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Full text of "Memoirs of the Wilkinson family in America : comprising genealogical and biographical sketches of Lawrance Wilkinson of Providence, R.I., Edward Wilkinson of New Milford, Conn., John Wilkinson of Attleborough, Mass., Daniel Wilkinson of Columbia Co., N.Y. ... and their descendants from 1645-1868"

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0^  M.  l: 

929.2 
W659W 
1134362 


GENEALOGY  COL-LECTION 


ALLEN  COUNTY  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


3  1833  01398  6242 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2009  with  funding  from 

Allen  County  Public  Library  Genealogy  Center 


http://www.archive.org/details/memoirsofwilkinsOOwilk 


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COMPRISING  GENEALOGICAL  AND   BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCHES  OF 

LAWRANCE  WILKINSON  OF  PROVIDENCE,  R.  I., 

EDWARD  WILKINSON  OF  NEW  MILFORD,  CONN., 

JOHN  WILKINSON  OF  ATTLEBOROUGH,  MASS., 

DANIEL  WILKINSON  OF  COLUMBIA  CO.,  N.  Y., 
Sec,  Sec,  Sec, 

AND  THEIR   DESCENDANTS   FROM 

i6i.5— ises. 


BY  REV.  ISRAEL  WILKINSON,  A.  M. 


"Like  leaves  on   trees  the  life  of  man  is  found. 
Now  green  in  youth,  now  withering  on  the  ground  ; 
Another  race  the  following  spring  supplies, 
Thev  fall  successive,  and  successive  rise  ; 
So  generations  in  their  course  decay; 
So  flourish  these,  when  those  have  passed  away." 


QrcL 


"  People  will  not  look  forward  to  posterity  who  never  look  backward  to  their  ancestry." 

Burke. 


JACKSONVILLE,  ILL.  : 

DAVIS  &    PENNIMAN,   PRINTERS, 

1869. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1869,  by 

ISRAEL     WILKINSON, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern  District  of  Illinois. 


1134362 
PREFACE. 


BOUT  two  hundred  and  twenty  years  ago  Lawrance 
Wilkinson  landed  upon  the  shores  of  New  England.  At 
that  time  America  was  a  howling  wilderness  with  only  a  few 
openings  made  by  European  settlers.  Dense  forests  filled  the 
valleys  and  crowned  every  hill  top,  and  the  wild  beasts  and  the 
wilder  savages  were  the  sole  occupants  of  this  wide  extended 
country. 

To  leave  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  the  Old  World  and  take 
up  an  abode  in  the  New,  under  these  circumstances  required  a 
degree  of  moral  courage  and  self-denial  which  only  a  few  possessed  ; 
and  had  not  the  providence  of  God  brought  to  bear  the  sweets  of 
social,  civil  and  religious  liberty,  the  now  fertile  and  smiling  fields 
of  the  United  States  would  still  have  remained  the  uncleared 
hunting  grounds  of  the  Indians. 

But  Liberty — "  Sound  delightful  to  every  human  ear,"  — 
rendered  more  dear  and  desirable  by  the  iron  heel  of  oppression 
— opened  the  gates  of  the  great  sea,  and  forced  a  passage  over 
the  mountain  wave.  Hither  came  our  ancestor,  and,  at  the  close 
of  the  first  decade  of  Roger  William's  planting  at  "Mooshaussick" 
at  the  head  of  Narrangansett  Bay,  received  with  others  from  the 
hands  of  this  founder  of  the  only  soul-liberty  colony  the  world 
ever  knew,  a  quarter  right  grant  of  twenty-five  acres,  where  he 
pitched  his  tent  and  settled  for  life. 


ii  PREFACE. 

The  commotions  in  his  native  land,  the  civil  strife  between 
King  and  Parliament  which  had  borne  him  upon  its  lofty  billows 
and  plunged  him  in  its  lowest  depths  and  bereft  him  of  fortune,  of 
King,  of  home,  and  all  the  tender  associations  that  cluster  around 
the  old  hearth  stone — drove  him  from  his  father-land  to  seek  a 
home  in  the  the  wilds  of  New  England. 

To  trace  his  descendants  through  all  the  various  branches  down 
the  stream  of  time  to  their  present  homes  is  the  object  of  this 
work.  It  has  been  a  labor  of  years.  With  the  opening  and 
peopling  of  this  country  we  find  them  scattered  abroad  from  Maine 
to  Georgia  along  the  Atlantic  coast — from  Oregon  to  California 
along  the  far  off  Pacific — from  St.  Paul  to  New  Orleans  along 
the  winding  Mississippi,  and  from  the  Metropolis  of  our  nation 
to  the  pioneer  settlements  of  the  remotest  West.  Some  are  sailors 
and  dwell  upon  the  ocean  wave,  others  inhabit  the  islands  of  the 
sea,  and  in  every  mart  of  commerce  the  Wilkinson  family  finds 
its  representative.  In  Boston,  Providence,  Hartford,  New  York, 
Albany,  Buffalo,  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  Washington,  St.  Louis, 
St.  Paul,  Chicago,  New  Orleans,  London,  Paris,  Rome,  and  Sidney 
in  Australia  they  be  found.  They  pass  each  other  as  strangers 
on  the  great  thoroughfares  and  in  the  crowded  streets  and  the  ties 
of  consanguinity  are  not  known. 

This  book  will  unfold  to  them  their  origin  in  America,  and  will 
introduce  to  their  acquaintance  a  host  of  relatives  hitherto  unknown. 
Should  it  meet  the  approbation  of  the  families  herein  registered 
the  author  will  feel  compensated ;  for  it  has  been  a  labor  of  love 
— occupying  the  time  he  was  laid  aside  by  disease  of  the  throat 
from  the  arduous  duties  of  the  pulpit.  The  work  is  not  designed 
for  public,  but  private  circulation.  A  record  of  our  own  people 
— their  acts  and  reminiscenses — a  family  record; — it  comes  a 
souvenir  to  those  who  welcome  it — and  while  it  rescues  from 
oblivion  the  names  and  deeds  of  our  ancestors,  and  preserves  their 
memories  ever  green  in  the  hearts  of  the  succeeding  generations 
of  the  great  family,  may  it  prove  an  incentive  to  the  youth  of  the 


PREFACE.  iii 

coming  generations  to  do  nothing  to  tarnish  the  fair  fame  of  their 
worthy  sires — 

"  Lives  of  gmd  men  all  remind  us 

We  mav  make  our  lives  sublime, 
And  departing  leave  behind  us 

Footprints  on  the  sands  Oi   time — 
Footprints  that  perhaps  another 

Sailing  o'er  life's  solemn  main, 
A  forlorn  and  shipwrecked  brother, 

Seeing,  shall  take  heart  again." 

Patriotism  is  a  prominent  trait  of  the  family.  They  have 
been  in  every  strife  for  the  national  existence  from  the  earliest 
days  to  the  present  time.  In  King  Phillip's  War,  1675 — in  the 
French  and  Indian  War,  1755 — in  the  War  of  18 12 — and  in 
the  Great  Rebellion  of  1861- — they  shouldered  the  musket,  or 
girded  on  the  sword  and  fought  for  freedom,  independence,  and 
for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  This  roll  of  honor  it  has 
been  our  design  to  preserve,  and  also,  to  give  place  to  the  religious 
element.  In  the  early  days  of  the  Colony  it  was  more  prominent 
than  in  modern  times,  but  it  is  far  from  being  extinct  at  the  present 
day.      The  influence  of  the  fathers  is  still  felt. 

"  And  let  us  hope  as  well  we  can. 
That  the  Silent  Angel  who  garners  man 
May  find  some  grain  as  of  old  he  found, 
In  the  human  cornfield  ripe  and  sound. 
And  the  Lord  of  the  Harvest  deign  to  own 
The  precious  seed  by  the  fathers  sown." 

The  other  families  mentioned  in  this  work  are  traced  as  far 
back  as  the  memory  and  records  of  the  living  members  are  able 
to  furnish.  I  have  no  doubt  a  more  careful  and  extensive  research 
would  connect  the  descendants  of  "Widow"  Wilkinson  and 
Lewis  Wilkinson  of  New  Milford,  Conn.,  with  Edward  who 
settled  there  in  1645,  and  was  one  of  the  original  planters  of  that 

town;  and  the  descendants  of Wilkinson  of  Roxbury  and 

Wrentham,  Mass.,  father  of  Joseph,  Oliver  and  David,  is 
undoubtedly  descended  from  John  Wilkinson  of  Attleborough, 
Mass. 

The  remaining  families  are  of  more  recent  date  in  America, 
and  consequently  more  complete. 


iv  PREFACE. 

Those  unacquainted  with  genealogical  researches  can  form  no 
adequate  idea  of  the  amount  of  labor  required  to  collect  and 
arrange  the  statistics  and  materials  of  the  biography  of  the  numerous 
descendants  of  early  settlers  of  our  country  during  a  period  of 
two  hundred  and  twenty  years.  The  examination  of  town,  county 
and  state  records — old  wills,  deeds  and  inventories — city  cemeteries 
and  country  graveyards — histories  and  libraries  ; — and  the  labor 
of  an  extensive  correspondence,  which  labor  is  greatly  increased 
by  the  delay  of  some,  and  the  refusal  of  others  to  furnish  the 
desired  information — all  require  great  patience  and  perseverance, 
and  an  expenditure  of  time  and  money  for  which  no  adequate 
remuneration  can  be  expected.  The  compiler  has  spared  no  pains 
nor  expense  to  secure  thoroughness  and  accuracy,  but  the  conflicting 
statements  obtained  from  different  members  of  the  same  family — 
different  dates  for  the  same  event  found  in  records  and  even  upon 
tombstones,  warn  him  that  perfect  accuracy  is  impossible.  In  a 
few  instances  the  memory  of  living  persons  was  the  best  and  only 
evidence  that  could  be  obtained,  there  being  no  record  of  births 
or  deaths  in  existence— such  may  prove  fallacious ;  but  in  the 
main  the  work  is  as  reliable  as  other  works  of  the  kind. 

In  the  words  of  another  I  conclude  by  saying: — 

"  If  any  do  not  find  so  full  an  account  of  themselves  and  families 
as  was  anticipated,  it  is  because  no  more  was  furnished.  Justice 
demanded  that  subscribers  and  their  families  should  have  the 
largest  space  consistent  with  the  plan  of  the  work,  but  this  will  be 
no  cause  of  complaint  from  those  who  have  manifested  no  interest 
in  its  publication."  AUTHOR. 

Jacksonville,  February.,  1869. 


INTRODUCTION. 


fn 


m 


HODE  ISLAND  was  settled  bv  Roger  Williams,  a  native 
of  Wales,  who  was  born  1598,  and  was  liberally  educated 
under  the  patronage  of  Sir  Edward  Coke.  He  embarked  for 
America,  Feb.  5,  1631,  and  went  to  Salem  to  preach  in  connexion 
with  Rev.  Mr.  Skelton.  His  favorite  theme  was  liberty  of 
conscience  in  religious  matters,  and  that  civil  magistrates  as  such 
have  no  power  in  the  church,  and  that  Christians  as  such  are 
subject  to  no  laws  or  control,  but  those  of  King  Jesus.  These 
doctrines  offended  the  rulers  of  Massachusetts  Colony,  and  he 
was  banished  by  sentence  of  their  court.  In  the  winter  of  1636, 
he  came  to  Seacunck,  now  Seekonk,  and  began  his  plantation,  but 
was  ordered  away  by  the  Governor,  as  being  still  within  the  limits 
of  their  jurisdiction.  He  departed  thence,  and  crossed  the  river, 
and  stopped  near  a  spring,  which  is  called  Roger  Williams'  Spring 
to  this  day.  Here  he  began  to  build,  and,  in  recognition  of  God's 
merciful  care,  gave  the  name  of  Providence  to  his  settlement. 

He  had  previously  married  Mary ,  and  their  family  is  as 

follows  : 

Roger  Williams,  | 

Mary .     / 

I.  Mary,  b.  Aug.  1^331  d.  1699. 

II.  Freeborn,         b.   Oct.  1635,  d. 

in.  Providence,    b.  1638,  d.  1685. 

IV.   Mercy,  b.  July    16,   1640,  d. 


2  INTRODUCTION. 

V.  Daniel,  b.   Yeh.    15,   1642,  d.   May   14,   1712, 

VI.  Joseph,  b.   Dec.  1643.  d.   Aug.  17,   1724. 

I.  Mary  was  born  in  Plymouth,  Mass.,  m.  John  Sayles  about 
1650,  r.  at  Providence,  and  had  (i)  Marie,  b.  July  11,  1652; 
(2)  John,  b.  Aug.  17,  1654;  (3)  Nancy,  m.  Wm.  Greene,  b, 
March  6,  1652,  son  of  John  and  grandson  of  John,  the  first 
settler  of  Warwick,  R.  I.;  (4)  Phebe,  m.  Job  Greene,  b.  Aug. 
27,  1656,  brother  of  William;  (5)  Elinor,  m,  Richard  Greene, 
b.  Feb.  8,  1660,  brother  of  William.  These  Greenes  were 
ancestors  of  Gen.  Greene  of  Revolutionary  fame. 

II.  Freeborn  was  b.  in  Salem,  Mass.,  m,  first  Thomas  Hart, 
r.  Newport ;  had  (i)  Mary,  m.  Gov.  Samuel  Cranston  of  Newport, 
R.  I.  She  was  buried  by  the  side  of  her  mother  in  the  Clifton 
Cemetery  at  N.  Freeborn,  m.  second  Gov.  Walter  Clark,  of 
Newport.      Samuel  Cranston  was  Governor  of  R.  I.  29  years. 

III.  Providence,  b.  in  Providence,  never  m.,  died  in  Newport. 

IV.  Mercy,  b.  in  Providence,  m.  first  Resolved  Waterman, 
and  had  (i)  Richard,  (2)  John,  (3)  Resolved,  (4)  Mary,  (5)  Waite  -, 
second  Samuel  Winsor,  and  had,  (6)  Samuel,  (7)  Joshua,  (8) 
Hannah;  third  John  Rhodes,  and  had  (9)  William,  (10)  John. 
She  r.  Providence. 

V.  Daniel,  b.  in  Providence,  where  he  always  resided;  m. 
Rebecca  Power,  daughter  of  Zachary  Rhodes  of  Pawtuxet,  and 
had  (i)  Daniel,  (2)  Peleg,  (3)  Roger,  (4)  Joseph,  (5)  Providence. 
Daniel's  son  Roger  was  b.  May,  1 680,  d.  in  Scituate,  Jan.  30, 
1763;  his  daughter  Rebekah  b.  April  20,  1735,  m.  David 
Thayer — his  daughter  Mrs.  (Patrick)  Harriet  Brown — her  daughter 
Augusta  m.  John  Carter  Brown,  of  the  house  of  "  Brown  & 
Ives,"  Providence. 

VI.  Joseph,  b.  in  Providence  and  always  lived  there,  m.  Lydia 
Olney,  daughter  of  Rev.  Thomas  Olney.  She  died  Sep.  9,  1 724. 
Their  children  were  (i)  Thomas,  b.  Feb.  16,  1671,  m.  first 
Mary  Blackman.  She  d.  July  i,  171 7.  Second  Hannah  Sprague, 
and   had   Joseph,   Thomas,  John,  and    Abigail,     (2)  Joseph  b. 


INTRODUCTION.  3 

Nov.  10,  1673,  m.  Lvdia  Harrington,  (3)  Mary  b.  June,  1676, 
(4)  James  b.  Sept.  20,  1680,  (5)  Lydia  b.  April  26,  1683. 

Joseph  Williams  and  Lydia  Harrington  had  the  following 
children  i,  Mercy  m.  William  Randall;  2,  Jeremiah  m,  Abigail 
Mathewson,  d.  April  13,  1789;  3,  Mary  m.  Francis  Atwood  j 
4,  Lydia  m,  Joseph  Randall;  5,  Martha  m.  John  Randall;  6, 
Patience  m.  Samuel  Dyer ;  7,  Meribah  m.  Jabez  Brown  ;  8, 
Jemima  m.  Benjamin  Potter;  9,  Barbary  m.  Benjamin  Congdon  ; 
10,  Freelove  m.  John  Dyer,  she  died  April,  1775. 

Jeremiah  Williams  and  Abigail  Mathewson  were  married 
Dec.  24,  1735,  and  had  i,  Andrew  m.  Lydia  Mathewson;  2, 
Jeremiah,  m.  Bethia  Williams  ;  3,  Joseph  m.  Hannah  Paine  ; 
4,  Zachariah  m.  Lydia  Williams;  5,  Nathan  m.  Sarah  Hoyle  ; 
6,  Mathewson  d.  July  29,  1773;  7,  Caleb  m.  first  Tabitha 
Fenner,  second  Amev  Dean ;  8,  Huldah,  m.  first  Zephania 
Randall,  second  Andrew  Knight;  9,  Abigail  m.  Wm.  Spencer; 
10,  Sally  m.  Arthur  Latham;     11,  Freelove  m.  Chad  Brown. 

Andrew  Williams  and  Lydia  Mathewson  had  i,  Andrew  m. 
a  Spencer  ;  2,  Henry  m.  an  Earle ;  3,  Mathewson  m.  first 
Mary  Greene,  second  Theresa  Larned  ;  4,  Rhody  m.  John 
Searle  ;  5,  Elsie  ;  6,  Abigail  m.  first  Geo.  Lindley,  second  a 
Phillips. 

Mathewson  Williams  and  Mary  Greene  had  one  son,  i, 
William  Greene,  m.  first  Maria  Earle,  second  Sarah  A.nn  Blinn  ; 
bv  his  second  wife,  Theresa  Larned,  had  2,  Mathewson  ;  3, 
Lydia;  4,  Sarah;   5,  Thomas;   6,  Charles. 

Wm.  G.  Williams  m.  ist.  Maria  Earle,  and  had  i.  Geo. 
E. ;  2,  Charles  W. ;  3,  Martha  E.  By  his  2d  wife  Sarah  Ann 
Blinn  ;  had  4,  Ann  L.,  m.  Stephen  Greene,  and  they  have  Stephen 
and  Louisa;  5,  Sarah  A.  B.;  6,  Martha;  7,  Frederick  W. 

The  above  sketch  of  Roger  William's   family  was  furnished 

the  author  through    Stephen    Randall  by  Wm.   G.  Williams    of 

Providence,  his  family  being  the  eighth  generation  in  the  lineal 

descent  from  the  founder  of  R.  L,  through  Joseph,  his  youngest  son. 

2 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

Roger  Williams'  family  increased  rapidly  in  the  early  days  of 
the  Colony.  Gov.  Stephen  Hopkins  says  his  descendants  amounted 
to  2000,  as  early  as  1 770.  An  attempt  has  been  made  to  disparage 
the  character  of  Roger  Williams,  but  the  Rev.  Mr.  Callender  in 
his  Century  Sermon  says,'  "  He  appears  by  the  whole  tenor  of  his 
life  to  have  been  one  of  the  most  disinterested  men  that  ever  lived, 
and  a  most  pious  and  heavenly  minded  soul."  Gov.  Hutchinson 
says,  "Instead  of  showing  any  revengeful  temper  or  resentment, 
he  was  continually  employed  in  acts  of  kindness  and  benevolence 
to  his  enemies."  Gov.  Hopkins  again  remarks,  that  "  Roger 
Williams  justly  claimed  the  honor  of  being  the  first  legislator  in 
the  world  that  fully  and  effectually  provided  for,  and  established 
a  free,  full,  and  absolute  liberty  of  conscience."  In  the  terse 
language  of  Williams,  himself,  we  learn  his  object  in  founding  a 
Colony  :  "  I  desired  "  said  he,  "  It  might  be  for  a  shelter  for  persons 
distressed  for  conscience."*  He  was  scrupulously  careful  that 
neither  man  nor  woman,  Jew  or  Gentile,  Protestant  or  Catholic, 
Presbyterian  or  Quaker,  should  be  molestfed  for  opinion's  sake. 

For  about  fifty  (47)  years  he  lived  in  Providence,  and  in  1683 — 
being  85  years  of  age — he  died,  and  was  buried  on  his  own  lot 
(No.  38)  between  Benefit  and  North  Main  Streets,  near  the 
spring  which  still  bears  his  name.  His  house  stood  on  the  east 
side  of  North  Main  St.,  and  his  family  burial  ground  was  just  in 
the  rear  of  the  carriage  house  of  Sullivan  Dorr.  For  many  years 
his  grave  was  forgotten,  and  could  not  be  identified — the  mounds 
having  become  leveled  with  the  surrounding  earth  and  covered 
with  green  sward.  Z.  Allen,  Esq.,  in  his  "  Memorial  of  Roger 
Williams,"  says:  "Historical  records  state  that  the  death  of 
Roger  Williams  occurred  in  the  year  1683,  and  that  he  was  buried 
with  martial  honors.  The  smoke  of  the  musketry,  temporarily 
hovering  in  the  air  over  his  grave,  formed  as  permanent  a  mark 
of  respect  as  was  ever  bestowed  to  honor  it.  Not  even  a  rough 
stone  was  set  up  to  designate  the  spot." 


*  I.  Backus,  Ch.  Hist.  94.      i.   Bancroft's  Hist.  U.  S.  379. 


INTRODUCTION.  5 

In  1 77 1,  a  special  committee  was  appointed  to  ascertain  the 
spot  where  he  was  buried,  and  to  draft  an  inscription  for  the 
monument,  which  was  voted  to  be  erected  "over  the  grave  of  the 
founder  of  this  town  and  Colony."  At  that  time — ninety  years 
after  his  burial — the  locality  of  his  grave  was  known.  The 
Revolutionary  war  prevented  the  erection  of  this  monument.  In 
Knowles'  "Memoir  of  Roger  Williams"  is  quoted  the  following 
statement  of  Captain  Packard  made  about  1808:  "When  Capt. 
P.  was  about  ten  years  old,  one  of  the  descendants  of  Roger 
Williams  was  buried  at  the  family  burial  ground  on  the  lot  right 
back  of  the  house  of  Sullivan  Dorr,  Esq.  Those  who  dug  the 
grave,  dug  directly  upon  the  foot  of  a  coffin,  which  the  people  there 
present  told  him  was  that  of  Roger  Williams.  They  let  him 
down  into  the  new  grave,  and  he  saw  the  bones  in  the  coffin, 
which  was  not  wholly  decayed,  and  the  bones  had  a  long  mossy 
substance  upon  them." 

Mr.  Allen  continues — "after  a  lapse  of  177  years  of  oblivious 
neglect,  the  researches  for  the  identification  of  the  grave  were 
finally  commenced  on  the  22d  day  of  March,  i860,  in  the 
presence  of  several  gentlemen,  who  were  invited  to  witness  the 
process  of  the  disinterment.  The  assistance  of  two  experienced 
superintendents  of  the  public  burial  grounds  was  obtained  to  direct 
carefully  the  researches.  Pointed  iron  rods  were  procured  for 
piercing  through  the  green  sward,  to  ascertain  where  the  texture 
of  the  subsoil  might  be  rendered  loose  by  former  excavations,  and 
suitable  boxes  were  prepared  to  receive  the  exhumed  remains. 

The  first  preliminary  operation  was  the  stripping  off  the  turf 
from  the  surface  of  the  ground  occupied  by  the  graves,  all  comprised 
within  less  than  one  square  rod.  The  green  sward  covering  the 
sloping  hillside  presented  to  view  a  nearly  uniform  surface.  After 
the  removal  of  the  turf  and  loam,  down  to  the  hard  surface  of 
the  subsoil,  the  outlines  of  seven  graves  became  manifest,  the 
three  uppermost  on  the  hillside  being  those  of  children,  and  the 
four  lower  ones,  those  of  adults. 


6  INTRODUCTION. 

It  was  immediately  discovered  that  two  of  the  latter  adjoined 
each  other,  thus  showing  in  accordance  with  the  testimony  of 
Capt,  Packard,  that  when  the  last  one  of  the  two  was  dug,  the 
end  of  the  coffin  contained  in  the  other  must  have  been  laid  open 
to  view.  This  proximity  is  delineated  on  the  plat  of  the  land 
which  Stephen  Randall  has  caused  to  be  made  to  exhibit  the 
relative  positions  of  the  graves. 

The  utmost  care  was  taken  in  scraping  away  the  earth  from  the 
bottom  of  the  grave  of  Roger  Williams.  Not  a  vestige  of  any 
bone  was  discoverable,  nor  even  of  the  lime  dust  which  usually 
remains  after  the  gelatinous  part  of  the  bone  is  decomposed.  So 
completely  had  disappeared  all  the  earthly  remains  of  the  founder 
of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  in  the  commingled  mass  of  black, 
crumbled  slate  stone  and  shale,  that  they  did  not  Meave  a  wreck 
behind.'  By  chemical  laws,  we  learn  that  all  flesh,  and  the 
gelatinous  matter  giving  consistency  to  the  bones,  become  finally 
resolved  into  carbonic  acid  gas,  water  and  air,  but  the  solid  lime 
dust  of  the  decomposed  bones  was  here  doubtlessly  absorbed  by 
roots,  or  commingled  with  the  earth  in  the  bottom  of  the  grave, 
being  literally  the  ashes  of  the  dead. 

On  looking  down  into  the  pit  whilst  the  sextons  were  clearing 
it  of  earth,  the  root  of  an  adjacent  apple  tree  was  discovered. 
This  tree  had  pushed  downwards  one  of  its  main  roots  in  a 
sloping  direction,  and  nearly  straight  course  towards  the  precise 
spot  that  had  been  occupied  by  the  skull  of  Roger  Williams. 
There  making  a  turn  conforming  with  its  circumference,  the  root 
followed  the  direction  of  the  backbone  to  the  hips,  and  thence 
divided  into  two  branches,  each  one  following  a  leg  bone  to  the 
heel,  where  they  both  turned  upwards  to  the  extremities  of  the 
toes  of  the  skeleton.  One  of  the  roots  formed  a  slight  crook  at 
the  part  occupied  by  the  knee  joint,  thus  producing  an  increased 
resemblance  to  the  outlines  of  the  skeleton  of  Roger  Williams, 
as  if,  indeed,  moulded  thereto  by  the  powers  of  vegetable  life. 
This   singularly   formed   root   has   been   carefully   preserved,   as 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

constituting  a  very  impressive  exemplification  of  the  mode  in 
which  the  contents  of  the  grave  had  been  entirely  absorbed. 
Apparently  not  sated  with  banqueting  on  the  remains  found  in  one 
grave,  the  same  roots  extended  themselves  into  the  next  adjoining 
one,  pervading  every  part  of  it  with  a  net-work  of  voracious  fibers 
in  their  thorough  search  for  every  particle  of  nutricious  matter  in 
the  form  of  phosphate  of  lime  and  other  organic  elements 
constituting  the  bones.  At  the  time  the  tree  was  planted,  all  the 
fleshy  parts  of  the  body  had  doubtlessly  been  decomposed  and 
dispersed  in  gaseous  forms,  and  there  was  then  left  only  enough 
of  the  principal  bones  to  serve  for  the  roots  to  follow  along  from 
one  extremity  of  the  skeleton  to  the  other  in  a  continuous  course, 
to  glean  up  the  scanty  remains.  Had  there  been  other  organic 
matter  present  in  quantity,  there  would  have  been  found  divergent 
branches  of  roots  to  envelope  and  absorb  it.  This  may  serve  to 
explain  the  singular  formation  of  the  roots  in  the  shape  of  the 
principal  bones  of  the  human  skeleton. 

"  The  entire  disappearance  of  every  vestige  of  the  mortal 
remains  of  Roger  Williams,  teaches  after  his  death  an  impressive 
lesson  of  the  actual  physical  resurrection  of  them,  by  ever-acting 
natural  causes,  into  renewed  states  of  existence  constituting  a 
physical  victory  over  the  grave,  as  his  precepts  and  example, 
before  his  death,  have  taught  the  greatej  moral  \ictory  of  the 
christian  faith  over  worldly  oppression." 

To  Stephen  Randall  belongs  the  credit  of  inaugurating  measures 
for  erecting  a  monument  to  his  memory — to  be  built  of  granite 
on  Prospect  Hill — 200  feet  in  height.  Money  has  been  deposited, 
and  the  founder  of  Rhode  Island,  will  soon  be  honored  with  an 
appropriate  testimonial  of  an  appreciating  posterity. 


HISTORY  OF  PROVIDENCE. 

HE  first  six  white  persons  who  came  to  Providence  were: 

1.  Roger  Williams, 

2.  William  Harris, 

3.  John  Smith,  (miller.) 

4.  Joshua  Verin, 

5.  Thomas  Angell, 

6.  Francis  Wickes. 

Angell  and  Wickes  had  not  yet  arrived  at  their  majority.  They 
came  from  Seekonk,  where  they  had  wintered  and  crossed  over 
East  river  in  the  spring  or  summer  of  1636,  before  the  month  of 
July,  they  being  then  at  Providence.  The  Indian  name  of  the 
land  was  Ashocomack.  The  party  first  landed  on  a  rock  within 
a  little  cove  north  of  India  Point,  and  were  greeted  with  the 
welcome  word  "What  cheer,"  or  "Wat  cheer,"  as  the  natives 
pronounced  it.  Thev  then  went  round  Fox  Point  in  their  little 
canoe,*  and  up  the  river  as  tradition  has  uniformly  stated  it,  to 
a  spring,  southwest  of  where  the  Episcopal  Church  now  stands, 
and  at  which  spot,  Moses  Brown  says,  a  brick  house  was  built  by 
Nehemiah  Dodge  about  1823.  On  this  lot,  containing  six  acres, 
Roger  Williams  afterwards  built  his  house.  This  house  was 
also  held  by  his  grandson  Roger  Williams,  the  son  of  Daniel 
Williams,  when  Benefit  Street  (or  Back  Street)  was  first  laid  out 
in  1748.  It  was  afterwards  owned  by  Col.  Jabez  Bowen,  and 
was  never  owned  by  the  Crawfords  as  some  have  asserted.    These 


*  See  New  American  Cyclopedia,  in  loc.  art.  Rhode  Island. 


HIS  TOR  r  OF  PR  OVIDEKCE.  9 

first  settlers  had  each  a  lot  of  five  (now  six)  acres,  extending  from 
the  river  on  the  west  to  the  lane  on  the  east  end,  between  them 
and  the  lot  on  which  the  Friends'  Boarding  School  is  built,  and 
extending  down  southward,  east  of  the  college  to  Tockwotton — 
now  called  India  Point.  Each  man  was  required  bv  special  order 
of  the  town  as  the  old  records  show,  to  fence  his  lot,  and  as  stones 
were  plentv  thev  had  no  trouble  in  erecting  walls  which  are  visible 
at  the  present  dav. 

It  appears  the  first  settlers  of  Providence  laid  out  their  lots 
with  a  frontage  on  King's  Street,  the  present  North  and  South 
Alain  Streets  from  Harrington's  Lane  to  Wickendcn  Street,  and 
extended  back  to  Hope  Street.  The  lots  on  the  west  side  of 
North  and  South  Alain  Streets  were  reserved  for  warehouses  and 
wharves,  generallv  comprising  two  lots  of  forty  feet  each,  with  a 
gangway  on  each  side  for  access  to  the  salt  water.  There  were 
great  tracts  of  woodland  reserved  for  the  common  benefit  of 
the  original  proprietors,  designated  as  "Stated  Commons,"  and 
located  in  the  country  west  and  north  of  the  above  described  lots, 
which  were  called  "plantations."  Hence  the  name  of  "  Providence 
Plantations,"  has  been  retained  to  this  day  as  the  name  of  this 
State  in  connection  with  that  of  the  Colony  settled  on  the  adjacent 
island  of  Rhode  Island. 

Roger  Williams'  lot  was  No.  38,  northward  from  "Alile  End 
Cove  "  at  the  south  end  of  the  town.  This  cove  disappeared 
years  ago.  It  was  between  Wickenden  Street  and  Fox  Point 
Hill,  and  a  bridge,  that  crossed  the  creek  communicated  with  it. 
This  bridge  is  now  an  underground  culvert.  Bridge  Street 
originally  derived  its  name  from  it.  William  Harris'  lot  was  No. 
36  ;  John  Smith's  No.  41  ;  Joshua  Verin's  No.  39.  It  will  be 
seen  Williams'  and  Verin's  lands  joined. 

Verin  did  not  stay  long  in  the  Colony,  and  the  following  record 
concerning  him  explains  the  reason :  "  It  was  agreed  that  Joshua 
Verin,  upon  breach  of  covenant,  or  restraining  liberty  of  conscience, 
shall  be  withheld   from  liberty  of  Noting  till   he   shall  declare  the 


10  •  HISTORT  OF  PROVIDENCE. 

contrary."  He  restrained  his  wife  from  attending  meeting  as 
often  as  she  desired,  whereupon  Verin  removed  from  the  Colony 
as  the  records  show,  and  would  not  submit  to  the  order.  So 
careful  was  Williams  to  allow  nothing  to  undermine  this  fundamental 
principle  of  religious  liberty  in  his  newly  established  government. 
The  men  and  rulers  of  Massachusetts  made  a  great  ado  over  this, 
Verin  claimed  his  lands,  and  was  not  deprived  of  them. 

These  six  men  above  named  all  became  proprietors,  though 
Wicks  and  Angell  did  not  receive  full  shares  till  they  became  of 
age. 

Roger  Williams  was  on  the  best  of  terms  with  the  Indians,  and 
obtained  a  deed  of  his  lands  sometime  after  his  settlement,  bearing 
date  "  The  24th  of  the  first  month  commonly  called  March,  in 
the  second  year  of  our  plantation  or  planting  at  Mooshausick,  or 
Providence,"  1637. 

The  description  is  as  follows  : 

"The  lands  and  meadows  upon  the  two  fresh  rivers  called 
Mooshausick  and  Wanaskatuckett  *  *  from  the  rivers  and 
fields  of  Pawtuckett ;  the  great  hill  of  Neoterconkenitt  on  the 
northwest,  and  the  town  of  Mashapauge  on  the  west. 

"We  do  freely  give  unto  him  all  that  land  from  those  rivers 
reaching  to  Pautuxett  river,  as  also  the  grass  and  meadows  upon 
Pautuxett  river. 

The  mark  of  \  Caunanicus. 
The  mark  of  ||  Miantinomu." 

This  tract  was  called  "  Providence,"  and  included  the  present 
county  of  Providence  and  the  greater  part  of  Kent.  The  rivers 
mentioned  are  described  as  follows  :  The  Mooshausick  rises  in 
the  town  of  Smithfield  in  a  small  pond  west  of  the  Harris  Lime 
Rock  and  flows  south  and  empties  into  the  cove  from  the  north  a 
little  below  the  old  mill  bridge,  and  is  now  nothing  but  a  walled 
canal  spanned  with  paved  bridges  for  carriages  and  railroad  cars. 
The  Wanaskatuckett  rises  in  what  is  now  called  the  Stillwater 
reservoir  in  the  west  part  of  Smithfield  and  runs  a  southeasterly 
course,  and  flows  into  the  cove  from  the  west,  and  upon  which 
the  Olney  Paper  Mills,  and  the  Acid  Works  are  now  situated. 


HISTORT  OF  PROllDEKCE.  ii 

The  Pawtuckett  River  rises  in  Worcester  County,  Mass.,  and 
empties  into  the  Narragansett  Bay  at  India  Point.  The  Pawtuxett 
River  rises  near  the  Connecticut  line  and  falls  into  the  bay  five 
miles  below  Providence. 

The  "fields  of  Pawtuckett"  alluded  to  in  the  above  description 
are  defined  as  follows  in  the  early  records  :*  "  We  declare  that 
the  bounds  are  limited  in  our  Town  Evidence,  and  by  us  stated 
about  20  years  since,  and  known  to  be  the  river  and  field  of 
Pawtuckett,  Sugar  Loaf  Hill,  Bewit's  Brow,  Observation  Rock, 
Absolute  Swamp,  Orfoord  and  Hepsis  Rock  ;  and  the  men  that 
were  appointed  to  set  it,  were  Chad  Brown,  Hugh  Bewit,  Gregory 
Dexter,  William  Wickenden."  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut 
were  constantly  overstepping  the  boundary  line. 

The  population  of  the  Colony  did  not  increase  very  rapidly  at 
first.  In  Sept.,  1650,  there  were  but  51  taxable  persons  above 
sixteen  years  of  age,  and  in  the  lOth  month,  1684,  there  were 
IIO;  in  Aug.,  1688,  there  were  172.  This  by  no  means 
included  all  the  people  of  said  colony,  for  as  early  as  1674, 
Providence  contained  500  souls. 


*i.   B3ok  of  Record;,  p.  128,  Providenc 


THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 


HE  first  article  of  agreement,  or  civil  compact  made  by  Roger 
Williams,  and  recorded  is  the  following.  It  is  copied  verbatim 
from  the  Old  Book  with  brass  clasps,  page  i.  The  date  is  on  the 
left  hand  page,  and  the  civil  compact  on  the  right  hand : 

"August  20,  1637. 
"We  whose  names  are  hereunder,  desirous  to  inhabit  in  the 
town  of  Providence,  do  promise  to  submit  ourselves  in  active  and 
passive  obedience  to  all  such  orders,  or  agreements  as  shall  be 
made  for  public  good  of  the  body  in  an  orderly  way  by  the  major 
consent  of  the  present  inhabitants,  masters  of  families,  incorporated 
together  into  a  Town  fellowship,  and  others  whom  they  shall 
admit  unto  them,  only  in  the  civil  things.* 

Richard  Scott,  Edward  Cope, 

William  Reynolds,  Thomas  Angell, 

Chad  Browne,  Thomas  Harris, 

John  Warner,  Francis  Weeks, 

John  Field,  Benedick  Arnold, 

George  Richard,  Joshua  Winsor." 

William  Wickenden, 

Grants  of  land  were  made  and  recorded  shortly  after  to  Robert 
Cole,  Francis  Weston,  Richard  Waterman.  Waterman  became 
a  distinguished  man  in  the  colony,  and  was  chief  recorder,  or 
clerk  for  many  years. 

"Orders  and  agreements  the  second  year  of  the  Plantation. 
William  Carpenter,  Thomas  Angell, 

Benedict  Arnold,  Edward  Cope, 

*New  Book  Transcribed  p.  i. 
Backus'  Ch.  Hist,  of  New  England,  p.  50. 


I 


HIS  TORI'  OF  RHODE  ISLAND.  13 

William  Reynolds,  Mary  Sweet, 

Mrs.  Alice  Daniels,  (after  wife  of  John  Greene). " 
"28th  of  the  twelfth  month,"  William  Field  was  admitted. 
*'iOth    of  the   4th    month  (June),"   order   confirming  certain 
grants  of  land  to 

John  Greene,  John  Throckmorton, 

Thomas  James,  William  Arnold, 

Ezekiel  Holyman,  Stukely  Westcott, 

Thomas  Hopkins. 
The  following  instrument  over  the  signature  of  Roger  Williams, 
names  the  company  who  were  admitted  to  town  fellowship  on  the 
payment  of  thirty  pounds  : 

"Providence,  8th  of  the  8th  month  (so  called),  1638. 

Memorandum,  That  I,  Roger  Williams,  having  formerly 
purchased  of  Caunnanicus  and  Miantinomu  this  our  situation  or 
plantation  of  New  Providence,  &c.,  the  two  fresh  rivers  of 
Wanasquatuckett  and  Mooshausick,  and  the  ground  and  meadows 
thereupon  ;  in  consideration  of  thirty  pounds  received  from  the 
inhabitants  of  said  place,  do  freely  and  fully  pass,  grant,  and 
make  over  equal  right  and  power  of  enjoying  and  disposing  of  the 
same  grounds  and  lands  unto  my  loving  friends  and  neighbours, 
Stukely  Westcoat,  John  Throckmorton, 

William  Arnold,  William  Harris, 

Thomas  James,  William  Carpenter, 

Robert  Cole,  Thomas  Olnev, 

John  Greene,  Francis  Weston, 

Richard  Waterman,  Ezekiel  Holyman, 

and  such  others  as  the  major  part  of  us  shall  admit  into  the  same 
fellowship  of  vote  with  us  : 

As  also,  I  do  freely  make  and  pass  over  equal  right  and  power  of 
enjoying  and  disposing  of  the  lands  and  grounds  reaching  from  the 
aforesaid  rivers  unto  the  great  river  Pautuxett,  with  the  grass  and 
meadows  thereupon,  which  was  so  lately  given  and  granted  by  the 
aforesaid  Sachems  to  me;  witness  my  hand, 

Roger  Williams." 

Other   names  to   the  number  of  one  hundred   made   up   the 

proprietors  in  what  is  called  "Providence  purchase." 


14  HIS  TOR/'  OF  RHODE  ISLJXD.  . 

Two  prominent  principles  appear  in  the  above  ci\il  compact, 
and  memorandum.  i.  The  majority  rule  in  political  matters. 
2.  Supremacy  of  conscience  or  religious  belief  o\er  all  civil 
enactments  ;  in  other  words  unrestricted  religious  liberty.  They 
"  submitted  themselves  in  active  and  passive  obedience  to  all 
such  orders  or  agreements  as  shall  be  made  only  in  civil  things.''^ 
Matters  of  religious  concernment  were  beyond  the  reach  of  laws 
enacted  by  human  beings,  and  no  man  need  submit  to  the  dictation 
of  any  other  man,  or  company  of  men  in  religion. 

The  settlement  on  the  island  Aquidneck  adopted  a  similar  | 
rule,  and  the  Charter  obtained  by  Roger  Williams  in  1644, 
united  the  two  plantations  of  Providence  and  Newport,  or  Rhode  | 
Island,  and  granted  to  the  inhabitants  "  full  power  and  authority  to 
rule  themselves  by  such  a  form  of  civil  government  as  by  voluntary 
consent  of  all,  or  the  greater  part  of  them,  they  shall  find  most 
suitable  to  their  estate  and  condition." 

It  was  through  the  influence  of  Sir  Henry  Vane,  who  had 
been  Governor  at  Boston  during  the  Pequot  war,  and  was  greatly 
assisted  by  Roger  Williams  in  subduing  the  savages,  and  who 
was  now  a  member  of  Parliament,  that  the  Charter  was  obtained. 
The  territory  was  described  as  follows:  "Bordering  northward 
and  northeast  on  the  patent  of  Massachusetts,  east  and  southeast 
on  Plymouth  patent,  south  on  the  ocean,  and  on  the  west  and 
northwest  by  the  Indian*  called  the  Narragansetts  ;  the  whole  tract 
extending  about  twenty-five  miles  unto  the  Pequot  River  and 
country;  to  be  known  by  the  name  of  'The  incorporation  of 
Providence  Plantations  in  the  Narragansett  Bayin  New  England.'  " 

The  government  established  under  this  charter  was  at  first  a 
pure  democracy.  There  was  a  legislative  body  called  a  Court  of 
Commissioners,  consisting  of  six  persons  from  each  town;  but 
heir  'acts  were  subject  to  repeal  by  the  votes  ot  the  freemen  of 
each  town.  All  judicial  officers,  and  officers  to  manage  town 
affairs,  were  elected  by  popular  suffrage. 

Roger  Williams  arrived  home  with  this  Charter  in  September, 


HISTORY  OF  RHODE  ISLAND.  15 

1644,  but  it  was  not  adopted  by  the  Court  of  Commissioners 
until  1647,  '^"'^  ^^^  following  are  the  Presidents  and  their  terms 
of  service  under  this  Charter: 

1647,  John  Coggeshall,  1655-6,  Roger  Williams, 

1648,  Jeremiah  Clark,  1657-9,  Benedict  Arnold, 

1649,  John  Smith,  1 660-1,  William  Brinton, 
1650-1,  Nicholas  Easton,  1662-3,  Benedict  Arnold. 
1632-4,  None. 

Coddington  of  Newport  did  not  like  the  Charter,  and  went  to 
England  and  procured  its  annulment,  and  in  1651  returned  with 
a  commission,  erecting  the  Island  of  Rhode  Island  and  Canonicut 
into  a  separate  governm.ent.  In  Nov.,  1651,  Roger  Williams 
and  John  Clark  went  to  England,  and  succeeded  in  getting 
Coddington's  commission  vacated  and  the  old  charter  re-established, 
and  returning,  arrived  at  Providence  early  in  the  summer  of  1654. 
At  the  first  general  election  he  was  chosen  President  of  the 
Colony. 

The  following  order  copied  from  the  old  records  will  show  the 
indifference  manifested  by  the  people  of  Providence  in  town  affairs 
as  late  as 

"Oct.  II,  1657.  Ordered,  that  because  of  the  often  and 
present  great  difficulties  of  getting  ten  to  make  a  town  meeting,^ 
that  if  upon  lawful  warning  seven  only  meet,  their  meeting  shall 
be  legal."* 

On  the  8th  of  July,  1663,  King  Charles  II.  signed  the  last 
Charter,  and  the  following  are  the  Governors  under  that  Charter 
down  to  the  Constitution: 

1663,  Benedict  Arnold,  3  years.    1679,  John  Cranston,  i   year. 
1666,  William  Brinton,  3      "       1680,  Peleg  Crawford,  3      " 
1669,  Benedict  Arnold,  3      "       1683,  Wm.  Coddington,  2  " 
1672,  Nicholas  Easton,  2      "       1685,  Henry  Bull,  i       " 

1674,  Wm.  Coddington,  2    "       1686,  Walter  Clark,      i      " 


■'I  Book  Records,  p.  no. 


1 6  HISTORY  OF  RHODE  ISLJND. 

1676,  Walter  Clark,       i      "       1687,  None, 

1677,  Benedict  Arnold,  2      "       1688,      " 

This  Charter  was  suspend  by  Sir  Edmond  Androse,  or  Andross . 
Upon  its  re-instatement  the  following  were  elected  Governors  : 

1689,  Henry  Bull,  i  year.    1755,  Stephen  Hopkins,  2  years. 

1690,  John  Caston,         5     "       ^757?  William  Greene,  i 

1695,  Caleb  Carr,  i  "  1758,  Stephen  Hopkins,  4 

1696,  Walter  Clark,  2  "  1762,  Samuel  Ward,  i 
1698,  Samuel  Cranston^  29  "  I7^3>  Stephen  Hopkins,  2 
1727,  Joseph  Jenckes,  5  "  1765,  Samuel  Ward,  2 
1732,  William  Wanton,  2  "  1767,  Stephen  Hopkins,  i 
1734,  John  Wanton,  7  "  1768,  Josiah  Lyndon,  I 
1 74 1,  Richard  Ward,  2  "  1769,  Joseph  Wanton,  6 
1743,  William  Greene,  2  "  ^775i  Nicholas  Cook,     2 

1745,  Gideon  Wanton,  i  "  177^,  William  Greene,  7 

1746,  William  Greene,  i  "  1786,  John  Collins,         3 

1747,  Gideon  Wanton,  i  "  1790,  Arthur  Fenner,      15 

1748,  William  Greene,  7  "  1805,  Henry  Smith,  ^r^'^  I 

1806,  Isaac  Wilbour,  Lt.  Gov.,  i  year. 

The  following  persons  served   from  1807  to  the  establishment 
of  the  Constitution  which  was  occasioned  by  the  Dorr  difficulty  : 
1807,  James  Fenner,       3  years.    1831,  Lemuel  Arnold,  2  years. 
181 1,  William  Jones,     6     "         1833,  John  B.  Francis,  5      " 
1817,  NehemiahKnight,4    "         1838,  William  Sprague  2      " 
1821,  William  C.Gibbs,  3     "         1840,  Samuel  W.  King  3      " 
1824,  James  Fenner,       7      "         1843,  James  Fenner,     2      " 

The  Constitution  adopted  by  the  ''Law  and  Order"  party  went 
into  operation  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  May,  1843.  Since  then 
the  following  have  been  Governors: 

1845,  Charles  Jackson,    i  year.    1854,  W.  W,  Hoppin,  3  years. 

1846,  Byron  Diman,        i      "       1857,  Elisha  Dyer,  2      " 

1847,  El'sha  Harris,  2  "  1859,  Thomas  G.  Turner,  1  " 
1849,  Henrv  B.  Anthony,  2  "  i860,  William  Sprague,  3  " 
1851,  Phillip  Allen,         3     "       1863,  James  Y.  Smith,  3      " 

1866,  Gen.  Ambrose  E.  Burnside. 


HIS  TOR  r  OF  R  MODE  ISLAND.  1 7 

One  fundamental  principle  has  always  been  adhered  to  in  Rhode 
Island,  It  is  her  glory  and  her  boast  that  no  person  within  her 
jurisdiction  was  ever  legally  molested  for  his  religious  opinions. 
No  act  of  her  legislature  can  be  found  compelling  conscience,  or 
regulating  those  important  concerns  which  lie  between  man  and 
his  Maker.  There  may  be  found  this  among  her  legislative 
enactments,  that  "  Every  man  who  submits  peaceably  to  civil 
government  in  this  colony  shall  worship  God  according  to  the 
dictates  of  his  own  conscience  without  molestation."  And  no 
outward  pressure  which  has  been  brought  to  bear  has  ever  been 
able  to  swerve  her  from  this  Godlike  principle.  Her  response  to 
the  surrounding  colonies  in  1656,  who  desired  her  to  unite  in 
crushing  the  Quakers,  was,  "We  shall  strictly  adhere  to  the 
foundation  principle  on  which  this  Colonv  was  first  settled." 
Quakers  found  a  safe  asylum  in  Rhode  Island. 

Although  the  smallest  State  in  the  Union,  yet,  she  is  the  parent 
of  that  principle  which  underlies  our  Republic,  and  which  is  the 
corner  stone  of  civil  and  religious  liberty.  "  Roger  Williams," 
says  Professor  Gervinus,  in  his  introduction  to  the  History  of  the 
Nineteenth  Century,  "founded  in  1636,  a  small,  new  society  in 
Rhode  Island,  upon  the  principles  of  entire  liberty  of  conscience, 
and  the  uncontrolled  power  of  the  majority  in  secular  concerns. 
The  theories  of  freedom  in  church  and  state,  taught  in  the  schools 
of  philosophy  in  Europe,  were  here  brought  into  practice  in  the 
government  of  a  small  community.  It  was  prophesied  that  the 
democratic  attempts  to  obtain  universal  suffrage,  a  general  elective 
franchise,  annual  parliaments,  entire  religious  freedom,  and  the 
Miltonian  right  of  schism,  would  be  of  short  duration.  But  these 
institutions  have  not  only  maintained  themselves  here,  but  have 
spread  over  the  whole  Union.  They  have  superseded  the 
aristocratic  commencements  of  Carolina,  and  of  New  York,  the 
high  church  party  in  Virginia,  the  theocracy  in  Massachusetts, 
and  the  monarchy  throughout  America  ;  they  have  given  laws  to 
one  quarter  of  the  globe,  and  dreaded  for  their  moral  influence, 


1 8  HISTORY  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 

thev  stand  in  the  background  of  every  democratic  struggle  in 
Europe."  Roger  Williams'  own  language  expressing  this  illustrious 
sentiment  is  that  "every  man  has  the  absolute  right  to  a  full  liberty 
in  religious  eoncernments."  The  same  freedom  was  allowed  in 
politics  as  in  religion. 


RELIGION. 


mM 


HE  prevailing  religious  sentiments  in  the  early  days  of  the 
Colony  were  those  of  the  Baptists  and  Quakers.  All 
religions  were  toleratel.  The  leaders  among  the  Baptists  were 
Roger  Williams,  Chad  Brown,  William  Wickenden,  Gregory 
Dexter  and  Thomas  Olney. 

Among  the  Friends,  or  Quakers  ;  George  Fox,  Richard  Scott, 
William  Wilkinson,  John  Burnett,  John  Stubbs  and  William 
Edmundson.  Here  men  of  every  creed  lived  together  happily, 
and  those  without  any  religion  were  not  molested.  Thither 
persecuted  men  fled  for  refuge  and  found  a  safe  asylum.  The 
only  weapons  used  were  those  of  the  intellect.  Reason,  argument, 
truth  and  free  discussions  were  encouraged.  Williams  and  his 
coadjutors  had  no  fears  for  the  truth.  In  the  contest  with  error 
she  is  an  over  match,  for  "  She  is  mighty  and  will  prevail,"  was 
their  sentiment. 

"  Truth  crushed  to  earth  will  rise  again, 
The  eternal  weight  of  years  are  hers  ; 
But  error  wounded  writhes  in  pain, 
And  dies  amid  her  worshippers." 

"  Roger  Williams,"  says  Bancroft,  "  had  already  matured  a 
doctrine  which  secures  him  an  immortality  of  fame,  as  its  application 
has  given  religious  peace  to  the  American  world.  A  fugitive 
from  English  persecution,  he  had  revolved  the  nature  of  intolerance, 
and  had  arrived  at  its  only  effectual  remedy,  the  sanctity  of 
conscience.  In  soul  matters  he  would  have  no  weapons  but  soul 
weapons.      The  civil  magistrate  should  restrain  crime,  but  never 


20  RELIGION. 

control  opinion ;  should  punish  guilt,  but  never  violate  inward 
freedom.  The  doctrine  contained  within  itself  an  entire  reformation 
of  theological  jurisprudence  ;  it  would  blot  from  the  statute  book 
the  felony  of  non-conformity ;  would  quench  the  fires  that 
persecution  had  so  long  kept  burning  ;  would  repeal  everv  law 
compelling  attendance  on  public  worship;  would  abolish  tithes 
and  all  forced  contributions  to  the  maintainance  of  religion  ;  would 
give  an  equal  protection  to  every  form  of  religious  faith ;  and 
never  suffer  the  force  of  the  government  to  be  employed  against 
the  Dissenter's  meeting  house,  the  JewishS  ynagogue  or  the  Roman 
Cathedral.  In  the  unwavering  assertion  of  his  views,  he  never 
changed  his  position  ;  the  sanctity  of  conscience  was  the  great  tenet, 
which,  with  all  its  consequences,  he  defended,  as  he  first  trod  the 
shores  of  New  England;  and  in  his  extreme-old  age  it  was  the 
last  pulsation  of  his  heart."* 

He  would  hold  no  communion  with  the  Church  of  England, 
"  for  "  said  he,  *'  the  doctrine  of  persecution  for  cause  of  conscience 
is  most  evidently  and  lamentably  contrary  to  the  doctrine  of  Jesus 
Christ."  The  magistrates  insisted  on  the  presence  of  every  man 
at  public  worship;  Williams  reprobated  the  law;  the  worst  statute 
in  the  English  code  was  that  which  did  but  enforce  attendance 
upon  the  parish  church.  To  compel  men  to  unite  with  those  of 
a  different  creed,  he  regarded  as  an  open  violation  of  their  natural 
rights  ;  to  drag  to  public  worship  the  irreligious  and  the  unwilling, 
seemed  only  like  requiring  hypocrisy.  "An  unbelieving  soul  is 
dead  in  sin" — such  was  his  argument  ;  "and  to  force  the  indifferent 
from  one  worship  to  another,  was  like  shifting  a  dead  man  into 
several  changes  of  apparell."  "No  one  should  be  bound  to 
worship,  or  to  maintain  worship  against  his  own  consent. " 
"  What  !"  exclaimed  his  antagonists,  amazed  at  his  tenets,  "  is  not 
the  laborer  worthy  of  his  hire?"  "Yes,"  replied  he,  "from 
them  that  hire  him."f 


*i  Bancroft's  Hist.  U.  S.,  p.  361. 
|i  Bancroft's  Hist.  U.  S.,  p.  370. 


\ 


SURNAMES. 

HISTORY  of  proper  names  not  only  affords  a  very  curious 


I  chapter  for  the  etymologist,  but  also,  illustrates  the  progress 
of  society  and  throws  much  light  upon  the  customs  and  pursuits 
of  departed  ages. 

The  process  of  gradual  development  is  visible  in  names,  and 
although  it  has  hitherto  been  entirely  at  random,  it  is  to  be  hoped 
the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  more  care  will  be  taken  in  naming 
offspring.  It  is  suggested  that  every  child  should  have  a  middle 
name,  and  that  middle  name  should  be  the  maiden  surname  of 
the  mother.  The  advantages  of  this  system  is  apparent  to  the 
genealogist ;  it  at  once  determines  the  wife's  maiden  surname, 
and  thereby  aids  materially  in  tracing  family  connexion  in  the 
maternal  line. 

Surnames  do  not  antedate  A.  D.  lOOO,  and  their  use  is,  therefore, 
comparatively  a  modern  custom.  They  are  derived  from  a  variety 
of  sources — from  occupation,  from  dignities  and  offices,  from 
personal  and  moral  qualities,  from  baptismal  names,  from  natural 
objects,  from  heraldic  charges  and  from  traders'  signs,  from  social 
relations,  periods  of  time,  age,  &c.  There  are  those  indicative 
of  contempt  and  ridicule,  and  others  derived  from  virtues,  oaths 
and  exclamations.      Surnames  were  originally  soubriquets. 

Originally  all  names  were  significant,  and  the  Bible  gives  ample 
proof  of  this  in  the  signification  of  the  ancient  Hebrew  names: 

Adam^  signifies   earth-man,       Moses^  drawn  out  of  the  water, 
or  red-earth.  Elijah^  Jehovah  is  my  God. 


22  SURNAME. 

Amasa.,  a  burden.  James.,  a  supplanter. 

Israel.,   a    soldier  of  God  ;  Simon.,  hearing  with   acceptance, 

prevailing  with  God.  Asa.,  a  healer,  ph3'sician. 

Laura.,  a  laurel.  Hannah.,  grace. 

Deborah.,  a  bee.  Mary^  bitter,  star  of  the  sea. 

Abigail.,  my  father's  joy.  Ke-ziah.,  cassia. 
Elizabeth.,  worshipper  of  God. 
The  same  is  true  of  names  of  Greek  origin,  as : 

George.,  a  land  holder.  Sophia.,  wisdom. 

Philip.,  A  lover  of  horses.  Sybil.,  a  prophetess. 

Leonidas.,  lionlike.  Theresa.,  carrying  ears  of  corn. 

Christopher.,  bearing  Christ.  Margaret.,  a  pearl. 

y/r^/7^/tf«^,  ruler  of  the  people.  Lydia.,  native  of  Asia  Minor, 

Names  of  Latin,  English  and  German  origin,  as: 

Lawrence.,  crowned  with  Oliver.,  an  olive  tree, 

laurel.  Cadivallader.,  battle  arranger. 

Augustus.,  exalted,  imperial.      Victoria.,  victory. 

Lucius.,  born  at  break  of  day.     Anthony.,  priceless. 

William.,  resolution   helmet,     Albert.,  nobly  bright,  illustrious, 
or  helmet  of  resolution,  Florence^  blooming. 

Ada.,  happiness,  rich  gift. 

The  chief  of  the  Delaware  tribe  of  Indians  asked  the  meaning 
of  Col.  Sprout's  name,  he  being  a  man  of  large  stature.  On 
being  told,  a  twig,  or  bud,  or  sprig,  he  replied  :  "  No,  he  is  the 
tree  itself." 

Schlegel  has  found  among  the  Hindoos  significant  names,  and 
the  names  of  many  other  nations,  both  barbarous  and  enlightened 
exhibit  the  same  fact.  D'Israeli  says,  *'The  Indians  of  North 
America  employ  sublime  and  picturesque  names ;  such  are : 
the  Great  Eagle,  the  Patridge,  Dawn  of  the  Day,  Great  Swift 
Arrow,  Path  Opener,  and  Sun-Bright ;"  and  even  at  the  present 
time,  " Each-side-of-the-Sky,"  "  Streak-of-Light "  and  "Horned 
Snake"  are  coming  from  the  West  to  see  President  Grant. 


SURNAMES.  23 

Whatever  may  be  said  of  the  surnames  of  other  people,  the 
English  surnames  are  characterized  for  their  great  variety  and 
their  extraordinary  number.  The  reason  of  this  variety  is  we 
have  borrowed  from  everything,  good  and  bad.  The  number  is 
incredible.  Rev.  Mark  Noble  says  a  friend  of  his  collected  all 
he  could  find  of  the  letter  A,  and  they  amounted  to  more  than 
1500 — some  letters  of  the  alphabet  have  more,  some  less — by 
estimation  there  are  between  30,000  and  40,000,  others  place  the 
number  considerably  less.  The  English  author  and  statistician 
E.  J.  Vernon  estimated  the  number  at  one-half  the  above  figures. 

Shakspeare  asks,  "What's  in  a  name?"  W^e  answer,  much 
every  way.  A  name  however  insignificant  instantly  recalls  the 
man  to  our  remembrance,  his  personal  appearance,  his  moral 
qualities,  or  some  remarkable  event  of  his  life.  How  often  the 
mere  name  opens  the  fountain  of  a  tender  parent's  tears,  suffuses 
the  maiden's  face  with  blushes,  agitates  the  heart ;  lights  with  rage 
the  eye  of  an  enemy,  and  awakens  the  liveliest  hopes,  fears, 
regrets,  and  sorrows.  There  is  much  in  a  name,  and  if  the  hairs 
of  our  head  are  numbered  by  the  omniscient  Jehovah,  no  mortal 
receives  his  name  among  men  without  His  cognizance  and  purpose. 

The  meaning  of  the  term  surname.,  according  to  Dr.  Johnson,  is 
'"'-  The  name  of  family  \  the  name  which  one  has  over  and  above 
the  Christian  nam.e."  Sire-name,  sir-name,  and  finally,  surname, 
as  we  now  use  it,  indicates  the  father's  name  which  is  perpetuated 
in  cAery  child  born  in  wedlock.  The  practice  of  giving  surname, 
as  before  remarked,  came  gradually  into  common  use  during  the 
iith,  I2th,  13th  and  14th  centuries.  Different  surnames  were 
borne  by  the  same  person  at  different  times.  In  1406,  says  Lower, 
a  man  describes  himself  as  William,  the  son  of  Adam  Emmotson, 
in  141 6  called  himself  William  Emmotson.  Another  who  is 
designated  John  the  son  of  William,  the  son  of  John  de  Hunshelf, 
appears  soon  after  as  John  Wilson  (or  John,  Will's  son).  Other 
names,  such  as:  Willielmus,  Johnson,  Wilkinson,  and  Thomas, 
Henson  and  Magot  prevailed  about  this  period. 


24  SURNJMES. 

"The  Romans  frequently  formed  one  name  from  another  by 
elongation,  as:  Constans,  Constantius,  Constantinus ;  a  series  of 
names  exactly  parallel  to    our  Wilks,  Wilkins,  Wilkinson." 

There  is  no  reason  to  suppose  the  abbreviated,  or  nurse  name 
implied  any  disrespect  to  the  persons  to  whom  they  were  given,  or 
that  the  Dicks  and  Dicksons  were  less  respectable  than  the  Richards 
or  Richardsons  of  olden  time.  Mr.  Clarencieux  says,  "Daintie 
was  the  deuice  of  my  host  of  Grantham,  which  would  wisely 
make  a  difference  of  degrees  in  persons  by  the  termination  of 
names  in  this  word  -son^  as  between  Robertson,  Robinson,  Robson, 
Hobson,  Richardson,  Dickson,  Dickinson;  Wilson,  Williamson 
and  Wilkinson,  as  though  the  one  were  more  worshipfull  than  the 
other  by  his  degrees  of  comparison." 

We  have  said  that  surnames  are  derived  from  baptismal  names. 
The  name  IVilliam  is  the  basis  of  no  less  than  twenty-nine 
surnames.  The  syllable  son  to  the  cant  names  Sim,  Will,  &c. 
We  have  three  principal  terminations,  viz :  kin^  ot^  cock.  Of  the 
first  two  it  is  only  necessary  to  state  they  are  diminutives,  kin  being 
derived  from  the  Flemish,  and  ot  from  the  French. 
is:   William,  Williams,  Williamson,  Wills,  Wilks,  Wilkins,  and 

The  class  of  baptismal  names  to  which  Wilkinson  belongs 
Wilkinson  ;  Wickens,  Wickeson,  Bill,  Bilson,  Wilson,  Woolcock, 
Woolcot,  Wilcocke  and  Wilcox  ;  Wilcoxon,  Wilcockson,  Willet, 
Willmot,  Willy,  Willis,  Wylie,  Willott,  Till,  Tillot,  Tilson, 
Tillotson,  Tilly  and  Guilliam. 

The  antiquity  of  the  name  of  Wilkinson  is  very  great,  going 
back  nearly  a  thousand  years  to  the  days  of  William  the  Conqueror. 
A  Dr.  Wilkinson  of  Manchester,  President  of  a  medical  college, 
has  the  genealogy  for  nearly  900  years,  and  we  are  able  to  trace 
an  unbroken  descent  of  our  own  lineage  from  the  beginning  of 
A.  D.  1500. 


INFLUENCE  OF   BLOOD. 


HE  more  one  studies  ethnology,  or  the  history  of  races  and 
families,  the  more  will  he  become  convinced  of  the  marked 
and  permanent  influence  of  blood.  Whatever  the  soil,  clime,  or 
physical  condition;  whatever  the  crossings  by  intermarriage,  all 
who  have  given  the  subject  attention  must  have  observed  the 
continuance  from  generation  to  generation  of  some  peculiar  trait 
of  character  which  was  known  in  the  earliest  ancestor.  The 
law  of  descent  in  this  respect  is  as  inexorable  as  the  law  of 
gravitation.  Human  history  teaches  us  the  influence  of  blood  or 
race.  That  qualities  of  character  run  in  the  blood,  and  are 
propagated  through  successive  generations  from  father  to  son, 
one  only  needs  to  glance  at  any  particular  family  and  follow  the 
stream  of  human  life  downward  in  its  spreading,  widening  flow  to 
be  convinced  of  its  truth.  The  particular  characteristics  will  be 
seen  cropping  out  here  and  there  no  matter  vvhat  the  circumstances 
that  surround  the  individual.  Though  sunk  in  poverty  and  clothed 
in  squallid  rags,  noble  blood  will  show  itself,  and  traits  of  nobility 
will  shine  out  like  a  diamond  in  its  setting  of  filth.  An  Edwards, 
a  Bunyan,  a  Spurgeon  burst  upon  our  vision  like  stars  of  the  first 
magnitude  in  the  constellations  of  christian  excellence,  and  if  we 
trace  their  ancestry  back  through  a  few  generations,  we  find 
perhaps,  in  a  lowly  cottage  an  aged  father  and  mother  whose  whole 
life  has  been  one  of  devotion  to  God,  eminent  for  religious  worth, 
and  this  is   but  the   breaking  out   of   that   moral  excellence  on 


26  INFLUENCE  OF  BLOOD. 

meeting  with  a  corresponding  current  of  intellectual  greatness 
that  dazzles  and  astonishes  present  beholders  And  the  opposite 
is  true.  This  force  of  blood  is  just  as  visible  in  the  transmission 
of  evil  qualities  as  good,  and  the  breaking  out  of  some  enormous 
crime,  is  but  the  culmination  of  certain  traits  whose  fountain  head 
was  far  back  upon  the  ancestrial  hills. 


r 


OLD   AND   NEW   STYLE. 

HE  double  dates  mav  not  he  understood  bv  all.  The  change 
from  old  to  new  stvle  did  not  take  place  in  England  and 
America  till  Scpt.'mher^  '75-^>  when  ele\  en  da\s  were  dropped 
from  the  calejidar  to  correspond  with  other  nations  in  the  correction 
ot   keeping  time  bv  Gregory.     . 

In  computing  time  the  solar  vear  is  reckoned  365 1  da\s,  but  this 
is  too  much  bv  1 1  minutes  and  a  fraction.  \\  this  excess  be 
neglected  in  the  course  of  centuries  the  iirst  ot  Jajiuarv  would 
fall  back  towards  midsummer,  and  in  1582,  the  time  of  Pope 
(jregor\  XIH.  it  was  found  that  the  vernal  equinox  which  in 
A,  D.  325  happened  on  the  21st  of  March,  actuallv  occurred  on 
the  loth  of  March.  For  the  purpose  of  rectifying  the  calendar, 
the  Pope  ordered  that  ten  davs  be  dropped  from  that  year.  This 
was  called  "New  Stvle,"  and  the  former  calendar,  "Old  St\le."' 
I'he  new  calendar  was  soon  adopted  in  all  catholic  countries,  but 
in  England  and  her  colonies,  as  abo\  e  remarked,  it  was  disregarded 
till  1752,  when  the  error  of  the  old  calendar  amounted  to  e!e\  en 
davs,  and  by  an  act  of  Parliament  the\-  were  dropped  from  Sept. 
of  that  vear. 

The  double  dates  mav  be  thus  explained.  The  birth  of  Joseph 
Wilkinson,  son  of  Samuel  isgi\en  Jan.  22,  1682-3.  The  civil,  or 
legal  year  in  England  formerly,  commenced  on  the  25th  of  March, 
and  was  so  reckoned  till  1752,  when  the  ne\\-,  or  Gregorian  calendar, 
was  adopted  which  makes  the  \  car  commence  on  the  ist  of  Jan. 


28  OLD  AND  NEJV  STYLE. 

But  before  that  period,  as  some  other  nations  had  adopted  the 
New  Style,  it  was  usual  for  English  and  American  writers  to 
designate  both  years  if  the  event  occurred  before  the  25th  of 
March,  and  after  the  ist  of  Jan.  Hence  in  the  case  above 
mentioned,  if  the  year  commenced  the  25th  of  March,  the  date 
would  be  Jan.  22,  1682;  but  if  the  year  began  the  ist  of  Jan., 
the  date  would  be  Jan.  22,  1683,  and  changed  to  New  Style  by 
adding  eleven  days,  would  be  Feb.  2,  1683. 


EXPLANATIONS. 

1.  Abbreviations:  b.,born;  m.,  married  ;  d.,  died  ;  r.,  resided  ; 
dau.,  for  daughter  ;   unm.,  for  unmarried. 

2.  The  Arabic  figures  in  the  left  hand  margin  indicate  the 
whole  number  of  names  from  Lawrance;  the  Roman  numerals 
the  number  in  any  given  familv ;  the  figures  in  parenthesis  (  )  at 
the  right  of  a  name  refer  to  names  post ;  and  the  figures  in  brackets 
[  ]  to  names  ante.  The  small  figure  at  the  right  of  a  name  thus, 
John'\  indicates  the  generation  to  which  John  belongs;  an 
interrogation  mark  (?)  implies  doubt,  or  uncertainty. 

NEW  FEATURES. 
The  plan  of  this  work   in   the  main,  is  that  suggested   in  the 
New  England  Genealogical  Register^  but  the  following  are  new 
features : 

1.  The  families  appear  together  with  dates  of  birth  and  death  ; 
hence  the  period  of  life  is  ascertained  at  a  glance. 

2.  The  lineal  descent  of  each  family  is  traced  at  the  beginning 
of  the  families,  and  the  labor  of  searching  out  the  descent  saved 
to  those  not  accustomed  to  such  work. 


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 

7'hc  author  acknowledges  with  gratitude  t)ie  aid  he  has  received 

from  individuals,  and   tVom   authors,  and   he    teels   under  especial 

obligations  to  Andrew  J.  Wilkik.'^on,  of   Keokuk,   Iowa,   for 

instituting  researches  in  England;   to   Ahab  G.  Wilkinson,  of 

Washington,  D.  C,  tor  securing  the  splendid  chromo  lithograph 

froiUispiecc  ;  to  Albkr'I-  S.  Wilkinson,  of  Pawtucket,  R.  1.,  for 

names  and    information   concerning  the  Pawtucket   branch  of  the 

famil-,-  ;   to  Judge  JosiAH  Wr.srcoTT,  of  Scituate,  R.  I.,  for  facts 

and  incidents  of  the  Scituate  branch  ;  to  Samukl  T,  Wilkinson, 

of  Wrightstown,  Bucks  County,  Pa.,  for  the  names  of  the  Penn. 

branch  ;  to  Stephen  Randall,  of  Providence,  R,  I.,  for  incidents 

in  the  life  of  the  Hopkins  faniilv  ;   to  Henj.  Fessenden,  of  Valley 

Falls,  R.  1.,  for  the  sketch  of  the  Fessenden  family,  and  also,  the 

sketch  of  Abraham  and  Isaac  Wilkinson;   to  Albert  Hubbard, 

Town   Clerk   of  Scituate,  R.    1.,   for  his  obliging  assistance;   to 

Alfri'.d  Wilkinson,  of  Syracuse,  N,  Y.,  for  "  material  aid  ;"   to 

the  L'.brariaiii    of    Prouulcrice    Athcneuiii     and    Jstof    Library    of 

Ncxv  Tork^  to  Aloses  Brown's  AISS.^  Staple'' s  Annals  of  Prov'idaice^ 

■  Lnuer   on    Sur)iarnrs^   and    Gnitd's    Broivn    University^     Callender  s 

Century  Sermon^  Rev,  C.   C.  Benien's  Sketches  Scituate^    Sanderson  s 

Biography  of  the  Signer's  of  Declaration  of  Independence,^  Benedict's 

History  of  the  Baptists,,    White' s  Memoir  of  Samuel  Slater ,,  Savage's 

Genealogical  Dictionery  of  the  First  three  Centuries  of  New  England,, 

Blisses    History  of  Rehoboth ;    Boiven's    Naval  fvlonuments^  Cooper's 


JCKNO n  L ED GMEN  TS.  3 1 

Naval  History^  inikins  Upd'ikt'\^  History  of  the  Narragansett  Churchy 
Stephen  HopknCi  Hutojy  of  Provielcnce ;  Z.  Allen  s  Alemorial  of 
Roger  ft  illunns^  Arnold' s  Histoiy  of  Rhode  Island^  Lossing's 
History  the  U.  A\,  Baneroff  s  History  U.  S.^  Alassaehusetts'  and 
Rhode  Island  Historieal  Colleetions  \  also  to  A'Ir.  Browne,  City 
Clerk  of  Providence,  and  to  JoH.v  R.  Bartlett,  Secretary  of 
State  Of  Rhode  Island,  'ior  access  to  public  records  in  their 
respective  offices. 


Lawrance  Wilkinson 

AND 

Susannah  Smith.  J 


FIRST  GENERATION. 

I 


I.   Lawrance  Wilkinson^  (2-7). 


HE  traditions  concerning  our  paternal  ancestor  have  been 
greatly  at  variance,  as  will  be  shown  hereafter,  but  the 
documentary  evidence  seems  quite  satisfactory  and  conclusive. 
No  effort  has  been  spared  to  arrive  at  a  correct  conclusion,  and 
the  author  flatters  himself  that  the  account  herein  presented  is  in 
the  main  reliable.  He  has  not  been  satisfied  with  an  unsupported 
statement,  or  a  tradition  recently  put  into  print ;  but  has  gone  to 
original  sources,  and  from  public  and  private  records  gathered 
such  facts  as  their  pages  contained  of  the  ancestor  of  the  Wilkinson 
family  in  America. 

He  has  in  connexion  with  Andrew  J.  Wilkinson  of  Keokuk, 
Iowa,  instituted  researches  in  England,  and  by  so  doing  has  brought 
strong  confirmation  of  the  facts  elicited  some  years  ago  by  H.  G. 
Somerby,  Esq.,  the  distinguished  genealogist  of  Boston,  Mass. 
Correspondence  with  William  Courthorpe,  Somerset  Registrar  of 
the  College  of  Arms,  London,  and  with  the  Rev.  John  Dingle 
of  Lanchester,  and  others  in  England,  has  been  opened,  and 
although  their  researches  have  not  been  perfectly  conclusive,  yet 
taken  in  connexion  with  other  facts  previously  ascertained,  they 
form  a  statement  upon  which  we  may  rely  with  confidence. 


LAWRANCE  WILKINSON.  33 

Mr.  Courthorpe  in  a  communication  dated  April  30, 1866,  sends 
the  pedigree  of  the  Wilkinson  family  from  which  Lawrance  is 
descended,  and  says,  "In  compliance  with  the  instructions  of 
your  friend  I  have  been  looking  into  the  business  placed  before 
me  in  relation  to  the  family  of  Wilkinson: — Seldom  or  never 
can  we  connect  the  families  of  emigrants  to  America  at  that  early 
period  with  their  relatives  in  England;  they  were  probably 
designedly  left  out  of  the  English  Pedigree,  and  unless  they  carried 
with  them  to  their  adopted  country  a  clue  to  their  English  ancestry 
it  was  soon  lost  altogether.  In  Durham  there  is  a  family  in 
which  the  name  of  Lawrance  Wilkinson  is  found,  but  although  I 
have  gone  through  Surtee's  Durham,  and  consulted  other  books, 
especially  a  List  of  the  officers  who  served  in  the  Royal  and 
Parliamentary  armies,  nothing  is  found  beyond  what  I  send  you : 
you  will  see  in  the  Durham  Pedigree  a  William  Wilkinson  who 
may  have  had  a  son  Laurence  Wilkinson  who  was  the  emigrant, 
but  this  seems  to  be  the  only  probability  gathered  from  our  books." 

The  Pedigree  forwarded  contains  the  name  of  Lawrance's 
father,  and  is  given  elsewhere.  The  Rev.  John  Dingle  under 
date  of  March  23,  1866,  says:  "You  will  perhaps  be  aware, 
that  during  the  Commonwealth  the  registers  were  kept  by  the 
civil  authorities.  It  so  happened  that  one  of  our  books  containing 
the  registers  for  fifty  years  (1603-1653)  came  to  a  conclusion 
while  that  regulation  was  in  force,  and  another  was  commenced. 
The  former  was  never  restored  to  the  church,  and  I  have  never 
been  able  to  get  any  trace  of  it,  though  it  must  probably  be  among 
the  public  records  somewhere.  The  name  Lawrance  Wilkinson 
however,  occurs  in  our  Registers,  and  names  of  the  family  who 
resided  at  Harperly  in  this   district   abound.     There  is  another 

Harperly Darlington,  where  an  old  family  of  Wilkinson's 

still  resides,  and  I  should  imagine  that  they  must  have  been 
originally  the  same.  A  Lawrance  Wilkinson  is  mentioned  as 
having  had  one  daughter  baptized  in  1587,  and  a  son  in  1590. 
This  was  perhaps  the  grandfather  referred  to ;  another  is  mentioned 


34 


FIR S T  GEKERrnON 


as  ha\  ing  one  daughter  in  i653,  and  another  in  1654;  and  his; 
death  occurred  in  1674,  or  1683,  as  in  each  of  these  \cars  the 
burial  of  a  person  of  that  name  is  mentioned" 

In  another  communication  to  the  author  from  "Lanchester 
Parsonage"  under  date  of  Jan.  16,  1867,  he  savs :  "It  appears 
from  the  Register  that  the  Wilkinsons  were  Iin  ing  at  Hiirperly  both 
before  and  for  sometime  after  the  period  you  refer  to,  (1645-1652) 
but  e\  en  if  the  estate  was  sequestered  it  is  not  improbable  that  it 
was  granted  to  another  branch  of  the  familv  of  which  there 
appears  to  have  been  several  branches  located  on  various  estates 
in  this  neighborhood.  How  the  different  branches  have  been 
related  I  have  been  unable  to  trace,  but  that  there  has  been  some 
connexion  appears  from  the  use  of  certain  peculiar  christian 
names." 

These  with  the  researches  and  positiNC  statements  of  Mr. 
Somerby,  give  us  the  ancestry  of  Lawrance,  and  I  shall  now  enter 
upon  such  facts,  and  incidents  concerning  him  as  may  be  found 
i.n  our  own  records  which  have  been  carefulK  and  thoroughlv 
examined. 

From  the  pedigree  forwarded  bv  Courthorpe,  and  the  researches 
of  H.  Cj.  Somerby,  Esq.,  made  at  the  instance  of  W.  H. 
Wilkinson,  merchant,  formerly  of  Boston,  Alass.,  now  of  Sidney, 
New  South  Wales,  Australia;  it  appears  LAWRANCI^  Wilkinson, 
our  paternal  ancestor  and  the  first  of  our  kind  m  America,  was 
the  son  of  William  Wilkinson,  and  Marv  (Convers)  his  wife, 
sister  of  Sir  John  Con\ers,  Bart.,  and  grandson  of  Lawrance 
Wilkinson  of  HarpcrK  House,  Lanchester,  County  Durham, 
England.  Nothing,  or  but  little  is  known  of  his  early  vouth. 
At  a  later  period  we  find  him  a  J^ieute)iant  in  the  Ro\'al  Army, 
fighting  for  the  Crown  and  endeavoring  to  sustain  the  tottering 
throne  of  his  sovereign.  King  C^harles  I.  against  the  usurpation 
of  Cromwell.  He  was  however,  takeii  prisoner  at  the  fall  of 
Newcastle,  and  his  estates  sequestered  bv  order  of  Parliament. 
The  following  is  taken  from  the  records  of  the  Register's  office 
in  Durham. 


LAW  RANGE  WILKINSON.  35 

"  Seq-uestrations  in  Durham,  1645-47.  Lawrance  Wilkinson, 
of  Lanchestcr,  officer  in  arms,  went  to  New  England." 

With  the  permission  of  Lord  Fairfax  he  Left  his  father-land 
never  to  return.  On  his  arrival  at  Providence  he  was  immediately 
received  into  the  fellowship  of  the  infant  Colony,  and  lands  were 
granted  him  as  will  appear  from  the  following 

DOCUMENTARY    EVIDENCE. 
See  "Records  or"  the  Town  of  Providence,  1637  to  1682." 

The  first  mention  of  his  name  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  is 
that  found  in  the  "First  Book' of  Records,"  page  87  or  the  "2d 
Old  Book"  with  brass  clasps,  pages  30-31,  where  he  with  a 
number  of  others,  appended  his  name  to  the  original  civil  compact 
of  the  founders  and  early  settlers  of  the  colony  established  by 
Roger  WilHams,  dated  as  follows:  Xx3'^3C^,'«v 

"The  19TH  OF  THE  iiTH  Month,  1645. 
'"  We  whose  names  are  hereafter  subscribed  having' obtained  a 
free  grant  of  twenty-five  acres^  of  land  apeice  with  right  of 
commoning'^  according  to  the  said  proportion  of  lands  from- the 
free  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  do  thankfully  accept  of  the  same., 
and  hereby  do  promise  to  yield  active,  or  passive  obedience  to  the 
authoritys"  of  King  and  Parliament  [The  Estate  of  England'^] 
established  in  this  Colony  according  to  our  Charter,^  and  to  all 
such  wholesome  laws  and'  orders  that  are  or  shall  be  made  ;  also 
not  to  claim  any  Right  to  the  Purchase  of  the  said  Plantation,^ 
nor  any  privilege  of  vote  in  Town  aff^airs  untill  we  shall  be  received 
as  free  men^'  of  the  said  Town  of  Providence. 
John  Brown,  Lawrance  Wilkinson,      Samuel  Bennett, 

Pardon  Tillinghast,     Daniel  Cumstocke,  Edward  Smith, 

William  Fenner,  Benjamin  Smith,  John  Fenner, 

John  Jo^nes,  John  Smith,  John  Sayles, 

Thomas  Clemenie,     John  Clawson,  Stephen    Northup, 

Henry  Shepard,  Thomas  Hanklin,  Daniel  Brown, 

Robert  Pyke,  Benjamin  Herden,  Epinetus  Olney, 

Mathewin  Bellou,       Edward  Inman,  John  Steere, 

Thomas  Walwin,    -  Henry^eddock,  George  Way. 

"  N.  B.  All  those,  signers  of  this. agreement  did  not  do  it  at 
the  date,  but  as  they  were  received  into  Towne  fellowship.  See 
page  137  and  138  &c.,  for  several  of  them  in  the  year  1651. 
M.  B."' 


36  FIRST  GENERATION. 

The  present  inhabitants  ol"  Rhode  Island  will  recognize 
among  these  names,  the  ancestors  of  some  of  the  first  men  of  the 
State.  The  Browns',  the  f'euners',  the  Smiths',  the  Olneys', 
the  Steeres',  the  Sayles',  the  Tillinghasts',  and  the  Ballou's  of  the 
present  generation,  not  only  hold  possession  of  some  part  of  their 
ancestors'  estates,  but  are  honored  with  the  highest  civil  and 
militar)-  positions  in  the  gift  of  their  fellow-citizens. 

The  following  things  are  noticeable  in  the  foregoing  agreement  ■■, 
viz.,  observe  : 

1.  ''^  The  free  gift  of  ttventyfive  acres.'''  These  were  quarter 
right  grants. 

2.  The  '•'•right  of  commoning"  was  not  only  the  right  to  pasture 
cows,  cattle,  sheep,  horses,  ^c,  but  of  tilling  the  land  on  the 
stated  common,  and  other  commons  of  the  Freeholders. 

3.  "  The  Estate  of  England''''  is  marginal,  and  was  added  at  a 
later  date.  The  unsettled  state  of  England  in  the  wars  of  King 
Charles,  and  his  Parliament  in  the  days  of  Cromwell  gave  rise  to 
this. 

4.  It  appears  they  had  a  Charter.  Roger  Williams  had  secured 
one  in  1644. 

5.  They  were  *•'  ?iot  to  claim  any  right  to  the  Purchase  of  the 
said  Plantation.'''  The  original  purchasers  have  beeji  elsewhere 
given,  and  they  claimed  special  privileges  and  rights  not  yet 
granted  to  these  new  comers. 

6.  They  must  be  '•'•received  as  freemen'''  n\  order  to  entitle  them 
to  the  privileges  of  the  elective  franchise. 

7.  The  note  would  give  latitude  to  the  arrival  of  any  given 
signer  of  this  agreement,  but  some  one  or  more  signed  it  at  the 
date,  but  what  particular  ones  it  is  impossible  now  to  determine. 
Hence,  Lawrance  Wilkinson  may  not  have  arrived  in  this  Colony 
at  the  date  above  given.  The  names  are  placed  at  random,  not 
in  order  consecutively,  or  in  columns,  but  hap-hazard,and  several 
of  them  by  their  marks  while  the  Clerk  appended  their  name. 
Some  signing  bv  a  cross   or  mark    were  able   to    write,  as    their 


LAWRANCE  IFILKINSON.  37 

signatures  to  other  articles  plainly  show.      Other   names   signed 
are  erased. 

The  following  is  the  first  record  I  am  able  to  find  after  the 
civil  compact  above  mentioned.  It  is  said  the  early  records  of 
Providence  were  loosely  kept,  and  a  part  of  them  were  lost  when 
the  Town  was  burned  during  King  Philip's  war,  hence  this  may 
not  in  fact  be  the  next  mention  of  his  name.  It  is  very  singular 
that  he  should  be  ten  or  twelve  years  in  the  Colony,  or  even  five 
or  six  years,  without  manifesting  that  aggressive  spirit  which 
characterized  his  later  years  : 

II.  "At  a  Quarter  Court,  Jan.  27,  1657.  Ordered  that 
Lawrance  VV^ilkinson  shall  have  three  acres  of  land  lying  by  the 
New  field  beyond  the  great  Swamp."* 

Where  the  "  New  P'ield,"  or  the  "  Great  Swamp  "  was  I 
am  not  able  to  state,  but  certain  sections  then  described  as  swamps 
are  tillable  lands  now. 

The  boundaries  of  Lawrance  Wilkinson's  land  are  partially 
described  by  the  following  records : 

III.  '^  Robert  Colwell  had  a  house  lot  of  five  acres  laid  out  to 
him  in  the  Neck  being  at  the  head  of  a  lot  which  the  said  Robert 
Colwell  sold  unto  Roger  Mowrv,  only  a  highway  between, 
bounding  cm  the  North  with  the  land  of  Anna  Smith  (which 
formerly  was  John  Smith,  Mason's)  on  the  south  with  the  land 
of  Lawrance  Wilkinson,  and  on  the  east  end  with  the  land  of 
Lawrence  Wilkinson,  <Scc.t  Laid  out  by  R.  Waterman,  Town 
Deputy,  1658." 

IV.  "At  a  Town  Meeting,  May  15,  1658.  Mr.  Olney 
Moderator.  Ordered^  that  all  those  that  enjov  lands  in  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  town  are  Freemen. ";{: 

Lawrance  Wilkinson  was  admitted  Freeman  at  this  time, 
if  he  had  not  been  before ;  but  this  by  no  means  determines  the 
point.  No  other  record  however  has  been  found  of  his  admission 
prior  to  this. 


*■!.   Book  of  Deeds  Transcribed,  p.  IIO,  and  and  Old  Book,  74. 

tl.   Book,  29. 

Jl.   Book  Records,  p.  108. 


38  FIRST  GENERATION. 

V.  "At  a  Quarter  Court,  Jan.  27,  1659.  ' 

"  Chosen  Juryman  for  this  Quarter,  Thos.  Arnold,  Wm. 
White,  Thos.  Walling,  Valentine  Whitman,  Lawrence  Wilkiilson 
and  Edward  Smith."* 

VI.  "August  15th,  1659.  Lawrence  Wilkinson,  chosen 
Commissioner  to  the  Court  of  Commissioners  to  be  held  at 
Portsmouth  23d  of  Aug.,  1659."! 

At  this  early  date  we  ftnd   him  a  member  of  the  Legislature, 

plainly  showing  that  he  had  gained  the  confidence  of  the  people. 

VIL   "At  a  Town  Meeting",  March  the^,  1660-61. 

"  It  is  granted  unto  Lawrance  Wilkinson  that  he  may  take  up  the 
five  acor  Lott  which  Christopher  Smith  Laid  down  in  the  Neck 
in  Liew  of  all  his  Right  which  he  has  gott  to  take  up,  which  is 
thirteen  acors  and  A  Hafe."| 

Christopher  Smit:h  was  his  father-in-law.  We  have  spoken  of 
him  elsewhere.  Those  familiar  with  the  early  division  of  the 
Town  will  recognize  the  location.  Charles,  II.  was  restored  in 
this  year,  (.1660)  Cromwell  having  died  in   1658.        -  , 

VIII.  "  At  a  Quarter  meeting  April  27,  1666.  Thas.  Olney, 
Moderator.  Forasmuch  as  Lawrence  Wilkinson  hath  desired  to 
have  a  share  of  Meadow  recorded  which  he  hath  taken  up,  it 
lying  up  beyond  Loquasqussuck,^  northern  end  ;  it  is  granted  that 
it  shall  be  recorded  when  it  is  known  whether  it  be  not  within 
the  land  to  be  laid  out  on  the  east  side  of  the  seven  mile  line,"  but 
within  the  lands  which  were  to  be  laid  out  in  the  first  division. "§ 

I.  ^'- Loquasqussuck" — was  afterwards  spelled  ^'- Locusquissit"  or 
for  short  Loquissit^  and  was  at,  or  near  the  place  where  Samuel 
Wilkinson,  Lawrance's  oldest  son,  settled  in  Smithfield  about  ten 
miles  north  of  Providence.  The  origin  of  the  name  is  not 
known — supposed  to  be  from  the  noises  produced  in  the  evening 
by  Locusts,  Tree-toads,  &c.      Others  say  it  is  an  Indian  name.|| 


*i    Book  of  Records,  1637-1682,  p.  103,  Providence,  R.  I. 

f  I    Book  of  Records,  p.  105,  Providence  R.  I. 

J I    Book  p.  94  and  i  Old  Book  42,  Providence,  R.  I. 

^i    Book  of  Records  187,  Providence,  R.  I. 

Iljas.  Wilkinson,  says,  "that  section  of  the  town -was  alvi-ays -called  Loquissi't— a 
militia  company  was  known  by  that  name — and  the  turnpike  leading  to  Providence"  had 
that  name,  but  the  origin  of  tlie  name  is  not  known." 


LAWRANCE    WILKINSON. 


39 


;  2.  "  The  Seven,  mile  line"  extended  from  near  the  northeast 
corner  of  the  present  town  of  Coventry  northward  to  the  Mass; 
State  line.      It  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the  old  records. 

.  These  hardy  pioneers  spread  out  rapidly  in  the  settlement  of 
the  country  and  in  the  acquisition  of  lands. 

IX,   "At  a  Quarter   Meeting : —  1667."     The  following 

were  chosen  Commissioners  to  the  Court  of  Commissioners  or 
Deputies  to  the  General  Assembly — viz.  "John  Throckmorton, 
Edward  Inman,  Lawrance   Wilkinson,  and  Resolved  Arnold."*' 

•  X.  "Lawrance  Wilkinson — Return  Original  "Right.  Capt. 
Arthur  Fenner  was  before  me  the  9th  day  of  June  1703,  and 
acknowledged  that  when  he  was  one  of  the  Town  Surveyors  ;  he 
Layed  out  to  Lawrence  Wilkinson  of  Providence  a  tract  of 
Swamp  Land  neare  ye  place  commonly  called  the  World's-End 
Meadow,  Lying  on  both  sides  of  the  river  called  Moshasuck 
River,  Joining  on  the  South  to  a  Swamp  of  Samuel  Whipples,  the 
Southeastern  corner  of  Said  Land  is  a  white  oke  tree  on  the" east 
side  of  said  River  marked — the  southwest  corner  of  said  Land 
is  a  Red  oake  tree  on  the  west  side  of  said  River  marked-^the 
northwest  corner  of  said  Land  is  a  white  oake  marked  on  ye  west 
side  of  said  River — the  north  east  corner  of  said  Land  is  a  blacke 
oake  tree  on  the  east  side  of  said  River  marked — the  said  land 
aforementioned  that  is  contained  within  the  bounds  prescribed  is 
about  twelve  acres  :  this  land  abovementioned  was  Layed  out  by 
mee,  Arthur  Fenner,  Surveyor  a  Little  before  the  Indian  warr 
broake  out,  \yhen  King  PhilHp  Rose  in  arms  against  the  English 
in  the  month  of  June  1675. 

These  lines  were  acknowledged  for  a  truth  by  Arthur  Fenner, 
Surveyor,  the  day  and  yeare  aboue  written. 

Befor  me  Joseph  Williams,  Assistant. 
Recorded  this  15th  day  fFebruary,  1716-17. 

^r  mee  Richard  Waterman,  Clerke." 

The  above  gives  us  some  idea  of  the  timber  that  covered  the  land 
in  the  early  days,  and  indicates  the  nature  of  the  soil.  No  one 
from  present  appearances  would  ever  imagine  the  character  of  the 
primeval  forests.  • 


^Staples'  Annals  of  Providence. 


40  FIRST  GENERATION, 

The  exact  locality  of  this  land  has  not  been  determined,  iX 
was  somewhere  on  the  Moshassuck^  and  near  the  "World's-End 
Meadow."  Those  familiar  with  these  ancient  names  would  have 
no  trouble  in  locating  it.  Moshassuck,  or  as  it  is  sometimes 
spelled  ''  Mooshassic,"  is  the  perpetuated  Indian  name  of  the 
river  which  empties  into  the  cove  from  the  north.  It  is  now  a 
mere  walled  canal  spanned  by  bridges.  Two  centuries  ago,  the 
scener\'  of  its  banks  was  regarded  as  "sacredly  romantic." 

XI.  May  6,  1673.  "Laid  out  unto  Lawrence  Wilkinson  one 
lot  on  the  plain  where  his  cellar  is — in  length  one  hundred  and 
twenty  poles,  and  in  breadth  eighty  poles."* 

This  Return  of  sixty  acres  occurs  with  a  large  number  of 
others,  viz :  William  Hakeniss,  John  Steere,  Cjregorv  Dexter, 
Arthur  Fenner,  S.  Manton,  Richard  Waterman,  Edward  Manton, 
Thomas  Arnold,  William  Wickenden,  Hannah  Ballou,  Robert 
Pyke,  John  Field,  and  Edward  Inman ;  Richard  Pray,  (jeorge 
Shepard,  William  Fenner,  &c. 

The  date  preceding  is  May  6th,  1673,  ^"^  '^  prefixed  to  a 
remonstrance  against  the  oatK  of  allegiance  required  bv  the  King 
of  England. 

XII.  "Oct.  1673.      ^^  ^  Quarter  Court,  &c. 
Lawreiice  Wilkinson  chosen  Grand  Juryman."! 

XIII.  April  28,  1673.  " -^^  ^  town  meeting  28th  of  April, 
(the  27th  being  the  Quarter  day,  but  it  fell  to  be  the  ist  dav  of 
the  week)  1673.      Mr.  Arthur  Fenner,  Moderator. 

This  day  were  chosen  men  to  serve  at  the  General  Assembly 
at  Newport,  for  Deputies:  John  Throckmorton,  William  Harris, 
Anthony  Everinden  and  Lawrence  Wilkinson. "|; 

Providence  and  Newport  divided  the  honors  of  entertaining 
the  Legislature  of  the  Colony  at  an  early  period. 

The  following  are  the  lots  drawn  at  dift'erent  times  by  the 
Purchasers  of  the  town  of  Providence. 


*J  Book  of  Records,  279,  Providence. 

fl      "  «  281, 

jl      "  «  272,  » 


LAWRANCE    WILKINSON.  41 

# 

XIV.  Larids  drawn  on  the  ''  Stated  Commons :'"'' 
Lavvrance  Wilkinson  drew  Lot  No.  41. 

The  Stated  Common  was  situated  where  the  State  Prison  now 
stands,  and  extended  back  over  Smith's  Hill  into  the  country.  It 
consisted  of  a  thousand  acres,  and  was  divided  into  104  shares, 
ajid  then  numbered  and  drawn  by  the  shareholders.  Many  years 
after  the  original  drawing  fjune  15,  1724)  this  tract  was  platted, 
and  filed  in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  city  of  Providence. 

Lawrance  Wilkinson's  name  appears  upon  the  original  plat, 
now  (1865)  in  the  office  of  the  "Society  for  the  Improvement 
of  Domestic  Industry,"  Providence,  R.  I. 

XV.  Lands  draivn  on  the  South  Side  of  Olney  Street: 

On  the  "Proprietors  Piatt  of  Providence,"  Lawrence  Wilkinson 
Axc^  Lot  No.  1 1. 

How  much  land  was  included  in  these  draughts  is  not  known 
by  the  compiler.  The  Piatt  was  projected  in  17 18,  several 
years  after  the  drawing  took  place.  The  lots  were  larger  than 
those  on  the  Stated  Common,  and  were  intended  to  be  of  equal 
value. 

XVI.  Lands  draivn  west  of  the  '"''Seven  Al'ile  Line  :^' 

*'•  April  12,  1675.  The  names  of  those  which  drew  papers 
and  their  places  in  order  as  it  fell  unto  them  at  a  Town  Meeting 
the  I  2th  of  April  1675.  Capt.  Feiiner,  Moderator,  it  being  for 
the  dividing  of  the  land  bevond,  or  on  the  west  side  of  the  seven 
mile  line  as  foUoweth,  5cc.  Lawrance  Wilkinson  drew  Lot 
No.  72."* 

XVII.  Lands  drawn  between  the  Seven  Mile  Line  and  Four  Milt 
Line  : 

May  24,  1675.  *'The  names  of  those  which  drew  papers 
and  their  places  in  order  as  it  fell  unto  them  at  a  Town  Meeting, 
May  24,  1675.       Thomas   Harris,   Moderator, 'it  being  for  the 

*Book  of  Records,  504-5.  For  the  number  of  acres  contained  in  one  of  these 
draughts,  see  Return  Original  Right.  Benj.  Wilkinson,  "Laid  out  on  the  original  Right 
oi  Lawrance  Wilkinson  and  in  the  Hundred  and  Sevent)'  acre  Division.  Recorded  in 
Providence  Purchaser's  Records,  p.  258.      Rich'd  Brown,  Clerk." 


41  FIRST    GENERATION. 

dividing  of  the  Land'  between  the  "Seven  mile  line,"  and  the 
"Four  mile  line,"  east  side  of  the  Seven  mile  line,  &:c.* 

Lawranee  Wilkinson  drew  Lot  No.  20." 

XVIIL    Lands  drawn  west  of  the  Sei)en  mile  line  i^id  Division^. 

March  17,  1683-4.  "List  of  Draughts  made  17th  March 
j68|,  for  the  division  of  the  land  on  the  West  side  ot  the  Seven 
mile  line,.  &c. 

Lawranee  Wilkinson  drew  Lot  No.  32. "f 

From  the  records  it  appears  Lawranee  took  up  about  looo 
acres  of  land  in  and  around  Providence,  and  if  he  lost  his 
patrimony  in  the  old  world  by  sequestration,  he  was  not  long  in 
gaining  a  larger  estate  in  the  new. 

XIX.  The  following  Deed  from  Lawranee  Wilkinson  to  his 
son  Josias,  bearing  date  Aug,  31,  1691  ;  about  one  year  before 
his  death  ;  is  the  last  record  of  the  transfer  of  property  that  we 
find,  and  is  interesting  as  it  describes  the  residence  of  our  paternal 
ancestor  in  Providence.      It  reads  as  follows  :  , 

Deed  from  Lawranee  IVilkinson  to  his  son  fosias  Wilkinson : 

^*To  all  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come:  Know  ve  that 
I  Lawranee  Wilkinson,  as  well  for  the  naturall  loue  and  affection 
which  I  have  and  beare  unto  my  well  beloved  son  Josias  Wilkinson 
of  Providence  (&c)  give  (&c)  a  certain  house  and  lot  which  the 
said  Lawranee  Wilkinson  dwelt  on,  as  also.  Twelve  acres  of 
swamp  bounded  upon  ye  land  of  Samuel  Whipple,  and  on  ye 
north  end  on  James  Ashton's  meaddow  ;  together  with  three 
parts  of  a  purchase  Right  in  Common:  All  which  said  houses 
and  lands  herein  speciffied  are  in  ye  possession  of  Lawranee 
Wilkinson  aforesaid  until  signing  hereof,  and  then  to  revert  unto 
said  Josias  Wilkinson,  his  heirs,  or  assignes  forever  as  his  or  their 
own  proper  estate,  according  to  the  Tenour  of  East  Greenwitch 
in  Kent,  free  from  all  Mortgages,  Leases,  Jointures,  Dowers, 
intails.  Wills,  Judgments,  Executions,  or  any  other  encumbrances 
whatsoever  committeed  or  dorie  by  me,  the  said  Lawrence 
Wilkinson,  my  heirs  and  assigns  forever  ;  to  the  only  purpose  and 
bfihoofof  ye  said  Josias.  Wilkinson  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever; 


■*See  note  on  preceeding  page. 
■[•I  Book  of  Records,  311. 


LAW  RANGE   WILKINSON. 

And   I,  Lawrance  Wilkinson  do  covenant  and  agree  (usual  . 
covenants). 

In  witness  whereof  I  haue  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seale  this 
thirty  and  one  day  of  August  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  God,  one 
thousand  six  hundred  ninety  and  one,  and  in  ye  third  yeare  of  their 
Majestyes  Reigne — William  and  Mary. 

Signed,  sealed  and  delivered 


with   the   Presence  of  us 
Jonathan  Sprague, 
Mehettabell   Sprague.    . 


Lawrence  Wilkinson. 


L.   S. 


.  Recorded  Nov.  2,  iJcS,  f  r  Thos.  Olney,  Clk.*" 
Rev.  Jonathan  Sprague,  the  subscribing  witness,  was  a  Baptist 
minister,  and  preached  for  many  years  to  a  society  in  the  east 
part  of  what  is  now  Smithfield,  and  died  Jan.  1741,  2ged  93. 
He  is  the  author  of  the  reply  to  the  association  of  Ministers  of 
Mass.,  which  is  preserved  in  Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists, f 
and  was  a  very  judicious,  talented  and  pious  man.|  He  was  a 
firm  friend  of  the  Wilkinson  family,  and  was  called  upon  at  a 
subsequent  period  to  aid  the  heir  of  this  property  in  securing  her 
rights. 

Josias'  daughter,  Hannah,  married  James  Dexter,  and  the 
original  residence  of  Lawrance  Wilkinson  in  Providence,  is  now 
known  as  the  "Old  Dexter  Place." 

About  one  year  after  this  deed  of  gift,  Lawrence  departed  this 
life  and  the  following 

XX.  Letter  of  Administration  ivas  granted: 
"At  a  meeting  of  ve  Towne  Councill,  Aug.  ye  31,  1692  : 
Whereas  Lawrance  Wilkinson  of  this  Towne  of  Providence 
departed  this  life  the  gth  day  of  August,  1692,  and  dicing  intested, 
an  Inventory  being  taken  of  the  said  Lawrance  Wiilkinson,  his 
estate,  and  hath  been  this  day  by  ye  councill  examined  ;  And 
whereas  Samuel  Wilkinson  and  John  Wilkinson,  hath  desired 
administration    upon    their   said    deceased    Father ;    his    Estate  ; 

■^^2,  Book  of  Deeds,  pp.  109-110,  Providence. 

f  2  Benedict's  History  of  Baptist,  p.  ^1-69. 

X  Backus'  Church  History  cf  N.  E.,  p.  149.      Am.  Tr;:ct  Society  Ed. 


FIRST  GENERATION. 

.ue]  Wilkinson  and  John  Wilkinson  have  this  day  given  in 
jond  to  ye  Councill  to  legally  Administer  upon  their  deceased 
Father,  Lawrance  Wilkinson,  his  estate ;  the  Tovvne  Councill 
thereupon  have  given  unto  them  a  letter  of  Administration  to 
Administer  upon  ye  said  estate."* 

I  have  presented  this  documentary  evidence  chronologically 
and  consecutively  for  obvious  reasons,  and  v/ill  now  speak  of  his 
marital  relations. 

Lawrance  married  Susannah  Smith  ;  o?ily  daughter  probably,  of 
Christopher  Smith. f  He  appears  from  the  records  to  have  been 
quite  a  prominent  man  in  the  infancy  of  the  Colony.  Savage 
mentions  his  name  in  the  list  of  freemen,  1655. 

"  He  was  chosen  at  a  Quarter  Court,  27th  of  the  2d  month, 
[April]  1655.  Roger  Williams  being  Moderator,  for  the  General 
Court  and  Province  of  Mass.,  &c." 

One  Capt.  Reyne  having  lost  a  servant  by  name  of  James 
Bitts,  a  Scotchman,  the  Town  of  Providence  voted  to  return 
him  to  the  Court  of  Seacunck.  As  Bitts  was  refractory  and 
refused  to  go,  Capt.  Reyne  desired  aid.  "  Christopher  Smith," 
says  the  record,  "to  the  good  example  of  all  younger  persons, 
willingly  offered  himself  to  help. "J 

June  4,  1655,  he  was  chosen  Sergeant  and  filled  the  office 
acceptably. §  He  had  a  share  of  meadow  laid  out  to  him  "beyond 
a  meadow  commonly  called  the  World's  End,  in  lieu  of  a  share 
of  a  meadow  formerly  laid  out  to  him  between  the  great  meadow 
&  Pawtucket  Path."l| 

The  Pawtucket  Path  has  since  become  a  noted  highway  in  N. 
E.  On  the  same  page  his  name  is  mentioned  again,  and  "  Richard 
Waterman  and  Thomas  Harris  were  appointed  to  set  bounds 
between  him  and  Thomas  Olney  jr.,  in  the  Stamper's  bottom." 

June  27,  1658,  he  took  up  sixty  acres  of  land  and  one  share 

*i  Council  Records,  p.  i. 

f  "  Smith,  Christopher,  Providence — in  the  list  of"  freemen  there  1655 — had  daughter 
Susanna,  who  married  Lawrance  Wilkinson;  engaged  for  allegiance  to  Charles  II.,  June, 
1668.  In  1672  his  wife  was  Alice  (?)  but  what  was  her  family  name,  or  whether  she 
were  first,  2d,  or  later  wife  is  unknown." — Sa-vagc^s  Genealogical  Directory  of  N.  E. 

J I  Book  of  Records,  124,  Providence. 

^i  Book  of  Records,  p.  123,  Providence. 

II  do.  113,  do. 


LAWRANCE    WILKINSON.  4$ 

of  meadow.*  In  i  672,  he  gave  a  deed  of  real  estate  to  Shadrach 
Manton.f  In  this  deed  his  wife's  christian  name  is  mentioned. 
It  was  Alce^  and  not  Alice  as  Savage  has  it.  No  name  has  been 
more  frequently  repeated  in  the  Wilkinson  family,  or  at  least  in 
certain  branches  of  it.  Even  at  the  present  day  the  name  occurs 
in  more  than  one  family. 

Christopher  Smith's  name  has  been  perpetuated  in  Providence 
by  "  Smithes  Hill"  as  his  first  share  of  lands  was  bounded  as 
follows  :  "  On  the  north,  and  on  the  south  with  the  Brow  of 
the  Hill,  5cc.";|;  He  was  more  than  once  elected  Deputy  to  the 
General  Court,  and  held  other  offices  in  the  Colony.  We  have 
no  account  of  any  other  child  save  the  wife  of  Lawrance 
Wilkinson.  She  proved  to  be  an  excellent  wife,  and  a  kind  and 
affectionate  mother.  Her  impress  was  made  upon  her  ofi'spring, 
and  her  life  in  the  wilderness  of  the  New  World,  was  marked 
with  peculiar  success.  She  is  the  mother  of  us  all,  and  we  rejoice 
to  do  her  reverence. 

"As  morn"ng  when  she  shed  her  golden  locks, 
And  on  the  dewv  top  of  Hermon  walked, 
Or  Zk  n  hill,  so  glorious  was  her  path." 

We  have  no  record  of  her  death,  nor  place  of  burial.^  She 
probably  died  before  her  husband,  as  no  mention  is  made  of  her  in 
the  records. 

This  closes  the  documentary  evidence  of  Lav/rance  Wilkinson. 
He  had  been  in  America  between  forty  and  fifty  years,  and  had 
become  the  father  of  six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters. 
He  had  been  a  firm  supporter  of  the  grand  doctrine  of  soul  liberty, 
and  aided  as  a  citizen  in  establishing  the  Colony  upon  a  firm  basis, 
and  in  protecting  it  against  the  encroachments  of  Massachusetts 
on  the  one  side,  and  Connecticut  on  the  other.  He  added  his 
influence  and  voice  in  enacting,  as  a  legislator,  some  of  the  wisest 


*i  Book  of  Records,  8i,  Providence. 

f  do.  290>  do 

Ji  Book  of  Records,  39,  Providence. 

|See  Memorials  of  Roger  Williams  by  Z.  Allen,  p.  9. 


46  FIRST    GENERATION. 

and  best  laws  that  ever  blessed  and  honored  any  government. 
He  aided  in  the  wars  with  the  Indians,  nor  laid  down  his  arms 
tiil  they  were  thoroughly  subdued.  He  became  the  owner  of 
many  broad  acres  upon  which  he  settled  his  three  sons,  and 
endowed  his  daughters — he  was  respected  and  honored  by  his 
fellow-citizens,  and  at  last  fell  asleep  and  rested  from  his  toils. 

"Life's  blessings  all  enjoyed,  life's  labor  done, 
Serenely  to  his  final  rest  he  passed ; 
While  the  soft  memory  of  his  virtues,  yet 
Lingers  like  t,wilight  hues,  when  the  bright  sun  is  set." 

No  stone  marks  his  grave ;  and,  as  Roger  Williams,  the 
Founder  of  the  Colony  was  buried,  and  his  grave  forgotten  ;  so 
with  many  others  of  the  first  settlers,  his  place  of  interment  is  not 
known. 

For  other  facts  concerning  Lawrance  Wilkinson,  see  Biography 
No.  I. 


SECOND    GENERATION. 

1.  Lawrance  Wilkinson^  "I  [i] 

AND  V  .    '  •■  . 

Susannah  Smith.  j  j:    '^  •■■■. 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

2.  I.   Samuel,'  (8-13)  b.-    '-■:-',  d.  Aug.   27,  1727. 

3.  II.   Susannah,-  b.  March  9,  1652,  d. 

4.  III.   John,' (14-19)  b.  March  2,  1654,  d.  April   10,  1708. 

5.  IV.  Joanna,"^  b.  March  2,  1657,  d. 

6.  T.  JosiAs,-{2o)  b.v    •-'-      ..    ■  d.  Aug.    10,  1692. 

7.  VI.   Susannah,"^  b.  Feb."  1662,  d. 

I.     SAMUEL. 

IS^IHERE  has  been  some  diversity  of  opinion  about  the  birth 
l^.^l  of  Samuel.  An  article  appeared  in  the  June  number,  { 1 865) 
of  the  Heraldic  Journal — published  in  Boston  —  entitled  the 
"Wilkinson  Family  and  Arms,"  by  Hon.  Theodore  A.  Neal,  which 
states  that  Lawrance  Wilkinson,  after  "having  obtained  special 
permission  from  Lord  Fairfax  in  1652,  went  with  his  wife  and 
son  to  New  England."  From  this  it  would  appear  Samuel  wa's 
born  in  England.  No  record  of  his  birth  is  to  be  found  in  this 
country,  and  it  is  probable,  the  above  statement  of  Mr.  Neal  is 
correct,  although  there  is  some  difficulty  about  it.  Lawrance 
married  Susannah,  daughter  of  Christopher  Smith  of  Providence, 
but  we  find  no  account  of  this  marriage  in  the  old  records  of 
Providence,  neither  do  we  find  any  account  of  Christopher  Smith 


48  SECOND  GENERATION. 

until  after  1650.  He  appears  in  the  list  of  Freemen  in  1655. 
After  a  thorough  and  careful  search  of  the  first  records  kept  by 
Roger  Williams  and  the  town  clerks  of  his  day,  we  find  nothing 
to  determine  this  matter  positively,  hence  we  are  left  to  conjecture, 
that  Christopher  Smith  came  to  Providence  after  Lawrance 
Wilkinson  had  established  himself  there.  No  records  of  Samuel's 
birth  has  been  found  anywhere,  neither  have  we  any  data  to 
determine  it.  The  birth  of  his  next  younger  sister,  as  given  by 
Savage,  occurred  March  9,  1652.  He  was  then  in  Providence. 
Samuel  married  Plain  Wickenden,  daughter  of  Rev.  William 
Wickenden  and  although  we  have  notices  of  publication  of  Plain's 
sisters,  we  find  nothing  of  hers.  Their  publications  were  as 
follows  : 

"Jan.  27,  1659.  At  a  Quarter  Court:  Thomas  Smith  hath 
this  day  declared  his  intention  of  marriage  with  Ruth  Wickenden."* 
A  fatal  accident  happened  to  this  couple  later  in  life,  they  were 
both  drowned  in  the  Pawtuxet  river.  According  to  Savage 
"they  had  John  b.  4  Aug.,  1661;  Thomas^  9  Aug.,  1664; 
William^  b.  lO  Jan.,  1667,  and  Joseph  b.  18  Feb.,  1669,  if  the 
memory  of  aunt  Plain  was  correct  when  she  testified  to  their  age 
14  March,  1670." 

"  Oct.  27,  1660.  At  a  Quarter  Court:  John  Steere  hath  this 
day  declared  his  intention  of  marriage  with  Hannah  Wickenden." 
They  had  William^  b.  Nov.  25,  167 1. 

These  publications  were  in  pursuance  to  an  order  from  the 
authorities,  which  had  become  a  matter  of  record  as  early  as  Nov, 
3,  1655,  and  were  as  follows  : 

"Ordered — that  Publications  of  marriage  shall  be  under  the 
hand  of  a  Magistrate  set  upon  some  eminent  tree  in  the  Town 
Street,  after  which  publication,  marriage  shall  be  lawful  after  a 
fortnight,  if  no  exception  come  in  within  a  fortnight's  time  ;  that 

*i    Book  of  Deeds,  p.  103,  Clerks  Office  Providence,  R.  I. 


SAMUEL  WILKINSON.  49 

in   extraordinary  cases  Persons   may  in  shorter  time  procure  and 
purchase  a  Town  Meeting  where  there  may  be  publication,"* 

The  Rev.  Wm.  Wickenden  had  but  three  daughters  and  no 
sons.  The  Steeres  and  Smiths,  descendants  of  these  progenitors, 
have  constantly  intermarried  with  the  Wilkinsons  without  being 
cognizant  of  the  relationship  existing  between  them. 

Samuel  became  an  expert  surveyor  and  was  constantly  employed 
to  survey  public  and  private  domains  as  will  be  seen  by  referring 
to  the  early  records  of  Providence.  His  name  appears  more 
frequently  than  any  other  ,man's  as  surveyor — administrator — 
appraiser  of  Estates — overseer  of  the  last  will  and  testament,  &c. 
In  the  records  of  real  estate  is  a  deed  by  Samuel  Wilkinson  and 
Plain  his  wife  and  John  Steere,  to  Joseph  Smith,  dated  March 
24,  1696-7.  The  consideration  was  "The  Love  and  Respect 
that  we  beare  unto  our  kinsman  Joseph  Smith."  The  description 
is  as  follows:  "Eighteen  acres  of  land  layed  out  upon  the  right 
of  commonage  formerly  belonging  to  Wm.  Wickenden,  deceased, 
now  in  the  possession  of  said  Wilkinson  and  Steere,  Situate  in 
in  Providence  and  west  from  the  town  about  seven  miles,  in  a 
Tract  known  by  the  name  Wyumkheag."t 

Joseph  Smith  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Smith  who  married 
Ruth  Wickenden  above  mentioned.  John  Steere  was  the  husband 
of  Hannah  Wickenden  the  sister  of  Samuel's  wife,  and  hence  the 
joint  ownership  of  real  estate. 

In  his  younger  days  Samuel  was  constable  as  appears  from  the 
following  record  bearing  date  July  12,  1683  : 

"  To  Samuel  Wilkinson,  Const. 

You  are  in  his  Majesty's  name  required  to  order  Abigail 
Sibley  and  her  child  out  of  town.";}; 

It  was  a  common  trick  for  Mass.  to  impose  such  dissolute 
paupers  upon  R.  I.,  but  her  records  bear  frequent  evidence  of  a 

*i    Book  of  Records,  p.  119,  Clerks  Office,  Providence,  R.  I. 
j2   Book  of  Deeds,  p.  202.  do.  do 

%i    Book  of  Wills,  p.  69,  Probate  Office. 


50  SECOND  GENERATION. 

determination  to  harbor  no  such  characters,  and  she  kept  the 
strictest  watch  over  the  moral  conduct  of  her  citizens.  Samuel 
was  one  of  the  overseers  of  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Major 
John  Dexter,  son  of  Rev.  Gregory  Dexter,  Jan.  8,  1710-11.* 
This  John  Dexter  had  a  son  James  who  married  Hannah,  Josias 
Wilkinson's  daughter. 

Samuel  was  appointed  in  connexion  with  Major  J.  Jenks,  to 
run  the  boundary  line  between  Mass.  and  R.  I.,  from  Pawtucket 
Falls  north  to  the  Mass,  line  in  171 1,  there  being  a  controversy 
between  the  two  States  which  was  never  settled  till  about  i86o.t 
The  final  adjustment  was  affected  by  compromise;  R.  I.,  giving 
its  portion  of  Fall  River  to  Mass.  and  receiving  the  town  of 
Pawtuxet  and  a  part  of  Seekonk  in  return.  In  17 15,  he  gave  a 
deed  of  certain  real  estate  in  what  is  now  Smithfield  to  his  son 
Samuel,  jun;  He  was  one  of  the  appraisers  of  the  estate  of 
Thomas  Hopkins  in  17 18,  also,  of  the  estate  of  Seth  Whipple 
1 724.1  This  Thomas  Hopkins  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Hopkins 
who  settled  in  Providence  in  1641,  having  followed  Roger 
Williams  in  1636  from  Plymouth,  and  married  Elizabeth  daughter 
of  William  Arnold  the  first. 

The  elder  Thomas  had  two  sons,  William  and  Thomas.  The 
former  married  Abigail  Whipple  and  was  the  grandfather  of 
Stephen  Hopkins.      Seth  Whipple  was  also,  a  relative  by  marriage. 

Samuel  was  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  many  years  in  the 
infant  Colony,  and  his  house  was  a  common  resort  for  young 
people  who  desired  his  official  services  in  the  matter  of  matrimony. 
On  one  page  of  the  public  records  are  recorded  thirty-one  couple 
v/ho  were  married  by  "Capt.  Samuel  Wilkinson,  Justice,"§  and 
other  pages  show  that  he  did  a  thriving  business  in  this  line,  and 
as  in  the  days  of  Noah,  so  in  his  day  in  the  town  of  Providence, 
"They  were    marrying   and   given   in    marriage."     These   facts 

*i  Book  ofWill,-,  Prcbats  Office,  Providence. 
f2  Arnold's  History  of  R.  I.,  p.  42. 
J2  Book  of  Wills,  Probate  Offi  e,  Pnvi  Isnce. 
1 1  Book  of  Marriages,  r.  77. 


■  SJMUEL  WILKINSON.  5-1 

show  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  his  fellow-citizens.  He 
;was  elected  Deputy  for  Providence  to  the  General  Court,  as  the 
Legislature  of  Rhode  Island  was  then  called,  as  early  as  1693, 
and  was  returned  from  time  to  time  during  a  period  of  twenty 
vears,  down  to  1723.'''  '■         •■'''■        ;     ■  • 

After  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.  "  King  of  Great  Brittain, 
&c.,"  Samuel  and  his  brother  took  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  the 
.following  record  was  made  of  that  event.  "Engagements  of 
AUegience  of  Josias  Wilkinson  and  Samuel  Wilkinson — the  last 
"Monday  in  May,  1682,  before  Joseph  Jenks."f  In  the  first 
Book  of  Births,  page  23,  Board  of  Health  office.  Providence, 
(may  be  found  recorded  the  family  of  Samuel  and  Plain,  the  names, 
and  dates  of  birth  corresponding  exactly  with  the  record  of  our 
old  family  Bible. 

Previous  to  1708,  difficulties  arose  between  the  proprietors  of 
Providence  Purchase  and  the  Proprietors  of  Westquodnaik  (now 
Wesquanaug)  about  the  boundary  line  between  their  respective 
purchases.  This  continued  a  long  time  and  the  bitterest  feelings 
were  engendered  on  both  sides.  It  was  finally  adjusted  by  a 
committee  of  eleven  of  whom  Samuel  Wilkinson  was  one,  and 
the  settlement  bears  the  mark  of  his  pen.| 

Samuel  died  Aug.  27,  1727,  intestate,  and  the  appraisal  of  his 
personal  property  and  real  estate  is  recorded  in  Providence. § 
:His  son  Joseph'  was  empowered  to  settle  his  estate.  It  appears 
'that  Joseph  was  his  only  remaining  son  in  the  Colony — Samuel 
jr.,  having  died  the  preceding  January — John  had  moved  to 
.Pennsylvania,  and  William  had  gone  to  England. 

The  appraisal  took  place  Sept.  26,  1727,  and  the  inventory 
gave  the  following  results  : 

Personal  effects,  ^645 1. 13.5, 
Real  Estate,  952.01.5, 


£1403.14.10, 


*See  Colonial  Records,  &c.,  Staple's  Annals. 
f  I  Book  of  Records,  307,  Providence. 
^Records  of  Scituate,  R.  I. 
^3   Book  of  Wills,  p.  85, 

8 


^88o. 
1 

00. oo 

17' 

,00.00 

47- 
I 

.00. oo 

13-04 

3' 

I 

.13.04 

13-04 

1 

.01.00 

2.00.00 

52  SECOND  GENERATION. 

As  the  antiquarian  may  derive  some  pleasure  in  searching  out 
their  localities,  we  insert  the  items  of  Real  Property  as  copied 
from  the  record. 

"Imprimis  (i)  Homestead  Farm, 
Item  (2)  one  piece  of  land  lieing  neere  to  Edward 
Mitchels  and  John  Harndeen, 

(3)  To  the  Round  Coue  neere  to  the  ferry, 

(4)  To  \   part  of  a  25   acre  Right  of  thatch  fed 

lieing  at  Baylor  Cove, 

(5)  To  J  part  of  a  lot  that  lieth  in  that  land  which 

was  called  "  Stated  Common," 

(6)  To  \  part    of  25    acres   Right  lieing  in  said 

Common, 

(7)  To  \  part  of  one  ware  House  Lott  in  said  land, 

(8)  To  ^  part  of  a  purchase  right  in  thatch  fed 

lieing  by  Winsor's  Swamp, 

X952.Oi.05 
Some  of  the  above  places  are  readily  located — others  are 
among  the  things  that  were.  The  "Homestead  Farm,"  was 
about  ten  miles  from  the  city  of  Providence  in  a  northerly  direction, 
near  the  "  Harris  Lime  Rock"  in  the  present  town  of  Smithfield, 
on  the  original  right  of  his  father. 

The  following  is  the  first  record  made  of  this  land: 
"At  a   Quarter   Meeting,  April    27,    1666,  Thomas  Olney, 
Moderator : 

"  Forasmuch  as  Lawrence  Wilkinson  hath  desired  to  have  a 
share  of  meadow  recorded,  which  he  hath  taken  up,  it  lying  up 
beyond  Loquasqussuck,  northern  end — it  is  granted  that  it  shall 
be  recorded  when  it  is  known  whether  it  be  not  within  the  land 
to  be  laid  out  on  the  east  side  of  the  Seven  Mile  Line,  but  within 
the  lands  which  were  to  be  laid  out  in  the  first  division."* 

It  was  not  within  the  land  alluded  to,  and  Samuel  took  possession 
of  it  and  made  it  his  home  during  his  long  and  useful  life.  Being 
a  man  of  contemplative  turn  of  mind  he  preferred  the  quiet  of 
the  country  to  the  bustle  of  a  growing  city.      He  was  a  man  of 


*i    Book  of  Records,  187,  Providence. 


JOHN    WILKINSON.  $3 

more  than  ordinary  intellect,  and  bore  the  reputation  of  being  a 
sound  reasoner,  and  a  good  debater  upon  political  and  religious 
subjects.  Gabriel  Bernon  alludes  to  him  in  his  reply  to  James 
Honeyman  of  England,  where  he  refers  to  Gov.  Jenks'  reply  to 
the  Quaker  controversy  which  had  been  carried  on  by  Samuel 
Wilkinson  and  his  son  William,  the  Quaker  Preacher.*  He  was 
buried,  probably,  on  the  farm  alluded  to,  but  no  stone  marks  his 
grave.  There  is  a  small  graveyard  on  the  farm,  containing  some 
very  ancient  mounds,  but  which  of  the  number  is  the  last  resting 
place  of  Samuel  is  not  known. 

For  further  particulars  concerning  him,  see  Biography  No.  II. 

II.  Susannah,  the  eldest  daughter,  died  young.  Her  name  and 
birth  are  preserved  by  the  Hon.  James  Savage  in  his  "  Genealogical 
Dictionary."     Place  of  burial  not  known. 

III.  John  was  born  in  Providence,  R.  I.  Married,  April  16, 
1689,  Deborah  Whipple.  She  was  born  Aug.  i,  1670,  and  was 
sixteen  years  younger  than  her  husband.  The  advanced  age  of 
John  at  the  time  of  his  marriage,  and  of  one  or  two  others  in  the 
lineal  descent  of  this  branch,  causes  a  less  number  of  generations 
than  will  be  found  in  the  lineal  descent  of  Samuel  who  married 
at  a  much  earlier  age.  John  became  an  extensive  land  owner, 
and  at  a  very  early  date  fixed  his  residence  in  that  part  of 
Providence  which  was  in  1731,  called  the  town  of  Smithfield. 
His  house  was  on  the  margin  of  the  Blackstone  River,  near  what 
was  called  "  Martin's  Wade,"  a  little  south  of  the  present  villa 
of  Ashton.  Here  he  took  up,  from  time  to  time,  tracts  of  land 
varying  from  four  to  twenty  acres  on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
and  crossing  over  into  what  was  called  the  ''Gore  of  Land," 
alias  Attleboro,  now  Cumberland,  he  purchased  a  number  of  lots, 
some  of  which  his  descendants  hold  at  the  present  day.  He  bought 
at  one  time  eighty  acres  of  John  Blackstone,  and  the  same  was 
sold  by  his  son,  John,  to  Sylvanus  Scott,  for  the  sum  of  <£i6o. 


Kistorj'  of  Narragansett  Church,  p.  53. 


54  SECOND  GENERJTTON. 

The  description  runs  as  follows:  "All  that  land  which  my 
Honored  Father,  John  Wilkinson  in. his  life  time  bo't  of  John 
Blackston."*  [This  Jno.  Blackstone  was  the  only  son.  of  the: 
famed  Wm.  Blackstone,  the  first  s.ettler  in  R.  I^  .See  Blissl 
Histj  of  Rehoboth,  p.  13.]  '   .'   ■.'-,•    .■   .•,:'?...    ■;■.:... ^'   ,'.;;.' 

A  Deed  from.  Abraham  Marin  to  John  Wilkinson  bears  dat^ 
1 685 T— consideration  ".£1.10,  currant; Salver  "-^--description. ->^" A 
full  quarter  part  of  a  purchase  right  of  Gommoiiing  .throughout 
the  Jurisdiction  of  the  said  town  of  Providence,  reaching  so  far 
as  the  seauen  mile  line,  with  all  the. undivided  lands. and  meadows 
whatsoever  belonging,  or  appertaining  unto:  the  said  quarter  part 
of  Commoning."  Dated:>"  in  thefirst  Vearof  his  Majesty's  reign 
James  the  2d,  etc."  James  11.  comrrieneed  his  reign  in  1685.'"}^ 
By  attempting  to  establish  the  Roman  ,  Catholic  religion:  against 
^he  wishes'  of  his  people  he  was  obliged  to,  abdicate  in  .16,89, 
reigning  only  four  years.  ,  ;The  revoliition/ollow*ed.  The  disrespect 
to  King  craft  was  not  confined  to  Engbrid,  it  reached  America 
and  some  of  these  ancient  deeds  bear  mai'ks  of  the  people's 
displeasure.  The  folly  of  the  .King.had  its  influence  in  shapiag 
the  future  of  the  Colonies,  and  Roger  W^illiams,  having  had  sad 
experience  in  regard  to  religious  intolerance,  determined  that  nobody, 
should  suffer  for  conscience  sake  within  his  domains.  ThetirfifiS; 
became  an  educator  and  thfe  people  wpre  taught  wisdom.  Thej 
following,  as  it  determines  the  location  of  his  dwelling  in  the  wide 
spread  town  of  Providence,  is  of, interest. 

"John  Wilkinson,  Return  Original  Right. 

January  ye  29,  1707-8.  ,. 

Layed  out  about  four  acres  of  Rockey  uneven  land  to  John 
Wilkinson  for  allowance  for  the  Highway  that  was  layed  out  ait 
Martin's  Wadeing  place,  which  land  for  allowance  lieth  on 
adjoining  to  John  Wilkinson's  home  land,  and  beginning  at  a 
Red  oak  tree  marked  and  rangeth  Southwestwardly  to  a  Bladk 
oak  tree  marked,  being  a  corner  of  Eleizar  Whipples  Lott,  and 
from  said  Black  oake  to  range  Southwardly  to  a  heapc  of  stones 

*5  Book  of  Deeds,  p.  108,  Providence. 

f6  Hume's  Hist,  of  England,  p.  285.  ' 


JOHN   WILKINSON,  ^5 

being  a  Corner  of  John  Dexter's  land,  and  from  said  heap  of  stones 
to  range  Northwestwardly  with  Dexter's  land  till  it  meeteth  with 
said  Wilkinson's  former  land,  and  thence  to  ye  aforesaid  Red 
Oake,  where  ye  Range  began." 

"  Layed  out  by  mee,  Ths.  Olney,  jr.,  Surveyor. 
Recorded  Nov.  ye  9,  1 709,  '^r.  Tho.  Olnev,  Clerk,"* 
This  was  near  the  "Dexter  Lime  Rock,"  and  the  John 
Dexter  referred  to  was  the  son  of  Rev.  Gregory  Dexter.  The 
early  records  or  the  Colony  shov/  John  to  be  an  active,  energetic, 
business  man,  and  he  was  not  confined  to  Providence  in  his  land 
purchases.  He  had  lands  assigned  him  in  the  Rehoboth  Ndrth 
Purchase.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  a  Deed  of  sale  from 
his  sons,  Daniel  and  Jeremiah  to  Israel  Wilkinson,  jr.  A  part 
oi  the  description  reads:  "Seven  acres  and  forty-one  rods  of 
common,  or  undivided  land,  to  be  taken  up  within  Rehob^th 
North  Purchase  so  called,  on  the  Right  of  our  Honoured  Father 
lohn  Wilkinson,  deceased."  '  ■■ 

.  He  was  admitted  freeman,  IVIay  3,  1681,  and  always  exercised 
the  elective  franchise.  ~  Being  a  strong,  athletic  man  he  feared 
nothing  in  human  form,  and  his  rashness  was  sometimes  checked 
by  severe  casualities.  He  was  noted  for  his  bravery  and  daring 
in  the  wars  with  the  Indiians  and  did  not  mind  the  hand-to  h^nd 
conflict  with  the  ferocious  savages.  In  one  encounter  with  them 
he  was  severely  wounded  and  the  General  Assembly  voted  hipi  a 
pension.  He  held  several  town  offices,  was  Deputy  for  Providetice 
at  the  General  Courtin  1699,  1700,  1706,  &:c.  He  died  suddenly, 
and  was  found  by  the  side  of  the  road  between  his  own  and  his 
brother  Samuel's  house. 

THE   INVENTORY  OF   HIS   PERSONAL   PROPERTY.  '  T 

"  Here  followeth  ye  Record  of  ye  inventory  of  John  Wilkinson 
of  Providence,  Deceased,  his  Estate : 

A  true  Inventory  of  all  and  singular  the  Goods  &  Chattels 
and  Credits  which  were  bi'ought  to  our  view  of  ye  Estate  of  John 

Wilkinson  who  deceased,   April  ye  lO,  1708,  appraised  ye  26th 

\^ .  ■    ■  •  >  H 

*i    Back  of  Deeds. 


$6  SECOND    GENERATION. 

of  April,  1708,  by  us  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed  and 
in  manner  and  value  as  followeth : 

"Imprimis,  To  his  wearing  apparel  and  Cane,  =£19.15.00 

To  beds,  bedding,  table  linen,  chests  &  other  goods 

in  ye  North  room,  18. 15.00 

In  ye  North  Chamber  a  bed  &  stead  &  furnature 

&  wheat,  rye,  feathers,  &c.,  6. 11.00 

In  ye  East  Chamber  a  bed  &  bed-stead  &  furnature, 

with  grain  &  other  things,  8. 18.00 

In  ye  Lower  East  Room  in   Pewter,  brass  pots  & 

kettles  &  other  house  hold  utensells,  17.18.00 

In  Peantry,  frying  pans,  milk  vessels,  with  other  lumber,    2.00.00 
In  ye  Cellar  in  Cider,  Pork,  Tobacco  &  Casks,  9.00.00 

In  ye  West  Chamber  two  beds  with   furnature  with 

some  cloth,  grain,  &c.  19.16.00 

In  ye  Garrett  in  Tobacco,  Flax  &  some  tooles,  21.14.00 

In  ye  Corner  West  Room  in  Tables,  Frames,  Chaires, 

Wheels,  Utinsells  for  ye  fire,  5.16.00 

To  Joyner's  tooles,  3. 1 2.00 

To  Cooper's  tooles,  1. 14.00 

To  Carpenter's  tooles,  2.13.00 

To    Husbandry    Tooles:    6    Cart-wheels,    Plows, 

Chains,  Yokes,  hoes,  Axes,  pitchforks,  grind 

stones  &  Spades,  16.08.00 

To  Corn  in  ye  Cribb  h  rye  in  ye  Barn,  10.09.00 

To  Deale  boards,  •  i.oi.oo 

To  Swine,  4.10.00 

To  a  horse  bridle  &  Saddles,  1. 10.00 

To  29  head  of  neat  Cattell,  58.06.00 

To  12  Calves,  3.12.00 

To  Cooper  Staves,  14.00 

To  a  piece  of  Druggett  at  ye  Fullers,  &  a  piece  at 

ve  Weavers,  7.10.00 

To  a  Negro  Youtb,  30.00.00 

To  Severall  perticulars  in  ye  Clossett,  18.00 

April  ye  30,  1708,  ye  above  Inventory^     Elezer  Arnold, 

was  by  ye  Town  Councill  at  their  Councill  [^    John  Angell, 

meeting  examined.  [     Samuel   Wilkinson. 

Attested:     Tho.  Olney,  Clerk,     j     Joseph  Jenks,  jr. 
Recorded,  May  ye  4,  1708, 

per  Tho.  Olney,  Clerk."* 

*l  Book  ofWills,  Probate  Office,  Providence. 


JOANNA  WILKINSON.  57 

The  above  inventory  is  presented  as  it  shows  several  particulars 
in  regard  to  the  prosperity  of  the  Colony  at  that  early  period — 
the  productions  of  wheat,  rye  and  tobacco,  the  increase  of  live 
stock,  and  the  abundance  that  pervaded  the  households  of  the 
settlers  all  indicate  a  thrifty  growing  Colony.  Another  fact  is 
noticeable — the  "Negro  Youth."  No  State  or  Colony  was 
exempt  at  that  period — not  even  Massachusetts,  from  the  curse 
of  slavery.  But  Rhode  Island,  at  an  early  date  rid  herself  of 
this  incubus. 

His  wife  Deborah  was  appointed  Administratrix,  as  appears  by 
the  following : 

"  At  a  Council  Meeting,  April  ye  30,  1708. 

"  Whereas  John  Wilkinson  of  the  Towne  of  Providence 
departed  this  life  on  ye  loth  day  of  this  instant  April,  1708,  and 
dying  intested,  his  Widdow,  Deborah  Wilkinson  caused  an 
Inventory  to  be  taken  of  her  said  deceased  husband,  his  Estate : 
The  which  said  Inventory  the  said  Deborah  Wilkinson  hath  this 
day  presented  unto  the  Councill  for  examination.  The  which 
Inventory  beareth  date  ye  26th  day  of  April,  1 708,  and  was 
appraised  by  Eleizer  Arnold,  John  Angell,  Samuel  Wilkinson 
and  Joseph  Jenks,  jr. 

Administration  ordered  to  the  widdow."* 

The  burial  place  of  John  is  not  remembered,  but  as  almost 
every  freeholder  had  a  small  yard  on  his  farm  it  is  probable  he 
was  interred  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Blackstone  a  little  south  of 
his  house  on  his  own  premises. 

For  other  facts  concerning  John,  see  Biography  No.  III. 

IV.  Joanna.  Nothing  is  known  of  this  daughter,  and  some 
have  doubted  the  existence  of  such  a  person.  Savage  gives  her 
name  and  birth,  but  neither  Israel  of  Smithfield  nor  William  of 
Providence  into  whose  hands  came  the  papers  of  their  ancestors, 
give  any  account  of  her.  Whether  she  died  young — lived  a 
spinster — or  was  married  and  had  a  family,  is  not  known.  She 
and  her  posterity,  if  she  has  any,  have   been  entirely  forgotten. 

*i  Book.  Council  Records,  Providence 


'0  SE  COND  GENERATION. 

There  is  a  melancholy  sadness  in  the  thought  of  being  "entirely 
forgotten"  by  our  kindred  that  awakens  the  deeper  syinpathies  of 
our  soul.  .:.■./. 

■'  'V-  JosiAs  the  third  son  was  barn  in  Providence,  but  at  what 
ti trie  is  not  definitely  known — probably  about  1660.  He  married 
Hannah  Tyler  who  came  from  Taunton,  Mass.,  and  by  her  had 
one  daughter,  an  only  child  named  Hannah.  May  29,  1682  he 
took  the  oath  of  allegiance^  or  "  engagement  of  fidelity^"  as  it  was 
called,  to  Charles  11.  This  oath  it  seems,  was  required  of  all 
the  king's  subjects  throughout  the  British  Colonies  of  America. 
"The  General  Assembly  of  R.  I.,"  says  Bancroft, f  "scrupulous 
in  regard  to  the  rights  of  conscience,  would  listen  to  no  proposition 
ejtcept  for  an  engagement  of  fidelity^  and  due  obedience  to  the 
iaws."  So  careful  were  they  that  nothing  should  undermine  .this 
fundamental  principle  of  soul  liberty  in  their  government, 

Josias  was  a  freeholder  and  his  nattie  appears  quite  frequently 
on  the  public  records.  A  grant  of  "six  acres  of  land  in  the 
north  part  of  the  town  of  Providence,"  bearing  date  1689,  and 
signed  "Josias  Wikofon  X  his  mark  appears."  The  clerk  cxi- 
recorder  was  "  Richard  Arnold,  one  of  the  council  of  his  Majestv's 
Territory  and  Dominion  of  New  England."* 

It  has  been  observed  by  some  authors  who  were  well  versed  in 
the  practice  of  the  early  days  of  "  Providence  and  Rhode  Island 
Plantations,"  that  it  was  the  custom  to  allow  the  clerk  or  some  one 
of  their  number  to  write  the  names  of  persons  signing  an  instrument, 
and  then  they  would  make  their  mark,  never  dreaming  that  their 
posterity  would  regard  them  as  unable  to  write.  Whether  this  if» 
true  in  the  above  case,  we  are  not  informed,  at  any  rate  the 
prthography  of  the  name  indicates  that  the  original  draftsman,  as 
well  as  the  grantor,  was  human  and  liable  to  err.  In  searching 
the  old  records  I  have  found  that  persons  able  to  write,  have  signed 
instruments  by  making  a  cross. 


fa  Bancroft  Hist.  U.  S.,  p.  67. 
*i    Book  of  Deeds,  p.  180,  Prov 


JOSUS  WILKINSON.  59 

The  land  above  conveyed  was  undoubtedly  one  of  the  six  acre 
lots  extending  from  North  Main  street,  or  the  "Pawtucket  path  " 
eastwardly.  Another  deed  from  Josias  to  Henry  Estance,  of  the 
same  date  is  recorded.* 

It  was  this  year  or  the  year  following,  that  King  James  11. 
abandoned  his  throne,  and  hence  no  allusion  is  made  to  him  in  legal 
instruments.  The  old  charter  of  1663  granted  by  Charles  II. 
having  been  suspended  by  Sir  Edmond  Andross  was  revived  in  1689, 
the  date  of  the  above  deed,  and  Henry  Bull  was  chosen  Governor 
of  R.  I.  and  Providence  Plantations,  and  some  of  these  ancient 
papers  reveal  the  joyful  feelings  experienced  on  the  occasion.  In 
the  light  of  subsequent  events  these  manifestions  of  the  spirit  of 
liberty  are  easily  interpreted. 

In  1 69 1  Josias  received  a  deed  of  gift  from  his  "Honored 
Father,"  Lawrence  Wilkinson,  of  his  homestead  in  Providence,  a 
copy  of  which  has  been  given  ante^  and  as  there  was  a  great  deal 
of  difficulty  attending  the  transmission  of  this  estate  the 
documentary  history  of  it  will  be  here  given. 

After  Josias'  death,  which  occurred  but  one  day  after  the  death 

of  his  father,  his  widow,  Hannah  Wilkinson  married  one  Joseph 

Tucker  who    proved    to    be  an  unworthv  husband,  perhaps  an 

intemperate  man.      As  Josias   died  without  making  any  will,  his 

property  fell  to  the  care  of  the  Town  Council,  and  the  following 

records  were  made  : 

Aug.,  31,  1692.  "  Whereas  Josias  Wilkinson  of  this  Town 
of  Providence  departed  this  life  the  loth  day  of  Aug.,  1692,  and 
dicing  intestate  his  estate  thereby  fell  to  the  care  of  the  Town 
Council  for  administration  ;  the  Council  doe  therefore  commit  the 
estate  of  the  said  deceased  Josias  Wilkinson  unto  the  hands  of 
Edward  Smith  and  John  Wilkinson  upon  the  same  to  administer 
on  the  Council's  behalf,  and  according  are  required  the  same  to 
dispose,  and  to  give  an  account  to  the  Council  of  their  proceedings 
therein  from  time  to  time.""f" 


■'-'I    Books  of  Deeds,  i8o,  Prov. 
fi  Council  Book,  p.  i. 


6o  SECOND    GENERATION. 

A  few  months  after  this  the  administrators  and  widow  thought 
it  advisable  to  rent  the  farm  and  estate  of  Josias,  and  having  made 
a  conditional  arrangement  with  one  Henry  Stacey  to  take  the  same, 
they  presented  the  matter  to  the  Town  Council  and  the  following 
order  was  issued  : 

Dec.  3,  1685.      "At  a  meeting  of  ye  Councill,  &:c." 

"  Whereas  the  estate  of  the  deceased  Josias  Wilkinson  lieth  in 
such  order  that  there  is  a  necessity  in  letting  out  of  the  farm  and 
stock  -,  and  whereas  there  is  a  motion  made  by  one  Henry  Stacey 
to  rent  ye  farme — the  matter  hath  been  proposed  unto  ye  widow  of 
ye  said  Josias  Wilkinson,  and  she  hath  unto  the  Councill  this  day 
declared  herselfe  very  willing  and  free  that  the  said  Stacey  should 
rent  ye  said  farme  and  stock  and  house  if  the  Councill  andhe  can 
agree  on  the  terms,  only  she  herselfe  to  have  her  abode  in  ye  house, 
and  she  to  have  a  cow  reserved  to  herselfe  for  her  use."* 

At  what  time  Hannah  married  Joseph  Tucker  is  not  known, 
but  after  the  lapse  of  six  or  seven  years  we  find  them  applying  to 
the  Council  as  follows : 

Dec,  26,  1699.  "Joseph  Tucker  and  Hannah  his  wife  have 
this  day  desired  an  account  of  the  Council  how  matters  stand 
between  the  Council  and  themselves  about  the  estate  of  the 
deceased  Josias  Wilkinson."* 

Not  succeeding  in  getting  the  property  into  his  own  hands 
Mr.  Tucker,  assumed  to  sell  the  stock,  cattle  and  horses,  and 
neo-lected  the  farm  and  allowed  it  to  run  to  ruin,  and  to  such  an 
extent  did  he  carry  matters  that  he  even  neglected  to  provide 
clothing  for  his  wife's  daughter,  and  the  following  complaint  was 
lodged  against  him: 

March  10,1701—2.  "  Complaint  made  against  Joseph  Tucker 
for  letting  the  farm  run  to  ruin,  the  house  also,  and  that  he  had 
sold  several  horse  kind  belonging  to  the  estate  of  the  deceased 
Wilkinson,  also,  the  child  of  Josias  Wilkinson  is  in  a  suffering 
condition  for  want  of  clothing,  &c."  After  hearing  this  complaint, 
the  Council  cited  Tucker  to  appear  before  them,  and  he 
acknowledged  that  he  had  sold  the  stock  and  horses;  but  what 
was  done  with  him  or  the  property  we  are  not  informed.      It  was 

"■■'I    Council  Book,  Providence. 


yOSUS  IFILKINSON.  6i 

probably  put  out  of  his  reach,  and  April  8,  1707,  he  died,  and  thus 
ended  this  unhappv  affair.  The  matter  however,  had  become 
somewhat  complicated,  and  it  was  a  number  of  years  before  it  was 
out  of  the  hands  of  the  Council. 

July  7,  1737.  "Hannah  Tucker,  widow  of  Joseph  Tucker, 
presented  an  inventory  for  administration,  which  was  taken  by 
John  Wilkinson  and  Svlvanus  Scott,  June  15,  1707,"* 

This  Sylvanus  Scott  lived  near  Lonsdale,  on  what  is  now  known 
as  the  old  Scott  place.  He  was  the  father  of  Stephen  Hopkins' 
first  wife. 

Hannah  having  had  the  care,  and  the  expense  of  clothing  and 
educating  her  daughter,  and  since  the  property  to  which  her  said 
daughter  Was  heir  apparent  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Council  it 
became  necessary  to  apply  to  them  for  allowances  in  her  daughter's 
behalf.  Hence  the  following  record  appears  upon  the  Council 
book. 

"Whereas  the  aforesaid  Hannah  Tucker,  widow  of  ye  aforesaid 
deceased  Joseph  Tucker,  had  a  former  husband  by  name  Josias 
Wilkinson  who  died,  by  whom  she  had  one  child  the  which  child 
h;ith  been  with  her  mother,  the  said  Hannah  Tucker  until  this  day, 
and  accounts  with  the  said  Hannah  Tucker  have  soon  made  up  as 
concerning  her  said  former  husband,  his  estate,  and  ye  said  child's 
bringing  up,  and  what  ye  said  Hannah  Tucker  was  indebted  unto 
ye  said  Josias  Wilkinson,  his  estate,  is  allowed  to  her,  and  also, 
that  ye  said  Hannah  Tucker  to  have  all  ye  use  and  profits  of  the 
aforesaid  Josias  Wilkinson  his  farm  (which  belongeth  to  his  heirs) 
to  be  unto  ye  said  Hannah  Tucker's  use  until  ye  25th  day  of 
March  next  ensuing."* 

Gideon  Crufford  was  appointed  Administrator. 

For  a  period  of  over  sixteen  years  the  deed  given  by  Lawrence 
Wilkinson  to  his  son  Josias,  had  never  been  recorded,  and  the 
following  requisition  was  made  by  the  Ccouncil : 

June  25,  1708.      "At  a  meeting  of  ye  Council. 

"  Whereas  there  was  formerly  a  deed  of  gift  of  lands  by 
Lawrence  Wilkinson,  deceased,  madetojhis  son  Josias  Wilkinson, 
his  son  also,  being  since  deceased,  but  leaving  one  child  surviving; 
but  ye  said  deed  not  being  upon  any  record,  and  ye  Town  Council 
having  ye  care  of  ye  aforesaid  of  said  Wilkinson's  estate,  doe 
therefore  order  and  appoint  Mr,  Jonathan  Sprague,   and  Justice, 

*i  Bjok  of  Cauncil  Reccrds,  p.  51  and  53,  Providence. 


62  SECOND  GENERATION. 

Eleizer  Arnold  to  look  after  said  deed,  and  in  whose  custody  they 
find  it,  of  them,  the  same  to  demand  and  receive,  and  to  deliver 
it  to  the  Council  for  their  disposing  ye  custody  thereof."* 

The  Jonathan  Sprague,  mentioned  above,  seems  to  have  been  an 
intimate  friend  of  Lawrence  Wilkinson,  and  his  name  as  subscribing 
witness,  appears  upon  the  deed  aforesaid.  This  accounts  for  his 
appointment  by  the  Council  to  look  after  the  deed.  Whether 
there  was  an  attempt  to  secret,  or  keep  it  from  the  .heir  is  not 
known.  The  action  of  the  Council  would  seem  to  indicate  that 
such  was  the  fact.  This  Jonathan  Sprague  is  the  author  of  the 
reply  to  the  Massachusetts  ministers  who  offered  to  preach  the 
Gospel  gratuitously  to  the  benighted  Rhode  Islanders  which  reply 
is  found  in  Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptists. f  He  was  a  preacher 
of  great  powers  of  mind  and  a  man  of  extensive  influence  in 
the  colony. 

June  19, 1 7 10.  The  Guardian  of  Hannah  Wilkinson  daughter 
of  Josias,  died,  and  the  Council  appointed  Eleizer  Arnold  as  sole 
guardian.  The  Deed  of  Gift  is  found  in  the  hands  of  Tho.  Olney 
clerk,  and  is  delivered  to  said  guardian,!  and  was  recorded  Nov. 
2,  1708,  per  Thos.  Olney,  Clerke.§ 

But  the  matter  was  not  yet  disposed  of.  John  Wilkinson  and 
Edward  Smith  it  will  be  remembered  were  appointed  administrators 
of  Josias'  estate  at  first.  John  died  in  1708,  leaving  the  business 
unsettled.  His  widow,  being  his  administratrix,  reports  to  the 
Council  as  follows  : 

Sept.  7,  17 13.      "At  a  Council  meeting. 

"  This  day  in  presence  of  the  Council,  Deborah  Wilkinson 
widow  of  the  deceased  John  Wilkinson  delivered  unto  Hannah 
Wilkinson   (the  dau.   of  the  deceased  Josias    Wilkinson   and  his 

heiress)  the  sum  of Pounds which  was  upon  the  account 

of  the  Estate  of  the  deceased  Josias  Wilkinson  ;  the  said  John 
Wilkinson  being  by  ye  Council  made  overseer  of  the  said  Estate." 

*i  Book  of  Council  Records,  51-53,  Providence, 
f  I  Benedict's  History  of  the  Baptist,  pp.  469-471. 
;J;i  Book  of  Wills,  (not  paged]  Providence. 
^2  Book  of  Deeds,  pp.  109-110,  Providence. 


yOSIJS  IFILKINSON.  63 

Why  the  number  of  pounds  is  left  blank  cannot  be  conjectured. 
One  more  order  followed  and  the  matter  was  dismissed  the  Record. 

Sept.  15,  1 7 13.  "Major  William  Hopkins  was  appointed  to 
make  up  the  accounts,  &c.,  of  Josias'  Estate.'"^ 

This  Wm.  Hopkins  was  a  relative  of  the  family,  and  married 
Ruth  Wilkinson,  Samuel's  daughter,  and  was  the  father  of  Stephen 
and  Esek  Hopkins,  who  distinguished  themselves  in  the  days  of 
the  Revolution.  Thus  we  have  waded  through  these  ancient 
records,  not  because  of  any  intrinsic  value  in  themselves  considered, 
but  because  of  the  names  and  dates  which  they  furnish  us,  and 
the  contemporaries  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Josias  died  aged  about  thifty-two.  Place  of  interment  not 
known. 

VI.  Susannah,  the  second  of  the  name,  and  the  youngest 
daughter  of  Lawrence,  married  a  Boss  of  Rehoboth,  Mass.  All 
knowledge  of  this  family  and  their  descendants  is  lost.  The  name 
of  Boss  appears  frequently  in  this  Genealogy.  Sarah  Wilder 
married  Jeremiah  Boss,  and  "Senator"  Wilkinson  of  Minnesota, 
married  Sally  Boss,  but  whether  they  were  descendants  of  this 
family  is  problematical. 

■*i  Council  Book, Providence. 

Note. — Savage  mentions  Josias  as  follows  :  "Josiah,  Providence ;  perhaps  eldest  son  cf 
Lawrence,  took  engagement  of  allegience  to  Charles  II.  29  May  1682,  had  no  male 
offspring  to  survive  him,  and  only  a  daughter  Ruth  [})  who  married  a  De.xter  of  whom  are 
still  descendants." — "  Gencalogicnl  Dictionary  of  N.  E"  vol.  IV.  p.  551-2. 

Josias  is  the  correct  spelling  of  his  name.  He  was  the  youngest  son,  and  not  the 
oldest.  He  had  no  daughter  Ruth,  but  an  only  child  Hannah  who  married  James  Dexter. 
Savage  is  generally  very  reliable. 


THIRD    GENERATION, 

Samuel  Wilkinson^]  [2]  Lawrance'[i] 

AND  y 

Plain  Wickenden,  j 

,  Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

8.  I.   Samuel,^  (21-35)  b,  Sept.  18,  1674,  d.  Jan.  18,  1726-7. 

9.  II.  JoHN,'^  (36-41)     b.  Jan.  25,  1677-8,  d.  175^. 

10.  Ill,  William,'^  (42)  b.  Aug.  i,     1680,  d. 

11.  IV.   JosEPH,^(43-57)  b.  Jan.  22, 1 682-3, d.  April  24,  1740. 

12.  V.   RuTH,'^  b.  Jan.  31, 1685-6,  d. 

13.  IV.   Susannah,^         b.  April  27,  1688,  d. 

I.  SAMUEL. 
AMUEL  was  born  the  year  before  King  Philip's  War 
commenced.  He  lived  in  that  part  of  Providence  which 
afterwards  became  Smithfield,  and  carried  on  the  business  of 
a  farmer,  tanner  and  currier,  and  shoemaker,*  and  was  a  very 
industrious,  hard-working  man.  He  married  Huldah  Aldrich  and 
had  a  family  of  fifteen  children.  His  father  gave  him  a  farm  to 
which  he  made  additions  by  subsequent  purchases.  He  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  a  public  man,  and  his  name  is  not  found  in 
connexion  with  any  town  or  state  office.  Belonging  to  the  Society 
of  Friends,  it  was  a  matter  of  principle,  as  well  as  preference  to 
forego  the  honors  of  such  distinctions,  and  to  quietly  mind  his 
own  business.  His  place  of  residence  was  nearly  west  of 
Manville.      The  description  contained  in  a  "  deed  of  gift,  good-will 

•'■3  Book  of  Wills,  p.  35,  Providence. 


SAMUEL  IVILKINSON.''  65 

and  affection"  from  his  father  will  serve  to  point  out  its  location. 

The  conveyance  is  in  words  and  phrases  following: — 

"To  all  Christian  people  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come: 
I,  Samuel  Wilkinson  of  ye  Town  of  Providence  in  the  Colony 
of  Road  Island  and  Providence  Plantations  in  New  England, 
send  Greeting  :  Know  yee,  That  I,  Samuel  Wilkinson,  seueral 
good  reasons  mouing  me  thereunto,  but  especially  the  loue,  good-will 
and  natural  aff-ec:ion  which  I  have  and  do  beare  towards  my 
beloued  son  Samuel  Wilkinson  of  the  towne  and  Colony  aforesaid: 
Have  giuen  and  granted  *  *  a  parcel  of  land  containing  by 
estimation  f^ifty  acres,  be  it  more  or  less;  and  also,  a  dwelling 
house,  and  all  other  buildings  standing  upon  said  land,  the  said 
fifty  acres  of  land  was  laid  out  on  ye  Original  Right  of  Richard 
Scott,*  and  is  that  which  my  afoursaid  son  now  dwelleth  on,  and 
is  situate,  Lieing  and  being  within  the  townshipp  of  Providence 
aforesaid,  and  about  ten  miles  north-westwardly  from  said  Towne, 
or  Harbour  in  said  Providence,  and  lieth  on  the  south-eastern  side 
of  the  brooke  called  Westquattersett  Brooke,  and  neere  to  the 
Pawtucket  River; — **.  In  witness  whereof  I  doe  hereunto  sett 
my  hand  and  scale,  this  twenty-sixth  day  of  November,  and  in 
the  second  year  of  the  Reigne  of  souering  Lord,  George,  King  of 
Create  Brittain,  &c,,  and  ye  yeare  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seauen  Hundred  and  fifteen; — 17 15. 

Signed  <Scc.,  in  the  presence  of 

Thomas   Hopkins,  Joiner,  Samuel  Wilkinson,  (l.  s.) 

William  Hopkins,  Carpenter, 

Recorded  this  5th  day  of  January,  lyj", 

^r  mee,  Richard  Waterman,  Clerk." 

One  hundred  and  fifty  years  ago  this  deed  was  made,  and 
although  some  of  the  names  therein  mentioned  have  passed  away, 
still  many  remain  as  they  were,  and  are  readily  recognized  by  those 
familiar  with  the  early  settlement  of  Smithfield.  Samuel  had  been 
married  several  years  and  was  living  on  the  farm  granted  by  this 
deed,  and  it  is  very  probable  that  his  family  which  at  that  time 
numbered  twelve  needed  an  enlargement  of  his  domains  to 
accommodate  a  rapidly  increasing  progeny. 


*This  Richard  Scott  was  the  one  who  wrote  against  Roger  Williams.  His  letters  are 
published,  and  may  be  found  in  the  Library  of  Brown  University.  The  composition  is 
peculiarly  severe  and  sarcastic — not  holding  Williams  in  very  high  esteem.  See  "  Fox's 
N.  E.  Fire  Brand  {Quenched,  Part  II.  p.  247."     "Guild's  Manning  &  B.  U.,  p.  147." 


66  THIRD  GENERATION. 

If  any  member  of  the  Wilkinson  family  should  be  desirous  of 
making  a  pilgrimage  to  the  locality  described  in  this  deed,  we  would 
direct  him  to  Manville,  R.  I,,  thence  take  the  road  to  the  west 
bearing  to  the  left  till  the  river-road  running  north  and  south  is 
reached,  then  take  the  right-hand  road  to  the  house  now  (1865) 
owned  by  Fenner  Mowry,  thence  west  about  half  a  mile  ;  and 
the  spot  formerly  made  vocal  by  the  numerous  family  of  Samuel 
and  Huldah  Wilkinson  is  reached. 

Think  not,  however,  to  find  an  old  farm  mansion  with  spacious 
kitchen,  cleanly  swept  parlor,  dairy  room  stored  with  yellow  butter 
and  cheese,  pantry  shining'  with  long  rows  of  pewter-plate,  and 
tin  pans  filled  with  milk  covered  with  golden  cream  ;  a  well  stored 
cellar  ;  outhouses,  barns,  and  sheds,  bleating  flocks  and  lowing 
herds,  the  merry  laugh  and  joy-beaming  countenances  of  happy 
children  gamboling  in  the  front  yard.  No!  These  are  all  gone! 
p-one  forever. 

"From  door  and  hall,  from  porch  and  lawn, 
The  echo  of  the  voice  is  gone  !" 

Not  even  the  superstructure  of  the  old  house  is  visible.  The 
grounds  around  have  an  aspect  of  decay  and  solitude.  Nought  but 
the  remains  of  an  old  cellar  nearly  filled  up  and  covered  with  grass 
may  be  seen.  The  path  to  the  well  is  closed  up,  being  untrod  by 
busy  feet,  the  well  itself  has  nearly  disappeared  ;  and  even  the 
aged  trees  have  fallen  and  decayed,  or  stand  as  sentinel  mourners 
of  the  departed  of  other  days.  All  is  lonely,  sad  and  desolate.  A 
hundred  years  wrought  this  great  change  !  "AV  transit  gloria  mundi.'''' 

Samuel,  as  well  as  his  brothers  and  cousins,  including  Stephen 
Hopkins,  belonged,  as  we  have  before  stated,  to  the  Society  of 
Friends.  He  was  highly  respected  by  them,  and  was  noted  for 
his  devotion  to  their  principles,  and  for  the  practical  manner  in 
which  he  carried  them  out  in  his  every  day  life.  Richard  Scotj- 
above  alluded  to,  is  said  to  be  the  first  Quaker  who  came  to 
Providence,  and  although  he  tried  his  steel  upon  Roger  Williams 
in  the  severest  manner,  yet  he  was  not  molested  for  opinion's 
sake. 


SAMUEL  IFILKINSON.  [8]  67 

An  incident  illustrative  of  the  peculiar  views  of  the  Friends 
will  be  inserted  here.  Samuel,  near  the  close  of  his  life,  found  a 
smooth  stone  of  the  size  of  an  ordinary  gravestone,  which  he 
marked  with  the  initials  of  his  name.  After  his  death  his  son 
Israel  completed  the  inscription  by  inserting  his  age,  date  of  birth, 
death,  &c.,  and  with  pious  devotion  to  his  "Honored  Father," 
and,  in  order  to  mark  his  last  resting  place,  erected  it  at  the 
head  of  his  grave.  Mr.  Comstock,  a  preacher  among  the  Quakers, 
deeming  it  a  vain  thing,  as  well  as  a  violation  of  their  rule,  with 
a  sledge  hammer  broke  it  in  pieces.  The  fragments  were  collected 
140  years  aftewards  by  James  Wilkinson,  a  great  grandson,  who 
replaced  them  on  his  grave  in  the  old  Quaker  Burying  ground  at 
Woonsocket,  Rhode  Island,  where  his  remains  were  originally 
deposited  in  1726.  This  practice  of  the  Friends  has  undoubtedly 
deprived  us  of  many  dates  in  this  Genealogy. 

Samuel  was  admitted  freeman  in  1701. 

He  was  extensively  engaged  in  the  leather  business,  and  carried 
on  tanning  and  currying  in  connexion  with  his  farming  operations. 
He  was  proverbially  honest. 

On  the  13th  day  of  Jan.  1726-7,  he,  being  very  sick,  and  feeling 
conscious  that  he  must  die,  called  in  a  {qw  friends,  among  whom 
was  his  cousin  Stephen  Hopkins,  then  a  young  man  about  twenty, 
but  who  afterwards  became  Governor  of  the  State,  made  his  will, 
disposing  of  his  earthly  possessions.  As  it  mentions  probably,  all 
the  living  members  of  his  family,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  give 
it  a  place  here.  The  deep  religious  tone  manifested  at  the  beginning 
of  this  will,  bespeaks  a  soul  on  the  borders  of  eternity,  where 
earthly  scenes  sink  into  insignificance. 

THE  LAST  WILL  AND  TESTAMENT  OF  SAMUEL  WILKINSON,  Jr.* 

"I,  Samuel  Wilkinson  of  Providence,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode 
Island  and  Providence  Plantations  in  New  England,  Junior,  being 
very  sick  and  weake  of  body,  but  of  perfect  mind  and  memory, 
thanks^be  given  to  God  for  it ;  and  calling  to  mind  the  mortality 


*3  Book  of  Wills,  Probate  office,  Providence. 
10 


68  THIRD  GENERATION. 

of  my  body  ;  and  well  knowing  it  is  appointed  for  man  once  to 
dye,  and  after  Death  to  Judgment ;  Do  make  and  ordaine  this  my 
last  will  and  testament  ;  that  is  to  say  first  and  principally  my  soul 
I  Recommend  Into  the  hands  of  God  that  Gaue  it,  and  my  body 
to  the  earth  to  be  buried  in  decent  christian  burial,  at  the  Discretion 
of  my  Executrix  and  Executor  hereinafter  named. 

Imprimis.  I  make  and  ordaine  Huldah,  my  beloved  wife,  and 
David  Wilkinson,  my  son  to  be  my  sole  executrix  and  executor 
of  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament ;  that  my  said  wife  and  son 
jointly  together  to  take  the  administration  of  my  estate. 

Item.  And  mv  will  further  is  that  my  said  Executrix  and 
Executor  shall  sell  so  much  of  my  land  or  other  estate  as  will 
satisfie  and  pay  all  mv  Debts  and  charges  of  what  kind,  or  nature 
soever  they  bee. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeathe  unto  Zibiah  Comstock,  my 
daughter,  five  pounds  in  money  to  be  paid  by  my  above  Executrix 
and  Executor  at  the  end  of  five  years  from  the  date  hereof. 

Ite?n.  I  give  and  bequeathe  unto  Patience  Arnold,  my  daughter, 
ten  pounds  in  money  to  be  paid  in  the  same  manner,  and  at  the 
same  time  as  my  daughter  Zibiah's  is  to  be. 

Item.  I  give  and  bequeathe  unto  my  Daughters,  Huldah 
Wilkinson  and  Mercy  Wilkinson,  Twenty  pounds  apiece  to  be 
paid  at  the  expiration  of  five  years  from  the  date  hereof  by  my 
Executrix  and  Executor. 

Ite/n.  I  give  and  bequeathe  unto  Ruth  Wilkinson  and  Plain 
Wilkinson,  my  Daughters  twenty  pounds  apiece  in  money  to  be 
paid  unto  them,  each  of  my  Daughters  as  they  shall  attain  to  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years. 

Item.  And  my  will  further  is, that  all  the  Remainder  of  my 
Estate,  after  my  Debts  and  the  Legacies  afour  Demised  are  all 
satisfied  and  paid  ;  that  it  shall  be  equally  Deuided  amongst  my 
sons,  namely,  Josiah  Wilkinson,  Samuel  Wilkinson,  David 
Wilkinson,  Israel  Wilkinson  and  Ichabod  Wilkinson,  to  Have 
and  to  Hold  to  them  and  their  heirs  forever  ;  but  with  this  further 
Reserve,  viz — that  my  above  said  sons,  Josiah  Wilkinson,  and 
Samuel  Wilkinson,  nor  either  of  them  shall  sell,  or  dispose  of  any 
land  or  Real  Estate  which  shall,  or  may  be  allowede  to  them,  or 
either  of  them,  without  the  aduise  and  consent  of  my  Executrix 
and  Executor;  together  with  the  Town  Councill  of  Providence 
for  the  time  being. 

In  witness  and  for  the  confirmation  whereof,  I,  the  said  Samuel 
Wilkinson,  sett  my  hand  and  scale  this  thirteenth  day  of  January 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  [9]  69 

in  the  thirteenth  year  of  his  Majesties'  Reigne  George  King  of 
Create  Britton,  &c.,  Anno  Domini,  one  thousand  seauen  hundred 
and  twenty-six  or  seauen. 

Signed,  Sealed,  &c.. 

In  presence  of  us,  Samuel  Wilkinson,  (l.  s.) 

James  Aldrich,  Thomas  Arnold  Jr.,  Stephen  Hopkins." 

Five  days  after  the  execution  of  this  will  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 

" not  like  the  quarry-slave  at  night 

Scourged  to  his  dungeon,  but,  sustained  and  soothed 
By  an  unf.ltering  trust." 

The  death  of  Samuel  carried  soirow  to  many  a  heart.  His  aged 
father  was  still  living,  his  youngest  son  Ichabod  was  but  six 
years  of  age,  and  his  eldest  child  less  than  thirty. 

There  being  fifteen  in  all,  though  not  all  were  living,  the  widowed 
mother  found  a  heavy  burden,  and  more  than  she  could  bear. 
Two  of  the  daughters  Zibiah  and  Patience  were  married  and  had 
homes  of  their  own.  Ichabod  was  subsequently  sent  to  Mendon, 
Massachusetts,  to  reside  with  his  sister  Mercy,  who  married 
Benjamin  Thayer,  and  the  family  circle  was  broken  never  to  be 
re-united  in  this  vale  of  tears. 

IT.  John  was  born  at  the  homestead  of  Samuel  at  "  Loquissit" 
in  Providence.  He  left  Rhode  Island  about  1700,  and  from 
facts    recently  elicited,  went    first   to   Hunterdon   County,    New 

Jersey,  where  he  married  Mary .      He  had  a  daughter  Mary 

born  July  17,  1708,  while  he  was  yet  in  Hunterdon  County,  and 
about  1713  he  moved  to  Bucks  County,  Pennsylvania,  and 
purchased  a  large  tract  of  land  lying  partly  in  Wrightstown,  and 
partly  in  Warwick  township.  This  is  still  called  the  "old  Wilkinson 
tract,"  and  is  divided  into  beautiful  farms  with  neat  dwellings, 
and  contains  a  prosperous  community,  John's  purchase  in 
Wrightstown  consisted  of  307  acres  the  deed  bearing  date  May 
27,1713.  At  this  time  the  primeval  forests  tenanted  with  savages 
and  wild  beasts,  covered  the  land,  and  his  neighbors  were  few  and 
far  between. 

In  Aug.  1683  there  were  but  three  or  four  cottages  in 
Philadelphia,  and   the  deer  ran   among   the  trees    on   which   the 


70  THIRD  GENERATION. 

surveyor  had  marked  the  courses  of  the  streets,  but  it  grew  very 
rapidly,  and  in  1720  it  contained  upwards  of  loooo  inhabitants. 
A  ready  market  was  thus  opened,  and  the  pioneer  settlers  were 
greatly  favored. 

July  3,  I  728.  John  was  in  Providence  and  signed  a  Power  of 
Attorney  with  William  Hopkins,  James  Angell,  Josiah  Wilkinson 
and  David  Wilkinson,  to  Joseph  Wilkinson  to  dispose  of  the 
Lands  and  other  property  of  Samuel  Wilkinson  who  had  recently 
died.  A  few  days  after  the  following  deed  was  given,  and  as  it 
describes  the  old  homestead  of  the  first  Samuel,  and  was  the  means 
by  which  the  whereabouts  of  the  Pennsylvania  branch  of  the  family 
was  discovered,  it  is  the  more  readily  inserted. 

"  To  all  People  Before  whome  this  Deede  of  Saile  Shall  Come : 
Josiah  Wilkinson  of  Providence  in  the  Colony  of  Rhoad  Island 
and  Providence  Plantations  In  New  England,  husbandman,  and 
John  Wilkinson  of  Wright's  Town  in  the  County  of  Bucks,  in 
the  Province  of  Pensiluania, ;  and  William  Hopkins  and  Ruth  his 
wife,  James  Angel  and  Susannah  his  wife,  David  Wilkinson, 
Samuel  Wilkinson,  and  Huldah  Wilkinson,  Jun.,  and  Ichabod 
Comstock  and  his  wife  Zabiah,  Joseph  Arnold,  Jun.  and  his  wife 
Patience:  All  of  said  Providence  and  Colony  of  Rhoad  Island 
aboue  s'd — Sends  Greeting: 

Know  yee  that  wee  the  said  Josiah  Wilkinson,  John  Wilkinson 
and  William  Hopkins  and  Ruth  his  wife,  James  Angel  and 
Susannah  his  wife ;  and  David  Wilkinson,  Samuel  Wilkinson, 
Huldah  Wilkinson,  and  Ichabod  Comstock  and  Zabiah  his  wife, 
and  Joseph  Arnold  and  Patience  his  wife  for  and  in  consideration 
of  the  sum  of  seauen  hundred  and  seauenty  pounds  Currant 
money  of  New  England  by  us  in  hand  already  Received,  and 
well  and  truely  paid  by  Joseph  Wilkinson  of  Providence  in 
the  Colony  of  Rhoad  Island  afore  said,  yeoman,  the  Receipt 
whereof  wee  doe  hereby  acknowledg  and  ourselves  there  with  to 
be  fully  satisfied,  contented  and  paid :  Haue  given.  Granted, 
Bargained  and  sold.  Aliened,  Enfeoffed,  Conuayed  and  confirmed, 
and  doe  by  these  presents  fully,  freely.  Clearly  and  absolutely, 
Giue,  Grant,  Bargaine,  Sell,  Alien,  Enfeoff,  Conuey  and  Confirm 
from  our  selves,  our  Heirs,  Executors  and  Administrators  unto 
him  the  said  Joseph  Wilkinson  and  unto  his  Heirs,  Executors, 
Administrators  and  Assigns  forever  ;  all  our  Right,  title,  Property, 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  [9]  71 

Possession,  Claime  and  Interest  In  and  to  all  the  land,  meadows. 
Common  Rights  of  Lands  with  all  the  Houseing  buildings, 
fenceing.  Orchards  and  Reail  Estate  that  our  Hon'd  father  and 
Grand  father  :  Capt.  Samuel  Wilkinson  of  Providence  aboue  said, 
deceased,  was  possessed  with,  or  had  Right  to  in  said  Providence 
att  the  time  of  his  death  with  the  preuiledges  and  appurtinanses 
thereunto  belonging  ;  that  wee  now  have,  or  that  wee  ourselues, 
our  Heirs,  Executors,  or  Administrators  mought  or  ought  here 
after  haue ;  as  namely  his  Homestead  fearme  where  on  he  Dwelt 
att  or  neare  the  place  called  Locosquisset  being  in  Estimation  one 
hundred  and  20  acres,  bounded  on  the  highway  that  Leads  to 
Westquotomset  :  with  the  dwelling  house,  buildings  and  all  yee 
thereon  and  therein  Contained;  with  all  other  his  outlands, 
Meadows,  Commons  and  Reail  Estate;  within  the  Township  of 
Providence  aboue  said.  To  Have  and  to  Hold  the  said  Giuen  and 
Granted  Premises  with  the  appurtinanses ;  unto  him  the  Said 
Joseph  Wilkinson,  his  Heirs,  Executors,  Administrators  and 
Assigns,  and  unto  his,  and  theire  own  proper  use,  benefit  and 
behoofe  free  and  Cleare  for  Euer,  being  freely  and  Clearly 
acquitted,  Exonerated  and  fully  discharged  att  the  Sealing  hereof 
from  us  the  Said  Josiah  Wilkinson,  John  Wilkinson,  William 
Hopkins  and  Ruth  his  wife,  James  Angel  and  Susannah  his  wife, 
and  David  Wilkinson,  Samuel  Wilkinson  and  Huldah  Wilkinson  ; 
and  Ichabod  Comestock  and  Zabiah  his  wife,  Joseph  Arnold  and 
Patiance  his  wife:  Our  Heirs,  Executors  and  Administrators,  and 
of  and  from  any  other  or  former  Gifts,  Grants,  Bargains,  Sailes, 
thirds  or  dowers ;  and  the  Said  Joseph  Wilkinson  his  Heirs, 
Executors,  Administrators  or  Assigns,  Shall  or  may  by  force  and 
uertue  of  these  presents  from  time  to  time  and  att  all  times  for 
Ever  hereafter  Have,  hold,  use,  Injoy  and  possess  all  the  said 
granted  and  Bargained  Premises,  as  his  and  theire  own  proper 
Right  and  undefeazible  Estate  of  Inheritance  In  fe  simple. 
Furthermore  wee  the  said  Josiah  Wilkinson,  John  Wilkinson, 
William  Hopkins,  James  Angell,  David  Wilkinson,  Samuel 
Wilkinson,  Huldah  Wilkinson,  Ichabod  Comestock  and  Joseph 
Arnold,  our  Heirs,  Executors  and  Administrators  Shall  and  will 
warrant  and  forever  defend  the  Said  Bargained,  Granted  and 
Conueyed  premises  with  the  appurtinanses  unto  the  Said  Joseph 
Wilkinson,  his  Heirs,  Executors,  Administrators  and  Assigns 
against  the  lawful  Claims,  or  demands  of  any  person  or  persons 
whatsoever.  In  Witness  and  for  Confirmation  hereof  wee  haue 
hereunto  sett  our  hands  and  scales  this  sixth  day    of  July,  In  the 


72  THIRD   GENERATION. 

Second  Year  of  His  Majesty's  Reign,  George  the  Second,  King  of 
Create  Brittain,  &c..  Anno  Domini,  one  thousand  seauen  hundred 
and  twenty-eight. 

Signed,  Sealed  and  Delivered^ 
In  the  presence  of  us.  i 

Ezekiel  Warner.     { 
Charles  Barding.    j 
The  I  mark  of  Josiah  Wilkinson,  (l.s.)   David  Wilkinson,    (l.s.) 
John  Wilkinson,    (l.s.)   Huldah  Wilkinson,  (l.s.) 
William  Hopkins,  (l.s.)   Ichabod  Comstock,  (l.s.) 
James  Angell,  (l.s.)  Joseph  Arnold,  Jr., (l.s.) 

Susanna  Angell,      (l.s.) 
Recorded  upon  Providence  Records,  this  22d  day  of  February, 
Anno  Dom.,  1730-31,  In  the  Booke  for  the  entry  of  Deedes  or 
Land  Euidenccs  Number  Eight  and  in  Page  424,  425,  426. 

■^r  mee  Richard  Waterman,  Town  Gierke." 
A  part  of  the  property  was  paid  over  to   John  by   Joseph  and 
the  following  receipt  was  given  : 

"Providence,  July  8,  1728. 
"  Received  then  of  my  brother  Joseph  Wilkinson,  administrator 
of  his  father  Samuel  Wilkinson's  Estate,  the  sum  of  Seventy-one 
pounds  in  part  of  a  Legacie  which  was  due  to  me  out  of  my  father's 
Estate,  I  say  received  by  me,  £71.00. 

John   Wilkinfon."* 

The  business  being  settled  John  returned  to  Pennsylvania,  and 
we  have  no  account  of  his  visiting  Rhode  Island  after  this.  He 
was  an  active,  enterprising  business  man,  and  his  pacific  principles 
prohibited  the  appearance  of  his  name  upon  the  military  rolls  of 
honor.  To  say  that  he  was  nurtured  amid  the  hardships  of 
pioneer  border  life  would  be  no  figure  of  speech.  Born  in  the 
wilderness  of  R.  I.,  where  his  minority  was  spent,  and  then 
emigrating  to  the  wilderness  of  Pennsylvania,  where  the  wolves 
howl  and  the  panthers  scream  made  dismal  music  the  live-long 
night,  we  may  well  conjecture  his  was  no  holiday  life.  And 
when  the  period   arrives  in  which   the  gratitude  of  those  who  are 

*For  a  similar  receipt  from  John  Milton's,  see  i.  Chambers'  Cyclopedia  of  English 
Literature,   p.  330. 


WILLIAM  WILKINSON.   [lo]  73 

enjoying  in  so  eminent  a  degree  the  truits  of  the  labors,  and  the 
indomitable  enterprise  and  perseverance  of  the  early  pioneers  and 
fathers  of  the  western  banks  of  the  Delaware,  shall  assume  the 
active  form  of  some  enduring  testimonial,  conspicuous  upon  the 
monument  they  build  will  be  the  name  of  John  Wilkinson. 

During  his  last  sickness  he  wrote  his  will  and  expired  a  few 
days  afterwards.  The  will  was  proved  April  23d,  1751,  and  is 
on  record  in  the  Recorder's  office  of  Bucks  County,  Penn.  The 
precise  day  of  his  death  has  not  been  ascertained.  He  is  buried 
in  the  family  burying  ground  on  his  farm. 

III.  William  was  born  in  Providence  and  was  the  most  talented 
of  Samuel's  sons.  In  regard  to  his  birth  we  find  the  following  : 
"  In  the  records  of  the  Greenwich  Monthly  Meeting  of  the  people 
called  Quakers."  Says  Thomas  Rowland,  who  was  their  clerk, 
''It  appears  that  William,  son  of  Samuel  Wilkinson  and  Plain  his 
wife,  was  born  the  ist  day  of  the  6th  month  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1680."  He  early  united  with  the  Friends,  or  was  a  birth-right 
member,  and  became  a  public  Preacher  among  them.  He  appears 
to  have  been  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  ability,  and  was  highly 
esteemed  for  his  sincerity,  integrity  and  zeal  in  religion.  He  had 
lands  granted  him  in  the  town  of  Providence,  and  afterwards 
Samuel  Wilkinson,  Jr.  and  John  Steere,  Jr.  had  a  lot  laid  out  to 
them  on  Wm.  Wilkinson's  right,  by  Samuel  Wilkinson,  Surveyor, 
and  Richard  Sayles  his  committee  man,  on  the  i6th  day  of  May, 
1724.  At  a  still  later  period,  i  772,  Israel  Wilkinson  of  Smithfield 
purchased  a  part  of  said  land — "a  certain  piece  of  Cedar  Swamp 
situate  in  Smithfield,  and  in  the  Swamp  commonly  known  by  the 
name  '  Mattaley,'  " — of  Hosea  Steere  of  Glocester,  County  of 
Providence.  Subscribing  witnesses,  John  Steere,  Jr.  and  Richard 
Steere.  These  were  all  relatives,  descendants  of  John  Steere 
who  married  Rev.  Wm.  Wickenden's  daughter. 

In  1768,  William  went  to  Barbadoes  on  the  northern  coast  of 
South  America,  with  a  cargo  of  honey  and  horses,  etc.,  and 
whether  he  returned  home   from  this  island,  or   sailed   thence  to 


74  THIRD  GENERATION. 

England  is  not  known.  The  voyage  was  exceedingly  tempestuous 
and  his  quaint  description  of  it  in  a  letter  to  his  parents  which 
has  been  preserved  will  be  read  with  peculiar  interest.  He  had 
taken  lodgings  at  Ann  Borden's  in  Bridgetown  and  while  recovering 
from  the  effects  of  sea-sickness  was  well  cared  for  by  these  kind 
friends.      His  letter  commences: 

"Barbadoes,  20th  of  the  2d  Month,  1708. 

Honored  Father  and  Mother : 

I  think  it  my  duty  to  write  to  you  at  this  time,  and 
let  you  know  that  I  am  indifferently  well  in  health — blessed  be 
God  for  it — and  am  safe  arrived  at  Barbadoes,  although  we  had 
a  long  and  tedious  passage  of  thirty-three  days ;  for  we  sailed  the 
tenth  day  of  the  first  month  and  the  wind  at  west  and  by  south  ; 
and  on  the  eleventh  at  night,  the  wind  blew  a  storm,  so  that  we 
could  not  bear  one  knot  of  sail,  but  drived  before  it,  and  was 
drove  on  the  Banks  called  St.  George's  Banks,  lying  thirty  or 
forty  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Nantucket,  where  the  waves  shined 
like  fire  in  the  night,  and  they  flung  overboard  some  of  the  honey, 
and  would  have  flung  over  some  of  the  horses,  but  Ephraim  would 
not  consent  until  it  was  day,  and  then  we  got  over  the  banks  and 
had  sea  room  enough,  and  so  we  sailed  eastward  eleven  or  twelve 
days,  and  could  scarce  make  any  sail,  nor  keep  any  reckoning 
how  far  we  run,  but  we  concluded  we  run  twenty  degrees  to  the 
eastward  before  we  got  far  south,  and  an  exceeding  great  sea 
running  that  broke  over  the  stern,  and  broke  tne  breastwork  of  the 
vessel,  and  killed  one  horse,  and  made  the  rest  roar  so  they  talked 
very  much  of  flinging  them  overboard,  but  still  we  persuaded  them 
to  keep  them  a  little  longer,  and  so  we  kept  them  all  but  one.  I 
was  very  sea-sick  almost  all  the  way,  but  on  the  13th  of  the 
Second  Month  we  got  on  shore  on  Barbadoes  ;  and  I  perceived 
that  there  were  two  vessels  going  for  New  England :  one  to 
Boston  and  the  other  to  Rhode  Island,  I  think  to  send  by  them 
both  so  that  you  may  hear." 

Another  part  of  this  communication  reveals  the  religious 
clement  of  his  character,  his  trust  and  implicit  confience  in  his 
Creator,  his  belief  in  the  superintending  and  overruling  providence 
of  God  ;  and,  that  high  degree  of  faith  manifested  in  the  Apostle's 
expression  "  all  things  shall  work  together  for  good  to  them  who 
love  God  "  stands  out  in  bold   relief.      The  small-pox    was   then 


WILLIAM  WILKINSON.   [lo]  75 

regarded  as  a  terrible  disease,  baffling  the  skill  of  the  physician 
and  carrying  thousands  to  premature  graves.  It  had  broken  out 
in  Barbadoes.      In  speaking  of  it,  he  says  : 

"The  smallpox  is  also  here,  not  very  prevalent  yet,  for  it  is  but 
newly  come.  This  I  say  not  to  scare  you,  for  as  for  me,  I  am 
freely  given  into  the  hand  of  God  for  him  to  do  with  me  as  pleaseth 
him,  whether  in  sickness  or  health,  life  or  death,  and  I  don't 
repent  my  coming.  But  as  to  my  coming  home  at  this  time,  I 
cannot  say  much,  but  expect  to  write  again  if  it  be  the  will  of  God  ; 
but  if  it  be  otherwise,  I  desire  vou  to  be  content,  for  it  is  most 
certain  that  we  must  part  one  time  or  other,  and  my  desire  is,  that 
whensoever  it  be,  that  it  may  be  for  the  better.  So  remember 
my  love  to  my  brothers  and  sisters,  and  all  my  relations  and  friends, 
telling  them  I  have  not  forgotten  them.      My  love  to  you. 

William  Wilkinson." 

Subsequently  he  went  to  England,    married  a  Miss  Mary 

in  Yorkshire,  and  moved  to  London.  His  wife's  maiden  surname 
is  not  known.  He  had  one  daughter,  an  only  child,  named  Hannah 
Maria.  He  frequently  corresponded  with  his  relatives  in  America, 
but  never  returned  to  his  native  land.  He  published  a  controversial 
work  against  Joseph  Jenks,  but  the  most  friendly  feelings  existed 
between  them.  A  copy  of  this  work  is  said  to  be  in  the  possession 
of  Judge  Staples  of  Providence.  The  work  is  alluded  to  in  Gabriel 
Bernon's  reply  to  James  Honevman  in  regard  to  settling  a  young 
man  as  Pastor  of  the  Church  of  England m  Providence,  Sept.  1722* 
He  says,  "We  have  a  great  many  worthy  gentlemen  that  apply 
themselves  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  are  very  well  able  to 
give  an  account  of  their  faith ;  as  for  instance,  Mr.  Jenks,  our 
Lieut.  Gov.  by  his  answer  to  William  Wilkinson,  the  greatest 
preacher  among  the  Quakers,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Wilkinson,  the  old 
man  deserves  respect  for  his  erudition  in  divine  and  civil  law, 
historical  narrative,  natural  and  political."* 

Several  of  Williams's  letters  are  preserved.  One  is  dated  as 
late  as  1721,  at  which  time  it  appears  his  father  and  mother  were 
both  living.      He  mentions   the   names   of  his   kinsmen,    Joseph 

*Wilkin3on  Updike's  "History  of  Narragansetts  Church"  p.  53. 
II 


76  THIRD  GENERATION. 

Smith,  his  mother's  sister's  son,  Rufus  Hopkins,  Stephen  Hopkins, 
his  nephew,  a  lad  only  fourteen  years  of  age,  who  afterwards  was 
a  member  of  the  Continental  Congress,  his  wife  and  daughter, 
his  wife's  father  and  mother,  the  latter  being  sick  in  Yorkshire, 
and  several  other  persons,  and  events  which  show  him  to  be  an 
active  business  man,  and  in  the  confidence  of  the  capitalists  and 
land  owners  of  both  countries.  Some  of  his  letters  were  published 
a  few  years  ago  in  the  Providence  yournal.  He  died  in  England. 
The  time  of  his  demise  is  not  known.  He  was  a  useful  man, 
leading  a  godly  life,  and  died  in  the  triumphs  of  the  Faith. 

