golden  bowl"  was  broken,  affection's  lavish  care 
Could  not  retain  the  loved  one,  of  gifts  and  talents  rare ; 
Yet,  why  mourn  the  early  dead,  all  joyous  in  their  way, 
While  further  on  we  toiling  tread,  where  shadows  thickly  lay  ? 

O  Life!  mysterious,  transient  gift,  and  when  we  pass  it  through, 
The  mystery  deepens  still  in  death,  beyond  all  mortal  view. 
Yet  we  know  our  heavenly  Father,  who  rules  in  love  o'er  all, 
Will  gather  up  His  children  true,  as  one  by  one  they  fall. 


294  TIIE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

1165  Jacob  Gallup,8  b.  June  10,  1 851. 

1166  Nelson  Horatio,8  b.  March  10,  1853. 

1167  Robert  Allyn,8  b.  Jan.  12,  1855 ;  d.  March  22,  1855. 

1 1 68  Prudence  Morgan,8  b.  April  28, 1856. 

1169  Arthur  L.  Wight,8  b.  March  29,  1858. 

1170  Edward  Lyman,8  b.  June  5,  1862. 

724. 

BENAJAH  PARK  BILL7  (Lodowick,8  Benajah,6  Phine- 
as,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  was 
barn  Dec.  5,  1814,  and  married  Sept.  20,  1843,  Mary  B. 
Pitcher,  born  Jan.  6, 1810.  She  died  April  8, 1850,  five  days 
after  the  birth  of  her  first-born,  which  also  died  April  8,  1850. 
His  second  wife  was  Louisa  M.  Peck,  daughter  of  Dea.  Timo- 
thy Peck,  whom  he  married  Sept.  17,  1S50.  She  was  born 
Jan.  9,  1822,  and  died  in  the  winter  of  1866  and  7. 

He  resides  in  Lyme,  Ct.,  and  is  an  intelligent,  hard-work- 
ing, thrifty  farmer.  A  slight  acquaintance  is  not  sufficient  to 
impart  a  correct  idea  of  the  mental  activity  and  quick  wit 
which  for  a  time  may  slumber  under  that  storm-worn  beaver 
which  he  usually  wears.  It  cannot  be  said  that  he  was  ever 
neutral  in  respect  to  any  one  of  the  numberless  questions 
which  are  continually  challenging  the  attention  of  a  free 
people.  An  anecdote  will  illustrate  his  fondness  for  discus- 
sion ;  a  trait  in  his  character  almost  irrepressible. 

Traveling  in  a  Western  steamer,  he  observed  in  the  rear 
saloon  a  small  company  of  gentlemen  earnestly  discussing 
some  political  or  theological  question :  drawing  near,  he 
listened  in  silence  till  he  had  obtained  the  thread  of  the  dis- 
cussion ;  perceiving  that  the  party  whose  views  were  in 
accordance  with  his  own  had  the  advantage  in  the  contro- 
versy, while  the  opposing  party,  a  clergyman,  seemed  to  be 
greatly  crowded,  he  took  a  fancy  to  help  the  weaker  side,  and 
at  once  "put  in  his  oar,"  presenting  arguments  which  turned 
the  tide  against  the  just  now  exultant  disputant,  quite  dis- 
comfiting him.  While  receiving  the  congratulations  of  his 
clerical  friend,  a  fellow-traveler  joined  the  circle  who  happened 


SEVENTH  GENERATION.  295 

to  know  Mr.  Bill,  and,  learning  the  particulars,  also  knew 
the  views  Mr.  B.  had  just  been  advocating  were  exactly 
opposite  to  his  real  opinions ;  thinking  it  too  good  a  juke  to 
be  passed  over,  he  stated  the  facts,  to  the  great  amusement 
of  the  company,  excepting,  probably,  the  aforesaid  clergyman. 
The  children  of  Benajah  P.  Bill  have  been,  by  first 
wife : 

1171  Mary  Pitcher,8  b.  April  3,  1850. 
By  second  wife : 

1172  David  Pitcher,8  b.  Aug.  24,  1851. 

1 1 73  Mary  Jane,8  b.  Dec.  8,  1852. 

1 1 74  Thomas  Peck,6  b.  Aug.  23,  1854. 

1175  Ann  Louisa,8  b.  July  22,  1856. 

1176  Frank  Pierce,8  b.  April  15,  1858. 

1177  Benajah  Park,8  b.  March  19,  1800. 

1178  Caroline  Park,8  b.  Dec.  3,  1861. 

725. 

Capt.  JAMES  ALEXANDER  BILL7  (Lodowick,6  Bena- 
jah,6 Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Lodowick  and 
Betsey  (Geer)  Bill,  and  brother  of  the  preceding ;  was  born 
at  Lyme,  March  30,  1817,  and  on  Aug.  26,  1839,  married  Ann 
S.  Lord,  who  was  born  April  7,  1820 ;  daughter  of  Joseph 
and  Phebe  (Burnham)  Lord,  of  Lyme. 

Mr.  Bill  was  reared  and  has  always  resided  in  the  same 
town.  His  educational  advantages  were  confined  to  district 
schools  of  his  native  town.  At  the  age  of  20  years  he  en- 
gaged in  the  book  business,  and  traveled  extensively  through 
the  Western  States  for  the  space  of  five  years,  with  great 
success.  In  1842  he  established  himself  in  Philadelphia  as 
a  book  publisher,  and  remained  in  this  business  for  twenty 
years.  A  large  part  of  this  time,  however,  he  was  heavily 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  Into  his  profession  as 
a  farmer  he  carried  the  same  zeal  and  enthusiasm  that 
had  distinguished  him  as  a  publisher,  and  by  which  he 
had  acquired  a  competence.  He  was  early  an  officer  of 
the    State   Board   of    Agriculture,  and    a    heavy    competitor 


29G  THE   B1LL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

at  the  State  Fairs  in  the  stock  department.  His  large 
droves  of  elegant  Devon  cattle,  and  flocks  of  Spanish 
Merino  and  South  Down  sheep,  always  attracted  great  admi- 
ration at  both  the  State  and  County  Fairs,  and  gave  him  a 
wide  reputation  throughout  the  country.  At  the  New  Lon- 
don County  Fairs  he  has  often  exhibited  100  head  of  cattle 
and  75  sheep.  A  leading  officer  in  the  County  Society  from 
its  organization,  he  has  been  twice  its  President,  and  by  his 
intelligent  zeal  has  made  himself  one  of  the  most  influential 
agriculturists  in  the  State. 

In  1849  he  entered  warmly  into  politics,  and  was  returned 
to  the  Legislature  from  his  native  town  by  the  Democrats. 
In  1852  and  1853  he  represented  his  senatorial  district  in 
the  State  Senate,  and  in  1867  was  again  elected  a  member  of 
the  House.  In  every  case  he  ran  against  heavy  odds,  and 
never  was  a  candidate  but  to  win.  In  fact,  in  this  as  in 
every  thing  else,  he  early  in  life  appears  to  have  adopted  the 
sentiment  of  the  French  Cardinal  — 

uIn  the  bright  lexicon  of  youth, 
Which  fate  reserves  for  brighter  manhood, 
There's  no  such  word  as  fail.'''' 

In  early  life  he  was  commissioned  captain  in  the  State 
militia,  and  had  the  command  of  a  local  military  organization. 

He  is  now  leading  an  agricultural  life  exclusively,  and  in 
the  independence  of  his  rural  home  dispenses  a  generous  hos- 
pitality to  all  who  come  beneath  his  roof.  We  append  a  fac- 
simile of  his  autograph : 


^T^^ 


They  have  had  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  still 
living. 

They  are  as  follows : 

1 1 79  Elizabeth  Geer,8  b.  April  27,  1841. 

1180  Phebe  Burnham,8  b.  June  15,  1843  ;  d. 

1181  Mary  Jane,8  b.  May  5,  1845  ;  d.  Oct.  6,  1851. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  297 

1182  Prudence  Ann,8  b.  June  15,  1847. 

1 1  83  Rebecca  Lord,8  b.  Sept.  29,  1848  ;  d.  Dec.  9,  1856. 

1 184  Lodowick,8  b.  July  31,  1850.. 

1185  James  Alexander,8  b.  Api'il  16,  1852. 

1186  Kansas  Nebraska,8  b.  July  20,  1856. 

1187  Lecompton  Constitution,8  b.  Oct.  16,  1857. 

1188  William  Warren,8  b.  Oct.  16,  1859  ;  d.  Feb.  16,  1860. 

1189  Jefferson  Davis,8  b.  Feb.  7,  1862. 

727. 
LUCY   STARK  BILL7   (Lodowick,6  Benajah,5  Phfneas,4 

Joshua,'  Philip,'2  John1),  a  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born 
in  Lyme,  March  23,  1822,  and  married  Ebenezek  E.  Brock- 
way, of  same  place,  who  was  born  Dec.  4,  1819. 

This  family  reside  in  Lyme.  He  is  a  farmer,  and  a  man  of 
estimable  character. 

They  have  had  children  : 

1190  Lodowick  Bill8  (Brockway),  b.  Oct.  8,  1845. 

1191  James  Monroe8  (Brockway),  b.  July  31,  1848. 

1192  Mary  Elizabeth8  (Brockway),  b.May  15,  1850  ;  d.  June 

29,  1851. 

1 193  Mary  Elizabeth8  (Brockway),  b.  April  20,  1852. 

1194  Charles  Loveland8  (Brockway),  b,  Sept.  15,  1855. 

1195  Ellen  Griffin8  (Brockway),  b.  Aug.  12,  1858. 

1196  Fannie  Louise8  (Brockway),  b.  Sept.  7,  1861. 

730. 

SARAH  MARIA  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6  Benajah,6 
Phineas,4  Joshua,'  Philip,2  John1),  a  daughter  of  Elisha  Sat- 
terlee Bill,  of  Griswold,  Ct. ;  was  born  Feb.  18,  1819.  She 
married  first,  on  Feb.  4,  1838,  Capt.  Silas  Fitch,  of  Westerly, 
R.  I.  He  was  born  Aug.  15,  1817,  and  died  Feb.  14, 1865  ; 
second,  she  married  Roswell  Tanner. 

This  family  resided  in  Westerly,  R.  I. 

She  had  children : 

1197  Sarah  Maria8  (Fitch),  b.  June  30,  1840;    m.    John   B. 

Tanner. 
20 


298  THE  BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

1198  Julia  Frances8  (Fitch),  b.  Dee.  28,  1844. 

1199  Otis  Barker8  (Fitch),  b.  April  9,  1855  ;  d.  Sept.  1,  1855. 

1200  Horace  Mann8  (Fitch),  b.  July  14,  1856. 

731. 

JAMES  LEONAKD  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6  Benajah,6 

Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing; 
was  born  in  Griswold,  Aug.  16, 1821 ;  married,  first,  on  March 
12,  18-13,  Lucy  Angeline  Maine,  of  North  Stonington.  She 
died  Jan.  29,  1845,  leaving  no  children  ;  married,  second, 
Aug.  22,  1818,  Juliet  Chapman,  of  North  Stonington.  She 
died  Dec.  23,  1857;  married,  third,  on  June  23,  1861,  Bar- 
bara Adeline  Howland,  of  Killingly,  born  Sept.  1,  1833. 
This  family  reside  in  North  Stonington. 
His  children  by  second  wife  were  : 

1201  Leonard  Eugene,8  b.  Aug.  7,  1852. 

1202  Julia  Olivet,8  b.  June  3,  1856. 

By  third  wife : 

1203  Joli11  Dexter,8  b.  Aug.  11,  1S65. 

732. 

JEPIITIIAH  GEER  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6  Benajab,' 
Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,'2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ; 
was  born  in  Griswold,  Sept.  7,  1S23,  and  married,  Feb.  15, 
1848,  Prudence  Powers  Benjamin,  born  June  8,  1821. 

He  resides  in  Griswold,  and  is  a  fanner  there. 

Their  children  are: 

1204  Benjamin  Jephthah,8  b.  Aug.  24,  1850. 

1205  Harriet  Prudence,8  b.  Oct.  2,  1855. 

1206  Ann  Isabella,8  b.  Sept.  8,  1 859. 

733. 

AMOS  WILLIAMS  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6  Benajah,6 
Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John'),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing  ; 
born  in  Griswold,  Jan.  26,  1828;  married,  first,  on  Nov.  28, 
1850,  Mary  Elizabeth   Howland,  born  May   1,  1831,  and 


SEVENTH  GENERATION.  299 

died  Sept.  5, 1865,  leaving  no  children.  His  second  wife,  Oea 
Angeline  Latham,  he  married  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  Sept. 
13,  1860.  She  was  a  native  of  Ledj'ard,  Ct.,  where  she  was 
born  Oct.  22,  1850. 

This  family  live,  we  believe,  in  Norwich  or  Montville,  Ct. 

735. 

SIDNEY  WORTHINGTON  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6 
Benajah,5  Phineas,4  Joshna,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the 
foregoing;  born  in  Griswold,  Oct.  23,  1830.  He  married 
Emeline  Hyde,  of  Lisbon,  July  4,  1853. 

This  family  reside  at  Norwich,  on  the  west  side,  and  are 
highly  respectable. 

They  have  bat  one  child,  a  very  promising  son  : 

1207  Charles  Sidney,8  b.  May  26,  1860. 

736. 

ELISHA  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6  Benajah,6  Phineas/ 
Joshua,5  Philip,'2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  born  in 
Griswold,  Jnne  29,  1833 ;  married,  Sept.  5,  1855,  Frances 
Maria  Richmond,  born  Ang.  2,  1810.  They  reside  in  Scot- 
land, Ct.,  and  have  children  : 

1208  Anna  Maria  Frances,8  b.  June  8,  1858. 

1209  Charles  Gardner,8  b.  Aug.  25,  1860;  d.  Sept.  S,  1860. 

737. 

EZRA  GARDNER  BILL7  (Elisha  Satterlee,6  Benajah,6 
Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  brother  of  the  precedini: ; 
born  in  Griswold,  Oct.  3,  1836  ;  married,  first,  March  27, 
1860,  Lauretta  Hyde,  who  died  March  21,  1801,  leaving  no 
children.  His  second  wife  was  Sarah  Elizabeth  (Masters) 
Ciiamplain,  whom  he  married  13th  March,  1861.  The}7,  live 
in  Montville. 

The  children  are : 

1210  Mary  Elizabeth,8  b.  Sept.  20,  1865  ;  d.  March  2,  1866. 


300  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

748. 

HORATIO  NELSON  BILL'(NelsonHoratius,6Benajah,s 
Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John'),  eldest  son  of  Nelson  Hora- 
tius  Bill ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  March  25,  1824,  and  Sept.  4, 
1850,  married  Julia  Ann  Branch,  of  Springfield,  N.  Y. 

This  family  reside  at  "Williinantic,  and  have  children  : 

1211  Edward  Nelson,8  b.  Jan.  13,  1852, 

1212  Ida  Maria,8  b.  Dec.  7,  1 853. 

1213  Arthur  Irving,3  b.  June  27,  1856. 

1214  Charles  Oliver,8  b.Dec.  22,  1858, 

750. 

JEREMIAH  CANNING  BILL7  (Nelson  Horatins,' 
Benajah,6  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  brother  of  the 
preceding  ;  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Sept.  21, 1827,  and  married, 
Nov.  29,  1855,  Julia  Hurlburt  Corey,  daughter  of  Joseph 
Corey,  of  Lebanon. 

This  family  resided  at  Lebanon,  where  Mrs.  Bill  died  Aug. 
14,  1864.  Her  decease  left  him  quite  alone,  since  his  two 
children  had  been  removed  by  death  but  a  few  weeks  prior. 

Mr.  Bill  has  considerable  talent  as  a  draughtsman,  and 
was  for  some  time  employed  in  making  patterns  for  the  first 
wood  tjrpe  made  in  this  country.  He  is  now  living  tempora- 
rily in  New  York,  but  considers  his  residence  to  be  at  "WilH- 
mantic,  Ct.,  we  believe. 

His  children  have  been  : 

1215  Leroy  Canning,8  b.  April  7,  1857  ;  d.  Sept.  6,  1857. 

1216  Eugene  Howard,8  b.  May  31,  1858;  d.  July  25,  1864. 

1217  Frederic  Corey,8  b.  June  29r  1863  ;  d.  April  28,  1864. 

751. 

EDWARD  MITCHELL  BILL7  (Gnrdon,6  Joshua,* 
Phineas,4  Joshua,'  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Gordon  and  Lucy 
(Yerrington)  Bill  ;  was  born  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  April  24, 
1822,  and   married,  June  1,  1847,  Esther  Alice  Sylvester, 


SEVENTH  GENERATION.  301 

daughter  of  Levi  P.  and  Lydia  (Bill)  Sylvester,  of  Greens- 
burg,  Indiana.  We  have  in  the  sketch  of  Benjamin*  Bill, 
No.  23,  given  something  relating  to  the  ancestry  of  Lydia 
Bill,  above  named,  the  mother  of  the  wife  of  Edward  Mitchell 
Bill.  Since  penning  that  account  nothing  has  come  to  light  to 
cause  us  to  change  our  views  as  there  expressed ;  to  which  the 
reader  is  referred. 

Edward  M.  Bill  was  reared  a  farmer,  but,  before  attaining 
his  majority,  learned  the  trade  of  a  house-carpenter.  This 
latter  occupation  he  has  never  followed.  For  quite  a  period 
he  was  an  officer  in  the  New  London  County  prison,  situated  at 
Norwich.  He  afterwards  traveled  in  several  of  the  Western 
States,  engaged  in  the  sale  of  books.  For  several  years 
prior  to  1854,  lie  was  located  in  business  at  Worcester,  Mass., 
after  which  he  removed  to  Albia,  Iowa,  where  he  now  resides, 
being  engaged  in  farming. 

He  is  at  present  the  Superintendent  of  Schools  for  Monroe 
County,  Iowa. 

His  children  have  been  : 

1218  Ira  Edward,8  b.  June  3,  1849;  d.  Dec.  19,  1851. 

1219  Lucy  Yerrington,8  b.  Oct.  1,  1853 ;  d.  Aug.  V,  1855. 

1220  Lydia  Silvester,8  b.  June  26,  1856. 

1221  Edward  Henry,8  b.  Dec.  19,  1859;  d.  April  30,  1862. 

1222  Gurdon  Frederic,8  b.  June  17,  1861. 

1223  Clara  Maria,8  b.  Sept.  13,  1863. 

1224  Edward  Charles,8  b.  March  1,  1866. 

752. 

HENBY  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,5 
Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Gurdon  and  Lucy  (Yerrington)  Bill; 
was  born  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  May  18,  1824,  and  was  on 
Feb.  10,  1847,  married  to  Julia  Octavia  Chapman,  born 
in  Groton,  Dec.  14,  1824,  daughter  of  Simeon  Chapman. 

At  the  age  of  14  he  was  apprenticed  to  John  J.  Hyde,  in 
the  office  of  the  old  New  London  Gazette,  but  remained  only 
four  months,  when  he  went  back  to  assist  his  father  on  the 


302  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

farm.  lie  returned  to  New  London  in  a  few  months,  and 
engaged  for  a  short  time  as  a  clerk  for  Robert  Chapman,  in 
a  confectionery  store.  The  following  winter  he  engaged  as 
a  teacher  in  the  Broadbrook  district,  Preston,  at  the  wages 
of  $9  a  month.  He  was  so  well  pleased  with  this  occupa- 
tion, and  so  highly  commended  by  the  district  committee 
for  his  success,  that  he  resolved  to  adopt  it  for  a  profession, 
and  to  this  end  he  attended  in  the  succeeding  fall  a  teachers' 
preparatory  school  in  Plainfield.  The  following  winter  he 
taught  school  in  Plainfield,  and  the  winter  after  at  Groton. 
In  1842,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  after  the  fashion  of  enterprising 
boys  of  that  day,  he  purchased  his  time  till  he  should  arrive 
at  the  age  of  manhood.  At  this  time  a  business  opened  to 
him  which  turned  the  course  of  his  life.  His  cousin,  James 
A.  Bill,  of  Lyme,  then  a  successful  book  publisher,  induced 
him  to  embark  as  a  traveling  agent  in  the  sale  of  his  publi- 
cations. He  traveled  extensively  through  several  of  the  West- 
ern and  some  of  the  Eastern  States.  In  the  fall  of  1847,  by 
the  encouragement  of  Messrs.  Harper  &  Brothers,  of  New 
York,  he  engaged  in  the  publication  and  sale  of  books  by  sub- 
scription, and  located  permanently  at  Norwich,  Ct.  Here  he  has 
since  resided,  actively  engaged  in  the  publishing  business,  and 
uniformly  successful  in  his  undertakings.  Chief  among  the 
works  which  he  has  published  may  be  mentioned  Stephens's 
Travels  in  Yucatan  ;  History  of  the  World  (2  vols.),  by  Maun- 
der ;  The  Encyclopedia  of  all  Nations,  by  Murray  ;  Illustrated 
History  of  the  Bible,  by  Kitto ;  and,  in  connection  with  his 
brothers,  Gurdon  and  Ledyard,  The  Civil  War  in  America, 
by  Abbott. 

In  the  dissemination  of  about  half  a  million  of  these 
books  he  has  employed  about  two  thousand  agents.  He  is 
now  one  of  the  oldest  subscription  book  publishers  in 
the  country,  and  one  of  the  most  successful,  and  still  continues 
to  push  his  business  into  all  parts  of  the  Union. 

He  has  not  confined  his  attention  solely  to  book  pub- 
lishing.    In  1S50,  he  engaged,  in    company  with  two  other 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  303 

gentlemen,  in  developing  a  large  tract  of  land  on  the  south 
bank  of  the  Shetucket,  at  its  junction  with  the  River  Thames, 
now  called  Laurel  Hill.  He  was  the  active  partner  in  this 
enterprise,  and  has  now  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  what  was  a 
rugged  and  apparently  worthless  tract  of  land,  when  he  put  his 
hand  to  it,  one  of  the  most  flourishing  villages  in  the  State, 
connected  with  Norwich  by  a  substantial  iron  bridge.  Here 
he  has  his  residence,  and  enjoys  all  the  comforts  and  luxuries 
of  a  New  England  home. 

He  has  also  devoted  much  time  to  politics.  In  1853,  he 
was  nominated  by  the  Democrats  to  represent  the  eighth 
senatorial  district  in  the  State  Senate.  This  district  had  the 
previous  year  returned  an  opposition  member,  but  such  were 
the  issues  and  such  his  popularity  that  he  received  a  large 
majority  of  votes  over  his  opponent.  He  has  never  run  for 
any  office  since,  but  has  been  an  earnest  worker  in  the  Repub- 
lican ranks  since  the  organization  of  that  party.  During 
the  Southern  Rebellion  lie  was  actively  engaged  in  raising 
troops,  and,  as  one  of  the  patriotic  committee  of  Norwich, 
contributed  largely  of  his  time  and  means  to  raise  and  equip 
troops  for  the  national  defense. 

His  last  act  for  the  benefit  of  the  public  was  the  endow- 
ment of  a  public  library  in  his  native  town.  For  this  purpose 
the  Legislature  of  the  State  have  chartered  a  corporation 
under  the  title  of  "The  Bill  Library  Association,"  which  will 
take  control  of  the  fund  of  $1,000,  and  the  librae  of  one 
thousand  volumes,  contributed  by  Mr.  Bill  for  the  permanent 
establishment  of  a  free  public  library  in  Ledyard.  In  this 
he  has  only  acted  out  the  promptings  of  his  life — to  do 
good  to  all  as  far  as  his  ability  will  permit,  and  to  make  the 
world  permanently  better  for  his  having  lived  in  it. 

A  fac-simile  of  his  autograph  is  herewith  appended : 


>vMr/c5^ 


304  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

The  children  of  Henry  and  Julia  O.  (Chapman)  Bill  have 
been  : 

1225  Henry  Gustavus,8  b.  Nov.  18,  1847  ;  d.  Nov.  3, 1853. 

1226  John  Harper,8  b.  June  21,  1851. 

1227  Henry  Sumner,8  b.  June  19, 1856  ;  d. . 

1228  Julia  Florence,8  b.  April  29,  1858. 

1229  Jennie  Eliza,8  b.  April  8,  1860. 

1230  Frederic  Abbott,8  b.  March  12,1 864. 

755. 

GURDON  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Joshua,6  Phineas,4  Joshua,* 
Philip,'2  John'),  son  of  Gurdon  and  Lucy  (Yerrington)  Bill, 
and  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Groton  [Ledyard], 
June  7,  1827.  He  married,  May  12,  1853,  Emily  A.  Den- 
ison, daughter  of  Nathan  Fish  Denison,  Esq.,  of  Groton,  a 
descendant  of  Gen.  Daniel  Denison,  well  known  in  colonial 
history. 

It  had  been  for  some  years  the  intention  of  his  father 
to  give  each  of  his  sons  a  taste  of  his  own  protracted  ex- 
perience of  seven  summers'  "  working  out "  on  a  farm,  that 
they  might  learn  the  value  of  labor  and  the  economic  use  of 
money.  Consequently,  all  of  his  sons,  excepting  the  youngest, 
had  one  summer's  labor  assigned  them  away  from  the  home- 
stead while  in  their  minority.  About  1845  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  and  in  accordance  with  this  purpose,  entered  the 
employ  of  Joseph  Geer,  a  farmer  living  in  Ledyard.  Here 
he  was  duly  inducted  into  the  arts  of  a  farm  life  away 
from  the  paternal  roof-tree.  At  the  close  of  this  engagement 
he  was  induced,  at  the  urgent  solicitations  of  James  A.  Bill, 
at  that  time  a  book  publisher,  to  undertake  an  agency  for 
the  sale  of  his  publications  in  parts  of  the  Western  States. 
After  a  few  years  of  travel  there,  and  having  acquired  a  capital 
sufficient  to  engage  in  business  with  advantage,  he,  in  1854, 
established  himself  in  the  flourishing  city  of  Springfield, 
Mass.,  as  a  publisher  of  books  by  subscription.     In  1856  his 


SEVENTH   GENERATION".  305 

brother  Frederic  became  his  partner.  They  continued  the 
business  till  1861,  when  his  brother  retired.  His  career  as  a 
publisher  has  been  an  eminently  successful  one,  bringing  with 
it  an  ample  fortune.  His  publications  have  had  an  exten- 
sive sale,  reaching  the  enormous  number  oT  about  a  half  mil- 
lion copies,  which  has  given,  both  in  the  manufacture  and  sale, 
profitable  employment  to  very  many  people. 

Among  his  chief  publications  are  :  Life  of  Washington, 
by  Headley ;  The  Gallery  of  the  Bible  (2  vols.),  by  Griswold 
&  Weld ;  Life  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  by  Holland ;  and 
in  connection  with  his  brothers,  Henry  and  Ledyard,  The 
Civil  War  in  America,  by  Abbott. 

His  life  has  been  comparatively  a  quiet  one,  never  tread- 
ing in  the  whirlpool  of  politics,  yet  by  no  means  an  indifferent 
observer  of  questions  that  affect  the  welfare  of  the  State  or 
nation,  aiming  always  to  perform  his  duty  as  a  citizen  con- 
scientiously and  uprightly.  His  elegant  home,  on  the  outskirts 
of  the  city,  overlooks  one  of  the  loveliest  landscapes  in  all  the 
valley  of  that  beautiful  river — the  Connecticut.  We  attach 
herewith  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph.  , 


W*& 


His  children  are : 

1231  Nathan  Denison,8  b.  Oct.  12,  1855. 

1232  Hattie  Eliza,8  b.  Aug.  21,  1857. 

1233  Mary  Avery,8  b.  Sept.  15,  1S59. 

1234  Edward  Everett,8  b.  Feb.  22,  1862. 

758. 

