rodbigelow@netzero.net 
Children of Timothy and Lucy (Prescott) Bigelow:
16952.1t Katherine, b 20 May 1793 Groton; d 21 Aug 1860 Boston; m 23 Jun 1819 Abbott Lawrence; res Boston. 7 children.(see below)
16952.2t Andrew, b 7 May 1795 Groton; d _____ 1877 Boston; m 26 Jan 1824 Amelia Sargent Stanwood. 2 children.(see below)
16952.3t John Prescott, b 25 Aug 1797 Groton; d 4 July 1872 Boston; m 9 Mar 1824 Louisa A. Brown. He was mayor of Boston.(see below)
16952.4 Edward, bapt 8 Mar 1800 Groton; d __ June 1838 Medford.(see below)
16952.5 Helen, bapt 28 Aug 1803 Groton; d _____ ; she was single in 1850.(see below)
16952.6 Francis Rufus, b 3 Aug 1806 Groton; d 28 June 1886 Medford; res Boston.(see below)
16952.7 Elizabeth Prescott, bapt 10 Apr 1808 Medford, d _____ ; m Henry Stevens. (see below)(also below)
16952.8 daughter, b 20 June 1810 Medford, buried there 26 Nov 1814.
16952.9 Anna Andrews, bapt 28 July 1811 Medford; d _____ (possibly identical with child above).
16952.A Theodore, bapt 26 Sep 1813 Medford; d 27 Sep 1813 Medford, age 6 weeks.
Sources:
Bigelow Family Genealogy Volume. I page.174-175;
Howe, Bigelow Family of America;
Medford and Groton vital records;
Forge: The Bigelow Society Quarterly, vol 3, p. 31.
Note:
Subject: Elizabeth Prescott Bigelow Poetry Book found 1839
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1999 04:19:04 EDT
From: Njgenes@aol.com
It has been some time since I was doing my Bigelow Genealogy. But
I am now in the process of making a new Bigelow site.
The reason I am emailing you is to inform you of a wonderful Bigelow
find ; ) (It is the 2nd. The first was a Bigelow shoebrush that I gave
to Don some years ago) Last weekend, I was in a rare bookstore looking for
some old Bibles. For some reason a book in a glass case attracted my attention.
When I had the owner open the shelf, I was given the surprise of my life.
The book is called "American Poetry II" printed in 1829. The part that
is so wonderful is the dedication in the front of the book. It reads: Elizabeth
P. Bigelow from her valued friend Lucy Ann Brooks, Medf** ( I can't
make out the last 2 letters) April 1839. One of the best parts of the book
is it has a beautiful lock of hair in it. You can tell the hair has been
in the book for several years. It is an redish brown and appx. 5" long. It
is beautiful. I just thought I would share that with you. If you would like
me to scan the book for you, I will be happy to do so Sincerely,
Debra Ashley
John Prescott/Mary Platts Line, Lancaster, MA
p.78
Lucy Prescott b. March 13, 1771 dau of Dr. Oliver Prescott
Sr., and his wife, Lydia Baldwin (Dr. Oliver Prescott Sr. was the brother
of Col. Wm. Prescott who led the American Troops at Bunker Hill - see p.
59)
Lucy Prescott m. Sept. 30, 1791 Hon. Timothy Bigelow, son
of Col. Timothy Bigelow of Worcester who commanded one of the MA
regiments in the Rev. War. Hon. Timothy Bigelow was b. April 30, 1767;
graduated at Harvard College in 1786; read law with Hon. Levi Lincoln, Sr.
and opened an office at Groton, MA in 1789. He was eminently successful
in the practice of his profession; a sound lawyer and distinguished advocate.
In 1802 he was representative to the General Court, and was chosen from
that body as one of the Executive Council in which office he served two
years. In 1806 he removed from Groton to Medford, MA, and opened an
office for practice in Boston. He represented the town of Medford in
the General Court nearly if not quite all the years from the time of his removal
there to the time of his death. He was a Senator from Middlesex County,
from 1797 to 1801, inclusive, and Councillor again in 1821. His executive
abilities were of the first order, and he had a fine opportunity
to exhibit them while presiding as Speaker of the House of Representatives
for eleven years, beside presiding in various literary and charitable
societies of which he was a member. He was a close student and a
great reader. Books in all the liberal arts and sciences were his
familiar acquaintances. He died May 18, 1821 aged 54 years.
