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On March 20, 2000, Jill Long wrote: My Grandfather is George Meservey who married Clara Gray. They lived in Franklin Ma while growing up. Grandfather went to school to be a poultry farmer but ended up being a mechanic instead. His fathers was Daniel Smith Meservey who married Harriet Brigg. They lived on a farm in Franklin He also had 1 brother, Roy Meservey who married Dorothy Skinner and 1 sister, Elizabeth Meservey who married Russell Buck. I would appreciate help in finding their branches on the family tree. If anyone can help please e-mail Jill Long
In the process of researching the history of the Farmhouse, I've also come across other Meserve information that might also be of some use to your family genealogist. The LDS library in Salt Lake City, for example, had quite a lot on Samuel Small Meserve and his parents and early relations. Also, the early US Census records showed a number of Meserves in Sebago over the years. Here is what I've pulled together and will be posting on our website as the next Farmhouse Journal Entry - could you check it out and see if I've made grave errors, and perhaps fill in some of the holes? I'd appreciate it. -------------------------------- Farmhouse History The more we work on it, the clearer the Farmhouse history becomes. On this trip, I was able to make another visit to the Cumberland County Courthouse in Portland, and have been able to locate more of the titles on the various parcels of land that made up the John Meserve Farm that is mentioned in our deed. There are still holes in the paper trail. However, when you spread the pile of warranty deeds and quit claim deeds from 1836 out on the table, along with notes from the town tax records, and the U.S. Census information, a more complete picture emerges. Here's what we've been able to piece together: We believe that Samuel Meserve (Jr.) built the Farmhouse about 1830. He was a son of Samuel Small Meserve (Sr.) (born Dec 3, 1772 - died Oct 20, 1852) and Elizabeth McDaniel (or McDonald) Meserve (born Aug 10, 1775 - died 1842). Samuel and Elizabeth lived in Scarborough, and had five children there. Two of the sons, John Meserve (born Sept 27, 1799 - died June 20, 1868 and Samuel Meserve (Jr.) (born Apr 3, 1804 - died Feb 13, 1875) moved to Sebago soon after it was incorporated in 1826. Samuel Meserve (Jr.) was listed in the 1850 Sebago census, with his wife Alzira Cousins Meserve (born Apr 27, 1807 - died May 14, 1862. Married Samuel April 2, 1829), sons Richard F. (born Jan 13, 1831 - died Feb 8, 1902) and John 2nd (born Sept 10, 1839 - died July 10, 1917), and step-son Abram Cousins (born Nov 18, 1833 - died Nov 11, 1910). We have not located the original deed when Samuel (Jr.) bought the land where the Farmhouse now stands, but we know that he was active in acquiring land (Two parcels in Lot 7, Range 1 from Albert H. Sanborn on June 23, 1870, the south half of Lot 7, Range 2 (the 65 acre Elder Tyler Farm) on May 7, 1870 from Oliver. D. Pike, a 10 acre portion of Lot 7, Range 1, from Ira H. Healey on Oct 8, 1878, and all of Lot 7, Range 2 from Albert H. Sanborn on May 31, 1888), nearly all of it adjoining the Farmhouse parcel. Samuel Meserve (Jr)'s son John 2nd, apparently inherited the Farmhouse and much of the land holdings from his father. In the 1870 census John was listed at 30 years old with wife Matilda A. Douglass Meserve (age 28 years, married John 2nd May 6, 1866) and son Freddie (age 1 year). The farm was valued at $1,200, plus $325 in personal property. On the 1871 map of Sebago, the Farmhouse is shown as the "J. Meserve" place. John Meserve was listed in the tax records at the Sebago Town Offices from at least 1892 (earlier records were destroyed in a fire) until his death in 1917. He was shown as the owner of 80 acres, buildings and various horses, cows, oxen and sheep; thereafter the property and the Farmhouse pass to his son Fred L. Meserve. Farmhouse Owners Updated Information as of Nov 1999 About 1829 to about 1875 - about 44 years - Samuel and