"His  youth  was  innocent;  his  riper  age 
Marked  with  some  act  of  goodness  every  day  ; 
And  watched  by  eyes  that  loved  him,  calm  and  sage, 
Faded  his  last  declining  years  away. 
Cheerful  he  gave  his  being  up,  and  went 
To  share  the  holy  rest  that  waits  a  life  well  spent." 

IV.  Joseph  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  Scituate.  His 
grandfather  and  father  both  had  taken  up  lands  in  that  part  of 
Providence  which  lies  west  of  the  "Seven  mile  line."  The 
"  Purchaser's  Booke"  describes  all  lands  taken  up  in  the  early  days 
of  the  Colony  as  being  on  the  East  or  West  Side  of  this  line. 
Lawrence  had  a  right  there,  and  Hannah,  the  only  daughter  and 
heiress  of  Josias,  had  "  three  acres  of  meadow"  laid  out  to  her 
on  this  right  in  1707.* 

The  place  where  Joseph  was  born  was  within  the  present  limits 
of  Smithfield  near  the  Harris  Lime  Rock.  At  what  time  he 
went  into  that  part  of  Providence  since  called  Scituate,  is  not 
definitely  known,  probably  about  1700,  when  he  was  less  than 
twenty-one  years  of  age.  The  high  and  elevated  portions  of 
Scituate  can  be  seen  from  Samuel's  old  residence,  so  when  he  was 
established  in  his  new  home,  he  was  not  out  of  sight  of  his 
birth-place.  He  married  Martha  Pray,  the  granddaughter  of  one 
of  the  first  settlers  in  this  part  of  Providence,  and  became  an 
extensive  land-owner.  One  hundred  and  thirty-seven  and  a  half 
acres  of  land  were  laid  out  to  Joseph,  west  of  the  seven  mile  line 


*i  Purchasers  of  Providence  Booke,  p.  13,  Providence. 


R  UTH  {WILKINSON.)  HOPKINS.  [12]  77 

in  1700.'*'  Over  five  hundred  acres  were  laid  out  to  him  and  his 
sons.  He  also,  owned  lands  in  Smithfield,  and  a  deed  of  sale  to 
Daniel  Jenks  is  recorded  in  that  town.t  His  first  residence  was 
where  John  Harris  now  lives,  on  the  most  northern  turnpike  in 
the  town.  He  built  the  first  frame  barn  in  town,  and  all  the  men 
then  resident  in  Smithfield,  Gloucester,  and  Scituate  were  present 
at  the  raising;  so  spare  were  the  inhabitants  at  that  time.  After 
the  frame  was  erected  all  these  men  were  seated  on  the  sill 
between  the  great  door  posts,  and  were  served  with  metheglin 
instead  of  rum. 

Joseph  was  admitted  foreman  in  1708. 

Mrs.  John  Harris  who  now  occupies  the  old  homestead,  is  a 
lineal  descendant  of  Joseph  through  Benjamin,  being  the  only 
daughter  of  Dr.  John  Wilkinson,  who  was  a  son  of  Benjamin. 
Joseph  held  nearlv  all  the  town  offices,  being  successively  Justice 
of  the  Peace,  member  of  the  Town  Council,  Town  Treasurer, 
&c.  He  was  a  Surveyor  of  land,  and  also,  a  member  of  the 
Legislature,  or  Deputy  for  Scituate  to  the  "General  Court  "  in 
1 73 1.  He  had  fifteen  children.  The  dates  of  the  births,  and 
deaths  of  several  members  of  his  family  have  cost  several  days 
research.  He  died  in  the  58th  year  of  his  age,  and  his  loss  was 
a  public,  as  well  as  a  private  calamity.  His  widow  survived  him 
46  years  and  died  in  1786,  aged  ninty-seven. 

Joseph's  Will,  being  an  excellent  model  of  such  an  Instrument, 
has  been  procured  by  the  compiler  from  the  town  clerk  of  Scituate, 
and  is  inserted  in  the  appendix.  Every  member  of  the  Wilkinson 
family  will  be  amply  compensated  by  perusing  it,  as  it  exhibits 
the  business  man  more  perfectly  than  any  sketch  drawn  at  the 
present  time. 

For  other  facts  concerning  Joseph,  see  Biography  No.  IV. 

V.  Ruth,  the  oldest  daughter  of  Samuel  was  born  within  the 
precincts  of  Smithfield,  near  the  Harris  Lime  Rock,  about  ten 
miles    from   the  city   of  Providence,    and   about  forty-five   years 

^Proprietors  and  Purchasers  Booke,  p.  7,  Providence. 
fi    Book  of  Deeds  p.  205,  Smithfield,  R.  I. 


78  THIRD   GENERATION. 

before  Smithfield  was  set  off  as  a  separate  town.  Her  advantages 
for  an  education  were  limited,  as  were  all  pioneer  settlers  in  a  new 
Colony  ;  but  her  father's  house  was  not  destitute  of  books,  and 
her  mother  being  the  daughter  of  a  Baptist  Minister,  fully 
appreciated  the  advantages  of  mental  cultivation.  Undoubtedly 
many  of  her  father's  old  sermons  were  in  her  possession,  and  many 
of  his  books,  and  it  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  a  circulating  library 
was  established  at  the  very  place  of  her  father's  residence  at  a 
very  early  period.  James  Wilkinson,  a  man  now  (1866)  eighty 
years  of  age,  remembers  going  when  a  lad  about  ten  or  twelve,  to 
get  books  from  said  library,  the  origin  of  which  may  have  been 
the  family  library  of  Ruth's  parents.  Suffice  it  to  say,  Ruth,  from 
judicious  parental  guidance,  and  a  natural  gentleness  of  disposition, 
accompanied  with  a  firmness  and  energy  that  characterized  her 
ancestors,  became  a  distinguished  woman  in  the  infant  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island.  Her  youth  was  spent  amid  the  domestic  scenes 
of  home,  with  occasional  visits  to  her  relatives  and  acquaintances 
in  Providence  •,  and  the  household  affairs  shared  a  portion  of  her 
time.  She  was  far  from  being  above  doing  anything  that  was 
necessary  to  be  done  in  order  to  family  comfort  and  convenience. 

She  married  William  Hopkins,  but  the  date  of  their  marriage 
is  not  remembered.  Tradition  says  he  was  employed  by  Ruth's 
father,  either  as  a  mechanic,  or  day-laborer  on  his  farm,  but  as 
his  name  appears  upon  some  ancient  deeds  (one  of  which  has 
been  quoted)  as  a  subscribing  witness  with  the  designation 
"Carpenter,"  he  was  probably  the  former.  He  became  a  man  of 
note,  and  no  one  was  returned  more  frequently  to  the  Legislature 
of  Rhode  Island,  than  William  Hopkins. 

The  Rev.  C,  C,  Bemen  in  his  Sketches  of  Scituate  records  an 
incident  in  the  life  of  Ruth,  which  we  ventui-e  to  insert,  although 
some  have  doubted  its  genuineness  in  regard  to  these  parties. 
*'  The  marriage  of  William  and  Ruth,"  says  he,  "  has  a  very 
pleasant  episode  connected  with  it  of  a  romantic  character,  and 
however  it  may  be  true  in  general. 


R UTH  {WILKINSON)  HOPKINS,  [i 2]  79 

'  For  aught  that  ever  I  could  read, 
Could  ever  hear  by  tale  or  history, 
The  course  of  true  love  never  did  run  smooth  ; 
But,  either  it  was  different  in  blood. 
Or  else  misgrafFed  in  respect  of  years, 
Or  else  it  stood  upon  the  choice  of  friends.' 

Yet  in  this  case  the  hindrances  that  seemed  to  stand  in  the  way, 
were  happily  and  skillfully  removed.  It  looks  like  a  woman's  as 
well  as  love's  strategy,  and  if  so,  that  girl,  Ruth,  just  turned 
of  tvventy,  might  well  be  the  mother  of  gifted  children. 

The  lover,  William  Hopkins,  was  a  hired  man  in  the  employ 
of  the  father  of  Ruth,  working  in  some  capacity,  probably  on  his 
farm,  and  it  appeared  to  him  and  Ruth  a  little  like  presumption 
to  make  the  proposal,  or  solicit  the  consent  of  "  Captain  Samuel 
Wilkinson,  Esq.,"  as  he  was  honorably  described  in  written 
documents.  The  lovers  dared  not  speak  to  the  'awful  Justice' — 
for  Samuel  was  a  Justice  of  the  Peace — concerning  their  secret 
flame,  and  their  desire  for  wedlock,  and  they  accordingly  hit  upon 
the  following  novel  expedient:  In  the  justice's  house,  or  office,  ij 
was  customary  to  post  up  'Intentions  of  A'larriage,'  The  timid 
lovers  who  had  often  looked  with  an  emulous  eye  upon  such 
important  preliminary  steps  to  'a  consummation  devoutly  to  be 
wished,'  wrote  their  notice  and  placed  it  upon  the  table  of  the 
justice  in  such  a  way  as  to  attract  his  attention,  and  watched  to  see 
how  it  would  be  received.  The  judge  who  was  to  decide  their  case, 
came  in  and  took  up  the  paper  where,  'Intention  of  marriage 
between  William  Hopkins  and  Ruth  Wilkinson,  both  of  Providence' 
was  adventurously  written.  No  appearance  of  dislike  was  seen 
on  the  countenance  of  Mr.  Wilkinson,  as  he  deliberately  perused 
the  paper  ;  and  the  hearts  of  the  lovers,  which  fluttered  not  a 
little  on  this  trying  occasion,  were  not  only  relieved,  but  greatly 
overjoyed  to  perceive  the  'squire,'  with  all  due  respect  affix  the 
notice  in  the  accustomed  place.  There  were  some  blushes  on  the 
faces  of  the  young  couple  that  day,  no  doubt,  but  they  were  joyful 
ones.  Soon  with  the  requisite  solemnities,  the  marriage  took 
place,  and  Mr.  Hopkins,  with  his  new  wife,   left  for  their  home 


8a  THIRD  GENERATION. 

in  the  far  western  part  of  what  was  then  Providence,  where  slender 
accommodations  in  the  way  of  a  house  awaited  them ;  but 
ordinary  difficulties  could  not  daunt  those  who  loved  each  other, 
and  saw  in  the  future,  as  the  reward  of  their  privations  and  toils, 
a  well  cleared  farm,  and  a  more  commodious  dwelling." 

The  children  born  to  these  parents  were: 

(i)   IViUiam.,  b.  m.  Abby  Curtis,  had  one  son  Christopher, 

who  married  Sarah  Jenlcs  and  had  Daniel  who  married  Susanna 
Wilkinson,  Sept.  4,  1774.*  He  was  a  sea  captain,  and  his  life 
was  full  of  adventures.  For  a  very  interesting  account  of  him, 
see  Biography  No.  V. 

(2)  Stephen^  b.  March  7,  1707,  m.  Oct.  9.  1726,  Sarahf  Scott 
by  whom  he  had  seven  children,  as  follows: 

1.  Rufus,  b,  Feb.  10,  1727-8,  m.  Nov.  11,  1759,  Sarah 
Olney,!  had  a  family.  He  was  master  of  a  ship  and  ship  owner, 
was  also,  agent  in  managing  the  Hope  Furnace.  He  died  in 
Scituate,  Rhode  Island. 

2.  John,  b.  Nov.  6,  1728,  was  a  sea  captain,  died  of  the  smallpox 
in  1752,  at  St.  Andero  in  Spain  while  in  his  father's  employ. 

3.  Ruth,  b.  Oct.  II,  1731,  died  young, 

4.  Lydia,  b.  Jan.  6,  1733,  m.  in  Providence  and  left  a  large 
family. 

5.  Sylvanus,  b.  Nov.  30,  1734,  was  commander  of  a  vessel, 
shipwrecked  on  the  island  of  Cape  Breton,  was  surprised  and 
barbarously  murdered  by  the  Indians.  The  memory  of  this  young 
man  deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice.     Althongh  but  18  years 


*.  Married. — "  Daniel  Hopkins  son  of  Capt.  Christopher  Hopkins  late  of  Providence, 
deceased,  and  Susanna  Wilkinson  dau.  of  John  Wilkinson  of  Smithfield  were  married 
according  to  law  by  me.  Ezekiel  Angell,  Elder. 

North  Providence,  Sept.  4,  1774."        i.  Book  Births  and  Marriages,  p.  31,  No.  Prov. 

•}•.  Married. — "  Wm.  Jenks,  Esq.,  J.  P.  gave  notice  that  he  had  lawfully  joined  together 
in  marriage  Stephen  Hopkins  and  Sarah  Scott,  both  of  Providence  the  9th  day  of  Oct., 
Anno,  Dom.  1726,  In  the  evening."  2.  Book  of  Marriages  p. Providence. 

%.  Married. — "Nov.  II,  1759,  by  James  Angell  Esq.,  Rufus  Hopkins,  son  of  Hon. 
Stephen  Hopkins  and  Sarah  Olney  dau.  of  Capt.  Joseph  Olney,  both  of  Providence." 
2.  Book  of  Marriages  p.  96. 


STEPHEN    HOPKINS.  8i 

of  age  his  skill  as  a  navigator  was  acknowledged  by  all  who  knew 
him.  The  tempest  that  burst  upon  his  ship  with  such  violence 
as  to  render  the  aid  of  human  skill  and  power  unavailing,  and 
caused  his  shipwreck  has  been  vividly  described  by  Falconer. 

♦'The  ship  no  longer  foundering  by  the  lea 

Bears  on  her  side  th'  invasions  of  the  sea, 

All  lonely,  o'er  the  desert  waste  she  flies, 

Scourged  on  by  surges,  storm,  and  bursting  skies. 

The  wounded  bark,  thus  smarting  with  her  pain 

Sends  from  pursuing  waves  along  the  main ; 

While  dashed  apart  by  her  dividing  prow. 

Like  burning  adamant  the  waters  glow. 

Her  joints  forget  her  firm  elastic  tone; 

Her  long  keel  trembles,  and  her  timbers  groan  ; 
Upheaved  behind  her  in  tremendous  height 
The  billows  frown,  with  fearful  radiance  bright ! 
Now  shivering  o'er  the  topmost  wave  she  rides, 
While  deep  beneath  the  enormous  gulf  divides. 
Now  liunching'headlong  down  the  horrid  vale 
Sa2  hears  no  mare  the  roaring  of  the  gale  ! 
Till  up  the  dreadful  height  again  she  flies 
Trembling  beneath  the  current  of  the  skies, 
E'ven  so  she  scales  the  briny  mountain's  height 
Then  down  the  black  abyss  precipitates  her  flight." 

But  striking  upon  the  rocks  the  ship  was  dashed  to  pieces  by  the 
violence  of  the  waves.  Sylvanus  reached  the  shore  alive  only  to 
meet  a  more  horrid  death  by  the  hands  of  the  savages.  The 
following  appears  upon  his  tombstone  in  the  North  Burying 
ground  in  Providence. 

In    Memory    of 
SYLVANUS 

Son  of  Stephen  Hopkins  Esq.,  and  Sarah  his  wife. 

Was  cast  away  on  Cape  Breton   shore  and   inhumanly 

Murdered  by  cruel   savages  on  the  23th  of  April  1753. 

Aged  18  years,  5  mos,  23  days. 

6.  Simon  died,  aged  seven  or  eight. 

7.  George  was  a  sea-captain,  sailed  from  the  port  of  Providence, 
and  was  never  heard  from !  Thus  perished  the  children  of  thi^ 
immortal  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

Stephen  HpPKiNs  was  the  most  distinguished  public  man  of 
this  generation.      Rhode  Island  has  never  produced  a  man  of  more 


82  THIRD  GENERATION. 

native  ability,  nor  a  greater  statesman.  For  more  than  fifty 
years  he  was  a  public  officer,  holding  a  variety  of  positions  from 
town  clerk  of  Scituate  to  that  of  member  of  the  first  congress. 
He  was  Governor  of  his  native  state  nine  years,  and  twentv-one 
years  chancellor  of  Rhode  Island  college.  When  it  is  remembered 
that  he  never  attended  school,  his  attainments  in  scholastic  lore 
become  the  more  remarkable  and  praiseworthy.  His  writings  will 
bear  the  rhetorical  designation  of  neat  in  regard  to  style,  and 
bespeak  a  well  balanced  and  a  well  cultivated  mind  endowed  with 
high  and  noble  impulses.  Withal  he  was  a  patriot  worthy  of  his 
age  and  country.  His  gravity  was  proverbial,  and  Whittier  has 
honored  him  with  the  following  notice. 

"Three  shades  at  this  moment  seem  walking  her  strand, 
Each  with  head  halo-crowned,  and  with  palms  in  his  hand, 
Wise  Berkley,  grave  Hopkins,  and  smiling  serene 
On  prelate  and  puritan,  Channing  is  seen." 

In  1765,  he  commenced  the  "History  of  the  Plantations  and 
growth  of  Providence,"  but  never  completed  the  work.  It  is 
printed  in  the  Mass.  Historical  Collection,  Second  Series,  Vol.  9, 
p.  ic)']^etseq.  In  the  sameyear  he  wroteand  published  by  order  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  a  work  entitled  "  The 
Rights  of  the  Colonies  Examined,"  which  was  reprinted  in  London. 
He  held  the  three  honorable  and  important  offices  of  Member  of 
Assembly,  Delegate  to  Congress,  and  Chief  Justice  of  Rhode 
Island  at  the  same  time.  He  manumitted  his  slaves  at  an  early 
period,  and  advocated  universal  freedom  for  the  human  race 
regardless  of  color.  Providence  is  indebted  to  him  for  its  public 
library,  and  every  enterprise  which  had  for  its  object  the  elevation 
and  improvement  of  mankind  received  his  hearty  support. 

He  always  attended  the  Quaker  meeting,  and  among  the  Signers 
of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  he  may  be  distinguished  as 
being  the  only  one  with  a  hat  on.  In  the  town  records  of  Scituate, 
the  names  and  births  of  four  of  his  children  are  to  be  found.  His 
first  wife  died  shortly  after  the  death  of  his  son  Sylvanus,  and  her 
tombstone  bears  the  following  inscription : 


STEPHEN    HOPKINS.  83 

In   Memory  of 
SARAH 

Wife  of  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq. ; 
Youngest  daughter  of  Major  Sylvanus  Scott ; 
Departed  this  life,  Sept.  9,  1753. 
Aged  46  years,  2  mos.,  15   days. 
He  closed  his  eventful  career,  July  13,  1785,  aged  78  yrs,  4  mos, 
6  days,  going  down  to  the  grave  like  a  shock  of  corn   fully  ripe. 
He  was  prepared  for  the  change  by  Divine  grace,  and  died  crowned 
with  honor  in  the   triumphs  of  the  faith,  and    in  the   hope  of    a 
glorious  resurrection,  and  a  blissful  immortality.      His  native  state 
has  erected  a  monument  "in  honor  of  her  favorite  son,"  and   his 
memory  is  still  cherished  by  an  appreciating  posterity. 
For  a  more  extended  notice  see  Biography  No.  VI. 
■(3)   y^bn  married  Catherine  Turpin  and  lived  in  Providence. 

(4)  Samuel. 

(5)  Esek  was  born  in  Scituate,  Rhode  Island,  April  26,  17 18, 
m.  Desire  Burroughs,  of  Newport,  Nov.  28,  1741,  and  had  i, 
John,  b.  Aug,  25,  1742,  (N.S.)  at  Newport;  2,  Heart,  b.  Sept. 
I,  1744;  3,  Abigail,  b.  Oct.  25,  1746:  4,  Samuel,  b.  Feb.  19, 
I748,d.  Sept.  22, 1750  ;5,  Amey,  b.  Jan.  26,  1 751,  at  Providence  ; 
6,  Stephen  b.  March,  6,  1753  ;  7,  Susanna  b.  May  10,  1756,  m. 
Jonathan  Maxcy,  D.  D.  President  of  Brown  University,  Union 
College,  N.  Y.  and  Columbia  College,  S.  C. 

For  other  facts  concerning  him  see  Biography,  No.  VII. 

8.   Esek,  b.  June  21,  1758,*  and  others. 

Commodore  Hopkins  was  a  representative  man  on  the  water 
being  the  first  American"  High  Admiral,"! or  as  he  was  designated 
by  Congress,  "  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Naval  Forces."  He 
exerted  a  great  political  influence  after  he  left  the  Navy,  and  aided 
in  establishing  the  peculiar  institutions  that  characterize  Rhode 
Island.       For    dash  and  daring  few  men  equalled    Commodore 

*l  Book  of  Marriages,  p.  159,  Providence. 

■\i\  Lossing's  Common  School  History  of  U.  S.  p.  238. 

12 


84  THIRD   GENERATION. 

Hopkins,  and  none  excelled.  His  portrait  may  be  seen  in  "  Rhode 
Island  Hall"  on  College  hill,  Providence;  and  if  this  paintino-  is  a 
truthful  representation,  he  must  have  been  a  fine  looking  man. 
He  died  Feb.  26,  1802,  and  was  buried  about  one-third  of  a  mile 
northerly  from  his  house  in  the  town  of  North  Providence  on  a 
piece  of  land  of  about  one  and  one-fourth  acres,  that  he  gave  to 
the  town  for  a  cemetery. 

See  his  Biography  No.  VHI. 

(6)  Hope^  b.  ,  m.  Henry  Harris,  r.  Scituate,  R.  I. 

(7)  Jbigail,  b. 

(8)  Susannah^  b.  ,  m.  Nathan  Angell,  b.  17 18,   d.    18 14, 

who  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  the  son  of  James,  the  son  of  Thomas, 
who  was  one  of  the  five  men,  who  first  came  with  Roger  Williams 
to  Providence.  Their  children  were,  Nathaniel  b.  1744; 
Susannah,  b.  1746;  Rosabella,  b.  1748,  m.  Samuel  Chase; 
Samuel,  b.  1755;  Sarah,  b.  1757,  m.  Col.  Ephraim  Bowen ; 
Abigail,  b.  1760,  and  Nathan  b.  1768,  m.  Amy  Kennicut."' 

William  Hopkins  died  in  1738.  The  following  is  a  copy  of 
his  Will: 

"At  a  Town  Council  held  in  Scituate  in  County  of  Providence, 
the  9th  day  of  October,  Anno  Dom.,  1738. 

Present, 

Stephen  Hopkins,  Benjamin  Fisk,  Ezekiel  Hopkins, 
Samuel  Bates,  James   Calvin,  &  David   Sprague,  jr. 

The  last  Will  and  Testament  of  William  Hopkins  of  Scituate 
aforesaid,  deceased,  was  presented  to  this  Council  in  the  following 
words : 

'In  the  name  of  God,  Amen.  This  Eleventh  of  June,  in  the 
twelfth  year  of  his  Majesty's  reign,  George  the  Second  King  of 
Great  Britian,  A.  D.,  1738.  I,  William  Hopkins,  of  Scituate,  in 
the  County  of  Providence,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island, 
yeoman,  being  very  sick  and  weak  of  body,  but  of  perfect  mind 
and  memory  (thanks  be  to  God  for  it)  and  calling  to  mind  the 
mortality  of  my  body,  and  knowing  it  is  appointed  for  man  once 
to  die,  do  make  and  ordain  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament  in 
manner  and  form  following:    that  is  to  say,  principally,  and  first 


*i'.  Genealogy  of  the  Angell  Family,  by  Dr.  A.  F.  Angell,  Providence. 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  85 

of  all  my  soul  I  recommend  into  the  hands  of  God  that  gave  it, 
&  my  body  to  the  earth  to  be  buried  in  decent  Christian  burial  at 
the  discretion  of  m.y  executors  hereinafter  named.  And  as 
touching  such  worldly  estate  wherewith  it  hath  pleased  God  to 
bless  me  in  this  present  life,  I  give,  demise  and  dispose  of  the 
same  in  the  following  manner  and  form  : 

Impr'unh^  I  give  to  my  three  sons,  namely,  William  Hopkins, 
Stephen  Hopkins  and  John  Hopkins,  five  shillings  each,  and  the 
reason  I  give  them  no  more  is  I  have  given  them  sufficient  already. 

//■fw,  I  give  to  my  two  youngest  sons,  namely,  Esek  Hopkins 
and  Samuel  Hopkins,  one  Gun,  one  log  chain,  and  one  Horse, 
and  likewise  all  my  working  tools  besides,  to  be  equally  divided 
between  them  two. 

Item.,  I  give  my  two  sons,  namely,  Esek  Hopkins  and  Samuel 
Hopkins,  all  my  wearing  apparel  after  my  decease. 

Item.,  I  give  to  my  two  younger  daughters,  namely,  Abigail 
Hopkins,  and  Susannah  Hopkins,  my  two  Trunks  and  all  that  is 
in  them,  except  my  papers,  to  be  equally  divided  between  them, 

//ifw,  I  give  to  my  daughter  Susannah,  Hopkins,  my  Bed  and 
Bedding  whereon  I  used  to  lie,  namely  two  pairs  of  sheets,  one 
pair  of  flannel  and  one  pair  of  Linen,  three  blankets,  and  two 
rugs,  one  bolster  and  one  pillow. 

Item.,  I  give  my  three  daughters  namely,  Hope  Harris,  & 
Abigail  Hopkins  and  Susannah  Hopkins  Forty  Pounds  in  money 
to  be  paid  to  each  of  them  in  one  year  after  my  decease. 

Item.,  and  all  the  rest  of  my  money  and  goods,  I  give  and  bequeath 
to  my  two  younger  sons,  namely,  Esek  Hopkins  and  Samuel 
Hopkins,  to  be  equally  divided  between  them  two.  And  I  do 
nominate  and  appoint  my  son-in-law,  Henry  Harris  to  be  my 
sole  Executor  to  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament;  and  further  1 
do  pronounce  and  declare  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament,  and 
in  confirmation  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal,  the  day 
and  year  above  written. 

In  the  presence  of  us, 
Eziekiel  Hopkins,  ^ 

John  Evans,       >  William   Hopkins,  (l.  s.) 


Jabez   Bowen. 


A  true  copy. 

Witness,  Albert  Hubbard,* 

Probate' Clerk." 


*Town  Clerk  of  Scituate,  1866. 


86  THIRD  GENERATION. 

At  what  time  Ruth  died  is  not  known.  She  was  living  as  late 
as  1721,  and  died  previous  to  1731,  as  an  old  quit  claim  deed 
given  by  William  Hopkins,  jr.,  indicates.  She  lived  to  see  the 
forests  cleared  away,  the  country  filling  up  with  people,  her 
children  respected  and  honored  citizens.  They  afterwards 
became  firm  friends  of  freedom,  earnestly  contending  for  the 
rights  of  the  Colonies  on  the  land  and  on  the  water.  Stephen 
and  Esek  distinguished  themselves  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution, 
the  former  as  a  statesman  in  the  Councils  of  the  nation,  and  the 
latter  as  the  first  American  Admiral, 

Mr.  Bemen  above  quoted,  in  a  concluding  remark  says,  '•'If  the 
family  had  done  nothing  more  than  to  give  us  the  Mother  of 
Governor  and  Commodore  Hopkins  we  might  be  willing  to  build 
them  a  monument." 

VI.  Susannah,  the  youngest  child  of  Samuel,  was  born,  lived, 
and  died  in  Providence.  She  married  James  Angell,  the  son  of 
John,  and  the  grandson  of  Thomas  Angell.  Dr.  Avery  F. 
Angell  of  Providence,  who  is  preparing  the  Genealogy  of  the 
Angell  family  says,  "This  Thomas  is  supposed  to  be  the  son  of 
Henry  Angell  of  Liverpool,  England.  He  came  from  London 
with  Roger  Williams  in  1631,  stopped  in  Massachusetts  till  April, 
1636,  when  he  settled  with  Williams  in  Providence.  He  was  a 
minor  in  1 638,  and  was  supposed  to  be  born  in  1 6 1 8.  He  is  believed 
to  be  the  legal  heir  to  the  Estate  of  William  Angell  of  Liverpool, 

amounting   to   $25,000,000."      He   m.   Alice ,  and  had;  i, 

John,  b.  1669,  m.  Ruth  Field,  dau.  of  Wm.  Field  who  settled  at 
Field's  Point,  R.  I.  d.  1720  ;  2,  James,  m.  Abigail  Dexter  ;  3, 
Amphillis,  m.  a  Smith  ;  4,  Mary,  m.  Richard  Arnold  ;  5,  Deborah  ; 
6,  Alice,  m,  Eleazer  Whipple  ;  7,  Margera. 

The  family  of  John,  who  married  Ruth  Field,  was  as  follows  : 

I.  Thomas,  b.  June,  1672,  m.  Sarah  Brown;  2,  John;  3, 
Daniel,  m.  Hannah  Winsor  ;  4,  Hope  b.  1682,  m.  Lydia  Olney ; 
5,  James,  m.  Susanna  Wilkinson.  "John  Angell  the  father  of 
James,"   says  Dr.   Angell,  "  was  a  man  of  enormous    physical 


SUSJNNJH  WILKINSON.    [13]  87 

streno-th.      It  is  said  he  carried  nine  bushels  pf  Pears  on  his  back 

o 

at  one  time,  (?)  that  he  attempted  to  carry  four  bushels  of  salt  up 
stairs,  but  the  stairs  broke,  and  he  got  hurt."      He  died  1720. 
James  and  Susannah  had  the  following  children  : 

(1)  William^  b. ,  m.  Amy  Harding. 

(2)  Ruth.,h.   ,  m.   John  Wilkinson,  son  of  John,  Jr.,  and 

became  the  mother  of  Oziel,  of  Pawtucket,  R.  I.  See  his 
Biography. 

(3)  Mary^  b.  ,  m.  Benjamin  Greene,  son  of  Samuel. 

(4)  yames^  b. 

(5)  Samuel.^  b.      He  was  a  Col.  in  the  French  and  Indian  War. 
William  Wilkinson  of  Providence,  says,  "  Susannah  had  a  son 

Samuel,  who  was  a  colonel  in  the  French  War,  and  also,  several 
daughters  one  of  whom  married  John  Wilkinson,  grandson  of  the 
first  John,  and  father  of  the  late  Oziel  Wilkinson  of  Pawtucket, 
R.  I." 

James  Angell  was  admitted  freeman  May,  4,  1708,  and  died  in 
1742.  The  date  of  Susannah's  death  is  not  known,  nor  her  place 
of  interment. 


THIRD  GENERATION, 

John  Wilkinson,^      )  [4]  Lawrance.^  [i] 
Deborah  Whipple,  j 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

14.  I.   John,"  (58-64)      b.  March  16,  1690,  d.  Sept.  25,  1756. 

15.  II.   Marcy,^  b.  June      30,  1694,  d. 

16.  III.    Sarah,^  b.  June      22,  1696,  d. 

17.  IV.   Freelove,^         b.  July      25,  1701,  d. 

18.  V.   DANiEL,''(65-72)b.  June        8,  1703,  d. 

19.  VI.  Jeremiah,^(73-84)  b.  June4,  1707,  d. 

I.  JOHN. 

OHN  married  Rebecah,  daughter  of  the  2d  Richard  Scott, 
March  20, 1 7 1 7- 1 8,  the  ceremony  being  performed  by  Richard 


Waterman,  Justice,  in  Providence.  At  the  time  of  his  father's 
death  John  was  18  years  of  age,  and,  according  to  the  law  of 
Massachusetts  Bav  Colony  he  was  entitled  to  a  double  share  of 
his  propertvlving  within  its  jurisdiction,  but  he  generously  acquitted 
a  part  to  his  brothers  and  sisters  retaining  only  an  equal  share. 
The  injustice  of  the  English  law  of  primogeniture,  though  it 
benefitted  him  exclusively,  was  too  palpable,  and  his  sense  of 
right  would  not  allow  him  to  take  advantage  of  it.  His  integrity  and 
honesty  were  proverbial.  He  afterwards,  in  1729,  purchased  the 
estate  of  his  brothers  Daniel  and  Jeremiah  and  his  sister  Sarah. 
The  Quit-Claim  Deeds*  given  on  the  occasion  is  as  follows : 

*2  Book  Record  of  Deeds,  Cumberland. 


JOHN  WILKINSON,  [14]  89 

^'  Daniel  and  Jeremiah  Wilkinson  of  Providence,  and  David 
Hogg  and  Sarah  Hogg  his  wife  of  Attleboro,  County  of  Bristol, 
Massachusetts  Bay,  send  greeting : — Whereas  our  Honored  Father, 
John  Wilkinson,  late  of  Providence,  deceased,  did  in  his  lifetime 
purchase  certain  Lands  within  the  township  of  Attleboro  in  the 
County  of  Bristol  in  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New 
England,  and  he  dying  intestate,  his  land  by  the  law  of  said 
province,  became  dividable  amongst  his  children  in  equal  parts, 
saving  to  his  eldest  son  a  Double  part,  bv  which  means  a  Double 
part  of  all  said  Lands  did  of  Right  belong  to  our  Eldest  brother, 
John  Wilkinson  of  said  Providence,  before  he  did  acquit  a  part 
of  it  to  his  two  brothers  formerly,  reserving  but  a  part  to  himself, 
which  is  as  followeth  :  One  acre  of  meadow  which  our  said  Father 
purchased  of  George  Robinson,  lying  and  being  on  the  Run, 
commonly  called  "  Abbot's  Run,"  upon  the  westerly  side  of  said 
Run,  situate  in  ye  said  Attleboro,  being  bounded  on  the  South 
with  a  small  red  oake  tree  marked,  near  Abbot's  Run,  and  bounded 
on  the  Northerly  side  by  a  clump  of  maple  trees  near  said  Run, 
Westerly  by  the  upland.  Easterly  by  the  Run.  Likewise  two 
acres  of  Land,  be  it  more  or  less,  adjoining  to  said  meddow  as 
more  fully  appears  upon  the  First  Book  of  Records  of  Attleboro 
Lands,  page  322.  Likewise  thirty-one  acres  and  a  quarter  of 
Land,  be  it  more  or  less,  being  the  second  lot  in  the  last  Division, 
lying  upon  Blackstone's  Hill,  the  first  corner  is  the  east  corner 
of  Anthony  Sprague's  land,  being  a  black  oak,  thence  south, 
south-east  forty  rods  to  Waterman's  land,  then  bounded  with  said 
land  till  it  comes  to  the  westerly  corner,  then  turning  the  corner 
south-east  twenty  rods  to  a  white  oak  standing  within  two  rods 
for  a  corner,  thence  south-west  half  a  point  west  sixty-eight  rods 
to  the  farm  line,  then  bounded  with  the  farm  and  meadow  till  it 
comes  to  the  first  corner.  Know  ye,  that  we  have  forever 
Quit-claimed  unto  our  Loving  Brother,  John  Wilkinson  of 
Providence,  in  the  Colonv  of  Rhode  Island,  Cooper." 

Dated  Dec.  12,  1729.  Daniel  Wilkinson,  (l.  s.) 

Jeremiah  Wilkinson,  (l.  s.) 

John  Dexter,  Town  Clerk.  David  Hogg,  (l.  s.) 

Sarah  Hogg,  (l.  s.) 

It  appears  from  this  that  his  residence  was  in  Rhode  Island? 
and  that  he  was  a  cooper  as  well  as  a  farmer. 

Another  Deed  given  by  William  Hopkins  and  Deborah  his 
wife  of  Smithfield,  and  Joseph   and   Oziel    Hopkins  of   Scituate 


90  ■  THIRD   GENERATION. 

appears  to  have  been  granted  to  John  Wilkinson  of  Smithfield 
dated,  March  24,  173 1-2.  It  is  interesting  only  from  its  names, 
locality,  and  description  which  runs  as  follows:  "A  certain 
parcel  of  fresh  meadow  containing  by  estimation  one  acre  and 
one-half,  it  being  the  one-half  part,  or  moiety  of  ye  meddow 
known  by  the  name  of  '  Round  Meddow'  Lying  within  ye  tract, 
or  'Gore  of  Land,'  which  is  between  Pawtucket  River,  and  a  due 
north  line  from  Pawtucket  Falls,  and  lyeth  adjoining  to  said 
Wilkinson's  other  land."     The  consideration  was  ,£5.* 

John  had  seven  children  (perhaps  more)  two  sons  and  five 
daughters  ;  the  sons  and  their  descendants  are  remembered,  but 
the  daughters  are  forgotten.  They  lived  in  Smithfield.  The 
Pawtucket  Wilkinsons  are  descendants  of  this  John. 

His  Inventory  of  Personal  property  amounted  to  £1991.13.4. 
a  record  of  which  may  be  found  in  the  Smithfield  Town  Clerk's 
Office.  The  compiler  has  been  unable  to  secure  the  dates  of  the 
births,  &c.,  of  John's  family. 

II.  Marcy,  married,  March,  12,  171 7-18,  John  Scott  of 
Providence;  Richard  Waterman,  Justice,  officiating. f  Their 
children  are  not  remembered.  This  John  Scott  is  believed  to  be 
a  brother  to  Rebecca,  and  descendants  of  Richard,  or  John. 

III.  Sarah,  married  David  Hogg  of  Attleboro,  nov/ 
Cumberland.  He  was  a  farmer,  and  built  the  house  where  Daniel 
Ellis  now  (1866,)  lives,  on  the  direct  road  from  Diamond  Hill  to 
Pawtucket.      They  had : 

(l.)  Hannah. 

(2.)  Sarah^  m.  Roger  Hill,  lived  in  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

IV.  Freelove,  married  Mial  Phillips  and  lived  in   Attleboro. 

V.  Daniel  married  Abigail  Inman,  a  descendant  of  Edward 
Inman,  whose  name  may  be  found  in  connexion  with  Lawrence 
Wilkinson  on  the  original  agreement  with  Roger  Williams,  1645. 
The  wedding  occurred  Sept.  22,  1740.  His  occupation  in  the 
early  part    of   his    life   was  farming  although    he    is   described  as 


*2  Book,  Records  of  Deeds,  Cumberland 
•j-i  Book  of  Marriages,  6,  Providence. 


JEREMIAH  WILKINSON.  [19]  91 

Gentleman  in  the  public  documents  of  the  day.  He  belonged  to 
the  Lodge  of  Alasons,  and  his  seal  on  Deeds  bears  the  compass, 
square  and  other  emblems  of  the  order.  He  was  owner  of  several 
tracts  of  land  and  his  signature  appears  attached  to  a  conveyance 
Aug.  30,  1773,  in  connexion  with  his  brother  Jeremiah,  when  he 
was  70  years  of  age.  The  date  of  his  death  is  not  known,  but 
the  following  record  on  the  Town  Books  of  Cumberland  would 
show  him  to  be  alive  as  late  as  Feb.  24,  1777,  when  it  was  voted 
that  an  allowance  of  £4.15  be  paid  to  Capt.  Daniel  Wilkinson 
for  executing  the  will  of  James  Howard. 

The  General  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island  set  off  the  towns  of 
Bristol,  Tiverton,  Little  Compton,  Warren,  and  Cumberland 
(formerly  called  the  "  Gore  of  Land,")  Jan.  27,  1746-7.  The 
first  town  meeting  was  called  Feb.  lOth,  following,  and  Daniel 
Wilkinson  was  chosen  one  of  the  "  Ualiares  of  Reile  Estate 
Respecting  making  freemen."  [Valuers  of  Real  Estate,  &c.] 
The  next  annual  meeting,  Feb.  23,  1747,  he  was  elected  a  member 
of  the  Town  Council,  which  office  he  held  for  a  number  of  years. 
He  was  Overseer  of  the  Poor  in  1759,  and  subsequently,  and 
frequent  entries  are  made  for  allowances  to  him  for  this  service. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  for  a  number  of  terms,  being 
Deputy  for  Cumberland  in  1762,  1767,  he. 

He  was  a  noble,  dignified  man,  a  good  citizen,  honored  and 
respected  by  the  communitv. 

His  place  of  burial  has  not  been  ascertained  by  the  compiler. 
He  had  eight  children,  two  of  whom  died  within  1 1  days  of  each 
other  in  1756.  The  others  except  a  son  who  died  at  birth,  married 
and  had  families.  Nedabiah  moved  to  Hartford,  Ct.  ;  John  to 
Skaneateles,  N.  Y,  ;  Olive  to  Choconut,  Penn.,  and  the  rest  lived 
in  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

VL  Jeremiah  was  born  in  Smithfield  near  "  Martin's  Wading 
Place"  on  the  Blackstone  River,  a  little  south  of  Ashton,  and 
early  went  into  Cumberland  where  he  took  up  lands.    He  ^married 

*Some  S3V  he  married  Patience  Hide  for  his  first  wife  July  3,  1735,  see  Records, 
Smithfield,  Town  Clerk's  Office. 

13 


92  THIRD  GENERATION. 

Elizabeth   Amev  Whipple  about    1738,  and   by   her  had  twelve 

children,  some  say,  13,  one  dying  in  infancy.      He  was  the  father 

of  the"  Pr(9/)/'^/<'^^,"andthe  followingsketch  taken  from  "  Hudson's 

Life  of  Jemima  Wilkinson,"  will  not  be  considered  a  very  flattering 

account  of  the  man.      He  says — "  Her  father,  Jeremiah  Wilkinson 

was    a  farmer    by  occupation,  and    possessed  a  small  estate    in 

Cumberland,  the  cultivation  of  which  occupied  his  attention,  and 

afforded  a  comfortable  support  for  his  family.      He  was  a  man  of. 

strong  mind,  and  rather  stubborn  disposition.      Not  having  enjoyed 

the  benefits  of  an  education,  he,  as  is  too  often  the  case,  set  alight 

value  upon  mental  improvement,  and  made  a  merit  of  despising  the 

politer     accomplishments.      He    usually     attended    the    Friend's 

Meeting  being  more  attached  to  their   Society  than  to  any  other 

religious  Sect,  yet  was  never  acknowledged  by  them   as  a  regular 

member  of   their  community.      In  early  life  he  married  a  young 

woman  of  the  name  Amy  Whipple  by  whom  he  had  twelve  children 

six  sons  and  six  daughters.      Jemima,  their  eighth  child  was  born 

in  the  year  1 751,  and  to  her  exclusively,  is  this  family  indebted  fo;" 

the  celebrity  of  its  name.    Her  mother  was  an  amiable  and  intelligent 

woman,  an  exemplary   house-wife,  and  an   affectionate   mother ; 

and  to  the  care  and  instruction  of  her  children  was  her  whole  life 

devoted.      She  was  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends  for  many 

years,  and  highly  esteemed  for  her  benevolence  and  piety,  and  the 

uniform  tenor  of  her  useful  life.      She  died  soon  after  the  birth  of 

her  youngest  child,  leaving  the  care  and  education  of  her  children 

to  their  father,  whose  ideas  on  this  subject  extended  but  little,  if 

any,  beyond  instructing  them  in   those   branches   of    labor   and 

domestic  economy,  to  which  he  had  himself  been  accustomed,  and 

by  which  his  family  had   been  supported.      The  loss  of  his  wife 

was  to  him  a  very  severe  affliction,  from  the   effects  of  which  he 

never  fully  recovered.      He  remained  single,  and  towards  the  close 

of  his  life  became  melancholy,  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  time 

in  solitude,  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  about  seventy  years." 

He  further  adds,  "Jemima  was  about  eight  years  old  when  her 
mother  died." 


JEREMIAH  WILKINSON.  [19]  93 

A  itw  points  are  worthy  of  notice  in  this  brief  sketch,  and 
First ^  As  to  Mr,  Ws  setting  a  light  value  upon  mentalimproveinent^ 
there  is  an  obvious  mistake.  It  is  true  educational  advantages  at 
that  time  were  limited,  but  Mr.  W.  always  encouraged  mental 
improvement  of  a  practical  character,  and  though  schools  were 
kept  in  private  houses  and  in  log  huts,  his  children  were  as  steadily 
there  as  anybody's. 

Second.      As  to  his  religious  preferences,  or  church  relationship, 
he  was  a  birth-right  member,  and   was   never  to  our  knowledge, 
,  excluded  from  the  Quaker   Society.      He   attended   that  meeting 
from  principle,  and  died  in  their  faith.  • 

Third.  Jemima  was  born  *•'  Nov.  29,  the  fifth  day  of  the  week, 
1752,  and  not  1751  as  stated  by  Hudson. 

Fourth.  As  to  the  celebrity  of  the  name  of  this  family  acquired 
from  Jemima,  it  might  have  been  of  an  exclusive  character,  but 
there  may  be  some  difference  of  opinion  upon  this  point. 

William,  the  father  of  Simon,  of  Boston,  was  a  man  of  some 
note,  and  Jeremiah  his  brother  cut  the  first  nail  from  cold  iron  in 
the  world.*  Benjamin  was  a  Lieut,  in  the  Revolution,  member 
of  the  committee  of  Safety,  5cC.  Patience  married  Thomas  Hazard 
Potter,  who  with  his  brothers  purchased  44000  acres  of  land 
extending  from  the  centre  of  Seneca  to  the  centre  of  Canandagua 
Lakes,  and  gave  his  name  to  a  Township.  Amy  married  a 
Darling,  a  manufacturer  in  Rhode  Island  of  some  celebrity.  Jeptha 
renowned  as  an  inventor,  and  his  son  Jeptha  A.  is  the  author  and 
in\entor  of  the  Rotary  Cylindrical  Printing  Press,  Steel  Reed 
Machine,  Revolving  Fire-Arms  which  Colt  purloined  at  Paris  in 
France.  It  may  be  submitted  if  other  members  have  not  contributed 
to  the  celebrity  of  this  family. 

Fifth.  The  age  of  Jemima  at  her  mother's  death  is  erroneously 
stated.  Deborah  was  the  youngest  child  of  Jeremiah,  and  she 
was  born  Aug.  28,  1764.  So  instead  of  being  Eight,  Jemima 
must  have  been  thirteen  or  fourteen  years  of  age,  quite  a  young 


*2  Arnold's  History  of  R.  I.,  p.  69. 


94  THIRD   GENERATION. 

lady  with  some  established  principles  of"  character,  no  doubt,  whose 
mind  had  received  some  excellent  impressions  from  her  amiable 
mother.  But  Hudson  is  anxious  to  make  a  case.,  and  a  few  slight  ' 
errors  like  the  above  are  quite  necessary  for  want  of  facts  to  make 
it.  "In  early  life  he  married,  &c.,"  says  Hudson.  He  was 
about  thirty-one  years  of  age  when  he  married  Miss  Whipple. 

If  Jeremiah  was  about  seventy  when  he  died,  his  demise  must 
have  occurred  about  1777,  during  the  Revolutionary  War,  but  if 
Mr.  H.  has  observed  his  usual  accuracy.,  it  may  not  be  altogether 
reliable. 


THIRD  GENERATION. 

JosiAs  Wilkinson,-^  [6]  Lawrance.^  [i] 

AND  ■ 

Hannah  Tyler,      j 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 
20.   I.   Hannah,^  b.  d, 

I.      HANNAH. 

ANNAH  married  James  Dexter.   The  Hon.  James  Savage 
in  his  "Genealogical  Dictionary  of  New  England,"  savs, 


Josias  Wilkinson  had  one  daughter  named  Ruth^  an  only  child. 
He  is  mistaken,  and  has  probably  confounded  the  name  of  Samuel's 
daughter,  the  mother  of  Stephen  and  Esek  Hopkms,  with  the 
daughter  of  Josias.  The  following  record,  taken  from  the  first 
"Purchasers  of  Providence  Booke,"  p.  13,  confirms  our  family 
Bible  record  : 

"April  22,  1707.  Three  acres  of  Meadow  *  *  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Seauen  mile  line,  on  the  right  of  Lawrance 
Wilkinson,  *  *  the  which  meaddow  lieth  about  a  mile  and  a 
half  westward  of  a  hill  called  the  Round  Hill,  *  *  and  was 
laid  out  to  Hannah  Wilkinson,  Heiress  of  Josias  Wilkinson. 

Samuel  Wilkinson,  Surveyor." 

Her  mother  having  married  one  Joseph  Tucker,  a  worthless 
fellow.  Hannah  came  near  losing  the  property  which  her  father 
had  left  her,  through  Tucker's  prodigality  ;  but  the  watchfulness 
of  her  uncle  John,  who  entered  a  complaint  against  him  to  the 
Town  Council,  an  injunction  was  put  upon  his  profligate  course. 


96  THIRD  GENERJTON. 

and   he  was   forbidden  to  sell  any   more  of  the  property.       He 
shortly  after  died,  and  relieved  them  from  further  anxietv. 

Hannah's  husband,  James  Dexter,  was  the  grandson  of  the 
Rev.  Gregory  Dexter  who  was  born  in  England  in  1610 — was 
a  printer,  and  a  correspondent  of  Roger  Williams,  and  printed 
for  him  thq  "Key — or  Dictionary  of  the  Indian  Language,"  in 
1643,  in  London,  He  came  to  America  with  Roger  Williams 
when  he  returned  with  his  Charter  in  1644,  became  one  of  the 
first  Town  Clerks,  and  was  the  fourth  Pastor  of  the  first  Baptist 
Church  in  America.  He  was  a  prominent  man  in  the  Colony — 
well  educated,  a  good  preacher,  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of 
ninety.  James,  who  was  the  second  son  of  John  Dexter,  who 
was  the  son  of  Gregory,  was  born  in  1691,  and  married  Hannah 
about  1 7 16  or   17.      They  had: 

(1)  John^  b.  1718. 

(2)  "James^  b.   1 720. 

(3)  David^  b.  1722. 

(4)  Anna^  b.   1723. 

(5)  Mary^  b.  1725, 

(6)  Hopestill^  b.  1727. 

An  influential  branch  of  the  Dexter  family  have  descended 
from  this  couple,  of  whom  Nathaniel  G.  B.  Dexter,  of  Pawtucket, 
Col,  J.  S.  Dexter  of  Providence,  and  others  are  tti'e  present 
representatives.  The  old  Dexter  place  in  Providence  is  still 
remembered,  but  very  few,  if  any  living  in  that  city,  know  that 
this  was  the  residence  of  Lawrence  Wilkinson,  our  paternal 
ancestor.  The  descent  of  the  property  for  two  or  three  generations 
was  as  follows:  Lawrence  deeded  the  property  to  Josias  in  1691. 
Josias  died  in  1692,  intestate,  and  the  Town  Council  took  it  in 
charge — adjudged  Hannah,  the  lawful  heir — appointed  trustees, 
or  guardians,  and  gave  it  to  them  in  trust  till  she  should  arrive  of  age. 
She  married  and  that  transferred  the  property  into  the  Dexter 
family,  and  instead  of  being  the  "  Old  Wilkinson  place  "  as  it  was 
originally,  it   is   the    "  Old  Dexter  place.''     So   time   changes  all 


HANNAH   WILKINSON.   [20]  97 

things  here  below,  and  the  place  that  knows  us  now,  will  soon 
know  us  no  more  forever.  How  oft  we  tread  on  hallowed  ground 
and  know  it  not ! 

Most  all  the  facts  here  collected  had  been  slumbering  for  more 
than  one  hundred  and  fifty  years,  and  were  entirely  unknown  to 
the  present  generation  of  the  Wilkinson  family.  So  men  rise  and 
pass  away,  and  though  their  actions  are  forgotten,  and  their  bodies 
crumble  into  dust,  yet  their  virtues  live,  and  are  transmitted  from 
generation  to  generation. 

"These  shall  resist  the  empire  of  decay, 
When  time  is  o'er,  and  worlds  have  passed  awav : 
Cold  in  the  dust  the  perished  heart  may  lie. 
But  that  which  warmed  it  once  can  never  die." 

The  date  of  Hannah's  death  and  place  of  burial  are  not  known, 
probably  in  the  family  burying  ground. 


FOURTH  GENERATION. 

Samuel  Wilkinson^  ^ 

AND  V[8]  SaMUEL^'[2]  LaWRANCE^[i] 

HULDAH    AlDRICH.      j 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  I. 

21.  I.   HuLDAH,'  b.  Dec.  i6,  1697,  d. 

22.  II.  JosiAH,^  (85-87)  b.  Aug.  29,  1699,  d. 

23.  III.   Samuel,'  b.  Feb.     9,  1701,  d. 

24.  IV.   Zebiah,^  b.  Oct.     2,  1702,  d, 

25.  V.   Patience,^  b.  June    9,  1704,  d. 

26.  VI.    Mercy,^  b.  Dec.  12,  1705,  d.   Sept.    11,  1796. 

27.  VII.  DAViD,^(88-96)b.  Oct,  16,  1707,  d.  Jan.     31,  1796. 

28.  VIII.  Jacob,^  b.  17091  d- 

29.  IX.   IsRAEL,^(97-i04)b.  March  21,  1711,  d.    April  30,  1784. 


SC- 

X. William,^ 

b. 

1713.  d. 

SI- 

XI.  RUTH,^ 

b. 

1715,  d. 

32. 

XII.  Caleb,^ 

b. 

1716,  d. 

33- 

XIII.  Plain,^ 

b. 

Feb. 

28, 

1717,  d. 

iMav  12, 

1791 

34. 

XIV.  Peleg,^ 

b. 

1718,  d. 

35.   XV.   IcHABOD,^  (105-107)  b.  1720,  d. 


SJMUEL  WILKINSON.  [23]  99 

I.     HULDAH. 

ULDAH  the  oldest  child  was  horn  at  the  old  homestead 
in  Smithfield,  or  what  was  then  called  Providence.  She 
married  when  she  was  more  than  thirty  years  of  age,  Elisha 
Dillingham,  a  man  of  more  note  than  worth,  although  some  very 
worthy  men  of  this  name  now  live  in  some  of  the  New  England 
States.      Their  children  as  far  as  known  are  as  follows  : 

(i)  i/«.Wtf/?,  married  Nathan  Harrington,  and  moved  to  what 
was  called  "Nine  Partners"  in  Dutchess  County,  New  York. 
He  proved  to  be  a  very  worthy  man,  and  by  industry  and  frugality, 
became  quite  wealthy.  He  belonged  to  the  Quaker  society,  and 
was  a  speaker  among  them,  and  was  highly  esteemed  by  their 
community. 

(2)  Mercys  married  John    Lovett,  and  lived  in  Mendon,  Mass. 

n.  JosiAS  or  JosiAH,  as  his  name  is  sometimes  written,  married 
Margaret  Thompson,  Dec.  13,  1736.  He  lived  in  Smithfield 
the  first  part  of  his  life,  or  until  about  1738,  and  then  moved  into 
the  State  of  New  York ;  but  at  what  particular  locality  is  not 
known.  They  had  three  children,  the  oldest  of  which,  Jemima, 
lived,  died,  and  is  buried  in  Smithfield.  Amos  and  Chloe  lived 
jn  New  York  State.  JoSias  was  a  farmer,  and  was  admitted 
freeman  in  Providence  in  1730.  The  time  of  his  death  and 
place  of  burial  are  not  known. 

in.  Samuel  never  married,  lived  and  died  in  Smithfield.  He 
was  admitted  freeman  in  Providence  in  1730.  An  anecdote  is 
related  concerning  him.  Being  below  mediocrity  in  intellect,  he 
was  frequently  made  the  butt  of  ridicule,  and  his  apt  replies  made 
with  such  innocent  simplicity  would  frequently  set  the  company 
ina  roar  of  laughter.  On  one  occasion  while  hunting,  he  mounted 
upon  a  log,  when,  behold  !  a  large  black  bear  curled  up  in  sound 
slumber  appeared  on  the  opposite  side.  He  brought  his  gun  to  a 
present  arms  and  fired.  Bruin  was  killed.  Always  after  that, 
when  he  went  to  the  woods,  he  would  slyly  approach  and  peep 
over  that  log.      The  boys  laughed  at  him,  and  said  "■  Sammy,  why 

14 


100  FOURTH  GENERJTION. 

do  you   always  look   over  that    log  ?"      He   replied   "  You  don't 
s'pose  I'd  look  for  a  bear  where  there  never  was  one^  do  ye  ?" 

Such  poor  unfortunates  awaken  a  melancholy  interest,  and  are 
frequently  remembered  long  after  the  more  gifted  are  entirely 
forgotten. 

IV.  Zebiah.  The  following  record  may  be  found  in  the  first 
"Book  of  Marriages,"  Providence,  R.  I. 

"  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  ss. 

It  is  made  to  appear  by  a  written  instrument  under  the  hands 
of  upwards  of  twelve  substantial  evidences,  that  Ichabod  Comstock 
and  Zebiah  Wilkinson,  both  of  Providence,  were  lawfully  joined 
together  in  marriage,  on  the  13th  day  of  Sept.  Anno  Domini, 
1722,  in  a  Friends'  Public  Meeting,  held  in  said  Providence." 

Their  children  were  : 

(1)  Ruth^hoxn  at  Providence,  Jan,  20,  1723-4. 

(2)  Elizabeth ^  b.  Dec,  18,  1725. 

(3)  Ichabod^  b.  March,  1727-8. 

(4)  Zebiah^  b.  March  19,  1729-30. 
Probably  others. 

Some  of  their  descendants  were  in  the  town  of  New  Berlin, 
Chenango  County,  New  York  in  1831.  They  emigrated  to 
Michigan  the  same  year,  and  nothing  farther  is  known  of   them. 

Zebiah  was  a  Quaker,  a  part  of  her  family  lived  in  Smithfield 
and  a  part  in  Providence. 

V.  Patience  married  Joseph  Arnold,  and  had  a  family,  but 
[heir  names,  and  the  number,  have  not  been  furnished. 

VI.  Mercy,  married  Benjamin  Thayer,  of  Mcndon,  Mass., 
Aug.  24,  1726,  Jas.  Arnold  officiating.  He  was  the  son  of  Samuel 
and  Mary  Thayer,  and  was  born  Sept.  11,  1709. 

Their  children  were  : 

(i)   Patience^  b.  Jan,  3,  1738;  d.   1740. 

(2)  Huldah^  b.  Nov.  5,    1730. 

(3)  Gideon^  b.  Jan.  12,  1733;  d.  Nov.  21,  1752,  at  sea  near 
Gratia. 


DJVID  IPILKINSON.  [27]  10 1 

(4)  Samuel^  b.  Dec.  5,  1734. 

(5)  Benjamhi^  b.  Oct.  7,  1 738  ;  d.  July  17,  1739- 

(6)  Patience^  b.  May  25,  1740. 

(7)  Hope.     1  L         •         A 

Ichabod  her  youngest  brother  liyed  with  them  until  he  moyed  to 
Pennsylvania.  Air.  Thayer  was  his  guardian  during  his  minority. 
Among  the  old  papers  of  Israel  Wilkinson,  Jr.,  the  following 
record  is  found:  "In  Mendon,  Sept.  11,  1796,  then  Marcy 
Thayer  widow  to  Benjamin  Thayer,  departed  this  life  aged  Ninety 
years.  Eight  months,  and  thirty  days ;  who  was  the  last  suryivor 
of  the  family  of  Samuel  Wilkinson,  Jr." 

VII.  David,  married  Alary,  dau.  of  Richard  Arnold,  the  son  of 
Richard  who  li\'ed  near  Stephen  H.  Smiths  in  Smithfield.  This 
senior  Richard  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Arnold  who  came  from 
England  about  1640.  Da\'id  had  nine  children,  three  sons  and 
six  daughters.  His  sons  died  unmarried.  Four  of  his  daughters 
married  and  had  families.  David's  wife,  Alary,  died  July  i, 
1803,  aged  ninety-one  years,  nineteen  days,  and  was  the  last 
survivor  of  her  father's  family. 

At  the  death  of  his  father,  David  was  but  Eighteen  years  of 
age,  and  his  mother,  in  connexion  with  himself  was  appointed 
executrix  of  the  Last  Will  and  Testament  of  her  deceased  husband  ;  * 
but  she  declined  executing  the  trust,  and  Da\'id  became  sole 
executor,  and  managed  the  affair  with  great  prudence,  and  to  the 
entire  satisfaction  of  all  the  parties  concerned.  He  became  an 
extensive  land-owner,  and  real  estate  broker.  A  large  number 
of  Deeds  bearing  his  name  as  grantor  or  grantee  are  in  the  possession 
of  the  Author.  The  following,  from  Francis  Inman  of  the  "  Gore 
of  Land,"  to  David,  shows  the  kind  of  speculation  rife  in  those 
days.  The  description  is  as  follows :  "  All  the  bogg  oar,  or 
mine  of  iron  that  lieth  in  a  certain  tract  of  land  which  I  purchased 
of   the   said   David    Wilkinson,   situate  in  the  'Gore  of   Land' 

*See,  3  Book  of  Wills,  p.  35,  Providence,  R.  I. 


102  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

containing  fifty  acres  ;  and,  also,  one  equal  second  part,  one-half 
of  all  the  other  oars,  mines,  or  minerals  of  Gold,  Silver,  Copper, 
Lead,  or  any  other  mettle  of  what  kind  soever,  that  shall  be  found  , 
hereafter  within   the    said   tract,   with   privilege  to   dig  and  carry 
away.  Signed.      The  mark  of  Francis  X  Inrn^n-" 

Dated  Jan.  1 1,  1734. 

David  was  a  man  of  considerable  note  in  his  native  town  and 
held  many  public  offices.  He  spent  the  last  part  of  his  life  in 
Providence,  and  was  elected  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  that  city 
May,  I  771-2-3-4-5,  &:c.,  holding  the  office  for  a  number  of  years. 
During  the  exciting  times  of  the  Revolution  he  was  an  active 
advocate  of  the  rights  of  the  Colonies,  and  in  1 775  he  was  appointed 
a  committee  on  printing.  This  position  afforded  a  favorable 
opportunity  for  aiding  the  cause  of  Freedom,  which  did  not  pass 
unimproved.  The  following  year,  1776,  he  was  appointed 
Superintendent  of  the  Press  in  Providence.*  His  bills  were 
invariably  allowed  for  this  service. 

The  cause  of  American  liberty  found  ardent  and  active 
supporters  in  the  Wilkinson  family  notwithstanding  their  pacific 
principles.  Stephen  Hopkins  and  David  Wilkinson  (who  were 
both  born  in  the  same  year,  1707,)  of  Providence,  Rhode  Island, 
Esek  Hopkins  of  North  Providence,  Jeremiah  Wilkinson  of 
Cumberland,  Oziel  Wilkinson  and  Israel  Wilkinson  of  Smithfield, 
Rhode  Island,  and  John  Wilkinson,  jr.,  of  Bucks  County,  Penn. 
were  all  Quakers,  but  they  were  more  than  passive  supporters  of 
their  country's  cause. 

The  loss  of  his  sons  has  caused  the  name  of  Wilkinson  to 
become  extinct  in  this  branch  of  the  family.  The  death  of 
David's  last  son  was  peculiarly  afflicting.  An  aged  'relative  still 
living,  remembers  reading  when  a  child,  in  a  Providence  paper  of 
"  The  accidental  death  of  Daniel,  only  surviving  son  of  David 
Wilkinson,  Esq.,  nineteen  years  of  age,  while  witnessing  the 
launching  of  a  vessel  above  the   great  bridge  in    Providence,  his 


*See  Colonial  Records  and  Schedule,  1775-6,  p.  93,Secr'y  of  State's  Office,  Prov.,  R.  I. 


ISRAEL    WILKINSON.    [29]  103 

head  was  jambed  to  pieces  between  the  vessel  and  timbers  of  the 
bridge."  His  parents  knew  nothing  of  his  absence  from  the 
house  until  the  news  of  his  death  was  brought  to  them.  He  had 
requested  the  maid  to  wake  him  early  in  the  morning,  in  order 
that  he  might  witness  the  launching  of  the  ship,  which  she  did 
without  the  knowledge  of  his  parents.  This  sudden  bereavement 
produced  the  deepest  sorrow. 

It  is  said  that  David  lost  the  native  vigor  of  his  mind  during 
his  last  days.      He  was  admitted  freeman  in  1730. 

IX.  Israel  married,  April  6,  1732,  Mary  Aldrich,  dau.  of 
Moses  Aldrich  of  Mendon,  Mass.  Savage  says,  "Mattithia,  b. 
10  July,  1656,  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  at  Mendon  in  *i663." 
But  whether  Moses  was  a  descendant  of  this  man,  or  a  later 
settler,  is  not  known.  He  was  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  and  by 
perseverance  and  industry  accumulated  quite  a  large  property  in 
lands,  mills,  shops,  &:c.,  as  appears  by  his  Last  Will  and  Testament 
bearing  date  1761.  There  are  seven  sons  and  five  daughters 
mentioned  in  his  Will,  viz:  George,  Robert,  Thomas,  Caleb, 
Luke,  Moses,  Aaron,  Abigail,  Mary,  Marcy,  Lydia  and  Alice. 
Abigail  and  Marcy  married  Smiths,  Lydia,  Joseph  Allen ;  and 
Alice,  Jeremiah  Spencer. 

The  following  was  found  among  the  papers  of  Israel  Wilkinson, 
Jr.  :  "  Memorandum  of  the  Children  of  Hannah  Aldrich,  widow 
of  Moses  Aldrich  of  the  town  of  Mendon,  in  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts.  Abigail  Smithy  4  children,  31  grandchildren  and 
great  grandchildren. 

Rachel  Arnold^  12;  Mary  Flaggy  4;  Hannah  Mowry^  5. 

Mary  Wilkinson^  3  children,  15  grandchildren,  7  great 
grandchildren.      Hannah  Davis. 

Marcy  Smithy  5  children,  21  grandchildren,  3  great  grand 
children. 

In  all  127 — quite  a  multitude. 

This  Aldrich  family  was  remarkable  for  its  longevity. 


*See  "  Genealogical  Diet,  of  N.  E." 


104  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

George  d.  July  14,  1797,  aged  81  yrs,  6  months. 

Robert  d.  July  6,  1794,  aged  74  yrs,  5  mos,  27  days. 

Thomas  d.  Oct.  11,  1795,  aged  71  yrs,  4  mos.  13  days. 

Caleb  d.  Nov.  8,  1809,  aged  83  yrs,  9  mos,  24  days. 

Luke,  d.  Oct.  15,  1804,  aged  76  yrs,  8  mos. 

Mary,  d.  March,  25,  1805,  aged  91  yrs,  i  mo,  9  days. 

Lydia,  d.  Sept.  22,  1805,  aged  83,  yrs  10  mos,  16  days. 

Alice,  d.  Nov.  19,  1796.      Age  unknown. 

The  others  were  quite  aged  people  when  they  died.  The 
combined  aged  of  the  seven  above  mentioned  is  562  years,  9  mos? 
29  days,  making  an  average  of  80 J  years. 

Israel  was  but  fourteen  years  of  age  when  his  father  died,  and 
shared  a  fifth  part  of  his  property,  after  certain  legacies  had  been 
paid  to  his  sisters.  He  erected  a  house  on  the  old  homestead 
farm  in  Smithfield,  which  still  stands,  about  half  a  mile  north  of 
his  father's  residence  and  about  the  same  distance  from  the 
Blackstone  River  on  the  main  road  from  Providence  to  Woonsocket 
Falls,  three  miles  from  the  latter  place,  and  twelve  from  the  former. 
The  new  part  of  the  house  was  finished  in  1744,  and  was  two 
stories  high,  and  in  shape  like  the  letter  L,  fronting  to  the  east 
and  south.  The  scenery  from  this  residence  is  picturesque  and 
beautiful.  To  the  east  the  land  is  rolling,  diversified  by  hills  and 
valleys,  which,  in  the  month  of  June,  are  covered  with  green  grass 
and  shrubbery,  sloping  gradually,  while  at  the  foot  of  these  ranges 
rolls  the  Blackstone  river  like  a  silver  belt  wending  its  way  to  the 
ocean.  Beyond  the  river  Cumberland  Hill,  crowned  with  a  little 
village,  rises  in  the  distance;  and  the  author  well  remembers,  for 
it  was  his  home  during  the  first  decade  of  his  life,  beholding  the 
sun  rising  over  that  hill,  and  shedding  a  flood  of  radiance  upon 
meadow  and  woodland,  gazing  upon  the  moon  beaming  into  his 
bedroom  window,  and  sweetly  smiling  upon  the  grassy  plot  in 
front  of  the  house,  witnessing  the  military  display  of  company 
training  on  Cumberland  Hill,  when  the  swords  of  the  officers, 
guns   and   bayonets  of    the  soldiers  would  flash  in  the   sun  like 


•  PLAIN  ilVILKINSON)  ROGERS.  [33]  105 

gleams  of  electricity.  These  were  some  of  the  scenes  that  have 
left  their  impress  upon  the  opening  mind  at  the  old  homestead  in 
Smithfield,  and  they  will  never  fade  while  memorv  holds  its  place. 

For  other  facts  concerning  Israel  Wilkinson,  see  Biography 
No.  IX. 

XI.  Ruth  married  Woodard  Arnold,  and  lived  in  Smithfield. 
Their  children,  as  far  as  known  were  : 

(1)  Ishftiael. 

(2)  Philip. 

(3)  ^^^V//'3/«,  m.  Jennie  Ballou,  He  was  a  phvsician  and  a 
very  intelligent,  well  educated  man — lived,  practiced,  and  died 
in  Smithfield.  Thev  had  one  daughter  who  married  a  Steere — 
lived  in  S.,  and  left  a  large  familv. 

XIII.  Plain  married  John  Rogers,  a  man  of  great  ingenuity 
and  skill  in  the  mechanic  arts.  He  was  engage  with  his 
brother-in-law,  Israel  Wilkinson,  in  building  the  "  Hope  Furnace," 
and  had  it  not  been  for  their  skill,  the  enterprise  would  have  been 
abandoned.  The  Browns  and  Bowens  were  made  rich  by  the 
operation,  but  Wilkinson  and  Rogers  were  not  materially  benefitted 
bv  it.       Before  the   Revolutionary  war   broke   out,  Rogers   and 

his  family  moved  to ,  Nova  Scotia,  but  the  most  of  them 

came  back  to  Rhode  Island. 

Thev  had  : 

(i)  Samuel.,  unm.,  was  a  sea  captain,  and  was  cast  away  on 
Cape  Cod,  but  being  a  strong  swimmer  he  reached  the  shore. 
He  was  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  received  a  large  tract  of 
land  in  Ohio  where  the  city  of  Columbus  now  stands,  from  the 
government  for  his  losses  and  services  in  that  memorable  struggle 
for  national  independence.  It  is  said  he  was  dissatisfied  with  the 
grant,  and  sold  it  for  a  small  sum  compared  with  its  real  value. 
He  was  a  good  soldier,  and  at  one  time  commanded  a  privateer. 

(2)  John.,  b.  about  1757,  m.  Sarah  (or  Sally)  Ballou,  and  lived 
in  Cumberland,  Rhode  Island,  for  many  years  ;  he  subsequently 
moved  to  Holden,  Worcester  County,  Mass.      He  was  a  surveyor 


I 


io6  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

and  mathematician,  and  left  extensive  works  in  MS.  Enlisting  as 
a  private,  he  was  soon  promoted  to  orderly  sergeant,  then  to 
Lieutenant,  in  Captain  Stephen  Olney's  company,  of  North 
Providence.  He  afterwards  became  a  Lieut.  Colonel  in  a  Rhode 
Island  regiment,  and  was  one  of  the  body-guard  of  General 
Washington.  An  epaulette  which  Washington  gave  him  is  still 
preserved  bv  his  descendants  in  Lockport,  New  York.  He  was 
at  the  crossing  of  the  Delaware,  and  participated  in  many  a  hard 
►  fought  battle.  This  Capt,  Olney  above  mentioned  was  a 
particular  friend  of  General  La  Fayette. 

In  1824,  when  La  Fayette  made  his  last  visit  to  America,  he 
came  to  Providence,  and  as  he  was  ascending  the  Court  House 
steps,  he  saw  Captain  Olney  standing  there,  and  springing  forward 
he  caught  him  in  his  arms  and  kissed  him  with  all  the  fondness 
that  a  parent  would  a  long  absent  child.  Olney  said  that  Lieut. 
Rogers  was  posessed  of  the  most  undaunted  courage  of  any  man 
he  ever  saw.  The  bravery  of  Rogers  was  proverbial.  On  one 
occasion  the  Americans  were  retreating  hard  pushed  by  the 
Hessians.  Captain  Olney  ordered  Rogers,  who  was  serving  as 
Adjutant,  to  give  them  another  fire.  "  Halt  !  right  about,  face, 
fire!"  cried  Rogers.  The  enemy  were  so  near  that  the  smoke 
of  their  guns  entered  the  ranks  among  the  men.  Confusion  and 
dismay  followed.  Roger's  horse  was  killed,  and  fell  upon  him, 
and  he  could  not  extricate  himself.  The  Hessian  soldiers  observing 
his  situation,  rushed  forward  for  plunder,  he  drew  his  pistols,  shot 
and  killed  one,  and  wounded  another.  By  this  time  his  true 
friend,  Ichabod  Howard  discovered  his  situation,  and  flew  to  his 
assistance.  He  shot  a  third,  plunged  his  bayonet  into  a  fourth, 
rescued  Rogers,  who,  recovering  his  legs,  joined  in  the  pursuit  of 
the  flying  enemy.  Rogers  never  forgot  his  "true  friend."  Many 
years  afterwards  they  both  lived  on  Cumberland  Hill,  Rhode 
Island.  Rogers  kept  a  public  house  and  a  store.  Ichabod  had  a 
failing,  being  human,  but  he  did  not  always  have  money.  He 
had,  however,  an  unfailing  resource  to  procure  the  necessary  dram. 


PLAIN  [WILKINSON)  ROGERS.  [33]  107 

By  stepping  up  to  the  bar,  he  would  say,  "Esq.  Rogers,  do  you 
remember  them  d — d  Hessians?"  "Yes,  yes,"  would  be  the 
prompt  reply,  "what  will  you  have  to  drink,  Ichabod?"  Lieut. 
Rogers  was  highly  respected,  and  held  several  town  and  state 
offices,  and  was  regarded  by  the  people  as  a  very  capable  and 
worthy  man.      He  had  ten  children. 

1.  Abigail,  b.  Apr.  25,  1795;  m.  Samuel  Chaffin,  and  has  a 
family. 

2.  Nathan  Ballou,  b.  Feb.  3,  1797;  m.  Lydia  Larned,  and  has 
Sarah  Maria;  Wm.  Helmer;  Sarah,  m.  Silas  R.  Brown,  has  four 
children  ;  Eliza,  m.  Walter  B.  Van  Horn,  has  five  children  ; 
James;  Martha  Ann;  Edward  Wilkinson,  m.  Jennie  L.  Gott^ 
has  Charles;  Maria,  m.  Chas.  C.  Brown  has  Francis  N.  Nathan 
Ballou  ;s  a  first-rate  independent  farmer,  and  resides  in  Lockport. 

3.  John  A.,  b.  Feb.  16,  1799  ;  d.  July  18,  1803. 

4.  George  Washington,  b.  March  27,  1801  ;  m.  ist  Amy 
Comstcck  and  had  J/n)\  d.  about  1822  ;  2d  m.  Marcia  F.  Faxon, 
had  Sarah  Elizabeth,  b.  Dec.  17,  1833  ;  m.  Dr.  Josiah  H. 
Helmer,  has  Geoj-ge  i?.,  Sarah  E.  R.^  Albert  R.  and  William  R. 
Sarah  E.  died  July  10,  1866,  greatly  lamented  by  the  family 
and  the  community.  She  was  a  good  daughter,  a  devoted  wife, 
and  an  affectionate  mother.      The  following  is  an  extract  from  an 

obituary  notice  in  one  of  the  city  papers.  "The  unlooked  for 
announcement  of  the  death  of  this  amiable  lady,  so  universally 
respected  and  loved  by  those  who  appreciate  genuine  goodness, 
and  true  christian  character  was  received  by  the  entire  community  ' 
with  sorrow  and  surprise.  Born  and  reared  in  this  city  with  all 
the  care  and  solicitude  which  kind,  affectionate  and  doting  parents 
could  bestow,  and  richly  indeed  was  this  parental  care  and  wise, 
intelligentguardianshiprepaidintheintellectual,  moral,  and  religious 
developement  of  a  dutiful  and  grateful  daughter,  an  affectionate 
and  highly  appreciated  wife,  a  wise,  discreet,  and  affectionate 
mother,  and  an  amiable  and  benevolent  christian  woman,  an 
ornament  to  society,  a  blessing  to  the  community  in  which  she 
lived."  From  a  wide  circle  of  friends,  from  the  community, 
trom  the  church  and  from  her  family  she  is  sadly  missed. 

15 


io8  FOURTH  GENERJTION. 

5.  Eliza  Brown,  b.  March  27,  1803-,  6.  Eunice  Capron,  b. 
March  27,  1803;  (twins,)  7.  James,  b.  Feb.  1805;  8.  Maria 
Ballou ;  9.  John  Wilkinson,  b.  1807,  (?)  m.  Eliza  Faxon;  10. 
William  Thayer,  b.  March  11,  1817,  m.  Julia  J.  Warner,  Aug. 
21,  1848.  Wm.  Thayer  is  engaged  in  the  banking  business, 
was  first  teller  in  the  Canal  Bank,  cashier  in  the  Exchange  Bank, 
President  of  the  Western  Bank,  and  is  now  cashier  in  the  I^ockport 
Bank. 

Lieut.  Rogers'  sons  emigrated  to  Lockport,  New  York,  in  the 
early  settlement  of  that  town.  They  still  live  there,  and  are 
among  the  foremost  men  in  enterprise  and  talent,  and  some  of 
them  are  regarded  as  among  the  richest  men  of  Lockport,  though 
they  went  there  in  indigent  circumstances.  George  Washington 
became  cashier  of  Canal  Bank  and  afterwards  President  of 
Exchange  Bank,  and  is  known  throughout  the  state  of  New  York, 
as  a  man  of  sterling  integrity.  He  is  a  member  ot  the  Baptist 
Church. 

(3)  'J'^^f^^^i  unm.,  r.  Novia  Scotia. 

(4)  Pla'in^  m.  a  Barlow,  has  a  family,  r.  Walton,  Delaware 
Co.,  N.  Y.       - 

(5)  Deborah^  unm.,  r.  Smithfield,  R.  L 

(6)  Patience^  m.  Thomas  Wall,  r.  in  Smithfield,  had  a  very 
smart  family,  some  of  them  moved  to  Philadelphia  and  are  influential 
citizens  there. 

(7)  George^  unm.,  d.  young. 

Some  of  the  members  of  the  elder  John  Rogers'  family  lived  in 
Novia  Scotia.      Samuel  lived  everywhere. 

The  following  record  was  found  among  the  papers  of  Israel 
Wilkinson,  Jr.,  and  is  in  his  own  hand  writing: 

"In  Sackville,  Novia  Scotia,  June  17,  1774,  then  John  Rogers 
departed  this  life,  aged  62  yrs,  3  mos,  17  days." 

XV.  IcHABOD  was  only  five  or  six  years  old  when  his  father 
died.  As  he  shared  equally  with  his  four  living  brothers  in  his 
father's  property,  Benjamin   Thayer  of  Mendon,   Massachusetts, 


ICHABOD   WILKINSON.   [35]  109 

his  brother-in-law,  was  appointed  his  guardian.  Upon  attaining 
his  majority  he  followed  his  uncle  John  to  Pennsylvania,  where 
he  married  and  had  a  family. 

Until  1866,  while  collecting  names  for  this  work,  all  knowledge 
of  the  whereabouts  of  this  branch  of  the  family  had  been  lost. 
For  more  than  one  hundred  years  all  intercourse  had  ceased,  but 
now  the  acquaintance  is  renewed,  and  the  lost  found,  through  the 
instrumentality,  and  faithful  record  of  an  old  deed. 

Samuel  T.  Wilkinson,  a  lineal  descendant  of  Ichabod's  uncle 
John,  sends  the  following  from  Pennsylvania  : 

"  The  Friends'  Record  of  their  Monthly  Meeting.,  held  at 
IVrightsioivn^  Penn.'" — "Meeting  held  the  First  of  the  Twelfth 
Month,  1742.  At  this  meeting,  Ichabod  Wilkinson  produced  a 
certificate  for  himself  from  the  Monthly  Meeting  held  at  Smithfield, 
in  Road  Island  Colony,  which  was  read  and  excepted  (accepted)." 

There  is  a  further  record,  that  "the  Friends  who  were  appointed 
to  see  that  the  marriage  of  Ichabod  Wilkinson  and  Sarah  Chapman 
was  conducted  in  an  orderly  manner,  report  that  they  were  married 
the  7th  day  of  the  7th  month,  1743." 

Samuel,  above  alluded  to,  says,  "I  find  there  was  a  large  family 
of  girls,  and  but  one  son — that  I  find  any  account  of — whose  name 
was  Joseph.  Ichabod's  farm  was  in  the  Solebury  Right  where 
Newhope  now  stands.  About  1780,  the  sisters  and  brothers-in-law 
deeded  the  farm  to  Joseph,  Ichabod  having  made  no  will.  What 
became  of  the  family  I  am  unable  to  say,  but  think  they  all  died 
out. 

In  a  later  communication  he  says,  "  I  am  still  under  the  impression 
that  Ichabod's  boys  all  died  without  issue.  Sept,  6,  1780,  his 
daughters  and  sons-in-law,  made  a  deed  to  their  brother  Joseph, 
of  all  their  father's  real  estate — he  having  died  intestate,  and  if 
there  had  been  other  brothers,  or  brother's  children  living  at  the 
time,  it  would  not  have  been  legal  without  their  own,  or  their 
attorney's  signatures.  The  above  named  Joseph  wrote  his  will, 
Oct.  II,  1785.  It  was  proved  the  28th  of  the  same  month. 
He  left  all   his  estate,    which    was  considerable,   to    his    mother. 


no  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

Sarah  Wilkinson ;  and  to  his  sisters,  which  is  prettv  strong  evidence 
that  the  boys  died  without  children.  I  have  reason  to  think  they 
had  a  brother  John  and  a  brother  William.  William  I  know 
died  without  a  family,  and  the  above  is  pretty  strong  proof  that 
John  did  also." 


John  Wilkinson^  ~|  [9]  Samuel,' [2]  Lawrance.'  [i] 

AND         y 

Mary ,   J 

Of  Wrightstown,  Bucks  Co.,  Penn. 

36.  I.    Mary,^  b.  July  17,  1708,  d. 

37.  II.   KissiAH,^  b.  d. 

38.  III.   Plain,^  b.  d. 

39.  IV.   RuTH,^  b.  d. 

40.  V.  John,"  (108-1 16)  b.  d.  1782. 
14.   VI.  Joseph,'  (          )  b.                             d. 

I.  Mary,  was  probably  born  in  Hunterdon  County,  New 
Jersey,  and  married  Aug.,  1730,  Joseph  Chapman.  At  the  time 
of  their  marriage  they  were  members  of  the  Wrightstown  Monthly 
Meetmg,  Bucks  Co.,  Pa.  In  an  old  record  of  the  Chapman 
family  it  appears  "Mary  was  daughter  of  John  Wilkinson,  of 
Hunterdon  Co.,  N.  J." 

II.  KissiAH  or  Keziah,  married,  July,  1731,  Thomas  Ross, 
"By  the  order  of  the  Friends  at  Wrightstown." 

III.  Plain,  married,  Jan.  2,  1738,  Peter  Ball. 

IV.  Ruth,  married  John  Chapman,  Dec.  10,  1739,  resided 
at  Wrightstown. 

V.  John  married,  ist  Mary  Lacy,  May  27,  1740,  and  2d. 
Hannah  Hughes,  1770.  He  had  five  children  by  his  first  wife, 
and  four  by  his  second. 

Samuel  T.  Wilkinson,  a  descendant  of  John,  resident  of 
Wrightstown  says,  "  My  great  grandfather  though  a  Quaker,  was 
a  prominent  Whig  and  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  took  an  active 
part  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  the  minutes  of  Wrightstown 
Monthly  Meeting  show  that  he  was  dealt  with  a  number  of  times 
for  taking  too  active  a  part  in  the  war." 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  [40]  1 1 1 

It  will  be  remembered  the  Quakers  denied  all  human  authority, 
and  regarded  the  power  of  the  magistrate  as  delegated  tyranny. 
Their  members  therefore  were  not  to  participate  in  building  up, 
or  sustaining  any  goyernment.  They  preached  purity  of  life, 
charity  in  its  broadest  sense,  and  denied  the  right  of  any  man  to 
control  the  opinions  of  others.  To  hold  an  office  was  a  graye 
offence  not  to  be  passed  by  with  impunity,  *■'  Hireling  ministers," 
and  "persecuting  magistrates"  were  denounced  particularly  and 
personally.  When  Mary  Fisher  and  Ann  Austin  arriyedin  Boston 
1656,  they  were  cast  into  prison  for  inyeighing  against  magistrates 
and  ministers,  and  the  year  following  the  legislature  of  that  colony 
passed  stringent  laws  punishing  all  who  embraced  their  doctrines 
with  fines,  imprisonments,  stripes,  banishment  and  death.  The 
federal  commissioners  recommended  the  enactment  of  this  law  by 
a  small  majority  of  one  only.  Soon  the  prisons  were  filled,  and 
the  old  Elm  tree  on  Boston  common  bore  strange  fruit,  the  bodies 
of  suspended  Quakers  !  The  bloody  law  was  not  abolished  till 
1 66 1.      They  had  good  reasons  for  denouncing  magistrates. 

The  peculiar  views  of  the  Friends  continued  and  in  Pennsylvania 
the  peace  principles  prevailed  as  well  duringthereyolutionas  before 
it,  and  John  glowing  with  enthusiasm,  and  his  heart  swelling  with 
patriotism,  burst  the  straight  jacket,  and  he  went  into  the  councils 
of  his  native  state,  and  into  the  war  with  more  zeal  than  become 
a  follower  of  George  Fox,  and  they  excluded  him  !  He  was 
really  blameless,  and  we  honor  the  man  for  his  love  of  country. 

The  following  is  some  account  of  that  affair: 

"At  a  Monthly  Meeting  held  at  Wrightstown,  loth  month 
ist,  1776,  one  of  the  Overseers  reported  that  he  had  spoke  with 
John  Wilkinson  concerning  his  acting  as  committee  man,  and 
one  of  the  members  of  the  late  convention." 

On  the  "5th  month  6th,  1777,"  they  make  the  additional 
charge  of  his  being  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  "and  it  being 
a  violation  of  Friends  Discipline  to  be  instrumental  in  building  up, 
or  pulling  down  any  government,  they  continued  to  deal  with  him 
from  time  to  time  until  iith  month  4th,  1777,  when  they  issued 


112  FOUR  TH  GENERATION. 

their  testimony  against  him,"  '•'it  being  thirty-seven  years  after 
he  was  married."  "From  his  conversation  with  the  different 
committees  that  were  appointed  to  wait  upon  him  by  the  meeting, 
there  is  no  doubt,  it  was  a  great  trial  to  him  to  be  disowned  from 
membership  with  Friends  in  his  old  age,  but  his  love  of  Liberty 
was  so  great  that  he  was  willing  to  sacrifice  everything  else,  in 
order  to  build  up  a  free  and  independent  government  of  our  own, 
although  he  was  a  magistrate  by  authority  of  the  British 
Government."  Samuel  continues,  "So  it  appears  from  the 
records  of  Wrightstown  iMonthly  Meeting  of  Friends,  that  John 
was  committee  man  from  Bucks  Co.,  and  a  member  of  the 
Convention  of  1776,  and  also,  a  member  of  the  Hrst  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania.  He  was  a  thorough-soine  business 
man,  influential  and  respected  in  his  neighborhood,  and  even  now 
in  1866,  it  is  not  an  unfrequent  thing  to  hear  old  men  speak  of 
Esq.  Wilkinson  as  being  one  of  the  most  active  and  influential 
men  of  his  day.  And  notwithstanding  he  was  so  much  engaged 
in  public  affairs,  his  private  business  was  well  attended  to.  He 
accumulated  a  large  estate,  the  most  of  which  was  in  land.  In 
Aug.,  1778,  four  years  before  his  death  he  deeded  to  his  son  John, 
lying  on  his  death-bed,  133  acres  of  land  in  Warwick,  and  when 
he  made  his  will  in  1782,  he  left  300  acres  in  Bucks  County, 
besides  900  acres  in  the  forks  of  the  Susquehanna,  to  his  surviving 
children.  Also,  =£779.135.  i  if^.  and  a  remainder  out  of  his  personal 
estate.  He  died  as  he  had  lived,  honored  and  respected  by  all 
who  knew  him." 

VL  Joseph,  married  Barbary  Lacy,  Oct.  13,  1748,  resided  for 
a  time  at  Wrightstown,  and  in  1 762  moved  to  Chester  Co.,  Penn., 
where  the  following  from  the  Court  Records  appears:  "James 
Day  and  wife  gave  a  deed  dated  Apr.  i,  1762,  to  Joseph  Wilkinson 
formerly  of  Wrightstown,  Bucks  Co.,  Pa.,  of  a  tract  of  land  in 
this  county,"  and  that  on  the  7th  day  of  Oct.,  1774.  Joseph 
Wilkinson  and  Barbary  his  wife  of  Springfield  Township,  County 
of  Chester,  (now  in  Delaware  Co.)  conveyed  the  same  or  another 
tract  to  Wm.  Harris. 


HANNAH  MAR  I  A  IV ILK  IN  SON.  [42]  i  r 


William  WilkinsonM  [10]  Samuel,-  [2]  Lavvrance.'[i] 

AND  y 

Mary ,  J 

Of  London,  Eng. 
42.    I.    Hannah  Maria,^  b.  d. 

I.    Hannah  Maria  was  born in  England.    Her  mother's 

maiden  surname  is  not  known.  A  letter  written  to  her  father-in-law, 
Samuel  Wilkinson,  after  the  death  of  her  husband  is  preserved 
by  Mrs.  T.  K.  Newhall  of  Providence.  The  letter  contains  her 
christian  name,  iiUudes  feelingly  to  the  death  of  her  husband,  and 
desires  aid  tor  her  daughter.  A  deep  religious  tone  pervades  the 
epistle,  and  bespeaks  a   person  ot  christian  refinement. 

Hannah  Maria  married  in  England,  became  a  widow,  made  a 
\  isit  to  America,  and  returned  to  her  native  land.  Nothing  more 
is  known  ot  her,  unless  the  following  receipt  may  be  of  a  later 
date.  Its  antiquity,  together  with  the  names  mentioned  therein 
is  our  apologv  for  inserting  it  : 

"  Rec'd  of  Joseph  Wilkinson  of  Scituate,  in  the  County  of 
Providence,  yeoman.  Administrator  of  the  Debts,  Goods,  and 
Chatties  of  his  Father,  Samuel  Wilkinson,  late  of  Providence, 
deceased,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  yeoman,  the  sum  of 
Sixty-eight  Pounds,  one  shilling  and  five  pence  in  bills  of  credit 
and  ten  ounces  of  Silver  at  fifteen  shillings  ^  oz  ;  makes  seventy-five 
Pounds,  Eleven  Shillings  and  five  pence,  being  the  Seventh  part 
•of  the  personal  Estate  of  said  Samuel,  deceased,  which  fell  to  his 
son  William  Wilkinson,  who  died  leaving  one  only  child  named 
Hannah  Maria  Wilkinson,  whose  mother,  Mary  Wilkinson, 
her  Gardean,  appointed  me,  Thomas  Richardson  of  Newport  in 
the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  Merchant,  her  attorney  to  receive 
the  same,  also  Rec'd  of  S'd  Joseph  Wilkinson  seven  pounds  one 
shilling  and  nine  pence  Bills  of  Credit  for  Interest  of  part  of  the 
above  mentioned  money  for  the  time  it  lay  in  his  hands.  The 
whole  being  Eighty-two  Pounds,  Thirteen  Shillings  and  2d,  I  say 
Rec'd  this  i8th  of  3d  mo.,  caled  May  A.  Dom.  1732. 

In  presence  of  '^r  me,  Tho.  Richardson." 

Nehemiah  Marks,  1 

Tho's.  Leach. 


I 


114  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

I.  Susannah,  the  oldest  child  of  Joseph  died  aged,  twelve  years 
two  days.  No  family  records  have  been  found,  and  much  labor 
has  been  expended  to  collect  from  the  record  of  deeds,  wills, 
tomb-stones,  &c.,  the  dates  of  this  family's  births,  marriages,  and 
deaths.      Those  given  above  are  in  the  main  reliable. 

II.  Prudence,  married  Dec.  31,  1732,*  Isaiah  Angell,  son  of 
Thomas.  He  inherited  his  father's  Estate  in  Scituate  below 
Clayville,  which  is  now  owned  by  David  Field,  Esq.  Thomas, 
father  of  Isaiah  moved  from  Providence  to  Scituate  in  1709,  and 
in  I  710,  built  a  two  story  tavern  house,  which  was  taken  down 
about  twenty  years  ago  by  Andrew  Angell  who  was  of  the  iifth 
generation  from  the  builder,  all  the  intervening  generations  having 
inherited  the  property  by  their  lather.  Isaiah  was  a  lineal  descendant 
of  Thomas  Angell  who  came  with  Roger  Williams  in  1636,  and 
settled  in  Providence,  the  descent  being  as  follows  :  Thomas, 
John  (oldest  son,)  Thomas,  (youngest  son,)  Isaiah,  Dr.  A.  F. 
Angell,  of  Providence,  author  of  the  Angell  Genealogy  in  MS., 
says,  "  Isaiah  and  Prudence  were  married,  March  17,  1704." 
Evidently  an  error  as  she  was  not  born  at  that  time.  They  had 
but  one  child. 

(i)  Prudence.,  b.  June  6,  1734,  m.  Feb.  18,  1753,  Gideon 
Austin.      They  had  several  children,  of  whom  was  Angell  Austin. 

III.  IsHMAEL  was  born  in  that  part  of  Providence  which  became 
Scituate.  His  school  advantages  were  limited,  but  his  opportunities 
for  becoming  an  active  business  man  were  well  improved.  He 
was  admitted  freeman  in  1733,  and  married  Feb.  27,  1734-5, 
Sarah  Mowry  of  Smithfield,  being  about  twenty-two  years  of  age. 
He  was  one  of  the  most  enterprising  sons  of  Joseph,  and,  being 
aided  by  his  father,  was  put  in  possession  of  a  farm  of  80  facres, 
and  a  comfortable  outfit  in  life,  and  was  endowed  with  all  the 
privileges  of  a  freeman  as  soon  as  he  was  able  to  exercise  the  elective 
franchise.      He  built  a  very  fine  dwelling  house  and  took  possession 


*Town  Records  of  Scituate. 

\%  Book  of  Deeds,  p.  252,  Scituate,  R.  I. 


HANNJH  MARIA  WILKINSON.  [42]  113 

William  Wilkinson^  "]   [10]  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrance.'[i] 

AND  y 

Mary ,  j 

Of  London,  Eng. 
42.  I.   Hannah  Maria/  b.  d. 

I.   Hannah  Maria  was  born in  England.     Her  mother's 

maiden  surname  is  not  known.  A  letter  written  to  her  father-in-law, 
Samuel  Wilkinson,  after  the  death  of  her  husband  is  preserved  by 
Mrs.  T.  K.  Newhall  of  Providence.  The  letter  contains  her 
christian  name,  alludes  feelingly  to  the  death  of  her  husband,  and 
desires  aid  for  her  daughter.  A  deep  religious  tone  pervades  the 
epistle,  and  bespeaks  a  person  of  christian  refinement. 

Hannah  Maria  married  in  England,  became  a  widow,  made  a 
visit  to  America,  and  returned  to  her  native  land.  Nothing  more 
is  known  of  her,  unless  the  following  receipt  may  be  of  a  later 
date.  Its  antiquity,  together  with  the  names  mentioned  therein 
is  our  apology  for  inserting  it  : 

"  Rec'd  of  Joseph  Wilkinson  of  Scituate,  in  the  County  of 
Providence,  yeoman.  Administrator  of  the  Debts,  Goods  and 
Chatties  of  his  Father,  Samuel  Wilkinson,  late  of  Providence, 
deceased,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  yeoman,  the  sum  of 
Sixty-eight  Pounds,  one  shilling  and  five  pence  in  bills  of  credit 
and  ten  ounces  of  Silver  at  fifteen  shillings  ^  oz ;  makes  seventy-five 
Pounds,  Eleven  Shillings  and  five  pence,  being  the  Seventh  part 
of  the  personal  Estate  of  said  Samuel,  deceased,  which  fell  to  his 
son  William  Wilkinson,  who  died  leaving  one  only  child  named 
Hannah  Maria  Wilkinson,  whose  mother,  Mary  Wilkinson,  her 
Gardean,  appointed  me,  Thomas  Richardson  of  Newport  in  the 
Colony  of  Rhode  Island,  Merchant,  her  attorney  to  receive  the 
same,  also  Rec'd  of  S'd  Joseph  Wilkinson  seven  pounds  one 
shilling  and  nine  pence  Bills  of  Credit  for  Interest  of  part  of  the 
above  mentioned  money  for  the  time  it  lay  in  his  hands.  The 
whole  being  Eighty-two  Pounds,  Thirteen  Shillings  and  2d,  I  say 
Rec'd  this  i8th  of  3d  mo.,  caled  May  A.  Dom.  1732. 

In  presence  of  "^r  me  Tho.  Richardson." 

Nehemiah  Marks, 

Tho's.  Leach. 

16 


114  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

Joseph  Wilkinson'' ~|  [i  i]  Samuel,- [2]  Lawrance.^  [i] 

AND  y 

Martha  Pray,         j 

Of  Scituate,  R.  I, 

43.  I.   Susannah,^                b.  June  10,  1708,  d.  June  12,  1720. 

44.  II.   Prudence,^             b.  d. 

45.  III.   IsHMAEL,*(ii7-8)  b.  Nov.  13,  1712,  d.  Nov.    3,  1742. 

46.  IV.  Benjamin/(ii9-27)  b.  Oct.  9,  1713,  d.  Oct.  1803. 

47.  V.   Christopher,^       b.  Sept.    9,  1715,  d.  Aug.  30,1739. 

48.  VI.   Martha,-*              b.  Jan.    11,  1718,  d. 

49.  VII.    Mary,^  b.  April  21,  1720,  d.  Feb.  20,   1740. 

50.  VIII.  Joseph,^{i28-32)  b.  1721,  d.  Sept.  28,  1755. 

51.  IX.   JoHN,^                      b.  July   29,  1723,  d.  Jan.   25,  1743. 

52.  X.   William,*               b.  Sept.  8,  d.  Nov.  20. 

53.  XI.   Samuel,*                b.  Feb.   8,  1726,  d.  Feb.     3,  1748. 

54.  XII.   Susannah,*          b.  d. 

55.  XIII.   Sarah,*              b.  d.  1759- 

56.  XIV.   Ruth,*                 b.  d. 

57.  XV.   WiLLiAM,*(i33-4i  b.  1734^  ^'  1818. 

I.  Susannah,  the  oldest  child  of  Joseph,  died  aged  twelve  years, 
two  days.  No  family  records  have  been  found,  and  much  labor 
has  been  expended  to  collect  from  the  record  of  deeds,  wills, 
tombstones,  &c.,  the  dates  of  this  family's  births,  marriages,  and 
deaths.      Those  given  above  are  in  the  main  reliable. 

II.  Prudence,  married  Dec.  31,  1732,*  Isaiah  Angell,  son  of 
Thomas.  He  inherited  his  father's  Estate  in  Scituate  below 
Clayvillc,  which  is  now  owned  by  David  Field,  Esq.  Thomas, 
father  of  Isaiah  moved  from  Providence  to  Scituate  in  1709,  and 
in  I  710,  built  a  two  story  tavern  house,  which  was  taken  down 
about  twenty  years  ago  by  Andrew  Angell  who  was  of  the  fifth 
generation  from  the  builder,  all  the  intervening  generations  having 
inherited  the  property  by  their  father.  Isaiah  was  a  lineal  descendant 
of  Thomas  Angell  who  came  with  Roger  Williams  in  1636,  and 


'■'Town  Records  of  Scituate. 


ISHMAEL  IFILKINSON.  [45]  1 15 

settled  in  Providence,  the  descent  being  as  follows  :  Thomas, 
John  (oldest  son,)  Thomas,  (youngest  son,)  Isaiah.  Dr.  A.  F. 
Angell,  of  Providence,  author  of  the  Angell  Genealogy  in  MS., 
says,  "  Isaiah  and  Prudence  were  married,  March  17,  1704." 
Evidently  an  error  as  she  was  not  born  at  that  time.  They  had 
but  one  child. 

(i)  Prudence^  b.  June  6,  1734,  m.  Feb.  18,  1753,  Gideon 
Austin.     Thev  had  several  children,  of  whom  was  Angell  Austin. 

III.  IsHMAEL  was  born  in  that  part  of  Providence  which  became 
Scituate.  His  school  advantages  were  limited,  but  his  opportunities 
for  becoming  an  active  business  man  were  well  improved.  He 
was  admitted  freeman  in  1733,  and  married  Feb.  27,  1734-5, 
Sarah  Mowry  of  Smithfield,  being  about  twenty-two  years  of  age. 
He  was  one  of  the  most  enterprising  sons  of  Joseph,  and,  being 
aided  by  his  father,  was  put  in  possession  of  a  farm  of  80  *acres, 
and  a  comfortable  outfit  in  life,  and  was  endowed  with  all  the 
privileges  of  a  freeman  as  soon  as  he  was  able  to  exercise  the  elective 
franchise.  He  built  a  very  fine  dwelling  house  and  took  possession 
of  it  soon  after  he  was  married,  and  commenced  house-keeping 
under  the  most  favorable  circumstances.  It  was  situated  near  the 
Glocester  line  half  a  mile  northwest  of  his  father's  residence,  and 
is  still  standing  and  occupied.  It  was  originally  built  after  the 
model  of  his  father's  house,  being  nearly  square,  two  stories  high, 
stone  chimney,  four  rooms  below  and  six  above,  and  was  painted 
red,  but  it  has  been  remodeled,  and  its  color  changed  to  white. 
Two  porticos,  one  on  the  east,  and  the  other  on  the  south  have 
been  built  by  later  occupants,  and  a  small  addition  contiguous  to 
the  kitchen  has  been  made.  The  house  was  finished  off  in  panel 
work,  with  a  large  beam  crossing  the  parlor  ceiling.  It  is  surrounded 
with  fruit  trees,  and  the  road  is  lined  with  rock  maples.  The 
place  was  purchased  by  James  Aldrich  after  the  death  of  Ishmael. 
At  the  present  time  the  mansion  has  a  very  genteel  and  comfortable 
appearance.      Ishmael's    farm   was   well   cultivated   and   in   good 

*z  Book  of  Deed.-,  p.  252,  Scituate,  R.  I. 


ii6  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

condition,  well  fenced  with  stone  wall,  good  out-buildings,  fine 
orchard,  and  a  healthy  location. 

His  first  child,  Anna,  was  born  about  1736,  and  his  son  Stephen, 
about  1738  or  9.  These  are  approximations.  On  the  death  of 
his  brother  Christopher,  Nov.  5,  1739,  he  received  certain  legacies 
which  increased  his  property.  His  father  dying  the  following 
year  he  was  named  executor  of  his  will,  and  his  patrimony  was 
further  increased.  The  original  receipts  which  passed  between 
Ishmael  and  his  brothers  and  sisters  settling  his  father's  Estate, 
are  in  the  hands  of  the  compiler,  bearing  date  Nov.  8th,  1740. 
The  signature  of  Stephen  Hopkins  who  was  guardian  of  John 
and  Joseph,  would  hardly  be  recognized  by  one  who  was  only 
familiar  with  his  autograph  on  the   Declaration  of  Independence. 

In  1742,  Ishmael  was  appointed  one  of  the  Surveyors  of 
Highways  in  Scituate,  and  November  following,  he  was  drowned 
while  crossing  Seekonk  river  on  a  Ferry  with  a  yoke  of  oxen. 
They  became  frightened,  and,  in  endeavoring  to  arrest  them,  he 
fell  overboard.  This  sad  event  cast  a  gloom  over  the  community 
where  he  lived.  His  loss  was  deemed  a  public  as  well  as  a  private 
calamity. 

The  following  letter  of  Administration  was  granted  to  his 
widow : 

"Whereas,  Ishmael  Wilkinson  of  Scituate  in  the  County  of 
Providence,  yeoman.  Departed  this  Life  on  the  Third  day  of 
November,  A.  D.  1742,  and  Died  Intestate,  and  Sarah  Wilkinson, 
Widow  of  the  said  Ishmael  Wilkinson  appeared  before  this  Council 
and  Prayed  that  she  might  have  Letters  of  Administration  of  the 
Personal  Estate  of  her  Husband,  the  said  Ishmael  Wilkinson, 
Deceased,  which  being  granted. 

THEREFORE : 

These  are  in  his  Majesty's  name,  George  the  Second  King  of 
Great  Britain,  &c.,  To  order,  authorize  and  Impower  you  the 
said  Sarah  Wilkinson,  To  take  into  your  possession.  Care  and 
custody  all  and  singular  the  Goods,  Chattels,  Rights,  and  Credits 
of  the  said  Ishmael  Wilkinson,  Deceased,  and  the  same  to 
administer  according  to  law,  and  in  all  things  to  act  and  Do  as 
the    Law    Requireth  and    Impowereth   an  Executor  Relating  the 


BENJAMIN  WILKINSON.  [46]  117 

Premises,  and  True  and  Perfect  account  of  said  Estate,  and  your 
doings  therewith  to  render  to  this  Council  or  their  successors 
which  you  are  thereunto  Lawfully  called,  and  for  your  so  Doing 
this  shall  be  your  sufficient  authority. 

Given  att  a  Town  Council  held  in  Scituate  in  the  County  of 
Providence,  the  12th  day  of  November  in  the  Sixteenth  year  of 
his  s'd  Majesty's  Reign,  Annoq.  Dom.  1742. 

''  Signed  by  order  of  said  Council  and  sealed 
with  their  seal  ^|^  Gideon  Harris,  Their  Clerke." 

The  inventory  of  his  personal  property  enumerates  the  following : 
Indian  Corn,  Wheat,  Rye,  Oats,  Tobacco,  seventeen  head  of 
cattle,  horses,  sheep,  swine,  £100  worth  of  hay,  ^£227  in  Bonds 
and  notes,  in  all  amounting  to  X1035.16.4.  His  Real  Estate  is 
not  given,  but  consisted  of  about  300  acres  lying  in  Scituate  and 
Gloucester.  This  indicates  a  thrifty  young  farmer,  (he  being 
about  thirty  years  of  age,)  and  had  he  lived,  he  would  undoubtedly 
have  made  his  mark  in  the  world. 

Nothwithstanding  more  than  120  years  have  rolled  by,  Ishmael 
is  still  remembered  by  the  town's  people  of  Scituate,  and  the  m^ention 
of  his  name  is  always  coupled  with  his  sad  death.  Rev.  Mr. 
Bemen  says,  "  the  house  made  sad  by  that  event  was  rendered 
still  more  forlorn  by  the  death  of  his  widow,  who  had  hardly  been 
appointed  administratrix  before  she,  also,  was  called  to  depart  this 
life,  and  Uriah  Avowry  and  Benjamin  Wilkinson  her  husband's 
brother,  both  of  Smithfield,  were  empowered  by  the  Town  Council 
of  Scituate  to  take  an  inventory  of  the  property."  She  died  Feb. 
3,  1743.  The  two  children  were  now  orphans,  but  they  had 
kind-hearted  relatives  who  cared  for  them.  Anna,  on  attaining 
her  majority,  married  Thomas  Bussy,  and  moved  to  Berkshire 
Co.,  Mass.,  and  had  a  large  family,  and  Stephen  remained  in 
Scituate,  married,  and  had  four  daughters,  but  no  sons.  The  name 
therefore,  is  extinct  in  this  line. 

IV.  Benjamin  was  born  in  Scituate,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty-two 
received  a  deed  of  one  hundred  acres  from  his  father,  the 
consideration  being  "the  love,  good-will  and  affection"  which  he 


ii8  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

bore  his  "loving  son."*  This  deed  is  dated  Dec.  31,  1735, and 
the  land  was  on  the  easterly  side  of  the  highway  which  led  by 
Ishmael's  house  in  the  town  of  Glocester.  His  brother  Christopher 
dying  Aug.,  1739,  willed  him  a  portion  of  his  property,  and  on 
the  death  of  his  father  in  1740,  he  received  a  full  share  of  his 
estate.  His  sister  Susannah  being  then  under  age  chose  him 
guardian. 

He  married  in  1740,  Alary  Rhodes,  daughter  of  Zachariah 
who  was  the  grandson  of  Zachariah  Rhodes,  one  of  the  first 
settlers  at  Pautuxet,  R.  I.  He  was  very  prominent  among  the 
Pautuxet  settlers,  and  held  many  important  positions  and  offices 
in  the  infant  colony. 

July  I,  1742,  Benjamin  was  elected  Lieut,  of  the  "Train'd 
Band"  of  Scituate,  and  the  following  is  a  copy  of  the  original 
commission  in  my  hands. 

"  By  the  Honorable  Richard  Ward,  Esq.,  Governour,  and 
Captain  General,  in  and  over  His  Majesty's  Colony  of  Rhode 
Island  and  Providence  Plantations^  in  Neiv  England. 

To  Benjamin  Wilkinson,  Gent.  Greeting. 

You,  Benjamin  Wilkinson  being  bv  the  General  Assembly  of 
this  Colony,  elected  and  chosen  to  the  Place  and  Office  of 
Lieutenant  of  the  third  company,  or  Train'd  Band,  of  the  Town 
of  Scituate  in  the  Countv  of  Providence,  in  the  Colony  aforesaid, 
are  hereby  in  His  Majesty's  name,  George  the  Second  by  the 
Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain.,  France  and  Ireland.,  King, 
Defender  of  the  Faith,  &c.,  authorized,  impowered,  and 
commissioned  to  exercise  the  office  of  Lieutenant  of  the  company 
aforesaid,  and  to  command,  guide,  and  conduct  the  same,  or  any 
part  thereof;  and  in  case  of  any  Invasion  or  Assault  of  a  common 
Enemy  to  infest  and  disturb  this  His  Majesty's  Plantation,  you 
are  to  alarm  and  gather  together  the  company  under  your  command, 
or  any  Part  thereof,  as  you  shall  deem  sufficient,  and  with  them 
to  the  utmost  of  your  skill  and  Ability,  you  are  to  resist,  expulse, 
expel,  kill  and  destroy  them,  in  order  to  preserve  the  Interest  of 
His  Majesty,  and  His  good  Subjects  in  these  Parts.  You  are 
also  to  follow  such  further  Instructions   and  Directions  as   shall 


*z  Book  of  Deeds,  p.  250,  Scituate,  R.  I. 


BENJAMIN  WILKINSON.  l^6'\  119 

from  Time  to  Time  be  further  given  forth,  either  from  the 
General  Assembly,  the  Governour,  and  General  Council,  or  your 
other  Superior  Officers.  And  for  your  so  doing,  this  commission 
shall  be  your  sufficient  Warrant  and  Discharge. 

Given  under  my  Hand  and  the  Seal  of  the  Colony  aforesaid  the 
First  Day  of  July  in  the  sixteenth  year  of  His  Majestfs  Reipi^ 
Annoq.   Domini,  1742. 


"Sealed  with  the  Seal  of  said  Colony 
by  order  of  his  Honorable  Governour. 


R.  Ward,  Gov. 


Jas.  Alartin,  Secy." 


Benjamin  afterwards  became  captain. 

Upon  the  death  of  his  brother,  John,  he  was  appointed  executor 
of  his  last  Will  and  Testament,  and  executed  the  trust  with 
fidelity.  Jan.  21,  1743-4,  Seventy-eight  and  three-fourths  acres 
of  land  were  laid  out  to  him  west  of  the  seven  mile  line  on  the 
original  Right  of  Lawrence  Wilkinson.  He  was  extensively 
engaged  in  land  speculations,  and  exerted  a  great  political  influence 
in  his  part  of  the  Colony.  He  was  also  made  executor  of  his 
brother  Samuel's  will  Feb.  3,  1748-9,  and  was  one  of  the  legatees. 
He  purchased  real  Estate  in  Killingly,  Ct.,  and  resided  there  in 
1763.  He  went  into  Massachusetts  north  of  Rhode  Island,  and 
established  a  village  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  "  Wilkinson ville," 
which  is  about  forty  miles  west  from  Boston.  Samuel  Slater  and 
sons  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business  at  this  place  at  a  later 
period.  In  1784,  he  granted  a  deed  of  gift  to  his  youngest  son 
William  in  Gloucester.*  He  is  described  as  being  a  resident  of 
Smithfield  in  1754.'^  At  a  later  period  he  became  occupant  and 
owner  of  his  father's  old  homestead,  where  he  lived  till  his  death 
in  1S03,  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety.  He  is  buried  with  his 
father  in  what  is  now  the  Harris  field. 

Only  two  females  now  bear  the  name  of  Wilkinson  in  the  line 
of  Benjamin.  Upon  their  death  or  marriage  the  name  becomes 
extinct.      He  had  a  family  of  nine  children.      Mary,    Lydia  and 

^'See  Record  of  Deeds,  Gloucester,  R.  I. 

jibed. 


120  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

Rhodes  married  and  lived  in  Woodstock,  Ct.  Lydia  married  a 
Morris  and  became  the  grandmother  of  the  distinguished  Com, 
Morris  of  the  United  States  Navy.  Samuel  and  Esther  died 
unmarried,  and  are  buried  in  Scituate.  Rebecca  married  and  lived 
in  Thompson,  Ct.  Olive  married  and  lived  in  Gloucester,  R.  I, 
John  became  a  doctor,  and  lived  on  the  old  homestead  in  Scituate, 
and  William  resided  in  Providence,  R.  I. 

Benjamin's  wife  died  Jan.  7,  1783,  aged  63. 

V.  Christopher,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-three,  unmarried, 
and  was  much  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  affectionate 
remembrance  of  his  brother  and  sisters,  is  exhibited  in  his  *will, 
where  he  gives  Benjamin,  Martha,  Mary,  and  Joseph,  each  .£4, 
giving  the  latter  his  great  coat,  and  ''a  Buckskin  dressed  into 
washleather,"  and  John  forty  shillings,  and  Ishmael  the  rest  of 
his  property,  and  naming  the  latter  his  executor.  The  subscribing 
witnesses  were  Sarah  Whitman  and  Stephen  Hopkins.  The  will 
is  dated  Aug.  27,  1739,  and  he  died  three  days  after  according 
to  the  Council  records;  but  an  old  paper  found  among  the 
documents  of  Joseph  Wilkinson,  sen.,  says,  "  Christopher  died 
August,  ye  31,  1739,  aged  23  years  h  10  months  &    19    Days." 

All  public  business  papers  and  records  of  this  period,  bear  the 
unmistakable  marks  of  the  masterly  hand  of  Stephen  Hopkins. 

VI.  Martha,  married  Benjamin  Phetteplace  of  Scituate. 
They  had  no  children.  The  name  is  common  in  Scituate,  Smithfield, 
and  Gloucester,  R.  I.  Time  of  her  death  and  place  of  burial  not 
known. 

Vn.  Mary  was  born  in  Scituate,  and  died  at  the  age  of  twenty. 
An  old  paper  contains  the  following  in  regard  to  her:  "Mary 
Wilkinson  Died  February,  ye,  28th  1740,  was  born  April  ye  21." 
'^  Martha  was  37,  ye  nth  day  of  Jan'uy,  1755,  and  Moley 
[Mary]  was  15  months  younger."  From  this  we  ascertain  her 
birth,  April  12,  1720,0.  S. 

*i  Probate  Book,  p.  52,  Scituate,  R.  I 


JOHN  IVILKINSON.  [51]  121 

VIII.  Joseph,  married  Alee  Jenks,  and  kept  a  public  house  in 
the  town  of  Scituate,  R.  I.  He  is  mentioned  in  his  father's  will 
as  follows:  "I  give  to  my  son  Joseph  a  part  of  the  Homestead 
farm  lying  on  the  south  side  of  the  highway,  and  as  far  east  as 
the  fence  called  '  the  old  house  meadow  fence,'  he  paying  to  my 
son  William,  when  of  age,  <£200,  and  if  Joseph  die  before 
twenty-one,  then  my  sons  John  and  William  shall  have  the  land." 
Again,  "I  give  Joseph  10  acres  of  land  in  Scituate  adjoining 
Joseph  Williams  deceased,"  Also,  "  I  give  to  Joseph  one  yoke  of 
oxen,  ten  cows,  sheep,  &c.,  for  five  years  towards  looking  after 
my  two  youngest  children,  Ruth  and  William,  *  *  after  five 
years  the  10  cows,  yoke  of  oxen,  sheep,  &c.,  shall  be  divided 
among  my  three  sons  Joseph,  John,  Samuel." 

Joseph  had  five  children  whose  names  are  recorded  in  the  Town 
Clerk's  office  of  Scituate.  His  will  dated  July  3,  1755,  mentions 
them  all,*  as  follows  : 

1.  "I  give  to  mv  beloved  wife  Alee — £500. 

2.  To  my  son  Joseph  all  mv  land  and  Real  Estate,  &c. 

3.  To  mv  daughter  Anne  £200,  at  18  years  of  age. 

4.  To  my  daughter  Alee  £200,       "  "  " 

5.  To  my  daughter  Amie  X200,       "  "  " 

6.  To  mv  daughter  Martha  £200,       "  "  " 

Gideon  Harris,  Executor." 

Joseph  was  admitted  freeman  in  1742. 

The  name  of  Wilkinson  is  perpetuated  in  the  line  of  Joseph, 
and  his  descendants  are  residing  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  Albany, 
Troy,  Lockport,  and  Waterville,  N.  Y.,  Keokuk,  Iowa,  and 
St.  Joseph,  Mo. 

IX.  John  was  never  married,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty.  He 
was  probablv  engaged  to  a  young  ladv  by  the  name  of  Whipple, 
but  death  blasted  their  prospects. 

His  will  bears  date  Jan.  19,  1743-4,  and  is  as  follows  in  its 
devises: 


*i  Probate  Book,  Scituate,  R.  I 
17 


122  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

1.  "I  give  to  Deborah  Whipple,  .£15. 

2.  To  my  loving  mother  Martha  Wilkinson,  my  Real  Estate. 

3.  To  my  two  brothers  Samuel  and  William  my  wearingapparel. 

4.  To  my  brother  William  mv  silver  shoe-buckles. 

5.  To  my  four  sisters,  Martha,  Susanna,  Sarah,  and  Ruth,  and 
my  brother  William  all  the  rest  of  my  personal  estate. 

I  appoint  my  loving  brother  Benjamin,  Executor."* 

The  old  paper  above  alluded  to  says,  '*  John    Wilkinson   was 

born   July  29th,   aged  20  years  &  a  half  Lacking  4  days. 

Died  January,  ye  25th." 

The  Council  record  says  John  died  Jan.  25,  i  743-4,  consequently 
he  was  born  Julv  29,  1723,  O.  S. 

X.  William  was  never  married,  died  young.  It  is  difficult 
to  ascertain  the  date  of  his  birth  or  death.  An  old  paper  previouslv 
alluded  to,  has  the  following  : 

"  William  Wilkinson  was  born  Sept.  ye  8th,  and  would  have 
been  if  living  now,  24  years  old.  Died  November  ye  20th,  aged 
9  years  &  2  months  &  12  days."  Unfortunately  the  paper  is  not 
dated,  and  contains  no  mark  by  which  the  year  of  his  birth  can 
be  ascertained. 

XI.  Samuel  was  never  married,  but  died  in  his  22d  year.  His 
will  dated  July  17,  1748,  is  worthy  of  note  as  it  mentions  probably 
all  the  living  members  of  his  father's  family.  His  mother  was 
living  at  the  time,  his  father  having  died  eight  years  before,  and 
his  brothers  John,  Christopher,  Ishmael,  and  one  William,  and 
his  sisters  Mary,  Prudence,  and  one  Susannah  had  gone  to  that 
bourn  from  whence  no  traveler  returns.  The  angel  of  Death 
seemed  to  hover  over  this  household,  and  like  flowers  they  withered 
away. 

Samuel's  will  is  as  follows,  [Extract]  : 

1.  "I  give  my  Honoured  Mother,   Martha  Wilkinson, 

(old  tenour,)  X150 

2.  My  Brother  Benjamin,  150 

3.  My  brother  Joseph,  150 

4.  My  brother  William,  150 


*i  Probate  Book  p.  97,  Scituate  R.  I. 


SUSJXNJH  {IFILKINSON)  IVESTCO TT.  [54]     1 23 

5.  My  Sister  Martha,  ^250 

6.  My  Sister  Susannah  Westcott,  250 

7.  My  Sister  Sarah,  250 

8.  M'v  Sister  Ruth,  250 

9.  My  brother  Benjamin's  Son  now  born,  100 

&  interest  when  21. 

10.  I  give  John  Westcott  Son  of  Oliver  Westcott,  100 

11.  "    Anne  Wilkinson  dau.  of  my  bro.  Ishmael,  dec'd,   25 

12.  "     Prudence  Angeil,  dau.   of  my   Sister  Prudence 
Angell,  dec'd,  25 

13.  I  give  Alee  Wilkinson  dau.  of  my  bro.  Joseph,  to  be 

put  at  int.  till  21,  50 

I  appoint  mv  brother  Benjamin  Wilkinson  Executor  of  this  my 
Last  Will  &  Testament."* 

Rev.  Mr.  Bemen  says,  "  Nine  brothers  and  sisters  only  are 
mentioned  in  Samuel's  will  which  casts  some  doubts  upon  the 
reputed  number  of  fifteen  children  as  belonging  to  Joseph." 

From  the  above  it  will  be  seen  that  the  number  fifteen  is 
correct.  Again,  he  says,  "  Samuel,  a  favorite  name  in  the 
Wilkinson  genealogy  (&  in  fact  all  the  family  names  are  repeated 
generation  after  generation)  was  the  namegi\'ento  Joseph' sjirst-born 
Son."  There  were  at  least  six  sons  older  than  Samuel,  and  he 
was  the  Eleventh  child. 

The  old  paper  above  alluded  to,  containing  a  record  of  the 
deaths  in  the  family  written  not  later  than  1755,  contains  the 
following  : 

"  Samuel  Wilkinson  was  Born  ffebruary  ye  8th,  and  died  fi^sbruary 
ve  3d,  aged  22  years   Laking  5  days." 

In  the  inventory  and  council  proceedings.  Probate  Court  of 
Scituate  it  appears  he  "died  Feb.  3d  1748-9."  So  he  must  have 
been  born  Feb.  8,  1726-7. 

XII.  Susannah,  married  Dec.  30,  1744,  Oliver  Westcott 
who  was  b.  Sept.  5,  1720,  and  lived  a  little  removed  from  Ishmael's 
on  the  same  road.      He  was  a  son    of  Capt.    Josiah  tWestcott- 


*l  Probate  Book,  p.       Scituate,  R.  I. 

fFor  record  of  the  Westcott  family  see,  I  Book  of  Marriages,  p.  84,  Providence,  R.  I. 


124  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

The  house  built  by  Westcott  about  1745,  is  still  standing,  and  is 
used  for  storing  old  looms,  spinning  wheels,  reels,  &c.,  the  musical 
instruments  of  olden  times.  It  is  a  small  one  story  house,  wood 
color,  gamble  roof,  with  a  large  stone  chimney.  The  garden  spot 
is  still  visible,  and  the  outbuildings  have  an  aspect  of  decay. 

Here  were  born  their  children,  viz  : 

(l)  John.,  b.  March  26,  1745-6,  married  Amey  Clark,  and 
had  I.  Susannah,  b.  May  12,  1771  ;  2,  Christopher,  b.  Jan.  10 
1773  '  3'  Stephen,  b.  April  2,  1775,  m.  Betsey  Carver,  r.  Otsego 
Co.,  N.  Y.  ;  4,  Artemas,  b.  Nov.  15,  1776  ;  5,  Charles,  b.  1779  ; 
6,  Josiah,*  b.  Oct.  5,  1781,  m.  Mary  Peckham,  resides  south, 
Scituate,  R.  I.,  and  has  Aniyh.  Apr.  20,  1810,  d.  1833;  George  C, 
March  20,  1812,^.  1832  ;  i"^/// /».  July  5,  1814,  rt'.  i^t^t^  ;  De?naris 
b.  Nov.  12,1815,  tn.  Gideon  Harris.^  d.  1 838;  Harris  b.  Jan.  21, 
1819,^.  1848,  James  P..,  b.  March  21,  1821  ;  Andrew  J.^b.  Apr. 
15,  1824;  Mary  S.  b.  June  15,  1 826,  d.  1841  ;  Josiah  E.  b.  Dec. 
24,  1828  ;  John  C,  b.  June  17,  1832,  d.  1838  ;  7,  George  G.,  b. 
June  II,  1784,  m.  Nancy  Aldrich,  d.  1854. 

John  built  a  house  a  little  to  the  east  of  his  father's,  and  some 
distance  from  the  road.  The  old  chimney  is  left  standing  having 
bid  defiance  to  the  elements,  and  as  Bemen  says,  "  bids  fair  to 
stand  as  long  as  the  Pyramids  of  Egypt,  and  points  to  times  which 
have  no  other  record!" 

The  oven,  unlike  some  of  the  very  oldest  houses,  was  not  in 
the  inside,  but  on  the  outside  of  the  fireplace  ;  and  there  was  a 
fireplace  in  the  chamber  above  which  may  have  been  the  attic 
study  of  the  Elder  [for  John  was  a  Baptist  Minister].  How 
mournful  yet  how  soothing,  are  the  external  relics.  Four  cherry 
trees  of  large  size  and  a  poplar  tree  have  been  cut  down,  and  shoots 
have  come  up.  An  old  pear  tree,  some  of  its  branches  dying, 
the  curb  gone  and  the  well  covered  over,  a  large  bunch  of  lilacs, 
and  timbers  with  which  the  house  was  formed,  scattered  about  as 
if  blown  down,  or  falling  by  weakness  and  decay. 


*See  Biography  No.  X. 


SUSANNAH  {WILKINSON)  IVESTCOTT.  [54]     125 

"Holy  to  human  nature  seems 

The  long-forsaken  spot, 
To  deep  affections,  tender  dreams, 

Hopes  of  a  brighter  lot  ! 
Therefore  in  silent  reverence  here. 

Hearth  of  the  dead  !   I  stand. 
Where  joy  and  sorrow,  smile  and  tear, 

Have  linked  one  kindred  band." 

Judge  Westcott,  now  85  years  of  age,  son  of  John,  writes  us 
as  follows  ;  "  My  father  had  nothing  but  a  common  school 
education,  such  as  there  was  in  that  day.  He  and  one  elder 
John  Williams  had  a  large  church,  mostly  in  Foster,  of  what  is 
called  the  Old  Baptist  of  the  six  principle  order.  About  the 
year  1796,  he  sold  his  farm  in  Foster,  and  moved  to  Scituate, 
that  being  his  native  town,  and  took  charge  of  a  large  church 
lying  mostly  in  Scituate,  some  in  other  towns  adjoining.  The 
former  Elder  having  died,  (Rev.  Reuben  Hopkins)  he  baptised  by 
immersion,  and  added  large  numbers  to  the  church.  His 
preaching  was  extempore  without  minutes.  He  remained  in  that 
church  until  his  death,  which  took  place  Dec.  26,  1831.  He 
was  a  Representative  in  the  General  Assembly  in  1787 — was  the 
tenth  Town  Clerk  in  Foster,  having  before  that  been  Town 
Clejk  in  Scituate  before  Foster  was  set  off.  He  was  a  popular 
Preacher — was  called  on  at  Funerals  in  this  town  and  the  adjoining 
towns  more  than  any  Elder  of  that  day.  He  held  the  office  of 
Justice  of  the  Peace  when  quite  young  and  for  many  years." 

-"  He  was  a  man  by  God 


The  Lord  commissioned  to  make  known  to  men 
The  eternal  counsels  ;   in  his  Master's  name. 
To  treat  with  them  of  everlasting  things; 
Of  life,  death,  bliss  and  wo ;   to  offer  terms 
Of  pardon,  grace,  and  peace  to  the  rebelled ; 
To  teach  the  ignorant  soul ;   to  cheer  the  sad." 

"  He  in  the  current  of  destruction  stood 
And  warned  the  sinner  of  his  wo." 

(2)  Prudence^  b.   1747,  d.   1812. 

(3)  "^^H  b.  1749,  d.  1790. 

(4)  Caleb^  b.   1753,  m.  Lydia  Knowlton,  d.   1826. 

(5)  Mehetahel^  b.  1755,  d.  1793.  ■ 

(6)  Phehe^  b.  1757,  m,  Christopher  Smith,  d.  1790. 


126  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

XIII.  Sarah  married  Andrew  VV^atermaii,  in  1749.  He 
was  one  of  the  largest  land  holders  in  Smithfield.  Their  children 
are : 

(i)  William^  b.  1750,  m.  Mary  Farnum  of  Smithfield,  in  171  7. 
He  was  a  sea  captain,  and  held  several  offices  of  public  trust. 
They  had  five  children,  i,  Mary;  2,  Stephen;  3,  Nancy;  4, 
William  ;   5,  Sarah,  all  of  Providence,  R.  I.      He   died  October 

24,  1793- 

(2)  Stephen — never   married — was    taken    prisoner   during   the 

Revolutionary  war  by  the   British  at   sea,  and  was   never  heard 
from  afterwards. 

(3)  Lucretia^  died  in  infancy. 

(4)  Nancy^  died  in  infancy. 

(5)  Sarah^  b.  1754,  m.  in  1775,  Jesse  Foster  of  Smithfield. 
Had  eight  children,  i,  Stephen  died  in  infancy,  2,  Mary,  married 
and  died  aged  37,  leaving  five  children  ;  3,  William,  lives  in  the 
state  of  New  York  ;  4,  Elizabeth  ;  5,  Lydia  ;  6,  Sarah  ;  7,  John  ; 
8,  Ann  Frances,  all  live  in  Rhode  Island.  Mr.  Foster  died 
July  8,  1832,  in  his  eighty-first  year,  and  his  wife  died  October 
5,  1845,  aged  ninety-one. 

XIV.  Ruth  married,  April  25,  1773,  Benjamin  Williams, 
son  of  Benoni  Williams  who  was  the  son  of  Joseph  Williams 
(and  Sarah  his  wife)  who  was  the  son  of  Roger  Williams,  the 
founder  of  Rhode  Island.  They  had  no  children,  and  are  both 
buried  on  the  north  side  of  the  Hartford  Turnpike,  near  the 
present  residence  of  John  Harris. 

XV.  William  the  youngest  child  of  Joseph  and  Martha,  and 
the  second  of  the  name,  married  Hannah  Gore.  Her  connexions 
lived  on  the  island  of  Rhode  Island.  William  inherited,  or 
purchased  a  farm  in  the  southwestern  corner  of  Glocester,  and 
built  a  house  which  is  still  standing,  and  is  occupied  by  a  Mr. 
Smith.  The  view  from  this  site  is  decidedly  picturesque  and 
beautiful.  To  the  south  lies  Killingly  Lake,  and  the  meadows 
and    woodlands    covered    with    verdure,    adds   a    charm    to    the 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  [58]  127 

scenery.  William  was  an  eccentric  man  and  accumulated  quite 
a  property.  Specie  he  sometimes  deposited  in  banks  of  his  own 
establishing,  hiding  it  in  the  walls  and  stone-heaps  about  his  farm. 
Since  his  decease  quite  an   amount  has  been  found  thus  secreted. 

He  had  several  sons  and  daughters.  Two  of  his  sons  married 
and  moved  to  Pennsylvania.  Some  of  his  daughters  married  and 
lived  in  Connecticut.  Judge  Westcott,  says  "William  Wilkinson's 
children  were  William,  Benjamin,  and  Stephen.  Benjamin 
never  married — died  in  Glocester.  William  and  Stephen  moved 
to  the  southerly  part  of  New  York  state,  and  died  there,  leaving 
families.  The  daughters,  as  far  as  I  know,  were  Mary  and 
Mercy,  and  one  or  two  more,  but  they  moved  into  Connecticut, 
and  I  know  nothing  more  about  them." 

Since  this  more  definite  information  has  been  furnished  by 
George  Wilkinson  of  Tiskilwa,  111.,  a  grandson  of  William. 
See  post. 


John  Wilkikson'M    [14]  John,-  [4]  Lawrance.'  [i] 

AND  V 

Rebecca  Scott,     j 

Of  Smithfield,  R,  I. 

58.  I.   JoHN,^  ( 142-144)  b.  d.  June  23,  1804. 

59.  II.   Ahab,^  (145-149)  b.  d. 

60.  III.   Amey,^  b.  d. 

61.  IV.   Sarah,*  b.  d. 

62.  V.   Susanna,*  b.  d. 

63.  VI.   Ruth,*  b.  d. 

64.  VII.  Joanna,*  b.  d. 

I.  John  was  born  in  Smithfield,  about  17 18,  or  19;  was  a 
farmer  and  blacksmith,  and  had  his  shop  on  a  little  stream  of 
water  called  the  Mussey's  Brook.  It  was  at  this  place  that  a 
trip-hammer  was  erected  notwithstanding  the  Parliamentary 
prohibition    that   "no   rolling  or  slitting  mill,   nor    tilt-hammer 


128  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

carried  by  water  should  be  erected  in  the  Colonies  of  North 
America."*  John  lived  in  Smithfield  till  some  time  after  the 
close  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  then  moved  to  Pawtucket, 
where  he  spent  the  last  of  his  days.  He  lived  to  see  his  grand 
children  growing  up  around  him,  and  prided  himself  on  mounting 
his  horse  with  more  agility  than  his  son  Oziel,  or  his  grandsons 
Abraham,  Isaac  and  David.  He  held  a  Lieutenant's  commission 
granted  by  Gov.  Wm.  Greene,  May  9,  1757.  He  married 
Ruth  Angell,  grand  daughter  of  the  first  Samuel  Wilkinson,  and 
his  second  cousin.  Her  father  was  James  Angell,  son  of  John, 
and  grandson  of  Thomas  Angell,  who  came  with  Roger  Williams 
from  Seekonk,  being  one  of  the  six  original  founders  of 
Providence. 

He  became  quite  decrepit  during  his  last  days,  and  had  a  cord 
attached  to  the  ceiling  over  his  bed  by  which  he  would  raise 
himself.  Several  years  before  his  death  he  made  his  Will,  and 
inasmuch  as  he  mentions  the  names  of  his  children,  &c.,  we  give 
it  entire. 

THE  WILL  OF  JOHN   WILLKINSON. 

"Be  it  remembered  that  I,  John  Wilkinson,  of  Smithfield,  in 
the  County  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  yoeman.  Being  indisposed  of 
Body  but  of  a  mind  and  memory  capable  of  disposing  of  those 
things  wherewith  it  hath  pleased  God  to  bless  me,  Do  make  and 
ordain  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament  in  manner  following, 
that  is  to  say — I  commit  my  spirit  to  him  who  created  it,  and 
my  body  to  be  buried  in  a  decent  and  christian  manner  at  the 
discretion  of  my  Executors  hereafter  mentioned. 

And  as  to  the  estate  which  I  possess,  I  dispose  thereof  as 
follows — 

In  the  first  place  I  give  to  my  beloved  wife  Ruth  Wilkinson, 
in  addition  to  her  right  of  Dower  of  my  Real  Estate  during  her 
life,  all  my  indoor  movable,  or  house  hold  furniture  to  be  disposed 
of  by  her  as  she  sees  meet. 

Likewise  my  will  is,  and  I  do  give  my  beloved  Daughter, 
Martha  Arnold,  an  Annuity  of  Fourteen  Silver  Spanish  Milld 
Dollars  a  year  during  her  natural  life  ;   But  provided  she  should 

^"Original  Bill  is  in  the  Secretary  of  State's  office,  Providence.     See  Letters,  1746-50 


SJRJH  ( WILKINSON)  ARNOLD.  [6 1]  1 29 

have  issue  to  arrive  to  lawful  age,  then  my  will  is,  that  I  give 
her  said  issue  the  sum  of  X70,in  good  lawful  silver  money  at  the 
said  Martha's  decease  which  I  hereby  direct  my  Executor  to  pay 
accordingly. 

Likewise  my  will  is,  and  I  do  give  to  my  beloved  dau.  Susanna 
Hopkins  an  annuity  of  14  Silver  Spanish  Milld  Dollars  a  year 
during  her  natural  life,  and  at  the  decease  ot  the  said  Susanna  I 
give  to  her  two  sons,  Christopher  Hopkins  and  Wm.  Hopkins 
equally,  share  and  share  alike,  the  sum  of  .£70,  lawful  silver 
money  to  be  paid  to  them  as  soon  as  the  said  Susanna,  their 
mother  shall  decease,  after  they  shall  become  of  lawful  age,  which 
said  annuitv,  and  the  said  X70,  I  hereby  direct  my  executor  to 
pay  accordingly. 

And  the  remainder  of  my  estate  after  the  payment  of  my  just 
debts  and  a  sufficiency  to  discharge  the  above  Legacies  both  real 
and  personal  Estate,  I  give  to  my  son  Oziel  Wilkinson,  his 
heirs  and  assigns.  Lastly,  I  do  hereby  Nominate  and  appoint 
my  son  Oziel  Wilkinson  sole  Executor  to  this  my  last  Will  and 
Testament  and  Trustee  to  execute  and  fulfill  the  trust  hereinbefore 
mentioned.  And  I  do  hereby  revoke  all  other  and  former  wills 
and  Ratify  and  confirm  this  to  be  my  Last  Will  and  Testament. 
In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  subscribed  mv  name  and  set 
mv  seal  this  ist  day  of  Nov.  1791.  John  Wilkinson,  (l,  s.) 
Signed  &c.,  in  presence  of 

Aaron  Clark,  Wm.  Bryant,  Ichabod  Comstock."* 

IL  Ahab,  married  Abigail  Scott  of  Smithfield,  June  i,  1755, 
and  had  five  children,  four  sons  and  one  daughter.  Three  of 
the  sons  married  girls  by  the  name  of  Jenks,  and  their  descendants 
are  still  living,  and  are  quite  numerous.  One  of  the  present 
representatives  of  this  branch  of  the  family,  is  Ahab  George 
Wilkinson,  in   the  U.  S.    Patent    Office,  at  Washington,  D.   C. 

Statistics  of  this  family  have  eluded  all  research  and  but  very 
little  is  known  of  the  remaining  members. 

Ahab  was  admitted  freeman  in  Smithfield,  in  1758. 

IIL   Amy   married  a  Bucklin. 

IV.   Sarah  married  an  Arnold. 

Whether  the  remaining  three  girls  were  ever  married  is  not 
known  by  the  compiler. 

*See  Book  of  Wills,  Town  Clerk's  office,  Pawtucket. 
18 


130  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

Daniel  Wilkinson"'^  [i8]  John,-  [4]  Lawrence.^  [i] 

AND  y 

Abigail  Inman,         j  * 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

65.  1.   Joab,^  (150-152)     b.  July  30,  1741,  d.  March     2,  1818. 

66.  11.   DANiEL,\i53-i57)b.  July  7.  1743,  d. 

67.  III.   NEDABiAii,\i58-i6o)b.  Sep.  24,  1745,  d.  1802. 

68.  IV.  Lydl\,^                 b.  Oct.  14,  i747,d.    Sept.  29,    1756. 

69.  V.   Abigail,^                b.  Feb.    9,  1749,  d.    Sept.  17,    1756. 

70.  VI.   A  Sox/                  b.  Aug.    6,  I75i,d.  in  infancy. 

71.  VII.  Joiix,^(i6i-i64)b.  Nov.  13,  i758,d.    Jan.  6,    1802. 

72.  VIII.   Olive,^          b.  iVIarch  28,  I76i,d.    Feb.  20,    1843. 

I.  JoAB  always  lived  in  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  was  a  farmer, 
married  March  3,  1774,  Jerusha  Ray  of  Wrentham,  Mass.  She 
was  born  in  1745,  d.  Oct.  30,  1795.  Ebenezer  Fisher  officiated 
at  the  marriage.  They  had  three  children,  one  son  and  two 
daughters.  He  died  in  the  77th  year  of  his  age,  and  is  buried  in 
the  old  grave  yard  in  Cumberland,  south  of  the  Quaker  meeting 
house.     The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line. 

II.  Daniel  married  Anna  Whipple,  Oct.  16,  1767.  Elder 
Daniel  Miller  performed  the  marriage  rite.  He  sometimes  traversed 
the  seas,  and  died  in  the  West  Indies.  He  had  live  children,  one 
son  and  four  daughters.  His  descendants  are  still  living  of  whom 
is  the  Hon.  Smith  S.  Wilkinson,  President  of  the  Senate  of 
Wisconsin. 

III.  Nedabiah  married  June  11,  1778,  Lucy,  dau.  of  Israel 
Whittaker  of  Bellingham,  Mass.,  Elder  Abner  Ballou  officiating. 
He  had  three  children,  one  son  and  two  daughters,  and  lived  in 
Cumberland,  R.  I.,  and  kept  a  public  house  where  Liberty 
Metcalf  now  [1866]  lives,  and  the  following  record  of  the  Board 
of  Excise  on  the  Town  books  shows  the  rate  of  tavern  licenses 
in  those  days : 


""In  the  census  of  1774,  this   family  numbered  ttvo  males   above    i5  years  of  age  and 
one  below,  one  female  above  16  and  one  below  ;  in  Ti.Wji'vc. 


OLIVE  ( WILKIh  SON)  CHAMBER  LAIN.  [72]     131 

"In  Town  Council  Apr.  18,  1781. 

Voted^  that  Nedabiah  Wilkinson  have  license  to  keep  a  Public 
Tavern  in  the  house  wherein  he  now  dwells  in  said  Cumberland; 
he  complying  with  the  Law,  and  paying  therefor  into  the  Town 
Treasury  the  sum  of  £72,  continental  currency." 

He  subsequently  moved  to  East  Hartford,  Ct.,  where  he 
purchased  Real  Estate,  and,  probably,  kept  a  public  house.  The 
exact  date  of  his  death  has  not  been  ascertained.  Letters  of 
Administration  were  granted  to  his  son,  Otis  of  Bolton,  Tolland 
Co.  Ct.,  Sept.  15,  i8o2,  as  appears  from  the  Records*  at  the 
Probate  Office,  city  of  Hartford. 

The  Inventory  of  Personal  Property  amounted  to  $3468,62 
Real  Estate.  1000,00 


Total     $4468,62 

His  wife  died  March,  18 14,  and  is  buried  at  Hartford  Ct. 

The  name  of  Wilkinson  is  extinct  in  this  line  as  his  son  never 

married,  but  his  descendants  in  the  female  line  still  live  of  whom 

is    Mrs.    Ralph    Cheney,  the  great  silk   manufacturer   of    South 

Manchester,  Ct. 

VII.  John  married  Betsey  Tower,  dau.  of  John  and  Hannah 
Tower.  Hannah  was  a  near  relative  of  John  Hancock,  Signer 
of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  They  emigrated  from 
Cumberland  to  Troy,  N.  Y.  about  1790  where  they  remained 
eight  years,  and  then  moved  to  Skaneateles,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
purchased  an  excellent  farm  about  one  mile  east  of  the  village, 
which  is  still  owned  and  carried  on  by  the  Misses  Wilkinson, 
granddaughters  of  John.  He  had  four  children,  two  sons  and 
two  daughters  all  of  whom  married,  and  one,  Elpha,  is  still  living. 
The  Hon.  Morton  S.  Wilkinson,  U.  S.  Senator  from  Minnesota, 
is  a  descendant  of  this  branch  of  the  family.  John  died  in  the 
44th  year  of  his  age,  and  is  buried  on  his  farm  in  Skaneateles. 

VIII.  Olive  married  Benjamin  Chamberlain,  son  of  Benjamin 
of  Bridgewater,  Mass.,  Dec.    18,    1783,   John    Dexter,    Justice, 

*Book  27,  Records  of  Wills,  &c.,  Hartford,  Ct.  » 


132  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

performing  the  ceremony.   They  moved  to  Choconut,  Susquehanna 
Co.,  Penn.,  and  have  six  children. 

(1)  Lezuis^  b.  May  22,  1784,  m.  Nancy  Murray,  May,  18 10, 
and  has  A.  Chamberlain,  Esq.,  of  Montrose,  Pa.,  Dr.  O.  K, 
Chamberlain  and  Benjamin,  both  of  Austin,  Nevada. 

(2)  Daniel^h.  May  14,  1788,  m.  Orpha  Scoville,  Dec.  I,  1810, 
resides  Maine,  Broome  Co.,  N.  Y. 

(3)  Abigailox  Nabby^h.  Aug.  I  I,  1791,  m.  Buel  Scoville,  1809, 
d,  Sept.  18,   1 84 1. 

(4)  Joab^  b.  Sept.  2,  1795,  m.  Rebecca  Dean,  Dec,  1831, 
resides  Kalamazoo,  Mich. 

(5)  Melvin^  b.  Aug.,  1798,  m.  Orpha  Rogers,  Sept.,  1843,  ^• 
Oct.  30,  1852. 

(6)  Ol'ive^  b.  Aug.,  1801,  m'.  Oliver  Losier,  Jan.  10,  1827, 
resides  in  Montrose,  Pa. 


Jeremiah  Wilkinson"         1  [19]  John '[4]Lawrance.^[i] 

AND  y 

Elizabeth  Amy  Whipple,  j 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  L 

73.  I.  WiLLiAM,*(  165-75)  b.  July  31,  1739,  d. 

74.  II.  Jeremiah,*(i76-86)  b.  July  6,  1741  d.  Jan,  29,  1831. 

75.  III.  SiMON,^(l 87-90)  b.  Sept.  24,  1743,  d.  July  7,  1819. 

76.  IV.  BENjAMiN,^(i9i-97)b.  Nov.  I,  1745,  d.  Mar.  25, 1818. 

77.  V.  Patience,^  ]  ^  .   b.  Mar.  20,  1741,  d.  Apr.  19,  1819. 

78.  VI.  Amy,^    /  ^^'"s-b.   "  "   "  d. 

79.  VII.  Marcy,^       b.  Aug.  14,  1750,  d.       1830. 

80.  VIII.  Jemima,^  '     b.  Nov.  29,  1752,  d.  July  i,  1819. 

81.  IX.  STEPHEN,*(i98-204)b,  Jan.  29.1755,  d.       1821. 

82.  X.   Jeptha,^  (205-212)  b.  April    3, 1757,  d.  Aug.  15,  1803. 

83.  XI.   Elizabeth,'  b.  Dec.    6,  1760,  d. 

84.  XII.    Deborah'  b.  Aug.  28,  1764,  d.  1851. 


SIMON  WILKINSON.  [75]  133 

I.  William  was  born  in  Cumberland,  and  married  July  5, 
1759,  Mollie  Alverson ;  the  ceremony  being  performed  by  Job 
Bartlett,  Justice  of  the  Peace.  Very  little  has  been  elicited 
concerning  him.  He  had  a  family  of  eleven  children  and  his 
descendants  are  quite  numerous,  and  scattered  over  the  country. 
George  moved  to  Ira,  Rutland  County,  Vt.,  where  his  descendants 
still  live,  an  influential  branch  of  the  family.  Simon  moved  to 
Boston,  where  he  was  well  known  and  highly  respected,  and 
several  members  of  his  family  still  reside  in  that  city,  and  one  in 
Australia.  Ruth  and  Molly  moved  to  Attleboro,  Mass.,  and  the 
rest  lived  in  Cumberland. 

II.  Jeremiah  lived  in  Cumberland,  on  the  farm  long  known  as 
the  old  Wilkinson  place.  He  married  for  his  first  wife  Hopie 
Mosier,   (or  Mosher)   and   by  her   had   five   children.      She  died 

,   and    he    married    Elizabeth    Southwick   for   his   second 

wife,  by  whom  he  had  six  children.  Garner  and  Anna  marrie  d 
and  moved  to  White  Creek,  N.  Y. ;  Jonathan  moved  to 
Hartford,  Ct.  ;  Job  to  Penfield,  N.  Y. ;  Jeremiah  to  Bennin2;ton, 
Vt.  ;  (.'')  and  the  rest  lived  in  Cumberland  and  Providence, 
R.  I. 

Jeremiah  was  distinguished  as  an  inventor.  For  a  more 
particular  account  of  him,  see  Biography  No.  XI. 

III.  Si.Mox  married  Aug.  8,  1758,  Hannah  Whipple,  daughter 
of  Samuel  Whipple,  Elder  Daniel  Miller,  officiating.  They  had 
four  children,  all  daughters,  two  only  married.  He  was  my  great 
grandfather  on  my  mother's  side.  For  his  day  and  locality  he 
was  considered  a  great  mathematician.  He  was  a  Surveyor  of 
land  and  was  frequently  called  by  the  surrounding  inhabitants  to 
adjust  disputed  lines  with  chain  and  compass,  as  well  as  to  give 
the  exact  contents  of  bartered  real  estate.  Having  studied 
Astronomy,  he  could  name  all  of  the  principle  stars  much  to  the 
wonder  and  surprise  of  his  less  educated  neighbors  and  juvenile 
relatives.  He  held  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  a  period 
of  fifteen  years,  and  acquired  the  enviable  cognomen  of  Peace 
Maker. 


134  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

The  records  of  his  native  town  will  bear  his  name  to  succeeding 
generations,  as  an  active,  useful  and  influential  man.  His 
residence  at  first  was  on  the  farm  now  (1865)  owned  by  Eliza 
Thompson  on  the  direct  road  from  Diamond  Hill  to  Providence, 
and  his  last  abode  was  on  the  place  now  owned  by  Liberty  Jenks, 
on  the  same  road  about  one  mile  nearer  Providence.  Simon  died 
at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-six,  and  left  an  example  worthy 
immitation.  He  was  a  Friend.  The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line. 
His  wife  died  in  1835,  aged  94  years,  and  is  buried  in  the  old 
grave  yard  south  of  the  Quaker  meeting  house  in  Cumberland. 

IV.  Benja:min  married  Hannah  Staples,  April  12,  1770. 
Peter  Darling,  his  uncle,  being  a  magistrate,  was  called  upon  to 
unite  the  parties.  They  had  seven  children,  five  boys  and  two 
girls.  Vernum  and  Russell  moved  to  New  York  City,  the 
others  lived  in  Cumberland.  The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line 
although  the  decendants  through  Vernum  are  still  living  in  New 
York,  and  are  influential  bankers. 

Benjamin  was  actively  engaged  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 
In  1775,  he  was  elected  Ensign,  and  the  year  following  was 
promoted  to  a  Lieutenantcy.  He  was  one  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  in    1776,   and    held    many   important   positions    in    those 

exciting  times.      He  was  fearless  of  danger,  and  went   wherever 

duty  led  him.* 

V.  Patience  married  Thomas  Hazard  Potter,  of  the  Potters 
who  purchased  the  tract  of  land  extending  from  the  centre  of 
Canandagua  Lake  to  the  centre  of  Seneca  Lake,  containing 
44000  acres. t  These  Potters  were  originally  from  S.  Kingston, 
R.  I.,  and  followed  the  Friend  to  Jerusalem,  N.  Y.,  where  thev 
became  influential  and  prominent  men  in  the  new  country,  and 
gave  their  name  to  a  Township  which  it  still  bears  in  Yates 
County. 

Their  children  are  as  follows  : 


*See  Colonial  Records  of  R.  I. 

fSce  Phelps  &  Ghoram's  Purchase,  by  Judge  Turner. 


MARCr {WILKINSON)  ALDRICH\s\\         i35 

(i)  Jobu^h.  1772,  married  Aug.  21,  1808,  Nancy  Wilkinson, 
bis  own  cousin,  and  daughter  of  Jeptha  Wilkinson.  They 
resided  in   Potter,  Yates  County,  N.  Y.      John  di^d  August  ii, 

1854. 

(2)  Susanna^h.  1774,  m.  1 806,  Job  Briggs,  and  moved  to  Dry 
Prairie,  Mich.  They  have  l,  William  ;  2,  John  ;  3,  Maria  ;  4, 
Joel  ;   5,  Russel  ;   6,  Lucina;    7,  Thomas  Jefferson. 

Susanna^  died  at  Athens,  Mich. 

(3)  Eliza,  b.  Nov.  16,  1785,  at  South  Kingston,  R.  I.,  m. 
Baxter  Hobart,  June  24,  1813,  whose  parentage  is  of  the  highest 
respectability.      They  have  : 

1.  Smith  Leander,  b.  ,  m. ,  resides  in  Syracuse, 

N.  Y.      He  is  a  Presbyterian  Clergyman,  and  general  Missionary 
Agent  for  New  York.,  &c. 

2.  .Norton  P.,  b. 

3.  Caroline,  b. 

4.  Mary,  b. 

5.  Charles,  b. 

EUxa  died  in  Potter,  Yates  Count,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  28,  1829. 
VI.      Amy   married  Peter  Darling   of  Cumberland,  and    had 
several  children  as  follows,  viz  : 

(1)  Benjamin. 

(2)  Elijah.,  married  Nancy  Ray. 

(3)  Reuben. 

(4)  Welcome. 

(5)  Joanna.^  married  her  cousin  Jonathan  Wilkinson,  moved 
to  Hartford,  Ct. 

(6)  Jephtha. 

The  above  were  married  and  live  in  Woonsocket  and 
Cumberland,  but  the  compiler  has  not  been  able  to  get  any  facts 
concerning  them,  except  some  of  them  are  engaged  in  the 
manufacturing  business. 

Vn.  Marc  Y  married  Willam  Aldrich,  who  died  at  Schenectady, 
N.    Y.,  when   moving  into   the   Genesee   country  from    Rhode 


136  FOURTH  GENERJTION. 

Island.      They  had  no  children.      She  lived  to  be  80  years  of  age 
and  died  in  1830. 

VIII.  Jemima,  was  never  married.  She  was  a  strange  religious 
enthusiast,  or  monomaniac.  Having  listened  to  the  distinguished 
George  Whitfield,  when  he  preached  in  Attleboro,  Mass.,  she 
was  seriously  impressed,  and  deeply  convicted  of  sin  ;  and  while 
thus  laboring  under  great  concern  of  mind,  she  was  seized  with  a 
malignant  fever  which  was  raging  throughout  Providence  Co.,  and 
aftera  long  confinement  she  arose  from  her  bed,  suddenly  recovered, 
declaring  she  had  a  mission  to  perform.  She  immediately  commenced 
preaching  publicly,  and  from  house  to  house,  claiming  as  some  say, 
supernatural  power,  being  able  to  discern  what  was  transpiring  in 
distant  places,  &c.,  which  would  now  be  attributed  to  claravoyance, 
and  would  in  no  wise  subject  a  person  to  a  charge  of  blaspbemy. 
She  continued  her  mission  forty  years,  having  moved  into  what 
was  then  a  wilderness  country,  near  Crooked  Lake  in  Nev/  York, 
and  established  a  community  which  was  quite  flourishing  while 
she  lived.  Very  many  falsehoods,  and  much  error  mingled  with 
some  truth  have  been  propagated  concerning  her,  but  some  of  the 
first  and  best  people  in  the  vicinity  where  she  lived,  believed  her 
to  be  a  good  woman,  endeavoring  to  perform  what  she  conceived 
to  be  her  duty.  Whether  right  or  wrong  they  so  believe,  and 
are  outspoken  upon  the  subject,  though  an  opposite  public  sentiment 
has  been  fostered  by  such  a  work  as  David  Hudson's  life  of  Jemima. 

The  author,  who  had  never  heard  a  word  in  her  favor,  but 
had  formed  his  opinion  from  Hudson's  book,  and  the  slurs  which 
were  thrown  out  against  her,  and  from  finding  her  name  classed 
among  religious  impostors,  was  greatly  surprised  on  visiting  the 
vicinity  of  her  last  residence  in  Yates  County,  to  hear  respectable 
people  speak  highly  of  her  benevolence  and  moral  worth ;  and 
these  it  will  be  remembered,  were  not  her  followers. 

For  a  more  extended  notice,  see  Biography  No.  XII. 

IX.  Stephen  married  April  i,  1791,  Elizabeth  Sheldon, 
daughter  of  Roger  Sheldon,  the  Rev.  Abncr  Ballou  being  called 


JEPHTHJ  WILKINSON.  [75]  137 

to    unite    them.      By   this    wife    he    had    seven    children    whose 
descendants  are  still  living  in   the  western    part  of  New  York, 
and  in  Indiana.      He  was  a  member  of  the  "Friend's"  Society,  and 
lived    in  Jerusalem,  N.  Y.,  having  moved  from  Cumberland,  R 
I.    His  wife  died  about  1807. 

He  married  about  1813,  Lucy  Botstord  for  a  second  wife,  thev 
had  no  children,  died  Dec.  25,  1850,  aged  85,  buried  in 
Covington,  Wyoming  County,  N.  Y. 

X.  Jephtha  was  married  by  Thomas  Avery,  Esq.,  March  25, 
1784,  to  Lucy  Smith  of  Groton  Ct.  He  was  a  natural  mechanic, 
end  found  cmplc^ment  in  the  surrounding  villages  and  cities.  He 
was  one  cf  ihe  "  Mir.utc  ntn  of  Ecstcn"  in  the  time  of  the 
Revolution,  and  engaged  in  the  strife  for  independence. 

He  was  seized  with  yellow  fever  in  Jersey  City,  and  died  in 
1803,  leaving  his  wife  and  children  to  contend  alone  with  an 
unfriendly  world.  Two  years  after  this  event  she  emigrated  from 
Cumberland  with  six  of  her  children,  (leaving  Nancy  and  Arnold 
to  settle  her  business  in  Rhode  Island,)  for  the  wilderness  of  New 
York.  She  first  stopped  in  the  town  of  Milo,  three  miles  east  of 
Penn  Yan  in  Ontario  County,  now  Yates.  Here  she  remained 
about  a  year,  but  soon  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Jerusalem, 
built  a  I02;  house  and  engaoied  in  farming-.  She  also  purchased  a 
share  in  the  carding  machine,  and  was  joint  owner  with  Captain 
Lawrence.  She  was  a  person  of  great  energy  of  character,  and 
what  with  her  industry,  and  a  small  pension  allowed  her  by  the 
general  Government  she  made  herself  and  family  comfortable,  and 
educated  her  children.  She  nearly  attained  her  one  hundredth 
year  retaining  her  faculties  in  a  remarkable  degree,  and  died  in 
Pulteney,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  is  buried  in  the  Wagener 
burying  ground.  Her  grave  is  marked  by  a  blue  marble  stone, 
erected  by  her  daughter,  Nancy,  as  a  tribute  of  affection  to  a 
departed  mother.  This  branch  of  the  family  is  quite  numerous, 
and  widely  scattered.  Arnold  lives  in  Providence,  R,  I. ;  Ransom 
died  in  Greenbush,  111. ;  Jeptha  A.  lives  in  London,  Eng. ;  Lucy, 

^9 


138  FOURTH  GENERATION. 

in  Summerfield,  Mich. ;  Mary  Ann,  in  California ;  Nancy,  in 
Potter,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y. ;  Abigail  A.  and  Alpha  in  Pulteney,  N.  Y. 

XI.  Elizabeth,  married  Samuel  Hartwell,  and  lived  in 
Jerusalem,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  belonged  to  the  Friends' 
Society.      They  had  nine  children. 

(1)  Samuel.,  b.  July  31,  1783,  moved  to  Iowa. 

(2)  EU-zaheth.,  b.  Dec.  30,  ijI'^J,  m.  Abraham  Lent,  r. 
Cohocton,  N.  Y.,  dead. 

(3)  Ame}\  b.  Aug.  27,  1789,  unm.,  r.   Jerusalem,  N.  Y.  dead. 

(4)  Stephen.,  b.  Feb.  19,  1792,  m.  Catherine  Lambert,  2,  Miss 
Bagnell,  r.  Michigan. 

(5)  'Joseph.,  b.  March  28,  1793,  m.  Mary  Kidder,  r.  California. 

(6)  Elijah.,  b.  March  31  1794,  m.  Miss  Brimhall  and  2  others, 
r.  Cohocton,  N.  Y.,  dead. 

(7)  Mercy.,  b.  May  12,  1796,  m.  John  Lambert,  r.  Rochester, 
N.  Y. 

(8)  Moses.,  b.  May  5,  1798,  rn.  Honor  Germon,  has  two 
children,  r.  Jerusalem,  N.  Y. 

(9)  Aaron.,  b.  March,  22,  l<Soo,  m.  Almira    Fowler,  r.  Salina, 

Mich. 

XII.  Debor  VII,  married  for  her  first  husband  Benajah  Botsford, 

and  according  to  Hudson's  account,  had  quite  a  time  getting  married 
in  consequence  of  the  opposition  of  Jemima.  Deborah  belonged 
to  the  Friends'  Society  and  the  Shaker  practice  of  celibacy  was 
endeavored  to  be  carried  into  effect  in  her  case,  but  in  vain.  He 
died  aged  thirty-nine,  and  she  married  Elijah  Malin  for  a  second 
husband.  He  died  aged  eighty-seven.  She  was  noted  for  her 
skill  and  ingenuity  in  all  kinds  of  needle-work,  and  was  an  exemplary 
woman.      She  died  at  the  advanced  age  ot  eighty-seven. 

In  the  census  of  the  Colony  of  Rhode  Island  taken  June,  i  774. 
Jeremiah's  family  consisted  of  two  males  above  sixteen  years  of 
age,  one  under,  three  females  above  sixteen,  and  tivo  under  •,  in  all 
eight  members. 


FIFTH   GENERATION. 

JosiAii  Wilkinson^         ^  [22]   Samuel,-'  [8]    Samuel,  ''[2] 

AND  V  Lawrence.^    [i] 

Margaret  Thompson,  j 

Of ,  N.  Y. 

85.  1.  Jemima,''      b.  April,  1737,  d.   Feb.  26,  1821. 

86.  II.  Amos,'^        b.  d. 

87.  III.   Chloe,'    b.  d.  . 

I.     JEMIMA. 

EMIMA  lived  in  Smithfield  and  Providence,  R.  I.   She  was 
never  married,  and  is  buried  in  the  family  burying  ground  on 


the  old  homestead  of  the  Elder  Israel  Wilkinson  in  Smithfield. 

II.  Amos,  and  Chloe,  moved  with  their  father  Josiah,  into 
the  eastern  part  of  the  state  of  New  York.  Amos  married  and 
had  a  family,  so  says  a  distant  relative  now  Hving,  nearly  ninety 
years  of  age,  but  no  trace  of  the  family  can  be  found.  It  is 
probable  he  had  no  boys,  and  the   name  has  become  extinct. 


David  Wilkinson^  ')     [27]     Samuel,'^    [8]     Samuel,^    [2] 

and  y    Lawrence. 

Mary  Arnold,        j  * 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

88.  I.   Susanna,^  b.  d. 

89.  II.   William,^  b.  d. 

^Census  of  1774,  I  male  above  16,  2  under,  3  females  above,  i  under,  2  blacks.   ' 


b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 
b. 

1757,  d. 
d. 

b. 

d. 

140  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

go.   III.   Mary,"'  b.  d.  1819. 

91.  IV.   Anna/' 

92.  V.   Samuel/' 

93.  VI.   Betsey,'"' 

94.  VII.  Patience,-'      b.  1757,6.  July  11,  1781. 

95.  VIII.   Sarah,'' 

96.  IX.   Daniel,-' 

I.  Susanna,  married  Daniel  Marsh  of  Providence.  Through 
the  reluctance  of  his  descendants,  very  little  has  been  elicited 
concerning  David's  family.  His  children's  names  are  believed  to 
be  correctly  stated  above,  but  perhaps  not  chronologically  arranged. 
Susanna  was,  probably,  married- about  1754.  Their  children. arc 
as  follows : 

(i)    Mary.,  b.  April  9,  1755. 

(2)  W'lUiam.,  b.  May  lO,  1756. 

(3)  Susanna.,  b,  March  7,  1758,  m.  Cornelius  I.  Bogert  of 
New  York,  died  in  Providence. 

(4)  Jonathan.,  b.  April  7,  I  760,  married  and  moved  to  North 
Carolina,  and  died  leaving  a  family  of  several  children. 

(5)  Gould.,  b.  Jan.  21,  1762. 

(6)  Ruth.,  b.  Feb.  i    i  764,  died  unmarried. 

(7)  David  Wilkinson.,  b.  Dec.  22.   1765, 

(8)  Daniel  Gould.,  b.  July  20,   1769. 

(9)  yames.,  b.  Jan.   17,  1771. 

(10)  Anne.,  May  lO,  1773,  m.  Nicholas  Power, 

''This  Mr.  Power,"  says  Judge  Staples,  "I  think  was  the  4th 
Nicholas  in  regular  descent.      They  had  children  as  follows : 

1.  Rebecca,  married  Wm.  R.  Staples,  of  Providence,  for  many 
years  Judge  of  the  Courts  of  Rhode  Island  ;  Secretary  of  the 
Society  for  the  Improvement  of  Domestic  Industry  ;  author  ot 
the  "  Annals  of  Providence,"  the  best  history  of  Rhode  Island 
ever  written. 

2.  Sarah,  married  Jno,  W.  Whitman,  no  descendants. 

3.  Susan,  unmarried. 


PJriENCE  {[VILKINSON]  THURBUR.  [94]     141 

III.  iMary,  married  Chnrles  Crouch,  a  lawyer,  of  Charleston, 
South  Carolina.  He  was  a  man  of  some  note,  and  they  edited  a 
paper  in  Charleston  for  several  years,  which  was  quite  popular  as 
a  miscellaneous  and  literary  publicition.  They  had  several 
children  one  of  whom  was  born  in  Pro\'iJ3nce,  viz: 

(l)  Jfine^  b.  Oct.  4,  1763,"  {2)  Abraha?n^  (3)  Mary^  and  others. 
One  of  this  family  was  accustomed  to  visit  James  Wilkinson's 
family  of  Smithtield,  but  all  knowledge  of  their  descendants  is 
entirely  forgotten.      Mary  was  appointed  executrix  of  her  father's 

wiU.t 

IV.  Anxa,  married  Jno.  Clark  of  Providence.  Probably  had 
a  family.      Nothing  is  known  concerning  them. 

VII.  Patience,  married  William  Thurber,  in  1772.  They 
lived  in  Pro\'idence,  and  had  four  children,  viz  : 

(1)  Waity\  b.  April  2,  1773,  r.  Providence. 

(2)  Kingsley^  b.  Dec.  27,  1774,  r.  Pro\'idence. 

(3)  2d  son  b.  June  26,     1778,  r.  Providence,  d  Oct.  9,  1778. 

(4)  Alpha^  b.  June   21,  1780,  r.  Providence,  d.  Aug.  8,  1782. 
Patience   died  at  the  early  age  of  27,  and   is  buried  in  the 

••'North  Burying  Ground,"  near  Providence.  Her  grave  may  be 
found  among  the  Thurbur  family,  where  several  sarcophagi  arc 
arranged  together  in  the  east  part  of  the  cemetery. 

Rev.  C.  C.  Bemen  in  his  "Sketches  of  Scituate,"  says '' David 
had  three  sons  who  lived  from  seve?iteen  to  tiventy-four  years,  but 
never  married ;  he  had  also  six  daughters,  four  of  whom  married 
and  left  families.  Mary,  the  second  daughter,  married  Charles 
Crouch,  Charleston,  S.  C,,  and  died  in  18 19.  David  died  in 
Providence,  about  1791,  aged  84  years." 

The  following  is  copied  from  a  Bible  in  the  possession  of  a 
lady  by  the  name  of  Whitman,  living  in  Providence,  "  David  spent 
the  latter  part  of  his  life  in  Providence.  He  had  three  sons  who 
died  young,  at,  or  under  twenty-five.   They  were  all  distinguished 


*a  Record  of  Marriages,  i66,   B'd  of  Health's  Office  Providence. 
j-7   Book  of  Wills  p.  975-6,  Providence,  R.  I. 


142  FIFTH  GENERJTION. 

for  talent  and  ingenuity.       The   third  son   was    killed    by   being 
crushed  between  a  large  ship  and  the  wharf  at  a  launch." 
The  name  of  Wilkinson  is  extinct  in  this  line. 


Israel  Wilkinson'"]    [29]     Samuel,^    [8]     Samuel,'    [2] 

AND  .  Lawrance.^[i] 

Mary    Aldrich,      j  * 

Of   Smithfield,  R.  I. 

97.  I.   Hannah, •'*  b.  Feb.     i,  1733-4,  d.  May  26,  1826. 

98.  II.   HuLDAH,^  b.  Nov.  22,  1735,     d,  ^737- 

99.  III.   Jacob,-'  (213)      b.  Oct.  27,  1737-8,  d.  Jan.    19,  1766. 

100.  IV.  IsRAEL,^(2i4-2i)b.  Mar.  10,  1741,  d.  Sept.  13,  1818. 
loi.   V.    RoBERT,''(222-29)b.  Apr.  i8,  1743,    d.  Apr.    18,  1788. 

102.  VI.    Wait,"*  b.  Sept.  29,  1 746,    d.  Nov.     2,  1777. 

103.  VII.   DAViD,\230-34)b.  Oct.  10,  1748,  d.  Apr.    12,  1780. 

104.  VIII.   Martha,'^  b.  Aug.  13,1750,  d.  Feb.     17,  1779. 
I.   Hannah,  married  Joseph  Davis  of  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  a  man 

much  respected  in  his  own  town.  He  was  born  Aug.  14,  1723, 
died  May  29,  1777,  leaving  an  only  child. 

(l)   Jsenath^  b.  Nov.  30,  1756,  d.  Nov.  22,  1783. 

She  married  Ebenezer  Metcalf  of  Cumberland,  a  very  worthy 
man,  who  died  Oct.  23,  1820.      Their  children  were: 

1.  Liberty,  b.  Aug.  18,  1776,  m.  Selinda  Brown,  d.  March  5, 

1853- 

2.  Davis,  b.  Feb.  16,  1778,  m.  Sarah  Newell,  d.  July  15,  i  848. 

3.  Amon,  b.  Dec.  28,  1779,  rn.  i,  Hannah  Wilkinson,  2, 
Sarah  Thompson,  d.  Sept.,  1845. 

4.  Ebenezer,  b.  Dec.  17,1781,  m.  Phebe  Almy,  had  Jacob, 
Ebenezer,  d.  March  2,  1854. 

5.  Joseph,  b.  Oct.  27,  1783,  m.  Eunice  Peck. 

They  all  lived  in  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  and  were  members  of  the 
Friends'  Society,  and  are  noted  for  their  humanity  and  benevolence, 
and  for  every  good  word  and  work.      Firm  in  their  convictions  ot 


*Census  of  1774,  3  males  above  16,  i  under  j    3  females  above,  i  under. 


JACOB  JVlLKIhSON.  [99]  143 

the  truth  of  Qiiaker  principles  and  practices,  they  have  led  consistent 
christian  lives,  free  from  persecution  and  bigotry.  To  these  people 
as  well  as  to  the  Baptist,  is  Rhode  Island,  and  the  world  indebted 
to  the  best  form  of  civil  Government  established  among  men.  A 
Government  which  recognizes  no  authority  in  the  civil  arm  to 
enforce  conscience,  no  external  power  to  interfere  with  "Soul 
I>iberty,"  but  leaving  every  man,  woman  and  child  free  to  worship 
God,  or  not  to  worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own 
conscience  without  molestation.*  So  careful  were  the  early  settlers 
of  Rhode  Island,  that  no  infringement  of  this  rule  should  be  allowed, 
that  Joshua  Verin  was  denied  the  privilege  of  voting  for  restraining 
his  wife  from  attending  religious  meetings. f 

The  descendants  of  this  family  are  not  very  numerous,  but 
they  are  abundantly  blessed  in  worldly  matters,  and  are  able 
financiers.  The  "Tax  list"  of  Cumberland  exhibits  their  taxable 
property  real  and  personal  amounting  to  ^1,300,000,  or  about 
one-sixth  of  the  whole  town. 

Joseph  is  still  living,  a  firm  Friend,  and  a  follower  of  our  blessed 

Savior,  and  is   now  (1866)  over    eighty-three   years  of  age.      His 

life  is  an  example  of  industry,  economy,  and  piety  worthy  of  all 

imitation. 

The  Bible   containing  the  record  of  the  Metcalf  family  was 

printed  in  America  in   1731,  purchased  in  1745,    [price  X3.1OS.] 

and  was  presented  to  Joseph  Davis,  April  30,  1755,  by  his  mother. 

It  is  now  owned  by  Joseph  Metcalf. 

The  senior  Ebenezer  Metcalf  was  thrice  married.  By  his  second 
wife  Anna,  he  had  Whipple,  b.  May  29,  1788,  d.  Sept.  28, 
1795.  By  his  third  wife  Abigail  Dexter,  he  had  Dexter,  b. 
1799,  m,  Polly  Bishop,  d.  June,  20,  1853. 

Ill,  Jacob  married  Mary  Potter,  Aug.  21  1763,  and  died  at 
the  age   of  twenty-nine,  and  is  buried  at   the  Friends'  burying 


*l  Bancroft's  Hist.  U.  S.  369  et  serj. 

tSee  Backus'  Church  Hist.,   50,  A.  B.  P.  S.  Edition,  also,    old  Record   in  City  Clerk's 
Office,  Providence. 


144  FIFTH  GENERJriON. 

ground  at  Woonsocket,  R.  I.  His  wife  was  a  Quaker,  Thev 
had  but  one  child  Cynthia,  and  lived  in  Smithfield,  and  Cumberland, 
R.  I.  His  widow  never  married,  but  in  1794  moved  with  her 
daughter,  who  had  married  Welcome  Capron,  to  Easton, 
Washington,  Co.,  N.  Y.  She  died  in  MayEeld  Fulton  Co., 
N.  Y.,  and  is  buried  there. 

Jacob  was  admitted  freeman  in  1760. 

IV.  Israel  married  Silence  Billou,  (or  Bolough)  daughter 
of  Elisha  Ballou  of  Mendon,  Mass.,  Feb.  14,  1772.  Her 
mother's  maiden  name  was  Hephzibah  Thayer,  daughter  of 
William  Thayer,  son  of  Captain  Thomas  Thayer,  of  Mendon, 
Mass. 

The  children  of  William  Thayer  were  (as  mentioned  in  his 
Will)  I,  William;  2,  Alexander;  3,  Increase;  4,  Amasa;  5, 
Hepzibah  ;   6,  Beula  ;    7,  Silence;    8,  Abigail;   9,  Beriah. 

The  oldest  son  William  married  and  had  a  son,  Alexander, 
who  seemed  to  be  a  great  favorite  with  his  grandfather. 

The  second  son,  Alexander,  married  Parley  

Hephzibah  m.  Elisha  Ballou  and  had  daus.  Lucy,  Silence,  &c. 
Beula  m.  a  Ballou;    Abigail  m.  Phineas  Lovett. 

Silence  m.  an  Ammidon,  and  Beriah  an  Eaten,  and  had  Mary 
M.,  Sarah,  John  E.  and  William. 

The  will  above  alluded  to  makes  provisions  for  Hepzibah  as 
long  as  she  remains  a  widow.  She  died  in  Mendon,  "about 
the  ninth  hour  of  the  morning,  June  30,  1804,  aged  73  years,  6 
mos.  and  18  days.  She  was,"  says  Israel,  "  Widow  to  Elisha 
Ballou  and  mother  to  my  wife."  Her  husband  died  "  In  Penn. 
at  the  Yellow  Springs,  Nov.  1777,  aged  about  48."  "Lucy 
Ballou  the  youngest  dau.  of  Elisha,  died  Sept.  3,  1802,  aged  32 
yrs,  6.  ms,  15  ds.  Lived  with  her  mother  many  years  before 
her  death." 

The  will  speaks  of  land  lying  near  "Caleb's  Hill"  in  Mendon, 
and  the  old  homestead  was  in  that  vicinity.      A  deed  of  gift  from 


ISRJEL  WILKINSON.  [loo]  145 

William's  father,  Thomas,  describes  him  as  a  wheelwright,*  and 
is  dated  Feb.  25,  1728-g. 

Israel  was  a  farmer,  and  purchased  the  old  homestead  in 
Smithfield,  of  his  father,  in  1776,  and  engaged  extensively  in 
buying  and  selling  Real  Estate.  The  following  are  some  of  the 
purchases  made  by  him  : 

In  1763,  of  Wm.  Gasskel,  25  acres  in  Cumberland,  paid  200 

Spanish  mill  dollars. 
"  1772,  of  Tho's.  Arnold,        107    on  Crookfall  river,     "  .£570 
''  ,  "    Hosea  Steere,  3     "       Cedar  Swamp, 

Smithfield  ''  Valuable  Sum  of  money  " 

"  1773,''    Dan.  Jer'h  Wilkinson  8   "     Rehoboth  N. 

Purchase,  6.10s, 

''      "         '•    Daniel  Stanly,  10     "  "  "  9. 

*'      "        '*     Oliver  Mann,  12     "   Attleboro  Mass.,     i.i6s. 

'-'•     "'■        "     Benj.  Tower,  11     "  "  "  9.9s. 

*'I774,  "     Sam.  Cooper,  8     '^   Rehoboth      "  6.3s. 

*'  I775»  *'     Abner  Lapham,        J  Iron  Mill  &  Refinery, 

Cumberland,  50. 

''  1776,  "   David  Wilkinson,    20  acres,  Smithfield,  300. 

"     "        ''   Israel  Wilkinson,   sen.  \  Homestead  farm,  "  600. 
'^      ''        '^   Rob't  Wilkinson,       \   "  "  "       "  300. 

"  1780,  "    Nat.  Randall,  25  acres,  Cumberland,  "     25 

Spanish  m.  dol's. 
"  1781,  "   Stephen  Inman,        23     "  "  150 

Spanish  m.  dols. 
"  1783,  "    David  Wilkinson,  22     "  Bellingham  Propriety  88 

Spanish  m.  dols. 
"  1784,  "    David  Wilkinson,     8   Com.  Right  Dedham 

Purchase,  i. 

''  1787,  "    Welcome  Capron  23  acres,  Cumberland,       100. 
ti     tt       tt    Robt.  Wilkinson,     3  pieces  "  200. 

"  1788,  "    Samuel  Arnold,         §    Iron  Mill  &   Coal  Barn 

Purchase,  30. 

"  1 816  "  Jo.  &  Dav.  Wilkinson,  &c.,  \  Homestead 

farm,  $608. 

"^Records  of  Deeds,  Liber  I  page  251,  Worcester,  Mass. 


20 


146  FIFTH  GENERJTION. 

He  owned  a  saw-mill  on  Crookfall  river,  and  what  with  his 
farm,  his  traffic  in  real  estate,  and  saw-mill  he  managed  to  keep 
himself  busy. 

James  Wilkinson,  the  only  surviving  son  of  Israel,  says:  "My 
father  never  held  any  office.  He  and  his  brothers  were  Quakers, 
birth-right  members,  but  as  he  married  out  of  their  socie|:y 
against  their  rule,  2  Cor.  6:  14,  and  would  not  acknowledge  he 
was  sorry  for  so  doing,  he  was  dropped  from  their  communion  ; 
but  he  always  attended  their  meetings — and  dressed  plain." 
Joseph  Metcalf,  says,  "  he  was  a  small,  spare  man,  very  quick  in 
speech  and  action."  He  was  in  his  prime  during  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  and  although  his  pacific  principles  would  not  allow 
him  to  bear  arms,  yet  he  aided  otherwise,  and  saw  with  delight 
the  triumph  of 

"This  firm  Republic,  that  against  the  blast 
Of  opposition  rose  ■" 

and  rejoiced  in  the  establishment  of  our  National  Independence. 
He  did  not  seek  notoriety,  but  was  content  to  be  a  tiller  of  the 
soil,  and  an  active  business  man  in  that  department,  rather  than 
a  popular  public  character. 

His  old  account  book  is  still  in  existence  and  the  earliest  entry 
is  as  follows  : 

"  Rufus  Bart  let  t^  Dr. 

1772.      To  paid  Bet.  Leland  for  schooling  two 

Scholars  six  weeks  (a),  j^  7s.  3d." 

This  is  the  characteristic  of  the  man.  He  was  a  friend  ot 
schools,  and  education  found  in  him  a  ready  advocate. 

He  was  an  honest  man,  noted  for  his  veracity,  and  was  highly 
respected  as  a  citizen,  and  lived  and  died  in  the  midst  of  a  large 
circle  of  acquaintances  and  relatives  on  the  old  homestead  in 
Smithfield.  The  decease  of  his  wife  occurred  several  years  before 
his  own,  and  the  following  record  was  made  by  him  :  .  "  In 
Smithfield,  Oct.  8,  a.  d.,  1805,  then  Silence  Wilkinson,  wife  to 
Israel  Wilkinson,  Departed  this  life,  aged  55  years,  6  months 
and  6  days,  between  the  hours  of   i  and  2  in  the  day." 


DAVID  WILKIhSON.  [99]  147 

"  She  passed  through  glory's  morning  gate 
And  walked  in  Paradise." 

V.  Robert  married  Dec.  29,  1768,  Mary  Lapham,  and  had 
eight  children.  He  was  a  farmer,  and  lived  two  miles  south  of 
Woonsocket,  on  the  Blackstone  River  near  Mott's  dam  ;  the 
same  farm  was  subsequently  occupied  and  owned  by  his  son 
Joseph.  He  built  a  good  substantial  house  which  still  stands. 
He  received  a  gift  deed  from  his  father  Israel,  the  description 
being  as  follows  :  "  One  quarter  part  of  my  homestead  farm, 
whereon  I  now  Dwell,  Situate,  Lying  and  being  within  the 
Township  of  Smithfield — Together  with  one-quarter  part  of  the 
Buildings  thereunto  belonging."  The  consideration  was  the 
*' Fatherly  love  and  affection  which  I,  the  said  Israel  Wilkinson, 
have  and  do  bear  towards  my  son  Robert  Wilkinson  of 
Smithfield."  Dated  the  "  Third  day  of  August,  and  in  the  fifth 
year  of  his  Majesty's  Reign,  George  the  Third,  King  over 
Great  Britain,  Anno.  Dom.  1765."* 

This  same  property  was  sold  by  Robert  to  his  brother  Israel,  jr., 
for  X300,  Feb.  27,  1776, f  a  few  months  before  the  Declaration 
of  Independence,  and  these  old  deeds  bear  marks  of  the  people's 
rejoicing. 

Robert  owned  real  estate  in  Cumberland,  and  1787,  he  sold 
his  brother  Israel,  jr.,  three  parcels  lying  on  the  east  bank  of  the 
Pawtucket  river. 

VI.  Wait  married  David  Buffum  and  lived  in  Smithfield. 
Their  children  are  : 

(1)  Lavina^  m.  Ahab  Mowry,  r.  Smithfield. 

(2)  George^  b.  I'J'JTf^  m.  a  Daniels,  r.  Smithfield,  d.  Aug.  11, 
1865. 

(3)  Huldah^  m.  Caleb  Comstock,  r.  Greenfield,  N.  Y. 

VII.  David,  married  April  25,  1773,  Lydia  Spear,  and  had 
five  children,  all  sons.  Two  of  them  married  and  became  quite 
noted  men  in   their  native  town  and  state.      David  was  a  farmer 


■•Record  of  Deeds,  Liber  6,  Fol.  86,  Smithfield,  R.  I. 
f  Record  of  Deeds,  Liber  6,  Fol.  470,  Smithfield,  R.  L 


148  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

and  occupied  lands  originally  laid  out  to  Lawrence  Wilkinson. 

VIII.   Martha,  married  Joseph  BufFum — lived  in  Smithfleld, 
R.  I.      They  had  no  children. 


IcHABOD  Wilkinson^  ^  [35]    Samuel,^    [8]  Samuel,'-'    [2] 

AND  y Lawrence.^  [i] 

Sarah  Chapman,         j 

Of  Wrightstown,  Bucks  Co.,  Penn. 

105.  I.  Joseph,'  b.  d.  Oct.  1785. 

106.  II.  JoHN,^  b.  d. 

107.  III.   William,"'  b.  d. 
Several  daughters. 

I.  Joseph  never  married.  His  Will  was  written  Oct.  11, 
1785,  and  was  proved  Oct,  2(S,  1785.  He  left  his  property  to 
his  mother,  Sarah  Wilkinson,  and  to  his  sisters. 

John  and  William  probably  died  without  issue,  and  perhaps 
were  never  married.  The  Land  of  Ichabod  which  was  deeded 
to  Joseph,  was  in  Solebury  right,  where  Newhope  now  stands. 


John  Wilkinson,^  4o]John"[9]Samuel'[ 2] Lawrence. '[i. 
Mary  Lacy,  and 
Hannah   Hughes,  J 

Of  Wrightstown,  Bucks  Co.,  Penn, 

First    Wife. 

108.  I.    Mary,'"'  b.  about  1741,  d.  April  10,  1802. 

109.  H.  John,' (135-38)  b, 
1  10,   III,   Stephen,"^ 
hi.   IV,  Tamer,'' 

112.  V.  Rachel,'' 
Second  IVife. 

113.  VI.   Martha,^ 

1 14.  VII.  Ann  L,,'' 


lb, 
b. 
b. 
b. 

d. 

d.  March, 

d. 

d. 

1778 
1768 

b, 
b. 

about  1770,  d. 

d.  April, 

1842, 

STEPHEN  WILKINSON.  liiQ-]  149 

115,  VIII.   Hannah,^      b.  d. 

116.  IX.   Elisiia,^  (239)  b.  d. 

I.  Mary  married  4th  mo.  18,  1765,  Stephen  Twining,  who 
was  born  5th  mo.  4th,  1733. 

They  had  eight  children  : 

(1)  John.,  b.  4th  mo.  20th,  1761,  d,  young. 

(2)  Elias.,  b.   3d  mo.   26th,  1765,    m.  Stokes,    (had   two 

children,  not  living)  d.  8th  mo.  26th,  1832. 

(3)  Rachel^  b.  8th  mo.  25,  ijji-,  m,  David  Watson  (had  fou: 
children,  of  whom  one  only  survives)  d.  1808. 

(4)  Tamer^  b.  2d  mo.  lOth,  1774,  rn.  David  Palmer,  (had  five 
children,  all  useful  members  of  society,)  d.  2d  mo.  21st,  1808. 

(5)  Jacob^  b.  1st  mo.  28,  1776,  m.  Margerv,  dau  of  Jeremiah 
Croasdale,  4th  mo.  22d,  1802,  had  eight  children,  viz:  i, 
Croasdale,  b.  5th  mo.  7th,  1803;  2,  Stephen,  b.  6th  mo.  23d, 
1805  ;  3,  Elisha  W.  b.  I  oth  mo.  27,  i  808,  d.  5th  mo.  26th,  i  823  ; 
4,  Charles  L.  b.  ist  mo.  30th,  i  8ii-,  5,  Mary  Ann,  b.  6th  mo. 
1 6th,  1 8 14,  m.  Eleazar  Wilkinson;  6,  Isaac  C.  b.  4th  mo  6th, 
1819;  7,  Aaron,  b.  i  ith  mo.  29,  1821,-  Deborah  b.  4th  mo.  9,  1824. 

The  living  members  of  this  family  are  all  married  (excepting 
Charles  L.)  "blessed  with  children,  the  comforts  of  life,  and  the 
respect  of  mankind  in  a  good  degree."  Reside  in  Wrightstown, 
Penn. 

(6)  Mercy^  b.  7th  mo.   19th,  1778,  d.  young. 

(7)  Eli-zabeth.^  b.  lO  mo.  23d,  i  780,  d.  young. 

(8)  Mary.,  b.   i  st  mo,   lOth,  1783,  d.  1803. 