Mrs. Bigelow died Dec. 17, 1852 aged 81 years. The newspapers of
the day that recorded her death, stated that she was a worthy consort
of a good and eminent man. She was known for her moral loveliness
and beauty, the elevation of her character, the
gentleness of her nature, and calm self-possession. It is
said that a prominent trait in her endowments was a concern for the welfare
of others and a resignation and Christian patience and fortitude under
trials and losses of her children. (see p. 110)
p.110
Hon. Timothy Bigelow and his wife Lucy Prescott of Medford, MA had
issue:
1. Katherine Bigelow b. 1793 m. June 28, 1819,
Hon. Abbott Lawrence of Boston MA. (Lawrence, MA was named for him) He was
b. Dec 16, 1792. He was a successful merchant and manufacturer in Boston.
He was repeatedly elected a representative of the General Court, and representative
to Congress and for several years was resident minister of the U.S. at
the Court of St. James. He founded and endowed in Harvard the School
of Science, applied to the arts, and gave liberally to other institutions.
He d. Aug 18, 1855. See also a memoir of him in the Historical
and Genealogical Register, Vol. X, p.297,
October, 1856 See also, Lawrence Genealogy.
2. Rev. Andrew Bigelow b. at Groton, MA May 7,
1795; m. Jan 26, 1824, Amelia Sargent Stanwood, b. at Gloucester, MA, Sept.
12, 1806; she was the dau. of Theodore and Sarah (Rogers) Stanwood.
He graduated Harvard College 1814; He studied theology and settled first
in Medford, MA and then in Taunton. They resided in Boston, MA 1865
to 1869. Two children:
a. Timothy Bigelow b. at Medford, MA Mar. 15, 1825.
Resided at Boston.
b. Theodore Standwood Bigelow b. Aug 1, 1826 also resided
at Boston.
3. John Prescott Bigelow m. 1824 Louisa Brown, an English lady who died in 1847. He graduated at Harvard College in 1815; studied law. He was president of the Common Council of the city of Boston; for several years Secretary of State for MA and subsequently mayor of Boston and member of the Executive Council. Mr. Bigelow laid the foundation of the Boston Public Library, which he had the satisfaction of seeing grow to the gigantic proportions of some 150,000 volumes and had been one of the trustees from its foundation until health compelled him to resign in Jan., 1869. Mayor Shurtleff, in presenting his resignation said of him that "he had ever been an ardent friend of the Library and that he gave the first money that was received towards the foundation." He expressed "great regret that his feeble health demanded the severance of the tie which had for so long a time connected him with this and other branches of the City Government." It was Mr. Bigelow's delight to do good and be useful, and he was entirely void of that selfishness and exclusiveness which is but too common among many in the higher walks of life.
4. Edward Bigelow b. and died in Medford, June 1838, unm.
6. Francis Rufus Bigelow, a merchant who resided in Boston.
7. Elizabeth Prescott Bigelow m. Henry Stevens, a merchant of NYC.
p.85
Peter Prescott b. Feb. 1787 son of
Peter Prescott and his wife, Mary Wilson of Fitzwilliams, N. H.
Peter Prescott m. Catherine Bigelow. He d. at Boylston, MA July 1840. No issue.
p.184
Oliver Parkhurst Prescott son of Eldad Prescott
and his wife, Clarissa Hunt of Jaffrey, NH.
Oliver Parkhurst Prescott was born Jan 22, 1821 and m. Dec. 8, 1846, Adelia L.Bigelow, dau of Josiah 6 Bigelow of Jaffrey, NH b.
in Framingham, MA March, 1827, Resided in Jaffrey, a farmer;
one child, Ellery Prescott b. Nov. 22, 1848.
New Note Janice:
From: Janice Farnsworth Farns10th@aol.com
Date: 11/13/2005
1797-1997
The text that follows is excerpted from the "History of Meridian Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Natick Massachusetts" printed by "Natick Citizen" Company in 1892. Credit is due and should be given to the Committee of Charles C. Henry, D. H. L. Gleason and I. M. Fellows who were responsible for creating this History.
