Generation Six

243. Joseph6 Greenleaf (William5, Enoch4, Enoch3, Edmund2, John1)110,110,110 was born on 10 November 1720 in Massachusetts.110 He and Abigail Payne were married on 17 October 1749 in Massachusetts.110 He died on 28 October 1810 in Malden, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, at age 89.110 He was buried in Granary Burying Ground, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.110

He left a will on 15 September 1809.282

Joseph Greenleaf son of William and Mary (Shattuck), married Abigail Payne, the daughter of Rev. Thomas Payne, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, and who afterwards became a merchant in Boston. The wife of Mr. Payne was Eunice Treat, the daughter of Rev. Samuel Treat, of Cape Cod. He was the son of Governor Treat, of Connecticut. This Samuel Treat married Abigail Willard, the daughter of Rev. Samuel Willard of Groton, Massachusetts, and afterwards pastor of the Old South Church in Boston. Rev. Samuel Willard was son of Major Simon Willard, and was born at Concord, Massachusetts, 31 Jan. 1639/40. Hon. Robert Treat Payne was the son of Rev. Thomas Payne. He was graduated at Harvard College, 1749; was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, a distinguished lawyer, Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Judge of the Supreme Court, and a member of the Executive Council. The mother of the Rev. Thomas Payne was the daughter of Mr. Thatcher, from whose sister Judith, ' Point Judith,' a noted point on the south coast of Rhode Island, takes its name. The tradition is that in former times she with her father were on board a small vessel which got aground on that point and came near being wrecked. She rendered great service and the vessel was saved; in remembrance of this the crew called the point after her name.

The Rev. Thomas Payne was graduated from Harvard College, in 1717. The children of Rev. Thomas and Eunice (Treat) Payne were: Richard, Robert, Samuel, Emma, Abigail, born 6 March 1725, in Weymouth, Massachusetts; d. 15 Jan. 1809.

Mr. Joseph Greenleaf was a popular writer and an ardent patriot, and was the author of the Noble Resolves passed at a town meeting at Abington, 10 March 1770, which reflected great credit on him. (See Hobart's History of Abington.) He resided at Abington many years, near where the present Townhouse stands. In 1771 he moved to Boston, and frequently wrote for the Massachusetts Spy, printed by Isaiah Thomas. On 14 Nov. 1771 he wrote an article under the signature of Mucius Scaevola, which caused much excitement among the authorities. As they could obtain no satisfaction from Thomas, they summoned Greenleaf, 16 Nov. 1771, to appear before the Governor and Council. He refused to obey the summons, and was deprived of his Commission of Justice of the Peace, 10 Dec. 1771. In 1773 he opened a printing office in Hanover Street, where he printed several pamphlets and books. In August 1774, he published the Royal American Magazine. 22 Nov. 1772, he was on "a committee of twenty-one of correspondence, to state the rights of the Colonists, and of this Province in particular." 9 March 1773, one of a committee of five "to consider what is proper to be done to vindicate the town (Boston) from the gross misrepresentations and groundless charges in His Excellency's messages to both houses." 5 May 1773, 25 Sept. 1774, and 23 May 1776, one of a committee of five "to prepare instructions for our representatives in General Assembly." A draft of the latter instruction read on 30 May 1773, at a town meeting, contain these expressions: "The whole United Colonies are upon the verge of a glorious revolution." "Loyalty to him (the King) is now treason to our country." (See Boston Town Records.) It appears that on 3 Aug. 1779, and as late as 1796, he was again a Justice of the Peace at Boston, Massachusetts. By a resolve of the General Court, 13 Feb. 1776, a "Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety was chosen, of which Joseph Greenleaf was chairman." (New England Geneal. Hist. Reg., Vol. XXX. p.382.) His will is dated 15 Sept. 1809.283

Abigail Payne284,284,110 was born on 6 March 1725 in Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.110 She died on 15 January 1809 at age 83.110 She was graduated in Harvard College, Massachusetts.110

The seven known children of Joseph6 Greenleaf and Abigail Payne were as follows:

253. Oliver6 Greenleaf (William5, Enoch4, Enoch3, Edmund2, John1)218,218,218 was born say 1737 in Massachusetts.218 He and Dorcas Welch were married say 1760 in Massachusetts.218

The five known children of Oliver6 Greenleaf and Dorcas Welch were as follows:

254. Elizabeth6 Greenleaf (Enoch5, Joseph4, Enoch3, Edmund2, John1)26,26,26 was born circa 1716.5 She and Thomas Gerry were married say 1740.26 She died on 2 September 1771 in Massachusetts.26

Elizabeth Greenleaf married Thomas Gerry, an Englishman, shipmaster, who came to Marblehead, Massachusetts, in early life. Their son, Elbridge Gerry, born at Marblehead, July 1744, died 23 Nov. 1814, was Governor of Massachusetts, and Vice President of the United States. He was named for his mother's great uncle John Elbridge, Esq., Collector of the Customs at Bristol, England, who is said to have left an estate of one million pounds sterling, a generous share of which was bequeathed to some of his New England relatives. He was educated at Harvard University, the usual honors of which he received in 1762 and 1765, and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was one of the envoys extraordinary to the Republic of France, and was called in the course of his life to fill various other offices of honor and trust, and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His remains were interred at Washington, where he closed his days with the respect due to the high station he held.

Thomas Gerry was commander of a merchant ship for some years, but finally devoted himself to merchandise in Marblehead, where he settled when a young man. The children of Thomas and Elizabeth (Greenleaf) Gerry were Thomas, a merchant, John, Elbridge, Elizabeth, the first wife of Burrill Devereaux, Samuel Russell, who was collector of the port of Marblehead.

Thomas Gerry.26 He was an Englishman, shipmaster, who came to Marblehead, Massachusetts in 1730 from Newton, England. He established himself as a merchant.

The five known children of Elizabeth6 Greenleaf and Thomas Gerry were as follows:

Elbridge Gerry

He was graduated in 1762 in Harvard, Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; A.M.26 He was educated in 1810; LL. D.26

Elbridge Gerry, born at Marblehead, July 1744, died 23 Nov. 1814, was Governor of Massachusetts, and Vice President of the United States. He was named for his mother's great uncle John Elbridge, Esq., Collector of the Customs at Bristol, England, who is said to have left an estate of one million pounds sterling, a generous share of which was bequeathed to some of his New England relatives. He was educated at Harvard University, the usual honors of which he received in 1762 and 1765, and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was one of the envoys extraordinary to the Republic of France, and was called in the course of his life to fill various other offices of honor and trust, and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His remains were interred at Washington, where he closed his days with the respect due to the high station he held.

Graduated from Harvard, A.M., 1762; LL.D., 1810; Fellow American Acad.; Governor of Massachusetts; delegate to Continental Congress, delegate to Constitution Convention, U.S.; M.C.; Vice President U.S.; U.S. Envoy to France.

