Alfred Lincoln Babbitt

b. 11 November 1862
     Alfred Lincoln Babbitt was born on 11 November 1862 at Barre, Worcester Co., MA. He was the son of Harrison Willard Babbitt and Marilla Theresa Converse.

Milton Peck Babbitt

b. 2 January 1867
     Milton Peck Babbitt was born on 2 January 1867 at Barre, Worcester Co., MA. He was the son of Harrison Willard Babbitt and Marilla Theresa Converse.

Joel Converse Jr.1

b. 5 November 1785, d. 22 May 1874
     Joel Converse Jr. was born on 5 November 1785 at Thompson, CT.2,3,1 He was the son of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. Joel Converse Jr. married Hope Tinkham.1 Joel Converse Jr. married Abigail Colt, daughter of Dr. Amherst Colt and Miriam Giddings II, on 4 April 1814.2,1 Joel Converse Jr. died on 22 May 1874 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 88.2,1 He was buried at Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.4

Joel Converse Jr.'s farm, where he lived and died, was purchased from his father, and consisted of a hundred acres one mile west of his father's farm. One large pine tree, four feet in diameter, was, however, reserved by his father to give to the eldest son, Lyman, for shingles, and is is said that some of those shingles are doing service now (1900). One of his early memories was that of his father starting Lyman and himself with oxen and steers to church, in winter, four long miles, for an all-day service. The Bixbys and the Dimicks added two or more yokes, and the sled was filled with boys and girls from the numerous families.

Joel Jr. was enumerated in the 1810 Lime, Grafton Co., NH, federal census.

Joel and Abigail were enumerated in the 1850 Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, federal census. He was a farmer, age 63, she was 59. Children in the household were Francis 35, and Wm. A. C. 20.

from "The New Hampshire Statesman":

Mr. Joel and Mrs. Abigail converse, of Lyme, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on Monday, 11th inst., being the same day of the week as the original wedding day. The day dawned serene and beautiful. the first morning of Creation could hardly have been fairer or more lovely. About noon the invited guests began to assemble, paying their first compliments to the pantry with their well filled baskets. At one o'clock p.m. the exercises of the occasion commenced with reading the 108d Psalm, by the Rev. Erdix Tenny, their pastor for thirty years. Rev. E. H. Smith, also of Lyme, offered prayer, in which thanks were rendered for the mercies which had crowned the lives of the aged pair and their numerous family; also that a kind Providence permitted them to rejoice in their quiet home, far away from the noise of battle and the tumult of war. He earnestly implored the Divine favor to rest upon them yet longer, even through their earthly pilgrimage to the peaceful shore of the heavenly land. Next came the singing of Lenox and other tunes of the olden time, which carried many of the audience back their youthful days and their unfading memories. Then followed happy and appropriate remarks by the Rev. Messrs. Smith and Tenny.

The venerable pair were then requested to be seated, so that the friends might have an opportunity to pass around to give their friendly greeting. The clergymen and their wives went first; then a couple both over eighty years of age, who had rode four miles over rough, muddy roads to be present at the first golden wedding ever celebrated in the little quiet town of Lyme. The remainder of the guests followed; then the children and grand-children, down to the youngest, who gave his little dimpled hand into the palm of the silver-haired grandfather, and then kissed the dear grandmother, whom he had come so many miles to see. The aged pair were no losers by this ceremony of shaking hands. Some shook so heartily that bills and shining coin fell profusely as the brown nuts in autumn. Several letters were received, containing kind congratulations, and something yet more substantial; also regrets that illness alone prevented the writers from participating in the festivities of the occasion. Next came the reading of the following lines by one of the family, which seemed to give much satisfaction. [Necessarily omitted. --Publishers of the Statesman]

Other contributions were also read. Then came the singing of the following Hymn, in tune Coronation, written for the occasion by Mrs. Sigourney, of Hartford, Conn.

What do these April breezes bring
Where sands of lite run low?
Sweet memories from our tree of life,
That with warm radiance glow.

A bridal scene, a joyous train
of friends who circle round,
With hand to hand and heart to heart,
Our chains anew are bound.

And though the tear might sometimes flow,
Or cares our pathway shroud.
They in this Golden Wedding throw
No dark, enduring cloud.

Again life's pleasant evening brings,
In its unearring flight,
Praise for the mercies of our God,
Trust in his arm of might.

