David Brainerd Griffin's Civil War Widow's Pension

David was killed at the battle of Chickamauga in September of 1863. The application for a widow’s pension filled by his wife Philinda Minerva Griffin is found in the national archives. In order to qualify for the pension Minerva was required to provide evidence of her marriage to David. She was also required to supply evidence of their children and their birth dates. The dates were important because the children were only eligible to the age of sixteen. The entire pension file contains 28 pages of documents. For those of us researching family history they hold valuable information. The dates of birth and full name for the children are give in the documents:--------- Alice Jane, born February 27, 1854. Ida May, born July 28, 1856. Edgar L., born February 27, 1861. Died April 28, 1870.------------- Several people in the extended family testified that they attended the marriage of David and Minerva in the house of her father, Almon Griffin, in Essex, Vermont on the 13th day of January 1852. The marriage was conducted by the Reverend O. Osborn. One of the people giving evidence for the marriage was David’s brother Henry F. Griffin. A court clerk in Howard County, Iowa certified his testimony.--------- There would have been a large gathering of Griffins for the marriage. In Minerva’s family there would have been all of her siblings and her grandfather David Almon Griffin and her uncle Joel. In David’s family there would have been his father Orlo’s whole family plus his grandmother Sylvia Bradley Griffin. Also in attendance would have been David’s uncle Samuel’s family, Electa, Sylvia, Rosetta and Harrison. From their Uncle John’s family there would have been Mary, Malinda and Jane (Bentley). In addition there would have been a number of people from the in law families. David was close to his Thompson grandparents. Minerva’s Chase grandparents belonged to a large family in Essex.--------- Minerva’s family had lived in nearby Westford, Vermont since the early 1800s. By 1850 her father had moved to Essex were he was working as a butcher. In the 1850 census both David and Minerva’s families are listed in Essex.

Griffin deeds from Essex, Vermont

Because Samuel Griffin's will involved the transfer of some of his property it was also recorded in the Land Deeds Ledger. We also see deeds between the estate of Samuel Griffin and his son in law, Electa's husband, Chauncey Wollcott and on the next page is a deed to Hannah Griffin, Orlow's widow. Note the signature of "Harrison Griffin Guardian of Sylvia Griffin".The third deed is also to Orlow's widow Hannah. Click on images to enlarge.

Humphrey Varney and Sarah Starbuck

Humphrey Varney, as a young man, relocated from Ipswich, Massachusetts, the home of his father William, to Dover in Strafford County, New Hampshire. There are family traditions that contend that he took as his first wife Ester Starbuck daughter of Edward Starbuck. There are no surviving original documents to support the existence of that marriage. There is ample evidence of his marriage to Esther’s sister Sarah. The commonly held dates of birth for Humphrey’s children seem to indicate that they were the issue from his marriage to Sarah Starbuck who he married after the death of her first husband Joseph Austin. In the compilation of marriage records for the town of Dover we find the following, “Humphrey Varney d. 1713/14 m. March 2, 1664 Sarah Austin, wid of Joseph.”-------- In the deed records is a wonderful document signed by Edward Starbuck in which he names as his son in laws Joseph Austin and Humphrey Varney both of whom had married his daughter Sarah.--------- In the second generation of Varney’s we are again left without any clear decisive documentation for the children of Humphrey and Sarah. What is available are collections that are purported to be based on the original records. The problem is that time and human error has introduced a level of uncertainty.------ The New England Historical Genealogical Society in their collections, Vol-1 pages 124-125 published in 1894, recorded the following data from Dover. Note they included the incorrect Sorer/Story reference. NOTE: See story “Sarah Starbuck was not married to William Story”. “Varney. Humphrey Varney married Sarah Storer, 2nd March 1664. Children: Peter, their son, born 29 March 1666. John, their son, died 14 August 1666. Joseph, their son, born 8th October 1667. Abigail, their daughter, born June 10th, 1669.” --------- Tradition adds two more sons to the list, Ebenezer and a second John. The separate nature of these two boys is used to support the idea of a second marriage to Ester Starback. However their accepted dates of birth argue that there mother was Sarah. In his will Humphrey names; his “beloved wife Sarah”, “beloved sonne Ebenezer”, daughter Abigail Brackston, “sonne” Peter. Peter is made the executor of his fathers will. ----------- John Varney in his will notes that he had received a “lot of Land” from his father. Having already received his inheritance may explain why his name is not found in his father’s will. In John’s will proved May 28, 1716 he wrote, “also I Give and bequef to my brother Peter varney one half of ye Seven Pound that he ose me; and I give and beguef the other half to my Sister Abgil Brackston; also I Give and bequef thirty Akers of Land at Seaterwit to brother Ebenezers Son John varny also a lot of Land at oster River my father Gave me by ded of Gift I Give the res of the Estait To my brother Ebenezer varny.”------------Reference the Samuel Griffin Genealogy Blog. ---- Documents: 1- Marriage records from Dover. 2- Edward Starbuck deed. 3- Humphrey’s will. 4- Court record admonishing Humphrey. 5- Deed, “Humphrey Varney of Dover”, “Sarah Varney my now wife” and son in law William Brackston. 6- Deed, “Bought of Ebenezer Varney this land is part of forty acres that was granted unto his father Humphrey Varney”.