II.  John  married  Jane  Chapman,  April  26,  1769. 

He  received  upon  his  death  bed  a  deed  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  acres  of  land  from  his  father  being  a  part  of  the  original 
purchase  of  his  grand  father  in  Penn. 

They  had  four  children. 

III.  Stephen,  perhaps,  was  never  married. 

His  Will  was  written  March  14,  1786,  proved  April  i  I,  1786, 
he  left  his  estste  to  his  stepmother,  and  to  his  brothers  and 
sisters.      He  was  a  farmer,  lived  in  Wrightstown. 


150  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

VI.  Martha,  married  a  Bennett,  lived  in  Wrightstown,  Pa, 

VII.  Ann  Lacy,  married,  1792.  Samuel  Smith  of  Zion,  Cecil 
Co.,  Md.  He  was  a  captain  in  the  Army  of  the  Revolution,  and 
was  in  several  battles  during  the  struggle  for  Independence.  In 
the  war  of  18 12,  he  was  promoted  to  Brigadier  General. 

Their  children  were: 

(1)  George  W.^  b.  April  18,  1794,  m.  Isabel  Raynolds  of 
Killarning,  Jan.  17,  1826. 

(2)  Abner  Reeder.,  b.  March  17,  1797,  and  died  aged  28. 

(3)  Elisha  W.,  b.  March  26,  1800,  d.  Oct.  1863. 

(4)  Samuel  A. ^  b.  June  2d,  1802,  m.  Mary  Maroues  of  New 
York  City,  Nov,  13,  1827. 

(5)  Thomas  R.^  h.  Jan.  22,  1804,  died  at  New  Orleans,  of 
yellow  fever,  I  829. 

(6)  Margery  Ann,  b.  June  2,  1805,  m.  Isaac  Van  Hosen  1823 
and  died  Nov.  1839. 

(7)  Andrew  Jackson^  b.  181 5,  educated  at  West  Point,  and 
was  a  Major  in  the  Regular  Army.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Rebellion  he  was  promoted  to  a  Brevet  Major  General  of 
volunteers.      He  married  Anne  Simpson  of  St.  lyouis. 

(8)  P.  Jenks^  b.  181 1,  m.  Rebecca  P.  Smith,  of  Philadelphia 
in  1844.  He  is  now  a  retired  merchant  boarding  with  his  family 
at  the  La  Pierre  House  in  Philadelphia. 

VIII.  Hannah,  married  Abner  Reeder  of  Trenton,  N.  J. 

IX.  Elisha  married  Mariah  Whiteman,  resided  at  Wrightstown, 
Pa. 


Joseph    Wilkinson"*  ~|    [41]     Joun,'^     [9]      Samuel,-     [2] 

AND  y  LaWRANCE.^[i] 

Barbary  Lacy,         j 

Of   Wrightstown,  Bucks  Co.,  Penn. 
Joseph  moved  to  Chester  Co.,  Pa.,  but  no  trace  of  the  family 
has  been  found. 


L TDIA  ( WILKINSON)  MORRIS.  [120]  151 

ISHMAEL    WlLKIXSO^'^^     [45]    JoSEPH,''    [l  l]     SaMUEL,'    [l], 
AXD  V    LaWRAXCe'   [i]. 

Sarah  Mowry,  j 

Of  Scituate,  R.  I. 
117.  I.  Anxa,^  b.  d. 

I  18.    II.    STEPIlEN/(240-43)b.  d. 

I.  Anna,  married  Thomas  Bussey,  moved  to  Berkshire,  Co., 
Mass.   They  had  a  family,  but  their  names  have  not  been  furnished. 

II.  Stephen,  married  Sarah  Sprague,  April  9,  1760,  and  had 
four  daughters.  He  was  a  farmer,  and  lived  in  Scituate,  R.  I. 
He  purchased  a  farm  of  Dudly  Wade,  June  6,  1767.*  The 
Wilkinson  name  is  extinct  in  this  line. 


Benjamin  ^\"ilkinson*^  [46]    Joseph,''   [ii]   Samuel,-  [2]. 

AND  ;- Lawrence,^  [i] 

Mary  Rhodes,  j 

Of  Scituate,  R.  I. 

119.  I.   Mary,-^                      b.  Aug.  26,  1741,  d.  1807. 

120.  II.   Lydia,'                    b.  Aug,  23,  1743,  d  1798. 

121.  III.  Samuel,^               b.  Dec.     5,  1745,  d.  Feb.  6,  1766. 

122.  IV.   Rebecca,^             b.  Oct.  11,  1747,  d.  Jan.  1821. 

123.  V.  Rhodes,^  (244-49)  b.  Oct.  10,  1750,  d.  Dec.  2,  1825. 

124.  VI.  JohnY       (250)      b.  Feb,  16,  1753,  d.  Dec.  26,  1836. 
.125.  VII,   Esther,-"              b.  Aug.    8,  1755,  d.  Dec.  i,  1793. 

126.  VIII.   Olive,^  b.  Mar.    3,  1758,  d.  May  10,  1807. 

127.  IX.   WiLLiAM^(25i-64)b.  June  19,  1760,  d.  May  15,  1852. 

I.  Mary,  married  Stephen  Lyon  and  lived  in  Woodstock,  Ct. 
She  was  born  in  Scituate,  and  died  in  Woodstock,  about  18 17, 
aged  66.      She  had  no  children. 

II.  Lydia  married  Lemuel  Morris  of  Woodstock,  Ct.  Thev 
had  ten  childen,  eight  sons  and  two  daughters,  viz :  Charles, 
Samuel,  Riifus,  Pardon,  Nohadiah,  Lemuel,  Mary,  George,  Robert, 
Lydia, 


*See  Record  of  Deeds.      Glocester,  R.  I. 


152  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

Charles.,  married  Marium  Nicols  and  lived  in  Woodstock,  Ct. 
They  had  several  children,  the  most  distinguished  of  whom  was 
Charles,  b.  Oct.  1784,  died  at  Washington,  D.  C,  Jan,  27,  1856. 
He  was  a  commodore  in  the  U.  S.  Navy,  and  had  several  children. 
See  Biography  No.  XIII. 

Samuel.,  married  Betsey  Bradford, 

Nohadiah.,  married  Prudence  Hart,  lives  in  Boston,  Miss, 

Mary.,  married  a  Steere, 

The  author  has  been  unable  to  get  much  information  concerning 
this  family.  The  Biography  of  Com.  Morris  will  be  read  with 
thrilling  interest.  He  was  one  of  the  ablest  officers  in  the  U.  S. 
Navv.      Lydia  died  at  Woodstock,  Ct.,  aged  about  55  yrs. 

IV.  Rebecca  marrried  Gen.  Daniel  Larned  of  Thompson,  Ct. 
They  had  ten  children. 

(l)  Polly.,  married  John  Cleavland  ;  (2)  George,  m.,  Sophia  Gay, 
(2)  A,  Bowen  ;  (3)  Augustus.,  m,  I,  Sally  Patten,  2,  Miss  Pool,  r. 
Thompson,  Ct.,  (4)  Otis .,{^)  Daniel.,  m.  Esther  Dresser,  (6)//^/'///^///. 
(7)  Thomas.,  (8)  Rebecca.,  m.  Simon  Davis  and  had  one  daughter 
Anna,  who  married  a  Baptist  Minister,  James  M.  Granger,  D.  D- 
Pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Providence,  R.  I. 

V.  Rhodes,  married  Clara  Marcy  of  Woodstock,  Ct.  He 
had  six  children.  His  son  Samuel  was  alive  in  1865,  and  has  an 
only  daughter.  Rhodes  was  a  farmer,  and  died  in  Woodstock. 
The  name  of  Wilkinson  is  extinct  in  this  branch. 

VI.  John,  who  lived  in  Scituate  on  the  farm  first  settled  bv 
Joseph,  his  grandfather,  in  1700,  married  April  23,  1780,  Mary 
Mowry  of  Smithfield.  He  was  a  surgeon  in  the  Revolutionary 
War.  After  the  restoration  of  peace  he  was  a  practicing  physician 
in  Scituate  for  more  than  forty-five  years  till  his  death.  He  had 
but  one  child,  an  only  daughter  who  still  lives  (1866)  on  the 
old  homestead  of  the  first  Joseph.      See  Biography,  No.  XIV. 

VII.  Esther  was  never  married.  She  appears  to  have  been 
an  active,  energetic  woman,  full  of  enterprise  and  business,  and 
had  she  been  a  man,  would    have   accumulated   a    fortune    under 


OLIFE  [TFILKINSON)  WILDER.  [126]  153 

most  any  circumstances.  As  it  was  she  preferred  to  take  care  of 
her  own  affairs,  and  she  managed  them  with  great  prudence  and 
economy,  as  her  Will,  made  Nov  22d,  1793,  (only  eight  days 
before  she  died,)  and  the  Inventory  of  her  personal  property, 
plainly  show.  The  former  is  recorded  in  the  Town  Cleric's  Office 
of  Glocester,  R.  I.  She  mentions  her  brothers,  John  and 
William.  A  copy  of  the  latter  is  in  the  compiler's  hands,  and 
may  be  found  in  the  appendix. 

The  amount  of  her  real  estate  is  not  given.  No  one  can 
read  this  inventory,  without  seeing  the  woman  in  full  rig,  with  her 
"dark  Palch  Green  dress,"  "Caster  Hatt"  and  riding  whip 
mounted  upon  her  horse  on  the  road  to  Providence,  nor  without 
being  impressed  with  the  idea  that  she  could  ha'/e  married  had  she 
been  so  disposed. 

The  mention  of  the  Bible  bespeaks  for  her  a  love  for  the  Creator 

and  Redeemer  of  Souls.   She  was  much  respected  by  the  community. 

She  is  buried  in  the  homestead  burying  ground  of  Joseph  in  Scituate. 

A  stone  is  erected  to  her  memory  bearing  the  following  inscription  : 

MISS  ESTHER   WILKINSON, 

Daughter  of  Capt.  Benjamin  Wilkinson, 

Died,  Dec.   i,  1793,  aged  39  years. 

The  mighty  God,  the  Wis^  and  Just, 
Knows  that  our  frame  is  feeble  dust; 
Like  grass  we  spring  and  die  as  soon. 
As  morning  flowers  which  fade  at  noon  !" 

VIII.  OLiyE,  married  iVIarch  29,  1778,  Asaph  Wilder  of 
Glocester,  R.  I.      He  was  a  farmer.      Their  children  are: 

(l)  William  Rhodes.,  b.  1779,  married  Eliza  Maybury,  resided 
in  Newport,  R.  I.  He  went  to  Havanna,  Cuba,  on  business 
and  died  there  May  16,  1810,  was  brought  home  and  buried  in 
Scituate.  (2)  Benjarn'm  Wilkbison^  b.  1781,  was  never  married, 
died  Dec.  4,  1800,  and  is  buried  in  the  family  burying  ground  of 
Joseph  Wilkinson,  in  Scituate.  (3)  Stephen.,  married  Betsey 
Harris,  moved  to  Ohio  near  Cincinnati  ;  is  a  very  wealthy  and 
enterprising  man.  (4)  James  m.  Susan  Wilmarth,  moved  to 
21 


154  FIFTH  GENERJTION. 

Montgomery,  Ohio,  and  has  a  family.  (5)  Asaph^  m.  Polly 
Mowry,  lives  Glocester,  R,  I.  (6)  Sarah^  m.  Jeremiah  Boss, 
lived  in  Providence,  R.  I,  (7)  Olive^  m.  Philip  Mowry,  lived 
in  Scituate,  R.  I.,  d,  1736.      (8)   Nayicy^  married  a  VV^ilmarth. 

The  family  and  their  descendants  are  quite  numerous  and 
prosperous.  Abel  Wilder,  great  grandson  of  Benjamin  Wilkinson, 
lives  on  his  grandfather's  estate  in  Glocester.  Olive's  husband, 
Asaph  Wilder,  died  May  10,  1799,  aged  49  years,  and  is  buried 
in  the  familv  burying  ground    of  Joseph  Wilkinson  in  Scituate. 

IX.  William  was  born  in  Killingly,  Ct.,  and  at  the  early  age 
of  fourteen  was  prepared  to  enter  Rhode  Island  College.  The 
breaking  out  of  the  Revolution  interrupted  his  studies,  as  the 
college  buildings  were  taken  at  first  for  quartering  troops,  and  used 
afterwards  as  a  hospital  by  the  American  and  French  forces.  He 
engaged  in  his  country's  strife  for  freedom,  and  won  an  honorable 
fame  for  a  young  man  in  that  memorable  contest.  He  married 
for  his  first  wife  Chloe  Learned,  daughter  of  Dea.  Ebenezer 
Learned  of  Killingly,  Ct.,  and  bv  her  had  six  children,  all  of 
whom  are  dead,  as  well  as  all  of  their  descendants.  Chloe  died 
1797.  In  1798,  William  married  Marcy  Wilkinson  for  his 
second  wife.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Oziel  Wilkinson  of 
Pawtucket,  and  was  a  distant  relative — the  lines  of  descent 
meeting  in  Lawrance  and  diverging  through  his  sons  Samuel 
and  John.  They  had  eight  children,  only  three  of  whom  are  now 
living.  William  was  one  of  the  first  to  engage  iu  the  manufacture 
of  cotton  goods  in  this  country,  and  in  company  with  Samue} 
Slater,  his  brother-in-law  and  others,  he  did  an  extensive  business, 
and  realized  a  return  commensurate  with  his  labors.  He  lived  in 
Providence,  the  city  where  his  paternal  ancestor,  Lawrence,  first 
landed,  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  nearly  ninety-two.  He 
was  greatly  interested  in  tracing  his  kindred  however  remote,  and 
a  sketch  of  the  Wilkinson  Family  in  his  own  handwriting  is  still 
preserved.  He  was  noted  for  his  hospitality  and  benevolent 
disposition,  and  his  kindness  of  heart  was  felt  by  all  who  came  in 


WILLIAM  WILKINSON.  [127]  155 

contact  with  him.  Actualh'  superior,  but  never  known  to 
manifest  that  superiority  in  a  haughty  manner,  he  was  always 
ready  to  converse  with  his  inferiors  in  such  a  bland,  genial  way, 
that  thev  felt  quite  at  ease  in  his  presence.  The  following 
anecdote  illustrates  this  peculiar  trait  of  his  character.  Meeting 
one  morning  in  front  of  his  residence  on  George  St.,  a  boy  by  the 
name  of  Wilkinson — a  distant  relative,  and  who  at  that  time  was 
driving  a  milk  cart,  he  proposed  to  the  lad  to  abandon  peddling 
milk  and  come  live  with  him — run  of  errands,  cut  wood,  build 
fires,  and  wait  upon  the  ladies,  (5cc.  "•  No,  Sir  !  "  was  the  prompt 
reply,  "  I  prefer  to  be  my  own  waiter."  Mr.  W.  smiled,  and,  as  he 
turned  away,  remarked  :  "Thatbovis  a  genuine  Wilkinson." 
That  boy  to-day,  is  one  of  the  best  practical  chemists  in  the 
country — a  successful  physician,  and  holds  a  position  as  assistant 
-    and  Professor  in  two  of  the  best  colleges  in  New  York. 

Mr.  W,  graduated  in  1783,  and  entered  ujion  the  business  of 
teaching  immediately,  takins;  charge  of  the  College  Latin  School, 
where  he  remained  ten  years.  Dr.  Manning,  Prest.  of  the 
college  in  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr  Smith,  1784,  says:  "Mr. 
Wilkinson  is  a  good  master."  Mr.  Guild  in  his  work  entitled 
**  Manning  and  Brown  University,"  says  :  ''He  was  eminently 
successful  as  a  teacher,  and  fitted  for  College  many  of  its 
distinguished  alumnae.  In  1785,  he  was  appointed  librarian  of 
the  College." 

This  testimony  coming  from  the  source  it  does  carries  weight 
beyond  similar  expression  from  ordinary  sources.  He  was  a 
thorough  Greek  and  Latin  scholar,  and  the  following  advertisement 
taken  from  the  Providence  Gazette  of  1786,  will  give  some  idea 
of  his  School: 

"  William  Wilkinson  informs  the  public,  that  by  the  advice  of 
the  School  committee,  he  proposes  moving  his  school  from  the 
College  edifice,  on  Monday  next,  to  the  brick  school  house  ;  and 
sensible  of  the  many  advantages  resulting  from  a  proper  method 
of  instruction  in  the  English  language,  he  has,  by  the  committee's 
approbation,  associated  with  him  Mr.  Asa  Learned,  as  an  English 


156  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

instructor.  Those  Gentlemen  and  I/adies  who  may  wish  to 
employ  them  in  the  several  branches  of  the  Greek,  Latin  and 
Eno-lish  iancruages  tauo;ht  grammatically,  arithmetic,  and  writing;, 
may  depend  on  the  utmost  attention  being  paid  to  their  children. 
Greek  and  Latin  at  twenty-tour  shillings  per  quarter  •,  English  at 
sixteen  shillings," 

Wilkinson  and  Learned. 
Providence,  Oct.  20,  1786." 

The  Hon.  James  Burrill,  LL.  D.,  was  prepared  for  college 
by  Mr.  W.  and  many  other  very  eminent  men.  At  the  age  of 
ninety  he  was  accustomed  to  talk  playfully  of  going  to  the  College 
commencement  to  see  his  boys^  some  of  whom  were  sixty  years 
of  age.  He  has  long  enjoyed  the  reputation  of  being  ''the  most 
eminent  classical  and  mathematical  teacher  in    Providence." 

He  was  always  vivacious  and  cheerful,  "  filling  his  place  as 
head  of  the  household,  as  husband  and  father,  with  wisdom, 
forethought,  calm  dignity,  and  unaffected  cheerfulness." 

He  outlived  most  of  his  numerous  family,  only  three  daughters 
now  survive;  and  notwithstanding  they  feel  no  particular  interest 
in  this  Genealogy,  not  approving  of  such  researches,  yet  Mrs. 
Tibbitts  has  very  kindly  furnished  the  following :  Biography 
No.  XV. 


Joseph     VVilicnsonM     [50]    Joseph,"'  [ii]  Samuel,"     [2] 

AND  •     LaWRANCE.^[i] 

Alcie  Jenks,  I 

Of  Scituate,  R.  L 

128.  L   Amie,''  b.  March  17,  1743,  d, 

129.  n.  Alce,'"  b.  Oct.  26,  1744,      d. 

130.  HL  Annie,''  b.  March  23,  1748,  d. 

131.  IV.   JosEPii,\265-7i)b.  March  11,  1750,  d.  1810-14. 

132.  V.   Martha,-'  b.  June  15,  1755,      d. 

\.   Annie,    married  Jonathan    Hopkins    of    Scituate.      Their 
children  are  : 


JOSEPH  WILKINSON.  [131]  157 

■  [\)  Alee.,  m.  John  Rounds,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  (2)  Penelope.^  m. 
Jenks  Hopkins,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  (3)  Esther.,  unm.  r.  Scituate, 
R.  I.  {/\)  Pbsbe.,  h.  1778,  m.  William  Bucklin,  moved  west.  (5) 
Sophia.,  b.  March  28,  1780,  unm.  r.  North  Scituate.  (6)  Riifus., 
b.  25,  1782,  m.  Lvdia  Davis,  r.  Illinois.  (7)  Freelove.,  m.  Russel 
Arnold,  r.  Scituate,  R.  I.  (8)  Joseph^  b.  Jan.  30,  m.  Miss  Smith, 
moved  west. 

^11.  Alce,  married  Bartram  Rounds,  lived  in  Glocester,  R.  I. 
They  had  (l)  Joseph.,  m.  Mary  Green.  (2)  Bartrum.,  resided  in 
Glocester.  (3)  James  lived  in  Richfield,  N.  Y.  (4)  George  lived 
in  New  York.  (5)  IVilliam.,  r.  New  York.  (6)  Alce.  (7)  Martha 
(8)  Betse\\  m.  Mr.  R.,nio\'ed  with  his  family  to  Richfield,  N.  Y., 
near  Troy. 

III.  Annie  married  Samuel  Cole,  and  had  several  children, 
only  (1)  Samuel.,  (2)  Susanna  are  remembered. 

IV.  Joseph  married  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Peckham  of  Westport, 
Mass.  Her  maiden  name  was  Brownell.  She  was  born  Oct. 
25,  1797,  and  died  Oct.  30,  1841,  aged  92  yrs,  5  dys.* 

Joseph  was  a  farmer  and  a  tavern  keeper  in  North  Scituate. 
His  residence  was  a  little  south  of  his  father's  dwelling,  and  the 
Tavern  was  the  same  one  now  kept  or  recently  kept  by  Mr. 
Steere,  just  on  the  edge  ot  Foster  where  the  Providence  and 
Ivillingly  stage  coaches  change  horses.  This  was  the  third  Joseph 
in  the  lineal  descent  from  Lawrence  through  Samuel  his  oldest 
son.  The  names  of  two  of  his  oldest  children  are  recorded  in 
the  Town  Clerk's  Office  of  Scituate.  There  were  seven  in  all, 
six  of  whom  married  and  had  families.  He  was  drafted  in  the 
days  of  the  Revolution,  and  went  to  Newport  to  meet  the  British, 
but  they  had  left,  and  he  saw  no  service.  The  people  of  Scituate 
had  a  signal  to  warn  the  inhabitants  of  the  approach  of  the  Enemy. 
It  was  on  Beacon  Pole  hill,  and  consisted  of  a  tar  barrel  set  on  fire 
and  run  up  in  the  night,  and  a  flag  by  day. 

Joseph  became  a  very  corpulent  man  in  his  last  days  and  died  in 

"See  I  Book,  Town  Records,  p.  104,  Scituate,  R.  I. 


158  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

1 8 14.  His  widow  survived  him  many  years,  and  was  called  bv 
the  relatives  "Mrs.  cousin  Joe  Wilkinson."  It  is  said  she  was  a 
notable  woman  for  work  and  business,  and  that  she  was  accustomed 
to  ride  to  Providence  on  horseback  to  get  cotton  yarn  to  wea\e 
from  iMessrs.  Brown  and  Almy,  and  the  Wilkinson's  of  Pawtucket. 
It  was  the  custom  at  that  time  in  the  absence  of  machinery  to  send 
the  yarn  out  into  the  country  to  be  woven.  Edward  S.  Wilkinson 
says  "  The  first  cotton  used  in  the  steam  mill  in  Pawtucket  was 
Georgia  upland,  bought  of  Alexander  fones  of  Providence  at  six 
cents  per  pound.  It  was  picked  by  hand,  and  sent  out  to  the 
adjoining  towns  for  that  purpose,  l^he  price  paid  for  picking  was 
four  or  five  cents  per  pound  payable  in  goods  at  the  store,  l^he 
yarn  was  sent  out  into  the  neighboring  towns  to  be  wove  on  hand 
looms.  Some  was  sent  as  far  as  Northampton,  Mass.  The. 
weaving  was  paid  for  in  yarn  at  factory  or  ticket  prices.* 
Mrs.  Wilkinson  was  paid  a  high  price  for  her  work,  and,  it  is  said, 
some  of  the  sheets  of  her  weaving  are  now  in  use,  so  well  did  they 
work  in  those  days.  The  business  talent  manifested  by  her  has 
been  transmitted  in  this  branch  of  the  family,  as  will  be  seen  in  her 
descendants,  Charles  Brownell,  of  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  Joseph 
Brownell,  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  Andrew  Jackson,  of  Keokuk, 
Iowa. 


William    Wilkinsom^  ^    [57]  Joseph,-'  [11]    Samuel,-  [2], 
AND  Lawraxce'  [i]. 

Hannah   Hoar,  ) 

Of  Glocester,  R.  I. 

133.  I.  William,^     (272)     t>-  ^^ 

134.  II.    Marcy,"'                     b.  d. 

135.  III.   Benjamin,^              b.  d. 

136.  IV.   Hannah,^                b.  d. 

137.  V.   Freelove,^'                b.  d. 

138.  VI.   George,-' (273-74)  b.  '           d. 

*Sec  Transactions  of  Rhode  Island  Society  for  D.  I.  page,  88,  (1861.) 


OT.UL    WILKINSON,  li^i]  159 

139.  VII.   Martha,"'  b.  d. 

140.  VIII.   Mary,-^  b.    '  d. 

141.  IX.  STEPHEN;'(275-88)b.  d.  March.    1838. 

I.  William  married  Sarah  Mason,  resided  in  Smithfield,  Penn. 
He  had  one  child. 

II.  Marcy  married  Rev.  Erastus  Lained,  lived  in  Pomfret, 
Conn.      Their  children  were  : 

(i)    Erastus^  b. ,  r.  Canterbury,  Ct. 

(2)  Lor'in^  b.  ,  and  others. 

V.  Freeloye  married  James  Hunter,  resided  in  Pomfret, 
Conn. 

V^I.  George  married  Lvdia  Tidd,  resided  in  New  Braintree, 
Mass.      They  had  two  children. 

VIL  Martha,  married  Oliver  Smith,  lived  in  Glocester, 
R.  I. 

IX.  Stephen  married  1806;  Mahala  Burgess,  who  lived  in 
Killingly,  Ct.  He  had  a  family  of  fourteen  children,  ten  sons 
and  four  daughters,  who  now  live  in  Pennsylvania  and  Illinois. 


John  Wilkinson*  \  58]  John%[i4]  JonN\[4]LAWRENCE.'[r 

AND  - 

Ruth  Angell,       j  * 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  I. 

142.  I,   OziAL,^  (289-98)    b.  Jan.  30,  1744,  d.  Oct.  22,  18 15. 

143.  II.  Martha,^  b.  d.  April,        1820. 

144.  III.  Susanna,"^  b.  d. 

I.  OziAL  married  Lydia  Smith  dau.  of  Jehu  Smith  of  Smithfield, 
R.  I.  The  following  statement  obtained  in  1862  by  Albert  S. 
Wilkinson  of  Pawtucket,  a  grandson  of  Oziel,  from  Nathaniel 
Smith  of  Providence,  formerly  cashier  of  the  Rogers  Williams' 
Bank,  gives  us  the  lineage  of   Oziel's  wife.      Mr.  N.  Smith  was 

"Census  of  1774,  a  males  above  i6,    i  under;    3  females  above  16,  i  under. 


i6o  FOURTH  GENERATION.  ' 

about  sixtv-nine  years  of  age  at  that  time,  and  said  "  Edward 
Smith  of  Smithfield  was  my  great  grandfather.  Jehu  Smith,  mv 
grandfather  was  the  first  male  child  born  in  Smithfield,  after  the 
town  was  set  off  from  Providence.  He  died  in  Providence,  Oct. 
1 813,  aged  about  83  years.  He  was  the  brother  of  Ozial's  wife. 
Another  brother  of  Oziel's  wife  was  killed  on  the  "  Plains  of 
Abraham,"  at  Quebec  in  Canada.      His  name  was  Abraham. 

Oziel  had  ten  children  by  this  wife  all  of  whom  were  extensively 
engaged  in  th^  manufacturing  business.  His  family  may  be 
regarded,  with  propriety,  as  the  first  manufacturers  of  America. 
They  all  married  but  George,  who  died  in  infancy.  David  and 
Lydia  moved  to  Cohoes,  N.  Y.,  Smich  to  Pomfret,  Ct.,  and  the 
rest  lived  in  Pawtucket.  For  a  more  extended  notice  of  Ozial, 
see  Biography  No.  XVI. 

n.  Martha,  married  Christopher  Arnold,  and  from  the 
following  extract  from  her  will,  it  aopeirs  he  died  leaving  her  a 
widow  . 

"■I  Martha  Arnold  of  Smithfield,  widow,  now  residing  in 
North  Providence,  Relict  of  Christopher  Arnold  my  late  husband 
deceased,  &c. 

First.  Sell  my  real  estate,  and  the  residue  it  is  my  deiire 
should  be  paid  to  Deborah  Arnold,  daughter  of  my  sister  Sasinnah 
Hopkins. 

Second.  I  give — to  my  Sister  Susannah  Hopkins  my  best  suit 
of  clothes,  &c. 

Third.  I  give^ — to  my  neice  Deborah  Arnold,  daughter  of  my 
sister  Susannah  Hopkins  my  best  bed,  &c. 

Fourth.  I  give  to  Joanna  J.  Peck,  wife  of  Foster  Peck,  Susan 
F.  Arnold,  Ann  M.  Arnold,  the  three  daughters  of  Deborah 
Arnold,  and  Ruth  A.  Hopkins,  daughter  of  William  Hopkins, 
deceased,  all  the  rest  of  my  house-hold  furniture. 

Dated,  April  1st,  1820.'  Martha  Arnold,  [l.  s.]" 

Subscribing  Witnesses 
I  Pardon  Sayles,  ^ 

-^  Zillah  Sayles,  Council  held  April  2  2,  1 8 20.* 

(  Ruth  M.  Thurston,  j 


*3  Town  Council  Book,  434.      North  Providence. 


S  USJNNJH  ( WILKINSON)  HOPKINS.  [  1 44]      161 

Martha  had  no  children. 

III.  Susannah  married  Daniel,  son  of  Christopher  and  grandson 
of  William  Hopkins,  brother  of  Esek  and  Stephen  whose  mother 
was  Ruth,  daughter  of  Samuel  Wilkinson.  It  is  singular  how 
kindred  become  interlinked  in  the  onward  course  of  time,  and  that 
frequently  without  their  knowing  anything  about'  the  degree  of 
relationship  existing  between  them. 

The  following  extracts  from  his  will,  like  the  preceding  reveals 
the  number  of  the  family  then  living: 

Second.  "  Sell  my  real  Estate  I  bought  of  Esek  Hopkins  to 
pay  debts  and  funeral  charges,  &c. 

Third.  I  give — to  my  well  beloved  wife  Susannah,  all  the 
remainder  of  my  real  Estate,  &c. 

Fifth.  I  desire  my  granddaughter  Joanna  Arnold  to  live  with 
her  grandmother  till  she  is  Eighteen  years  of  age. 

Seventh.  I  give — to  my  three  children,  Christopher  Hopkins, 
Wm.  Hopkins,  and  Deborah  Arnold,  after  the  decease  of  my 
well  beloved  wife  Susannah  Hopkins  all  my  Real  Estate. 

Eighth.  I  give  to  my  granddaughter  Joanna  Arnold  $100  to 
be  paid  to  her  by  mv  three  children,  Christopher  $33.33,  William, 
$33,33,  and  Deborah  S33i33i  vvhen  she  is  Eighteen  years  old. 

Lastly.      I  appoint  Joseph  Jenks  my  Executor. 

Dated,  June,  26,  1804.  Daniel  Hopkins,  [l.  s.]" 

Cod.  added,  iVIay  9,  18 15. 

Council  held,  Sept.  1815.'-' 

From  this  will  it  appears  they  had  the  following  children  : 

(i)  Christopher.      {1))  IVilliam.     (3)  Z)^/'(?;-(7/7,  married  an  Arnold. 

They  had     ()  Joanna  J.  who  married  Foster  Peck,  (2)  Susan  F., 

(3)  Ann  M. 

In  the  census  of  Rhode  Island  Colony  taken  in  1774,  this 
family  numbered  two  males  above  sixteen  years  of  age,  one  under, 
three  females  above  sixteen,  and  one  under,  seven  in  all. 

I  have  not  been  able  to  secure  the  names  of  all  of  them. 


''2,  Council  anJ  Probite  Record  369,  North  Providsnce. 
22 


1 62  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

Ahab  Wilkinson'  |  [59]Joiin,'''[i4]Joiin,"'[4]Lawrk>  ck,'[i 

AND 

Abigail  Scott,       j  '" 

Of  Smithfikld,  R.  I. 

145.  I.    SlMEOX/'(299-3o6)b.  March  10,  1756,  d.  Nov.  27,  1816. 

146.  II.   John,"'  b.  June  15.   1757,     d.  June  23,  1826. 

147.  Ill    JosEPii/'(307-i7)b.  Oct.     7,  1759,    d.  Sept.  25,  1812. 

148.  IV.   Sarah/'  b.  March  19,  1765, d. 

149.  V.    Georcje,"'  b.  Jan.  9,   1767,      d. 

I.  SiMKox  married  June  10,  1792,  EHzabeth  Jenks,  had  a 
Familv  of  eight  children — lived  in  smithtield,  and  is  buried  in 
tamilv  burving  grounds,  near  the  Dexter  Lime  Rock. 

II.  JoHX  married  Martha  Jenks.      Thcv  had  no  children. 

III.  Joseph  married  Martha  Jenks^  had  a  tamiU'  oi  eleven 
children,  tour  of  whom,  onlv.  married.  The  famih  became 
scattered.  Samuel  S.  died  in  Portsmouth,  Ohio,  George  in 
Montgomery,  Ga.,  Jcnckes  in  New  Orleans,  La.,  Amv  in 
Smithfield.  R.  I  ,  Joseph  in  Claiborne,  Ala.,  Ahah  in  Hartford, 
Ct. 

The  name  is  perpetuated  in  this  line  through  Ahab,  the  ©nl\ 
son  who  married.  He  had  but  one  child,  a  son  who  is  now  a 
Government  Clerk  in  Washington. 


JoAB     Wilkinson^      ^  [65]     Daniel;*    [18]     John/     [4], 

AND  -  LaWRAXCK,'    [i]. 

Jerusha  Ray,  ) 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  i. 

150.  I.   Eunice,^  b.  1778,  d.   Leb.    25,  1825. 

151.  II.  JoAB,^  b.  '7^2,  d.  Aug.   31,  1795. 

152.  III.    Melatiel,''         b:                    1785,  d.  Sept.       8,  1795. 
I.    Eunice    married   Joseph    Whipple   of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

Thev  had  two  children. 


-Census  of  1774,  3  males  above  16,   4  under;  4  females  above  16. 


JOANNA  ( TVILKINSON)  THOMPSON.  [154]     1 63 

(i)    "Joit'pb  who  married  Follett. 
(2)   Sarah  who  married  a  Harrington. 
The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line. 

In  the  census  oi  1774,  there  were  but  one  male,  and  one  female 
abo\e  16  years  of  age,  and  none  under. 


Daniel  Wilkinson^    ^     [66]    Daniel,^  [18]  JoiiN,^     [4] 

AND  LawRANCE,'[i] 

Anna  Whipple,  |  * 

Of   Cumberland,  R.  I. 

153.  I.   Lydi.a,^  b.  Mar.  14,  1768,  d. 

154.  II.   JoAXXA,-'*  b,  Aug.  13,  1769,  d.  Oct.    16,    1825. 

155.  III.    RuTH,'^  b.  July  12,  1772,   d. 

156.  I\'.    Siiui',.\EL,"\3i8-23)b.  Jan.  1 1,  I  775,d.    April    i8,.i82g. 

157.  V.    Abigail,"'  b.  Oct.  14,  1779,  d.  Mar.    12,   1836. 
II.   Joanna,  born   the   same  year  with   Napoleon    Bonaparte, 

married  Alexander  Thompson  of  Cumberland,  R.  I.  He  was 
an  industrious,  and  yery  worthy  man  and  was  highly  respected  by 
the  community.      They  had  eight  children. 

(i)  Gladding  O.  b.  Jan.  1 3,  1797,  m.  Lydia  Carpenter,  had 
children,  yiz:  Jane  F.  b.  July  8,  1822,  m.  Wm,  H.  Carpenter, 
r.  Cumberland. 

2.  Ellen  Maria,  b.  March  15,  1824,  m,  John  E.  Bishop,  r. 
Cumberland. 

3.  John  E.  b.  Jan.  3,  1830,  m.  Ruth  A.  Weatherhead,  r. 
Pawtucket. 

4.  William  H.  b.  Dec.  31,  1833,  m.  Anna  R.  Wolcott,  r. 
Pawtucket. 

5.  Charles   G.  b.  Sept.  1839,   d.  Oct.  4,  1840. 

6.  Frederick  A.  b,  Feb.  10,  1845,  "^-  Harriett,  L.  Whipple,  r. 
Cumberland. 

Gladding  was  a  man  of  considerable  note — held  seyeral  town 
offices,  and  was  a  State  Senator.  He  died  March  22,  1863,  and 
his  loss  was  severely  felt  by  the  whole  community. 

*Census  of  1774,  i  male  above  16,  and  i  female  above  and  3  under. 


i64  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

His  wife  still  lives  on  the  homestead  She  is  the  granddaughter 
of  Roger  Sheldon  who  m.  Huldah  Streeter. 

(2)  Syla  or  Silence^  b.  1796,  died  young. 

(3)  y^'"^^-,  ^.  March  31,  1799,  m.  Lucina  A.  Sheldon,  b, 
Aug.  20,  1810,  lived  in  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  had  (i)  Alexander, 
b.  Dec.  8,  1834,  m.  Sarah  Grant,  lives  upon  the  old  homestead  ; 
(2)  Sarah  T.,  b.  Feb.  5,  1841,  m.  Isaac  E.  Razee,  and  have: 
James  E.,  b.  f>b.  15,  1862  ;  Ora  H.  b.  June.  29,  1865,  live  at 
Diamond    Hill  Plain,  R.    I  ;  (3)  Francis  b.  Oct.  13,  1843. 

He  was  a  man  ot  [sterling  integrity — a  good  farmer,  and  for 
many  years  was  engaged  in  boat-building.  He  died  Jan.  31, 
1861,  greatly  lamented  by  his  familv  and  the  whole  community. 
It  could  be  said  of  him  that  "  He  was  an  honest  man,  the  noblest 
work  of  God." 

(4)  Sarah,  b.  Jan.  i  I,  1800,  m.  Amon  Metcalf,  r.  Cumberland, 
R.  I.,  d.  Aug.  4,  1857. 

(5)  Eliza,  b.  Jan.  I  i,  1 803,  m.  1865,  Chas.  D.  Brown,  r. 
Cumberland. 

(6)  Lydla^  twin  with  Eliza,  m.  Willard  Newell,  r.  Attleboro, 
Mass. 

(7)  Ruth.,  b.  Aug.  24,  1807,  m.  Joseph  A.  Weatherhead,  r. 
Cumberland. 

(8)  Daniel.,  b.  June  1 1,  I  8  i  I,  m.  Fanny  Cargill,  lives  in 
Cumberland.  His  house  stands  on  the  same  spot  where  stood 
the  old  meeting  house  in  front  of  which  Jemima  Wilkinson,  the 
Prophetess,  made  her  maiden  speech. 

Their  children  are  (i)  Jane  S.,  (2)  Julia  M.,  (3)  Ruth  E., 
r.  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

III.  Ruth  married  William  Newell  and  lived  in  Duchess  Co., 
N.  Y.      Their  children  are: 

(i)  Whipple,  b.  I  795,  m.  Maplett  Newman,  r.  Duchess  Co., 
N.  Y.  ;  (2)  Mary.,  b.  1797,  m.  Samuel  Sterling;  (3)  '^arah.,  b. 
1799,  m.  Stephen  W.  Moshier  ;  (4)  JVilliain,  b.  1801,  m.  Mary 
Bailey,  d.  1833  ;   (5)  Lydia.,  b.  i  803  •,   (6)  Atny.,  b.  i  806,  m.  John 


OTIS  WILKINSON.  [159]  165 

Valentine;    (7)  Jbigail.h.  1809,01.  Benjamin  Hicks;  (8)  Joanna^ 
b.  Jan.  8,  1813,  m,  Wm.  Weatherhead.  d,  1854. 

IV.  Shubael  married  Mahala  Smith  and  had  six  children. 
He  moved  from  Cumberland,  R;  I.  to  Elbridge,  N.  Y.,  and  some 
members  of  the  family  are  still  living  in  that  vicinity.  His  oldest 
son  moved  to  Michigan.  Another  went  to  California  ;  a  third 
moved  to  Wisconsin  and  has  become  a  State  Senator. 

V.  Abigail  married  Dexter  Brown  of  Cumberland,  R,  I.,  and 
had  se\'en  children,  as  follows  : 

(i)   Shuhael^  b.  ,  d.June  4,  1807  ;  (2)  Silence^h.  ,  m. 

Otis  Whipple;  (3)  Elmira^  b.   1806,  d.  Nov.  5,  1841  ;  (4)  Mary^ 

b.   1810,  d.  Mav  5,  1835  ;  (5)  Ann^  b. ,  m.  L.    Blackington ; 

(6)  Am\\  b. ;   (7)  Ruth^  b.  — ,  I  8  I  3,  d.  April  7,  I  840. 


Nedabiah  Wilkinson*^    [67]  Daniel,'^  [18]  John,-  [4], 

AND  -Lawrance' [i]. 

Lucy  Whittaker,        j 

Of  Hartford,  Conn. 

158.  I.    Candace,^  b.  17^1,  d.  May  24,  I  785. 

159.  n.   Otis,'^  b.  1782,  d.  Sept.  1806. 

160.  HI.   Lucy,"'  b.  1786,  d.  March       1814. 

n.  Otis  went  to  Bolton,  Tolland,  Co.,  Ct.  Upon  the  death 
of  his  father  he  was  appointed  Administrator,  Sept.  15,  *i8o2. 
He  received  the  principal  part  of  his  father's  propertv,  but  did  not 
long  enjov  it,  as  he  died  four  years  afterwards.  The  following  is 
his  will: 

"  In  the  name  of  God,  Amen  ;  I,  Otis  Wilkinson  of  East 
Hartford  in  Hartford  Co.,  Ct.,  being  of  sound  and  disposing  mind 
and  memory,  do  make  this  my  Last  Will  and  Testament  in  manner 
and  form  following  ;  that  is  to  say ;  Impriinis^  I  will  that  all  my 
debts  and  funeral  charges  be  paid  and  discharged  by  my  Executors 
hereinafter  named. 

Item,  I  give  and  devise   unto  my   mother  Lucy   Wilkinson  all 


*Book  27,  Record  of  Wills,  &c.,  Hartford,  Ct. 


i66  FIFTH  GENERJTION. 

my  real  and  personal  Estate  to  her  disposal  except  vvh:it  is  hereinafter 
excepted. 

Itern^  I  give  unto  my  brother-in-law,  Stephen  Buckland  Goodwin 
my  fowling  piece. 

Ite7n^  I  give  unto  my  sister  Lucy  Goodwin,  wife  of  Stephen  B. 
Goodwin,  Sixty  dollars  to  be  paid  by  my  executor. 

Lastly^  I  do  make  and  constitute  my  mother,  Lucy  Wilkinson, 
and  Nathan  Menow,  Executors  to  this  my  last  Will  and  Testament. 

In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal  this 
25th  day  of  Sept.  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  i(So6. 

Signed,  sealed,  &c  , 

In  presence  of, 

Oliver  Beaumont,  Otis  Wilkinson,  [l.  s.] 

Esther  Bidweil, 

Hannah  Goodwin. 

Court  of  Probate  held  at  Hartford  Oct.  8,  1806  when  the  abose 

will  was  presented.* 

Inventory  of  Personal  Property      -^2483,72 
Real  Estate       1587,50 


Total     $4071,22 
The  following  is  copied  from  the  records  and  inserted  here,    as 
as  the  descendants  of  this   branch   of    the   family   were  identified 
by  it,  and  their  whereabouts  ascertained. 

Lucy  Wilkinson,  having  rccei\'ed  the  personal  and  real  estate 
of  her  son,  died  in  18 14,  and  the  property  passed  into  the  hands 
of  Mr.  Goodwin  who  had  married  her  daughter.  "April  12, 
1814,  Letters  of  administration  to  Stephen  B.  Goodwin  of  East 
Hartford. "t  Court  of  Probate  was  held  May  6,  18  14,  and  the 
Inventory  gives  the  following  results : 

Personal  property     $2463,37 
Real  propert\         1640,00 


Total     $4103^37 

III.  Lucy  married  Stephen  Buckland  Goodwin  of  the  Goodwins 

of  Hartford,  Ct.      His  ancestry  is  of  the  highest  respectability.    A 

Mr.  Goodwin  of  the  city  of  Hartford,  druggist,  is  getting  up  the 

*B()ok  2S,  Wills  "S^c.,  Hartford,  Ct. 
-j-Book  31,  Wills,  &c.,  Hartford,  Ct. 


LUCr  (fFILKLXSOA)  GOODIVIN.  167 

Genealo2;y  of  the  family,  and  his  list  includes  some  ot  the  first 
men  in  the  early  Colony  of  Connecticut. 

There   is  a  brief  genealogy   of    the    family   already   published. 
Their  children  are  : 

(i)  yane  A^  b.  m.  Frank    Woodbridge,  r.  Manchester, 

Ct.      (2)  Oth  Whittaker,  b.  un.,  r.  Wethersfield,  Ct.,  d. 

Apr.   I,  1H30.      (3)  Lucy  IVtlk'inson^    b.  m.  John  Robins, 

r.  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  d.  Aug.  (4)  Jerusha  Drcike^  b,  Apr.  20, 
1811,  m.  Ralph  Cheney,  r.  South  Manchester,  Conn.  He  is 
one  of  the  firm  of  "  Cheney  Brothers,"  and  is  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  ot  silk,  both  sewing  silk  and  woven  goods.  For 
twenty  years  this  establishment  has  held  the  pre-eminence  in 
America,  importing  the  raw  material  from  Japan  and  China.  It 
was  their  custom  to  send  the  thrumbs,  and  tangled  silk  back  to 
japan,  and  thus  Yankee  ingenuitv  was  put  to  shame,  and  forced 
to  acknowledge  Japanese  superiority.  Through  the  perseverance 
and  inventive  genius  of  Mr.  Cheney,  however,  the  secret  of 
preparing  the  waste  silk  was  discovered,  and  now  the  aid  of  the 
Celestials  is  not  required.  This  company  have  large  mills  in 
Hartford,  and  their  business  amounts  to  about  $2,000,000  per 
annum. 

The  location  ot  the  South  Manchester  silk  works  is  delightful, 
and  the  external  appearance  is  a  guarantee  of  the  perfection  of  the 
internal  arrangements.  Nestled  between  the  hills,  on  the  banks 
ot  a  beautiful  ri\cr  everything,  even  to  the  operatives  seems  to 
be  dressed  in  silk.  Order,  neatness,  and  precision  characterize  the 
establishment,  and  the  wealth  ot  the  proprietors  is  the  necessary 
result  of  their  industry,  excellent  management,  and  indomitable 

perseverance.      (5)  Alfred^  b.  .      Lucy    is  buried    at    East 

Hartford,  Ct. 

The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line. 


1 68  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

John  Wilkinson^       ^     [71]      Daniel,-'    [j8]   Joiix,-    [4] 

AND  -    Lawrence.'  [i] 

Betsey  Tower,  ) 

Of  Skankateles,  N.  Y. 

161.  I.  Elpha,^  b.  Oct.  17,  1783, 

162.  II.  ALFRED,'^(324-29;b.  Julv  6,  1786,  d.  July  19,  1859. 

163.  III.  John,''  (330-37)  b.  Sept.  30,  1798,  d.  Sept.  19,  1862. 

164.  IV.  Diana,''       b.  Nov.    1801,  d.  Nov.    1854. 

I.  Elpiia  married  Luther  C.  Lawrence  of  Skaneateles,  N.  Y. 
where  she  still  resides.  Their  children  are  :  (i)  Siisan^  b.  Jan. 
17,  1803,  d.  Oct.  6,  181 7.  (2)  John  IV. ^  b  Sept.  13,  1806,  m. 
Sallv  Benedict,  resides  in  Pacific,  Columbia  Co.,  Wis.  (3)  Fernand'j 
C,  b.  June  II,  1808,  m.  Jane  Cooper,  r.  Skaneateles,  N.  Y. ; 
(4)  Maria  M.  b.  March  18,  181 1,  d.  March  9,  1835  ;  (5)  Elpha., 
b.  Apr.  1814,  r.  Skaneateles,  N.  Y.  ;  (6)  Alfred  IV.  b.  Feb.  5, 
181 7,  m.  Aurelia  Potter,  r.  Skaneateles;  (7)  Charles^  b.  March 
31,  18.20,  d.  Oct.  3,  1834;  (8)  Caroline^  b.  Oct.  15,  1823,  m 
Wm.  R.  Wheeler,  r.  Rockford,  111.  ;{())  Robert  Toiver,  b.  Aug.  18, 
1826,  d.  May  22,  1850. 

Mr.  Lawrence  died  some  years  ago.  Elpha  still  lives,  retaining 
in  a  remarkable  degree  her  intellectual  and  physical  activity. 

II.  Alfred,  married  first  Susan  Smith,  and  had  six  children. 
He  married    2nd    Laura   Edwards,   who   still    lives   on   the   old 

homestead  in  Skaneateles,  N.  Y.      See  Biography  No.  XVII. 

III.  John  was  born  in  Skaneateles,  N:  Y;  In  his  maternal 
line  John  was  descended  from  a  near  relative  of  John  Hancock, 
one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  His 
parents  originated  in  Cumberland,  R.  I.  During  his  childhood 
and  youth  John  divided  his  time  between  the  labors  of  the  farm 
and  the  school-room  situated  near  his  father's  residence.  In  18 — 
he  went  to  what  was  then  called  "  Milan,"  now  Syracuse.  This 
place  has  had  a  multitude  of  names  having  been  called  successively 
"Bogardus    Corners,"    "Milan,"    "South    Salina,"    "  Cossitts' 


DIANA  ( TV  ILK  IN  SON)  ALLING.  [  1 64]  1 69 

Corners"  and  "  Corinth,"  until  the  year  1820  when  John  Wilkinson 
gave  it  the  name  of  Syracuse,  which  it  has  borne    ever  since. 

He  was  associated  with  Gbverneur  Morris,  James  Geddes, 
Judge  Forman  during  the  years  from  1817  to  1825,  while  the 
Erie  canal  was  building,  and  his  exertions  were  unremitted  until 
it  was  in  successful  operation.  He  was  one  of  the  first  men  in 
engineering  the  New  York  Central  R.  R.  A  locomotive  bears  his 
nime  to-dav.  The  city  of  Syracuse  is  greatly  indebted  to  him 
for  many  of  her  public  buildings.  The  Globe  Hotel  was  built 
by  him. 

He  traveled  much  in  this  country  and  Europe,  making  the 
tour  of  the  continent,  visiting  Liverpool,  London,  Paris,  and  all 
the  principal  cities,  and  kingdoms.  On  one  occasion  he  was 
accompanied  by  his  daughter  Maria  H.  who  has  since,  with  her 
husband  T.  C.  Welsh,  a  distinguished  artist,  crossed  the  Atlantic 
six  or  eight  times. 

John  married  Henrietta  W.  Swartz  and  has  had  five  sons  and 
three  daughters.  Six  of  this  family  still  survive,  and  inherit  in  a 
large  degree  the  energy  and  business  talents  of  their  father.  At 
the  time  of  this  writing  four  of  the  family  are  in  Europe,  and 
purpose  remaining  abroad  two  or  three  years.  John  died  deeply 
lamented  by  a  large  circle  of  friends,  a  loss  to  the  family,  and  the 
community  that  can  never  be  repaired.  He  was  a  man  of  unusual 
strength  of  mind,  and  executive  ability,  always  prominent  in  every 
public  enterprise  that  tended  to  the  improvement  of  mankind.  In 
his  financial  enterprises  he  was  always  successful  and  has  left  his 
family  in  affluent  circumstances.      See  Biography  No.  XVHL 

IV.  Diana  was  born  in  Skaneateles,  and  married  Thomas 
Ailing.      Their  children  are: 

(i)  Mark^  b.  Nov.  8,  1831,  m.  Emeline  Woodford,  r.  Cayuga, 
Co.,  N.  Y. 

(2)  Mary^  b.        "  "  r.  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

(3)  Lydia,  b.  July  9,  1837,  r.      "  " 


23 


I/O  FIFTH  GENERATION. 


Wilkinson^    ^  [73]  Jeremiah,^  [19]  John,^  [4] 

tXD  V   LAWRANCE.Tli 


b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

^b. 

1780,  d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

b. 

d. 

William 

AND  V  LaWRANCE.'[i] 

Molly  Alvkrson,  |  * 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

165.  I.   WiLLiAM,\338-40)b.  d. 

166.  II.   GEORGE,^(34i-44)b.   June  16,  1765,    d.  Jan,  4,  1855. 

167.  III.    David,=^ 

168.  IV.   Joiix,^ 

169.  V.   Ruth,-' 

170.  VI.    Molly,-' 

171.  VII.   Hannah,'' 

172.  VIII.  SrMON,^(345-53~)b.  1780,  d.  1861. 

173.  IX.  Lucy,"' 

174.  X.     P^REELOVE," 

175.  XI.   Amey,^ 

I.  William  married  Sept.  10,  1797,  Lydia  Ballou — had  three 
children — lived  in  Cumberland,  R,  I. 

II.  George  married  Lydia  Whipple,  and  resided  several  years 
in  Cumberland.  He  was  a  ship  carpenter  and  was  frequently 
employed  in  Providence,  Newport,  Warren,  Boston  and  other 
places.  For  nearly  a  year  he  was  engaged  on  "  Old  Iron  Sides," 
in  Boston.  In  1808  he  moved  to  Ira,  Vermont,  and  engaged  in 
farming,  but  the  attractions  of  his  old  home  and  the  luxuries  ot 
seaport  places  lured  him  back  again  to  R.  I.,  but  he  soon  retraced 
his  steps  to  Vermont  where  he  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  90. 
He  had  four  children. 

III.  David  was  a  sailor,  and  died  at  sea  when  but  a  young 
man. 

V.  Ruth  married  John  Chase  of  Attleboro,  Mass. 
Their  children  as  far  as  known,  are  : 

I,  Oti$\  2,  Satnuel;  3,  John;  4,  WilUain  \  5,  Pardon;  6, 
Barton  \    7,  Lydia. 

VI.  Molly  married  Joel  Robinson,  and  had  a  family.  They 
lived  in  Attleboro,  Mass.  Their  children  were  :  i,  Olney.^ 
2,  Martin.,  and  two  daughters. 

*Censusof  1774,  2  males  above  16,  2  under;    I  female  above,  6  under. 


GJRNER  WILKINSON.  [177]  171 

VIII.  Simon  married  Betsey  Coope,  who  was  born  about 
1783,  and  died  Jan.  11,  1849,  i^imon  moved  to  Boston,  Mass., 
where  his  family  still  reside,  he  having  died  in  1861.  They 
had  a  family  of  eight  or  ten  children — highly  respected,  and  some 
of  them  extensively  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business. 

IX.  Lucy  married  Noah  Carpenter. 
XI.    Amky  married  Noah  South  wick. 


Jeremi/.h  Wilkinson,*   ^  [74]  Jeremiah;^  [19]  John,''  [4], 

HOPIE   MOSHER,  AKD  V  LaWRANCE,'    [i]. 

Elizabeth  South  wick,   j 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 
By   ist^  IVife. 

176.  I.   Anna,^  b.  Mar.  10,  1768,  d.  Feb.  26,  1849. 

177.  II.  Garner,    (354)    b.  May  28,    1769,  d.  May  24,  1852. 

178.  III.  jEREMiAH,"'(355-56)b.  Jan.  25,  i77F,d  May23,  1812. 

179.  IV.  JoXATHAX,^(357-59)b.  Feb.  22,  i772,d.  Nov.  30, 1808. 

180.  V.  Job,''  (360-71)    b.  Jan.  21,  1774,  d.  May  i,  1836. 
By  2nd  Wife. 

181.  VI.  RuTH,^        b.  Feb.  26,  1779,  d.  Feb.  11,  1814. 

182.  VII.  Elizabeth,^'    b.  Mar.  8,  1781,  d.  Dec,  24,  1783. 

183.  VIII.  DANlEL/'(372-76)b.  Jan.  3,  1783,  d.  July  18,  1865. 

184.  IX.  JuDiTn,=*       b.  May  29,  1785,  d.  May  i,  1866. 

185.  X.  I>YDiA,^        b.  Sept.  27,  1786,  d. 

186.  XL  James,^  (377-82)  b.  Oct.   8,  1788,  d.  Julv  19,  1862. 

I.  Anna   was   born    in  Cumberland,   R.  L,  m.  Samuel  Chace, 
and  lived  at  White  Creek,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Thev  had  one  child  : 

(l)    Silea.,  b.  Dec.   12,  1792,  d.  Jan.  25,  1794. 
They  subsequently  adopted  Anna  Wilkinson,  dau.  of  Jeremiah 
Wilkinson  and  Phebe  (Eldrich)  his  wife. 

Mr.   Chace  was  born  July  16,  1769,  died  Sept.  21,  1826. 

II.  Garner  was  born  (sams  year  of  Napoleon)  in  Cumberland, 
and  married  Aug.  6,  1794.  Olive  Smith.      She  was  born  Oct.  24, 


172  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

iyj4,  at  White  Creek,  N.  Y.,  and  died   April  12,  1849.      They 
had  one  child. 

The  inventive  genius  of  his  father  seemed  to  be  inherited  by 
Garner.  He  moved  to  Cambridge,  N.  Y.,  in  1794.  White 
Creek  and  Jackson  were  included  in  the  town  of  Cambridge  at 
that  time.  His  brothers  Job  and  Jeremiah  soon  followed  him  to 
this  place,  and  they  worked  at  making  scythe  snathes.  Soon  after, 
about  1800,  Garner  purchased  a  farm  and  grist  mill,  and  started 
the  first  carding  machine  in  Washington  county.  In  1807,  he 
converted  the  mill  into  a  cotton  fiictory,  in  1808  he  started  a 
trip-hammer  shop,  and  made  scythes  to  suit  his  sticks.  About  this 
time  in  company  with  Benj.  Merritt  and  others,  he  imported  a  flock 
of  merino  sheep.  A  portion  of  this  flock  was  purchased  by  him 
from  the  company  and  formed  the  "Wilkinson  flock,"  and,  for  ' 
several  years  bore  a  high  reputation  in  that  vicinity.  Job  Wilkinson 
and  Benj.  Peck  imported  the  first  merino  Buck  in  Saratoga  Co., 
and  paid  $1000,  for  him.  They  built  a  woolen  factory  in  Milton, 
Saratoga  Co.,  and  manufactured  the  first  broad-cloth  in  the  state 
of  New  York,  and  Gov.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  had  a  suit  of 
clothes  made  from  it.  They  undertook  to  build  a  cotton  factory 
to  go  by  steam — Gov.  Tompkins  was  to  assist  them,  but  did  not, 
and  they  failed  in  the  attempt.  About  I  81 6,  Job  moved  to 
Penfield,  Monroe,  Co.  and  invented  a  boring  and  morticing 
machine,  and  returning  to  White  Creek,  sold  it  to  Garner  for 
$51500,  and  he  got  it  patented.  In  company  with  Paul  Cornell, 
Isaac  Lacy,  and  three  others,  Garner  built  a  Baptist  church  and, 
also,  an  academy  in  White  Creek  village. 

He  invented  the  Draw  Bridge.  It  was  constructed  in  such  a 
manner  that  the  bridge  and  draw  went  together  without  a  tenon,  or 
mortice,  the  timber  was  halved  and  dovetailed.  He  also,  invented 
the  patent  hub  and  axletree,  and  made  a  two  wheel  buggy — 
drove  it  with  one  horse  to  Washington  from  White  Creek,  and 
secured  a  patent.  The  same  is  now  used  under  cars  and  locomotives 
and  is  denominated  the  "Rolling  Axletree,"  and  enables  the  cars 
to  turn  curves  at  full  speed  without  danger. 


JONATHAN  WILKINSON.  [179]  173 

He  invented  a  pump  intended  for  ships,  it  went  with  a  crank 
and  walking  beam,  and  threw  four  streams  of  water  at  once.  He 
used  to  remark  jokingly,  that  he  could  pump  the  Atlantic  dry  in 
half  a  day.  He  was  intending  to  get  this  invention  patented,  but 
being  overtaken  by  misfortune,  he  was  obliged  to  let  it  drop.  He 
also,  invented  a  patent  window  blind — the  model  is  in  the 
possession  of  his  relatives  at  White  Creek  now.  It  was  so 
arranged  that  the  blinds  on  one  side  of  the  house  could  be  opened 
or  shut  all  at  once. 

All  of  his  inventions  are  noted  for  their  utility,  and  simplicity. 
The  common  expression  concerning  them  is  found  in  Milton; 

"  The  invention  all  admired,  and  each  how  he 
To  be  the  inventor  miss'd  !     So  easv  it  seemed 
Once  touni,  which  yet  unbound  most  would  have  thought 
Impossible." 

Garner  died  at  White  Creek,  N.  Y. 

ni.  Jeremiah  married  Phebe  Eldrich  or  (or  Eldridge)  of 
White  Creek,  N.  Y.  They  had  two  children.  He  was  engaged 
in  business  with  Garner  for  some  time  then  moved  to  Hoosick, 
Renselear  Co.,  N.  Y.  where  he  died. 

IV.  Jonathan,  married  Nov.  19,  1797,  his  own  cousin  Joanna 
Darling,  and  moved  to  Hartford,  Ct.,  about  1798.  Here  in 
company  with  Jeptha  Darling  he  purchased  real  estate,  and  engaged 
in  business.  The  following  extract  from  a  deed  shows  his  place 
of  residence  Sept.  13,  1798. 

"  Know  ye,  that  we  Jonathan  Wilkinson  and  Jeptha  Darling 
both  of  the  town  of  Cumberland,  County  of  Providence,  R.  I., 
in  consideration  of  X80  well  and  truly  paid  by  Manning  Bevans 
of  Hartford,  *  *  do  sell  to  said  Bevans  a  certain  piece  of  land 
situate  in  West  Hartford,  &c."* 

In  presence  of  Jonathan  Wilkinson,  [l.s.] 

Jeremiah  Wilkinson,  Jeptha  Darling,  [l.s.] 

Jonathan  Bull. 

Subsequently,   Oct.    7,    1800,   he   purchased   other  real   estate 

situated  in  the  parish  of  West    Hartford,  on  the   new  highway 

*2i  Book  Town  Records,  p.  95,  Hartford,  Ct. 


174  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

leading  to  Farmington..*  Another  purchase  was  made  of  Luke 
Darling,'!'  and  still  another  of  the  select  men  of  the  town,  viz  : 
John  Cadwell,  Enoch  Perkins,  Elisha  Mix,  on  Nov.  28,  1803. 
Previous  to  his  death  Jonathan  made  a  will  disposing  of  his 
property,  but  not  conforming  to  the  law  in  regard  to  the  number 
of  subscribing  witneses,  it  was  set  aside,  and  his  estate  distributed. 
The  inventory  was  taken  by  Levi  Arnold  and  Charles  Gilbert, 
as  appraisers,  and  his  personal  effects  amounted  to  $1528.57 — 
sworn  to  March  20,  I  809. 

The  following  record,  since  it  mentions  the  names  of  his 
children,  or  that  part  of  them  who  were  then  living,  and  is  all 
the  information  we  have  of  them — is  deemed  worthy  of  place 
here  : 

"Court  of  Probate  held  at  VVeathersfield,  in  and  for  the 
district  of  Hartford,  Jan.  2,  l8og.  Present,  John  Chester^  Esq^ 
Judge. 

Joanna  Wilkinson  and  Ethan  Smith,  Executors  named  in  the 
last  Will  of  Jonathan  Wilkinson — exhibited  the  will  with  but 
two  witnesses — not  allowed. "j; 

Feb.  21,  18 10.  The  estate  was  distributed  by  the  court  as 
follows : 

"  To  Joanna  Wilkinson,  widow  one-third  part  of  the  personal 
property,  also,  one-third  part  of  the  real  estate  during  lite,  and  to 
the  children  the  remaining  part  of  said  estate,  viz  :  Lamed 
Wilkinson,  Joanna  Wilkinson,  and  Samuel  Wilkinson,  to  each 
an  equal  share  of  said  Estate  both  Real  and  Personal.  "J^ 

V.  Job  married  Kesiah  Chace  of  Cumberland,  R.  L.,  and 
moved  to  Milton,  Saratoga  Co.,  N.  Y.  He  was  a  machinist 
and  woolen  manufacturer,  and  was  engiiged  in  building  carding 
machines,  &:c.,  at  Milton,  up  to  1 818.  He  then  moved  to 
Penfield  near  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  where  he  resided  till  1  826,  and 
thence   moved   to  White   Creek,  N.  Y.,  and    engaged   with   his 


"'•■23  Book  Town  Records,  p.  71,  Hartford,  Ct. 
f24  Book  Town  Records,  p.  16,  Kartford,  Ct. 
J29  Book  Town  Records,  p.  15,  Hartford,  Ct. 
y^zi)  Book  Town  Records,  p.  68,  Hartford,  Ct. 


JUDITH  ( WILKINSON)  WAL  CO  TT.  [184]       175 

brother  Garner  in  making  Scythes.  Subsequently  he  returned 
to  Macedon,  Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died.  He  invented 
a  morticing  machine,  and  a  machine  for  napping  cloth,  from 
which  he  derived  considerable  profit.  His  wife  was  a  sister  of 
Samuel  Chace,  who  m.  Anna  W.,  Job's  sister.  She  was  born 
in  I  777,  and  died  Jan.  20,  I  844. 

VI.  RuTii,  the  oldest  child  bv  Jeremiah's  second  wife  was 
born  in  Cumberland,  R.  I.  She  married  Oliver  Follett,  and  had 
six  children,  all  bovs  : 

(i  )  James,  b.  I  803,  m.  1st,  Marv  Arnold;  2nd  A^Iarv  E. 
Aldrich,  r.  Smithfield,  R.  I.  (2)  Edw'in^  b.  March  1 805,  m. 
Melaney  Whitney,  r.  Wrentham,  Mass.,  d.  Apr.  I  5,  1865.  (3) 
Daritel^  b.  June  18,  1806,  m.  Fanny  C.  Burlingame,  residence 
Cumberland,  R.  I.  {^)  Randall^  b.  I  808,  m.  1st  Clarissa  Cargill  ; 
2nd  Sally  Ballou,  r.  Bellingham,  Mass.      (5)    Alvin^  b.    1811,  m. 

Marietta  Sheldon,  r.  Cumberland,  R.  I.       (6)   Dariv'nu  b.  , 

r.  Cumberland,  dead. 

Vni.  Damel,  married  Ruth  Aldrich — had  a  family  of  six 
children,  and  lived  on  the  old  homestead  of  the  elder  Jeremiah,  in 
Cumberland.  R.  I.  Daniel  was  a  man  of  some  note  in  his  own 
town — highly  respected  by  the  community,  and  belonged  to  the 
Friends'  Society. 

IX.  Judith  married  Lewis  Walcott,  Nov.  28,  181 3,  and 
lived  in  Providence.      Their  children  are: 

(1)  Elizabeth  S.  h.  Sept.  I  1,  I  8  14,  m.  April  30,  I  839,  Preston 
Bennett,  resides  in  Providence.  iMr.  B.,  is  a  highly  respected 
citizen,  a  firm  Union  man,  and  an  amateur  in  literary  pursuits. 

(2)  Frances^  b.  June  24,  I  8  I  6,  d.  Nov.  22,  I  8  I  8. 

Judith  was  a  woman  of  great  perseverance  and  energy  of 
character,  and  when  a  little  girl,  she  aided  her  father  in  perfecting 
and  working  the  various  machines  that  he  had  invented  for 
manufacturing  purposes.  She  had  in  her  posession  some  of  the 
silver  spoons  her  father  manufactured,  which  were  probably  the 
first  made  in  the  Colony  of  R.    I.      She    survived  her    husband 


176  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

several  years,  ahd  retained  her  faculties  to  the  last  in  a  remarkable 
manner.      She  was  an  exemplary  wife. 

"  Her  house 
Was  ordered  well ;  her  children  taught  tlie  way 
Of  life;  who  rising  up  in  honor,  called 
Her  blessed." 

XI.  Ja.mes,  married  Rowena  Aldrich,  Nov.  4,  1813.  He 
waa  a  very  ingenious  man,  and  some  of  his  work  is  preserved  by 
different  members  ot  the  family.  His  great  mechanical  skill  i> 
exhibited,  not  only  in  the  articles  made,  but  also,  in  the  fact  that 
he  made  the  tools  with  which  to  manufacture  the  articles. 
Specimens  of  wire  drawn  by  him  so  fine  that  the  orifice  would 
not  admit  the  light  is  still  preserved  ;  and  a  sample  shown  at  the 
great  Wire  Works  in  Worcester,  iMass.,  was  pronounced  to  be 
the  production  of  a  master  workman.  He  was  an  excellent 
mathematician,  and  exceedingly  skillful  with  the  pen  and  surveying 
implements.  As  a  designer  he  had  few  equals,  and  had  he  made 
this  his  business,  and  put  himself  in  the  way  of  employment,  he 
could  have  amassed  a  fortune.  The  works  he  has  left  behin  \ 
him  are  exceedingly  curious.  A  little  steel  trap  to  catch  flies, 
perfect  in  all  its  parts — chain,  spring,  jaws,  teeth,  &c — when  open 
it  would  be  entirely  covered  by  a  small  pea.  But  he  was  not 
only  great  in  little  things — all  his  works  are  eminently  useful. 

He  had  six  children  all  of  whom  married,  and  they  reside  in 
Cumberland,  Providence  and  New  York  City. 

In  the  census  of  1774.  This  family  had  one  male  above 
sixteen  and  three  under,  one  female  above  sixteen  and  one  und^r. 


Simon  WilkTNsox,  ~|  [75]    Jeremiah,''   [19]   Joiin,~   [4], 

A\D  >Lawrance,^  [i]. 

Hannah  Wiiippi.e,  j 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

187.  I.   Vienna,^'  b.  Nov.  18,  1768,  d.  July     2,  1833. 

188.  11.    LuciXA,"'  b.  May  26,    1771,  d.                    1829. 

189.  III.    Hannah,^  b.  Aug.  17,  1777,  d.  Mar.  2r,  1778. 

190.  IV.    Hannah,-'  b-  Oct.  16,  1782,  d.  Nov.    5,   1831. 


VIENNA  ( JVIL  KINS  ON)  SHELD  OiW  [  1 8  7]       177 

I.  Vienna  married  June  26,  1791,  David  Sheldon,  oldest  son 
of  Roger  Sheldon  and  Huldah  ,  Streeter,  his  wife,  and  a  lineal 
descendant  of  the  first  of  the  name  who  settled  in  Providence 
with  Roger  Williams. 

Children : 

(i)  'James  Mannings  b.  Dec.  12,  1791,  rn.  1st  Elizabeth  Betsey 
Ballou  who  was  born  1793,  2d  Sabra  Miller,  b.  March  20,  1794, 
d.  March  15,  1867,  r.  Cumberland.  By  his  ist  wife,  had,  Lucina 
Wilkinson,  b.  Aug.  20,  1810,  m.  James  Thompson;  Ammon 
Metcalf,  b.  March  28,  1812,  m.  Jane  Brightman  ;  Vienna 
Wilkinson  b.  March  ^0,  i  814,  m.  James  Brown  ;  James  Manning, 
b.  March  15,  I  816,  m.  Emeline  Perry;  Thomas  Barney,  b.  Dec. 

17,  1819,  m.  Sarah  Owen;  Horace  Weatherhead,  b.  Aug.  18, 
1823,  m.  Cynthia  A.  Graves,  who  d.  July  15,  1866,  in  Oregon  ; 
Elizabeth  Angeline,  b.  Sept.  i,  1826,  m.  Nelson  White,  r. 
Attleboro,  or  Cumberland. 

(2)  Vienna^h.  July  24,1794,  m.  James  Wilkinson,  r.  Smithfield, 
R.  I.,  New  Berlin,  N.  Y.,  and  Cumberland,  R.  L,  where  she 
died  April  26,  1859.  '^^^  '"''^^  fifteen  children,  vide  family  of  Jas. 
Wilkinson — seventh  generation. 

See  Biography  No.  XIX. 

(3)  Mariamna^  b.  Aug.  15,  I797,m.  George  Whipple,  b.  Dec. 
3,  I  795,  r.  Pawtucket,  R.  L  They  have,  James  M.,  b.  June 
6,  I  8  17,  m.  Susan  Smith  and  had,  George  E.  b.  Feb  21,  1847, 
r.  Valley  Falls,  R.  L  ;  Daniel  P  ,  b.  Feb  25,  1819,  m.  Arrilla  C. 
Greene,  and  had,  Hannah  IV. ^  b.  Jan.  15,  1843,  George  G.,  b. 
Nov.  12,  1844,  Israel  y.,  b.  Aug.  12,  I  847,  Arnold  S.^  b.  April 
I  3,  I  85  I ;  Samuel  C.  b.  Julv  6,  I  82  I,  m.  Hannah  Arnold  ;  he  is 
in  California  ;  Arnold  S.  b.  Aug.  26,  1823,  d.  ;  Ellen  M.  b.  Oct. 
9,  I  825,  m.  Samual  S.  Collyer,  and  had,  Mary  E.^  b.  March  21, 
1854,  Maria  IV.,  b.  July  20,  1858,  d.  Sept.  16.  1868.  Mr. 
C.  is  a  machinist  in  Pawtucket,  R:  I. — member  of  the  Town 
Council,  &c.,-  George  W.  b.  March  16,  1828;  Mary  E.,b.  Aug. 
16,  1830,  m.  Frederic  A.  Potter,  and  has,  Florence  E.,  b.  Sept.  15, 
1857;  John  H.,  b.  Aug.  4,  1833;  Lucian  A.,  b.  Feb.  22,  1835, 
m.  Mary  Brocken.       Mrs.  W.  was   one  of  the  most  amiable  of 

24 


178  FIFTH  GENERJTION. 

women,  and    an   affectionate    mother.      She    died  Feb,  25,  1866, 
greatly  lamented  by  all  who  knew  her. 

(4)  Sitnon  IFhipple,  b.  Oct.  20,  1800,  m.  ist,  P0II7  Arnold 
Ballou,  b.  Feb.  25,  1799,  a  descendant  of  Mathewin  Ballou,  of 
Providence,  1645,  2 J  Sarah  Ann  Dxvis.  By  his  first  wife  he  had 
five  children,  (i)  Albert  Norris,  b.  March  9,  1823,  m.  Frances 
E.  Ladd — has  Jenette,  Albert  N.  d.  1S49,  and  Albert  Smith; 
(2)  Ann  Jane,  b  Nov.  30,  1824,  m.  Eli.is  W.  Rav,  inventor 
of  a  machine  to  knit  india  rubber  cloth  for  shoe  lining  had,  Charles^ 
ivvr/Vr/V  ;  Mr.  Ray  i-;  dead -,  (3)  Olive  Angenette,  b.  Feb.  23, 
l8i8,d.  July  13,  1844;  (4)  William  Whipple,  b.  Dec.  18,  1813,01. 
Ann  Aldnch.  He  was  a  subaltern  artillery  officer  in  the  Union 
army  during  the  Great  Rebellion  ;  (5)  Bailous  Arnold,  b.  June 
25,  I  835,  he  was  veterinary  Surgeon  in  the  Union  Army  during 
the  Rebellion 

Albert  Norris  Sheldon  is  one  of  the  first  lawyers  in  the  State 
of  New  York.  He  has  been  District  Attorney  of  Madison 
County,  and  has  been  repeatedly  urged  to  allow  his  name  to  be 
used  in  the  political  canvass  as  member  of  the  State  Legislature  as 
well  as  member  of  Congress,  but  his  extreme  youth  at  the  time 
probably,  was  the  cause  of  his  declining  the  honor  as  well  as  the 
perils  of  those  high  positions.      He  resides  at  Hamilton,  N.  Y. 

(5)  David  IVllkimon^  b.  Feb.  10,  1804,  m.  Julia  Rhodes,  has 
a  family.  Some  of  his  boys  have  distinguished  themselves  as 
scholars,  r.  Fitchville,  Huron  Co.,  Ohio. 

(6)  IVilUam  Fcyviier^h.  Feb.  11,  1800,  m.  Maria  S.  Brown,  b. 
Nov.  23,  1806,  r.  Union,  Branch  Co.,  Mich.,  has  eight  children: 
Anna  Eliza,  b  Nov.  7,  1830,  rn.  Sept.  5,  1853,  I-^'"-  Hiram  A. 
Curtice  of  P'itchville,  O.,  moved  to  Iowa,  thence  to  Kansas.  She 
died  on  the  Ohio  river  three  miles  below  Louisville,  K.y,  Sept. 
15,  1858,  on  her  way  home.  Benjamin  E.  b.  Jan.  28,  1834, 
graduated  at  Oberlin  College,  was  Prof,  of  Penmanship,  took  the 
first  premium  at  the  State  fair.  He  taught  a  classical  school  at 
Lagrange,  Tenn.,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion,    is   now  a 


HANNAH  [WILKINSON)  METCALF.U:^o\      \- ) 

lawyer,  r.  Napoleon,  O.,  m.  Anna  Dodd,  of  Napoleon,  has  two 
children,  "^^'m.  F,  b.  Oct.  i8.  1835,  m.  Mary  Durv,  has  had 
seven  children,  he  is  a  farmer,  r.  Ambov,  Hillsdale  Co.,  Mich. 
Irwin,  b.  Dec.  15,  i  837,  at  Greenwich,  O.,  d.  Jan.  30,  i  838 
Irving  E.  b.  Feb.  24,  I  839,  m.  3>!argaret  Coe,  of  Plymouth,  O., 
has  three  children,  was  drafted  during  the  rebellion,  his  health  is 
now  poor  in  consequence  of  exposure  in  the  army.  Oscar  F.  b. 
an.  20,  I  84  I,  at  Greenwich,  Ohio,  m.  June  5,  I  864,  Lucy  L. 
White  of  Texas,  Mich.  She  is  dead.  He  was  in  the  Union 
Armv  three  years,  and  was  in  the  following  battles  :  Penn.  Grove, 
Ark.,  New  Ionia,  Mo.,  Chalk  Bluit,  (k:c.  He  was  a  faithful  soldier 
and  a  good  citizen.  James  D.  b.  Nov.  20,  1844,  d.  June  27, 
1853,  Maria  N.,  b.  Aug.  8,  i84i,at  Greenwich,  O,  has  been 
a  teacher,  m.  Andrew  Lyon,  of  Butler,  O.,  r.  Burlington,  }.lich. 
He  is  a  farmer.      They  have  one  child. 

(7)  Riifus  Grcenleaf\  b.  Feb.  8,  1 8 10,  m,  Adelia  D.,  has  one 
daughter.      Fie  was  lost  at  sea. 

"Alone  in  the  dark,  al;)ne  on  the  wave, 

To  buffet  the  storm  alone  ; 
To  struij-gle  aghast  at  thy  watery  grave, 
To  struggle  and  feel  there  is  none  to  save  ! 

GoJ  shield  thee  helpless  one  ! 
The  stout  limbs  yield,  for  their  strength  is  past ; 
The  trembling  hands  on  the  deep  are  cast; 
The  white  brow  gleams  a  mc.ment  more, 
Then  slowly  sinks — the  struggle  is  o'er." 

IV.  Hannah,  married  Ammon  Metcalf  of  Cumberland,  had 
no  childien,  belonged  to  the  Society  of  Friends. 

The  mother  of  this  family  used  to  tell  about  the  Indian 
disturbances  in  Cumberland  when  she  was  a  little  girl.  They 
were  exceedingly  jealous  of  the  encroachments  of  the  white  men, 
and  at  times  they  were  very  fierce  and  troublesome.  On  such 
occasions  a  man  would  come  around  to  the  houses  on  horse-back, 
and  alarm  the  people  and  hasten  them  away  to  a  place  of  sarety. 
The  house  where  Samuel  Whipple  lived,  now  occupied  by  Liberty 
Jenks,  was  made  a  block  house,  and  many  a  time  all  the  inhabitants 
were  obliged  to  flee  to  it  for  refuge  from  the  savages. 

Once  Mr.  Wilkinson,  having  been  alarmed  by  the  sentry  man, 


i8o  FIFTH  GENERJTION. 

had  just  escaped  from  his  house  with  his  family  when  the  Indians 
attacked  it,  hut  finding  the  birds  had  flown,  they  wreaked  their 
vengeance  upon  a  great  hog  which  they  took  from  the  pen  and 
killed.  They  then  pursued  the  flying  family  to  the  block-house, 
but  did  not  overtake  them  before  they  were  safely  enclosed  by  its 
protecting  doors. 

No  one  while  passing  the  quiet  fields  of  Cumberland  at  the 
present  day  would  ever  imagine  that  they  had  been  the  scenes  of 
fierce  and  sanguinary  encounters  between  our  own  kindred  and 
the  ruthless  savages  within  so  short  a  time. 

Benjamin  Wilkinson^   ~|  [76]  Jeremiah,"  [ig]  John,'-  [4] 

AND  -  Lawrance.^  [i] 

Hannah  Staples,  j  =^ 

Of   Cumberland,  R.  I. 

191.  I.   Amey,''  b.  Oct.  26,  1770,  d.  April    4,  1859. 

192.  II.   Benjamin,^  b,  May    8.  1772,  d.  Nov.     3,  1772. 

193.  III.  Welcome,"*         b.  Dec.  10,  1773,  d.  June  20,  1795. 

194.  IV.  VERNUM,'*(383-93)b.  d. 

195.  V.   RussEL,^  b.  d. 

196.  VI.   Cynthia,^  b.  d. 

197.  VII.    Ben  Greex,^'      b.  i78i,d.  July    11,  1806. 
I.   Amey  married  Joseph  Staples. 

Their  children  are  : 

(i)  y^/wy,  b.  Oct.  14,  1792,  m.  Arnold  Wilkinson,  r.  Providence. 

(2)  Cynthia^  b.  April   9,    1794,   m.    Levi   Jenks,    r.    Manville, 
R.  I.,  died  May,  1855. 

(3)  Welcome  Wilkinson  ^\i.  March    10,  1796,  m.    Phebe    Eddy, 
lived  in  New  York. 

(4)  Parley^  b.  Aug.  25,  I797,m.  John  Atwood,  r.  Providence. 

(5)  'Julia^  b ,  m.  I,  Benjamin  Stoddard  ;   2,  Amos  Lane, 

r.  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

III.  Welcome  never  married — was  drowned  in  the  Pawtucket 
River. 


^'Census  of  1774,  i  male  above  16,  i  under;    i  female  above,  2  under. 


9 

PRESTON  TVILKINSON.  [199]  181 

"  An.l  the  youthful  and  the  brave, 
With  their  beauty  and  renown, 
To  the  hollow  chambers  of  the  wave 

In  darkness  have  gone  dcwn. 
Thev  are  vanished  from  their  place  — 

Let  their  homes  make  moan  ! 
But  the  rolling  waters  keep  no  trace 
Of  pang  or  conflict  gone." 

Hcmans. 

IV.  Vet.num  married  Freelo\'e  Glazier,  in  1800.  Thev  had 
a  family  of  eleven  children,  his  boys  all  died  young  and  unmarried. 
The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line.  Vernum  mov  ed  from  Providence, 
to  New  York,  and  his  daughters  married  and  live  in  the  latter 
citv. 

V.  RrssEL  married  Peggy  Folger.  They  had  no  children — 
resided  in  New  York  City. 

VI.  Cynthia  married  John  Sprague. 
Their  children  are: 

(i)  Poll}\  m.  a  Cook,  r.  Cumberland,  R.  I.  (2)  Hannah^  m. 
Robert   L.  Bogardus,  r.    White    Hall,  N.    Y.      (3)   Eliza^  m.   a 

Carpenter,  r,  Pawtucket,  R.  I.      (4)   yohn^m.  ,  r.  Cranston, 

R.  1. 


Stephen   Wilkinson*   )  [81]  Jeremiah,'^  [19]  John,-  [4] 
Elizabeth  Sheldon,         Lawrance.'  [i] 
Lucy  Batsford,  j 

Of  Covington,  Wyoming  Co.,  N.  Y. 

198    I.   Sally,^  b.  Oct.  17,  1792,  d. 

199.  II.  Preston,^  b. 

200.  III.   Manning,^  b.  d. 

201.  IV.   Leonard,^  b.  d. 

202.  V,   RuF.us,=^    (394-402)    b.  Feb.    16,  1798, 

203.  VI.   Lewis,^  (403-409)    b.  Aug.     8,  1800, 

204.  VII.  Barton  B. , -^(410-41  i)b.  April  22,  1802, 

II.  Preston  never  married — he  had  a  fever  which  settled  in 
his  limbs,  and  made  him  a  cripple.  He  lives  in  Yatesville,  Yates 
County,  N.  Y. 


,82  FIFJH  GENERJTION. 

V.  RuFUS,  married  Mrs.  Eliza  A.  Jacobs,  about  1821.  Her 
maiden  name,  Pateridge.  They  had  nine  children,  four  of  them 
are  dead. 

VI.  Lewis  married  Emily  M.  Smith.  They  have  seven 
children,  and  live  at  Door  Village,  La  Porte,  Co.,  Ind.  He  is  a 
farmer. 

VIL  Barton  Brentox  married  Marv  Louis  Trowbridge, 
Dec.  25,  1844.  She  died  Sept.  1856,  lea\ing  two  children.  He 
lives  at  Aroma,  111. 


Jeptjia  Wilicinson,M  [82]    Jeremiah,'^    [19]   John,-   [4] 

AND  -LawRANCE,'    [i] 

Lucy  Smith,  ) 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

205.  I.  Alpiia,^         b.  Oct.  12,  1784,  d.  Feb.  12,  1857. 

206.  II.  Nancy,-^         b.  Jan.  18,  1786, 

207.  III.  ARKoLD,^(4i2-i9)b.  A'lay  25,  1787, 

208.  IV.  Ransom'^  (420-42 1  )b.  Mar.  4,  1789,  d. 

209.  V.  Jeptiia  AvERY,^(422-35)b.  Apr.  23,  1791. 

210.  VI,  Lucy,-'         b.  Aug.  11,  1792. 

211.  VII.   Mary  Anx,'         b.  Sept.  23,  1793. 

212.  VIII.   Abigail  Amy,-^  b.  June    4,  1798,  d. 

I.  Alpha  was  born  in  the  town  of  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  and, 
at  the  ao;e  of  twenty  came  with  her  mother,  who  was  then  a  widow, 
to  Perm  Yan,  N.  Y,)^  Here  she  married  Melchior  Wagener,  Y- 
moved  to  Pulteney,  Steuben,  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Wagener  was 
the  son  of  David  Wagener  who  brought  the  Friend  Jemima 
Wilkinson,  from  .Montgomery,  Co.,  Penn.  to  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y. 
in  1789.  He  was  one  of  her  society  and  gave  her  a  ftirm,  with 
the  proceeds  of  which  she  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land,  called 
the  '•  P^-iend's  Tract,"  nov/  the  town  of  Jerusalem,  Yates  Co. 
He  settled  at  Penn  Yan,  which  has  since  become  the  count\- 
seat;  and  built  the  first  mills  in  this  vicinity.  Melchior  built  the 
first  saw-mill  in  the  townof  Pulteney  in  1810,  and  the  firstgrist-mill 


,  NJXCr  {JVILKINSON)  POTTER.  [206]  183 

in  1 814.*  They  had  eleven  children,  active,  energetic  men  and 
women,  and  useful  members  of  society,  highly  respected  for  their 
inteo-ritv,  industry  and  benevolence.  Some  of  them  have  manifested 
the  in\entive  genius  common  to  this  branch  of  the  Wilkinson 
family.      Their  children  were: 

(1)  Lo-olnia^  b.  Sept.  6,  1807,  m.  Wm.  Chandler,  r.  WoodhuU, 
Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y. 

(2)  Sarah,  b.  Sept.  2  I,  I  808,  m.  Joseph  Lee,  r.  Fulteney,  N.  Y. 

(3)  Zz/rv,  b.  Apr.  I  7,  1810,  m.  Nathn'l  Pierce,  r.  Woodhall, 
N.  Y. 

(4)  Nancy,  b.  July  7,  18  li,  d.  April,  12,  I  812^,-  •    _,.■  ^  ,■  -^ 

^.:i^    (5)  Washington    W.  b.    Oct.  10,  181*2,  m.  l^^si^'^.   l^rench,       u 
d.  I  846. 

(6)  Ann^  b.  April  4,  I  8  i  5,  m.  David  Osburn,  r.  Pulteney,  N.  Y. 

(7)  Melchior^  b.  July  12,  1 8 1  6,  m.  Laura  M.  Matthews,  r. 
Pulteney,  N.  Y. 

(8)  Jacoh^  b.  April  23,  I  8  18,  m.  Harriett  Rice,  r.  Pulteney, 
N.' Y. 

(91  Jeptha  Jvery.,  b.  March  26,1821,  m.  1st,  Maria  L. 
Hollenback,  who  died  April,  19,  1863,  aged  24  yrs.  2  mos.  8 
days,  leaving  one  son  George  W.,  born  Jan.  19,  1863,  2nd  m., 
Charlotte  Waggoner  of  East  New  York,  March  4,  1865,  and 
by  his  last  wife  has  one  son,  Albert  Avery,  born,  Dec.  3,  1865. 
These  children  are  both  living,  bright,  active  boys.  Mr.  Wagener 
is  an  inventor,  and  has  had  a  number  of  patents  issued  from  the 
Patent  Office,  Washington, 

(10)  David  S.,  b.  Oct.  18,  1823,  m.  Mary  A.  McArthur,  r. 
Pulteney,  N.   Y. 

(11)  Samuel  L.  b.  Sept  3,  1826,  m.  Mary  Johnson,  r.  Hector, 
Schulyer  Co.,  N.  Y. 

n.  NAXcy,  was  born  in  Cumberland,  R.  L  and  came  to 
Jerusalem,  Ontario,  Co.,  N.  Y.  in  1807.  The  journey  from 
Providence  to  Penn  Yan  occupied  thirty-one  days.      She  married 


*See  N.  Y.  G.izetteer,  p.  62.6. 


i84  FIFTH  GENER.rnON. 

for  her  first  husband  in  i  808,  John  Potter,  son  of  Thomas  Hazard 
Potter,  who  married  Patience  Wilkinson,  sister  of  Jemima,  and 
consequentlv  her  own  cousin.  The  wedding  took  place  on 
Sunday,  and  Monday  a  frame  house  was  erected  for  them  on  a 
farm  of  336  acres  in  the  town  of  Potter,  now  Yates  Co.,  near 
where  she  now  resides.  There  were  30  or  40  acres  cleared,  and 
they  commenced  life  with  fair  prospects.  At  that  time  the  country 
was  a  wilderness — with  no  roads — not  eyena  wagon  track.  Blaized 
trees  and  Indian  trails  were  the  guides  to  the  early  settlers'  home 
in  the  forests.  An  Indian  camp  was  near  by,  wolyes  and  panthers 
were  very  plenty,  and  awakened  mid-night  echoes  all  around  them. 
One  day  she  was  on  a  vi^it  to  a  neighbors  a  few  miles  away,  and 
night  coming  on  ere  they  were  aware,  she  mounted  her  horse,  and, 
with  her  infant  babe  in  her  arms,  made  her  way  through  the  dense 
woods  towards  home.  The  wolves  were  soon  howling  upon  her 
track,  and  she  urged  her  horse  to  the  top  ot  his  speed  in  order  to 
pass  a  certain  dismal  place  before  they  should  overtake  her. 
Fortunately  she  arrived  home  in  safety.  In  a  ravine  near  by  was 
a  place  called  the  wolves'  howling  place.  Here  they  appeared  to 
congregate,  and  make  night  hideous  by  their  incessant  and  prolonged 
howling.  The  concert  would  commence  with  a  solitary  howl 
from  the  eastern  hills,  which  would  be  replied  to  from  a  western 
acclivity,  and  then  another  from  the  north,  and  a  fourth  from  the 
south  until  the  whole  forests  resounded  with  their  dismal  bowlings. 
Mrs.  Potter  introduced  straw  braiding,  and  rnaking  hats  which 
were  in  great  demand  at  that  time.  In  1813  Mr.  Potter  erected 
the  first  saw-mill  on  his  farm,  and  afterwards,  while  aiding  in 
similar  enterprises  farther  down  the  stream,  he  became  involved 
in  consequence  of  fire,  and  lost  several  thousand  dollars.  All  this  ' 
tract  of  country  from  the  centre  of  Seneca  Lake  to  the  middle  of 
Canandagua  Lake — 44000  acres,  was  originally  purchased  by  the 
Potters.  It  is  a  fertile  and  beautiful  section  well  wooded  and 
watered,  and  well  adapted  to  grain  and  grazing.  Mr.  Potter  died 
in  1854.      Mrs.  Potter  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  80 — a 


XJXCr  ( JVILKIXSON)  PO  TTER.  [206]  1 85 

woman  of  remarkable  energv  and  perseverance.  She  sa\s,  she 
has  seen  that  country  "'from  a  wilderness  to  a  garden."  In  1862 
she  married  for  a  second  husband  James  Johnson,  and  still  resides 
in  the  town  of  Potter  near  her  first  residence  there,  in  a  house  of 
her  own  building.  B7  her  first  husband  she  had  nine  children, 
some  of  whom  have  lived  and  become  distinguished  in  their  callings. 
They  are  as  follows  . 

(1)  Eliza  A.  b.  June  20,  1809,  m.  Feb.  27.  1827,  by  Rev. 
Dennison  Smith,  M.  E.  C.  r.  at  Middlesex,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to 
John  H.  Glcason,  son  cf  John  Glcason  and  Anna  Holnics,  his 
wife.  He  was  born  April  6,  1799,  in  Pomfret,  Ct.  The\-  ha\e 
(i)  George  Henrw  b.  May  i,  1830,  d.  Dec.  29,  1831;  (2) 
Harriet  Ann,  b.  Jan.  6,  1835,  m.  Peleg  Gardner;  (3)  Edwin 
Henry,  b.  Feb.  19,  1836,  d.  Feb.  28,  1837  ;  (4)  Helen  Mar.  b. 
June  9,  1840,  m.   Melville  W.  Robert. 

(2)  Ha%ard  Arnold,  h.  Dec.  21,  1 8 1 0,  m.  |Louisa  Ballon  of 
Cumberland,  R.  L,  resides  at  Gene\'a,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Pottei-  is  a 
practicing  physician.  He  has  great  reputation  as  a  surgeon.  He 
He  studied  with  Dr.  Frank  Potter  of  Penn  Yan — a  coumii — • 
attended  Lectures  at  Boston,  Alass.,  Bowdoin  College,  Maine, 
Dartmouth  College,  N.  H.,  and  took  his  diploma  at  Bowdoin- 
He  first  settled  on  Cumberland  Hill,  R.  L,  then  in  Potter,  ^  ;'.tes 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  hid  a  good  practice  in  both  places.  He  niu\  ed 
thence  to  Battle  Creek,  Mich.,  where  he  remained  some  time, 
and  in  1855,  remo\cd  to  Geneva,  where  he  now  reside.'-.  He 
was  principal  surgeon  in  the  Army  during  the  Great  Rebt  Hion. 
As  a  surgical  operator  no  man  in  America  has  a  more  extend 
reputation,  and  in  Europe  he  is  well  known.  An  account  otOne 
of  his  operations  appeared  in  the  March  No.  of  the  '•  New 
York  Medical  Journal  of  Collateral  Sciences."  He  was  tlu-  iirst 
to  operate  upon  the  spine,  and  frequent  mention  is  made  of  his 
surgical  exploits  in  the  public  prints.  He  has  a  son  of  gnat 
promise,  now  a  surgeon  in  the  army — a  graduate  of  Ilobcrt 
Coll--. 


25 


i86  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

(3)  Jeptha  Au:ry^  b.  Aoril  24..  1813,  rnarrieJ,  Aug.  27,  1 840, 
Sarah,  daughter  of  Noah  Davis,  a  native  of  Wales,  has  no 
children.  He  has  interested  himself  in  taking  boys,  and  educating 
them  in  the  business  of  farming,  one  of  whom  is  now  the  owner 
of  a  farm  in  Michigan.  He  resides  on  the  old  homestead  in  the 
town  of  Potter,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  owns  a  farm  of  320 
acres  which  is  worth  more  to-day  than  the  44000  bought  by  his 
ancestors  at  the  time  of  their  purchase.  He  is  engaged  in  the  sheep 
business  and  owns  the  best  stock  sheep  in  the  world.  He  paid 
$3000  for  a  s'ngle  buck  which  he  found  in  the  state  of  Vermont, 
and  values  him  at  {^4.000.  This  sheep  sheared  thirty-one  and 
a  half  pounds  in  1865,  and  paid  for  himself  within  a  year  or  two 
from  the  time  he  was  bought. 

Mr.  Potter  is  an  active  member  of  the  Methodist  Church  with 
which  he  united  in  1847,  during  the  pastorate  ot  Rev.  George 
Wilkinson.  He  has  been  frequently  solicited  to  accept  town  and 
county  offices,  but  declines  the  honor. 

(4)  yohn  lV'ilkinson^\>.  Sept.  9,  1816,  studied  medicine  with 
his  brother  Haz,ARD — attended  lectures  at  Geneva  Medical 
College  where  he  took  his  diploma.  He  was  never  settled  but 
practiced  in  different  places — was  never  married — resided  for  a 
time  at  Prattsbergh,  N.  Y.,  and  died  July  il,  1856,  from  the 
eflects  of  virus  taken  from  a  fractured  arm  of  a  patient,  at  the 
age  of  40.       He  was  a  prominent  and   promising  young  man. 

(5)  JVilliam.^  b.  Oct.  5,  1818,  m.  Teresa  Barse,  resided  at 
Avoca,  N.  Y. 

(6)  Nancy  Jtui^  b.  April  27,  1821,  resided  at  Potter,  N.  Y.,  d. 
July  27,  1822. 

(7)  Jlvira  Ann^  b.  March  16,  1823,  m.  Albert  Angell,  r. 
Providence,  R.  I. 

(8)  Edward  Pitt ^  b.   Dec.  30,  1824,  m.  Elizabeth   Moore,    r. 

Yatesville,  N.  Y.      He  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  with 

his  brother  Hazard,  but  never  completed  his  studies.      He   was  a 

natural  mechanic,  and  was   accidently  killed    March  4,  1852,  by 
being  shot  while  out  hunting. 


MAR  r  JNN  ( WILKINSON)  GARDNER .[211]     187 

(9)  Henry  Dexter,  b.  Dec.  23,  1 828,  r,  Potter,  N.  Y.,  d. 
April  4,    1829. 

III.  Arnold  married  Amey  Staples,  daughiier  of  Joseph  Staples, 
and  Amey  (Wilkinson)  his  wife — a  relative.  They  have  had 
eleven  children,  three  unnamed.  Arnold  at  one  time  w^s 
engaged  with  Israel  Wilkinson,  in  the  wire  drawing  business  at 
Needham,  Mass.,  and,  also,  with  his  brother  Jeptha  Avery  in  the 
steel-reed  business  iji  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  now  resides. 
His  sons  are  active,  energetic,  business  men,  skilful  mechanics 
and  very  much  respected  by  their  acquaintances. 

IV.  RANSo:\r,  married  Thankful  Cole,  and  resided  at  Greenbush, 
Monmouth  Countv,  111.  He  died  leaving  two  children.  His 
estate  has  never  been  administerd,  and  is  occupied  by  a  man  by 
the  name  of  Smith  who  pays  a  rental. 

V.  Jeptka  Avery,  married  Sarah  H.  Gibson,  whom  he  met 
at  Paris  in  France.  She  was  the  daughter  of  John  H.  Gibson,  a 
wealthy  gentleman  of  London.  He  ranked  high  in  birth  and 
influence,  being  an  English  Barrister,  and  Notary  Public,  and  -t 
(me  time  refused  the  office  of  Mayor  of  London.  Her  mother 
was  a  near  relation  of  the  Douglasses  oi"  Douglass  Castle, 
Scotland.  They  have  had  fourteen  children,  and  the  family 
reside  at  South  Haven,  Suffolk  Co.,  L.  I.  Mr.  W,  is  an  inventor, 
and  is  at  present  in  London,  England,  superintending  his  great 
Printing  Press,  the  most  remarkable  invention  in  the  world.  See 
Biography   No.  XX. 

VI.  Lucy,  was  born  in  Pro\idence,  R.  I.,  married  John  D. 
Williams,  reside  at  Summerlield,  Monroe  Co.,  Mich.  They 
have  no  children,  but  she  is  noted  for  her  active  bcne\olence  in 
taking  orphan  children,  and  bringing  them  up  until  able  to  care 
for  themselves. 

"  Nor  does  she  wait  till  to  her  door  the  voice 
Ot' Supplication  comss;  but  goes  abroad, 
With  toot  as  silent  as  the  starry  dews 
In  search  of  misery  that  pines  unseen, 
And  will  not  ask." 

VII.  Mary  Anx,  married  Ebenezer  Gardner,  whose  parents 
resided  on  the  eastern  part  of  Long  Island  at    Hampton.      They 


1 88  FIFTH  GENERATION. 

ino\  cd  to  Warren,  Pa.  in  i<'^33,  and  thence  to  Rock  Island,  111., 
where  he  died.  They  had  several  children  but  the  following  are 
all  the  names  we  have  been  able  to  obtain  . 

(l  )  Ehenezn-;  (2)  Mary  Ann;  (3)  Henry;  (4)  Anch;  (5)  Abigail; 
(6)  Daniel. 

The  following  incident  is  vouched  for  by  a  near  relative :  Mr. 
Gardner  when  a  young  man,  fell  in  Icjve  with  a  young  lady  of 
poor,  but  respectable  parents,  and  his  tolks  being  of  an  aristocratic 
and  wealthy  family,  objected  to  the  marriage  and  drove  him  from 
home.  He  left  and  never  returned.  While  in  one  of  the  states 
he  met  with,  and  married  Mary  Ann,  but  would  ne\er  tell  his 
wife,  or  family  anything  concerning  his  ancestry  and  died  without 
divulging  the  secret.  Recently  more  has  been  learned  of  his 
father's  family,  as  we  have  stated  aboxe. 

Since  his  death,  his  wife  has  taken  a  son  and  daughter,  and 
drove  a  herd  of  cows  yoked  mostly  to  wagons,  across  the  plains 
and  o\'er  the  mountains  to  California,  where  she  has  for  the  past 
few  years,  been  engaged  in  the  dairy  business.  She  is  not  wanting 
in  the  spirit  of  adventure,  and  when  they  eiect  a  monument  on 
the  Pacific  coast  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  remarkable  characters 
and  great  deeds,  her  name  should  occupy  a  prominent  niche,  and 
her  expedition,  and  enterprise  should  be  fully  recorded.  In 
comparing  her  deeds  with  the  early  pioneers'  wives  in  the  fu'st 
settlement  of  the  countr\-,  we  may  truly  conclude  that  women 
have  not  degenerated. 

VIII.  Abk;ail  Amy,  married  for  a  first  husband  James  West, 
and  had  children  : 

(l)  James;  (2)  Jane  Margaret. 

She  has  since  married  Abraham  Lent,  and  lived  for  a  time  in 
Benton,  N.  Y.,  and  mo\'ed  thence  to  Ohio,  and  thence  to  Michigan 
where  she  died. 


SIXTH   GENERATION. 


Jacob  Wilkinson''      ^  [99]    Israel/     [29]    Samuel,"   [8] 

AND  -Samuel,-'  [2]  Lawrance.^  [i] 

AIarv  Potter.  j 

Of  Smitiifield,  R.  I. 

213.   I.    CVNTIHA,''  b.  May  2,  1764,  d.  July  29,  1826. 

I.     CYNTHIA. 

YNTHIA  married,  Oct.  10,  1784,  Welcome  Capron,  of 
Cumberland,  R.  I.  He  was  born  in  Attleboro,  Mass., 
March  10,  1766,  and  after  his  marriage  resided  iii  Smithheld  or 
Cumberland.*  In  the  spring  of  1794,  they  mo\'ed  to  Easton, 
Washington  Co.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Capron  was  a  blacksmith  and  a 
farmer,  a;id  carried  on  business  at  this  place  for  a  short  time. 
Thev  subsequently  mo\  ed  to  Broadalbin,  Montgomery  Co.,  (now 
Fulton  Co.,)  N.  v.,  where  thev  both  joined  the  Quakers,  and 
died  in  that  connection.      Their  children  were: 

(I)  J/n-oI^^  b.  Feb.  26,    1785,   m.   Hiscox,   r.   Smithfield, 

R.  I.,  d.  Aug.  25,  1826-,  (2)  Martha^  b.  Sept.  16,  1786,  m. 
Edward  Robinson,  r.  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  dead;  (3)  Orion^  b.  July 
10,  1788,  m.  Rosalind  Knight,  r.  Smithfield,  R.  I.  ;  (4)  Barton^ 
b.  June  23,  I  790,  m.  Sallv  Benson,  r.  Smithfield,  R.  I. ;  (5)  Welcome^ 
b.  Aug.  14,  1792,  m.  Maria  Hines,  r.  Smithfield,  R.  I.;  (6) 
Benjamin  tVing^  b.  Aug.  13,  I  794,  m.  Hannah  Capron,  2, ,  r. 


*Welccme  and  his  wife  sold  all  their  lands,  (except  13  ?nd  one-halt  acres)  in 
Cumberland  to  Rob.'rt  and  Israel  Wilkinson  Jr.,  in  178^.  See7th  Book  ot  Deeds,  p.  152, 
Tjwn  ot  Cumberland. 


1 90  SIXTH  GENE  R  A  TIO N. 

Moreland,  Schuyler  Co.,  N.  Y.  ;  (7)  Dav'id^  b.  April  16,  1797, 
m.  Mary  Knight,  r.  Easton,  N.  Y.,  d.  Aug.  21,  \'^T^i)\(%)  Laban^ 
b  Dec.  17,  1 80  I,  m.  Maria  Schofield,  r.  Easton,  N.  Y.  •,  (9)  FA'iab 
JVilkimon^  b,  Oct.  28,  1 804,  unm.  r.  Easton,  N,  Y.,'d.  July  2, 
1826. 

Mr.  Capron  died  Jan.  3,  1841,  having  survived  his  wife  fifteen 
years.  They  are  both  buried  in  the  town  of  Mayfield,  Fulton 
Co.,  N.  Y.  Mrs.  Marv  Wilkinson  their  mother  always  resided 
with  them  and  is  buried  in  the  same  cemetery.  Three  of  this 
family  are  ministers  of  the  Gospel.  Jacob  was  a  christian  minister, 
a  faithful  servant  in  his  Master's  vin:yard;  is  not  living.  Barton 
is  a  Baptist  minister,  lives  in  Preble,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  ' 
served  over  fifty  years.  He  was  a  good  Pastor  and  a  good  preacher, 
is  not  preaching  now  in  consequence  of  advanced  age. 

Benjamin  Wing  Caprox  is  a  Baptist  minister  and  is  still  in 
his  Master's  service  proclaiming  the  Everlasting  Gospel.  In  a 
letter  to  the  author  bearing  date,  March,  1S65,  he  says:  ^' Fifty 
years  ago  this  present  month,  the  third  Lord's  day  evening,  I 
preached  my  first  sermon  from  the  words — '  Te  must  he  horn  again^^ 
John  3  :  7, — and  the  following  August  was  licensed  by  the  church, 
and  in  the  spring  of  1819,  I  labored  as  pastor  of  the  second 
church  in  Lorrian,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  on  the  first  day  of 
July  of  the  same  year  I  received  ordination  at  the  hands  of  an 
Ecclesiastical  Council." 

He  continued  his  labors  at  Lorrian  for  two  years  and  baptized 
seven,  and  married  three  couple.  He  then  moved  in  the  spring 
of  1821,  to  Freetown,  Cortland.  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  commenced 
labor  with  the  church  of  P'reetown  and  Marathon.  In  August 
following  a  revival  commenced  that  continued  through  the  fall 
and  winter.  It  was  at  this  place  that  he  baptized  Mr.  Backus, 
the  grandfather  of  the  present  distinguished  Dr.  Backus  of  New 
York.  The  following  anecdote  concerning  him  is  worth 
preserving:  Mr.  Backus  was  90  yrs,  6  mos  old  when  he  was 
baptized.      The  preceding  Friday  he  had  told  his  experience  and 


CYNTHIA  [IVILKINSON]  CAPRON.  [213]     191 

dated  his  conversion  some  sixty  years  before.  It  was  satisfactory 
to  the  church,  and  it  was  voted  that  he  be  received  as  a  candidate 
for  baptism  and  church  membership,  but  it  was  thought  advisable 
to  postpone  the  ordinance  till  Sunday.  The  old  man  replied,  "he 
had  no  objection,  if  it  would  not  he  waiting  too  long.'' 

Mr.  Capron  remained  at  Freetown  eight  years  when  the  church 
became  two  bands,  and  the  Marathon  church  was  organized  with 
sixty  members  Mr.  Capron  and  his  wife  being  two  of  its  constituent 
members.  Here  he  preached  tour  years  and  the  church  enjoyed  a 
most  precious  revival.  Twenty-four  were  baptized  among  whorii 
were  two  of  his  own  children.  When  he  left,  the  church  numbered 
130  members,  and  during  the  twelve  years  he  spent  at  Freetown? 
he  baptized  137  persons  and  married  79  couple.  He  then  moved 
to  the  town  of  Groton,  and  settled  with  the  church  in  McLean, 
where  he  remained  two  years,  and  baptized  seventeen  and  married 
nine  couple.  His  next  place  ot  labor  was  Marcellus,  Onondaga, 
Co.,  where  he  remained  five  years,  and  baptized  thirty-nine,  and 
married  twenty-lour  couple.  Thence  he  moved  to  Sempronius 
where  he  resided  six  years  during  which  time  he  baptized  forty-eight, 
and  married  thirty-one  couple.  After  closing  his  service  here  he 
went  to  Port  Byron,  Cayuga,  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  preached 
about  four  years,  baptizing  nine  candidates,  and  married  twenty-five 
\couple.  Thence  he  moved  to  Hannibal,  Oswego,  Co.,  and  during 
a  stay  of  two  years  he  baptized  sixteen  and  married  seven  couple. 
Thence  he  went  to  Romulus,  Seneca,  Co.  ;  thence  to  Reading 
Centre,  Schuyler  Co.  ;  thence  to  Whitesville  ;  thence  to  Spring 
Mills,  Alleghany,  Co.,  and  preached  in  Bingham,  Potter,  Co., 
Pa.,  where  he  was  favored  with  another  revival,  and  in  the  spring 
he  organized  a  church  there,  and  in  May  following  he  baptized 
into  its  fellowship  twenty-four,  and  for  sometime  he  labored  in 
three  different  places.  He  visited  Alleghany,  Potter  Co.,  Pa., 
and  after  preaching  a  few  times  he  organized  a  church,  which, 
was  recognized  by  a  council — he  preaching  the  recognition  sermon. 
During  his  services  with  the  Bingham  church,  by  request  he  went 


iy2  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

to  Greenwood,  Steuben,  Co.,  and  organized  a  church  and  received 
six  the  same  day  as  candidates  for  baptism.  At  the  following 
places,  viz:  Bingham,  x^Ueghanv,  West  Union,  Greenwood  and 
Troupsburgh  he  buried  in  baptism  sixty  converts,  and  married 
fifteen  couple.  During  the  last  two  years  he  has  been  pastor  of 
the  church  in  Jasper,  Steuben,  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  is  now  July, 
1866,  at  Moreland,  Schuyler,  Co.,  N.  Y.  The  denomination 
cannot  boast  of  a  more  industrious  man,  and  his  labors  have  been 
owned  and  blessed  of  God,  as  the  following  recapitulation  plainly 
indicates.  During  his  ministry  he  has  organized  four  churches, 
baptized  three  hundred  and  thirty  converts,  married  tivo  hundred 
and  eight  couples,  and  for  the  last  twenty-eight  years  of  his 
ministry  he  has  preached  3708  sermons,  besides  attending  a  large 
number  of  funerals. 

In  concluding  the  letter  above  alluded  to,  he  says:  "In 
reviewing  my  labors  I  find  abundant  cause  for  self-abasement, 
and  if  I  have  been  instrumental  in  doing  any  good  in  Zion — to 
God,  ever  blessed,  belongs  all  the  glory." 

Rev.  Mr.  Capron  has  been  twice  married,  and  has  had  the 
privilege  of  baptizing  seven  of  his  own  children,  and  his  present 
wife.  When  we  review  the  life  of  this  poor  Baptist  minister, 
and  witness  his  toils  and  strug2;les  amid  the  buffetinTs  and   taunts 

or?  o 

of  a  gainsaying  world — when  we  behold  his  labors  for  the  good 
of  others  amid  poverty  and  want,  beset  and  crippled  by  the 
covetousness  of  worldly  church  members — still  toiling  on  till  the 
shadows  of  his  declining  sun  are  lengthening  over  the  weary  pathway 
of  his  earthly  sojourn,  can  we  doubt  for  a  moment  that  there 
exists  in  his  mind  a  firm  conviction  of  the  divine  reality  of  the 
religion  of  Jesus  Christ  !  Not  th^  favor  of  min,  but:  the  grace 
of  God  is  his  reward  here,  and  hereafter,  ''  Life  Everlasting  in 
the  realms  of  glory." 


MJRr  friLKINSON.    [lib]  193 

Israel  Wilkixson"       ^  [100]    Israel/  [29]    Samuel/  [8] 

AND  Samuel,'-  [2]  Lawranch.  [i] 

Silence  Ballou,  ) 

Of  SMniiFiKLD,  R.  I. 

214.  I.    Abigail,''  b.  June  27,  1772,  d.  May  2,  1845. 

215.  II.   A  Sox,''  b.  March  13,  1775,  d.  at  birth. 

216.  III.    Mary,''  b.  Jan.  12,  1776,  d,  Nov.  5,  1861. 

217.  IV.   A  SoN,*^  b.  Nov.  18,  1777,  d.  at  birth. 

218.  V.    Martha,'"'  b.  Oct.  24,  1780,  d. 

219.  VI.  A  Daughter,*'        b.  Oct.  16,  1783,  d.  at  birth. 

220.  VII.  James,"  (436-450)  b.  March  2,  1786,  d. 

221.  VIII.  IsRAEL,''(45i-454)b.  March  23, 1789, d.  Oct.  18, 1820. 
IX.   Silence,"  b.  Aprir28,  1791,  d.  Sept.  27,  181  7. 

I.  Abigail,  and  all  of  this  family,  were  born  at  the  old  homestead 
in  the  town  of  Smithtield.  Here  she  resided  till  she  was  38  years 
<,)ld,  then  moved  to  Cumberland  Hill,  and  subsequentlv  to  the 
town  of  New  Berlin,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.  She  returned  to 
Rhode  Island  in  1837,  and  died  at  Mark  Aldrich's  in  her  native 
town,  aged  73.  She  was  ne\  er  married,  and  is  buried  in  her 
father's  ''burying  ground." 

III.  Mary,  resided  at  the  homestead  for  34  vears,  then  moved 
to  Cumberland  Plill  where  she  built  a  house,  and  married  Amasa 
Cook,  and  for  a  second  husband  Jesse  Brown,  Upon  his  death 
she  mo\'ed  to  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  where  she  died  at  the  advanced 
age  of  85,  having  lived  from  the  commencement  of  the  war  of  the 
Revolution  to  the  commencement  of  the  Great  Rebellion.  She 
left  two  sons  : 

(i)  Rensselear  S.  (Filkinson^  b.  Nov.  2,  1805,  d.  Aug.  19,  1859. 

(2)  Elliott  IVilkhiion^  b.  June  13,    i(Si8,   in   Cumberland    R.    I. 

^^;;-f.r^/f(7r married  Mav  23,  1829,  for  his  first  wife  Ann  Streeter, 
a  beautiful  voung  ladv  just  in  the  bloom  of  life,  but  she  faded 
like  the  morning  flower,  and  left  manv  to  lament  her  loss,  but 
none  more  sad  and  desolate  than  her  bereaved  husband.  He 
married  Apr.  30,  1840,  for  a  second  wife,  Maria  Ann  Ballou. 

26 


ic,4  SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

Bv  his  first  wife  he  had,  Marion  Wallace,  b.  April  2,  1830,  at 
Cumberland,  R.  1.,  m.  Oct.  16,  1849,  Samuel  Rollin  Daniels  of 
Lockport  ;  they  have,  Rensselear  tVilkinson^  b.  Oct.  6..  185I  ; 
IFm  Russel,  b.  Sept.  13,  1853,  ^-  -^P^-  ^'^•>  ^^'5^  5  George  Samuel^ 
b.  May  27,  1857  •,  Frances  Marion^  b.  March  I,  1864.  The 
ancestors  of  Mr.  Daniels  were  residents  of  Vermont,  and  his 
grandfather  was  killed  by  the  Indians  in  the  early  settlement  of 
that  state.  He  is  an  active  business  man,  resides  in  Lockport, 
N.  Y.  ;  Ann  Gray,  d.  Apr.  9,  1833  '  Rensselear  Gray,  b.  Apr. 
8,  1833,  d.  March  2,  1840. 

By  his  second  wife,  had,  Ann  Maria,  b.  Jan,  30,  1841,  at 
Lockport,  m.  June  19,  1862,  Fianklin  Sawyer,  son  of  Jason 
Sawyer,  of  Royalton,  N.  Y.  He  is  a  merchant,  resides  at  Lockport, 
N.  Y. 

For  a  number  of  years  Rensselear  resided  in  Rhode  Island, 
and  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  In  1835  he  moved 
to  Lockport,  N.  Y.  He  died  suddenly  while  on  a  visit  in  the 
city  of  Providence,  R.  I.  The  following  notice  is  taken  from 
the  Lockport  Da'ih  Jotirnal  of  Aug,  20,  1859  " 

"  Death  of  R.  S.  Wilkinson, — We  announce  with  feelings 
of  deep  regret,  the  death  of  a  much  respected  townsman  and 
valuable  citizen.  Rensselear  S,  Wilkinson  died  at  Providence, 
R.  I.,  at  two  o'clock  this  morning.  He  left  Lockport  about  two 
weeks  since  in  his  usual  health,  and  as  a  relief  from  arduous  labor 
and  care.  The  news  of  his  death  was  most  unexpected  and 
appalling,  and  will  cast  a  gloom  on  a  wide  circle  of  friends,  of 
intimate  business  and  social  relations." 

Rensselear  S.  Wilkinson  was  born  at  Smithfield,  R.,  I.  in  the 
year  1805,  and  was  therefore  54  years  of  age.  At  the  age  of 
about  three  years,  his  parents  moved  to  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  u  here 
he  lived  until  fifteen  years  of  age.  He  then  went  to  Providence, 
he  resided  five  years,  and  then  returned  to  Cumberland,  when  he 
married  his  first  wife.  There  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business, 
in  which  he  continued  until  about  the  time  he  came  to  Lockport 


MJRT  WILKIXSON..     [216]  195 

in  the  year  1835.  Soon  after  airhing  in  this  place  he  entered  into 
business  partnership  with  Stephen  B.  Ballou,  in  the  well  known 
mercantile  establishment  of  Ballou  and  Wilkinson.  He  continued 
in  the  mercantile  business  until  1851,  under  the  various  firms  ot 
Ballou  and  Wilkinson,  Wilkinson  and  McMaster,  Wilkinson 
and  Chrysler,  Wilkinson,  Chrysler  and  Beyfogle.  In  the  summer 
of  1 85 1  he  went  into  the  Exchange  Bank,  holding  the  position 
of  cashier,  and  discharging  his  duties  with  marked  ability  to  the 
time  of  his  death.  As  a  business  man  and  a  financial  officer, 
Mr.  Wilkinson  his  set  an  example  of  promptness,  energy,  courtesy, 
unswerving  integrity,  and  a  desire  to  promote  the  public  welfare 
well  worthy  of  imitation.  There  is  scarcely  a  relation  in  lite, 
where  his  loss  will  not  be  felt  and  deeply  deplored. 

He  is  buried  at  Lockport. 

Col.  Elliott  IVilkinson  Cook  married  Malvina  Louisa  Littlefield, 
and  has  three  children.  Charles  Elliott,  b.  June  15,  1843,  '^  ^ 
physician  and  surgeon,  and  graduated  at  Bellevue  College,  New 
York,  settled  at  Tanawanda,  N.  Y.  He  was  in  the  Union  Army 
during  the  Great  Rebellion.  George  Hamilton,  b.  Oct.  10, 
'  1846,  was  Capt.  and  Brevet  Lieut.  Col.  of  Vols,  in  the  Lnion 
Army,  received  his  Brevet  tor  honorable  and  meritorious  service. 
He  is  now  a  Lieut,  in  the  Regular  Army,  28th  Reg.  U.  S.  Infantry 
stationed  at  Little  Rock.  Ark.  He  seryed  two  years  during  the 
Rebellion,  and  was  at  the  downfall  of  Richmond.  fVederic  William, 
b.  Feb.  14.  1856. 

Mr.  Cook  emigrated  to  Lockport  in  1837,  raised  a  company 
for  the  Mexican  War,  but  did  not  go.  In  1849  ^^  went  to 
California  as  Treasurer  of  the  "Niagara  and  California  Mining 
Company,"  Col.  E.  Jewett,  Prest,  stayed  three  months  in  Central 
America,  and  one  year  in  California.  He  returned  to  Lockport, 
and  opened  a  store  on  Main  Street,  where  he  continued  until  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion.  He  then  gave  up  his  business, 
and  set  about  raising  a  Regiment  and  with  the  help  of  Dudley 
Donnelly,  Esq.,  and  C.  S.  Skeels  of  Albany  soon  organized  the 


T96  SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

28th  Rcgt,  N.  Y.  State  Vols.,  DorDiolly  was  elected  CoIoneL 
and  Cook,  Captain  of  Co.  A.,  but  was  soon  promoted  to  Major  in 
which  capacity  he  served  until  the  Battle  of  Cedar  Mountain. 
Being  ordered  to  charge  the  enemy,  he  did  so,  broke  their  lines, 
but  being  unsupported,  was  surrounded  and  taken  prisoner.  While 
standino;  within  a  few  feet  of  the  rebels,  after  he  had  surrendered. 
he  was  fired  upon,  the  hall  grazing  his  head  and  the  powder 
blackening  his  face.  Jeff".  Davis  hadissueda  proclamation  declaring 
all  commissioned  officers  serving  under  "  John  Pope,"  to  be  outlaws 
and  felons,  and  ordering  their  immediate  execution  on  capture. 
Maj.  Cook  and  31  others  were  among  the  first  lot  taken  after 
this  proclamation  (Aug  9,  1862)  and 'was  being  taken  to  the  rear 
for  this  purpose,  when  a  superior  officer  ordered  the  rebel  squad 
back  to  the  lines  where  they  were  needed,  as  the  battle  was  still 
raging.  He  was  taken  to  Richmond,  and  confined  in  Libb\ 
Prison.  On  his  release  he  tore  down  a  notice  that  was  stuck  on 
a  post,  which  said  "  the  Federal  officers  confined  in  this  room 
are  7iot  Prisoners  of  War,  but  outlaws  and  felons^  and  will  be  treated 
according."  He  was  promoted  for  his  gallantry  to  Lieut.  Col., 
and  had  command  of  his  Reg.  during  the  remaining  ter.m  of  their 
service.  Col.  Donnolly  was  killed  in  this  battle,  and  Lieut.  Col. 
Brown  lost  an  arm,  but  was  promoted  to  the  colonelcy,  also, 
elected  County  Clerk  (jf  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y.  He  held  both 
places,  and  only  joined  the  Regiment  when  on  its  way  home. 
The  28th  was  considered  a  "•  fighting  Rcg't,"  and  bore  a  gallant 
partduringthe  war,  andhad  inscribed  upon  its  banners:  Winchester, 
Cedar  Mountain,  Rappahannoch,  Antietam,  and  Chancellorsvillc. 
Col.  Cook  was  in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsvillc  under  Ger. 
Hooker,  and  was  again  surrounded,  captured  and  taken  to  Libb\' 
prison.  He  was  soon  exchanged,  after  suffering  the  tortures  of 
this  "black  hole"  of  Virginia  the  second  time.  He  received 
many  flattering  testimonials  from  Gen'ls  Banks  and  Slocum,  as 
well  as  from  Gen'ls  Williams  and  Crawford  with  whcMii  he  served. 
He  has  a    natural  talent    for    military  tactics,  and  is  considered  a 


JJMES  JVILKINSON.  [220]  197 

superior  officer.    Col.  Cook  is  an  accomplished  gentlemanly,  highly 
respected  by  his  fellow-citizens,  resides  at  Lockport,  N.  Y. 

V.  Martha,  at  the  age  of  28,  left  her  father's  residence  and 
went  with  him  on  a  visit  to  Easton,  N.  Y.  She  remained  at  her 
cousin's,  Cynthia  Caprons,  where  she  formed  the  acquaintance  of 
Heman  Sherman,  to  whom  she  was  married  in  1809.  They 
moyed  to  Chester,  Warren  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  engaged  in  farming. 
Martha  is  still  Hying  in  Chester,  but  her  husband  died  in  1864. 
She  is  remarkable  for  her  retentive  powers,  and  is  able  to  read 
manuscript  without  glasses  at  the  age  of  86.  Her  husband  was 
the  son  of  Jabez  Sherman  of  Rochester,  Mass.,  who  was  a  near 
relative  of  the  distinguished  Roger  Sherman,  signer  of  the 
Declaration.  iVIrs.  Tabor,  daughter  of  Martha,  writes,  "I  ha\  e 
often  heard  my  grandfather  boast  of  his  relationship  to  the 
'Connecticut  shoe-maker,' — he  being  also,  a  shoe-maker.  Some 
peculiar  traits  of  that  eminent  man,  I  always  flattered  myself,  I 
could  see  in  my  father." 

Their  children  are  : 

(1)  Stil/ma?i  WiUiafus^h.  March  21,  18 12,  m.  Sally  White, 
reside  in  Chester.  They  have  had  10  children,  yiz  :  Elizabeth, 
h.  Sep.  13,  i839,m.  ¥ch.  1858,  John  D.  Smith,  and  has,  Jannettr^ 
h.  July  i860,  (I.  Jug.  1862;  Nettie  Mar'ia^  h.  Aug.  1862  •,  Silence, 
b,  Nov.  18,  1841,  m  .March,  1862,  Theadore  Smith,  and  has, 
Mhinie  U.,  b.  Jug..,  1865-,  Stokes,  b.  May  31,  1845,  <-'•  ^F''--) 
1849;  Melinda,  b.  Sept.  12,  1847,  drowned  June  i,  1865  ;  John 
Heman,  b.  March  31,  1850,  drowned  June  i.  1865,  (both  on  a 
fishing  excursion)  -,  Martha  and  Mary  (twins),  b.  Aug.  22,  1853  ; 
Nancv  K.,  b.  Feb.  15,  1857,  d.  ^"pt-  ^^59?  Estella,  b.  June,  27, 
1859;  George  H.,  b.  iMarch  21,  1863. 

(2)  Silence  IVilkimon.,  b.  Oct.  15,  181  5,  m.  ist,  Noy.  15,  1 841, 
Ralph  Thomson,  and  had,  E^ugene,  b.  July  24,  1844,  m.  again 
Abram  Tabor,  Oct.  24,  i  865.  Mr.  Thomson  was  a  wagon-maker, 
and  Mr.  Tabor  a  farmer.      They  reside  in  Chester. 

Vn.  James  was  born  in  Smithfield,  married  June  10,  1810, 
Vienna  Sheldon,  daughter  of  Dayid  Sheldon,  of  Cumberland.    He 


198  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

became  the  owner  of  his  father's  estate,  which  had  been  transmitted 
from  sire  to  son  for  nearly  200  years.  He  was  a  good  New 
England  farmer,  and  was  noted  for  his  strength  ot  mind,  and 
power  of  disputation  upon  religious  and  political  topics.  It  was 
the  custom  of  the  people  in  his  younger  days  to  make  evening 
visits  during  the  winter,  and  about  every  question  of  a  religious, 
political,  civil,  military,  or  literary  character,  that  in  any  way 
affected  the  neighborhood,  or  the  nation,  was  sure  to  be  thoroughly 
ventilated.  Upon  religious  topics  the  neighborhood  were  inclined 
to  freedom  of  thought  and  speech,  and  might  be  denominated 
"Freethinkers,"  not  perhaps,  in  the  infidel  sense  of  tbe  term,  but 
as  the  Quaker  poet  has  since  expressed  the  sentiment : 

"So  the  min  he  a  man,  let  him  worship  at  will, 
In  Jerusalem's  Courts,  or  on  Gerizim's  hill, 
When  she  makes  up  he  jewels  what  cares  the  good  town 
For  the  Baptist  of  Wayland, — the  Qiiiker  of  Brown." 

He  had  been  educated  in  the  Quaker  faith,  but  his  father 
marrying  out  of  the  Society,  and  being  possessed  of  an  "  obstinate 
perversity,"  which  would  not  confess  he  was  sorry  for  so  doing, 
was  disowned  by  the  Friends,  although  he  always  dressed  plain, 
used  the  plain  language,  and  attended  their  meetings. 

James  when  quite  a  young  man  engaged  in  school  teaching, 
and,  at  the  age  of  twenty-four  was  elected  captain  of  an  Infantry 
Company  of  the  6th  R.  I.  Regiment.  As  it  may  be  desirable  to 
preserve  the  form  of  the  old  commission  a  copy  of  it  is  inserted 
here  : 

*■'■  Bv    his    Excellency  ^    "James    Fenrier^  Esquire^    Governor^ 
[l.  s.]     Captain^    General^  and  Cojnmander-in-Chief^  of  the  State 
of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plantations. 

To  James  Wilkinson,  Gentleman.^  Greeting: 

You  the  said  James  Wilkinson  having  been  elected  by  the 
General  Assembly  at  the  session  held  on  the  third  Monday  of 
June,  instant,  to  the  office  of  Captain  of  the  Second  Company  of 
Infantry  in  the  Town  of  Smithfie!d  in  the  County  of  Providence 
in  the  State  aforesaid,  are  hereby  in  the  Name  of  the  said  State, 
authorized,  empowered  and  commissioned,  to  exercise  the  Office 
of  Captain  of,   and  over  the  company  aforesaid  ;  and  command 


JAMES  WILKINSON.     [220]  199 

and  conduct  the  same,  or  any  part  thereof.  And  in  case  of  an 
Invasion,  or  Assault  of  a  common  Enemy,  to  infest  or  disturb 
this  State,  vou  are  to  alarm  and  gather  together  the  Company 
under  your  command,  or  such  part  thereof  as  you  shall  deem 
sufficient;  and  therewith  to  the  utmost  of  your  Skill  and  Ability, 
vou  are  to  resist,  expel,  and  destrov  them,  in  order  to  preserve  the 
Interest  of  the  good  citizens  of  this  State.  You  are  also  to  follow 
such  Instructions  and  Orders  as  shall,  from  Time  to  Time,  be 
given  forth,  either  by  the  General  Assembly,  the  Governor,  and 
General  Council,  or  other  vour  superior  officers.  And  for  your 
so  doing,  this  commission  shall  be  your  sufficient  Warrant  and 
Discharge. 

Given  under  my  Hand,  and  the  Seal  of  the  State,  this  25th 
day  of  June,  i8ro,  and  in  the  thirt\'-fourth  year  of  Independence. 

By  his  Excellency's  command. 

Samuel  Eddy,  Sect'y.  J.  Fenner." 

The  Muster  Role,  Warrant  to  warn  out  the  soldiers,  and  to 
fine  delinquents  are  still  in  being,  and  are  interesting  relics,  as 
they  inform  us  who  were  the  young  men  living  in  that  part  of 
Smithfield  more  than  half  a  century  ago.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was 
appointed  in  1821,  by  the  General  Assembly,  Justice  of  the  Peace 
and  held  that  office  in  his  native  State,  about  eight  years.  He 
was  regarded  as  a  Peace  Maker,  and  many  a  suit  has  been  settled 
by  the  parties,  and  much  expense  and  vexatious  litigation  saved  by 
his  pacific  course. 

In  1823,  in  com[)anv  with  David  and  Joseph  Wilkinson  he 
built  a  school  house  for  the  accommodation  of  their  immediate 
families,  and  about  thirty  scholars  were  accustomed  to  assemble 
here;  and  the  somewhat  noted  Abby  Kelly,  a  girl  of  fifteeyi 
summers — was  one  of  the  teachers.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  a  friend 
to  education,  and  always  urged  its  necessity  and  importance  upon 
the  attention  of  his  children,  and  gave  them  an  opportunity  to 
avail  themselves  of  its  advantages. 

At  one  time  he  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business,  and 
was  one  of  a  company  in  building  Crookfall  factory,  but  it  proved 
an  unprofitable  investment.  In  1831,  having  become  embarrassed 
by  endorsing  notes  to  aid  others,  he  sold  the  old  homestead  which 


2  00  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

had  been  so  long  in  the  hands  of  the  Wilkinson's  and  moved 
with  his  family  to  New  Berlin,  Chenango  Co.  N.  Y. 

This  leaving  "  Home"  and  friends,  was  to  Mr.  Wilkinson  and 
family,  an  event  never  to  be  forgotten.  There  stood  the  old 
house  hallowed  by  the  associations  ot  a  century's  occupancy  in 
the  ancestral  line,  with  the  traditions,  incidents  of  childhood,  and 
all  the  quaint  and  gentle  reminders  of  olden  days  clustering  around 
it  !  Many  a  tear  was  shed,  many  a  longing  look  was  cast  back 
to  the  old  h'omcstead  as  the  family  left  it  never  to  return.  Years 
have  intervened,  still  the  old  house  stands,  but  it  has  changed 
hands  several  times,  and  now,  has,  singularly  enough  fallen  into 
the  hands  of  a  Mr.  Rose  who  has  married  into  the  Wilkinson 
family.  There  is  a  determination  on  the  part  of  some  of  the 
descendants  to  purchase  the  old  tarm  and  re-occupy  it,  that  it  may 
still  be  the  home  of  the  descendants  of  Lawrence  Wilkinson. 

A  very  singular  marble  monument  has  been  erected  in  the 
the  grave  yard  by  James.  It  contains  his  lineal  descent  from 
Lawrence,  his  family,  their  wives'  and  husbands'  names — date  of 
marriages,  births,  deaths,  &c.  The  grave  yard  is  south-east  of 
the  house  about  sixty  rods  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  east  of  the 
road. 

James  is  still  living  in  Cumberland  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-four. 

"  Only  waiting  till  the  shadows  are  a  little  longer  grown. 
Only  waiting  till  the  glimmer  of  the  day's  last  beam  is  flown, 
Till  the  stars  of  heaven  are  breaking  through  the  twilight  cold   and  gray^ 
If  they  call  me,  I  am  waiting — only  waiting  to  obey. 

"Only  waiting  till  the  reapers  have  the  last  sheaf  gathered  home, 
For  the  summer  time  is  faded,  and  the  autumn  winds  have  come, 
Quickly  reapers,  gather  quickly  the  last  ripe  hours  of  my  heart. 
For  the  bloom  of  life  is   withered,  and  I  hasten  to  depart." 

VIIL  IsR.^KL  married  Abigail,  daughter  of  Oliver  Carpenter 
and  Joanna  (Ballou)  his  wife,  of  Mendon,1VIass.  He  was  a  farmer, 
but  at  an  early  age  engaged  in  mechanical  employments.  He  was 
one  of  the  first  in  the  business  of  wire  drawing.  William  Gray, 
an  extensive  merchant  of  Salem,  eno-aged  Israel  and  Arnold 
Wilkinson  to  go  to  Needham,  Mass.,  to  draw  wire.   The  enterprise 


ISRAEL  JFILKINSON.  [221]  201 

proving  successful,  Israel  remained  two  years  at  Needharn. 
Returning  to  SmithHeld  he  was  one  of  the  company  in  building 
Crookfall  Factory.  He  engaged  to  build  the  machinery  and 
went  to  Woonsocket  for  that  purpose,  but  selling  out  his  share 
of  the  stock,  he  mo\ed  to  Nassau,  Rensselear  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and 
formed  a  partnership  with  Esek  D.  Walcott  in  the  machinist 
business.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  war  of  18  i  2,  business  not 
proving  so  good,  he  removed  to  Smithfield,  and  purchased  a  farm 
of  Seth  Appleby,  and  two  years  after  sold  the  same  to  David 
Wilkinson,  and  moved  to  Mendon,  Mass.,  where  he  died  at  the 
age  of  thirty-one,  leaving  a  wife  and  three  children  to  lament  his 
loss.  He  is  interred  in  the  family  "  burying  ground  "  in  Smithfield. 
This  place  is  described  by  Whittier  : 

"  Without  the  wall  a  birch-tree  shows 

Its  drooped  and  tasselled  head; 
Within,  a  staj^'-horned  sumack  grows, 

I-'ern-leafed,  with  spikes  of  red." 

His  grave  is  rharked  by  aplaingray  stonebearing  the  inscription 
of  his  name,  age  and  death. 

His  wife  survived  him  many  years  and  died  in  Mendon.  The 
following  is  taken  from  a  Massachusetts  paper: 

''In  this  town  on  the  20th  of  Nov.  18 — ,  Mrs.  Abigail 
Wilkinson,  widow  of  Israel  Wilkinson,  long  deceased  in  the  68th 
year  of  her  age.  We  simply  announced  the  decease  of  Mrs. 
Wilkinson  as  above,  in  our  last,  with  a  promise  of  further  notice 
in  this  issue.  We  have  known  her  many  years.  She  has  long 
been  one  of  our  steadfast  friends.  A  little  over  two  years  ago, 
her  worthy  and  \enerabb  sister,  Mrs.  Ldlis  Thayer,  also,  a 
devoted  friend  to  us  and  to  our  principles — preceded  her  over  the 
Jordan  of  death.  For  a  great  many  years  those  sisters  dwelt 
together  in  a  close  home  intimacy.  There  Mrs,  Wilkinson's 
son  and  two  daughters  grew  up  to  a  worthy  maturity,  and  the 
children  of  that  son  have  since  had  the  best  of  reasons  to  love 
and  bless  the  memory  of  their  kind  grandmother.  We  take 
pleasure  in  paying  our  poor  tribute  to  her  memory,  as  a  womanly 
woman,  who  lived  a  life  and  acted  a  part  in  her  sphere  of  usefulness 
27 


202  SIXTH   GENERJTION. 

which  entitled  her  to  the  affectionate  remembrance  of  her  own 
family,  and  the  cordial  respect  of"  all  who  intimately  knew  her. 
May  our  highly  esteemed  friends  of  the  bereaved  circle,  near  and 
more  distant,  especially  those  who  are  left  desolate  in  her  late 
home,  be  comforted  from  out  of  that  realm  of  happy  immortality 
which  has  received  the  dear  departed  to  its  abodes,  and  renewed 
her  union  with  the  beloved  ones  that  went  before.  We  commend 
them  all  to  the  loving  kindness  of  our  heavenly  Father,  the 
influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  theguardianship  of  his  ministerintr; 
angels." 

They  had  fourchildren,  three  of  w  horn  still  survive.  Alexander 
T.  lives  in  Worcester,  and  Lovisy  and  Silence  in  Milford,  Mass. 
IX.  Silence,  left  Smithfield,  at  the  age  of /zfi-^i/v,  and  went  to 
N.'.ssau,  N.  Y.  She  married  Solomon  Barber  Judd,  a  resident 
of  Nassau,  and  moved  to  Williamsville,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y.  wittiin 
eight  miles  of  Buffalo,  where  he  purchased  a  village  lot,  and  built 
a  good  two  story  house,  and  engaged  in  the  cabinet  making  business. 
They  had  but  one  child  ; 

(l)  Maty  IVilkinson^  born  July  24,  1 816. 

During  the  following  year  Silence  was  seized  with  typhoid  fever, 
lingered  a  few  days  and  expired — leaving  her  babe  but  fifteen 
months  old  to  the  care  of  its  father.  He,  upon  solicitation,  sent 
her  to  her  grandparents  in  Colchester,  Ct.,  where  she  remained 
until  she  was  eight  years  old.  Shortly  after  the  death  of  his  wife, 
Mr.  Judd  went  to  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  where  h"  died.  Her 
grandmother  dying,  Mary  went  to  Great  Barrington  where  she 
remained  till  1832,  and  went  thence  with  her  uncle  to  Newark. 
N.  J.  Here  she  attended  the  Academy  under  the  Rev.  Isaac 
Worcester,  and  was  assistant  pupil,  and  afterwards  taught  two 
years  alone.  At  twenty-three  years  of  age  she  was  married,  June 
18,  1839,  to  Frederic  O.  Roff.  a  merchant  of  Newark,  After 
making  a  bridal  tour,  visiting  Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  Washington, 
5:c.,  being  absent  about  three  weeks,  they  returned  to  Newark 
when  Mr.  Roff  died  Aug.  7,  1839.  _  Seven  short  weeks  and  then 


SILENCE  (WILKINSON)  JUDD.  203 

the  tie  that  bound  them  was  broken  bv  the  cold  hand  of  death. 
This  unexpected  bereavement  was  a  se\ere  affliction,  and  Mrs. 
Roff  being  again  left  alone,  orphaned  and  widowed,  found 
consolation  in,  and  was  sustained  by  Him,  who  promises  to  be  a 
friend  to  the  widow  and  the  fatherless.  Consecrating  herself 
anew  to  his  service,  she  determined  to  prepare  for  greater  usefulness. 
She  repaired  to  Mount  Holyoke  Female  Seminary,  Mass.,  and 
graduated  in  the  class  of  1843.  ^^^  then  engaged  in  teaching, 
and  went  to  Jackson\  ille,  111.,  for  that  purpose — having  been 
persuaded  bv  her  relati\es  to  abandon  a  project  of  goinga  missionary 
to  Persia. 

She  was  assistant  teacher  under  Rev.  VV.  H.  Williams  of  the 
Jacksonville  Female  Academy  two  vears.  While  here  she  formed 
the  acquaintance  of  Benjamin  Franklin  Stevenson,  a  highly 
respected  citizen  and  merchant  to  whom  she  was  married  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Brimsmaid  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  March  25,  1846. 

Their  children  are  : 

(i)  Mary  Alice,  b.  June  21,  1847,  ^-  J^h'  3'  ^^4^  5  l^)  Maurice 
Wurts,  b.  Oct.  9,  1848  ;  d.  Dec.  16,  1863  ;  (3)  Bella  Frances,  b. 
Aug.  17,  1851  ;  (4)  Cornelia  Minerva,  b.  April  3,  1855;  (5) 
Benjamin  Franklin,  b.  April  17,  1S66,  (adopted.) 

(2)  Maurice  W.  was  a  promising  vouth,  and  was  loved  by  all 
who  knew  him  for  his  manlv  virtues  and  amiable  disposition.  He 
made  a  public  profession  of  religion  sometime  previous  to  his  death, 
and  manv  will  ne\er  forget  the  earnestness  and  zeal  he  manifested, 
when  he  arose  before  the  congregation  and  declared  what  great 
things  his  Sa\ior  had  done  for  him,  and  his  determination  to  love 
aud  serve  God  while  life  should  last.  It  was  his  dying  testimony 
concerning  the  divine  reality  of  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ — an 
expression  of  his  acceptance  of  proflered  mercv — the  hope  of 
heaven,  and  a  blissful  immortalitv  through  the  atonement  of  a 
compassionate  Redeemer.  He  died  in  the  triumphs  of  the  faith. 
How  blissful  such  a  death  !  Well  may  the  bereaved  parents  say 
in  those  sweet  words  of  Bishoo  Heher  : 


204  SIXTH  GENERATION 

"  Thou  art  gone  to  the  grave  ;  but  we  will  not  dejilore  thee  ; 

Since  God  was  thy  Ransom,  thy  Guardian,  thy  Guide  ; 
He  gave  thee,  he  took  thee,  and  he  will  restore  thee  ; 
And  death  hath  no  sting,  since  the  Savior  hath  died." 

Mrs.  Stevenson  is  an  officer  in  the  Ladies'  Education  Society 
of  Jacksonville,  "  the  principal  object  of  which  is  to  encourage  and 
assist  young  ladies  to  qualify  themselves  for  teaching  by  giving, 
or  by  loaning  without  interest  such  sums  of  money  as  would  enable 
them  to  complete  their  course  of  study."  A  noble  object  truly. 
She  is  an  active  worker  in  every  benevolent  enterprise. 

Mr.  Stevenson  is  a  thorough  going  business  man,  and  his 
mercantile  operations  have  been  crowned  with  success. 

The  family  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  reside 
in  Jacksonville,  111. 

\ 

Robert^ WilkinsonM  [ioi]    Israel,-*    [29]    Samuel,''   [8] 

AND  y  Samuel,'^  [2]  Lawrence,''  [i] 

Mary  Lapham,  j  '■'■ 

Of  Smitiifield,  R.  I. 

222.  I.  Jacob,''      (455-456)  b.  Feb.  8,  1769,  d.  March  6,  1842. 

223.  II.  Joseph,'"'  (457-460)  b.  Dec.  12,  1770,  d.  April  14,  185  i. 

224.  III.  Anna,"  b.  Oct.  15,   1772,  d.  Oct.   8,   1778. 

225.  IV.  Abner,"  b.  March  5,  1776,  d.  Oct.  5,  1776. 

226.  V.  Rachel,"  b.   July  4,  1777,    d.  Sept.  20,  1778. 

227.  VI   .Marcy,"  b.  Sept.  22,  1779. 

228.  VII.  Wait,"  b.  Sept.  5,  1781. 

229.  VIII.  David,'' (461-471) b.  Dec.    5,  1783,  d.  Aug.  19,  1836. 

I.  Jacob,  was  a  farmer,  and  lived  in  Smithfield,  m.  Jan.  30, 
1800,  Amy  Streeter,  had  two  children — both  daughters.  The 
jiame  is  extinct  in  this  line. 

II.  Joseph,  at  the  age  of  37,  m.  Sarah  Newman,  an  amiable 
young  woman  18  years  of  age,  whose  life  was  fleeting  as  it  was 
lovely  ;  for  in  less  than  six  weeks   from  the  day  of  their   nuptial 

■•^CcniUi  of  1744,  2  miles  above  i6,  z  unicr,  i  female  above  i  5,  2  under. 


JOSEPH  IVILKINSON.  [223]  205 

watherino;  he  was  called  to  weep  tears  of  wo  over  his  lost  bride. 
A  somewhat  singular  circumstance  occurred  just  before  Airs. 
Wilkinson's  sickness,  which  may  not  be  uninteresting  to  relate, 
as  it  is  given  bv  a  friend  of  the  family  who  was  cognizant  of  the 
tacts.  A  wounded  do\e  flew  into  the  window  where  she  was 
sitting,  and  making  a  circuit  around  the  room,  fell  dead  at  her 
feet.  The  circumstance  seemed  to  impress  her  with  sad  forebodings 
and  she  exclaimed,  "  I  shall  not  Ii\e  long."  In  a  tew  davs  she 
was  indeed  taken  sick  with  scarlet  fe\er  and  died  in  a  short  time. 
The  remembered  happiness  of  the  few  short,  but  blissful  days  of 
wedded  lo\e  lingered  long  in  the  bosom  of  her  husband  who 
tenderly  regarded  her,  and  as  an  evidence  or  the  honored  lo\e  he 
bore  her,  there  was  found  in  his  private  drawer  after  his  decease 
a  lock  of  her  beautiful  hair  with  the  copy  of  an  epitaph  he  composed, 
and  which  has  been  transcribed  upon  her  tombstone — these  relics 
liaving  been  caretullv  and  sacredly  prcser\ed  tor  upwards  of  fortv 
vears  ;  thou2;h  ignorance  may  contemn  let  the  wise  read  and 
ponder — ''the  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitterness,"  and  as  a  last 
tribute  to  the  memorv  of  the  beloved  one,  we  can  concei\e  of 
nothing  more  touchingly  beautiful  to  the  feeling  soul  than  the  few 
following  lines  to  one  so  dearly  lo\'ed  : 

"  I  saw  the  stranger  weep  !" 

"Calm  and  untroubled  she  resigned  licr  breath, 

And  sank  serenely  in  the  arms  of'  death  ; 

And  while  in  dust  her  body  mouldering  lies, 

A  new-born  Angel  treads  her  native  skies; 

O  !  thou  that  wast — there's  none  can  excel  ! 

My  guide,  my  friend,  my  best  beloved, — Farewell.' 

Mr.  Wilkinson  married  some  seven  years  after  the  death  of  his 
first  wife,  Alary  Arnold,  daughter  of  Israel  Arnold,*  a  worthy 
woman  by  whom  he  had  several  daughters,  but  no  sons.  He  was 
a  man  of  talent,  a  practitioner  in  the  lower  courts  and  was  noted 

*The  ^7//  of  Stephen  Arnold  of  Pawtuxet  gives  to  his  son,  Israel  Arnold,  lands 
purchased  of  the  Indian  Chief,  i  Book  of  wills,  Prov.,  (other  side  up  same  page,  i  He 
gives  to  Israel  350  acres  b'ot  of  Edw'd  Inman  at  a  place  called  Waimnkh^ — three  sons  are 
mentioned,  Israel,  Stephen,  and  Elisha. 

Stephen's  farther  was  PVilliam,  he  had  a  bro.  Benedict,  who  was  Gov.  of  R.  I.  in  1663, 
cVc,  in  all  9  years. 


2o6  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

for  his  shrewdness  in  managing  difficult  and  doubtful  cases.  He 
never  sought  or  desired  public  office  or  notoriety,  and  when  elected 
to  the  office  of  Justice,  declined  serving.  He  served  in  his  younger 
days  in  the  military  department,  and  held  a  captain's  commfssion. 
He  was  an  able  financier,  and  lived  78  years  upon  the  farm  left 
.him  by  his  father,  Robert  Wilkinson,  and  died  leaving  a  handsome 
property.  About  two  years  previous  to  his  death  he  left  the  old 
homestead,  and  moved  to  Woonsocket,  but  his  remains  rest  upon 
the  ground  he  so  often  trod,  beneath  a  noble  oak  where  he  played 
when  a  boy,  and  where  he  requested  to  be  laid  when  dead, 
having  himself  previously  prepared  the  grave.  His  wife  survived 
him  but  a  few  months  and  reposes  by  his  side.  A  neat  but 
substantial  monument  has  been  erected  by  his  children  to  the 
memory  of  a  beloved  father  and  mother  whose  loss  is  irreparable. 
They  had  four  childen. 

VT.  Marcy,  married  Benjamin  Coe. 

They  had  two  children  : 

(i)  Jlden,  b.  Dec.  24,  180 1,  m.  a  Taft,  and  resided  in 
Woonsocket,  R.  I.  He  is  dead.  (2)  Robert^  b.  June  I,  j8ii, 
m.  Nancy  Paine,  lives  in  Providence,  R.  I. 

\TI.  Wait,  married  Nathaniel  Strecter,  lived  in  Smithfield. 
Mr.  S.,  d.  Oct.  1850.      They  had  six  children,  viz: 

(i)  Mary,  b.  Nov.  5,  iSoo,  d.  Alarch  12,  1829,  unm.,  r. 
Smithfield;  (2)  Orilla^  b.  Aug.  22,  1802,  d.  Jan  8,  1829,  m. 
Otis  Marsh,  r.  Cumberland;  (3)  Marc\\  b.  July  22,  1805,  m. 
Silas  Marsh,  r.  Hamlet,  R.  I.;  (4)  Lucy^  b.  May  29,  1811,  d. 
Dec.  7,  1846,  m.  L.  S.  Brown,  r.  Pr<)\  idcnce  ;  (5)  Wiliunn^  b. 
Oct.  28,  1 814,  m.  Laura  A.  Cook,  r.  Providence.  He  is  a 
machinist  of  the  first  class,  and  holds  a  prominent  position  in  the 
Providence  Machine  Co.  Has  a  family.  (6)  David^  b.  March 
15,  1817,  m.  Abigail  Sibley,  r.  Woonsocket,  R.  I.,  died  suddenly 
Jan.  7,  1867. 

VHI.  David,  married  for  his  first  wife  L'jcy  Caprop.,  she  had 
one  child,  and  died  at  an  early  age. 


ELIAB  WILKINSON.    [230]  207 

He  subsequently  m.  Thankful  Sayles,  dau.  of  Jeremiah  of 
Glocester,  R.  I.,  and  by  her  had  ten  children  David  purchased 
a  farm  of  Israel  Wilkinson  on  the  west  side  of  the  Blackstone 
River,  between  Manvilleand  Woonsocket,  and  within  sight  of  his 
brother  Joseph's  residence,  where  he  lived  and  died.  He  was  a 
man  of  delicate  constitution,  a  good  scholar,  well  versed  in 
mathematics,  including  surveying  and  navigation.  He  was 
frequently  elected  to  offices  of  trust,  being  at  different  times 
Member  and  President  of  the  Town  Council,  Representative 
to  the  General  Assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  and  Master  of  the 
Morning  Star  Lodge  of   Masons  ot   Cumberland.      He  died  aged 

or?  0 

53,  leaving  a  large  family  of  children  to  lament  his  loss,  and  was 
interred  in  the  familv  burving  ground  on  his  farm. 


Davjd  Wilkinson-'  ^  [103]    Israel,*    [29]    Samuel,"    [8] 

AND  Samuel,'-  [2]  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Lydia  Spear,  J  * 

Of  Smitiifield,  R.  I. 

230.  I,  Eliab,'"'  b.  Dec.  22,  1773,  d.  June  20  18 10. 

231.  II.  Spear,"  b.  May  4,  1775,   d.  Sept.  3,  1776. 

232.  III.  IsAAC,*^  (472-478)  b,  Oct.  I,    1776,    d.  Feb.  25,  1863. 

233.  IV.  Israel,"  b.  Now  16,  1777,  d.  young. 

234.  V.   David/  b.   Sept.  21,  1779,  d.  April  i,  1780. 

I,  Eliab,  married  Nabbv  Capron,  daughter  of  Joseph  Capron, 
of  Cumberland,  and  li\'cd  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.  He  was  a  superior 
scholar  in  the  natural  sciences  and  mathematics,  and  a  most 
beautiful  penman,  and  taught  school  in  his  native  town.  Young 
men  resorted  to  him  for  instruction  in  surveying  and  navigation. 
He  calculated  and  prepared  in  connexion  with  Elisha  Thornton 
an  almanac  which  was  printed  annually  for  several  years.  He 
was  cashier  of  Smithfield  Union  Bank,  and  held  that  position  for 
a  number  of  years  till  his  death.      The  bills  upon  this  bank  were 


*Censuj  of  1774,  ;  males  above  16,     2  under  j    z  females  above. 


2o8  SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

never  counterfeited  during  his  term  o'  office,  his  penmanship 
could  not  be  imitated.  He  was  an  expert  Land  Sui'\  evor,  and 
was  frequcinlv  employed  bv  his  tcllow  townsmen. 

He  died  at  the  age  oi  37,  in  the  prime  of  life,  bu.t  left  no 
children.  With  him  the  name  of  Wilkinson  expires  in  this  line. 
His  widow  married  Alphcus  Amadown. 

in.  Isaac,  married  Hannah  Streeter,  and  lived  upon  whatwas 
called  the  "Great  Road"  in  Smithfield.  He  had  se\  en  children, 
three  only  are  living.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  highK'  esteemed  bv 
his  fellow  citizens,  and  was  frequently  honored  Vv'ith  offices  and 
public  trusts.  He  was  first  elected  Town  Sergeant,  then. 
Representative,  Town  Treasurer,  Senator,  ice,  ice,  and  always 
acquitted  himself  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  constituents.  The 
following  obituary  notice  was  taken  from  the  Pro\  idence  Post^ 
and  exhibits  the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  in  the  State  : 

'•Died  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  Feb.  25,  1863,  Hon.  Isaac 
Wilkinson,  in  the  87th  year  of  his  age. 

The  above  notice  was  published  in  the  Post  of  February  26, 
1863.  We  intended  to  haye  noticed  earlier  the  death  of  this  life 
long  Democrat,  but  it  has  been  unayoidably  delayed  until  now. 
The  following  sketch  has  been  furnished  us  by  one  who  knew 
him  long  and  intimately. 

Isaac  Wilkinsi)n  was  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.  in  the  year  1776. 
His  first  public  position  was  that  of  Deputy  Sherifi^  of  the  County 
of  Providence.  In  1 809  he  was  chosen  a  Delegate  to  the  General 
Assembly,  and  served  in  that  capacity  at  inter\'als  xor  manv  years. 
In  1833,  he  was  chosen  a  State  S.^nator,  (they  were  at  that  time 
chosen  by  the  State  at  large),  and  was  annually  re-elected  for 
several  years.  In  1842  he  was  elected  a  Representati\'c  from  the 
town  of  Smithfield,  and  was  also,  chosen  a  Senator  on  the  State 
ticket.  He  declined  the  place  of  Senator,  and  took  his  seat  as 
Representative,  but  served  only  one  session,  being  then  in  the 
sixty-seventh  year  of  his  age. 

He  voted  at  every  Presidential  election,  from  the  first  term  of 
Jefferson  down  to  the  present,  and  always  voted  the   Democratic 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  [235]  209 

ticket.  He  was  one  of  four  from  his  native  town  who  voted  for 
Andrew  Jackson  in  1824.  The  electors  of  his  own  town  manifested 
their  confidence  in  his  integrity  and  worth  by  electing  him  for 
tzventy-eight  successive  years  town  treasurer.  After  filling  these 
and  other  positions  of  honor  and  trust,  he  died  on  the  25th  of 
February  last  an  old  man  full  of  years,  being  in  the  eighty-seventh 
year  of  his  age.  He  was  buried  on  the  same  farm  where  he  was 
born,  lived,  and  died. 

He  was  married  in  18  19,  and  leaves  a  widow,  two  sons  and  a 
daughter.  Although  highly  esteemed  by  his  townsmen,  it  was 
within  the  circle  of  his  home  and  neighborhood  that  his  many 
virtues  and  the  great  love  he  had  in  his  heart  was  truly  appreciated. 
Their  affection  for  him  was  manifested  by  their  never  failing  kindness 
and  tenderness  to  him  in  his  old  age. 

And  thus,  one  by  one,  pass  away  from  us  the  truly  good  and 
great  of  an  expiring  generation — the  men  who  have  fashioned  and 
fostered  our  political  institutions,  and  our  social  virtues  and  customs. 
Their  lives  are  humble  and  their  names  unknown  to  the  world  ; 
yet  in  those  lives  are  written  volumes  of  wisdom  and  lessons  of 
inestimable  value  to  those  who  follow  them.  Their  labors  are 
often  unapplauded  by  the  great  multitude;  yet  they  achieve  much 
for  both  the  present  and  the  future.  How  pleasant  it  is,  if  at  last 
they  sink  to  rest  in  a  'green  old  age,'  respected  and  loved  by  all 
who  have  known  them,  their  glorious  lives  fading  from  us,  as  the 
morning  stars  fade  in  the  more  brilliant  light  of  coming  day." 

His  son  David  Streeter,  and  his  daughter  Hannah  M.  reside 
on  the  old  homestead  farm,  and  Isaac  Randolph,  the  only  remaining 
son  resides  in  Pawtucket. 


John  Wilkinson^ ^  [109]  John,*  [40]  Johx,^  [9]  Samuel,^ 

AND  ,'[2]  Lawrence.'  [i] 

Jane  Chapman,     j 

Of  Warwick,  Bucks  Co.,  Pa. 

235.   I,  JoilN,*"'  b.  Aug.   12,  1770,  d.  in  infancy. 

28 


2 1 o  SIXTH  GENE R  J TION 

236.  II.  ABRAiiAM,''(479-483)b.  Apr.  12, 1772,  d.  March  1  2,  1816. 

237.  III.  EliAo  ^  b.  Jan.  12,  1774,  d.  Sept.      1774. 

238.  IV.  Amo?/  b.  Oct.  3,    1776,  d.  1799. 

II.  Abraham,  married,  Nov.  18,  1795,  A4ary  Twining. 

He  inherited  his  father's  estate  in  Bucks  Co.,  Pa.,  consisting 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres,  and  being  a  part  of  the  tract 
originally  bought  by  John  who  was  the  first  of  our  name,  or 
kindred  in  Pennsylvania.  He  was  a  good  farmer,  member  of  the 
Friends'  Society,  and  died  highly  respected  by  the  community. 
He  had  five  children. 

IV.  Amos  went  to  Philadelphia,  where  died  aged  23,  unmarried. 


Elisha  Wilk.ixson'^  \  [i  ^^]  John,'  [40]  John,-'  [9]  Samuel,- 

AND  ,[2]  Lawrence,' [i] 

Maria  V^^iiitman,    j 

Of  Wrightstown,  Pexn. 

239.  I.  Ogdex,''  ( )  b. 

No  information  has  been  obtained  concerning  this  man. 

Stephen  Wilkinson^^  [^^8]    Ishmael,^  [45]  Joseph    [ii] 

and  >  Samuel,'^  [2]  Lawrence,'  [i] 

Sarah  Spp.agi'e,  j 

Of  SciTUATE,    R.  1. 

240.  I.  Marcv,'''  b.  •          d. 

241.  II.  Sarah,''  b.  d. 

242.  III.  Lydia,''  b.  d. 

243.  IV.  Joanna,"  b.  d. 

I.  Marcy,  married  Daniel  Hutchinson,  li\'ed  in  Smithficid, 
R.  I.      Their  children  are: 

(i)    IVilliam^  b.  July  1 8,  1785,  m.  i,  Abigail  Handv,   2, 

Bacon,  lived  in  Smithfield,  is  dead  ;  (2)  Daniel^  b.  Sept.  20,  1793, 
m.  I,  Dimarous  Warner,  2,  Ann  Southwick,  r.  in  Smithfield;  (3) 


HANNAH  ( jy ILK  INS  ON )  L  TON.  [244]  2 1 1 

Lyd'ta,  b.  Mav  4,  1795.  rri.  Benjamin  Harris,  r.  Smithfield,  d.  ;  (4) 
Phehe,  b.  Oct.   15,  1798,  unm.,  d.  ;    (5)    Sally    Ann^   b.   Apr.    II, 
1803,  m,  Benj.  Harris,  r.  Smithfield. 
n.   Sarah,  married  Abel  Mowrv. 

III.  Lydia,  married  Seth  Mowrv. 

IV.  Joanna,  married  Jeremiah  Smith,  li\e  in  Glocester,  R.  I. 
Their  children : 

(i)  Stephen.,  m.  Nancv  Law,  and  had,  Almada,  Marietta, 
George  L-.,  Sarah  A.,  Jeremiah,  Josephine  and  Maria;  (2)  Polly ^ 
m.  Stephen  Page,  and  had,  Laura  A.,  Seneca,  Smith,  Jeremiah, 
Marv  J.,  Caroline,  Martha  and  Allen  ;  (3)  Russel^  m.  Lydia 
Brown,  and  had,  Alcv,  Lvdia  and  William  ;  (4)  Amasa^  m.  Sarah 
Turner,  and  had,  James,  Joanna,  Phebe,  Harriet,  Mary,  Albert, 
Jane,  Ellen  and  Bvron  ;  (5)  Sophia^  m.  Rufus  Eastman,  and  had 
children,  but  thev  are  all  dead;  (6)  Elcx^  m.  George  Law,  no 
children. 

The  most  of  these  li\e  in  Glocester,  R.  I. 


Rhodes  Wilkinson^  ^  [123]  Benjamin,' [46]  Joseph,^  [i  i] 

AND  -Samuel,"-  [2]  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Clara  Marcy,  j 

Of  Woodstock,  Ct. 

244.  I.   Hannah,*^  b,  Dec.  28,  1783. 

245.  II.  Mary,"  b.  Nov.  24,  1785,  d.  Sept.    1853. 

246.  III.  Rhodes,'^  b.  Jan.  29,  1787,  d.  May,    1812. 

247.  IV.  Clara,*'  b.  Feb.  11,  1789. 

248.  V.  Samuel,"  (484)  b.  June  8,  1796.  d.       1865. 

249.  VI.  Esther,"  b.  June  15,  1800,  d.  Dec.  20,1864. 

I.  Hannah,  married  Danforth  Lvon,  and  lives  in  Providence, 
R.  I.      He  is  dead.      Their  children  are  : 

(l)  Pascal  D.  b.  1809,  d.  Oct.  II,  1826;  (2)  Mary  W.,  b.  May 
24,  1821,  still  livina;,  resides  in  Providence. 


212  SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

IV.  Clara,  married  Alverson  Sumner.  Thev  have  no  children, 
reside  in  Woodstock.  Ct. 

V.  Samuel,  married  Maria  Bradford,  has  one  dau.,  lived  in 
Woodstock,  Ct.      He  was  a  farmer. 

VI.  Esther,  married  William  Session,  live  in  Woodstock, 
Ct.      Their  children  are: 

(l)  George  R.  married  Sarah,  reside  in  Abington,  Ct.  ;  (2)  Ellen 
[^.  married  George  Allen,  reside  in  Abington,  Ct.  ;  {2)  Emma  lf\ 
married  William  Ingalls,  r.  111. 

The  compiler  has  been  unable  to  secure  further  data  concerning 
these  families.     The  Wilkinson  name  is  extinct  in  this  line. 


John  Wilkinson'     "j  [124]  Benjamin,^  [46]  Joseph,'^  [j  i] 

AND  -Samuel-  [2]  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Mary  Mowry,         j 

Of  Scituate,  R.  I. 
250.   I.    Amey,"  b.  Dec.  4,  1780. 

I.  Amey,  married  John  Harris,  of  Scituate,  and  lives  on  the 
old  homestead  first  occupied  by  the  elder  Joseph.  Mr.  Harris 
is  a  man  of  considerable  note  in  his  native  town  and  state — has 
held  nearlv  all  the  town  offices — been  a  member  of  the  Legislature, 
and  judge  of  the  Courts  of  Rhode  Island.  He  and  his  wife  still 
live,  retaining  their  intellectual  [acuities  to  a  remarkable  degree. 
The  Judge  is  an  interesting  man  to  converse  with,  is  familiar 
with  the  early  settlement  of  the  town,  and  the  early  settlers  also. 
The  author  acknowledges  that  many  incidents  related  in  collection 
with  the  first  Joseph,  were  obtained  from  him  ;  and  while  collecting 
facts,  names,  and  dates  in  Scituate,  the  position  of  the  apple  tree 
from  which  his  great  grandmother  Wilkinson  shot  the  bear,  the 
place  where  the  Indians  held  their  pow  wow  and  dance,  the 
location  of  the  old  houses,  &:c.,  were  all  pointed  out  b\'  him.  He 
feels  an  interest  in  perpetuating  the  memory  of  the  early  settlers, 
and  manifests  commendable  zeal  in  handing  down  the  sayings  and 
doings  ot  our  ancestors  to  future  generations. 


SAMUEL  WILKINSON.  [257]  213 

Their  children  are  : 

(l)  Daniel  M.^  b.  Nov.  23,  1805,  m.  Waitv  Rhodes,  r.  Bute 
Co.,  Cal.,  his  familv  in  Providence  ;  (2)  'John  TF.,  b.  Aug.  16, 
1807,  m.  Sarah  Cushman,  r.  Cincinnati,  O.,  d.  Sept.  19,  1847  > 
(3)  sVilllam^  b.  March  6,  1810,  m.  Zilpha  Torrey,  r.  Scituate, 
R.  I  ;  (4)  Mary,  b.  Oct.  7,  181 1,  d.  Aug.  6,  1816  ;  (5)  George,  h. 
April  16,  1814,  m.  Delia  Field,  r.  Dayton,  Ohio  ;  (6)  Eliza  Jnn^ 
b.  June  15,  1816,  ni.  Dr.  Thomas  K.  Newhall,  of  Scituate,  R.  I. 
Dr.  Newhall  practiced  medicine  in  Scituate  for  several  years,  but 
gaining  in  reputation  and  prcterring  the  city  practice  to  the  country, 
he  moved  to  Providence,  where  he  is  regarded  as  a  careful  and 
skillful  physician,  and  is  rapidly  gaining  the  confidence  of  the 
metropolitans.  The  doctor  is  a  well  read  man,  social,  genial  and 
companionable,  and  will  win  success  in  his  profession.  His  wife 
is  every  way  worthy  such  a  husband.  (7)  Stephen  Z).,  b,  Feb.  3, 
1820,  m.  Adeline  Burrows,  r.  Marysville,  Cal. :  (8)  Henrv^  b. 
Jan.  4,  1823,  m.  Jennie  Voomer,  r.  Nevada. 


William  Wilkinson-^  ^  [i^?]  Benjamin,^   [46]   Joseph,-' 

AND  !   [l  Ij  SaMUEL,'-[2]LaWREXCE,*  [l] 

Chloe  Learned  and  j 

Marcy  VVilkia'son,  j 

Of  PnuviDEXCE,  R.  I. 

First  Wife. 

251.  I.    PoLLV,"  b.  Jan.    13,  1 784,  d.  March,    1785. 

252.  II.    Betskv,"  b.  Jan.    8,    1786,  d.  May  30,  1864. 

253.  III.  William,'"'  b.  April  13,  i788,d.  Sept.  9,  1807. 

254.  IV.    Bexjamtx,''  b.  April  5,  1790,  d.  Aug.  25,  1791. 

255.  V.   Sarah,^  b.  Aug.  13,  1792,  d.  June  18,  1819. 

256.  VI.  Nancy  WilliamsHi.  Jan.  22,  1795,  d.  Sept.  14,  1831. 
Secnd  Wife. 

i^-j.  VII.  Samuel,*^  b.  Nov.  8,  1799,  d.  Sept.  21,  1800. 

258.  VIII.   Rebecca,"  b.  April  23,  1801. 


214  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

259.  IX.  JoJiN  Lawjjexce/  b.  Nov.  20,  1802,  tl.  Aug.  i,  1807. 

260.  X.   Susanna  Angeli,,M-).  Aug.  22^  1804,  d.  Sept.  29,  1805. 

261.  XI.   Mary  Rhodes,^    b.  Oct.  15,  1836. 

262.  XII.    WiLLlA.M,"  b.  April  «;,  1809,  d.  July  .^o,  1810 

263.  XIII.  William  H.,«(485-87)b.  Nov. 22  181 1  d.  Mavg  1854. 

264.  XIV.   Susan  Angell/' b.  May  13,  1815. 

III.  William,  sailed  from  Providence  with  Captain  Aborn, 
bound  for  Canton,  China,  fell  overboard  from  the  rigging,  and 
was  drowned. 

V.  Sarah,  married  Charles  N.  Tibbitts,  May  13,  18 16' — 
lived  in  Providence,  R.  I.      They  had  one  child  : 

(l)    William   Henry.,   b, ,   m.    Harriett   L,    Cady,   lived   in 

Providence,  R.  I.      He  died  leaving  no  children. 

VI.  Nancy  Williams,  married  Josiah  Keene  of  Pros  idencc, 
R.  I.,  May  25,  1830.      Thev  had  no  children. 

VIII.  Rebecca  married  Dec.  12,  1825,  Daniel  Le  Baron 
Goodv/in,  eldest  son  of  Daniel  and  Polly  (Briggs)  Goodwin. 

Mr.  Goodwin  is  a  clergyman  of  the  Prot.  Episcopal  church, 
and  was  born  July  28,  1800 — resides  on  Smith's  Hill,  Providence, 
R.  I.      Their  children,  as  presented  by  himself,  are  as  follows  : 

(I)  Sarah  Wilkinson,  born  lo  Aug.,  1828-,  ['2)  Mary  Briggs., 
b.  23  Nov.,  1830,  died  7  Feb.,  I  833  ;  (3)  Elizabeth  Lamed.,  born 
16  March,  1833,  died  6  July,  I  834  ;  (4)  Daniel.,  born  TO  March, 
1835,  [Graduated  at  Brown  University,  class  of  1857.  ^^  ^"^ 
an  Episcopal  clergyman — settled  at  Bangor,  Maine].  (5)  Hannah 
Wheeler.,  born  17  Aug.,  1 837,  married  to  Samuel  Smith  Drur\ . 
M.  D.,  of  Bristol,  R.  I.,  29  Dec,  1863;  {b)  William  Wilkinson. 
born  I  Aug.,  I  839,  died  Jan.  25,  I  840 ;  (7)  Jnn  Dent,  born  17 
Ian.,  1841-,  (8)  Rebecca  Le  Baron,  born  9  June,  1 843,  died  17 
June,  1854  ;    (9)  Susan  Wilkinson.,  born  18  June,  I  845. 

XI.  Mary  Rhodes,  married  Charles  N.  Tibbitts,  her  half 
sister's  husband.  They  had  no  children.  Mr.  Tibbitts  is  dead 
and  his  widov/  still  lives  on  George  St.,  Providence,  R.  I. 

XIII.    William    Henry,  m.  Sarah  Snelling  Drew,  daughter 


JL Cr  ( IVILKINSON)  R  O  USDS.  [265]         215 

of  the  late  Capt.  John  Drew  of  the  U.  S.  Navv  of  Boston.  She 
was  born  Dec.  25,  1818.  They  have  had  three  children,  one 
only,  living.  Mrs.  Wilkinson,  now  a  widow,  resides  on  Smith's 
Hill,  Providence,  R.  I. 


Joseph  Wilkixso:x^  ~|  l 'SO  Joseph,*  [50]   Joseph,'' 

AND  V  ( 1 1 )  Samuel,-  (2)  Lawrence.' 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Pkckuam,  j  [  1] 

Of  SCITUATE,  R.  I. 

265.  I.  Alcy,*^  b.  Aug.  I'l,  1778,  d. 

266.  II.  Joseph,^  b,  April  4,  1780,  d.  young. 

267.  III.  Hannah,^  b.  d. 

268.  IV.  BRowNELL,«(488-98)b.  March  20,  1 785,  d.  Feb.  15,1861. 
269  V.   ALMADUS,'''(499-503)b.  Aug,  20,  1787,  d.  Oct  25,  1837. 

270.  VI.   Elizabeth,^  b.  *  d.  1858. 

271.  VII.  Mercy,"  b.  Sept.  6,  1792,  d.  May  6,   1861. 

I.  Alcy,  married  Caleb  Rounds,  and  lived  in  Foster  R.  I. 
Their  children  were  : 

(i)  Mm-ccUa^  m.  Ira  Winsor,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  ;  (2)  Adahala^m. 
Richard  Bishop,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  :  (3)  Lurania^  m.  Ira  Winsor,  r. 
Foster,  R.  I.  j  (4)  Sarah^  m.  Richard  Bishop,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  ; 
(5)  Sophia^  m.  Simmons  Davis,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  ;  (6)  Tabitha^  m. 
David  Westcott,  r.  Lcwiston  Falls,  Me.  ;  (7)  Caleh^  m.  Rhoda 
Russel,  r.  Baltic,  Ct.  ;(8)  Merc}\  m.  Alison  Tinkham,  r.  Harmony, 
R.  I.  ;  (9)  Elizabeth^  m.  Benjamin  Hopkins,  r.  Foster,  R.  I.  (10) 
Elice^  b.  May  6,  1803,  m.  Jeremiah  Hopkins,  r.  Foster,  R.  I., 
died  Dec.  3,  1858.  He  died  Aug.  6,  1855.  They  had,  i,  P. 
Kalista,  2,  James  Richmond,  3,  Geo.  Leonard,  m.  Laura  Kinney, 
and  has  3  children,  Leonard  B..  Walter,  and  Inis  L.,  4,  Benj.  D., 
m.  Esther  Rounds,  5,  Henry  C.  6,  Samuel,  7,  Albert  C,  m, 
Ellen  M.  Sheldon,  8,  Gilbert.     These  live  in  N.   Scituate,  R.  L 

Lurania^  Sarah ^  Elizabeth  and  Elice  are  dead.  The  compilei 
has  not  been  able  to  secure  the  dates  of  the  births,  marriages,  and 
deaths  of  this  family. 


21 6  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

III.  Hannah,  married  John  Smith,  lived  in  Foster,  R.  I. 
Thev  had  : 

(l)  Diana^  m.  Arnold  Angell  ;  (2)  Sophia,  m.    Stephen    Davis  ; 

(3)  yoseph^  m.  Susan  Slater  ;  (4)  Gcoi'ge^  m.  Hill,  r.  South 

Scituate,  R.  I.-,  (5)  Paulina,  m.  Charles  Angell;  (6)   Parley;   (7) 

Hannah^    m.    James   Locke  ;   (8)   Jaines^   m.  Rice  ;    (9) 

Johti,  m.  ;  (10)  Stary^  m. ;  (i  l)  Maty,  m.  Angell. 

IV^.  Brownell,  married  ist,  Tabitha  Thomas,  of  North 
Scituate,  R.  I.,  2d,  Maria  Spaulding,  3d,  Sarah  Phillips,  lived  in 
Worcester,  Mass.,  where  a  part  of  his  family  now  reside.  Bv 
his  first  wife  he  had  six  children,  and  by  his  third,  five.  He  was 
a  machinist,  having  learned  his  trade  in  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  when 
he  was  18  years  old,  and  worked  at  it  constantly  till  within  a  few 
months  of  his  decease.  For  mechanical  skill  and  ingenuity  he 
was  particularly  noted,  and,  as  a  finished  workman,  had  few  equals. 
He  died  in  Worcester,  Mass. 

V.  Almadus,  married  Margaret  Magee  [or  McGee],  daughter 
of  George  McGee,  and  Eliphel  (Perkins),  of  P'oster,  R.  I. 
Almadus  lived  in  Providence,  R.  I.  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He 
was  born  in  Scituate,  R.  I.,  and  was  a  farmer.  He  was,  also,  a 
tavern  keeper  as  his  father  had  been  before  him,  and  had 
houses  of  this  kind  in  North  Scituate,  Foster,  and  Providence, 
and  in  Brookline,  Ct.  He  was  much  esteemed  by  his  neighbors 
for  his  quiet,  gentlemanly  manners,  was  an  honest  man,  kind  and 
arenerous.  He  had  a  family  of  five  children,  all  married  except 
one.  His  family  are  noted  for  their  business  talent,  being  successful 
merchants,  popular,  and  enterprising  men.  Joseph  B.  resides  in 
Troy.  Andrew  J.  in  Keokuk,  Iowa.  The  daughters  married 
men  of  excellent  business  talent,  and  are  merchants  in  I'roy,  N.  Y. 
Eliphel  (Perkins),  Almadus'  wife's  mother  had  a  brother  Samuel 
Perkins  who  married  Rhoda  Hopkins.  Their  oldest  daughter 
Mary  Hopkins  married  a  Stoneman.  Major  General  George 
Stoneman,  of  the  U.  S.  Army,  is  their  son  or  grandson, 

VI.  Elizabeth,  married  Nehemiah  Randall,  of  Scituate, 
R.  I.      Their  children  are: 


NANCr  {IVILKINSON}  F AIRMAN.  [272]       217 

(i)  Lillis^  b.  April  26,  1807,  m.  Samuel  G.  Anthony,  r. 
Providence,  d.  Nov.  16,  1864.  They  have,  i,  Samuel,  2,  Henry, 
3,  Barnis,  4,  Susan  J.,  5,  Elizabeth  A.  {2)  Pat'ia,  b.  Feb.  24, 
1809,  m.  Benj.  F.  Hopkins,  r.  Providence,  d.  Oct.  12,  1864; 
(3)  Barniss.,  b.  Jan.  2,  181 1,  m.  John  Gee,  r.  Providence;  {4) 
Henry.,  b.  Jan.  15,  1 8 1 3,  r.  Scituate,  R.  I.,  d.  Feb.  5.  1835; 
(S)  Phebe,  b.  1815  ;  r.  Scituate,  R.  I.,  d.  18  17;  (6)  Eli-zabeth.,  b. 
Nov.  26,  I  818,  m.  Stephen  Randall,  r.  Johnston,  R.  I.;  (7) 
Amanda.,  b.  March  23,  I  819,  m.  Henry  B.  Eddy,  r.  Providence; 
{'6)  Stephen.,  h.  March  23,  1 82  I,  m.  i,  L.  A.  Sanders,  2,  C. 
Brown,  r.  Providence.  They  have  one  child,  Henry.  (9)  Peleg., 
b.  May  6,  1823,  m.  Louisa  \Vilbour,  r.  Providence;  (10) 
Nehem'iah.,  b.  Apr.  16,  i  825,  m.  Orrey  Russell,  r.  Indian  Orchard, 
Mass.;  (i  i)  Benjamin.,  b.  1827,  m.  Mary  York,  r.  California; 
(12)  Mary  Eliza.,  b.  Dec,  1829,  m.  Manassa  Cobb,  r.  Scituate, 
R.  I.;  (13)  Rhodes  B.,  b.  March,  1832,  m.  Sarah  York,  r. 
California. 

Vn.   Mercy,  married  Lyman  Burnham,  of  Blackstone,  Mass. 
Their  children: 

(i)  Sarah,  m.  Nathaniel  Wade,  r.  Blackstone,  R.  L  ;  (2)  Esther., 
m.  Artemas  Staples. 


William  Wilkinson^  ^  [^33]    William,^    [57]     Joseph,^ 
AND  y[i  I J  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrence.^  [iJ 

Sarah  Mason,  j 

Of  Smithfield,  Pexn. 

272.   L   Nancy,*^  b.  d. 

Perhaps  others. 

L    Nancy,  married  Cyrel  Fairman,  and  jesides  in    Smithfield, 
Penn. 


20 


21 8  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

George  WilkixsonM  [138]  William/ [57]  Joseph,'^  [i  i] 

y\ND  y  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrence,^  [ij 

Lydia  Tidd,  J 

Of  New  Braintree,  Mass. 

273.  I.   Harriet,''  b.  July,       1801. 

274.  II.   George/' (504-507)  b.  Nov.  3,  1804. 

I.  Harriet,  married  Chauncey  Parkman,  and  resided  in 
Northfield,  Mass. 

II.  George,  married  Rhoda  Woodward,  resides  in  Hartford, 
Ct.  They  have  four  children.  Harriet  resides  in  Philadelphia, 
and  Lewis  and  George  in  Boston,  Mass. 


•      Stephen  Wilkinson^    ^  [H'J    William/    [57]   Jo.^eph," 
AXD  v[i  i]  Samuel,-  [2]  Lawrence/  [i] 

Mahala  Burgess,  j 

Of  Gloucester,  R.  I. 

275.  I.   Amev/  b. 

276.  II.  George,*' (508-515'b.  Jan.,  27,  iSio. 

277.  III.  NEL30N,'''(5i6-523)b.D2c.  13,  iSi  I,  d.  March'io,  1864. 

278.  IV.   William/  b.  d. 

279.  V.  James,"  b.  d, 

280.  VI.  Mary/  b.  d. 

281.  VII.  Sarah/  b.  d. 

282.  VIII.   William/  (524-526)  b.  March  6,  1821. 

283.  IX.    Hazel,^  (527-534)  b.  June  5,  1823. 

284.  X.  James  M.(535-538jb.  Feb.  26,  1825. 

285.  XI.  Truman  B./  b.  d. 

286.  XII.  Joseph/  b.  d. 

287.  XIII.  AsAPir/  (539)      b. 

288.  XIV.  Nancy/ ^  b.  d. 

I.  Amey,  m.  Erastus  Fairman,  r.  Amboy,  Lee,  Co.  Ills. 

II.  George,   m.    Julia     Ann    Manton, resides    in     Tiskilvva, 
Bureau  Co.,  111.      They  have  eight  children. 


ASJPH  TFILKINSON.  [287]  219 

III.  Nelsox,  born  in  Glocester,  R.  I.,  m.  Elizabeth  Niles, 
of  Charleston,  Pa.,  Dec.  1 3,  1 840,  r.  Buda,  Ills.,  he  was  a  farmer, 
an  honest  man  and  a  christian.      He  had  a  family  of  eight  chiildren. 

yil.    Sarah,  m.  Philander  Niles,  r.  Middleburg,  Pa. 

VIII.  William,,  m.  ?Jarv  Hill,  r.  Charleston,  Tioga  Co., 
Pa.,  has  three  children. 

IX.  Hazel,  m.  Jane  West,  b.  May  4,  1827,  r.  in  Buda, 
111. 

X.  James  M.,  m.  A.  J.  Mclnroy,  has  four  children,  r.  in 
Charleston,  Pa.  He  v/as  in  the  Union  Army  and  lost  a  leg  in 
front  of  Petersburg,  June  18,  1864.  James  enlisted  Feb.  8,  1864, 
and  went  to  Harrisburg  and  thence  to  the  front  via  Port  Royal, 
Rappahannoch  and  Bowling  Green.  June  18,  they  were  ordered 
to  charge  a  fort  that  commanded  the  Weldon  road,  and  advanced 
so  close  that  the  enemy  were  obliged  to  throw  their  shells  almost 
straight  up  into  the  air  in  order  to  let  them  fall  upon  our  troops. 
One  burst  about  10  feet  from  James,  and  threw  a  small  round 
shot  into  his  knee  joint.  He  crawled  back  about  two  miles,  and 
found  an  ambulance  which  tool:  him  to  the  Division  Hospital. 
His  leg  was  amputated  on  the  following  day,  and  he  was  taken 
to  City  Point,  with  three  in  an  ambulance.  This  he  describes 
as  ha/-d  times.  During  July  his  life  was  despaired  of,  but  he, 
putting  his  trust  in  God,  survived,  and  left  Alexandria  for 
Washington  Nov.  28,  v/here  he  rem.ained  till  Jan.  19,  1865. 
Two  days  after  this  he  arrived  home,  disabled  for  life  in  the  service 
of  his  country.  He  is  highly  respected  bv  his  fellov/  townsmen, 
and  as  an  appreciation  of  his  patriotism  and  worth,  the}'  have 
mr.de  him  Collector  and  Constable. 

XIII.  Asaph,  m.  Marv  A.  Short,  r.  Charleston,  Tioga  Co., 
Pa.,  has  one  child. 

This  branch  of  the  family  are  noted  for  their  energy,  industry 
and  perseverance,  and  deserve  the  favorable  consideration  of 
their  fellow  citizens. 

For  many  years  this  branch  of  the  family  had  been  lost. 


220  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

OziEL  Wilkinson^  ^  [^2]  John/  [58]  Johx,^  [14]  John,^ 

AND  J  [4]  Lawrence,^  [1] 

Lydia  Smith,  j  * 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

289.  I.   Lucy,®  b.  Nov.  20,  1766,  d.  Dec.     3,  1840 

290.  II.   ABRAHAM,'''(540-47)b.  Oct.  10,  I768,d.  Apr.  15,  1849 

291.  III.  Isaac,"  (548-49)  b.  Oct.  10,  1768,  d.  Mar.     2,  1843 

292.  IV.   David,«v55o-53)  b-  Jan.     5,  1771,   d.  Feb.      3,  1852 

293.  V.   Marcy,*'  b.  Mar.   19,  1773,  d.  Sept.  29,  1855 

294.  VI.    Haxxah,"  b.  Dec.  15,  1774,  d.  Oct,     2,  1812 

295.  VII.   DANiEL,\554-58)b.  Jan.  26,  1777,  d.  Mar.  19,  1826 

296.  VIII.   George,  b.  Jan.  23,  1779,  d.    Jan.  25,  1783 

297.  IX.   Smith,"  (559-64)  b.  July    5,  1781,  d.  Nov.     5,  1852 

298.  X.   Lydia,"  b.   Sept.  i,      1783,  d.  July  28,  1836 
I,   Lucy,   married  Timothv   Greene,  son  of  Paul   Greene  of 

Potowam,  Warwick,  R.  I.  He  Vv'as  a  relative  of  Gen.  Greene 
of  Revolutionarv  fame,  and  was  born  June  12,  1760.  In  the 
early  part  of  his  life  he  was  a  tanner  and  currier,  and  continued 
in  that  trade  till  some  time  after  his  removal  to  Pawtucket,  where 
he  did  an  extensive  business. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich,  in  his  centennial  address  makes   the 

following  allusion    to   Mr.  Greene, ,  in     1799.  the  second 

cotton  mill  was  begun.  This  was  reared  by  Mr.  Oziel  Wilkinson, 
and  his  three  sons-in-law,  Samuel  Slater,  Timothv  Greene  and 
William  Wilkinson,  and  was  built  on  the  Masachusetts  side  of 
the  river.  I  have  named  Mr.  Greene  as  a  son-in-law  of  Oziel 
Wilkinson.  He  had  been  previously  engaged  in  the  manufacture 
of  leather.  His  tannery  occupied  the  site  of  what  are  now 
called  Greene's  Mills.  Indeed,  his  original  business  was  the 
manufacture  of  shoes,  and  even  after  he  gave  his  attention  to 
tanning,  he  employed  several  men  in  the  former  business.  As 
illustrating  the  extent  of  his  operations  in  tanning,  the  incidental 
statement  of  one  of  his  workmen  may  be  quoted  :  "We  ground 
200  cords  of  bark  per  year,  while    I    worked   for    Mr.    Greene, 

*Census,  i  male  above  1 6,  3  under ;   2  females  above,  2  under. 


