Henry Mulkin
Peagscomsuck
(meaning “a great brook”) was settled by English colonists in the
1680s In 1680, Major James Fitch of Norwich was granted title to a
large tract of land along the Quinebaug River by Owaneco, son of the
Mohegan sachem Uncas, This
area was known as the Quinebaug Plantation and included both sides of
the river. In 1697, Fitch settled on a “neck of land” below the
island of Peagscomsuck , which had been an Indian fort. The early
years were marked by agricultural development, with rich farmland on
both sides of the river. The town’s first permanent houses were
built by Fitch and his family, and the area became a stop for
travelers between Norwich and Woodstock. Disputes over land claims
between the Winthrop family and Fitch’s Mohegan-backed claims were
resolved when the area was formally incorporated as Plainfield in
1699, before the 1703 split
By
the fall of 1702, several west-side settlers had grown tired of
crossing the Quinebaug River for church services in winter and at
periods of high water, and wished to make a separation from
Plainfield. Plainfield's residents called in three ministers to
settle the problem. As a result, some articles of separation were
quickly drawn up, signed, and witnessed. Advising
the settlers to make their town's dividing line the river, and to
organize as two distinct townships. In December 1702, they drew up
articles of separation, and on October 14, 1703, the Connecticut
General Assembly granted that
"the
inhabitants on the west side of the river shall have the privileges
of a township, and that the name of the town shall be Canterbury."
Henry
Mulkin is reported to have been born between 1680 and 1690 in
Canterbury, New London County, Connecticut. Several
persons on Ancestry claim that Henry is
the son of Charles E Mulkin, who was
born in 1660 and
his wife, Julia H
Brewster, a descendant of William Brewster of Mayflower fame. No
proof is given to bolster this claim.
Henry
married Mary
Randall who is
said to have been born
29 Oct 1680 Little Baddow, Essex, England. Again,
no proof of parentage has been found. But
she may have been the daughter of Eleanor and Matthew Randall.
Eleanor was the step daughter of Nicholas Utter.
It
appears that Henry and Mary had only 2 children, sons Henry and John.
Henry
was involved in the following land transactions in Canterbury.
John
Richmond, John Maxson, Benjamin Burdick, Joseph Runnals, John
Crandall, Josiah Hill, John Lewis, Jonathan Maxson, Joseph Steward
(by atty), George Stillman, Samuel Langworthy, Hobart Burdick,
Nathaniel Wells, Thomas Wells, John Mackoon transferred land to
Ichabod Prosser This quit claim for 4 1/2 acres was dated March 14
1737/8. Witnesses were Benjamin Randall and Henry Mulkin.
Isaac
Babcock and Mary his wife sold land to
Sam Hill, Oct. 27, 1746 Witnesses were
Simeon Crandall, W. Babcock, Henry Mulkins, and Joshua Babcock. Vol.
7 page 249
Isaac
Babcock sold land to
Henry Mulkin of Westerly, laborer T This
land of Isaac Babcock was given
him by his grandfather Thompson, March 3, 1745/6. Witnesses
were Sarah Babcock and W. Babcock. Volume
7, page 250
Stephen
Babcock sold land to
Henry Mulkin of Westerly, Husbandman, on
Oct. 30, 1741. The
witnesses were
Elias Thompson and William Babcock. Volume
7, page 251
In
May 1758 Henry, Junior is listed as a freeman in Westerly.
Mary
died on 5 Aug 1760 in Canterbury .
Henry
died before 15 Aug 1769 in Canterbury.
Children
Henry
Mulkin 1705 Ct m 02 Nov 1741 Abigail Thompson
*John
Mulkin Sr See next section
Note
that the name Mulkin, from the earliest entries, is not spelled with
an "s" on the end. John Mulkin's will papers, written in
1787 and probated in 1791, includes the family name 26 times, and in
no case does it have an "s" at the end. Some branches of
the family later adoped the use of the "s."
JOHN
MULKIN SENIOR
John
Mulkin was born on 20 Mar 1712 in Preston, New London County,
Connecticut.
John
“Merkins” of Canterbury married
23 January 1733/4 Elizabeth “Manawithey” at
the Preston First Congregational Church
in Preston,
New London County, Connecticut.
Elizabeth
was born on 20 Mar 1713 in Preston, New London, Connecticut and
christened there on 6 Jan 1714. She was a
daughter of David Macwithey and Elizabeth Osborne.
In
paperwork of Hannah Tracy:
Preston
November ye 22 1742 Received of ye wid hannah Tracy for work don one
pound I say Received to my satisfaction John Mulkin
In
a list of Connecticut Soldiers, French and Indian War,
1755-62, is found John Mulkin, of Connecticut. He was in the 2nd
Regiment, commanded by Nathan Whiting Colonel and Captain of the 2nd
Company. In 1758, his company commander was Lieutenant-Colonel and
Captain Samuel Coit.
The French
and Indian War (1754–1763) was a conflict in North
America between Great Britain and France, along
with their respective Indigenous allies. Historians
generally consider it part of the global Seven Years' War, which
lasted from 1756 to 1763, although in the United States it
is often viewed as a distinct conflict unassociated with any larger
European war.
Britain
and France had been officially at peace following the Treaty of
Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, but tensions over trade continued in
North America. These tensions culminated in a dispute over the Forks
of the Ohio, and the related French Fort Duquesne which
controlled them. In May 1754, this led to the Battle of
Jumonville Glen, when Virginia militia led by George
Washington ambushed a French patrol. In 1755, Edward
Braddock, the new Commander-in-Chief, North America, planned a
four-way attack on the French. None succeeded, while the Braddock
Expedition ended in disaster at the Battle of the
Monongahela on July 9, with Braddock himself dying of his wounds
a few days later.
