Joseph Mears

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2R-6S

Notes:

BIRTH: "Descendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Theoda Mears Morse from vital, church and family records, pg. 66 - D0001
MARRIAGES: "Descendants of Robert Meares...", pg. 66 (spouses only). Joseph's wife, Esther, and his brother, Simeon, husband of Polly Hosford, both died in 1810. He then married Simeon's wife, Polly.
DEATH/BURIAL: Vermont Vital Records Index (son of John and husband of widow Polly "Hosford" Mears, age 61); Poultney Cemetery Inscriptions (microfiche 6089178), pg. 55 (61st year)

Alt death place Pougkeepsie, Dutchess, NY

Joseph married Esther Benedict Abt 1788, Poultney (of), Rutland, Vermont, United States. Esther was born Abt 1770; died 3 Mar 1810, St. Albans, Franklin, Vermont, United States; was buried , St. Albans, Franklin, Vermont, United States. [Group Sheet]

Joseph married Polly Hosford Aft 1810, Milton (prob.), Chittenden, Vermont, United States. Polly was born 24 Aug 1784, Poultney, Rutland, Vermont, United States; died 22 May 1844, Poultney, Rutland, Vermont, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2R-24

Notes:

BIRTH: "Descendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Theoda Mears Morse, copy at the NEHGS, pg. 66 -(D0001). 1992 IGI: 1733
CHRISTENING: "Baptisms, Marriages, Deaths 1736-1809, First Church of Springfield, Mass.", copy at CT Valley Historical Museum, pg. 1. Date is 29 Feb 1735/1736
MARRIAGE: "Descendants" pg. 66
DEATH/BURIAL: Vermont Vital Records Index; Poulney Cemetery Inscriptions, microfiche 6089178 ("in 78th year").

HISTORICAL NOTES: "Descendants of Robert Meares..."
Pp. 67-68, was a soldier in French and Indian War and taken prisoner at old Fort Oswego in August 1756 with about 1600 others by French and Indians under Montcalm. A shoemaker and farmer by trade. Lived in Windsor, CT about 8 years after marriage, then moved to Goshen, CT in 1769 and to Sharon, CT in 1773.
Served in Revolutionary War as a sergeant in Capt. Joseph Boynton's company from 26 Jun 1778 to 1 Jan 1779. - D0001
Winifred L. Holman collection, NEHGS, (cat # SG MEA 11). Tells of capture by French, placed on ship, ship taken by British, taken to England. Had to beg for money to return. Given up for dead, monument erected in his honor.
Returned home after 5 years. - D0011, pg. 151

"A History of the Town of Poultney, Vermont", J.Joslin, B. Frisbie & F. Ruggles, 1875
p. 311:
"Mears, John - Was one of the early settlers of the town; he settled here not long after 1790. He was the father of several children; of these we have obtained the names of Roswell, Simeon and Joseph - there were others. Roswell became a Baptist clergyman of some note, and did not long reside here. Simeon m. Polly Hosford, a daughter of Aaron Hosford, and sister of the late Harlow Hosford, Esq. Laura, daughter of Simeon, Sen., married Reuben Scribner; the second daughter married a son of Dennison Ruggles, of Hampton; Fanny married Curtis C. Eddy. Simeon the only son of Simeon, Sen., was born after his father's death. Simeon, Jr., was a man of considerable business capacity; he was in the mercantile business here several years, and a partner of Col. Hickok in the foundry. He has for several years been a resident of Chicago, and has been in extensive business there; he has a family. One son, E. Ashley Mears, is also a prominent business man in that city.

"The widow of Simeon, Sen., married Joseph Mears, the brother of her first husband. The fruits of this marriage were, Truman, who married the daughter of Joseph Morse. Keeler Hickok, son of Thaddeus, m. Fanny Mears, and Gen. Russel Hickok, son of Simeon, m. Rhoda, sister of Fanny; they were the daughters of Joseph Mears, by his first wife. Truman died June 10, 1851; he had four children; one died young. His widow and three children are now living, Mary, Joseph and Elizabeth. Mary m. Asa F. Morse, and resides in Missouri; Joseph and Elizabeth were twins; they both reside in Poultney."

