How Close Did my Ancestors Live to Each Other

Have you ever wondered how close your ancestors may have lived to each other? I found a land document that answered that question for me about the Benjamin and Warner lines.

When I am back East visiting family I always want to spend some time at the Suffolk County Land Records Department in Riverhead, New York. I am constantly amazed at some of the things I am finding in a location that many choose not to explore. A while back I discovered the Archives room in the Land Records office. The ledgers here are the fist record books dating back to the early 1700s, I believe. These ledgers and are not out on public display in the regular land deed section, I am guessing, due to their age. Ledgers from this time period need to be specifically requested and if the pages are not in sleeve protectors then you must use gloves to touch and turn the pages. When I was there in May I was waiting for the Archivist, Sharon Pullen, and stopped to look at several of the display cases that were there. I am usually in such a hurry to get copies of the records I am looking for and get on with my day that I rarely take the time to look at what is on display figuring it doesn’t relate to me anyway. This time was different…

The display case had to do with Unacknowledged Deeds.

(photo unacknowledged deeds)

Unacknowledged Deeds as stated in the display case are deeds that do “not contain a notary’s acknowledgement of the signature”. That’s interesting and I had never thought to verify that there was a notary’s signature on the documents I have found. Good information to have as a genealogist. I continued to look at the documents in the case and found the following:

(click on image to enlarge)

Transcription:

Know all men by these presents that I Nathan Benjamin of the Town of Riverhead in the County of Suffolk and state of New York for and in Consideration of the sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid by John Benjamin of the town County of Suffolk and state aforesaid John Benjamin and I for my self and heirs executors and administrators do bargain and sell unto John Benj his heirs executors administrations and assigns for ever a sertain tract or parcel of land situate and lying in the town of riverhead County of Suffolk and state of New York and bounded as follows _ beginning at the North East corner of the land Called listcums place thence running westerly by the land of James Warner unto the land of Benjamin Edwards thence running easterly through the middle of the pond by that land of Benjamin Edwards until it strikes into the middle road thence Easterly by the middle road unto the highway that leads from Richard Albertsons mill to the north road thence northerly by said highway as far a the north end of James Hullses land lying the west side of the highway thence running easterly by the land of James Hulls twenty five rods thence running southerly by the land of James hulls unto the land of James Terry or middle of the pond thence easterly by the land of James terry unto the land of William Horton thence running northerly by the land of William Horton as far as a hedge fence North end of the first cleared lot Northward of the uncleared land thence westerly by the said hedge fence the north end the said cleared lot unto the North west corner thence westerly from the Corner a strait corse to the northeast Corner of theaforesaid listum place or place of beginning which closes the farm which is by Estimation one hundred and thirty acres be the same more of less To have and to hold the above written premises with all the privileges and appertainances there unto belonging on in any wise appertaining and I the said Nathan Benjamin for myself my heirs executors and administrators do warrant and defend the above written premaces to be clean and free from all lawful claim or Claims whatever from all person or persons whomsoever Unto the said John Benjamin his heirs executors administrators and assigns forever in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this first day of April in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen Signed Sealed and delivered in presents of
Nathan Benjamin                                                                                 Nathan Benjamin
Daniel Benjamin


Some background on my paternal ancestors and some interesting connections that I was able to draw: 

• There were at least 3-4 generations of men named ‘Nathan’ Benjamin.
• Nathan Benjamin I married Deborah Clark, my 6^th great-grandparents.
• Nathan Benjamin II (1733-1805) married Jemima Aldrich, my 5^th great grandparents.
• Nathan Benjamin III (1760-1838) married Joanna Swezey, my 4^th great-grandparents and parents of Jemima Benjamin who is my 3^rd great-grandmother.
• The ‘Nathan Benjamin’ must be referring to my 4^th great-grandfather Nathan Benjamin III who is the only one that was living at the time this document was written.
• Were the Nathan and Daniel Benjamin that signed as witnesses the sons of Nathan Benjamin III? I believe so.
• James Warner (1762-1803) is my 4^th great grandfather. In 1817 James had passed away but his wife Anna/Glorianna Edwards was still living.
• James and Ana’s son Daniel Warner (my 3^rd great-grandfather) had been married about 5 years at the time this document was written to Jemima Benjamin. (They married about 1812). 
• Daniel had a brother named James Warner, Jr. (1786-1853) who married Huldah Wells in 1817. This must be the James Warner owner of the property referenced in the above document.
• I have yet to find any documents showing James Warner Sr’s original purchase of land in the Baiting Hollow area, so, I do not know the exact location of his land. Land deeds such as this one confirm the general area the family lived and the fact that land was owned. Perhaps some of the land referenced was land James Jr. received or purchased from his father James Warner Sr?

