Benjamin Janes and Hannah (Edwards?)

Benjamin Janes was born 30 September 1672 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts to William Janes and Hannah Bascom. Benjamin married Hannah --, probably Hannah Edwards. Hannah Edwards was born Sep 1675 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts to Joseph Edwards and Hannah Atkinson. Hannah's maiden name is given as Hinsdale in some sources, including by Henry Reed Stiles, and as Edwards by others, including by Donald Lines Jacobus. I have not been able to independently confirm either name independently. But as Jacobus is regarded as a highly reliable genealogist (more so than Stiles), Hannah was probably the daughter of Joseph Edwards as stated in Jacobus's "The Ancestry of Lorenzo Ackley and His Wife Emma Arabella Bosworth."

The Janeses settled in the village of Pascommuck, near Northampton, Hamphshire, Massachusetts and now part of Easthampton. Home lots were granted there in 1698-9 and reportedly only five families lived there in 1704, including the families of Benjamin Janes and his brother, Samuel Janes. Benjamin was a deacon, according to Temple and Sheldon.

Queen Anne's War was fought from 1702 to 1713, between the English colonists and their Native allies against the French colonists and their Native allies. In New England, warfare included raids on settlements. One of these raids had a devasting effect on the Janes family. On 13 May 1704, Indians attacked Pascommuck, a settlement near Northampton, where the Janeses had settled. The attack started at daybreak and came as a surprise. No watch had been kept and the families were scattered and not gathered together for safety, so the Indians were able to get up to the fortified house of the Janeses' neighbor, Benoni Jones, before the settlers were aware of what was happening. They attempted to fight back but their houses were set on fire and the settlers soon surrendered. The Indians then took all those who had survived the attack as prisoners and fled.

Trumbull, in a history of Northampton, stated, "According to tradition, Benjamin Janes, escaped by darting into a ravine partly concealed by bushes. Taking a skiff, which he probably knew was moored there, he sailed through the overflowed meadows to Northampton, where he gave the first notice of the disaster. Capt. John Taylor, with a troop of horsemen, volunteers from among the citizens of Northampton, immediately started in pursuit."

Hannah was taken captive but she was found in the pursuit afterwards. She was "almost dead having her head all or near all the hairs off." Trumbull stated, "Three were found who had been knocked on the head, and one of them scalped, but all were alive, and eventually recovered. The wife of Benjamin Janes was taken to the top of Pomeroy Mountain, tomahawked, scalped, and left for dead. She was discovered by the pursuing party, carried on a litter to Northampton, and lived till she was eighty years old. For several years she was under the care of Dr. Gershom Buckley and others of Westfield." Frederic Janes claimed that "Hannah, the wife of Benjamin, was found on the side of this mountain sitting and leaning against a log, and stroking the blood from her forehead and eyes." Hannah survived but she needed medical treatment for years afterwards (at least until 1707). What lasting physical and emotional scars she may have borne is not known but Hannah did live to a ripe old age, as Trumbull noted, and she and Benjamin were able to have more children, including two named after two of the children they lost in the attack, Miriam and Hannah.

Of the Janes family living at Pascommuck, only Benjamin, Hannah, and two of Samuel's children survived. Trumbull recorded, "Living at Pascommuck at this time, were thirty-three persons. Of these, nineteen were killed, three escaped, eight were rescued, and three were carried to Canada. " Town records and a petition by Benjamin for aid both state that four of the children of Benjamin Janes were killed. Only three children had been recorded for Benjamin and Hannah up to that point (Hannah, about age 8 at the time of the attack, Miriam, age 4, and Nathaniel age 1). A Benjamin Janes (going on 3 at the time of the attack) was also recorded being born in the Northampton records but the names of his parents had been left off. He may have been the third of the four children mentioned in the town death records and Benjamin's petition. Whether they were killed in the initial attack or during the flight is not known but Frederic Janes claimed that Hannah's "infant was dashed against the door post, before they started on their way to free the captive mother from any incumbrance that would impede her travel..." How accurate this statement was, I am not sure (Janes also stated that the Indians had been recently excited by King Philip, though King Philip's War took place in the 1670s). Nevertheless, the magnitude of the tragedy for the Janes family was terrible - the couple had lost all their children then born in a single day.

Also among the dead were Benjamin's brother Samuel, Samuel's wife Sarah, and three of their children. Frederic Janes noted that, "Himself [Samuel], wife and three children were cut down at once, and soon after on the way, when the Indians were pursued by a small company from the town, the two older sons, Samuel and Jonathan, who, with some others were captives on their way to Canada, were struck, stunned, tomahawked, and left for dead." These nephews were 11 and 8 at the time. Benjamin was also originally reported dead in the town records but this was apparently a mistake as he and Hannah are recorded in later records.

In late 1706, the Janeses were living in Northampton, when a daughter was recorded being born there. About 1707, however, the Janeses were living in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, where they had moved, according to Trumbull, "to obtain the surgical aid of Dr. Gershom Bulkeley in curing his wife's head." Jacobus noted that the move "enable[d] her to receive the best medical care obtainable."

The losses that Benjamin and Hannah suffered and the medical care that Hannah required led to continued hardships. Temple and Sheldon recorded a petition for aid by Benjamin: At a meeting of the Gen. Court, of Ct., May 8, 1707, 'upon petition of Benj. Janes, late of Nhn., now resident in Wethersfield, complaining of his great sufferings by the French and Indian enemies, who rifled his house, killed four of his children, and scalpt his wife, who hath long been, and still is under cure, and himself so impoverisht that he is unable to satisfie the surgeons, in whose hands she hath been, and is long like to be, for their cost and pains therein; the governor and council, considering his case, and judging him to be an object of charitie, order that he shall have a brief, craving the charitie of the good people in the towns of Branford, Guilford, Kilinsworth, and Saybrook, for his relief.'"