A stronger faith that links our love,
So firmly twined below,
May be cemented where the smiles
Of saints and angels glow.

This social interview should close
With blessings on each heart;
We bid our guests a short adieu,
As soon on earth we part.


Then the following beautiful and appropriate poetry, from the same lady, though not written for this occasion, was read:

THE GOLDEN WEDDING

A lamp that fifty years hath burned
With undiminished light,
Through blasts might sweep, or tempests blow,
Or rains descend and tear-drops flow,
Mid gloom of sorrow's night.

A flower that half a century bloomed
With ever brightning ray,
And pour fresh fragrance on the breeze,
Who knoweth of such things as these?
Where all things fleet away.

They know, who standing side by side,
This day their vows renew,
The undying lamp 'twas theirs to light,
And rear the flower that fears no blight,
Still led by heavenly dew.

Oh, lamp of Faith! Oh flower of Love,
Whose blended beams so long
Have light around their pathway shed,
Still cheer them till their steps are let
Up to the white-robed throng.


At this point of the proceedings the bride arose, and invited the two ministers and their wives, with as many others as could find standing-place, to follow her to the adjoining room. In one corner stood a loft bed, made in the olden style, on which was spread a new and beautiful patch-work quilt, the skillful work of her own trembling hands. This she presented to her pastor's wife. To her pastor, she presented a book entitled "Past Meridian," when, turning to the company, she said, "I trust, friends, you will be very lenient to our pastor, for, if he finds the book as interesting as I have, he will find no period until he turns the last leaf; therefore, I hope you will excuse him, though he should find it convenient to exchange." A sealed package was presented to Mrs. Smith. All of the gifts were welcomed, and suitable thanks returned. The aged couple received several books, among which was "The Churches of New Hampshire," given by their pastor; "Past Meridian," by its author, whose contributions had given so much pleasure to all present, and "Noble's Appeal," sent by two little grand-daughters, who, with their parents, where not present on the occasion.

While the tables were being laid in the spacious old kitchen, the time was passed in pleasant conversation. A gentleman present, a son of the minister who half a century since united the happy couple, was playfully asked to tie the knot over. "No," replied he, "If my father could not tie a knot that will hold more than fifty years, it ill becomes me to try my hand at it." Only three of the five children, now living, and four of the fifteen grand-children, were present.

The bride was neatly dressed, wearing but a single ornament; a beautiful little pin, sent by an aged sister, two hundred miles, as a bridal present. There are only two persons now living who witnessed the first marriage ceremony. At five o'clock the whole party gathered around the festive board, which was arranged in a tasteful manner. Near the center stood, side by side, two mammoth loaves of cake, nicely frosted. One was a genuine wedding cake, made by the trembling hands of the aged matron, and, strange to tell, the first wedding cake ever made by her. The other was the gift of two generous sisters, school-mates of the bride when a child. Near each end of the table stood two pyramids, snowy white, sent by two young friends who were most gratefully remembered. Other loaves of cake, less conspicuous but not less palatable, occupied their respective places. Snowy bread, golden butter, maple honey, with fragrant tea, made up the complement of refreshments. The old clock, which had ticked in its cozy corner so many years, never looked down from its lofty heights on a happier group, or a more bountiful repast. As the company left the table the matron repeated this most apt verse, "We shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God."

The exercises were closed by singing. The guests, both old and young, united in pronouncing this to be one of the happiest days ever experienced, and took their leave with a hearty "God bless you," to the newly married pair.


Children of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., Page 128, Item 69.
  2. [S831] Kate Miriam Johnson, "NSDAR: 198607, Kate Johnson."
  3. [S848] Clara H. Johnson, "NSDAR: 198613, Clara H. Johnson."
  4. [S807] Find A Grave, online http://www.findagrave.com, memorial #121886379.

Abigail Colt

b. 6 March 1791, d. 11 October 1869
     Abigail Colt was born on 6 March 1791 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.1,2 She was the daughter of Dr. Amherst Colt and Miriam Giddings II.1,2 Abigail Colt married Joel Converse Jr., son of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby, on 4 April 1814.1,3 Abigail Colt died on 11 October 1869 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 78.1

Children of Abigail Colt and Joel Converse Jr.