“Inlisted
1 April 1758 Deserted Aug. 18, 1758” John Mulkin
Payroll:
1758 Endorsed at Preston by Lt. Colonel Coit
In
1775 John Senior was
taxed 18 pounds 15 shillings.
1790
United States Federal Census has the family
listed as Matkins. They are in New London,
Connecticut. The family consists of 1
Males over 16 and
2 females.
He
died in December 1791 in Canterbury, New London
County, Connecticut
Mr.
John Mulkin Will
Exhibited
July 17th 1792.
In
the name of God, Amen, I John Mulkin, of Preston, County of New
London, being of great age, but of sound disposing mind and memory
blessed be God therefore do this third day of November A.D. 1787 make
this my last will and testament.
Impris.I
commend my soul to God who gave it me and my body to the earth from
whence it came in hopes of a joyfull resurrection through the mercies
of my saviour Jesus Christ and as for shat worldly estate it hath
pleased God to bless me with I dispose thereof in the following
manner.
Item.
To my loving wife, Elizabeth Mulkin the use and improvements of all
my real estate during the time she shall continue my widow. I also
give her the one-half of all my Indoor movables to be her own forever
and I give her the use and improvements of the other half of my said
moveables so long as she shall remain my widow and after the said
Elizabeth shall cease to be my widow I give the one half my indoor
moveables to my three daughters, viz Mary, Sarah, and Lydia to be
equally divided between them I also give my said wife one cow, and
one third of the money & debts due me at my decease after my just
Debts and Funeral charges are paid which I order shall be paid out of
said debts & money. I likewise give my said wife all the
provisions of the eatables kind that I shall be possessed of at my
death. and all the remainder of my personal estate (except my gun &
accoutrements and my money due and on hand)
I
give to my four children: viz; John Mulkins, Mary Wethy, Sarah
Heigwin, and Lydia Frink, to be equally divided between them
My
said son John Mulkins to have my wearing apparell so far as they will
go toward his part or share.
Item.
I give to my grandson Allyn Mulkins, my gun and accoutrements,
I
give to my son John Mulkins and my two said daughters, Mary &
Lydia all the money and debts due to me at my decease which I have
not already disposed of to be equally divided between them.
And
after my said wife shall cease to be my widow I dispose of my real
estate as follows:
I
give my grandson Allyn Mulkin the whole of the land I bought of
Joseph Green and a lot of land lying easterly of the Joseph Green Lot
bounded as follows, beginning at the fence northeasterly part near
the brook, in a parallel line with a stone wall, which extends near
an east point from the brook, then easterly the same, course of said
wall, adjoining the same till it comes to a grey oak, tree standing
about 2 feet south of said wall, and is marked on the north side,
thence Northerly a strait line to the east end of a stone wall, by
Capt. Oliver Coits? Griffith lot thence westerly by said Coit's land
to my norwest corner and thence southerly bounding on said Coit's
land by land of my Jos. Green lot to the bound first mentioned and
my will is if in case the said Allyn should die without some lawfull
begotten in wedlock then I give to him to use and improve during his
natural life and after his decease to be equally divided among my
heirs
Item
I give to my said daughter Mary Wethy the whole of my land lot lying
the west side of the meadow also
I
give my said daughter Mary, my north mowing field on my.home farm
adjoining to-said Capt. Coit's Land extending west as the wall now
stands on the south side till it comes to Land which I have now given
to Allyn.
Item
I give my said Daughter Lydia Frink a lot of land called the old
house lot lying south of and adjoining to the lot given my daughter
Mary as the fence now stands. She my said daughter Lydia to use and
improve the same during her lifetime and after her decease to be
equally divided between said Lydias daughters.
Item.
I give my said daughter Sarah Keigwin a piece of land lying on the
hill bounded as follows Beginning at Robert Greene's north east
corner and bounding on Samuel Greene's land till it comes to his
south east corner which is flat land with stones upon it thence
easterly butting South on the Stone hill Road til it comes to Daniel
Harris' Land. thence northerly butting easterly on the land between
said Harris and me till it comes to a mean stone with stones around
it standing the east side of a post hole which is the northwest
corner of a lot which James Keigwin purchased at venue of Nathan
Herrick ------- thence westerly to the first mentioned bound of this
lot. She my said daughter Sarah to use and improve the same during
her natural life and after her decease I give the same to my two
grandsons Ephraim Keigwin and John Keigwin to be equally divided
between them.
