Miner Descent

Deacon Benjamin COLEMAN (1720 – 1797) was Alex’s 7th Great Grandfather, one of 256 in this generation of the Shaw line.

Benjamin Coleman was born 7 Feb 1720 in Newbury, Mass.  His parents were Thomas Coleman II and Phoebe PEARSON. He married Ann BROWN on 5 Jul 1743 in Newbury, Mass.  He married his second wife, Sarah Stickney on 26 Oct 1778.  Benjamin died Jan 1797 in Massachusetts.

Ann Brown was born 2 Apr 1724 in  Newbury, Mass.  Her Parents were Thomas BROWN and Ann CHUTE.   Ann died 26 Apr 1776 of pleurisy fever in Newbury, Mass.

Sarah [__?__] was born in 1726 in Newbury, Essex, Mass. She first married [__?__] Stickney.  Sarah died 30 Nov 1791 in Newbury, Essex, Mass.

Children of Benjamin and Ann:

	Name	Born	Married	Departed
1.	John COLEMAN	12 May 1744 Newbury, Mass	Lois DANFORTH 16 Jul 1765 Vassalboro Maine	22 Sep 1823 Vassalboro Maine
2.	Col. Dudley Coleman	13 Aug 1745 Newbury	Mary “Polly” Jones 15 Nov 1770	16 Nov 1797 Brookfield, NH
3.	Thomas Coleman	8 Mar 1750/51 Newbury	Mrs. Elizabeth Eaton 29 Apr 1781 Newburyport, Essex, Mass	Drowned 28 Oct 1784 Newbury, Mass
4.	Benjamin Coleman	27 Jul 1752 Newbury	Mary (Polly) Chute 29 Jun 1780 Newbury, Essex, Mass	20 Feb 1847 Newbury, Mass (aged  94)
5.	Moses Coleman	17 Nov 1755 Newbury	Dorothy Pearson 7 Feb 1782 Newbury, Mass . Betty Little 5 Dec 1787 Newbury	27  Aug 1837 Newbury, Mass
6.	Molly (Mary) Coleman	22 Dec 1757 Newbury	Joseph Searle 7 Jun 1781 Newbury, Mass	16 Dec 1839 Rowley, Mass
7.	Dr. Samuel Coleman	15 Dec 1759 Newbury	Susannah Atkins 14 Oct 1787 Newburyport, Mass	7 Dec 1810 Newburyport
8.	Caleb Coleman	17 Feb 1761 Newbury	Sally Burbank 14 Oct 1795 – Boscawen, Merrimack, New Hampshire
9.	William Coleman	26 Oct 1768 Newbury	Susanna Thurston 17 May 1792 Rowley, Mass. . Zervia Richardson 19 Apr 1809 Newbury, Mass . Hannah Pillsbury Brown 12 Jun 1816 Newbury, Mass	23 May 1820

Deacon Benjamin Coleman, of Newbury, Massachusetts, fought against his slave-owning minister on the slavery issue. “Deacon Benjamin Colman” under Rev. Moses Parsons, was suspended from his church in 1780 over slavery. He was re-instated 26 Oct 1785 after the death of Rev. Parsons. “A thorough-going abolitionist in advance of his time, brought serious charges against (Rev. Parsons) for violating the divine law and holding men and women in bondage of slavery.”

From Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian (See below) by Benjamin’s great-daughter-in-law Sarah Ann Smith (b. 1787 – d. 1879) — In 1702 the parish, afterwards called Byfield, was incorporated. This was taken from the towns of Rowley and Newbury, and at first was designated Rowlbury. Two years later it was named Byfield in honor of Judge Nathaniel Byfield. The first pastor of the new parish was the Rev. Moses Hale ; he was succeeded by the Rev. Moses Parsons, who died in 1783. The Rev. Elijah Parish was ordained in 1787.

The pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Parsons was memorable for a contest between the clergyman and one of the church officers, Deacon Benjamin Colman, on the subject of slavery. At that time nearly every family owned one or more negro slaves. My great-grandfather Noyes had a man named Primus, of whom the grandchildren were especially fond. He was a church member and very much respected. As Deacon Noyes’ favorite servant, Primus considered himself somewhat of an important personage, and always comported himself with suitable dignity.

My great-grandfather Smith owned a black maid ; great-grand sir Little a man ; this couple were married. The husband usually came to great-grandfather Smith’s to sleep, but on very pleasant evenings the wife would go over to great-grand- sir Little’s to visit her husband. The agreement at their marriage, between their owners, had been, if there were children to divide them. Two or three were born, but they were swept away with those of their masters, by the throat distemper, the year it made such ravage in New England.

As Violet, the Rev. Mr. Parsons’s woman, like most head servants in a large family, literally “ruled the roast,” being a perfect autocrat in the kitchen, and a presiding genius in every department of the household, holding an affectionate but unquestioned sway over the bevy of bright, roguish boys that were reared in the parsonage, the zealous deacon could not have founded his complaint upon any but conscientious scruples. The principle of slavery was the sin against which he contended, thus unwittingly becoming pioneer in a cause which has produced such momentous results. Church meeting after church meeting was held.

The deacon was suspended for indecorous language respecting his pastor, and the discussion continued until after the clergyman’s decease, when at a church meeting on the 26th of October, 1785, Deacon Colman, after having acknowldged, “that in his treatment of the Rev. Moses Parsons, the late worthy pastor of the church, he urged his arguments against the slavery of the Africans with vehemence and asperity, without showing a due concern for his character and usefulness as an elder, or the peace and edicfiation of the church,” he was restored to the church and the deaconship.

April 27, 1778, the inhabitants of Byfield were startled by a phenomenon usually termed the ” Flying Giant.”

The following description is from the diary of Deacon Daniel Chute :

“Yesterday, being the Lord’s day, the first Sunday after Easter, about five of the clock in the p. m., a most terrible, and as most men do conceive supernatural thing took place. A form as of a giant, I suppose rather under than over twenty feet high, walked through the air from somewhere nigh the Governor’s school, where it was first spied by some boys, till it past the meeting-house, where Mr. Whittain, who was driving home his cows, saw it, as well as the cows also, which ran violently bellowing. Sundry on the whole road from the meeting-house to Deacon Scarles’ house, saw and heard it, till it vanished from sight nigh Hunslow’s hill, as Deacon Searles saw. It strode so fast as a good horse might gallop, and two or three feet above the ground, and what more than all we admired, it went through walls and fences as one goes through water, yet were they not broken or overthrown. It was black, as it might be dressed in cloth indeed, yet were we so terrified that none observed what manner if at all it was habited. It made continually a tending scream, ‘ hoo, hoo,’ so that some women fainted.”

The majority of the people, the Rev. Moses Parsons included, believed this spectre to be the devil taking a walk to oversee his mundane affairs.

Deacon Benjamin Colman published an account of this occurrence in the Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet. This was in the midst of his controversy with Mr. Parsons on the slavery question, and he attributed the diabolical visitation to the heinous sin of slave-holding by the pastor of the parish, followed by quaint theological speculations, in the deacon’s strong and fearless style.

A disagreement had arisen in that society at the settlement [Byfield] of the Rev. Elijah Parish. The minority separated from the parent Church, formed a new society, and put up a house of worship near where the Depot is now [1879] located. Parson Slade, an Englishman, educated under the auspices of Lady Huntingdon, was called to fill the pulpit. Our family continued to occupy their pew in the old meeting-house, but I often rode over to Byfield with my father.

This society consisting of some of the most prominent -and wealthy families, the Moodys, Longfellows, Titcombs, Adams, and Pearsons continued several years. At length the talent and fame, coupled with the genial humor of the celebrated Dr. Parish, drew the seceders back to the old church. Their meeting-house was sold to Deacon Benjamin Colman, who removed it near his residence and fitted it up for a school. A female seminary was established there, which for a number of years enjoyed an enviable celebrity.

The prospectus of the Female Academy, Byfield, published in the ” Newburyport Herald,” enumerates “Grammar, Arithmetic, Geography, Rhetoric, Composition, Painting and needle-work,” as the branches taught. It adds : ” It is expected that a gentleman of Christian education will, generally, every day visit the Seminary, and if occasion require, lend assistance in teaching the higher branches of study, or give instruction on those topics which may promote the general object of female education.” Miss Rebecca Hardy was the first teacher, Miss Rebecca Hazeltine succeeded as principal, and her younger sister, Ann, afterward Mrs. Judson, one of the first American missionaries to India, acted as assistant. A school of from forty to fifty pupils was gathered, young ladies from the wealthier families in the neighborhood and surrounding country, with others from places more remote. The summer of which I am writing there were several from New Hampshire, and the interior towns of Massachusetts. Some of the older pupils were affianced to clergymen, and had placed themselves under Miss Hazeltine’s instruction, the better to qualify themselves for the dignified and responsible position of a minister’s wife. Amongst these was Miss Lucy Brown, afterwards Mrs. Demond of the upper parish in “West Newbury.

The Misses Hazeltine and some half dozen of the pupils boarded with Dr. Parish, a number were accommodated in the families of Messrs. Benjamin and Moses Colman, the others were located in the vicinity. Miss Lucy Brown boarded with Mr. Moses Colman, and she became such a favorite that in after years her sojourn in the family was often referred to with pleasure.

During the Revolutionary war Deacon Colman had filled an army order for boots and shoes. These with other clothing [his son] Moses had taken in mid-winter to New. Jersey in a covered cart , drawn by a span of horses. During dinner Mr. Colman gave a graphic description of the ragged and desolate appearance of our troops, on his arrival at Morristown, just at the close of that winter so memorable for suffering, and the joy with which his arrival was hailed.

” Yes,” exlaimed old Mitchell, ” and the shoes were a good honest make, but the stockings, most of them, were a darned cheat, and the woman that could thus deceive a poor soldier must have a mighty small soul.” The hose had been knit loose, then stretched on a board fashioned like a last ; when washed they shrunk so as to be scarcely wearable. This was in the good old times ; human nature is much alike in all generations.

The rendezvous for the party had been appointed at Deacon Ben. Colman’s. From a dozen to fifteen chaises formed in procession, and gaily trotted to the island. Our visit was expected. Mr. Clifford and his waiters were profuse in their attention. We were ushered into the parlor, wine having been served, we proceeded amid much fun and frolic, to make our way to the beach over the loose sand. Joseph Noyes escorted a Miss Parkis, the daughter of Dr. Parkis, a distinguished physician of Hanover ; and Daniel Colman, Miss Betsy Smith, a great witch, and the only daughter of a wealthy family in Dover. Miss Parkis and Mr. Noyes were very merry at Miss Nancy Hazeltine’s expense. As Mr. Noyes ‘drove up to take Miss Parkis, Miss Hazeltine, glancing from the window, exclaimed, “there’s Joe. Noyes, he has come to take me to Plum Island, but he will find I do not countenance such frivolity.” To her chagrin Miss Parkis tripped down the stairs, Mr. Noyes assisted her into the chaise, and with a polite salutation to Miss Nancy at the window, drove away.

Benjamin Coleman – Prayer

Benajmin was owner of shoe factory.

Benjamin was a woodcarver and made calico textile prints.  Calico was then rare or unknown.  A home-made fabric, hand-printed was regarded as a fine article of dress and a bride decked out in such, it is said, would have successfully vied with a modern belle dressed in the most gorgeous sliks.  A quantity of the wooden calico stamps, represeting fruits, flowers, vines, etc, stained with the many dyes used and bearing upon their backs, the initials “B. C.” were passed down to the 19th Century.

