Herman Bolton1

b. between 1884 and 1886, d. 1945
Family
ChartsDescendants of Jeremiah Bolton of Connecticut and New York
Father*William H. Bolton1 b. 9 Oct 1838, d. 8 Dec 1906
Mother*Emily E. Smith1 b. 7 Dec 1847, d. 14 Jun 1906
Birth*between 1884 and 1886Herman Bolton was born between 1884 and 1886 in Springville, Erie County, New York.1 
Death*1945He died in 1945.1 
Burial*He was buried in McKinstry Cemetery, Delevan, Cattaraugus County, New York.1 

Citations

  1. [S673] Kenneth Bolton, "Descendants of Jeremiah Bolton of Massachusetts and New York", received on 18 March 2010 from e-mail address. Ken is the great-great grandson of Jeremiah Bolton, whom his family "suspects" may have been the youngest son of Gamaliel Bolton and Sally Hooper. When he gave his permission to include his family's file on this website, he stated that he was very careful about providing only data that he could confirm as accurate. Hereinafter cited as "Descendants of Jeremiah Bolton."

Hugh Bolton1

b. circa 1712
Family
Father*Dr. Hugh Bolton1 b. 1687, d. 8 Jun 1772
Mother*Elizabeth Patterson1 d. 30 Jan 1755
Birth*circa 1712Hugh Bolton was born circa 1712 in England.1 
Occupation*Hugh Bolton was a soldier.2 

Citations

  1. [S48] New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850. CD-ROM (101 Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts: NEHGS), Births - Marriages - Deaths. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.
  2. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), pages xii and xiii. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.

Dr. Hugh Bolton1

b. 1687, d. 8 June 1772
Family
Father*______ Bolton2
Birth*1687Hugh was probably born in 1687 in or near Tamlaght O'Crilly, County Londonderry, Ireland.3,4,2 
(Brother) Relationship NoteAccording to Samuel Bolton's will in Tamlaght O'Crilly, Ireland, Hugh, Thomas and William were all his brothers.2 
Marriage*He married Elizabeth Patterson in England.5 
Immigration*1730Dr. Hugh Bolton came from England or from Tamlaght, County Derry, Northern Ireland to Londonderry, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, in 1730.6,2 
Residence*1741He settled in Colrain, Hampshire County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), in 1741.6 
(Husband) Death30 January 1755Hugh became a widower when Elizabeth Patterson died on 30 January 1755.5 
Death*8 June 1772He died on 8 June 1772 in Colrain, Hampshire County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), at the age of 85.2 
Descendant*Hugh Bolton Miller, a descendant of the original Dr. Hugh Bolton, was, at some point, the historian of the town of Colrain, Franklin County, Massachusetts.6 

Family

 Elizabeth Patterson d. 30 Jan 1755
Children 1.Hugh Bolton5 b. c 1712
 2.John Bolton6
 3.Nancy Bolton2
 4.Joseph Bolton2
 5.Dr. Matthew Bolton+6 b. 1731, d. 5 Jun 1774

Citations

  1. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), page xii. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.
  2. [S496] Ethel Stanwood Bolton, Immigrants to New England, 1700-1775 (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1966 reprint of 1931 edition published in Salem, Massachusetts), page 18. Hereinafter cited as New England Immigrants 1700-1775.
  3. [S48] New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850. CD-ROM (101 Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts: NEHGS), Births - Marriages - Deaths, record noted birth "probably in Ireland". Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.
  4. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, Boltons of Old and New England, pages xii and xiii, noted he "came from England."
  5. [S48] Births - Marriages - Deaths, Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.
  6. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, Boltons of Old and New England, pages xii and xiii.

Huldah Bolton1

b. 6 August 1781
Family
Relationships2nd cousin of John Bolton
2nd great-granddaughter of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*Nathaniel Bolton Jr.2
Mother*Jane Thomson2 b. 14 Feb 1748/49, d. 8 May 1814
Birth*6 August 1781Huldah Bolton was born on 6 August 1781 in Stafford, Tolland County, Connecticut.1 

Citations

  1. [S618] Connecticut vital records based on the Barbour collection: compiled and edited by Jacquelyn Ladd Ricker, The Ricker compilation of vital records of early Connecticut: based on the Barbour collection of Connecticut town vital records and other statistical sources, CD-ROM (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, c2006), page 1584, and noted Stafford vital records. Hereinafter cited as Ricker compilation of vital records of early Connecticut.
  2. [S618] Connecticut vital records based on the Barbour collection: compiled and edited by Jacquelyn Ladd Ricker, Ricker compilation of vital records of early Connecticut, page 1583, and noted Stafford vital records.

Infant Bolton1

b. 1 January 1817, d. 1 January 1817
Family
Relationship3rd great-grandchild of James Bolton
ChartsDescendants of William Bolton of Reading, The Immigrant
Father*Edward Bolton b. 5 Feb 1780, d. 1834
Mother*Elizabeth (Eliza) (Beth) Sanderson1 b. 21 Jul 1778
Birth*1 January 1817Infant Bolton was born on 1 January 1817 in Shirley, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.1 
Death*1 January 1817Infant Bolton died on 1 January 1817 in Shirley, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, just 19 hours after birth.1 

Citations

  1. [S48] New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850. CD-ROM (101 Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts: NEHGS), Births - Marriages - Deaths. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.

Ivers Augustus Bolton1

b. 7 October 1824, d. 9 July 1827
Family
Relationship4th great-grandson of James Bolton
ChartsDescendants of William Bolton of Reading, The Immigrant
Father*Aaron Bolton1 b. 16 Jun 1795
Mother*Sarah __?__1
Birth*7 October 1824Ivers Augustus Bolton was born on 7 October 1824 in Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts.1 
Death*9 July 1827He died on 9 July 1827 in Fitchburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts, at age 2.1 

Citations

  1. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), Descendants of William Bolton, Fifth Generation, pages 10-17. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.

Jabez Bolton1

Family
RelationshipsUncle of John Bolton
Great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*Elisha Bolton1 b. 9 Mar 1700, d. 26 Feb 1777
Mother*Mary __?__1 b. c 1709, d. 30 Jul 1786
Name-SpellingsHis name was also spelled Jabesh.2 
French & Indian War*4 November 1754He appeared on the List of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), Soldiers under the Command of Captain Jonathan "Haward" taken on 4 November 1754 during the French and Indian War.3 
French & Indian War1756Jabez Bolton of Halifax, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), stated in a petition to the Massachusetts Legislature that he was a Soldier in the Service of the Province in 1756, and requested a Gratuity for his Sufferings.4 
French & Indian War*1758Brothers Jabez Bolton and Seth Bolton appeared on a list of soldiers taken in 1758 of the Third Regiment of Connecticut Troops, Eleazer Fitch Esq. Colonel, in Captain John Durkee's Ninth Company during the French and Indian War. Seth was listed as "Sick in Hospital" and Jabez as "On Duty."5 
Marriage*7 November 1760He married Hannah Bisbee of Pembroke, daughter of Jonah Bisbee and Ruth Briant, on 7 November 1760 in Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). They were married by the Reverend Mr. Gad Hitchcock. Their names were spelled "Bolten" and "Bisbe" and their intention was noted as "not recorded."6,7 
Residence*23 March 1762Jabez was reported to live in Duxbury, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), on a Muster Roll covering the period of 23 March 1762 to 22 Nov 1762.8 
(Husband) Death29 April 1762Jabez became a widower when Hannah Bolton died on 29 April 1762.9 
(Brother) Death9 July 1762A son of Jabez' father, Elisha Bolton, died in the army and his death, although no name was given, was noted in the church records on 9 July 1762 in Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). Jabez, according to his Pay Roll records, served in the army until at least 22 Nov 1762 so was not the son whose death in the army was recorded on 9 Jul 1762. He married for the second time in 1765 and there were children, who sadly died, of that marriage.10,9,11,12,13 
(Brother) French & Indian War22 November 1762Jabez Bolton and two of his brothers, Seth and Meshach, all appeared as Privates on a Pay Roll in Captain Simon Jefferds's Company in late 1762. Jabez' residence was in Duxbury, Plymouth County, and his younger brothers' was Halifax, Plymouth County. All three of the brothers had entered the service on 23 Mar 1762 and both Jabez and Seth served until 22 November 1762, for a length of service of 8 months, 21 days, a little more than two months longer than their younger brother Meshach who was a minor.14,15,8 
Court Action*12 January 1764 On 12 January 1764, the Massachusetts Legislature awarded Jabez Bolton of Halifax, Plymouth County, eight shillings from the Public Treasury, paid to Captain Ebenezer Sprout, for "the use of the Petitioner in full" for the Loss of his Blanket.4 
Marriage*24 October 1765He married Bethiah Ripley of Easton, daughter of Christopher Ripley and Sarah Howard, on 24 October 1765 in Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). Their marriage was also recorded in Bridgewater, the groom's home town.1,16,17,18 
Research Notes*Almost nothing is known about Jabez' mother's identity before she married Elisha Bolton and research is currently in progress trying to discover her maiden name and something about her early life. The Byrams in America sources, both editions, stated that the Jabez Bolton who married Bethiah Ripley in 1767 was the son of "John Bolton" and "Mary Pratt". Unfortunately, no source was cited for the statement. It is uncertain if the John Bolton referred to was supposed to be John Bolton, who was actually Jabez' uncle, or John Bolton, Jabez' older brother. Whichever was meant, both are incorrect. Jabez' father was Elisha Bolton. Jabez' mother's name was Mary, however we have no evidence, and only the clue from this one source, that suggested it may have been "Pratt". Just in case, though, we have begun to look in Plymouth County for potential Mary Pratt candidates. At this point, only one, Mary Pratt born in Scituate in 1708, has been identified as possible. Our plan is to research her family in hope of determining if she and Jabez' mother Mary were the same person.19,20 

Family 1

 Hannah Bisbee d. 29 Apr 1762

Family 2

 Bethiah Ripley b. 4 Jun 1745
Children 1.Child Bolton21 d. 6 Apr 1769
 2.Child Bolton21 d. 13 Apr 1768
 3.Child Bolton21 d. 12 Sep 1768

Citations

  1. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
  2. [S672] Barbara L. Merrick, "The Original Church Records of Gad Hitchcock, D.D., 1748 to 1803: Deaths", New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 136, (January 1982). Hereinafter cited as "Pembroke Death Records of Rev. Gad Hitchcock - NEHGR."
  3. [S751] Copied by Francis E. Blake from originals in possession of Henry Dean Forbes Esq. of Boston, "Roll of Capt. Jonathan Howard's Company of Bridgewater, Mass., 1754, with other papers", New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 51, (April 1897): page 159. Hereinafter cited as "Capt. Jonathan Howard's Company of Bridgewater, 1754."
  4. [S749] State of Massachusetts, compiler, The Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: to which are prefixed the Charters of the Province with historical and explanatory notes and an appendix, 1761-1764, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. (Boston, Massachusetts: Wright & Potter Printing Company, State Printers, 1910), held at Boston, at the Session begun on the Twenty-first day of December, A.D. 1763; Chapter 172, page 452. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Bay Acts and Resolves 1761-1764.
  5. [S752] Act of the General Assembly, compiler, Rolls of Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War, 1755-1762, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. In 2 volumes. Includes indexes. Contents: v. 1. 1755-1757 -- v. 2. 1758-1762, appendixes, 1755-1764. (Hartford, Connecticut: Connecticut Historical Society, 1905), Volume II, 1758-1762, pages 65 and 66. Hereinafter cited as Connecticut Men in the French and Indian War, 1755-1762.
  6. [S689] Pembroke Town Clerk, Town and vital records 1711-1841, Pembroke, Massachusetts. Microfilm of manuscript housed in Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Includes indexes: page 390; on two microfilm reels, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Pembroke Town and Vital records 1711-1841.
  7. [S688] Published at the charge of the Eddy Town-Record Fund, Vital records of Pembroke, Massachusetts, to year 1850 (Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911), Marriages, page 240. Hereinafter cited as Vital records of Pembroke, Massachusetts, to year 1850.
  8. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index cards, 1603-1779. Microfilm of cards at Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14375 for Jabez Bolton referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779.
  9. [S672] Barbara L. Merrick, "Pembroke Death Records of Rev. Gad Hitchcock - NEHGR", page 34.
  10. [S1161] Deaths, Original records of Gad Hitchcock, 1748-1803. Gad Hitchcock was the first minister of the Second Church of Christ in the West Parish of Pembroke, now Hanson, Massachusetts. During his ministry there he recorded in a diary in his own handwriting the Christian events at which he officiated. His diary, containing his original record of deaths, is currently held in the safe in the office of the Town Clerk in Pembroke. Pembroke Town Hall, 100 Center Street, Pembroke, Massachusetts.
  11. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14400 for "Mishik" Bolton and referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  12. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14408 for Seth Bolton and referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  13. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14375 for Jabez Bolton and referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  14. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14400 for "Mishik" Bolton referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  15. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14408 for Seth Bolton referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  16. [S836] New England Historic Genealogical Society, compiler, downloaded from Google Books, Vital Records of Bridgewater, Massachusetts to the Year 1850. In two Volumes: Volume I. Births and Volume II. Marriages and Deaths. (Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1916), Marriages, Volume II, page 324. Hereinafter cited as Vital Records of Bridgewater, Massachusetts to 1850.
  17. [S474] Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, including an extensive Family Register. Note: page numbers differ slightly between publications used in our research, including FHL copy, Google Books, Boston Public Library eBooks online and our personal library reprint published by Heritage Books. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, Inc., original publication date was 1840; reprinted for the third and fourth times in 1970 and 1975; first reprinted in 1897 by Henry T. Pratt, Bridgewater, Massachusetts; originally printed in 1840 by Kidder and Wright, Boston, Massachusetts), Ripley, pages 298-299. Hereinafter cited as History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater.
  18. [S580] Easton (Massachusetts) Town Clerk, Births, deaths, and marriages by families, 1697-1847 (Easton, Massachusetts): page 105; FHL film# 1059951, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Births, deaths, and marriages, 1697-1847 (Easton, Massachusetts).
  19. [S800] John Arnold Byram, Byrams in America (original version). Includes index. William H. Byram moved from England to Ireland about the time his son, Nicholas Byram (ca.1610-1683), was born. When Nicholas was sixteen, his father sent him to visit friends in England in care of a man who betrayed his trust and sold Nicholas into indenturehood in the West Indies. After Nicholas had completed his indenturehood, he immigrated to Weymouth, Massachusetts, and married Susanna Shaw. They later moved to Bridgewater, Massachusetts. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, c1988), page 5. Hereinafter cited as Byrams in America (original).
  20. [S801] John Arnold Byram, Byrams in America (revised version). Includes index. Nicholas Byram landed in Virginia in 1637. He went to Wessagusset, now Weymouth, Massachusetts, where he was made a Freeman by the Court, May, 1638. He married Susanna Shaw. They moved to Bridgewater in 1662 and were the second settlers of that area. By the time of his death in 1688, Nicholas had acquired almost 500 acres of land. Susanna's will of September 7, 1698 was probated December 18, 1699. It provided for son, Nicholas, his wife, Mary, and children Nicholas and Mehitable; daughters Abigail Whitman, Deliverance Porter, Experience Willis, and Susan Edson; grandchildren Ebenezer Whitman, Mary Leach, and Mary Willis. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, c1996), page 11. Hereinafter cited as Byrams in America (revised).
  21. [S672] Barbara L. Merrick, "Pembroke Death Records of Rev. Gad Hitchcock - NEHGR", page 35.

James Bolton1

Family
ChartsDescendants of William Bolton of Reading, The Immigrant
Marriage*He married Margaret __?__.1 

Family

 Margaret __?__
Child 1.William Bolton+1 d. 10 Sep 1725

Citations

  1. [S263] David B. Robinson, online at RootsWeb WorldConnect Project www.rootsweb.com, David B. Robinson et al (e-mail: e-mail address), downloaded 13 Jan 2007 from update of 12 Jan 2007.

James Bolton1

Family
Father*William Bolton1 b. 1682, d. 22 Apr 1755
Mother*Elizabeth __?__1

Citations

  1. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), page xiii. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.

James Bolton1

b. 26 April 1803
Family
Father*Richard Bolton1
Mother*Molly Round1
Birth*26 April 1803James Bolton was born on 26 April 1803 in Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts.1 

Citations

  1. [S1829] Community Indexed Vital and Church Records, International Genealogical Index (IGI) available online at https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi. The International Genealogical Index was a family history database that listed several hundred million names of deceased persons from throughout the world. Names in the IGI came from two sources: Community Indexed and Community Contributed. The Community Indexed IGI contained viital and church records from the early 1500s to 1885 which, in almost all cases, we have found to be accurate transcriptions of the actual records and a very useful tool in our research. (Salt Lake City, Utah: www.familysearch.org), as extracted from book: "Vital record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 : marriages, intentions, births, deaths, with supplemental conaining rhe record of 1896, colonial returns, lists of the early settlers, purchasers, freemen, inhabitants, the soldiers serving in Phillip's War and the Revolution."

James Bolton

b. July 1791, d. July 1791
Family
Relationships2nd cousin 2 times removed of John Bolton
4th great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*John Bolton1 b. 10 Aug 1762, d. 30 Oct 1829
Mother*Tryphena Hathaway1 b. 13 Jul 1764, d. 3 Feb 1832
Death*July 1791He died in July 1791 in Bristol County, Massachusetts.1 
Birth*July 1791James Bolton was born in July 1791 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts.2 

Citations

  1. [S608] Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts. Transcription located online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~meandrhs/taylor/bible/… as a result of a Google search, (2001); Jimmy - e-mail address Kerr, Austin, Texas 79762, listings, page 2. Hereinafter cited as Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts.
  2. [S608] Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts, listings, page 3.

James Bolton1

b. 12 February 1813
Family
Relationships1st cousin 1 time removed of John Bolton
3rd great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*Gamaliel Bolton1 b. 11 May 1778
Mother*Sally Hooper1
Birth*12 February 1813James Bolton was born in 12 February 1813 possibly in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.1 

Citations

  1. [S771] Chris A. Bolton, "Jeremiah Bolton's Line, Corrections and Additional Information," e-mail messages from e-mail address to LHB, multiple dates, email dated 19 Oct 2012, citing "Pittsfield Families", Volume 1, A-B. Hereinafter cited as "Jeremiah Bolton, Additional Information."

