THOMAS DIED IN SPRINGFIELD, OHIO. FROM EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I BELIEVE HE IS BURIED HERE AT COLUMBIA STREET CEMETERY, BUT HAVE NO PROOF YET.
......
Thomas West was born in 1736 on Martha's Vineyand in the state of Massachusetts. Though at the time, this was the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a colony of England. This is where he spends his childhood, in the presence of a large West family, including both his grandparents Abner and Jane (Look) West.
His father was a minister, and some time about 1848 the Congregational Church of Rochester wanted him to be their preacher. We don't know the exact date, but his father removes the entire family to Rochester, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts by 1753, when he takes over duties of that church.
We are fairly certain young Thomas goes with the family, as he is married to Deborah Freeman there in 1757, though Deborah herself is from Sandwich, Barnstable County. (As an interesting note, Deborah's mother later marries Thomas' father, and removes to Rochester) We are not certain how or where Thomas West and Deborah Freeman meet, as there are reasons it could be both Sandwich and Rochester (the two towns being only 25 miles apart)
We are not sure where Thomas West is during the American Revolution (1775-1783), though records indicate that he may be in Rochester, as the town requests a report on the struggles with England in late 1772. Thomas is one of the men chosen, along with David Wing et al. There is one record that indicates he may have done some sort of military training, or at some point was called to protect the town during the war, but we are still not certain. One record says a Thomas West went to Dartmouth "on an alarm" with Capt. Jabez Cottle on May 6, 1778, for 2 days. Jabez and Thomas are 1st cousins, having the same grandmother (Jane Look), so it's likely this is Thomas.
We know his first child, daughter Eunice, marries in New Bedford, Bristol, Massachusetts (basically a part of Acushnet, where we think the West family was living) in 1780. And then by 1788 Thomas is named Executor of his father's Will, and then doing an inventory of his father's estate in 1790, both in Rochester.
Thomas and family are found in 1790 Rochester census records. But by this time Thomas is 54 years old and his children are making other plans it seems. Still not sure of the connection, many families in Rochester are purchasing land in the Montpelier area of Vermont. Several families have even begun to move there. We believe, either acting on his own, or because of his children, Thomas and wife Deborah move to Montpelier in about 1793. This move may have taken a few years to make, some families going back and forth awhile to help set this up. Thomas' daughter Lucy (West) Davis dies in late 1791 and is buried at Old Parrish Cemetery in Rochester. But his son Freeman West is one of Montpelier's founding members, from a Montpelier town record in March 1791. And then in the Montpelier town meeting of March 1792, Thomas seems to have been voted in as Pound Keeper. And then we know by 1794, his children are getting married and doing other things in the town of Montpelier. We also believe that the Rochester Quaker's had much to do with this move to Montpelier, as a few children marry into this group.
The 1800 U.S. census finds Thomas and Deborah living in Montpelier with one son, Samuel Amos West. And in March of 1803, the town votes Thomas in as "Tything Man." This is, as of this writing, the last piece of information we currently know about Thomas in Montpelier before the family removes to Ohio. Though there are several records that indicate his children are still active in the Montpelier area, just nothing specific about Thomas.
It is his son Thomas West Jr. and family that we think initiate the move to Ohio in about 1808. The reasons are not clear. But speculation seems to point at opportunity and maybe free land in the 'West.' Thomas and Deborah, then about 70 years old, go with the younger Thomas and family. This surely was an arduous trip West, as there are indications of a few deaths, possibly of daughter Molly West and her husband Col. David Robbins. Exactly where we do not yet know. But we do know by early 1819, Thomas creates his Will and then dies in Springfield in March of the same year.
About the time of his death the entire Thomas West Jr. family moves to West Gwillimbury, Ontario, Canada, Thomas Jr. having some financial troubles and needing to leave before going completely bankrupt, or possibly debtors prison.
As of this writing, there are no records that indicate where Thomas and his wife Deborah are buried. We believe it is Greenmount, as several other related persons are buried there in this time frame 1815-1820. It is also thought that Deborah might have died in Harmony, Ohio, a very short distance from Springfield. It is entirely possible that Thomas is buried with her in Harmony.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THOMAS WEST
JANUARY 11, 1819
From Springfield, Ohio Legal Records:
"I, Thomas West, of the town of Springfield and State of Ohio, being weak in body, but of sound mind, and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former ones, by me heretofore made.
And first, I will and bequest to my grandson Abner West (son of Freeman West) the sum of ten dollars to be paid to him out of my estate by my executors, and also 1 broad cloth coat (black colour).