This would mean that my 3rd great aunt and uncle, James Jr and Huldah Warner and my 4^th great-grandparents Nathan & Joanna Benjamin owned adjoining property in 1817.

The ‘Terry’ and ‘Edwards’ names are also ancestral Surnames from this area. I’ll need to do additional research to see if Benjamin Edwards and James Terry who are property owners referenced are also ‘family’.

It’s amazing how one document can locate several ancestral lines in the same location at a particular point in time. One of the many reasons I enjoying looking for property deeds, acknowledged or unacknowledged. Remember to also take the time to look at display cases that are right in front of you. You’ll never know what treasures you might find and the translation was already done for me!

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Tombstone Tuesday Jemima Aldrich Benjamin

Jemima Aldrich Benjamin is my paternal 5x great-grandmother

Jemima is buried next to her husband Nathan Benjamin II at the Baiting Hollow Cemetery, Suffolk County, New York

Transcription:

In

Memory of

Jemima Relict of

Nathan Benjamin

who died Jan. 11, 1810

in the 75 year

of her age

Behold, all you that do pass by,

As you are now so once was I,

As I am now, so you must be,

Prepare for death and follow me.

Click on titles of previous posts to read more:  Jemima Aldrich Benjamin and Amanuensis Monday the Will of Jemima Aldrich Benjamin. 

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Jemima Aldrich Benjamin

My paternal 5th great-grandmother was Jemima Aldrich Benjamin.

 Jemima was born in Mattituck, Suffolk County, New York about 1735. 

• This area of eastern Long Island was known by the Indians as  “Marratooka”  then “Marrituck” and later changed by the settlers to Mattituck.  Mattituck was believed to be derived from the words “matta” no and “–tuck, –tugk” tree.

Jemima’s parents were Jacob Aldrich and Bethiah (Evans ?).  Jemima, I believe, was the youngest of 7 children.


Jemima ‘Aldridge’ would marry Nathan Benjamin, Jr. from Baiting Hollow, New York 13 February 1755 at the Mattituck Presbyterian Church. Jemima and Nathan would live in Baiting Hollow, New York about 10 miles from where she was born and raised. 

(click on image to enlarge)

What a time to be raising a family as the Revolutionary War is happening!

• From Craven’s book The History of Mattituck, “But it is a matter of well-known history that all the people of Long Island were sorely pressed in those terrible years [Revolutionary War].”  British troops were encamped in Mattituck and officers were quartered in the houses of local residents while farmers crops were taken to feed the troops.  Many young men left to fight for freedom, some of the residents of the area left for other places,  but most residents stayed and let necessity shape their course of action. 
• I wonder if they were a little ‘out of the way’ in Baiting Hollow?  How much were they affected on a daily basis by the British troops being in the area?

Jemima’s own husband Nathan would be one of the men who served during the Revolution.  What was that like for her while he was gone?  She had a farm to run and five children in 1775.

• In March 1792 when Riverhead town was organized as a separate town from Southold, Baiting Hollow was considered a scattered settlement with two churches.

Jemima would give birth over the course of about 24 years to seven children:  Deborah, Nathan (my 4x great-grandfather), Mary ‘Bethia’, Phineas, Jacob, Rachel and Jemima.  Jemima’s last child was born when she was about 44 years old.

Jemima and Nathan would be married for 30 years when Nathan died in 1805. 

