The Lounsbury Tree
Family Newsletter #30 Sep. – Oct. 1998 Jim Jurista - Editor

Welcome!

Welcome to the Fall 1998 edition of the "L" Tree! As many of you know from the spring issue, Al Lounsbury has decided to transfer responsibility of the Tree to a new editor. Before I introduce myself, I want to thank Al for all of the great work he has done. Those of you who are long-time subscribers know how much time and energy Al has put in to make the Tree a valuable source of information and a fun read. I will do my best to carry on that tradition, and maybe add a few wrinkles of my own.

Now, a bit about me. My name is Jim Jurista. My mother was Mary Jane Lounsbery of Binghamton, New York and her father Walker Lounsbery was an amateur genealogist. When Walker’s sister Mary passed away in early 1993, I inherited Walker’s research and lots of family photos. This sparked my interest in family history, and in 1996 I began trying to find my roots.

Thanks to several contacts I made on the Internet, I learned of The Lounsbury Tree and promptly wrote to Al, who was very helpful in getting me more information about the family and connecting me with other researchers.

I had never experienced such enthusiasm and support from so many people, and I knew that the "L" community was something special. When I learned that Al was contemplating retirement from the Tree, I volunteered to take it on. Al and I have spent a lot of time discussing the past, present, and future of the Tree, and he will continue to contribute to, and advise for, this newsletter.

Putting this issue together has been a challenge, and I’m learning as I go. I can’t thank my wife Aimee enough for her assistance with layout and editing, and for her patience during the hours I sat in front of the computer with my materials spread all over the place. Thanks are also in order for Bill Mac Donald, who contributed a huge amount of material to this issue.

Now I have an even greater appreciation for all of Al’s hard work over the years. One of Al’s goals for the Tree was to keep it as personal as possible. I have tried to do that with this issue; at the same time I have used my computer’s publishing software to create a version of the Tree that can be easily shared on-line. This sometimes meant not being able to use photocopies of original materials to include in the Tree, as Al usually did. I hope to include more of the "personal touch" in upcoming issues. Please let me know what you like about this newsletter and what you think can be changed. I’m looking forward to serving the "L" community for a long time to come.

 

From The Mailbag

April 20, 1998 (via Internet) from Geraldine Kanner
Respond to:
Sheldy1@vegas.infi.net

In a documentation that I received from the Nat'l Archives. I found this information:

Dated July 12, 1907 Sarah E.F. Thomas Age 64,Years P.O. Address R.I.L. No.1 Bedford,N.Y.

I am the Widow of Samuel B. Thomas, His first Wife was Deborah Lounsbury .After she died I married Samuel B. Thomas. I am a distant Relitive Think my mother was a second cousin.

I show you a Bible that my husband had in his possesion when I married him. It belonged to his first wife It Says Elizabeths Bible it was Published in 1850 by the American Bible Society,New York in 1850.

Now what could have happened is Samuel B. Thomas wife Turned it over to a Lounsbury member or it stayed in the Thomas Family would like to find the Bible.

I called the American Bible Society in NY and they looked it up for me but could not find it. They said it was probably a one time thing.

Any help would be appreciated! And would anyone know his second wife’s name.

Thanking you in Advance,

Geri

May 8, 1998 (via Internet) from Eva Hahn
Respond to:
emhahn1@juno.com

I am researching the ancestry of Ward Allison Lounsberry, born Dec 1872, Kalamazoo, Michigan, wife Anna D. no surname. His father is Richard Lousnberry born abt 1841 in New York, wife Ida born in New York, no surname.

Also the ancestry of Marinus Van Beck, born Nov 1867,Kalamazoo,Michigan married Nellie, no surname. His father is Ralph Van Beck born aug 1838,Holland, married Elizabeth born Mar 1838,Holland.

Mary B. Hough born,Jun 1865 dau of Calvin J. Hough, born Jul 1836, New York,wife Electa M., born Apr 1840,Ohio. Mary B. Hough married a man surnamed Vertrees.

