[Ancestral Link: Lura Minnie Parker (Stagge), daughter of Minnie May Elmer (Parker), daughter of Mark Alfred Elmer, son of Hannah Polina Child (Elmer), daughter of Alfred Bosworth Child, son of Mark Anthony Child, son of Increase Child, son of Mary Lyon (Child), daughter of Joseph Lyon, son of Mary Bridge (Lyon), daughter of John Bridge, son of Edward Bridge, son of John Bridge.]
[Ancestral Link: Lura Minnie Parker (Stagge), daughter of Minnie May Elmer (Parker), daughter of Mark Alfred Elmer, son of Hannah Polina Child (Elmer), daughter of Alfred Bosworth Child, son of Mark Anthony Child, son of Increase Child, son of Ephraim Child, son of Ephraim Child, son of Grace Morris (Child), daughter of Grace Bett (Morris), daughter of Mary Bridge (Bett), daughter of John Bridge.]
[Ancestral Link: Lura Minnie Parker (Stagge), daughter of Minnie May Elmer (Parker), daughter of Mark Alfred Elmer, son of Hannah Polina Child (Elmer), daughter of Alfred Bosworth Child, son of Mark Anthony Child, son of Increase Child, son of Ephraim Child, son of Ephraim Child, son of Grace Morris (Child), daughter of Grace Bett (Morris), daughter of Mary Bridge (Bett), daughter of John Bridge.]
The inscription on the tombstone of John Bridge "The Puritan" reads as follows:"In memory of John Bridge, Esq. member of Hooker's company that left Braintree, Essex County, England, in 1631. In 1632 settled in this city and became a leading citizen. He was admitted a Freeman in 1634. He had the supervision of the first public school established in the colony in 1635 and this led to the erection of Harvard College in 1638. He was chosen Deacon at the reorganization of the Church in 1636. He was Selectman from 1635-1652. He represented the town in the Legislature, 1637-1641. He was employed by the General Court to lay out lands, served on committees and performed other important duties. He was a large landholder in Cambridge as well as in other parts of the colony. He filled almost all the offices of honor and trust within the gift of his fellow citizens, and was greatly esteemed for his integrity and Christian virtues. He died April 15, 1685. "In memory of Elizabeth, sister of Deacon John Bridge, and wife of John Betts, Esq., died Jan. 2, 1664. "Erected by Samuel J. Bridge, July 4, 1876."
Christ Church - Harvard Square Burying Ground
Christ Church - Harvard Square Burying Ground
Christ Church - Harvard Square Burying Ground
John Bridge home location on map 1638, New Towne (Cambridge), Middlesex, Massachusetts 
Bridge Tombstones1110/10/10, Cambridge Common, Massachusetts
Back of John Bridge Monument
Bridge Tombstones 10/10/10, Brattle Street, Cambridge, MassachusettsHouse presently standing on the site of Puritan John Bridge's original home. Was used as Washington's Headquarters and then was Longfellow's home. Now a national historic site. Also note almost directly behind the house is the oldest church 1632 I believe.
Old Burial Grounds, Cambridge, Bridge familyRight to Left John 1578-, Matthew 1615-, Samuel 1652-, Levis 1784-, and Thomas -1656 Bridge family
A standing portrait of John Bridge holding the Bible in his proper right hand and stepping forward with his proper right foot. He is dressed in Puritan clothing which includes a broad -brimmed hat. The sculpture rests atop a circular bronze base on top of a square granite base. 
John Bridge gravestone, Old Burying Ground, Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusettshttp://www.findagrave.com/ by Charles Waid
Headstone Details
Cemetery name - Old Burying Ground
Name on headstone - John Bridge
Birth - 1578 - Essex County, England
Death - 1665 - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts
Old Burying Ground, Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts
Headstone Details
Cemetery name - Old Burying Ground
Name on headstone - John Bridge
Birth - 1578 - Essex County, England
Death - 1665 - Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts
Old Burying Ground, Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts
John Bridge memorial, Harvard Square, Massachusetts
John Bridge memorial, Harvard Square, Massachusetts Life and Descendants of John Bridge, The Puritan
John Bridge, 1578-1665.
• 1578: Born Braintree/Norwich, Essex, England. He was the son of Edward Bridge and Elizabeth Wheeler.
• 1578-1632: Lived Braintree and Norwich, Essex, England.
• 1590: First wife Elizabeth Wilcox was born; daughter of Robert Wilcox and Elizabeth Stokes.
• 1609: Married Elizabeth Wilcox in Alcester, Warwickshire, England.
• 1615: son Matthew was born about 1615 (see more below).
• 1623: son Thomas birth date is unknown; Christening was November 9.
• 1628: daughter Sarah was born; died two years later on May 12, 1630.
• 1632: His first wife Elizabeth Wilcox died
• 1632: moved to New England with the Hooker Company, bring his two son Thomas and Matthew; settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1632-1665: Lived Cambridge, Massachusetts. Church Deacon and Proprietor.