GERRY, Elbridge, signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Marblehead, Mass., July 17, 1744; son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Greenleaf) Gerry. His father was a native of Newton-Abbot, England, and emigrated to America in 1730, settling at Marblehead. Massachusetts, where the became a very prosperous merchant. Elbridge graduated at Harvard in 1762, and in his master's oration in 1765 he opposed the stamp-act and other revenue measures adopted by the mother country, that had proved oppressive to the colonists. He engaged in commercial pursuits, amassed a fortune, and represented Marblehead in the general court almost continuously, 1773-1814. He was appointed in 1773 with Hancock and Orne on the committee of correspondence that proved so efficacious in informing the distant colonists of governmental acts of oppression to the people. He supported Samuel Adams and was a delegate to the provincial congress that met annually at Cambridge and Watertown; and was on a committee to collect ammunition and supplies for the militia. He drew the hill adopted in 1775 which established an admiralty court for the protection of privateers and the distribution of prize money, a movement that led to the establishment of a national navy. He was a delegate to the continental congress, 1776-80, and 1783-85. He was on the committee to provide supplies for the army and on the standing committee on the treasury. He was one of the first to advocate a Declaration of Independence, seconded the motion for its adoption, and signed the document. With Morris and Jones he was sent by congress in 1778 to visit General Washington at his headquarters on the Schuylkill to determine the cause for delay in prosecuting a vigorous campaign, and their report was made a pretext for questioning the military ability of the commander-in-chief. This was no doubt encouraged by the extensively circulated "Conway cabal," and brought upon the New England delegates charges of complicity in a determined effort to supplant Washington by the promotion of General Gates. In 1779 when peace negotiations were opened, he insisted on the protection of the fishing rights of the colonies. As chairman of the treasury committee he investigated the accounts of Gert. Benedict Arnold in 1780, and thus gained the displeasure of that officer. He vacated his seat in congress in February, 1780, upon the ground that the sovereignty of Massachusetts had been violated by congress in refusing to order the ayes and nays on a question of order presented by him. In this he was sustained by the Massachusetts legislature, which formally protested against the action of congress. The general court returned him as a delegate in 1783. In the meantime he had been elected to both houses of the state legislature, but declined the senatorial honor, giving his services in the representative chamber. He was a member of the committee to arrange a treaty of peace with Great Britain. He opposed the organization of the Society of the Cincinnati as unrepublican. In 1783 he was the chairman of two committees to examine sites for a Federal capitol. Upon the expiration of his term in congress in September, 1785, he took his seat in the popular branch of the Massachusetts legislature. He was elected a delegate to the Federal constitutional convention of 1789, held in New York, and in that body directed his influence to prevent the incorporation of any monarchical features in the instrument, and when the constitution as adopted was presented, he joined Randolph and Mason in refusing assent to the instrument, upon the ground that it gave the President too much power. Upon his return to Massachusetts, he was refused an election to the state constitutional convention, but was invited to attend its sessions for the purpose of answering questions of fact in regard to the constitution, but when reminded of the limitations of his position, he withdrew. He was elected by the Republican party a representative in the 1st and 2nd U.S. congresses, serving, 1789-93. President Adams appointed him with Marshall and Pinckney envoy to France to secure indemnity for French depredations on United States commerce. The conduct of Talleyrand toward the commissioners disgusted Marshall and Pinckney and they returned home. Gerry remained, hoping to prevent a war with France, but his efforts for peace were unsuccessful and the government recalled him. The Republicans of Massachusetts nominated him for governor, but in the election he was defeated by Caleb Strong by a small majority. He was elected, however, in 1810 and again in 1811. His dismissal of all the incumbents in the civil offices and appointment of Republicans, together with the redistricting the state in the interests of his party the origin of the word "Gerrymander," as applied to political actions lost to him the control of the state government which with the next U.S. congress passed over to the Federalist party. In 1812 his party made him their nominee for Vice-President, and he was elected on the ticket with James Madison for President. He presided over the deliberations of the senate during the first, second and part of the third session of the 13th congress, up to the time of his death. He married Ann, daughter of Charles Thompson, clerk of the Continental congress, and she with six daughters and three sons survived him. He was a fellow of the American academy of sciences and received the honorary degree of LL.D. from Harvard in 1810. He died in Washington, D.C., Nov. 23, 1814, and was buried in the congressional burial ground where the government erected a monument to his memory.286

Elbridge Gerry was born at Marblehead, in the state of Massachusetts, on the seventeenth day of July, 1744. His father was a native of Newton, of respectable parentage and connections. He emigrated to America in 1730, soon after which, he established himself as a merchant in Marblehead, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1774. He was much esteemed and respected, as a man of judgment and discretion.

Of the early habits or manners of young Elbridge, little is known. He became a member of Harvard College before he had completed his fourteenth year; and of course was too young at the university to acquire any decided character.

Mr. Gerry was originally destined to the profession of medicine, to which his own inclination strongly attached him. But soon after leaving college, he engaged in commercial affairs under the direction of his father, and for some years followed the routine of mercantile business in his native town. Great success attended his commercial enterprise and within a few years, he found himself in the enjoyment of a competent fortune.

It is natural to suppose that the superior education of Mr. Gerry, added to the respectable character he sustained, as a man of probity and judgment, gave him influence over the people among whom he resided. In May, 1772, the people of Marblehead manifested their respect and confidence by sending him a representative to the general court of the province of Massachusetts. In May of the following year, Mr. Gerry was re-elected to the same office. During the session of the general court that year, Mr. Samuel Adams introduced his celebrated motion for the appointment of a standing committee of correspondence and inquiry.

In accordance with this motion, committees of correspondence were appointed throughout the province, by means of which intelligence was as freely circulated abroad, and a Spirit of patriotism was infused through all parts of the country. Though one of the youngest members, Mr. Gerry was appointed by the House of Representatives, a member of this committee; in all the proceedings of which, he took an active and prominent part.

In the month of June, the celebrated letters of Governor Hutchinson to persons in England, were laid before the house by Mr. Adams. The object of these letters, as noticed in a preceding page, was to encourage the British administration in maintaining their arbitrary measures. In the debates which ensued on the disclosure of these letters, Mr. Gerry distinguished himself, and was indefatigably engaged through the year, in forwarding the resolute measures, which combined to overthrow the royal government of the province. He was also particularly active in the scenes which marked the year 1774. He united in the opposition to the importation of tea, and to the Boston port bill; and heartily concurred in the establishment of a system of non-intercourse with the parent country.