Jemima would live another 5 years and die 11 January 1810.  Nathan and Jemima are buried together in the Baiting Hollow Cemetery, Suffolk County, New York.

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Tombstone Tuesday - Jemima Benjamin Warner

Jemima Benjamin Warner is my paternal 3x great-grandmother. 

Jemima is buried next to her husband Daniel Warner at the Baiting Hollow Cemetery in Baiting Hollow, Suffolk County, New York.

Transcription:

Jemima

Wife of

Daniel Warner

Died

Nov. 9 1870

AE 79 ys 9 mo

& 2 ds

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord

(Click on titles of previous posts to read more: Jemima Benjamin Warner and A Land Record With a Twist-Daniel and Jemima Benjamin Warner.)

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

1827 Pupil List for School District #3 Baiting Hollow New York

Trying to add more to the stories of our ancestors’ lives comes from a variety of records, many that you may never have thought to look for.  While in New York at Christmas I found an interesting source of information at the Riverhead Historian’s Office.  Georgette Case, Riverhead’s Town Historian, was able to help me locate the following when I asked if she knew of any records related to School District #3 in Baiting Hollow, New York:

Transcription:

To the Commissioners of Common Schools in the Town of Riverhead-

We the Trustees of the third school district in the said Town do report that a school has been kept in our district ten months during the year ending with the date hereof by teachers duly qualified according to law. That the amount of money received from the Commissioner of Common Schools is 26, 12/100 dollars all of which has been paid to qualified teachers. That there have been 60 children taught in our district school during the past year and that there were 67 children between the ages of five and fifteen years inclusive residing in our district on the first day of January last with the following persons

                 John Corwin Jr – 1                                                                     Seth H. Wells - 2

                         Wd [Widow] Permelia Wells – 2                                                 Eleazer Dayton - 1
                        James Y. Wells – 3                                                                     Wd. [Widow] Harriet Youngs - 2
                        Jeffrey Hutchinson – 3                                                                David Howell - 4
                        Matthias Hutchinson – 4                                                             Jeremiah Youngs - 2
                        William Horton – 1                                                                      Daniel Warner - 3
                       Jacob Benjamin – 3                                                                     Abel Corwin - 4
                       Nathan Benjamin – 2                                                                   Silvanus Brown - 2
                       Silas Hulse – 3                                                                             Higby Raynor - 1
                       Richard Skidmore – 2                                                                   James Youngs - 4
                       Daniel Edwards – 2                                                                      Calvin Cook - 2
                       Jeremiah Terry – 2                                                                       Israel Wells - 2
                      Jonah Hulse – 4                                                                            Micah Howell - 1
                      Phineas T. Edwards – 5

Total 67 children

All which we certify to be true.

Dated at the third district in the town of Riverhead March 29 AD 1827

Trustees –Micah Howell and Abel Corwin

• Daniel & Jemima Benjamin Warner, my paternal 2x great grandparents, had 4 children that would have been between the ages of 5 and 15: Lewis (age 14) and Goldsmith (age 11), my great grandfather Daniel Jr (age 9) and Joanna (about age 6) in 1827. Since Daniel is listed as having 3 children in school I wonder if Joanna was perhaps not yet sent to school in 1827 or was Joanna in school and Lewis already working on the family farm and not attending school?  My guess is Joanna wasn’t in school yet.
• Amazing that the school received $26.12 to pay 2 teachers for a year of services.
• This record helps me establish who the families were with children that my ancestors would have known and gone to school with.  Community connections.
• Through marriages, I recognize other family Surnames that are part of my ancestral line: Benjamin, Howell, etc.  

The information I'm adding to the story of my ancestors’ lives this time comes from an unusual source of information-school records.  (Special thanks to Georgette Case for all her help.)  Be sure to remember to visit and research at local Town Historian’s offices.  It’s amazing the records that are out there waiting to be discovered!

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

I have been unable to locate photos of School District #3 in Baiting Hollow, New York. Any suggestions?

Jemima Benjamin Warner

Jemima Benjamin Warner is my paternal 3x great-grandmother.  What can I find out about her?

