Dorothy K. Fairbanks Papers
Mss 211 (3.5 feet)
Mrs.
Dorothy K. Fairbanks (b. 1919), began her active genealogical research
in 1935, joined the Society in 1966, and became a life member two years
later. Most of the collection was generated between 1960 and 1968.
The
Dorothy K. Fairbanks Papers, 1935-1981, consist of a genealogy and
research material pertaining to the Bennett and allied families.
Beginning with a study of Bennetts in colonial Massachusetts, Mrs.
Fairbanks covered Bennett families of New York, Rhode Island, and
Virginia as well. Allied families include Atkinson, Brown, Clough,
Conant, Horton, Peck, and Whitman, but no less than 57 additional names
appear. The research was done in person or by correspondence. Members
of various families sent copies of records, shared their own
experiences, and suggested further sources.
The collection
contains scattered family papers, primarily deeds and certificates. It
also includes a diary kept by John A. Conant (1820-1845) from 1841, when
he took over the pharmacy in his father’s East Bridgewater store, to
1843, and describes Conant’s employment and social activities. The
collection contains 145 photographs, predominantly daguerreotype and
tintype portraits, but including six scenes of East Bridgewater and
Andover, Massachusetts, and one of a homestead in Scituate, R.I.
The
collection is divided into five Sub-groups. Sub-group I (Genealogy)
contains a typescript genealogy of the Bennett and allied families, and a
manuscript card index dated 1967. Sub-group II (Bennett notes)
contains notes concerning Bennett families and individuals, 1558-1970.
This is subdivided into three series: A. General outlines, bibliography,
and comments on records; B. Notes, Aaron-William, 1558-1919; and C.
Notes, geographical, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia,
1558-1887. Sub-group III (Bennett research correspondence) contains
letters exchanged with Bennett relatives, 1961-1981. Sub-group IV
(Allied families) contains charts, notes, records, correspondence and
family papers, 1935-1981, pertaining to allied lines, 1197-1981.
Sub-group V (Graphics) is divided into two Series: A. Portraits, and B.
Views.
Lucille K. Fales Papers
Mss 177 (.5 feet)
Lucille
K. Fales (b. 1896), joined the Society in 1938. A resident of Needham
and Westford, Mass., she began her genealogical research in 1936, and
continued until at least 1976. The material was donated to the Society
by a son, Robert O. Fales, in 1988.
The Lucille K. Fales Papers,
1936-1976, follow Mrs. Fales’s Benjamin and Parker lines, 1352-1976;
Martha Parker Libby (1815-1885), and Martha Libby Benjamin (b. 1875),
provide links to these families. John Benjamin (1598-1645), who settled
in Watertown, was that family’s progenitor; later Benjamins spread
through New England and New York. The Parkers descend from five
brothers: Abraham (d. 1690); Jacob (d. 1699); James (d. 1700); Joseph
(d. 1690); and John (d. 1680). Mrs. Fales’s part of the family settled
in Maine.
The material consists primarily of transcriptions from
public records, notes, biographical information, and research
correspondence. Also included are two typescript genealogies: “State of
Maine Parkers,” 67 pages; and “Known Facts about Martha Parker (Libby).”
The two Sub-groups each contain two series. Sub-group 1, Benjamin
family: records and correspondence concerning descendants of John
Benjamin (1598-1645) of Watertown, 1598-1976; Series A. Lines: records,
notes and correspondence on nine Benjamin families 1598-1791; Series B.
Geographical: records, notes, and correspondence on Benjamin families in
Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, and Canada,
1643-1976. Sub-group II. Parker family: genealogies, notes and
correspondence pertaining to Maine descendants of the five Parker
brothers, 1352-1966; Series A. Genealogies: Maine Parkers and Martha
Parker Libby, c. 1955; Series B. Geographical: notes and correspondence
on the Parker family in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire,
1352-1966.
John B. Carney, a long-time volunteer in the
Society’s Manuscripts Department, has been a NEXUS contributor
since 1984. His article, “In Search of Fayerweather: The Fayerweather
Family of Boston,” continues in the April issue of the Register.