Category: Colonial

The Remarkable Life of Ephraim Marston: From Family Scandal to Distinguished Citizen

How a colonial Hampton man overcame early controversy to become one of New Hampshire’s most prominent citizens

Sometimes the most compelling family stories begin with a mystery. When I dove back into my Ancestry research after a three-week hiatus, I stumbled upon just such a puzzle with my ancestor Abigail Marston. What started as a simple search for her parents led me down a rabbit hole of colonial drama, family secrets, and ultimately, redemption.

The Mystery of Two Abigails

My initial confusion stemmed from finding two women named Abigail Marston with the same father but different birth dates twenty years apart. While it was common for parents to reuse names after a child’s death, this case was different. The first Abigail had been disowned by her family—not for dying young, but for marrying against her parents’ wishes.

But why would Ephraim Marston disown his daughter? The answer lies in a tale of premarital pregnancy, political intrigue, and family loyalty that shaped colonial Hampton, New Hampshire.

A Controversial Beginning

Ephraim Marston’s story begins with scandal. At twenty-one, he married eighteen-year-old Abiel Sanborn on February 19, 1677. Their daughter Abiel arrived just one month later—a timing that didn’t escape the watchful eyes of Puritan society.

By October of that year, the courts had convicted both Ephraim and his wife of fornication (defined then as premarital sex). The standard punishment was public whipping, but the couple received only a fine paid in corn. Was this lenient sentence because of Ephraim’s family connections, or were there other factors at play?

This early brush with scandal may explain why Ephraim later disowned his daughter Abigail when she married John Green. The marriage connected the Marstons to a politically controversial family—John’s grandfather was Justice Henry Green, who had assisted the royal government in seizing local townsmen’s land during the 1680s.

Witchcraft and Family Tragedy

The Marston family’s troubles weren’t limited to romantic scandals. They were also touched by New Hampshire’s dark history with witchcraft accusations. Eunice “Goody” Cole, the first woman convicted of witchcraft in New Hampshire, allegedly cursed one of Ephraim’s siblings, transforming the child “from a man to an ape,” leading to their death.

Court records from 1656 preserve testimony from “Goody Marston” about Cole’s alleged supernatural activities, connecting the family directly to one of colonial New England’s most notorious witch trials.

From Rebel Sympathizer to Respected Citizen

Despite these early controversies, Ephraim transformed himself into one of Hampton’s most distinguished citizens. He served as selectman, constable, road surveyor, and sergeant in the militia, demonstrating his commitment to civic duty.

In 1704, Ephraim took law enforcement into his own hands when officials failed to act against illegal fencing of common land. Leading an armed posse, he systematically destroyed unauthorized fences on Edward Roby’s and Francis Jenness’s properties. When the farmers sued for property damage, a jury found Ephraim and his men not guilty—a testament to community support for their actions.

The Tavern Keeper and Malt Maker

Ephraim’s business acumen proved as remarkable as his civic leadership. In 1703, he obtained a tavern license, taking over from Love Sherburne, who had run Hampton’s only tavern since her husband’s death in an Indian attack. The Marston family operated this establishment for a decade, serving locally malted beer, rum, hard cider, and the popular drink “flip”—a warming mixture of eggs, sugar, rum, and beer heated with a red-hot iron.

His brewing operation grew so successful that in 1712, the town granted him land near the fort specifically for a malt house. The agreement stipulated that Ephraim and his heirs would provide malted barley for the town’s beer production. By 1731, his son Jeremiah had taken over this “extensive operation” that paid three pounds in yearly taxes—a substantial sum for the era.

Legacy and Reconciliation

Ephraim’s success extended beyond business. He served multiple terms as Representative to the General Court, worked as a government contractor, and accumulated significant real estate holdings. His name appears twenty-two times in provincial public documents, testament to his influence in colonial New Hampshire.

As a father, Ephraim ensured each of his nine children received a farm, setting them up for life. Most tellingly, despite initially disowning his daughter Abigail for her controversial marriage, he eventually forgave her. His 1729 will left her “one feather bed and 4 pounds” (worth approximately $865 today)—a gesture of reconciliation after decades of estrangement.

A Life Well Lived

Ephraim died of cancer in October 1742 at age 88, followed less than a year later by Abiel at age 90. Their nearly sixty-five-year marriage had weathered scandal, political upheaval, and family drama while producing a legacy of civic service and business success.

His story reminds us that our ancestors were complex individuals who faced challenges remarkably similar to our own—family disapproval of marriages, political divisions, economic struggles, and the desire to leave something meaningful for the next generation.

What family mysteries are hiding in your own ancestral research? Sometimes the most scandalous stories lead to the most compelling discoveries about our past.

Need help unraveling your own family mysteries? Contact me for professional genealogy research assistance.

Sources and Citations

Primary Sources

  • Court Records: MA 135:2 – Deposition of Goody Marston and Goodwife Palmer against Eunice Cole, taken September 4, 1656
  • Ephraim Marston’s Will, dated January 17, 1729
  • Provincial Public Documents of New Hampshire (various entries mentioning Ephraim Marston – 22 references)

Published Sources

  • Brown, Warren. History of the Town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire from the time…, Volume 1
  • History of the Town of Hampton (referenced for information about Abigail’s disownment)
  • Henry Dow’s Diary (referenced for tavern activities and daily life)

Online Sources

Court and Legal Records

  • Hampton Court Records, 1677 (fornication conviction)
  • Hampton Court Records, 1704 (fence destruction case)
  • Hampton Town Records, 1693-1712 (common land fencing laws, tavern licensing, malt house land grant)

Additional References

  • New Hampshire Provincial Records (various dates, 1677-1742)
  • Hampton Selectmen’s Records
  • Military records for Hampton militia service
  • Land deeds and property records for Hampton, New Hampshire

The Legacy of a Scotch-Irish Pioneer

John Logan was born in 1699 in Ahoghill, Antrim, Ireland1. (It is referenced that his father was from Restalrig, a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland.) Restalrig is notable because my mother shared that my father named his ranch in Washington State “Restalrig.”

