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Sunday, July 5, 2026

Mulkin Story

 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










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