LUCY  {WILKINSON)  GREENE. [2^']  221 

We  tanned  icco  hides  a  year  for  him,  and  fulled  1500  for 
others."  Mr.  Greene's  activity  contributed  to  the  prosperity  of 
our  town,  and  his  descendants  have  continued  to  do  their  share 
of  the  business  of  this  place." 

He  at  length  abandoned  the  employment  of  tanner  and  currier 
and  engaged  with  Slater  and  Wilkinson  in  the  manufacturing 
business  which  was  then  in  its  infancy,  and  by  his  perseverance 
and  energy  he  gave  an  impetus  to  the  cause  that  the  State  of 
Rhode  Island  still  feels  on  many  of  her  tributaries.  He  aided 
in  building  the  ''White  Mill"  above  alluded  to  in  1799-1800, 
and  was  associated  with  Slater  a  great  many  years,  and  finally 
purchased  his  share  in  the  above  mill,  and  managed  the  affairs 
alone  tor  a  number  oi:  years,  under  the  name  or  "  Timothy  Greene 
&  Sons." 

He  ranks  among  the  first  and  most  enterprising  of  New 
England  Manufacturers,  and  the  state  of  Rhode  Island,  is  greatly 
indebted  to  his  enterprise  in  this  branch  of  domestic  industry. 

Their  children  are  as  follows : 

(])  Sarah.,  b.  May  5,  1789,  married  William  Harris,  who  was 
born  Dec.  28,  1785,  and  died  recently.      Their  children  are: 

I.  Elizabeth,  b.  March  14,  18 10,  d.  Jan,  2,  181 1;  2.  Eliza 
Green,  b,  Aug.  28,  181 1,  m.  Rev,  Dr.  Henry  Waterman,  of 
Providence,  R,  I,  He  is  Rector  of  St.  Stephen's  Church  in  that 
citv.  They  have  one  child  named  Lucius,  3,  William  Francis, 
b.  March  30,  1816,  died  in  111,;  4,  Joseph  Wilkinson,  b.  Jan. 
16,  1819;  5,  Samuel  Greene,  b,  July  20,  1820,  d,  April,  1821  ; 
6.  Sarah  Jane,  b.  July  I,  1823,  m.  Frank  Anthony,  had  one 
child,  Mary,  and  died  April,  i  862;  7.  Catherine  Jenks,  b.  March 
I  2,  1825,  married,  but  has  no  children. 

Sarah  d.  Nov,   I,  1825. 

(i)  Samuel.,h.  May  12,  1791,  married  Sarah  Harris,  dau.,  of 
Stephen  Harris,  of  Providence.      They  have  two  sons: 

I.  Paul,  a  manufacturer,  unmarried,  resides  at  Woonsocket, 
R.  I.  Charles  Harris  was  a  captain  in  the  Union  Army  of  the 
Great  Rebellion  of  186 1-5.       He  was   in   the  bayonet  charge  at 


222  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

Newburn,  at  the  mine  springing  in  front  of  Richmond,  or 
Petersburg,  and  fought  twelve  battles.  He  lives  with  his  father 
in  Woonsocket,  and  they  are  largely  engaged  in  the  manufacturing 
business.  Mr.  Samuel  Greene  is  a  natural  mathematician,  and 
has  invented  a  sliding  scale  greatly  superior  to  Gunter's.  Plis 
rules  for  estimating:  the  velocity  and  power  of  water  and  machinery 
are  the  most  simple  and  concise  ever  used,  and  it  is  hoped  Mr. 
Greene  will  s;ive  the  world  the  benefit  o[  them.  He  is  a  natural 
draftsman,  and  his  dr.ifts  of  machinery  loo!:  like  engravings,  so 
neatlv  are  they  executed.  He  is  an  amateur  in  geology  .and 
mineralogv,  and  has  a  very  fine  cabinet  ot  his  own  collection. 
He  gave  the  name  B:r7ion.,  to  the  villa  vv'here  he  resides,  and  bears 
the  reputation  of  being  a  man  of  sterling  integrity. 

(3)  Z)^/.'/V/,  b.  April  16,  1793,  m.  Ann  Tyler,  dau.  of  Ebenezer, 
has  four  children. 

(4)  JFiHia?n.,h.  Sept..  22,  1795,  d.  Sept.  2,  1796. 

(5)  Mary.,  b.  April  8,  1797,  m.  Aaron  Putnam,  d.  Oct.  17, 
i82o. 

(6)  Paul,  b.  April  22,  1799,  d.    May  10,  182  i. 

(7)  Elixa.,  b.  Nov.  17,  looo.  Eliza,  married  April  16,  1821, 
Benjamin  C.  Harris,  son  of  Stephen  Harris,  and  brother  of  Samuel 
Greene's  wife.      Their  children  are: 

I.  Mary  G  ,  b.  Aug.  8,  1822,  d.  March  9,  1824;  2.  Stephen, 
b.  Sept.  26,  1824,  d.  July  25,  1842  ;  3.  Thom.as,  b.  Dec.  3,  1825, 
m.  Kate  Dexter,  of  Boston,  Oct.  14,  1852.  She  died  Sept.  18, 
1854,  leaving  a  daughter  who  also  died.  He  m.  2J  wife,  April 
17,  I  86 1,  Sarah  Bullock;  4.  James,  b.  Feb.  23,  1827;  5.  Elizabeth, 
b.  Dec.  20,  1828,  m.  James  Vila,  of  Boston,  July  2,  1850.  He 
died  Nov,  22,  1850,  She  m.  2d  husband,  Oct.  27,  3  858,  Edward 
B.  Revnolds,  of  Boston.  6.  Edwin,  b.  Nov,  4,  1830,  m.  Clara 
Crowly,  Oct.  I,  1861;  7.  Benjamin  C.  b.  Aug.  17,  1833;  8. 
Robert,  b.  May  14,  i  835  ;  9.  Anna  Greene,  b.  June  22,  i  837  ; 
10.  John,  b.  iMay  31,  1839,  d.  Nov.  i,  1839;  11.  Carolina  A., 
b.  Aug.  27,  1840-,  12.  Charles  F.,  b.  April  2,  1844,  d.  Feb.  2, 
1845. 


ABRAHAM  A^D  ISAAC  IVILKINSON.  [265]     223 

(8)  Anna  TV.,  b.  April  15,  1S03,  married  May,  1822,  Edward 
Walcott.      Their  childien  are: 

I.  Anna  G.,  b.  April  i,  1S23,  m.  Thomas  T.  Phillips,  of 
Philadelphia,  April  3,  1S45.  They  reside  south  and  have  a  family 
of  children.  2.  Edward,  b.  April  5,  1827  ;  3  William,  b.  Aug. 
1829,  married. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  Timothy  and  Lucy  are  the  progenators 
of  a  numerous  posterity.  They  were  members  of  the  Friends' 
Society  and  led  consistent  christian  lives.  Ke  was  noted  for  his 
business  talent  and  for  the  promptness  with  which  he  fulfilled 
every  engagement.  Multitudes  of  poor  people  found  employment 
and  received  aid  at  his  hand,  and  after  fulfilling  his  mission  he 
fell  asleep  on  the  oth  of  the  second  month,  1034.  His  wife 
closed  her  earthly  pilgrimage  the  3d  of  the  twelfth  month,  1840, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  7.;.,  well  stricken  in  )-ears.  She  has  left  a 
life-record  that  will  be  long  remembered  by  her  surviving  relatives* 
They  are  both  interred  in  the  North  Providence  CemiCtery. 

II.  Abraham,  ] 

III.  Isaac,        j     (twins\    were     the     oldest    sons    of   Oziel 

Wilkinson,  and  were  born  in  Srnithfield,  R.  I.,  on  the  same  day. 
They  removed  with  their  father  to  Pawtucket  in  1783,  where 
they  labored  together  in  their  father's  anchor  shop.  Isaac  took 
the  whole  charge  of  the  shop  with  a  large  number  of  men,  at  17 
years  of  age.  The  two  brothers  continued  to  labor  for  their 
father  until  about  1 790  when  thev  commenced  a  partnership  in 
business,  which  continued  till  1829.  Their  iron  business  became 
very  extensive,  as  they  had  furnaces  in  Pawtucket,  Providence 
and  Fall  River.  They  also,  built  some  kinds  of  cotton  machinery, 
and  built  and  operated  extensive  cotton  mills  at  Pawtucket, 
Valley  Falls  and  Albion  in  Smithfield:  Abraham  inconsequence 
of  an  injury  received  in  the  discharge  of  his  arduous  labors  in  the 
anchor  shop,  became  unfitted  for  heavy  labor,  and  took  the 
management  of  their  financial  affairs,  while  the  extensive  business 
of  their  anchor  shop,  machine  shops,  and  furnaces  devolved  upon 


224  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

Isaac.  The  latter  eminently  fitted  for  such  work  by  his 
.extraordinary  physical  powers,  and  great  mechanical  skill,  continued 
in  his  labors  until  he  was  nearly  seventy  years  of  age.  The  great 
revolution  in  cotton  business  in  1829,  caused  a  dissolution  of  the 
partnership  of  the  two  brothers,  and  their  remaining  years  were 
passed  in  comparative  quiet, 

Isaac  Wilkinson  was  a  devoted  and  consistent  christian,  having 
been  baptized  and  received  into  the  first  Baptist  Church  in 
Pawtucket  in  I  8  I  6.  His  house  was  ever  after  the  home  of  the 
Baptist  clergy,  and  his  ample  means  were  liberally  contributed  to 
build  and  sustain  Baptist  churches.  No  member  of  his  church 
did  more  to  sustain  the  cause.  He  bore  his  pecuniary  reverses 
with  great  fortitude  and  equinimity,  and  only  lamented  the  loss 
of  power  to  help  the  needy. 

As  the  world  with  its  pleasures  and  cares  faded  from  his  vision, 
his  faith  in  the  Divine  providences  became  stronger,  and  his  hopes 
of  a  blessed  future  with  his  Savior,  and  the  loved  saints  who  had 
gone  before  became  brighter.  He  died  atter  a  short  illness  in  the 
75th  year  of  his  age.  Isaac  married  Lois  Marsh  and  had  two 
children. 

Abraham  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  Rhode  Island  in 
I  807,  and  was  frequently  returned  by  his  consistuency.  He  held 
many  town  and  county  offices  and  filled  them  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  the  people.  He  survived  till  I  849  in  his  81  st  year, 
and  fell  asleep,  bidding  adieu  to  surrounding  friends.  He  married 
Lydia  Whipple  and  had  a  family  of  eight  children. 

IX.  David,  was  born  in  Smithfield,  Rhode  Island,  married 
Martha  Sayles,  daughter  of  Jeremiah  Sayles,  who  was  the  son  of 
Thomas  Sayles  and  Esther  (Scott),  who  was  the  son  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  Sayles,  who  was  the  son  of  John  Sayles  and  Mary 
(Williams)  his  wife,  the  oldest  daughter  of  Roger  Williams. 
This  last  mentioned  John  Sayles  signed  the  original  compact  in 
company  with  Lawrence  Wilkinson  as  may  be  seen  ante.  His 
son   John    was  born    Aug.  17,  I  654,   and  his    son   Thomas  was 


MARCr  IFILKINSON.  [293]  225 

b.  Feb.  9,  1698-9,  and  his  son  Jeremiah  was  b.  Dec.  17,  1743,  ^"^ 
his  daughter  Martha,  David's  wife,  was  b.  June  i  r,  1776.  Thus 
we  go  back  to  Roger  Williams,  the  founder  of  Rhode  Island  in 
this  branch  of  the  family. 

Albert  S.  Wilkinson,  son  of  David,  sends  the  following  sketch 
of  the  Savles  family,  being  his  mother's  line  of  descent  as  far  back 
as  was  remembered  by  them  : 

"  Jeremiah  Sayles,  son  of  Thomas  Sayles  and  Esther  Scott,  his 
wife,  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  on  "  Sayles  Hill," — so  called, 
17th  Dec.  1743,  O.  S.  He  died  in  North  Providence,  27th  June, 
18 18.  He  married  Anna  Steere,  dau.  of  Jonah  Steere  and 
Lydia  Whipple  his  wife,  born  in  Glocester — it  is  supposed — 
Rhode  Island  loth  Jan.,  1753,  (O.  S.  1st  Jan.)  She  died  in 
North  Providence,  i6th  July,  1835. 

The  above  were  married — it  is  believed — ist  Aug.  1775. 
Their  children  were:  (i)  Martha,  b.  in  North  Providence,  June 
II,  1776,  who  married  David  Wilkinson,  of  Pawtucket  •,  (2) 
James,  b.  in  Providence,  Oct.  II,  I  777,  died  unmarried,  Jan.  27, 
1794;  (3)  Abigail,  b.  in  North  Providence,  Aug.  18,  1788,  m. 
Ira  Pidge,  of  Providence.  She  died  3  or  4  years  ago  leaving  a 
family  of  children.  (4)  Stephen  b.  in  North  Providence,  Sept.  3, 
1791,  died  unm.,  Dec.  27,  1823." 

The  author  has  in  MS.  quite  an  extensive  genealogy  of  the 
Sayles  family  and  the  Steere  family  from  the  first  settlement  of 
the  Colony  to  the  present  time. 

David  had  four  children.  He  was  a  man  of  great  mechanical 
skill,  and  invented  some  of  the  most  valuable  machines  ever  used 
in  the  mechanic  arts.      For  a  more  extended  notice  see  : 

Biography  No.  XXI. 

V.  Mracy,  married  William  Wilkinson  of  Providence,  R.  L, 
Dec.  31,  1798.     Their  children: 

(l)  Samuel^  b.  Nov.  8,  I  799,  d.  Sept.  2  I,  I  800  ;  (2)  Rebecca, 
b.  April  23,  1 80 1,  m.  Rev.  Daniel  Le  Baron  Goodwin,  an 
Episcopal  clergyman  of    Providence,  R.  I.,  and  has  had   seven 

30 


226  SIXTH  GENERJriON. 

daughters  and  two  sons  ;  (3)  "John  Laiurence,  b.  Nov.  20,  1803, 
d.  Aug.  I,  1807;  (4)  Susanna  Angell^  b.  Aug.  22,  1804.  d.  Sept. 
29  1805;  (5)  Mary  Rhodes,  b.  Oct.  15,  1806,  m,  Chas.  N. 
Tibbitts  ;  (6)  JVilliam^  b.  Apr.  5,  1809,  d.  July  30,  1810;  (7) 
William  Henry^  b.  Nov.  22,  181  i,  m.  Sarah  S.  Drew,  d.  May  9, 
1854  ;  (8)  Susan  Jngell,  b.  Alay  i  3,  I  8  I  5. 

Two  of  the  familv  still  live  in  Providence,  on  George  Street. 
Marcy's  husband  had  been  previously  married. 

For  further  particulars  see  ante  p.,  and   Biography   No.   XV. 

VI.  Hannah,  married  Oct,  2,  i  79  l,  Samuel  Slater  of  Belper, 
Eng.  He  was  the  first  successful  cotton  manufacturer  in 
America.      Their  children  are  : 

(l  )  William^  b.  Aug.  3  I,  I  796,  d.  Jan.  3  i,  180  I,  r.  Pawtucket, 
R.  I.  ;  (2)  Eli-zabeth^  b.  Nov.  1 5,  1798,  d.  Nov.  4,  I  801,  r. 
Pawtucket,  R.  I.  ;  (3)  Mary,  b.  Sept.  28,  I  80  I,  d.  Aug.  i  9,  I  803, 
r.  Pawtucket,  R.  I.  ;  (4)  Samuel,  b.  Sept.  28,  I  802,  d.  July  i  4, 
1 82 1,  r.  Pawtucket,  R.  I.  ;  (5)  George  Bassett,  b.  Feb.  12,  1804, 
m.  Lydia  Robinson,  May  6,  1825,  r.  Webster,  Mass.  She  was 
born  Feb.  25,  1795,  had  four  children,  viz:  (i)  Samuel  Everett, 
b.  Aug.  10,  1826,  d.  Feb.  14,  1854;  (2)  George  Arkwright,  b. 
Feb.  27,  1829,  d.  March  7,  1841;  (3)  Elizabeth  Hamilton,  b. 
March  8,  1831,  m.  James  Henry  Howe,  have  Elizabeth  Slater, 
b.  March  31,  1864;  (4)  William  Strutt,  b.  Oct.  4,  1833-, 
George  B.  Slater,  d.  Nov.  15, 1  843.  (6)  John,  b.  May  23,  I  805, 
m.  Sarah  J.  Jenks  Tiffany,  of  Boston.  She  was  born  Feb.  2, 
1807,  d.  Oct.  28,  1859.  Their  children  are:  (i)  Esther  P., 
b.  Jan.  20,  I  828,  died  same  day.  John  Francis,  b.  March  10, 
I  83 1,  d.  July  3,  I  862,  (3)  Sarah  Jane,  b.  Feb.  30,  I  833,  m.  Oct. 
29,  I  857,  Thomas  Durfee,  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Rhode  Island.  They  have  one  child,  Samuel  Slater, 
b.  Sept.  23,  I  855  ;  (4)  Horatio  Nelson,  b.  Mar.  20,  i  835,  m.  Oct. 
5,  1858,  Elizabeth  Vinton,  a  niece  of  the  Episcopal  clergymen, 
Doctors  Francis  and  Alexander  Vinton.  They  have  two 
children,  Caroline,  b.  July  2  I,  I  859,  Samuel,  b.  Nov,  30,  i  860 ; 


SMITH  WILKINSON.  [297]  227 

(5)  Hannah  Wilkinson,  b.  Jan.  20,  1837,  m.  Henry  A.  Rhodes, 
March,  19,  1857.  They  have  two  children  Charles  Crawford, 
b.  Nov.  21,  1862,  d.  Apr.  28,  1864;  Mary  Slater,  b.  Sept  2, 
1864;  John,d.  Jan.  23, 1838  ;  (7)//or^//(?  A^^A(j«,b.  March  5, 1 808, 
m.  Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Slater,  his  brother's  widow,  r.  Webster,  Mass. 
He  is  an  active,  energetic  business  man,  and  is  the  only  living 
member  of  his  father's  family.  He  has  one  child,  Mary,  b.  Feb. 
17,  1846  ;  (8)  IFilliam^  b.  Oct.  i  5,  1 809,  r.  Providence,  R.  I,,  d. 
Aug.  or  Sept.  1825  1(9)  Thomas  Graham^  b,  Sept.  19,  1812,  d. 
1844.* 

Several  biographical  sketches  of  Samuel  Slater  have  been 
written.  One  may  be  found  in  Bliss's  "History  of  Rehoboth." 
A  book  of  about  550  pages  was  published  in  1 836  entitled 
"  Memoir  of  Slater  and  History  of  manufacturers,"  by  George 
S,  White,  a  very  readable  book,  but  did  not  prove  satisfactory 
to  all  the  parties  concerned,  and  is  out  of  print. 

He  was  born  in  Belper,  Derbyshire,  Eng.,  June  9,  1767,  and 
died  in  Webster,  Mass.,  April  21,  1835. 

Hannah,  his  wife,  died  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  Oct.  3,  1812. 

For  other  facts  concerning  Slater,  see  Biographies. 

Vn.  Daniel  was  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  m.  Nancy, 
daughter  of  Ichabod  and  Elizabeth  Tabor.  She  was  born  in 
Tiverton,  R.  I.,  July  20,  1778,  died  in  Pawtucket,  May  5,  i  860. 
They  had  live  children.  Daniel  was  a  quiet  unassuming  man 
and  a  worthy  citizen,  and  was  concerned  in  the  Pomfret  Factories 
as  one  of  the  firm. 

IX.  Smith  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sampson  Howe, 
of  Killingly,  Ct.  She  was  born  May  I  9,  I  785  in  Killingly,  and 
died  Jan.  14,1843.  Smith  was  a  successful  manufacturer  and 
for  many  years  resided  at  "  Pomfret  Factories,"  now  Putnam,  Ct. 
He  was  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  and  died  in  Putnam.  He  was 
the  principal  owner  of  that  fine  estate  and  the  following  extract 


*See  "Memoir  of  Slater,"  by  Geo.  S.  White,  p.  241. 


228  SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

from  a  letter  to  G.  S.  White  refers  to  the  cotton  manufacturing 
business  in  its  inception.      He  says: 

"  Mr.  Slater  boarded  in  my  father's  family,  at  which  time 
there  were  only  a  few  houses  in  Pawtucket,  while  building 
his  first  machinery,  and  in  the  course  of  the  year  was  married  to 
my  sister  Hannah,  who  died  in  I  8l  2,  leaving  six  sons  quite  young, 
having  buried  four  children.  When  the  manufacturing  business 
first  commenced  in  Pawtucket,  it  may  be  very  naturally  supposed 
that  it  was  frequently  a  subject  of  conversation,  especially  in  a 
family  so  immediately  connected  with  it.  I  recollect  to  have 
heard  frequent  conversations  on  the  subject,  in  which  the  state 
and  progress  of  the  business  was  discussed. 

An  attempt  to  manufacture  cotton  was  made  at  Derby,  Ct., 
under  the  patronage  of  Col.  Humphreys,  late  minister  to  Spain. 
One  at  or  near  Hurlgate,  N.  Y.,  under  the  patronage  of  Mr. 
Livingston,  was  commenced,  but  failed  and  was  abandoned.  I 
believe  nearly  all  the  cotton  factories  in  this  country  from  i  79  I 
to  I  805,  were  built  under  the  direction  of  men  who  had  learned 
the  art  or  skill  of  building  machinery  in  Mr,  Slater's  employ. 
Mr.  Slater  used  to  spin  both  warp  and  filling  on  the  water-frame 
up  to  1803.  The  operations  of  manufactories  up  to  I  8  I  7, 
were  confined  to  spinning  yarn  only,  which  was  put  out  in  webs, 
and  wove  bv  hand-loom  weavers.  Mules  for  spinning  filling 
had  not  then  been  introduced.  The  cotton  used  to  be  put  out 
to  poor  families  in  the  country,  and  whipped  on  cords,  stretched 
on  a  small  frame  about  three  feet  square,  and  the  motes  and 
specks  were  picked  out  by  hand  at  four  or  six  cents  per  pound, 
as  it  might  be  for  cleanness." 

Smith  was  an  active,  energetic  man,  strictly  honest  in  all  his 
dealings,  and  may  well  be  classsed  among  the  first  manufacturers 
in  America,      He  had  six  children. 

X.  Lydia  married  Hezekiah  Howe  Nov.  8,  1  809.  He  was 
son  of  Sampson  Howe,  and  Huldah  (Davis)  his  wife,  and  was 
born  in  Killingly,  Ct.,  Julv  9,  I  783. 

Their  children  are  : 


JVJSHINGTON  A.  J.   WILKINSON.  [304]       229 

(i)  Maria  IVilkinsoti^h.  Feb.  26,  181 1,  m.  David  Warren 
Leland,  of  Charleston,  S,  C,  Oct.  20,  1835,  in  Trinity  Church, 
Boston,  Mass.,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Wainwright  and  died 
without  issue  at  Charleston,  Feb.  26,  1837  ;  (2)  Elizabeth.,  b. 
Jan.  28,  1813,  b.  Sept.  15,  18  14;  (3)  Hexekiah^  b.  Apr.  14,  1815, 
d.  March  16,  1835  ;  (4)  Augustus  b.  Feb.  15,  1817,  m.  Lavinia 
Abbott,  daughter  of  George  Abbott,  of  Cohoes,  N.  Y.,  had 
Hezekiah,  d.  1850,  Maria  A.  Hcwc  now  living  in  Newark, 
Ohio,  with  the  mother,  Augustus  died  at  Cohoes,  Apr.  16,  1850. 
(5)  Elizabeth.,  b.  June  17,  1818,  is  still  living  at  Saratoga  Springs, 
N.  Y. 

Lydia,  the  wife  of  Hezekiah,  died  at  Cohoes,  July  28,  1836. 
but  he  still  lives  with  his  daughter  at  Saratoga  Springs.  He  has 
been  extensively  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business,  and 
Cohoes  is  greatly  indebted  to  him  for  his  enterprise  and  activity 
in  this  branch  of  industry. 

Simeon  Wilkinso:sM  [145]  Aiiab,-' [59]  Jonx,'^[i4]  Joiin,^ 

AND  -[4]  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Elizabe'ih  Jenks,    J 

Of  Smitiifield,  R.  I. 

299.  I.   MiRA,*'  b.  Aug.  21,  1792,  d.  Nov.  24,  1857. 

300.  n.   Saraii,*^  b.  Aug.     3,  1794. 

301.  ni.   Ahab  W.,<^         b.  July      3,  1796. 

302.  IV.   Lydia,*^  b.  Dec.   24,  1798. 

303.  V.   Rebecca  S.,"        b.  Sept.  25,  1800. 

304.  VI.  Washington  A.  J.,*'  b.  Oct.  7,  1804. 

305.  VII.   Elizabeth,^     b.  Mar.  30,  1808. 

306.  VIII.  John  J., «         b.  Mar.     3,  18  rr. 

II.  Sarah,  married  Philip  Thomas.  They  have  one  child, 
George  Henry,  who  m.  Elizabeth  J,  Woodward,  of  Franklin, 
Mass.,  resides  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

VI.  Washington  Adams  Jefferson  was  born  at  the  old 
homestead  in  Smithfield.      His  early  years  were  spent  upon  the 


230 


SIXTH  GENERATION. 


farm,  but  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  became  engaged  in 
manufacturing.  In  1833  he  married  Mary  T.  Remington, 
daughter  of  Capt.  Peleg  Remington,  of  Pawtuxet,  R,  I.  In  1844 
he  moved  with  his  family  to  Southbridge,  Mass.,  and  in  company 
with  I.  P.  Irwin,  purchased  the  cotton  mill  at  Ashland.  This 
was  destroyed  by  fire  a  few  years  after,  and  1856  he  returned 
to  Rhode  Island,  residing  for  many  years  near  the  old  homestead. 
His  character  from  early  boyhood  was  unexceptionable.  By 
nature  very  retiring,  a  man  of  few  words  and  conscientiously 
strict  in  the  performance  of  duty.  During  a  long,  active  business 
life  he  experienced  varied  misfortunes  through  which  he  manifested 
a  noble  christian  character.  Although  of  quiet  habits,  he  is 
always  cheerful,  enjoying  whatever  the  present  offers,  not  regretting 
the  past. 

Three  of  his  family  are  living  and  three  are  dead.  His  sons 
are  faithful  and  efficient  business  men,  one  living  in  Providence 
and  another  in  South  America. 

VII.  Elizabeth,  m.  Edward  A.  Hale.  He  is  engaged  in 
manufacturing,  resides  on  the  same  spot  where  John  Wilkinson, 
the  second  son  of  Lawrence,  first  built  his  house  on  the  Blackstone 
River  near  Aston  200  years  ago.      Their  family  are  : 

(l)  Edward  Crawford ;  (2)  Charles  S.  ;  (3)  Samuel;  (4)  Mary 
Elizabeth. 

VIII.  John  J.,  m.  Lydia  W,  Bentley.  They  have  seven 
children  and  live  in  Bristol,  R.  I.      He  is  a  manufacturer. 


GEORGE  rFILKIXSON.l2o^]  231 

Joseph  Wilkixson^'^  [147]  Ahab,^  [59]  John,"  [14]  John,^ 

AND  >[4]  Lawrence,'  [i] 

Martha  Jenks,        j 

Of  Smitiifield,  R.  I. 

307.  I.   Samuel  Scott,*'     b.  Jan.    27,  1786,  d.  Oct.  12,  1821. 

308.  II.  George,"  b.  Aug.     8,  1789,  d.  Oct.  22,  1824. 

309.  III.   Abby,"  b.  June  10,  1791,  d.  Mar.  20,  1862. 
3io.  IV.  Jenckes,"  b.  Alar.    3,  1794,  d.  1819. 

311.  V.   Amy,*^  b.  Nov.  20,  1795,  d.  Dec.  10,  1820. 

312.  VI.   JoAXXA,"  b.  Dec.  27,  1797,  d. 

313.  VII.   Joseph,"  b.  Nov.  14,  1799,  d.  July  5,  1820. 

314.  VIII.   Mercy,"  b.  Sept.    6,  1801,  d.  Mar.  4,1822. 

315.  IX.   Julia  Axx,"  b.  Dec.    4,  1803,  d.  Aug.  3,  1838. 

316.  X.   Ahab,"  (579)  b.  Jan.     7,  1806,  d.  Oct.  20,  1833. 

317.  XL   Martha,"  b.  Aug.  21,  1809,  d. 

L  Samuel  Scott  never  married.  He  was  a  finished  classical 
scholar  and  graduated  at  Brown  University  in  1809.  He  studied 
law  in  Maine  with  Judge  Bailv,  of  Wiscassett,  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  1812,  and  practiced  in  that  State  till  181 7.  He  died 
in  Portsmouth,  Ohio  whither  he  had  gone  to  engage  in  business. 
He  was  a  worthy  young  man,  highly  esteemed  by  the  community, 
and  a  good  lawyer.  The  death  angel  seemed  to  hover  over  this 
familv  and  no  less  than  six  of  them  fell  beneath  his  shafts  from 
1 8 19  to  1824. 

11,  George  was  about  22  years  of  age  when  his  father  died, 
he  took  charge  of  the  younger  children  superintending  their 
education.  In  18 14,  he  went  to  Ludlow  and  connected  himself 
with  the  Springfield  manufacturing  Co.,  but  left  in  1818  for 
Mobile,  Alabama,  still  holding  his  shares  in  the  Co.  His  object 
in  leaving  was  to  find  a  place  for  his  younger  brothers,  as  they 
desired  to  be  in  business  with  him.  The  first  year  in  Mobile  he 
did  a  commission  business  and  purchased  cotton  for  manufacturers^ 
Sec.  He  purchased  a  township  about  200  miles  up  the  Alabama 
river  from  Mobile,  and  it  was  the  design  to  colonize  it,  introducing 


232  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

the  business  life  and  talent  of  New  England  into  the  Southern 
Plantations.  A  company  of  sixteen  was  formed,  and  they  purposed 
erectino;  mills  and  engaging  in  the  manufacturing  business.  This 
township  was  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  which  has  since  become  the 
capital  of  the  State.  George  became  a  leading  man  in  the  place, 
was  Intendant  of  the  town.  He  died  at  the  early  age  of  35. 
The  plans  of  the  company  were  never  fully  carried  out. 

IV.  Jencks  went  out  in  i  8  l  6  on  a  prospecting  tour  to  the 
South-western  States  for  the  purpose  of  finding  a  suitable  place  to 
settle,  where  he  and  his  bi others  could  all  be  together,  was  taken 
sick  and  died  at  New  Orleans,  La.,  at  the  age  of  25. 

VI.  Joanna  married  Dexter  M.  Leonard,  and  resides  in 
Williamantic,  Ct.,  no  children.  Mr.  Leonard  died  July  4, 
I  858.  Mrs.  Leonard  is  still  living  and  is  noted  for  her  energy 
and  business  talent, 

VII.  Joseph  never  married,  he  went  South  in  I  81  9,  with  his 
brother  George  and  stayed  the  winter  in  Mobile.  The  ist  of  June 
following  George  went  up  the  river  and  purchased  the  township 
above  mentioned.  Joseph  was  left  to  close  up  the  unfinished 
business,  and  then  to  follow  George.  He  started  about  two 
weeks  afterwards,  and  stopped  at  Claiborne,  about  100  miles  from 
Mobile,  to  transact  some  business,  was  taken  sick  and  died 
suddenly,  aged  21.  George  did  not  arrive  till  after  his  death,  his 
feelings  can  be  better  imagined  than  described.  Joseph  was  a 
promising  young  man,  and  his  early  death  was  sincerely  lamented 
by  a  large  circle  of  friends. 

IX.  Julia  Ann,  m.  Daniel  Tracy,  no  children,  resided  at 
Windham,  Ct. 

X.  AllAB,  m.  Eliza  Ann  Jillson  and  moved  to  Williamantic, 
Ct.,  about  1830-2.  June  12,  1832,  he  purchased  a  lot  of  land 
of  Sam'l  Gray  "near  the  centre  of  Williamantic  village  for  the 
purpose  of  converting  the  same  into  a  public  road,  and  for  no 
other  purpose."*      The  same  year  he  bought  another  lot  in  said 

*30,  Book  Town  Records,  p.  213,  Williamantic,  Ct. 


AHJB  IVILKINSON.  [3  r6]  233 

village  "bounded  North  by  Union  St. — west  by  Clark  and 
Wilkinson's  road,  south  by  Hartford  Turnpike  and  the  new  road, 
east  by  the  land  of  iMr.  Gregory.*"  Oct.  I,  I  832,  he  made 
another  purchase. t  Julv  I  o,  I  883,  a  deed  of  land  was  given  to 
secure  a  note,^  and  Sept.  i  7,  I  833,  "  Ahab  Wilkinson  of 
Windham,  Ct  ,  in  consideration  of  .^i  500  received  of  Abby 
Wilkinson,  Joanna,  Julia  A.  and  Martha — all  of  Windham, 
conveys  a  certain  village  lot  and  building  situate  in  Williamantic.§ 
Sept.  26,  1833,  Ahab  purchased  a  wood  lot.||  Oct.  20,  1834, 
"  Deed  of  sale  bv  Administration  of  the  estate  of  Ahab  Wilkinson 
deceased,  to  Abby,  Joanna,  Julia  Ann,  and  Martha  Wilkinson,^ 
Thus  ends  the  record  of  Ahab  so  far  as  the  traffic  in  real  estate 
is  concerned  in  Williamantic.  He  was  an  active  business  man — 
highlv  respected  by  the  community.  He  was  in  Co.  with  Loring 
Carpenter,  and  the  Windham  town  records  show  the  transfer  of 
six  different  parcels  of  land  from  Asa  and  Seth  Jillson  to  Eliza 
Wilkinson,  Ahab's  widow  and  Wm.  E.  Jillson — consideration 
85000. *'^  This  occurred  May  31,1841.  He  had  one  child  a 
son,  who  is  now  in  the  U.  S.  patent  office.  Washington,  D.  C. 
XI.  Martha,  m.  Dr.  01i\er  Kingsley,  resided  Williamantic. 
The  doctor  had  a  large  and  increasing  practice,  and  possessed 
the  confidence  of  the  community.  They  had  one  son  born  and 
died  March  I  o,  1848.  The  Dr.  died  Oct.  i,  1847,  aged  40. 
Martha  is  still  living  at  Williamantic,  Ct. 


'■^10,  Book  Town  Records,  p.  230,  Williamantic,  Ct. 

"  p.  229, 

"  P-  348, 

"  P-  351. 

"  p.  82, 

"  P-  335- 

'33     'd.  "  P-  419. 

32 


+ 

id. 

+ 

id. 

I 

id. 

II3I 

id. 

11 30 

id. 

234  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

Shubael  Wilkinson^  [156]  Daniel,^  [66]  Daniel,^  [iS] 

AND  >  JoHN,^  [4]  Lawrence/  [i] 

Mahala  Smith,  ) 

Of  Elbridge,  N.  Y. 

318.  I,  Daniel  Smith,''       b.  Jan,     8,  1813. 

319.  IL  Abigail,'*  b.  Apr.    14,  1816, 

320.  III.   Joanna,"  b.  June  27,  1819. 

321.  IV.  James,"  {579-581)  b.  Mar.  12,  1822. 

322.  V.  Smith  S.,''^^582-583)b.  Dec.    7,  1824. 

323.  VI.   Otis,*^  b.  Oct.    8,  iS27,d.  Oct.  20,  1847. 

I.  Daniel  Smith  never  married,  resides  in  Adrian,  Michigan. 
He  is  a  farmer. 

II.  Abigail    married    William    J.    Machan,   and    resides    in 
Marcellus,  Onondaga  Co.,  N.  Y. 

Their  children  are  as  follows  : 

(l)  Sylvia  AI.,  b.  July  15,  1841  ;  (2)  Jlice  J.,  h.  Dec.  28, 
1842;  (3)  Elizaheth^  b.  June  25,  1845. 

III.  Joanna  married  Esek  Sanders,  and  lives  in  Earlville, 
Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.     Their  children  are  : 

(i)  Abigail  M.,  b.  July   13,  1845  i  (2)  Alma^  b.  Sept.  21.  1848 

IV.  James  married  for  his  first  wife  Harriet  Talmage,  and  for 
a  second  a  sister  of  the  first.  He  is  in  California  and  his  family 
reside  in  Blissfield,  Mich, 

V.  Smith  S.  married  Helen  Tabor,  has  two  children  and 
resides  in  Prairie  DuLac,  Wisconsin.  He  is  a  lawyer,  and  ha^ 
been  a  State  Senator,  and  President  of  the  Senate.  As  a  legal 
practitioner  he  has  few  superiors. 


Alfred  Wilkinson^    "|  [162]  John,^   [71]    Daniel,^  [18] 
Susan  Smith  and  ^  John,'-  [4]  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Laura  Edwards,         J 

Of  Skaneateles,  N.  Y. 

324.  I.  JoAB,''  (584-585)      b.  Oct.  22,  1 8 10. 

325.  II.   Winfield  Scott,**  (586-589)  b.  Sept.   11,  1812. 


SARAH  IVILKINSON.  [329]  '        235 

326.  III.    Harry,*^  b.  April  28,  1815,  d.  f^b.  3,  1849. 

327.  IV.   iMoRTON  Smitii,*^    (590-591)    b.  Jan.  22,  1819. 

328.  V.  Elizabeth,"  b.  Dec.  23,  1821. 

329.  VI.   Sarah/  b.  Mar.  21,  1825. 

I.  JoAB,  niarried  Lydia  Douglass,  and  has  had  seven  children. 
His  hfe  has  been  a  chequered  one — born  in  Skaneateles,  N.  Y., 
the  oldest  of  six  children — he  left  home  for  the  first  time  in  the 
Patriot  war  in  Canada,  and  walked  all  the  way  afoot  and  alone 
to  iMeridosia  on  the  Illinois  river  with  a  stick  across  his  shoulder 
and  all  his  worldly  goods  suspended  from  the  end  of  it,  and 
commenced  getting  his  daily  bread  by  using  the  shovel  and  pick 
on  a  railroad.  Since  then  he  passed  through  many  vicissitudes. 
He  has  been  captain  of  a  flat  boat  on  the  Illinois  river  bound 
for  St.  Louis,  a  captain  in  the  Regular  Army,  several  years 
^s  bridge  builder,  mate  of  a  western  steamboat — twice  elected 
Justice  of  the  Peace,  served  through  the  Mexican  war  as  ist 
Lieutenant  of  Regulars — candidate  for  the  Legislature,  but  was 
beaten  by  the  present  Senator  from  Illinois  Ex-Gov.  Yates- 
Resides  Illiopolis,  Sangamon   Co.,  III. 

II.  WiNFlELD  Scott,  married  Frances  Sampson.  Thev 
have  four  children.  Mr.  Winfield  is  a  man  of  great  native 
powers  of  mind,  modest  and  unassuming  in  his  deportment,  of 
extensive  general  information  and  reading,  and  is  highly  respected 
\n  the  community  where  he  resides. 

IV.  Morton  S.,  married  Sally  Boss,  lives  in  Mankato,  Blue 
Earth  Co.,  Minn.  They  have  two  children.  He  is  a  lawyer,  has 
been  U.  S.  Senator. 

For  other  particulars  concerning  him,  see  Biography  No. 

V.  VI.  Elizabeth  and  Sarah  still  reside  at  the  old  homestead 
in  Skaneateles,  N.  Y.,  the  first  place  settled  by  John,  some 
sixty  or  seventy  yeaas  ago.      They  carrry  on  the  farm. 


236  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

John  Wilkinson^  1    [^^3]      Jo"^S*     [71] 

AND  >  Daniel,^  [18]  John,^ 

Henrietta  Wiliielmina  Swartz,  J  [4]  Lawrence, '[1] 
Of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

330.  I.  John  Swartz/  b.  Aug.    8,  1827,  d.  July  25,  1836, 

331.  II.  Joshua  Forman,"  (592-594)  b.  June  12,  1S29. 

332.  III.  AiFREE/(595-599)b.  Aug.  17,  1831. 
333.   IV.  Maria  Hermans,'' b,  Dec.  15,  1S34. 

334.  V.  Theceosia  B.,*^  b.  July   16,  1837, 

335.  VI.   John,*  b.  Feb.  14,  1840. 

336.  VII.  Janette  Lee.«  b.  Sept.    i,  1841,  d.  Oct,  8,  1842. 

337.  VIII.   Dudley  P.,«  b.  Oct.    1,  1843. 

II.  Joshua  Forman  married  Louisa  B.  Rayner,  and  has 
three  children.      Resides  in  Syracuse,  N.   Y.      He  is  a   Banker. 

III.  Alfred  married  Charlotte  May,  daughter  of  the 
distinguished  Rev.  Samuel  J.  May.  They  reside  in  Syracuse, 
N.  Y.      They  have  had  five  children.      He  is  a  Banker. 

IV.  Maria  Hermans  married  Theodore  C.  Welsh,  an  artist 
of  considerable  repute.  His  sketches  of  Alpine  Scenery  are 
decidedly  beautiful.  They  have  crossed  the  Atlantic  8  or  10 
times,  and  are  now  in  Europe. 

They  have  one  child:  (l)  Henrietta  JVilhelmina  Clara.,  b. 
Sept.  30,  1 86 1,  resides  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

V.  Theodosia  B.,  married  Joseph  Kirkland,  resides  in  Tilton, 
Vermillion  Co.,  111. 

They  have  one  child:      (l)  Caroline   M.^   b.    March  20    1865. 

VI.  John  married  Mary  Ware  Fogg  who  died  Feb.  22,  1865. 
He  is  a  Bank  clerk. 


William  Wilkinj-on^^  [165]  William,^  [73J  Jeremiah, 
and  y  [19]  John,'-  [4]  Lawrence,'  [i] 

Lydia  Ballou,  j 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

338.  I.   Betsey,"  b.  Jan.     1798.  d.  i860. 

339.  II.  William,"  (600)       b.  1800. 

340.  III.   Eliza,"  b.  1803. 


LUCINJ  WILKINSON.  [851]  237 

I.  Betsey  married  Israel  Smith,  resides  in   Pawtucket,   R.    I. 

II.  William  married  Mehitable  Angell,  has  one  child,  resides 
in  New  York. 

III.  Eliza  married  Henry  Angell,  resides  in  New  York. 


George  Wilkinson^ ^  [166]   William,*   [73]    Jeremiah,^ 

AND  H^Q]  John,-  [4]  Lawrence.'  [i]  ■ 

Lydia  Whipple,        j 

Of  Ira,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt. 

341.  I.   Pardon  W.,\6oi-4)b.  Nov.   8,  1796,  d,  Sept.  28,  1866, 

342.  II.   Anny,**  b,  Mav  25,  1798,  d,  young. 

343.  III.   George,"  (605-7)  b.  Sept.   4,  i  902,  d.  May  27,  i  863. 

344.  IV.   Ira,*^  (608-617)      b.  Oct.  15,1804. 

I.  Pardon  Whipple  married  Cynthia  Mason,  resided  in  Ira, 
Rutland  Co.  Vt.  He  was  a  farmer,  held  many  town  and  county 
offices — was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  and  died  much  respected 
as  a  prominent  and  worthy  man.      Thev  had  four  children. 

For  a  more  particular  account  of  him,  see  Biography  No. 

III.  George  married  Cynthia  Tower,  had  three  children,  and 
lived  in  Vermont. 

IV.  Ira  married  Emeline  Griggs,  and  has  had  ten  children. 
He  resides  in  Ira,  Vermont. 


Simon  Wilkinson^  [172]  Willam,^  [73]  Jeee.miah,'^[i9] 

AND  V  John,"  [4]  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Betsey  Coope,         j 

Of  Boston,  Mass. 

345.  I.     SlMON,^  b. 

346.  II.   David,"  b. 

347.  III.   Elizabeth,"  b. 

348.  IV.  William  Henry,"  b. 

349.  V.  Andrew  Jackson,"  (6 1 8-620)  b. 

350.  VI.  Caroline,"  b. 

351.  VII.   Lucina,"  '  b. 


238  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

352.  VIII.   Francis/  b. 

353.  IX.  Sarah,"  b. 
I.   Simon,  r.  Boston,  Mass. 

IV.  Wm.  Henry  was  a  merchant,  went  to  Sidney,  N.  S.  W. 

V.  Andrew  J.,  hardware  merchant  in  Boston,  Mass.,  married, 
has  three  children. 


Gardner  Wilkinson^  ^  [177]  Jeremiah,*  [74]  Jeremiah,"' 

AND  \\}9\  JoH^i' [4]  Lawrence.'  [i] 

Olive  Smith,  j 

Of  White  Creek.,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y. 

354.  I.  Smith,''  (621. -622)  b.  April  23,  1798,  d.  May  15,  1829. 
I.  Smith,  m.  Oct.  2,1819,  B.  Mariah  Aldrich,  of  Smithfield, 

R.  I.      She  was  born  Apr.  18,  i  800.      They  had  two  children — 
both  daughters.      He  died  at  White  Creek. 

The  name  is  extinct  in  this  line.  His  widow  survived  him  28 
years  and  died  in  i  857. 

Jeremiah  Wilkinson^ ^  [i  78]  Jeremiah,^  [74]  Jere.viah,'' 

and  H19]  JuHN,-  [4]  Lawrence',  [j] 

Phebe  Elbuidge,  j 

Of  White  Creek,  N.  Y. 

355.  I.   Anna,"  b.  May    15,  1809. 

356.  II.   James,"  b.  Mar.  18,  1811,  d.  May  18,  181  2. 
I.    Anna,   was    married   at  White    Creek,    N.   Y.,    Nov.    11, 

1833,  to  James  P.  Noxon.      They  have  five  children  : 

(1)  Phebe  Ann,  b.  Oct.  8,  1 834,  m.  McDonough  Cornell  at 
Philadelphia,  July  23,  1857.  They  have  two  children.  i.  Ella 
Frances,  b.  May  26,  1858  at  White  Creek;  2.  Howard  Noxon, 
b.  Feb.  17,  i860. 

(2)  Sally  Maria.,  b.  March  3,  1836,  m.  Elou  Sweet  at 
Philadelphia,  Nov.  26,  1857.  They  have  one  child  :  i.  Burton 
E.,  b.  April  27,   1862,  at  White  Creek. 

(3)  Mary  Frances.,  b.  Oct.  3,  1838;  (4)  James  Edward.,  b. 
Dec.  6,  1842  ;  (5)  Bogardus,  b.  Nov.  2,  1848. 


JOANNA  IFILKINSON.  [359]     239 

Jonathan  Wilkinson^"]  [179]  Jeremaih,'[74]Jeremiah,-'[i9] 

AND  I  JoHN,'^[4]  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Joanna  Darling,  j 

Of  Hartford,  Conn. 

357.  I.  Larned,''  b. 

358.  II.  Samuel/'  b. 

359.  III.   Joanna/  b. 

Nothing  is  known  of  this  family  further  than  their  names  appear 
upon  the  Judge's  order  in  the  division  of  property  left  at  their 
father's  death. 


240  SIXTH  GENERjriON. 

Job  Wilkinson^  [i8o]   Jeremiah,^  [74]  Jeremiah,^  [19] 

AND  VjoiiN,-  [4]  Lawrence/  [i] 

Kesiah  Chase,  j 

Of  Macedon,  Wayne  Co.  N.  Y. 

360.  1.  Silea  Ann/  b.  '796. 

361.  II.  JoB,'^  b.  1799  (?)d.        1837. 

362.  III.   Isaac,"  b.  1800,  d.  1826. 

363.  IV.   Elizabeth,"  b.  1802,  d.  1847. 

364.  V.  Jeremiah,'^  b.  1806,  d.  iMay,  1865. 

365.  VI.  Samuel  Chase,*^  (623-624)  b.       1808., 

366.  VII.  Barney,«(625-628)  b.  Jan.     6,  18 10. 

367.  VIII.   DANiEL,\629-63i)b.  April    1,  i8i2,d.  1866. 

368.  IX.   HirAxM/  (632)  b.  iMar  20,  1804. 

369.  X.  William  Garner,"    b.  Jan.  29,  (?)  18 17.  d.        1849. 

370.  XL  Mary  Jane,  «  b.  1819. 

371.  XII.  Maria,"  b.  Mar.  15,1821. 

I.  Silea  Ann  never  married,  r.  Kansas  City,  Mo. 

II.  Job,  m.  Gertrude  Lansing,  r.  Fenfield,  N.  Y. — no  children 
— he  was  a  clothier. 

IV.  Elizabeth,  m.  i.  Russel  Scovill,  2.  Denison  Rogers. 
By  first  husband,  had,  (i)  Mary  'Jane^  m.  Charles  Rogers,  and 
had,  Mary  J.  d.  I  842,  (?)  (2)  George^  m.  and  lives  in  Ohio;  (3) 
Edwin^  m.  and  went  south  ;  (4)  Eli'z.a^  m.  Clark  Mather,  has  2 
chil.,  r.  Penn.  ;  {^)_  Seymour,  m,  has  2  chil.,  r.  Bellfontaine,  O. 

V.  Jeremiah,  m.  his  bro.  Job's  widow,  r.  Schodae,  N.  Y., 
he  was  a  carder  and  cloth  dresser,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
mauufacturing  business. 

VI.  Samuel  Chase,  had  3  wives,  i  .  Susan  Bradley,  2  Rachel 

,  3. ,  he  is  Justice  of  the  Peace,  and  a 

member  of  the  Baptist  church,  r.  near  Kalamazoo,    Mich.,  had 
chil.  by  his  ist  and  2d  wives. 

VII.  Barney,  m.  Elizabeth  Briggs  and  has  a  family,  he  is  a 
lumber  dealer,  and  has  been  town  cleric,  &c.,  and  resides  at 
Riga,  Lenawa  Co.,  Mich. 


RVTH  J.[lFILKINSON)  ANGELL.     [373]       241 

VIII.  Daniel,  m  Ruth  Shourds,  is  a  carpenter,  r.  Palmyra, 
Mich  ,  has  a  family. 

IX  Hiram,  m.  Ann  E.  Miller.  He  is  a  clothier,  merchant 
tailor,  and  dealer  in  furnishing  goods,  &c.,  r.  Palmyra,  Wavne 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  of  the  firm  "  Huvck  &  Wilkinson."  He  was 
formerly  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  farming  implements  at 
Macedon,  N.  Y.,  has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace  i6vrs — a  very 
worthy  man. 

X.  Wm.  Gatinkr  married  and  died  in  Galveston,  Texas. 

XI.  Mahv  Jane,  m.  Joseph  Purdy,  a  lumber  dealer — no 
children,  r.  Macedon,  Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y. 

XII  Maria,  m.  Caleb  Carpenter,  a  merchant  tailor,  r.  Kansas 
City,  Mo.,  he  has  been  Justice  of  the  Peace,  chil. 

(i)     William  was  in  the  Union    Army    during   the    Rebellion  ; 
il)   War r en. 


Daniix  Wilkinson' ^     [183]  Jeri.miah,^  [74]    Jeremiah,-' 

AND  I      [19]  John,"'  [4]  Lawrence,^j] 

Ruth  Aldrich,         j 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

372.  1.   Ei.i/.ABETii  Arnold,''  b.  Oct.  29,  18 12. 

373.  II.   Ruth  Aldrich,**  b.  Oct.  13,  1814, 

374.  III.   Ann  Maria,^  b.  Feb.   24,  1816. 

375.  IV.  Lydta  Ardelia,*'  b.  Mar.  20,  18 19. 

376.  V.  Frances  Lois,**  b.  Oct.    31.  1821. 

I.  Elizabeth  Arnold,  married  James  R.  Case,  and  resides 
at  Hastings    Dacota  Co.,  Minn. 

Their  childreare  : 

(0  James  Augustus,  b.  Nov.  5.  1839;  (2)  Maria  Antoinette  \ 
(3)  George  Edivard ;  (4)  John  Harris  ;  (5)  Lilla  Bell;  (6)  Edward 
Deforest:  (7)  Daniel  Rodney  ;  (8)  Daniel  Eraser ;  (9)  George.,  and 
two  others. 

II.  Ruth  Aldrich,  married  James  A.  Angell.  They  reside 
on  the  old  homestead  of  the  first  Jeremiah  in  Cumberland,  R.    I. 

33 


242  ^SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

The  place  is  well  known  as  containing  the  best  fruit  in  Rhode 
Island. 

Their  children  are  : 

[i]  Daniel  tV.^  b.  May  ii,  1S36,  m.  Hannah  R.  Evans,  resides 
in  Cumberland  ;  (2)  Nathaniel  "James ^  b.  27,  1841,  married  Louisa 
A.  AVetherhead,  r.  in  Cumberland,  they  have  Ruth  Alice  ;  (3) 
Elcy  Maria^  b.  May  10,  1846;  (4)  John  Harris^  b.  May  23,  1852. 

III.  Ann  Maria,  married  George  W.  Edwards,  resides  New 
Town,   L,  I.      Mr,   Edwards  does  business  in  New  York  City. 

Their  children  are: 

(i)  Maria  Augusta,  b.  ;  (2)  George  Franklin,  b.  ;  (3)  George 
Gideon  b.  April  10,  1843;  (4)  Charles  F.,  b.  ;  (5)  Elizabeth 
Isabella,  b.  Feb.  10,  1850  ;  (6)  Emma  Frances,  b.  Sept.  10, 
1852  ;  (7)  Lydia  Ardelia,  b,  Oct.  9,  1858  ;  (8)  Ruth  Wilkinson, 
Feb.  22,    i860. 

Mr.  Edwards  has  been  for  many  years  engaged  in  the  packing 
business,  and  has  intercourse  with  eveiy  part  of  the  civilized 
world, 

IV.  Lydia  Ardelia  married  John  Smith  Harris — resides  at 
Ravens  Wood,  L.  I.  Mr.  Harris  was  the  son  of  Jabez  Harris 
and  Wait  (Wing)  his  wife  of  Smithfield.  He  was  born  and 
resided  for  some  years  in  Scituate,  R.  I.,  about  one  mile  north 
of  Stephen  Hopkins'  place  on  what  was  called  the  Gail  Borden 
farm.  He  is  a  lineal  descendant  of  William  Harris  who  came 
with  Roger  Williams  to  Providence,  The  line  of  descent  is  as 
follows :  William^ — Jonathan^- — Jabez^ — Stephen** — Jabez^ — John 
Smith.'  His  mother  Wait  (Wing)  was  the  grand-daughter  of 
John  Smith  who  gave  the  name  Jo  Smithfield,  Rhode  Island. 
His  grandfather  Stephen  married  an  Aldrich  of  Smithfield,  and 
his  great  grandfather  Jabez  married  an  Arnold,  The  first 
settlement  of  the  Harris'  in  Smithfield  was  on  the  land  where  the 
Rhode  Island  Lime  was  first  discovered,  and  the  "  Harris  Lime 
Rock"  takes  its  name  from  them.  At  the  age  of  17,  John  S, 
engaged     for    himself,    and    being    possessed     of      indomitable 


LTDIJ  A.  {IVILKINSON.)  HARRIS.  [275]      243 

perseverence  he  has  advanced  step  by  step  to  a  good  degree  of 
affluence.  He  went  into  the  manufacturing  business  in  Killingly, 
Ct.,  in  the  early  part  of  his  life  from  1833  to  1838,  and  1839, 
came  to  New  York  City  where  he  met  with  flattering  success  in 
the  packing  business.  After  about  six  years  he  built  a  cottage 
on  the  site  of  his  present  residence  at  Ravens'  Wood.  The 
land  was  a  marsh,  where  now  stands  his  beautiful  mansion  and 
out-houses,  when  he  first  came  there,  but  now  the  made  land, 
beautiful  trees,  graveled,  walks,  green  sward  carpet  interspersed 
with  flowers  of  every  hue  and  variety,  make  his  retreat  apppear 
more  like  a  Palace  with  its  ornamental  surroundings.  The  view 
of  his  place  just  east  of  Blackwell's  Island  from  the  deck  of  a 
steamer  as  you  approach  New  York  on  a  bright  morning  is 
decidedly  picturesque  and  beautiful.  A  steamer  formerly  plied 
between  New  York  and  Harris'  Landing.  Mr.  Harris  has  the 
cane  that  belonged  to  Wm.  Harris,  who  came  with  Roger 
Williams  to  Providence.  It  is  at  least  four  feet  long  with  a 
handle  or  hook,  used  when  riding  to  pick  upon  an  unruly  hat 
from  the  ground.  Judge  Harris  who  married  Dr.  John  Wilkinson's 
daughter,  is  an  uncle  of  John  S. 

Mr.  Harris  has  been  twice  married,  his  first  wife  was  Roly 
Cornell  and  by  her  he  had  one  son,  Jabez,  who  is  in  business  in 
New  York. 

By  his  present  wife,  he  has  one  child,  (i)  Lydia  Ardelia.,  b. 
Feb.  23,  1843. 

V.  Frances  Lois  married  David  P.  Buker,  M.  D.,  of 
Providence,  R  I.,  where  they  now  reside.  Dr.  Buker  is  a 
successful  practitioner,  was  in  the  army  as  Surgeon  during  the 
Great  Rebellion,  and  has  an  extensive  practice  at  the  present 
time.  He  is  a  scientific  man  in  his  profession,  and  i^vf  are  more 
successful  in  the  healing  art. 

They  have  three  children  : 

(l)  Ruth  Frances^  b.  Sept.  i  8,  1846  ;  (2)  David  Perry.,  b,  June 
17,  1848;  (3)  David  Lewis.,  b.  July  18,  Ig55. 


244  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

Jamks  Wii.kixsonM  [i86]    Jeremiah,'     [74J     Jhrkmiaii,-"' 

AND  -     [19J      JOHX,'  [4]  LawRF.XCE,'  [ij 

RowEXA  Aldricii,  ) 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

377.  I.    Aecy  Almena,"  b.  June    4,     1815. 

378.  II.  James  AuG.,\633-36)b.  June  4,  181  7,  d.  July  20,  1861. 

379.  III.  Jeremiah  Aldricii,'^  (637-639)  b.  April  ji,  1819. 

380.  IV.    Arnold  Alduicii,'^       (640-644)  b.  April  25,  i  823. 

381.  V.   Rowena  Aldrich,"  b.  Dec.  4,  1825. 

382.  VI.   Jane  Elizabeth,^    b.  Dec.   26,  1831. 

I.  Alcy  Almena  married  Joseph  Remington,  resides  in 
Providence,  R.  I. 

They   have  : 

(1)  Hellen  Roiueria^h.  Sept.  17,  1836,  m.  John  VV.  Nicols 
and  has,  Walter  R.  and  Helen  Frances;  (2)  Frances  Almena.,  b. 
June  27,  I  841,  m.  Henry  Allen,  and  lives  in  Cranston,  R.  1. 

II.  James  Augustus  married  Susan  A.  Wetherhead,  and  has 
four  children.  He  is  an  energetic  business  man,  and  enjoys 
the  confidence  of  his  employers  and  the  community. 

III.  Jeremiah  Aldricii  married  Catherine  E.  Shonard,  and 
lives  in  Ravens  Wood,  L.  I.  His  place  of  business  is  74  Front 
Street,  New  York.  He  is  extensively  engaged  in  the  commercial, 
mercantile,  and  forwarding  business.  He  has  three  children. 
See  post. 

IV.  Arnold  Aldrich,  married  Emma  A.  Hill,  and  has  five 
children,  resides  in  Pro\'idence,  R.  I.  He  is  in  the  manufacturing 
business. 

V.  Rowena  Aldricii,  married  Seth  William  Baker,  of 
Providence,  R.  I.  He  is  a  manufacturer  and  resides  at  No.  I  13 
Cranston  St.  Providence.      They  have  no  children. 

VI.  Jane  Elizabeth,  married  Olney  Fenner  Thompson  of 
Providence.  Mr.  Thompson  fell  dead  in  the  street  in  Philadelphia 
in  I  866.      They  had  no  children. 

The  daughters  of  this  family  are  noted  for  their  physical  and 
mental  activity,  and  for  their  womanly  business  talents. 


ANN  G.  [WILKINSON)  HUNT.  [390]  245 

Vf.knum  Wilkinson-^  ^  [194!    Benjami.x,^  [75]  Jeremiah,^ 

AND  ,-[ig]'Joiix,"'  [4]  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Freelove  Glazier,     I 

Of  New  York  City. 
S83.   I.   Sarah  Glazeir,''  b.  180 1? 

384.  II.   Benjamin  G./     b.  Jan.  25,  1803,  d.  Sept.  23,  1  804. 

385.  III.   Sarah  Spencer,*^       b.  i  805  .? 

386.  IV.  Joseph  Cornell/      b.  i  807  ? 

387.  V.    Mary  Chace,''            b.  June  23,   1809. 

388.  VI.   iMargaret  RussEL,  b.  Nov.  3,1810. 

389.  VII.   Phebe  Folger/      b.  Jan.  12,  1812. 

390.  VIII.   Ann  Grafton/'    b.  Sept.  14.  1814. 

391.  IX.   Freelove  Maria/  b.  1816. 

392.  X.   Hannah  Glazier/   b.  1818. 

393.  XI.   VernuxM  Russel/     b.  1820. 

V.  Mary  Chace  married  1st  George  G.  Marble,  2d.  Rev. 
John  Middleton,  resided  in  Wheatland,  N.  Y. 

Their  children  as  far  as  known  are  : 

By  Jirst  husband:  (l)  Vernum  IVllklnson  ;  (2)  George  Russel. 
By  second  husband :  (3)  ^ohn  Stainford;  (4)  IFiUiam  Vernu?n ;  (5) 
yames  IV. 

VI.  Margaret  Russel,  married  Abraham  Shaffer,  resides  in 
Sycamore,  DeKalb  Co.,  111. 

Their  children: 

1.  Alan  Catherine  :  2.  Jernum  IFilkinson  ;  3.  yohti  Middleton.^ 
killed  in  the  Battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing  ;  4.  Abram  ;  5.  George 
Russel,  f  ;  6.  Henry  Rockford ;  7.  yames  Arnold;  8.  Benjamin 
Franklin  \  9.  Ann  Maria  married  James  Middleton  ;  10.  George  \ 
II.  Abram  \  12.  Margaret  Freelove,  and  others. 

VII.  Phebe  Folger,   married  ist   William   L.   Ferrett,    2d, 

.  Charles  Webb.      Mr.  Webb  is  in  the  Banking  business  in   New 
York  City.      They  have  had  one  child  : 

(l)  Hannah  Eliza,  b. ,  m.  Dr.  Chas.  Phillips. 

VIII.  Ann  Grafton,  married  Eugene  B.  Hunt.  He  is  a 
Banker  of  New  York  City.      They  have  no  children. 


246  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

IX.  Freelove  Maria,  married  James  Arnold.  Thev  have 
one  daughter.  Air.  Arnold  is  paying  Teller  in  the  Tradesman's 
Bank,  Broadway,  New  York. 

X.  Hannah  Glasier,  married  Benjamin  Folsom,  and  resides 
East  Boston,  Mass. 

Their  children  as  far  as  known  are : 

(i)  Vernum  R.  ;  2.  Freelove  Elizabeth;  3.  Williajn  Henry 
Hobert;  4.  Benjaynin  W.  (?) ;  5.  Maria  ;  6.  George;  7.  Ann  Eugene 
Hunt. 

XI.  Vernum  Russel  never  married,  died  in  Providence, 
R.  I. 


RuFus  Wilkinson^        ^  [202]  Stephen,^  [82]    Jeremiah,'^ 
AND  ^[19]  Joii^%^  [4]  Lawrence,'  [i] 

Mrs.  Eliza  A.  Jacobs,) 
394.    I.      Names  of  this  family  not  furnished. 
395-  II. 

396.  III. 

397.  IV. 
498.  V. 

399.  VL 

400.  VII. 

401.  VIII. 

402.  IX. 


Lewis  Wilkinson' ~|  [208  Stephen,^  [81]  Jeremiah,^  [19] 

and  >  Joiin,^  [4]  Lawrence,^  [1] 

Emilv  M.  Smith,    j 

Door  Village,  LaPorte,  Co.,  Ind. 

403.  I.  Frances,'^  b.  July  19,  1826,  d.  Dec.  31,  1829. 

404.  II.  Francis  Marion,*  b.  Mar.  4,  i829,d.  Mar,  20,  1829. 

405.  III.   Stephen  Rockwell,"  b.  June      i,  1830. 

406.  IV.  Edwin  Ruthven,'' (645-647)b.  Nov.  12,  1832. 

407.  V.  Lewis  HARTWELL,*b.  Feb.    4,1834. 


BELL    WILKINSON.      [411]  247 

408.  VI.  Emily  Maria,*^      b.  Oct.  17,  1836,  d.  Aug.  30, 1839. 

409.  VII.   Martiia,«  b.  Nov.  23,  1840,  d.  Oct.  23,  1848. 

IV.  Edwin  Ruthvex,  married  March  26,  1856,  first  Mary 
Ann  Boardman  who  died  Sept.  i.  \%<^-j  \  second  Ozl.  24,  i860, 
Sarah  Ann  Van  Meter,  of  Kankakee,  111.  They  have  three 
children, 

V.  Lewis  Hartwell,  married  Feb.  9,  1854,  Elizabeth  A. 
Rice,  of  Scipio,  LaPorte  Co.  Ind. 


Bartox  Brento^  Wilkixsox^  ^  [204]       Stephen,*      [81] 
AXD  y  Jeremiah,^[i9]  JOHX,~[4j 

Mary  L.  Trowbridge,  J  Lawrexce,^  [i] 

Of  Le  Roy,  Gexesee,  Co.,  N.  Y. 

410.  I.  Fraxcis  Albert,*^    b.  Oct.  16,  1846,  d.  Jan.  8,  1857. 

411.  II.    Bell,«  b.  May  28,  1848. 


248  SIXTH  GENERATION. 

Arnold  Wilkinson^ ^  [207]  Jeptha,^  [82]  Jeri:mi.\h,^[i9] 

AND  V  JoHN,^  [4]   LaWREiXCK,^  [i] 

Amy  Staples,  j 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

412.  I.    Bkx.  Green,*^  (648-652)       b.  June  30,  i<Sii. 

413.  II.   Harriett,**                           b.  Feb.  9,  1S14. 

414.  III.   Mary  Ann,«                       b.  Mar.  26,1817. 

415.  IV.  James  A:ivroLD,\653-655)  b.  Jan.  14,  1819. 

416.  V.  Amy  Ann,*^^                           b.  Oct.  6,  1820. 

417.  VI.   Lafayette,'' (656-657)     b.  Mar.  8,  1S24. 

418.  VII.   Avery,**                              b.  Nov.  25,  1829. 

419.  VIII.   Pliny  Earl,**                  b.  Feb.  28,1831. 

I.  Ben  Grkene,  married  ist  Elmira  Bachelder;  2d  Maria 
Bowers  ;  3d  Maria  Skinner.  He  has  three  children  by  his  last 
wife, — resides  Towanda,  Cataraugus,  Co.,  N.  Y. 

II.  Harriett,  married  Benjamin  Hathaway,  has  resided  in 
Providence,  R.  I.      Their  children  : 

(i)  Harriett  Ahn'ira^  b.  Dec.  7,  1836,  m,  Levi  L.  Burdon,  of 
Providence,  has  one  child  Benjamin  H,  (2)  Elizabeth  LeiL\  b. 
Julv  31,  1842. 

III.  Mary  Ann,  married  ist,  Joseph  Brown;  2.  James 
Bellinger,  and  resides  in  the  State  of  New  York.  Thev  have 
two  children. 

IV.  James  Arnold,  married  Caroline  Waterhouse,  daughter 
of  Chas.  Waterhouse,  of  Maine,  who  was  for  many  years  clerk 
of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Maine.  Mr.  Waterhouse  is 
engineer  and  machinist  in  Fletcher's  Manufacturing  Co.,  of 
Providence, — a  prompt,  energetic,  and  reliable  man,  and 
understands  his  business.      They  have  had  three  children. 

V.  Amy  Ann,  married  William  Webster — residence 
Providence,  R.  I.      Mr.  Webster  is  dead.      They  have  : 

(i)  Emma^  b.  March  31,  1846,  m.  Waldo  Pearce,  and  have, 
Emma  Louisa,  r.  Providence,  R,  I.-,  (?)    Grace^   b,    Nov.    1854. 

VI.  Lafayette,  married  Abby  A.  Healey,  resides  in 
Providence,  R.  I.      He  is  a  machinist,  in  Corlis  &  Nightingales' 


FREDERICK  D.  UlLKINSON.  [423]       24.9 

establishment,  an  excellent  workman.      They  have  two  children. 

VII.  Avery,   married    Ann   Sanders, — lives   No.    13,  Martin 
St.,  Providence,  R.  I.      No  children. 

VIII.  Pliny    Earl,   married    Mary   Ellen   Lasell,  resides  in 
Providence,  R.  I.      No  children. 


NSOM    WlLKIXSOX'  "I   [208]       JePTHA,^     [82]       JeI'EMIAH,^ 

AND  ^[19]  John,-  [4]  Lawkexce.^  [i] 


Ra 

T[L^NKFUL  Cole 


Of  GiiEEXBusii,  III. 

420.  I.      Names  not  furnished. 

421.  II. 


Jeptha  Avery  WilkixsonM  [209]  Jeptha^[82]Jeremlah-' 

AND  V[l9]  JOHX,^  [4]*    L\WRE.\CE.^ 

Sarah  H.  Gibson,  j  ['] 

Of  London,  Eng. 

422.  I.   Ellen  H.,'^  b.  June  16,  1828. 

423.  II.   Fredeiuck  D.,*^  b.  Aug.  13,  1829. 

424.  III.   Jkphtiia  A.,*^  b.  Feb.  26,  183 1. 

425.  IV.   Julia  S.,**  b.  Aug.  21,  1832,  d.  Sept.  27,  1858. 

426.  V.   Emma  xM./'  b.  Aug.  25,  1835. 

427.  VI.   ViCToiiiA  J.,*^  b.  Oct.  24,  1838. 

428.  VII.   Joseph  A.,*^  b.  1840,  d.  voung. 

429.  VIII.   Charles,*^  b.  i^^42,  d.       " 

430.  IX.   xA.lbert,'^  b.  Feb.    27,  1844. 

431.  X.   Anawan,^  b.  1846,  d.        '' 

432.  XI.   Mary  C,"  b,  Nov.    8,  1848. 

433.  XII.  George  E.,*^  b.  1850,  d.      " 

434.  XIII.   Florence  A.,"  b.  Jan.     8,  1852,  d.  Vlar.  5,  1857. 

435.  XIV.   Mary  A.,«  b.  1854. 

II.   Frederick  D.,  married  Elizabeth  Hawkins.      He  is  a  sea 
captain,  and  sails  from  the  port  of   San  Francisco,  Cal.      He  is  an 

34 


250  SIXTH  GENERJTION. 

expert  navigator  and  a  judicious  captain.      They  have  no  children. 

V.  E:\IMA  M.,  married  Nathan  F.  Turner,  resides  Bellport, 
L.  I. 

IX.  Albert  was  in  the  Union  Army  during  the  Great 
Rebellion.  He  went  out  in  145th  Regiment  N.  Y.  Volunteers 
and  served  18  months,  and  was  in  the  battles  of  Chancellorsvilie 
and  Gettysburg.  He  is  a  young  man  of  fine  talent  and  great 
promise. 


SEVENTH    GENERATION. 

Tames  VVilkinsonM  [220]     Israel,^    [100]    I^^RAel,^    [29] 
AND  y  Samuel,''^  [8]  Samuel/ [2]  Lawrence.' 

Vienna  Shkldon,    j  [i] 

Of  Smithfield,  R,  I. 

436.  I.   Silence,'  b.  May  8,  181 1. 

437.  II.   Laura/  b.  Oct.  8,  1812,  d.  iMar.  8,  1854. 

438.  III.   Hannah,'  b.  Apr.  8,  18 14. 

439.  IV.   Amasa  C.,' (658-662)b.  Dec.  2,  i8i5,d.  Feb   7,1849. 

440.  V.   Oeville  Chapin,'  (663-668)  b.  Jan.  17,  1818. 

441.  VI.  James,'  b.  Oct.  27,  1819,  d.  Sep.  6,  1821. 

442.  VII.   Israel,' (669-677)    b.  July  11,  1821. 

443.  VIII.   Mary  Minerva,^  b.  Feb.    7,1823. 

444.  IX.  James  Elliott,^        b.  Nov.  4,  1824. 

445.  X.   Vienna  Sheldon/      b.  Sept.  9,1826. 

446.  XI.  William  Sheldon,^  b.  July    2,  i828,d.  Jan.  20, 1851. 

447.  XII.   Simon,'  b.  Apr.  16,  1830,  d.  Aug  27,  1852. 

448.  XIII.   Asa  Williams,^    b.  Feb.  23, 1832. 

449.  XIV.   Abigail,'  b.  May    8,1834. 

450.  XV.   LuciNA,'  b.  Oct.  28,  1837. 

I.     SILENCE. 

II  ENCE  married  Mar.  i,  1838, Orlando  J.  Odell,  of  New 
Berlin,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.       He  was  a  farmer,  and  in 


1 844,  moved  to  Vergennes,  Kent  Co.,  Mich.,  where  he  purchased 
a  tract  of  land  which  he  cleared,  and  sowed  to  grain.      The  year 


2s2 


SEIENTH   GENERJTION. 


of  the  Crimean  war  lie  took  about  ."J^iooo  for  his  wheat  crop. 
He  was  Postmaster  and  supervisor,  and  held  several  town  offices. 
He  died  Sept.  7,   i860,  greatly  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Their  children  are  : 

(i)  Adelbert^  b.  April  2,  1839,  r.  Vergennes,  Mich. 

{2)  Jbhy  Le  Rue^h.  May  6,  1 844,  m.  Aug.  g.  1862,  Isaac 
Brock  Malcolm.  He  is  a  physician  ot  considerable  practice  and 
skill,  and  is  rapidly  gaining  the  confidence  of  the  people.  Thcv 
reside  in  Lowell,  Mich.  They  have  two  children — Robelle,  b. 
May  (S,  1863,  and  Frederick  Albert,  b.  Aug.  31,  1865. 

(3)  S'nneon  Ja?nes^  b.  March  21,  '847,  studied  medicine  with 
Mr.  Evander  Odell,  his  uncle,  and  is  at  present  in  a  drug  store 
at  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

n.  Laura,  married  Job  Wilcox  Kinvon,  of  New  Berlin,  N. 
Y.  He  is  a  farmer,  and  in  1856,  after  the  death  of  his  wife 
moved  to  Lowell,  Mich.,  where  he  now  resides.  Laura  died 
of  spotted  fever,  in  Sherburne,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  is 
buried  in  the  Episcopal  Church  yard  at  Smithfield.  Their  children 
are  : 

(i)  Joseph^  b.  Oct.  26,  1834,  m.  July  9,  1854,  iMargery 
Shepherd  of  Gait,  C.  W.,  and  has  four  children, — Laura  A.,  b. 
April  18,  1855  -,  Orlando  J.,  b.  Feb.  12,  I  857  ■■,  Florence,  b. 
Mav  26,  i860  ;  Jane  Elizabeth,  b.  Dec.  24,  1866.  He  was  in 
the  Union  Army  during  the  Great  Rebellion,  and  fought  some 
of  the  most  terrific  battles  of  that  desperate  struggle.  He  enlisted 
in  Co.|I.  26th  Mich.  Infantry,  Aug.  9,  1  862,  and  was  in  the 
following  battles,  Black  Water,  Mine  Run,  Wilderness,  Corbin's 
Bridge,  Po  River,  Spottsylvania,  North  Anna,  Talopotomy,  Coal 
Harbor,  Petersburg  (i  864),  Deep  Bottom,  Strawberry  Plains, 
Ream's  Station,  Petersburg  (1865),  Amelia  Springs,  Appomatax 
Court  House,  &c.,  and  was  honorably  discharged  June  4th,  I  865. 
He  deserves  well  of  his  country,  and  is  justly  entitled  to  the  name 
of  veteran  soldier,   (2)  James  Wilkinson^  b.  July  7,  1836,  d.  Nov.  2, 


HANNAH  ( WILKINSON)  BENSON.  [438]        253 

I  ^^39  5  (3)  Marion  IV.  b.  Feb.  26,  I  .S38,  in.  Aug.  I  862,  Noah 
Birch,  has,  Willie,  b.  Jan.  I  o,  I  865,  r.  near  Lowell,  Mich.  ;  (4) 
James,  b.  June  1  o,  i  840,  d.  Oct,  12,  1  ^59  ;  (5)  Ruth.^  b.  April  14, 
I  842,  d.  Jan.  1 1,  I  862  ;  (6)  Job  Wilcox.,  b  Jan.  7,  I  S45,  enlisted 
Feb.  I  865,  in  Co,  I,,  26th  Reg.  Mich.  Infantry  and  was  in  the 
battles  at  Petersburg,  Amelia  Springs,  Sailor's  Creeic,  Farmville 
and  Appomatax  Court  House.  He  was  seized  with  Army  fever 
and  diarrhea  and  died  June  22,  I  865,  at  Camp  Curtin  Hospital, 
Harrisburg,  Pa.  He  had  been  discharged,  June  4,  but  never 
reached  home. 

"  Call  me  not  when  bugles  sound, 
Call  me  not  when  wine  flows  round ; 
Name  me  but  amidst  the  brave; 
Give  me  but  a  soldier's  grave." 

(7)  William^  b.  June  20,  I  817. 

HI.  Hamnah,  married  Alvers  Benson  of  Providence,  R.  I. 
He  was  a  skillful  mechanic,  and  moved  to  New  York  and  was 
engaged  in  R.  M  Hoe's  great  establishment.  He  was  killed  by 
the  falling  of  an  elevator  in  one  of  the  large  printing  offices. 
Mr.  Benson  was  a  member  of  the  United  Independant  Artillery 
of  Providence,  and  rose  through  all  the  grades  of  office  to  the 
rank  of  colonel  of  that  ancient  and  honorable  military  corps.  In 
largest  practice  he  had  few  equals,  and  took  the  silver  medal 
prize  Sept.  24,  I  825,  awarded  by  the  commander.  Col.  Hodges. 
His  commission  as  Lieutenant,  was  from  Gov.  James  Fenner, 
bearing  date  May  I  o,  I  830,  and  as  colonel,  from  Gov.  Lemuel  H. 
Arnold,  dated  June  25,  r  832.  He  was  highly  esteemed  by  all 
who  knew  him  for  his  honesty  and  gentlemanly  bearing,  and  his 
extreme  anxiety  to  please  everybody.  The  sad  news  of  his 
sudden  death  carried  sorrow  to  many  a  heart. 

They  have^one  child  : 

(i)  Huldah  Ann.,  b.  June  27,  1837,  m.  Charles  Hawkins. 
He  has  for  many  years  been  press  foreman  in  the  New  York 
Herald  offi.ct.,  and  is  esteemed  for  his  punctuality  and  promptness 
in  business,  his  firm  integrity,  and   his  obliging   disposition,  and 


2  54  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

inimitable  good  humor.  They  have  one  child,  Charles,  b.  July 
7,  I  859,  resides  with  his  grandmother  Benson  in  Providence, 
R.  I.      Mr.  Hawkins  died  in  1868. 

IV.  Amasa  Cook  married  Anna  Jenks,  of  New  Berlin,  N.  Y. 
He  was  eno;aged  in  agriculture,  and  while  moving  west  with  his 
family,  was  taken  sick  at  Hulberton,  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and 
died  very  suddenly,  aged  "^3.  He  is  buried  at  that  place,  a  plain 
marble  slab  marks  his  grave.  His  wife  was  left  with  five  children, 
the  youngest  being  less  than  three  weeks  old.  She  went  to  West 
Kendall  where  she  supported,  and  educated  her  children  in  a  very 
creditable  manner,  two  or  three  of  them  having  been  teachers. 
Ann  and  Amasa  died  of  fever  in  I  863  within  three  days  of  each 
other.  His  widow  married  again,  moved  to  Michigan,  and  died 
in  1866.  Amasa  held  severil  town  offices,  and  was  captain  of  a 
militia  company. 

V.  Or:viLLE  Chapin  married  Cyrena  Guile,  of  New  Berlin, 
N.  Y.  He  was  educated  at  Oxford  Academy,  N.  Y.,  is  a 
farmer  and  lives  near  Sherburne,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.  He 
has  been  honored  with  a  number  of  town  and  county  offices  and 
in  the  military  holds  a  major's  commission.  He  volunteered 
during  the  Great  Rebellion  but  did  not  get  into  active  service. 
He  is  frequently  called  upon  to  attend  Justices'  Court  as  counsel, 
and  is  noted  for  his  sound  logical  common  sense.  They  have 
six  children.  His  son  Orville  was  in  the  Union  Army  three 
years,  during  the  Rebellion. 

Vn.  Israel  was  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  married  Oct.  2  i, 
I  847,  for  his  first  wife  Sophia  Lathan  Brown  of  Pawtucket. 
She  was  a  relative  of  the  Providence  Browns.  In  1854  she  first 
experienced  religion,  and  was  baptized  at  Clarkville,  Madison 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Card,  and  united  with  the 
Baptist  Church  in  that  place.  She  died  at  Port  Byron,  N.  Y., 
June  21,1  859.  The  following  are  taken  from  the  papers  which 
noticed  her  death  : 

"  The  deceased  leaves  a  husband  and  six  small  children  besides 
a  large  circle  of   friends  to  mourn   her  loss.      A   loss  which  will 


ISRAEL  fVILKIXSON.  [442]  255 

be  long  and  deeply  felt,  both  in  the  home  circle,  and  throughout 
the  entire  community  as  she  was  a  most  estimable  woman." — 
Port  Byron  Gazette. 

"  From  the  time  of  her  baptism  to  the  day  of  her  death  her 
life  was  a  living  exemplification  of  religion.  Her  last  counsel  to 
her  surviving  sisters  in  Christ  was,  'Sustain  the  prayer  meeting;.' 
To  her  the  praver  meeting  was  a  bethel.  It  may  be  said  of  her 
in  truth,  *•  she  hath  done  what  she  could.'  Her  sickness  was  short 
and  painful — her  exit  peaceful  and  triumphant  at  the  early  age 
of    8,  and  she  is  now, — 

'  Asleep  in  Jesus  I  Blessed  sleep  ! 
From  which  none  ever  wake  to  werp.'  " 

Neiu  York  Chronic. 'e. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Baptist  Society  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted  : 

"Wheras  an  all-wise  Providence  has  called  us  to  mourn  the 
death  of  our  highly  esteemed  sister,  Sophia  L.  Wilkixsox, 
wife  of  our  Pastor,  Rev,  Israel  Wilkinson.     Therefore: 

Resolved,  That  the  summons  which  calls  us  to  mourn  the 
death  of  our  dear  sister,  also  announces  the  removal  from  the 
Church  Militant  to  the  Church  Triumphant,  one  of  its  most 
exemplary  and  worthy  members,  and  adrnonishes  us  who  are 
spared,  with  an  emphasis  both  solemn  and  impressive,  that  we 
be  also  ready  for  that  final  change  that  awaits  us. 

Resolved^  That  our  deceased  sister  not  only  enjoyed  in  an 
eminent  degree,  the  confidence  and  regard  of  the  entire  church, 
but  of  the  whole  community  in  which  she  lived. 

'None  knew  her  but  to  love  her;' 

and  by  a  life  characterized  by  strict  integrity,  and  for  the  last  few 
years  of  her  life,  that  deep  piety  and  practical  christian  character 
she  haS  richly  merited  the  good  name  which  she  has  left,  as  a 
priceless  legacy  to  her  companion  and  children. 

Resolved^  That  we  tender  her  bereaved  husband  and  friends 
our  deepest  sympathies  in  their  affliction  and  as  a  further 
manifestation  of  our  regard  for  her,  we  cause  a  copy  of  the 
foregoing  resolutions  to  be  presented  to  Elder  Wilkinson  and 
also,  to  be  published  in  the  Port  Bvron  Gazette  and  New  York 
Chronicle." 

She  is  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Port  Byron. 


256  -       SEVENTH    GENERJTIOX. 

Mr.  Wilkinson  married,  Oct.  2i,  i860,  Caroline  Elizabeth 
Bonnev,  daughter  of  Josiah  S.  and  Parnell  W.  Bonney,  of  New 
Bedford,  Mass. 

July  27,  1865,  he  received  the  Honorary  degree  of  Master 
of  Arts,  from  Union  College. 

He  is  the  author  of  the  Memoirs — upon  which  work  he 
bestowed  six  years  labor.  In  1867,  he  received  the  appointment 
of  superintendent  of  schools  of  the  city  of  Jacksonville,  111.,  to 
which  place  he  moved  Sept.  5th,   1867. 

VIII.  Mary  Minerva  married  Willis  Aylsworth,  of  New 
Berlin,  N.  Y.  They  moved  to  Michigan  and  settled  near 
Cannonsberg,  Kent  Co..  where  Mr.  Alysworth  purchased  a 
quarter  section  of  land  of  the  Government.  It  was  a  perfect 
wilderness  at  that  time,  but  under  the  hand  of  cultivation  it  has 
been  made  to  "  blossom  like  the  rose."  Mr.  Alysworth  is  an 
active  business  man,  and  a  first-rate  farmer,  perfectly  honest  in 
all  his  dealings,  and  is  much  respected  as  a  citizen. 

They  have  one  child  : 

(l)  Mary  Minerva,  b.  Feb.  6,  1845,  m.  Wm.  G.  Litle, 
resides  at  Cannon,  Mich. 

IX.  James  Ei>liott,  never  married,  he  is  a  blacksmith  and 
machinist,  a  first-rate  workman,  and  resides  in  Cumberland,  R.  I. 
He  owns  a  beautiful  farm  in  Michigan,  which  he  has  never 
seen. 

X.  ViEXXA  Sheldon  was  married  at  Danielsonville,  Ct.,  Oct. 
21,  1847,  to  Lafayette  Avery,  of  Preston,  N.  Y.  They  moved 
to  Illinois,  where  Mr.  Avery  had  an  extensive  ride,  being  a 
physician,  but  upon  the  death  of  his  father,  they  returned  to  New 
York,  and  settled  at  South  Otselic,  Chenango  Co.  In  i860 
they  moved  to  LaGrange,  Mo.,  where  they  now  reside.  Dr. 
Avery  graduated  at  Geneva  Medical  College,  and  was  a  surgeon 
in  the  Union  army  during  the  Rebellion. 

They  have  had  two  children  : 

(l)  Vien7ja  Sheldon^  b.  Sept.  4,  1848,  r.  LaGrange,  Mo. 


JBIGJIL  [WILKINSON)  fFEEDEN.  [4^9']       257 

(2)  Hubbard^  h.  Oct.   14,  1 853,  d.  Nov.  2,  1862. 

XI.  William  Sheldon,  never  married.  He  was  a  great 
sufferer  from  earlv  infancy,  being  afflicted  with  a  white  swelling, 
caused  the  amputation  of  one  of  his  limbs  above  the  knee  at  the 
age  of  five.  He  survived  many  years  manifesting  the  greatest 
fortitude  under  the  severest  suffering.  He  loved  the  Savior,  and 
would  frequently  sing  his  praises  after  he  became  blind  and 
perfectlv  helpless.  He  had  a  remarkable  memory,  and  could 
repeat  the  casual  conversation  of  persons  weeks  after  it  occurred. 
He  died  at  Manville,  R.  I.,  and  is  buried  in  the  family  burying 
ground  at  the  old  homestead  in  Smithfield. 

Xn.  Si.MON  was  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  was  never  married, 
recei\ed  his  education  at  Seekonk  Seminary,  went  to  Jacksonville, 
Ell.,  and  engaged  as  a  clerk  in  the  mercantile  business,  and  died 
shortly  after  he  experienced  a  hope  in  the  Savior.  He  is  buried 
in  the  cemetery  at  Jacksonville  in  the  family  lot  ot  B,  F. 
Stevenson. 

Xni.  Asa  Williams,  was  born  in  New  Berlin,  N.  Y., 
studied  medicine  for  a  short  time  with  Dr.  Avery,  and  attended 
Lectures  at  New  York  Medical  College.  Being  unable  to  pay 
the  usual  matriculation  and  admission  fees,  he  was  admmitted  to 
the  Labratory  as  an  assistant  in  chemistry  and  in  consequence 
he  has  become  one  of  the  best  practical  chemists  in  the  United 
States.  At  present  he  holds  a  position  as  associate  professor  in 
the  College  of  the  city  of  New  York,  and  also,  in  the  Bellevue 
Hospital  College.  He  is  first  assistant  and  constant  attendant 
upon  Prof.  Doremus  in  all  his  great  lectures  at  Cooper  Institute 
and  elsewhere,  performing  all  his  experiments  with  such  accuracy 
as  never  to  disappoint  an  audience  in  witnessing  whatever  is 
advertised  in  the  programme.  He  has  an  extensive  practice  as  a 
physician  in  New  York  City,  and  is  master  of  his  profession  in 
every  sense  of  the  word.      He  is  not  married. 

XIV.  Abigail  married  Wm.  W.  Weeden,  and  moved  to 
Michigan.      Upon  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion,  he  enlisted 

35 


258  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

in  the  Michigan  cavalry,  and  was  in  the  service  three  years.  He 
was  in  some  of  the  severest  battles  of  that  terrible  period,  but 
was  permitted  to  return  to  his  family  at  the  expiration  of  his  term 
of  service  with  life  and  health  unimpaired.  They  moved  to 
Arkansas  after  the  war  closed,  and  from  thence  to  Memphis 
Tenn.,  thence  to  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  where  they  now  reside. 
They  have: 

(l)  Jnna  Laura^  b.  i860;    2.    Una  Bell^  b.  March  15,  1866. 

XV.  LuciNA  married  Albert  O.  Razee  of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 
He  is  an  active  business  man,  and  she  one  of  the  best  of  wive?. 
They  have  three  children  : 

(l)  Frank  J..  h.Yth.  9,  i860;  (2)  Minnie  y/,,  b.  April  9, 
1864  ;  (3)  Benjamin  James^  b.   1867. 

They  reside  at  Diamond  Hill  Plain,  R.  I. 

Some  of  the  first  nail  machines  ever  invented  in  the  world^ 
may  be  seen  upon  their  premises,  they  being  the  original  inventions 
of  Jeremiah  Wilkinson. 


Israel  Wilkinson"       ^  [221]  Israel,'  [100]  Israel,^  [29J 
AND  y  Samuel,'^       [8]       Samuel,-       [2] 

Abigail  Carpenter,    j  Lawrence.^  [i] 
Of  Mendon,  Mass. 

451.  I.   Alexander  Thayer,'  (678-686)  b.  June  10,  18 15. 

452.  II.  Edwin  CARPENTER,'b.  Oct.  19,  i8i6,d.  Oct,  27,  1817. 
452.   III.  LovisY  Thayer,'     b.Jan.  10,1819. 

543.  IV.   Silence  JuDD,'  b.Jan.  28,1821. 

I.  Alexander  Thayer,  married  for  his  first  wife  Maria 
Sayles. 

He  has  been  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in  Boston, 
Mass.,  and  elsewhere,  and  also,  in  the  Railroad  business,  and 
during  the  Rebellion  he  was  Assistant  or  Deputy  Collector  of 
Internal  Revenue  at  Worcester,  Mass.  He  has  held  several 
public  offices,  and  has  been  captain  of  a  military  company.  His 
present  residence  is  Milford,  Mass.  By  his  first  wife  he  had 
nine  children. 


JOSEPH   fVILKINSON.  259 

He  married  secondly,  Emily  Morrison  of   Woonsocket,  R.  I. 

III.  LovisY  and  Silence  never  married.  They  are  firm 
friends  of  Freedom,  and  the  cause  of  the  oppressed  and  down-trodden 
slave  finds  in  them  ready  and  willing  advocates.  They  are  noted 
for  their  benevolence,  and  the  interest  they  manifest  in  the  welfare 
of  their  kindred,  bespeaks  their  goodness  of  heart. 


Jacob  Wilkinson®^  [222J    Robert,^    [101]   Israel,*  [29] 
AND  y  Samuel,''  [8]  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrence.^ 

Amy  Streeter,       j  [i] 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  I. 

455.  I.   RiiODA,'  b.  Feb.     3,   1 801,  d.  1866. 

456.  II.   Sabra,^  b.  Mar.  18,  1803,  d.  Jan.  1861. 

I.  Rhoda,  married  Willing  Vose,  and  resided  in  Woonsocket, 
R.  I.      They  have  one  child  : 

(I)  Julia,  b.  Feb.  17,  1829,  m.  Lewis  L.  Miller,  r.  Cumberland, 
R.  I. 

II.  Sabra  married  Aaron  Vose,  and   moved  to   Steuben  Co., 
N.  Y. 

Their  children  are  : 

(i)   Lucia^  b.  m.   Elijah   Holley.  r.   Thurston,   N.   Y.  ; 

(2)  Arlon^  b,  m.    Mary  A.  ,  r.   Steuben   Co.,   N.    Y.-, 

(3)  Mary^\i.  m.  Edmond  Jones;  (4)  Robert,  b. m.  Amelia 

W^alker;  (5)  Amanda^  b.  m.  Newton  Walker;  (6)  Emeline^ 

b. m.  Amos  Chatman  ;  (7)  Jdin^  b. ;  (8)  Filena,  b. ; 

(9)  Rhoda,  b. m.  Alderman. 

Joseph  Wilkinson,^     ^  [223]    Robert,^    [ioi]     Israel, 

Sarah  NE^VMAN  and      H29]  Samuel,^  [8]    Samuel,^    [2] 
Mary  Arnold,  j  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  I. 

457.  I.  Mary  Ann,"^  b.  Feb.    14,  1808. 

458.  II.   Almira,'  b.  Nov.  II,  1814,  d.  Jan.  25,  1840. 

459.  III.  Eliza,"  b.  Feb,    27,  1817. 

460.  IV.  Sarah,'  b.  Feb.      6,  1823. 


26o  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

I.  Mary  Anx,  married  Emor  Coe,  (son  of  Ephraim,)  a 
merchant  in  Woonsocket  and  Providence  for  a  number  of  years. 
He  is  now  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business  for  which 
Woonsocket  is  noted.  His  paternal  ancestor  came  from  England 
and  settled  at  Newport  in  the  early  days  of  the  Colony.  A 
brother,  who  came  with  him,  settled  on  Long  Island. 

Mr.  Coe  is  an  early  settler  in  Woonsocket,  and  remembers 
when  all  the  business  was  carried  on  at  the  "Old  Bank  " — there 
being  but  two  stores,  two  hotels,  and  about  twenty  dwellings  in 
that  vicinity,  and  none  where  Woonsocket  now  stands.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Coe  are  worthy  citizens,  members  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  greatly  beloved  by  the  community.  Their  children  : 
(l)  Lafayette  Wilkinson.,  b.  Sept  6,  1833,  m.  Abby  Balcom,  has, 
(i)  Lillian  Myra,  b.  May  8,  1859,  d.  March  17,  1863;  (2)  Lillian 
Myra,  b.  March  11,  1864,  live  in  Woonsocket;  (2)  Abnira 
Washington.,  b.  Oct.   17,  1835,  d.  Oct.  5,   1855. 

n.  Almira  was  born  in  Smithfield  at  the  old  homestead  near 
Mott's  dam  on  the  Blackstone  River.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three. 
Sept,  4,  1837  she  married  John  Buffum,  a  merchant  of 
Woonsocket,  R.  L,  now  in  California.  After  their  marriage 
they  moved  to  Alton,  111.,  where  he  engaged  in  business.  They 
have  one  child,  Almira  Wilkinson,  b.  Nov.  g,  1839.  Her 
mother  dying  when  she  was  but  six  months  old,  her  grandfather, 
Joseph  Wilkinson  sent  lor  and  brought  her  to  Rhode  Island, 
and  made  her  one  of  his  devisees.  She  married  Franklin 
Arnold  Steeke,  jeweller,  of  Providence.  Mr.  Steere  is  a  lineal 
descendant  of  John  Steere  whose  name  appears  upon  the  first 
town  book  1645,  in  company  with  Lawrence  Wilkinson,  and 
who  married  Hannah  Wickenden,  sister  of  Plain,  Samuel 
Wilkinson's  wife,  and  daughter  of  Rev.  William  Wickenden, 

They  have:  (i)  Myra  Adelaide.,  b.  March  li,  j86o,  d.  Aug, 
15,  i860;  (2)  Joseph  Wilkinson.,  b.  Jan.  19,  1862  ;  (3)  Franklin 
Arnold.,  b.  May  5,  1866.  Residence  two  miles  from  Providence 
on  the  Pawtucket  Turnpike,  at  a  place  called  "  Wayland." 


SJR AH  {WILKINSON)   STEERE.   [460]       261 

The  death  of"  Almira  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-six,  far  from 
friends  and  home,  being  the  first  and  only  death  among  the 
children  of  Joseph,  was  a  severe  affliction.  She  was  loved  by 
all  who  knew  her.  Her  mortal  remains  repose  at  Alton,  111., 
upon  the  bluffs  that  overlook  the  majestic  Mississippi. 

"  There  shall  the  morn  her  earliest  tears  bestow, 
There  the  first  roses  of  the  year  shall  blow  5 
While  angels  with  their  silver  wings  o'ershade 
The  ground  now  sacred  by  thy  reliques  made." 

III.  Eliza,  married  Edward  Gould  Buffum,  and  resides  in 
Woonsocket.  He  has  been  quite  a  traveler,  and  is  now  in 
Europe,  a  correspondent  of  the  A^^zc  York  Herald.  Mrs.  Buffum 
is  characterized  by  versatility  of  mind,  and  more  than  ordinary 
intelligence, — writes  a  good  newspaper  article  in  prose  or  poetry, 
and  manages  her  own  ailairs  with  considerable  shrewdness.  She 
is  a  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.      Thev  have  no  children. 

Harper  &  Brothers  have  just  published  a  handsome  12  mo. 
volume  entitled  "  Sights  and  sensations  in  France,  Germany,  and 
Switizerland"  consisting  of  a  series  of  charming  sketches, 
embodying  the  experiences  of  Edward  G.  Buffum,  a  veteran 
American  journalist,  who  for  many  years  resided  in  Europe. 
A  sketch  of  his  life  bv  Wm.  A.  Gould  appears  in  the  book. 
"  We  have  not  for  many  a  dav  "  says  Appleton's  'Journal  July  17, 
1869,  "  met  with  a  more  tender  and  touching  sketch  than  Mr. 
Buffum's  'My  neighbor,  Little  Agla,  the  Flower-maker.'" 

IV.  Sarah  married  Thomas  Steere  of  Norwich,  Chenango 
Co.,  N.  Y.  He  was  born  March  31,  1819,  moved  with  his 
parents  to  Michigan  where  he  read  law  in  the  office  of  William 
Fenton  of  Fentonville.  He  subsequently  returned  east,  and 
engaged  as  clerk  in  Providence,  R.  I.  Here  he  formed  the 
acquaintance  of  Miss  Wilkinson  to  whom  he  was  married  at  her 
father's  residence,  July  2,  1844.  Resuming  the  study  of  law 
he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  state  of  Rhode  Island.  He 
was  elected  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  and  chosen  Speaker  of 
the  House,  which  position  he  filled  with  credit  to  himself. 
During  the  administration  of  President  Pierce  (?)  he  received  the 


262  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

appointment  of  consul  to  Scotland  residing  at  Dundee,  which 
office  he  held  four  years  His  services  were  duly  appreciated,  am! 
application  was  made  by  the  chamber  of  commerce,  and  the 
member  of  Parliament,  signed  by  a  large  number  of  the  most 
influential  men  of  Dundee  for  his  return,  but  another  appointment 
had  been  made  previous  to  his  arrival  in  America. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion,  Mr.  Steere  was  among 
the  first  to  engage  in  its  suppression.  He  went  as  first  Lieutenant 
in  the  first  R.  I.  Regiment,*  and  participated  in  the  Bull  Run 
battle. 

During  the  past  two  years  he  has  edited  the  Providence  Post, 
and  continues  the  practice  of  law.  He  is  a  good  lawyer,  spirited 
writer,  and  an  able  speaker,  and  possesses  one  of  the  best  private 
libraries  in  Rhode  Island. 

Mrs.  Steere  is  worthy  her  spouse,  managing  well  her  affairs  in 
her  husband's  absence — governing  her  household  with  prudence 
and  guiding  her  off^spring  in  the  path  of  virtue.  They  are  members 
of  the  Congregational  Church.  They  have,  (^\)  Frank^h.^  1848, 
d.  at  the  age  of  three  months  ;  (2)  Mary  Adelaide  b.  March  8, 
1850,  resides  at  Woonsockct,  R.  I. 


David  Wilkinson,M  [229]  Robert,^  ['oO  Israel,*  [29] 
Lucy  Capron,  and  >  Samuel,*  [8]  Samuel^  [2]  Lawrence.^ 
Thankful  Sayles,  j  [i] 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  L 

461.  L   Abby  Ann,'  b.  Nov.     i,  1810,  d.  Aug.  7,  1837. 

462.  n.  Lucy  Capron,'^       b,  April  29,  1814. 

463.  in.   Robert  Smith,'  (686-689)    b.  Feb.  19,  1817.* 

464.  IV.   Mary  Lapiiam,'      b.  Jan.      7, 18 19,  d.  June  5,  i  842. 

465.  V.  Joanna  Sayles,"^       b.  Mar.  29,  i  820. 

466.  VI.  Julia  Emma,'  b.  Oct.  13,  i  82  i,  d.  April  8,  i  848. 

467.  VII.  William  Scott,' (690-692)  b.  Mar.  26,  1823. 

468.  VIII.  Amanda  Malvina,'  b.  Mar.  12,  1825. 

*Vide.  I  Record  of  the  Rebellion,  p.  125. 


ROBERT  SMITH  WILKINSON.  [463]  263 

469.  IX,   David  LAWRENCE,"(693-694)b.  Oct.     6,  1826. 

470.  X.   Adelia  Ballou,"     b.  Mar.  25, 1  828. 

471.  XL  Thankful  Sayles,' b.  July  9,  183 1. 

I.  Abbv  Ann,  married  Caleb  Bryant  of  Woonsocket,  R.  I. 
She  was  a  person  of  great  vivacity  of  character,  and  was  much 
Joved  by  her  acquaintances. 

Their  children  ; 

(l)  Abhy  Jnn,  b.  July  3,  1833,  d.  July  3,  1833;  (2)  Caleb 
Leonides.^  b.  April  28,  I  835,  d.  Aug.  23,  I  835  ;  (3)  Julia  Ann^ 
b.  July  17,  1837,  d.  July  I  7,  1837. 

These  with  their  mother  are  buried  in  the  family  burying 
ground  in  Smithfield.  As  we  gaze  upon  the  little  graves  we  are 
reminded  of  the  touching  words  of  Colridge  : 

"  Ere  sin  could  blight  or  sorrow  fade 
Death  came  with  friendly  care 
The  opening  buds  to  Heaven  conveyed 
And  bade  them  blossom  there." 

II.  Lucy  Caption  was  born  in  Smithfield,  R.  I.,  at  the 
homestead,  married,  first.,  Barton  Cook  of  Cumberland,  a  very 
worthy  man.  They  lived  for  a  number  of  vears  on  Cumberland 
Hill,  and  had  : 

(i)   Joseph   B.,    b.   June    15,   1837,   m.    Elizabeth    Congdon 
resided  at  ^VoOnsocket,  R.  L,  died  Dec.   14,  I  863  ;   (2)   Estella 
Geraldine^  b.  July  7,  I  839,  d.  July  18,  i  840  ;  (3)  Alice  O.,  b.  June 
27,   I  842,    m.  Frank  Alderman,  died  June  r   I  857  ;  (4)  Annette^ 
b.  June  9,  I  844,  d.  June  30,  1  844. 

Lucy  has  been  thrice  married,  her  second  husband  was  Otis 
Lovett,  and  the  third  is  not  remembered.  Her  family  are  all 
dead.      How  sad  the  thought  ! 

"  The  dead  are  in  their  silent  graves, 
And  the  dew  is  cold  above, 
And  the  living  weep  and   sigh   - 
O'er  dust  that  once  was  love." 

III.  Robert  Smith,  m.  Aug.  18,  i  84  i,  Mariah  Morrison  of 
Woonsocket,  R.  I.  He  has  been  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business,  and  has  lived  in  Clyde  and  Newark,  N.  Y.  His  present 
residence  is  Milford,  Mass.      He  is  an  active  business  man,  and  is 


264  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

highly   respected   for  his  honesty    and   veracity.      He    has    three 
children.      His  wife  died  during  child-birth  I  866  or  7. 

IV.  Mary  Lapham,  married  John  O.  Sayles,  a  descendant 
o*^"  the  Sayles  who  married  the  oldest  daughter  of  Roger  Williams. 
She  was  an  estimable  young  lady,  and  was  loved  by  all  who  kne.v 
her  for  her  amiability.  Her  early  death  opened  the  crystal 
fountains  in  many  eves.       She  had  one  child  : 

(  I  )   Jobfi  IVilkinsou,  b.  April  T  842,  married . 

He  was  in  the  Union  army  during  the  Great  Rebellion, 

V.  Joanna  S.wLEs,  married,  March  i  7,  1842,  Elbridge  G. 
Cook.  He  is  a  successful  business  man,  resides  in  Milford,  Mass., 
but  his  place  of  business  is  Boston, 

Their  children  are  ; 

(l)  Jgnes  Lucy^  b.  Dec.  21,  I  843  ;  (2)  Orville  IVhipple^  b. 
Jan.  I,  I  846  ;  (3)  Revile  Ford.,  b,  March  i  9,  1  848  ;  (4)  Eva 
IVilkinson.,  b.  July  14,  I  850  ;  (5)  Elbridge  Gerry ^  b.  March  i  4, 
I  860  ;  (6)  Earle  David^  b.  Nov,  I,  i  86  1.  All  reside  in  Milford, 
.Mass. 

VI.  Jui.iA  Em.ma,  married  Samuel  Ford,  and  lived  in  Newark, 
Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y.      She  died  at  child-birth. 

"  The  Angel  of  the  Covenant 
Was  come,  and,  faithful  to  his  promise,  stood 
Prepared  to  walk  with  her  thro'  death's  dark  vale. 
'  And  now  her  eyes  grew  bright,  and  brighter  still. 

Too  bright  for  ours  to  look  upon,  sulfused 
With  many  tears,  and  closed  without  a  cloud. 
They  set  as  sets  the  morning-star,  which  goes 
Not  down  behind  the  darkened  west,  nor  hides 
Obscured  among  the  tempests  of  the  sky 
But  melts  away  into  the  light  of  heaven." 

VII.  William  Scott,  married  April  27,  i84<S,  Laura  C. 
Paine,  He  keeps  a  market  in  Milford,  Mass,  He  is  an 
energetic  man  in  business,  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  the 
community.      They  have  three  children. 

VIII.  Amanda  Malvina  has  never  married.  She  resides  at 
Milford,  Mass.,  but  spends  much  of  her  time  in  Boston, 

IX.  David  Lawrence,  married,  June  15,  1853,  Sarah  L. 
Turtelott.       They    reside   in    Milford,    Mass.,     and     have    two 


JANE    WILKINSON.     [479]  265 

children.      He  well  maintains  the  name  of    his  honored  ancestor. 

X.  Adelta  Ballou  married  Samuel  Ford,  her  elder  sister's 
former  husband.  They  have  resided  in  Clyde  and  Newark, 
Wavne  Co.,  N.  Y.,  but  at  present  their  residence  is  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y.      Mr.  Ford  is  a  merchant.      Thev  have  five  children  : 

(i)  Henry  Lawrence;  (2)  Francis  EU-za  \  (3)  Sa7nuel  \  (4) 
Earnest  ;  (5)    Adel'ia  Bartha. 

XI.  Thankful  Sayles,  married  Amaria  A.  Taft,  and  resides 
in  Milford,  Mass.      They  have  one  child: 

(i)  Jesse  .1.,  b.  Feb.  8,  1 857.  at   Mendon,  Mass. 


Isaac  Wilkinson^    "|  [232]   David,^    [^03]    Israel,*   [29] 
AND  >  [Samuel^  [8]  Samuel^' [2]  Lawrence.^ 

Hannah  Streeter,  j  [i] 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  I. 

472.  I.   David  Streeter,'  (695)  b.  Feb.  29,  1820. 

473.  II.    Lydia,  b,  Nov.  18,  i.s?i,  d    Oct.     3,  1824. 

474.  III.   Hannah  M.,^     b,  Dec.    16,  1823. 

475.  IV.   Lsaac  Randolph,'  (696-699)  b.  Apr.  21,  1826. 

476.  V.   George,'  b.  June    18,  1828,  d.  Dec.  10,  1830. 

477.  VI.  James,'  b.  Aug.   18,  1831,  d.  Sept.  21,  1832 

478.  VII.   Francis  B.,'      b.  Dec.  30,  1834,  d.  Jan.    16,  1840, 

I.  David  Streeter,  married  Almaria  Hendrick,  they  live  in 
Smithfield.  R.  I,      He  is  a  farmer. 

II.  Isaac  Randolph,  married  Eliza  Arnold. 

He  is  engaged  in  mercantile  business  in  Pawtucket,  R.  I,  He 
is  scrupulously  honest  in  all  his  dealings,  and  is  highly  respected 
bv  the  communitv.      Thev  have  four  children. 


Nsox,M  [236]    JoHN,^   [109]    John,*  [40] 
\  JoHN,^[9]  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrence.^ 


Abraham  Wilkin; 

AND  Y . 

Mary  Twining,  J  [j] 

Of  Warwick,  Bucks'  Co.,  Pa. 
479.   I.   Jane,"  b.  Oct.    10,  1800,  d.  July  30, 1830. 

36 


266  SEVENTH  GENERATION. 

480.  11.  John/  b.  d.  Sept.  3,  1822. 

481.  III.  Abraham,^      b.  Oct.  5,  1805,  d.  Jan.  28,  1848. 

482.  IV.  Samuel T.J(700-7)b.  Nov.  29,  1810,  d.  Apr.  26, 1867. 

483.  V.   ELEAZERj(7o8-7i3)b.  April     7,  i8i2,d.  Mar.  20,  1855. 

IV.  Samuel  T.  married,  June  24,  1841,  Caroline  L.  Simpson. 
They  have  four  children.  She  was  born  Dec.  14th,  18 14,  and 
died  Aug.  30,  1848.  For  his  second  wife,  Mr.  Wilkinson 
married,  Dec.  13,  1849,  J^^^'^  Simpson,  who  was  born,  May  5, 
1820.      They  also,  have  four  children. 

It  was  through  Mr.  Wilkinson  that  the  author  discovered  the 
Pennsylvania  branch  of  the  family,  and  by  his  faithful 
correspondence  many  important  and  interesting  facts  have  been 
elicited.  He  holds  to  the  faith  of  his  ancestors,  and  is  a  member 
of  the  Friends  meeting  at  AVrightstown,  Bucks  Co.,  Pa.  In  1700 
or  thereabouts,  his  great  great  grandfather  left  Rhode  Island,  and 
eventually  settled  in  Pennsylvania.  Undoubtedly  for  a  time 
correspondence  was  kept  up  between  the  cousins,  but  as  time 
rolled  away  communication  ceased,  and  for  more  than  100  years 
all  knowledge  of  the  relatives  was  entirely  forgotten.  Now 
communication  is  opened  again  and  acquaintance  renewed,  and 
a  sympathy  manifested  that  only  the  ties  of  consanguinity  could 
awaken.  Samuel  died  suddenly  after  a  brief  sickness  of  four  or 
five  days.  He  was  an  affectionate  husband,  an  indulgent  parent 
and  posssessed  a  heart  filled  with   love  and  charity  for  every  one. 

V.  Eleazer,  married  June  12,  1843,  Mary  Ann  Twining 
who  was  born  June  15,  18 14.  They  have  a  family  of  six  children, 
and  reside  at  Warwick,  Bucks  Co.,  Penn.  He  is  a  farmer, 
belongs  to  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  is  a  very  worthy  man. 

Samuel  Wilkinson^ ^  [248]     Rhodes,^    [^23]    Benjamin,* 
AND  H46]    Joseph,'    [ii]    Samuel,^    [2] 

Maria  Bradforde,  j  Lawrence.^  [i] 
Of  Woodstock.,  Ct. 

484.  I.   Mary,"  married  a  Phillips,  resides  in  Woodstock,  Ct. 
The  name  of  Wilkinson  is  extinct  in  this  line. 


THOMAS  KNIGHT  WILKINSON..   [488]       267 

William  Henry  WiLKiNso>;'1  [263]      William,'^     [127] 
AND  >  Benjamin-*  [46]JosEPH^[i  i] 

Sarah  Snelling  Drew,  j  Samuel^[2]  Lawrence. ^[i] 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

485.  I.  William,'  b.  June  19,  1849,  d.  Dec.  19,  1856. 

486.  II.  Sarah  Drew,'     b.  Mar.  11,  1851, 

487.  Ill,   Eliza,'  b.  April  13,  1853,  <^-  ^^^y  ^9^  '854. 


Brownell  Wilkinson^'^  [268]   Joseph,^     [^SO     Joseph,* 
AND  I  [50]  Joseph,^  [ii]    Samuel,'   [2] 

Tabitha  Thomas,  and  )- Lawrence.^  [i] 
Maria  Spaulding  and   | 
Sarah  Phillips,  j 

First  Wife. 

488.  L  Thomas  Knight,''(7I4-7I7)  b.  Jan.      10,  1804,  d. 

489.  II.  Amy  Harriet,'  b.  Aug.     2,  1805,  d. 

490.  III.  Jame?  TnAYER,'(7iS-72i)  b.  Sept.     2,  1807,  d. 

491.  IV.  Susan  Ann,''  b,  Nov.  i^,  1809,  d. 

492.  V.  William  Field,"^  (722)b.  Mar.  2,  181 1,  d.  i860  or  1  .? 
93.  VI.  Charles  B.,'  b.  Nov.  22,  1814,  d.  Feb.  23,  1824. 

Third  Wife. 

494.  VII.   Charles  D.  W.  C,"  (723)  b.  April  21,  1830,  d. 

495.  VIII.  Tabitha  Caroline,'  b.  April  30,  1832,  d, 

496.  IX.  John  Brownell,'  b.  Mar.  5, 1835,  d.  Aug.  29,  1835. 

497.  X.  Sarah  Elizabeth,'  b.  Mar.  25,  1839,  d. 

498.  XL   Mary  Haxnah,'  b.  Mar.     i,  1841,  d. 

I.  Thomas  Knight  married  Lydia  Salisburg,  and  lives  in 
Waterville,  Oneida  Co.,N.  Y.  He  was  a  machinist  and  worked 
at  his  trade,  and  was  superintendent  of  the  cotton  and  woolen 
mills  in  Waterville,  until  Julv,  1 85  I,  when  he  lost  his  right 
fore-arm  by  being  entangled  in  the  machinery.  In  April,  1852, 
he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  the  town 
of  Sangerfield  which  office  he  resigned  in  i  853.  In  April,  1853, 
he  received  from  President  Pierce  the  appointment  of  postmaster 
at  Waterville,  Wliich  positon  he  now  holds. 


268  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

II.  Amy  Hariuet  married  Abijah  S.  Perry  of  Chicago,  111., 
where  she  now  resides,  her  husband  having  died  several  years 
since.      They  had  : 

(i)  Charles;  (2)  Delia;  (3)  William. 

Ill  James  Thayer,  married  Electa  E.  Allen,  daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Matilda  (Brown)  of  Hartford,  Ct.  He  is  a  house 
painter  and  lives  in  Lockport,  N.  Y. — has  been  adjutant, 
quartermaster  and  paymaster  in  the  military  service.  They  came 
^o  Lockport  in  1835.      Has  a  family. 

IV.  Susan  Ann,  married  Adin  Harrington,  a  carpenter  by 
trade.      They  live  in  Norwich,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y, 

Their  children  are  : 

(l  )  Cornelia  ;  (2)  Susan. 

V.  William  Field,  married  Athalia  Tucker. 

He  was  a  merchant  at  Reynales  Basin,  Niagara  Co.,  N.  Y. 
He  moved  to  Lockport,  and  died  leaving  a  , widow  and  one 
daughter. 

VII.  Charles  DeWitt  Clinton  is  an  actor,  and  the  only 
one  in  the  great  family  in  America.  Most  every  trade  in  the 
mechanic  arts,  every  profession,  lawyer,  doctor,  minister,  teacher, 
and  every  department  in  commercial  and  mercantile  pursuits,  are 
represented,  but  very  few  have  acquired  much  notoriety  in  the 
fine  arts  as  artists,  or  as  authors.  He  is  a  comedian  of  fair  talent, 
and  played  in  I  864,  in  Leavenworth,  Kansas,  New  Orleans  and 
Cincinnati,  in  company  with  Miss  Gladsten,  an  actress  of 
considerable  repute. 

He  was  at  one  time  lessee  and  manager  of  the  Detriot  Theatre, 
Mich.,  and  also  of  the  Worcester  Theatre,  Mass. 

He  is  the  oldest  son  of  Brownell  by  his  third  wife,  and  has  been 
married  and  has  one  child. 

For  other  facts  concerning  him,  see  Biography  No. 

X.  Sarah  Elizabeth  was  married  by  the  Rev.  J.  Banvard, 
Sept.  I  ,  I  g62,  to  Henry  G.  Longly  of  Worcester,  Mass.  He 
was  a  worthy  young  man,    highly  respected  by   the   community 


SARAH  E.   [WILKIXSON)  LONGLT.  [497]       269 

and  honorable  in  all  his  dealings.  He  was  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business  in  the  empioy  of  "Jenkins^  Ha7nilt07i  &  Co.^ 
and  just  previous  to  his  marriage  he  enlisted  in  the  5  i  st  Mass. 
Regiment,  and  went  forth  with  that  band  of  patriots  to  put  down 
the  slaveholders'  Rebellion.  At  Nevvburn,  N.  C,  he  fell  a 
sacrifice  upon  the  altar  of  his  country.  His  remains  were  brought 
to  Worcester,  and  interred  with  military  honors. 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  of  condolence  to  his  wife 
from  his  Lieut,  shows  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by  his 
fellow  soldiers  : 

"Henry  is  gone  !  while  we  cannot  but  mourn  deeply  his  loss, 
for  he  was  very  near  the  hearts  of  every  one  of  us,  being  of  a 
most  happy  and  cheerful  disposition,  always  kind  and  ready  to 
make  every  one's  burden  lighter  with  willing  hands' and  pleasant 
words,  we  ought  not  to  feel  there  is  no  comfort  for  us.  It  is  a 
comfort  to  think  that  kind  friends  surrounded  him  during  his  last 
hours,  and  administered  all  that  human  wisdom  could  devise  for 
his  wants — it  is  a  comfort  to  know  that  he  was  beloved  by  all  his 
comrades." 

A  Worcester  paper  contained  the  following: — "The  funeral 
of  H.  G.  Longley  of  company  C,  fifty-first  Mass.  Regiment, 
will  take  place  this  afternoon,  at  two  o'clock,  from  the  third 
Baptist  Church. 

Mr.  Longley  was  about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  prior 
to  his  sickness  was  one  of  the  stoutest  and  healthiest  men  in 
the  regiment.  His  comrades  all  loved  him,  and  deeply  feel  his 
loss,  and  lament  his  early  death.  His  ardent  patriotism  alone 
led  him  to  abandon  a  good  situation  at  Jenkins,  Hamilton  & 
Co.'s  and  enlist.  He  was  noble  and  generous,  strictly  jubt, 
honorable  and  manly  in  his  business  and  social  relations,  and 
was  warmly  attached  to  his  friends.  He  leaves  a  wife,  to  whom 
he  was  married  soon  after  his  enlistment." 

Mrs.  Longley  still  resides  in  Worcester,  with  her  mother,  and 
her  sisters  Tabitha  Caroline  and  Mary  Hannah. 


27o  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

Almadus  Wilkinson     '^  [269]    Joseph,^    [131]     Joseph,^ 
AND  /-[so]  Joseph,^  [ii]  Samukl,^  [2] 

Makgaret  Magee,        J  Lawrence,^  [i] 

Of  Pkovidence,  R.  I. 

499.  I.  Mary  Ann/  b.  Feb.  10,1812. 

500.  II.   George  Perkins,^  b.  Jan.    4,  i  814,  d.  Jan.  i,  1857. 

501.  III.  Joseph  Brownell,   (724-726)  b.  Oct.     7,1817. 

502.  IV.   Marinda  Sophronia,''  b.  Dec.  22,  i  825, 
.  V.  Andrew  Jackson,"^  (727-731)     b.  May  20,  1830, 

I.  Mary  Ann,  married,  Aug.  31,1  846,  Anthony  Lawton, 
of  Newport,  R.  I.  His  ancestors  are  of  the  highest  respectability, 
he  being  descended  in  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  line,  from 
the  English  gentry.  They  were  early  in  this  country,  and  the 
present  representatives  well  maintain  the  dignity  of  their  ancestry. 
He  is  a  clothing  merchant  in  the  city  of  Troy,  and  the  following 
extracts  from  an  article  in  the  Albany  County  Democrat  show  the 
estimation  in  which  he  is  held  by  his  fellow  citizens.  "About 
eighteen  years  since  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  is  a  relative 
of  the  Messrs.  Wilkinson,  and  a  Rhode  Islander,  came  to  the 
city  of  Troy  with  a  firm  and  determined  resolution  to  win  success 
in  an  establishment  of  this  character.  He  at  once  engaged  in  it 
with  energy,  firmness,  and  resolution.  He  engages  in  nothing  by 
the  halves,  such  men  rarely  fail.  Failure  is  not  a  word  to  be 
found  in  his  vocabulary  of  business  life.  Circumstances  may 
sometimes  disappoint  the  earnest  hopes  and  calculations,  but  this 
only  arms  such  men  as  Mr.  Lawton  with  fresh  energy  and  courage, 
and  they  renew  the  effort  with  a  spirit  unbroken,  and  an  energy 
r.nsubdued.  Firmness  and  decision  are  the  distinguishing  traits 
o{  his  character.  He  has  succeeded  in  winning  rank  and  distinction 
as  a  good  business  man,  and  in  securing  the  reward  that  is  due  to 
industry,  economy  and  devotion  to  business."  *  *  Mr. 
Lawton  is  an  intelligent  gentleman,  fair  and  honorable  in  his 
dealings,  and  pursues  a  course  which  justly  entitles  him  to  the 
esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens.  "  He  is  an  active,  influential, 
jading  Republican,  and  we  belong  to  a  dillerent  school  ;  but  that 


GEORGE  PERKINS   TVILKINSON.     [500]       271 

has  nothing  to  do  with  his  character  as  a  business  man,  or  a  good 
citizen.  He  is  entitled  to  the  enjoyment  of  his  opinion  as  we 
claim  we  are  to  ours.  These  differences  should  never  be  permitted 
to  interfere  with  the  social  or  business  relations  of  life.  Our 
different  views  in  politics  is  no  reason  for  v/ithholding  from  him 
that  justice  which  is  due  to  his  merit  as  a  business  man  and  a 
good  citizen." 

This  favorable  notice  from  a  political  antagonist  illustrates  a 
trait  of  Mr.  Lawton's  character.  Frank,  out-spoken  and  genial 
he  seldom  gives  off^ence  even  to  his  most  earnest  opponents. 
They  respect  his  honesty.  The  author  of  the  above  articles 
continues  : — "  His  ancestors  were  highly  respectable  and 
distinguished  citizens  of  the  patriotic  state  of  Rhode  Island — they 
were  among  its  early  settlers  and  contributed  their  full  share  of 
influence  in  giving  character  to  that  industrious  little  state. 
Industry,  economy  and  devotion  to  business  has  ever  been  the 
distinguished  traits  of  character  of  its  citizens,  and  it  has  sent  out 
its  full  share  of  voung  and  enterprising  sons  to  carry  those  habits 
of  industry  and  economy  to  every  state  in  the  Union."  Our 
space  forbids  a  more  extended  notice,  though  the  subject  could  be 
pursued  with  profit.      They  have  one  child: 

I.  George  Perkins  born  Aug.  19,  1847  in  the  city  of  Albany, 
N.  Y.,  and  is  now  a  member  of  "William's  College,  having 
entered  the  institution  in  1864.  He  was  appointed  one  of  the 
moon-light  speakers  at  the  commencement  of  i  866. 

II.  George  Perkins,  was  born  in  Scituate,  R.  I.,  and  moved 
to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  in  I  842,  and  in  company  with  his  brother 
Joseph  B.  who  had  made  previous  arrangements  at  Troy,  opened 
a  cash  retail  clothing  store,  i  54  River  street,  with  a  capital  of 
about  two  or  three  thousand  dollars.*  They  were  pioneers  in 
the  ready  made  clothing  trade  in  Troy,  and  managing  their  affairs 
with  prudence  they  met  with  good  success.  In  1 843  the  partnership 
existing  between  George  and  his  brother,  Joseph,  was  dissolved, 
and  the  former  continued  the  business  some  years  on  his  own 

*See  Freedjey's    Leading  Men  and  Leading  Persuits,  p.  137. 


27.2  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

responsibility  adhering  to  the  cash  principle.  In  1849,  finding 
his  capital  increased  to  about  .^20,000,  he  commenced  selling 
goods  to  the  trade  at  wholesale  with  the  usual  credit.  This  proved 
successful,  and  in  1854,  his  brother  A.  J.  AVilkinson  was  admitted 
a  partner,  contributing  both  capital  and  experience  to  the  common 
stock.  They  employed  about  one  hundred  hands  in  their 
manufactory,  and  in  their  warehouse,  seven  men  are  employed 
with  the  partners  at  the  head,  giving  attention  to  the  general 
supervision,  as  well  as  to  the  details  of  the  concern.  In  I  854V 
their  sales  reached  SyS.ooo,  and  steadily  increased  to  ."iji  100,000. 
per  annum.  Capital  invested  $40,000.  George  never  married, 
died  in  the  prime  of  life  aged  43.  He  is  buried  in  the  cemeterv 
at  Troy. 

III.  Joi^EPH  Browxell,  married,  Sept.  2,  i  844,  Sarah  Shafer, 
of  West  Troy.  He  is  a  clothing  merchant  in  Trov,  N.  Y.,  and 
has  been  successful  in  his  mercantile  enterprises.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wilkinson  are  both  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  Rev.  Dr. 
Potter,  Rector,  Mr.  Wilkinson  being  a  member  of  the  vestry. 
They  have  had  three  children. 

For  a  more  extended  notice  see  Biography  No. 

IV.  Marinda  Sophronia,  married,  Jan.  10,  1848,  Edward 
S.  Randall  of  Rhode  Island,  and  moved  to  Trov,  N.  Y.,  where 
they  now  reside.  Mr.  Randall  is  a  clothing  merchant  and  is  doing 
a  good  business. 

An  article  in  a  Troy  paper  contains  the  following  notice  of 
Mr.  Randall:  "  He  came  to  this  city  about  eighteen  years  ago, 
an  adventurer  in  pursuit  of  fortune,  with  forty  dollars  capital. 
With  him  came  a  young  Wilkinson  with  a  capital  of  one  hundred 
dollars.  Without  any  practical  knowledge  of  the  clothing 
business,  but  energetic,  enterprising,  industrious,  and  economical, . 
and  confident  in  his  ability  to  succeed  in  whatever  business  hd 
should  give  his  attention  ;  with  resolution  and  such  habits,  he 
launched  boldly  his  little  barque  upon  the  turbulent  waters  of  a 
business   life    in  the  city,  and  selected   this  class  of    business  in 


ANDREW  J.    WILKINSON.   (503)  273 

connection  with  young  Wilkinson.  As  a  first  step  to  secure 
success  he  resolved  to  attend  to  his  concern  himself;  to  be  the 
purchaser,  salesman,  book-keeper,  and  cashier,  having  no  small 
army  of  subalterns  to  eat  up  all  his  earnings,  and  hence  all  made 
would  be  their  own  bevond  what  was  paid  out  for  materials  and 
to  operatives  and  the  necessary  expenses  of  the  establishment. 
This  resolution  he  has  adhered  to,  to  the  present  time.  Such 
men  merit  success,  aud  they  rarely  fail  of  accomplishing  it." 
His  habits  secured  credit,  and  he  has  witnessed  a  yearly  increase 
in  trade  and  profits.  "  He  remained  with  Mr.  Wilkinson  about 
two  years,  when  they  dissolved  partnership,  and  he  continued 
business  in  his  own  name,  adhering  to  his  habits  of  industry, 
economy  and  devotion  to  business  and  preserving  his  credit 
unshaken.  He  has  prosecuted  it  with  that  reasonable  success 
that  is  f.-ertain  in  the  end  of  gi\ing  him  all  that  the  most  rational 
ambition  can  hope  or  wish.  Such  men  we  esteem,  and  it  gives 
us  pleasure  to  witness  and  chronicle  their  success." 

When  we  witness  the  success  of  these  young  men  it  should 
stimulate  others  to  imitate  their  example  and  build  a  monument 
that  shall  entitle  them  to  the  respect  and  consideration  of  the 
community. 

Their  children  are  : 

(i)  HeleTi  Frances.^  b.  July,  7,  1849;  (2)  Frederic  IV. .^  b. 
iMarch  31,  i  85  l  ;  (3)  Ferdinand.,  b.  June  28,  1 853  ;  (4)  George 
Wilkinson^  b.  Dec.  3 1,  i860. 

V.  Andrew  Jackson,  was  married,  July  13,  1859,  to  Martha 
Willia  Thompson  of  Kentucky.  Has  had  five  children.  He  is 
a  druggist  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  and  has  been  greatly  prospered  in 
business.  He  has  been  quite  a  traveler,  making  the  tour  of 
Europe,  is  a  fine  writer,  an  easy  speaker,  and  a  first  class  business 
man. 

See  Biography. 


.37 


274  '     SEVENTH  GENERJTION. 

George  Wilkinson^     ^  [274]  Geouge,"^  [138]  William,* 
AND  H57]  JosKPJi,^  [11]   Samuel,-  [2] 

Rhoda  Woodward,       J  Lawrence.^  [i] 
Of  Hartford,  Ct. 

504.  I.   Harriet,'^  b.  Dec.  24,  1835. 

505.  II.   Lewis,'^  b.  May     5,  1837. 

506.  III.   George,'^  b.  Mar.  16,  1840. 

507.  IV.   Jane  Bayley,"  b.  June  18,  1855,  d.  Aug.  15,  1854. 

I.  Harriet  married  Albert  Pike  and  resides  in   Philadelphia. 

II.  Lewis  married   Anna    Huntington,  keeps  a  livery  stable  in 
Boston,  Mass. 


George  Wilkinson®^  [276]    Stephen,^    ['4^]    William,'* 
AND  /-[s?]    Joseph,^    [ii]    Samuel,^  [2] 

Julia  A.  Manton,     j  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Tiskilwa,  Bureau  Co.,  III. 

508.  I.   Marshall  S.,' (732-735)  b.  Aug.  31,  1829. 

509.  II.  Lyman  J.,' (73^-737)    b.  Aug.  17,  1833. 

510.  III.   Orrin,"  b.  Sept.  27,  1836. 

511.  IV.   Betsey  M.,'        b.  Jan.    28,  1837,  d.  Aug.  27,  1840. 

512.  V.  Charles  H.,"*       b.  Dec.  10,  1841. 

513.  VI.  Mary  Jane,'      b.  Dec.  10,  1844. 

514.  VII.  Manton,^         b.  Sept.  22,  1849,  ^-   Oct.  13,  1849. 

515.  VIII.   William,'      b.  Jan.    24,  1851,  d.   Aug.     3,  1S53. 

I.  Marshall  S.  married  Clarissa  Demott,  resides  at  Tiskilwa, 
Bureau  Co.,  111. 

II.  Lyman  J.  married  Emeline  Storms,  resides  at    Tiskilwa, 
111. 

III.  Orrin  married  ist,  Margaret  Welsh  who  died  June  17, 
1863,  2d,  Sarah  Smith. 

VI.   Mary  Jane  married  William   Smith,   lives  in  Tiskilwa, 
Bureau  Co.,  111. 


ELIZA  J.    IFILKINSON.  (528)  275 

Nelson  Wilkinson^ ~|  [277]     Stephen,^  [hO    William,* 
AND  ,'[57]    Joseph,^    [11]     Samuel,'    [2] 

Elizabeth  Niles,     J  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Buda,  Bureau  Co.,  III. 

516.  I.   Smith,'  b.  Alai".  15,  1S42,  d.  June  16,  1842. 

517.  11.  Sarah  A.,'  b.  Dec.  29,  1844. 

518.  III.   George  W.,'     b.  Feb.   14,  1848,  d.  May    13,  1850. 

519.  IV.   Deborah  N.,'    b.  June  19,  1849. 

520.  V.    Nancy  J.,'  b.  July    12,  1853  (°^  2)- 

521.  VI.  Julia  B.,'  b.  April   9,  1855. 

522.  VII.   Lafayette,'  b.  July  17  or  18,  1858,  d.  Aug.  7,  1858. 

523.  VIII.  Clara  S.,'      b.  Nov.  25,  1861,  d.  Feb.    24,  1864 
II.   Sarah  A.  married  Charles  D.  Fogg,  b.  June  17,  1841,  and 

has : 

11)  Calvin  Elmer,  b,  Apr.  23,  1865,  r.  Buda,  111.  5(2)  William 
Perlie^  b.  June  5,  1867, 

Mr.  Fogg  was  born  in  the  State  of  Maine,  entered  the  U.  S. 
service  in  1861  during  the  Great  Rebellion,  and  at  the  end  of 
two  years  was  discharged  for  disability.  He  went  again  in  the 
spring  of  1865,  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war.  He  has 
recently  moved  to  Neponset,  111. 

William  Wilkinson'^  [282]  Stephen,^  [Hi]   William,"* 
and  ^[57]    Joseph,'^    [ii]     Samuel,^    [2 

Mary  Hill,  j  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Charleston,  Tioga  Co.,  Penn. 

524.  I.   Stephen,'^  b.  Mar.  31,  1844. 

525.  II.  George,''  b.  Aug.  16,  1846. 

526.  III.  Rosselle  p.,'    b.  Oct.  21,  1859. 

Hazel  Wilkinson^  ^  [283]    Stephen,^    [141]   William,* 
and  H57]      Joseph,^  [ii]      Samuel,^     [2] 

Jane  West,  j   Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Buda,  III. 

527.  I.  Charles,"  b.  Feb.  12,  1844,  d. 
528.11.    Eliza  J.,''                b.  Apr.     1,1846. 


276  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

529.  III.   Nancy  A.,'  b.  May     3,  1848,  d. 

530.  IV.   Philander  A,,^    b.  May  10,  1852. 

531.  V.  John  W.,'  b.  May     3,  1854. 

532.  VI.    SOLRINA,'  b.    Oct.   2.?,    1S57,   '^• 

533.  VII.    Alice  A.,'  b.  July   20,  i860. 

534.  VIII.   Tluman  a.,'    b.  July     I,  1S66. 

I.  Charles    joined    the    Union    Army     during     the     Great 
Rebellion,  and  was  killed  by  the  Rebels. 

II.  Eliza  J.  married  Joseph   Brown,  and   moved   to   Kansas. 


James  M.  V^iLKixsoN"  ^  [284]  Stephen,^  [H^]  William,* 
AND  H57]  Joseph,^     [i  i]  Samuel,-  [2] 

A.J    McInhoy,  I  Lawrence.' [i] 

Of  Charleston,  Tioga  Co.,  Pa. 

535.  I.  Fannie  M.,'  b.  Oct.     2,  1847. 

536.  II.   Mary  J.,'  b.  Sept.  25,  1849. 

537.  III.  James,'  b.  Dec.  25,  1852,  d.  Mar.  11,  1865 

538.  IV.   William  R.,'    b.  Jan.  11,  1867. 


Asaph  Wilkinson^  [287]  Stephen,^' [141]  William,^[57] 
and  yjosEPH^[i  I  ]  Samuel' [2]  Lawrence.' 

Mary  A.  Short,      )  [i] 

Of  Charleston,  Pa. 
539.   I.   Alice  V.,"  b.  July  31,  1854. 


Abraham  Wilkinson^]  [290]  Oziel,=^     [142]   JohnV  [58] 

AND  VJOHN,^   [l4]JoHN,2    [4]   LaWRENCE.' 

Lydia  Whipple,         j  [ij 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

540.  I.    Amey,*  -        b.  July      7,  1796,  d.  May  27,  1826. 

541.  II.  George,'  (738)      b.  Apr.    23,  1798,  d.  Aug.  20,  1855. 

542.  III.   Whipple,"^  b.  Dec.  30,  i  799,  d.  July,  1838. 

543.  IV.   Sarah,^  b.  July    14,1802, 

544.  V.  Ann,"  b.  Mar.     5,  1803,  d.  Oct.     9,    1838. 


MART  W  ILK  INS  OX.     (549)  277 

545.  VI.  Abraham  S.,'       b.  Aug.  24,  1805,  d.  1837- 

546.  VII.  Lydia,'  b.  Oct.  28,  1808. 

547.  VIII.   Vv^rLLiAM,'(739)b.  Aug.  31,  i8ii,d.  Mar.  i  [,  i860. 

I.  Amey  married  Samuel  G.  Harris  in  1823,  brother  of  Wm. 
Harris  who  married  her  sister  Sarah.  These  Harrises  are  the 
descendants  of"  the  Harris  who  came  with  Roger  Williams.  Thev 
They  had  one  child  : 

(  I  )   Amey.^  b.  ,  married  a  Colwell,  son  of  Judge  Colwell, 

resides  in  Illinois. 

II.  Gk'irge,  married  Sarah  De  Wolf  of  Bristol,  R.  I.  in  1829. 
They  have  one  son,  resides  in  North  Providence. 

IV.  Sarah  married  William  Harris,  Oct.,  1826,  had  three 
children,  as  follows  : 

(l)  Jbraham  fVilkinson.,  m.  and  lives  in  Providence  ;  (2)  Anna, 
m.  Preserved  Arnold,  resides  in  Pawtucket  ;  (3)  Edward.,  resides 
in  California. 

V.  Anna  married  Nathan  Lazell  of  Bridgewater,  Mass., 
March,  1S2  r  .      Thev  have  one  child  ; 

( I )  Nathan  married,  and  resides  in  Providence. 

VII.  Lydia  married  Frederic  A.  Sumner  of  Bridgewater, 
Mass.,  March,  1830.  They  have  several  children,  but  the 
names  ot  the  following  onlv,  have  been  obtained  : 

(l  )  Mary.,  m.  a  Stetson,  r.  Bridgewater,  Mass.  ;   (2)    Charles  ; 
(3)  Lydia^  m.  a  Clark,  r.  Boston,  Mass. 
Several  others'  names  not  furnished. 

Mr.  Sumner  is  dead. 

VIII.  William  W.  married  Harriett  R.  Colton,  had  one  son, 
resided  in  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 


Isaac  Wilkinson"^  [291]  Oziel,^  [142]  John,^  [58]  John,-' 

and  |'[h]  John,2  [4]  Lawrence.'  [i] 

Lois  Marsh,  j 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

548.  I.  Nancy,'         b.  Aug.  23,  1802. 

549.  11.  Mary,'     "  b.  Oct.   11,  1804. 


278  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

I.  Na>'CY  married  Henry  Marchant  of  Providence,  R.  I.  He 
was  extensively  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business  and  in 
I  848-q,  lived  in  Valley  Falls,  R.  I.  He  is  now  in  Providence, 
or  vicinity,  and  is  a  man  of  wealth  and  influence.  Their  ch'ldren 
are  : 

(i)  Isaac^  b.  Aug.  20,  I  822,  m.  a  Tucker;  (2)  Sarah.,  m. 
Henrv  Hastings,  resides  West  Medford,  Mass;  (3)  JVancy,  m. 
William  Beals;  (4)  Henry  ;  (5)  IFilliam. 

TI.  Mary  married  Rev.  Benjamin  Fessenden.  He  is  a  lineal 
descendant  of  Nicholas  Fessenden  and  a  relative  of  the  Mr. 
Fessenden  who  is  at  present  a  member  of  Congress.  The 
Genealogy  of  the  Fessenden  family  has  been  published.  His 
descent  trom  Nicholas  is  as  follows : 

I.  "John  Fessenden,  the  first  of  the  name  settled  at  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  had  no  children,  sent  to  England  for  his  nephew,  Nicholas, 
whom  he  adopted.  2.  Nicholas  had  seven  sons  of  whom  was, 
3.  Benjamin.,  educated  at  Harvard  College,  settled  as  a  minister  at 
Sandwich,  Mass.  He  had,'  4.  Benjamin.,  educated  at  Harvard 
College,  became  an  inn-keeper  at  Sandwich,  Mass.  He  had,  5. 
William  who  became  a  printer  at  Boston,  also  at  New  York,  and 
Philadelphia,  married  Martha,  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Freeman, 
and  had,  6.  Benjamin.,  the  subject  of  this  notice.  He  was  educated 
at  Harvard  College,  prepared  for  the  ministry,  preached  several 
years.  Mr.  Fessenden  is  a  very  worthy  man,  exemplary  in  all 
his  dealings,  and  has  been  extensively  engaged  in  the  manufacturing 
business,  and  has  for  the  past  20  years  resided  at  Valley  Falls, 
R.  I.      Their  children  are: 

(l)  Benjamin.,  b.  Sept.  10,  I  822,  d.  Oct.  18,  1824;  (2)  Oz;V/, 
b.  Aug.  20,  1823,  d.  Dec.  25,  I  829  ;  (3)  Benjamin.,  b.  Sept,  I, 
1825,  d.  July  I  7,  1 828  ;  (4)  Mary^  b.Oct.  24,  i  827,  m.  Wm.  F. 
Sayles,  resides  at  Pawtucket,  R.  1.  He  is  lineally  descended 
from  Mary,  the  oldest  daughter  of  Roger  Williams,  and  his 
ancestry  is  of  the  highest  respectability.  The  discovery  of  his 
descent  from  Roger  Williams  was  one  of  the  most  singular  events 
in   Genealogical  research.      The    author    has    in    MS,     a    large 


ALBERT  SATLES   WILKINSON.  (551)  279 

collection  of  the  Sayles  family,  and  they  have  frequently 
intermarried  with  the  Wilkinson  family  and  their  relatives.  Mr. 
Sayles  has  been  greatly  prospered  in  his  business  affairs,  and 
from  his  uniform  success  must  be  classed  among  our  most  able 
business  men  in  Rhode  Island,  and  no  state  excells  Rhode  Island 
in  this  respect.  Mr.  Sayles  is  noted  for  his  liberality,  and  for  his 
interest  in  literary  and  scientific  research,  and  is  always  ready  to 
lend  a  helping  hand  to  every  enterprise  which  has  tor  its  object 
the  improvement  of  the  human  family.  No  man  is  more  highly 
respected  in  Pawtucket,  and  no  man  is  more  deserving  the 
I'espect  of  his  fellow  citizens.  He  has  a  family.  (5)  William., 
b.  March,  12,  1830,  d.  Jan.  2,  1854  ;  (6)  Charles.,  b.  Alay  13, 
1834,  m.  Mary  E.  Shaw.  Charles  was  a  patriot  worthy  of  his 
ancestors.  He  joined  the  Union  Army  during  the  Great  Rebellion, 
and  was  killed  April  I  o,  1865,  at  RoUa,  Mo.,  contending  for  the 
national  existence  of  his  beloved  country.  (7)  Robert.,  h.  March 
23,  1839,  d.  Feb.  19,  1845  >  (8)  Benjamin.,  b.  Sept.  19,  1 84 1, 
resided  at  Valley  Falls  ;  (9)  Burrell^  b.  Aug,  23,  1 843. 


David  Wilkinson^  [292]  Oziel^[i42]  John,^  [58]  John,-^ 

AND  /'[14]  JoHN,^  [4]  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Martha  Saylbs,     j 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

550.  I.  Joanna,'  b.  Oct.    4,1802,  d.  Jan.   20,  181  5. 

551.  11.  Albert  Sayles,"  b.  Dec.  19,  1804. 

552.  III.  John  L.,'  (740-74 i)b.  Jan.  24,1811,  d.  May  20,  i860. 

553.  IV.   Ardelia,'  b.  Dec.  23,  181 1. 

I.  Joanna  was  born  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  died  at  the  age  of 
thirteen,  and  is  buried  at  the  place  of  her  nativity. 

II.  Albert  Sayles  was  born  at  Pawtucket,  and  on  his 
mother's  side  is  descended  from  Roger  Williams  through  Mary 
his  oldest  daughter,  the  descent  being  as  follows  : 

I  .  John  Sayles  married   Mary  Williams,*  they   had,  2.   John^ 

*i  Book  of  Deeds,  p.  241,  Providence,  R.  I. 


iSo  SEVENTH   GENERJTION. 

who  married  Elizabeth  ,  they  had,  i.   Thomas    who    married 

Esther  Scott,  they  had,  2.  'Jerejniah  who  married  Anna  Steere, 
they  had,  3.  Martha  who  married  David  Wilkinson  the  parents 
of  Albert. 

He  married  Abby  Howell,  daughter  of  jMaltby  Howell  of 
Cohoes,  Albanv  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  13,  1851.  She  died  at  Stone 
Ridge  in  the  County  of  Ulster,  N.  Y,,  on  the  morning  of  March 
16,  1856.  Her  remains  were  deposited  temporarily  in  the 
ground  at  Stone  Ridge,  and  afterwards  brought  by  her  husband 
to  Pawtuckct,  R.  I.,  and  entombed  in  the  Family  Vault.  She  left 
no  children. 

Mr.  Wilkinson  is  an  inventor,  and  has  contrived  the  most 
ingenius  horse-shoe  ever  invented.  The  mode  of  fastening  the 
shoe  to  the  foot  without  nails,  or  with  a  single  nail,  and  many 
other  improvements  for  which  he  has  secured  patents  in  America, 
England  and  France,  indicate  that  the  spirit  and  genius  of  invention 
is  not  like  to  die  out  in  this  branch  of  the  family. 

He  is  a  man  of  active  benevolence,  and  the  interest  he  manifests 
in  the  culture  of  his  brother's  children,  and  the  regard  for  the 
sacred  relics  of  his  departed  relatives,  gathering  them  together  at 
the  old  homestead  "  Family  Vault,"  all  bespeak  for  him  a  tender 
sympathy  for  his  kindred.  The  author  is  indebted  to  him,  more 
than  to  any  other  member  of  the  Wilkinson  Family  for  aid  in 
collecting  names,  statistics,  and  subscriptions  for  this  work.  For 
indomitable  perseverance,  industry  and  integrity,  he  has  i^^' 
equals,  and  no  superiors.  With  him  there  is  no  such  word  as 
fail,  whatever  he  undertakes  he  completes.  He  acts  upon  the 
principle  that  resolution  is  omnipotent,  and  hence,  the  great 
invention  which  he  has  labored  so  hard  and  so  perseveringly  to 
perfect,  characterized  as  it  is  for  its  simplicity,  and  practical  utility, 
will  be  success.  He  resides  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  the  home  of 
the  inventors,  and  the  scene  of  the  first  successful  cotton 
manufacturers  in  America. 


EDWARD  S.    WILKINSON.   (554)  281 

III.  John  Lawrence,  born  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  lived  many 
years  in  Canada  where  he  had  made  his  permanent  home.  He 
engaged  with  his  father  largely  in  the  improvements  on  the  St. 
Lawrence  River,  and  in  building  the  beautiful  wire  Suspension 
Bridge  at  Bvtown,  now  called  Ottawa,  the  seat  of  the  Canadian 
Government.  He  there  married  an  English  lady,  Miss  Elizabeth 
Ward,  They  have  two  children  now  living  with  their  mother 
in  Montreal. 

John  L.  died  in  Canada,  and  his  brother  Albert  S.  brought 
his  remains,  and  had  them  entombed  in  the  Family  Vault  at 
Pawtucket,  R,  1. 

IV.  Ardelia,  married  Charles  Augustus  Olmsted  at  Cohoes, 
Albany  Co.,  N.  Y.  Jan.  27,  1835.  They  are  now  living  at 
Lockport,  N.  Y.      Their  children  are  : 

(i)  Martha  Wilkinson.,  born  at  Lyons,  Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y., 
March  16,  1837,  married  Doct.  Rexford  Davison  of  Lockport 
N.  Y.,  Aug.  3,  1864,  reside  at  Lockport.  Dr.  Davison  was 
born  at  Potsdam,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  have  Blanch 
Cleveland,  b.  April  23,  1866  ;  (2)  Jlbert  Houghton.,  born  at 
Cohoes,  N,  Y.,  Dec.  i,  183Q,  and  died  at  the  General  Hospital, 
Boston,  Mass.,  Oct.  12,  1859.  ^'^  uncle  Albert  S.  brought  his 
remains  to  Pawtucket,  R.  L,  and  entombed  them  in  the  Family 
Vault.  (3)  Charles  Tyler^  b.  at  Cohoes,  N.  Y.,  April  28,  1842, 
is  Prof,  of  mathematics  of  St,  Stephen's  College  at  Annan  Dale 
on  the  Hudson,  has  been  ordained  deacon  in  the  Episcopal 
Church.  {^)  J  Son.h.  Dec.  25,  1844,  d.  Feb.  5,  1845;  (s) 
William  Chadwick.,  b,  at  Cohoes,  N.  Y.,  June  11,  1847;  (6) 
David  Wilkinson.,  b.  Nov.  9,  1 850. 


Danibl  Wilkinson^  [295], Oziel^[i42]John,^[58]  John- 

AND  Hi  4]  John,-  [4]  Lawrence.^  [  i] 

Nancy  Tabor,  j 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

554.   L   Edward  Smith,"       b.  Dec.   27,  1799. 

.S8 


282.  SEVENTH   GENERJTION. 

555.  II.  James,"  (742-743)    b.  July  i8oi,d.  Jan.  15,  1833. 

556.  III.   SAMUEL,'(744-746)b.  Sept.  18,  1803. 

557.  IV.   Hannah  Aplin,"    b. 

558.  V.   Daniel,^  (747-748)  b.  July  2,  181 1. 

I.  Edward  Smith  was  born  in  North  Providence,  R.  I. 
During  his  youth  he  was  in  the  midst  of  the  excitement  of  the 
first  manufacture  of  cotton,  and  frequently  aided  his  father  and 
grandfather  in  their  various  enterprises.  He  became  a  clerk  in 
David  Wilkinson  and  Co.'s  store  in  I816,  where  he  discharged 
his  duties  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  employers.  He 
subsequently  went  into  the  manufacturing  business  and  was 
successful.  Later  years  he  engaged  in  the  banking  business,  and 
still  continues  in  the  department  of  domestic  industry.  He  has 
frequently  represented  his  town  in  the  Legislature  of  Rhode 
Island,  and  has  held  many  important  public  offices.  In  every 
position  he  has  met  the  expectation  of  his  friends,  and  such  is  his 
affibilitv,  that  we  are  not  aware  of  his  having  an  enemy  in  all  the 
circle  of  his  acquaintance.  He  has  always  been  distinguished  for 
his  love  of  truth,  firm  integrity,  and  scrupulous  honesty.  He  is  a 
regular  attendant  and  communicant  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  and 
his  interest  in  matters  of  religion,  Sabbath  schools,  and  moral 
reforms,  is  active  and  not  passive  merely.  He  has  collected  facts 
and  evidence  showing  the  establishment  of  Sunday  schools  in 
Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  prior  to  any  other  Sunday  school  in  America, 
and  the  evidence  is  conclusive.  He  has  a  very  retentive  memory, 
and  in  narrating  events  of  which  he  is  cognizant,  he  relates  the 
attendant  circumstances  with  a  minuteness  perfectly  surprising. 

During  the  past  few  years  he  has  become  blind,  and  the  glory 
of  the  outer  world  is  entirely  shut  out,  and  like  Milton's  Samson 
Agonistes  all  has  become — 

"  Dark,  dark,  dark  amidst  the  blaze  of  noon, 
Irrecoverably  dark,  total   eclipse, 
Without  all  hope  of  day  !" 

II.  James  married  Mary  Niles,  May  i,  1823,  and  had  two 
children. 


ABILINE  H.  ( WILKINSON)  WHITAKER.  [549]    283 

III.  Samuel  married  Sarah  I.  Tanner,  July  22,  1S28.  She 
was  born  in  Bristol,  R.  I.,  June  21,  1806,  and  died  in  Pawtucket, 
Aug.  16,  i86[.      They  had  three  children. 

IV.  Hannah  Aplin  married  Samuel  H.  Vinson.  They  have 
one  child,  (l)  Edward   Wilkinson.      Capt.  Vinson  is  dead. 

V.  Daniel  married  Sarah  Ann  Brown,  June  23,  1835.  She 
was  born  in  Warren,  R.  I.,  March  16,  i8ri.  They  have  two 
children. 

Daniel  is  a  prominent  man  in  Pawtucket,  and  is  always  engaged 
in  every  public  enterprise.  He  has  held  many  offices  of  trust, 
and  is  highly  respected  by  his  fellow  citizens.  He  has  been 
eno-aged  in  the  temperance  cause  for  years,  and  has  greatly  aided 
in  establishing  societies  for  the  promotion  of  moral  reform.  He 
is  an  easy  speaker,  and  the  productions  of  his  pen  have  found 
their  way  into  some  of  our  most  popular  journals.  In  the  cause 
of  Public  Schools  he  has  always  manifested  a  lively  interest,  and 
his  own  town  is  greatly  indebted  to  him  for  her  excellent  system 
of  public  instruction.  He  is  engaged  in  the  banking  business  and 
resides  in  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 


Smith  Wilkinson''^  [297]  Oziel,^  [142]  John,*  [58]  John,* 

AND  VCh]  Joh^%^  [4]  Lawrence.^  [1] 

Betsey  Howe,       j 

Of  Pomfret,  Ct. 

559.  I.  Abeltne  Howe,'       b.  Sept.  20,  1809. 

560.  II.  Rebecca,'  b.  Aug.  21,  181  i,d.  Dec.  18,  1839 

561.  III.  Augustus  S.,"       b.  Jan.    21,  1813,  d.  July    6,1847. 

562.  IV.  EDMUND,'''(749-754)b.  Oct.  12,  1815. 

563.  V.   Elizabeth  MACY,'^b.  Nov.  29,  181 7,  d.  Apr.   5,  1852. 

564.  VI.  Nancy  Williams,'^  b.  July  31,  1820. 

I.  Abeline  Howe,  married  Horace  Whitaker,  Oct.  4,  1827, 
These  children  were: 

(i)  Harrison.^  5".,  b.  June  24,  I  828,  r.  Norwich,  Ct.,  d.-Oct. 
26,  18305(2)  Mary.,  b.   Dec.  14,  1830,  m.    Amasa   Mason,   r. 


284  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

Buffalo,  N.  Y.  ;  (3)  Eli%abeth^  b.  May  28,  I  834,  m.  William  H. 
iVlason,  r.  Buffalo,  N.    Y.  ;   (4)    Horace    Wilhiison^  b.    May   i  2, 

I  845,  and  others. 

II.  Rebkcca  married  Rev.  George  J.  Tillotson,  Jan.  8,1834. 
They  resided  in  Putnam,  Ct.      They  have  no  children. 

"  A  skillful  workman  he 
In  God's  great  moral  vineyard  5  what  to  prune 
With  cautious  hand  he  knew;  what  to  uproot; 
What  were  mere  weeds,  and  what  celestial  plants. 
Which  had  unfading  vigor  in  them,  knew; 
Nor  knew  alone ;  but  watched  them  night  and  day. 
And  reared  and  nourished  them,  till  fit  to  be 
Transplanted  to  the  Paradise  above." 

III.  Augustus  Smith  never  married.  He  went  on  a  mission 
to  New  Mexico,  and  died  at  Taos, 

"  He  went  forth  with 
A  noiseless  band  of  heavenly  soldiery, 
From  out  the  armory  of  God  equipped. 
Invincible,  to  conquer  sin;  to  blow 
The  trump  of  freedom  in  the  despot's  ear  ; 
To  tell  the  bruted  slave  his  manhood  high, 
His  birthright  liberty,  and  in  his  hand 
To  put  the  writ  of  manumission,  signed 
By  God's  own  signature  ;  to  drive  away 
From  earth  the  dark  infernal  legionry 
Of  superstition,  ignorance,  and  hell. 
High  on  the  pagan  hills,  where  Satan  sat 
Encamped,  and  o'er  the  subject  kingdoms  threw 
Perpetual  night,  to  plant  Immanuel's  cross, 
The  ensign  of  the  Gospel,  blazing  round 
Immortal  truth  ;  and  in  the  wilderness 
Of  human  waste  to  sow  eternal  life." 

IV.  Edmund  married  Harriet  Augustus  Thayer,  Nov.  24, 
I  856.  She  is  a  daughter  of  Williams  and  Lucy  Thayer,  and 
lineally  descended  from  Roger  Williams.  The  descent  being  as 
follows : 

Genealogy  of  Williams  Thayer. 

1 .  Roger  Williams,  born  in  Wales,  1598,  died  in  Providence, 
1682. 

2.  Daniel,  son  of  Roger,  b.  in  Providence  Feb.  5,  1642,  d. 
May  14,  I  7  I  2. 

3.  Roger,  son  of  Daniel,  b.  in  Providence,  May,  1680,  d.  in 
Scituate.  Jan.  30  1763. 


GEORGE  EDWIN  WILKINSON.  (568)         285 

4.    Rebekaii,  daughter  of  Roger,  b.  in  Scituate,  April  20,  i  735, 
married  David  Thaver  in  Scituate,  R.  I.,  and  had: 
(i)  Roger  Thayer,  b.  Dec.  i.  1755,  d.  March  15,  1756. 

(2)  Williams  Thayer,  b.  in  Uxbridge,  Mass.,  May  22,  i  760. 

(3)  James  Thayer,  b.  in  Uxbridge,  Mass.,  Jan  25,  1763.* 
They  have  six  children,  reside  Putnam,  Ct. 

V.  Elizabeth  Maecy  married  Edmund  Perkins  of  Norwich, 
Ct.,  Dec.  29,  I  845.      Their  children  as  far  as  known  are  : 

( l)  Francis  ;  (2)  Mary  ;  (3)  Edmund^  &c. 

VI,  Nancy  Williams  married  Amasa  Mason,  Aug.  7,  1843. 
Their  children  are: 

(l)  Amasa^  b.  Mav  5,  I  844,  d.  July  2,  1849,  f"-  Pomfret,  Ct,  ; 
(2)  Martha  Whitman^  b.  April  27,  I  846  ;  (3)  Clarence  Wilkinson, 
b.  in  Buffalo,  N,  Y.  Aug.  23,  I  850. 


Washington  A.  J,  WiLKiNsoN^^    [304]      Simeon,^    [H5] 
and  yAHAB,*[5g]  JoHN,^  [14] 

Mary  Remigtox,  j  John,^[4]  Laavrexce.^[i] 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

565.  I.  Henry  Washington,^  (755-75^)  b.  Aug.  20,  1835. 

566.  11,  John  Edwin,'  b.  Sept.  25,  1837,  d.  Nov.  13,  1837. 

567.  III.   Elizabeth  jENKs,'b.  Aug.  25,  1839,  d.  Dec.    4,1840. 

568.  IV.   George  Edwin,'  (757)  b.  Oct.  22,  184  i, 

569.  V.   Mary  Tower,'         b.  Apr,  ii,  1845,  d.  Sept.    5,1848, 

570.  VI.   Mary  ELizABETH,'^b.  Dec.    2,1849. 

I,  Henry  Washington,  married,  Dec,  16,  1861,  Anne 
Reed,  of  Davenport,  Iowa.  They  have  two  children.  He  is 
engaged  in  a  bank  in  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  he  resides.  He 
is  a  young  man  of  unimpeachable  character,  and  is  highly  esteemed 
by  all  his  acquaintance, 

IV,  George  Edwin  is  a  bank  clerk,  also,  and  a  very  reliable 
and  worthy  young  man.  The  position  of  trust  which  he  occupies 
is  well  deserved,  and  his  employers  will  have  no  occasion  to  regret 

*See  2  Book  of  Marriages,  p.  82,  Providence,  R.  I. 


286  SEVENTH  GENERATION. 

the  confidence  reposed  in  him.  Both  of  these  young  men  are 
ornaments  to  society,  and  an  honor  to  their  parents.  He  married 
Sept.  20,  I  866,  Helen  Sturgis,  and  has  one  son  George  Sturgis, 
born  Nov.  I  2,  I  867,  in  Buenos  Ayres,  South  America. 


John  J.  Wilkinson^   ^  [3°^]  Simeon,^  [hs]  Aiiab,^   [59] 
AND  y  JoiixV,^  [14]  JoiiN,^[4]  Lawrence.^ 

Lydia  W.  Bentley,  j  [i] 

Of  Bristol,  R.  I. 

571.  1.   Henry  N./  b.  April  i  5,  i°839. 

572.  II.  Ann  Maria,''  b.  June  i  7,  184  i,  d.  Dec.  7,  i  845. 

573.  III.  George  E.  S.,'        b.  Aug.  21,  1844 

574.  IV.  John  J.,'  b.  April  28,  1847. 

575.  V.   Charles  W.,''  b.  April  22,  185  i, 

576.  VI.   Abby  F.,'  b.  June  15,1855. 

577.  VII.   Isabella  E.,'  b.  Mar.     7,1860. 

I.    Henry  N.  married  Ardelia  D.  Card,  and  r.   Bristol,   R.  I. 
He  is  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business. 


Ahab  Wilkinson^      ^  [3 '6]   Joseph,^    [h?]   Ahab,*  [59] 
and  y  John,^  [14]  John,^  [4]   Lawrence.^ 

Eliza  Ann  Jillson,    j  [i] 

Of  Hartford,  Ct. 
578.   I.    Ahab  George,"  (758-759)  b.  Feb.  20,    1834. 

I.  Ahab  George  married,  for  his  first  wife,  Julia  A.  Dorman, 
Aug.  20,  1857.  ^^^  ^'^^  April  14,  I  859.  He  married  for  his 
second  wife,  Lue  B.  Wilson,  of  Columbia,  Missouri,  Jan.  26, 
1865.      They  have  one  child. 

Mr,  Wilkinson  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  the  class  of  I  856, 
finished  his  education  in  Europe,  was  associate  professor  of 
Ancient  and  full  professor  of  Modern  Languages  in  the  University 
of  Missouri  in  I  86  l .  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion  the 
College  was  shut,  and  he  found  employment  at  Washington, 
D.  C,  as.  first  assistant  examiner,  in  U.  S.  Patent  Office, 


EMMA  JFILKINSON.  (589)  287 

He  has  manifested  great  interest  in  this  work,  and  the  beautiful 
Chromo  Lithograph  of  the  "  Coat  of  Arms,"  which  forms  the 
frontispiece  of  this  book  wes  gotten  up  by  him.  Dr.  Woodward, 
surgeon  in  the  U.  S.  Army,  who  has  had  more  experience  in 
getting  up  colored  Lithographs  than  any  man  in  the  U.  S.  says 
it  is  the  best  thing  he  has  ever  seen. 


James  Wilkinson*    ")  [321]  Shubael,°  [156]  Daniel,*  [66] 
AND  I  Daniel,^  [18]  JoiiN,'^  [4]  Lawrence.^ 

Harriet  Tal-mage,   )>[i] 

AND  I 

Talma  GE,       j 

Of  California. 

579.  L   Daniel,'  b.  Mar   i  9,  i[856. 

580.  n.  Jajies  J.,'         b.  Dec.  14,  1857. 

581.  HL  Andrew  J.,"   b.  Jan.      8,1860. 


Smith  S.  Wilkinson*  ]  [322]    Shubakl,'    [156]    Daniel,* 

and  I  [66]      DaNIEL,=^       [78]     J0HN,2      [4] 

Helen  Tabor.  j  Lawrence,  [i] 

Of  Prairie  Du  Lac,  Wis. 

582.  L  Abigail,'  b.  1850. 

583.  II,  Stella,^  b.  1859.  d.  April  1861. 


JoAB  Wilkinson*    \  [324]    Alfred,^    [^62]    John,*   [71] 
AND  I  Daniel,^  [18]  John,*  [4]   Lawrence.^ 

Lydia  Douglass,  j  [i] 

Of  Illiopolis,  III. 

584.  I.  Sarah,"        b. 

585.  II.  Emma,"       b. 


288  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

WiNFiELD  S.  Wilkinson^  ^  [325]  Alfred,^    [162]    John/ 
AND  V  [7 1  ]  Daniel,^    [18]  John,'-^  [4] 

Frances  Sampson,  J  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Morrison,  III. 

586.  I.  Mary  C.,'  b.  April,      1843. 

587.  II.   Alfred,'  b.  Dec.  6,  1846. 

588.  III.  Henry  B.,'  b.  April8,  1848. 

589.  IV.   Francis,''  b.  Mar.       1856,  d.  Nov.     i86o. 


Morton  S.  WilkinsonM  [327J  Alfred.^  ['62]      Same  as 

and  >  above. 

Sally  Boss,  j 

Of  Mankato,  Blue  Eart  Co.,  Min. 

590.  I.   Morton  Smith,'' b.  Sept.  24,  1851. 

591.  II.  Ella,''  b.  Sept.  23,  1853. 


Joshua  Wilkinson"      ~|  [331]  John.^     [163]      Same    as 

AND  y  above. 

Louisa  B.  Raynor,       j 

Or  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

592.  I.  Joshua  Forman,'   b.  Mar.  29,  1861,  d.  April  22,  1861. 

593.  II.  Mary,^  b.  Sept.  19,  1862. 

594.  III.  Theodore,"         b.  Oct.  5,  1864. 


Alfred  Wilkinson"     )  [332]  John.^  [163]     Sameasabove. 
AND  > 

Charlotte  C.  May,  .J 

Of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

595.  I.   Margaret,''  b.  Sept.  29,  1855,  d.  Apr.  21,  1857. 

596.  II.   Alfred,^  b.  June    9,  1858. 

597.  III.  Marion,'  b.  Feb.  4,  1861. 
59^.  IV.  Josephine  May,''  b.  Oct.  22,  1862. 
599.  V.  Louisa  Forman,''  b.  Jan.  22,  1864. 


CLJRA  {WILKINSON)  LINCOLN.  [604]        289 
William  Wilkinson^  1  [339]  William,^  [165]  William,* 

AND  V[73]    JeREMIAH,=^    [19]     J0HN,2     [4] 

Mehitable  Angell.    j  Lawrence.^  [r] 
Of  ,  N.  Y. 

600  I.  Lydia/ 


Pardon  W.  Wilkinson^^  [34']  George.^  [166].     Same  as 

AND  y  above. 

Cynthia  Mason,  J 

Of  Ira,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt. 

601.  I.  George  W.'  (760)  b.  Aug.  i,  1823,  d.  Mar.  23,  1855. 

602.  II.   Jane,'  b.  Aug.   3,  1828. 

603.  III.   Don   a.,'  b.  July    i,  1833. 

604.  IV.  Clara,'  ,     b.  Aug.  5,  1838. 

I.  George  William  married,  1859,  Helen  Joy  of  Poultney^ 
Vt.  They  have  one  child.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  a  naturaj 
mechanic,  and  acquired  a  great  reputation  by  his  skill  and  intuitive 
knowledge  of  the  mechanic  arts. 

For  an  extended  notice  of  him,  see  Biography.     * 

II.  Jane  married  March  11,  1863,  Warren  Curtis.  They 
live  in  Ira,  Vt.      He  is  a  farmer.     They  have  : 

(l)  Clara b.  Sept.  8,  1 855. 

III.  Don  a.  is  unmarried.  He  is  a  mechanic  of  the  first  classi 
and  has  charge  of  the  large  marble  works,  flouring  mill,  and 
machine  shop  all  of  his  own  building  at  Rutland,  Vt.  He  has 
been  in  the  employ  of  the  company  over  ten  years.  He  is  a 
young  man  of  influence,  and  bids  fair  to  command  the  respect 
and  defference  of  his  fellow  citizens. 

IV.  Clara  married,  Nov.  17,  1857,  Cornelius  Lincoln  of 
Ira,  Vt.      He  is  a  farmer.      They  have  two  children  : 

(l)  George  William^  b.  Aug:  22,    1859  ;  (2)  -Oow  Edgar.,  b. 


39 


290  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

George  WiLK I NSO^■■' "I  [343]    Gkorge.^    [j66]      Same     as 

AND  >  previous  page. 

Cynthia  Tower.        J 

Of  Ira,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt. 

605.  I.  Simeon  ,' (761-764  J  b.  April    5,1832. 

606.  II.  Lydia  a.,'  b.  Jan.     19,  1835. 

607.  III.   Jay,'  h.  Aug.  27,  i  842. 

I.  Simeon,    married     Mary     Carpenter.        Thev     have     four 
children,  and  reside  in  Weston,  Vt. 

II.  Lydia  A.,  married  Henry  Gilmore.      Thev  reside  in  Ira, 
Vt.      Their  children  are  : 

(i)  Arabella;  (2)  Bradley. 


Ira  VViLKi  s'^on**    "|  [344]  George^  [166]     Same  as  above. 

AND  V 

Emeline  Griggs,  j 

Of  Ira,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt. 

608.  I.  Amy  Ann,'  b.  Oct.    9,  1832. 

609.  II.  An(7eline,^  b.  Dec.  13,  1834. 

610.  III.   Sabra  E.,"  b.  Nov.    I,  1836. 

611.  IV.  W^arren,'   (765);  b.  Oct.    8,   1838. 
612    V.  b.  d. 

613.  VI.  b.  d. 

614.  VII.   ALxMIRA,'  b.  May      1,  1845, 

615.  VTII.  b.  d. 

616.  IX.  Francis  C.,''  b.  Aug.  26,  1850. 

617.  X.  b  d. 

I.  Amy   Ann,    married   Smith  Johnson,    resides    in  Ira,    Vt. 
Their  children  are  : 

(1)  M'lron,  b.  July  19,  1856  ;  (2)  Frederic,  b.  March  21,  1858  ; 
(3)  Elmer  £'.,  b.  July  18,  1 86 1. 

II.  An(JELINe,  married  Justus  Collins,  and  resides  in  Ira,  Vt. 
They  have  one  child  : 

(i)  Merlin.,  b.  Nov.  20,  1864. 


ALCr  A.  {WILKINSON)  COBB.  [622]  291 

III.  Sabua  E.  married  Edwin  Rogers.      Thev  live  in   Ira,  Vt. 
They  have  tvi'o  children  : 

(\)  Horace  E.^h.   July  22,  1862;    (2)   LiUie    hahelle^    b.    June 
18,  1865. 

IV.  Warren    manied  Adeline   Peck,  and  resides  in  Ira,    Vt. 
They  have  one  child.      He  is  a  farmer. 

VII.   Almira  married  Henry  Tower,  and    lives    in    Ira,    Vt 
They  have  one  child  : 

(l)  Chyton  Henry ^  b.  Dec.  31,   1864. 


Andrew  J.  WiLKixsoxM  [349]  Simon,"    [172].     Same   as 

AND  >  previous  paa;e. 

Miss | 

Of  Boston,  Mass. 

618.  I.  William  H.' 

619.  n. 

620.   HI. 


Smith  Wilkinson"   \  [354]   Gardner,^  [177]  Jeremiah.^ 

AND  ^[74]     Same  as  above. 

B.  Maria  Aldrich.  j 

Of  White  Creek,  Washington  Co.,  N.  Y. 

621.  I.   Emily  M.,'  b.  Feb    10,  1821,  d.  Dec.  7^,  1852. 

622.  II.   Alcy  a.,'  b.  July     3,  1824. 

I.  Emily  M.  married,  at  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  Dec,  30, 
1847,  McDonough  Cornell.  She  died  at  Chicago,  111.  They 
had  two  children  : 

(i)  Henry  Billings^  b.  Jan.  13,  1849,  ^-  "^^  White  Creek,  N.  Y., 
Sept.  20,  1851  ;  (2)  Walter  Wilkinson^  b.  March  31,  1852, 
resides  White  Creek,  N.  Y. 

Mr.  Cornell  married  for  a  second  wife  Phebe  Ann  Noxon. 

II.  Alcy  A.  married,  June  25,  18^3,  Junius  B.  Cobb. 
Residence  Chicago,  III. 


292  SEVENTH   GENERATION. 

Job  Wilkinson"         ^  [3^']  Jc*!^-^  [i8o].     Same  as  previous 

AND  Vp^g^- 

Gertrude  Lansing,  j 

Of  Penfield,  Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y. 
No  children.' 


Jeremiah  Wilkinson*  ^  [3H]     ^'^• 

AND  y 

Mrs.  Gertrude  Wilkinson,  j 

Of  Schodack,  N.  Y. 
No  children.' 


Samuel  C.  Wilkinson*^  [365]  id. 

AND  ! 

Susan  Bradley,  and 

Rachel  , 

Of  Mich, 

By  first  luife. 

623.  I.   Hiram.' 

624.  II.  Francis." 

By  second  tuife. 


Barney  Wilkinson^  ^  [366]     id. 

and        y 

Elizabeth  Briggs,    j 

Of  Riga,  Lenawa  Co.,  Mich. 

625.  1.  Ann  Maria,'         b. 

626.  II.  LoviNA,'  b. 

627.  III.   Mary,"^  b. 

628.  IV.  Marion,'^  b. 

I.  Ann  Maria  m.  ,  r.  Farmington,  Ontario  Co.,  N.  Y 

II.  LoviNA  m.  ,  r.  Riga,  Mich. 


JOSEPH   WILKINSON.       (639)  293. 

Daniel  Wilkixsom^]  [3^7]-     Same  as  previous  page. 

AND  .    V 

Ruth  Shourd^s.         j 

Of  Palmyra,  Mich. 

629.  I.   Hannah   Ann,'     b. 

630.  II.   Job,*  b. 

631.  III.  Emily,'  b. 

I.  Hannah  Ann  m.  John ,  r.  Mich. 

II.  Job  was  an  officer  in  the  Union  Army,   was  at  the  battle 
of  Stone  River,  &c.,  under  Rosencrans. 


Hiram  Wilkinson^  [368]     id. 

A  N  D        y 

Ann  E.  Miller,       j 

Of  Palmyra,  N.  Y. 
632.  I.   Anna  Josephine,  b.  Dec.  11,  1848. 


James  A.  Wilkinson^         "j  [378]  James.^  [186]      Same  as 

AND  Vabove. 

Susan  A.  Weatherhead,   j 

Of  Cumberland,  R.  I. 

633.  I.   Emma  Amelia,'         b.  May  21,  1844. 

634.  II.  Samuel  A.,'  b.  Mar.    i,  1846. 

635.  III.   Emma  S.,'  b.  Feb.  7,  1848. 

636.  IV.   Charlie  J.,'  b.  Aug.    4,  1851. 


Jeremiah  A.  Wilkinson'^  ^  [379]  James.''  [186]     Same  as 

and  Vabove. 

Catherine  E.  Shonard,     j 

Of  Ravens  Wood,  L.  I. 

637.  I.  Clara,'  b.  May  6,    1846. 

638.  II.  James,'  b.  Sept.  11,  1851. 

639.  III.  Joseph,^        b.  Dec.   7,  1855. 


294  SEFENTH   GENERJTION. 

Arnold  A.  WiLKixtox*'!  [  I  80]   James.^   [1^6] 

AND  y  previous  page. 

Emma  A.  Hill,  j 

Of  Providexce,  R.  I. 

640.  I.   William  Arnold/         b.  Mar.    r  o,   i  850. 

641.  II.  Charles  Allix,'  b.  Mar.     3,   1852. 

642.  III.   Edward  DzFoREST,'  b.  Jan.      17,   1856. 

643.  IV.    RowEXA  Alida,'  b.  June     20,    1859. 

644.  V.   Arnold  Aldricii,'        b.  May       i,   1862. 


Same    as 


Edwix  R.  Wilxinson"        '"|  [406]  Lewis/'  [203]  Stephen.' 
AND  \  [81]     Same  as  above. 

Mary  Ann  Boardman  and  (" 

Sarah  A.  VanMeter,         j 

Of  Aroma,  Kankakke  Co.,  III. 

645.  I.   Van  Edgar,'     b.  Sept.     2,  1861. 

646.  11.  Lewis  F.,'        b.  Oct.  20,  1862. 

647.  III.   Ettie  E.,'       b.  Dec.  13,  1865. 

Ben  Green  Wilkinson*^"]  [412]    Arnold,^   [207]  Jeptha.^ 

AND  I  [82]      Same  as  above. 

Elmira  Bachelder,  ! 

AND  j 

Malia  Bowers,  and         j 
Maria  Skinner,  j 

Of  Towanda,  Cataraugus  Co.,  N.  Y. 

648.  I.   Mary,"  b. 

649.  II.   Fredefjck.'  b. 

650.  III.   Almira,'       b. 

651.  IV. 

652.  V. 


James  A.  Wilkinson*^     ^    [4  15]  Arnold.^  [207]     Same  as 

AND  V  above. 

Caroline  Waterhouse,  j 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

653.   I.   Maria  E.,'  b.  Mar.  23,  1845,  d.  Sept.  1846. 


FRANK  WILKINSON.  [657]  295 

(554.   II,   Maria   E.,'  b.  Jan.    4,  1847. 

655.  III.   Ida  Arnold,'     b.  Mar.  14,  1855. 

LaFayette  Wilkinson"  1  [417]    Arnold.^   [297]  Same    as 

AND  y  previous   page. 

Abby  a.  Haley.  j 

Of  Providence,  R.  I. 

656.  I.   Frank  A.,'  b.  Jan.     4,  1849,  d.  Nov.  25,  1850. 

657.  II.   Frank,  H.,'    b.  May  24,  1854. 


EIGHTH   GENERATION. 


Amasa  C.  Wilkinson'' 1  [439]  James,*^  [220]  Israki,,'^[ioo] 
VIsraelJ      [29]       Samukl,^      [8] 


AND 

Anna  Jenks, 


j  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrence.'  [i] 
Of  West  Kendall,  Orleans  Co.,  N.  Y, 

658.  I.   Minerva,^  b.  Oct,  20,  1840. 

659.  II.   Ann,^  b.  June  30,  1842,  d.  Nov.     13,  186^. 

660.  III.    Mary,«  b.  June  18,  1844. 

661.  IV.  Ara,^  b.  Aug.  28,  1846. 

662.  V.   Amasa  Cook,^    b.  Jan.    18,  1949,  d.  Oct.     31,  1836. 

1.     MINERVA. 


INERVA  married,  Oct.  7,  1866,  Charles  H.  Weldon,   of 
Albion,  Mich.      He  has  been  school  commissioner. 
III.  Mary  married  A.  Godfrey.      Reside  in  Missouri. 


Oryille  C.  Wilkinson'^ ^  [440]    Jamks.^   [220] 
""'■  above. 


AND 

Cyrena  Guile, 


J 


Of  Siierburx,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y. 


663.  I.  Oryille  Chapin,^ 

664.  II.  Nancy  Ann,^ 

665.  III.   William  Sheldon,'^ 

666.  IV.   Vienna  Elizabeth,^^ 

667.  V.  Franklin  Pierce,** 

668.  VI.  James  E.,« 


b.  Sept.  3,  1843 
b.  Sept.  26,  1845 
b.  Sept.  8,  1847 
b.  Feb.  9,  1850 
b.  Aug.  21,  1852 
b.  Jan.     30,  1861 


Sam 


e   as 


L.  AMELIA  {IVILKINSON)  CARD.  (670)         297 

I.  Orville  Chapin  married,  on  March  10,  1866,  Mrs. 
Jeannette  Lamb,  daughter  of  Benj,  Barbour  Green,  her  former 
husband  having  died  before  Petersburg  in  the  Army.  Orville 
enlisted  in  Co.  A.,  ir4th  N.  Y.  Volunteers,  Aug.  2,  1862, 
served  about  three  years,  and  was  mustered  out  with  the  regiment. 
He  was  landed  at  Quarantine  below  New  Orleahs,  sick  with 
typhoid  fever  where  he  remained  four  months  and  then  joined  the 
regiment,  was  in  battles  of  "  B."  Island,  Port  Hudson,  Franklin, 
and  Donalsonville,  and  was  then  sent  to  Convalescent  Camp, 
thence  to  New  York  City,  where  he  remained  one  year,  and 
then  joined  his  regiment  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley. 

II.  Nancy  Ann  married,  June  16,  1864,  Frederick  A.  Jones 
of  Sherburne,  N.  Y.     They  have: 

(l)    Cora  Adella,  b.  Jan.   lO,   1866. 


Israel  Wilkinson'       ^  [442]  James,^  [220]  Israel  [100] 
AND  I  Israel,^[29]  Samuel,^[8]  Samuel- 

Sophia  L.  Brown  and    [  [2]  Lawrence.^  [i] 
Caroline  E.  Bonney,   J 

.  Of  Jacksonville,  III. 
First    Wife. 

669.  I.   La  Fayette  Avery,*  b.  March  21,  1849. 

670.  II.  LuRiLLA  Amelia,'^  b.  Jan.     i,  1851. 

671.  III.   SiMoN,^  b.  Oct.  25,  1852,  d.  Oct.  13, 1863. 

672.  IV.   Mary  Elizabeth, «  b.  Dec.  24,  1854. 

673.  V.  Clara  Lillian,^     b.  Apr.  26,  1857,  d.  Mar.  30, 1864. 

674.  VI.   Sophia  Latiian,'*  b,  June    3,  1859, 
Second  Wife. 

675.  VII.  Ada  Bonney,^     b.  Sept.  23,  1861. 

676.  VIII.  Lawrance  Smith,^  b.  Oct.  i,  1864. 

677.  IX.  Israel,^  b.  April  4,  1867. 
677^^.  X.  Caroline  Elizabeth,^  b.  June  4,  1869. 

II.   L.  Amelia  married.  Sept   i,    1869,  John   C.   Card,    of 
Mason  City  111.,  son  of   Rev.  Wm.  H.  Card,  of  Momence,  111. 
Resides  at  Mason  City. 
40 


298  EIGHTH  GENERATION. 

Alexander  T.  Wilkinson'^  [45 0  Israel/ [221]  Israel,'* 
AND  (^  [100]  Israel/  [29]  Samuel/ 

Maria  Sayles  and  I  [8]  Samuel,  [2]  Lawrence^ 

Emily  Morrison,  j  [i] 

Of  Worcester,  Mass. 

678.  I.   Edw.in,«  (766-68)  b.  Feb.  19,  1835. 

679.  II.  Leonades,*^  (769)  b.  Feb.  28,  1837. 

680.  III.   Ira,«  b.  Nov.  25,  1838,  d.  Oct.  25,  1842. 

681.  IV.   Walter,'  b.  Dec.    5,  1840,  d.  May    5,  1862. 

682.  V.   Mary,«  b.  Jan.      2,  1843. 

683.  VI.   Abby,^  b.  Nov.  21,  1844. 

684.  VII.   Emma,"^  b.  May  31,  1847. 

685.  VIII.  Leslie.'^  b.  Dec.  21,  1849. 

686.  IX.   Alice,^  b.  Nov.  22,  1851. 

I.  Edwin  married  Mary  E.  Rainsted,  March  28,  1S60.  They 
have  three  children,  and  reside  in  Milford,  Mass. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion,  Edwin  was  among  the 
iirst  to  take  up  arms  in  defence  of  his  country  and  the  cause  of 
freedom.  He  went  out  with  a  Mass.  regiment  called  the 
"  Mozarts."  He  was  on  the  Peninsula  under  McClellan,  and 
was  in  the  following  battles  :  Williamsburg^  May  5,  1862,  Fair 
Oaks.,  May  30th  to  June  3d,  1862  ;  Front  of  Richmond^  June  27, 
1^62  \  Charles  City  \  Roads,  ]une  29th  1862;  Malvern  Hill., 
June  30,  1862:  i-\  Bull  Run,  July  28th  and  29th,  1862,  and 
Chantilly  where  he  was  severely  wounded. 

To  describe  these  battles,  and  what  he  saw,  and  the  part  he 
took  in  them  would  fill  a  volume.  He  can  only  name  them  in 
this  connexion,  and  refer  the  reader  to  the  extended  accounts  of 
them  found  in  the  histories  that  have  since  been  written  of  these 
terrible  struggles  between  slavery  and  freedom.  His  personal 
reminiscenses  are  exceedingly  interesting,  and  his  narrative  put  in 
book  form  would  make  a  very  readable  volume. 

II.  Leonades  married  Mrs.  Rhoda  V.  Davis  in  1864.  They 
have  one  child,  and  live  in   Winchenden,   Masb.      Leonades  was 


WALTER  WILKINSON.  [68]]  299 

also,  in  the  Union  Army  in  the  some  regiment  with  his  brothers. 
He  was  noted  for  his  bravery  ani  noble  daring  while  in  action. 
It  is  said  in  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  the  first  actual  engagment 
of  many  of  the  new  recruits,  that  while  scores  were  trembling 
with  fear  amid  the  rattle  of  musketry  and  the  roar  of  artillery, 
he  stepped  out  of  the  ranks  and  addressed  the  colonel  with  whom 
he  was  on  terms  of  intimacy,  as  follows:  '•  Colonel  !  now's  the 
t  ime  to  charge  !"  The  example  of  his  coolness  under  fire  for  the 
first  time,  was  considered  more  than  an  equivalent  for  the  breach 
of  order.  The  colonel  smiled,  and  touched  his  hat  in  recognition. 
When  the  order  to  charge  came  he  rushed  forward,  and  was  far 
in  advance  of  the  line.  He  became  a  target  for  the  enemy,  and 
was  wounded ;  he  turned  back  and  retreated  a  few  steps  but 
immediately  faced  the  enemy  again.  His  comrades  coming  upasked 
him   why   he  did   so?      He  replied,  "I  don't  want  a  shot    in  the 

back  from  those rebels."      His   wound    was    slight   and   he 

continued  in  the  army,  and  was  in  all  the  battles  above  mentioned  ; 
and  when  that  terrible  battle  at  Fredericksburg  was  fought  under 
Burnside,  Dec.  13,  1862,  he  was  severely  wounded,  and  carried 
to  the  rear.  He  was  an  under  officer,  and  was  promoted  during 
the  service. 

IV.  Walter  was  never  married.  He  enlisted  with  his 
brothers  in  the  "Mozart  Regiment,"  and  was  the  first  to  fall  in 
the  deadly  encounter  at  Williamsburg. 

The  following  appeared  in  a  Milford  paper  under  date  of  May 
17,  1862:  "We  hear  from  all  sources  of  information  within 
our  reach,  that  this  noble  regiment  together  with  the  38th  N.  Y. 
have  nobly  won  the  proud  destinction  which  has  been  accorded 
to  them  by  their  commanding  general.  They  are  to  have  the 
name  '  Williamsburg,'  inscribed  on  their  banners.  These  gallant 
regiments  marched  ten  miles  before  the  engagement,  the  last 
three  at  double-quick.  They  arrived  just  in  time  to  relieve  their 
weary  comrades,  who  had  been  in  the  conflict  nearly  all  day,  and 
were  ready  to  give  out  by  mere  exhaustion.      One  of  their  number 


300  EIGHTH   GENERATION. 

Frank  Anderson  fell  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  and  others  were 
severely  wounded.  Walter  Wilkinson  who  has,  since  the 
promotion  of  Lieut.  Johnson  to  the  captaincy  of  Co.  A.,  been  a 
member  of  that  Co.  although  he  went  out  with  Co.  G.,  was 
killed  by  a  musket  ball  entering  his  skull  over  the  left  eye,  after 
he  had  been  in  the  action  over  an  hour.  He  died  instantly.  He 
was  clerk  to  Capt.  Johnson,  and  was  a  young  man  of  much 
promise.  The  news  of  his  death  cast  a  gloom  over  his  native 
village,  and  a  spirit  of  sadness  is  noticable  on  the  countenances 
of  his  youthful  companions.  He  was  the  son  of  A.  T.  Wilkinson 
Esq.,  and  was  twenty-one  years  old  ;  his  other  two  sons  are 
members  of  Co.  G.  and  were  also  in  the  battle.  This  stroke  is 
almost  too  much  for  the  bereaved  father  to  withstand." 