John Logan arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1717 and married Margaret Carr in 1723. Margaret, born in Massachusetts about 1703, remains a subject of ongoing research. The gap between John’s arrival and their marriage—six years—is a mystery still waiting to be unraveled. Together, they had eight children: seven sons and two daughters.

Service During the American Revolution

Two of their sons, John and Mathew, served under General George Washington during the battle for New York City in the American War for Independence. After the Continental Army became surrounded, Washington orchestrated a strategic nighttime evacuation to Philadelphia. John and Mathew likely endured the hardships of Valley Forge later on.2

Roots in Voluntown, Connecticut

John Logan founded the Logan family in Washington, Connecticut, and was descended from a lineage of Scotch barons. Their ancestral home, Logan, in Ayrshire, lent its name to the family. John immigrated with a group of Scotch Presbyterians led by Reverend Samuel Dorrance, a University of Glasgow graduate. After facing numerous challenges, the group traveled from Marblehead Harbor and Boston to Connecticut. There, they purchased Volunteer Grants in Voluntown and established the Presbyterian church on Ekonk Hill.3

The Scotch-Irish Influence in Connecticut

“John Logan, the founder of the Washington family, was descended from a long line of Scotch barons deriving their name, Celtic in origin, from the ancestral home, Logan, in Ayrshire. He came from the north of Ireland with the Gordons, Kassons, Keigwins, Parkes, Wylies, and other Scotch Presbyterians, under the leadership of Reverend Samuel Dorrance, a graduate of the University of Glasgow.

Their party, after experiencing a great many unusual difficulties, came from Marblehead Harbor and Boston to Connecticut, and buying up the Volunteer grants at Voluntown, forming the nucleus of the Presbyterian church Ekonk hill.”3

The Rising Sun Inn and the Logan Legacy

In 1748, John Logan built the Rising Sun Inn at 6 Romford Road in Washington, Connecticut. Originally a 1-1/2-story, five-bay lean-to house, it underwent significant renovations in the early 19th century. Matthew Logan, John’s son, expanded the house, adding three bays to the north, raising the roof to two stories, and incorporating a ballroom. The surrounding property features a historic barn, and photographs from the Sunny Ridge Historic District highlight additional barns that once stood behind the house.

A black-and-white postcard from July 1913 depicts the Logan Homestead—formerly the Rising Sun Inn—with its clapboard façade, dark trim, and multi-paned windows. The Gunn Historical Museum archives this image, offering a glimpse into the home’s storied past.5

Interesting Note: The Rising Sun symbol was associated with Edward III and appears in the arms of Ireland. It also served as a favorable omen for businesses and inns during that era.6

The Church on the Green
The Church on the Green: The First Two Centuries of the First Congregational Church
at Washington, Connecticut

We are related to the Hollister family. A Hollister Logan lived at the Logan homestead. I have a letter from her (actually, a friend wrote it for her as she was in her 90s.)

dvm_LocHist004193-00060-0.jpg
The Church on the Green: The First Two Centuries of the First Congregational Church
at Washington, Connecticut

Family Connections and Tragedy

John married Dorcas Root around 1771 after the death of his first wife, Margaret. Dorcas was previously married to John Royce; he died in 1760. Their daughter, Azubah, married John Logan, Jr. This makes John and Dorcas my double-sixth great-grandparents.

Dorcas died on 07 January 1777, at age 58. John Logan, Sr. passed away on 2 December 1777, at age 77, in Washington, Connecticut, during a year marked by a smallpox epidemic. His grandson, Matthew, also died that year at age 2. While it’s uncertain if smallpox caused their deaths, it remains a likely possibility.

The Logan Lineage

The Gunn Historical Museum in the Washington Green Historic District holds numerous Logan artifacts, photographs, and stories. My connection to John Logan was confirmed through DNA testing, initially via a Yahoo group and later through collaboration with a distant cousin—the President of the Clan Logan Society International. Together, we aim to uncover the link between John Logan and his Scottish origins.

Logan name variations include Loban, Lobban, Loben, Logan, Logane, Logen, Loggan, Loggane, Loggans, and Login.

Discover more about the Lowland Logans by clicking below:


Learn about the Connecticut Logans: https://amzn.to/4cyG14M

  1. The Logans of Scotland by James C. Logan. ↩︎
  2. The Logans of Scotland by James C. Logan. ↩︎
  3. A National Register of the Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Volume 1 ↩︎
  4. A National Register of the Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Volume 1 ↩︎
  5. The Sunny Ridge Historic District archives. ↩︎
  6. Jacob Larwood and John Camden Hotten’s History of Sign Boards, p. 118. ↩︎

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The Legacy of Lewis Hollister: A Musician’s Role in the Civil War

Lewis Hollister, born on September 6, 1840, in Washington, Connecticut, was the son of Sherman Preston Hollister and Martha “Patty” Nettleton. Raised on a family farm, Lewis developed a profound love for music, mastering instruments ranging from the Jew’s harp to more complex stringed instruments. This musical talent was a cherished gift from his mother.

On August 30, 1862, at the age of 21, Lewis enlisted as a musician in Company D of the 28th Infantry Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, a nine-month volunteer unit. His leadership and musical skills earned him the position of band leader for his regiment.

The 28th Connecticut Infantry played a significant role in the Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana, a critical campaign during the Civil War. Port Hudson was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. The Union aimed to gain control of the river, effectively splitting the Confederacy and securing a vital transportation route. The siege, lasting from May 22 to July 9, 1863, was marked by intense combat and challenging conditions.

Tragically, during the siege, Lewis suffered a severe injury when a gunshot resulted in the loss of his finger. This injury led to subsequent illness, and he passed away on July 13, 1863. His dedication and sacrifice are remembered as part of the collective efforts that led to the Union’s strategic victory at Port Hudson.

Lewis’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made during the Civil War. His musical talents and leadership left an indelible mark on those who knew him, and his service contributed to a pivotal moment in American history.

Lewis’s sister married Seth Logan, a second cousin five x removed.