Children

From Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian 1879 by y Benjamin’s great-daughter-in-law Sarah Ann Smith (b. 1787 – d. 1879)

Aunt Colman [I’m assuming this was 1. John COLEMAN’s wife as they were the only ones who lived in Maine.] was accustomed to make an annual visit to her Newbury relatives, which caused much family festivity. Early in March we received intelligence that Mrs. Colman might be expected on the next Wednesday in the two o’clock stage from Portsmouth. Punctually at the time appointed our visitor came. Dinner over, she called for the swift

[A yarn swift is a handy tool to have in your home if you buy a lot of skeins of yarn you need to wind. These tools are also known as umbrella swifts because of the shape of the mechanism, which looks like the inside of an umbrella when it is open]

and began to wind the yarn to knit a petticoat, those garments at that time being universally worn. The stitches having been cast on two long wooden needles, her fingers flew with a rapidity seldom equaled, while an entertaining conversation was sustained in which a thorough knowledge of the world was shown, a keen insight of men and modes, coupled with extensive reading, expressed with a keen wit, and sparkling versatility of language which was most engaging.

Invitations had been sent for a family gathering the, next afternoon. The ladies came at three o’clock, the gentlemen joining them at tea. A merry evening was enjoyed. Father [5. Moses Colman], and 4. Uncle Ben Colman and 6. Uncle Searle were brimming over with jokes and anecdotes, in which they were fully sustained by their sons and nephews.

2. Aunt Dudley was unusually entertaining. Aunt Doctor, (as the widow of 7. Dr. Samuel Colman was usually termed), a stout, dignified lady, became remarkably genial ; her daughter Mary Ann, the distinguished teacher, in a quiet way added much to the conversation ; her second daughter, Hannah, afterwards Mrs. Wait of Baltimore, a” great beauty, looked unusually lovely. Aunt Searle’s black eyes danced with glee, and 5i. Mrs. Jeremiah and 5iii. Daniel Colman, with their little girls, completed the circle. At nine o’clock the company separated with expressions of satisfaction and the hope of many future reunions. Friday it stormed. One ought to have seen Aunt Dudley’s fingers fly ! That evening the petticoat was completed a feat scarcely equalled in the annals of knitting.

1. John COLEMAN  (See his page)

2. Col. Dudley Coleman

Dudley’s wife Mary “Polly” Jones was born 15 Aug 1749 in Ipswich, Mass. Her parents were John Jones and Mary Whipple. She was a tall and dignified woman, possessing a superior education, and
“much elegance of manner, during her husband’s absence during the Revolution, conducted the public house with great success. Polly died 11 Nov 1826 in Salem, Mass.

Mary’s father, John Jones, esq., a gentleman of wealth and position, was great grandson of Michael Wigglesworth, author of “Day of Doom,” and grandson of Rev. Samuel Wigglesworth of Ipswich Hamlet, now Hamilton. Her mother was Mary Whipple of Grafton .

Dudley graduated from Harvard in 1765.   Before the War, he established a tavern in Oldtown Newbury on the old Boston road. The house is still standing [1879] on High street, now [1879] styled the old Ilsley house. He was town clerk for Newbury. At the commencement of the Revolutionary war entered the army, where he attained the rank of colonel. He served in the 13th Massachusetts Regiment in the Revolutionary War. His Major salary on Jan 11 1777 was 88 dollars. and 4/6th.   He was promoted to Lt. Colonel on Jul 3 1777.  He was on the Field and Staff Muster Role on command at Boston Dec 20 1777, dated Jan 6 1778  at Camp Valley Forge.   He was discharged on Mar 11 1779.

The 13th Massachusetts Regiment (Wigglesworth’s Regiment) was formed by consolidating the remnants of Bent’s and Whiting’s Companies, 24th Continental Regiment, with the remnant of the 6th Continental Regiment (less two companies consolidated with the 15th Continental Regiment, which became the 1st Massachusetts Regiment. The commanding officer, Colonel Edward Wigglesworth, had been a militia officer in 1776.

The 13th Massachusetts Regiment was first raised on July 11, 1776 as the 6th Continental Regiment under Colonel Edward Wigglesworth and was manned with troops raised primarily from Essex, York, and Cumberland Counties. It was first known as Wigglesworth’s State Regiment. An additional battalion was later raised from Middlesex, Suffolk, Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Valcour Island, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth and the Battle of Rhode Island. The regiment was disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York.

Additional military information:  Lieutenant in Captain Stephen Kent’s Company, 1775, for defense of the coast at Newbury; Adjutant; general order dated 8 Oct 1776, appointing said Coleman to serve as Brigade Major in Gen. John Nixon’s brigade during the time that Maj. Row was employed on the fortifications; Gen. Nixon’s brigade consisted of the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Massachusetts Regiments.

Also, Lieutenant Colonel, Col. Samuel McCobb’s regt.; official record of a ballot by the House of Representatives dated 7 Jun 1777; appointment concurred in by the Council Jun 13 1777; reported commissioned 10 Jun 1777; regiment raised in Cumberland and Lincoln counties for expedition to St. Johns, Nova Scotia.

Also, letter dated Headquarters, Boston,  Jun 30 1777, signed by Maj. Gen. William Heath, recommending the commission of said Coleman, Major, as Lieutenant Colonel in Col. Wigglesworth’s regt. in place of Lieut. Col. Nathan Fuller, resigned;

Reported recommended by Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, under whom said Coleman served; read and referred to committee on commissions in Council Jul 1 1777;

Also, Lieutenant Colonel, Col. Edward Wigglesworth’s Regiment.; official record of a ballot by the House of Representatives dated Jul 3 1777; appointment concurred in by the Council Jul 5 1777; also, Col. Wigglesworth’s (4th) Regiment.; Valley Forge muster roll dated 6 Jan 1778: Lt Colonel in Col. Wigglesworth’s 4th Massachusetts Bay Regiment on command in Boston 20 Dec 1777; muster roll for Jul and Aug 1778, at Providence; also, same Regiment.; return of officers dated Boston, Oct 5 1778; also, Lieutenant Colonel and Captain, Col. Wigglesworth’s Regiment. commanded by Maj. Porter; Mar and Apr 1779, dated Providence; appointed Jul 3 1777; resigned Mar 11 1779.

The 13th Massachusetts Regiment was first raised on July 11, 1776 as the 6th Continental Regiment under Colonel Edward Wigglesworth and was manned with troops raised primarily from Essex, York, and Cumberland Counties. It was first known as Wigglesworth’s State Regiment. An additional battalion was later raised from Middlesex, Suffolk, Plymouth and Barnstable Counties. The regiment would see action at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Valcour Island, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth and the Battle of Rhode Island. The regiment was disbanded on January 1, 1781 at West Point, New York The Light Infantry Company fought at the Battle of Stony Point

Description from Auction

America, late 18th century, unsigned, subject identified in engraved inscriptions on the reverse, watercolor on ivory, 1 1/2 x 1 in., in a navette-shaped gilt-brass case with beaded surround, the reverse with bright-cut border and inscribed “Col. Dudley Colman, Born Aug.t 13th 1745, Died Nov 16th 1791. [actually reads 1797]” Condition: Missing glass. Note: Colonel Dudley Coleman was born August 13, 1745, in Newbury, Massachusetts, the son of Benjamin and Anne Coleman. He is briefly mentioned as a lieutenant in Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, Boston, 1902, p. 49. $300-500

Dudley was the last proprietor of the famous Bunch of Grapes Tavern on King Street (State Street today)  in Boston. In 1790 Col. Dudley Coleman applied for and received a license to operate the tavern  and continued to run it until his death.  The tavern was demolished in 1798.

Typical of taverns of the time, The Bunch-of-Grapes served multiple functions in the life of the town. One could buy drinks, concert tickets, slaves; meet friends, business associates, political co-conspirators. Located in the center of town activity, the facade of the Bunch-of-Grapes building featured iconic signage: “Three gilded clusters of grapes dangled temptingly over the door before the eye of the passer-by.”

Many notable events occurred on tavern premises including the founding of  the first grand lodge of Masons in America  in 1733, political headquarters the the High Whigs (Patriots) during the Revolution, and  the organization of the Ohio Company of Associates in 1786.  For more of the story see my page Tavern Keepers, celebrating our ancestors that qualify us for  for membership in the Flagon and Trencher Society.

Here’s to our ancestors! Without them where would be?
Flagon and Trencher Traditional Toast

Owners of the tavern included: William Davis (prior to 1658); William Ingram (1658); John Holbrook (1680); Thomas Waite (1731); and Elisha Doane (1773).  Keepers of the tavern included: Francis Holmes (1690–1712); Mrs. Francis Holmes (1712-ca.1731); William Coffin (1731–1733); Edward Lutwich (1734); Joshua Barker (1749); Mr. Weatherhead (1750-ca.1757); Joseph Ingersol (1764–1772); John Marston (ca.1776-1778); William Foster (1782); James Vila (1789); and Dudley Colman (1790).

The Bunch-of-Grapes building was demolished in 1798.

From “Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian”  1879 by Sarah Smith Emery, Benajmin’s adopted grandson’s wife (see below)

Dudley, born Aug. 13th, 1745, graduated at Harvard in 1765. He married Mary, daughter of John and Mary (Whipple) Jones, and established a tavern in Oldtown on the old Boston road. The house is still standing on High street, now styled the old Ilsley house. He was town clerk for Newbury, and at the commencement of the Revolutionary war entered the army, where he attained the rank of colonel. Mrs. Colman, a tall, dignified woman, possessing a superior education, and “much elegance of manner, during her husband’s absence, conducted the public house with great success. Col. Colman removed to Boston, where for several years he was landlord of the “Bunch of Grapes Tavern.” His health failing he purchased a farm in Brookfield, N. H., where he died Nov. 16th, 1797.

The following items of Col. Colman’s military career are of interest. The first is taken from the order book of Col. Moses Little, the October succeeding the Battle of Long Island.

Moses Little (1724–1798)  served in the Massachusetts militia and with his company marched to the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. After Lexington and Concord, Moses Little was promoted to colonel of the newly formed 12th Continental Regiment and led that regiment at the Battle of Bunker Hill, the New York Campaign and the battles of Trenton and Princeton. In 1777 Colonel Little retired from the Continental Army. Colonel Little was offered the command of the Penobscot Expedition in 1779 by the State of Massachusetts but turned it down. Colonel Little suffered a stroke in 1781 and lost his speech. In 1784 Littleton, New Hampshire was named in Colonel Little’s honor.

Many of Dudley’s orders were from John Nixon (1724–1815) an American brigadier general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. In 1775 Nixon had moved to Sudbury, Massachusetts and was a Captain of the town’s Minutemen whom he led at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He and his men fought at Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, his unit was one of the last to leave the field. After the battle Nixon was promoted to Colonel of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment. Col. Nixon’s regiment was placed into Gen. John Sullivan‘s brigade and took part in the New York and New Jersey campaign during 1776. On January 1, 1777, Nixon was given the rank of Brigadier General and would command a brigade in the Saratoga Campaign. Gen. Nixon’s brigade consisted of the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Massachusetts Regiments and reinforced by Cogswell’s Regiment of Militia, Gage’s Regiment of Militia and May’s Regiment of Militia before the battle of Battle of Bemis Heights in October 1777. His brigade took part in the final assault; during this assault a cannon ball passed so close to his head that his sight and hearing were affected the rest of his life. Nixon resigned his commission September 12, 1780.

FORT CONSTITUTION, Oct. 13th.

To Dudley Colman, A. B. M.

It is Gen. Greene’s orders that my Brigade move over the Ferry immediately. The regiments to leave a careful officer & 12 men each to bring forward their baggage to King’s Bridge, who is to take care that none of it be left behind or lost. When the Reg’ts are over the ferry, they will march to Mt. Washington & remain there till further orders. You will hurry the march as fast as possible, as they must cross the ferry this night.
Jxo. NIXON, B. C.

EAST CHESTER, Oct. 16th.

To Dudley Colman, Brigade Major.
MILES SOUARE, EAST CHESTER.

