Benjamin Abell and Hannah

Citing this biography: Boyd, Michelle, "Benjamin Abell and Hannah —," article, Olive and Eliza, last accessed [current date]."

Benjamin Abell was the son of Robert Abell and Joanna —, according to The Great Migration Begins. He was residing in Norwich, New London, Connecticut as early as 1670.

Benjamin married Hannah —. Clarence Almon Torrey stated that Hannah could have been a Baldwin, but he noted this with a question mark. Abell stated that Hannah may have been the daughter of John Baldwin but does not give proof and I have not found evidence either way.

Benjamin's inventory was dated 6 June 1699 at the court held in New London, New London, Connecticut. He was listed as being of Norwich, New London, Connecticut. Abell states that after Benjamin's death, daughter Hannah was found in the household of Benjamin's brother Joshua until her marriage in 1702 and Mary and Benjamin became part of his brother Caleb's household.

His widow Hannah is seen as the administrix of his will with the last name of Caulkins, meaning that she seems to have remarried. According to both Torrey and Abell, her second husband was David Caulkins (widower of Mary Bliss). David died 25 Nov 1717 in New London, New London, Connecticut.

Ebenezer and Hannah’s children are:

1	Probably Hannah Abell, born 15 Jan 1679 (according to Horace Abell), married Ebenezer Metcalf 28 Apr 1702 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, inventory taken 13 Jul 1756, died 17 Jun 1756 in Connecticut, buried in the Old Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut with Ebenezer. Husband: Ebenezer Metcalf, b. 14 Dec 1679 in Dedham, Norfolk, Massachusetts to Jonathan and Hannah (Kenrick) Metcalf, admitted to the church at Lebanon, New London, Connecticut 3 Nov 1723, cornet of the troop in May 1728, will dated 3 Apr 1755, probated 19 Nov 1755, d. 15 Nov 1755 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.
2	Probably Mary Abell, born about 1681, married Joseph Tracy 31 Dec 1705 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, died 16 Jan 1751 in Connecticut, buried at Old Norwichtown Cemetery, Norwich, New London, Connecticut with Joseph. Husband: Joseph Tracy, b. 20 Apr 1682 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut to John Tracy and Mary Winslow, captain, justice of the peace and member of the legislature (according to Horace Abell), d. 10 Apr 1765 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut.
3	Probably Lydia Abell, born about 1683, married Daniel Williams, d. 2 Dec 1737 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut) 19 Jun 1711 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut, helped form the Goshen Society Church, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut (with sister Jemima and their husbands), died 2 Oct 1731 in Connecticut, buried at Exeter Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut. Husband: Daniel Williams, b. 9 Sep 1683 in Killingworth, Middlesex, Connecticut to Augustine and Hannah (Brown) Williams, according to Abell.
4	Benjamin Abell, married Lydia Hazen 17 Mar 1713/14 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut. Abell Family in America gives his death date as 28 May 1769. However, Vital Records of Norwich seems to group the Benjamin who died on that date with the family records of the family of Benjamin Abell who married Abigail Guild in 1739. This would seem to indicate that the Benjamin of the death record is the same as the Benjamin of the marriage record. Abell Family in America, however, lists the Benjamin Abell who married Abigail Guild as living in 1775 but I'm not sure what evidence exists of this. Wife: Lydia Hazen, bapt. 9 Sep 1694 in Topsfield, Essex, Massachusetts with twin Mary, dau. of Thomas Hazen (and Mary Howlett, according to Horace Abell).
5	Probably Mehitable Abell, married William Brewster 13 Dec 1716 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut, petitioned for divorce from William in Mar of 1748/9 at Windham, Windham, Connecticut (charging him with desertion and neglect). William apparently married a second wife in New Haven, New Haven, Connecticut, moved to "the Oblong" (probably the Oblong Patent, Dutchess, New York), moved to Virginia in 1754, and was driven from there back to the Oblong in 1757 by Indians. Husband: William Brewster, son of William and Patience Brewster, according to Horace Abell.
6	Probably Jemima Abell, married Gershom Mattoon 25 or 28 Nov 1719 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut, admitted to the church with Gershom 16 May 1725 in Connecticut, helped form the Goshen Society Church, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut (with sister Lydia and their husbands), died 12 Feb 1741 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut. Husband: Gershom Mattoon, m. 2) Abigail Chappel 12 May 1743 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.
7	Probably Experience Abell, married Thomas Wood 26 Jan 1719/20 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, admitted to the church and owned the covenant 4 Jul 1725 in Connecticut. Husband: Thomas Wood, b. 28 Nov 1691 in Bradford, Essex, Massachusetts to John and Isabel Wood (John Wood and Isabel Hazen, according to Horace Abell); also according to Horace Abell, he was a carpenter, corporal in the "Waiting List" in the 1745 Louisburg Expedition, and served in the French and Indian Wars.

