Essex County Archives – Massachusetts Genealogy

The Landing at Parker River

In this article, we delve into the fascinating historical journey of the early settlers of Newbury, Massachusetts. From their voyage across the Atlantic on the “Mary and John” and other vessels, to their mandated religious practices aboard the ship, and their pioneering pursuits in a land filled with uncertainty and immense potential, the article encapsulates a vivid depiction of early 17th century New England. We explore the founding of the Newbury settlement on the Quascacunquen River, the endeavors of stock-raising companies in a burgeoning economy, and the undaunted spirit of these early settlers amid immense challenges and harsh realities.

Brief History of Newbury Massachusetts

Newbury, founded by English tradespeople, became a significant settlement between April 1634 and July 1635. The settlers were driven not by religious persecution but by the desire to exploit unoccupied lands and establish a profitable livestock business. Despite the initial hardships and dangers, the town grew steadily, becoming a cradle of many firsts in America and ultimately evolving into a serene New England town rich in history and heritage.

First Settlers of Newbury Massachusetts

This listing was extracted by Joshua Coffin from the proprietor’s book of records, folio forty-four. The record is dated December 1642 and is the first known list of the first Settlers of Newbury.

Historic USGS Maps of Ayers Village, Massachusetts Quadrangle

Southwest Corner of 1955 Ayers Village, Massachusetts USGS Topographical Map

These maps are part of USGS Topographical Maps made since 1882. They’ve been broken down into quadrangle’s to make viewing them easier. We have digital copies of two different series for the Ayers Village, Massachusetts Quadrangle. One where Massachusetts portion was surveyed in 1942 and published in 1943; and another where they revised the Massachusetts portion in 1952, used New Hampshire aerial photographs taken in 1953 and fact checked those against a 1954 and 1955 field survey of New Hampshire, these were published in 1955. For information about these maps see Historic USGS Topographical Maps. 1943 Ayers Village, Massachusetts Quadrangle … Read more

Pre 1662 Lot Owners in Andover Massachusetts

Early Andover settlers to whom house lots were given prior to 1662 and the sizes of their lots. Source: Philip J Greven, Four generations : population, land, and family in colonial Andover, Massachusetts (1970), 46. https://archive.org/details/fourgenerationsp00grev; PDF, Internet Archive (https://archive.org/). Based upon evidence in Town Records and Town Bounds, passim.

Haverhill, Massachusetts Genealogy

The Indian name for this locality was “Pentucket” – but the early settlers applied the name of Haverhill in compliment to Rev. John Ward, the first minister, who came from Haverhill, England. “Mr. Ward & Newberry men” petitioned the General Court on May 13, 1640, for permission to begin a new plantation on the Merrimack river, which was granted provided “they build there before the next Courte.” Though the town was settled and houses erected in 1640 it was not until November 15, 1642, that a title to the land was purchased of the Indian owners. In June, 1641, the … Read more

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