Robert Merritt
M, #8107, b. 10 March 1731, d. December 1802
Parents
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| Note | Some notes list him as born 1740 and/or dead 1822 This is a history of that Merritt Branch descended from Robert Merritt, a Loyalist of Westchester County New York State, who, early in 1783, went to Nova Scotia to establish for himself and his family a New Home under the British Crown. Like several thousand other Loyalists, he went first to Port Roseway (now Shelbume) in present day Nova Scotia. There he filed on two land claims -- one on the mainland, the other (50 acres) on McNutts Island in Shelbume Harbor. After a very discouraging winter of extreme cold, gales and storms, and on discovering, upon clearing much of the land, that the Shelburne soil was very rough and rocky and ill-fitted for profitable farming, the migrants proceeded to petition the British Government to be moved elsewhere. By June 1784, more than 8,000 of the 9,000 people at Shelburne and environs pulled up stakes and moved away. Some went to Halifax, others to Digby. Most of these 8,000 went to Parr Town (now Saint John) at the mouth of the Saint John River. Some few of these settled in Parr Town; the most of them, however, went on up the Saint John River to settle along its banks and its largest tributaries on lands assigned to them by the British Government. This was done to recompense them for the confiscation by the Americans of their American property. So by determination and hard work they attained contentment and success. Here they found peace. In the 1600's Champlain landed French settlers at the mouth of the St. John River and also on an island not far off from the present Town of St. Andrews. A year later he came back from France with fresh supplies for these settlements and with new settlers whom he landed in the Annapolis Valley and nearby points in present Nova Scotia. This was repeated in the following years. Under the French rule all that is now New Brunswick and also Nova Scotia was named Acadia. This name they both held till 1713 when Acadia was ceded by France to Great Britain. Once under the British Crown, Britishers began to come there from both the Old Country and from the American Provinces. Since many of these from Britain were from Scotland, the name Acadia was replaced by the name Nova Scotia. All Acadia bore this new name (Nova Scotia) till August 8, 1784 when the British Parliament separated the northem half of the Province from the southern half, giving to the northern half the name New Brunswick. To New Brunswick it also gave a Parliament and a Governor of its own. Fredericton became its Capital. After that date Nova Scotia meant only the southern half and the Halifax government no longer held jurisdiction over New Brunswick or its people. During 1783 and the first half of 1784 more than 20,000 Loyalists came direct to New Brunswick. In early 1784 more than 8,000 more Loyalists came there from Shelbome. Thus the new Province of New Brunswick started with around 30,000 people of British stock. Our Robert Merritt was among those who left Shelbome early in 1784 and came to Parr Town and settled on farms up along the St. John River, on land assigned to them by the British Govemment. Here hope and courage began to tum the dense forests into tillable fields with comfortable homes for its people. Robert Merritt took up a land grant on the Long Reach, the part of that country between where the Bellisle and Kennebecosis Rivers emptied into the St. John River. His holdings were forty odd miles up the St. John River on the west side at, what a few years later, becameHampstead, Queens County. Later he added to his land grant. Robert's brother Thomas IV went to St. John and lived there the balance of his live. He died in 1821 aged 92 years and is buried in Kings Square Cemetery. Two of Thomas' sons, David D. and Nehemiah, also lived the balance of their lives in St. John, becoming wealthy merchants there. His oldest son, Thomas V, went to St. Catherines, Ontario in 1796 and settled there and there raised his family. When the war ended, notice was posted that all rebels who wished to do so could return to their homes and property unmolested. Believing in the sincerity of that proclaimation Thomas IV and two of his sons, Thomas V and Shuball, went back to Bedford their former home. Soon after their return a riot broke out in Bedford with the Whigs fighting the retumed (former) rebels and in this riot, Shuball was shot down in the street in front of his wife's parents' home, and killed. Immediately following that, after Thomes IV and his son David gave Shuball decent burial, Thomas IV and 3 of his sons -- Thomas V, David and