• Suffolk County was created in 1683.  The Revolutionary War ended in 1783 and the first census of the United States was done in 1790 with Census day being 2 August 1790. 

When searching the census for Southold, Suffolk County, New York the following Heads of Households are listed;

• Nathan Benjamin Junior  (father of Jemima)
• James Warner (father of Daniel Warner)

Jemima was born 7 February 1791 in Baiting Hollow, Suffolk County, New York.  Her parents were Nathan Benjamin and Joanna Swezey Benjamin.

Jemima grew up as the 4th child of 8 children:  Joanna, Nathan, Polly, Jemima, John, Daniel Sarah and Goldsmith.

• Riverhead was created from Southold in 1792.  According to the 1800 US Federal census Riverhead had a population of 1,498.

Jemima, aged 21, married Daniel Warner, aged 28, about 1812 in Baiting Hollow, New York.  They were both born and raised in the community of Baiting Hollow.  I find it interesting in the 1790 census that both families lived next to each other, farm family neighbors.

• When Jemima and Daniel married in 1812 War was happening with Great Britain.  “The War of 1812 gave Suffolk County little trouble except for the worry of attack which threatened at all times from the sea.”  from LI Genealogy.  The family lived in Baiting Hollow close to the Long Island Sound.  Did they ever go to the Cliffs of the Sound and look for British war ships?

Jemima and Daniel had 6 children: Lewis, Goldsmith, Daniel (my 2x great-grandfather), Joanna, Jemima and Susan.

1850 US Federal Census taken on 12 September shows Jemima as 59 years old living with her husband Daniel (aged 65), her sons Lewis (aged 37) and Goldsmith (aged 34) and daughters Susan (aged 24) and Jemima (aged 15) in Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.

1860 US Federal Census taken on 2 July shows Jemima as 69 years old, living only with husband Daniel (age 75) in Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.

1865 New York State Census shows Jemima as 74 years old, living with husband Daniel (age 81), and sons Lewis (age 50) and Goldsmith (age 48) in District 2, Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.

1870 US Federal Census taken on 15 July shows Jemima age 78 living with her sons Lewis (age 59) and Goldsmith (age 54) in Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.  Her husband Daniel had died in March of that year.

Jemima was listed as a deceased member of the Baiting Hollow Congregational Church in their 1882 Manual of the Congregational Church in Baiting Hollow, L. I.  (See post Don’t Forget Church Records-The Warner Family)

Jemima died 8 months after her husband Daniel on 9 November 1870 at the age of 79 and is buried in the Baiting Hollow Congregational Cemetery.  The same area she lived her entire life.  I wonder how far she ever traveled from her home?

Wonderings: 

• My great-grandfather was named John Benjamin Warner.  I wonder if the Benjamin as a middle name was to honor/remember his grandmother’s maiden name or was he named John Benjamin after his grandmother’s brother-John Benjamin?
• In general it’s interesting to see names repeat in subsequent generations.
• I wonder why Goldsmith (never married) and Lewis (who was separated from his wife) are not living with the parents in 1860 but are back with them in 1865 and 1870?  I wonder if they were just not recorded in 1860?

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

A Land Record With a Twist-Daniel and Jemima Benjamin Warner

My paternal grandfather’s family lived on Long Island since the late 1600s and within about a 20-30 mile area on Eastern Long Island in New York State.  Generations living in the same area has made it a lot easier for me to research a variety of records on many family members.  When I visit the area I schedule my limited time in several repositories of records where I search frantically for a variety of names on at least 8 family lines.  I frequently find documents that look promising, grab my copies and don’t usually get time to thoroughly look at them until months later.  This is the case with one such land sale document that I was able to find and get a copy of.  I enjoy looking at the records of land acquisitions and sales.  It shows what my ancestors were doing, where they lived and who their neighbors were.  I always get a chuckle, as in this document, about the references to boundaries being a tree, a hedge or a row of stones, etc.  I located this document from 1847 at the Suffolk County Historical Society in  Riverhead, New York.  It is part of a collection entitled the Ackerly Collection which consists of deeds, etc. that Mr. Ackerly transcribed that were held by family members and had not been recorded at county or town offices.

