The DOWNS Family
of Martha's Vineyard


Compiled by C. Baer, 1998.

Additional material submitted by Linda Downs Bembury.

Sources available upon request.

1. Jabez Downs was born about 1735-45. As Banks claims he came from "the Cape," it is quite possible that he was the Jabez Downs who was born in Yarmouth on 23 Mar 1735/6 to William and Elizabeth Downs. He married Amy Newcomb, probably about 1768 when he moved to Tisbury.

On 21 Mar 1768, he purchased land in Holmes Hole from Mercy Chase. Jabez appears in the 1771 Tax Valuation list in Tisbury, and as a private on the roll of Capt. Nathan Smith's Company stationed on Martha's Vineyard from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 1776. Jabez probably died between 1776 and 5 Jan 1787, when his wife Amey Downs appears on the tax lists.

Amy Newcomb was born about 1743 in Edgartown. Banks notes that her parents resided in Edgartown until removing to Tisbury in 1748 and were admitted to the Tisbury church in 1770. "Amey Downs" appears on the 1786 Tisbury state tax lists, and so was likely a widow by this time. "Ami Downs" appears on the 1790 Tisbury census with one male aged 16 or up (William?) and one male under 16 (John??). She is the only Downs listed on Martha's Vineyard in the 1790 census. She may also be the elderly woman (aged 90-100) living with William Downs in the 1830 Tisbury census. I have found no other records of Jabez or Amy Downs.

I have found no records of children of Jabez and Amy, but there are two likely children of Jabez Downs and Amy Newcomb:

 

2. William Downs (Jabez 1 ?) was born about 1768-70. His son Constant's death record gives William's birthplace as "Hyannis." He married (1st) Love Chase, daughter of Joseph Chase and Martha Hillman, on 7 Nov 1793 in Tisbury. He married (2nd) Rebecca Manter, daughter of Jonathan Manter and Sarah Chase, on 14 Sep 1820 in Tisbury. He died on 21 Oct 1843 in Tisbury of heart disease and is buried in Village Cemetery, Vineyard Haven. His death record calls him a Tisbury trader.

I am only theorizing that William was the son of Jabez and Amy, as there was evidently only one Downs family on the island at this time, and as William's age is consistent with the man listed with Ami Downs in the 1790 census.

William appears on the 1800 Tisbury census, aged 26-45 with two boys under ten (William Jr. and Jabez?), and one woman 26-45 (his wife Love). He appears to be only Downs family in Tisbury at this time. In 1803, he signed the petition to establish the Baptist Society, and was later known as "Deacon" William Downs. He was on the "Committee of Safty" for Tisbury during the War of 1812.

After his second marriage in 1820, he ran a grocery store on his new wife's homestead on Main Street. He appears in the census of 1830 in Tisbury, aged 60-70, with two boys aged 15-20 (Baxter? and George?), two men 20-30 (Constant? and Henry?), a woman 90-100 (his mother??), a woman 50-60 (his second wife Rebecca), and a woman 20-30 (Love or an unidentified daughter?). On 14 May 1831 he sold a four-acre lot known as "the Pasture" (formerly belonging to his father-in-law Jonathan Manter) to Capt. Thomas H. Smith for $150. He appears in the 1840 Tisbury census, aged 70-80, with a girl under five, a woman aged 20-30 (Love?), and woman aged 60-70 (wife Rebecca). (Or could the woman and girl have been recently-widowed Emily Downs and her daughter?). He may also have been the Capt. William Downs who (according to Banks) owned the tavern known as the "Berkshire House" (later the "County House," kept by James Shaw West).

Love Chase was born in Tisbury in 1774. She died on 11 Aug 1819 in Tisbury, "very suddenly of the Cholera morbus."

The records are scarce regarding the children of William Downs and Love Chase, but they were probably as follows:


Rebecca Manter was born on 14 Sep 1774. The Jonathan Manter homestead, on Main street (north of the present Compass Bank) was left to spinster daughter Rebecca after his death in 1820. After her marriage to William Downs, they ran a grocery store there. Mrs. Howes Norris wrote, "She was exceedingly plain looking, I am informed, having four lips; but Deacon William Downs, a widower was attracted perhaps not by her face but by her fortune and won Rebecca for a wife. Here he kept a grocery store." She died a widow on 16 Jun 1849 in Tisbury, aged 74, of consumption, and was buried Village Cemetery, Vineyard Haven.

There were no children of William Downs and Rebecca Manter.

 

3. John Benjamin Downs (Jabez 1 ) was born about 1774(?). He married Beulah Butler, daughter of Cornelius Butler and Jane Coffin, on 16 Sep 1792 in Edgartown. His name doesn't appear in any of the 1790 Vineyard censuses, and I have found no other references to him. I am only speculating that he was the younger son of Jabez, based on the date of his marriage, and the 1790 census entry of Ami Downs.

Beulah Butler was born about 1772.

Children of John Benjamin Downs and Beulah Butler were:

 

 

4. Capt. William C. Downs 2d (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born about 31 May 1798 in Tisbury. He married (1st?) Sophronia Manter on 29 Jun 1823 in Tisbury; he married (2nd) ___________; he married (3rd) Betsey L. Davis, daughter of James Davis and Betsey Look, on 20 Feb 1853 in Holmes Hole. (The marriage record states that this was the third marriage of William, and the first of Betsey. The marriage was performed by George F. Danforth, Baptist Clergyman of Tisbury). He died on 4 Sep 1865 in Tisbury of Typhus Fever. The death record calls him a mariner.

He appears in the 1830 Tisbury census (aged 30-40, with woman 20-30 (his wife), and girl <5 (Rebecca)), and again in the 1840 Tisbury census (aged 30<40, with two boys under 5 (Charles and Wm. Jr.?), a woman 30<40 (wife Sophronia), and one girl 5<10 (Rebecca). Two listings separated from George Downs). He was described as a Tisbury mariner in March 1845. He probably the William C. Downs who was noted as owning the house on William street, immediately north of the Methodist Church lot, on 28 Apr 1845. He does not appear in the 1850 census of Martha's Vineyard, and may have lived in Falmouth with a second wife during this period. He was called a Tisbury mariner (and widower) on 20 Feb 1853. He appears in the 1860 Tisbury census (aged 61, master mariner, with his wife Betsey and their children) and again in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 66, fisherman, with his wife and family.)

