Samuel TREAT 1714-1798 in Milford, Connecticut

Samuel TREAT is my 5th great-grandfather up in my mother's Terwilliger line, 6th to my children, 7th to their children. Samuel is the great-grandson of the original immigrant to the New England colony, Richard TREAT, bef 1584-1670, who immigrated from Pitminster, England, about 1637, ending up in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut. Richard came with his wife Alice GAYLARD and the majority of their children. For more information, use the search box to the right, to read about those two, and/or others listed below.

Born 13 Aug 1714 in Milford CT, Samuel was the 4th child (3rd son) of Capt. Joseph TREAT & Elizabeth MERWIN, his second wife. His mother died a few months after her 5th child in 1716. There would have been several older children and older step-siblings able to help raise the young children, I'm sure. I do not have a record of any third marriage of his father. 

He would have been living in Milford with his parents shortly after Milford CT was purchased and begun to settle mainly with other New Haven settlers, after 1646. Very early settlers in this area although not the original first group. First group of settlers were Puritans, and their meeting house [church] was made very plain - as note the image to the right, from a booklet Historical Sketches of the Town of Milford [on Internet Archive].  
Samuel TREAT married Beulah JENNINGS on 26 Oct 1743, in likely Milford CT. She was the 3rd of 4 daughters of Michael JENNINGS & Elizabeth JACKSON. They had 8 children, all born in Milford CT, one of whom died young: 

    1.  Beulah, b 15 Jan 1744, d 30 Mar 1844 in Watertown, Litchfield CT;
             apparently did not marry.
    2.  Mary, b 29 Oct 1744, m 1762 to Joel Titus; no further research
    3.  Elnathan Peet, b 18 Jun 1749, d Aug 1749
    4.  Elnathan Peet, b 1 Sep 1751; no further information
    5.  Samuel Peet [ancestor], b 29 Sep 1754, d 5 Jul 1837 Russia, Herkimer,
           NY; m 29 Sep 1780 to Sarah THOMPSON, in Milford, New Haven, CT;
           5 daughters
    6.  Elizabeth, b abt 1756; no further information
    7.  Abijah, b 15 Dec 1761, d. 5 Jan 1799; m. 12 Jul 1780, likely Milford CT
             to Mary Margaret Sperry; no further research
    8.  Hepzibah, b 1763, d unknown; m est 1785 to [unknown] Warner; no further
             research

As you can see there is a lot of possible research to undertake, although this period of time is not awash in high quality documents, as well as finding frequent same names in same generations!  

The 1790 Census for Milford township in CT shows the household of Samuel consisting of 1 male over 16, and 3 females. Unfortunately the enumerator copied his findings so that surnames were alphabetical, so it is not possible to see who is living next or close to him. 

It is believed that Samuel died about 1798 in Washington, Litchfield, CT. I have  no further information on him as yet. It is stated on several trees that Samuel was a veteran of the Revolutionary War during 1775-1783. He would have been in his late 50s to 60s at this point, and it would be somewhat unlikely. There were many many Samuel Treat men in Connecticut, and I believe the Rev. War veteran is one of other Samuel Treat men. 

                             -- / -- / -- / -- / -- / -- / -- / -- / -- / --

If these are your ancestors, I am happy to share what little I have on these ancestors. And if there are errors, please do let me know, via calewis at telus dot net, or in the Comments below and I will get back to you either by email or in the Comments. I appreciate the opportunity to correct any issues or add additional information in these family trees.

Blogger - or my computer - is not letting me "reply" to your comments. If I don't reply to your Comment, please know that I'm totally thrilled you came to read my post and commented! You truly make my day!! 

52 ANCESTORS, 52 THEMES, No.44: Edmund TAPP, 1590-1653

This year's challenge by Amy Crow is another weekly blog based on Themes. The previous week's theme was "Oops" - which I did not follow - I wrote about an original immigrant who arrived in 1630 to Massachusetts.  I'm late this week - and the theme fits as I try to catch up! This week, the theme is "Frightening!"  Hmm, frightening. Every very early settler who sailed over the Atlantic Ocean, taking from 45 to 70 days to travel to the New England shores - they all had FRIGHTENING trips. And yet, here we are. I decided to write about one of those early ancestors, Edmund TAPP and wife, Anne HIRTS, my 8th great-grandparents.