Nehemiah -- left Bedford, never to retum, and went to New York City. There they joined the first shipload of Loyalists leaving for the St. John River Country. Mary Hamilton joined her husband (Thomas V) in the exodus. During the stay in New York waiting for the ship to sail she gave birth to a daughter who soon died. When winter came to Parr Town (later St. John city) all found its cold and foggy weather very trying, especially Mary Hamilton Merritt, bom and raised in the Carolinas. Before the spring of 1784 she gave birth to another daughter and it too soon died there. With the coming of the 1784 summer Thomas V and his wife Mary returned to New York City and later to Bedford, Westchester County where they lived for a few years. Then in the late 1794 she again gave birth to another daughter. Colonel Simcoe made a trip overland in 1795 to Upper Canada to try to secure land grants for his Rangers. His visit proved successful so he returned to New York State and proclaimed to his old soldiers that they could get fine land, free in Ontario. Result -- hundreds took his advice. Thomas Merritt V and his wife Mary with their two young children joined these and 1796 they all went to Ontario -- overland. The Merritts settled at what is now St. Catherines, Ontario where more children were bom to them. Thomas V died there in 1842. A Robert listed in ref'd book, arrived on the ship Cy (Cyrus?). Robert Merritt, Probate, 1801 [Abstract] Robert Merritt of the parish of Hampstead in the County of Queens and province of New Brunswick. After the payment of all my just debts and funeral charges, I give to my wife Elizabeth the whole of my lands, cows, sheep, hogs, house and household furniture during her natural life. To my son Caleb the sum of ten shillings. To my granddaughter Anna ____ one cow and three sheep and one bed and bedding and six chairs, one pot and one kettle and six knives and forks and six spoons and whatever may remain of my estate after my time comes shall be equally divided among my three sons and five daughters only, with the provision that there shall be paid to my grandson and granddaughter ____ _____ and Elizabeth Merritts the sum of six pounds five shillings each. I do hearby ordain John Golding Esq. And my sons Gilbert and Jorael [spelling unsure] executors. Witnesses: Stephen Golding Thomas Golding Robert Merritt Sr. and his wife Elizabeth lived and raised their 6 children in Hampstead, Long Island, NY. After the Revolutinonary War between the U.S. and Great Britain, the British Govt. offered to transport all Loyalist to Canada and give them tracts of land. Robert of Westchester Co., N.Y. early in 1783 with his brother and his own wife and their 6 children along with 10,000 other Loyalist went to Port Roseway (now Shelborne) Nova Scotia, Can. They were transported and given land by the British Government. He filed land claims on the mainland & McNutt Island. Dissatisfied, 8000 of the 9000 Loyalist including Robert moved to N.B. in 1784. It was a harsh very cold winter and the soil was not suitable for farming. Until Aug 8, 1784 New Brunswick was part of Nova Scotia. At this date the new Province of New Brunswick was established with Fredricton as its Capitol. Robert Merritt took a land grant 40 miles up the St.John river on the West side. This land is called 'Long Reach' which is between where the Bellesile and Kennebecosis Rivers empty into the St. John River. Later his district became Hampstead and the surrounding County, Queens County. Some Loyalists went to Halifax, a few to Digby, most of them to Parr Town (Now St.John) and up the river to farms assigned to them by the British Government. Robert lived at Long Reach, N.B., Canada. Robert, from Queen's County, NY listed in the 'Returns of derelict Property within the British Lines assigned or leased by His Excellency, Lt. Gen. Robertson for His Majesty's use or for the relief of his Loyal Subjects driven from their Habitations by the Rebels.' 'The King's Loyal Americans: The Canadian Fact' Passenger Lists. By B. Wood-Holt (1991), p. 281. |
| Birth | Robert Merritt was born on 10 March 1731, in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG.1 |
| Marriage | He married Elizabeth Robinson Before 1763, in Long Island, New York, USAG. |
| Immigration | He immigrated to Shelburne, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, CanadaG, in 1783. |
| Death | He died in December 1802 in Hampstead, Queens County, New Brunswick, CanadaG.1 |
Citations
- [S260] Peter Bela Merey, Ed., compiler, Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch, U.E.L. (Toronto, Canada: Pro Familia, 1991). Hereinafter cited as Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch, U.E.L..
