The Plymouth Colony Pages - Errors in Published Vital Records

Many volumes of Massachusetts town and city vital records have been published since the late 1800s. For an overview see Massachusetts Vital Records Volumes. Although the published vital records are generally extremely accurate, a number of transcription errors, typographical errors and omissions have been discovered in them. Here is a listing of corrections found by researchers. This listing is constantly growing, and your contribution is welcome (and will be acknowledged here) if you can document the error by reference to a contemporary record or a published version thereof. Email your error correction to Dale H. Cook.

Each section below lists first a town or city followed by publication information for the original vital records volume. The remainder of each section consists of the corrections to that volume, with each original passage quoted and then followed by the documented correction. When an incorrect record or a source for a correction is available online a link has been provided. Included are some citations of vital records that were omitted from the published volumes. I have included some towns which, in their early years, were part of Massachusetts, but which are now part of another state. For those towns I have included correction only for events which took place in Massachusetts.

Note that this page does not cover errors in genealogical CD-ROM editions of these volumes. Those are treated on my page for Corrections to Genealogical CDs.

F. Apthorp Foster, Editor, Vital Records of Abington Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 2 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1912).

He was 34, not 64, and other details are given. See Martha G. Campbell, "David Ellis' Age at Death: Error in the Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 126 (1972):257).

Henry Ernest Woods, Editor, Vital Records of Alford, Massachusetts, to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1902).

A number of Hoskins/Haskins records were erroneously printed as Hopkins. See Audrey Alexander Sommer, "A Hoskins/Haskins Family Record, Correcting Alford, Massachusetts, Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 157 (2003):370-374).

Vital Records of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849 (Worcester, MA: Franklin Pierce Rice, 1909).

"Philip Chriger" is an error for "Philip Christian Grapes," which may originally have been Graves, or more likely Krebs. See Wilfred H. Schoff, "Ashburnham Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 64 (1910):375-376).

The entry should read "Delanah and Aaron Samson". See Wilfred H. Schoff, "Ashburnham Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 64 (1910):375-376).

Florence Conant Howes, Editor, Vital Records of Ashfield Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1942).

To distinguish which wife (Anne or Chloe) was the mother of each child, plus additional information about this family, see Mrs. Worthington Smith Telford, "A Correction with Additions to the Vital Records of Ashfield, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 98 (1944):93-94).

She was Elizabeth Norton, not Newton. See Mrs. Worthington Smith Telford, "A Correction with Additions to the Vital Records of Ashfield, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 98 (1944):93-94), citing p. 99 of Henry Edwards Scott, Editor, Vital Records of Windsor Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1917). .

Volume 9 of the published Boston records: A Report of the Record Commissioners Containing Boston Births, Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths, 1630-1699 (Boston: Rockwell and Churchill, 1883; reprinted Boston: Municipal Printing Office, 1908).

"Hill" is an error for "Hitt." See Ralph David Phillips and Francis Richmond Sears, "Eliphalet Hitt (Not Hill) of Boston" (The American Genealogist, 27 (1951):95-97).

Henry Edwards Scott, Vital Records of Bridgewater Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 2 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1916).

Whoever transcribed this line apparently read "wr" (were) as "wd" or something similar. See the literal transcription of this record by George Ernest Bowman, "Bridgewater, Mass., Vital Records" (Mayflower Descendant 16 (1914):99). Thanks to Florence Gargaro for bringing this error to my attention.

Whoever transcribed this line incorrectly transcribed "Feild," and apparently read "wr" (were) as "wd" or something similar. See the literal transcription of this record by George Ernest Bowman, "Bridgewater, Mass., Vital Records" (Mayflower Descendant 16 (1914):99). Thanks to Christie Trapp for bringing this error to my attention.

Vol. 2, p. 195 (Marriages): "HOWARD ... Samuel and Elizebeth Barber of Dorchester, Dec. 27, [17]99, in Dorchester."