Jeremiah Bolton1

b. 7 March 1809, d. before 19 June 1880
Family
ChartsDescendants of Jeremiah Bolton of Connecticut and New York
Birth*7 March 1809Jeremiah Bolton, who was born on 7 March 1809 in Connecticut, was probably not the son of Gamaliel Bolton and Sally Hooper as originally suspected. New research on their direct Bolton line has led descendants of Jeremiah Bolton to believe he was more likely the son of one of the Connecticut families of Boltons, or of Massachusetts Boltons who moved to Connecticut. Their research for answers continues.1,2,3,4 
Marriage*10 March 1829He married Harriet Talcott on 10 March 1829 in New Lebanon, Columbia County, New York. Both the Bride and Groom were from Richmond, Berkshire County, Massachusetts and were married by the Reverend Silas Churchill. According to the New Lebanon resource, The town of New Lebanon in the Northeast corner of Columbia County is separated from Berkshire County, Massachusetts, only by the Taconic range of the Berkshire Hills. In the first half of the 1800' s the town was noted for two things: at Mount Lebanon was the largest and most important settlement of the Shakers, and at Lebanon Springs only a few miles to the North was one of the most popular Summer resorts. Some of the many hotels of that period are still standing, though showing their age. The Spa was evidently much frequented by Berkshire County people and was a favorite place for weddings.5,6,1 
Census US 1850*13 September 1850Jeremiah and Harriet Bolton appeared on the 1850 census taken on 13 September 1850 in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County, New York. Their surname was indexed as "Boulton" and their household consisted of 8 people. Daughters Harriett E. and Sarah E., both born in Massachusetts, were 19 and 17 respectively. The four youngest children were born in New York. William H. was 11, Albert J. 6, Mary L. 4 and baby Lucy's age was recorded as 0. The family's real estate was valued at $1000 in 1850.7 
Occupation*Jeremiah Bolton was a well-known farmer in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County, New York.1 
Census US 1860*28 June 1860Harriet and Jeremiah Bolton were enumerated on the 1860 census taken on 28 June 1860 in Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York. The family's surname was indexed as "Blston", and the Bolton household consisted of 8 people. Jeremiah was 52, and Harriet 50. Son William was 20, and Albert 16. Daughter Louisa was 12, and Lucy 9. Their youngest son George was 7. Also residing with the family in 1860 was four-year-old Wallace Thurber (indexed as "Turbur"), who in 1870 was found to reside in the Cattaraugus County Poor House in Machias. Jeremiah's real estate value was recorded at $2000 in 1860, and his personal estate at $300.4 
Census US 1870*2 July 1870Jeremiah and Harriet Bolton appeared on the 1870 census taken on 2 July 1870 in Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York. Jeremiah, born in Connecticut, was 63 and a farmer, and Harriett, born in Massachusetts, was 62. Their real estate property was valued at $4000 and their personal estate at $575.8 
Death*before 19 June 1880He died before 19 June 1880 when his wife was recorded as a widow, and probably in Ashford, where he was living in 1870. The Bolton File, however, noted his death date as 25 Jan 1885 in Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County. The two towns bordered each other, and Jeremiah's property may have crossed into both towns.1,9 
Burial*He was buried in Thomas Corners Cemetery, Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York.1,10 
Will*Jeremiah Bolton left a will identifying his children by name.10 
(Father) Cemetery PlotJeremiah and his wife, Harriet (Talcott) Bolton, are buried next to their daughter-in-law Amanda (Fuller) Bolton and baby grandson Willie Bolton in Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York.10 

Family

 Harriet Talcott b. 1810, d. 16 Aug 1880
Children 1.Harriet E. Bolton1 b. c 1831
 2.Sarah E. Bolton1 b. c 1833
 3.William Bolton10
 4.William H. Bolton+1 b. 9 Oct 1838, d. 8 Dec 1906
 5.Albert J. Bolton1 b. c 1844, d. 1917
 6.Mary L. Bolton1 b. c 1846
 7.Lucy A. Bolton1 b. c 1850, d. 23 Aug 1887
 8.George F. Bolton+1 b. 1852, d. 1922

Citations

  1. [S673] Kenneth Bolton, "Descendants of Jeremiah Bolton of Massachusetts and New York", received on 18 March 2010 from e-mail address. Ken is the great-great grandson of Jeremiah Bolton, whom his family "suspects" may have been the youngest son of Gamaliel Bolton and Sally Hooper. When he gave his permission to include his family's file on this website, he stated that he was very careful about providing only data that he could confirm as accurate. Hereinafter cited as "Descendants of Jeremiah Bolton."
  2. [S771] Chris A. Bolton, "Jeremiah Bolton's Line, Corrections and Additional Information," e-mail messages from e-mail address to LHB, multiple dates, email dated 19 Oct 2012. Hereinafter cited as "Jeremiah Bolton, Additional Information."
  3. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of "Jermiah" Bolton, Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York; Roll: M593_908; Page: 48A; Image: 100; FHL Film# 552407. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S18] 1860 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Jeremiah "Blston", Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York; Roll: M653_725; Page: 249; FHL Film# 803725. Hereinafter cited as 1860 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S779] Elmer I. Shepard, compiler, downloaded from the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, "Marriages in New Lebanon, New York : [performed by] Rev. Silas Churchill, 1795-1851 [and] Ira Hand, Esq., Justice of the Peace, 1832-1852" (Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana: originally published in Berkshire Genealogical Notes No. 4), page 3. Hereinafter cited as New Lebanon, New York Marriages 1795-1851.
  6. [S771] Chris A. Bolton, "Jeremiah Bolton, Additional Information," e-mails to LHB, multiple dates, emails dated 22 Oct 2010.
  7. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Jeremiah "Boulton", Yorkshire, Cattaraugus County, New York; Roll: M432_480; Page: 456B; Image: 282. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of "Jermiah" Bolton, Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York; Roll: M593_908; Page: 48A; Image: 100; FHL Film# 552407.
  9. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of George Bolton, Ashford, Cattaraugus County, New York; Roll: 811; FHL Film# 1254811; Page 56B; Enumeration District: 002; Image: 0558. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  10. [S771] Chris A. Bolton, "Jeremiah Bolton, Additional Information," e-mails to LHB, multiple dates, email dated 16 Sep 2010.

John Bolton1

b. 19 February 1756, d. 4 September 1819
Family
Relationship2nd great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Descendants of John Bolton and Zilpah Peirce
Father*John Bolton1 b. 1729/30, d. 9 Jul 1762
Mother*Elizabeth Hayward1 b. c 1726, d. 10 Nov 1801
Name-DescriptiveThe descriptive name we used to clarify the identification of this John Bolton, in the search for our ancestor, was John Bolton (the Uncle) of Bridgewater. Upon completion of our research of every John Bolton (and their families) we found to have been in Massachusetts during the targeted time period, he was the only one remaining who could have been "our" John Bolton. So... Unless we find any conflicting documentation to the contrary, we have decided to "claim" the candidate we have called "John Bolton (the Uncle) of Bridgewater" as our Ancestor. 
Name-DescriptiveIn order to separate what we knew "for sure" about our ancestor, John Bolton, from all of the others we researched, the descriptive name we used in the beginning to clarify his identity was John Bolton (our Brick Wall Ancestor). After it was determined that John Bolton (the Uncle) of Bridgewater and our ancestor John Bolton were the same person, we have continued to think of him as John Bolton (our Brick Wall Ancestor) of Bridgewater and Boston. 
Birth*19 February 1756John Bolton was born on 19 February 1756 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).1,2,3 
Revolutionary War27 June 1775He enlisted on 27 June 1775 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts (Continental Congress), and served in the Revolutionary War as a Private, first for a period of one month, seven days. He served with Captain Frederick Pope's Company, Colonel Dudley Sargent's Regiment (muster roll dated 1 August 1775). His residence was noted as Bridgewater when, at age 22, he again enlisted for the town of Bridgewater and joined Captain Jacob Allen's company, Colonel Bailey's regiment for a period of three years or during the war. He enlisted again on 10 March 1777 and served with Captain Allen's (later Captain Adams Bailey's) Company, Colonel Bailey's Regiment (muster roll from 1 January 1777, to 1 January 1780). He also appeared on the following rolls of service: the return of his company (probably October 1775), and order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Boston, 11 November 1775, with the return of men enlisted into the Continental Army from Captain Nathan Alden's (9th) Company, Colonel Mitchell's (3rd Plymouth Company) Regiment, dated 20 February 1778. He was reported mustered by James Hatch, Muster Master, and served with the 3rd Company, Colonel John Bailey's Regiment. He appeared on pay accounts for the Continental Army from 10 March 1777 to 31 December 1779. He served with Captain Jacob Allen's Company, Colonel Bailey's (2nd) Regiment with his return dated the Camp at Valley Forge, 24 January 1778. He appeared on the Muster Roll of Captain Jacob Allen's Company of the First Massachusetts Regiment of Foot in the Service of the United States, commanded by Colonel John Bailey and taken for the month of February 1778 as a Private. He also appeared on Continental Army pay accounts for service from 1 January 1780 to 31 December 1780.4,5 
Description10 January 1781On a descriptive list of enlisted men in the Continental Army of the Revolutionary War dated 10 January 1781, John was described as 23 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches in height, brown hair and a light complexion.3 
(Future Husband) Almshouse6 September 1796Elizabeth Dana, John's future wife, and Ebenezer Osgood were admitted to the Almshouse in Boston on 6 September 1796. With them, and also admitted at the same time, was a child recorded as having been born to Elizabeth. The child was not identified further by name, sex or age, and it's possible that David, the child she had baptized with Ebenezer Osgood in 1795, may have been the child.6 
Research Notes*In just three months, John Bolton and Elizabeth "Betsy" Dennie would marry. It is suspected that John was a seaman and left Boston almost immediately after his marriage, since he was very likely the seaman John Bolton who was captured and held in Mill Prison, Plymouth, England in 1797. John's absence from Boston would explain how Betsy could accomplish all that she did.6,7 
Marriage4 December 1796John Bolton married Betsy Dennie, daughter of John Dennie and Elizabeth Jackson, on 4 December 1796 at Brattle Street Church, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Members of Betsy's family attended the church and they were married by Reverend Peter Thacher D.D., who received 6 shillings for his services. The city record noted that Betsy's surname was written as "[Dana]" on their Intention of Marriage.8,7,9 
(Husband) Almshouse29 March 1797Elizabeth Dana, John's new wife, and Ebenezer Osgood were discharged from the Almshouse in Boston on 29 March 1797. With them, and also discharged at the same time, was the child born to Elizabeth who had been admitted with them on 6 Sep 1796.6 
Maritime Prisoner*11 May 1797A researcher at the National Archives in Kew near London, England discovered that a man identified as "John Bolton of Bridgewater near Boston" was among the 100 men captured at sea on 11 May 1797 and taken to Mill Prison, Plymouth, Devonshire, England. According to a letter from Vice-Admiral Kingsmill, Commander of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Cork, to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated on board the Polypbemus, May 17, 1797: "On the 11th instant, in the latitude of 43 degrees 9 minutes, longitude 12 degrees, the Cerberus fell in with and captured La Dukerquoise French ship privateer, of 18 guns and 100 men, as will be seen by Captain Drew's letter to me which accompanies this." And then Captain John Drew's letter dated on board the HMS Cerberus, at Cork Harbour, on May 16, 1797: "In conformity to your orders I have the pleasure to acquaint you, the Newfoundland and West-India trade separated from me in a fair way of effecting their passage; and on my return here captured La Dunkerquoise French private ship of war, pierced for 18 nine-pounders, and her complement one hundred men, but had thrown most of her guns overboard in chase." Another letter to Evan Nepean, Esq. at the Transport Office in Whitehall, London dated 10 Oct 1797 stated: "In return to your Letter of the 4th Instant, signifying the Direction of the Right honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that we should report to you a State of the Case of John Bolton, an American Citizen detained as a Prisoner of War at Mill Prison, Plymouth; We beg you will inform their Lordships that our Agent at Plymouth has reported to us that the Person in question was born at Bridgewater, near Boston, from whence he sailed in an American Vessel, but was some time ago left sick at Jersey, and afterwards went on board a Vessel belonging to that Island which was captured by the Dunkerquoise French Privateer, and was found on board that Privateer at the Time of her Capture by His Majesty’s Ship Cerberus. We are etc..."

The researcher in England explained: "Basically, what happened to him is what happened to a lot of civilians at this time. France and Britain were engaged in a sea campaign which involved the use of Navy and Privateer ships boarding and taking ships that they suspected as belonging to the enemy. John Bolton found himself caught up in this. It looks like he got sick and was left on the Island of Jersey, which is one of the (British) Channel Islands off the coast of France. Once he got better he obviously got on another ship which then got captured by the French, which in its turn got captured by the British. What generally happened then is that everyone on board the taken vessel got taken back to Britain (or France, depending on who caught you) and you were then put in a POW camp/depot and then they sorted things out. Generally speaking civilians managed to get released and sent on their way fairly quickly unless they were suspected of spying."10,11 
Divorce Filing14 June 1797John Bolton signed a notification against Betsy Bolton dated on 14 June 1797 that appeared in the Boston Centinel and was re-published in The Western Star of Stockbridge, Massachusetts on 17 Jul 1797. In what may well have been a method of obtaining a divorce in 1797, the Western Star article read: The following extraordinary advertisement is copied from the Boston Centinel. "Whereas, my wife Betsy, has eloped from my bed and board, and has behaved in an unbecoming and indecent manner, by propagating the human species in a way other than the one prescribed by law: this is to caution all kinds of people, black, white, or pie-balled, against trusting her on my account, (harbour they may if they can) as I will not pay one mille of her contracting after this date. JOHN BOLTON. Bridgewater, June 14". A PDF copy of the article is attached.12
(Former Husband) Almshouse6 July 1797Elizabeth Bolton, John's divorced wife, was admitted to the Almshouse in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, on 6 July 1797. While there, she gave birth to her third illegitimate child who was not named or identified by sex. The record stated that the child was born on the 24th of January 1798 of Betsy Bolton and that they belonged to the town of Boston.13 
Maritime Prisoner*13 October 1797John Bolton was ordered discharged from Plymouth, Devonshire, on 13 October 1797, the order approved and signed by Evan Nepean.14 
(Former Husband) Almshouse4 September 1798Both Betsey Bolton and her child appear to have been discharged from the almshouse on 4 Sep 1798. It seems unlikely that this child was her daughter Betsy Denny Bolton, who noted as an adult in her family's Bible that she was born or baptized on 17 Dec 1802. It is more probable that this was another illegitimate child of Betsy's and the reason for her former husband's anger and subsequent divorce. Research indicates that John Bolton and Betsy Denny Bolton had no children together and that Betsy had at least three illegitimate children before her marriage and one or two more illegitimate children using the name Bolton after the couple parted in 1797.

An entry in the financial records of the Almshouse notes that on 22 Aug 1799 the Town of Bridgewater was notified that payment at the rate of $3 per week from the 22nd May was due on the account of Elizabeth Bolton and her child, and on 7 Sep 1799 the Town of Bridgewater was billed $53.28 which was paid by cash on 24 Feb 1800 for the board and care of Betsy and her child.15 
(Former Husband) Almshouse4 September 1798Elizabeth Bolton, John's divorced wife, was admitted to the Almshouse in Boston on 4 September 1798. Their re-admittance, likely just an administrative change in financial responsibility, noted that they belonged to the town of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.16 
Maritime Prisoner15 June 1799John Bolton was captured at sea again on 15 June 1799. He and others were taken from the ship "Nancy" from Boston, Captain Joy, master, and held on the British ship "Selby Sloop". John's proof of American citizenship was already on file because of his previous incarceration at Mill Prison, and his release was ordered the following week by the same Evan Nepean. Two of the other men aboard the "Nancy", who had no "satisfying documents", were not so lucky.17 
(Former Husband) Almshouse22 August 1799The town of Bridgewater was notified on 22 August 1799 by the Almshouse in Boston that the price for Elizabeth Bolton, John's former wife, and her child for the period between 22 May 1799 and 22 Aug 1799 was being charged at the rate of $3 per week.18 
(Former Husband) Almshouse7 September 1799Elizabeth Bolton, John's former wife, and her child, belonging to the town of Bridgewater, were discharged on 7 September 1799, one year after their 4 Sep 1798 re-admittance into the Boston Almshouse.16 
(Former Husband) Almshouse7 September 1799 On 7 September 1799, the town of Bridgewater was billed by the Boston Almshouse for the board and care of Elizabeth Bolton and her child in the amount of $53.28 which was paid by cash on 24 Feb 1800.19 
CLUE? Identity1803 The business of Webster & Bolton was listed in the Boston City Directory for 1803. The company, whose purpose was listed as bakers, food/drink (m/s), was located on Hollis street.20 
CLUE? Identity28 December 1802An individual named John Bolton signed a notification dated Boston, Dec 27, 1802 that appeared in the Massachusetts Mercury, published as The Mercury and New-England Palladium in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, on 28 December 1802. It read: "NOTICE. NOTICE is hereby given, That the Co-partnership of WEBSTER & BOLTON was dissolved on Saturday last. All persons having claims against the said firm are requested to present them, and all persons indebted to make immediate payment to the subscriber. JOHN BOLTON. Boston, Dec. 27, 1802.21" 
Marriage Intention16 January 1803An intention of marriage for John Bolton (our Brick Wall Ancestor) and Zilpah Peirce was recorded on 16 January 1803 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Both were residents of Boston.22,23 
Marriage*13 February 1803John Bolton (our Brick Wall Ancestor) married Zilpah Peirce on 13 February 1803 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. They were married by the Reverend Samuel Stillman of the First and Second Baptist Churches in Boston.24,7,22,25 
(CLUE? Identity) Research Notes1806John O. Webster, whose occupation was "retailer, commerce(s)" was listed in the 1806 Boston City Directory. His address was on Ship Street which was also the mariner John Bolton's street in 1807. If our Ancestor John Bolton worked as a mariner in Boston, and if John O. Webster was the Webster John Bolton was in business with, he would be an excellent clue, and possibly a brother or brother-in-law of Zilpah's. We need to research this John O. Webster to see what we can learn.26 
(Father) Research NotesJohn and Zilpah (Peirce) Bolton's daughter was named Elizabeth Everett Bolton. The name "Everett" has been and remains a puzzle to us. We have not found the name anywhere in John Bolton's family. After years of research, we have still found no evidence to indicate why "Everett" was Elizabeth Everett Bolton's middle name. We don't even know yet whether she received the name at birth, or if she or someone else added it to her name for a particular reason later. We do believe that "Everett" has a special significance that needs to be identified. Elizabeth named her first daughter Elizabeth Everett and her oldest son, James Ormond Brown, named his second son Everett. Our first clue to the "Everett" name was found just recently when we learned that Elizabeth's mother, Zilpah (Peirce) Bolton and a man named Nathaniel Everett both applied for membership in the Second Baptist Church in Boston at the same Friday evening meeting and were baptized together on the same Sunday just one year before Elizabeth was born. We obviously need to learn about this Nathaniel Everett and his family in order to determine if he may possibly be our link to the Everett name and maybe even to Zilpah's family and/or to Elizabeth's life between her mother's death in Boston in 1808 and Elizabeth's marriage in Milton, Norfolk County at age 17 in 1823.27,28 
Residence*1807John Bolton was listed in the Boston City Directories for 1806 and 1807 on Ship street, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. His occupation was Marine Mariner. Although we are almost certain John Bolton was "our" John, of Bridgewater and Boston, it should be noted that John's 2nd Cousin twice removed, John Bolton of Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts was a mariner, probably out of Bristol, Rhode Island, when he purchased land in 1818. He was 19 years old in 1807.29 
(Husband) Death1 October 1808John became a widower, and was left with his two year old daughter Elizabeth, when Zilpah Bolton died on 1 October 1808 at age 26. Her death appeared in the records of the Second Baptist Church in Boston.30,31,32 
Census US 1810*1810Only one John Bolton appeared in Boston on the Census of 1810. He was on Nassau Street, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Living in the household were a total of three people: 1 male between the ages of 26 and 45; 1 female under the age of 10; and 1 female between the ages of 16 and 26.33 
Residence1813John Bolton was listed in the Boston City Directories for 1813 and 1816 on Pleasant street, Boston, Massachusetts. His occupation was shown as a General Labourer. No other listings for anyone named John Bolton were found in the years searched which included 1798, 1800, 1803, 1805, 1809 and 1810. There were only a few other Bolton names found in the period before 1815 which included a business called "Bolton & Grew Hardware" listed in 1796, 1798 and 1800; a business called "Webster & Bolton" in 1803, a possible clue because their company's purpose was stated as "bakers, food/drink (m/s)"; individual Richard Bolton was listed in 1803 as a "hard ware man, household/hard ware(s)"; and also in 1803 William Bolton was listed as a "merchant, commerce(s)".

The only Webster listed as an individual before 1815 in the Boston Directories searched was Redford Webster who appeared most years from 1787 to beyond 1820 and whose occupation was listed as a "druggist, medicine (m/s)". The location of his business was listed as "three doors below the Drawbridge, Ann Street" in 1787. From 1796-1800, in addition to his business listing on Ann Street, he was listed as "Overseer of the Poor", a local government office. Beginning in 1805 only his home address was listed. From 1805-1807 on Garden Court street and later at No.13 Fleet street.34,35,29 
Pension1 April 1818John Bolton submitted a Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application on 1 April 1818 and his hearing was held in the Circuit Court of Common Pleas sitting in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. In his application, John stated that he was a Citizen of the United States, now residing at Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts. Under oath, he testified and declared that in the War of the Revolution, in the month of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy five he entered and was engaged in the Land service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time to the end of the war as a Private against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence. He said he belonged to the Company of Captain Pope and Colonel Paul Dudley Sargent’s Regiment for the first year and eight months and for the residue of the time to Colonel Ebenezer Sprout’s Regiment and Captain Adams Bailey’s Company. He left the service on the termination of the said war honorably. His statement then declared his "reduced circumstances in life and poverty," and said he "stands in need of assistance from his country for support being now of the age of sixty five and upwards."

On 02 July 1818, Adams Bailey, John's former Regimental Captain, was the Steward of the Mariner Hospital in Charlestown (Boston), Massachusetts. He provided supporting testimony to the court on John's behalf. On that same date of 02 July 1818, Judge Witmore certified the supplementary evidence of Adams Bailey, and wrote that he was satisfied that John Bolton "yet remains in such reduced circumstances in life so poor as to require the aid and assistance of his Country for his support."

