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From: "Maureen Girard" <>
Subject: [MAFRANKL] Sunderland Detective Work, CHURCH family
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:14:27 -0800
In-Reply-To: <000601c997ec$40cf6720$c26e3560$@net>


For many years, I have searched for the family of my great-great
grandmother, Fannie Church. Family lore reports that she was born in
Hartford CT, but I have found no record of her there--or anywhere else.

The closest candidate I have found is Fanny Church of Sunderland MA, and
there are some similarities. Fannie Church of Hartford was born abt. 1809.
The Sunderland Fanny Church was born 15 October 1809. Fannie Church of
Hartford died abt. 1851-1852. The Sunderland Fanny Church died 21 Sep 1851.


The Church family of Sunderland family had its roots among the founding
families of Hartford CT. Fannie Church of Hartford married a man whose
ancestors included most of the founding families of Hartford.

Fannie Church of Hartford's sons were William Wallace, Lemuel Harrison,
Samuel Church, Nathaniel, George and Edward Eggleston. In looking at names
in Sunderland, I see quite a few Fannys and Fannies, Wallaces, Lemuels and
Harrisons--none common names in Hartford. In my searches for Fannie
Church's family, this community most closely reflects the naming patterns
she followed in naming her children.

Fanny Church of Sunderland was the daughter of Dr. Samuel Church, a
physician. Fannie Church of Hartford married Nathaniel Eggleston Hooker,
the son of Dr. Nathaniel Hooker. Fannie Church's eldest son was a
physician.

Most reports on Fanny Church of Sunderland are silent on her marriage or
children; others give conflicting information, marrying her off to two
different Graves men. One report (see below) identifies her as the wife of
Benoni Graves and the mother of Frederick Elijah Graves, b. 1845 in
Sunderland. Unfortunately, Frederick died without issue, so I cannot track
down descendants for further information. Another report has her married to
Frederick Graves.


First Generation
1. Frederick Elijah GRAVES was born on 11 Dec 1845 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts.1,2 Genealogy of the Graves Family in America, Genealogy of
the Family of Thomas Graves, of Hartford, Conn., and Hatfield, Mass., By
John Card Graves, M.A. Member of the Buffalo Historical Society, Published
at Buffalo, N.Y., By Baker, Jones & Co., 1896. p. 226. Unmarried in 1893;
residence, Amherst, Mass.
Second Generation
2. Benoni GRAVES was born on 3 Jan 1809 in Sunderland, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.3,4 He died on 15 Nov 1870 in Newton, Middlesex,
Massachusetts.5 History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George Sheldon,
Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 352
of Sunderland, Mass. Benoni GRAVES and Fanny CHURCH were married on 28 Nov
1839.1,2
3. Fanny CHURCH was born on 15 Oct 1809 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts.6 She died on 21 Sep 1851.1,2
Genealogy of the Graves Family in America, Genealogy of the Family of Thomas
Graves, of Hartford, Conn., and Hatfield, Mass., By John Card Graves, M.A.
Member of the Buffalo Historical Society, Published at Buffalo, N.Y., By
Baker, Jones & Co., 1896. p. 225.
of Sunderland, mass. No children. Benoni GRAVES and Fanny CHURCH had the
following children:
1 i. Frederick Elijah GRAVES.

If any researchers in the Sunderland area can provide any clue to this woman
or her family, I would be very grateful.

Maureen Girard




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