CHARLES & SARAH (HARMON) FERRY FAMILY

The following excerpts were #copied by permission from a book titled:

The Charles Ferry family in America (Feret, Ferry, Ferre, Fere, Ferrey, Ferree): an account of some of the descendants of Charles and Sarah (Harmon) Ferry of Springfield, Massachusetts (Call Number 929.273 F418a - LDS-FHL film # 1036416 Item 5)

By Edward M. Ferry

 

SOME EUROPEAN BACKGROUND

The Ferry name appears to have been anglicized from the French. The earliest mention of the name in England is found in the Registers of the Huguenot Churches, which were records of vital statistics maintained by these congregations, after their emigration from France to England, and Baird's History of the Huguenots lists the family as being of the reformed faith. The Registers show thirty -eight different ways of spelling the name probably due to the fact that "many of the foreigners adopted names of English sound so that it is now difficult to trace them amid the population of England in which they were merged." (Smiles. The Huguenots, p. 96)

The area in which the family seems to have emerged is in what is known as the low countries, an area open to easy invasion because of the lack of natural boundaries.

"By 450 A. D. the Germanic Frankish tribe had colonized virtually the whole of Belgium and French Flanders. The southern boundary of the Frankish kingdom was the main Roman road linking Boulogne and Cologne by way of Arras, Bavai and Tougeren and included in this area were the southern Netherlands and Belgian Flanders."

"By the 13th century Flanders had become the leading commercial area of northwest Europe as is evidenced by the medieval cloth halls and civic buildings of such cities as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels. Bruges became the most important trading center in western Europe but unfortunately the river Zwijn on which Bruges was located was incapable of scouring its bed and the port gradually silted up so that by 1490 Bruges was twenty kilometers inland. Other factors hurried the decline of the city as well as the other Flemish textile towns. The rapid growth of the textile industry necessitated the import of English wool, but the development of cloth making in England resulted in supplies from this source being cut off and the English were able to undercut the prices of Flemish cloth. Guild restrictions led to a migration to rural areas in order to take advantage of low labor costs, and for this reason the 13th and 14th centuries saw the rise of Armentieres and Tourcoing in French Flanders." (Beneleux, An Economic Geography, R. C. Riley and G. J. Ashworth, London, 1975, PP. 35-37).

Whether the ancestors of Charles Ferry were among those who migrated from the Flemish cities or came to Tourcoing from the old French province of Picardy is an interesting speculation, and it remains just that, but we do know that in their wills both Charles Ferry and his son Charles describe themselves as weavers. This craft seems to have been a family occupation going back many generations. The name Ferry spelled Ferrett is still extant in Tourcoing as we found on a visit to that city in September 1975. It is now an industrial city of about one hundred thousand people.

The people who lived along the northern French border in the middle of the sixteenth century were subject to pressure and persecution from two sides. On the North, or in the Walloon area (now Belgium) of the Spanish Netherlands, it was the policy of Philip II to stamp out religious heresy in his possessions. To that end, he ordered a branch of the Inquisition to be set up in the Netherlands. Led by his general, the Duke of Alva, a continuous effort went on to eradicate the reformed faith in the Low Countries. To the South, France was in a century of both political and religious turmoil culminating in the civil wars of the period. Catherine d'Medici and the Guise party worked ceaselessly to stamp out heresy in France, climaxed by the massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day on the 24th of August, 1572, when thousands throughout France were slain.

French refugees began to appear in England as early as I545, and in 1550, King Edward VI granted to a group of Flemings the use of the church in Austin Friars, Broad Street, London. The great influx of the persecuted Protestants, however, did not fully set in until nearly ten years later, about the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The refugees landed at many points along the English coast, some settling at the places where they landed; others proceeded to London, Norwich, Canterbury and other inland towns, where the local authorities gave them aid and protection with the blessing of the Queen. The newcomers, among the most skilled and intelligent men of the countries from which they had migrated, were artisans energetic and industrious, devoutly religious by nature and as such they were encouraged to work and settle in England. Many branches of industry, begun by these Flemings and French who settled in London, are today continued in the same quarters of the city. Bermondsey is an example with its Joiners Street, so called because many Flemish joiners, skilled in carpentry, lived there. The manufacture of felts or hats was started in this area as well as tanneries and breweries - all carried on with great success by them. At Bow they set up dye works and their cloth of "Bow dye" became famous. Some artisans from Rouen introduced the art of paper-hanging while cutlers, jewelers, and makers of mathematical instruments (all skills in which the French and Flemish workmen excelled) settled in many areas of London. The number of French emigrants who came into England has been estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

The group of refugees in which we are chiefly interested came from Lisle, Nuelle, Turcoin, Waterloo, and other places along the French frontier. They came across the country to Canterbury by way of Winchelsea. Although some of them may have been there earlier the first record of them appears in 1564, when, in a memorial to the mayor, among other requests they asked for a place in which to worship. The liberal-minded Mathew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury, with the sanction of the Queen, granted to the exiles the free use of the Under Croft of the cathedral, where they not only worshipped and taught their children, but also set up their looms and carried on their trades. The organization became known as the Church of the Strangers or the Walloon Church, and it continued to thrive and prosper for over two hundred years.

These Huguenot congregations in all parts of England and Dublin kept careful records or registers containing much information of their members including births or baptisms, promises to marry, marriages, deaths, and wills. Some of these registers have been lost or destroyed, but many are preserved today at Somerset House in London. The leading Huguenot Church in London was on Threadneedle Street from which fourteen volumes of records have been preserved; while there are nine volumes from the Walloon Church at Canterbury, from 1581 to 1837, preserved there. It is from these church records that we have our first knowledge of the Ferry family in England.

Individuals or families by the name of Ferry or some variation of it seem to have migrated to England almost from the beginning of the Huguenot exodus. The church registers at Norwich, London and Canterbury show that it was a fairly common surname. The places from which they came on the continent include such names as Lille, Tourcoin, Monnau, Valenciennes, Marquetts, Hainant, Tournay, Waque and Calais, as well as the provinces of Normandy, Picardy and Flanders. Aside from anglicization the wide variation in the spelling of the name is caused by the fact that each individual wrote the name as it sounded to him. This confusion even existed after the family came to America, for in Charles Ferry's will three different spellings have been used by members of the same family. In correspondence with members of the family, the author has found the Ferry form to be the most common, but there are branches who have continued to use the Ferre and Ferree forms of the name. As it appeared in the church registers the most common form was Feret or Ferret.

Through a careful study of the registers it is possible to carry the ancestry of Charles Ferry back several generations to its location on the continent. The oldest ancestor mentioned is Chrestofle of Tourcoin of Nord France, Flanders, who was probably born between 1530 and 1540. Th: city of Tourcoin was sometimes a part of the Spanish Netherlands and at other times was a part of the kingdom of France. The name of Chrestofle's wife is unknown, but he had a family of at least four sons: Pierre, born about 1560; Jean, whose will was drawn at Canterbury, August 29, 1620; Nicolas; and Antoine. All migrated to England.

 

Pierre Feret, son of Chrestofle, b. ca. 1560, Tourcoin, Nord France; d. probably at Canterbury; m. Marguerite, dau. Arnold Pollet; d. Oct. 24, 1601.

Children of Pierre and Marguerite (Pollet) Feret

	i.	Marie, bapt. Dec. 17, 1581, Canterbury
	ii.	Pierre, b. ca. 1585, Canterbury (information below)
	iii.	Vincent, b. ca. 1589, Canterbury; m. Dec. 26, 1614, Martine Hache, dau. of the late Pontue Hache of Hanant; d. 1649
	iv.	Christophe, b. ca. 1592, Canterbury; d. Sept. 12, 1623; m. June 29 or 19 July, 1618, Sarah Acar or Acart, dau. Phillipe, native of Canterbury
	v.	Elizabeth, b. ca. 1594, Canterbury; m. June 1, 1617, Jean De Monceau

Pierre Feret (Pierre -2 Chrestofle -1) son of Pierre and Marguerite (Pollet) Feret, b. ca. 1585, Canterbury; alive in 1646; m. (1) Nov. 8, 1610 Marie Daucet or Dausey, dau. Pierre Dausey of Indre-et-loire, France. She died before 1628. m. (2) Sept. 16, 1628 Jeanne Snellart, widow of Gilles Bara.

Children of Pierre and Marie (Daucet) Feret

	i.	Marie, bapt. March 1. 1611, Canterbury; d. before 1619
	ii.	Jan, Jean, John, bapt. Dec. 19, 1613, Canterbury (information below)
	iii.	Sara, bapt. Nov. 17, 1616, Canterbury; d. before 1628
	iv.	Marguerite, bapt. June 17, 1618, Canterbury; m. Jan. 28, 1637/8 d. Jan. 31, 1652/3 Simon Daigneau, widower, native of Lebourg in Hainant
	v.	Pierre, bapt. Sept. 1619, Canterbury; d. before 1628
	vi.	Jacques, bapt. Nov. 10, 1622, Canterbury; d. May 6, 1647
	vii.	Marie, bapt. June 7, 1625, Canterbury; m. Sept. 29, 1644, Salmon Descamps; she d. May 5, 1645

Children of Pierre and Jeanne (Snellart) Feret

	viii.	Jeanne, bapt. in English Feb. 26, 1632, Canterbury; m. Sept. 26, 1654 Jean De Lespau, son of the late Salomon, native of Canterbury
	ix.	Samuel, bapt. Jan. 1, 1635/36, Canterbury
	x.	Margurite, bapt. Sept. 3, 1637, Canterbury
	xi.	Pierre, bapt. July 25, 1639, Canterbury; m. Oct. 25, 1663 or 6, Susanne De Hausey, dau. Hery De Hausey

Jan, Jean, John Feret, Ferre, Ferret, Ferrett (Pierre -3 -2Chrestophle -1) son of Pierre and Marie (Daucet) Feret, bapt. Dec. 19, 1613, St. Alphage or Walloon Church, Canterbury Co. Kent, England; m. Sept. 21, 1634, Catherine Lodisoir, Lodisou, Laudesoir, native of Rumesi, Rumegee, Rurnesl, Rumegy, Co. St. Armand, Nord France. The marriage is also recorded in the Threadneedle Street Church records as of Sept. 28, 1634. Jean is usually referred to as a native of Canterbury but in some instances as a native of London. The family seems to have been in London for a time, as the baptisms of three of the Children are recorded there. Jean, perhaps died in 1659/60 for on Feb. 22, 1659/60 a marriage contract was drawn up between Jacque Gorique and Mary Ferre assisted by John Ferre (Ferret), her father. In another entry of the same date he is mentioned as the "late John Ferre" with the daughter named Marie.

Children of Jean and Catherine (Lodisoir) Feret

	i.	Pierre, bapt. Dec. 6, 1635
	ii.	Charles, bapt. April 23, 1636, Canterbury. The baptism is also recorded in Elizabeth Harmon, Springfield another entry as April 23, 1637; migrated to America; m. March 29, 1661, Sarah, dau. John and, Mass.; d. July 3, 1699, Springfield
	iii.	Caterine, bapt. Sept. 23, 1638, Canterbury
	iv.	Marie, bapt. April 6, 1640, London; m. Feb. 23, 1659/60, Jacque Gorique or Goricq
	v.	Marie, bapt. April 4, 1641, London
	vi.	Elizabeth, bapt. April 9, 1642, London
	vii.	Susanne, bapt. Nov. 12, 1643, Canterbury
		A child of John Ferret d. Oct. 23, 1643

Most of the church registers of the Huguenot Churches have been published by the Huguenot Society of London, some as early as 1890. Shortly after 1900, Aaron Ferre Randall had the registers culled and each entry having the name Ferry or some spelling of it copied out. In all, these Ferry entries fill nearly fifty legal-size sheets of paper. It is from these pages that one is enabled to set up the ancestry of Charles Ferry. The name Charles as it relates to the Ferry families occurs only once; thus identifying our ancestor.