• 1634: Freeman Oath
• 1635: New Towne (Cambridge) is organized; John is chosen as Deacon and honored office of layman. Appointed the Committee responsible for all land grants.
• 1635: Known address: 72 Dunster Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Currently the Harvard Athletic Center
• 1635: Supervision of the first public school. One of the first families to donate towards the creation of New College which would later be renamed Harvard College in 1639. The statue of John Harvard in Harvard Square was a gift to the school by Samuel Bridge in 1883.
• 1635-1652: Selectman for 11 years
• 1636: John sent a request to England for the Reverend Thomas Shepard to become pastor when the Reverend. Hooker, his company and 100 other decided to move to Connecticut. Shepard was a student and friend of Reverend William Bridge at Emmanual College in Cambridge, England. Both were non-conformist who were excommunicated from the Church of England and needed to move for safety. William went to Holland; Shepard to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• 1637,38,39, 41: Served on the General Court
• 1638: Known address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Owned 12 acres surrounding this address. 105 Brattle is the site of the Craigie-Longfellow Home and National Park; the foundation of John's original home is located on the front lawn. Matthew Bridge inherited the land in 1665. Later sold the property to Amos Marrett in 1683. John Marret inherited the property and sold it to John Vassal a British loyalist who built the front part of the home and fled the country prior to the Revolutionary War. The home was later used as George Washington headquarters. After the war Andrew Carigie bought the home and rented it to Henry Longfellow whom later purchased the home.
• 1642: Known address: 31 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lowell House now stands on this site. Directed by the Order of the Court for Townsmen to see to the Education of Children. John is granted land in Cambridge Farms (Lexington) along Vine Brook. First of 10 family's to begin farming in Lexington; the Bridge home is believed to be the first year round residence; although they seemed to retain homes in Cambridge. John stays in Cambridge, his son Matthew moves to Lexington.
• 1658: John married his second wife Elizabeth Saunders on November 29.
• 1665: Died April 15. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Cambridge, Massachusetts. His tombstone reads "In memory of John Bridge, Esq. member of Hooker's company that left Braintree, Essex County, England, in 1631. In 1632 settled in this city and became a leading citizen. He was admitted a Freeman in 1634. He had the supervision of the first public school established in the colony in 1635 and this led to the erection of Harvard College in 1638. He was chosen Deacon at the reorganization of the Church in 1636. He was Selectman from 1635- 1652. He represented the town in the Legislature, 1637-1641. He was employed by the General Court to lay out lands, served on committees and performed other important duties. He was a large landholder in Cambridge as well as in other parts of the colony . He filled almost all the offices of honor and trust within the gift of his fellow citizens, and was greatly esteemed for his integrity and Christian virtues. He died April 15, 1665"
Matthew Bridge, 1615-1700
• 1615: Born Braintree/Norwich, Essex, England
• 1632: Came to New England with his father.
• 1632-1642: Lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1642: Matthew moves to Lexington to work fathers land; one of the largest landowners. Present day. Bridge Elementary school is named after the Bridge family that settled here.
• 1642: Stood against the witch trial of Winnefret Holman, declaring her innocents. Matthew was a witness in the case. Signers included John Palfrey, Matthew Bridge, Ann (Danforth) Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge and John Bridge.
• 1643 : Married Anne Danforth, daughter of Nicholas Danforth.
• 1643: Member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
• 1645: eldest son John Bridge was born on June 15
• 1647: daughter Anne was born
• 1648: Increased land holdings to 400 acres
• 1648-9: daughter Martha was born January 19 and died February 1649-50
• 1650: son Matthew was born on March 5 (see more below)
• 1652-3: son Samuel was born; died February 25, 1672-3
• 1656: son Thomas was born on June 1; died March 28, 1672-3
• 1659: daughter Elizabeth was born on August 17. She would later marry Benjamin Garfield; ancestors of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States.
• 1683: Sold the Cambridge lands and Craigie-Longfellow lands to Amos Marrett
• 1692: Helped organize the Parish and Meeting House
• 1693: 4th highest taxpayer in town.
• 1698: Attended and planned the ordination of Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the revolutionary leader and founding father John Hancock.
• 1700: Died March 28. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1704: His wife Anna passed away on December 9.
Matthew Bridge, Jr., 1650-1738
• 1650: Born in Lexington on Mat 5; first of the line born in America.
• 1675: Soldier in the French-Indian Wars (King Phillips War)
• 1687: Married Abigail Russel, daughter of Joseph and Mary Russel
• 1688: daughter Mary was born on June 19
• 1690: Soldier in the Canadian Expedition - Battle of Quebec
• 1691: daughter Anna was born September 12
• 1693-4: son Matthew was born on March 1, 1693-4
• 1696: daughter Abigail was born April 1
• 1698: son Joseph was born on July 8 (see more below)
• 1700: son John was born September 1
• 1700: As the only surviving son of Matthew Senior he inherited the large part of his father estate; including 400 acres of land in Lexington. The land was divided in four, two story homes were built on the site. The home was still standing in 1884
• 1703: daughter Elizabeth was born November 30
• 1705: son Samuel was born March 2
• 1707: daughter Martha was born on March 2
• 1712: Selected as the first Selectman for the town.
