Abington Massachusetts

Abington, Massachusetts, established in 1712 from a portion of the larger Bridgewater and officially incorporated in 1714, is located in Plymouth County. It played a significant role in the early industrial era of the United States, particularly noted for its shoe manufacturing industry, which began to flourish in the early 19th century. The town’s genealogical resources are rich, with records dating back to its incorporation, providing insights into the lives of early settlers, many of whom were of English descent. These records include vital statistics (births, marriages, deaths), land transfers, and church records, essential for tracing lineage and understanding the community’s historical fabric. Abington’s proximity to the Boston metropolitan area influenced its development and population dynamics, offering a unique perspective on the evolution from a small colonial settlement to a part of the broader industrial and suburban growth of the region. The Island Grove Pond in Abington, historically significant for being a meeting place for Native American tribes and later a hub for the anti-slavery movement, marks the town’s rich historical and cultural landscape. Genealogists seeking ancestors from Abington will find valuable information in the Plymouth County Courthouse records, local historical societies, and the Abington Public Library’s archives.

Genealogy of the Reed and Loud Families of Abington, Massachusetts

1 Comment / Genealogy, Massachusetts / 18 minutes of reading

These families, Reed and Loud, allied by marriage, are still represented in the ancient town of Abington, where for three generations the Reeds have been engaged in the lumber business with other lines connected with it. Reference is made to the late Amos S. Reed, to his son, the late Maj. Edward Payson Reed, and to the present Arthur B. Reed, son of Major Reed, all active business men, prominent and influential citizens of what is now North Abington. Both the Reed and Loud were early Weymouth families, and we take up the records in order. There follows from William Reed, the immigrant ancestor of the North Abington Reed family alluded to, chronologically arranged, the genealogy of the family.

Genealogy of the Reed and Loud Families of Abington, Massachusetts Read More »

Ancestry of Lysander Franklin Gurney

Leave a Comment / Genealogy, Massachusetts / 12 minutes of reading

LYSANDER FRANKLIN GURNEY, late of Brockton, Plymouth Co., Mass., was a descendant of some of the earliest settlers of this section. Going back to the mother country, we find the following general information in “The Gurneys of Earlham” (two volumes, Hart, Mich., March 16, 1906).

The Norfolk Gurneys claim descent from the ancient Barons of Gournay in Normandy, where the curious Ports Ibert with many old towers of the walls and the twelfth century church of Saint Hildevert attest the wealth and power of its ancient lords. Several members of the House accompanied William the Conqueror to England, and fought at the battle of Hastings, after which the valor of the aged Hugh de Gurney III. was rewarded by the establishment of the English Barony of Gourney, held by tenure of military service and by large grants of land, so that he has left his name of Baron Gourney in Somerset and several other places in England. The story of the “House of Gourney” is told in a magnificent history by Daniel Gurney of Juncton Hall, near Norwich, County of Norfolk, England, which possesses historic interest and shows much antiquarian research.

Ancestry of Lysander Franklin Gurney Read More »

Descendants of Benjamin S. Atwood of Whitman, MA

1 Comment / Genealogy, Indiana, Massachusetts / 15 minutes of reading

Benjamin S. Atwood, the well-known box manufacturer of Whitman, Mass., was one of the best known men in Plymouth county, and as a business man and as a soldier stood high in the estimation of all who know him. He was born in the town of Carver, Plymouth county, June 25, 1840. The Atwood family of which Benjamin S. Atwood is a descendant is an old and prominent family of Plymouth Colony. The founder was John Wood, who came to Plymouth in 1643, and was later known as John Atwood – a spelling of the name that has been retained to the present time.

Descendants of Benjamin S. Atwood of Whitman, MA Read More »

Ancestry of Walter Lyman French

4 Comments / Genealogy, Massachusetts / 9 minutes of reading

Most of the Frenches of the Bridgewaters and vicinity descend from John French, of Braintree. This John French was born about 1612, in England. Before coming to Braintree, of which point he was an inhabitant in 1640, and a freeman in 1644, he had been a short time at Dorchester. He died Aug. 16, 1692, aged about eighty. His wife Grace died Feb. 28, 1680-81, aged fifty-nine years. Walter Lyman French, the gentleman whose name introduces this article was one of Brockton’s enterprising business men, one who had achieved marked success in various branches of industry and trade. He was born in Brockton Mass. (then North Bridgewater) May 4, 1843, son of the late Francis M. and. Nancy L. (Blake) French. Walter is a direct descendant of John and Grace French of Braintree Mass.

Ancestry of Walter Lyman French Read More »

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top