The Dorchester record correctly shows 27-Dec-1699, as pointed out by Clarence Almon Torrey in "Vital Records of Bridgewater, Mass.: Correction" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 84 (1930):236). See p. 103 of BRC21, the 21st volume of the Boston Record Commissioners: A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing Dorchester Births, Marriages, and Deaths to the End of 1825 (Boston: Rockwell and Churchill, 1890; Second Impression 1891).

Whoever transcribed the entries for Richard and Susanna's family collapsed the lines for siblings Ruth and Zachariah into one line, creating an erroneous death entry for Ruth, and then correctly transcribed Zachariah's death. See the literal transcription of this record by George Ernest Bowman, "Bridgewater, Mass., Vital Records" (Mayflower Descendant 14 (1912):46). Thanks to Christie Trapp for bringing this error to my attention.

F. Apthorp Foster, Editor, Vital Records of Carver Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911).

Her gravestone has 35th year, not 55th. See Jonathan Foulkes, "Carver, Massachusetts, Gravestones: Some Additional Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 144 (1990):318).

His gravestone has 34th year, not 54th. See Jonathan Foulkes, "Carver, Massachusetts, Gravestones: Some Additional Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 144 (1990):318).

Her gravestone has 12-Oct, not 19-Oct. See Jonathan Foulkes, "Carver, Massachusetts, Gravestones: Some Additional Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 144 (1990):318).

Her gravestone has 1737, not 1727. See Jonathan Foulkes, "Carver, Massachusetts, Gravestones: Some Additional Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 144 (1990):318).

The omitted gravestones are for Elisha Lucas, d. 1756; John Barrow, d. 1721; Mary Morton, d. 1735; James Whaley, d. 1741; Isaac Shaw, d. —— (1747); —— ——son (John Tilson, d. 1729/30). See Jonathan Foulkes, "Carver, Massachusetts, Gravestones: Some Additional Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 144 (1990):318).

Vital Records of Charlton, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849 (Worcester, MA: Franklin Pierce Rice, 1905).

Andrew's surname has been corrected by Marilyn Labbe in "Albee or Allen - The Correct Husband of Mercy Foskett" (The Connecticut Nutmegger, 31 (1998-99):197-198). His surname was Allen, not Albee.

Vital Records of Chelmsford Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849 (Salem, MA: The Essex Institute, 1914).

P. 374 (Deaths): "BYHAM ... ——, w. Ab[ra]h[a]m, bur. Nov. 5, 1766, a. 77 y. C. R. 1. [d. Nov. 3 P. R. 4.]".

Her given name was Hannah, and other information concerning her family is given. See Philip Robert Roby, "Chelmsford, Mass., Vital Records: Additions" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 106 (1952):155).

P. 50 (Marriages): "Timothy Gilson & Rebeckah Gates both of y^e Town of Stow, were marryed by Justice Minott novemb^r y^e 17th, 1700."

His surname was Gibson, not Gilson. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

P. 50 (Marriages): "Nathan^ll Gates & Mary Gilson both of y^e Town of Stow, were marryed by Justice Minott octob^r y^e 17th, 1700."

Her surname was Gibson, not Gilson. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

Florence Conant Howes, Editor, Vital Records of Conway Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1943).

This entry should read "Edmund of Adams and Judith N. Arms of C., int. May 3, 1828." See Elmer I. Shepard, "Corrections to the Vital Records of Conway, Lee and Otis, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 101 (1947):255).

P. 188 (Marriages): "STEARNS, Oliver of Berry, Genesee Co., N. Y., and Laura Dinsmore of C., int. Nov. 23, 1821."

He was Oliver Stebbins, not Stearns. See Elmer I. Shepard, "Corrections to the Vital Records of Conway, Lee and Otis, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 101 (1947):255).

This entry should read "Amariah and Clarissa Chamberlain, both of C., int. May 8, 1804." See Elmer I. Shepard, "Corrections to the Vital Records of Conway, Lee and Otis, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 101 (1947):255).

Henry Edwards Scott, Editor, Vital Records of Dartmouth Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 3 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1929-1930).