References

¹ “Lewis Hollister,” Washington Civil War Soldiers, washingtoncivilwarsoldiers.weebly.com.
² “Siege of Port Hudson,” American Battlefield Trust, battlefields.org.

A Scandalous Love Story: The Common-Law Marriage of John Weskett and Barbara Midgett in 1800s North Carolina

In the early 1800s on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, a romance blossomed that would challenge the social and legal norms of the time. This is the story of my 4th great-grandparents, John Weskett Jr. and Barbara “Barby” Midgett, whose relationship began as a scandal but endured to become a legitimate marriage spanning decades.

The Early Years

Barbara Midgett was born in 1787 and came from a prominent Roanoke Island family. In 1802, at just 15 years old, she married Ambrose N. Dough, an 18-year-old mariner1. The marriage seemed promising at first, with Barbara bringing 76 acres of inherited land to the union2. However, their relationship would soon take an unexpected turn.

A Marriage Falls Apart

While Ambrose was away at sea, Barbara began a relationship with John Weskett Jr., who was born between 1774 and 1780. By 1807, Barbara and John were living together openly, having already welcomed two children. When Ambrose returned from his voyage to discover this new arrangement, he found himself in an impossible situation.

The Failed Divorce Petition

In 1809, Ambrose petitioned the North Carolina legislature for divorce. In his emotional appeal, he described how he had improved Barbara’s land during their marriage but had “declined any further use of the same” after discovering her relationship with Weskett. Despite support from several prominent citizens, including members of the legislature, his petition was denied.

Property and Financial Matters

In an interesting twist, despite his complaints to the legislature, Ambrose had already sold Barbara’s 76 acres to John Weskett in 1804 for 400 silver dollars. This transaction would later become part of a complex web of property arrangements between the three parties.

A Family Grows

Unable to marry legally until after Ambrose’s death, John and Barbara continued their life together, eventually having seven children: Thomas, Samuel, Patrick, Sally, Polly, Harriett, and John (my 3rd great-grandfather). Their relationship, though technically illegal, was accepted enough in the community that they were able to conduct business and own property.

Legal Marriage at Last

On December 22, 1824, John and Barbara were finally able to formalize their relationship. They signed a detailed marriage contract that carefully protected Barbara’s property rights and provided for their children’s inheritance. This contract offers a fascinating glimpse into both the legal complexities of the time and the couple’s commitment to securing their family’s future.

Later Years

By 1830, Barbara had established herself as head of her own household, according to census records. The family owned three slaves initially, though by 1840 this number had decreased to one. The census also notes “1 insane white” in the household, possibly referring to John’s brother James.

Wescott Home.jpg

Home of three generations of Wescott's built around 1810. 
Moved from Manteo Airport in 1942 by D. Victor Meekins

Historical Significance

This family story has attracted scholarly attention, being featured in several academic works examining legal culture and gender relations in the post-Revolutionary South. It provides valuable insights into marriage, property rights, and social norms in early American society.

Endnotes

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), entry referencing Barbara Midgett.

“Dare, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch ({{FamilySearch Image | 3QSQ-G982-YCQW}} : Mar 23,
2026), image 414 of 668; Dare County (North Carolina). Register of Deeds.
Image Group Number: 007538808

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), discussion of Ambrose’s legislative complaint and prior sale of Barbara Midgett’s 76 acres to John Weskett in 1804 for 400 silver dollars.

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (2005), 170–171; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ
: accessed 22 March 2026).

Barbara Midgett, The People and Their Peace: Currituck County, North Carolina, 1728–2000 (Currituck, North Carolina: Currituck County Historical Society, 2005), 170–171; digital images, Google Books (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_People_and_Their_Peace/0cU3CwAAQBAJ: accessed 22 March 2026), describing the relationship of John Wescott and Barbara Midgett and naming their children Thomas, Samuel, Patrick, Sally, Polly, Harriett, and John.

“Currituck, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch ({{FamilySearch Image | 3QS7-898B-WTH}} : Mar 23, 2026),
image 343 of 582; North Carolina. County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions (Currituck County). Image Group Number: 007513637

1830 U.S. census, Currituck County, North Carolina, population schedule, John Wescott household; digital images, Ancestry ({{Ancestry Record|8058|185142}}: accessed 22 March 2026); citing National Archives microfilm publication M19.

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AI Tools Help Transcribe Captain Wescott’s Article

For many years, I had a newspaper article about my second great-grandfather, but it was torn into two sections, making it hard to read. Plus, the person who cut it out removed the date, newspaper title, and publisher, so I couldn’t find it. Recently, I discovered the article online, and thanks to some amazing AI tools, I was able to transcribe it! I’m excited to finally share it with everyone so we can all enjoy the story together!

Captain Wescott Preparing For Season On “Dry Body of Water”

The article about Captain Wescott is from The Waynesville Mountaineer, published on June 1, 1939.

“Yes, I was born on Roanoke Island, where Virginia Dare first saw the light, but she had left before I got there,” said Captain John T. Wescott, with a twinkle in his eyes.

The captain, a landmark at the Lake Junaluska Assembly Grounds, has been in charge of the rowboats and has run the launch “Cherokee,” in which he has a third interest, for the past twenty-one years. Prior to his coming to the Lake, the captain had retired from the United States Coast Guard service, after 43 years of active duty.

“But I date back pretty well, even if I didn’t know Virginia,” continued Captain Wescott. “I was born in 1853, and I well recall the days when General Burnside captured Roanoke Island during the Civil War. We had food stored away to do us a year, but the soldiers took everything, and after they left, it looked like starvation. We had forty hogs and forty chickens, and they took them all. One of the Yankee officers, however, took an old hen away from one of the privates and came back and brought it to my mother. She kept it hidden in a barrel in the attic until she was sure the soldiers had left for good.”

“Another thing I remember were the decoy geese my father had and prized so much. They took them all and his guns too. We had been taking care of two Confederate soldiers who were wounded and suffering, and had asked us to give them shelter. So, when the Yankees found out about them, they took my father a prisoner. But what’s the use of recalling such things at this time? Somebody might have hard feelings about it, and I don’t mean it that way. I am just remembering when I was a child.”