They were still living in Wethersfield in 1710, when twin daughters were born there. The Janeses had moved to Conventry, Tolland, Connecticut by 1715 (when a son is recorded being born there), then to Northfield, Franklin, Massachusetts. Benjamin sold his land in Northfield in September of 1725. The Janeses moved back to Coventry between 1725 and 1729. On 9 June 1731, Benjamin is found living in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut.

Benjamin died 1 March 1747/8. His will was written 26 January 1747/8, proved 30 March 1748, and exhibited and recorded 8 November 1748. In this will, he does not mention Hannah. She had probably died, even though Trumbull claimed that she lived to the age of 80 (which would have been in 1755, if she is indeed an Edwards; however, inaccuracies and exaggerations in calculating an elderly person's age was not uncommon). He mentions a number of children, calling each of them "well beloved" and noted in all but Seth's case that he gave them 10-20 shillings each, explaining that they had received their portions already. An inventory was taken on Benjamin's estate on 7 April 1748 in Coventry, Tolland, Connecticut. There is no real estate in the inventory. It lists some clothing, furnishings and other household goods, several books, two cows, and a small number of objects related to farming and horses (such as a timber chain, cart boxes, and saddles). He likely gave away the bulk of his property, as implied in his will, before his death.

Town Records

Name:    Benjamin Janes
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    30 Sep 1672
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    William Janes
Mother Name:    Hannah Janes

Name:    Hannah Edwards
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    Sep 1675
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Jos Edwards
Mother Name:    Hannah Edwards

Name:    Hannah Janes
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    May 1696
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Benjamin Janes
Mother Name:    Hannah Janes

Name:    Miriam Janes
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    7 Jan 1700
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Benjamin Janes
Mother Name:    Hannah Janes

Name:    Nathaniel Janes
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    18 Jan 1703
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Benjamin Janes
Mother Name:    Hannah Janes

Name:    Hepzibah Janes
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    19 Dec 1706
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Benjamin Janes
Mother Name:    Hannah Janes

Name:    John Brown
Event Type:    Marriage
Marriage Date:    28 Nov 1725
Marriage Place:    Northfield, Massachusetts
Spouse Name:    Hanah Janes

Name:    Steven Hunt
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    24 Jul 1701
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Ebenezer Hunt
Mother Name:    Hannah Hunt

Source: Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook).

Janes, Benjamin. Is. of, by Hannah, his wife.--Hannah and Hepzeba, b. June 16, 1710.

Source: Hinman, Royal R., "Records of Wethersfield, Conn.," New England Historical and Genealogical Record, vol. 18, Jul 1864, p. 226.

George Hockins, Jr., and Hepzibah Janes, m. Mar. 11, 1729.
Elisha Janes and Widow Mary Dimick, m. April 23, 1740
Children of Benjamin and Hannah Jones. Seth, b. August 31, 1715... (p. 63)
Seth Janes and Sarah Larabe, m. January 2, 1739-40

Source: Vital Records of Coventry, Conn., 1711-1844 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2007), (Births, Marriages, Baptisms and Deaths from the Records of The Town And Churches In Coventry, Connecticut 1711-1844. Copied from the Records by Susan W. Dimock, The Baker and Taylor Co., 5 and 7 East Sixteenth St., New York, New York, 1897.).

Name: Hannah
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: May 1696
Event Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States
Gender: Female
Father's Name: Benjamin
Mother's Name: Hannah
GS Film Number: 186161
Digital Folder Number: 004329300
Image Number: 00024

Birth record of Hannah Janes

Source: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q29L-LPQK : 10 February 2018), Hannah in entry for Hannah, May 1696; citing Birth, Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States, Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 004329300.

Name: Miriam G...
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: Jan 1700
Event Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States
Gender: Female
Father's Name: Benjamin G...
Mother's Name: Hannah
GS Film Number: 186161
Digital Folder Number: 004329300
Image Number: 00025

Birth record of Miriam Janes

Source: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q29L-LGV5 : 10 February 2018), Hannah in entry for Miriam G..., Jan 1700; citing Birth, Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States, Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 004329300.

Name: Benjamin Janes
Gender: Male
Christening Place: NORTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date: Jun 1701
Birthplace: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C50054-9
System Origin: Massachusetts-VR
GS Film number: 186161
Reference ID: Part 2of5 P. 37

Birth record of Benjamin Janes

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQC-9MN : 10 February 2018), Benjamin Janes, Jun 1701; citing Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, Part 2of5 P. 37; FHL microfilm 186,161.

Name: Nathaniel
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: Jan 1703
Event Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States
Gender: Male
Father's Name: Benjamin
Mother's Name: Hannah
GS Film Number: 186161
Digital Folder Number: 004329300
Image Number: 00025

Birth record of Nathaniel Janes

Source: "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q29L-LLV9 : 10 February 2018), Hannah in entry for Nathaniel, Jan 1703; citing Birth, Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States, Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Boston; FHL microfilm 004329300.

1706:
Birth record of Hepzibah Janes

Source: Vital records [Northhampton, Massachusetts] 1654-1872, Familysearch.org, FHL Film 004329300, Image 26 of 464, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-691S-C88?i=25&cc=2061550, retrieved 17 September 2019.
Note: This was in the same collection as the "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001" records shown above. However, Hepzibah's record was missed in the indexing entirely.]

Name: Benjamin Janes
Gender: Male
Death Date: 13 May 1704
Death Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B07553-0
System Origin: Massachusetts-EASy
GS Film number: 186161
Reference ID: p 142

Deaths of the Janes children in 1704

Source: "Massachusetts Deaths and Burials, 1795-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FC9P-DZ6 : 10 February 2018), Benjamin Janes, 13 May 1704; citing Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, reference p 142; FHL microfilm 186,161.