• 1712-1716: Served as Treasurer of the town for 5 years
• 1713: Help organized the town. Served as Assessor
• 1722: wife Abigail passes away on December 14
• 1738: Died May 29. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Lexington, Massachusetts. His tombstone reads: Matthew BRIDGE, Esq., 2nd son of Matthew & Anna BRIDGE, born at Cambridge, 5 May 1650; died at this place 29 May 1738, age 88 yrs. "He was the first of the line born in America and from him the family have all descended. In early life, he came with his father to this place and with him struggled to advance its interest. The First Church, established here by his aid, was sustained during his life and remembered at his death. He served in King Phillip's War in 1675; he joined the ill-fated expedition to Quebec in 1690. At the organization of the town in 1712, he was chosen first Selectman, and for more than five years Treasure of the Town of Lexington. In 1687, he married Abigail, daughter of Joseph and Mary RUSSELL. She died 14 December 1722, age 55 yrs."
Joseph Bridge, 1698-1797
• 1698: Born July 8 in Lexington
• 1722: Married Abigail Cutler on November 18, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Cutler. There home is still standing in Lexington today.
• 1723: first son Thomas was born on July 8 (see more below)
• 1741: Assessor
• 1726: Daughter Abigail was born on September 28
• 1728: son Benjamin is born on November 15. He was a drummer at Crown Point during the French and Indian War (1755). Later would become a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War.
• 1731: son Joseph was born on May 9. Later would serve in the Revolutionary War in Captain Baker's Company. He was one of the 70 men that stood up against 700 British Regulars at the Lexington Battle Green on April 19, 1775. Later know as the "Shot Heard Around the World".
• 1734: son Jeremiah was born on December 28: Served in the Revolutionary War
• 1738: son Millicent was born on April 16; died July 24, 1753
• 1757-1760: Selectman for 3 years
• 1778: Died on November 1. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Lexington, Massachusetts
• 1797: his wife Abigail passed away on December 13
Thomas Bridge, 1723-1795
• 1723: Born July 8 in Lexington
• 1723-1744: Lived in Lexington, Massachusetts
• 1745: Married Mary Harrington, November 5
• 1746: Thomas Bridge, Jr. First son born. October 3
• 1745-1770: Moved and lived in Spencer, Massachusetts
• 1748: son George Bridge was born February 10 (see more below)
• 1749: daughter Mary was born October 28. Died July 16, 1755
• 1752: son Joseph was born June 18
• 1753: Helped establish the town and elected Fence Viewer in Spencer, Massachusetts
• 1754: son Millicent was born October 13; died June 24, 1755.
• 1755: son Amos was born June 25; died a day later June 26
• 1757: daughter Mary was born April 10; died July 16, 1765
• 1759: son Jesse was born October 23
• 1761: son Millicent (2) was born May 14. Later would serve in the Revolutionary War.
• 1764: daughter Esther was born November 4
• 1771-1795: Moved and lived in Shutesbury, Massachusetts
• 1775: On April 19: "Shot Heard Around the World"; British and American soldiers exchanged fire in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. On the night of April 18, the royal governor of Massachusetts, General Thomas Gage, commanded by King George III to suppress the rebellious Americans, had ordered 700 British soldiers, under Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and Marine Major John Pitcairn, to seize the colonists' military stores in Concord, some 20 miles west of Boston. A system of signals and word-of-mouth communication set up by the colonists was effective in forewarning American volunteer militia men of the approach of the British troops. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride" tells how a lantern was displayed in the steeple of Christ Church on the night of April 18, 1775, as a signal to Paul Revere and others.
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Private, Capt. Zacchens Crocker's Company, Col Wright's (Hampshire Co). Raised to reinforce the Northern Army. Enlisted July 12
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Sergeant, Capt Ebenezer Goodale's Company, Col David Well's Regiment. Marched to join the Northern Army. Engaged October 3
• 1795: Died in Shutesbury, Massachusetts
George Bridge, 1748-1823
• 1748: Baptized February 10 in Spencer, Massachusetts
• 1772: Married Abigail Williams on May 9 in Brookfield, Massachusetts
• 1772-1782: Moved and lived to Shutesbury, Massachusetts
• 1774: son William Bridge, First son born. August 25
• 1775: Revolutionary War. Private, Capt Renben Dickenson's Company of Minutemen, Col. R.Woodbridges Regiment. Marched on the alarm of April 19.
• 1776: Daughter Sarah Bridge dies Jan. 25, unclear when she was born. Son William Bridge dies two day later on January 27. Likely from the same illness.
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Private, Capt. Zacchens Crocker's Company, Col Wright's (Hampshire Co). Raised to reinforse the Northern Army. Enlisted July 12
• 1777: son Amos Bridge is born September 1
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Sergeant, Capt Ebenezer Goodale's Company, Col David Well's Regiment. Marched to join the Northen Army. Engaged October 3
• 1779: Revolutionary War. Corporal, Capt. Samuel Merriman's (2d) Company, Col Israel Chapen's (3d) Regiment. Engaged October 15
• 1780: son Jonas is born May 7
• 1782: Moved to Stockbridge, New York. Daughter Sally Bridge is born August 25
• 1785: son Ephraim is born February 13
• 1787: son Jesse is born May 27.