A number of marriage intentions not found in Volume 2, and with no corresponding marriage records, as well as a number of marriages not found in that volume have been found among the Leonard Papers at the New Bedford Free Public Library. Also included are some corrections to the published marriage records. See Louise Walsh Throop and Paul Cyr, "Early Marriage Records from Dartmouth, 1727-1732, 1739-1747" (Mayflower Descendant, 59 (2010):17-20).

Vital Records of Douglas, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849 (Worcester, MA: Franklin Pierce Rice, 1906).

Her given name was Amy, not Orrissey. See Winifred Lovering Holman, "Douglas Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 115 (1961):71-72).

The year was 1767, not 1761. See Winifred Lovering Holman, "Douglas Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 115 (1961):71-72).

His given name was Nathan. See Winifred Lovering Holman, "Douglas Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 115 (1961):71-72).

Her given name was Susanna. See Winifred Lovering Holman, "Douglas Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 115 (1961):71-72).

In the marriage intentions it was stated that Nathan was of Smithfield, RI. See Winifred Lovering Holman, "Douglas Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 115 (1961):71-72).

F. Apthorp Foster, Editor, Vital Records of Duxbury Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911).

Both years are clearly incorrect, not only in the published records but in the manuscript town records, as shown by other records. See Robert Moody Sherman, "Deeds Disprove Two Samson Birth Dates" (The American Genealogist, 49 (1973):37-38).

The church record of the baptism has only "May 1753." See p. 104 of George Ernest Bowman, "Micah⁴ Soule of Duxbury, Mass., His Wife and Children and His Will" (Mayflower Descendant, 24 (1922):104-109).

P. 212 (Marriages): "ALLAN ... John, Rev. [dup. Allyn], and Abigail Bradford, July 20, 1791 [dup. Dec. 4, 1790], in Boston.^* [Allyn, and Abigal Bradford, July 21, [17]91, P.R.2.]"

The second date is that of their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 20-Jul-1791 at Boston. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 220 (Marriages): "BISBE ... Oliver [dup. and second dup. Bisba] and Huldah Simmons, Mar. 16 [dup. Feb. 5, second dup. Mar. 6], 1791.^* [Bisba, Mar. 6, C.R.1.]"

05-Feb-1791 was the date of their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 06-Mar-1791 at Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

The second date is that of their Boston intention, not a marriage. They were married 24-Nov-1790 at Boston. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 224 (Marriages): "BREWSTER ... Darius and Esther Soule, May 3 [dup. Feb. 12] [1791].^* [Soul, May 8, C.R.1.]"

The second date is that of their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 08-May-1791 at Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 230 (Marriages): "CHANDLER ... Henry and Susanna Delano, Nov. 4 [second dup. Oct. 16], 1790.^* [Nov. 4, C.R.1.]"

The second date is that of their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 04-Nov-1790 at Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 232 (Marriages): "CHANDLER ... Peleg and Mercy Darling, Jan. 20, 1791 [second dup. Nov. 26, 1790]^* [Jan. 20, 1791, C.R.1.]"

The second date is that of their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 20-Jan-1791 at Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

His surname was Eames, not Jones. This was their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 04-Nov-1790 at Marshfield. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

The first entry was their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 07-Feb-1791 at Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 292 (Marriages): "RAND ... William [second dup. Willim] and Priscilla Bradford, Mar. 20 [second dup. Feb. 19], 1791.^* [Mar. 20, C.R.1.]."

The second date is that of their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 20-Mar-1791 at Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 302 (Marriages): "SAMSON ... Consider and Bethiah Ames Lappam [dup. Bethia Ames Lapham of Pembroke], Oct. 10, 1790. [dup. Jan. 11, 1791, in Pembroke]."

This was their Duxbury intention, not a marriage. They were married 11-Jan-1791 at Pembroke. See George Ernest Bowman, "Records Incorrectly Printed as Marriages in 'Vital Records of Duxbury' Identified as Intentions of Marriage" (Mayflower Descendant, 29 (1931):57-61).

P. 306 (Marriages): "SIMMONS ... Consider and Nepheta Soul [dup. Nephela Soule], Feb. 25, 1763.^* [Nephele Soul, C.R.1.]"