The deaths of the Janes children and scalping of Hannah, described in town records

The deaths of the Janes children and scalping of Hannah, described in town records

Source: Corbin, Walter Everett and Corbin, Lottie Squier, Corbin Manuscript Collection in New England Historic Genealogical Society. Microfilm of manuscript collection in the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Part k (Vital records 1655-1844, from town books, Ms., 1 vol., 300 pp.), Deaths from the Town Records of Northampton, 1655-1798, pages 254-255, FHL film 928648, Familysearch image 1023 of 1048, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9B8-77DC-H?i=1022&cat=199269, retrieved 16 September 2019.

Name:    George Halkins
Gender:    Male
Birth Date:    22 Apr 1708
Birth Place:    Preston
Parent:    George
Parent:    Sewsanna

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.

Name:    Esther Janes
Marriage Date:    18 Jun 1730
Marriage Place:    Lebanon, Connecticut, USA
Spouse:    Stephen Hunt

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.

Name:    Silence Curtis
Death Date:    2 Nov 1745
Death Place:    Coventry, Tolland, Connecticut
Gender:    Female
Marital status:    Married
Spouse:    Henry Curtis
FHL Film Number:    599303

Name:    Esther Hunt
Birth Date:    abt 1712
Age at Death:    83
Death Date:    17 Feb 1795
Death Place:    Columbia, Connecticut
Gender:    Female
FHL Film Number:    3145

Name:    Stephen Hunt
Birth Date:    abt 1702
Age at Death:    82
Death Date:    17 Apr 1784
Death Place:    Columbia, Connecticut
Gender:    Male
FHL Film Number:    3327

Name:    Elisha Janes
Birth Date:    abt 1716
Age at Death:    63
Death Date:    23 Mar 1779
Death Place:    Connecticut
Gender:    Male
FHL Film Number:    3328

Name:    Seth Janes
Death Date:    Aug 1790
Death Place:    Coventry, Tolland, Connecticut
Gender:    Male
FHL Film Number:    599303

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.

Probate Records

Click here to view the probate records (including inventory and will) of Benjamin Janes.

Click here to view the probate records of Hepzibah (Janes) Hawkins.

Click here to view the probate records of Elisha Janes.

Trumbull's History of Northampton

The Village of Pascommuck Attacked by the Indians.
The next and most formidable attack in the valley fell upon the hamlet of Pascommuck, then a part of Northampton. It consisted of a little cluster of houses lying at the foot of the upper peak of Mt. Tom, just where the Connecticut River swept round the northern point of the mountain, now known as Mt. Nonotuck. At that time the current of the river flowed through the great bend known as the "Ox bow," the tongue of land encircled by it being then a part of Hadley. The place had been settled but a few years, and all houses were east of the present bridge over the Manhan River. Home lots were granted there in 1698 and 1699. The entire village is now within the limits of the town of Easthampton, and is about four miles from Northampton center. But five families were living there at that time. Moses Hutchinson occupied the most northerly lot, the house being situated just beyond or west of the point where the road through Northampton meadows joined the Springfield road, then came John Searle, Samuel Janes, Benoni Jones and Benjamin Janes.

Conjectures Concerning the Attacking Party.
This attack on Pascommuck was not apparently preconcerted. A party of French and Indians, under the command of Sieur de Montigny, sent from Canada in answer to an appeal from the Indians of Penaske,¹ assaulted the hamlet because they were in pressing need of provisions, and saw an opportunity of obtaining them by surprising the people. Who the Indians of Penaske² were is not known. No place or tribe of that name is recognized in any extant Indian vocabulary. One historian states that the party under Montigny were returning from an unsuccessful foray upon the Merrimac River, but there are no positive data corroborating the supposition. It is asserted by the same authority that the party was on the way to attack Westfield, but the water was so high that they were unable to cross that river. The position of Pascommuck was well known to some of the Indians, who were familiar with this portion of the valley, several of them having visited Northampton the year previous. On the evening before the attack, they reconnoitred the village from the mountain side, and arranged their plan of assault. Owing to the spring freshet, the Northampton meadows were overflowed, and the enemy deemed it impossible that help could come from that place. The authority³ already quoted reports that the Indians were so nearly famished, that they had decided to surrender to the English if food could not otherwise be obtained.

The Oldest Account of the Affair.
The oldest and Undoubtedly the original account of this catastrophe may be found on the Recorder's Book for Hampshire County, probably entered at the time it occurred. It is short and concise, but differs in some respects from other statements:
"May 12 [13] Pascomok Fort taken by y^e French & Indians, being about 73. They took and Captivated y^e whole Garrison, being about 37 Persons. The English Pursueing of them caused them to nock all the captives on the head Save 5 or 6. Three they carried to Canada with them, the others escap'd and about 7 of those knocked on the head Recovered, y^e rest died. Capt. John Taylor was killed in the fight, and Sam'l Bartlett wounded."

The Assault.
On the 13^th of May, about daybreak, the enemy delivered the assault. No watch was kept, and the inhabitants were completely surprised. The house of Benoni Jones was fortified, and the Indians were able to approach so near as to put their guns through the port holes before the sleepers were aroused. Patience, widow of Richard Webb, awakened by the alarm, looked from a window and was shot. The people made what resistance they could, firing briskly upon the savages, but the latter, gathering flax and other combustibles, soon set the house on fire, and the surviving occupants were compelled to yield themselves prisoners. Amazed, bewildered and panic stricken, the rest of the inhabitants were able to offer but a feeble opposition, and all soon surrendered.