• 1790: son Millicent is born August 20
• 1823: George Died December 10. Buried in "The Ridge Cemetery", East Stockbridge, New York
• 1838: Abigail died March 10; buried with her husband.
Jonas Bridge, 1780-1841
• 1780: born May 7 in Shutesbury, Massachusetts
• 1804: Married Betsy (Wealthy) Bell on October 16. She was school teacher in Albany.
• 1805: son Alonzo was born June 5
• 1807: daughter Mary Ann born January 18
• 1808: daughter Abigail born December 7
• 1811: son Warren born June 28
• 1813: son Jonas, Jr. born February 11 (see more below)
• 1815: son George Edward born February 16
• 1817: son Joseph born July 29
• 1820: son Sullivan born May 11
• 1823: son Willis born May 19
• 1825: daughter Martha Jane born October 2
• 1841: Died September 5
• 1859: His wife Betsy passes away
Jonas Bridge, Jr., 1813-1863
• 1813: born Febebruary 11 in Stockbridge, New York
• 1813-1863: High Sheriff in Pratt Falls and a Free Mason. Farmed lands and ran a grocery store and tavern. Lived in Madison, Pratt Falls and Stockbridge, New York
• 1835: Married (1) Julia Chamberlain on March 22
• 1837: daughter Rosalia born March 12
• 1839: daughter Julia Ann born November 18
• 1839: wife (1) Julia dies December 9
• 1842: Married (2) Mary (Stetson) Underwood
• 1843: son Elbert born August 31
• 1845: daughter Idalia born August 10
• 1847: daughter Ella Susan born May 2
• 1849: son Emery Jonas born March 3
• 1852: daughter Helena May born October 26
• 1858: son Austin born June 20; died January 15, 1863.
• 1863: died January 14 in Bouckville, New York - Jonas and his son Austin died a day apart. Both are buried in Madison Village Cemetery.
• 1873: wife (2) Mary Underwood died July 11
Rosalia (Bridge) Bell, 1837-1875
• 1837: born March 12 in Madison, New York
• 1865: Married Walter Bell of Norwich, England on December 13
• 1871: daughter Bertha Bell born July 12
• 1875: died January 25, 1875
• 1905: husband Walter died in November
Bertha Bell, 1871-1930
• 1871: born July 12 in Pratt Falls, New York
• 1901: married Albert Howlett on February 5
• 1901: son James born November 18; died October 25, 1966
• 1902: son Samuel born October 17; died August 25, 1908
• 1909: son Fay born August 17; died July 17, 1969
• 1911: daughter Doris born February 2; died January 13, 1991. Doris married Alfred Ianuzi (my grandfather and grandmother)
• 1930: died December 18 in Morrisville, New York
• 1943; husband Albert died April 28
For more information see the following books: Genealogy of the John Bridge Family in America 1632-1924, by Rev. William Dawson Bridge, published in 1924. / An Account of the Descendants of John Bridge, by William F. Bridge; published in 1884 / History of the Town Lexington, Mass by Charles Hudson; published in 1868 / Massachusetts Soldier & Sailors of the Revolutionary War; published 1891 / Proprietors Records - The Register Book of the Lands & Houses in the Newtowne (1635-1829); published in 1896 / Call to Heroism by Peter Gibbon; published in 2002 / Harvard-Radcliffe Online Historical Reference Shelf Cambridge Buildings and Architects by Christopher Hail
*Paul Revere's Ride by David Fischer mentions a Rev. Bridge calling for prayer at the Chelmsford Meeting House on April 19, 1775. As the militia prepared for the British.
Notable descendants and relations:
• U.S. President James A. Garfield
• Hannibal Hamlin – 15th U.S. Vice President serving under Abraham Lincoln. Served in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives; also briefly 28th Governor of Maine.
• Abiel Abbot Livermore – Author: A few books include "The War with Mexico Reviewed", "The Epistle of Paul to the Romans" and "Discourses".
• Rev. William Bridge (1600-1670): Likely a cousin - possibly brother of John Bridge. Non-conformist who was excommunicated from the Church of England and moved to Holland for safety. Later returned to England and in 1643 he preached in front of King Charles I, the sermon was considered a direct attack on the Queen. A large number of his sermons are available online or at bookstores; notable book to read is "A Lifting Up for the Downcast".
Origin of the name Bridge: The name was spelled Bruges or Brugge and translated by Englishmen to the Flemings who migrated from Bruges, Flanders. The founder of the Bridge family in England was likely Sir Simon De Brugge (1250-1302) during the reigns of Henry III and Edward I. He married into the Solers family in Herefordshire. Later settling the family in Essex.
John Bridge, 1578-1665.