On Monday afternoon. December 11th, 1797, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons held its annual stated communication in what was then known as Concert Hall, in Boston, Massachusetts. From the records of the Grand Lodge of the above date we copy the following:
http://www.masslodges.org/Meridian/history_lodge_1797_4.htm
"A petition from William Hull and others praying for a charter to hold a Lodge in the town of Watertown by the name of Meridian Lodge, was received and duly recommended. Voted, That the prayer of the petition be granted."
On this date the Charter was granted and signed by Most Worshipful Paul Revere, Grand Master--Sam'l Dunn, Deputy Grand Master--Isaiah Thomas, Senior Grand Warden--Joseph Laughton, Junior Grand Warden--By Order of The Grand Lodge: Daniel Oliver, Grand Secretary.
At this point we regret to record the fact that the original charter, and all the record-books and papers of the Lodge, with the exception of the original treasurer's account-book, were destroyed by fire in Natick Massachusetts, at the burning of Walter Morse's block on Pond Street, July 1862. in which building Meridian Lodge was then located.
Owing to this lamentable loss, the history of the Lodge from the date of its charter until September, 1862, must of necessity be very meager and unsatisfactory. We learn from very reliable authority, however, that Meridian Lodge was duly and formally constituted at Watertown on the fifth day of September, 1798; and that the late Gen. William Hull was its first Worshipful Master. The Rev. and Rt. Wor. Bro. T. W. Harris, Grand Chaplain, performed the consecrating ceremonies, and the Most Worshipful Grand Master Josiah Bartlett, MD, delivered a pertinent address and charge, followed by an address by the Worshipful Master Bro. William Hull. We copy the following newspaper report of the occasion from the Boston Sentinel, published a few days after the event:
MASONIC INSTALLATION* AT WATERTOWN
POETRY.
Behold the acorn, from a tender root,
Puts forth a weak and unregarded shoot
But Nature's faithfull process once begun
It gains new strength with each revolving sun;
Till its firm stem the raging storm defies,
And its bold brandies wave amidst the skies.
On Wednesday, September fifth, 1798, the Meridian Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted in ample order at Watertown, The Rev. Bro. Eliot introduced the formalities by prayer. Vocal and instrumental music followed; the former from original compositions by Mr. Samuel Babcock.
The Rev. Mr. Bentley then pronounced an ingenious, learned. and historical discourse, in which the Robinson's of Europe were exposed in all their imperfections, and the craft ably, boldly, and candidly vindicated.
The Rev. Bro. Harris, Grand Chaplain, performed the consecrating duties, and the M. W. Grand Master and Wor. Bro. Hull each delivered pertinent and adapted charges.
The fraternity then repaired to one of the best entertainments ever furnished so large an assembly, and which did infinite honor to Br. Welles, the provider.
After dinner patriotic toasts were given, and the Lodges closed at an early hour. Among the toasts, after the Grand Lodge had retired, was the following. which for point is rarely equaled;
May we never have a war without a Washington, a Shay without a Lincoln, nor a Morse without a Bentley.
After dinner Bro. Williamson, Bro. Jackson', and several assisting brethren, gave a number of Masonic airs, and the patriotic songs of "Adams and Liberty," "Hail Columbia," etc., in the most finished style of melody. The following are the toasts given by the R. W. Master of Meridian Lodge:
1. The President of the United States.
2. Brother Washington: The ornament of Masonry and of men.
3. Most Worshipful Josiah Bartlett: May his exertions in the cause of Masonry be crowned with a never-fading laurel.
4. May universal relief be afforded to our distressed brethren.
5. A generous enemy whose light is not darkness.
6. May the light of every good Mason be kindled in life, enlighten his death,and blaze through eternity.
7. Regular constituted Lodges; May they ever keep in view the principles of the order.
*Should read "Constitution."
June 10, 1811
Nothing of importance can be learned from the date of institution up to the present time except that on this date (June 10, 1811) the Most Worshipful Grand Master in Grand Lodge granted to the members of Meridian Lodge permission to change their location from Watertown to Needham, Norfolk County, Mass., now known as Wellesley Hills; the Lodge having been located in Watertown less than fourteen years.
The home of the Lodge in Needham (Wellesley Hills) was in what was then known as Smith's Tavern, on the Boston and Worcester Turnpike, and kept by Bro. David Smith, who erected the building a few years before the removal of the Lodge. The building is now known as the Elm Park Hotel.