William Varney Ipswich, Massachusetts

William Varney was the first of his line to come to the Americas. Most genealogies list his birth in 1608 in Claydon, Buckinghamshire, England. William died in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts March 1, 1653/54. William joined the great migration from England to the New World. There where three major destination points for the migration; Virginia, New England and the West Indies. William ended up in Barbados where he had acquired an interest in a plantation. In Barbados he met and married Bridget Knight on May 4, 1629. Tradition suggests that all of their children were born there. William later moved his family to Ipswich, Essex, Massachusetts. Williams’ name is prominent in the land and town records in that community The oldest child was Thomas. His birth date is generally listed as 1630. Thomas died in Ipswich in 1692. The children are generally listed as Rachael 1632-1707/8, William 1632-1645, Walter 1635-1650, Humphrey 1642-1713. There are many genealogies that list another daughter, Sarah, the wife of Jeffery Parsons. While there are good records for some of the births and most of the deaths of the children but there is not that one definitive document that clearly identifies the family. William died intestate. The probate record for his estate is found in, “Ipswich Quarterly Court Records, vol-1. In dividing up his estate the Probate Court noted that it was to be divided between his wife, Bridgett, three sons and a daughter.--------- “Administration of the estate of William Varney, intestate, granted Mar. 28, 1654, to his widow, Bridgett Varney. He left three sons and one daughter. Ordered that the eldest son have 8 pounds within three months, and the other children 4 pounds each at the age of twenty-one.”-------- The Inventory for William’s estate is found in the deed records. At first glance it seems to be very humble. But we need to remember he had only been in Massachusetts for about a dozen years. Given a family history of four sons how do we reconcile that with the probate record? The surviving death dates indicate that William and Walter had died before their father. Did one of them have a surviving interest? Also note that the court record only notes one daughter. Many genealogies include a second daughter Sarah.------ We get some clarity from the surviving will left by Bridgett Varney dated November 10, 1671. In the will she names three of her children, Thomas, Humphrey and Rachael.-------- “I Bridgett Verney of Glocester in ye County of Essex in New England being by Gods Providence Cast upon my Bed of Sickness & weakness & not knowing how near the time of my death & departure out of this world may be at hand yet knowing that all men are borne to dye & depart out of this world doe therefore declare & make knowne this my last will & Testament in manner and forme following. And first I commit & command my Soule into the hands of God the Father of Spirits & my Body to the Grave to be decently buryed by my Surviving Friends. And for my Goods and Estate I give & bequeath in the first place unto my Sonne Humfrey Verney the Summe of twenty Pounds to be payd by my sonne Jeffery Parsons of this Towne in foure years, five pounds per Annum during the space of foure yeares after my decease. Item I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Rachael Vinson, the wife of William Vinson, twenty Pounds to be payd out of my estate according as thee sayd William vinson my sonne in Law Can best order it for Her And this to be for my sayd Daughter after my decease. Item I give and bequeath unto my sone Thomas Verney Seaven Sheepe after my decease. And for the rest of my goodes or estate besides what is above mentioned and bequeathed I leave in the hands of my Sonne in Law William vinson as he shall see meet And to the end this my Last will & Testament may be duely & truly performed in manner and forme above sayd I doe hereby appoint constitute & ordayne my sayd Sonne in Law William vinson to be sole Executor. In wittnesse whereof I the sayd Bridget had hereunto Set my Hand & Seale the tenth day of this instant November Anno Dom, one thousand Six hundred & Seventy one. Bridget Varney”----------- The will takes a little translating. After the death of her husband, Bridgett moved to nearby Gloucester to live with her daughter Rachael and her husband William Vincent. It seems evident from the will that she had intermingled her estate with that of her son in law. On her death she named William Vincent to be the executor of her will. The naming of Jeffery Parsons in her will has created a great deal of confusion. Many have suggested that he was after some fashion actually her son. Many suggest that he was married to another daughter in the family a supposed Sarah Varney. The explanation, although a little unconventional, is quite straightforward. There is ample evidence for the marriage and family of Jeffery Parsons and Sarah Vincent who he married November 11, 1657. Sarah was the daughter of the William Vincent in Bridgett’s will.