Arnold's expedition

In our last post, we mentioned two descendants of Henry and Ann Lunt. One was Calvin Coolidge; the other was Thomas W. Markle who is the father Meghan. The few posts in this blog ought not be taken as lack of activity which will pick up this year, for several reasons. 

As an aside, the 400th of Plymouth was muted last year due to COVID's entry on the scene. The planning for the other anniversaries continues quietly. We would like to suggest a little change. If one looks at Massachusetts, starting in the 1620s, towns came into existence continually. This post on the 400ths lists over 70 towns. Notice the image. See Wikipedia for the page on the settlements. 

As an aside, rather than just look at the 400 roll-over, we are taking a broader view: 400th, 300th, 250th, 200th, and 100th. That is, we are talking four centuries of families. Notice that this blog has a link to the Lunt book (which needs some serious updating). We have found lots of other Lunt work being done and will get to pulling the information together. 

The 250th? That's what SAR/DAR are calling the upcoming event which has been organized from the perspective of the U.S. (link to the 250th project - america250.org). Lots has been written about the American Revolution. There are plenty websites targeted to the subject. Note that both SAR (newly minted) and DAR have extensive databases about Patriots and their families.  

We are also looking at Loyalists, especially from the perspective that New France and New Spain subsumed much more land than did New England. The 200th? At that time, the border twixt Canada and the U.S. was still fluid. People were moving out west about this time, as well. So, lots to look at. 

But, stepping back. Benedict Arnold led a group from New England up to Quebec in 1775 to stage a surprise attack. Some of the volunteers were from Newbury and Newburyport. We start by looking at one who did a diary - Caleb Haskell. What is interesting is that Caleb was at the  Siege of Boston in the organization of Ezra Lunt (Lunt book, #302). Ezra did not go north with Benedict's group. 

But, the tale is interesting. Too, the Lunt book makes some mention of Ezra's life. There is more on his service in the Mass Sailors & Soldiers book. However, we can fill in the pieces, too. For example, in our other blog, we are looking at The Massachusetts Magazine which published from 1908 to 1918. Each issue included a look at a Regiment that had been at the Siege of Boston. Ezra is mentioned on TMM, Vol IX, 1916, page 33; his brother, Paul, is listed a little later. 

In brief, Arnold's trek had lots of problems. It was winter. He was wounded. So, later events might be seen, somewhat, in a new light. 

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We have been posting information since 2010 and are ready to formalize the scope and look. Any recommendations and comments would be welcome. 

Remarks: Modified: 05/13/2021

05/13/2021 --

Further on descendants

We have done a lot of research related to the periods of American History that ought to be more attention especially from the perspective of families. That is, we are 250 years from the start of the turmoil of the American Revolution. We are 400 years from the start of New England in the north. Virginia dates from 1607. We are 200 years from the western expansion that happened after things got settled after the Louisiana Purchase, the trek of Clark & Lewis, and the War of 1812. Then, coming forward, we are 100 years from the new responsibilities of the global stage. 

There are lots of families to look at. We have found dozens through working with friends on their pedigree in the context of organizations in the Hereditary Society Community. These families represent the gamut: New England entry moving early to Virginia (and the Carolinas) then west; Virginia (and Carolinas) entry moving post the Revolution to the west (following Boone, sometimes) - these went north west leaving tracks across the plains to the coast or went south to Texas and points west (of these, some went further - with Oregon a popular destination); New England out west by water (two modes) establishing themselves on the coast; those from New France out west via the northern waters; and many more. Must mention later entry along the mid-coast that were a first wave since one had to go inland to find land. Also, for a period, there was an influx from Europe post the Civil War (early entrants in this group were here in time to support the Revolution. Lots of groups and times. 

George Shultz, who served in the Marines and was a member of the Cabinet for several Presidents, died recently at the age of 100. He was born in 1920. Looking at his life's work, several things popped up. But, taking a further look at one topic led to this short list which will be extended. George has a mixture of new and old families. However, one of his activities was being a Fellow at the Hoover Institute. This is hosted at Stanford University. Herbert Hoover, 31st President, was a descendant of New England, too. As usual, as we look at pedigrees, we look to find a 'cousin' relationship, whether by genes or by in-law-ness. In many cases, this allows us some additional material for research. 

But, what was interesting with respect to Hoover was who he followed; so, the 30th President is our first name. The second name is contemporary and placed as a marker for future research. 

• Calvin Coolidge - his administration started during the time of the 300th anniversary of the Cape Ann venture about which we have an interest. He is descendant of many New England families (see WikiTree). The one we want to mention is Henry Lunt through his daughter Mary Goodwin. 
• Thomas Wayne Markle - this mention comes from a blog post by the NEHGS: The Royal Ancestry ... There is a chart with details. Going to WikiTree, we can see information on Rev. William Skipper. There are two things that we want to mention. We have been using WikiTree since they have projects related to Gateways as well as make an effort to source their material. Rev Skipper's profile is handled by the Great Migration Project that is based upon the work at NEHGS by a team lead by R.C. Anderson. 

In both of these trees, we find the profile of Henry Lunt. Work will continue with respect to the information provided and its provenance.  

Remarks: Modified: 03/15/2021

03/15/2021 --