FEEDERIC  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,' 
Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Gurdon  and  Lucy  (Yerrington)  Bill,  and 
brother  of  the  preceding;  was  born  in  Groton  [Ledyard],  Sept. 
7,  1833,  and  on  May  19,  1858,  married  Lucy  G.  Denison, 
daughter  of  Nathan  F.  Denison,  Esq.,  of  Groton. 


306  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

In  earl}7  life,  and  after  having  attended  the  ordinary  public 
schools,  he  continued  his  studies  at  the  Suffield  Literary 
Institute,  at  Suffield,  Ct.,  in  company  with  his  next  younger 
brother.  At  the  age  of  16  he  taught  the  Lestertown  district 
school,  in  Ledyard,  with  unusual  satisfaction  to  its  patrons, 
since  which  time  he  has  traveled  extensively  in  the  States, 
also  over  most  of  the  British  American  Provinces. 

In  1856  he  became  his  brother  Gurdon's  partner  in  the 
publishing  business  at  Springfield,  Mass. 

Desiring  to  see  something  of  foreign  life,  and  at  the  same 
time  view  a  tropical  clime,  he  visited  during  the  winter  of  1857-8 
the  Island  of  Cuba,  taking  passage  on  the  somewhat  famous 
"  Black  Warrior,"  at  New  York.  After  a  few  days  of  delight- 
ful sail  he  reached  Havana,  where  after  a  brief  sojourn  in 
hat  city  proceeded  to  Matanzas,  and  from  thence  to  a  planta- 
tion where,  having  letters  of  introduction,  he  spent  a  few 
weeks  most  agreeably  in  observing  the  customs  and  sys- 
tems of  that  country,  as  well  as  regaling  himself  with  the 
luxuriant  fruits  and  the  charming  landscapes  of  that  remark- 
able island. 

I  On  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  in  1861,  he  decided  to 
retire  from  trade,  and  disposed  of  his  interest  to  his  brother. 
He  soon  after,  in  company  with  his  wife,  traveled  by  his  own 
private  conveyance  over  a  large  portion  of  the  State  of  New 
York  and  in  New  England,  freed  from  the  perplexities  of  busi- 
ness and  the  strife  of  trade,  which  he  so  much  needed  and 
enjoyed.  In  1865,  after  the  close  of  the  war,  he  embarked 
with  a  partner,  under  the  firm  name  of  Tracy  &  Bill,  in 
the  manufacturing  business,  at  Newark,  N.  J.,  with  an  office 
and  sales-room  at  101  Chambers  Street,  New  York  City.  We 
attach  a  fac-simile  of  his  signature  : 


They  have  no  children. 


SEVENTH    GENERATION.  307 

759. 

LEDYAED  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,' 
Philip,"  John1),  son  of  Gurdon  and  Lucy  (Yerrington)  Bill, 
and  brother  of  the  preceding;  was  born  in  Ledyard,  May  11, 
1836,  and  remains,  up  to  1867,  unmarried.  For  obvious 
reasons,  we  forbear  to  outline  a  sketch  of  our  own  life. 

761. 

CHABLES  BILL7  (Gurdon,6  Joshua,6  Phineas,4  Joshua,' 
Philip,''  John1),  youngest  son  of  Gurdon  and  Lucy  (Yerring- 
ton) Bill,  and  brother  of  the  foregoing  ;  was  born  in  Ledyard, 
June  7,  1840  ;    and  is  unmarried. 

His  advantages  for  an  education  have  exceeded  those  of  any 
if  not  all  of  his  brothers.  Up  to  his  16th  year  he  had  at- 
tended no  other  than  the  common  school  during  the  winter 
months.  The  death  of  his  father  occurring  at  this  time  released 
him  from  farm  duties,  and  on  December  3,  1856,  he  entered 
the  junior  class  of  the  State  Normal  School,  at  New  Britain, 
where  he  remained  nearly  two  years,  after  which  he  entered 
the  Norwich  Free  Academy,  at  Norwich,  then  under  the  charge 
of  Prof.  Elbridge  Smith.  Lie  remained  there  several  years, 
finishing  his  course  of  study,  and  in  July,  1861,  graduated 
as  valedictorian  of  his  class.  Desiring  to  pursue  his  studies 
yet  further,  he  entered  the  Scientific  Department  of  Yale  Col- 
lege in  the  fall  of  1861,  where  he  also  remained  till  the  com- 
pletion of  his  course,  occupying  several  years,  and  ranking  at 
graduation  as  second  in  proficiency.  He  has  taken  the  degree 
of  B.  P.  at  Yale,  and  three  prize  medals  in  the  course  of  his 
studies: — one  for  "Select  Declamation"  —  one  for  the  best 
examination  in  the  "Natural  Sciences,"  and  one  for  a  prize 
"  Essay." 

He  is  now  in  business  at  Chicago,  111. 

762. 
SAMUEL  BILL  T  A YLOE 7  (Sabrina,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4 


30S  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Joshua,3  Philip,2  John'),  son  of  Sabrina  (Bill)  and  Samuel 
Taylor  ;  was  born  at  Roxbury,  Delaware  County,  N.  Y., 
July  20,  1806,  and,  on  29th  June,  1834,  married  Eunice 
Grant  Miner,  who  was  born  December  28,  1S10,  at  Ston- 
ington,  Connecticut. 

This  family  reside  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  He  is  in  the 
employ  of  the  Atlantic  Fire  &  Marine  Insurance  Company, 
at  their  office  on  Wall  Street,  New  York. 

They  have  had  children  : 

1235  George8  (Taylor),  b.  July  29,  1835  ;  d.  Aug.  22,  1835. 

1236  Elizabeth8    (Taylor),  b.   June   29,  1837;    d.  July    26, 

1837. 

1237  Eugene  Miner8  (Taylor),  b.  Sept.  24,  1838. 

1238  Elizabeth8  (Taylor),  b.  April  22,  1840;    d.  March   21, 

1847. 

1239  Winfield .Scott 8  (Taylor),  b.  Nov.  1 9,  1 84 7. 

764.      . 

Rev.  ALFRED  II.  TAYLOR'  (Sabrina,6  Joshua,5  Phin- 
eas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John  !),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  was 
born  in  Roxbury,  N.  Y.,  January  4,  1812,  and  married,  April 
1,  1840,  Phebe  Eliza  Taylor. 

For  many  years  this  family  resided  in  Connecticut,  where 
he  was  pastor  at  different  times  of  several  churches.  He  was 
last  located,  as  a,  preacher,  in  Indiana  County,  Penn.  Here 
his  health  became  critical,  and,  resigning  his  charge,  removed 
to  Ilollidaysburg,  Penn.,  a  place  where  he  had  formerly 
labored  in  the  ministry.  He  died  there,  September  23,  1866, 
of  a  cancer. 

They  had  children : 

1240  Alfred  Kincaid8  (Taylor),  b.  Feb.  23,  1841. 

1241  Anna  Louise8  (Taylor),  b.  Sept.  8,  1842. 

1242  Edward  Mason8  (Taylor),  b.  Dec.  8,  1843. 

1243  Samuel  Judson8  (Taylor),  b.  July  15,  1845. 

1244  William  Yerkes8  (Taylor),  b.  Feb.  1,  1847. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  309 

1245  John  Follansbee8  (Taylor),  b.  June  14,  1849. 

1246  George  Tillinghast 8  (Taylor),  b.  Feb.  21,  1852. 

766. 

MAEY  ANN  TAYLOR7  (Sabrina,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John '),  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in 
Roxbury,  N.  Y.,  February  16,  1816.  She  married  Horatio 
Nelson  Parker,  October  9,  1835. 

This  family  lives  near  Lindenville,  N.  Y.,  and  have 
children  : 

1 247  Hollis  Maynard 8  (Parker),  b.  April  2,  1838. 

1248  Ellen  Mary8  (Parker),  b.  Aug.  30,  1840. 

1249  Franklin  Henry8  (Parker),  b.  July  17,  1842. 

1250  Orrin  Horatio8   (Parker),  b.  Oct.  10,  1844.     He   was 

killed  at  Ream's  Station,  in  Virginia,  June   26, 
1864. 

1251  Laura  Amanda8  (Parker),  b.  Dec.  15,  1847 ;  d,  in  1852. 

1252  Everett  Lavonia8  (Parker),  b.  Dec.  12,  1858. 

771. 


Rev.  FRANK  WESLEY  RILL7  (Phineas-,6  Joshua,5 
Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,'  John '),  son  of  Phineas  and  Fanny 
(Gallup)  Bill ;  was  born  in  Groton,  June  4, 1820,  and  married, 
March  14,  1843,  Rowena  Cleveland. 

He  first  attended  school  at  Meeting-House  Hill,  in  Groton, 
now  Ledyard.  At  ten  years  of  age  he  moved  with  his  parents 
to  Norwich,  where  all  of  the  children  engaged  as  "  raw  hands  " 
in  a  cotton  factory,  of  which  he  once  said,  "  We  all  had  there 
our  '  bitter  full.'  "  Here  he  worked  two  or  three  years^  dur- 
ing which  time  his  father  went  to  sea,  as  a  cooper.  During 
this  period  he  was  converted,  and  became  a  believer  in  the 
Christian's  hope.  He  was  soon  after  apprenticed  to  a 
Mr.  Ross,  a  tailor ;  he  remained  with  him  between  one  and 
two  years.  His  mind  was  greatly  agitated  on  religious  sub- 
jects, and,  after  many  inward  struggles,  he  resolved  to  become 


310  THE   BILL    FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

a  minister  of  the  Gospel.  Upon  application  to  Mr.  Robs,  he 
was  relieved  from  serving  the  remainder  of  his  time,  and, 
having  secured  aid  from  some  of  his  friends,  he  entered  the 
academy  at  Norwich,  where,  for  a  year,  he  prosecuted  his 
studies.  At  this  time,  his  father  having  returned  home,  he 
felt  he  was  at  liberty  to  leave  and  attend  a  higher  school,  the 
advantages  of  which  were  apparent  to  him.  Again  aided  by 
friends,  he  packed  his  entire  wardrobe  and  library  in  a 
pocket-handkerchief,  and,  in  company  with  a  friend,  walked 
from  Norwich  to  "Wilbraham,  Mass.,  a  distance  of  some 
sixty  miles  by  the  common  road,  and  entered  the  Wesleyan 
Theological  School  at  that  place.  During  his  stay  there,  his 
father  was  killed  by  a  fell ow- workman,  at  the  Parish  of  As- 
sumption, in  Louisiana. 

After  finishing  his  first  course  at  this  college,  and  with  a 
view  to  furnish  himself  with  necessary  means,  he  taught  select 
schools  at  Enfield  and  North  Somers,  in  Connecticut,  and  in 
Long  Meadow  and  Ludlow,  in  Massachusetts.  He  afterwards 
graduated  at  the  above  college,  in  his  18th  year. 

During  his  college  course  he  preached  his  first  sermon  in 
the  old  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Norwich  Falls,  Con- 
necticut, and  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  August 
16,  1841. 

Having  faithfully  performed  the  labors  of  a  preacher  of 
the  Gospel  in  the  Methodist  connection  in  Norwich  and  else- 
where, for  the  space  of  ten  years,  he  was,  on  account  of  ill 
health,  compelled,  in  September,  1851,  to  withdraw  for  a  year 
from  the  service.  During  this  time  he  traveled  in  portions 
of  the  New  England  States  and  in  Canada,  preaching  occa- 
sionally, and  contributing  articles  to  newspapers. 

On  the  11th  of  October,  1852,  he  was  appointed  to  the 
charge  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  South  Fifth 
Street,  Williamsburg,  Long  Island.  He  remained  there  nearly 
two  years,  preaching  with  great  acceptance  to  that  people; 
and  his  labors  seemed  here  to  have  more  than  a  usual  harvest. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  311 

But,  having  received  an  appointment  from  the  American  Sea- 
men's Friend  Society,  as  chaplain  to  seamen  at  Callao,  the 
port  of  Lima,  in  Peru,  South  America,  including  also  the 
Chincha  Islands,  after  much  and  prayerful  thought,  he  felt  it 
to  be  his  duty  to  accept  the  post,  his  people  parting  with  great 
reluctance  from  him,  he  having  greatly  endeared  himself  to 
them  during  the  period  of  his  ministration.  On  June  20, 
1854,  he  embarked  on  one  of  the  Aspinwall  line  of  steamers, 
and  arrived  at  the  Isthmus  on  the  29th  of  the  same  month. 
Here  he  remained  for  several  weeks,  at  the  urgent  request  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Rowell,  and  occupied  his  place  at  that  point.  This 
was  a  fatal  mistake,  as  the  season  was  the  sickly  one,  and  had 
he  been  acquainted  with  that  deadly  climate,  he  would  have 
made  his  sojourn  very  brief.  Fresh  from  the  invigorating  air 
of  the  North,  in  less  than  ten  days  set  down  in  a  tropical  cli- 
mate, dangerous  at  all  times,  and  markedly  so  at  mid-summer, 
unacclimated  as  he  was,  it  needed  but  a  few  trifling  exposures 
to  the  evening  airs  to  sow  the  seeds  of  a  fatal  fever,  which 
prevails  in  that  locality  every  summer  season.  He  was,  for  a 
time,  prostrated,  yet  not  wholly  confined ;  and  while  there  he 
kept  up  his  customary  correspondence  with  some  of  the  leading 
public  journals  of  New  York,  his  letters  being  chiefly,  however, 
found  in  the  New  York  Sun  and  Times.  During  his  stay, 
a  most  daring  robbery  was  perpetrated  on  him  at  the  house 
where  he  made  it  his  home.  We  subjoin  an  account  of  the 
affair,  taken  from  a  paper  published  at  the  time  at  Panama, 
New  Granada. 

i 

DARING  ROBBERY. 

We  learn  that  a  most  daring  robbery  was  committed  at  the  residence 
of  the  Missionary  Minister  in  this  city  on  Friday.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bill, 
who  is  acting  for  Mr.  Rowell,  left  the  house  about  3  o'clock  p.  m.,  having 
secured  the  doors,  and  taken  the  key  with  him.  On  his  return  he  found 
that  the  house  had  been  entered  by  the  back  window,  and  on  further  ex- 
amination discovered  that  his  gold  watch,  pencil-case,  gold  pens,  a  quan- 
tity of  valuable   clothing  and  boots  had  been  stolen.     He   immediately 


312  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

lodged  a  complaint  at  the  police  office,  and  after  a  good  deal  of  searching 
the  boots  and  pencil-case  were  found,  in  a  house  outside  the  walls.  The 
thief,  who  is  a  native,  was  seen  offering  the  watch  for  sale  for  $00. 

He  was  afterwards  pointed  out  to  Mr.  Bill  and  the  police,  but  effected 
his  escape.  The  police  are  still  on  the  lookout  for  the  scoundrel,  and  we 
should  think,  knowing  where  he  hid  his  plunder,  they  will  have  no  diffi- 
culty in  securing  him. 

On  the  6th  of  October  following,  Mr.  Powell  having  re- 
turned, he  at  once  left  for  Callao.  He  was  sick  on  hoard  of 
the  steamer,  yet  able  to  sit  up  and  move  slowly  about.  On 
his  arrival  at  Guayaquil,  he,  with  two  companions,  went 
ashore,  and  remained  till  after  night-fall.  This  most  impru- 
dent step  resulted  in  his  immediate  prostration,  and  his  life 
was  the  sacrifice.  lie  died  at  Callao,  October  25,  1854,  in  his 
thirty-fifth  year. 

Frank  W.  Bill  was  a  man  of  decided  talent.  Gifted  with 
eloquent  utterance,  and  having  the  love  of  his  fellow-men  at 
heart,  he  was  the  instrument  in  God's  Providence  for  doing 
great  good  in  the  cause  of  Christianity.  The  church  militant 
everywhere  had  in  his  death  cause  of  sincere  regret. 

The  power  of  personal  magnetism  in  him  was  very  great, 
and  the  influence,  he  exerted  over  his  people  was  unusual. 
They  were  devotedly  attached  to  hiin  for  his  many  noble  and 
manly  qualities.  It  is  in  our  power  to  testify  to  this ;  for  on 
Various  occasions,  and  in  widely  separated  communities,  we 
have  related  to  his  friends  his  death,  and  the  sad  intelligence 
has  brought  floods  of  blinding  tears.  To  be  thus  enshrined 
in  the  hearts  of  men  is  a  monument  indeed ! 

By  his  native  energy  he  rose  from  humble  life  and  circum- 
stances to  a  position  of  high  respect  and  commanding  influ- 
ence. Several  of  his  sermons  have  been  published,  and  take 
high  rank  for  the  soundness  of  their  theology  and  clearness  of 
statement. 

It  was  a  mysterious  Providence  by  which  he  was  cut  down 
when  just  entering,  as  it  were,  on  what  promised  to  be  a 
career  of  distinguished  usefulness. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  313 

We  append  a  fac-simile  of  bis  autograph. 


His  children  were : 

1253  t  Arminius  Wesley,8  b.  in  Glastenbury,  Ct.,  June  5,  1845. 

1254  Mary  Irene,8  b.  in  Colchester,  Ct.,  June  12,1848.     She 

resides  near  Sag  Harbor,  Long  Island. 

1255  Lorinda  E.,8  b.  in   Colchester,  Oct.   1,   1850.     She  was 

adopted  by  Capt.  Charles  Hodge,  of  Portland,  Ct., 
under  the  name  of  Laura  Hall  Hodge. 


•ov 


773. 

EDWIN"  BILL'  (Phineas,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Gro- 
ton,  July  17,  1824,  and  married,  April  1,  1852,  Eleanok  A. 
Miller,  of  East  Hampton,  L.  I.,  born  July  12,  1833. 

This  family  reside  at  Sag  Harbor,  L.  I. 

They  have  had  children : 

1256  Frederic,8  b.  May  28,  1856. 

1257  Eva  W.,8  b.  Nov.  1 0,  1 85  7. 

1258  Frank  Wesley,8  b.  Nov.  25,  1858. 

1259  Helen  E.,8  b.  March  10,  1800. 

1260  Willie  F.,8  b.  Nov.  23,  1821  ;  d.  Sept.  28,  1862. 

774. 

ERASTUS  DENISON  BILL' (Phineas,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,* 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing ;  born  in 
Groton,  May  13,  1826,  and  married,  first,  in  June  15,  1854, 
Eliza  Jane  Phillips,  daughter  of  Stanton  Phillips,  of  Lisbon, 
Ct.  She  died  at  Sheffield,  Illinois,  August  1,  1857.  He 
married  his  second  wife,  Adah  M.  West,  September  2,  1857 ; 
daughter  of  Dr.  Charles  West,  of  Plymouth,  Indiana. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  entered  on  a  sea-faring  life,  and 

went  two  voyages  in  the  whaling-ship  Citizen,  of  Sag  Harbor. 

Prior  to  this  voyage  he  was  engaged  farming,  in  the  employ  of 
21 


314  THE   BILL    FAMILY    MEMOIR. 

Henry  W.  Avery,  of  Ledyard,  Ct.  After  completing  Lis  first 
whaling  trip,  lie  went  again.  This  time  his  vessel  reached  New 
York,  after  a  two  years'  cruise,  with  a  cargo  of  3,700  casks 
of  oil.  He  sailed  in  May,  1S49,  from  New  York  for  California 
by  way  of  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  Talcahuano  as  second  officer  of 
the  barque  Hannah  Speague,  a  merchant  vessel.  From  San 
Francisco,  in  April,  1851,  he  sailed  as  first  officer  of  barque 
Saeah  Sheafe,  and  arrived  at  New  York  via  Cape  Horn  on 
the  20th  of  September  following.  In  the  fall  of  the  following 
year  he  sailed  from  New  York,  on  board  the  clipper  ship  As- 
cutney,  for  Australia,  to  engage  in  trade  there,  but  not  finding 
things  to  his  satisfaction,  left  in  May,  1S53,  on  board  of  the 
same  vessel  that  brought  him,  for  Boston,  taking  in  his  way 
Manilla,  Calcutta,  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope;  arriving 
May  12,  1854.  He  was  married  the  succeeding  month  after 
his  arrival,  and  soon  thereafter  removed  to  Sheffield,  Illinois, 
where  he  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits.  From  there  he 
moved,  in  1866,  to  Plymouth,  Indiana,  where  he  now  resides, 
and  where  he  is  engaged  in  trade,  having  erected  a  store 
for  that  purpose.  His  aged  mother  lias  for  several  years  made 
her  home  in  his  family.  Since  his  residence  in  the  West,  he 
has  adopted  the  final  s. 

His  children,  all  by  second  wife,  have  been  : 

1261  Emma  Frances,8  b.  Nov.  10,  1858. 

1262  Harriet  Ada,s  b.  Nov.  8,  1860. 

1263  Charles  Denison,8  b.  Dec.  1,  1862. 

1264  Laura  E.  K.,b  b.  Aug.  12,  1865. 

778. 

GUPJDON  BILL  TAYLOR7  (Abigail,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Abigail  (Bill)  and  Samuel 
Taylor ;  born  at  Yates,  Orleans  County,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  21, 
1819,  and  married,  first,  Maey  Moeeis,  March  4,  1S41,  who 
died  Feb.  7,  1S49 ;  second,  Amanda  Johnson,  March  12, 
1S52. 

This  family  reside  at  or  near  Linden ville,  N.  Y. 


SEVENTH   GENERATION.  315 

He  has  children — by  first  wife : 

1265  Orville8  (Taylor),  b.  Dec.  17,  1841.     He  enlisted  in  the 

8th  Regiment  of  N.  Y.  Artillery,  under  Colonel 
Porter,  in  the  late  war.  His  position  was  that 
of  commissai'y  sergeant  of  the  regiment,  and  after" 
wards  of  the  brigade, 

1266  Herbert  A.8  (Taylor),  b.  Oct.  1,  1845.     He  was  also  a 

soldier  in  the  same  regiment  with  his  brother 
above. 

1267  Albert  T.8  (Taylor),  b.  Dec.  9,  1847. 

Children  by  second  wife : 

1268  Gurdon  Boardman 8  (Taylor),  b,  July  28,  1 854. 

1269  Leonard  L8  (Taylor),  b.  April  6,  1800. 

1270  Ulysses  Grant8  (Taylor),  b.  Aug.  10,  1864. 

784. 

AVERY  BILL7  (Avery,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip/  John '),  eldest  son  of  Avery  and  Betsey  (Barnes)  Bill ; 
born  Dec.  5,  1821,  and  married,  Oct.  25,  1818,  Hannah  Ray. 

He  was  reared  a  farmer's  son,  but,  belonging  to  the  class 
of  enterprising  boys,  left  the  farm  and  engaged  in  the  sale  of 
books  in  portions  of  the  Western  States.  After  a  few  years' 
experience  at  this  business  he  settled  in  New  York  City,  em- 
barking in  the  wholesale  fish  trade,  at  41  Front  Street,  under 
the  firm  name  of  Woodwortk  &  Bill.  He  has  continued  in  this 
line  of  trade  for  more  than  ten  years  at  that  point,  but  in*the 
winter  of  1866  and  1867  he  withdrew,  and  soon  thereafter 
entered  business  on  the  west  side  of  the  city,  near  North 
River,  and  has  a  couple  of  partners,  doing  a  wholesale  fish 
and  commission  business.  His  residence  is  in  Brooklyn,  near 
the  Hanson  Street  Baptist  Church,  of  wdiich  he  is  a  consistent 
and  worthy  member. 

Their  children  are : 

1271  Herbert  Edward,8  b.  April  21,  1850, 

1272  Lucy  Byram,8  o.  March  19,  1852. 


316  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

1273  Clarence  Everett,8  b.  Dec.  6,  1853  ;  d.  Oct.  14,  1855. 

1274  Howard  Irving,8  b.  Jan.  1,  1856. 

1275  Emma  Louise,8  b.  Nov.  24,  1859. 

1276  Lizzie  Ray,8  b.  March  16,  1861. 

785. 

PALMER  BILL7  (Avery,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,8 
Philip,2  John  '),  brother  of  the  preceding  ;  was  born  in  Groton, 
April  20,  1823,  and  married,  Jan.  15,  1849,  Sarah  Ann- 
Brown,  born  Dec.  20,  1826,  in  Bozrah. 

This  family  reside  in  the  town  of  Norwich,  and  are 
farmers. 

Their  children  have  been  : 

1277  Herbert  Arthur,8  b.  July  18,  1852. 

1278  Frances  Maria,8  b.  April  21,  1856. 

1279  Sarah  Tracy,8  b.  May  3,  1858. 

1280  Frank  Avery,8  b,  Jan.  1 7,  1 862. 

1281  HeDry  Everett,8  b.  March  25,  1864 ;  d.  June  12,  1865. 

786. 

MARIA  ELIZABETH  BILL'  (Avery,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4 
Joshua,3  Philip,2  John '),  a  sister  of  the  foregoing ;  was  born 
Dec.  3,  1824,  and  married  Horatio  Barden,  Sept.  6,  1842. 

This  family  reside  in  Jacksonville,  111. 

They  have  one  child  : 

1282  James  Monroe8  (Barden),  b.  July  19,  1844. 

787. 

ROSWELL  BILL'  (Avery,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,2  John '),  a  brother  of  the  preceding;  was  born,  Jan.  14, 
1827,  in  Groton,  and  married,  Nov.  14,  1851,.  Anna  Louisa 
Kuiin,  born  in  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  Nov.  21,  1831. 

In  the  early  part  of  his  life  he  taught  school  with  good 
success,  afterwards  traveled  as  an  agent  for  the  sale  of  books  in 
many  of  the  Western  States,  but,  finally  abandoning  this,  he 


SEVENTH   GENERATION. 


317 


settled  in  Peoria,  Illinois,  as  a  local  agent  of  several  Fire  Insu- 
rance Companies.  He  is  believed  to  be  doing  a  large  and  re- 
munerative business.  He  possesses  good  business  talents,  is 
master  of  a  pleasing  address,  and  is  much  respected  bj  the 
community  in  which  he  lives.  He  has  since  his  residence  in 
the  West  adopted  the  final  *.  We  append  a  copy  of  his  auto- 
graph, minus  the  s  I 


His  children  are : 

1283  Fannie  E.,8  b.  in  Peoria,  July  14,  1852. 

1284  Mary  E.,8  b.  in  Peoria,  June  20,  1856. 

788. 

NANCY  BILL7  (Avery,*  Joshua,4  Phineas,4  Joshua,3 
Philip,*  John1),  sister  of  the  preceding  ;  was  bom  in  Groton, 
December  4,  1829,  and  married,  October  15,  1850,  Cyrus 
Chapman. 

This  family  reside  in  Griswold. 

Their  children  have  been  : 

1285  Mary  Olive8  (Chapman),  b.  Nov.  21,  1860;  d.  Nov.  14, 

1861. 

1286  Willis  Oscar8  (Chapman),  b.  Aug.  17,  1863. 

791. 

EMELINE  BILL7  (Avery,6  Joshua,6  Phineas,"  Joshua,3 
Philip,2  John1),  sister  of  the  foregoing ;  born  December  20, 
1835  ;  married  at  Peoria,  111.,  William  O.  Brooks,  November 
9,  1856.     They  reside  at  Galena,  111. 

Their  children  are : 

1287  Carrie  Augusta8  (Brooks),  b.  July  12,  1859. 

1288  William  Everett8  (Brooks),  b.  March  5,  1863. 


313  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 


EIGHTH    GE^ERATIOX. 

795. 

BENJAMIN  BILL8  (Benjamin,7  Benjamin,6  Charles,6 
Jonathan,4  Jonathan,3  James,2  John1),  son  of  Benjamin  and 
Tabitha  (Nichols)  Bill,  of  Chelsea,  Mass.  ;  was  born  March 
5,  1790,  and  married,  May  20,  1814,  Elizabeth  Cutter,  who 
was  born  October  14,  1791,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Prudence 
(Thompson)  Cutter,  of  Sudbury,  same  State. 