--------- The term “sonne” held a number of different meanings in 1672. A son or a brother could actually refer to a son, a son in law or a brother in law. In the case of Jeffery Parsons, Bridgett was either expressing a close relationship in an extended family or making reference to the fact that he was Rachel’s brother in law. But Jeffery Parson’s was not her actual son.-------- The most famous or infamous town in Essex County is Salem, to be ever remembered for its witch trials. The witch hysteria also caught the Varneys in its trap. Thomas Varney married Abigail Proctor the daughter of John Proctor, the main character in Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible” who was hanged on August 19, 1692. Rachel Varney, her name appearing as the “Widow Vincent”, and her daughter Rachael, referred to as the “wife of Hugh Row”, was accused by her grand daughter and arrested. She was released on bond in October 1692. Her name is found in the collection of documents from the witch trails. The death records for Thomas and Abigail are found in the records of the Chebacco Parish; Thomas, Dec 4th, 1692 and Abigail, March 1st, 1731, age 92.------ “Petition of Ten Prisoners at Ipswich. To the Honourable Governor and Councell and Generall Assembly now sitting in Boston. The humble petition of us whose names are subscribed hereunto now prisoners at Ipswich humbly sheweth, that some of us have Lyen in the prison many monthes, and some of us many weekes, who are charged with witchcraft, and not being conscious to our selves of any guilt of what nature lying upon our consciences; our earnest request is that seing that winter is soe far come on that it can not be exspectd that we should be tried during this winter seson, that we may be released out of prison for the present upon Bayle to answer what we are charged with in the Spring. For we are not in this unwilling nor afrayed to abide the tryall before any Judicature apoynted in convenient season of any crime of the nature: we hope you will put on the bowels of compassion soe far as to consider of our suffering condition in the present state we are in, being like to perish with cold in lying longer in prison in this cold season of the yeare, some of us being aged either about or nere four score some though younger yet being with Child, and one giving suck to a child not ten weekes old yet, and all of us weake and infirme at the best, and one fetterd with irons and halfe year and all most destroyed with soe long and Imprisonment: Thus hoping you will grant us a releas at the present that we be not left to perish in this miserable condition we shall always pray &c. Widow Penny, Widow Vincent, Widow Prince, Goodwife Green of Havarell, the wife of Hugh Roe of Cape Anne, Mehitabel Dowing, the wife of Timothy Day, Goodwife Dicer of Piscataqua, Hannah Brumidge of Havarell, Rachel Hafield besides thre or foure men.”---------- The petitioners were granted bail in October of 1692. The following spring the Courts took up the cases for adjudication. By 1693 the general consensus was that the witch trial had been a miscarriage of justice. All of the Ipswich petitioners were cleared of the charges thanks to the support they received from the local ministers in Essex County, “Petition of Eleven Ministers from Essex County To his Excellency the Governor , Council and Representatives of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, In General Court Assembled Whereas in the year 1692 some of our neighbors of a good conversation, were apprehended and imprisoned upon the suspicion of Witchcraft, upon the complaint of some young persons under Diabolicall molestations; and upon their Tryall at the Court at Salem condemned; great weight being layd upon the evidence of the Afflicted persons, their Accusers Sentence of Death was Executed on severall of them other were Reprieved. But since it is apparent and hath been Acknowledged, that there were Errors and mistakes in the aforesaid Tryals; and notwithstanding the care and conscientious endeavors of the Honorable Judges to do the thing that is right: yet there is great reason to fear that Innocent persons then suffered, and that God may have a controversy with the Land upon that account. We would therefore humbly propose to the consideration of this Honored Court, whether something may not, and ought not, be publickly done to clear the good name and reputation of some who have suffered as aforesaid, against whom there was no as is supposed sufficient evidence to prove the quilt of such a crime and for whom there are good grounds of charity. Some of the condemned persons aforesaid, and others in behalf of the Relations who have suffered, have lately Petitioned this Honoured Court upon this Account. We pray that their case may be duely considered.” Over the coming years the Courts reversed the findings of the Salem Courts although to late for those who were executed. The Court then set up a commission to pay reparations to those damage by the miscarriage of justice.------ Reference the Samuel Griffin Genealogy Blog-------- Documents: 1-Court Record for William Varney’s estate 2-Inventory for William’s estate 3 and 4- Bridget Varney’s will 5-Inventory of Bridgett’s estate 6- Court record for Bridget’s estate 7- Death of Thomas Varney 8- Death of Abigail Varney

