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History of Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Journey back in time to Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
(Southport) (Greenfield Hill)
Visit Fairfield, Connecticut, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.
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Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Fairfield’s David N. Mullany invented the wiffle ball, first introduced in 1953.
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Greenfield Hill is an affluent historic neighborhood in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Fairfield Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 (Greenfield Hill) - The Old Mill, Southport, Conn., Famous for its Historic Interest. Grain Was Ground Here From 1712 to 1917.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
The Old Mill, Southport, Conn., Famous for its Historic Interest. Grain Was Ground Here From 1712 to 1917.
museumofcthistory.org
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 (Greenfield Hill) - Old Sun Tavern, Fairfield, Conn. One of the houses left standing when Fairfield was burned by the British. About 1776.){kind=small}
Old Sun Tavern, Fairfield, Conn. One of the houses left standing when Fairfield was burned by the British. About 1776.
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - Old Powder House, where the powder was kept during the Revolution, 1776){kind=small}
Old Powder House, where the powder was kept during the Revolution, 1776
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 (Greenfield Hill) - Memorial Fountain, Fairfield, Conn.){kind=small}
Memorial Fountain, Fairfield, Conn.
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - Public Library, Fairfield, Conn.){kind=small}
Public Library, Fairfield, Conn.
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - Post Office Block){kind=small}
Post Office Block
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - St. Paul's Episcopal Church){kind=small}
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - Congregational Church){kind=small}
Congregational Church
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - Town Hall){kind=small}
Town Hall
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 (Greenfield Hill) - The Old Tide Mill, Southport, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org){kind=small}
The Old Tide Mill, Southport, Conn.
museumofcthistory.org
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
Postcard
 (Greenfield Hill) - Post Office){kind=small}
Post Office
Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
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 (Greenfield Hill) - St. Thomas Church, Convent and Rectory){kind=small}
St. Thomas Church, Convent and Rectory
Discover Fairfield: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1779 - British troops under General Tryon raid New Haven, Fairfield and Norwalk.
[After invading New Haven,] the British rejoin their ships on July 6, then sail for Fairfield, where they arrive on July 8. The inhabitants flee. Easily dispensing a few militia, Tyron [New York Governor, British Major General William Tyron] destroys a number of municipal buildings, 54 barns, 47 storehouses, 83 homes, and 2 churches. That same day they burn the village of Green Farms. The British reembark on July 9 and sail across Long Island Sound to Huntington, New York, where they resupply.
Almanac of American Military History, Volume 1
Editor Spencer C. Tucker
Edition illustrated
Publisher ABC-CLIO, 2012
ISBN 1598845306, 9781598845303
Page 324
Timeline of Connecticut History
[After invading New Haven,] the British rejoin their ships on July 6, then sail for Fairfield, where they arrive on July 8. The inhabitants flee. Easily dispensing a few militia, Tyron [New York Governor, British Major General William Tyron] destroys a number of municipal buildings, 54 barns, 47 storehouses, 83 homes, and 2 churches. That same day they burn the village of Green Farms. The British reembark on July 9 and sail across Long Island Sound to Huntington, New York, where they resupply.
Almanac of American Military History, Volume 1
Editor Spencer C. Tucker
Edition illustrated
Publisher ABC-CLIO, 2012
ISBN 1598845306, 9781598845303
Page 324
Timeline of Connecticut History
1819 - Fairfield
Fairfield, an ancient maritime post town, and the semi-seat of justice of the county, is pleasantly situated upon Long Island sound, 21 miles west from New-Haven, and 58 northeast from New-York; bounded northwesterly by Norwalk and Weston, northeasterly by Startford, southeasterly by Long Island sound, and southwesterly by the Saugatuck river, which separates it from Norwalk. The township comprises an area of about 54 square miles; having a mean length of about 9 miles, from northeast to southwest and a mean breadth of about 6 miles...
A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819
Fairfield, an ancient maritime post town, and the semi-seat of justice of the county, is pleasantly situated upon Long Island sound, 21 miles west from New-Haven, and 58 northeast from New-York; bounded northwesterly by Norwalk and Weston, northeasterly by Startford, southeasterly by Long Island sound, and southwesterly by the Saugatuck river, which separates it from Norwalk. The township comprises an area of about 54 square miles; having a mean length of about 9 miles, from northeast to southwest and a mean breadth of about 6 miles...