P. 310 (Marriages): "SOUL ... Nepheta [dup. Nephela Soule] and Consider Simmons, Feb. 25, 1763.^* [Nephele Soul, C.R.1.]"

"Nepheta" is an incorrect transcription of "Nephela" in the transcription used to prepare Duxbury VR. See pp. 105-106 of George Ernest Bowman, "Micah⁴ Soule of Duxbury, Mass., His Wife and Children and His Will" (Mayflower Descendant, 24 (1922):104-109).

P. 324 (Marriages): "VIRGIN ... Priscilla, Mrs., d. Richard Cooper of Plymouth, and Capt. [dup. omits Capt.] Ezra Weston, July 4, 1817."

P. 330 (Marriages): "WESTON ... Ezra, Capt. [dup. omits Capt.], and Mrs. Priscilla Virgin, d. Richard Cooper of Plymouth, July 4, 1817."

This marriage took place in Bristol, RI, not in Duxbury. See George Ernest Bowman, "Capt. Ezra Weston and Ahira Wadsworth Were Married at Bristol, R. I., Not at Duxbury, Mass." (Mayflower Descendant, 24 (1922):81-83).

This error came from an incorrect copy of a transcription by Ichabod Alden, used to prepare Duxbury VR. She died 08-Jan-1763, as correctly given in the next record. See pp. 76-77 of George Ernest Bowman, "Deacon Benjamin³ Alden's Estate, Widow Hannah Alden's Death, Elizabeth⁴ Alden's Estate" (Mayflower Descendant, 24 (1922):74-81).

This is possibly a confused form of the death record for Nephele (Soule) Simmons. See pp. 106-107 of George Ernest Bowman, "Micah⁴ Soule of Duxbury, Mass., His Wife and Children and His Will" (Mayflower Descendant, 24 (1922):104-109).

Many errors are corrected in George Ernest Bowman, "The Gravestone Records in the Cemetery Back of the Episcopal Church at Duxbury, Mass." (Mayflower Descendant, 24 (1922):115-122).

George Ernest Bowman, Editor, Vital Records of the Town of Halifax Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849 (Boston: Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1905).

This date has been corrected in the Samuel Fuller pink booklets and Silver Books. Ebenezer's will was proved 04-Dec-1786 [Plymouth Co. Probate #8211]. According to his gravestone he died 27-Nov-1786. See John W. Willard, "Gravestone Records from the Thompson Street Cemetery, Halifax, Mass." (Mayflower Descendant, 13 (1911):11).

Henry Ernest Woods, Editor, Vital Records of Lee, Massachusetts, to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1903).

The parents of Clarissa S., Hannah, Lydia and Sarah were Cornelius and Lydia (Sheldon) Barlow, not Bradley. See Elmer I. Shepard, "Corrections to the Vital Records of Conway, Lee and Otis, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 101 (1947):255).

James N. Arnold, Editor, Vital Record of Rhode Island 1636-1850, Volume 4, Little Compton, Part VI (Providence, RI: Narragansett Historical Publishing Co., 1893).

Robert S. Wakefield, "Little Compton RI Marriages: An Analysis" (The American Genealogist, 61 (1985-86):133-140).

P. 398-534 (From the Records of the Late Samuel Smith): There are many errors in the "Smith Collection" portion of this volume, and this portion should be used with extreme caution. For an example of those errors, see Donald Lines Jacobus, "Corrections of Printed Authorities: VI. Records of Littleton, Mass." (The American Genealogist, 9 (1932-33):226-227).

Vital Records of Lynn Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, 2 Volumes (Salem, MA: The Essex Institute, 1905-1906)

Edwin Batchelder, "Lynn Deaths Not Included in the Printed Records" (The Essex Institute Historical Collections, 48 (1912):339-340; Reprinted in The Essex Genealogist, 2 (1982):167).

Barbara Lambert Merrick and Alicia Crane Williams, Editors, Middleborough, Massachusetts Vital Records, 2 Volumes (Boston: Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1986, 1990).