Sarah Starbuck was not the wife of William Story

Most of the histories and genealogies written for Sarah Starbuck mirror the following account taken from the “History of Dover”. Speaking of the Starbuck family,------- “Sarah, is the subject of considerable difference of opinion. Tradition represents her to have married Benjamin Austin; and the same authority says another, and nameless daughter, to have been the wife of Humphrey Varney. But from an examination of the town records we are convinced that Sarah married; -1- William Storey, about 1658; -2- Joseph Austin, about the year 1659/60, who was dead in 1663; -3- Humphrey Varney. For “widow Sarah Storie”: is represented to have married Joseph Austin, when William Storey’s inventory was entered on record; and Joseph Austin, in his Will speaks of ”my brother Peter Coffin”; and after Joseph Austin’s death, Elder Starbuck confirms to his son-in-law, Humphrey Varney,” husband of “Sarah,” land formerly given by him to his son-in-law, “Joseph Austin.” If this be correct, I am inclined to think that Sarah had children in her third marriage, by which she became ancestress to a race of infinite numbers, the Varneys.”---------- Based on such histories when the original Dover town records were collected collated and rewritten town clerks often referred to Humphrey Varney’s wife, Sarah, as the ‘Widow Story”. We find the same level of uncertainty in the same histories concerning William Storey /Storer himself,------ “Storer William. Protest 1641. Black River lot 8 in 1642 as “Story.” Taxed 1648 to 58 as “Storey;” “Widow Storey” taxed 1659. Inventory entered Nov 8, 1660 and Joseph Austin (who married his widow) was appointed administrator June 27, 1661. Storer is believed, from tradition to be the son of Augustine Storre, see Wentworth Genealogy. William married, perhaps his second wife, Sara Starbuck, as ante, His children were: Samuel, born Dec 29, 1640, died early, Sarah born June 16, 1642; died early, Hancock, born July 16, 1644, Joseph, born Aug 23, 1648, Benjamin, twin with Joseph, died single, Samuel born about 1653.”----------- In seems incumbent to us to turn to the original records to try to add some clarity. In 1907 the state of New Hampshire published transcriptions of the early wills written in the state. The lead author was Albert Stillman Batchellor who held the title, “editor of state papers”. From the “Probate records of the province of New Hampshire Vol 1, 1635-1717” we find the following with the note that they were recorded in the Deeds records Volume 2 page 57b.--------- “ Administration on the estate of William Story granted to Samuel Austin June 27, 1661.” “The said Austin brought into Court and Inventory of the Said estate amounting to: 130.5.0. the Widow of ye said Story now wife to ye said Austin is allowed her thirds out of the whole which is 43.6.8; & the remainder 86.16.4 to be divided among the fower children the Eldest to have a double portion Viz 34.14.8. & the other three 17.7 a peece when the come to ye age of 21 yeeres. The whole estate to remane in ye hands of said Samuell Austin the father in Law (step-father) to ye said children for there bringing up or shall chuse there guardian before provided he give double bonds unto this Court that it shalbe paid to the children accordingly & is granted Libertie to sell any of the house & Lands or to let the Same provided he brings in good securite to next Court at yorke for payment of the Childrens portion.” “Inventory, Oct 8, 1660; amount 130.5.0; signed by William Pomfret, Hatevil Nutter and Job Clements; sworn to by Sarah Austin, sometime the wife of Wm Story deceased, June 27, 1661.”--------- In the deed records, under the named of Samuel Austin, concerning the property in question, we see other reference to the Widow Story my now wife and my wife Sarah Austin, “Unto sayd Storrys widow, whom I have now wed”.---------- The deed, signed by Samuel Austin that we have posted is for the disposition of part of William Storey’s property. Written in the deed is, “with ye consent of my now wife Sarah”, “to ye said William Storey”, “my wife giving up her rights of Dowery”. As we can clearly see from these documents it was Samuel Austin who administered the estate of William Story and that it was Samuel Austin who married his widow “Sarah”. There are no original records that identify the wife of William Storey as Sarah Starbuck. We can also see that the list of children from the town histories matches the reference to the four/fower children reference in the documents. Note that the youngest was born in 1640 when Sarah Starbuck was about between the ages of 6 to 10.----- But! at some point in the time line in the local traditions Samuel Austin was changed to Joseph Austin. This simple change had a cascade effect.The new version of history had Joseph Austin administering the will of William Storey. Since Joseph Austin was in fact married to Sarah Starbuck then Samuel who became Joseph was also married to Sarah Starbuck thus implying that William Storey had also married Sarah Starbuck. And if all of that was true then Humphrey Varney married the "widow Story". A correct reading of the history argues that William Story was not married to Sarah Starbuck. Samuel Austin not Joseph Austin married Storey's widow named Sarah.--------Then totally separate from William Story and Samuel Austin we have the marriage of Sarah Starbuck to her first husband Joseph Austin and on his death Humphrey Varney. We have posted a deed record from Edward Starbuck in which he names the two men who he identifies as his “son in law”. Click on images to enlarge. ------Reference the Samuel Griffin Genealogy Blog.