Item:
I give my said son John Mulkin the use and improvements of the
remainder of my real estate which I have not herein disposed of -he
to use the same during his natural life and after his decease I
bequeath the same to my four grandsons, the children of my said son
John which he has by his first wife Ruth viz: Rufus Mulkin, Henry
Mulkin, James Mulkin and Joseph Mulkin to be their own forever to be
equally divided between them---they paying to each of their own
sisters of the whole blood the same of 20 awful money when my said
grandsons shall come into possession of said land and I make, ordain
constitute and appoint my son-in-law Lemuel Withey my executor to
this my last will and testament to take care and see the same
performed according to my true intent in every part and I hereby
Revoke all former wills by me made. Rattifying and confirming this to
be my last will and testament In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal the day and year above written
John
Mulkin X his mark
in
presence of
Benjamin
Coit
Mary
Coit
Michael
-----
A
true inventory of the estate of Mr. John Mulkin late of Preston,
deceased, as shown to us the subscribers by the executor to the Last
Will and Testament of said deceased , we being under oath for that
purpose, did appraise the same as follows: /viz/
best
blue and white wood coat one pair of blue
muslin breeches
old
blue duffle coat striped
linen overalls
best
linen shirt
checked linen overalls
blue
all wool great coat blue worsted
stockings
one
pair of shoes one old
beaver hat
one
fire lock gun and accoutrements, 6 powder horns
one
bullet pouch 34 bullets, 2 flints
one
feather bed bolster and pillow
woolen
coverlet
17
pillow covers
best
chest with drawers
chest
with lock and key
one
case with 10 square bottles
set
of pewter= basins, plates, and platters
pewter
pots, iron pots, iron kettle, frying pan
pair
of fire tongs and shovel
water
pails
cedar
milk tub
scythes,
pitchfork, iron wedges, knives, files, saws,
weavers
loom, warping ___
large
oak meat tub
One
old Great Bible
one
small bible
8
small books
the
home farm 80 acres
cash
23. 9. 6
Feb
1792 Bills paid included:
state
tax
money
to Rufus Mulkin for digging the grave
Butts
for the coffin
Isaac
Clarke for making the coffin
town
tax
school
rate
allowance
paid to the widow for basket of flax, linen, yard, calf skin
Division:
To widow: bed and pillow;
New
London County, RI Preston, December 27th, 1791 personally appeared
before me, Benjamin Coit, Esqr. Mary Coit and Abigail Coit, witnesses
to the Last Will and Testament of John Mulkin, deceased. Which will
is hereunto annexed and being sworn on solemn oath, testify and say,
that they were each of them personally present with the said deceased
at the time he published the foregoing will and that they did each of
them see him sign, seal and publish and deliver the will hereto
annexed to be his last Will and Testament, and they did at his desire
and in his presence and in the presence of each other, set to their
hands in witness at the time said deceased published said will he
appeared to be of sound disposing mind and memory.
Certified
and sworn before me John Tyler, justice of peace.
Elizabeth
died after 27 June 1793
in Preston, New London, Connecticut.)
Her
will was recorded in Preston.
Elizabeth
Mulkin
Will
Exhibited
August
29 1805 approved to be Recorded in Tenth Book page 482.
In
the name of God, Amen, I Elizabeth Mulkin of Preston in the county of
New London being of a right sound and disposing mind and memory
blessed be God therefore
I
do this 27th day of June AD 1793 make this my last will &
testament. I commend my soul to God who gave it and my body to the
Earth from whence it came in hopes of a joyfull resurrection through
the mercy of my Saviour Jesus Christ, and as for my worldly Estate
that it had pleased god to bless me with I dispose of in the
following manner/viz....
Item.
I give and bequeath to the heirs of my son John Mulkin deceased five
shillings lawfull money of which with what he has already had in his
full of his or their portion.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my grandson Allen Mulkin only son to my son
Ephraim Mulkin five shillings Lawfulll money which with what he had
already had in the full of his portion.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary the wife of Lemuel Wethy five
shillings lawfull money which with what she has already had is the
full of her portion.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my Daughter Lydia the wife of Daniel Frink
five shillings lawfull money which with what she has already had is
the full of her portion.
Item.
I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah wife to James Kiegwin all
the rest of my estate both out of doors and in of any nature or kind
whatsoever.
and
I nominate and declare my son in law James Kiegwin to be my executor
to this my last will and testament to take care and see that the same
is performed according tot he intent thereof in every part and Do
hereby revoke all other will or wills whatsoever. Ratifying and
confirming this my Last will & Testament
Signed
sealed published pronounced and Declared by Elizabeth Mulkin as her
last will and Testament.
Elizabeth
(her mark) Mulkin
Present
Joseph Wylie John Wylie Senr. Charles
Wylie
Windham
County
In
Voluntown on 15th day of August AD 1805 Personally appeared Joseph
Wylie Esq and John Wylie Made solemn oath that they saw the within
named Elizabeth Mulkin sign seal and establish declare and deliver
this her last will and testament on the day within mentioned and that
she was of a sound discerning mind and memory and that they both sign
as witness to the same in her presence and the presence of each other
and they saw Charles Wylie sign the same as a witness at the same
time.
Sworn
before James ----------- Justice of Peace
We
the subscribers being appointed appraisers of the estate of Elizabeth
Mulkin deceased have proceed and made a true inventory of all the
estate of sd. deceased that was exhibited to us by the executor to
last will of sd. deceased under oath.