Citations

  1. [S831] Kate Miriam Johnson, "NSDAR: 198607, Kate Johnson."
  2. [S848] Clara H. Johnson, "NSDAR: 198613, Clara H. Johnson."
  3. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Francis Wilson Converse

b. 17 January 1815, d. 26 September 1880
     Francis Wilson Converse was born on 17 January 1815 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Francis Wilson Converse died on 26 September 1880 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 65.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Dr. Julius Miner Converse

b. 3 January 1816, d. 16 May 1841
     Dr. Julius Miner Converse was born on 3 January 1816 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. He was the son of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Dr. Julius Miner Converse died on 16 May 1841 at Philadelphia, PA, at age 25.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Abigail Matson Converse

b. 6 May 1817, d. 4 December 1851
     Abigail Matson Converse was born on 6 May 1817 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Abigail Matson Converse died on 4 December 1851 at Richmond, VA, at age 34.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

William Converse

b. 10 November 1818, d. 27 March 1819
     William Converse was born on 10 November 1818 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. He was the son of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 William Converse died on 27 March 1819 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Laura Adelia Converse

b. 13 February 1820, d. 15 October 1848
     Laura Adelia Converse was born on 13 February 1820 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Laura Adelia Converse died on 15 October 1848 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 28.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Lydia Converse

b. 7 July 1821, d. 23 June 1885
     Lydia Converse was born on 7 July 1821 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Lydia Converse died on 23 June 1885 at Franklin, MA, at age 63.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Samuel Bixby Converse

b. 7 May 1823, d. 12 January 1844
     Samuel Bixby Converse was born on 7 May 1823 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. He was the son of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Samuel Bixby Converse died on 12 January 1844 at Orford, New Hampshire, at age 20.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Harriet Newel Converse

b. 11 December 1824, d. 16 March 1854
     Harriet Newel Converse was born on 11 December 1824 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Harriet Newel Converse died on 16 March 1854 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 29.

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Caroline Wilson Converse

b. 8 July 1828
     Caroline Wilson Converse was born on 8 July 1828 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Caroline Wilson Converse married T. Jerome Stark.1 Caroline Wilson Converse married Apollos Everett Howard.1

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Rev. William Amherst Coult Converse

b. 30 April 1830, d. 1 March 1912
     Rev. William Amherst Coult Converse was born on 30 April 1830 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. He was the son of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1 Rev. William Amherst Coult Converse married Mary T. Tibbetts on 11 July 1858 at NH. Rev. William Amherst Coult Converse died on 1 March 1912 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 81. He was buried at North Hill Cemetery, Stewartstown, Coos Co., NH.2

A news story of the 25th wedding anniversary of H.W. Babbitt and M. T. Converse mentioned that the Rev. W. A. C. Converse spoke at the party.

Child of Rev. William Amherst Coult Converse and Mary T. Tibbetts

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.
  2. [S807] Find A Grave, online http://www.findagrave.com, Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 07 April 2018), memorial page for Rev W. A. C. Converse (1830–1912), Find A Grave Memorial no. 155960435, citing North Hill Cemetery, Stewartstown, Coos County, New Hampshire, USA ; Maintained by Shirley Mitchell (contributor 47472285) .

Mary Converse

b. 4 March 1835, d. 4 March 1835
     Mary Converse died on 4 March 1835 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was born on 4 March 1835 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse Jr. and Abigail Colt.1

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 128, item 69.

Dr. Amherst Colt1,2

b. 27 July 1759, d. 25 January 1830
     Dr. Amherst Colt was born on 27 July 1759 at Lyme, New London Co., CT.3,4,5,6,7,8 He was the son of John Colt and Mary Lord. Dr. Amherst Colt married Miriam Giddings II, daughter of Deacon Thomas Giddings and Mary Colt, on 12 September 1784 at Hartland, CT.3 Dr. Amherst Colt married Mercy Johnson, daughter of Caleb Johnson and Mary Cooke, on 28 September 1806 at East Hartland, CT. Dr. Amherst Colt died on 25 January 1830 at Chester (now Auburn), Rockingham Co., NH, at age 70.9,3,6

Dr. Coult was a Revolutionary War Patriot; enlisted 1777 and 1778, served as surgeon's mate. His diary now in the possession of the family gives his service. He says, 1779, "received orders from Governor Trumbull to raise a small guard and take command of post at the mouth of Connecticut river. I resigned my commission to my brother John, and returned to my study."

