Allen Remington, I

Notes:

Allen & Diadama were on the membership list of the First General Baptist Church of Richmond, RI, on 17 Sept 1810. (source: James N. Arnold's "Vital Records of RI," Church Records, p. 411) However, this is confusing because Allen was already widowed by 1809, and probably married his second wife Margaret about this time. Perhaps the church leaders had not heard that Diadama had died by then, and retained the names on the list of members.

Allen, probably born at Portsmouth, RI, appears to have married or at least had children in MA. However, Allen and his first wife may have been back in RI at some point and had some association with the Baptist Church in Richmond. (see above). Their children probably married in MA; at least some of them moved westward.

"A Scattered People: An American Family Moves West" by Gerald W. McFarland, p. 81 (Google Books) says that Allen Remington and his father had briefly lived at Exeter, RI; Allen came to Hancock, MA, from RI after the Revolution.

Boyd Scott Remington includes a second son named William born in 1820, but I don't think it is accurate, as there was already another son named William. Allen's estate documents mention one son named William.

Allen died intestate, and the numerous legal documents pertaining to the settlement of his estate in Berkshire Co., MA, mention the names of his children and stepchildren, as well as his second wife Margaret, who died not long after Allen did.

Allen married Diadama Unknown 1781. Diadama was born Abt 1763; died Between 1803 and 1809. [Group Sheet]

1. Martha Remington was born 1782, Hancock, Berkshire Co., MA; died Aug 1828, Mannsville or Ellisburgh, Jefferson Co., NY; was buried , Maplewood Cemetery, Ellisburgh, Jefferson Co., NY.
2. Jonathan Remington was born 5 Jan 1784, RI or Hancock, MA; died 2 May 1861, Lorraine, Jefferson Co., NY; was buried , Mannsville, Jefferson Co., NY.
3. Waity Remington was born 1787; died 2 Apr 1840, Mannsville, Jefferson Co., NY.
4. Noel Remington was born 1793, MA; died 9 Sep 1870, Lorraine, Jefferson Co., NY.
5. William Remington was born Abt 1795.
6. Elizabeth "Betsey" Remington was born Abt Jul 1797, Hancock, Berkshire Co., MA; died 5 Mar 1871, Hebron, Potter Co., PA.
7. Electa Remington was born 1 May 1799, Hancock, Berkshire Co., MA; died 28 Dec 1870.
8. Laura Remington was born 3 Apr 1801, Hancock, Berkshire Co., MA; died 29 Nov 1860, Lorraine, Jefferson Co., NY.
9. Allen Remington, II was born 6 Aug 1803, MA; died 22 Jun 1855, Mannsville, Jefferson Co., NY.

Allen married Margaret Greenfield Abt 1809. Margaret (daughter of Archibald Greenfield) was born Abt 1780; died 1821. [Group Sheet]

1. Almeron G. Remington was born Mar 1812, Hancock, MA; died Aft 1 Jun 1850.
2. Lenardo James Remington was born 18 Jun 1814, Hancock, MA; died Aft 1 Jun 1880.

Notes:

The exact identity of this Jonathan is unclear (see notes below). It is possible that he was a son of a Remington family of Prudence Island, and married an Allen girl from there. Both the Remingtons and the Allens lived on Prudence Island, Portsmouth, and had family connections and land connections.

There is a marriage record for Jonathan Remington, of Jonathan & Susannah (or Luranah?) Remington of East Greenwich, 18 Oct 1753, to Mary Thurston (RI Friends' Records). At first it was unclear to me whether this might be a first marriage for this particular Jonathan (mother's name unclear); however, Mary (Thurston) Remington died between 1777 and 1782, probably after her husband Jonathan died. See notes for Mary Thurston.

Jonathan was probably born in East Greenwich, or at least spent part of his youth there, since his birth is registered there. At some point, probably before 1741, his family moved to Massachusetts. He may have married there or in RI, but apparently at some point probably moved to Portsmouth, RI, because at least two of his children were born there; at least, their births were registered there. I am not sure when or where Jonathan and his wife died. He is very possibly the Jonathan Remington listed in the 1790 Federal Census at Hancock, MA. His son Allen lived in both MA and RI.

"A Scattered People: An American Family Moves West" by Gerald W. McFarland, p. 81 (Google Books) says that Allen Remington and his father (Jonathan) had briefly lived at Exeter, RI; Allen came to Hancock, MA, from RI after the Revolution.

Boyd Scott Remington's chart shows this Jonathan married to Prudence. However, according to an unpublished manuscript of "Family Notes" at the Knight Memorial Library in Providence, "Jonathan Remington, b.1726 Hancock, MA, married Pruda, b.1731, and had a son Allen who married Deidama; they in turn had a son Jonathan who married Diana Hall." This is clearly the same family group, but unfortunately appears to be different Jonathans, because this one was born at East Greenwich, RI, in 1730 (at least the birth was recorded there). Which is correct? (See notes for Allen's son Jonathan b.1784) See also DAR ID Number: 25799, Mrs. Sarah M. Remington Taylor; this says Jonathan was born 1726 at Hancock, MA.

