Massachusetts Genealogy

Massachusetts Genealogy contains information and records for Massachusetts ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Specifically, it provides sources for birth records, death records, marriage records, census records, tax records, court records, and military records. It also provides some historical details about different times and people in Massachusetts history.

Latest Massachusetts Genealogy

  • The Flora of Boston and Its Vicinity

    The Flora of Boston and Its Vicinity

    The article by Asa Gray discusses the historical progression of vegetation in Massachusetts, particularly around Boston, from the pre-glacial period to European colonization. It highlights significant climatic changes that transformed the region’s flora, replacing warm-temperate species with northern counterparts as the ice-sheet retreated. The indigenous vegetation was largely forested, minimally altered by Native American agriculture. In contrast, European settlers introduced numerous plant species, some beneficial and others invasive, significantly modifying the landscape. Despite this change, many native plants have persisted, illustrating the complexity of Boston’s flora and the impact of human activities over time.

  • Joseph Hills of Malden

    Joseph Hills of Malden

    Joseph Hills, born in 1602 in Essex, England, emigrated to New England in 1638, settling in Charlestown, Malden and Newbury, Massachusetts. He was a prominent figure in the early colonial government, serving as a selectman and speaker of the House of Deputies. Joseph married four times, his first wife being Rose Clarke, who died in 1650. He is noted for compiling the first codification of Massachusetts laws. Hills died in Newbury in 1688, leaving a legacy as Malden’s first deputy and significant contributions to the colony’s governance and legal framework.

  • Sargeant Family of Malden

    Sargeant Family of Malden

    William Sargeant, a “godly Christian,” was among the first settlers of Malden, arriving in 1638 from England. He became a freeman in Charlestown in 1639 and had several children, establishing a notable family lineage. His son Peter served on the Council of Safety, while another son, John, had multiple descendants, including Nathan Sargeant, who became a prosperous farmer in Leicester, Massachusetts. The Sargeant family has a rich history of marriages and descendants recorded in Malden, showcasing their lasting impact on the community.

  • 1658 Will of John Eaton

    1658 Will of John Eaton

    John Eaton of Dedham drafted his will on September 2, 1658. He bequeathed his estate primarily to his wife, Abigail, granting her property, household goods, a cow, and an annuity of six pounds yearly. His children, John, Mary, and Abigail, were allocated equal shares of the remainder of his estate. He named Abigail as the sole executrix. The inventory taken posthumously valued his estate at £329.10, including various lands, livestock, and household items, with a significant portion located on Dedham Island. The estate was later inherited by his son, John Eaton Jr.

  • H. & Q. Reed Shoe Manufacturer

    H. & Q. Reed Shoe Manufacturer

    Harvey and Quincy Reed, sons of Capt. Ezra Reed, established the first wholesale boot and shoe store in Boston in 1809, forming the firm H. & Q. Reed. Despite limited capital, they successfully expanded their business with branches in Richmond and New Orleans, supplying goods across the U.S. and importing sugar from the West Indies. Their company thrived until its dissolution in 1833. Harvey Reed later pursued a lumbering business in Bangor, Maine, while Quincy lived on, retaining the firm’s historical records. The Reed family has deep roots in the shoe industry, dating back to the 17th century.

  • Who is John Adams of Salem?

    Who is John Adams of Salem?

    The article explores the identity of a John Adams recorded in 1636 for running away from his master Thorndike in Salem, Massachusetts. The entry reveals that “Jno.” stands for John, and “mr” indicates his status as an indentured servant. The investigation suggests he may be John Adams Jr., the son of a deceased father and a remarried mother, who likely faced harsh conditions leading to his escape attempt. Despite limited documentation, clues regarding Thorndike’s identity and circumstances surrounding young Adams provide insight into the life of this historical figure.

  • Hugh Mason of Watertown, 1605-1678

    Hugh Mason of Watertown, 1605-1678

    Capt. Hugh Mason, born in Dorking, Surrey, England, in 1605/6, married Hester Wells in Maldon, Essex, before immigrating to New England in 1634. He settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, where he became a prosperous tanner and prominent landowner, acquiring over 150 acres. Mason was a military leader, serving as Captain of the militia and participating in King Philip’s War. He passed away in 1678, leaving behind a significant estate to his numerous children. Hugh and Hester Mason are buried in Arlington Street cemetery, Watertown.

  • Ashfield Massachusetts Genealogy

    Ashfield Massachusetts Genealogy

    A directory of free online resources for Ashfield, Massachusetts genealogy.

  • Greenfield Massachusetts Genealogy

    Greenfield Massachusetts Genealogy

    A directory of free online resources for Greenfield, Massachusetts genealogy.

  • History of West Boylston

    History of West Boylston

    The following history of West Boylston was originally published in the Worcester Magazine and Historical Journal, vol. II, No. 4, Aug, 1826, pp. 193-204. It was written by Rev. Charles C. P. Crosby and provides a brief history of the town paying special attention to the early religious history.

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