James E. Whitney, born Aug 1848,New York, married Narcissa Mead, born Nov 1853,Illinois dau of John Mead, born May 1825,New York.NEED HELP!

Thank you.

Eva Hahn

1828 E. Saratoga St.

Gilbert,Arizona 85296

May 31, 1998 (via Internet) from Fred Lounsbury
Respond to:
lounsb@aol.com

My family line runs like this as far as I can tell. Does anyone know about this branch of the family?

  1. Richard Lounsbury - Elizabeth Pennoyer
  2. Richard II married to Abigail Thomas
  3. Josiah Lounsbury
  4. Timothy Lounsbury (1740-1851)married to Hannah Smith
  5. Timothy II(1770-1856)married to Hannah French
  6. Smith Lounsbury
  7. Truman Lounsbury
  8. Elmore Lounsbury (my father)

August 6, 1998 (via Internet) from Jim Campbell
Respond to:
ScotsmanJC@aol.com

Looking for the parentage of Lydia LOUNSBURY and Isaac PURDY, both born c1770, in Westchester County, NY, and died in Orange County, NY. They were married about 1790, and were in Orange County by 1800...Left 10 children: Epenetus, Charles, Isaac Jr., Robert, Thomas, Gabriel, Phebe, Anne, Sally Jane, and Jonathon.

Both Lydia and Isaac may have been children of 1773 Loyalists, who went to Canada with their families, married there, and returned to the States.

October 4, 1998 (via Internet) from Glenn G. Reynolds

Nathaniel Lounsbury and daughter Mercy. She maried Shubael Reynolds about 1770's. Probably in or about Dutchess County, NY, or Albany/ Rensaellaer Co.

Glenn G. Reynolds

MB 1825 Tonimbuk Road

Tonimbuk, Victoria 3815, Australia

glenngr@sympac.com.au

August 28, 1998 (via fax to Albert R. Lounsbury)

Dear Mr. Lounsbury,

I saw in a recent issue of the New England Historic Genealogic Society newsletter, NEXUS, that you are having the third Lounsbury Reunion this weekend. I am sorry that I am unable to attend, but I would appreciate it if you could respond to my query below or give this to someone at the reunion who has done research on Lounsbury family history and might be able to help me.

I am a descendent of Polly Lounsbury who was born in 1793 and died in Thomaston, Connecticut in 1875. She was the wife of Elihu Wetmore, of Litchfield, Connecticut, who was born in 1792 and died in 1844. They were married in 1818 in Rennselaerville, NY. I do not know the parents of Polly. I would appreciate any information that might be available. I have checked a few references, including Lounsbury Ancestry, compiled by Marie Lounsbury of East Berne, NY and Gertrude K. Dennis, Lounsbury – Origin, Meaning, and Significance, by Raymond Lounsbury, Pennoyer and Lounsbury Notes, published in the October, 1954 issue of, I think, the American Genealogist, a History of Westchester County, and Brief Lounsbury Notes, compiled for Mrs. J. M. Morrison by Winifred Lovering Holman in July, 1949. I could find no Polly (which, I suppose, could be a nickname), at least in the right time period. I have not checked any local records.

My address is: 380 Beechwood Street

Cohasset, MA 02025

My phone numbers: (781) 383-9383 – home

(617) 973-7043 – office

(617) 973-7808 – fax

Thank you for any assistance you may give.

Sincerely,

James P. Cope

September 14, 1998 (via Internet) from Jeanette Wenner
Respond to:
wennerj@rei.relteccorp.com

Looking for records on Sidney Rodney LOUNSBURY (born 3/2/1833 Stamford, CT)(died 5/17/1910 Aurora, Nebraska) married Elizabeth (Hannah) ROOT (she died 2/22/1893 Aurora, Nebraska)...

Sidney Rodney LOUNSBURY's parents are Stephen L. LOUNSBURY and Sallie WATERBURY.