The several reg’ts in this Brigade are to draw 4 days provision & have it cooked immediately. The Q. M. will apply to the assistant Q. M. Gen’l for carriages to transport their provisions. Col. Varnum’s Reg’t to relieve Col. Nixon’s at Frogg’s Point this P. M.

Oct. 16th.
Sir : You are to order Col. Varnum’s reg’t to march immediately to Frogg’s Neck to relieve Col. Ritzema’s or Col. Malcom’s reg’t (which of the two you find there not relieved) . You will get a pilot from Col. Nixon’s reg’t to direct them thither.

Jxo. Nixox, B. C.

Oct. 18th.
To D. Colman, B. Major.

Sir : You will have a working party of 300 men & officers ready to go to work as soon as the tools arrive, which I have sent for, & you will see that suitable guards are mounted by each regiment.

Jxo. NIXON, B. C.

Subjoined is a copy of a letter from Col. Dudley Colman to Col. Moses Little, of Turkey Hill :

To Col. Moses Little, member of the House of Representatives. Camp Albany

Oct. 28th, 1777.

Dear Sir : I have the pleasure, though late, to congratulate you on the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne and his army. Some of them doubtless you will have the pleasure of seeing before this reaches you.

It may I think be reckoned among the extraordinary events history furnishes us with to have 5000 and upwards of veteran, disciplined troops, besides followers of the army surrounded & their resources & retreat so cut off in the field, as to oblige them to surrender prisoners of war, without daring to come to further action, is an event I do not recollect to have met with in history, much less did I ever expect to see it in this war. I confess I could hardly believe it to be a reality when I saw it, the prospect was truly extremely pleasing to see our troops paraded in the best order, and to see them march as prisoners by after they had laid down their arms, who but a few days before had pretended to despise (although at the same time I believe they did not think so lightly of us as they pretended) afforded a most striking & agreeable prospect.

I can but mention the good order observed by our troops on seeing them march by, no laughing or marks of exultation were to be seen among them, nothing more than a manly joy appeared on the countenances of our troops, which showed that they had fortitude of mind to bear prosperity without being too much elated, as well as to encounter the greatest hardships & dangers. It has likewise been observed to me by several of the British officers, that they did not expect to be received in so polite a manner, & that they never saw troops behave with more decency, or a better spirit on such an occasion.

We have I think for the present restored peace in the northern quarter & although for a little time past viewed the evacuation of Ticonderoga as a misfortune, we may now see it has proved a means of destroying this enemy.

Gen. Clinton has of late made an attempt to come up the river & has destroyed several places in order to make a diversion in favor of Gen. Burgoyne, but he was too late. We expect orders to strike our tents every day, as we have been under marching orders these three days, & part of the army are gone. I know not where we are to march to, but suppose it to be down the river, when if we can get between the enemy & their ships, we shall endeavor to convince them that they are not to proceed in the way they have done, of destroying the property of our fellow-countrymen. Please to give my best regards to Mr. Gray and family, & all friends, & I should be happy to have a line from you.

I am, dear Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant,
DUDLEY COLMAN.

The following letter, dated Newbury, July 19th, 1792, was written by Deacon Benjamin Colman, soon after the death of his second wife, to his son, Col. Dudley Colman, in Boston. The latter part refers to Col. Colman’ s having embraced more liberal religious views than those in which he had been educated. I omit an account of the sickness of Mrs. Colman ; after announcing her departure, Deacon Colman writes :

“In the time of her sickness, as well as before, I used to put questions to her that I might know the state of her mind. She used always to entertain a hope that God had given her a gracious turn of mind, but she was pressing after that full assurance of an interest in the favor of God, whereby she might be actually ready for the summons of death & meet it with an holy confidence. I can’t say that she did attain to that full assurance which she wished & longed for, but about three days before she died, which was the last time I could understand what she said, I ask’d her about the state of her mind, how it was as to her hopes & fears, and she answered me as near as I can repeat in the following words, viz :

‘ Mr. Colman, I am conscious to myself of many failings, infirmities and shortcomings, I have no righteousness of my own to plead for my justification before God, my only hope of salvation is in the atoning blood, and righteousness of the great Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Some other things she spake at the same time to the same purpose, after that conversation her speech failed, so that I could understand but little she said, though she continued near three days, I hope and trust she was sincere and sound in the faith, so that she is received to the mercy of eternal life thro’ Jesus Christ our Lord. And now in my old age, God has a second time deprived me of a companion, my prayer is that God will grant me his quickening grace that I may double my diligence in preparing to follow my deceased wives to that world of spirits to which we are all hastening.

And now my dear child, what shall I say to you. You and I dailey see that death is the end of all men and women. and the wise man tells us the living will lay it to heart, i e, we should do so, & it’ we are rational we shall do so if we act wisely for ourselves we shall consider ourselves as we are, probationers for that final state of retribution & judgment after which there will be no change consider my dear child, you and I are near this change of states, by which unconceivable happiness or unconceivable misery will take place on us.

I beseech you to allow yourself a little time, if it be but a quarter of an hour in a day, to retire from company to your closet or chamber to look into the state of your immortal soul, and think with yourself if you had a large estate in prospect, even in this world, if you doubted as to your title to the same, if you feared you should lose all & be a beggar in misery & distress, how solicitous would you be to secure a good title to that estate which you could keep & enjoy but for a short, limited time, but alas, what a faint similitude is this to set forth the favor of God, & an interest in Christ, and an interest in that kingdom, where you may enjoy all that heart can wish or tho’t conceive, consider if you lose your soul, ’twill be an infinite loss, an irreparable loss, therefore your all is at stake.

I beseech you lay to heart Christ’s own words viz : what will it profit a man if he gain the whole world & lose his soul,’ these are the words of him that is Wisdom itself & truth itself, they are the words of him that laid down his precious life a ransome for mankind sinners; that will be the final Judge of all the world, both Angels & men, for God the father has constituted the Son, as God man. Mediator to that office, and has given assurance of it to all men in that he has raised him from the dead, declared him to be the son of God, with power by his resurrection.

Set him at his own right hand, exalted him for this very purpose, to give repentance & remission of sins. This Jesus will be our Judge at the last day, inspiration tells us he will come in flaming fire to take vengeance on them that know not God. and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord & from the glory of his power.

Dreadful words, and more dreadful day, when this exalted God man shall assume his throne, appear in his robes of majesty, to take vengeance on his enemies, on all contemners, & sliters of gospel salvation & mercy, which he has tendered to lost, perishing sinners, in & through that precious blood of his, which he shed for the remission of our sins, how can we endure to hear that dreadful sentence, depart from me ye cursed, you have slited offered mercy, abused my patience, resisted & grieved my spirit, and now the door is shut.

This my dear child, will ineviably be the doleful doom of all that set light by Jesus Christ & neglect the great salvation, purchased by the blood of him that was God as well as man. But am I saying all this to an Infidel a Socinian

[Socinianism is a system of Christian doctrine named for Fausto Sozzini which was developed among the Polish Brethren in the Minor Reformed Church of Poland during the 15th and 16th centuries and embraced also by the Unitarian Church of Transylvania during the same period. It is most famous for its Nontrinitarian Christology but contains a number of other unorthodox beliefs as well. who denies the Divinity of Jesus Christ, or to a Universalist]

who hopes & expects that all men will be saved at last, tho’ they have no gracious principle wrought in them in this life of probation & trial, or am I writing to a fatalist that presumes on the decrees of God, and argues thus with himself: if I am elected I shall be saved let me do as I will, and live as I list ; and if I am not elected, ’tis impossible for me to be saved, let me do all that I can in a way of means, and take ever so much pains for the salvation of my soul, because God’s eternal decrees stand against me.

These pernicious tenets, and a thousand more artfices the malicious Adversary of our precious souls suggests to us to wheedle us along by his artful devices, till the summons of death arrests us and then he will be sure of us.

O. my dear child, resist and shun his devices, flee to Christ by faith now while the door of mercy & hope are yet open, make God in Christ your refuge, & believe God’s word, whatever his secret decrees are (which you can not know at your pleasure), his word & promises are plain, viz, If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you shall be saved, and as a good means to convince you of the perniciousness and falsity of Socinian heresy.

I beseech you for your soul’s sake, upon reading this letter, to set apart some time in secret, open your bible, and read with prayerful attention, the fore part of the first chapter of St John’s gospel, and beg God that you may know the truth of those words, viz,

In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God*, &c., &c. I beseech you not to think your conversion impossible, or that you cannot forsake your old companions & steer another course, these are Satan’s devices to hold you where you are, till he has made sure of you;

I pray the Lord to pluck you out of his snare, & confound his devices, and set you at liberty, for although his malice is infinite, his power is limited, you are in God’s hands & he can deliver & save you.

But if you are resolved to keep on & live in a careless neglect of the salvation of your immortal soul, if you still harden your heart and refuse to come to Christ for life, I can only tell you my soul shall weep in secret places for you still, and that God will glorify his justice in your eternal destruction.

But how can I bear the tho’t, that you my dear child should be the object of God’s everlasting displeasure & wrath? Since it is the last time I expect to write to you, please to bear with me while I expostulate the case with you. why will you die when life is to be had for the, taking? God is yet upon a throne of glorious grace, holding out the sceptre of his mercy” to you, his voice is to you, man, I call, &c., as I live saith the Lord. I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, but had rather he would turn and live, him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. But if you refuse to hearken to my expostulations, pray my child hearken to Christ’s expostulations. Oh that they had known in this their day, the things that belong to their peace, this God speaks to you my child, as I told you in my other letter,

You are welcome to Christ if Christ be welcome to you, nothing does or can hinder your salvation if you be willing to come to Christ for life, he says, I will take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh, I will blot out all your transgressions, tho’ your sins are as scarlet or as crimson, tho’ your sins were as many as the sands, or as mighty as the mountains, tho’ your sins were as numerous as the stars in the sky, the blood of Christ is sufficient to expiate all their guilt, and his spirit is able to purge away all the filth of them, and to sprinkle your guilty conscience with the blood which cleanses from all sin & he still says, whosoever will, let him come & take the water of life freeby, & him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. God grant for his name’s sake that you may be made walling to accept his offered mercy, and be made a triumph of his sovereign grace, thro’ Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. So prays your loving parent,

BENJAMIN COLMAN.”

Children of Dudley and Polly:

i.Mary “Polly” Colman b. 18 Jul 1772 Newbury, Essex, Mass; d. 20 Mar 1773 Newbury, Essex, Mass.

ii. Mary “Polly” Jones Colman b. 31 May 1774 Newbury, Essex, Mass; d. 16 Aug 1774 Newbury, Essex, Mass.

iii. Bridget Coleman b. 7 Dec 1775 in Newbury, Mass.; d. 24 Feb 1858 Providence, Rhode Island; m.  6 Aug 1794 – Boston, Mass. to Pierre Leon “Leon” Chappotin (b. 4 Nov 1764 in Bouget, Saint-Domingue [Haiti] – d. 9 May 1823 in Castel Mariano, Cuba) Bridget Colman, the only daughter remarkable for her beauty, married a French gentleman named Chappetin, and went to Providence, R. I. Bridget and Leon had ten children born between 1795 and 1816.

Bridget Coleman Chappotin death notice

Leon’s parents were Denis de Chappotin (b. 19 Sep 1726 Cul de Sac, St Domingue [Haiti]) and Marie Francoise de Santo Domingo. His grandparents were Jean Baptiste Chappotin (1687-1748) and Marie Bouchet.  Bridget and Pierre Leon had nine children born between 1795 and 1814 including the intriguingly named  Peter John Dudeley Colman de Chappotin (b. 5 Jun 1799 – d. Valparaiso, Chile)

Translated from Familles Parisiennes.org—

Jean-Baptiste de Chappotin b. 13 Jul 1687 Coulange, Indre-et-Loire, France ; d. 26 Jan 1748 La Croix des Bouquets (image 7/13) Saint-Domingue [Haiti], Captain of cavalry, Established in Saint-Domingue as a planter in the River Creuse [can’t find location]; m. 7 Jun 1712 Ste Rose de Léogâne, Saint-Domingue to Marie Bouchet of the parish of St Jacques Lestère. Marie’s parents were François and Marie Simon. Jean-Baptiste and Marie had 11 children including 5 who died young.