At the dedication of their Hall in this building, which took place at a regular communication on the afternoon of July first, 1811, the Rev. Bro. Charles Train, A. M., minister of the Baptist Society in Framingham, Mass., pronounced a dedicatorial sermon before the Lodge.
At the close of the sermon it was voted unanimously, "That Brothers Peter Lyon, Enoch Wiswall, and Solomon Curtis be a committee to wait on Rev. Bro. Charles Train and thank him for his truly Masonic address delivered this afternoon, and request a copy for the press."
From June 10, 1811, to Sept. 13, 1843, we have no reliable record of the doings of the Lodge; simply the names of brethren, which have been culled from the accounts of the treasurer's book, which can be found under the head of "Past and Present Members of the Lodge." We have, however, the following clippings from the "Boston Sentinel," and "The Churchman's Magazine," published in June and October, 1813, respectively:
--------------------------
MASONIC NOTICE
The Festival of St. John's will be celebrated by Meridian Lodge June 24th. The brethren of the Masonic Family are invited to attend.
A discourse will be delivered by Rev. and R. Wor. Bro. T. N. Harris. The brethren will meet at Bro. D. Smith's Hall [Elm Park Hotel] in Needham [Wellesley Hills] at 10 o'clock, A. M. where tickets for brethren and ladies may be had. The procession will move to the Meetinghouse (West Parish) at half past 10 o'clock.
Per order: ISAAC TRAIN, June 9, 1813
[From "'The Churchman's Magazine for October, 1813.]
LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE, ST. MARY'S CHURCH, NEWTON.
On Wednesday last [Sept. 29, 1813] the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of this Commonwealth, by the permission of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, assembled at Newton, under the direction of the Right Worshipful Francis J Oliver, Esq., and organized in ample form, were escorted by Meridian Lodge and the Church and congregation to the platform erected in front of the site of the Church, when the interesting and solemn ceremonies were preceded by sacred and appropriate music.
The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master having pronounced the stone to be perfect in its form, and suitable to the occasion, the Rev. Dr. Gardiner of Trinity was requested to deposit the silver plate, after reading the inscription, which was as follows:
Timothy Bigelow, Esq., Grand Master
"In the Name of the Father. Son, and Holy Ghost! This stone. by permission of the Honorable and Right Worshipful Timothy Bigelow, Esq., Grand Master, on the festival of St. Michael and all Angels, 1813, was laid by Francis Johonot Oliver, Esq., Deputy G. M., assisted by the Rev. John Sylvester Gardiner, D.D., Rector of Trinity Church, and the Rev. Asa Eaton. Rector of Christ Church, Boston.
"God save the Church and State!"
ON THE REVERSE:
"St. Marv's Chapel, founded 1812; incorporated 1813. His Excellency Caleb Strong, Esq., LL.D., Governor; His Honor William Phillips, Esq., Lieutenant-Govemor; the Right Reverend Father-in-God Alexander V., by Divine Providence, of the Eastern Diocese, Bishop.
"The land annexed to this Church. containing two acres, is a donation from Samuel Brown, Esq., merchant, of Boston."
Rev. Asa Eaton, Rector.
Solomon Curtis,]
Wardens of St. Mary's Chapel
Thomas Durant,]
---------------------------
These newspaper clippings indicate that in June, 1813, Meridian Lodge celebrated St. John's Day in due and ancient form; and that they acted as escort to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge on September 29, 1813, at the laying of the cornerstone of St. Mary's Episcopal Church at Newton Lower Falls, which is still used as a house of worship by the above named society.
On the 13th day of September, 1843, permission was granted the members of Meridian Lodge to again change their location to Newton Lower Falls, and it is so recorded in the Grand Lodge. We learn from tradition that they then occupied the Wales Tavern, at Newton Lower Falls, and for a short time held meetings at Newton Upper Falls. Its last location in that vicinity, however, was in the building then owned by Bro. Gen Charles Rice, situated about three hundred feet this side of the bridge which spans the Charles River between the then known towns of Needham and Newton. The building in which the Lodge-room was fitted up was a large dwellinghouse, and is still standing on the original site just near the bridge, on the right hand side as v u cross it going towards Newton.