In the month of August, Governor Gage issued his precepts to the several towns, to choose representatives to meet at Salem, the first week in October. Before the arrival of that day, the governor had countermanded their meeting. Notwithstanding this prohibition, delegates assembled at Salem on the seventh of October. There having formed themselves into a provincial congress, they adjourned to Concord, and proceeded to business. Of this congress Mr. Gerry was an active and efficient member.

On the organization of the assembly, a committee was appointed to consider the state of the province. Fourteen of the most distinguished members of the congress, among whom was Mr. Gerry, composed this committee. They published a bold and energetic appeal, which, in the form of an address to Governor Gage, was calculated to justify the authority they had assumed, to awaken their constituents to a sense of the dangers they feared, and the injuries they had sustained.

They next appointed a committee of safety, and adopted measures to obtain a supply of arms and ammunition; of which the province was lamentably deficient. they re-organized the militia, appointed general officers, and took such other measures as the approaching crisis seemed to render necessary.

In February, 1775, a new provincial congress, of which Mr. Gerry was a member, assembled in Cambridge. This congress, like the former one, published an appeal to the Peoples designed to excite and regulate that patriotic spirit, which a the emergency required. A general apprehension prevailed, that a pacific termination of the existing troubles was not to be expected. They avowed their abhorrence of actual hostilities, but still maintained their right to arm in defense of their country, and to prepare themselves to resist with the sword.

In the spring of 1775, the prospect of open war every day increased. A strong apprehension prevailed, that an attempt would be made by the royal governor to destroy such military stores as had been collected, particularly at Concord and Worcester. The committee of safety, in their solicitude on this subject, stationed a watch at each of these places, to give an alarm to the surrounding country should such an attempt be made.

A short period only elapsed, before the apprehensions of the people proved not to be without foundation. The expedition to Concord, and the bloody scenes which occurred both there and at Lexington, ushered in the long expected contest. "Among the objects of this expedition," observes Mr. Austin, in his life of Mr. Gerry, "one was to seize the persons of some of the influential members of Congress, and to hold them as hostages for the moderation of their colleagues, or send them to England for trial as traitors, and thus strike dismay and terror into the minds of their associates and friends.

A committee of Congress, among whom were Mr. Gerry, Colonel Orne, and Colonel Hancock, had been in session on the day preceding the march of the troops, in the village of Menotomy, then part of the township of Cambridge, on the road to Lexington. The latter gentleman after the session was over, had gone to Lexington. Mr. Gerry and Mr. Orne remained at the village, the other members of the committee had dispersed.

"Some officers of the royal army had been sent out in advance, who passed through the villages just before dusk, in the afternoon of the 18th of April, and although the appearance of similar detachments was not uncommon, these so far attracted the attention of Mr. Gerry, that he dispatched an express to Colonel Hancock. who, with Samuel Adams, was at Lexington. The messenger passed the officers, by taking a by-path, and delivered his letter. The idea of personal danger does not seem to have made any strong impression on either of these gentlemen. Mr. Hancock's answer to Mr. Gerry bears marks of the haste with which it was written, while it discovers that habitual politeness on the part of the writer, which neither haste or danger could impair.

Lexington, April 18th, 1775.

I am much obliged for your notice. It is said the officers are gone to Concord, and I will send word thither. I am full with you, that we ought to be serious, and I hope your decision will be effectual. I intend doing myself the pleasure of being with you to-morrow. My respects to the committee.

I am your real friend,

JOHN HANCOCK.

Mr. Gerry and Colonel Orne retired to rest, without taking the least precaution against personal exposure, and they remained quietly in their beds, until the British advance were within view of the dwelling house. It was a fine moon-light night, and they quietly marked the glittering of its beams, on the polished arms of the soldiers, as the troops moved with the silence and regularity of accomplished discipline. The front passed on. When the centre were opposite to the house, occupied by the committee, an officer and file of men were detached by signal, and marched towards it. It was not until this moment they entertained any apprehension of danger. While the officer was posting his files, the gentlemen found means, by their better knowledge of the premises, to escape, half dressed as they were, into- an adjoining cornfield, where they remained concealed for more than an hour, until the troops were withdrawn. Every apartment of the house was searched 'for the members of the rebel congress;' even the beds in which they had lain were examined. But their property, and among other things, a valuable watch of Mr. Gerry's, which was under his pillows was not disturbed.''

A few days after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the Provincial Congress re-assembled. It was now apparent that the controversy must be decided by force of arms. At this time, it was found that almost every article of a military kind was yet to be procured. The province possessed no magazines of arms, and had little ammunition. No contracts for provision or clothing had yet been made. To meet these exigencies, a committee, at the head of which was Mr. Gerry, was immediately appointed, and clothed with the proper power. The article most needed was that of gun-powder, to procure which, Mr. Gerry was specially commissioned by the committee. In the discharge of this duty, he wrote many letters to gentlemen in different party of the country, from whom he received others in reply. One of these will be found in the life of Robert Treat Paine, in a preceding page. Mr. Gerry did more: in many cases he hesitated not to advance his own funds, where immediate payment was required. In the progress of the war, the evidence of these payments was lost, or mislaid, and their final settlement was attended with heavy pecuniary loss.

On the 17th day of June, was fought the celebrated battle of Bunker Hill. The Provincial Congress was at that time in session, at Watertown. Before the battle, Dr. Joseph Warren, president of the Congress, who was the companion and room mate of Mr. Gerry, communicated to the latter his intention of mingling in the expected contest . The night preceding the doctor's departure for Bunker Hill, he lodged, it is said, in the same bed with Mr. Gerry. In the morning, in reply to the admonitions of his friend, as he was about to leave him, he uttered the well known words, "Dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori." [It is sweet and glorious to lay down life for one's country]

Mr. Gerry, on that day, attended the Provincial Congress. His brave friend, as is well known, followed where his duty called him, to the memorable "heights of Bunker," where he fell fighting for the cause of liberty and his country.

At an early period in 1775, Mr. Gerry submitted a proposal in the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts, for a law to encourage the fitting out of armed vessels, and to provide for t adjudication of prizes. This was a step of no small importance. To grant letters of marque and of reprisal, is the prerogative of the sovereign. For a colony to authorize such an act, was rebellious, if not treasonable. The proposal was sustained, though not without opposition. Mr. Gerry was chairman of the committee appointed to prepare the act to authorize privateering, and to establish admiralty courts. Governor Sullivan was another member of it; and on these two gentlemen devolved the task of drawing the act, which they executed in a small room under the belfry of the Watertown meeting house, in which the Provincial Congress was holding its session. This law, John Adams pronounced one of the most important measures of the Revolution. Under the sanction of it, the Massachusetts cruisers captured many of the enemy's vessels, the cargoes of which furnished various articles of necessity to the colonies.

Of the court of admiralty, established in pursuance of the law proposed by Mr. Gerry, that gentleman himself was appointed a judge, for the counties of Suffolk, Middlesex, and Essex. This honor, however, he declined, from a determination to devote himself to more active duties.