Sophronia Manter was born about 1804-5. She died in Dec 1845 in Tisbury of consumption.

Children of Capt. William C. Downs 2d and Sophronia Manter were probably as follows:

Sophronia (Manter) Downs died in 1845, and William moved away from the island for a couple of years (between 1845 and 1853). He evidently married and lost a second wife during this period. Although I have not learned her name, she may have been the mother of Benjamin Downs, who appears as the youngest member of William's family in the 1860 and 1865 censuses.


Betsey L. Davis was born on 29 Aug 1811 in Industry, ME (although the 1865 census states New Vineyard, ME.) She appears in the 1860 Tisbury census (aged 50, with her husband and children); in the 1865 Tisbury census ("house wife," with husband and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 60, keeping house, living alone); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 73, boarding in the home of James and Emeline B. Davis). She died on 7 Apr 1900 in Cottage City, at age 88.
There were no children of Capt. William C. Downs 2d and Betsey L. Davis.

 

5. Capt. Charles Downs (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 20 Oct 1800 in Tisbury. He married Mary Pease Manter, daughter of Peter and Mary Manter, on 1 Oct 1826 in Tisbury. He died of Paralysis on 16 Oct 1876 in Tisbury, aged 75, and is buried in Tisbury.

He appears in the 1830 Tisbury census (aged 20-30, with woman 20-30 (wife Mary), and two girls under five (Mary and Charlotte?)). A deed dated 12 Apr 1841 refers to a lot owned by Charles Downs near the "new street" (likely what is now William Street.) He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 49, mariner, with wife Mary P. and their children); in the 1860 Tisbury census (aged 60, master mariner, with wife and daughter, in the house of Benjamin Clough); in the 1865 census of East Parish, Tisbury (aged 64, seaman, with his wife and daughter Lizzie Smith. Noted as "Deaf"); and in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 69, no occupation, with his wife and daughter.) His 1876 death record calls him a "mariner."

Mary Pease Manter was born on 11 Sep 1807 in Tisbury. (Was she the daughter of #118 Peter Manter?) She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 42, with husband, children, and Francis Nye's family); in the 1860 Tisbury census (aged 52, with husband); in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 57, housewife, with husband and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 62, keeping house, with husband and daughter); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 74, boarder, living in home of George and Lizzie Smith). She died on 19 Jun 1887 in Vineyard Haven, at age 79, and is buried in Vineyard Haven.

Children of Capt. Charles Downs and Mary Pease Manter were as follows:

 

6. Amy N. Downs (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born in Mar 1805 in Tisbury. She married Thomas Robinson, son of Thomas Robinson and Jedidah Davis, on 18 Dec 1825 in Tisbury. She died of heart disease on 9 Oct 1855 in Holmes Hole, aged 50.
I am speculating that Amy was a daughter of William, based partly on the fact that Thomas Robinson (with an entry for a woman Amy's age) appears one listing separated from William's in the 1830 census, and based on Banks' cryptic notes on the Downs family.

She appears in the 1830 Tisbury census (probably the woman aged 20-30 in the household of Thomas Robinson); and in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 45, with husband and children).

Thomas Robinson was born on 5 Nov 1792 in Falmouth, MA (although his birthplace was listed as "Chilmark" in the 1850 census.) He was evidently the Thomas Robinson "of Falmouth" who married (1st) Hannah Manter on 2 Oct 1820 in Tisbury. He appears in the 1830 Tisbury census (aged 30-40, with wife 20-30); and in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 57, shoemaker, with wife and children). He died "suddenly" of heart disease on 18 Mar 1857 in Holmes Hole. His death record calls him a Tisbury cordwainer.

Children of Amy N. Downs and Thomas Robinson were as follows:

 

 

7. Capt. Constant C. Downs (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born about March 1807 in Tisbury. He married Rebecca D. Luce, daughter of Stephen Luce and Rebecca Davis, in 1834 (intention registered on 25 Jul 1834 in Tisbury.) He died of "cerebral disease" on 16 Apr 1891 in North Tisbury, and was buried in North Tisbury.

He was a called a Tisbury master mariner in his eldest son's 2 May 1839 birth record, and a North Tisbury master mariner on his next son's 5 May 1848 birth record. He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 44, mariner, with wife and children, in the home of Stephen and Rebecca Luce). He held the office of Tisbury "Surveyor of High Ways" in April 1857, and Capt. Downs was reimbursed $12 in Mar 1859 for money expended on the roads. He served as a grand juror in Edgartown in 1859 and the same year lost an election for Special Commissioner of Dukes County. In 1858, the house of "C. C. Downes" was listed in the Middletown (North Tisbury) on the Walling map. He appears in the West Tisbury 1860 census (aged 53, with wife and son); in the 1865 West Tisbury census (aged 58, seaman, with wife and son and Sarah D. Ferguson); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 63, mariner, with wife and son); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 76, "unoccupied", with wife. Next door to Frank S. Downs.) His 1891 death record calls him a "retired master mariner."

Rebecca D. Luce was born on 9 May 1809 in Tisbury. She appears in 1860 West Tisbury census (aged 51, with husband and son); in the 1865 West Tisbury census (aged 55, housewife, with husband and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 60, keeping house, with husband and son); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 71, with husband, keeping house). She died on 11 May 1892 in West Tisbury, at age 83, of "Infirmities of Age".

Children of Constant C. Downs and Rebecca D. Luce were as follows:

 

 

8. Love C. Downs (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 11 Mar 1809 in Tisbury. She married (1st) Abraham Chase, son of Timothy Chase Jr. and Content Dunham, in 1828 (intention registered on 1 Jun 1828 in Tisbury); she married (2nd) Amos Curtis, son of Benjamin Curtis and Miram (--?--), on 28 Apr 1856 in Tisbury (second marriage of both; marriage performed by S. A. Thomas, Baptist minister.)