This  family  resided  in  Boston  up  to  1834,  at  which  time 
they  removed  to  Saxonville,  Mass.,  where  he  died  September 
2,  1853. 

Their  children  were,  born  in  Boston  : 

1289  Benjamin  Joseph,9  b.  Oct.  10,  1816;  m.  May  18,  1842, 

Josephine    Elizabeth    Bailey,     of    Framingham, 
Mass.      This  family  reside  in  Saxonville,   Mass. 
They  have  one  child. 
Elizabeth  Almira,10  b.  May  28,  1843. 

1290  Charles  Henry,9  b.  Dec.  23,  1818;    m.  Sept.  24,  1844, 

Caroline  Malvina  Richardson,  of  South  Barre,  Vt* 
This  family  reside  at  Waltham,  Mass.,  where  he 
keeps  a  hardware  store,  in  Rum  ford  Hall,  doing 
a  handsome  business.  He  is  a  practical  mechanic, 
and  a  few  years  since  manufactured  rifles  of  a  su- 
perior quality  at  Waltham.  He  has  but  one  child? 
a  son. 
Charles  Richardson,10  b.  Jan.  29,  1847. 

1291  Elizabeth  Caroline,9  b.  Sept.  10, 1821 ;  m.  Jan.  29, 1845, 

James  Lloyd  Colby.     This  family  reside  in  Walt- 
ham, Mass.     She  has  had  children  : 
Ann    Elizabeth10  (Colby),  b.  May    4,    1846;    m. 

Dec.  7,  1865,  Edward  M.  Lincoln.     They 

live  in  Waltham,  Mass. 
Emily   J.10  (Colby),  b.  June   16,  1855  ;  d.   young. 
Emily  J.10  (Colby),  b.  June  16,  1859. 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  319 

1292  Edwin  Rathbun,9   b.  Oct.  29,  1825;  ra.  May  25,  1848, 

Alice  Susan  Searle,  of  Belfast,  Me.     This  family 
reside  at  Saxonville,  Mass.,  and  have  children : 
Alice  E.,10  b.  Jan.  10,  1849. 
Elizabeth  S.,10  b.  May  12,  1851. 
George  E.,10  b.  Feb.  24,  1855. 
Hattie  P.,10  b.  Nov.  2,  1856. 

1293  Marshall  Dana,9  b.   Feb.  21,   1830;    d.  at   Saxonville, 

Jan.  9,  1859. 
Born  in  Saxonville  : 

1294  George  Dana,9  b.  Aug.  29,  1835;  resides  in  Waltham, 

Mass.,  and  is  unmarried. 

1295  Emily  Richardson,9  b.  May  19,  1838;  m.  April  15,  1860, 

Charles    S.  Lincoln.     She   d.  in    Waltham,  Dec. 
28,  1866,  leaving  two  children  : 
George  Edward10  (Lincoln),  b.  March,  1861. 
Charles  Greenough10  (Lincoln),  b.  Jan.,  1864. 

797. 

ALANSON  BILL8  (Gardner,7  Richard,8  Samuel,5  Samuel,4 
Samuel,3  Thomas/  John1),  eldest  son  of  Gardner  Bill,  of 
Jamaica,  Yt.  He  married  Clarissa  Howard,  of  that  place, 
and  soon  thereafter  settled  in  Troy,  1ST.  Y.,  where  his  children 
were  born.  He  removed  afterwards  to  near  New  York  City, 
doing  business  in  that  place.  He  died  of  apoplexy,  while  in 
a  railroad  car  on  his  way  home,  Feb.  26,  1857,  aged  68.  The 
lineage  of  this  family  may  not  be  correctly  given  as  we  have 
it,  and  we  feel  bound  to  state  the  doubt.  This  doubt  applies 
also  to  the  three  succeeding  families.  This  family  adopted 
the  letter  s. 

He  had  children  : 

1296  Alonzo,9  b. .     Lives  in  N.  Y.  City. 

1297  Abner,9 

1298  James  A.9     Was  at  one  time  a  policeman  in  N.  Y. 

1299  Stephen.9     Lives  at  Jamaica,  Vt.,  with  his  aunt,  Celestia 

(Bill)  Howard. 

1300  Sarah,9 

1301  Clarissa.9 


320  THE  BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

798. 

JOHN  ALONZO  BILL8  (Gardner,7  Richard/  Samuel,5 
Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Thomas,2  John1),  brother  of  the  preceding  ; 

born  Dec.  20, 1800,  at  Jamaica,  Vt.,  and  married,  first, ; 

second,  Dorothy  Gleason,  of  Jamaica.  This  family  have 
also  added  the  letter  s. 

He  resided  for  a  time  in  Troy,  N.  Y.,  then  removed  to 
Illinois,  where  he  died,  Dec.  17,  1857.  His  children,  all  by 
second  wife,  were : 

1302  John  Newton,9  b.  1830 ;  m.  A.  A.  Fuller,  of  Troy,  N.  Y. 

In   1857    he  settled   in  Decatur,   111.,   practicing 
dentistry. 

1303  Benjamin  Gardner,9  b.  about  1832  ;  m.  Sarah  E.  Ander- 

son, of  111.     She   is   not   living.     He   resides   at 
Decatur,  111.,  and  has  three  children. 

1304  Celinda,9  b. .     She  died  at  Troy,  N.  Y. 

1305  Charles  Henry,9  b. .     Died  at  Troy,  N.  Y. 

1306  George  Henry,9  b.  June  11,  1842.     Resides  in  Chicago, 

111.,  and  is  a  dentist.     He  is  unmarried. 

799. 

LORENZO  BILL8  (Gardner,1  Richard,6  Samuel,5  Samuel, 
Samuel,3  Thomas,8  John1),  a  brother  of  the  foregoing;  born 
in  Jamaica,  Yt.,  and  married  there,  on  June  26,  1828,  Pamela 
Maynard. 

This  family  resided  for  a  while  at  Jamaica,  Vt.,  and  then 
removed  to  Geneseo,  Henry  County,  Illinois,  where  they  now 
live.  He  is  a  farmer  by  occupation.  This  family  write  their 
names  with  the  additional  letters. 

His  children  have  been  : 

1307  Oliver  Augustine,9  b.  Sept.  18,  1829  ;  d.  Oct.  22,  1854. 

1308  Ora  Austin,9  b.  in  1 830. 

1309  Oscar  A.,9  b.  in  1 832. 

1310  James  Adams,9  b.  1 834. 

1311  William  Henry  Harrison,9  b.  1 836. 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  321 

1312  Martin  Asher,9  b.  1838. 

1313  Marshall  Ashley,9  b.  1 840. 

1314  Maria  Ann  Laurilla,'  b.  1842. 

1315  Royal  John,'  b.  1 848. 

800, 

LEWIS  BILL8  (Gardner,7  Richard,9  Samuel,5  Samuel/ 
Samuel,'  Thomas,2  John1),  brother  of  the  foregoing;  was  born 
in  Jamaica,  Yt.,  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  married. 
This  family  add  the  final  s  to  their  names.     His  children  are  : 

1316  Lewis  G.,« 

1317  Emery* 

1318  Ormando,9 

1319  Catharine.9  — — .    She  m.  Augustus  Bogle,  of  N.  York. 

1320  Clarissa.8 .     She  m.  Sylvester  Cushman,  and  resides 

in  Illinois. 

809. 

WILLIAM  R.  BILL8  (Charles,7  Charles,8  Charles,' 
Thomas,4  Philip,3  Philip,2  John'),  son  of  Charles  and  Lois 
Story  (Woodworth)  Bill ;  born  Nov.  15,  1840,  and  resides  in 
Delhi,  New  York.     Has  children — names  unknown. 

837. 

RICHARD  SHIPPED  BILL8  (David,7  David/  Samuel,' 
Samuel,4  Samuel,5  Philip,5  John1),  son  of  David  and  Mary  P. 
(Gallagher)  Bill ;  born  in  Philadelphia,  Dec.  10,  1821 ;  mar- 
ried Sarah  Ann  Sutton,  of  that  place,  July  27,  1843. 

His  occupation  is  that  of  a  hatter.  He  resides  in  the 
city  of  New  York. 

His  children  are: 

1321  Kate  Frances,9  b.  June  11,  1844. 

1322  Richard  Montresor,9  b.  Oct.  28,  1845. 

1323  David  Wilfred,9  b.  Oct.  2,  1848. 


322  TnE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

841. 

Dr.  JOSEPH  IIOWLAKD  BILL8  (Henry,'  Gordon,6 
Ephraim,5  jSamuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John'),  son  of  Henry 
and  Letitia  H.  (Smith)  Bill ;  was  born  February  9,  1837,  and 
married,  November  26,  1864,  Elinor  Randolph  Wallen. 

Doctor  Bill  is  a  man  of  considerable  distinction  in  the 
United  States  Regular  Army,  as  a  skillful  surgeon  ;  is  also 
well  known  as  a  chemist  of  eminent  abilities.  By  his  studi- 
ousness  and  persevering  industry,  he  has  risen  from  humble 
life  to  distinction  and  honors,  lie  graduated  at  Princeton 
College,  in  1855 ;  and,  becoming  attached  to  the  army,  was 
appointed  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Chemical 
Laboratory,  first  on  Long  Island,  now  at  the  corner  of  North 
Sixth  and  Oxford  Streets,  Philadelphia,  in  which  city  he  at 
present  resides.  During  the  recent  civil  war  this  was  the 
most  extensive  chemical  establishment  in  the  country.  Medi- 
cines for  a  million  of  men  were  prepared  there,  not  counting  the 
immense  losses  and  surplus  stores  of  this  material  necessitated 
in  times  of  war.  It  is  a  signal  mark  of  his  ability  and  honesty 
that  no  charge  of  venality  has  been  preferred  against  him 
during  those  five  years.  The  Government  has  seen  fit  to 
bestow  an  additional  rank,  that  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  in  the 
regular  service,  as  a  mark  of  its  confidence,  and  also  of  his 
superior  capacities.  He  still  remains  in  charge  of  the  said 
laboratory. 

Dr.  Bill  has  taken  a  lively  interest  in  the  completion  of 
the  family  memoir,  and  has  furnished  some  valuable  facts. 
His  grandfather,  Gurdon  Bill,  was  a  member  of  the  Society  of 
Cincinnati,  and  the  original  certificate  of  membership  is  now 
in  his  possession.     We  append  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph  : 


^r^O 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  323 

He  has  one  child  : 
1324     Edmund  Wallen,9  b.  Dec.  6,  1865.. 

860. 

CHAELES  KING  BILL8  (Alfred,7  Silvester,6  Ephraira,5 
Samuel,4  Samuel,3  Philip,8  John  '),  son  of  Alfred  and  Gertrude 
L.  (Farmer)  Bill ;  was  born  in  New  York,  April  2, 1839. 

Mr.  Bill  is  a  gentleman  of  fine  address,  and  possesses  a 
quick,  discerning  mind,  coupled  with  promptness  of  action  ; 
inherits  his  father^  habits  of  persevering  industry  and  strict 
integrity.  He  resides  in  the  city  of  New  York,  where  he  has 
built  up  a  business  in  photography,  which  is  likely  to  give 
him  a  reputation  and  a  fortune.,  He  was  recently  married  to 
a  most  amiable  lady,  Miss  Virginia  A.  Bensel.  We  attach 
a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph  : 


863. 

Judge  LESTEE  BILL8  (Elisha,7  Eoswell,6  Jonathan/ 
James,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John '),  son  of  Elisha  and  Betsey 
(Trowbridge)  Bill ;  born  October  7,  1807,  and  married,  in 
Chaplain,  Ct.,  August  27,  1839,  Mary  Goodell. 

He  was  raised  a  farmer,  and  lived  with  his  parents  till  he 
was  nearly  twenty-one.  Prior  to  this,  however,  he  taught 
school  during  the  winter  months  'r  this  occupation  he  fol- 
lowed for  over  ten  years,  having  fitted  himself  as  a  teacher 
by  attending  the  academy  at  Ashford,  Connecticut.  In  1835 
he  went  to  Ohio,  and  thence  to  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania, 
teaching  several  years  in  that  place.  He  returned  to  Chaplain 
early  in  1838,  and  the  two  succeeding  years  clerked  it  at  that 
place  and  Pomfret.  During  the  summer  of  the  latter  year  he 
was  married,  since  which  he  has  been  a  farmer,  though  at 
times  he  deals  largely  in  stock. 

He  has  a  pleasant  home,  near  the  center  of  the  town  of 
Chaplain,  on  a  farm  of  about  three  hundred  acres,  with  good 


324:  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

buildings,  and  has  the  satisfaction  of  being  free  from  debt. 
He  has  been  honored  with  numerous  civil  offices,  namely  : 
Constable,  Selectman,  Assessor,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  lastly, 
Judge  of  Probate.  He  is  a  man  of  strong  common  sense,  and 
an  active,  honorable  citizen.  We  append  a  fae-simile  of  his 
autograph : 


The  children  of  Lester  and  Mary  (G-oodell)  Bill  have 
been :    , 

1325  Helen  Amelia,9  b.  Aug.  10,  1840. 

1326  William  Wood,9  b.  April  28,  1843. 

1327  John  Goodell,"  b.  July  23,  1845. 

1328  Samuel  Houston,9  b.  July  11,  184S.     This  bright  and 

promising  youth  was  instantly  kilted  by  a  cart- 
wheel passing  over  his  shoulders,  on  May  30, 
1862.* 

1329  Arthur  Gordon,*  b.  May  29,  1856. 

885. 

PERLEY  BILL8  (Hiram,7  Calvin,*  Elisha,5  Philip,"  Sam- 
uel,3 Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Hiram  and  Virtue  (Ball)  Bill; 
was  born  in  Wilmington,  Vt.,  June  5,  1810,  and  married, 
November  8,  1838,  Caroline  Brown,  of  Charlemont,  Mass., 
born  April  17,  1817. 

This  family  reside  at  Tecumseh,  Michigan,  where,  since 
1839,  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  successful  practice  of 
the  law,  having  acquired  considerable  property.  He  and 
his  children  have  adopted  the  letter  s  to  the  name  of  Bill — 
a  practice  not  uncommon  with  many  members  of  the  Bill 
family  living  in  the  West      His  grandfather,  Calvin  Bill,  was 

*  His  funeral  was  attended  by  a  multitude  of  people  from  the  Con- 
gregational Church  in  the  neighborhood,  and  at  his  tomb  his  fellow  - 
pupils  of  the  Sabbath  School  strewed  flowers  on  his  early  grave,  in  affec- 
tionate rememhranee  of  him  who  was  their  favorite  companion  and 
1'riencL 


EIGHTH   GENERATION",  325 

careful  to  instruct  his  children  to  discard  the  use  of  this  addi- 
tional letter,  which,  at  that  time,  had  been  adopted  by  his 
brothers'  (Elisha  and  Azariah)  families, — insisting  against  its 
use  as  not  belonging  to  the  name,  in  which,  of  course,  he  was 
perfectly  correct, 

Mr.  Bill  has  several  times  been  elected  to  the  State  Senate 
of  Michigan,  besides  holding  other  posts  of  confidence  and 
trust. 

His  children  have  been  : 

1330  Frederic  Hiram,9  b.  July  8,  1841 ;  d.  April  7,  185&. 

1331  Oscar  Perley,9  b.  June  22,  1843.     He  is  a  graduate  of 

Michigan  University,  and  is  now  preparing  to 
enter  the  practice  of  the  law, 

1332  Caroline  Matilda,9  b.   Sept.   8,   1845;  m.  Col.  Lemuel 

Lainers,  Dec.  25,  1866. 

1333  Mary  Helen,9  b.  May  17,   1848;   m,  Lt.-Col.  Nathan 

Church,  Dec.  25,  1866. 

1334  Harriet  Virtue,9  b.  Jan.  1,  1851. 

1335  Chandler  David,9  b.  Sept,  8,  1857, 


920, 

Capt.  CHAKLES  II.  BILL8  (John,T  John,*'  Solomon,' 
Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  John  and  Clarissa 
(Gilman)  Bill ;  was  born  at  Charlestown,  Portage  County, 
Ohio,  in  1840. 

He  enlisted  in  the  military  service  of  the  General  Govern- 
ment in  1861,  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  late  Civil  War,  as 
Sergeant  in  the  Second  Regiment  of  Ohio  Cavalry,  and  was 
regularly  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain  in  that  regiment. 
This  regiment  was  assigned  to  duty  on  the  western  frontier, 
near  the  Kansas  border,,  and  experienced  hard  service  against 
the  hostile  Indians  and  rebel  troops  and  guerrillas.  In  1863, 
this  command  was  transferred  to  Tennessee,  under  General 
A.  E.  Burnside,  and  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Knoxville,  Nov. 
29,  1863,  and  in  other  engagements.     He  for  a  time  was  the 


326  THE   BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

quartermaster  of  the  regiment,  and  afterward  held  the  same 
relation  to  the  brigade  with  which  he  was  connected.  Sub- 
sequently, this  regiment  formed  a  part  of  Gen.  George  A.  Cus- 
ter's division  of  cavalry,  under  General  Philip  II.  Sheridan, 
and  took  an  active  part  in  the  closing  scenes  of  the  war  in  Vir- 
ginia. He  was  at  this  time  in  command  of  his  company,  and 
so  continued,  being  mustered  out  with  his  regiment.  During 
his  service  of  about  four  years  he  was  never  seriously  wounded. 
He  for  a  time  since  the  war  resided  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  hut  has 
removed,  we  believe,  to  Bement,  Illinois, 

•     937. 

GEORGE  AUSTIN  BILL*  (Joseph  R.,1  John,6  Solomon,4 
Philip,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Joseph  R.  and  Sophia 
L.  (Austin)  Bill ;  was  born  Oct.  11,  1842,  and  married,  Oct. 
IT,  1866,  Harriet  L.  Hall. 

In  November,  1861,  he  entered  the  67th  Regiment  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  continued  in  active  service  till  the 
close  of  the  rebellion.  He  was  in  the  battles  of  Winchester, 
Port  Republic,  and  Blackwater,  also  the  Seven  Days  battles 
on  the  peninsula,  and  at  the  siege  of  Charleston  in  1S63, 
and  other  minor  engagements,  having,  through  them  all,  the 
good  fortune  to  escape  with  his  life  and  even  without  wounds. 
He  served  on  board  the  iron-clad  steamer  Roanoke,  as 
Assistant  Engineer,  for  one  year.  He  was  mustered  out  of 
service  June  29,  1865,  and  at  present  resides  at  Ravenna, 
Ohio. 

957. 

AVILLARD  BILL*  {Ebenezer,7  Ebenezer,6  Samuel,6  Ebene- 
zer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Ebenezer  and  El>y 
(Adams)  Bill;  was  born  in  Gilsum,  X.  EL,  Dec.  8,  1803,  and 
married  first,  Clarissa  Esty,  May  1,  1834,  who  died  in  1857; 
second,  Betsey  [shah,  Nov.  18,  1857. 

His   occupation   in   early  and   middle   life   was   that  of  a 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  397 

farmer,  living  for  twenty-three  years  in  "Westmoreland,  N.  II., 
but  is  now  in  Gilsum,  his  native  town,  where  he  is  engaged 
in  no  particular  business. 

Hi*  children  by  first  wife  were : 

1336  A  child  that  died  in  infancy. 

1337  Willard,9  b.  Oct.  14,  1839. 

958. 

HARVEY  ADAMS  BILL8  (Ebenezer,7  Ebenezer,0  Sam- 
uel,6 Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  a  brother  of  the 
preceding;  was  born  in  Gilsum,  1ST.  H.,  April  30,  1808,  and 
married,  Dec.  31,  1846,  Susan  Butterfield  Keyes,  of  Keene, 
born  Aug.  8,  1816. 

The  early  life  of  Mr.  Bill  was  such  as  is  experienced  by 
most  of  farmers'  sons  in  New  England,  but  he,  having  a  taste 
for  something  higher  than  mere  manual  labor,  strove  to  fit 
himself  by  reading  and  study  for  an  intelligent  and  useful 
citizenship.  Pie  rose  from  his  humble  life  to  the  editorship 
of  a  newspaper,  the  Cheshire  Republican,  published  at 
Keene,  N.  H. — a  paper  of  large  influence  among  the  people  of 
New  Hampshire.  His  editorial  labors  extended  over  a  period 
of  ten  years,  during  which  time  the  paper  maintained  a  high' 
reputation  for  truth  and  honesty.  His  health  becoming 
precarious,  he  relinquished  his  editorial  charge,  and  gradually 
failing,  died  six  years  thereafter,  namely,  April  21,  1858, 
aged  50  years.  He  left  a  widow,  but  no  children.  She  is 
still  living  at  Keene,  X.  H. 

The  following  tribute  to  his  memory  appeared  in  the 
Cheshire.  Repuhlitxm  of  April  28,  1858: 

THE    DEATH    OF    MR.    BILL. 

Many  an  eye  will  moisten  and  many  a  heart  feel  sad  at  the 
announcement  under  our  obituary  head  this  week,  of  the  sudden 
demise  of  one  who  has  for  many  years  been  personally  known  to 
so  many  of  the  readers  of  this  paper, — first  as  the  gentlemanly 
business  manager  of  the  office,  and  latterly,  for  the  eight  years 
preceding  1852,  the  able  and  discreet  editor  of  the  Republican. 


32S  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

There  are  very  few  men  in  our  midst  who  command  the 
universal  respect  that  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Bill.  In  his  dealings 
with  his  fellow-men  he  was  guided  by  the  strictest  integrity ;  in 
his  capacity  of  a  public  officer,  no  one  ever  had  reason  to  com- 
plain of  any  unfaithfulness;  as  an  editor,  his  ability  and  discretion 
were  acknowledged  as  well  by  his  patrons  as  by  the  editorial 
fraternity  who  labored  contemporaneous^  with  him. 

Indeed,  few  editors  have  labored  more  faithfully  than  he, 
and  fewer  still  are  they  who  have  written  so  little  that  upon  a 
death-bed  they  might  desire  to  blot  out.  Unswerving  in  his 
principles,  a  mind  peculiarly  disciplined  to  investigation  and 
rigid  criticism,  his  labors  for  the  cause  in  which  his  heart  was 
enlisted  were  acknowledged  by  all  with  whom  he  was  engaged. 

And  while  we  remember  the  more  public  virtues  of  our  friend, 
we  would  not  be  forgetful  of 

"  That  best  portion  of  a  good  man's  life — 
His  little,  nameless,  unremembered  acts 
Of  kindness  and  of  love," 
that  were  only  witnessed  and  felt  by  those  who  were  his  most 
intimate  acquaintance.     Kind,  affectionate,  and  genial  in  his  dis- 
position, it  was  in  the  inmost  recesses  of  private  life  that  his  true 
nature  was  unfolded,  and  it  is  there  that  his  loss  will  meet  with 
the  most  heartfelt  sorrow. 

But  yesterday  he  was  here,  giving  promise  of  increasing 
usefulness  with  the  advance  of  years.  To-day  we  offer  this  last 
tribute  to  his  cherished  memory.  It  is  all  we  cau  do.  To  those 
whose  hearts  are  broken  by  the  sad  bereavement,  we  can  offer 
no  more.  In  this  their  hour  of  deepest  anguish,  condolence 
must  be  unavailing.  It  is  pleasant,  however,  to  know  that  wounds 
in  the  hearts  of  mere  transitory  friends  will  not  always  bleed; 
that  they  may  learn  and  love  forgetfulness.  But  there  is  one  to 
whom  no  human  effort  can  bring  happiness  or  peace ;  she  whose 
earliest  love  "made  ambition  virtue  " — whose  sympathy  cheered 
him  on  in  every  struggle,  and  shared  his  many  triumphs  ; — she  it 
is  who  must  ever  be  a  mourner,  with  no  consolation  but  the 
Christian's  hope. 

Mr.  Bill  was  the  last  one  on  earth  of  our  predecessors  in  the 
editorship  of  this  paper — all  of  whom  have  in  their  turn  gone 


EIGHTH  GENERATION.  329 

to  solve  the  great  problem  of  eternity.     This  circumstance  is  not 
without  its  suggestions. 

960. 

MARY  BILL8  (Ebenezer,7  Ebenezer,6  Samuel,5  Ebenezer,4 
Samuel,3  Philip,2  John '),  sister  of  the  preceding;  was  born  in 
Gilsum,  N.  H.,  April  19,  1813,  and  married,  April  2,  1833, 
Samuel  Woodward,  born  March  25,  1803. 

This  family  resides  at  Keene,  N.  H.,  and  have  had  chil- 
dren : 

1338  George  Samuel9  (Woodward),  b.  May  l,  1834. 

1339  Mary  Lizzie9  (Woodward),  b.  May  27,  1838. 

1340  Harvey9  (Woodward),  b.  July  18,  1841. 

1341  Elsie  Amanda9  (Woodward),  b.  May  29,  1844. 

1342  Louisa  Ann9  (Woodward),  b.  Feb.  1,  1848  ;  d.  Oct.  11, 

1851. 

967. 

DAYID  WILDER  BILL8  (David,7  Samuel,6  Samuel,6 
Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John1),  eldest  son  of  David  and 
Lucy  (Dorf)  Bill ;  was  born  in  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  December  20, 
1818,  and  married,  June  4,  1845,  Luceetia  Tenney,  born  in 
Marlboro',  N.  IL,  March  19,  1827. 

This  family  reside  at  North  Orange,  Massachusetts,  and 
have,  ever  since  his  marriage.  His  business  is  that  of  a  manu- 
facturer of  wooden-ware,  supplying  large  quantities  of  these 
useful  articles  to  the  trade  in  the  cities  of  New  York  and  Bos- 
ton ;  latterly,  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  fur- 
niture.    He  is  a  man  of  good  business  tact  and  habits. 

They  have  had  but  one  child : 

1343  Emma  L.,9  b.  June  24,  1848  ;  d.  Sept.  16,  1848. 

968. 
Gen.  DANIEL  WRIGHT  BILL8  (David,7  Samuel,' 
Samuel,6  Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,2  John'),  brother  of  the 
foregoing ;  was  born  in  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  July  10,  1822,  and 
married,  Nov.  11,  1846,  Fanny  Hammond  Butler,  of  Gilsum, 
born  Dec.  24,  1823. 

22 


330  THE   BILL   FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

Gen.  Bill  is  one  of  the  enterprising,  active  men  of  our  day  ; 
of  sterling  character,  prompt  and  upright  in  all  his  dealings 
with  his  fellow-men,  he  maintains  the  good  name  of  his  father 
and  that  of  the  family  unimpaired. 

He  resides  at  the  old  family  homestead  in  Gilsum,  which 
belonged  to  his  father  and  grandfather  before  him.  He  has 
been  honored  not  imfreqnently  by  his  fellow-citizens  with 
positions  where  integrity  and  business  capacity  were  de- 
manded, all  of  which  he  has  filled  to  their  satisfaction  and 
approval.  Besides  minor  offices,  he  has  represented  his  town 
several  times  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  has  held  the  com- 
missions of  Captain,  Major,  Lt.-Colonel,  Colonel^  and  Brigadier- 
General  in  the  State  Militia. 

We  attach  herewith  a  fac-simile  of  his  autograph  : 


They  have  had  but  one  child  : 
1344    Lucy  Mahala,9  b.  Dec.  17,  1851. 

969. 

SAMUEL  DENNIS  BILL8  (David,7  Samuel,6  Samuel,6 
Ebenezer,4  Samuel,3  Philip,5  John1),  a  brother  of  the  preced- 
ing ;  born  in  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  Sept.  9, 1824 ;  married,  June  15, 
1853,  Susan  Pratt  Knight,  born  Sept.  5,  1856. 

This  family  resided  for  a  time  at  Gilsum,  but  now  in 
Marlow,  N.  H. 