2nd I will and bequeath to John Patterson all my hats.
3rd I will to my grandson Julian West, 1 brown mare.
4th I will to my granddaughter Eliza (daughter of my son Thomas) six silver tablespoons, six silver tea spoons, a long posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding, belonging to the same and besides also the other of the best bed-quilts I have.
5th I will to my grandson Thomas (son of Thomas) 1 pair silver shoe-buckles, 1 pair silver knee-buckles, 1 silver stock- buckle and my longest walking staff with an ivory head.
6th I will to my granddaughter Deborah one chest of pine wood, which has been painted red, one short posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding belonging to the same and also one other bed-quilt to be given her at the discretion of her mother.
7th I will one side-saddle to my Granddaughter Catherine (daughter of Samuel).
8th I will to my grandson Benjamin one cross-cut saw.
9th I will that one brass kettle and all other of my goods and effects, wherever they may be found shall be at the disposal of my daughter-in-law Polly (wife of my son Thomas), to be by her distributed amongst her children at her discretion.
And 10th I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Thomas West and Griffith Foos, Executors of my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 11th day of January AD 1819.
Signed Thomas West."
Witnessed by John Patterson, William N. Irwin and Saul Henkle, the local Methodist minister.
......
Thomas West was born in 1736 on Martha's Vineyand in the state of Massachusetts. Though at the time, this was the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a colony of England. This is where he spends his childhood, in the presence of a large West family, including both his grandparents Abner and Jane (Look) West.
His father was a minister, and some time about 1848 the Congregational Church of Rochester wanted him to be their preacher. We don't know the exact date, but his father removes the entire family to Rochester, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts by 1753, when he takes over duties of that church.
We are fairly certain young Thomas goes with the family, as he is married to Deborah Freeman there in 1757, though Deborah herself is from Sandwich, Barnstable County. (As an interesting note, Deborah's mother later marries Thomas' father, and removes to Rochester) We are not certain how or where Thomas West and Deborah Freeman meet, as there are reasons it could be both Sandwich and Rochester (the two towns being only 25 miles apart)
We are not sure where Thomas West is during the American Revolution (1775-1783), though records indicate that he may be in Rochester, as the town requests a report on the struggles with England in late 1772. Thomas is one of the men chosen, along with David Wing et al. There is one record that indicates he may have done some sort of military training, or at some point was called to protect the town during the war, but we are still not certain. One record says a Thomas West went to Dartmouth "on an alarm" with Capt. Jabez Cottle on May 6, 1778, for 2 days. Jabez and Thomas are 1st cousins, having the same grandmother (Jane Look), so it's likely this is Thomas.
We know his first child, daughter Eunice, marries in New Bedford, Bristol, Massachusetts (basically a part of Acushnet, where we think the West family was living) in 1780. And then by 1788 Thomas is named Executor of his father's Will, and then doing an inventory of his father's estate in 1790, both in Rochester.
Thomas and family are found in 1790 Rochester census records. But by this time Thomas is 54 years old and his children are making other plans it seems. Still not sure of the connection, many families in Rochester are purchasing land in the Montpelier area of Vermont. Several families have even begun to move there. We believe, either acting on his own, or because of his children, Thomas and wife Deborah move to Montpelier in about 1793. This move may have taken a few years to make, some families going back and forth awhile to help set this up. Thomas' daughter Lucy (West) Davis dies in late 1791 and is buried at Old Parrish Cemetery in Rochester. But his son Freeman West is one of Montpelier's founding members, from a Montpelier town record in March 1791. And then in the Montpelier town meeting of March 1792, Thomas seems to have been voted in as Pound Keeper. And then we know by 1794, his children are getting married and doing other things in the town of Montpelier. We also believe that the Rochester Quaker's had much to do with this move to Montpelier, as a few children marry into this group.
The 1800 U.S. census finds Thomas and Deborah living in Montpelier with one son, Samuel Amos West. And in March of 1803, the town votes Thomas in as "Tything Man." This is, as of this writing, the last piece of information we currently know about Thomas in Montpelier before the family removes to Ohio. Though there are several records that indicate his children are still active in the Montpelier area, just nothing specific about Thomas.
It is his son Thomas West Jr. and family that we think initiate the move to Ohio in about 1808. The reasons are not clear. But speculation seems to point at opportunity and maybe free land in the 'West.' Thomas and Deborah, then about 70 years old, go with the younger Thomas and family. This surely was an arduous trip West, as there are indications of a few deaths, possibly of daughter Molly West and her husband Col. David Robbins. Exactly where we do not yet know. But we do know by early 1819, Thomas creates his Will and then dies in Springfield in March of the same year.