Edmund TAPP is estimated to have been born about 1580 -1590, possibly near Felmersham, Bedfordshire, England. He married Anne HIRTS in approximately 1614 in Bedfordshire, and appears to have settled in Benington, Hertfordshire by approximately 1623/24.  The first few children may have been born in Great Haddam and Ware in Bedfordshire.  The later children would have been born in Benington, Hertfordshire. These small towns are not far north of London.  Photo at right attributed to "St Peter, Benington, Herts - geograph.org.uk - 355401" by John Salmon. 

The family emigrated with a group of other Hertfordshire families in 1637, arriving in Massachusetts Bay Colony, and within a year or so, moving to Connecticut. The TAPP family settled in Milford, CT before 1639.  Edmund is known to have been given Home Lot #35 - 7 acres 2 rods, on 12 Feb 1638/39, about a year after they moved to Connecticut. This lot is apparently located at the present corner of Governors Avenue and North Street in Milford.  See #35 lot near the top right in this map.

Children of Edmund and Anne, are the following, and note only one son, 5 daughters:

1. Elizabeth, b. est 1616, d. 1 May 1676 New Haven CT; m. Major John Nash [who d. 3 Jul 1687]
2. Anna, b. abt 1620, d. 1701, CT; m. William Gibbard [who d. bef 1665]
3. Mary, b. abt 1622; m. abt 1645 to William Fowler [son of Wm Fowler Sr., immigrant]
4. Sarah, b. abt 1624/25
5. Edmund jr., bap 20 Jul 1626, Benington
6. Jane [ancestor], bap 14 Feb 1626/27 Benington, d. 8 Apr 1703 Milford CT; m. 25 Dec 1646 to [Gov.] Robert TREAT; 8 children

Note that I have seen several articles stating Jane was born in Connecticut. However the family did not emigrate until 1637, when Jane would already be approximately 8-10 years of age.  I also need to do more research on all her siblings and their families. I have no information on Edmund Jr., nor Sarah, the 4th child. 

Edmund TAPP was admitted to Church Membership at Milford, CT, on the date of its founding, 22 Aug 1639. He was considered "one of the seven pillars" of the Milford Church, with 6 other gentlemen.  His wife, Anne, was admitted to Church Membership June 25, 1642, and there is no explanations as to why it took 3 years for her to be admitted. This is a puzzle to me.  I would appreciate any explanation anyone has about this gap.

After arriving in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, several families left for New Haven; others, including Edward TAPP and his family, left for the Milford area as indicated above.  Edmund TAPP was appointed one of the Judges for Civil Affairs in Milford, Connecticut (a church body).  He was one of the founders of Milford, CT,  which was founded 20 Nov 1639.  He also was Assistant to the Governor of Connecticut. His youngest daughter, Jane married Robert TREAT, who was active politically in Connecticut, as Assistant Governor and Governor. Note that Edmund TAPP had the prefix "Mr." attached to his name, which at that time meant a great deal, and showed he was considered an important man in the community.

We know his will was proven 1 April 1653, but do not have his exact death date; likely about a month or so before that date.  We do know his wife was living at the time of his death.  Edmund's actual will has unfortunately been lost, with only a few guesses as to names of married daughters and grandchildren only possible from other documents.   The inventory is known, however, and was taken on 26 Apr 1643, showing a total value of £713 1s. 4d.

He is buried in the Milford Cemetery, which was opened in 1642, as an expansion of the Rev. Peter Prudden's garden, and the blackened lettered stone may be seen on FindAGrave. Note that most of the TAPP families shown on FindAGrave are Memorial stones detailed for an anniversary celebration of Milford, long after the time,  and may well contain errors of various sorts.