She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 41, with husband and children, in home of James and Jane Cottle). She does not appear in the 1860 or 1870 Tisbury censuses, and may have left town.

Abraham Chase was born on 2 Oct 1807 in Tisbury. He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 42, mariner, with wife and children). He died on 25 Nov 1850 in Holmes Hole, at age 43, of "Chagres fever" contracted while returning home on a steamer from California.

Children of Love C. Downs and Abraham Chase were:

Amos Curtis was born about 1805-6 in Freeport, ME. He was called a Freeport farmer in his 28 Apr 1856 Tisbury marriage record. There are no known children of Love C. Downs and Amos Curtis.

 

9. Capt. George W. (M.?) Downs (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born between 1810-20 in Tisbury. He married Emily Andrews, daughter of William Andrews, on 5 Apr 1840 in Tisbury. He died on 18 Feb 1847 in Tisbury of consumption. His death record calls him a Tisbury master mariner. He is buried in Village Cemetery, Vineyard Haven.

I am speculating that George was the son of William, based on his age and the fact that he was living near William Downs 2nd in the 1840 Tisbury census (aged 20-30, with woman 20-30 (his wife), two listing separated from William Downs 2d.) He was called a Tisbury mariner on the 12 Feb 1845 birth record of his daughter.

Emily Andrews was born on 30 Apr 1818 in Tisbury. She married (2nd) Dr. George N. Hall between 1847 and 1850, and appears in the 1850 Tisbury census, aged 32, with Hall and her children. She married (3rd) George Couch between about 1850 and 1856, and appears on the 1860 Holmes Hole census, aged 42, with Couch and her children; and again in the 1865 Tisbury census, aged 47.

Children of Capt. George M. or W. Downs and Emily Andrews all born in Tisbury, were as follows:

 

10. Baxter Downs (William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born 8 Apr 1811 in Tisbury. He married Louisa Clifford, daughter of Stephen Clifford and Prudence Norton, on 4 May 1834 in Tisbury. He died of pneumonia on 10 May 1887 in Vineyard Haven, at age 76, and is buried in Village Cemetery, Vineyard Haven.

I am speculating that Baxter was the son of William, based on his age and the fact that Baxter appears three houses down from Charles Downs in the 1850 census. His 1888 Tisbury death record complicates the matter, calling his parents "George and Rebecca Downes."

He appears in the 1840 Tisbury census (aged 20-30, with woman 20-30 (his wife), and a woman 50<60 (Prudence Clifford?) A school with 25 scholars is listed on the same line as Baxter Downs in this census. Was Baxter or his wife a schoolteacher?). He was called a Holmes Hole mariner on his eldest son's 31 May 1843 birth record, and his second son's 17 Jul 1846 birth record. He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 33, mariner, with wife and children; four listings from the home of Charles Downs).; in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 53, seaman, with wife and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 58, mariner, with wife and children); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 69, laborer, with daughter Mary L). His 1887 death record calls him a harness maker.

Louisa Clifford was born on 4 Mar 1817 in North Tisbury. She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 33, with husband and children and mother); in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 50, running a "Boarding House", with husband and children); and in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 53, keeping house, with husband and daughter). She died on 26 Nov 1874 in Tisbury, at age 57, of "cancer of stomach" and is buried in Village Cemetery, Vineyard Haven.

Children of Baxter Downs and Louisa Clifford were as follows:

 

 

11. Rebecca W. Downs (William 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 20 May 1829 in Tisbury. She married Charles Dillingham, son of Zenas Dillingham and Elizabeth Slocum, on 6 Jan 1850 in Holmes Hole. She died on 2 Nov 1863 in Holmes Hole, at age 34, of "depentira typhoidas." (Her husband died two weeks earlier of "Typhoid Fever.")

She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 21, with her husband, in home of her parents-in-law); and in the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 30, with her husband and daughter.)

Charles Dillingham was born on 25 Feb 1821 in Tisbury. He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 29, mariner, with his wife and parents.) On 10 Oct 1857, Charles Dillingham of Tisbury, mariner, and his wife Rebecca sold the land and buildings in Holmes Hole that "Zenas Dillingham died seized of" on Holmes Hole Harbor (near lots formerly owned by Oliver Grinnell and Timothy Pease) to J. Allen Dunham of Tisbury for $300. He appears on the census of 1860 in Holmes Hole (aged 38, mariner, with his wife and daughter.) He died on 19 Oct 1863 in Holmes Hole, at age 42, of Typhoid Fever. His death record notes his occupation as a painter.

Children of Rebecca W. Downs and Charles Dillingham were:

 

 

12. Charles G. Downs (William 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 4 Jan 1839 in Tisbury. He married Mary H. Mayhew, daughter of Smith Mayhew and Thankful V. Cottle, before 1878 (perhaps in Chilmark?).

He appears in the 1860 Tisbury census (aged 21, mariner, with father and stepmother); and in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 24, seaman, with father and stepmother). He does not appear in the 1870 Tisbury census, nor does a marriage record appear for him before 1875. In the 1880 Tisbury census, a Charles A.(?) Downs, 41, sailor, appears living with his wife Mary and son Henry. He is not listed in the 1897 Vineyard Haven directory, and I have no further records of this family.

Mary H. Mayhew was born 6 Aug 1842 in Chilmark. She appears in the 1880 Tisbury census with her husband and son. She died of "Brain Fever" on 14 Sep 1886 in Tisbury, aged 44, and is buried in Chilmark.

Children of Charles G. Downs and Mary H. (--?--) were:

 

 

13. Benjamin Josiah Downs (William 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born about 1848-9 in Falmouth, Barnstable Co., MA. He married Caroline Foster before 1887.