Alzira Meserve Although the trail of property deeds still has some holes in it, and the early town tax records have gaps because of a fire years ago, I am fairly comfortable that the early owners of the Farmhouse have now been documented. Now that we've been able to fill the dates, names and relations for the Farmhouse, we're going to try and "put a little meat on the bones of history". It would have helped add some details if the former Farmhouse owners had either been famous or infamous. Apparently, the Meserve clan in Sebago was not active in public office, and do not appear as state or town officers. None of them are lawyers, doctors, highwaymen, horse thieves nor pirates (at least that I've been able to find out so far). They are not listed in W. W. Clayton's "History of Cumberland Co. Maine, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers" or other Sebago histories. Although the names of early Sebago settlers and prominent businessmen appear on the deeds that the Meserves bought and sold property with, apparently Samuel and son John (and their sons and grandsons) were content to lead a quiet life farming and buying and selling land in the area. Although we are still not able to determine the exact year when the Farmhouse was built, we can now get pretty close. From the ages of children and marriage dates, it is probably safe to assume that the house was built by Samuel (Jr.) and Alzira Meserve sometime around their marriage in 1829. Samuel would have been 25 years old at the time. In the 1850 census he had a well established home and family. An 1830 construction for the Farmhouse also fits with the style and layout of the house compared to others of the period. We are now able to put some names on the clues we've been finding around the place. For example, the pencil markings on the rafters down at the soap kettle were made during the early 1900's by John, Matilda and son Freddie. The paste-up book of old magazine clippings that I found in the rafters of the bat room was probably made by Freddie in the 1880's. The unique curved walls were probably done during the period when John and Matilda owned the house, sometime in the late 1800's. I'm hoping that some of the Meserve's out there can help confirm (or deny) some or all of the above information. It would be neat if we could learn something more about the Farmhouse and the personalities of the people who have lived there. ----------------------------------- The draft of this text, with the rest of the Journal Entry, can be accessed at http://www.crabcoll.com/journal/chimney.html Thanks for your help. Please reply to "crabcoll@albany.net" Allen Crabtree
On November 15, 1999 Tom Sevy wrote: I am looking for information on the parents of Mary Meserve who m. George Seavey. George d.1853. Mary was probably b.abt 1820 in Maine. Especially interested in their daughter Jane B. Seavey who m. Sylvester Wright. If you have any information, I would very much appreciate your sending it. If you don't have information on Mary Meserve, could you please refer me to someone who might. Thank you for your help. If anyone can help please e-mail Tom Sevy
On October 9, 1999 Frank C. Morrone wrote: I have a William Meserve who m. at Machiasport, 18 Sept 1841, Sophronia Ackley & had at least these two children: William & Pamelia. Do you know anything else about them? Also, a George William Meserve (son of Thomas Meserve & Susan Colbeth) who m. in 1888 Ida Ackley and had the following children: Verna M.; Mildred H.; Thomas E. Do you have anything else on them? Also a Matilda Meserve (parents ???) who m. Solomon S. Sevey in 1838. Anything on her, her parents or her family. Finally, a Foster Meserve Thompson (whose mother was Susan Meserve) -just wondering if you have anything on when & where his wife (Lura Gould) died - that's a round about one - sorry! I'd appreciate anything you might have and my thanks. If anyone can help please e-mail Frank C. Morrone
My name is Cheryl Meservy Freebairn - My great grandfather was Joseph Robert Messervy, son of Joshua Messervy and Jeanne Robert Messervy of the Jersey Isle. My husband and I and my cousin, Dean Meservy, and his wife are planning to visit the Jersey Isle on October 25th. Could you please tell me if there are sites that link to the Messervy history that we could visit, such as churches, graveyards, etc. We are very interested in anything to do with our Messervy ancestry. Thank you. Cheryl Freebairn internet address: ldcfreeb@ihc.com
"My wife and I have traced her family to George Messervy b. 1773, Maine m. Jeanette b. 1775, Maine. Both d. bet. 1850-1860. Know of 1 child, Charles. Charles' parents moved to Wabash, Wabash Co., IN, eventually followed Charles to Brownsville, Union Co., IN. . Charles MESSERVY (GEORGE1) b. 9/1816 OH d. Bef. 6/1908 in Connersville, Fayette Co., IN. Served Civil War Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 69th Regiment, Co. G. m. Mary A. JONES (b. ca. 1820 IN, and d. ca. 1896 Brownsville, Union Co, IN) June 08, 1845 in Brownsville, Union Co., IN. Descendants of Charles Messervy: . i. Nancy MESSERVY m. Wiliam HUBER If anybody can connect to this branch of the family, PLEASE contact us. If anyone can help please e-mail Frank & Melissa Romano