This entry contains an error introduced when transcribing the record from its original publication in Mayflower Descendant. She was born 04-Jan, not 14-Jan. See Alicia Crane Williams and Robert S. Wakefield, "Corrections to Vital Records of Middleborough, Massachusetts, Volume 1 (1986)" (Mayflower Descendant, 37 (1987):83).

Vol. 1, p. 61: "May : 5 : 1735 : Then Isaac Junior & Deliverance Holloway both of Middleboro was married by mee Benj: Ruggles"

The groom's omitted surname was Pierce. See "Correction to Vital Records of Middleborough, Massachusetts, (1986), vol. 1" (Mayflower Descendant, 44 (1994):38).

Vol. 1, p. 70: "Mary Le Barron the Daughter of James Le Barron by Martha his wife was born April the : 27th : 1740:")

This entry contains an error introduced when transcribing the record from its original publication in Mayflower Descendant. She was born 07-Aug-1737, not 27-Apr-1740 (which was the date of her brother David's birth in the next entry). See Greg Weinig, "Correction to the Middleborough, Massachusetts, Vital Records by Barbara Lambert Merrick and Alicia Crane Williams (Boston, 1986, 1990)" (Mayflower Descendant, 58 (2009):26).

Vol. 1, p. 84: "Joshua Wood the Son of Nathaniel Wood by Martha^* his wife was born March the : 17th : 1744/45" (Below - "^*Sic.")

This entry contains an error introduced when transcribing the record from its original publication in Mayflower Descendant. He was born 1743/44, not 1744/45. See Alicia Crane Williams and Robert S. Wakefield, "Corrections to Vital Records of Middleborough, Massachusetts, Volume 1 (1986)" (Mayflower Descendant, 37 (1987):83).

Vol. 1, p. 127: "Lydia Tinkham Daughter of Ebenezer Tinkham By Hannah his Wife was born December the 4th 1740"

This entry contains an error introduced when transcribing the record from its original publication in Mayflower Descendant. She was born 1749, not 1740. See Alicia Crane Williams and Robert S. Wakefield, "Corrections to Vital Records of Middleborough, Massachusetts, Volume 1 (1986)" (Mayflower Descendant, 37 (1987):83).

Seven pages, constituting Vol. 4, Part 1, pp. 50-61 of the original records, were omitted and should have been published between pp. 220 and 221 of Vol. 1. They were published in Vol. 2. See Alicia Crane Williams and Robert S. Wakefield, "Corrections to Vital Records of Middleborough, Massachusetts, Volume 1 (1986)" (Mayflower Descendant, 37 (1987):83).

He was born 1808, not 1800. See Carolyn S. Bingham, "Correction to Middleborough Vital Records, Volume 1 (1986)" (Mayflower Descendant, 42 (1992):86).

Vol. 1, p. 316: "Betsey Vaughan, daughter of Lt. Peter Vaughan, & Betsey his wife: Born August 23d 1896"

She was born 1796, not 1896. See "Correction to Vital Records of Middleborough, Massachusetts, (1986), vol. 1" (Mayflower Descendant, 44 (1994):38).

He was the son of Eliphalet Peirce, not Perry. See Albert W. Smith, "Correction to Middleborough Vital Records, Volume One, page 429" (Mayflower Descendant, 38 (1988):90).

Vol. 2, p. 89: "[Publishments by Abner Barrows] ... 1776 ... July 30th ... also Mr. John Duglass of Middleborough and Mrs. Lydia [Sallard] of Freetown"

Her surname was Southworth, not Sallard. See Alicia Crane Williams, "Correction to Middleborough Vital Records, Volume 2 (1990)" (Mayflower Descendant, 42 (1992):85).

Omitted Marriages: Three marriage records missing from the published volumes are found in "Middleborough and Plymouth Marriages from the Plymouth County Court of Common Pleas" (Mayflower Descendant, 56 (2007):47).

Vital Records of Newburyport Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, 2 Volumes (Salem, MA: The Essex Institute, 1911).