Best
Calico Gown $2 One waisted gown $1 two shirts $2
1
Blue Quilt .50 1 white handkerchief .25
1
check handkerchief .25 1 pr. cotton stockings .34
1
Silk Bonnet .50 1 Cow 8 years old $16.50
1
Wooden platter 12cts. 1 feather bed ___
Under
the bedstead ____ $1 woolen coverlet $1.50
1
woolen blanket .50 3 old sheets .75
5
old pillow cases .25 1 chest with lock $1
1
_____ bottle ? Old pewter ____ $2
1
old frying pan .25 1 Blue dye tub .17 2 milk trays .34
1
Table .75 3 Milk Trays .34 one chair .40
1
pr worsted combs $1.34 1 _____ Wheel .50
1
Box for paper .25 1 warming pan $1.50
$43.50
Preston
September ye 19th 1805
Nath'l
Lord Asahel
Partelo Under oath
Preston
September the 6th 1805 Recd of James Keegan Executor to the Last Will
of Elizabeth Malkin late of Prest Deceast five Shilling in full of
all Demand Legacys and Dues Sworn said decease or her Executor Rev
for us in full of our port of Honnered Father John Mulkin late of
Preston decess in presents of formal with Nath Lord Asahel Partell
Mary Weth
Children:
*John
Mulkin, Jr
See next section
Elizabeth
Mulkin born
16 Feb 1736
died
before17 Nov 1753 Preston
Mary
Mulkin born
28 May 1738
married Lemuel MacWethy died
15 Aug 1873
Sarah
Mulkin born
14 Sep 1742
married James Keigwin died
16 May 1820
Eleanor
Mulkin,
(born 19 Mar
1745) d Bef. 1787
Rufus
Mulkin
born 1 May
1747 died
10 August
1805
Henry
Mulkin
born 17 March
1740
married
Abigail Babcock died
11 March
1789
Ephraim
Mulkin
born 26 August1751
died
before1787
Lydia
Mulkin
born 17 November
1753 married Daniel Frink
Elizabeth
Mulkin born 17 December 1753 died before 1787
John
Mulkin, Jr
John
was born 11 August 1734 in Preston, New London County, Connecticut, a
son of John and Elizabeth (Randall) Mulkin, Sr.
John
married
Ruth Butler on
11 Mar 1756 in
New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts. She
was born about 1735 in Preston. Her parents were Rufus Butler
and his wife Sarah. I wonder why they were in New Bedford? Did they
elope??
The
family belonged to the First Congregational Church of Griswold,
Connecticut.
John
appears on the tax list of 1775 and paid f 23 7 shillings. (f-pound=
$3.33 1/3) At that time tax was determined by number of fireplaces
and the state of repair of the house.
In
July
1780, John was a private serving in the
First Connecticut Regiment in Enoch Reed's Company.
The
Regiment in May was at Jockey Hollow. it
is not clear from surviving records whether the First Regiment itself
was directly involved in the mutiny
By
mid-May 1780, the soldiers in Jockey Hollow suffered once again from
a lack of food, particularly beef. This food shortage hit the
Connecticut troops especially hard. They had spent the previous few
months on outpost duty where they lacked sufficient food, subsisting
primarily on cornmeal. They hoped when they returned to camp, they
would finally get more food, but it did not happen.
The mutiny
occurred on May 25, 1780, in the First Connecticut Brigade made up of
the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th regiments. Two regiments took part in the
mutiny, but it’s unclear which ones were involved.
Captain
Samuel Richards of the 3rd regiment claimed it was soldiers of his
regiment and the 6th. While mutineer, Joseph Plumb Martin of the 8th
regiment said it was his regiment and the 4th regiment. Both men
wrote their accounts after the war and their memories might be
faulty. Of the two men, I have found Martin’s memoir overall to be
more accurate than Richards. Then again, you could split the
difference and say that the mutineers belonged the regiments of both
men which would mean that it was the 3rd and 8th regiments that
mutinied. When Colonel Meigs reported to Washington the day after the
mutiny he merely said that the mutineers were the “two Regiments on
the left.” I’ve never seen a plan laying out how the regiments
were laid out in the brigades. Logically, you’d assume they were
arranged in numerical order 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th. Which would mean
the mutineers were the 3rd and 4th regiments or the 6th and 8th.
Neither of which conforms to Richards or Martin’s accounts. The
only account that mentions the arrangement of the brigades is
Martin’s. He said that the 4th and the 8th regiments were on the
left and the 3rd and the 6th were on the right. Based on all the
accounts, the only thing we can say with certainty is that two
regiments of the First Connecticut Brigade mutinied.
The two
mutinous regiments attempted to get the other two regiments to join
them but were prevented by the camp guards. Colonel Return Jonathan
Meigs confronted the mutineers with a drawn sword. Both Richards and
Martin state that a soldier “leveled his gun with the bayonet
fixed” towards Colonel Meigs. Martin claims Meigs was wounded, but
Richards and Colonel Meigs fail to mention anything. However General
Washington writing to the President of Congress said, “Colo. Meigs
who acted with great propriety in endeavouring to suppress the mutiny
was struck by one of the Soldiers.”
The two regiments of
mutineers returned to their huts. Various Connecticut officers
attempted and failed to regain control be ordering or reasoning with
the mutineers. Uncertain of the loyalty of the two other regiments,
Meigs alerted the officers of the nearby First Pennsylvania Brigade
asking them to assemble their troops, just in case. By all accounts,
Colonel Walter Stewart, the acting commander of the 1st PA brigade
came over and spoke to the mutineers but failed exert any influence
over them. The mutiny had started because the men were hungry,
frustrated, and angry. They had no plan and the mutiny lost steam and
fell apart. A few of the perceived ring leaders were confined, though
I have been unable to find what finally happened to them.
Martin
noted, “We
left Westfield about the twenty-fifth of May and went to Basking
Ridge to our old winter cantonments. We did not reoccupy the huts we
built, but some others that the troops bad left [see
map above].
Here, the monster Hunger, still attended us. He was not to be shaken
off by any efforts we could use, for here was the old story of
starving, as rife as ever. We had entertained some hopes that when we
bad left the lines and joined the main army, we should fare a little
better, but we found that there was no betterment in the case. For
several days after we rejoined the army, we got a little musty bread
and a little beef, about every other day, but this lasted only a
short time and then we got nothing at all.”