We learn that shortly after the location of the Lodge in this place discord arose among the brethren, and factions were created which nearly wrecked the Lodge. A faithful few, however, foremost of whom was our late brother, Gen. Charles Rice, held the brethren together, and retained the charter.
In 1851, a little band of Masonic brethren in Natick and vicinity, among whom were Dr. John Joyt, John M. Seaward, Sr., Wor. Malachi Babcock Charles Herring, Dr. John Wilson, and John Felch, being desirous of improving themselves in the mysteries of the "Royal Art," formed themselves into a Lodge of Instruction. and called upon Wor. Bro. Malachi Babcock. then of Sherborn, to preside over them. In the winter of 1852 there was a strong desire manifested by this little company of faithful and zealous Master Masons to organize a Lodge in Natick. A committee was appointed from among their number, of which Wor. Bro. Malachi Babcock was chairman, to request from Middlesex Lodge, located at Framingham, permission to petition the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge for a dispensation to organize a Lodge at Natick. The request was refused by Middlesex Lodge deeming it inadvisable to have a Lodge so near their location. For a short time the brethren were disheartened and nonplused as to the next step to take, when it occurred to them that the location of Meridian Lodge, at Needham, was nearer to Natick than Framingham, and therefore held legal jurisdiction over that territory. Accordingly the committee took new courage, and consulted at once with the brethren of Meridian Lodge in reference to granting them permission to petition the Grand Lodge. Gen. Charles Rice, then a prominent member of Meridian Lodge, mentioned above, informed the committee that the interest in Freemasonry was then at a very low ebb in that vicinity,, and suggested that they enter into a compact to have Meridian Lodge transferred to Natick, where it was hoped it would have a wider scope for usefulness. This agreement was gladly entered into by the Natick Brethren, and the necessary dispensation for the transfer of Meridian Lodge to Natick was granted by Rev. G. M. Randall, D.D., Most Wor. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, March 10, 1852. In the same month the first communication of Meridian Lodge was called in Natick for organization, Wor. Bro. Malachi Babcock, a Past Master of Middlesex Lodge, Framingham, was elected Wor. Master; thus entitling him to the honor of first Worshipful Master of Meridian Lodge in Natick. Bro. Isaac M. Fellows was the first candidate for degrees in the Lodge at Natick, and is now (1892) a living member of the Lodge.
We learn that the Lodge continued to flourish with more or less success until July 20, 1862, when it was located in the Walter Morse building, on East Central street. On that date the building caught fire, and nearly or quite all the property of the Lodge was destroyed by the devouring flames, including the charter and records of the Lodge; which serious loss is and always will be regretted-, for at that time the record of the Lodge from December 1797 until July 1862 was destroyed in a few short hours; also the charter which bore the signature of that distinguished patriot and zealous Mason; Past Grand Master Paul Revere. The brethren however were not disheartened, and at once proceeded to provide for the immediate future of the Lodge. A special communication was at once called to meet at the house of the Worshipful Master, Alvin Fuller, on the evening of July 21,1862. At this meeting Alvin Fuller,, W. M., and Bros. J. M. Seaward, Sr., John W. Bacon (afterwards Judge Bacon), James H. Parker, and Nathan Reed were elected to petition the Most Wor. Grand Lodge for a new charter in placed of the one destroyed at the recent fire. A committee was also appointed to provide a suitable hall for Lodge meetings.
July 28, 1862
A Special Communication was held at which Bros. J. H. Parker, Sen. Warden, and J. M. Seaward, Treasurer, were appointed to collect the money due from Dorchester Insurance Company on account of recent loss by fire.
August 6, 1862
Regular Communication. A committee consisting of Bros. Secretary L. R. Edgerton, Treasurer J. M. Seaward, and George L. Sawin to repair and furnish the hall.*
September 3, 1862
First meeting in Masonic Hall since fire; Regular Communication and official visit of D. D. Grand Master Henry Goddard. The dispensation from the Grand Master was read.
THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF MERIDIAN LODGE FROM OCTOBER 1, 1862
THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 1892 THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST.
October 21, 1863
Annual Communication and first meeting held in new hall fitted up in Walcott Block, facing the Common on the west side, between West Central and Pond streets.
Br. James H. Parker elected Worshipful Master.