He is DAR Patriot #A024616

Amherst was enumerated in the 1790 Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, federal census.

Amherst was enumerated in the 1800 Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, federal census. There appears to be 3 sons and 5 daughters in the household.

Amherst was enumerated in the 1810 Lyme Grafton Co., NH, federal census. Males:0, 1, 2, 0, 1; females: 0, 3, 1, 0, 1.

Children of Dr. Amherst Colt and Miriam Giddings II

Citations

  1. [S104] DAR DAR Lineage book, Vol. CX:Pg. 313/Item 109085.
  2. [S140] LLD Elias Loomis Loomis Female Branches, Vol. I:Pg. 151/Item 42.
  3. [S831] Kate Miriam Johnson, "NSDAR: 198607, Kate Johnson."
  4. [S848] Clara H. Johnson, "NSDAR: 198613, Clara H. Johnson."
  5. [S847] Miriam Converse Johnson Burlingame, "NSDAR: 690394, Miriam Johnson Burlingame."
  6. [S849] Harriette Asenath Case Welden, "NSDAR: 27455, Harriette Asenath Case Welden."
  7. [S850] Nina D. Case, "NSDAR: 140908, Nina D. Case."
  8. [S851] Eva Elizabeth Case Hamm, "NSDAR: 127293, Eva Elizabeth Case Hamm."
  9. [S254] Kenneth Lord, Thomas Lord, Page 125.

Miriam Giddings II

b. 22 April 1762, d. 28 October 1805
     Miriam Giddings II was born on 22 April 1762 at Hartland, Hartford Co., CT.1,2,3,4 She was the daughter of Deacon Thomas Giddings and Mary Colt. Miriam Giddings II married Dr. Amherst Colt, son of John Colt and Mary Lord, on 12 September 1784 at Hartland, CT.1 Miriam Giddings II died on 28 October 1805 at Lyme, New London Co., CT, at age 43.1,4 She was buried at Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.5

From Ralph Giddings 721 Parkview Drive Fort Collins CO 80525 Death data differs: 28 October 1805 at MA (?)

Children of Miriam Giddings II and Dr. Amherst Colt

Citations

  1. [S831] Kate Miriam Johnson, "NSDAR: 198607, Kate Johnson."
  2. [S848] Clara H. Johnson, "NSDAR: 198613, Clara H. Johnson."
  3. [S847] Miriam Converse Johnson Burlingame, "NSDAR: 690394, Miriam Johnson Burlingame."
  4. [S850] Nina D. Case, "NSDAR: 140908, Nina D. Case."
  5. [S888] Find A Grave Memorial; memorial page for Miriam Giddings Colt (22 Apr 1762–27 Oct 1805). Memorial no. 30605087, database and images: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30605087, accessed 29 June 2020, citing Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA; Maintained by: jandal (contributor 47013996).
  6. [S849] Harriette Asenath Case Welden, "NSDAR: 27455, Harriette Asenath Case Welden."

Deacon Thomas Giddings

b. 21 January 1723, d. 24 May 1790
     Deacon Thomas Giddings was born on 21 January 1723 at Lyme (probably), CT. He was the son of Thomas Giddings and Sarah Andrews. Deacon Thomas Giddings married Mary Colt, daughter of Deacon Benjamin Colt and Miriam Harris, on 1 May 1746 at Lyme, New London Co., CT; by Rev. George Beckwith.1 Deacon Thomas Giddings died on 24 May 1790 at Hartland, CT, at age 67. He was buried at East Hartland Cemetery, East Hartland, Hartford Co., CT.2