It is not clear who the parents of Benjamin are. He not in 1850 census of Martha's Vineyard, but appears with William C. Downs' family in the 1860 and 1865 censuses. William's first wife Sophronia died in 1845, so Benjamin must be a son of his unidentified second wife. Some descendants suggest that Benjamin is the son of Charles Downs and Mary Manter, but that would not explain the 1850, 1860, and 1865 censuses. A study of the 1850 Falmouth census as well as the Falmouth vital records should clear this mystery up.

He appears in the 1860 Tisbury census (aged 11, with father and stepmother); and in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 20, seaman, with father and stepmother). He does not appear in the 1870 Tisbury census, and evidently left the island by this time.
Caroline Foster was born in Cambridge, MA.

Children of Benjamin Josiah Downs and Caroline Foster were as follows:

 

 

14. Mary P. Downs (Charles 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 21 Jul 1827 in Tisbury. She married (1st) Francis Nye Jr., son of Francis Nye and Phebe (--?--), on 28 Jun 1844 in Tisbury; she married (2nd) James M. Taber between about 1851 and 1857. She died of a cerebral hemmorhage on 16 Jul 1891 in Vineyard Haven, at age 63, and is buried in Vineyard Haven.

She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 22, with husband and child, in the home of her parents); in the 1860 Tisbury census (with her second husband and children); in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 37, housewife, with husband and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 42, keeping house, with family); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 58, keeping house, with husband and children.)

Francis Nye Jr. was born on 11 Oct 1818 in Falmouth, Barnstable, MA (although his daughter's death record claims he was born in Sandwich.) He gave his occupation as a Tisbury painter in his 28 Jun 1844 marriage record. He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 31, painter, with wife and daughter, in the home of his wife's parents). He was struck by lightning and killed in a freak storm on 29 Jul 1851 in Tisbury, at age 32 (See the article in the 1 Aug 1851 Vineyard Gazette.)

Children of Mary P. Downs and Francis Nye Jr. were:


James M. Taber was born about 1827-9 in Fairhaven, Bristol Co., MA. "J. M. Taber" is listed under "Dry Goods & Groceries - Main St." in the "Business Directory for Holmes Hole" on the Walling Map in 1858. He appears as a 32-year-old merchant with his wife and family in the 1860 Holmes Hole census; in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 37, merchant, with wife and children)in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 42, Grocer (retail), with wife and children); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 53, Dry Good Dealer, with wife and children). He resided in 1897 on Centre St., Vineyard Haven. He appears in the 1910 Tisbury census (aged 81, with daughter Florence and family.) He died of "senility" on 27 Sep 1913 in Tisbury.

Children of Mary P. Downs and James M. Taber all born in Tisbury, were as follows:

 

 

15. Charlotte Chase Downs (Charles 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born in 1833 in Tisbury. She married Capt. Benjamin Clough, son of Asa Clough and Mary (--?--), on 26 Mar 1854 in Holmes Hole (first marriage of both.; ceremony performed by Franklin Gavitt, Methodist Minister). She died on 15 Jul 1909 in Tisbury.

She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 20, with parents), and was called a Tisbury resident in her March 1854 marriage record.. She appears on the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 26, with husband and children and parents); in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 32, house wife, with husband and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 36, keeping house, with husband and children, next door to parents); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 44, keeping house, with husband Benjamin and children. Next door to sister and mother). She appears in the 1907 Vineyard Haven Directory as "Clough, Charlotte C., widow of Benjamin, h. Pine."

Capt. Benjamin Clough was born about 1824 in Monmouth, ME. No Cloughs appear in the 1850 census of Martha's Vineyard, so evidently he didn't arrive until shortly before his March 1854 marriage; his marriage record calls him a Monmouth mariner. He appears on the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 37, master mariner, with wife and children. Charles and Mary P. Downs family also in home); in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 43, seaman, with wife and children); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 50, mariner, with wife and children); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 55, retired ship master, with wife and children). He died on 12 May 1889 in Tisbury.

Children of Charlotte Chase Downs and Capt. Benjamin Clough all born in Tisbury, were as follows:

 

 

16. Elizabeth Holmes "Lizzie" Downs (Charles 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 24 Jul 1841 in Vineyard Haven. She married Capt. George Fowler Smith, son of Capt. Charles Grandison Smith and Drusilla A. West, on 28 Oct 1863 in Holmes Hole (Ceremony performed by S. A. Thomas, Minister of the Gospel. 1st marriage of both.) She died on 30 Jun 1925 in Vineyard Haven, at age 83 from "an illness lasting about two weeks" and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery (39 Cypress), Tisbury.

Her obituary states, "Mrs. Smith was born in Vineyard Haven and always lived there, and while she never took any prominent part in public life, always prided herself on being a good wife and mother, a pride which is shared be her surviving relatives." She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 8, living with parents); in the 1855 Tisbury census (aged 13, with parents); in the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 18, with parents); in the 1865 census of East Parish, Tisbury (aged 22, "boarder", living with husband, in the home of her parents); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 28, no occupation, living with husband, daughter, and parents); in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 39, keeping house, with husband and one daughter); in the 1900 census of Pine St., Tisbury (age 36, with husband. Four children, two living); in the 1910 census of Pine St., Tisbury (aged 66, no occupation, with husband and son. One child, living); and in the 1920 census of State Road, Tisbury (aged 77, widow, living with grandson George T. Tilton). She resided on Pine Street, Vineyard Haven at the time of her death.