The  following    lines  from   their    regular  army    correspondent 
appeared  in  the  Milford  'Journal : 

"  Far  from  his  home  and  friends. 
Where  truth  and  duty  sends 

A  gallant  band  5 
Prompt  at  his  country's  call 
Young  Wilkinson  left  all 
To  rescue  from  her  thrall 
Our  native  land. 

First  in  the  bloody  strife 
First  in  our  band  his  life 

Was  sacrificed  ; 
Write  in  our  hearts  his  name 
To  nourish  Freedom's  Hame 
Till  every  bondman's  claim 

Be  recognized. 

'Twas  slavery  dealt  the  blow  ; 
'Twas  slavery,  deadly  foe 

Of  every  good  ; 
Now  let  the  Nation  slay 
This  monster  while  it  may. 
And  bring  the  glorious  day 

Of  brotherhood. 

Although  to  kindred  lost. 
Count  not  the  heavy  cost — 

'Tis  Freedom's  gain  j 
The  millions  yet  to  be, 
Shall  join  the  jubilee. 
To  honor  such  as  he 

The  noble  slain." 


WALTER  WILKINSON.  [68 1]  301 

A  person  on  the  ground  describes  the  battle-field  as  follows  : 
"To  obstruct  our  advance,  the  rebels  had  felled  a  few  hundred 
feet  of  trees  and  shrubbery  at  the  edge  of  the  woods.  It  was 
here  that  this  Brigade  was  ordered  to  charge  upon  the  enemy,  and 
drive  them  out.  It  was  here  that  Gen.  Kearney  rode  gallantly 
before  the  regiment,  while  the  bullets  were  flying  like  hail  stones 
about  him,  and  shouted — 'Go  in  !  Mozarts.'  It  was  here  poor 
Walter  Wilkinson  had  fought  and  fell,  and  the  hardest  contest 
took  place.  Corporal  Wilkinson,  brother  to  Walter,  showed  me 
two  holes  through  the  right  leg  of  his  pants,  where  a  ball  had 
passed,  just  grazing  the  skin.  Then  came  the  tale  of  Anderson's 
and  Wilkinson's  fall,  and  the  expressions  of  grief  from  all  parties 
who  knew  them  showed  how  strongly  men  become  attached  by 
association.  Young  Wilkinson  has  been  acting  clerk  in  Capt. 
Johnson's  company,  and  had  formed  many  acquaintances  outside 
of  his  own  campany.  He  is  the  first  of  our  Milford  volunteers 
that  has  fallen  on  the  battle-field.  With  fearless  courage  he 
faced  the  enemy  of  his  country.  That  portion  of  our  men  with 
whom  Wilkinson  and  Anderson  were  fighting,  had  taken  position 
in  the  space  of  felled  trees  on  the  left  of  the  road — right  in  among 
the  rebels,  at  times  the  fight  was  almost  hand  to  hand.  The  felled 
trees  and  shrubberies  furnished  protection  for  both  sides,  as  each 
man  loaded  and  fired  while  lying  as  near  the  ground  as  possible, 
behind  stumps  and  trees,  and  logs.  As  one  side  arose  a  little  to 
take  aim  it  became  a  mark  for  the  other,  who  in  turn  was  waited 
upon  again.  It  was  thus  that  Wilkinson,  in  his  zeal  to  know  if 
his  shot  took  effect  raised  his  head  only  to  receive  the  bullet  just 
above  his  eye  that  proved  so  fatal.  He  stooped  a  little  forward, 
and  expired  without  a  groan.  His  comrades  for  some  time  were 
not  aware  he  was  shot.  His  body  was  rolled  in  his  blanket  and 
placed  in  the  ground,  and  for  two  long  years  all  attempts  to 
recover  it  proved  unsuccessful." 

"  By  a  forest's  side  at  rest 

We  found  the  warrior  lying, 


30  2  EIGHTH  GENERATION. 

^  And  around  his  noble  breast 

A  banner  clasped  in  dying; 
Dark  and  still 
Was  every  hill 
And  the  winds  of  night  were  sighing. 

Turn  thee  now,  fond  father  ! 

From  the  de  id,  oh  turn! 
Linger  not  young  brother. 

Here  to  dream  and  mourn  ; 
Only  kneel  once  more  around  the  sod,  ' 

Kneel,  and  bow  submitted  hearts  to  God. 

The  body  was  afterwards  recovered,  brought  to  Milford  and 
buried  with  military  honor.  The  following  placards  were  posted 
about  the  village  on  its  arrival. 

"  Honor  the  Brave. 
A  preliminary  meeting  to  arrange  matters  for  the  obsequies  to 
be  performed  next  Tuesday,  in  honor  to 

Walter  Wilkinson, 

the  early,  and  first  slain  of  the  Milford  Volunteers  will  take  place 
this  evening  at  the  select-men's  room.  A  general  invitation  is 
extended." 

The  funeral  was  held  at  the  Town  Hall ;  all  the  ministers  of 
the  place,  five  different  denominations,  took  part  in  the  ceremonies, 
and  adding  their  sympathies  with  the  family  and  friends,  the 
military  and  citizens  accompanied  them  (with  the  M  ilford  Band 
to  the  tomb,  where  due  honors  were  given  by  firing  of  guns. 

His  remains  were  afterwards  removed  to  the  old  family 
grave-yard  in  Smithfield.  R.  I. 

When  the  battle-sacred  heroes  returned  to  Milford,  they  were 
publicly  greeted,  and  honored  with  the  following  welcome  from 
Clare  E.  Newton. 

"  They  come,  a  band  of  heroes  brave, 

Back  to  their  homes  and  friends, 
Saved  from  the  soldier's  bloody  grave 

To  God  our  praise  ascends ; 
For  three  long  years  they've  bravely  fought 

For  Liberty  and  Right, 
We  look  upon  the  noble  band, 

And  many  a  bright  tear  starts  ; 


SJREPHINJ  S. ,  WILKINSON.  [694]  303 

As  memory  bringeth  other  forms 

Back  to  our  sorrowing  hearts, 
We  think  of  Johnson,  true  and  brave, 

OfWakott  in  his  pride; 
And  Wilkinson — green  be  their  graves 

For  they  have  nobly  died." 


Robert  S.  Wilkinson' ^  [463]  David/[229]  Robert^[ioi] 
AND  y  Israel/  [29]  Samuel,^[8]  Samuel^ 

Mariah  Morrison,       j  [2]  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Milford,  Mass. 

687.  1.   David  L.,'^  b.  June  18,  1842. 

688.  11.  Elida  M.,«  b.  April  24,  1844. 

689.  III.   Frank  E., 8  b.   Jan    18,1847. 

William  S.  Wilkinson^  [467].     Same  as  above. 

AND  \ 

Laura  C.  Paine,  j 

Of  same  place  as  above. 

690.  I.   Anna  Mae,^  b.  Nov.  4,  1848.. 

691.  II.  Thomas  Paine,^    b.  Jan.  20,  1852. 

692.  III.  Chas.  FREM0NT,^b.  July  12,  1856. 

D.  Lawrence  Wilkinson''"]  [469].     Same  as  above. 

AND  y 

Sarah  L.  Turtelott,        j 

Of  same  place  as  above. 

693.  I.  Ellen  L,,^  b,  Nov.  28,  1854. 

694.  II.  Edith  L.,^  b.  May    27,  1863. 

David  S.  Wilkinson'^^  [472]  Isaac,^  [^32]  David,^  [103]- 

and  y  Same  as  above. 

Almaria  Hendrick,   j 

Of  Smithfield,  R.  I. 

695.  I.  Sarephina  S.,^       b.  Oct.  23,  1845. 


304 


EIGHTH  GENERATION. 


Isaac  R.  Wilkinson'"^  [475]'     Same  as  previous  page. 
AND  > 

Eliza  Arnold,  j 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

696.  I.  Ella  Hannah/      b.  Feb.     7,  1850. 

697.  II.   Hattie  GERTRUDK^'^b.  July  4,  1852. 

698.  III.   Emma  Jane,^        b.  Dec.  16,  1856. 

699.  IV.   Alice  Ethel,^    b.  Jan.     9.  1866. 

Samuel  T.  Wilkinson'")  [482]  Abraham/[236]  John,^[io9 
AND  !  John,^  [40]   JoiiN,^  [9]  Samuel,^ 

Caroline  L.  Simpson     f  [2]  Lawrence.^  [i] 
AND  Julia  Simpson,       j  , 

Of  Warwich,  Bucks  Co.,  Pa. 

700.  I.  Mary  T.,^^  b.  April  19,  1842,  d.  June  15,  1842. 

701.  II.   John  S.,^  b.  March  5,  1844. 

702.  III.  Edward,^  b.  Dec.  18,  1845,  d-  Aug.  11,  1847. 

703.  IV.   Elwood,^  b.  Aug.  12,    1848,  d.  June  20,  1854. 

704.  V.   Henry,^  b.  Sept.     5,  1850. 

705.  VI.  Susanna,^  b.  Jan.  18,  1853. 

706.  VII.  Albert,^  b.   Nov.     i,  1855. 

707.  '  VIII.  Eleazer,^       b.  Sept.    11,1857. 


Eleazer  Wilkinson'       ^  [483]-     Same  as  above. 

AND  \ 

Mary  A.  Twining,  j 

Of  same  place  as  above. 

70S.  I.  Charles  T.,^  b.  Nov,    6,  i  843. 

709.  II.  Jane,^  b.  Jan.    28,  i  845. 

710.  III.  Caroline,^  b.  Oct.   30,  1848. 

711.  IV.  Barcley,^  b.  Oct.  29,  d.  Aug.  30,  1850. 

712.  V.  Mary,^  b.  Sept.     I,  1850. 

713.  VI.  CoMLEY,^  b.  Aug.    8,   1852. 


EMMA  PARK  WILKINSON.  [722]  305 


■    Thomas  K.  Wilkinson'^  [488]  Brownell,"  [268]  Joseph^ 
AND  H'SO  Joseph/  [50]  Joseph^[i  i] 

Lydia  Salisbury,  j  Samuel,^  [2]  Lawrance.^  [i] 

Of  Waterville,  Oneida  Co.,  N,  Y. 

714.  I.  Charlotte  Ursula/B.  Apr.  16,  1826,  d.  Oct. 16, 1855 

715.  II.   Chas.  Browxell,^  (        )  b.  Oct.  15,  1827. 

716.  III.  Joseph  Salisbury,*^  (77°)  b.  Oct.  20,  1829. 

717.  IV.   Betsey  Ann,^         b.  June  12,  1833. 

I.  Charlotte  Ursula,  married  Samuel  Miller,  a  merchant 
in  Churchville,  Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.,  I853?  ^nd  moved  in 
1854  to  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.,  where  she  died.  They  had  one 
child,  (i)  Rosabelle. 

II.  Chas.  Brownell,  married  Cornelia  B.  Hubbard  of , 

lives  at  St.  Joseph,  Mo.  He  is  the  Editor  of  the  St.  Joseph 
Morning  Herald.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  Mo. 
in  1867.      For  a  more  particular  account  of  him,  see  Biography. 

III.  Joseph  Salisbury  married  Martha  Haughton ,  lives 

in  Waterville,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.      He  is  a  merchant. 

IV.  Betsey  Ann,  married  Joseph  M.  Salisbury,  a  merchant, 
and  lives  in  Waterville,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y. 

James  T.  Wilkinson''^  [49o]-     Same  as  above. 

and  V 

Electa  E.  Allen,        j 

Of  Lockport,  N.  Y. 

718.  I.  George  Kinny,**    b.  Mar.  20,  1830. 

719.  II.  James  Thos.,^(    )b.  May      6,  1833. 

720.  III.   Harriett  PERRY,^b.  Apr.  10,  1835. 

721.  IV.   Eliza  Electa  Huntington,^  b.  Jan.  14,  1842. 

William  F.  Wilkinson''^"|  [492].     Same  as  above. 

AND  \ 

Athalia  Tucker,  j 

Of  same  place  as  above. 

722.  I.  Emma  Park,^  b,  Oct.  1854. 

41 


3o6  EIGHTH  GENERATION. 

Chas.  D.W.  CWilkinson'^I  [494]-   Same  as  previous  page. 
AND  > 

Sarah  E.  Togal,  j 

Of  Worcester,  Mass. 

723.  I.   Frank  Marshall,^  b.  Feb.  22,  1858. 

Joseph  B. Wilkinson' ^  [501]  Almadus,^  [''^9]-       Same  as 

and  >  above. 

Sarah  Shafe'r,  j 

Of  Troy,  N.  Y. 

724.  I.   Walter  BROwNELL/b.  Nov.  2,  i<S45,d.July  18,  1846. 

725.  11.  Joseph  Broavnell,^  b.  Sept.  8,  1847. 
926.  III.   Almadus,^  b.  Oct.  13,  1849. 


Andrew  J,  Wilkinson^  ~|  [503]-     Same  as  above. 

AND  y 

Martha  W.  Thompson,  j  > 

Of  Keokuk,  Iowa. 

727.  I.  George  Perkins,^  b.  Apr.  17,1860. 

728.  11.  Margaret  CLARKE,'^b.  Yeh.  21, 1862,  <J.  Mar.  27,  1863 

729.  III.  William  Thompson,^  b.  Jan.  6,  1864. 

730.  IV.  Walter,^  b.  Aug.  12,  1866. 

731.  V.   Mary  Kinkead,^  b.  Dec.     2,  1868. 


Marshall  S.  Wilkinson' "|  [508]  George^  [276]  Stephen^ 

AND  y  [141]  William,*  [57]  Joseph,^ 

Clarissa  Demott,  j  [ii]Samuel^[2]Lawrence.^[i 

Of  Tiskilwa,  III. 

732.  I.   Harriet  A.,^  b.  Jan.  16,  1855. 

733.  II.   Orrin,^  b.  June   3,  1857. 

734.  III.  Julia  M.,^  b.  Mar.  28,  i860. 

735.  IV.  Mary  J.,^  b.  Mar.  14,  1862. 


JNN  REBECCA  WILKINSON.  (743)  307 

Lyman  J.  Wilkinson^]  [5<^9]     Same  as  previous  page. 

AND  V 

ExMELiNE  Stevens,         j  ' 

Of  same  place  as  previous  page. 

736.  I.  George  Thomas,^  b.  Oct.  10,  1859. 

737.  II.  William,^  b.  Sept.  27,  1862. 

George  Wilkinson'^  "]  [541]  Abraham,^  [290]  Oziel,^  [142 

AND  VJOHN,^[58]    JOHN,S    [14]    JoHN,^  [4] 

Sarah  De  Wolf,       j  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  North  Providence,  R.  I. 

738.  I.   Frank,^  (        )  b.  May,  1832. 


William  W.  Wilkinson^  ^  [547]-     Same  as  above. 

AND  > 

Harriett  C.  Colton,        J 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

739.  I.  Joseph,^  b.  d.  1854. 

John  L.  Wilkinson''^^  [552]David,^  [292].   Same  as  above. 

AND         y 

Elizabeth  Ward,     j 

Of  Ottawa,  Canada. 

740.  I.  John  Lawrance,**  b.  Sept.  23,  1850. 

741.  11.  George  Lewis,^    b.  May  24,  1853. 

James  Wilkinson^ ^  [555]  Daniel,^  [295]-   Same  as  above. 

and        y 

Mary  Niles,  j 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 

742.  I.   Henry  Niles,^       b.  Feb.    8,  1824. 

743.  II.   Ann  Rebecca,^     b.  June  14,  1830,  d.  Dec.    9,  1832. 


3o8  EIGHTH   GENERATION. 

I.  Henry  Niles  married  Sarah  A.  Read,  daughter  of  Alvan 
O.  Read  and  Martha  J.  (Roberts),  his  wife,  of  Pawtucket.  She 
was  born  at  Pawtucket,  R.  I.,  Jan,  15,  1827.  Mr.  Read  is  a 
manufacturer,  Justice  of  the  Peace,  Commissioner  for  qualifying 
civil  officers,  and  for  20  years  Town  Clerk.  He  is  also  a  deacon 
of  the  church. 

Henry  N.  is  a  book-binder  and  bookseller,  and  resides  in  P. 
They  have  one  child. 


Samuel  Wilkinson' "j  [556].     Same  as  previous  page. 

AND  > 

Sarah  I.  Tanner,      j 

Of  same  place. 

744.  T.   Edward,^  b.  Nov.  29,  1829. 

745.  n.   Margaret,^         b.  Apr.    17,  1833. 

746.  in.   James  Henry,^  b.    July    12,  1846. 


Daniel  Wilkinson^  [558].     Same  as  above. 

AND  V 

Sarah  Ann  Brown,) 

Of  same  place. 

747.  I.  Joseph  B.,^  b.  Aug.  10,  1836. 

748.  n.  Jane  Brown,^      b.  Nov.    9,  1839. 


Edmond  Wilkinson'^  [562]  Smith,^  [297].  Same  as  above. 

AND  > 

Harriet  A.Thayer,  j 

Of  Putnam,  Ct. 

749.  I.  Lawrence,^  b.  Oct.  2,  1857. 

750.  n.   Anna,^  b.  Feb.  24,  1859,  d.  May  4,  1864. 

751.  ni.  Edward  THAYER,^b,  July  6,  i860. 

752.  IV.  Clarence,^  b.    Oct.  4,  1861,  d.  Oct.  6,  1861. 

753.  V.   Maud,^  b.  May  30,  1863,  d.  May  7,  1864. 

754.  AT.   Robert,^  b.  Jan.  21,  1866. 


SIMON  WILKINSON.  [605]  309 

Henry  W.  VVilkinsonM  ['565]  Washington  A.  J,,'  [304] 
AND  V  Simeon,^     [HS]    Ahab,*     [59]. 

Anne  Reed,  J  Same  as  previous  page. 

Of  Providence,  R.  L 

755.  I.  Henry  Reed/         b.  Aug.  10,  1865. 

756.  II.   Alfred  Hall,^     b.  May  29,  1868. 


George  E.  Wilkinson' "j  [568].     Same  as  above. 

AND  \ 

Helen  Sturgis,  j 

Of  same  place. 

757.  I.  George  Sturgis,^  b.  Nov.  i  2,  1867,  in  Buenos  Ayres, 
S.  A. 


Ahab  G.  WilkinsonH  [578]  Ahab/  [316]  Joseph,^  [i47]- 

AND  !  Same  as  above. 

Julia  A.  Dorman  and  j 
Sue  B.  Wilson,  J 

Of  Washington,  D.  C. 

1st  Wife. 

758.  I.  A  Daughter,^        b.  Apr,  12,  1859,  ^-  ^P^-  ^  2,  1859. 
id  Wife. 

759.  II.   iViARY  Elizabeth/  b.  Dec.  31,  1866. 


Geo.  W.  Wilkinson'^  [601]  Pardon  W.,^  [341]  George/ 
AND  V  [i  66]  William,*  [73]  Jeremiah,^[i9 

Hellen  Joy,  j  John,-  [4]  Lawrence.^  [i] 

Of  Ira,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt. 

760.  I.  Helen  ANToiNETTE,^b.  Sept.  29,  1854,  d.  Nov.  13,  i860 

Simon  Wilkinson'  ^  [605]  George,^  [343]-    Same  as  above. 

AND  > 

Mary  Carpenter,  j 

Of  Weston,  Vt. 


302  EIGHTH   GENERATION. 

j6i.  I.  Ella  Lavina,^        b.  Sept.  28,  1854. 

762.  II.  CoKA  Dell,^  b.  Aug.  15,  1858. 

763.  III.  George  Wm.,^    b.  Jan.   12,  1861. 

764.  IV.  Nettie  Estella,^  b.  Nov.  16, 1864. 

Warren  Wilkinson^^  [611]  Ika,®  [344].    Same  as  above. 

AND  } 

Adeline  Peck,  j 

Of  Ira,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt. 

765.  I.  Charles  Wm,,^  b. 


NINTH  GENERATION. 

Orville  C.  AVilkinson^^  [663]    Orville,'    [440]    James,'^ 

AND  }  [220]  Israel,^  [i 00]  Israel*  [29] 

Mrs.  Jeannette  Lamb,  J  Samuel^l8]Samuel^[2]Laavre:;ce 

Of  Sherburne,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y. 


Edwin  Wilkinson^^  [678]Alexander'^  [451]  Israel^  [221]. 

AND  V  Same  as  above. 

Mary  E.  Rainsted  j 

Of  Milford,  Mass. 

766.  I,  Frederick  Sayles^   b.  Jan.  7,  1862. 

767.  II.  Nellie  Augusta,''  b.  Jan.  10,  1864,  d.  Mar.  27,  1864. 

768.  III.  Walter  F.,^  b.  Jan.  23,  1865. 


Leonades  Wilkinson^~)  [679].     Same  as  above. 

and  / 

Mrs.  Rhoda  V.  Davis,  J 

Of  Winchinden,  Mass. 

769.  I.  Walter  E.,^  b.  Mar.  26,  1865. 


Joseph  S.  Wilkinson^^  [716]  Thomas  K.,'[488]  Brownell^ 

AND  V  [268]  Joseph^   [131]  Joseph*   [50] 

Martha  Haughton,    J  Joseph^[ii]  Sam'l^  [2]  Lawrence.^ 

Of  Waterville,  N.  Y. 

770.  I.   Ursula  M.,^  b.  June  16,  1863. 


JNNIE  WILKINSON.   [77,]  ^j^ 

HE.RV  R  Wilkinson'^  [742]  J.mk.s'Csss]  D.^rE^.Tagj] 

Of  Pawtucket,  R.  I. 
771.  I.  Annie,"  b.  Sept.  1 1,  1853. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  I. 

AWRANCE  WILKINSON,  the  first  of  our  race  in 
America,  was  born  in  Lanchester,  County  Durham,  Eng. 
He  was  the  son  of  William  Wilkinson  bv  his  wife  Mary,  sister 
of  Sir  John  Convers,  Bart.,  and  the  grandson  of  Lawrance 
Wilkinson  of   Harplev  House,  Durham. 

Our  knowledge  concerning  him  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Atlantic  is  limited  to  a  few,  but  quite  important  particulars.  His 
birth,  his  parentage,  and  his  own  conduct,  entitle  him  to  a  very 
favorable  consideration,  and  reflect  honor  upon  his  character  as  a 
conscientious  adherent  of  the  constituted  authorities.  The  house 
to  which  he  belonged  had  always  been  noted  for  its  consistent 
adherence  to  the  throne  of  England,  and  had  from  time  to  time 
been  the  recipient  of  many  royal  favors,  and  when  the  civil  strife 
arose,  he  conscientiously  girded  on  the  sword,  and  went  forth 
to  fight  for  his  King  and  country,  and  his  ancient  home.  In 
short  he  was  a  loyalist,  and  at  the  surrender  of  Newcastle,  Oct. 
22, 1644,*  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Parliament  and  Scotch  troops. 
At  this  period  the  Parliamentarians  were  greatly  exasperated 
towards  the  adherents  of  King  Charles  I.  Russell  in  his  life  of 
Cromwell  says,  "the  Parliament  had  already  manifested  a  very 
determined  feeling  of  animosity  against  all  the  privileged  orders, 
and  were  still  directing  the  thunder  of  their  power,  not  only 
against  his    Majesty,  whose    interest  now  appeared  incompatible 

*See  Humes'  History  of  England,  Vol.  V.,  p.  zyS. 
42 


314  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

with  their  own,  but  also,  against  all  that  class  whose  wealth  and 
rank  were  wont  to  constitute  the  support  of  the  throne."*  This 
spirit  began  to  show  itself  as  early  as  July,  1643,  and  continued 
to  increase  in  intensity  until  the  final  overthrow  of  Charles. 
Many  estates  were  confiscated,  and  the  owners  banished  or 
imprisoned.  At  the  time  of  his  capture,  Lawrance  held^  a 
lieutenant's  commission,  and  shared  the  fate  of  many  others  who 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  He  was  deprived  of  his 
property,  and  his  estates  sequestered  by  order  of  Parliament. 
Deeply  injured  by  the  injustice  of  the  Cromwellians,  and  feeling 
unable  any  longer  to  endure  the  oppression  of  the  Government, 
he  determined  to  leave  his  father-land  ;  accordingly,  after  having 
obtained  special  permission  from  Lord  Fairfax,  chief  commander 
of  the  Parliamentary  Army,  he  bid  farewell  to  the  scenes  of  his 
early  youth — "'the  dear  old  home" — now  in  the  possession  ot 
enemies,  and  embarked  with  his  wife  and  child  for  New  England 
to  seek  a  home  in  the  wilderness  of  America. 

Leaving  their  fatlier-Iand — their  island  home 
They  cast  a  lingering  look  o'er  hill  and  dell, 
And  launching  their  fortune  on  old  ocean's  foam, 
Dropt  a  silent  tear  as  they  bid  farewell; 
And  while  the  winds  the  flowing  canvass  swell, 
They  gazed  sadly  on  their  native  shore 
Fast  fading  from  their  sight  5  they  know  full  well 
Their  wandering  feet  should  pass  it  never  more  ; 
These  thoughts  of  home  and  friends  oppressed  their  bosoms  sore. 

But  why  should  they  return  where  well  they  knew 
Persecution  with  a  malignant  hand 
Grasped  her  black  sceptre  ready  to  renew 
Her  foul  inflictions,  and  her  base  command  : 
Nay;  neither  wilderness,  nor  desert  sand. 
Where  wild  beasts  howl,  and  Indian  savage  roam, 
Could  strike  such  terror  to  the  soul  of  man, 
,  As  the  law  of  her  ecclesiastic  tome ; 

Hence  farewell  to  all — kindred,  friends,  and  island  home. 

The  blue  hills  fade  from  sight,  the   setting  sun 
Throws  back  a  lurid  ray,  the   murky  clouds 
Upheave  and  widen  ;  and  now,  one  by  one 
Like  frightful  monsters  clad  in  inky  shrouds. 
They  rush  to  the  fierce  conflict;   Neptune  crowds 
The  billowy  deep — the   waves  boil  and  sweep 

*Russeirs  Life  of  Cromwell,  Vol.,  IL,   p.  no. 


L All/ RANGE    WILKINSON.  315 

Towering  to  the  sky,  bearing   barks  like   gourds 
Upon  their  breasts  ; — the  vivid  lightnings  leap, — 
And  the  loud  thunders  bellow  o'er  the  surging  deep. 

To  them  old  ocean  with  his  vast  expanse, 
Revealed  a  gtand  and  awe-inspiring  scene, 
And  his  heaving  beneath  the  lightning's  glance. 
And  tempest's  wrath  was  terrible;  but  the  sheen 
Ot"  his  glassy  bosom  beautiful  as  the  gleam 
Of  brilliants  on  a  blushing  maiden's  breast; 
But  ocean's  grandeur  in  his  awful  mien. 
Ploughed  by  whirlwinds,  or  cradled  into  rest 
To  those  vast  wilds  was  but  miniature  at  best. 

And  now  the  joyful  sound  of  "  land  !  ho  !  land  !" 
Breaks  upon  their  ears — and  with  fond  delight 
They  gaze  upon  the  scene;  and  soon  they  stand 
Amid  the  forests  of  a  world  bedight 
With  flowers  gay,  and  with  emerald  bright. 
Their  future  home — the  weary  pilgrims  rest. 
The  land  of  Roger  Williams,  where  the  light 
Of  Gospel  truth  shall  never  be  repressed. 
But  religious  liberty  abide  in  every  breast. 

When  Lawrance  Wilkinson  arrived  in  Providence, R.  I.,  is  not 
positively  determined.  There  are  different  statements  in  regard 
to  it.  Among  the  old  papers  of  Israel  Wilkinson  of  Smithfield, 
R.  I.,  in  his  own  writing  (written  before  the  Revolution,  lyy*;), 
are  three  several  statements  that  ''he  came  to  America  about  the 
vear  1640."  Israel  was  born  1741 — at  least  90  years  after  his 
arrival.  Judge  Staples  in  his  "  Annals  of  Providence,"  says — 
"his  name  first  appears  in  Providence  Records  the  19th  of  the 
I  ith  month,  1645.  (Jan.  19,  1646)."  The  Hon.  Wm.  Wilkinson 
of  Providence,  in  a  "Sketch  of  the  Genealogy  of  the  Wilkinson 
Family"  in  MS.,  says — "Lawrance  Wilkinson  as  appears  by  our 
Town  records,  settled  in  Providence,  in  1645."  William  was 
born  in  1760. 

Rev.  C.  C.  Bemen  in  his  "Sketches  of  Scituate"  says  "Capt. 
Lawrance  Wilkinson,  the  first  of  the  name  in  R.  I.,  came  to 
Providence  in  1645,  nine  years  after  Roger  Williams."  Savage 
in  his  "Genealogical  Dictionary  of  N.  E."  says — "He  was  in 
Providence  before  1646." 

The  above  authorities  are  very  well  agreed,  but  H.  G.  Somerby 
Esq. — the   distinguished    Genealogist    of  Boston — having    made 


3i6  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

researches  in  England,  says — "  Lawrance  Wilkinson  left  England 
by  special  permission  of  Lord  Fairfax*  in  1652,  and  went  with 
his  wife  and  son  to  New  England  and  settled  at  Providence." 
Theadore  A.  Neal  in  an  article  contributed  to  the  Heraldic 
'Journal^  makes  the  same  statement. 

Here  then  is  a  discrepancy  ;  a  difference  of  txuelve  years  from 
1640  to  1652.  It  will  be  observed  that  Israel  Wilkinson  of 
Smithfield  does  not  state  the  time  definitely.  The  others  (except 
Somerby  and  Neal),  undoubtedly  get  their  information  from  the 
old  record  in  Providence,  a  copy  of  which  has  been  given  in  the 
documentary  evidence  concerning  Lawrance.  It  bears  date  1645. 
But  this  does  not  settle  the  question.  The  note  appended  to  that 
civil  compact  says,  "  that  all  whose  names  are  attached  did  not 
sign  it  at  the  date,  but  several  in  165 1,"  or  even  later.  I  find 
no  other  record  concerning  Lawrance  until  1657,  but  Mr.  Savage 
gives  the  date  of  birth  of  his  second  child — a  daughter — March 
9,  1652,  he  was  then  in  Providence.  I  have  seen  somewhere 
one  other  statement  among  some  old  papers,  that  "  Lawrance 
Wilkinson  arrived  in  Providence  about  1650."  From  these 
conflictino;  statements  it  is  somewhat  difficult  to  tell  which  is 
correct.  The  name  of  the  ship  that  bore  him  across  the  Atlantic 
is  not  remembered. 

I  am  inclined  to  think,  after  a  careful  investigation  of  this 
matter,  that  the  latter  date,  1652,  is  correct.  The  fact  that  the 
statements  concerning  his  arrival  in  1640  and  1650,  are  not 
positive,  and  those  of  1645  are  predicated  upon  the  old  records  in 
Providence  which  give  at  least  six  or  seven  years  latitude  for  the 
arrival  of  any  given  signer,  leave  chance  for  doubt.  There  being 
no  record  of  his  marriage,  nor  of  the  birth  of  his  oldest  son  to 
be  found  in  the  Providence  records  would  favor  the  assertion  of 
Somerby  and  Neal.  Although  not  conclusive,  still  the  fact  that 
his  name  is  not  again  mentioned  in  the  records  until    1657,  is 


*LoRD  Fairfax    was    Commander-in-Chief  of  the    Parliamentary    Army   after  tht 
Earl  of  Essex.      He  was  succeeded  by  Oliver  Cromwell. 


LAIV RANGE    WILKINSON,  317 

entitled  to  consideration,  and  would  seem  to  tavor  the  latter  date. 
Another  point  upon  which  there  has  been  considerable  diversity, 
is  his  military  rank.  His  position  in  regard  to  the  popular  move 
under  Cromwell  which  resulted  in  the  overthrow  and  death  of 
the  King  has  been  strangely  perverted  and  misrepresented,  and 
Illustrates  the  great  uncertainty  of  tradition^  the  mutations  to 
which  it  is  liable,  and  the  little  dependence  that  can  be  placed 
upon  it. 

1.  Bemen  says,  "He  had  been  a  Captain  under  Cromwell 
and  left  England  before  King  Charles  was  beheaded."  (This 
event  occurred  Jan.  30,  1649.) 

2.  Somerby  says,  ''  He  was  a  Lieutenant  in  the  army  of  King 
Charles  I." 

3.  Sava2;e — "Tradition  tells  he  was  a  Captain  under  Cromwell, 
but  it  is  rather  inconsistent  that  he  should  have  hurried  to  get  out 
of  that  service,  and  to  be  so  early  at  Providence  as  to  avoid  much 
of  the  peril  of  the  civil  war,  and  forego  all  the  benefits  of  the 
triumphs  of  the  holy  brethren  in  his  native  land." 

4.  My  father's  family  Bible,  contains  the  following  record — 
"He  was  a  Captain  under  King  Charles  in  the  wars  with  his 
Parliament,  but  during  Oliver  Cromwell's  usurpation  he  became 
exposed  to  the  tyrranny  of  the  Government,  and  was  obliged  to 
leave  his  native  country." 

If  all  the  above  statements  are  true,  he  must  have  belonged  to 
both  parties  which  disturbed  England  in  those  stormy  times  of 
civil  strife — positions  strangely  inconsistent  with  the  well  known 
firmness  which  characterized  the  man. 

Bemen's  statement  is,  probably,  merely  traditional,  and  is 
obnoxious  to  the  charge  of  inconsistency,  as  alleged  by  Savage  ; 
and  still  an  argument  like  the  following  may  be  opposed  to  this 
allegation  of  "inconsistency."  Cromwell's  success  in  the  latter 
part  of  1644,  was  deemed  impossible  ;  it  was  a  cloudy  time  for 
the  "holy  brethren."  The  Earl  of  Manchester  had  openly 
manifested  a  repugnance  to  fighting  King  Charles  any  more, 
considering  him  sufficiently  humbled  in  the  battles  of  Marston 
Moore  and  Newbury.  Essex  and  Waller,  Cromwell's  generals, 
were  at  variance  and  seemed  to  take  satisfaction  in  each  others 


3i8  Biography  of 

reverses.  Cromwell  himself  had  complained  of  Manchester's 
backwardness  to  engage  in  battles  when  the  most  favorable 
opportunities  presented  themselves  for  victories,  "as  if  he  thought 
the  King  was  now  low  enough,  and  the  Parliament  too  high,"  as 
he  expresses  it.*  Under  such  circumstances  it  is  nothing  strange 
that  a  young  man  like  Wilkinson  just  arrived  at  his  majority, 
and  holding  a  Captain's  Commission,  should  desire  to  make  his 
escape  and  save  his  life,  if  the  rebellion  was  a  failure,  though  his 
valor  should  be  compromised  by  the  operation.  It  was  at  this 
time  that  he  sailed  for  America,  where  to  say  the  least,  there 
was  a  prospect  of  enjoying  unmolested  the  principles  for  which 
he  had  been  contending  in  his  native  land,  and  which  at  that  time, 
there  seemed  to  be  no  immediate  prospect  of  success.  That 
Cromwell  did  succeed  at  last,  only  proves  the  young  man's 
judgment  in  error,  and  in  this  matter  he  was  far  from  being  alone. f 

Again,  perhaps  Cromwell's  intention  to  become  dictator,  had 
not  been  understood  by  Wilkinson  before,  as  it  certainly  was  not 
by  a  number  of  his  firmest  adherents,  and  seeing  his  determination 
in  this  respect,  he  had  no  choice  in  a  change  of  Kings. 

But  this  is  mere  speculation — the  tacts  are  otherwise.  The 
statement  in  my  father's  Bible  is  confirmed  bv  Somerby  and  Neal 
with  the  unimportant  particular  of  his  being  a  lieutenant  instead 
of  a  captain.  The  oldest  statement  in  manuscript  that  has  come 
into  my  hands,  is  that  made  by  the  elder  Israel  Wilkinson,  great 
grandson  of  Lawrance,  which  is  a  confirmation  of  the  above. 
However  much  opposed  it  may  be  to  our  preference  in  this  matter, 
the  weight  of  evidence  seems  to  be,  that  Lawrance  Wilkinson 
was  a  loyalist,  fighting  in  the  service  of  his  King,  in  favor  of  the 
constituted  authorities,  and  against  the  usurpation  6^  Cromwell 
and  the  Parliament.  This  is  perfectly  consistent  with  his 
belonging  to  the  gentry  of  England,  which  fact  we  have  stated 
in  another   place.       It  also,   does   away    with   the   inconsistency 


*See  Russell's  Life  of"  Cromwell,  137,  I.  Vol.      Also,  5  Hume,  283-4. 
fSec.  I,  Russell's  Life,  &c.,  138-150. 


LAIVRANCE    WILKINSON.  319 

mentioned  by  Savage,  and  furnishes  an  additional  inducement 
for  leaving  England  and  coming  to  America.  His  coming  to 
Providence  in  ]>reference  to  Massachussets,  is  another  item  of 
proof  of  his  position  in  England.  "  If  Lawrance  Wilkinson 
was  a  loyalist  and  one  of  King  Charles  First's  officers,"  (says 
an  English  Baptist  minister,  recently  from  near  London,  and  who 
was  a  relative  of  Sir  John  Filmer,  and  who  appeared  well  versed 
in  English  history  and  English  politics  of  the  times  of  Charles,) 
^' he  would  come  either  to  Rhode  Island  or  to  Virginia."  It  is 
well  known  that  both  of  these  Colonies  were  resorted  to  by  the 
loyal  subjects  of  Charles,  of  all  orders  of  society — the  nobility, 
the  gentry  and  the  common  people.  Even  during  the  Revolutionary 
struggle  the  latter  named  Colony  contained  a  greater  number  who 
had  not  forgotten  their  loyalty,  than  any  other  province. 

Upon  his  arrival  in  Providence,  Lawrance  signed  the  Civil 
Compact  and  received  a  gift  of  twenty-five  acres  of  land,  which 
was  called  a  "•quarter  right,"  and  upon  this  stood  the  primeval 
forest  consisting  of  oak,  walnut  and  pine,  which  was  to  be  cleared 
up  before  the  "staff of  life"  could  be  obtained.  Now  commenced 
his  pioneer  life.  And  what  a  contrast  to  his  life  in  the  old  world  ! 
There  every  luxury  awaited  his  order,  and  faithful  servants  stood 
ready  to  do  his  bidding — here,  even  the  necessaries  of  life  could 
not  be  had,  and  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow  must  he  earn  his 
subsistence.  In  a  new  settlement  the  clearing  away  of  the  forest 
was  a  tedious  task.  The  trees  must  be  felled  and  cut  into  logs  of 
convenient  length — the  underbrush  and  limbs  piled,  and  when 
sufficiently  dry,  burned.  To  the  inexperienced  with  implements 
ill  adapted  to  the  work,  this  clearing  land  was  peculiarly  fatiguing, 
arduous  and  discouraging,  and  it  is  nothing  strange  that  some, 
disheartened,  returned  to  England.  Expedients  were  resorted  to 
to  hasten  the  work,  and  the  skill  of  the  settlers  was  constantlv 
taxed  in  discovering  more  expeditious  methods  of  cutting  up,  and 
disposing  of  the  trunks  of  the  long  trees  which  had  been  brought 
to  the  ground  by  the  repeated  strokes  of  the  ax.      Fire  was  used, 


320  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

and  when  the  wind  blew  briskly  they  would  place  large  limbs 
across  the  log,  and  setting  fire  at  the  point  of  contact,  one  man 
could  do  the  work  of  three  choppers.  After  burning  the  timber, 
the  land  was  prepared  for  Indian  corn  with  a  mattock,  or  heavy 
narrow  hoe,  which  was  struck  into  the  ground,  the  seed  put  in, 
and  the  earth  pressed  back  upon  it.  The  rich,  virgin  soil  yielded 
bountifully. 

Tradition  does  not  inform  us  what  kind  of  a  house  Lawrance 
first  built,  but  generally  the  settlers  houses  were  built  of  logs 
with  bark  roof — crevices  chinked  with  clay — with  no  jambs,  but 
a  stone  back  against  which  the  fire  was  built,  and  an  aperture 
in  the  roof  for  the  smoke  to  escape.  The  doors  were  hung  with 
wooden  hinges,  and  were  kept  shut  with  a  wooden  latch  with  a 
string  attached  hanging  outside.  Glass  windows,  of  a  diamond 
shape  set  in  lead,  were  sometimes  used,  but  they  were  regarded 
as  luxurious,  not  to  be  had  by  all.  The  floors  were  frequently 
made  of  hewn  plank,  and  the  hearth  was — mother  earth.  When 
fire-places  were  first  constructed,  thev  were  made  eight  or  ten 
feet  wide,  four  feet  deep,  and  five  feet  high,  and  large  logs  were 
rolled  in,  and  a  fire  kindled  that  rendered  candles,  lamps  and 
gaslight  useless.  Cellars  were  eventually  dug,  and  we  find  an  old 
record  laying  out  to  Lawrance  Wilkinson,  "on  the  plain  where 
his  cellar  is"  sixty  acres,  bearing  date  1673.  In  the  preparation  of 
food  the  Indian  mode  was  adopted  until  mills  were  erected.  Corn 
was  pounded  in  mortars — sometimes  dug  out  of  the  top  of  a  stump. 
Much  of  their  food  was  obtained  from  the  rivers  and  the  forests. 
Fish  were  abundant,  and  wild  game,  such  as  bears,  deer,  turkeys 
and  partridges  were  easily  taken.  So  important  was  the  supply  of 
fish  which  the  river  afforded  that  as  late  as  1790,  manufacturers 
were  restricted  by  law  in  building  their  dams,  and  were  required 
to  leave  a  passage  for  the  fish  to  go  up  during  a  certain  part  of 
theyear.  Their  food  wasofthe  plainest  kind — tea  and  coffee  were 
seldom  used  previous  to  1780.  Bean  porridge,  milk  and  water 
was  the  universal  beverage  at  the  table. 


LAli^ RANGE    WILKINSON. 


3^1 


Their  clothing  was  chiefly  home-spun.  Sheep  were  kept  and 
the  wool  was  wrought  with  hand  cards,  spinning  wheels,  and  hand 
looms  by  the  women,  and  the  various  articles  of  apparel  for  both 
sexes  were  manufactured  in  each  family.  Flax  was  raised  on 
every  farm,  and  the  best  of  cloth  was  turned  out  by  our  maternal 
ancestors,  manv  of  them  acquiring  a  reputation  which  is  attested 
by  the  present  existence  of  the  articles  woven.  Woolen  and 
cotton  mills  were  not  known  in  New  England  then. 

The  social  intercourse  of  the  early  settlers  was  of  the  most 
friendly  character.  An  entire  equality  prevailed.  As  mutual 
sufferings  beget  mutual  sympathies,  it  can  readily  be  imagined  that 
they  were  intensely  sympathetic  and  friendly.  Every  one  rejoiced 
in  the  prosperity  of  his  neighbor.  Envy,  pride  of  birth  or  wealth, 
and  haughty  gearing  were  unknown  among  them.  The  sick  and 
unfortunate  were  readily  assisted.  The  peculiar  character  of 
the  government,  and  the  religious  principles  of  Roger  Williams 
fostered  the  widest  and  deepest  fellow-feeling  and  good-will,  and 
every  thing  was  tolerated  but  sin.  They  frequently  visited  each 
other,  and  the  frigid  formality — heartless  ceremony  and  expensive 
entertainments  of  the  present  day  had  gained  no  footing  among 
the  early  pioneers.  They  were  cheerful,  cordial,  frank,  full  of 
humor,  and  practiced  the  broadest  charity.  Quiltings  among  the 
women,  and  evening  parties  were  frequently  attended  six  or  eight 
miles  distant  upon  ox  sleds.  Gov,  Hopkins  says  in  his  "  History 
of  Providence,"  "  that  when  Blackstone  was  old  and  unable  to 
travel  on  foot,  and  not  having  any  horse,  he  used  to  ride  on  a 
bull  which  he  had  tamed  and  tutored  to  that  use." 

Fruit  was  a  luxury,  and  was  not  grown  during  the  first  years 
of  the  Colony,  The  first  orchard  in  Rhode  Island  was  planted 
by  Blackstone,  and  Gov.  Hopkins  says,  "  Many  of  the  trees 
which  he  planted  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  years  ago, 
are  still  pretty  thrifty  fruit-bearing  trees  now  (1765).  He  had 
the  first  of  that  sort  called  yellow  sweetings  that  were  ever  in 
the  world,    perhaps  the   richest   and  most  delicious   apple  of  the 

43 


322  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

whole  kind.  Mr.  Blackstone  used  frequently  to  come  to 
Providence  to  jireach  the  gospel,  and  to  encourage  his  young 
hearers,  gave  them  the  first  apples  they  ever  saw. 

They  were  bold  men  who  first  settled  this  wilderness  country. 
Extreme  hardship  awaited  them  ;  and  thev  who  ventured  forth  to 
clear  awav  the  forests,  and  battle  with  the  Indians  for  possession 
of  their  hunting  grounds,  have  not  received  from  their  posterity 
the  gratitude  their  sufferings  and  deprivations  deserve.  A  great 
debt  is  still  due  them,  and  it  is  hoped  an  appreciating  generation 
will  soon  arise,  not. only  to  cancel  it,  but  to  honor  the  founders 
of  our  native  state  with  befitting  testimonials.  Their  history  is 
replete  with  bold  adventure  and  daring  enterprise,  and  should  we 
commemorate  the  great  events,  and  noble  deeds  and  sacrifices 
that  characterized  them  in  different  localities, a  hundred  monuments 
would  arise  as  tributes  due  to  our  history,  and  to  the  memory  of 
the  early  pioneers  of  Rhode  Island. 

Capt.  Ivawrance  Wilkinson,  as  he  was  called  by  his  townsmen, 
was  admitted  as  one  of  the  original  "  Proprietors  of  Providence," 
and  in  the  laying  out  of  the  land,  and  in  the  draughts  of  the 
subsequent  divisions  on  the  east,  and  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Seven  Mile  Line,  his  name  constantly  appears  with  the  other 
purchasers  of  the  town.  He  soon  acquired  a  large  real  estate, 
and  held  a  prominent  position  among  his  fellow-citizens.  In  1659 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Legislature  which  met  at 
Portsmouth.  He  subsequently  represented  the  people  in  that  body, 
and  frequently  was  chosen  to  fill  offices  of  trust  in  the  infant 
Colony.  He  was  an  active  business  man,  and  though  frequently 
called  to  serve  in  a  public  capacity,  he  by  no  means  neglected  his 
private  affairs.  He  was  greatly  interested  in  building  up  the  town, 
and  entered  heartily  into  every  enterprise  which  had  for  its  object 
the  promotion  of  the  Colony.  The  great  principle  of  soul  liberty 
which  characterized  Roger  Williams,  found  an  earnest  advocate 
in  him.  He  participated  in  the  Indian  wars,  and  anecdotes  are 
still  related  concerning  his  fearlessness  in  these  encounters.      He, 


LA  IV RANGE    IV ILK  INS  ON.  323 

with  Major  Hopkins  and  Roger  Williams,  would  not  leave 
Providence  when  the  savages  threatened  its  destruction.  He  was 
a  man  of  great  firmness  and  decision  of  character,  and  governed 
well  his  own  household.  As  a  father,  he  was  kind  and  affectionate, 
and  provided  for  his  children  as  bountifully^  as  the  circumstances 
of  a  pioneer  in  the  New  World  would  admit  ;  as  a  citizen,  he 
was  affable  and  obliging,  alwavs  readv  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  the 
distressed  and  needy  ;  as  a  legislator,  he  met  the  approval  of  his 
constituency,  and  was  friendly  to  every  benevolent  enterprise. 
He  is  entitled  to  the  honor  of  being  one  of  the  original  proprietors 
of  Rhode  Island,  and  his  descendants  still  hold  prominent  places 
in  that  State,  as  well  as  in  other  states  of  the  Union.  And  could 
he  gaze  upon  his  numerous  progeny,  as  the  generations  have 
successively  gone,  spreading  out  with  the  unfolding  and  peopling 
of  the  country,  dwelling,  some  of  them  where  he  dwelt,  upon 
the  Atlantic  shores  of  the  New  World,  and  others  of  them  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  Continent  where  the  golden  sands  oi 
California  enrich  their  toil,  and  the  ceaseless  roar  of  the  Pacific 
lulls  them  to  slumber — and  still  others  roaming  the  ocean — 
inhabitants  of  every  clime — upon  the  islands  of  the  sea — in  the 
heart  ot  great  cities — amid  the  Green  .Mountains  ot  Vermont, 
and  the  Alleghanies  of  Pennsylvania — the  prairies  of  Illinois  and 
upon  the  branches  of  many  rivers — with  what  astonishment 
would  he  contemplate  the  changes  which  two  centuries  have 
wrought  !  As  he  stood  upon  some  lofty  elevation  and  looked 
abroad  he  could  say  in  the  language  of  truth  as  well  as  poetry  : 

"  Another  race  has  tilled 
These  populous  borders — wide  the  wood  recedes, 
And  towns  shoot  up,  and  fertile  realms  are  tilled; 
The  land  is  full  of  harvests,  and  green  meads  ; 
Streams  numberless,  thit  manv  a  fountain    feeds, ' 
Shine,  disrmbowered,  and  eive  to  sun  and  breeze 
Their  virgin  waters  ;    the  full  region  leads 
New  colonies  forth,  that  toward  the  Eastern  seas 
Spread  like  a  rapid  tiame  among  the  autumnal  trees." 

He  lived  in  his  adopted  country  nearly  half  a  century,  and  we 
have  no  account  of  his  ever  returning  to  his   native   land.       His 


324  LAWRANCE   IVILKINSON. 

death  occurred  in  1692,  nine  years  after  Roger  Williams,  and  if 
he  arrived  in  Providence  in  1645,  he  lived  in  the  Colony  as  many 
years  as  Roger  Williams  did.  The  Council  Records  of  Providence 
mention  the  inventory  of  his  personal  property,  but  the  inventory 
itself  has  not  been  found.  His  last  resting  place  is  not  known — 
probably  on  his  own  land  which  is  now  known  as  the  "  Old 
Dexter  Place  "  in  Providence.  To  explain  the  cause  why  so 
many  of  the  early  pioneers  graves  have  been  forgotten,  the 
following  extract  from  Z.  Allen's  "Memorial  of  Roger  William's'' 
will  be  inserted : 

*•'  The  pioneer  of  the  ancient  forests  deemed  himself  happy 
when  he  had  succeeded  in  establishing  his  family  in  a  log  cabin, 
and  in  planting  a  few  acres  of  corn  among  the  huge  stumps  of 
trees.  At  his  death  the  neighbors  gathered  around  his  humble 
cabin,  and  bore  away  his  body  to  a  convenient  corner  of  his  farm. 
No  sculptor  was  there  to  record  his  name  in  brass  or  marble  ; 
and  the  only  mark  of  his  solitary  grave  was  the  little  mound 
raised  above  the  level  of  the  adjacent  green  sward  bv  the  fresh 
addition  of  "  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes."  On  the  widowed 
mother  of  orphan  children,  then  devolved,  as  an  only  heritage, 
increased  toils  with  diminished  means  of  subsistence. 

Then,  again,  one  of  the  prevalent  sect  of  Christians  in  this 
Colony — the  Quakers — were  conscientiously  scrupulous  about 
indulging  in  the  worldly  vanity  of  setting  up  a  stone  with  a 
sculptured  name  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  a  departed  friend, 
deeming  every  such  memorial  of  human  affections,  a  wicked 
monument  of  human  pride. 

These  peculiar  conditions  of  the  state  of  society  as  it  existed 
during  the  period  of  the  first  settlement  of  the  Providence 
Plantations,  have  given  an  appearance  of  stoical  indifference,  and 
even  of  a  want  of  decent  regard  for  the  memory  of   the  dead." 

So  sleeps  Lawrance  Wilkinson — the  father  of  us  all — without 
a  stone  to  mark  his  grave,  although  he  may  be  justly  ranked  with 

"Founders  of  states  that  dignity  mankind, 
And  lovers  of  our  race,  whose  labors  gave 
Their  names  a  memory  that  defies  the  grave." 

— See  /).  46. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  II. 

AMUEL  WILKINSON,  the  eldest  son  of  Lawrance, 
and  not  the  third,  as  the  Rev.  C.  C.  Bemen  has  it  in  his 
*' Sketches  of  Scituate,"  was  born  about  the  year  of  our  Lord, 
1650.  We  have  alluded  to  the  obscurity  which  rests  upon  his 
birth  place  in  another  part  of  this  work,  and  would  refer  the 
reader  to  what  is  said  of  him  there,  for  all  the  information  wc 
now  possess  upon  this  point. 

In  1672,  he  was  married  to  Plain  Wickenden,  daughter  of  the 
Rev.  William  Wickenden,  who  was  the  second  pastor  of  the  first 
Baptist  Church  in  America.* 

A  brief  notice  of  this  worthy  man  may  not  be  out  of  place  in 
this  connexion.  He  came  from  Salem  to  Providence  in  i639,t 
and  was  ordained  by  the  Rev.  Chad  Brown  who  was  at  that  time 
pastor  of  the  church  established  by  Roger  Williams.  Mr.  Brown 
immediately  associated  Mr.  Wickenden  with  him  in  the  pastoral 
office.      According  to   Richard   Scott,!   Backus,  and  some  other 


*"  Rev.  Wm.  Wickenden  was  the  first  Elder  of  the  first  Baptist  Church  in  Ameiica." 
So  says  the  ^'Alass.  Hist.  Coll.,   id  Series,  Vol.  9, />.  197."      Ivvidently  incorrect. 

r"  WicKENDON,  or  WicKiNGTON,  morc  commonly  Wickenden.  William,  perhaps 
ot  Salem,  1639,  but  was  of  Providence,  1640,3  strong  friend  ot  Roger  Williams,  and 
opponent  of  Samuei  Gorton.  Died  3  Feb.,  1670 — had  three  daughters.  Plain,  who 
married  Samuel  Wilkinson — Ruth  married  Thomas  Smith,  and  Hannah  married  John 
Sle:re.  An  extravagant  traditijn  assigns  the  name  ot  his  first  mentioned  daughter  to 
her  want  ot  beauty,  but  as  a  descendant  rejoices  in  our  day  in  the  same  prefix,  we  mav 
give  less  than  the  usual  credit  allowed  to  such  tales."  Sa-vagc' i  Genealogical  Diitionary. 
"  Fox^s   N.  E.  Fire  Brand  i^encbed."      Part  II,  p.  247. 

JRichard  Scott  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  R.  I.,  and  had  his  house,  and  owned  the 
land  where  the  village  of  Lonsdale  now  stands.  The  old  "Scott  Place." — the  homestead 
had  descended  from  father  to  son  without  alienation  until  1825.  i-er  R.  I.  Soiiet\-for  I, 
D.  I.,  1861.     f.  i+y. 


326  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

authorities,  William's  service  as  pastor  continued  only  from  March 
to  July.  But  Dr.  Benedict,  in  his  "  History  of  the  Baptist," 
says,  "Mr.  Williams  held  his  pastoral  office  about  four  years, 
and  then  resigned  the  same  to  Mr.  Brown  and  Mr.  Wickenden, 
and  went  to  England  to  solicit  the  first  charter."  It  is  not  our 
purpose  to  reconcile  these  conflicting  statements,  although  it  may 
not  be  a  difficult  task  ;  our  object  being  merely  to  show  the  early 
relation  of  Mr.  Wickenden  to  this  first  Baptist  church  in  New 
England.  On  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Brown,  Mr.  Wickenden 
was  sole  pastor,  and  served  several  years  in  that  capacity.  It 
will  be  remembei'ed  these  men  were  not  salaried  pastors,  and 
settled  as  ministers  are  now,  but  preached  without  pay,  and 
labored  like  other  members  upon  the  lands  they  had  taken  up,  or 
otherwise,  and  when  the  people  came  together  on  the  Sabbath, 
would  arise  and  address  them  upon  gospel  duties.*  They  were 
called  the  Elders  of  the  Church,  and  when  more  than  one  was 
present,  and  the  first  had  exhausted  himself,  he  would  say,  "there 
is  time  and  space  left  if  any  one  has  further  to  offer."  In  that 
case  another,  and  another  would  ofi^er  what  he  had  to  say  ;  so 
there  was  no  set  time  for  the  meeting  to  close.  After  Mr. 
Wickenden's  service  closed  at  Providence,  he  preached  sometime 
in  New  York  City,  and  such  was  the  violence  of  feeling  and 
persecution  against  Baptists,  and  their  doctrine  of  Soul  Liberty, 
that  he  was  imprisoned  four  months  as  a  reward  for  his  labors. 
After  his  incarceration  he  returned  to  Providence  with  broken 
health,  and  soon  removed  to  a  place  called  "Solitary  Hill,"t 
where  he  died  Feb.  23,  1669,!  deeply  lamented,  not  only  by  his 
own  family,  but  by  the  church  and  the  community,  as  he  had  been 
a  prominent  man  in  the  early  days  of  the  Colony  in  both  sacred 
and  secular  matters.  A  street  in  the  south  part  of  the  city  of 
Providence  still  bears  his  name. 


*See  "Guild^s  Mannivg  and  Broiun  Uni-venit)"   p.  zi(>.      John    Hcwland   says   they 
did  not  approve  of  singing,  and  never  practiced  it. 

■j-Tradition  says  this  Hill  received  its  name  from   Roger  Williams.      It  is  situated   near 
the  south  part  of  Olneyville.      It  is  fast  disappearing. 
\"  Sprague^i  Annals  of  the  American  Pulpit,'"  p.   15,  n. 


SAMUEL    IVILKINSON.  327 

His  daughter  Plain  was  an  accomplished  young  lady  of  a 
sprightly  disposition,  and  was  discreet  and  prudent  in  her  conduct 
notwithstanding  her  fearlessness  and  boldness,  and  was  highly 
esteemed  by  all  who  were  acquainted  with  her.  She  was  possessed 
of  more  than  ordinary  executive  ability,  and  performed  teats  that 
would  astonish,  and  perhaps  shock  the  exquisite  sensibilities  of 
modern  ladies  of  fashion.  Her  education  in  consequence  of  her 
father's  position  in  society,  and  the  excellent  opportunities  of 
home  instruction,  was  far  superior  to  many  of  her  day  and  sex. 
Jt  is  nothing  strange  that  the  youthful  Samuel  just  verging  upon 
n;anhood,  should  be  captivated  by  her  artless  demeanor,  for  they 
had  grown  up  together  from  early  childhood  and  knew  each  other's 
worth,  and  she  had  become  to  him  the  one  altogether  lovely,  if 
not  the  chief  among  ten  thousand.  The  Poet  has  said  the  course 
of  true  love  never  did  run  smooth,  but  whatever  trials,  or 
oppositions  they  may  have  had,  none  are  now  remembered.  The 
nuptials  were  duly  celebrated,  and  the  young  couple  just  turned 
of  twenty  with  bouyant  hearts,  and  doubtless,  many  a  vision  of 
future  happiness  and  prosperity,  retired  to  their  home — having 
taken  up  a  farm  in  the  wilderness,  about  ten  miles  north  from 
Providence,  in  what  is  now  Smithfield,  on  the  west  side  of  the 
Blackstone  River  and  about  half  a  mile  north-west  of  what  is 
now  known  as  the  "  Harris  Lime  Rock  ;"  the  farm  lately  owned 
by  Capt.  John  Jencks.  The  precise  locality  of  the  old  house  of 
Samuel  Wilkinson  is  at  this  late  period  (about  200  years  after  its 
first  settlement)  difficult  to  ascertain.  The  "Great  Road"  leading 
from  Providence  to  Worcester  is  known  to  pass  through  his  lands, 
and  the  old  gra\eyard  wherein  is  buried  Capt.  John  Jenckes, 
William  Aldrich,  and  others  of  more  recent  date,  a  kv/  rods  east 
of  said  road,  was  a  part  of  his  possessions.  Within  that  solitary 
enclosure,  by  the  side  of  a  thrifty  growth  of  at  least  the  tertiary 
forest — surrounded  by  a  thick  stone  wall,  may  be  seen  some  very 
ancient  mounds  of  earth  nearly  leveled  with  the  surrounding  land, 
and  marked  by  rough,  unhewn,  moss-covered  stones.   No  inscription 


328  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

however,  informs  the  passer  by  who  sleeps  beneath  them,  and 
the  uncertain  index  of  tradition  hesitatingly  points  to  them  as  being 
the  last  resting  place  of  Samuel  and  Plain  Wilkinson.  Spruce, 
pine  and  evergreen  have  sprung  up,  or  have  been  transplanted 
here  in  more  modern  times,  but  whether  the  passing  breeze 
murmurs  their  requiem,  or  that  of  others,  we  cannot  tell.  Silence 
is  all  around  the  solitary  spot.  Neither  the  sound  of  the  great 
city,  nor  the  hum  of  spindles,  nor  vet  the  bleating  of  flocks,  nor 
lowing  of. cattle  may  be  heard  in  that  lonely  place,  nought  but 
the  sighing  breeze  and  the  chirp  of  the  cricket  breaks  upon  the 
ear.  Oblivion  and  silence  envelop  all  ;  and  silence  and  oblivion 
will  envelop  them  till  the  trump  of  the  Archangel  shall  awaken 
the  sleeping  dead,  causing  them  to  burst  their  cerements,  and  to 
come  forth  to  newness  of  life.  It  is  sad  to  search  for  the  last 
resting  place  of  departed  ancestors,  and  be  obliged  to  return 
unsuccessful.  But  this  is  a  world  of  change.  How  impressive 
the  word  of  inspiration — "  Man  dieth  and  wasteth  away  " — "As 
a  flower  of  the  field  so  he  flourisheth,  for  tlie  wind  passeth  over 
it,  and  it  is  gone  ;  and  the  place  thereof  shall  knoiv  it  no  more." 

Though  it  be  difficult  to  locate  the  old  house  of  Samuel,  yet  it 
is  by  no  means  difficult  to  locate  the  homestead  farm.  The  place 
where  he  toiled,  and  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow  earned  their  daily 
bread  is  well  known.  Fortune  smiled  upon  him  in  the  morning 
of  life,  and  bv  frugality  he  increased  his  store.  It  may  be  said 
of  Plain  that  "She  seeketh  wool  and  flax,  and  worketh  willingly 
with  her  hands,"  though  a  minister's  daughter  ;  and  her  husband 
found  "her  price  far  above  rubies."  "  His  heart  did  safely  trust  in 
her." 

Frequent  visits  were  made  to  Father  Wilkinson's  in  Providence, 
for  Father  Wickenden  had  been  borne  to  the  silent  tomb  three 
years  before  their  marriage.  And  these  visits  were  returned  by 
their  "  loving  parents,"  whose  hearts  were  made  to  rejoice  in  the 
prosperity  of  their  children. 


SJMUEL    JriLKINSON.  329 

Plain  was  a  decided  character,  and  some  traditionary  anecdotes 
are  still  related  concerning  her.  After  they  were  well  established 
in  their  new  home,  she  assumed  and  performed  the  duties  of  a 
pioneer  housewife  with  an  energy  that  bespoke  the  former  training 
she  had  received  at  the  hands  of  a  Baptist  minister  of  the  primitive 
diys  of  Rhode  Island  Colony.  The  *•' Harris  Lime  Rock,"  and 
"Dexter  Lime  Rock"  are  monuments  that  will  always  perpetuate 
the  memory  of  the  first  residences  of  Samuel  and  John  Wilkinson. 
7  heir  settlement,  however,  was  many  years  antecedent  to  the 
quarrying  of  limestone  at  these  respective  places.  A  toot  path 
at  first  by  marked  trees  leading  from  one  cabin  to  the  other  was 
all  the  road  in  those  days — then  followed  the  bridle  path,  and 
finally  the  road  was  made  by  felling  the  trees  and  making  way  for 
the  transportation  of  produce  in  ox  carts  and  wagons. 

Whoever  will  take  the  pains  to  go  up  the  Blackstone  about 
seven  miles  from  Providence  will  come  to  what  has  been  called 
for  nearly  two  hundred  years  "  Martin's  Wade,"  or  "  Martin's 
Wading  place,"  which  is  a  ford  in  the  river  a  little  south  of  the 
present  villa  of  Ashton,  formerly  called  the  "Sinking  Fund." 
From  this  "  wading  place  "  extends  a  winding  road  back  into  the 
country.  You  first  go  down  the  river,  and  then  turning  to  the 
right  amid  the  young  forest  of  shrub  oaks,  pine  and  underbrush, 
for  which  the  town  of  Smithfield  is  noted,  and  winding  over  the 
hills  in  a  westerly  direction  you  come  to  a  little  settlement  called 
the  "  Lime  Rock,  "  containing  a  public  house,  store,  and  about 
twenty  dwelling  houses.  A  iev/  rods  west  of  this  village  lies  the 
"Harris  Lime  Quarry"  where  the  far-famed  R.  L  Lime  is  excavated 
and  burnt.  The  "  Great  Road  "  runs  in  a  north-westerly  direction 
here,  and  out  upon  this  road  about  a  half-a-mile,  on  the  west  side 
of  the  highway  was  where  Samuel  and  Plain  pitched  their  tent, 
and  erected  their  cabin  amid  the  primitive  forests  of  R.  L  No 
trace  now  remains  of  their  house,  no  stone,  tree,  or  ruin  may  be 
seen  to  point  out  the  exact  locality  of  their  dwelling,  as  we  have 
before  remarked,  but  somewhere  here  it  was,  near  a  running  brook 

44 


330  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

that  winds  its  way  down  the  vallev  towards  the  river.  Into  this 
dreary,  solitary  place  Samuel  brought  his  metropolitan  wife,  and 
commenced  the  work  of  civ  ilization.  The  forests  fell  before  his 
repeated  strokes,  the  fields  waved  with  grain,  and  the  harvest  of 
corn  and  potatoes,  and  the  cereals  rewarded  his  labors.  Cattle, 
sheep,  swine  and  horses  were  soon  raised,  and  luxuries  began  to 
flow  into  their  wilderness  home,  not  however,  without  the  toil  and 
perseverance  of  Plain.  Sugar,  tea,  coffee,  rice,  raisins  and  the 
groceries  so  common  now  in  every  country  store  could  not  at 
that  time  be  so  easily  obtained.  Providence  was  ten  miles  away, 
and  was  but  a  small  town.  Boston  was  about  torty  miles  distant, 
and  abounded  with  the  much  coveted  articles.  Samuel  could  not 
leave  his  farm  and  stock  long  enough  to  do  the  shopping,  and  like 
a  sensible  man  allowed  Plain  to  do  the  small  business  of  this  kind. 
Mounted  upon  her  own  mare  with  her  panniers  filled  with  the  veal 
of  a  well  fatted  calf,  killed  the  night  before,  and  such  other 
articles  of  farm  produce  as  would  find  a  ready  sale  by  wav  ot| 
barter — at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  she  might  be  seen  wending 
along  the  bridle-path  I  have  described,  making  her  way  to  Boston. 
Winding  through  the  forests,  descending  the  hills,  through  the 
vales  ;  turning  now  to  the  right,  now  to  the  left,  as  the  blazed 
trees  would  indicate,  till  she  came  to  the  river  at  "Martin's  Wade," 
when  gathering  up  her  feet  to  keep  them  out  of  the  water,  she 
would  cross  and  arrive  at  what  is  now  called  Attleboro  at  sunrise. 
After  breakfast  she  would  remount  and  pursue  her  journey  to 
"  Shawmut,"  the  "  City  of  Notions,"  alias  Boston  ;  exchange  her 
cargo,  which  was  eagerly  sought  by  the  metropolitans,  receive  her 
longed  for  luxuries  and  return  home  next  day,  and  none  the  worse 
for  wear!  Now  there's  a  wife  for  you  !  No  wonder  her  husband 
valued  her  above  rubies.  When  it  is  remembered  that  wild 
beasts  and  wilder  Indians  inhabited  and  roamed  unmolested  all 
along  her  route,  we  may  well  suppose  a  degree  of  moral  courage 
was  required  not  to  be  found  among  the  fair  sex  of  the  present  age. 
But  an  event  was  approaching  fraught  with  anxious  interest  to  the 


SAMUEL   WILKINSON.  331 

voung  couple.  Sept.  18,  1674,  Samuel  and  Plain  welcomed  their 
first  born  to  this  shifting  world  of  joy  and  sorrow.  Now  their 
mutual  love  was  centered  upon  their  darling  bov,  and  a  king  with 
all  the  wealth  of  Ormus  and  of  Ind  might  envy  their  rural 
happiness.  The  tender  sentiment  of  the  author  of  '•■  Gertrude 
of  Wvoming  "  finds  its  antecedent  here. 

O  Love  !  in  such  a  wilderness  as  this, 
Where  transport  and  security  entwine, 
Here  is  the  empire  of  thv  perfect  bliss. 
And  here  thou  art  a  god  indeed  divine. 
I'ere  shall  no  forms  abridge,  no  hours  confine 
The  views,  the  walks  that  boundless  joy  inspire, 
Roll  on  ve  days  of  raptured   influence,  shine  ! 
Xor,  blind  with  ecstacy's  celestial  fire. 
Shall  love  beholJ  tlic  spark  of  earth-born  time  expire." 

But  this  is  a  world  of  change,  and  these  halcyon  days  were 
not  to  last  forever,  else  this  earth  would  have  been  a  heaven. 
Frequently  had  the  red-man^  the  native  of  the  soil  looked  in  at 
their  cabin  door  and  asked  for  something  to  appease  his  hunger 
and  thirst,  and  never  had  been  sent  away  empty.  But  now  he 
seldom  called,  and  when  he  met  the  pale-face,  a  certain  something 
in  his  eye  and  bearing  bespoke  mischief.  It  was  merely  noticed 
and  passed  by,  and 

"  All  went  merry  as  a  marriage  bell," 

among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  the  Colony. 

Suddenly  in  the  spring  of  1675,  all  New  England  became  the 
theater  of  the  most  sanguinary,  furious  and  desolating  Indian  war 
that  America  ever  witnessed.  King  Phillip,  that  powerful, 
aspiring  Chief  of  the  Wampanoags  had  established  a  league  with 
nearly  all  the  tribes  throughout  the  Colonies  of  Massachusetts, 
Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York  New  Hampshire  and  Maine 
extending  over  300  miles,  with  a  view  to  exterminate  the  English 
and  avenge  what  they  concei\  ed  to  be,  the  wrongs  of  the  Indians. 

''The  better  to  affect  this''  says  the  historian,  "and  to 
disguise  his  intentions,  he  amused  the  English  by  professions  of 
friendship  and  submission  ;  renewed  the  treaties  which  his  father 
had  made ;  disposed  of  his  lands,   and   gave   quit-claims  of  those 


332 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


before  sold  bv  his  father  and  brother  to  raise  the  means  for 
supplying  his  men  with  tire-arms  and  ammunition  ;  cultivated  the 
friendship  of  the  neighboring  tribes  of  Indians — smothering  the 
feuds  and  reconciling  the  quarrels  of  centuries  ;  and  thus  bv 
deluding  the  English,  and  strengthening  himself  by  increasing  his 
connexions  and  alliances,  he  was  preparing  secretly  and  silently 
the  work  which  was  to  shake  New  England  to  its  centre,  and 
deluge  the  land  with  blood." 

Roger  Williams  was  the  first  to  perceive  the  secret  machinations 
of  this  wily  chieftain,  and  made  vigorous  efforts  to  avert  the 
impending  tornado  of  savage  wrath,  and  at  first  seemed  successful, 
but  the  hearts  of  King  Philip  and  his  young  men  were  fired  with 
vengeance,  and  nothing  but  the  blood  of  the  English  could  satiate 
their  thirst.  Eour  thousand  of  these  savage  warriors  rushed  forth 
to  scenes  of  fire  and  blood  and  carnage  that  beggar  description. 
Skulking  behind  logs,  stones,  houses  and  barns,  they  would  pour 
a  deadly  fire  upon  the  unsuspecting  occupants  of  almost  every 
house,  as  they  came  forth  to  their  daily  labor.  There  v/as  no 
safety  anywhei'e.  No  one  knew  but  the  next  moment  the  crack 
of  the  rifle  would  salute  his  ears,  and  the  whizzing  bullet  pierce 
his  heart,  and  prostrate  him  upon  his  own  doorstep  a  corpse.* 

From  mount  Hope,  King  Philip  and  his  warriors  had  crossed 
over  Narragansett  Bay  near  Providence,  into  Connecticut  making 
friends  of  every  tribe,  rallying  them  around  his  standard  ;  even 
visiting  in  person  the  distant  Mohawks,  to  whom  he  portrayed  in 
vivid  colors  the  encroachments  of  the  whites,  and  enlisting  them 
in  the  common  cause.  Then  commenced  in  good  earnest  the 
work  of  death.  At  Brookfield,  Deerfield,  Hatfield,  Springfield, 
Hadley,  and  a  number  of  other  places,  the  savage  war-whoop 
rang  out,  and  the  rushing  flames  of  their  dwellings  became  the 
winding  sheet  of  many  a  settler  in  this  wilderness  of  New  England. 
Nearer  and  nearer  rolled  the  tide  of  war.  And  when  that  terrible 
battle, 

*See  Church's  Indian  Wars. 


SAMUEL   //  IL KINSON. 


333 


Pierce's  Fight, 
was  going  on,  the  veils  of  the  savages,  and  the  rattle  of  musketry 
could  be  distinctlv  heard  at  the  humble  dwelling  of  Samuel  and 
Plain.  This  battle  was  fought  on  Sunday,  March  26,  1675,  on 
the  river  between  Pawtucket  and  Vallev  Falls,  some  say  near 
where  the  Providence  and  Boston  railroad  now  crosses  the  river. 
Others  have  located  the  battle-ground  further  up  the  river  between 
Whipple's  Bridgeand  Study  Hill,  opposite  Blackstone's  residence.* 
We  incline  to  tiie  latter  opinion,  and  it  must  have  been  on,  or 
near  the  land  owned  at  one  time  bv  John  Wilkinson.  The  fight 
commenced  on  the  east  side,  but  was  transferred  to  the  west  by 
the  headlong  daring  of  Capt.  Pierce  and  his  men,  where  many 
a  brave  fellow  fell  overpowered  by  numbfrrs.  Ar:  ancient  chronicler 
relates  the  story  as  follows  : 

*' Cant.  Pierce  of  Scituate,  Plymouth  Colonv,  having  received 
intelligence  in  his  garrison  at  Scekoiik,  that  a  party  of  the  enemy 
lay  near  Blackstone's,  went  forth  with  sixty-three  E^nglish,  and 
twenty  friendly  Cape  Indians,  and  in  their  march,  discovered 
rambling  in  an  obscure,  woody  place,  four  or  five  Indians,  who, 
in  getting  away,  halted,  as  if  they  had  been  lame  or  wounded,  but 
our  men  had  pursued  them  but  a  little  way  into  the  woods  before 
they  found  them  to  be  only  decoys  to  draw  them  into  their 
ambuscade.  For  on  a  sudden  they  discovered  about  five  hundred 
Indians,  who,  in  very  good  order  furiously  attacked  them,  being 
as  readily  received  by  ours;  so  that  the  fight  began  to  be  very 
fierce  and  dubious,  and  our  men  had  made  the  enemy  begin  to 
retreat,  but  so  slowly  that  it  scarce  deserved  that  name  ;  when  a 
fresh  company  of  about  four  hundred  Indians  came  in,  so  that 
the  English  and  their  few  Indian  friends  were  quite  surrounded  and 
beset  on  every  side.  Yet  they  made  resistance  for  above  two  hours, 
during  all  which  time  they  did  great  execution  upon  the  enemy, 
whom  they  kept  at  a  distance,  and  themselves  in  order.  For  Capt. 
Pierce  cast  his  sixty -three  English  and  twenty  Indians  into  a  ring, 
and  fought  back  to  back,  and  were  double-double  distance  all  in 
one  ring;  whilst  the  Indians  were  as  thick  as  they  could  stand 
thirty  deep."| 

*It.is  said  Elackstone's  house  and  all  his  papers  were  burned  by  the  Indians  during  this 
war. 

fSee  Hubbard's  Narrative,  p.  150,  et  stj. 


334 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


Just  gaze  in  imagination  upon  the  scene.  That  Httle  company 
of  eighty-three  men  formed  into  a  ring,  surrounded  by  nearly  a 
thousand  savages  whose  hideous  yells  echoing  amidst  the  forest 
are  enough  to  make  the  knees  of  terror  quake.  1  he  shrieks  and 
groans  of  their  wounded  and  dying  comrades  is  enough  to  appal 
the  stoutest  heart.  While  above  the  rapid  roll  of  musketr)'  which 
envelops  that  little  circle  in  a  wheel  of  fire  is  heard  the  strong, 
clear  voice  of  Ca[)t.  Pierce — "  Steady,  men  '"  But  courage  and 
valor  are  unavailing.  One  after  another  of  this  Spartan  band 
falls  and  expires.  They  close  up.  The  ring  grows  smaller  and 
smaller.  Still  the  wheel  of  hre  with  its  radiating  spokes  of 
lightning  stands  firm  as  a  rock  in  mid-ocean  with  the  tempest 
raging  around  it.  There  is  no  disorderly  conduct,  no  cowardice. 
Every  man  is  true  steel.  It  is  a  life  and  death  struggle,  and  if 
despair  like  a  black  cloud  settles  down  upon  them  admitting  no 
ray  of  hope,  then  will  they  sell  life  at  the  dearest  rate.  Still  they 
load  and  fire,  and  many  a  savage  bites  the  dust.  For  two  mortal 
hours  this  unequal  strife  is  carried  on.  Overpowered  at  last,  tor 
the  little  circle  is  reduced  to  twenty  onlv,  who  can  wield  a  musket  •, 
•resistance  ceases.  Fifty-five  English  and  ten  friendU'  Indians 
have  fallen  upon  this  fatal  spot  !  The  rest  break  and  flee  and 
some  escape  !  Brave  men  !  Gallantly  did  they  fight,  and  defend 
the  life  of  the  infant  Colony.  Their  gorv  bed  was  truly  a  bed  of 
honor.  "Thev  sold  their  lives  at  a  gallant  rate" — says  the  author 
just  quoted.  "  It  being  affirmed  by  those  i&\N  who  did  escape,  that 
the  Indians  lost  three  hundred  fighting  men  in  this  battle." 

Why  does  not  Rhode  Island  raise  a  monument  commemorating 
the  valor  of  those  noble  men,  who  fell  on  her  soil  in  defence  of 
her  precious  life  .'' 

Scenes  like  these  would  naturally  awaken  revenge  in  e\  ery  heart. 
Samuel  bears  the  title  of  Captain,  and  these  were  the  events  which 
paved  the  way,  and  created  the  necessity  for  such  military  honors. 
These,  were  not  piping  times  of  peace,  but  of  busv,  bustling, 
sanguinary  war — war  to  the  knife,  and  the  knife  to  the  hilt,  in- 


SAMUEL   WILKINSON. 


335 


the  fierce  encounter  of  the  ruthless  savage.  Every  able-bodied 
man  shouldered  his  musket,  and  held  himself  in  readiness  to  march 
to  the  scene  of  conflict,  Samuel  and  his  brothers  John  and  Josias 
were  in  this  war,  and  fought  valiantly.  Many  people  fled  from 
their  homes,  and  situated  as  Samuel  was,  some  distance  in  the 
country  alone,  it  is  probable  his  wife  and  child  fled  to  the  garrison 
house  in  Providence  for  greater  safety.  For  a  time  it  seemed  the 
Colonists  would  be  annihilated.  While  many  of  the  people  of 
Providence  fled  to  Rehoboth,  and  other  places  for  safety,  Roger 
Williams,  Major  William  Hopkins  and  Lawrance  Wilkinson 
remained  at  home,  determined  to  defend  their  own  town  if 
attacked.  Roger  Williams,  though  seventy-six  years  of  age, 
accepted  a  captain's  commission  of  the  militia  of  the  Colony  and 
kept  the  companies  in  constant  readiness  for  active  service. 
Though  the  best  possible  arrangements  were  made  for  the  defence 
of  the  town,  vet  the  Indians,  emboldened  by  their  success  over 
Capt.  Pierce,  two  days  after  (March  29)  attacked  the  town  and 
burnt  thirty  houses.  It  is  said  when  they  appeared  on  the  heights 
north  of  the  town,  Mr.  Williams  went  out  to  meet  them, 
thinking  his  influence  might  pie\ail  with  them  as  it  had  done  in 
other  cases  ;  but  though  some  of  the  older  chiefs  seemed  kindly 
disposed  towards  him,  they  assured  him  that  the  young  men  were 
too  much  exasperated  for  him  to  venture  among  them  with  safety. 
He  retired  to  the  garrison  house,  and  soon  saw  the  town  in  flames. 
This  terrible  war,  which  cost  the  Colonies  an  immense  amount 
of  treasure  and  blood,  was  brought  to  a  close  by  the  death  of 
King  Philip  in  August,  1676.  He  was  shot  by  a  friendly  Indian, 
and  his  head  was  cut  off^  by  Capt.  Church  with  a  rude  sword 
made  by  a  blacksmith  of  the  Colony.  The  sword  is  in  the 
possession  of  the  Mass.  Historical  Society.* 

Peace    again    spread   her    wings   oxer   the    Colony    of    Rhode 
Island.      The  people  returned  to  their  homes,  but  alas  !   the  family 

*Lossing's  Pictorial  History  U.  S.,  p.  102,  n.  9. 


336  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

circle  in  many  a  household  had  been  broken,  and  in  a  multitude 
of  instances  a  heap  of  ashes  marked  the  place  of  their  once  happv 
abode.*  Samuel's  home  was  unm.olested,  and  he  returned  to  the 
quiet  labors  of  his  farm,  where  for  many  long  years  he  enjoyed 
the  bliss  of  connubial  felicity  in  the  bosom  of  his  family.  Six  as 
fine  children  as  ever  surrounded  the  old  hearthstone  of  any 
mansion  Plain  bore  him,  of  whom  neither  parent  never  had 
occasion  to  be  ashamed,  but  on  the  contrary,  had  ample  reasons 
to  feel  proud.  There  v/as  Samuel,  the  honest  farmer  of  Smithfield, 
and  John,  who  went  to  Pennsylvania  and  became  the  father  of  a 
numerous  progeny,  who  rise  up  and  call  him  blessed  ;  and  William 
the  Quaker  Preacher,  v/ho  returned  to  his  grandfather's  native 
land,  England,  and  whose  controversial  and  epistolary  writings 
bespeaks  a  mind  well  stored  with  knowledge,  and  rich  in  divine 
grace  ;  and  Joseph  the  solid  farmer  of  Scituate ;  and  Ruth,  the 
mother  of  Stephen  and  Esek  Hopkins,^  both  representative  men 
on  land  and  water  ;  and  Susanna,  the  mother  of  many  Angells — 
truly  this  is  a  remarkable  family  ;  and  if  ever  parents  had  reason 
to  rejoice  that  their  children  were  well  behaved  and  respectable, 
honored  and  loved  by  the  community  and  the  nation,  it  was  Samuel 
and  Plain,  the  heads  of  this  family, 

Samuel  was  a  Quaker,  and  is  mentioned  among  the  "eminent 
men  of  the  town  of  Providence"  in  a  letter  sent  by  an  "Association 
of  Massachusetts  Ministers"  to  the  people  of  Rhode  Island, 
making  an  offer  of  Preaching  the  Gospel  to  them  gratuitously. 
The  reply  to  this  letter  must  be  regarded  as  the  sharpest,  boldest, 
most  polite  note  declining  a  proffered  gift,  or  service  ever  penned 
in  the  English  language.* 

Samuel  was  for  many  years  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of 
Rhode  Island,  and  aided  in  enacting  some  of  her  most  important 
laws.      He  was  an  ardent  advocate  of  liberty  of  conscience,  and 


*Lo»sing's  Pictorial  History  U.  S.,  p.  102,  n.  9. 
ti  Benedict's  Hist,  of  the  Baptist,  p.  467-471. 


SJMUEL    WILKINSON. 


337 


the  mention  of  his  name  by  Honeyman  indicates  the  esteem  in 
which  he  was  held  by  his  fellow  citizens.* 

Samuel  and  Plain  lived  to  be  quite  aged,  and  as  the  shadows  of 
theirdeclining  years  began  to  lengthen,  and  they  took  a  retrospective 
glance  over  all  the  way  thev  had  come  in  their  earthly  pilgrimage, 
and  beheld  from  the  hills  of  age  their  children  uniting  their 
fortunes  with  suitable  partners,  and  launching  forth  on  the  ocean 
of  life,  with  one  of  old  thev  could  exclaim,  "  Now  let  thy  servants 
depart,  for  our  eyes  have  beheld  the  salvation  of  the  Lord,"  and 
we  long  to  be  at  rest. 

At  what  time  Plain  departed  this  life  we  are  not  informed,  but 
Samuel  died  Aug.  27,  \^]^^.^\  He  was  probably,  buried  on  his 
farm,  as  there  are  graves  to  be  found  there,  but  no  inscription  or 
monument  tells  the  passer  by  where  sleeps  the  dust  of  this  early 
pioneer  of  the  American  wilderness. 

We  know  not  their  place  beneath  the  green  sod, 
But  they  sweetly  repose  on  the  bosom  of  God. 

—See  p.  53. 

^History  of  Narragansett  Church,  p.  53. 

■j-Savage  refers  to  Samuel  as  follows :  "  Samuel,  Providence.  Son  of  Lawrance, 
engaged  allegiance  to  the  King,  29  May,  1682,  married  1672,  Plain  daughter  of  Wm. 
Wickenden,  had  Samuel,  born  18  Sept.,  1674;  yohn,  25  Jan.,  1678;  William,  I  Aug., 
l68oi  'Joseph,  22  Jan.,  1683;  Ruth,  31  Jan.,  1685,  and  Susanna,  27  Apr.,  1688.  Ruth 
mairied  William  Hopkins,  and  thus  become  mother  of  Esek,  the  tirst  Commodore  of  an 
American  fleet  in  1776,  and  of  the  more  distinguished  Gov.  Hopkins,  whose  chirography 
is  so  sacredly  legible  on  the  Declaration  of  Independence."  4.  Savage'"!  Gin.  Diet,  of 
N.  E.,  p.  551-2. 


45 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  III. 


^OHN  WILKINSON/''  the  second  son  of  Lawrance,  was 


'^M  born  in  Providence,  R.  T.,  Marcli  2.  1654,  died  April  10, 
1708.  Nurtured  in  the  wilderness  amid  trying  scenes  and 
hardships  of  border  life,  it  is  nothing  strange  he  grew  up  a  hardy 
and  fearless  man,  always  ready  for  any  emergency,  whether  the 
athletic  exercises  of  wrestling  and  boxing,  or  the  deadly  hand  to 
hand  encounter  with  the  red  men  of  the  forest  ;  and  it  was  not 
his  fate  to  be  conquered  whatever  the  strife.  He  was  noted  ior 
his  physical  prowess,  and  no  man  in  the  Colony  was  an  overmatch 
for  him.  The  early  records  exhibit  a  peculiar  trait  of  his  character, 
and  that  is — an  aggressive  spirit.  Never  satisfied  with  present 
attainments  he  was  constantly  reaching  out  for  greater  acquisitions, 
and  he  was  generally  successful  in  obtaining  the  object  of  his  desire. 
Perfectly  honorable  and  upright,  he  used  no  artifice  to  accomplish 
his  purposes.  His  father  [awrancc,  entertaining  the  correct  idea 
for  a  settler  in  a  new  country,  took  up  from  time  to  time  about  a 
thousand  acres  of  land  in  and  around  Providence,  and  thus  set 
an  example  which  his  sons  were  not  slow  to  follow  ;  but  by  the 
time  they  became  of  age  it  was  necessary  to  go  out  several  miles 
into    the    surrounding   forests,  as  all    the   land    in    the  immediate 


"■"'Savage  mentions  John  as  follows:  "John,  ProvidenLi-.  Cvjn  (perhaps  the  youngest) 
of  Lawrance,  by  his  wife  Dcburah,  manici  i6th  April,  16S9;  had  John,  bi>rn  March, 
1690;  Mercy,  30  June,  1694;  Sarah,  22  June,  1696;  Freclo'ue,  25  July,  1701  ; 
Daniel,  8  June,  1703,  and  yercmiah,  4  June,  1707.  This  last  was  ancestor  of  the 
distinguished  prophetess,  Jemima  Wilkinson.  His  eldest  son  married  Rebecca,  dau.  of 
the  second  Richard  Scott."  James  Savage's  ^'Genealogical  Dictionary  of  New  England.^'' 
Vol.  IV.,  p.  551-2. 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  339 

vicinity  was  appropriated  by  the  older  men  and  the  earlier  settlers. 

John  went  up  the  Blackstone  about  seven  miles,  and  settled 
on  the  west  side  of  the  river  in  a  very  pleasant  locality  near  what 
was  then,  and  is  now,  called  "  Martin's  Wade."  The  whole 
country  was  called  Providence  at  this  time,  and  the  divisions  of 
towns  and  counties  were  unknown.  The  road  h'om  Providence 
to  Woonsocket  runs  near  the  river  at  this  place,  and  another  road 
coming  from  the  west  past  the  "Dexter  Lime  Rock  "meets  it  at 
right  angles.  Directly  opposite  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  road 
stands  a  house  embowered  with  trees — the  present  residence  of 
Mr.  Hale  who  married  Elizabeth  Wilkinson,  a  lineal  descendant 
of  John.  Here  it  was  that  John  pitched  his  tent,  and  built  his 
humble  dwelling.  At  what  time  he  first  settled  at  this  beautiful, 
quiet,  and  really  romantic  place  we  are  not  able  now  to  determine, 
probably  between  1680  and  1690.  The  present  occupants  affirm 
that  the  old  part  of  a  very  ancient  house  was  taken  down  many 
years  ago  when  a  new  addition  was  put  up — that  said  addition 
was  taken  down  when  another  part  was  erected,  and  that  the 
present  house  was  built  on  the  original  site — being  x\\&  fourth 
house  that  has  been  built  on  the  ruins  of  its  predecessors. 

The  view  down  the  ri\  er  from  this  place  is  decidedlv  picturesque 
and  beaMtiful.  The  Blackstone  is  nearly  straight  to  Lonsdale, 
and  the  green  Bats  though  narrow,  are  bordered  by  gentle 
decliv'ties  on  either  side.  In  the  di-^tance,  and  on  the  west  side 
shoot  up  the  spires  of  churches,  and  the  many  windowed  factories 
of  the  Lonsdale  company,  while  on  the  east  side  looms  up  that 
magnificent  brick  mill  recently  erected,  and  within  a  i&'w  rods  of 
the  far-famed  *•'  Study  H'llV — the  historic  retreat  of  the  eccentric 
Blackstone. 

But  how  changed  is  the  scene  since  the  days  of  John's  first 
settlement!  Then  the  primitive  forests  bordered  the  river,  and 
the  heavy  foliage  hid  the  only  human  habitation  in  that  direction, 
\iz:  the  distingusihed  Richard  Scott's.  No  railroads,  no  telegraphs, 
no  villages,  and  no  dams  obstructed  the  waters  of  the   river,  and 


340  BIOGRJPHT  OF 

the  only  mode  of  conveyance  was  through  the  woods  by  blazed 
trees,  or  with  the  light  canoe  on  the  bosom  of  the  gentle  flowing 
Blackstone. 

John's  neighbors  in  this  sylvan  retreat  at  a  later  period  were 
the  Whipples  and  the  Dexters,  sons  of  the  Rev.  Gregory  Dexter 
— and  from  whom  the  "Dexter  Lime  Rock"  takes  its  name — 
and  the  aborigines.  The  latter  were  very  numerous,  and  frequently 
very  hostile.  They  looked  with  jealous  eyes  on  the  encroachments 
of  the  white  men,  and  used  every  means  in  the  power  to  prevent 
the  advancement  of  civilization.  They  did  not  hold  John  in  very 
hio-h  esteem,  although  they  feared  him.  The  Narragansett  tribe 
had  a  camp  in  a  swamp  east  of  the  river,  and  John  had  taken  up 
land  which  extended  into  the  swamp  and  included  a  part  of  their 
camp.  Although  he  did  not  molest  them,  yet  the  very  presence 
of  the  pale  faces  was  an  offence  to  these  lords  of  the  soil. 
Whoever  will  take  the  pains  to  examine  the  old  records  will  find 
a  description  of  this  land  purchased  at  a  later  date  by  John's  son^ 
a  part  of  which  runs  as  follows:  "one  messauge  or  tract  of  land 
*  *      lying  by  said  Wilkinson's  at  the  'Camp  Swamp.'  "* 

This  place  has  a  historical  reputation  in  R.  I.,  and  is  remembered 
as  being  one  of  the  strongholds  of  the  savages  during  King 
Phillip's  War,  in  1676,  one  hundred  years  before  the  Revolution. 
'-'■  Nine  Mens  Misery"  is  in  this  swamp  and  is  so  named  from  the 
fact  that  nine  men  were  cruelly  murdered,  and  shockingly  mutilated 
by  the  Indians.  Bliss  in  his  "  History  of  Rehoboth"t  gives  three 
traditions  concerning  the  time,  place,  and  manner  of  this  deed  ot 
horror.  He  says:  "The  third  tradition  respecting  this  event,  and 
the  one  which  seems  the  most  probable,  and  the  best  supported 
by  circumstances,  is,  that  these  nine  men  were  a  remnant  ot 
Pierce's  brave  band,  who  were  taken  prisoners  by  the  Indians, 
and  reserved  for  torture.  They  were  carried  to  a  sort  of  peninsular 
of  upland,  nearly  surrounded  by  Camp  Swamp,  and    seated  upon 


■^2  Book  Records,  223,  CumlieiLmd,  R.  I. 
|Blisb'  History  of  Rehoboth^  p.  94. 


JOHN  TVILKINSON.  341 

a  rock  in  a  kind  of  natural  amphitheater,  formed  by  the  elevated 
ground  around  it.    The  savages  commenced  the  war  dance  around 
them,  and  were  preparing  to  torture  them  ;  but  disagreeing  about 
the  manner  of  torture,  they  fell  into  a  quarrel  among  themselves 
in  which  some  of  the  Indians  despatched  the  prisoners  with  their 
tomahawks.      This  story  is  said  to  have  been  related  to  the  English 
by  an  Indian  who  was  soon  after  this  taken  prisoner.   The  Indians 
having  scalped  them,  left  their  bodies  upon  the  rock   where  they 
had  slain  them,  and  here  they  remained  unburied  till  they  were 
discovered  by  the  English  some  weeks    after.       They  were  then 
buried,  all  in  one  grave,  on  the  higher  ground,  fifteen  or    twenty 
rods  from  the  rock  on  which  thev  were  slain.      A  heap  of  small 
stones,   in    the    shape   of  the  earth  on  a  newly    made    grave  still 
marks  the  spot  where   they   lie."      Daggett   also,    mentions   this 
affair.* 

There  is  still  another  tradition  among  the  descendants  of  John 
in  Cumberland,  which  says,  these  men  were  tortured — that  they 
were  bound  to  trees,  and  then  ripped  open,  and  their  bowels  wound 
around  theni  and  the  trees  together,  and  that  they  were  afterwards 
tomahawked  !  The  heart  sickens  with  horror,  as  we  contemplate 
the  scene. 

It  is  nothing  strange  that  John  became  a  terror  to  the  Indians. 
Such  scenes  as  these  transpiring  on  his  own  farm,  or  at  least  so 
contiguous  to  it,  and  the  sufferers  being  his  neighbors  and  his 
acquaintances,  and  one  of  them  perhaps,  a  near  relative,  would 
be  apt  to  arouse  revenge  and  the  most  deadly  hate.  He  was  in 
King  Phillip's  V/ar,  and  was  noted  for  his  bravery  and  rashness. 
He  was  out  twenty-two  years  of  age,  but  he  feared  nothing  in 
human  form.  His  brother  Samuel  was  a  captain,  but  whether 
John  was  an  officer  or  a  private,  we  are  not  informed. 

Some  five  or  six  years  after  King  Phillip's  War  the   Indians 
became  more  tuibulent  again,  and  a   battle   was   fought   not   far 


*Daggett's  Hist,  of  Attleboio,  p.  ^2. 


342  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

from  the  old  Quaker  meeting-house  in  the  south  part  of  the 
town  of  Smithfield,  a  little  north-west  of  Scott's  pond.  The 
town  of  Providence  was  alarmed,  and  immediately  every  able-bodied 
man  was  under  arms  and  marching  to  the  scene  of  conflict. 
Arriving  in  the  vicinity  the  crack  of  the  musket  and  the  whizzing 
of  bullets  warned  them  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy.  Down 
among  the  tall  grass,  as  thick  as  grasshoppers;  behind  rocks,  trees, 
and  knolls  of  earth  were  the  wily  savages  pouring  in  a  destructive 
fire  upon  the   unprotected   band   of  settlers.      The  troops  were 

underthe  immediate  command  of  Major  S -.  The  Indians  were 

crowding  up  nearer  and  nearer,  and  the  white  men  were  falling 
here  and  there,  killed  or  wounded,  and  the  prospect  appeared 
gloomy  enough.  The  savages  were  evidently  flushed  with  success, 
and  were  making  progress  ::gainst  the  English,  when  the  commander 
seizing  a  favorable  opportunity  put  spurs  to  his  horse  and  fled 
towards  Providence.  The  old  men  of  the  town,  including 
Lawrance  Wilkinson,  whose  three  sons,  Samuel,  John  and  Josias 
were  in  the  fight,  had  gone  out  as  far  as  the  burying-ground  to 
the  north  of  the  town,  and  there  upon  an  elevation  were  anxiously 
listening  to  the  battle.  The  Major  out  of  breath,  and  in  the 
greatest  trepidation  ri)de  up,  and  with  fear-oppressed  utterance 
announced  the  entire  overthrow  and  extinction  of  all  our  forces 
bv  swarms  of  savages.  '■'•Our  men  are  all  killed"  siid  he.  Some 
of  the  aged  men  hastened  forward  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the 
matter  and  soon  come  within  sound  of  the  hrin<2;  which  was  still 
going  on  with  considerable  energy.  An  old  man  with  sorrowful 
countenance  addressed  the  venerable  Lawrance,  expressing 
sympathy  for  the  lr:)ss  his  of  sons.  ''■  I  would  much  rather  thev 
should  all  perish    fighting  like   brave    men  than   to    run  a\va\-  like 

Major  S "  replied  he.    His  own  conduct  at  the  battle  o!  New 

Castle  was  a  confirmation  of   this  sentiment. 

The  fight  continued  nearly  all  day.  As  the  savages  secreted 
tlicmsehes  in  the  tall  grass,  the  Rhode  Islanders  did  the  same. 
The    filing  was    promiscuoui  mil   broken.      Near   sun-down   the 


JOHN  WILKINSON.  343 

senior  officer  gave  orders  to  rise  and  discharge  their  pieces  and 
fall  in  the  rear.  An  a\vkv\'ard  fellow  cried  out — "-We  are  all 
discharged  already."  The  Indians  understanding  that  the  amunition 
of  the  whites  was  expended,  immediatclv  arose  from  their  covert, 
whereupon  the  Rhode  Islanders  poured  in  a  destructiv  e  hre.  The 
savages,  terror-stricken,  turned  and  fled  in  contusion  from  the 
field — and  the  day  was  v\'on. 

John  was  se'.erelv  wc^unded  in  this  tight,  and  in  the  "Proceedings 
of  the  Gencrall  Assemblv  of  R.  I.,  25th  Oct.,  1682,"  the 
following  entry  is  made: 

"■  J^oted^  upon  the  p^etition  oi  John  Wilkinson  of  the  towne  ot 
Pro\  idence,  who  was  wounded  in  the  late  warr  with  the  Indians, 
this  Assemblv  ('oe  allow  him  the  sum  ot  tenn  pc.unds  in,  or  as 
money,  to  be  paid  out  oi  the  Generall  Treasury.'"' 

John  married  at  t^he  age  ot  thirt\-fi\  e,  Deborah  Whipple  and 
had  three  sons  and  three  daughters.  P  rom  this  family  descended 
most  of  the  name  in  Cumberland,  and  several  in  Smithtield.  The 
Pawtucket  Wilkinsons  trace  their  descent  from  the  oldest  son, 
John,  who  married  Rebecca  Scott  ;  and  a  numerous  branch  of  the 
New  York  Wilkinsons,  who  settled  in  Syracuse  and  Skaneateles, 
are  the  lineal  descendants  of  Daniel,  who  married  Abigaillnman 
— and  the  famous  Jemima  of  New  Jerusalem  notoriety,  was  the 
daughter  of  Jeremiah  who  married  Elizabeth  A.    \Vhipple. 

.Morton  S.  Willviii.-.*..!!,  U.  S.  Senator  from  Minnesota  is  a 
descendant  from  Daniel — and  Jeptha  A.,  the  rcnow^ned  inventor 
of  a  machine  to  manufacture  weaver's  reeds,  and  also,  ot  the 
"Rotary  Cylindrical  Printing  Press,"  is  a  descendant  of  Jeremiah, 
John's  youngest  son.  For  enterprise  and  business  talent — money 
making  and  invention,  no  branch  of  the  Wilkinson  family  excels 
or  even  equals  this. 

John  was  frequently  honored  by  his  tellow-citizens,  who 
imposed  upon  him  many  offices  of  trust.  He  was  Deputy  for 
Providence  to  the  General  Court  tor  several  years,  and  his  service 

*Records  of  the  Colony  of  R.  I.,  Vol.  III. 


344  JOHN  IFILKINSON. 

was  always  acceptable  to  his   constituency.      He  served   his  day 
and  generation  well. 

The  locality  where  he  first  settled  has  undergone  the  changes 
so  beautifully  and  truthfully  described  by  the  "  Quaker  Poet." 

"  Over  the  roofs   of"   the  pioneers 
Gathers  the  moss  of  a  hundred  years ; 
On  man  and  his  works  has  passed  the  chance 
Which  needs  must  be  in  a  century's  range. 
The  land  lies  open  and  warm  in  the  sun, 
Anvils  clamor  and  mill-wheels  run — 
Flocks  on  the  hill-sides,  herds  on  the  plain. 
The  wilderness  gladdened  with  fruit  and  grain; 
But  the  living  faith  of  the  settlers  old 
A  dead  profesbion  their  children  hold." 

John  died  suddenly  in  his  55th  year,  and  was  found  sitting  upon 
a  stone  by  the  way-side — dead. 

See  />.  57. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.   IV. 


JOSEPH    WILKINSON   was   one   of   the   most   active, 
energetic  sons  of  Samuel.    He  improved  every  opportunity 


to  prepare  himself  for  business — reading  every  book — listening  to 
every  story  with  an  earnestness  that  bespoke  a  hungering  and 
thirsting  after  knowledge.  He  learned  surveying  from  his  father, 
who  was  an  expert  in  that  art  and  frequently  called  upon  his  boys 
to  carry  the  chain.  He  had  no  school  advantages  ;  the  schoolmaster 
was  not  abroad  in  those  days.  In  fact  the  country  was  a  wilderness 
— the  distance  from  one  neighbor  to  another  precluded  the  idea  of 
schools.  Children,  if  taught  at  all,  were  instructed  by  their 
parents  at  home.  Books  were  rare,  but  those  possessed  were 
valuable,  and  were  well  read.  And  here  was  the  secret  of  the 
success  of  those  men — a  feiv  good  books  thoroughly  read^  and  enough 
TO  DO.  The  result  was  :  energetic,  practical  business  men — 
farmers,  mechanics,  merchants,  statesmen — with  unblemished 
moral  characters.  "  There  were  giants  in  those  days."  The 
trouble  with  us  at  the  present  time — the  trouble  with  our  children 
is,  we  have  to  many  books — read  too  many  and  do  not  thoroughly 
digest  what  we  do  read  ;  too  much  surface  work  and  not  enough 
going  to  the  bottom  of  things  ;  we  are  satisfied  with  an  outside 
view,  and  do  not  stop  to  pry  into  the  cause,  the  reason  why  and 
wherefore  of  natural  and  spiritual  phenomena.  More  thought  is 
is  necessary.  The  man  who  thinks  a  good  deal,  will  do  a  good 
deal.      Your  intellectual   drone  will  never   amount  to  anything. 

.         46 


346  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

Joseph  was  a  hard  thinker  as  well  as  a  hard  worker.  Situated  as 
he  was,  about  ten  miles  from  the  "Harbour  of  Providence,"  in 
the  wilderness  of  what  is  now  Smithfield,  he  enjoyed  no  advantages 
which  the  present  day  aiTords.  But  his  father's  house  contained 
books,  and  mechanical  and  surveying  implements  The  hills,  the 
forests,  the  rocks  and  running  brooks — Nature's  great  Book — 
was  open  for  instruction,  and  furnished  abundant  pabulum  for  a 
hungry  soul.  The  red  man  of  the  woods,  the  wild  animals,  the 
sweet  warblers  of  the  groves,  all  were  objects  of  attraction,  and 
taught  him  many  a  lesson  never  to  be  forgotten.  He  frequently 
went  "  to  town  "  with  his  father,  and  saw  the  "  big  ship,"  and 
the  sailors  and  cargoes,  and  heard  their  long  yarns  of  lands  far 
away.  He  treasured  all,  and  when  he  came  to  be  a  man,  used 
all  he  had  learned  in  boyhood  and  turned  it  to  good  account. 

He  was  a  pioneer  in  Scituate — one  of  the  first  men  on  the 
ground.  He  was  there  in  1700,  perhaps,  when  he  was  but  a 
vouth.  He  early  resumed  responsibility,  and  acted  well  his  part. 
When  the  town  was  set  off  from  Providence  in  1730,  he  was 
elected  a  member  of  the  Town  Council.  His  opinions  were 
honored  bv  hi>  compeers — his  advice  was  sought  and  followed. 
He  was  a  thorough  going  business  man.  He  did  his  own  business 
well,  and  therefore  the  town  called  him  to  do  their  business.  He 
did  not  disappoint  them — their  expectations  were  realized.  He 
was  a  good  financier,  and  husbanded  well  his  own  resources;  hence 
they  made  him  Town  Treasurer.  His  views  of  civil  government 
and  law  were  founded  in  justice,  therefore,  they  elected  him  to 
the  Legislature.  Judge  Westcott  says  Joseph  was  the  first 
Representative  to  the  General  Assembly  from  Scituate.  In 
whatever  position  they  placed  him,  he  met  the  expectations  of 
his  friends. 

Joseph  was  a  good  husband — he  loved  his  wife.  She  was  a 
notable  woman  and  deserved  to  be  loved.  On  one  occasion  in 
mid-winter  a  daughter  was  lying  sick,  not  expected  to  live.  The 
snow  was  very  deep,  teams  could  not  go.       She  equipped  herself 


JOSEPH  rVILKINSON.  347 

with  snow  shoes  and  walked  twelve  miles  over  the  deep  snow  to 
see  the  invalid  and  to  care  for  her.  Few  women  could  do  that 
now-a-days.  Joseph  esteemed  her  above  gold.  On  another 
occasion  while  her  husband  was  two  miles  away  at  work,  she 
heard  a  noise  in  a  sweet  apple  tree  near  the  house.  It  was  rare, 
choice  fruit,  and  highly  prized  by  all  the  family.  Upon  looking 
out  she  espied  a  large  black  bear  up  in  the  tree  shaking  ofF  the 
apples.  Bears  like  sweet  apples,  and  Martha  thought  Bruin  was 
getting  more  than  his  share.  Her  ire  arose,  and  she  determined 
to  protect  her  property  at  whatever  hazard.  She  seized  the  gun 
which  was  loaded  for  such  occasions,  went  out  and  fired.  The 
explosion  and  springing  of  the  gun  alarmed  her — She  let  it  fall — 
ran  into  the  house  and  bolted  the  door.  When  her  husband  came 
home  from  work.  Bruin  was  stark  dead  !  and  they  had  bear's  meat 
for  some  time  after  that.  Joseph  prized  his  wife  above  rubies. 
So  common  were  bears  at  this  time  that  log  folds  were  built  to 
protect  the  sheep  from  their  predatory  incursions.  Joseph  built 
his  near  the  house,  and  when  these  prowlers  in  quest  of  mutton 
were  heard  rolling  the  logs,  the  old  gun  would  awaken  mid-night 
echoes  among  the  hills  of  Scituate. 

Joseph  was  a  kind  father — he  loved  his  children  and  made 
provision  for  them  by  giving  them  good  farms,  and  starting  them 
with  a  respectable  outfit  in  life.  He  gave  Benjamin  one  hundred 
acres,  and  Ishmael  eighty  acres  of  land.* 

The  consideration  of  those  deeds  was  "the  love,  good-will  and 
affection"  he  bore  his  "loving  sons." 

Joseph  had  something  to  do  with  military  matters.  He  is  called 
Lieutenant  in  public  documents.  Frequent  collisions  with  the 
Indians  rendered  it  necessary  to  equip,  train  and  observe  military 
discipline.  Personally  he  was  on  good  terms  with  the  red-men. 
They  rendezvoused  near  his  dwelling.  On  one  occasion  they 
held  a  pow-wow  and  dance  on  his  premises.  A  thunder-storm 
drove  them  all  into  the  house.      They  consumed  everything  they 

*See  2  Book  of  Deeds,  p.  — ,  Scituate. 


348  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

could  find,  and  departed  without  even  so  much  as  thanking  the 
proprietor  for  their  entertainment.  Sometime  afterwards  they 
called  and  left  some  very  fine  venison. 

Joseph  built  one  of  the  finest  houses  in  Scituate,  and  the  first  one 
finished  off  in  panel  work.  It  was  erected  in  1 725,  or  thereabouts, 
a  little  north  of  the  Drew  place.  It  was  two  stories  high  with 
two  square  rooms  below — an  entry  in  front,  and  three  rooms  and 
a  pantry  in  the  back  part.  The  second  story  had  six  rooms. 
This  house  was  burned  in  the  winter  of  1854-5,  having  stood  one 
hundred  and  twentv  years.      So  well  did  thev  build  in  those  days. 

His  application  to  business — his  perseverance  and  industry, 
coupled  with  the  natural  rise  in  real  estate  as  the  country  became 
settled,  made  Joseph  a  rich  man.  His  cattle  increased,  his  sheep 
and  goats  multiplied,  and,  like  .Joseph  of  old  he  was  greatly 
prospered  in  this  world's  goods.  During  his  life-time  he  owned 
nearly  a  thousand  acres  of  land. 

He  died  in  1740,  aged  fifty-eight,  and  his  inventory  of  personal 
property  enumerates  five  horses,  fifty  cattle,  a  large  number  of  sheep, 
goats,  &c.,  «5cc.,  all  amounting  to  over  ^£1200.  He  was  buried 
in  a  field  near  his  first  residence  in  Scituate,  where  his  remains 
still  repose  marked  by  two  rough  stones.  The  time  will  soon  coi^ie 
when  the  last  resting  place  of  this  pioneer  of  Scituate  will  be 
entirely  forgotten,  unless  some  of  his  lineal  descendants  erect  to 
his  memory  a  suitable  tombstone. 

Posterity  of  Joseph  !  your  ancestor  is  worthy  this  honor. 

I  visited  thisplace  in  1865,  and  as  I  paused  at  the  grave  of  Joseph 
my  attention  was  arrested  by  the  surroundings.  There  stood  the 
house  as  it  stood  in  days  of  yore  with  the  smoke  curling  from 
the  chimney  top — and  there  the  barn  with  swallows  twittering 
around  it,  and  the  feathery  tribe  within  making  the  day  vocal  with 
their  clarion  sounds,  and  at  my  feet  the  mound  which  had  for  more 
than  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  years  held  the  sacred  reliques 
of  the  departed  in  their  calm,  still  sleep. 

As    I    mused    upon   the  mystery  of   life  and  death,  and   was 


JOSEPH  WILKINSON.  349 

revolving  the  question — "  If  a  man  die  shall  he  live  again?"  the 
dinner  horn  blew,  and  the  picture  painted  in  Gray's  Elegy  was 
complete — 

"The  breezy  call  of  inscense-breathing  morn, 

The  swallow  twittering  from  her  straw-built  shed, 
The  cock's  shrill  clarion,  or  the  echoing  horn 

No  more  shall  arouse  them  from  their  lowly  bed." 

— See  ^.77. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  V. 

ILLIAM  HOPKINS,  the  oldest  child  of  William  Hopkins 
and  Ruth  Wilkinson  his  wife,  was  born  in  Scituate,  R.  I., 
about  the  year  1705.  He  early  manifested  a  predilection  for  the 
sea,  and  became  an  expert  navigator  and  a  successful  sea  captain. 
In  point  of  intellect  and  talent  he  is  said  to  be  superior  to  his 
brothers  Stephen  and  Esek,  and  was  the  most  promising  young 
man  in  the  Colony  ;  and,  had  he  lived  tillthedaysof  the  Revolution 
would  have  made  his  mark  in  national  affairs,  but  he  died  quite 
a  young  man,  and  .much  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him.  The 
following  anecdote  is  worthy  preservation  :  At  the  age  of  about 
nineteen,  he  was  in  London,  England,  as  mate,  or  master  of  a 
ship  when  a  mob  was  raised  in  consequence  of  a  public  offender 
taking  refuge  in  the  King's  palace  or  place  of  residence  in  that 
city,  and  the  avowed  determination  of  the  King  to  protect  the 
refugee.  The  excitement  was  great,  and  the  passions  of  the  mob 
raised  to  the  highest  pitch,  and,  ''''down  with  the  Palace!  down  with 
the  King!"  was  shouted  from  a  thousand  angry  ruffians.  With 
sledges,  axes  and  iron  bars  they  commenced  the  work  of  demolition. 
William  seeing  their  determination  to  kill  the  King,  placed  himself 
at  the  head  of  a  body  of  armed  marines  and  sailors,  and  being 
joined  by  a  multitude  of  loyal  citizens,  rushed  to  the  rescue 
shouting — '■'■Fall  in  and  protect  the  King."  Their  attack  was  so 
Impetuous  that  they  dispersed  the  mob  in  less  than  ten  minutes. 
The  King  soon  learning  the  name  of  the  leader  of  the  rescuing 
party,  gave  Hopkins  a  pressing  invitation  to  make  his  Palace  his 


WILLUM   HOPKINS.  351 

place  of  abode  while  he  remained  in  London,  which  invitation 
was  accepted.  While  there  he  received  marked  attention,  and 
many  royal  favors.  The  King  granted  him  a  colonel's  commission 
which  he  sold  when  he  left  England  for  $900.  Among  other 
presents  was  a  court  suit,  consisting  of  vest,  pants  and  coat,  the 
latter  very  costly,  embroidered  and  trimmed  with  gold  lace  four 
inches  in  width.  This  coat  is  still  preserved,  but  not  entire.  It 
was  cut  in  pieces  and  distributed  among  the  members  of  the 
family  after  his  death,  as  a  memorial  of  the  occasion,  and  the 
heroism  of  the  donee. 

It  was  his  custom  to  wear  this  suit  when  he  came  into  port,  and 
the  joy  of  bis  parents  when  he  first  returned,  and  related  his 
adventure  is  better  imagined  than  described.  Stephen  Randall  of 
Roger  Williams'  monument  notoriety  of  Providence,  has  been 
collecting  the  fragments,  and  has  in  his  possession  several  pieces 
of  the  lace,  coat  and  vest.  The  author  has  a  small  piece  of  the 
short  pants,  which  were  also  cut  up  and  distributed  after  his 
decease.  It  is  scarlet  silk  velvet,  and  has  been  in  use  during  the 
past  one  hundred  and  twenty  years.  This  was  obtained  from  a 
distant  relative  who  resides  in  Central  New  York. 

He  continued  to  traverse  the  sea  and  made  several  successful 
voyages.  He  frequently  went  to  London  and  was  always  well 
received  by  the  King.  On  one  occasion  he,  with  several  American 
officers,  was  presented  to  the  Queen  of  England.  The  most  of 
them  bowed  very  reverently  and  kissed  her  hand,  which  she 
presented  for  the  purpose,  but  our  gallant  commander  stood  erect 
and  gave  her  a  kiss  of  very  great  respect  upon  her  cheek,  and 
notwithstanding  the  dignity  of  her  Queenship,  she  in  no  wise 
resented  the  familiarity,  but  by  the  smile  that  wreathed  her 
countenance,  seemed  rather  pleased  than  angered  by  it.  In  this 
she  showed  her  womanly  common  sense,  for  he  being  a  good 
looking  young  man,  she  undoubtedly  preferred  to  have  him  repeat 
the  operation  than  to  omit  it  altogether. 

At  what  time  he  married    Abby    Curtis  we  are   not    informed. 


^52  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

Thev  had  but  one  son,  Capt.  Christopher  Hopkins  who  married 
Sarah  Jenks,  and  their  son  Daniel  married  Susanna  Wilkinson, 
daughter  of  John  Wilkinson  of  Smithfield,  Sept.  4,  1774,  Elder 
Ezekiel  Angell  officiating  at  the  marriage  ceremony.* 

William  Hopkins  was  a  military  man  with  the  rank  of  colonel, 
and  when  we  consider  the  age  at  which  these  honors  were  conferred 
upon  him,  he  certainly  held  a  high  place  in  the  estimation  and 
confidence  of  his  King  and  countrymen.  June  15,  1739,  he  was 
given  the  command  of  an  armed  vessel,  and  was  authorized  to 
to  raise  troops  and  fit  out  private  vessels  of  war,  to  redress  seizures 
aud  depredations  in  the  west  Indies  by  the  Spanish. f  Orders  were 
received  from  Gen,  Thomas  Wentworth  from  Camp  Isle,  Cuba, 
Aug.  12,  I  741,  to  recruit  for  this  service,  and  very  active  measures 
were  taken  to  prosecute  this  war  vigorously.  Capt.  Winslow 
was  also  ordered  to  recruit.  The  following  is  a  copv  of  General 
Wentworth's  letter  to  Richard  Ward,  the  Governor  ox   R.  I. 

"Sir: 

His  Majesty  having  directed  nie  to  use  my  best  endeavors 
to  recruit  his  forces  under  mv  command  in  his  Colonies  in  North 
America,  I  have  appointed  Capt.  Hopkins,  Lieut.  Chaloner  and 
Lieut.  Smith  to  repair  for  that  purpose  to  your  province  not 
doubting  of  your  giving  them  all  the  assistance  in  your  power  to 
levy  soldiers  not  only  tor  completing  Col.  Gooche's  Regiment, 
but  if  practicable  to  raise  a  greater  number  either  to  fill  up  the 
vacancies  in  the  two  old  corps  and  in  the  marines,  or  to  form 
another  battalion,  as  it  shall  be  found  best  for  his  Majesty's  service. 

As  I  have  no  means  of  supplying  the  recruiting  officers  with 
money,  you  will  Sir,  be  pleased  to  give  the  aforesaid  Captains 
credit  for  such  sums  as  may  be  wanted  for  that  service,  and  to 
drav/  upon  the  Rt.  Hon.  Henry  Pelham,  Esq.,  the  Paymaster 
General,  tor  the  said  use.  As  to  the  particular  sums  to  be  paid 
to  the  said  recruiting  officer,  I  refer  you  to  his  Instructior,  which 
he  will  lay  before  you. 

All  such  as  will  enlist  themselves  on  this  occasion  will  be 
entitled  to  the  advantages  ofl^erred  by  his  Majesty  in  his  instructions 
on  the  first  raisi.nfz  Col.  Gooche's  Regiment.      I  don't  doubt  Sir, 


*i  Book  of  Births  and  Marriages,  p.  31,  North    Providence,  R.  I. 
fPublic  Letters,  1731-41,  \K  67,  Sec.  of"  State's  Office,  Providence,  R.  I. 


li^lLLIAM  HOPKINS.  353 

but  you  will  take  the  proper  measures  for  their  being  transported 
hither,  to  support  which  charge,  I  flatter  myself  the  respective 
Provinces  will  n:ake  a  provision,  as  all  his  Majesty's  dominions  in 
the  West  Indies  are  particularly  interested  in  the  success  of  this 
Expedition. 

I  beg  leave  to  assure  vou  Sir,  that  such  young  gentlemen  as 
shall  give  their  assistance  in  raising  men,  and  shall  be  properly 
recommended,  will  be  provided  for  in  the  vacancies  which  may 
happen  in  Col.  Gooche's  Regiment.  I  shall  Sir,  have  a  more 
particular  regard  to  vour  friends,  being  I  am 

Your  Most  Obt.  Humble  Serv't, 

Kingston,  Jamaica,  Thos.    Wentworth.* 

2d  Feb.,  1 74 1 -2. 

This  order  was  obeyed  with  alacrity,  and  through  the  activity 
of  Capt.  Hopkins  the  Regiments  were  filled  up,  and  the  troops 
were  in  readiness  to  sail  when  orders  came  to  him,  Oct.  8,  1742, 
to  disband  and  discharge  his  troops  as  a  satisfactory  arrangement 
had  been  made  b\  his  Majesty  and  the  reigning  sovereign  of  Spain. 
There  is  a  tradition  that  Capt.  Hopkins  led  an  expedition  against 
some  place  in  Cuba,  and  iought  a  battle,  carrying  the  city  by 
assault,  but  it  must  have  been  previous  to  the  date  last  mentioned. 
He  was  a  brave,  fearless  man,  nobleand  dignified  in  his  deportment, 
open  and  frank  in  his  character  and  was  universally  beloved  and 
respected  by  the  community. 

In  the  year  1743,  an  event  occurred  which  gave  him  some 
trouble  and  was  a  source  of  annoyance  while  he  lived.  While 
coming  into  the  port  of  Providence  he  attacked  and  captured  a 
Dutch  ship,  there  having  been  some  difficulty  existing  which 
occasioned  the  attack,  and  for  this  he  received  a  note  of  censure 
from  the  English  authorities. f 

He  died  the  following  year  much  lamented  by  his  family  friends 
and  fellow-citizens. 

The  following  quit  claim  deed,  as  it  shows  the  relationship  of 
the  Hopkins  and  Wilkinson  families  will  be  read  with  interest  by 
the  descendants  of  both  branches.      The   signature  of  William's 

*PubHc  Letters,  1742-45,  p.  21,  Sec.  of  St.ite's  Office,  Providence,  R.  I. 
yPublic  Letteis,  1742-45,  p.  34,  Sec.  ot'  State's  Office,  Providence,  R.  I. 

-47 


354 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


brother,  Stephen  Hopkins,  the  signer  of  the  Declaration  is  not  in 
the  trembling  hand  which  appears  upon  that  immortal  instrument. 
The  original  article  is  in  the  hands  of  the  author,  and  will  be 
preserved  in  a  neat  substantial  frame,  as  an  heir  loom. 

QUIT  CLAIM   DEED   FROM   WM.  HOPKINS  TO  JOSEPH  WILKINSON. 

"Know  all  People  Before  whome  these  presents  shall  Come: 
That  whereas  my  Honoured  Grandfather,  Capt.  Samuel  Wilkinson, 
f, ate  of  Providence,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhoad  Island  and  Providence 
Plantations,  in  New  England:  deceased,  dyed  Intestate;  whereby 
his  Lands  and  Reail  Estate  fell  to  be  devideable  among  all  his 
Children,  both  sons  and  daughters  :  according  to  the  law  of  said 
Colonv  that  was  then  in  force  at  the  time  of  his  deith  ;  Therefore 
Know  yee  that  I,  William  Hopkins,  Jun'r  of  said  Pro\idence  and 
Colonv  aforesaid  :  Being  P^ldest  Son  and  Heire  to  my  deceased 
mother  Ruth  Hopkins:  whose  maiden  name  was  Ruth  VVilkinson; 
for,  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-four 
Pounds  Currant  money  ot  New  England  by  mee  in  hand  already 
Received  and  well  and  truly  Paid  by  my  Unckle  Joseph  Wilkinson 
of  said  Providence  and  Colony  aboue  said  ;  veoman — the  Receipt 
whereof  I  doe  hereby  acknowledge  and  mvselt  therewith  to  he 
fully  satisfied,  contented  and  paid:  Have  Remissed,  Released; 
and  doe  by  these  presents  Remise,  Release,  and  forever  and 
wholly  Quit  Claime  unto  him  the  said  Joseph  Wilkinson,  his 
heirs,  executors,  administrators  and  assigns  torc\  er,  all  his  title, 
claime  and  Interest  in  and  to  all  the  Lands,  meadt)ws  and  comnuMi's 
that  belonged  to  my  said  Grandta;  her  Samuel  Wilkinson,  deceased  ; 
as  I  fully  represent  m/  said  deceased  [mother]  the  aboue  named 
Ruth  Hopkins  ;  that  is  to  say  as  well  that  which  was  the  homestead 
farme  of  mv  said  deceased  Grandfather  W^ilkinson :  with  the 
houseing  buildings,  fenceing  and  Improvements  thereon,  as  also, 
all  the  other  Lands,  meadows  and  Commons  within  the  Towne 
and  Jurisdiction  ot  the  Towne  ot  Providence  abouesaid  :  To  haue 
and  To  Hold  all  the  abouesaid  Released  Lands  and  Privileges 
abouesaid  unto  him  the  said  Joseph  Wilkinson,  his  Heirs,  Executors, 
Administrators  and  Assigns,  and  unto  his  and  theire  own  proper 
use,  benefit  and  beh<jofe  free  and  Cleare  forever:  And  I,  the  said 
William  Hopkins  for  myselt,  mv  heirs,  executorsand  administrators 
doe  couinant  and  Promise  to,  and  with  the  said  Joseph  Wilkinson, 
his  Heirs,  Executors,  Administrators  and  Assigns;  that  I  the  said 
William  Hopkins,  my  Heirs,  Executorsand  Administrators:  shall 


WILLIAM   HOPKINS.  355 

and  will  vvanajit  and  foreuer  defend  the  said  Remised  and  Released 
Lands  and  premises  ;  being  the  one-seauenth  part  of  all  the  Lands 
and  Reail  Estate  of  the  said  deceased  Samuel  Wilkinson  ;  unto  him 
the  said  Joseph  Wilkinson,  his  Heirs,  Executt)rs,  Administrators 
and  Assigns  against  the  Lawful  Challing,  Claimes,  or  demands  of 
anv  person  or   persons  whatsoever. 

In  witness  and  for  consideration  hereof,  I,  the  said  William 
Hopkins,  haue  hereunto  sett  mv  hand  and  Seale  this  twentv-third 
dav  of  Februarv  in  the  fourth  veare  of  the  Reign  of  our  Soureign 
Lord,  Georgff  the  Second,  King  of  Greatc  Brittan,  5cc.,  Anno 
Domini : —  1  730— 3  i . 

Sig!ied  Sealed  and  delivered^ 

In  the  presence  of  us         |        William  Hopkins,  J un'r.  [l.s.] 

Richard  Waterman,  jun'r,    j 

Stciphon   Hopkins.  J 

Providence  in  Rhoad  Island  Colony 
the  tlav  and  \ear  ahoue  written. 
Personally  appeared  the  aboue  named 
AVilliam  flopkins  and  acknowledged 
TiK-  ahoue  and  within  Written 
Instrument  to  he  his  own  free  and 
Vollintary  act  and  Decde,  before 
mee 

Richard  Waterm.in,  Assistant. 
— See  p.  80. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  VI, 


TEPHEN    HOPKINS  was   bom,  March  7,  1707.      His 


U  parentage  and  place  of  residence  are  well  known.  No 
obscurity  rests  upon  either.  And  his  mark  as  a  private  citizen 
and  public  servant  remains  indelibly  impressed  upon  the  hearts  of 
his  friends,  and  the  records  of  his  country.  Rhode  Island  never 
produced  a  more  accomplished  statesn^an  -,  and  she  has  erected  to 
his  memory  a  monument  with  an  inscription  which  attests  that 
his  virtues  and   his    talents  were  appreciated  by   his    native  state. 

His  birthplace  was  in  the  northwest  part  of  the  town  of  Scituate 
in  what  was  called  by  the  Indians  Chapumiscook.  The  house 
was  situated  about  thirteen  miles  from  the  city  of  Providence  on 
the  road  to  Killinglv,  Conn.  71ic  farm  where  he  was  born,  and 
which  was  owned  by  his  father,  consisted  of  about  two  hundred 
acres.  It  is  now  owned  bv  William  Colwell  of  Smithfield,  a 
man  of  wealth  and  influence.  It  is  known  as  Cjov.  West's  farm, 
and  when  in  the  possession  ui  the  Hopkins'  was  exceedingly 
fertile,  producing  excellent  crops  of  corn,  rye,  oats  and  potatoes  ; 
and  was  well  adapted  to  grazing. 

To  describe  the  place  of  one's  birth  from  the  appearance  of 
the  spot  one  hundred  and  sixty  years  after  the  event,  especially 
in  a  new,  and,  what  was  then,  an  unsettled  country, — covered 
with  the  primitive  forests — is  a  task  from  which  even  the  most 
vivid  imagination  would  shrink,  and  the  ordinary  has  but  little 
hope  of  picturing  the  scene  as  it  was.  At  best  the  present 
appearance  only,  can   be  given,  and  the    filling  up   of  the  picture 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  357 

by  sweeping  away  railroads,  telegraph  wires,  steamboats — and 
eradicating  cities,  villages,  and  even  rail,  and  stone  fences,  and 
common  highways — at  least,  a  multitude  of  them — and  replacing 
the  primitive  forests,  log  huts,  bridle  paths,  blazed  trees,  Indian 
savages  and  wild  beasts — must  be  left  for  the  reader  to  accomplish 
in  his  own  way  ;  and  though  he  has  never  seen  the  locality,  yet 
will  he  come  as  near  the  truth  as  those  who  have  always  resided 
upon  the  premises.  The  house  in  which  Stephen  Hopkins  was 
born  has  long  since  gone  into  oblivion  and  returned  to  dust.  The 
well  still  remains,  but  the  paths  trod  by  active  feet  have  disappeared. 

"The  walks  vvirh  yrass  are  overgri)vvn, 

And  weeds  fill  up   the  garden  bed; 
The  moss  clings  to  the  stepping  stone, 
Ani  tVom  the  trees  the  birds  have  flown, 

Now  that  the  tree  is  dead." 

The  present  house  near  the  spot  where  stood  the  old  one  is  so 
near  the  old  well  that  water  is  drawn  from  it  without  going  out 
of  doors.  The  old  gravevard  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road 
remains,  so  far  as  locality  is  concerned,  as  it  was  one  hundred 
and  fifty  years.  Large  and  decayed  apple  trees  scattered  here 
and  there,  serve  to  show  where  the  orchard  stood,  but  it  is 
doubtful  if  thev  go  back  to  the  time  of  the  birth  of  Stephen. 
The  clearing  of  the  land  has  materially  altered  the  landscape, 
though  the  great  natural  features  are  retained  to  a  certained  extent. 
The  contour  of  distant  hills  browned  by  the  falling  leaves  of 
autumn,  whitened  by  the  snows  of  winter,  or  made  verdant  by 
the  genial  rays  of  spring  and  summer  presents  now,  as  it  did  then, 
a  scene  beautiful,  and  even  magnificent  to  gaze  upon,  but  the 
minutia  have  all  changed  with  the  revolving  years. 

"  The  ancestry  of  Stephen  Hopkins  on  both  sides,"  says  the 
Rev.  C.  C.  Bemen,  "  was  of  the  highest  respectability."  His 
father  was  William  Hopkins,  the  only  child  of  Major  William 
Hopkins,  and  his  mother  Ruth  Wilkinson,  daughter  of  Captain 
Samuel  Wilkinson  of  Providence.      Thomas   Hopkins,*  the  first 


*"Thomas  Hopkins,  Providence,  1641— had  followed  Roger  WiWiams  in  1636   from 
Plymouth;  m.  Elizabeth,  d^u.  ot'  Wm.  Arni)ll  the  first;    had  W\\V\am,  Thomas.     Swore 


358  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

ancestor  of  Stephen  in  America,  came  from  England  to  Providence 
in  the  very  early  settlement  of  the  town,  and  had  a  house  and  lot 
assigned  him  in  1638.  Some  have  claimed  him  as  the  son  of 
Stephen  Hopkins  who  came  out  in  the  "  Mayflower,"  but  the 
evidence  is  not  satisfactory.  A  careful  examination  into  this 
matter  has  determined  that  he  was  not  the  same.  He  was  elected 
Commissioner  to  the  ••'  Court  ot  Commissioners,"  as  the  legislature 
of  Rhode  Island  was  then  called,  in  1650,  and  also,  in  several 
subsequent  years  down  to  1668.  He  married  Elizabeth  Arnold, 
sister  to  Benedict  Arnold  (not  the  traitor)  but  one  of  the  Presidents 
of  the  "Court  of  Commissioners,"  and  also,  the  first  Governor 
of  Rhode  Island  under  the  last  charter  granted  by  King  Charles 
II.  July  8th,  1663.  Major  William  Hopkins,*  son  of  Thomas, 
married  Abigail  Whipple,  the  daughter  of  John  Whipple,  one 
of  the  first  settlers  of  Providence,  and  a  relati\c  of  the  distinguished 
Commodore  Whipple.  Major  William  Hopkins  was  quite  an 
extensive  landholder  in  Scituate,  as  the  records  of  that  town  will 
show,  and  identified  himself  with  all  enterprises  ot  a  public 
character  for  the  promotion  of  the  rising  state.  His  name  appears 
with  that  of  Roger  Williams  and  7"homas  Field  as  a  committee 
for  the  sale  of  Indian  captives  at  the  close  of  King  Phillip's  war, 
August  14th,  1676,  one  hundred  years  before  the  Revolution. 
This  practice  of  selling  Indian  captives  was  soon  abandoned. 
The  native  sons  of  the  forests  could  not  be  enslaved,  and  the 
investment  proved  an  unprofitable  one  whenever  made.  He 
was  an  early  patron  of  schools  and  institutions  of  learning,  and 
greatly  promoted   the   cause   of  education   in   the   infant  colony. 


allegience  to  Charles  II.  June,  1668,  as  did  Thomas,  Jr.  in  May,  1  671,  was  represent  itive 
some  years,  and  progenitor  of  Stephen,  the  Governor.      .See  Mass.  Hist.  Col.  I,  4." 

— Savage's   Gen.  Diet.,  in  loc, 

*"  William,  Providence.  Swore  allegience  in  May,  1668,  (one  month  before  his 
father  Thomas)  m.  Abigail,  dau.  of  John  Whipple — Had  Willi.im  ( wh>  by  his  wife  R  uth, 
dau.  of  Samuel  and  Plain  Wilkinson  was  father  of  the  venerable  Steplien,  Gov.  of  the 
State,  and  immortal  signer  of  the  Decl'n  of  Ind'ce,  as  also  of  Esek,a  distinguished  naval 
officer  in  support  of  the  same  cause)  they  lived  through  [hat  war,  and  were  rewarded  for 
their  constancy.  Twenty-nine  of  this  name  had  been  graduated  in  1834,31  the  various 
N.  £.  colleges,  but  one  at  Harvard." — id. 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  359 

The  aspersion  that  Rhode  Island  gave  no  attention  to  the 
education  of  her  children  is  sufficiently  refuted  by  a  reference  to 
her  records.  We  find  his  name  with  others,  Jan.  1696,  petitioning 
the  town  of  Providence  for  a  piece  of  land  on  D.exter's  lane,  or 
Stamper's  hill  on  which  to  erect  a  school  house.  So  early  did 
the  settlers  make  a  move  for  the  establishment  of  these  primary 
institutions  of  Republicanism  ;  and  from  this  germ  Rhode  Island 
to-day  boasts  of  as  good  a  public  school  system  as  any  state  in 
the  Union.  This  lane  was  subsequently  called  Olney  street, 
from  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  town,  and  who  was 
at  one  time,  successor  of  the  Rev.  William  Wickenden,  as  pastor 
of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Providence.  William,  the  father  of 
Stephen,  early  settled  in  Scituate,  taking  up  lands  and  establishing 
his  residence  some  two  or  three  miles  south  of  the  residence  of 
Joseph  Wilkinson,  his  brother-in-law.  Large  tracts  of  land  were 
laid  out  to  them  on  the  west  side  of  the  "  Seven  mile  line,"  as 
may  be  seen  in  "■  The  Proprietor's  and  Purchaser's  Book  of 
Providence,"  now  in  the  keeping  of  the  Secretary  of  the  "Rhode 
Island  Society  for  the  Encouragement  of  Domestic  Industry," — - 
Judge  VVilliam  R.  Staples.  This  "  Seven  mile  line"  constitutes 
the  western  boundary  of  the  towns  of  Cranston,  Johnston  and 
Smithfield — extending  north  to  the  iMassachusetts  State  line. 

Of  the  childhood  of  Stephen  but  little  is  known,  as  no  record 
or  history  of  his  early  life  was  written,  and  traditions  have  expired 
with  former  generations.  His  father  was  a  pioneer  farmer,  and 
we  can  well  imagine  the  labor  of  the  boys  as  they  grew  up.  To 
clear  away  the  primeval  forests,  to  plant,  and  sow,  and  reap  and 
to  battle  with  the  aborigines  for  the  possession  of  their  hunting 
grounds,  were  the  labors  and  pastimes  of  the  early  settlers. 
Extreme  perils  and  privations  awaited  them.  Stephen  and  his 
older  brother  William  were  inured  to  labor  and  hardships,  and 
these  made  them  vigorous  and  fearless.  A  strong  passion  for 
reading  which  followed  them  through  life,  displayed  itself  from 
the  earliest  period,  and  they  began  soon  to  be  regarded  throughout 
the  town  as  youths  of  much  promise. 


360  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

It  is  somewhat  amusing  to  read  the  accounts  of  diffeient 
biographers  as  to  Stephen's  educational  advantages.  They  all  agree 
as  to  his  limited  opportunities,  but  at  the  same  time  make  them 
more  than  they  were.  The  Re\  .  Charles  A.  Goodrich  says: — 
"  His  early  education  was  limited,  being  confined  to  the  instruction 
imparted  in  the  common  schools  of  the  country.  Vet  it  is  recorded 
of  him  that  he  excelled  in  a  knowledge  of  penmanship,  and  in 
the  practical  branches  of  mathematics,  particularly  surveying." 
Another  author  says — '^  Stephen  Hopkins  received  nothing  more 
than  a  plain  country  education  by  which  he  acquired  an  excellent 
knowledge  of  penmanship,  and  became  con\ersant  with  the 
practical  branches  of  mathematics."  Dwight  says,  "  He  was 
favored  with  but  few  advantages  for  procuring  an  education  in 
early  life.  Those  he  did  enjoy  were  not  extended  beyond  what 
could  be  derived  from  a  country  school.  He  advantageously 
improved  these,  so  that  he  acquired  an  excellent  acquaintance 
with  penmanship,  and  to  some  extent  with  mathematics.  He  was 
a  good  practical  surveyor  of  lands."  Hemen — "  His  education 
must  have  been  very  inconsiderable.  Tradition  gives  him  one 
day's  schooling,  but  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  he  had  e\en  that 
in  a  public  school.  We  are  not  to  suppose,  however,  that  he  had 
no  instruction.  His  mother  probably,  taught  him  reading  and 
writing,  and  his  uncle,  Mr.  Joseph  Wilkinson,  living  not  far  off, 
and  himself  a  surveyor,  it  is  likely  instructed  him  in  that  art,  for 
we  find  him  still  a  youth,  engaged  in  surveying." 

The  fact  is  there  were  no  schools  in  that  part  of  Providence  in 
that  day.  The  only  means  of  education  was  home  instruction. 
They  had  books  however,  historical,  theological  and  incidents  of 
travel.  The  practical  branches  of  reading  and  writing,  geography 
and  arithmetic  were  understood  and  taught.  Stephen's  mother 
was  the  granddaughter  of  the  Rev.  William  Wickenden,  a  Baptist 
minister,  and  his  uncle  William  Wilkinson  was  a  distinguished 
preacher  among  the  Quakers.  The  writings  of  Spender  and 
Shakespeare,  Milton,  Jeremy,  Taylor,  John  Bunyan,  Dean  Swift, 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  361 

Addison,  Watts,  Young,  Blair,  Thompson,  Johnson — the  best 
writers  in  the  English  language  were  extant,  and  professional  men 
in  the  New  World  were  not  entirely  destitute  of  books.  A 
circulating  library  was  established  at  a  very  early  period,  at,  or 
near  Stephen's  grandfather's,  Capt.  Samuel  Wilkinson's,  who  liyed 
in  that  part  of  Providence  since  called  Smithfield. 

Stephen  was  not  remarkable  for  his  penmanship  till  after  he 
was  elected  town  clerk  of  Scituate,  where  the  constant  practice 
of  recording  deeds,  land  evidence,  &:c.,  made  him  a  beautiful 
penman,  as  the  first  books  in  the  clerk's  office  of  that  town 
plainly  show.  Surveying  he  undoubtedly  acquired  of  his 
grandfather  Samuel  Wilkinson,  who  was  a  most  expert  surveyor. 
His  name  appears  more  frequently  on  the  proprietor's  and  purchaser's 
book  ot  Providence  than  any  other  man's  in  the  early  days  of 
the  Colony.  There  seems  to  have  been  a  passion  for  this  branch 
ut  mathematics  which  has  been  handed  down  from  father  to 
son,  and  is  insisted  upon  even  at  the  present  time.  The  author 
is  owner  of  an  old  protractor  made  of  brass,  by  Israel  Wilkinson 
a  cousin  of  Stephen's.  He  well  remembers  also,  of  being  advised 
by  his  father  when  he  went  to  Oxford  Academy,  by  all  means  to 
gain  a  kno^vledge  of  surveying,  as  no  branch  of  study  would  be 
more  useful.  After  surveying,  navigation  was  reccommended,  as 
these  two  branches  gave  a  person  ascendency  on  land  and  water. 
Utility  was  the  prevailing  idea,  though  mental  discipline  was  not 
entirely  overlooked. 

One  of  the  old  surveys  made  by  Stephen's  grandfather,  of  lands 
in  that  part  of  Providence  now  called  Smithfield,  is  in  existence, 
bearing  date  as  late  as  1727,  when  Stephen  was  twenty  years  old, 
and  another  dated  1709.  It  was  designed  to  have  zfac  simile  of 
the  same  for  this  work,  but  it  has  been  neglected.  Stephen  became 
an  adept  in  this  art.  He  was  employed  in  surveying  lands  by  his 
native  town,  and  in  1737,  he  revised  the  highways,  and  projected 
a  map  of  Scituate,  and  also,  of  Providence  after  he  moved  into 
that  town.      In  1740,  he  was  chosen  surveyor  by  the   Proprietors 

48 


362  BIOGRJPHT  OF 

in  the  County  of  Providence.  His  surveys  were  very  accurate 
and  the  tests  of  the  present  day  seldom  find  an  error.  On  one 
occasion  having  passed  through  a  thick  shrubby  plain  he  found 
that  his  vi^atch  which  cost  25  guineas  (;i'i25,)  in  London,  was 
missiiKJ-.  Supposing  the  chain  had  become  entangled  in  the  bushes, 
and  the  watch  pulled  out  thereby,  he  set  the  course  back,  and  found 
it  hanging  on  a  bush  ! 

According  to  the  records  of  the  town  of  Scituate,  Stephen 
Hopkins  and  Sarah  Scott  were  married  by  William  Jenks,  Justice 
of  the  Peace,  Oct.  g,  1726,  each  of  the  p:irties  being  about 
nineteen  years  of  age.  She  was  born  June  24,  i  707.  Her  father 
was  Major  Sylvanus  Scott,  the  second  son  of  John  Scott.*  Her 
great-grandfather  was  the  distinguished  Richard  Scott, f 
"•gentleman,"  as  he  is  designated  in  the  old  colonial  records,  and 
was  one  of  the  early  settlers,  and  the  first  Ouaker  who  came  to 
Providence.  His  name  appears  with  Elder  Chad  Browne's  Elder 
William  Wickenden's,  Thomas  Angell's,  Thomas  Harris',  and 
others  in  the  second  company  who  united  with  Roger  Williams, 
after  the  thirteen  original  proprietors.  Guild  in  "  Manning,  and 
Brown  University,"  page  147,  says  he  was  one  of  the  original 
thirteen. 

His  letters  against  Roger  Williams  and  others  are  published  in 
"Fox's  New   England   Fire  Brand   Quenched,"  and    a    copy   of 


*"  Scott,  John,  Salem,  1648.  Servant  of  Lavvrance  Southwick,  the  Quaker;  may 
have  gone  to  Providence;  and  by  wife  Rebecca,  there — had  Sar.ili,  b.  29  Sept.,  1662; 
John,  14  Sept.,  1664;  Mary,  i  Feb.,  1666;  Catherine,  20  May,  1668;  Deborah,  24 
Dec,  1669;  and  Sylvanus,  10,  Nov.  1672.  He  took  oatii  of  allegience  to  Charles  II. 
in  1668. — Savage's  Gen.  Die.  in  he. 

t  Richard,  Boston,  Shoemaker.  Joined  our  church  28  Aug.,  1 634;  yet  his  wife 
Catherine,  daughter  of  Rev.  Edward  Marbury,  (  as  Bishop,  in  N.  E.  Judged  tells  )  did  not 
unite,  nor  either  of  the  children  Richard,  John,  Mary,  or  Patience — though  Ann 
Hutchinson,  their  aunt,  and  her  sister,  had  so  great  a  sway  in  it.  To  this  w.  Governor 
Winthrop,  I,  293,  ascribes  much  power  in  giving  light  on  believer's  baptism,  to  Roger 
Williams,  1638,  at  Providence,  wliere  he  was  removed  1 637,  before  the  time  of  disarming 
heretic  favorers  of  Hutchinson.  He  is  on  the  list  of  freeman  165^,  and  was  among  the 
Quaker  converts  1658,  and  his  wife  'an  ancient  woman'  was  imprisoned  and  vvhipt  at 
Boston  for  benevolent  services  in  diffusing  her  opinions;  and  her  daus.  Mary  and  Patience 
also,  were  imprisoned  by  equal  impolicy.  Mary,  m.  12  Aug.,  l66o,  Christopher  Holden  ; 
Patience,  m.  Henry  Beere,  and  Deliverence,  probably  a  younger  dau.  m.,  30  Aug.,  1670, 
Wm.  Richardson." — Savage's  Gen.  Die.  in  loc. 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  363 

said  work  is  in  the  University  Library  at  Providence.  Williams 
is  represented  in  quite  an  unfavorable  light  in  one  of  them — the 
error  of  prejudice  and  oi  the  age  combined,  which  time  has 
corrected. 

Sarah's  ancestry  on  her  mother's  side  was  highly  respectable. 
Her  mother's  maiden  name  was  Joanna  Jenckes,  the  daughter  of 
Joseph  Jenckes,  who  was  also  an  early  settler  in  Rhode  Island. 
Her  brother  Joseph  Jenckes,  jr.  was  elected  Gov.  of  Rhode  Island 
in  1727,  the  year  atter  her  marriage,  and  served  in  that  capacity 
five  years.  Gow  Jenckes  married  Martha  Browne,  daughter  of 
John  Browne,  and  grand-daughter  of  Elder  Chad  Browne,  the 
first  pastor  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in  America,  if  we  exclude 
Roger  ^V^iiliams. 

We  have  no  account  of  the  celebration  of  the  nuptials,  but  no 
doubt  a  happy  company  of  young  people  joined  in  the  festivities 
of  the  occasion  at  the  house  of  the  hiide's  father.  They  were 
married  in  the  evening.  In  his  ^'Sketches  of  Scituate,"  Bemen 
says  "the  marriage  took  place  June  27,  1726" — upon  what 
authority  we  are  not  informed.  The  records  in  Scituate  and 
Providence  agree  in  making  it  as  we  ha\e  before  stated.  To 
create  a  home  for  the  newly  married  couple  Stephen's  father  gave 
him  seventy  acres  of  land,  and  his  grandfather  Samuel  Wilkinson, 
bestowed  on  his  "loving  grandson,"  an  additional  tract  of  ninety 
acres — making  a  snug  little  farm  ot  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres, 
in  the  remote  part  of  Providence,  since  called  Scituate.  Here 
Stephen  brought  his  wife  and  whether  their  dwelling  was  at  first 
a  splendid  mansion,  a  lowly  cottage,  or  a  log  hut,  those  who  have 
been  pioneers  in  a  new  country  need  no  historian  to  inform  them. 

The  Scott's,  the  Hopkins',  the  Williams',  and  the  Wilkinson's 
frequently  intermarried  both  before  and  after  the  marriage  of 
Stephen  and  Sarah,  and  as  they  owned  large  tracts  of  land  in 
Providence,  Scituate,  Smithfield  and  Cumberland,  which  joined, 
it  was  only  going  to  the  nearest  neighbor  to  find  a  wife,  though  a 
journey    of  twelve   or    fifteen     miles     was    necessary.      Stephen 


364  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

continued  the  business  of  farming  for  several  years,  when  he  sold 
his  estate  in  Scituate  at  the  solicitation  of  friends  and  moved  to 
Providence  where  he  afterwards  made  his  home  to  the  close  of  his 
life. 

In  1730,  the  town  of  Scituate  was  set  off  from  Providence, 
and  at  the  first  town  meeting,  Hopkins,  then  but  twenty-three 
years  of  age,  was  chosen  moderator.  He  honored  the  position 
with  which  he  had  been  honored  by  his  fellow  townsmen,  and 
thus  commenced  the  public  career  of  Rhode  Island's  favorite  son. 
He  was  esteemed  as  a  young  man  of  most  extraordinary  abilities 
in  his  native  town,  and  when  he  came  to  the  metropolis  of  his 
native  state,  he  soon  inspired  a  similar  opinion  in  all  who  made 
his  acquaintance.  From  this  time  onward  to  the  close  of  his 
life  he  rose  step  by  step  through  the  various  grades  of  office  to 
the  highest  distinction  his  state  could  confer  upon  him.  It  was 
not  merely  force  of  intellect,  but  excellence  of  moral  character 
that  won  the  hearts  of  the  people.  His  native  dignity  combined 
with  a  warm  genial  heart  produced  that  attractive  social  disposition 
which  bound  all  who  knew  him  in  the  firmest  friendship.  He 
belonged  to  the  Society  of  Friends  and  was  emment  for  those 
benevolent  principles  and  good  will  to  all  mankind  which  characterize 
that  denomination  of  Christians.  Such  was  the  influence  of  his 
personal  appearance  that  his  presence  hushed  the  boisterous  hilarity 
of  youth,  and  drew  the  involuntary  recognition  of  the  most 
reverend  and  grave  of  the  company. 

In  1731,  he  was  elected  town  clerk  of  Scituate,  which  office 
he  held  for  a  number  of  years.  Whoever  will  make  a  pilgrimage 
to  Scituate  may  satisfy  himself  in  regard  to  the  business  talent  of 
Stephen  Hopkins,  and  also,  in  regard  to  his  penmanship.  From 
my  boyhood  in  looking  at  the  Declaration  of  Independence  I 
imagined  the  autograph  of  Stephen  indicated  a  poor  penman  and 
as  I  gazed  upon  the  trembling  lines  concluded  he  must  have  been 
shaken  of  palsy.  But  such  is  not  the  fact.  The  appearance  of 
his  writing  among  the  heroes  of  the  revolution  upon  this  immortal 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  365 

instrument  has  been  used  as  a  reproach,  not  only  against  Hopkins 
himself,  but  also,  against  the  colony  and  state  of  Rhode  Island. 
The  town  clerk  of  Scituate  informed  me  that  somewhere  in  print, 
he  had  read  such  a  reproach  as  this — "Rhode  Island,  the  land  of 
darkness  and  of  ignorance — her  lack  of  interest  in  educational 
enterprises  is  manifested  not  only  in  her  having  no  public  school 
system,  but  also,  in  the  chirography  of  one  of  her  most  eminent 
men — her  governor  for  nine  years — member  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  and  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence." 

What  was  mv  surprise  in  examining  the  records  of  the  town 
of  Scituate,  where  every  page  of  the  first,  and  succeeding  books 
bears  ample  evidence  of  penmanship  excelled  by  few,  even  masters 
of  the  art.  At  first  for  a  few  pages  his  recording  lacked  boldness 
being  a  hair  mark,  but  improvement  manifests  itself  until  the 
beautifully  shaded  letters  are  a  close  imitation  of  neatly  engraved 
copper  plate.  Never  was  there  a  reproach  more  undeserved.  The 
family  tradition  of  his  nervous  difficulty  in  his  old  age,  and  also, 
his  feebleness  of  body  just  at  the  time  of  signing  is  a  sufficient 
explanation  and  vindication.  So  determined  was  he  to  affix  his 
own  signature  that  succeeding  generations  might  know  his  position 
in  American  affairs,  that  he  guided  his  right  hand  by  his  left,  and 
so  left  his  trembling  marks  as  a  monumental  inscription  of  his 
patriotism  and  devotion  to  human  liberty.  The  silent  pages  of 
Scituate  records  attest  his  scholarship  and  genius. 

So  well  did  he  perform  the  duties  of  town  clerk,  and  so  rapidly 
did  he  gain  the  confidence  of  the  people  that  in  1732,  in  the  25th 
year  of  his  age  he  was  elected  Representative  to  the  General 
Assembly,  and  he  was  re-elected  annually  until  1738,  inclusive. 
In  1735,  he  was  chosen  President  of  the  Town  Council,  and  in 
1736,  he  was  appointed  by  the  Governor,  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
and  was  also,  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas. 
The  following  year  he  was  employed  by  the  proprietors  to  revise 
the  streets,  and  project  a  map  of  Scituate  and  Providence,  which 
work   required   no     little   knowledge  of   mathematics,   and  was 


366  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

executed  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  employers.  In  1739, 
he  was  chosen  Chief  Justice  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas. 
In  1740,  he  was  appointed  surveyor  of  the  proprietor's  lands. 
He  was  clerk  of  the  court  and  clerk  of  the  proprietors  at  the 
same  time.  Having  been  returned  to  the  legislature  in  1741,  he 
was  elected  Speaker  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  performed  the 
duties  of  that  position  with  such  marked  ability  and  dignity  as  to 
win  the  approbation  of  all  parties. 

Commercial  matters  had  for  some  time  attracted  his  attention. 
His  brother  William  had  become  a  successful  sea  captain,  and  was 
highlv  respected  and  honored,  not  only  in  the  Colony  but  in  Eng. 
The  favorable  notice  of  the  King  while  in  London,  and  the 
expeditions  which  had  been  fitted  out  against  the  Spanish  in  Cuba 
and  the  West  Indies,  and  committed  to  him,  had  opened  new  and 
flattering  prospects  of  wealth.  His  brother  Esek  also,  had  made 
several  voyages  to  Surinam  and  other  places,  and  the  indications 
were  favorable  for  speedy  and  ample  returns.  He  accordingly 
sold  his  farm  in  Scituate  in  17^2,  and  moved  to  Providence,  and 
engaged  in  building  and  fitting  out  vessels,  and  commenced 
mercantile  business. 

But  such  was  the  popular  confidence  in  him  that  he  was  elected 
by  the  people  the  year  he  became  an  inhabitant  of  Providence  to 
the  same  office  and  position  he  formerly  held  while  a  resident  of 
Scituate.  He  was  continued  in  the  chair  of  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  with  occasional  intermissions  up  to  1751,  when 
he  was  returned  for  the  fourteenth  time.  In  the  latter  year  he 
received  the  appointment  of  Chief  Justice  of  the  Superior  Court 
of  Rhode  Island.  In  all  of  these  positions  he  was  regarded  with 
admiration  and  delight  by  his  own  relatives,  and  his  services  met 
with  popular  approval. 

He  was  one  of  the  prime  movers  in  forming  a  public  library  in 
1 750,  and  always  active  in  diffusing  the  means  of  education.  Having 
himself  felt  the  want  of  instruction  in  early  life,  and    afterwards  ■ 
realized  the  advantages  of  extensive  attainments  in  knowledge  by 


S  TEPHEN  HOPKINS.  3  6  7 

his  own  efforts,  he  was  desirous  that  others  should  possess  and 
enjoy  the  means  for  cultivating  and  improving  their  minds  on  a 
liberal  and  broad  foundation.  He  was  a  friend  and  patron  of  all 
measures  which  promoted  the  general  education  of  youth. 

The  year  1753  ^^'^^  °"^  of  bereavement  and  almost  insupportable 
grief  and  sorrow  to  him.  AiBiction  followed  aiiiiction  in  rapid 
succession.  His  commercial  enterprises  had  proved  successful, 
and  as  his  sons  grew  up  they  manifested  a  predilection  for  the  sea  ; 
and  Rufus,  John  and  Sylvanus,  having  made  several  voyages  with 
their  uncles,  had  become  commanders  of  ships,  although  the  latter 
was  but  nineteen  years  of  age.  The  first  blow  that  fell  upon  this 
doting  parent's  heart  was  the  sad  intelligence  of  the  death  of  his 
son  John  at  St.  Andere  in  Spain  who  had  fallen  a  prey  to  that 
terrible  disease,  the  small  pox.  The  next  was  the  appalling  news 
of  the  murder  of  his  son  Sylvanus  by  the  savages  after  his  being 
shipwrecked  on  the  island  of  Cape  Breton.  These  were  followed 
by  the  decease  of  his  wife  in  September,  after  a  lingering  illness. 
The  storm  at  length  passed  by,  and  bowed,  but  not  broken  by  its 
chastenings,  he  again  resumed  his  duties  as  a  public  officer. 

In  1754,  he  was  appointed  delegate  to  a  convention  which  met 
in  Albany  N.  Y.,  consisting  of  commissioners  from  the  several 
colonies,  to  hold  a  conference  with  the  Indians  of  the  Six  Nations, 
and  to  secure  their  friendship,  and  also,  to  form  some  plan  for 
security  against  French  encroachments  through  Canada  in  the 
approaching  war.  Benjamin  Franklin,  Sir  William  Johnson  and 
Roger  Wolcott  were  among  the  members  of  this  board.* 

In  1755,  he  married  a  second  wife,  Mrs.  Anna  Smith,  widow 
of  Benjamin  Smith.  She  was  a  most  estimable  woman  and  proved 
a  help-meet  worthy  of  her  spouse. 

He  was  elected  Governor  of  Rhode  Island  very  soon  after 
this  event,  and  continued  to  occupy  the  Gubernatorial  chair  until 
1767,  inclusive,  (excepting  1757,  1762,  i  765-6,)  a  period  of  nine 


*New    Hampshire,    Massachusetts,    Rhode    Island,    Connecticut,    New    York,    and 
Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  were   represented.      See  Lossing's  Hist.  U.  S.,  p.  151. 


368  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

years  of  the  most  stormy  political  times  in  the  history  of  Rhode 
Island.  The  contest  for  Governor  between  Hopkins  and  Ward 
was  spirited  in  the  extreme,  and  had  continued  for  several  years. 
This  with  the  political  issues  of  the  day  had  wrought  the  parties 
up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  political  animosity,  which  was  finally 
quieted  by  an  official  communication  from  Gov.  Hopkins  to  the 
legislature  then  in  session  declining  a  re-election.  Ward  was  also, 
dropped,  and  Josiah  Lynden  was  elected  Governor  in  1768,  by  an 
overwhelming  majority  of  over  j  <;oo.  Nothing  was  more  averse 
to  the  wishes  and  feelings  of  Hopkins  than  the  strife  and  distentions 
which  arose  at  this  time,  and  his  magnanimity  in  withdrawing  his 
name  from  the  canvass,  and  the  pacific  nature  of  his  communication 
wherein  he  lamented  the  dissensions  and  the  exasperated  feelings 
of  partisans,  only  elevated  him  in  the  estimation  of  his  fellow 
citizens,  and  really  enthroned  him  in  their  hearts. 

In  the  alarming  period  of  the  French  and  Indian  War  in  1757, 
Gov.  Hopkins  greatly  exerted  himself  to  strengthen  the  English 
and  Colonial  army  by  promoting  volunteer  enrollments  in  Rhode 
Island.  The  siege  of  Fort  William  Henry  by  the  iMarquis  de 
Montcalm,  and  its  surrender  to  the  forces  under  that  general,  with 
the  subsequent  cruel  outrages  and  murders  committed  by  the 
savages  of  the  French  army  produced  the  most  intense  excitement 
among  the  inhabitants  of  Rhode  Island.  The  British  force  had 
sustained  a  series  of  disasters  during  the  campaign,  and  nothing 
seemed  to  impede  the  progress  of  the  victorious  Montcalm.  The 
English  settlements  in  the  north  were  unprotected,  families  were 
being  murdered  or  hurried  away  by  savages  into  captivity.  The 
people  were  thoroughly  aroused  to  a  sense  of  their  danger.  An 
agreement  to  meet  the  invaders  was  entered  into  by  the  people 
of  Rhode  Island,  to  which  Gov.  Hopkins  was  the  first  to  affix 
his  name.  A  company  of  volunteers  was  raised,  consisting  of 
some  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  Providence,  and  Hopkins 
was  chosen  commander,  and  was  about  to  march  to  the  scene  of 
action,  when  by   an   unexpected   withdrawal  of  the   French,   the 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  369 

Canadians  and  ihe  Indians,  and  it  then  becames  unnecessary, 
Hopkins  was  always  a  friend  to  liberal  education.  "The  first 
meeting  of  the  corporation  tor  founding  and  endowing  a  College 
or  Universitv  within  the  Colon\'  of  Rhode  Island  and  Providence 
Plantations  in  New  Engl?nd  in  Arrierica,"  says  Guild,  "  was 
held  at  Newpoit,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  Sept.,  1764.  From 
this  point  therefore,  the  commencement  of  the  College  properly 
dates.  At  this  meeting  the  following  gentlemen,  twenty-four  in 
number,  as  appears  from  the  records,  were  present  and  qualified 
thcmseb.es  by  taking  the  oath  prescribed  by  the  Charter  namely: 
Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Hon.  Joseph  Wanton,  Hon.  Samuel 
Ward,  John  Tillinghast,  &c.  The  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins  was 
chosen  Chancellor;  John  Tillinghast,  Esq.,  Treasurer;  and  Dr. 
Thomas  Eyres,  Secretary." 

Governor  Hopkins  always  manifested  a  lively  interest  in  this 
enterpiise.  Aluch  difficulty  had  been  experienced  in  procuring  a 
charter.  It  was  finally  secured — the  Legislature  of  Rhode  Island 
being  induced  to  grant  the  prayer  of  the  friends  of  liberal  education. 
By  the  Constitution  the  corporation  is  made  to  consist  of  two 
branches,  viz:  Trustees  and  Fellows,  with  distinct  and  separate 
powers.  The  trustees  are  thirty-six  in  number,  of  whom 
twenty-two  are  to  be  Baptists,  five  Quakers,  five  Episcopalians., 
and  four  Congregationalists.  The  number  of  Fellows  is  twelve. 
Eight  are  to  be  Baptists,  and  the  rest  of  any  denomination.  The 
President  must  always  be  a  Baptist.  "The  Quakers,"  says 
Guild,  "  were  represented  by  Stephen  Hopkins,  John  G.  Wanton, 
Edward  Thurston  and  Nicholas  Easton.  No  name  is  more 
prominent  in  the  history  of  this  period  than  that  of  Hopkins,  and 
few  men  of  any  period  have  exerted  so  wide  an  influence  upon 
the  destinies  of  the  country.  For  nearly  forty-five  years,  as 
Chief  Justice,  Go\  ernor.  Member  of  Congress,  Legislator,  or 
Representative,  he  was  engaged  in  some  kind  of  official  duty 
connected  with  the  tcwn,  ihe  State,  or  the  rational  Congress. 
His    ViZvr.Q    appears    i^mcrg    the    Signers    of   the    Declaration    of 

49 


370 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


Independence.  The  office  of  Chancellor  of  the  corporation,  to 
which  he  was  elected  at  this  first  meeting,  he  held  until  his  death 
in  1785,  a  period  of  twenty-one  years.  He  was  a  warm  personal 
friend  of  President  Manning,  and,  by  his  extensive  learning  and 
genuine  love  of  literature,  proved  a  most  efficient  coadjutor  in 
all  the  plans  and  efforts  of  the  latter  for  the  efficiency  and  the 
usefulness  of  the  College."* 

In  1765,  he  was  elected  chairman  of  a  committee  appointed 
at  a  special  town  meeting  held  in  Providence,  to  draft  instructions 
to  the  General  Assembly  on  the  Stamp  Act.  He  was  not  Governor 
that  year.  The  resolutions  reported  were  the  same  that  Patrick 
Henry  introduced  into  the  House  of  Burgesses  of  Virginia,  with 
an  additional  one  stating  that  "  we  are  not  bound  to  yield  obedience 
to  any  law  or  ordinance  designed  to  impose  any  internal  taxation 
whatever  upon  us,  other  than  the  laws  and  ordinances  ot  Rhode 
Island."  These  resolves  passed  in  the  Assembly,  including 
the  above,  which  had  been  rejected  in  Virginia.  In  this  year  he 
commenced  the  "  History  of  Providence. "t 

Through  the  efforts  of  Joseph  Brown,  apparatus  for  observing 
the  transit  of  Venus,  which  occurred  June  3,  1769,  was  procured 
from  London.  The  advantages  that  were  likely  to  accrue  to 
astronomy,  and  consequently  to  navigation  and  chronology, 
says  Dr.  Manning,  was  the  procuring  cause  of  this  munificence 
on  the  part  of  Mr.  Brown.  Gov.  Hopkins  aided  in  taking  these 
observations,  and  the  street  called  Transit  Street,  was  named  in 
commemoration   of  this  event.       The  observations  were  taken 


Note. — The  commencement  chair  of  Chancellor  Hoplcins  is  now  in  the  "Rhode 
Island  Hall,"  Providence.  It  has  the  appearance  of  being  a  home  production,  and  from 
similar  patterns  at  certain  old  homesteads,  I  entertain  but  little  doubt  of  its  origin.  It  is 
an  arm  chair  with  square  legs,  the  back,  made  of  half-inch  boards  covered  with  leather, 
stamped  with  some  sort  of  a  die  for  ornament,  and  fastened  with  copper  nails,  the  head 
of  every  third  nail  being  an  inch  in  diam:;ter.  The  seat  is  leather  and  ornamented  like 
the  back.  This  was  used  at  Commencements  in  conferring  degrees,  and  is  called  "Thi 
First  Chancellor's  Chair." 

♦Guild's  Manning  &  Brown  University,  p.  65. 

fSec  Mass.  Hist.  Coll.,  Vol.  IX.,  p.  197. 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  371 

on  the  hill  where  the  street  is  laid  out.  When  we  consider  his 
public  engagements,  and  his  private  commercial  and  mercantile 
affairs,  wc  can  hardly  imagine  how  he  could  find  time  for  literary 
and  scientific  pursuits.  The  secret  of  the  whole  matter  is,  he 
was  systematic  in  e\  ery  department  of  business,  and  consequently 
was  never  hurried  for  want  of  time. 

After  the  parties  which  had  so  long  distracted  and  divided  the 
Colony  had  subsided,  and  tranquility  had  been  restored,  he 
appeared  again  in  the  legislature.  He  represented  Providence  in 
1772-3-4  and  5.  In  1773  he  emancipated  his  slaves,  and  had 
in  his  last  will  and  testament,  which  was  drawn  and  executed 
before  that  date,  decreed  them  liberty  at  his  decease.  The  year 
following  he  secured  an  act  in  Rhode  Island  prohibiting  the 
importation  of  negroes,  and  thus  put  an  end  to  this  accursed 
traffic. 

He  represented  the  Colony  in  the  General  Congress  with 
Samuel  Ward  in  1774  and  5.  In  the  former  year  he  was  again 
appointed  Chief  Justice,  holding  at  the  same  time  the  three 
honorable  and  important  offices  of  Representative  ot  Providence 
in  the  General  Assembly,  Delegate  to  the  General  Congress  and 
Chief  Justice  of  Rhode  Island.  He  attended  the  first  Congress 
that  ever  met  as  a  national  council  in  Philadelphia,  and  discharged 
his  duty  with  an  honorable  fidelity,  which  met  the  approbation  of 
his  constituents.  He  was  President  of  Commissioners  to  devise 
the  defence  of  New  England.  This  body  met  first  in  Providence 
and  afterwards  in  Springfield,  Mass.  They  did  much  to  promote 
the  cause  and  secure  the  liberties  of  the  Colonists,  and  were 
efficient  in  carrying  into  immediate  effect  all  the  measures  for  the 
public  security,  recommended  by  the  Assemblies  in  the  several 
provinces.  While  in  Congress  he  urged  decisive  measures.  Some 
of  the  members  being  desirous  of  further  delay,  in  the  hope  of 
reconciliation,  Hopkins  remarked,  in  all  the  fire  of  youth  in  his 
zeal  for  the  emancipation  of  his  country,  "The  time  is  fully  come 
when  the  strongest  arm  and   the  longest  sword  must   decide  the 


372 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


contest,  and  those  members  who  are  not  prepared  for  action  had 
better  go  home  !"  He  was  seventy  years  of  age  at  this  time,  and 
was  active  and  unwearied  for  the  public  good.  His  colleague  in 
1776,  was  William  Ellery,  a  decisive,  bold  and  fearless  man,  and 
when  the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  presented  for  signatures, 
the  bold  hand  of  Ellery  and  the  trembling  lines  of  Hopkins  exhibit 
a  contrast  only  in  appearance.  The  same  fearless  determination 
inspired  the  heart  of  each. 

On  the  naval  committee  Hopkins  was  placed  next  after  John 
Hancock  the  chairman,  and  greatly  assisted  in  the  formation  of  the 
navy.  His  knoA^ledge  and  experience  in  commercial  matters  were 
here  brought  into  exercise.  His  brother  Esek  had  already  won 
a  name  as  an  expert  navigator,  and  commander,  and  the  naval 
committee  had  full  confidence  in  his  boldness  and  ability  to  take 
command  of  the  first  armed  fleet.  John  Adams  who  was  associated 
with  Hopkins  on  this  committee  says  "  The  pleasantest  part  of 
my  labors  for  the  four  years  I  spent  in  Congress  from  1774  to 
1778,  was  in  this  naval  committee.  Mr.  Lee  and  Mr.  Gadsden 
were  sensible  men,  and  very  cheerful,  but  Gov.  Hopkins  of 
Rhode  Island,  above  seventy  years  of  age,  kept  us  all  alive. 
Upon  business  his  experience  and  jndgment  were  very  useful. 
But  when  the  business  of  the  evening  was  over  he  kept  us  in 
conversation  till  eleven  and  sometimes  twelve  o'clock.  His 
custom  was  to  drink  nothing  all  day  until  eight  in  the  evening, 
then  his  beverage  was  Jamaica  spirits  and  v/ater.  It  gave  him 
wit,  humor,  anecdotes,  science  and  learning.  He  had  read  Greek, 
Roman,  and  British  history  and  was  familiar  with  English  poetry, 
particularly  Pope,  Thomson,  and  Milton,  and  the  flow  of  his 
soul  made  all  of  his  reading  our  own,  and  seemed  to  bring  in 
recollection  in  all  of  us  all  we  had  ever  read.  I  could  neither  eat 
nor  drink  in  those  days,  the  other  gentlemen  were  very  temperate. 
Hopkins  never  drank  to  excess,  but  all  he  drank  was  immediately 
not  only  converted  into  wit,  sense,  knowledge  and  good  humor? 
but  inspired  us  all  with  similar  qualities." 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS. 


373 


He  was  a  member  ot  the  committee  which  drew  up  and  reported 
the  articles  of  confederation.  All  through  the  struggle  for 
Independence  he  was  a  firm  and  unflinching  supporter  of  the 
cause  of  the  Colonies,  and  wrote  by  order  of  the  General 
Assembly  '*•  The  rights  of  the  Colonies  examined,"  a  masterly 
production  which  was  reprinted  in  London.  His  advice  to  his 
fellow-citizens  was — 

"  Your  cause  is  just, 

Strike  for  freedom,  strike  and  trust.  " 

Among  the  great  men  of  these  trying  times  none  were  more  often 
consulted,  none  more  revered  and  honored  than  Stephen  Hopkins. 

There  were  younger  men,  who  were  more  active  physically,  but 
for  sound  judgement,  and  real  genuine  wisdom  he  was  — 

"  Conspicuos,  like  an  oak  of  iiealthiest  bough, 
Deep  rooted  in  his  country's  love.      He  stood 
And  gave  his  hand  to  virtue,  helping  up 
His  countrymen  to  honor  and  renown, 
And  in  his  countenance  sublime,  expressed 
A  nation's  majesty,  and,  yet  was  meek 
And  humble." 

He  was  a  firm  belie\'er  in  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ.  The 
e\  idences  of  Christianity  were  to  him  more  than  external— but 
convincing  the  reason,  thev  reached  the  heart  and  shed  abroad 
an  internal  light  and    conviction,   which   left  no  room    for   doubt. 

The  benign  influence  of  these  principles  pervaded  his  entire 
life,  public  and  private. 

"He  gave 
Example  to  the  meanest  of  the  fear 
Of  God,  and  all  integrity  of  life 
And  manners;    who  august,  yet  lowly;    who. 
Severe,  yet  gracious;   in  his  very  heart 
Detesting  all  oppression,  all  intent 
Of  private  aggrandizement ;   and  the  first 
In  every  public  duty." 

He  was  a  projector  and  patron  of  the  free  schools  of 
Providence  which  are  to-day  among  the  most  valued  institutions 
of  the  State.  In  1784,  Rhode  Island  college  conferred  upon 
him    the   title   of   LL.D.         The   testimony    to   his   intellectual 


374 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


greatness,  and  his  literary  and  scientific  attainments  is  ample  and 
a  few  quotations  from  his  contemporaries  and  other  persons  are 
here  inserted. 

"  This  gentleman,"  says  Dwight  in  the  "  Lives  of  the  Signers," 
"  furnishes  another  instance  of  the  power  of  a  strong  mind,  and 
application  to  study,  by  which  a  want  of  enlarged  means  for 
acquiring  an  early  and  systematic  education,  is  overcome — many 
of  which  mav  be  seen  recorded  in  these  biographical  sketches  of 
these  trulv  great  men,  who  exerted  a  commanding  influence  in 
the  struggle  for  American  Independence.  By  indulging  his 
desire  after  knowledge,  with  a  close  application  to  books,  he 
stored  his  mind  with  much  general  information,  and  became  to  a 
good  degree  a  scholar,  a  man  of  science  and  general  literature. 
He  mingled  considerably  in  public  debate,  but  though  he 
always  spoke  to  the  point  on  every  subject,  he  was  by  his  brevity 
sure  never  to  weary  his  hearers.  He  was  in  his  time  a  noted 
mathematician,  and  rendered  great  assistance  in  observing  the 
transit  of  Venus  which  occured  in  1769." 

Another  biographer  thus  remarks  :  "  From  the  vigor  of  his 
understanding,  and  the  intuitive  energy  of  his  mind,  he  had 
established  a  character  not  only  prominent  in  the  annals  of  his 
country,  but  in  the  walks  of  literature.  Possessing  a  powerful 
genius,  his  constant  and  assiduous  application  in  the  pursuit  of 
knowledge  eminently  distinguished  him  in  the  first  class  of  the 
literati.  A  leading  and  active  promoter  of  literary  and  scientific 
intelligence,  he  attached  himself  in  early  youth  to  the  study  of 
books  and  men,  and  continued  to  be  a  constant  and  improving 
reader — a  close  and  careful  observer,  until  the  period  of  his 
death.  Holding  all  abridgements  and  abridgers  in  very  low 
estimation,  it  is  cited,  in  exemplification  of  his  habitual  deep 
research,  and  the  indefatigability  with  which  he  penetrated  the 
recesses  instead  of  skimming  the  surface  of  things,  that  instead 
of  depending  upon  summaries  and  contracted  authorities,  he 
perseveringly  perused  the  whole    of  the  great   collection   of  both 


STEPHEN  HOPKINS.  375 

ancient  and  modern  history,  compiled  about  halt  a  century  ago, 
by  some  distinguished  scholars  in  Europe  •,  and  that  he  also  read 
through  all  of  Thurloe's  and  other  ponderous  collections  of  State 
papers." 

Dr.  Manning,  President  of  Rhode  Island  College,  writing  to 
Rev.  Dr.  Rippon  of  London,  July  22,  1785,  says:  "  Last  week 
we  buried  our  venerable  Chancellor  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq., 
LL.D.,  for  many  years  Governor  of  the  Colony,  and  one  of 
those  distinguished  worthies  who  composed  the  First  Congress. 
He  was  one  of  the  greatest  men  our  country  has  reared.  At  the 
first  meeting  of  the  Corporation  he  was  chosen  Chancellor,  and 
continued  in  that  office  till  his  death.  In  him  the  College  has 
lust  a  most  venerable  member  and  officer,  and  foi  myself,  a 
particular  friend." 

Mr.  Guild,  Librarian  of  the  Brown  University,  says  :  "  Dr. 
Manning's  brief  eulogium  upon  his  particular  friend.  Governor 
Hopkins,  the  first  Chancellor  of  the  College,  was  well  deserved. 
This  great  and  good  man  closed  his  long,  honorable,  and  useful 
life  on  the  13th  of  July,  178";,  in  the  79th  year  of  his  age.  He 
professed  the  principles  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  at  whose  place 
of  worship  he  was  a  regular  attendant.  He  was  a  firm  believer 
in  the  christian  religion,  but  not  bigoted  in  his  belief;  treating  all 
societies  of  religious  people  with  respect.  He  was  a  warm 
friend  of  the  College  and  labored  zealously  to  promote  its 
interest." 

—  "His — was  a  rational  repast 5 
Exertion,  vigilance,  a  mind  in  arms, 
A  military  discipline  of  thought, 
To  foil  temptation  in  the  doubtful  held  ; 
And  ever-waking  ardour  for  the  right." 

Near  the  close  of  his  lite  he  was  visited  by  Gen.  Washington, 
whom  he  received  and  entertained  with  the  greatest  urbanity. 

Several  biographers  have  written  his  life,  but  the  best  is  that 
found  in  the  Sixth  Volume  of  "  Sanderson's  Biography  of  the 
Signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence." 


376  BIOGR/iPHY  OF 

We    insert    here  as  a   fitting    close  to  this   brief    sketch   the 
inscription    upoti    the    monument    erected    over    his    grave  in  the 
•■'^  North- Burying-Ground"  in  Providence. 
[East  Sirle) 
Hopkins. 
Born,  March,  7,  i  707. 
Died,  July,  13,  1785. 

( IFest  Side) 
Sacred  to  the  memory  of 
the  illustrious 
Stephen  Hopkins 
of  revolutionary  fame, 
attested  by  his  signature 
to  the  Declaration 
of  our  national  independence. 
Great  in  council, 
from  sagacity  of  mind  ; 
magnanimous  in  sentiment, 
firm  in  purpose, 
and  good  as  great 
from  benevolence  of  heart  : 
he  stood  in  the  first  rank  of 
statesmen  and  patriots. 
Self-Educated, 
vet  among  the  most  learned  of  men  : 
his  vast  treasury  of  useful  knowledge 
his  great  retentive 
and  reflection  powers, 
combined  with  his  social  nature 
made  him  the  most  interesting 
of  companious  in  private  life. 
[South  Side) 
His  name  is  engraved  * 

on  the  inamortal  records 


JONATHAN  MAXCr,  yj-j 

of  the  revolution, 

and, can  never  die. 

His  titles  to  that  distinction 

are  engraved 

on  this  monument 

reared  by 

the  grateful  admiration 

of  his  native  state 

in  honor 
of  her  favorite  son. 


l^^ 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  VII. 

EV.  JONATHAN  MAXCY,  D.  D.,  was  born  in 
Attleboro,  Mass.,  Sept.  2,  1 768.  Early  in  youth  he  showed 
a  love  for  books,  and  was  noted  for  excellence  in  scholastic 
attainments.  He  entered  Brown  University,  and  graduated  at 
the  early  age  of  nineteen,  and  on  that  occasion  distinguished 
himself  by  delivering  a  poem  on  the  future  prospects  of  America, 
and  the  valedictory  oration,  both  of  which  were  highly  applauded. 
Directly  after  graduating,  he  was  appointed  tutor  in  the  College, 
which  position  he  filled  with  great  acceptance  four  years,  or 
until  1 79 1,  when  he  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church 
in  Providence.  In  1792,  he  assumed  the  duties  of  the  Presidency 
of  the  College,  having  been  elected  President  pro  tempore^  being 
only  twenty-four  years  of  age.  In  1797,  he  was  formally  elected 
President,  as  appears  from  the  records  of  the  Corporation.  "  The 
splendor  of  his  genius  and  his  brilliant  talents  as  an  orator  and 
divine,"  says  Dr.  Blake,  "  had  become  widely  known,  and  under 
his  guidance  the  college  acquired  a  reputation  for  belles-lettres  and 
eloquence  inferior  to  no  Seminary  of  learning  in  the  United 
States."     "His  voice,"  says  the  Hon.  Tristam  Burgess,  one  of  his 

49 


378  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

most  devoted  and  admiring  pupils,  "seemed  not  to  have  reached 
the  deep  tone  of  full  age  ;  but  most  of  all  to  resemble  that  of 
those  concerning  whom  our  Lord,  the  Savior  of  the  world 
said,  'of  such  is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.'  The  eloquence  of 
Maxcy  was  mental.  You  seemed  to  h.-ar  the  soul  of  the  man, 
and  each  one  of  the  largest  assembly,  in  th:'  most  extended 
place  of  worship  received  the  slightest  impulse  of  his  silver  \  oice 
as  if  he  stood  at  his  very  ear.  So  intensely  would  he  enchain 
attention,  that  in  the  most  thronged  audiences  you  heard  nothing 
but  him  and  the  pulsations  of  your  own  heart.  His  utterance  was 
not  more  perfect,  than  the  whole  discourse  was  instructive  and 
enchanting." 

In  the  year  1802,  having  resigned  his  office.  Dr.  Maxcy  was 
appointed  President  of  Union  College,  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  as 
successor  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards,  deceased.  In 
reference  to  this  appointment,  we  find  in  Forsyth's  Memoir  of 
the  Rev,  Dr.  Alexander  Proudfit,  a  curious  and  interesting  letter 
from  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Johnson,  then  of  Albany,  and  a  trustee  of 
the  College,  objecting  to  Maxcy  on  the  ground  of  his  being  a 
Baptist,  and  hence  that  his  influence  as  such  would  be  unpropitious 
to  the  prosperity  of  the  Institution,  the  support  of  the  college 
being  derived  chiefly  from  those  who  were  opposed  to  the 
Baptist  persuasion,  and,  perhaps,  ha<l  no  inconsiderable  prejudice 
against  them. 

The  frivolousness  of  this  objection  is  the  more  apparent  when 
it  is  remembered  that  Union  College  does  not  claim  to  be  of  any 
particular  denominational  cast,  but  welcomes  all  of  whatever 
persuasion  to  her  fountains  of  literature.  Another  objection  was, 
that  he  appeared  to  the  writer  to  be  a  violent  politician,  judging 
from  a  Fourth  of  July  oration  delivered  by  him,  which  had  been 
praised  as  containing  some  very  brilliant  expressions  and  keen 
sarcasm  against  the  Anti-Federalists.  (Those  who  have  read  the 
the  oration,  can  judge  for  themselves  how  much  importance  is  to 
be   attached    to   this    objection.      The  orator  merely  reveals    his 


JONJTHAN  MAXCr.  379 

own  political  \'iews,  and  pays  a  slight  compliment  to  his  political 
opponents.) 

A  third  and  more  serious  objection  was  the  unsoundness  ot  his 
theological  views,  of  which  the  following  extract  from  the  preface 
to  his  sermon  on  the  death  of  Manning,  re-published  in  June,  I  796, 
^as  quoted  for  illustration  :  "  The  only  thing  essential  to  christian 
union,"  says  Alaxcy,  "is^^'^,  or  benevolent  affection.  Hence  it  is 
with  me  a  fixedprinciple  to  censure  no  man  except  for  immorality. 

A  diversity  of  religious  opinions,  in  a  state  so  imperfect,  obscure, 
and  sinful  as  the  present,  is  to  be  expected.  An  entire  coincidence 
in  sentiment,  even  in  important  doctrines,  is  by  no  means  essential 
to  christian  society,  or  the  attainment  of  eternal  felicity.  How 
many  are  they,  who  appear  to  have  been  subjects  of  regeneration 
who  have  scarcely  an  entire  comprehensive  view  of  one  doctrine' 
of  the  Bible?  Will  the  gates  of  Paradise  be  barred  against  these 
because  they  did  not  have  the  penetrating  sagacity  of  an  Edwards, 
or  a  Hopkins  ?  Or  shall  those  great  theological  champions  engrosr, 
heaven,  and  shout  hallelujahs  from  its  walls,  while  a  Priestly,  a  Price 
and  a  Winchester,  merely  for  a  difference  in  opinion,  though 
pre-eminent  in  \  irtue,  must  sink  into  the  regions  of  darkness  and 
pain?" 

A  more  unfortunate  quotation  could  scarcely  have  been  made. 
Breathing  as  it  does  the  spirit  of  charity  to  all  of  whatever 
religious  faith,  the  narrow  views  usually  attributed  to  Baptists 
meets  its  own  refutation.  It  is  nothing  strange  that  Dr.  Maxcy, 
notwithstanding  these  objections,  was  chosen  President  of  the 
college.  Previous  to  this  event,  when  only  thirty-three  years  of 
age.  Harvard  TTniversity  conferred  on  him  the  honorary  degree 
of  Doctor  of  Di\'initv,  such  was  his  celebrity  as  a  scholar  and 
divine.  Here  at  Schenectad\-  he  officiated  with  an  increasing 
reputation  until  1804,  when  he  accepted  the  unsought  appointment 
of  South  Carolina  College,  with  the  fond  anticipation  of  finding 
a   warmer   climate   more   congenial   to   his   physical    constitution. 

Over    this    latter    institution     he    oresided    almost    without    a 


38o  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

precedent  in  popularity,  during  the  remainder  of   his  useful   life. 

In  his  person  Dr.  Maxcy  was  small  of  stature,  but  of  a  fine 
and  well  proportioned  figure.  His  features,  says  his  biographer, 
were  regular  and  manly,  indicating  intelligence  and  benevolence, 
and  especially  in  conversation  and  public  speaking  they  were 
strongly  expressive.  Grace  and  dignity  were  also  combined  in 
all  his  movements.  His  writings,  or  '•'•  Literary  Remains,  "  edited 
by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Romeo  Elton,  were  published  in  1844,  in  a 
handsome  octavo  volume.  Eight  years  later  a  selection  from  his 
"  Remains,  "  consisting  of  collegiate  addresses,  was  published  in 
London,  making  a  pleasant  little  duodecimo  volume  of  one  hundred 
and  ninety-one  pages.      This  was  also  edited  by  Dr.  Elton. 

Dr.  Maxcy  was  married  to  Susanna  Hopkins,*  daughter  of 
Commodore  Esek  Hopkins,  of  Providence,  a  name  associated 
with  the  American  navy  and  the  history  of  the  Revolution,  (and 
the  grand-daughter  of  William  Hopkins  and  Ruth  Wilkinson,  his 
wife.)  Besides  several  daughters,  they  had  four  sons,  all  liberally 
educated.  One  of  whom,  the  Hon.  Virgil  Maxcy,  was  killed  by 
the  explosion  of  the  great  gun  on  board  the  United  States 
steam-ship  Princeton^  during  a  pleasure  excursion  on  the  Potomac. 