From "The Giddings Family (1882)" by Minot S. Giddings of CT Thomas Giddings removed from Lyme to what became the town of Hartland, Conn., June 12, 1754, being the first residing inhabitant in the town. Two years later, viz., 1756, his brother Joshua came from Lyme and settled there. On the second Thursday in May, 1761, there being thirty-seven families, containing 212 persons, and seven families more expected, "the General Assembly made and created it an entire town, by the name of Hartland."* July 14, the same year, the first town-meeting was held, Joshua Giddings being moderator and one of the Selectmen. Thomas Giddings was also chosen Selectman and Treasurer of the town. Sep. 15, 1761, at a meeting lawfully warned, Joshua Giddings being moderator, it was voted that the Gospel should be preached in the town for three months. In 1762 Thomas Giddings was chosen a committee to wait on the committee appointed by the "Hon. County Court to fix a place for Divine worship." Joshua Giddings was chosen a committee to "take care of the parsonage." In the same year Thomas Giddings was Selectman and Joshua was one of the Listors. In 1764, at a meeting of the inhabitants, Thomas Giddings moderator, it was voted that they should build a meeting-house on the east mountain; said house should be 45 ft. in lenght, 34 ft. in breadth, and the posts 20 ft. long. Thomas Giddings was appointed one of the committee to build the same. On the 3rd of October, 1764, at a town-meeting, thomas Giddings moderator, it was voted "to give Mr. Ashbel Pitkin the offer to settle with us in the ministry." At a town-meeting held Feb. 18, 1768, Thomas giddings moderator, it was voted to appoint a committee "to treat with Mr. Graves to get him to come and preach with us." Thomas and Joshua Giddings were of the committee. In 1783 "Capt. Thomas Giddings" was chosen a committee to present a memorial of the inhabitants for an abatement of taxes to the General Assembly. In 1783 Capt. Thomas Giddings was chosen a Represeentative to the General Assembly. He was received into the curch in East Hartland by letter from the Third Church in Lyme, Aug. 4, 1769, and chosen a deacon Feb. 14, 1770. It is found that Capt. and Dea. Thomas, and Joshua Giddings were chosen to town offices nearly every year from their settlement in Hartland till 1790, and one or the other was usually chosen moderator of the public meetings. They followed agricultural pursuits. *Much of this was obtained from the Town Records.

Children of Deacon Thomas Giddings and Mary Colt

Citations

  1. [S469] Elizebeth B. Plimpton, Lyme VR, Page 26.
  2. [S888] Find A Grave Memorial; memorial page for SGT Thomas Giddings, Jr (21 Jan 1723–24 May 1790). Memorial no. 80257201, database and images: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80257201, accessed 29 June 2020, citing East Hartland Cemetery, Hartland, Hartford County, Connecticut, USA; Maintained by: ggramtoby (contributor 47311061).

Mary Colt

b. 4 December 1728, d. 17 November 1812
     Ralph Giddings 721 Parkview Drive Ft Collins CO 80525 has death 17 Nov 1812 prob Rutland VT. Mary Colt was born on 4 December 1728 at Lyme, New London Co., CT. She was the daughter of Deacon Benjamin Colt and Miriam Harris. Mary Colt married Deacon Thomas Giddings, son of Thomas Giddings and Sarah Andrews, on 1 May 1746 at Lyme, New London Co., CT; by Rev. George Beckwith.1 Mary Colt died on 17 November 1812 at Rutland (prob), VT, at age 83.

Children of Mary Colt and Deacon Thomas Giddings

Citations

  1. [S469] Elizebeth B. Plimpton, Lyme VR, Page 26.

Joel Converse1

b. 12 September 1750, d. 29 June 1822
     Joel Converse was born on 12 September 1750 at Killingly, Windham Co., CT.2 He was the son of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay. Joel Converse married Demaris Wilson, daughter of Thomas Wilson and Abigail (?), on 10 September 1778. Joel Converse married Elizabeth Bixby, daughter of Jonathan Bixby and Elizabeth Waring, on 20 January 1785. Joel Converse died on 29 June 1822 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 71.2 He was buried at Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.3

From Converse

The Killingly, Conn., town records give the date of his birth as 12 September 1750. Mr. William G. Hill gives the date as 2 September 1750, a difference explainable by the change in reckoning from old to new style, but an old family bible in the possession of Herbert Bradley Converse of Claremont, N.H. gives 22 September 1750 as the date of Joel's birth.

Joel was one of the first settlers of Lyme, NY, where, in 1788, he selected a piece of wild land on a high hill now indicated on maps of the town as "Davidson's Hill," made a clearing, and erected a frame house. At that time but fifteen families had settled there, "under great hardships and discouragements." His wife's brother, Samuel Bixby, and William Davidson had made a settlement there in 1786. In March 1789, he moved his wife and five children to the farm at Lyme, where the remainder of this live was spent. The location of his farm on Davidson's Hill was three miles east of the main road which leads from Lyme to Orford and on the hill road which leaves the main road near lyme Pond. Its outlook toward the southwest and towards the west was a grand one from twelve to forty miles in extent. The intervening hills were lower than that on which the farm was situated, and shut out the view of the Connecticut Valley only, leaving the distant outlook unobstructed. The farm was good wheat land, and it is recalled by one of the descendants of Joel Converse that in those days wheat in that locality "was food, and money too." Joel Converse was said by his son, Amasa, to have served in the American army during the Revolutionary War for a few months only, as he had to provide for a widowed mother.