The population of Riverhead was reported as 2,373 in 1845.  In 1847 and today Baiting Hollow is part of Riverhead Town and about 5-6 miles away from Main Street. According to Seeking the Past, Writings from 1832-1905 Relating to the History of the Town of Riverhead edited by Tom Twomey with a chapter about Riverhead written by R. M. Bayles in 1882 the main occupations for Baiting Hollow were farming and furnishing firewood.  Abundant crops of grain, hay and potatoes were grown in the area.  The Supervisor of Riverhead was Sylvester Miller and Justice of the Peace was Nathan Corwin. 

Daniel and Jemima Benjamin Warner are my paternal 3x great grandparents.  They were born, raised 6 children, died and are buried in Baiting Hollow, New York.  (I believe Daniel’s father James Warner was the first Warner to live in Baiting Hollow.)

So, I located the following document that my 3x great grandparents were mentioned in.  There is also a Nathan Benjamin who I believe was related to Jemima.  I thought at first it may have been her father Nathan Benjamin (several generations were named Nathan Benjamin) but he had died in 1838.  As I reread and transcribed the document I thought, OK, it’s another piece of evidence about the lives of my ancestors but pretty ‘typical’… that is… until I read the last line.  I thought that was very different and very interesting!

click on image to enlarge

Transcription:  (I added in [ ] a definition to aide in understanding terminology)

This Indenture

made the third day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven. Between Joanna Hulse, Nathan Benjamin, Daniel Warner and Jamima his wife, Elkanah David and Sally his wife of the town of Riverhead and John Fanning and Polly his wife of the town of Southampton County of Suffolk and State of New York of the first part and Daniel Benjamin of the town of Riverhead County and State aforesaid of the second part witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of fifty dollars to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargain sold remised and quit claimed [relinquish claim] unto the party of the second part and his heirs and assigns [someone with legal claim] forever ALL of that certain tract of land situate in the town of Riverhead being the west part of the north lot of the Woodhull place so called bounded southerly by the hedge which divides it from the land of Joanna Hulls westerly by the land of Daniel Warner, northerly by the land of Jacob Benjamin and easterly by a certain walnut tree and running a Course equal with the road and Warner’s line containing by estimation two and a half acres be the same more or less also on other trace of Wood land of the Woodhull place so called in Riverhead town lying between Daniel Warner’s land and John Fanning’s wood land bounded westerly by said Daniel Benjamin’s land and eathly by Elkannah Davis’ land containing by estimation one and a half acres be the same more or less together with all and singular the hereditaments [property] and appurtenances [accessories] thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof and also all the estate right title intres claim or demand whatsoever of them the said party of the first part either in law or equity of in and to the above bargained premises and every part and parcel thereof to the said party of the second his heirs and assigns to the sole and only proper use benefit and behoof [benefit] of the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever. In witness and whereof the said party of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals on the day and year first above written.
Sealed, Signed and Delivered
In the presents of
Nathan Corwin.
Nathan Benjamin L. S. [Legal Signature]
                            L.S.
Daniel Warner L.S.
Jamima Warner L.S.
Elkanah Davis L.S.
Sally Davis L.S.
John Fanning L.S.
Polly Fanning L.S.
Suffolk County SS: On the ninth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty seven personally came before me Joanna Hulse, Nathan Benjamin, Daniel Warner and Jemima his wife, Elkanah David & Sally his wife and John Fanning and Polly his wife known to me to be the Individuals described in and severally acknowledged that they had executed the within conveyance and the said Jemima, Sally and Polly on a private examination apart from their husbands acknowledged that they executed the said conveyance freely and with out fear or compulsion of their respective husbands.
Nathan Corwin, Justice of the Peace

Wow!  Nathan Corwin actually talked to the wives, separate of their husbands to be sure they were in agreement with the sale of the property.  I wonder if this was something that was specific to Mr. Corwin?  I have not come across this statement before and have looked at a lot of land transfers.  So often women were even left out of such matters.  I was pleased to see that their husbands included them and that Mr. Corwin made sure that their consent was given freely and so noted.

