Ann Avery New London, Connecticut

The first document presented below is a transcription of a record held in the Connecticut State Library. It is significant in that it documents the passing of Samuel Griffin, the son of Ebenezer Griffin, born June 9, 1705 in New London, New London, Connecticut the husband of Ann Avery. It indicates that his ship was lost within the five days following its departure on December 29, 1731. The court case is dated in 1737. The 1737 date is listed in many family histories as his date of death. What that date actually represent is the date the court officially pronounced his death opening the way for Ann to remarry. From the second article we can see that she then married Sylvanus Miner ending up eventually in Nova Scotia. Due to the vagaries of early family history research Ann Avery has also been linked to our ancestor Samuel Griffin who with his wife Mary raised their family in Killingworth, Middlesex, Connecticut. A common link is the fact that they both had a son named Samuel. Ann Avery’s son was born November 16, 1727 in New London. Samuel of Killingworth’s son was born February 10, 1739 in Killingworth, they are two distinctly different people. The information in these two documents, including a time line, should help clear up some of the confusion surrounding the merging of these two separate families. ---------------------“Ann Griffin (maiden name Avery) m. Samuel Griffin 16 Nov 1727 - who sailed on Brigatine called Lebanon (Benjamin Shapley of New London, Master) 29 Dec 1731 for Barbados - storm - presumed dead - appl. New London Sept 1735.- "Connecticut Divorces, Superior Court Records for the Counties of New London, Tolland, & Windham 1719-1910", Knox & Ferris.“To the Honorable Superior Court holden at New London term 1735. The humble request of Ann Griffin of New London in New London County: follows Samuel Griffin sailed out of this port of New London as mate on board the Brigantine called Lebanon whereof Mr. Benjamin Shapley of said New London was then Master on the day of December 1731. where was bound for the Island of Barbadoes from there to Sal Tortuga and so back to this Port of New London No intelligence since their departure from New London aforesaid except what was heard five days after such their departure concerning this report by one Captain Boulder then accompanying them in their passage. But by then in great distress in a storm. Since no is given of them. When now is almost four years. Why it is now beyond doubt that your petitious husband is dead. Wherefore the news to this Honorable Court that according to one certain law of this Colony page 224/225 – she may be esteemed single and unmarried and may have the liberty with and by said statute this Honorable Court are authorized to grant and your honorable petition as is duty bound with due prayer. Mrs. Griffing”- Superior Court Divorce, New London County 1719-1875, Gates to Houghton, Microfilm RG 3, Connecticut State Library.” ---------------- Thomas AVERY (1679-ca.1710) died before 24 Nov. 1711, who was born around 1679 to Thomas and Hannah Miner Avery, married Ann SHAPLEY on July 12 1704. Ann was born in 1685; died June 17, 1751; daughter of Benjamin and Mary Picket Shapley. After her husband Thomas AVERY died around 1710, his widow, Ann (SHAPLEY) AVERY, married a Jonathan ROSS. "In the inventory of the estate of Thomas AVERY, taken at New London, 11 Dec. 1711, the widow is called Ann RUFF (or RUSS) and the children are Thomas, aged 6, and Ann, age 4." She may have married a third time to a James Morgan. Thomas and Ann Shapley Avery had 2 known children: Thomas AVERY (1705-1712); Ann AVERY (b. 1707). Their son, Thomas AVERY, was born 31 March 1705. He died 3 July 1712 "while swimming." Their daughter, Ann AVERY, was born 12 May 1707 at Montville, New London Co., CT; she was baptized on May 25th at the 1st Church of New London. Ann married Samuel GRIFFING Nov 16, 1727 at New London, CT by the Rev. Eliphalet Adams of the First Church. Intention of marriage was published in New Long on June 18, 1727. Sam and Ann Avery Griffing had two sons, Samuel "Griffin" and Thomas "Griffin". Samuel Griffing, died 10 years after marrying Ann Avery. Samuel GRIFFIN (June 8, 1705-1737; baptized First Church New London June 10, 1705) was a mariner. He was lost at sea before 27 January 1737. After Samuel died Ann married her cousin Sylvanus MINER (b. March 3, 1709) on October 6th of the same year at Stonington CT. Sylvanus was the son of Thomas and Hannah (AVERY) MINER. Sylvanus MINER and Ann moved ultimately to Nova Scotia where Sylvanus died on March 15, 1786 in Stonington at the fine age of 77 years. From: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ctnewlon/billc1700.html"Samuel GRIFFIN (1728-1800) m. 28 March 1753 Desire, dau. of Peter CRARY; and Thomas GRIFFIN married 20 Sept. 1753 to Jerusha CHIPMAN. - COLLECTIONS of the NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY, Vol. VI, Part II, "Register of Pedigrees", V.II, p.134-135; Wurts' MAGNA CHARTA, v.5, pp.1368-1370."