John's invalid pension, in the amount of $8.00 per month, was approved on 23 Jul 1819, although he didn't receive any of it before his death in September. His certificate of pension payment stated the amount due to be as of 4 Mar 1818 and to end on his death date of 4 Sep 1819. His payment was sent to William Witmore, Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas in Boston, Massachusetts and included arrears from 4 Mar 1818 of $89.03 and a semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 1819 of $48.00 for a total payment of $137.03.36 
Death*4 September 1819John Bolton died on 4 September 1819 in Massachusetts at age 63. Death notices appeared in several Boston area newspapers reporting his death; from the Weekly Report, published as P.P.F. DeGrand's Boston Weekly Report, deaths on 4 Sep 1819: "John Bolton, Town-poor, from drinking cold water" and from the Boston Recorder on 11 Sep 1819: "John Bolton, aged 45, from drinking cold water."37,38,39,36,40 
Research Notes It seems to this researcher an improbable coincidence that the sick and impoverished Revolutionary War soldier, John Bolton of Bridgewater, and the town-poor John Bolton of Boston both died on the exact same date of 04 Sep 1819, unless they were the same person. The newspapers reported the age of Boston John as 45, however, and soldier John was actually 63.41,38,37 
Burial4 September 1819He was buried in Tomb 10.3.3 owned by the City of Boston on 4 September 1819 in the South Burying Ground, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The death certificate lists his address as "Town Poor", his supposed age as 45 years and his cause of death as "drinking cold water". The undertaker was noted as Zeal Skidmore.42,43 
Administration*19 August 1822The administration of his estate was opened on 19 August 1822 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Samuel Blagge, a Notary, stated to the court that he had been requested by the "Heir" to "take the administration of his estate". His request was granted and he paid a bond of $250 with obligatory conditions which do not appear to have been met. He was ordered by the court to place public notice of his appointment to and acceptance of that trust, by posting notifications in some places in Boston and also in the Boston Commercial Gazette for three consecutive weeks. Nothing was found, however, in our search of the newspaper. He was also ordered to present a full inventory and preliminary accounting of the estate on or before 19 Nov 1822 with a final accounting due before 19 Aug 1823, although, again, nothing further was found in the court records. There was no mention of who his heir was or of the inventory or size or distribution of his estate.44,45,46,47 
Pension Payment20 August 1822 The final pension payment, which was also the only pension payment, for the deceased John Bolton was obtained by Samuel Blagge, the administrator of his estate, on 20 Aug 1822. The payment totaled $136.80 and covered the time period of 1 Apr 1818, his qualifying date, to his death on 4 Sep 1819. In his Final Pension Packet there was a statement made under oath by Samuel Hewes, Boston's coroner and Superintendent of Burying Grounds, that John Bolton was buried on the 4th day of September 1819.48 
(Former Husband) Death19 February 1846When Betsy Bolton died on 19 February 1846, she was still claiming a relationship to her former husband, John Bolton, some 50 years after his public renouncement of her. She was buried as the "widow of John" at age 74 years, 8 months.49 

Family

 Zilpah Peirce b. 1782, d. 1 Oct 1808
Child 1.Elizabeth Everett Bolton+ b. 30 May 1806, d. 21 Jan 1864

Citations

  1. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
  2. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  3. [S482] Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution, in 17 Volumes, online at www.ancestry.com, Volume 2, page 251. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War.
  4. [S482] Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War, online at www.ancestry.com.
  5. [S743] James Reed and Emory Washburn, Celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Bridgewater, Massachusetts: at West Bridgewater, June 3, 1856, including the address by Hon. Emory Washburn, of Worcester; poem read by James Reed, and the other exercises of the occasion, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. (Boston, Massachusetts: John Wilson and Son, 1856), Appendix, page 160. Hereinafter cited as Bridgewater Centennial Celebration.
  6. [S534] Eric Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, editors, The eighteenth-century records of the Boston overseers of the poor (Boston, Massachusetts: Colonial Society of Massachusetts, 2007), Almshouse Admissions, September 8, 1775 - December 31, 1800, page 561. Hereinafter cited as Boston overseers of the poor.
  7. [S180] Boston, Massachusetts Marriages, 1700-1809, online at www.Ancestry.com. Hereinafter cited as Boston Marriages, 1700-1809.
  8. [S929] Brattle Square Church, The Manifesto Church, records of the Church in Brattle Square, Boston, with lists of communicants, baptisms, marriages, and funerals, 1699-1872, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Microreproduction of original published in Boston by The Benevolent Fraternity of Churches, 1902. (Salt Lake City, Utah: filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1968), page 264. Hereinafter cited as Brattle Square (Boston) Church records, 1699-1872.
  9. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301, surname spelled "Dana."
  10. [S778] Abigail Coppins, "Emails from a researcher at the National Archives, London, England," e-mail messages from e-mail address to LHB, multiple dates, emails dated 28 Sep 2010 and citing as her reference PRO ADM 98-107. Hereinafter cited as "Emails from a researcher at the London National Archives."
  11. [S773] Foreign Intelligence, European Magazine, and London Review, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. Foreign Intelligence (from the London Gazettes). (London, England: The Philological Society of London, July to December 1797), Volume 52, page 203. Hereinafter cited as European Magazine, and London Review.
  12. [S318] America's Historical Newspapers, accessed online at NEHGS www.americanancestors.org which links to "HistArchive" at http://infoweb.newsbank.com, Copied from the Boston Centinel; Paper: Western Star, published as The Western Star; Date: 07-17-1797; Volume: VIII; Issue: 35; Page: [4]; Location: Stockbridge, Massachusetts; downloaded 3 Oct 2007. Hereinafter cited as America's Historical Newspapers.
  13. [S534] Eric Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, Boston overseers of the poor, Almshouse Admissions, January 1, 1775 - September 30, 1788, page 549.
  14. [S906] National Archive microfilm publications M2025, Registers of applications for the release of impressed seamen, 1793-1802, and related indexes. On the single roll of National Archives microfilm publication, M2025, are reproduced registers to applications for the release of impressed seamen, 1793-1802, and related indexes. These records are part of the General Records of the Department of State, Record Group (RG) 59, and are designated as Entries 935 and 936 in Inventory of the General Records of the Department of State, 1789-1949, Inventory No. 15 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administrations, 1992): Roll# 1, Target Group# 3, NARA 90, page 8; FHL US/CAN Film# 2229921, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Impressed Seamen Release Applications, 1793-1802.
  15. [S534] Eric Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, Boston overseers of the poor, Almshouse Admissions, September 8, 1795 - December 31, 1800, page 550.
  16. [S534] Eric Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, Boston overseers of the poor, Almshouse Admissions, September 8, 1795 - December 31, 1800, page 551.
  17. [S906] National Archive microfilm publications M2025, Impressed Seamen Release Applications, 1793-1802: Roll# 1, Target Group# 3, NARA 133, page 49; FHL US/CAN Film# 2229921.
  18. [S534] Eric Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, Boston overseers of the poor, Miscellaneous Financial Documents, 1795-1800, page 882.
  19. [S534] Eric Nellis and Anne Decker Cecere, Boston overseers of the poor, Miscellaneous Financial Documents, 1795-1800, page 865.
  20. [S319] U.K. and U.S. Directories, 1680-1830, online at www.ancestry.com, downloaded 12 Oct 2007. Hereinafter cited as U.K. and U.S. Directories, 1680-1830.
  21. [S318] America's Historical Newspapers, accessed online at NEHGS www.americanancestors.org which links to "HistArchive" at http://infoweb.newsbank.com, Paper: Massachusetts Mercury, published as The Mercury and New-England Palladium; Date: 12-28-1802; Volume: XX; Issue: 52; Page: [3]; Location: Boston, Massachusetts; downloaded 3 Oct 2007.
  22. [S189] Boston Registry Department, compiler, Boston Marriages from 1752 to 1809 (Boston, Massachusetts: Boston Municipal Printing Office, 1903), page 215; entry reads "John Bolton & Zilpah Peirce [Black], Intention reads [Zilpah Deane]". Hereinafter cited as Boston Marriages, 1752 - 1809.
  23. [S979] Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988, online at www.ancestry.com, one digitized document, indexed twice, was found. Zilpah's name was recorded as Zilpha Peirce", although the writing of her surname might be mistaken for Deane. The Ancestry two transcriptions indexed her name as "Zilpha Perne" and "Zilpha Ferne". Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988.
  24. [S44] Roy Henry Heaton, (Miles City, Montana). "Heaton Family Pedigree Chart - Eleven Generations", prepared by hand in 1941. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, some of the information and the dates, particularly, in this pedigree chart often prove to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented was a good place for us to start, and has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. Hereinafter cited as "Heaton Family Pedigree Chart - 1941."
  25. [S979] Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988, online at www.ancestry.com, indexed six times with a variety of names for Zilpah. She was transcribed twice as "Zilpah Peirce", twice as "Zilpah Pierce", once as "Zilpah Para" and also as "Elijah Pierce". Reviewing the digitized documents, it was found that Elijah was the given name of the groom listed in the next entry of the register, and on the earliest handwritten copy of that page, Elijah could probably be mistaken for "Black."
  26. [S187] Boston Directories for 1806 and 1807 (No. 47 Marlborough street, Boston, Massachusetts: Edward Cotton). Hereinafter cited as Boston Directories for 1806 and 1807.
  27. [S893] Records of the Second Baptist Church, Boston, 1788-1809, original manuscript, Reference Item# 26, Franklin Trask Library, 210 Herrick Road, Newton Centre, MA, page 114.
  28. [S893] Records of the Second Baptist Church, Boston, 1788-1809, original manuscript, Franklin Trask Library, page 118.
  29. [S188] Multiple compilers, Boston (Massachusetts) City Directories. On 334 microfiches and 84 microfilm reels; LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Boston City Directories.
  30. [S183] Boston, Massachusetts, Church Records, 1789-1811; FHL# 856700 Item# 5, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Second Baptist Church Records, 1789-1811.
  31. [S293] From a manuscript in the possession of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, "A Record of Deaths in Boston and Vicinity, 1799-1815", New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volumes 77, 78 and 79, (published in 1923-1925): Oct 1924, volume 78, page 313. She was 26 years old. Hereinafter cited as "Deaths in Boston, 1799-1815."
  32. [S494] Boston MA: Church Records, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Boston MA: Church Records.
  33. [S165] 1810 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of John Bolton, Boston Ward 11, Suffolk County, Massachusetts; roll: 21; Page: 395; Image: 261.00. Hereinafter cited as 1810 United States Federal Census.
  34. [S186] Boston Directories for 1813 and 1816 (No. 47 Marlborough street, Boston, Massachusetts: Edward Cotton). Hereinafter cited as Boston Directories for 1813 and 1816.
  35. [S182] The Boston Directory for 1800 (No. 75 Cornhill, Boston, MA: John Russell for John West). Hereinafter cited as Boston Directory for 1800.
  36. [S493] John Bolton (of Bridgewater); file number S 34,583; Massachusetts, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Application File; film number M804 (Washington D.C.: NARA).
  37. [S318] America's Historical Newspapers, accessed online at NEHGS www.americanancestors.org which links to "HistArchive" at http://infoweb.newsbank.com, Paper: Weekly Report, published as P.P.F. DeGrand's Boston Weekly Report; date: 09-04-1819; Volume: I; Issue: 19; page [4]; location: Boston, Massachusetts; downloaded 3 Oct 2007.
  38. [S318] America's Historical Newspapers, accessed online at NEHGS www.americanancestors.org which links to "HistArchive" at http://infoweb.newsbank.com, Paper: Boston Recorder; Date: 09-11-1819; Volume: IV; Issue: 37; page 151; location: Boston, Massachusetts; downloaded 3 Oct 2007.
  39. [S483] U.S. Pensioners 1818-1872 from original data: Ledgers of Payments, 1818-1872, to U.S. Pensioners Under Acts of 1818 Through 1858 From Records of the Office of the Third Auditor of the Treasury, 1818-1872, online at www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts. Hereinafter cited as U.S. Pensioners 1818-1872.
  40. [S651] American Antiquarian Society, Index of obituaries in Massachusetts Centinel and Columbian Centinel, 1784 to 1840 (Boston, Massachusetts: G.K. Hall, 1961). Hereinafter cited as Obituaries in Massachusetts Centinel and Columbian Centinel, 1784 to 1840.
  41. [S483] U.S. Pensioners 1818-1872, online at www.ancestry.com.
  42. [S607] John Bolton entry, John Bolton Death Registration, Registry Division, City of Boston, Book 1801-1848, No. 012169, Boston City Registry Attn: Marie Reppucci, 1 City Hall Square, Room 213, Boston, Massachusetts. Hereinafter cited as John Bolton Death Registration in Boston.
  43. [S979] Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988, online at www.ancestry.com.
  44. [S887] John Bolton of Boston, Probate Packet #26757, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Original documents, Massachusetts Archives, 220 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, Massachusetts, from Packet Cover: Petition v.171/241, Bond v.207/25, Letter v.193/64. Hereinafter cited as John Bolton Probate Packet #26757.
  45. [S886] John Bolton of Boston, Administration #26757, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, items from 3 separate microfilm reels, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, Petition for Administration, Film# 494,398, Item# 171-241, Letters of Administration, Film# 494,405, Item# 193-64, pages 1-2 and Administration Bond, Film# 494,410, Item# 207-25. Hereinafter cited as John Bolton Administration #26757.
  46. [S510] Suffolk County (Massachusetts) Probate Records, 1636-1899. Microreproduction of original records in the Suffolk County courthouse on 439 reels. Dates listed are approximate only. Miscellaneous docket lists estates not appearing in files, appointments of officers, and other miscellaneous records. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, Probate docket number 26757, Film# 583,838 for list of items. Petition from film# 494,398 item# 171-241, Letter of Appointment from film# 494,405 item# 193-64, pages 1 and 2 and the Bond from film# 494,410 item# 207-25. Hereinafter cited as Suffolk County Probate Records, 1636-1899.
  47. [S638] Elijah George Index to the probate records of the county of Suffolk, Massachusetts, from the year 1636 to and including the year 1893, in 3 volumes. Volume 1. A-F, Volume 2. G-O, Volume 3. P-Z. (Boston, Massachusetts: Rockwell and Churchill, 1895), 1822, administration, John Bolton, case number 26757. Hereinafter cited as Suffolk County, Massachusetts probate index, 1636-1893.
  48. [S675] John Bolton (of Bridgewater); file number T 718, RG 217, Entry 722; Massachusetts, Revolutionary War Final Pension Payment File (Washington D.C.: NARA).
  49. [S48] New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850. CD-ROM (101 Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts: NEHGS), Births - Marriages - Deaths. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.

John Bolton1

b. 29 April 1724, d. 1746
Family
RelationshipGrandson of James Bolton
ChartsDescendants of William Bolton of Reading, The Immigrant
Father*William Bolton1 d. 10 Sep 1725
Mother*Elizabeth White1 b. 8 Apr 1688
Birth*29 April 1724John Bolton was born on 29 April 1724 in Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).1,2 
Residence*He lived at Andover, Essex County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).2 
Death*1746He died in 1746 at Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia Province, Canada, at the age of 22. He was a soldier in the expedition against the French.3,2 
Administration*12 May 1746Elizabeth Dorman, mother of John Bolton, requested by sworn statement on 12 May 1746 that Edward Hircom be appointed as Administrator for her deceased son's estate. In her statement, she made clear her "desire that Administration of all the goods, chattels, rights and credits of my son, John Bolton, deceased at Cape Breton, might be granted unto Mr. Edward Hircom." On the same date, Edward Hircom, Jonathan Nurse and William Bolton, all yeomen of Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts paid the sum of five hundred pounds as bond and were appointed appraisers of the estate of John Bolton late of Andover in the County of Essex in the province of Massachusetts, who died intestate.3,2 

Citations

  1. [S48] New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850. CD-ROM (101 Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts: NEHGS), Births - Marriages - Deaths. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.
  2. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), Descendants of William Bolton, First Generation, pages 3-6. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.
  3. [S488] John Bolton, Administration of 1746, Probate File Number 2127, Probate Records 1648-1924, Middlesex County Massachusetts probate file number 2127 (Microfilm of original records in the Middlesex County Courthouse, Cambridge, Massachusetts), LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as John Bolton Administration of 1746.

John Bolton1

b. 24 October 1773, d. 28 March 1843
Family
Relationship2nd great-grandson of James Bolton
ChartsDescendants of William Bolton of Reading, The Immigrant
Father*William Bolton Jr.1 b. 21 Jan 1743/44, d. 7 May 1780
Mother*Abigail Sheldon1 b. 15 Mar 1743/44, d. 7 Mar 1792
Name-DescriptiveThe descriptive name we used to clarify the identification of this John Bolton, in the search for our ancestor, was John Bolton of Vermont. He has now been eliminated as a possible Candidate. It took us awhile to discover that, when he disappeared from his home in Middlesex County at a young age, it was not to go to sea with two of his younger brothers as we half-expected. John went to Vermont and made quite a good name for himself. 
Birth*24 October 1773He was born on 24 October 1773 in Shirley, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).1,2,3 
Marriage*1798John Bolton was married three times and had a total of 12 children. He married first Betsy Tilton in 1798. They had three children together.4 
Occupation*John went to Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont, when still a boy and became a manufacturer. His grist mill on Wells river, near Danville, the saw-mill, built by his son William in 1824, his fulling mill, and the carding and cloth dressing mill which John Bolton erected in 1826 were among the first in the State. He also owned property in Massachusetts. The town of Boltonville, Vermont was named for his son.4 
Marriage*7 September 1806He married second Cynthia Chamberlain on 7 September 1806 in Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont, and they had eight children.4 
Marriage*4 March 1830John Bolton married third Abigail Wesson on 4 March 1830 in Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont.4 
Death*28 March 1843He died on 28 March 1843 in Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont, at age 69.4 

Family 1

 Betsy Tilton b. 30 Jun 1783
Children 1.William Bolton4 b. 8 May 1799
 2.Luther Chamberlain Bolton4 b. 19 Feb 1801
 3.Susanna Bolton4 b. 22 Aug 1803, d. 22 Nov 1804

Family 2

 Cynthia Chamberlain b. 30 Dec 1782
Children 1.Eliza Bolton4 b. 20 May 1807
 2.Alvin Bolton4 b. 25 Mar 1809
 3.Elizabeth Bolton4 b. 4 Jun 1810
 4.Mary Bolton+4 b. 29 Aug 1811, d. 30 Sep 1835
 5.Abigail Bolton4 b. 2 Oct 1814, d. 27 May 1843
 6.Cynthia Bolton4 b. 25 Mar 1818, d. 29 Mar 1829
 7.Eleanor Bolton4 b. 2 Jun 1820
 8.Harriet Bolton4 b. 7 Jul 1825

Family 3

 Abigail Wesson b. 26 Jan 1790
Child 1.John Bolton4 b. 8 Feb 1831

Citations

  1. [S48] New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850. CD-ROM (101 Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts: NEHGS), Births - Marriages - Deaths. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850.
  2. [S484] Seth Chandler, History of the Town of Shirley, Massachusetts from its Early Settlement to A.D. 1882. The copy obtained from Google Books contains additional, handwritten notations and corrections dated 25 Sep 1883 on the William Bolton family on page 357. (Shirley, Massachusetts: Seth Chandler, 1883), pages 357-359. Hereinafter cited as Shirley Massachusetts History to 1882.
  3. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), Descendants of William Bolton, Third Generation, pages 6-8 and Fourth Generation, pages 8-10; his year of birth written as 1774. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.
  4. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, Boltons of Old and New England, Descendants of William Bolton, Fourth Generation, pages 8-10.

John Bolton1

b. circa 1660, d. 21 December 1721
Family
RelationshipsGreat-grandfather of John Bolton
Son of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*Nicholas Boulton2 b. 1600, d. 27 May 1683
Mother*Elizabeth __?__3
Birth*circa 1660His record of birth has not been found, although Pope noted that John was age 16 in 1676. Chesebrough Wildey cited both Mitchell and Savage and drew the conclusion that John was a son of Nicholas. Mitchell wrote in 1840 that John was said to have come from Stonington, Connecticut and with his wife Sarah settled early in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He identified John as a probable descendant of Nicholas Bolton of Dorchester who became a freeman there in 1644. Mitchell listed only ten children of John and Sarah Bolton: John, born after 1686, Samuel 1688, Sarah 1690, Elizabeth 1692, Nicholas 1695, Mary 1697, Elisha 1700, Joseph 1704, Nathaniel 1706 and Abigail 1709. The first Sarah, who likely died before 1690, was not listed. Savage in 1860 referenced Mitchell and went on to say, "It seems altogether an even chance and no more," that John was a son or grandson of Nicholas Boulton of Dorchester, 1643. Savage wrote in 1860 that John was probably a son of Nicholas and also mentioned Mitchell's caution in describing him as simply a descendant, and not a son.2,4,5,3 
Marriage*8 March 1683He married Sarah Chesebrough, daughter of Samuel Chesebrough and Abigail __?__, on 8 March 1683. Thomas Minor performed the marriage ceremony and recorded the event in his diary. "The ffirst moneth is march, hath .31. days.... .1683.... and Thursday the .8. day I was at the mill and maried John bolten, Rezident in stoneington, and sarah Cheesbrough of the same towne...."1,6  
Land Records*The following land records were recorded in the original purchase record books of Bridgewater and reflect purchases made by John Bolton from Joseph Cary. The records were not dated, however all appear to have occurred around the same time Bolton settled in Bridgewater.

Ten acres of wood lands laid out below the land of John Hayward of the Plain in the swamp, butting partly upon John Hayward's and partly upon land laid out to Elihu Brett, running easterly for its length 60 rods and 24 in breadth, bounded by a swamp pine near the northwest corner and a torn pine tree at the northeast corner and by a red oak tree at the southeast corner and from the red oak ranging westward to a small swamp pine marked on two sides near John Hayward's land where it buts and joins to the lands of John Kingman on the west side and to the lands of Joseph Hayward on the southerly side and easterly end.

Five acres of land joining to the five acre lot of John Willis, running in breadth to a small walnut tree marked on two sides and running in length to a heap of stones which was the corner bounds of the ten acre lots.7 
Land Records*An undated land transaction recorded in the original purchase record books of Bridgewater stated that John Bolton had purchased two fifty acre lots from Samuel Wadsworth of Duxbury. The lots were described as lying on each side of the land of Israel Alger.