Capt. Benj. Wright beats off the Indians.
While the main attack was in progress at Pascommuck, a detachment of ten Indians, invested the one house at Lower Farms, now Smith's Ferry, in which Capt. Benjamin Wright lived. The place was afterwards owned by Elias Lyman, and was more recently known as the Cargill homestead, or the "old Long House." Capt. Wright refused to surrender, and shot one of the Indians, breaking his arm. They then attempted to burn the house, by shooting spiked arrows dipped in brimstone upon the roof, but a young man in the house by the name of Thomas Stebbins,⁴ wrapping himself in a feather bed, drew water from the well and put out the fire.⁵

The Pursuit. Death of Capt. Taylor.
Having accomplished their object, the enemy soon drew off, but fearing pursuit, sent back one of the wounded with the announcement that if the English followed them all the prisoners would be slain. The unfortunate messenger was killed by an Indian before proceeding far on his mission. According to tradition, Benjamin Janes, escaped by darting into a ravine⁶ partly concealed by bushes. Taking a skiff, which he probably knew was moored there, he sailed through the overflowed meadows to Northampton, where he gave the first notice of the disaster,⁷ Capt. John Taylor, with a troop of horsemen, volunteers from among the citizens of Northampton, immediately started in pursuit. Passing to the westward of the present town of Easthampton, they overtook the marauders a short distance south of that village, between the highway to Westfield and Mt. Tom, near what was formerly known as "Wilton's Meadow."⁸ One of their captives having escaped, the enemy had every reason to expect that an alarm would be given, followed by an instant and vigorous pursuit. Consequently they first killed all but one of the boys who had been captured, and placed themselves in ambush. While the massacre was in progress, Elisha, son of John Searle, caught up a pack and ran forward with it, indicating his willingness to be useful if his life was spared. He was not molested, and was taken to Canada, When the pursuers came up with the enemy, Capt, Taylor, who was riding in advance of his men, was shot. He fell at the first fire and was the only one of his party killed,⁹ Samuel Bartlett of Northampton, was severely wounded at the same time. He was unable to labor for several months, and received a gratuity from the government,¹⁰ Disheartened by this unfortunate occurrence, the troops made no further demonstration, but returned in sadness, bringing the body of their slain commander.

The Slain.
Living at Pascommuck at this time, were thirty-three persons. Of these, nineteen were killed, three escaped, eight were rescued, and three were carried to Canada. Not anticipating an attack, the people were scattered in their own households. The block house contained only the family of Benoni Jones, whose dwelling it was. The slain were Samuel Janes aged forty; his wife Sarah, and three children, viz : Obadiah aged five, Ebenezer aged three, and Sarah aged one ; four children of Benjamin Janes, viz : Hannah aged eight, Miriam aged four, Benjamin aged three, and Nehemiah aged one ; Benoni Jones¹¹ aged thirty-eight, and two children, viz : Ebenezer aged six, and Jonathan aged one; John Searl and three children, viz: Abigail aged seven, John aged four, and Caleb aged two; Moses Hutchinson aged thirty-two, and one child, Moses, aged three; and Patience Webb aged forty-six, widow of Richard Webb.¹²

The Wounded.
Three Were found who had been knocked on the head, and one of them scalped, but all were alive, and eventually recovered. The wife of Benjamin Janes was taken to the top of Pomeroy Mountain, tomahawked, scalped, and left for dead. She was discovered by the pursuing party, carried on a litter to Northampton, and lived till she was eighty years old. For several years she was under the care of Dr. Gershom Buckley and others of Westfield. Her husband finally settled in Coventry, Ct.¹³

[Note: The account then goes on to described those taken captive. However, none of the Janes were mentioned, so this section is omitted here. MB]