Léogâne was at the epicenter of the 7.0 magnitude 12 January 2010 earthquake, and a United Nations assessment team that investigated three main towns near Port-au-Prince found that Léogâne was “the worst affected area” with 80 to 90% of buildings damaged and no remaining government infrastructure. The centerpiece of the city was the now-destroyed Roman Catholic Church where Jean-Baptiste and Marie were married, Sainte Rose de Lima. The St. Rose de Lima is the oldest Catholic Church in Haiti. It was founded by Christopher Columbus himself. It will be 502 years old in August of 2012.

Bells of the St. Rose de Lima Church in Leogane Haiti awaiting reconstruction

Denis Chappotin b. 19 Sep 1726 bapt. 18 Oct 1726 Cul de Sac, Saint-Domingue [Haiti] Esquire, Captain of the militia of the district of Cul de Sac; d. 30 Jun 1770 age 44 years in Croix-des-Bouquets, on its “home” River Creuze; buried 1 Jul 1770 to Croix des Bouquets. Denis may have died due to the Jun 3 1770 Port-au-Prince Earthquake.

Croix-des-Bouquets is a city in the Ouest Department of Haiti. It is located 8 miles to the northeast of Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince. Originally located on the shore, it was relocated inland after the 1770 Port-au-Prince earthquake. Due to this fact, it was not as badly affected in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The city will be home to refugee tent villages of about 10,000 refugees each when the first wave of refugees begins to be resettled there.

The 1770 Port-au-Prince earthquake took place at 7:15 pm on June 3, 1770, on the Enriquillo fault near Port-au-Prince, Saint-Domingue.

The earthquake was strong enough to destroy Port-au-Prince, and leveled all the buildings between Lake Miragoâne and Petit-Goâve, to the west of Port-au-Prince. The Plain of the Cul-de-Sac, a rift valley under Port-au-Prince that extends eastwards into the Dominican Republic, experienced extensive soil liquefaction. The ground under Port-au-Prince liquefied, throwing down all its buildings, including those that had survived the 1751 earthquake. Denis’ village, Croix des Bouquets, sank below sea level. Strong shocks were felt in Cap-Haïtien, about 100 miles away from the estimated epicenter in the Léogâne Arrondissement. The earthquake generated a tsunami that came ashore along the Gulf of Gonâve, and rolled as much as 4.5 miles inland into the Cul-de-Sac depression, though this might have been confounded with the effects of the liquefaction.

It is estimated that 200 people died in Port-au-Prince in collapsed buildings, including 79 of the 80 people in Port-au-Prince’s hospital. The death toll would have been higher, but the earthquake was preceded by a rumbling noise that gave people time to flee their houses before the main tremor, which consisted of two shocks lasting a total of four minutes. Fifty people died in Léogâne. The aftermath of the earthquake saw much more death as thousands of slaves escaped in the chaos, the local economy collapsed and 15,000 slaves died in the subsequent famine. An additional 15,000 people died from what is thought to have been gastrointestinal anthrax from eating tainted meat bought from Spanish traders. Maybe that’s what killed Denis.

Denis married 16 Sep 1749 in Notre Dame de Nantes to Marie-Françoise de Santo Domingo (b. 31 Dec 1734 Nantes, France – d. 14 Nov 1816 Nantes) Marie’s parents were Louis and Marie Gervier. After Denis died, Marie married 10 Oct 1778 in La Crois des Bouquets (St Domingue)to Jean-Baptise comte Desnoyers , son Jean Baptises Guillaume- Alexis {anicen garde du corps du Roy} and Marguerite Charlotte Carere. Marie-Françoise lived in Nantes with her sister Gillette after the revolution. They had few resources. On Feb 15 1810 they sold their furniture including 16 chairs, a sofa, 18 chairs, 6 cabinets, 3 drawers, 1 chest of drawers for 3000 francs. The poor Marie-Françoise had not more than six silver spoons.

During the 18th century, prior to abolition of slavery, Nantes was the slave trade capital of France. This kind of trade led Nantes to become the largest port in France and a wealthy city. When the French Revolution broke out, Nantes chose to be part of it, although the whole surrounding region soon degenerated into an open civil war against the new republic known as the War in the Vendée.

Denis had 16 legitimate children and one illegitimate daughter Marie-Jacques of “Charlotte “in 1749 in La Croix des Bouquets (maybe a mulatto)

1. Denis-François b. 1 Jul 1752; bapt. 15 May 1755 bapt privately baptized in danger Croix des Bouquets death between 1778 and 1789

2. Marie-Jeanne “Gertrude” b. 1 Mar 1753 (bapt. 15 May 1755 Croix des Bouquets) d. 1782 Port au Prince; m. 16 Apr 1774 Croix des Bouquets to Claude-Joseph Mariani 1776 son of the late Claude-Joseph Director of the Company India + av 1790 where a single girl

3. Marie-Madeleine-Adelaide “Adelaide” b. 2 Jul 1754; bapt 15 May 1755 La Croix des Bouquets, Lady of the Rosary 01/06/1844 + Nantes after four marriages contracted. She returned to France in 1810 to live with his mother. After the death of her mother with her situation seems worse. A letter from the Prefect of the Loire than the Department of the Navy in 1818 seeking relief for her, adding “that the said lady was able to spend so she lived with her mother, but it is not dead leaving her debts. ” In the same letter he says “It is the need to have recourse to the government and seek a share in the annual distributions that are held by the Ministry of General Police. A response of 8 May 1818 announced that widow of Dupin was considered likely to be admitted to the emergency government. She finished her eventful life with his son Alexander, she lived either Aisnerie (st-Herblon) or Nantes where she died in 1844.

Her marriages:

m1.16 Apr 1774 Croix des Bouquets Nicolas Coquelin lawyer to the Supreme Council of Port au Prince died without children

m2. 13 May 1778 La Croix des Bouquets of Sallier-Christophe Dupin ° Agenais 05.19.1776 + 17 Jan 1792 Bordeaux squire where posterity

m3.  1794  Ile Saint-Jean to Thomas Viaud where a girl

m4. America (Boston?) John Bee Pastoret childless

4. Louis Leger b. 20 Aug 1755; bapt. 19 Aug 1756 The St Croix des Bouquets (ND du Rosaire); d. 11 Nov 1796 Croix des Bouquets.; m. pc 16 Nov 1785 Port au Prince to Catherine “Adelaide” Le Roy Veroutillere .

He shared in company with his brother François half of a dwelling in the neighborhood the Marbalais.

Lous and Adelaide were first cousins and her parents refused the marriage, notwithstanding the birth of a girl.  The girl had taken refuge on the abitation Cazeaux owned by his uncle and aunt godmother Sallier. somation She sent a 4th respecteuse November 15, 1785 addressed to his parents supported by uncles whose parents answered that “said Miss can marry if they want and they do not intend to interfere in any of his business’ response they refused to sign. Adelaide Catherine remarried in 1799 to Port au Prince to Mathieu Anthoine Dupotel then with N. Celsis whence

a. Louise-Marie-Magdeleine Eloise b. 12 Jul 1785 before the wedding; bapt 16 Nov 1785

b. Sophie-Louise b. 1787; d. 1869; m. 1816 to Poitiers Edouard Marquis de Poitiers Chilleau (d. 8 Jul 1865 84 years old) son of Jean-Baptiste infantry officer and Charlotte Radegonde Buignon

c. Sophie 1788

d. Jeanne “Constance Gertrude” b. 1791; d. 13 Oct 1872 Poitiers St Peter’s Hospital St Hilaire

The ladies of Chappotin (Louise and Sophie) fled to France in 1793 and settled in Poitiers in Nov 1794. In year 14 ][1805 – See French Republican Calendar] they are Public Charity (28 Brumaire 14 – prefert letter of the Vienne Department mayor of Poitiers). In 1810 the ladies are in complete destitution. They are direct owners Mirebelais.

Letter written by Louise and Sophie for the application indemmnity given to settlers dispossessed in the Jan 26 1805 Haitian Revolution.

“Sir, Prefect of Vienne gave us prevent through Mr Mayor of Poitiers Decree of 8 Fructidor 12 [the twelfth month in the French Republican Calendar. Fructidor starts on either Aug 18 or Aug 19 and ends exactly thirty days later] concerning aid to be given to owners of the colonies and what to do to enjoy.

For over 12 years we are in France, we successively in four people depending on the circumstances or misfortune we reduced. For 10 years we live Poitiers we came to stay with an aunt and not American as we acune fortune.

We lost almost two years ago. our mother relying on a happier success for the colony had announced that she would pick us up and we learned shortly after the fatal shot that fills our friends unhappy country, since that time we have had no news, here is the ‘extraitde our position as painful by the concern that the lack of help.

Our mother called Catherine Adelaide The King of Verouillere Iere wedding wife of Louis Léger, Marie Chappotin, our father has 4 brothers and a sister, she had bought on our behalf from 2 to annuity therefore it was entitled to half in the fire habiations Mr. and Mrs. Roy Vérouillère located in the neighborhood cul de sac of the Cross Bouques near Port au Prince, they estimated four million livres.

That my late father étaut located in the large wood Mirabalais place that we went out. ”

Signed “Your very humble and very obedient servant Louise Chappotin 19 year old Sophie spent Chappotin aged 18

the letter by adding the prefect apostille “The girls are Chappotin of Charity Service.

6. Marie-Thérèse-Sophie b. 21 Sep 1757; bapt. 30 May 1758 Bordeaux; d. 24.3.1815 she returned to France and lived in Bordeaux. She was close to her niece Virginia Viaud and Josephine; m. 31 Dec 1773 Port au Prince to Alexandre Vincent Mazarade (d.1808 73 years old) The brigadier general of the King’s army, commander of the western part of the French colony of Saint Domingue, Acting Governor General two times from Nov 1787 to Dec 22, 1788, between the departure of M. de la Luzerne and the arrival of Mr Chilleau, the 2nd of 10 July 1789 to 19 August 1789 between the departure of Mr Chilleau and the arrival of Mr Peynier. He bought the shares of the other heirs of the estate of Louis de Santo Domingo on his home which he took possession on Dec 28 1781. He died at St. Thomas in a precarious situation. The May 31, 1806 in a letter he speaks of the poor health of his wife and his “panic hot countries” which have reduced to return to France.