John Mears & family also lived at Windsor, Sharon, Goshen, and Litchfield, Connecticut, and Egremont, Massachusetts and finally in Poultney, Vermont.( "Some Descendants of John Mears & Lucy Rockwell", p. 5) The records of John Mears & Lucy Rockwell are found in Springfield, Massachusetts, East Windsor, Poultney, Vermont, Family records of Persis Mears Hadden & Bagg Family records. JohnMears was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and his service has been accepted by both the S,A,R. & the D.A.R..
Other sources of information are; Gates-Dowes Anc. lines, by Ferris - GSB #929.273 - D321f,
1790 census of Vermont, p. 43 - GSB # 929.974.3 - X2r, Mass. soldiers & Sailors in War of Revolution, vol, 10, p. 588

John married Lucy Rockwell 14 Jan 1761, East Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Lucy (daughter of James Rockwell and Abigail Loomis) was born 1735, , , Connecticut, United States; died 6 Mar 1818, Milton, Chittenden, Vermont, United States; was buried , Milton, Chittenden, Vermont, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2R-39

Notes:

(Research):BIRTH: "The Loomis Family in America" does not show her as a child of James Rockwell and Abigail Loomis.
Will of James Rockwell dated 27 Feb 1770 (Hartford Probate 1776, #4608) lists all children except Lucy. There also is no record of a Lucy near this birth date in the Windsor town records, parish records, or parish records of East Windsor, where James Rockwell resided. All other children were born in Windsor (east side of the Connecticut River in what is now East Windsor).
"General History of the Town of Sharon, Litchfield County, Conn." by Charles F. Sedgwick, A.M., 3rd Ed., 1898, copy at CT Valley Historical Museum indicates Sharon first explored in 1738, settled in 1739, no Rockwells among the early settlers. - D0010
Conclusion: Lucy was not born in Sharon, CT, nor is there concrete evidence she was she the daughter of James Rockwell and Abigail Loomis.
Searched: Correspondence and manuscripts of Winifred L. Holman at the NEHGS, (cat #SG MEA 11, 12). Nothing new.
Family Records of John Mears of Roxbury, MA (NEHGS, 1 M 190). Not related
Probate of Joseph Rockwell of Colebrook, CT, 15 Oct 1770. Died insolvent. Lists Elijah (admin.) and Samuel Rockwell as willing to pay judge's fees.
Connecticut vital, church and newspaper records. Nothing new.
DEATH: "Decendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Theoda Mears Morse, copy at NEHGS, p. 66 gives name as Lydia, referring to Warren, Revision of 1897. Died on way to Milton to visit her son John. Son Roswell preached the funeral sermon. Buried in Milton. Gravestone gives death date, age 83. - D0001

1992 IGI shows a Lydia Rockwell, daughter of Daniel Rockwell and Margaret Loomis, born 4 Oct 1740, Windsor, CT.
She appears to have married a Strong

Middletown First Church Records, vol. 1, pg 63, Lucretia Rockwell, daughter of William Rockwell and Hannah Foster of Middletown (m. 2 Jun 1731, Middletown Vital Records v.1, pg 58) chr. 28 Aug 1737, b. 24 Aug 1737 (Midd. VR v1 p58)

A Josiah Rockwell and wife Lucy resided in Lebanon, CT. She died 7 Nov 1800 age 82 (NEHGS Register, vol 74, pg. 67). They were m. 25 Dec 1740, Norwich, New London, CT (IGI), so it seems unlikely they are the parents of Lucy, born 1735.

A Lucy Rockwell, dau. of John Rockwell of Norwich is mentioned in his will of 1753 as not yet 18 years old. (NEHGS search on Lucy Rockwell, probate)

A Lucy Rockwell, granddaughter of Hezekiah Porter of Windsor, CT is mentioned in will of 24 Mar 1741/2 (sons Hezekiah and Samuel, Lois Thacher & Deborah daughters) (NEHGS search on Lucy Rockwell - CT Nutmegger article from 2003) On NFS Lois Porter shows up with a marriage to James Rockwell and a marriage about 1729 in Windsor. Unfortunately, Hezekiah m. 25 Aug 1719 Sarah Wright, so any child would have been only 15 or less when my Lucy was born, so this is an unlikely lead.

Her name was given as Lydia Rockwell, according to Warren revisions of 1897. She was purportedly the dau. of James & Abigail (Loomis ) Rockwell, ( according to old family records , p. 5 of "Some descendants of John Mears & Lucy Rockwell.")
She came from her home in Poultney, Vt. , on horse back with her son Stehen Mears, to visit her sons in Milton. It was in the winter time (March) and she took cold and died and was buried in Milton. Mar 1818 age 83 years. Her son Roswell preached his own mother's funeral sermon.( Same ref. as above, p. 43.)