They  have  had  children  : 

134:5     David  Dennis,9  b.  in  Gilsum,  May  15,  1854  ;  d.  Sept.  1, 

1858. 
1346     Freddie  Wilder,9  b.  in  Marlow,  Dec.  29,  1859. 

970. 

LOUISA  DOET  BILL8  (David,7  Samuel,"  Samuel,6  Ebe- 
nezer/ Samuel,3  Philip,"  John1),  sister  of  the  foregoing ;  was 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  331 

born  in  Gilsum,  N.  H.,  April  5, 1S27,  and  married,  June  1, 
1847,  Martin  Luther  Goddard. 

This  family  reside  at  Blakesville,  N.  H.,  and  have  had 
children  : 

1347  David  Martin9  (Goddard), b.  Jan.  4,  1850;  d.  March  15, 

1854. 

1348  Elmer  Daniel9  (Goddard),  b.  Oct.  20, 1852. 

1349  Leslie  Martin9  (Goddard),  b.  July  8,  1855. 

1350  Eva  Louisa9  (Goddard),  b.  March  26,  1857;  d.  April  9, 

1858. 

1351  Luthera  Louisa9  (Goddard),  b.  Feb.  12,  1859. 

1352  Mary  Forbush9  (Goddard),  b.  June  9,  1865. 

1001. 

Rev.  JAMES  EARL  BILL8  (Jonathan,7  Jonathan,'  Jona- 
than,5 John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Jonathan  and 
Almira  (Carver)  Bill ;  was  born  at  Perry,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  3,1832, 
and  married,  Sept.  18,  1853,  Mart  A.  Gilbert,  of  Covington, 
N.Yi 

It  is  not  common  that  we  find  a  whole  family  of  children 
that  possess  superior  mental  qualities,  or  that  of  a  whole  family 
of  sons  and  daughters  occupying  professional  positions.  The 
subject  of  this  notice  is  one  of  such  a  family.  Lie  gave  early  in 
life  promise  of  large  usefulness,  and  having  availed  himself 
of  the  advantages  afforded  by  several  academies  situated  near 
his  home,  and  having  become  a  believer  in  the  Gospel  of  Christ, 
began  to  preach  in  connection  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  In  1862  he  felt  it  his  duty,  as  had  many  another,  to 
serve  his  country  against  the  rebellion,  and  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany A,  First  Regiment  of  New  York  Dragoons,  and  was 
immediately  chosen  captain.  While  at  the  front,  he  was,  on  a 
hot  summer's  day,  disabled  by  sun-stroke  during  a  most 
fatiguing  exposure.  He  was  for  a  long  time  incapacitated 
from  further  duty,  but  on  his  final  recovery,  some  two  years 
thereafter,  was  elected  chaplain  of  the  same  regiment.  lie  is 
now  preaching  in  the  village  of  Perry,  N.  Y. 


332  THE  BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIS. 

The  children  of  James  E.  and  Mary  A.  (Gilbert)  Bill 
are: 

1353  George  Weed,9  b.  Dec.  21,  1857. 

1354  Jessie  Wentworth,9  b.  June  19,  1865. 

1002. 

JOHN"  CARVER  BILL8  (Jonathan,7  Jonathan,6  Jona- 
than,6 John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  brother  of  the  foregoing; 
was  born  in  Perry,  1ST.  Y.,  Nov.  7,  1833,  aud  married,  July, 
1861,  Clara  B.  Bliss. 

He  graduated  at  the  Law  School  at  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y., 
and  is  now  established  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  at 
Davenport,  Iowa.  He  has  already  won  considerable  distinc- 
tion, and  is  yet  scarce  in  the  prime  of  life. 

They  have  no  children  : 

1003. 

JARED  MILTON  BILL8  (Jonathan,7  Jonathan,"  Jona- 
than,6 John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  brother  of  the  foregoing; 
was  born  in  Perry,  N.  Y.,  May  4,  1835,  and  on  Jan.  1,  1861, 
married  Emily  E.  Darling,  daughter  of  J.  H.  Darling,  a 
banker  in  Warsaw,  N.  Y. 

In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  First  N.  Y.  Dragoons, 
the  same  regiment,  and  at  the  same  time,  his  elder  brother 
enlisted.  He  rose  to  a  lieutenancy.  In  consequence  of 
injuries  received,  was  compelled  to  resign.  After  this  he 
entered  the  Albany  Law  School,  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  from 
which  he  has  graduated,  and  entered  on  the  practice  of  the 
law  at  Indianapolis,  Indiana,  where  he  now  resides. 

1006. 

CHARLES  WESLEY  BILL8  (Jonathan,1  Jonathan,8 
Jonathan,6  John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  brother  of  the  preced- 
ing ;  was  born  at  Perry,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  17, 1811. 

He  enlisted  as  a  private,  May,  1861,  at  the  first  call  for 
volunteers,  in  Company  K,  Seventeenth  Regiment  New  York 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  333 

Volunteers.  He  was  a  brave  soldier,  and,  at  the  second  dis- 
astrous battle  of  Bull  Run,  fought  August  29,  1862,  under 
General  Pope,  he  was  mortally  wounded,  and  died  at  Armory 
Square  Hospital,  Washington  City,  October  4,  1862. 

1009. 

GEORGE  WILLIAM  BILL8  (Chester,'  Eleazer,6  Jona- 
than,5 John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Chester  and  Phebe 
(Williams)  Bill ;  was  born  May  18,  1813,  and  first  married, 
November  26,  1834,  Anna  Williams,  of  Lebanon.  She  died 
there,  January  18,  1842;  second,  Harriet  R.  Ticknor,  of  Co- 
lumbia, Ct.,  March  24, 1844,  where  she  died,  October  11, 1853. 

This  family  resided  first  at  Lebanon,  then  in  Columbia,  an 
adjoining  town,  where  he  died,  April  29,  1853. 

His  children  by  first  wife  were : 

1355  Charles  William,9  b.  Sept.  29,  1835.     He  enlisted  early 

in  the  war,  and  has  never  been  heard  from. 

1356  Mary  Jane,9  b.  Jan.  31,  1838.     She  resides  in  Hartford, 

Connecticut. 
By  second  wife  : 

1357  Adalena   Gertrude,9  b.   April    18,   1845;    m.  John   O. 

Walker,  of  Vernon,  Ct. 

1358  Julia  Annette,9  b.  November  28, 1849.     Lives  in  Pratts- 

ville,  Ala. 

1359  Sarah  Rebecca,9  b.  July  21,1852.     Lives  in  Snowville, 

Pulaski  County,  Va. 

1010. 

DAVID  BISSELL  BILL 8  (Chester,7  Eleazer,6  Jonathan,5 
John,4  John,3  Philip,'2  John1),  brother  of  the  preceding ;  was 
born  February  9,  1820,  and  married,  in  1840,  Harriet  M. 
Snow,  of  Snowville,  Virginia. 

For  several  years  he  was  in  trade  at  Columbia,  Ct., 
and  also  in  Upton,  Mass.  ;  from  thence  he  removed  to 
Virginia  in  1853.  There  he  was  engaged  in  planting,  and 
also  in  manufacturing.     He  became  the  owner  of  slaves ;  but, 


334  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOTR. 

of  course,  these,  together  with  the  most  of  his  other  property, 
which  was  considerable,  were  swept  away  by  the  late  war. 
He  resides  at  Snowville,  Virginia. 
He  had  children,  as  follows  : 

1360  Clement  D.,9  b.  in  Connecticut,  Feb.  28,  1841;    d.  in 

infancy. 

1361  Chester   C.,9  b.  in   Massachusetts,  Oct.   12,   1846;    d. 

May  1,  1853. 

1362  Castilla  S.,9  b.  in  Virginia,  March  18,  1854. 

1363  Earnest  Lin  wood,9  b.  in  Virginia,  Aug.  21,  1857. 

1014. 

EDWIN  BILL3  (Josiah  Bissell,7  Eleazer,6  Jonathan,5 
John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Josiah  Bissell  and  Har- 
riet Tracy  (Hough)  Bill  ;  was  born  at  New  Milford,  Pa., 
July  2,  1827,  and  married,  December  31,  1851,  Susan  Corey, 
of  Lebanon. 

He  lives  in  Pockville,  Connecticut. 

He  has  children : 

1364  Hattie,9  b.  Nov.  16,  1855. 

1365  Clement  E.,9  b.  Oct.  21,1865. 

1015. 

BENEZET  HOUGH  BILL8  (Josiah  Bissell,1  Eleazer,6 
Jonathan,5  John,4  John,3  Philip,2  John '),  brother  of  the  pre- 
ceding; was  born  at  New  Milford,  Pa.,  February  26, 
1829,  and  married,  November  2, 1859,  Kate  Griggs,  daughter 
of  Rev.  Leverett  Griggs,  of  Bristol,  Ct. 

Mr.  Bill  resides  at  Rockville,  Ct.,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  the  law,  in  partnership  with  Judge  D  wight  Loomis, 
who  married  his  sister.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  Yale  Law 
School,  at  New  Haven,  where  he  received  the  degree  of 
Bachelor  of  Laws,  in  1854.  Possessed  of  line  natural  talent, 
and  qualifications  every  way  adapted  to  the  successful  prac- 
tice of  his  profession,  we  venture  to  predict  for  him  a  career  of 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  335 

distinguished  usefulness.     We  are  indebted  to  hiin  for  many 
facts  relating  to  his  ancestors.     We  append  his  autograph  : 


J^ir\^^^4 


CrVv>A-^  ? 


a.  K  ftUL 


The  children  of  B.  H.  and  Kate  (Griggs)  Bill  are : 

1366  Lelia  Loomis,9  b.  Aug.  16,  1861. 

1367  Katie  Elizabeth,9  b.  Dec.  3,  1864. 

1017. 

HENRY  A.  BILL8  (Elijah,'  Elijah,6  Elijah,5  John,4  John,3 
Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Elijah  and  Betsey  (Griswold)  Bill ;  was 
born  May  26,  1820,  and  married,  August  3,  1845,  Jane  H. 
Mills,  of  Colebrook,  Ct.,  born  July,  1828,  and  died  May 
21,  1861,  leaving  no  children. 

He  resides  at  Winsted,  Ct.,  and  is  an  agent  to  one  or  more 
life  insurance  companies. 

We  are  without  reliable  data  from  which  to  draft  a  sketch 
of  this  highly  respectable  member  of  the  family.  He  makes 
use  of  the  additional  letter  s.  A  copy  of  his  autograph  is 
appended : 


£^J~^  ^  /€^^ 


1032. 

Lieut.  HORACE  HARPER  BILL8  (Earl,7  Earl,6  Oliver,6 
James,4  John,3  Philip,2  John1),  son  of  Earl  and  Roxy  Ann 
(Allen)  Bill ;  was  born  April  4,  1842,  and  was  killed  in  battle 
at  Antietam,  September  17,  1862. 

When  the  Great  Rebellion  opened,  and  the  President 
of  the  United  States  called  for  75,000  volunteers  to  subdue 
it  by  force  of  arms,  his  father  being  absent,  he  desired  the 
permission  of. his  mother  to  join  the  first  company  of  volun- 
teers formed  in  the  vicinity,  and  could  hardly  be  restrained 


336  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

from  enrolling  himself  at  once,  being  impatient  of  delay.  On 
the  return  of  his  father,  the  subject  was  brought  to  his  notice 
without  a  moment's  delay,  and  in  the  most  urgent  terms.  Be- 
ing reminded  that  the  occupation  of  a  soldier  involved  very 
great  hardships,  ghastly  wounds  upon  the  field,  imprisonment, 
and  even  an  untimely  death,  his  reply  was  to  the  effect  that 
all  those  considerations  had  been  taken  into  the  account,  and 
that  duty  to  the  Government  and  country  of  his  birth  out- 
weighed them  all.  With  a  hearty,  though  sad,  "  God  bless 
you,  go !"  from  his  father,  scarce  an  hour  and  he  had  strapped 
his  blanket  and  was  gone  ! 

The  term  of  three  months  (that  of  the  original  enlistment) 
soou  expired,  and  without  material  results,  and  when  the  call 
for  "three  years  or  during  the  war  "  came,  Harper  was  among 
the  first  to  re-enlist  under  it.  During  the  campaign  of  1861, 
the  field  of  his  service  was  in  Western  Virginia.     He  was  in 

CD 

the  first  battle  of  Winchester,  when  our  brave  volunteers 
drove  Jackson  from  his  Stonewall  cover,  and  when  that  rebel 
general  acquired  his  sobriquet.  In  numerous  other  fights,  as 
well  as  that  at  Winchester,  the  young  sergeant-major  proved 
himself  a  true  American  soldier,  and  gained  the  respect  of  his 
superior  officers  and  comrades  in  arms.  Indeed,  so  often  had 
he  been  exposed  in  the  leaden  hail  of  battle,  and  so  often  had 
he  escaped  its  perils,  that  he  had  acquired  a  feeling  of  im- 
munity, and  confidently  hoped  to  survive  all  the  dangers  and 
vicissitudes  incident  to  war.  Yet  he  was  not  insensible  to 
those  dangers.  He  was,  however,  more  solicitous  respecting 
his  own  reputation  for  courage  and  gallantry  in  the  bloody 
breach,  than  for  the  physical  result  to  himself.  Some  ex- 
tracts from  a  small  diary  of  his  soldier  life,  written  up,  doubt- 
less, in  the  silent  watches  of  the  hours  devoted  to  sleep  and  re- 
cuperation from  the  fatigues  of  action,  will  prove  and  illustrate 
the  condition  of  his  mind.  The  following  entry  in  his  diary 
was  made  in  1862,  while  on  the  Peninsula,  during  MeClellan's 
great  campaign  against  Richmond,  and  after  he  had  been 
compelled  to  "  change  his  base." 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  337 

"  July  3d.  On  the  march.  Woke  up  at  daybreak.  Had 
to,  in  fact,  since  it  had  rained  so  hard  I  couldn't  sleep, 
being  thoroughly  wet.  Marched  half  a  mile  and  camped  ; 
await  developments.  *  *  *  The  Army  of  the  Potomac 
is  between  us  and  Fortress  Monroe.  We  are  the  extreme 
advance,  and  the  enemy's  skirmishers  are  within  four  miles 
of  us.  No  one  knows  what  may  be  the  channel  through 
which  our  destinies  may  flow  to-day  and  to-morrow.  That 
the  events  of  these  days  will  be  long  remembered  by  the  sur- 
vivors, I  cannot  doubt,  and  who  those  survivors  may  be  — 
whether  it  has  pleased  Providence  to  place  me  among  them, 
the  future  must  determine.  I  await  my  fate  with  resignation — I 
may  truly  say  with  a  cheerful  resignation,  prepared  to  struggle 
against  the  dark  future  even  to  the  uttermost,  and  praying  for 
strength  to  guard  against  disgrace,  rather  than  for  the  boon  of 
life.  Life  is  sweet;  perhaps  as  sweet  to  me  as  any  of  God's 
creatures ;  but  honor,  bright  honor,  is  far  dearer.  That  I 
may  do  my  duty  is  my  sincere  wish,  and  I  shall  meet  the 
enemy  with  a  bold  and  cheerful  front,  and  endeavor  to 
make  my  life — be  it  short  or  long — of  value  to  my  country. 
If  my  strength  survives  the  shock,  as  by  the  blessing  of  Provi- 
dence it  has  heretofore — 'My  Country  and  my  May!'  (his 
sister  Mary)  shall  be  my  watchword  and  battle-cry.  If  these 
be  my  last  written  words,  and  dark  forebodings  which  crowd 
my  mind  indicate  it,  I  leave  behind  me  a  name  which  will, 
I  trust,  be  remembered,"  &a. 

But  his  forebodings  were  not  destined  to  be  prophetic. 
After  the  anticipated  battle  was  over,  he  writes  in  his  diary 
as  follows:  "The  fighting  is  over.  *  *  I  am  safe  and 
sound,  and  did  not  have  even  a  '  narrow  escape.'  " 

Here  is  another  extract  in  a  pleasanter  vein,  and  with  a 
most  eloquent  expression : 

"  On  picket  to-night,  and  have  charge  of  four  posts.  It  is 
my  first  night  on  picket,  and  I  enjoy  it.  All  is  silent  in  the 
forest  except  the  lonely  cry  of  the  whippowil  and  the 
quail's  'Bob  White,'  and   the   bang-whir-r-r   of  the   Secesh 


338  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

bullet  as  it  whistles  past  our  heads.  It  is  dangerous  but 
pleasant  business,  and  I  like  it  very  much.  The  grand  Poem, 
the  magnificent  Epic — Nature — here  displays  its  many  beau- 
ties to  the  naked  eye.  You  do  not  look  through  the  opaque 
glasses  of  books — you  do  not  hear  her  praise  rehearsed  by 
other  pens  and  tongues,  but  you  hold  communion  with  her 

face  to  face,  and  you 

"'feel 

What  you  can  ne'er  express,  yet  cannot  all  conceal.' 

"  Ah  !  old  Nature !  how  I  love  thee  !  Whether  thou  art  calm 
and  pleasant,  or  angry  and  terrible  in  thy  mood,  I  do  love 
thee.  From  shrub  to  forest, — from  fountain  to  ocean, — from 
calm  to  storm, — from  mite  to  Leviathan, — from  worm  to  man, 
I  love  thee  !  I  love  thy  forms  of  simplicity  and  grandeur,  thy 
broad  plains  and  thy  rugged  rocky  mountains, — the  clumsy 
turtle  and  the  peerless  form  of  beautiful  woman, — grand  old 
Nature !  Art  is  the  product  of  man's  mind  and  hands, — 
Nature  the  Creation  of  Almightv  God  t" 

Originally  enlisting  in  Capt.  Gregg's  Company  of  the  8th 
Ohio  Regiment  of  Infantry,  Harper  was  soon  appointed  ser- 
geant-major. He  also  served  as  orderly  sergeant  of  his 
company.  It  was  while  holding  these  positions  that 
much  of  his  severest  experience  in  marching  and  fight- 
ing was  acquired.  In  August,  1862,  his  commission  as 
second  Lieutenant  was  transmitted  to  him  while  with  the 
Grand  Army  of  McClellan  on  the  Peninsula.  The  army  soon 
after  returned  to  Washington,  and  pushed  into  Maryland  to 
confront  Lee  at  South  Mountain  and  Antietam.  Having  been 
assigned  to  the  command  of  Co.  K,  Harper  participated  in 
both  those  battles  in  his  capacity  of  Company  Commandant, 
and  distinguished  himself  by  his  coolness  and  bravery.  He 
fell  at  Antietam,  Sept.  17,  1862,  while  leading  his  company, 
pierced  with  three  bullets,  one  taking  effect  in  the  head,  one 
passing  through  his  body,  cutting  his  sword-belt,  and  one 
through  his  ankle.  It  was  a  source  of  great  comfort  to  his 
friends  that  he  was  not  left  to  linger  in  anguish  upon  the 


EIGHTH   GENERATION.  339 

battle-field.  Doubtless,  from  the  nature  of  his  wounds,  his 
brave  soul  went  instantly  to  that  God  whom  he  so  truly 
reverenced,  and  whose  work  had  afforded  him  so  much  delight 
in  life.  His  body  was  recovered  from  the  battle-field  and 
taken  to  his  parents  in  Ohio,  and  has  a  resting-place  in  Oak- 
land Cemetery,  Sandusky.  Though  dead,  yet  he  still  lives  in 
the  affectionate  remembrance  of  his  friends,  who  were  many, 
and  his  heroic  example  is  his  legacy  to  his  country.  Surely 
he  did  not  die  in  vain,  and  his  oft  expressed  aspiration  to 
leave  a  bright  untarnished  name  is  realized. 


Jfc5' 


1251. 

Lieut.  ARMINIUS  WESLEY  BILL'  (Frank  Wesley,7 
Phineas,6  Joshua,5  Phineas,4  Joshua,3  Philip,2  John1),  only  son 
of  the  Rev.  Frank  W.  Bill ;  was  born  in  Glastenbury,  Ct., 
June  5,  1845* 

At  the  age  of  ten  years,  and  after  the  death  of  his  father, 
he  went  to  live  with  his  uncle,  Erastus  D.  Bill,  at  Sheffield, 
Illinois.  He  continued  to  live  with  his  uncle,  who  was  also 
his  guardian,  up  to  the  time  of  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebel- 
lion, when,  in  September,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  a  regiment  known 
as  Birge's  Sharp-Shooters,  at  that  time  forming  in  St.  Louis, 
Mo.  This  regiment  was  afterward  known  as  the  60th  Illinois 
Sharp-Shooters.  He  was  at  the  siege  and  capture  of  Fort 
Donelson,  Ky.,  Feb.  16,  1862 ;  also  at  the  battle  of  Pittsburg 
Landing,  and  at  Corinth.  He  shared  the  fatigues  and  honors 
of  that  wonderful  "Atlanta  Campaign,"  first  under  the 
immediate  command  of  Gen.  J.  B.  McPherson,  then  of  Gen. 
John  A.  Logan.  During  these  marches  and  battles  he  had 
his  full  share  of  danger  and  of  glory.  His  regiment,  for 
driving  a  brigade  of  the  enemy  at  Resacca,  Ga.,  who  were 
favorably  posted,  was  complimented   on   the  field   by  their 

*  He  was  mustered  out  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  June  9,  1865,  and  in  1866-7 
entered  the  New  York  Medical  College,  with  the  view  to  the  practice  of 
medicine.     lie  is  now  at  his  uncle's,  E.  D.  Bill,  at  Plymouth,  Ind. 


340  TnE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

commander,  the  brave  and  skillful  McPherson.  At  the  end 
of  his  three  years  he  re-enlisted  for  another  term  of  service,  but 
the  war  happily  ended,  and  Sherman's  Grand  Army  made 
the  circuit  of  the  enemy's  territory,  everywhere  victorious,  and 
finally  entered  the  capital  of  the  country,  with  eagles  and 
banners  flying,  heroes  of  a  thousand  conflicts,  and  with  a 
history  grander  than  that  of  any  army  in  the  world  of  which 
time  has  left  us  any  record  ! 


APPENDIX. 


In  the  early  records  of  New  England  we  have  found  one  or  more 
families  bearing  the  name  of  Bills.  These  have  spread  to  a  small 
extent,  and  their  descendants  may  still  be  found  in  some  sections  of 
the  country  \,  but  they  seem  for  the  most  part  in  nowise  related  with 
the  descendants  of  John  and  Dorothy  Bill,  though  it  is  not  at  all 
unlikely  they  sprang,  several  centuries  ago,  in  England,  from  a  common 
ancestry— for  in  our  researches  there  we  have  discovered  quite  a 
number  of  families  who  add  the  final  s  to  the  name,  though  not  more 
than  one-third  of  the  several  scores  with  whom  we  have  corresponded 
in  England  use  this  additional  letter ;  while  all  of  the  older  families, 
and  those  whose  lineage  is  Undoubted,  and  those  too  whose  wealth 
and  social  standing  give  us  evidence  of  the  pureness  of  pedigree,  write 
their  names  without  the  s,  and  have  for  several  hundred  years,  or  since 
the  first  use  of  surnames  in  England. 

We  propose  to  place  these  "odd  sheep"  here,  just  without  the 
fold  ;  also,  all  stray  members  of  the  family  whose  lineage  we  have  been 
unable  to  trace,  together  with  those  from  whom  information  was  re- 
ceived too  late  to  be  arranged  in  their  rightful  places. 


Robert  Bills,  aged  32,  husbandman,  embarked  July  23,  1635,  for 
Boston,  in  the  ship  "Pied  Cow,"  Ashley,  master,  and  died  in  or  near 
Boston,  Dec.  15,  1635. 

William  Bills  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Barnstable,  1640. 

Thomas  Bills,  who  might  have  been  a  son  of  the  above  William 
Bills,  m.  Anna  Twining,  of  Barnstable,  Oct.  3,  1672.  They  had  two 
children,  daughters,  Anna  and  Elizabeth.  He  was  again  married  on 
May  2,  1676,  to  Joanna  Twining,  a  probable  sister  of  his  first  wife, 


34:2  THE   BILL  FAMILY  MEMOIR. 

and  by  her  he  had  children — Nathaniel,  Mercy,  Mehitable,  Thomas, 
Gershom,  and  Joanna.  This  family  resided  at  Eastham,  Mass.,  where 
may  be  found  the  records  of  the  births  of  their  children. 

It  is  presumed  that  these  sons  of  Thomas  were  married,  and  also 
had  sons,  for  we  find  a 

Richard  Bills  is  reputed  to  have  been  in  the  "  Great  Swamp 
Fight,"  Dec.  19,  1675,  and  to  these  soldiers,,  or  their  descendants  or 
legal  representatives,  lands  were  granted,  and  his  son,  Richard  Bills, 
appeared  in  1735  and  claimed  a  lot  of  land  in  consequence  of  his 
father  (Richard  Bills)  having  participated  in  that  battle. 

Thomas  Bills  and  Agnes  Batchelder  were  m.  in  Boston,  Nov.  23, 
1699. 

Mary  Bill  was  m.  to  Peter  Hopkins,  Nov.  26,  1722. 
Hannah  Bill  m.  James  Marston,  Nov.  10,  1757. 
Richard  Bill  m.  Mary  Dorty,  in  Boston,  July  31,  1758. 
Joseph  Bill  d.  in  Boston  about  1768. 
Joseph  Bill  d.  in  Boston  about  1786. 

Otis   Bills,  of  Union,   Me.,   in   1815,  a  supposed  descendant  of 
Richard  Bills,  already  named,  1735.     He  had  children: 
Harriet,  m.  1838,  W.  S.  Butler. 
Maria,  m.  William  Stewart. 

Abner.     He  wras  a  soldier  in  the  9th  New  England  Reoi- 
ment,  in  the  Mexican  War. 
Thomas  Bills,  of  N.  J.,  m.  Cynthia  Walker,  ofMacedon,  N.  Y. 
Israel  Bill,  son  of  Jedediah  Bill,  of  Lebanon,  b.  Nov.  4,  1740. 

—Bill,  of  East  Haddam,  Ct.,  in.  Hannah  Hall,  about  1790. 

They  had  a  son — 

Israel  Bill,  b.  about  1792  ;  m.  Anna  Smith  in  .1814.  They  had 
children  :  Lucy  S.  Bill,  Daniel  Hall  Bill,  who  d.  at  Vicksburg,  in 
U.  S.  Hospital,  in  1863.  William  Augustus  ttill,  d.  at  Willoughby, 
O.,  in  1840.  Epaphras  Chapman  Bill,  lives  at  East  Trumbull,  O. 
George  Bill,  m.  Nancy  Chase  in  1850,  and  lives  at  Lodi,  Wis.  In  1845 
he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  2d  U.  S.  Regular  Infantry,  and  served  in 
the  Mexican  War.  In  April,  1861,  he  raised  a  company,  was  chosen 
captain,  and  consolidated  with  the  7th  Regt.  Wis.  Volunteers.  He 
was  in  1862  promoted  to  be  Major,  and  in  1863  was  discharged,  in 
consequence  of  disabling  wounds. 


APPENDIX.  343 

Maj.  George  Bill,  above,  had  children : 

William  Augustus,  b.  Dec.,  1851  ;  d.  April  7,  1855. 
Arthur  Clement,  b.  July,  1853. 
Mary  Anna,  b.  Dec,  1854. 
George   Walter,  b.  Dec.,  1858. 
Lanierie  C,  b.  Jan.,  1860. 
Nancy  B.,  b.  Sept.,  1861. 

Mary  Bill,  sister  of  this  Maj.  George  Bill,  and  daughter  of  Israel 
Bill,  above,  in.  N.  Burbank,  at  Hartsgrove,  O.,  in  1855.  Joseph- 
Nelson  Bill,  m.  1855 ,  and  has  two   sons,  Daniel  and  Israel. 

John  Lyman,  b.  Sept.,  1840,  resides  at  Hartsgrove,  0. 