7. Françoise Madeleine b. 9 Jan 1758 bapt 9 Feb 1759

8. François-Marie-Amable bapt 27 Dec 1759 13 Jan 1764

9. Francis?? b. 9 Jan 1759 (bapt 9 Feb 1759 Croix des Bouquets)

10. Jean-Charles b. 1762; d. 1765

11. Hector Balthazar b. 1764; d. 1765

12. Peter Leon “Leon” b. 22 Nov 1765; bapt. 10 Oct 1768 Croix des Bouquets; m. Bridget Coleman

13. Marie-Josephine b. 14 Aug 1766;  bapt 4 Jul 1767 Philadelphia (pen. USA); m. 13 Jun 1786 St Léonard de Nantes Stone Chaffault EPMS Besné (or Pierre de Besne), Knight “the marquis of Besne” (b. 11 Mar 1748 St Vincent de Nantes) His parents were Francis Besne  and Mary Good Raincé the Heronniere  sp

14. Antoine-Romain b. 12 Oct 1767; bapt. 10 Oct 1768; d. Feb 1770

15. Jeanne-Victoire b. 1769; d. 18 months 1771 in Ste Rose

16. Stanislas d. 1769/1770 age 10 months

Outside marriage with Charlotte Negress

17. Marie-Jacques Chappotin “free ‘mulle’  (mullato?) illegitimate daughter aged 1 month 3 May 1749 b. La Croix des Bouquets, Santo Domingo (image 3/22 p: Jacques-Renée BALAU / militia commander BALLAU ass de Sac, godmother Marie-Louise Chapotin wife of Mr Viau advise the Superior Council of Leogane and habitant

.

iv. Dudley Colman b. 18 Sep 1778 in Newbury, Mass.; d. 31 Mar 1809

v. Nathaniel Colman b. 31 Aug 1780; d. 23 Jun 1791

vi. Charles Colman b. 8 Aug 1782 Newburyport, Essex, Mass; d. 12 Sep 1849 Brookfield, New Hampshire of consumption; m. 4 Mar 1817 Age: 34 Wakefield, Carroll, New Hampshire by the Rev. Asa Piper to Eliza Neal (b. 7 Nov 1794 in Kittery, York, Maine – d. 6 Oct 1862 in Brookfield, Carroll, New Hampshire). Eliza’s parents were Josiah Neal (1763 – 1846) and Olive [__?__]. Eliza first married 14 Jan 1810 in Brookfield by Elder Issac Townsend to Charles’ youngest brother John Jones Colman (1787 – 1815). Charles and Eliza had eight children born between 1817 and 1840.

The Charles H Colman that married 19 Oct 1846 Newbury, Essex, Mass. to Deborah Dinsmore (age 27 of Boston, born Auburn) was 29 years old school teacher, son of Daniel T. and Ann Colman.

Charles spoke French and Spanish fluently.

Charles enlisted as a sergeant in the 21st US Infantry Jan 2 1813 Wakefield for 18 months under company commander Capt. Lemuel Bradford (b. 1 Dec 1775 -d. 14 Sept 1814 of wounds received during the War of 1812)  Note: Sep 14 1814 was the day Francis Scott Key saw that “Our Flag Was Still There” at Fort McHenry.

According to his enlistment, Charles was 5′ 11 1/4″  or 6′ 0″ [Very tall for those days].   Blue eyes, Red Hair, Light Complexion; Yeoman or School Master; Newburyport or Boston.

Charles was in the roll of American prisoners of war arrived in schooner Lignan at Salem, Mar 16, 1815 captured at Sixtown Point, Henderson Bay on May 28, 1813.  M.R. Captain James Green Jr’s. detachment Fort Pickering March 20, 1815.  Present – Book 569; Discharged May 1 1815

Map of New York, the red dot is Sackets Harbor

The Battle of Sacket’s Harbor, took place on 29 May 1813, during the War of 1812. A British force was transported across Lake Ontario and attempted to capture the town, which was the principal dockyard and base for the American naval squadron on the lake. They were repulsed by American regulars and militia.  See my post The Battle of Sacket’s Harbor for more fun stories.

The British force set out late on 27 May and arrived off Sacket’s Harbor early the next morning. The wind was very light, which made it difficult for Captain James Lucas Yeo (commander of the British naval force on the Great Lakes) to manoeuver close to the shore. He was also unfamiliar with the local conditions and depths of water. Shortly before midday on May 28, the troops began rowing ashore, but unknown sails were sighted in the distance. In case they might be Captain Isaac Chauncey‘s fleet, the attack was called off, and the troops returned to the ships. The strange sails proved to belong to twelve bateaux carrying troops from the 9th and 21st U.S. Regiments of Infantry from Oswego to Sackets Harbor.The British sent out three large canoes full of Native American warriors and a gunboat carrying a detachment of the Glengarry Light Infantry to intercept them.

Charles Coleman’s 21st Regiment was being transported from Oswego to Sackets Harbor when it was intercepted by the British on May 27, 1813

The British force caught up with the convoy off Stoney Point on Henderson Bay. As the British opened fire, the Americans, who were mostly raw recruits, landed their bateaux  (barges) at Stoney Point and fled into the woods. [Google Maps Directions from Stony Point to Sackets Harbor 13.5 Miles – 25 minutes] The Natives pursued them through the trees and hunted them down. After about half an hour, during which they lost 35 men killed, the surviving United States troops regained their vessels and raised a white flag. The senior officer rowed out to Yeo’s fleet and surrendered his remaining force of 115 officers and men including Charles Coleman.  Only seven of the American troops escaped and reached Sackett’s Harbor.

Another account:  On May 28, 1813, a flotilla of British warships appeared at the mouth of Black River Bay. The weather was miserable, however, with visibility poor and the lake calm. This prevented the British fleet from being able to tack into the harbor. So they waited. Through the fog they noticed barges loaded with reinforcements, elements of the 9th and 21st US Infantry from Oswego, headed for the harbor. The British dispatched their Indian allies to overtake the barges, who fearing for their lives pulled ashore at Stony Point. Pursued by Indians, many of the soldiers were hunted down and killed. Other boats that witnessed the carnage pulled directly for the British fleet, rather than take their chances on shore against the Indians. This skirmish is known as the Battle of Stony Point.

This delay nevertheless gave the Americans time to reinforce their defenses.

From Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian by Benjamin’s great-daughter-in-law Sarah Ann Smith (b. 1787 – d. 1879) Charles was taken prisoner, held as a hostage, and confined in the jail at Quebec. With two others he esacaped. Having stolen a calf, which they managed to dress and roast, they made the best of their way through the woods for several days, but were so blinded by mosquito bites they were unable to proceed, and were recaptured. Afterwards Mr. Colman was taken to Halifax. At the disbanding of the army he returned home, where he learned that at the time he was taken prisoner a Colonel’s commission was on the way to him, which he failed to get. But later he received the deed of one hundred and sixty acres of land, as other soldiers.

Benjamin’s page is getting long so I took out the rest. See my post The Battle of Sacket’s Harbor for the rest of the battle and more fun stories of Sacket’s Harbor.

vii.  Rev. Henry Colman b. 12 Sep 1785 in Boston, Suffolk, Mass.; d. 17 Aug 1849 in Islington, Middlesex, England; m. Mary Harris (b. 26 Dec 1782 in Charlestown, Suffolk, Mass. – d, 2 Apr 1864 in Boston, Middlesex, Mass. Mary’s parents were Captain Thomas Harris (1749 – 1814) and Mary Frothingham (1754 – 1814).

Previous to his settlement in Salem the Rev. Henry Colman was ordained over a society in Hingham. As was customary for clergymen in country parishes, usually there were a few lads boarding in the family, fitting for college under Mr. Column’s instruction. Peculiarly adapted for the office of teacher, a mutual regard was formed between master and pupils, which continued through life.

Henry was the first minister of the Barton Square Unitarian Church (1824-1899) in Salem, Mass. 16 Feb 1825, for 7 years after.

• In 1824, the Barton Square Church separated from the First Church. The First Church describes itself as not only one of the oldest protestant churches founded in North America but also the first to be governed by congregational polity.
• By 1800, the First Church in Salem had split into four different churches, three of them Unitarian and one of them Congregational. Members of the Unitarian Churches were ardent abolitionists campaigning against slavery.
• In 1899, the East Church and the Barton Square Church merged to form the Second Church.
• In 1923, the North Church and Second Church reunited with the First Church

Sermons on various subjects : preached at the church in Barton Square, Salem, Mass (1833) by Henry Colman (1785-1849) Lilly, Wait and Company, Boston. is available at archive.org.

The historic hymm “O Thou to Whom, in Ancient Time” was written by John Pierpont for the opening of the Independent Congregational Church in Barton Square, Salem, Mass., December 7, 1824, and was printed at the close of the sermon preached by Rev. Henry Colman on that day. The sentiment of verses two and three seems to have been inspired by Christ’s conversation with the woman of Samaria at the well. (John 4:21-23.)

John Pierpont (1785-1866), a Unitarian preacher, graduated at Yale College in 1804.   After spending some years as a teacher, lawyer, and merchant, he became a minister when about thirty-three years old, and in 1819 was installed as pastor of the Hollis Street Unitarian Church, in Boston, where he remained twenty-one years. His strong anti-slavery and temperance utterances brought him under fire.

Henry became one of the most useful and interesting of agricultural writers. He published: “reports of the Agriculture of Massachusetts” 1849, “European Agriculture and Rural Economy” 1851, “Agriculture and Rural Economy of France, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland” 1848, and “European Life and Manners” 1849.

viii. John Jones Colman b. 26 Jun 1787 in Brookfield, New Hampshire; d. 21 Mar 1815; m. Eliza Neal (b. 7 Nov 1794 in Kittery, York, Maine – d. 6 Oct 1862 in Brookfield, Carroll, New Hampshire). Eliza’s parents were Josiah Neal (1763 – 1846) and Olive [__?__]. John and Eliza had three children born between 1810 and 1815. Their last child, Henry, was born three months after his father died. After John died, Eliza married his older brother Charles Colman (see above).

3. Thomas Coleman

Thomas’ wife Mrs. Elizabeth Eaton origins are not known.

Thomas graduated from Harvard with the class of 1770. There were 34 people in his class.  Bachelors of Arts were entitled to receive the degree of Master of Arts (A.M.)  in course, three years after graduation.

He drowned in 1784 at the age of 33 on the Newbury bar. “Thomas cast away on the north breaker of Newberry. Though he had strength to get ashore and set up signs of distress to a vessel, she did not give notice and all the rest with him perished with the cold.”

4. Benjamin Coleman

Benjamin’s wife Mary “Polly” Chute was born 8 Dec 1762 in Rowley, Essex, Mass. Her parents were Col. Daniel Chute (1722 – 1805) and Hannah Adams (1722 – 1812). Her grandparents were Deacon James Chute and Mary Thurston.  Her great grandparents were our ancestors  James CHUTE Jr and Mary WOOD. Polly died in 1849

Benjamin owned a farm nearly opposite the Congregational meeting-house in Byfield and was also engaged in the shoe business.  After his father’s decease he succeeded him as deacon in the church.

5. Moses Coleman

Moses’ first wife Dorothy Pearson was born 28 Jan 1759 in Newbury, Essex, Mass. Her parents were Benjamin Pearson and Jane Woodman. Dorothy died 13 Apr 1787 in Newbury, Mass. Ætat. 28.

Moses’ second wife Betty Little was born 1 Feb 1766. Her parents were John Little (1743-1825) and Ruth Hale (1746-1829). She first married 22 Aug 1785 in Newbury Age: 19 to David Emery (b. 20 Apr 1763 in Newbury – d. 21 Oct 1785 in Newbury). Moses adopted their son David Jr. leading to the riddle he was so fond of telling. Betty died 28 Jul 1842 in Newbury, Essex, Mass. and is buried in Byfield Cemetery

Inscription:
BETTY
Relict of
Moses Colman
Born
Feb. 1, 1766
Died
July 28, 1842
Aged 76.

Mrs. Moses Colman, then Betty Little, paid one hundred and fifty dollars for sufficient black silk to make a short cloak, a sort of mantilla, then fashionable for summer wear. She often laughingly boasted of her one expensive garment.

David’s parents were John Emery and Edna Noyes. David Emery served as a private in the Revolution, Capt. Silas Adams’s co., Col. Titcomb’s regt.; service, 2 mos.; 200 miles travel allowed to and from place of rendezvous; credited to town of Newbury; roll dated June 29, 1777, and endorsed “2 mos. service at Rhode Island;” also, Capt. Samuel Huse’s co., Col. Jacob Gerrish’s regt.; enlisted April 6, 1778; service to July 4, 1778, 2 mos. 29 days; also, same co. and regt.; muster roll dated Winter Hill May 11, 1778; also, descriptive list of men raised in Essex Co. to serve in the Continental Army; age, 16 yrs.; stature, 5 ft. 8 in.; complexion, light; engaged for town of Newbury; delivered to Lieut. William Storey; also, return dated Boxford, Dec. 8, 1779, of men mustered by John Cushing, Muster Master for Essex Co., to join the Continental Army for the term of 9 months, agreeable to resolve of June 9, 1779; also, Private, Capt. Thomas Mighill’s co., Col. Nathaniel Wade’s (Essex Co.) regt.; enlisted July 5, 1780; discharged Oct. 10, 1780; service, 3 mos. 18 days, travel included; company raised to reinforce the Continental Army for 3 months.

From Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian 1879 (See below)– Betty Little, at the age of nineteen, had married David Emery. This young man, with his brother Ephraim, left orphans when mere boys, were heirs to a considerable property. They were still young when the Revolutionary war commenced. At the return of the “six months men,” called out after the battle of Bunker Hill, another summons for troops came. The militia were drawn up on the training field ; a draft was about to be made, when out stepped young David Emery and volunteered his services. His example was instantly followed, and the quota was obtained without a draft.

His older brother, Ephraim, fired with military ardor, also entered the army, in the capacity of fifer, returning, at the disbanding of the officers at the end of the war, with a captain’s commission. He afterwards reentered the army with the rank of major, and died at an advanced age, in the enjoyment of a liberal pension. He was one of the founders of the Society of Cincinnati. His commissions from the records of that Society are : ensign in Wigglesworth’s, afterwards C. Smith’s, thirteenth regiment in 1777 ; and served in Sullivan’s R. I. company in 1779, commanding lieutenant and paymaster, April 10th, 1779 ; in Tapper’s sixth regiment in. 1783.

David was with the army till after the battle of Brooklyn. His time of service having expired, he returned home. His health, which had never been good, had become much impaired, and it was not deemed prudent that he should again assume the life of a soldier. His marriage with Betty Little soon followed, but consumption had marked him for a victim. Ere a year had sped, and two months prior to the birth of his son, he passed away, October 21st, 1785, at the early age of twenty-two.

Widow pension for David Emery Widow pension for David Emery

Two years after her husband’s death the widow Emery contracted a second marriage, with Mr. Moses Colman, of Byfield. Mr. Colman, a widower with one little boy five years old, at the time of his second marriage, owned and resided on a farm, delightfully located near Dummer Academy.

[Now the Governor’s Academy established in 1763 and is the oldest continuously operating independent boarding school in the nation. In 1782, the Dummer school was officially incorporated as The Dummer Academy, whose graduates in this era comprised approximately 25% of the undergraduate student body at Harvard. It should be noted, however, that most children in this era were home-schooled with pre-college education ending around the age of 14; with youths thereafter going on to college or entering the workforce. Thus most college freshmen tended to be the age of high school freshmen today. In December 2005, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name of the Academy to “The Governor’s Academy” amid concerns that the name “Dummer” was deterring prospective students from applying.]

He also carried on a large butchering business. For years the market at the Port was largely supplied from his slaughterhouse. The 3rd year after this second marriage a third son, Daniel Colman, was born.

One morning, Mr. Moses Colman was called to his door, where he found a strange woman whose home he failed to inquire, offering a pig for sale. She was on horseback, her wares in pannier baskets. Mr. Colman did not need the pig but the little fellow looked so cunning, peeping from the basket, that the old gentleman, fond of pets, concluded the bargain, and the small porker was placed in the pen, where he became the distinguished sire of the famous By field breed of swine. This caused Mr. Colman’s pork to be in great demand.

An old revolutionary soldier by the name of Mitchell resided in the family of Mr. Moses Colman for years. This veteran was held in high estimation by the three boys, to whom he became an unquestionable authority in field sports, the training of horses and dogs, and other masculine accomplishments, besides being a perfect encyclopedia of knowledge in various departments of natural history, with a never failing stock of humorous anecdotes and tales, mingled with the sterner recital of privation, cold and hunger, battle and siege, with all the details, the light and the shade, the pomp, pageantry, glory and gore of the time that tried men’s souls.

Moses carried on an extensive butchering business.  He inherited the original farm of the first settler Thomas COLEMAN which later descended to his son to Col. Jeremiah Colman and still later to his grandson Moses Colman Esq of Boston.   Moses’ grandson Moses Colman was proprietor of the famous Boston Horse Mart and president of the old Metropolitan Horse Railroad.

In the autumn of 1810 Mrs. Moses Colman was taken ill of a slow fever. As she would have no one but Sallie to nurse her, I remained in Byfield several weeks. During this time the household were troubled by a series of mysterious and untoward events. Mr. Colman missed a ten dollar bill from his desk drawer in a remarkable manner, the hens quitted laying, a cask of choice cider that had never been tapped was found empty, and Jerry’s fine parade horse which was at pasture on the farm, presented a low and jaded condition.

Jeremiah Colman and David Emery had been for some time officers in the troop. At that time Jerry was captain and David first lieutenant of one of the companies forming the regiment of cavalry. “What could have happened to Jerry’s horse !” His father said “he looked sorry” At this juncture, Charles Field, the colored boy brought up in the family, now a youth of twenty, evinced great religious concern. His state was such that Dr. Parish was requested to visit him.

The keen witted clergyman, after conversing with Charles, avowed lack of faith in his professions. “He had seen his mother in such states. It was his opinion that this show of piety was to cover some rascality. He had said as much to the fellow, and bade him ease his soul b}- confession, and b}’ making every restitution possible.” The next day to my surprise, I discovered the missing “bank note in Mrs. Column’s cap box.

It was immediately ascertained that Charles had for weeks been riding the parade horse to Newburyport, a series of dances having been held in Guinea which he had attended. Having hidden his Sunday suit in the hay mow, after the family had retired he stole out, dressing himself in the barn, saddled and bridled the horse, which had been stealthily brought up from pasture in the evening, using the military equipments, then dashed down to Guinea in grand style, exciting the envy of his brother beaux, and the great admiration of the sable belles.

The ten dollar bill was taken to exhibit his grandeur and that of the family. On moving the cider cask, preparatory to its being refilled the straws with which its contents had been sucked from the bung were found with a heap of egg shells, which explained the former scarcity of eggs. Charles was brought to confess his misdeeds, with many professions of sorrow and promises of amendment. Such was the affection felt for him reared in the family from infancy, that he found a ready forgiveness.

Child of Moses and Dorothy:

i. Col. Jeremiah Colman b. 15 Feb 1783 in Newbury, Essex, Mass.; d. 23 Mar 1866 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; m. 8 Jun 1808 Newbury, Mass. to Mary Chute (b. 7 Jan 1786 in Boxford, Essex, Mass. – d.4 Mar 1872 in Essex, Essex, Mass.) Mary’s parents were Deacon James Chute (1751 – 1825) and Mehitable Thurston (1753 – 1819)  Jeremiah and Mary had five children born between 1810 and 1826.

Colonel Jeremiah – Colonel of cavalry regiment.

In 1819 became general agent of the Eastern Stage Company. for 20 years to 1839 when corporation was dissolved before the Eastern Railroad Company.

In the same year [1819] Col. Jeremiah Colman succeeded Mr. Benjamin Hale as agent for the Eastern Stage Company , an office which he filled until the opening of the Eastern railroad. Soon after accepting the agency Col. Colman purchased the house built by Mr. Obadiah Pearson, on Harris street, and moved thither.

The business at the market was continued by Jeremiah’s brother Mr. Daniel Colman, who bought the residence on the turnpike, where he became a prominent citizen of Newbury, and an influential member of Oldtown parish. For many years he was a selectman of the town, one of the overseers of the poor, and the superintendent of the Sabbath school connected with the society, under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Withington.

In addition he was often called to fill posts of trust and honor outside of his town and parish. The latter part of his life was passed on the ancestral farm in By field. Col. Jeremiah Colman was also an active member of the Oldtown society, filling the office of deacon for several years.

Founder of Essex Agricultural Society.  Today, The Topsfield Fair is owned and operated by the Essex Agricultural Society, a non-profit organization consisting of approximately 1,280 members. The Essex Agricultural Society is dedicated “To encourage, promote and preserve Essex County agricultural activities and to educate the general public regarding their importance.”

The colorful and often exciting history of Topsfield Fair began in 1818 when the Essex Agricultural Society, the non-profit organization that owns the Topsfield Fair, was officially granted a charter on June 12th of that year.

Topsfield Fair

Its goal was to gather and provide information from progressive farmers and bring that information to every farmer in Essex County.

The Society first brought the needed information to its members by publishing, in pamphlet form, informative information on agriculture. The information ranged from methods used by progressive farmers to new tools that were available and new breeds of animals.

The first pamphlet recorded a paper written by President Pickering and presented on May 5, 1818. The subjects included information on an incredible cow with remarkable butter-making qualities owned by Caleb Oakes of Danvers, and some new root crops. So impressed was Pickering with the new root crops (believed to be carrots) he supplied each member of the Society with a packet of seeds.

Founder of the Ocean Bank.

Deacon for 32 years at First Church Newbury.  Jeremiah was the founder of the First Parish Sabbath School (Story of the First Sabbath School PDF )

Representative to legislature 15 years.

On the site of the present [1879] Market house was a row of low, open butcher’s shambles, occupied by Mr. David Tenney, Jeremiah Cohnan and David Emery, these two doing business as the firm of Colman & Emery. In addition a number of butcher’s carts came in two or three times a week from adjacent towns. These after supplying their customers, occupied a stand in Market square. Previous to the demolition of the meeting-house, it was their custom to range back of that building with other country traders, a row of oat troughs having been nailed to the sacred edifice for the purpose of baiting horses.

The summer of 1817 President Monroe made a tour to New England. On June 16th a meeting of the citizens of Newburyport was called in the Town Hall to prepare for the distinguished
visitor’s reception.

On July 7th, the following military order was issued :

“Pursuant to Division orders, a military escort has been ordered to receive the President and his suit at Ipswich. The field and staff officers of the several regiments in the Brigade, together with such captains and subalterns as may be so disposed, will assemble in Ipswich in uniform, and mounted, on Thursday, 10th inst., at 9 o’clock, to join in the escort.

Regiment of Cavalry under the command of Col. Jeremiah Colman.
Brigadier General of the 2nd Brigade and Staff.
Maj. General of 2nd Division and suite.
Part of the Committee of Arrangements.
Officers of the several Regiments in the 2nd Brigade. 2nd Division, M. M.
Cavalcade of Citizens.

The escort will receive the President at Ipswich and attend him through the Brigade.

The cavalcade to form at the Lower Green ; carriages to proceed in the rear of the procession.”

Owing to unavoidable delay the President did not reach Newburyport until Saturday, the 12th of Juty, which was an extremely hot day. During his severe and long sickness, thinking that his health would never again permit military duty, Maj. Emery [Jeremiah’s brother] resigned his position in the cavalry, consequently he had no connection with the troops on this occasion, but he acted as marshal. He still retained his parade horse Peacock, and Col. Eben Hale rode our handsome mare Kate. The marshals wore chapeaus ornamented with a black cockade, a gilt eagle in the centre, and swords with scarlet sashes. As Col. Hale and my husband cantered down High street you would rarely see two finer or better mounted horsemen.

“The cavalry under Col. Colman and the field and staff officers took up the escort and proceeded to Parker river bridge, where the President was met by the Hon. Bailey Bartlett, sheriff of Essex, with his suite, together with the committee of arrangements, when Colonel Moseley, as their chairman, addressed him as follows :

Sir, A number of the citizens of Newburyport and vicinity, desirous of paying you their respects, have taken this liberty to meet you on your journey, and with your permission will accompany you to Newburyport, where the citizens of that town will be happy in a more formal manner to pay you their salutations.”

The President left his carriage and mounted his horse. On reaching the Newburyport line, the peal of bells and the roar of cannon, from Capt. Coffin’s well disciplined company of Artillery, announced the approach of the distinguished visitor. The President was greeted by loud hurrahs from the throng lining both sides of High street.