November 9, 1864
Official visit of D. D. Grand Master Rev. J. W. Dadmun, accompanied by Most Wor. William Parkinan, Grand Master of Freemasons in Massachusetts, who installed Wor. Master Malachi Babcock and officers elect for the ensuing year.
July 21, 1869
First Communication in new Masonic Hall, Morse's Block, which stood on the present site of Masonic Block. This hall was furnished at a cost of $1842.27; a portion of which was voluntarily contributed by brethren of the Lodge.
*The first hall occupied by the Lodge after the fire, was located in Clark's Building, comer of West Central and Main Streets.
Next (To be continued....) (ends here)
http://www.masslodges.org/Meridian/history_lodge_1797_4.htm
More Prescotts from Janice
Attached is the (as usual) superb NEHGS item - of which I
have 3 items
p.243
Benjamin Prescott son of Capt. Jonathan Prescott (son of John Prescott,
founder of Lancaster). Benjamin Prescott was born Sept 16, 1687 (see
p.46, Prescott Memorial) and graduated Harvard in 1709. He was ordained
minister at Salem Village (Danvers) Sept 23, 1713.
The Boston Gazette of 1777, reported:
"In this office he continued about 45 years, discharging its duties
with such capacity and fidelity as gave him an extensive reputation. When
he thought himself called to resign his pastoral charge, he was introduced
into the magistracy, which he supported with honor to himself and usefulness
to the public; always appearing the same man, and exhibiting an uniform
piety and virtue in every station. He had great political as well
as theological knowledge. He well understood the laws, the rights, and
the interest of his country; and defended them with great strength of reason
as well as generous warmth of heart. In this service his pen was frequently
and largely employed, more especially at the commencement of the important
controversy of the Revolution, though his name was concealed; and the clearness,
the consistency, the force and vivacity with which he would support a long
train of argument even when he had entered his 90th year was truly surprising.
"Few, very few attained so great an age as he did with
so much comfort to thenselves and their friends, and so much usefuloness.
Besides employing himself in some writings which he left unfinished,
but enough to show the remaining vigor of his mind, he transacted considerable
business as a magistrate till within a week of his death. After he was
seized with the violent fever that soon put an end to his life, he could
speak but little, but he satisfactorily evinced, that he had those inward
consolations and supports, which are the genuine result of that blessed
religion which he had so long professed, preached and practiced." (end, Boston
Gazette article).
He died May 28, 1777, in his 90th year. He married three times:
1st, Elizabeth Higginson of Salem by whom he had two sons and three
daughters.
Benjamin Prescott, the eldest was graduated at Harvard College in
1736 and married in 1741 Rebecca Minott, daughter of the Hon. James
Minott, lived in Salem and had eight children.
Rebecca Prescott, the eldest, married the Hon. Roger Sherman of New
Haven, CT. Her brothers, James Prescott & Benjamin Prescott also lived
there; the former married Rebecca Barrett of Concord.
2nd, Mercy Giggs, the dau. of Rev. Henry Gibbs of Watertown, by
whom he had:
Henry Prescott who died at New Castle, Sept. 10, 1816, father to
Benjamin, Henry and William Pepperell of that town, and George Washington
Prescott.
3d, Mary (Pepperell) Coleman, widow of the Rev. Benjamin
Coleman and the daughter of Sir William Pepperell.
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth
Subject: Rev. Benjamin Prescott, son of Capt. Jonathan Prescott
& grandson of John Prescott, founder of Lancaster, Mass.
Source: Prescott Memorial
p.46
Rev. Benjamin Prescott b. Sept. 16, 1687, grad. Harvard College in
1709, studied & prepared for the ministry and was ordained over the
church of the Second Precinct in Salem, subsequently Danvers and South
Danvers, now (1860) the town of Peabody. Ordained Sept 23, 1713, where he
officiated with fidelity and sucess for 45 years.
He married for his first wife, Elizabeth Higginson, dau. of John Higginson, Esq., of Salem, Oct 20, 1715. She was born June 28, 1696 and died March 20, 1723.
He married (2) Mercy, daughter of Rev. Henry Gibbs of Watertown
on July 15, 1732. She died Dec. 18th, 1744. He married (3)
Mary, the sister of the first Sir William Pepperell on Oct 6, 1748, as
her third husband. (Her first husband was the Hon. John Frost of New Castle,
N.H.