1 "The Indians of Penaske having likewise sent us word at the same time [when the Abenakis asked help after Beaubassin's raid] my Lord, that the English had killed some of their people, M. de Vaudreuil sent Sieur de Montigny thither with 4 or 5 Frenchman, as well to reassure them in the fear they entertained of the English, as to engage them to continue the war. This he effected this spring, at the head of some 50 of these Indians, having burnt an English fort and taken 23 prisoners." — N. Y. Hist. Coll., vol. 9, p. 762.
2 Probably the Penobscot Indians are intended.
3 Rev. Solomon Williams' Historical Sermon, 1815, pp. 12, 13.
4 Who the young man Thomas Stebbins was is not certainly known. But two persons of that name were then living in town. One of them married Elizabeth, sister of Capt. Benjamin Wright, and was forty-two years of age. The other was his son Thomas, then fifteen years old. Probably the lad was at his uncle's house, when the attack was made, and he it was who bravely risked his life to save the property of his relative. He afterwards lived in Southampton. — See Appendix E.
5 The above account is from Rev. Solomon Williams' Historical Sermon which at this point contains the following foot note: "The season at that time was remarkably backward; for though so late in the year, being the 24^th of May, according to the present style, the trees and bushes had not budded, and the year was so far advanced before the flood subsided from the meadow, that many persons doubted whether it was expedient to plant their corn; but notwithstanding, as there was no frost till late in the season, the crop of corn proved to be uncommonly good."
6 Rev. P. W. Lyman's History of Easthampton, p. 17.
7 The most circumstantial account of this raid is found in Penhallow's " History of the French and Indian Wars" of New England, published in 1726. Rev. Solomon Williams' "Historical Sermon, delivered on the National Thanksgiving, April 13, 1815," differs in some respects from the others, giving certain details of local interest not found elsewhere. Rev. Payson W. Lyman's " History of Easthampton," published in 1866, and the Judd Manuscript, contain local allusions of importance. From these several sources the facts relative to the assault on Pascommuck, have been obtained.
8 Lyman locates this skirmish "on land now (1866) owned by Chester and the heirs of C. Edson Waite," — see History, p. 17. " Wilton's Meadow " is two miles beyond the Easthampton Meeting House, between Southampton and Pomeroy Meadow roads. —Judd MSS.
9 Capt. Taylor, who was sixty three years old, lived during the last years of his life on a small lot adjoining Medad Pomeroy's homestead, probably near what afterwards became the residence of Judge Joseph Lyman. The house was burned between 1705 and 1716, and much of the furniture destroyed. His widow petitioned the Legislature for help in 1705. She represents that her husband's horse and clothes were lost, and she " left a poor widow with 11 children. By his death we are drove from the improvement of a farm in the woods which we hoped to be a relief to us." The Legislature granted her £12, two of which were to pay for the horse. The "farm in the woods" was a grant of eighty acres near " Whiteloaf brook," Southampton, made in 1703.
10 In 1705, he petitioned the General Court for a gratuity. He represented that he was wounded while on duty, May 13, 1704, and was not able to labor till August. During the next winter he was impressed into the service, and was engaged in the "Grand Scout towards West River," under Capt. John Parsons. While on his return his horse was drowned. The Court granted him £3 for loss of time and for his wound, but nothing for the horse.
11 Benoni Jones was the son of Griffith Jones of Springfield. When twelve years old, in March, 1678, he was indentured to William Clarke of Northampton, whom he was to serve till he was twenty-one years of age. Lieut. Clarke agreed to "learn him to read and write and give him £5 at the end of his term, with sufficient clothing, such as servants usually have, and at the end of his time two suits of apparel." His brother, Pelatiah, was indentured at the same time to William Holton Jr., of Northampton, on similar conditions, as to schooling and apparel, but he was to be taught the "art, science and trade of a weaver," and to be paid £8 at the end of his term of service. He was then fourteen years old.
12 "Samuel Janes lived where the house of Mr. Obadiah Janes now stands; John Searls, where his son Elisha and his grandson of the same name afterwards dwelt; Benjamin Janes, where Capt. Philip Clark lives; Moses Hutchinson, near the place where Mr. Solomon Ferry's house stands." — Rev. Mr. Williams' Hist. Sermon, p. 13.
13 Benjamin Janes, in 1707, petitioned the Governor and Council for aid, as follows: " Benjamin Janes, late of Northampton, now resident in Wethersfleld, complained of his great sufferings from the French and Indian enemies, who rifled his house, killed 4 of his children and scalped his wife who long had been and still is under cure, and himself so impoverished that he is unable to satisfy the surgeons in whose hands she hath been and is like to be, for their cost and pains therein." The Governor and Council gave him a brief to beg," craving the charity of the good people in Branford, Guilford, Killingworth and Saybrook, in Connecticut."— Judd MSS.

Source: Trumbull, James Russell, History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its Settlement in 1654, Vol. 1, Northampton, MA: Press of Gazette Printing Co., 1898, pgs. 491-496.

Page 243:
Benjamin Janes (2): son of William (1); settled at Pascomuck. After the destruction of his children and the scalping of his wife, he removed to Wethersfield, Connecticut to obtain the surgical aid of Dr. Gershom Bulkeley in curing his wife's head. In a few years he settled in Coventry. Thence he removed to Northfield, Mass. He sold out there in September, 1725, and probably returned to Coventry.

Hannah Edwards: his wife.

Children:
Hannah:      b. May, 1696.     )     All slain, May 13,
Miriam:        b. Jan. 7, 1700.   )    1704.
Benjamin:    b. June, 1701.     )
Nathaniel:   b. Jan. 18, 1703. )
Hepzibah:    b. Dec. 19, 1706; b. at Wethersfield.
Silence:                            perhaps m. Henry Curtis at
                                          Coventry, Jan. 23, 1727.
Hannah:    )
    Twins.     ) b. June 16, 1710, at Wethersfield.
Hepzibah: )
Seth:             b. Aug. 31, 1713, at Coventry; m. Sarah Laribee, 1740.

Source: Trumbull, James Russell, History of Northampton: Northampton genealogies, 1640-1838, v. 5, pt. 1, microfilm of typescript at Forbes library, Northampton, Massachusetts, Salt Lake City, UT: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1958, FHL Film 186158, https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/117422?availability=Family%20History%20Library.

Temple and Sheldon's History of Northfield

Pages 474-475:
[Janes]
4. Benjamin, s. of William (1), b. 1672; deacon; sett, at Pascomuck, where, in the attack on that hamlet, May 13, 1704, his wife was knocked on the head and scalped, and three children killed; of Weth., 1707; rem. to Nfd. at the Third Settlement; thence rem., between 1725, and 1729, to Coventry, Ct., and June 9, 1731, was of Lebanon, Ct. At a meeting of the Gen. Court, of Ct., May 8, 1707, " upon petition of Benj. Janes, late of Nhn., now resident in Wethersfield, complaining of his great sufferings by the French and Indian enemies, who rifled his house, killed four of his children, and scalpt his wife, who hath long been, and still is under cure, and himself so impoverisht that he is unable to satisfie the surgeons, in whose hands she hath been, and is long like to be, for their cost and pains therein; the governor and council, considering his case, and judging him to be an object of charitie, order that he shall have a brief, craving the charitie of the good people in the towns of Branford, Guilford, Kilinsworth, and Saybrook, for his relief."
He m. Hannah ----.

Ch. : Hannah, May 14, 1696, }
Miriam, Jan. 7, 1700, } killed May
Nathan, Jan. 18, 1703. } 13, 1704.
Hepzibah, Dec. 14, 1706, d. young.
Silence, 1708, m. 1725, Henry Curtis, of Northampton.
Hannah, June 16, 1710, m. Nov. 28, 1725, John Brown, of Northfield.
Hepzibah, June 16, 1710.
Miriam, date of birth unknown.
Seth, 1713, m. Jan. 2, 1739, Sarah Larabee.
Elisha, 1715, m. April 20, 1740, wid. Mary Dimock.