To such duties, he was not long after called, by the suffrages of his fellow citizens, who elected him a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress, in which body he took his seat, on the 9th of February, 1776. For this distinguished station he was eminently fitted; and of this body he continued a member with few intervals, until September, 1785. Our limits preclude a minute notice of the various duties which he there discharged on various occasions he was appointed to serve on committees, whose business required great labor, and whose results involved the highest interests of the country. He assisted in arranging the plan of a general hospital, and of introducing a better discipline into the army; and regulating the commissary's departments. In several instances, he was appointed, with others, to visit the army, to examine the state of the money and finances of the country, and to expedite the settlement of public accounts. In the exercise of his various official functions, no man exhibited more fidelity, or a more unwearied zeal. He sustained the character of an active and resolute statesman, and retired from the councils of the confederacy, with all the honors which patriotism, integrity, and talents, could acquire in the service of the state. Before leaving New-York, he married a respectable lady, who had been educated in Europe, with whom he now returned to Massachusetts, and fixed his residence at Cambridge, a few miles from Boston.

From the quiet of retirement, Mr. Gerry was again summoned in 1787, by his native state, as one of its representatives to a convention, called for the "sole and express purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to congress, and to the several legislatures, such alterations and provisions as shall render the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of government, and the preservation of the union."

On the meeting of this convention, little difference of opinion prevailed, as to the great principles which should form the basis of the constitution; but on reducing these principles to a system, perfect harmony did exist. To Mr. Gerry, as well as others, there appeared strong objections to the constitution, and he declined affixing his signature to the instrument. These objections he immediately set forth, in a letter addressed to his constituents, in which he observes:

My principal objections to the plan are, that there is no adequate provision for a representation of the people; that they have no security for the right of election; that some of the powers of the legislature are ambiguous, and others indefinite and dangerous; that the executive is blended with, and will have an undue influence over, the legislature; that the judicial department will be oppressive; that treaties of the highest importance may be formed by the president, with the advice of two thirds of a quorum of the senate; and that the system is without the security of a bill of rights. These are objections which are not local, but apply equally to all the states.

"As the convention was called for 'the sole and express purpose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to congress and to the several legislatures, such alterations and provisions as shall render the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of government, and the preservation of the union,' I did not conceive that these powers extended to the formation of the plan proposed; but the convention being of a different opinion, I acquiesced in it; being fully convinced, that to preserve the union, an efficient government was indispensably necessary; and that it would be difficult to make proper amendments to the articles of confederation."

"The constitution proposed has few, if any, federal features, but is rather a system of national government; nevertheless, in many respects I think it has great merit, and, by proper amendments, may be adapted to 'the exigencies of government,' and the preservation of liberty."

When the constitution was submitted to the state convention of Massachusetts, of three hundred and sixty members of which that body consisted, a majority of nineteen only were in favor of its ratification. Although so many coincided with Mr. Gerry in his views of the constitution, he was highly censured by its advocates, who, under the excitement of party feelings, imputed to him motives by which he, probably, was not actuated.

Under the new constitution, Mr. Gerry was chosen by the inhabitants of the district in which he resided them representative to congress. In this station he served his constituents for four years; and, although he had formerly opposed the adoption of the constitution, he now cheerfully united in carrying it into effect, since it had received the sanction of his country. Indeed, he took occasion on the floor of congress, not long after taking his seat in that body, to declare, "that the federal constitution having become the supreme law of the land, he conceived the salvation of the country depended on its being carried into effect."

At the expiration of the above period, although again proposed as a delegate to Congress, he declined a re-election, and again retired to his family at Cambridge.

John Adams

Independence National Historical Park

On the fourth of March, 1797, Mr. Adams, who had previously been elected to succeed General Washington in the presidency, entered upon that office. France had already commenced her aggressions on the rights and commerce of the United States, and General Pinckney had been dispatched to that country, to adjust existing differences.

Immediately upon succeeding to the presidency, Mr. Adams received intelligence that the French republic had announced to General Pinckney its determination "not to receive another minister from the United States, until after the redress of grievances."

In this state of things, the president convened congress by proclamation, on the fifteenth of June. Although keenly sensible of the indignity offered to the country by the French government, Mr. Adams, in his speech to Congress, informed that body, "that as he believed neither the honor, nor the interests of the United States, absolutely forbade the repetition of advances for securing peace and friendship with France, he should institute a fresh attempt at negociation[sic]."

Upon his recommendation, therefore, three envoys extraordinary, Mr. Gerry, General Pinckney, and Mr. Marshall, were dispatched to carry into effect the pacific dispositions of the United States. On their arrival at Paris, the French directory, under various pretexts, delayed to acknowledge them in their official capacity. In the mean time, the tools of that government addressed them, demanding, in explicit terms, a large sum of money, as the condition of any negotiation. This being refused, an attempt was next made to excite their fears for themselves, and their country. In the spring of 1798, two of the envoys, Messrs. Pinckney and Marshall, were ordered to quit the territories of France, while Mr. Gerry was invited to remain, and resume the negotiation which had been suspended.

Although Mr. Gerry accepted the invitation to remain, yet he uniformly and resolutely refused to resume the negotiation. His object in remaining in France was to prevent an immediate rupture with that country, which, it was apprehended, would result from his departure. Although he was censured, at the time, for the course he took, his continuance seems to have resulted in the good of his country. "He finally saved the peace of the nation," said the late President Adams, "for he alone discovered and furnished the evidence that X. Y. and Z. were employed by Talleyrand; and he alone brought home the direct, formal, and official assurances upon which the subsequent commission proceeded, and peace was made"

On his return to America, in October, 1798, Mr. Gerry was solicited, by the republican party in Massachusetts, to become their candidate for the office of governor. At that period much excitement prevailed on the subject of politics throughout the country. Although at first unsuccessful, his party, in 1805, for the first time, obtained the governor of their choice. In the following year, Mr. Gerry retired. But in 1810, he was again chosen chief magistrate of that commonwealth, in which office he was continued for the two following years. In 1812, he was recommended to the people of the United States, by the republican members of Congress, to fill the office of vice president. To a letter addressed to him, by a committee announcing his nominations he replied, "The question respecting the acceptance, or non-acceptance of this proposition, involved many considerations of great weight, in my mind; as they related to the nation, to this state, and to my domestic concerns. But it is neither expedient or necessary to state the points, since one was paramount to the rest, that 'in a republic, the service of each citizen is due to the state, even in profound peace, and much more so when the nation stands on the threshold of war.' I have the honor frankly to acknowledge this distinguished testimony of confidence, on the part of my congressional friends and fellow citizens, gratefully to accept their proffer, and freely to assure them of every exertion in my power, for meriting in office, the approbation of themselves and of the public."