Dr.  Maxcy  died  at  Columbia,  South  Carolina,  June  4,  1820, 
aged  fifty-two  years,  leaving  the  alumni  of  three  difi-'erent  colleges 
to  regret  his  early  death — a  devoted  wife  and  family  to  weep  his 
loss — and  a  country  who  loved  and  honored  him  to  mourn  over 
his  departure  in  the  midst  of  a  life  of  virtue  and  usefulness.  No 
painted  canvas,  or  sculptured  marble  perpetuates  the  likeness  of 
President  Maxcy  ;  but  "  so  long,"  says  Elton,  "as  genius,  hallowed 
and  sublimed  by  piety,  shall  command  veneration,  he  will  be 
remembered  in  his  country  as  a  star  of  the  first  magnitude." 


*  The  following  is  copied  from  2.  Book  of  Marriages,  p.  I  67  Providence  : 
Jonathan   Maxcy,  \  Cornelia  Manning,  b.  June  11,  1792. 

AND  |-  Amy  Hopkins,  b.  May  8,  1794. 

Susanna   Hopkins.    )  Desire  Burroughs,  b.  February  19,  1796. 

Esek  Hopkins,  b.  March  16,  1799. 

Stephen  Hopkins,  b.  February  6,  1801. 
Virgil  was  undoubtedly  a  younger  son. 


BIOGRAPHY  VIII. 

ESEK  HOPKINS,  the  son  of  William  Hopkins  and  Ruth 
Wilkinson,  his  wife,  was  born  in  Scituate,  Rhode  Island, 
April,  26,  1718.  His  birth-place  has  been  described  in  the 
biography  of  his  brother  Stephen.  During  his  youth  he  was  a 
farmer,  but  the  sea  had  charms  for  him  not  found  on  the  land. 
Whenever  he  visited  Providence  he  looked  upon  the  ships  and 
sailors  with  emulous  eyes,  and  longed  to  be  old  enough  to  go 
abroad  and  see  the  world  for  himself.  His  desires  were  at  length 
gratified,  and  he  became  an  expert   navigator. 

At  the  time  of  his  father's  death,  which  occurred  in  1738, 
Esek  was  dangerously  ill,  and  was  not  expected  to  live.  His 
physician  had  given  him  up,  but  his  strong  constitution  rallied 
and  he  survived.  Upon  his  recovery  his  father's  funeral  train 
had  passed  away — the  will  had  been  read,  and  finding  himself 
comparatively  destitute  and  an  orphan — for  his  mother  had 
previously  died — with  no  one  to  aid  him,  and  that  he  must  depend 
upon  himself  for  a  subsistence,  he  left  his  native  town,  as  soon 
as  he  could  command  strength  for  the  trip,  and  arrived  in 
Providence  with  an  old  fire-lock  on  his  shoulder,  a  silver  pistareen 
in  his  pocket,  and  a  handkerchief  which  contained  his  entire 
wardrobe  in  his  hand.  Here  having  found  a  vessel  ready  to  sail  to 
Surinam,  he  enlisted  as  a  "raw  hand,"  having  disposed  of  his 
gun  for  a  Spanish   four-pence. 

This    was    the    commencement    of  the    sea-life    of  the    first 


382  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

American  Commodore,  or  "•  High  Admiral/'*  and  a  more 
unpromising  beginning  was  never  made.  But  he  was  possessed 
of  energy  of  mind  and  body  equal  to  his  ambitron,  and  principles 
that  insured  success.  Few  in  his  circumstances  would  have 
risen  above  the  lot  ot  the  common  sailor,  and  would  have  left  no 
record  for  future  generations,  but  he  was  determined  to  excel; 
and,  if  physical  prowess  and  native  mental  vigor — it  obedience 
to  superiors  and  a  fearless  discharge  of  duty — if  coirect  moral 
principles  and  rigid  temperance — if  boldness  and  noble  daring  on 
the  bending  mast  in  the  howling  tempest,  and  in  the  ensanguined 
sea-fight,  entitle  a  person  to  pre-eminence  and  public  consideration, 
then  Esek  Hopkins  was  worthy  the  honor  his  country  conferred 
upon   him. 

He  followed  the  sea  for  two  or  three  years  at  the  same  traffic. 
One  dav  when  in  the  port  of  Providence,  he  took  a  little  boat 
and  rowed  over  into  Waybosset,  which  at  that  time  contained  a 
thrifty  growth  of  whortleberries  upon  which  he  feasted.  While 
thinking  over  his  sailor  life,  he  felt  convinced  that  the  prevalent 
practice  of  using  "grog"  at  11  o'clock  a.  m.,  and  4  o'clock  p.  M., 
on  ship-board,  was  a  very  pernicious  custom,  and  that  the  sailors 
were  likely  to  be  only  sailors,  or.  common  seamen  during  their 
lives,  who  continued  its  use.  He  therefore  resolved  to  abstain 
from  the  habit,  and  during  his  long  life  he  totally  abstained  from 
the  use  of  ardent  spirits  as  a  beverage.  Here  was  laid  the 
foundation  of  his  future  eminence. 

Another  thing  should  not  be  lost  sight  of  in  the  success  of 
Esek  as  a  seaman  and  a  naval  officer.  It  was  his  practical 
knowledge  of  navigation.  His  grandfather,  Samuel  Wilkinson, 
and  his  brother  Stephen,  were  expert  surveyors,  and  navigation, 
a  kindred  science,  was  inculcated  as  giving  a  person  pre-eminence 
on  the  sea.  Esek  had  availed  himself  of  its  advantages,  and  had 
some  knowledge  of  it  before  he  sailed  on  his  first  voyage. 

While    at    Newport,   he    made    the    acquaintance   of    Desire 


*Lossing's  History.  U.  S.  p.  238. 


ESEK  HOPKINS.  383 

Burroughs  and  on  the  28th  day  of  Nov.,  1741,  they  were  married 
by  Nicholas  Evres,  Elder  of  the  Baptist  Congregation  of  that 
place.*  Four  children  were  born  to  them  here  previous  to  1748, 
viz.,  John  B.,  Heart,  Abigail,  and  Samuel.  Newport  at  this  time 
was  the  metropolis  of  Rhode  Island,  and,  in  consequence  of  its 
excellent  harbor,  was  tar  in  advance  of  Pro\  idence  ;  so  much 
so  that  the  General  court  voted  an  allowance  to  the  Governor 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  moving  to  the  most  im.portant  town  of 
the  Colony.  The  union  of  Esek  and  Desire  was  a  peculiarly 
happy  one,  and  the  incident  mentioned  by  the  Rev.  C.  C,  Bemen, 
and  previously  quoted  in  the  sketch  of  Ruth  Wilkinson,  the 
mother  of  Esek,  is  said  by  some  to  have  occurred  between  these 
parties.      They  moved  to  Providence   about  1751. 

Esek,  though  frequently  at  sea,  was  identified  with  home 
matters,  and  was  perfectly  conversant  with  the  political  parties, 
and  issues  of  the  day.  He  was  elected  Representative  to  the 
General  Assembly  for  Providence  in  1764,  and  was  frequently 
returned  to  the  I/Cgislature  afterwards.  For  a  number  of  years 
he  held  many  important  offices,  and  was  instrumental  in  carrying 
out  some  very  important  political,  and  State  measures.  During 
the  exciting  times  just  previous  to  the  Revolution,  he  was  very 
active,  and  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  colonies.  His 
influence  was  felt,  and  acknowledged  beyond  the  limits  of  his 
native  State.  Firmly  believing  the  doctrine  that  the  people  are 
the  rightful  sovereigns,  and  that  kings  are  not  necessary  in  an 
enlightened  nation; — that  taxation  and  representation  are 
inseparable ; — that  free  trade  and  Sailor's  rights  should  be 
maintained  at  whatever  hazard,  he  entered  the  contest  with  a 
zeal  worthy  of  the  cause,  and  a  determination  to  carry  the  colonies 
beyond  the  control  of  Great  Britain,  and  to  ultimate  independence. 
No  colony  held  the  mother  country  in  greater  veneration  than 
Rhode  Island.  In  fact  she  had  received  favors  which  had  been 
denied  to  others,  but  a  crisis  had  been  approaching    since    1764. 

*.  I  Book  of  Marriages  p.  159.  Providence. 


384  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

Parliament  had  passed  an  act  imposing  duties  on  goods  from  some 
of  the  West  India  Islands  not  under  the  jurisdiction  of  England. 
About  the  same  time  the  Grenv'ille  resolution  was  proposed 
asserting  "•that  it  would  be  proper  to  charge  certain  stamp  duties 
on  the  colonies."  Other  unwise  and  oppressive  legislation 
followed.  Little  by  little  her  feelings  were  alienated,  till  many 
had  become  absolutely  hostile,  and  were  ready  to  shed  their  blood 
in  defence  of  what  they  deemed  to  be  their  inalienable  rights. 
News  of  the  Boston  Massacre  produced  intense  excitement  and 
indignation  in  Rhode  Island,  and  when  the  tidings  of  the  battle 
of  Lexington  reached  Providence,  the  wildest  enthusiasm 
pervaded  nearly  every  heart.  Gov.  Nicholas  Cooke  took  a 
firm  and  decided  stand  in  favor  of  freedom,  and  made  preparations 
for  a  sanguinary  struggle.  Mr.  Hopkins  was  commissioned  by 
him  as  Brigadier  General  in  command  of  five  companies  to  be 
raised  for  the  protection  of  the  colony. 

The  land,  however,  was  not  to  be  his  sole  theatre  of  action, 
for  he  had  hardly  completed  recruiting  and  organizing  his  corps, 
before  he  received  a  commission  from  the  Continental  Congress, 
as  "Commander-in-chief  of  the  navy."  On  the  22d  of 
December,  1775,  Congress  passed  the  following   resolution.* 

"  Resolved — that  the  following  naval  officers  be  appointed  : 
EsEK  Hopkins,  Esq^,  Commander-in-Chief. 

Dudley  Saltonstall,   Captain  of  the  Alfred. 

Abraham  Whipple,   Captain  of  the  Columbus. 

Nicholas  Biddle,   Captain  of  the  Andrea  Dora. 

John  B.  Hopkins,   Captain  of  the  Cahot. 
&c.,   &c.,   &c. 

Resolved — that  the  pay  of  the  Commander-in-Chief  be  $125 
per  month." 

"  By  this  law  it  will  be  seen,"  says  Cooper,  "that  Mr. Hopkins 
was  not  made  a  Captain,  but  the  '  Commander-in-Chief 'f  a  rank 

*i.  Cooper's  Naval  History,  p.  103. 
f  4.  American  Archives,  p.  360-4. 


ESEK  HOPKINS.  385 

that  was  intended  to  correspond  in  the  navy,  to  that  held  by 
Washington  in  the  army.  His  official  appellation  among  seamen, 
appears  to  have  been  that  of  Commodore.,  though  he  was  frequently 
styled  '•  JdmiraT  in  the  papers  of  that  period." 

Hopkins  assiduously  applied  himselt  to  perfecting  the 
arrangements  for  an  expedition  which  was  then  kept  secret,  and 
Feb.  17th,  1776,  he  got  to  sea  from  the  Delaware — where  he 
had  been  for  some  weeks  ice-bound — with  the  hrst  squadron 
sent  out  by  the  Colonies.  The  fleet  consisted  of  the  Alfred,  24 
guns;  Columbus,  20;  Doria,  14;  Cabot,  14;  Providence,  12; 
Hornet,  lO;  Wasp,  8;  and  Fly,  despatch  vessel ;  four  ships  and 
three  sloops. 

Paul  Jones  was  a  Lieutenant  on  the  Commodore's  Ship,  Alfred. 
It  was  on  board  this  ship  that  Jones  affirms  that  he  first  hoisted 
the  flag  of  the  United  Colonies,  with  his  own  hands,  when 
Commodore  Hopkins  Hrst  visited  her.  This  occurred  on  the 
Delaware,  ott  Philadelphia;  and  the  flag  was  the  pine-tree  and 
rattle-snake,  the  symbol  then  used  by  the  Colonies. 

Of  the  commissioned  officers  in  the  fleet,  eight  of  them 
belonged  to  Rhode  Island — the  result,  probably,  of  the  influence 
of  the  Commander-in-Chief.  On  the  19th,  the  squadron  with  a 
trcsh  breeze  was  standing  south  for  the  Bahama  Islands,  and 
rendezvoused  at  Abaco.  Here  final  ariangements  were  made 
for  an  advance  upon  New  Providence.  The  attack  was  made, 
and  the  forts  carried  in  gallant  style,  captuiing  about  100  cannon, 
and  a  large  <]u:uititv  of  ordinance  stores  and  ammunition,  and  the 
governor  of  the  Island.  "On  this  occasion,"  savs  Cooper,  "the 
first  that  ever  occurred  in  the  regular  American  navy,  the 
marines  behaved  with  a  spirit  and  steadiness  that  have  distinguished 
them  ever  since."  The  object  of  the  expedition  being 
accomplished,  Commodore  Hopkins  stood  north  homeward 
bound.  When  of^'  Block  Islar;d  he  fell  in  with  and  captured 
the  British  schooner  Hawke,  of  six  carriage  guns,  and  eight 
swivels,  and  the  bomb  brig   Bolton,  of    eight  guns,  two  howitzers, 

SO 


386  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

ten  svvivjls,  and  forty-eight  men,  and  well  provided  with 
amrnunitioii  and  stores.  For  this  act  the  President  ot'  Contiress 
complimented  Hopkins  officially.*  Two  days  after  this  affair, 
Hopkins  with  three  vessels  attacked  the  Glasgow  of  29  guns, 
Captain  Tringham  How,  with  a  crew  ot  150.  men.  It  appears 
the  Altred  was  poorly  prepared  to  contend  with  the  Glasgow,  as 
her  main-deck  guns  were  so  near  the  water,  as  to  be  useles  in  a 
fresh  breeze.  On  this  occasion,  however,  she  was  brought 
gallantly  into  action,  but  her  wheel-rope  was  shot  away,  and 
broachitig  to,  she  was  raked  by  the  Glasgow  for  sometime. 
The  Commodore's  son,  John  B.  Hopkins,  Captain  of  the  Cabot, 
seeing  the  condition  of  the  Alfred^  his  father's  ship,  ran  up  within 
pistol  shot  of  the  Glasgow,  and  poured  in  a  destructive  fire,  and 
received  her  broadsides  nearly  half  an  hour,  manifesting  the  most 
undaunted  bravery.  Captain  Whipple  ot  the  Columbus  was 
signaled  to  join  in  the  attack,  but  failed  for  some  cause  to  come 
to  the  rescue,  and  the  Glasgow  made  her  escape  by  getting  into 
Newport,  For  this  the  Commodore,  and  particularly  Captains 
Hazard  and  Whipple  were  censured.  The  latter  demanded  a 
court-martial,  the  request  for  which  was  forwarded  to  the 
President  of  Congress.  The  President  addressed  a  letter  to 
Commodore  Hopkins,  which  was  concluded  as  follows  : 
"Though  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  Glasgow,  Man-of-war, 
made  her  escape,  yet,  as  it  was  not  through  any  misconduct  ;  the 
praise  due  to  you,  and  the  other  officers,  is  undoubtedly  the 
same." 

The  squadron  put  into  New  London.  The  cruise  had 
lasted  fifty-three  days,  and  when  we  remember  the  prowess  ot 
England  on  the  sea,  and  the  indiflerent  qualities  of  the  vessels,  it 
must  be  deemed  a  bold,  and  adventurous  one,  and  not  entirely 
without  beneficial  results  to  the  cause  of  the  colonists.  After  a 
short  stay  at  New  London,  Hopkins  brought  his  fleet  round  to 
Rhode  Island,  but  never  made  another  cruise   in  the  navy. 

"■'For  a  minute  account  ot"  this  action,  Sec  "  Life  of  Paul  Jones." 


ESEK   HOPKINS.  387 

A  celebrated  writer  says,  "-Commodore,  or  Admiral  Hopkins, 
as  he  was  generally  called,  even  by  Washington,  who  so  addressed 
him  in  his  official  letters,  performed  other  remarkable  exploits, 
though  he  had  great  difficulties  to  contend  with.  His  name 
became  a  synonym  for  heroism,  and  for  American  patriotism.  In 
June,  1776,  Hopkins  was  ordered  by  Congress  to  appear  before 
the  Naval  Committee  in  Philadelphia  to  reply  to  charges  which  had 
been  preferred  against  him  for  not  annoying  the  enemy's  ships  on 
the  southern  coast.  I^g^  was  defended  by  John  Adams  and  was 
acquitted.  The  unavoidable  delay  at  a  later  period  in  getting  his 
ships  ready  for  sea,  gave  another  opportunity  for  his  enemies  to 
complain  ;  and  neglecting  a  citation  to  appear  at  Philadelphia, 
because  no  specific  charges  were  made  against  him,  and  on  account 
of  his  general  disgust  at  the  conduct  of  his  opponents,  he  was 
dismissed  the  ser\  ice  Jan.  2,  1777.  He  resided  near  Providence, 
and  exerted  during  a  long  life  a  great  political  influence  in  Rhode 
Island,  being  often  elected  to  the  General  Assembly  of  that  State:" 

The  following  incident  related  by  the  Hon.  Asher  Robbins,  will 
serve  to  show  the  legislative  influence,  as  well  as  the  impulsive 
character  of  the  man  while  performing  the  gravest  duties.  March, 
1786,  he  was  a  representative  for  North  Providence,  and  one 
afternoon  Dr.  Manning,  President  of  Brown  University,  out  of 
curiosity  went  to  the  State  House  to  look  in  upon  the  Assembly, 
and  see  what  was  doing.  ()n  his  appearance,  he  was  introduced 
on  the  floor,  and  accommodated  with  a  seat.  Shortly  after, 
the  Commodore  arose  and  nominated  Dr.  Manning,  as  a  delegate 
to  Congress,  there  being  a  vacancy  to  fill  in  that  body  at  that 
time.  He  was  unanimously  appointed.  Shortly  after  this  event 
Robbins  was  at  the  house  of  Governor  Hopkins,  and  there  met 
the  Commodore,  who  informed  him  that  the  idea  never  entered 
his  head  until  he  saw  the  President  enter  and  take  his  seat  on 
the  floor  of  the  Assembly,  and  that  the  thought  immediately 
struck  him  that  he  would  make  a  very  fit  member  for  that  august 
body — the  Continental  Congress. 


388  BIOGRJPin    OF 

Few  men  enjoyeJ  the  contiJence  of  his  fellow-citizens  in  a 
greater  degree  than  Commodore  Hopkins.  His  opponents  were 
invariably  those  who  Vv'ere  strangers  to  him,  and  when  we  consider 
the  circumstances  attending  his  youth — without  the  ordinary 
means  of  instruction — left  an  orphan  at  that  age  when  he  most 
needed  parental  care — and  without  patronage — his  advancement  to 
honor  and  renown  are  the  more  remarkable  and  praiseworthy. 
The  Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich  in  his  Historical  Discourse,  June,  i86«;, 
(North  Providence,)  says  ''of  those  whose  homes  were  in  this 
town,  and  who  did  bold  service  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  the 
name  of  Commodore  Hopkins  stands  eminent.  Though  born  in 
another  town,  he  made  for  years  this  place  his  abode,  and  his 
ashes  are  mouldering  within  our  borders.  It  were  superfluous  to 
praise  him.  His  valor  is  a  part  of  the  heroic  heritage  of  his  native 
state;  and  his  name  and  Perry's,  who  alike,  in  different  wars  upheld 
the  honor  of  our  country  on  the  sea,  have  given  our  little  state  cause 
to  glory  in  her  naval  warriors.  For  between  two  and  three  years 
Hopkins  was  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Navy,  but  the  bitter 
sectional  feeling  in  Congress  which  operated  so  much  on  many  an 
occasion  greatlv  to  the  disparagement  of  New  England  men,  finally 
succeeded  in  ousting  him  from  his  honorable  position.  But  by  this 
act  our  country  suffered  most." 

His  family  were  highly  respected,  and  intermarried  with  the 
first  people  in  Providence.  His  daughter  Susanna  married  the 
distinguished  Dr.  Maxcy,  President  o\  Brown  University,  and 
his  sons  were  noted  for-  the  part  thev  bore  in  the  revolutionary 
struggle.  John  Burroughs  Hopkins  was  concerned  in  the 
"Gaspee"  affair,  and  was  captain  of  the  Cabot  under  his  father 
in  the  first  naval  fleet  as  we  have  before  stated.  He  was  wounded 
during  the  action  with  the  Glasgow.  At  a  very  early  age  he 
became  a  sea  captain,  and  was  noted  for  his  bravery,  and  noble 
daring.  ^ 

Some  time  before  his  death,  Commodore  Hopkins  gave  the 
town  of  North  Providence  a  piece  of  land  for  a  Cemetery,  situated 


^.^^A:  HOPKINS.  389 

about    one-third    of  a    mile    from    his    residence    to   the  north  of 

Providence,    and    within    this    enclosure  his  mortal  remains  were 

deposited,  -ind  his  tomb-stone  bears  the  following  inscription  : 

"This  stone  is  consecrated 

To  the  Memory  of 

Esek  Hopkins,  Esq., 

Who  departed  this  life 

on  the 

26th  day  of  February,  A.  D.    1802, 

.     He  was  born  in  the  year  1718,  in  Scituate 

in  this  State,  and  during  the 

Revolutionary  war, 

was  appointed 

Admiral  and  Commander-in-Chief 

of  the 

Naval  forces  of  the  United  States. 

He  was  afterwards  a  member  of  our    State  Legislature, 

and  was  no  less  distinguished 

for  his  deliberation  than  for  his  valour. 

As  he  lived  highly  respected. 

So  he  died  deeply  regretted 

by  his  country  and  his  friends, 

at  the  advanced  age  of  83  years  and  10  months. 

'  Look  next  on  Greatness,'  '  say  where  Greatness  lies,"' 

Supplement. 

The   following   facts   though    coming    into   mv  hands  after  the 

above  notice  was  nearly  completed,  are  deemed  worthy  of  place  in 

this  connection  and  will  undoubtedly  be  read  with  interest.      They 

were    collected    from   the    American  Archives,  and  from  original 

documents,  and  confirm  the  foregoing  sketch. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution  in  the  early  part  of 
1775,  Esek  Hopkins  and  Joseph.  Brown  were  appointed  by  the 
General  Assembly  to  go  through  the  colony  and  decide  what 
places    should    be   fortified,    and  in  what  manner.*      This  shows 


*  Guild's  Manning  and  Brown  University,  p.  163. 


390 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


the    estmate    which    the  public  put  upon  his  abilities  as  a  man  of 
science. 

The  Legislature  of  Rhode  Island,  in  its  October  session, 
1775,  passed  an  act  to  raise  500  soldiers.  Esek  Hopkins, 
John  Sayles  and  Henry  Marchant  appointed  a  committee  to 
prepare  an  act  to  Rhode   Island  Legislature.* 

After  his  appointments  as  Brigadier  General  he  captured  a 
number  of  prisoners  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  dispose 
of  them. 

January  i,  1776,  the  naval  committee  applied  for  three  pilots 
to  conduct  vessels  to  Reedv  Island  Hopkins  had  been  previously 
appointed  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  naval  forces — court 
established  and  flag  hoisted. f  John  Adams  and  Stephen 
Hopkins  were  members   of  that  committee.* 

The  following  account  of  the  sailing  of  the  fleet  written  by 
an  eye  witness  expresses  the  joy  and  expectation  of  the  people 
at  the  time. 

"  Newbern.,  N.    C,  Febuary  q,  1776. 

*■'  By  a  gentleman  from  Philadelphia  we  have  received  the 
pleasing  account  of  the  act-ual  sailing  from  that  place  ot  the  first 
American  fleet  that  ever  swelled  their  sails  on  the  western  ocean 
in  defence  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  petjple  of  these 
colonies,  now  suffering  under  the  persecuting  rod  of  the  British 
ministry,  and  their  more  than  brutish  tyrants  in  America. 
This  fleet  consists  of  five  sail,  fitted  out  from  Philadelphia  which 
are  to  be  joined  at  the  capes  of  Virginia  by  two  s\\\\r:-.  more  from 
Maryland,  and  is  commanded  by  Admiral  Hopkins — a  most 
experienced  and  venerable  sea  captain.  The  Admiral's  ship  is 
called  the  Columhus^  after  Christopher  Columbus,  the  renowned 
discoverer  of  this  western  world,  and  mounts  36  guns,  12  and 
9  pounders,  on  two  decks,  40  swivels  and  500  men.       \\\c  second 

•■Publir    Records.    1775,    Secretary  of  State's  office. 
t.  4  American  Archives  p.  360  —  4  and  506. 


ESEK  HOPKINS.  391 

ship  is  called  the  Cahot  after  Sabastain  Cabot,  who  completed  the 
discoveries  of  America  made  by  Columbus,  and  mounts  32  guns. 
The  others  are  smaller  vessels  from  24  to  14  guns.  They 
sailed  from  Philadelphia  amidst  the  acclamations  ot  many 
thousands  assembled  on  the  jovful  occasion,  under  a  display  of  a 
union  flag,  with  thirteen  stripes  in  the  Held,  emblematical  of  the 
thirteen  United  Colonies,  but  unhappily  tor  us,  the  ice  in  the 
river  Delaware  as  yet,  obstructs  the  passage  down,  but  the  time 
will  soon  arrive  when  this  fleet  must  come  to  action.  Their 
destination  is  secret,  but  generally  supposed  to  be  against  the 
ministerial  governors,  those  little  petty  tyrants  that  have  lately 
spread  fire  and  sword  through  the  southern  colonies.  For  the 
happy  success  of  this  little  fleet  3,000,000  of  people  offer  their 
most  earnest  supplications  to  heaven."* 

This  was  called  by  the  British  by  way  of  derision  the 
"  Misketo  Fleet." 

Orders  given  the  several  captains  in  the  fleet,  at  sailing  from 
the  capes  of  the  Delaware,  February  17,  1776,  by  Commodore 
Hopkins. 

"Sir: — You  are  hereby  ordered  to  keep  company  with  me  if 
possible,  and  truly  observe  the  signals  given  by  the  ship  I  am  in, 
but  in  case  you  should  be  separated  in  a  gale  ot  wind  or  otherwise, 
you  then  are  to  use  all  possible  means  to  join  the  fleet  as  soon 
as  possible  ;  but  if  you  cannot,  in  four  days  after  you  leave  the 
fleet  vou  are  to  make  the  best  of  your  way  to  the  southern  part 
o't  Abaco  (one  of  the  Bahama  Islands)  and  there  wait  for  the  fleet 
fourteen  days.  But  if  the  fleet  does  not  join  you  in  that  time, 
you  are  to  cruise  in  such  places  as  vou  think  will  most  annoy  the 
enemy.  And  vou  are  to  send  into  port  for  trial  all  British 
vessels  with  an\-  supplies  for  the  ministerial  torces,  who  you 
may  make  yourseh  master  of,  to  such  places  as  you  mav  think 
best  within  the  United  Colonies. 


*.  4.  American  Archives,    964 — 5. 


39- 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


In  case  you  are  in  any  verv  great  danger  of  being  taken,  vou 
are  to  destroy  these  orders,  and  your  signals. 

EsEK.  Hopkins,   Commander-in-Chief.""' 

Arriving  at  their  destination  the  follov/ing  manifesto  was  sent 
on  shore  at  New  Providence  : 

"To  the  Gentlemen,  Freemen,  and  Inhabitants  of  the  Island 
of  New  Providence  : — 

The  reason  for  my  landing  an  armed  force  on  the  island  is,  in 
order  to  take  possession  of  the  powder  and  warlike  stores 
belonging  to  the  crown  ;  and  if  I  am  not  opposed  in  putting  my 
design  in  execution,  the  persons  and  the  property  of  the 
inhabitants  shalVbe  safe  ■,  neither  shall  thev  be  suffered  to  be  hurt 
in  case  they  make  no    resistence. 

Given  under  my  hand  on  board  the  ship  Alfred^  March  3,  177*^- 
EsEK.  Hopkins,  Commander-in-Chief."! 

After  securing  the  ammunition.  Governor,  &c.,  Hopkins  gave 
orders  to  return  to  Providence:  hailing  a  Danish  ship  in  distress 
he  gave  her  permission  to  put  into  one  of  the  southern  ports  for 
repairs.;};  1  he  following  is  his  report  of  his  doings  during  the 
cruise,  read  April  16,  1776.  : 

"Admiral  Hopkins,  to  the  President  of  Congress. 

Ship  Alfred,  New  London  Harbour,  April  9,  1776. 

Sir: — When  I  put  to  sea  the  i  :th  of  February,  from  Cape 
Henlopen,  we  had  many  sick,  and  hjur  of  the  \  essels  had  a  large 
number  on  board  with  small-pox.  The  Flor/iet  and  Wasp  joined 
me  two  days  before.  The  wind  came  at  N.  E.,  which  made 
it  unsafe  to  lie  there.  The  wind  after  we  got  out  came  on  to 
blow  hard.  1  did  not  think  we  were  in  a  condition  to  keep  on  a 
cold  coast,  and  appointed  our  rendezvous  at  Abaco,  one  of  the 
Bahama  Islands.  The  second  night  we  lost  the  Hornet  and 
Fly.      I  arrived    at    rendezvous,  in    order  to  wait  for  them  hfteen 


*  4.  American  Archives  p.   1179. 
t  5.  American  Archives,  p.  46. 
\   5.   American  Arrhivcj  p.  47. 


ESEK   HOPKINS.  383 

days  agreeable  to  orders.  I  then  formed  an  expedition  against 
New  Providence,  which  I  put  in  execution  3d  of  March,  by 
landing  200  marines  under  the  command  of  Captain  Nicholas, 
and  50  sailors  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Weaver  of  the 
Cabot,  who  was  well  acquainted  there.  The  same  day  they  took 
possession  of  a  small  fort  of  seventeen  pieces  of  cannon  without 
any  opposition  save  five  guns  which  were  fired  at  them  without 
doing  any  damage. 

I  received  that  evening  an  account  that  they  had  200  and  odd 
men  in  the  main  fort,  all  inhabitants.  I  caused  my  manifesto  to 
be  published^  the  purport  of  which  was  &c.,  (See  anti).  Capt. 
Nicholas  sent  by  my  orders  to  the  Governor  for  the  keys  of  the 
fort  which  were  delivered,  and  the  troops  marched  directly  in, 
where  we  found  the  several  warlike  stores,  agreeable  to  the 
inventory  enclosed.  But  the  Governor  sent  [50  barrels  of 
powder  off  in  a  small  sloop  the  night  before.  I  have  all  the 
stores  on  board  the  fleet,  and  a  large  sloop  that  I  found  there, 
and  which  I  have  promised  the  owner  to  send  back  and  pav  him 
hire  for. 

The  Flv  joined  us  at  Providence,  and  gave  an  account  that  he 
got  foul  of  the  Hornet  and  carried  away  the  boom  and  head  of 
her  mast  ;  and  I  hear  since  she  has  got  into  some  port  of  South 
Carolina.  I  have  taken  the  Gov.  Montfort  Browne,  the  Lieut. 
Gov.,  who  is  a  half-pay  officer,  Mr.  Thomas  Irving,  who  is  a 
Counsellor  and  Collector  of  his  Majesty's  quit-rents  in  S.  C,  and 
it  appears  by  the  Court  Calender,  that  he  is  also  Inspector  General 
of  his  Majesty's  Customs  of  North  America. 

Since  we  came  out  we  have  lost  company  with  the  Wasp. 
The  4th  inst.,  we  fell  in  with  on  the  east  end  of  Long  Island  and 
look  the  Schooner,  commanded  by  young  Wallace,  of  six  carriage 
guns  and  eight  swivels,  and  on  the  5th  took  the  bomb  Brig  of 
eight  guns,  two  howitzers,  ten  swivels,  and  forty-eight  hands, 
well  found  in  all  sorts  of  stores,  arms,  powder,  &c.  The  6th, 
in  the  morning,  fell  in  with   the  Glascow   and  her  tender,  and 

51 


394  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

engaged  her  near  three  hours.  We  lost  six  men  killed  and  manv 
wounded.  The  Cabot  had  four  men  killed  and  seven  wounded, 
the  Captain  is  among  the  latter.  The  Columbus  had  one  man 
who  lost  his  arm.  We  received  considerable  damage  in  our 
ship;  but  the  greatest  was  in  havmg  our  wheel  ropes  and  blocks 
shot  away,  which  gave  the  Glascow  time  to  make  sail,  which  I 
did  not  think  proper  to  follow,  as  it  would  have  brought  on  an 
action  with  the  whole  of  their  fleet,  as  I  had  upwards  of  thirty  of 
our  best  seamen  on  board  the  prizes,  and  some  that  were  on  board 
had  got  too  much  liquor  out  of  the  prizes  to  be  ht  for  duty,  I 
thought  it  most  prudent  to  give  over  the  chase,  and  secure  our 
prizes;  and  got  nothing  but  the  Glascow's  tender,  and  arrived 
here  the  7th  inst.  with  all  the  fleet. 

Among  the  dead  are  Mr.  Sinclair  Seymour,  Master  of  the 
Cabot,  a  good  officer.  First  Lieut.  Wilson  of  the  Cabot,  and 
Lieut.  Fitzpatric  of  the  Alfred.  The  officers  all  behaved  well 
on  board  the  Alfred  ;  but  too  much  praise  cannot  be  given  to  the 
officers  of  the  Cabot,  who  gave  and  sustained  the  whole  fire  for 
some  considerable  time  within  pistol  shot.* 

I  expect  to  leave  this  place  in  three  or  four  days,  and  as  Gen. 
Washington  is  expected  here  ever\-  minute,  it  he  will  give  me 
leave  to  enlist  some  of  his  men — shall  be  able  to  get  away  sooner. 
1  hear  since  the  action  the  fleet  has  gone  from  Newport  ;  but 
whether  they  intend  to  return  again  I  cannot  tell  ;  bnt  if  I  can 
get  the  fleet  well  manned — shall  be  able  to  give  a  more  intelligent 
account. 

I  have  now  on  board  80  pieces  of  heav\'  sail-duck  which  I 
purchased  at  New  Providence,  and  have  drawn  bills  on  the 
Treasurer  for. 

I  am  with  great  Respect,  Your  humble  Servant. 

EsF.K  Hopkins. "t 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  inventory  alluded  to: 


*   The  Commodore's  son,  [ohn  B.  commanded  the  Cabot. 

f    5  American    Archives,  p.  823.  Original  report  in  Secretary  ot"  State's  office,  letters, 
1776,  p.  35. 


ESEK  HOPKINS. 


395 


"To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress.  Inventory  of  stores  taken  at  Fort 
Montague,  March  3,  1776,  17  cannon,  9  36  pounders;  1240 
round  shot;  \i\  shells;  81  iron  trucks  for  carriages;  22 
copper  hoops ;  2  copper  powder  measures;  i  worm;  i  ladle; 
some  old  iron,  copper,  lead,  &c. 

At  Fort  Nassau,  ~\  cannon,  9  32  pounders;  15  mortars, 
4  II  in.;  5337  shells;  9831  round  shot;  1 65  chain  double-headed 
shot,  iScc,  &c."* 

Admiral  Hopkins   to  Stephen    Hopkins: 

••'On  board  ship  Alfred  at  the  mouth  of 

the  New  London  river,  April  21,  1776. 
"  Dear  Brother; 

Since  I  wrote  nothing  material  has  happened. 

We  landed  our  sick  (which  were  140  men  in   the  fleet)  and   got 

some  new  men  out  of   the  armv,  and  were   ready    to   sail,    when 

I  received   General   Washington's   letter   bv   express,   a   copy  of 

which  I  have  enclosed. 

I  sent  out  the  Cabot  in  order  to  strengthen  the  town  Newport, 
where  she  is  arrived,  as  vou  will  see  bv  Lieut.  Hinman's  letter, 
a  copy  ot  which  vou  have  enclosed.  Two  days  past  we  were 
under  sail  to  get  out,  but  ashore  on  the  rocks  on  Fisher's  Island  ; 
but  grot  ofi-  again  without  much  damage  after  about  eight  hours, 
and  came  in  again,  and  ordered  all  the  vessels  in  which  I  had 
under  convoy,  five  of  whom  were  at  the  risk  of  the  Congress. 
The  Flv  is  now  out  in  order  to  learn  the  strength  of  the  fleet. 
If  thev  are  not  much  stronger  than  we,  we  shall  go  out  the  first 
fair   wind. 

We  are  much  better  manned  now  than  we  ever  have  been. 
My  son  (John  B.  Hopkins)  is  ashore,  at  Mr.  Shaws,  and  getting 
better  of  his  wounds,  but  do  not  expect  he  will  be  able  to  go  on 
board  his  Brig  to  take  the  command  in  less  than  three  or 
four   weeks. 

I   am    vour   loving   brother, 

Esek  Hopkins. 

*   5   American  Archives,  p.  823. 


396  BIOGRJPHr  Of 

To  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq,  at  Philadelphia. 
P.  S.  1  have  obliged  most  of  the  sailors  that  1  have  taken  out  of 
the  armed  vessels  to  do  duty  on  board.  Should  be  glad  to  know 
if  that  is  agreeable  with  the  sentiments  of  the  Congress,  that  I 
may  still  follow  the  same  rule."* 

About  this  time  Congress  passed  the  following  resolution  : 
"  Resolved — that  twenty  of  the  heaviest  cannon  brought  by 
Commodore  Hopkins  from  New  Providence,  be  curried  to 
Philadelphia  to  fortify"  that  city.* 

The  Captive  Gov.  applies  to  Hopkins  for  an  enlargement  of 
his  liberty,  whereupon  he  addressed  the  followmg  line  to  the 
Gov.  of  Conn. 

"  Admiral  Hopkins  to  Gov.  Trumbull. 

New  London,  April  25,  1776. 

Sir:  The  bearer,  Gov.  Browne,  requests  me  to  use  my 
influence  with  your  Honor,  that  he  may  have  leave  sometimes 
on  parole,  to  go  as  far  as  where  he  can  go  to  church.  And  as 
he  is  a  gentleman  of  character,  I  make  no  doubt  vou  will  give 
him  as  much  liberty  as  is  consistent  with  the  public  safety  ;  and 
further  he  cannot  expect. 

I  am  with  great  respect.  Your  Most  Obt.  Servant, 

Esek  Hopkins. 

To   Jonathan     Irumbull.  Esq.  Gov.  of   the  Colony  of  Ct.  at 

Lebanon. "t 

Com.  Hopkins  had  borrowed  200  men  of  Washington  which 
are  demanded.      He  makes  the  following  reply: 

"Admiral  Hopkins  to  Gen.  Washington. 

Providence  May   1,  1776. 

Sir:      Your   favor   of  the   25th  of  April,  per  express,  has  been 

received.      I    am    very    much    obliged  to  you  for  the  use  of    your 

men,   and    shall  despatch  them  to  New  York  immediately  in  the 

Sloop  Providence,  Capt.  Hazard.      Although  we  still  continue  to 


*    5  American  Archives,  p.   1006. 
I    5  American  Archives,  p.  47. 
^    5  American  Archives,  p.  47. 


ESEK  HOPKINS.  397 

be  sickly  on  board  all  the  vessels,  so  that  it  will  be  impossible  to 
to    go    to    sea  with  the  fleet,  before  we  got  recruited  with  hands, 
which  will  not  easily  be  done. 
I  am  with  great  respect,  Sir,  Your  Most  ()ht.  humble  Servant. 

Esek  Hopkins. 
To  Gen.  Washington."* 

In  writing  to  John  Hancock,  President  of  Congress,  he  alludes 
to  a  letter  from  Capt.  Whipple  making  a  request.  (J.  H.  Clark 
says,  it  was  not  to  be  deprived  of  his  office  for  not  coming  up  in 
the  fight  with  the  Glasgow.)      The  following  extract  refers  to  it^ 

"Enclosed  you  have  a  copy  of  Capt.  Whipple's  request  to 
me  which  I  suppose,  1  shall  grant,  and  expect  that  may  bring 
on  some  more  inquires,  but  do  not  expect  any  thing  which  may 
now  be  done  will  mend  what  is  past.      Esek  Hopkins. "f 

He  gives  a  detailed  account  of  the  fleet's  doings  in  this  letter. 
His  magnanimity  is  shown  by  protecting  his  inferior  officers,  and 
bearing  himself  the  burden  of  their  faults. 

THK    PAPERS   OK    COM.    HOPKINS. 

I'he  Authoi  has  not  had  access  to  the  papers  of  Esek  Hopkins 
but  received  the  following  statement  from  the  Hon.  John  H. 
Clark  of  Providence,  grandson  of  Com.  H.  in  regard  to  them. 
When  the  Commodore  died  Judge  J.  Dorrence  had  all  his 
papers.  Estate,  ike,  in  charge.  The  Judge  was  then  living  in 
the  Dorrence  building  in  Providence,  west  side  of  the  river. 
When  he  died,  or  moved  from  there,  the  papers  of  Com.  Hopkins 
were  left  up  stairs  in  the  garret.  One  Wheaton  Baker  took 
possession  of  the  Dorrence  buildings,  and  having  found  the 
aforesaid  papers  to  be  of  considerable  importance,  took  them  to 
Baltimore  and  endeavored  to  sell  them,  but  not  getting  an  oiler 
to  satisfy  him,  he  brought  them  back  to  Providence.  Judge 
Wm.  R.  Staples,  learning  of  the  whereabouts  of  those  papers 
secured    the  loan  of  them  for  perusal,  and  found   them    of  such 


*  5  American  Archives,  p.  1168. 
f  5  American  Archives,  p.  1168. 


398  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

importance  that  he  solicited  the  heirs  to  demand  him  to  deposit 
them  in  the  Rhode  Island  Historical  Society  at  Providence.  Mrs. 
Desire  Leonard,  daughter  of  Commodore  Hopkins,  and  John 
H.  Clark  signing  the  said  request  as  lieirs-at-law  oi  Commodore 
Hopkins.  Judge  Staples  deposited  them  in  said  Society  where 
they  now  remain. 

No  doubt  an  interesting  biography  could  be  written  of  this 
distinguished  Naval  Officer,  whose  name  like  many  other  worthies 
of  the  Revolution  has  nearly  faded  from  our  memories. 

The  portrait  of  Commodore  Hopkins  may  be  seen  in  the 
"•  Rhode  Island  Hall"  in  Providence.  The  Hall  is  situated  at  the 
south  side  oi  the  college  grounds  on  a  beautiful  elevation  that 
commands  a  view  of  the  city  to  the  west,  and  to  the  south  a 
most  magnificent  panorama  of  the  Narragansett  bay  flecked  with 
shipping  and  bordered  with  green  sloping  shores  rising  and 
rolling  away  into  the  blue  distance.  The  Hall  contains  some 
very  fine  paintings,  portraits,  and  models  of  ancient  temples,  and 
also,  small  cabinets  of  minerals.  The  successive  classes  of 
graduates  from  Brown  University  have  honored  tht-  Hall  with 
their  photographs.  Prominent  among  the  portraits  stand  Esek 
Hopkins  and  A.  E.  Burnside.  That  of  Hopkins  was  painted  by 
Heade  from  a  mezzotint  engraving,  and  is  certainly  a  very  fine 
production.  The  peculiar  dash  and  daring  of  the  Commodore 
stands  out  prominently  in  the  features  and  noble  figure,  and  the 
roughness  that  some  have  attributed  to  him  would  scarcely  be 
.  perceived  under  the  open  countenance,  large  mild  eyes,  full  face, 
and  fair  exterior  of  the  figure  before   you. 

This  has  been  photographed,  and  the  author  acknowledges 
the  receipt  of  one  of  them  from  J.  H.  Clark.  A  steel 
engraving  of  Commodore  Hopkins  is  in  the  possession  of  the 
Secretary  of  State  of  Rhode  Island. 

Many  anecdotes  concerning  him  are  related  among  the  older 
men  of  Providence  at  the  present  day.  He  was  laughed  at  for 
living  in  North    Providence   on   such   a   miserable   farm,   and   by 


ESEK  HOPKINS.  399 

wav  of  reproach  was  told  bv  one  of  the  metropolitans  "that 
nobody  but  a  fool  would  live  on  such  a  piece  of  land,"  he  replied, 
'•'■no  fool  could  live  on  such  a  piece  of  land — he  would  starve, 
but  vou  see  I  am  well  fed." 

On  another  occasion — when  Gen.  Greene's  fame  as  a  military 
chieftain  was  at  its  height,  he  happened  in  Providence  and  Com. 
Hopkins  gave  him  an  invitation  to  dine  with  him.  "At  what 
hour  do  vou  dine?"  enquired  the  polite  General  whose  habits  in 
this  respect  had  become  somewhat  modified  by  his  contact  with 
southern  chivalry.  "At  12  o'clock" — responded  the  Com. 
whose  naval  discipline  was  without  parallax  or  shadow  ot 
changing  in  these  matters."  But  I  do  not  dine  till  two  or 
three  " — rejoined  Greene.  "  Then  you  won't  dine  with  me  by 
a  long  chalk  '"  replied  Hopkins  with  characteristic  sangfroid. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  IX. 

SRAEL  WILKINSON,  the  fifth  son,  and  ninth  child  of 
the  second  Samuel,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Smithfield, 
Rhode  Island,  March  21,  1711.  The  place  where  he  was  born 
presents  a  desolate  appearance.  The  ruins  of  the  old  house  are 
plainly  visible,  and  the  locality  has  been  described  in  the  sketch 
of  his  father.  His  educational  advantages  were  limited,  as  were 
nearly  all  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  infant  colony,  to  private 
instruction.  Schools  were  kept  in  private  houses,  and  but  for 
a  few  months  in  the  year.  It  is  difficult  to  imagine  even,  the 
state  of  affairs  as  it  existed  in  the  days  of  oui'  ancestors,  and  the 
great  change  that  has  taken  place  since.  The  log  hut  has  been 
superseded  by  the  neat,  commodious  dwelling — the  forests  have 
been  swept  away — the  wild  beasts  and  the  savages  have  been 
supplanted  by  the  advancing  footsteps  of  civilization; — railroad 
cars  dash  athwart  the  fields  where  lumbered  the  ox-cart  of  the 
farmer,  and  the  dull  murmur  of  gliding  rivers  now  resounds  with 
the  hum  of  ten  thousand  spindles  at  every  waterfall.  One 
hundred  and  fifty  years  have  wrought  a  change  so  great  that 
should  the  departed  spirits  be  permitted  to  resume  their  clayey 
tenements,  and  walk  the  fields  they  once  cultivated,  and  stand 
before  the  place  where  they  erected  their  humble  dwellings,  thev 
would  be  lost  in  amazement  at  the  mutations  of  time. 
They  would  see — 

"  Busy  millions   quicking   all  the  land. 
With  cities  thronged,  and  teeming  culture  high  ; 


ISRAEL  WILKINSON.  401 

For   Xjture  smiles  upon  her  trce-born  sons, 
And  pours  the  pienty  that  belongs  to  men  : — 
Behold  the  country  cheer'n,',  villas  rise 
In  lively-  prospect,"   anH  all — "changed 
Into  somctliing  nev^-,  and   strange/ 

In  the  early  youth  of  Israel  the  wild  beasts  ot  the  forests 
were  common,  and  an  adventure  exhibiting  the  daring  and 
pluck  of  the  lad  is  handed  down  as  a  well  authenticated  tradition 
by  the  descendants  of  this  branch.  His  father  had  a  cornfield 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Blackstone  river,  a  little  south  of  what 
is  now  the  Hamlet.  At  that  time  the  country  was  covered  by 
the  primitive  forests  consisting  of  oak,  chestnut  and  pine.  A  few 
acres  had  been  cleared  of  timber,  and  corn  put  in,  and  a  fine 
field  was  wa\ing  to  the  passing  breeze.  Israel,  at  that  time 
about  twelve  years  of  age,  was  passing  through  it  one  day,  when 
he  espied  a  large  black  bear  pulling  down  the  corn  and  devouring 
it.  He  immediately  drew  up  his  gun  which  missed  fire,  and 
Bruin  hearing  the  click  of  the  hammer  made  his  escape  into  the 
adjoining  woods.  Narrating  his  adventure  when  he  arrived 
home  his  elder  brothers  laughed  at  his  marvellous  account, 
remarking  that  had  it  been  a  squirrel  his  gun  would  not  have 
missed  file.  The  next  day  the  intrepid  vouth  took  his  father's 
fire-lock,  and  posted  off  to  the  cornfield  some  two  miles  away. 
Arriving  at  about  the  same  spot  at  the  same  time  of  day,  he 
beheld  Bruin  at  his  old  trick,  and  immediately  attempted  to  bring 
his  piece  to  a  present  arim^  but  his  strength  failed  him,  and  he 
was  obliged  to  get  behind  a  hill  of  corn,  and  resting  his  gun  on 
the  stalks  he  blazed  away  at  his  black  majesty,  and  over  he 
went,  kicking  and  threshing  among  the  corn.  Immediately 
sounds  of  approaching  footsteps  were  beared.  The  boy's  hair 
stood  on  end  thinking  another  bear  was  coming  down  upon  him 
to  avenge  the  death  of  his  mate,  when,  lo  !  the  familiar  form  of 
his  father  on  his  old  pacing  mare  approached  him.  The  anxious 
parent  had  missed  his  boy  and  gun,  and  immediately  went  after 
him,  and  arrived  in  season  to  be  in  at  the   death. 

52 


402  BIOGRAPHT  OF 

With  countenance  radiant  with  jov  and  exultation  at  the 
result  of  the  exploit,  the  father  and  son  lifted  the  dead  body  of 
the  bear  upon  the  horse,  and  mounting  themselves  returned  in 
triumph  to  the  house,  convincing  his  brothers  that  his  former 
tale  was  founded  in  fact.  For  generations  this  incident  has  been 
related,  and  the  tradition  is  still  handed  down  to  the  delight  and 
terror  of  the  juvenile  portion  of  many  a  family.  The  writer  of 
this  well  remembers  hearing  it  related  in  his  childhood  till  he 
saw  bears  in  every  dark  corner  of  the  room,  and  would  scarcely 
venture  at  eventide  into  the  long  hall  at  the  old  homestead  lest 
a  bear  should  attack  him. 

Israel  was  not  only  a  farmer,  but  was  extensively  engaged  in 
other  enterprises.  He  was  an  ingenious  man  in  the  mechanic 
arts,  and  invented  a  machine  for  cutting  screws,  both  wooden 
and  iron.  His  place  of  work  on  the  old  homestead  in  Smithfield 
was  just  in  the  rear  of  the  old  red  house,  which  stands  on  the 
river  road  from  Providence  to  Woonsocket,  nearly  opposite 
Manville,  and  is  now  occupied  by  Albert  Vose,  and  was  the 
residence  of  James  Wilkinson,  a  grandson  of  Israel,  up  to  1831, 
for  more  than  forty-five  years.  The  manner  of  cutting  screws 
was  primitive  enough  .  The  timber  which  held  the  gouge  was 
about  five  feet  long,  two  feet  wide,  and  a  foot  thick,  riveted  with 
iron  bolts  an  inch  in  diameter,  headed  and  nutted,  and  of  great 
strength.  This  timber  was  perforated  with  a  hole  to  receive  the 
Stick  of  which  the  screw  was  to  be  made,  and  was  turned  by 
hand,  and  the  thread  of  the  screw  gauged  according  to  any 
required  dimension.  After  the  first  running  through,  the  gouge 
was  re-set,  and  the  work  completed.  Also  screws  tor  pressing 
spermaceti  oil,  and  clothier's  screws — paper  and  cider  mill 
screws  were  manufactured  here,  and  so  far  as  we  know,  they 
were  the  first  made  in  New  England.  The  principle  part  of  the 
tools  and  apparatus  were  subsequently  sold  to  Oziel  Wilkinson 
of  Pawtucket,  A  witness  still  living,  (1865)  says  he  split  up 
some  of  the  blocks,  or  timbers  which  held  the  chisels  or  gouges, 


ISRAEL  IVILKINSON.  403 

and  collected  the  old  irons,  and  sold  them  at  auction  in  1831. 
They  had  been  Ivmg  about  the  premises  since  his  childhood,  and 
the  facts  herein  stated  are  perfectly  reliable. 

Rhode  Island  has  always  been  noted  for  her  iron  works,  and 
for  the  number  of  establishments  in  this  branch  of  industry. 
Mines  of  iron  w^re  discovered  and  worked,  and  furnaces  erected 
in  different  parts  of  the  Colony  at  a  very  early  day.  Israel  was 
extensively  engaged  in  these  enterprises,  and  was  well  known  in 
the  surrounding  Colonies.  Few  workmen  would  attempt  to  do 
what  seemed  perfectly  simple  and  easy  to  be  accomplished  in  his 
hands.  He  was  called  to  Boston  to  aid  in  casting  cannon  previous 
to  the  Revolution.  An  anecdote  is  related  of  his  going  to  Boston 
for  the  purpose  of  extracting  the  "core"  of  the  cannon  after 
casting,  a  difficulty  the  workmen  could  not  overcome  there. 
His  wife  careful  of  the  pecuniary  consideration,  admonished 
him  as  follows — "Israel,  see  to  it,  that  they  pay  thee  well." 
Upon  his  return — entertaining  no  doubts  of  his  success,  but 
fearing  that  he  had  not  been  amply  compensated  for  his  labor  and 
trouble,  she  enquired — "What  did  they  pay  thee?"  and  the 
answer — "As  good  a  bowl  of  punch  as  ever  a  man  drank!" 
more  than  confirmed  her  suspicions. 

The  "Amity  Furnace,"  at  Manville  on  the  Blackstone  River 
was  built,  and  carried  on  by  him  and  his  brother-in-law,  Rogers — 
they  were  the  principal  workmen  there  for  several  years.  The 
"  Hope  Furnace,"  also,  where  the  Hope  Factory,  now  stands  in 
Cranston,  was  built  by  them.  Their  skill  and  perseverance  made 
that  establishment  a  success,  the  Browns,  and  Bowens,  and  some 
others  were  enriched  by  it,  but  Wilkinson  and  Rogers  were  not 
benefitted.  The  company  consisted  of  Stephen  Hopkins,  Israel 
Wilkinson,  Nicholas  and  Moses  Brown  and  others. 

Arnold  in  his  history  of  R.  I.  refers  to  this  matter  as  followi : 
"The  discovery  of  another  bed  of  iron  ore  on  the  Pawtucket 
River,  in  Cranston,  made  early  in  the  spring  (1765)  was  esteemed 
of  great   importance.      A    company    was   formed,  and  a  furnace 


404  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

erected  on  the  lujithern  branch  of  the  rivei",  and  the  petitioners 
(Stephen  Hopkins,  Israel  Wilkinson,  Nicholas  and  Moses  Brown 
for  themselves  and  their  partners)  were  allowed  to  erect  a 
permanent  dam,  provided  thev  would  construct  a  suitable  passage 
for  fish  around  it,  and  maintain  the  same  form  the  loth  ot  April 
to  the  20th  of  May  annually,  agreeable  to  a  law  that  had  been 
in  force  for  thirty  years."* 

This  compelling  manufacturing  companies  to  make  provisions 
for  fish  to  ascend  the  rivers  of  R.  I.,  tended  greatly  to  retard  the 
progress  of  manufactures,  and  resulted  in  not  a  tew  vexatious 
litigations.  At  Pawtucket,  Oziel  Wilkinson  and  others  were 
constantly  annoyed  by  suits.  It  appears  the  people  did  not 
comprehend  the  nature  and  importance  ot  the  enterprises  which 
have  since  proved  the  wealth  of  our  nation. 

He  took  a  deep  interest  in  national  matters  during  the  exciting 
times  of  the  Revolution,  quite  as  much,  perhaps  as  would  be 
considered  consistent  for  a  man  of  his  pacific  principles  ;  but  he 
was  a  lover  of  freedom,  and  looked  upon  the  Colonies  as  fully  of 
age,  and  able  to  take  care  of  themselves  without  any  further 
oversight  ot  their  mother  country.  No  one  could  doubt  his 
patriotism.  If  he  did  not  fire  the  cannon — he  cast  them,  and  if 
he  did  not  use  carnal  weapons,  he  put  no  obstacles  in  the  way 
of  others  using  whatever  was  necessary  to  utterly  destroy 
oppression  and  tyranny. 

Feb.  27,  1776,  about  four  months  before  the  Declaration  of 
Independence,  he  granted  a  deed  of  172  acres  of  land,  the  old 
homestead — to  his  son  Israel,  wherein  he  symbolized  his  hatred 
and  detestation  oftyranny — renounced  his  allegiance  to  the  King 
— and  publicly  proclaimed  his  interest  and  teelings  in  the  contest 
then  raging  to  be  on  the  side  of  his  native  country,  and  her  entire 
independence.  The  Seal  attached  to  that  deed  is  a  mounted 
cavalry    man    with   a    drawn  sword  held  over  his  head  in  the  act 

■*See  2.  Arnold's  History  Rhode   Island,  z6l. 


ISRAEL  IVILKINSON.  405 

of  charging,  and  the  concluding  line  instead  of  saving — "in  the 
1 6th  year  of  His  Majesty's  reign  King  George  the  Third,"  &c.,it 
closes — "  in  the  sixteenth  vear  of  the  King's  reign  that  now  is,'' 
a  very  quiet,  Quakerish  wav  of  not  recognizing  the  sovereignty 
of  Great  Britian.  He  watched  with  intense  interest  the  retreat 
of  Washington  from  Long  Island  into  N.  J.  and  across  the 
Delaware,  and  when  the  dark  cloud  ot  reverses  seemed  to  be 
settling  down  upon  our  arms  and  upon  our  country  and  cause, 
and  men's  heads  began  to  sink  within  them,  his  faith  was  firm 
and  unshaken.      He  believed  with  Milton, that 

"  When  God  brings 
Over  the  earth  a  cloud,  will  therein  set 
His  triple  colored  bow,  whereon  to  look 
And  call  to  mind  his  covenant." 

He  lived  to  see  his  country  free  and  independent,  and  then 
fell  asleep,  leaving  a  worthy  example  for  our  imitation.  That 
example  admonishes  us  that  though  dead  he  still  speaketh,  and 
saith. 

"Go,  call  thy  sons;    instruct  them  what  a  debt 
Thcv  owe  their  ancestors;  and  make  them  swear 
To  pay  it  by  transmitting  down  entire 
Those  sjcred  rights  to  which  tiiemselves  were  born." 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  X. 

OSIAH  WESTCOTT  was  the  fifth  son  of  Rev.  John 
Westcott  and  Ainey  (Clark)  his  wife.  He  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Scituate,  R.  1.,  Oct.  5,  1781,  and  is  a  worthy 
example  of  what  persevering  industry  will  accomplish,  even 
under  the  most  adverse  circumstances.  His  grandparents  were 
Oliver  Westcott*  and  Susanna  (Wilkinson).  He  did  not  have 
the  advantages  of  an  early  education,  but  by  dint  of  hard  labor, 
and  by  close  application  he  prepared  himself  for  usefulness.  As 
he  had  no  one  to  aid  him  in  procuring  an  education,  being  a  poor 
Baptist  minister's  son,  he  made  up  for  the  lack  of  succor  by  a 
determined  will  to  be  somebody,  and  to  do  something — and  the 
sequel  will  show  how  well  he  succeeded.  In  his  own  terse 
language  he  was  emphatically  obliged!^  "to  work  for  a  living." 
He  taught  school  during  the  winter,  and  worked  at  carpentry  in* 
the  summer,  and  thus  secured  the  two-fold  object — a  knowledge 
of  the  common  branches  and  the  natural  sciences,  and  the 
knowledge  of  a  useful  trade.  He  was  married  at  the  age  of 
twenty-six  to  Mary  Peckham,  and  afterwards  engaged  in 
agriculture,  and  soon  became  the  owner  of  a  large  farm  in  his 
native  town  where  he  now  resides. 

From  1808  to  1850,  he  was  called  by  the  suffrage  of  the 
people  to  fill  various  offices  of  trust,  the  arduous  duties  of  which 
he  discharged  with  such  promptness  and  fidelity,  as  to  command 


•■See  note  Jt  the  end  of  this  sketch. 


JO  SI  AH  IV  EST  CO  TT.  407 

the  hearty  approval  ot  his  constituents.  FIc  was  lown  Clerk 
and  Registrar  ot  Deeds  and  Probate,  and  member  of  the  Town 
Council  during  a  period  ot  thirty-one  years,  associate  Judge  in  the 
Common  Pleas  in  the  County  ot  Providence  twenty-four  years. 
Representative  in  the  General  Assembly  seven  ov  eight  years;  and 
also.  State  Senator  trom  his  native  district.  In  a  letter  to  the 
author,  bearing  date,  Aug.  4,  1865,  he  says,  '•'^1  have  had  a 
little  military  experience.  I  commanded  a  company  ot  horse 
with  the  rank  of  Colonel,  eight  years.  The  company  was  called 
the  '  Captain  General's  Caviliers.'  Their  Charter  was  granted 
in  1775,  and  they  were  in  the  Revolutionary  service.  When  I 
left  the  Company  it  consisted  of  loo  men,  mostly  equipped  and 
uniformed.  We  stood  ready  in  the  War  of  18  r  2,  but  were  not 
called  into  active  service.  But  I  have  done  with  public  business, 
and  almost  everything  else  in  this  world,  being  now  almost 
eighty-tour  years  ot  age." 

No  one  can  read  his  letters  without  being  impressed  with  the 
native  vigor  of  his  mind.  Judge  Westcott  is  noted  for  his 
uprightness  ot  conduct — directness  o'i  purpose — energy  and 
decision  of  character,  and  for  a  remarkably  retentive  memory. 
So  proverbial  was  this,  that  he  was  called  the  "  Town  Clerk's 
Office,"  because  he  could  cite  almost  anything  contained  in  its 
ponderous  volumes  without  referring  to  them  ;  and  even  now,  in 
his  advanced  age,  his  retentive  powers  appear  unimpaired  in 
regard  to  the  early  matters  of  the  town.  The  author  acknowledges 
that  many  important  tacts,  names,  and  dates,  in  preparing  this 
Genealogy  and  Biography  were  furnished  b\'  him,  especially  those 
concerning  the  Scituate  branch  ot  the  family.  It  would  be  a 
source  of  instructive  interest  and  pleasure,  and  certainly  great 
encouragement  to  youth,  to  portray  minutely  the  li.e  and  character 
of  Judge  Westcott,  but  space  forbids.  When  the  period  arrive> 
for  the  biographer  to  present  before  the  American  people  the  life 
of  the  early  pioneer's  children,  whose  youth  was  spent  amid  the 
hurry  and  bustle,  and  I  may  say — struggles  of  an   infant   Colony, 


4o8  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

to  assume  a  place  among  the  nations  of  the  earth — the  lite  of 
losiAH  VVestcott,  characterized  bv  indomitable  perseverance 
will  stand  out  in  bold  relief  and  challenge  respect. 


NoTK. — The  ancestors  of  Oliver  Westcott   and  the   fami!v  to   which  he  belonged  are 
as  follows — "Capt.    Josiah    Westcott    and    his    wife    were    married,    Jan.    iS,   17CO   I." 

Their  children  were — 

I.  Nicholas,  h.  Aug.  17,  1702. 

II.  Hannah,  b.  Aug.   11,  1704,  d.  Feb.  I,  1715. 

III.  Tabitha.  b.  Dec.     7,  1706. 

IV.  Josiah,  b.  March  6,  1708-9,  m.  Mary  Collins,  March  19,  1746. 

V.  Nathan,  b.  March  23,  17 1  l.     . 

VI.  Daniaris,  b.  June  12,  171  3. 

VII.  Caleb,  b.  Dec.  6,  17  16. 

VIII.  Oliver,  b.  Sept.  5,   1720,  m.  Susanna  Wilkinson. 

Sworn  to  by  Nicholas. 

See  I   Book  of  Marriages,  p.  84,  Providence.' 


BIOGRAl'HY  NO.  Xr. 

KRflAHAH  WILKINSON,  son  of  Jeremiah  and  Amey 
his  wife,  was  born  in  Cumberland,  July  6,  174.1.  He 
married  tor  his  first  wife  Hopic  Masher,  and  for  his  second 
Elizabeth  Southwicic.  Her  ancestry  were  highly  respectable, 
and  were  noted  for  their  sufferings  for  conscience  sake. 
Elizabeth's  grandfather,  Lawrence  Southwicic,  so  tradition  says, 
came  to  America  the  same  time  Lawrence  Wilkinson  did,  and 
settled  in  Mendon,  Mass,  in  it>45 — -6.  Belonging  to  the  Society 
of  FViends,  he  did  not  escape  the  persecution  which  rose  against 
them  in  Mass.  He  was  imprisoned,  whipped,  and  ruinously 
fined,  and  in  1659,  was  banished  the  Colony  with  his  aged  wife,* 
They  took  refuge  at  Shelter  Island  in  June,  1659.  At  that  time 
the  Island  was  owned  by  Captain  Sylvester.  They  being 
exhausted  bv  their  sufferings  under  a  cruel  persecution,  and  their 
consequent  indigence  and  grief,  died  within  three  davs  of  each 
other. t 

Jeremiah  was  a  brother  of  the  'prophetess',  and  lived  in 
Cumberland  on  the  old  homestead  where  his  father  had 
established  himself  many  vears  before,  and  even  from  a  boy 
exhibited  great  skill  and  ingenuity  in  making  any  article  his  fancy 
suggested,  A  forge  had  been  established  by  his  grandfather, 
and  working  in  iron  had  constituted  a  part  of  the  employment  of 


•'See  Mass.  Rec.  4  pt.,  I.  367. 

fSec  Remarks  on  the  Narragansett  Patent,  brtore  Mass.    Hist.    Soc,  June      1862,  by 
T.  Aspinwall,  p.  29. 

53 


4IO  Bl()GR.1PH'\-  OF 

his  ancestors  for  two  or  three  ge;ieratioiis.  He  not  only  wiouijht 
in  iron  and  steel,  but  also  in  gold  an  1  silver.  'l"he  countrs  being- 
new,  compirati\  elv,  there  was  hut  little  competition,  and  the 
more  wealthy  neighbors  were  accustomed  to  furnish  him  with 
the  requisite  number  of  silver  coins  which  he  wtiuld  n^elt  and 
make  into  spoons,  being  the  first  of  the  kind  in  the  \icinitv. 
Many  of  those  old  silver  spoons  are  in  existence  now  in  xarious 
branches  of  the  family.  Mrs  Judith  (Wilkinson)  Walcott, 
who  lived  on  High  street  in  Providence  had  one  or  more  of  them. 
At  a  very  early  period  he  engaged  in  making  hand  cards  for 
carding  wool,  and  for  currying  horses  and  cattle.  As  there  were 
no  mills  for  this  purpose  the  carding  of  wool  was  quite  a  business, 
and  he  had  as  much  as  he  could  do  to  supply  the  demand  o\  the 
surrounding  community.  Mrs.  Walcott  above  alluded  to  aided 
in  making  cards  when  she  was  a  child.  He  invented  i  machine 
for  cutting  and  bending  the  wire  of  which  the  teeth  were  made 
at  the  same  movement.  The  holes  were  punched  with  a  lever 
attached  to  a  bench  with  awls  or  sharp  pointed  teeth  fastened  to 
it  ;  at  first  onlv  one  row  at  a  time  was  made,  bnt  subsequently 
improvements  were  added,  and  the  whole  card  was  punched  at 
one  movement  of   the  lever. 

The  difficulty  experienced  in  procuring  wire,  gave  rise  to  a 
new  species  of  industry,  and  Jeremiah  prepared  his  tools,  plates, 
&c,  and  drew  his  own  wire  by  horse  power.*  This  is  believed 
to  be  the  first  wire   drawn    in    the  Colony,   or   even    in    America. 

The  author  was  presented  with  the  wood  work  of  one  (^f  the 
old  cards  by  Mrs.  Angell  on  the  old  Wilkinson  place  in 
Cumberland,  and  also,  with  specimens  of  wire  drawn  by  horse 
power,  by  her  grandfather. 

But  the  invention  which  gives  Jeremiah  Wilkinson  a  historical 
reputation  throughout  the  world  was  that  of  cutting  nails  from 
cold  iron.  The  manner  in  which  this  important  branch  of 
business  originated  illustrates  the  old  maxim,  that    "necessity   is 


*See  Transactions  of  the  R.  I.  Society  of  Domestic    Industry,    1861,  page  loi. 


JE  R  E  Ml .  n-I  II IL  K INS  O  X. 


411 


the  mother  of  iinentuin",  and  has  been  \  ariouslv  stated  by 
different  writers.  Re\ .  C  C  Hemen  in  his  sketches,  says 
"■Jeremiah  was  quite  ingenious  in  mechir.ic>;  he  was  the  first 
one  who  made  and  used  cut  nails.  W.bhin-T;  some  nails  for  the 
house  he  was  building  at  Smithfield,  during  the  Revolutionary 
War,  and  not  being  able  to  obtain  them,  he  directed  some 
Spanish  hoops  to  be  cut  in  the  form  of  nails,  and  used  them  in 
the   erection  o\   his  dwelling." 

The  following  statement  is  made  by  David  Wilkinson  in  his 
"Reminiscences,"  and  is  perfecrh'  reliable.  He  says,  "  Eleazer 
'■V'ilkiiison,  junior,  a  Our<ker  o\'  Cumberland,  told  my  father 
(Ozieljot  Jeremiah's  making  card  tacks  of  cold  ir.)n.  In  laying 
the  stri[)  of"  leather  around  the  hand  card,  he  lacked  four  large 
tacks  to  hold  the  corners  in  place,  while  driv  ing  the  tacks  around 
the  outer  edge.  He  took  a  plate  of  an  old  door  tack  oft  the 
floor,  cut  four  points  with  shears,  and  made  heads  in  the  vice  ; 
but  afterwards  made  a  steel  bow  with  scores  in  it,  and  put  it  in 
the  vice,  and  in  that  was'  made  tacks."'      This  was  in  April,  1776. 

The  machines  for  cutting  nails  were  improved  from  time  to 
time  by  Jeremiah.  One  of  these  primitive  inventions  may  be 
seen  on  the  premises  of  Mr.  Razee  who  married  Lucina 
VVilkinson,  daughter  of  Jas.  Wilkjnson  Esq.,  now  of  Providence, 
—  Their  residence  is  a  few  rods  south  of  the  Hotel  on  Diamond 
Hill'  Plii.'i.  The  old  shears  h.i\e  become  a  historical  relic. 
1  hey  were  purchased  by  David  Wilkinson,  and  Samuel  Green 
about  forty  years  ago  and  ileposited  with  the  Historical  Societ\- 
m  Pr()\  idence.  The\  were  a  pair  of  tailor's  shears,  witli  bows 
straightened  out,  and  the  blades  cut  off  half  the  leno;th. 

One  of  the  ablest  historians  of  R.  I.  makes  the  f(dlowing 
allusion  to  this  very  useful  and  important  discovery  "The 
manufacture  of  iron  in  various  forms,"  says  he — "  has  always 
been  a  prominent  branch  of  mdustry  in  his  vicinity.  It  is  said, 
that  the  first  cold  cut  nail  in  the  world  was  made  in  1777,  by 
Jeremiah  Wilkinson  of  Cumberland  R.  L,  who  died  in   1832,  at 


412  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

the  advanced  atic  ot  ninty."*  Men  are  still  living  in  C'uniheilarid 
who  well  remember  seeing  original  m  ichines  invented  bv  Jeremiah 
tor  drawing  wire  and  cutting  nails.  The  m  iking  o\  taolfs  proved 
quite  lucrative.  Thev  were  put  up  in  papers  and  sold  in 
Providence,  Boston  and  other  places. 

Jeremiah  was  a  good  farmer  and  horticulturist  as  well  as 
mechanic,  and  the  old  homestead  has  been  noted  many  years  tor 
the  abundance  and  e.xcellence  of  its  cherries,  and  other  truit. 
Multitudes  of  young  people  still  resort  thither,  bring  invariibl/ 
met  with  the  most  cordial  hospitality.  The  author  had  the 
pleasure  ot  visiting  the  place  in  1865.  The  old  shop  still  stands 
— though  in  a  tumble-down  condition — the  unJerpining  having 
fallen  in  several  places,  though  we  are  happy  to  learn  it  is  soon 
to  be  repaired.  Within  its  walls  may  be  seen  the  original  anvil, 
and  many  of  the  implements  used  by  this  son  of  V^ulcan.  A 
very  curious  chest  with  drawers,  partition,  sliding  shelves,  and 
cubby  holes  for  tools  of  all  kinds  still  stands  where  the  busy  hands 
of  Jeremiah  left  it.  Across  the  road  is  an  old  house  with  its 
chambers  containing  various  articles  of  invention.  Among  them 
is  a  morticing  machine  with  crank,  cogs,  and  wheels  enough  tor 
a  small  cotton  factory.  A  reel  full  of  tine  wire  was  discovered 
having  fallen  down  into  the  chimney  where  it  had  rested  tor  halt 
a  century,  or  more,  and  is  the  remains  of  the  primitive  wire 
drawn  in  America.  It  is  very  badly  corroded,  but  holds 
together  in  many  places.  Mr.  W.  manufactured  molasses  tro.n 
corn  stalks — he  invented  the  mill  to  grind  the  stalks,  and  pressed 
them  in  a  common  cider  mill. 

The  following   obituary  notice  taken  from  a  Providence  paper 
alludes  to  his  inventions  and  labors  : 

"Mr.  Jeremiah  Wilkinson  whose  death  we  mentioned  yesterday 
is  thus  noticed  in  the  Pawtucket  Chronicle  of  the  4th.  inst. 

"Mr.  W.  was  probably  the  first  person  who  made  a  cold  or  cut 


*II.  Vol.  Arnold  i  History  ot"  Rhode  Island,  p.ige  69. 


JEREMIAH    iriLK/A'SOX.  413 

nail  in  this  coiintr}-.  During  the  Re\olutionarv  War  he  carried 
on  the  manufacture  of  hand  card.s  ;  but  finding  it  difficult  to 
obtain  tacks,  or  nails  tor  the  purpose,  (none  being  made  in  this 
countrv)  he  conceived  the  idea  of  making  them  cold,  and  finally 
succeeded  bv  cutting  nails  from  thin  plates  of  iron  with  a  large 
pair  of  shears,  which  were  then  headed  in  a  vice.  Subsequently 
improvements  were  made  by  several  persons,  until  the  machine 
has  arrived  to  its  present  perfection,  which  has  rendered  the 
business  one  of  the  must  important  in  our  ci)untry.  Mr.  W. 
made  wire  for  his  cards  ;  he  also,  made  pins  and  needles,  and  his 
wife  informed  the  writer  of  this  article,  that  she  had  purchased 
a  spinning  wheel  for  three  darning  needles  of  her  husband's  make. 

*  *  *  *  -.:  ■/.-  ri  ^,;- 

Although  Mr.  W.'s  pacific  principles  would  not  permit  him 
to  take  up  arms  in  defense  of  his  countrv,  yet  probably,  he 
contributed  his  full  share  towards  its  independence.*' 

Jeremiah  W^ilkinson  is  undoubtedh  entitled  to  the  credit  of 
being  the  first  man  m  starting  three  very  important  branches  of 
American  industry,  viz:  i.  Drawing  Wire;  2.  Card 
.Making  ;  3.  Nail  Cutting,  and  also,  as  being  the  inventor 
of  the  original  machines  bv  which  the  above  work  was  done. 
The  importance  of  these  industrial  enterprises  cannot  now  be 
estimated.  His  brow  is  worthy  of  the  wre;t  1  his  appreciating 
countrymen  have  place  upon    it. 

The  following  taken  from  a  communication  from  a  descendant 
of  Jeremiah,  sums  up  in  brief  his  labors  and  inventions  : 

*■'  During  the  Revolution  he  invented  a  machine  to  draw  wire 
to  make  hand  cards,  also,  a  machine  to  make  tack-nails  to  make 
his  cards  with,  and  from  this  machine  sprang  the  first  cut  nails 
made  in  America  or  in  Europe.  He  made  needles  and  pins,  and 
sold  darning  needles  for  one  dollar  apeice  during  the  Revolution. 
He  also  drew  copper  wire.  He  manufactured  molasses  out  of 
cornstalks,  and  invented  a  mill  to  grind  the  stalks  and  pressed 
them  in  a  common  cider  mill.  He  was  also,  a  great  horticulturist, 
and  raised  abyndance  of  fruit.  His  son  Daniel  succeeded  him  in 
this  branch  and  was  the   greatest    fruit  grower  in  Rhode  Island." 


bio(;raphy  XII. 

EMIMA  WILKINSON,  dawghter  of  Jeremiah  Wilkinson 
and  Elizabeth  Amev  (Whipple)  his  wife,  born  on  the  fifth 


day  of  the  week  Nov,  2g,  1752,  in  Cumberland  R.  I.  died  July 
1,  1819,  in  Jerusalem,  Yates  Co,  New  York.  I3v  reference  to 
the  Genealogy  it  will  be  seen  she  was  one  of  twelve  children. 
Her  parents  were  ordinary  New  England  farmers,  and  were 
respected  by  the  community  in  which  they  lived  tor  their 
consistent  Christian  principles — for  their  moral  worth  and  honest\ . 
Jemima  was  their  eighth  child,  and  always  noted  for  her  singular 
characteristics,  louring  her  girlhood  she  was  very  iond  of  dress 
and  gay  company,  and  attended  nearly  all  the  social  parties  in 
the  neighborhood.  Her  educational  advantages  were  limited  to 
the  common  schools  of  the  day,  which  included  little  besides 
reading,  writing  and  arithmetic. 

At  about  the  age  of  eighteen  a  religious  excitement  prevailed 
in  Providence  County,  caused  by  the  preaching  of  the  distinguished 
George  Whitfield,  which  nrade  a  serious  impression  upon  the  ; 
mind  of  Jemima,  if  we  may  judge  from  the  change  produced  in 
her  outward  conduct.  From  a  vain,  proud,  flaunting  girl  she 
seemed  to  be  transformed  into  a  serious,  plain,  and  we  may  say, 
contemplative  recluse — casting  aside  hei  fine  apparel — secluding 
herself  from  her  gay  companions  and  public  and  private  parties, 
and  attending  only  religious  meetings,  and  seeking  only  the 
company  of  those  who  were    seriously    and    religiously    inclined,     i 


JE  MIMA  IV I L  A  ll^S  O  N.  4 1 5 

Ahandonirig  all  light  reading,  she   gave  her  attention  to  the  Bible, 
which  she  studied  with  great  care. 

Shortly  after  this,  about  1775,  a  fever  prevailed  in  the  town  of 
Cumberland,  which  was  spread  from  the  ships  containing  British 
soldiers  in  Newport.  This  tever  attacked  Mr.  Wilkinson's 
family,  jemima  exerted  herself  to  care  tor  the  sick,  and  was 
frequently  heard  to  say,  it  she  wa>  attacked  she  knew  she  should 
die.  At  length  b\  constant  cxposuie,  she  was  brought  under  its 
terrible  influence,  and  for  a  long  time  her  life  was  despaired  of. 
One  night  suddenly  at  12  o'clock,  while  her  watchers  (one  of 
whom  was  Sarah  Whipple  Tower  1  were  in  the  room,  she  rose  up 
in  her  bed  and  demanded  her  clothes.  For  nearly  half  an  hour 
before  she  seemed  to  be  in  a  trance — King  perfectly  motionless, 
and  apparently  without  breathing,  and  perceptible  pulse.  This 
sudden  start  and  demand,  therefore,  somewhat  surprised  her 
attendants,  but  being  resolute  women,  they  were  not  alarmed. 
She  had  previously  pretended  to  see  \isions  and  would  recount  to 
those  with  her,  the  wonderful  revelations  which  had  been  made 
to  her.  But  now,  she  claimed  she  had  died,  and  had  been  raised 
from  the  dead  !  that  her  carnal  existence  was  ended,  and  henceforth 
her  life  was  to  be  spiritual  and  divine — that  she  who  was  once 
Jemima  VVilkinson,  was  dead  and  in  heaven — and  that  her 
''tabernacle"  which  appeared  to  them,  had  been  re-animated  b}' 
the  spirit  and  power  of  jesus  Christ,"  and  had  become  the  friend 
of  all  mankind,  or  the  *■'  Universal  Friend," — that  she  was 
endowed  with  the  power  of  prophecy  and  miracles,  and  many 
other  strange  hallucinations.  Her  apparel  was  procured  and  she 
immcdiatel)'  got  up — knelt  by  her  bedside  and  prayed,  and  then 
dressed  herself,  and  from  that  time  forward  went  about  in  as  good 
health  as  she  had  usually  enjoyed,  only  somewhat  feeble  and 
emaciated  by  her  long  confinement.  Hudson  says,  she  feigned 
sickness,  and  tells  a  long  and  absurd  story  about  many  foolish 
tricks   she   played   of^   upon   her   watchers.       There   is   no   doubt 


*Guild's  Manning  and  Brown  University,  p.  312. 


4,16  BIOGRJPH}'  OF 

;)b()ut  the  realit\'  of  her  sickness — it  is  attested  by  scores  of 
persons  whose  veracitv  is  above  suspicion.  Her  sudden  recovery 
is  a  fact  also,  account  ioi  it  as  we  may — and  it  is  nothing 
surprisinu;  that  greiit:  excitement  prevailed  in  the  town  ot 
Cumberland  when  the  people  listened  to  her  marvelous 
pretensions. 

The  Sabbath  following  against  the  remonstrance  o{  her  friend* 
she  made  her  appearance  at  church.  This  church  was  located 
on  the  site  of  the  house  now  (1865)  owned  by  Daniel  Thompson 
near  Arnold's  Mills  in  Cumberland.  Her  attire  plain  and  simple, 
but  with  the  utmost  neatness — her  countenance  pale  and  languid, 
and  with  graceful  form  and  movement,  and  the  strange  stories 
concerning  her — she  attracted  universal  attention.  The  weather 
was  fine,  clear,  and  mild,  it  being  a  New  England  October  day, 
and  the  congregation  had  assembled  about  the  meeting-house 
door  after  service,  when  Jemima  with  stow  and  measured  step 
walked  to  an*  adjoining  shade  tree  whither  the  multitude 
followed  her.  •  [The  tree  was  directly  in  front  of  the  meeting- 
house, not  more  than  a  ro  1  from  it  —  ml  betWv^en  it  and  the 
road,  and  was  cut  down  for  fuel  a  few  years  ago.]  Here  she 
began  to  speak — the  whole  congregation  gathered  about  her.  It 
was  her  maiden  speech,  and  for  half  an  hour  thev  listened  to  her 
lecture  upon  the  beauty  of  virtue  and  moralitv — the  heinousness 
of  sin,  and  the  neceS'iitv  of  an  amend.msnt  of  life,  and  the 
faithful  discharge  of  every  duty — -with  perfect  astonishment. 

"  Her  feeble  voice,  her  graceful  gestures,  her  pale  face,  her 
persuasive  language,  the  mild  expression  of  her  fine  eyes  together 
with  the  marvelous  story  of  her  sickness — visions— and  strange 
recovery,  produced  a  lasting  impression  upon  her  heirers.  Some 
were  vexed  at  her  arrogance  and  boldness,  others  intimidated  by 
her  set  manner  of  speech  —  the  inflexibility  of  her  countenance, 
and  the  glances  of  her  keen  black  eye,  while  the  greater  part 
believed  her  to  be  laboring  under  mental  aberration  occasioned 
by     debility     and     sickness."*      Her     knowledge    of    Scripture 


Hudson's  "Life  of"  JemiiTi.i  Wilkinson." 


JEMiMA   WILKINSON.  417 

astoiiisheJ  all  who  heard  her.  Her  inemorv  was  very  retentixe, 
and  she  could  repeat  a  great  part  of  what  she  read.  Her  lecture 
ended,  she  invited  all  who  wished  to  talk  with  her  tocall  "at  the 
the  place  where  she  sojourned" — meaning  her  father's  house; 
hut  as  she  recognized  neither  father  nor  mother,  brothers  nor 
sisters  according  to  the  flesh  in  her  new  state,  she  was  careful 
not  to  use  ;  ny  expression  that  could  be  construed  into  a  recognition 
of  such  relationship.      iVIanv  regarded  her  as  absolutely  insane. 

The  Bible  now  occupied  all  her  spare  moments,  and  she 
perused  it?  contents  with  an  absorbing  interest.  She  attended 
every  funeral  in  the  neighborhood,  and  every  religious  meeting, 
and  whenever  an  opportunity  was  offered  she  was  sure  to  speak, 
and  warn  the  people  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and 
embrace  the  oflers  of  mercy.  The  religious  portion  of  the 
pe.:>ple,  as  well  as  many  others,  were  charmed  with  her  eloquence, 
and  she  received  invitations  to  go  abroad  and  preach.  1  hese 
invitations  were  accepted  and  she  preached  in  Providence  to 
crowded  houses.  She  also,  went  to  North  and  South  Kingston, 
to  Seconnet,  to  Newport  to  Taunton,  and  to  New  Bedford,  in 
all  of  which  places  she  was  listened  to  with  great  interest  and 
profound  attention.  What  surprises  us  most  is,  that  a  person 
laboring  under  such  hallucinations,  should  have  influenced  the 
class  ot  men  she  did,  tor  many  of  the  first  men  in  those  places 
were  carried  away  with  her  doctrine.  Her  manner  and  speech 
convinced  multitudes  that  she  was  sincere  in  her  own  convictions 
ot  duty,  and  that  she  had  a  mission  to  perform,  and  was 
fearfully  in  earnest  in  the  peiformance  of  it.  On  one  of  her 
circuits  she  preached  in  Taunton,  some  say  New  Bedford, 
Mass.,  and  during  the  course  of  her  remarks  some  one  in  the 
crowd  requested  her  to  show  a  sign  of  her  divinity,  affirming  that 
Christ  performed  miracles  such  as  healing  the  sick — raising  the 
the  dead — walking  on  the  water.  Being  pressed  with  this 
matter,  she  replied — "you  who  seek  a  sign^  meet  me  hereon  the 
banks  of  the  Taunton  river"  at  such  a  day  and  hour.      Accordingly 

54 


4i8  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

at  the  day  and  hour  appointed  the  river-bank  was  thronged  with 
thousands  of  people  who  had  collected  from  all  quarters  to  see 
the  miracle,  tor  notice  had  been  given  out  that  Jemima  was  to 
walk  upon  the  water.  Presently  her  carriage  drove  up — she 
alighted  and  walked  into  the  midst  ot  the  crowd,  who  opened  to 
give  her  way.  She  ascended  an  elevation,  and  with  a  hrm  voice 
enquired  of  the  multitude — "what  is  it  ye  seek?"  They 
responded — "•  a  sign  of  your  divinity."  She  paused  a  moment 
and  then  took  the  following  text  "an  evil  and  adulterous 
generation  seeketh  after  a  sign  ;  and  no  sign  shall  be  given  unto 
it."*  Her  discourse  was  textual,  portraying  in  no  enviable  colors 
the  character  of  those  who  seek  after  a  sign.  The  second  part 
was  exceedingly  brief,  being  merely  the  last  clause  of  her  text — 
"  but  no  sign  shall  be  given  unto  it"  and  then  walked  to  her  carriage 
and  drove  away.  From  this  originated  all  the  base  fabrications  of 
her  walking  on  the  water  in  New  England.  The  Crooked  Lake 
miracle  had  less  foundation  than  this.  From  this  instance  many 
have  inferred  that  she  was  more  artful  than  insane,  and  we  readily 
admit, as  Shakspeare  says,  "  Fhough  this  be  madness,  yet  there's 
method  in  it — a  happiness  that  oken  madness  hits  on,  which 
reason  and  sanitv  could  not  so  prosperously  be  delivered  ot." 

Wnerever  she  went  she  made  proselytes,  and  they  were  very 
frequently  men  of  influence  and  high  standing  in  society.  "  At 
Kingston,  R.  1.,  in  1780,"  says  Wilkins  Updike, t  "  Judge  Potter 
became  an  enthusiastic  and  devoted  follower  of  the  celebrated 
Jemima  Wilkinson.  For  the  more  comfortable  accommodation 
of  herself  and  her  adherents,  he  built  a  large  addition  to  his 
already  spacious  mansion,  containing  fourteen  rooms  and  bedrooms 
with  suitable  hre  places.  Her  influence  controlled  his  household, 
servants,  and  the  income  of  his  great  estates.  She  made  it  her 
head-quarters  for  above  six  years.  Judge  Potter  was  her  principal 
agent  in  procuring  the  lands  in  the  State  of  New  York." 


•■^Matt.  12  :  39. 

|History  of  Narragansett  Church. 


JEMIMA  WILKINSON.  419 

Finding  her  proselvtes  increasing  she  concei\ed  the  idea  ot 
ortjanizina;  a  societv  of  her  own.  /\t  South  Kingston  a  church 
was  built  for  her,  and  another  in  Connecticut.  The  latter  was 
called  the  "  Temple  of  the  Lord,"  and  was  sold  when  she  and 
her  followers  mo\ed  to  N.  Y.  In  establishing  her  sect  she 
adopted  chieilv  the  practice  and  doctrines  of  the  Quakers.  T  he 
Shaker  practice  of  celibacy  was  subsequently  promulgated.  It 
was  her  custom  to  have  several  of  her  followers  attend  her  in  her 
journevs  through  the  country,  and  a  scribe  would  keep  a  daily 
record  of  events.  One  of  these  diaries  written  by  a  Mr.  Hathaway 
is  still  in  existence  in  the  Historical  Society  at  Penn  Yan,  N.  Y. 
It  describes  her  travels  from  New  Milford,  Ct.,  through  the  state 
into  N.  Y.  and  Penn.  It  is  very  well  written,  exhibiting  the 
features  of  a  diary  of  an  itmerant  revivalist  of  the  present  day. 

Her  manner  of  speakii;g  in  her  public  addresses  was  peculiarly 
impressive.  ''  She  would  rise  up  and  stand  perfectly  still  tor  a 
minute  or  more,  and  then  proceed  with  a  slow  and  distinct 
enunciation.  She  spoke  with  great  ease  and  with  increased 
fluency  ;  her  voice  clear  and  harmonious,  her  manner  persuasive 
and  emphatic.  Her  dress  rich  but  plain,  and  in  a  style  entirely 
her  own  ■,  a  broad  brimmed  white  beaver  hat  with  a  low  crown, 
and  the  sides  when  she  rode  turned  down  and  tied  under  the  chin  ; 
a  full  light  drab  cloak,  or  mantle,  with  an  unique  under  dress  and 
cravat  round  the  neck,  with  square  ends  that  tell  down  to  her 
waist  forward.  On  horseback  her  appearance  was  imposing.  In 
her  religious  peregrinations  Judge  Potter  usually  rode  beside 
Jemima,  and  then  her  followers  two  by  two,  on  horseback, 
constituted  a  solemn  and  imposing  procession.'"'' 

In  the  summer  of  1782,  she  went  to  Philadelphia  attended  by 
a  few  followers.  She  attracted  considerable  attention,  and  it  is 
said  while  there,  she  was  drawn  through  the  streets  by  men  after 
they  had  detached  the  horses  from  the  carriage.  After  preaching 
a   few    times,   it    was  with  ditficulty  that  a  place  large  enough  to 


*VVilkin3  Updike's  Hist,  of  Narragansett  Church,  p.  234. 


420  BIOGRJPH}-  OF 

contain  the  vast  audience  could  be  found.  The  Trustees  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  St.  George's  church  freely  granted  her  the 
use  of  their  house  while  she  remained  in  the  cit\'.  Thousands 
listened  with  admiration  to  her  singular  eloquence,  and  in  some 
respects  novel  doctrine,  and  many  were  persuaded  to  become  her 
followers.  She  enjoyed  the  hospitality  ot  some  of  the  wealthiest 
people  of  Philadelphia,  and  lived  amid  their  splendors,  but  in 
comparative  seclu>ion,  as  she  alloweJ  but  te>v  to  tresspass  upon 
her  time.  Whenever  she  appeared  in  the  streets  she  was  thronged 
bv  the  multitude.  She  remained  in  the  city  three  or  four  months, 
and  Oct.  19,  I  782,  she  left  and  went  upon  invitation  to  the  town 
of  Worcester,  Montgomery  Co.,  Pa.,  and  stopped  with  one 
David  Wagener,  a  very  wealthy  farmer,  where  she  remained  a 
few  weeks,  and  preached  nearly  every  day  during  her  stay  ther-. 
Here  she  made  many  friends  who  were  warmly  attached  to  her, 
and  when  she  departed  several  accompanied  her  a  day's  journey. 
Her  followers  were  overjoyed  at  her  return  to  R.  I.— having  been 
absent  four  or  five  months — and  were  eager  to  hear  her  preach 
again.  One  who  had  heard  her  spsilc  frequently,  says — "•  She 
was  a  proverbial  preacher — she  spoke  in  proverbs,  and  in  this 
respect  was  unlike  any  other  preacher."  She  held  meetings  daily 
for  about  a  week  after  her  return,  and  in  the  course  of  a  few 
weeks  commenced  itinerating  again. 

There  is  something  singular  about  her  insanity.  So  firmly  did 
she  believe  that  she  was  appointed  by  Heaven  to  fulfil  a  mission 
that  every  plan,  every  action,  and  every  thought  seemed  to  dwell 
upon  this  one  theme.  Hudson  says,  "  She  fully  confirmed  her 
credulous  followers  in  the  faith  of  her  divinity  ;  but  the  community 
at  large  believed  her  to  be  a  poor,  miserable  enthusiast,  and  being 
a  female,  they  were  the  more  ready  to  pity  her  lunacy.'' 

Two  of  her  living  followers,  the  Misses  Comstock,  remarked 
to  the  author — "that  her  followers  did  not  believe  in  her  divinity, 
neither  did  she  so  represent  herself."  They  further'added — "there 
might  have  been  some  among  them  who  thought  her  divine,  but 


JEMIMA    IVILKINSON.  421 

we  never  knew  them."  Thev  seemed  to  believe  she  had  the  . 
power  of  telHng  what  was  going  on  in  remote  places — and  it  was 
on  account  of  this  that  she  was  called  the  *■'  Prophetess."  But 
Dr.  Manning,  President  ot  R.  I.  College  at  Providence,  in  a 
letter  to  Samuel  Stennett,  D.  D.,  Eng.,  bearing  date,  Nov.  8, 
I  783,  gives  the  tollowing  account  of  her.  He  had  been  speaking 
of  ''the  delusion  of  Reiley,"  and  savs — '•'•About  the  same  time 
one  Jemima  Wilkinson,  near  this  place,  who  had  been  educated 
amongst  the  Quakers,  pretended  that  she  had  been  dead,  then 
re-animated  with  a  celestial  spirit,  and  endowed  with  an 
extraordinary  commission  trom  heaven  to  preach  the  Gospel. 
She  sometimes  called  herselt  the  Comforter;  and  sometimes, 
when  in  an  audience  ot  great  numbers,  pointing  to  herself,  said 
that  when  Jesus  Christ  first  appeared,  he  came  in  the  flesh  of  a 
man,  out  that  he  is  now  come  in  the  flesh  of  a  woman.  She  has 
continued  to  traverse  the  country  and  publiclv  preach  ever  since, 
accompanied  with  a  number  of  disciples  who  do  her  homage  on 
their  bended  knees.  Many  ha\e  been  carried  away  with  her 
delusion,  and  believe  her  to  he  the  Savior." 

She  never  allowed  her  followers  to  worship  her.  but  strictly 
enjoined,  when  the  more  ignorant  attempted  acts  of  worship  — 
"  See  thou  doest  it  not." 

In  1784,  she  made  a  second  \isit  to  Penn.  and  arrixed  in 
Worcester,  Aug.  28.  She  met  with  a  cordial  reception  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  Wagener,  and  was  heartily  welcomed  by  her 
fnumerous  friends.  She  organized  a  society  which  rapidly 
increased  in  numbers.  She  frequently  visited  Philadelphia  and 
the  surrounding  country,  proclaiming  her  mission  and  urging  men 
to  repent  and  turn  from  sin.  Mr.  W.  placed  one  of  his  beautiful 
farms  at  her  disposal,  and  all  her  traveling  expenses  were  promptly 
met  by  her  Society.  Mr.  Hudson  relates  one  of  his  improbable 
and  contradictory  stories  in  regard  to  her  tricks  while  here.  He 
savs,  "  Among  those  who  visited  her,  some  were  prompted  by 
curiosi^v,  and  others  by  a  desire  to  learn  whether  she  knew  their 


422  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

secret  thoughts  ;  on  their  arrival,  Jemima  would  retire  to  her 
private  apartment,  on  the  second  flocM-,  leaving  her  assistants  below 
to  receive  them.  Here  they  were  ensjaged  in  conversation  as  long; 
as  circumstances  required,  during  which  time  Jemima's  instruments 
drew  from  them  as  much  ot  the  history  ot  their  private  griefs, 
or  whatever  was  uppermost  in  their  minds  as  they  could  obtain, 
which  was  always  carefully  and  specifically  related  to  Jemima 
before  she  gave  audience  to  her  visitors.  By  this  contrivance, 
she  was  generally  enabled  to  satisfy  them  that  she  knew  the 
object  of  their  journey,  what  they  had  heard  of  herself,  and  in 
some  instances  what  they  thought;  and  she  was  rarely  liable  to  err 
when  she  informed  them  how  much  they  were  surprised  to  find  her 
able  to  divine  their  cogitations  without  any  previous  conversation 
with  them.  By  such  tricks  and  various  others,  in  which  her 
attendants  were  well  instructed  as  to  the  part  they  were  to  act, 
Jemima  made  herself  mistress  of  the  affections  and  confidence 
of  her  submissive  followers." 

The  whole  statement  is  too  shallow  to  need  a  refutation.  It 
would  probably  require  some  one  as  astute  as  Mr.  Hudson,  to 
reconcile  the  absurdity  of  the  sincerity  of  her  followers,  which  he 
is  constantly  .attributing  to  them,  and  these  numerous  tricks  in 
which  they  are  made  to  participate.  They  must  have  been  very 
bright  subjects,  who,  while  they  were  being  pumped  of  their 
secrets  by  '•'Jemima's  instruments,"  and  witnessing  their  departure 
from  the  room,  were  still  deluded  by  a  trick  the  dullest  child 
would  have  detected.  This  statement  is  but  a  sample  of  many 
others  to  be  found  in  Hudson's  remarkable  production. 

In  the  spring  of  1785  Jemima  returned  to  Rhode  Island  after 
an  absence  of  nine  months.  She  received  the  warmest  welcome 
and  preached  incessantly  to  listening  hundreds.  By  her  activity 
and  skillful  management  her  society  was  greatly  increased.  She 
kept  up  a  correspondence  with  her  society  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
finally,  sent  her  sister  to  take  charge  of  affairs  at  Worcester,  in 
that  State. 


JEMIMA  IV IL  KINS  ON.  423 

It  was  at  this  time   that   Jemima   contemplated  this  project  of 
removing    to   the    west,  or  Canada  where  lands  were  cheap,  and 
where    her    society    would    have  a  better  opportunity  to  establish 
themselves    in    business.      She    immediately    cast  about  to  collect 
funds    tor    the    purchase    of  wild  and  unoccupied  lands.      in  this 
enterprise    she    exhibited    superior  talent  and  mental  forecast,  and 
being  assisted  by  some  ot   her  principal    followers,  an   enthusiasm 
was    created  by  her  earnest  appeals.      She  had  read  and  heard  of 
the    beautitul    country    lying    amid    the    Lakes   in  the  central  and 
western    part    of  the    state   of  N.    Y.,  and  her  vivid  imagination 
did    not  fail   to  picture  it  as  the  '■'■  New  Jerusalem",  flowing  with 
milk    and    honey.      She    soon,    by  her  fervid  eloquence  inspired  a 
large    number  of  her  society  in  R.  1.  with  her  spirit  and  nothing 
was    talked  about  but  the  promised  land,  where  they  could  enjoy 
their  peculiar  religion  without  molestation.      Jemima  having  made 
all  necessary  arrangements  she  again  in  December    1787,  set  out 
tor  Pennsylvania.      During    tour    years  her  society  increased  and 
flourished    in    Worcester,    but    the    vision  of  the    promised    land 
never    tor  a    moment  withdraw  trom  her  gaze.      To  be  removed 
from    the   petty    annoyances    which    constantly    arose    among    a 
gainsaying  and  unbelieving  people,  was  a  consummation  devoutly 
to  be  wished  by  Jemima.      Her  insanity  on  the  subject  of  religion 
is  plainly  evidenced  by  the  rigid  austerity  with  which  she  exacted 
obedience    to  the  proprieties  of  religion.      Some  of  her  followers 
were    light  of  heart,  gay  and  giddy  in  their  manners,  and  did  not 
exhibit   that   solemn,  down  cast  countenance  which  betokened  a 
sense    of  an    approacning   judgment.      She    ordered    a    fast,    and 
required    every    one    to    observe    it,    in  order  to  solemnize  their 
wayward  hearts  and  minds.      To  her  mind  levitv  was  inexcusable, 
and    those    persons    who    persisted    m  immoderate  laughter  when 
they    were   so  liable  to  die  without  a  moment's  warning,  were  tit 
subjects  of  discipline  and  correction.      Consequently  she  ordered 
a    silent   fast,    from    which    we  learn  that  no  one  was  to  lauo-h  or 
talk  for  three  days,  but  all  were  to  give  their  thoughts  to  meditation 


321- 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


upon    eternal    matters,   and    the    solemnities   of    religion.       Such 

aceticism  was  verv  repulsive  to  many   o\'  her   followers,   and    one 

woman  who  was  much  given  to   mirth,   v\'as  ordered   to   have  her 

mouth  sealed  up  with  strips  of  paper  and    wafers  !       Her  insanity 

was  confined  to  her  religion,  and  whatever  pertained  to  her  society's 

solemn  aspect  was   deemed   all  important.       One  Amos   Cianzey 

was    severely  chastised  for   climbing  a   tree    for  the    purpose   ot 

looking  into  the  ladies'  sleeping  apartment; — he  fell  and  broke  his 

shoulder,    whereupon    he   made    confession    of  his    fault    to    the 

"  Friend,"  and  was    sentenced    by    her  to    wear  a  sheep    bell  for 

three  weeks  !      Another  member  for  some  immoral  or  irreligious 

act  was  required  to  wear  a  black  cap  for  the  same  length  ottime! 

Every  irreligious  act  in  her  members  was  sure  to  meet  with  censure, 

and  the  above    instances    are    only  a    few   of  the    proofs    of  her 

insanity    on    that    subject.       Upon    any    other    subject    she   was 

perfectly  rational,  but  upon  religion  she  was  a  wild  enthusiast,   a 

monomaniac.     This  however,  did  not  interfere  with  her  executive 

ability  in  planning  for  the    removal  of  her  society   to   the    West, 

where  they  should  not  be  molested  by  an  inquisitiveand  meddlesome 

world.      Her  whole  energies  were  bent  for  several  months  in  the 

preparation.      She  labored  with   the   utmost    assiduity,  and  in  all 

business  meetings  she  did  not  fail  to  paint  in  glowing    colors  the 

beauties  of  the  "  New  Jerusalem,"  the  Land  of  Promise,  where 

an  asylum  would  be  opened    for  the    oppressed    and    where    they 

could  worship  God  under  their  own  vine  and  fig  tree  and  no  one 

to  molest  or  make  them  afraid.      At  length  all  preparations  were 

completed,  and  in  April,  1789,   she  bid    farewell   to  Worcester, 

Penn.,  and  started  for  the  wilderness,  or  the  "  Lake  Country," 

as  she    sometimes    called  it,  in    the    State   of  New   York.      Her 

retinue  consisted  of  her  firmest  followers  and  their  families,  and 

their  route  lay  first  to  Wilksbarre,  thence  by   boat  to  Newtown 

(now  called  Elmira),  along  the  east  branch  of  the  Susquehanna 

and  Cheming  Rivers.   From  Newtown  they  proceeded  to  a  point 

ever  since  called  the  "■  Friend's  Landing,"  about   one  mile  south 


JEMiMJ   IFILKINSON.  425 

of  the  village  ot  Dresden  on  Seneca  Lake.  A  man  by  the  name 
of  Hencher  li\  ing  in  1850,  at  Elmira,  says,  he  well  remembers 
when  a  bov,  helping  along  jemima  and  her  retinue  with  his  father's 
teams,  and  that  it  seemed  strange  to  him  to  sec  the  movements 
ot   so  large  a  company  ot   men,  ail  ordered  h\  a  woman. 

The  society  from  R.  I.  and  Conn,  started,  June,  1787,  bv  way 
of  the  AJohawk  valley  in  batteaux,  and  reached  their  destination 
before  Jemima  arrived.  During  the  fall  they  prepared  the  ground 
and  in  the  following  season  sowed  it  with  winter  wheat  which 
they  har\ested  in  1789,  and  this  was  the  first  wheat  crop  raised 
in  Western  New  York.*  Mr.  Hudson,  pages  78  and  79,  "  Life 
of  Jemima,"  indulges  in  some  very  se\ere  reflections  upon  the 
ruin  of  Mr.  Wagener,  Judge  Potter,  and  some  other  wealthy  men 
by  Jemima.  Ft  is  very  sintjular  that  they  should  both  follow  her 
to  Jerusalem,  where  they  become,  not  only  the  first  men  of  the 
cour,tr\  in  influence,  but  also  in  wealth  and  respectability.  '■SMy 
grandfather,  David  Wagener,"  says  A.  J.  Wagener  of  Holtsville, 
L.  L,  '•'■  brought  Jemima  from  Montgomery  Co.,  Pa.,  to  Yates 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  she,  from  a  gift-farm  proceeds  in  Pa.,  bought 
a  township  of  land,  called  the  "■  Friend's  Tract,"  six  miles  from 
Penn  Yann." 

The  first  house  built  for  the  Friend  was  a  log  hut  erected  on  a 
three  cornered  piece  of  land  a  few  steps  from  a  beautiful  cascade 
formed  by  a  small  brook  and  at  least  40  feet  in  height.  Here  she 
staid  nearly  a  year  and  then  went  up  the  brook  nearly  three-fourths 
of  a  mile  to  the  west  where  the  society  built  her  a  gable  roofed 
house.  This  was  the  first  frame  house  in  VVestern  N.  Y.,  and 
is  still  standing.  It  is  now  (1866)  occupied  bv  Reuben^  Turner,, 
a  farmer — it  has  a  parlor  and  two  bedrooms  on  the  first  floor,  the 
whole  building'being  but  24  feet  long  by  18  wide.  Up  stairs 
there  are  are  two  large  rooms.  Originally  it  had  a  large  brick 
chimney  with  half-a-dozen  fire  places.  At  the  time  of  my  visit 
one  of  Jemima's  old  arm    chairs   was    standing   out    doors    with 


*See  Gazetteer  of  N.  Y  ,  718. 

55 


426  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

flower  pots  in  it.  Its  location  is  one  mile  south  o\  Dresden  and 
one  and  one-haU  miles  directly  west  of  the  '•'■  Friend's  Landing  " 
on  Seneca  Lake.  Lhe  scenery  in  this  vicinity  is  picturesque  and 
beautiful.  The  house  is  surrounded  b\  two  ancient  orchards, 
the  one  at  the  west  consisting  ot  sweet  apples,  and  the  other  to 
the  east  of  sour  apples,  set  out  bv  the  Friend.  It  appears  she 
did  not  believe  in  mixing  up  trees,  any  more  than  she  did  the 
sexes.  Some  years  after  her  arrival  she  selected  William  Potter, 
James  Parker  and  Thomas  Hathaway  to  go  to  Albany,  and  buy 
the  land  where  they  had  settled — it  being  then  in  market.  The 
committee  fulfilled  their  mission — purchased  14,000  acres,  and 
took  the  deed  in  their  own  names.  They  paid  about  25  cents 
per  acre,  but  kept  the  title  deed  secreted.  They  soon  back-slid, 
and  then  for  the  first  time  it  was  ascertained  that  they  owned  all 
the  land,  but  they  generously  offered  to  sell  it  at  one  dollar  per 
acre  to  the  settlers  whose  money  thev  had  used  in  making  the 
purchase.  Some  refused  to  pay  the  stipulated  price — lawsuits 
followed — the  society  were  beaten.  Governor  Clinton  knew  the 
object  of  the  purchase,  and  had  the  society  sought  relief  at  the 
proper  source,  there  is  no  doubt  they  would  have  been  re-instated 
in  theii  possessions.  The  great  expense  of  securing  legal  aid,  as 
there  was  no  lawyer  nearer  than  ytica,  rendered  the  settlers 
powerless,  and  they  submitted  to  the  traitorous  conduct  of  the 
purchasers.  The  settlers  were  obliged  to  go  to  Newtown  to  get 
their  wheat  ground  before  they  erected  mills  of  their  own — corn 
they  pounded  in  the  tops  of  stumps  after  the  Indian  fashion. 

Mr.  Luther  Sisson  a  resident  of  Dresden,  N.  Y.  informed 
me,  that  he  was  well  acquainted  with  the  friend.  "When  I  was 
a  boy,"  says  he,  "She  had  me  read  for  her,  and  also,  write  for 
her.  I  was  frequently  in  her  room  as  she  allowed  any  body  to 
be.  I  knew  her  intimately,  and  consider  her  a  good  woman. 
If  a  person  is  bad,  as  they  say  she  was,  it  would  be  apt  to  show 
itself  in  her  own  household,  and  among  her  own  friends,  for  she 
had    respectable   people    with    her    who  would  not  for  a  moment 


JEMIMA    WILKINSON.  427 

tolerate  wrong;.  The  Fr'ierKrs  house  was  always  open,  and  free 
to  all  who  came.  The  French  Duke  Laincourt  was  entertained 
aratis  ;  I  saw  him  at  her  house.  Gentlemen  with  their  families 
from  the  south  would  stav  all  summer  free  of  charge.  She  was 
a  benevolent  woman.  When  strangers  came,  her  servants 
immediately  put  out  their  horses,  and  prepared  a  table  tor  them. 
When  she  died,  she  gave  her  property  to  the  Malins,  and  one  ot 
the  Malins  at  her  demise  gave  her  share  to  James  Brown,  and 
his  widow  afterwards  married  Peter  Oliver  of  Penn  Yan." 

At  this  first  place  of  settlement  the  Friend  had  one  thousand 
acres  set  apart  for  her  own  especial  use.*  Such  was  her  influence 
over  her  followers  that  they  gratuitously  planted  and  hoed  her 
corn,  sowed  and  reaped  her  wheat,  cut  and  gathered  her  hay, 
always  careful  to  cause  the  Friend  no  trouble  nor  expense  upon 
these  occasions.  Her  society  increased  in  wealth  and  number 
as  the  country  became  settled.  They  generally  purchased  lands 
and  held  them  in  their  individual  rights,  each  being  the  owner  of 
whatever  he  brought  with  him,  or  afterwards  acquired.  They 
made  their  own  selection  and  were  not  obliged  to  locate  near  the 
Friend. 

About  i8og,  the  /^r/V«</ changed  her  location  to  the  head  ot 
Crooked  Like.  Benedict  Robinson  and  Thomas  Hathaway 
purchased  for  her  of  Phelps  and  Ghoram  about  fourteen 
hundred  acres  of  land  lying  in  the  town  of  'Jerusalem  paying  for 
the  same  15.  3^  per  acre.  ''This  tract  was  extremely  well 
chosen,"  says  Hudson,  "being  in  a  healthful  and  pleasant 
situation,  the  lands  having  generally  an  eastern  and  southern 
aspect,  finely  wooded  with  the  sugar  maple,  occasionally 
interspersed  with  the  majestic  oak  and  lofty  pine,  and  the  soil  of 
he  first  quality  for  agriculture."  On  this  tract  of  land,  within 
sight  of  Crooked  Lake,  on  the  south  side  of  a  gentle  declivity, 
she  erected  a  large,  plain,  two  story  house,  having  in  the  upright 
part  a  wide  hall  from  side  to  side  east  and   west,  with  two  rooms 

•  *Sec  Gazetteer  of  N.  Y.,  p.  719. 


428  BIOGRJPHr  OF 

on  each  side  of  it  about  20  teet  square.  The  one  in  the 
north-east  corner  was  used  tor  a  dining  room — south-east  room 
for  a  parlor,  south-west  room  tor  a  library,  and  the  n()rth-we>t 
room  for  meetings.  In  this  last  mentioned  room,  Jemima,  with 
her  maids  of  honor  seated  each  side  ot  her,  held  forth  the  wcjrd 
of  truth  as  she  understood  it.  It  her  '^advice,"  as  presented  in 
the  tract  reprinted  on  a  subsequent  page,  is  a  specimen  of  her 
preachine;,  no  Christian  could  find  fault  with  it.  These  rooms 
were  appropriately  furnished.  Her  household  consisted  of  her 
maids  of  honor,  Sarah  Richardsand  Rachel  Malin,  Eliza  Richards, 
daughter  of  Sarah,  four  or  five  male,  and  nine  or  ten  female 
domestics — about  eighteen  persons  in  all.  These  were  men, 
women,  and  girls  who  willingly  took  up  their  abode  with  the 
Friend^  and  were  only  too  glad  to  do  her  bidding.  She  not  only 
received  the  products  of  her  large  tarm,  hut  it  was  the  custom  ot 
many  members  of  her  society  to  make  her  liberal  donations. 
When  the  season  for  ploughing  an  1  planting  arrived,  those  even 
who  resided  many  miles  away  would  be  on  the  ground  at  early 
sun-rise,  and  such  would  be  the  number  that  many  acres  would 
be  turned,  and  whole  tields  planted  in  a  single  day  Says 
Hudson,  "There  is  not  to  be  found,  perhaps,  in  the  annals  of 
human  society,  an  instance  of  such  strict,  uniform  and  persevering 
tidelity  and  devotion  to  any  leader,  as  was  shown  by  these  people 
to  Jemima."  Her  society  was  now  in  the  height  ot  its  prosperity. 
Every  thing  that  heart  could  wish  seemed  to  be  at  their 
command.  They  found  it  literally  a  land  flowing  with  milk  and 
honey.  Their  flocks  increased — their  teams  and  horses  were 
not  to  be  excelled.  Visitors  of  rank  and  distinction  from  the 
South,  from  France,  and  England  were  frequently  enjoying  the 
hospitality  of  the  "Universal  Friend." 

But  these  palmy  days  were  not  always  to  last.  The  disaffection 
of  some  of  her  society  and  the  cupidity  of  others,  as  well  as  the 
opposition  to  the  rigid  austerity  of  her  religious  observances, 
excited  no  little  persecution  at  a  later  period.   It  is  said  by  Hudson 


JEMIMA  WILKINSON.  429 

that  *■'  a  short  time  after  she  removed  into  the  Lake  Country  she 
got  into  some  difficultv  by  reason  ot  her  pretenses.  She 
maintained  the  sacredness  of  her  person  and  the  divinity  of  her 
character  with  huch  impudent  boldness  as  to  give  pubHc  offense, 
in  consequence  ot  which  a  complaint  was  made  to  the  Grand 
Jury  of  Ontario  County  who  presented  an  indictment  against 
her  for  blasphemy.  But  she  was  never  arraigned  upon  this 
indictment.  Doubts  were  entertained  by  some  as  to  the 
propriety  of  pursuing  her  with  a  criminal  prosecution  in  a 
land  where  freedom  of  opinion  and  religious  toleration  are  secured 
by  a  Constitution,  and  constitute  the  boast  ot  every  citizen  ; 
and  others  from  delicacy  to  her  sex,  and  compassion  for  a 
misguided  fanatic,  were  unwilling  to  see  anything  done  which 
could  be  ascribed  to  a  spirit  of  persecution.  These  sentiments 
coming  in  aid  of  the  earnest  solicitations  of  her  friends,  prevented 
a  public  trial."'  And  still  had  there  been  the  least  shadow  of  a 
chance,  these  enemies  would  not  have  scrupled  to  a\ail  themselves 
of  it.  No  de!icac\  in  regard  to  sex— no  compassion  for  her 
fanatacism  or  lunacy  would  have  barred  them.  Their  will  was 
good  enough,  but  they  well  knew  the  facts  would  not  sustain  an 
action.  Mr.  Remer,  now  living  in  Dresden,  says,  "  I  knew  the 
Friend.,  have  heard  her  preach  at  my  father's  house  many  a  time. 
I  respected  her  as  a  woman  of  good  morals,  possessed  of  great 
powers  of  mind.  Her  preaching  was  like  the  proverbs  of  Solomon 
^she  was  emphatically  a  proverbial  preacher,  -and  spoke  in 
proverbs.  Her  eye  had  the  power  to  charm — -it  was  the  secret 
of  her  influence.  1  never  believed  the  stories  reported  about 
her — did  not  believe  in  her  religion  nor  in  her  mode  of  worship — 
she  was  an  enthusiast,  a  sort  of  a  religious  monomaniac.  She  was 
no  more  deluded  however  than  the  Methodists,  Presbyterians  or 
Episcopalians  are,  in  my  opinion."  Expressions  like  the  above 
are  common  from  the  most  respectable  people  in  the  vicinity  of 
her  last  residence.  It  was  her  custom  to  preach  regularly  every 
vyeek  till  near  her  death,  and  she  sometimes    traveled    abroad  for 


43° 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


that  purpose.  Her  carriage  is  still  in  existence,  and  is  now  (  1866) 
owned  by  ex-Sheriff  Remer  near  Penn  Yan.  It  is  a  quaint  looking 
vehicle,  in  good  running  order — hung  upon  thorough-braces — and 
easy  to  ride  in.  Originally  the  tires  were  in  pieces  spiked  on. 
The  letters  ''U.K."  with  a  cross  between  them  and  ^  a  star  over 
the  cross,  are  on  the  back  of  the  carriage,  thus,  ''U.tF."  These 
symbols  greatly  offended  the  ignorant  people,  and  constituted,  no 
doubt,  the  head  and  front  of  her  blasphemy.  All  her  goods  and 
utensils  were  marked  with  "•  U.  F.,"  and  she  was  always  called — 
and  is  to  this  day,  by  the  people  in  her  vicinity,  the  '-'•  Universal 
Friend."  And  well  she  merited  the  name.  It  matters  not  who 
the  sufferer  might  be — her  ready  hand  administered  relief  as  well 
to  foe  as  friend.  The  sick  far  and  near  found  in  her  a  ready 
visitor  and  sympathizer,  Hudson  ridicules  this  trait  of  her 
character,  and  can  see  nt)  motive  in  it  all,  but  selfishness  and 
imposture. 

Many  Clergymen,  as  well  as  Lawyers  and  Judges  visited  her 
for  the  purpose  of  entangling  her  in  her  words,  but  they  were 
willing  to  confess  a  failure  after  the  attempt  was  made.  Some 
of  these  anecdotes  are  given  hereafter.  Hudson  relates  the 
following.  A  Mr.  Day  asked  her  if  she  did  not  belong  to  the 
family  of  Jeremiah  Wilkinson?  She  replied  '^  thou  hast  said  it." 
He  then  said.  ''  Is  not  Jeremiah  Wilkinson  your  father?"  She 
replied,  '*The  first  man  is  of  the  earth  earthy  ;  the  second  man 
is  the  Lord  from  Heaven."  She  then  enquired  his  name, — 
although  she  knew  it  well — and  on  receiving  his  answer,  she 
replied  "Day!  Day!  thy  day  will  be  turned  into  night  unless 
thee  mends  thy  ways."  As  to  the  miracles  which  it  is  pretended 
she  performed  it  is  not  a  little  surprising  that  she  stoutly  denied 
them  in  her  life  time.  Even  Hudson,  himself  says — she  used 
the  following  language,  "The  servants  of  the  devil  have  accused 
me  of  all  manner  of  wickedness.  But  their  evil  doings  will 
fall  upon  their  own  heads.  They  have  accused  me  of  attempting 
to   walk    upon    the    water,   and    also,    of  obtaining  presents  and 


JEMIMA  W1LKW80N.  431 

donations  from  my  people  by  saying  'the  Lord  hath  need  of 
this  thing'  ''which  things  are  false."  "  VV^th  great  earnestness 
she  denied  the  truth  of  these  assertions,"  says  Hudson.  A  singular 
imposture  that  !  Space  forbids  a  further  discussion  of  the  life  of 
this  remarkable  woman.  It  only  remains  to  add  that  her  last 
sickness  was  dropsy.  Toward  the  last  part  of  her  life  she  grew 
rt^eshly  and  corpulant,  and  as  her  disease  was  peculiarly  painful 
her  fortitude  in  suffering  without  a  murmur  becomes  the  more 
remarkable.  Her  last  words  were — "  My  friends  1  must  soon 
depart — I  am  going — this  night  I  leave  you."  She  died  about 
2  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  Thursda\ ,  the  first  day  of  July,  1819. 
She  had  previously  given  directions  that  her  body  should  be  kept 
four  days — that  the  coffin  should  have  a  glass  inserted  over  her 
face,  so  it  might  be  seen  without  removing  the  lid.  She  desired 
no  funeral  obsequies — no  display,  but  that  her  body  should  be 
consigned  to  its  last  resting  place  without  parade. 

The  people  came  in  large  numbers  the  following  Saturday  and 
Sunday  expecting  to  witness  some  performances,  but  nothing  but 
the  ordinary  meetings  of  those  days  were  observed.  For  many 
years  her  body  remained  in  a  tomb  just  east  of  the  house  but  it 
was  subsequently  remo\  ed  to  the  grave  yard  in  the  vicinity. 
A  paper  purporting  to  be  her  will  was  found,  a  copy  of  which  is 
given  below.  As  to  her  religious  tenets  it  would  be  somewhat 
difficult  to  give  an  intelligible  account.  She  had  many  of  the 
forms,  ceremonies  and  practices  of  the  Quakers.  She  interdicted 
marriage,  and  in  that  respect  conformed  to  the  Catholic  doctrine 
of  celibacy.  She  was  a  clairvoyant,  and  a  spiritualist  as  it  would 
now  be  termed.  This  latter  power  gave  her  the  title  of 
"  Prophetess."  She  observed  and  regarded  the  seventh  day,  or 
Saturday  as  the  Sabbath,  and  so  far  she  was  a  Sabbatarian. 
She  did  not  believe  that  man  had  any  authority  over  the  woman 
as  such,  and  was  consequently  a  firm  believer  in  woman's  rights. 
She  had  her  maids  of  honor,  or  her  "  two  witnesses"  as  she 
called  them,  and  gave  the  names  of  the  ancient  prophets  to  some 


432  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

of  her  followers — Sarah  Richards  was  called  the  '^  Prophet 
Daniel  " — another  woman  was  called  the  *•*■  Prophet  Enoch,"  a 
third,  "John  the  Belov  ed  " — and  one  man  was  called  the  '•'Prophet 
Elijah  " — but  tor  some  immoralitv  was  deposed  from  his  position. 
These  persons  held  positions  similar  to  that  ot  deacon  in  other 
societies  or  churches,  but  it  is  difficult  to  ascertain  what  her 
insane  fancy  intended  by  them.  She  preached  against  the  vanity 
of  riches — the  sinfulness  of  pride  and  pomp  of  the  world,  and 
inculcated  meekness  and  humility.  The  following  is  the  only 
printed  document  containing  the  substance  of  her  doctrines  or 
advice,  extant : 

'•  The  Universal  I'riend's  Advice  to  those  of  the  same  Religious 
Society^  recommended  to  be  read  in  their  piihlic  meetings  for  Divine 
PV  or  ship:' 

THE   PUBLIC   UNIVERSAL    IRIEND 

"Adviskth  all,  who  desire  to  be  one  with  the  Friend  in  spirit, 
and  to  be  wise  unto  salvation,  that  they  be  punctual  in  attending 
meetings,  as  many  as  conveniently  can. 

That  they  meet  at  the  tenth  /^^wr  of  the  day,  as  near  as  possible. 

That  those,  who  cannot  well  go  to  meetings,  sit  down  at  their 
several  homes,  about  the  time  meeting  begins,  in  order  to  wait 
for  and  upon  the  Lord. 

That  they  shun,  at  all  times,  the  company  and  conversation 
of  the  wicked  zvorld^  as  much  as  possible  :  But  when  any  of  you 
are  under  a  necessity  of  being  with  them,  do  your  business  with 
tew  words,  and  retire  from  them  as  soon  as  you  can  get  your 
business  done  ;  remembering  to  keep  on  your  watch,  and  pray 
for  assistance,  especially  when  the  luicked  are  before  you. 

That  you  do  not  enquire  after  news,  or  the  public  reports  of 
any  one  ;  and  be  careful  not  to  spread  any  yourselves  that  are  not 
of  the  Lord. 

That  you  deal  justly  with  all  men,  and  do  unto  all  men  as  you 
would  be  willing  they  should  do  unto  you  ;  and  walk  orderly,  that 
none  occasion  of  stumbling  be  given  by  you,  to  any. 

Let  all  your  conversation,  at  all  times,  be  such  as  becometh 
the  gospel  of  Christ. 

Do  good  to  all  as  opportunity  offers,  especially  to  the  household 
of  faith. 

Live  peaceably  with  all  men  as  much  as  possible  ;  in  an  especial 


JE  MIMA  IV IL  KINS  ON.  433 

manner  do  not  strive  against  one  another  for  mastery,  but  all  ot 
vou  keep  vour  ranks  in  righteousness,  and  let  not  one  thrust  another. 

Let  not  debate,  evil  surmisings,  jealousies,  evil  speakings  or  hard 
thinking  be  named  among  you  ;  but  be  at  peace  among  yourselves. 

Take  up  your  daily  cross  against  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts  ; 
and  live  as  you  would  be  willing  to  die,  loving  one  another,  and 
forgiving  one  another,  as  ye  desire  to  be  forgiven  by  God  and  his 
Holy  One. 

Obey  and  practice  the  divine  counsel  you  have  heard,  or  may 
hear,  from  time  to  time;  living  every  day  as  it  it  were  the  last; 
remembering  you  are  always  in  the  presence  of  the  High  and 
Lofty  One  who  inhabiteth  eternity,  whose  name  is  Holy  ;  and, 
without  holiness,  no  one  can  see  the  Lord  in  peace,  therefore, 
be  ye  holy  in  all  vour  conversation,  and  labor  to  keep  yourselves 
unspotted  from  the  world,  and  possess  your  vessels  in  sanctification 
and  honor,  knowing  that  ye  ought  to  be  temples  for  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  dwell  in  ;  and,  if  your  vessels  are  unclean,  that  which 
is  holy  cannot  dwell  in  you  :  And  know  ye  not  your  ownselves, 
that  if  Christ  dwells  not,  yea,  and  reigns  not  in  you,  ye  are  in 
a  reprobate  state,  or  out  of  favor  with  God  and  his  Holy  One  ; 
therefore,  ye  are  to  shun  the  very  appearance  of  evil  in  all  things, 
as  foolish  talking,  and  vain  jesting,  with  all  unprofitable  conversation 
which  is  not  convenient;  but  flee  from  bad  company  as  from  a 
serpent.  Be  not  drunk  with  wine,  or  any  other  spirituous  liquors, 
wherein  is  excess;  but  be  filled  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  building 
one  another  up  in  the  most  holy  faith,  praying  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God,  and  when  you  come  into 
Meetings  or  Evening  Sittings^  make  as  little  stir  as  possible,  that 
you  may  not  disturb  the  solemn  meditations  of  others,  but  consider 
you  are  drawing  near  to  approach  the  holy,  pure,  eternal  Spirit, 
that  cannot  look  on  sin  with  any  allowance. 

Endeavor  to  meet  all  at  one  time,  and  keep  your  seats  until 
meeting  is  over,  except  upon  some  extraordinary  occasion. 

Gather  in  all  your  wandering  thoughts,  that  you  may  sit  down 
in  solemn  silence,  to  wait  for  the  aid  and  assistance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  not  speak  out  vocally  in  meetings,  except  ye  are 
moved  thereunto  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  or  that  there  be  a  real 
necessity.  Worship  God  and  His  Holy  One  in  spirit  and  in 
truth. 

Use  plainness  of  speech  and  apparel,  and  let  your  adorning, 
not  be  outward,  but  inward,  even  that  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit. 


56 


434 


BIOGRAPHY  OF 


which,  in  the  sight  of  God  is  of  great  price.  Thui  saith  the 
Psalmist — It  is  most  like  the  King's  daughter,  all  glorious  within; 
her  clothing  is  of  wrought  gold. 

Consider  how  great  a  thing  it  is  to  worship  God  and  the  Lamb 
acceptibly,  who  is  a  Spirit,  and  must  be  worshipped  in  spirit  and  in 
truth  :  Therefore,  deceive  not  yourselves,  by  indulging  drowsiness, 
or  other  mockery,  instead  ot  worshipping  God  and  the  Lamb. 
God  is  not  mocked,  for  such  as  each  ot  you  sow,  the  same  must 
ve  also  reap;  If  ye  sow  to  the  flesh,  yc  must  of  the  flesh,  reap 
corruption  \  but  if  ye  are  so  wise  as  to  sow  to  the  Spirit-,  ye  will  of 
the  Spirit,  reap  life  everlasting,  Rom.  viii.  from  the  6th  to  the  19th 
verse.  ^'  For  to  be  carnally  minded  is  death,  but  to  be  spiritually 
minded  is  life  and  peace  :  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity 
against  God  ;  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  Cjod,  neither 
indeed  can  be.  So  then,  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please 
God  :  But  ve  are  not  in  the  flesh  but  in  the  Spirit,  if  so  be 
that  the  Spirit  of  God  dwell  in  you.  Now,  if  any  man  hath 
not  the  Spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his.  And,  if  Christ 
be  in  you,  the  body  is  dead,  because  of  sin  ;  but  the  spirit  is  life 
because  of  righteous  :  But  if  the  Spirit  of  Him  that  raised  up 
Jesus  from  the  dead,  dwell  in  you,  He  that  raised  up  Christ 
from  the  dead  shall  also  quicken  your  mortal  bodies,  by 
his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you.  Therefore,  brethren,  we  are 
debtors,  not  to  the  flesh,  to  live  after  the  flesh.  For  if  ye  live 
after  the  flesh,  ye  shall  die ;  but  if  ye,  through  the  Spirit  do 
mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body  ye  shall  live.  For  as  many  as  are 
led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the  Sons  of  God.  For,  ye 
have  not  receive  the  spirit  of  bondage  again  to  fear  ;  but  ve  have 
received  the  Spirt  of  Adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abha.  Father. 
The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our  spirits  that  we  arc  the 
children  of  God  ;  and,  if  children,  then  heirs  of  God,  and 
joint-heirs  with  Christ  ;  If  so  be  that  we  suft^er  with  him,  that 
we  may  be  also  glorified  together  with  him.  For  I  reckon, 
that  the  suff^erings  of  this  present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be 
compared  with  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  in  us."  Ye  cannot 
be  my  friends,  except  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command  you  : 
Therefore  be  not  weary  in  well-doing,  for,  in  due  season,  ye 
shall  reap  if  ye  faint  not. 

Those  whose  mouths  have  been  opened  to  speak,  or  to  pray 
in  public,  are  to  wait  for  the  movings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
then,  speak  or  pray  as  the  spirit   giveth    utterance  ;   not    running 


JEMIMA    IV  ILK  IN  SON.  435 

without  divine  authoritv  ;  nor  speak  nor  pray  any  longer  than  the 
Spirit  remaineth  with  vou  ;  nor  linger  when  moved  to  speak  as 
mouth  for  the  Holy  One,  or  moved  to  pray  by  the  same  power. 

Let  not  contention,  confusion,  jarring,  or  wrong  speaking  have 
any  place  amongst  you.  Use  not  whisperings  in  meetings,  for 
whisperers  separate  chiet   hiends. 

Above  all,  give  all  diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election 
sure,  and  work  out  vour  salvation  with  fear  and  trembling, 
redeeming  your  time,  beca'ise  the  days  are  evil.  Forget  the  things 
that  are  behind,  and  press  forward  towards  the  mark  and  the  prize 
of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ;  that  ye  may  be  found 
without  spot  or  rebuke  before  t^he  Lord  ;  that  ye  may  be  delivered 
from  the  bondage  of  corruption,  and  brought  into  the  glorious 
liberty  of  the  Sons  of  God,  where  the  Morning  Stars  sing 
together,  and  all  the  Sons  of  God  shout  for  joy  ;  having  oil  in 
your  vessels  with  your  lamps,  like  the  wise  virgins,  trimmed  and 
burning  ;  having  on  your  wedding  garments,  that  when  the  Holy 
One  ceaseth  to  intercede  for  a  dying  world,  you  may  also  appear 
with  him  in  glory,  not  having  on  your  own  righteousness  but  the 
lighteousness  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 

You,  who  are  Parents,  or  intrusted  with  the  tuition  of  chldren, 
consider  your  calling,  and  the  charge  committed  unto  you,  and  be 
careful  to  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord,  and  educate  them  in  a  just  and  reverend  regard  thereunto  : 
And  whilst  you  are  careful  to  provide  for  the  support  of  their 
bodies,  do  not  neglect  the  welfare  of  their  souls,  seeing,  the 
earliest  impression  in  general  lasts  the  longest.  As  it  is  written, 
''Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  that  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is 
old,  he  will  not,  easily,  depart  from  it;"  and  let  example  teach  as 
loud  as  your  precepts. 

Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things,  in  the  Lord,  for  it  is 
right  and  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God.  Honor  your  fathers 
and  mothers,  and  the  way  to  honor  father  and  mother  is  not  to 
give  them  flattering  titles,  or  vain  compliments,  but  to  obey  the 
counsel  of  the  Lord,  and  them,  in  the  Lord.  Thus  saith  the 
wisdom  of  the  Lord  by  the  mouth-  of  the  wise  king  Solomon, 
My  son,  forget  not  my  law,  but  let  thine  heart  keep  my 
commandments,  for  length  of  days,  long  life,  and  peace,  shall 
they  add  to  thee.  Let  not  mercy  and  truth  forsake  thee,  bind  them 
about  thy  neck,  write  them  upon  the  table  of  thine  heart,  so 
shalt  thou  find  favor  and  good  understanding  in  the  sight  of  God 


436  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

and  man.  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  ail  thine  heart,  am]  lean  not 
to  thine  own  understanding;  In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge  Him 
and  He  shall  direct  thy  paths  Be  not  wise  in  thine  own  eyes  ; 
fear  the  Lord,  and  depart  from  evil.  Hear,  ye  children,  the 
instruction  of  your  father,  and  attend  to  know  understanding  ; 
for  I  give  you  good  doctrine,  forsake  ye  not  my  law.  The  fear 
of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of  knowledge,  but  fools  despise 
wisdom  and  instruction.  iVly  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy 
father,  and  forsake  ncu  the  law  of  thy  mother,  for  they  shall  be 
an  ornament  of  grace  unto  thy  head,  and  chains  about  thy  neck. 
My  son,  if  sinners  entice  thee,  consent  thou  not  ;  if  they  say, 
Come;  let  us  lay  wait  for  blood;  let  us  lurk  privily  for  the 
innocent  without  a  cause  ;  let  us  swallow  them  up  alive  as  the 
grave,  and  whole  as  those  that  go  down  into  the  pit,  we  shall 
find  all  precious  substance,  we  shall  fill  our  houses  with  spoil: 
Cast  in  thy  lot  amongst  us,  let  us  all  have  one  purse  :  My  son, 
walk  not  thou  in  the  way  with  them  ;  retrain  thy  foot  from  their 
path  ;  for  their  feet  run  to  do  evil,  and  they  make  haste  to  shed 
blood.  They  lay  in  wait  for  their  own  blood  ;  they  lurk  privily 
for  their  own  lives  ;  so  is  every  one  that  is  greedy  of  gain,  that 
taketh  away  the  life  of  the  owners  thereof.  All  of  you  be 
careful  not  to  grieve  away  the  Holy  Spirit  that  is  striving  with 
you,  in  this  the  day  of  your  visitation,  and  is  setting  in  order 
before  you,  your  sins  and  short  comings  :  But  turn  ye  at  the 
reproof  of   instruction,  which  is  the  luay  to  life. 

Masters,  give  unto  your  servants  that  which  is  lawful  and 
right,  and  deal  with  other  people's  children,  as  you  would  be 
willing  that  others  should  deal  with  you,  and  your  children  also 
in  your  absence,  knowing,  that  whatsoever  yc  would  that  others 
do  unto  you,  ye  ought  to  do  likewise  unto  them  for  this  is  the 
law  and  the  prophets. 

Servants,  be  obedient  to  your  masters  according  to  the  flesh, 
in  fear  and  trembling,  in  singleness  of  heart,  as  unto  Christ, 
doing  the  will  of  God  from  the  heart,  with  good  will  doing 
service  as  unto  the  Lord,  and  not  unto  man  ;  knowing,  that 
whatsoever  good  thing  any  man  doeth,  the  same  same  shall  be 
received  of  the  Lord,  whether  he  be  bond  or  free.  And  you, 
masters^  do  the  same  things  unto  them,  forebaring  threatening, 
knowing  that  your  Master  is  in  heaven  ;  neither  is  there  respect 
of  persons  with  him,  but  he  is  merciful  and  kind  even  to  the 
unthankful  and  to  the  evil. 


JEMIMJ  IVILKINSON.  437 

.  And  allof you^  who  have  been,  or  may  be  so  divinely  favored, 
as  to  be  moulh  tor  the  Holy  One,  I  entreat  you,  in  the  bonds  of 
love,  that  when  you  are  moved  upon  to  speak  in  public,  that  ye 
speak  as  the  Orocles  of  God^  and  as  the  Holy  Spirit  givcth 
utterance,  not  withholding  more  than  it  meet,  which  tendeth  to 
poverty  ;  neither  add  to  his  words,  lest  he  reprove  thee,  and  thou 
be  found  a  liar.  But  do  all  with  a  single  eye  to  the  glory  of  God, 
that  God  and  the  Lamb  may  be  glorified  by  you  and  through 
you  :  for  he  that  vvinneth  souls  is  wise,  and  the  wise  shall  shine 
as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament,  and  they  that  turn  many  to 
righteousness,  as  the  stars  forever  and  ever. 

The  tune  is  fulfiUrd — the  kingdom  of  God  is  at  hand.  Repent  ye^ 
and  believe  the  Gospel.,  that  the  kingdom  of  God  may  begin  wit,h 
you. 

He  hath  shewed  thee,  O  Alan  !  what  is  good  ;  and  what  doth 
the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  : 

I    Do  JUSTLY, 

<  Love  mercy,  and 
(  Walk  humbly  utph  thy  God. 
AMEN. 
After  performing  her  mission  for  more  than  forty  years  she 
died  without  making  any  recantation.  Whatever  may  have  been 
her  idiosyncracies,  it  must  be  acknowledged  that  she  was  a  most 
extraordinary  woman,  with  wonderful  natural  abilities,  great 
acuteness  of  mind  and  an  executive  ability  that  would  have 
honored  any  calling.  During  her  whole  life  she  never  yielded  the 
jiretensions  which  she  at  first  made,  and  her  whole  career  had 
the  merit  of  consistency.  If  any  one  feels  disposed  to  throw  the 
mantle  of  charity  over  her  strange  life,  that  of  mental  derangement 
induced  by  febrile  decease  and  religious  excitement  is  the  only  one 
that  would  seem  to  be  available.  For  our  part  we  offer  nothing 
more  bv  way  of  extenuation  of  her  strange  conduct,  which  was 
a  source  of  grief,  mortification  and  pain  to  a  large  circle  of 
kindred.  Some  have  supposed  she  adopted  this  course  to  get  a 
livmg  without  labor,  and  to  gratify  her  avarice.  V^iewed  in  this 
light  she  was  wonderfully  successful.  But  the  theory  is  hardly 
consistent  with  the  facts.  There  was  no  necessity  of  its 
(Continuance  after  the  object  was  accomplished. 


438  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

As  to  her  moral  character  the  remarks  of  the  Hon.  Wilkins 
Updike  in  his  History  of  the  Narragansett  Church  are  in  pjint. 
He  says  "^  Whatever  obloquy  may  justly  rest  on  Jemima  as  an 
imposter,  claiming  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  the  power  of 
performing  miracles,  or  hovycver  culpable  she  may  have  been  in 
attempting  to  exercise  superhuman  authority,  or  imposing  her 
pretentions  on  a  weak  and  credulous  people,  there  is  no  just 
cause  for  imputation  on  her  moral  character.  Justice  demands 
the  separation  of  the  two,  and  those  who  have  been  cool  and 
discriminating  enough  to  do  so,  have  freely  acknowledged,  that 
the  gross  aspersions  upon  her  moral  purity,  are  wholly  groundless. 
Hudson's  history  of  Jemima,  published  after  her  death,  at  Geneva 
in  1 82 1,  in  this  respect  is  a  mere  repetition  of  stale  fabrications." 

The  above  is  but  a  confirmation  of  the  testimony  borne  by  the 
most  respectable  people  in  the  vicinity  of  her  last  residence. 

The  following  description  of  her  person  in  the  Connecticut 
Maga-z'ine^  ij^ji  will  be  interesting  to  those  who  have  not  read 
it.  "  She  is  about  the  middle  size  of  a  woman,  not  genteel  in  her 
person,  rather  awkward  in  her  carriage  ;  her  complexion  good,  her 
eyes  remarkably  black  and  brilliant,  her  hair  black  and  waving 
with  beautiful  ringlets  upon  her  neck  and  shoulders.  Her  features 
are  regular,  and  the  whole  of  her  face  is  thought  by  many  to  be 
perfectly  beautiful.  As  she  is  not  to  be  supposed  of  either  sex, 
so  this  neutrality  is  manifested  in  her  personal  appearance.  She 
wears  no  cap,  letting  her  hair  hang  down  as  has  been  described. 
She  wears  her  neck  cloth  like  a  man  ;  her  chemise  is  buttoned 
around  the  neck  and  wrists.  Her  outside  garment  is  a  robe, 
under  which  it  is  said,  she  wears  an  expensive  dress,  the  fashion 
of  which  is  made  to  correspond  neither  with  that  of  man  or 
woman.  Her  understanding  is  not  deficient,  except  touching  her 
religious  fanaticism.  Her  memory  is  very  great.  Her  preaching 
has  very  little  connection  and  is  very  lengthy,  at  times  cold  and 
languid,  but  occasionally  lively,  zealous  and  animated." 

The  portrait  of  Jemima — the    only    one    ever   taken,  is  in    the 


JEMIMA   IV  J  LK  IN  SON.  439 

possession  of  Peter  Oliver,  who  resides  near  Penn  Yan.  As  an 
artistic  work  it  has  considerable  merit.  The  color  and  working 
up  of  the  picture  are  tine,  the  expression  admirable.  The  eves 
black,  the  hair  combed  straight  back  from  the  forehead  and 
hanging  in  curls  upon  her  shoulders,  and  the  cravat  of  white 
muslin  surrounding  her  neck,  one  fold  snug  and  the  other  hanging 
loosely  with  ends  like  an  ephod  in  front,  about  two-and-a-half 
inches  in  width  neatlv  crimped,  pendant  from  the  snug  fold,  the 
dress  a  loose,  black  surplice  buttoned  around  the  wrists;  the 
whole  being  a  work  of  art  of  no  mean  pretensions  ;  and  it  is  said 
bv  a  large  number  of  living  witnesses  who  have  seen  her,  to  be 
a  very  accurate  likeness  ot  the  Friend  at  the  age  of  sixty-three- 
The  portrait  is  a  bust,  life  size.  The  frame  is  worthv  of  note. 
It  was  made  by  a  consumptive  invalid  with  a  knife,  and  certainly 
exhibits  great  ingenuity,  skill  and  good  taste.  It  is  nearlv  a  foot 
wide  on  each  side  of  the  portrait,  ornamented  with  beaded  work 
and  other  kinds  of  carving.  It  is  in  the  shape  of  the  front  of  a 
plain  church  of  the  olden  times,  and  was  the  work  of  many 
months. 

For  the  familv  to  which  she  belonged.  Sec  p.   132. 

ADDENDA : 

The  following  is  a  copv  of  that  purported  to  be  her  Last  IVill 
and  Testament: 

"  The  last  Will  and  Testament  of  the  person  called  the 
Universal  Friend  of  Jerusalem,  in  the  County  of  Ontario,  and 
State  of  New  York,  who,  in  the  year  1776,  was  called  Jemima 
Wilkinson,  and  ever  since  that  time,  the  Friend,  a  new  name 
which  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  named. 

I.  My  will  is  that  all  m\'  just  debts  be  paid  bv  my  executors, 
hereafter  named. 

II.  I  give,  bequeath  and  devise  unto  Rachel  IVIalinand  Margaret 
Malin,  now  of  said  Jerusalem,  all  my  earthlv  propertv  both  real 
and  personal  ;  and  that  is  to  say  all  mv  land  lying  in  said  Jerusalem 
and  in  Benton,  or  elsewhere  in  the  County  of  Ontario,  together 
with  all    the    buildings   thereon,    to   them    the    said    Rachel  and 


440  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

Margaret,  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  to  be  equally  and 
amicahlv  shared  between  them,  the  said  Rachel  and  Margaret — 
and  I  do  also  give  and  bequeath  to  the  said  Rachel  and  Margaret 
Malin,  all  mv  wearing  apparel,  all  my  household  furniture,  and 
my  horses,  cattle,  sheep  and  swine,  of  every  kind,  together  with 
all  my  farming  utensils,  and  all  my  movable  property  of  every 
nature  and  description   whatever. 

III.  My  will  is,  that  all  the  present  members  of  my  famih 
and  each  of  them,  be  employed  if  they  please,  and  if  employed, 
supported  duringtheir  natural  life,  by  the  said  Rachel  and  Margaret, 
and  whenever  any  of  them  become  unable  to  help  themselves, 
they  are  according  to  such  inability,  kindly  to  be  taken  care  of 
h/  the  said  Rachel  and  Margaret.  And  my  will  also  is,  that  all 
poor  persons  belonging  to  the  society  of  the  Universal  Friend, 
shall  receive  from  the  said  Rachel  and  Margaret  such  assistance, 
comfort  and  support  during  their  natural  life  as  they  may  need  ; 
and  in  case  any  or  either  of  my  family,  or  others  elsewhere  in  the 
society  shall  turn  away,  such  shall  forfeit  the  provisions  herein 
made  for  them. 

IV.  I  hereby  ordain  and  appoint  the  above-named  Rachel 
Malin  and  Margaret  Malin,  Executors  of  this  my  last  will  and 
testament. 

In  Witness  wherof,  I,  the  person  one  called  Jemima  Wilkinson, 
but  in,  and  ever  since  the  year  1777,  known  as,  and  called  the 
Public  Universal  Friend,  have  hereunto  affixed  my  name  and 
Seal,  the  25th  day  of  the  2d  Month,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
1819. 

The  Public  Universal  Friend.  [l.s.J" 
In  presence  of,  &c. 

"■  Be  it  Remembered — That  in  order  to  remove  all  doubt  of  the 
due  execution  of  the  foregoing  will  and  testament,  being  the 
person  who  before  the  year  1777,  was  known  and  called  by  the 
name  of  Jemima  Wilkinson,  but  since  that  time,  as  the  Universal 
Friend,  do  make,  publish  and  declare  the  within  instrument  as 
my  Last  Will  and  Testament,  as  witness  my  hand  and  seal,  this 
17th  day  of  the  7th  month,  1819.  her 

Jemima  Wilkinson,  X 

Cross  or  mark. 
Or,  Universal  Friend," 
"  Witness,"  &c. 
The  validity  of  the  above  instrument   has   never  been   legally 


JEMIMA  fVlLK  IN  SON.  44 1 

tested  by  any  of  the  heirs  ot  Jemima,  and  it  is  still  an  open 
question  whet'r.er  the  property  belongs  to  them  or  to  the  present 
possessors. 

At  the  risk  of  some  repetition,  I  venture  to  give  the  following 
sketch  of  Jemima  as  penned  by  Judge  Turner,  who  was  well 
acquainted  with  her,  having  lived  in  the  same  vicinity  for  many 
years.  The  open  and  candid  style  of  the  Judge  contrasts 
strangely  with  Hudson's  History.      He  says: 

"■This  eccentric  founder  of  a  religion,  and  her  followers,  having 
been  the  Pioneers  of  the  entire  Genessee  country  preceding  even 
the  Indian  treaties  for  acquiring  land  titles;  and  having  constituted 
in  early  days  a  prominent  feature  in  all  this  region  ;  some  account 
of  them,  it  may  well  be  supposed  will  be  looked  for  in  a  work 
of  this  character.  Jemima  Wilkinson,  or  as  she  was  called  by 
her  followers — "  The  Friend,"  or  The  "  Universal  Friend"  was 
a  dau,  of  Jeremiah  Wilkinson  of  Cumberland,  R.  I.  She  was 
one  of  a  family  of  twelve  children.  The  Father  was  a  respectable 
ordinary  N.  E.  farmer.  When  Jemima  was  in  her  twentieth  year, 
the  entire  familv,  except  her,  had  a  severe  attack  of  fever  ;  and 
after  their  recovery,  she  was  attacked,  and  her  sickness  was 
severe  and  protracted,  at  times  her  life  being  despaired  of.  In  the 
extremity  of  her  illness,  her  friends  had  assembled  around  her 
bed  side  to  witness  her  death,  when,  as  she  affirmed,  it  was 
revealed  to  her  that  she  must  'raise  her  dead  body,'  She  arose 
from  her  bed,  and  kneeling  by  its  side,  made  a  fervent  prayer, 
called  for  her  clothing  and  announced  that  her  carnal  existence 
had  ended  ;  henceforward  she  was  but  divine  and  spiritual  invested 
with  the  gift  of  prophecy.  [This  is  briefly  her  own  account  of 
her  sudden  transformation  as  related  to  an  informant  of  the  author, 
who  knew  her  well  before  and  after  her  advent  to  this  region]. 
She  soon  commence  travelingand  exhorting,  and  with  a  considerable 
degree  of  success;  followers  multiplied,  some  of  them  goodN. 
E.  farmers.  They  soon  furnished  all  her  wants,  and  would 
accompany    her   sometimes    to   the    number   of  twenty,    on    her 

57 


442  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

missions.  She  traveled  through  New  England,  Eastern  N.  Y., 
and  spent  several  years  in  the  neighborhood  of  Philadelphia  and 
Lancaster,  Pa.,  accompanied  by  most  of  her  followers  ;  and  she 
had  proselytes  wherever  she  went.  Her  authority  over  thein  was 
absolute.  Upon  one  occasion  at  New  Milford  in  Conn.,  she 
proclaimed  a  fast  for  thirty  days  on  bread  and  water.  Most  of 
them  strictly  obeyed  ;  some  of  them  becoming  what  Calvin  Edson 
was  in  later  years.  After  remaining  in  N.  E.  and  Pa.  about  20 
years,  she  came  to  Western  N.  Y.  She  was  then  near  40  ^ears 
of  age.  The  author  has  a  copy  ot  the  Neiv  Haven  Ga'zette  and 
Connecticut  Alagazine  of  date,  March,  i  7H7,  that  has  a  letter  in 
it  from  a  Philadelphia  correspondent  written  at  the  time  ''  The 
Friend  "  and  her  followers  were  in  Philadelphia  on  their  way  to 
this  region.      Her  personal  appearance  is  therein  described. 

Enlarging  upon  her  account  she  first  gave  of  her  rising  from  a 
bed  of  sickness, — dead  in  the  flesh — she  assumed  that  there  was 
once  such  a  person  as  Jemima  Wilkinson,  but  that  she  died  and 
went  to  Heaven;  after  which  the  Divine  Spirit  reaminated  that 
same  body,  and  it  arose  from  the  dead  ;  now  this  divine  inhabitant 
is  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord, — the  friend  to  all  mankind,  and  gives 
his  name  to  the  body  to  which  he  is  united,  and  therefore  body 
and  spirit  conjointly,  is  the  Universal  Eriend.  She  assumed  to 
have  '^two  witnesses"  corresponding  in  all  respects,  to  those 
prophecied  in  Rev.,  Chapter  xi.  3-13.  verses.  These  were 
Jas.  Parker  and   Sarah   Richards. 

But  the  reader  will  be  principally  interested  in  the  advent  of 
this  singular  personage  and  her  followers  to  the  Genesee 
country; — previous  to  1786,  they  were  living  in  detached 
localities.  In  that  year  they  met  in  Ct.  and  resolved  on  finding 
some  fertile,  unsettled  region,  far  from  towns  and  cities,  where 
the  Universal  Eriend  and  her  followers  might  live  undisturbed  in 
peace  and  plenty,  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  peculiar  religion. 
They  delegated  three  of  their  number,  Abraham  Dayton,  Richard 
Smith  and  Thos.    Hathaway  to  look   for  such  a  location.      They 


JEMIMA  IV  ILK  IN  SON.  44  3 

weiit  to  Philadelphia  and  tiaversed  the  interior  o'i  Penn.  Passing 
the  Valley  of  Wyoming,  they  came  across  a  backwoodsman  by 
the  name  of  Spalding,  who  tuinished  them  with  a  glimpse  o\  the 
region  around  Seneca  Lake,  and  gave  them  directions  how  to 
reach  it.  f\)llovving  his  instructions,  they  went  up  the  river,  an, I 
falling  upon  the  track  of  Sullivan's  army,  reached  the  toot  of 
Seneca  Lake,  and  from  thence  proceeded  to  Cashong  Creek, 
where  they  found  two  French  traders  (De  Bartzch  and  Poudry,) 
who  told  them  that  thev  had  traveled  through  Canada  and  the 
Western  Territory,  and  had  seen  no  where  so  tine  a  country  as 
the  one  they  were  in.  A  few  davs  exploration  satisfied  the  land 
lookers  and  they  returned  by  the  rout  they  came,  to  inform  the 
Friend  of  the  result  of  then"  travels. 

In  June,  1787,  twenty-Hve  of  the  friends,  among  whom  were 
Abel  Botsford,  Feleg  and  John  Briggs  and  Isaac  Nichols,  with 
their  families,  met  at  Schenectady,  and  embarked  on  board  of 
batteaux  for  the  promised  land.  At  Geneva  they  found  but  a 
solitary  log  hut,  and  that  not  finished,  inhabited  by  one  Jennings. 
They  went  up  the  east  side  of  the  Lake  to  Apple  Town  where 
they  remained  several  days  searching  tor  a  mill  site. 

The  noise  of  falhng  water,  of  the  outlet  of  Crooked  Lake 
attracted  them  to  the  west  shore  of  Seneca  Lake.  Passing  up 
the  outlet  they  came  to  the  falls,  and  exploring  the  neighborhood, 
fixed  upon  it  as  their  location.  They  began  their  settlement  in 
Yates  Co.,  about  1  mile  south  of  the  present  village  of  Dresden. 
It  was  August  when  they  arrived.  They  prepared  ground  and 
sowed  a  field  of  wheat  \\\  common,  and  the  next  season,  1789, 
several  small  fields  of  wheat  were  sown.  [This  corrects  the 
impression  that  the  first  wheat  was  cut  at  Canandagua,  1790]. 
The  first  land  purchase  was  made  of  the  State,  upon  the  '■'■Gore," 
previous  to  the  running  of  the  new  Pre-emption  line.  It  was  a 
tract  of  14,000  acres,  situated  in  the  east  part  of  the  present 
•^own  of  Milo  and  S.  E.  part  Starkey.  Wm.  Potter  and  Thos. 
Hathaway  were  delegated  to  make  the    purchase.      They  applied 


444  BIOGRJPH}-  OF 

to  Gov.  Clinton  tor  a  grant  of  land,  which  was  refused  ofcourse, 
but  he  assured  them  that  it"  they  would  attend  the  public  sale  in 
Albany,  thev  would  be  able  to  obtain  land  at  a  satis'actorv  price. 
They  atttcnded  the  sale  and  bought  the  tract  above  named  for  a 
little  less  than  2.f.  per  acre.  Benedict  Robinson  and  Thomas 
Hathaway,  soon  after  bought  of  Phelps  and  Ghoram,  the  town 
of  Jerusalem,  for  i.f.  yJ.  per  acre. 

The  first  grist  mill  in  western  N.  Y.,  was  built  bv  three  of  the 
society  ;  Richard  Smith,  Joseph  Parker  and  Abraham  Dayton. 
The  site  was  the  one  occupied  by  the  "  Empire  Mills,"  two  and 
one-half  miles  from  Penn  Yan.  It  was  built  in  the  summer  and 
fall  of  1789,  and  flour  was  made  in  it  in  that  year.  Here  also 
was  opened  the  first  public  house  by  David  VVagener.  A  son 
of  his,  Abraham  Wagencr,  of  Penn  Yan,  now  76  years  of  age, 
well  remembers  seeing  the  French  Duke  Laincoiirt  at  his  father's 
inn.  The  first  framed  house  in  the  Genesee  country,  was  built 
by  Enoch  and  Elijah  Malin,  as  a  residence  for  the  "Friend." 
The  house  is  still  standing,  and  is  occupied  by  Chas.  J.Townsend. 
It  is  a  mile  north  (?)  south  ot  Dresden,  and  half-a-mile  east 
of  S.  B.  Buckley's.  The  first  school  in  the  Genesee  country 
was  opened  bv  Rachel  Malin,  in  a  log  room  attached  to  this 
house.  In  1789  a  log  meeting-house  was  built,  in  which  the 
Friend  preached  and  met  with  her  followers.  This  house  stood 
a  few  rods  south  of  the  residence  of  S.  B.  Buckley.  But  this 
is  anticipating  pioneer  events  that  belong  in  another  connection. 

Ma].  Benajah  Mallory  livingin  Lockport,N.  Y.,  gives  the  names 
of  principal  heads,  of  families,  who  were  followers  of  the  Friend 
and  located  in  the  settlement  during  the  earliest  years  :  Abraham 
Dayton,  Wm.  Potter,  (father  of  Arnold  Potter),  Asahel  Stow, 
John  Supplee,  Richard  Smith,  David  Waggener,  James  Parker, 
Samuel  Lawrence,  Benjamin  Brown,  Jessee  Holmes,  Josh. 
Brown,  Nat.  Ingraham,  Eleazer  Ingraham,  David  Cuher,  David 
Fish,  Beloved  Luther,  John  Gibbs,  Jacob  Waggener,  VVilliam 
Sanford,  John  Barnes,  Elijah  Brown,  Silas  Hunt,   Castle    Dean, 


JEMIMA   WILKINSON.  445 

|no.  Dean,  Benedict  Robinson,  Thos.  Hathaway.  Besides  these 
were  unmarried  men,  and  men  and  women  who  had  been 
separated  in  adhering  to  the  Friend.  The  followers  were  mostly- 
respectable  men  of  small  property,  some  of  them  had  enough 
to  be  called  rich  in  those  days.  Those  who  had  consiaerable 
property,  gave  her  a  part,  or  were  at  least  liberal  in  supplying  her 
wants.  Man  and  wife  were  not  separated  •,  but  they  were 
ft)rbiddcn  to  multiply.  A  ic'fif  persons  transgressed,  but  obtained 
absolution  by  confessing  and  promising  not  to  disobey  again.  It 
was  generally  a  well  regulated  community,  its  members  mostly 
lived  in  harmony — were  temperate  and  industrious.  They  had 
two  days  rest  in  the  week,  Saturday  and  Sunday. 

At  their  meetings  the  Friend  would  generally  speak,  take  a  text 
preach  and  exhort,  and  give  liberty  to  others  to  speak.  The 
Friend  appeared  much  devoted  to  the  interests  of  her  followers, 
and  especially  attentive  to  them  in  sickness.  Maj.  Mallory, 
insists  that  the  old  story  of  her  promising  to  "  walk  on  the 
water  "  is  wholly  false. 

When  Col.  Pickering  held  his  treaty  with  the  Indians  at  New 
Town  point,  nearly  500  Senecas  encamped  at  Friend's  Landing, 
on  Seneca  Lake.  They  were  accompanied  by  Red  Jacket, 
Cornplanter  and  Good  Peter,  (the  Indian  preacher),  the  Rev. 
Kirkiand,  Horatio  Jones  and  Jasper  Parrish.  Good  Peter 
wanted  an  interview  with  the  Universal  Friend.  She  appointed 
a  meeting  with  the  Indians  and  preached  to  them.  Good  Peter 
followed  her,  and  the  Friend  wanted  his  discourse  interpreted. 
Good  Peter  objected,  saying,  "  if  she  is  Christ  ,  she  knows  what 
I  said."  This  was  the  meeting  upon  the  bank  of  Seneca  Lake, 
that  gave  rise  to  the  report  alluded  to. 

The  Friend  did  not  join  her  colony  until  the  spring  of  1789. 
She  then  came  with  a  reinforcement,  a  somewhat  formidable 
retinue.  [A  Mr.  Wm.  Henchcr  helped  her  on  with  his 
teams.  His  living  son  v/ell  remembers  her  singular  dress,  and 
her  controlling  the  movements  of  the  party.].    Benedict  Robinson 


446  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

gave  her  one  hundred  acres  of"  land,  upon  which  she  resided.  Her 
business  would  seem  to  have  been  conducted  by  her  female 
witness  Sarah  Richards,  who  ilid  not  arrive  in  the  settlement 
until  func,  1789.  Some  corespondence  of  hers  and  memorandums 
hpve  been  preserved. 

Jkrusalem,  ist  of  6th  Mo.,  1791. 

'"•I  arrived  with  Rachel  Malin,  Elijah  Malin,  E.  Mehetible 
Smith,  Maria,  and  most  of  the  Friend's  family,  and  the  goods 
which  the  Friend  sent  Elijah  to  assist  in  bringing  on.  We  all 
arrived  on  the  west  side  Seneca  liake  and  reached  the  Friend's 
house,  which  the  Universal  Friend  got  built  for  our  reception 
and  with  great  joy,  met  the  Friend  once  more  in  time,  and  all  in 
walking  health,  and  as  well  as  'isual.  Sarah  Richards." 

Sarah  Richards  died  in  1794  or  5,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rachel 
Malin.  The  father  of  the  Friend  never  became  her  convert, 
but  her  brother  Stephen  and  sisters,  Mercy,  Betsev  (.^)  and  Deborah 
followed  her  in  her  advent  to  this  region. 

The  meetings  of  this  singular  sect  were  conducted  very  much 
after  the  manner  of  the  ligitimate  Society  ot  Friends.  The 
congregation  would  sit  in  silence  until  some  one  would  rise  and 
speak.  While  the  Friend  lived  she  would  generally  lead  in  the 
public  speaking,  and  after  her  Rachel  Malin.  In  addition  to  this, 
and  the  usual  observance  of  a  period  ot  silence  with  each  tamilv, 
upon  sitting  down  to  their  meals,  "•sittings"  in  each  family,  upon 
Sunday  evenings  was  common.  The  family  would  observe 
perfect  silence  for  an  hour  or  more  and  then  rise  and  shake  hands. 

It  has  been  observed  that  the  French  Duke  Laincourt  visited 
the  Friend's  settlement  in  1795.  He  became  much  interested  in 
the  new  sect — made  the  acquaintance  of  the  Friend — was  a  guest, 
with  his  traveling  companions,  at  her  house,  and  attended  her 
meetings.  For  one  so  generally  liberal  and  candid,  he  writes  ot 
all  he  saw  there  in  a  vein  of  censure  and  in  some  respects, 
undeserved.  She  and  her  followers  were  then  at  variance  with 
their  neighbors,  and  the  Duke  too  readily  listened  to  gossip  that 
implicated  the    private    character   of  this    founder   of  a  sect   and 


JEMIMA    WILKINSON.  447 

added  them  to  his  (justifiable,  perhaps,)  denunciations  of  religious 
imposture. 

Her  real  character  was  a  mixed  one: — Her  first  incentives  were 
the  imaginations  of'a  mind  highly  susceptible  of  religious  enthusiasm 
and  strongly  tinctured  with  the  supernatural  and  spiritual,  which, 
in  our  own  day,  has  found  advocates  and  has  been  systematized 
into  a  creed.  The  physical  energies  prostrated  by  disease,  the 
dreamy  mind  went  out,  and  following  its  inclinations,  wandered  in 
celestial  spheres,  and  in  a  'rapt  vison,'  created  an  image,  something 
to  be,  or  to  personate.  Disease  abating,  consciousness  returning, 
this  image  had  made  an  impress  upon  the  mind  not  to  be  readily 
effaced.  She  became  an  enthusiast  ;  after  events  made  her  an 
imposter.  All  founders  of  sects  upon  new  revelations  have  not 
had  even  so  much  in  the  way  of  induction  to  mitigate  their  frauds. 
A  sect  that  has  arisen  in  our  own  day,  now  counting  its  tens  of 
thousands — the  founders  of  a  state,  have  nothing  to  show  as 
their  basis  but  a  bold  and  clumsy  cheat  :  a  designed  and 
premeditated  fraud.  It  had  not  even  distempered  religious 
enthusiasm,  no  sick  man's  or  sick  woman's  fancy  to  create  a 
primitive  semblance  of  sincerity  or  integrity  of  purpose.  The 
trance  or  dream  ot  Jemima  Wilkinson,  honestly  promulgated  at 
first,' while  the  image  of  its  creation  absoroed  all  her  thoughts, 
and  threw  around  her  a  spell  that  reason  could  not  dissipate, 
attracted  the  attention  of  the  superstitious  and  credulous,  and, 
perhaps,  the  designing.  The  notions  of  worldlv  ambition,  power, 
distinction  ;  the  desire  to  rule  came  upon  her  when  the  paroxism 
of  disease  in  body  and  mind  had  subsided,  and  made  her  what 
history  must  say  she  was  an  imposter  and  false  pretender. 

And  yet  there  were  many  evidences  that  motives  of  benevolence 
a  kindly  spirit,  a  wish  to  promote  the  temporal  welfare  of  her 
followers  was  mixed  up  with  her  impositions.  Her  character  was 
a  compound.  If  she  was  conscious  herself  of  imposition,  as  we 
must  suppose  she  was,  her  perseverance  was  most  extraordinary. 
Never  through  her  long  career  did  she  for  one  moment   yield  the 


448  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

the  pretensions  she  made  upon  rising  from  her  sick  bed  and  going 
out  upon  her  mission.  With  gravity  and  dignity  of  demcanoi' 
she  would  confront  cavillers  and  disbelievers,  and  parry  their 
assaults  upon  her  motives  and  pretensions  ;  always  awing  them 
to  a  surrender  of  their  doubts  and  bisbelief.  Always  self-possessed 
no  evidence  could  ever  be  obtained  of  any  misgivings  with  her 
touching  her  spiritual  claims.  Upon  one  occasion  James 
Wadsworth  called  to  see  her.  At  the  close  of  the  interview  she 
said,  *'Thou  art  a  Lawyer,  thou  hast  plead  for  others ;  hast  thou 
ever  plead  for  thyself  to  the  Lord.?"  Mr.  Wadsworth  made  a 
courteous  reply,  when  requesting  all  present  to  kneel  with  her, 
she  prayed  fervently,  after  which  she  rose,  shook  hands  with  Mr. 
Wadsworth,  and  retired  to  her  apartment. 

The  Friend's  community  at  first  flourishing  and  successful, 
began  to  decline  in  early  years.  The  seclusion  and  separation 
from  the  world  contemplated  by  its  founders  was  not  realized. 
They  had  selected  too  fine  a  region  to  make  a  monopoly  of  it. 
The  tide  of  emigration  reached  them  and  before  they  had  got 
fairly  under  way,  they  were  surrounded  with  neighbors  who  had 
little  faith  in  the  Friend,  or  sympathy  with  her  followers.  The 
relations  of  neighborhood,  town  and  county  soon  clashed,  militia 
musters  came,  and  the  followers  refused  the  service  ;  fines  were 
imposed  and  their  property  sold.  The  Friend  was  a  long  time 
harrassed  with  indictments  for  blasphemy,   but   never   convicted. 

James  Brown  and  George  Clark  who  married  heirs  of  Rachel 
Malin  own  the  property  that  she  inherited  from  the  Friend." 

— See  />,  136. 


p;^]HARLES  MORRIS,  son  of  Charles  Monis  and  Marium 
1^^^  Nicols,  and  grand-son  o[  Samuel  Morris  and  Lvdia 
Wilkinson,  was  born  at  Woodstock,  Conn.,  Oct.,  1 784,  and 
died  in  Washington,  D.  C.  Jan.,  27,  1856.  By  his  grandmother 
he- was  a  lineal  descendant  of  Captain  Lawrence  Wilkinson  and 
inherited  mucli  of  the  firmness  and  daring  o\  this  paternal 
ancestor.  As  a  bov  he  wis  precocious  and  apt.  His  educationa- 
advantages  were  those  offered  in  the  common  schools  ot 
Connecticut.  An  incident  is  related  illustrative  ot  his  dauntless 
spirit,  even  when  he  was  but  eight  or  ten  years  of  age.  On  one 
occasion  the  teacher  thought  he  had  sufficient  cause  to  correct 
his  pupil,  and  apprehending  that  a  little  frightening  would 
answer  in  lieu  of  flagellation,  he  drew  up  a  large  cudgel,  and 
threatened  with  great  vehemence  ot  gesture,  and  wrath  ot 
countenance  to  break  every  bone  in  his  body.  The  little  fellow 
straightened  himself  up  in  the  dignity  of  conscious  rectitude, 
and  with  a  peculiar  dcliant  expression  of  countenance  stood  firm 
as  a  rock  without  manifesting  the  least  fear,  or  expecting  the 
least  favor.  So  we  can  imagine  he  stood  on  the  deck  of  "  Old 
Ironsides,"  while  musket  balls  like  hail-stones  were  whizzing 
past   him,   and  through    his  body.       The  child   was  father   of  the 


He  had  a  strong  predilection  for  the  sea  and  the  navy,  and  the 
reading  of  voyages  and  naval  actions  filled  him  with  enthusiasm. 
July,  1799,  at  the  early  age  of  fifteen  he  was  appointed  a 
midshipman,   and    sailed     from   Portsmouth   in   the   "  Congress," 


5B 


450  BJ OCR, WHY  OF 

Captain  Sever.  This  ship  together  with  the  ''•  Essex"  had  been 
ordered  to  the  Indian  seas,  and  was  to  give  convoy  to  the 
homeward-bound  India  and  China  ships.  Earlv  in  the  mouth 
of  Jan.,  I  Soo  they  started  on  this  cruise,  then  much  the  most 
distant  that  any  American  cruiser  had  ever  attempted.  A  tew 
days  out  the  ships  encountered  a  heavy  gale  and  lost  sight  of 
each  other.  Near  her  destination  the  "■  Congress"  was 
dismasted,  and  a  spar  falling  on  young  Morris  dislocated  his 
shoulder.  His  father  who  was  purser  of  the  ship,  asked  him  if 
he  still  chose  to  continue  in  that  calling  :  he  replied  promptly, 
•■'Yes,  sir!"  and  was  permitted  to  continue  during  the  cruise  in 
the  West  Indies. 

Returning  home,  he  went  out  with  Commodore  Edward 
Preble  in  the  "Constitution,"  and  served  with  distinction  in  the 
war  with  Tripoli  which  continued  from  i8oi  to  1805.  On  the 
night  of  P'eb.  15th,  1H04,  he  took  a  prominent  part  in  the 
expedition  commanded  bv  Lt.  Stephen  Decatur,  which  destroyed 
the  frigate  "•  Philadelphia  "  in  the  harbor  of  Tripoli.  This  frig- 
ate, commanded  by  Capfain  Bainltridge,  was  one  ot  Preble's 
squadron,  and  having  ventured  too  far  into  the  harbor,  grounded . 
Being  under  the  guns  of  the  Tripolitan  battery  and  having  no 
means  of  escape,  the  officers,  crew  and  ship  were  captured.  It 
was  to  re-capture  and  burn  the  ''Philadelphia"  that  this  night 
expedition  was  set  on  foot.  Decatur  having  just  previously 
arrived  at  Syracuse,  and  learning  the  state  of  affairs,  obtained  the 
consent  of  his  Commodore,  selected  seventy  volunteers,  and 
putting  them  on  board  the  ketch  ^  Intrepid,"  which  he  had  a 
short  time  before  captured  from  the  enem\ ,  accompanied  bv  the 
brig  "Syren,"  started  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening.  The 
"  Philadelphia,"  lying  within  half  gun-shot  ot  the  Bashaw's 
castle  and  of  the  principal  battery  made  the  adventure  extremely 
hazardous.  About  i  i  o'clock,  he  approached  within  two 
hundred  yards,  when  he  was  hailed  and  ordered  to  anchor.  He 
directed  a  Maltese  pilot  to  answer  that  the  anchor    had  been  lost 


CHAR  L  ES  MOR  RIS.  4  5  r 

in  a  gale  of  wind.  His  object  was  not  suspected  until  he  was 
almost  alongside  of  the  frigate,  when  the  Turks  were  thrown 
into  the  utmost  confusion.  Before  they  were  aware  of  the 
character  of  their  \  isitors,  [Midshipman  Morris  had  sprang  on 
board  followed  hv  Lieut.  Decatur.  These  officers  were  nearly 
a  minute  on  deck,  dealing  heavy  blows  with  their  sabres,  before 
their  companions  joined  them.  That  minute  seemed  an  hour  I 
Two  men  against  a  ship's  crew  of  forty!  Fortunately,  the 
surprise  was  so  greit  that  before  the  Turks  could  recover 
themselves  a  sufficient  number  had  assembled  equil  to  their 
adversaries  ;  about  twenty  Turks  were  killed,  the  rest  jumped 
overboard  or  filed  below.  After  setting  fire  to  the  ship  in  several 
places,  Decatur  and  crew  returned  to  the  ketch.  A  favorable 
breeze  springing  up  soon  carried  them  bevond  the  reach  of  the 
enemy's  guns,  which  had  opened  fire  upon  them  from  the 
batteries,  and  castle  and  two  corsairs.  In  this  daring  exploit  not 
one  man  was  killed,  and  only  four  wounded. 

Charles  was  now  twenty  years  of  age,  and  being  faithful  in 
the  performance  of  every  duty  and  obedient  to  the  orders  of  his 
commander,  he  was  a  universal  favorite  among  his  superiors  in 
office.  After  a  peace  had  been  conquered  he  returned  to 
America,  and  Jan.,  1807,  was  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy.  During 
ing  the  five  years  following,  he  devoted  himself  to  his  calling, 
and  served  with  honor  in  many  important  positions.  On  the 
8th  of  Jan.,  1711,  the  armed  schooner  '■'Revenge,"  under  the 
command  of  Oliver  H.  Perry  was  wrecked  on  Watch  Hill  Reef. 
A  court  consisting  of  Com.  Hull,  Lieut.  Morris  and  Capt.  Ludlow 
fully  acquitted  Perry  of  all  blame,  and  extolled  his  coolness  and 
judgment.  Morris  was  exceedingly  careful  of  casting  a  reproach, 
or  even  a  reflection  upon  the  prospects  of  his  fellow  officers.  He 
rejoiced  in  their  promotion.  Envy  had  no  place  in  his  breast  ; 
hence  he  was  eagerly  sought  to  preside  in  cases  like  the  above. 

On  the  1 8th  day  of  June,  18  12,  the   President  signed  the  bill 
declaring  war  against   Great  Britain.      One  of  the  causes  of  this 


452  B/OGkJPHJ-  Of 

declaration  was  the  impressment  of  American  seamen,  and  the 
na\  y  felt  hound  to  protect  its  honor.  The  "  Constitution,"  a 
forty-four  gun  frigate,  Capt.  Hull,  had  returned  from  Europe  onlv 
a  few  days  before,  and  was  recci\ing  a  new  crew  with  !iian\ 
new  officers.  '*■  Every  nerve  was  strained,"  says  Cooper,  to  get 
the  ship  ready  tor  sea  as  soon  as  possible.  So  hurried  were  the 
equipments  that  one  hundred  of  the  ship's  people  joined  her  only 
the  night  previous  to  the  day  on  which  she  sailed  trom  Annapolis," 
Charles  was  given  a  Lieutenancy  on  this  frigate  and  distinguished, 
himself  as  a  seaman  and  naval  officer  as  the  sequel  will  show. 
The  author  above  quoted,  says  "the  '•Constitution'  was 
exceedingly  well  officered.  For  her  first  Lieutenant  she  had 
Charles  Morris,  one  of  the  very  ablest  men  the  American  marine 
ever  possessed.  This  gentleman  enjoyed  a  reputation  very 
unusual  for  one  of  his  rank;  while  at  the  present  time,  after  filling 
many  places  of  high  responsibility,  no  officer  commands  more  of 
the  confidence  and  respect  both  of  the  service  and  the  country." 

The  "■  Constitution  "  lifted  her  anchor  on  the  i  2th  of  July, 
1812,  and  sailed  from  the  Chesapeake  bound  for  New  York. 
On  the  16th  descried  a  frigate  and  gave  chase,  but  the  winds 
were  to  light  too  overtake  her.  Next  day  fell  in  with  a  British 
squadron  consisting  of  a  line-of-nattle  ship,  64  guns  ; — four 
frigates,  each  as  heavily  manned  as  herself,  a  brig  and  schooner; 
all  of  which  gave  chase.  This  fleet  was  com'iiandcd  by  Com. 
Broke  of  the  British  navy.  Captain  Hull  had  no  intention  of 
risking  a  battle  against  such  odds,  and  made  sail  with  a  full 
determination  to  escape  if   possible. 

Now  commenced 

The  Three  Day's  Chase, 
which  has  passed  into  history  as  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
achievements  of  the  kind  ever  recorded.  It  has  no  parallel  in 
uaval  affairs,  and  *■'  Xenophon's  retreat  of  the  Ten  Thousand  " 
may  be  considered  its  counterpart  on  the  land.  At  one  time  the 
wind  being  light,  one  of  the  enemy's    frigates  furled  all    her  sails, 


CHARLES  MORRIS.  453 

and  the  boats  of  the  whole  squadron  were  attached  to  her  to 
bring  her  along  side  of  the  "•  Constitution."  Lie'it  A'lorris 
devised  an  expedient  bv  which  she  was  kept  out  or'  the  way,  and 
even  gained  ground  of  their  enemies.  The  British  officers  with 
their  glasses  were  watching  everv  nuvement  v/ith  the  intensest 
imeiest,  and  were  not  a  little  chagrined  at  seeing  her  leavino; 
them  farther  and  farther  in  the  rear. 

The  excitement  necessarily  incident  to  such  a  chase  can 
scarcely  be  imagined.  One  must  be  on  board  and  witness  the 
approaching  enemy  strong  enough  to  make  defeat  and  capture 
certain — -ir  they  can  only  get  within  reach — in  order  to  realize 
the  feelings  experienced  by  these  gallant  tars. 

Let  us  iinagine  ourselves  on  board  the  '•'■  Con-.titution."  Friday 
moriiing,  Julv  17,  i  8 1  2,  clear  weather  and  fresh  breezes  from 
the  northward  greet  us  as  wc  come  up  on  deck.  The  hours  arc 
passed  in  conversation  respecting  the  probability  ot  meeting  the 
enemy,  and  keeping  a  good  look-out  all  around  the  horizon. 
At  2  o'clock  four  sails  appear,  but  too  f.'.r  ofr"  to  be  made  out. 
.•\headv  the  officers  are  speculating  as  to  the  character  o\  the 
strangers.  Ihe  man  in  the  binnacle  casts  furtive  glances  over 
the  blue  waters,  and  shakes  his  head  signihcantiy.  Now  he  tacks 
to  the  east.  At  4  o'clock  a  ship  in  sight  bearing  N.  E.  standing 
down  tor  us,  and  three  ships  and  a  brig  N.  N.  \V.  on  the 
starboard  tack.  for  two  hours  or  more  \\\r\\i  airs  from  the 
northward  waft  us  on  our  wav  under  cas^'  sail.  '■'•  W  arc  ship, 
and  stand  towards  that  sail,  keeping  her  a  little  off  the  larboard 
bow" — exclaims  Capt.  Hull.  "■  A\-  !  Av  I"  replies  the  man  at 
the  wheel.  The  rapid  roll  of  the  drum  beating  to  quarters  is 
heard,  and  everv  man  thrilled  by  an  electric  shock,  is  at  his  post 
in  an  instant.  I  he  ship  is  cleared  for  action,  and  for  three  hours 
the  light  winds  bear  her  slowly  tov\ards  the  strangers.  Tlie 
private  signals  ot  the  day  are  made,  but  not  answered.  Fhev 
are,  therefore,  not  friends.  At  a' quarter  past  i  i,  the  signals  arc 
hauled  down.      "  What  think  you.^"  enquired  the  first  lieutenant 


454  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

of  Captain  Hull.  "They  are  too  much  tor  us," — was  the 
replv,  "  Give  them  a  wide  berth  and  save  your  bacon,"  rejoined 
an  old  tar  siih  voce.  We  make  sail  by  the  wind  with  starboard 
tacks  on  board.  Clouds  fleck  the  sky, — light  airs  from  the 
south  and  west.  All  night  the  men  have  stood  at  their  posts 
waiting  patiently — watching  intently.  At  4  o'  c,  a.  m.  one  of 
the  enemies  ships  makes  a  signal.  It  means  mischief.  She  has 
started  the  game,  and  thus,  she  signals  her  pack  of  hounds  to 
join  in  the  chase.  At  day-light  three  sails  are  discovered  astern. 
Shortly  after  another.  And  now  in  full  view  appear  two  frigates 
off  our  lee  quarter,  and  one  ship-of-thc-line,  two  frigates,  one 
brig,  and  one  schooner  astern.  Fine  prospect  for  a  capture. 
If  any  one  of  the  seven  would  come  out,  and  single  handed,  try 
the  fortunes  ot  the  day,  we  would  throw  down  the  glove  to 
them,  or  pick  up  theirs.  But  John  Bull  runs  no  ventures.  He 
must  needs  have  a  fleet  to  capture  a  Yankee  frigate. 

But  lo  !  the  wind  dies  away — it  is  calm  with  us  !  On  come 
the  hostile  ships  in  battle  array  like  a  pack  of  hungry  wolves 
thirsting  for  blood.  From  the  port  holes  of  every  ship  the 
bristling  cannon  appear  ready  to  belch  their  contents  into  the  sides 
of  the  "Constitution."  Quick  as  thought  the  sharp  clear  voice 
of  Captain  Hull  is  heard — "  Hoist  out  the  first  cutter  and  get 
the  boats  ahead^tow  the  ship's  head  to  the  southward."  No 
quicker  said  than  twenty  men  spring  to  the  work — the  oaken 
oars  quiver  beneath  their  brawy  arms.  The  ship  moves  to  the 
order  of  its  commander.  "  Up  with  that  twenty-four  pounder 
from  the  gun  deck  for  a  stern  gun,"  A  dozen  hearties  bend  to 
the  work  and  it  is  done.  "Bring  aft  the  forecastle  gun." 
"Cut  away  the  taffarel  to  give  them  room."  "  Run  two  guns 
out  of  the  cabin  windows."  Each  order  is  obeyed  with  a 
promptness  that  challenges  admiration.  The  "Constitution" 
resembles  a  bee-hive  disturbed  by  some  foreign  intruder.  Captain 
Hull  is  ubiquitous — Lieut.  Morris  is  on  the  alert  completing 
every  order  with  precision.       At  6  o'c.  a.  m.  the  ship's    head    is 


CHARLE  MORRIS.  455 

round  to  the  southward.  Orders  are  again  heard  on  deck. 
'■'•  Set  top-gallant  studding  sails  and  stav  sails."  Like  a  cat  the 
nimble  sailors  spring  into  the  rigging  and  run  along  the  lines  as 
though  t"hey  were  walking  on  terra  tirma.  Nearer  approach  the 
inveterate  foe.  A  pull  of  smoke  from  the  foremost  frigate 
appears — the  splashing  of  the  solid  shot  in  the  hrinv  deep  short 
of  its  mark,  and  the  dull  report  ot  a  thirty-two  pounder  breaks 
upon  the  ear.  No  response  is  made  to  the  harmless  shot.  Hull 
and  Morris  are  seen  in  close  conversation.  '^  Try  it — try  it," 
says  Hull.  The  bowman  casts  the  lead,  and  announces 
twenty-six  fathoms  water.  Morris  commands  a  boat — the  kedge 
is  thrown,  and  the  '^  Constitution  moves  ahead.  A  shout  goes 
up,  and  the  men  pull  with  a  will.  At  half-past  7  A.  M.  the  stars 
and  stripes  are  hoisted,  and  one  gun  fired  at  the  ship  astern  just 
to  measure  her  distance.  Half  an  hour  after  a  dead  calm,  and 
the  men  pull  at  the  oars  in  towing  and  kedging.  The  enemy 
haying  a  light  wind  gain  upon  us  with  their  boats  ahead  and  one 
using  sweeps.  On  they  come,  and  at  9  o'clock  the  "line-of-battle 
ship  is  in  close  chase,  and  the  nearest  frigate  gaining  on  us.  How 
the  boys  spring  to  their  oars  !  It  is  a  life  and  death  pull,  and 
the  remembrance  of  the  ''  jersey  prison  ship  "  puts  new  vigor 
into  their  arms.  A  light  breeze  strikes  us  from  the  south. 
Braced  up  by  the  wind  on  the  larboard  tack,  now  we  move  as  it 
were  out  of  the  jaws  of  the  British  Lion.  The  nearest  frigate, 
seeing  her  prey  escaping,  sends  iron  regards  with  fiery  vengeance, 
but  they  fall  short.  The  boats  are  ordered  along  side,  two  of  them 
run  up.  Forty  hogsheads  of  water  arc  started  to  lighten  the 
ship.  And  now  we  gain  on  them  again,  but  our  deliverance  is 
short,  for  another  calm  follows,  and  the  first  cutter  is  again 
manned  to  tow  the  ship.  Six  sails  off  the  starboard  beam,  and 
the  nearest  frigate  has  all  the  boats  of  the  fleet  to  tow  her  towards 
us.  British  power  and  numbers  must  be  again  met  by  Yankee 
ingenuity,  and  for    two    hours    kedging    is   the    order    of  the  day 


456  BlOGRAPIir  OF 

under  the  immediate  direction  of  Lieut.  Morris  ;  notwithstanding 
the  success  of  the  enemy  seems  iiievita'ole. 

At  a   quarter   before    f    P.    M.    of    the    i8th,   a   strange    sail   is 
discovered  two  points   abaft  oil     the  lee   beam — -the   four    frigates 
one  point  off  the    starboard    quarter — line-of-battlc  ship,  brig  and 
schooner  olFthe  lee  beam.      A  I'ght  breeze  which  does  not  reach 
us  helps  them  along  -muI  nearer  and  nearer  thev  approach — while 
the  chasing  frigates  commence  firing  their   bow   chase   guns,   and 
their  shot  comes  splashing  the  water  directly  in  range,  and  almost 
reach  us.      We  reply  with  our  stern  chasers.      At  half-past  three 
one  of  the  ships  is  neaier  than  ever.      Some    of  the  officers  and 
men  begin    to   despair   of  making   our   escape.      The   enemy  are 
jubilant,  and  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost.      "-Lower  the   first 
cutter,  green  cutter,  and  gig — pull  ahead  and  tow  for  life,"  cried 
Captain  Hull.      The  crew  bend  to  their  oars  with  all  their  might. 
The  excitement  of  the  chase  is  intense.      Every  nerve  is  strained 
to  its  utmost  tension.     The  kedge  is  thrown,  and  the  ''Costitution" 
is  again  rescued   from  the  grasp  of  the  enemy.      At  eleven    o'clock 
P.  M.  a  breeze  springiniz;  up    from   the   southward,    the   boats  arc 
called  back  again  and  hoisted  up — the  fore-top-mast  stay  sail,  and 
main-top-gallant  studding  sail  are  set,  and  we  sweep  ahead  out  of 
the  reach  of  immediate  danger.      All  night  long  the  chase  is  kept 
up.      It  is  a  test  of  endurance.      At  9  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the     iQth,     a     ship    to    the    windward    is   seen — an     American 
Merchantman    standing  towards   us.      The  frigate  astern   hoists 
American    colors  as  a  decoy.      "  Run   up  the   English   colors," 
commanded  Captain  Hull,  and  the  British  Lion  was  floating  from 
our  mast  head  as  a  warning  to  the  unsuspecting  merchantman  to 
give  a  wide  berth.       At  eleven  a.  m.    the    white   caps   appear    in 
the  distance.      Every  sailor's  countenance  brightens.      On   come 
the  rolling  waves  and  the  sweeping  winds.      The  squall  strikes 
the  "  Constitution,"  and  presses  her  huge  side  deep  in  the  water. 
As  good  seamanship  would  have  it,  we  arc  to  the  windward,  and 
CapLain  Hull  lets   every   thing  go   by   the   run   apparently   in   the 


CHJR LES  A:0RR IF.  4 5 7 

utmost  confusion  as  if  unable  to  show  a  yard  of  canvass,  with 
sails  hauled  up  by  the  brails  and  clewlines.  The  enemy  perceiving 
this  hasten  to  get  everything  snug,  before  the  gust  should  reach 
them  ;  but  no  sooner  do  they  get  their  sails  furled  than  Captain 
Hull  has  his  course  and  topsails  set,  and  the  "  Constitution  " 
darts  forward  like  an  arrow  before  the  blast.  'Tis  a  well  wrought 
stratagem  to  gain  time.  Wild  huzzas  are  heard  on  board  as  she 
leaves  the  enemy  far  in  the  rear;  and  Commodore  Broke  and  his 
oScers  bite  their  lips  in  mortification  and  chagrin  to  see  so  fine 
a  prize  slip  through  their  fingers — cut-maneuvered  by  a  Yankee 
tar. 