• 1578: Born Braintree/Norwich, Essex, England. He was the son of Edward Bridge and Elizabeth Wheeler.
• 1578-1632: Lived Braintree and Norwich, Essex, England.
• 1590: First wife Elizabeth Wilcox was born; daughter of Robert Wilcox and Elizabeth Stokes.
• 1609: Married Elizabeth Wilcox in Alcester, Warwickshire, England.
• 1615: son Matthew was born about 1615 (see more below).
• 1623: son Thomas birth date is unknown; Christening was November 9.
• 1628: daughter Sarah was born; died two years later on May 12, 1630.
• 1632: His first wife Elizabeth Wilcox died
• 1632: moved to New England with the Hooker Company, bring his two son Thomas and Matthew; settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1632-1665: Lived Cambridge, Massachusetts. Church Deacon and Proprietor.
• 1634: Freeman Oath
• 1635: New Towne (Cambridge) is organized; John is chosen as Deacon and honored office of layman. Appointed the Committee responsible for all land grants.
• 1635: Known address: 72 Dunster Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Currently the Harvard Athletic Center
• 1635: Supervision of the first public school. One of the first families to donate towards the creation of New College which would later be renamed Harvard College in 1639. The statue of John Harvard in Harvard Square was a gift to the school by Samuel Bridge in 1883.
• 1635-1652: Selectman for 11 years
• 1636: John sent a request to England for the Reverend Thomas Shepard to become pastor when the Reverend. Hooker, his company and 100 other decided to move to Connecticut. Shepard was a student and friend of Reverend William Bridge at Emmanual College in Cambridge, England. Both were non-conformist who were excommunicated from the Church of England and needed to move for safety. William went to Holland; Shepard to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• 1637,38,39, 41: Served on the General Court
• 1638: Known address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Owned 12 acres surrounding this address. 105 Brattle is the site of the Craigie-Longfellow Home and National Park; the foundation of John's original home is located on the front lawn. Matthew Bridge inherited the land in 1665. Later sold the property to Amos Marrett in 1683. John Marret inherited the property and sold it to John Vassal a British loyalist who built the front part of the home and fled the country prior to the Revolutionary War. The home was later used as George Washington headquarters. After the war Andrew Carigie bought the home and rented it to Henry Longfellow whom later purchased the home.
• 1642: Known address: 31 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lowell House now stands on this site. Directed by the Order of the Court for Townsmen to see to the Education of Children. John is granted land in Cambridge Farms (Lexington) along Vine Brook. First of 10 family's to begin farming in Lexington; the Bridge home is believed to be the first year round residence; although they seemed to retain homes in Cambridge. John stays in Cambridge, his son Matthew moves to Lexington.
• 1658: John married his second wife Elizabeth Saunders on November 29.
• 1665: Died April 15. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Cambridge, Massachusetts. His tombstone reads "In memory of John Bridge, Esq. member of Hooker's company that left Braintree, Essex County, England, in 1631. In 1632 settled in this city and became a leading citizen. He was admitted a Freeman in 1634. He had the supervision of the first public school established in the colony in 1635 and this led to the erection of Harvard College in 1638. He was chosen Deacon at the reorganization of the Church in 1636. He was Selectman from 1635- 1652. He represented the town in the Legislature, 1637-1641. He was employed by the General Court to lay out lands, served on committees and performed other important duties. He was a large landholder in Cambridge as well as in other parts of the colony . He filled almost all the offices of honor and trust within the gift of his fellow citizens, and was greatly esteemed for his integrity and Christian virtues. He died April 15, 1665"
Matthew Bridge, 1615-1700
• 1615: Born Braintree/Norwich, Essex, England
• 1632: Came to New England with his father.
• 1632-1642: Lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1642: Matthew moves to Lexington to work fathers land; one of the largest landowners. Present day. Bridge Elementary school is named after the Bridge family that settled here.
• 1642: Stood against the witch trial of Winnefret Holman, declaring her innocents. Matthew was a witness in the case. Signers included John Palfrey, Matthew Bridge, Ann (Danforth) Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge and John Bridge.
• 1643 : Married Anne Danforth, daughter of Nicholas Danforth.
• 1643: Member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
• 1645: eldest son John Bridge was born on June 15
• 1647: daughter Anne was born
• 1648: Increased land holdings to 400 acres
• 1648-9: daughter Martha was born January 19 and died February 1649-50
• 1650: son Matthew was born on March 5 (see more below)
• 1652-3: son Samuel was born; died February 25, 1672-3
• 1656: son Thomas was born on June 1; died March 28, 1672-3
• 1659: daughter Elizabeth was born on August 17. She would later marry Benjamin Garfield; ancestors of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States.
• 1683: Sold the Cambridge lands and Craigie-Longfellow lands to Amos Marrett
• 1692: Helped organize the Parish and Meeting House
• 1693: 4th highest taxpayer in town.
• 1698: Attended and planned the ordination of Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the revolutionary leader and founding father John Hancock.
• 1700: Died March 28. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1704: His wife Anna passed away on December 9.