There were 2 markings I am not sure about in the original and .  I am hoping someone will be able to help me with these.  I am thinking is was a shorthand the transcriber used?  Perhaps something like ‘bounded by’ and ‘free’?

Once again I am very thankful for Mr. Ackerly’s foresight in transcribing these documents and for their preservation.  They definitely add to an understanding of my ancestors’ lives and the times they lived in.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Tombstone Tuesday-Nathan Benjamin II

Baiting Hollow Cemetery, Suffolk County, New York

                                                                 Transcription:

In

Memory of

Nathan Benjamin

who died May 14, 1805

in the 72 year of his age.

“My flesh shall slumber in the

ground

Till the last trumpets joyful sound

Then burst the chains with sweet

surprise

And in my Savior’s image rise.”

Note:  The Epitaph on the gravestone is from a poem entitled Lord, I am Thine.  

The poem, written by Isaac Watts is found in his collection entitled The Psalms of David, 1719 .

Very special thanks to Tracey Lyn for the photo.  Tracey is also a descendant of Nathan.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Amanuensis Monday-the Will of Nathan Benjamin II

While researching my 5x great grandfather Nathan Benjamin II (see previous post Nathan Benjamin II) I was able to locate his Will and Probate record at the Probate Court in Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.  His will was recorded in Will Liber B beginning on page 359. 

This is Nathan’s Will:

(click on image to enlarge)

The transcription :
In the name of God Amen, I Nathan Benjamin of River head in the County of Suffolk and State of New York, yeoman, being now aged and some what infirmness in body but of sound mind and memory and calling to mind the mortality of my body do make and ordain this my last will and testament in Manner and form following after my Just debts are paid and funeral charges satisfied.

First of all, I do give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Jemima Benjamin one equal half of all moveable Estate out Doors & in Door moveables my riding horse and chairs.

Item ,I give and bequeath unto my Eldest son Nathan Benjamin the whole width of my land from a certain bound which I have set up about ten rods Northard of the fence now standing fifty rods north of the dwelling house where my said son Nathan now lives so to go as far south ward as the Crotch of the road or paths to a certain red oak tree which I have marked which piece of land I give to my said son Nathan Benjamin his heirs & assigns forever.

I give and bequeath unto my second son namely Jacob Benjamin my land the whole width from the sound to the bound about 50 rods North of the house of my son Nathan as above with all the Buildings also I give to my son Jacob Benjamin all my salt and fresh meadows in Southampton & else where also I give & bequeath unto my son Jacob Benjamin his heirs and assigns forever all the above mentioned land and Meadows out of which I do order him and my son Jacob Benjamin to pay all my just debts and legis monies.

I do give and bequeath to my youngest son Phineas Benjamin the whole width of my land from the above mentioned bound by the Crotch Of the paths south ward to the land of James Terry which piece of land I give to my son Phineas Benjamin his heirs and assigns forever.

I do give and bequeath unto oldest Daughter Deborah Edwards fifty pounds or one hundred & twenty five dollars.

I do give & bequeath unto David Sweezy’s Children each of them one dollar.

I do give and bequeath unto my youngest Daughter Jemima Benjamin two hundred and fifty Dollars & all the moveables that was hers before & also a home in my house so long as she remains unmarried & also the priviledge of fire wood and the keeping for our cow likewise one equal half of my moveable Estate


Lastly I do nominate Constitute and appoint my well beloved wife Jemima Benjamin and my son Jacob Benjamin Executors of this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this second day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and three signed, sealed and published and delivered to be the last will and testament of the Nathan Benjamin in presents of Daniel Youngs, Benjamin L’Hommedieu, Joseph Glover

                                                                                            Nathan Benjamin (L.S.)

Follow up:
I always try to transcribe the documents with the language and spelling of the time they were written in.  Sometimes the handwriting is difficult to decipher.  I underlined a word in my transcription that I am not sure of.  I just can’t figure out what is being stated after “to pay all my just debts and _ monies”.  Help is always greatly appreciated.  In the transcription I  have added some spaces, lines and a few commas to make the document a little easier to read.
      This symbol is used several times in this will and I have never seen this before.  I have researched and researched and have been unable to determine what it stands for.  I have not seen this before and I did not see it in the will listed before or after Nathan’s in the Will Liber. 