Charles Ferry and Sarah Harmon

Charles Ferry built his house in the vicinity of Maple Street, in Springfield. He built on the east side of the wood lot that he had purchased from the Widow Harmon, and the home must have been near Maple Street, as the lot extended east 80 rods from the Street (Main) on which the first settlers of Springfield were granted both home lots and wood lots The home lots were on the west side of the Street and extended to the Great River, and the wood lots, of which a portion was called wet meadow, were directly opposite on the east side. Whether Charles Ferry's home was destroyed during King Philip's War, 1675-1676, is not known, but in the attack on Springfield by the Indians many homes were destroyed. There is nothing in the land records to show that he ever built a second house. Quoting from a speech delivered by George Bliss March 28, 1828, --"The first house built east of the town street on the east side of the river was Charles Ferry's who had bought the east part of his Father Harmon's meadow and had in 1661 a special license to build there." (Burr, History of Springfield, p. 288). "Charles Ferre built on Maple Street (Lombards Dale) in 1661." (Mason Green, Springfield, 1636-1886, p. 347).

While we do not know much of Charles Ferrv's personality or disposition, the following shows that he did have occasional disagreements with his neighbors and in-laws. John Harmon purchased a parcel of meadow of three acres from Abel Wright. One and a half of the three acres was sold to Charles Ferry to make a final issue between them about the acre and a half by the Street which Charles Ferry bought of James Osborn, and then it was passed away to John Harmon again in lieu of that two acres of meadow by the Long Meadow which was sold to Charles Ferry. Later John Harmon had a public entry made denying that he had sold away any part of the two acres of wet meadow to Charles Ferry. The matter was finally settled when Charles Ferry affirmed the purchase of one and a half acres of wet meadow which he had bought of James Osborn. He did, however, reserve half an acre for his own use. This disagreement seems to have continued for several years, for the first entry was registered in 1661 and the last in 1673.

Fortunately for posterity Charles Ferry left a will. In the will he does not mention any of his daughters. He also enjoined his sons that most of his lands "be never alienated from the name of the Ferres." This clause seems to be an attempt to follow the old English Law of entail, which, of course, has been forbidden in this country as a result of the American Revolution. No attempt seems to have been made to enforce the clause as later deeds show that the sons John and Gershom sold some, at least, of the entailed property in 1743- (Book N, Hampshire Deeds, Registry, Springfield, Mass.}. Oddly enough his sons do not seem to have indulged in buying and selling of land of which there are so many records in Charles Ferrv's activities. No disposition of the home, barn and lot left to Solomon the youngest son has come to light. Certainly he must have disposed of it, as Solomon removed to Danbury, Conn. sometime after 1707. The home was probably occupied by the widow until her death in 1740, but nothing further regarding it appears in the records. The will was not allowed in its original form until an agreement was made between the widow and the seven children, so that the daughters should share in the inheritance. This agreement was signed September 6, 1699. The two documents were made inseparable by the Judge of Probate, Samuel Partrigg (Hampshire County Probate, Northampton, Mass., Box 55, no. 48). In his will Charles Ferry made his mark, an enlarged letter F. and the name was written as Charles fferry. 'On the second document or agreement among the heirs the sons spelled the name Fere but the three daughters and the widow each made a mark with the name written in and spelled fferry each time. Sarah Ferry, John Ferry and Charles Ferry were appointed administrators of the will and agreement.

The inventory of the estate was made by John Hitchcock, James Warriner and Joseph Stebbins Senior and was returned on July 21, 1699. The estate was valued at 316 pounds seven shillings, a sizable estate for those early days. In the final disposition of the estate the widow and Solomon the youngest son, seem to have received about 175 pounds in value, while the other children shared as follows--John 48, Charles 42 I/2, Gershom 19, Mercy and Elizabeth 13 each and Mary 6 pounds. The daughters apparently received their shares in movables, for no land was allotted to them. John, the oldest son, did not receive the double share which was so common in those days. An interesting item of the inventory-"Amore 3 guns 2 swords & pike powder" which is evidence of the uncertain days in which our immigrant ancestor lived.

That John Harmon was in Springfield before Charles Ferry there can be little doubt, as his name appears on the records as early as 1644. The origin of the Harmon family is less certain. The name Harmon, Harman, Herman, Hermain is found in the Huguenot Records as early as 1549, and in the Registers of the Norwich and Canterbury Registers at various times, but the country from which they came is uncertain. In some entries one gains the impression that the family was Dutch, while in other places the name appears to be French. A Norwich church entry of 1549 reads as follows: -"Southwark 1549 Strangers being householders Harman Cornelius Members of the Dutch church." Other entries show the variation of the name. "Harman wool comber Flanders 1560 wife and three children born in England." "Sept. 19, 1571. Charles Harman and others were warned not to disturb the church or they would be turned out." "1571. Cornelius Harman weaver 30 years of age and Catherine his wife 44 years of age. Hollanders having a daughter of 11 years and have been three years here. Came for the cause of religion." From a state paper we find the following: --- "Domestic, Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Returns of Strangers in the suburbs of London, 18-20 Dec. 1571 Aleysander Harman of Cologne, Church St. Racheim Anne Harman his wife of Luke. Same Church. Naturalized inhabitant." "Nov. 10, 1571, Corn Cornelius Harmon born in Colleyn Cologne servant, came into the kingdom about six years ago Dutchman." "Sept. 1588. Harmans Dierich, cobbler. A householder, dutchman." The above quotations are taken from The Walloons and their Church at Norwich. The following are taken from the Registers of the Church of the Strangers at Canterbury. "April 22, 1630. Marriages Jacque Du Miny - - - and Marie Hermain daughter of Andrew Hermain also of Canterbury." "May 4, 1690. Baptism, Anne daughter of Pierre Ferre witness, Jaques Herman." These entries do not show conclusively the country in which the Harmon family originated, but they do indicate that members were in England from the beginning of the Huguenot exodus from the continent. They also seem to show that the Harmon and Ferry families were acquainted in England.

Among the members of the Harmon family there is no unanimity of feeling as to when John Harmon came to America. (Savage, Genealogical Dictionary, p. 357) has the following entrv:--"In the Love Capt. Young to be transported to New England. Francis Harmon aged 43 John Harmon aged 12, but no more is known of him. John Harmon of Springfield could not have been his son, as when he came to Springfield in 1644, he had John and Samuel and wife Elizabeth." Israel Harmon of Springfield, Mass. speaking at a Harmon Reunion, Aurora. Ohio, August 18, 1896. Says--"About the year 164o John Harmon i.e. John the first, born in England, 1617, landed in Boston, America, and after a year or two in Roxbury, joined the few under their leader, Pynchon, 0n the fertile banks of the Connecticut River and was one of the first settlers of Springfield, Mass.'' It should be noted that William Pynchon was in Springfield as early as 1636. In the Harmon Genealogy the Springfield branch of the family was compiled by Judge George W. Harmon, who willed his manuscript to the town of Suffield, the following is found: --"John Harmon, 1st born in England 1617; died March 3, 1661, in Springfield, Mass.; married Elizabeth ( . . . .) (born in England 1617) in 164o. She married again before 1664, Anthony Dorchester. He died August 28, 1683, in Springfield. She died May 16, 1699." The Pynchon Book and Warren, Springfield Families assert that Elizabeth died May 16, 1699 "being 92 years o1d." If the last statement is exact, she; was born in 1607 rather than t617. There is no record in Springfield showing that John and Elizabeth were married there. The following may only add to the confusion: --"Francis Harmon came in the ship Love, 1635, aged 43 from London, with children John aged 12 and Sara aged 10, but no more is known of him. John of Springfield, 1644, probably son of Francis was a first settler there and had home lot on Main Street; where he married is unknown. He brought a wife Sarah and two children John and Samuel when he came to Springfield and had six other children born there." (Sheldon, History of 5uffield, p. 33). Sarah was the first of the Harmon children born in Springfield on September 22, 1644. Pynchon says the 11^th mo. 24 day which would make her birthdate January 24, 1644.

In settling the town of Springfield thirteen persons signed the original agreement; all of whose names are known. Seventeen more were granted land in 1641 and twenty-two more had grants in 1643. By 1656, fifty-two individuals had taken the oath of fidelity. To pay for the land taken from the Indians, assessments were made on the settlers, the first of which was levied in 1639, of which William Pynchon paid more than half. This assessment was made on the thirteen persons then holding home lots. In 1644 is found the notion "for raysings of L 20 in part payment for ye Indian Purchase of ye Plantation." John Harmon was assessed eight shillings ten pence. Although this rate was voided in 1646, it does aid in determining when he came to Springfield. This entry of May 16, 1644, is the first mention of John Harmon in the records; so he must have been granted land either in 1641 or 1643 with the latter date seeming more logical because of the assessment date. Burt says John Harmon was in Springfield by 1643. Certainly the Harmon family was established here in 1644 when the birth of the first daughter was recorded in the Pynchon Book. The land alloted to John Harmon is described in the town records to have been: --"a house 1ot by Grant of ye Plantation with the addition vizt four acres more or less Breadth 8 rod Length from the Street Fence to the Great River 8o rod bounded North by Henry Burt South by Nathaniel Pritchard." (Town Records V. 3, pp. 158 & 199). Unfortunately no date is affixed to this entry. John Harmon's name appears as a party in some of the land transactions that took place among the early settlers of the town. His home lot was located on the west side of the Street between the present State and Mill Streets.

Children of John and Elizabeth ( . . . . . ) Harmon

	i.	John, b. 164I; m. Jan. 7, 1668/9 Mary Dorchester, Springfield
	ii.	Samuel, b. 1643; d. unm. 1677
	iii.	Sarah, b. Jan. 24, 1644/5; m. March 29, 1661 Charles Ferry, Springfield; d. 31 Oct. 1740 aged 95
	iv.	Joseph, b. Jan. 4, 1646/7; m. Hannah Filley of Windsor
	v.	Elizabeth, b 1618 Springfield d. 16------
	vi.	Mary, b. Nov. 12, 1651; m. John Dorchester
	vii.	Nathaniel, b. March t3, 1654; m. Mary Skinner
	viii.	Ebenezer, b. August 12, 1657, Springfield

The list of children is found in the Harmon Genealogy as well as in the Warren and Pynchon books. According to the Old Style OS calender March was considered the first month. If Sarah Harmon was born on the 24th day of the 11th month she would have been born on the above date and not on September 22nd as Sheldon says in the History of Suffield.

The name of Charles Ferry first appears in the records at Springfield. Mass., as early as April 18. 1659, for on that date was recorded a purchase of land from Joseph Crowfoot. The time of his coming to America or where he landed is not known, but it is reasonable to assume that he was in Springfield for some little time before his marriage. Why he came is undetermined, but if one follows the notation in the Canterbury Church Register when his sister Marie was married February 23, 1659/60, that she was the daughter of the "late Jean Ferret," the occasion for his departure from England may have been his father's death. His coming to Springfield was perhaps the result of acquaintance with the Harmon (Harman) family in England. The name Harman is found in the Registers of the Huguenot churches in both Canterbury and Norwich.