Elizabeth Robinson
F, #8108, b. 1742, d. 1825
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| Name | Elizabeth Robinson was also known as Elizabeth Merritt. |
| Birth | She was born in 1742. |
| Marriage | She married Robert Merritt son of Thomas Merritt and Mary Underhill, Before 1763, in Long Island, New York, USAG. |
| Immigration | Elizabeth Robinson immigrated to Shelburne, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, CanadaG, in 1783. They emigrated from New York. |
| Death | She died in 1825. |
Caleb Merritt
M, #8109, b. 1763, d. 5 August 1821
Parents
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| Birth | Caleb Merritt was born in 1763, in Long Island, New York, USAG. |
| Immigration | He immigrated to Shelburne, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, CanadaG, in 1783. He arrived on the ship Montague. |
| Marriage | He married on 21 January 1807.1 |
| Death | He died on 5 August 1821. |
Citations
- [S276] B. Wood-Holt, Early Marriage Records of New Brunswick: Saint John City and County from the British Conquest to 1839 (Saint John, N.B.: Holland House, Inc., 1986). Hereinafter cited as Early Marriage Records of New Brunswick: Saint John City and County from the British Conquest to 1839.
Mary Merritt
F, #8111, b. 1768
Parents
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| Birth | Mary Merritt was born in 1768, in Long Island, New York, USAG. |
| Immigration | She immigrated to Shelburne, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, CanadaG, in 1783. |
Israel Merritt
M, #8112, b. 1769, d. 4 April 1829
Parents
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| Birth | Israel Merritt was born in 1769, in Long Island, New York, USAG. |
| Immigration | He immigrated to Shelburne, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, CanadaG, in 1783. |
| Death | He died on 4 April 1829. |
Robert Jr. Merritt
M, #8117, b. 14 September 1771, d. 22 February 1865
Parents
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| Birth | Robert Jr. Merritt was born on 14 September 1771, in Long Island, New York, USAG. |
| Immigration | He immigrated to Shelburne, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, CanadaG, in 1783. |
| Death | He died on 22 February 1865. |
Thomas Merritt
M, #8119, b. 1694, d. 1748
Parents
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| Note | Their three children were bom and grew up at Rye, Westchester County, New York. After the death of his wife Mary, in 1735, Thomas III secured the services of an Aunt of his to keep house for him and his sons. She continued this task till 1749, one year after Thomas III died (at Rye), when failing health compelled her to go back to her relatives for care for herself. Since Nathaniel, the youngest of these three brothers, had died in 1746*, Thomas IV and Robert closed up the home and they each went their own way thereafter. * NOTE: This is inconsistent with other statements that Nathaniel came to New Brunswick with his two sons. |
| Birth | Thomas Merritt was born in 1694, in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG.1 |
| Marriage | He married Mary Underhill daughter of Samuel Underhill and Mary, Before 1729, in Rye, New York, USAG.1 |
| Death | Thomas Merritt died in 1748 in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
Citations
- [S260] Peter Bela Merey, Ed., compiler, Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch, U.E.L. (Toronto, Canada: Pro Familia, 1991). Hereinafter cited as Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch, U.E.L..
Mary Underhill
F, #8120, b. 1698, d. 10 April 1735
Parents
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Citations
- [S260] Peter Bela Merey, Ed., compiler, Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch, U.E.L. (Toronto, Canada: Pro Familia, 1991). Hereinafter cited as Loyalist Families of the Grand River Branch, U.E.L..
Thomas Merritt
M, #8121, b. 12 April 1729, d. 23 March 1821
Parents
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| Note | RMR has birth as 24 Apr 1736 Arrived on the ship Cy (Cyrus?). Thomas and one of his sons immigrated to Canada as 'Loyalists' (Loyal to the English Queen - at this time Loyalists were given transportation and free tracts of land in Canada) early in 1783 and settled permanently in Parr Town (now the city of Saint John) at the mouth of the St.John River. |
| Birth | Thomas Merritt was born on 12 April 1729, in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Marriage | He married Amy Purdy. |
| Emigration | He emigrated in 1783 from New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died on 23 March 1821 in Saint John, Saint John County, New Brunswick, CanadaG. |
Children with Amy Purdy b. 2 November 1736, d. About 1783
Nathaniel Merritt
M, #8122, b. 4 January 1732/33, d. 10 April 1746
Parents
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| Birth | Nathaniel Merritt was born on 4 January 1732/33, in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died on 10 April 1746. |
James Ghormley1
M, #8123, b. 10 March 1825, d. 1 October 1882
Parents
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| Reference Number | James Ghormley had reference number 11K6-JSD. |
| Birth | He was born on 10 March 1825, in Parke County, Indiana, USAG. |
| Marriage | He married Julia Ann Stewart daughter of Levi Stewart and Abby Powell, on 28 December 1848, in Parke County, Indiana, USAG. |
| Death | James Ghormley died on 1 October 1882 in Parke County, Indiana, USAG. |
Citations
- [S266] LDS, Ancestral File (TM)., CD-ROM (Salt Lake City, Utah: July 1996 (c), data as of 2 January 1996), Compiled records. Hereinafter cited as Ancestral File (TM).