It is believed this transaction took place after Samuel Wadsworth's death in 1676 and that the lots were likely the lots his widow Abigail (Lindall) Wadsworth had received about 1683.7 
Residence*25 September 1688 On 25 September 1688, John Bolton was dismissed from the First Church in Dorchester to join the church in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts (Plymouth Colony).1 
Land Records*20 May 1701From an undated land transaction recorded in the original purchase record books of Bridgewater, we learned that sometime after John Bolton's purchase of land from Samuel Wadsworth, a difference of opinion developed between Bolton and his neighbor, Israel Alger, regarding the bounds and range between them on the westward side line, there being no certain bounds to be found. They reached an agreement to divide and set bounds between them by measure. John Bolton agreed to allow Israel Alger, for the breadth of his 50 acres, 58 rods in breadth throughout the length from the bounds of Bolton's lowermost 50 acre lot, it being measured and bounded out. The northernmost corner tree of Bolton's lowermost 50 acres being a great black oak marked on 4 sides and running southwesterly to the river in a straight line to a great walnut tree marked on 4 sides, there being several trees marked in this line between them, and measuring 58 rods from that black oak across to Israel Alger's 50 acres, to a stake and stones running southwesterly to another stake and stones and so in a straight line to the river to another stake and stones and from there running straight to Alger's land exactly 58 rods to a walnut tree marked on 2 sides, a range tree between them. The agreement was made and perfected on 20 May 1701 in the presence and by the hand of Samuel Allen and Comfort Willis. A note, which appeared to this researcher to have been added later, stated that errors in measuring by the "box rule" needed to be rectified.7 
Land Records22 December 1702Using the box rule measure as agreed, John Bolton found an error in the bounds between his house in Bridgewater and the house of his neighbor Israel Alger. Bolton procured a committee, chosen by the Purchasers of Bridgewater to end such differences, consisting of Josiah Edson, Samuel Allen Sr. and Edward Fobes. On 22 December 1702, the committee measured the land by the box rule measure and set up bounds between the neighbors. At the northeasterly end was a black oak marked on four sides, and about in the middle of the length, a stake and stones, and at the southwesterly end, near the river, a stake and stones. Israel Alger had already cleared about one acre of swamp woods that was going to fall within John Bolton's land, so the committee agreed that Israel Alger should have the grass on it for four years more from the above date.8 
Death*21 December 1721He died intestate on 21 December 1721 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County.9 
Administration*4 April 1722Administration was opened on the estate of John Bolton on 4 April 1722 and his widow Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, and eldest son John Bolton Jr., were appointed Administrators by Isaac Winslow, Judge of the Probate of Wills and for Granting Administrations in Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).10,9 
Inventory*12 April 1722The Inventory of the estate of John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, was appraised and completed by Joseph Edson, Nathaniel Brett and John Field on 12 April 1722. They appeared before Josiah Edson Esq., Justice of the Peace, on 7 May and made an oath to its accuracy according to their best judgment. Administrators John Bolton Jr. and Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton appeared before Judge Isaac Winslow to approve the submitted inventory, making their oath that it was a true and perfect inventory as far as it came to their knowledge and when more should appear, they would give it to the Judge, and the document was filed with the court on 7 May 1722.

The value of his housing and about 53 acres of land being part of two 50 acre lots was appraised at £340; 4 oxen, 3 cows, 1 heifer, 1 mare and 5 swine were valued at £43, 18s; his farming tools at £13, 1s, 6p, 1 feather bed, bedstead and covering at £7, 5s, wooden vessels and lumber at £4, 7s, Indian Corn at £4, household furniture at £2, iron vessels and utensils about the fire at £2, 10s, a warming iron, glass and earthen vessels at 16s, pewter platters and plates at £1, 18s, a bag of cotton wool, cards and table linen at £1, 6s, 2 pounds of woolen yarn and 1 meal bag at 8s, books appraised at £2, 3s, and his wearing apparel at £4, 11s, 6p.10,9 
Guardianship*4 June 1722When John Bolton died the previous year, he had three minor children, Joseph, Nathaniel and Abigail Bolton. Joseph at age 17 and Nathaniel at age 15, both being under the age of 21 and above the age of 14 were, under the law, permitted to choose their own guardians. Both Joseph and Nathaniel chose their mother, Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, and she was approved by the court on 4 June 1722. Abigail, who was only 12, was under the age of 14, and the court appointed Sarah guardian of Abigail, as well.

Sarah's guardianship duties to all three of her minor children, as instructed by the court, were to take them into her care and tuition until their majority at age 21. She was directed, for each child, to take into her hands and possession, to their benefit, their estates, lands, moneys, goods and chattels for the purpose of improving them in such a manner as she should judge best for them. She was also instructed to submit a plain and true account of her guardianship for each upon oath, and to include all and singular such estate that came into her hands and possession by virtue of her guardianship, and to account for the profits and improvements of each of the minor children's estates. She would be lawfully required to pay and deliver the accounting, and as much of the estate remaining, after first being examined and allowed by the appropriate judge, as each child reached the age of full majority.11,12 
Estate and Land*5 April 1723The personal estate of John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, after the payment of debts and charges, was divided by agreement between his widow, Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, and children, John Bolton Jr., Samuel Bolton, Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, Elizabeth Bolton, Nicholas Bolton, Mary Bolton, Elisha Bolton, Joseph Bolton, Nathaniel Bolton, and Abigail Bolton.

The settlement and distribution of real estate that John Bolton died seized of in the County of Plymouth was completed on 5 April 1723. A special committee of five good and sufficient freeholders consisting of Josiah Edson Esq., Nathaniel Hayward, Joseph Edson, Nathaniel Brett and John Field had first been appointed by Judge Isaac Winslow on 28 June 1722 to set off to Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, widow of the deceased, her Dower or Thirds of housing and lands.

Sarah's portion began from the town lot at the east end, beginning at a great tree fallen down near the river with a stub of a limb standing upward marked upon two sides, and from there running north-westerly to a great black oak marked on two sides and so keeping the same range the whole breadth of the lot; and from the upper lot, she received that part of the lot between the highway and the lands of her son, John Bolton Jr., twenty-six pole in breadth on the easterly side bounded by a small forked apple tree at the foot of the hill and keeping the same breadth throughout. Additionally, out of the housing, she was allotted the fourth room below, a quarter part of the cellar, a quarter of the barn, and a third part of the fruit of the orchard, yearly.

Next, in order for the court to insure a fair distribution of land to the deceased's children, the committee was directed to appraise the lands of William Leonard, Bolton's son-in-law, because William had received land from the deceased before his death, and was the husband of Bolton's eldest daughter, Sarah (Bolton) Leonard. On 9 July 1722, the committee reported to the court that they had appraised the Leonard lands as directed, and determined them to be by estimation three acres and 3/4, valued at seven pounds, ten shillings. William Leonard reported that in 1716 he had made 8 pairs of shoes for his honored father-in-law which paid for one small piece of land at the west end of his house. The price of his work was 16 shillings which paid for the piece of land. The committee also took an account of sundry things with Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, the deceased's eldest daughter, who acknowledged to have received an estimated value of £5, 3s out of her father's estate during his lifetime.

On 22 October 1722, the committee was again directed by the Judge to determine a fair distribution of the lands and housing of the deceased (except that which was previously set off to his widow as her Dower). The deceased had 10 children and the court documents noted that eldest son, John Bolton Jr., had received his full part and proportion of real estate lying in Plymouth County from his father during his lifetime and was fully satisfied and contented. For the other nine children, the committee divided the remaining lands into nine parts as follows:

Samuel Bolton, the couple's second son, received the portion or share defined by the committee as Lot# 1, which was lying in the lower lands by the town river, bounded on the south-easterly side with the river and bounded south-westerly by the fence of his older brother John Bolton Jr., and north-westerly by the range of Jonathan Sprague's land and lying 13 rods and 9 feet wide to a stake by Sprague's range, then ranging from that stake 5 degrees easterly of a south-east point to the river.

Nicholas Bolton, the couple's third son, received Lot# 2. It was bounded with the river and bounded south-westerly by Lot# 1 to Sprague's range, so keeping his range 10 rods to a stake which was the northerly corner bound, and then ranging south-east 5 degrees easterly to the river.

Lot# 3, received by fourth son Elisha Bolton, was also bounded on the river, and was bounded south-westerly by Lot# 2 until it came to Sprague's range, then running 10 rods along Sprague's range to a stake which was the northerly corner bounds, then ranging 5 degrees to the east of a south-east point to the river.

Lot# 4 was the share received by fifth son Joseph Bolton. It was also bounded on the river, and was bounded south-westerly by Lot# 3 to Sprague's range, then keeping his range 10 rods to a stake which was the northerly corner bound, and then ranging from that stake south-east and by south to the land that was set off to the Widow Sarah Bolton for her Dower, and then keeping the Widow Bolton's range to the river.

Abigail Bolton, fourth daughter and youngest child, received Lot# 5. It was in the homelands, and was bounded northerly by the highway, and bounded north-westerly with the range of the 50 acres, and then ranging by the land of her eldest brother, John Bolton Jr., 12 rods to a stake, and then running from the stake north-east, and by north by a red oak marked on two sides in a straight range to the highway.

Second daughter Elizabeth Bolton received Lot# 6. It was bounded by Lot# 5, and bounded northerly by the highway, and south-easterly (or southerly) with a forked apple tree in the range of the Widow Bolton's land, and south-westerly by the land of Elizabeth's eldest brother, John Bolton Jr., lying 12 rods wide.

Third daughter Mary Bolton received Lot# 7 as her share. It was bounded southerly by the highway lying 19 rods and 3 feet wide in the middle, and was bounded north-easterly by a stake with a heap of stones around it, ranging in length south-east and by east across the 50 acres which, together with the two-thirds of the buildings contained thereon, made up the seventh share.

Sixth son Nathaniel Bolton received Lot# 8 which was bounded south-westerly by Lot# 7, lying 15 rods and 7 feet in breadth, and was bounded north-easterly by a stake with stones around it and ranging in length south-east and by east and north-west and by west across the 50 acres. Added also to Lot# 8 to complete the share was 1 acre of land lying in the lower lands by the river which was bounded south-westerly by Lot# 4 and easterly by the Widow Bolton's land, and bounded north-westerly by Jonathan Sprague's range.

Eldest daughter Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, wife of William Leonard, received Lot# 9. It was bounded south-westerly by Lot# 8 in the upper lands and lying also in length across the 50 acres being 15 rods and 12 feet wide in the middle and joining to Sarah and William Leonard's land which had been given to them by her father before his death. The addition of the land previously given to Sarah and William Leonard made the ninth share equal to all of the others.9,10 
Land Transfer*16 February 1730The surviving siblings of John Bolton Jr., all residing in Bridgewater and consisting of Nicholas Bolton, Elisha Bolton, Joseph Bolton, Nathaniel Bolton and Samuel Bolton, Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, Elizabeth (Bolton) May and Abigail Bolton and their husbands, William Leonard and Michael May, children and heirs of John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, signed a deed agreement on 16 February 1730, registered on 13 March 1743, stating that their honored father, had in his lifetime, sold to their brother John Bolton Jr. of Bridgewater, yeoman, for a valuable consideration, a small parcel of land containing by estimation one acre and a half which lay adjoining to their brother's land where he then lived in Bridgewater. The land was described as beginning at a stake and heap of stones which was on bounds of his own land, then running northerly about 5 rods to a red oak tree marked on two sides and running still on the low range 6 rods and a half further to a stake and a heap of stones. From there running easterly about 20 rods (by a double red oak and a single red oak) to a rock by the side of the river, then bounded by the river upstream to John Bolton Jr.'s land. Then by his land to the bounds first mentioned. The deed then stated that, because their honored father did not give a deed to their brother, they separately and together, released all claim to the tract or parcel of land to their brother.13 
(Father) Land Transfer23 August 1734Three of his sons, Elisha Bolton, Nathaniel Bolton and Nicholas Bolton signed individual deed agreements to sell land in Dorchester and Stoughton to David Leach, yeoman, of Kingston, Plymouth County for the sum of twenty pounds each. Each transaction was identified as a sale of all rights and title to lands that their father, John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, died seized of in the township of Stoughton, alias Dorchester, in the county of Suffolk. The three documents were recorded in Suffolk County on 23 August 1734. Although the location of the Dorchester and Stoughton land each of the brothers sold was not described, it was very likely part of the land laid out previously to the right of the brother's grandfather, Nicholas Boulton the Immigrant, in the Twenty-Five Divisions of Land late in the township of Dorchester and now in the township of Stoughton. When their grandfather died in 1683, their father John Bolton inherited the land, and when he died in December of 1721, the remaining Dorchester/Stoughton land was passed on to his children, each receiving a one-ninth part.14 
(Father) Land Transfer23 February 1735/36And on the same date of 23 February 1735/36, for the sum of sixty pounds, his son Elisha of Bridgewater purchased from his brother Joseph Bolton of Bridgewater, labourer, a three-tenths part of all the land in the township of Dorchester or Stoughton, Suffolk County, that their father John Bolton had died seized of and had not already been disposed of. The deed was signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Benjamin White, Justice of the Peace and recorded in Suffolk County on 31 October 1765 by Ezekiel Goldthwait, Registrar.15 
(4th Great Grandfather) LineageHe was probably an ancestor of Harry Emmett Bolton, who stated to the New England Historic and Genealogical Society, sometime before his death in 1958, that he was unable to prove the ancestry of his great-grandfather, Lemuel Bolton, but he believed that Lemuel was the son of William, the son of Nathaniel, the son of Nicholas, the Immigrant. Our research indicates that Harry's 2nd Great-Grandfather, if William Bolton, was actually the son of Elisha Bolton, Nathaniel's brother. It appears from the French & Indian War records that the young William was very close to his Uncle Nathaniel, and they may have continued their close relationship later in life as well. Nathaniel and Elisha Bolton were sons of John Bolton who was the son of the immigrant Nicholas Boulton.16,17 

Family

 Sarah Chesebrough b. 24 Dec 1663, d. 24 Oct 1743
Children 1.Sarah Bolton+1 b. 26 Dec 1683
 2.John Bolton+1 b. 21 May 1686, d. 5 Jun 1755
 3.Samuel Bolton1 b. 6 Dec 1688, d. 30 May 1753
 4.Elizabeth Bolton1 b. 24 Apr 1692, d. 22 Jan 1770
 5.Nicholas Bolton1 b. 17 Apr 1695, d. 2 Mar 1750
 6.Mary Bolton1 b. 29 Oct 1697, d. b 13 Mar 1728
 7.Elisha Bolton+1 b. 9 Mar 1700, d. 26 Feb 1777
 8.Joseph Bolton+1 b. 27 Jul 1704, d. 12 Mar 1751
 9.Nathaniel Bolton+1 b. 5 May 1706, d. 8 Aug 1770
 10.Abigail Bolton+1 b. 21 Mar 1709

Citations

  1. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
  2. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301, and cites Savage and Mitchell.
  3. [S295] Charles Henry Pope, The Pioneers of Massachusetts: A Descriptive List, drawn from records of the colonies, towns, and churches, and other contemporaneous documents. Available now online from the Family History Catalog at www.familysearch.org. (Baltimore, Maryland: C.H. Pope originally in 1900 at Boston and reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Company, 1991), page 57. Hereinafter cited as The Pioneers of Massachusetts.
  4. [S474] Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, including an extensive Family Register. Note: page numbers differ slightly between publications used in our research, including FHL copy, Google Books, Boston Public Library eBooks online and our personal library reprint published by Heritage Books. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, Inc., original publication date was 1840; reprinted for the third and fourth times in 1970 and 1975; first reprinted in 1897 by Henry T. Pratt, Bridgewater, Massachusetts; originally printed in 1840 by Kidder and Wright, Boston, Massachusetts), pages 118-119. Hereinafter cited as History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater.
  5. [S296] James Savage, A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, showing three generations of those who came before May, 1692, on the basis of Farmer's Register, volumes 1-4 (Boston, Massachusetts: Little, Brown and Company, 1860-1862), Volume I, page 208 and 209. Hereinafter cited as Genealogical Dictionary of First Settlers.
  6. [S472] Thomas and Manasseh Minor, The Minor Diaries, Stonington, Connecticut: Thomas 1653 to 1684 and Manasseh 1696 to 1720 (reprinted in 2001 by Edward Brothers Inc., Lillington, North Carolina: The Thomas Minor Society, 1993), page 176. Hereinafter cited as The Minor Diaries.
  7. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records, Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, Book 1, page 223.
  8. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, Book 1, page 283.
  9. [S1124] John Bolton, Probate (1723 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2216, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Probate of John Bolton (1723 Bridgewater).
  10. [S624] Probate records, 1686-1903; with index and docket, 1685-1967, Massachusetts Probate Court (Plymouth County), microfilm of originals at Plymouth, Massachusetts on 157 microfilm reels filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, 1968. Includes Index. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2216; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 550510, Probates 1717-1724, Volume 4, pages 322-324; FHL Film# 550511, Probates 1724-1731, Volume 5, pages 643-649. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903.
  11. [S624] Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2221; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 550510, Probates 1717-1724, Volume 4, pages 331-332.
  12. [S1126] Joseph, Nathaniel and Abigail Bolton, Guardianship (1722 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2221, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Guardianship for Joseph, Nathaniel and Abigail Bolton (1722 Bridgewater).
  13. [S625] Deed records, 1664-1900, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, microfilm of original manuscript on 462 microfilm reels. Includes Grantor and Grantee indexes: Film# 558826, Book 36, page 134c, filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Deed records, 1664-1900, Plymouth County.
  14. [S633] Records of deeds, 1639-1885; indexes to deeds, 1639-1920 (Suffolk County, Massachusetts). Microfilm of original records in the Registry of Deeds, Boston, Massachusetts on 1128 microfilm reels. Includes indexes to grantors, 1639-1920; indexes to grantees, 1639-1920; and indexes to persons other than grantors and grantees, 1639-1799: Film# 493951, Volume 49 dated 1734, pages 17-L, 17-R and 18-L, filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Records of deeds 1639-1885, Suffolk County.
  15. [S633] Records of deeds 1639-1885, Suffolk County: Film# 494601, Volume 108 dated 1765-1766, pages 75-R and 76-L.
  16. [S670] Prepared by Arthur Adams, "Memoirs of the Deceased Members of the New England Historic Genealogical Society", New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 113, page 229, (July 1959). Hereinafter cited as "Memoirs - Harry Emmett Bolton."
  17. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index cards, 1603-1779. Microfilm of cards at Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts: FHL Film# 2428118, Reference index card# 14369 for William Bolton of Halifax stating that Elisha Bolton is his "father or master" and referencing Volume 96, page 536 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779.

John Bolton1

b. 21 May 1686, d. 5 June 1755
Family
RelationshipsGranduncle of John Bolton
Grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*John Bolton1 b. c 1660, d. 21 Dec 1721
Mother*Sarah Chesebrough1 b. 24 Dec 1663, d. 24 Oct 1743
Birth*21 May 1686John Bolton was born on 21 May 1686 in Dorchester, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Colony (New England).2,3 
Marriage*25 January 1709/10He married Ruth Hooper, daughter of William Hooper and Susanna Shed, on 25 January 1709/10 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).4,1,3 
Name VariationJohn was also known as Ensign John Bolton. 
Land Records*2 July 1720The bounds between the lands of John Bolton Jr. and his neighbor John Willis in Bridgewater were settled by the town's Purchasers Committee consisting of Josiah Edson, William Brett and Josiah Snell and recorded in the town's Purchasers Book on 2 July 1720. The settlement, approved by both parties, was described as beginning at a swamp white oak near the river and from there running northeast 30 degrees easterly to a red oak in John Bolton Jr.'s fence, and from there to a lopped red oak near John Bolton Jr.'s door.5 
Administration*4 April 1722John Bolton Jr., eldest son of the deceased John Bolton, and his widowed mother, Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, were appointed Administrators on the deceased's estate on 4 April 1722 by Isaac Winslow, Judge of the Probate of Wills and for Granting Administrations in Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).6,7 
(Administrator) Inventory12 April 1722The Inventory of the estate of John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, was appraised and completed by Joseph Edson, Nathaniel Brett and John Field on 12 April 1722. They appeared before Josiah Edson Esq., Justice of the Peace, on 7 May and made an oath to its accuracy according to their best judgment. Administrators John Bolton Jr. and Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton appeared before Judge Isaac Winslow to approve the submitted inventory, making their oath that it was a true and perfect inventory as far as it came to their knowledge and when more should appear, they would give it to the Judge, and the document was filed with the court on 7 May 1722.

The value of his housing and about 53 acres of land being part of two 50 acre lots was appraised at £340; 4 oxen, 3 cows, 1 heifer, 1 mare and 5 swine were valued at £43, 18s; his farming tools at £13, 1s, 6p, 1 feather bed, bedstead and covering at £7, 5s, wooden vessels and lumber at £4, 7s, Indian Corn at £4, household furniture at £2, iron vessels and utensils about the fire at £2, 10s, a warming iron, glass and earthen vessels at 16s, pewter platters and plates at £1, 18s, a bag of cotton wool, cards and table linen at £1, 6s, 2 pounds of woolen yarn and 1 meal bag at 8s, books appraised at £2, 3s, and his wearing apparel at £4, 11s, 6p.6,7 
Estate and Land5 April 1723The personal estate of John's father, John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, after the payment of debts and charges, was divided by agreement between his widow, Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, and children.

A special committee of five good and sufficient freeholders, Josiah Edson Esq., Nathaniel Hayward, Joseph Edson, Nathaniel Brett and John Field, were appointed by Judge Isaac Winslow to determine a fair distribution of real estate that John Bolton died seized of in the County of Plymouth. The committee's task was completed on 5 April 1723 and included setting off the widow Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton's Dower or Thirds of housing and lands, and also setting off an equitable portion or share of land for each of the deceased's ten children, John Bolton Jr., Samuel Bolton, Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, Elizabeth Bolton, Nicholas Bolton, Mary Bolton, Elisha Bolton, Joseph Bolton, Nathaniel Bolton, and Abigail Bolton.