By
May 25, 1780. Martin and his compatriots in the 8th Connecticut
Regiment were hungry, frustrated, and angry. And
it wasn’t just the Connecticut troops that suffered. On May 25, Lt.
Col. Josiah Harmar [above] of the Pennsylvania Line wrote “we
have had no Beef for eight days past.” While
General Washington complained, “Our
situation here is equally melancholy—for the Troops on several days
have been entirely without meat—and at best on half & quarter
allowance for a considerable time.” Doctor
James Thacher of Stark’s Brigade added, “We
are again visited with the calamity of which we have so often
complained, a great scarcity of provisions of every kind. Our poor
soldiers are reduced to the very verge of famine; their patience is
exhausted by complicated sufferings, and their spirits are almost
broken.”
“The
men were now exasperated beyond endurance; they could not stand it
any longer. They saw no alternative but to starve to death, or break
up the army, give all up and go home. This was a hard matter for the
soldiers to think upon. They were truly patriotic, they loved their
country, and they had already suffered everything short of death in
its cause; and now, after such extreme hardships to give up all was
too much, but to starve to death was too much also. What was to be
done? Here was the army starved and naked, and there their country
sitting still and expecting the army to do notable things while
fainting from sheer starvation. All things considered, the army was
not to be blamed. Reader, suffer what we did and you will say so,
too.”
Captain
Samuel Richards, of the 3rd Connecticut Regiment, provided an
officer’s prospective on what happened next. “Another season
of starvation occurred: while remaining in New Jersey. For several
days previous to the 25th of May the rations were curtailed; and
then entirely suspended. On that day two Connecticut regiments –
Wyllys’ [3rd CT] & Miegs’ [6th CT] appeared
paraded under arms without an officer to head them, and directed in
their movements by serjeants: Their movements had been silent
until then. The officers all sprang out and enquiring the object of
their movement and their designs; they replied thro’ a leading
serjeant, that their sufferings had become so great they could endure
them no longer, and were determined to quit the service and return
home: adding that from the commencement of the year they had received
neither pay nor clothing, and now provision failed..."
Given
that the First Connecticut Regiment was in the same brigade and had
similar conditions, it is possible some of its men joined the unrest,
but no specific names or muster rolls from the First Regiment confirm
direct participation.
John
Mulkin (Add Pay roll records)
P
Reed Co. Col Josiah Starr's Reg't 1st Arrangement Nov. 1778
Appears
in a Book
Copied
from Rolls
Date
of enlistment 15 July 1780 for 6 months Discharged 15 dec. 1780.
John
Mulkin Private Pay Roll July 1780 16 days 8 80/0- Dollars
John
Mulkin Pay Roll
of
the Recruits, Cap. E. Reed's Company, Col. Starr's 1st Connecticut
Regiment for the year 1780 Revolutionary War
Roll
not dated
Service
Commenced 13th July 1780
Expired
15th Dec. 1780
5
month 2 days
pay
per month 2 pounds
Whole
amount 10 pounds 2 shillings 8 pence
Ruth
died on 29 Sep 1780 in Canterbury,
John
married his second wife, Mary Wilkinson in October 1780. She was
born on 13 Mar 1754 in Preston.
John
was to inherit all of his father's land according to the will, dated
3 November 1787. The land was to be for his use and was then to go
to his 4 sons, who were to pay their sisters of the "whole
blood" a share of the value of the land. John, however, died
before his father, so his sons would have inherited directly.
John,
Junior's will is on file in the Connecticut State Hospital.
He
died 11 Mar 1789 in Preston.
Mary
died
after 1840 at Griswold.
Children:
Elizabeth
26 April 1757
Sarah
20 June 1759
Ellia
21 July 1761
Henry
1 June 1767
James
14 May 1769
Lucy
17 Dec 1771
Nivy
17 Dec 1771
John
7 Sept 1763
Joseph
7 Dec 1773
Mary
19 July 1781
Rufus
Mulkin
Rufus
Mulkin was born on
21 Aug 1765 in Preston,
New London County, Connecticut. His birth was registered in the
Congregational Church. At that time the church was a Presbyterian
Church. He was the fifth of his parents’ ten children.
On
14 March 1787, Rufus married Hannah Partelow, who was born in 1765 in
North Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, the daughter of
Thomas and Martha (Maccoone) Partelow, Jr.
Rufus’
family is found on the 1800 census of New London County (2 Males -
Under 10; 1 Male - 16 thru 25; 1 Male - 26 thru 44; 1 Female
Under 10; 1 Females - 10 thru 15; and 1 Female - 26 thru 44.
Rufus
Mulkin and Lemuel Withey (Overseer) sold 15 acres to Wm. Averill for
$49.00 on 21 Jan 1801.
Rufus
died on
10
Aug 1805 in
Griswold,
(formerly
Pauchag) It had been also
once been a
part of Preston. The
Pauchag River runs slowly through the town, hence the former name.
Hannah
appears in the 1810 census of New London County, Connecticut
She
was living in a place called Second Society, New London, Connecticut.
Her
family at the time consisted of one male under 10, one male 10 thru
15
1
females
underr
10
and
1 female
26 to
44. Norwich
was settled in 1659, under the name of Mohegan, and became
Norwich
in 1662. The original township was much larger than its present
extent. Beside the portion now known as Norwich, it embraced a part
of Preston, including the present township of Griswold, The
area became ecclesiastically divided into 8 Societies. The
First Society was that of Norwich Town which was the earliest portion
of the territory to be settled. The Second Society was in the
district known as West Farms or Franklin.