Charles Ferry's activities in Springfield are found in the records as follows:

1659--April 18th--Charles Ferry is Possessed by Purchase from Joseph Crowfoot of near about four acres of Land on ye West Side of ye Great River (Connecticut) against ye Hay pac place Breadth is 7 rod 1/2 Length (5 rod being allowed next ye Great River for a Hay place) 8o rod back westward bounded South by Miles Morgan North by Simon Sackett or rather by ye highway which runs between this lot and Simon Sacketts. (Springfield Land Records, v. 3, P. 179)

1660--Febry 19th--At a meeting of the Selectmen Theres Granted to Charles Ferry six acres of Land in the dingle called Thomsons dingle at the Rear of Benjamin Parsons & Widow Bliss their woodlots. (Ibid, p. 180)

March 13th--By the Selectmen Theres liberted granted to Charles fferry to build on Widow Harmons wood lott which he Saith he hath bought. (Ibid, p. 18o)

1660--May 24th--Charles Ferry is Possessed by Purchase from Miles Morgan of four acres of land more or Less on ye West Side of ye Great River against ye Hay Place Breadth 8 rod there being 5 rod allowed next ye Great River. This 2rid lott of four acres is by Charles Ferry Sold and fully Passed to James Osborn his Heirs & Assigns forever April 1661. (Ibid, p. 181)

1661---Jan. 3d---At a meeting of the Proprietors of land on the West Side Charles Ferry agreed to fence his land by April. (Burr, The First Century of the History of Springfield, v. 1, p. 390)

March 2d--Charles Ferry is Possessed by Purchase from John Harmon of four acres of Woodlot Joyning to ye Easterly End of ye wet Meadow before the Street the woodlot being in Breadth 8 rod in Length 8o rod bounded by Henry Burt North Nathaniel Pritchard South. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 181)

March 29th--Charles Ferry married Sarah Harmon (Hermon). The Pynchon Book describes the date as 29 d I m 1661

August 26th--Also by Purchase from the Widow Harmon of that Lott Right over ye Great River Containing four acres more or Less Breadth 8 rod Length 8o rod from ye Great River bounded by Nathll Pritchard South North by ye lot of Lawrence Bliss formerly ye lot of Henry Burt. (Land Records, v. 3. P. 181)

Also by Purchase from his Mother in law ye Widdow Harmon of a Little piece of her Meadow before ye Street That is to Lay four rod Downward from ye Little Brook at ye East End of ye Meadow and so to be 4 rod Broad the whole Breadth of the Meadow lot: Also the said Charles Ferry is to have & Enjoy a foot path all along her said meadow lot for him & His Heirs & Assigns forever. (Ibid, p. 182)

1661--Octor 25th--Also by Purchase from Nathaniel Pritchard of four acres more or Less being ye woodlot Extending from ye Ditch or Trench which Carrys the Springs to the Mill about four score rod Eastward being 8 rod in Breadth bounded by the woodlot; which was John Harmons North & the woodlot of Abel Wright South. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 182)

1662--Jan 1st--Granted to Charles fferry for convience of fencing four acres of land by his meadow on ye Mill River wch bought of Nathaniel Ely. (Ibid, v. 2, p. 102)

Jan 9th--Theres granted to Charles fferry three acres more to his Six acres on ye dingle called Tho: Thom sons dingle. (Ibid, v. 3, P. 180)

1663--ffbr. 8th--At a meeting of the Committee for ye granting or distributing of land vizt Several of the inhabitants appearing & desiring Some land in a certayne neck of land called by the Indians Ashkanunsuck by the North side of the Agawam River neere halfe way to Worronoco there was granted unto these as hereafter followeth - - - To Charles fferry the number of 20 acres All wch said grants of land in ye said neck of land are on Condition that within three years from ye end of May they have fenced ye land & improve one acre for each ten acres Soe granted - - - And the grantees have liberty to fence ye !and Soe as to be for their best advantage though the fence take in more ye their grants. (Ibid. v. 2. p. 241}

Feb. 23---Meeting house seating 1663--In ye 10th seate Joseph Crowfoot Edward Foster Charles Ferry James Osborn William Peter Swinke. (Burt, v. t, p. 128)

March 12--Widdow Harmon of Springfield conveyed to her son in law Charles Ferry of same land in Springfield at the easterly end of the meadow as also a parcel of land butting on the high way running westerly to Agawam. John and Samuel Harmon her sons also acknowledged giving up rights in said land to Charles Ferry. (Hampshire Deeds, Book A. p. 151)

Octor 3d--Also by Purchase from Miles Morgan of Two acres of wet Meadow on the East Branch of ye Mill River bounded west by Land late of Nathaniel Bliss East by ye Land late of Jno Leonard Sold and fully Passed away to Charles Ferry his Heirs & Assigns forever. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 182)

1664--Feb.--Charles fferry is listed as an allowed & admitted inhabitant of Springfield. (Ibid, v. 2, p. 38)

June--At a meeting of ye Committee Chosen by ye Towne for Distribution of Lands Theres Granted to Charles Ferry 3 acres of Land joyning to his Six acres in the Swamp called Thomsons Dingle Also theres granted to Charles Ferry Six acres of Meadow if he can find so much Undisposed of on ye Easterly Branch of ye Mill River above ye Sixteen acres. (Ibid, v. 3 P. 179)

Decmbr 28th--Theres granted to Charles Ferry Six acres & three acres lying together on ye Dingle called Thomsons Dingle bounded on ye West by the wood lots on ye South by Two pine trees markt on ye East by a White Oak markt Northby a Pine & Small Walnutt markt. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 182)

Decmbr--Charles Ferry relinquished 25 acres of land to the Town. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 23)

1664--Decmbr--Charles fferry is further possessed by Grant of the Plantation of twenty five acres more or Less of Land below Freshwater Brook bounded westerly' by the Countrey Road 25 rod Northerly by Jonathan Burt 160 rod south by Joseph Harmon 160 rod. (Ibid, v. 1, p. 254)

1665--Jan 5th--Theres granted to Charles fferry at Skipmuck Thirty acres in ye Plaine where he desires it if so much be there in ye Plaine pvided he do Build & settle upon it within Three yeares fro: this Day or Else ye Land to Return to ye Towne again (Ibid v. 2 p. 17)

Charles Ferry granted a neck of land between Thomas Nobles home lot and said Charles his former grant provided that Charles Ferry yield to laying out a highway where it is most convenient. (Burt, v. 2, p. 224)

Feb. 26th---At a town meeting Charles Ferry promised "3 days work toward the construction of a new mill upon ye Mill streame near where ye Old Mill Stood." (Burt. v. 2, p. 352)

May 16th--Charles Ferry is by Grant of the Plantation Possessed of Six acres more or Less of wet Meadow upon the Easterly Branch of ye Mill River above ye 16 acres bounded at the Lower End by Abel Wrights Meadow bought of Rowland Stebbins and from thence Lyes in Divers Little parcels on Both side the river about a Mile up the River and there it is bounded by a little Gutter that runs unto ye River out of ye Little Spruce Swamp on the Northwest from ye River that Gutter being the utmost bounds thereof up - - - the River. (Ibid, v. 3, P. 183)

November 1st--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Thomas Day Possessed of Divers Parcels of Land on ye west Side of ye Great River

Imprimis Eight acres & half of Meadow & one acre & a half of Meadow in one piece in ye Meadow Called none Such being in Breadth thirty four rod & in Length Extending from ye upland Common westerly to ye Ten acres of upland Easterly which was Granted to ye said Thomas Day.

Together with the Said Ten acres of Upland at the East End of the Said Meadow Together with Six of upland Lying a little above the Common fence ye runs from ye Great River to Agawam River which Six acres is in Breadth 12 rod & in Length 0 rod from ye Highway by ye River which is 12 rod Broad bounded by William Warriner South Sam: Terry North These four Parcels of Land Vizt 8 acres & 1/2 & 1 acre & I/2 & Ten acres & 6 acres are by Charles Ferry Sold and fully Passed away to Samuel Marshfield to his Heirs & Assigns forever

May the 2d 1666. (Ibid, v. 3, pp. 153-154)

Decemr 19th--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from John Mathews Possessed of five acres more or Less of Land on ye East Side of ye wet Meadow before ye Town & butting on to ye said Meadow & being in breadth 1o rod & in Length Eastward four score rod bounded by the said Charles his own Land Northerly & Benjamin Parsons Southerly. This 5 acres is by Charles Ferry Returned to John Mathews and by him Disposed to Samuel Marshfield & by him Sold again to Charles Ferry & to his Heirs & assign forever March 1668/9 and by Charles Ferry Sold to Benjamin Parsons his Heirs & assigns June 22d 1669. (Ibid. v. 3, pp. 184-252)

Sept. 26th--Nathaniel Bliss is Possessed by Virtue of an Order of the County Court held Sept. 26th of Six acres of land on the west Side of ye Great River in ye Neck The land being ye Land of his Father Nathaniel Bliss It is bounded Northerly by ye Land of Lawrence Bliss Easterly by ye Great River westerly by Agawam River Two acres of this Six acres is Passed away by Nathll Bliss to Charles Ferry Senr & the other four acres are passed away to Samll Bliss his Brother & his Assigns forever. (Ibid, v. 3. p. 82)

Nov: 1st--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Abel Wright Possessed of four acres of Land more or Less on ye West Side of ye Great River opposite to Nathl Pritchards House lot & in Breadth 8 rod & Extending in Length from ye Great River 8o rod westward bounded by the sd Charles his own Land South by John Lumbards. This four acres is by Charles Ferry Sold & fully Passed away to Anthony Dorchester & to his Heirs and assigns forever. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 183)

Novr 1st--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Nathaniel Ely Possessed of a parcel of Meadow on ye Northerly Branch of ye Mill River which Meadow is three acres more or Less & bounded by Richard Sikes west and by ye Common East. This three acres is by Charles Ferry Sold and full Passed away to Thomas Day his Heirs & assigns forever. Also four & half acres from Charles Ferry swamp at Thomsons Dingle upper or Easterly part of said Charles Ferry land there. (Ibid, v. 3, pp. 148. 183)

1666 - January 10th--Charles Ferry Sold & fully Passed away to James Osborn two acres & one Half of Land lying in ye west Side of ye great river This sale not to prejudice the highway by ye river. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 216)

April 11th--Charles Ferry by purchase from Abel Wright of four acres of wet Meadow on ye Northerly Branch of ye Mill River at ye Place called ye Worlds End Lying in Several parcels bounded by ye Mill River Northerly on ye East by Thos Stebbins & west by Thos Mirick. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 184, 431)

May 2d--The swamp at ye Westerly End of this four acres (see Aug. 26th 1661) over ye River is by Charles Ferry Sold to Anthony Dorchester & to his Heirs & Assigns forever The rest of ye lot he hath Sold to James Osborn January 16th 1666 Charles Ferry Denying that he Sold the above sd Swamp to Anthony Dorchester John Dorchester Relinquishes all his Right in said Swamp being about 1 acre more or ---------------

But James Dorchester to whom this one acre more or Less is settled by the Court Disallows & Dissents from the Relinquishment of john Dorchester Febr 26th 1684.

But now the above sd James Dorchester doth fully & Freely Consent to the above Relinquishing all Right in the above sd 1 acre of Swamp & doth Pass it away to Charles Ferry his heirs & Assigns forever. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 182 & 191) July 2d 1685.

May 2d--Charles Ferry by Purchase from Samuel Marshfield of four acres more or Less of Meadow on ye East Branch of ye Mill River bounded by Robert Ashley North East James Warriner Southwest.