BSRs chart shows the son Allen as having lived and then dying at Hancock, MA. However, James N. Arnold's "Vital Record of RI" shows Allen & Diadama Remington on the membership list of the First General Baptist Church of Richmond, RI, on 17 September 1810. Possibly Jonathan's family, and/or one or more of his children, moved to RI and then back to MA. But was Jonathan, father of Allen, born in MA or RI? This Jonathan needs more research. See notes for his father, implying that he may have moved out of state (his land was sold at public auction to pay outstanding debts).

James N. Arnold's Vital Record of RI, Richmond, lists the following Remingtons as church members in 1770: Hepsibeth, Jonathan, Lydia, Martha, Prudence, and William. This would appear to support part of this family group in BSRs chart; but who is William? At the present I am assuming he is another son, and thus adding him to the list of Jonathan's children, pending further research. However, the possibility remains that these were two different but related Remington families.

Jonathan married Prudence "Pruda" Unknown Abt 1756. Prudence was born 1731. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Jonathan & Lorana were married at Providence, RI; had children born and/or registered at East Greenwich, RI; and probably moved to Berkshire County, MA, sometime after Nov 1736 but before July 1741 (see notes below). They may have had other children, and -- Jonathan may have married again. These are unsolved mysteries at this point. One of their children, Jonathan, appears to have returned to Rhode Island, at least for a while.

Warwick Land Evidence, dated 22 Nov 1736: Stephen Remington of Providence, mariner, sold to Jonathan Remington of East Greenwich, mariner, one lot in Chippowinoxit, Warwick, Lot #16, one and one-half acres; signed by Stephen Remington, witnessed by Dan Remington. (These three were brothers. This land was most likely a narrow waterfront lot extending from Post Rd. down to the cove, in the area just south of Cowesett Rd. This area is still called Cheppowinoxet.)

The following probably applies to this Jonathan:
In an official document dated 18 July 1741, Thomas Rice, Esq., Sherrif of the County of Providence, refers to an act of the General Assembly of the Colony of RI in sessions held at Providence on the last Wednesday of Oct 1736, concerning "an act for making the real estate of a person that has left this colony or concealed themselves therein or do not live in this government liable for the payment of debts . . . By virtue of which said act the lands or real estate of Jonathan Remington late of East Greenwich in Providence County, mariner, has been attached at the suits of John Walton of Warwick -- merchant, James Gould of Newport, and Mercy Gorton of Warwick, innholder . . . judgments were obtained by John Walton and Mercy Gorton against Jonathan Remington at the last Inferior Court of Common Pleas held at Providence on the second Tuesday of December last, and by James Gould at the last Inferior Court of Common Pleas held at Newport in November." Jonathan Remington's land was sold at "Public Venue" for 97 pounds 10 shillings, to Philip Arnold of Warwick and John Potter of Providence, Esq. Thomas Rice, Sherriff, acknowledged receipt in bills of credit . . .

"Philip Arnold & John Potter have been conveyed a certain tract of land in Warwick and by examination containing 269 acres more or less it is all the part or parcel of a certain farm number 17 in The Grand Purchase of Warwick belonging to the said Jonathan Remington, bounded on the north by the farm of John & Richard Waterman, southerly by Warwick's southern boundary, westerly by the RI/CT border, easterly however as per plot of land or however otherwise bounded or reputed to be bounded." Dated 18 July 15th yr of George II, 1741. Recorded at Warwick 5 Nov 1741 in 7th Great Book of Land Evidence by John Wickes, Town Clerk.

(above record found at RI Historical Library, Manuscript Room, Providence, RI)

Did he have a second wife named Susannah? A newspaper entry of Oct. 1753 announced the marriage of Jonathan, of Jonathan & Susanah Remington of East Greenwich, to Mary Thurston. Or was that another Jonathan?

A notation in "One Hundred and Sixty Families" by John Osburne Austin, p. 13, suggests that she was b 1703 and that her name was Susanna Lorana Arnold." (Definitely needs more research.)

Jonathan married Lorana Arnold 16 Nov 1726, Providence, RI. Lorana (daughter of Stephen Arnold, Jr. and Mary Sheldon) was born 1703, Providence, RI. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

A notation in "One Hundred and Sixty Families" by John Osburne Austin, p. 13, suggests that she was b 1703 and that her name was Susanna Lorana Arnold." (Definitely needs more research.)

Notes:

(If you use any portion of these notes, please give credit to me, Lois Sorensen, and to other sources as noted herein.)
According to Oliver Payson Fuller's "The History of Warwick, RI," published in 1875, Thomas Remington in 1692/3 bought Cowesett farm # 1 consisting of 240 acres for the price of 57 pounds, from John Warner & Philip Sweet. As nearly as I can determine, this property was at the northwest corner of Post Rd. (Route 1) and Cowesett Rd. The next farm westward, bordering Route 2, was later purchased by the Remingtons -- probably Thomas Remington, Jr., who married Maplet Gorton.