Edward Starbuck

Edward Starbuck brought his family to the new World in about 1635. He settled in Dover, New Hampshire where he became a leading citizen. The town and land records are replete with his name and signature. There are a number of DEED records that are signed by Edward and Katherine Starbuck. Edward eventually became disenchanted with the religious life in Dover, joining the Anabaptist movement he looked for a location where he could make a new beginning. Moving to Nantucket he is honored by several large monuments as being a founder of the colony. There are any number of well-documented genealogies for his family, which include his children Nathaniel, Dorcus, Sarah, Abigail, Ester and Jethro.------ Nathaniel married Mary Coffin. The Starbuck and Coffin families became very intertwined. We find a number of DEEDS with Nathanial’s name on them.--------- Dorcus married William Gayer a shipbuilder. Their home was a landmark on Nantucket for many years. ----------- Abigail married Peter Coffin. There are a number of DEEDS between Edward and, “sonne in law Peter Coffin”. On one of the DEEDS we find a mentions of his wife , “Abigail Coffin wife of ye said Peter Coffin”. ---------- Sarah Starbuck took as her first husband Joseph Austin. There is a DEED in the records where Edward Starbuck writes, “To my son in law Joseph Austin”. Joseph Austin picked Peter Coffin to ADMINISTER his will. In the will Joseph refers to Peter Coffin as, ”my brother” actually meaning , my brother in law. On Joseph Austin’s death Sarah took as her second Husband Humphrey Varney. In the same deed that Edward names Joseph Austin as a son in law he also names Humphrey Varney as a son in law nothing that he was giving the land he had previous given to Austin to Humphrey. In the companion DEED Humphrey Varney sells the property to his son in law William Brockstone. The deed is signed by Humphrey and Sarah Varney. Humphrey in his will leaves one-third of his estate to, “Unto Sarah by dearly beloved wife”--------- Esther Starbuck, according to many family traditions, was the first wife of Humphrey Varney. There is no documentary evidence to prove or disprove the assertion.--------- Jethro Starbuck born May 27 1651 was killed in an accident involving a cart May 27, 1663.---------Note; There is a lingering tradition of a marriage between Sarah Starbuck and William Storey. That story evolved out of a clerical mistake by the town clerks in Dover, New Hampshire. We will take up that debate in a latter post.---- Click on images to enlarge.----- Reference the Samuel Griffin Genealogy Blog.