Also to Charles Ferry by ye Grant of ye Plantation of thirty acres of Land more or Less Lying at Skipmuck in a Plaine on ye South Side of ye River & Lying Easterly from James Warriner Land & bounded southerly by ye foot of ye hill 8o rod & on ye East west and North by Marked trees. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 184. 257)

May 7th---Charles Ferry Purchased from Richard Sikes 4 acres of wet Meadow commonly called Watchuett. (Ibid, v. 3, p.3, p. 319)

June--Charles Ferry by Purchase from James Osborn of Two acres more or Less of wet Meadow Lying by the Street against the said James his House which was Henry Burts which Meadow is 8 rod Broad & Extends from the Street to the hill Easterly. This Two acres all except half an acre at ye East End is by Charles Ferry sold to John Harmon his Heirs & Assigns forever July 17th 1668. (Ibid, v. 3. p. 184)

July 11th---Thomas Day and his wife Sarah of Springfield sell to Charles Ferry of same land in Springfield on the west side of the Great River Six acres there Lying above the Common running from the Great River to Agawam River (Both signed, acknowledged and recorded.) (Hampshire Deeds, Book A, p. 56)

1667 - Jan. 10th--Charles Ferry Purchased from James Osborn the wet Meadow lot Containing two acres more or Less being opposite the home lot & of the same breadth. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 316)

Feb. 26th--At a town meeting Charles Ferry his engagement or condition on his grant of land at Skipmuck which he desired to be taken off is left to the decision of the Selectmen. (Burt, v. 2, p. 94)

1667 - March 4, 1667/8--At a Selectmens meeting the Selectmen do now determine that said condition on Charles Ferrys Skipmuck grant shall be removed only if there is need of a highway through any part of the land in the -------- highway. (Burt, v. 2, p. 226)

1668 - Jan. 11th At a meeting of ye Selectmen --- To Charles fferry for killing one wolfe 0 10 00 (ten shillings}. (Burt, v. r, p. 368)

Febr 12, 1668----At a Selectmens meeting Charles Ferry & others ordered to make and repair a road leading to the meadows on the Mill River & 16 acres & Worlds End beginning at the top of the hill over the Causey at one Lyman Bemons. (Ibid, v. 2. p. 69)

Charles Ferry appointed fence viewer "to view the (fences off the (fields both at Skipmuck and Chicabe."(Ibid, v. 2, p. 44)

July 17th--James Osborn sells to Charles Ferry four acres of wet Meadow on ye Northerly Branch of ye Mill River at the place called Worlds End which he had acquired from Charles Ferry. (Land Records. v. 3, p. 216)

July 28^th---Charles Ferry is by Purchase from John Lamb Possessed of Two Parcels of Land the one Containing two acres more or Less of wet Meadow at ye Meadows Called the Worlds End on ye Northerly Branch of ye Mill River bounded by William Warriner North & by Richard Sikes South & by the River East this 2 acres is fully Passed away to Widow Sikes her Heirs and Assigns forever. The Other Parcel of Land is Seven acres & a half more or Less in the 3d Division running from ye Indians Land 123 rods & being in Breadth about - - - rod bounded by Goodman Ashly west Samuel Marshfield East. Also by Purchase from Capt Pynchon of four acres more or Less of wet Meadow Lying on ye Northerly Branch of ye Mill River at ye Meadows called ye World's End bounded by Thomas Stebbins North Francis Pepper South East by the River. (Ibid, v. 3.p. 185, 234)

Nov. 2nd--Charles Ferry's name appears on a petition for repeal of customs duties: first known signature of Charles Ferry. (Mass. Archives, State House, 112:210)

1669 - June 22d--Charles Ferry buys from Benjamin Parsons 4 acres in the wood lot which was Henry Burts lying at the Easterly end of the wet Meadow lott & bounded by Charles Ferry. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 321)

1670 - Octr 12---At a Selectmens meeting Charles Ferry ordered to get one load of wood and cart it for the minister in part payment for ye ministers pay raise. (Burt, v. I, p. 387)

1671 - Febr 6, 1671--At a general town meeting Charles Ferry chosen Constable and sworne in. (Ibid, v. 2, p. 111)

Febr 12th--At a meeting of ye Selectmen Granted to Charles Ferry 40 acres of Land Near ye Bay Path about ye Two Gutters which are about 6 miles of pvided it be not purchased of Charles Ferry for 40 acres agt Watchuett hill near Goodman Pritchards Land. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 180)

21 March--Charles Ferry appointed a member of the Committee to lay out the town bounds of Suffield. (Mass. Archives, 112:553)

May 31st--Charles Ferry listed as a freeman of Springfield. (New England Genealogical & Historic Register, v. 3, p. 241)

Octr 31st--Charles Ferry became a free man of the Bay Colony. (Mass. Bay Colony Records, v. 4, part II:595)

1672 -Jan. 1st--At a meeting of the Selectmen Granted to Charles Ferry for Conveniency of Fencing 4 acres of Land by his Meadow on ye Mill River bought of Nathaniel Ely. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 180)

Febry 12th--Charles Ferry is by Grant of the Plantation Possessed of four acres more or Less of ye Low Lands which lys by his meadow on ye Mill River bought of Nathaniel Ely these lands thus Granted lye on both sides of ye Mill River vizt both branches of ye River & are bounded on all sides by ye foot of ye High hill & Extend up ye Northerly Branch as High as William Warriners meadow & downward to John Stewarts Land & up the Easterly Branch to John Lambs Meadow. (lbid, v. 3, p. 186)

1673 - Novemr 10th---Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Samuel Ely Possessed of Ten acres of Land more or Less lying below Agawam River in two Parcels five acres each Parcel butting on ye highway by the Great River Each Parcel being Ten rod broad & 60 rod Long The one parcel bounded by ye lands which were John Clarkes North and Widow Johns South the other parcel bounded Southerly by George Coltons Land

Also by Purchase from ye sd Samuel Ely the sd Charles Ferry is Possessed of Ten acres of Land more or Less lying on ye back side of ye Longmeadow between the Brook & the Highway that is by Nathaniel Burts meadow Breadth 20 rod Length 80 rod along by the Highway bounded Northerly & west by the Brook and South by the Common Charles Ferry is also Possessed by Purchase from Nathaniel Ely of five acres more or Less of Land below Agawam River breadth 10 rod Length 80 rods from the Highway that Lyes by the Great River bounded North by Widow Margaret Bliss South by Jonathan Taylor. (Ibid, v. 3 p. 161, I86)

Decemr ye 3d--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from John Harmon Possessed of two acres more or Less of Land Vizt wet Meadow behind ye Longmeadow being Sixteen rod Square. (Ibid. v. 3, p. I86)

1674-Febry 8th--At a meeting of the Selectmen Charles Ferry appointed viewer of fences both at Skipmuck & Chicabe. (Burt, v. I, p. 411)

April ye 7th -Charles Ferry is further Possessed Vizt by way of Exchange of Land for land of John Bliss of five acres of Land in the Longmeadow in the upper field Breadth 11 rod & half & in Length Extending from the East fence till the said five acres be made up bounded North by ye Land of ye Widow Bliss South by George Colton This five acres is again Exchanged and Passed away by Charles Ferry to John Bliss & his assign forever. (Land Records. v. 3. p. 187)

Charles Ferry also bought of Samuel Ely Ten acres more or Less of Land Lying on ye backside of the Longmeadow between ye Brook & the Highway (purchased Novemr 10th I673) This Ten acres of Land Charles Ferry has sold to John Bliss for his five acres of Land in Longmeadow above mentioned. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 187)

Undated--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from John Mathews Possessed of Twelve acres more or Less of Land Lying by ye Mill River beginning about 8 rod above ye Cart Bridge that is over that Streame a Little above the Mill Dam & so lying 48 rod up ye River on ye Square & being 42 rod broad at the upper End & 38 rod at the Lower End & bounded by the River South Easterly. (lbid. v. 3, p. 187)

Decr. 22d--Charles Ferry is Possessed by ye Grant of the Plantation of four acres more or Less lying by the Northerly side of his Meadow which is on ye Mill River below ye Southerly Branch of ye Mill River and so running down to the lower side of ye Stone pit Dingle

Decr. 22d--Also by Grant of ye Plantation of Twenty acres more or Less lying by or near the Bay Path at the Dirty Gutter about Six miles from ye Town in both ye gutters Length Northerly & Southerly 48 rod & by ye Breadth across ye gutters 40 rod these parcels registered Decr 22d 1674. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 188)

Undated--Charles Ferry is Possessed by Purchase of John Bliss of small lots bounded by Elizabeth Cooley North & Widow Burt South. (Ibid, v., p. 188)

Decr 29th--At a meeting of ye Selectmen - - - To Charles fferry for killing one wolfe 0 10 00 (ten shillings). (Burt, v. 2, p. 408)

1677 - Febr11th---At a Selectmens meeting Charles Ferry & Nathll Bliss were chosen as fence viewers for ye long meadow. (Ibid, v. 1, p. 418)

Febr 25th--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Gregory Gibbs & his wife Joyce Formerly the wife of James Osborn and from James Osborn her son Possessed of an Houselot Containing two acres more or Less on ye East side of the River In Breadth 8 rod & in Length extending from ye Street to the Hill westward about 40 rod bounded south & west by John Harmon North by John Charles Ferry for 40 acres agt Watchuett hill near Goodman Pritchards Land. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 180)

21 March--Charles Ferry appointed a member of the Committee to lay out the town bounds of Suffield. (Mass. Archives, 112:553)

May 31st--Charles Ferry listed as a freeman of Springfield. (New England Genealogical & Historic Register, v. 3, p. 241)

Octr 3xst--Charles Ferry became a free man of the Bay Colony, Mass. Bay Colony Records, v. 4, part II: 595)

1672 - Jan. 1st--At a meeting of the Selectmen Granted to Charles Ferry for Conveniency of Fencing 4 acres of Land by his Meadow on ye Mill River bought of Nathaniel Ely. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 18o)

Febry 12th--Charles Ferry is by Grant of the Plantation Possessed of four acres more or Less of ye Low Lands which lys by his meadow on ye Mill River bought of Nathaniel Ely these lands thus Granted lye on both sides of ye Mill River vizt both branches of ye River & are bounded on all sides by ye foot of ye High hill & Extend up ye Northerly Branch as High as William Warriners meadow & downward to John Stewarts Land & up the Easterly Branch to John Lambs Meadow. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 186)

1673 - Novemr 10th--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Samuel Ely Possessed of Ten acres of Land more or Less lying below Agawam River in two Parcels five acres each Parcel butting on ye highway by the Great River Each Parcel being Ten rod broad & 6o rod Long The one parcel bounded by ye lands which were John Clarkes North and Widow Johns South the other parcel bounded Southerly by George Coltons Land

Also by Purchase from ye sd Samuel Ely the sd Charles Ferry is Possessed of Ten acres of Land more or Less lying on ye back side of ye Longmeadow between the Brook & the Highway theft is by Nathaniel Butts meadow Breadth 2o rod Length 80 rod along by the Highway bounded Northerly & west by the Brook and South by the Common Charles Ferry is also Possessed by Purchase from Nathaniel Ely of five acres more or Less of Land below Agawam River breadth 10 rod Length 80 rods from the Highway that Lyes by the Great River bounded North by Widow Margaret Bliss South by Jonathan Taylor. (Ibid, v. 3 p- 161, 186)

Decemr ye 3d--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from John Harmon Possessed of two acres more or Less of Land Vizt wet Meadow behind ye Longmeadow being Sixteen rod Square. (Ibid. v. 3, p. 186)

1674 - Febry 8^th--At a meeting of the Selectmen Charles Ferry appointed viewer of fences both at Skipmuck & Chicabe. (Burt, v. 1 p. 411)

April ye 7th --Charles Ferry is further Possessed Vizt by way of Exchange of Land for land of John Bliss of five acres of Land in the Longmeadow in the upper field Breadth 11 rod & half & in Length Extending from the East fence till the said five acres be made up bounded North by ye Land of ye Widow Bliss South by George Colton This five acres is again Exchanged and Passed away by Charles Ferry to John Bliss & his assign forever. (Land Records. v. 3, p. 187)

Charles Ferry' also bought of Samuel Ely Ten acres more or Less of Land Lying on ye backside of the Longmeadow between ye Brook & the Highway (purchased Novemr 10th I673} This Ten acres of Land Charles Ferry has sold to John Bliss for his five acres of Land in Longmeadow above mentioned. (Ibid, v, 3, p. 187)

Undated--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from John Mathews Possessed of Twelve acres more or Less of Land Lying by ye Mill River beginning about 8 rod above ye Cart Bridge that is over that Streame a Little above the Mill Dam & so lying 48 rod up ye River on ye Square & being 42 rod broad at the upper End & 38 rod at the Lower End & bounded by the River South Easterly. (Ibid, v. 3, P. ~87)

Decr. 22d--Charles Ferry is Possessed by ye Grant of the Plantation of four acres more or Less lying by the Northerly side of his Meadow which is on ye Mill River below ye Southerly Branch of ye Mill River and so running down to the lower side of ye Stone pit Dingle

Decr. 22d--Also by Grant of ye Plantation of Twenty acres more or Less lying by or near the Bay Path at the Dirty Gutter about Six miles from ye Town in both ye gutters Length Northerly & Southerlv 48 rod & by ye Breadth across ye gutters 40 rod these parcels registered Decr 22d ~674. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 188)

Undated--Charles Ferry is Possessed by Purchase of John Bliss of small lots bounded by Elizabeth Cooley North & Widow Butt South. (Ibid. v. 3. p. 188)