The nomination of Mr. Gerry, thus made, was followed by his election, and on the fourth of March, 1813, he was inaugurated vice president of the United States. Providence, however, had not destined him to the long enjoyment of the dignified station which he now held. While attending to his duties, at Washington, he was suddenly summoned from the scene of his earthly labors. A beautiful monument, erected at the national expense, covers his remains and records the date and circumstances of his death.

THE TOMB OF

ELBRIDGE GERRY,

Vice President of the United States,

died suddenly, in this city, on his way to the

Capitol as President of the Senate;

November 23rd, 1814

Aged 70.287

Gerry was born in 1744 at Marblehead, Massachusetts, the third of 12 children. His mother was the daughter of a Boston merchant; his father, a wealthy and politically active merchant-shipper who had once been a sea captain. Upon graduating from Harvard in 1762, Gerry joined his father and two brothers in the family business, exporting dried codfish to Barbados and Spain. He entered the colonial legislature (1772-74), where he came under the influence of Samuel Adams, and took part in the Marblehead and Massachusetts committees of correspondence. When Parliament closed Boston harbor in June 1774, Marblehead became a major port of entry for supplies donated by patriots throughout the colonies to relieve Bostonians, and Gerry helped transport the goods.

Between 1774 and 1776 Gerry attended the first and second provincial congresses. He served with Samuel Adams and John Hancock on the council of safety and, as chairman of the committee of supply (a job for which his merchant background ideally suited him) wherein he raised troops and dealt with military logistics. On the night of April 18, 1775, Gerry attended a meeting of the council of safety at an inn in Menotomy (Arlington), between Cambridge and Lexington, and barely escaped the British troops marching on Lexington and Concord.

In 1776 Gerry entered the Continental Congress, where his congressional specialties were military and financial matters. In Congress and throughout his career his actions often appeared contradictory. He earned the nickname "soldiers' friend" for his advocacy of better pay and equipment, yet he vacillated on the issue of pensions. Despite his disapproval of standing armies, he recommended long-term enlistment's.

Until 1779 Gerry sat on and sometimes presided over the congressional board that regulated Continental finances. After a quarrel over the price schedule for suppliers, Gerry, himself a supplier, walked out of Congress. Although nominally a member, he did not reappear for 3 years. During the interim, he engaged in trade and privateering and served in the lower house of the Massachusetts legislature.

As a representative in Congress in the years 1783-85, Gerry numbered among those who had possessed talent as Revolutionary agitators and wartime leaders but who could not effectually cope with the painstaking task of stabilizing the national government. He was experienced and conscientious but created many enemies with his lack of humor, suspicion of the motives of others, and obsessive fear of political and military tyranny. In 1786, the year after leaving Congress, he retired from business, married Ann Thompson, and took a seat in the state legislature.

Gerry was one of the most vocal delegates at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He presided as chairman of the committee that produced the Great Compromise but disliked the compromise itself. He antagonized nearly everyone by his inconsistency and, according to a colleague, "objected to everything he did not propose." At first an advocate of a strong central government, Gerry ultimately rejected and refused to sign the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights and because he deemed it a threat to republicanism. He led the drive against ratification in Massachusetts and denounced the document as "full of vices." Among the vices, he listed inadequate representation of the people, dangerously ambiguous legislative powers, the blending of the executive and the legislative, and the danger of an oppressive judiciary. Gerry did see some merit in the Constitution, though, and believed that its flaws could be remedied through amendments. In 1789, after he announced his intention to support the Constitution, he was elected to the First Congress where, to the chagrin of the Antifederalists, he championed Federalist policies.

Gerry left Congress for the last time in 1793 and retired for 4 years. During this period he came to mistrust the aims of the Federalists, particularly their attempts to nurture an alliance with Britain, and sided with the pro-French Democratic-Republicans. In 1797 President John Adams appointed him as the only non-Federalist member of a three-man commission charged with negotiating a reconciliation with France, which was on the brink of war with the United States. During the ensuing XYZ affair (1797-98), Gerry tarnished his reputation. Talleyrand, the French foreign minister, led him to believe that his presence in France would prevent war, and Gerry lingered on long after the departure of John Marshall and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the two other commissioners. Finally, the embarrassed Adams recalled him, and Gerry met severe censure from the Federalists upon his return.

In 1800-1803 Gerry, never very popular among the Massachusetts electorate because of his aristocratic haughtiness, met defeat in four bids for the Massachusetts governorship but finally triumphed in 1810. Near the end of his two terms, scarred by partisan controversy, the Democratic-Republicans passed a redistricting measure to ensure their domination of the state senate. In response, the Federalists heaped ridicule on Gerry and coined the pun "gerrymander" to describe the salamander-like shape of one of the redistricted areas.

Despite his advanced age, frail health, and the threat of poverty brought on by neglect of personal affairs, Gerry served as James Madison's Vice President in 1813. In the fall of 1814, the 70-year old politician collapsed on his way to the Senate and died. He left his wife, who was to live until 1849, the last surviving widow of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as well as three sons and four daughters. Gerry is buried in Congressional Cemetery at Washington, DC.

Text copied from National Archives and Records Administration The Founding Fathers' Page

for The American Revolution - an .HTML project. ( 02/15/1999 07:12:36 )

© 1997. All rights reserved. Department of Humanities Computing.285

Samuel Russell Gerry.26,26,26 Collector of the Port of Marblehead, Massachusetts.26

257. William6 Browne (Richard5, Richard4, Elizabeth3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1).37,37

Known children of William6 Browne include:

258. Mary6 Hale (Joseph5, Sarah4Somerby, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)211,211,211 and Edmund Greenleaf were married on 4 May 1725 in Massachusetts.211

Edmund Greenleaf199,199,199 was born on 10 February 1701/2 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.279,199

The two known children of Mary6 Hale and Edmund Greenleaf both born in Massachusetts were as follows:

260. Mercy6 Clarke (Henry5, Elizabeth4Somerby, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)50,50,223 was born on 26 December 1714 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.50,226 She and Jonathan Longfellow of Deerfield, New Hampshire were married on 28 October 1731.50

The only known child of Mercy6 Clarke and Jonathan Longfellow of Deerfield, New Hampshire was:

272. Jeremiah6 Gove (Judith5Sanborn, Judith4Coffin, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)128,129,129 was born on 20 March 1694/95 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.128 He and Sarah Cram were married on 13 February 1724/25.128 He died on 19 June 1761 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, at age 66.128

Sarah Cram128 was born in 1697 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.128

The two known children of Jeremiah6 Gove and Sarah Cram were as follows:

273. Edward6 Gove (Judith5Sanborn, Judith4Coffin, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)128,129,129 was born on 29 May 1696 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham County, New Hampshire.128 He and Bothia [_____] were married say 1716.128 He and Mary Moulton were married on 18 June 1728.128 He died on 10 July 1765 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, at age 69.128

There were no known children of Edward6 Gove and Bothia [_____].