About the time of his death the entire Thomas West Jr. family moves to West Gwillimbury, Ontario, Canada, Thomas Jr. having some financial troubles and needing to leave before going completely bankrupt, or possibly debtors prison.
As of this writing, there are no records that indicate where Thomas and his wife Deborah are buried. We believe it is Greenmount, as several other related persons are buried there in this time frame 1815-1820. It is also thought that Deborah might have died in Harmony, Ohio, a very short distance from Springfield. It is entirely possible that Thomas is buried with her in Harmony.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THOMAS WEST
JANUARY 11, 1819
From Springfield, Ohio Legal Records:
"I, Thomas West, of the town of Springfield and State of Ohio, being weak in body, but of sound mind, and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former ones, by me heretofore made.
And first, I will and bequest to my grandson Abner West (son of Freeman West) the sum of ten dollars to be paid to him out of my estate by my executors, and also 1 broad cloth coat (black colour).
2nd I will and bequeath to John Patterson all my hats.
3rd I will to my grandson Julian West, 1 brown mare.
4th I will to my granddaughter Eliza (daughter of my son Thomas) six silver tablespoons, six silver tea spoons, a long posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding, belonging to the same and besides also the other of the best bed-quilts I have.
5th I will to my grandson Thomas (son of Thomas) 1 pair silver shoe-buckles, 1 pair silver knee-buckles, 1 silver stock- buckle and my longest walking staff with an ivory head.
6th I will to my granddaughter Deborah one chest of pine wood, which has been painted red, one short posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding belonging to the same and also one other bed-quilt to be given her at the discretion of her mother.
7th I will one side-saddle to my Granddaughter Catherine (daughter of Samuel).
8th I will to my grandson Benjamin one cross-cut saw.
9th I will that one brass kettle and all other of my goods and effects, wherever they may be found shall be at the disposal of my daughter-in-law Polly (wife of my son Thomas), to be by her distributed amongst her children at her discretion.
And 10th I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Thomas West and Griffith Foos, Executors of my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 11th day of January AD 1819.
Signed Thomas West."
Witnessed by John Patterson, William N. Irwin and Saul Henkle, the local Methodist minister.
THOMAS DIED IN SPRINGFIELD, OHIO. FROM EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, I BELIEVE HE IS BURIED HERE AT COLUMBIA STREET CEMETERY, BUT HAVE NO PROOF YET.
......
Thomas West was born in 1736 on Martha's Vineyand in the state of Massachusetts. Though at the time, this was the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a colony of England. This is where he spends his childhood, in the presence of a large West family, including both his grandparents Abner and Jane (Look) West.
His father was a minister, and some time about 1848 the Congregational Church of Rochester wanted him to be their preacher. We don't know the exact date, but his father removes the entire family to Rochester, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts by 1753, when he takes over duties of that church.
We are fairly certain young Thomas goes with the family, as he is married to Deborah Freeman there in 1757, though Deborah herself is from Sandwich, Barnstable County. (As an interesting note, Deborah's mother later marries Thomas' father, and removes to Rochester) We are not certain how or where Thomas West and Deborah Freeman meet, as there are reasons it could be both Sandwich and Rochester (the two towns being only 25 miles apart)
We are not sure where Thomas West is during the American Revolution (1775-1783), though records indicate that he may be in Rochester, as the town requests a report on the struggles with England in late 1772. Thomas is one of the men chosen, along with David Wing et al. There is one record that indicates he may have done some sort of military training, or at some point was called to protect the town during the war, but we are still not certain. One record says a Thomas West went to Dartmouth "on an alarm" with Capt. Jabez Cottle on May 6, 1778, for 2 days. Jabez and Thomas are 1st cousins, having the same grandmother (Jane Look), so it's likely this is Thomas.
We know his first child, daughter Eunice, marries in New Bedford, Bristol, Massachusetts (basically a part of Acushnet, where we think the West family was living) in 1780. And then by 1788 Thomas is named Executor of his father's Will, and then doing an inventory of his father's estate in 1790, both in Rochester.