Court documents noted that the couple's eldest son, John Bolton Jr., had received his full part and proportion of real estate lying in Plymouth County from his father during his lifetime and was fully satisfied and contented.7,6 
Land Transfer*13 March 1728John Bolton of Bridgewater, yeoman, purchased the right or interest in and title to several tracts or parcels of land in Dorchester, Suffolk County, from his sister and brother-in-law, William Leonard and Sarah (Bolton) Leonard of Bridgewater for the sum of 20 shillings on 13 March 1728. The property had been inherited by the Leonards as a result of the death of Sarah's sister Mary Bolton. The deed agreement was recorded on 13 March 1728, and stated that although the tracts had not yet been subdivided, a one-tenth part or share, what they were selling, would belong to them when Mary's estate was settled.8 
Occupation*At various times, John Bolton of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, was described as a yeoman, husbandman and gentleman.9,10,1,11 
Land Transfer*16 February 1730The surviving siblings of John Bolton Jr., all residing in Bridgewater and consisting of Nicholas Bolton, Elisha Bolton, Joseph Bolton, Nathaniel Bolton and Samuel Bolton, Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, Elizabeth (Bolton) May and Abigail Bolton and their husbands, William Leonard and Michael May, children and heirs of John Bolton, late of Bridgewater, signed a deed agreement on 16 February 1730, registered on 13 March 1743, stating that their honored father, had in his lifetime, sold to their brother John Bolton Jr. of Bridgewater, yeoman, for a valuable consideration, a small parcel of land containing by estimation one acre and a half which lay adjoining to their brother's land where he then lived in Bridgewater. The land was described as beginning at a stake and heap of stones which was on bounds of his own land, then running northerly about 5 rods to a red oak tree marked on two sides and running still on the low range 6 rods and a half further to a stake and a heap of stones. From there running easterly about 20 rods (by a double red oak and a single red oak) to a rock by the side of the river, then bounded by the river upstream to John Bolton Jr.'s land. Then by his land to the bounds first mentioned. The deed then stated that, because their honored father did not give a deed to their brother, they separately and together, released all claim to the tract or parcel of land to their brother.12 
(Eldest Son) Estate and Land25 September 1730John's sister, Mary Bolton, had died intestate and the settlement and distribution of her real estate was completed on 25 September 1730. Mary's estate was divided into ten equal shares and distributed between her mother, Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, and brothers and sisters, John Bolton, Samuel Bolton, Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, Elizabeth (Bolton) May, Nicholas Bolton, Elisha Bolton, Joseph Bolton, Nathaniel Bolton, and Abigail Bolton.

A special committee of five freeholders consisting of Joseph Alden, whose land bordered the deceased's, and Joseph Edson, Eleazer Carver, Daniel Hudson and Jonathan Sprague had earlier been appointed by Judge Isaac Winslow on 15 June 1730 to inventory Mary's land and to determine, in their best judgment, an equitable division of her real estate, which they estimated to be 6 acres. Their recommendation, submitted to the court on 10 August 1730 and approved on 21 August 1730, distributed the lands into ten equal shares or lots.

John received the lot identified by the committee as the first share. It was on the south side, joining to the land of his brother Nathaniel, and contained about 3/4 of an acre and 18 rods of land. It was bounded at the north-west corner by a stake and heap of stones, the stones being in the easterly range of Deacon Joseph Alden's land, and from there ranged south 56 degrees east 56 rods to a stake and heap of stones standing by the highway and ranged westerly by the highway 4 rods to a stake and heap of stones, and from there ranged north 56 degrees east 22 rods to a stake and heap of stones and from there ranged north 59 degrees west 30 rods to a stake and heap of stones, and from there ranged north 30 degrees east 4 rods to the bounds first mentioned at the north-west corner of his lot.13,14 
Court Action*John Bolton, Daniel Alden and Joseph Alden filed a complaint with the Plymouth County Court of General Sessions requesting that relief be granted to each of them as provided by the law regulating mills. The complainants said that in late 1730, Benjamin Hayward and Zachariah Whitman raised a pond on the Town River in Bridgewater and caused considerable damage to their grass, and "that the trespass is yearly continued." The court ordered Hayward and Whitman to show cause why they have continued to flow the complainants’' meadow.15 
(Brother) Research NotesEnsign John Bolton was reported by several earlier researchers to have been the father of John Bolton, who was identified in some records as John "Jr.". In 1897, Nahum Mitchell in his "History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater" stated it was uncertain whose son John Jr. was. In 1903, Chesebrough researchers placed him as the only son of Ensign John and Ruth (Hooper) Bolton and in 1908 Thomas Hooper in his Hooper Family Genealogy noted only five children, all daughters, for John and Ruth Bolton. In the 1755 will of Ensign John, there was no mention of a son John, or of any sons for that matter. Only his five "well-beloved" daughters and his sister, Abigail, were mentioned. We have now learned, from French and Indian War records, that John Jr.'s father was actually Ensign John's brother, Elisha Bolton.16,3,17,18 
(Defendant) Court ActionMarch 1730/31 In March 1730/31, the Court of Common Pleas for Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), recorded the case of Samuel Packard of Bridgewater v. John Bolton, Samuel Bolton, Nicholas Bolton, Elisha Bolton, Joseph Bolton and Nathaniel Bolton, all Husbandmen of Bridgewater, as Trespass: Defendants pleaded they cut the trees mentioned in the writ, but were not guilty of trespass because they were in possession. The jury verdict was for the Defendants, and for costs taxed at £5.16s.3d.18 
Court Action*19 September 1732John Bolton was involved in having a presentment, a formal legal statement, submitted to the Plymouth County Court of General Sessions against his neighbor Jonathan Washburn, a yeoman of Bridgewater. The presentment accused Washburn of assaulting Bolton, also a yeoman of Bridgewater, who was "then in peace and going in the execution of his office to serve three executions on said Washburne." Bolton said that the defendant struck him "with a long stick or pole... upon the Right arm" on 19 September 1732.15 
Land Transfer*20 July 1741John Bolton of Bridgewater, in the County of Plymouth in New England, yeoman, signed a deed agreement on 20 July 1741 to sell land in Stoughton, Suffolk County, to Theophilus Curtis, of Stoughton, yeoman, for the sum of seventy pounds. The land was described as one lot of cedar swamp in Stoughton, in the cedar swamp known by the name of Three Swamp, containing twelve acres be it more or less. The sale included all the privileges belonging to the swamp which was bounded as follows: easterly by the swamp of Theophilus' father Captain Moses Curtis, southerly also by Captain Moses Curtis, westerly by the upland and northerly by John Adams. Bolton signed and sealed the document in the presence of witnesses Robert Howard and Daniel Howard. Two years later, on 3 October 1743, Bolton appeared before Daniel Johnson, Justice of the Peace, and acknowledged the instrument to be his own act and deed. The deed was recorded in Suffolk County on 21 January 1778 by Joshua Henshaw, Registrar.19 
(Grantee) Estate and Land23 March 1743/44John's sister and brother-in-law, William Leonard and his wife Sarah (Bolton) Leonard, of Taunton, Bristol County, signed a deed agreement on 23 March 1743/44 to sell all the right, title and interest that Sarah had as an heir, or any other means whatsoever, to any part or parcel of her father John Bolton's lands which he died seized of in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, or any other place, and also to sell all the right and title that Sarah had or might have as an heir to any part or parcel of the moveable estate that her mother, the widow Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton of Bridgewater, died seized of, to Sarah's brother John Bolton of Bridgewater for the sum of 50 shillings. The deed was recorded on 24 March 1743/44.20 
Administration*10 July 1744The estate of John's mother, Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, who died intestate, was opened for Administration on 10 July 1744 in Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), and John, a yeoman of Bridgewater was appointed Administrator. His duties, as described by Judge John Cushing Esq., were to accept the full power entrusted to him by the court and to administer all and singular goods, chattels, rights and credits of the deceased, and to sell and faithfully dispose of them according to law. And also to gather, levy, recover and receive all and whatsoever credits were owed to his mother at the time of her death, and to pay all debts she owed so far as her goods, chattels, rights and credits could cover. John was further instructed to make and exhibit a true and perfect inventory of the estate, including all and singular goods, chattels, rights and credits, into the registry of the Court of Probate for the County of Plymouth on or before 10 July 1745 and to render a plain and true account of his administration of his mother's estate. No additional documents, or the final accounting, were found in the probate packet.21,22 
Land Transfer*4 February 1748John Bolton, gentleman, of Bridgewater in the County of Plymouth in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, signed a deed agreement on 4 February 1748 to sell land in Stoughton, Suffolk County, to Joseph Gilbert, yeoman, of Easton, Bristol County for the sum of twenty-four pounds, one shilling and five pence. John signed, sealed and delivered the document in the presence of Matthew Hayward and Abijah Manley in Boston, Suffolk County. Edward Hayward, Justice of the Peace, verified that John had personally appeared before him on 15 February 1748 and acknowledged the instrument to be his act and deed. The document was recorded in Suffolk County, also on 15 February 1748 by Ezekiel Goldthwait, Registrar. The land was described as a certain tract of land laid out previously to the right of John's grandfather Nicholas Bolton in the Twenty-Five Divisions of Land late in the township of Dorchester and now in the township of Stoughton. The original Bolton tract contained thirty-two acres and fifteen rods, bounded as follows: beginning at the North and South line then on the Colony line West 18 Degrees South 65 Rods and six feet to a heap of stones a corner thence North 27 Degrees West 76 Rods to a corner in Jeremiah Willis line thence East 27 Degrees North 64 rods to a square corner eighty-four rods to the first mentioned corner. The deed further stated that John's full right of the described tract was nine acres and a half and twenty rods and a half, be it more or less.

As part of the sale, John signed, sealed and confirmed that he was the true, sole and lawful owner of the described premises and was lawfully seized and possessed of them in his own proper right as a good, perfect and absolute Estate of Inheritance in Fee Simple.23 
Land Records*15 August 1748The bounds of John Bolton's land at Robbins Pond in Bridgewater were renewed by the town's Purchasers Committee consisting of Josiah Snell Jr., Joshua Willis and Nathaniel Brett on 15 August 1748 and the information entered in the Purchasers Book on 22 August 1748. The land was described as one fifteen acre lot, another of thirteen acres, and another totaling ten acres with one acre that lay at the northwesterly end of the fifteen acres and the other nine acres lying on the northeasterly side of the fifteen acres, with all of the lots of land joining together and bounded round as follows: Beginning at a stake by the edge of the meadow, a corner of his 15 acres, then north 25 degrees east by the edge of Hezekiah Hayward's meadow 19 rods and a half to a maple with a stake by it, then northeast and by north 40 rods to a black oak being the northwesterly corner of the one acre and the southwesterly corner of the nine acres. Then keeping the same line in the westerly range of the nine acres 23 rods to a black birch, which was that corner. Then southeast and by east 49 rods to a white oak tree formerly marked and being the northeasterly corner of the nine acres, then east 3 degrees north 79 rods in the north range of the thirteen acres to a stump and stones in the Middleborough line. Then south and by west in the Middleborough line 30 rods to a red oak marked as the southeast corner of the thirteen acres. Then west 3 degrees south 35 rods to a pine stump and keeping the same range 57 rods to a stake in the easterly range of his nine acres. Then southwest and by south 5 rods and a half in the range of his nine acres to a small swamp red oak marked on two sides and keeping the same range still in the line of his nine acres, 12 rods to a black birch marked and standing in the northeasterly range of his fifteen acres. Then southeast and by south in the range of the fifteen acres 19 rods to a maple marked, then south 49 degrees west 50 rods to a marked maple that stands in a bunch of maples, and from there northwest and by north 60 rods to the first bounds.24 
Land Grant*17 August 1748Ten acres of land within the eight mile grant of the township of Bridgewater were laid out to John Bolton on 17 August 1748 by the town's Purchasers Committee which consisted of Josiah Snell Jr., Joshua Willis and Nathaniel Brett. The information entered in the Purchasers Book on 22 August 1748 described the land as beginning at a red oak tree marked on four sides, being the southwest corner of his 13 acres which joined to the Middleborough line, with the tree standing inside the line. Then running west 3 degrees south 92 rods in the range of his 13 acres to a stake standing in the range of his other land, and then south 34 degrees west 17 rods and a half to a marked black birch standing in the northeasterly range of his 15 acres that joined to his meadow at Robbins Pond. From the black birch, south 34 degrees east 19 rods to a maple tree marked on 4 sides, a corner of his 9 acres, and then south 49 degrees west 4 rods in the range of his 15 acres to a stake, and then east 22 degrees north 102 rods to the beginning first bounds. According to the Purchasers Book record, the ten acres grant of land was laid out with 4 acres and one quarter upon the purchase right of John Willis from the 10 acre division granted the 11th of April 1748 and 5 acres and three quarters of it upon Joseph Packard Sr.'s interest in the Packard purchase right from the four last 10 acre grants, all of which land John Bolton had purchased from Joseph Packard Jr.25 
Land Grant16 September 1748Ten more acres of land within the eight mile grant of the township of Bridgewater, and joining on the east side to his other lands at Robbins Pond, were laid out to John Bolton on 16 September 1748 by the town's Purchasers Committee which consisted of Josiah Snell Jr., Joshua Willis and Nathaniel Brett. The information entered in the Purchasers Book on 21 September 1748 described the land as beginning at a red oak tree marked on four sides and standing in the Middleborough line, it being a corner bounds of his other lands, and from there south 33 degrees west 40 rods in the Middleborough line to a small red oak marked on four sides and with a stake by it. From there running west 1 degree north 80 rods to a black birch marked on 4 sides standing in the range of his 15 acres. From there, running east 22 degrees north 102 rods in the range of his other land to the first bounds. According to the information in the Purchasers Book, the land was purchased from Deacon Ephraim Fobes and seven acres and one half were upon Fobe's purchase right from the last three ten acre grants and two acres and one half were upon the Wadsworth family's purchase right of the ten acres divisions of 11 April 1748.26 
Land Grant29 May 1751Ten acres of land within the eight mile grant of the township of Bridgewater, and joining to his other land at Robbins Pond, were laid out to John Bolton on 29 May 1751 by the town's Purchasers Committee which consisted of Josiah Snell Jr., Joshua Willis and Nathaniel Brett. The information entered in the Purchasers Book on 11 July 1751 described the land's bounds as beginning at a stump with stones upon it, which is a corner of his other land and stands in the Pembroke line, then running west 53 rods to a small stump with a stake and stones about it and is a corner of David Hatch's land. Then running west one degree and a half north 18 rods to a stake with marked trees facing to it and is a corner bound of Hatch's land. Then north 20 degrees east 35 rods to a small red oak, marked and standing in or near the range of Hatch's land. From there running north 12 degrees west 4 rods and one half to a pitch pine tree marked with stones about it. Then west 22 degrees south 81 rods to a small pine, marked and standing in the range of Bolton's other land, and then south 47 degrees east 20 rods to a white oak tree, marked and being a bounds of his other land. Then east 4 degrees north 80 rods in the range of his other land to the first bound. According to the information in the Purchasers Book, the land was laid out upon the purchase right of Samuel Edson from the ten acre grant made on 17 April 1749.27 
(Husband) Death17 May 1755John became a widower when Ruth (Hooper) Bolton died on 17 May 1755.28,29,30,31 
Will*27 May 1755John wrote a will dated 27 May 1755 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, in New England, stating he was a husbandman and "now infirm of body but of a sound mind and memory". He first put his soul into the hands of that God that gave it to him and requested that his body be given to the earth in a decent burial at the discretion of his well-beloved son-in-law Joseph Thompson of Halifax, whom he named as his sole Executor. He called his worldly estate a blessing from God and, after his debts and funeral charges were paid in full, bequeathed the bulk of it to his five daughters, Susanna Cowing, Ruth Leach, Elizabeth Thompson, Hannah (Bolton) Thompson and Martha Willis. To his well-beloved daughter Susanna, her heirs and assigns forever, he gave forty acres of land located upon that side of his land adjoining that of David Hatch, and no more. To his well-beloved daughter Ruth, her heirs and assigns forever, he gave twenty acres of land belonging to his home farm and adjoining to the land of Jonathan Washburn, beginning along the road and running to the river, and no more. To his well-beloved daughter Hannah, her heirs and assigns forever, he gave £40 lawful money to be paid in ware at the South Titicut Furnace next blast or the first of next May. His will then directed that a good silver tankard be brought out of his moveable estate and bequeathed to the Second Church of Christ, of which he was a member in good standing, by putting it into the hands of the Deacon of the church by the first day of May. All the rest of his land not already disposed of, at home or abroad, his Purchase Right, his Right in Furnaces, and all his moveables of every sort and kind, he bequeathed to his three well-beloved daughters, Elizabeth, Hannah and Martha, their heirs and assigns forever, to be equally divided among them, excepting that he directed that his sister Abigail (Bolton) Ripley, during her widowhood, to her improvement, should have the small west front room in his house and as much firewood as she wanted out of his home farm. He then appointed his son-in-law, Joseph Thompson, as his sole Executor. His will was signed and sealed in the presence of witnesses Jonathan Sprague, William Hudson and Seth Alden.9,10,32,1 
Death*5 June 1755Ensign John Bolton died on 5 June 1755 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), at age 69. The Backus record identified him as "Ensign" John Bolton.33,3,34 
Burial*He and his wife, Ruth (Hooper) Bolton, died within three weeks of each other and were buried in Mount Prospect Cemetery, Bridgewater.31,35
Probate*28 July 1755His will was brought before John Cushing Esq., Judge of Probate, by the deceased's son-in-law and Executor, Joseph Thompson, on 28 July 1755 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County. Two of the witnesses to the will, William Hudson and Seth Alden, made their oath that they, along with Jonathan Sprague, had seen John Bolton sign and seal his will, had subscribed as witnesses, and that he was then of sound mind. Judge Cushing stated that the will had been proved, approved and allowed and officially committed the power of administration to the deceased's son-in-law, Joseph Thompson of Halifax as Executor. Joseph was directed to faithfully execute the will and to administer the estate accordingly. Joseph was to make a true and perfect inventory of all and singular goods, chattels, rights and credits of the deceased and to exhibit it to the Registry of the Court for the County of Plymouth on or before the 28th day of the following October, and also to render a plain and true account of his administration, upon oath, within twelve months.9,10 
Inventory*28 July 1755 On the same date of 28 July 1755, the Inventory of the real and personal estate that John had died seized of in Bridgewater, which had already been completed and appraised by William Hudson, Seth Alden and John Willis on 4 July 1755, was sworn to by Executor Joseph Thompson and filed with Judge John Cushing Esq.. Bolton's estate was valued at £1404,15,4 and was itemized along the same lines as his will. The forty acres of land given to his daughter Susanna was valued at £40; the twenty acres of land given by will to his daughter Ruth at £120; his apparel and bedding and all his indoor moveable estate at £58,3,9; his livestock and husbandry tools at £59,8,3; his home lands together with all his other lands, cedar swamps and meadows given by will to his three daughters, Elizabeth, Hannah and Martha at £1036,5,4; his eighth part of Titicut Furnace and his sixteenth part of the South Furnace at £62,13,4; and his interest in the stock of coal and the next profits at the furnace at £27,15,4.9,10 
Estate*28 July 1755 No additional documents, or information regarding the final accounting or distribution of his estate, were found in the deceased John Bolton's probate packet. Further research of land records and probates, particularly of his daughters under their married names of Cowing, Leach, Thomson and Willis, may yield a more complete story. We do know that his 4th daughter, Hannah Thomson, wife of Peter, died just one month after her father's death, and before his will was probated. We also know that his youngest daughter, Martha Willis, wife of Joab, was alive after the will was executed, and that his 2nd daughter Ruth Leach was living in 1771 when she was appointed Executrix of her husband's probate. Research will continue in our attempt to finalize the distribution of his estate to our satisfaction.9,10,36,32 

Family

 Ruth Hooper b. 9 Mar 1691, d. 17 May 1755
Children 1.Susanna Bolton+1 b. 12 Jan 1710/11
 2.Ruth Bolton1 b. 6 Jun 1712, d. b 19 Feb 1799
 3.Elizabeth Bolton+1 b. 23 Sep 1714
 4.Hannah Bolton+1 b. 9 Jan 1721/22, d. 6 Jul 1755
 5.Martha Bolton+1 b. 23 Jul 1725, d. 16 Aug 1802