Capt. George Fowler Smith was born on 12 Jul 1838 in Holmes Hole. He appears with his father in the 1840 Tisbury census; in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 11); in the 1855 Tisbury census (aged 17, mariner, living with parents); and in the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 21, with parents). He was listed "at sea" in the Gazette in September 1862. He was called a Tisbury mariner in his October 1863 marriage record. He appears on the 1865 census of East Parish, Tisbury (aged 26, seaman, with wife. Living in the home of wife's parents). He was master of the Ship "Jireh Perry" of New Bedford on a voyage to the Pacific in 1868 (the log of this voyage can be found at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society for the dates 12 May 1868 to 27 Jun 1868.) He was called a Holmes Hole mariner in the October 1868 birth record of his daughter. He appears in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 31, mariner, living with wife and daughter in home of parents-in-law); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 40, sailor, with wife and daughter). The Gazette reported in the "Vineyard Haven" column on 11 Mar 1881 that "Capt Geo. F. Smith , of bark Lucretia, was reported at sea with 2200 bbls. sperm oil all told" on 29 Apr 1881 that "A letter to the Captain's wife reports bark Lucretia, Capt. Geo. F. Smith, at Talcahuana March 13th, with 2800 bbls. sperm oil, 700 bbls. last cruise. Fitting for home. All well" and on 29 Jul 1881 that "Capt. Geo F. Smith arrived home on Wednesday last from a four year voyage as master of bark Lucretia, of New Bedford." Between 1883 and 1884 he was master of the Steam-Whaler "Belvedere" of San Francisco, on a voyage to the Pacific and Arctic Oceans (the log exists for the dates 10 Dec 1883 to 3 Nov 1884.) He resided in 1897 in Forest Ave., Tisbury (No occupation listed). He appears on the 1900 census of Pine St., Tisbury (age 36, master mariner (steam), with wife, daughter, and grandson). He resided in 1907 in Pine St., Tisbury (master mariner). He was listed about 1910-11 on Pine St., Tisbury ("master mariner"). He appears on the 1910 census of Pine St., Tisbury (aged 69, "own income", with wife and grandson). He died on 18 Nov 1913 at Sailors' Snug Harbor, New York City, NY, at age 75, of Myocarditis and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery (39 Cypress), Tisbury. He was called a married "retired seaman" in his Tisbury death record.

Children of Elizabeth Holmes Downs and Capt. George Fowler Smith were:

 

 

17. Love C. Robinson (Amy 3 Downs , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 12 Mar 1831 in Tisbury. She married William C. Dunham, son of Sanders Dunham and Mary Gray, on 30 Nov 1851 in Tisbury (first marriage of both; marriage performed by G. W. Stearns, Methodist Minister). She died in "child bed" on 10 Oct 1855 in Holmes Hole, at age 24, of "puerperal convultions." Her death occurred the day after her mother died of heart disease.

She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 19, with parents).

William C. Dunham was born about 1828-9 in Buffalo, NY (although the stillbirth record of their son claims his birthplace was Tisbury). He was called a Tisbury mariner on his 30 Nov 1851 marriage record, and a Holmes Hole ship carpenter on the 20 May 1853 stillbirth record of their son.

Children of Love C. Robinson and William C. Dunham were:

 

 

18. Franklin Gray "Frank" Downs (Constant 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born in May 1848 in North Tisbury. He married Abbie Parker Tilton on 24 Oct 1876 in Tisbury. He died on 22 Feb 1934 in Tisbury, at age 85.

He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 2, with parents); in the 1860 West Tisbury census, Tisbury (aged 12, with parents); in the 1865 West Tisbury census (aged 17, pupil, with parents); in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 21, "In Bakery", with parents); and in the 1880 Tisbury census ("Frank S.", aged 31, Harness Maker, with wife Abbie and son, in the home of his parents). He was called a North Tisbury farmer in the 18 Jun 1889 birth record of his son. The 1897 directory of North Tisbury lists him as a laborer, and the 1907 directory of Vineyard Haven has two listings: "Downes Frank G., h. Main" and "Downes Frank G., harness maker, Main, n. Centre, h. do." He appears in the 1910 Tisbury census (aged 61, harness maker/repairer (own shop), with wife and children); and in the 1920 West(?) Tisbury census (aged 71, harness maker (own shop), with wife and children). Stan Lair said that Frank Downs had a leather repair business on Main Street, in front of Ben "Chuck" Dexter's carving shop.

Abbie Parker Tilton was born about 1852. She appears in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 28, keeping house, with husband and son); in the 1910 Tisbury census (aged 57(?), with husband and children); and in the 1920 West(?) Tisbury census (aged 67, with wife and children). She died on 21 Jul 1941 in Tisbury.

Children of Franklin Gray Downs and Abbie Parker Tilton were as follows:

 

 

19. Olivia Boardman Nye (Mary 4 Downs , Charles 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 20 Sep 1848 in Holmes Hole. She married Henry H. Smith, son of Capt. Charles Grandison Smith and Drusilla A. West, on 15 Jun 1876 in Tisbury (first marriage of both. Marriage performed by E. Terrell, clergyman.) She died on 2 Oct 1937 in Look Street, Tisbury, at age 89 of "Cardiac Disease / arteriosclerosis" "following a lengthy period of failing health." She was buried on 4 Oct 1937 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury.

Her obituary states: "Born in Vineyard Haven, she lived her entire life in that town, widely known and beloved by all who knew her. She was a member of Christ M. E. Church and belonged to the various church societies, taking an active interest in all matters pertaining to the institution as long as her health and strength would permit". She appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 1, with parents, in the home of her maternal grandparents). She was undoubtedly the "Olivia B. Taber" living with her newly remarried mother Mary P. Taber and family in 1860 in Tisbury. (Did she assume a stepfather's name for a period or was this the census-taker's error?) She appears in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 16, pupil, with mother and stepfather); in the 1870 Tisbury census (aged 21, no occupation, living with mother and stepfather); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged "3.", keeping house, with husband). On 26 Oct 1905 the Gazette reported that "Mrs. O. B. Smith has been in town for a few days arranging her house which has been rented for the winter by Mrs. Jason Luce" in Vineyard Haven. The 1907 Tisbury directory lists her as "Smith Olevia V., widow of Henry, h. Spring, cor. William" and the 1910--11 at the same address ("Smith, Olivia V., widow of Henry."). She appears on the 1910 census of William St., Tisbury (aged 61(?), no occupation, with boarder. One child (living)); and in the 1920 census of Spring Street, Tisbury (aged 71, widow. Living alone). She was called a widowed Tisbury housewife in her 1937 death record.