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2V-GL

Notes:

BIRTH: "Descendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Theoda Mears Morse, copy at the NEHGS, p. 39-40. - D0001
CHRISTENING: "Descendants of Robert Meares...", pg. 39-40
MARRIAGE: "Descendants of Robert Meares...", pg. 39-40: Intention recorded at Springfield 26 Sep 1674, published 14 Nov 1724.
DEATH: "Descendants of Robert Meares...", pg. 39-40;
"Springfield Families" by Thomas B. Warren, vol 2, pg. 456 - D0008
HISTORICAL NOTES:
Before 1723 left home and settled in Springfield, Mass. where he was a joiner and carpenter, the trade of both his father and grandfather in Boston. Was a member of Capt. Adijah Dewey's company, serving as Centinel from 3 Sep to 18 Sep 1723. Was a member of troop of horse. - D0001

Samuel married Ruth Kilbourne 14 Nov 1724, Springfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States. Ruth (daughter of John Kilbourne and Sarah Kimberly) was born Abt 1705, Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut, United States; died 28 Mar 1803, West Springfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2V-HR

Notes:

BIRTH: "Descendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Mears Morse, copy at NEHGS, pp. 39-40 (approx. date) - D0001
MARRIAGE: "Descendants of Robert Meares...", pp. 39-40
"Descendants of John and Lucy Rockwell Mears of Windsor, Conn.", compiled by Helen E. Rickley Healy, 1960, pg. 2 - D0002
DEATH: "Descendants of Robert Meares...", pp. 39-40 (age 98)
"Descendants of John...", pg. 2 (aged 98)
"Springfield Families", by Thomas B. Warren, vol. 2, pg. 456 - D0008

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2V-WT

Notes:

(Research):The Rockwell Family Foundation Newsletter #41, dated August 2002 has an article by Mark S. Rockwell of Fairfax Station, VA. In it he states (page 4) that "William Rockwell, son of James and Abigail, had a sister named Jemima Rockwell who dies as an infant in 1746".

BIRTH: Windsor Vital Records, vol 2, pg. 32; "Loomis Family in America", 1981 ed., pg. 139; "Search for the Passengers of the Mary and John, 1630", by Burton W. Spear, vol 7, pg. 117 - D0004
MARRIAGE: "Loomis", pg. 139; "Search", vol 7, pg. 117 (spouse only)
DEATH: "Search", vol 7, pg. 117
Will dated 27 Feb 1770 in Windsor (Hartford Probate 1776 #4608) lists all living children except Lucy. Question place of death as Litchfield, given probate in Hartford and all property in will being in and around Windsor.
In "History of Litchfield County, CT", published 1881 by J.W. Lewis & Co., Philadelphia, the only Rockwell mentioned in Sharon was Dr. Samuel Rockwell, born 1759, who moved there from East Windsor with his parents (p. 581).
PARENTS: "Loomis", pg. 139
CHILDREN: "Loomis", pg. 139 Lists all children in order, except no Lucy
"Search", vol 7, pg. 17 says 10 children from 1728-1746. Pg. 117 gives 10 children, including one who died 28 Aug 1751 and another daughter, unnamed, no dates (possibly Lucy?)
The Rockwell Family in 1 line of descent, by F.W. Rockwell - 929.273, R593r

The Rockwell family in America, 1630-1873, by H.E.Rockwell
Descendants of John & Lucy Rockwell Mears, by H.Healy-GSF#223,920, 3rd item.
Descendants of Joseph Loomis, 1590-1658 - 929.273 - L873le
He served in the "King George's War " 1743-48 (Windsor Farmes, p. 107. History of Windsor, Vol 1, p. 247)

James married Abigail Loomis 7 Nov 1728, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Abigail (daughter of Ebenezer Loomis and Jemima Whitcomb) was born 31 Oct 1706, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States; died 22 Jun 1759, , Litchfield, Connecticut, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2V-X1

Notes:

BIRTH: "Loomis Family in America", 1981 ed., pg. 139
MARRIAGE: "Loomis", pg. 139
DEATH: "Search for the Passengers of the Mary & John, 1630", vol 7, pg. 117 parents (mother Jemima Whitehead), spouse, children.- D0004
CHILDREN: "Loomis", pg. 139. All children except Lucy. "Search", vol 7, pg. 117. All children except Lucy.
PARENTS: Loomis", pg. 139. Abstract of estate of Ebenezer Loomis on 2 Feb 1712/1713 lists as one of two surviving daughters, age 6
"Search", vol 7, pg. 117 (mother Jemima Whitehead)

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2Z-JC

Notes:

BIRTH: "Descendants of John and Lucy Rockwell Mears of Windsor, Conn.", compiled by Helen E. Rickley Healy, 1960, pg. 2 - D0002
"Descendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Theoda Mears Morse, copy at the NEHGS, pg. 14 & 26 - D0001
MARRIAGES: D0002, pg. 2, lists children; D0001, pg. 14 & 26, lists children.
DEATH: D0002, pg. 2; D0001, pg. 26. Also shows death (22) May. New Calendar?
NOTE: D0001, historical info, pp. 26-32. First marriage performed by Cotton Cotton Mather, pastor of Second Church. Never joined a church. Will dated 9 Mar 1726 mentions Katharina (his only daughter) and Samuel Dexter, and sons Samuel and James.