Matthew Bridge, Jr., 1650-1738
• 1650: Born in Lexington on Mat 5; first of the line born in America.
• 1675: Soldier in the French-Indian Wars (King Phillips War)
• 1687: Married Abigail Russel, daughter of Joseph and Mary Russel
• 1688: daughter Mary was born on June 19
• 1690: Soldier in the Canadian Expedition - Battle of Quebec
• 1691: daughter Anna was born September 12
• 1693-4: son Matthew was born on March 1, 1693-4
• 1696: daughter Abigail was born April 1
• 1698: son Joseph was born on July 8 (see more below)
• 1700: son John was born September 1
• 1700: As the only surviving son of Matthew Senior he inherited the large part of his father estate; including 400 acres of land in Lexington. The land was divided in four, two story homes were built on the site. The home was still standing in 1884
• 1703: daughter Elizabeth was born November 30
• 1705: son Samuel was born March 2
• 1707: daughter Martha was born on March 2
• 1712: Selected as the first Selectman for the town.
• 1712-1716: Served as Treasurer of the town for 5 years
• 1713: Help organized the town. Served as Assessor
• 1722: wife Abigail passes away on December 14
• 1738: Died May 29. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Lexington, Massachusetts. His tombstone reads: Matthew BRIDGE, Esq., 2nd son of Matthew & Anna BRIDGE, born at Cambridge, 5 May 1650; died at this place 29 May 1738, age 88 yrs. "He was the first of the line born in America and from him the family have all descended. In early life, he came with his father to this place and with him struggled to advance its interest. The First Church, established here by his aid, was sustained during his life and remembered at his death. He served in King Phillip's War in 1675; he joined the ill-fated expedition to Quebec in 1690. At the organization of the town in 1712, he was chosen first Selectman, and for more than five years Treasure of the Town of Lexington. In 1687, he married Abigail, daughter of Joseph and Mary RUSSELL. She died 14 December 1722, age 55 yrs."
Joseph Bridge, 1698-1797
• 1698: Born July 8 in Lexington
• 1722: Married Abigail Cutler on November 18, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Cutler. There home is still standing in Lexington today.
• 1723: first son Thomas was born on July 8 (see more below)
• 1741: Assessor
• 1726: Daughter Abigail was born on September 28
• 1728: son Benjamin is born on November 15. He was a drummer at Crown Point during the French and Indian War (1755). Later would become a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War.
• 1731: son Joseph was born on May 9. Later would serve in the Revolutionary War in Captain Baker's Company. He was one of the 70 men that stood up against 700 British Regulars at the Lexington Battle Green on April 19, 1775. Later know as the "Shot Heard Around the World".
• 1734: son Jeremiah was born on December 28: Served in the Revolutionary War
• 1738: son Millicent was born on April 16; died July 24, 1753
• 1757-1760: Selectman for 3 years
• 1778: Died on November 1. Buried in the Old Burying Grounds, Lexington, Massachusetts
• 1797: his wife Abigail passed away on December 13
Thomas Bridge, 1723-1795
• 1723: Born July 8 in Lexington
• 1723-1744: Lived in Lexington, Massachusetts
• 1745: Married Mary Harrington, November 5
• 1746: Thomas Bridge, Jr. First son born. October 3
• 1745-1770: Moved and lived in Spencer, Massachusetts
• 1748: son George Bridge was born February 10 (see more below)
• 1749: daughter Mary was born October 28. Died July 16, 1755
• 1752: son Joseph was born June 18
• 1753: Helped establish the town and elected Fence Viewer in Spencer, Massachusetts
• 1754: son Millicent was born October 13; died June 24, 1755.
• 1755: son Amos was born June 25; died a day later June 26
• 1757: daughter Mary was born April 10; died July 16, 1765
• 1759: son Jesse was born October 23
• 1761: son Millicent (2) was born May 14. Later would serve in the Revolutionary War.
• 1764: daughter Esther was born November 4
• 1771-1795: Moved and lived in Shutesbury, Massachusetts
• 1775: On April 19: "Shot Heard Around the World"; British and American soldiers exchanged fire in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. On the night of April 18, the royal governor of Massachusetts, General Thomas Gage, commanded by King George III to suppress the rebellious Americans, had ordered 700 British soldiers, under Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and Marine Major John Pitcairn, to seize the colonists' military stores in Concord, some 20 miles west of Boston. A system of signals and word-of-mouth communication set up by the colonists was effective in forewarning American volunteer militia men of the approach of the British troops. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride" tells how a lantern was displayed in the steeple of Christ Church on the night of April 18, 1775, as a signal to Paul Revere and others.
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Private, Capt. Zacchens Crocker's Company, Col Wright's (Hampshire Co). Raised to reinforce the Northern Army. Enlisted July 12
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Sergeant, Capt Ebenezer Goodale's Company, Col David Well's Regiment. Marched to join the Northern Army. Engaged October 3
• 1795: Died in Shutesbury, Massachusetts
George Bridge, 1748-1823
• 1748: Baptized February 10 in Spencer, Massachusetts
• 1772: Married Abigail Williams on May 9 in Brookfield, Massachusetts
• 1772-1782: Moved and lived to Shutesbury, Massachusetts
• 1774: son William Bridge, First son born. August 25
• 1775: Revolutionary War. Private, Capt Renben Dickenson's Company of Minutemen, Col. R.Woodbridges Regiment. Marched on the alarm of April 19.