Decr 29th*At a meeting of ye Selectmen - - - To Charles fferrv for killing one wolfe 0 10 00 (ten shillings). (Bert v. 2, p. 408)

1677 - Febr 11th--At a Selectmens meeting Charles Ferry & Nathll Bliss were chosen as fence viewers for ye Long meadow. (Ibid, v, 1, p. 418)

Febr 25th--Charles Ferry is by Purchase from Gregory Gibbs & his wife Joyce Formerly the wife of James Osborn and from James Osborn her son Possessed of an Houselot Containing two acres more or Less on ye East side of the River In Breadth 8 rod & in Length extending from ye Street to the Hill westward about 40 rod bounded south & west, by John Harmon ********. Mathews. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 188; 316}

May 2d--At a town meeting Charles Ferry & others given leave to fish for salmon this year from the falls to ye mouth of ye Chicabe River must not trespass & must sell to all who want to buy salmon at 6 pence at the river in town 8 pence. (Burt. v. 2, p. 131)

Febr ye 4th--At-a General Town Meeting Theres Granted to Charles Ferry Ten acres of Land to adjoyne to his lands at Freshwater providing it hinder no lots there. (Land Records, v. 3, p- 186)

May 18th--.Charles Ferry sells to John Barber Senr Seven and one half acres of Land on ye west Side of ye Great River in 3d Division (Charles & Sarahs marks, ackn., recorded. Hampshire Deeds, Book AB p. 4)

Undated--Charles Ferry is Possessed by way of Exchange of Land for land with Nathaniel Bliss of Two Parcels of Land one parcel Contains 4 acres more or Less being part of that lot he bought of John Scott & Lyes on the Northerly Side of the Creek that lys by the House Meadow & is bounded Easterly by Agawam River & by the Creek that runs by the House meadow Westerly & Southerly by Thomas Bancrofts or Rather now by Obadiah Cooleys & Thomas Miricks land called old Planting Land) Northerly. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 188)

Novemr 20th--Charles Ferry is by Purchase of Joseph Harmon of Suffield Possessed of 6o acres more or Less of upland lying on this side Great Watchuett which 60 acres is bounded on the East by an Highway 6o rod on the west by marked trees 16o rod on the South by Marked Trees 6o rod. Also Charles Ferry is by Purchase Possessed Jos Harmon above sd pf 13 acres & three quarters more or Less of wet Meadow lying on a small Brook about a mile & a half beyond Great Watchuett Eastward bounded on the South by two white Oaks Marked 20 rod Asunder on the East by upland 106 rod on the West by upland 102 rod & Northerly by a Stake & marked trees. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 188)

Decmbr 26th--At a meeting of ye Selectmen Charles Ferry & others have their buildings allowed off as also all those persons who have builded up the ruins. (Burt, v. 1, p. 421)

Charles Ferry took oath of allegiance the last day of December or the next day as did his son John. (Mass. Archives, 36:255}

1679-Febr: ye 3d--At a General Town Meeting Charles Ferry moves that he may Exchange his Land of 40 acres about Six miles off lying on ye Bay Path for forty acres agt Watchnell hill neer Nathaniel Pritchard his land This granted febr: ye 1st 168o. (Land Records, v. 2, p. 67)

Decemr 18th--At a meeting of ye Selectmen Charles Ferry & John Harmon were chosen "apprizers of the Town Stock." (Burt, v. 2, p. 426)

1680 - Febr 7th--At a meeting of ye Selectmen Charles Ferry chosen as fence viewer for the Home Lots. (Ibid. v. 2, p. 434'

1681 - Charles Ferry's signature appears on testimony concerning the Reverend Pelatiah Glover. (Mass. Archives11:19}

July 7th --At a General Town Meeting Charles Ferry was chosen constable for the year ensuing & sworn. (Ibid, v. 2, p. 49)

July 29th--At a Selectmens meeting Charles Ferry reports on defective fences on the Home lots with fines reported 3 shillings for each defect. (Ibid, v. 2, p. 436)

1684 - Undated--Charles Ferry's name appears among the list of Original Proprietors as entered in the records. (Inward & Outward Commons)

Febr 3d--At a General Town Meeting Charles Ferry & others granted liberty to ye fishing places on the Agawam & Chicabe Rivers (Burt)

Febr: 5th Charles Ferry Senr exchanges 4 acres of Land in ye long meadow with Nathaniel Bliss he signs but Sarah Ferrey made her mark (Hampshire Deeds, Book AB. p. 51)

Febr: 25th--Charles Ferry exchanges 6 acres of land in two parcels on the west side of the Great River with Nathaniel Bliss. (Ibid. pp. 51-52)

Decemr 23d--At a Town Meeting Charles Ferry Senr doth desire of the Town that the highway that Lead to Long Meadow thorow his Land may be Laid out by the River agt his land that he may be more capable to improve Sd Land. (Land Records, v. 2, p. 190)

Decemr 29th--Charles Ferry Exchanges Six acres of Land on ye easterly br of Mill River above Sixteen acres for 2800 feet of boards. (Hampshire Deeds, Book AB, p. 60)

1685 - Febry 3d--At a Town Meeting Charles Ferry renewed his desire made at the meeting Decr 23d 1684: & the Town appointed a committee to go to the place & view whether his motion may not be inconvient for the Courtrey Rhode & to make report to the Town how they find. (Land Records, v. 2, p. 195)

1687 - Febry 20th--Charles Ferry of Springfield "weaver" in consideration of several parcels of land conveyed to him by John Pynchon Esq of same sold to said Pynchon six parcels of land there one on west side of Great River & Southerly from Agawam River 5 acres one lying below Agawam River westward from the Great River 5 acres another of 12 acres on Mill River on north side of the Corn Hill stream another at Skipmuck in the Plaine on south side of Great River 30 acres another of meadow on East Branch of Mill River at Sixteen Acres Brook 4 acres. (signed by mark of Charles Ferry and wife Sarah; acknowledged 11 April 1688; recorded 11 April 1743, (three years after Sarah's death and fifty-six years after it was drawn) (Hampshire Deeds, Book, N. p. 352)

May 7th---Charles Ferry is Possessed by Exchange with the Plantation of forty acres of Land more or Less for himself his Heirs & assigns forever lying on the west side of Watchuett hill & lying in three parcels one parcel Containing Ten acres more or Less & is bounded on the North by Land of Increase Sike & south by a little Gutter that runs into David Lumbards meadow & west by the Commons Another parcel of Eight acres more

1687 -or Less bounded on the East by the aforementioned land of Increase Sikes & west by the Commons Another parcel of 22 acres of Land more or Less bounded by Increase Sikes land above mentioned on the South side & on the Other Sides by the Commons Charles Ferry hath passed these Ten acres & the following 8 acres & forever Sold ye sd 18 Acres to Increase Sikes & his Assigns forever. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 186; 336)

Charles Ferry is Possessed for himself his Heirs & Assigns Purchase from Increase Sikes of Thirty Six acres more or Less Land below Agawam River in the new field there the length one Hundred thirty & six rod Extending from James Stevensons land on the west to the Great River on the East & Breadth at the west End is forty Five rod & at the East end forty two rod bounded North by John Barber & South Nathl Sikes. (Ibid, v. 3, p. 186; 366)

1688 - Febry 1st--At a General Town Meeting Charles Ferry others granted permit of Chicopee River as far as the Bar making & catching Wares for catching fish Must sell to who want fish on reasonable terms To be free for five years Molestation ye group to have first refusal for renewal of priviledge. (Burt, v. 2, p. 191)

1690 - Dec. 19th--Charles Ferrys name is on a list of freeman Springfield accepted by the General Court. (Mass. Archives 36:114)

1692 - Mar. 17th--Charles Ferry chosen as fence viewer for lots on ye South Side Agawam River. (Burt, v. 2. p. 211}

July 18th--Charles Ferry chosen on a Committee to treat with Mr. Glover over settlement of house & lot which had been by the town for his father the Reverend Pelatiah Clover. (Ibid, v. 2, p. 205]

1694 - July 14th--Charles Ferry Sent is by way of Exchange of Land with Increase Sikes Possessed of four acres more or Less of wet meadow at Watchuet or Watchoage & it is bounded North white Oaks Marked fourteen asunder & on ye East by the: upland forty rod by Samuel Bliss Senr on the South eighteen rod. (Land Records, v. 3, p. 189)

1695-Febr 17th--.Charles Ferry, "Senr" of Springfield sold to Edward Stebbins of same two acres there in the neck in the General Field on the west side of the Great River and Sarah Ferry wife of above signing Charles Ferry Senr consents to sale on Day of Date above sd. and both signed by mark: ackn. some day and recorded 5 Oct. 1743; wit.: Joseph Harmon and john Atchason. (Hampshire Deeds, Book N: 397)

Mar 12th--At a General Town Meeting Thomas Cooper, Thomas Colton. David Cooley, Charles Ferry, Senr, Joseph Holyoke chosen Selectmen for the ensueing year. (Burt, v. 1, p. 29}

1696 - Mar. 10th--At a Town Meeting Charles Ferry chosen on a Committee to draw up objections to granting the inhabitants of the West Side the right to have a minister the objections to be presented to the General Court.

Charles Ferry chosen one of the tithingmen. (Butt. v. 2, p. 345)

June 9th--Charles Ferrys signature appears on a protest from Springfield requesting the granting of a minister for the West Side. (Mass. Archives, 11: 114)

1698 - Charles Ferry made his will "27 June Anno domini 1698 and in the tenth year of the Reign of King William the Third." (Hampshire Probate, Box 55, No. 48)

1699-Mar. 12th--At a Town Meeting Charles Ferry chosen one of five tithingmen. (Butt, v. 2. p. 353)

July 3d--Charles Ferry died. (Pynchon Book)

1st Generation

1. CHARLES FERRY, son of Jean and Catherine (Lodisoir) Ferret, baptised 23 Apr. 1636, at Canterbury, England; d. 3 July 1699 at Springfield. Mass; m. 29 Mar. 1661, at Springfield, Sarah, dau. of John and Elizabeth (----) Harmon; b. 24 Jan.. 1644/45, at Springfield, d. 30 Oct. 1740, at Springfield.

	Children of Charles and Sarah (Harmon) Ferry
			2.	i.		John, b. 6 Nov. 1662
			3.	ii.		Charles, b. 4 Apr. 1665
				iii.		Samuel, b. 27 Oct. 1667; d. 8 Jan. 1668
				iv.		Sarah, b. 15 Dec. 1668; d. 25 July 1689; m. 30 June 1687, as his 3rd wife, John, son of John and Priscilla (Symonds) Warner; dau. Sarah Warner, b. 1688 (Warren, p. 708)
				v.		Mary, b. 6 June 1671; d. 2 Jun. 1739; m. 18 Jan. 1699/1700, Nathaniel, son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (Sikes) Burt; seven children (Warren, p. 108-9)
			4.	vi.		Gershom, b. 19 Mar. 1673/4
				vii.		Solomon, b. 19July 1677; d. 18 Feb. 1683
				viii.		Mercy, b. 12 Mar. 1679/80; m. 7 May 1702, Ephraim, son of Benjamin Bartlett, of Windsor, Ct.; six children (Warren, p. 41)
				ix.		Elizabeth, b. 11 Feb. 1682; m. 4 Apt. 1711, Clement Buxton of Stamford, Ct.; marriage recorded at Springfield
			5.	x.		Solomon, b. 31 July 1686
		Source: Warren, Springfield Families, pp 277-78
					VR, Springfield, Mass.
					The Pynchon Book

 

Bibliography

In compiling the story of Charles Ferry's life in Springfield the author has relied heavily on two sources. In 1895, the County Commissioners of Hampden County, Massachusetts, ordered the original records including the land transactions, Town Meetings, and Selectmen Meetings to be compiled and printed in a volume. The book is divided into three sections each with a separate title. The first section. is entitled "Grants of Land to the First Settlers of Springfield, 1636-1644." The next bears the title "Springfield Town Records, 1655-1678;" while the third section is called "Springfield Town Records, 1636-1857.'' For clarification and easier reference I have designated these sections as volumes I, II and III. There is also a companion volume called "Inward and Outward Commons, Land Allotments" but this has not been of much use. These two volumes are in the Registry of Deeds, State Street, Springfield, Mass. The third section contains some overlapping of material found in the other two sections but all have proved useful.

"The First Century of the History of Springfield, the Official Records from 1636-1736'' by Henry M. Burt was printed and published by Mr. Burt at Springfield in 1898 and 1899. It is the best printed source for that period, as Mr. Burt has quoted extensively from the original records.

Hampshire County Probate at Northampton has all of the wills and estate settlements down to 1814 when Hampden County was set off from old Hampshire. The land records (deeds) are located in Springfield, although there are some deeds at Northampton that date back to 1785.

The Mass. Bay Colony Records and the Mass. Archives are located in Boston, Mass. "The History of the Connecticut Valley" in two volumes and Mason Green's "Springfield, 1636-1886" have been used sparingly.

The early vital records of the Springfield area are found in the Pynchon Book, a private record, kept by William Pynchon and his son, John, from 1636 to 1699. The vital records of the other valley towns are also entered in this book. Warren, Springfield Families is compiled from the Pynchon records and the church records and is in typed form. These two works have proved invaluable and copies of both are in the Springfield Public Library.

The early Springfield Records were transcribed in the New England Historic and Genealogical Register during the 1850's but using this source has caused some confusion in the first generation. In volumes 18 and 19 of the Register under Springfield births several children are listed as being born to Samuel and Ann Terry. The names should be Samuel and Ann Terry. This error was corrected in volume 87 (1933). Samuel Terry married Ann Lobdell. The marriage and children's births are all recorded in the Pynchon Book. Burt also lists the children as of Samuel Terry and his wife Ann Lobdell.

2nd Generation

2. JOHN FERRY (Charles¹) oldest son of Charles and Sarah (Harmon) Ferry was b. 6 Nov. 1662, Springfield, Mass.; d. 23 Dec. 1745, aged 80 years. He was one of the Selectman of Springfield for ten years between 1712 and 1728. In I722 he was named land measurer and he held the military title of Lieutenant. He was also a member of the committee to lay out the town bounds of Sheffield, Mass. The Mass. State Archives show that he swore allegiance on "the last day of December 1678 or the next day." There is some confusion over the marriages of John Ferry, but it is certain that he was married four times. He m. (1) 1 Nov. 1686, Martha, dau., Thomas and Sarah (Marshfield) Miller; b. 4 Nov. 1665, Springfield; d. 21 May 1692, Springfield; m. (2) 17 No. 1692, Mary, dau. Micah Mudge; d. 3 Nov. 1694; m. (3) 28 May 1696, Springfield, Mary, dau., Obadiah and Rebecca (Williams) Cooley; b. 19 Dec. 1675, Springfield; d. 22 Nov. I708, Springfield; m. (4) 24 Aug. 1720, Mary, dau., Thomas Swetman; d. September 1766, aged above 80 years. One source says that John Ferry m. (4) intentions, 7 Jan. 1708/9 Elizabeth, dau. Thomas Swetman; m. (5) intentions, 13 May 1710, Elizabeth Hall, Wallingford, Conn. One should be suspicious of a marriage intended only two months after the death of his third wife, and it is on record that Elizabeth Swetman married John Charles on 10 March 1708/9. Further there is evidence in a deed that she was the wife of John Charles in 1737; so that marriage of Elizabeth to John² should be eliminated. Warren. Springfield Families says that "one or both of the just-mentioned above marriages may have been his son John." Otherwise the son John did not marry until he was almost fifty-seven years old, not impossible, but unusual. Perhaps Elizabeth Hall did marry the son John, but there is no further mention of her in the Springfield records.

		Children of John and Martha (Miller) Ferry
				6.		i.		John, b. 15 Aug. 1687, Springfield
				7.		ii.		Samuel, b. 27 Mar. 1690. Springfield
	Children of John and Mary (Mudge) Ferry
						iii.		Sarah, b. 25 Oct. 1694, Springfield; d. 21 Nov. 1694
	Children of John and Mary (Cooley) Ferry
						iv.		daughter, b. 22 Feb. 1696/7, Springfield; d. 27 Feb. 1696/7
						v.		Joseph, b. 3 Oct. 1698, Springfield; d. 21 Mar. 1713
						vi.		Mary, b. 2o July 1701; m. 28 Dec. 1720, Jabez, son of Thomas Loomis of Windsor; d. 20 Feb. 1788; res. Bolton; three children
						vii.		Martha, b. z5 Sept. 1713, Springfield; m. 6 June 1754, Nathaniel, son of Joseph and Mary (Riley) Ely; d. 21 Dec. 1786 ae 92; no issue (West Sp'gf'ld Ch. Records)
						viii.		Jonathan, b. 22 Sept. 1706, Springfield; d. 25 Jan. 1707
						ix.		Pelatiah, b. 21 Nov. 1708, Springfield; d. 22 Nov. I708, age ~ day (Cooley Genealogy, p. 208)
				Children of John and Mary (Swetman) Ferry
				8.		x.		Joseph, b. 14 Mar. 1722/3, Springfield
					Source: VR. Springfield, Mass.
							Warren, Springfield Families, p. 278

3-CHARLES FERRY (Jr.) (Charles¹) second son of Charles and Sarah (Harmon) Ferry was b. 4 April 1665, Springfield: d. 26 Feb. 1719/20, Springfield; m. (1) 29 June 1690, Rebecca, dau. Nathaniel and Rebecca (Sikes) Burt; b. 2o Dec. 1665, Springfield; d. 12 Feb. 1691, Springfield; m. (2) 4 May 1693, Abigail, dau. Mark and Abigail (Montague) Warner of Hadley; b. 18 Aug. 1675, Hadley; d. 14 Oct. 1648; she m. (2) 3 June 1724, Thomas Hale. (Hail) (Warren, ib. p. 278). "In Memory of Mrs. Abigail Hale (Formerly Wife of Mr. Charles Ferre Late Wife of Mr. Thomas Hale.") (Longmeadow Cem. g. s.)

Charles Ferry, Jr. was made a freeman at Springfield, Dec. 19, 1690, and his name appears as a freeman on a list from Springfield dated March 26, 1691. (Mass. Archives). He served as "Hayward" for the Home Lots section of Springfield, 1685 and 1686. He was a surveyor of highways in 1705 and a tithingman in 1714. It would seem from the following items that Charles Ferry saw service in Queen Anne's War. "Charles Ferry---Appears in an Account dated May 29, 1709, rendered by Samuel Partridge for service done by several scouting companies in Springfield, Northampton, Hatfield and Hadley during the summer ferriage for which payment was refused "Last Fall" by the Governor and Council, who referred it to the next General Court. Said Ferry appears among men belonging to Springfield, and credited with 1 day's service." (Military Archives, Vol 91 p. 1d.) Charles Ferry---Appears in an account rendered by Lieut. Col. Samuel Partridge made up Feb. 2, 1708/9, showing allowances due the snow shoe men belonging to the several companies in "West Hampshire", according to an Act of the General Court of Oct. 2o, 1708. Said Ferry reported as among those belonging to Lieut. Jonathan Ball's co. in Springfield "On the West Side of the River Allowed 2 s." (Ib. Vol. 91, p. 1c).

Charles Ferry left a will in which he designates himself "Weaver." The estate was inventoried at L 374 12s 6p. His wife Abigail and brother .John were appointed executors of the will. He signed his name Charles Fere, as did his brother Gershom who was a witness to the will. The will was drawn the "Eight Day of May 1719." (Hampshire Probate, Box 55.) The index card in the Archives, State House, Boston has the following notation--"Charles Ferry in Springfield West Parish 1702."

Child of Charles and Rebecca (Burt) Ferry

i.

Charles b. to Feb. 1691/2; probably d. y.

Children of Charles and Abigail (Warner) Ferry

9.

ii.

Charles, b. 3 April 694

iii.

Mark, b. 11 March 1695/6; apparently never married; living in 1771

iv.

Abigail, b. 7 Feb. 1697/8; m. int. 14 Nov. 1717, Samuel, son of Samuel & Sarah (Hinsdale) Janes; first settlers at Pascommuck in Northampton after massacre of 1704; d. 6 Feb. 1782 ae 86

v.

Sarah, b. 3 Feb. 1699/1700; m. 5 Jan. 1720/1, Benjamin, son Jonathan and Susanna (Worthington) Ball; d. 21 March 1756; 6 children; buried Ireland Parish (Holyoke).

vi.

Ebenezer, b. 21 April 1702; d. 25 April 1702

vii.

Rebecca, b. 3 April 1703; m. 10Dec. 1723, Stephen, son Eleazer and Hester (Taylor) Warner of Granby; three children; resided in Granby

viii.

Thankful, b. 3 April, 1703; d. 23 April, 1703

Children of Charles and Abigail (Warner) Ferry

ix.

Mary, b. 13 March 1705/6; m. 27 March 1728/9, Timothy, son George and Mary (Hitchcock) Colton; six children; resided in Brimfield and Wilbraham; d. Wilbraham, date unknown

x.

Nathaniel, b. 10 Oct. 1708; settled at Granby; d. 15 July 1794- (West Cem. Granby, g. s.) No record of a marriage or family has been found. In 1755, Noah Ferry sells land "to my brother Nathaniel Ferry 24 1/2 acres 4 1/2 rods being part of the farm on which I now dwell" signed by Noah Ferry, Aug. 29, 1755 (Hampden County Deeds, Book 7, p. i89). In x79o, Nathaniel Ferry deeded land to Charles Ferry, Jr., a grand nephew. According to old deeds Nathaniel lived on land adjoining that of his brother Noah. (Hampshire County Deeds. )

10.

xi.

Ebenezer, b. 29 Sept. 1710; settled at Pascommuck

11.

xii.

Noah, b. 11 Nov. 1712; settled at Granby

xiii.

Martha, b. 17 Jan. 1714/5; d. 8 Sept. 1756 aged 42 years (Longmeadow Gem. g. s.) unm.

12.

xiv.

Jonathan, b. 25 Feb. 1716/7

Source: VR, Springfield, Mass.

4. GERSHOM FERRY, (Charles¹) third son of Charles and Sarah (Harmon) Ferry, b. 19 March 1673/4, Springfield; d. 13 Feb. 1748, aged 74 years: m. 5 March 1701, Springfield, Abigail, dau. Thomas and Elizabeth (Tilley) Merrick; b. 7 Sept. 1673, Springfield; d. 31 Dec. 1753 (Warren, p. 457).

	Children of Gershom and Abigail (Merrick) Ferry
				i.		Abigail, b. 4 Jan. 1702; m. 27 Feb. 1728/9 Samuel, son John Kilborn; she d. in Brimfield and was buried in Wilbraham, 4 April, 1762 (Warren, p. 400).
				ii.		Elizabeth, b. to Sept. 1704; m. 14 Sept. 1732, John, son John and Hannah (Scot) Fowler; b. 16 April 1698; nine children; John made his will in 1774 (Warren, p. 297).
			13.	iii.		Elisha, b. 7 Feb. 1706/7
				iv.		Kezia, b. 6 April 1709; d. 24 Sept. 1717
			14.	v.		Gershom, b. 2o Feb. 1710/11
				vi.		Miriam, b. 3 Dec. 1713; m. 12 April 1739 Moses, son William and Elizabeth (Weller) Warriner; d. 29 Aug. 74o, aged 27 years; no issue. (Warren, p. 72I)
		Source: Springfield, Mass. VR
					Warren, Springfield Families, p. 279

The Danbury families are difficult to trace because of the destruction of the land and vital records during the War of the Revolution. Some families, but only a small part of those then living in Danbury, thereafter turned in their records to the Town Clerk. The probate records are almost the only guide to the early generations, helped out by gravestones. and by private records when they exist. Church records do not aid much with early generations of the Ferry family. (The American Genealogist, v. 5, 30:26)

5-SOLOMON FERRY (Charles¹) youngest son of Charles and Sarah (Harmon) Ferry, born at Springfield, Mass., 31 July 1686; died at Danbury, Ct., shortly before 5 Mar. 1771 (date of administration on estate); m. (1) probably at Springfield, marriage intentions recorded at Springfield, 3 Feb. 1804/5, Lydia Peck, born presumably at New Haven, Ct. about 1683, and baptised there 12 Sept. 1686, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Sperry) Peck. She died presumably at Danbury, after 1730, and prior to 14 June 1757, on which date Solomon married (2) at Newtown, Ct., Christian (Gunn) Botsford, about 8o years old of Newtown, (Newtown, CR, v. 5, p. 25). She was the daughter of Jobamah and Sarah (Lane) Gunn, and widow of Henry Botsford. born at Milford, 12: Sept. 1676, died at Newtown abut Oct. 1747. whom she married 12 Nov. 1700. Jacobus says that she was the widow of John Smith, to whom she was married 13 Oct. 1748. She did not long survive her third matrimonial venture for Solomon Ferry married (3) Mary ----.