Note: Benjamin's inventory shows that he had a son Benjamin and six unnamed daughters. Horace Abell listed these six daughters but did not list his reasoning. Booth stated that "certain that Lydia (Abell) Williams and Experience (Abell) Wood were children of Benjamin and Hannah Abell."

Summary of Sources

Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Church Record Abstracts, 1630-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: 2013. Original data: Connecticut. Church Records Index. Connecticut State Library, Hartford, Connecticut.
Vital Records of Norwich Connecticut, 1659-1848. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007.) Originally published as: Vital Records of Norwich, 1659-1848. Hartford, Society of colonial wars in the state of Connecticut, 1913.
Dedham, MA: Vital Records, 1635 - 1845, (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007), (The Record of Births, Marriages and Deaths, and Intentions of Marriage, in the Town of Dedham. Volumes 1 & 2. Edited by Don Gleason Hill, Dedham, MA, 1886.).
Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850, AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010.
Barbour, Lucius Barnes, Williston Walker, & Winslow Tracy Williams (Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut), Vital Records of Norwich, 1659-1848, Vol. 1, Hartford, CT: The Case, Lockwood, & Brainard Co., 1913, p. 41.
Ancestry.com. Connecticut Town Birth Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.
Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Town Marriage Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.
Ancestry.com. Connecticut Town Death Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.
Ancestry.com. The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, 1847-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: New England Historic Genealogical Society. The New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Boston: The New England Historic Genealogical Society.
Ancestry.com. Early Connecticut Marriages [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Bailey, Frederic W. Early Connecticut Marriages as Found on Ancient Church Records Prior to 1800. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1997.
Ancestry.com. U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2012. Original data: Torry, Clarence A. New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2004.
Divorce papers Boulay-Burdick 1726-1907, FHL US/CAN Film 1638586, from Divorce papers, 1726-1907, Connecticut Superior Court (Windham County), microfilm of original records in the Connecticut State Library, Hartford.
"The Diary of Jabez Fitch, Jr.," Pilgrim Notes and Queries, Vol II, Dec 1914, Boston: Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, p 156.
Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Hale Collection of Cemetery Inscriptions and Newspaper Notices, 1629-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: The Charles R. Hale Collection. Hale Collection of Connecticut Cemetery Inscriptions. Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut State Library.
Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Deaths and Burials Index, 1650-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Connecticut Deaths and Burials, 1772–1934." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2010. Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records.
Probate Records, Vol 5-6, 1755-1764. From Probate Records, 1719-1918; Author: Connecticut. Probate Court (Windham District); Probate Place: Windham, Connecticut. Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Wills and Probate Records, 1609-1999 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Connecticut County, District and Probate Courts.
Probate Packets, Manning, Eliphalet-Millard, B, 1719-1880. From Probate Files Collection, Early to 1880; Author: Connecticut State Library (Hartford, Connecticut); Probate Place: Hartford, Connecticut. Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Wills and Probate Records, 1609-1999 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Connecticut County, District and Probate Courts.
Probate Files Collection, Early to 1880; Author: Connecticut State Library (Hartford, Connecticut); Probate Place: Hartford, Connecticut. Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Wills and Probate Records, 1609-1999 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Original data: Connecticut County, District and Probate Courts.
Tombstone of Ebenezer Metcalf, Old Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.
Tombstone of Hannah (Abell) Metcalf, Old Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.
Tombstone of Mary (Abell) Tracy, Old Norwichtown Cemetery, Norwich, New London, Connecticut.
Tombstone of Joseph Tracy, Old Norwichtown Cemetery, Norwich, New London, Connecticut.
Tombstone of Lydia (Abell) Williams, Exeter Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.
Booth, Charles Edwin, One Branch of the Booth Family, New York: privately printed, 1910, pgs. 21-23.
Caulkins, Frances Manwaring, History of Norwich, Connecticut, Norwich, CT: H.P. Haven, 1874, p. 210.