Family Letter

This letter was given to me (Jim Jurista) by my great aunt, Mary E. Lounsbery (1905-1993). It was typewritten (on an old typewriter) all in one paragraph and all in capital letters

Root, P.O. Randall

Lounsbury (sic), Louis, Son of Louis, was born July 6, 1813, in the town of Onondaga, in the county of Onondaga. His father was a shoemaker, and carried on that business near the Indian reservation. Louis graduated from the Onondaga Academy and after leaving school entered the store of Orin Tyler, remaining about four years.

He then entered a drygoods store in Syracuse, continuing three years. He next taught writing schools for about four years in various towns, then ran a boat on the Erie Canal for several years. And about 1850 he located at Yatesville (actually where Randall is today; it's different from the current Yatesville, NY) and built a store, carrying on business for several years.

He was superintendent of the Erie Canal for three years, and then went to New York City and became Post Warden there from 1858 to 1885. He then returned to this county, where he has ever since resided. He was instrumental in getting the post office established here, and called the office Randall.

His son, John E., was the first postmaster. He married Mary A. Martin and had six children, five of whom survive: Louis E., Helen, Elizabeth, Thurlow Weed, Louise E., Darsey E., and John Edward, William B. and George H., the latter three deceased. Mr. Lounsbury has been a Republican ever since that party was organized.

Historical Context

page 260 NEW YORK IN THE REVOLUTION, SUPPLEMENT

THE COMMISSIONERS OF FORFEITURES

These Officials sold the real estate of Tories and others who had either gone over to the Enemy or were suspected of not being friendly to the American Cause. They were much more systematic in their Accounts than the Commissioners of Sequestration who dealt, for the most part, with personal property. The Commissioners of Forfeitures also received and paid over to the State Treasurer, Certificates issued by the Auditors to Liquidate and Settle the Accounts of the Troops of this State. Some of the proceeds of the Commissioners helped the Poor. (See The Poor who came out of New York City, in the Chapter on " The Provincial Congresses ").

The Committee of Safety, Mar. 1, 1777, passed a Resolution relative to the Commissioners of Forfeitures. Doubts having arisen in regard to the bearing of this Resolution upon the State Treasurer, a law was passed for the removal of such doubts. The Treasurer acknowledged the receipt of over £9000 under this Resolution, between May 11, 1777, and July 1, 1779. This he describes as "Monies due to Persons who were within the Enemies Lines, or out of the State; or to Persons who had refused to receive Contin'l Money ". During a part of June, 1779, and thereafter, the Treasurer declined tenders of Depreciated Money because of his doubts regarding the Resolution, noted above.

The work of the Commissioners of Forfeitures did not begin till late in the War. The law of Oct. 22, 1779, really started the work by giving the names of many individuals whose property had been attainted. The law of Mar. 10, 1780, directed the Commissioners to sell property of this sort at once. On May 12, 1784, the Governor was authorized to appoint seven Commissioners. The office of Commissioner of Forfeitures was abolished, Mar. 21, 1788; and all the powers pertaining thereto were given to the Surveyor-General, Simeon De Witt. He had authority to sell all Lands Forfeited to the State. His Accounts show that the purchasers paid for the Lands in Certificates of these kinds, Levy, Depreciation, Claim and Principal.

The law of Apr. 11, 1792, repealed the law of Oct. 22, 1779, so that those named in the latter might return; but the law did not affect the status of their property. On Dec. 18, 1792, a law was passed for the relief of several of the individuals whose property had been taken.

The State Treasurer, in August 1794, stated that he had received £109005.11.0 ¼ in Claims against Forfeited Estates which had been liquidated and lodged in the Treasury.

For convenience, the State was divided into these Districts:- Eastern, Middle, Southern and Western.

