Monday, October 6, 2014

52 ANCESTORS in 52 WEEKS, No. 41: Abigaile GREENE, early NE settler

Following the challenge from Amy Johnson Crow to write a post weekly, 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks, here is my 41st installment, Abigail GREENE, who d. after 1687.  I know little about her, which is why I chose her for today's post. Abigail is my 7th Great-grandmother on my maternal line. 

Abigaile was born 22 February 1659/60, in Salem, Essex, MA.  Histories state her parents were John GREENE & Mary WARREN, from England.  Various records online seem to indicate she was the eldest of 5 children (4 girls, 1 boy), named Abigail, Mary, Sara, Elizabeth, and John.  

Abigaile is the grandmother of my favouritely-named ancestor, Zerubbabel JEROME, whom I wrote about on January 7, 2014 - #2 in this blog challenge for the year.

Abigail GREENE married Nicholas RICH (Jr.), the son of Nicholas & Sarah RICH, both from England as well.  I have estimated her marriage date to Nicholas Jr. as approximately 1680-1685 in Salem, Essex, Massachusetts.  

I have been able to find 6 children listed as their children, however there is a significant gap after #2, Abigaile, which makes me wonder whether she may have died, and the remaining four children might be from a 2nd wife:
  1.  Samuel, b. 1685; m.?; d. 1729
  2.  Abigaile [ancestor], b. 2 Oct 1687, Wenham [Salem] MA; m. in 1709 to Timothy JEROME; 7 children
  3.  David, b. 1695
  4.  Sara, b. 1697
  5.  Mary, b. 1699
  6. John or Jonathan, b. 1702

I do not have a death date for Abigaile GREENE Rich.  Her husband, Nicholas RICH (jr), apparently died 21 Oct 1726 in Preston, Connecticut, although I have confirmed neither this date nor place.

Note that Abigaile was spelled in a variety of ways: Abigail, Abigall, Abigale, Abigaile.  Early records in Massachusetts are wonderful, but challenging to wade through, online.  One day I would love to spend several weeks at the New England Historic Genealogical Society Library in Boston.  I'm certain I'd find relevant and interesting records on this family!  

If you have further information or details, or corrections, please do not hesitate to contact me via calewis at telus dot net or, in the Comments below.  Thanks so much for stopping by.

2 comments:

SallySearches said...

oooh Salem! Did they remain long enough for the Witch Trials? And if you go to the NEHGS, pick me up on your way!

Celia Lewis said...

:) They seem to have headed out with their kids to other MA places and all ended up in Connecticut.
If I ever drive across the continent - or fly? - I'll be sure to save you a seat, Sally!

Welcome!

Family, friends, and others - I hope you enjoy these pages about our ancestors and their lives. Genealogy has become somewhat of an obsession, more than a hobby, and definitely a wonderful mystery to dig into and discover. Enjoy my writing, and contact me at celia.winky at gmail dot com if you have anything to add to the stories. ... Celia Lewis