• 1776: Daughter Sarah Bridge dies Jan. 25, unclear when she was born. Son William Bridge dies two day later on January 27. Likely from the same illness.
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Private, Capt. Zacchens Crocker's Company, Col Wright's (Hampshire Co). Raised to reinforse the Northern Army. Enlisted July 12
• 1777: son Amos Bridge is born September 1
• 1777: Revolutionary War. Sergeant, Capt Ebenezer Goodale's Company, Col David Well's Regiment. Marched to join the Northen Army. Engaged October 3
• 1779: Revolutionary War. Corporal, Capt. Samuel Merriman's (2d) Company, Col Israel Chapen's (3d) Regiment. Engaged October 15
• 1780: son Jonas is born May 7
• 1782: Moved to Stockbridge, New York. Daughter Sally Bridge is born August 25
• 1785: son Ephraim is born February 13
• 1787: son Jesse is born May 27.
• 1790: son Millicent is born August 20
• 1823: George Died December 10. Buried in "The Ridge Cemetery", East Stockbridge, New York
• 1838: Abigail died March 10; buried with her husband.
Jonas Bridge, 1780-1841
• 1780: born May 7 in Shutesbury, Massachusetts
• 1804: Married Betsy (Wealthy) Bell on October 16. She was school teacher in Albany.
• 1805: son Alonzo was born June 5
• 1807: daughter Mary Ann born January 18
• 1808: daughter Abigail born December 7
• 1811: son Warren born June 28
• 1813: son Jonas, Jr. born February 11 (see more below)
• 1815: son George Edward born February 16
• 1817: son Joseph born July 29
• 1820: son Sullivan born May 11
• 1823: son Willis born May 19
• 1825: daughter Martha Jane born October 2
• 1841: Died September 5
• 1859: His wife Betsy passes away
Jonas Bridge, Jr., 1813-1863
• 1813: born Febebruary 11 in Stockbridge, New York
• 1813-1863: High Sheriff in Pratt Falls and a Free Mason. Farmed lands and ran a grocery store and tavern. Lived in Madison, Pratt Falls and Stockbridge, New York
• 1835: Married (1) Julia Chamberlain on March 22
• 1837: daughter Rosalia born March 12
• 1839: daughter Julia Ann born November 18
• 1839: wife (1) Julia dies December 9
• 1842: Married (2) Mary (Stetson) Underwood
• 1843: son Elbert born August 31
• 1845: daughter Idalia born August 10
• 1847: daughter Ella Susan born May 2
• 1849: son Emery Jonas born March 3
• 1852: daughter Helena May born October 26
• 1858: son Austin born June 20; died January 15, 1863.
• 1863: died January 14 in Bouckville, New York - Jonas and his son Austin died a day apart. Both are buried in Madison Village Cemetery.
• 1873: wife (2) Mary Underwood died July 11
Rosalia (Bridge) Bell, 1837-1875
• 1837: born March 12 in Madison, New York
• 1865: Married Walter Bell of Norwich, England on December 13
• 1871: daughter Bertha Bell born July 12
• 1875: died January 25, 1875
• 1905: husband Walter died in November
Bertha Bell, 1871-1930
• 1871: born July 12 in Pratt Falls, New York
• 1901: married Albert Howlett on February 5
• 1901: son James born November 18; died October 25, 1966
• 1902: son Samuel born October 17; died August 25, 1908
• 1909: son Fay born August 17; died July 17, 1969
• 1911: daughter Doris born February 2; died January 13, 1991. Doris married Alfred Ianuzi (my grandfather and grandmother)
• 1930: died December 18 in Morrisville, New York
• 1943; husband Albert died April 28
For more information see the following books: Genealogy of the John Bridge Family in America 1632-1924, by Rev. William Dawson Bridge, published in 1924. / An Account of the Descendants of John Bridge, by William F. Bridge; published in 1884 / History of the Town Lexington, Mass by Charles Hudson; published in 1868 / Massachusetts Soldier & Sailors of the Revolutionary War; published 1891 / Proprietors Records - The Register Book of the Lands & Houses in the Newtowne (1635-1829); published in 1896 / Call to Heroism by Peter Gibbon; published in 2002 / Harvard-Radcliffe Online Historical Reference Shelf Cambridge Buildings and Architects by Christopher Hail
*Paul Revere's Ride by David Fischer mentions a Rev. Bridge calling for prayer at the Chelmsford Meeting House on April 19, 1775. As the militia prepared for the British.
Notable descendants and relations:
• U.S. President James A. Garfield
• Hannibal Hamlin – 15th U.S. Vice President serving under Abraham Lincoln. Served in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives; also briefly 28th Governor of Maine.
