Massachusetts and More Genealogy Blog

Samuel Chase was born Yarmouth (in the area that later became Dennis), Barnstable County, Massachusetts, on 11 February 1738, the son of Richard and Thankful (Berry) Chase. [Yarmouth VR p 74] His father was a Baptist minister and I wrote about him

We hear so much about the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, but I’ve found accusations of witchcraft involving my ancestors decades before the hysteria in Salem. It’s noteworthy that in the 17th century a witch was often thought to be someone who worked with the Devil rather than a person with magical powers. I think Halloween is a fitting time to write about them!

George Willard was baptized 4 December 1611 at Horsmonden, Kent to Richard Willard and his wife Joan. [Anderson]  I believe he is my 9th great grandfather on my grandmother Milly (Booth) Rollins’ side of the family, although strong documentary proof is lacking.