Paul Varney and Anna Austin, Dover, Colchester, Chardon

In his autobiography Charles Emerson Griffin includes what he knew of his genealogy. Of his mother’s line he wrote, “My mother’s name was Abigail, daughter of Paul and Ann Varney.” In February of 1895 Charles received a letter from his father Albert, which seems to be a reply to a request for more family history. Albert writes that he assumes that Charles already has all of the available information on the Varney’s. Albert also wrote, “I was born and you in Essex, Chittenden Co. your mother was born in Colchester Chittenden Co. joining Essex on the West. Your mother’s grandfather’s folks were Quakers their name were Austin.” In chapter twenty of the “History of the Town of Colchester” we find the following, “Samuel Austin, a Quaker came from New Hampshire in 1790. He married Rachael Hawkins and had a family of six children, Abigail, Paul, Solomon, Anna, Stephen and William.” (A number of sources identify the birthplace of the children as Dover, New Hampshire.) Anna was married to Paul Varney and removed to Ohio” In the LDS Church Collections is a work titled “Dover, New Hampshire marriages 1623-1823”. In the volume we find the following marriages listed, “Samuel Austin, son of Samuel and Abigail, b. November 23, 1743, M, March 23, 1765 Rachael Hawkins.” Samuel Austin, son of Thomas, b. August 2, 1698, m. November 23, 1727 Abigail Pinkham, dau. Solomon, b. January 27, 1707.” In 1904 a transcription of the “Friends Society Marriage Records, Dover, New Hampshire” was written. The transcription is an exact copy of the original “marriage Certificates” issued by the Quakers. Each Certificate is about two paragraphs long. Extracted from one of the certificate is the following, “Samuel Austin son of Thomas and Ann Austin and Abigail Pinkham daughter of Solomon and Mary Pinkham, both of ye town of Dover, married in Dover, January 23, 1727/8.” Thomas Austin was born about 1650 in Dover he married Anna Otis. Thomas is mentioned in his father Joseph Austin’s will,” Only I do give unto my sonne Thomas Austin a double portion”. His mother was Sarah Starbuck the daughter of Edward Starbuck. On the title page of the first volume of town records for Colchester is written, “Town Book No 1, From April 10, 1797 to March 19, 1820.” On page 1 of the records we find the following heading, “Grand List for the year 1797.” At the bottom of the list we find the name of Samuel Austin. The names of Samuel and his sons are found frequently in the town records up until his death May 6, 1821. He is buried in the Marrs Hallow Cemetery in nearby Milton, Vermont. Every two years the city held an election for city offices. One of the offices was that of “leather sealer”. Starting with Samuel that office was held continuously by a Austin for twenty plus years. Paul Varney makes his first appearance in Book No 1 on page 21. His name is included on the Grand List for year 1800. The 1800 Federal Census places him in Colchester, Vermont with a household of three people including one male child. In the 1802 Grand List, Paul’s valuation is $33 that of Samuel Austin $113. By 1804 the town started keeping a list of the “young scholars” that each household had in the community schools. In 1804 the school list shows Paul Varney with two scholars. On the Grand List for taxes, each year each man is levied a $20 poll tax. In addition they are taxed for; improved land, houses, oxen, cattle, horses and mules, pasture lands, house clocks, mills and mechanics, equipment. The primary taxable asset was for improved land. In 1800 Vermont was an agricultural society. In order to be eligible to vote a man had to meet the qualifications for and take the “Freemans Oath”. One of the key requirements to qualify was that you own property. On the Grand Lists for Colchester Paul Varney is never listed as being an owner of “improved land”. Paul Varney did not make his living as a farmer. Instead the Varneys, father and sons, according to Paul’s grandson, Charles Emerson Griffin, were all wagon makers, “My mother had three brothers, William, George and Hamilton (Paul) The two former died quite a few years ago, Hamilton moved to Michigan where he was living some seven years ago. My grandfather and uncles were all wagon maker.” Charles apparently did not know the oldest brother Albert who did not move with the family to Ohio. In addition to the poll tax that was assessed to every man Paul was taxed on the number of cattle he owned. In the early days in Colchester he was included on all of the Grand Lists. As time went on the “Freeman” qualifications became more and more important. As the Freeman qualifications became more important we see Paul’s name appearing less and less in the town records. Until 1828 his name does not