• Abiel Abbot Livermore – Author: A few books include "The War with Mexico Reviewed", "The Epistle of Paul to the Romans" and "Discourses".
• Rev. William Bridge (1600-1670): Likely a cousin - possibly brother of John Bridge. Non-conformist who was excommunicated from the Church of England and moved to Holland for safety. Later returned to England and in 1643 he preached in front of King Charles I, the sermon was considered a direct attack on the Queen. A large number of his sermons are available online or at bookstores; notable book to read is "A Lifting Up for the Downcast".
Origin of the name Bridge: The name was spelled Bruges or Brugge and translated by Englishmen to the Flemings who migrated from Bruges, Flanders. The founder of the Bridge family in England was likely Sir Simon De Brugge (1250-1302) during the reigns of Henry III and Edward I. He married into the Solers family in Herefordshire. Later settling the family in Essex.
found on ancestry.com
John Bridge and the founding of Havard College
1638, Cambridge, Massachusetts
1638, Cambridge, Massachusetts
John Bridge and John Harvard
In the characterization of John Bridge, the Puritan, we noted he possessed a liberal education for the period and that he had chosen to oversee the education, in part, of the youth of his community.
It has been often asked; To what extent was John Bridge a co-founder of Harvard College? Some of the facts we present will illumine the facts. In examining the records of Harvard College it was discovered the following quoted matter;
"Rev Henry Dunster, who has recently arrived from England, with a high character of learning and piety, was placed over the Institution with the title of President, August 27, 1640. Under his direction, the college took on a high standing. Te property was increased by donations amounting to at least a Thousand pounds Sterling, besides annuities and grants of land. Some of the donations merit particular notice. Mr. bridge, Mr. Greenhill, & Mr. Glover gave many utensils as amounted to twenty pounds.
John Bridge's tombstone
"In memory of John Bridge, Esq., a member of Hooker's company that left Braintree, Essex County, England, in 1631. In 1632 settled in this city and became a leading citizen. He was admitted a freeman in 1634. He had the supervision of the first public school established in the colony in 1635 and this led to the erection of Harvard College in 1638. He was chosen a Deason at the reorganization of the church in 1636. He was Selectman from 1635-1652. He represented the town in the Legislature, 1637 to 1641. He was employed by the General Court to lay out lands, served on committees and performed other inportant duties. He was a large landholder in Cambridge as well as other parts of the colony. He filled almost all the offices of honor and trust within the gift of his fellow citizens, and was greatly esteemed for his integrity and Christian virtues. He died April 15, 1665"
"In memory of John Bridge, Esq., a member of Hooker's company that left Braintree, Essex County, England, in 1631. In 1632 settled in this city and became a leading citizen. He was admitted a freeman in 1634. He had the supervision of the first public school established in the colony in 1635 and this led to the erection of Harvard College in 1638. He was chosen a Deason at the reorganization of the church in 1636. He was Selectman from 1635-1652. He represented the town in the Legislature, 1637 to 1641. He was employed by the General Court to lay out lands, served on committees and performed other inportant duties. He was a large landholder in Cambridge as well as other parts of the colony. He filled almost all the offices of honor and trust within the gift of his fellow citizens, and was greatly esteemed for his integrity and Christian virtues. He died April 15, 1665"
"John Bridge in America, 1632-1924"; Bridge, et al; Murray Printing Co, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1924.
found on ancestry.com
John Bridge
1632, Cambridge, Massachusetts
John Bridge left Braintree, Essex County, England in 1631 aboard the "Puritan" as a member of the Rev. Hooker's Company. The vessel landed at what is now called Mount Wollaston, Quincy, Massachusetts. At the time John Bridge and his Puritan companions settled at Newtowne, many families of Indians in wigwams settled there also. The Puritans sought to make friends with the Indians. It was ordered that a fence be built around the possessions of the inhabitants. John Bridge had, as his allotment six rods. There were 42 persons in the original company, it increased in about a year to nearly one hundred families. They were called the Braintree Company, all of unblemished character, many highly educated. John Bridge brought with him the religious fervor and activities of his homeland. He became the first deacon of the first church of Cambridge in the year 1635. He took the freemason Oath in 1634. John was above the majority of his fellows and among the more highly educated of the community. He was a land surveyor, he helped to determine the rights and immunities of the settlers in Shawshin, and laying out of the line between Boston and Cambridge. John Bridge had supervision of the first public school established in the colony in 1635 and this led to the erection of Harvard College in 1638 where he was co-founder. John was widower when he came to Massachusetts with his sons Matthew and Thomas and his sister Elizabeth. (From History of Mt Moriah)
Deacon, Member Mr. Shepherd's church, 1632. Served in General Court 1637-39, 41.
A descendent of John Bridge, Samuel James Bridge a Philanthropist born in Dresden, Maine June 1, 1809 gave a statue of John Bridge, the Puritan, September 20 1882 and that of John Harvard the co-founders of Harvard College These statues are found in the square in Cambridge, MS (The Twentieth Century Dictionary of Notable Americans Vol 1 Page 407)
found on ancestry.com
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