Thomas and family are found in 1790 Rochester census records. But by this time Thomas is 54 years old and his children are making other plans it seems. Still not sure of the connection, many families in Rochester are purchasing land in the Montpelier area of Vermont. Several families have even begun to move there. We believe, either acting on his own, or because of his children, Thomas and wife Deborah move to Montpelier in about 1793. This move may have taken a few years to make, some families going back and forth awhile to help set this up. Thomas' daughter Lucy (West) Davis dies in late 1791 and is buried at Old Parrish Cemetery in Rochester. But his son Freeman West is one of Montpelier's founding members, from a Montpelier town record in March 1791. And then in the Montpelier town meeting of March 1792, Thomas seems to have been voted in as Pound Keeper. And then we know by 1794, his children are getting married and doing other things in the town of Montpelier. We also believe that the Rochester Quaker's had much to do with this move to Montpelier, as a few children marry into this group.
The 1800 U.S. census finds Thomas and Deborah living in Montpelier with one son, Samuel Amos West. And in March of 1803, the town votes Thomas in as "Tything Man." This is, as of this writing, the last piece of information we currently know about Thomas in Montpelier before the family removes to Ohio. Though there are several records that indicate his children are still active in the Montpelier area, just nothing specific about Thomas.
It is his son Thomas West Jr. and family that we think initiate the move to Ohio in about 1808. The reasons are not clear. But speculation seems to point at opportunity and maybe free land in the 'West.' Thomas and Deborah, then about 70 years old, go with the younger Thomas and family. This surely was an arduous trip West, as there are indications of a few deaths, possibly of daughter Molly West and her husband Col. David Robbins. Exactly where we do not yet know. But we do know by early 1819, Thomas creates his Will and then dies in Springfield in March of the same year.
About the time of his death the entire Thomas West Jr. family moves to West Gwillimbury, Ontario, Canada, Thomas Jr. having some financial troubles and needing to leave before going completely bankrupt, or possibly debtors prison.
As of this writing, there are no records that indicate where Thomas and his wife Deborah are buried. We believe it is Greenmount, as several other related persons are buried there in this time frame 1815-1820. It is also thought that Deborah might have died in Harmony, Ohio, a very short distance from Springfield. It is entirely possible that Thomas is buried with her in Harmony.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THOMAS WEST
JANUARY 11, 1819
From Springfield, Ohio Legal Records:
"I, Thomas West, of the town of Springfield and State of Ohio, being weak in body, but of sound mind, and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former ones, by me heretofore made.
And first, I will and bequest to my grandson Abner West (son of Freeman West) the sum of ten dollars to be paid to him out of my estate by my executors, and also 1 broad cloth coat (black colour).
2nd I will and bequeath to John Patterson all my hats.
3rd I will to my grandson Julian West, 1 brown mare.
4th I will to my granddaughter Eliza (daughter of my son Thomas) six silver tablespoons, six silver tea spoons, a long posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding, belonging to the same and besides also the other of the best bed-quilts I have.
5th I will to my grandson Thomas (son of Thomas) 1 pair silver shoe-buckles, 1 pair silver knee-buckles, 1 silver stock- buckle and my longest walking staff with an ivory head.
6th I will to my granddaughter Deborah one chest of pine wood, which has been painted red, one short posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding belonging to the same and also one other bed-quilt to be given her at the discretion of her mother.
7th I will one side-saddle to my Granddaughter Catherine (daughter of Samuel).
8th I will to my grandson Benjamin one cross-cut saw.
9th I will that one brass kettle and all other of my goods and effects, wherever they may be found shall be at the disposal of my daughter-in-law Polly (wife of my son Thomas), to be by her distributed amongst her children at her discretion.
And 10th I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Thomas West and Griffith Foos, Executors of my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 11th day of January AD 1819.
Signed Thomas West."
Witnessed by John Patterson, William N. Irwin and Saul Henkle, the local Methodist minister.
......
Thomas West was born in 1736 on Martha's Vineyand in the state of Massachusetts. Though at the time, this was the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a colony of England. This is where he spends his childhood, in the presence of a large West family, including both his grandparents Abner and Jane (Look) West.
His father was a minister, and some time about 1848 the Congregational Church of Rochester wanted him to be their preacher. We don't know the exact date, but his father removes the entire family to Rochester, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts by 1753, when he takes over duties of that church.
We are fairly certain young Thomas goes with the family, as he is married to Deborah Freeman there in 1757, though Deborah herself is from Sandwich, Barnstable County. (As an interesting note, Deborah's mother later marries Thomas' father, and removes to Rochester) We are not certain how or where Thomas West and Deborah Freeman meet, as there are reasons it could be both Sandwich and Rochester (the two towns being only 25 miles apart)
We are not sure where Thomas West is during the American Revolution (1775-1783), though records indicate that he may be in Rochester, as the town requests a report on the struggles with England in late 1772. Thomas is one of the men chosen, along with David Wing et al. There is one record that indicates he may have done some sort of military training, or at some point was called to protect the town during the war, but we are still not certain. One record says a Thomas West went to Dartmouth "on an alarm" with Capt. Jabez Cottle on May 6, 1778, for 2 days. Jabez and Thomas are 1st cousins, having the same grandmother (Jane Look), so it's likely this is Thomas.