According to the early town records of Portsmouth, RI, "Thomas Rimmington of Prudence is Admitted a freeman in this town" at a Town Council meeting held 6 June 1692 at William Corey's house (also William Allin of Prudence at the same meeting). Later that same year, the records of a Town Council meeting held on 22 Aug 1692, again at William Corey's house, show that three men were chosen to serve on the next Jury of Tryals at Newport: John Vaughan, Thomas Rimmington, & Joseph Sheffield.

These references likely refer to our ancestor, if in fact he was at Prudence Island and a freeman of Portsmouth in the early 1690s. If this is so, then he must have bought property in Warwick shortly after this and later settled there (possibly c1704 -- see note below). His wife was of Portsmouth, so it is reasonable to assume that this is our ancestor and that they were married at Portsmouth.

In 1701, Thomas Remington was Constable on Prudence Island.

Similarly, genealogist Armand Lariviere says that Thomas initially settled on Prudence Island, Rhode Island, then relocated to Warwick, where he purchased farm #1, the Cowesett Plot, containing 240 acres, in 1693, for 57 pounds. He was deeded land in Haverhill, MA, by his father John in 1695 & 1709. Thomas became a freeman of Warwick in 1704.

Sources for information on this family:
"Gorton Family Genealogy"
"New England Historical and Genealogical Society Register," Vols. 29, 42, 43
"The History of Warwick, RI" by Oliver Payson Fuller

Thomas's will mentions his "dearly beloved wife Mary"; names eight sons, six of whom were under age 21 on 20 May 1710; and his two daughters, both under 18. Thomas gave all his lands to sons Thomas, Jr., William, & John -- they to pay legacies to the other children. Based on this will, I have estimated the birth years for his children. Wife Mary and son William were co-executors.

John, still under age 21, received 40 acres, and would pay his brother Thomas 10 pounds when Thomas reached age 21. Thomas received 1/2 of all the remaining land, across the north end, and he is to pay 11 pounds to five of his brothers when they reach age 21 -- Daniel, Joseph, Stephen, Matthew, and Jonathan; he also is to pay his sisters Mary and Prudence 7 pounds each when they reach age 18 or earlier if they marry younger than 18. William received the mansion house with the remainder of lands; he is to pay to each of the 5 brothers 11 pounds each at age 21 and the two sisters 7 pounds each at age 18. All the rest of the estate is left to dearly beloved wife Mary and well-beloved son William who are appointed joint executors. Thomas signed his will with a capital R -- the mark of "Tho Rimington." It was witnessed by Samuel Gorton, Edward Earle (his mark), and Elizabeth Gorton (her mark). On 26 Sep 1710 the witnesses appeared before the Town Council of Warwick and made oath that they saw Thomas Rimington sign and seal the will.

According to Oliver Payson Fuller's "The History of Warwick, RI," William sold his share of the farm in 1712, but reserved the burying ground where his father and grandfather are interred. Portions of the Remington land were later bought by Thomas Jones Spencer & Thomas LeValley.

His gravestone has the inscription T R 23 July 1710. Although recorded by James N. Arnold in 1893, in 1996 the cemetery could not be located. Supposedly, there were four graves -- Thomas and his wife, and son John and his wife. James Arnold described the location as "north of the David Bennett Lot in open pasture without any protection one tomb two graves at feet that of Thomas Remington and his wife and his son John and his wife." The David Bennett Lot is 1400 feet south of Cowesett Rd. across from Hardig Road and west of I 95.

Thomas married Mary ALLEN Abt 1681. Mary (daughter of William ALLEN, I and Elizabeth Unknown) was born Abt 1661, Prudence Island, Portsmouth, RI; died Abt 1710, RI; was buried , Historical Cemetery WK14, Remington Lot, Cowesett Rd., Warwick, RI. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

The Allen family were of Prudence Island, according to "Representative Men of Old Families of Southeastern MA," V. I, p. 173.

I have estimated Mary's year of birth, assuming that she was about 20 when she was married, and that none of her children were multiple births. Martha Benns gives her year of death as 1710, the same as for her husband Thomas (see Remington book at Rhode Island Historical Library). She is called Marie in her father's will (William Allin, 2 June 1685 Portsmouth, RI), but Mary in her husband's will (1710 Warwick, RI).

It is unclear exactly where she was born.

Notes:

According to the book "New England Marriages Prior to 1700" (by Clarence Almon Torrey, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1985), their first child on record was born in 1682; Mary's year of death is given as 1710+. Places of residence were Portsmouth and Warwick, RI.

Notes:

Stephen's four daughters were mentioned in the 1708 will of his mother, Sarah Arnold.

Stephen married Mary Sheldon 12 Jan 1687/88. Mary (daughter of John Sheldon and Joan Vincent) was born Abt 1669, Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI; died 28 Apr 1735, Providence, RI. [Group Sheet]