Joel Sr. was enumerated in the 1810 Lime, Grafton Co., NH, federal census.

Children of Joel Converse and Demaris Wilson

Children of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., Page 68, Item 29.
  2. [S807] Find A Grave, online http://www.findagrave.com, memorial ID 75057489.
  3. [S888] Find A Grave Memorial; memorial page for Joel Converse (22 Sep 1750–29 Jun 1822). Memorial no. 75057489, database and images: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75057489, accessed 20 July 2021, citing Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA; Maintained by: Anonymous (contributor 47584245).

Elizabeth Bixby

b. 2 September 1762, d. 12 November 1850
Elizabeth Bixby Converse
1762-1850
     Elizabeth Bixby was born on 2 September 1762 at Killingly, CT. She was the daughter of Jonathan Bixby and Elizabeth Waring. Elizabeth Bixby married Joel Converse, son of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay, on 20 January 1785. Elizabeth Bixby died on 12 November 1850 at Lyme, Grafton Cnty, New Hampshire, at age 88.1 She was buried at Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.2

Children of Elizabeth Bixby and Joel Converse

Citations

  1. [S807] Find A Grave, online http://www.findagrave.com, memorial ID 75047800.
  2. [S888] Find A Grave Memorial; memorial page for Mrs Elizabeth Bixby Converse (2 Sep 1762–12 Nov 1850). Memorial no. 75047800, database and images: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75047800, accessed 20 July 2021, citing Old Lyme Cemetery, Lyme, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA; Maintained by: Anonymous (contributor 47584245).

Theron Converse

b. 19 May 1787, d. 7 April 1861
     Theron Converse was born on 19 May 1787 at Thompson, CT. He was the son of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. Theron Converse died on 7 April 1861 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 73.

Theron was enumerated in the 1850 Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, federal census. He was a farmer, age 63. Also in the household were Miriam 37, Elisebeth 90, and Miriam E. 15.

Marquis Converse

b. 12 July 1789, d. 21 November 1840
     Marquis Converse was born on 12 July 1789 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. He was the son of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. Marquis Converse died on 21 November 1840 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 51.

Elizabeth Converse

b. 20 May 1791, d. 16 April 1863
     Elizabeth Converse was born on 20 May 1791 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. Elizabeth Converse died on 16 April 1863 at Orfordville, New Hampshire, at age 71.

Sarah Converse

b. 2 July 1793, d. 11 February 1864
     Sarah Converse was born on 2 July 1793 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. She was the daughter of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. Sarah Converse died on 11 February 1864 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH, at age 70.

Amasa Converse D.D.1

b. 21 August 1795, d. 9 December 1872
     Amasa Converse D.D. was born on 21 August 1795 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH.2 He was the son of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. Amasa Converse D.D. died on 9 December 1872 at Louisville, Jefferson Co, KY, at age 77.2 He was buried at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson Co, KY.2

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., Page 142/Item 74.
  2. [S807] Find A Grave, online http://www.findagrave.com, Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 19 July 2018), memorial page for Amasa Converse (21 Aug 1795–9 Dec 1872), Find A Grave Memorial no. 10591345, citing Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, USA ; Maintained by Rich H. (contributor 46489213) .

John Kendrick Converse Reverend

b. 15 June 1801, d. 3 October 1880
     John Kendrick Converse Reverend was born on 15 June 1801 at Lyme, Grafton Co., NH. He was the son of Joel Converse and Elizabeth Bixby. John Kendrick Converse Reverend died on 3 October 1880 at Burlington, VT, at age 79.

Abigail Fay

b. 14 January 1709
     Abigail Fay was born on 14 January 1709 at Westborough, Worcester Co., MA.1 She was the daughter of Samuel Fay and Tabitha Ward. Abigail Fay married Thomas Converse, son of Samuel Converse and Dorcas (?), on 3 November 1737 at Sturbridge, Worcester Co., MA.1

Children of Abigail Fay and Thomas Converse

Citations

  1. [S713] Rhonda R. McClure, Thomas Brigham, page 22.