Mary Moulton128 was born on 16 December 1706.128 She died on 20 October 1793 at age 86.128

The 10 known children of Edward6 Gove and Mary Moulton were as follows:

285. Sarah6 Little (Daniel5, Mary4Coffin, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1) was born on 11 November 1717 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. She and William Ayer were married say 1740. She died on 11 December 1807 at age 90.

William Ayer288,288,288 was born on 18 June 1716 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts.288 He died on 24 August 1766 at age 50.

The only known child of Sarah6 Little and William Ayer was:

288. William6 Coffin (Daniel5, James4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)160,160,160 was born on 15 May 1730 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.160,244 He and Susanna Wheeler were married on 14 December 1749 in Massachusetts.289 He died on 6 March 1795 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 64.56

Susanna Wheeler289 died on 30 August 1801.289

The 10 known children of William6 Coffin and Susanna Wheeler all born in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, were as follows:

294. Dorothy6 Carr (Lydia5Coffin, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1) was born on 8 September 1716 in Salisbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. She and Nathan Merrill were married on 22 November 1731 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. She and Jacob Mirick were married on 23 June 1763 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. She died circa 1793 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.

Nathan Merrill was born on 1 May 1706 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.290 He died on 22 November 1745 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 39.

The six known children of Dorothy6 Carr and Nathan Merrill were as follows:

There were no known children of Dorothy6 Carr and Jacob Mirick.

295. Sarah6 Greenleaf (Judith5Coffin, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)178,178,178 was born on 5 March 1720/21 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.236,178 She and Joseph Whittier were married on 12 July 1739 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts.291,292 She died on 17 March 1807 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 86.236

Joseph Whittier236,293,293 was born on 31 March 1716 in Essex County, Massachusetts.291 He was born on 21 March 1717 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts.293 He died on 10 October 1796 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 79.236

The 11 known children of Sarah6 Greenleaf and Joseph Whittier were as follows:

309. Stephen6 Coffin III (Stephen5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1) was born on 30 August 1730 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.41,149 He and Sarah Knight were married on 30 January 1751/52 in Essex County, Massachusetts.41 He died on 26 May 1823 in Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 92.41

Sarah Knight died on 20 January 1823 in Essex County, Massachusetts.41 They had five children.41

The only known child of Stephen6 Coffin III and Sarah Knight was:

316. Stephen6 Coffin (Daniell5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)149,149,149 was born on 6 August 1729 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.149 He and Sarah Holt were married in Massachusetts.240

Moved to Alfred, Maine.294

Sarah Holt.240 She was from Pembroke, New Hampshire.294

The seven known children of Stephen6 Coffin and Sarah Holt were as follows:

317. Simeon6 Coffin (Daniell5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)149,149,149 was born on 17 October 1731 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.149 He and Eleanor Huse were married say 1755 in Massachusetts.240 He died on 31 December 1786 in Alfred, York County, Maine, at age 55.240,294

Eleanor Huse240 died on 10 July 1813 in Alfred, York County, Maine.294

The 11 known children of Simeon6 Coffin and Eleanor Huse were as follows:

319. Daniel6 Coffin (Daniell5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)58,58,58 was born on 17 August 1737 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.58 He and Mehitable Harmon were married.294

The seven known children of Daniel6 Coffin and Mehitable Harmon were as follows:

327. Phebe6 Coffin (Abner5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1) was born in July 1734. She and Moses Merrill were married on 7 April 1756 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.

Moses Merrill was born on 9 June 1737 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. He and Susannah Grant were married on 25 November 1769. He died before 1795.

The 10 known children of Phebe6 Coffin and Moses Merrill were as follows:

337. Tristram6 Coffin (Joseph5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1) was born on 5 September 1733 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.59,149 He and Ann Davis were married on 12 December 1757 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts. He died on 30 September 1806 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 73.59

Ann Davis was born on 20 October 1739 in Amesbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.59 She died on 28 March 1823 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 83.59

The only known child of Tristram6 Coffin and Ann Davis was:

340. Abel6 Coffin (Joseph5, Steven4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1) was born on 30 September 1741 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.59,158 He and Anna Brown were married on 2 September 1765 in Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts.121

The two known children of Abel6 Coffin and Anna Brown both born in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, were as follows:

360. Peter6 Coffin (John5, Nathaniel4, Judith3Greenleaf, Edmund2, John1)159,159,159 was born on 11 May 1722 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.5,159 He and Rebecca Hazelton were married on 6 July 1769.

He was also known as Captain Peter Coffin.

Rebecca Hazelton died on 15 December 1789. She was also known as Rebecca Haseltine.

The two known children of Peter6 Coffin and Rebecca Hazelton were as follows:

383. Dr. Daniel6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)211,254,254 was born on 7 November 1702 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.211,6 He and Silence Nichols were married on 18 July 1726 in Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.296,297,64 He and Dorothy "Dolly" Wilder filed marriage intention on 22 October 1762 in Massachusetts.254 He and Dorothy "Dolly" Wilder were married on 18 November 1762 in Massachusetts.254,64,66 He died on 18 July 1795 in Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 92.254,64,1

He immigrated circa 1732 to Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts.254

Dr. Daniel Greenleaf for a number of years a practicing physician at Hingham, Massachusetts, and removed with his family to Boston in 1732.274

Silence Nichols254,254,254,64 was born on 4 July 1702 in Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.254,64 She and David Marsh were married.6 She died on 13 May 1762 in Bolton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 59.254

The 10 known children of Dr. Daniel6 Greenleaf and Silence Nichols were as follows:

Dorothy "Dolly" Wilder66 and Josiah Richardson were married.254

There were no known children of Dr. Daniel6 Greenleaf and Dorothy "Dolly" Wilder.

384. Stephen6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)178,178,178 was born on 4 October 1704 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.5,178 He and Mary Gould were married on 5 August 1731.254 He died on 26 January 1795 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, at age 90.254

Hon. Stephen Greenleaf was graduated at Harvard College in 1723, and received the degree of A.M. from that college, and in 1750 he received the honorary degree of A.M. from Yale College. On leaving Harvard he went into a store in Boston as a clerk. At an early age he commenced business on his own account, which he followed successfully for about forty years, and was then largely engaged as an underwriter, there being no public insurance offices in the country at that time. His house was in what is now Tremont Street, fronting the common, near where the Masonic Temple stood for many years at the corner of Tremont Street and Temple Place, and his garden extended to West Street. At the time of the American Revolution he was holding the office of Sheriff of the County of Suffolk, under the King. The county then comprehended what are now Suffolk and Norfolk Counties, together with Hingham and Hull in the present county of Plymouth.

