Married March 1,1645

Reported firstborn 2 Jan 1651/2 (from "New England Marriages" by Torrey)∼Cornelius Waldo, the founder of the American branch of the family, was born about 1624, probably in England, and died January 3, 1700, at Chelmsford. It is not known in what year Cornelius came to New England. The first recorded reference to him that has been found is in the 1647 Essex County Court Records. It is probable that he settled at Ipswich soon after his arrival in New England, if he did not go there immediately. His name first appears in the town records in this entry: "Cornelius Waldo, John Cogswell's farmer." Mr. Waldo married Hannah, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Thompson) Cogswell of Ipswich. The date of their marriage is unknown, but it must have occurred before January 2, 1651, for on that date John Cogswell Sr. conveyed to "my sonne in law Cornelius Waldo" a house and 49 acres at Chebacco Falls. It is probable that the Waldos lived, while they remained at Ipswich, in the house given them by John Cogswell, although Mr. Waldo purchased a house on September 14, 1652. This house, which is still standing on High Street, and known as "The Old Waldo House", was sold by Waldo August 31, 1654 to John Caldwell, and it is doubtful if Waldo ever lived in it. February 15, 1668, Cornelius sold the house and farm at Chebacco Falls to Edward Bragg of Ipswich. It is thought that no part of the original house is now standing. February 3, 1673, he was chosen Selectman of Chelmsford. December 16, 1685, Mr. Weld was ordained minister at Dunstable, and a church was formed of seven male members, of whom Cornelius was one, and John Blanchard and Cornelius Waldo were chosen the first deacons. December 14, 1686, he was referred to as "Cornelius Waldo, Sen. of Chelmsford." In 1690, he was keeping a tavern at Chelmsford, and received a license for the same, and to sell liquors therein. March 1, 1698, Waldo was again chosen Selectman of Chelmsford. Mr. Waldo gave a part of his land to his sons and in 1699, sold the rest of it to Edward Emerson, his son in law. Having disposed of his property before his death, Mr. Waldo died January 3, 1700, at Chelmsford, aged 75 years. He was buried in the old burying ground and his gravestone is still standing.