I appreciate the fact that Nathan left something to every member of his immediate family.  That he referred to Jemima as “my well beloved wife”.  I am also pleased that he thought his wife capable enough to be named as an Executor.  I wonder why he also selected Jacob as Executor and not his oldest son Nathan?  Perhaps he was already very busy with his own farm and family.

David Sweezy was Nathan’s son-in-law.  I believe his daughter Mary Bethia had already died, so, Nathan was leaving money to his grandchildren.

I always find the old terms and expressions interesting; like  “Northard” as a direction.  A “rod” is equal to about 5 1/2 yards.   I look at how precise our own property lines are marked today and think of Nathan’s description of his property lines for his son when he states “the whole width of my land from a certain bound which I have set up about ten rods Northard of the fence now standing fifty rods north of the dwelling house where my said son Nathan now lives so to go as far south ward as the Crotch of the road or paths to a certain red oak tree which I have marked”.  I wonder how long that “certain red oak tree” stood there?  The “crotch” or fork of the road.  I remember growing up on a farm and how my grandfather and father always talked about places on the farm as “the north side of the building” or the “west side of the road”.

I have heard ‘Yeoman” referred to as a term meaning a man worked for himself and not as a servant for another man.

I am happy to see that Nathan was able to sign his name as denoted by “L. S.” after his name for ‘Legal Signature’.

Nathan would die less than 2 years after his will was written on 14 May 1805.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Nathan Benjamin II

As my research goes back in time it is sometimes very difficult to find and verify information on some ancestors.  Nathaniel Benjamin is my 5x great-grandfather.  What can I learn about him beyond his name?  I was surprised at what I found.

Nathan was born in 1733. The son of Nathan and Deborah Clark Benjamin. 
                                                                                          (click on map to enlarge)

(section of a Map engraved and published by William Fadden 1779 and in a collection at Stony Brook University Libraries)

1750 According to an article published in the Long Island Forum in 1958 and written by Lillian Hallock “Nathan was one of the pioneers who went into the western part of Southold Town known as the “Great Woods” or “Third Survey”  and there built his house and reared his family.  Then, and many years later, there were no roads that any wagon could travel on-only stone, boats or ponderous ox carts.  He had a large farm and owned the highest cliffs on the Sound shore, nearly half mile wide, from the Sound to the Manor Line, nearly four miles long.”

In 1775 Nathan was a Lieutenant in the American Revolution. 
Nathan married Jemima Aldrich on 13 February 1754/5 in Southold, Suffolk, New York.
Nathan and Jemima’s children were:

• Nathan Jr. (born 1759/60)  - my 4x great-grandfather
• Mary Bethia (born 1759/60)
• Phineas (1762)
• Jacob (born 1764)
• Deborah
• Jemima (born 1779)

From the book entitled The Benjamin Family in America I learned that in 1777 Nathan moved his family to Saybrook and then to Guilford, Connecticut.  Returning to Long Island in 1780.

In the 1790 US Federal Census Nathan is reported to be living in the Township of South Hold, Suffolk County, New York.  He is the Head of Household.  There are in the household-3 Free white persons-Males -aged 16 or over, Free white persons-Females-2, Number of all other free persons-1, Number of household persons-6.

In the 1800 US Federal Census Nathan is reported to be living in the Town of Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.  Free White Persons - Males - Under 10- 2, Free White Persons - Males -10 thru 15-1, Free White Persons - Males - 26 thru 44-1, Free White Persons - Females - Under 10-2,  Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15-2, Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44-1, Number of Household Members Under 16-7, Number of Household Members Over 25-2, Number of Household Members-9

Nathan died on May 14, 1805 at the age of 72 and is buried in the Baiting Hollow Congregational Church Cemetery, Riverhead, Suffolk, New York.

I definitely want to learn more about Nathan’s Revolutionary War service.  I will have to see what I can find.


If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby