Ives Family History Blog

More on Our Cousin Henry Thoreau and His New Hampshire Connections

Thanks to Janice Brown of Cow Hampshire for extending my post on our cousin, Henry David Thoreau with more on his New Hampshire connections. As Janice wrote, “Cynthia, the daughter of Asa & Mary (Jones) Dunbar, was born 22 May 1787 in Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Cynthia Dunbar grew up amid the lovely green hills of the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. She met and married John Thoreau in 1812, and was living in Concord, Massachusetts at the time of their son's (Henry David Thoreau) birth in 1817.”

She goes on to supply a lot more information on the Dunbars in New Hampshire. This nicely complements what I found about the Dunbars in Maine.

Our Cousin Henry Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862) (shown above in 1856 with his own survey map of Walden Pond) was related to the Dunbar family (see Volume 2) and thus a cousin of the Ives family. His mother was Cynthia Dunbar (1787 – 1872) and his father was John Thoreau, Jr (1787 – 1859). He was a descendent of Robert Dunbar of Hingham, MA, as was our Alice Dunbar. His line runs back: Cynthia Dunbar was the daughter of Asa Dunbar (1745 – 1787) and Mary Jones. Cynthia was born in Keene, NH and died in Concord, MA, outliving her son, Henry.

Her husband, John Thoreau was a shopkeeper in Concord and his family came from Jersey in the Channel Islands. Asa was the son of Samuel Dunbar (1704 – 1786) and Mary Hayward. He was born in Bridgewater, MA and graduated from Harvard in 1767. He became a Congregational minister in Salem, MA and Keene, NH. Samuel was the son of Peter Dunbar (1668 – 1719) and Sarah Thaxter (1668 – 1720). He was born in Hingham and moved to Bridgewater like his nephew, Jesse. Peter was the son of Robert Dunbar (1630 – 1693), as was his brother, Joshua (1670-1736), the ancestor of Alice Dunbar. Both lived in Hingham.

When Henry went to Maine and wrote what became, The Maine Woods, he visited his Dunbar cousins. He wrote, “On the 31st of August, 1846, I left the Concord in Massachusetts for Bangor and the backwoods of Maine…I proposed to make excursions to Mount Ktaadn, the second highest mountain in New England…” My daughters and I have climbed Mt. Katahdin several times and spent more time in the Maine woods. We also did a canoe trip down the Allegash. Henry’s story of the trip appeared in Union Magazine (New York) in 1848. He returned to the Maine woods in 1853; his account of this trip was published in The Atlantic Monthly in June, July August, 1858. His third trip took place in 1857 and he spent time on the Allegash River. His account appeared in 1864 after his death as “The Allegash and the East River.”

In it he was one of the first to call for national preserves of forests. He lived near Walden Pond in Concord, MA, from March 1845 to Sept.1847, in the small house he built. He wrote about his experience in Walden, published in 1854. Thoreau was not a literary success in his own life time and only two of his books, Walden, and A Week on the Concord and Merrimac Rivers, were published before he died. He has since become one of the mostly read writers of his time. He would also likely approve of Albert’s Furman Biology Camps in the mountains and beach, as well as his carpentry skills; all served as themes for his work.

Ives Family Mayflower Connections Through the Dumbar Family

The families of New England generally cross married with those in the proximity. Through the Rich family from Eastham and Truro and the Dunbar family from Hingham and Bridgewater, there were a number of times that these families married descendents of the Mayflower passengers who settled in nearby Plymouth, MA. While there are no currently known instances of our direct ancestors marrying into one of the Mayflower families there are many examples of siblings and cousins of our ancestors making these connections. The Dunbar connections ar elisted below and the Rich connections will be in the next post.

Joseph Dunbar married Hannah Sturtevant (1711-after 1779). He was her second husband and she was his second wife. They married on Dec. 6, 1775 in Halifax, MA. Hannah was a direct descendent of Issac Allerton of the Mayflower (Wakefield and Margaret Stover, 1998). Joseph was the son of Joseph Dunbar, brother of Joshua Dunbar.

Peter Dunbar (1668-1719) (brother of Joshua Dunbar) married Sarah Thaxter (1668-1720) on March 25, 1691. She was the daughter of Samuel Thaxter and Abigail Church and great granddaughter of Richard Warren from the Mayflower (Wakefield, p. 120).

Samuel Dunbar’s son, also Samuel married Mary Snow on May 11, 1758 in Bridgewater, MA, a descendent of Peter Brown from the Mayflower (Wakefield – 1992 p. 153). He was also grandson of Peter Dunbar (brother of Joshua Dunbar)

Rebecca Wade, also a descendent of Peter Brown, married Elisha Dunbar on Nov. 24, 1757, the son of Elisha Dunbar (1699-1773). Elisha was also grandson of Peter Dunbar (brother of Joshua Dunbar)

Mary Dunbar (1660-1707) married Issac Harris. Mary was Issac’s second wife. Issac first married Mercy Latham of Plymouth (1650 – between 1684-1698) who was the great granddaughter of James Chilton of Mayflower (Sherman, 1980, p. 29).

Robert Dunbar (1630? - 1693)

Robert Dunbar was born in Scotland, probably about 1630-34, and his father is said to be Ninian Dunbar born in Scotland in 1575, however, no proof of his parentage has been determined. According to tradition, Robert was a native of Morayshire, Scotland. There is a strong probability that Robert Dunbar was one of Cromwell's Scottish prisoners taken at the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, or at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 (see following section on Scotch Prisoners Deported to New England). A group of these prisoners were shipped by Joshua Foote to Massachusetts as servants, primarily to work in the Ironworks at Saugus and Braintree (see upcoming post on Scottish Prisoners Deported to New England). It is known for sure that Robert was held to the service of Joshua Foote for a term of years as early as 1655, and possibly as early as 1652. However, he is not on the 1653 inventory of Scots prisoners at the Saugus Ironworks. Although Robert's name does not appear on either of the two ship lists of prisoners taken to New England, there is evidence of a third ship's passage and he may well have arrived on it.

Among the papers of the Suffolk County Superior Court is a case heard in 1659 between the administrator of Mr. Joshua Foote's estate and Ferdinando Thayer which) mentions Robert Dunbar. Within these papers is the following deposition:

"Robert Dunbar aged about 25 years testifieth and saith that being a servant unto Mr. Joshua Foote when he lived at Boston I was sent by him unto Minotoquid (Braintree) River to work and when I came there I was ordered what work I should do by Ferdinando Thayer who wrought with me in the work for Mr. Foote. Further I do testify that Ferdinando Thayer did not only work with us but carried the bolts unto the water side to the loading place the time being so long since that I cannot remember how much work hee did nor what quality of bolts he caried downe but he also shewed us our work and appointed us timber wee should work upon in the woods and further saith not.

Taken upon oath this 11th 9th 1659 before Thomas Savage, Commission."

Robert arrived in Hingham in 1655 with his wife Rose. Since Rose appears in no Massachusetts Bay Colony records, other than at the time of her death at Hingham, it is possible that they were married in Scotland and that Robert "sent home to Scotland" for her and requested her to bring their funds when she came. Chaplin quotes Reverend Peter Hobart wrote in his diary:

Robert Dunbarr settled in Hingham in 1655. He was a Scotsman and lived on Scotland Street. The opinion generally prevailed in Hingham that Mr. Dunbar brought enough money with him to begin life without embarrassment, as for years there were but two men in the place who paid a higher tax."

However, the language is not 17th century and was probably a paraphrase that appeared in a later work (Rappaport). Robert died on Sept. 19, 1693 and Rose died on Nov. 10, 1700. His will dated 13 Sept. 13, 1693, “gives to wife Rose their dwelling-house, and the use of all the land, the whole term of her keeping the name of Dunbar; still in ease of necessity she may sell or let said land for her maintenance." To sons John, Joseph, and Peter, the home, to Joshua "the rest of my land as far as the river." He bequeaths to James Dunbar, the son of my son James, deceased," 2pds. 10 shillings. He further gives to Joseph "enough apples, annually, from the trees in, my orchard to make two barrels of cider." To his three daughters, " Mary Dunbar, Sarah Dunbar, and Hannah Dunbar, all land on the other side of the river, share and share alike, and all my indoor moveables after my wife's decease." To James, the son of his son James deceased, he left 10 pds. The total inventory of his estate., appraised 28 Sept. 1693, included dwelling house and land, 130 pds; two oxen, seven swine, two cows, two calves, household goods, etc." He was a farmer and they resided on Scotland St. Robert and Rose had 11 children, all born in Hingham:

1. John, born on Dec. 1, 1657, died 1733 in Hingham. He married Mattithia Aldredge (1656-1699) on July 4, 1679 in Hingham and resided at Liberty Plain. They had eight children, all born in Hingham: John (1679), Susanna (1684-), John (-1697), Issac (1690-1715), Jeremiah (1693-1715), Lydia (1695-1742), Hannah (1697), John (married 1738). Jeremiah gave all the land his grandfather gave him to his brother Issac in his will of Dec. 2, 1715. John was part of the town militia, with James Whitton and many others, formed in 1675 to counter the threat of attack form local Indians. Hingham was ordered to pay 30 pds. to support the war and the town also allowed additional allowances for arms. In Feb. 1676, the town selectmen forbade, under penalty of 20 shillings anyone from “harboring or entertaining” any Indian within the limits of the town.

2. Mary, born on Oct. 25, 1660, died 1707. She married Issac Harris of Bridgewater on June 28, 1698 in Hingham. They had two children: Benjamin (1699-), Martha (1702-1783). Mary was Issac’s second wife. Issac first married Mercy Latham of Plymouth (1650 – between 1684-1698) who was the great granddaughter of James Chilton who came on the Mayflower (Sherman, 1980, p. 29). In 1669, Mercy and her father Robert Latham complained to the General Court that Issac “departed the government” leaving her with her child and the court took action on July 5, 1669. The action must have been effective because Issac and Mercy continued to have children with one born before 1669, Desire, and seven born afterwards. After Issac and Mary died, Peter, her brother, was appointed guardian of her two children by Issac.

3. Joseph, born on Mar. 13, 1662, died May 7, 1725. He was a farmer and married Christian Garnet (Gardener) (1668-1726) in May 7, 1692 in Hingham. The Gardners came to Hingham in 1653. Joseph and Mary had 13 children, all born in Hingham: Joanna (1692-1756), Ruth (1693-1716), Mary (1695-1764), Deborah (196/97-), Jael (1698-), Joseph (1700-1701), Joseph (1702-1782), David (1704-), Jonathan, Sarah, Samuel (1710-), Hannah (1715-), Daniel (1717-1727). His will gives to his wife “the use and improvement of my whole estate so long as she remains my widow.” His eldest son, Joseph then would receive all his lands and his other sons received 20 pds. And his daughters received 10 pds. Joseph married Hannah Sturtevant (1711-after 1779). He was her second husband and she was his second wife. They married on Dec. 6, 1775 in Halifax, MA. Hannah was a direct descendent of Issac Allerton who came on the Mayflower (Wakefield and Margaret Stover, 1998). Samuel’s sons Daniel and Enoch served in the Revolution. Enoch was part of the expedition to Canada in 1779.

4. James, born on June 5, 1664, moved to Bridgewater, MA and married Jane Harris (1671-1746) of Bridgewater in 1689. Jane was the daughter of Issac Harris and Mercy Latham (see above – Issac married James Dunbar’s sister, Mary after Mercy died). They had one son: Robert (1689-1706). He died in Bridgewater in March 17, 1690 and Jane was appointed executor of his will, which names her and son Robert under 21. Jane Harris was a descendent, through her mother, of James Chilton who came on the Mayflower (Moody & Wakefield - 1997, p. 75 and Vol 2 – , 1980, p. 67). Jane married two more times: Peletiah Smith (1691) and Zurial Hall (1742) before she died in 1746 in Bellingham, MA.

5. Robert, born Nov. 1, 1665, died 1666.

6. Peter, born on Sept. 6, 1668, died April 23, 1719 in Bridgewater. Married Sarah Thaxter (1668-1720) on March 25, 1691. She was the daughter of Samuel Thaxter and Abigail Church and great granddaughter of Richard Warren from the Mayflower (Wakefield, p. 120). Samuel Thaxter is recorded as a cordwainer who lived on his father’s homestead on the easterly side of Water Street. His father was Thomas Thaxter, one of the original families who came from Norfolk in 1638. Peter was a selectman in Hingham in 1699. In 1706 he bought the Jacob Leonard place in Bridgewater and moved there before 1707 when he is no longer on the Hingham tax rolls. On July 4, 1720, Peter’s son, James, posted bond as administrator of his father’s estate. The inventory had been taken on May 6, 1720. Peter and Sarah had ten children, all born in Hingham, except Sarah born in Weymouth: Abigail (1691-1750), Sarah (1693-), James (1694-1778), Leah (1697-1699), Elisha (1699-1773), Peter (1701-1750), Samuel (1704-1786), Josiah (1706*), John (1709*-1802), David (1711*-before 1781). Samuel graduated from Harvard in 1723 and was a minister in Stoughton, MA. Samuel’s son, also Samuel married Mary Snow on May 11, 1758 in Bridgewater, MA, a descendent of Peter Brown from the Mayflower (Wakefield – 1992 p. 153). Rebecca Wade, also a descendent of Peter Brown, married Elisha Dunbar on Nov. 24, 1757, the son of Elisha Dunbar (1699-1773) above. Elisha’s (elder) sons Lemuel (1731-1762) and Nathaniel (1739-1762) died in the French and Indian War. Henry David Thoreau (1817 – 1862) was a descendent of Peter and his son Samuel (see Volume 3 for a summary of his lineage).

7. Joshua, born on Oct. 6, 1670 and died Oct. 26, 1736, married Hannah Hatch on Sept. 21, 1699 and they had seven children: Joshua (1700-), Benjamin (1701-), Hannah (1703-), Robert (1705-), Solomon (1709-), Sarah (1712-1726), Stephen (1716).

8. Robert, born on Jan. 31, 1672, died Oct. 5, 1673. The Hingham vital records states that he was “burn’t with his Father’s house.” (Rappaport)

9. Sarah, born in 1674, married Benjamin Garret (Gardner) (1666-1736) on Jan. 13, 1695 in Hingham. They had four children, all born in Hingham: Sarah (1698-1716), Benjamin (1700-), Hannah (1703-), Robert (1706-1788).

10. Hannah, born on May 31, 1677, died Sept. 22, 1715. She married Edmund Tileston (1667- before 1762) of Plymouth on Nov. 5, 1709 in Hingham. They had at least two children, all born in Plymouth: Samuel (1712-1774), James (1714-).

11. Benjamin, birth not recorded, died Aug. 23, 1688.

Joshua Dunbar (1670 - 1736)

Joshua Dunbar was born Oct. 6, 1670 in Hingham, MA. He married Hannah Hatch (1673-1743) on Sept. 21, 1699. She was born in 1673 and died on June 17, 1743. Joshua was a farmer and appointed Constable in 1728. They lived in “Liberty Plain” in South Hingham. He was a Constable in Hingham in1728. Joshua died on Oct. 26, 1736. His will dated May 1, 1736 gives Benjamin land at Scituate; Robert, his dwelling house and barn; Solomon, land; Stephen 20 pds, and Hannah, 20 pds. Joshua and Hannah had seven children, all born in Hingham:

1. Joshua, born on Sept. 11, 1700 died before his father in 1736.

2. Benjamin, born on May 15, 1701, married Martha Greece (1701-1733) and they had three children: Benjamin (1729-1815), Sarah (1730-), and Anna (1732-1733). Then he married Rebecca Garnet (1711-) and they moved to Scituate, MA where they had eight children: Seth (triplet) (1741-), Mary (triplet) (1741-), Obed (triplet) (1741-), Elisha (1743-), Ezekiel, Amos (born after 1743, died after 1800), Melzar (1754-1829), Peleg. Melzar, and Amos served in the Revolutionary War, including service together in Col. Titcomb’s regiment, part of Gen. Spencer’s unsuccessful attempt to dislodge the British from Rhode Island in 1777 and again together in Gazee’s Rhode Island company of artillery in 1779. Amos also helped with the defense of Newport, RI in 1780. Melzar was part of the 36th Regiment of Foot under Gen. Heath, one of the first armies created after the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775 along with his cousins Jesse and Jacob. Melzar was also with Col. Gerrish’s regiment that guarded army stores in Boston in 1778. Benjamin also served in the war and was part of Gen. Thomas’s army that occupied Dorchester Heights forcing the British to leave Boston. Amos was a shoemaker and Melzar and Benjamin were carpenters. Amos, Benjamin, and Melzar are listed in the 1800 US Census in Hingham. Amos lived on Main Street near Tower’s Bridge. Benjamin and Melzar lived at Liberty Plain. Amos’ son, Peleg served in the War of 1812.

3. Hannah, born on Dec. 12, 1703, married Jonathan Whitton (1702-1751) on July 13, 1732 in Hingham. Jonathan’s family first came to Hingham in 1647. He served in the French and Indian War and was part of the 1755 regiment, along with Hosea and Joseph Dunbar, under Captian Samuel Thaxter, that marched to Fort Edward. Jonathan (or his son) also served in the Revolutionary War and was part of Gen. Thomas’s army of 2,000 men that occupied Dorchester Heights, along with Jacob and Benjamin Dunbar – see above and below. Jonathan also served under Col. Benjamin Lincoln in 1775 along with Jacob and Melzar Dunbar. During the siege of Boston by the colonials, Hingham and Hull served as garrison towns for the colonial troops. Hannah and Jonathan had three children: Hannah (1733-), Jonathan (1734/35-), Elisha (1737-).

4. Robert, born on Jan. 16, 1705/6, died 1757. Married Sarah Smith (-1794) and they lived at Liberty Plain in Hingham. They had ten children, all born in Hingham: Joshua (1738-), Robert (1739-), Jacob (1741-1840), Infant (1743), Jeremiah (1745), Sarah (1746-1755), Mary (1749), March 1751-1752), Joseph (twin) (1755-1756), Marcy (twin) (1755-1829). Jacob and Joshua served in the Revolutionary War and were part of part of the 36th Regiment of Foot under Gen. Heath in 1775. Jacob was also part of Col. Lyman’s regiment that was one of the artillery units whose occupation of Dorchester Heights forced the British to evacuate Boston. Joshua was later part of the unsuccessful attempt to invade Canada in 1776 with his cousin Jesse. Jacob is listed as head of household in the 1800 US Census in Bridgewater and Joshua in Hingham.

5. Solomon, born on April 18, 1709, married Rachel Damon from Lincoln, MA on Nov. 23, 1738, and died Sept. 8, 1795 in Nobleboro, ME (see above for details). They had seven children, all born in Hingham: Solomon, (1740-1825). Rachel (1742-), Jesse (1744-1818), Olive (1746-), Lucy (1749-1776 ), Persis (1752-1803), Elijah (1756-1844). Jesse and Elijah served in the Revolutionary War – see above – and they are both listed, along with Solomon, as heads of household in the 1800 US Census in Nobleboro, ME.

6. Sarah, born, in 1712 and died on Aug. 12, 1726 in Hingham.

7. Stephen, born on Oct. 28, 1716, baptized on May 26, 1717 in Hingham, died April 14, 1807 in Abington, MA. He married Keziah Whiton (1720-1802) (daughter of Samuel Whiton and Margaret Tower) from Hingham on Dec. 13, 1739. Their ancestor James Whitton came to Hingham in 1647. Stephen bought property at Abington on Jan. 24, 1749 and he sold ½ of his property to his son, Simeon, on Dec. 3, 1789. Stephen and Kezia had seven children, all born in Hingham: Kezia (1740), Moses (1741-1779), Hannah (1743-), Kezia (1745-1821), Stephen (1755-1805), Simeon (1758-1792). Moses served in the Revolutionary War and died on the Penobscot expedition to Maine. Simeon was a private in the Revolutionary War and served in Mitchell’s Regiment in 1780. He is listed as a head of household in Abington, MA the 1800 US Census.

Solomon Dunbar (1709 - 1795)

Solomon Dunbar was born on April 18, 1709 in Hingham, MA. He married Rachel Damon on Nov. 23, 1738. She was the daughter of Experience and Ruth Damon of Lincoln, MA. Rachel’s sister, Hannah, married Peter Dunbar (1701-1750) on Jan. 22, 1728, son of Peter Dunbar and cousin of Solomon. Solomon and Rachel lived for many years in South Hingham but later moved to New Castle, ME where he died in Sept. 8, 1795, age 86 in Nobleboro, ME. He appeared as a head of household in the 1790 US Census in New Castle, ME with two males over 16 and four females. There is no record of them in Maine prior to 1790 so they probably moved there shortly before then. Jesse, his son, had a child born in Bridgewater in 1785. At least four of his seven children, all adults then, followed him to Maine as the three sons are listed in the 1800 Census as Maine heads of households: Solomon (age 50 in 1790), Jesse (age 46 in 1790), Elijah (age 34 in 1790) and his daughter Persis (age 38 in 1790); Persis died there in 1803. Solomon and Rachel had seven children, all born in Hingham:

1. Solomon, born Aug. 6, 1740, married Priscilla Glidden (1750-1839) and they had three known daughters: Polly (Cox), Suky (Snow), Nancy (Siders). Solomon was involved with several engagements in the French and Indian War. First he was part of the 1757 contingent, along with his cousin Samuel, who marched to the relief of Fort William. Next, he was part of the Hingham regiment, along with his cousins Seth and Robert Dunbar, and served in 1758 under the command of Col. Joseph Williams, in the war against the French and the successful conquest of Canada. He also fought in the Revolutionary War. Solomon Dunbar appeared as a head of household in the 1800, 1810, & 1820 US Census in New Castle, Lincoln Co. ME. He died in 1825.

2. Rachel, born May 22, 1742, married William Prouthy on Dec. 25, 1768 in Hingham. They had ten children: Rachel (1769-), Elizabeth (1770-), William (1772-), Galen (1774-), Richard (1775-), Sarah (1777-), Lincoln (1778-1781), Jesse (1780-), Lincoln (1782-1784), Meriel (1784-).

3. Jesse, born June 22, 1744, married Mary Stone (1743-1812) from Norfolk on July 31, 1766 and they had 12 children, all born in Bridgewater, MA: Polly (1766-), Molly (1769-), Rachel twin (1771-), Sarah twin (1771-), Persis (1773-), Lydia (1775), Lydia (1776-), Mehitable (1778-), Cate (1780-), Jesse (1782-1872), Olive (1785-). Jesse died in Nobleboro, ME on May 18, 1818.

4. Olive, born June 8, 1746, married Elisha Gardner on Oct. 9, 1768. Elisha served in the Revolutionary War and fought with Lafayette and Washington at the Battle of Brandywine, PA in Sept. 11, 1777 under the command of Lt. John Andrews and his company of Hingham men. Forty years later Lafayette spoke of the bravery of Lt. Andrews and his company at the battle. There were a total of 21 Gardner men from Hingham who served in the war.

5. Lucy, born July 29, 1749, married Joshua Tower (1733-1810) on Jan. 30, 1775 in Hingham. She died on Dec. 16, 1776. The Tower family first came to Hingham in 1637. Joshua served in the Revolutionary War. He began with one of the early militia out of Hingham under the command of Capt. Jotham Loring on April 19, 1775 in response to the alarm started by Paul Revere and William Dawes and carried on by others to the towns south of Boston. Joshua was also was part of Gen. Thomas’s army that occupied Dorchester Heights forcing the British to leave Boston along with Jacob and Benjamin Dunbar and Jonathan Whitten, the husband of Hannah Dunbar – see following. He later appears in 1778 in the regiment of Col. John Reeds in Cambridge where they guarded the British prisoners of war from Gen. Burgoyne’s defeated army and then guarded the Continental Army’s stores in Boston. There were a total of 16 Tower men from Hingham who served in the war. The family came from Norfolk and was one of the first settlers in Hingham. John Tower petitioned Boston in 1675, to take advantage of the prime defensive position his home, located at Cold Corner near Main St., afforded and to avoid interference by the town as follows: “To the Honored Gov. & Council convened in Boston. March 10, 1675, John Tower Senior of Hingham is bold to inform your Honors that he hath at his own proper charge fortified his house & to beg your favor that his four sons & one or two persons more that he may hire at his own cost may be allowed to him for garrisoning his own use; and may not be called off by the Committee of the Town for to come into any other garrison, my sons having deserted their own dwellings and brought their goods into my fortification. I shall thankfully acknowledge your Honors favor herein & be thereby further obligated to pray for a blessing on your Counsels. Your humble servant, John Tower, Senior.”

6. Persis, born Nov. 20, 1752, married Zaccheus Hatch in 1777, died in Nobleboro, ME on May 26, 1803.

7. Elijah, born Feb. 14, 1756, married Sabra, died Jan. 12, 1844 in Nobleboro, ME. He served in the Revolution and lived in Norbleboro after the war. Granted a tract of land from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in May 15 in Nobleboro. Elijah and Sabra had at least one child: Elizabeth (1779-1870). Elijah served in the Revolutionary War and was part of Col. Robinson’s regiment under gen. Spencer in his unsuccessful attempt to drive the British out of Rhode Island in 1777. His cousins Amos and Melzar were part of the same campaign – see following. Elijah is listed in the 1800, 1810, and 1820 US Census for Nobleboro. In the 1820 Census his family included just one male over 45 and one female over 45, presumably he and his wife as he would have been 64 at the time. He is listed as working in commerce. In the 1800 Census he had two sons listed at home and in the 1810 Census he had one son still at home. Listed next to him in the 1820 Census are John and Joseph Dunbar, each under 45 with families, and these are probably his sons. Both are also working in commerce, perhaps with their father.

Jesse Dunbar (1744 - 1818)

Jesse Dunbar was born on June 26, 1744. He married Mary Stone (1743-1818) from Stoughton, MA on July 31, 1766 while living in Stoughton. Their intensions were published on July 12, 1766. He served in the Revolution. He was first part of Col. Benjamin Lincoln’s regiment assembled April 19, 1775. He was then part of the 36th Regiment of Foot under Gen. Heath, one of the first armies created after the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775. Jesse was later part of the unsuccessful attempt to invade Canada in 1776 with his cousin Joshua. Jesse and Mary moved to Bridgewater, MA and then sailed to Bristol Maine on a sloop in 1793 with his family and all belongings. On arrival, they moved overland to Nobleboro he bought nine acres of land on Mescongus Neck from Ezekiel Winslow on Oct. 5, 1797. He sold this land to his son, Jesse, Jr. on 1804. In the US Direct Tax of 1798 he was at Nobleboro with a house valued at $200 and 200 acres of land. Jesse Dunbar appeared in the 1800 and 1810 US Census in Nobleboro, Lincoln Co. ME. He died in Nobleboro, ME on May 18, 1818 so the Jesse Dunbar listed beginning in 1820 was likely his son by the same name who also lived there. Jesse is buried in the Dunbar-Knowlton Cemetery in Nobleboro. They had 11 children, all born in Bridgewater. MA:

1. Polly, born Dec. 16, 1766*, married Timothy Drake (1764-) from Easton, MA on April 12, 1789*. They had ten children, the first born in Bristol, MA and the rest in North Bridgewater, MA: Lydia (1789-1863) Polly (1791-1868), Ira (1792-1885), Timothy (1794-1879), Elizabeth (1796-1876), Thomas (1798-1883), and four others names unknown.

2. Molly, born July 3, 1769*, died on Sept. 1849 at East Bridgewater. She married William Bonney (1765-) on Jan. 26, 1796* in Bridgewater, MA. They had seven children, all born in Bridgewater: Allen (1796-), Vesta (1798-), Hariot (1802-), Thomas Jefferson (1803-), Joann (1805-), Lucius (1808), Eliza (1811-).

3. Rachel, (twin) born July 2, 1771*, married David Allan in East Bridgewater on Jan. 20, 1796*. They had six children: Melbidia (1796-), Zebiney (1798-), Nahum (1800-), Galen (1802-), Sidney (1806-), Joan (1814-).

4. Sarah, (twin) born July 2, 1771*, married Calvin Dunbar, son of John Dunbar and Mary Keith in 1793. They had ten children: Linne (1794-), Dustin (1796-), Calvin (1798-), Olive (1799-) and six others names not known.

5. Persis, born May 12, 1773*, married Samuel Wheeler on Dec. 15, 1796* in Nobleboro, ME.

6. Lydia, born Feb. 12, 1775*, died Nov. 2, 1775.

7. Lydia, born Sept. 13, 1776*, married John Dunlap on Feb. 4, 1810 and they had four children..

8. Mehitable, born on Oct. 5, 1778*, married Jesse Spear (1774-) from Bridgewater.

9. Cate, born Feb. 27, 1780*, married she married Benjamin Mason from Frankfort, ME on Nov. 27, 1806 and they had four children but records are incomplete. Second, she married Jacob Kaler (1776-) from Waldoboro, ME. They had at least one child: Lucinda (1802-).

10. Jesse, born on April 4, 1782*, died Dec. 8, 1872, married Sarah Winslow (1787-1868) from Nobleboro, ME and they had twelve children: Jesse jr. (1806-1873), Sarah (1808-), Mary (1810-), Angeline (1812-), Albert (1815-), Ansel (1816-), Melzar (1817-1890), Ursula (1819-1876), Newell (1821-1842), Dorothy Jane (1823-), Edward Winslow (1826-1900), Lorenzo (1829-).

11. Olive, born July 28, 1785*, married Issac Hall on Oct. 28, 1806 in Norbleboro, ME. They had eight children, all born in Nobleboro, ME. Issac (1811-) and seven others, names not known.

Jesse Dunbar (1782 - 1872)

Jesse Dunbar was born on April 4, 1782* In Bridgewater, MA. He married Sarah Winslow. She was born on Oct. 1, 1787 in Nobleboro, ME and died Aug. 3, 1868. He died Dec. 8, 1872 at age 90. Jesse moved to Nobleboro, ME with his father in 1793. He was a surveyor, shoemaker and farmer, living on East Neck Road. Jesse had a team of oxen he rented for $1.24 for two days. Jesse is listed in the 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850 1860, & 1870 US Census – see below for 1860 & 1870. In the 1820 Census his family included 2 males under 10, 1 male under 16, 1 male under 45, 2 females under 10, 2 females under 16, and 1 female under 45. Jesse and Sarah had twelve children, all born in Nobleboro:

1. Jesse, Jr, born Oct. 5, 1806 in Nobleboro, ME, died Oct. 14, 1873 in Nobleboro. He first married Sarah Clark (1807-1849). They had four known children, all born in Nobleboro: Ruel Williams (1828-1852), Alva Sinclair (1830- 1857), Martha Jane (1833-), Sarah Winslow (1839-).

2. Sarah, born Oct. 16, 1808, married Elisha Rollins Palmer on Feb. 17, 1833.

3. Mary, born Sept. 12, 1810, married Daniel Moody, Jr. on May 17, 1835.

4. Angeline, born Nov. 8, 1812, married Lot Chapman on July 7, 1850.

5. Albert, born on Jan. 21, 1815, married Elizabeth Talbot Rich and they had at least three children: Judson (1848-), Lirra (1850-), Alice (1857-after 1921).

6. Ansel, born about 1816, married Jane Hatch on Dec. 28, 1837.

7. Melzar, born Jan. 10, 1817 in Nobleboro and died on Dec. 28, 1890 in Boston of old age and a fall in the street. He married Minerva Sharpline Hopkins (1822-1915) on Dec. 15, 1842. He was a Baptist minister in Addison, ME and published the Dunbar Genealogy in 1886. They had seven children: Euzilla Minerva (1844-), Clara Prescott (1845-), Eugene Kincaid (1847-), Melzar Preston (1849-), Lucy Thatcher (1854-), Ella maria (1856-), John Bickmore (1864-).

8. Ursula Abigail, born May 22, 1819, died April 27, 1876. She married Rev, James Sullivan Trask on Aug. 27, 1842.

9. Newell, born April3, 1821, died April 14, 1842 at Nobleboro.

10. Dorothy Jane, born Dec. 28, 1823, married John Weeks Perkins on Nov. 4, 1852.

11. Edward Winslow, born in Nobleboro on April 16, 1826, died Dec. 29, 1900 in Damariscotta, ME. He married Lucinda Pool Burham (1830-1911) of Edgecombe, ME on Nov. 4, 1852. Edward moved from Nobleboro to Newcastle in 1863. Lucinda is said to be a relative of Daniel Webster. They had seven children: Edward Evertt (1854-), Lizzie Lucinda (1855-1904), Kendall Moody (1857-1934), Willis Burham (1860-), Hebert Allen (1862-), Hattie Winslow (1864-1924), Merton Webster (1867-).

12. Lorenzo, born Oct. 19, 1829, died Jan. 27, 1912* in Nobleboro. He first married Angelena Hall (1837-1870) on June 18, 1856 and they had at least six children: Ella Jane (1857-1875), Edson Lorenzo (1859-), Jesse E. (1860-), Sarah Abbie (1862-), Angie Marie (1864-), Gustena (1866-). Second, he married Sarah D, Hall (1839-1904) on July 3, 1873. They had three children: Arletta M. (1874-1928), Linda Alice (twin) (1875-), Lester Albert (twin) 1875). Lorenzo is listed in the 1860, 1870, and 1880 US Census. In 1880 he is listed as a 50 year old, married farmer.

In the 1860 Census Jesse and Lorenzo were heads of separate households. In the 1870 Census, Jesse had moved in with the Lorenzo Dunbar household, his son. Their age difference is 48 years and Lorenzo was born in 1829

Albert Dunbar (1815 - post 1880)

Albert Dunbar was born on January 21, 1815 in Nobleboro, Lincoln. Co, Maine.  Albert married Elizabeth Talbot Rich in June 12, 1842 in Knox, Maine (see Rich family).   Elizabeth was born on Jan. 31, 1821 to Lemuel Rich and his wife, Grace Gilkey.  She was a well known poet. According to a parson’s history of the Alfred published in 1872, the Baptists in Alfred joined with those in the south part of Sanford in 1855.  They built a meeting house located at Littlefied’s Mills and Albert was their first minter.  He was followed by the Revs. J. N. Thompson, A. W. Boardman, S. Powers, and C. D. Sweat. The Albert Dunbar family is listed in the 1870 US Census in Alfred, ME with Albert age 55, a Baptist clergyman and eligible to vote, Elizabeth, age 49, and Judson, age 21, a teacher, Lirra, age 19, a teacher, and Alice age 12 in school.  His real estate is valued at $2000 and his personal estate at $500. He is also listed in a clergyman in the 1880 US Census for Alfred. Albert and Elizabeth had at least four children:

1. Albert Wayland, born in  June, 17, 1843 in Knox, ME, died April 1, 1860 in Alfred, ME.

2. Judson Boradman, born on July 6, 1848 in Patton, ME, died Oct. 24, 1919 in Portland, ME. He married Ella C. Clarke (1848-) on May 10, 1871 in Winslow, ME. He is listed in the 1880 US census as a hardware clerk, married in Portland, ME.  They had four children: Robert Wayland (1872-), Mary Elizabeth (1873-), Philip (1877-), and Helen C. (1890-).  Robert went to Amherst College and Andover Theological Seminary.  He was the Congregational minister in Chelmsford, MA and then Haverhill, MA.

3. Lizzie, born Oct. 12, 1850 in Freedom, ME, listed as teacher in 1870 US Census.

4. Alice, born on August 12, 1857 in Alfred, ME, married Sumner Abraham Ives on Sept. 19, 1879 in Alfred, ME.  She is listed in 1880 US Census as a single school teacher living in her father Albert’s household. They had three children, all born in Alfred, ME: Sumner Albert (1882-1945), Judson Dunbar (1884-1971), Dwight H. (1893-1969).

Alice Dunbar and the Dunbar Family in New Enngland

Before I continue with the Ives family in North Carolina, I want to cover the last two families my Ives ancesters connected with in New England, the Dunbar family and the Rich family. Alice Dunbar was my great granmother and she accompanied Sumner Abraham Ives on their journey to the South. Her mother was Elizabeth Talbot Rich and I will cover her family aafter the Dunbars.

Alice Dunbar was born on August 12, 1857 in Alfred, ME and died after 1921 in Pinebluff, NC. Alice is listed in the 1880 US Census as a single school teacher living at home. She married Sumner Abraham Ives on Sept. 19, 1879, Alfred, ME. (See his description for details on their family). The Dunbar family begun in New England in the 1650s in Hingham, MA and in the 1800 US Census there were 10 Dunbar households in Hingham, 8 households in Bridgewater, MA, and there had been some migration to Maine with 2 households in Nobleboro, ME, 1 in New Castle ME and 3 in Warren Town, ME.

Alfred, Maine was first settled by the English in the early 1760s. The first settler was Simeon Coffin, son of Stephen Coffin of Newbury, MA. Alfred was initially part of Sanford, ME and then was incorporated into a separate district in 1794. At that point the name officially became Alfred, prior to that the area was called Massabesic. Alfred became a town in 1808 and there were 1200 residents in 1872. Maine separated from Massachusetts in 1820. Albert Dunbar is first recorded there as the minister of the First Baptist Church in 1855.

I will next cover more on Alfed Maine before discussing the rest of the Dunbars in New England.