John  Bills,  of  Jackson's  Mills,  N.  J.  He  has  children  :  John,  Peter, 
Johnson,  Richard,  Henry,  Ellen,  Catherine,  Elizabeth.  The  most  of 
these  are  grown  up  and  married. 

Then  the  names  of  Samuel  Bills,  Mary  Elizabeth  Bills,  Ellen 
Bills,  Robert  Rushmore  Bills,  John  Oscar  Bills,  Daniel  Lafoge  Bills, 
Isaac  JElwood  Bills,  Catharine  Bills,  Margaret  Ann  Bills,  all  of  New 
Jersey,  who  are  as  near  as  first  cousins  to  the  children  of  John  Bills, 
above. 

An  account  received  by  us  says : — 

Thomas  Bills,  b.  somewhere  in  N.  J.,  moved  to  New  Haven,  Ct., 
and  m.  Mary  Thomas,  and  had  children : 

Thomas,  m.  Huldah  Bradley,  and   had — James,  Mary, 
Henry,  and  three  others,  names  unknown. 

William,  m.  Betsey  Thompson,  had  children — William, 
Mary,  and  two  others. 

Sylvanus,  b.  Nov.  15,  1765,  m.  Feb.  27,  1793,  Lydia 
Bradley,  b.  Jan.  19,  1775,  daughter  of  Erastus 
and  Lydia  (Beecher)  Bradley.  Lydia  Beecher, 
her  mother,  was  the  daughter  of  Nathaniel 
Beecher,  of  New  Haven,  and  aunt  to  Dr.  Lyman 
Beecher,  of  Litchfield,  Ct.  They  had  children  : 
Erastus  B.,  d.  aged  28 ;  James,  d.  in  West 
Indies  ;  Samuel,  d.  unmarried. 
Then  there  were  six  daughters   of  Thomas  and   Mary  (Thomas) 

Bills,  viz : — 

Content,  m.  Capt.  John  Throop. 


344  THE  BILL   FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

Mary,  m.  Capt.  John  Miles. 

Susanna,  m.  Capt.  John  Throop. 

Elizabeth,  m.  Capt.  John  Miles. 

Sarah,  m.  Capt.  John  Miles. 
Thaddeus  Bill,  supposed  to  have  been  born  in  New  London 
County,  Ct,,  either  at  Groton  or  Lebanon.  He  certainly  m.  Mary  Leeds, 
of  Groton,  and  was  related  to  the  families  of  Bill  in  that  town,  but  we 
have  been  unable  to  say  just  what  that  relation  is.  He  resided  at 
Stamtord,  Fairfield  County,  Ct. 

Thomas  Bill,  of  Norwich,  Ct.,  had  children  : 
Lydia,  b.  Jan.  9,  1V49-50. 
John,  b.  March,  1751-2. 

James,  b. . 

r 

Mercy  Bill,  m.  Jonathan  Brooks,  Dec.  2,  1766. 

Hannah  Bill,  m.  Samuel  Lester,  in  Groton,  Nov.  5,  1807. 

Desire  Bill,  m.  Charles  Eldridge,  in  Groton,  July  16,  1820. 

Daniel  Bill,  died  prior  to  1823,  in  Groton.  He  left  children: 
Patty,  Jemima,  and  Mary,  who  ni. Albert  Edgecomb,  in  Groton,  Aug. 
29,  1819. 

Eunice  Bill,  m.  IT.  S.  Gardner ;  who  was  born  Sept.  16,  1815. 

Bill,  m.  Mary  Anne  Treadway. 

Charlotte  Bill,  b.  March  17,  1836;  m.  Simeon  Thomas  Hyde. 

Elizabeth  Bill,  b.  Sept.  30,  1800;  m.  "William  S.  Richards,  of 
Princeton,  111.,  Jan.  20,  1848. 

Elvira  Bill,  dau.  of  Erastus  Bill,  the  son  of  James5  and  Asenath 
(Norton)  Bill ;  m.  Shubael  Stiles,  of  Westfield,  Mass. 

Celina  Bills,  dau.  of  John  and  Celina  (Allen)  Bills,  of  Westfield, 
Mass.;  b.  Oct.  10,  1819;  m.  Daniel  H.  White,  of  Agawam,  Mass. 
She  d.  April  30,  1856. 

Ann  Eliza  Bills,  b.  June  25,  1827  ;  m.  John  Henry  Elliot.  She 
was  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Alvin  "Wilson  Bills  and  Mary  Nelson  (Sims) 
Bills,  of  Flat  Rock,  Bourbon  County,  Ky. 

Edmund  B.  Bill,  of  III.,  was  captain  in  the  16th  Regt.  of  U.  S. 
Infantry,  Feb.  23,  1847,  in  Mexican  War.  He  d.  at  sea,  near  Brazos, 
Oct.  12,  1847. 

"Wilbur  H.  Bills,  of  Great  Barrington,  Mass.,  was  in  1861 
a  soldier  in  Co.  C,  24th  Rcgt.  Mass.  Vols. 


APPENDIX.  345 

Clarence  H.  Bill,  was  a  member  of  Co.  D.  13th  Mass.  Regt. 
Vols.,  and  was  mustered  out  Aug.  1,  1864. 

F.  Bill,  of  Tenn.  5  Co.  I.  ;  d.  in  Andersonsville  Prison,  Sept.  17, 
186-.      Head-board  No.  9023. 

B.  S.  Bill,  of  Kentucky,  1  Cavalry  Co.  K,  d.  Oct.  7,  at  Anderson- 
ville  Prison.     Head-board,  No.  10451. 

Oliver  Bills,  of  Iowa,  m.  Lorena  Cragin,  of  LaGrange,  Ohio. 
They  have  had  children:  Henry,  Charles  and  others.  He  d.  Jan.  12, 
1848. 

Abner  D.  Bill,  resides  in  Boston,  Mass. 
William  H.  Bill,  of  Hebron,  Ct. 
Edward  Bill,  of  Hebron,  Ct. 

Chloe  Bill,  d.  in  Lebanon,  April  14,  1849,  aged  95 
There  are  families  of  Bills,  in  Roxbury. 

*  Erastus  Bill,7  son  of  Erastus  Bill,6  (see  page  160)  and  grand- 
son of  Dea.  James  Bill  of  East  Hampton,  Ct.,  was  born  Sept.  28, 
1804,  instead  of  1805  as  given  on  page  160;  married,  Oct.  29,  1822, 
Phebe  Rood.     They  had  children. 

Frances  Hall,8  b.  March  10,  1824  ;  d.  Feb.  4,  1839. 
Wells,  R,8  b.  Nov.   19,  1825  ;  m.  Melvin  Felton,  Nov.   16,  1848, 
and  had  children : 
Ida,9 
Henry,9 
Annie,9 
Nellie.9 
Eliza  Ann8  b.  Feb.  21,  1827;  m.  Milo  Hunt,  May  7,  1852,  and 
has  children : 

Ada,9  (Hunt), 
Hattie,9  (Hunt). 
James  A.8  b.  Feb.   13,  1829;   m.  (1)  Fannie  La  Noir,   Feb.   14, 

1852.     (2)  Jennie  Triss. 
Nancy  Jane8  b.  April  21,  1832  ;  m.  Owen  Coyle,  Jnne  1,  1858, 
and  have  children : 

Mary  Eliza9  (Coyle), 
Ella  Hunt9  (Coyle), 
Clara  Melvina9  (Coyle). 
Solomon  E.8  b.  Nov.  8,  1834. 


*  If  this  family  record  had  been  received  in  time  it  would  have  been  incorpo- 
rated in  its  proper  place  in  the  body  of  the  book. 
23 


346  THE   BILL  FAMILY   MEMOIR. 

George   F.*  b.    June  5,   1837;  m.  Nov.  20,   1859,  Jane   Louisa 
Cook,  and  have  children  : 
Edward,9 

Fannie9;  deceased. 
Frances  If  oil,"  b.  July  31,  1839;  m.  Harrison  B.  Freeman,  June 
1,  1864,  and  have  children  : 
Bertha9  (Freeman), 

Fannie9  (Freeman). 


i  .  t  L- 


/ 


FAMILY   INDEX. 


This  index  is  arranged  chronologically,  and  also  according  to  generations,  and 
excepting  those  of  the  first  generation,  only  tioo  references  are  made  in  any 
individual  case ;  first,  when  a  child  ;  second,  when  head  of  a  family. 

FIRST  GENERATION. 
1634. 

Bill,  John,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  55.  |    Bill,  Dorothie,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  55,  56. 

SECOND  GENERATION. 


Bill,  James,  28,  29. 
Bill,  Thomas,  28,  44. 


Bill,  Philip,  28,  55. 
Bill,  John,  28. 


Bill,  Mary,  28. 

BUI,  Abigail,  45,  47,  49. 


THIRD  GENERATION. 


Bill,  Mary,  44,  60. 
Bill,  James,  44,  60. 
Bill,  Hannah,  44,  60. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  44,  66. 
Bill,  Sarah,  44,  68. 
Bill,  Joseph,  44,  70. 
Bill,  Joshua,  44. 
Bill,  Samuel,  54.  72. 
Bill,  Sargeant,  54. 


Bill,  Sarah,  54. 
Bill,  Mary,  54. 
Bill,  James.  54. 
Bill,  Thomas,  54. 
Bill.  Susanna,  54. 
Bill,  Michael,  54. 
Bill,  Jacob,  54,  76. 
Bill,  Benjamin,  54,  77. 
Bill,  Philip,  59,  78. 


Bill,  Mary,  59. 
Bill,  Margaret,  59. 
Bill,  Samuel,  59,  83. 
Bill,  John,  59,  85. 
Bill,  Elizabeth,  59. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  59. 
Bill,  Joshua,'  59,  88. 


FOURTH  GENERATION. 


Bill,  James,  65. 
Bill,  Mehitable,  65.  96. 
Bill,  Rebecca,  65,  97. 
Bill,  Mary,  65,  97. 
Bill,  Bethiah,  65. 
Bill,  Hannah,  65,  97. 
Bill,  Abigail,  65,  98.-— 
Bill,  Hannah,  68,  98. 
Bill,  Martha,  68,  99. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  68,  99. 
Bill,  Mary,  68,  101. 
Bill,  Joshua,  68,  101. 
Bill,  "William,  68. 
Bill,  William,  68,  102. 
Bill,  Lydia,  71,  102. 
Bill,  Joseph,  71,  103. 


Bill,  John,  71,  103. 
Bill,  Anna,  71,  104. 
Bill,  Josiah,  7 1,  104. 
Bill,  Esther,  71. 
Bill,  Jeremiah,  71,  104. 
Bill,  Sarah,  72. 

1700. 

Bill,  Hezekiah,  72,  105. 
Bill,  Samuel,  76,  105. 
Bill,  Richard,  76,  109. 
Bill,  Thomas,  77.  115.«= 
Bill,  Abigail,  77.r 
Bill,  Susanna,  77. 
Bill,  Abigail,  77. 


Bill,  Benjamin,  77. 
Bill,  Susanna,  77. 
Bill,  Mary,  77. 
Bill,  Penelope,  77. 
Bill,  Penelope,  77. 
Bill,  John,  77. 
Bill,  Lydia,  77. 
Bill,  Benjamin,  77. 
Bill,  Ann,  77. 
Bill,  Elizabeth,  83. 
Bill,  Hannah,  83. 
Bill,  Sarah,  83. 
Bill,  Philip,  83. 
.Bill,  Joseph,  83,  1 1 5. 
Bill,  Thomas,  83,  116. 
Bill,  Benjamin,  83,  119. 


348 


FAMILY   INDEX. 


FIFTH  GENERATION. 


Bill,  Hannah,  84. 

Bill,  Mary,  109. 

Bill.  Samuel,  84,  122. 

Bill,  Samuel,  109,  140. 

Bill,  Philip,  84,  126. 

Bill,  Elizabeth,  114. 

Bill,  James,  84,  127. 

Bill,  Elizabeth,  114,  141 

Bill,  Ebenezer,  84,  120. 

Bill,  William,  114. 

Bill,  Joshua,  84,  130. 

Bill,  Sarah,  114. 

Bill,  Jonathan,  84. 

Bill,  Abigail.  115.  -^ 

Bill,  Mercy,  84. 

Bill,  Jacob,  115. 

Bill,  John,  85,  130. 

Bill,  Thomas,  115. 

Bill,  Abigail,  85.— -^" 

Bill,  Sarah,  115. 

Bill,  John,  88,  131. 

Bill,  John,  115. 

Bill,  Abigail,  88. 

Bill,  Philip,  116. 

Bill,  James,  88,  133. 

Bill,  Joseph,  116. 

Bill,  Laurana,  88. 

Bill,  Jacob,  116. 

Bill,  Beuajah,  88,  135. 

Bill,  Jabez  119,  143. 

Bill,  Joshua,  95,  136. 

Bill,  Charles,  119,  143. 

Bill,  Edward,  95,  136. 

Bill,  William,  119,  143. 

Bill,  Benajah,  95,  136. 

Bill,  Ann,  119. 

Bill,  Mary,  95. 

Bill,  Lucretia,  119. 

Bill,  Phineas,  95,  137. 

Bill,  Priscella,  119.  / 

Bill,  Naomi,  95. 

Bill,  Abigail,  119.  J 

Bill.  Orpah,  95. 

Bill,  Bethshua,  119. 

Bill,  Hannah,  96. 

Bill,  Philena,  119. 

Bill,  Sarah,  96. 

Bill,  Susanna,  119. 

Bill,  Esther,  96. 

Bill,  Benjamin,  122,144. 

Bill,  Joanna,  96. 

Bill,  Christopher,  122.. 

Bill  Phebe,  96. 

Bill,  Abigail,  122.- 

Bill,  Jonathan,  100, 138. 

Bill.  Catherine,  122. 

Bill,  Charles,  100,  139. 

Bill,  Prudence,  122. 

Bill,  Sarah,  102. 

Bill,  Tabitha,  122. 

Bill,  Anne,  102. 

Bill,  Deborah,  122. 

Bill,  William,  102. 

Bill,  Samuel,  125,  145. 

Bill,  William,  102. 

Bill,  Sarah,  125. 

Bill,  Susanna,  102. 

Bill,  Ephraim,  126,  146. 

Bill,  Hannah,  105. 

Bill,  Mercy,  126. 

Bill,  John,  105. 

Bill,  Zipporah,  126. 

Bill,  Jeremiah,  105. 

Bill,  Lucy,  126. 

Bill,  Susanna,  105. 

Bill,  Elisha.  126,  150. 

Bill,  Benjamin,  105. 

Bill,  Philip,'  126,  151. 

Bill,  Hannah,  105. 

Bill,  Solomon,  127,  151. 

Bill,  Samuel,  109. 

Bill,  Mercy,  127. 

Bill,  Joseph,  109. 

Bill,  Elijah,  127. 

Bill,  Joseph,  109. 

Bill,  Jonathan,  127,152. 

Bill,  Richard,  109. 

Bill.  Sybil,  127. 

Bill,  Benjamin,  109. 

Bill,  Samuel,  127,  152. 

Bill,  Sarah,  109. 

Bill,  James,  127,  153. 

Bill,  Ruth,  109. 

Bill,  Jedediah,  127,  153 

Bill,  Elizabeth,  109. 

Bill,  Mary,  127. 

Bill,  Nathan,  127. 
Bill,  Experience,  127. 
Bill,  Jonathan.  127,  153. 
Bill,  Samuel,  129,  154. 
Bill,  Bridget,  129. 
Bill,  Beulah,  130. 
Bill,  Hannah,  130. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  130. 
Bill,  Ebenezer,  130. 
Bill,  Thomas,  130,  155. 
Bill,  Asahel,  130,  155. 
Bill,  Eunice,  130. 
Bill,  Simeon,  132,  156. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  132,157 
Bill,  Mercy,  132,  157. 
Bill,  Judah,  132,  157. 
Bill,  John,  132,  157. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  133. 
Biil,  Mercy,  133. 
Bill,  Elijah,  133,  158. 
Bill,  Joseph,  133. 
Bill,  Mary,  133. 
Bill,  Martha,  133. 
Bill,  Lurana,  134. 
Bill,  Amos,  134,  158. 
Bill,  Peleg,  134,  158. 
Bill,  James,  135,  159. 
Bill,  Oliver,  135,  160. 
Bill,  Lucy,  135. 
Bill,  Kezia,  135. 
Bill,  Betty,  135. 
Bill,  Lucretia,  136. 
Bill,  Mary,  136. 
Bill,  Eleazer,  136. 
Bill,  Benajah,  136. 

1750. 

Bill,  Eliphalet,  136, 162. 
Bill,  Rubv,  136. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  136,  163. 
Bill,  Judith,  137. 
Bill,  Uriah,  137. 
Bill,  Phineas,  138,  163. 
Bill,  Mehitable,  138. 
Bill,  Mary,  138. 
Bill,Benajah,138,  166. 
Bill,  Joshua,  138,  167. 
Bill,  Gurdon,  138.  " 


SIXTH  GENERATION. 


Bill,  Marv,  139. 
Bill,  Hannah,  139. 
Bill,  Ann,  139. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  139. 
Bill,  Charles,  140. 


Bill,  Ann,  140. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  140. 
Bill,  Benjamin,  140,  168. 
Bill,  Hannah,  140. 
Bill,  Susanna,  140. 


I  Bill,  Richard,  141,  169. 
Bill,  Nathaniel,  141,  169. 
Bill,  Charles,  143,  171. 
Bill,  Andrew,  143,  171. 
BUI,  Parthenia,  143. 


FAMILY   INDEX. 


349 


Bill,  Rhoda,  143. 

Bill,  Eunice,  143. 

Bill,  Clarissa,  143. 

Bill,  Nancy,  143. 

Bill,  Sarah,  144. 

Bill,  Louisa,  144. 

Bill,  Bela,  144,  172. 

Bill,  Anne,  144. 

Bill,  Charles,  144,  172. 

Bill,  Jere,  144,  173. 

Bill,  Sophia,  144. 

Bill,  Benjamin,  145, 174. 

Bill,  Philip,  145,  174. 

Bill,  Richard,  145. 

Bill,  Catherine,  145. 

Bill,  Sabra.  145.' 

Bill,  Eunice,  145. 

Bill,  Samuel,  146. 

Bill,  John,  146. 

Bill,  Mary,  146. 

Bill,  John,  146. 

Bill,  Elizabeth,  146.  - 

Bill,  David,  146,  175. 

Bill,  Daniel,  146,  175. 

Bill,  John,  146. 

Bill,  Silvester,  150. 

Bill,  Lynde,  150. 

Bill,  Gurdon,  150. 

Bill,  Lvdia,  150,  175. 

Bill,  Hannah,  150. 

Bill,  Gurdon,  150,  178. 

Bill,  Ephraim,  150. 

Bill,  Abigail,  150. 

Bill,  Z.  Huntington,   150, 

180. 
Bill,  William,  150. 
Bill,  Elizabeth,  150,  180. 
Bill  Hannah,  150,  182. 
Bill,  Silvester,  150,  183. 
Bill  Calvin,  151,  187. 
Bill,  Rachel,  151. 
Bill,  Elisha,  151,  187. 
Bill,  Azariah,  151,  189. 
Bill.  Reuben,  151,  189. 
Bill,  Lydia,  151. 
Bill,  Aaron,  151. 
Bill,  Joel  151. 
Bill,  Asa,  152. 
Bill,  Sarah,  152. 
Bill,  Mary,  152. 
Bill,  Martha,  152. 
Bill,  John,  152,  190. 
Bill,  Lois,  152. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  152. 
Bill,  Samuel,  152. 
Bill,  Sally,  153. 


Bill,  Polly,  153. 

Bill,  Harriet,  153. 

Bill,  Anna,  153. 

Bill,  Azariah,  153. 

Bill,  Israel,  153. 

Bill,  Sarah,  153. 

Bill,  Dan,  153. 

Bill,  Jedediah,  153. 

Bill,  Esther,  153. 

Bill,  Mary,  154. 

Bill,  Roswell, 

Bill,  Samuel,  154. 

Bill,  Sarah,  154,  191. 

Bill,  Elizabeth,  154, 191. 

Bill,  Ebenezer,  154,  192. 

Bill,  David,  154,  192. 

Bill,  Patience,  154,  193. 

Bill,  Rachel,  154. 

Bill,  Samuel,  155.  193. 

Bill,  Meltiah,  156. 

Bill,  Asahel.  156. 

Bill,  John  Maher,   156, 
193. 

Bill,  Caleb  Rand,  156,  194. 

Bill.  Sarah,  156,  196. 

Bill,  Charlotte,  156. 

Bill,  Rebecca,   156. 

Bill,  Mary,  156,  197. 

Bill,  Lavinia,  156. 
Bill,  In  graham  E.,  156, 
198. 

Bill,  Lucretia,  156. 
Bill,  Zilpah,  156. 
Bill,  Hosea,  156,  200. 
Bill,  Zeruiah,  156. 
Bill,  Adonijah,  156. 
Bill,  Lucy,  157. 
Bill,  Joseph,  157. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  157,  200. 
Bill,  Eleazer.  157,  201. 
Bill,  Elijah,  158,  202.- 
Bill,  Eliphalet,  158. 
Bill,  Comfort,  158. 
Bill,  Mehitable,  158. 
Bill.  Roswell,  158. 
Bill,  Mary,  158. 
Bill,  Sarah,  158. 
Bill,  Jerusha,  158. 
Bill,  Bethia,  158. 
Bill,  Jerusha,  159. 
Bill,  Abiel,  159,  202. 
Bill,  Asenath,  159. 
Bill,  Lucy,  159. 
Bill,  James,  159. 
Bill,  Elvira,  160. 
Bill,  Erastus,  160. 


Bill,  Norton,  160. 
Bill,  Clarissa,  160. 
Bill,  Achsah,  160. 
Bill,  Achsah,  160. 
Bill,  Amos,  160. 
Bill,  Abner,  160. 
Bill,  Martha,  161. 
Bill,  Apama,  161. 
Bill,  Betty,  161. 
Bill,  Earl,  161,  203. 
Bill,  Cyrus,  161,  204. 
Bill,  Oliver,  161,  205. 
Bill,  Jerusha,  161. 
Bill,  Amos,  162,  206. 
Bill,  Lucy,  162. 
Bill,  Benajah,  162,  206. 
Bill,  Eliphalet    Mason, 

162,  207. 
Bill,  Mary,  162,  208. 
Bill,  Dorothy,  162. 
Bill,  Roswell,  162. 
Bill,  Betsey,  163. 
Bill,  Dver,  163,  209. 
Bill,  Almira,  163,  210. 
Bill,  Daniel,  163,  211. 
Bill,  Richard     Dayton, 

165,  211. 
Bill,  Avery,  166. 
Bill,  Mercy,  165,  212. 
Bill,  Lucy  Maria,  165. 
Bill,  Isaac,  165 

Bill,  Nancy,  165,  212. 
Bill,  Benjamin  Franklin, 

165. 
Bill,  Tabitha,  166. 
Bill,  David,  166,  213. 
Bill,  Pollv,  166. 
Bill,  Lodowick.166,213. 
Bill,  Eunice  Park,  166. 
Bill,  Alexander  T.    F., 

166,  215. 

Bill,  Sarah,  166,  216. 
Bill,  Elisha  S.,  167,217. 
Bill,  Nelson  TL,  16  6. 2 13. 
Bill,  Park  AU.yn,  166. 
Bill,  Lyman  Edgecomb, 

166. 
Bill,  Gurdon,  168,  219. 
Bill,  Sabrina,  168,  226. 
Bill,  Sarah,  108,  227. 
Bill,  Phnieas,  168,  223. 
Bill,  Abigail,  168,  231. 
Bill,  Betsey,  168,  252. 
Bill  Fanny,  168. 
Bill,  Averyl68,  235. 
Bill,  Nancy,  16S. 


350 


FAMILY  INDEX. 


SEVENTH  GENERATION. 


1800. 


Bill,  Benjamin,    1G9,  237. 
Bill,   Gardner,   169,    238. 
Bill,  Davis,   169,  239. 
Bill,     Jonathan      Damon, 

169. 
Bill,  Charles,   171,  239. 
Bill.  David,   171,  240. 
Bill,  Charlotte,   171. 
Bill,  Sally,  171. 
Bill,  Susan,   171. 
Bill,  Julia  C,   171. 
Bill,  Harriet  M.,   171. 
Bill,  Warren,   171. 
Bill,  Clarissa,   171. 
Bill,  Marvin,   171. 
Bill,  Minerva.   171. 
Bill,   Mary,   171. 
Bill,  Alson,  172,  240. 
Bill,  Clarissa,  172. 
Bill,  Cyrus    172. 
Bill,  Lucinda,   172,  240. 
Bill,  Charles,  172. 
Bill,  Orsemus,  172. 
Bill,  Marshall,  172,  241. 
Bill,  Palmyra.  172. 
Bill,  Charlotte,  172,  241. 
Bill,  John.  173. 
Bill,  Charles,  173. 
Bill,  William,  173. 
Bill,  Sabrina,  173. 
Bill,  Juliette,  173. 
Bill,  William  Ashley,  173. 
Bill,     Henrietta     Sophia, 

173. 
Bill,  Pollv  Maria,  173. 
Bill,  Fanny,  174. 
Bill,  Benjamin,  174. 
Bill,  Martha  Abell,  174. 
Bill,  Mary  Ann,  175. 
Bill,    Elijah    Abell,     175, 

241. 
Bill,  Mary  Ann,  175. 
Bill,  Mary,  175. 
Bill,  David,  17,"),  243. 
Bill,  Patty,  175. 
Bill,  Jemima,  175. 
Bill,  Mary.  175. 
Bill,     William      Truxton, 

180. 
Bill.  George  Washington, 

180. 
Bill,  Henry,  180,  243. 
Bill,  Lvdia      Huntington, 

180,  211. 
Bill,  Mary  Elizabeth,  180, 

21  I. 


Bill,  Joseph  Howland,  ISO 

245. 
Bill,  Abby  Woolsey,  180. 
Bill,  Leonard  Tracy,   180. 
Bill,  Thomas  King,  186. 
Bill,  Thomas  King,  186. 
Bill,  Edward.  186,  2  16. 
Bill,  Alfred,  186,  249. 
Bill,  Harriet,  186. 
Bill,  Harriet,  186. 
Bill,  Eunice,  186. 
Bill,  Elisha,  186,  250. 
Bill,  Hannah,  186. 
Bill,  Amanda,  186. 
Bill,  Esther,  187. 
Bill,  Rufus,  187,  251. 
Bill,  Roswell,  187,  251. 
Bill,  Aaron.  187,  252. 
Bill,  Hiram,  187,  253. 
Bill,  Isaac,  187.  254. 
Bill,  Artemus,  187,  255. 
Bill,  Louis,  187,  256. 
Bill,  Mercv,  187. 
Bill,  Phebe,  187.- 
Bill,  Alanson,  188,  256. 
Bill,  Reuben,  188. 
Bill,  Persis,  188. 
Bill,  Elisha,  188. 
Bill,  Zelotes.  188. 
Bill,  Polly,  188. 
Bill,  Harvev,  188. 
Bill,  Electa!  188. 
Bill.  Cynthia,  189. 
BiU,  Betsey,  189. 
Bill,  Aaron,  189. 
Bill,  Cynthia,  189. 
Bill,  Eleazar,  189.  257. 
Bill,  Lydia,  189. 
Bill,  Horace,  189. 
Bill,  Delilah,  190. 
Bill,  Cynthia.  190. 
Bill,  Aaron,  190. 
Bill,  Amy  190. 
Bill,  Lydia,  190. 
Bill,  Reuben,  190. 
Bill,  Lucinda,  190. 
Bill,  Hannah,  190. 
Bill.  John,  190,  257. 
BiU,  Fanny,  190,  258. 
bill,  Maria,  190. 
Bill,  Fanny,  190.  258. 
Bill,  Asa  Gilbert,  190,  259. 
Bill,  Martha,  190,  259. 
Bill,  Joseph  Rodgers,  190, 

260. 
Bill,  Almira,  190. 
Hill,  Henry  W.,  190,  260. 
Bill,  Maria,  190. 


Bill,  Frederic,  190.  261. 
Hill,  Mary  Ann,  190,  261. 
Hill,  Sarah  Jane,  190. 
Bill,  Almira,  191. 
Bill,  Almira,  191. 
Bill,  Ebenezer.  192,  262. 
Hill.  Rachel.  192. 
Hill,  Mehitable.  192. 
Bill,  Anna,  192. 
Bill,  Prudence,  192. 
Bill,  Susan,  193. 
Bill,  Lvdia,  193,  262. 
Bill,  Samuel,  19:;. 
Bill,  David    193,  263. 
Bill,  Lucv,  193,  263. 
Bill,  Gurdon,  194. 
Bill,  Charles,  194. 
Bill,  Rebecca,  194. 
Bill,  Mary  Ann,  194. 
Bill,  Henry,  194. 
Bill,  John,  194. 
Bill,  William  C,  195. 
Bill,  Nancy,  195. 
Bill,  Eunice,  195. 
Bill,  Asahel,  199. 
Bill,  Mary  Ann,  199. 
Bill,  Edw'd  Manning,  199. 
Hill,  Caleb  Rand,  200. 
Bill,     Ingram     Ebenezer, 

199. 
Hill.  Orrin  [C],  200,  265. 
Hill,  Eveline,  200. 
Bill,  Norman  Kellogg,  200, 

266. 
Bill,  Eli,  200. 
Bill,  Rona,  200. 
Bill,  Sarah  Ann,  200. 
Bill,  Fanny  E.,  200. 
Bill,  Polly,  201. 
Bill,  Asenath,  201. 
Bill.  Joseph,  201. 
Bill,  Betsey,  201. 
Bill,  Norton    Buell,     201, 

267. 
Bill,  Jonathan,  201,  267. 
Bill,  Chester,  202,  268. 
Bill,  Josiah   Bissell,    202, 

268. 
Bill,  David,  202. 
Bill,  Jesse,  202. 
Hill.  Elijah,  202,  269. 
Bill,  Hannah,  202. 
Bill,  Patience,  202. 
Bill,  Chester,'  202.  270. 
Hill,  Peleg,  202. 
Hill.  Henry  Jackson,  201. 
Bill,  Cyrus  Skinner,   201, 

270. 