Henry H. Smith was born on 10 Mar 1849 in Holmes Hole. His obituary states that "Mr. Smith was very well and favorably known all over the Island, and his loss to the town, his family and to all, will be keenly felt. He served the town of Tisbury as school committee for six years with great credit to himself, and those whom he served in this capacity were well pleased with the result of his labor. As a businessman he was one of the most active in this county". He appears in the 1850 Tisbury census (aged 1); in the 1855 Tisbury census (aged 6, living with parents); in the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 11, with parents); in the 1865 census of East Parish, Tisbury (aged 15, pupil, with father); and in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (Harness Maker, aged 21, living with father and stepmother). He was called a Tisbury "M. D." in his 1876 marriage record. He appears on the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 31, Druggist, living with wife). The Vineyard Haven column of the Gazette reported on 3 Jun 1881 that "H. H. Smith and wife have moved to Cottage City, where they will remain during the season" and on 14 Oct 1881 that "Mrs. H. H. Smith has moved to Boston, where her husband is engaged in business". And on 16 Dec 1881: "It is rumored that Mr. H. H. Smith is to return home and devote his time to his insurance business, his position in the Boston Mercantile Agency not proving sufficiently remunerative". He was called a Vineyard Haven "Insurance Agent and Druggist on the 22 Mar 1882 birth record of his son. On 9 Feb 1883 it was reported that "Mr. H. H. Smith is agent for the Massachusetts Benefit Association, for Boston" and on 5 Jun 1885 that "Mr. Henry H. Smith has had the residence which he recently purchased...neatly fitted up" at the corner of Spring and William streets, Tisbury. On 2 Nov 1888 it was reported that "J. H. Gorham, of Cottage City is caring for Dr. Henry H. Smith during his illness." He died on 1 Nov 1888 in Vineyard Haven, at age 39, of pneumonia. His death record called him an Insurance Agent.

Children of Olivia Boardman Nye and Henry H. Smith were:

 

 

20. Benjamin Clough Jr. (Charlotte 4 Downs , Charles 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 27 Feb 1856 in Tisbury; He married Octavia Norris Crocker, daughter of Wendell Crocker and Sarah _____, on 20 Nov 1883 in Tisbury. He died on 11 Sep 1938 (in Tisbury?), at age 82.

He appears on the 1860 Holmes Hole census (aged 4, with parents); in the 1865 Tisbury census (aged 9, with parents)in the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 14, attending school, with parents); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 24, at home, with parents). They are not listed in the 1910 Tisbury census, nor could I find them in the 1920 Tisbury census.

Octavia Norris Crocker was born 28 Jun 1857 in Tisbury. She died on 19 Feb 1937 (in Tisbury?)

Children of Benjamin Clough Jr. and Octavia Norris Crocker included:

 

 

21. Luella May Smith (Elizabeth 4 Downs , Charles 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 5 Oct 1868 in Holmes Hole. She married Capt. Charles Osborn Tilton, son of Thurston W. Tilton and Agnes B. Weeks, on 25 Mar 1888 in Tisbury (first marriage of both. Marriage performed by Geo. A. Grant, clergyman, Vineyard Haven). She and Capt. Charles Osborn Tilton were divorced before 6 Jun 1900. She married Charles Hunt Brown, son of Dr. Moses Brown and Miriam H. Smith, on 3 May 1943 at the Methodist parsonage in Tisbury (by Rev. John C. Vernon.) She died on 2 Jan 1952 in the Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Oak Bluffs, MA, at age 83 "...shortly after she had been admitted." She was buried on 7 Jan 1952 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury.

Her obituary states that "her life had been quiet and devoted to her home and family. Perhaps she was best known for her knowledge of Island traditions, family history and a mass of information that has never been recorded. She was a member of Christ Methodist Church in Vineyard Haven." Stan Lair remembers that she "lived way up at the end of Centre Street at one time. And she was Charlie Brown's housekeeper - Charles Brown." She appears on the 1870 Tisbury census (aged 1, at home, with parents); and in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 11, with parents). The 1897 Tisbury directory lists her at Forest Ave. She appears on the 1900 census of Pine St., Tisbury (divorced, with son and parents. One child (living)). She appears on the 1910 Tisbury census on Franklin St. (aged 40, "housekeeper" for Charles H. Brown and his aunt. One child, living). She appears on the 1920 Tisbury census at Pine St. (aged 50, widow, no occupation, house owner. With "boarder" Charles H. Brown). She and Charles Hunt Brown resided on 7 May 1943 on Causeway Road, Tisbury.

Capt. Charles Osborn Tilton was born on 26 Sep 1865 in Chilmark, MA. His obituary states that he was "one of the most famous of his generation among Vineyard master mariners ... he...had been retired from the sea for twenty-two years. His career embraced all varieties of seafaring and at his retirement from the sea he was a coastal steamer master. Born in Chilmark, the son of Thurston and Agnes Weeks Tilton, Captain Tilton began his career as a sailor at the age of thirteen, when he shipped on a whaling voyage. His second voyage was also in a whaleship, but after that he sailed in the merchant service. During the years that followed he commanded ships of all varieties, sailing on every ocean save the Arctic. He commanded vessels engaged in various adventurous enterprises along the Mexican and South American coast, was badly wounded there in a mutiny. A mathematician of talent, he was superb navigator, and during these years he charted some of the lower Californian waters, in recognition of which service he was presented with a set of silk charts by the United States Government. He served as master in the Pacific Mail service and also in the British Mail, during which time he received a naval rating in the British Navy and was one of the very few masters entitled to fly the blue peter at his fore-truck. At one time he served in the navy and commanded the Brutus and Neptune, the Neptune being the largest naval collier in the world at the time." He was described as "a famous Vineyard shipmaster." He does not appear in the 1870 Tisbury census. He appears in the 1880 Tisbury census (aged 14, with parents). He was called a Tisbury seaman at the date of his 1888 marriage, and a Vineyard Haven mariner on the 19 Aug 1888 birth record of his son. He is not listed in 1897 Tisbury directory, nor the 1907 directories of Vineyard Haven or West and North Tisbury, nor is he listed in the 1910 Tisbury census (his wife appears alone.) Luella Tilton is listed (I think) as "D" for divorced in 1910. He married (2nd) Irene Dexter, daughter of Dennis Dexter. He died on 7 Feb 1938 "near Manchester", NH, at age 72, and was buried on 11 Feb 1938 in West Tisbury Village Cemetery, West Tisbury.