Sources; 1. Gates-Dawes ancestral lines, by Mary W. Ferris
2. Some descendants of John & Lucy (Rockwell ) Mears, by H.E. Healey
3. Mears Family History - In possession of Carolyn Bakow
4. Report of Rec, Commissioners - Boston Records, V, 1630-1699 & V, 1700- 1850
Samuel Mears was listed as an Innholder in Boston in 1714(vol 43, p. 59 in NEH&GR

Samuel married Maria Katharina Smith 7 Dec 1697, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States. Maria (daughter of Thomas Smith) was born Abt 1675, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States; died 9 Jul 1706, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2Z-KJ

Notes:

MARRIAGES: "Descendants of John and Lucy Rockwell Mears of Windsor, Conn.", compiled by Helen E. Rickley Healy, 1960, pg. 2 - D0002
"Descendants of Robert Meares of Boston, Mass.", compiled 1919-1950 by Theoda Mears Morse, copy at the NEHGS, pg. 26 (1st spouse, 2nd marr.) - D0001
DEATH: D0001, pg. 26; D0002, pg. 2
OTHER FAMILY: D0001, pg. 26 (father), pg. 27 (Seth Smith, possible brother); D0002, pg. 2 (daughter of Thomas Smith, a great mariner)

She md. 1st a William Gross.

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2Z-MV

Notes:

BIRTH: "Genealogies and Biographies of Ancient Wethersfield", pg. 468 - D0006
Father of John Kilbourne of Walpole, N.H.

Hale House and related Families by Jacobus & Waterman; Savage GenDiet V3 Mary M p Root of Quebec,Canada. The Hist. & Antiquities of name & Family of Kilbourn.

John married Sarah Kimberly 25 Jan 1699, Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Sarah (daughter of Eleazer Kimberly and Ruth Curtis) was born 30 Oct 1677, Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, United States; died 28 Nov 1713, Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2Z-N2

Other Events:

• AFN: 8Q6D-GG

Notes:

BIRTH: "Search for the Passengers of the Mary & John, 1630", by Burton W. Spear, vol 7, pg. 117 - D0004
MARRIAGE: "Search", vol 7, pg. 117 (spouse and children only)
DEATH/BURIAL: "Old South Windsor Graveyard", copy at Conn. State Library
Will dated 12 June 1733, proved 4 Sep 1733 lists wife and all living children
Hartford, CT probate records

Source: Descendants of John Drake by F,B, Gay pp 16-25-32,; NEHGR Vol 54,p.22
Recs. of Simsbury, Hartford,Connecticut., Births,Marr's. & Deaths, 974.62/S4 - V2b or GSF#896,756, History of Ancient Windsor, Vol 2, pp. 647-9

Joseph married Elizabeth Drake 23 Jan 1694, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Elizabeth (daughter of Job Drake and Elizabeth Alvord) was born 2 Nov 1675, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States; died Aft 12 Jun 1733. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J2Z-W8

Notes:

MARRIAGE: "Search for the Passengers of the Mary & John, 1630" by Burton W. Spear, vol 7, pg. 117 (spouse, children only) - D0004
DEATH: Still living at time of will of Joseph Rockwell, dated 12 June 1733, proved 4 Sep 1733, Hartford, CT probate records (all living children also noted in the will).
PARENTS: "Search", vol 7, pg. 117

Desc of John Drake by F.B. Gay pp 16-25-32; Recs. of Simsbury, Conn.
Her maternal grandmother was Joan Newton, dau of Roger Newton (History of Windsor, Vol 2, p. 565. Family 4, Joseph Phelps, whose wife was Joan's sister.
On her father's side Elizabeth was a great-grandaughter of John Drake, who was one of the Council of Plymouth, and a member of the Company established by King James in 1606, for settling New England.

Other Events:

• AFN: 44LJ-7N

Notes:

BIRTH: "Loomis Family in America", 1981 ed., pg. 139. 1992 AF: 22 Mar 1675
MARRIAGE: "Loomis", pg. 139. Lists all children
DEATH: "Loomis", pg. 139 Abstract of estate from Hartford Probate Records, Vol VIII, p 30-177 and from Manwaring's Printed Digest, Vol. II, p 253. Abstract lists Nathaniel as a brother, Jemima as wife on 6 Mar 1709/10. After wife's death, Abigail and Jemima surviving daughters on 2 Feb 1712/13, ages 6 and 4 respectively.

Ebenezer married Jemima Whitcomb 15 Apr 1697, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. Jemima (daughter of Job Whitcomb and Mary) was born 30 Jan 1677, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States; died 10 Dec 1712, Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 9J30-4D

Notes:

MARRIAGE: "Search for the Passengers of the Mary and John" by Burton W. Spear, vol. 7, pg. 117 lists mother of Abigail Loomis as Jemima Whitehead
DEATH: "Loomis Family in America", 1981 ed., p 139