Records related to Ebenezer and Hannah (Abell) Metcalf but not copied below due to copyright considerations:

Abell, Horace A.. The Abell family in America : Robert Abell of Rehoboth, Mass., his English ancestry and his descendants, other Abell families and immigrants, Abell families in England. Rutland, Vt.: Tuttle Pub. Co., 1940, pgs. 65, 75.
Entry for Robert Abell. Ancestry.com. New England, The Great Migration and The Great Migration Begins, 1620-1635 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. Original data: Anderson, Robert Charles. The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England, 1620-1633, Volumes 1-3; The Great Migration: Immigrants to New England, 1634-1635, Volumes 1-6. Boston: New England Historical and Genealogical Society, 1996-2011.

Source Materials

Click on each category below to expand and see the copies of sources used to create the biography above (copyrighted and other restricted items are listed in the summary of sources above but not included below). Click again to close.

Torrey's New England Marriages Prior to 1700

ABELL, Benjamim [sic] (-1699) & Hannah [?BALDWIN], m/2 David CAULKINS; b 1683; Norwich, CT

Source: Ancestry.com. U.S., New England Marriages Prior to 1700 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2012. Original data: Torry, Clarence A. New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2004.

History of Norwich, Connecticut

2. Benjamin Abell was in the settlement as early as 1670. His inventory was presented to the Prerogative Court in June, 1699, and the statement made that he left a son, Benjamin, and six daughters.

Source: Caulkins, Frances Manwaring, History of Norwich, Connecticut, Norwich, CT: H.P. Haven, 1874, p. 210.

One Branch of the Booth Family

The first mention of a member of the Abell family, of which we have any record, is Robert Abell, of Weymouth, who probably came in the fleet with Winthrop in 1630. He removed to Rehoboth in 1643, and died there June 20, 1663, leaving a widow, Joanna, and seven children; Mary, who was born April 11, 1642, was one of them, and Lieut. Preserved Abell, of Rehoboth, was doubtless another. It seems to the writer reasonable to suppose that Caleb Abell, who appears at Norwich in 1668, was also a son of Robert's. The petition addressed to the General Court, which was drawn up at Dedham in 1665, shows that Caleb's name was fourth among about seventy signers, and as social rank and precedence were as closely observed in early colonial days as they had been in England, it is very unlikely that a youth who was only eighteen would be allowed to put his signature so near the head of the list unless he was the son of a man who was well-known and highly esteemed in the community. In the Hyde Genealogy it is stated that nothing is known of William Hyde's wife, but that she probably died in Hartford or Saybrook, and there is no mention of a second one, but on page 3 of Arnold's Vital Records of Rehoboth, under the heading Marriages and Intentions, we find the following entry, "Joanna Abell and William Hyde, of New Norwich, June 4, 1667," which seems to show that William Hyde married Robert Abell's widow as his second wife. When Caleb Abell appears at Norwich in 1668, he was barely of age, but he was at once made welcome and received into the families of the original proprietors, (Caulkins' Norwich, page 209), and permitted to marry into one of them within a year. In view of the manners and customs of those days it is difficult to explain this, unless we accept the theory that his mother was already there as the wife of one who was prominent among the original proprietors. After the father had died, it would be quite natural for the three unmarried sons, Caleb, Benjamin and Joshua, and the daughter Experience, to follow their mother as they seem to have done. Preserved Abell had received the house and land as his share of his father's estate, and had married Martha Redaway, in Rehoboth, Sept. 27, 1667, thus establishing home ties which would keep him in Rehoboth. The writer, in his efforts to establish this supposed relationship between Robert and Caleb Abell, has had the aid of Mr. George S. Porter, of Norwich, and Mr. James N. Arnold, of Providence, both of whom are authorities in their respective fields, but neither one was able to find anything in the Norwich or Rehoboth records which would throw any light upon the subject. In both places the records are very imperfect, and in Rehoboth the Church records, previous to 1720, are lost. In view of the fact, however, that Robert was the only emigrant settler of that name of which we have any knowledge, added to the fact that there is no evidence against the theory, the probability that Caleb, Benjamin and Joshua were sons of Robert seems very strong. Experience Abell, who married Dea. John Baldwin, was also, probably, his daughter. The Register of Probate in Plymoth, in answer to my inquiry regarding the settlement of Robert Abell’s estate, wrote me as follows : “His widow, Joanna Abell, administered on the estate and gave bond as such administratrix in 1664. An interesting seal with a coat of arms is attached to the bond at the right of her name, but whether it belonged to her family or not, I cannot say.”