Hannah
had relocated to Griswold when Rufus died. Her death date is unknown
but was before 31 Jan 1816 when a bond was set for the administrators
of her estate.
Hannah
died intestate but her estate was probated in Voluntown.
$500
Bond Dated 31 Jan. 1816 Thomas Mulkin and Richard D. Robinson of
Voluntown in New London County
The
Estate of Hannah Mulkin widow of Thos. Mulkin (Dates and Costs
cut off in my copy)
paid
for coffin and other personal charges
For
one day myself for taking out a Letter of Administration, found horse
and expenses
For
one day of Richard D. Robinson his expenses and horse for a bonds
man
Paid
the judge for a Letter of Administration
Paid
Rupert Hubbard for advertising the estate
Paid
Rupert Hubbard for posting in town where the estate lies.
Paid
Henry William for appraising the estate
Paid
James Averill for appraising the estate.
To
1 day myself for appraising
To
one day to return inventory and expenses
To
one day to settle accounts with McGuigen (sp?) &Fennen (sp?) and
Dr. ???
To
pay for additional bondsman and his time and expenses to gether with
my time and expenses by request of the Judge of the Court of Probate.
Estate
of Hannah Mulkin with Thomas Mulkin To balance due me in %
????? $19.00
Due
J. M. Gordon 9
Funeral
expenses for ????? 20.51
Laid
in Hay and Oats 11.00
Ditto
Cotton Yarn 3.32 3
___
Hay bought for cow 3.00
My
services settling the estate and ?????? 8.00
______ $65.77
List
of claims against estate Wm. Grainger & F???
$3.82
Elias
Davis 1.13
Sally
Gil....... 2.40
Bishop
Taylor 47.75
Jas.
Averill 3.52
Dan
Briggs .54
Anna
Mulkin 3.00
L.
Fuller 25.26
Doctor's
bill for ???? 2.55
Probate
Fee 2.50
92.47 $158.24
Inventory
of Estate of Ms. Hannah Mulkin, dec'd. Exhibited Feby 13th
1816 Approved to be recorded Recorded in 12th Book page 377
Top
cut off Personal estate 1 pair shoes and 1 cotton shawl
1.99
4
Old bed quilts 1 bottom sheet Bed and Pillow 10.00
2
old under bed of old hens feathers
2.36
----
bag wool poor wool
1.25
1
pitch fork 1 Old Axe 3 Harness
2.50
Old
wheel blue and white cotton yard
5.50
sundries
old chairs old table
1.27
1
beehive ____ old pail water pail
.62
Old
chest Kettle dish Kettle
1.87
_____
1 old fine shawl 1 ___ mug 1.90
Old
meat barrel Kettle
.68
Earthen
Milk Jars pewter platter
2.08
spoons
plates tin cup
.70
sundry
knives forks black tea pot
.58
15
hundred hay
26.00 68.27
Real
Estate About 15 acres land at $8 Per acre
This
confirms that we have appraised the above estate as exhibited to us
by the Administrator according to our best skills being under
oath. As witness our hands.
James Averill Henry
Miller
March
29th Rec'd the within in full of Thomas Mulkin. G. N Gordon
Preston
July the 17th 1816. Mr. G. Gordon Please to let the carrier
have five shillings six pence out of your store and charge it to
me. Honer her mark Mulkin
Children:
Thomas
Partelow Mulkin *See next section
Erastus
Mulkin (Nov. 1789 - 28 May 1875)
Lydia
Mulkin
Thomas
Partelow Mulkin, Senior
Thomas
Partelow Mulkin, Senior was born in Preston, CT. Preston lies in the
southern corner of Eastern Connecticut, in New London County, and is
about 48 miles from Long Island Sound, and 23 miles from Rhode
Island. Thomas's ancestors were among the first settlers on Rhode
Island and Connecticut. They went through many hardships, religious
persecution, and imprisonment, before finally being able to practice
their religion as they wished and being allowed to choose their own
land.
He
would have been counted in his parents’ household in the 1790 and
1800 censuses.
Thomas
appears on the 1810 census of Preston and was married at that time,
wife's name not known. ( I wonder if he had a sister living with
him- not a wife.)
Next
door was
his mother, Hannah. In
his household there was 1 male 25-45 (Thomas) and 1 female 16-26
Annie.
In
1816 his mother, Hannah Partelow Mulkin, "The Widow Mulkin",
died without leaving a will. Thomas and Richard D. Robins posted a
bond of $500 and Thomas was appointed
administrator of her estate,
and ordered to make an inventory. [Note: Thomas's grandfather, John,
married as his second wife, Mrs. Mary (Wilkinson) Robins. Richard was
probably related to Mary Robins.]
Shortly
after 1816 he moved to New York. His first wife (name unknown)
evidently died, and he married 2d, Annie whose parentage is not
known. (She may be a Warren.)
In
1820, the family was living in New
Lisbon, Otsego, New York. Listed are 1
male 16 – 25, 1 male 26-44, and one female 26- 44. His
uncles, Henry and Joseph Mulkin had settled
there.
They
then moved to Pennsylvania, where they were in Limestone Township,
Warren County, in 1830.
There
was one male and one female under age 5, 1 male and one female 20
-29, 1 male 30-39, and one male 40-49 on
the census.