The birth records of the Newburyport Female Charitable Society differ in some dates from Newburyport VR, and include other births of impoverished children, some of which may have occurred in Newburyport and some in other towns before the mothers moved to Newburyport. See Walter H. McIntosh, "It Happened in Essex County: Newburyport Female Charitable Society Birth Records" (The Essex Genealogist, 7 (1987):15-16).

Florence Conant Howes, Editor, Vital Records of Otis Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1941).

Her father was Salah G. Dunham, not Sarah. See Elmer I. Shepard, "Corrections to the Vital Records of Conway, Lee and Otis, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 101 (1947):255).

P. 122 (Marriages): "WEBB, Sarah M. of O. and Reuben Sizer of Blandford, int. Sept. 26, 1928, 'No certificate issued.' "

The year was 1829, not 1928. See Elmer I. Shepard, "Corrections to the Vital Records of Conway, Lee and Otis, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 101 (1947):255).

Lee D. van Antwerp and Ruth Wilder Sherman, Editors, Vital Records Of Plymouth, Massachusetts, To The Year 1850 (Camden, ME: Picton Press, 1993).

Omitted Marriages: Seven marriage records and one partial record missing from the published volume are found in "Middleborough and Plymouth Marriages from the Plymouth County Court of Common Pleas" (Mayflower Descendant, 56 (2007):47).

Thomas W. Baldwin, Editor, Vital Records of Reading Massachusetts, to the Year 1850 (Boston: Wright & Potter, 1912).

Her surname was Fisk, not Fish. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

His surname was Fisk, not Fish. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

Her surname was Tower, not Tayler. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

Her surname was Wilkins, not Williams. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

Middlesex Co. probate records shows his death date as 07-Jun-1685. The codicil to his will was dated 5d. 4m. 1685 (05-Jun-1685). See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

James N. Arnold, Vital Record of Rehoboth, 1642-1896 (Providence, RI: Narragansett Historical Publishing Co., 1897).

According to original town records, cited by Mrs. John E. (Florence Harlow) Barclay, "Elizabeth³ Billington and Her Bullock and Beers Descendants" (The American Genealogist, 39 (1963):67), he was killed by Indians 28-Mar-1676.

Henry Edwards Scott, Editor, Vital Records of Rochester Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 2 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1914).

"Sears" is an error in the copying of the church records - the original records of the First Church of Rochester show "Lewis," but written so that it might be read as "Sears." See George P. Howard, "David Sears - Error" (The Connecticut Nutmegger, 5 (1972-73):78.

Vital Records of Salem Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, 6 Volumes (Salem, MA: The Essex Institute, 1916-1925).

Omitted baptismal records - if a birth or baptismal record cannot be found for a person from 1636 to 1799, see:

Henry Wheatland, "Baptisms of the First Church in Salem" (The Essex Institute Historical Collections, 6 (1864):227-228, 237-252; 7 (1865):12-16, 84-86, 119-128, 168-184, 221-232, 262-271; 8 (1866):10-16, 75-82, 150-158, 205-215 (baptisms 1636-1765 in chronological order)); Corrections, with other unpublished First Church records, in James A. Emmerton, "Notes and Extracts from the 'Records of the First Church of Salem, 1629 to 1736' " (The Essex Institute Historical Collections, 15 (1878):70-85; 16 (1879):8-18).

James A. Emmerton, Eighteenth Century Baptisms In Salem, Massachusetts, Hitherto Unpublished (Salem, MA: Salem Press, 1886). Contains baptisms 1738-1799 in alphabetical order; First Church records begin where the Wheatland series ends, and other Salem churches are included.

F. Apthorp Foster, Editor, Vital Records of Scituate Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 2 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1909).

It that appears his birth was not recorded with Town Clerk Lt. James Torrey, and that Torrey later synthesized some birth records from other sources. The baptismal date is correct, and he was likely born 01-Oct-1648. See Dean Crawford Smith and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, "Seeing Double: The Children of Ephraim² Kempton and Joanna (Rawlings) Kempton" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 148 (1994):342-344).