appear on the Freemans Lists. We see Paul’s name appear on the Grand Lists for 1809 and 1810 then we see very little evidence for him until the 1816 list. In the 1810 Federal Census his family in Colchester has two boys and three girls. In the years 1818/19 the town published two years of a very detailed tax assessment. Paul’s name appears on those two lists and every subsequent list until he leaves Vermont for Ohio. It appears that Paul never owned any improved land in Colchester his taxable assets, as we mentioned, consisted of the cattle he owned. One of the items listed as taxable was, houses. Only about one in ten men had an assessment for “houses”. Most histories written for Paul Varney include a mention of his service in the War of 1812. The most commonly referenced document is from the “Military History of the State Of New Hampshire”. It lists a Paul Varney with a date of enlistment of March 29, 1813 with duration of service of 5 years. In the collection titled, “U.S. Army, Registry of Enlistments, 1798-1914 we have an original document that records the enlistment of a Paul Varney. The information included is; Paul Varney, Eyes/blue, Hair/dark, Complexion/light, age/41, ( birth 1772) Occupation/tailor, When/ March 29, 1813, Period/5 years. Under place of birth it lists Rochester, New Hampshire and Colchester, Vermont. The place of enlistment is Burlington, Vermont. The commonality between the various documents is the enlistment date of March 29, 1813 and the duration of 5 years. The description in the documents certainly seems a match for Paul including an age of 41 in 1813. It is certainly plausible the soldiers recruited in the young state of Vermont would serve in units from next-door New Hampshire. The occupation of “tailor” is not a match for family histories that remember him as a wagon maker but does match the tax records that indicate that he did not make a living as a farmer. We do not have any original documents for the birth or marriage of Paul Varney. In many surviving family traditions Paul’s birth is estimated to be in 1767. The Varney Family Bible, held by R.G. Varney of Albuquerque, New Mexico lists a date of birth for him of March 25, 1772 in Rochester, Strafford, New Hampshire. The Bible has a date of birth for Anna Austin, born in Dover, New Hampshire, of July 15, 1778. Those same dates are commonly used in family traditions that stretch back multiple generations indicating that multiple families held that recorded history somewhere in their family papers. Paul and Anna are buried in the Larned Cemetery just outside Chardon, Ohio. His headstone records his date of death as October 11, 1851. Anna’s headstone indicates a date of death April 10, 1847. Paul’s headstone also contains the notation 79 years and 7 months. It you do a quick calculation that suggests a date of birth in March 1772. The 1850 census also suggest a date of birth in 1772. Where did Paul Varney and Anna Austin marry? Family histories list the birth of their first child, Betsey as April 16, 1797 in Milton, Chittenden, Vermont. Their second child, Albert, was born June 13, 1799 in Colchester. With the Varneys and Austins both living in Dover for multiple generations it seems more likely that the young couple married there, Paul and Anna then following her father Samuel to Colchester. The Varney children are listed as, Betsy, Albert, William H., Moses, Esther Ann, Caroline, Abigail, Paul Hamilton, George Charles, Artemesia.______________ Clearing up confusing genealogy for Paul Varney: There is another suggested marriage for Paul Varney. The marriage is found in the Quaker marriage records. The Quaker records are the most detailed and reliable marriage records in New England, “Joshua Varney son of Moses Varney of Wolfborough in the County of Strafford, and the state of New Hampshire and Anna Austin daughter of Andrew Austin, of Berwick in the county of York, the state of Massachusetts And Mary his wife, Feb 25, 1796.” This second Varney/Austin marriage, which shares enough similarities to cause confusion, has created a second fictitious Paul Varney referred to as Paul Joshua Varney.__________________ Sarah Starbuck has the following family trees; _______________ Edward Starbuck-Katherine-Sarah Starbuck / Joseph Austin-Sarah Starbuck / Thomas-Anna Otis/ Samuel-Abigail Pinkham / Samuel-Rachael Hawkins / Anna Austin._________________ After the early death of Joseph Austin, Sarah Starbuck married Humphrey Varney. Edward Starbuck-Katherine-Sarah Starbuck / Humphrey Varney-Sarah Starbuck / Peter-Elizabeth Evans / Benjamin-Martha Tibbetts / Moses-Ester Chick / Paul Varney. The essence of our story is the marriage of Paul Varney and Anna Austin both grandchildren of Sarah Starbuck. NOTE: see documentary trail in separate post