They
may have returned to New York for a time, as their son, Thomas Jr. ,
gave his birthplace as New York, year of birth, 1834. (Other census
records give his birth as Ohio and PA.)
By
May of 1840 they were back in Pennsylvania, appearing on the 1840
Pennsylvania Census of Young Township, Jefferson County, PA. Thomas
and Annie had seven children.
There
are now 2 males under 5, one female and 1 male 10-14, 1 male 20-29, 1
female 30-39, and 1 male 50-59. Two people were employed in
manufacturing and trade.
It
was here that Annie died, following the birth of their daughter,
Marie, on 24 Nov.ember 1841.
After
Annie died, he married in 1843 a third time, to Mary, parentage not
known, and they moved to Warsaw Township, Jefferson Co., PA. They
had two more children.
His
household, when the 1850 census
was taken, included himself at age 62, Mary 48, John 22, Sally 20,
Thomas 16, William 14, James 12 , Maria 9, Mary 6, and Hannah 5.
On
the 1860 \census
Thomas listed all his children, whether they were living at home or
not. He listed James, who was living in the household of Adulphus
Verber, he was a laborer. Thomas' house was #270 and
listed there are Thomas, Mary, John, 22, Sally, 20, Thomas 16,
William 14 and James 12 were both in school, as were Maria age 9,
Mary age 6 and Hannah age 5.
Next
door was the Benjamin
Sparks household, #272- his daughter
Hannah "Malkins", age 14, was a nursemaid there.
Next
was the Verber boarding house, in #274, we find his daughter,
Maria, age 19, and her husband, James Coder. William "Malkin"
age 22, a sawyer, with $500 in real estate and $80 in personal
property, and Huldah Malkin, age 20, also lived with Maria and James.
House #280 is John Mulkins 36, wife
Rosannah, 35, son Wesley 13, and a daughter
Lily, 2.
We
also found the John Bundy household; John was born
in Connecticut and his
wife Hulda was
born in
Massachusetts. Hulda Malkins, age
20, was living with them. One of Maria Coder's daughters. married
Merton Bundy, and Valentine Mohney, widower of Thomas's daughter,
Sarah Ann, married second Mary Bundy
Mary,
third wife of Thomas Partelow Mulkin, died
between 1860 and 1870.
Four
of Thomas' sons enlisted in the Snyder Township, Jefferson County, PA
militia during the Civil War. Two of them did not return. James
Mulkin joined the 105th PA Volunteers along side his
brother, William and was also in Company H. He died at Falmouthin
March of 1863.
Members
of his family, according to family tradition, took a wagon and went
to retrieve his body. A mountain lion reportedly followed the wagon
on it’s homeward track.
William
took the place of his brother-in-law, Valentine Mohney, who was
drafted and was unable to leave his wife, confined to a wheelchair,
to care for their small children. William’s
regiment was lost during service- 14
Officers and 231 Enlisted men were killed and mortally wounded; 1
Officer and 139 Enlisted men died of disease. A
total of 384
Pennsylvania men who did not return home.
William
was also taken prisoner at Bristol Station, Virginia on 26 August
1862, along with some 70 others. They were paroled the next day.
William,
in the 105th
PA Volunteers (known as the “Wildcat
Regiment.”), was wounded on May 5, 1864
and died of his wounds. William is buried
at Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
Thomas
filed for a pension claim on William's services, 19 December, 1866.
In these forms he stated: "William was the son of me and my
wife, Annie, who died about 1841". Thomas said there was no
widow eligible for benefits. At the time of the claim, Thomas was
living in Toby township, Clearfield County, PA He presented a
statement from Dr. McKnight, of Brookville, who testified that the
medical problem which kept Thomas unable to support himself was a
"fever sore in his right limb" (leg), and it had been so
for five or six years. Thomas said he had been partially disabled
for twenty years, and wholly disabled for seven and that James and
Wm. had been his whole support. He was unable to produce proof that
he had married Annie and we understand that his application was
denied.
Below
is some of the correspondence from his application.
Department
of the Interior, Pension Office, Mar. 16, 1867
Sir,
You
are respectfully requested to furnish official evidence of the
enrollment, muster, service, duty and cause of death of William
Mulkin, who was a Private in Co. H. 105th Regiment of PA Vols,
reported died May 6, 1864.
If
the above name is not found on the Rolls of said Company, will so
state, and report as to enrollment, Etc., in the case of any man
bearing a similar name whom you have good reason for believing to be
the soldier inquired for. When the Rolls show him to have been a
Prisoner of War, let that fact be reported.
Please
attach this Circular to your report, and return the same to this
office.
Respectfully,
yours,
Joseph
H. Barrett, Commissioner
The
Adjutant General, U. S. A.
Washington,
D. C.
Adjutant
General's Office, Washington, D. C. March 20, 1867
Sir:
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of
application for Pension No. 139618, and to return it herewith, with
such information as is furnished by the files of this office.
It
appears from the Rolls on file in this Office, that William Mulkin
was enrolled on the 29th day of August 1861, at ___________, in Co.
H., 105 Regiment of Penna Volunteers to serve 3 years, or during the
war, and mustered into service as a Private on the 9th day of Sept.
1861, at _ __________, in Co. H, 105 Regiment of Penna Volunteers to
serve 3 years or during the War. On the Muster Roll for Co. H, of
that Regiment, for the months of May and June 1864, he is reported
"Killed in Action May 6, 1864."