A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819
1839 - Fairfield
Fairfield, Connecticut
Shire town, Fairfield county. This ancient and patriotic town comprises three parishes, Fairfield, the seat of justice, Green's Farms, and Greenfield. Fairfield lies 21 miles S.W. from New Haven and 58 N.E. from New York. Population, 1830, 4,246. Its Indian name was Unquowa. The surface of the town is undulating and very pleasant. The soil is fertile, well cultivated and productive of wheat and rye, and a great variety of fruits and vegetables for New York market. Black Rock harbor is safe and easy of entrance for vessels drawing 19 feet of water at common tides. The tide usually rises in Long Island Sound about 5 feet. There is but little water power in Fairfield, except that produced by the tide. The tonnage of Fairfield district, in 1837, was 11,988 tons. The principal business in navigation is the coasting trade.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
Fairfield, Connecticut
Shire town, Fairfield county. This ancient and patriotic town comprises three parishes, Fairfield, the seat of justice, Green's Farms, and Greenfield. Fairfield lies 21 miles S.W. from New Haven and 58 N.E. from New York. Population, 1830, 4,246. Its Indian name was Unquowa. The surface of the town is undulating and very pleasant. The soil is fertile, well cultivated and productive of wheat and rye, and a great variety of fruits and vegetables for New York market. Black Rock harbor is safe and easy of entrance for vessels drawing 19 feet of water at common tides. The tide usually rises in Long Island Sound about 5 feet. There is but little water power in Fairfield, except that produced by the tide. The tonnage of Fairfield district, in 1837, was 11,988 tons. The principal business in navigation is the coasting trade.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1854 - Fairfield
Fairfield, a post-village, port of entry, and semi-capital of Fairfield county, Connecticut, on the New York and New Haven rail road, 22 miles S. W. from New Haven. It is built principally on one street, with a square in the centre, and contains the county buildings and several fine schools. Black Rock harbor, 1 1/ 2 mile S. E. from the court house, is one of the best on the sound, having a depth of 19 feet. The shipping of the port, June 30th, 1852, amounted to an aggregate of 757 tons registered, and 24,608 tons enrolled and licensed. Of the latter, 23,856 tons were employed in the coast trade. The foreign arrivals for the year were 33 — tons, 4018. The clearances for foreign ports were 31 — tons, 3548, of which 2872 were in foreign bottoms. During the year 1 ship of 327 tons burthen was admeasured. Population of the township, 3614.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Fairfield, a post-village, port of entry, and semi-capital of Fairfield county, Connecticut, on the New York and New Haven rail road, 22 miles S. W. from New Haven. It is built principally on one street, with a square in the centre, and contains the county buildings and several fine schools. Black Rock harbor, 1 1/ 2 mile S. E. from the court house, is one of the best on the sound, having a depth of 19 feet. The shipping of the port, June 30th, 1852, amounted to an aggregate of 757 tons registered, and 24,608 tons enrolled and licensed. Of the latter, 23,856 tons were employed in the coast trade. The foreign arrivals for the year were 33 — tons, 4018. The clearances for foreign ports were 31 — tons, 3548, of which 2872 were in foreign bottoms. During the year 1 ship of 327 tons burthen was admeasured. Population of the township, 3614.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1859
FAIRFIELD, port of entry as well as semi-cap. of Fairfield county in the state of Connecticut, 58 m. SW of Hartford, and 21 m. SSW of New Haven. Its surface is undulating, and the soil fertile and well-cultivated. Pop. 3,654. The village, consisting of a single street, contains about 100 dwellings.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
FAIRFIELD, port of entry as well as semi-cap. of Fairfield county in the state of Connecticut, 58 m. SW of Hartford, and 21 m. SSW of New Haven. Its surface is undulating, and the soil fertile and well-cultivated. Pop. 3,654. The village, consisting of a single street, contains about 100 dwellings.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
1873 - At Fairfield, Ct., mother learned of her daughter's contemplated elopement, and on the night of the proposed flight she put laudanum in the girl's tea.
The latter fell asleep and did not wake until next morning, and in the meantime the young Romeo got tired of waiting and went home disgusted.
genealogybank.com
Times-Picayune
Louisiana
May 04, 1873
The latter fell asleep and did not wake until next morning, and in the meantime the young Romeo got tired of waiting and went home disgusted.
genealogybank.com
Times-Picayune
Louisiana
May 04, 1873
1895 - Fairfield
Fairfield, a post-village of Fairfield co, Conn., in a township of the same name, on Long Island Sound, and on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 52 miles N.E. of New York, and 22 miles W.S.W. of New Haven. It has 3 churches and 2 hotels for summer boarders. The township is remarkable for beautiful scenery. It contains Greenfield Hill, Southport, and other villages. Fairfield is a port of entry. Pop. in 1870, 5645, after which date a part of the town was merged in the city of Bridgeport. Pop. in 1880, 3748; in 1890, 3868.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Fairfield, a post-village of Fairfield co, Conn., in a township of the same name, on Long Island Sound, and on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, 52 miles N.E. of New York, and 22 miles W.S.W. of New Haven. It has 3 churches and 2 hotels for summer boarders. The township is remarkable for beautiful scenery. It contains Greenfield Hill, Southport, and other villages. Fairfield is a port of entry. Pop. in 1870, 5645, after which date a part of the town was merged in the city of Bridgeport. Pop. in 1880, 3748; in 1890, 3868.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1901 - KILLED BY A CAVE-IN - THREE BURIED ALIVE AND NINE INJURED IN A CUT IN CONNECTICUT.