It that appears her birth was not recorded with Town Clerk Lt. James Torrey, and that Torrey later synthesized some birth records from other sources. The baptismal date is correct, and she was likely born 29-Sep-1645. See Dean Crawford Smith and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, "Seeing Double: The Children of Ephraim² Kempton and Joanna (Rawlings) Kempton" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 148 (1994):342-344).

It that appears his birth was not recorded with Town Clerk Lt. James Torrey, and that Torrey later synthesized some birth records from other sources. The baptismal date is correct, and he was likely born 01-Jan-1650. See Dean Crawford Smith and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, "Seeing Double: The Children of Ephraim² Kempton and Joanna (Rawlings) Kempton" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 148 (1994):342-344).

It that appears her birth was not recorded with Town Clerk Lt. James Torrey, and that Torrey later synthesized some birth records from other sources. The baptismal date is correct, and she was likely born 02-Oct-1647. See Dean Crawford Smith and Melinde Lutz Sanborn, "Seeing Double: The Children of Ephraim² Kempton and Joanna (Rawlings) Kempton" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 148 (1994):342-344).

They were married 15-Oct-1767 at Scituate. See Florence Conant Howes, "Vital Records of Scituate, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 82 (1928):383-384).

She was Susanna Marvell, not Marble. See Florence Conant Howes, "Vital Records of Scituate, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 82 (1928):383-384).

They were married 05-Jun-1766 at Scituate. See Florence Conant Howes, "Vital Records of Scituate, Mass." (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 82 (1928):383-384).

Henry Edwards Scott, Editor, Vital Records of Taunton Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 3 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1928-1929).

Her father was Stephen, not Ephraim. See George Walter Chamberlain, "Vital Records of Taunton, Mass.: Correction" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 84 (1930):344).

Vital Records of Tewksbury Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849 (Salem, MA: The Essex Institute, 1912).

The surname for lines one through twenty-five should be Baldwin, not Balcom. See Frank W. Balcomb, "Error in Tewksbury (Mass.) Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 97 (1943):391).

F. Apthorp Foster, Editor, Vital Records of Tisbury Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1910).

Alice L. Westgate, in "Tisbury, Mass., Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 64 (1910):79-80), adds twenty-five records received too late for inclusion in the published volume.

Thomas W. Baldwin, Editor, Vital Records of Uxbridge Massachusetts, to the Year 1850 (Boston: Wright & Potter, 1916).

Corrections for a number of records for the family of John⁴ White, his wives Sarah ——— and Rachel Benson, and their twelve children. See Frank G. Lesure, "When the Vital Records are Misleading: John⁴ White and His Wife Rachel Benson of Uxbridge, Massachusetts" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 153 (1999):443-447).

F. Apthorp Foster, Vital Records of West Bridgewater Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911).

This date had been questioned in the Francis Cooke pink booklets and Silver Books, but was not corrected until my 2005 article "Abigail Tomson's Gravestone" (Mayflower Descendant, 54 (2005):132-133). According to her West Bridgewater gravestone she died 19-May-1786.

F. Apthorp Foster, Editor, Vital Records of Weymouth Massachusetts to the Year 1850, 2 Volumes (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1910).

His surname was Thayer, not Gore. See Clarence Almon Torrey, "Errors in Printed Massachusetts Vital Records" (The American Genealogist, 16 (1939-40):200-201).

Henry Ernest Woods, Editor, Vital Records of Williamstown, Massachusetts, to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1907).

She was Catalina Whittier, not Kellogg. See Isabel Peckham Pashley, "Williamstown, Mass., Vital Records: Correction" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 99 (1945):76).

Should read "Eunice [Parsons]." See Gerald James Parsons, "Levi Parsons: Some Corrections to the Williamstown, Massachusetts, Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 145 (1991):29-30).

Should read "Almirah [Parsons], w. T[homas] D. [June 4, 1822]" (not 1832). See Gerald James Parsons, "Levi Parsons: Some Corrections to the Williamstown, Massachusetts, Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 145 (1991):29-30).

He was Levi Parsons, not Sprague. See Gerald James Parsons, "Levi Parsons: Some Corrections to the Williamstown, Massachusetts, Vital Records" (The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 145 (1991):29-30).