Captain Wescott, erect, stocky, and ruddy-faced, denies in appearance and bearing the years he claims make up his age. He shows the clear skin of a person who has lived much in the open. His quarters in the Cherokee Inn, where he lives six months out of the year, are as immaculate as the cabin of a well-scrubbed ship. He showed us about. His closet, cedar-lined and large enough to hold a good-sized trunk, boxes, plenty of shelves, and rows of hooks for hanging garments, is as neat as a pin. Everything is in its place. But one could have guessed without being told where his great interest lay, for there were boat models.

“Yes, for twenty-one years I have run the ‘Cherokee’ on a regular schedule around the lake from 7 to 8 o’clock every evening except Sunday, during the entire season here. I always come early in April to get the rowboats and the launch ready for the summer,” he said.

“But after my years on the sea, I’ll have to admit that Lake Junaluska is the tamest body of water I have ever run a boat on. It’s like taking a broken dose of something for me to run the launch on Lake Junaluska, but then at 86, that’s alright, because I can’t do the work I once did,” said the captain.

“But I don’t like the looks of the lake a bit these days,” he continued. “Right now, it looks like I might have to hoist the old ‘Cherokee’ on wheels, because she has a poor chance of floating anytime soon. We are having a lot of dam trouble down here, but I think the good Methodists are having fun talking about their dam troubles,” he said when speaking of the present condition of the lake.

Lake Junaluska has been drained for work on the lake bed, and it may not be filled until July, which seems to be mighty hard on the captain, who is at work on his boats, getting them ready to float, with a “dry body of water facing the boathouse,” as he says.

The captain’s 43 years of service were seen in the Revenue Cutter, Life Saving, and Inland Service of the Government, and he was located some fifty-five miles from Cape Henry in the coast guard service for 30 years, retiring at the age limit of 65.

After his retirement, two of his daughters, school girls at the time, came to Lake Junaluska, and were so enthusiastic that they persuaded their mother and father to come to this section the next year. They did so, and both liked it. They soon bought the Cherokee Inn, which they owned and operated for many years.

Two years prior to the death of Mrs. Wescott, they rented the Inn to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Medford, who bought the place about three years ago and have since operated it. The captain has continued to make his home at the Inn, during the time he spends in this section.

The rest of the year, the captain spends with his six children, who are scattered from Greenville, Ky., to Richmond, Va. The greater part of the six months out of the mountains is spent with his son, who lives in Norfolk. When his longing for the old life on the coast of North Carolina gets too much for him, he visits his brother down in Manteo.

“I’ll be coming to Lake Junaluska to run the ‘Cherokee’ as long as I live,” said the captain. “I feel more at home here than most any place now.”

Footnote: We, my genealogical cousins and I, have been unable to find any record of John Senior being a POW, but that does not mean he was not one. It could have been an overnight stay in jail, or he had to pay a fine, or he was part of the prisoner exchange.

Read my blog to discover the incredible story of Captain Wescott and uncover the fascinating details about this remarkable man!

James Lide Coker: From Civil War to Corporate Success

Born in 1837, James Lide Coker, my 5th cousin, 4x removed.
Photo found at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12291661/james-lide-coker

~

The company he founded is called Sonoco today, a global provider of packaging products and services. (Not to be confused with Sunoco) He also founded Coker University (which was Welsh Neck High School, then the Coker College for Women, now Coker University).

~

Wouldn’t he be proud to know that his 5th cousin, 2x removed, Jeanne Wescott (my grandfather’s sister), attended Coker College in 1943? 🤗 (Jeanne’s grandmother and James were 5th cousins.)

~

Just a year after he married his wife, the Civil War began and James fought in the Ninth South Carolina Infantry. He rose to the rank of major before getting hurt at Lookout Mountain, Georgia, shattering his leg in 1863. In that battle, he was captured by Union troops. He was released after 10 months.

~

From the fields of Hartsville, SC to the battlefields of Chickamauga, his journey transformed agriculture and education, leaving a legacy that shaped industries and communities alike.

~

Watch the video to witness the extraordinary life of James who wore many hats—farmer, soldier, and industrialist—who, despite the scars of war, cultivated a legacy of innovation and education that endures to this day.

~

🏆In 2002, he was inducted into South Carolina’s Hall of Fame. CHStoday

~

~

“He was able to hire so many people in desperate straits after the war that he just uplifted the progress of everybody, black and white, urban or rural. He also was a leader in racial and social progress,”

Dr. Will Joslin (his great-grandson) said.

Read more at

https://archives.library.sc.edu/repositories/3/resources/40

https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/coker-james-lide-sr/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Lide_Coker

Founded in 1899, Sonoco Products Company is a United States-based international provider of diversified consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and packaging supply chain services and the world’s largest producer of composite cans, tubes, and cores. Wikipedia
Stock price: SON (NYSE) $60.71 +0.07 (+0.12%)
Dec 30, 4:00 PM EST – Disclaimer
Headquarters: Hartsville, SC
Subsidiaries: Sonoco ThermoSafe, MORE
CEO: R. Howard Coker (Feb 2020–)
Number of employees: 21,000 (2017)
Revenue: 5.237 billion USD (Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020)
Founder: James Lide Coker
Founded: May 10, 1899

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Love Against All Odds: The Story of Elias Boudinot and Harriet Gold at the Logan Homestead

📸ideogram.ai

I received a copy of a letter from the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum, written in 2008 by Marlene Flanders, a former aide to Mrs. Verna Logan, who passed away in 1987. In the letter, she mentioned a story she had heard about the Rising Sun Inn, also known as The Logan Homestead, which allegedly harbored an “interracial couple”: a Cherokee Indian man and a white woman. I was intrigued by this account, as I had not come across it before. This blog post tells the story.

Letter written in 2008 by Marlene Flanders, former aid to Mrs. Verna Logan., who died in 1987.