Source: Temple, J. H. and Sheldon, George, A History of the Town of Northfield, Massachusetts, for 150 Years, Albany, NY: Joel Munsell, 1875.

Elmer-Elmore Genealogy

Pages 6-7:
10. HEZEKIAH,3 (Edward,2 Edward,1) born in Hartford, Conn., June, 1686; m. Miriam , who died in Northfield, Mass., Sept. 19, 1750. He removed from Hartford to Deerfield, Mass., and from that place to Northfield,* May 25, 1717. Was a soldier in Capt. Kellogg's Company in 1724, and the owner of Elmore’s Island, in the Connecticut river, in 1731. We have no account of his death, but he was alive in 1754.

CHILDREN, FOURTH GENERATION.
I. Miriam                b. Jan. 31, 1722.                                  18
II. Hezekiah,          b. Sept. 24, 1724.                                 19
III. Jacob,              b. Dec. 13, 1726; d. Jan. 1, 1727.      20
IV. Jacob,             b.                1728.                                 21
V. Daniel,              b. July 3, 1730.                                    22
VI. Samuel,           b. Sept. 20, 1732.                                23
VII. Gad,               b. Oct. 4, 1734.                                   24
VIII. Thankful,        b. Jan. 2, 1736.                                    25
IX. Deliverance,   b. Jan. 2, 1736; d. Jan. 11, 1804.*      26

* What was originally Northfield, Massachusetts Bay, was afterwards Hinsdale, Cheshire Co., N. H., then Hinsdale, Cumberland Co., N. Y.. and since 1802, Vernon, Windham Co., Vt.

Source: Johnson, William W.. Elmer-Elmore Genealogy : Records of the Descendants of Edward Elmer of Braintree, Eng., and Hartford, Conn., through His Son Edward, 1632-1899. North Greenfield, Wis.: W.W. Johnson, 1989.

Frederic Janes' The Janes Family

Page 87-90:
13 (XIII) SAMUEL, SON OF WILLIAM.
Samuel Janes, son of William by (2) wife Hannah, born in Northampton, was a husbandman. He settled in a part of the town called Pascomac, about a mile and a half from the centre of Northampton, with some four or five other families who felt in a measure secure from the incursions of the Indians. He married (1) Elizabeth Smead, in 1680. She died, so far as known, without issue. He married (2) Sarah Hinsdale, 1692. From this time some twelve years were passed in the social enjoyments of a Christian home, with his wife and children born to them, when most suddenly on an unfortunate morning, his household was assaulted and cloven down by the hand of a ruthless and savage foe.¹

Himself, wife and three children were cut down at once, and soon after on the way, when the Indians were pursued by a small company from the town, the two older sons, Samuel and Jonathan, who, with some others were captives on their way to Canada, were struck, stunned, tomahawked, and left for dead. This occurred on the 13 May, 1704, old style, or 24 May, present reckoning, and is recorded upon the books of the town, at the time, which the compiler has seen, together with an account of the administration of the property of Samuel Janes, and some incidental notices of his brothers and family.

The two surviving sons, Samuel and Jonathan, grew up and settled, one in Pascomac, and the other, at Northfield. Concerning these Indians, it was afterward confessed by them, that they were so very hungry and nearly famished, that they thought seriously of giving themselves up to the white people, so they might obtain food for themselves, but inspired with hope of an easy victory, and reward from the French in Canada, for scalps and captives, and seeing from Mount Tom, the day previously, the situation of the houses, and the intervening flood that would protect them from the town's people, they venture to attack, in the gray of the morning, these isolated inhabitants before the people had waked from their slumbers, and surprise and kill and capture as many as were to be found, and with hasty eating and securing of provisions, push on towards Canada.

Benjamin Janes was spared to carry their provisions. He was ordered to empty his straw bed, nothing else being more convenient, and to put into it his pork, and carry it along with them. As he was encumbered with his load, he lagged a little behind, purposely, and near a small ravine leading down to the water where he knew a boat was tied, he dropped quite suddenly his burden, and escaping observation by the friendly covering of shade trees, and running down leaped into the boat, and pushed away toward the other side and hastily rowed himself over to relate to the villagers the horrid scenes that had just passed before his eyes. In the summer of 1865, the writer visited these grounds, and noticed particularly this identical ravine through which he escaped from savage hands, to give notice of the sad condition of his unfortunate neighbors and friends.

The few rescuers and defenders of the slaughtered or captured neighbors, hastily rushed around the flood, then spreading over thousands of acres in Northampton, and in what is now East Hampton, intercepting the Indians, who suddenly turned to kill and scalp as many as they could, and defended themselves till they could get a better start with their booty and a few captives which they chose to take with them.

1 They were called a company of French and Indians, who fell upon a fortified house in Pascomuck, where no watch was kept. The people were alarmed in their beds by a noise of the enemy's rushing on the house, and before the inhabitants could arise the Indians had got their guns into the port-holes, and shot those that first appeared, and wounded others. The surprised people made what resistance they could, firing briskly on the enemy, but the house being set on fire, they were forced to yield. Fearing a pursuit, the enemy sent back a messenger to say that if they were pursued they would kill all the captives. (It is said this messenger was an old man, and stopped to rest and fell asleep). The whites pursued; three made an escape, eight were rescued, nineteen were slain, and three carried captive to Canada. Seven knocked on the head, recovered. Among the nineteen killed, were nine by the name of Janes. Two knocked on the head that recovered, were the boys, Samuel Janes, aged eleven, and Jonathan Janes, aged eight, whose father, mother, and other children were destroyed at the time. — Wars of New England, p. 15.
...