* * * * * * * 

If you know anything about the immigrant Edmund TAPP and his family, I would be so pleased for more details. Contact me at my address at the bottom of the page, or in the Comments section. Our line goes through Jane TAPP, several generations of TREAT, GRAVES, TERWILLIGER, and KUHN.

Sometimes my Blogger account seems not to allow me to "reply" to your comments. Do know that I value your comments immensely. You make my day! Thanks for stopping by to read my weekly post.

52 ANCESTORS in 52 WEEKS, No 26: Elizabeth POWELL 1630-1664

Following the challenge of writing 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks, issued by Amy Johnson Crow , here is my 26th installment, Elizabeth POWELL, continuing to research some of the early females in my lines.  Elizabeth is my 8th great-grandmother on my mother's lines.

Elizabeth is known mainly because she was the first wife of Miles MERWIN; the Miles Merwin Association has detailed genealogies of him and his descendants.  Of Elizabeth, I know little more than her birth and death details, plus the names of the seven children she and Miles produced.  After  she died, her husband went on to marry twice more, having 5 more children with the 2nd wife. 

Elizabeth POWELL, b. before 29 Apr 1630, in Exeter, Devon, England, was baptized 29 Aug 1630 at the tiny ancient church of All Hallows.  Her father was listed as William.  Not listed, her mother seems to be Dorothy SEARLE.  Two other baptisms at All Hallows show the same father, William:  Samuel, born before 23 Sep 1627, and Nathanell, born before 28 May 1629, d. 11 Oct 1629, and are likely her two younger brothers. 

There are notes online that Elizabeth immigrated to the New World aged about 12 years, in order to join her aunt's family after her mother's 2nd marriage in about 1642; Abigail and husband, John Branker, were a childless couple who had arrived in MA about a decade or so earlier; John Branker was made a Freeman in 1632.  I have not found the source of the  notes/details about Elizabeth's mother and Aunt.  However, I have found the marriage of Abigaill Searll and John Branker on 13 Jan 1629 at Honiton on Otter, Devon, England (FamilySearch).  This is a lovely clue which may indicate that Dorothy and Abigail were indeed sisters, giving credence to the assumption that Dorothy Searle is Elizabeth's mother.

There is another story online stating Eizabeth was married first to Theophilus Canfield, who died very shortly afterwards.  This seems somewhat unlikely as her baptism was in 1630 and she was married to Miles MERWIN either in 1647 (aged 17), or 'before' 1650 according to Torrey's published records, (aged 20).  In addition, the only Thomas Canfield/Campfield I found in Milford area, lived to 1689!  However, it is true that the Canfields later intermarried with at least 2 Merwin children. 

As mentioned above, Elizabeth married Miles MERWIN abt 1647 (definitely before 1650), possibly in Windsor, Connecticut.  Miles had emigrated from England in about 1640 with his uncle.  Miles' occupation was as a tanner, merchant/trader, and landowner in Windsor and later in Milford, Connecticut. 

Our MERWIN couple were early settlers in Milford, and apparently did quite well, as Miles had a tannery business which his son John later ran; plus a warehouse by the water for his trade, and owned ships in the trading business with Boston and the West Indies.

According to the Genealogical Dictionary of New England Settlers, Elizabeth and Miles had 7 children born in Milford, the last infant dying at 2 mos old:
1.  Elizabeth, b. 1648; m. possibly Samuel Canfield; d. 1711; at least 1 daughter Abigail
2.  John, b. 13 Jan 1650; on 12 Apr 1683  m. 1st  Mary Welch; on 6 Jan 1705 m. 2nd Elizabeth Canfield; d. 15 Jan 1728
3.  Thomas, b. abt. 1652
4.  Abigail, 1654; in 1670 m. Daniel Scofield; 8 children
5.  Samuel, 21 Aug 1656; m. 1st, 13 Dec 1682, Sarah Wooding or Woodin; 2nd, 9 Mar 1691, Hannah [wid.Beecher]; d. 22 Jan 1705 or 1706
6.  Miles [ancestor], b. 14 Dec 1658; 20 Sep 1681, m. Hannah WILMOT [wid. Samuel Miles]; d. 18 Sep 1724; 4 children
7. Daniel, 28 Jun 1661; d. 4 Aug 1661. 

