The Old Colony Historical Society library didn't open until 10am, so I had some time in the morning to explore Taunton. I drove to the area where most of the family lived, known as "The Wier." I had found information from the 1970's in the "Burt box" about an old family house that was still standing. After spending some time being thoroughly lost I located the spot but the house was long gone. "Still standing" in the 1970's didn't mean it would still be standing in 2010. Oh well.
On my way back to the library I suddenly saw an old cemetery, and then saw the sign, "Neck-O-Land." I was amazed. I had planned to visit the cemetery while I was in Taunton, but I didn't expect it to be where it was. It's a tiny little plot of land right next to the road with houses all around it.
From across the street it looked like the gate was chained and locked, but of course I had to find a way in. When I got to the gate I saw that the chain ended in pliable links that could be opened by hand, so in I went. This is a very old New England cemetery, the kind of place I've wanted to see for a long time. Family historians love cemeteries for the information found on the stones, and just for the sense of being in a place that is linked to their ancestor. I had found this place listed as the last resting place of a number of early Burts.
When I arrived back at the library Andrew was true to his word and brought me the "Briggs box." I should explain that these boxes are filled with research done by both amateurs and professionals, and donated to the Society. Within this box I found a copy of an article published in The New England Historical and Genealogical Register from April 1971 entitled "Richard, William, and Hugh, Sons of John Briggs of Taunton, Massachusetts." This fascinating article shows that before 1660 there were at least five men in the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies who bore the name "John Briggs." By careful examination of records including wills and land records, these five men can be distinguished from one another. This article gives the descendents of John Briggs of Taunton, which include one Thomas Briggs whose children include: SARAH, b. 10 Dec. 1693; d. 22 Nov. 1783; mar. ABEL BURT. Genealogy Happy Dance! I had found "my" Briggs line, and from a well-respected source!
The unexpected extra day spent in Taunton forced a change of plan. I had planned to spend that day in Wrentham and Upton, exploring more family history. But the treasure trove that is the Old Colony Historical Society was well worth the extra time spent there.
I am of the Richard BRIGGS (son of John BRIGGS Sr.) line. I thank you for the cemetery info. I hope to make if back next spring. Actually just came back from MA, but was not on a genealogy trip and actually only recently found the BRIGGS name before I left for MA. I saw you spent time at the SB Family History center. Are you from SB?
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Hello 10th Cousin Susie - Thank you for your comment. Yes, I am from SB, are you living here?
DeleteYes, I am from SB, my new found cousin. This is the next amazing thing I found out tonight. I was on Ancestry and found my G G grandmother Amanda BRIGGS Anderson had a GG uncle BRIGGS buried in a small town in NY, Stephentown close to the MA state line. He died there in 1790. Anyway the place we were staying at was about 10 minutes from there. I found a BRIGGS wiki page and found your Mary BURT Briggs on it. So wow what an amazing thing all of this is. Are you going to the Family History Center this Wednesday? Merna there is great, she helped me lots with my paperwork to get into the Daughters of Union Veterans.
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