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Archiver > SALEM-WITCH > 2010-03 > 1267619349


From: Irene DelBono <>
Subject: [SALEM-WITCH] chronologies
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 07:29:09 -0500
References: <mailman.92144.1232497674.2571.salem-witch@rootsweb.com>
In-Reply-To: <mailman.92144.1232497674.2571.salem-witch@rootsweb.com>


It is great to see the list active again!

I agree that putting things in chronological order reveals a lot more about what was going on when, why things happened, and who the people involved were. Including information from more than just the area you are dealing with is also critical to a good understanding. I do a lot of historic research, and the first thing I do is try to put things into a chronology. That reveals gaps in information, or gives clues as to where other information can be found.

Early history of Massachusetts show that many many townspeople were given lands in other areas as compensation for various reasons. Dedham was given land in Deerfield to compensate for an agreement giving the Natick Indians (back) some of the Dedham lands. Sherborn was given cedar swamp lands in Douglas. Ipswich was given lands in Leicester. Even knowing the changing towns and town boundaries indicate where you might find answers. For instance, the land in Natick where I live was once known as the "Needham Leg". At one time or another, it was in Suffolk, then Norfolk, then Middlesex, then Norfolk, then Middlesex County. Prior to the formation of Worcester County, Spencer, MA was in Middlesex County. Many towns in other states were once part of Massachusetts, and there are Acts and Resolves, and other information that one would not think of looking in Massachusetts for.

I am also celebrating the discovery of my gg grandparents, which I have had a nearly 20 year brick wall trying to find information on (my g grandmother died when my grandmother was 2 years old). Footnote.com had the pension records of my gg grandfather, and my gg grandmother's petition for same, as well as a handwritten letter in their files from my g grandmother. I am very resourceful in finding information, but there was literally nothing except birth, marriage and death certificates with conflicting information until I found the pension records. My gg grandfather lived and was buried literally within a few blocks of where I work in Boston - I can't wait to go see the areas discussed in all the depositions and affidavits. I am transcribing about a hundred pages of information, and including pictures and information on the various Navy ships my gg grandfather Charles Mowatt was on, to share with my family. We have always had our connections to the Rebecca Nurse as through my
grandmother's Davis/Stearns/Blood line, but knew nothing of the other
side of her family, and I am so excited!

Irene DelBono



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