For  sixty  hours  the  crew  of  the  "  Constitution  "  have  stood  at 
their  stations  watching,  and  laboring  and  toiling  at  the  sails,  oars, 
guns,  and  ropes,  and  it  is  nothing  strange  that  the  weary  sailors 
sink  down  to  rest,  and  sleep  soundly  on  the  deck,  or  wherever 
thev  happen  to  be — now  the  danger  of  the  chase  is  past. 

Capt.  Hull  ai rived  at  Boston  harbor  on  Sunday,  the  26th  of 
July.  On  reaching  State  street  he  was  greeted  with  the  repeated 
huzzas  of  his  fellow  cicizens,  who  were  overjoyed  at  his 
masterlv  retreat  and  escape.  The  enthusiasm  was  intense,  and 
the  gallant  Hull  knowing  to  whom  the  honor  belonged,  and 
willing  to  share  with  his  fellow  officers,  caused  the  following  card 
to  be  inserted  in  the  books  of  the  "Exchange  Colfec  House." 

"  Captain  Hull  finding  his  friends  in  Boston  are  correctly 
informeJ  of  his  situation  when  chased  by  the  British  Squadron 
off  N.  Y.,  and  that  they  are  good  enough  to  give  him  more  credit 
by  escaping  them  than  he  ought  to  claim,  takes  this  opportunitv 
of  requesting  them  to  make  a  transfer  of  a  great  part  ot  their  good 
wishes  to  Lieut.  Morris,  and  the  other  brave  officers,  and  the 
crew  under  his  command,  for  their  very  great  exertions,  and 
prompt  attention  to  orders  while  the  enemy  were  in  chase. 
Captain  Hull  has  great  pleasure  in  saving,  that  notwithstanding 
the  length  of  the  chase,  and  the  officers  and  crew  being  deprived 
of  sleep  and  allowed  but  little  refreshment  during  the  time,  not  a 
murmur  was  heard  to  escape  them." 

The  Constitution  and  Guerrier. 

Capt.  Hull  very  soon  put  to  sea  and  Aug.  19th,  181  2,  another 
59 


458  BIOGRJPHT  OF 

opportunity  was  presented  for  heroism  and  naxal  skill.  A  sail 
was  descried  to  the  leeward,  and  making  chase  it  was  soon 
discovered  to  be  a  British  frigate.  The  '■'■  Constitution  "  cleared 
for  action,  and  a  little  past  6  o'clock,  p.  M.  the  ball  opened  in  good 
earnest.  The  graphic  description  of  Cooper  will  be  read  in  this 
connection  with  peculiar  interest.  Anecdote — Morris'  anxiety 
to  fight. — The  guns  o^the  "  Constitution"  were  double-shotted 
with  round  and  grape  shot,  and  at  a  little  past  six  the  bow  of  the 
American  frigate  began  to  double  on  the  quarter  of  the  English 
ship,  when  she  opened  with  her  forward  guns,  drawing  slowly 
ahead  with  her  greater  way,  both  vessels  keeping  up  a  close  and 
heavy  fire,  as  their  guns  bore. 

In  about  ten  minutes,  or  just  as  the  ships  were  fairly  side  by 
side  the  mizzen  mast  of  the  Englishman  was  shot  away,  when  the 
American  passed  slowly  ahead,  keeping  up  a  tremendous  fire,  and 
luffed  short  round  on  her  bows  to  prevent  being  raked.  In 
executing  this  maneuvre  the  ship  shot  into  the  wind,  got  sternway 
and  fell  foul  of  her  antagonist.  While  in  this  situation,  the  cabin 
of  the  "  Constitution  "  took  fire  from  the  close  explosion  of  the 
forward  guns  of  the  enemy,  who  obtained  a  small  but  temporary 
advantage  from  his  position.  The  good  conduct  of  Mr.  Hoffman, 
who  commanded  in  the  cabin  soon  repaired  this  accident,  and  a 
gun  of  the  enemy's  that  had  threatened  further  injury,  was 
disabled.  As  the  vessels  touched  both  parties  prepared  to  board. 
The  English  turned  all  hands  up  from  below,  and  mustered 
forward,  with  that  object  ;  while  Mr.  Morris,  the  first  lieutenant, 
with  his  own  hands  endeavored  to  lash  the  ships  together.  Mr. 
Alwyn,  the  master,  and  Mr.  Bush,  the  lieutenant  of  marines 
were  upon  the  taffrail  of  the  "Constitution"  to  be  ready  to  spring. 
Both  sides  now  suffered  by  the  closeness  of  the  musketry  ;  the 
English  much  the  most  however.  Lieut.  Morris  wrs  shot  through 
the  body,  the  bullet  fotunately  missing  his  vitals.  Mr.  Alwyn 
was  wounded  in  the  shoulder,  and  Mr.  Bush  fell  dead  by  a  bullet 
through  the  head.      It  being  impossible  for   cither   party    to  board 


CHJRLES  MORRIS.  459 

in  the  fiice  of  such  a  fire,  anJ  with  the  heavy  sea  that  was  on, 
tiie  sails  were  filled,  and  just  as  the  "  Constitution  "  shot  ahead, 
the  fore-mast  of  the  enemy  fell  carrying  down  with  it  his  main 
m.ast  and  leaving  him  wallowing  in  the  trough  of  the  sea,  a  helpless 
wreck.  When  the  enemy's  mizzen  mast  was  shot  away,  Capt. 
Hull,  in  the  enthusiasm  of  the  moment,  swuno-  his  hat  around 
his  head,  and  in  true  sailor  phrase  exclaimed,  "Huzza!  my  boys! 
we've  made  a  brig  of  her  !" 

The  "  Constitution"  now  hauled  aboard  her  tacks,  run  off  a 
short  distance,  secured  her  masts,  aud  rove  new  rigging.  At 
seven  o'clock  she  wor^  round,  and  taking  a  favorable  position 
tor  raking— a  jack  that  had  been  kept  flying  on  the  stump  of  the 
mizzen-mast  of  the  enemy  was  lowered.  The  victory  was 
complete.  The  third  lieutenant  was  sent  on  board  the  prize, 
and  soon  returned  with  the  intelligence  that  they  had  captured 
the  British  frigate  "  Guerrier,"  one  of  the  squadron  which  had 
recently  chased  the  "  Constitution,"  of  New  York.  At  eight 
o'clock^Captain  Dacres  came  on  board,  and  offered  his  sword  to 
Captain  Hull,  but  he  refused  to  take  it. 

The  "■Guerrier"  mounted  forty-nine  carriage  guns,  and  was 
manned  with  302  men.  An  efi^ort  was  made  to  bring  her  into 
port,  but  the  next  morning  she  was  found  to  have  four  feet 
water  in  the  hold,  and  was  in  a  sinking  condition.  She  was  set 
on  fire,  abandoned,  and  at  half-past  three,  on  the  21st,  she  blew 
up.  Our  loss  in  the  action  was  seven  killed  and  seven  wounded. 
The  enemy  lost  fifteen  killed  and  sixty-four  wounded. 

During  the  healing  of  his  wound,  Lieut.  Morris  was  in 
Providence,  R.  I.,  and  tor  some  weeks  his  life  was  despaired  of. 
He  was  reduced  to  a  mere  skeleton,  but  gradually  began  to 
gain  in  strength  and  flesh,  and  finally  was  able  to  enter  the 
service  again. 

The  people  of  the  United  States  were  fired  with  the  greatest 
enthusiasm  when  the  news  of  the  capture  of  the  "  Guerrier  " 
reached  them,  and   Hull  and   officers    were    feted,    and     public 


46o  BIOGRJPHT  OF 

demonstrations  were  made  wherever  thev  want.  Lieut.  Morris 
received  a  service  of  silver  plate  from  the  people  of  Philadelphiii, 
Sept.  5,  1812  ;  was  given  the  command  of  the  "  Adams,"  Jan., 
1 8  13,  and  passing  the  grade  of  master  commandant,  was  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  eaptain,  and  received  his  commission  bearing  date 
March  5th  181  3,  was  a  guest  at  a  public  dinner  at  Georgetown, 
D.  C,  the  April,  following  and  very  soon  thereafter  went  on 
board  the  "  Adams,"  a  twenty-eight  gun  ship,  and  started  on  a 
cruise  upon  the  coasts  of  the  United  States  and  Ireland.  He 
captured  quite  a  number  of  the  enemy's  merchantmen,  and  greatly 
harrassed  his  commerce  in  the  Atlantic.  May,  18  14,  he  was  at 
Savannah  and  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  announces 
the  capture  of  the  British  Brig  "  Epervier"  of  18  guns  by  the 
U.  S.  sloop  of  war,  Peacock,  Captain  Warrington.  This  action 
was  fought  with  the  greatest  gallantry,  and  the  victory  obtained 
in  forty-five  minutes.  It  sent  a  thrill  of  joy  throughout  the  country 
and  added  to  the  enthusiasm  already  awakened  among  the  sailors 
and  naval  officers. 

He  continued  his  cruise  until  Augustt,  1814,  when  the  scurvy 
appeared  on  board,  and  the  ship  having  been  much  injured  by 
running  on  shore  in  thick  weather  upon  Haut  Isle,  Capta  n 
Morris  entered  the  Penobscot  river  in  Maine,  and  running  up  to 
Hampden  made  preparations  to  heave  out  for  repairs.  While 
engaged  in  this,  a  strong  British  expedition  entered  the  river  to 
capture  the  ship.  The  militia  force  assembled  for  her  protection, 
giving  way  nothing  remained  for  Captain  Morris  but  to  destroy 
her,  which  he  did,  directing  his  crew  to  break  up  into  small  parties 
— make  their  way  200  miles  through  a  thinly  settled  country, 
and  report  to  him  at  Portland.  This  order  was  strictly  obeyed, 
every  man  arriving  at  Portland  in  due  time.  This  feat  shows 
the  authority  of  the  commander,  and  the  obedience  and  implicit 
confidence  of  his  men.  Kind  and  [gentle,  but  firm  as  a  rock, 
every  man  loved  him,  and  obeyed  him  because  they  did  love  him. 

Arriving  in  Providence    soon    after    this    event,    he  paid   his 


CHARLES  MORRIS.  461 

addresses  to  Miss  Harriet  Bowen  to  whom  he  was  married, 
February,  1815,  He  still  continued  in  the  service,  and  was 
promoted  to  the  highest  naval  distinctions  in  the  gift  of  his  countrv, 
honoring  every  position,  and  discharging  its  duties  faithfully. 

To  follow  Commodore  Morris  in  all  his  public  acts  and 
voyages,  would  require  a  volume  of  itself.  Our  space  will  allow 
but  a  brief  notice  of  the  remaining  part  of  his  useful  life.  After 
the  peace  with  England  he  continued  in  active  employment,  either 
afloat  or  ashore,  being  oiV  duty  but  two  and  a  half  years,  in  a 
professional  career  of  fifty-seven  !  He  served  twenty-one  years 
at  sea,  commanding  four  squadrons  on  foreign  stations,  eight 
years  in  command  of  different  Navy  yards — Eieven  years  as  navv 
commissioner,  and  eight  years  as  chief  of  a  bureau.  At  the  time 
i)f  his  death  he  was  at  the  head  oi  the  bureau  of  ordinance  and 
hydrography — seventv-two  vears  of  age.  He  was  a  man  greatlv 
loved  and  respected  at  the  fire-side,  and  had  a  public  influence 
commensurate  with  the  important  trusts  imposed  in  him. 

One  or  two  brief  quotations  showing  the  estimation  in  which 
he  was  held  by  his  contemporaries  will  close  this  sketch.  An 
officer  of  the  '^Constitution,"  giving  an  account  of  the  battle  with 
the  "Guerrier,"  savs:  When  Lieut.  Morris  received  his  wound 
bv  a  musket  shot  through  the  body,  he  was  on  the  quarter  for 
the  purpose  of  boarding.  He  has  since  been  promoted  to  the 
command  of  the  frigate  "Adams"  of  32  guns.  He  has  ever  been 
distinguished  in  the  navy  for  his  unremitted  application  in  the 
acquirement  of  nautical  information,  for  activity,  intelligence  and 
xeal  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duty.  His  gallant  conduct 
while  under  Commodore  Preble  in  the  Tripolitan  War  gained 
him  the  confidence  of  his  commander,  the  admiration  of  his 
companions  in  arms,  and  the  applause  of  his  countrymen.  He  was 
the  first  man  who  gained  the  deck  of  the  frigate  "Philadelphia, 
on  that  ever  memorable  nighty  when  under  the 
batteries  of  the  enemy,  she  was  wrapt  in  flames  by  the 
Spartan  band    under  Lieut.  Decatur;    for  which    brilliant  exploit 


462  BIOGRJPHT  OF 

the  Pre.iident  most  justly  gave  the  latter  a  Captain's  commission. 
When  the  "•Constitution"  made  her  escape  from  the  British 
squadron  oJf  the  capes  of  the  Chesapeake, — to  Lieut.  Morris  did 
the  magnanimous  PIull  give  much  of  the  credit  acquired  in  that 
masterly  retreat.  The  manuevre  of  kedging  a  ship  at  sea  in 
thirty  fathoms  water,  was  an  ingenious  and  novel  experiment, 
and  was  first  suggested  by  him.  Those  who  personally  know 
the  sterling  worth  and  intrinsic  merit  of  Captain  Morris,  cannot 
but  rejoice  that  his  manly  virtues,  and  naval  talents  have  now, 
a  more  ample  field  of  exertion  in  his  country's  cause.  Captain 
Hull  in  a  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  navy  passed  a  handsome 
eulogium  in  the  following  passage.  '  I  cannot  but  make  yo  j 
acquainted  with  th^  very  great  assistance.  1  received  from  that 
valuable  officer,  Lieut.  Morris  in  bringing  the  ship  into  action, 
and  in  working  her  whilst  alongside  of  the  enemy  ;  and  1  am 
extremely  sorrv  to  state  that  he  is  badly  wounded,  being  shot 
through  the  body.  We  have  yet  hopes  of  his  recovery,  when, 
I  am  sure,  he  will  receive  the  gratitude  of  his  country  for  th's, 
and  the  manv  gallant  acts  he  has  done  in  the  service." 

The  author  of '' American  Naval  Biography''  speaking  of  him 
says — "unpatronized  and  unobtrusive.  Captain  Morris  may  claim 
as  his  own,  the  progress  he  has  made.  On  his  private  character 
we  could  enlarge  with  delight,  but  our  readers  would  find  only  a 
re-iteration  of  praise.  \n  personal  appearance  he  exhibits  too 
much  of  the  pleasing  to  justify  our  ideas  of  the  sturdy  seaman- 
enduring  hardships,  toils  and  wounds.  As  not  the  least  among 
the  rewards  of  his  merits  he  received  the  hand  of  Miss 
Harriet  Bowen,  daughter  of  Dr.  William  Bjwen  of  Providence^ 
in  marriage."  i. 

Ten  children  have  been  the  result  of  this  union  and  some  of 
his  sons  have  manifested  the  patriotism  and  heroic  daring  which 
characterized  their  father.  His  eldest  son,  Charles,  fell  nobly 
contending  for  the  Union,  during  the  "  Great  Rebellion,"  i-ji 
Missouri.      Lieut.    Georo;e    his    youngest    son    commanded    the 


CHJRLES  MORRIS.  463 

"  CumSerliiiJ,"  when  she  was  sunk  bv  the  "■  Merrimac"  in  the 
Hampron  Roads,  oft'  P'oitress  Monroe,  on  the  8th  of  March, 
1862.  The  ''  Cumberland"  had  been  struck  amidships  bv  the 
jron  prow  of  the  *■'  Merrimac,"  lea\  ing  a  lirge  hole  througli 
which  the  water  poured  in  a  torrent.  ••'■  l>ieut.  Alorris,  in 
command" — savs  Headiv,  ""saw  that  his  vessel  was  rapidly  Hliing, 
and  kn  =  w  that  in  a  few  minutes  she  would  be  at  the  bottom  ;  but 
he  proudlv  refused  to  strike  his  flag,  determined  if  he  could  do 
no  better,  to  sink  alongside.  A  nobler  commander  iie/er  trod 
the  deck  of  a  ship,  and  a  more  gallant  crew  never  stood  bv  a 
tira\e  commander.  One  sailor  with  both  his  legs  shot  o'i, 
hobbled  up  to  his  gun  on  the  bleeding  stumps,  and  pulling  the 
janvard  fired  it,  and  fell  back  dead  !  Deeper  and  deeper  settled 
the  noble  frigate,  yet  her  broadsides  kept  tlumdering  on  til!  the 
water  poured  into  the  ports,  submerging  the  guns."  The  swih 
wa\'es  closed  over  the  ship  and  gallant  crew  together  !  Thai 
n  >blv  perished  the  voangejt  son  of  Com m  )do,e  Morris. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XrV. 


|R.  JOHN  WILKINSON,  married  April  23,  1780,  Mary 
Mowry  of  Smithfield,  R.  I.      Descendants  of  this  A'lowrv 


family  are  still  living  in  Smithfield.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Revolution,  he  with  his  brother  William,  was  a  member  of  R.  I. 
College,  and  was  obliged  to  suspend  studies  when  the  College 
buildings  were  taken  for  barracks  for  the  soldiers.  He  was  not 
an  idle  spectator  in  these  stirring  times,  but  at  the  beginning  of 
the  war,  1776,  he  went  out  in  a  private  armed  vessel  and  aideJ 
in  damaging  the  commerce  of  Great  Britain.  Having  previously 
studied  medicine  he  was  received  into  the  army  on  his  return  as 
surgeon,  and  acquired  quite  a  reputation  for  his  daring  and  skill 
in  surgery.  After  the  war  he  received  a  pension  which  is  alluded 
to  in  a  letter  written  by  his  brother  V/illiam  to  a  friend  at 
Washington.  He  says,  "  My  brother  John  Wilkinson,  who 
died  in  Dec,  1836.  Served  as  a  surgeon  in  the  Revolution  and 
received  a  pension.  He  had  one  child,  an  onlv  daughter,  who  is 
the  wife  of  John  Harris,  Esq.,  of  Scituate,  R.  I.  I  am  informed 
^hat  a  further  allowance  was  made  to  certain  officers  of  the  staff, 
and  that  there  is  now  a  balance  standing  in  mv  brother's  name 
on  the  books  of  the  Pension  office." 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  war  he  settled  in  Scituate,  and  had 
an  extensive  practice.  In  1783  he  was  elected  town  treasurei". 
He  was  frequently  called  upon  to  officiate  as  Moderator  at 
Town  Meetings,  and  held  many  important  offices.  He  was  a 
man  of  great    social    qualities,  and   no   one    conld    excel   him   in 


D  R .  JO  HX  If  IL  A  INS  O  X.  465 

ar.ccdotcs.  He  whs  regarded  as  the  best,  an. I  the  greatest  stor\' 
teller  in  R.  I.  When  pressed  h\-  a  rival  he  ne\er  lacked  for  want 
o:  >tuck\  tor  it  theie  were  no  old  ones  applicable  to  the  case 
his  readv  wit  could  supply  the  demand,  and  the  appropriate  storv 
would  be  coined  from  the  mint  cntirelv  new. 

Dr,  John  Borden,  resident  physician  of  the  same  town  was  a 
ri\ai,  not  only  as  a  doctor,  but  as  a  story  teller;  and  Wilkinson 
would  rather  resign  the  sceptrcof  Esculapius  than  doft  the  plume 
to  storv-telling.  They  trecjuently  met  and  then  came  the  tug  of 
war. 

The  Rew  C.  C.  Bemen  who  resided  in  Scituate  a  it\w  ye-a.v?< 
ago,  and  is  now  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  relate.;  an  amusing  incident 
ccncerning  these  worths  doctors.  He  says  "  An  amusing 
anecdote  is  told  of  Dr.  Borden  and  Dr.  Wilkinson  his  neighbor, 
who  had  hardly  a  ri\  al  in  story-telling,  and  an  inexhaustible  fund 
ot  anecdote.  These  two  gentlemen  some  sixtv-five  years  ago 
were  talking  in  Dr.  Wilkinson's  house  the  evening  after  a  large 
party  the  night  previous,  and  were  very  much  excited  each  ot 
them  in  narrating  incidents  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  It  was 
with  great  difEculty  that  one  could  wait  for  the  other  to  get 
through  before  he  began,  so  powcrtully  impressed  was  each  with 
the  importance  of  what  he  had  to  say — it  was  Greek  meeting 
Greek  in  the  tug  of  war.  As  neither  would  give  in,  both  vociferated 
at  once, 'and  rising  from  their  chairs  in  opposite  directions,  both 
with  raised  hands,  approaching  each  other  at  the  top  of  their 
voices,  ard  making  their  tongues  go  as  fast  as  the\-  could  wag,  a 
sudden  explosion  of  merriment  among  the  spectators — a  number 
of  whom  were  boys,  and  could  not  repress  themselves  trom  the 
ludicrousness  of  the  scene,  brought  the  stories  to  a  close,  both 
exploding  in  mid-air  ;  and  the  two  doctors  laughing  as  heartily  as 
any  one  at  their  comical  situation  and  the  rage  for  spouting  they 
had  both  evinced  in  the  idiosyncrasy  of  their  temperaments.  Mr. 
Isaac  Field,  now  in  his  eightieth  year,  was  one  of  the  boys  present 
at  this  scene,  and  says  that  he  has  had  many  a  laugh  since  about 
it." 

60 


466  '  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

No  man  was  moie  respected  i\\.\n  Dr.  Wilkinson.  Hi.^  success 
as  a  physician  made  many  triends  and  gave  him  ascendency  over 
all  rivals.  He  contributed  his  inHucnre  in  establishing  the  R.  I. 
Med.  Soc,  and  his  name  occurs  frequently  in  their  proceedings. 
Rev.  Mr.  B.  says,  "  He  was  a  man  uia.  highly  social  and  cheerful 
turn  of  mind,  had  a  very  large  range  of  friends,  and  had  acquired 
great  knowledge  of"  mankind  and  general  matters  by  going  abroad. 
He  aided  essentially  in  the  formation  of  the  R.  1.  Medical 
Society,  and  was  highly  esteemed  in  Scituate." 

His  wife  died,  April  J  3,  1829,  aged  72,  and  is  buried  in  the 
family  graveyard  of  the  first  Joseph.  The  following  is  her 
epitaph  : 

"Them  also,  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  Him." 

"Sweet  are  tlie  slumbers  nt   tlic  pious  dead  ; 
The  blessed  Emanuel  s.in^titieth  trials; 
His  power  shall  raise  them  trcni  their  gloomv  bed 
To  bliss   iinnioital  in  the  W(,il>i  to  eome." 

He  survived  her  six  or  seven  years,  and  then  departed  at  the 
advanced  age  of  83,  leaving  an  only  daughter,  who  still  lives  on 
the  old  homestead.  He  is  buried  in  the  family  burying  ground 
beside  Joseph  Wilkinson,  the  early  pioneer  of  Scituate,  and  his 
grave  is  marked  by  a  plain,  marble  slab  containing  the  following 
just  eulogium  : 

"•His  virtues   need  no   comment. — 

In  the  heart  of  his  friends  they   are   recorded 

Like  a  halo  of  unfading  brightness — 

May  they  serve  to  illumine 

The  path  of  those  he   loved." 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XV. 


ILLIAM    WILKINSOiV,    youngest    son    of    Benjamin 
Wilkinson    and    Marv    (Rhodes)    his    wife,    was    born    in 
Killinglv,  Ct.,  in  June,  i  760.      He  entered  Brown  University  in 
his  14th  year.      At  the   breaking   up    of  the    College    during   the 
war  of  the    Revolution,    he    entered    the   army,    and    was    soon 
appointed  private  secretary  to  Col.    Crary,  who    commanded    the 
R.  1.  Regiment.      At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  College 
and  took  his  degree  in    17B3.      He    then    took   charge    for  many 
years  of  the    Grammar    School    connected    with    the    University, 
and  was  a    very  successful  teacher.      .Vlany  prominent  men  of  the 
day  were   prepared    b\     him    tor    College.      He    never    lost    his 
affection  for  his  Alma  Mater,  and    never    tailed    to    walk    in   the 
procession   on    Commencement    Day   trom     the   year    before    he 
entered  College,  when  he  was  a    boy    ot   thirteen,    preparing    for 
College  in  the   Grammar   School,   till    1851,   when   he   was   past 
ninety-one   years  old.      In     1792,   he   was    without    solicitation, 
appointed    Postmaster   by   General   Washington,   and   afterwards 
removed    by     Jefferson.      He     then     became     a     publisher     and 
book-seller,  and,  for  a  number  of  years,  was  the  only  one    in  the 
town  of  Providence.      In  1815,  he  retired  from   active   business. 
He  served  several  terms  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  held  other 
offices  of  trust  in  the  town  and  state.      In  politics,  he  was  always 
a    Federalist.      He   was   Treasurer    of    the    Providence    iVIutual 
Insurance  Company  until  within  a    tew  years   of  his   death,   and 
retained  the  office  of  Director  till  the  last,  retaining    his   faculties 


468 


BlOGRiPUr  OF 


pcrtecrlv  sound  aiul  clear,  to  the  age  of  92  \car5.  He  vva? 
married  in  '7^>'^,  t.)  Chloe  Learned  i>t  Thompson,  Ct.,  who 
died,   1  797.      B,    her  he  had  six  children.      See  Genealoj;v. 

His  second  witc,  whom  he  married  in  i  798,  was  Marcv,  dau. 
ot  Oziel  Wilkinson  ot  Pawtucket,  hv  whom  he  had  eij;ht  children, 
several  ot  whom  died  in  infancy.  He  wa^  extensivelv  en  riaed 
in  the  manutacturino;  business,  which  hid  its  origin,  so  to  speak, 
in  Ozicl's  famil\^ — Samuel  Slater  marrying  the  sister  of  William's 
last  wile.  He  always  attended  the  First  Congreg  itional 
(Unitarian)  Church  in  Providence.  '■'•  No  man  "  sa\'s  the  Rev. 
C.  C.  Bemen,  '•'was  ot  a  more  friendly  and  benevolent  disposition 
than  William  Wilkinson,  and  none  stood  higher  tor  perfect 
truthfulness  and  integrity." 


BIOGRAPHY  XVI. 


ZIEL  WILKINSON,  the  son  of  John  Wilkinson  and 
Ruth  Angell,  his  wife,  was  born  January  30,  1744,  in 
Smithficld,  R.  I.,  probabK'  at,  or  near  the  old  homestead  ot  the 
senior  John  who  married  Deborah  Whipple.  OzicI  was  lineally 
descended  from  Lawrence  in  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  line. 
The  descent  on  his  father's  side  was  Lawrence — John — John  Jr. 
—  [ohn  3d — Oziel  : — on  his  mother's  side — Lawrence — San^iuel 
— Susannah  (dau.  of  Samuel)  who  married  an  Angell,  and  Ruth 
Angell,  his  mother  :  so  he  was  nearly  a  full  blooded  Wilkinson. 
The  two  main  branches  of  the  family  were  here  united,  and  we 
shall  have  occasion  by  and  by,  to  note  a  more  singular  union  of 
the  descendants  of  Lawrance — one  in  which  all  three  of  his  sons 
are  joined. 

Oziel's  father  had  a  blacksmith's  shop  in  Smithfield  on  a  little 


OZIEL    IVILKIXSON.  469 

stream  callci  Musscv's  Brook,  that  cmptie-;  into  the  Blackstone 
River  below  Maiivillc.  Here  it  was  that  he  became  famihar 
with  the  trade  helping  his  father  in  the  shop,  and  on  the  farm 
also,  occasionallv.  The  inventive  genius  which  characterized 
this  branch  oi  the  family  at  a  later  period,  began  to  manifest 
itself  at  this  obscure  place,  and  trip-hammers  were  put  in  motion, 
and  the  heavy  work  o\  wielding  the  sledge  was  imposed  upon 
the  v.'ater — thus  harnessing  the  elements  to  perform  the  work  of 
man.  1  he  educational  advantages  or  Oziel,  so  far  as  schools 
were  concerned,  were  quite  limited,  but  his  education  in  jespect 
to  business  matters,  men,  and  the  practical  concerns  of  every 
day  lite,  was  varied  and  extensive. 

He  was  a  strong,  robust,  tine  looking  young  Quaker  with  no 
inconsiderable  iniluence  with  his  associates.  At  the  age  of  22, 
April  8,  1766,  he  was  married  to  Lydia  Smith,  daughter  of  Ed. 
Smith  of  Smithtield  by  Jeremiah  \Vhipple,  Esq.,  and  immediately 
lecord  was  made  ot  the  important  e\ent  in  the  Town  Clerk's 
office  of  Cumberland. 

He  continued  his  business  with  unabated  \igor  and  success, 
and  his  reputation  as  a  mechanic  secured  him  patronage  trom 
Attleboro,  Providence,  and  all  parts  o\  the  country.  At  the 
breaking  out  ot  the  Revolutionary  W^ar,  Oziel  had  six  children, 
and  belonging  as  he  did  to  the  Society  ot  'Friends^  whose  principles 
will  not  allow  strite  and  bloodshed,  his  name  does  not  appear 
upon  the  Military  rolls  ot  that  ex'enttal  period.  He  was  needed, 
however,  in  his  shop,  and  served  his  country  as  well  there,  as  he 
could  ha\e  done  in  the  Held  ;  tor  man\'  articles  were  manufactured 
there  which  were  serviceable  in  the  contest  tor  treedom.  Having 
a  great  deal  ot  work  trom  the  merchants  in  Providence,  and 
obtaining  the  principal  ot  his  stock  trom  them,  it  seemed  more 
convenient  to  transfer  his  business  to  the  "Falls  of  Pawtucket  " 
where  there  was  a  more  permanent  water  power.  He  purposed 
this  movement  first,  in  1775  or  6,  Dut  as  the  British  held 
possession    ot   Newport,  and  the  southern  part  ot    Rhode    Island, 


470  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

his  friends  dissiudeJ  him  from  making;  any  change  for  the  time 
being,  alledging  the  probabiHtv  of  the  ciptuie  of  Providence,  and 
the  destruction  of  his  shop  by  marauding  parties  in  case  of  such 
an  event  taking  place.  He  very  prudentlv  conclu  Je.i  to  remain 
in  Smithfield,  and  at  the  conclusion  ot  the  war,  and  the  restoration 
of  peace — about  1783-4,  he  perfected  his  project,  and  established 
himself  permanently  at  Pav/tuckct.  Here  he  was  greatly  prospered* 
and  rapidlv  increasing  his  property,  resources,  and  business,  he 
became  a  leading  man  in  the  town,  and  one  of  the  moit  enterprising 
manufacturers  of  America.  He  mav  with  propriety,  be  called 
the  Father  of  American  manufactures  and  m  inufacturers — as 
Samuel  Slater  married  into  his  family,  and  his  own  sons,  and 
sons-in-law  are  the  beginning  of  that  industrial  enterprise  in 
America. 

It  is  somewhat  surprising,  when  we  consider  the  labors  of  this 
man,  and  the  various  establishments,  he  erected,  and  the  kinds  of 
work  he  turned  off,  that  his  name  has  so  humble  a  place  in  history. 
However,  his  works  speak  for  him,  and  the  time  is  coming  when 
his  own  unostentation  will  heighten,  rather  than  obscure  public 
regard.  It  was  at  his  shop  in  Smithfield  that  minv  important 
kinds  of  labor  were  performed,  and  where  some  useful  inventions 
were  commenced  which  are  now  perfected,  and  bring  no  small 
gain  to  hundreds  of  manufacturers.  Here  it  was  in  1775,  that 
Eleazer  Smith  made  the  machine  to  manufacture  card  teeth  for 
Daniel  Anthony  of  Providence.  Smith  had  woiked  for  Jeremiah 
VViikinson  ot  Cumberland,  a  relative  of  Oziel,  and  there  obtained 
his  knowledge  of  card  making.  When  he  had  finished  his 
machine  he  surprised  the  men  of  the  shop  by  asserting  he  could 
make  one  that  would  punch  the  leather,  make  the  tooth,  and  set 
it,  all  at  one  operation.  It  appeared  like  the  visionary  scheme  of 
an  enthusiast  to  bystanders  ;  but  with  us,  at  this  late  period, 
it  is  a  very  common  matter  of  fact  eliciting  not  the  least  surprise. 
Oziel's  shop  was  a  school  of  in\  ention,  and  although  some  of 
the  machines  were  unshapely  things,  still    they  were   the  Genesis 


OZIEL   ir  ILK  IN  SON.  471 

(it  greater  impi"o\  enients,  and  will-  always  he  remembered  as  the 
beginnmg  of  many  important  branches  of  industry.  Jeremiah 
V/iikinson  or  Cumberland  in  1777,  had,  when  driven  by  necessity, 
discovered  how  to  obtain  nails,  though  Enciland  should  not  allow 
them  to  be  imported.  Oziel  t<)ok  the  hint,  and  made  a  small 
machine  with  difterent  sized  impressions  to  head  the  nails,  which 
had  been  cut  with  common  shears  with  plates  of  iron,  drawn 
under  his  trip-hammers.  This  invention  was  a  simple  affair,  but 
it  wrought  a  great  work  at  that  trying  time  of  our  country's 
necessity.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Lord  Chatham  had  said 
'"  He  would  not  have  the  Americans  make  a  hob-naiJ."  Upon 
this  suggestion  or  others  similar,  England  acted  in  1750,  when 
Parliament  passed  "■  J  law  to  prevent  the  erection  of  any  mill.,  or 
other  engine  for  slitting.,  or  rolling  of  Iron .,  or  any  plating  forge  to  ivork 
with  a  tilt-hammer.,  or  any  furnace  for  making  steel  in  any  of  said 
Colo7iies.''  The  Original  Bill  sent  to  America  is  on  hie  in  the 
Secretary  of  State's  office  ; — "  Letters.,  1  746 — -i  750,"  Providence, 
R.  I.  This  was  all  done  under  the  plea  of  benefitting  the 
Colonies.  It  seems  Providence  creates  necessities  in  order  to 
develop  the  resources  of  the  human  mind.  If  everything  should 
be  furnished  at  hand,  there  would  be  no  intellectual  work — no 
in\  ention.  This  machine,  or  "•  pinch  press,"  as  David  Wilkinson 
called  it,  was  placed  on  an  oak  log  and  he  was  set  astride,  and  with 
his  foot  in  the  stirrup  attached  for  the  purpose,  the  work  of 
heading  nails  was  performed  by  a  child.  Here  we  see  an 
important  trait  in  Oziel's  character  and  practice,  which  is  too 
much  lost  sight  of  now-a-days.  Children  were  kept  busy  about 
some  useful  employment,  some  kind  of  labor  that  brought  a  return 
as  well  as  kept  the  hands  from   mischief. 

In  1 784  or  5,  Oziel  put  his  anchor  shop  in  operation,  and 
furnished  a  large  number  of  anchors  for  ships  which  were  being 
built  at  Pawtucket,  Providence,  Boston  and  elsewhere.  Vessels 
of  six  and  eight  feet  draught  were  built  at  Pawtucket,  and,  at 
this  period,  it  was   quite  a   port,   having  a  considerable   shipping  ; 


472  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

and  Providence,  being  only  four  miles  away  kept  up  a  2;ood 
demand.  Oziel  was  now  situated  where  he  could  enlaro-e  his 
works  and  engage  in  all  kinds  of  labor  which  the  necessities  of 
the  market  demanded.  He  therefore  purchased  of  Israel 
Wilkinson,  Jr.,  ot  Smithfield,  the  machinerv  for  cutting  iron 
screws,  called  the  Flv  Screw,  for  pressing  paper,  for  oil  works, 
and  for  clothiers.  This  machinery  had  been  used  for  a  number 
of' years  by  the  senior  Israel  Wilkinson,  wh(^  built  the  Hope 
furnace  for  the  Browns  of  Providence,  but  as  Pawtucket  had 
great  natural  advantages,  and  was  rapidly  increasinu;  in  importance, 
the  business  farther  up  in  the  country  was  becoming  less  and  less 
lucrative.  Everything  was  turning  towards  Pawtucket,  and,  as 
Oziel  was  prospering  his  relatives  were  not  envious  of  his 
prosperity,  but  cotnributed  their  patronage,  and  co-operation.  The 
purchase  o\  the  screw  machine  proved  a  profitable  investment, 
and  an  extensive  business  was  carried  on  isi  this  department,  and 
Taunton  and  New  Bedford,  Massachusetts,  and  other  places  were 
supplied  with  them. 

In  addition  to  making  nails,  screws,  and  -.inchors,  Mr.  W. 
about,  1 79 1,  tried  the  experiment  of  manufacturing  iron  into 
steel,  and  succeeded  beyond  his  expectation.  He  also,  made 
shovels  and  spades, — the  first  in  America, — and  other  farming 
utensils, — also,  different  kinds  of  machinery  which  was  sent  to 
all  parts  of  the  country  north  and  south.  In  1793,  "''  1-'  ^^ 
built  a  rolling  and  slitting  mill,  and  thus  greatly  increased  his 
business.  The  venerable  Moses  Brown  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  in 
I  791,  speaks  of  these  improvements,  and  industrial  enterprises  as 
follows.  '^The  manufacture  of  iron  into  blisteied  steel,  equal  in 
quality  to  Elnglish,  has  been  begun  within  about  a  year  in  North 
Providence,  and  is  carried  on  by  Oziel  Wilkinson.  I  thought 
of  speaking  also,  of  pig  and  bar  iron,  slitting  it  into  nail  rods, — 
rolling  it  into  hoops  and  plates, — making  it  into  spades  and 
shovels, — hot  and  cold  nails,  anchors,  &:c.,  ail  in  this  district." 

But  he  was  not    confined    to   this    kind    of   business.      He,    in 


OZIEL   IVILKINSON.  473 

company  with  others — (the  companv  name  being — '■'■Samuel 
Slatei-  and  Co."  and  afterwards  ''  IFilkinson.,  Greene  and  Co.y 
purchased  the  flouring  mill  of  Thomas  Arnold,  and  furnished 
the  staft  of  hfe  to  the  surrounding  community.  He  purchased 
his  grain  in  Albany,  N.  Y,,  and  shipped  it  in  sloops  down  the 
Hudson  river  to  Pawtucket  via  New  York.  The  Rev.  Massena 
Goodrich  in  his  centennial  address,  1865,  says — "The  claim 
can  be  justly  put  forth  that  the  first  flouring  mill  in  the  state  was 
erected  in  this  town." 

About  this  time  a  new  enterprise  began  to  be  in  vogue.  The 
high  prices  upon  English  manufactured  cotton  goods,  and  the 
abundant  supply  of  the  raw  material  in  the  southern  states, 
suggested  the  propriety  to  some  of  our  enterprising  men,  of 
erecting  establishments,  constructing  machinerv'  and  manufacturing 
their  own  cotton  cloth.  Oziel  was  one  of  the  first  to  make  a 
practical  demonstration  in  this  matter.  In  1790,  or  91,3  building 
was  rented,  and  cotton  yarn  spun.  This  was  done  in  the  old 
fulling  mill,  which  stood  at  the  end  of  the  bridge — south  side. 
When  Samuel  Slater  arrived  in  Pawtucket  under  the  patronage 
of  Moses  Brown  and  others  Ozicl  took  him  into  his  family,  and 
aided  him  constantly  by  his  enlarged  experienced  and  wise  counsels. 
Slater  had  had  superior  opportunities,  and  is  entitled  to  the  credit 
given  him  as  the  first  successful  manufacturer  in  America,  and 
he  was  on  the  best  of  terms  with  Wilkinson,  notwithstanding 
the  latter  was  at  first  opposed  to  his  matrimonial  alliance  with  his 
daughter  Hannah.  Later  years  proved  his  second  sober  thought 
was  the  best.  The  first  cotton  mill  was  built  at  Pawtucket  in 
1793,  by  Almy,  Brown,  and  Slater,  and  was  set  in  motion  July, 
I  2th  of  the  same  year  with  only  seventy-two  spindles.  No  sooner 
was  it  determined  that  cotton  yarn  could  be  spun  in  America, 
than  extensive  preparations  were  made  to  supply  the  demand. 
In  1799,  Oziel  and  his  three  sons-in-law,  Samuel  Slater,  Timothy 
Greene,  and  Wm.  Wilkinson  began  the  second  cotton  mill  in 
Pawtucket  on  the  Massachusetts  side  of  the  river,  known  as  the 

61 


474  BIOGRAPHT  OF 

"White  Mill."  It  was  four  stories  high  next  to  the  river,  built 
of  wood,  and  was  burnt  down  in  '823.  A  stone  building  was 
erected  on  the  same  foundation  which  still  stands  as  a  monument 
of  the  industry  and  perseverance  of  its  founders. 

We  ought  to  hive  mentioned  ere  this  that  scythes,  guns,  and 
cannon  were  made  by  the  sons  of  Oziel,  and  quite  an  extensive 
traffic  was  carried  on  in  these  implements  of  war.  It  is  said  that 
the  first  solid  cannon  ever  m.ide  in  the  world  was  cast  here,  but 
as  Oziel  was  a  Quaker,  and  never  used  such  carnal  weapons,  he 
certainly  cannot  consistently  have  the  credit  of  this  exploit,  though 
it  was  all  in  the  family. 

No  opportunity  for  advancing  th:;  business  and  welfare  of  the 
place  was  allowed  to  pass  unimproved.  VVhatever  was  conducive 
to  public  utility,  cither  for  peopling  the  country,  or  facilitating  the 
mode  of  conveyance  and  travel,  he  was  always  ready  to  lend  a 
helping  hand,  and  further  the  enterprise.  In  1804,  when  it  was 
proposed  to  construct  the  "Norfolk  and  Bristol  Turnpike,"  he 
had  charge  of  building  thirteen  miles  of  said  road,  and  furnished 
spades,  shovels,  and  picks  from  his  establishment  in  Pawtucket 
for  the  laborers.  He  was  not  above  his  business,  and  though  he 
had  become  wealthy,  he  was  not  purse  proud,  and  could  carry  his 
own  nails  which  he  had  made,  to  Boston,  and  sell  them  in  quantities 
to  suit  purchasers  at  sixteen  cents  per  pound. 

He  aided  at  a  later  period,  in  establishing  the  "Manufacturer's 
Bank"  at  Pawtucket,  which  has  since  been  removed  to  Providence, 
and  was  its  first  President.  Its  Directors,  of  which  he  was  one 
till  his  death,  were  the  first  men  in  the  State. 

Oziel,  as  we  have  already  said,  belonged  to  the  Society  of 
Friends,  was  a  worthy  member,  always  present  at  the  semi-weekly 
meetings,  and  exemplified  the  principles  which  they  profess  in  a 
•Godly  walk  and  conversation.  He  and  his  wife  were  elders  in 
that  Church,  or  Society.  He  interested  himself  in  everything 
that  tended  to  the  good  order  and  welfare  of  the  community. 
His  influence  was  great  over  the  active  business  men  of  the  place, 


OZIEL    WILKINSON.  475 

and  even  the  youth  of  the  village  readily   submitted  to  his  advice 
and    direction.       Moses    Pierce,    Esq.,    on    the    occasion    of  the 
Centennial    Celebration    of-    the    Town    of    North    Providence, 
remarked,   "  I  remember   when    Oziel    Wilkinson    was    the   nine 
o'clock    of  this    village.        Many   a   time    have  I  played    with    the 
companions  of  my  boyhood    between   those   elm  trees  that  stood 
in  front  of  that  dwelling,  and   when    nine    o'clock    came,  Oziel 
came  to  the  door,  saying — '  Jecms  !  Jeems  I  does  thee  know  it  is 
nine  o'clock.""   That  was  the  signal  for  us  boys  to  find  our  homes." 
His  manufacturing  operations   were   not  confined   to   the   state 
of  Rhode  Island.      With   his   sons-in-law   he   purchased   a   water 
power   on    the    Quinnebaug    River    in    Conn.,    and    commenced 
building  a  cotton  factory,  and  Pomfret  to-day  bears  the  n\arks  of 
his  enterprise  and  public  spirit.      It  is  difficult  for  us  at  this  period 
to  place  ourselves  in  imagination  even,  back  to  the  times  of  which 
we  are  speaking,  and  view  the  state  of  affairs  as   it   actually   was. 
Dependent  as  the  people  had  been  upon  the  mother    country    for 
nearly  all    supplies  in  the  clothing    line, — the    excessive  imposts, 
or  taxes  upon  every  foreign  article,  and  the  prob.ibilitv  of  continued 
extortion  in  every  trying  emergency,  it    was    no   trifling    occasion 
for  rejoicing  when  finally  the  secret  had  been  discovered,  and  the 
machinery  actually  in  operation,  which  was   to    manufacture   our 
own  fabrics.      Edward  S.  Wilkinson  a  grandson    of  Oziel,    says 
"I  have  frequently  heard  my    grandmother   (the    wife   of  Oziel) 
say,  that  she  wove  cotton  shirting  on  a  hand  loom  from  some  of 
the  first  yarn  spun  by  Mr.  Slater  on  his  water  frame.      The  warp 
and  filling  was  all  twist  of  No.  6  yarn.      She  made  shirts  from 
the  same  cloth  for  her  husband,  and  lie  took  great   satisfaction  in 
wearing  them,  and  talking  about  them.      He  also,  took  a  specimen 
of  the  cloth   and   exhibited   it  on   Cheapside   in   Providence.      It 
attracted  a  great  deal  of  attention,  and   every  one  seemed  to  be 
very  much  pleased  to  think  that  we  could  now  manufacture  yarn 
and  cloth  for  ourselves,  and  no  longer  be  dependent  on  England 
for  a  supply."      Mr.  Wilkinson  continues — "  The   first   case    of 


476  BIOGRJPHr  OF 

colored  goods  my  grandfather  made,  was  sent  to  Samuel  Haydock, 
commission  merchant,  Philadelphia.  He  used  to  say,  that  from 
the  day  he  purchased  the  cotton  to  the  time  he  put  his  goods  into 
market,  if  no  more  than  a  year  was  consumed,  he  thought  he 
had  done  very  well." 

It  was  his  custom  to  send  his  goods  to  l^altimore  with  teams, 
which  would  bring  back  flour,  then  selling  at  sixteen  dollars  per 
barrel  in  Pawtucket.  He  built  a  dye-house  tor  coloring  yarn, 
and  a  bleaching  house  for  cotton  fabrics.  Pawtucket  at  thi>  time 
was  one  of  the  most  thriving  business  places  in  New  England. 

Dr.  Dwight,  President  of  Yale  College,  in  his  travels  in 
l8lO,  vol.,  II,  pages  27  —  28,  says,  —''There  is  probably  no 
spot  in  New  England,  of  the  same  extent,  in  which  the  same 
quantity,  or  variety  ot  manufacturing  business  is  carried  on.  In 
the  year  1796,  there  were  here  three  anchor  forges,  one  tanning 
mill,  one  flouring  mill,  one  slitting  mill,  three  snuff  mills,  one 
oil  mill,  three  fulling  mills,  and-  clothiers'  works,  one  cotton 
factorv,  two  machines  for  cutting  nails,  one  furnace  for  casting 
hollow  ware — all  moved  by  water — one  machine  for  cutting 
screws,  moved  by  a  horse,  and  several  forges  for   smith's  work." 

Oziel  died  in  Pawtucket — the  scenes  of  his  life  labor — in  18  15, 
aged  71  years,  and  with  his  wife,  is  buried  at  the  Friend's 
Meeting  House  in  Smithtield,  about  a  mile  west  from  Lonsdale. 
A  plain  slab  marks  his  last  resting  place. 

"Beneath  thi.se  rujiged  elms,  tliat  yew-tiee's  shade, 
Where  heavts  the  turf  in  many  a  moldering  heap, 
Kath  in  his  narrow  cell  forever  laid, 
♦  The  rude  forefathers  of  the  hamlet  sleep." 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XVII. 

LFRED  WILKINSON  was  born  in  CuniDerland,  R.  I., 
Julv  6,  1786.  When  he  was  four  years  old  his  parents 
moved  to  Trov,  N.  Y.,  and  eight  years  after  removed  to 
Skaneateles,  and  settled  en  the  farm  one  mile  east  of  the  village, 
where  he  resided  till  his  death ;  and  upon  which  his  parents, 
himself,  and  several  other  members  ot  the  family  are  now  buried. 
Living  thus  for  more  than  sixty  years  upon  the  same  premises 
and  pursuing  his  quiet,  honest,  faithful  life,  he  secured  the  respect 
and  confidence  of  the  whole  community.  Endowed  with  a  mind 
of  no  common  order,  he  was  noted  for  the  breadth  and 
expansiveness  of  his  views,  and  the  thoroughness  of  his  philosophy. 
Indeed,  such  was  his  acuteness  in  that  direction,  that  his  friends 
who  knew  him  well,  were  often  in  the  habit  of  calling  him  the 
Socrates  of  their  acquaintance.  He  read  very  extensively  the 
current  literature  of  the  day,  but  was  more  especially  interested 
in  whatever  pertained  to  human  progress  and  reform  ;  and  his 
heart  and  hand  were  always  open  in  behalf  of  any  cause  that 
promised  improvement,  or  amelioration,  in  the  condition  of  his 
fellow-men.  No  cause  could  be  so  unpopular  as  to  deter  him 
from  its  support,  if  he  saw  in  it  a  prospect  of  benefit  to  any.  No 
opposition  could  hinder  him  from  living  fully  and  entirely  up  to 
the  convictions  of  his  own  conscience.  With  the  most  enlarged 
spirit  of  liberality,  he  examined  all  that  was,  or  professed  to  be, 
new :   yet,   amidst   all    the    theories   to   which   his  attention    was 


478  BIOGRAPHY  OF  ^ 

continually    called,   bv  his    reading  and    rcHection,    he  remained 
always  eminently  practical  in  his  hctual  lite. 

His  religious  convictions  were  of  the  deepest  and  most 
abiding  nature  ;  and  while  ihe  form  of  his  religious  manifestation 
changed  somewhat  with  the  development  o/  his  spuit  in  the  school 
of  life,  the  substance  remained  always,  and  uniformly  the  same. 
His  religious  nature  was  one  of  peculiar  interest.  Along  with 
the  highest  reverence  for  Deity,  he  combined  an  entire  disregard  J 
of  whatever  would  fetter  the  aspirations  of  the  spirit  after  " 
freedom  ;  and  while  he  was  always  tolerant  of  the  opinions  ot 
others,  he  would  never  allow  any  questioning  of  his  own. 
When  about  thirty  years  of  age  he  became  connected  with  the 
Baptist  denomination,  remained  in  that  connexion  until  his  , 
spirit  required  a  larger  latitude  than  was  allowed  by  the  formulary 
of  that  sect ;  and  the  really  democratic  government  of  that  church, 
was  always  in  harmony  with  his  notions  of  individual  freedom. 
Politically  he  was  always  a  democrat  ;  not  in  name  only,  but  in 
fact. 

His  tastes  were  always  pure,  his  habits  of  life  exceedingly 
simple  and  plain,  his  word  always  as  good  as  any  man's  bond  ; 
and  so  he  lived  serene  and  noble,  but  never  indifferent  and 
apathetic,  until  at  a  good  old  age,  he  was  gathered  to  his  fathers, 
a  noble  example  to  those  who  may  follow   him. 

The  accompanying  song  which  was  a  special  favorite  of  his, 
may  appropriately  close  this  notice. 

A    PRAYER   FOR   REMEMBRANCE. 

"When  my  web  of  life  is  woven, 

And  my  death-hour  draweth  nigh — 
When  the  golden  rays  of  sunshine 

Bear  mv  spirit  to  the  sky, 
When  the  "Silent  land  "  draws  nearer 

With  its  glory  shining  bright 
And  my  soul  flees  from  its  casing 

To  a  promised  world  of  light. 

When  my  heart-beats  cease  their  trembling. 

Sinking  motionless   to  rest, 
And  a  silence  never  broken 

Lieth  deep  within  my  breast; 


MRS.  riENNJ  {SHELDON)  IVILKINSON.       479 

When  my  form  is  laid  to  slumber 

Where  the  wild  flowers  drink  the  wind, 

O,  I  pray  to  be  remembered 
By  the  friends  I  leave  behind  ! 

Love  me  not  for  good  or  evil 
I  That  has  mingled  in  my  heart, 

Stirring  up  its  tide  of  waters 

With  a  quick  and  sudden  start; 
-An J  mv  words   of  care  and  sorrow, 

And  my  earthly  form  forget  — 
But  'mid  vour  soul's  glad  pleasures 

Let  my  spirit  linger  yet! 

Let  it  cpme   to   you  at  even. 

When  the  twilight  breezes  swell, 
And  when  vou  shall  feel  its  trembling, 

Think  I've  loved  you  all  so  well  ! 
And  within  the  world  of  spirits, 

it   a  harp  to  me  is  given, 
I  will  touch  its  chords  of  music 

To  allure  vou  up  to  heaven." 

— See  p,  168. 


BIOGRAPHY  XIX. 


m 


RS.  VIENNA  (SHELDON)   WILKINSON    was   the 

eldest  daughter  of  David  Sheldon  and  Vienna  (Wilkinson) 
his  wife.  On  her  mother's  side  she  was  a  lineal  descendant  of 
Lawrence  Wilkinson  through  his  secord  son  John,  the  descent 
being  as  follows—John,  Jeremiah,  Simon,  the  last  mentioned 
being  her  grandfather.  She  was  born  in  the  town  of  Cumberland, 
Rhode  Island,  July  24,  1794.  Her  father  was  a  farmer  and 
boat-builder  and  lived  at  the  old  homestead  near  the  residence  of 

Whipple  in  said  town. 

Her  opportunities  for  an  education  were  confined  to  the 
common  schools  of  that  day,  and  the  quiet  home  life  amid  warm 
hearted  neighbors  was  unbroken.  To  other  sources  of 
information  from  the  world    at  large  were  added    the    narratives 


48o  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

of  the  youth  of  the  vicinity  who  had  returned  from  long  and 
perilous  voyages  at  sea. 

At  the  early  age  of  sixteen,  June  lo,  i8ro,  she  was  married 
to  James  Wilkinson,  a  distant  relative,  who  was  also  a  lineal 
descendant  of  Lawrence  Wilkinson  through  his  oldest  son 
Samuel,  the  descent  being  as  follows  ;  Samuel,  Samuel  Jr.  Israel, 
Israel  Jr.,  the  later  being  his  father. 

She  immediately  accompanied  her  husband  to  her  new  home  in 
the  town  of  Smithfield.  Here  she  wai  installed  as  mistress  of 
the  household  consisting  of  seven  persons  and  had  the  oversight 
of  all  the  labors,  cares  and  duties  incumbent  upon  the  wife  of  a 
farmer  possessing  a  well  cultivated  domain  of  about  i  50  acres. 
This  farm  was  a  part  of  the  premises  formerly  purchased  bv 
Samuel  Wilkinson,  Senior,  upon  the  original  right  of  Richard 
Scott,  Gentleman,  the  sharp  and  spirited,  Quaker  opponent  of 
Roger  Williams. 

The  last  part  of  the  present  old  red  house  was  built  by  the 
elder  Israel  about  the  year  1744,  more  than  one  hundred  and 
twenty  years  ago.  Here  were  born,  Hannah,  Huldah,  Jacob, 
Israel,  Robert,  Wait,  David  and  Martha — children  of  the  first 
Israel,  the  staunch  old  Quaker  of  Smithfield,  and  the  inventor  ot 
the  screw-cutting  machine.  Here,  also,  lived  Israel,  Jr.,  and, 
after  his  marriage  with  Silence  Ballou  there  were  born  unto  them 
in  this  house,  Abigail,  Mary,  Martha,  James,  Israel  and  Silence, 
besides  three  others,  who,  dying  at  birth,  were  never  named. 

The  history  of  this  old  homestead  goes  back  to  the  first 
settlement  of  the  country,  and  the  reminiscences  are  of  the  most 
pleasing  character.  The  people  called  '■'' Frieruh''  had  been  its 
cccupants  from  time  immemorial,  and  here  the  oppressed  found 
shelter,  and  the  poor  charity.  In  descending  from  father  to  son, 
its  ancient  hospitality  was  not  ignored,  nor  its  practice  discontinued. 
Neither  were  the  pattering  of  little  feet  hushed  within  the  old 
mansion.  As  in  days  of  yore,  so  now  the  premises  were  made 
vocal  by  a  new   generation    of  which  the    subject  of  this   sketeh 


MRS.  riENN J  {SHELDON)  [VILKINSON.       481 

w^s  the  mcnher.  Fifteen  children  enlivened  the  scenes  and  made 
the  old  halls  ring  with  their  merry  peals  of  laughter. 

At  one  time  superstition  eot  the  better  of  some  of  their  good 
neighbors  judgment,  and  it  was  declared  that  the  old  Wilkinson 
house  was  haunted.  By  placing  the  ear  near  a  window  in  the 
north-east  corner  of  the  kitchen,  the  beating  of  a  drum  could  be 
distinctly  heard  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year.  Many  had  listened 
and  heard  the  invisible  spirits  of  the  air  beating  a  tattoo  near  the 
haunted  corner  and  retired  with  wonderful  confirmation  of  the 
fact.  For  years  these  sounds  were  heard  and  their  cause  remained 
a  profound  secret.  The  inmates  of  the  house  were  not  alarmed 
at  the  harmless  noise,  and  Mr.  Wilkinson,  himself,  being  a  man 
of  military  turn  of  mind  and  holding  a  Captain's  commission, 
was  not  at  all  displeased  with  this  display  of  martial  music. 
Some  were  bold  in  declaring  '■^they  would  not  live  in  such  a  house!" 
and  much  philosophical  speculation  was  lost  in  the  vain  attempt 
to  account  for  the  invisible  drummer. 

At  length  the  secret  was  revealed.  Mr.  Wilkinson  while 
listening  to  the  mysterious  sounds  one  evening,  beating  louder 
than  ever  before,  accidentally  placed  his  hand  upon  a  pane  of 
glass  in  a  wmdow — the  noise  suddenly  ceased — he  removed  his 
hand — it  commenced  again.  Replacing  his  hand,  the  sound  again 
stopped.  The  secret  was  discovered,  and  the  mystery  explained. 
It  was  nothing  but  the  rubbing  of  the  edges  of  a  broken  pane  of 
glass  produced  by  the  jarring  of  a  neighboring  waterfall  on  the 
Blackstone  River  during  high  water !  Similar  causes  may  have 
haunted  many  a  house  in  the  dark  days  of  ignorance  and 
superstition. 

For  twenty-one  years  Mrs.  Wilkinson  resided  at  this  primitive 
homestead  and  formed  a  large  circle  of  acquaintances  in  Smithfield 
and  Cumberland,  Pawtucket  and  Providence.  The  intercourse 
with  the  Scituate  Wilkinsons  had  become  less  and  less  frequent, 
and  all  knowledge  of  a  large  number  of  their  descendants  entirely 
forgotten  by    their   Smithfield    relatives.      So    distance   and   time 

62 


482  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

make  strangers  of  blood  relations,    while    contiguity    of  time   i\n\ 
place  makes  friends  of  strangers. 

But  the  ties  which  bound  her  to  her  relatives  and  friends  in 
New  England  were  severed  in  1831,  bv  her  husband's  removal 
to  New  Berlin,  Chenango  Co.,  New  York.  Here,  during  a 
period  of  more  than  twenty  years,  she  met  with  great  reverses  of 
of  fortune  and  finally  returned  to  her  native  town  o\  Cumberland, 
where  she  died  the  26th  of  April,  1859. 

The  excellence  of  her  character  is  attested  by  all  who  knew 
her;  patient  amid  all  the  trying  vicissitudes  of  life,  kind  and 
forbearintr  to  a  fault  ;  never  manifesting  the  least  resentment 
whatever  the  provocation  ;  with  an  evenness  of  disposition  thjt 
miiiht  well  be  coveted,  she  lived  gieatly  beloved  by  all  the  circle 
of  her  acquaintance.  As  a  wife  »he  was  faithful  and  confiding — 
as  a  mother  most  loving  and  afiection-.'te — as  a  neighbor  obliging, 
>\  n.pathetic  ^md  charitable.  Being  the  mother  of  fifteen  children 
her  hands  and  heart  were  always  full,  and  no  person  ever  labored 
more  incessantly  from  early  life  to  a  good  old  age.  The  Loid 
ira\e  her  strength  according  to  her  da\ ,  and  tew  were  the  hours 
uf  sickness  she  suffered  in  her  earthly  pilgrimage. 

Her  love  and  care  for  her  children  did  not  end  with  ihcir 
minority,  but  her  anxious  heart  followed  them  after  thev  had 
united  their  fortunes  with  suitable  partners  and  moved  away  to 
,cek  homes  in  the  new  states  of  the  far  West. 

.Although  not  a  member  of  any  church  yet  in  all  th:it  constitutes 

the  practical  life-work  of  the  Christain  she  was  far  \u  advance  of 

ninn\   who  make  a  public  profession.      She  loved  the    Savior    and 

oftentimes   have   we   heard  her  sing  his  praises  at  her  daily  labor. 

The  followino;    stanzas  which    were    found    carefully    preserved 

among  her  papers    sometime    after    her    death,    fully  express    her 

acceotaiice  o\   the  precious  invitation  therein  contained. 

JESUS'  INVITATION. 

"Come  ti>  nie  ^e  hcivv  ladened, 
I  will  ease  you  of  your  load, 
I  will  lead  the  way  to  heaven 
To  the  road  that  leads  to  God." — Anon. 


MRS.  VIENNA  [SHELDON]  IViLKINSOS.       483 

"Come  to  niL-  vc  siek  and  'Ar.rv, 
Come  and  1  will  ^ivc  yi  u  rtit, 
1  will  ope'  the  gates  or  hea\in, 
Thou  shalt  enter  and  b'-  lurst. 

Come  to  me  ve  faint  an  i  hungry 
I  will  teed  vou  from  my  store, 
From  the  moment  thou  hast  tasted, 
Thou  shalt  never  hunger  more. 

Cvime  to  me  ve  f  ILn  irothrr, 
Cum-;  unrv:Ll  suur  heart  to  rrir. 
1  will  listen  to  ttiv  sonow, 
1  >.>'iil  wii  an  i  toml'ort  thee. 

I  wi  1  b  :  to  t.i;e  a  brother 
In  the  hour  ut  sorest  need, 
]f  thou'lt  only  come  to  Jcsuj. 
Ani  rur  paid.n  sweetly  plead. 

Come  to  me  poor  we^-ping  orph..ri 
I  will  be  to  thee  a  sire, 
1  will  in  thy  youthful  hours 
Grant  thee  all  thv  heart's  desire. 

Com.-,  oh  !  come,  all  ve  that  sulier 
I  will  make  your  burden  light, 
Come  repent  ..nd  seek  fbrgivcnes?, 

I  V.  ill  p.ircv  n  thee  this  night." 

1  o  one  who  had  labored  incessantly  through  a  long  lite  is  not 
such  an  invitation  from  the  great  fountain  of  love  and  life — the 
giver  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift — most  sweet  an  J  consoling? 

The  following  paper  like  the  preceding  was  found  among  a  tew 

precious    relics     which    she    highly    esteemed.      It     convevs    her 

sentiments  upon  the  subject  of  religion.      Who  has  ever  appreciated 

more  fully  the  fundamental  principle  of  the  Gospel   as  expressed 

by  the  Apostle  Paul } 

'^' Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  angels  and 
have  not  love,  I  am  become  as  a  sounding  brass  or  a  tinkling 
cymbal." 

''Religion  is  Love." 

"Religion  is  pure,  and  like  its  author  lovely  and  loving.  It 
never  lessens  our  attachment  to  one  another,  chilling  no  affection, 
drying  no  spring  of  charity  and  sympathy  and  fine  feeling  that 
feed  the  river  and  the  milk  of  human  kindness  in  the  breast  of 
man.  The  religion  of  Christ  warms,  but  never  chills  us.  The 
bosom  where  it  resides  feels  an  influence  and  imparts  one  too, 
which  angels  would  recognize  as  kindred  to  what   they    inhale    in 


484  BIOGRJPUr  OF 

their  own  Eden.  Who  can  love  the  misanthrope,  once  a  tnjn, 
but  now  less  than  the  noble  being  who  is  stamped  with  the  divine 
features  and  born  tor  social  enjoyment  ? 

When  the  great  Christian  Teacher  was  upon  earth  his  first 
lesson  was  love — a  love  of  everything  good,  and  high  and  noble, 
and  extending  itself  over  the  world  of  intelligence.  Its  hrst 
manifestations  at  the  throne  of  God  and  its  last,  were  for 
man.  This  is  the  lesson  we  are  to  learn,  if  we  can  be  taught 
by  it.  While  we  exercise  this  principle  we  cannot  go  astray.  It 
is  impossible.  We  stand  in  a  broad  place  covered  by  the  panoply 
of  fehovah,  and  instead  of  becoming  the  slaves  of  superstition, 
or  the  dupes  oi'  a  party,  we  shall  reverence  the  image  of  true- 
religion,  find  it  where  we  will,  in  the  palace  or  in  the  cottage, 
beaming  from  the  face  of  the  Indian,  or  shining  on  that  of  the 
African,  Be  the  man  high  or  low,  tugging  at  the  oar,  or  galled 
by  the  bonds  of  sla\ery,  religion  is  the   iame  in   all. 

As  she  goes  forth  clothed  in  the  lovely  regalia  of  her  order, 
innumerable  blessings,  attend  her.  1  he  tears  of  the  widow  and 
the  orphan  are  wiped  away.  Over  the  turmoil  of  life  she  spreads 
her  hands,  stilling  the  surges  of  sorrow,  arching  the  mourner's 
brow  with  the  lainbow  of  peace,  and  scattering  the  bright 
ornaments  of  serenii\   and  joy  on  every  side." 

Such  was  her  view  of  religion,  and  such  her  practice.  The 
tollov\'ing  obituars  notice  which  appeared  in  a  .Vlass.  paper  is  a 
fitting  close  to  this  biief  sketch. 

''  Died,  In  Cumberland,  R.  I.,  on  the  26th  day  of  April, 
1859,  .Mrs.  Vi.-niia  Wilkinson,  wife  of  James  Wilkinson,  agt-d 
54  yrs    9  mos 

With  melanchoU  pleasure  we  recoril  this  obituary  testimony  to 
the  eminent  worth  01  Mich  a  wife  and  mother.  For  nearly  half 
a  century  she  was  the  faithful  companion  of  the  devoted  husband 
who  now  bows  under  the  weight  of  a  most  afflictive  bereavement. 
Their  union  was  a  peculiarly  congenial  and  happy  one.  Through 
prosperity  and  ad\ersity,  jo\  and  soriow,  they  walked  hand  in 
hand  w'th  true  connubial  sympathy  which  mutually  cheered  and 
strengthet'.ed  them  amid  all  the  experiences  of  life.  She  was  the 
mother  (jf  fifteen  children,  fi\  e  of  whom  preceded  her  to  the 
bpirit-land,  and  ten  remain  to  bless  her  memory  in  this  mortal 
sphere. 

She  was  as  good  a  mother  as  she  was  a  wife — very  afTectionate, 
patient,  careful,  unwearied,  and  at  the  same  time  dignified.  Her 
children  were  the  legitimate   offspring  of  abiding,   conjugal   love. 


MRS.  r/ENN J  {SHELDON}  fVJLK/NSON.       485 

Thev  loved  their  parents  and  each  other.  Thus  was  exhibited 
the  delightful  spectacle  of  a  family  dwelling  together  in  unity — 
happy  in  rendering  each  other  happy.  The  survivors  now  take 
a  plaintive  and  hallowed  pleasure  in  ascribing  much  of  this  to 
their  departed  loved  one.  She  was  not  only  endowed  with  a  loving 
heart,  always  disposed  to  do  them  and  everybody  else  good,  but 
with  strong  good  sense,  judgment  and  firmness  to  govern  her 
household  judiciously.  They  looked  up  to  her  instinctively  with 
filial  reverence  and  afFection.  To  them  her  counsel  was  law,  and 
her  direction  order.  They  were  only  happy  to  conform  to  her 
wishes  and  instructions.  Well  may  they  treasure  up  her  exemplary 
excellencies,  and  revere  her  memory  as  one  of  the  best  of  mothers. 
She  was  deservedly  loved  and  respected  too,  in  the  wider  circles 
of  social  life,  as  a  relative,  friend  and  neighbor  who  loved  to 
bless  and  curse  not. 

But  her  life  wore  away — disease  fulfilled  its  mission  upon  her 
physical  frame,  and  her  change  came.  She  was  ripe  and  ready 
for  it  ;  her  work  done,  her  family  grown  up,  her  life  brimming 
with  love  and  usefulness,  her  soul  prepared,  her  spiritual  faith  and 
hope  unwavering.  At  peace  with  God  and  man,  looking  off' as 
from  Pisgih's  top  upon  the  fair  landscapes  of  Canaan's  glorious 
spirit-land,  she  departed  calmly  to  the  mansion  prepared  for  her 
bv  the  Son  and  angels  of  God.  May  many  imitate  her  good 
example,  and  deserve  at  last  a  record  fair  like  hers.  May  the 
now  lonely  husband,  with  the  kind  children  chat  share  his 
bereavement,  be  embosomed  by  the  divine  loving-kindness  and 
ministrations  of  consolation  from  the  heavenly  world,  till  finally 
re-united  with  dear  departed  in  the  tearless  realms  of  immortality." 

She  is  interred  in  the  family  burying  ground  on  the  old 
homestead  in  Smithficld,  R.  I. 

"  B  'jKle  her  grave  the  nurble  white, 
Keeps  silent  guard  by  day  and  night ; 
Serene  ihc  sleeps,  nor  heeds  the  treail 
Of  footsteps  o'er  her  lowly  bed." 


BIOGRAPHY  XX. 

EPTHA  AVERY  WILKINSON,  the  son  of  Jeptha 
and  Lucy  (Smith)  his  wife  was  born  in  Cumberland,  R.  L, 
and  has  resided  in  Providence,  New  York,  Long  Island,  and 
now  resides  in  London,  England.  In  May,  1812,  he  was 
teaching  a  school  at,  or  near  '^Salina  Salt  Point,"  Onondagua  Co, 
N.  Y.  At  the  brealcmg  out  of  the  war  of  181 2,  with  Great 
Britain,  volunteers  were  called  for  to  man  some  posts  on  Lake 
Ontario,  and  other  places  exposed  to  the  enemy.  Jeptha  closed 
his  school  and  ofteied  his  services  in  the  New  York  volunteer 
cegiment,  and  was  in  active  service  about  three  vears.  Before 
the  war  closed  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  [^ieut.  Colonel. 
After  peace  was  restored  he  b'egan  to  invent  a  machine  to 
manufacture  weavers'  reeds  for  the  power  looms  which  had 
recently  been  introduced  into  the  cotton  factories  established  by 
Slater.  feptha  had  been  previously  engaged  in  the  manufacture 
of  cotton  and  woolen  goods,  and  well  knew  the  toilsome  process 
of  making  these  reeds  by  hand.  He  spent  a  long  time  in 
contriving  this  machine  and  finally  brought  it  to  perfection  in 
Otsego  Co.,  N.  Y.,  I  believe.  He  was  advised  by  his  friends 
who  had  witnessed  the  operation  of  his  invention,  to  go  to  England 
where  reeds  were  mere  in  use  at  that  time  and  in  greater  demand 
than  in  this  country.  He,  however,  erected  an  establishment  in 
Providence,  R.  L,  and  left  it  in  charge  of  his  brother  Arnold 
Wilkinson,  and  then  went  to  England,  and  made  an  e.xhibition 
of  his  machine  at  Manchester.      He  was  favored    by    the    cotton 


JEPTHA  AVER T  WILKINSON.  487 

manufacturers,  who  saw  a  chance  to  obtain  the  much  needed 
article  at  a  lower  rate  than  ever  before  presented,  and  was 
encouraged  by  them  to  erect  an  establishment  at  Manchester, 
which  he  did,  and  was  doing  a  flourishing  business,  when  great 
opposition  arose  from  hand  reed  makers,  who  saw  their  business 
gradualiv  departing  from  them.  Thev  declared  that,  if  he  should 
be  permitted  to  go  on  hundreds  and  thousands  oi  poor  people 
would  be  thrown  out  of  employment.  He  was  threatened  and 
ordered  back  to  America,  but  he  disregarded  them.  One  Sunday 
while  attending  church  his  buildings  were  destroyed  by  tire,  the 
work  of  an  incendiary,  and  probabl\  instigated  by  his  opponents, 
the  reed  makers.  ft  is  said  that  Richard  Hargreaves,  the 
inventor  of  spin.iing  jenny  was  pcrsecuced  by  a  class  of  operatives 
who  used  a  similar  argument  that  it  would  throw  multitudes  out 
of  employment.  They  broke  into>his  house  and  destroyed  his 
machine.  The  inventor  of  the  fly-shuttle  wa.s  also,  obli"-ed  to 
flee  his  native  county  from  the  violent  threatenings  and 
persecution.-;  ot  ignorant  and  selfish  operatives  who  opposed 
mechanical  improvements,  and  had  not  talent  enough  to  appreciate 
genius.  Such  a  course  has  never  had  the  effect  to  prevent  the 
general  adoption  uf  the  improvement,  and  as  they  have  been 
successively  made,  the  people  have  always  found  employment. 
Mr.  Wilkinson  subsequently  made  arrangements  with  Meisrs. 
Sharp,  Roberts  5:  Co.,  at  Dean's  Gate,  .Manchester,  and  leased 
his  right  to  them  for  England. 

Atter  this  he  patented  his  machine  in  the  kingdom  of  the 
Netherland-,  an  1  subsequently  sold  it  to  that  kingdom  for 
seventeen  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven  dollars  in 
gold.  He  then  erected  an  establishment  in  Paris,  (France)  and 
while  there  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  Miss.  Sarah  H.  Gibson, 
daughter  of  John  H.  Gibson  Esq.  a  wealthy  gentleman,  and  a 
distinguished  Barrister  of  London.  Her  mother  was  a  relative 
ot  the  Douglasses,  ot  Douglass  Castle,  Scotland,  of  historical 
renown.      They  were  married  about and  have  had  fourteen 


+88  nioGkJPur  of 

children.  The  reed  business  did  not  prove  successful  in  Paris, 
and  Mr.  W.  returned  with  his  wife  to  America  intending  to  fall 
back  upon  his  establishment  in  Providei;ce,  but  upon  arriving 
there,  he  was  informed  by  his  brother  that  he  was  a  ruined  man 
as  regarded  property  in  Providence — that  the  establishment  had 
gone  to  ruin  and  all  was  lost'  This  was  an  unlooked  for  stroke 
of  ill-fotune  and  weighed  heavily  upon  his  mind.  Other  men 
might  have  sunk  under  these  multiplied  trials,  and  perplexing 
embarrassments,  but  he  rose  above  them — determined  to  ride  out 
the  storm,  and  try  again. 

The  above  is  a  brief  sketch  of  the  reed  machine,  an  invention 
that  is  regarded  indispensible  in  the  cotton  manufacturing  business 
of  the  present  day.  The  public  are  daily  reaping  rich  harvests 
from  its  use,  while  the  trials,  and  perplexities  and  losses  of  the 
gifted  inventor  are  scarcely    remembered. 

Mr.  W.  seems  to  have  been  particularly  unfortunate  with  his 
inventions.  The  following  extract  from  a  letter  from  his  son 
Albert  of  L,  I.  illustrates  this  point  in  regard  to  an  invention  tha^ 
has  brought  untold  wealth  to  the  successful  manufacturer  in 
America.  All  have  heard  of  the ''Rf.voi.vkr,"  a  species  of  fire-arms 
in  general  use  in  the  army  and  nav)-,  and  all  over  the  country, 
bnt  very  few  know  who  originally  invented  it.  It  bears  the  name 
of  '^  Colt's  Revolver^"''  but  while  in  Hartford,  Ct.  in  June,  1866, 
I  had  conversation  with  several  gentlemen  in  regard  to  Colt's 
fire-arm  this  being  his  place  of  residence;  and  they  informed  me 
that  Colt  was  not  the  inventor,  but  that  he  got  the  drawings  from 
a  French  officer  in  Paris,  The  following  statement  will  explain 
the  whole  matter.  Albert  Wilkinson  above  mentioned  says  "My 
father  conceived  the  idea  of  a  repeating  revolver,  and  while  at 
Paris,  France,  showed  his  drawings  to  an  officer  of  the  French 
Government.  A  Mr.  Colt  of  Colt's  revolver  notoriety  then  a 
\oung  man  saw  the  drawings  in  question  at  the  office,  or  residence 
of  this  officer,  and  went  and  secured  patents  on  the  same,  ahead 
of  my  father,  .ind  thus  ha:>   Colt  built   up  a   fortune  and  a    name 


JEPTHJ  AVERT  IFILKINSON.  489 

and  robbed  the  original  inventor  of  the  honor  to  which  he  was  so 
justly  entitled ." 

Mr.  VV.  was  not  long  idle  after  his  return  to  America.  With 
him  the  wheel  seems  to  be  the  centre  ot  perfection  and  rotary 
motion  the  absolute  perfection  of  all  mechanical  principles.  All 
of  his  inventions  however  variously  applied  involve  the  circular 
motion. 

Observing  the  operation  of  the  common  printing  presses  in  use 
at  that  time,  the  idea  occurred  to  him  that  great  improvements 
might  be  made  upon  them.  Accordingly  he  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  a  new  mechanical  invention,  which  after  many  years  labor, 
and  perplexities  enough  to  discourage  any  man  but  himself, 
resulted  in   the 

"  Rotary  Cylindrical   Printino  Press," 
whieh  for  simplicity  of  structure,  and   velocity  in  action   has   not 
been  equalled,  and  cannot  be  excelled. 

As  there  has  been  a  great  deal  said  and  printed  about  this  matter, 
and  conflicting  statements  have  been  made  by  certain  persons, 
disparaging  the  claims  of  Mr.  W.  to  this  world  renowned 
invention,  I  shall  give  a  detailed  account  of  the  development 
and  progress  of  it  and  a  description  of  the  machine  itself,  and  also 
the  shameful  manner  in  which  its  principles  have  been  pirated, 
and  secretly  patented  in  distant  countries,  by  unprincipled  men, 
depriving  Mr.  W.  of  the  profit,  and  in  a  great  measure  of  the 
honor  which  justly  belongs  to  him. 

The  following  account  taken  from  the  "  Endless  Register  " 
printed  in  New  York  June  6,  r86o,  will  be  read  with  interest 
by  the  members    of     this  family. 

''  To  OUR  READERS, — We  now  present  some  proof  of  the 
successful  operation  of  our  press.  The  paper  which  you  now 
hold  in  your  hand,  was  printed  on  fVilkinson's  Cylindrical  Rotary 
Printing  Press — and  this  impression  will  best  illustrate  the  nature 
of  the  improvement.  We  shall  confine  ourself  to  a  brief  out 
line  of  the  history  of  the   work. 

63 


490  BIOGRAPHT  OF 

In  the  vear  1818,  the  type  now  employed  on  our  cylinders 
was  invented,  and  their  connexion  with  a  cylinder  clearlv 
illustrated,  in  drawings  and  specifications  made  by  Jeptha  A. 
Wilkinson,  a  citizen  ot"  the  United  States  then  resident  of  London, 
England.  The  establishment  of  the  reed  jnachlne — a  prior 
invention, — in  the  United  States,  England,  Holland,  France, 
Belgium,  and  elsewhere  on  the  continent  fully  occupied 
Wilkinson's  attention  until  1837.  CJoasequently  little  had  been 
done  up  to  that  period  towards  the  establishment  of  the  press, 
beyond  an  examination  ot  modern  as  well  as  ancient  machinery 
designed  for    printing. 

On  the  9th  day  of  April,  18^7,  \ViIkinson  was  residing  in 
Providence,  R.  I.,  his  native  place, — where  preliminary 
arrangements  were  made  for  establishing  the  press.  A  working 
model  of  the  type  cylinder  was  made  to  carry  two  columus  ot  type, 
twenty-seven  inches  in  length.  .VIoulds  were  designed  tor  radial 
type,  conformable  to  the  cylinder,  f.pe  cast  and  impressions  made 
on  paper.  On  the  26th  day  of  April,  1839,  George  Henry 
Hopkins,  also  a  citizen  of  Providence,  R.  L,  assisted  Wilkinson 
in  the  typographical  department,  and  set  up  the  first  type  in 
regular  form,  placed  upon  the  cylinder.  Those  who  saw  the 
first  impressions  made,  will  probably  recollect  the  address  to 
Napoleon's  column,  in  Place  V'^endome,  at  Pans,  France  ;  and 
the  more  particularly  so,  on  account  ot  its  being  the  only  matter 
in  the  form  of  type  then  placed  on  the  tace  ot  the  cylinder:  — 

On  the  29th  of  April,  1839,  the  Rev.  Doct.  Wayland,  then 
President  of  Brown  University,  at  Providence,  called  to  see  the 
cylinder  with  the  type  operate,  and  took  several  of  the  impressions 
made  in  his  presence,  as  a  specimen  of  the  printing.  On  the 
13th  of  May  1839,  the  Rev.  Doct.  Wayland  favored  Wilkinson 
with  a  letter  of  introduction  to  the  late  Col.  Stone,  then  editor 
of  the  A'.  T,  Dally  Advertiser^  who  introduced  Wilkinson  to 
Messrs,  Harper  and  Bros,  Eighty-two,  Cliff  St.,  and  they 
recommended  'Messrs.  R.  M.  Hoe  and  Co.,  as  parties  extensively 


i 


JEPTHA  AVERY  IVILKINSON.  491 

engaged  in  mechanical  affairs,  and  well  versed  in  all  that 
covcerned  printing  machines.'  Wilkinson  found  Mr.  Robert 
M.  Hoe,  on  the  i6th  day  of  May,  1839,  at  his  establishiuent  in 
Sheriff"  street,  and  there  informed  him  of  his  new  invention  made 
in  the  art  of  printing;  and  at  the  same  time  presented  for 
inspection,  some  specimens  of  the  new  tvpe,  and  impressions 
made  on  paper.  Air.  Hoe  attentively  examined  them,  and 
without  the  least  hesitation  or  equivocation,  said — '/  always 
thought  it  ivoulJ  be  time^  but  could  never  before  see  how^  or  in  what 
manner  if  could  he  e/Jected.''  He  seemed  pleased  with  the  discovery, 
and  expressed  a  desire  of  having  the  cylinder  brought  immediately 
to  N.  Y.  ;  and  proposed  embarking  alone  with  Wilkinson,  in 
the  establishment  of  this  new  mode  of  printing.  Some  remark, 
however,  maJe  relative  to  the  name  under  which  this  new 
improvement  should  pass,  was  not  satisfactory  to  Wilkinson. 
In  justice  to  himself  he  could  not  consent  to  barter  the  honor  of 
his  invention  for  money.  He  therefore  on  the  17th  day  of  iMay, 
addressed  a  letter  to  Joseph  Brotherton  M.  P.  then  at  London, 
a  sincere  friend,  who  had  many  years  before,  in  a  generous  and 
noble  manner,  stood  by  and  assisted  Wilkinson  through  his 
troubles  in  the  establishment  of  the  reed  machine  at  Manchester, 
England,  informing  him  of  the  completion  o[  the  invention. 

On  the  20th  of  July  1839,  an  agreement  was  made  between 
Wilkirson,  and  Charles  Jackson,  in  which  Messrs.  Brown  and 
Ives  joined,  to  assist  Wilkinson  in  building  a  double  cylinder 
press  at  Providence  R,  I.,  in  order  to  further  develop  the  plan 
of  the  machine  and  utility  of  the  invention.  Feb.  15,  1840,  the 
double  cylinder  press  was  put  in  operation  at  the  corner  of  Power 
and  Fenner  streets  in  the  city  of  Providence.  On  the  same  day 
the  'Grab,'  an  important  and  simple  instrument  in  handling  large 
masses  of  type,  was  invented  by    Wilkinson. 

May  II,  1846,  an  edition  of  several  hundred  papers  was 
printed,  copies  of  which  were  addressed  to  the  Hon.  Martin  Van 
Buren,  P.,  Richard    M.  Johnson,    V.  P.,  John  Q.   Adams,   and 


492 


BlOGRAPRy   OF 


to  other  members  of  Congress  ;  and  also,  to  Seth  Hunt,  Esq., 
Col.  Webb,  Ed.  Courier  Z5  Enquirer;  Messrs.  Geo.  A.J.Curtis, 
Wilkinson's  type  founders  in  Boston  ;  and  to  manv  other  American 
citizens.  On  the  25th  of  May  folloA'ing  a  memorial  was  sent 
by  Wilkinson  to  the  care  of  John  ^).  Adams,  asking  aid  of 
Congress,  to  establish  the  press  on  a  more  extensive  scale.  Feb, 
4,  1841.  The  Legislature  of  R.  I.  granted  an  act  to  incorporate 
the  'Wilkinson  Printing  Press  Company  ' — and  enable  him  to 
establish  his  press  in  a  proper  mar.ner.  Soon  after  the  passage 
of  said  act,  a  communication  was  received  from  Moses  Y.  Beach, 
the  Ed.  and  proprietor  of  the  N.  7\  Sun^  relative  to  the  said  press. 
March  15,  2841,  an  agreement  was  made  between  VVilkinson 
and  the  said  Moses  Y.  Beach  for  the  establishment  of  the  press 
in  the  city  of  N.  Y.,  and  on  the  4th  day  of  Aug.,  1841,  a  double 
cylinder  press  was  made  to  throw  off"  a  sheet  with  thirty-two 
columns,  twenty-two  inches  each  in  length,  and  subsequently 
started  at  the'*S'««  Office,'  then  at  the  corner  of  Spruce  and  Nassau 
Sts.,  city  of  N.  Y.,  and  twenty-one  days  prior  to  the  date  on  the 
sheet  printed  at  that  time. 

On  the  5th  day  of  same  mo.  VVilkinson  invented  the  folding 
machine,  and  fully  illustrated  the  same,  by  drawings  and 
specifications,  which  were  presented  to  Mr.  Beach.  On  the  9th 
inst.,  a  shear  to  separate  the  sheet  from  the  roll,  and  to  act  in 
concert  with  the  foldmg  apparatus  and  the  press,  was  also 
invented  by  Wilkinson.  On  the  23d  of  Oct.  following,  the 
double  cylinder  press  was  then  put  in  motion,  and  made  to 
operate  in  connexion  with  the  new  folding  and  cutting  apparatus 
which  had  then  been  completed,  and  a  considerable  number  of 
sheets  thrown  oft'  well  printed,  folded  and  cut  neatly  from  a 
continuous   sheet    of    paper. 

From  that  Jiioment  a  mysterious  adverse  current  of  events  suddenly 
swept  from  Wilkinson  the  power  of  resistance.  Those  in  whom 
he  had  placed  the  utmost  confidence  proved  treacherous, — and 
he    lost    the    legal    control    of   the    property    in    his  inventions. 


JEPTHA  AVERY  WILKINSON.  49-^ 

Drawings  of  his  improvernenti  had  been  secretly  taken^  and  patents 
on  his  inventions  fraudulently  obtained  in  England  and  France. 
Wilkinson  however,  still  exerted  himself  to  find  parties  willing 
to  aid  or  assist  him  in  redressing  the  wrongs  he  had  suffered,  or 
in  the  further  security  of  his  rights,  and  establishment  of  his 
improvement. 

On  reflection  he  resolved  to  call  again  on  Mr.  R.  M.  Hoe,  and 
trv  to  net  his  assistance  with  a  fair  and  honorable  reciprocity  of 
interest.  Mr.  Hoe  complied  with  his  request,  and  went  to  see 
the  press  and  establishment  as  it  then  stood  in  the  Sun  office,  and 
after  an  examination  of  the  plan  of  the  machinery,  and  the 
organization  so  far  as  developed  in  the  establishment,  said — 'this 
press  will  create  a  revolution  iri  the  art  of  printing,  and  it  will  be 
a  thorough  one.'  No  arrangement  however,  could  then  be  made 
with  Mr.  Hoe,  on  account  of  some  financial  difficulties  which 
he    alleged    were  at  that  time  embarrassing  him. 

Jan.  21,  1H42,  Wilkinson  called  on  James  Gordon  Bennett, 
and  endeavored  to  enlist  him  in  his  enterprise.  After  listening 
to  the  statements  made — he  said — ''  Mr.  Hoe  has  engaged  to 
build  two  presses,  with  an  engine  for  the  Herald.,  at  a  cost  of 
some  thirty-six  thousand  dollars  which  must  be  paid.  Nevertheless 
I  am  willing  to  act  in  the  adoption  of  Wilkinson's  press,  if  Mr, 
Hoe  will  give  his  opinion  of  the  same  in  a  satisfactory  manner. 
I  can  either  sell  the  new  presses  ordered  of  Hoe  or  lay  them  by." 

April  5,  1843,  Wilkinson  went  to  Washington  with  models 
of  his  improvements  which  had  fortunately  been  secured  in  the 
patent  office  prior  to  his  engagement  with  Moses  T.  Beach,  and 
thus  Wilkinson's  right  in  his  own  country  was  pieserved.  May 
I  2,  through  the  aid  of  friends  permission  was  obtained  of  Beach 
to  open  the  room,  aud  expose  to  view  the  long  imprisoned  press. 
It  was  found  in  one  of  the  lowest  of  the  dark  vaults  under  the 
new  Sun  building,  corner  of  Nassau  and  Fulton  sts,,  covered  with 
dirt  and  rust.  Negotiations  for  its  release  were  entered  into, 
and  Beach  gave  his  consent  to  have  the  press  for  a  limited  period 
and  under  rigid  restrictions  placed  in  a  basement  room,  below  the 


494  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

level  of  the  street.  In  this  dark  place  the  R.  I.  model  press 
was  put  in  operation.  But  it  was  soon  found  that  an  evil  genius 
followed  Wilkinson,  and  in  the  short  interval  of  his  labor  and 
during  his  absence,  deranged  the  work  in  the  machine.  This 
was  not  an  imaginary  difficulty — an  evil  spirit  certainlv  did  haunt 
theplaceand  more  than  once  deranged  the  machine  and  misplaced, 
concealed,  and  carried  away  the  tools. 

May  20,  1843,  "^^^^  ^^^  ^  "^''^y  "''  ^^'^  before  the  on/er  of  Btach 
to  close  the  door-  was  complied,  with  Mr.  John  Harper,  of  the 
celebrated  house  of  Harper  and  Brothers  saw  the  press  in 
operation,  and  turned  the  cylinders  once  round  and  then  said — 
'  Oyie-cighth  of  the  power  required  to  move  ojie  of  the  Napier  presses 
would  he  sujjlclent  to  turn  this.'  On  being  solicited  to  give  further 
testimony  on  the  score  of  justice  to  the  invention,  he  replied, 
'  Do  you  think  that  ive  will  assist  you  to  cut  o[]  our  oivn  ears  ?' 

Several  years  after,  while  Wilkinson  was  anxiously  waiting  for 
some  favorable  change  in  the  current  of  events,  a  new  triumph 
IN  THE  ARTS  was  announced,  and  the  glorious  advent  of  a  new 
invention  in  the  art  of  printing  was  proclaimed.  A  printing 
press  of  extraordinary  dimensions,  and  surpassing  power,  had  been 
made,  and  celebrated  in  the  city  of  New  York  under  the  riaine 
of — 'Hoe's  Lightning  or  Monster  Pre>s' — and  said  to  have  been 
his  invention  !  This  tremendous  enp;ine  of  modern  civilization 
was  then  in  operation  at  the  Sioi  office  !  The  daily  papers  were 
filled  with  accounts  of  this  most  wonderful  press,  and  Wilkinson 
could  not  be  insensible  to  the  effects  produced  bv  a  revelation, 
that  there  seemed  to  be  but  little  short  of  a  miracle,  and  to 
astonish  the  world.  He  believed  that  his  inventions,  if  not  pirated, 
had  been  abused  and  unjustly  set  aside,  and  that  no  regard 
whatever  would  be  paid  to  his  just  rights. 

On  the  8th  day  of  April,  1850,  Wilkinson  memorialized 
Congress  representing  fully  the  nature  of  the  improvement,  and 
the  situation  in  which  the  property  in  the  invention  was  and  had 
long  been  placed,  praying  tor  pecuniary  assistance  to  establish  the 
press  and  protect  his  just    rights.      Hon.    John  A.    King,  M.  C. 


I 


JEPTHJ  JJ'ERr  IVILKINSON.  495 

from  New  York  presented  Wilkinson's  memorial  to  Congress, 
himself  favoring  the  praver  ot  the  petitioner.  The  memorial  was 
placed  on  file. 

April  19,  1851,  arrangements  were  made  with  Ambrose  L. 
Jordan,  of  New  York,  and  others  for  the  release  of  the  property 
connected  with  Wilkinson's  invention,  then  in  the  possession  of 
Moses  Y.  Beach,  and  to  effect  the  establishment  of  the  press. 
A  company  was  formed,  and  negotiations  commenced  with  Beach 
Aug.  28,  1 8"^  I,  for  the  relinquishment  of  the  machine,  and  on 
the  29th,  an  assignment  was  made  to  A.  L.  Jordan,  the  president 
of  the  new  company.  Sept.  i  5th,  the  patents  obtained  by  Moses 
S.,  son  of  Moses  Y.  Beach  on  Wilkinson's  inventions  in  England 
and  France,  were  given  up  to  Jordan,  and  on  the  i6th  the  wreck 
and  remnants  of  the  machinery  were  surrendered;  and  on  the 
day  following,  the  whole  mass  but  little  more  than  a  heap  of 
rubbish,  was  removed  to  No.  319,  Fifth  street,  near  Avenue  D. 
New  York  City,  and  measures  forthwith  adopted  by  Wilkinson 
to  repair  the  R.  I.  press,  and  bring  it  into  operation.  Thus  this 
press,  after  having  been  in  the  posses.sion  of  Beach  from  the  6th 
day  of  March,  1841 — the  day  on  which  it  was  landed  in  the  city 
of  New  York — until  the  17th  dav  oi  Sept.,  1851 — over  ten  rears 
— was  released  and  removed  from  the  power  of  Beach,  and  the 
dungeon  of  the  Si/n  Building.  At  the  time  it  was  being  removed, 
Alfred  Beach,  one  of  the  younger  sons  of  Moses  Y.  Beach,  a 
youth  who  had  always  been  friendly,  aud  exhibited  towards  Mr. 
Wilkinson  a  remarkable  different  line  of  conduct  from  that  of  his 
elder  brother,  was  heard  distinctly  to  say — '  Mr.  Wilkinson,  when 
you  get  your  press  in  operation  we  will  throw  all  Hoe's  machinery 
into  the  street.' 

March  8th,  1852,  the  R.  I.  Model  Press  was  again  in  order, 
and  started  in  connection  with  the  same  folding  and  cutting 
apparatus  invented  at  the  Sun  office  in  1841,  and  now  for  the 
first  attached  to  the  Model  Press,  and  every  part  was  found  to 
to  perform  well.    On  the  lOth  inst.  an  edition  of  several  hundred 


496  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

sheets  was  printed  when  the  press  performed   admirably,  cutting 
and  folding  from  a  continuous  roll. 

Several  appendages,  and  improvements  were  added  until  Nov. 
15,  1852,  when  Ambrose  L.  Jordan,  Henry  Shelden,  Geo.  P. 
Nelson  and  Edward  Clark  met  by  appointment  to  see  the  operation 
o{  Wilkinson's  newly  invented  surface  shear,  then  attached  to 
the  press,  and  designed  to  separate  the  sheet  from  the  roll  of  paper. 
A  roll  of  damp  paper  was  then  placed  in  position,  unwound  by, 
and  rapidly  passed  through  the  machine,  perfectly  printed  on 
both  sides,  regularly  cut,  and  in  an  open  and  fully  extended 
manner  cast  upon  the  floor.  No  doubt  whatever  could  then 
exist  of  the  successful  operation  of  this  last  and  important 
improvement  made,  or  of  its  value  in  the  establishment  of  the 
business.  Useful  alike  in  cutting  open  or  folded  sheet?,  in 
vertical,  horizontal,  or  any  required  position,  infallible  in  action, 
and  marvelous  in  power  ; — tar  exceeding  expectation  and  proving 
that  fortunate  results  may  flow  from  slight  causes,— and  that 
invention  may  sometimes  exceed  the  pov/cr  of  hope,  in  the  work 
of  its  creation.  Arrangements  were  then  made  to  build  a  larger 
press  to  throw  off  a  double  sheet  of  the  size  of  the  N.  Y.  Times^ 
Herald  or    Tribune.'''' 

The  above  statement  of  facts  needs  no  comment  of  ours. 
The  reader  will  see  at  once  the  manner  in  which  he  was  defrauded 
of  the  whole  thing,  and  stripped  of  the  profits  and  honor  of  his 
remarkable  invention.  The  following  from  the  New  York  Jtlas., 
Nov.  22,  1853,  expresses  the  right  sentiment,— '' We  perceive 
since  Mr.  Wilkinson's  press  has  become  a  fixed  fact,  in  the 
history  of  mechanical  inventions,  that  one  or  two  other  aspirants 
have  made  their  appearance,  and  are  striving  to  deprive  him  of 
his  invention  and  its  honors.  This  is  the  too  common  fate  of 
genius.  Whitney,  the  author  of  the  cotton  gin — Arkwright, 
the  inventor  of  the  throstle  and  spinning  jenny — Morse,  whose 
mighty  genius  called  into  existence  the  magnetic  telegraph — Grant, 
the  author  of  the  hat  machine,  and  ten  thousand  others  have 
realized  the  baseness  and  ingratitude  which  unprincipled  men  now 
seek  to  extend  to   Mr.  Wilkinson  : — all   have  been   subjected   to 


JEPTHJ  AVERT  WILKINSON.  497 

similar  treatment. 

Wilkinson's  Endless  Rotary  Press  has  been  known  to  us  the 
last  sixteen  years.  Its  inventor  has  during  the  whole  of"  that  long 
period  had  to  encounter  every  possible  difficulty  and  embarrassment. 
VVe  never  doubted  for  a  single  moment  his  success.  Now,  that 
he  has  succeeded,  let  a  generous  and  noble-minded  world  see  that 
no  injustice  be  done  him.  Let  him  be  encouraged  and  rewarded  ; 
let  merit  receive  its  due  ;  and,  for  once,  let  not  baseness  and 
impertinence  triumph  over  modest  and  unpretending  genius  and 
perseverance.  VVe  congratulate  Mr.  Wilkinson  that  his  days  of 
turmoil  and  trial,  are  so  near  their  end." 

In  a  previous  issue  of  that  paper,   Nov.  13,  I  853,  the  following 

notice  appeared  : 

''  l^HE  Endless  Press. 

This  is  the  name  of  a  newly  invented  printing  press  which  is 
now  in  operation  at  the  corner  of  Franklin  and  Centre  Streets. 
I'he  author  of  it  is  Jeptha  A.  Wilkinson,  Esq.,  one  of  the 
most  ingenious  mechanics  the  world  has  thus  far  produced.  He 
iN  the  inventor  of  the  reed  machine — an  invention  which  produced 
an  absolute  revolution  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  in  England 
and  America. 

The  Endless  Press  will,  with  the  utmost  ease  throw  ofi^"  twenty 
thousand  copies  of  a  newspaper,  printed  on  both  sides,  in  an  hour. 
We  saw  it  in  operation  the  other  day,  and  are  prepared  to  say 
that  it  is  destined  to  outstrip  every  other  press  known  to  the 
world.  The  impressions  we  saw  the  other  day  possessed  a  slight 
detect  in  column  rule  impression  ;  and  there  appeared  to  be  an 
error  in  the  distributi^m  of  the  ink.  These  defects,  however, 
can  be  easily  remedied  ;  and  we  predict  that  the  Endless  Press 
will  become  the  exclusive  agent  of  all  pressmen  in  a  few  years. 
The  paper  is  placed  on  a  cylinder,  and  forms  an  endless  sheet — 
hence  the  name  of  the  press.  You  can  print  by  it  any  edition 
you  desire,  from  fifteen  hundred  to  fifteen  hundred  million." 

Other  papers  gave  extended  notices  of  this  press,  and  all 
concurred  in  pronouncing  it    the  greatest    invention    of  the   age. 

His  son  Albert  Wilkinson  writes  as  follows, — "The  great 
drawback  to  the  establishment  of  the  invention  has  been  the 
difficulty  met  with  in  trying  to  make  some  contrivance  to  lay  the 
papers  in  a  pile,  after  being  delivered  from  the  press,  as  it  prints 
them  so  fast,  that  they  come  out  at  the  end  with  a  perfect  rush. 
It  has  taxed  the  brains  of  the  leading   mechanics   of  New   York 

64 


'BIOGRAPHT  OF 

for  years  past,  but  of  no  a\all.  Father's  arrangement  for 
tfarryitig  away  the  papers,  is  s^ood,  and  nobody  has  ever  succeeded 
in  getting  any  thina;  to  surpass  it,  but  still  every  company  with 
whom  he  enters  into  partnership,  desires  something  better,  and 
experinitnt  uselessly  to  make  an  impiovemenu  borne  threcyears 
ago  bis  patents  were  about  to  run  out  in  France,  and  Germany, 
and  this  necessitated  a  speedy  renewal,  and  he  went  to  Europe, 
at  that  time,  carrying  with  him  his  Rhode  Island,  or  First  Press, 
and  after  renewing  the  patents,  he  was  induced  to  established  his 
press  in  London,  and  the  only  difficulty  now  experienced  is  the 
delivery  of  the  paper  from  the  machine.  His  partners  desired 
something  better  than  father's  simple  arrangement,  and  they  have 
exhausted  their  brains  in  tiying  to  I'lnd  something  better  but  in 
vain.  He  may  yet  succeed,  but  will  never  be  compensated  tor 
the  innumerable  heart  rending  scenes  and  vexatious  trials  he  has 
met  with.  His  friends  say — '  he  has  gone  through  discouragements 
enoutjh  to  kill  outright  a  dozen  ordinary  men.'  " 

His  honesty  and  generosity  iji  his  dealings  are  traits  which  ha\e 

always     characterized     him,     and?  his  placing  coniidence   in   the 

honesty  and  pretended  fairness  of'''others  his  greatly  injured  him. 

We    are     furnished     with     a   description   of  this   pre.is   in   the 

"  American    Rcghti;r ,  and  Jnternational  "Journal^''  and  we  take  tli,- 

liberty    of   copying — -for    the    perusal   ot  the  Wilkinson  tamily  — 

the  article  entire  notwithstanding  its  length,      it  is  eiuidfd  ; 

"  Wilkinson's  Cvi-iKbRicAL  Rotary   Printinc;  Prkss. 

Although     some     forty     years    liave     elapsed     since    the    first 

conception    by    the    inventor    Jeptha    A.  VV'.ilkinson,  a  native  t)l 

Providence,  R.  I.,  then  resident  in  Manchester,  Eng.,  of  this  entire 

new    system    of  printing,  yet,  it  has  never  been  put  to  a  decided 

practical   test    until   the    issuing,  of  the    "•  Jnurican  Hfgisur  ■a\u\ 

International  Jonrnal"   it    marks  a  new    era  in  the   printing  arts. 

This  number  of  the  American  Register  J^Mzy  1st,  i  860)  containing 

thirtv-two  super-royal    octavo    pages,  has   been  printed  upon  one 

whole  sheet,  on  both  sides,  and  cut  off  at  the  proper  space,  at  one 

operation.      A  feat  never   before  perforiTied  by  anv  printing   press 

in   this,   or    any    other    country.       Having    tliuS;  thoroughly    and 

practically  tested  in  all  its  bearings,    the  mei:its  of  this   invention, 

or  rather  series  of  inventions,  for    such   they,  consist — in  the  art 

of    printing,    we    do    not    hesitate     to    recofnmend     its  .gener;il 

introduction-,  especially  for  rapid  printing,  or  where  large  editions 


-JEPTHA  A I  'E  R  T  IV IL  KIN  SON,  499 

of  either  newspp.pers,  periodical  journals,  books,  stereotyped  or 
letter-prt ss,  are  required,  and  ecoiiomv  is  desired. 

The  histc^rv  of  this  tniK'  important  invention  in  the  most 
valuable  of  the  mechanic  arts,  and  of  the  inventor  himself,  is  but 
the  thrice  told  tale  of  the  great  majoritv  of  those  self-sacrificino; 
men,  who  have  labored  and  strived  tor  successive  vears  amidst 
fhe  pangs  o'i  povertyvanl  deprivations,  known  onlv  to  themselves 
or  their  dependents^^the  sneers  and  gibes  of  the  world,  and  the 
subjects  for  the  speculation  ot  unprincipled  sharpers  and  designing 
nien,  who  do  not  hesitate  to  appropriate  to  their  own  selfish  and 
lucrati\e  uses,  the  hard-earned  and  toilsome  productions  of  those 
who  hope  to  advance  the  happine.ss,  and  lessen  the  labors  of  their 
tellow-men  ;  in  whi.h  eHoits  thev  too  often,  are  left  to  perish  in 
thcii'  patriotic  cliorts.  An  intimacy  of  several  years  with  Major 
'vVilkinson,  has  made  us  familiar  with  the  progressive  history  of 
his  in\'ention,  and  the  many  privations  to  which  he  has  been  made 
subject  ;  such,  as  many — except  they  were  like  himself,  possessed 
ot  an  iron  frame  and  a  determined  will,  and  perseverance,  not  to 
be  baffled  in  anything  he  undertakes — would,  long  since,  have 
sunk  under  the  weight  of  his  misfortunes,  or  abandoned  his  object 
in  disgust. 

•The  Cylindrical  Rotary  Printing  Press,  and  its  in\entor,  may, 
with  propriety  be  placed  in  the  same  category  with  those  of  the 
steamboat  of  f'itch  and  Fulton — the  cotton  gin  of  Whitney — the 
magnetic  telegraph  of  Morse — (with  which  it  seems  to  be  almost 
a  counterpart)  and  the  many  other  geniuses  of  the  world  who 
have  made  themselves  martyrs  to  their  cause.  Notwithstanding 
the  almost  superhuman  labor  which  has  been  bestowed  upon  this 
series  of  inventions,  and  the  large  sums  of  money  which  have 
been  sacrificed  by  the  in\entor  from  his  own  purse,  as  well  as 
that  which  has  been  brought,  from  time  to  time  to  his  aid  ;  and 
the  several  attempts  made  to  wrest  from  his  possession  the  results 
of  his  intense  studies,  trials  and  experiments,  it  is  truly  fortunate 
that  the  inventor  still  survives  to  witness  its  practical  and  successful 
operations  •,  and  we  sincerely  trust,  to  realize  his  justly  merited 
rewards  for  the  benefits  he  has  thus  conferred  upon  mankind  in 
giving  it  an  impetus  in  that  department  of  the  industrial  world, 
which  stands  at  the  head  of  all  others — the  printing  press — the 
grand  !e\er  of  the  human  mind  ;  and  to  combat  with  those  who 
have,  or  may  attempt  to  deprive  him  of  his  pecuniary  or  other 
rights  in  this  remarkable  invention,  and  the  honor  due  to  him  in 
the  establishment  of  a  new  era  in  the  printing  arts.  We  shall 
not  attempt  in  this  place,  a  history  of  this    important   invention  ; 


500  BIOGRAPHy  OF 

a  subject  we  reserve  for  another  occasion.  Our  only  object  here, 
being  to  describe  the  press  and  its  practical  operations  ;  together 
with  the  other  machinery  connected  with  the  printing  department, 
which  difters  very  materially  from  the  old  method. 

Partial  descriptions  of  this  press  were  given  several  vears  ago 
by  some  of  the  leading  daily  and  other  journals  of  New  ^'ork 
City,  when  a  demonstration  of  its  utility  was  first  presented  to 
the  printing  public.  Since  that  period  however,  the  inventor  has 
added  some  important  improvements.  The  following  description, 
therefore  may  be  considered  the  most  complete  of  any  that  has 
yet  appeared;  the  result  of  our  cwn  examinations  and  practical 
tests.  The  press  upon  which  the  Journal  was  printed  is  veiy 
simple  and  compact  m  its  construction.  The  frame  which  is  of 
cast  iron  is  ten  feet  long,  five  feet  wide,  including  the  running 
gear,  and  six  feet  and  six  inches  high.  All  the  movements  of  the 
press  are  upon  the  rotary  principle,  which  secures  a  smooth  and 
uniform  action,  exempt  it  from  the  danger  of  disarrangement, 
and  subjects  it  to  very  little  wear.  There  iire  two  cylinders  upon 
which  the  tvpe  are  firmly  fixed  -,  one  placed  above  and  the  other 
below,  Hoth  above  and  below  these  cylinders  there  are  a  series 
of  inking  cylinders  and  distributers.  The  paper  which  is  one 
continuous  sheet,  and  rolled  in  a  dampened  state  upon  a  spindle, 
as  it  is  received  from  the  mill,  is  placed  at  the  rear  of  the  press  ; 
and  the  end  of  the  sheet  is  there  brought  up  over  a  metallic  apron, 
inserted  under  the  upper  or  first  type  cylinder,  and  after  receiving 
an  impression  upon  the  upper  side,  passes  in  a  direct  line  over  a 
second  metallic  apron,  to  the  upper  surface  of  the  lower  cylinder, 
from  which  it  receives  the  impression  upon  the  lower  side  of  the 
sheet.  The  sheet  then  passes  to  a  cylinder  at  the  head  or  delivery 
of  the  press,  upon  which  is  constructed  a  shear,  where  it  is  cut 
off  ;  thence  it  passes  out  of  the  press  printed  upon  both  aides 
into  the  packing  apparatus.  This  apparatus  is  simple  in  its 
construction  of  conical  form  ;  the  top  consists  of  a  series  of  tapes 
along  which  the  ^^heet  flies  after  being  discharged  from  the  press, 
and  falls  upon  an  endless  apron  which  forms  the  bottom  of  the 
machine,  and  are  carried  to  any  required  distance  from  the  press. 
This  apparatus  also,  moves  on  the  rotary  principle,  with  the 
same  power  that  carries  the  press  ;  and  when  in  motion  performs 
the  work  of  both  fly-boy  and  porter.  As  the  paper  is  delivered 
from  one  gate  only,  instead  of  from  eight  or  ten,  it  dispenses 
with  the  use  of  some  twenty  feeders,  porters  and  other  contingent 
expenses. 


JEPTHA  AVERY  IVILKINSON.  501 

One  o{  the  most  extraordinary  and  important  features  of  this 
press  is  the  rapidity  with  which  impressions  may  be  multiplied. 
At  an  ordinary  speed  twenty  thousand  imperial  sheets,  equal  to 
toriv  thousand  impressions,  can  be  printed  on  both  sides,  cut  and 
lolded  trom  a  continuous  sheet  in  one  hour.  1  hus  not  onlv 
dispensing  with  the  labor  and  errors  of  feeding  the  press  by  hand, 
but  the  danger  of  being  caught  by  the  machinery.  The  type 
being  precisely  coincident  with  the  radii  of  the  cylinder,  it  makes 
the  impression  on  the  paper  with  much  more  precision  and  less 
friction  than  can  be  eiiected  by  the  usual  method.  The  type 
also,  are  not  so  subject  to  injury  by  being  battered  and  disfigured 
as  those  used  on  the  ordinary  system  ;  and  consequently  will  last 
much  longer.  In  fact  every  portion  of  the  face  of  each  type, 
vignette  or  engraving,  even  to  che  minute:>t  lines,  are  brought  to 
bear  direct  upon  the  paper  in  a  line  with  the  axis  ot  the  cylinders  ; 
thus  giving  them  a  remarkable  clear  and  distinct  impression,  much 
more  so  than  can  be  produced  upon  a  flat  bed. 

Among  ail  the  perplexities  connected  with  the  printing  press, 
there  are  none  so  difficult  to  encounter  as  the  obtaining  ot 
Kf^ister.  1  his  evil  arises  from  the  changing  of  the  forms,  the 
shrinkage  of  the  paper  after  having  been  printed  upon  one  side, 
or  as  on  che  cylinder  presses  now  in  use,  by  the  slipping  of  several 
sheets  and  che  loose  manner  in  which  they  are  introduced  into  the 
press.  The  great  importance  of  accurate  reiiister,  especially  in 
the  pamphlet  or  book  printing  department  is  well  known  to  the 
craft.  in  Wilkinson's  press,  this  evil  is  entirely  overcome.  Ihe 
passing  through  this  machine  in  one  continuous  sheet,  and  in  a 
uuect  line  with  the  type  cylinders  adjusted  immediately  diametrical 
to  each  other  and  printed  upon  both  sides  at  one  operation,  the 
register  must  necessarily  be  perfect.  And  as  there  is  no  changing 
ol  forms,  a  great  saving  of   time  and  delay  is  also   here  obtained. 

Appended  to  the  press  is  a  small  apparatus,  which  in  the 
language  of  the  inventor  consists  of  six  small  wheels  only, 
connected  with  each  other  and  to  the  press  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  record  correctly  and  infallibly,  every  revolution  of  the  type 
cylinders  and  impressions  made.  The  astonishing  power  of  this 
simple  device  which  was  originally  designed  as  an  appendage  to 
the  press,  for  counting  the  papers,  is  almost  incredible.  Such  is 
fhe  extent  of  its  power,  that  at  the  rate  of  twenty  thousand 
revolutions  of  the  cylinders  per  day,  ic  would  require  over  sixteen 
hundred  years  to  elapse  before  the  sixth  wheel  could  be  turned  on 
on  its  axis  entirely  round.      Hence  its  nan\e,  endlesi  regtitr-r.     I  he 


5b2  —        BIOGRAPHY  0F'<'^''^-^\ 

shear''foi'' separating  the  pape'r,  unlike  any  other'  ever  'i^inployed 
fbr't'h'^  {ilirpbse^  is  attached  to  a  tylinder  at  the  gate  df^'the  pressV 
and' has  also,  a  rotary;rtioverfi'ent''iii  perfect  unison  with  the  other 
b^achihcrv  without  any  alternate  gV  reciprocatingmotion.  It 
jDcrfor'rrtii'it'SVVork 'with  unerring  exactness  on  a  line  between  the 
4mpres'Siohs'',''an^  siit'H  is 'the  nicet^/  ofits  adjustmeiit  that  there  iV 
•ytotapparfent  d^gfee'ofwcar; '  Thereis  a  folding  apparatusi'Connected 
with  this  pre'SS;  wh'ich-ciah'  he  used,' oi'  dispensed  with.  .Thi's 
apparatus  is  Very;  sirrtplc  in  its  arrahgeuient  without  any  alternate 
or  reciprocatingmotion.  'I'he  mo  vertientS  ate  all  di  recta  nd  pbstt'ive; 
land  /like  those  of  the'  press,  rotar^^;  bein.g  also,  harttionfous  ift 
^cti6n,  is  ot  equal  speed.  Objections  haVe  been  raised  to  the 
■^ystenh  of  [Hhnting  upon  continuous  rolls  of  paper,'  ^^n  account 
'•q\  Splicihg  t1ii&^  sheets  together  ;  this,  however,  is'  proved  to  ^fe 
•drily' an  imaginary  evil.  As  it  is  found  by  practical  demonstration 
that  where' the  parted  sheets  are  spliced  together  by  the  ordinai'V 
gun»  after  ha\  ing  been  run  through  the  cylinders  and  printed  tiH 
both  sides,  it  is  only  by  the  closest  examination  that  the:fractured 
pants  of  the  pa'percan  be  discovered  ;  and  by  an\'  means,  there  is 
a  Savihg  of,  at  least  three  per  cent,  over  the  ordinary  waste:«f 
.paper,  that  occurs  in  the  old  system  of  printing, 
'  •The  first,  and  most  important,  and  yet  the  most  difficult  to 
'a'ttainy 'is  the  preparation  of  paper  in  condition  for  the  printing 
•press.'  Hitherto  paper  has  been  received  from  the  mills  cut  of 
■the -desired  dimensions,  folded  and  bundled  into  reams  in'a  vei^f 
"dry  state-;  all  requiring  time,  care  and  attention.  Hence''"the 
'necessity  to  wet  -it^^turn  it  and  press  it  ;  especially  for  book,  Or 
6thef  fiiee  printing  in  order  to  render  it  flexible,  smooth  and  of 
'even'  dampness.  Under  the  present  system  of  machiner'v, 
.'tonne'tted  with  the  manufacturing  of  paper  at  theMTilHs,  pai^ticularlv 
in  '  rolls,  and  dampened,  '  such  as  is  adapted -to  ■.;Wilkiris'ori's 
"Cyli'ndr'i'cal  Rotary  Press  the  same  evil  has  beeii"  foblid-to  e'Jiist. 
.In-order  to  counteract  this  difHculty,  and  to  •accornpji5'fe«'§'0 
■desii'aMe '  an  object,  Major  Wilkinson  has  recefrtly  i>Vvelited'"a 
dampihg  machine  which  surmounts  the  whole  dffRicultyi  'I't'i's 
•als'o  on  the  rotary  principle  ;  very  sim-ple  in  its  'Co-nstruCtiOdi, 
'entirely  original-^  and  consists  of  a  series  of^'tension  rollers,  thfotigh 
^Which  the  pa'l^^r'  f^asses  tothe  main  roll  ;  Where  it  is  received'l,  rtwt 
''5ifl-y'e\>'enly'dam'j)etied  and  perfectly  smooth,  but  calendered,  ready 
'for'  the  press.  This  last  invention  is  quite  as  va^luable,-  incid'entaHv, 
'^s -the  printing  press  ;  for' by-  it^'th'-fe'  inventor  has  surnioUnted'  a 
'difficulty' 'idf  -long    staildihg  •  and'  trials,   -in    the    paper '■'■  making 


JEPTH-4^M;ERr  JP;/lB^LVSOA'.  5(53 

depjrtmeiUj,  viz:.  the/yUing  oi  the  pap^i;  wjfhout  wjiukl.ijig,,  and 
.[)er-tectly  and. evenly  da,mping  and  calendering. ^t  by  one  and  the 
Mime  operation...  Besides  ;  thisdan>pin.g,inaphine  entirely  dispenses 
with  the  labor  of  the  many  haifijds  iioM'  eniployed  in  luetting  doiun 
j)aper,  &c.;  and  saves  both  the  loss  of  time  and  expenses..  This 
damping, machine  is  worked  ;  by. , the  ,^3i^f^  povver,that  dfives^the 
press ;  ai,id,  also,  like  the  press,  ;per,t(p.|j;ms' its  .Q\(yn,.vv';Ork;  without 
human  aid,  after  lieing  set  in  motion.  ,j,  i\  :,        ,   ,,, 

It  is  well  known  to  all  who  are  .in  .l,he.  habit,  of ,  reading 
newspapers — and  at  the  present,  p9riocl,.,vvh,o  jn  the  United,  States 
does  not? — that  they  da^ly  meet  wjth  a  difficulty  .in.  deciphering 
pftentiraes  a  whole  column  ot  their  paper,;  owing  to  thC;  pap^r 
being  printed  in  a  doubled  and.,  wr.iu!ifle(J.;  s,ta,tf,  .which;  (aft.e.rw^i-ds 
becomes  stretched  out  thereby  throwing  the, lines  into,  confusion. 
Such  defects  however,  can'  never  arise'in  this  new '  system  of 
[Minting."  For  alter  ttie  preparation  of  the  paper  b\^  fh6  mode 
•■which  we  have  above  descnhed,  it  is  introduced  intoitbe  preks 
from  the  roll  to  tJ>e  ty.p.f;,,  crvhn.ders,;  in,  such  a  manne^-,,a,S.to  stilj 
keep  It  constaiul)-  smooii'i,  and  ex.tended  to  its  utmost  limit' p.f 
tension,  as  well  in  its  leiigth  as  its  breadth!  " 

"'    Having -thus  described  the  mo/^h/s  'yf>eraru/i  6f  tut  \i'reU^  wb'  now 

^irome  to;t,hat  of  ths  typL%  composing,   &c.-,  til!   AVhich  ^i'S  ■•enti^reiy 

ot'iginiii  »n,di;niiy  ..be^c^nsidered    to    form  the;r.ba^iH,jCf,f  the  i  whole 

,^e.ries  ot.  :L.n\  enti(.*ns  connected   with  this    new    system.  oi\p/jinting. 

The  type  composing  sticks,  galleys,  &c.,  a'rq  all  con.s.tr.ycted  upon 

'the'    ladiai'  principle,  so'  as'  to    correspond   with'   the'  radii"of  tlie 

c\  linders.      And,    instead    01    the    nick,  as  in    tlie    ordin^j'y'  tvf^^\ 

t he V  have  a  groo.yp  on  the. Hat  side   by  which,  eaich  tvpe.is  locked 

one  into  the. other.  .  Conset^uently  thev  must  alJ|,,bc,,..set  one  way, 

even  to  the  spaces.      In    com.posing   this    is    found  to  be  of  great 

advantage  over  the  ordinary    system,  as"  the'  compositor  is  readily 

enabled'bythe'touch  ot  this  groove  to  place  it  iri  the  right  position, 

;and  no  error. can    -oc^cur    except  in    substituting"  one   lor  another. 

Indeed  a  blind  pprsoti  after  once  learning  the  position,  of  the  boxes 

•  could  by  the  aid  ot  th.e  groove  set  the  type  with  facility.      In  fine 

from  the  practical  'test  vve  are   Confident  that    when  a  compositor 

has  once  become  tamiliar  with  this  system  which  but    aT'ew  days 

require,    he    will    [)reter   it. to  the:  old',-   as   the.  type    can    be    set, 

distributed  and  i:andled  with  as  great,  if  not  greater   facility  than 

the  o.rdinary  type  and  set  with  more  certainty  of  correctness.    No 

chases  are    used — no    quoins  or    furniture  ;   and    consequently  no 

time' lost  in  docking    u['    forms,  as    in  the    ordinary     method.      In 


504  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

removing  the  type,  which  in  the  old  system  is  done  by  hand,  in 
this  new  method  it  is  accomplished  by  the  demi-grah  ;  by  which 
one-half,  or  even  the  whole  of  a  page  of  this  fournrd^  t>r  half  a 
column  of  newspaper  can  be  readily  lifted  and  conveyed  to  any 
desired  place. 

All  who  may  be  skeptical  upon  the  subject  can  satisfy  their 
doubts  by  a  visit  to  the  printing  office  located  at  the  foot  of  Grand 
htreet,  corner  of  Tompkins  Street,  New  York  City,  at  which 
place  the  press  is  in  operation.  In  connection  with  the  foregoing 
we  add,  that  the  type  upon  which  the  "  .hnerican  "Journar^  is 
printed,  was  cast  at  the  foundry  of  iVlessrs.  White  &  Co.,  cor. 
ot  Beekman  and  Gold  Streets,  New  York  City,  in  accordance 
with  the  patent  secured  by  Wilkinson.'' 

Jeptha  A.  has  fully  maintained  the  reputation  of  his  ancestors 
as  an  inventor,  and  his  mechanical  skill  is  of  the  highest  order. 
This  branch  of  the  family  have  always  been  noted  for  their 
originality  of  invention,  and  for  the  boldness  thev  strike  out  into 
new  and  unbeaten  tracks.  In  days  gone  by  they  have  never 
received  their  full  meed  of  reward,  and  it  is  gratifying  to  see  in 
these  latter  days  favorable  expressions  from  an  appreciating 
posterity.  Such  may  be  found  in  the  "Transactions  of  the  R. 
I.  S.  for  the  Encouragement  of  D.  I.,"  1861,  also,  in  the  Report 
of  the  *•*■  North  Providence  Centennial  Celebration,"  June 
24,  1865. 

It  is  seldom  the  case  that  such  men  are  fully  appreciated  by 
their  contemporaries^  The  body  must  moulder  in  the  grave, 
until  the  daily  utility  of  their  inventions  writes  a  history  for  them  ; 
and  then  and  not  till  then  the  greatness  of  their  mind,  and  their 
transcendent  genius  shine  out  with  a  brilliancy  that  commands 
the  admiration,  and  challenges  the  applause  of  men. 

Jeptha  Avery  Wilkinson  is  justly  entitled  to  the  honor  of 
inventing : 

1.  The  Revolver. 

2.  The  Reed  Machine. 

3.  The  First  Cylindrical  Priniinc;  Press. 

— Sre  y>,  187. 


BIOGRAPHY  XXI. 


AVID  WILKINSON  was  born  in  Srnithfield,  R.  I.,  and 
was  educated  a  mechanic.  In  his  reminiscences  he  says  : 
''•my  father  lived  in  the  t.own  of  Srnithfield,  in  1775,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  war,  and  owned  a  blacksmith's  shop  with 
a  hammer  worked  by  water."  A  mechanic  came  there  to  make 
a  card  machine,  and  David  was  greatly  interested  in  the  work. 
He  says,  "  I  was  then  about  five  years  old,  and  my  curiosity  was 
so  great  to  see  the  work  go  on,  that  my  father  sat  me  on  Mr. 
Smith's  bench  to  look  on  while  he  worked.  And  at  this  time 
seventy  years  afterwards,  I  could  make  a  likeness  of  nearly  every 
piece  of  that  machine,  so  durable  are  the  first  impressions  on  the 
mind  of  youth."  At  the  age  of  six  he  was  made  to  help  in  the 
business  of  heading  nails  by  being  set  astride  of  a  log,  and  with 
his  foot  in  a  stirrup,  he  would  work  the  press  which  had 
been  constructed  by  his  father  for  this  purpose.  He  was  early 
initiated  into  all  the  mysteries  of  the  blacksmith's  trade,  and  when 
his  father  moved  to  Pawtucket  Falls  in  1783  or  4,  he  was  quite 
an  expert  in  wielding  the  sledge. 

His  father  bought  the  machinery  for  cutting  iron  screws,  called 
the  Fly  b'crew  for  pressing  paper,  &c.,  of  Israel  Wilkinson,  Jr., 
of  Srnithfield  in  1-786—7.  The  senior  Israel  had  some  years 
before  established  works  in  Smithfield  for  making  these  screws, 
and  was  accustomed  to  go  to  different  furnaces  in  Massachusetts 
to  mould  them,  as  there  were  no  moulders  who  would  undertake 
the  job.  David  says,  "  My  father  had  once  seen  old  Israel 
Wilkinson  mould    one  screw,  and   after  he  had  bought  these  old 


5o6  BlOGRAPHy   OF 

tools  of  voung  Israel,  as  he  was  called,  and  at  a  time  when  he 
wanted  some  moulding  done,  he  took  me — then  about  fifteen 
years  old — into  his  chaise  and  carried  me  to  Hope  Furnace,  about 
fourteen  miles  from  Providence  in  Scituate,  to  mould  a  paper  mill 
screw,  as  they  had  no  moulder  at  their  furnace  who  would 
undertake  to  mould  one.  I  had  never  seen  a  furnace  in  operation, 
or  seen  a  thing  moulded  in  my  life.  I  moulded  three  or  four 
screws  before  I  left  for  home.  I  stayed  there  about  a  month. 
The  screws  weighed  about  five  hundred  pounds  each,  v/ere  five 
inch  top  with  cross  holes,  seven  inches  diamater,  through  a  lantern 
head  for  a  lever  seven  inches  diameter.  They  were  cast  in 
dried-clay  moulds,  hooped  and  strapped  with  iron  bands.  I  took 
the  screws  home  to  Pawtucket  and  finished  them  there.  Thev 
were  made  for  Hudson  and  Goodwm  of  New  York, and  Lazarus 
Beach  of  Danbury,  Conn." 

This  simple  narrative  reveals  the  mechanical  skill  of  the  lad, 
and  no  doubt  his  father  looked  forward  with  great  assurance  to 
the  future  success  of  his  precocious  son.  The  anchor  shop,  the 
ship  buildino:,  and  the  various  other  kinds  of  manufacturing 
business  which  was  carried  on  at  Pawtucket  gave  ample  scope  tor 
his  inventive  genius.  He  made  screws  of  wrought  iron  for 
clothiers'  presses  and  oil  mills.,  but  they  were  defective,  and  he 
told  his  father  he  wanted  to  make  a  machine  to  cut  screws  on 
centres,  which  would  make  them  more  perfect.  His  father  gave 
him  permission  to  commence  one,  and  from  this  was  afterwards, 
developed  one  of  the  most  useful  inventions  the  world  has  ever 
witnessed  in  the  mechanic  arts,  viz  : 

The  Slidinc;  Lathe, 
for  turning  iron  and  brass.  His  own  account  is  so  quaint  and 
terse,  that  I  shall  not  resist  the  temptation  to  quote  it.  He  says, 
"About  T794,  (he  was  then  twenty-three  years  of  age)  my  father 
built  a  rolling  and  slitting  mill  at  Pawtucket.  On  the  gudgeon 
of  the  wheel  of  which,  I  put  my  new  screw  machine  in  operation, 
which  was  on  the  principle  of  the  gauge  or  sliding  lathe  now  in 
every  workshop  almost  throughout  the  world,  the  perfection  of 
which  consists  in  that  most  faithful  agent,  gravity^  making  the 
joint,  and  that  almighty  perfect  number,  three^  which  is  harmony 
itself.  I  was  young  when  I  learned  that  principle.  I  had  never 
seen  my  grandmother  putting  a  chip  under  a  three-legged  milking 


DAllD  WILKINSON.  507 

stool  ;  but  she  always  had  to  put  a  chip  under  a  four-legged  table 
to  keep  it  steady.  I  cut  screws  of  all  dimensions  by  this  machine, 
and  did  them  perfectly." 

Having  accomplished  his  purpose  he  endeavored  to  avail 
himself  o^  the  advantages  he  foresaw  resulting  from  his  invention  ; 
he  therefore,  made  a  model  in  miniature,  and  prepared  to  secure 
a  patent,  but  imagining  there  might  be  something  in  use  elsewhere 
he  visited  every  place  he  could  hear  of  where  screws  were 
manufactured.  He  went  to  New  York;  thence  to  Canaan,  Ct.; 
thence  to  Taunton,  Mass.;  thence  to  Philadelphia,  &c.,  but 
tound  nothing  to  interfere  with  his  invention,  and  returned  home. 
In  1797,  he  went  again  to  Philadelphia  while  Congress  was  in 
session,  and  made  application*  for  a  patent,  Senator  Joseph 
Tillinghast  from  R.  I.,  assisting  him.  He  was  successful  and 
returned  home,  but  his  head  was  full  of  other  projects,  and  he 
gave  but  little  attention  to  securing  the  pecuniary  advantages  his 
discovery  would  naturally  give  him. 

In  the  mean  time  he  had  given  another  direction  to  his  newly 
discovered  principle  of  cutting  screws,  and  had  invented  the  slide 
or  gauge  lathe.  In  this  he  met  with  considerable  opposition  and 
many  perplexing  discouragements.  While  he  was  at  work  on 
Slater's  machinery  the  owners  would  not  allow  him  to  make  one; 
but  Mr.  Slater  sent  to  England,  requesting  his  brother  John  to 
come  to  America,  and  bring  a  mechanic  who  had  made  a  slide 
lathe  on  the  principle  of  the  old  fluting  machine.  They  came, 
and  their  lathe  was  tried  for  a  few  weeks  and  abandoned,  and 
they  resorted  to  the  old  hand  tool  as  before.  It  was  about  this 
time  that  he  obtained  permission  of  his  father,  brothers,  and 
brothers-in-law,  who  had  purchased  a  water  privilege  on  the 
Qinnebaug  River  at  Pomfret,  Ct.,  and  were  building  a  factory, 
to  build  a  slide  lathe.  He  made  his  patterns  in  Sylvanus  Brown's 
shop  in  Pawtucket.  While  he  was  thus  engaged  a  company  in 
Providence  had  secured  a  master  machinist  from  England  by 
the  name  of  Ogden  to  build  a  factory  at  Hope  furnace  in  Scituate. 
He    was    a    man    of  good    abilities    and    great  experience ;  and 


5o8  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

hearing  of  David's  attempt,  he  advised  him  to  abandon  the 
enterprise  as  chimerical,  for  the  thing  had  been  tried  in  England 
time  and  again,  and  had  always  resulted  in  failure.  David  was 
not  to  be  discouraged;  he  completed  his  patterns  for  the  lathe, 
and  was  already  to  start  for  Foxborough  the  next  morning  to 
secure  the  castings,  when  Svlvanus  Brown  tojk  the  liberty  to 
burn  them  up!  Somewhat  vexed,  but  nothing  daunted  by  this 
unlooked  for  freak  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Brown,  13avid  prepared 
another  set,  got  them  cast,  made  his  lathe — and  it  worked  to  a 
charm.  Thus  was  secured  to  the  world  this  great  invention, 
which  has  resulted  in  enriching  multitudes  yf  individuals,  and  the 
nation,  but  brought  no  return  to  the  inventor  until  Congress 
voted  him    $io,OQO.* 

Here  we  find  inventive  genius  and  persevering  industry 
combined ;  an  unusual  combination.  Genius  will  not  tarry  for 
the  slow  steps  of  plodding  industry  while  it  is  giving  form  and 
life  to  its  intangible  conceptions.  It  has  a  higher  purpose  and 
rises  to  loftier  elevations  seeking  new  modes  and  endeavoring  to 
develop  grander  results.  Just  money  enough  to  carry  on  the 
enterprise  is  all  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  ambition  of  Genius;  at 
least  it  will  not  abandon  its  search — for  filthv  lucre.  Hence  how 
few  of  these  real  geniuses  ever  acquire  a  competence  .'  Surrounded 
by  a  community  who  have  but  little  sympathy  in  common  with 
them,  and  whose  minds  cannot  comprehend  the  magnitude  and 
importance  of  the  results  of  their  inventions,  they  are  usually 
regarded  as  dreamers,  '■'■putterers — always  tinkering  upon  something 
of  no  account  ;"  and  should  they  die  unsuccessful  they  are  at  once 
forc^otten.  How  many  have  failed  for  want  of  means  ;  and,  after 
having  in  their  mental  laboratory  given  being  to  "  airy  nothing," 
and  evolved  from  chaos,  as  it  were,  a  beautiful,  useful  creation — 
a  mechanism  that  saves  the  sweat  of  many  brows  and  the  labor 
of  a  million  hands,  how  often  is  it  the  case  that  some  mere 
amateur,  the  pet  of  fortune,  or  wealthy   patronage   snatches  the 


*  See  note  at  the  end  of  this  sketch. 


DJFID  IV ILK  IN  SON. 


509 


wreath  from  the  brow  of  real  genius,  and  places  it  upon  his  cwn 
diminutive  head — while  the  world,  all  ignorant  ot  the  rea^  gives 
honor  to  the  spurious^  and  applauds  the  thief! 
The  F1R8T  Steamboat. 
David  was  about  22  years  of  age,  when  he  was  returning  home 
from  the  Hope  Furnace  in  Scituate  where  he  had  been  preparing 
some  castings,  and  stopped  to  see  the  ore  bed  in  Cranston.  Here 
he  found  a  Mr.  Ormsbee  who  was  repairing  the  steam  engine 
used  to  raise  water  from  the  bottom  of  the  ore  pits— a  depth  of 
over  seventv  teet.  He  examined  the  engine  with  great  care,  and 
has  given  the  following  description  of  it  :  ''  The  engine  was 
made  with  the  main  cylinder  open  at  the  top,  and  the  piston 
raised  with  a  lar2;e  balance  lever,  as  the  news  of  the  cap  on  the 
cylinder  by  Boulton  and  Watt  had  not  yet  come  to  this  country 
when  that  engine  was  built."  The  two  mechanics  were  mutually 
interested,  and  their  conversation  turned  upon  the  power  and  use 
of  steam.  Mi'.  Ormsbee  said  he  had  been  reading  of  a  boat's 
being  put  in  operation  by  steam  at  Philadelphia,  and  the  statement 
appeared  not  only  possible,  but  eminently  feasible  to  them,  and 
they  agreed  to  try  the  experiment.  Ormsbee  was  to  get  the  boat 
and  boiler,  and  Wilkinson  was  to  prepare  the  machinery  and  the 
castings.  His  narrative  of  this  transaction  is  so  simple  arrd  explicit 
that  I  venture  to  quote  again  from  his  *■'  Reminiscences."  He 
says  Ormsbee  made  the  proposal  that  'Sf  I  would  go  home  with 
him  and  build  the  engine,  he  would  build  a  steamboat.  I  went 
home  and  made  my  patterns,  cast  and  bored  the  cylinder,  and 
made  the  wrought  iron  work,  and  Ormsbee  hired  a  large  bo  at  of 
John  Brown  belonging  to  one  of  his  large  India  ships — should 
think  about  twelve  tons  (burden).  I  told  hirn  of  two  plans  of 
paddles,— one  I  called  the  flutter  wheel,  and  the  other  the 
goose-foot  paddle.  VVe  made  the  goose-foot  to  open  and  shut 
with  hinges,  as  the  driving  power  could  be  much  cheaper  applied 
than  the  paddle  wheel.  After  we  had  got  the  boat  nearly  done, 
Charles  Robins  made  a  pair  of  paddle  wheels,  and  attached  them 
to  a  small  skiff,  and  ran  about  with  a  crank  by  hand  power.  After 
having  the  steamboat  in  operation,  we  exhibited  it  near  Providence 
between  the  two  bridges, — I  think  while  the  bridges    were   being 


5IO  BIOGRJPUr  OF 

built.  After  our  frolic  was  over,  being  short  of  funds,  we  haulecf 
the  boat  up  and  gave  it  over." 

"About  this  time,"  he  adds  '*■  a  young  man  called  on  me,  and 
wished  to  see  the  boat,  and  remained  a  day  or  two  examining  all  the 
works.  He  told  me  his  name  was  Daniel  Leach  from  Connecticut. 
I  never  knew  where  he  came  from,  nor  where   he  went." 

The  foregoing  statement  of  Mr.  Wilkinson  is  sustained  by  a 
number  of  persons,  namely,  Jeremiah  Childs,  James  Salisbury, 
Col.  John  S.  Eddy,  and  Capt.  John  H.  Ormsbee,  all  of  whom  — 
as  well  as  others — were  eye  witnesses  of  the  ahTair.  Capt.  John 
H.  Ormsbee  accompanied  the   experimenters    to   steer    the  boat, 

and  says — •■'  Elijah  Ormsbee  got  the  loan  of  a  long  boat  belonging, 
according  to  the  best  of  my  recollection,  to  the  ship  Abigail^  then 
lying  in  Providence.  This  boat  he  took  to  a  retired  place  about 
three  and  a  half  miles  from  Providence  known  as  Winsor's  Cove. 
A  copper  still,  of  from  one  hundred  to  two  hundred  gallons 
capacity,  owned  by  Col.  Ephraim  Bowen,  used  by  him  in  his 
distillery  in  the  south  part  of  the  town  for  the  distilling  of  herbs, 
was  loaned  him  bv  Col.  Bowen.  The  cvlinder  and  castings  were 
cast  at  Pawtuckct,  1  believe  at  the  furnace  of  the  Wilkinsons. 
The  cove  was  selected  for  its  little  exposure  to  travellers  by  land 
or  water,  that  he  might  not  be  disturbed  at  his  work,  and  in  case 
of  his  want  of  success,  he  would  not  be  subject  to  the  derision  of 
the  community.  He  succeeded  in  getting  his  machinery  in 
operation,  and  on  a  pleasant  evening  in  autumn,  he  left  Winsor's 
Cove  in  the  first  boat  propelled  by  steam  that  ever  floated  on  the 
waters  of  Narragansett  bay  and  Providence  River,  and  arrived  in 
safety  at  the  lower  wharf.  The  next  day  they  left  in  the  boat 
for  Pawtucket,  to  show  the  friends  in  that  village  the  success 
that  had  attended  the  enterprise.  At  Pawtucket  the  boat 
remained  a  day  or  two,  and  then  returned  to  Providence. 
*  *  *  The  steam  was  applied  to  raise  the  piston,  and  then  being 
condensed  by  cold  water,  the  piston  turned  by  atmospheric 
pressure.  In  this  way  the  paddles  of  the  boat  at  her  sides,  were 
moved  forward  and  aft,  no  wheels  being  used,  but  upright  paddles, 
which  did  not  lift  out  of  the  water,  but  when  moved  forward  they 
closed,  and  when  moved  aft  they  expanded, — their  whole  width 
being  about  eighteen  to  twenty-four  inches  wide.  The  progress 
of  the  boat  was  from  three  to  four  miles  per  hour  in  smoptb 
water,  and  if  wheels  had  been  substituted  for  paddles,  would 
probably,  have  increased  her  speed  to  five  or  six  miles  per  hour." 


DA  J' ID    IVILKINSON.  511 

This  was  in  the  year  1792  or  3,  about  sixteen  years  before 
Robert  Fulton  succeeded  in  his  enterprise  on  the  Hudson  River, 
which  took  place  in  1809.  "  It  is  fair  to  claim,"  says  the  Rev. 
Mr.Goodrick  in  his  Centennial  Discourse  ( 1865) — "that  had  the 
Pawtucket  been  a  longer  stream,  so  that  steam  had  been  as 
important  for  it  as  for  the  Hudson  ;  or  had  some  discerning 
capitalist  been  ready  to  afford  the  pecuniary  aid  needful  for  testing 
and  perfectina;  the  inxention,  the  chaplet  which  adorns  the  head 
of  Fulton  might  have  been  woven  for  the  brows  of  Wilkinson 
and  Ormsbee.  And  the  Pawtucket  River  and  Naiiagansett  Bay 
would  have  had  an  additional  claim  to  tame." 
'•'•  Honor  to  whom  honor  is  due." 

In  the  light  of  the  above  facts,  to  whom  is  the  honor  of  the 
first  successful  experiment  upon  the  application  of  steam  to  the 
propulsion    of  boats    to  be    attribute  There    are    those   who 

answer — that  "  as  these  inventors  did  not  make  it  available  by 
bringing  it  into  genera!  use,  it  i^  not  justly  attributable  to  them." 
Shall  we  then  do  homage  to  the  inventive  faculty,  only  when  it  is 
accompanied  with  the  adventitious  circumstance  of  wealth  and 
crowned  with  success?  Where  is  wealth  without  genius  i' 
Genius  is  the  soul  that  vivifies  and  animates  the  lifeless  form, 
and  gives  efficiencv  to  industrv  and  property.  Knowledge,  not 
money  is  power.  The  man  who  kuozvs  the  most,  f  he  makes  a 
right  use  of  his  knowledge,  is  entitled  to  the  highest  honor,  and 
next  to  him  is  the  man  who  does  the  most  in  the  right  direction. 
Wealth  is  as  apt  to  be  an  appendage  of  a  fool,  as  a  wise  man. 

These  men  were  original  inventors.  It  is  not  probable  that 
either  of  them  had  ever  heard  of  the  publication  of  Jonathan 
Hull  in  1737,  nor  the  proposal  of  Abbe  Arnal  in  178 1,  nor  of 
the  construction  of  the  Marquis  ot  Juffroy  in  1782,  at  Lyons, 
nor  of  the  experiment  of  fames  Rumsev  in  1  784  on  the  Potomac, 
nor  of  the  success  of  John  Fitch  before  and  after  1784.  So  far 
as  their  work  was  concerned  it  was  original. 

Three  or  four  years  after  this  successful  experiment,  Mr. 
Wilkinson  was  in  New   York   and    visited   Fulton's    works   and 


512  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

went  over  to  Hoboken  and  saw  Col.  John  Stevens'  boring  mill 
and  also,  a  small  steamer  built  by  him.  He  says,  *•'  I  thought 
Stevens  was  ahead  of  Fulton  as  an  inventor."  He  traveled 
about  the  country  a  great  deal  collecting  facts,  and  making  sale 
for  his  manufactures.  He  was  at  the  trial  or  Fulton  and  Ogden 
(1814-15)  before  the  Legislature  ot  New  Jersey  in  reference  to 
the  paddle  wheel  of  steamers,  and  hearing  that  Fulton  said  he 
made  the  draft  of  the  wheel  in  London,  he  thought  it  verv  singular 
that  the  same  idea  should  strike  two  persons  so  nearly  at  the  same 
time,  at  such  a  distance  apart.  This  paddle  wheel  was  substantially 
the  same  that  had  been  suggested  when  Wilkinson  and  Ormsbee 
made  their  successful  steamboat  experiment  on  Narragansett  Bay, 
and  that  Charles  Robins  used  on  the  "  little  skiif"  before 
mentioned,  and  that  Daniel  Leach  had  examined  so  carefully  at 
the  same  time. 

We  insert  the  following  incident  here,  as  it  explains  an 
important  item  in  regard  to  the  original  invention  of  the  steamboat, 
although  it  is  out  of  place   in  a  chronological  point  of  view. 

In  1840,  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  on  the  railroad  from  Utica  to 
Albany.  He  fell  in  company  with  an'  aged  gentleman,  well 
informed,  and  an  ex-member  of  the  Legislature  of  N.  Y.,  and 
their  conversation  turned  upon  the  subject  of  steam  as  a  motive 
power.      During  that  interview  the  following   dialogue  occurred  : 

Stran.  "  I  think  more  credit  bas  been  given  to  Fulton  than 
is  his  due  ;  and  that  Col.  John  Stevens  is  more  deserving  than 
Fulton." 

Wilkinson.  "  I  never  thought  P'ulton  an  inventor,  but  simplv 
a  busy  collector  of  other  people's  inventions." 

S.  ''  Well,  I  always  said  so,  and  he  would  never  have 
succeeded  had  it  not  been  for  Daniel  Leach." 

IV .      "  What  do  you  mean  by  Daniel  Leach  ?" 

S.  Why,  a  Yankee  that  Fulton  kept  locked  up  for  six  months 
making  drafts  for  him." 

Mr.  Wilkinson  says,  "  The  name  of  D.iniel  Leach  burst  upon 
my  ears  for  the  first  time  for  forty-nine  years,  and  almost  explained 
some  mysteries." 


DAUD  iriLKlNSON.  513 

It  is  probable,  means  will  be  taken  to  ascertain  more  about 
this  Daniel  Leach,  and  his  connexion  with  Fulton,  while 
experimenting  with  the  application    of   steam. 

David  was  actively  engaged  in  the  first  cotton  manufactory, 
and  aided  in  making  the  first  machinerv  used  for  that  purpose. 
He  says  '•'Mr.  Slater  came  out  with  Moses  Brown  to  my  father's 
at  Pawtucket  to  commence  an  Arkwright  water  frame  and  breaker, 
two  finishers  and  cardmg  machines.  I  forged  the  iron  work,  and 
turned  the  rollers  and  spindles,  in  part.  All  the  turning  was  done 
with  hand  tools,  and  by  hand  power,  with  crank  wheels.  When 
the  card  rims  and  wheels  were  wanting;  I  went  with  Slater  to 
Mansfield,  Mass.,  to  a  furnace  owned  by  a  French  gentleman, 
named  Danbv,  who  came  I  think  with  La  Fayette's  army,  who 
has  a  son  and  one  daughter  now  living  in  Utica  and  Auburn, 
N.  Y.  The  card  rims  broke  in  cooling.  Mr.  Slater  said  the 
iron  shrunk  more  than  the  English  iron.  I  told  him  we  would 
make  a  crooked  arm,  that  would  let  the  rim  move  round — the 
arms  being  carried  one  way,  when  the  hub  cooled  would  return, 
and  leave  the  wheel  not  divided  against  itself, — which  proves  a 
remedy  in  ali  cases,  if  the  arms  are  made  the  width  the  right  way, 
to  let  the  cur\'e  spring  eas\-,  with  sufficient  strength  of  iron.  1 
told  him  cast  iron  broke  n^ore  often  by  division  in  its  own  family, 
than  by    labor." 

By  study  and  experiment,  difficulties  were  overcome,  and  as 
the  demand  increased  machinery  was  built  and  sent  to  every  part 
of  the  country  Mr.  VV.  continues,  "We  built  machinerv  to 
go  to  Pomfret  and  Killingly  Ct.;  to  Hartford,  Vt.;  to  Waltham, 
Norton,  Raynham,  Plymouth,  Halifax,  Plympton,  Middleboro, 
and  other  places  in  Mass.;  for  Wall  and  Wells,  Trenton,  N.  J.; 
for  Union  and  Gray,  on  the  Patapsco  ;  for  the  Warren  factories 
on  the  Gunpowder  near  Baltimore  ;  to  Tarboto'  and  Martinburgh 
N.  C;  to  two  factories  in  Georgia  ;  to  Louisiana  ;  to  Pittsburgh  ; 
to  Delaware;  to  Virginia  and  other  places.  Indeed,  Pawtucket 
was  doing  something  for  almost  every  part  of  the  Union,  and  I 
had  my  hands  too  full  of  business,  and  was  laboring  too  much 
for  the  general  prosperity^  to  take  proper  care  of  the  details,  perhaps, 
and  the  advancement  of  my  own  individual  interests." 

In  1829  Mr.  W.  moved  with  his  family  to  Cohoes  Falls, 
N.  Y.,  near  Albany,  and  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  business, 
but  soon  after  he  went  about  to  get   work  elsewhere  as  certain 


514  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

influences  of  a  political  character  materially  injured  that  business 
at  Cohoes,  While  there  he  built  a  church  and  supported  a 
minister  mainly  at  his  own  expense.  The  finanicial  revulsion  of 
1829,  was  the  occasion  of  Mr.  W.'s  leaving  Pawtucket, 
concerning  which,  Rev.  Mr.  Goodrich  in  his  Historical  Discourse 
makes  the  following  renurk, — "  Our  town  committed  one 
suicidal  act  nearly  forty  years  ago.  In  the  severe  business 
revulsion  of  1829,  David  Wilkinson  and  other  enterprising 
mechanics  were  allowed  to  leave  the  place.  The  capitalists  of 
the  neighborhood  should  have  prohibited  it.  A  few  words  of 
encouragement,  and,  in  due  time,  seasonable  pecuniarv  aid,  had 
kept  them  here."  Undoubtedly  Pawtucket  would  have  been 
amply  compensated  by  lifting  the  pecuniary  burden  that  compelled 
his  failure.  His  wanderings  and  labors  are  related  by  himself 
after  he  left  Pawtucket  as  follows. 

"We  were  compelled  now  to  get  our  living  where  we  could;  to 
go  abroad,  if  we  could  not  get  work  at  home.  I  went  to  work 
on  the  Delaware  and  Raritan  Canal,  N.  Y., — then  on  the 
St.  Lawrence  improvements  in  Canada  ;  then  to  Ohio  on  the 
Sandy  and  Beaver  Canal ,  then  to  the  new  wire  bridge  on  the 
Ottawa  River  at  Bvtown,  Canada  and  Virginia.  Wheiever  I 
could  find  any  thing  to  do,  I  went ;  and  it  is  wonderful  how  I 
endured  exposure  to  wet  and  cold." 

He  was  over  sixty  years  of  age  at  this  time. 

We  need  not  say  he  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  strength  of 
mind — his  works  attest  that,  especially  when  we  remember  that 
he  never  attended  school  after  he  was  nine  years  of  age.  His 
"  Reminiscences" — published  in  the  "Transaction  of  the  R.  I, 
Society  for  the  Encouragement  of  Domestic  Industry,"  and  also 
in  the  "Report  of  the  Celebration  of  the  One  Hundredth 
Anniversary  of  the  town  of  North  Providence,"  1865,  are 
exceedingly  interesting,  and  exhibit  an  original  cast  of  mind. 
The  former  publication  contains  the  "  Memoirs  ok  David 
Wilkinson  by  the  Rev.  Geo.  Taft,  D.D,"  which  will  close 
this  sketch. 

*'I  purpose  to  record  a  few  memories  and  impressions  of  David 


DAVID  IVILKINSON.  515 

Wilkinson,  and  in  doing  so  shall  use  the  first  person,  not  for 
ostentation,  but  for  convenience.  I  knew  him  well  and  long.  I 
have  been  with  him  at  home  and  abroad,  in  sickness  and  health, 
in  prosperity  and  adversity.  His  house  was  my  home  as  often  as 
I  choose  to  make  it  so,  and  that  was  frequent,  from  the  autumn 
of  1820  up  to  the  time  of  his  departure  from  Pawtucket  to  return 
no  more,  till  he  was  brought  back  to  be  laid  in  the  sepulchral 
vault. 

He  was  a  man.  One  of  Nature's  noblemen.  He  needed  not 
the  pomp  and  circumstance  of  heraldry  to  emblazon  his  name. 
The  simple  name  without  prefix  or  affix  was  enough. 

"Take  him  for  all  in  all 
I  sh  ill  not  look  upon  his  like  again." 

''Th-'   elements 
S.I  mixeil  in  him,  tii  it  Nature  might  stand  up 
Anl  !.jv  to  a\\  th?  worli, —  This  ivas  a  ma/i." 

He  was  physically  educated  ;  every  muscle  was  developed 
every  nerve  braced  up,  and  his  whole  frame  energized  by  manual 
labor.  There  has  been,  and  probably  is  now,  in  some  branch  of 
the  family,  a  coin  or  medal  struck  in  England,  on  one  side  of 
which  there  is  a  muscular  arm  wielding  a  sledge.  A  significant 
symbol.  David  Wilkinson  nobly  responded  to  it.  It  was  necessary 
that  his  body  should  be  strong  and  vigorous  to  sustain  the  operation 
of  his  massive  intellect.  His  corporeal  training  strongly  resembles 
that  of  one  of  Rhode  Island's — one  of  America's — most 
distinguished  sons.  Gen.  Nathaniel  Greene. 

His  intellectual  training,  according  to  the  popular  notion  of 
education,  was  very  limited.  He  never  enjoyed  the  privilege  of 
attending  a  grammer  school,  or  an  academy,  or  a  college.  He 
told  me  that  he  graduated  and  took  his  degree  on  the  dark  day  ; 
a  day  memorable  in  the  history  of  New  England.  It  occurred 
in  the  year  1780.  He  was  then  attending  a  female  school.  The 
good  woman  was  very  much  alarmed  and  dismissed  her  school. 
He  was  then  nine  years  old,  and  went  to  school  no  more. 
Notwithstanding  his  limited  opportunity  for  receiving  the  training 
and  discipline  of  the  school-room,  he  was,  nevertheless,  a  well 
educated  man.  His  education  did  not  consist  in  an  accumulation 
of  learned  rubbish,  nor  did  it  make  dazzling  show ;  it  was 
pre-eminently  useful  and  practical.  His  mind  was  drawn  out, 
developed,  and  expanded.  It  took  a  vast  range.  I  have  neither 
the  leisure  nor  the  ability  to  traverse  the  length  and  the  breadth 
of  his  mind,  nor  to  measure  its  height  and  its  depth.  He  was 
prepared  to  grapple  with  any  subject,  no  matter  how  novel.      He 


"5^6  B/OGRJPHl    OF 

attained  to  this  high  degree  of  mental  power,  hv  thought.  He 
was  a  patient  and  profound  thinker.  His  intellectual  machinery 
was  always  in  motion. 

Compared  with  some  men,  he  read  but  ii:w  hooks.  He  read* 
men.  He  would  not  he  long  in  social  intercourse  with  a  man, 
without  understanding  him.  His  library  was  a  walkii^g  one,  and 
he  diligently  used  it.  He  was  a  keen,  even  a  severe  observer. 
When  he  walked  the  street,  or  performed  a  journev,  his  eyes  and 
ears  were  always  open.  It  he  saw  or  heard  anything  worth 
preserving,  he  made  it  his  own.  He  gathered  the  wheat  into  the 
garner,  and  gave  the  chaff  to  the  whirlwind.  He  improved  him 
by  conversation  with  the  learned  and  wise,  as  opportunity  offered. 
And  for  the  attainment  of  information  in  this  wav,  he  vras  highly 
privileged  ;  for  he  enjoyed  the  society  and  the  esteem  of  many — 
)  ust  as  many — of  the  first  men  of  the  country  as  knew  him  ;  tor 
instance  :  John  Whipple,  Nathaniel  Searle,  Tristam  Burgess, 
Judge  Story,  the  venerable  and  apostolic  Bishop  Griswold,  Chase, 
the  pioneer  Bishop  cf  the  West,  Hcnrv  Clav,  and  a  host  of  others. 
I  regret  very  much  that  these  men  ha\'e  passed  away,  and  I  cannot 
communicate  with  them  and  obtain  their  reminiscences  of  David 
Wilkinson.  Especially,  do  I  exceedingly  regret  that  I  cannot 
confer  with  Bishops  Griswold  and  Chase  ;  they  were  frequently 
his  guests  and  partook  of  his  large  and  generous  hospitality. 
What  I  am  now  attempting  to  do  should  have  been  done  twenty 
years  ago.  Then  many  sources  of  information  were  open  that 
are  now  iore\  er  closed,  and  I  rim  compelled  to  rely  wholh  i  pon 
my  own  memories  and  impressions.  in  lea\  mg  ihc  educatiunal 
department  of  his  life,  1  do  not  hesitaie  to  sa\,  ihat  1  ha\e  met 
with  men  more  book-learned  than  he  was  ,  but  1  have  never  met 
with,  nor  do  I  ever  expect  to  meet  with,  a  'ir/.u'r  man  than  Da\id 
Wilkinson. 

That  he  was  a  distinguished  mechanic,  his  reminiscences,  and 
other  documents,  unmistakably  prove.  They  must  speak  for  me, 
I  will  only  add,  that  in  conversing  v/ith  me,  as  he  sometimes  did 
about  improvements  and  inventions  in  machines  that  he 
contemplated  making,  he  seemed  to  ha\  e  them  all  in  full  and 
successful  operation  in  his  own    mind. 

It  is  well  said  by  some  one  that  "the  reasoning  power  is  the 
corner  stone  of  the  intellectual  building,  giving  grace  and  strength 
to  the  whole  structure."  He  possessed  a  pre-eminently  logical 
head.  From  fixed  principles,  he  proceeded  step  to  step,  to  results. 
There  was  not  a  link  in  the  chain  of  argument  wanting.  1  his 
faculty  essentially  aided  him  in  his  improvements  and  discoveries 
in  the  various  departments  of  mechanical  science.  If  he  sometimes 
appeared  to  jump  at  a  conclusion  it  was  only  in  appearance.  He 
arrived  at  the  conclusion  by  a  mental  process  clear  and  severe  as 


DAVID    WILKINSON. 


517 


a  mathematical  demonstration.  But  few  were  capr.blc  (  f 
comprehending  the  operations  ot  his  mind,  and  thev  only  were, 
therefore,  competent  to  judge  correctly  of  them.  The  masses 
'had  not  his  mechanical   intuition   and   enthusiasm. 

He  was  one  of  the  earliest,  fastest  and  most  valued  friends  of 
Samuel  Slater,  and  assisted  him  in  the  construction  of  the  first 
machine  ever  made  in  America  for  spinning  cotton  by  water 
power. 

He  was  trulv  an  unselfish  man.  He  identified  his  own 
individual  prosperity  with  the  prosperity  of  the  place  in  which  he 
resided.  In  benefitting  himself,  he  benefitted  the  community 
and  vice  versa.  It  has  been  said  ot  Sir  Christopher  Wren,  that 
if  any  one  wished  to  see  his  monument,  let  him  go  into  St.  Paul's 
Cathedral,  London,  and  look  around.  If  any  one  wants  to  see 
the  monument  of  David  Wilkinson  let  him  visit  the  place  where 
he  had  lived,  and  look  around. 

He  was  particularly  attentive  to  young  men.  It  he  saw  one 
of  ability  and  industry  and  good  habits,  he  would  notice  and 
encourage  him.  And  many  a  young  man,  by  his  fostering  care, 
has  acquired  wealth  and  taken  an  elevated  position  in  society. 
And  he  was  hardly  less  happy  than  the   young   man. 

He  was  good  to  the  poor.  I  have  often  gone  to  him  for  the 
widow  and  the  fatherless  in  their  affliction,  and  he  has  opened  his 
pocket-book  and  said  to  me, — '"Take  what  you  want,  and,  if  you 
find  you  have  not  enough,  come  and  get  more.'  He  enjoined  it 
upon  me  to  look  after  the  needy,  as  he  had  not  leisure  to  do  so, 
and  to  call  upon  hnn  tor  aid.  I  did  as  I  was  directed.  I  have 
lepcatetilv  called  upun  him  tor  means  to  help  the  destitute,  and 
I  never    called  in    vain. 

He  was  a  mason.  One  ot  the  tounders  ot  Union  Lodge, 
Pawtucket.  For  many  years  he  was  its  generous  and  cordial 
supporter.  He  was  always  its  firm  and  reliable  friend.  He 
understood  well  the  principles  of  the  traternity.  He  looked 
beyond  the  external  trappings  and  regalia.  He  saw  and  felt  their 
moral  significance.  Hence  he  stood  firm,  when  some  quailed  and 
fled  before  the  storm  ot   the  Morgan  excitement. 

He  was  born  and  bred  up  in  the  faith  of  the  Friends  or  Quakers, 
and  always  had  a  great  respect  for  them.  In  mid  life,  he  connected 
himself  with  the  Episcopal  Church.  He  was  one  of  the  principal 
founders  of  St.  Paul's  Church  in  the  village  of  Pawtucket,  and 
was  one  of  its  largest  supporters  tor  years.  He  labored  for  its 
spiritual  prosperity.  He  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  Sunday  School 
connected  with  the  church,  visited  it  when  it  was  in  session, 
went  from  class  to  class  and  spoke  a  word  of  affection  to  teachers 
and  scholars.  He  encouraged  children  to  attend  the  Sunday 
School.  I  recollect  during  a  season  of  hard  times,  there  were 
some  poor  children  that  could  not  attend  for  want  of  comfortable 


5i8  B/OGRJPHr  OF 

apparel.  He  directed  me  to  see  them  properly  clothed  on  his 
account.  I  did  so.  This  is  but  one  item  of  what  he  did  for  the 
Sunday  School.      He  was  always  ready  and  willing  to  aid. 

At  Wilkinsonville,  Sutton,  Mass.,  where  he  had  a  large 
property,  and  there  was  no  place  for  the  public  worship  of  God, 
he  built  a  church  and  supported  a  minister,  I  believe,  at  his  own 
expense. 

When  he  removed  from  Pawtucket  to  Cohoes,  N.  Y.,  he 
built  a  church  and  supported  a  minister  mainly  at  his  own  cost. 
Wherever  he  located  himself,  his  paramount  concern  was  to 
have  a  house  for  the  worship  ot  God. 

Although  he  was  a  decided  churchmin,  he  was  no  hio-ot.  He 
loved  all  Christians  and  rejoiced  at  their  prosperity.  He  was 
ever  ready  and  willing  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  Christian 
communities  that  stood  in  need.  The  late  venerable  Nicholas 
Brown,  ot  Providence,  spoke  in  terms  of  high  commendation  of 
his  liberality  to  a  poor  Baptist  church.  He  g.i\'e  the  lot  on  which 
the  Catholic  church  stands  in  the  village  of  Pawtucket. 

He  was  a  true  patriot.  If  he  was  now  (1862)  alive,  his 
means,  and  influence,  and  hands,  and  heart,  would  be  tor  the 
Union  ;  and,  if  an  old  man  were  wanted  as  a  sacrifice  to  lav  upon 
the  altar  of  his  country,  the  victim  would  be  ready." 

David  Wilkinson  died  at  Caledonia  Springs,  in  the  County  of 
Prescott,  Canada  West,  on  the  3d  day  of  Feb.,  1852,  and  his 
remains  were  brought  to  Pawtucket  and  entombed  in  the  Family 
Vault. 

Note. — The   following  is  an  extract   from    the    report  of  the 

Senate  Committee    on  Military    Affairs — consisting    of  Rusk   of 

Texas,  Lewis  Cass  of  Michigan,  Jefferson  Davis  of  Mississippi, 

John  A.  Dix  of  New  York  and  Thomas  Benton  of  Missouri  : 

"  Apprfxiation  of  David  Wilkinson  as  an  inventor  by 

Congress. 

In  Senate  of  the  United  States  March  28,  I848.  Mr.  Rusk 
made  the  following  report; —  It  appears  that  David  Wilkinson, 
the  petitioner,  obtained  in  the  year  1798,  letters  patent  for  the 
discovery  of  a  machine  for  cutting  iron,&c.,  called  the  guage  or 
slide  lathe."  The  inventor  of  this  valuable  improvement  was, 
during  the  fourteen  years  to  which  the  duration  of  his  patent 
right  was  limited,  occupied  for  the  most  part,  in  the  manufacture 
of  cannon   for  the    navy,   and    perfecting   the    iron   power  loom 


DAllD  niLKINSON.  519 

which  has  contributed  so  much  to  our  national  wealth  and 
prosperity.  Owing  to  these  circumstances,  and,  perhaps  in  part 
to  the  inattention  to  matters  of  detail  which  too  often  characterize 
men  of  aenius,  and  ignorance  of  the  requisitions  of  the  law,  the 
memorialist  omitted  to  obtain  in  181  2,  when  his  original  patent 
expired,  a  renewal  of  the  right,  which,  under  the  cicumstances, 
would  have  been,  without  doubt,  granted.  Being  thus  left  open 
to  general  use,  an  invention  so  vastly  important  in  its  character 
could  not  fail  to  be  sought  after,  not  only  by  the  public  at  large, 
but  also  bv  the  agents  of  the  government  engaged  in  the  fabrication 
of  arms  of  various  descriptions  -,  and  hence  we  find  that  the  guage 
and  sliding  lathe  was  early  introduced  and  made  use  of  in  all  of 
the  arsenals  and  armories  of  the  United  States.  Of  the  great 
utility,  or  rather  indispensableness  of  the  machine,  in  turning  and 
forming  the  various  portions  of  fire-arms  of  diilerent  descriptions, 
the  most  conclusive  evidence  is  found  in  the  numerous 
communications  from  officers  belonging  to  the  ordinance 
department,  and  others  high  in  command,  which  accompany  the 
petition,  all  of  which  go  to  show  the  vast  saving  of  labor  and 
expense  which  has  been  ef^^ected  by  its  introduction.  *  *  * 
In  the  case  now  under  consideration,  the  committee  find  a  most 
powerful  and  striking  illustration  of  the  force  of  American  genius; 
but  unfortunately,  the  country  at  large  has  been  permitted  to  enjoy 
the  advantages  growing  out  of  an  invention,  which,  in  the  opinion 
of  a  distinguished  mechanist,  has  given  to  man,  weak  as  he  is, 
the  power  of  the  horse  in  propelling  machinery  and  causing  the 
hardest  metals  to  yield  to  his  skill,  while  the  gifted  individual  to 
whom  we  are  indebted  for  it,  has  failed  to  reap  any  adequate 
advantage  from  it.  Through  the  agency  of  this  invention,  of  which 
the  memorialist  is  the  true  and  undisputed  author,  the  national 
government  has  been  enabled  to  efi^ect  objects  scarce  attainable 
by  other  means,  or,  if  within  their  reach,  not  to  be  procured  unless 
at  a  cost  that  can  scarcely  be  calculated.  If  it  be  urged  that 
the  inventor  might  have  secured  to  himself  the  benefits  of  his 
discovetv,  for  a  time  at  least,  by  applying  at  the  proper  period  for 
a  renewal  of  his  patent,  and  that  he  has  himself  to  blame  for  his 
failure  to  realize  pecuniary  profit  from  it,  the  answer  is  plain  and 
conclusive.  The  fault  of  the  petitioner,  if  any  blame  can  attach 
to  him,  has  been  that  he  cared  more  for  extending  the  field  of 
human  knowledge,  and  thus  benefittitig  mankind,  than  for  the 
comparatively  secondary  consideration  of  enriching  himself.  Again 
his  failure  to  secure  a  renewal  of  his  patent  right,  however  iujurious 
to  himself,  has  been    eminently   beneficial   to   the  world  at  large, 


520  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

and  most  especially  to  the  government  of  his  country,  which,  as 
the  committee  is  informed,  has  at  present  in  use  nearly  two 
hundred  ot  these  lathes  in  the  public  workships,  constructed  at  a 
cost  much  less  than  the  sum  which  would  have  been  demanded 
by  the  original  patentee,  had  he  retained    his   exclusive   privilege. 

The  Committee  have  bestowed  much  attention  on  the  subject, 
and  have  been  induced  to  adopt  the  opinion,  that  David  Wilkinson, 
as  the  inventor  of  the  guage  and  sliding  lathe,  the  government, 
as  well  as  the  country  at  large,  owes  a  debt  of  iiratitude  not  to  be 
easily  estimated,  and  that  the  least  that  the  government  can  do,  is  to 
manifest,  however  inadequately,  by  a  pecuniary  compensation,  the 
sense  entertained  of  the  obligation  under  which  the  nation  is 
placed. 

Under  these  impressions,  the  Committee  recommend  the 
passage  of  the    accompanying  bill. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assefnbled. 

That  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  and  required  to  cause  to  be  paid  to  David  Wilkinson 
the  sum  of  $io,000,  as  a  remuneration  to  him  for  the  benefit 
acruing  to  the  public  service  for  the  use  of  the  principle  of  the 
guage  and  sliding  lathe  o^  which  he  was  the  inventor,  now  in  use 
in  the  workshops  <:>f  the  government  at  the  different  national 
arsenals  and  armories." 

This  bill  was  passed  in  the  Senate  in  fune,  and  in  the  House 
of  Representatives  in  August,  1848. 

In  conclusion  we  would  say  that  David  Wilkinson  is  entitled 
to  the  honor  and  credit  of  inventing  two  of  the  most  important 
and  useful  machines  in    America,    namelv — 

1.  The  First  Steamboat.     ('793) 

2.  The  Guage  and  Sliding   Lathe.      ('798) 
Each  of  which  has  added  as    much    to   the   national   prosperity 

as  any  invention  which  American  genius  has  prcjduced.  For 
these  he  is  entitled  to  a    nation's  gratitude. 

— See  /),  225. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XXII. 

ORTON  S.  WILKINSON  was  born  in  Skaneateles, 
Onandacjua  County,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  22,  1819;  received  an 
academical  education,  working  occasionally  upon  his  father's 
farm;  in  1S37  he  removed  to  Illinois,  and  was  em.ployed  for  two 
years  upon  the  railroad  works  then  commenced  in  that  State  ; 
returned  to  his  native  town,  studied  law,  and  was  admitted  to  the 
bar,  after  which  he  removed  to  the  West  again,  and  settled  at 
Eaton  Rapids  in  Michigan  ;  in  1847  ^^  settled  in  Minnesota, 
and  in  1849,  when  that  Territory  was  organized,  he  was  elected 
to  the  Legislature,  and  the  laws  adopted  by  the  Territory  as 
its  code  were  of  his  drafting  :  and  in  1859  ^^  ^^^  chosen  a  Senator 
in  Congress,  from  Minnesota,  for  the  term  ending  in  1865, 
serving  as  Chairman  of  the  committee  in  Revolutionary  Claims, 
and  as  a  member  of  the  Committee  on  Indian  affairs.  He  was 
also  a  delegate  to  the  Baltimore  Convention  of  1864 — 
Biographical  Sketches  lif  C'jugressmen  by  Charles  Lnnman . 

See  p.  235. 


66 


BIOGRAPHY  XXIII. 

ARDON  WHIPPLE  WILKINSON,  was  born  in 
Cumberland,  R.  I.,  Nov.  B,  1796.  He  was  the  son  of 
George  Wilkinson  and  Lydia  (  vVhipple)  his  wife.  His 
educational  advantages  were  confined  to  the  common  schools 
which  were  frequently  held  in  private  houses.  His  father  was  a 
ship  carpenter,  and  worked  in  Providence,  Newport,  and  Warren, 
R.  I.,  Boston,  Mass.,  Norwich,  Ct.,  and  other  places.  He  was 
engaged  nearly  a  year  on  the  frigate  Constitution^  "Old  Ironsides," 
when  she  was  in  process  of  construction  in  Boston.  It  will  be 
remembered  that  Com.  Morris,  a  distant  relative,  was  a  Lieut. 
on  board  this  Frigate  during  the  tight  with  the  Guerrier.  About 
the  year,  1808  Mr.  W.  moved  with  his  wife  and  family,  into  the 
state  of  Vermont,  and  engaged  in  agriculture.  Missing  his 
accustomed  bowl  of  oysters,  and  other  luxuries  common  to  a 
seaport  place,  he  determined  to  return  to  R.  I.,  which  he  did, 
but  again,  within  a  short  period,  retraced  his  steps  to  Vermont. 
Pardon  at  this  time  was  about  thirteen,  or  fourteen  years  at  age, 
and  aided  his  father  on  the  farm,  but  in  consequence  of  his 
aptness  in  the  mechanical  arts,  he  was  frequentlv  employed  hv 
his  neighbors  to  make  almost  all  kinds  of  household  furniture. 
Without  serving  any  apprenticeship  he  engaged  in  the  mill-vvright 
business,  and  in  1821,  erected  the  first  saw-mill  on  his  father's 
farm  in  the  town  of  Ira,  which  is  in  good  running  order  at  the 
present  time. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-six  he  was  married  bv  the   Rev.    Lyman 


PA^i'DON WHIPPLE  IJ'ILKINSON.  523 

Glazier  to  Cvnthia  Mason,  daughter  of  Isaiah  and  Sophia  Mason 
ot' Ira,  being  one  of  the  first  settlers  in  Vermont.  For  the  first 
few  years  the  new  married  couple  kept  house  at  his  father's 
residence,  and  Mr.  W.  engaged  in  the  nuU-wright  business  in 
dillerent  parts  of  the  country — at  Bennington,  Rutland,  Troy, 
and  other  places.  He  soon  became  well  known,  and  had  all  the 
business  he  could  do,  and  was  always  successful  in  his 
engagements.  The  industrial  enterprise  ot  the  State  is  manifested 
by  the  numerous  saw-mills,  grist-mills,  paper-mills,  marble-mills, 
furnices,  S:c.,  scattered  through  its  valleys,  and  no  man  built 
more  of  them  than  Mr.    W. 

In  1829,  he  purchased  a  farm  of  about  one  hundred  acres, 
which  was  subsequently  increased  to  two  hundred,  lying  in  one 
of  the  most  romantic  and  beautifully  valleys  in  the  state  of 
Vermont.  Nature  here  is  lavish  of  her  beauties,  and  presents 
some  of  the  most  picturesque  scenery  in  the  world.  The 
far-famed  Green  Mountains  send  up  their  towering  peaks  which 
trend  away  in  the  distance  till  the  clouds  cap  their  summits,  and 
hide  their  heads  trom  view.  To  the  east,  and  to  the  west,  these 
colonaded  peaks  appear,  and  as  you  come  up  the  valley  from  the 
south,  //a'rr/V,^  mountain  —  teet  high  rises  directly  across  your  path 
and  seems  to  bar  all  further  advance.  Nestled  at  the  southern 
base  of  this  majestic  peak  was  the  house  of  George  Wilkinson, 
and  about  one-fourth  of  a  mile  in  a  southerly  direction,  is  the 
residence  of  Pardon  W .  The  scenery  from  the  top  of  Herrick 
Mountain  is  magnificent  and  beautiful  beyond  the  power  of  words 
to  describe.  Away  to  the  north  is  Lake  Champlain  dotted  with 
islands,  and  fiecked  with  white  sails, — to  the  east,  and 
north-east  the  towering  peaks  and  long  range  of  the  Green 
Mountains  proper, — vyhile  southerly,  nestled  at  your  feet,  lies  one 
of  the  sweetest,  smiling  valleys  this  side  of  the  vale  of  Tempe. 
It  is  nothing  strange  that  some  of  our  most  distinguished  artists 
resort  here  in  summer  to  gather  fresh  beauties  for  their 
canvass. 

Though  the  owner  of  a  farm  Mr.  W.  found  it  more  profitable 


524 


BIOGRJPUr  OF 


to  rent  it,  and  work  at  his  trade.  Vermont  is  not  altogether  a 
grain  producing  state, — -her  staples  being  wool,  maple  sugar,  and 
marble.  Some  of  the  finest  sheep  in  America  are  raised  here,  and 
as  to  marble — Italy  only  excels  her;  and,  it  is  said,  the  state  of 
Louisiana  does  not  produce  more  sugar  than  the  Green  Mountain 
state.  Previous  to  his  marriage  Mr.  W.  was  elected  Justice  of 
the  Peace,  which  office  he  has  held  without  intermissiijn — with 
the  exception  of  a  single  term — for  a  period  of  forty  years.  He 
has  been  selectman — overseer  of  the  Poor — assessor,  ike,  at 
various  times.  1835,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  i 
being  the  Whig  nominee,  and  having  a  free  and  easy  time  in  the 
election,  there  being  no  particular  opposition  to  his  serving  as  a 
Representative  of  the  people.  The  chief  object  of  contention  | 
during  this  session  was  a  bill  for  a  canal  from  Whitehall  to 
Rutland, — the  bill  passed  but  the  canal  was  never  built,  a 
railroad  taking  its  place  a  few  years  aiter.  He  was  re-elected  to 
the  Legislature  several  times,  and  performed  his  duty  faithfully 
and  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  his  constituents.  During  his 
younger  days  he  was  frequently  solicited  to  accept  the  offices  and 
honors  of  the  military  service,  but  always  declined  them,  being  a 
man  of  peace. 

Mr.  W.  has  always  freely  contributed  to  support  the  Baptist 
church  to  which  his  wife  belonged,  and  has  always  been  a  firm 
supporter  of  good  schools.  Formerly  in  Vermont  the  law  required 
one-half  of  the  expense  of  the  schools  to  be  paid  on  the  grand 
list,  and  the  remaining  half  by  the  individuals  who  sent  to  school, 
but  now  the  whole  is  put  upon  the  grand  list,  and  made  a  tax 
upon  the  property,  and  though  he  has  educated  his  own  under 
the  old  system,  and  his  tax  at  present  to  educate  the  children  of 
others  is  more  than  ever, — still  he  raises  no  objection  if  the 
children  are  only  kept  in  school.  He  is  a  firm  supporter  of  the 
free  school  system,  and  believes,  that  upon  the  intelligence  of  the 
people  rests  the  perpetuity  of  republican  institutions.  During 
the  Great  Rebellion  he  took  a  firm  stand  on  the  side  of  the  Union, 
and  heartily  supported  the  administration  of  Abraham    Lincoln. 


I 


CHJRLES  Dy-JFITT  CHARLES  niLKINSON.  525 

Mr.  \V.  was  living  at  Ira,  Vt.,  in  1866  at  the  advanced  age  of 
seventy,  retaining  his  intellectual  and  physical  powers  with 
unabated  vigor.  The  author  has  grateful  recollections  of  the 
hospitality,  and  aid,  extended  to  him  while  collecting  materials 
tor  this  work  in  Vermont. 

— See  /),  227. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XXIV. 


HARLES     De  WITT    CLINTON     WILKINSON, 

C-jinedian.  This  gentleman  was  born  in  Plainfield,  Conn., 
April  2 1  St,  1830.  He  recei\ed  a  liberal  education,  and  was 
intended  tor  a  physician,  but  not  liking  pills  and  potions, 
determined  on  a  mercantile  lite.  It  may  be  well  to  say  here, 
that  he  was,  during  his  "  babyhood,"  known  by  the  illustrious 
cognomen  oi  John,  but  his  tather  being  a  somewhat  erratic 
individual,  concluded  that  as  he  had  no  fortune  to  bestow  on  this 
boy,  he  would  make  up  the  deficiency  in  name,  so  he  was 
henceforth  to  be  known  as  "  DeWitt  Clinton,"  so  his  father 
thought  ;  but  as  will  be  seen,  was  doomed  to  disappointment,  for 
he  has  made  a  name  for  himself,  and  is  known  from  iVIaine 
to  Georgia  as  "  Charlie  Wilkinson."  His  early  life  was 
similar  to  that  of  '•' other  boys,"  and  at  the  age  of  18,  we  tind 
him  fairh'  started  on.  the  great  mercantile  sea,  the  principal 
book-keeper  in  a  large  establishment  in  Providence,  R.  1.,  where 
he  remained  for  three  years.  While  here  he  became  acquainted 
with  several  members  ot  the  theatrical  profession,  who  advised 
him  to  try  his  fortune  on  the  stage.  In  1850,  Dec.  10,  he  made 
his  ''first  appearance"  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  and  was  successful. 
Like  ail  young  aspirants  for  fame,  he  aspired  to  "  tragedy  "  but 
the  audiences  would  laugh  at  his  tragic  endeavors,  which  induced 
him  to  confine  his  efforts  exclusively  to  comedy,  and  his  first 
regular  engagement  was  at  Troy,  N.  Y.      Here  he  attracted  the 


526  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

attention  of  the  celebrated  New  England  inanager,  George 
Wyatt,  who  made  him  such  offers  to  travel  with  him,  that  he 
could  not  refuse  ;  so  in  1852  we  find  him  the  most  popular  voung 
comedian  of  the  day.  He  remained  three  years  with  iVlr  VS^vatt, 
and  many  a  time  has  he  sold  tickets,  led  the  orchestra,  (he  being 
a  good  musician)  and  played  his  parts,  all  on  the  same  night. 
Mr.  Wyatt  was  also,  a  celebrated  comic  actor,  his  particular 
forte  being  "old  men,"  and  many  verv  funny  stories  are  told 
throughout  New  England  to~day.  showing  the  eccentricities  of 
this  favorite  comic  couple.  Tne  death  ot  Mr.  Wyatt,  caused 
the  subject  of  our  sketch  to  look  elsewhere,  and  probably  changed 
the  whole  course  of  his  future   life. 

In  July,  1853,  ^^  married  Miss  Sarah  E.  Fogal,  a  beautiful 
girl  of  only  fifteen  summers,  at  Bridgeport,  Conn.,  by  whom  he 
had  one  child,  a  bright  and  beautiful  boy. — (Frank  Marshall 
Wilkinson.)  The  marriage  proved  an  unhappy  one  for  Mr.  W. 
and  after  two  years  litigation  in  the  Courts  of  Connecticut,  the 
parties  were  divorced,  the  father  retaining  the  child.  This  was 
another  blow  for  him,  but  he  immediately  redoubled  his  exertions, 
and  from  that  to  the  present,  has  been  continually  at  work  with 
varied  success. 

He  has  traveled  everv  state  in  the  Union — playing  in  all  the 
principal  theatres  throughout  the  country.  He  has  been  engaged 
in  all  sorts  of  speculations,  as  manager  and  proprietor,  agent, 
actor  and  author.  Nothing  comes  amiss  to  him.  He  possesses 
the  great  characteristic  of  the  family — a  roving  disposition.  He 
will  never  be  rich,  neither  will  he  be  poor.  He  is  an  ardent  lover 
of  his  profession  and  an  ornament  to  it.  He  has  considered  himself 
an  "outsider"  so  far  as  family  goes,  nearly  all  being  opposed  to 
his  profession,  but  independence  has  been  his  motto,  and  he  has 
never  been  known  to  ask  aid  from  any  man.  He  is  strictly 
temperate,  and  consciencious  in  all  his  dealings.  As  an  artist  he 
holds  a  position  in  the  front  rank,  and  his  services  are  always  in 
demand.  He  possesses  an  unlimited  fund  of  comic  humor, 
which  has  brought  him  safely  through  many  an  emergency  ;  as  he 


JOSEPH  BROIV NELL  WILKINSON.  527 

can  when  he  choses,  give  an  entire  entertainment  alone  and 
unaided.  He  has  twice  been  penniless,  once  in  the  panic  of  i  857, 
when  he  was  manager  of  the  Worcester  Theatre, — but  he  did 
not  long  remain  so,  for  he  immediately  arranged  an  ''Entertainment" 
and  traveled  through  Massachusetts  "showing"  himself  at  fifteen 
cents  a  ticket  ;  his  "show"  was  in  Webster,  tweKe  miles  from 
home,  and  he  cleared  above  all  expenses,  .$8.00.  This  gave  him 
capital  again,  and  he  says  was  the  "  biggest  $8.00  he  ever  saw." 
He  has  a  way  of  "getting  out  of  a  scrape  "  peculiar  to  himself. 
Like  most  true  \ankees,  vou  never  know  he  is  in  trouble  till  he 
is  out  of  it.  We  are  able  to  say,  that  sociallv  Mr.  W.  is  a  kind 
and  generous  man,  no  needy  person,  e\  er  leaves  him  empty-handed. 
He  is  "  is  quick  to  serve  and  slow  to  injure,"  especiallv  those  of 
his  own  calling.  His  zeal  often  leads  him  into  discussion  in 
regard  to  his  profession,  and  unless  his  opposer  is  extra  posted, 
he  is  glad  to  withdraw  in  a  brief  spacf  of  time,  As  will  be  seen 
Mr.  W.  is  now  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  bids  fan-  to  reach  a  good 
old  age,  and  the  acme  of   his   profession. 

— See  p.  268. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XXV 


OSEPH  BROWNELL  WILKINSON,  son  of  Almadus 
and  Margaret  (Mageej  Wilkinson,  was  born  in  Scituate, 
R.  L,  Oct.  7,  1S18,  near  the  birth  place  of  the  distinguished 
Stephen  Hopkins.  His  parents,  at  the  time  of  his  birth,  were 
residing  on  the  premises  originallv  taken  up  bv  the  first  Joseph 
Wilkinson,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Scituate.  The  old 
homestead,  consisting  of  a  farm  and  tavern  stand,  which  had 
been  in  the  possession  of  the  Wilkinson's  for  one  hundred  and 
twenty  years,  was  sold  in  1820,  and  the  family  moved  to  Hemlock, 
in  the  town  of  Foster.  Here  Mr.  W.  continued  the  hotel  business 
about  two  years,  when  he  purchased  a  farm  at  "  Round's  Hill," 
where  he  removed  in  the  spring  of  1822.      At  this  place  Joseph 


528  BIOGRAPin  OF 

passed  ten  years  oi  his  life,  aidinu;  his  hither  on  the  farm,  and 
attending  school  winters,  and,  as  he  says, — "■  with  poor  success 
in  learning," — and  this  must  be  the  confession  of  multitudes  of 
men,  when  they  look  back  upon  their  school  going  days,  and 
observe  the  manner  the  intervals  of  study  were  filled  up  with  the 
sports  of  youth.  In  1B32,  Mr.  W.  moved  his  family  to 
Providence,  and  resumed  tavern-keeping  on  Christian  Hill, 
Joseph  was  now  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  by  his  persevering 
industry  and  devotion  to  business,  was  of  great  help  to  his  father. 
George,  an  older  brother,  having  left  home,  Joseph  found  his 
labors  somewhat  increased,  and  greater  responsibilities  resting 
upon  him,  as  the  entire  business  of  the  hotel  now  devolved  upon 
him  and  his  father.  He  took  charge  of  the  barn  which  frequently 
contained  fifty  yoke  of  oxen  and  one  hundred  horses — -for  in  that 
day,  when  railroads  were- almost  entirely  unknown,  a  hotel  in  a 
city  like  Providence,  was  a  small  affair,  if  it  did  not  frequently 
contain  this  number  of  oxen  and  horses.  For  the  convenience 
of  waiting  upon  arrivals  in  the  night,  Joseph  slept  in  a  "  bunk  " 
in  the  bar-room,  where  his  slumbers  were  far  from  being  "sweet 
and  unbroken."  Notwithstanding  these  multiplied  duties,  and 
the  constant  draft  made  upon  him  night  and  day,  he  found  time 
to  engage  in  speculations  for  his  own  benefit,  and  with  the 
consent  and  aid  of  his  father,  bought  and  sold  wood — delivering 
it  in  small  parcels  about  town,  much  to  the  convenience  of  his 
customers,  and  with  no  inconsiderable  profit  to  himself.  Here 
we  see  the  business  talent  which  has  characterized  him  during 
a  long  and  successful  engagement  in  mercantile  pursuits,  and  the 
saying  that — "  the  child  is  father  of  the  man  "  was  never  more 
truthfully  illustrated.  "  At  the  age  of  sixteen,  "  he  says,  "  I 
began  to  realize  for  the  first  time  the  want  of  an  education,  and 
resolved  with  the  approval  of  my  father  and  mother  to  attend 
school. 