Child of Betty and David Emery.

ii. David Emery b. 22 Dec 1785 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; Adopted by Moses; d. 7 Jan 1869 in Newburyport, Mass; m. Sarah Ann Smith (b. 11 Jul 1787 in Connecticut – d. 28 Aug 1879 in Newburyport) Sarah’s parents were James Smith and Prudence [__?__].

In the 1860 census, David and Sarah were living in Newburyport. David was listed as a retired butcher.

Sarah Ann was author with her daughter Sarah Anna Emery (1821-1907) of “Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian” Newburyport William H Huse & Co. Printers 42 State Street 1879

From Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian – David Emery had passed much of his childhood at his grandmother Little’s. I had known him from infancy. His mother and mine, as girls, had been especially intimate cousins. Her little son had been my playmate at home and companion at school. We had often sat upon the same form and read from the same book. Our greeting was that of close friends ; but the fifteen-year-old Jerry [Jeremiah, later a Colonel] inspired me with much awe. David took down the old king’s-arm from the brackets where it hung, over the kitchen fireplace, and, getting the powder horn and shot bag, told his grandmother that he was “going into the pasture to shoot that woodchuck that was plaguing grandsir ; when Daniel conies send him along.” Calling to Jerry, who had been stabling the horses, the two went whistling merrily over the hill. The chaise soon appeared, turning up the lane, and Mr. and Mrs. Colman, Daniel seated between them, drove to the door. Mrs. Colman came in, Daniel ran after his brothers, and Mr. Colman, turning his horse, after a moment’s chat with Aunt Little, drove away. He was one of the overseers of the poor, and had business to transact in our part of the town.

Mrs. Colman desired to call at my grandmother Little’s, and I accompanied her. After Mr. Colman’s return, David came to take us back in the chaise. He had killed the woodchuck, and was in high spirits. We found the other boys jubilant over the afternoon’s work. They had assisted in unearthing the prey ; and David had also shot an enormous hen hawk on the wing. His grandparents, though affectionately attentive to the other boys, were eviently exceedingly proud of ” their boy,” and his mother, with sparkling eyes, said: “He’s a chip of the old block.”

Mr. Colman, a stout, handsome, jolly man, posted me, much to my chagrin (for I was beginning to assume young lady’s airs), upon his knee, and, with a hearty kiss, pronounced me a beauty, a perfect black- eyed queen, and said that I should some day be David’s little wife. ” Now don’t blush and squirm, my pretty, but expound this riddle :

My wife has two sons, and I have two sons, and there are only three in the whole.” I was as much mystified as a great many other people I have since seen at this favorite enigma, which the old gentleman, to the end of a long life, never failed to propound to strangers, always ending the explanation with : ‘ ‘ and we mixed ’em all up like hasty pudding ; never knew any difference, they are all mine and all hers.” This was true, and no three brothers could have been more attached to each other ; and, in after years, Colonel Jeremiah Colman was as fond of repeating the family riddle as his father had been.

The March previous Capt. Jeremiah Colman and First Lieutenant David Emery had both received promotion ; Captain Colman became Major of the regiment of cavalry, and Lieut. Emery took the command of the company. On the Monday following our marriage there was another choice of officers, when Jeremiah Colman was chosen Colonel and my husband Major.*

Thus, in the period of one month, David Emery received both a captain’s and major’s commission in the troop, besides assuming the responsibility of marriage and the management of an extensive business.

Child of Moses and Betty:

iii. Daniel Thurston Colman b. 3 Nov 1789 Newbury, Essex, Mass.; d. 3 Sep 1857 – Newbury, Mass. of partial paralysis of brain; m. 23 Nov 1815 Age: 26 to Nancy Pike (b. 31 Oct 1792 in Salisbury, Essex, Mass. – d. 15 Mar 1867 in Newbury of pneumonia) Nancy’s parents were Henry Pike and Anna Fellows. Daniel and Nancy had nine children born between 1816 and 1836.

When his half brother David Emery hired the Pillsbury farm, Daniel Colman came to Newburyport to take the situation he relinquished in the business with Col. Jeremiah Colman. That gentleman had recently purchased a residence in Newbury, on the Boston turnpike, whither he had removed.

The last of October Mr. Daniel Colman was married to Miss Nancy Pike, the second daughter of Mr. Henry Pike, of Ring’s Island. The young couple commenced housekeeping in half of Col. Jeremiah Colman’s house, and there the wedding took place, a very pleasant family gathering. Dr. Parish performed the ceremony. The good Doctor often boasted of having married the three brothers’ to three of the handsomest and best women to be found.

A large L was soon added to the house, giving accommodation to the two families ; but for some months the two sisters-in-law shared the kitchen, one having a fire in one corner of the capacious fireplace and the other in the opposite”, the brick oven Toeing used alternately. Mrs. Jeremiah Colman was fond of adverting to this period, always ending her recital with “and we never had one word of difference.”

In the 1850 census, Daniel and Anna were living in Newbury, where Daniel was a Butcher.

6. Molly Coleman Searles

Molly’s husband Joseph Searle was born 10 Jun 1757 in Rowley, Mass. His parents were Deacon Joseph Searle and Ruth Chute. Joseph died 25 Jan 1834 in Byfield, Mass

Children of Molly and Joseph

These two Bible pages are currently in the possession of Tracy St. Claire, 114 Hilltop Lane, Sleepy Hollow, IL 60118.aaf@ais.net

[Page One — Marriages] Thomas C. Searle and Annette Woodward were married in Hanover, N.H. Sept. 12 1816
Thomas S. Searle and Mary A. Moore were married in Stouchsburg, Pa., Oct. 23. 1848
Samuel M. Searle + K. Ella Klopp were married in Camden, N.J. Oct. 28. 1886

[Page Two — Births]
Thomas Coleman Searle was born in Byfield parish, town of Rowley, County of Essex State of Massachusetts — January 15. 1787. Should it please God he be suddenly deprived of either reason or life, his parents, Joseph and Mary Searle may be addressed in his place of Nativity.
Annette Woodward was born August 3, 1791, at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.
Mary A. Moore was born at Stouchsburg, Pa.Nov. 21, 1818
Sarah Smith Searle at Rockville, Maryland was born Nov. 19 [?] 1818
Samuel Miller Searle born August 26, 1820, at Madison, In. Agreeable to the request of his mother his name was changed by the legislature of Mass. to Thomas Samuel Searle

i. Ruth Searle b. 16 Apr 1782 in Rowley, Essex, Mass; d. Rowley

ii. Anna Searles b. 1 Nov 1783 in Rowley, Essex, Mass.; d. 11 Jun 1841 in Newbury; Unmarried

iii. Ruth Searle b. 23 Mar 1784 in Rowley, Essex, Mass; d. 15 May 1866 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; m1. 12 May 1804 Rowley to George Thurlow (b. 11 Apr 1776 – d. 29 Jul 1805); m2. 1811 Rowley to Deacon Daniel K. Hale (b. 3 Apr 1768 in Newbury – d. 17 May 1846 in Newbury) Daniel first married Betsy Chute ( b. 28 Dec 776 Boxford, Essex, Mass. – d. 17 Jul 1805 Essex, Mass. Byfield Cemetery ) Ruth and George had one son George Jr. Ruth and Daniel had three girls born between 1814 and 1820.

Ruth Searle Hale

iv. Rev. Thomas Colman Searle b. 15 Jan 1787 in Rowley, Essex, Mass; d. 15 Oct 1820 in Madison, Jefferson, Indiana; m. 12 Sep 1812 Hanover, Grafton, New Hampshire to Annette Woodward (b. 3 Aug 1791 Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire – d. 27 Nov 1824 in Madison, Montgomery, Indiana; Burial Byfield Cemetery, Mass.)

Thomas graduated from Dartmouth College in 1812. He was a minister at Madison, Indiana, on the Ohio River.

Mourning picture by Annette Woodward — Embroidered selik thread and watercolor on silk to mourn the death of her father. the dedication inscribed on the plinth reads “Bezaleel/Woodward/Esqr Obit/August 25th 1804/AE 59.” — Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire; gift of Mrs. John Howes Waters in memory of her husband.

v. Joseph Searle b. 2 Dec 1789 in Rowley; d. 3 Dec 1841 in Harrison, Cumberland, Maine; m. 14 Oct 1829 to Mary Sophia Turner (b. 30 Aug 1797 in Alfred, Maine – d. 7 May 1866 in Niles, Berrien, Michigan) Mary’s parents were John Turner (1768 – 1830) and Lucy Sargent (1773 – 1853).

Joseph graduated from Darthmouth in 1815.

In the 1860 census, Mary was living with her son Joseph T in Niles, Berrien, Michigan

vi. Caleb Searle b. 21 May 1792 in Rowley; d. 26 May 1869 in Rowley of an accident; m. 14 Oct 1825 Rowley to Anna Clifford Sanborn (b. 17 Jan 1794 in Kensington, Rockingham, New Hampshire – d. 1869 in Rowley)

In the 1850 census, Caleb was a Victualer in Rowley.

vii. Rev. Moses Colman Searle b. 17 Sep 1797 in Rawley, Mass.; d. 10 Dec 1865 Byfield, Mass; m. 3 May 1827 in Salem, Mass. to Mary A Smith (b. 17 Apr 1803 in Newbury, Mass. – d. 3 Feb 1879)

In the 1850 census, Moses was a Clergyman in Haverhill, Grafton, New Hampshire

viii. Mary Searle b. 23 Apr 1801 in Rowley; d. h 3 Feb 1879 in Rowley; m. 22 Jun 1829 Rowley to Luther Moody (b. Oct 1804 in Newburyport; d. 12 Apr 1871 in Rowley) Luther’s parents were Benjamin Moody and Salome [__?__]. Mary and Luther had four children born between 1830 ad 1845.

In the 1850 census, Luther was a Housewright in Rowley, Mass.

7. Dr. Samuel Coleman

Samuel’s wife Susannah Atkins was born 12 Apr 1762 in Newburyport, Mass. Her parents were William Atkins and Abigail Beck. Her grandfather was Joseph Atkins Esq. Susannah died 9 Jul 1827 in Salem, Mass.

Samuel studied medicine at Harvard and entered into practice in Augusta, Maine.  “Doctor Samuel Colman of Hallowell and Miss Susanna Atkins of Newburyport, joined in marriage by the Rev. Edward Bass of Newburyport, October 14, 1787.” Source: Charles Elventon Nash, The history of Augusta; first settlements and early days as a town.  He afterwards returned to Newburyport, engaged in teaching where he died in 1810 and was interred in St. Paul’s churchyard.

Dr. Samuel Colman, for a time, taught a private school for young ladies, in a room over the ”Herald” office. After his decease this school was continued by his daughter Mary Ann, at her mother’s residence on Water street.

Susannah’s father William Atkins, esq., the oldest son, was a prominent merchant and citizen, and an active member and warden of St. Paul’s church. His name stands first on the list of two hundred and six of the “water side” people who signed the petition to be “set off from Newbury, and incorporated as a town by themselves,” and, in direct contradistinction to his half-brother, Dudley, was an active Whig, and enthusiastic Revolutionist, being one of the Committee of Safety and Correspondence appointed by the town on the 23d of September, 1774. Before leaving England, he had married Abigail Beck, by whom he had one son and four daughters.

He built a house near where the present custom house now [1879] stands, a handsome Colonial mansion, with wainscotted rooms, deep window seats, broad stone hearths, and fire-places decorated with Dutch tiles depicting Scripture scenes. At his death this house was purchased by the father of Captains John and Benjamin Harrod ; there they and their sisters were born. It was burned in the great fire of 1811, then known as the Harrod house. The Atkins family and their recently widowed sister, Mrs. Dr. Samuel Colman, and her children, at that time resided opposite; their house was also burned.