The Beginning: Two Lives, Worlds Apart

In 1803, a boy named Killekeenah Oowaite was born into the Cherokee tribe in New Echota, Cherokee Nation (now Georgia, USA). His upbringing was steeped in the traditions of his family, including his father Dutse Oowaite, and his mother, the daughter of High Cherokee Chief Attaculcullah. Their family name was eventually shortened to Watie. Two years later, in Cornwall, Connecticut, Harriet Ruggles Gold was born into the prominent Gold family, whose legacy was rooted in strong Christian values and community leadership.

Education and Encounter

At 18, Killekeenah met Elias Boudinot, a Revolutionary War figure, a friend and counselor to George Washington, and former President of the Continental Congress, who saw potential in the young Cherokee man. Boudinot sponsored Killekeenah’s education, sending him to the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, where he adopted the name Elias Boudinot. It was here that he met Harriet Gold, whose family often hosted students from the school.

Their friendship deepened into love, but the cultural and racial norms of the time set them on a path fraught with opposition and challenges.

The Challenges of Love

In 1822, Elias returned to the Cherokee Nation due to illness but remained in contact with Harriet and her brother Franklin through letters. By 1824, their correspondence revealed a deepening relationship. When Harriet shared her intentions with her parents, they vehemently opposed the union. The Gold family, known for its standing in Connecticut, was divided. Harriet’s brothers-in-law, both ministers, argued it was her Christian duty to prioritize the mission school’s reputation over her personal happiness.

Harriet, however, stood firm in her convictions. Despite public outcry and even the burning of an effigy depicting Harriet, Elias, and an ally, Mrs. Northrop, Harriet’s resolve did not waver. (Elias’ cousin, John Ridge also attended the Mission School, where he met Sarah Northrop, the daughter of the school’s steward. The two became romantically involved and wed in January 1824.)

The Honeymoon at the Logan Homestead

After enduring months of familial and societal pressure, Harriet’s immediate family softened their stance. In May 1826, Harriet and Elias married at the Gold Homestead and spent their wedding night at the Logan Homestead, which was fortified and protected by Captain Logan and his armed men. This act of defiance by Captain Logan ensured the couple’s safety during a time of heightened tension.

The couple left Connecticut the next day, embarking on a 47-day journey to the Cherokee Nation in Georgia.

A New Life and Tragic Loss

Settling in New Echota, Elias became the editor of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first tribal newspaper in the United States. It was printed in English and Cherokee, using the Cherokee syllabary created by Sequoyah. In her family letters, Harriet described a good life, and that she had been warmly welcomed upon her arrival. Harriet gave birth to six children, but tragedy struck during her seventh pregnancy. In May 1836, Harriet’s child was stillborn, and she passed away three months later at the age of 31. She was buried in New Echota, and Elias erected a tombstone made from marble brought from Connecticut—a testament to her enduring connection to her roots.

Elias Boudinot, formerly known as Killekeenah Oowaite

The Aftermath

The Cherokee Nation’s land was increasingly encroached upon by settlers, culminating in the infamous Trail of Tears. Elias’ eventual support of the Treaty of New Echota, which advocated for Cherokee relocation, marked him and others as traitors in the eyes of many. In 1839, Elias was assassinated for his controversial stance.

Harriet and Elias’ children were sent back to Connecticut, where they were raised by Harriet’s sister Mary Brinsmade. The boys, William, Frank, and Elias, attended The Gunn School in Washington, Connecticut, while the girls were cared for by their aunt.

Legacy of the Logan Homestead

The Logan Homestead, a witness to this extraordinary love story, remains a symbol of courage and resilience. Harriet and Elias’ union defied societal norms, blending two distinct cultures in an era resistant to change. Captain Logan’s decision to protect the couple during their wedding night speaks to the power of individual acts of bravery in shaping history.

Harriet’s grave stands as a poignant reminder of a woman who followed her heart, defied convention, and left an indelible mark on both her family and history.

Threatened by Georgia soldiers for championing Cherokee nationalism yet executed by his own people for treason, Elias Boudinot left a complex legacy.

1800 Photograph of the grave of Harriet Ruggles Gold Boudinot, New Echota, Gordon County, Georgia

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Stephen Bartkus, previous Curator of the Gunn Historical Museum, and Sarah Griswold, previous Curatorial Assistant, for their invaluable contributions to the previous research by Mark Oliver*.

References

  1. *Oliver, Mark B. “ONE New England” Elias Boudinot and Harriet Gold, www.onenewengland.com/article.php?id=356. Accessed Jan. 2025.
  2. Gunn Memorial Library and Museum Archives. (Special thanks to Amy Campanaro and Corinne Tabolt.)
  3. Correspondence of Harriet Gold and Elias Boudinot. To Marry an Indian: The Marriage of Harriett Gold and Elias Boudinot in Letters, 1823-1839. United States, University of North Carolina Press, 2006.
  4. Historical records from the Foreign Mission School, Cornwall, CT.
  5. Cherokee Phoenix archives. “History of the Cherokee Phoenix” Cherokeephoenix.Org, 13 Jan. 2015, www.cherokeephoenix.org/archives/history-of-the-cherokee-phoenix/article_30c25bf9-bc26-5628-9687-75e1be8581ba.html. Accessed Jan. 2025.
  6. Trail of Tears www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/elias-boudinot-ca-1804-1839/. Accessed Jan. 2025.
  7.  “[Photograph of the grave of Harriet Ruggles Gold Boudinot, New Echota, Gordon County, Georgia].” 1800/1994. January 25, 2025. https://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/vang/do:gor379.

From Clocks to Legacy: The Story of Johann Henrich Heilig and the Rittenhouse Connection

Johann Henrich Heilig, my 6th great-grandfather, was born in 1700 and married Susanna De Wees Rittenhausen in 1729. Susanna’s family was prominent in early American industry, particularly in the Rittenhouse paper mills, which I’ve written about previously. If you’re a descendant or admirer of the Rittenhouse legacy, I recommend exploring the Rittenhouse Family Descendants and Friends Facebook page and learning about their efforts to preserve this rich history. The Rittenhouse Town Board of Directors actively maintains the historic Homestead House (built in 1707), the surrounding village, and a barn constructed during the WPA era.