Fairfield, Conn., July 16. - A cave-in of earth and timbers at a cut made by workmen who were preparing for the foundation of the Uncowa Reservoir Dam, which is being built for the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company, killed three men and injured nine others, one of whom may die.
All the killed and injured were members of a gang of Italians in the employ of the contracting company. They were digging at the bottom of a cut twenty feet deep, the sides of which were braced with timbers resting on stone foundations, when they were suddenly overwhelmed by the collapse of one side of the cut, a section of the bank fifteen feet in length completely burying part of the crew. At 5 o'clock this afternoon three dead bodies had been dug from the mass of earth and rocks and timbers which filled the excavation, and nine others, more or less injured, had been accounted for.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 17, 1901
Fairfield, Conn., July 16. - A cave-in of earth and timbers at a cut made by workmen who were preparing for the foundation of the Uncowa Reservoir Dam, which is being built for the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company, killed three men and injured nine others, one of whom may die.
All the killed and injured were members of a gang of Italians in the employ of the contracting company. They were digging at the bottom of a cut twenty feet deep, the sides of which were braced with timbers resting on stone foundations, when they were suddenly overwhelmed by the collapse of one side of the cut, a section of the bank fifteen feet in length completely burying part of the crew. At 5 o'clock this afternoon three dead bodies had been dug from the mass of earth and rocks and timbers which filled the excavation, and nine others, more or less injured, had been accounted for.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 17, 1901
1911 - TRIPLE WRECK IS DEADLY
Four Freight Trains Demolished and Five Men Killed.
FAIRFIELD, Conn., June 7. - One of the most, disastrous freight wrecks in the history of the New Haven railroad occurred near here early today, when four freight trains piled into each other, killing five men, injuring at least seven, two fatally, and leaving two unaccounted for. The dead:
WILLIAM LAFRIE, engineer; Hartford, Conn.
Fireman, name unknown; scalded to death.
ROBERT GATES, fireman; London.
ROBERT BEACHY, engineer; London.
___ HOFFMAN, brakeman.
The accident happened a few minutes after midnight in an isolated spot. The trains in the wreck were three extras and the regular New York fast freight. One of the extras jumped the east-bound track and crashed into a second train which was passing on the west-bound track. Trains running close behind each of the two extras crashed into the wreckage almost immediately. Crash followed crash. Two boilers exploded simultaneously, and the wreckage caught fire.
The accident ... Read MORE...
Four Freight Trains Demolished and Five Men Killed.
FAIRFIELD, Conn., June 7. - One of the most, disastrous freight wrecks in the history of the New Haven railroad occurred near here early today, when four freight trains piled into each other, killing five men, injuring at least seven, two fatally, and leaving two unaccounted for. The dead:
WILLIAM LAFRIE, engineer; Hartford, Conn.
Fireman, name unknown; scalded to death.
ROBERT GATES, fireman; London.
ROBERT BEACHY, engineer; London.
___ HOFFMAN, brakeman.
The accident happened a few minutes after midnight in an isolated spot. The trains in the wreck were three extras and the regular New York fast freight. One of the extras jumped the east-bound track and crashed into a second train which was passing on the west-bound track. Trains running close behind each of the two extras crashed into the wreckage almost immediately. Crash followed crash. Two boilers exploded simultaneously, and the wreckage caught fire.
The accident ... Read MORE...
1916
Fairfield, a post-village and summer-resort of Fairfield co., Conn., in a township (town) of the same name, on Long Island Sound and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 52 miles NE. of New York. The town has manufactures of rubber and paper goods. Pop. in 1900, 4489.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Fairfield, a post-village and summer-resort of Fairfield co., Conn., in a township (town) of the same name, on Long Island Sound and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 52 miles NE. of New York. The town has manufactures of rubber and paper goods. Pop. in 1900, 4489.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
1927 - FOUR HURT WHEN CAR STRIKES POLE
Fairfield Man Is Taken to Hospital after Accident Here.