…

Mr. George S. Porter, previously referred to in Note 2, was engaged to examine the Norwich records to determine, if possible, the parentage of Experience (Wood) Abell, and reported as follows : “I have given the ancestry of Experience Abell, wife of Thomas Wood, a great deal of time and attention, and while it is impossible to give you record proof I am convinced that she was the daughter of Benjamin Abell. He was in Norwich as early as 1670, but there is no record of his marriage, death, the name of his wife, or the names of his children. As the Norwich probate records do not begin until 1748, I went to New London and examined the probate records there where Norwich Estates were previously settled, but could find no trace of Benjamin's name nor of his wife and children. I then searched the records of the old New London county court, which, before the establishment of probate courts, appears to have done a miscellaneous business of civil, criminal, and probate. These records are all in manuscript, are much faded and torn, and are written in the most difficult handwriting to decipher that I think I have ever seen. The volumes are unindexed and the pages are unnumbered. I found that in a court held in New London, June 6, 1699, the inventory of the estate of Benjamin Abell, of Norwich, deceased, was exhibited, was proved, accepted and ordered to be recorded. The court granted administration to the widow, and also distributed to the widow one-third part of the movable estate for ever, and one-third part of the real estate during her natural life; to son Benjamin a double portion at twenty-one, and to six daughters at eighteen or days of marriage. By request of the widow, Joshua Abell and John Baldwin were appointed overseers. In this court record the name of the widow does not appear, nor do those of the six daughters. The records appear to be first rough drafts of what was to appear in more detailed form in other books, although, in some cases, they are given at some length. Where these supplemental books are today, if they ever existed, is unknown. We think ourselves fortunate that even so much remains. I regret exceedingly that I can find no record proof of Mrs. Experience (Abell) Wood's parentage, but it does not exist in any known record to-day. Personally, with the evidence adduced, I am satisfied that she was a daughter of Benjamin Abell by his unknown wife.” As the foregoing report makes no mention of any examination of deeds or wills, Mr. Porter was engaged a little later by another descendant of the Abells to see what could be found among them, and the result was published by W. B. H. S. in the Boston Transcript of March 18, 1907,: “It does not solve the difficulties about the parentage of Experience and Lydia Abell, but it makes some other things certain heretofore in doubt. First, that Benjamin and Caleb Abell were brothers. Benjamin, son of Benjamin, refers to his Uncle Caleb in a deed bearing the date Dec. 8, 1709. Again it appears that the lands of Joshua, Caleb, and Benjamin adjoined. Second, the inventory of Benjamin, Sr.'s estate was recorded June 6, 1699. Benjamin, Jr., was allowed a double portion to be set out to him at the age of twenty-one. The widow was appointed administratrix. Mr. Porter now finds that the administratrix in November, 1712, caused his share to be recorded to him, thus making him born about 1691, and he finds that as administratrix the widow signed herself Hannah Caulkins. Thus we have her Christian name of Hannah. With Mr. Porter I feel certain that Lydia (Abell) Williams and Experience (Abell) Wood were children of Benjamin and Hannah Abell.”

Source: Booth, Charles Edwin, One Branch of the Booth Family, New York: privately printed, 1910, pgs. 21-23.

Connecticut Church Record Abstracts

Mattoon, Matoon, Gershom, m. Jemima Abell, Nov. 25, 1719                                                            4               174
Gershom & w. Jemima, adm. ch. May 16, 1725                                                                                    4                4

...

Wood...
Experience, w. Thomas, adm. ch. & o.c. July 4, 1725;
adm. full com. [     ]; adm. ch. June 10, 1759                                                                                         2               215, 246

Source: Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Church Record Abstracts, 1630-1920 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: 2013. Original data: Connecticut. Church Records Index. Connecticut State Library, Hartford, Connecticut.