After Lexington battle, Boston was closely shut up, and Mr. Sheriff Stephen Greenleaf, being a Tory, remained there with the British troops, exercising his office only within the lines. The British evacuated Boston in March 1776, and a new Legislature was chosen in May following.

Stephen Greenleaf was a protester against the Whigs in 1774, and one of the ninety-seven gentlemen and principal inhabitants of the capital who addressed General Gage on his departure, in 1775. He was reported by the Committee of Correspondence as "inimical to the Rights and Privileges of the United States of America," and a request was made for his arrest. His arrest was ordered by the Council of Massachusetts, April 1776.

After the Declaration of Independence was declared he resigned his office, and keeping himself quiet, lived unmolested in Boston till his death, which took place in January 1795, at the age of 91.299

Mary Gould254 was born on 20 August 1706 in Massachusetts.254

The seven known children of Stephen6 Greenleaf and Mary Gould all born in Massachusetts were as follows:

Died young.298

Died in infancy.298

Daughter of Hon. Stephen and Mary (Gould), married Judge Howard, of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. During the war they went to England, where he died. Mrs. Howard returned to Boston, and lived with her father until his death. She had no children, and when she died she bequeathed a valuable collection of books to the Boston Library, and a considerable amount of property to Trinity Church, making Bishop Parker her executor and trustee.300

386. Elizabeth6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)254,254,254 was born on 24 August 1708 in Yarmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts.254,255 She and David Bacon were married on 24 June 1729 in Massachusetts.254 She and Joseph Scott were married say 1741 in Massachusetts.254 She and Rev. Joseph Parsons were married in Massachusetts.254 She and Rev. Jedediah Jewett were married in Massachusetts.254 She died on 15 May 1778 at age 69.254

The only known child of Elizabeth6 Greenleaf and David Bacon was:

The five known children of Elizabeth6 Greenleaf and Joseph Scott all born in Massachusetts were as follows:

There were no known children of Elizabeth6 Greenleaf and Rev. Joseph Parsons.

There were no known children of Elizabeth6 Greenleaf and Rev. Jedediah Jewett.

389. Jane (Jenny)6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)254,256,256 was born on 24 May 1714 in Yarmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts.254,257 She and Hezekiah Usher were married on 1 March 1732/33 in Massachusetts.254 She died on 10 December 1764 at age 50.254

She was also known as Ginne Greenleaf.257

Hezekiah Usher254 and Abigail Cleveland were married.254

The six known children of Jane (Jenny)6 Greenleaf and Hezekiah Usher were as follows:

391. Dr. John6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)256,256,256 was born on 8 November 1717 in Yarmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts.256,301 He and Priscilla Brown were married on 8 December 1743 in Massachusetts.256 He and Ruth Walker were married on 1 May 1759 in Massachusetts.256 He and Ann Wroe were married on 15 July 1764 in Massachusetts.256 He died on 27 August 1778 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, at age 60.302,256

Was bred a druggist, and bore the title, usually of "Doctor," though he was not a practicing physician. He resided in Boston, where he died 27 Aug. 1778, and was buried, as is supposed, in a vault under Brattle Street Church. His name was cut in the stone on the south side of the church, fronting on Brattle Street.

15 April 1756. Petitions for a share in the furnishing of medicines for the army. (Military Rec., Vol. LXXV. p.499.).300

The six known children of Dr. John6 Greenleaf and Priscilla Brown all born in Massachusetts were as follows:

Died young: poisoned by slave nurse.303

Died young: poisoned by slave nurse.303

Died young: poisoned by slave nurse.303

The two known children of Dr. John6 Greenleaf and Ruth Walker both born in Massachusetts were as follows:

Died while a student at Harvard.303

Ann Wroe256 died in 1786 in Massachusetts.256

The two known children of Dr. John6 Greenleaf and Ann Wroe were as follows:

She lived in Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.303

395. Hon. William6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)256,256,256 was born on 10 January 1724/25 in Massachusetts.256 He and Mary Brown were married on 3 June 1747 in Massachusetts.256 He died on 21 July 1803 in New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, at age 78.256

Was bred a merchant, and for many years resided on Hanover Street in Boston. He was a stanch Whig and active in the Revolution, and was one of the commission of seven chosen secretly at town meeting held in Boston, 2 Nov. 1772, to correspond with men in the other colonies in regard to measures to be pursued. That committee often met at his house. One of the numbers was Benjamin Greenleaf, of Newbury; another of that committee was Dr. Nathaniel Appleton. This committee undertook what was decidedly the most hazardous part of the Revolution: their lives were not only in each other's hands, but also at the mercy and discretion of utter strangers throughout the colonies. They signed a bond in the most emphatic language, never in any emergency, even unto death, to betray each other or the cause.

William Greenleaf

The prize brig Medway, taken by the ship Oliver Cromwell, was sold by William Greenleaf, for £3501-13, May, 1777. Sale of the prize brig Anna, and her cargo, for the State of Connecticut, taken by Captain Smedley. The account rendered 3 June 1777, by William Greenleaf £2635-9-7. "John Bradford's account against Connecticut for sale of four sixteenths of the proceeds of property sold by him of prizes taken by the Defense. By proportion of sundries sold by William Greenleaf paid to said Bradford, £82-1-4, £1,287-6-1 3/4."

He was appointed Sheriff of Suffolk by the Governor and Council 31 Oct. 1775, which office he held until the appointment of his successor, Joseph Henderson, 14 Dec. 1780, his elder brother, Stephen, holding the same office under the King. The Congress was then sitting in Watertown, and as Boston was closely shut up at the time, he exercised his office in the other parts of the county out of Boston.

Monday, 15 July 1776. -A committee of the council, consisting of John Winthrop, William Phillips, and Francis Dana, was appointed to take into consideration in "what way, manner, and form the declaration of the honorable Continental Congress should be made public." This committee reported on Wednesday, the 17th, and the council then ordered that "the said declaration be proclaimed by the Sheriff of the County of Suffolk, from the balcony of the Statehouse in Boston, on Thursday next at one o'clock P. M., in presence of; and under direction of, a committee of the council to be appointed for that purpose."

In July 1776, when Independence was declared, the Sheriff, Mr. William Greenleaf, proclaimed it from the balcony of the Old State House, in State Street, at one o'clock in the afternoon, as appears by the Continental Journal and Weekly Advertiser, printed in Boston, 25 July 1776, in the following: "At one o'clock the declaration was proclaimed by the Sheriff of Suffolk, which was received with great joy, expressed by three huzzas from a great concourse of people assembled on the occasion."