Children of Luella May Smith and Capt. Charles Osborn Tilton was:

25. George Thurston "Tebby" Tilton was born 19 Aug 1888 in Vineyard Haven. He married Virginia Griffen Hunter, daughter of Millard F. Hunter and Virginia Griffen, on 19 Aug 1911 in Tisbury He married Bertha Bacon on 12 Sep 1952 in Tisbury. He died in 1968 (not in Tisbury?) and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury.

He appears on the 1900 census on Pine St., Tisbury (at school, with his mother and grandparents.) He appears in the 1910-11 Tisbury directory as "plumber, bds. Pine, with G. F. Smith." He appears on the 1910 census at Pine St., Tisbury (Plumbing apprentice, aged 21, single, with grandparents). He resided in Apr 1915 on Pine St., Tisbury (Poultryman, aged 26). He appears on the 1920 census on State Road, Tisbury (Farmer, aged 31, with wife, children, and grandmother Elizabeth H. Smith). He was also listed as a Vineyard Haven resident in 1938 and 1952. Stan Lair remembered that "He eventually retired and started making buttons and little things like that out of highland wood. They were very good too. Did a good job. He played in the Town Band for a good many years. Played bass, and got a big kick out of playing in the band."

Virginia Griffen Hunter was born on 10 Oct 1891 in New Brunswick, NJ. She appears on the 1910 Tisbury census on West Chop Road, Tisbury (aged 18, with parents); and in the 1920 Tisbury census on State Road (aged 28, with husband and family). Her obituary noted that "Mrs Tilton had been a resident here the greater part of the time for the past fifty-one years. She was associated with the Baptist church in Vineyard Haven, was a member of the Delta Alpha class of that church, and through the years had taken an active part in church affairs..." She died on 16 Apr 1952 in Vineyard Haven, at age 60, of "Coronary Occlusion Acute" "suddenly at her home.... Mrs. Tilton was found dead in bed by her husband, on his return home from work about 5 o'clock, and the verdict of the medical examiner...was an acute heart attack. She had been in her usual state of health in the morning but had apparently been seized with illness at some time during the day and had been dead about two hours when discovered." She was buried on 19 Apr 1952 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury ("Funeral services will be conducted at the Baptist parish house...by Dr. Howard C. Whitcomb, pastor.")

Bertha Bacon was born about 1905-6. There are no known children of George Thurston Tilton and Bertha Bacon.

Charles Hunt Brown was born in 1860 in Charlestown, MA (although his death record claims he was born in Newburyport, MA). His obituary states that he was "associated with the practice of law on Martha's Vineyard for nearly two generations... He had lived in retirement for a number of years at his home in Vineyard Haven, astonishing his friends and neighbors by his extreme vigor. Mr. Brown was a brilliant writer, one of the best informed students of Vineyard history, a spirited controversialist, and an able lawyer. He came to the Vineyard with his parents when he was six months old, and thus always claimed the Island as his only home. He attended the Dukes County Academy, the Adams Academy in Quincy, and Dartmouth College, playing football on the Dartmouth eleven. He was also distinguished in other athletics. He studied law at Boston University and was admitted to the bar in 1877 by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. He began the practice of law in Boston, opening an office on the Vineyard six years later and maintained both for a number of years, later closing his Boston office entirely...." Stan Lair remembered that "Charlie Brown was a lawyer. Quite a smart man, too. Did a lot of writing. Quite a historian. He was in pageants and that sort of thing. He was one of those that was always at the town meetings, on his feet, with an argument. And a lot of fun to listen to at those town meetings". He appears on the 1870 Holmes Hole census (aged 10, attending school, with parents). He was an 1883 graduate of Dartmouth College. *His marriage notice states that he was admitted to the bar in 1885, which conflicts with the year given in his obituary.) He was listed in 1897 on Forest Ave., Tisbury, and in 1907 at Franklin St., near Centre, Tisbury ("lawyer Oak Bluffs.") He appears on the 1910 Tisbury census on Franklin St., Tisbury (Attorney at Law, aged 49, widower, living with aunt and "housekeeper" Luella Tilton.) He appears on the 1920 Tisbury census at Pine St., Tisbury (Lawyer (General Practice), aged 59, widower, boarding with Luella Tilton. Notes father b. NH, mother in MA.) See the "Interesting Vineyarders" column in 25 Mar 1932 Gazette. He died on 29 Dec 1943 in Martha's Vineyard Hospital, Oak Bluffs, of "Bronchiopnuemonia / Senile Dementia" "...he was attacked by pneumonia a few days before his death." He was buried on 31 Dec 1943 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury ("Rev. John C. Vernon, pastor of Christ Methodist Church, officiating"). His death record calls him a retired lawyer.
There were no children of Luella May Smith and Charles Hunt Brown.

 

22. Howard DeForest Downs (Franklin 4 , Constant 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born about 1878-9 in Mass. He married Elizabeth W. Jones on 20 Apr 1910 in Tisbury. He died on 14 Aug 1958 in Tisbury.

He resided in 1907 in Vineyard Haven ("driver, bds. F. G. Downes"). He appears in the 1910 Tisbury census (aged 31, meat cutter at the market, living with parents); and in the 1920 census on Spring Street, Tisbury (aged 40, Retail Merchant - Meat & Groceries). Stan Lair said "Howard Downs was in the grocery business for a long time. That is, one of his jobs was a wagon... or later on, I guess, it was a truck, but first along it was a horse and wagon, a grocery wagon. He would make the tour of the up-island section, and sell people meat and groceries up in that area. If he didn't have it aboard that trip, he'd take their orders and bring it up the next time he went up that way."

Elizabeth W. Jones was born about 1885-6 in Mass. She appears on the 1920 Tisbury census on Spring Street (aged 34, with husband and children).