Vital Records of Norwich Connecticut, 1659-1848

Jofeph Tracey was borne Aprill the 20th Ano 1682 of John Tracey and Mary Windslow

Jofeph Tracy and Mary Abell ware Married. December, the Thirty first 1705:
Jofeph Tracy the Son of Jofeph & Mary was Born October the 17th. anno: 1706.
Mary Tracy was born ye 4th day of Janur 1707/8 of Jofeph & Mary
Margaret Tracy was Born ye 11th day of may 1710. of Jofeph & Mary
Elifha Tracy was born ye 17th day of may 1712 of Jofeph & Mary
Zerviah Tracy was Born ye 14th day of Decembr 1714 of Jofeph & Mary
Lydea Tracy was born ye 10th day of Decembr 1716 of Jofeph & Mary
Irena Tracy was born ye 15th day of Januy 1718/19 of Jofeph & Mary
Phineas Tracy was born ye 18 day of Janur 1720/21 of Jofeph & Mary
Jerufha ye Daughter of Joseph Tracy and his wife mary was born may 23rd: 1723:
Capt Jofeph Tracy Died April 10th A D 1765

Benjamin Abell and Lydea Hazen ware married in March ye 17th 1713/14
Benjamin Abell the Son of Benjn & Lydea was born in may: 23d 1715
Andrew Abell was born in aprill 1st 1717. of Benjn & Lydea
Lydea Abell was born ye 28th day of Jully 1719 of Benjn & Lydea
Simon Abell was Born ye 15th day of Septembr 1721. of Benjn & Lydea
Alice Abell was born ye 14th of Janur 1723/4: of Benjn & Lydea
Hannah Abell, was Born the 26th Day of March 1727 of Benjn & Lydea
Elijah Abell. Son of Benjamin and Lydia his wife was Born the 12th day of may 1729:
Altheus. Abell Son of Benjamin & his wife Lydia was Born ye 8th of Septemr: 1731:
Oliver: Son of Benjn Abell & his wife Lydia was born february 6th 1733/4
Isaiah: ye Son of Benjn Abell & his wife Lydia was born ye 24th day of July 1738:

Thomas Wood & Experience Abell ware Married January the 26th Day: 1719/20
Anne Wood was born ye 14th day of June 1721 of Thomas & Experiance
Abiah Wood was born, ye 14th day of octobr 1723. of Thomas & Experiance
Benjamin Wood was born the 7th of Septembr 1725 of Thomas & Experiance
Abiah Wood Decst ye 29th of august 1725 of Thomas & Experiance
Martha Wood was Born ye 23d Day of octor 1727 of Thomas & Experiance
Ruth Wood Daughter of Thomas & Experiance his wife was Born the Nineteenth day of January 1729/30
Zebedee Wood Son of Thomas & his wife. Experiance was Born ye 30th: of march 1732:
Bela Wood Son of Thomas Wood & Experience his wife was born march 17th 1733/4
Luce Wood Daughter of Thomas Wood & of his wife Experience was bon Augt 5th 1735
Phinahes ye Son of Thomas Wood and of his wife Experience was born Sept 20th 1737
Amy: ye Daughter of Thomas Wood & of his wife Experiance was born: febr: 28: 1738/9
Bela: ye Son of Thomas Wood & his wife Experence Died octor 25th 1751

Source: Vital Records of Norwich Connecticut, 1659-1848. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007.) Originally published as: Vital Records of Norwich, 1659-1848. Hartford, Society of colonial wars in the state of Connecticut, 1913.
[Note: Some letters transcribed in the above record as F probably should have been transcribed as S (letters S's at the time often appearing a long F-like letters). So, for example, "Jofeph" is actually "Joseph," "Elifha" is actually "Elisha" or December, and "Jerufha" is actually "Jerusha." MB]

Dedham, MA: Vital Records

1679...Ebenezer, the son of Jonathan & Hanna Metcalfe, was borne the 14:12: 79.

Source: Dedham, MA: Vital Records, 1635 - 1845, (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007), (The Record of Births, Marriages and Deaths, and Intentions of Marriage, in the Town of Dedham. Volumes 1 & 2. Edited by Don Gleason Hill, Dedham, MA, 1886.).

Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850

Topsfield
Hazen,
Lydia, twin, d. Thomas, bp. Sept. 9, 1694. C. R.
Mary, twin, d. Thomas, bp. Sept. 9, 1694. C. R.

Bradford
Wood
Thomas, s. John and Isabel, Nov. 28, 1691.

Source: Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850, AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010.

Vital Records of Norwich

Ebenezer Metcalfe and Hanah Abell ware Married Aprill 28th 1702

Source: Barbour, Lucius Barnes, Williston Walker, & Winslow Tracy Williams (Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut), Vital Records of Norwich, 1659-1848, Vol. 1, Hartford, CT: The Case, Lockwood, & Brainard Co., 1913, p. 41.

Connecticut Town Birth Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection)

Name:    Daniell Williams
Gender:    Male
Birth Date:    9 Sep 1683
Birth Place:    Killingworth
Parent:    Augustain

Source: Ancestry.com. Connecticut Town Birth Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.

Connecticut Town Marriage Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection)

Name:    Lydia Abell
Marriage Date:    19 Jun 1711
Marriage Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA
Spouse:    Daniel Williams

Name:    Mehetable Abell
Marriage Date:    13 Dec 1716
Marriage Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA
Spouse:    William Brewster

Name:    Jemima Abell
Marriage Date:    28 Nov 1719
Marriage Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA
Spouse:    Gershom Matton

Source: Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Town Marriage Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.

Connecticut Town Death Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection)

Name:    David Calkins
Death Date:    25 Nov 1717
Death Place:    New London, Connecticut, USA

Name:    Ebenezer Metcalf
Age:    76th Y.
Birth Date:    abt 1749
Death Date:    15 Nov 1755
Death Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA

Name:    Daniel Williams
Death Date:    2 Dec 1737
Death Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA

Name:    Jemima Mattoon
Death Date:    12 Feb 1741
Death Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA

Source: Ancestry.com. Connecticut Town Death Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD, USA: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.

The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, 1847-2011

Name:    Mr Ebenezer Metcalfe
Event Type:    Death
Birth Date:    abt 1679
Age at Death:    76
Death Date:    15 Nov 1755
Death Place:    USA
Page Number:    302
Volume Number:    098

Source: Ancestry.com. The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, 1847-2011 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: New England Historic Genealogical Society. The New England Historical and Genealogical Register. Boston: The New England Historic Genealogical Society.

Early Connecticut Marriages

Name:    Experience Abell
Gender:    Female
Spouse's Name:    Thomas Wood
Spouse Gender:    Male
Marriage Date:    26 Jan 1720
Marriage Place:    Norwich-Franklin, New London

Name:    Gershom Matoon
Gender:    Male
Spouse's Name:    Abigail Chappel
Spouse Gender:    Female
Marriage Date:    12 May 1743
Marriage Place:    Lebanon-Goshen, New London

Source: Ancestry.com. Early Connecticut Marriages [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Bailey, Frederic W. Early Connecticut Marriages as Found on Ancient Church Records Prior to 1800. Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1997.

Connecticut Deaths and Burials Index

Name:    Ebenezer Metcalf
Birth Date:    abt 1680
Age at Death:    75
Death Date:    15 Nov 1755
Death Place:    Connecticut
Burial Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut
Gender:    Male
FHL Film Number:    3169

Name:    Hannah Metcalf
Birth Date:    abt 1679
Age at Death:    77
Death Date:    17 Jun 1756
Death Place:    Connecticut
Burial Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut
Gender:    Female
FHL Film Number:    3169

Name:    Mary Tracy
Birth Date:    abt 1681
Age at Death:    70
Death Date:    16 Jan 1751
Death Place:    Connecticut
Gender:    Female
Marital Status:    Married
Spouse:    Joseph
FHL Film Number:    3357

Name:    Joseph Tracy
Birth Date:    abt 1683
Age at Death:    82
Death Date:    10 Apr 1765
Death Place:    Connecticut
FHL Film Number:    3214

Name:    Lydia Williams
Birth Date:    abt 1683
Age at Death:    48
Death Date:    2 Oct 1731
Death Place:    Connecticut
Burial Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut
Gender:    Female
FHL Film Number:    3228

Source: Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Deaths and Burials Index, 1650-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Connecticut Deaths and Burials, 1772–1934." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2010. Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records.