Citations

  1. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
  2. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301, and references the records of the First Church of Dorchester, 1636-1674.
  3. [S610] Charles Henry Pope and Thomas Hooper, compilers, downloaded from Google Books, Hooper Genealogy (Boston, Massachusetts: Charles H. Pope, 1908), Part I, The Reading Family, compiled by Thomas Hooper of Boston, Second Generation, pages 6-10. Hereinafter cited as Hooper Genealogy.
  4. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, surname spelled "Bolten". Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  5. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records, Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, 15 South Street, Bridgewater, Book 1, page 282.
  6. [S624] Probate records, 1686-1903; with index and docket, 1685-1967, Massachusetts Probate Court (Plymouth County), microfilm of originals at Plymouth, Massachusetts on 157 microfilm reels filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, 1968. Includes Index. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2216; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 550510, Probates 1717-1724, Volume 4, pages 322-324; FHL Film# 550511, Probates 1724-1731, Volume 5, pages 643-649. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903.
  7. [S1124] John Bolton, Probate (1723 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2216, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Probate of John Bolton (1723 Bridgewater).
  8. [S625] Deed records, 1664-1900, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, microfilm of original manuscript on 462 microfilm reels. Includes Grantor and Grantee indexes: Film# 558826, Book 36, page 134b, filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Deed records, 1664-1900, Plymouth County.
  9. [S624] Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2217; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 551540, Probates 1751-1755, Volume 13, pages 545-547. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903.
  10. [S1128] John Bolton, Probate (1755 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2217, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Probate of John Bolton (1755 Bridgewater).
  11. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), page xii. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.
  12. [S625] Deed records, 1664-1900, Plymouth County, Film# 558826, Book 36, page 134c.
  13. [S1127] Mary Bolton, Probate (1730 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2220, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Probate of Mary Bolton (1730 Bridgewater).
  14. [S624] Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2220; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 550511, Probates 1724-1731, Volume 5, pages 704-705, 780-786 and 789-790.
  15. [S669] Plymouth Court Records, 1686-1859 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Volume 2, page 101, referencing Session 9, pages 47-48. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth Court Records 1686-1859 - NEHGS.
  16. [S474] Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, including an extensive Family Register. Note: page numbers differ slightly between publications used in our research, including FHL copy, Google Books, Boston Public Library eBooks online and our personal library reprint published by Heritage Books. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, Inc., original publication date was 1840; reprinted for the third and fourth times in 1970 and 1975; first reprinted in 1897 by Henry T. Pratt, Bridgewater, Massachusetts; originally printed in 1840 by Kidder and Wright, Boston, Massachusetts), Bolton, pages 118-119. Hereinafter cited as History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater.
  17. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301, noting that John "Jr." was the son of Ensign John and Ruth (Hooper) Bolton which, although a reasonable "assumption", our evidence shows was incorrect.
  18. [S669] Plymouth Court Records 1686-1859 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Volume 5, page 303, number 7; referencing (4:326-329).
  19. [S633] Records of deeds, 1639-1885; indexes to deeds, 1639-1920 (Suffolk County, Massachusetts). Microfilm of original records in the Registry of Deeds, Boston, Massachusetts on 1128 microfilm reels. Includes indexes to grantors, 1639-1920; indexes to grantees, 1639-1920; and indexes to persons other than grantors and grantees, 1639-1799: Film# 494608, Volume 128 dated 1777-1778, pages 65-R and 66-L, filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Records of deeds 1639-1885, Suffolk County.
  20. [S625] Deed records, 1664-1900, Plymouth County, Film# 558826, Book 36, page 182a.
  21. [S624] Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2225; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 551533, Probates 1742-1745, Volume 9, page 314.
  22. [S1125] Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton, Probate (1744 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2225, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Probate of Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton (1744 Bridgewater).
  23. [S633] Records of deeds 1639-1885, Suffolk County: Film# 494588, Volume 76 dated 1748-1749, pages 59-R, 60-L and 60-R.
  24. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, Book 2, page 214.
  25. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, Book 2, pages 214-215.
  26. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, Book 2, page 215.
  27. [S1154] Purchasers Books of Bridgewater (Massachusetts), earliest original records Bridgewater Public Library Historical Room, Book 2, pages 215-216.
  28. [S610] Charles Henry Pope and Thomas Hooper, Hooper Genealogy, Part I, The Reading Family, compiled by Thomas Hooper of Boston, Second Generation, pages 6-10, reporting her date of death as 17 May 1755.
  29. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, referencing P.R.4: citing a private record; from a record of deaths kept from 1766 to 1820 by Oliver Alden, and from 1820 to 1846 by his son, Caleb Alden, and grandson, Cromwell Alden, or members of the family, now in the possession of the Bridgewater Public Library.
  30. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, referencing P.R.106: citing a private record, copied from a record of deaths kept by Rev. Isaac Backus and his grandson, Joseph A. Backus, and now in the possession of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. The record by Joseph A. Backus is of deaths in Titicut, a parish which included parts of Bridgewater and Middleborough.
  31. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Ruth (Hooper) Bolton, Memorial# 47960175, noting her date of death incorrectly as 28 July 1755, the date of her husband's probate. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  32. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, Boltons of Old and New England, page xii; source stated he had all daughters.
  33. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, referencing P.R.4: citing a private record, from a record of deaths kept from 1766 to 1820 by Oliver Alden, and from 1820 to 1846 by his son, Caleb Alden, and grandson, Cromwell Alden, or members of the family, now in the possession of the Bridgewater Public Library.
  34. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, referencing P.R.106: citing a private record; copied from a record of deaths kept by Rev. Isaac Backus and his grandson, Joseph A. Backus, and now in the possession of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. The record by Joseph A. Backus is of deaths in Titicut, a parish which included parts of Bridgewater and Middleborough.
  35. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Ensign John Bolton, Memorial# 47960140.
  36. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301; source identified John Bolton Jr. as one of the children, and the only son, of Ensign John Bolton and Ruth Hooper.

John Bolton1

b. 23 April 1778, d. 8 August 1831
Family
RelationshipsNephew of John Bolton
2nd great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Descendants of John Bolton and Zilpah Peirce
Father*Joseph Bolton Jr.1 b. 1744, d. 18 Jul 1832
Mother*Mary Bolton1 b. 6 May 1752
Name-DescriptiveThe descriptive name we used to clarify the identification of this John Bolton, in the search for our ancestor, was John Bolton (the Nephew) of Bridgewater. He was one of the last three Massachusetts' men remaining on our list of John Bolton Candidates, and has now been eliminated from further consideration. He appears to have lived in Bridgewater for most of his life. We had liked his year of birth, however his death in 1831 would have been much later than Elizabeth remembered for her father. She was certainly still very young and unmarried when her father died, and she was 26, married and a mother in 1831. After we discovered what we thought was his complete probate file, with no mention of any family or heirs, John Bolton (the Nephew) of Bridgewater was eliminated as a candidate. We still wondered about him, though. The final proof that he was definitely not our John Bolton was the discovery several years later of another filming of his probate papers. This second set of information, filmed in 2007, contained a letter, missing from the earlier 1968 filming. It had been written to the Judge of Probate from the guardian of John's father stating that John had died without issue.2,3 
Birth*23 April 1778John Bolton was born on 23 April 1778 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts (Continental Congress).1,4 
(Son) Census US 1790It is not known which of their children were enumerated on the 1790 census in the household of their parents, Joseph and Mary (Bolton) Bolton in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Joseph and Mary would have been married about 17 years in 1790 and at least 8 of their 9 children, five sons and three daughters, had been born by that year. Until we learn more about the years of the deaths of their sons, we cannot determine which of the boys may have been enumerated with the family in 1790. The residents of the household included one male age 16 and over, who would have been father Joseph, only two males under 16 and four females.5 
Occupation*At the time of his death he was described as a Yeoman in West Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.3,6 
Death*8 August 1831He died intestate on 8 August 1831 in West Bridgewater at age 53.4,2,3 
No Issue*He had no children.2 
Burial*He was buried in the Old Cemetery that later became known as Cochesett Graveyard, West Bridgewater. His grave stone noted his age as 55 years.7,8 
Administration*3 October 1831In a letter to Justice Wilkes Wood dated 3 October 1831, John E. Howard wrote that he was the guardian of the deceased John Bolton's father, Joseph Bolton Jr.. Stating also that the deceased John Bolton died without issue, John E. Howard requested that Jonas Hartwell, a selectman of West Bridgewater, be appointed Administrator of John Bolton's estate.9 
Administration*4 October 1831The estate of John Bolton of West Bridgewater, who died intestate, was opened for probate on 4 October 1831 in East Bridgewater. Jonas Hartwell was appointed Administrator by Wilkes Wood Esq., Judge of the Probate of Wills, and for granting Letters of Administration, and Hartwell paid a Surety Bond of $200 with Benjamin B. Howard and Libbeus Packard as witnesses.10 
Inventory3 April 1832The initial Inventory of the estate of John Bolton, late of West Bridgewater, was filed with Justice Wilkes Wood on 3 April 1832 in East Bridgewater. It had been completed by appraisers Nathan Alger Jr., George W. Lathrop and Stillman Alger and sworn to by Administrator Jonas Hartwell. The initial inventory of the estate was valued at $239.89 and included personal and household items in addition to notes of loans, with interest, against three individuals: Willis Alger, Nathan Alger and John Willis owed the deceased $150.59, $29.75 and $25.32 respectively. A transcription of his inventory may be found here.10
Final Accounting2 April 1833One year later, on 2 April 1833, a second and possibly final Inventory and Expenses of the estate of John Bolton, was submitted by Administrator Jonas Hartwell and filed with Probate Justice Wilkes Wood in East Bridgewater. New items totaling $162.14 had been added to the $239.89 value of the initial inventory making the total value of his estate $402.03 before expenses. $150.00 and $10.00 had been received from the estates of Nathan Alger and Abiezer Alger Esq. respectively, interest received totaled $2.00 and there was $.14 cash in hand. The Administrator requested and received allowance in the amount of $137.72 for the following estate expenses: $5.16 in funeral charges, $34.50 for the deceased's last sickness, $20.11 paid to Dr. Caleb Swan, $6.47 paid to Dr. Noah Whitman, $1.70 in expenses for appraising the estate, $12.28 lost in the sale of the personal estate, $1.00 paid to Charles Hayden, $15.00 for a pair of gravestones and $41.50 for settling the estate.

The net value of the estate, after expenses, in 1833 was $264.31 which in today's dollars (2009) would be about $6,830. No mention of a wife, children or family members were found in the probate papers nor was there any indication of how the closing amount was disbursed.10 

Citations

  1. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
  2. [S611] Probate file papers, Plymouth County, Massachusetts (microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. Filmed by Graphic Microfilm of New England, Waltham, Massachusetts, 2007), LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah: Film# 2426726, Probate# 2218. Hereinafter cited as Probate file papers, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
  3. [S624] Probate records, 1686-1903; with index and docket, 1685-1967, Massachusetts Probate Court (Plymouth County), microfilm of originals at Plymouth, Massachusetts on 157 microfilm reels filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, 1968. Includes Index. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903.
  4. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  5. [S466] 1790 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Joseph Bolton, Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; Roll M637_4; Image: 0087. Hereinafter cited as 1790 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S611] Probate file papers, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, Case number 2218.
  7. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, citing G.R. 7, a gravestone record, Old Cemetery near Methodist Church, Cochesett.
  8. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, John Bolton, Memorial# 108733054. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  9. [S624] Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903, Film# 2426726, Probate# 2218.
  10. [S781] John Bolton of West Bridgewater, Probate file# 2218, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, found among "Probate records, 1686-1903; with index and docket, 1685-1967", Massachusetts Probate Court (Plymouth County) microfilm of originals at Plymouth, Massachusetts on 157 microfilm reels. Includes Index. Papers on multiple films, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, FHL Film# 550911, Book 61, page 440; FHL Film# 555259, Book 68, page 253; FHL Film# 555261, Book 72, pages 146-147; FHL Film# 555262, Book 74, pages 107-108. Hereinafter cited as John Bolton Probate file# 2218.

John Bolton

b. 10 August 1762, d. 30 October 1829
Family
Relationships2nd cousin 1 time removed of John Bolton
3rd great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*Jonathan Bolton b. 1 Jul 1738, d. b 1810
Mother*Thankful Borden
Birth*10 August 1762John Bolton was born on 10 August 1762 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).1 
Name VariationHe was likely born with the name Jonathan Bolton Jr. and called John to avoid confusion in the family. He used both names, John or Jonathan Jr., on deed records in Bristol County, Massachusetts.2 
Marriage*16 June 1784He married Tryphena Hathaway (alias Strange) probably on 16 June 1784 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts (Continental Congress). Their intention of marriage was recorded on 15 Apr 1784, and the date of their marriage was shown in the Helen Gurney Thomas source as "16 Jun (the year torn)". The actual record clarifies the year of the marriage as 1784 also. The Bolton Family Bible recorded the date of their marriage as 20 Jun 1784.3,4,5 
Census US 1790*1790John Bolton appeared on the 1790 census as the Head of Household in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts. John Sr. and Tryphena would have been married about 6 years in 1790, and the household contained 1 male aged 16 and over, who would have been John Sr., 3 males under the age of 16, who would have been sons Sylvanus, Thomas and John Jr., and 2 females, one of whom would have been Tryphena and the other maybe household help or a relative. The senior John's father's household was enumerated separately on neighboring land.6,7 
(CLUE? Identity) Marriage21 August 1794A man named Jonathan Bolton married Hannah Snow on 21 August 1794 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. In Bristol County, Massachusetts, Jonathan Jr.'s wife, Tryphena Bolton, was alive until at least December of 1805 when she signed a deed in Bristol County, so he doesn't appear to be a likely candidate for this marriage. Thankful (Thanke) Bolton appeared on the 1810 Census in Freetown, Bristol County, so the Bristol County father Jonathan is unlikely, also. The only other candidate Jonathan Bolton discovered so far was listed as a Head of Household on the 1790 Census in Blandford Town, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. His household contained one female and two males over the age of 16, so he may have had a son named Jonathan who married in Bridgewater in 1794. For the purpose of remembering this issue, the imagined son has been "created" and the marriage linked to him. The search continues..8 
Land Transfer20 December 1796Jonathan Bolton of Bridgewater, in the County of Plymouth, purchased land in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts, with his son John Bolton of Freetown, a yeoman, from Beuthal Borden, a yeoman, for the sum of $275. The deed was dated on 20 December 1796, signed and delivered on 3 Jul 1799, but not recorded until 15 Dec 1805. The land was described as a certain tract of land lying in Freetown, bounded Westerly by the land of Perigrine White, Southeasterly by the highway, Easterly by the land of Francis Pigsley and Nehemiah Donnerswilde and Northerly by the land of Augustus Chase. It was recorded as "containing 50 acres, be it more or less," and was signed by Beuthal Borden and Mary Borden with John Borden and Thomas White as witnesses.9 
Taxation*1798John Bolton appeared on the Direct Tax list in 1798 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He had 25 acres and was identified as both the owner and occupier of the property which had one dwelling house valued at $80. The valuation first determined by the Principal Assessors for the house and property was $180, and the valuation as revised and equalized by the Commissioners was $195 as was the final "whole valuation of lands belonging to or possessed by one person."10 
Census US 1800*1800John Bolton appeared on the 1800 census as the Head of Household in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts. The household had 3 males aged 10 thru 15, who would have been sons Sylvanus, Thomas and John Jr., 1 male aged 26 thru 44, John Sr., 4 females under 10, daughters Ruth, Phebe, Thankful and Tryphena, and 1 female aged 26 thru 44, the mother Tryphena. The senior John's parents, Jonathan and Thankful, were enumerated at a neighboring farm.11 
Land Transfer*4 November 1805John Bolton, a yeoman of Freetown, and his wife, Tryphena, signed a deed agreement on 4 November 1805 to sell land in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts, to Calvin Reynolds, a yeoman of Freetown, for the sum of $200. The deed was dated and signed on 4 November 1805, and recorded on 16 Dec 1805. It described the tract or parcel of land situated in Freetown, bounded as follows: Westerly on land of Peregrine White, Northerly on land of David Bolton, Easterly on land of Francis Pigsley and Southerly on the highway. Beginning at White's southerly corner by the highway, and then north seventy-one rods, then left sixteen degrees and a half, north seventy-four rods then south on Pigsley's line fifty-seven rods and four links to the highway then on the highway to the bounds first mentioned and being one-half of that lot of land that Bethuel Borden sold to Jonathan Bolton and John Bolton containing twenty acres be it the same more or less. The deed was signed by John Bolton and the mark of his wife Tryphena Bolton. Witnesses were Jonathan Bolton and Taber Ashley. John Bolton acknowledged, using the name Jonathan Bolton Jr., that he had signed as a free act and deed.2 
(Son) Land Transfer31 October 1806Jonathan Bolton, a yeoman of Freetown, and his wife Thankful Bolton signed a deed agreement on 31 October 1806 to sell land in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts, to Thomas White, a yeoman of Dartmouth, for the sum of $200. The deed was dated and signed on 31 October 1806, and recorded on 1 Nov 1806. It described the tract or parcel of land situated in Freetown, bounded as follows: Containing twenty-six acres ___________ and bounded Northerly by land belonging to Augustus Chase, Easterly and Southerly by Calvin Reynolds' land, Westerly by Peregrine White's land and is the one-half of that lot of land, taken off at the North end, which he, Jonathan Bolton, and his son, John Bolton, bought from Bethuel Borden. It was signed with the marks of Jonathan Bolton and Thankful Bolton, with Thomas Bolton and David Bolton as witnesses.12 
Death*30 October 1829He died on 30 October 1829 in Bristol County, Massachusetts, at age 67, although the Bible record noted "at age 68."1 

Family

 Tryphena Hathaway b. 13 Jul 1764, d. 3 Feb 1832
Children 1.Sylvanus Bolton+13 b. 2 Nov 1784
 2.Thomas Bolton1 b. 14 Jan 1786, d. 25 Nov 1839
 3.John Bolton+1 b. 19 Apr 1788, d. 1828
 4.James Bolton1 b. Jul 1791, d. Jul 1791
 5.Ruth Bolton1 b. 19 Jun 1792, d. 6 Jan 1889
 6.Phebe Bolton1 b. 3 Nov 1794
 7.Thankful Bolton+13 b. 25 Mar 1797, d. 1879
 8.Tryphena Bolton1 b. 1 Aug 1799
 9.Enos Bolton13 b. 18 Feb 1802, d. c 1883
 10.Lydia Bolton1 b. 29 Jun 1804, d. 1876

Citations

  1. [S608] Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts. Transcription located online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~meandrhs/taylor/bible/… as a result of a Google search, (2001); Jimmy - e-mail address Kerr, Austin, Texas 79762, listings, page 2. Hereinafter cited as Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts.
  2. [S597] Bristol County (Mass.) deed records, v. 1-556, (1686-1900 and 1686-1956) index -, 1686-1956. Microreproduction of original records in the registrar's office, Taunton, Massachusetts. Includes index. Note: Part I of Volume 7, pages 1-654 of this series was found on Film# 1405193 and has been referenced separately in this project as Source# 597. volume 85, page 443; on microfilm volumes 84-85 for 1804-1806, Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Bristol County, Massachusetts Deeds: Taunton Registry (1686-1900).
  3. [S475] Helen Gurney Thomas, compiler, Vital records of the town of Freetown, Massachusetts, 1686 through 1890 (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, 1988), marriages, pages 160, 277 and 373. Hereinafter cited as Freetown Massachusetts Vital Records, 1686-1890.
  4. [S598] Freetown (Massachusetts) Vital Records, Town Clerk's record books, Freetown Town Hall, 3 N. Main Street, Assonet, Massachusetts, Intentions, Book 2, page 400; Marriages, iBook 2, page 247.
  5. [S608] Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts, listings, page 1.
  6. [S466] 1790 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of John Bolton, Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; Roll: M637_4; Image: 0255. Hereinafter cited as 1790 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S602] U.S. Federal Government, Heads of Families at the first Census of the United States taken in the Year 1790 in Massachusetts (Baltimore, Maryland: reprinted 1966, 1973, 1992, 1998 by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1908 by Government Printing Office, Washington DC), Freetown, page 46, column 3. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts 1790 Heads of Families.
  8. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  9. [S597] Bristol County, Massachusetts Deeds: Taunton Registry (1686-1900), volume 85, pages 442-443; on microfilm volume 84-85 for 1804-1805.
  10. [S594] Massachusetts and Maine 1798 Direct Tax List, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Volume 11, page 673. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts and Maine 1798 Direct Tax.
  11. [S164] 1800 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, 1800 Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; Roll 19; Page: 548; Image: 22; Household of John Bolton (transcribed as "Botton"). Hereinafter cited as 1800 United States Federal Census.
  12. [S597] Bristol County, Massachusetts Deeds: Taunton Registry (1686-1900), volume 86, page 501; on microfilm volumes 86-87 for 1806-1807.
  13. [S606] Douglas Richardson, Bolton Family of Massachusetts and Vermont (GenForum posting), 01 March 2001: suggests the possibility that Thankful, Sylvanus and Enos were siblings and the children of John and Tryphena Bolton, GenForum Genealogy online at genforum.genealogy.com. Hereinafter cited as Bolton Family Genealogy Forum (Richardson, March 2001).