New Haven Deeds 19:51 contain a conveyance in t73c from Solomon Ferry and Lydia his wife, with others, of their interest in land which had belonged to Benjamin Peck and his wife Mary, to their brother Ebenezer Peck of New Haven.

Solomon Ferry does not seem to have gone to Danbury until some time after 1707, as his marriage and the birth of his two oldest children are recorded in Springfield. According to the will of Charles Ferry his home and barn were left to his youngest son Solomon, but nothing is found in the Springfield records showing how Solomon disposed of this property.

Administration 'of the estate of Solomon Ferry was granted to Joseph Ferry, 5 Mar. x77~. Stephen Trowbridge, Thomas Taylor, Jr., and Ephraim Barnum, Jr., were appointed, 4 April 177x, to distribute the estate to the widow Mary; to the children of Ebenezer Ferry deceased, the eldest son of said Solomon deceased; to Joseph Ferry; to Lydia, wife of Benoni Bailey; to the children of Solomon Ferry, Jr., deceased son of said Solomon deceased; and to the children of Mary Rockwell, deceased daughter of said deceased; "being the children and all the children of Solomon deceased." (Danbury Probate, 2:403, 422)

	Children of Solomon and Lydia (Peck) Ferry
		15.	i.		Ebenezer, b. 6 Jan. 1705/6 (VR, Springfield, Mass.)
			ii.		Lydia, b. 27 Apr. 1707 (VR, Springfield); d. after 1775 and before 3 May 1794; Benoni Bailey in his will dated x3 Feb. t775 named wife Lydia and 3 children but in an agreement of heirs on 3 May t794 Lydia's name does not appear
		16.	iii.		Joseph, b. about 17o8
		17.	iv.		Solomon, b. - - - -; d. 1753
			v.		Mary, b - - - - ; m. - - - - Rockwell; possibly Noah Rockwell of Danbury, whose will dated 1769 named his wife Mary.
		Source: VR, Springfield, Mass.
				Warren, Springfield Families, p. 279
				Probate Records, Danbury, Conn.
				CR, Congregational Church, Newtown, Ct.

3rd Generation

6. JOHN FERRY (John² Charles¹) oldest son of John and Martha (Miller) Ferry born at Springfield, Mass., 15 Aug. 1687; died there 24 Mar. 1775daged 88 years. ,He married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Miller)-'Terry 25 June 1744; b. Springfield 6 Sept. 1723; died 26 Jan. 1809. Both are buried in the Pine Street Cemetery, Springfield, Mass.

	Children of John and Mary (Terry)Ferry :
				i.		Mary, b. 14 Jan.1744/5; d. 31 May:1814; m. 5 Nov. 1771, Joseph Clough of Belchertown, born at Stafford, 29 Aug. 1749; d. Springfield, 14 Feb. 1824, son of Ephraim Clough
				ii.		Martha, b.19 Dec. 1747; d. 25 Jan. 1821; m.10 Feb.1786, Zachariah, son of William and Hannah (Long) Hancock
		18.		iii.		John, b. 23 Oct. 1749
		19.		iv.		Solomon, b. 26 Sept. 1752
				v.		Elizabeth, b. 13 Jan. 1757;: d. 27 Sept. 1828; m. Jan. 1788, Jonathan; son of Aaron and Mary (Abbott) Parsons
			Source:--Warren, Springfield Families, p. 279
					VR, Springfield, Mass.

 

7. SAMUEL FERRE (John² Charles¹) second son of John and Martha (Miller) Ferry born at Springfield, Mass., 27 Mar. 1690; d. Sheffield, Mass. between 28 Sept. and 8 Nov. 1752 at which time both towns were within Hampshire, testate; m. int. at Springfield, 2o Jan. 1712/13, Margaret Huggins, born at Suffield, then in said county, 6 Mar. 1685/6, daughter of John and Experience (Jones) Huggins; death unknown and no estate.

John Huggins was the son of John and Briget (- - - - ) Huggins who migrated to Suffield from around Newbury, Mass., d. at Springfield, 9 July :1704. He m. (1) at Newbury, 19 Oct. 1681, Hannah Burpee, who d. at Suffield, 3 May 1683; m. (2) 4 Feb.1684, Experience, b.12 Aug. 1662, d. 9 Mar.1714, daughter of Griffith Jones. On 13 May 1704, the Indians fell upon Pascommuck (now within Easthampton, Mass.), and took about 37 persons at the garrison; the English pursued, which caused the Indians, "to knock all on the head." but five or six. "Three were carried captive to Canada with them, others escaped and about seven of those knocked on the head Recovered, ye Rest died." (Recorders Book Hampshire County). The three taken to Canada included Esther (Ingersoll) Jones, Margaret Huggins and Elisha Searle. Esther Jones was the wife of Benoni, slain at Pascommuck, and an aunt of Margaret Huggins who was at her uncle's home at the time of the massacre, as a "Maid." Her aunt died in Montreal, at the Hotel-Dieu, 8 Dec. 1704, and nine months later, Margaret was baptized as a Catholic. "On Sunday 12 Sept. 1706 was baptized by me, undersigned priest, Margaret Huggins, born at Stony-Brook in New England, the 16th of March 1686, of the marriage of John Huggins and Experience Jones, and baptized four months later at Springfield having been taken by the Abenakis at Paskamack near Northampton the (12th) twentythird day of May of the year 1703 and brought to St. Francis, has been by Mons. le Marquis de Crisafy Governor of Three Rivers and for six weeks lived at Villemarie. She had for godfather Monsieur Etienne Roebert. Garde-Magazin of the King, and for godmother Damoiselle Bouat, wife of Monsieur Rascaud. Merchant who have all signed with me according to the law." M H Mgte Bouat Pascaud. (Coleman, New England Captives Carried to Canada, 1926).

Samuel Ferre with his wife and all of the children appear to have gone to Sheffield, Mass., about as soon as that town was organized in 1733, certainly by 1740. Samuel Ferre's will is in Box 55 Hampshire County Probate, Northampton, Mass.

	Children of Samuel and Margaret (Huggins) Ferre
			i.		Samuel, b. I7 Oct. 1713; died young
			ii.		Margaret, b. 8June 1715; died young
		20.	iii.		Samuel, b. 1o Sept. i716
		21.	iv.		John, b. 1o Jan. 1718/19
			v.		Submit, b. 22 Dec. 172o; died 9 Feb. I720/21
			vi.		Margaret, b. 18 Dec. 1721; d. 1760; m. 11 July 1754 at Sheffield, David Everest, as his first wife
		22.	vii.		Joseph, b. ca. 1722; m. Springfield int. 18 Dec. 1741, Sarah Thomas of Springfield
		23.	viii.		Azariah, b. 20 May 1724
			ix.		Solomon, b. April 1726; d. 22 June 1776, ae 50
			x.		Martha, b. 24 Mar. 1727/8; d. 10 Sept. 1782; m. 31 May 1764, Samuel Slate, at Sheffield
		Source:--Warren, Springfield Families; pp. 279-80
				Coleman, New England Captives Carried to Canada
				Hampshire Co. Recorder's Book, Northampton, Mass.
				Lyman, History of Easthampton, 1866

8. JOSEPH FERRY (John² Charles¹) son of John and Mary (Swetman) Ferry born at Springfield, 14 Mar. 1722/3; no record of his death. He was known as Captain Joseph, but there is uncertainty as to his military service. It was Joseph Ferry who in exasperation of John Worthington's autocratic methods in Springfield politics exclaimed that:--"John Worthington rules this town like a rod of iron," (Mason Green, p. 278)

Joseph Ferry m. (1) 3 Feb: 1747/8, Tryphena, dau. of Joseph and Thankful Burt; b. Feb. 1730; d. 21 Apr. 1754; m. (2) intentions 31 Oct. 1755, Sarah, dau. of Henry and Bethian Burt of Brimfield; d. 18 Sept. 1761; m. (3) 24 Feb. 1763, Miriam, dau. of John and Hannah (Chapin) Morgan; b. 4 July 1732; d. 2 Aug. 1787, ae 55 yrs; m. (4) intentions .5 Sept. 1789, widow Martha (Woods) Davis of Somers, Ct.; d 22 Apr. 1797 ae 75 yrs; m. (5) int. 28 Oct. 1797, Mabel widow of George Cooley, dau. of John and Anna Hancock: b. 2 Feb. 1725/6; d. 11 Nov. 1806 in her 81st year.

		Children of Joseph and Tryphena (Burr) Ferry
					i.	Joseph, b. 27 Oct. 1749; d. 13June 1754
					ii.	Gad, b. 17Jan. 1750/1; d. 13 Feb. 1755
					iii	Thankful, b. 9 July 1752; m. Aaron Buck, Jr. of Enfield
		Children of Joseph and Sarah (Burt) Ferry
					iv.	Tryphena, b. 20 Dec. 1756; d. 18 Nov. 1836; m. 2x Feb. x78~, Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Chapin) Warriner
					v.	Zerviah, b. 29 Mar. 1758; m. 5 Nov. 1778, Elias, son of Samuel and Ruth (Stebbins) Hitchcock
					vi.	Sarah, b. 28 Jan. 1760; d. 27 Oct. 1848 aged 88 years; m. 31 Jan. 1790, Ebenezer, son of Jedediah and Miriam (Hitchcock) Bliss as his 2nd wife
				24.	vii.	Joseph, b. 4 Sept. 1761
	Children of Joseph and Miriam (Morgan) Ferry
					viii.	Lois, b. 15 Jan. 1764; m. Jan. 1793, Quartus Rust of Chester
					ix.	Eunice, b. 15 Jan. 1764; d. 7 Aug. 1793; m. Jan. 1789, Oliver, son of Ariel and Mary (Stebbins) Collins
					x.	Gad, b. 26 Mar. 1766
					xi.	Miriam, bapt. 3 July 1769; d. 15 July 1769
				25.	xii.	Caleb, b. 30 Sept. 1770
				26.	xiii.	Luther, b. 2 Sept. 1772
					xiv.	Miriam, b. 2 Apr. 1775
			Warren, Springfield Families, p. 28

17. SOLOMON FERRY (Solomon² Charles¹) son of Solomon and Lydia (Peck) Ferry born in Danbury about 1710, named as the fourth child of Solomon Ferry before second marriage; d. at Danbury, 1753- He m. Sarah (perhaps Bailey), and when he died intestate distribution of his estate was granted to his widow "Abigail," at the Orphans Court of 2nd December 1754- He was named in the administration papers of his father's estate. On the 7th of May 1753, Joseph Ferry was appointed guardian to Joshua and Ebenezer Ferry of Solomon Ferry, Jr., but by 8 July 1754. Joshua was old enough to choose Joseph Ferry as guardian. (Danbury Probate Book: 42, 46, x10, 400, 69) Children named in the distribution of the estate were .Joshua, Ebenezer, Benjamin and Eliphalet. Widow Abigail was appointed guardian to Solomon and Eliphalet.