Children of Samuel and Susannah:

i. William Atkins Colman b. 27 Aug 1788 in Hallowell, Lincoln, Maine; d. 4 Sep 1788 in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine

ii. William Atkins Colman b. 14 Aug 1789 in Hallowell, Lincoln, Maine

iii. Mary Ann Colman b. 30 Oct 1791 in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine; d. 9 Nov 1825 in Salem, Essex, Mass. of phthisis pulmonalis

iv. Edward Bass Colman b. 6 Sep 1794 in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine; d. 1828 in Boston, Suffolk, Mass.; m. 5 Oct 1827 Age: 33 Boston to Sarah Devereaux (b. ~1798 in Salem, Essex, Mass. – d. 20 Jan 1880 in Salem, Essex, Mass.) Sarah’s parents were James Devereaux and Sarah Crowninshield. After Edward died, Sarah married Sep 1836 in Roxbury to Samuel Shepard Gilbert (1803 – 1860)

v. Hannah Colman b. 15 Mar 1797 in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine

vi. Samuel Colman b. 18 Apr 1799 Augusta; d. 19 Nov 1865 Brooklyn, New York; m. 2 Sep 1824 in Portland, Maine to Pamela Lewis Chandler (b. 30 Jun 1799 in Freeport, Maine – d. 8 Nov 1865 in Brooklyn, New York) Her parents were Joel Chandler and Pamela Lincoln.

Samuel moved his family from Portland, Maine to Greenwich Village in New York City and opened a fine-art bookstore on Broadway, attracting a literate clientele that may have influenced his son Samuel’s artistic development.

In the 1850 census, Samuel was a Book Dealer in Ward 15 Western half, New York City. His son Samuel Jr. age 18 was already listed as an Artist.

Ward 15 Western Half 1852 – Broadway, where Samuel’s bookshop was located was just a couple of blocks east.

Samuel and Pamela’s son Samuel Colman (Wiki) was born in 1832 in Portland, Maine ; studied art ; went abroad in 1860, studying in Paris and Spain ; was made a member of the National Academy in 1864 ; president of the American Water Color Society in 1866 : resigned in 1872 and went abroad spending some years in the principal cities of Europe.

Samuel Colman Jr. (1832-1920)

He is believed to have studied briefly under the Hudson River school painter Asher Durand, and he exhibited his first work at the National Academy of Design in 1850. By 1854 he had opened his own New York City studio. The following year he was elected an associate member of the National Academy, with full membership bestowed in 1862.

A 2nd Cousin is a bit more of a distant relative than I usually feature, but the Hudson River School is one of my favorite genres so I created a page Samuel Colman – Hudson River School to highlight his career and a  few of his paintings.

His landscape paintings in the 1850s and 1860s were influenced by the Hudson River school, an example being Meadows and Wildflowers at Conway (1856) now in the collection of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College. He was also able to paint in a romantic style, which had become more fashionable after the Civil War.

vii. George Colman b. 19 Apr 1802 in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine

viii. Benjamin Colman b. 23 Jul 1804 in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine; d. 18 Jan 1892 in Salem, Essex, Mass.; m. 26 Oct 1828 Salem, Mass. to Elizabeth W. Jelly (b. 6 Jul 1809 in Salem, Essex, Mass. – d. 16 Feb 1890 in Salem, Essex, Mass) Her parents were William Jelly and Jane Woods. Benjamin and Elizabeth had seven children born between 1829 and 1845.

In the 1860 census, Benjamin was an Auctioneer in Salem, Mass.

8. Caleb Coleman

Caleb’s wife Sally Burbank was born 28 Aug 1773 in Boscawen, Merrimack, New Hampshire. Her parents were Samuel Burbank and Eunice Pettingill. Sally died 8 Jun 1859 – Plainfield, New Hampshire.

Caleb purchased a farm in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Children of Caleb and Sally:

i. Sally Colman b. 23 Sep 1796 in Newbury, Essex, Mass.

ii. Mary Colman b. 7 Sep 1798 in Boscawen, Merrimack, New Hampshire; d. 11 May 1874 in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Michigan; m. 21 May 1821 to Fredrick Ellsworth (b. 29 Mar 1795 in Connecticut – d. 11 May 1874 in Ann Arbor, Michigan) Fredrick’s parents were John Ellsworth and Sarah Strong.

In the 1850 census, Fredrick and Mary were farming in Harmony, Rock, Wisconsin.

9. William Coleman

William’s first wife Susanna Thurston was born 1 Nov 1768 in Rowley, Essex, Mass. Her parents were Daniel Thurston and Judith Chute. Susannah died 8 Oct 1808.

Inscription:
In memory of
Susanna
wife of
Capt. William
Colman
died Oct. 7, 1808
Æt. 40 years also
of two children…

William’s second wife Zervia Richardson was born on 30 Aug 1780 in Woburn, Middlesex, Mass. Her parents were Zebulon Richardson and Abigail Tidd. She first married 23 Sep 1800 in Reading, Mass. to William Temple (b. 5 Jan 1773 Reading, Mass – d. 27 April 1802 at the age of 29 in Reading, Mass.) They had one child Deacon William Temple born 1801. She married 19 Apr 1809 in Byfield, Mass to William Coleman. Zerviah died on 24 April 1815 at the age of 34 in Boscawen, Concord, NH. The Thurston genealogy gave 25 Jul 1815.

Deacon William Temple was born on 15 Sep 1801 in Reading, Mass. He was the ward of Daniel Chute after the death of his father in 1802. Between 1819 and 1865 he was a blacksmith in Boscawen, Concord, NH. Paul M. Noyes reported that he was a blacksmith by occupation, but of a stirring and inquisitive mind. He lived in Boscawen, N. H., from 1819 to 1865; since that time in East Woburn, Mass. He was a deacon in the church at Boscawen from 1858 to 1865. In September 1850 William was a blacksmith in Boscawen, Merrimack, NH. In June 1860 he was a blacksmith in Boscawen, Merrimack, NH. In July 1870 he was a blacksmith in Woburn, Mass. William appeared in the census in June 1880 in Woburn, Mass. He died on 18 March 1886 at the age of 84 in Woburn, Middlesex, MA. Died of paralysis.

I have a story about the original immigrant Thomas COLEMAN (see his page for a transcription of the letter) from my Grandma Miner’s copy of a letter to her Uncle Ammi in 1882 from his Aunt Elvira Coleman Gilbert. She had copied a response by William Temple to a request for information about the Coleman family.

William Coleman’s third wife Hannah Pillsbury was born 1772. Her parents were Moses Pillsbury and [__?__] of Crane-neck hill.. She first married [__?__] Brown. Hannah died 05 Aug 1843.

William was a Wheelwright in Byfield, Mass.

William for a time resided on the family homestead and later removed to Boscawen, New Hampshire where he owned a farm and mill.

Children of William and Susannah

i. Hannah T. Colman (twin) b. 5 Mar 1793; m. 24 Apr 1814 Age: 21 Newbury to Marshall French (b. 01 July 1791 Fitchburg, Worchester, Mass.) Marshall’s parents were Thomas French (b. 1765) and Ruth Marshall.

In the 1830 census, Marshall French was living in Portland, Maine, with a household of six.

ii. Daniel Thurston Colman (twin) b. 1793 in New Hampshire; d. 8 May 1878 Newburyport; m. 1 Feb 1818 to Nancy Harris (b. 2 Sep 1796 in New Hampshire – d. 1872 Newburyport of dysentery) Nancy’s parents were Jonathan Harris and Anna Toppan. Daniel and Nancy had five children born between 1819 and 1831.

In December 1813 Daniel Thurston Colman, the oldest son of Uncle William Colman, of Byfield, supplied the place of the deceased Mr. Bancroft. Mr. Colman continued in the butchering business for many years, until failing health compelled him to yield his place to his son. He has recently deceased [1879], having for some time been the only surviving member of those then attending the market, and for many subsequent years.

In February Mr. Thurston Colman was married to Miss Nancy T Harris. This young couple went to housekeeping in the house on the lower corner of Tyng street ; but they soon moved into Mr. Harris’s house, on the corner of Toppan’s lane, where he resided through his long life.

Their oldest son Charles Harris Colman was born 8 Feb 1819 ; graduated at Bowdoin in 1843; October ID, 1844, married Deborah Dinsmore of Auburn. N. H. For many years Mr. Colman has resided at the West, dying 06 Apr 1889 in Cheever, Dickinson, Kansas.

In the 1850 census, Daniel and Nancy were living with Nancy’s mother Ann Harris (age 89) in Newbury, Mass. Daniel was a butcher. In the 1860 census, Daniel and Nancy were still living with Ann Harris now age 99.

iii. Judith Colman b. 07 Mar 1795 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; d. 11 Apr 1864 in Emerald Grove, Rock, Wisconsin; m. 1824 to Erastus Dean (b. 13 May 1798 Bristol, Vermont – d. 3 Mar 1852 Dubuque Iowa) Erastus’ parents were James Dean and Sarah Bennett Bates.

In the 1850 census, Erastus was a Merchant in Bradford, Rock, Wisconsin.

Original Dean Home in Emerald Grove, WI

iv. Dorothy “Dolly” Colman b. 29 Jan 1797 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; d. 4 May 1850 Brooklyn, New York m. 1819 Providence, Rhode Island to Philander Cooper Wilmarth (b. 19 May 1796 Rumney, Grafton, New Hampshire – d. 4 Mar 1861 New York City) Philander’s parents were Rev. Ezra Wilmarth and Mehitable Cooper of Georgetown, Mass. Dolly and Philander had five children born between 1820 and 1837.

In 1835, Philander was a Hatter in New York City.

In the 1830 census, Philander lived in Ward 6 New York City with a household of ten.

v. Sumner Colman b. 11 Aug 1799; d. 12 Dec 1864; m. 26 Oct 1826 to Sophronia L. Hinckley

In the 1830 census, Sumner was living in Boscawen, Merrimack, New Hampshire with a household of 5.

vi. Betty Colman b. 10 Jun 1801; d. 29 Apr 1803 in Newbury, Essex, Mass.

vii. Lucy Colman b. 02 Apr 1803 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; d. Unmarried

viii. Betsey Colman b. 26 Sep 1805 in Newbury, Essex, Mass; d. 26 Oct 1809

ix. Mary Colman b. 16 Feb 1807; d. Genoa Junction, Walworth, Wisconsin; m. 11 Aug 1829 Newburyport, Mass. to Stillman Moores (b. 20 Dec 1805 – d. 16 May 1865) Stillman’s parents were Greenleaf Moores and Hannah Knight. Mary and Stillman had nine children between 1830 and 1847.

In the 1850 census, Stillman was a miner in Placerville and Vicinity, El Dorado, California living with James Jaice age 26 and Calvin Chaffee age 51. Mary and Stillman had nine children born between 1831 and 1857.

In the 1860 census, Stillman and Mary were farming in Bloomfield, Walworth, Wisconsin.

Children of William and Zervia:

ix. Luther Colman b. 1 Feb 1810 in Newbury; d. 21 Mar 1854 in Rochester, NY; m. Sarah Avey (b. 1810 in Wellfleet, Mass. – d. 1839 in Boston)

x. Calvin Colman b. 17 Apr 1812; d. 20 Apr 1864; Name changed to William

xi. David Emery Colman b. 3 Jul 1814

Sources:

“Reminiscenses of a Nonagenarian”  1879 by Sarah Smith Emery, Benajmin’s adopted grandson’s wife (see below)

http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/k/i/n/William-M-Kinney-sr/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-1027.html

http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/5913/Abolition-Movement.html

http://www.genealogyofnewengland.com/b_c.htm

http://trees.ancestry.com/owt/person.aspx?pid=38519627&st=1

http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/4105122/person/-1651159364

http://www.temple-genealogy.com/b2070.htm#P5763

http://www.harvardartmuseums.org/art/333625

William Colman and Susanna Thurston’s Children from Thurston Genealogies 1880 Portland, Maine