Col. Thomas Converse

b. 5 November 1738, d. 1809
     Col. Thomas Converse was christened on 5 November 1738 at Killingly, CT. He was the son of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay. Col. Thomas Converse was also known as Col. Thomas Convers. He died in 1809 at Rutland, NY.

Samuel Converse

b. 7 August 1740
     Samuel Converse was born on 7 August 1740. He was the son of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay. Samuel Converse was also known as Samuel Convers.

Abigail Converse

b. 18 November 1744
     Abigail Converse was born on 18 November 1744. She was the daughter of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay. Abigail Converse was also known as Abigail Convers.

David Converse

b. 2 July 1746
     David Converse was born on 2 July 1746. He was the son of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay. David Converse was also known as David Convers.

Tabitha Converse

b. 5 March 1749
     Tabitha Converse was born on 5 March 1749. She was the daughter of Thomas Converse and Abigail Fay. Tabitha Converse was also known as Tabitha Convers.

Samuel Converse1

b. 4 April 1662, d. 9 February 1732
     Samuel Converse was born on 4 April 1662 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA. He was the son of Sgt. Samuel Converse and Judith Carter. Samuel Converse married Dorcas (?) before 1694. Samuel Converse died on 9 February 1732 at Thompson Parish, Killingly, CT, at age 69. He was buried at West Thompson Cemetery, Thompson, Windham Co., CT.2

Children of Samuel Converse and Dorcas (?)

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., Page 23/Item 9.
  2. [S888] Find A Grave Memorial; memorial page for Samuel Converse Jr. (4 Apr 1662–9 Feb 1732). Memorial no. 85115004, database and images: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85115004, accessed 22 September 2021, citing West Thompson Cemetery, Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut, USA; Maintained by: Linda Mac (contributor 47062703).

Dorcas (?)

     Dorcas (?) married Samuel Converse, son of Sgt. Samuel Converse and Judith Carter, before 1694.

Children of Dorcas (?) and Samuel Converse

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 23, item 9.

Samuel Converse

b. 26 May 1694
     Samuel Converse was born on 26 May 1694 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA. He was the son of Samuel Converse and Dorcas (?) Samuel Converse was also known as Samuel Convers.

Ensign Edward Converse

b. 25 September 1696, d. 9 July 1784
     Ensign Edward Converse was born on 25 September 1696 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA.1 He was the son of Samuel Converse and Dorcas (?) Ensign Edward Converse was also known as Ensign Edward Convers. He married Elizabeth Cooper on 6 August 1717.2,1 Ensign Edward Converse died on 9 July 1784 at age 87.1

Children of Ensign Edward Converse and Elizabeth Cooper

Citations

  1. [S911] William Gilbert Hill, Deacons Converse, page 129.
  2. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 34, item 14.

Dorcas Converse

b. 1 February 1702
     Dorcas Converse was born on 1 February 1702 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA. She was the daughter of Samuel Converse and Dorcas (?) Dorcas Converse was also known as Dorcas Convers.

Pain Converse

b. 25 November 1706, d. 10 September 1781
     Pain Converse was born on 25 November 1706 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA.1 He was the son of Samuel Converse and Dorcas (?)2 Pain Converse was also known as Pain Convers.1 He married Mary Halford.1 Pain Converse died on 10 September 1781 at Thompson, Windham Co., CT, at age 74.1 He was buried at West Thompson Cemetery, Thompson, Windham Co., CT.3

Child of Pain Converse and Mary Halford

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 40, item 16.
  2. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 23, item 9.
  3. [S888] Find A Grave Memorial; memorial page for Pain Converse (25 Nov 1706–10 Sep 1781). Memorial no. 32318717, database and images: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32318717, accessed 22 September 2021, citing West Thompson Cemetery, Thompson, Windham County, Connecticut, USA; Maintained by: jandal (contributor 47013996).

Sgt. Samuel Converse1

b. 12 March 1637/38, d. 20 February 1669
     Sgt. Samuel Converse was baptized on 12 March 1637/38 at First Church, Charlestown, Middlesex Co., MA.2 He was the son of Deacon Edward Converse and Sarah (?) Sgt. Samuel Converse married Judith Carter, daughter of Rev. Thomas Carter and Mary Parkhurst, on 8 June 1660 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA. Sgt. Samuel Converse died on 20 February 1669 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA, at age 30.