FAMILY  INDEX. 


351 


Bill,  Charles  Oliver,   204, 

270. 
Bill,  Chauncey  Clark,  204, 

271. 
Bill,  Earl,  204,  273. 
Bill,  Horace  Newton,  204, 

27G. 
Bill,  Sarah  Maria,  204. 
Bill,  Susan  Jerusha,  204. 
Bill,  Sophia  Maria,  205. 
Bill,  Charles  Edward,  205. 
Bill,  Caroline,  205. 
Bill,  George  Richard,  205. 
Bill,  Charlotte,  205. 
Bill,  Apama,  206,  278. 
Bill,  Clarissa,  206,  278. 
Bill,      Oliver     Augustus, 

206. 
Bill,  Lucius  Carlo,  206. 
Bill,   Harriet  Porter,   206, 

279. 
Bill,  Marcius  Edward,  206, 

279. 
Bill,  Oliver  Augustus,  206, 

280. 
Bill,  Caroline  Maria,  206, 

280. 
Bill,  George  Richard,  206, 

281. 
Bill,  Amos  Bassett,  206. 
Bill,  Erastus,  207,  281. 
Bill,  Horace,  207,  232. 
Bill,  Hannah,  207. 
Bill,  Laura,  207. 
Bill,  Malvina  A.,  207. 
Bill,  Carlos    Pitkin,     208, 

282. 
Bill,  Daniel  Marsh,  208. 
Bill,  Frances    Maria,  208, 

283. 
Bill,  Julia  Emily,  208,284. 
Bill,  Roswell  Mason,  208, 

285. 
Bill,  Louisa  M.,  209,  285. 
Bill,  Josephine,  209,  286. 
Bill,  Emeline,  209,  286. 
Bill,  Lucinda,  209,  287. 
Bill,  Mary,  209,  287. 
Bill  Dyer  Richardson,  210, 

287. 


Bill,  Frank  Coburn.  210, 

288. 
Bill,  Curtis   Harvey,  210, 

288.    -£^v  $0  V 
Bill,  James  Ransom,  210. 
Bill,  Dwight  Strong,  210. 
Bill.    George     Augustus, 

210. 
Bill.  Daniel,  211,  290. 
Bill,  Orpah,  211. 
Bill,  Ruth,  211. 
Bill,  Mindwell,  211. 
Bill,  Lathrop,  211. 
Bill,  Sherman,  211. 
Bill,  Elijah,  211,  290. 
Bill,  Celestia,  211. 
Bill,  Joseph  Allyn,  211. 
Bill,  Richard  Carlton,  211. 
Bill,  Lucy  Ann,  211. 
Bill,     Emeline     Sheffield, 

211. 
Bill,  Robert  Allyn,  211. 
Bill,  Paul  Frederic,  212. 
Bill,  James  Henry,  213. 
Bill,  Frances  Maria,  213. 
Bill,  David,  213,  291. 
Bill  Ann  Maria,  213. 
Bill,  Eliza,  214. 
Bill,  Julia  Ann,  215,  291. 
Bill,  Polly,  215. 
Bill,  Hiram  Geer,  215. 
Bill,  John  Wight,  215,  292. 
Bill,  Bcnajah   Park,    215, 

294. 
Bill,  James  A.,  215,  295. 
Bill,  Ellen  Jane,  215. 
Bill,  Lucy  Stark,  215,297. 
Bill,   Gilbert    La  Fayette, 

215. 
Bill,  Sarah  Maria,  217,  297. 
Bill,  James  Leonard,  218, 

298. 
Bill,   Jeptha    Geer,    218, 

298. 
Bill,  Ann  Elizabeth,  218. 
Bill,  Amos  Williams,  218, 

298. 
Bill,  Sidney  Worthington, 

218,  299. 
Bill,  Elisha,  218,  299. 

EIGHTH   GENERATION. 


Bill,   Ezra  Gardner,   218, 

299. 
Bill,  Celestina  A.  E.,  218. 
Bill,  Benjamin  S.,  218. 
Bill,  George  Washington, 

218. 
Bill,  Lucy  Angeline,  218. 
Bill,  William  Francis,  218. 
Bill,  Hibbard  Denison,218. 
Bill,  Henry  Edgar,  218. 
Bill,  Nelson      Alexander, 

218. 
Bill,  Edna.  Alberta,  218. 
Bill,  Nancy  Agenette,  218. 
Bill,  Horatio  Nelson,  219, 

300. 
Bill,  Edward  Lyman,  219. 
Bill,    Jeremiah    Canning, 

219,  300. 
Bill,  Edward  M.,  226,  300. 
Bill,  Henry,  226,  301. 
Bill,  Joshua,  226. 
Bill,  Joseph,  226. 
Bill,  Gurdon,  226,  304. 
Bill,  Frederic,  220. 
Bill,  Eliza,  226. 
Bill,  Frederic,  226,  305. 
Bill,  Ledyard,  226,  307. 
Bill,  Harriet,  226. 
Bill,  Charles,  226,  307. 
BUI,  Sabrina  Taylor,  230. 
Bill,  Frank  W.,  230,  309. 
Bill,  Abby,  230. 
Bill,  Edwin,  230,  313. 
Bill,  Erastus  D.,  230,  313. 
Bill,  Adelia  A.,  230. 
Bill,  Mary  ¥.,  230. 
Bill,  Phineas,  230. 
Bill,  Avery,  235,  315. 
Bill,  Palmer,  235,  316. 
Bill,  Maria  Elizabeth,  235, 

316. 
Bill,  Roswell,  235,  316. 
Bill,  Nancy,  235,  317. 
Bill,  Fanny,  235. 
Bill,  Joshua,  236. 
Bill,  Emeline.  236,  317. 
Bill,  Abby,  236. 
Bill,  Mary  Ann,  236. 


Bill,  Lewis  Augustus,  170. 
Bill,  Mary  Ann,  170. 
Bill,  George  Damon,  170. 
Bill,  Charles  Colburn,  170. 
Bill,  Sarah  Eliza,  170. 
Bill,  Susan  Bradford,  170. 
Bill,  George  II.,  171. 


Bill,  Betsey,  238. 
Bill,  Benjamin,  238,  318. 
Bill,  America  C,  238. 
Bill,  Alanson,  238,  319. 
Bill,    John    Alonzo,    238 

320. 
Bill,  Lorenzo,  238,  320. 


Bill,  Lewis,  238,  321. 
Bill,  Cotton  Brown,  239. 
Bill,  Celestia  C,  239. 
Bill,  Joseph,  239. 
Bill,  Alfonzo,  239. 
Bill,  Ann  Eliza,  239. 
Bill,  George  W.,  239. 


352 


FAMILY   INDEX. 


Bill,  Susan  M.,  239. 

Bill, 

Francis  P.,  251. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Charles  W.,  239. 

Bill, 

Elnathan  R.,  251. 

Bill,  Wm.  R.,  239,  321. 

Bill, 

Edwin  Storrs,  251. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Charles  Abell,  2-10. 

Bill, 

Charles  Carroll,  252. 

Bill.  Lydia  Maria,  240. 

Bill, 

George  Wyman,  252. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Julia  Anne,  240. 

Bill, 

Caroline  R.,  252. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Eunice  A.,  240. 

Bill, 

Roswell  Clark,  252. 

Bill, 

Bill,  James  Hervy,  240. 

Bill, 

Alvin  IL,  252. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Charles  Arthur,  241. 

Bill, 

Aaron  Davis,  253. 

Bill,    George     Acrhibald, 

Bill, 

Hiram,  254. 

Bill, 

241. 

Bill, 

Virtue,  254. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Cyrus  Edward,  241. 

Bill, 

Perley,  254,  324. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Inez  Estelle,  241. 

Bill, 

David,  254. 

Bill, 

Bill,     Elizabeth     Dwight, 

Bill, 

Miranda,  255. 

242. 

Bill, 

Alvira,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Sarah  Hazard,  242. 

Bill, 

Lucy,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Julia  Almira,  243. 

Bill, 

Arethusa,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Mary  Hannah,  243. 

Bill, 

Emily,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Benj.  Leighton,  243. 

Bill, 

George,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Jane,  243. 

Bill, 

Jarius,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Richard  Shippen,  243, 

Bill, 

Sidney,  255. 

321. 

Bill, 

Jane  Esther,  255. 

Bill, 

Bill,  David,  243. 

Bill, 

Ensign,  256. 

Bill,  Anna  M.,  243. 

Bill, 

Elijah,  256. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Frederic,  243. 

Bill, 

John,  256. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Joseph  Rowland,  244, 

Bill. 

Cvrus,  256. 

Bill, 

322. 

Bill, 

Sarah,  256. 

Bill,  Anna  Maria  H.,  244. 

Bill, 

Electa,  256. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Alexander  H.,  244. 

Bill, 

Cynthia  Portia,  257. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Henry  Wier,  244. 

Bill, 

Horace  Bradley,  257. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Mary  Elizabeth,  244. 

Bill, 

William  Carver,  257. 

Bill,  Caroline  R.  Dey,  245. 

Bill  George  Clinton,  257. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Mary,  246. 

Bill, 

Nelson,  258. 

Bill,    Joseph      Howland, 

Bill, 

Jane,  258. 

Bill, 

246. 

Bill, 

Sophia,  258. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Alice,  246. 

Bill, 

Charles  H.,  258,  325. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Lillian,  246. 

Bill, 

Julia  Ann,  259. 

Bill, 

Bill,    Edward      "Woolsey, 

Bill, 

Helen  Francis,  259. 

Bill, 

246. 

Bill, 

Mary  Crowell,  259. 

Bill,  Archibald  H.,  246. 

Bill, 

Emilia  M.,  260. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Susan  Randolph,  248. 

Bill, 

George  Austin,  260, 

Bill, 

Bill,   Edward   Livingston, 

326. 

Bill, 

250. 

Bill, 

Thomas  F.,  260. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Silvester  King,  250. 

Bill, 

Sarah,  260. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Alfred,  250. 

Bill, 

Ada  L.,  260. 

Bill, 

Bill,  George  Farmer,  250. 

Bill, 

John  E..  260. 

Bill, 

Bill,    Charles    King,    250, 

Bill, 

Charles  T.,  260. 

Bill, 

323. 

Bill, 

Alice,  261. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Almira,  250. 

Bill, 

Albert,  261. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Elisha,  250. 

Bill,  Herbert  Weston,  261. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Lester,  250.  323. 

Bill, 

Francis  Rogers,  261. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Betsey,  250. 

Bill, 

Frederic,  261. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Orin  W.,  251. 

Bill, 

Frank,  261. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Charles  B.,  251. 

Bill, 

Willard,  262,  326. 

Bill. 

Bill,  Sarepta  G.,  251. 

Bill, 

Harvey  Adams,  262, 

Bill, 

Bill,  William  H.,  251. 

327. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Joseph  N.,  251. 

Bill, 

Emily,  262. 

Bill,  Edward  S.,  251. 

Bill, 

Mary,  262,  329. 

Bill, 

Bill,  Martha  J.,  251. 

Bill, 

Hiram,  262. 

Bill, 

Bill.  David  Keyes,  251. 

Bill, 

David   Wilder,    2G3, 

Bill, 

Bill,  Adeline  A.,  251. 

329. 

Bill, 

Daniel  Wright,  263 
329. 

Samuel  Dennis,  263, 
330. 

Louis  Dart,  263,  330. 
George  S.,  266. 
,  Emma  Elizabeth.  266. 

Catherine     Hillyer, 
266. 

James  Freeland,  266. 
Franklin,  266. 
Emily  Asenath,  267. 

Amanda      Malvina, 
267. 

Ruth,  267. 
Amos,  267. 
Julia,  267. 
Mary,  267. 
James  Earl,  268,  331. 
John    Carver,     268, 
332. 

Jared  Milton,  268, 
332. 

Jane  Almira,  268. 
Emma  A.,  268. 
Charles  Weslev,  268, 
332. 

Henry  Harrison,  268. 
Walter  Harvey,  268. 
George  William,  268' 
333. 

David  Bissell,  268, 
333. 

Lucy  Ann,  268. 
Joseph  Clement,  269. 
Marv  Elizabeth,  269. 
Edwin,  269,  334. 
Benezet  Hough,  269, 
334. 

Eliza,  269. 
Henry  A.,  269,  335. 
Orrin  H.,  270. 
Susan  Maria,  270. 
Nancv  Charlotte,  270. 
Charles  Earl,  270. 
Horace  Newton,  270. 
Mary  Estella,  270. 
Everett  Case,  273. 
Caroline  Curtis,  273. 
Eva  Caroline,  273. 
Anna  Everett,  273. 
Chauncy  Earl,  273. 
ChauncV  Clark,  273. 
Henry,  *2  7  3. 
Charles  Earl,  276. 
Horace  Harper,  276, 
335. 

Mary  Rose,  276. 
Charles  Henry,  276. 
Eva  Caroline,  276. 
George  Putinan,  276. 


FAMILY  INDEX. 


353 


Bill,  Gertrude,  2*76. 
Bill,  Florence,  276. 
Bill,  Sarah  Sylvania,  277. 
Bill,  Horace  Earl,  277. 
Bill,  Francis  Edward,  279. 
Bill.  Mary  Clarinda,  280. 
Bill!  Arthur  Jay,  280. 
Bill,  Mary  Frances,  280. 
Bill,  Martha  S.,  280. 
Bill,  Martha  Julia,  280. 
Bill,  Rollin  Hibbard,  280. 
Bill,  Carrie  Webster,  280. 
Bill,  Hattie  Porter.  280. 
Bill,  Charles  Edwin,  281. 
Bill,  Harriet  Amelia,  281. 
Bill,  Frederic  B.,  281. 
Bill,  George  Lincoln,  281. 
Bill,  Sanford,  281. 
Bill,  Armorica,  282. 
Bill,  Xenophon.  282. 
Bill,  Armanda  M.,  282. 
Bill,  Horace  A.,  282. 
Bill,  Eveline  Pitkin,  283. 
Bill.  Emily  M.,  283. 
Bill,  Adela  M.,  285. 
Bill,  Roselle  M.,  285. 
Bill,  Emma  F,  285. 
Bill,  Cora  I.,  285. 
Bill,  Frank  D.,  287. 
Bill,  Edward  H.,  287. 
Bill,  Frederic  J.,  287. 
Bill,  James  W.,  287. 
Bill,  Kate  M.,  287. 
Bill,  Harvey,  288. 
Bill,  Carrie,  288. 
Bill,  Lathrop,  290. 
Bill,  Hortense,  290. 
Bill,  Perry  H.,  290. 
Bill,  Roby  P.,  290. 
Bill,  Daniel,  290. 
Bill,  Sherman,  290. 
Bill,  Mindwell,  290. 
Bill,  Hannah,  290. 
Bill,  Myron,  290. 
Bill,  Roxana,  290. 
Bill,  Spencer,  290. 
Bill,  Sion  E.,  290. 
Bill,  Harriet,  291. 
Bill,  Stephen,  291. 
Bill,  Amanda  M.,  291. 
Bill,  John  Elijah,  291. 
Bill,  Charles,  291. 


Bill,    Benjamin    Franklin, 

291. 
Bill,  David  Turner,  291. 
Bill,  George  W.,  291. 
Bill,  Daniel  W.,  291. 
Bill,  Caroline  A.,  291. 
Bill,  William  Wirt,  291. 
Bill,  John  Oscar,  292. 
Bill,  Prudence  P.,  293. 
Bill,  Gilbert  La  Fayette, 

293. 
Bill,  Ellen  Loraine,  993. 
Bill,  Lodowick,  293. 
Bill,  Emma  Gallup,  293. 
Bill,  Jacob  Gallup,  294. 
Bill,  Nelson  Horatio.  294. 
Bill,  Robert  Allyn,  294. 
Prudence     Morgan, 

294. 

Arthur  L.Wight,  294. 

Pklward  Lyman.  294. 

Marv  Pitcher,  295. 

David  Pitcher,  295. 

Mary  Jane,  295. 

Thomas  Peck,  295. 

Ann  Louisa,  295. 
Bill,  Frank  Pierce,  295. 
Bill,  Benajah  Park,  295. 

Caroline  Park,  295. 

Elizabeth  Geer,  296. 

Phebe  Burnham,  296. 

Mary  Jane,  296. 

Prudence  Ann,  297. 

Rebecca  Lord,  297. 

Lodowick,  297. 
James     Alexander, 

297. 

Kansas  N.,  297. 

Lecompton  G,  297. 
Bill,  William  Warner,  297. 
Bill,  Jefferson  Davis,  297. 
Bill.  Leonard  Eguene,  298. 
Bill!  Julia  Olivet,  298. 
Bill,  John  Dexter,  298. 
Bill,    Benjamin      Jeptha, 

298. 
Bill,  Harriet      Prudence, 

298. 
Bill,  Ann  Isabella,  298. 
Bill,  Charles  Sidney,  299. 
Bill,  Anna  Maria  F.,  299. 
Bill,  Charles  Gardner,  299. 


Bill, 

Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 


Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 

Bill, 
Bill, 


Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 


Mary  Elizabeth,  299- 

Edward  Nelson,  300. 

Ida  Maria,  300. 

Arthur  Irving,  300. 

Charles  Oliver,  300. 

Leroy  Canning,  300. 
Bill,  Eugene  Howard,  300. 
Bill,  Frederic  Corey,  300. 
Bill,  Ira  Edward,  301. 
Bill,  Lucy  Yerrington,  301. 
Bill,  Lydia  Sylvester,  301. 
Bill,  Edward  Henry,  301. 
Bill,  Gurdon  Frederic,  301. 
Bill,  Clara  Maria,  301. 
Bill,  Edward  Charles,  301. 
Bill,  Henry  Gustavus,  304. 
Bill,  John  Harper,  304. 
Bill,  Henry  Sumner,  304. 
Bill,  Julia  Florence,  304. 
Bill,  Jennie  Eliza/304. 
Bill,  Frederic  Abbott,  304. 
Bill,  Nathan  Denison,  305. 
Bill,  Hattie  Eliza,  305. 
Bill,  Mary  Avery,  305. 
Bill,  Edward  Everett,  305. 
Bill,    Arminius     Wesley, 

313,  339. 
Bill,  Mary  Irene,  313. 
Bill,  Lorinda  E.,  313. 
Bill,  Frederic,  313. 
Bill,  Eva  W.,  313. 
Bill,  Frank  Wesley,  313. 
Bill,  Helen  E.,  313. 
Bill,  Willie  F.,  313. 
Bill,  Emma  Frances,  314. 

Harriet  Ada,  314. 

Charles  Denison,  314. 

Laura  E.  K.,  314. 

Herbert  Edward,  315. 

Lucy  Byram,  315. 


Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 
Bill, 


Howard  Irving, 


Bill,  Clarence  Everett,  3 1 6. 

Bill, 

Bill 

Bill 

Bill 

Bill 


„  316. 

Emma  Louise,  316. 

Lizzie  Ray,  316. 

Herbert  Arthur,  316. 

Frances  Maria,  316. 
Bill,  Sarah  Tracy,  316. 
Bill,  Frank  Avery,  316. 
Bill,  Henry  Everett,  316. 
Bill,  Fannie  E.,  317. 
Bill,  Mary  E.,  317. 


NINTH   GENERATION. 


Bill,  George  Lewis,  170. 
Bill,  Mary  Louise,  170. 
Bill,  Fanny  Eliza,  170. 
Bill,    Charles     Augustus, 
170. 


Bill,  Henry  Bradford,  170. 
Bill,  Willis  Abner,  170. 
Bill,  Ella  Gertrude,  170. 
Bill,  Ida  Estella,  170. 
Bill,  Benj'n  Joseph,.318. 


Bill,  Charles  Henry,  318. 
Bill,   Elizabeth    Caroline, 

318. 
Bill,  Edwin  Rathbun,  319. 
Bill,  Marshall  Dana,  319. 


354 


FAMILY    INDEX. 


Bill,  George  Dana,  319. 
Bill,     Emily    Richardson. 

319. 
Bill,  Alonzo,  319. 
Bill,  Abner,  319. 
Bill,  James  A.,  319. 
Bill,  Stephen,  319. 
Bill,  Sarah,  319. 
Bill,  Clarissa,  319. 
Bill,  John  Newton,  320. 
Bill,  Benjamin  G.,  320. 
Bill,  Celinda,  320. 
Bill,  Charles  Henry,  320. 
Bill.  George  Henry,  320. 
Bill,    Oliver      Augustine, 

320. 
Bill,  Ora  Austin.  320. 
Bill,  Oscar  A.,  320. 
Bill,  James  Adams,  320. 
Bill,  William  H.  H.,  320. 
Bill,  Martin  Asher,  321. 
Bill,  Marshall  Ashley,  321. 


Bill,  Maria  Ann  L..  321. 
Bill,  Royal  John,  321. 
Bill,  Lewis  ()..  321. 
Bill,  Emerv.  321. 
Bill,  Ormanda,  321. 
Bill,  Catherine,  321. 
Bill.  Clarissa,  321. 
Bill,  Kate  Francis,  321. 
Bill.  Richard  M.,  321. 
Bill.  David  Wilfred.  321. 
Bill,  Edmund  Wallen.  323. 
Bill,  Helen  Amelia,  324. 
Bill,  William  Wood,  324. 
Bill.  John  Goddell,  324. 
Bill,  Samuel  Houston,  324. 
Bill,  Arthur  Gordon,  324. 
Bill.  Frederic  Hiram,  325. 
Bill.  Oscar  Perley,  325. 
Bill.  Caroline  Matilda,  325. 
Bill.  Mary  Helen,  325. 
Bill,  Harriet?  Virtue.  325. 
Bill,  Chandler  David,  325. 


Bill.  Willard.  327. 
Bill,  Emma  L.  329. 
Bill.  Lucy  Mahala,  330. 
Bill,  Dsvid  Dennis.  330. 
Bill,  Freddie  Wilder,  330. 
Bill,  George  Weed,  332. 
Bill,    Jessie    Wentworth, 

332. 
Bill.  Charles  William,  333 
Bill,  Marv  Jane,  333. 
Bill,  A.  Gertrude,  333. 
Bill]  Julia  Annette,  333. 
Bill,  Sarah  Rebecca,  333. 
Bill,  Clement  D.,  3:;4. 
Bill.  Chester  C,  334. 
Bill.  Castilla  S.,  334. 
Bill,  Ernest  Linwood,  334 
Bill.  Hattie,  334. 
Bill,  Clement  E.,  334. 
Bill,  Lelia  Loomis,  335. 
Bill,  Katie  Elizabeth,  335 


TENTH  GENERATION. 


Bill,  Edwin  Lewis,  170. 
Bill,  Grace  Gertrude,  170. 
Bill,  Elizabeth  Almira,  318. 
Bill,  Alice  E.,  319. 
Bill,  Elizabeth  S.,  319. 


Bill,  George  E..  319. 
Bill,  Hattie  P.,  319. 
Bill,  Josephine,  255. 
Bill,  Artemus,  255. 
Bill,  Abby  Maria,  255. 


Bill.  Charles,  255. 
Bill,  Record,  255. 
Bill.  Chester  Perley,  255. 
Bill,  William  Loroy,  257. 
Bill,  Nancy  Leroy,  257. 


MISCELLANEOUS    INDEX. 


Bill,  Thomas,  1490,  11. 

Bill.  Daniel.  343. 

Bills,  Mercy,  342.  " 

Bill,  William.  1505,  12,  13. 

Bill,  Nelson,  343. 

Bills,  Mehitable,  342. 

Bill,  John.  1535,  13. 

Bill  John  Lyman.  343. 

Bills,  Thomas,  342. 

Bill,  Charles,  1550,  16. 

Bill,  Thaddeus,  344. 

Bills,  Gersham,  342. 

Bill,  John,    1576,    17,    18, 

Bill,  Thomas.  344. 

Bdls,  Joanna,  342. 

19,  20,  21,  22,  245. 

Bill,  Lvdia,  344. 

Bills,  Richard,  342. 

Bill,  Charles,  1650  to  1690, 

Bill.  John,  344. 

Bills,  Thomas,  342. 

20,  94. 

Bill,  James,  344. 

Bills,  Thomas,  342. 

Bill,  John,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Mercy,  344. 

Bills,  John,  343. 

BUI,  Anne,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Hannah,  344. 

Bills.  John,  343. 

Bill,  Charles,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Desire,  344. 

Billsi  Peter,  343. 

Bill,  Henry,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Daniel,  344. 

Bills,  Johnson,  343. 

Bill,  Mary,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Patty,  344. 

Bills,  Richard,  343. 

Bill,  Wm,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Jemima,  344. 

Bills.  Henry,  343. 

Bill,  Thomas,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Mary,  344. 

Bills,  Ellen,  343. 

Bill,  John,  1620,  21. 

Bill,  Eunice,  344. 

Bills,  Catherine,  343. 

Bill,  John,  1672,  21,  22. 

Bill,  Charlotte,  344. 

Bills,  Elizabeth,  343. 

Bill.  Henry,  16S0,  21. 

Bill.  Elizabeth,  344. 

Bills,  Samuel,  343. 

Bill,  John,  1867,  21. 

Bill,  Elvira,  344. 

Bills,  Mary  E.,  343. 

Bill,  W.  M.,  1867,  22. 

Bill,  Erastus.  344. 

Bills,  Ellen,  343. 

Bill,    Charles      Horsford, 

Bill,  Edmund  B.,  344. 

Bills,  Robert  R.,  343. 