Henrich’s origins remain debated among historians. Earlier accounts suggest he was born in Hannover, Germany, while newer research points to Baden-Wuerttemberg. What we do know is that Johann arrived in Philadelphia in 1720 aboard the Polly. Since passenger lists weren’t required until 1727, his exact journey is pieced together through indirect evidence.

By April 11, 1747, Johann was officially naturalized as a resident of Pennsylvania, meeting the colonial requirement of seven years’ residency. By this time, he was known as Henry—a clockmaker by trade. Clockmaking was a respected profession during the 18th century, vital for navigation, surveying, and precise timekeeping.

Henry and Susanna initially settled in Cheltenham but later purchased land on the borders of Pennsburg and Upper Hanover Townships in Montgomery County in 1749 and 1750. This property, acquired from surveyor William Parsons (an associate of the Penn family), remained in the family for generations. Passing from Henrich to his son George, and later to George Jr., the land was eventually sold to the Hoch family in the 1860s. Remarkably, the Hoch family still owns the house today—a living testament to centuries of stewardship.

Before 1684, the Lenape Indians roamed the hills and fished the streams of the land on either side of the Perkiomen Creek. In 1684, the Indians lost this land when  William Penn purchased it for reportedly “two watch coats, four pairs of stockings and four bottles of cider.”  In time, Pennsylvania Germans settled in the area. Around 1840, the area now known as Pennsburg began to appear like a village.  The hub comprised a general store, a carpenter and blacksmith shop, and several houses.
Most of the land was owned by the Heilig Brothers.  They owned and resided in the oldest house in Pennsburg, located at Seminary and Fourth Streets. The Heilig Brothers took it upon themselves to refer to this village as “Heiligsville.” Residents had their ideas, and out of loyalty to the then Pennsylvania Senator, James Buchanan, wanted to name the area Buchanansville.

As the village grew, a meeting was held in 1843 at the Hilleg family store to decide on a permanent name and layout of boundary lines.  After a week-long, bitterly contested battle, it was finally decided to name the village “Pennsburg” after William Penn.

https://www.pennsburg.us/borough-history website


Henrich and Susannah had five children:

i. Heinrich Heilig, b. 1722, ii. Jurg George Heilig, b. 1720; d. 1796, Upper Hanover Township., iii. Johannes Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.).
iv. Anna Maria Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.), m. Michael Slonaker., v. Susanna Heilig (Source: Willbook I – 1796, 149-150.), b. 1726; m. Henry Deany.


Johannes or John changed the surname to Highley. The other children kept the German spelling of Heilig.

This notation appears on a locally sold postcard by Len Hillegass of the Heilig House: “The Heilig House at 313 W. 4th Street is considered the oldest house in Pennsburg. Wounded and ill Colonial Soldiers were cared for there by the very compassionate Heilig family during the Colonies’ fight for independence from British rule during the American Revolution.” Album by Reid Heilig
You can see other pictures of the house at https://imageevent.com/heilig/heiligheritage/heilighousepennsburgpa?n=1&z=2&c=4&x=0&m=24&w=0&p=0.

Henry was a clockmaker. He passed down the art of his clockmaking skills to his children and nephews. One of the most famous was David Rittenhouse, an avid astronomer; he built complicated astronomical clocks and orreries, or planetary models, that kept time and predicted celestial events.

David Rittenhouse tall case clock. 1984.0416.007.

Henry is listed in the U.S., Craftperson Files, 1600-1995.

With hand made brass works in the German style, it consists of 19 bells, a wooden cylinder with pins that activate 19 hammers to play tunes, a bone wave to switch tunes. Iron frame is dovetailed together. You can read more about each piece on Reid Helig’s site at https://imageevent.com/heilig/hheiligclock/themusicmechanism

Henry was buried along with his wife in the mostly Rittenhouse family cemetery, Methacton Mennonite Cemetery. Click here for a partial list of burials with links to tombstone photographs. Henrich’s and Susannah’s are below. This cemetery is located in Worcester Township, Montgomery County, PA.

Henrich Heilig .. Died May 14, 1775 .. Aged 74 year 11 Mo 12 days
Susannah Rittenhouse .. Departed This Life December 13, 1769 .. Aged 71 Years
The interesting thing about Susannah’s tombstone is that it shows her maiden name as “Rittenhouse.” However, this would be the correct person calculating the birth year by her age at death.

A wonderfully thorough history is written by Linton E. Love, a descendant of the Rittenhouse family. In it are the descendants of Henry and Susannah. Linton has created a database extending from the 17th century up to the 21st century from Claus to his 12,810 descendants as of March 2005!

Johann Henrich Heilig’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and enduring family ties. From his arrival in Philadelphia to the land that remains in familial care, his legacy is woven into the fabric of American history. Whether as a skilled clockmaker or as part of the Rittenhouse connection, his contributions remind us of the resilience and dedication of early immigrants. By reflecting on his life, we not only honor his journey but gain inspiration for preserving our own family stories for generations to come. Do you have a Heilig clock? You might!

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Galbraiths of Donegal

The Galbraith name, with its various spellings (Calbreath, Colbath, Colbreath, Galberth, Galbreath, Galbreth, Gilbraith, Gilbreath, Gilbreth, Gilreath, Kilbreath, Kilbreth, Kulbeth), carries a rich history. My journey to uncover the origins of my Galbraith ancestors has been a fascinating exploration of genealogy, leading me back to the rugged Scottish Highlands and the early days of colonial America.