Hale Collection of Cemetery Inscriptions and Newspaper Notices

Name:    Ebenezer Metcalf
Birth Date:    abt 1680
Death Date:    15 Nov 1755
Age at Death:    75
Cemetery:    Old Cemetery
Burial Place:    Connecticut

Name:    Mrs Hannah Metcalf
Birth Date:    abt 1679
Death Date:    17 Jun 1756
Age at Death:    77
Cemetery:    Old Cemetery
Burial Place:    Connecticut

Source: Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Hale Collection of Cemetery Inscriptions and Newspaper Notices, 1629-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: The Charles R. Hale Collection. Hale Collection of Connecticut Cemetery Inscriptions. Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut State Library.

Divorce papers Boulay-Burdick 1726-1907

Petition for Divorce

Mehitebel Brewster Petition 15 vs. William Brewster 1749 Petition for Divorce To the Honorable Superior Court, Now Setting at Windham Within and for the County on the 3rd Tuesday of March 1748/9. The Petition of Mehitable Bruster of Windham in Sd County Who Humbly Shew to this Court [that] on the 13th of December 1716 She Your Petitioner Was Joyned In Mareage to one William Bruster of Labenan In Sd County With Whome Your Petitioner Lived In the Due Discharge of al the Duties of a Wife to him ye Sd William til Sum time In the Munth of March In the Year 1733: at Which Time he the Said William Without any Just Caus from Your Petitioner Given Willfuly Deserted and Left Your Petitioner With the Total Neglect of al Duties of a Husband Toward Your Petitioner Ever Since the Year 1733 Whereupon Your Petitioner pray that Your Honors Would Declare Sd Marriage of Sd William with Your Petitioner Void and that Your Petitioner be Single & unMarried as by Law You are Innabled to Do and Your Petitioner as Is Duty bound Shall Ever pray.

Dated in Windham March 20th 1748/9.
Mehitable Bruster

Proof of Marriage (submitted with petition)

Lebanon June 13 1749
This may certify whomsoever it may concern that in the Church Book of the First Church in Lebanon in a page written by Mr. Samuel Welles under the Title in the top of the Page /Persons Married by me/ I find as follows. 1716 Decem 13th William Bruster Jun & Meh: Abel ------ Solomon Williams, Pastor of the First Church in Lebn."

Source: Divorce papers Boulay-Burdick 1726-1907, FHL US/CAN Film 1638586, from Divorce papers, 1726-1907, Connecticut Superior Court (Windham County), microfilm of original records in the Connecticut State Library, Hartford.

Ebenezer Metcalf's probate record:

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Hannah (Abell) Metcalf's probate record:

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The Diary of Jabez Fitch, Jr.

ye 8th [Feb 1764] Toard night I went over to Deacn Mix's after a Brake &c. where I lit of one Wm Brewster living at ye Oblong, who is come among us for a visit being a Cussen of ours, ye man was brought up at Lebanon, where he lived with his first Wife &c he Married a Second Wife at N. Haven & mov'd to ye Oblong as he tells me, where he lived till ye year 1754 when he movd with his Family Down to Virginea, where he Says he was when Genll Bradick was Defeeted by ye French in 1755 & in 57 ye Indians Drove him of with his Family & oblidg'd him to Return to ye Oblong again where he has made a home ever Since.

Source: "The Diary of Jabez Fitch, Jr.," Pilgrim Notes and Queries, Vol II, Dec 1914, Boston: Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, p 156.
Note: The Oblong may be the Oblong Patent in Dutchess county, New York.

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Old Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut

Gravestone of Ebenezer Metcalf — Ebenezer Metcalf
Photo credit:
K Carlini (KC),
Findagrave.com

Gravestone of Hannah Metcalf — Hannah Metcalf
Photo credit:
Brett Burrowes,
Findagrave.com

Exeter Cemetery, Lebanon, New London, Connecticut

Gravestone of Lydia Williams — Lydia Williams
Photo credit:
Irma (#46927625),
Findagrave.com

Old Norwichtown Cemetery, Norwich, New London, Connecticut

Gravestone of Mary Tracy — Mary Tracy
Photo credit:
Barb S,
Findagrave.com

Gravestone of Joseph Tracy — Joseph Tracy
Photo credit:
Dave (#46836855),
Findagrave.com