___________
*signature not legible (Assistant Adjutant General)
The
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
State
of Pennsylvania Jefferson County ] SS
On
this 13th day of May 1867, before me, a prothonotary of this county,
Common Pleas, in and for County and State above named, personally
appeared Ephraim Bushley, a resident of Jefferson County, Pa and
Charles H. Bushley, a resident of Erie County, Pa., who are known to
me as credible persons who, being duly sworn according to law,
declares that thet is personally acquainted with Thomas Mulkin, of
Little Toby, Clearfield Co, PA who is an applicant for a pension by
reason of the death of his son William, from wounds received or
disease contracted while in the servise of the United States, and
Know that the said soldier left no widow or child or children and
that he was dependent wholly or in part upon the said son for
support.
That
the mother of said soldier is dead and died about the year A.D. 1841.
There is no record of said marriage but they know that the said
father and Annie his wife, mother of said soldier lived together as
man and wife for many years until the time of her death and they
believe there was no record of said marriage and that there is no one
living who was present at said marriage.
that
their knowledge of his dependence on his son above named, and that he
received his support from him during the period stated, either wholly
or in part. is derived from the following circumstances within their
knowledge. viz:
They
have lived beside Thomas Mulkin, above named and were well acquainted
with his family matters and knew that for several years, he has not
been able to support himself, but was dependent upon his sons James
and William above named. Said James enlisted and died in the United
States Service.
Note
before said William
Mulkin ---- the army, he worked generally at farming and making
shingles and his wages went to the support of his father. When James
died they believe and know that William was his father's only
support, and that if it had not been for the said William, they
believe that the said Thos. Mulkin would have been compelled to turn
to the township for support for they know that he had for many years
including the seven years above mentioned suffered from a sore leg
which rendered him unable to support himself. that he had no property
or means of support while receiveing the said assisstance nor has any
at present time. They believe and know the assistance above
mentioned was necessary to his support and that they believe he sent
home his wages from the army and that said father depended upon them
for support.
They
further state that they have no interest in this claim for a pension
E.
W. Bushley C. H. Bushley
Sworn
to and subscribed before me the day and year above written And I
certify that I am not interested in the claim or concerned in its
prosecution.
JM.
Steck. Pro.
State
of Pennyslvania, Jefferson County. SS
On
this 26 day July 1867 before me a prothonatory of the Court of Commm
on Pleas in and for said County personlly came Dr. W. J. McKnight of
Brookville, Pa. well known as a credible person who being duly sworn
according to law declares that he is a regular physician and examing
surge on for pensioners in this district, that he has in that
capacity examined the right limb of Thomas Mulkin of Little Toby, PA,
and hereby certify that he believes him incapable of supporting
himself and family on account of a fever sore in said leg, that it
has been so for five or six years past.
He
declares that he has been acquainted with him during that time and
has no interesst or any claim for person of said Thomas Mulkin on
account of death in the United States Service of his son, WIlliam
Mulkin.
W.
J. McKnight
Sworn
and subscribed before m this 6th day of July 1867 and I have no
interest in the above.
R.
M. Steck, Prothy
State
of Pennsylvania Jefferson County ] SS
On
this 5 day of September 1867 before me, a prothonotary of this
county, ___________ in and for said County and State personally
appeared Mrs. Eliza A. Clark of Warsaw, Pa to us well known as a
credible person who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that
she is personally acquainted with Thomas Mulkin who is an applicant
for a pension on account of the death of his son William while in the
servise of the United S tates. That the mother of said soldier is
dead and that her knowledge of his dependance on Said Son is derived
from the following circumstances with in her knowledge. That while
said William Mulkin was in the army, he sent money home to her father
to be paid to his own father, Thomas Mulkin. This she knows he did
twice. That she paid said money over to Thomas Mulkin for her father.
She knows this from the fact that her brother in the Army sent
money home in the same envelope ____ and her paying it over is as
above stated which amount paid over was at one time, about twenty
dollars and remembers no amount second time. She declares that from
the above circumstances and from her acquaintances with said family
that said Thomas Mulkin was wholy and in most dependent upon his son
WIlliam for support. She declares her father above named is dead and
that she has no interest in the above mentioned's claim for pension
and that she ----- as above stated.
Eliza
A Clark
Sworn
and subscribed before me. the 5 day of September A.D. 1867
And
I have no interests in this claim and the contents of the above
affidavit were read and explained
to me aforesaid before signing.
M.
Steck. Pro.
We
last located Thomas in Horton twp., Elk Co., Pa. He was 83, a
widower, living with the Reedy family. He owned no property at the
time of the pension application, and had only $75 in personal
property in 1870, so we assume he died practically penniless.
Ridgeway,
Horton Township, Elk County
Thomas
Mulkins 83 male white b. Connecticut
Redy,
Henry 37 farmer $1600 $995 PA
Catherine
37 Housekeeper PA
George
17 Pa
Daniel
14 PA
Adeline
12 PA
Angeline
12 PA
Charles
8 PA
Adam
6 PA
Carrie
3 PA
He
died in Jefferson County, PA in 1875.
Children:
John
Wesley Mulkin born ca 1827 – died after 03 Jul 1863
Sarah
Anne Mulkin 05 Nov 1828 - 14 Jul 1868 *See Valentine Mohney for
info on Sally
Henry
Mulkin born ca. 1831
Thomas
Partelow, Mulkin Jr. Mar 1832 - 15 Jun 1915
James
Mulkin born ca 1838 - 07 Mar 1863
William
Mulkin 1840 - 07 May 1864
Mariah
Louisa Mulkin 24 Nov 1841-17 Jun 1918