Amy Purdy
F, #8124, b. 2 November 1736, d. About 1783
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| Name | Amy Purdy was also known as Amy Merritt. |
| Birth | She was born on 2 November 1736. |
| Marriage | She married Thomas Merritt son of Thomas Merritt and Mary Underhill. |
| Death | Amy Purdy died About 1783 in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
Thomas Merritt
M, #8125, b. 28 October 1759, d. 12 May 1842
Parents
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| Birth | Thomas Merritt was born on 28 October 1759, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died on 12 May 1842 in St. Catharines, Ontario, CanadaG. |
Shuball Merritt
M, #8126, b. 4 January 1762, d. April 1783
Parents
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| Birth | Shuball Merritt was born on 4 January 1762, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died in April 1783 in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
David D. Merritt
M, #8128, b. 28 November 1764, d. 14 January 1829
Parents
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| Birth | David D. Merritt was born on 28 November 1764, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died on 14 January 1829 in Saint John, Saint John County, New Brunswick, CanadaG. |
John Merritt
M, #8130, b. 4 May 1766, d. 1795
Parents
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| Birth | John Merritt was born on 4 May 1766, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died in 1795. |
Phoebe Merritt
F, #8131, b. 22 July 1768, d. 31 May 1855
Parents
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| Birth | Phoebe Merritt was born on 22 July 1768, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | She died on 31 May 1855. |
Nehemiah Merritt
M, #8133, b. 1 December 1770, d. 25 March 1842
Parents
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| Birth | Nehemiah Merritt was born on 1 December 1770, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died on 25 March 1842 in Saint John, Saint John County, New Brunswick, CanadaG. |
William Merritt
M, #8135, b. 22 October 1773, d. 30 March 1849
Parents
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| Birth | William Merritt was born on 22 October 1773, in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died on 30 March 1849. |
James Willis
M, #8137, b. 1 December 1884, d. 23 April 1969
Parents
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| Birth | James Willis was born on 1 December 1884, in Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaG.1 |
| Marriage | He married Elizabeth Wakefied daughter of J. B. Wakefield, in 1910, in Tynemouth, Northumberland, EnglandG. |
| Immigration | James Willis immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaG, on 26 March 1927. |
| Death | He died on 23 April 1969 in North Cowichan, British Columbia, CanadaG. |
Citations
- [S1208] David Alexander Moore, "David Alexander Moore, compiled records", (San Ramon, California, U.S.A.). . Hereinafter cited as "David Alexander Moore, compiled records".
Martha Marshall
F, #8138, b. 1680
Parents
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| Name | Martha Marshall was also known as Martha Merritt. |
| Note | Though the History of Greenwich lists 'about 1680' as birth, it must have been before this, since Thomas' son Thomas was born in 1694. It's doubtful if she had him at 14, though possible. History of Rye also lists her birth at 'about 1680.' Possibly Thomas III was born later as well. |
| Birth | She was born in 1680.1 |
| Marriage | She married Sergeant Thomas Jr. Merritt son of Thomas Merritt and Jane Sherwood, Before 1694, in Rye, New York, USAG.1 |
Citations
- [S280] Spencer P. Mead, LL.B., Ye Historie of ye Town of Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn. (Harrison, New York: Reprinted by Harbor Hill Books, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ye Historie of ye Town of Greenwich, Fairfield Co., Conn..
John Merritt1
M, #8140, d. After 1 July 1753
Parents
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| Birth | John Merritt was born, in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
| Death | He died After 1 July 1753.1 |
Citations
- [S281] Douglas Merritt, Revised Merritt Records (New York: Tobias A. Wright, Printer and Publisher, 1916). Hereinafter cited as Revised Merritt Records.
Mercy Merritt
F, #8141, b. About 1706, d. 6 May 1721
Parents
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| Birth | Mercy Merritt was born About 1706, in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG. Birth year suggested, as she was 'under age 6' when she died.1 |
| Death | She died on 6 May 1721 in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG.1 |
Citations
- [S281] Douglas Merritt, Revised Merritt Records (New York: Tobias A. Wright, Printer and Publisher, 1916). Hereinafter cited as Revised Merritt Records.
