Merrifield Family
Ancestor Story Submitted by Colleen Helmstetter
First Families of Huron County Member #226
Ancestor Story Submitted by Colleen Helmstetter
First Families of Huron County Member #226
JOSEPH MERRIFIELD - 1817 - Pioneer
JOSEPH MERRIFIELD was born on December 6, 1767 at Holliston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, to Joseph and Katherine Jillson Merrifield. He was residing in Leicester, Addison County, Vermont, when he met and married his wife, Hannah Esty (born July 15, 1769, daughter of Aaron and Molly Hooper Esty), in 1788. After their children were born, they moved to Brighton, Madison County, New York. After deciding to move to Ohio, JOSEPH'S son, William, and JOSEPH'S son-in-law, Ezekial Sampson (husband of daughter Mary), came first, arriving in December 1816. JOSEPH and his son-in-law, Nathan Hoyt (husband of daughter Betsey), came in July, 1817, and erected a log cabin. The rest of the family arrived in December of that year. JOSEPH and Hannah's children are Mary (Polly), Betsey, William, Lydia (wife of Peter Kinsley), James, Joseph Seymour, and Lewis.
From 1817 until 1822, the town was called Merrifield Settlement, due no doubt to the large Merrifield family. JOSEPH was a builder, making wooden plows, spinning wheels, sleighs, bedsteads, stands, and pioneer cabinet ware. He taught singing on school nights. He was among the first members of the Baptist Church.
Joseph died in New London, on February 27, 1852, and may be buried at Grove Street Cemetery next to his wife. She died August 16, 1851, and is buried there. Her gravesite is marked with a stone.
From 1817 until 1822, the town was called Merrifield Settlement, due no doubt to the large Merrifield family. JOSEPH was a builder, making wooden plows, spinning wheels, sleighs, bedsteads, stands, and pioneer cabinet ware. He taught singing on school nights. He was among the first members of the Baptist Church.
Joseph died in New London, on February 27, 1852, and may be buried at Grove Street Cemetery next to his wife. She died August 16, 1851, and is buried there. Her gravesite is marked with a stone.
LYDIA MERRIFIELD - 1817- Pioneer
LYDIA was born in Leicester, Addison County, Vermont, in 1797, the daughter of Joseph and Hannah Esty Merrifield. Her father moved the family to Brighton, New York, before settling in New London, in 1817. She met her future husband, Peter Kinsley, while she was attending the school where he taught. They were married on March 12, 1820.
Like most pioneer women, LYDIA concerned herself with her church and family. She and her husband were early members of the Baptist Church. LYDIA had lots of family in the area since she was one of seven children, all of whom moved to Ohio with their parents. Several of her brothers married, raised families, and lived their lives in the New London area.
In 1833, the family lived in a log house at the western end of town. It is said that an elm tree LYDIA had planted near the door became a landmark in the area.
When her husband died in 1837, LYDIA was left alone to raise her children: Francis, James Hilarian, Edward B., Mary Lovisa, Betsey Ann, and Seymour Charles. Times were very hard for the family; there was very little money left after paying the debts. She never remarried. She died at the home of her daughter, Mary Lovisa Belding, on November 20, 1869, of old age ––she was almost 73 years old. She is buried in Grove Street Cemetery in New London.
Like most pioneer women, LYDIA concerned herself with her church and family. She and her husband were early members of the Baptist Church. LYDIA had lots of family in the area since she was one of seven children, all of whom moved to Ohio with their parents. Several of her brothers married, raised families, and lived their lives in the New London area.
In 1833, the family lived in a log house at the western end of town. It is said that an elm tree LYDIA had planted near the door became a landmark in the area.
When her husband died in 1837, LYDIA was left alone to raise her children: Francis, James Hilarian, Edward B., Mary Lovisa, Betsey Ann, and Seymour Charles. Times were very hard for the family; there was very little money left after paying the debts. She never remarried. She died at the home of her daughter, Mary Lovisa Belding, on November 20, 1869, of old age ––she was almost 73 years old. She is buried in Grove Street Cemetery in New London.