	Children of Solomon and Abigail ( - - - - ) Ferry
				i.	Joshua, b. probably 1740 (not of age in, 1753 but was 14 years old, legal age for choosing guardian. He d. 1760 without a will; estate given to Solomon's children.
		41.		ii.	Ebenezer, b. probably 1741
		42.		iii.	Benjamin, b. probably 1743
				iv.	Solomon, b. ca 1749/50
		43.		v.	Eiiphalet, b. about June 1752, or Jan. 1753
			Source: Jacobus, The American Genealogist, V. 30, p. 31

4th Generation

18. JOHN FERRY (John^3-2Charles¹) oldest son of John and Mary (Terry) Ferry born at Springfield, 23 Oct.1749; m. 3 Oct.1775, Chloe, dau. William and Hannah (Long) Hancock; b. 22 Sept. 1757

	Children of John and Chloe (Hancock) Ferry
		44.		i.		John, b. 29 Feb. 1776
				ii.		Aaron, b. 29 Oct. 1777; bapt. 4 Jan. 1778; d. before 1780
				iii.		Nancy, bapt. 30 Apr. 178o
				iv.		Aaron, b. 29 Oct. 1780
		45.		v.		Azariah, b. 13 Mar, 1782
				vi.		Levi, b. 18 March 1784
				vii.		infant son, d. Jan. 1787 (1stChurch Rec.)
				viii.		Clarissa, b. 17 Oct. 1788
				ix.		infant son, d. Dec. 1790 (1st Ch. Rec.)
				x.		infant child, d. 20 Mar. 1792 (1st Ch. Rec,
			Source:--Warren, Springfield Families, p. 281
					VR, Springfield, Mass.

19. SOLOMON FERRY (John^3-2 Charles¹) son. of John and Mary (Terry) born at Springfield, 26 Sept. 1752 d. at Springfield, 8 Feb. 1835; ae 82 yrs; m. 11 July 1776; Rhoda, dau. Robert and Rhoda (Steel) Sanderson; b. 14 June 1757; d. 19 Oct. 1830 ae 73 yrs.

Solomon Ferre was a veteran of the Revolution; was a private in the company commanded by Capt. Gideon Burr of the Regt. commanded by - - - - ; service entered 1777; duration of service 6 months; res. Springfield, Mass.; certificate of Pension awarded the 10th day of April 1833. (National Archives Records Service, Washington, D. C.)

		Children of Solomon and Rhoda (Sanderson) Ferry
			i.	Rhoda, b. 29 Aug. 1777; m. 8 Oct. 1795, Orlan Wales
	46.		ii.	Solomon, b. 20 Apt. 1780
	47.		iii.	Daniel, b. 29 May 1782
			iv.	Lovisa, b. 12 Sept. 1784; m. int. 7 Dec. 18o5, Amassa S. Bigelow, both of Springfield.
	48.		v.	Stephen, b. 8 July 1785
	49.		vi.	Horace, b. 11 May 1790; bapt. Jan. 1792
			vii.	Orrey, bapt. Jan. 1792; m. Asahel Strong of Northampton
			viii.	Mary, bapt. Mercy, b. 19 Sept. 1792; d. 23 Feb. 1843; m. 11 June 1817, Horace Richardson, both of Springfield
			ix.	Edmund, b. 15 Feb. 1796

5th Generation

44. JOHN FERRE (John^4-3-2 Charles¹) son of John and Chloe (Hancock) Ferre, born at Springfield, 29 Feb. 1776; d. 12 Apr. 1834, aged 58 years, at Monson, Mass., buried in East Wilbraham Cem.; m. 29 May 1801, Polly Cross, both of Monson (Wilbraham VR)

					Children of John and Polly (Cross) Ferre, Ferrey
								i.		Clairicy, b. 25 May 1803: m. 28 Nov. 1823. Albert Palmer
								ii.		Polly, b. 21 Oct. 18o5
						98.		iii.		Hiram, b. 17June 1808
						99.		iv.		John, b. 5 Aug. 1815
								v.		Loise, b. 29 Sept. 1818
						100.		vi.		Ezra, b. 1822
						101.		vii.		Francis, b. 1826
							Source: Census Records, State House, Boston, Mass.
									Warren, Springfield Families, p. 281
									VR, Springfield, Wilbraham & Monson, Mass.

45. AZARIAH FERRY (John^4-3-2 Charles¹) son of John and Chloe (Hancock) Ferry, born at Springfield, Mass., 13 Mar. 1782; d. about 1820, Indiana; m. Hannah Northrop. at Lowville, N.Y.; born at Salisbury, Conn.: died about 1836

	Children of Azariah and Hannah (Northrop) Ferry
		102.		i.	Joseph, b. 1810
				ii.	Horace, born in Canada; went West
				iii.	a daughter died young
			Source: Family Records, Dexter M. Ferry, Grosse Pointe. Michigan

46. SOLOMON FERRY (Solomon⁴ John^3-2 Charles¹) son of Solomon and Rhoda (Sanderson) Ferry, born at Springfield, Mass. 20 Apt. 1780; d. 15 May 1835 (1st Ch. Rec.); m. int. 15 June 1805, married July 1805; Margaret, dau. of Nehemiah and Alice (Parsons) Rumrill of Longmeadow; b. 11 Apt. 1781; d. 19 Apr. or Aug. 1844

			Children of Solomon and Margaret (Rumrill) Ferry'
					i.		Louisa, b. 1807; m. 29 Oct. 1834, Levi, son of Roger and Mabel Deming; b. Wethersfield, Conn.; d. Feb. 1895, Springfield, Mass.; no children
					ii.		Daniel, d. 1 Oct. 1853 or 4, ae 40; engineer; killed on the railroad at Chester, Mass.; m. int. 12 Mar. 1836, Esther Hancock of Longmeadow
		Children of Daniel and Esther (Hancock) Ferry
					a.		Lucy E. b. 10 July 1847
					b.		Lewis E. b. 10 July 1847
				Source: VR, Springfield, Mass.
						First Church Records, Springfield
						Warren, Springfield Families, p. 283

47. DANIEL FERRY (Solomon⁴ John^3-2 Charles¹) son of Solomon and Rhoda (Sanderson) Ferry, born at Springfield, 29 May 1782; m. Elizabeth, dau. of Ephraim and Jemima (- - -) Chapin; b. about 1783. He changed the spelling of his name to Ferre; migrated to Sangerfield, N.Y. and then to the township of Bastard, District of Johnston, Ontario, Canada. Returning to the United States, the family joined the Mormon Church and finally settled in Provo, Utah, where both he and his wife are buried. The first two children and perhaps the third were born in Sangerfield, the others in Canada.

	Children of Daniel and Elizabeth (Chapin) Ferre
		103.		i.	Marshall, b. 24 Oct. 1806
		104.		ii.	Lodowick, b. 10 July 1808
				iii.	Elizabeth, b. abt. 1810; d. 1845; m. Reuben Houghton
				iv.	Charlotte, b. abt. 1812; d. abt. 1879; m. Cyrus Stratton
		105.		v.	Lucien, b. abt. 1814
				vi.	Mary Ann, b. abt. 1816; d. 1879; m. Truman Stoddard
		106.		vii.	Roswell Chapin, b. 5 Nov. 1818
				viii.	Jerome B., b. abt. 1820; m. Amelia Ann Dake
				ix.	Rhoda Briton, b. abt. 1822; m. Samuel Reid
				x.	Ephraim Rodrick, b. abt. 1824; d. 24 Apr. 1872
		107.		xi.	John Terrance, b. 23 Jan. 1826
			Source:--Josephine Ferre Snow--Family Records Rhea Ferre Bailey, Salt Lake City, Utah

 

48. STEPHEN FERRY (Solomon⁴ John^3-2 Charles¹) son of Solomon and Rhoda (Sanderson) Ferry, born at Springfield, 8 July 1786; d. 26 Aug. 1853; m. int. 5 Dec. 1829, Hannah, widow of Joseph Broad, dau. of Rufus and Anna Parsons; b. 19 Jan. 1787; d. 31 Mar. 186I aged 64 years, 2 months and 12 days (No record of a family has been found.)

Source: Warren, Springfield Families p. 283

 

THE MORMON PIONEERS

The following is an account of Roswell Chapin Ferre and his wife Rachel Catherine Hollister as related by their daughter Josephine Ferre Snow, who, as a child, had heard the incidents from her parents. It is a story of fortitude and faith which overcame various. forms of persecution and intolerance. Edited.

Roswell Chapin Ferre was the son of two old New England families who had settled in Springfield, Mass. His father Daniel had migrated to New York and then to Canada. In 1836 the family returned from Ontario and settled in western Illinois. It is not known when he joined the Mormon Church, but by 1850 he was in Kanesville, Iowa. Here on August 4th he married Rachel Catherine Hollister. Because of persecution they decided to join the Mormon trek to Utah. In 1852 they crossed the plains accompanied by their firstborn child, Alva Alonso, and Rachel's mother, Lovina Clearwater Hollister, (and their orphaned 8 year old nephew John Henry Houghton-added by WWH) as members of Captain Hancock's company.

In the summer of 1853 Roswell returned to the plains working as a blacksmith probably at one of the way stations set up by the Mormons to aid fellow travellers migrating to Utah.

Settling in Provo, Roswell took up land by the old Fort Utah near what is now Geneva Road and the Provo River. He owned about thirty acres which extended from Center Street north to the river bottoms. He built his house in Provo where the Berg mortuary now stands on East Center Street. Many of his descendants are located in the Provo area today. Being an industrious man, always busy, he aided in the establishment of a strong community. He built the first threshing machine in the valleys, aided the poor, and gave of his means to build the Tabernacle, meeting house, and school at Provo. His daughter writes that "he was a kind father, a good Latter Day Saint, honest and truthful; he taught his children that if they could not say anything good about a person, not to say anything at all." When the United States troops were sent to Utah he went to Echo Canyon as a guard where he remained for some time. Later he was a Captain in the Silver Grays of the Utah militia. He died December 8, 1885, at Provo, being 67 years of age.

Rachel Catherine Hollister was a descendant of Lieut. John Hollister who came to America about 1642 and settled in the Wethersfield Glastonbury area of Connecticut Rachel's great grandfather Timothy Hollister migrated from Connecticut to Wyoming Flats, Pennsylvania, in 1763. While Timothy and his two oldest sons were clearing land for a house they were surprised by a band of Indians who killed Timothy and one son and captured Isaac, the other son. After living with the Indians for fourteen years Isaac escaped and found his way to Albany, New York. He married Elizabeth Newcomb and settled in Marshletown, now Olive, Ulster Co., New York, where he raised a family of nine children. The youngest son John married Lovina Clearwater, of Dutch descent, and settled in Caroline Township, Tompkins Co., New York. Here Rachel was born on November 15, 1831.

The Hollister family were early adherents of the Mormon faith for Rachel was baptised soon after her birth. The family followed the Saints to Ohio, Illinois, Missouri and back to Illinois where John Hollister was to aid in building the city of Nauvoo. During these times of persecution John Hollister and his family were forced to hide in the fields and other places to escape from the wrath of the mob. He never lived to see the city of Nauvoo completed as he died of exposure in 1839'

Lovina Hollister and her family stayed in Nauvoo until the Mormons were expelled from Illinois, after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, when she went to Kanesville, Iowa. Here preparations were made for the long trip to the mountains and to get away from the mob. Here Rachel met and married Roswell Chapin Ferre.

In later life Rachel took much pleasure in relating her girlhood experiences; she had witnessed many acts of mob violence such as the Haun's Mill massacre and Shoals Creek where the Saints were subjected to cannon fire; she had hidden in the cornfields and woods for safety many times; she knew Joseph Smith personally and saw his body after his death.

In 1852 she crossed the plains to Utah with her husband, baby son, and mother. After settling in Provo, she witnessed the terrible grasshopper scourge of 1855, which left the fields bare and forced the people to live on rations. Rachel was an active member of the Morman Church and interested in community affairs. In later life she made her home with her daughter Josephine Ferre Snow, in Provo, where she died February 27, 1921, at the advanced age of 89 years.

**This material was reproduced by permission of the deceased author's son, Edward Ferry of Amherst, Mass.

Copyright 1978

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