Pages 91-95:
16 (XVI) BENJAMIN, SON OF WILLIAM.
Benjamin was born 1672; the year before his father, went to Northfield with the first pioneers of the new colony, to locate themselves in a new settlement.

He was thirty-two years of age when his wife and children, his brother Samuel, and his family, and their few neighbors were suddenly and violently assaulted, and many of them murdered or taken captive by the savages who roamed the forest and were easily excited against the whites, but had recently turned into bitter enmity through the influence of King Philip.

It was about the year 1700 that Samuel and Benjamin moved out from the village of Northampton to this settlement (two miles out), called Pascomac.

Immediately after the massacre, the Indians, for fear of the exasperated white inhabitants, hastened away from these desolated cottages, and learning that troops were coming from the town to intercept them on the west, they commenced killing and scalping their prisoners that they might take, in their escape at least, their scalps; some were only stunned by a blow, others were killed and scalped. Samuel and Jonathan, sons of Samuel, were thus stunned and escaped death. The wife of Benjamin was found farther away from this scene on the side of Pomeroy's mountain, scalped and nearly dead.¹

On their return from their pursuit, they found some of them coming to consciousness who were supposed dead. Hannah, the wife of Benjamin, was found on the side of this mountain sitting and leaning against a log, and stroking the blood from her forehead and eyes. Her infant was dashed against the door post, before they started on their way to free the captive mother from any incumbrance that would impede her travel, and they left her scalped just where they came to the conclusion that they could only take her scalp in safety and avoid being overtaken by just avengers.

She was taken to the village on a litter, and by much care and attention was so far revived as to give hope of final recovery.

Afterward she was taken to Westfield, and under the care of Dr. Gershom Buckley and other surgeons, she finally rose from a long confinement and years of suffering to the comforts of life.

About the year 1712 or 1713 they moved from Wethersfield to Coventry, with other pioneers, for a newer settlement, where land was cheap or free, and the hope of a good living was promising. During these latter years God gave them other children to comfort their desolated hearts, whose descendants are more numerous than that of any other member of the family.

We wish we could trace the parentage of one whose life so trembled in the balance or by some means obtain the maiden name of this heroic sufferer, but all effort seems vain and fruitless. How many years Benjamin continued in this newer colony, which was only a few miles from his brother Abel's, we have not fully ascertained, but about the year 1722 we find him and some of his family in Northfield where his father had obtained title to lands which no one of the other children lived to occupy. Here he was an officer in the church, and was chosen constable in 1725, and was a useful citizen in this Christian settlement, where he desired to contribute his part to advance purity and true religion, as he had endeavored to promote the best interest of the church and people while in Coventry. He always took an active part with the self- denying men in promoting the fundamental principles of Christianity and the blessings it carries in its train. Wherever he sojourned, he was a pattern of noble goodness, zealous in the cause of education and true piety. His sons remained in Coventry, and probably Benjamin settled with his nephew Jonathan and others at Northfield, who purchased his estate, and he returned in time to his old home in Coventry to spend his last days among his early friends, and where his sons afterward married and raised up their families.

Children.
44 I. Hannah, born 14 May, 1696.
45 II. Miriam, born 7 Jan., 1700.
46 III. Nathan, born 18 Jan., 1703.

Hannah was raised almost from the grave and bore other children as follows :
47 IV. Hepzibah, born 14 Dec., 1706; died an infant.
48 V. Silence, born 1708; married 1725, Henry Curtis; she died 2 Nov. 1745.
49 VI. Hannah (twin), born at Wethersfield, Ct., 16 June, 1710; married John Brown, 28 Nov., 1725, at Northfield, Mass.
50 VII. Hepzibah (twin), born 16 June, 1710.
51 VIII. Seth, born 1713 ; married 2 Jan., 1739, Sarah Larabee.
52 IX. Elisha, born 1715; married 23 April, 1740, Mrs. Mary Dimock.

The first three children killed at once by Indians, 13 May, 1704.

1 Three were alive, knocked on the head, and one of them scalped. They all recovered. The wife of Benjamin Janes, who was scalped, was under the care of Dr. Gershom Buckley and others, at Wethersfield, several years. Her husband lived in Wethersfield with her, and the governor and council kindly gave him a brief, May 8, 1707, craving the charity of the people of Branford, Guilford, Killingworth and Saybrook. She was finally cured, and they settled in Coventry.

Pages 110-113:
49 (VI) HANNAH DAUGHTER OF BENJAMIN.
Hannah married John Brown at Northfield, Mass. He was probably of the Coventry Browns, though they lived in Northfield, as appears from the record of births of children. They were married 28 November, 1725.

Children.
105 I. John, born 5 April, 1726.
106 II. Benjamin, born 14 October, 1727.
107 III. Silas, born 21 June, 1729.
108 IV. Eunice, born 17 December, 1730.
109 V. Hannah, born 2 November, 1732.
110 VI. Lois, born 14 August, 1734.
111 VII. Rufus, born 5 July, 1736.

50 (VII) HEPZIBAH, DAUGHTER OF BENJAMIN.
Hepzibah, twin with Hannah, married 11 March, 1729, George Hawkins of Coventry. From her has descended a large posterity of the name of Root. Hepzibah's daughter Phebe married Ebenezer Root. Ebenezer's daughter Elizabeth married Abner Fitch (a descendant of Rev. James and Priscilla Mason, daughter of Captain John Mason, conqueror of the Pequots). Her son Ebenezer R. married Sarah Dow, who had two sons and a daughter, Mariamne, wife of Hon. J. S. T. Stranahan of Brooklyn. Hepzibah and George Hawkins's children are as follows :

Children.