On 16-Aug-1999, Dean Meservy wrote: Hello, cousins! I'm descended from a much later Jersey Island emigrant to America, Josue Messervy (1807-71) and his wife Jeanne Robert (1811-94), who settled in Idaho. But I hope I can still get in on the benefits of this great web site and meet some family, however distant. I probably can't help with family research as much as some of the others, but here is my direct Messervy ancestry, beginning with my great-great-grandparents, as far back as I have it. They were all born in St Jean or (before 1500) St Saviour, Jersey Island. Josue ("Joshua") (1807-71) + Jeanne Robert (1811-94) Edouard (1783-1844) + Jeanne Laurens (1768-1836) Edouard (1756-96) + Marie Perree (1753-1834) Edouard (1724-62) + Elizabeth Malzard (b 1727) Edouard (1656-1757) + Anne du Hurrell (1685?-1746) Josue (1615-1691) + Elizabeth Deslandes (1618?-1693) Helier (1580?-1648) + Susanne Machon (b 1592?) Guille (1547-?) + Isabel le Marinel (1550-?) Edouard (1498-1574) + Catherine Gallie (b 1513?) Clement (1474?-1533) + Collette Langlois (b 1474?) Clement (1452?-1503) + Jeannette Falle (b 1456?) Clement (b 1420?) + ? Jean (b 1380?) + ? Jean (b 1340?) + ? Jean (b 1312?) + ? Jean (b 1280) + ? Let me know if you need any help with any branches therefrom, or if you can help me fill any gaps. Thanks! N. Dean Meservy North Yorkshire, England If anyone can help please e-mail Dean Meservy
On 16-Aug-1999, Marilyn Turner wrote: I just went to West Virginia, Ritchie county, Harrisville. I found the recorded births of 3 children of Charles and Margaretta Meserve. The were all reported by the father and each is spelled differenty, probably due to the county clerk. They are: Savanna Jane Meserve b. 15, Oct. 1855; Chas. Messerva b. 10, Dec, 1857 & George Meservy 15, June 1859. In the federal census I found : 1840 Indiana George Mersurvey Rand Co.; William Meserva Jenn Co. 1820 OH, Licking Co. Granville Twp.; Benjamin Misservey 3 in family;George Misservey 6 in family. 1820 OH Meigs Co. Oliver Twp.;Thomas Maservie 7 in family. I have found info about Wm. Meserva 15th Iowa Co D Infantry- he was probably a prisoner of Civil War at Andersonville. Does this connect with anyone? If anyone can help, please e-mail Marilyn Turner
On 06-Aug-1999, Marcia Rutherford wrote: I've a copy of the family records from the Royal Court, London. My branch in recent years (and currently) is in Hope, Me. Richard Meservey. My grandmother was Margaret Lucy Meservey McNaughton, born Boston, MA in about 1884 (approx.) Her father was Wesley Meservey of Maine. She can be reached at Marcia Rutherford
On 03-Aug-1999, Frank and Melissa Romano wrote: My wife and I have followed the branches of her family tree back to one Charles Messervy b. abt. 1816 in Maine, USA. When he was a small child, his parents moved with him and the family to Wasbash, Wabash Co., IN, USA. At age 25 Charles moved to Brownsville, Union Co., IN, USA. There, he married Mary Ann Jones (b. Virginia, USA, d. bet 1895-1898) 8 June 1845. They had 10 children, 8 of whom, as closely as I can tell at this point were: Charles served in the United States Civil War in the Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 69th Regiment, Company G, was wounded in the hip by a rifle, discharged and carried the rifle ball with him for the rest of his life. He died in Connersville, Fayette Co., IN, USA between 1915-1917, where five of his children were still living at that time. Thank you for your time and consideration. If anyone has information please e-mail Frank & Melissa Romano
On 28-Jul-1999, Marilyn Turner wrote: Does anyone know about a Wm. Meservey who served in Co. D 15th Iowa Infantry during the Civil War? I found such a marker in Pattonsburg Mo. this summer. Could it be William Collins Meseve, the son of Wm. Collins & Deborah Bartlett Meserve? 'come on cousins- help me out.-Marilyn If anyone can help, please e-mail Marilyn Turner
On 19-Jul-1999 Mary Alice Pollard wrote: Does anyone have information on Lauraette Meservey b. 23 Nov 1836 dau. of Elisha and Sarah Leeman Meservey. m. Lewis F. Lowell. Lauraette d. 15 Feb 1921? All information was on Lauraette's death certificate acquired at the Maine State Archives July 1999 If anyone can help, please e-mail Mary Alice Pollard
On 04-Jul-1999, Scott Batchelder wrote: Looking for any info about my great-grandmother Charlotte Nelle Meservey, of Deadwood, SD, who Married George Sylvester Batchelder c.1915. George was born in Bethal, Oxford Co., ME, and presumably Charlotte or her parents were also originally from Maine. If anyone can help, please e-mail Scott Batchelder
