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

  • Col. Francis Faulkner of Acton, Massachusetts

    Col. Francis Faulkner, born in 1728 in Andover, Massachusetts, was an influential figure during the American Revolution. Initially loyal to the British crown, he turned against oppressive policies and became a prominent military leader, achieving the rank of major in 1775. Faulkner played a crucial role in the Concord engagement and served multiple terms in public office, including town clerk and member of the Provincial Congress. He was known for his sound judgment, military courage, and commitment to community service. Col. Faulkner passed away in 1805, leaving a lasting legacy through his family and contributions to the revolution.

  • A Brief History of Acton, Massachusetts

    A Brief History of Acton, Massachusetts

    Acton, Massachusetts, has a rich history linked to its early settlement by Concord in the 17th century. Initially part of Concord, it became a separate town in 1735. Early settlers faced conflicts with Native Americans and the challenges of frontier life, exemplified by Captain Thomas Wheeler’s contributions and sacrifices during King Philip’s War. Acton played a significant role in the American Revolution, with local men participating in key battles. Over the years, Acton transformed from an agricultural community into a thriving town, marked by industrial growth, the establishment of schools, and civic institutions, preserving its historical legacy while adapting to…

  • Private Record of Deaths in Medfield, Massachusetts, 1746-1844

    Private Record of Deaths in Medfield, Massachusetts, 1746-1844

    The article presents records of deaths in Medfield, Massachusetts, from 1746 to 1844, based on manuscripts donated by John Lewis Taylor to the NEHGS pre-1908. It highlights an older pamphlet, significantly worn and written by Thankful Bullard, which was copied into a larger book inscribed to Amy Bullard in 1816. The potential continuation of the record through Elizabeth Bullard is noted. It lists only those death entries missing from official vital records.

  • 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.

Other Massachusetts Genealogy Websites

Contribute to Massachusetts Genealogy If you have information you would like contribute to the website or pages you would like us to include, please use our comment form!! If you find a broken link please let us know!

Other New England Genealogy