1867,  23. 

Bill,  Clarence  H.,  345. 

Bills,  John  O.,  343. 

Bill,  John  G.,  266. 

Bill,  P.,  345. 

Bills,  Daniel  L.,  343. 

Bill,  Mary,  342. 

Bill.  B.  S.,  345. 

Bills,  Isaac  E.,  343. 

Bill,  Hannah,  342. 

Bill,  Abner  D.,  345. 

Bills,  Catherine,  343. 

Bill,  Richard,  342. 

Bill,  William  N,  345. 

Bills,  Margaret  A.,  343. 

Bill,  Joseph,  342. 

Bill,  Edward,  345. 

Bills,  Thomas,  343. 

Bill,  Otis,  342. 

Bid,  Chloe,  345. 

Bills,  Thomas,  343. 

Bill,  Harriet,  342. 

Bill,  Erastus,  345. 

Bills,  William,  343. 

Bill,  Maria,  342. 

Bill,  Wells  R.,  345. 

Bills,  William,  343. 

Bill,  Aimer,  342. 

Bill,  Ida,  345. 

Bills.  Mary.  343. 

Bill,  Israel,  342. 

Bill,  Henry,  345. 

Bills'  Svlvanus,  343. 

Bill,  Jedediah,  342. 

Bill,  Annie,  345. 

Bills,  Erastus  B.,  343. 

Bill,  Israel.  342. 

Bill,  Nellie,  345. 

Bills,  James,  343. 

Bill,  Lucy  S.,  342. 

Bill,  Eliza  Ann,  345. 

Bills,  James,  343. 

Bill,  Daniel  H.,  342. 

Bill,  James  A.,  345. 

Bills,  Samuel,  343. 

Bill,  William  A.,  342. 

Bill,  Nancy  Jane,  345. 

Bills,  Content,  343. 

Bill,  E.  Chapman,  342. 

Bill,  Solomon,  E.  345. 

Bills,  Mary,  343. 

Bill,  Maj.  George,  342, 343. 

Bill,  George  E.,  346. 

Bills,  Susanna,  343. 

Bill,  William  A.,  343. 

Bill,  Edward,  346. 

Bills,  Elizabeth,  349. 

Bill,  Arthur  C,  343. 

Bill,  Fannie,  346. 

Bills,  Sarah,  349. 

Bill,  Mary  Anna,  343. 

Bill,  Francis  Hall,  346. 

Bills,  Celina,  349. 

Bill,  George  Walter,  343. 

Bills,  John,  349. 

Bill,  Lanierie  C,  343. 

Bills,  Robert,  341. 

Bills,  Ann  E.,  349. 

Bill,  Nancy  B.,  343. 

Bills,  William,  341. 

Bills,  De  Alvin  W.,  349 

Bill,  Mary,  343. 

Bills,  Thomas,  341. 

Bills,  Wilbur  H.,  349. 

Bill,  Joseph  Nelson,  343. 

Bills,  Nathaniel,  342. 
INDIANS. 

Bills,  Oliver,  345. 

Josiah,  72,  73,  74. 

Owoneco,  88. 

1  Uncas,  88.    . 

INDEX, 

Of  names  of  persons  allied  by  marriage,  and  their  descendants,  together  with 
the  names  of  all  others,  except  where  whole  families  occur,  when  reference  is 
made  to  the  heads  of  those  families  only. 


A. 


Abbott,  John  S.  O,  302,  305. 

Abel,  Daniel,  135. 

Abel,  Lucy,  134. 

Abell,  Julia  A.,  206,  280. 

Abell,  Hannah,  145,  174. 

Abell,  Hezekiah,  145. 

Abell,  Simeon,  145. 

Abell,  Lydia,  145. 

Addington,  Isaac,  39,  49. 

Adams,  Elsey,  192,  262. 

Adams,  Samuel,  111. 

Ahaton,  William,  74.    ' 

Allen,  Jeremiah,  107,  112. 

Allen,  William,  99. 

Allyn,  Ann,  68,  99. 

Allyn,  Charles,  95. 

Allyn,  Calvin,  217. 

Allyn,  Charles  A.,  213. 

Allyn,  Charles,  212. 

Allyn,  Eldridge  Havens,  213. 

Allvn,  Eldridge  Turner  H.,  213. 

Allyn,  Henry  P.,  213. 

Allvn.  Mercy,  138,  163. 

Allvn,  Park,  95. 

Allvn,  Park  Carlos,  95,  112. 

Allyn,  Park,  165,  212. 

Allyn,  Robert,  58,  80,  93,  119,  103,  211. 

Allvn,  Col.  Roswell,  224. 

Allyn,  Roxy  Ann,  204,  273. 


Allyn,  Sarah  Caroline,  95,  1C4,  212. 

Allvn,  Samuel,  96. 

Allyn,  Tabitha,  165,  211. 

Ames.  George,  255. 

Andros,  Edmund,  41,  43. 

Anderson,  Sarah  E.,  320. 

Appleton,  Benjamin,  125. 

Appleton,  Eliza,  125. 

Appleton,  Jane,  148. 

Appleton,  Joshua,  148. 

Appleton,  Samuel,  108. 

Arnold,  Apollos,  159. 

Arnold,  Benedict.  58,  78,  137. 

Arnold,  James,  251. 

Ashley,  Sarah,  143. 

As  pin  wall,  Asa,  162. 

Aspinwall,  William  H.  176,  177. 

Astor,  John  Jacob,  247. 

Atwell,  Joanna,  84,  123. 

Austin,  Sophia  L.,  190,  260. 

Avery,  Allyn,  228. 

Avery,  Capt.  Anson,  224. 

Avery,  Christopher,  SO.  — " — 

Avery,  Elizabeth,  82. 

Avery  Henry  W.,  314. 

Avery,  Jonathan,  83. 

Avery,  Leonard,  171. 

Avery,  Samuel,  92. 


B. 


Babcock,  Hannah,  166,  213. 
Badaley,  Thomas,  65,  98. 
Baden,  Charlotte,  190,  261. 
Bailey,  Giles,  122. 
Bailey,  Julia  A.,  190,  259. 
Bailey  Josephine  E.,  318. 
Ball,  Amy,  145,  174. 
BaD,  Louisa,  208. 
Ball,  Virtue,  187,  253. 
Baldwin,  John,  86. 


Baker,  Mary,  69. 
Baker,  Olive,  161,  203. 
Barden,  Horatio,  235,  316. 
Barnes,  Betsey,  168,  235. 
Barbor,  Patience,  133,  158. 
Barber,  C.  L.  A.  W.,  166,  217. 
Barber,  John  M.,  53. 
Barber,  Virtue,  255. 
Barker,  Christopher,  19. 
Barnard,  Thomas,  104. 


INDEX. 


357 


Barnard,  Richard,  53. 
Barrows,  Maria,  166. 
Batchelder,  Agnes,  342. 
Baxter,  Christiana,  151,  188. 
Baxter,  William.  192. 
Beach,  W.  A.,  278. 
Beamsley,  William,  34. 
Bedeut,  Jesse,  168,  220. 
Beecher,  Dr.  Lyman,  343. 
Beecher,  Lydia,  343. 
Beecher,  Nathaniel,  343. 
Belcher,  Hannah,  67. 
Belcher,  Jonathan,  67,  139. 
Belcher,  Joseph,  65,  68,  98,  100. 
Belcher,  Ruth,  77,  115. 
Belcher,  Samuel,  186. 
Belcher,  Sarah,  67. 
Bellamy,  Hannah,  100,  138. 
Bellingham,  Richard,  30,  33. 
Bentley,  Jane,  156,  194. 
Bentley,  Mary,  140. 
Benjamin,  Prudence  R,  218,  29S. 
Bernard,  Govenor,  141. 
Berger,  Joseph,  221. 
Bigelow,  Mary,  255. 
Blackman,  Sarah  W.,  278. 
Black,  Hester  A.,  264. 
Blake,  James,  100. 
Bliss,  Clara  B.,  232,  268. 
Bliss,  W.,  202. 
Bliss,  James  H.,  291. 
Block,  Capt.  Adrian,  57. 
Blodgett,  Calvin  H.,  128. 
Blodgett,  Emeline  D.,  206,  281. 
Boardman,  Mary,  69. 
Bood,  Ferdinando,  65,  97. 
Bolles,  John,  125. 
Bend,  Sarah,  129,  154. 
Bolman,  Annie,  200. 
Boyle,  Augustus,  321. 
Bonney,  Levitt  K.,  170. 
Bowles,  Amos,  144. 
Bradley,  Holder,  343. 
Bradley,  Lydia,  343. 
Bradley,  Erastus,  343. 
Bradford,  William,  210. 


Brairiard,  Mindwell,  163,  211. 

Branch,  Julia  Ann,  219,  300. 

Breed,  Jessie,  179. 

Breed,  Mary,  181. 

Brigham,  Mavor,  206,  278. 

Brockway,  Ebenezer  E.,  215,  297. 

Brinkerhoff,  George,  177. 

Bromley,  Barstow,  221. 

Brooks,  Jonathan,  344. 

Brooks,  Hannah,  69. 

Brooks,  Reuben,  219. 

Brooks,  William  O.,  236,  317. 

Brooks,  Justin,  221. 

Brookman,  Henry,  77. 

Brown,  Caroline,  254,  324. 

Brown,  Dorcas,  115. 

Brown,  Hannah,  72,  105. 

Brown,  Peleg,  220. 

Brown,  Sarah  Ann,  235,  316. 

Bucknall,  Samuel,  59.  , 

Buell,  Sally,  160. 

Buffum,  Joshua,  152. 

Bunyan,  John,  19. 

Burchstead,  John  Henry,  43. 

Burbank,  N.,  343. 

Burdick,  Walter,  122.  ^ 

Burrell,  William,  33,  40,  56. ' 

Burnell,  Samuel,  36,  39,  40,  42,  66. 

Burnham,  Sarah,  68,  101. 

Burnham,  Mary  Jane,  252. 

Burgis,  William,  65,  96. 

Burgis,  William,  186. 

Burgis,  Rebecca,  154,  186. 

Burrington,  Elihu,  201. 

Burpee,  Julius,  207. 

Burns,  Thomas,  171. 

Burt,  John,  69. 

Bushnell,  Elizabeth.  87. 

Bushnell,  P.  N.,  87.' 

Bushnell,  Richard,  Jr.,  87. 

Bussey,  Collin,  77. 

Butler,  Betsey,  260. 

Butler,  David,  260. 

Butler,  Harriet  E.,  190,  260. 

Butler,  William  S.,  342. 


c. 


Camp,  Isaac  N.,  283. 
Cannon,  Dr.  Messer,  182. 
Card,  Harriet  A.,  206,  279. 
Carpenter,  Col.  Carlos,  108,  283. 
Carpenter,  E.,  134. 
Carpenter,  George  W.  I.,  284. 
Carver,  Almira,  201,  267. 
Case,  Anna  Everett,  204,  271. 
Catlin,  Sir  Robert,  15. 
Caulkins,   Frances    Manwaring,  56,  58, 
59,  88,  98,  99,  180,  184. 


Caulkins,  James,  156,  196. 
Caulkins,  Sarah,  196. 
Cecil,  Sir  William,  15. 
Center,  John,  68. 

Chamberlain,  Jacob  R.,  190,  259.    ' 
Chamberlain,  Ezra  L.  H.,  190,  258. 
Chamberlain,  Ezra  Bill,  258. 
Chamberlain,  George  P.,  261. 
Chamberlain,  Helen  L.,  231. 
Champlain,  Sarah  E.,  218,  299. 
Chapman,  Alpheus,  138. 


358 


INDEX. 


Chapman,  Cyrus,  235.  317. 
Chapman,  Gurdon,  220. 
Chapman,  Juliett,  218,  298. 
Chapman,  Julia  Octavia,  226,  301. 
Chapman,  Julius,  235. 
Chapman,  Bobert,  168,  227. 
Chapman,  Robert,  Jr.,  227,  302. 
Cliappel,  Jabez,  126. 
Chase,  Nancy,  342. 
Cheeseman,  Edward,  172,  240. 
Cheever,  Sarah,  43,  69,  70. 
Cheever,  Rev.  Thomas,  44,  61,  65,  68, 

97. 
Cheever,  Joshua,  65,  69. 
Chester,  John,  230. 
Chittenden,  Rebecca,  60. 
Church,  Aspatia,  169,  238. 
Church  Jonathan,  154. 
Church,  Col.  Nathan,  325. 
Clan,  Richard,  97. 
Clark,  Abner,  161. 
Clark,  Rev.  Allen,  187. 
Clark,  C.  Maria,  173. 
Clark,  Ezra,  187. 
Clark,  Frederic,  161. 
Clark,  Huldah,  200,  266. 
Clark,  John,  108. 
Clark,  Samuel,  1 59. 
Clark,  Moses,  161. 
Clark,  Dr.  Rufus  B.,  187. 
Clark,  Thomas,  157. 
Clark,  William,  200. 
Cleveland,  Aaron  Porter,  182. 
Cleveland,  Rowena,  230,  309. 
Cleveland,  Thomas  L.,  182. 
Clydenville,  Clark  S.,  240. 
Cobham,  Josias,  46. 
Coburn,  Ruth  P.,  163,  209. 
Coffin,  William,  114. 
Cogswell,  Rebecca,  156,  194. 


Coit,  Elizabeth,  149,  181. 
Coit,  Daniel  L.,  150,  180. 
Coit,  Hannah  F.,  181. 
Coit,  Thomas,  246,  249. 
Colbrond,  Sir  James,  21. 
Colborne,  Thomas,  28. 
Colburne,  Hezekiah,  154. 
Colburn,  William  H.,  240. 
Colburn,  Eliza,  169. 
Colby,  James  L.,  318. 
Cole,  Elizabeth,  157,  201. 
Cole,  Jacob,  68,  102. 
Coleman,  Rev.  Benj.,  141. 
Cone,  Anna  M.,  278. 
Cooke,  Jay,  274. 
Cooke,  Henry  D.,  272,  274. 
Cooke,  Alvira,  202. 
Cook,  Jane  Louisa,  345. 
Cook,  Christa,  220. 
Cooper,  Thomas,  112. 
Coney,  Susan,  269,  334. 
Cotten,  Martha,  105. 
Coyle,  Owen,  345. 
Courser,  William,  31. 
Corey,  Julia  Hurlburt,  219,  300. 
Cranmer,  Archbishop,  14. 
Crawley,  Abraham,  140. 
Crawley,  Grace,  109,  140,  141. 
Cfagin,  Lorena,  345. 
Crawford,  Mungo,  53. 
Crawford,  Susanna,  53. 
Crocker,  Mary,  187,  255. 
Crowell,  Ada,  190,  259. 
Cumbery,  Robert,  77. 
Curtis,  Solomon,  188. 
Cushman,  Sylvester,  3*21. 
Cutter,  Elizabeth,  238,  318. 
Cutter,  Joseph,  318. 
Cutting,  Col. ,  215. 


D. 


Dacon,  John,  34. 
Daggett,  Elizabeth,  151,  189. 
Daman  (?),  Jane,  141,  169. 
Daman,  Orlo,  204. 
Daman,  Ruth,  201. 
Darling,  Emily  E.,  268,  332. 
Darling,  J.  H.,  332. 
Darrow,  Betsey,  232,  237. 
Darrow,  John,  168,  232. 
Darrow,  Lucy,  234. 
Davenport,  Addington,  106. 
Davis,  B.,  137. 

Davis,  Maj.  Benjamin,  109,  114. 
Davis,  Mary,  109,  140. 
Davis,  Richard,  49. 
Davis,  Silence,  187,  252. 
Davis,  Sarah,  76,  109.  . 


Davis,  Sarah,  83,  119. 
Davison,  Isabella,  170. 
Day,  Daniel.  191. 
Day,  Rufus,  191. 
Day,  Wentworth,  30,  33. 
Dayton,  R.,  137. 
Dey,  Anthony,  245. 
Dey,  Caroline,  180,  245. 
Denison,  Gen.  Daniel,  304. 
Denison,  Emily  A.,  226,  304. 
Denison,  Lucy  G.,  226,  305. 
Denisou,  Nathan  E>,  304,  305. 
Denison,  George  William,  277. 
Dexter.  Samuel,  142. 
DeWolf,  Sarah,  156,  194. 
Dix,  Lucy,  187,  254. 
Dolbear,  E.  G.,  114. 


INDEX. 


359 


Doolittle,  John,  40. 
Dort,  Lucy,  193,  263. 
Dotty,  Mary,  342. 
Dorcas,  William,  42. 
Doty,  Charles  C,  209,  286. 
Douse,  Francis,  31. 
Downing,  Lydia  M.,  251. 
Downing,  Mary  B.,  252. 


Dowse,  Jonathan,  107. 

Drake,  S.  G.,  26,  27,  28,  30,  52,  53,  72. 

Draper,  Martin  T.,  196. 

Dubois,  Sarah  F.,  200. 

Dunham,  John  (?),  229. ' 

Dunham,  Elizabeth,  127,  152. 

Dunmore,  Earl  of,  144. 

Dyer,  Eliaphalet,  148. 


E. 


Eastman,  Mary  A.,  250. 
Eaton,  Douglas  W.,  197,  264. 
Eaton,  Stephen,  156,  197,  264. 
Edgar,  Louisa,  177. 
Edgecomb,  Albeit,  344. 
Edgecomb,  Asa  P.,  215. 
Edgecomb,  Mary  A.,  175. 
Edson  Isaac,  188. 
Edson,  Alonzo,  188. 
Edwards,  Prest.  Jonathan,  159i 
Eells,  Joshua,  127. 
Eldridge,  Charles,  244. 
Elliott,  John,  77. 


Elliott,  John  H.,  344. 

Ellis,  N.,  191. 

Elderkin,  Joseph,  85,  86,  87. 

Emerson,  Julia  A.,  252. 

Emmons,  E.  H.,  111. 

Erwin,  John,  187. 

Essex,  Hannah,  65. 

Essex,  Joseph,  65,  97. 

Esty,  Caroline,  262,  326. 

Ewing,  Frances,  232. 

Evernghim,  Joseph  D.,  246. 

Evernghim,  Margaret,  186,  246. 


F. 


Fane,  Diana,  22. 

Fane,  Earl  Mildmay,  22. 

Fanning,  Thomas,  183. 

Farmer,  Gertrude  L.,  186,  249. 

Farmer,  James,  109. 

Felton,  Melvin,  345. 

Ferris,  Mary,  150,  184. 

Ferry,  David,  156. 

Ferry,  Miles,  267. 

Fifield,  Josiah,  163. 

Fisk,  Achsah,  207,  282. 

Fisk,  Betsey,  187,  251. 

Fisk,  Rebecca,  219. 

Fisher,  Experience,  74. 

Fitch,  Betsey,  157,  201. 

Fitch,  Rev.  Jonas,  88. 

Fitch,  Nancy,  221. 

Fitch,  Capt.  Silas,  217,  297. 

Fletcher,  Andrew,  106. 

Floyd,  James,  139. 

Floyd,  John,  139. 

Foote,  Titus.  202. 

Foote,  Hannah,  71,  104. 

Forbes,  James,  267. 

Fosket,  ,  156. 


Foster,  Cynthia  Ann,  240. 
Foster,  Hannah,  127,  153. 
Foster,  Seth,  102. 
Fowler,  Mercy,  59,  85. 
Fowler,  Wm.  H,  293. 
Fowler,  Philip,  56,  57. 
Foye,  William,  112. 
Franklin,  Henry,  21. 
Franklin,  Joan,  21. 
Freeman,  Henry  B.,  345. 
Freeman,  Samuel,  187. 
French,  Cynthia,  171. 
French,  John,  133. 
French,  Keziah,  88,  133. 
French,  Lucy,  188. 
French,  William,  143. 
Frost,  Henry  D.,  236. 
Fry,  Francis,  17. 
Fuller,  A.  A.,  320. 
Fuller,  Aaron,  267. 
Fuller,  Anna,  69. 
Fuller,  Amy,  151,  189. 
Fuller,  Mark,  210. 
Fuller,  Ruth,  100,  140. 


Gager,  Elizabeth,  130,  155. 
Gager,  John,  221. 
Gager,  William,  155. 
Gallagher,  Mary  P.,  175,  243. 


G. 


Gallup,  Fanny,  168,  228. 

Gallup,  Capt.  Jacob,  166,  216,  217,  224, 

292. 
Gallup,  Jesse,  228. 


300 


INDEX. 


Gallup,  Prudence,  215,  292. 
Gallup,  Sarah,  217. 
Gardner,  U.  S.,  344. 
Gary,  S.,  155. 
Gates,  Olmstead,  102. 
Geer,  Betsey,  166,  214. 
Geer,  George,  58. 
Geer,  Joseph,  304. 
Geer,  Olivet,  1 66,  217. 
Geer,  Onra,  220. 

Gibbons,  ,  30. 

Gibbs,  Lois,  151,  187. 
Giddings,  Nathaniel,  116. 
Gilbert,  Mary  A.,  268,  331. 
Gilbert,  George,  171. 
Gilbert,  Mason,  171. 
Gilchrist,  Jerusha,  183. 
Gillett,  Jemima,  219. 
Gillman,  Clarissa,  190,  258. 
Giles,  Martha,  67,  99. 
Giles,  Thomas,  68,  99. 
Gilman,  Daniel  Coit,  181. 
Gilman,  William  C,  181. 
Gleason,  Dorothy,  238,  320. 
Glover,  Frederic  A.,  230. 
Goft;  Ada  B.,  210. 
Goffer,  John,  53. 
Goff,  Lionel  L.,  210. 


Goddard,  Martin  L.,  263,  331. 
Goodell,  Mary,  250,  323. 

Goodman,  Dean,  ,  15. 

Goodrich,  Chauncy.  208,  284. 

Goodrich,  Caleb  W,  278. 

Goodrich,  Eliza,  278. 

Goodwin,  Esther,  71. 

Goodwin,  John,  71. 

Goodwin,  Martha,  127,  152. 

Gore,  Asa  A.,  219,  220. 

Gore,  Anna,  219. 

Graham,  Sarah  M.,  279. 

Grant,  Anna,  144,  172. 

Grant,  Amos  Yerrington,  219,  220. 

Grant,  Betsey,  219. 

Grant,  Joseph,  219,  220. 

Grant,  Lucy,  219. 

Grant,  Matthew,  219. 

Grant,  Nathan,  219. 

Grant,  Polly,  219. 

Grant,  Gen"  Ulysses  S.,  219. 

Grant,  William,  219. 

Grave,  Robert,  15.  ' 

Green,  Jeremiah,  114. 

Grey,  Philip,  223. 

Griggs,  Rev.  Leverett,  334. 

Griggs,  Kate,  269,  334. 


H. 


Hall,  Betsev,  207,  281. 
Hall,  Hannah,  342. 
Hall,  Harriet  L.,  326. 
Hall,  Tristram,  152. 
Halle tt,  Hannah,  221. 
Hammond,  Josiah,  192. 
Hammond,  George  W.,  192. 
Hancock,  John,  111,  141. 
Hardenburg,  Mercy,  219. 
Harris,  Temperance,  146,  175,  243. 
Harvey,  Elizabeth,  210,  288. 
Hasbrouck,  Eli,  248.; 
Haughton,  Mercy,  83. 
Hasey,  Joseph,  140. 
Haskin,  Amos,  144. 
Havens,  Eldridge,  165,  212. 
Hazard,  Angeline  M.,  175,  242. 
Hazard,  William,  189. 
Headly,  John  T.,  305. 
Heath  William  L.,  230. 
Hedden,  Orlando,  175. 
Hemmingway,  Thomas,  156. 
Hempstead,  Mary,  145. 
Hempstead,  John,  146. 
Henshaw,  Andrew,  142. 
4  Henshaw,  Elizabeth,  112,  141,  142. 
Henshaw,   Joshua,  Jr.,   112,    114, 

143. 
Henshaw,   Joshua,  Sr.,  141. 


141, 


Henshaw,  Mary,  141. 
Henshaw,  Sarah,  141. 
Hibbins,  William,  33. 
Hicks,  George  A.,  205. 
Hicks,  Sir  Michael,  17. 
Hicks,  Eunice,  205. 
Hill,  Electa,  188,  256. 
Hiuman,  Horace,  269. 
Holyoke,  Jacob,  114. 
Ho(e)lmes,  Sarah,  122,  144. 
Hommedieu,  Giles  L.,  259. 
Hoge,  Capt.  Charles,  313. 
Hoge,  Laura  Hall,  313. 
Holland,  Dr.  J.  G.,  305. 
Hone,  Joanna,  177. 
Hopkins,  Emily  R.,  258. 
Hopkins,  Harriet,  198. 
Hopkins,  John,  102. 
Hopkins,  Peter,  342. 
Hopkins,  Rhoda,  197,  264. 
Hopkins,  Susan,  197. 
Horton,  Lydia,  144,  172. 
Houghton,  Jonathan,  208,  284. 
Hough,  Harriet  Tracy,  202,  26S. 
Hough,  Maria.  166. 
House,  Nathaniel,  88. 
Howard,  Clarissa,  238,  319. 
Howard,  Celestia,  319. 
Howard,  Mary,  211,  290. 


INDEX. 


361 


Howard, 


287. 


Howard,  Nathan,  239. 
Howard,  Wiethrop,  209,  286. 
Howard,  Joseph  T.,  209,  286. 
Howard,  Charles,  209. 
Howard,  William,  39. 
Howland,  B.  A.,  298. 
Howland,  Mary  E.,  218,  298. 
Howland.  Lydia.  149.  176. 
Howland,  G.  G.,  176. 
Howland,  S.  S.,  176. 
Howland,  William  L.,  176. 
Howland,  Joseph,  150,  176. 
Hubhard,  Elisha,  211. 
Hubbard,  Pamelia,  204,  270. 
Hubbard,  Hezekiah,  158. 
Huntington,  Gen.  Jedediah,  144. 
Huntington,  Lydia.  126,  146. 
Huntington,  Capt.  Joshua,  146,  147, 148. 
Huntington,  Hannah,  146. 
Huntington,  Jabez.,  146,  148,  179. 
Huntington,  George,  207. 


Huntington,  Benjamin,  147. 
Hunt,  Milo,  345. 
Hunt,  Eliab,  250. 
Hunter,  Francis  S.,  234. 
Hurst,  Hindreth,  97. 
Hurst,  Mehitable,  97. 
Hurst,  Hannah,  59. 
Hurst,  Mary,  65,  71,  97,  104. 
Hurst,  Henry,  65,  97. 
Hutchinson,  Thomas,  106. 
Hutchinson,  Elisha,  62. 
Hutchinson,  Edward,  33,  36,  106. 
Hutchinson,  William,  28. 
Hutchins,  Fanny  Louise,  170. 
Hurlburt,  Peter  L.,  174. 
Huckins,  Chester  M.,  210. 
Hughes,  John  G,  215,  291. 
Hyde,  Emeline,  218,  299. 
Hyde  Lauretta,  218,  299. 
Hyde,  Grace,  140. 
Hyde,  Gersham,  140. 
Hyde,  Simeon  T.,  344. 


I. 


Ingalls,  Bernard,  30. 
Ingalls,  Rebecca.  103. 
Ingham,  Betsey,  262,  326. 
Ingham,  Joseph,  1 62. 
Ingham,  Henry,  72. 
Ingham,  Sarah,  71. 


Ingham,  North,  65,  98. 
Ingham,  Hannah,  160. 
Ingraham,  Patience,  84,  129. 
Ingraham,  Solomon,  149. 
Ireland,  William,  44. 


J. 


Jackson,  Deborah,  56. 

Jackson,  Edmund,  33. 

Jackson,  Sarah,   161,  203. 

Jarvis,  Abigail,  69. 

Jarvis,  James,  77. 

Jenkins,  Sarah,  69. 

Jenner,  Elizabeth,  69. 