Thomas Merritt
M, #8142, b. May 1634, d. 10 November 1725
Parents
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| Note | This note is from Jim Merrit, descendant of Charles E. Merritt (1888-1966). This Jane is not Jane Sherwood, as a number of genealogies have it listed. Who exactly Thomas Merritt's first wife was, I don't know. Following is part of an e-mail I wrote to other Merritt decendants, with the evidence as to why Jane Sherwood is not Thomas Merritt's wife (as I see it). Thomas Sherwood, the father to Jane Sherwood, came from Ipwich England in 1636, with his wife and their four youngest children. According to a Sherwood genealogy (Daniel Sherwood and his paternal Ancestors), Thomas Sherwood's older children 'were left behind to come later, it is thought with Robert Seabrook, in 1638/9--namely: Jane, Tamsen,... Mary, and Sarah; though we have seen it stated that Jane [Sherwood] married (in England), a Mr. Thompson, or Thomasine. The date Jane is thought to have come over from England his about 24 years before the Merritt records have it. If this were to follow, Jane would have been about 2 according to the date we have her born, and hardly married to Thomas Merritt, or a Mr Thompson/Thomasine (as listed in the Sherwood source above). So, Jane must have either: been born much earlier than the date we have her born at (since she was one of the older four of eight children), or, she must have come much later, around the time we thought Thomas Merritt immigrated. If she was born much earlier, and did come to America around 1638/39, it seems more doubtful that she would have been married to Thomas, and had so many children with him. Since she must have been older that Thomas Sherwood Jr., who was 10 in 1636. He was the oldest of the Sherwood children to come over from Ipwich with his father and wife. So, Jane would have had to be at least about 12 in 1636, which puts her at 36 when she married Thomas Merritt in 1656. That's a little old to start having a dozen kids. Not a reasonable possibility. If she came over later with Thomas Merritt, somewhere between 1650-1662, that does not seem right either. Thomas Sherwood came over in 1636. That's a fact. I think it must be, as the Sherwood genealogy says, that Thomas Sherwood left his oldest four children in England to come later. We have Jane Sherwood as being born in 1636. I'm sure that her mother and father would not have left an infant in England while they packed up and moved to America. So, where does that leave us? Either Jane was born much later, and possibly Thomas Merritt, as we really don't know for sure when he was born. Though it is possible, I doubt that back then a 22 year old Thomas Merritt would have married a women much older than him. More support for this is all the children he had with his first wife. She couldn't have been much older than him to have all these children. From the way this is starting to look, according to my logic anyway, is that Thomas Merritt's first wife was *not* Jane Sherwood, as the Revised Merritt Records state. This is who my great uncle Othneil Merritt had as his first wife as well, though I don't know where he got the information. I don't think he got his information from the Revised Merritt records, as a number of dates are different, and Othneil's records are lacking many dates. I guess this leaves me wondering if we really have any evidence that Jane Sherwood was the first wife of Thomas Merritt. It appears very unlikely, given the above. I tend to believe his first wife was another Jane, who's maiden name remains unknown.1 |
| Note | The first American ancestor of our (Hampstead, N.B.) Robert Sr. was Thomas Merritt. In 1662 Thomas came over from England to Massachusetts. He brought over with him his wife Jane and their three young children -- John, Alice and Joseph. Jane was the daughter of Thomas and Alice (Seabrook) Sherwood. They lived in Massachussetts only a few months, at Watertown -- then moved to Wethersfield, Connecticut where they lived for eleven years. During that eleven years, five more children were bom to them. In 1673 Thomas and his family moved to Rye, Westchester County, New York Province where still five more children were bom to them. Jane and Thomas died at Rye. 1662 is when he first appears in records at Wethersfield, Conn. It is supposed that this was about the time, or a little beforebefore, when he immigrated from England. According to various Merritt genealogies, it has been said that Thomas, his wife Jane, and their three oldest sons Immigrated from England about 1662. This is the year that he first shows up in Wethersfield, Connecticut--having purchased land here from Thomas Standish. The lot is adjoined by other Standish land on the north, the land of Robert Francis on the west, and the road to the south (Vol. 2, p30, Wethersfield town records). |
| Birth | Thomas Merritt was born in May 1634, in EnglandG.2 |
| Marriage | He married Jane Sherwood daughter of Thomas Sherwood and Alice Seabrook, on 3 December 1656. |
| Emigration | Thomas Merritt emigrated About 1662 from EnglandG. |
| Death | He died on 10 November 1725 in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG.2 |
Children with Jane Sherwood b. 3 December 1636, d. 4 January 1694
Citations
- [S258] Interview with Jim Merritt . Personal Archives of David Arthur Walker (Personal Archives of David Arthur Walker)..