Children of Sgt. Samuel Converse and Judith Carter

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., Page 9/Item 5.
  2. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., page 9, item 5.

Judith Carter1

d. 1677
     Judith Carter was the daughter of Rev. Thomas Carter and Mary Parkhurst. Judith Carter married Sgt. Samuel Converse, son of Deacon Edward Converse and Sarah (?), on 8 June 1660 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA. Judith Carter died in 1677.

Children of Judith Carter and Sgt. Samuel Converse

Citations

  1. [S24] Charles Allen Converse, Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of Samuel Converse, Jr., of Thompson Parish, Kiliingly, Conn., Page 9.

Abigail Converse

d. 14 July 1689
     Abigail Converse was born at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA. She was the daughter of Sgt. Samuel Converse and Judith Carter. Abigail Converse was also known as Abigail Convers. She died on 14 July 1689.

Randall John Henry Holcombe

b. 12 February 1987, d. 18 November 2023
     Randall John Henry Holcombe was born on 12 February 1987 at Hartford, Hartford Co., CT. He was the son of Henry Valentine Holcombe and SalllyAnne Berg. Randall John Henry Holcombe died on 18 November 2023 at Auburn, Androscoggin Co., ME, at age 36.

From the Hartford Courant, 4 November, 2023:

Randall "Randy" John Henry Holcomb, 36, of Auburn, ME and formerly of East Hartland, CT passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Born in Hartford on February 12, 1987, son of Henry Valentine Holcomb, III and Sally Anne (Berg) Holcomb, he was raised in East Hartland and attended Hartland School and Gilbert High School in Winsted.

While growing up, Randy enjoyed fishing, hunting, going to the beach, and later driving his truck. He developed a love of nature and later shared his fondness of the great outdoors and animals, especially dogs, with his two children, Audrina and Gabriel. Randy started his career in the construction industry as a carpenter. He loved working with his hands, creating things was his passion and he often posted pictures of the "finished product" of his work on social media.

In 2008, he moved to Maine and continued his career in construction. He loved living near the ocean and was involved in the community in which he lived, especially his church, Crossroads Community Church in Gray, ME. A generous person throughout his life, Randy had a heart of gold and treated everyone with respect no matter their position in life. He never judged anyone. Most of all, Randy will be remembered for his love for his family. He loved to laugh and was always joking around with his parents, his siblings, his nieces and nephews, and later his children. After starting a family, Randy had high hopes for his life and often talked about his dreams for his family. In his spare time, he devoted all his energy to his children, watching sports with them and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with them by taking them to church and worshipping with them. He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves his parents, Henry and Sally Holcomb of North Granby; his two children, Audrina J. Holcomb and Gabriel Holcomb of New Gloucester, ME; two sisters, Julie Anne Holcomb and her fiancé Gerome Gore of Winsted and Lindsay Mary Holcomb and her fiancé Jason Cooke of North Granby; seven nieces and nephews, Logan Reynolds, Carter Reynolds, and Skylar Gore all of Winsted, and Gianna Holcomb, Landen Holcomb, Laci Gautieri, and Grayson Gautieri all of North Granby; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, December 9, 1-2 p.m., followed by a memorial service and sharing of memories, at 2 p.m., at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Randall Holcomb Children's Scholarship Fund, c/o Windsor Federal Bank, 250 Broad St., Windsor, CT 06095.

Deacon Josiah Converse

b. 1618, d. 3 February 1689
     Deacon Josiah Converse was born in 1618 at England. He was the son of Deacon Edward Converse and Sarah (?) Deacon Josiah Converse was also known as Deacon Josiah Convers. He died on 3 February 1689 at Woburn, Middlesex Co., MA.

Mary Converse

b. 1622
     Mary Converse was born in 1622 at England. She was the daughter of Deacon Edward Converse and Sarah (?) Mary Converse was also known as Mary Convers.

Joseph Bixby

d. 19 April 1700
     Joseph Bixby married Sarah Wyatt on 15 October 1647. Joseph Bixby died on 19 April 1700 at Boxford, MA.

Children of Joseph Bixby and Sarah Wyatt

Sarah Wyatt

d. 3 June 1704
     Sarah Wyatt married Joseph Bixby on 15 October 1647. Sarah Wyatt died on 3 June 1704.

Children of Sarah Wyatt and Joseph Bixby