According to historical accounts, the Galbraiths have deep roots in Scotland, tracing back to the “Parish of Baldunoch” in Stirling.1 One source describes them as “Britons, or the children of Briton,” a testament to their ancient lineage.2

Culcreuch Castle

In Fintry, Stirlingshire, Scotland was recently a hotel, now a private residence, but once was the ancestral home of Clan Galbraith; built in 1296. This castle replaced the clan stronghold of Inchgalbraith in Loch Lomond. Other Galbraith castles included Gartconnel, Balgair, Balvie, Bannachra, Bardowie, Barskimming, Craigmaddie, Garscadden, Mains, as well as Kincaid House. All were located between Stirling and Glasgow. ~From the Clan Galbraith Society

My own Galbraith line begins with Martha, my 3rd great-grandmother, born around 1800. She married John Stitt in 1817, and their family continued the Galbraith legacy.3

Research reveals a proud military tradition within the family. Martha’s father, John Galbraith, was likely born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.4 His father, James, served as a Captain in the Pennsylvania troops during the American Revolution.5 James, in turn, was the son of John Galbraith, born around 1717.

Revolutionary War Battalions & Militia Index Cards. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

The story takes a dramatic turn with Andrew Galbraith, born around 1692 in Ireland. He emigrated to America with his father and became a prominent figure in early Pennsylvania, serving as a justice of the peace and a member of the Provincial Assembly. His wife, Mary Kyle, famously led a procession of mounted men to ensure Andrew’s election to the Assembly, demonstrating the strength and influence of early settlers.

Appletons’ Cyclopedia of American Biography; Volume: Vol. II

Further back, we find James Galbraith, born around 1666, one of the founders of the Old Derry Church. While his origins remain somewhat unclear, it’s believed he emigrated from Ireland in 1718.6

Ca. 1880s lithograph: Old Derry Church – – Built A. D. 1720 – –
Repaired A. D. 1760 (Palmyra, PA, Dauphin County)

Connecting these early generations to the Scottish homeland has been a challenge. While DNA analysis suggests a link to other Galbraith families, definitive proof remains elusive.

We do not know if James of 1666 was born in Ireland but he came from there in 1718. We don’t know that his father was John and we have failed to link James back to the first Galbraith family of Ireland, who arrived there about 1613. Our last Chief from Culcreuch fled to Ireland in about 1625 and left living sons in Scotland who might have lines to the present. We are pretty sure that Group 1 links back to the 1400s at Culcreuch–but we do not know if the Chiefs maintained the DNA into the future (or past to Bretnach of 1150).

From William Gilbreath of the Clan Galbraith Facebook group


We know the two groups have the same YDNA Haplogroup and most of the same markers, which leads us to believe they were related at some point, but they are several generations apart. We haven’t found any source documents to tie them together.

From Dana Love of the Clan Galbraith Facebook group

DNA has become an important tool in genealogical research, and as more people take the test, the number of matches increases, making it even more helpful. Hopefully, this will be true for these family lines.

This genealogical journey has been a reminder of the resilience and determination of my ancestors. Their stories – of military service, political leadership, and community building – continue to inspire me today.

  1. Egle, W. H. (1886). Pennsylvania Genealogies: Chiefly Scotch-Irish and German. ↩︎
  2. Burke, J. (Ed.). (1846). A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland, Volume 1. ↩︎
  3. Lineage Book: NSDAR: Volume 164: 1921. ↩︎
  4. Lineage Book: NSDAR: Volume 164: 1921. ↩︎
  5. Lineage Book: NSDAR: Volume 164: 1921. and Sons of the American Revolution records. ↩︎
  6. Egle, W. H. (1886). Pennsylvania Genealogies: Chiefly Scotch-Irish and German. ↩︎

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Surviving Shipwrecks and Enduring Captivity: A Family Legacy

When I watched an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? featuring actress Allison Janney, I was captivated by her journey tracing her ancestor Stephen Hopkins. Hopkins survived a shipwreck on the Sea Venture in 1609 and found himself stranded in Bermuda. The ship’s name, Sea Venture, nagged at me as I watched. It sounded so familiar, as though I had encountered it before. Sure enough, a dive into my family history revealed an incredible connection. Here is the story of my ancestry and the Sea Venture!

“Historic Voyage, Sea Venture and Consorts at Sea 1609,” a 1984 oil painting by Deryck Foster

The Fateful Voyage of the Sea Venture

The Sea Venture, also known as the Third Supply, was the flagship of a fleet carrying six hundred passengers—including men, women, and livestock—to the struggling colony at Jamestowne. On July 23, 1609, a hurricane separated the Sea Venture from the rest of the fleet. After four harrowing days, the ship began to take on water. Miraculously, it wrecked between two reefs on the island of Bermuda, allowing all 140 passengers to disembark safely.

Among the passengers was Stephen Hopkins, Allison Janney’s ancestor. The Hopkins family’s survival story was remarkable, but my personal connection to the Sea Venture lay elsewhere.

My Ancestors and Jamestowne

Tracing my lineage through my great-grandmother Wescott’s line brought me back to Jamestowne. For historical context:

“In June 1606, King James I granted a charter to the Virginia Company to establish an English settlement in North America. By May 14, 1607, settlers landed on Jamestown Island to establish a colony 60 miles from the Chesapeake Bay.” (Source)

This leads us to Alice, my 11th great-grandmother, whose last name remains unknown. Alice’s first husband was Thomas Pierce, both born in England around 1585. Together, they had a daughter named Elizabeth. To understand Alice’s story, it is crucial to delve into Thomas Pierce’s history.

Thomas Pierce: A Life of Service and Tragedy

Thomas Pierce arrived in Virginia aboard the Margaret, which set sail in September 1619. He held a distinguished position as the Sergeant at Arms for the first legislative assembly in Virginia, which convened on July 30, 1619.

Pierce established a plantation south of Martin’s Hundred along the James River. On March 22, 1622, tragedy struck during the Indian Massacre of 1622. This violent conflict arose from tensions between colonists and the Powhatan people, exacerbated by the colony’s relentless expansion for tobacco cultivation.

Thomas, his wife, child, two other men, and a French boy were reported killed at the plantation. Thomas appears to have been a relative of Lt. William Pierce of the Sea Venture (1609), who served under George Yeardley, Captain of the Governor’s Company of soldiers.  Williams’ daughter, Jane Pierce, was the third wife of John Rolfe (who was also on the Sea Venture), the guy who married Pocahontas.