- [S281] Douglas Merritt, Revised Merritt Records (New York: Tobias A. Wright, Printer and Publisher, 1916). Hereinafter cited as Revised Merritt Records.
Jane Sherwood
F, #8143, b. 3 December 1636, d. 4 January 1694
Parents
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| Name | Jane Sherwood was also known as Jane Merritt. |
| Principal 2 | She was a witness This note is from Jim Merrit, descendant of Charles E. Merritt (1888-1966). This Jane is not Jane Sherwood, as a number of genealogies have it listed. Who exactly Thomas Merritt's first wife was, I don't know. Following is part of an e-mail I wrote to other Merritt decendants, with the evidence as to why Jane Sherwood is not Thomas Merritt's wife (as I see it). Thomas Sherwood, the father to Jane Sherwood, came from Ipwich England in 1636, with his wife and their four youngest children. According to a Sherwood genealogy (Daniel Sherwood and his paternal Ancestors), Thomas Sherwood's older children 'were left behind to come later, it is thought with Robert Seabrook, in 1638/9--namely: Jane, Tamsen,... Mary, and Sarah; though we have seen it stated that Jane [Sherwood] married (in England), a Mr. Thompson, or Thomasine. The date Jane is thought to have come over from England his about 24 years before the Merritt records have it. If this were to follow, Jane would have been about 2 according to the date we have her born, and hardly married to Thomas Merritt, or a Mr Thompson/Thomasine (as listed in the Sherwood source above). So, Jane must have either: been born much earlier than the date we have her born at (since she was one of the older four of eight children), or, she must have come much later, around the time we thought Thomas Merritt immigrated. If she was born much earlier, and did come to America around 1638/39, it seems more doubtful that she would have been married to Thomas, and had so many children with him. Since she must have been older that Thomas Sherwood Jr., who was 10 in 1636. He was the oldest of the Sherwood children to come over from Ipwich with his father and wife. So, Jane would have had to be at least about 12 in 1636, which puts her at 36 when she married Thomas Merritt in 1656. That's a little old to start having a dozen kids. Not a reasonable possibility. If she came over later with Thomas Merritt, somewhere between 1650-1662, that does not seem right either. Thomas Sherwood came over in 1636. That's a fact. I think it must be, as the Sherwood genealogy says, that Thomas Sherwood left his oldest four children in England to come later. We have Jane Sherwood as being born in 1636. I'm sure that her mother and father would not have left an infant in England while they packed up and moved to America. So, where does that leave us? Either Jane was born much later, and possibly Thomas Merritt, as we really don't know for sure when he was born. Though it is possible, I doubt that back then a 22 year old Thomas Merritt would have married a women much older than him. More support for this is all the children he had with his first wife. She couldn't have been much older than him to have all these children. From the way this is starting to look, according to my logic anyway, is that Thomas Merritt's first wife was *not* Jane Sherwood, as the Revised Merritt Records state. This is who my great uncle Othneil Merritt had as his first wife as well, though I don't know where he got the information. I don't think he got his information from the Revised Merritt records, as a number of dates are different, and Othneil's records are lacking many dates. I guess this leaves me wondering if we really have any evidence that Jane Sherwood was the first wife of Thomas Merritt. It appears very unlikely, given the above. I tend to believe his first wife was another Jane, who's maiden name remains unknown. with Thomas Merritt and Jane Sherwood.1 |
| Birth | She was born on 3 December 1636, in Fairfield, Connecticut, USAG.2 |
| Marriage | She married Thomas Merritt son of Henry Merritt and Deborah, on 3 December 1656. |
| Death | Jane Sherwood died on 4 January 1694 in Rye, Westchester County, New York, USAG. |
Citations
- [S258] Interview with Jim Merritt . Personal Archives of David Arthur Walker (Personal Archives of David Arthur Walker)..
- [S283] The Fanning Family Heritage, online http://www.familytreemaker.com/users/f/a/n/David-A-Fanning/. Hereinafter cited as The Fanning Family Heritage.