Four persons were injured last night when a joy ride abruptly ended as the large automobile in which they were riding was nearly demolished when it struck a telephone pole on the Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. One of the victims is a patient at St. Vincent's hospital where his condition is considered serious. He is Alex Kuhn, thirty-four, corner of Black Rock turnpike and Tunxis Hill, Fairfield. The other members of the party who were injured gave the names of James Kane, twenty-two, 1020 Maplewood avenue, Marie Thompson, eighteen, 628 Brooks street and Agnes Morsky, nineteen, of the same address. The latter three were treated at the Emergency hospital by Dr. Chester E. Haberlin for cuts and bruises while Kuhn was removed to St. Vincent's hospital.
The four were brought to the Emergency hospital in a passing automobile.
The Bridgeport Telegram
Bridgeport, Connecticut
June 3, 1927
Fairfield Man Is Taken to Hospital after Accident Here.
Four persons were injured last night when a joy ride abruptly ended as the large automobile in which they were riding was nearly demolished when it struck a telephone pole on the Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. One of the victims is a patient at St. Vincent's hospital where his condition is considered serious. He is Alex Kuhn, thirty-four, corner of Black Rock turnpike and Tunxis Hill, Fairfield. The other members of the party who were injured gave the names of James Kane, twenty-two, 1020 Maplewood avenue, Marie Thompson, eighteen, 628 Brooks street and Agnes Morsky, nineteen, of the same address. The latter three were treated at the Emergency hospital by Dr. Chester E. Haberlin for cuts and bruises while Kuhn was removed to St. Vincent's hospital.
The four were brought to the Emergency hospital in a passing automobile.
The Bridgeport Telegram
Bridgeport, Connecticut
June 3, 1927
2023 - Whether you're a resident or just visiting, there are numerous places to go and things to do in and around Fairfield. Here's a list to get you started:
1. Fairfield Beach: Fairfield boasts several beautiful beaches along Long Island Sound. Fairfield Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Jennings Beach and Penfield Beach are also great options.
2. The Fairfield Museum and History Center: If you're interested in the history of Fairfield and the surrounding area, this museum is a must-visit. It has exhibits on local history, including colonial and maritime history.
3. Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary: Bird enthusiasts will appreciate this spot. It's a peaceful place to observe birds and learn about conservation efforts. They also have a small museum.
4. Southport Village: Just a short drive from downtown Fairfield, Southport Village is a picturesque area with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and quaint shops and restaurants. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
5. Connecticut Audubon Society's Center at Fairfield: This nature center offers trails, educational programs, ... Read MORE...
1. Fairfield Beach: Fairfield boasts several beautiful beaches along Long Island Sound. Fairfield Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Jennings Beach and Penfield Beach are also great options.
2. The Fairfield Museum and History Center: If you're interested in the history of Fairfield and the surrounding area, this museum is a must-visit. It has exhibits on local history, including colonial and maritime history.
3. Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary: Bird enthusiasts will appreciate this spot. It's a peaceful place to observe birds and learn about conservation efforts. They also have a small museum.
4. Southport Village: Just a short drive from downtown Fairfield, Southport Village is a picturesque area with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and quaint shops and restaurants. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
5. Connecticut Audubon Society's Center at Fairfield: This nature center offers trails, educational programs, ... Read MORE...
Our Fairfield Gift Ideas
Discover Your Roots: Fairfield Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Fairfield.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Thomas DICKERSON (5 October 1595, , England (United Kingdom) - 11 September 1658, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Benjamin TURNEY (1597, Southcott, Linslade, Buckinghamshire, England - 1648, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))William ODELL (1601, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England - 6 June 1676, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Henry GRAY (1617, , England (United Kingdom) - 1658, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))
Lydia FROST (27 December 1618, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England - 1658, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Mary UNKNOWN (1619, , England (United Kingdom) - 1667, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Mary BERNARD (1620, , England (United Kingdom) - 1677, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Thomas Terrill CASE (12/24/1620, Aylesham Kent, England - 6/17/1692, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Jehue BURR (1625, , England (United Kingdom) - 31 October 1692, Fairfield, Connecticut, USA (Southport) (Greenfield Hill))Ancestors Who Were Married in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Fairfield.View Them Now
John BIRDSEYE (28 March 1641 - 9 January 1697) and Phebe WILCOXSON (31 August 1650 - 20 September 1743) married 11 December 1669Richard HUBBELL (20 August 1654 - 1738) and Rebecca MOREHOUSE (1667 - 2 April 1692) married 5 November 1685Jeremiah HUBBELL (22 February 1725 - 9 February 1801) and Abigail WAKELEE (14 April 1725 - 27 January 1790) married 13 December 1750
John HANCOCK (12 January 1737 - 8 October 1793) and 
Dorothy "Dolly" QUINCY (10 May 1747 - 3 February 1830) married 28 August 1775
Charles Windsor CYRUS (15 June 1924 - 17 May 2001) and Joan C MORGAN (October 1926 - 1983) married 1 May 1971
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