Image result for Jamestown 1618

Survival Against the Odds

Despite the devastation, Alice and her daughter Elizabeth somehow survived. It is believed they were among 20 captives taken by the Powhatan and later ransomed after about ten months in captivity. Identified survivors included Mrs. Boyce and Jane Dickenson, both widows of men killed at Martin’s Hundred.

The Bennett Connection

Alice later remarried Richard Bennett Sr. of Isle of Wight, VA, my 10th great-grandfather. It’s important to note that this Richard Bennett is often confused with another man of the same name, a governor of Virginia from 1652-55. The two Richards, while contemporaries, are from different lineages.

The internet is rife with misinformation about the Bennetts, often conflating the two families. However, careful research through sources like Virginia Immigrants and Adventurers: A Biographical Dictionary, 1607-1635 by Martha W. McCartney has helped clarify the facts.

Capture

The following is transcribed from Colonial Records of Virginia, R.F. Walker.

View the documents, “The Original Lists of Persons of Quality” edited by John Camden Hotten, 1874 at https://www.jamestowne.org/1623-lists-of-living–dead.html.

At Mr. Thomas Pierce’s House over against Mulberry Island.
​Master Tho: Pierce,
     his Wife,
     his Childe,
John Hopkins, (could he be related to Ms. Janney’s Stephen?)
John Samon,
A French Boy.

Named by the first colonists for its dense population of wild mulberry trees, Mulberry Island shows up in some of the earliest maps of Virginia, as well as the writings of Capt. John Smith.

Image result for Martin's Hundred

Burgesses of Virginia 1632
Related image
Courtesy National Park Service, Colonial National Historical Park

The following is a paragraph wildly spread on the internet but has been proven false by many history sites such as Chauco (Chanco) Virginia Indian.   

Chanco
Southside Virginia Families, Vol. I by John Bennett Boddie

In fact, it is more realistic to believe what is written on Historynet’s website:

These female colonists, perhaps 20 in all, were virtually the only captives taken by the Powhatans in the uprising. Few details of their ordeal have survived, and information about their lives is almost nonexistent. In fact, we may never know if they shared the fascinating, if often horrifying, adventures of more well-known Indian captives in American history. It is certain, however, that these women witnessed the violent deaths of neighbors and loved ones before being abducted; that they lived with their enemies while the English ruthlessly attacked Indian villages in retaliation; and that they received no heroes’ welcome upon their return to the colony.

From the Jamestowne Society’s website are names of “Qualifying Ancestors”.

Jamestowne Bennett's

The Richard Bennett above is not my Richard.  Thomas Bennett is mine and the father of my Richard Bennett (not listed), the son of Alice and Thomas and half-brother to Elizabeth.

Jamestowne Pierce

Records were destroyed in the Civil War, so nothing more is known about Thomas except what was found in the will of Anthony Barham, who was one of Elizabeth’s husbands. Because of this will, we can trace his descendants.  Anthony Barham's Will

You can read more about their neighbors and relatives and how they all connect in the Seventeenth Century Isle of Wight County, Virginia: A History of the County … By John Bennett Boddie.

Richard Bennett, Jr., my 9th great-grandfather, was born June 1, 1644, in Isle of Wight, Virginia.  He married Ann, last name unknown, and they had five children.  Again, you can read about all five in the above link.

Will of Richard Bennett Jr. made on March 3, 1720

Isle Of Wight County, Virginia
March ye 3rd Day 1720 In the Name of God Amen. Rich’d Bennett in ye upper parish of Isle of Wight County in Virginia being sick & weak in body yet in perfect memory thanks be to God for it Do therefore do make this my Last Will & Testament as followith-first I Commit my soul to God our Heavenly Father trusting to be saved by Jesus Christ our only Saviour and my body on Earth to be Decently Buried & as for my worldly Goods I bestow as followith
I Give and bequeath unto my son Richd Bennett to him & his heirs lawfully begotten of his body two hundred acres of Land & over it being Land where on my Son Richard now lives
I give & bequeath unto my son James with ye other two hundred acres of Land where on he now lives. I lay to him & to his heirs lawfully begotton of his Body forever it is a Coveyance of four hundred acres of Land I bought of Mr John Coffers pattin of Land being fourteen hundred & fifty acres
1 Give & bequeath unto Jane Coffer & her two sons Rob Coffer & John Coffer to them & their heirs Lawfully of their body for ever my plantation and land whereon I now live I lay to them & to their heirs for ever it being part of Land Which was bought formerly of Mr Wm Miles
I Give and bequeath unto Jane Coffer a small trunk & a Gold Ring and a Great Iron pot
I Give & bequeath to Rich Coffer my Long Gun
I Give & bequeath to Magdalen Coffer one Great pewter Dish and one Great Basin
I Give and bequeath to Francis Manggum my Gran Daughter a feather Bed & all ye belongs to it 2
I Give and bequeath unto my Daughter Silvester a Couple of Dishes & a Couple of plates
furthermore I do appoint Jane Coffer & Wm Allen to be my full and whole Exct to pay my Debts & to Receive what is owing to me & when these my Debts being paid ye rest of my Goods within Doores and outDoores to be Equally Divided amongst my Children
Desiring this my trusty friends Jno & James Carter to See this my Last Will & testament fulfilled In Witness here of I sett my hand & Seal Rich’d R Bennett (Seal)

Richard Bennett Jr.'s will

Richard Jr.’s daughter, Ann Bennett, married John Cofer circa 1699, my 8th great-grandparent.  You can continue this line by reading my previous blog post, The Cofer Legacy: A Journey Through Generations.

Related image

Inside the fort at Jamestown, in the cellar seen just below the back wall of a stone foundation, archaeologists found a pendant that dates to the Virginia colony’s earliest years. A seventeenth-century church tower and the 1907 tercentenary obelisk are also seen. ~website at history.org

Reflecting on Family History

Discovering my connection to the Sea Venture and Jamestowne has been an exhilarating journey. It’s incredible to imagine the resilience of my ancestors, from surviving shipwrecks to enduring captivity, and their role in the early days of America. Their stories are not just tales of survival but of strength and determination, echoing across generations to inspire us today.

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