112 I. Hannah, born 7 April, 1730.
113 II. Hepzibah, born 17 December, 1731.
114 III. Phebe, born 4 January, 1734; married Ebenezer Root.
115 IV. Ozias, born 1 August, 1736; married Anna Rose.
116 V. Darkis, born 22 April, 1738.
117 VI. Eunice, born 26 February, 1739-40.
118 VII. Anna, born 23 September, 1741; married Elijah Janes.
119 VIII. Deborah, born 8 February, 1743-44.
120 IX. George, born 13 April, 1746; died an infant.

51 (VIII) SETH, SON OF BENJAMIN.
Seth Janes was well reported of as a good man, and we believe a deacon in the church at Coventry his native town, where he lived to exert his Christian influence, which followed a long line of worthy Puritans. We have not been able to obtain the history of Seth, or of all his children, as would have been agreeable. He married Sarah Larabe of Coventry, 2 June, 1739. She died 1801.

Children.
121 I. Irany, born 11 February, 1740; died 12 March, 1744.
122 II. Lucy, born 19 June, 1742.
123 III. Elijah, born 17 April, 1744 ; married Anna Hawkins.
124 IV. Eunice, born 10 March, 1748.
125 V. Samuel, born 9 March, 1750; married Abigail Brooks.
126 VI. Elias, born 17 March, 1752; married Susan Robinson.
127 VII. Oliver, born 2 November, 1754, married Judith Rollo.
128 VIII. Seth, born 8 July, 1756; married Elizabeth Francis.
129 IX. Solomon, born 6 February, 1758 ; married Susanna Trapp.
130 X. Timothy, born 9 March, 1760.

52 (IX) ELISHA, SON OF BENJAMIN.
Elisha Janes, the youngest son, married Mrs. Mary Dimock, on the 23 April, 1840. Elisha Janes, with his son Elisha, built a stone house, and was always industrious, if not penurious. He died there amidst his early associations, but some of his children moved away. After the death of Elisha the family moved to Canaan, N Y., where they lived till 1867. The family name is hardly known in Coventry at the present day, in this ancient town, where so many of the name were born and first breathed their vitality, and were thrilled with joyous hopes and flushed with high expectations. We have no particular outline of the character of Elisha or the major part of his children. We know of only three marriages among the nine children, and the records of Coventry do not shine much upon the subject so painfully obscure at this writing.

Children.
131 I Elisha, born 30 June, 1741 ; married Desire Thompson.
132 II. Bathsheba, born 10 February, 1743; married John Tilden.
133 III. Mary, born 10 February, 1744.
134 } IV. Samuel, born 1746; died infant.
} IV. Daniel, born 1746; died infant.
135 V. Benjamin, born 1 March, 1748; married Irene Sawyer.
136 VI. Daniel, born 17 March, 1750; died young.
137 VII. Jerusha, born 17 July, 1752.
138 VIII. Timothy, born 3 July, 1755.
139 IX. Tabbathy, born 22 February, 1757.

Source: Janes, Frederic, The Janes Family: A Genealogy and Brief History of the Descendants of William Janes the Emigrant Ancestor of 1637, New York: John H. Dingman, 1868.
Note: The statement under Benjamin's biography in this book about King Philip’s recent influence is inaccurate. King Philip’s War took place in the 1670s. Rather, the events that culminated in the raid on Pascommuck in 1704 were part of Queen Anne’s War.

Encyclopedia of Massachusetts

Hezekiah Elmer, the eldest son of Edward (2) and Rebecca Elmer, was born in Hartford, in 1636, removed to Deerfield, Massachusetts, thence to Northfield in 1717, and died there, September 19, 1750. He was the owner of Elmore's Island in the Connecticut river, in 1731, and was a soldier in Captain Kellogg's company in 1724. He married Miriam, and they had children: Miriam, Hezekiah (2), Jacob, died young, Jacob (2), Daniel Samuel, Gad, Thankful, and another child. The line continues through Hezekiah (2), the eldest son.

Source: Cutter, William Richard et al., Encyclopedia of Massachusetts, Biographical--Genealogical, vol. 4, New York, Boston, & Chicago: The American Historical Society, 1916, p. 213.

Military Records

Elmer, Hezekiah Pvt. Northfield 11/24/23-4/8/24 19/4 [weeks/days of service] Capt. Joseph Kellogg
Elmer, Hezekiah Pvt. Northfield 4/19-5/19/24 4/4 [weeks/days of service] Capt. Joseph Kellogg
Elmer, Hezekiah Pvt. Northfield 5/19-1/16/25 26/ [weeks/days of service] Capt. Joseph Kellogg

Source: Colonial Soldiers and Officers in New England, 1620-1775. (Online database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2013).

Gravestones

Gravestones of Stephen and Esther (Janes) Hunt, Old Yard Cemetery, Columbia, Tolland, Connecticut (photo credit: JH, findagrave.com):
Gravestone of Esther (Janes) Hunt

Inscription:
In memory of
Mrs. Esther wife of
Mr. Stephen Hunt
who died Feby 17th
1795, in the 84th
year of her age.

Three score years I saw,
Beheld this world as vain,
Resigned to nature's law,
Immortal life to gain.

Gravestone of Stephen Hunt

Inscription:
In memory of
Mr. Stephen Hunt
who died April 7th
1784, in the 83th
year of his age.

Three score years I saw,
Beheld this world as vain,
Resigned to nature's law,
Immortal life to gain.

Gravestone of Elisha Janes, Nathan Hale Cemetery, Coventry, Tolland, Connecticut (photo credit: John Pagini, findagrave.com):
Gravestone of Elisha Janes

Janes, Elisha, died Mar. 23, 1779 age 63

Source: Connecticut Headstone Inscriptions Vol 10. 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.