Jenness,  Mary  Ann,  208,  282. 

Jewell,  M.  A.,  206,  280. 

Jewett,  David,  1 18. 

Johnson,  Abbott,  207. 

Johnson,  Abigail,  207. 

Johnson,  Pres't  Andrew,  274,  289. 


Johnson.  Amanda,  231,  314. 
Johnson,  H.  C.  273. 
Johnson,  Nathaniel,  161. 
Johnson,  Obadiah,  152. 

Johnson,  Captain,  ,  33. 

Johnson,  Susan,  161,  203. 
Johnson,  Stebbins,  190. 
Johnson,  Susan  Eliza,  204,  273. 
Johnson,  Susan,  172,  141. 
Johnson,  William,  62,  64. 
Jones,  David  Floyd,  245. 
Jones,  J.  Eugene,  277. 
Jones,  William  Alfred,  18,  180,  244. 


K. 


Kagwin,  Thomas,  144. 
Kellogg,  Sarah,  156,  200. 
Kendall,  Thomas,  69. 
Kendall,  Mason  S.,  262,  327. 
Kenney,  Abigail,  169. 
Kenney,  Moses,  169. 
Kent,  Ahnena,  172. 
Kent,  John,  44,  60. 
Keyes,  Helen  E.,  196. 
24 


Keves,  David,  250. 

Keyes,  Susan  B.,  262,  327. 

Kilbourn,  Captain  Ebenezer,  154,  191. 

Kilcup,  Mary,  71,  103. 

Kimball,  Louisa,  171,  240. 

Kine,  Jane,  89. 

King,  Henry,  247. 

King,  Mary,  150.  183. 

King,  Rev.  Walter,  149. 


362 


INDEX. 


King,  Preston,  272. 
Kingsley,  Prof.  James  L.,  181. 
Kitto,  Rev.  Doctor,  19,  302. 
Knight,  Susan  P.,  263,  330. 


Knight,  Richard, 
Knox,  General, 


64. 


179. 

Knowles,  Daniel,  144. 
Kuhn,  Anna  L.,  235.  316. 


L. 


Lambert,  David,  88. 
Lanman,  James,  179. 
Laniers,  Col.  Lemuel,  325. 
La  Noir,  Fannie,  345. 
Lathrop,  Chauncy,  200. 
Lathrop,  Hannah,  149,  182. 

Lathrop,  Dr. ,  162. 

Latham,  0.  A.,  218,  299. 
Latham,  Amos  L.,  220. 
Lathrop,  Thomas,  150,  182. 
Lathrop,  N.,  130. 
Ledyard,  John,  83,  136. 
Ledyard.  Col.  William,  58,  224. 
Leeds,  Mary,  344. 
Leffingwell^  Lucy,  219. 
Leffingwell,  Daniel,  116. 
Leffingwell,  Rhoda,  143. 
Leffingwell,  Caleb,  119. 
Leffingwell,  Samuel,  119. 

Leffingwell, ,  83. 

Leffingwell,  Sarah,  82. 

Lester,  Andrew,  78. 

Lester,  Elizabeth,  59,  78. 

Lester,  Hannah,  82. 

Lester,    Samuel,   79,   83,   92,    119,   121, 

122,  344. 
Lewis,  James  S.,  242. 
Lewis,  Horace,  242. 
Leverett,  Thomas,  28. 


Lincoln,  Abijah,  1.55. 

Lincoln,  Apollos,  187,  256. 

Lincoln,  Prest.  Abraham,  274. 

Lincoln,  Charles  S.,  319. 

Lincoln,  Edward  M.,  318. 

Lincoln,  Calvin,  256. 

Lincoln,  Arethusa,  256. 

Lincoln,  Clarissa,  256. 

Little,  Jonathan,  179. 

Litten,  John,  109. 

Livingstone,  Camilla,  186,  249. 

Locke,  Susan,  154,  192. 

Logan,  Elizabeth,  213,  291. 

Logan,  John  A.,  291. 

Logan,  Gen.  John  A.,  291,  339. 

Loomis,  Judge  D wight,  269,  334. 

Loomis,  Elam,  269. 

Loomis,  Mary,  269. 

Lord,  Ann  S.,  215,  295. 

Lord,  Robert,  57. 

Lord,  Richard,  58. 

Lord,  Jarvis  Porter,  206,  279. 

Lowndes,  "Win.  Thomas,  20. 

Ludkin,  William,  33. 

Luther,  Moses,  188. 

Lynde,  Joseph,  53. 

Lynn,  Maria,  218. 

Lyons,  Isabella,  156,  198. 


M. 


Mack,  Lydia,  155. 

Main,  Lucy  A.,  218,  298. 

Main,  William  B.,  171. 

Mamentang  Robert,  74. 

Marsh,  Dorothy,  136,  162,  207. 

Marsh,  Joseph,  84. 

Marsh,  Joseph,  84,  162,  207. 

Marsh,  John  P.,  85. 

Marsh,  P.,  134. 

Marston.  James,  342. 

Martyn,  F.,  53. 

Mason,  Anne,  47. 

Mason,  Capt.  John,  85,  86,  88. 

Mason,  Ralph,  46,  47. 

Mason,  Dorothy,  84. 

Mason,  Maj.  John,  84,  88. 

Mather,  Rev.  Cotton,  40,  69. 

Mather,  Rev.  Increase,  45,  64,  68. 

Mathewson,  A.  P.,  171. 

Matthews,  Thomas,  1 9. 

Maynard^Pamela,  238,  320. 


Mears.  Robert,  2S,  29. 
McDougal,  Rev.  Allen  R„  198. 
McHenry,  Thomas,  199. 
McPherson,  Gen.  J.  B.,  339. 
McClellan,  Gen.  George  B.,  338. 
Menvin,  James,  201. 
Meredith,  Louisa,  177. 
Meech,  Mary  Park,  221. 
Meriott,  George.  74. 
Mellen,  Thomas,  77. 
Merwin,  James,  201. 
Messenger,  Cyrus,  172,  241. 
Miller,  Harvee,  264. 
Miller,  Eleanor  A.,  230,  313. 
Miller,  Truman,  193,  262. 
Miller,  Amasa,  193,  263. 
Miller,  Eliza,  160. 
Milner,  Amanda,  210,  287. 
Miner.  Abigail,  138,  167. 
Mills,  Sarah,  127,  152. 
Millikeu,  Sophia,  144,^173. 


INDEX. 


363 


Mills,  Jane  H.,  235,  269. 
Mills,  Charles  H.,  234. 
Miles,  Captain  John,  343. 
Milton,  John,  19. 

Miner, ,  221. 

Miner,  Eunice  G.,  227,  308. 
Minot,  Mehitable,  76,  109. 
Minot,  Mary,  109. 
Minot,  Stephen,  109. 
Minott,  James,  77. 


Mix,  Daniel,  150. 
Mitchell,  Rhoda  S.,  204,  271?. 
Morgan,  John,  91,  92. 
Morgan,  H.  P.,  205. 
Morris,  Mary,  231,  314. 
Moore,  Mary  Ann,  220. 
Moss,  Wealthy  M.,  197,  264. 
Mountford,  Anne,  20. 
Mountford,  Thomas,  20. 


N. 


Neal,  Angeline  N.,  236. 
Nelson,  Merinda,  208,  285. 
Negus,  Jonathan,  46. 
Negus,  Thomas,  46. 
Negus,  Benjamin,  33,  34. 
Newcomb,  Hezekiah,  128,  153. 
Newcomb,  John,  132,  135, 138. 
Newton,  Samuel,  166. 
Nevens,  David,  Jr.,  150. 
Newport,  William,  125. 
Niles,  Allen,  255. 
Niles,  Nathan,  255. 


Nichols,  Rev.  Ami,  186. 
Nichols,  David,  45. 
Nichols,  Elizabeth  S.,  45. 
Nichols,  Tabitha,  169,  238. 
Nicholson,  Laura,  172. 
Norcross,  Philip,  140. 
Norcross,  Sarah,  140. 
Norton,  Rev.  John,  159. 
Norton,  Asenath,  135,  159. 
Noyes,  Oliver,  75. 
Nutting,  John,  68. 
Nye,  Nathan,  191. 


0. 


Oliver,  Andrew,  111. 
Oliver,  John,  33. 
Oliver,  Thomas,  28. 


Osgood,  James,  282. 
Owen,  Esther,  127,  154. 


Packer,  Asa,  145. 
Packer,  Bethia,  83,  115. 
Packer,  John,  115. 
Packer,  James,  145. 
Packer.  Samuel,  91. 
Paddock,  Lucy,  152. 
Page,  Matthew,  15. 
Paine,  John,  34,  35,  66. 
Palmer,  Rev.  S.,  16. 
Palmer,  Maria  P.,  197. 
Parmenter,  Harriet  E.,  254. 
Park,  Anna,  219. 
Park,  Content,  138,  166. 
Park,  Jonathan,  219. 
Parker,  Harriet  N.,  227,  309. 
Payne,  William,  106,  107. 
Peck,  Louisa  M.,  215.  294. 
Peck,  Timothy,  294.  ' 
Peet,  Henrietta  F.,  198. 
Pelton,  John,  93. 
Pearsall,  Betsey,  171. 
Pepper,  Rebecca,  71,  103. 
Pear  way,  James,  77. 
Perkins,  Luke,  121. 


Perkins,  Capt.  Erastus,  181. 

Perking,  George  L.,  182. 

Perrit,  Pelatiah,  181. 

Phillips,  Eleazer,  74,  76. 

Phillips,  Betsey,  220. 

Phillips  Eliza  J.,  230,  313. 

Phelps  Anna,  130,  155. 

Phillips,  Stanton,  313. 

Pickering,  William,  20. 

Pitcher,  Mary  B.,  215. 

Pitt,  Henry,  144. 

Pitkin,  Rhoda,  162,  207,  208. 

Pitkin,  Col.   Thomas  White,    162,   207, 

208. 
Pitkin,  Julian  H.,  259. 
Porter,  Dr.  Alanson,  257. 
Porter,  Lucy  Edward,  257. 
Porter,  Clarinda,  162,  206. 
Pope,  Gen.  John  A.,  333. 
Post,  Charles  A.,  268. 
Potts,  Joanna,  59,  88. 
Potts,  William,  88,  136. 
Power,  Susan  S.,  213. 
Preston,  Martin  S.,  252. 


364 


INDEX 


Pratt,  Kezia,  134. 
Pratt,  David,  135. 
Pratt,  Lvdia,  143,  171. 
Pratt  James  H.,  206,  278. 


Prior,  Abigail,  103. 
Price,  Thomas,  109. 
Putnam,  George,  204. 


R. 


Randall,  J.,  191. 
Rand,  Mary,  130,  155. 
Ransom,  Semantha,  201,  267. 
Ray,  Albert,  221. 
Ray,  Hannah,  235,  315. 
Rawson,  Edward,  33. 
Reading,  Thomas,  192. 
Remington,  Ira,  196. 
Reed,  Archer,  201. 
Reynolds,  W.  H.,  255. 
Reynolds,  Robert,  43. 
Reynolds,  Nathaniel,  46. 
Reynolds,  Chester,  256. 
Richardson,  Ruth,  162,  209. 
Richardson,  Ephraim,  257. 
Richards,  George,  125. 
Richards,  Guy,  125. 
Richards,  Nathaniel,  125. 
Richards,  John,  44. 
Richardson,  Malvina,  318. 
Richard,  William  S.,  344. 
Richardson,  Nancy,  189,  257. 
Richmond,  Frances  M.,  218,  299. 
Ripley,  Dwight,  179. 


Ripley,  George  B..  1 83. 
Rist  Hannah,  59,  85. 
Riorden,  John,  105. 
Robinson,  Celia  L.,  252. 
Robinson,  Louis  A.,  206,  281. 

Robeson, ,  229. 

Rockwell,  Charles,  179. 
Rockwell,  Samuel,  156. 
Roosevelt,  James,  177. 
Root,  Rachel,  154,  192. 
Rogers,  Fanny,  152,  190. 
Rogers.  Rev.  John,  19. 

Rose,  ,  221. 

Ross,  Olive,  187,  251. 
Rouse,  Joseph,  70,  102. 
Rouse,  William,  70,  71,  102. 
Rowell,  Joshua  C.  209,  287. 
Rowell,  Rev.  M.,  311,  312. 
Rowe,  John,  154,  191. 
Rush,  Job,  196. 
Russell,  I.,  247. 
Russell,  Robert  M.,  247. 
Russell,  Martha,  282. 
Ryerson,  Vesta,  170. 


S- 


Salter,  William,  52. 
Salter,  John,  52. 
Saltonstall,  Rev.  Gurdon,  84. 

Saltonstall,  Col. ,  145. 

Safford,  Morgan,  221. 
Sampson,  A.,  191. 
Samwell,  Francis,  16. 
Samwell,  Sir  William,  16. 
Sanborn,  Amos,  163,  210. 
Sargent,  Winslow,  238. 
Sargent,  William,  45. 
Sargent,  Sarah,  45. 
Saunders,  Samuel,  65,  97. 
Saunders,  Rebecca,  65. 
Savasre, .  26. 


Scarlett,  Samuel,  34,  52. 
Scott,  Nancy,  158,  202. 
Seabury,  Rev.  Samuel,  180,  244. 
Seabury,  John,  90. 
Searle,  Susan  A.,  319.     . 
Seeley,  Frank  L.,  260. 
Selby,  Thomas,  65,  96. 
Sewell,  Samuel,  61,  113. 
Sewall,  Hannah,  61. 
Seward,  Hon.  William  H.,  274. 


Sergeant,  John,  139. 
Shaplev,  Sarah,  76, 105 
Shapley,  John,  105. 
Shelby,  John  H.,  219 
Sherman,  Lieut.  Gen. 
Sherman,  Hon.  John, 
Sherman,  Judge  - 


W.  T.,  275,  289. 
272,  275. 
275. 


Sherwin,  Ferdinand,  285. 

Shepard,  Jeremiah,  69. 

Shurtlift*,  Asaph,  207. 

Shurtliff,  Dr.  Nathaniel  B.,  49,  74,  106. 

Shriving,  Edward,  64. 

Shroud,  Elizabeth,  137. 

Sibley,  Elisha,  144. 

Sidney,  Sir  Philip,  17. 

Sims,  Mary  N.,  344. 

Simmons,  Emanuel,  138. 

Simmons, ,  127. 

Sizer,  Sarah,  127,  151. 
Skinner,  Sir  Vincent,  17. 
Skinner,  Eleazer,  160. 
Skinner,  Martha,  135,  160. 
Skinner,  Rev.  Edward  S.,  266. 
Skipworth,  Sir  Henry,  16. 
Sleigh,  Mary,  77. 


INDEX. 


365 


Smith,  Anna,  342. 
Smith,  Ann,  77,  88. 
Smith,  Mary,  43. 
Smith,  Alemertia,  267. 
Smith,  Prof.  Elflridge,  307. 
Smith,  Jeremiah,  60. 
Smith,  Anna,  76. 
Smith,  Thomas,  71,  104. 
Smith,  Nehemiah,  92. 
Smith,  Joshua,  145. 
Smith,  Letitia  H.,  180,  243. 
Smith,  John,  44,  60. 
Smith,  Sir  Thomas,  16,  17. 
Smith,  Susan,  143,  171. 
Smith,  Samuel,  163,  210. 
Smith,  Zenas.  163. 
Snow,  Joseph,  187,  256. 
Snow,  Harriet  W.,  268,  333. 
Sowther,  Nathaniel,  33. 
Spink,  William,  138. 
Spicer,  Capt.  John,  224,  232. 
Standish,  Amos  A.,  221. 
Stark,  Betsey,  166,  218. 
Starr,  Anna,  152,  190. 
Starkweather,  Eunice,  220. 


Starr,  Joseph,  82. 
Staples,  Robert,  75. 
Stearns,  William,  254. 
Stewart,  William,  342. 
Stiles,  Shubael,  344.  5 
Stoder,  Ralph,  92. 
Stocking,  John,  249. 
Story,  William,  114. 

Story,  Dr. ,  162. 

Strong,  D wight  S.,  209,  286. 
Streeter,  Josiah,  196. 
Sturtevant,  Edward  E.,  191. 
Sturtevant,  Elias,  193. 
Street.  Nicholas,  92. 
St.  John,  p:dwin,  227. 
St.  John,  Urban,  227. 
St.  John,  Elizabeth,  227. 
Sutton,  Sarah  Ann,  243,  321. 
Swodel,  Mary,  84,  127. 
Swodel,  William,  89,  127. 
Swodel,  Hannah,  59,  89,  127. 
Sylvester,  Esther  Alice,  226,  300. 
Sylvester,  Lydia,  78,  301. 
Sylvester,  Levi  P.,  301. 


Taiuton,  Eunice,  161,  204-5. 
Turner,  Roswell,  217. 
Talmadge,  Josiah,  201. 
Tallraadge,  George  M„  230. 

Tarbox,  ,  221. 

Taylor,  Rev.  Alfred  H.,  227,  308. 
Taylor,  Lorain,  227. 
Taylor,  Levi,  227. 
Taylor,  Samuel  Bill,  227. 
Taylor,  Samuel,  168,  226,  231. 
Taylor,  Mary,  190,  260. 
Taylor,  Gurdon  Bill,  231,  314. 
Taylor,  Henry,  231. 
Taylor,  James  H.,  231. 
Taylor,  Mary  E.,  231. 
Taylor,  Julius,  232. 
Taylor,  Mary  Ann,  227,  309. 
Taylor,  Rodman,  227. 
Tenny,  John,  65,  97. 
Teuny,  Lucretia,  263,  329. 
Tefft,  Rowland.  258. 
Tewksbury,  John,  102,  138,  139. 
Thomas,  Evan,  20,  31,  32,  33. 
Thatcher,  Rev.  Peter,  104. 
Thaxter,  Samuel,  106,  107. 
Thompson,  Captain ,  192. 


Thompson,  Betsey,  343. 
Throop,  Captain  John,  343. 
Thomas,  S.,  135. 
Thomas,  Mary,  343. 
Tilman,  Mary,  126,  151. 
Ticknor,  Harriet  R.,  268,  333. 
Tindall,  William,  14. 
Tolman,  Samuel,  99. 

Tracy,  ,  306. 

Tracy,  Betsy  B.,  150,  178. 
Tracy,  Simon,  116. 
Tracy,  Daniel,  87. 
Trumbull,  Jonathan,  158. 
Treadway,  Mary  A.,  344. 
Trowbridge,  Betsey,  186,  250. 
Truxton,  Com.  William,  179. 
Turner,  Allyn,  165,  212. 
Turrell,  L  ,  171. 
Turrell,  Daniel,  40,  46,  47.    ' 
Tuttle,  Richard,  26,  27,  28,  55,  93. 
Tuttle,  Rev.  Timothy,  93. 
Tuttle,  Samuel,  99. 
Twining,  Anna,  391. 
Twining,  Joanna,  341. 
Tyng,  PMward,  31. 
Tyng,  William,  34. 


u. 


Udall,  Hannah,  162,  207. 


36G 


INDEX. 


V. 


Vallentine,  John,  75. 
Vassall,  John,  114. 
Vassall,  Lewis,  114. 


Vinton,  Rev.  John  A.,  6,"34,  44,  59,  68 
Vaughn,  Robt.  Chambers,  6. 


w. 


Waggoner,  Clark,  274. 

Waite,  Mary.  67,  99. 

Waite,  Thomas,  68,  101. 

Wakefield,  Deliverance,  44,  70. 

Wakefield,  John,   33. 

Walker,  Cynthia,  342. 

Walker,  John  0.,  333. 

Wallen,  Elinor  Randolph,  244,  322. 

Walworth,  Hon.  Reuben  H.,  137. 

Waldron,  Hannah,  211,  290. 

Ward,   Andrew   Henshaw,    4,  47,  100 

108,  110,  111,  142. 
Warren,  John,  170. 
Warham,  Charles,  99. 
Washington,  Gen.  George,  179,  215. 

Washington,  Col. ,  215. 

Warren,  Sarah,  69. 

Warren,  Mary,  49,  71,  103. 

Warren,  Elizabeth.  69. 

Washburn,  Mrs.  Miles,  4,  111,  142. 

Waterman,  Judith.  75,  137. 

Watts,  Elizabeth,  140,  168. 

Watts,  John,  168,  169. 

Watts,  Richard,  168. 

Watts,  Sarah,  168. 

Way,  Aaron,  44. 

Webb,  John,  30. 

Webb,  Joseph,  64. 

Webster,  Daniel,  161. 

Webster,  James,  141. 

Webster,  Marv,  141. 

Wells,  John  Howell.  136. 

Welstead,  Elizabeth,  (?)  54,  72. 

Welstead.  William,  75. 

West,  Ada  M.,  313. 

West,  Dr.  Charles,  313. 

Wheelock,  Rev.  Eleazer,  132,  133,  162. 

Wheelock.  Obadiah,  201. 

Wheeler,  Thomas,  46. 

Wheeler,  Martha,  125,  145. 

Wheeler,  John,  145. 

White,  Eunice,  191. 

White.  Warren,  209,  286. 

White,  William,  56. 

White,  Daniel  H.,  344. 

Whitney,  Piatt,  200. 

Whitteredge,  Phebe,   102. 

Whitteredge,  Susan,  68,  102. 

Whitteredge,  Richard,  102. 

Williams,  Betsey,  134. 


Williams,  Amos.  166,  216. 

Williams,  Dudley,  1 89. 

Williams,  Isaiah,  135. 

Williams,  Phebe,  202,  268. 

Williams,  Elias  L.,  206,  280. 

Williams,  Charles  S.,  220. 

Williams,  Anna,  268,  333. 

Williams,  Stephen  Harding,  133. 

Wills,  John,  83. 

Wilmot,  Judge  David,  219. 

Wilmot,  Randall.  219  j 

Willis,  Abigail.  45. 

Willis,  Michael,  45  •'" 

Willis.  Mildred,  45    J 

Winthrop,  Adam,  107. 

Winthrop,  Dean,  36,  40,  42,  43,  44. 

Winthrop.  Gov.  John,  Sr.,  51. 

Winthrop,  Gov.  John,  Jr.,  3,  57,  58,   59, 

66,  81,  90. 
Winthrop,  Mary.  66. 
Winthrop,  Hon.  Robert  C,  66. 
Winthrop.  WTait  Still,  66. 
Wilson,  Perley,  186. 
Wiggleswonh,  Rev.  Michael,  68,  69. 
Witter,  Ezra,  219. 
Wight,  Rev.  John,  214. 
Wood,  John,  106. 
Wrood,  Ellen,  209. 
Wood,  Ora,  208. 
Wood.  Seth,  140. 
Woodhull,  Ezra  C.  178. 
Woodhull'  Hannah,  163,  207. 
Woodward,  Emory,  267. 
Woodward,  Lydia,  126,  151. 
Wroodward,  Samuel,  262,  329. 
Woodward,  Caleb,  221. 
Woodward,  Caleb  Nelson,  221. 
Woodward,  Joseph  M.,  221.' 
Woodward,  Gideon  P.,  221. 
Woodward,  Sarah  A.,  221. 
Wood  worth,  Asa,  121. 
Woodworth,  Mehitable,  95,  137. 
Woodworth,  Lois  S.,  171,  239. 
Woodruff,  James,  134. 
Woodruff,  Susana,  134. 
Worden,  Samuel,  68,  101. 
Worcester,  Marv  J.,  209,  288. 
Wright,  Gen.  Daniel,  154,  193. 
Wright,  Daniel,  220. 
Wright,  Patience,  193. 


INDEX. 


367 


Wright,  William  A.,  173. 
Wright,  Zilpah,  191. 
Wright,  Silas,  272. 


Wright,  S.  A.,  263. 
Wyman,  Darius,  267. 
Wyman,  T.  B.,  Jr.,  6,  41,  53. 


Y. 


Yeomans,  Aaron,  257. 
Yerrington,  Lucy,  168,  219,  222. 
Yerrington,  Lucy,  220. 
Yerrington,  Joseph,  219. 
Yerrington,  Amos,  219. 
Yerrington,  Polly,  219. 
Yerrington,  Anna,  220. 
Yerrington,  Betsey,  220. 
Yerrington,  Ezekiel,  220. 
Yerrington,  Ruth,  220. 
Yerrington,  Sally,  221. 
Yerrington,  Joseph  A.,  221. 


Yerrington,  Mary  Emeline,  221. 
Yerrington,  Luther  S.,  221. 
Yerrington,  Lucretia,  221. 
Yerrington,  Lucy  Ann,  221. 
Yerrington,  Charles  Alonzo,  222. 
Yerrington,  Stephen  Noyes,  222. 
Yerrington,  Ezra  Milton,  222. 
Yerrington,  Henry  Warren,  222. 
Yerrington,  Sarah  B.,  222. 
Yerrington,  Noyes,  222. 
Youngs,  Susan,  219. 


ERR  A.T^. 

A  t  should  appear  between  the  consecutive  numbers  and  the  following 
names  on  page  59,  viz. :  Philip,  Samuel,  John,  and  Joshua. 

On  page  65,  third  line  from  bottom,  in  place  of  Bood  read  Boad. 

On  page  68,  index  number  11  should  appear  in  center  of  page,  just 
above  the  family  of  Sarah  Bill. 

P.  74,  in  place  of  Robert  Momentong,  read  Robert  Mamentaug. 

Figures  denoting  the  generation  are  wanting  at  the  end,  and  just 
above  the  names  of  each  of  the  children,  on  page  88. 

The  name  of  Hurst,  in  parenthesis,  should  follow  the  two  children  of 
Mehitable,  on  page  97. 

A  t  should  appear  before  the  names  of  Jonathan  and  Charles,  on 
page  100. 

In  place  of  the  index  number  75,  on  page  109,  should  be  73. 

Beginning  of  8th  line  from  top  of  page  110,  in  place  of  rom  read  from. 

P.  136,  11th  line  from  top,  in  place  of  (Dorothy)  Mason,  read  Marsh. 

P.  136  a  t  should  appear  in  front  of  Jonathan,  2d  line  from  bottom. 

P.  146,  about  the  center,  in  place  of  Huntingdon  read  Huntington. 

P.  148,  12th  line  from  bottom,  in  place  of  Hunt  read  Huntington. 

P.  151,  14th  line  from  bottom,  in  place  of  Sarah  Lizer,  read  Sarah 
Sizer. 

P.  156,  near  the  center,  in  place  of  (James)  Calkins,  read  Caulkins. 

P.  160,  7th  line  from  top,  for  1805,  read  1804. 

On  page  177,  second  line  from  bottom,  in  place  of  Howe,  read  Hone. 

P.  180,  9th  line  from  top,  for  Caroline  Day,  read  Caroline  Dey. 

On  page  191,  center  of  page,  there  should  be  no  t  before  Jehiel. 

P.  207,  trth  line  from  top,  in  place  of  Betsey  Hill,  read  Betsey  Hall. 

P.  215,  12th  line  from  top,  for  Ann  L.  Lord,  read  Ann  S.   Lord. 

P.  219,  12th  line  from  bottom,  in  place  of  Mattlie  (Grant),  read  Matthew. 

On  page  226,  near  the  center,  instead  of  Alice,  read  Amanda. 

On  page  234,  the  name  Harrow  should  appear  in  parenthesis  imme- 
diately after  the  name  of  Lucy. 

On  page  235,  third  line  from  bottom,  in  place  of  1  SSI  read  1831. 

P.  268,  in  place  of  Harriet  P.  Fisher,  read  Harriet  R.  Ticknor. 

On  page  186,  near  the  top,  and  246,  near  the  center,  instead  of  Mar- 
garet Everinghim,  readMargaret  Evernghim. 

It  is  desirable  that  the  read  er  should  mark  the  above  corrections  on 
the  pages  designated,  that  they  may  not  lead  any  one  astray. 


W