Miles married a second time (after Elizabeth's death) to Sara Platt and had 4 daughters.

Elizabeth died 10 Jul 1664, in Milford, Connecticut.  She likely would have been buried in Milford Cemetery, Milford, New Haven, CT, as it opened in 1642.  However there does not seem to be a stone.  Her husband, Miles MERWIN, and his 2nd wife Sara, are known to be buried in the Cemetery, and a stone now lists them on the Founder's Memorial Bridge. No headstones are marked in the earliest burial ground. The Miles Merwin Association has placed a headstone for Miles Merwin.

If you have questions about this post, or further information of Elizabeth POWELL Merwin, please do not hesitate to contact me via calewis at telus dot net, or in the Comments below.  If you have details to correct, I would be very happy to update this post and my tree - with sources, of course.   

IS HANNAH BEEBE NEE ORCUTT? - Hannah ORCUTT, 1675-1766

Now here is one of those families where I have an original immigrant, with a daughter, whose marriage registration to Samuel BEEBE shows no surname. But histories of the Orcutt family in America state she was an ORCUTT.  I do wish there was a footnote/document showing the specific proof of that statement.

Those ancestor females  - I usually don't research their parents' lines very far back, since they only show up once or twice in my family tree.  And the records back in the 1600s in the new colonies were not very detailed. Often just the bare bones of individuals were shown.

If she is Hannah ORCUTT, it is known that she was b. 11 Apr 1675, a twin to Mary Orcutt, the 6th & 7th children of William ORCUTT b. 18 Dec 1618 in Warwickshire, England, and his wife - either Mary LANE, and/or Martha Unknown surname. There is confusion in the literature about his wife or wives' names. A group of 11 children are attached to William, with very little spacing between births, so I'd suspect that he had one wife, who had children approximately every 2 years, from 1664 to 1683. And, his wife outlived him by almost 20 years. Good genetics, eh?

However, my tree in this instance is very bare and poorly sourced. It is highly likely that "ORCUTT" is NOT the surname of the Hannah who married Samuel BEEBE/BEEBIE in 1698, in Connecticut.

What we do know is that Samuel BEEBE married a Hannah, surname sometimes omitted, in 1698, in Wethersfield [Littlefield], Connecticut.

Their first child, a daughter named Mary (both grandmothers were named Mary), was born here on 25 Sep 1699.  My line goes through this first child, Mary BEEBE.

The small family then moved to Danbury where 5 more children were born, before they moved to New Milford, where two more sons were born. Samuel and his wife Hannah are listed as original members of the First Church in Milford, CT. (See NEHGS Register, 1854, p.176).  He is listed as a Planter, Hannah as his wife; they had come from the church at Danbury CT.

At least 6 of their 8 children appear to have survived to adulthood.

Samuel apparently died in 1731 in Litchfield, while his wife, Hannah lived on to 1766 (abt 90 years of age). However some of the records can be challenging to attach to the correct person, as the same names are used over and over again in the families. With siblings naming their children the same names, several years apart, cousins doing the same, it is definitely a puzzle.

I have decided to try first to find more information on the ORCUTT families in New England to try to pin down more on the line of William & Mary ORCUTT, with daughter Hannah - who may or may not have been the wife of Samuel BEEBE.  If I can't determine the connection this way, I'll see if I can go through the BEEBE line to follow details there for his wife.

I am unable to travel to search, and funds are highly limited, so online searching is my only research option at the moment.  If you know anything definitive about Samuel BEEBE's wife Hannah's background, I would be thrilled to learn about it.  Or, where to search.  Any clue is a good clue.

Thanks for visiting. Contact me at calewis at telus dot com, or comment below.