Two boys, John Quincy Adams and William Cranch, about eight and ten years of age, wished to hear and see Mr. Greenleaf read the Declaration of Independence; much to their delight, two gentlemen raised them on their shoulders. One of the boys afterwards became President of the United States, and the other became Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia. He married a daughter of Mr. Greenleaf. His son was Christopher Pearse Cranch, the Cambridge poet and painter. After the war, Mr. Greenleaf gave up business in Boston, and removed to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he died, 21 July 1803. Mr. Greenleaf was a tall, slim man, walking very erect. He dressed usually in a brown, single-breasted coat and cocked hat, after the fashion of those times. He usually carried a gold-headed cane, and wore ruffles in his bosom and on his wrists.

He was a druggist in Boston, Massachusetts. He was one of the "Rebels" and was appointed by the Provincial Congress Sheriff of Suffolk, in place of his brother. After the war he removed to New Bedford.304

Mary Brown256 was born on 15 March 1727/28 in Massachusetts.256 She died on 1 December 1807 in Massachusetts at age 79.256 She was from Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The 15 known children of Hon. William6 Greenleaf and Mary Brown were as follows:

Died in infancy.

Died in infancy.

William Greenleaf son of Hon. William and Mary (Brown). Was born in Boston, 5 Feb. 1760; graduated at Harvard College in 1777, and pursued the study of medicine and surgery. He died 24 Nov. 1778, of a malignant fever contracted on board a prison ship; he being the only student who would venture on board to separate the sick and dying from the dead.

399. Samuel6 Greenleaf (Stephen5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)266,266,266 was born on 12 June 1718 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.305 He and Hephzibah Preble were married.266 He died in 1792 in Westport, Maine.266

Hephzibah Preble306 was born in 1725.266 She died in 1792 in Woolwich, Sagadahoc County, Maine.266

The seven known children of Samuel6 Greenleaf and Hephzibah Preble were as follows:

403. Joseph6 Greenleaf (Stephen5, Stephen4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)266,266,266 was born on 2 July 1727 in York, York County, Maine.266 He and Dorcas Gray were married circa 1752 in Maine.266 He died in 1772 in Maine.266

Dorcas Gray266 and Moses Hilton filed marriage intention on 22 March 1781.266 She died either 1812 or 1813 in Maine.266

The eight known children of Joseph6 Greenleaf and Dorcas Gray were as follows:

409. David6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)269,269,269 was born on 24 July 1721 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.269 He and Sarah Lamson were married say 1750.269 He died in June 1785 at age 63.269

The only known child of David6 Greenleaf and Sarah Lamson was:

410. Jonathan6 Greenleaf (Daniel5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)269,269,269 was born in July 1723 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.269 He and Mary Presbury were married in 1744 in Massachusetts.269 He died on 24 May 1807 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 83.269

Mary Presbury269,269 died in May 1807.269

The nine known children of Jonathan6 Greenleaf and Mary Presbury were as follows:

415. Susanna6 Greenleaf (Benjamin5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)310,311,310 was born on 22 January 1724/25 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.311,178 She and Timothy Greenleaf were married on 26 May 1743.310 She died on 24 March 1771 in Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 46.311

Timothy Greenleaf278 was born on 23 June 1719.278 He died on 20 July 1764 in Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 45.276

The nine known children of Susanna6 Greenleaf and Timothy Greenleaf were as follows:

424. Stephen6 Greenleaf (Stephen5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)275,275,275 was born on 14 February 1730 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.275 He and Mary [_____] were married.275

Mary [_____]275 and Soley were married.275

The only known child of Stephen6 Greenleaf and Mary [_____] was:

425. Eunice6 Greenleaf (Stephen5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)275,275,275 was born on 2 February 1732 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.275 She and Samuel Franklin were married.275 She died on 12 June 1787 at age 55.275

The only known child of Eunice6 Greenleaf and Samuel Franklin was:

430. John6 Greenleaf (Stephen5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)276,276,276 was born on 13 July 1741 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.276 He and N.N. [_____] were married.276

The two known children of John6 Greenleaf and N.N. [_____] were as follows:

431. Mary6 Greenleaf (Stephen5, John4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)276,276,276 was born on 16 March 1742 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.276 She and John Roulstone of Boston, Massachusetts were married.276 She died in 1798.276

The seven known children of Mary6 Greenleaf and John Roulstone of Boston, Massachusetts were as follows:

433. Joshua6 Greenleaf (John5, Samuel4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)278,276 was born on 17 April 1714.278 He and Judith Moody were married on 23 November 1736.278 He and Anna [_____] were married on 1 December 1763.278 He died on 22 December 1799 in Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 85.278

Judith Moody278 was born on 14 December 1719.278 She died on 20 May 1763 at age 43.278

The nine known children of Joshua6 Greenleaf and Judith Moody were as follows:

Anna [_____]276 and Stephen Kent were married before 1763.278

There were no known children of Joshua6 Greenleaf and Anna [_____].

435. Timothy6 Greenleaf (John5, Samuel4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)278 was born on 23 June 1719.278 He and Susanna Greenleaf were married on 26 May 1743.310 He died on 20 July 1764 in Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 45.276

Susanna Greenleaf310,311,310 was born on 22 January 1724/25 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.311,178 She died on 24 March 1771 in Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 46.311

The nine known children of Timothy6 Greenleaf and Susanna Greenleaf were as follows:

447. Francis6 Greenleaf (Edmund5, Tristram4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1) was born on 16 March 1719/20.5 He and Anna [_____] were married say 1747.177

The three known children of Francis6 Greenleaf and Anna [_____] were as follows:

448. Edmund6 Greenleaf Jr. (Edmund5, Tristram4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1) was born on 29 April 1726 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.5,199 He and Sarah Woodman were married on 18 April 1754.5

Sarah Woodman. Last name not certain.

The four known children of Edmund6 Greenleaf Jr. and Sarah Woodman were as follows:

453. Lydia6 Greenleaf (Edmund5, Tristram4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1) was born on 16 January 1722/23 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.318 She and William (Molton) Moulton were married on 16 September 1742 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts.318

William (Molton) Moulton318 was born on 12 July 1720 in Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts.318

The only known child of Lydia6 Greenleaf and William (Molton) Moulton was:

473. William6 Greenleaf (Edmund5, Edmund4, Stephen3, Edmund2, John1)280,280,280 was born on 28 November 1725 in Massachusetts.280 He and Ruth Pearson were married in Massachusetts.280 He and Mary Soley were married on 11 April 1784 in Massachusetts.280 He died on 7 January 1800 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts, at age 74.280

Ruth Pearson280 died on 22 March 1779 in Massachusetts.280

The only known child of William6 Greenleaf and Ruth Pearson was:

Mary Soley280 died on 7 November 1802 in Massachusetts.280

The only known child of William6 Greenleaf and Mary Soley was:


Return to Table of Contents

Please send e-mail to: rcarlton@flash.net
Created with The Master Genealogist for Windows on 04 Sep 2000 at 18:56:25.