Philinda Minerva Griffin

This picture came to us courtesy of Nick Adams a great grandson. The acquisition of the picture comes with a great story. Her genealogy is; Philinda / Almon / Dan / Samuel / Samuel Griffin of Killingworth. See the Blog January 2014 for the story of Minerva and her father Almon. Click on the first image to read the story.

Samuel Austin, Paul Varney records in Colchester, Vermont

On the title page of the first volume of town records for Colchester is written, “Town Book No 1, From April 10, 1797 to March 19, 1820.” On page 1 of the records we find the following heading, “Grand List for the year 1797.” At the bottom of the list we find the name of Samuel Austin. The names of Samuel and his sons are found frequently in the town records up until his death May 6, 1821. He is buried in the Marrs Hallow Cemetery in nearby Milton, Vermont. Every two years the city held an election for city offices. One of the offices was that of “leather sealer”. Starting with Samuel that office was held continuously by a Austin for twenty plus years. Paul Varney makes his first appearance in Book No 1 on page 21. His name is included on the Grand List for year 1800. We see Paul’s name appear on the Grand Lists for 1809 and 1810 then we see very little evidence for him until the 1816 list. In the 1810 Federal Census his family in Colchester has two boys and three girls. In the years 1818/19 the town published two years of a very detailed tax assessment. Paul’s name appears on those two lists and every subsequent list until he leaves Vermont for Ohio.The 1800 census taken in Colchester includes the name of Paul Varney. In 1850 Paul is living in Chardon, Ohio at the age of 78 which supports at date of birth in 1772.The list of Austin marriages is from a compilation of marriage records found in Dover, New Hampshire.

Hatevil Nutter

We have written previously of the unique names adopted by the Congregational Societies. The Congregationalist were very open about their religious convictions.To join a Congregational Society a candidate was require to make a public "Proclamation of Faith". Another way they demonstrated that openness was in their selection of names. Hatevil is a contraction of Hate Evil. Hatevil Nutter was a strict Congregationalist who lived in Dover, New Hampshire. As a sign of the intolerance that the Congregationalists had for everything non Congregational, Hatevil led the cruel suppression of the first Quakers to appear in Dover.The suppression included stripping women of their cloths before tying them to a wagon wheel to be severely beaten. By the time his grandchildren were living in Dover the Society of Friends made up a substantial portion of the Dover community and played a major role in community affairs.

Quaker marriage document

The Society of Friends, the Quakers, kept the most detailed marriage records of any religious group in early America. The following is found in Volume-1 of the “Friends Society Marriage Records” in Dover, New Hampshire. The title page contains the notation March 1701. Within the Quaker community the church rules called for a young couple to publicly declare their intentions to marry in several public places over several months time. After such a declaration the Society would investigate the young couple to make sure they were “clear of all others” and sufficiently worthy by Church standards to marry. Once given the approval of the Society a marriage ceremony was held the essence of which was the signing of the marriage certificate. “Whereas Henry Estes son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Estes of Barwick in the county of York in the Provence of the Massachusetts Bay in Newengland: and Mary Varney daughter of John and Sarah of Dover in ye Province of Newhampshire in Newengland aforesd, having declared their intentions of Taking Each other in marriage before several Publickmeetings of the People called Quakers in Dover aforesd according to the good order used amongst them whose Proceedings therein after a deliberate consideration thereof with a Regard to the Righteous Law of God and the Example of his People Recorded in the scriptures of Truth in that case were approved of by the sd meeting they appearing clear of all others and having consent of Parents and Relations concerned—Now these are to certifie all whom it may concern that for the full accomplishing of the sd intentions this seventeenth day of ye second month called April in ye year according to ye English account one thousand seven hundred and forty five---They ye sd Henry Estes and Mary Varney appearing in Publick assembley of ye aforesd People met together in the Publick meeting Place at Cochecha in Dover aforesd---And in a solemn manner he ye sd Henry Estes Taking ye sd Mary Varney by the hand did openly declear that he Took her to be his wife Promising by ye Lords assistance to be unto her True and Loving husband until death makes a separation. And ye sd Mary Varney did then and there in Like solemn manner declear that she Took him ye sd Henry Estes to be her husband Promising by ye Lords assistance to be True and Loving wife until death makes a separation. And ye sd Henry Estes and Mary Varney as a further confirmation hereof did then and there to these Presents sett their hand , she the sd Mary Varney assuming ye name of her husband, and we whose names are hereunto subscribed being Present amongst others at ye solleminizing of the sd marriage and subscription in manner as aforesd as witness hereunto have also to theses presents subscribe our names ye day and year above written. Henry Estes, Mary Estes, Silvanus Hussey, Stephen Varney Jr. Ebenezer Varney, Timothy Emerson, Joseph Estes, Ephraim Tibbets Jr. Stephen Varney, William Frost ……….. Entered ye 22 of ye 2mo 1745 P William Fry Jr. Clerk”