2nd husband was Rev. Benjamin Coleman, D. D. of Boston. She was
born Sept 4, 1686 and died April 18, 1766.
The Rev. Benjamin Prescott died May 27, 1777 aged 90 years.
His mind beng well stored with political, as well as theological knowledge,
he, upon retiring from his pastoral duties, entered into the public life,
where he always exhibited the same uniform piety and virtue in every
station in which he was placed, discharging his duties with fidelity
and with honor, to himself and usefulness to the public, etc.
p.52
Issue of Rev. Benjamin Prescott and Elizabeth Higginson of Salem
Village:
1. Benjamin Prescott b. Jan 29, 1717; grad. Harvard College in
1736; m. Aug 12, 1741, Rebecca, dau of James & Martha (Lane) Minot,
b. May 15, 1720. He was a Justice of the Peace and an enterprising
merchant in Salem, where he died Aug 18, 1778 in his 62nd year.
She died Oct 8, 1761 in her 42nd year. Their children
(p.66)
1. Rebecca Prescott b. May 20, 1742; m. May 12, 1763 the Hon. Roger
Sherman, signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was born at Newton,
Mass. April 19, 1721. He was the son of William Sherman of Newton and
the grandson of Joseph Sherman and the great-grandson of Capt. John Sherman
who came from Dedham, England to Watertown, Mass. in 1634 or 1635. Roger
Sherman had m. (1) about 1749, Elizabeth Hartwell of Stoughton, Mass.
by whom he had seven children. She died October, 1760 and he m. (2)
Rebecca Prescott and by her had eight children.
2. Martha Prescott b. Nov. 23, 1744; m. Sept 29, 1767, Stephen
Goodhue, son of Benjamin Goodhue of Salem and had two children.
3. Benjamin Prescott b. March 14, 1746; died May, 1750.
7. Benjamin Prescott b. Oct 27, 1757; m. (1) April 7, 1783, Hannah
Blakeslie, dau of Tilley & Thankful (Allen) Blakeslie, b. 1762 and
died at Calais, Maine, May 10, 1824 aged 62 yrs. He m. (2) Oct 1831,
Jane Woodford of Avon, CT where she was born in 1788, and where she died
Aug 9, 1867 aged 79. He died at New Haven Oct 23, 1839 aged 82 years.
His widow, Jane afterward married a Mr. Griswold.
8. Mary Prescott b. May 9, 1760, m. July 8,1799, Peter, the
son of Col. James & Rebecca (Hubbard) Barrett of Concord, Mass. &
brother to Rebecca who married her brother James Prescott (above); they
lived in Concord, Mass.and had eight children.
2. John Prescott b. Aug 17, 1718 died next day.
3. Hannah Prescott b. Dec. 6, 1719; m. Dec 29, 1737, Capt. Daniel
Eppes, son of Col. Daniel Eppes, b. Nov 8, 1710; died 1780.
She died Sept 18, 1769, leaving nine children.
4. Elizabeth Prescott b. Sept 15, 1721; m. March 1755, William
son of John & Mary (Pepperell) Frost of New Castle, N.H. She died March,
1758; he died Sept. 17, 1778.
5. Sarah Prescott b. Jan 29, 1723, died May 12, 1723.
Rev. Benjamin Prescott and his 2nd wife, Mercy Gibbs had issue:
6. Henry Prescott b. July 19, 1735; died Jan 19, 1736.
7. Henry Prescott b.July 25, 1737, m. Oct. 9, 1760, Mary, dau of
Joseph Newmarch of New Castle, N.H. b. 1732. She was the
grand-daughter of the Hon. William Pepperell. She was a woman of great
courage and firmness, mingled with vivacity, cheerfulness and ready wit.
It is related of her that when advised to leave New Castle on account
of the expected invasion by the British troops in 1776, that she declared
she would not leave "until she could see the whites of the enemy's eyes."
She afterward concluded that "discretion was the better part of valor,"
and removed to Kittery, where her youngest son the Hon. George W. Prescott
was born Jan. 8, 1776. She died 1822 aged 90 years. He died
Sept 10, 1816 aged 79 years. He was a merchant.
rodbigelow@netzero.net