John Bolton1

b. 18 August 1762, d. 2 June 1841
Family
Relationships1st cousin of John Bolton
2nd great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*Seth Bolton1 b. 2 Feb 1739
Mother*Anna Wade1
Name-DescriptiveThe descriptive name we used to clarify the identification of this John Bolton, in the search for our ancestor, was John Bolton of Lowell. He moved around throughout his life and was challenging to pin down. We have run across many internet sources that have mixed him up with other John Boltons who were in Plymouth, Bristol and Middlesex counties during the same time period. Incorrect parents, wives and children have been assigned and attached to him. As a result of our research, we believe our conclusions, as presented here, are accurate and that he was not our ancestor. 
Birth*18 August 1762John Bolton was born on 18 August 1762 in Pembroke, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).2,3 
Revolutionary War*1775In his pension application declaration, John Bolton stated that he enlisted into the army in the war of the revolution in the autumn of 1775 for nine months. He was mustered in the Company of Captain Christopher Dyer and regiment of Colonel Staunton and was marched to Howland’s Ferry in Tiverton, Rhode Island where he served out the full term of his enlistment but received no discharge. In August 1776 he again volunteered or entered into the Militia Service for one month in the Company of Captain Simeon Cobb, marched to Providence and served out the term of his engagement. In July 1777 he again volunteered as a substitute for his father, Seth Bolton, who was drafted as one of the Militia for two months. John joined the Company of Jacob Hoskins and regiment of Colonel Jacobs and marched to Little Compton in Rhode Island and served out the term of his engagement. In July 1778 he again enlisted or volunteered as one of the Militia for three months, joined the Company of Captain Matthew Randall and regiment of Colonel Abiel Mitchell and marched to Butts Hill in Rhode Island and served out the term of his engagement. In 1779 he again volunteered or enlisted into the Company of Captain John Shaw and regiment of Colonel Hall, marched to Butts Hill and in a few days returned to Howland’s Ferry in Rhode Island and served out the term of his enlistment.1 
Marriage*4 December 1787He married Margery Pratt, daughter of Thomas Pratt and Mercy Jones, on 4 December 1787 in Fourth Church of Christ, Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts (Continental Congress). Their Intention of Marriage was filed at Raynham in Bristol County, where John resided before his marriage.4,5 
Census US 1800*John Bolton appeared on the 1800 census as the Head of Household in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. John and Margery would have been married about 12 years in 1800, and were both noted in the age category of 26 thru 44. The children in their household included 1 male under 10, who would have been son Alfred, 1 male aged 10 thru 15, who would have been son Micah and 3 females under 10, who would have been daughters Margery, Mary Ann and Anna.6 
Pension*12 September 1832John Bolton submitted a Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application on 12 September 1832 and his hearing was held in the Court of Probate sitting in Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. All the officers under whom he served were dead when he made his pension application in September 1832 and he had no documentary evidence to provide. His statement was supported, however, by living witnesses, including his brother Seth Bolton, who had also served briefly as a Private in Captain Matthew Randell's Company, Colonel Abiel Mitchell's regiment.1 
Residence*12 September 1832In his pension application dated 12 September 1832, John Bolton stated that he had resided at Raynham in Bristol County, Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War. After the war he lived one year at Taunton, also in Bristol County, and twenty years at Bridgewater, in Plymouth County. Next, for about the same length of time he lived in several other towns and at the time of his declaration was residing in Billerica village in the town of Tewksbury, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.1 
(Husband) Death31 July 1840John became a widower when Margery Bolton died on 31 July 1840.7 
Death*2 June 1841He died on 2 June 1841 in Lowell, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, at age 78.8,7 
Affidavit of Death*23 June 1841An Affidavit of Death for John Bolton was filed by his son-in-law, James Mitchell, on 23 June 1841 in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He stated, under oath, that John Bolton, "lately a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, died at Lowell in the County of Middlesex on the second day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-one. That John Bolton had no wife at the time of his decease and has left no widow. That he left five children who are his heirs at law. To wit Margery Mitchell, Alfred Boulton, Ann(sic) Death and George W. Bolton, all of Lowell, and Mary Ann Mason of Newton, also in Middlesex County. And that the above named persons are all the heirs at law and the only children of the deceased."9 

Family

 Margery Pratt b. 5 Feb 1764, d. 31 Jul 1840
Children 1.Micah Bolton10,11 b. 8 Nov 1788, d. b 23 Jun 1841
 2.Margery Bolton7,11 b. 31 Mar 1791
 3.Alfred Bolton+10,11 b. 7 May 1793
 4.Mary Ann Bolton7,11 b. 2 Oct 1795
 5.Anna Wade Bolton7,11 b. 11 Apr 1799
 6.George Washington Bolton7,11 b. 23 Sep 1801
 7.Thomas Jefferson Bolton7,11 b. 7 Aug 1805, d. 15 May 1814

Citations

  1. [S480] John Bolton (of Bristol County), number S29649; Massachusetts, Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Application File; film number M804 (Washington D.C.: NARA).
  2. [S480] John Bolton (of Bristol County), downloaded copy of original from footnote.com, number S29649, film number M804, John's birth was recorded in Raynham after his family moved there from Pembroke when he was "quite young."
  3. [S481] First Book of Raynham (MA) Records, 1700-1835 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Raynham, Massachusetts Records-NEHGS.
  4. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, the Fourth Church of Christ of Bridgewater later became the First Congregational Church of Brockton. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  5. [S402] Compiled by Jayne Pratt Lovelace, The Pratt Directory (Chandler, Arizona: Ancestor House, 1995), page 579 with date of Intention of Marriage recorded in Bridgewater as 4 Dec 1787. Hereinafter cited as The Pratt Directory.
  6. [S164] 1800 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, 1800, Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; Household of John Bolton; Roll 16; Page:57; Image: 67; Family History Library Film: 205617. Hereinafter cited as 1800 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org.
  8. [S483] U.S. Pensioners 1818-1872 from original data: Ledgers of Payments, 1818-1872, to U.S. Pensioners Under Acts of 1818 Through 1858 From Records of the Office of the Third Auditor of the Treasury, 1818-1872, online at www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts. Hereinafter cited as U.S. Pensioners 1818-1872.
  9. [S486] John Bolton, Affidavit of Death 1841, Probate File Number 26247, Probate Records 1648-1924, Middlesex County Massachusetts probate file number 26247 (Microfilm of original records in the Middlesex County Courthouse, Cambridge, Massachusetts), LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Bolton, John Affidavit of Death 1841.
  10. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, his birth was recorded in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.
  11. [S402] Compiled by Jayne Pratt Lovelace, The Pratt Directory, page 579.

John Bolton1

Family
Father*Dr. Hugh Bolton1 b. 1687, d. 8 Jun 1772
Mother*Elizabeth Patterson1 d. 30 Jan 1755
Revolutionary War*John Bolton commanded a company at West Point in the Revolutionary War and gave all his property to clothe his soldiers.1 

Citations

  1. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), pages xii and xiii. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.

John Bolton1

Family
Father*William Bolton1 b. 1682, d. 22 Apr 1755
Mother*Elizabeth __?__1

Citations

  1. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), page xiii. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.

John Bolton1

b. 8 February 1831
Family
Relationship3rd great-grandson of James Bolton
ChartsDescendants of William Bolton of Reading, The Immigrant
Father*John Bolton1 b. 24 Oct 1773, d. 28 Mar 1843
Mother*Abigail Wesson1 b. 26 Jan 1790
Birth*8 February 1831John Bolton was born on 8 February 1831 in Danville, Caledonia County, Vermont.1 

Citations

  1. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), Descendants of William Bolton, Fourth Generation, pages 8-10. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.

John Bolton1

b. May 1773, d. 22 September 1773
Family
Father*Dr. Matthew Bolton1 b. 1731, d. 5 Jun 1774
Mother*Mary McClanathan1
Birth*May 1773John Bolton was born in May 1773 in Colrain, Hampshire County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). His month of birth calculated from his age recorded at death.1 
Death*22 September 1773He died at four months of age on 22 September 1773 in Colrain, Hampshire County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).1 

Citations

  1. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.

John Bolton1

b. 3 July 1790
Family
Father*Richard Bolton1
Mother*Molly Round1
Birth*3 July 1790John Bolton was born on 3 July 1790 in Rehoboth, Bristol County, Massachusetts.1 

Citations

  1. [S1829] Community Indexed Vital and Church Records, International Genealogical Index (IGI) available online at https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/igi. The International Genealogical Index was a family history database that listed several hundred million names of deceased persons from throughout the world. Names in the IGI came from two sources: Community Indexed and Community Contributed. The Community Indexed IGI contained viital and church records from the early 1500s to 1885 which, in almost all cases, we have found to be accurate transcriptions of the actual records and a very useful tool in our research. (Salt Lake City, Utah: www.familysearch.org), as extracted from book: "Vital record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 : marriages, intentions, births, deaths, with supplemental conaining rhe record of 1896, colonial returns, lists of the early settlers, purchasers, freemen, inhabitants, the soldiers serving in Phillip's War and the Revolution."

John Bolton

Family
Relationships2nd cousin 2 times removed of John Bolton
4th great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*David Bolton b. c 1764; He was probably the son of one of the sons of Jonathan Bolton and Thankful Borden, and at this point in our research, David appears the most likely. Not much has been learned yet about David and Zilpah Bolton, but since we already placed one "stray son John" with David's brother John, we've placed this "son" with David and Zilpah
Mother*Zilpah Snow b. c 1763; He was probably the son of one of the sons of Jonathan Bolton and Thankful Borden, but whether of John, David, Thomas or possibly another not yet identified, is entirely speculation at this point in our research. Not much has been learned yet about David and Zilpah Bolton, but since we already placed one "stray son John" with David's brother John, we've placed this "son" with David and Zilpah
(Son) Census US 1800A young boy appeared on the 1800 census in the household of David Bolton and likely his wife, Zilpah (Snow) Bolton, in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. It is suspected that John Bolton, the father of Harlos Bolton, may have been the son of David and Zilpah Bolton and in order to keep track of him, he has been placed here. David and Zilpah would have been married about 5 years in 1800, and were both noted in the age category of 26 thru 44. Their household had two children: 1 male under 10 and 1 female under 10 who were probably their children and have not yet been fully identified.1 
CLUE? Identity*1814An individual named John Bolton was listed as a Private in Captain S. Wilber's Company, Lieutenant Colonel B. Lincoln's Regiment from 27 Sep to 18 Oct 1814. The regiment was raised at Raynham, with service at New Bedford, Massachusetts.2 
Marriage*He married Matilda __?__. 

Family

 Matilda __?__
Children 1.Harlos Bolton b. c 1823
 2.Gardner Bolton3 d. 7 Mar 1836

Citations

  1. [S164] 1800 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, 1800, Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; Household of David Bolton; Roll 16; Page:57; Image: 67; Family History Library Film: 205617. Hereinafter cited as 1800 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S317] Capt. S. Wilber's Company, Lieut. Col. B. Lincoln's Regiment, online at www.usgennet.org/usa/ma/state/military/militia/lincoln.html, downloaded 19 Jan 2007. Hereinafter cited as Lieut. Col. B. Lincoln's Regiment.
  3. [S600] Berkley (Massachusetts) Vital Records, Town Clerk's record books, Berkley Town Clerk, 1 North Main Street, Berkley, Massachusetts, Deaths, Book A, V B4 55T.

John Bolton

b. 19 April 1788, d. 1828
Family
Relationships2nd cousin 2 times removed of John Bolton
4th great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Father*John Bolton1 b. 10 Aug 1762, d. 30 Oct 1829
Mother*Tryphena Hathaway1 b. 13 Jul 1764, d. 3 Feb 1832
Name-DescriptiveThe descriptive name we used to clarify the identification of this John Bolton, in the search for our ancestor, was John Bolton of Berkley. By the time our research on his life and family developed to a deeper level, he was one of only two Massachusetts' men remaining as strong Candidates for "our" John Bolton. It was necessary to eliminate him from any further consideration, however, after a combination of discoveries. He would have been only 15 years of age when our Ancestor John Bolton married Zilpah Peirce who was 21 at her marriage. Additionally, John Bolton of Berkley was a Yeoman and lived almost his entire life in Bristol County; he was born, married, farmed and died there. He, his wife and daughter, Elizabeth, all died in 1828. 
Birth*19 April 1788John Bolton Jr. was born on 19 April 1788 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts.1 
(Son) Census US 17901790Sylvanus Bolton, Thomas Bolton and John Bolton Jr. was likely enumerated on the 1790 census in the household of his parents, John and Tryphena Bolton, in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts. John Sr. and Tryphena would have been married about 6 years in 1790, and the household contained 1 male aged 16 and over, who would have been John Sr., 3 males under the age of 16, who would have been sons Sylvanus, Thomas and John Jr., and 2 females, one of whom would have been Tryphena and the other maybe household help or a relative. The senior John's father's household was enumerated separately on neighboring land.2,3 
(Son) Census US 18001800Sylvanus Bolton, Thomas Bolton and John Bolton Jr. was likely enumerated on the 1800 census in the household of his parents, John and Tryphena Bolton, in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts. The household had 3 males aged 10 thru 15, who would have been sons Sylvanus, Thomas and John Jr., 1 male aged 26 thru 44, John Sr., 4 females under 10, daughters Ruth, Phebe, Thankful and Tryphena, and 1 female aged 26 thru 44, the mother Tryphena. The senior John's parents, Jonathan and Thankful, were enumerated at a neighboring farm.4 
(CLUE Person) Residence1807A man named John Bolton was listed in the Boston City Directories for 1806 and 1807 on Ship street, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. His occupation was Marine Mariner. Although we are almost certain John Bolton was "our" John, of Bridgewater and Boston, it should be noted that John's 2nd Cousin twice removed, John Bolton of Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts was a mariner, probably out of Bristol, Rhode Island, when he purchased land in 1818. He was 19 years old in 1807.5 
Marriage Intention*31 August 1811An intention of marriage between John Bolton and Rachel Briggs was communicated by Joseph Bro.....(can't read) and recorded on 31 August 1811 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts.6,7,8 
Marriageafter 31 August 1811John married Rachel Briggs on after 31 August 1811 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts.8,9,10  
CLUE? Identity1814An individual named John Bolton was listed as a Private in Captain S. Wilber's Company, Lieutenant Colonel B. Lincoln's Regiment from 27 Sep to 18 Oct 1814. The regiment was raised at Raynham, with service at New Bedford, Massachusetts.11 
Land Transfer*22 December 1818John Bolton, a mariner of Berkley, purchased land in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts, from Abiathar Phillips, a _____________ of Berkley, for the sum of $350. The deed was dated and signed on 22 December 1818, and recorded on 23 Dec 1818. It described the tract of land lying in Berkley bounded as follows: Beginning at the Southerly and Easterly corner of the land that Jacob Phillips bought of the heirs of Ralph Phillips, thence Westerly by Thomas Briggs line until it comes to a creek, thence the same _____________ on land owned by the heirs of Simon Burt until it comes to another creek, thence on that creek Northerly until it comes to land owned by the heirs of Stephen Burt, thence Easterly by land owned by those heirs until it comes to land set off to Deborah Phillips for her thirds of Ralph Phillips Estate, thence South, or by the same line, of those thirds to the first mentioned boundary, containing fourteen acres, be it the same more or less ____________Also two-thirds of a seven acre lot, or thereabouts, adjoining the above described to the Eastward, extending to the road, being undivided with the heirs of Ralph Phillips deceased, and set off to Deborah Phillips as her Dower. Abiathar Phillips, with this deed agreement, conveyed all his right and title to the Ralph Phillips Estate. The deed agreement further stated that Abiathar's wife, Silvia Phillips, quit her right of Dower on the above described premises. It was signed by Abiathar Phillips and Silvia Phillips with Asa Danforth and John Danforth as witnesses.12 
Occupation*In the land transfer of 1818 to Abiathar Phillips, John was described as a Mariner.12 
Land Transfer*16 September 1823John Bolton and Rachel Bolton of Berkley, in the County of Bristol, yeoman, signed a deed agreement on 16 September 1823 to sell land in Berkley, Massachusetts, to Tamerlane Burt and Thomas J. Burt, both of Berkley, yeoman, for the sum of $160. The deed was recorded on 27 Nov 1823 and described the tract and lot of land situated in Berkley as follows: Beginning at a stone set in the ground with stones about it in the line of land owned by Tamerlane Burt, thence South twenty-four degrees, West sixteen rods and twenty links to a stone set in the ground at the root of a maple tree marked in the line of Thomas Briggs land, then Northwesterly by land of Thomas Briggs, Clarissa Burt and Serena Babbitt fifty-three rods to the River Creek so called, thence by said creek Northerly to land of Thomas J. Burt thence by his land and land of said Tamerlane Burt South sixty-two degrees, East about sixty rods to the first ___________bounds containing about six and a quarter acres ________. The deed was signed by John Bolton and Rachel Bolton on 16 Sep 1823, with Abiathar Phillips, Levi French and William McConnell as witnesses.13 
Land Transfer14 February 1824John Bolton and Rachel Bolton of Berkley, in the County of Bristol, yeoman, signed a deed agreement on 14 February 1824 to sell land in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts, to Jacob Phillips Jr. of Berkley, yeoman, for the sum of $150. The deed was recorded on 15 Feb 1825 and described the lot or parcel of land situated in Berkley as follows: Bounded Easterly on the road leading from Thomas Briggs to Taunton, Northerly on land owned by Tamerlane Burt, Westerly on land owned by Tamerlane and Thomas J. Burt and Southwesterly land owned by Thomas Briggs and containing about ten acres _____________. The deed was signed by John Bolton and Rachel Bolton on 14 Feb 1824 with Polly French and Levi French as witnesses.14 
Death*1828He died in 1828 in Bristol County, Massachusetts.1 

Family

 Rachel Briggs d. 6 Dec 1828
Children 1.Enos Bolton+15 b. 4 May 1821
 2.Elizabeth Bolton16 d. 16 Dec 1828

Citations

  1. [S608] Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts. Transcription located online at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~meandrhs/taylor/bible/… as a result of a Google search, (2001); Jimmy - e-mail address Kerr, Austin, Texas 79762, listings, page 2. Hereinafter cited as Bolton Family Bible - Bristol County Massachusetts.
  2. [S466] 1790 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of John Bolton, Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; Roll: M637_4; Image: 0255. Hereinafter cited as 1790 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S602] U.S. Federal Government, Heads of Families at the first Census of the United States taken in the Year 1790 in Massachusetts (Baltimore, Maryland: reprinted 1966, 1973, 1992, 1998 by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1908 by Government Printing Office, Washington DC), Freetown, page 46, column 3. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts 1790 Heads of Families.
  4. [S164] 1800 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, 1800 Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; Roll 19; Page: 548; Image: 22; Household of John Bolton (transcribed as "Botton"). Hereinafter cited as 1800 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S188] Multiple compilers, Boston (Massachusetts) City Directories. On 334 microfiches and 84 microfilm reels; LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Boston City Directories.
  6. [S598] Freetown (Massachusetts) Vital Records, Town Clerk's record books, Freetown Town Hall, 3 N. Main Street, Assonet, Massachusetts, Intentions, Book 3, page 39, No. 14.
  7. [S475] Helen Gurney Thomas, compiler, Vital records of the town of Freetown, Massachusetts, 1686 through 1890 (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, 1988), pages 160 and 177. Hereinafter cited as Freetown Massachusetts Vital Records, 1686-1890.
  8. [S337] Massachusetts, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1633-1850, online at www.ancestry.com. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1633-1850.
  9. [S475] Helen Gurney Thomas, Freetown Massachusetts Vital Records, 1686-1890, records listed alphabetically under both Grooms and Brides.
  10. [S476] Harlos Bolton, Bristol County, Massachusetts probate records, 1690-1881 film number 558134, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Bristol County probate records, 1690-1881.
  11. [S317] Capt. S. Wilber's Company, Lieut. Col. B. Lincoln's Regiment, online at www.usgennet.org/usa/ma/state/military/militia/lincoln.html, downloaded 19 Jan 2007. Hereinafter cited as Lieut. Col. B. Lincoln's Regiment.
  12. [S597] Bristol County (Mass.) deed records, v. 1-556, (1686-1900 and 1686-1956) index -, 1686-1956. Microreproduction of original records in the registrar's office, Taunton, Massachusetts. Includes index. Note: Part I of Volume 7, pages 1-654 of this series was found on Film# 1405193 and has been referenced separately in this project as Source# 597. volume 105, page 396; on microfilm volumes 104-105 for 1817-1818, Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Bristol County, Massachusetts Deeds: Taunton Registry (1686-1900).
  13. [S597] Bristol County, Massachusetts Deeds: Taunton Registry (1686-1900), volume 114, pages 139-140; on microfilm volume 113-114 for 1823-1824.
  14. [S597] Bristol County, Massachusetts Deeds: Taunton Registry (1686-1900), volume 117, pages 69-70; on microfilm volume 117 for 1825.
  15. [S603] Benjamin Shurtleff, compiler, Descendants of William Shurtleff of Plymouth and Marshfield, Massachusetts, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. (Revere, Massachusetts: Benjamin Shurtleff, 1912), Volume I, The Seventh Generation, page 483. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Shurtleff of Massachusetts.
  16. [S600] Berkley (Massachusetts) Vital Records, Town Clerk's record books, Berkley Town Clerk, 1 North Main Street, Berkley, Massachusetts, Deaths, Book A, V B4 55T.

John Bolton

d. between 16 April 1823 and 16 May 1823
Family
Name-DescriptiveIn our researching process, events were found that included individuals named John Bolton that we have been otherwise unable to associate with the correct John. We have no evidence to either prove or disprove a relationship to "our" Ancestor John so, just in case, we wanted to keep track of them. The descriptive name we chose for this assortment of miscellaneous activities by John Boltons was John Bolton (stray events). 
CLUE? Identity*19 July 1779An individual named John Bolton was the Commander of the ship ALFRED on 19 Jul 1779 when an advertisement was placed in the newspaper. The ALFRED was to sail soon for Jamaica and the ad described the ship as mounting 20 carriage guns, fixes and nines on one deck, and could fight them under cover. Those wishing freight or passage were instructed to apply to Robert Alexander and Co. at No. 918 Water-street, or to Captain Bolton at the Merchants Coffee House or on board the ALFRED living on the North River.1 
CLUE? Identity1804An individual named John Bolton who was age 24 and born in Maryland, filed an application for a Seamen's Protection Certificate.2 
CLUE? Identity21 August 1807 A seaman named John Bolton, who called himself a citizen of the United States, was impressed in the British Service and was detained for want of Documents to prove his Citizenship. An official Notice from the Department of State was placed in the Eastern Argus, a Portland, Maine newspaper, on 24 Sep 1807. This Notice, dated 21 Aug 1807, listed a total of 26 detained seamen including the John Bolton.