The  school  he  selected  was  taught  by  a  Mr,  Wainvfright,  and 
he  continued  under  the  instruction  of  this  worthy  gentleman  about 
three  months  when  Mr.  Wainwright  died.      This  proved  to  be 


JOSEPH  BROlt  NELL  WILKINSON.  529 

his  last  school,  as  he  immediatelv  thereafter,  with  the  consent  of 
his  parents  and  the  assistance  ot  his  sister  Mary  Ann,  made 
arran2;ements  with  Westcott  Handv'  ol  Pro\  idence  to  learn  the 
tailor's  trade.  He  agreed  to  serve  two  \ears  for  the  inconsiderable 
compensation  of  h:s  board  fjr  the  lent  year.  Here  he  was  initiated 
into  all  the  mysteries  of  the  trade,  and  at  the  expiration  of  the 
term  of  his  apprenticeship,  Mr.  H.  being  invoked,  it  was  deemed 
advisable  bv  him  to  secure  his  apprentice's  ser\ices,  and 
arrangements  were  made  co  that  effect.  However,  after  a  'iz^N 
months  Mr.  H.  found  it  impossible  to  continue  business,  and — 
gi\  ing  his  goods  into  the  hands  of  his  creditors — made  an 
honorable   settlement. 

Finding  himself  suddenly  out  of  employment,  with  only  sixty 
dollars  saved  from  his  earnings,  Joseph  resolved  to  commence 
business  on  his  own  account.  He  was  now  ninteen  years  of  ao-e, 
and  having  nj  rich  relatives  to  aid  him,  he  realized  that  his 
success  in  life  depended  upon  his  own  exertions,  and  he  boldly 
launched  his  little  bark  upon  the  stormy  sea  of  mercantile 
enterprise.  He  opened  a  small  store  on  Christian  Hill,  and, 
having  secured  a  limited  credit  at  Hatchings  and  Ingalls  with  the 
gaurantee  of  his  father  for  one  hundred  dollars, — he  secured  the 
services  of  a  few  apprentice  girls  working  for  other  shops,  and 
resolutely  and  perscveringly  applied  himself  to  make  this  first 
eftbrt  a  success.  At  the  expiration  of  five  months  he  took  an 
account  of  stock — footed  up  the  cash  book, — and  the  balance 
sheet  exhibited  a  net  gain  of  four  hundred  dollars  I  Encouraged 
by  his  success  he  engaged  more  extensively  in  his  business  and  by 
perseverance  and  rigid  economy  he  found  his  efforts  rewarded  by 
the  most  gratifying  results.  It  was  a  rule  v/ith  him  to  meet  every 
demand  promptly  at  the  time  agreed,  and  by  so  doing  he  secured 
the  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  dealt,  and  acquired  a  reputation 
and  credit  unusual  for  a  youth  of  his  limited   means. 

About  this  time  his  father  died,  and  the  care  of  a  family  to  a 
certain  extent  devolved  upon  him.      He  was  always  dutiful  to  his 

widowed  mother,  and  entertained  for  her  the  fondest  affection. 
68 


53^ 


B I  OCR  A  PHY  OF 


In  1837,  he  renu)\'ed  his  business  to  69  v\'estminster  St.,  and 
associated  Daniel  C.  Eaton  with  him,  and  ontinneJ  hu?iness 
under  the  firm  name  ot  '■'•Wilkinson  &  Eaton."  At  the  expiration 
of  the  year  a  dissolution  was  affected,  Mr.  Wilkinson  retaining 
the  store  with  small  profit  to  himself.  In  1839,  he  removed  to 
North  Main  St.  and  continued  the  custom  tailoring  business. 

In  1840,  the  question  ot  univeral  sulTrage  was  agitated  in  the 
state  of  R.  I.  The  old  charter,  granted  by  the  King  of  England, 
which  recognized  property  qualificaiion  in  voters,  had  been  the 
basis  of  government,  and  the  masses  ot  the  people  weie  not 
permitted  to  participate  in  the  elective  franchise.  Thomas  W, 
Dorr,  a  highly  respected  citizen  ot  Providence  took  a  prominent 
part  in  this  popular  move  and  was  elected  Governor  bv  the  people. 
The  move  was  strongly  opposed  bv  the  ''•  Law  and  Order"  party, 
and  this  struggle  has  passed  into  history  as  the  "  Dorr  Rebellion." 
Mr.  Wilkinson  took  an  active  part  in  tavor  ot  Gov.  Dorr,  and 
was  a  zealous  supporter  ot  the  reform.  He  held  a  commission 
in  the  ancient  and  honorable  tram  or  Artillery,  and  had  t!ie  honor 
of  commanding  said  company  in  domg  escort  on  the  arrival  or 
Gov.  Dorr  from  Washington.  On  this  occasion  it  was  expected 
by  some,  and  perhaps,  by  Dorr  himself,  that  I'orcible  means 
would  be  used  in  taking  possession  or  the  Armory  and  State 
House,  and  that  he  should  be  established  in  the  gubernato!  ial 
chair  vi  et  arnih^  at  the  risk  of  blood  and  lite.  Wilkinson, 
although  anxious  to  secure  the  same  object,  was  not  in  tavor  ot 
shedding  blood,  and  presented  himself  at  the  depot  without  the 
guns.  Dorr  seemed  disappointed,  but  atter  a  moment's  reflection, 
requested  Wilkinson,  to  form  in  line  and  march  to  the  Armory. 
The  order  was  obeyed,  and  the  Armory  taken  possession  ot 
without  opposition. 

The  subsequent  defeat  of  Dorr's  plans  and  mortification  of  his 
friends  contributed  in  no  small  degree  to  influence  Mr.  Wilkinson 
to  find  another  field  of  labor,  and  a  home  more  congenial  to  his 
feelings  and  sentiments,  and  having  through  the  influence  ot 
one  of  the  Judges  secured  a  pass,  left  the  State.    By  mere  accident 


JO S E PH  B R  0  i/'XE LL  11  'IL  A  INS O N.  5  3 1 


"■  Denioc! JL  Tro\,"  \.  ^  .  was  selected  as  hiS  future  home.  In 
1842  he  and  his  brother  George  jointiv  contnbucing  a  cash 
capital  of  ,'::)2500  opened  a  read\-niade  clothing  store,  169  River 
Street,  and  coninienced  business,  notwithstanding  the  predictions 
of  failure  from  rnanv  false  prophets  in  that  vicinity.  It  was  a  new 
enterprise — there  beinsj  no  clothing  store  in  Trov  at  that  time, 
and  no  one  could  predict  the  result,  but,  tuUv  realizing  that 
"  resolution  is  omnipotent,"  and  that  devotion  to  business,  and 
sound  judgmeiit  m  tiaiftc  seldom  tad,  the\'  stemmed  the  tide  of 
opposition,  and  their  experiment  proved  a  success.  Within  a 
few  \tdi'<  the\  had  secured  a  large  and  prosperous  patiunage,  and 
had  acquired  the  enviable  distinction  of  being  iirst-class  business 
men.  ''Thev  not  only  succeeded  "  savs  a  writer  in  the  '•'Albany 
Cour.tv  Democrat  " — "■  but  induced  others  to  try  their  success  in 
the  same  line  01  business,  so  that  at  this  time  ;  i866)  there  is  not 
a  business  street  in  the  citv  that  one  or  more  of  these  establishments 
are  not  to  be  found,  doing  a  large  and  prosperous  business, 
monopolizing  almost  the  entne  of  this  class  of  business,  cheapening 
the  cost  or  clotiiing  to  an  extent  that  has  secured  not  onlv  the 
patronage  of  the  ckn,  but  of  the  surrounding  country.  These 
establishments  are  an  advantage  to  the  citv,  as  thev  enable  any 
one  to  supply  his  wants  without  delay,  and  at  a  rate  greatly  below 
what  you  have  to  pay  at  custom  shops  in  the  city,  and  just  as 
good  and  fashionable  as  they  can  furnish  you.  It  is  remarkable 
the  extent  of  these  establishments  which  have  grown  up  under 
their  success,  who  were  the  first  to  establish  them.  They  may 
be  considered  the  founders  of  them."  "After  about  eight  years 
close  application  to  business,  Joseph  B.  Wilkinson  retired  from 
the  Troy  establishment,  and  opened  a  like  establishment  in  the 
citv  of  New  York,  leaving  his  brother  George  P.  to  continue 
the  business  in  Tro\'  on  his  own  account.  Finding  that  the 
prospect  of  a  speedy  acquisition  of  wealth  in  that  business  in  the 
city  of  New  York  did  not  meet  his  expectations,  or  come  up 
to  the  standard  as  the  city  of  1  roy,  he  connected  with  that 
business  a  speculation  in  real  estate,  and  was  in  the  full  tide  of 
successful  experiment  in  this  line  of  business  when  his  brother 
George  P.  died.  Feeling  it  his  duty  to  return  to  Troy,  to  aid  in 
closing  up  his  brother's  affairs  and  ascertaining  the  success  that 
had  crowned  his  etTorts,  he  purchased  the  interest  of  his  brother's 


532  BIOGRAPHT  OF 

heirs  and  continued  the  business  on  his  own  account,  —  liolaing 
on  to  his  unsold  real  estate  purchases,  out  ot  which  subsequent 
sales,  he  has  realized  satisfactory  gains.  It  is  represented  to  us 
by  those  who  profess  to  know  his  pecuniary  condition,  that  he 
could  retire  from  business  in  the  cit\'  at  once,  with  an  estate  of 
over  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  So  much  tor  Rhode  Islaiid 
industry,  economy  and  devotion  to  business." 

The  same  author  continues — '■''  He  is  a  quiet,  but  an  untiring, 
energetic  and  thorough  business  man.  It  is  these  qualities  that 
secure  success  to  business.  He  honestlv  won  it,  and  richlv 
merits  its  rewards.  The  habits  of  industry,  economy  and 
untirino-  devotion  to  whate\er  business  they  are  engaged  in,  are 
Rhode  Island  virtues,  which  is  a  portion  of  their  education  and 
upon  which  they  rely  for  success.  That  such  men  should  prosper 
and  be  successful  is  only  the  just  reward  that  is  due  to  practice 
of  these  habits.  We  rejoice  to  witness  the  success  of  these  men, 
and  it  gives  us  pleasure  to  chronicle  their  histories.  They  are 
the  men  who  give  business  character  to  cities,  and  contribute  to 
their  growth  in  population  and  their  advancement  in  wealth  and 
prosperity." 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilkinson  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church 
of  Troy — Rev.  Henry  C.  Potter,  Rector.  Mr.  VV.  is  a  member 
of  the  vestry,  and  takes  an  active  part  in  all  the  deliberations 
and  enterprises  which  tend  to  advance  the  temporal  and  spiritual 
prosperity  of  the  church.  In  all  matters  ot  benevolence  and 
charity,  he  is  not  a  whit  behind  the  m<3St  liberal,  and  realizes  the 
truthfulness  of  our  Savior's  saying — "  It  is  more  blessed  to  give 
than  to  receive."  He  is  a  friend  of  popular  education,  conservative 
in  politics,  liberal  in  religion,  social,  genial,  and  tond  of  the 
company  of  learned  men.  One  trait  of  his  character  is  vforthy 
of  note,  and  is  expressed  by  Wordsworth,  as  follows — 

"The  dignity  of  lift;  is  not  impaired 
By  ougiit  that  innocently  satisfies 
The  hunihler  cravings  of  the  heart." 

See  p.  272. 


BIOGRAPHY  XXVI. 


NDREVV  JACKSON  WILKINSON  the  sonofAlmadus 
and  Margaret  (Magee)  Wilkinson  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Foster,  R.  I.,  May  20,  1H30.  Plaving  lost  his  father  at  an  early 
age  his  elder  brother  and  sisters  helped  him  to  an  education  such 
as  he  could  obtain  at  a  distiict  school  until  he  was  fourteen  years 
of  aije.  iSA  eight eeu\\':t  was  c.-<t:-)blished  in  business  in  Troy,  N.  Y., 
b\'  his  brother  George.  At  tivoitx-four  he  had  acquired  a 
competencv  for  a  single  \\\\\\^  and  having  a  passion  to  see  the 
world,  he  determined  to  quit  business  and  visit  Europe.  In  April, 
1 854-,  he  embarked  at  New  York  as  Bearer  of  Dispatches 
from  William  L.  Marcy,  the  then  Secretary  of  State,  to  the 
United  States  Ministers  in  London  and  in  Paris,  which  he  delivered 
in  Liverpool  to  a  mcssen'^er  appointed  to  receive  them.  He  then 
ccjmmenced  a  tour  of  England,  Wales,  Ireland  and  Scotland  — 
France,  Piedmont,  Tuscany —The  Papal  States,  Lombardy, 
Switzerland,  Baden,  The  Two  Hesses,  Rhenish  Prussia,  and 
Prussia  proper. — The  Rhine  from  Mayence  to  Cologne,  Holland 
and  Belgium.  He  visited  Liverpool,  Manchester,  York,  Stratford 
on  Avon,  Windsor  Castle,  Chesterland,  Bangor, — Crossing  the 
Irish  Channel  from  Holyhead  to  Kingstown  he  \'isited  Dublin, 
Clonmell,  Cork,  and  traveled  by  stage  coach  and  row-boat  along 
the  south  coast  and  on  the  waters  ot  Bantry  Bay,  through  the 
district  memorable  as  the  scene  of  the  Irish  famine  ot  1848,  to 
Bandon,  Bantiy,  and  Glengarift.  There  he  took  a  jaunting  car 
over  the  Kerry  mountains  to  the  Lakes  of  Killarney.    Returning 


534  B/OGRJPIIl  OF 

to  Dublin,  he  traveled  north  to  Belfast,  and  thcr  Giant's  Causeway, 
thence  he  returned  to  Belfast,  and  crossed  the  channel  to  Glasgow. 
While  here  he  made  an  excursion  to  the  birthplace  of  Burns, 
and  saw  the  house  where  he  lived  and  died.  Leaving  Glasgow 
he  visited  Loch  Lomond,-  Loch  Katrine,  and  the  Highlands  oi 
Scotland.  Bv  the  way  of  Stirling  and  the  P'rith  of  Forth  he 
entered  Edinburgh.  While  here  he  paid  a  \isit  to  Drvburgh 
Abbey  where  the  remains  of  Sir  Waker  Scott  now  repose. 
Returning  to  London  he  attended  the  opening  of  Crystal  Palace 
at  Svdenham — Qiieen  Victoria,  Prince  Albert  and  the  Royal 
family  of  England  with  the  King  of  Portugal  took  part  in  the 
ceremonies.  From  London  he  crossed  the  England  Channel 
and  traveled  to  Paris  by  rail.  From  Paris  to  Marseilles  by  the 
way  of  Lyons  and  Avignon.  From  Marseilles  he  proceeded  on  1 
his  journey  by  steamer  on  the  IVleditcrranean,  touching  at  Genoa, 
the  birth-place  of  Columbus,  and  Leghorn.  The  end  of  the 
voyage  was  reached  at  Civitta  Yecchia.  From  this  place  he 
reached  Rome  on  the  night  of  the  festival  of  St.  Peter  and  St. 
Paul.  The  Eternal  city  was  brilliantly  illuminated  and  the  „ 
streets  were  thronged  with  moving  thousands  of  people. 
Visitino-  all  of  the  noted  objects  of  interest  in  that  remarkable 
city,  that  could  be  seen  in  a  fortnight's  stay,  he  returned  to 
Civitta  Vecchia,  and  by  steamer  reached  Leghorn.  From  here 
he  went  to  Pisa  and  Florence,  and  thence  over  the  Appenines  to 
Bologna,  Ferrara  and  Padua  to  Venice.  From  Venice  to  Milan. 
At  Ferrara  he  became  acquainted  with  a  Cardian  gentleman 
he  calls  Parker.  He  was  a  verv  tall  man — standing  more  than 
six  feet  high,  with  legs  in  proportion.  Wilkinson's  height  being 
but  five  feet,  eight  inches,  they  were  not  very  well  matched  in 
this  respect.  Mr.  P.  was  like  some  other  travelers  short  of 
money,  and  in  Venice  he  borrowed  from  Wilkinson,  and  this 
made  them  intimate  during  the  time  thev  were  traveling  the  same 
route.  They  both  were  going  to  Switzerland,  and  Parker 
proposed  after  leaving  Milan  that  thev  forsake  the  diligence,  or 
coach   at  Domo  d'  Ossola  (a  little  village  at  the  foot  of  the  Alps 


JXDREir  JJCKSON  IVILKINSON.  535 

on  the  Italian  side,  and  walk  over  the  Sirnplon  Pass  to  Brieo;  on 
the  Swiss  side  at  the  toot  ot  the  Simplon  road.  This  was  a 
distance  ot  45  miles.  The\'  sent  their  baggage  by  the  diligence, 
and  according  to  pr3grAm:ne  beJin  th^  ascent.  For  the  first  five 
miles  \Vilkinson  kept  up  with  Parker  without  extraordinary 
ti.gitue,  but  when  the\-  reached  Delia  a  small  Italian  village  ten 
mdes  from  their  starting  point,  Parker's  long  legs  ben;an  to  be  too 
much  lor  Wilkinson.  Thev  stopt  there  that  night  and  at  dav-break 
being  somewhat  letreshed  thev  started  again.  It  was  a  hot 
August  dav  and  the  sun  ot  Italy  was  exhausting.  They  had 
a.ii  ed  within  a  mile  of  the  Hospice  on  the  summit  of  Simplon 
Pass  when  vVilkinson  tainted  from  sheer  tatigue,  tailing  down 
insensible.  VVhen  aroused  to  consciousness  he  found  himself 
borne  on  the  backs  ot  laborers,  who  had  been  breaking  stones 
on  the  road.  Thev  conveyed  him  to  the  Hospital  and  the 
monks  in  charge  put  him  to  bed,  covered  him  with  blankets  and 
administered  restoratives  with  such  good  effect,  that  he  awoke 
next  mornmg,  ate  a  hc-artv  breaktasr,  and  felt  as  well  as  ever. 
For  all  this  attention  so  kindly  bestowed,  nc  remuneration  was 
accepted  directly.  All  travelers  have  an  opportunity  to  contribute 
to  this  noble  charity  by  depositing  what  amount  they  see  fit  in  the 
contribution  box  alwa\'S  to  be  found  in  the  chapel  ot  the  Hospice. 
In  writing  ot  this  event,  .Mr.  W  .  says,  "I  did  not  fail  to  perform 
this  duty,  and  with  a  o:rateiul  heart  took  my  leave  of  those 
hospitable  monks."  Thev  walked  the  balance  of  the  way  to 
Brieg,  and  came  into  that  town  perfectly  fresh.  Here  they  took 
the  diligence  tor  Villanuo\a,  and  from  that  place  by  steamer  on 
Lake  Leman  to  Geneva.  He  left  Switzerland  by  Lausanne, 
Neufchatel,  and  Basle.  From  Basle  to  Strasburg.  At  Kehl  he 
entered  Germany,  and  visited  Baden  Baden,  Hombourg, 
Heidelbero,  Cologne,  Potsdam,  Berlin,  and  the  City  of  Hamburg. 
He  left  Hamburg  in  a  steamer  tor  Amsterdam,  passing  through 
the  Zu\der  Zee.  After  seeing  the  most  of  North  Holland  he 
departed  for    Rotterdam, — then    to    Antwerp,  and   thence  to   the 


536  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

Hague.    He  also  \isitcd  Brussels  and  the  famous  lield  ot"  Waterloo. 
This  closed  the  tour. 

In  a  letter  to  the  compiler,  Mr.  W.  says,  "■  C3n  my  leturn  to 
Paris  I  was  met  by  some  American  rriends,  who  urged  me  to 
remain  a  fortnight  beyond  the  time  I  had  Hxed  to  return  home, 
by  so  doing,  I  could  take  the  steamship,  Arctic  of  the  Collins's 
line,  and  have  the  pleasure  ot  their  company.  I  was  in  haste  to 
reach  home,  and  declined.  It  was,  perhaps,  the  means  of 
escaping  death  at  that  time.  The  Arctic  was  run  into  by  a  French 
steamer  off  the  coast  of  Newfoundland  and  sunk  in  a  few  minutes. 
Those  friends,  who  had  urged  me  to  accompany  them — perished  ! 
I  had  been  two  weeks  at  home,  when  the  news  of  this  appalling 
calamity    reached  me." 

For  three  years  previous  to  his  visit  to  Europe,  Mr.  W.  had 
been  engaged  in  the  wholesale  clothing  business  in  New  York 
City.  After  his  return  to  America  he  engaged  in  business  in 
Troy,  N.  Y.  In  the  spring  oi  1856,  he  removed  to  the  west, 
and- — ■  settled  as  a  wholesale  and  retail  druggist  in  Keokuk,  Iowa. 
During  his  residence  there  he  has  aided  with  other  gentlemen  in 
establishing  a  Public  Library,  which  has  become  an  important 
institution  of  the  town.  Its  property  is  valued  at  $10,000, — has 
over  4000  volumes  of  books,  and  in  the  collection  valuable  and 
extensive  works  on  histor)-,  the  sciences,  arts,  manufactures,  and 
philosophy, — -copious  works  of  reference,  and  miscellany  for  the 
general  reader.  He  was  elected  its  hrst  President,  and  has  been 
annually  re-elected  ever  since,  having  rilled  the  office  for  three 
years.  His  report  and  resignation  were  published  in  the  Daily 
Gate  City  of  Keokuk,  Iowa,  May  10,  1866.  The  following 
article  taken  from  the  Troy  Daily  Times  exhibits  the  estimation 
in  which  he  is  held  by  his  friends  in  the  latter  city. 

"Andrew  J.  Wilkinson,  formerly  a  resident  and  merchant  of 
Troy — brother  of  J.  B.  Wilkinson,  of  this  city, — is  one  of  the 
most  prominent  and  enterprising  citizens  of  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where 
he  has  resided  the  past  ten  years.  Mr.  W.  was  the  leading  spirit 
in  organizing  the  Library  Association  of  that  young  and 
flourishing  city  of  the  west,  and  is  President  of  the  institution, 
which  is  modeled  for  the  most  part  after  our  Young  Men's 
Association.      We  have  in  a  recent  number  cf  the  Keokuk  Daily 


GEORGE  It  IL  L I  AM  IV I L  KINS  ON.  5  3  7 

Gate  Cit)\  Mr.  W.'s  third  report — a  concise  and  well  written 
statement  ot  the  affairs  ot  the  Association,  which  has  been  since 
its  organization  under  his  charge  as  its  President,  The  value 
of  its  books  and  other  property  is  stated  to  be  $10,000, — a  good 
start  surely,  tor  three  \ears.  iViany  of  the  leading  papers  oF  the 
country  are  taken,  including  the  Troy  Daily  Times.  iVlr.  W.  in 
his  new  held,  and  with  ample  means  and  ready  business  talent  at 
his  command,  exhibits  the  family  characteristic  of  zeal  in  his 
undertakings,  and  the  perseverance  and  thorough  good  sense  that 
know  no  such  word  as  fail.  He  has  the  best  wishes  of  hosts  of 
Trojan  friends." 

The  author  is  under  obligations  to  Mr.  W,  for  the  interest  he 
has  manifested  in  this  work,  and  the  aid  he  has  given  in  instituting 
researches  in  England  concerning  Lawrence  ^\Ww\%o\-\^et  cetera. 

His  spirit  and  enterprise  fully  sustains  the  reputation  of  his 
ancestors,  who,  in  the  early  days  of  the  Republic,  were  noted 
for  the  encouragement  they  gave  to  industrial  and  literary  pursuits. 

He  has  recently  been  elected  alderman  of  the  Third  Ward  of 
the  city  of  Keokuk,  and  appointed  by  the  mayor,  chairman  of  the 
finance  committee — a  position,  at  the  present  time,  in\ol\'ing 
considerable  labor  and  skillful  financiering,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
the  city  is  indebted  o\  er  a  million  of  dollars,  which,  although 
she  does  not  in  fact  repudiate,  \et  under  existing  circumstances, 
does  not  find  it  convenient  to  pay.  Mr.  Wilkinson  is  regarded 
fully  competent  to  the  task,  and  it  is  confidently  hoped  that  the 
result  will  demonstrate  the  wisdom  of   the  appointment. 

Since  the  above  was  penned  Mr.  W.  has  been  elected  Mayor 
of  the  city   Keokuk.  — ^S"^^  p.  273. 


BIOGRAPHY  XXVII. 

l^jEORGE  WILLIAM  WILKINSON,  the  oldest  son  of 
Ibi^iil  Pardon  W.  and  Cynthia  (Mason)  his  wife,  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Ira,  Vt.  In  his  youth  he  manifested  a  love  for  the 
mechanical  arts,  and  the  rivulet  that  flowed  through  his  father's 
farm  was  the  scene  of  his  first  efforts  in  the  mill-wright  business. 
69 


538  BIOGRAPHY  OF 

Its  waters  were  diverted  to  turn  his  miniature  grist- and  saw-mills, 
and  grind-stones,  and,  as  he  advanced  in  years,  he  rose  to  the 
more  important  principles  and  works  of  art,  and  stood  at  the  head 
of  this  industrial  enterprise  in  the  State  of  Vermont.  His  first 
permanent  engagement  was  with  Mr.  Hyde  of  H\de\ille,  where 
he  remained  for  nearly  seven  N-ears,  as  the  principal  overseer  of 
the  various  mills  at  that  place.  He  was  extensively  engaged  in 
building  mills  in  his  native  state  ;  and  so  important  had  become 
the  marble  works  ;  and  his  ingenuity  and  reputation  as  a  mechanic 
so  extensively  known,  that  he  was  called  out  of  the  state  to  plan 
and  construct  establishments  of  this  kind.  At  Philadelphia  he 
erected  a  large  marble  factory  at  a  cost  of  about  ^40,000,  and 
all  the  improvements  that  had  been  made  in  the  extensive  works 
at  Rutland,  Vt.,  were  introduced  here  to  the  entire  satisfaction 
of  Mr.  Jacobi,  his  emplover.  After  his  return  from  Philadelphia, 
he  engaged  with  Mr.  Ripley  in  Rutland,  in  his  flouring  and 
marble  mills,  and  subsequently  made  arrangements  to  go  to 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  to  erect  and  put  in  operation  marble  works  in 
that  city.  Previous  to  going  to  Cleveland,  he  went  to  Poultney, 
to  repair  a  mill,  and  while  there,  was  seized  with  a  fatal  malady 
which  terminated  his  useful  life.  The  marble  men  in  Rutland 
erected  to  his  memory  a  beautiful  monument,  which  marks  his 
last  resting  place  near  the  present  residence;  of  his  uncle  Ira, 
about  four  miles  south  of  West  Rutland.  The  following  obituary 
is  taken  from  a  Vermont  paper  : 

"Died — On  the  12A  of  March,  1855,  at  West  Poultney, 
after  an  illness  of  only  forty  hours,  George  W.  Wilkinson  of 
Ira,  in  the  32d  year  of  his  age.  Mr.  W.  was  truly  a  valuable 
citizen — one  of  those  unostentatious,  practical,  sound-minded 
men,  whose  usefulness  we  need,  and  whose  loss  we  deplore.  He 
has  for  many  years  been  known,  and  much  beloved  by  the 
community  in  which  he  has  resided.  He  has  from  the  morning 
of  life,  studiously  and  unremittingly  ascended  the  hill  of  science  ->i 
with  unwonted  success,  and  had  attained  the  summit  of  his 
profession." 

His  education  was  acquired  in  the   district  school  in  his  native 
town,  and  at  Poultney  and    Castleton  Seminaries,   and    although 


GEORGE  fVILLl.lM  IVILKINSON.  539 

not  liberallv  educated  t'.e  was  a  man  of  great  native  talents,  and 
possessed  in  a  remarkable  degree  an  intuitive  knowledge  of  the 
mechanic  arts. 

At  the  age  of  twent\ -nine  he  married  Helen  Joy  of  Poultney, 
and  b\'  her  had  one  child  ot  such  sweetness  of  disposition,  and 
beauty  of  features,  that  she  was  universally  loved  and  admired 
by  all  Vv'ho  knew  her.  Her  name  was  Helen  Antoinette,  but  she 
was  called  bv  the  pet  name  "•Liilie,"  wherever  she  went.  With 
a  bearing  tar  above  her  years,  and  a  judgment  truly  marvelous, 
she  was  too  delicate — too  promising — too  ethereal  to  remain  long 
in  this  vain  world.  She  longed  to  see  her  father,  who  had  gone 
to  '■'■that  bourn  from  whence  no  traveler  returns  " — and  often  said 
— after  she  was  seized  with  that  fatal  destroyer  of  children,  diptheria 
— '•'•that  she  would  like  to  die — for  then  she  could  see  her  father." 
Her  wish  was  answered  and  she  fell  asleep.  In  the  Rutland 
Herald  the  following  obituary  notice  appeared  : 

"•Died — In  this  village  on  the  13th  day  of  Nov.,  1859, 'Lillie 
H.'  only  danghter  ol"  Helen,  and  the  late  George  W.  Wilkinson 
of  Ira,  aged  6  yrs.   i   mo.  16  days. 

Roses  bloom  and  then  they   wither, 

Cheeks  are  bright  then  fade  and  dif, 
Hopes  of  hfe  are  wafted  hither, 

Ti:on  like  visions  hurry  bv" 

An  ambrotype  taken  after  death  reveals  the  fairest  form  of 
human  mould  with  a  smile  wreathing  her  sweet  face,  and  her 
eyes  closed,  as  W.  calm  slumber  and  pleasant  dreams  were  occupying 
her  mind.  Attached  to  the  picture  are  the  following  stanzas 
placed  there  by  a  loving  hand,  which  had  often  led  her,  and 
smoothed  her  lair  brow  in  death. 

"I  saw  her  lobed  in  white  as  they  decked  her  for  the  tomb, 
And  laid  upon  her  breast  a  sweet  blossom  in  its  bloom,- 
A  smile  of  beauty  lingered  upon  her  face  so  fair, 
It  seemed  as  if  an  angel  were  sweetly  slumbering  there. 

I  saw  her  once  again  in  the  vision  of  the  night. 
She  seemed  a  little  cherub  in  her  robes  of  snowy  white, 
A  harp  was  in  her  hand  and  a  garland  on  her  brow, 
Forever  more  an  angel — Oh  !   Such  I  see  her  now." 

— See  p.  289. 


BIOGRAPHY  NO.  XXVIII. 

HARLES  BROWNELL  WILKINSON,  son  of 
Thomas  Knight  Wilkinson  and  Lydia  (Salisbury,)  was 
born  Oct.  15,  1827,  commenced  the  study  of  the  law  in  the  law 
office  of  Carpenter  and  Fowler,  Waterville,  N.  Y.,  in  1846,— 
completed  his  studies  in  the  office  of  Mann  and  Edmonds, 
Utica,  N.  Y.,  was  admitted  to  practice  as  an  attorney  and 
counselor,  at  Albany,  in  February,  1849.  I"  March,  1850, 
entered  into  co-partnership  with  Messrs.  Hubbard  and  Terry, 
alcohol  manufacturers  in  Waterville,  Oneida  county  ;  the 
partnership  being  dissolved  by  limitation,  May  i,  1855.  He 
then  removed  to  Toledo,  Ohio,  and  was  President  of  the  ''■  Toledo 
Nursery  Association"  from  June,  1855  to  June  1856,  when  he 
removed  to  Deansville,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  erected  a 
large  distillery  and  flouring  mill.  In  1858  and  1859,  he  was 
chosen  supervisor  of  the  town  of  Marshall  (in  which  Deansville 
is  located.)  In  the  fall  of  1859,  he  was  the  Democratic 
nominee  of  the  second  district  of  Oneida  County,  which  district, 
being  over  2000  Republican,  elected  his  opponent  ; — Mr.  VV^. 
running  ahead  of  his  party  ticket  in  every  town  in  the  district. 
In  1854,  he  started  the  Waterville  yourual^  a  weekly  newspaper 
published  in  Waterville,  N.  Y.,  which  paper  he  continued  to  edit 
till  his  removal  to  Ohio  in  1855.  While  living  in  Deansville,  •> 
N.  Y.  in  1857,  ^^  began  the  publication  of  the  Waterville 
Times^ — the  ^'■"Jourtiar'  having  died  within  a  year  after  he  left  it 
— and  maintained    his   connection   with    that    paper  till  January, 


CHAR  LES  BR  0 IP  NELL  UlLKINSON.  54 1 

i860,  when  he  disposed  ot  his  interest  in  the  Titnes^  and  Deansvile 
Mills,  and  removed  to  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  where  he  resumed  the 
practice  of  the  law,  A'hich  profession  ceased  to  be  remunerative 
there  on  the  breaking  out  ot  the  Rebellion  in  lb6i, — no  civil  or 
ciiininal  courts  being  held  in  Missouri  except  in  the  city  of  St. 
Louis,  for  o\er  three  years.  In  Sept.,  1861,  and  while  Mr. 
Wilkinson  was  clerk  in  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Indian 
Affairs,  the  rebels  took  possession  ot  St.  Joseph,  and  he  being 
known  as  a  correspondent  of  the  N.  1'.  Tribune^  Missouri 
Democrat  and  St.  Louis  Republican^  as  well  as  the  author  ot  a 
radically  Union  editorial  in  the  St.  Joseph  'Journal — published  on 
the  morning  of  their  entrance  into  that  city — an  order  was  written 
by  the  rebel  commander  tor  his  arrest,  which  order  would  have 
been  executed,  as  well  as  the  party  mentioned  therein,  had  not 
Mr.  Wilkmson  crossed  over  the  Missouri  River,  and  retreated 
through  Kansas  into  Nebraska  Territory.  In  Feb.,  1862,  he 
commenced  the  publication  of  the  tirst,  and  only  radical  Union 
paper  in  North  Missouri,  the  St.  Joseph  '•'■Daily  Morning  Herald^'" 
which  newspaper  has  stood  unflinchingly  by  the  Union  cause, 
and  the  administrations  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  his  successor. 
And.  Johnson,  and  now  (1865)  has  a  \ery  large  daily  and  weekly 
circulation  in  Missouri,  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Iowa  and  Illinois. 

In  Aug.,  1862,  Mr.  W.  was  appointed  by  President  Lincoln, 
Internal  Revenue  Collector  ot  the  3d  District  of  Missouri — 
embracing  all  that  portion  ot  the  State  lying  north  ot  the  Missouri 
River,  44  counties.  In  April,  i  865,  President  Johnson  sub-di\'ided 
the  District,  and  appointed  him  Collector  of  the  Sixth  District — 
25  counties,  which  position  he  now   holds  (1865). 

.Mr.  \V.  is  a  ready  writer,  a  fine  speaker,  apt  in  his  illustrations, 
and  a  man  of  extensive  reading.  His  paper  is  deservedly  popular 
and  exhibits  the  marks  of  a  superior  journalist. 

Since  the  above  was  written  Mr.  W.  has  been  elected  a  member 
of  the  Legislature  of  Missouri,  and  has  gained  the  enviable 
reputation  ot  making  the  best  speech  delivered  in  the  House  for 
miny  years.  See  p.  305. 


BIOGRAPHY  OF  GEN.  JAMES  WILKINSON. 

AMES     WILKINSON,  an   American   general  ;   born   in 
Maryland   in    1757,    died  near  the  city  of    Mexico,  Dec, 


28,  1825.  He  studied  medicine  in  Philadelphia,  and  commenced 
practice  in  his  native  state  but  when  the  revoliitioii  broke  out 
joined  a  rifle  companv  before  Boston,  and  in  Sept  ,  1775,  was 
appointed  captain  in  a  New  Hamsphire  regiment.  The  next 
year  he  joined  Arnold  in  Canada.  He  made  the  campaign  ot 
1777,  as  Adjutant  General  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  Gates  with  the 
rank  of  lieutenant-colonel,  and  in  November  of  that  year  was 
breveted  a  Brigadier  General.  In  the  following  January  he 
became  Secretary  of  the  board  of  war.  He  quarrelled  with  and 
challenged  Gates,  but  the  duel  was  prevented  by  their  friends  ; 
and  when  Gates  became  President  of  the  board  ot  war  he 
resigned  his  secretaryship.  The  jealousy  ot  the  officers  who 
had  felt  themselves  slig:hted  by  his  promotion  also  induced  him 
to  throw  up  his  brevet.  He  was  now  uneniployed  until  July, 
1779,  when  he  became  clothier  general  to  the  forces.  After  the 
peace  he  settled  at  Lexington,  Ky,  as  agent  of  a  commercial 
company  in  Philadelphia  and  may  be  said  to  have  founded  the 
trade  between  that  region  and  New  Orleans.  In  1791,  he  was 
appointed  Colonel  of  an  expedition  against  the  Wabash  Indians, 
in  November  of  the  same  year  Lieutenant  Colonel  of  the  2d 
regular  infantry,  and  in  Mar.,  1792,  Brig.  Gen.  He  commanded 
the  right  wing  of  Wayne's  army  at  the  battle  of  the  Maumee, 
Aug.  20,  1794.  In  Dec.  1796,  he  became  General-in-Chief  of 
the  Army,    with   his   head-quarters  at  Pittsburg,  and  in  1798,  on 


GEN.  JAMES  WILKINSON.  543 

the  organization  ot  the  Tenitorv  of  Mississippi,  fixed  his 
head-quarters  at  Natchez.  He  was  one  of  the  commissioners 
for  receiving  possession  of  Louisiana  in  1803,  was  Governor  of 
that  Territory  in  1805—6,  was  next  employed  in  protecting  the 
South-west  frontier  horn  invasions  bv  the  Spaniards,  who  had 
assembled  a  large  bod\-  or  troops  on  the  east  boundary  of  Texas, 
and  afterwards  went  to  New  Orleans  and  was  activelv  employed 
in  breaking  up  the  phins  o\  Aaron  Burr.  The  friends  of  Burr 
procured  an  investigation  into  his  official  conduct,  which  resulted 
m  his  favor,  and  he  was  ordered  back  to  New  Orleans,  first 
\isiting  Havanna  on  a  special  mission.  He  was  again  superceded 
in  Dec,  1809,  and  in  July,  181  i,  tried  by  court-martial  on 
charges  of  having  recei\  ed  bribes  from  Spain  and  connived  at  the 
designs  of  Burr.  He  was  acquitted  and  returned  to  New  Orleans 
in  I  812,  a  few  days  before  the  declaration  of  war.  In  March, 
1813,  he  was  promoted  to  Major  General.  The  next  month 
he  reduced  Mobile,  and  in  May  was  remo\ed  to  the  northern 
frontier.  His  operations  against  Canada  were  totally  unsuccessful, 
in  great  measure  because  he  could  not  agree  with  the  other 
American  commander  in  that  neighborhood.  Gen.  Wade  Hampton. 
In  Feb.,  1 8 14,  the  Secretary  o\  War  preferred  charges  against 
Wilkinson,  and  recommended  that  a  coiut  of  inquiry  should 
examine  into  his  conduct.  He  was  accordingly  superceded,  and 
ordered  to  consider  himself  under  arrest,  and  to  reside  in 
Philadelphia,  Baltimore,  or  Annapolis.  When  VV^ashington  was 
menaced  by  the  British,  he  offered,  if  his  arrest  was  suspended, 
to  take  command  of  the  militia  and  save  the  city,  but  no  notice 
was  taken  of  the  offer.  He  was  tried  by  court-martial  at  Troy 
in  January  to  March,  181 5,  and  honorably  acquitted.  On  the 
reduction  of  the  arm\'  the  same  year  he  was  one  of  the  1800 
officers  discharged.  Retiring  to  Germantown,  Pa.,  he  employed 
himself  in  writing  his  "■Memoirs,"  which  were  published  in  1816, 
(3  Vols.,  8  vo.).  Subsequently  he  went  to  Mexico,  and  three 
or  four  months  before  his  death  obtained  from  the  Mexican 
o;o\'ernment  a  grant  of  land  in  Texas. 

In  his  "  Memoirs  "  the  Gen.  says  :  "  My  ancestors  were  all 
from  England  ;  and  the  three  first  emigrated  to  the  province  of 
Maryland  in  the  16th  .'  [17th]  century.  They  settled  on  a  tongue 
of  land  formed  by  the  Chesapeake  Bay  and  Patuxent  River." 
His  father's  and  his  grandfather's  name  was  Joseph.  He  had  a 
brother.  Gen.  Joseph  W^ilkinson  of  Calvert  Co.,  Md.  The  first 
volume  of  Niles'  Register  gives  an  account  of  his  trial  and 
acquittal  signed  by  President  Madison. 


WIDOW     WILKINSON  OF  NEW  MILFORD, 
CT.,  AND  HER  DESCENDANTS. 


UR   information  concerning    this   branch   of  the   family    is 
briefly  as  follows : 

Wilkinson  of  New  Milford,  probably  a   descendant 


of  Edward,   married ,  and   had  a  family.     After  his 

death  his  widow  with  her  six  sons,  all  farmers  except  Abel  moved 
to  Poplar  Ridgt\  now  Scipio,  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y. 

Col.  Lyman  L.  Wilkinson  of  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  a  great 
grandson  of  the  widow,  writes  as  follows,  "  Mv  great  grand 
mother — name  unknown — from  New  Milford,  Conn.,  settled 
at  Poplar  Ridge  in  this  county  with  her  six  sons,  all  farmers 
except  my  grandfather  who  was  a  blacksmith,  in  the  year  1794. 
I  should  think  from  what  I  have  heard  old  settlers  say  that  my 
wreat  grandfather  livino-  on  the  '■'•  Sound  "  was  a  man  ot  some 
property,  which  he  held  subordinate  to  the  greater  consideration  of 
giving  his  boys  a  good  common  school  education  for  those  times, 
which  always  included  a  strictly  religious  Baptist  education. 
Our  family  came  here  when  Auburn  had  but  two  or  three 
settlers.  Old  Mr.  Hardenburgh  and  Eldad  Steele  were  living 
here  in  shanties  covered  with  bark,  and  one  other  family  whose 
name  I  have  forgotten." 

Edward  Wilkinson  from  whom  this  family  is  perhaps,  descended 
was  one  of  the  orginal  planters  of  New  Milford  where  he  settled 
in  1645.  July  2,  1682,  he  married  Rebecca,  daughter  of  Henry 
Smith  of  Stamford,  Ct.* 


*"  Henry.  Stamford,  Ct.,  propounded  tor  freeman  1670,  had  lu-en  one  of  the  first 
settlers  at  that  plantation  1 641,  and  went  from  Weathersfield.  Died  1687, —  in  his 
will  names  only  son  John;  but  he  had  a  dauj^hter  Rebecca,  who  married  2  July,  167a 
Edward  Wilkinson  of  Milford,  and  Hannah  who  married  a  Lawrence;  and  perhaps 
others."  Savage's  Gen.  Die,  in  loc. 


I 


.IB EL  M^ILKINSON. 


545 


His  children  were  as  follows: 
Edward  Wilkinson,  \ 
Rebecca  Smith,  ) 


Of  New  Milford,  Ct. 


I.    Elizabeth,         b. 

1674. 

II.    Rebecca, 

1676. 

III.    Edward, 

1679. 

IV     Ruth, 

1682. 

V.    Hannah, 

1685. 

VI.    Abigail, 

1687. 

VII.    Samuel, 

1690. 

VIII.    John, 

1692. 

IX.    Thankful, 

1696. 

Edward  died  about  1697  or  8,  and  his  property  was  inventoried 
March  21,1698.*  The  author  has  been  unable  to  make  the 
connexion,  or  to  trace  the  unbroken  lineal  descent  from  Edward 
to  this  iamilv,  but  has  no  doubt  it  could  be  done  with  a  sufficient 
amount  of  time,  money  and  labor. 


The  family  of  i.  "-Widow"  Wilkinson.'  (2-7) 
Wilkinson,'  / 


Of  New  Milford,  Conn. 


I.  Abel,'^     (2-3) 

II.  Ichabod,'- 

III.  Jonathjn,"' 

IV.  Amos," 

V.  Asahel,^ 

VI.  Isaac,-^ 


I.  Abel.  The  date  of  birth  and  death  of  this  family  have 
not  been  ascertained.  Abel  was  born  in  Conn.,  and  came  with 
his  mother  to  Poplar  Ridge  in  1790—4.  He  was  a  blacksmith, 
and  married  Rebecca  Somers,  of  P.  R.,  now  Scipio.  Thev 
had  two  children. 


*"  Wilkinson,  often  Wjlkeson,  Edward,    Milford,  married  July  2,   1672.  Rebecca 

daughter  of  Henry  Smith  of  Stamford,— had  Elizabeth  aged  24,  Rebecca,  zz,  Edward, 
19,  Ruth,  16,  Hannah,  13,  Abigail,  11,  Samuel,  8,  John,  6,  and  Thankful,  less  than 
2.  at  the  i:iving  of  his  inventurv   March    21,    1696.  Sa-vagcs'  Gen.  Die. 


O 


546  GENE  J  LOG)'  OF 

Abel  was  among  the  early  settlers  of  Fleming,  Cavuo;a  Co, 
N.  Y.,  and  kept  the  first  inn  there  in  1792.* 

II.  Ichabod's  name  is  mentioned  in  connection  with  Benj. 
Irish,  father  or  brother  of  Rev.  David  Irish,  Joseph  Grover, 
Edward  Wheeler,  James  Herrington,  and  his  brother  Abel,  the 
early  settlers  of  Fleming.*  ' 


Abel  Wilkinson   ^ 

and  > 

Rebecca  Somers,  J 

Of  Poplar  Ridge,  N.  Y. 

I.  Lois,         b.       1 772,  d.        1822. 

II,  Orange, (4-9)  b.      1774,  d.  Dec.        1848. 

I.  Lois  m.  Elijah  Perry,      r.  Aurelias,  N.  Y. 

II.  Orange  m.  Lovina  Kinney,  Esther  Warner  and  Lucinda 
Tift.  Col.  L.  L.  Wilkinson  of  Auburn,  writes — '•  Mv  father 
had  three  wives  (my  mother  being  the  second)  by  whom  he  had 
fourteen  children,  a  majority  ot  whom  are  now  living,  married 
and  settled  all  the  way  from  this  place  to  the  Rocky  Mountains. 
My  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Dr.  Warner  of  Danbury,  and 
sister  of  Dr.  Warner,  his  son.  This  Warner  family -seem  to 
have  been  represented  in  the  medical  profession  lor  several 
generations." 

They  lived  in  what  is  now  Aurelius,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y. 


Orange  Wilkikson,''  I 
Esther  W^arner,  \ 

Of  Aurelius,  N.  Y. 

4.  I.    Marietta,^    b.    Apr.,   1805,  d.    ib5.:t,    m.  John  Babcock,  r. 
Providence,  R-  I- 

5.  II.   Orange  W.,'*b.  Aug.,    1807,   m.   Grace   E.    Parry,   r.  in 
Varick,  Seneca  Co.,  N.  Y. 

6.  III.   Lemuel  A.,^(  i  0-1  3)b.  Jan.,  1809,  m.  Sarah  A.  Burgess, 
r.  Sennett,  N.  Y. 

7.  IV.   Lyman  L.,^  ( 14-16)  b.  March  22,  i8ii. 

8.  V.    Caroline,^  b.  May,  18 13,   m.    Jas.  Hadden,  r.  Springport, 
New  York,  died  1834. 

9.  VI.    Fleming,^  b.  June,  1815,  d.  1817. 


*Sce  "  Gazetteer    of  New  York,"  p.  202 


CHARLES  L.lVILKINSOiW.  547 

IV.  Lyman  L.  m.  Mary  V.  Bovven,  r.  Auburn,  N.  Y. 
They  have  a  family  of  three  children,  Mr.  W.  is  a  master 
mechanic  in  most  every  department  of  the  business, — he  is  a 
politician — an  impressive  speaker — a  good  singer,  and  writes  a 
"  tellino'  "  newspaper  article  in  prose  or  poetry.  In  response 
to  a  request  to  furnish  some  personal  reminiscenses  he  says, 
"  You  ask  me  for  a  narrative  of  my  own  life.  It  is  all  summed 
up  in  one  word— i  belie\e  I  have  always  been  a  live  )na?i^  and 
cannot  be  any  thing  else.  My  whole  family  are  in  moderately 
independent  circumstances,  and  all  '  paddle  their  own  canoes'  as 
best  they  may." 

The  following  facts  and  names  have  been  secured  since  the 
above  was  in  press. 

Oranije  Wilkinson,  had  a  son  Garry  who  married  Eliza  Beach 
aud  resides  in  Keokuk,  Iowa.  Hersev  married  Eliza  Hoaster, 
r.  in  Miss.,  and  has  Horace^  r.  Svracuse,  N.  Y.,  Laura^  Loren^ 
Jlon-zo^  and  Cora^  all  residing  Seneca  Co,  N.  Y.  Esther  m. 
Abraham    Degroff,    r.  Ohio.      Sarah  Ann  m.  Samuel  Kinnev,  r. 

Indiana.     Fleming    A,  m.  ist.  Elizabeth  Adams,  2 r. 

Leroy,  Kansas.  Loren  died  young.  .Vlary  Jane,  m.  Aaron 
Remington,  r.  Iowa. 


Leir.uel  A.  Wilkinson,'*  ) 
Sarah  A.  Burgess,  \ 

Of  Sennett,  N.  Y, 

10.  I.    Frances  A., ^     b.  1838.'' 

11.  II.   Ellen  Maria,5b.Aug.  1841.? 

12.  III.  Mary  E.,^  b.     1 846  .^  m.  George  Yates,  r.  Sennett,  N,Y. 
J  3     IV.   Edwin  H,s 

I.  Frances  A.  m.  Ephraim  Beach — has  children:  (i)  William, 
Fleming,  N.  Y,;  (2)  George,  same  place;  (3)  Sarah  A,,  same 
place  ;   (4)  Harmon,  same  place. 


Lyman  L.  Wilkinson,^  ) 
Mary  V.  Bowen,  \ 

Of  Auburn,  N.  Y. 

14.  I.    George  B.,^  (  )  b.   July,  5,  184.0, 

15.  11.    Orange  W.,^  b.  Nov.  i,  1846. 
16-   III.   ChaHes  L.,^           b.  Oct.  15,  1855. 


548  GENEALOGY  OF 

I.   George  B.  ni.  Nellie  Bardon,  r.  Auburn,  N.  Y.      He  is  a 
physician. 


I.  Wilkinson^  (2-4) 

"  The  tradition  concerning  this  tamilv  is  "■  says  Mrs.  Betsey 
(iVlunn)  Wilkinson,  of  N.  Y.,  that  three  brothers  came  from 
Wales.  One  settled  in  Mass., — one  in  R.  I., — and  one  in  Vt. 
When  they  came  is  not  remembered.  One  was  named  Joseph, 
another  is  supposed  to  be  Oliver, — and  the  third  is  not  known, 
(probably  David)  Joseph  settled  in  Greenfield,  Mass.  Oliver 
at  Townshend,  Vt.,  and  had  families,  David  also,  had  a  family 
and  moved  to  Townshend  from    some   place   in    Mass. 

Oliver  Wilkinson  of  Townshend  says  ••'  my  grandfather 
David  came  from  Saron,  Foxborough,  or  Wrcntham,  Mass., 
about  the  year  1788,  or  1790,  with  a  family  of  eight  children— 
the  oldest  at  that  time  being  about  25,  and  the  youngest,  about 
\l  years  of  age.  My  great  grandfather  lived  some  where  near 
Providence  R.  I."  Rev.  Reed  Wilkinson,  Principal  of  Iowa 
Blind  Asylum,  says,  ^  My  grandfather  David  lived  in  Roxbury 
and  Wrentham  till  his  children  were  all  born." 

David  Wilkinson  of  Castleton,  Vt.,  says  "m\-  giandfather 
Joseph  lived  in  Dedham,  Mass." 

Arthur  Wilkinson  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  says  "•  I  remember  a 
very  long  while  ago  mv  father  told  me  that  he  was  called  upon 
in  Greenfield,  Mass., — where  he  lived  many  years, — bv  a 
gentleman  from  R.  I., —  [  think  a  (Quaker — and  after  conversing 
some  time,  they  made  out  that  they  were  of  the  same  stock." 

This  Quaker  from  R.  I.,  was  undoubtedly  one  of  the 
descendants  of  Lawrence, — and  how  the  relationship  was  made 
out  we  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  at  this  late  period.  The 
traditions  are  unreliable  as  a  general  thing,  very  little  dependence 
can  be  placed  upon  them.  1  am  inclined  to  think  that  this 
family  of  Wilkinsons  are  descended  from  one,  or  other  of  the 
early  settlers  of  the  name  in  Mass.,  or  Conn.  Edward 
settled  in  Milford,  Ct.,  as  early   as  1645,    and    died    about  1698. 

His  family  is  as  follows — 
Edward  Wilkinson,   / 
Rebecca  Smith,  \ 

Of  New  Milford,  Ct. 

I.    Elizabeth,  b.  1674. 


L.M 


MATTHEIV  [flLKINSON,  549 

II.  Rebecca,         b.  1676. 

III.  Edward,  1679. 

IV.  Ruth,  1682. 

V.  Hannah,  1685. 

VI.  Abigail,  1687. 
\'II.  Samuel,  1690. 
\'III.  John,  )  192. 
IX.   Thankhil,  1696. 

Edward  was  married  Jul\-  2,  1672.  His  wife  was  daughter 
of  Henrv  Smith  of  Stainiord  Ct.  Edward  was  one  of  the 
original  planters  of  New  .Milford.  His  property  was  inventoried 
March  2  1 ,   1698. 

There  was  a  John  Wilkinson  also,  who  came  to  Attleboro, 
Mass.,  about  1700,  and  died  Jan.  24,  1724 — 5,  and  the  family 
names,  are  so  similar  that  I  venture  to  insert  his  family  also; 

John  ^Vilkinson,  j 
Rachel  Fas'les,      ) 

Of  Attleboro,  Mass. 

i.    John,  b.  1702. 

II.    foseph, 
1 11.' Rachel, 
IV.    Mary, 
\'.    Hep/ibeth, 

VI.  Abigail, 

VII.  Sai^h, 

V'lII.    Hannah,  b.  1723. 

There  was  another  John  Wilkinson  ot  Maiden,  Mass.,  who 
died  Dec,  12,  1675,  and  left  a  family — one  son  John  is 
mentioned  as  taking  the  oath  ot  allegiance,  to  King  Charles,  in 
i6"4.  He  was  the  only  son  ot  widow  Prudence  Wilkinson  of 
C'harlestown  Mass.,  1635, — she   died  about  1655. 

There  are  other  W'ilkinsons  mentioned  as  emigrating  to 
America  at  an  early  period — for  instance; 

EuwARD  Vv'"iLKiNSON,  embarked  in  the  ship  "  xAnn  and 
Elizabeth"  Jo.  Brookehaven,  Capt.,  24  April,  1685. 

Henrv    Wilkinson.      Tallow  chandler — age  25, — embarked 
in  the  '•'•Elizabeth  and  A.nn,"  p'ed,  4th  May,    1635. 
Transported  to  New   England. 

.Mafhew  Wilkinson,  age,  18,  20  Nov.,  1635,  "•  Expedition 
Ship" — Peter   Blackler,   Capt. 


550  GENEJLOGT  OF 

Wilkinson,'  ) 


2.  I.   Joseph,'''  (5-16)  b.  Sept.  22,  1732,  d.  Feb.  22,   1816, 

3.  II.   Oliver,'' 

4.  III.    David,'\  17-24) 

I.  Joseph.  There  is  some  obscurity  about  the  parents  of 
Joseph.  Neither  ot  their  names  have  been  ascertained.  There 
is  considerable  diversity  of  opinion  as  to  their  place  of  residence 
in  Mass.  The  prevailing  idea  seems  to  be  that  thev  lived  in 
Dedham  ;  — but  Saron — Foxborough,  and  Wrentham  have  been 
mentioned  as  the  places  of  their  residences. 

He  married  Ruth  Thorpe  about  1755,  and  had  twelve  children. 
Olive  and  Hannah  resided  at  Coldrain,  Mass.,  Ebenezer  and 
Ichabod  at  Bakersfield,  Vt.,  Oliver  at  Greenfield,  Mass,,  Cvnthia 
at  Dedham,  Mass. 

II.  Oliver,  probably  married,  but  all  trace  ot  his  family  has 
been  lost. 

III.  David  married  Abigail  Ware,  and  had  eight  children — 
all  of  whom  married  and  had  families.  Oliver  and  Susan  lived 
in  Townsend,  Vermont,  David  in  Marlboro,  N.  H.,  Polly  in 
Belchestown,  Mass. 


s- 

I.    Lucy'^ 

6. 

II.    Olive''          1 

-7 

III.   Ebenezer^ 

Joseph  Wilkinson,^  ) 
Ruth  Thorpe,  ) 

Of  Dedham,  Mass. 

d.  1813. 

1759- 

1762.  '^3'- 

8.  IV.   Ichabod^(25-35)i763.      Nov.  17,1825. 

9.  V.   Oliver^  (35-48)  Aug.  24,  1766,   April  16,  1848. 

10.  VI.   Eve='  ^1768. 

11.  VII.   Joseph"' 

12.  VIII.   Joanna^ 

13.  IX.    Hannah'' 

14.  X.   Irene^ 

15.  XI.    Cynthia^ 

16.  XII.    Ruth^ 

I.  Lucy   never  married,  resided  at  Franclstown,  Mass. 

II.  Olive    married  ist,  a  Mr.  Weston,  2d,  a  Mr.  Boardman, 
had  a  family,  but  the  names  have  not  been  furnished. 


OLIVER    WILKINSON.  551 

III.  Ebenezer  married  Prudence  Graves — lived  at  Bakerfield, 
Vt. —  had  no  children.  Late  in  life  his  father  and  mother  came 
to  Bakerslield  to  live  with  him.      Thev  probablv  died  there. 

I\'.  IcHABOD  married  hrst  a  Miss  Curtis,  second  Sarah  Hoyt, 
third  Sally  Hastings.  He  had  a  tamilv  of  eleven  children — 
onlv  one  bv  his  third  wife.  He  was  a  man  of  considerable  note 
— and  held  many  town  and  county  offices.  His  family  are  very 
much  scattered.  Curtis  moved  to  St.  Albans,  Vt.;  Lewis  to 
Baltimore,  Md.  ;  Jonathan  to  Jackson,  Mich.;  Chester  to  East 
Farnham,  Canada  ;  Warren  to  San  Francisco,  Cal.;  David  to 
Castleton.  Vt.;  Henry  to  New  Orleans,  La.;  Geor2,e  to  White 
Hall.  N.  Y..  Elthina  to  Mich.  The  followino;  obituary  notice 
is  taken  from  a  Vermont  paper  : 

■■  Died — At  his  residence  at  Bakersheld.  Vt.,  on  Thursday. 
17,  Nov.,  1825,  Capt.  Ichabod  Wilkinson,  aged  62,  after  a  long 
and  uncommonly  painful  sickness,  which  he  bore  with  a  Christian 
iortitude  and  resignation,  leaving  the  brightest  e\idence  of  a  happv 
immortality  to  a  numerous  tamilv  and  friends,  who  lament  a  loss 
that  will  be  severely  tclt  in  the  place  where  he  died." 

V.  Oliver  married  Betsey  Munn,  daughter  of  Cahin  Munn 
of  Re\olutionary  fame.  He  was  at  Valley  Forge  under  Washington 
— was  on  the  Hudson  River  casting  up  redoubts  when  the  British 
made  a  spirited  attack  and  were  repulsed.  He  was  for  many  years 
in  the  army.  Oliver  resided  at  Greenfield,  iMass. — was  sherifi^' 
of  that  county — an.d  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  ability  and 
note  in  his  native  state.  They  have  thirteen  children.  Since 
Mr.  W.'s  death  his  widow  has  resided  in  New  York  City,  where 
her  sons  are  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business. 

VT.   Eve  married  a  Babbit,  and  lived  in  Mass. 

IX.  Hannah  married  a  Smith,  resides  Coldrain.  Mass. 

X.  Irene  was  twice  married,  first,  a  Newell;  second  a  Curtis, 
resides  Enfield,  Mass. 

XI.  Cynthia  married  a  Colburn.  resided  Dedham,  Mass. 

XII.  Ruth  married  a  sea  captain. 


David  Wilkinson,"'  1 
Abigail  Ware,  ) 

Of   Townshead,   Vt. 

17.  I.  David^  (49-54) 

18.  II.  01iver^(55-64)  b.  June  24,  1764  or  5,  d.  Dec.  19,  1845 


552  GENEALOGY'  OF 

19.  III.   Polly" 

20.  IV.   ( Susan f 

21.  V.    Hezekiah"^  (65-69  ) 

22.  VI.    Elijah"  (70--7) 

23.  VII.   (Abigailf 

24.  Ann.   Betsey^ 

I.  David,  m.  Ruth  Allen,  r.  Marlboro,  N.  H.,  had  six 
children. 

II.  Olivkr  horn  in  Roxbury,  Mass.,  m.  Olive  Ravvson  oi 
Uxbridge,  r.  Townshend,  V'^t.,  had  ten  children.  He  was  a 
great  reader  and  had  a  Hne  metaphysical  mind. 

III.  Polly  m.  Aaron  Rhoads,  r.  Belchertown,  Mass.  Their 
children:      (1)  7^/.f.^;/,  ( 2)  Po/Zv,  (3)  y//wr/M,    (4)    Patt)\   (5)    Jasou, 

(6)  IPillianu. 

IV.  SuKEY  or  Sus,\N  m.  Gardner  Rawson,  r.  Townshend, 
Vt.  Their  children  are  :  {\)  Olive ^  (2)  Luther  A'.,  \i)  Sally ^ 
(4)  Marinda^  (5)  Sukey^  (6)  Spencer,  (7)  Thomas  R.^  (8)  Lovisa^ 
(9)  Jhigail,  ( I O)  Jeiso>!,  (  I  I )  Joh/i  Z,.,  ( i  2 )  AJary  Jnu^  (13)  Sophia, 
U4)  David  IV. 

V.  Hezekiah  m.  Lydia  Ray — they  had  four  children. 

VI.  Elijah  m.  Mindwell  Rawson — thev  have  eight  children. 

VII.  Nabby  (Abigail)  m.  Daniel  VVatkins.  l^heir  children 
are.    (j)  Clarke^  <yl)  Alon%o. 

VIII.  Betsey  m.  James  Gray.  Their  children —  (i)  Laura., 
(2)  Sharon.,    (3)  Welcome.,    (4)  Welcome^   (5)  Candacc,   (^6)  Alon-zo., 

b.  ,  m.  ,  r.    Brooklyn,    N.    Y.       He   is    an    author   of 

considerable  repute  —  Principal  of  the  High  School  o\.    Brooklyn. 

(7)  Orrilla,  (8)  EH%a. 


Ichabod  Wilkinson;^ ^ 

Curtis  and  j 

Sarah  Hoyt,  and  | 

Sally  Hastings.  j 


Of  Bakerstield.,  Vt. 


First  Wife. 

25.  I.    Curtis'  (78-82) 

26.  II.   Lewis' 
Second  I{'//>. 

27.  III.   Jonathan  H.^ 


HELEN  RUTH  tVILKINSON. 


553 


28.  IV.    Chester,^  (^84-88) 

29.  V.    Warren'' 

30.  VI.    Sarah' 

31.  VII.    Hiram' 

32.  VIII.    David,M89)  b.  Dec.  7,  1809. 

33.  IX.    Henrv,'  igo) 

34.  X.    George,^  (91-92  ) 

Third  IVife. 

35.  XI.    Elthma' 

I.  CuRTis     m.    .Vl.^ria     Dinforth,    has    fi^e    children,    r.    St. 
Albans,  Vt. 

II.  Lewis  in.  Maria  Osborn, — his  ii  family,  r.  Baltimore.  Md. 

III.  Chesti-r,  m.  Electa     vVells,    has    live    children,    r.    East 
Farnham,  Ca. 

IV.  VVarkkn.  m.    Sarah    P'ilkins — has    two    children,    r.    San 
P'rancisco,  Cal. 

VIII.  David  m.  Olive  Granger — has  one  child,  r.  Casrleton, 
Vt., — he  is  a   farmer. 

IX.  Henry     m.    M^hali     Filkins — has    a     family — r.    New 
Orleans.  La. --is  a  merchmt. 

X.  George  m.  Sarah    A.    Harrington — has   two     children,  r. 
White  Hall  N.  Y. 

XI.  Elthina  m.  J.  Birnei — his   several  ch'lJren  r.  Mich. 


Oliver  Wilkinson,'-'  ) 
Betsey  Munn.  \ 

Of  GreenHeld,  Mass. 

3\    I.    Arthiu-^  (93-96)        b.   \'ov.  13,   1803. 

37.  II.    Bvron'  Aug.  15,    1805,  d. 

38.  HI.    Byron  Sept.  16,  r8o7, 

39.  IV.   Ceriza                          March  6,  1810, 
40     V^    Joseph  Aug.  21,   18 1 2, 

41.  VI.    Maurice    (97-iOD)    Jan.  12,  1815. 

42.  VH.   George   ( loi-ioj'  April  i^^  1817. 

43.  VIII.    Elizabeth  Mar.  12,   1819. 

44.  IX.    William  L.  Feb.  18,   1822,        April  27,   1822. 

45.  X,    Frederick  (  104-5  )        '^lar.  17,   [82.5. 

46.  XL    Olive  Aug.  1,   1826,        Sept.     7,   1826. 

47.  XII.    Hannah  .VI.  /Xug.  9,   1830. 

48.  XIII.    Helen   Ruth  Aug.  14,   1833,        April  2!,  1834. 

7' 


Sept.  30, 

)8o6. 

July    I  I, 

1857. 

Jan.       I, 

1831. 

April     I, 

1827. 

554  GENEALOGT  OF 

1.  Arthur  m.  Dec.  3,  1840,  Martha  Walker  Dunning  cf 
Boston,  Mass. — He  is  a  retired  merchant  ai,d  lives  at  Cambridge. 
Mass.  Bv  his  indomitable  perseverance  and  dexotion  to  business. 
Mr.  W.  has  acquired  a  competence, —  he  is  a  man  of  sterling 
integrity  and  is  highly  respected  bv  the  communit\ .  They  have 
four   children. 

III.  Byron  m.  March  7,  1849,  Mar\  Ronev,  r.  N.  Y., — he 
was  engaged  in  mercantile   business. 

yi.  Maurice,  m.  Dec.  17,  1850,  ^Martha  Adams  Moore,  r. 
Augusta  Ga., — has  four  children. 

VII.  George  m.  June  4,  1856,  Elida  Bradenhouse  May, 
resides  in  New  York, — has  three  children. 

X.  Frederick  m.  Oct.  19,  1854,  Mary  E.  Porter,  resides  in 
New  York — is  a  salesman, —  has  two  children. 

XII.  XIII.  Hannah  M.  and  Helen  Ruth  reside  in  New 
York. 

David   Wilkinson,'-  ( 


Ruth  Allen, 

J 

Of  Marlboro,    N.  H 

49.  I.   Sally' 

50.  n.    Polly 

51.  III.    David 

52.  rV.    Ruth 

53.  V.   Esther 

54.    VI.    Irene 


Oliver  Wilkinson,^  ( 
Olive  Rawson,  i 

Of  Tov/nshend,   \'t. 

55.  I.   Olive*  b.  Sept.   1  i,  1793. 

56.  II.   Oliver  (io6-b)      Sept.     8,  1795. 

57.  III.    Clark  July       2.   1797. 

58.  IV.    Lurinda 

59.  V.    Polly 

60.  VI.    Reed  (109)  Dec.      <^,  1804. 

61.  VII.   Elizabeth 

62.  VIII.    Elvira 

63.  IX.   Sophia 

64.  X.    Harriet  Newell 


CLJR/SSJD.  JF  ILK  IN  SON.  555 

I.  Olive,  m.  josiah  l^att,— r.  .      Their   children   are — 

\  l)  Josiah  IV. ^  (2)    Lucius  6".,  (3)  Laura  Jiui.^    (4)  Susannah^  (5) 
Sophia..,  (b)   Mary,   (7)   Royal,   (8)   Sarah. 

II.  Oliver  m.  Elozia  Whitnev  of  Danby,  Tompkins  Co., 
N.  Y.,Nov.  j8,  1827.  Thev  ha\e  had  three  children.  Mr. 
\V .  is  a  teacher  and  has  spent  his  lite  in  instructino;  the  youth — 
Resides  at  Townshend,    \  t. 

III.  Clark,  m.  Salonia  VViswall, — have  tour  children :  Oscar, 
Amanda,  Oliver,  R.  Oscar. 

1\.    LuRiNDAm.  Wm.  N.  Harris — have   no  children. 

\.  PcM.LV  m.  Daniel  H.  Bailey.  Their  children  are — 
\  ! )  Dana  R.,  {  2)  Lyman  Al.,  (  3)  Elo-zia,  (4)  Eliza,  (5)  Edna. 

\l.  Reed  was  born  in  Townshend,  \'t.,  m.  Lucinda  Sophia 
Butler  in  1H36, — has  one  child, —  r.  \'inton,  Iowa.  Mr.  W. 
united  With  the  Cong.,  church  in  1827, — was  graduated  at 
Amheist  College  iii  1830 — took  his  Diploma  at  Andover 
Theological  Seminary  in  1H36, —  has  taught  and  preached  in 
miiin  ot  the  western  states  during  the  past  30  years.  He  is 
Principal  ot  the  ''Iowa  Institution  lor  the  education  ot  the 
Blind",  and  his  reports  evince  a  thorough  knowledge  of  his  work. 
His  wife  is  an  assistant  teacher  in  the  same   institution. 

VII.  Eliza  m.  William  Houghton — r.  Putney,  VVindham 
Co.,  V^ermont.  Their  children  are — (i)  iPilUam  (2)  Sarah,  (3) 
Eli-z.a  (4")  Olive  [^)   Oliver    (6)    Foster. 

VIII.  Elvira,  m.  Bradford  Wilbur.      They    have    one  child 

(  I  )    Ruel. 

IX.  Sophia  m.  Alonzo  Hildreths.  Thev  ha\e  eiwht 
children — r.  Scio,  N.  Y.,    names    not     known. 

X.  Harriet  N,  m.  Ephraim  Wilbur.  Their  children  are — 
(1)  Orrilla  Elozia  [2)    Vestus   (3)    Stella. 


V. 

lezekiah  Wilkinson,'^  / 

L 

-V'dia 

1  Ra\-, 

Of 

5v 

1.    . 

Lvnian 

R.^ 

66. 

II. 

Charles 

;  B. 

67. 

Ill 

.   Susan. 

F. 

68. 

IV, 

.   Laura 

G. 

6q. 

V. 

Clarissa  D. 

556  GENEALOGY   OF 


Elijah 

Wilkinson,'^  / 

i 

Vlindwell  Rawson    \ 

0* 

70. 

I.    Ward' 

yj- 

II. 

Ware 

72. 

III. 

Nancy 

73- 

lY. 

Sophia 

74- 

V. 

Wealthy 

75- 

VI. 

Clarintha 

76. 

VII 

.    Stephen  R. 

77- 

VH 

i.    Philetus  C. 

Curtis  Wilkinson,*  ] 
Maria  Dan  forth,       (" 

Of  St.  Albans,  Vt. 

78.  I.  Curtis,-' 

79.  II.    Danforth^ 

80.  III.    Maria^ 

81.  IV.   Charlotte^ 

82.  V.   Louisa'^ 

Lewis  Wilkinson,'  / 
Maria  Osborn.         \ 

Of  Baltimore,  Md. 

83.  I,   Lewis." 


Chester  Wilkinson,^  { 
Electa  Wells,  ( 

Of  East  Farnhain,  Canada. 

84.  I.    Angeanette  S.^  resides  at  E,  F.,  Canada. 

85.  II.    Henry  W.^  (      )  March.  1829,  r.  New  York. 

86.  III.    Byron  W.^  (      )  Aug.  8.  1 8  p,  r.  N.  Y.  he  is  saleman 
in  B.  F.  Claflin's  wholesale  store. 

87.  IV.   George  H.M       )  r.  St.  Johns,  Ca.  East. 

88.  V^.    Lucian  E.  (      )  ''  " 


David  Wilkinson,''  ( 
Olive  Granger,         j 

Of  Castleton,  \'t. 


Vi 


89.   I.    Henry  H,-"  b.   March   14,   18^8,  d.  Nov.  32,   1859. 

I 


HELEX  R  UTH  ff'ILKIXSON.  557 


Henry    Wilkinson/  / 
Mahala  Filkins,  \ 

Of  New  Orleans,  La. 

90.   I.    Henry.' 


George  Wilkinson/  ( 
Sarah  A.  Harrington  \ 

Of  Whitehall,  N.  Y. 

91.  I.   George/  r.  White  Hall,  N.  Y. 

92.  II.    Marion,''  b.  Nov.    4,  1845,  r.  Castleton,  Vt. 

Arthur  Wilkinson,**       ] 
Martha  W.  Dunning,  ) 

Of  Cambridge,  Mass. 

93.  I.    Arthur^ 

94.  II.    .Martha  E."* 

95.  III.    Henry" 
9b.    IV.    Edward  F- 


.Maurice  Wilkinson*  ] 
Martha  A.   Moore,    ) 

Ot   Augusta,  Ga. 

97.  I.   Martha^ 

98.  II.    Fannv 
qg.  III.  Lillv 

100.  lY.   Artha 


George    Wilkinson,'*  I 
Elida  B.  May,  \ 

Of  New  York, 

101.  I.   Ida'' 

102.  n.    Hannah  M."' 

103.  in.    Kate^ 

Frederick  Wilkinson,'  ( 
Mary  E.  Porter,  \ 

Of  New  York. 

104.  I.    Frederick'' 

105.  n.    Byron^' 

7^ 


558  GKNEALOGY   OF 

Oliver  Wilkinson,^  \ 

Elozia  Whitney,       S 

Of  Townsheiul,   Vt. 
io6.    I.    Philcna' 
I0  7.    II.   Clark  R.-' 

108.  III.    Vesta^  b.  Mar.  6,  1836. 

III.   Vesta    M.    ni.    Ramsey    Howard — r.    Manchester,    Vt. 
Their  children—  (  l  )  Mark  IPilkinson,  (2)  Julius  IV. 

Reed    Wilkinson,^  | 
Lucinda  S.  Butler,  ) 

Of  Vinton,  Iowa. 

109.  I.    Charlks  Reeu,^  is  a  lawyer — r.  at  Vinton,  Iowa. 


WILLIAM  WILKINSON  OF  SOl'TH  KINGSTON, 
K.  I.,  AND  HIS  DESC  ENDANTS. 

glHE  author  has  been  unable  to  get  anv  authentic  intorniation 
Ijg.a     concernino;  this   tnan.      There   was  a  W^iliiani    Wilkinson 


of  Westerly,  R.  I.,  who  was  Deputy  to  the  Cieneral  Court  in 
1709,  and  also,  in  1717.  He  was  connected  with  the  Military 
affairs  of  the  Colony  in  Providence,  in  171  i,  and  in  1744,  was 
the  Commandei  of  a  privateer.  And  from  another  record,*  it 
appears  one  William  VVilkinson  Captain  of  a  privateer,  and  two 
other  Captains  were  called  to  an  account  tor  capturing  the 
La  Gertrude.  What  the  provocation  was  we  are  not  informed. 
The  offence  was  not  a  very  grave  one,  as  neither  of  the  captains 
were  broken  of  their  office;  and  whether  the  above  have  any 
connexion  with  the  William  VVilkinson  of  South  Kingston  we 
arc  not  able  to  say.  His  wife's  maiden  name  is  not  remembered  ; 
and  whether  he  had  more  than  two  children  is  not  known. 

FIRST  GENERATION. 

I.    VVn.i.iAM  Wilkinson,'  12-3) 

SECOND   GENERATION. 

William   Wilkinson,'  \ 

/ 
Of  South  Kingston,  R.  L 


*See  "Sclifdulf  177^  —  6,  p.  44,  Scirrt-iry  of'St.itc's  cirue.      I'rov'drncf. 


CLARISSA  D.  IV  ILK  IN  SON.  559 

2.    1.   John,"- (4-15)  b.  Mav   9,  1742,       d.  June  14,  1802. 

-.    II.    William^' 

I.    JOHN. 


WH  ^ H N  was  born  at  South  Kingston,  R.  1.  and  died  at  New 
Milford,  Ct.    aged   about    60.      In  his  vouth  when  a  mere 


boy  he  was  engaged  as  a  wagoner  in  the  French  and  Indian 
wars,  and  was  also,  in  the  Revolutionary  service.  He  came  to 
Dutchess  Co.,  N.Y.,  at  a  very  early  period,  and  at  the  age  of 
twenty  married  Content  Moore,  daughter  of  Wm,  Moore  and 
Mary  his  wife, — persons  eminent  for  their  piety  and  zeal  for 
religion.  The  following  "'Covenant',  made  by  them  reveals  the 
religious  element  of  their  character.  It  is  copied  from  a  manuscript 
dated  March,  1740,  which  was  found  among  their  papers,  and  is 
deemed  worthy  preservation. 

William  and  .Mary  Moore's  Covenant  with  God. 

"  Be  it  forever  recorded  in  Heaven  that  we  William  and  Mary 
Moore  do,  with  great  concern  of  mind,  yet  with  alacrity  of  soul, 
devote  and  dedicate,  yea,  we  do  absolutely  and  actually  give  and 
«leliver  our  whole  selves,  souls  and  bodies  unto  the  Almighty 
God,  Jehovah,  and  hereby  through  his  grace,  (\o  covenant  and 
and  promise  to  ser\  e  him  in  nearness  of  life,  and  that  we  will 
keep  so  nigh  to  his  light  as  possible  we  can  in  all  intents  and 
purposes  of  soul  every  minute,  hour,  week,  month,  year,  and 
\  cars  of  our  mortal  existence.  Always  depending  on  a  measure 
of  thy  strength  O,  God  !  to  assist  and  abilitate  us,  now  firmly 
believing, — and  that  from  thy  word  internal  and  external, — that 
T  hou.  Father  of  Mercy  and  Love,  doth  accept  and  receive  us  ; 
we  hereunto  set  our  hands  and  seals  this  fifteenth  day  of  the 
*hird  month  and  in  the  year  since  Jesus  Christ  came  in  the  flesh, 

5740-  .... 

In  presence  of   the  Infinite  |  William  Moore,  [l.s.] 

I'hree  that  bears  record  in  Heaven.   )  .Mary  Moore.       [l.s.] 

Fhey  belonged  to  the  Society  ot  Friends  or  (.^lakers,  and. 
Mary  was  a  preacher  among  them.  Their  daughter  Content 
was  born  at  Stonington,  R.  I.,  April  i  i,  1743,  [O.  S.]  Guided 
b\  parents  bound  bv  such  a  covenant,  it  is  nothing  strange  that 
she  was  a  follower  of  the  Savior,  and  an  active  member  among 
the  Friends.  Her  union  with  John  Wilkinson  was  a  peculiarly 
happy  one,  and  twelve  children  came  to  bless  the  home  and 
hearts  of  this  couple  in  their  sylvan  retreat  at  Beekman,  since 
called  Unionvale,  where  they  settled  in  early  life.  They  engaged 
in  farming  and  were  greatly  prospered.       In  the  year    1782,  Mr. 


56o  GENE^iLOGT  OF 

Wilkinson  prepared  the  clay — b'irnt  the  brick,  and  built  him  a 
substantial  house  on  the  farm  he  had  purchased.  It  stood  until 
about  1840  or  50,  in  an  excellent  state  of  preservation,  the  mason 
building  stronger  than  the  carpenter  of  the  present  day.  Mr. 
George  Wilkinson  of  Poughkeepsie;  a  grandson  of  John,  has 
procured  an  excellent  oil  painting  of  this  old  homestead  which  is 
prized  as  an  heir-loom  of  no  incon>iderable  value  by  all  the 
descendants  ot   the  original  proprietor. 

■  This  branch  of  the  tamilv  presents  one  of  those  singular 
features  that  sometimes  occurs  in  tracing  genealogy,  where  the 
perpetuity  of  the  name  depends  upon  a  single  man.  How 
numerous  the  family  may  have  been,  we  have  not  the  means  of 
knowing;  but  that  it  has  been  reduced  until  John  was  the  onI\ 
representative  is  well  known;  and  from  him  a  numerous  progeiu' 
have  sprung  up,  and  arc  spreading  abroad  over  the  country, 
replenishing  the  earth,  filling  the  \  arious  professions  and  avocations 
of  men,  and  supplying  the  community,  the  nation  and  the  church 
with  the  right  kind  oi  materia!  to  sustain  and  perpetuate 
republican  institutions  and  practical  Christianity. 

Frugality  and  industry  made  John  a  wealthy  man,  but  he  held 
his  means  subordinate  to  that  more  important  consideration — a 
thorough,  practical  education,  and,  it  was  while  fulfilling  his 
duty  in  this  respect  that  he  met  his  death.  While  taking  his 
son,  Robert  and  a  classmate  to  \  ale  College  at  New  Haven,  Ct., 
he  drove  upon  a  bridge  over  the  Housatonic  River  at  New 
Miltord  which  ga\e  way,  and  he  was  precipitated  below  and  was 
killed  by  the  falling  timber.  This  sad  event  carried  to  the  hearts 
ot  h'.s  bereaved  family  the  deepest  sorrow.  His  wife  survived 
him  32  years,  and  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-one. 
They  are  buried  in  the  Friend's  burying  ground  within  half  a 
mile  of  the  old  homestead  in  Beekman.  Mr.  Wilkinson 
attended  the  Friend's  meeting  of  which  his  wife  was  an  active 
member  and  a   deaconess. 


John   Wilkinson,^  ) 
Content  Moore.      \ 

Of  Beekman,  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y. 

4.  I.  AVilliam'M' 16-22)  b.  .\[av   14,   1764,  d.  May  24,  1804 

5.  H.    Mary,^  b.  Dec.  13,   1765,  d.  Oct.           178b 

6.  HI,    Martha,-'  b.  Jan.    23,   1768,  d.  Apr.  19,  1792 

7.  \W.   Dency.-^  b.  Nov.  30,  1 770,  d.  May      1,1834 

8.  V.    Catherine,'^  b.  Jul\'  25,  1772,  d.  Feb.   14,  1814 


RUril  fVILKIXSON.  561 

9.  Vr.  Anna'''  b.  ^Nlar.   16,  1775,  d.  Sept.  16,  1776. 

10.  VII.    Riith,-^  b.  Apr.  17,  1778,  d.  Sept.    9,  1854. 

11.  VIII.   John,-' 1  23-29 )     b.  Sept.    23,   1780,  d.   Jan.  31,  1842. 

12.  IX.  Joseph.'M  30-37)  b.  Aug.  23,  1783,  d.  Apr.  8,  1857. 
1  1.  X.    Robert,"  (38-40)    ]  b.  Nov.  25,  1786,  d.  Aug.  13,  1846. 

14.  XI.    Gilherr''  (41-46)    - 

15.  XII.    Livingston,''         )  "  "'■       d.  Dec.  I009. 

I.  VV^iLLiAM  m.  Ruth  Peters — had  seven  children.  He  was 
a  farmer,  and  resided  at  Beekman,    New   York. 

II.  Mary,  was  born  in  Beekman,  N.  Y.,  m.  Zacharia 
Flagler,  and    had   one   child. 

(I  )  Mary^  b.  Oct.  15,  178&,  m.  Leonard  Vincent,  a  teacher  and 
subsequently  a  lumber  merchant  ot  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y. 
She  died  at  l^eekman,  N.  \ .,  aged  twenty-one.  Their 
grandson  Marvin  R.  Vincent  is  a  Presbyterian  clergyman  of  Trov 
N.  Y.  He  graduated  at  Columbia  College  N.  Y..  City.  He 
took  his  stand  at  the  head  of  his  class  and  maintained  it  tor  lour 
years.      He  is  an  excellent   speaker. 

III.  Martha  was  born  in  Beekman,  m.  Richard  Plaglci'. 
Thev  had  one  child—  (1)  Content  m.  Dr.  Hazeltine.  Thev 
moved  to  Jamestown,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.  The  Dr.  is  dead 
but  his  son  takes  his  place  as  a  physician. 

IV.  Dency,  m.  Thomas  Potter  of  R.  I., — resided  at 
Beekman.  They  had  two  children — (i)  Rebecca^  m.  James  R. 
Cary  of  Beekman, — resided  in  Poughkeepsie,  and  was  engaged 
in  the  transportation  business.  (2)  "John  m.  Martha  Vincent  o'i 
Beekman.  He  was  a  farmer,  and  lost  his  arm  bv  being  thrown 
trom  his  horse.      They  resided  at   Owego,  New  York. 

V.  Catherine  m.  Edvvard  Southwick  of  P.,  residea  in  Troy 
N.  Y.  They  had  four  children —  (  i  )  Hannah  m.  Dr.  Jewett, 
of  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  a  physician  of  great  skill  and  extensive 
reputation.  (2)  Ruth  m.  William  Todd,  who  was,  for  many 
years   missionary   to   India.        They    have   no  children — reside  in 

Kansas.      (3)  Gilbert  m.  .      He  was  a  surgeon  in    the  Union 

Army  and  accompanied  Sherman  in  his  grand  march  through  the 
Southern  States  during  the  Great  Rebellion  of  1861 — 5.  He  is 
young    man   of  great  promise — resides  in  Illinois.       (4)  Edward 

m.  .      He  is  a    lawyer   and    resides   in    one   of  the    western 

states  ( Ills). 

VII.  Ruth  m.  George  Peters  Oakley  of  Beekman.  He  is  a 
brother  of  the  distinguished  Judge    Oakley    of  New   York  City. 

73 


562  GENEALOGY   OF 

He  was  an  enterprising  merchant,  noted  for  his  honesty  and 
moral  worth.  They  belonged  to  the  Episcopalian  church. 
Ruth  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  76 — and  is  buried  in 
Poughkeepsie.      They  had  no  children. 

VIII.  John  m.  Deborah  Vincent  and  had  se\en  children, — 
resided  at  Beekman,   N.   Y. 

IX.  Joseph  m.  Mary  Smith,  and  had  eight  chikneii.  'I'hcv 
resided  near  Palmyra,  N.  Y. 

X.  Robert  m.  Phebe  Oaklcv — had  three  children, — resided  in 
Poughkeepsie  N.  Y.  He  was  an  eminent  lawyer  and  was 
pronounced  by  Henry  Clav,  as  a  finished  orator.  He  made  the 
reception  speech  when  that  distinguished  statesman  visited  P. 
Robert  was  graduated  at  Yale  College,  and  ranked  well  in  his 
class. 

XI.  Gilbert  m.  Delina  Oakley.  They  have  six  children, 
and  reside  in  Pougb^keepsie.  Two  of  his  sons  were  in  the  Union 
Army. 

VII.  Livingston,  Gilbert  and  Robert  were  triplets,  and 
were  very  enterprising  business  men  in  their  respective  callings. 
Livingston  died  at  St.  Johns,  Lower  Canada,  at   the   age   of  25. 


William    Wilkinson,"  ( 
Ruth  Peters,  )" 

Of  Bcekman,  N.  Y. 

16.  T.   John  J.^ 

17.  n.   Sarah. 

18.  III.    Mary. 

19.  IV.   Martha. 

20.  V.   Content. 

21.  YI.    Ruth. 

22.  VIL   Patience. 

II.  Sarah  m.  William  R.  Potter,  resided  at  Beekman. 
Their  children  (  1)  George  (2)  Gilbert^  (3)   John. 

III.  Mary  m.  Joseph  Potter,  r.  l^eekman,  children:  (  i)  Ann^ 
(2)  Mary  (3)  George^  (4  )  Emma, 

IV.  Martha  m.  Solomon  Sleight,  r.  Beekman,  children — 
(i)  Edward^  (2)  'John^  (3)  Rachel  (4)   Sarah. 

V.  Content  m.  1st,  David  Scobey,  2d,  Charles  Thompson, 
3d — Lapham.  r.  Dutchess,  Co.  She  is  dead.  Children — (i) 
Zebina^  (2)  Gilbert.,  m.  Cornelia  Dates. 


ROBERT  IV IL K INSON.  5 6 3 

V.    Ruth    m.    Philip    Bennett,     r.    Beekman.      No  children. 
\'\\.    Patience  m.    Zacharia  Flagler,  r.  in  P. — children,  (i) 

IVtliiain^  (2  )  Mar}\  (^3)  Leonard^  (4)  Ruth. 

John  Wilkinson,^  \ 
Deborah  Vincent,  \ 

Of  Beekman,  Dutchess  Co.,  N.  Y. 

23.  I.    George-' (47-53)  b.  Aug.  3,   1804. 

24.  II.   Gilbeit  (54-58)  b.    June,       1806. 

25.  III.    William. 
2b.    IV.    Marv. 

27.  \.    Iohn'(56-62) 

28.  VI.   jane. 

29.  \'II.   James  (63-64) 

I.  George  m.  ist,  Rhoda  Doughty,  2nd,  Sophia  Gary.  He 
has  two  children  by  his  lirst  wife  and  five  by  his  second.  He  is 
an    active   energetic   business    man    and    resides  in  Poughkeepsie. 

II.  Gilbert  m.  Gilletta  Storm,  resides  in  P. 

rV.  Mary  m.  Joseph  Doughty,  r.  in  P.  Children,  (i)  Johti 
-/.,  m.  Caroline  Vincent  ;  (2)  Augustus,   (3)  Josephine. 

V.  John  m.  Marv  Holden  r.  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  has  four 
children. 

VI.  Jane  m.  Gilbert  Cary,  r.  in  I*.  Children  :  (  i)  Clarence^ 
(  2)  Cathernie. 

XIV.   James  m.  Mary  A.  Adriance,  r.  in  P. 


Joseph  Wilkinson,'  1 
Marv  Smith.  \ 


Of  Macedon,  N.  Y. 

30  I.   John* 

31  II.   Cornelia'' 

32  in.  fames* 

33  IV."  Charles^ 

34  V.    Nancy* 

35  VI.    Susan* 

36  VII.    Mary* 

37  VIII.    Robert* 

Robert    Wilkinson,^  / 
Phebe  Oakley,  \ 

Of  Poughkeepsie,    N.  Y. 


,564 


GENE  J  LOG}'  OF 


38  I.    William\65-69)h.  May  7,  18 10,   d.  Der.   12,  1864. 

39  II.   Frederic^  b.  April  6,  1  8 1  2,     d.  Match,  22  1841. 

40  111.    Catherine'  b.  Aug.  29,  1815. 

I.  William  m.  Mary  E.  Trowbridge,  r.  P.  —  had  H\c  chihhcn. 

II.  Frederic  m.  Carolir.e  Oakley,  r.  P.  —  He  was  a  Lieut,  in 
the  Arniv. 

III.  Catherine  m.  Jacob  Bochec,  r.  at  P. — He  was  a  surgeon 
in  the  Army — was  at  Key  West,  Baton  Rouge,  &:c.  Children: 
(  I  )  Abraharn^  b.  June  18,  «840.  m.  Minnie  Medler,  r.  P.  —  He  was 
in  the  Union  Army.  (2)  Phfhe  IP ilk'inson^  b.  April  23,  1843. 
(3)  Robert  IVm.^  b.  Oct.  11,  1846,  d.  July  6,  1847.  ^4}  Mary 
I'Vilkinson^  b.  April  20,  1851. 


Gilbert  Wilkinson,^      ] 


Of  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y. 


Delina  Oakley, 

41.  I.    Marv' 

42.  II.    Arthur 

43.  III.   Arthur 

44.  IV.    Robert 

45.  V.    Caroline 

46.  VI.   Gilbert 

III.  Arthur  m.  Mary  E.  Frost  of  Poughkeepsie.  He  has 
been  in  the  army — was  deputy  Provost  Marshal  ot  St.  Louis, 
Missouri. 

IV.  Robert  was  also,  in  the  Union  Armv  during  the  Great 
Rebellion, — he  is  blind. 


George  Wilkinson,'^  ^ 
Rhoda  Doughty  and  > 
Sophia  Carev,  ) 

Of  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y. 

First  Wife. 

47  I.    Phebe'^  b.  March  22,   1826,    m.    N.  Conklin  Trowbridge. 

48  II.    Rhoda^  b.  Dec.  30,  1829,  m.  Geo.  W.  Vail. 

Second  Viife. 

49  III.    Helen-"^  b.  July  3,  1833,  '"•  Edward  Storm. 

50  IV.    Julia-'  b.  JulJ  5,  1842,  d.  July  5,  1842. 

51  V.   Sophia  C.^  b.  May  31,  1846. 

52  VI.   John  G.-'  b.  April  20,  1^48. 

53  yil.   Jane  H.''  b.  Nov.  22,  1880. 


R  OBER  T  FREDERIC  tFILKINSON.  565 

Gilbert  Wilkinson,'  / 
Gilletta  Storm,  \ 

Of  Poiighkeepsie,  N.  Y. 

54  I.    Charles'*  (  )  m.  Eliza  Steward,  in  Army. 

55  II.   George  (  )  m.  Dennis  Vincent. 

56  III.    Frederick  (  )  m.  Maria,  in  Army. 

57  l\ .   Jane  F.  m.  R.  DeWitt  Mann. 

58  \.  Julia  d.  voung. 

John  Wilkinson*  ) 
Mary  Holden         \ 

Of  Baltimore,  Md. 

59  I.    Emily'' 

60  II.    Walter  m.  . 

61  III.   Louisa  m.  Center  Giddings.  • 

62  IV.   Mary. 


James  Wilkinson^    ] 
Mary  A.  Adriance  \ 

Of  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y. 

63  I.   John  P.,^  in  Army. 

64  II.   George  W. 


■'   illiam    Wilkinson,'*  | 
Mary  E.  Trowbridge  j 

Of  Poughkeepsie,   N.  Y. 

65.  I.    Robert  Frederic,"'  b.  June  10,  1843. 

66.  II.    Eliza,^  b.  Aug.     5,  1841. 

67.  III.   William,^  b.  June  25,  1849. 

68.  I\^.    Catherine,  b.  Apr.  ri,  1855. 

69.  V.    Edward  Trowbridge,''b.  Oct.   11,1861. 

I.  Robert  Frederic,  at  the  commencement  of  the  Rebellion 
raised  a  company  of  volunteers,  and  was  elected  captain — he  was 
in  several  battles  duringthat  terrible  struggle,  and  in  the  Shenandoah 
Valley  at  the  battle  of  Winchester  he  received  three  shots  through 
the  body,  but  survived.  He  was  on  Gen.  Emory's  staff,  also  on 
Gen.  Weitzel's,  and  was  frequently  complimented  for  his  bravery 
and  noble  daring.  He  had  not  attained  his  majority  vv'hen  he 
entered  the  service,  but  performed  his  duties  in  every  position 
with  marked  ability.  He  was  promoted  tc  Major — and  was  Judge 
Advocate,  and  held  other  responsible  positions.  He  is  a  lawyer 
and  bids  fair  to  stand  in  the  front  rank  of  his  profession.  He 
liolds  the  the  office  of  assessor  in  Poughkeepsie,  and  jias  held 
74 


566 


G  EXE  J  LOG}'  OF 


several  city  offices,  and  is  highly  respected  for  his  integrity,  and 
promptness  in  business.  He  graduated  at  Columbia  College,  N.Y. 
City  at  the  age  of  eighteen. 

The  patriotism  of  this  branch  of  the  Wilkinson  family 
is  undoubted,  and  perhaps,  unequalled.  Not  one  person  of  the 
name  in  Poughkeepsie,  between  eighteen  and  forty-five  but  what 
was  in  the  Union  Army.  One  company  was  officered  by  them. 
Captain,  Robert  F.,  i  st  Lieut.,  Frederic,  2d  Lieut.,  John  P. 


DANIEL  WILKINSON  OF  COLUMBIA  CO.,  N.Y., 
AND  HIS  DESCENDANTS. 

S'^ANIEL  WILKINSON  came  to  America  from    Scotland 
Lafl    near  Gloscow  about  1775,  and   settled   in   Columbia   Co.. 


N.  Y.  There  is  a  tradition  that  one  of  his  brothers  came  with 
him  and  settled  somewhere  south  of  the  state  of  New  York  in 
Penn.,  or  Maryland. 

While  in  Wales,  some  years  previous  to  his  coming  to 
America,  Daniel  met  a  young  lady  from  the  north  ot  England  by 
name  of  Sarah  Ashley,  to  whom  he  was  married  at  her  uncle's 
residence.  The  alliance  not  pleasing  her  parents, — who  were 
of  noble  blood, — she  was  disinherited.  By  persevering  industry 
Mr.  W.  acquired  quite  a  property,  but  believing  that  the  new 
world  afforded  better  opportunities  for  securing  a  competence  for 
a  rapidly  increasing  family  he  set  sail  with  his  wite  and  four 
children  to  try  his  fortune  in    America. 

He  settled  in  Columbia  Co.,  as  we  have  before  stated  and 
engaged  in  agriculture,  and  was  encouraged  with  flattering 
prospects  ;  but  the  revolutionary  war  having  broken  out,  and 
being  unwilling  to  take  up  arms  against  his  native  country,  he 
left  his  family  in  N.  Y.,  and  went  to  Canada  to  avoid  being 
drafted.  Here  all  intercourse  was  cut  ofF  for  several  years,  and 
news  of  his  death  having  been  brought  to  his  wtte,  she  was 
again  married  to  a  Mr.  iMurvin.  Some  time  after  independence 
was  declared  and  the  war  closed,  intelligence  was  received  that 
Mr.  Wilkinson  was  still  living.  The  news  was  of  such  a 
character  as  to  unhinge  the  mind  of  his  former  wife — now  Mrs. 
Murvin  -and  she  died  insane.  Mr.  W.  never  returned  to  the 
statfs,  but  went  to  Scotland  where  he  married  again,  and  came 
back  to  Canada  and  purchased  900  acres  of  land  near  Quebec, 
a  part  of  which  is  now  occupied  by  that  city.  His  grand-son 
Daniel — by  his  last  wife — is  a  man  of  considerable  note  and  great 
wealth. 


SARAH  WILKINSON.  567 

Daniel  lived  and  died  in  Canada,  and  his  family  by  his  first 
wife  still  remain  in  N.  Y.,  where  their  descendants  are  quite 
numerous  and  respectable. 


FIRST  GENERATION. 

\.   Daniel    Wilkinson,'  /  (2-5) 
^'arah  Ashley,  \ 

SECOND   GENERATION. 

Daniel    Wilkinson,^       )  [i] 
Sarah  Ashley.  j 

2.  I.   Cornelius"^    (6  — 14.) 

3.  II.    Elizabeth- 

4.  III.   Daniel,'-  (15 — 23.) 

5.  I\".    Duncan^' (24 — 29.)  b.  March  5,  1775,  d.  Nov.  9,  1818. 

I.  Cornelius  m.  Maria  Miller,  r.  Sandlake,  N.Y.      They  had 
a  family  of  nine  children. 

II.  Elizabeth  m.  Joshua  Pierson,  r.  Ancram,  N.  Y., 
I  hildren  ;  (l)  John^  m.  Adercy  Winans,  r.  Catskill,  N.  Y.  ; 
(2)  Betseys  m.  Griffin,  r.  Penn.  ;  (3)  Daniel.^  m.,  r.  Deposit, 
N.  Y.  ;  (4)  Joshua  ;  (5)  Isaac^,  m.  Hall,  r.  Penn.  ;  (6)  Mary  T., 
m.  Sheldon,  r.  Deposit,  N.  Y.  ;  (7)  Almon,  r.  Texas;  (8) 
Temperance  ;  (9)  "Jacob  is  a  Pres.  Minister,  has  been  a  Gen.  in 
the  rebel  army,  r.  Frankfort,  Ky. 

III.  Daniel  m,  Sarah  Miller,  r.  Sandlake,  N.  Y.,  had  a 
family  of  nine  children. 

IV.  Duncan  m,  Elizabeth  Hiserodt,  r.  Ancram,  N.  Y., 
had  six  children.      He  was  a  farmer. 

Cornelius  Wilkinson,^  / 
Maria  Miiler,  \ 

Of  Sandlake,  N.  Y. 

6.  I.    Matthias-' 

7.  II.   Marsarer^ 

8.  III.   Benjamin^  (        )  m.  a  Miller,  r.  Sandlake,  N.Y.      Has 
been  Sheriff  of  Rensellear  Co. 

9.  IV.   Sophia'' 

10.  V.   Daniel'^ 

11.  VI.  John^^ 

12.  YII.   SamueP 

13.  VIII.   Elizabeth-^ 

14.  IX.   Sarah" 


568  GENEALOGY   OF 

I 

Of  Sandlake,  N.  Y. 


Daniel  Wilkinson,''^  ) 
Sarah  Miller,  \ 


15.  I.    Mary^ 

16.  II.   Adam^ 

17.  III.    DanieF 

18.  IV.   John^^ 

19.  V.    Sarah^ 

20.  VI.   Catherine'^ 

21.  VII.   Cornelius'^ 

22.  yill.   Elizabeth" 

23.  IX.    Silas'' 


Duncan  Wilkinson,^  / 
Elizabeth  Hiserodt,    \ 

Of  Ancram,  N.  Y. 

24.  I.   Maria^     b.  Dec.  16,  1799. 

25.  II.    Sarah^    b.  Sept.     3,  1803. 

26.  III.   John  S.M  30-35)  b.  Feb.  15,  1805. 

27.  IV.    Henry  H.^' (36-39)  b.  May  5,  1808. 

28.  V.   Zilpha^  b.  Feb.  22,  1815. 

29.  VI.    Hiram  H.^  (40-^5)  b.  Aug.   16,  1818. 

I.  Maria,  m.  Henry  Van  Dewater,  r.  Conquest,  N.  Y.  ; 
children  :  (l)  Harriet^  b.  June  5,  1823.  r.  Newark,  N.  Y.,  d. 
Aug.   19,   1830  ; 

(2)  Harmah  ]  b.  May  18,  1825,  r.  Newark,  d.  May  13,1837; 

(3)  James  Henry  \  twins,  m.  Mary  A.  Van  Pelt,  r,  Kalamazoo, 
Mich.  ;  (4)  John  H.  b.  Feb.  20,  183 1,  m.  Sarah  M.  Van  Pelt,  r. 
Conquest,  N.  Y.,  d.  Dec.  30,  1854;  (5)  Hiram  A.  b.  Sept.  5, 
1833,  "^-  Harriet  Van  Pelt,  r.  Weedsport,  N.  Y.  ;  (6)  Mary  6'., 
b.  Jan.  19,  1837,  d.  Oct.  l,  i860;  (7)  George  P.,  b.  Feb.  14. 
1842,  r.  Conquest,  N.  Y. — was  in  Union  Army;  {^)  Etta  £., 
b.  Sept.  17,  1844,  m.  Geo.  W.  Aldrich,  r.  Conquest,  N.  Y. 

II.  Sarah  m.  Geo.  Philip  Sheufelt,  r.  Ghent,  N.Y.    Children: 

(  l)  Sarah  Ann^  b.  Aug.  13,   ,  m.  Peter  S.  Pulver,  r.  Copec, 

N.Y. — They  have  :  Alice,  Phillip,  George  S.,  Emma  A.,  and 
John  G.  (2)  Mary  Eleanor^  m.  John  C.  Groat,  r.  Ghent,  N.Y. 
— they  have  Ida  E.,  Ella.  (3)  Philip  Duncan^h.  Jan.  25,  1829, 
m.  Eliza  Arnold,  r.  Wis. — was  in  Army.  They  had  George  P., 
Eldora  ;  both  dead.  (4)  Elizabeth  Magdeline,  h.  Aug.  13,  1831, 
m.  Belah  Bashford,  r.  Ghent,  N.  Y.;  they  have  George  A., 
Edgar  L.,  William  S.,  Peter  P.,  Sarah  E.,  Catherine  E.,  Abraham 


HENRY  J.   rF  ILK  IN  SON.  569 

L.  {^)  Jane  Eli  da  ^  b.  Mar.  29,  1834,  m.  Ward  Yosburg,  r. 
Ancrani,  N.Y.;  thev  have  Peter,  Margaret,  George,  Sarah  A., 
Mary  K.     (6)  Hiram  Lysandgt\h.  Dec,   1836,  d.  May  27,  1853. 

III.  John  S.  m.  Elizabeth  BuUus,  r.  Troy,  N.  Y.;  has  six 
children. 

IV.  Henry  H.  ni.  ist,  Sally  Snider;  2d,  Mrs.  Anne  E. 
Dugman,  r.  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  has  had  tour  children.  He  is 
engaged  in  a  drug  store  at  H.  in  the  employ  of  Rossman  and 
McKinstr\ .  His  son  Henry  A.  was  under  Gen.  Banks  in  the 
signal  corps  during  the  Rebellion. 

V.  ZiLPHA  m.  VVm.  E.  Parkman,  r.  Hudson,  N.  Y. 

VI.  Hiram  H.  m.  Magdeline  Sheufelt,  r.  Hillsdale,  Columbia 
Co.,  N.  Y.      They  have  six  children. 

John  S.  Wilkinson,*  I 
Elizabeth  Bullus,        \ 

Of  Troy,  N.  Y. 

30.  I.    Annas  Adelia.'' 

31.  II.   James   Henry,^  )   m.  Mary  J.  Van    Etten. 

32.  III.   John  Duncan,*  (  )  d.    1862. 

33.  IV.    Benjamin  Eranklin,*(  ) 

34.  V.    Elbert  Porter,* 

35.  VI.    Anna   Maria,* 

III.  John  Duncan  m.  Jane  Beebe.  He  was  an  orderly 
sergeant  in  the  Union  Army,  and  died  in  New   Orleans,    La. 

IV.  Benjamin  F.  m.  Sarah  Westcott  of  Westbury  N.  Y.,  r. 
Auburn  N.  Y., — he  is  a  stage  proprietor. 

V.  Elbert  P.  never  married.  He  was  in  the  Army  three 
years  during  the  Rebellion,  r.  Richmond.  Va. 

YI.    Anna  Maria  m.  Willard  Bennett  r.  Stevenstown,  N.  Y 

Henry  H.  Wilkinson,^^ 

Sally  Snider  and  V 

Mrs.  E.  Dugman,  j 

Of  Hudson,  N.  Y. 

36  I.    Mercy  Albertine*  b.  Feb.  28,  1828. 

37  II.    Henry  A,*  d.  Sept.  1838. 

38  III.    Henry  A,*  b.  Sept.   16,  1838. 

39  IV.   Sarah  E.  E,*  b.  Dec.  31,  1845. 

I.  Mercy  Albertine,  m.  William  H.  Bunt —has,  (i ) ///7r/(7 
(2)  Herbert^  and  has   lost   four. 

II.  Henry  A.  is  book-keeper  for  V.  Van  Renssellin  ot 
Stockport,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.      He  was  in    the    Army    three 

78 


570  GENEALOGY   OF 

years,  during  the    Great    Rebellion — was    in    the    battle   of   Port 
Hudson,  Baton  Rouge,  &c. 


Hiram  H.Wilkinson,*  ] 
Magdaline  Sheutelt,      j 

Of  Hillsdale,  Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y. 

40.  I.   Zilphia  Antoinnette,^  d.  1849. 

41.  ir.    Wm.  H.  Harrison, 

42.  HI.   Philip  Sheufelt,  d.  1849. 

43.  IV.    VVinfield  Scott,  d.  July,     1861. 

44.  V.    Sarah  Elizabeth,  d.  July  8,  i  861 . 

45.  VI,    Hiram,  d.  July,     1861. 

n.  William  Henry  Harrison  r.  at  Philmont,  Columbia 
Co.,  N.  Y.      A  young  man  of  much  promise. 

The  death  angel  seemed  to  hover  over  this  family  and  the 
afflicted  parents  were  berett  of  two  at  one  time  and  three  at 
another.  That  scourge  diphtheria  blasted  the  fond  parents  hopes 
within  a  few  days. 

No  branch  of  the  Wilkinson  family  has  manifested  more 
ardent  patriotism  than  this.  Five  or  six  enlisted  during  the 
Rebellion  in  the  Union  Arm.y.  There  were  five  Wilkinsons  in 
the  128th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  A'olunteers.  One  company  had 
Robert  K.  Wilkinson  for  Capt.,  John  Wilkinson,  ist 
Lieut.,   Frederic  Wilkinson,  2d  Lieut. 

LEWIS  WILKINSON  OF  CONNECTICUT,  AND 
HIS    DESCENDANTS. 


y^NOTHER  broken  line  of  descent  from  Edward  Wilkinson 

RjQ  of  New  Milford,  Ct.,  is  the  following,  viz  : 
Mrs.  Polly  (Wilkinson)  Hooker,  of  Cato  Village,  N.  Y., 
says,  the  tradition  in  our  family  is  that  two  brothers  came  to 
America  from  England  or  Wales,  and  one  settled  in  Conn.,  and 
the  other  elsewhere,  place  not  known.  The  former  had  a  family 
of  whom  Lewis  was  a  descendant,  he  married,  but  his  wife's 
maiden  name  is  not  remeisbered. 
I.   Lewis  Wilkinson,^  (i) 


Lewis  Wilkinson,^    }  [i] 

,  / 

Of ,  Ct. 

2.   I.   Lewis,'  (3-8) 


R  E  UBEN  IV  ILK  IN  SON.  5  7 1 

I.  Lev/is  m.  Molly  Mott,  r.  Conn.,  and  had  six  children,  dates 
ot  birth,  death  and  marriage  not  known  ;  neither  is  it  certain 
Lewis  was  an  only  child. 

Lewis  Wilkinson,"'  )  [2]  Lewis, |  [i] 
Molly  Mott.  / 

Of ,  Ct. 

3.  L    Lewis,^  m.  Ann  Sniedley,  r.  Ct. 

4.  IL    Samuel,'^ 

5.  TIL   Jesse, 

6.  IV.    Reuben,*  )  May   4,    1754,    m.    Cynthia    Pinney,   r. 

Svmsburg,  Ct. — had  twelve  children. 

7.  V.Levi,  (  )  m.  Ann  D.  McArtha. 

8.  \'L    Mary,  ni.  Peleg  Sweet. 

Reuben   Wilkinson,'^  / 
Cvnthia  Pinnev.  i 

Of  Symsburg,  Ct. 
9.    I.    Philaster,*  d.  Jan.  18,  1^13. 

10.  II.    Reuben,  (21-22)  m.  Lucy  Cramer,  r.  Benson,  Vt. 

11.  TIL   Cynthia,  m.  Jabez  Carter,  r.  Victory,  N.  Y.,  d.  1836. 

12.  1\'.   James,  (  )  m.  Sophia  Gray,  r.  Oakhill,  Mich. 

13.  \ .    Levi,  (23-26)    m.  Nancy  Cook,  r.  Victory,  N.Y.,  has  4 

children. 

14.  VI.   Almerin-,  (27-35)  m.  Lucy  Goodrich,  has  nine  children, 

d.  Feb.   12,  1864. 

15.  VII.    Justus,  (36-43)  b.  t3ec.  26,   1793,  "i-  Piiimt^lia  Pearce, 

has  eight  children,  June  d.  6,  1864. 

16.  VIII.   Erastus,  (44-46)  m.  Barilla   Cramer;  r.    Benson,  \'t., 

has  three  children,  d.  Aug.  24,  1836. 

17.  IX.   Sarah. 

18.  X.    Samuel,  (  )  m.  Fidelia  Warren,  r.  Owaso,  Mich. 

19.  XL    Polly. 

20.  XIL    Horace,  (  )  m.  Harriett  Peels,  r.  Mich. 

XI.  Polly  m.  John  Hooker,  a  lineal  descendant  of  Hooker 
of  the  "May  Flower.'* — The  cane  of  the  original  emigranc  is 
still  preserved  in  the  Hooker  family.  John  had  it  until  his 
death, — since  it  is  owned  by  his  brother  in  \'ictory,  N.  Y. 
John  was  a  farmer. 

The  children  of  Lewis,  Samuel,  Jesse,  Levi,  and  Mary  have 
net  been  furnished. 

Reuben     Wilkinson,'*  } 
Lucy  Cramer,  j 

Of  Benson,  Vt. 


572 

2  1    I.    Adeline.'^ 
22   II.   Emeline. 


GEN'EJLOGy  OF 


Levi    Wilkinson"*  I 
Nancy  Cook,         \ 

Of  Victory,  N.  Y. 

23.  I.   Jane^  m.  a  Watson. 

24.  II.   Wallace,    m.    Anna  Furbusli,  r.  Mich. 

25.  III.    Harriett^  m.  Jacob  Bogart,  r.  Victory  N.Y.,  had  Alula. 

26.  IV.    Cynthia,^   m.  David    Woodford,    r.    Victory,    N.    Y.. 
children,  Franklin,  Jacob  B.,  George,  RichardA. 

Almerine  Wilkinson,    \ 
Lucy  Goodrick,  \ 

Of  Victory,  N.  Y. 

27.  I.    Julia  Ann,''  m.  Henry  Betts,  r.  Iowa. 

28.  II.    B.  Franklin,^  m.  Miss  Alley,  r.  Wisconsin. 

29.  III.   Lodusky^  rn.  Charles  Combs,  r.  Jordan,  N.  Y. 

30.  IV.    Charles,^  m.  Miss  Baldwin. 

31.  V.    Lovinia,^'  m.  Frederic  Cole. 

32.  VI.    Philaster  (       )  b.  Julv  ii,  1823,  """•  Lucinda  \''  heeler, 

r.  Sterling,  N.  Y.,  has  six  children. 

33.  VII.    Harriet 

34.  VIII.    Francis 

35.  IX.    Lovinski 

Justus  Wilkinson     \ 
Parmelia  Pearce,       \ 

Of  Ira,  N.  Y. 

36.  L   Erastus,(    )b.  Oct.  9,  1818,  m.  Julia  Weaver,  r.  Ira,  N.Y. 

37.  II.  Lorenzo,  b.  Dec.  12,  1820,  m.   Nancv   Orton,  r.  Jordan, 

N.  Y. 

38.  III.  Sarah  M.,  b.  May  10,  1823,  m.  Jesse  Potter,  Ira,  N.Y. 
3Q.    IV.   Cynthia,  b.  Nov.  20,  1825,  d.  Aug.  25,  1829. 

40.    V.    Nancy,  b.  Oct.   i,   1829,  m.  Nat  Pa'rks,  Hannibal,  N.Y. 
^i.    VI.    Robert    T,,    b.    Nov.    I,    1833,    m.    Orpha    Davoe,  r. 
A^ictory,  N.  Y. 

42.  VII.    Mellissa,  b.  Dec.  24,    1837,   m.  Lewis  Donious,   Ira. 

43.  VIII.   John  M  ,  b.  Aug.  27,    1843,    m.    Mary    Wheeler  of 
Meridian,    N.   Y.      He   was   in   the   Union    Army  during  the 

Great  Rebellion,  three  years — was  in  the  battles  of  Bay  Tasch, 
La.;  Sabine  Pass,  where  he  was  taken  prisoner  and  sufFered 
hardships  more  easily  told  than  endured. 


CTNTHIJ  WILKINSON 


ErastLis  Wilkinson/  / 
Barrilla  Cramer,         \ 

Of  Benson,  \ . 

44.  I.    John^  b.  1852. 

45.  II.   Caleb        b.  '^55 

46.  III.    Susan  M.,  b.        1H59. 

Philaster    Wilkinson,^  / 
Lucinda  Wheeler,  \ 

Of  Sterling,  N.  Y 
47     I.    Egbert  Theodore,''  b.  Jan.  2,   1850. 


573 


48.  II.    Claud    Odell,''  b.   May   16.   1852,  d.  Oct.   15,   1855. 

49.  III.    Irvine  A,'^  b.  Feb.  2,   1855. 

50.  IV.    Clara  L,*^  b.  March   16,   1857. 

51.  V.    Charles  E/  b.  Aug.  3,  i860. 

52.  \l.   Catherine  A,^  b.  June  27,  1863. 


BENJ.  WILKINSON  OF  WARREN,  HERKIMER 
CO.,  N.Y.,  AND  HIS  DESCENDANTS. 

HE    ancestry    of     Benjamin    has     not     been    ascertained. 
Whether  he  belonged  to  the  Cr.,  Mass.   or  R.  I.  branch 


of  the  familv,  or  whether  he  is  a  later  comer  to  the  New  AVorld 
is  not  remembered  by  any  of  his  descendants  of  the  present   day 
with  whom  the  author  has  had  correspondence. 
I.    Benjamin  Wilkinson. \    ) 

I.  Benjamin,  b.  May  12,  1766,  married  Dec.  23,  1789, 
Cynthia  Sprague,  b.  Oct.  30.  1771,  and  resided  in  the  town  of 
Warren,  N.  Y.  He  died  about  1843.  They  had  twelve 
children,  as  follows  : 

Benjamin  Wilkinson,  / 
Cynthia  Sprague.  \ 

I.  Jonathan,'-'  b.  Dec.  17,  1790,  m.  Mrs.  Anna  (Rounds) 
Millington,  Mar.  16,  1812,  r.  Warren,  N.  Y.,  has  a  family. 

II.  James.'  b.  March  23,  i  792,  m.,  has  15  children,  r.  Kansas. 

III.  Stephen/  b.  March  30,  1795,  r.  Penn  Yan,  N.  Y. 

lY.  Phebe,*  b.  Apr.  29,  1  795,  d.  Sept.  24,  i  828,  r.  Van  Buren, 
Onondagua  Co.,  N.  Y. 

V.  George/  b.  Feb.   17,  1799,  rn.  a  minister,  r.  West. 

VI.  Charles,'  b.  Jan.  12,  1801,  unm.,  r.  Cleveland,  O..  was 
captain  of  a  vessel,  and  was  drowned  in  Lalct.-  Erie. 

VII.  Cynthia,^  b.  Sept.  20,  1802,  m.  i,  Thos.  Bennett,  2, 
Sam'l  Lizier,  has  Kingsbu?-)'  M.^   Bianca  m.  a  Purdy,   Mary  yane^ 

76  ■ 


574  GhNE/iLOGT   OF 

Parmel'ia  m.  an  Olmsted,  r.  Lima,  N.  ^  .,  Louisa  m.  Sam'l  Gage, 
r.  Benton,  N.  Y.,  Franch^  Margaret  m.  Joseph  Purdy,  r  Penn 
Yan,  N.  Y. 

yill.  Lydia,~b.  Nov.,  1804,  ni.  1,  Richard.  Francis,  Oct.  19, 
1829.  2,  Asa  Cole,  r.  Penn  Yan    N.  Y. 

IX.  Sprague,"-  b.  Dec.  19,  ]  8c6,  m.  Dec,  1831,  Amada 
Sabins,  r.  Genessee  Co.,  Mich,  and  Cal. 

X.  Lovina,-  b.  Sept.  2,  i8ob,  m.  Feb.  18,  1832,  Alanson 
Millington,  r.  ^'  alcott,  Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y.,  has  Paulina^  Jerotne^ 
Lydia^  Bragden. 

XI.  Freeman  Benjan\in,~  b.  Nov.  16,  1811,  m.  Thalia  A. 
Hvde,  f>b.  II,  1842,  r.  Westbury,  N.  Y.,  have  live  children, 
was  killed  while  digging  a  well. 

XII.  Amanda,'-  b.  Sept.  18,  1813,  m.  Elias  Cornell,  Jan.  20, 
1831,  r.  Lysander,  N.  Y.,  and  recently  moved  to  Fulton,  N.  Y. 


Jonathan  Wilkinson,"  \ 
Anna  Rounds,  \ 


Of  Warren,  N.  Y. 


I.   Louisa,'' 
XL   Roxey,' 

III.  Munroe.' 

IV.  Orrin,'' 

V.  Frances.'^ 


Freeman  B.  Wilkinson,^]  ]  Benjamin,'  [ij 
Thalia  Ann  Hyde,  / 

Of  Westbury,  Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y. 

I.  Cynthia'^b.  Nov.  14, 1842,  m.  Dec,  20,  1865,  Ira  Thompson, 
Westbury,  N.  Y. 

II.  Charles,  b.  May  12,  1844,  d.  Jan.  6,  1865,  in  Union  Army 

III.  Aurelius  Wheeler,  b.  Nov.  10,  1851. 

IV.  Clarissa  Emeline,  b.  Oct.  13,  1855. 

V.  William  Seward,  b.  March  i  1,  i860. 

I.   WILLIAxM  WILKINSON,^  (2-5)  WEST  UNION, 

ADAMS  CO.,  OHIO. 
'^ILLIAM  WILKINSON  was  a  bugler  in  the  British 
^^^^1  Army,  and  came  to  America  in  the  war  of  181  2. — was 
taken  prisoner  by  the  Americans,  and  finally  concluded  to  remain 
among  his  new  made  friends.  He  was  from  Chester,  Chesshire, 
England.  He  married  Martha  Anderson,  and  settled  in  Ohio. 
His  family  is  as  follows: 


LTDIA  IP.    IVILKINSON.  575 

William    VViJkinson/  ^ 

Martha  Anderson,        j 

2.  I.  Mary,  b.  April  28,  1815  m.  April  21,  1841,  Joseph 
Duquett,  r.  Lockport,  N.  Y.  Their  children,  (i  )  William  C. 
b.  March  20,  1843:  (2)  Charles  L.  b.  Sept,  17,  1845:  m.  Viola 
J.  Porter,  r.  Lockport.  (3)  Calvin  L.  b.  March  4,  1846:  (4) 
Mary  Jane,  b.  Sept.  12,  1850:  (5)  Joseph  VV.  b.  Sept.  7,  1853, 
(  '^)  Sarah  J.  b.  Oct.  25,   1856. 

3,  II.   Elizabeth,  m.  ist,  Henry    Easter —had    (n    Allen,    b. 
1849,  (2)  William  J.  b.    1851.      2d, d.  J  840. 

4.  III.   James,   (6 — 14)    b.  1818    m.    Mary    Stout, — had    nine 
children,  r.  Ohio,   d.  Y^.^b, 

5.  IV.  LucRETiA,  m.  Samuel  Cook,  r.  Charlestown,  Ind.,  has 
(i)  Sisley  m.  Patrick  Willis,  (2)  Benjamin,  (3)  Edward,  (4) 
Joseph  D.  (5)  Mary. 


James  A.    Wilkinson,"'  i 
Mary  Stout,  \ 

Of  ,  Ohio. 

6.  I,    Americus  .-\nn,''  b.  1838  (?)  m  .Isaac  M.  Smith,  r.    Ironton, 
Ohio. 

7.  II.    Sarah  Jane,''  b.  June  9.  1  840,  m.  Isaac  Davidson,  r.  Cinn., 
Ohio. 

8.  III.    Leonora''  m.  Edward  Jones,  r.  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

9.  IV.   Joseph  Chester,^  b.  June  8,  1844. 

10.  V.   Josiah'' 

11.  A^I.    H.  Conolly,^^ 

12.  VII.   James  Hugh,'' 

13.  VIII.   Susan,'^ 

14.  IX.   Mary,^ 

IV.  Joseph  Chester,  enlisted  Feb.  4,  1865,  in  5th  Ohio 
Cavalry,  Co.  E.,  was  in  the  battles — Shiloh,  Metamora,  Cold 
AVater,  Shaker  Station,  Atlanta,  Savannah,  Charlestown, 
Winchester,  Morefield,  Strasberry,  Harper's  Ferry,  Clarksburg;, 
&c.,  was  ist  Lieut,  on  Gen.  Kilpatrick's  Staff. 

CHRISTOPHER  WILKINSON  OF  GLOCESTER,  R.I. 

Christopher  Wilkinson,  / 
Anna  Thornton.  \ 

I.  John  m.  Mary  Rawson,  has  Anna,  John;r.  Harmony,  R.  I. 

II.  William,  b.  Aug.  16,  1807. 

III.  Stephen,  r.  New  Orleans,  La. 

IV.  Lydia  W.,  m.  Augustus  Millard,  r.  Valley  Falls,  R.  I. 


576  GENEALOGy  OF 

V.  Daniel,  d.  April  22,  18  14. 

VI.  Lavinia. 

VII.  Mahala. 

VIII.  Laura  A. 

IX.  Sarah. 

X.  Marcy. 

II.  William  m.  Asha  iVlathewsoii,  r.  Greeneville,  R.  I.;  has 
I,  Adelaide  F.,  b.  Aug.  4,  174.1  ;  2,  Stephen  A.,  h,  July  13, 
1844  ;  3,  Henry  O.,  b.  .■'\piil  12,  1847  ;  4,  Sarah  M.,  b.  March 
13,  1849. 

V.  Daniel  m.  first,  Nancy  Bennett,  2d  Hannah  Cook.  3rd, 
Thankful  Eaus,  r.  Lonsdale,  R.  I.,  and  has —  i,  John,  married 
Helena  Sweet,  r.  N.  Y.;  2,  Daniel  m.  Almeda  Follett,  r.  Vallev 
Falls,  R.  I.j  3,  Louisa  J.  m.  Arnold  Shaw,  r.  V.  F.,  R.I.;  4, 
Sarah  E.,  b.  Jan.  22,  1859.  r.  Valley  P'alls,  R.  I. 

Lavinia,  Mahala  and  Laura  A.  r.  at  Valley  Falls,  R.  I., 
and  Marcy  at  Providence. 

JOHN  WILKINSON  OF  SENECA  FALLS,  N.  Y. 

The  father  of  John  Wilkinson  was  originally  from  Manchester, 
England.  His  name  was  Oliver, — he  moved  to  Ireland,  thence 
to  America.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Mary  Smith. 
The  family  is  as   follows — 

I.  John,  d.  Feb.  24,  1824. 

II.  Jane  Carr. 

III.  Andrew  Smith,  r.  Michigan. 
lY.   James  Alexander,  r.  Michigan. 
V-    Oliver   Bradley,  r.  Michigan. 

I.  John  m.  Ellen  Jane  Yandenberg, — resides  at  Seneca  Falls, 
N.Y.  He  is  a  file  manufacturer — an  excellent  workman.  He 
has  Matilda  Jane,  b.  1857,  and  George  B.,  b.  IC63. 

II.  Jane  Carr  m.  Moses  Haynes,  r.  Cannonsberg,  Mich. 


JOSEPH  WILKINSON  OF  WORCESTER,  MASS. 

This  gentleman  is  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  came  to  America 
with  his  family  some  years  ago.  He  is  engaged  in  the  large  wire 
works  at  W.,  and  is  a  first  rate  machinist — respected  by  his 
employers  as  an  upright,  trustworthy  ma.n,  and  by  the  commuriitv 
as  a  good  citizen. 

The  name  "Wilkinson  is  coinmon  in  Ireland  and  in  German\-, 
but  most  of  them  are  able  to  trace  their   origin  back  to  England. 


ALFRED  [f'lLKINSOX.  sil 

ADDENDA. 

Winfield  S.  Wilkinson,  /  b'ee  p.  288. 
Frances  E.  Sampson,       \ 

Of    Morrison,   111. 

586.  I.   Mary  C.  b.  April  14,  1843. 

587.  II.    Alfred  E.,h.    Dec.  6,  1846. 

588.  III.    Henry  B.,  b.  April  8,  1849. 

589.  IV.    Frank,  b.  Miirch  l  i,  1857,  d.  Nov.  21,  i860. 

I.  Mary  C,  m.  D.'.  Chjs.  H.  Co2;gshall  reside  at  Clinton,!. 

II.  Alfred  E.  graduated  in  class  of  1859  at  Michigan 
University  —  A^as  p  )et  ot  tii  ?  o:cisio;i.  Mr.  VV.  is  a  tins  writer, 
an  easy  speaker  is  reailing  law. 

III.  Henry  B.  is  engaged  in  the  banking  business  in  Carrol 
City,  Iowa,  and  is  a  promising  young  man. 

Winfield  Scott  vVilkinson  (See  p.  235I  is  a  civil  engineer 
and  laid  the  first  rail  in  the  S'ate  of  111.  He  has  bee.,  for  twelve 
years  clerk  of  the  court,  nnd  has  rilled  the  office  to  the  entire 
satisfaction  of  his  constituents.  He  was  Representative  in  the 
State  Legislature  in  1844 — has  been  elected  (  ounty  Surveyor  four 
terms.  County  Clerk  three  terms,  and  .Associate  Justice  one  term. 

Mrs.  AV.  is  a  lineal  descendant,  on  her  father's  side,  of  Capr. 
Miles  Standish  of  the  '•''May  Flower,"  and  o!)  her  mother's  side 
from  the  Turners  of  Scituate,  Mivis.,  who  were  descended  from 
Gov.  Car\er  of  Mas-;.  Col.  Wm.  Turner,  grandfather  of  Mr?. 
W.  was  a  colonel,  atid  a  graduate  of  Har\ar(l  in  the  class  or 
1767 — raised  a  company  of  volunteers  and  joined  the  Armv  or 
the  Revolution  before  Boston.  See  Geneilogy  of  the  Turner 
family  and  the  Sampson  family. 

Joshua  P'orman  Wilkinson"*  |  [.^^i]    John,'^  [i  y^]  john,^  [71  1 
and  ^  Daniel'^  [  I  8J  John-|_4]  La wrance^ 

Louisa  Ravnor,  I  [i]. 

Of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

592.  I.   Joshua  Forman,'  b.   March  29,  i86i,d.  April  11^  1861. 

593.  II.    Mary,'  b.  Sept.   19,  1862. 

594.  III.   Theodore,'  b.  Oct.  5,   1864. 

IV.  Rebecca,'  b.  Dec.  1866. 

V.  Forman,'  b.  1869. 

Alfred    Wilkinson,''  i  [332J  Same  as  above. 
Charlotte  C.  May,    \ 

Of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

595.  I.    Margaret,*  b.  Sept.  29,  1855,  d.  April  21,  J857. 

596.  II.    Alfred,'  D.  June  9,  1858. 

77 


EDM/IN  D  UDLE  Y  IF  ILK  IN  SON. 


578 


597.  III.    Marion,'  b.  Feb.  4,  1861. 

598.  IV.    Josephine  May,'  b.  Oct.  2  2,   1862. 

599.  V.    Louisa    Forman,'  b.  Jan.  22,   1864. 

VI.    Henry  Wilhelm,'  b.  Nov.   20,   1869.      See  p.  236. 
334.    V.    Theouosia  Burr,  m.  Joseph  Kirkland,  r.  in  Chicago, 
111.      They  have:  (1)  Caroline   Matilda.,  b.  March  20,  1865,   (2) 
Louisa  IP'ilkinsou.,    b.  Nov.  7,   1866,  (3)  'John  IVilkinson.,  b.  Oct. 
22,  1868.  See  page  236. 

John  Wilkinson,^  ]^  [335]   Same  as  above. 
Laura  S.  Ware,     j        Married,  Nov.  20,  1867. 
Ot  Chicago,  111. 

I.  Laura  Ware,'  b.  Oct.  i  i,   1868. 

II.  Edwin  Dudley,'  b.  March  26,  1870. 

Since  this  is  the  last  name  recorded,  it  is  worthy  of  note  that 
he  is  the  biggest  bey  born  in  the  great  family,  weighing  plump 
twelve  pounds.  Seep.  236, 

ERRA  TA. 


Prefa.e.     Page,    ii,     I5tli    line    f.uni    tlic 

bottom  insert  may  after  "they." 

p.  15.  8th  hii;;  t'n  m  t  p,  165a. 

24.  Transpose  the  iith  anj  12th  lim-s 

from  bottom, 

77.  Ilth  hn;,"  f-Vom  top,  reJtd  frcema/:. 

88.  Last  liii^-  read  Deed,  for  L)e;.'Js.  • 

1 10.  25th  hne  from  top,  41  for  14. 

178.  8th    line    from  top,  Elias  M.  Ray. 

178.  1  ith  line  from  top,  1828,  also  1831 . 

178.  I4tii  line  from  top,  yunc  23. 

178.  9th  line  from  bottom  1807. 

178.  7th    line   from    bottom,  No-z\,  17. 

179.  2d    line  from,  Oct.,  8. 
179.  8th  line  from  top,  yan. 

"  I  3th  line  from  top,  Maria  'J. — -i  846 

181.  1 2th    lin-   from    bottom    Botsford. 

183.  I  2th    line  from  bottom  March  14. 

193.  13th  line  from  top,  221}.,. 

194.  3d   !ine   from    bottom    read    luhcre 
before   he. 

197.  1st  line  top,  gentleman. 

20O.  1 2th  line  from  top,  Mr.  Vose. 

225.  5th  lins  from  bottom  Marcy. 

234.  9th  line  from         "      Du  Sac. 

235.  1 1  til    line  from  bottom  Wilkinson. 
"  4th  line  from  bottom  No.  XXII. 

237.  i6ih  line  from  bottom  No,  XXIII. 

238.  5th  line  from  bottom  Elon. 
243.  14th  line  from  bottom  Rohy. 
255.  loth  line  from    top,   28. 
268.  4th  line  from  bottom  XXIV. 
270.  9th  line  from  top,  503  before  "V." 


272.  I  5th  line  from  bottom  No.    XXV. 

273.  L.sc  line.  No.  XXVI. 

285.      1  6th  line  from  bottom  RiiMiNGi  on. 

287.  9tl)  Lne  frcm  bottom  Du  Sac. 
289.      13th  liiiefiom  bottom  No.  XXVII 
3J5.     I Sth  line  from  bottom  No  XXVIll 
306.      3a  line  fom  top,  Vt)GAL. 

336.      7th  line  from  top,  cz'cr. 
'•  14th  line  from  tu[^,  iesfcak. 

411.      I  oth    line  from  top,  after  Elea-zar, 

read  "  Smith  who  had  been  to  work 

for   Jermiah." 
4  I  I.      i5tli  line  from  top,  lock  tor  tack. 
4  12.      iust  line  omit  or. 
413.      13th  line  from  hox.lom,  placed. 

288.  15th    line    from,    "    Josh.  Forman 
415.      14th  line  from  top,  in: eit  •'■ii''V^  no  " 

before  "  perceptible." 
423.      7th  line  from  top,  read ^n'ar  lor  a>:. 

425.  8ih  line  from  hoaom,  gamhr el. 

426.  5th  line  from  bottom  as  Jitter  ivas. 
446.      istline  from  top,  1000    acres. 
459,      17th  line  from  top,  read  0//. 

469.      ^th    line    from    bottom,  insert  parr 
after  principal. 
1 2th  line  from  top — 1841. 
9th  line    iVom   bottom,    Moies    Y. 
loth  line  iVom  "      1811. 

5th  line  from  top,  "0/""  alter  trial. 
i2th  line  from  "   English. 
20th  line   "   Xo^,Ji've. 
few  typographical  and  other  errois  arc 
not  enumerated  in  the  above. 


492 

493 
45' 
5  ■- 
534 
55- 
A 


INDEX 


CHRISTIAN   NAMES  OF  THE   WILKINSONS. 


Alulit'W -T..   3).   :Vi.   CST.    ;238. 

•i:x  273.  iSr.  2!)].  3JtJ.  5.S3. 
AlmbG.,  3j.  2SG.  3,1i. 
AlhiTi  !^..3D.  2^5.  24'.l. 
Al!i\-cl.  3j.  IhS,  V34.    23(;.    2S8, 

4T7.  ITil.  :)7T. 
AbijiliMin.   3j.    210.   2211.   228. 

2ti5.  2Wi.  270. 
Amv.  SI2.  12!),  132.  2.1!. 
Amos.  iK).  131).  21U.  5-1.5. 
Alec.  121.  123.  15ti.  1.57. 
Aiiiif.  121. 
Aiiiio.  12],  150.312. 
Aiiicv.  127.  17U.   171.    181).  212. 

21:v  27ti 
Ahal).  127.  12!).    102.  231.   S32. 

■>o. 

Al)i'xail.  13).    (.3.  1!3.234,  C51. 

257.  287.  545,549,  552. 
AnioUl.  137.  1&2.  187'.  248. 
Anna.  141).  141.  1.51.    171.   2,)4. 

lMO.  ^KS.  501. 
Ann  L..  14s.  15). 
Annif,  150.  150-7. 
Aliiha.  I^2.  ]b3. 
Aliiirail  Amy.  182,  188. 
Artiia.  557.  ' 
Aimer.  2i,4. 
Anna  Jo^('pllinc.  2113. 
Ak-v.  215. 

AIniartus.  215.210.  270.  3..0. 
Asaph.  218.  219,  270. 
Andrew  Smith.  570. 
Ahab  W..  229.  ; 
Abby,231.2!)8. 
.\ni;indM,  5.50.  574. 
Anny.  C37. 
Anrelins  W..  574. 
Ann  Maria.  241.  242.  280.  2!)2. 
Alev  Almena.  244. 
A  lev  A..  291. 
Arn"old  Aldricli.  244.  ■.'!)4. 
Arnold  A..  294. 
Ann  Graflon.  245. 
Ann-  Ann.  248,  290. 
Avery,  248.  249. 
Anawau.  240. 
Albert.  249.  C5).  334. 
Amasa  Cook.  251.  2.>4.  .5!  (i. 
Asa  Williams.  251.257. 
Alexander  Thaver.  258.  298. 
Almira.25!).  200.  2i)0.  294. 
Abby  Ann.  202.  2(>3. 
Arthur,  548,  boo.  .554.  .5.57.  .5.'>(>. 
Asahel.  545. 
Abel.  .545.  540 
Alfred  Hall,  3C9. 


Ann  Rebecca.  3  7. 

Alice  Klhel.  3J4, 

Anna  Ma  v.  3.3. 

Alice.  298'. 

Ada  Bonnev.  297. 

Ara.  2Ht). 

Anu'eline.  -at). 

.\bbv  F..  2^0. 

AiiLMisins  S..  283.  284. 
j  Abeline  Howe,  28:3. 

Ardelia.  270.  281. 
i  Albert  Savles.  279. 

Abraham  S..  277. 
;  Alice  \'..  270. 

.\nn.  27f).  290. 
i  Alice  A..  271). 
I  .Vmv  Harriett.  207,  2(;8. 
I  AdHia  Ballon,  203.  265. 

•Amanda  Malivina.  '202.  '. 

.\mericns  Ann.  575. 

.\n'_'eancl!e  S..  5.i0. 

Benjamin.  41.  93.  114. 
I  118-!).  122.  123.  132.  134. 
i       1.53.  154.  158.  180.  213.  .57 

Ketsev.  140.  213.  230.  237, 
!  Hen  l.Veen.  ISO,  248.  294, 
'  nar:on  Brenton.  181,  182. 
i  Brownell.  21.5.207.  21fi. 

Barney.  240,    292. 

Benjamin  G.  245. 

Bell'.  247. 
,  Beisev   M.  274. 
•  Bare  lev.    3(14. 

Beisev    Ann  305. 

Byron'.  .553.  .554.  550,  557. 

Bvnni  \V.,  .550. 

Caleb.  98.  573. 

cnloe.  99.  137. 

Christopher.     114.    120. 
.575. 

Candace,  105. 

Cviiihia.    180.     181.   189. 
191,  192.  .55J.  551.  ,573.— 

Clara.    211.  212,    293. 

Clara  L.,  573. 

Caroline.  2.37.  -304.  .504. 

Charles.  249.  275.  503.573. 

Charles  B..  5.55.  207. 

Charles    D.    \V.  C,    207. 
300.  .525  527. 

Charles  H..  274. 

Clara  8..  275. 

Charles    W..  286. 

Clara,   289,  293. 

Charlie  J..  293. 

Charles  Allin  294. 

Caroline  Elizabeth  297. 


Charles    Fremont.  3C3. 

Charles  T..3U4. 

Com  ley.    304. 

Charlotte   Ursula     3C5. 

Charles  Brownell.  3i'5.  5Kl-t. 

Clarence.  3.i8. 

Cora   Dell.   310. 

Charles  William  310. 

Charles  I..,  .547. 

Curtis,  .552,  553,  .5.50. 

Clark  I!..  558. 

Charles   Keed.  558.500. 

Caiherine.  .500.  .5M. 

Content    502. 

t  ornelia.  5t.3, 

Claud  Odell   573. 

Charles  E..  573. 

Catherine  A..  573. 

Clarissa.  574. 

Chester.  5.52.  .55t). 

Ceriza.  .553. 

Clarissa  D..  .5.55. 

Clarintha.  .5.50. 

Charlotte.  .550. 

Clark.  .554.  5  5. 

Deborah.  .57.  02.  !:3.  132.  138. 

Diana,  llis.  Ki!). 

Dani<d   Smith.  234. 

Dlidlev  P..  230, 

David  Lawrence.  203.  204. 

David  Stri'cter  S.50. 

Deborah  N.,   275. 

Don  A.,  289. 

David  L.,  303. 

D.  Lawrence  3C3. 

David  S..  3i,3. 

David,   iii.  08.  70-2,  98.  101-2, 

lH!t.  141-2.  147.  170,  2042;.0-7. 

2'.M.  2-:4.  ■-'37.  202.  279.  ,50.5-20. 

.548.  .5.50-1.  553.  .554.  .55ti. 
Danlorlh.  550. 
Daniel,    55,    88-9,    91.    102-3, 

130.  140,  10.3,    171,  17.5.   220, 

227.  240-1,  381-3.  287.  ,570. 
Dency.  .51)0. 
Edward,  iii.  3J4.  308.  544.  .54.5. 

548,    .549. 
Elizabeth.   1-^2.  13.s,    171  215. 

210,  229,    230.  235.  237.  240. 

545.  .54S.  5.53.  564,  575. 
Elisha.   149,  150,  210. 
Eleazar,  149. 
Esther.     151.    1.52.    210.    212. 

.547.  554. 
Edward  S..  1.5s,   -2^1. 
Freeman  B.,  ,574. 
Forman,  .575. 


58o 


INDEX. 


Eunice,  Ifi'i. 

Elpha.    168. 

Eliab.  -207. 

Elias.  210. 

Ettie    E..  294. 

Eliza,  236,  237,  2oy,  261,  267, 

555. 
Elijah,  552.556. 
Elizabeth  Arnokl.  241. 
Eleazer,  304, 
Edwin  Kuthven.  246.  247. 
Edwin  H..  547. 
Ellen  II..  249. 
Emma  M..  249.  250. 
Edwin  Carpenler    25n. 
Eleazor,    266. 
Eliza  J..  275. 
Edmund,  2s3,    oJb. 
Edwin  Dudh^v.  578. 
Elizabeth  Macy.  283. 
Elizabeth  Jenks,  285. 
Emma,  287.  298. 
Ella,  288. 

Emily  M.,  291,  293. 
Emma  Amelia,  593. 
Emma  S..  293. 
Edward  Deforest.  294. 
Edwin  R.,  294. 
Edwin,  298.  311. 
Elida  M.,303. 
Ellen  L.,3U3. 
Edith  L.,  303. 
Ella  Hannah.  3J4. 
Emma  Jane.  3,14. 
Elwood.  304. 

Eliza  Elecla  Iliintinirton,  305 
Emma  I'ark,  3il5. 
Edward  Thaver,  30s. 
Ella  Laviua.'31(i. 
Ellen  Maria.  547. 
Ebeuezer,  55j,  .551. 
Eve,  550,  551. 

Edward  F.,  557.  \ 

Erastus.  573.  i 

Egbert  T.,  573.  J 

Elvira,  .5.55. 
Elthina.  :m. 

Freelove.  88.  00,  1.58.  ].»0.  170. 
Frederick.  204,  .553-4,. 55  7,  .566. 
Piancis,  238,288.  292, 
Frances  l.ois.  241,  243. 
Freelove  .Maria.  245.  240. 
Francis  .Marion.  246. 
Frances,  246,  574.  ' 

Francis  Albert,  247. 
Frederick  D.,  249.  \ 

Florence  A..  249. 
Francis  B.,  26,5.  ! 

Fannie  M.,  276. 
Francis  C,  290. 
Frank  A.,  295. 
Frank  H.,  295. 
Franklin  Fierce.  i'Mi. 
Frank  E..  3j3. 
Frank  Marshall,  3im. 
Frank,  307.  5.57. 
Frederick  Sayles, 311. 
Fleming  546. 
Frances  A.,  547. 
Fleming  A.,  574. 
Fanny,  557. 
Oeorge,  127,  1.58,  1.59.  162,170, 

218, 220.  231 , 2:J7  265, 274,  275, 

276,  277,  290,  3J7.   .5.57,  .563, 

573.  .5.53,  .5.-^4.  56,). 


George  E.,  249,  309. 
George  Perkins.  270.271.  3,  (J. 
George  W.,  275.  280,  319. 
George  Edwin.  285. 
George  E.  S.,  286-3. 
George  Kinny.305, 
George  T.,  307. 
George  Lewis,  307. 
George  iSlurgis,  3i»9. 
George  William.  310.  .587. 
George  B.,  .547,  .508. 
Garry.  .547. 
Gilbert,  .561.  .563-4. 
Garner.  171.  172,  173. 
(iardner,  238. 
George  H..  .556. 
Hannah.   .59.  6  1.62.(3.05.96. 

97.  142.  149.  15  i.  1.58.  176.  17i). 

211,  21.5,  216,  321,  226,   251. 

253,  282,  515.  519.  55 J,  .551. 
Hannah  Maria.  75.  H3, 17u,265 
Hannah  M..  .5.53.  .557. 
Hannah  Ann.  2'.i3. 
Haiuiali  (iliizier.  245.  246. 
Hannah  .\|)lin.  283. 
Harriett.  218,  248.  274. 
Harriett  Perry.  3,  5. 
Harriett  A..  3./t;. 
Harriett  Nt^well,.555,  .5,56. 
Helen  Ruth,  553-4. 
Helen  .\nloinelle.  309.  539. 
Helen.  .564. 
Huldah.   66.   68.  7.1.  71.  72.  98, 

9!»,  142. 
Hazel,  218.  219. 
Henrv.  55.  3j4.  .549.  5.58,  ,5.57. 
Henry  Washington,  2t.5,  3.(9. 
Henrv  N.,  286,  312. 
Henrv  B.,  288,  577. 
Henrv  Niles.  3,i7-8. 
Henrv  Reed.  3J9. 
Henry  W.,  .5.56. 
Henry  H..  5.56. 
Henry  Wilhelm,  57^. 
Harrv,  2:i5. 

Hiram,  240,  241.  292.  203.  .5.53. 
Hatlie  (Jertriide.  3j4. 
Hersev.  547. 
Hepzibctli.  .549. 
Hezekiah.  .542.  .5,55. 
H.  ConoUv.  575, 
Isaac,  3J.  207.  208.  220.    223. 

240.  265,  .545. 
Israel,  .5.5,  57.  68,  98.  101.   102. 

1U3,    104,  105,  108.  142.    144. 

145.  193.   200,   201.  207.  251. 

2.54.  2.58.  297,  400.  4tl5. 
IchalK)d,  98.  108.  148,  .545.  546. 

5.50.551.5.52. 
Ishmael.    114,    11.5.    lUi.    118. 

122,  161. 
Ira,  237,  290,  298, 
Isaac  Randolph.  265.  304. 
Isabella  E..  286. 
Ida  Arnold,  295. 
Irene.  550,  551,  .554. 
Ida,  557, 
Irvine  A.,  573. 
John.  iii..  43,  44,  47,   51,    .53, 

54,  55,  57,  59,   61,  62,  69,  70, 

71,  72.  73.  76.  8,1,  87.  88.  89.  >.iO, 

91,  102.  111).  111.  120.  122.  127. 

128,  130.  131.    148.   149.    151. 

1.52.   120,    162,    168,    160,    170, 

2u9.   212,   236.  266,  338,  344, 


.545.  .5.50.  .5.59.  .".6  )-2.  57.V76-'*. 
Joseph,  iii.  27,  51,  64.  70.  71. 

72.76-7,  110.  112,  113-14.  12), 

121,  14S,  1.50.  1.56-7,  2;  4,  2i,.5. 

215.  218.  231-2.  2.59.  293.  307, 

ii4.5-9.  549-5J,  561-3,  576.  54;^. 

.553-4. 
James.  3fi.  67,  7s.  141.  U6,  171 

176.   177.  193.  197,  lOS-0,   21S. 

234-S.  244.  251.  265,  276.  2S2. 

2n7.  293.  307,  .563,  ,575.  542-3. 
Josias.  42.  47.  50-1,  58-9,  6,-1, 

62-3,  68.  95-6. 
Joanna,  47.  .57.  127.  163.   174. 

210-11.  231-2,  234-9.  279..5.5l). 
Josiah,  70,  71-2.  9,s-»,  130,  .575. 
I  Jeremiah.  .55,  SS-O.  i)l-2.  93-4, 

lii2.    132-3.    171-3,   23s.    24,. 

292,  4.9,  414. 
John,  Dr..  77.  4(;4-6. 
Jemima.  02-3.  99.   132.   ]3(l-s. 

139.  414.  448. 
•leplha.  93,  132,  137,  182. 
Jepiha    A..  93.   i37,   18-,^.    Is7. 

4s6— 5t»4, 
Jacob,  98.  142-3,  189.  2.4,  250. 
Joal>,  i3j.  162,  234-5,  287. 
Jonathan.  185,  17j.  173-4.  230. 

o4f).  5,3-4. 
Job.  171,  174,  24),  202-3. 
J  unit  h.  171,  17.J. 
James  E.,  296, 
Joiin  Lawrence,  213. 
JohntS.,  3„4. 
Jan-es  M.,  218-9. 
.jonallian  H.,  452, 
John  J.,  229,  33 J,  286,  562, 
■lenckes,  231-2.  _,_ 
Joseph  dies  cr,  575. 
.Julia  Ann.  231,  232. 
.ImIiii  ;  wartz.  236. 
.iaiiics  Hugh.  575. 
Josl]\ia  Fornian,  236,  288,577, 
Josephine  May,  288,,57>i. 
Jane.te  Lee,  236. 
James  Augustus,  244,  293-4. 
Jercniiali  .ildiich.  294, 
,)anc  Elizahelh.  244, 
Joseph  C'ornelJ,  245, 
James  Arnold,  24s.  204. 
Jepiha  Averv,  24'.i. 
Julia  S..  240, 
Joseph  A„  249, 
James  EllioU,  251. 
Joanna  Savles.  262,  2C4, 
Jane  Carr,  576. 
James  T.,  3u5. 
Julia  Emma.  262.  264. 
Jane.  265.  2s<.).  503. 
James 'I'haver.  267.  268. 
John  Brownell.  267,  272. 
Jane  Bavlev,  274. 
Julia  B.   275. 
John  W..  276. 
James  M..  27ti. 
John  L..  279.  281.  3i7, 
John  Edwin.  2^5. 
James  J..  2s7. 
Jay.  290. 

Jeremiah  A,.  20;'.. 
Joseph  Salisbury,  3ll5.  311, 
James  Thomas,  3u5, 
Joseph    Brownell.    3  6.    270. 

272,  ,527,  532. 
Julia  M,,  3„6, 


INDEX. 


581 


James  Heurv.  SCS. 
Jo^'eph  B..  :3lS. 
.liine  Frown,  ot^^. 
Jnlirt.  504. 
John  (;.,  564. 
-lane  H.,  564. 
James  A.,  575.  576. 
Kiiziah.  llu. 
Kate.  557. 

Lawrence.  I,  32.  88.  -U.  86,  36 
37,  3S.  8ii.  4,1,  41,  4-2,  43.  44 
45,  46.  4T.  4S.  52,  59,  61,  62 
63.  9J.  !)6.  11!).  14>^.  3>.  :M3 
324. 
Lewis',  iii.    1>L  1^-2.  274.  552 

.^53  556. 
Lvclia.  119,  12),  130,  15],  168 
"171,  21(1,   2  1.  22J,  22s,  229 
265,  2S9.  £74. 
Lucv,  137,  165.  166.  167,  170-1 

lg2.  ISr.  220.  55.1. 
LuciBa.  176.  237.  251,  25S. 
Laura  Wai-e,  57s. 
La  rued,  239. 
Lvflia  Ardelia.  241-2. 
Lewis  Harlwell.  246.  247. 
Lalayelte,  24?.  275,  295. 
Laura,  251.  252. 
L<)\  is^y  Tliayer.  2.-s. 
Lucy  t'aprou,  2(!2.  263. 
Lyman  J.,  274. 8i)T. 
Louisa  Formau.  27s.  51s. 
Lvclia  A..  290. 
Lbvina.  292.  f.74. 
Lewis  F..  2:)4. 
Lafayelle  Avery.  297. 
Luriila  Amelia,  2;i7. 
Lawrauce  Smith.  2'i7. 
Leonacles.  29s,  311. 
Leslie.  29S. 

Lyman  L.,  544.  546.  547. 
Louisa.  574,  557. 
Lois,  546. 
Lurinda.  554.  555. 
Lemuel  A..  546,  547. 
Lyman  E..555. 
Loien,  547. 
Lilly,  557. 
Livingston.  501. 
Lucrelia.  575. 
Leonora.  575. 

Lydia  W..  575.  j 

Lavinia,  576.  I 

Laura  A.,  576.  ! 

Laura  G.,  555.  ' 

Lucian  E.,  556. 
Mcrcv.  68,  98,  100,  215.  21T. 
Marv".   69.  I(i3,   iny.   113,   114, 
126,  140,  141,   148,  149,   151. 
159,  1!'3,  211,  560.   562,   218. 
288,   292,  294.   296.  298.  304, 
.549,  563.  564,  5T5.  277.  278. 
Marcv.   88,  90,  132,   1.35,   154. 
1.58.  159.   204,   206,   210,  220, 
225.   231,  576. 

-Martha.  114.  120,  121.  122. 123, 
142,   148,  1.50,   1.56,  159,  160, 
161.  193,   231,  C32,  247.   557, 
560,  562, 
:\rorton  S.,  131,  235,  288,  521. 
Melatiel.  162. 
Mollv.  170. 

Mary  Ann.  182,  187.  248,  249. 
-Marv  Rhodes,  214. 
Maria  E.,  294,  295. 


Martha  E..  557. 
Maria  Hei.niis.  -fX:. 
Mary  Jane,  240.  ?4).  274. 

30b,  547. 
Maria,  240.  ::4;,  .550. 
Marv  Chace,  245. 
MarLTaret  Uussel.  2-"5. 
Mart,'aret  Clark.  3C6. 
Mira,  227. 
Jliuerva,  2S6. 
Mary  T..  304. 
Maiy  Minerva.  251.  i56. 
Mary  Ann,  259.  260,  270. 
Mary  Lapiiam.  262,  264. 
Mary  Hannah,  267. 


■Russell.  134.  180.  l&l. 
Ransom.    137.    182.  187,   249. 
276.  Robert.  242.  147.  2G4,  .3C8,  560, 

561.. 563-4. 
Rachel,  14S,  2:4.  549. 
Rebecca,  151,  252,  213,  283-4. 

545,  549,  577. 
Hhode.s.  151,  152,  211, 
Rufus,  181,  182. 
Renssellear.  193.  104. 
Rebecca  S.,  229.  3(3. 
Ru;h  Aldrich.S41. 
Rowena  Aldrich,  244. 
Rhoda,  259.  564. 
Robert  Smith,  262,  263. 


j  Marinda  Sophronia.  270  272  !RoselleP.,  275. 
!  Marshal]  S..  274,  3o6  Rowena  Alida.  294. 

I  Manton,  274.  Reed.  554,  655,  558. 

i  Mary  Tower.  285.  Roxev.  574. 

Mary  Elizabeih,  2S5,  297,  309.  R-  Oscar,  555. 


Mary  C,  2.SS.  249.  647,  57S 
Marsraret,  28S,  3CS,  677. 
Marion.  2f  s.  292,  657,  57s, 
Mary  Kiukead,  3^0. 
Maud.  duS. 
Jlaurice.  553-4.  557 
Mai-ietla,  546. 
Mahala.  576. 
Mat: hew.  .5J1). 
Munr(!e.  574. 
Xedal.iah.  91,  130.  l-si.  165. 


Samuel  T  .  30. 1C9, 110, 266.3C4 

Samuel,  38,  43,  44,  47.  48,  49, 
5J.  51,  52.  53,  56,  57.  64,  65, 
67,  68,  69,  70,  71,  72.  73,  75, 
79.  95.  98.  101,  113,  114,  122, 
123,  140,  151,  211,  212,  213, 
239,  2(6,  282,  2S3,  3CS,  325, 
337,  645.  549. 

Susannah. 47,  63,  (3,64,  SO-6, 
Sr.  114,  123.  125.  161. 

■•Senator,"  63. 


Nancy,  137.  IS2,  1S3,  184,  1S5  iSarah,  88,  fti,  110, 114,  116. 123 
1S6,  21s.  277,  278.  6  6,  563      I     126, 127.  129, 140,  162, 210-11, 
Nancy  Williams,  2i3,  217  283      213,  218,  219.  229.  285.  23S. 


Xelsoii.  21s.  219  375 
XetlieEstella,  -SlM 
XancyJ.,  275. 
Xancy  A.,  276.  296.  897...,- 
Xeliie  Augusta.  311. 
Xabby,  552. 


2.59.  261.  276,  549,  662,  653,576 
Stephen,  127.  132.  136, 137. 148 

149,  151,   1.59,  ISl,  210,   218, 

275   573  ,575 
Susanna, "iW.  139. 140. 159.  3C4 
Simon.  132.  1.33,  162,  170,  171, 


Oliver,  iii.  548.  550.  .551,   55S.      176.  237-8,  251,  257,  297,  309. 

553,  554-5.  [Silenee,  146.  193.  202-3,  25 

Oziel,  St,   102,  129,  159,  160,iShubael,  163,  165,  2:34. 

220,  46S,  476.  Sophia  Lathan,  297. 

Olive,   91,   130,  131.  151,   153,^allv,  181,  5.54 


Olis.  131.  105.  234 

Ofi-den.  210. 

Orville  Cook,  2.53-4,  296.  297 

311. 
Orrin.  274. 306,  574. 
Orange.  646.  547. 
Oliver  B..  576. 
Oscar,  655. 
Plain.  6S,  9S.  105.  110. 
Patience,  93.  9S.  l(JO.  1.32  134 

140,  141,  562.  593. 
Peleg.  6S. 

Prudence,  114,  132. 
Preston.  ISl. 
Polly.  213.  5.52.  .554,  565. 
Phebe  Folger.  245. 
Pliny  Eari;  248. 
Philander  A..  276. 
Pardon  Whipple,  137,289,  522, 

525,  237, 
Philena,  55S. 
Phebe.  664.  573. 
Philaster,  578. 
Philetus  C,  5.56. 
Pardon  W.,  5-37. 
Ruth,  63,  64,  6S.  77,  78,  79,  86, 

98,  110,  114,  12;^,  126,127,  128 

163,  164,  171,   275,   545,  549, 

550,  551,  554,  561-3. 


78 


Susan.  552.563.  597. 
i Spear,  207. 
ISnsan  M..  573. 
Susannah  Angell.  214. 
Susan  Anu-elir214. 
ISabra  E..  290.  291. 
Samuel  A..  293. 
Samuel  C.  292. 
Stephen  R..  556. 
Sarephina  S..  303. 
Smith,  220,  227,  238,  275,  283, 

291. 
Simeon.  229,290. 
Samuel  Scott,  231. 
ISmith  S.,  234,  278. 
Samuel  Chase,  240. 
Sarah  Glazier.  246. 
Sarah  Spencer,  245. 
silence  Judd,  258,  259. 
Sarah  Jane,  575. 
Sabra,  259. 
sarah  Draw.  267. 
Susan  Ann.  267,  268. 
sarah  Elizabeth.  267,  268. 
Sarah  A..  275,  547. 
Solrina,  276. 
Stella,  287. 
Susan  F.,  555. 
Sukev,  552. 
Sophia  C,  564. 


582 


SURNAMES. 


Sophia.  554,  555-(). 
Sprague,  574. 
Tamer,  14S. 
Truman  B.,  318. 
Theodosia  B..  230,  5?s. 
Thankful  Savles.  2(53.  265. 
Thomas  Knii^ht.  2(iT,  3J5,  510. 
Tabitha  Caroline.  21)7. 
Truman  A.,  2T(). 
Theodore.  288. 
Thomas  Paine.  303. 
Thankful,  545.  540. 
Ursula  M..  311. 
Vernum.  134.  18J,  181.  245. 
Vienna,  ITC.  177.  178,  470.  485. 
Vernum  Russell.  245.  24(1. 
Victoria  J.,  240. 
Vienna  Sheldon,  251,  2.5(). 


Van  Edgar,  294. 

Vienna  Elizabeth.  2'!fi. 

Vesta.  558. 

William,  10,  33.  34.  53.  57,  64. 
73.  75.  87.  OS,  113.  114,  129. 
126.  127,  132,  133.  139.  14S, 
151.  151-5,  1.58-9,  170,  213-4, 
217-8,  210.  225,  2.36-7.  267. 
274-5,  277,  289.  307,  467— S. 
5.58-9.  5GJ,  562-4.  574-5. 

William  H..  34.  214.  237-8,  '207 

"Widow."  iii.  544. 

Wait.  142.  147.  204,  2>;6. 

Welcome.  180. 

Washington.  A.  J.,  229,  2S5. 

Winfleld  Scott.  234,  2bS,  577. 

W^illiam  Garner,  240. 

William  Sheldon.  251-7.  297. 


William  Scott.  S62-4.  303 

William  Field.  2(i7-8. 

William  R..  276. 

Whipple,  276. 

William  W..  277,  307. 

Warren,  290-1,  310.  553. 

William  Arnold.  294. 

Walter,  20S,  299,  302,  306. 

Walter  Brownell.  306. 

William  Thompson.  396. 

Walter  P.,  311. 

Vv'alter  E..  311. 

William  Seward,  574. 

William  L.,  555. 
I  Ward,  .556. 

Ware.  .556. 
1  Wealthy,  556. 

Zebiah,  98,  100. 


SURNAMES 

OF   PERSONS   WHO   HAVE  INTERMARRIED  WITH  THE   WILKINSONS, 
AND  OTHER  SURNAMES  MENTIONED  IN  THE  BOOK. 


Atwood,  3.  180. 

Allen,  4.  10.  31,  212,  2U,  26,>, 
305,  552,  2.54.  554. 

Angell,  S.  10,  12.  56,  57.  70,  71, 
72,  84.  80,  114,  115,  12:3.  12S, 
159,  186,216.  287,241.  289. 

Arnold,  12,  13.  15.  16,  31,  38, 
39.  40,  50,  56,  57. 58,  62.  68,  69 
70.  72.  86,  89.  100.  101.  103, 
105,  128-9, 139,  145,  157,  160, 
161,  175,  177,  205,  246,  259, 
265,  277,  304. 

Andross,  16,  59. 

Anthony.  16,  217,  221. 

Ashton,  42. 

Aldrich.  64,  69.  98,  103,  115. 
124,  185,  142.  17.5-0.  178.  238, 
241,  244,  291. 

Abbot,  89. 

Austin,  111.  115. 

Alversoii.  133,  170, 

Averv,  137.  2.56. 

Almy.  142, 15.8. 

Ammidoii.  144. 

Ailing,  169. 

Amadown,  208. 

Abbott,  229. 

Aylsworth,  256. 

Alderman,  259,  263. 

Adams,  547. 

Adriance,563. 

Anderson,  574-5. 

Bochee,  564. 

Butler,  555,  558. 

Boss,  63,  154  235,  2Sn. 

Bradley,  240,  292. 

Buker,  248. 

Baker  244. 

Boardman'.  247,  294,  550. 

Bachelder.  248,  294. 

Bowers,  248.  294. 

Burdon,  248. 

Bellinger,  248. 

Benson,  189, 253. 

Bonney,  256,  297. 

Balcom,  260. 

Beach,  547. 

Banvard,  268. 

Beals,278. 


Bent  lev.  286.  230. 

Babcock.  .540. 

Barden,  548. 

Babbitt,  .551. 

Barnes.  553. 

Browne.  2,  3,  S,  11.  12.   10 

31,  35. 
Blackman,  2. 
Bliun,  3. 

Bowen,  8,30,81-5,  152,  517 
Bewit,  11. 
Brinton,  15. 
Bull,  15.  16,  .59,  173. 
Burnside,  16. 
Burnett,  19. 
Bancroft,  19,  20,  31,  58. 
Bunyan,  25. 
Bemen.  30.  78,  86,  217.  123 

141,  315. 
Benedict.  30,  43,  62,  168. 
Bliss,  30,  54. 
Bartlett.  31.  133,  146. 
Bellou,  35.  40. 
Bennett,  35, 150, 175.  .563, 

576. 
Backus,  43. 
Bitts,44. 
Bernon,  53,  7'5. 
Blackstone,  53,  54. 
Barding,  72. 
Borden,  74, 
Berkley,  82. 
Burroughs,  S3. 
Bates,  84. 
Ballon,   105,  136,  144,  170, 

177-S.  185,  193,  236. 
Brown,  107, 142,  158,  164-5 

178,   193,  206,   211,  217, 

254,  276,  283,  297,  208. 
Barlow,  108. 
Ball,  110. 
Bnssy,  117. 
Brvaht,  129.  263. 
Biicklin,  129,  1.57. 
Briggs,  135,  240,  292. 
Botsford.  137,138,  181. 
Bagncll,13S. 
Brinihall.  188. 
Bogert,  140. 


30. 


124 


Butium.  147-8.  200-1. 
Bussev,  151. 
Burrill.  156. 
Burgess,  159.  218.  346-7 
Bishop.  16.3,  215. 
Bailey.  165,  .5.55. 
Blackington,  165. 
Biirlingame.  175. 
Britrhtman,  177. 
Brocke.  177. 
Bogardus.  181. 
Barse,  186. 
Bradford,  212,  26(). 
Burrows,  213. 
Burnham.  217. 
Bullock,  222. 
Coke.  1. 
Cranston.  2,1.5,  16,  Isl. 


29.141. 


573, 


.  574. 
I.  181. 


175, 


,17 
248, 


Clark,  2,15.  16,124 
Congdon.  3. 
Callender.  4,  .30. 
Crawford,  8,  15. 
Cope.  12. 

Cole.  12,  13,  157.187,241 
Carpenter,  12,  13,  \mx, 

200,241,  258.  290,  309. 
Ccggeshall,  15. 
Coggshall,  557. 
Coddington,  15. 
Caston,  16. 
Carr,  16. 
Cook,  16,181,  19.3,   195-9,  20t 

263,  264,  575-6. 
Collins,  16.  290. 
Clarencieux,  24. 
Cooper,  30,  145, 168. 
I Courthorpe,  32.33,34. 
'Conyers,  84.313. 
Cromwell,  84,  38. 
Clemenie,  35. 
Cumstocke,  35. 
Clawson,  35. 
Colwell,  35,  277. 
Cruftbrd,  61. 
Comstock,  67-8,  70-1.  100. 10' 

129,  147. 
Curtis,  SO,  289,  551. 
Channing,  82. 
Chase,  84,  170-1, 174-5,  240. 


SURNAMES. 


5«3 


Calvin,  S4. 

Eaion.  144. 

Harris.  8,9.  12.  13.  10,  4i 

41. 

Colt.  93. 

Eldridire.  173. 

44,  77,  84-5,  112,  117.  121 

124 

Chaffin.  107. 

Eddy.  ISO.  217. 

126,  i5S,  211-12,  221.  222 

242 

Chapman.  110.  l-l-^.  Uii.  -'(M. 

Eastman.  211. 

277.  555. 

Carver.  12-1. 

Eibridw.  2:38. 

Holyman.  13. 

Cheney.  131.  167. 

Evans.  242. 

Hoppiu,  16. 

Chamberlain.  131.  V'>-2. 

Easter.  575. 

Hunshelf.  2:1 

Crouch.  141. 

Eaus.  576. 

Hensou.  23. 

Capron.  144-5..  I'^il.  liKH.  192. 

Fenner.  3.  16.35.  39.  40.  71. 

Hubbard.  30.  So.  3uo. 

2M.  207.  262. 

Fox.  4.  19.   in. 

Hauklin.  35. 

Croasdale.  14!t. 

Field.  12.  13,  40.  SO.  114.  213. 

Herden.  65. 

Cleveland.  152. 

Francis.  16.  5T4. 

Hakeniss.  40. 

Cargill.  164.  175. 

Fessenden.  30.  27>. 

Honeyman.  .53.  75. 

Coope.  171,  237. 

Fairfax.  35.  47.  316. 

Haindeeu.  52. 

Cornell.  172.  2S!..  2.^):!.  2!il.574. 

Falconer.  81. 

Howiand.  73. 

Collyer.  177. 

Fisk.  84. 

Hardin-i.S7. 

Curtice.  17S. 

Flairsr.  103. 

Hosr'-'.  89,  9U. 

Coe,  179,  2:j6.  260. 

Faxon.  107.108. 

Hill.  9U.  216.  219.  244.  275. 

294. 

Chandler.  183. 

Fisher.  111.  130. 

Howard.  91.  106.  55S. 

Cnshman.  213. 

Farnum.   126. 

Hud;-on.  92.  94.  136. 

Cadv,  214. 

Foster.  126. 

Hide.  91. 

Cobb,  217,  241 . 

Fowler.  13S. 

Helmer,  lo7. 

Crowlev,  ^22. 

Follett,  163.  175.  576. 

Hughes.  110,  148. 

Case,  241. 

Forman  169. 

HaiKOck.  131.  16>. 

Corlis.  248, 

Folger,  ISl. 

Hobert.  135. 

Card,  254,  286.  297. 

French.  183. 

Ha  11  well.  13->. 

Chatman,  259. 

Fairman  217.  21'-. 

Hoar.  158. 

Colridge,  263. 

FoL'.  236. 

Hunter.  159. 

Cougdon.  263. 

Ferret t.   245. 

Hicks.  165. 

Colton,  277.  307. 

Folsom.  246. 

Hollenbeck,  1^3. 

Colbnrn,  551. 

Ford.  2&t.  265. 

Holmes.  185. 

Cary.  561.  563. 

Fo2g,  2T5; 

Hiscox.189, 

Carey,  5(>4. 

Fa  vies,  549, 

Hines,  1S9. 

Cramer,  573. 

Fifkins,  553.  .557. 

Handv.  210. 

Dyer,  3.  16. 

Flagler.  561.  rm. 

Howe'.  226-7.  22^-0.  2!-3. 

Dean,  3.  132. 

Frost.  564. 

Humphreys.  228. 

Dorr,  4.  5.  Iti. 

Greene,  2.  3.   13.   16.   sr.   log 

Hale.  23u." 

Dodge.   8. 

177, 220. 

Hum.  245. 

Dexter,  11,   19.   40.  43.  .50.  55, 

Gihbs.  16. 

Hatherwav,  24s. 

m.  86,  96,  131.  143.  -iTi. 

Gerviniis,  17. 

Healev.  248. 

Diman.  16. 

Grant,  22.  164. 

Hawkins,  249.  25:^. 

DTsraeli,  22. 

Gregory.  27. 

Hollev.  259. 

Dingle.  32.  33. 

Guild.  HX  65.  1.5.';. 

Hendrick.  266.  303. 

DarliniT.  93.  I:i4.  IT..  i:3.  :74. 

Gotts.  107. 

Huutiu^.'ion.274. 

2;}9. 

(iore.  126. 

Uabiings.  -^'t^.  5iVJ. 

Dillingham.  9!i. 

Germ  on.   138. 

Howel.^2S0. 

Davis.  H,3.  142.   143.  1.52.  157. 

Gaskel,  145. 

Halev.  295. 

17S.  215,  216.  iMi.  2:s.  311. 

Gay,  152. 

Hautrhion.  3L5.  311. 

Dav.  112. 

Granger  152.  553.  556. 

Hopkins,  Wm..  350-355. 

Daniel.  3.  147.  i;<4. 

Green,  157. 

Hopkins.  Stephen.  356— :if*0. 

Dresser,  152. 

Goodwin,  165.  214.  225. 

Hopkins.  Esek,  :iSl-399. 

Dodd.  179. 

Geddes.  169. 

Hadden,  546. 

Dury.  179. 

Grave<,  177,  5.51. 

Hoaster,  547. 

Drurv.  214. 

Glazier,  ISl,  245. 

Hovl,  552. 

Drew.  214.  236.  2t;7. 

Gleason,  185. 

Houghton.  555. 

Dnrfee.  226. 

Gardner.  185.  187. 

Hiklreths.  555. 

Doiitrlasg.  235.  287. 

Gibson.  187.  249. 

Hazleline.  561. 

Deniott.  274,  306. 

Gee.  217. 

Holden,  563. 

DeWolf,  277.  307. 

Goodrich.  220. 

Hvde.  574. 

Davidson,  281.  575. 

Grisrss.  237.290. 

Ives.  2. 

Dorman.  286.  309. 

Guile.  2.54.  296. 

Inman.  35-9.  40,  90,102.130.14.0 

DeGroff.  547. 

CTilmore,  290. 

In£alls.212. 

Danforth.  55=5.  .556. 

Godfrey.  296. 

Irwin,  230. 

Diinnins:.  554,  557. 

Gray.  552. 

James,  13. 

Doughty.  563.  564. 

Ciase.  574. 

Jenckes,  16.  50. 

Diiqnett.  575. 

Hart.  2,  152. 

Jones.  16,  158,  297.  .575. 

Earle,  3. 

Harrington.   3.  9.  99.  163.  269. 

Jackson.  16. 

Easton,  15. 

553.  557. 

Joanes,  35. 

Edmundson.  19. 

Hovle,  3. 

Johnson.  23.  1S3,  290.  300 

Emmotson,  23. 

Hopkins.  4,  13.  16.  31.  50.  61-3 

Jenks.  53.  56.  57,  75.  77..80.121 

Edwards.  25. 168.  284,  24-J. 

65-6.  67-9,  70-1,  72,  78-9.  SO, 

134,  156,  161-2.  180.  229. 

231. 

Everinden.  40. 

81.  8a-4,  85-6,   89.  102,  116, 

254   296. 

Estauce.  59. 

120,  125,  129.  156-7.  160.  161. 

Jacobs.  182,  246. 

Evans.  85. 

215.  217,  350.  356. 

Judd.  202. 

Ellis.  90. 

Hutchinson.  4.  210. 

Jillson,  232,  23;i,  286. 

584 


SURNAMES. 


)!.    loo. 


Joy.  2S'-l.  3j9.  5*1. 
Jewel t,  5B1. 
KiU!iht.3.  Ifi.lS'l.  19J 
Kiiowlos.  5. 
Kiiii;,  IB- 
Konnicut.  S4. 
Knowltin.  12^. 
KiddiT.  13S. 
Kelley,    99. 
Keene,  viM- 
Kiu-sley.  233. 
Kirklaiul.  23rt.  57S. 
Kiiivoii,252. 
KeniL-y.  3)1. 
Kiniu'y.  54().  TyXl. 
Iviiiuiin  3. 
I„-iniea.  :i.   MT.    l'^-- 

150.159.213. 
MndU'V,  3. 
Lyndon.  Iti. 
Liiwer.  23.  3  ). 
Lovett.  99.  U4.  2(13. 
La  Fayette.  lOti. 

L'lcv.no.  112.  US.  ir,  I, 

Leich.  113. 

Lo^^ier.  132. 

l^awrence.  137.  U)S. 

L-nt.  13S,  18S. 

Lambert.    13S. 

Lapham,  U.5.  147.2(4.  ^rl. 

Lelatid.  Uti.  22). 

Lvoii.  101.179.211. 

L'ldd.  178. 

Lane.  1S.1. 

Lee.  1S3 

Littlefleld.  19.'i. 

Law,  211. 

Locke.  2U'>. 

Livinf^ftoue.  228. 

Leonard.  232. 

Lansins,  240,  293. 

Lassell,  249. 

Litle,  256. 

Loni^ley.  26S. 

Lawton,  270, 

Laze'.l,  277. 

Lincoln,  289. 

Lamb.  297,  311. 

Lazier  573. 

Mathewson.  3.  57H. 

Magot,  23. 

Mowry.  37,  66,   103,   115. 
147,  151,152,  154,  211,21 

Manton,  40,  45,  218.  274. 

Mann,  54,  145. 

Mitchels,  52. 

Maxcy.  83. 

Milton.  72. 

Marks,  113. 

Martin,  119. 

Morris,  120,  151,  1.52,  1(.9, 
463. 

Atiller,  130,  133.  177.241. 
293.  805. 

Metcalf.  130.  142.  143.  Utl. 
179. 

Murray.  132. 

Mosier,  133. 

Malin,  138. 

Marsh,  140,  206.  224.  277. 

Maroiies.  150. 

Marcy,  152,  211. 

Maybiiry.  153. 

Mahninsr.  1.55. 

Mason.  159.  217.  237.  283. 


as9.  .5:^7. 

Moshi<M-.  1(U. 
Mosher.  171. 
.Merritt,  172. 
Matthews,  183. 
Mc.\rthnr.  183. 
Moore,  186.  554,  .557.  5.59,  .561. 
Masree.  216,270. 
Mc(Jee.  216. 
McTnroy.  219.  276. 
Machan.  234. 

May.  236,  288.  .554.  .5.57,  577. 
Mather.  210. 
Marhle.  240. 
Mirtdleton.  945. 
Malcolm.  2.52. 
Movrison,  959.  263.  20:-(.  313. 
\  Marchant,  ''78. 
j  Munn.  548.  ,551.  .5.53. 

Medler.  .50i. 
I  Atillard.  .575. 
I  Millin<jruin.  .573,  .574. 
I  Xoble,23. 
'  Xorthnn.  35. 
I  Neal.  47.  Sifi, 
Newhall.  113.  213. 
Xevvell,  142.  IfU.  .551. 
Newman.  164.204.  2.59. 
\iles.  219.  275.  2'52.  317. 
Noxon.  2,38.  291. 
Nicols.  244 
Newton.  302. 
I  Olney,  2, 10.  13.  19.  35.  37.  38. 
43.  44.  52.  .55-0.  62.  80.86,  106. 
I  Owen.  177. 
Oshnm.  183. 
Odel I.  2.51-2. 
',  Olmsted.  "81.  .574. 
I  Osborn,  .5.53.  556. 
Oaklev,  .561-2.  .563-4. 
Phillips,  3,  91,   216,   223,    245, 

266-7, 
Potter,  3.  93,  1.34,  143,  168. 177. 
I      184-5.  189.  .561-2. 
j  Paine.  3.  206.  2(V4.  303. 
I  Packard.  5.  6. 
I  Pvke,  35.  40. 
I  Pray.  40.  76,  114. 
Phettenlace.  120. 
Peckham.  124.  157. 
:  Power.  140. 
117,    Peck.  142.  160-1.  172.  201.  300. 
Parley,  144. 
Palmer.  140. 
Patten.  1.52. 
Pool.  152. 
Pateridee.  182, 
Pierce.  183. 
Paee.  211. 
Perkins.  216,  285. 
440.:  parkman,  218. 

Pntman.  222. 
259.    Pidcre.  225. 

Purdy.  241.  .573.  .574. 
164,    Pearce.  248. 
Perry.  268,  24f>. 
Pike.  274. 

Porter,  5.54,  .573,  5.57. 
Peters,  561,  .562. 
Rhodes.  2, 118. 1.51.  213. 178.227 
Randall..3.  6.  7.30.  14.5.216-17 
272 
•  Reynolds.  12.  13.  222. 
Richard.  12. 
284.    Reddock.  35. 


Revne,  44. 

Robinson,  SO,  17),  189,  226. 

Rogers,  105-6,107-8.132,240,201 

Ross.  110. 

Richardson.  113. 

Ray.  130.  135,  162,  178,  5.52,.5.55. 

Itaynolds.  151. 

Reeder.  1.50. 

Rounds.  1.57.  21.5,  574. 

Razee,  lt>4.  2.58. 

Robins.  167. 

Rice.  laS.  216.  247. 

Roberts.  185,  .308. 

Rort',  202. 

Russell,  215.  217. 

ReminTton,  230,244.  285,  547. 

Rayner.  236. 

Iteed.  285.  309. 

Raynor.  288.  .577. 

Rainsled.  298.  311. 

liead,  3  )8.  312. 

Rawson,  .552,  254,  .5.54,  556,  575 

Rhoads.  .552. 

Rouev,  .554. 

Skelt'on.   1. 

Sayles.  2.  35.  73, 160,  207,  224. 

225,  2.58.   262,   264,  278.   279, 

208. 
iSprasiue,  2,  16,  43,   61,   62,  84. 

S9,  151.  181.  210.  .573. 
Spencer.  3. 
Searle,  3. 
Smith,  8,  15,  16,  32,  35.  37,  38. 

44,  45.  47,  48,   40.  .57.    62,  76, 

101,  103,  125.    137,   150,   155, 
'     157,    159.  160,   16.5,    168,  171, 

177,  182,  185,   197,  211,   216, 
i     220,  234,  237,   238,   246,  274, 

544,   .545,  548-9,     .551,   562-3, 

Scott.  12.  19,  5-3,  61,  6.5,  66,  SO, 

127,  162,  225, 
! Sweet,  18,238.  576. 
St  abbs.  19. 

Sproute,  22. 
ISchle.cel,  22. 
jShakspeare,  2-3, 
ISpursjeon.  25. 

:staples,  30.  75.   134,   140.   180. 
187,  217.  248. 

Sanderson.  30. 

iSayaze.  30,  44,  45.   48,  .53,  .57, 
I     95,  103,  315. 

Somerby.  31,34,  315. 
iSurtee,  33. 
iShepard,  8.5,  40. 

Steere.  .35,  40,  48.  49.  73.  145. 
1.52,  157,  225,  260,  262. 

Stamper,  44. 

Sibley,  49,  206. 

Stacey,  60. 

SlateK  119.  154.  216.  220.  221, 
I     226,  227,  228. 

Scoyille,  132. 

ISouthwick,  133.  171.  210,  .561. 

Sheldon.   136.    164.     17.5.    177. 
178,181,197.251. 

Stanley,  145. 

Spear, "147.  807. 
■  Stokes,   149. 

Simpson,  1.50,  266,  .304. 

Streeter.    164.    177.    204,  206, 
208,  259,  265. 

Sterling,  164. 

Swartz.^  169.  236. 


SURNJMES. 


58: 


Stoddard.  ISO. 

Schofield.  \m. 

Sawyer.  194. 

Sherman.  197. 

Stevenson.  20.3.  204. 

Snmner.  212.  277. 

Sessions.   212. 

Spaulding.  216.  267. 

Stoneraan.  216. 

Sanders.  217.  2.^.  249. 

Short.  219.  276. 

Sampson.  235.  .t8S.  577. 

Scovill.  240. 

Shourds.  241.  293. 

Shouard.  244.  293. 

Shaffer.  245. 

Skinner.  24S.  294. 

Shepherd.    252. 

Salisbury.  267.  305.  540. 

Shafer.  272.  306. 

Stormes.  274 

Stetson,  277. 

Shaw.  279.  576. 

Sturgis,  2S6.  309. 

Stevens.  307. 

Somers.  545-6. 

Sleight.  562. 

Scobey.  .562. 

Storm.  06.3,  564. 

Stout.  575. 

Sabins.   .574. 

Thaver,   2.  69.  100.  101.   108. 

144,  2S4-5.  308. 
Throckmorton.  13,  .39.  40. 
Turner.  16.  211.  250. 
Tillin'jchast.  :35. 
Tvler,  5S.  95,  222. 
Tucker.   59,  60,   61.  26s.    27s. 

305. 
Turpin.  83. 
Thompson.  99.  134.   139.   142, 

163.  177,  197.   244.   273,  306. 

562.  .574. 
Tower.  131.  145.  168.  237.  290. 

261. 
Thurber.  141. 
Twininsr.   149.    210    265.  266. 

304. 
TibbiTts.  156,  214.  226. 
Tidd.  159.  21s. 
Thurston,  160. 
Tompkins.  172. 


Tabor.  197.  -^27.  2;«.  281.  2S7. 

Tall.  206,  26.5.555. 

Thornton.  207.   575. 

Torrev.  213. 

Tinkiiam.  215. 

Thomas.  216,  229.  267. 

Titlanv,  226. 

Tj-acv.  232. 

Taimadsre.  234,  287. 

Tiirtelofr.  2«>4.  zm. 

Tanner.  2S3.  308. 

Tillotson.  284. 

Trowbrid'.'e,  182.  247.  .564. 

Tift.  246. 

Thorpe.  .550. 

Todd.  .561. 

rpdike.  31.  75. 

Verin.  8.  9. 

Taue.  14. 

Vernon.  23. 

Van  Horn.  107. 

Van  Hosen,  1.50. 

Valentine.  165. 

Voomer.  213. 

Vila.  222. 

Vinton.  226. 

A'ose.  2.59. 

Vinson.  2?S. 

Van  Meter.  294. 

Votral.  306. 

Vincent.  .561,  562,  56:3. 

Vail.  564. 

Vandenber^.  576. 

Williams.  I.  1.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  S. 

9.  10.  12.  1.3. 14. 15.  17.  18,  19, 

20.  31,  35.  36.  39,  44,  46.  48,50 

54.  65.  66.   84.  86.  90.  96,  114. 

121.  125.   126.  128.  187.  224-5. 

279;  315. 
Waterman,  2. 12. 13. 37.  38.  40. 

44.  65,  72.  SO.  90.  126,  221. 
Winsor.  2.  12.  86.  215. 
Wickes.  8.  10. 
Wickenden.  9.  11.   12.  19,  40. 

48,  49,  73.  360. 
Warner.  12.  72.  108,  210.  546. 
Weeks.  12. 
Weston.  12.  13. 550. 
WestcoTt.  13.  30.   123-4.  125-7. 

406. 
Wanton.  16 
Wilbur.  .555. 


iWard,  16.  118.  119.281. 

.Wilbour,  16.  217. 

Wilks,  24. 

V\Mlkius.  24. 

White.  31;.  38.  177.  17vl.  197.  228 

Walwin.  35. 

Wav.  35. 

Wallinu-.  3s. 

Whitman.  :J8.  120.  140.  141. 

Whipple.  42,  od.  53.  54.  86,  88, 

92,    94.     122.   130.   132,   138, 
;     lei.  165.    170.    176.    177.  224. 

2;'6.  237. 
V,'ilder.  6:3.  1.5=3.  154. 
Whittier.  S2. 
Washington.  106. 
Wall.  108. 
Whittaker.  130, 165. 
Whitelield.  136. 
Wairener.  137.  1S2. 
Watson.  149. 
Whiteniau.  150. 210. 
Wade.  151.  217. 
Wilmarth.  153  154. 
IWeatherhead.  163.   164,  105. 
1     242, 293. 

Walcott.  163.  175.  21.5.  223. 
WoodbridiTe.  167. 
Wheeler.  168  573. 
Welsh.  169. 
Woodford.  169. 
Whitney.  175.  555.  55^. 
Wai^goner.  Is3. 
West.  188.  219.  275. 
Woodward.  218.  229.  274.  287. 
Wainwriiliit.  229. 
Welsh.  236.  274. 
Webb.  245. 
Waterhouse.  248.  294. 
Webster.  248. 
Weedeu,  259. 
Walker,  259,  554. 
Ward.  807. 
Whittaker.  283. 
Wilson,  286.  309. 
Weldon,  296. 
Ware,  550-1.  578. 
Watkins.  552. 
Wells,  553.  556. 
Wiswall.  556. 
Willis.  575. 
York.  217. 


16