Children of Howard DeForest Downs and Elizabeth W. Jones both born in Tisbury, were as follows:
[Omitted.]

 

23. John Leland Downs (Franklin 4 , Constant 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 18 Jun 1889 in North Tisbury. He married Fanny Smith Lair, daughter of Leroy Crosby Lair and Marion Hodge West, on 28 Oct 1911 in Tisbury. He died in 1975 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury.

He appears on the 1910 Tisbury census (on Water St.?) (Grocery Store Salesman, aged 20, with parents). He resided on 29 Apr 1932 in Hyde Park. He resided on 5 Mar 1943 in Wellesley, MA.

Fanny Smith Lair was born on 28 Oct 1891 in Vineyard Haven. Her obituary calls her "formerly of Vineyard Haven ... She was born in Vineyard Haven, the daughter of Captain and Mrs. Leroy Lair and attended Tisbury High School, graduating with the class of 1908. She was married 15 years ago and after living in Vineyard Haven a short time, moved to the mainland with her husband, who as a lumber salesman, has done business in several cities. For the past four years they have made their home in Brighton." She appears on the 1900 Tisbury census on William St. (Age 8, living with parents). The 1907 Vineyard Haven directory lists her as "Lair Fannie, telephone operator, Lane's Blk., bds. William." She appears on the 1910 Tisbury census on Center St. (Bookkeeper - Grocery Store, aged 18, with parents). She died on 16 Apr 1927 in Newton, MA, at age 35 (although the Gazette claims she died in Brighton) of "apoplexy." "Mrs. Downs was 35 years old and had been in poor health for some time, but her condition was not considered dangerous nor acute until a few days before her death." She was buried on 19 Apr 1927 in Oak Grove Cemetery, Tisbury ("Funeral services were held on Tuesday at Christ M. E. Church.")
Children of John Leland Downs and Fanny Smith Lair were as follows:
[Omitted]

 

24. Adelaide Winthrop Downs (Franklin 4 , Constant 3 , William 2 , Jabez 1 ) was born on 27 Jan 1892 in Tisbury. She married Paul B. Bangs on 11 Jul 1914 in Tisbury.

She appears in the 1910 Tisbury census (aged 18, no occupation, living with parents); and in the census of 1920 in West(?) Tisbury (aged 27, with husband and daughter in home of her parents).

Paul B. Bangs was born about 1888-9 in Mass. He appears on the census of 1920 in West(?) Tisbury (aged 27, retail merchant - groceries, with wife and daughter.)

Children of Adelaide Winthrop Downs and Paul B. Bangs were:
[Omitted]

Bibliography

1800 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (microfilm).
1830 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (microfilm).
1840 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (microfilm).
1850 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA (National Archives microfilm and extract of enumerator's copy).
1855 Massachusetts State Census, Dukes Co., MA. (LDS Microfilm).
1860 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (National Archives microfilm).
1865 Massachusetts State Census, Dukes County, MA. (LDS Microfilm #0953970.)
1870 U.S. census, Dukes Co., MA. (National Archives microfilm).
1880 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (LDS microfilm).
1900 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (LDS microfilm).
1910 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (LDS microfilm).
1920 U.S. Census, Dukes Co., MA. (LDS microfilm).

Audio tapes of Stan Lair monologues, c. 1979-1982.

Banks, Charles Edward, M. D., The History of Martha's Vineyard, Vol. I-III (Edgartown, MA: Dukes County Historical Society, 1966. Original published c. 1911-1925.)

Civil Birth Record Ledger, 1844-1867. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.
Civil Birth Record Ledger, 1868-1950. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.
Civil Death Record Ledger, 1845-1855. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.
Civil Death Record Ledger, 1855-1889. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA..
Civil Death Record Ledger, 1890-1980. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.
Civil Marriage Record Ledger, 1844-1853. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.
Civil Marriage Record Ledger, 1853-1954. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.
Civil Vital Records Ledger, 1838-1844. Tisbury Town Hall, Tisbury, MA.

Deeds, Dukes County Courthouse, Edgartown, MA.

Email correspondence with Linda Downs Bembury, 1998.

Enrollment of the citizens of the town Tisbury, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, pursuant to an order of the President of the United States, dated August 4, 1862, 12 Sep 1862 Vineyard Gazette.

Martha's Vineyard Historical Society records, Edgartown, MA. (including the black scrapbook titled "Smith Misc. Data", and misc. other boxed documents.)

Oak Grove Cemetery gravestone inscriptions.

Oak Grove Cemetery Records (card file transcripts to 1929), 1989-92.

Probate Records, Dukes County Court House, Edgartown, MA.

Tisbury's Town and Proprietors' Records from 1669 to 1864 (Boston: Wright & Potter Printing Company, 1903).

The Vineyard Gazette (Edgartown, MA).; Vineyard Haven Public Library, Main Street, Tisbury.

"Town of Tisbury / List of Persons assessed a Poll Tax / April, 1915" (copy found at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society.).

Village Cemetery Gravestone Inscriptions. Vineyard Haven, MA.

Walling, Henry F., Map of the Counties of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket, Massachusetts (Boston, MA: D. R. Smith & Co., 1858).

West Tisbury Village Cemetery gravestone inscriptions. West Tisbury, MA.

"The First Resident and Business Directory of Nantucket, Edgartown, Cottage City, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, and Chilmark.." (South Braintree, MA: J. & E. T. Kyte Directory Company, 1897).

Martha's Vineyard Directory, 1910-11 (Boston: Union Publishing Co., 1910).

Purrington Bible, in possession of family of compiler.

Tisbury Town Reports

Tisbury Tricentenial pamphlet, 1972.

Vital Records of Edgartown, Massachusetts, to the year 1850 in Eddy Town Record Fund (Boston, MA: NEHGS, 1906).
Vital Records of Tisbury Massachusetts to the year 1850 in Eddy Town Record Fund (Boston, MA: NEHGS, 1910).

West Tisbury Town Reports.

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