The other impressed seamen mentioned in the notice were: George Brond, James Carr, John Johnson, James Johnson, John Devis, Thomas Bravo, Matthew Myles, John Gray, Thos. Real, Levi Brown, George Roberts, George or Joseph Nicholls, John Blackwaod, John Chapman, Dennis Megavey, Benja. Dennings, John Veil, John Lindsay, Martin Powers, Isaac Hunter, William Simmons, William Simmons (the name is repeated), William Mockhall, Nathaniel M. Warren, and William Cammamile.3 
Marriage Intention*16 August 1810Although an intention of marriage for a man named John Bolton and his intended, Rozette Guy, was recorded on 16 August 1810 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, no record of a marriage has been found. John and Rozette's intention produced only the information that both were white and residents of Boston.4 
CLUE? Identity1812An individual named John Bolton was listed as a Private in the 3rd Regiment (Dean's) of the Massachusetts Militia in the War of 1812.5 
CLUE? Identity18 August 1814An individual named John Bolton was briefly a prisoner of war, captured with the ship Armide on 15 Aug 1814 in Newcastle, Delaware. He was a Seaman whose age was listed as 24 at the time of his capture. (Providing his age was recorded accurately he would have been too young to have been "our" John.) He was Caucasian and 58.5 inches in height. His ship, the Armide, was a Letter of Marque Vessel and was captured by the Invincible, a British (HM) Frigate with 38 guns+... plus what, the record doesn't clarify. John was released on 28 Oct 1814, and according to the Prisoner of War information, died on 21 Jun 1815.6 
Marriage Intention*11 November 1818An intention of marriage for a man named John Bolton and his intended, Nancy Writes, was recorded on 11 November 1818 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. John and Nancy's intention produced only the information that both were white and residents of Boston.4 
Marriage10 January 1819 On 10 January 1819, the so-far unidentified John Bolton married Nancy Writes in the Second Baptist Church, Boston. Their marriage was performed by the Reverend Thomas Baldwin, and the church later was called the Baldwin Place Church.4 
CLUE? Death*between 16 April 1823 and 16 May 1823An individual named John Bolton, a seaman on board the U.S. ship Cyane, died between 16 Apr and 16 May, 1823, on a cruise in the West Indies. Cyane was a Royal Navy sailing frigate built in 1806 at Plymouth, England. She was ordered in January 1805 as HMS Columbine and was renamed Cyane in December of that year. She was captured with HMS Levant on 20 February 1815 by USS Constitution after a 40-minute night engagement off Madeira. With Constitution's second lieutenant Hoffman as prize master, she successfully escaped recapture by a pursuing British squadron on 12 March and arrived in America on 10 April. She was adjudicated by a prize court and purchased by the Navy and renamed USS Cyane. Cyane cruised off the west coast of Africa from 1819-1820 and in the West Indies from 1820-1821 protecting the Liberian colony and suppressing piracy and the slave trade. In this regard she was a predecessor to the Africa Squadron. She cruised in the Mediterranean 1824-1825, and on the Brazil Station 1826-1827. Laid up at Philadelphia Navy Yard, she sank in 1835 and was raised and broken up the following year. The April/May 1983 issue of American Heritage magazine carried an article "What it was like to be Shot up by Old Ironsides" concerning the discovery of three pages of HMS Cyane's logbook from 13–20 February 1815, with a transcription of the 20 February 1815 battle.7,8 

Family 1

 Rozette Guy

Family 2

 Nancy Writes

Citations

  1. [S318] America's Historical Newspapers, accessed online at NEHGS www.americanancestors.org which links to "HistArchive" at http://infoweb.newsbank.com, Paper: New-York Gazette and Weekly Mercury, published as The New-York Gazette; and The Weekly Mercury, dated: 07-19-1779; Issue: 1448; Page:[3]; Location: New York, New York; downloaded 03 Oct 2007. Hereinafter cited as America's Historical Newspapers.
  2. [S185] Ruth Priest Dixon and Katherine George Kirby, compilers, Index to Seamen's Protection Certificate Applications, Port of Philadelphia 1796-1823 (Baltimore, Maryland: Clearfield Company Inc. by Genealogical Publishing Co. Inc., 1995). Hereinafter cited as Seamen's Protection Certificate Applications.
  3. [S318] America's Historical Newspapers, accessed online at NEHGS www.americanancestors.org which links to "HistArchive" at http://infoweb.newsbank.com, Eastern Argus of Portland, Maine; "Newspaper Notice - Seamen Impressed", 24 Sep 1807.
  4. [S979] Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988, online at www.ancestry.com. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988.
  5. [S181] War of 1812 Service Records, online at www.Ancestry.com. Hereinafter cited as War of 1812 Service Records.
  6. [S179] Database: National Prisoner of War Museum, searched and supplied by Joan Stibitz - Lead Park Ranger; War of 1812; Andersonville National Historic Site, National Prisoner of War Museum, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia. Online www.nps.gov/ande; War of 1812 Database; Printout dated 27 Jan 2006.
  7. [S532] The National Intelligencer, 1800-1850, online at www.ngsgenealogy.org, abstract published 2 Jul 1823. Hereinafter cited as National Intelligencer, 1800-1850.
  8. [S225] Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, online at www.wikipedia.org, USS Cyane (1806). Hereinafter cited as Wikipedia Encyclopedia.

John Bolton

b. 1729/30, d. 9 July 1762
Family
RelationshipsFather of John Bolton
Great-grandson of Nicholas Boulton
ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Descendants of John Bolton and Zilpah Peirce
Father*Elisha Bolton b. 9 Mar 1700, d. 26 Feb 1777
Mother*Mary __?__ b. c 1709, d. 30 Jul 1786
Birth*1729/30John was born between 1729/30 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), according to his age of 29 years recorded by his enlistment officer Colonel Thomas Clapp on 29 Mar 1759, the date of his enlistment in His Majesty's service for the invasion of Canada. On 28 Feb 1760, one year later however, his age was recorded as 27 by his enlistment officer, Captain Josiah Dunbar.1,2,3,4,5 
Research Notes* John was referred to as John "Jr." in some records, and determining his parentage was another brick wall challenge for us. In 1897, Nahum Mitchell in his "History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater" stated it was uncertain whose son John Jr. was. In 1903, Chesebrough researchers placed him as the only son of Ensign John and Ruth (Hooper) Bolton and in 1908 Thomas Hooper in his Hooper Family Genealogy noted only five children, all daughters, for John and Ruth Bolton. In the 1755 will of Ensign John, there was no mention of a son John, or of any sons for that matter. Only his five "well-beloved" daughters and his sister, Abigail, were mentioned.

While it appeared probable that John "Jr." was a grandson of John Bolton and Sarah Chesebrough, and therefore a great grandson of Nicholas Boulton, his father was not easily identified. John and Sarah (Chesebrough) Bolton had eleven children, six of them sons. All of the brothers were alive and residing in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), when they were collectively named as defendants in a court action in March 1730/31. We eliminated the eldest brother, Ensign John Bolton, from further consideration for the reasons stated above, and began to research the remaining five brothers and therefore possible fathers: Samuel Bolton, Nicholas Bolton, Joseph Bolton and Nathaniel Bolton and finally, Elisha Bolton, who we learned from French and Indian War records, was John Jr.’s father.6,7,8,9 
Marriage*26 September 1751John Bolton Jr. married Elizabeth Hayward who was likely the daughter of Nathaniel Hayward and Mary Harvey on 26 September 1751 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England). Although Elizabeth's new husband was identified as "John Bolton Jr." in their marriage record, it is believed that the title of "Junior" was used only as a means of distinguishing him from his older uncle, Ensign John Bolton of Bridgewater.10,11,12 
French & Indian War*1754Brothers John and Elisha Bolton enlisted together in 1754 to serve in the French and Indian War in the Company of Captain John Johnson and Regiment of Colonel John Winslow. Each man was paid a bounty of £28.13,14 
(Centinel) French & Indian War8 November 1754John Bolton appeared on a Muster Roll in 1754 as a Centinel in the Company of Captain John Johnson, Regiment of Colonel John Winslow, employed in His Majesty's service for the defense of the Eastern frontiers. His brother, Elisha Bolton, who also lived in Bridgewater, appeared on the same roll in the same capacity. John, who served for 3 months, 3 weeks and 1 day, three weeks less than his brother Elisha, began his service on 31 May 1754 and was discharged on 13 Sep 1754. The Muster Roll was officially endorsed in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), on 8 November 1754.15,16 
(Soldier) French & Indian War1755John was just a few years married with two young daughters and another child on the way in 1755 when he served under John Winslow at Nova Scotia.

In 1755, John Winslow was appointed lieutenant-colonel of a provincial regiment raised by Shirley to aid Lieutenant Governor Charles Lawrence of Nova Scotia in his attempts to sweep the French influence from the province, and he played an important role at the capture of Fort Beauséjour in June 1755. Winslow was then ordered to proceed to Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia, to remove the Acadian population, as part of the infamous Great Upheaval. Although often believed solely responsible for carrying out the deportation, Winslow was in charge of only one segment of a much larger operation. On 5 September 1755 he informed the assembled Acadian men that they and their families were to be removed from the province. Winslow termed the business “Very Disagreeable to my natural make & Temper,” in his “Journal of Colonel John Winslow of the provincial troops, while engaged in removing the Acadian French inhabitants from Grand Pre”. The numerous delays in arranging transports caused the deportation to take far longer than had been anticipated, but by November he had shipped 1,510 Acadians to Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other British colonies to the south. Among those soldiers serving under Winslow in Nova Scotia were Benjamin Price and John Bolton of Bridgewater.17,18 
(Nephew) Will27 May 1755One of the primary reasons, and probably the most important reason, this researcher concluded that John Bolton "Jr." was not Ensign John Bolton's son, is the fact that he was not mentioned at all in Ensign John's will which was probated on 27 May 1755 in Bridgewater, Plymouth County. His will confirmed that Ensign John had five daughters and no sons.19,20,21,10 
French & Indian War*August 1757John Bolton appeared on a Muster Roll of Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), men in Captain Thomas Mitchell's Company, Colonel Thomas Clapp's Regiment that marched on the alarm for the Relief of Fort William-Henry in August 1757 during the French and Indian War. Fort William-Henry was located at the southern end of Lake George in New York.22 
(Soldier) French & Indian War12 April 1759John Bolton and his uncle, Nathaniel Bolton, both of Bridgewater, appeared on a Return dated 12 April 1759 in Scituate, Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), of men enlisted or impressed for His Majesty's service in Colonel Thomas Clap's Regiment for the invasion of Canada. John's enlistment date was 29 Mar and he was 29 years old . His uncle, who was 52, would enlist 8 days later.23,24 
(Private) French & Indian War1 November 1759John Bolton of Bridgewater appeared on a 1759 Muster Roll of a company in His Majesty's service under the command of Captain Lemuel Dunbar in Colonel John Thomas's Regiment at Halifax, Halifax County, Nova Scotia Province, Canada. In the same company were Nathaniel Hooper and his nephew John Hooper, who erected the gravestone for John Bolton's mother, Mary Bolton. Lemuel Dunbar was a 1st cousin of John's wife, Elizabeth Hayward. John was a Private and had enlisted on 29 Mar and served until 1 November 1759 for a length of service of 31 weeks, 1 day.25 
(Soldier) French & Indian War28 February 1760John Bolton appeared on a Return of men enlisted by Captain Josiah Dunbar for the total reduction of Canada in 1760. His age was noted as 27, both his birthplace and residence were recorded as Bridgewater and his date of enlistment was 28 February 1760. John's younger brother, Elisha Bolton, enlisted on 17 Mar 1760.26,27 
French & Indian Warbetween 23 March 1760 and 8 December 1760 Between April and December 1760, John Bolton, his brother Elisha Bolton and Thomas Hooper, all from Bridgewater, served together in the same Company.28 
(Private) French & Indian War27 November 1760John, whose residence was Bridgewater, Plymouth County, appeared on an Account of Provincials in the Hospital at Albany, New York, in 1760. He was a soldier with Captain Josiah Dunbar's company, Colonel John Thomas's Regiment, and spent 5 days in the hospital, from 23 Nov to 27 November 1760. His regiment was charged at the rate of 5 pence per day, or a total of 2 shillings 1 pence upon his discharge.29 
(Soldier) French & Indian War27 November 1760John Bolton of Bridgewater appeared on an Account rendered against the Province of Massachusetts Bay for money paid to, and disbursements for, invalids and others on the Albany road, returning home from the Westward. John belonged to Captain Josiah Dunbar's Company, Colonel John Thomas's Regiment and received 12 shillings under the date of 27 November 1760.30 
(Private) French & Indian War7 December 1760John and his brother, Elisha, both appeared on a 1760 Muster Roll of a company in His Majesty's service under the command of Captain Josiah Dunbar. John was a Private, and his residence was stated as Bridgewater. John began his service on 3 Mar and served until 7 December 1760 for a total length of service of 40 weeks, 5 weeks longer than his brother who began his service on 31 Mar and served until 2 Dec. Both of the brothers were allowed 145 miles of travel home.31,32 
Death*9 July 1762There is evidence, but no proof, that John Bolton died in 1762 at age 32. We know that a son of Elisha Bolton died in the army and his death, although no name was given, was noted in the church records on 9 July 1762. All of Elisha's known sons served in the French and Indian War and all but one can be found in one or more records after 1762. So, through the process of elimination, it is believed that John Bolton, his first born son, is the one whose death was recorded in the church record. The last account we have found for John was for money paid to him, under the date of 27 Nov 1760, for invalids and others belonging to Captain Dunbar's Company on the Albany road, returning home from the Westward.33,34,35,36,37 
(Husband) Court Action9 December 1766During the court of General Sessions which convened on 9 December 1766 in Plymouth County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England), Betty Bolton of Bridgewater was fined 20 shillings and costs for fornication. This researcher considers her crime additional evidence that her husband, John Bolton Jr., was the son of Elisha Bolton who died in 1762 since fornication was the crime of an unmarried woman. A married woman would have been fined for adultery.38 

Family

 Elizabeth Hayward b. c 1726, d. 10 Nov 1801
Children 1.Mary Bolton+10 b. 6 May 1752
 2.Ann Bolton10 b. 2 Apr 1754
 3.John Bolton+10 b. 19 Feb 1756, d. 4 Sep 1819
 4.Betty Bolton10 b. 21 Aug 1760, d. 3 Dec 1812

Citations

  1. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index cards, 1603-1779. Microfilm of cards at Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts: FHL Film# 2428118, A Return index card# 14380 for John Bolton and referencing Volume 97, page 133 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779.
  2. [S759] Massachusetts State Archives, Massachusetts State Archives collection, colonial period, 1622-1788. Microfilm of documents at Massachusetts State Archives, Boston, Massachusetts. Includes indexes in most volumes: FHL Film# 1783687, Volume 97A, Page 133; on 181 microfilm reels, LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts State Archives, colonial period, 1622-1788.
  3. [S759] Massachusetts State Archives, Massachusetts State Archives, colonial period, 1622-1788: FHL Film# 1783688, Volume 98A, Page 124; on 181 microfilm reels.
  4. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, A Return index card# 14382 for John Bolton and referencing Volume 98, page 124 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  5. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301, noting that John died in 1801 at the age of 76. If calculating from that information, John would have been born about 1726; however we believe the Chesebrough researcher confused John's death date and age with his widow's. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.
  6. [S474] Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, including an extensive Family Register. Note: page numbers differ slightly between publications used in our research, including FHL copy, Google Books, Boston Public Library eBooks online and our personal library reprint published by Heritage Books. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, Inc., original publication date was 1840; reprinted for the third and fourth times in 1970 and 1975; first reprinted in 1897 by Henry T. Pratt, Bridgewater, Massachusetts; originally printed in 1840 by Kidder and Wright, Boston, Massachusetts), Bolton, pages 118-119. Hereinafter cited as History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater.
  7. [S610] Charles Henry Pope and Thomas Hooper, compilers, downloaded from Google Books, Hooper Genealogy (Boston, Massachusetts: Charles H. Pope, 1908), Part I, The Reading Family, compiled by Thomas Hooper of Boston, Second Generation, pages 6-10. Hereinafter cited as Hooper Genealogy.
  8. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301, noting that John "Jr." was the son of Ensign John and Ruth (Hooper) Bolton which, although a reasonable "assumption", our evidence shows was incorrect.
  9. [S669] Plymouth Court Records, 1686-1859 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Volume 5, page 303, number 7; referencing (4:326-329). Hereinafter cited as Plymouth Court Records 1686-1859 - NEHGS.
  10. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301.
  11. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, citing P.R.5; a private record, from a copy made by Judge Nahum Mitchell of the records of the First Church of East Bridgewater, with additions and corrections by the
    copyist. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  12. [S474] Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, Hayward, pages 181-190.
  13. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Account index card# 14379 for John Bolton and referencing Volume 93, page 139a of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  14. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Account index card# 14360 for Elisha Bolton and referencing Volume 93, page 139a of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  15. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Muster Roll index card# 14378 for John Bolton and referencing Volume 93, page 145 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  16. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Muster Roll index card# 14359 for Elisha Bolton and referencing Volume 93, page 145 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  17. [S225] Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia, online at www.wikipedia.org. Hereinafter cited as Wikipedia Encyclopedia.
  18. [S474] Nahum Mitchell, History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, Price, pages 292-293.
  19. [S624] Probate records, 1686-1903; with index and docket, 1685-1967, Massachusetts Probate Court (Plymouth County), microfilm of originals at Plymouth, Massachusetts on 157 microfilm reels filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, 1968. Includes Index. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, FHL Film# 549782, Index and Docket Abe-Bur 1685-1881, Case number 2217; FHL Film# 550705, Index to probates 1686-1820; FHL Film# 551540, Probates 1751-1755, Volume 13, pages 545-547. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903. Hereinafter cited as Plymouth County Massachusetts Probate (Index) 1686-1903.
  20. [S1128] John Bolton, Probate (1755 Bridgewater, Plymouth County) Case number 2217, Box 107049 on FHL Film# 2426726. Probate file papers 1686-1881, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; microfilm of records at Supreme Judicial Court, Boston, on 246 microfilm reels. LDS Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Probate of John Bolton (1755 Bridgewater).
  21. [S490] Charles Knowles Bolton, The Boltons of Old and New England: with a genealogy of the descendants of William Bolton of Reading, Massachusetts, 1720 (Albany, New York: Joel Munsell's Sons, 1889), page xii; source stated he had all daughters. Hereinafter cited as Boltons of Old and New England.
  22. [S743] James Reed and Emory Washburn, Celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of Bridgewater, Massachusetts: at West Bridgewater, June 3, 1856, including the address by Hon. Emory Washburn, of Worcester; poem read by James Reed, and the other exercises of the occasion, downloaded from Google Books at www.google.com. (Boston, Massachusetts: John Wilson and Son, 1856), Appendix, page 159. Hereinafter cited as Bridgewater Centennial Celebration.
  23. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Return index card# 14380 for John Bolton referencing Volume 97, page 133 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  24. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Return index card# 14404 for Nathaniel Bolton referencing Volume 97, page 134 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  25. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Muster Roll index card# 14381 for John Bolton referencing Volume 97, page 289 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  26. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Account index card# 14382 for John Bolton referencing Volume 98, page 124 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  27. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Account index card# 14363 for Elisha Bolton referencing Volume 98, page 124 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  28. [S610] Charles Henry Pope and Thomas Hooper, Hooper Genealogy, Part I, The Reading Family, compiled by Thomas Hooper of Boston, Fourth Generation, pages 19-32.
  29. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Account index card# 14385 for John Bolton referencing Volume 98, page 193 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  30. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Account index card# 14927 for John "Boulton" referencing Volume 98, page 357 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  31. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Muster Roll index card# 14365 for Elisha Bolton referencing Volume 98, page 317 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  32. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Muster Roll index card# 14384 for John Bolton referencing Volume 98, page 317 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  33. [S1161] Deaths, Original records of Gad Hitchcock, 1748-1803. Gad Hitchcock was the first minister of the Second Church of Christ in the West Parish of Pembroke, now Hanson, Massachusetts. During his ministry there he recorded in a diary in his own handwriting the Christian events at which he officiated. His diary, containing his original record of deaths, is currently held in the safe in the office of the Town Clerk in Pembroke. Pembroke Town Hall, 100 Center Street, Pembroke, Massachusetts.
  34. [S672] Barbara L. Merrick, "The Original Church Records of Gad Hitchcock, D.D., 1748 to 1803: Deaths", New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Volume 136, (January 1982): page 34. Hereinafter cited as "Pembroke Death Records of Rev. Gad Hitchcock - NEHGR."
  35. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14400 for "Mishik" Bolton and referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  36. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14408 for Seth Bolton and referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  37. [S796] Massachusetts State Archives, French and Indian War muster roll index 1603-1779: FHL Film# 2428118, Pay Roll index card# 14375 for Jabez Bolton and referencing Volume 99, page 243 of the Massachusetts Archives : Muster Rolls; on 51 microfilm reels.
  38. [S669] Plymouth Court Records 1686-1859 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Volume 3, page 197; referencing (3:195-196).