On 18-Jun-1999, Thomas Edward Meservey wrote: I am searching for any information on how my great-grandfather Ernest Lee Meservey ended up in Guilford Maine. His wife was full blooded Indian (allegedly that is) and her name was Sanborn Lauram. And this is as far as I have gotten. Any guidance, information etc will be greatly appreciated. If anyone can help, please e-mail Thomas Edward Meservey
On 08-Jan-1999, Billie Jo Johnstone wrote: I am hoping to find where my gg grandfather, Alvin R. MESERVE, came from. He married Elizabeth HOLSER in Sacramento County in 1860 and died in Los Angeles in 1912. They lived for a while in Santa Cruz, California, and later in Pomona, California, then Los Angeles. His son, Elmo R. MESERVE, was my g grandfather. If anyone can help, please e-mail Billie Jo Johnstone
On 03-Dec-1998, Don Kontner wrote: I have been chasing the Linscott family for some years and have a family that has kind of dried up. In 1869 Benson Meservey married Emmeline Linscott, probably Appleton or Waldoboro, Maine. The had a daughter Lydia who married Warren Layr on 10 May 1888 and having at least 1 daughter Maude Layr. Can you shed any light on Benson and his heirs? Thank you Don Kontner, 472 Tartan Place, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. If anyone can help, please e-mail Don Kontner
On 11-Nov-1998, Bill Nelson wrote: If anyone can help, please e-mail Bill Nelson
On 13-May-1998, Mary-kay Canfield wrote: Searching for my great great grandfather, William Henry Meserve (about 1824 - ?), later known as William Henry Watson--The following is known: According to the 1850 Winslow, Kennebec County, Maine census, William Henry Meserve was 26 years of age, born in Maine, living in the family of James C. and Abigail Watson (it was later determined that these people were his mother and stepfather). The oldest of the Watson children was about 15 in 1850, leading one to believe that Abigail (?) Meserve married James C. Watson in the early 1830s. William Henry Meserve married Emily Runnells, daughter of Samuel and Charity (Davenport) Runnells, on October 23, 1850, in Winslow, Maine. As William Henry Watson he married Hattie Butterfield October 18, 1876. William Henry (Meserve) Watson died in Waterville, Maine, date unknown at present. In 1856 William Henry Meserve legally changed his last name to "Watson" for the following reason: "When I was an infant my father died. I was always known by my step-father's name, but legally I had to sign my name as Meserve." (Maine Legislative Acts of 1856, Chapter 627.) I would be very interested in finding out William Henry's birth father and Abigail's maiden name. Of course it is always possible that William Henry Meserve was a "natural" child, and that Meserve was Abigail's name. Information regarding Abigail (?) Meserve: Born 1801 in Maine according to the 1850 census. Died February 23, 1874, in Winslow, Maine (as Abigail Watson). If anyone can help, please e-mail Mary-kay Canfield
On 09-May-1998, Christina Meserve-Vasilko wrote: I was very excited to find a site about the Meserve's. I'm hoping someone can help me with my search. Grandfather Frank b 1899 in Kentucky. Great Grandfather Carl was also from Kentucky. Any information will help. Thanks & keep up the good work! If anyone can help, please e-mail Christina Meserve-Vasilko
On 08-May-1998, Joanne Cowdrick wrote: My great grandmother was Sarah A. Meserve b 13 Oct 1831, Machias, ME; father Solomon B; mother Pamelia B Meserve Sarah married Gilbert McEacharn 2 Jun 1852 Machias. She died 5 Sept 1903 and is buried in the Court St Cemetery, Machias, ME If anyone can help, please e-mail Joanne Cowdrick
On 09-Feb-1998, D. Sullivan wrote: Looking for relatives of George W. MESERVE and Bessie (HALEY) MESERVE who lived in Watsonville. Both were born in Warwick, RI and I do not know when they moved to CA, ?1920? They had a son named George O. MESERVE who, if he is still alive, would be 75 or older. Also looking for information on Bessie's brother William HALEY who worked as a policeman. It's possible he lived in Soquel. If anyone can help, please e-mail D. Sullivan
On 22-Oct-1997, Frances Hemenway Ryan wrote: I am looking for a Margaret MESERVEY b. c.1763 and married John BICKMORE, b. 1768 in Meduncook (Friendship), ME. They had eight children. My mother's maiden name was BICKMORE. Hope someone can help. If anyone can help, please e-mail Frances Hemenway Ryan
Please e-mail your comments, suggestions and contributions to fred@meserve.org
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