We know his first child, daughter Eunice, marries in New Bedford, Bristol, Massachusetts (basically a part of Acushnet, where we think the West family was living) in 1780. And then by 1788 Thomas is named Executor of his father's Will, and then doing an inventory of his father's estate in 1790, both in Rochester.
Thomas and family are found in 1790 Rochester census records. But by this time Thomas is 54 years old and his children are making other plans it seems. Still not sure of the connection, many families in Rochester are purchasing land in the Montpelier area of Vermont. Several families have even begun to move there. We believe, either acting on his own, or because of his children, Thomas and wife Deborah move to Montpelier in about 1793. This move may have taken a few years to make, some families going back and forth awhile to help set this up. Thomas' daughter Lucy (West) Davis dies in late 1791 and is buried at Old Parrish Cemetery in Rochester. But his son Freeman West is one of Montpelier's founding members, from a Montpelier town record in March 1791. And then in the Montpelier town meeting of March 1792, Thomas seems to have been voted in as Pound Keeper. And then we know by 1794, his children are getting married and doing other things in the town of Montpelier. We also believe that the Rochester Quaker's had much to do with this move to Montpelier, as a few children marry into this group.
The 1800 U.S. census finds Thomas and Deborah living in Montpelier with one son, Samuel Amos West. And in March of 1803, the town votes Thomas in as "Tything Man." This is, as of this writing, the last piece of information we currently know about Thomas in Montpelier before the family removes to Ohio. Though there are several records that indicate his children are still active in the Montpelier area, just nothing specific about Thomas.
It is his son Thomas West Jr. and family that we think initiate the move to Ohio in about 1808. The reasons are not clear. But speculation seems to point at opportunity and maybe free land in the 'West.' Thomas and Deborah, then about 70 years old, go with the younger Thomas and family. This surely was an arduous trip West, as there are indications of a few deaths, possibly of daughter Molly West and her husband Col. David Robbins. Exactly where we do not yet know. But we do know by early 1819, Thomas creates his Will and then dies in Springfield in March of the same year.
About the time of his death the entire Thomas West Jr. family moves to West Gwillimbury, Ontario, Canada, Thomas Jr. having some financial troubles and needing to leave before going completely bankrupt, or possibly debtors prison.
As of this writing, there are no records that indicate where Thomas and his wife Deborah are buried. We believe it is Greenmount, as several other related persons are buried there in this time frame 1815-1820. It is also thought that Deborah might have died in Harmony, Ohio, a very short distance from Springfield. It is entirely possible that Thomas is buried with her in Harmony.
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THOMAS WEST
JANUARY 11, 1819
From Springfield, Ohio Legal Records:
"I, Thomas West, of the town of Springfield and State of Ohio, being weak in body, but of sound mind, and memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former ones, by me heretofore made.
And first, I will and bequest to my grandson Abner West (son of Freeman West) the sum of ten dollars to be paid to him out of my estate by my executors, and also 1 broad cloth coat (black colour).
2nd I will and bequeath to John Patterson all my hats.
3rd I will to my grandson Julian West, 1 brown mare.
4th I will to my granddaughter Eliza (daughter of my son Thomas) six silver tablespoons, six silver tea spoons, a long posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding, belonging to the same and besides also the other of the best bed-quilts I have.
5th I will to my grandson Thomas (son of Thomas) 1 pair silver shoe-buckles, 1 pair silver knee-buckles, 1 silver stock- buckle and my longest walking staff with an ivory head.
6th I will to my granddaughter Deborah one chest of pine wood, which has been painted red, one short posted bedstead together with the bed and bedding belonging to the same and also one other bed-quilt to be given her at the discretion of her mother.
7th I will one side-saddle to my Granddaughter Catherine (daughter of Samuel).
8th I will to my grandson Benjamin one cross-cut saw.
9th I will that one brass kettle and all other of my goods and effects, wherever they may be found shall be at the disposal of my daughter-in-law Polly (wife of my son Thomas), to be by her distributed amongst her children at her discretion.
And 10th I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Thomas West and Griffith Foos, Executors of my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 11th day of January AD 1819.
Signed Thomas West."
Witnessed by John Patterson, William N. Irwin and Saul Henkle, the local Methodist minister.
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