The Eastern District included the Counties of Charlotte, Cumberland and Gloucester. The Commissioners were David Hopkins and Alexander Webster. They were paid 24/- per day, and they were assisted by many Appraisers. Hopkins' Sales, from October to December, 1784, were £9982.2.0; in 1785, £6113.19.3; and, in 1787-1788, £584.17.3.Webster's sales, in 1786, were £4160.4.7 ½, and £21149.10.1. The amount of their joint Sales was about ; £40000. They were given Levy Notes or Depreciation Notes for the purchase of Lands; and they turned the same over to the State Treasurer.

The Middle District comprised the Counties of Dutchess, Orange and Ulster. Samuel Dodge, Daniel Graham and John Hathorn were the Commissioners. Their pay was 24/- per day. (See law of May 12, 1784). The Accounts show that their expenses were £2707.9.3. from Apr. 9, 1780 to Apr. 30, 1785. Graham's Sales, from July,. 1785, to May, 1786, were £3075. The Sales, apparently, reached a total of £64363.8.6, those in Dutchess County being larger than in the other two Counties put together. They paid into the State Treasury the following kinds of Notes:- Curtenius' Barber's Levy, Loan Office, Horse and State Agents'.

The Southern District, in charge of Commissioners Stoutenburgh and Philip Van Cortlandt, included the Counties of Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester. Among their papers is a Resolution of the Convention, Feb. 11, 1777, which describes William Lounsbury as " one of the persons concerned, in Spikeing the Cannon at Kingsbridge & who afterwards joined the Enemy and was slain

"L" Tree On-Line

Many of the readers of the Tree have access to home computers or to shared computers at libraries or schools. If you’re in this group, you’ll be happy to know that you can explore more family information on the Internet. Just point your web software to:

http://www.jurista.com/jurista/Lounsbery

Here you’ll find information about reunions, genealogy resources, an on-line family tree, research assistance, and discussion groups. It’s easy to use and fun; give it a try today!

Family Lines

Pennoyer and Lounsbury Notes

By Winifred Lovering Holman, S.B., F.A.S.G., of Lexington, Mass.

As genealogist for Harvard, insofar as research in connection with their scholarships based upon ancestral requirements is concerned, I had much of the Pennoyer and Lounsbury material at hand. The additional data were secured in 1949, for Mrs. John Mitchell Morrison, of Towanda, Pa., and Miami, Fla., and is presented here with her permission and with due acknowledgment of her generosity.

These brief notes must be considered but a basis for more exhaustive research as few original sources have been consulted.

Pennoyer

There were three Pennoyer brothers in England, in whom we are interested. It seems odd that no one, to my knowledge, has ever secured and published any information as to their parentage and ancestry. The College of Arms in London has a partial pedigree, to which I have added data, but it contains nothing at all about the antecedants. As we shall see later, there may have been a fourth brother.

In 1901, the late Henry F. Waters published, in two volumes, his "Genealogical Gleanings in England", and in volume 1, pages 503-506, presents the wills of William and Samuel Pennoyer, brothers, and their two widows. We are particularly interested in the will of William, whose legacy founded the Pennoyer Aid at Harvard.

Samuel, a merchant of London, had married Rose Hobson, and drew his will, 29 June 1652, proved 12 May 1654, mentioning his brother, William, and the latter's wife, Martha. Rose married, secondly as his second wife, Samuel Disbrow and died in Elsworth, Cambridgshire, 10 Dec. 1690, aged seventy-five, while Disbrow died there, 4 March 1698, aged eighty-two.

William had married Martha, daughter of John Josselyn, of Hide Hall, Sawbridgeworth, Herts., by his wife, Elizabeth Wiseman. As citizen and clothmaker of London, William Pennoyer made his will, 25 May 1670, proved 13 Feb. 1670-71.

In this instrument, he left £800 "to be sent over to the Corporation for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England", to the intent and purpose that its value in goods and commodities of that country "may upon sale thereof be delivered to Robert Pennoyer of Stamford of New England for the equal use and benefit of himself and each of his children; further to the intent and purpose that what shall be made thereof above the said eight hundred pounds value in the commodities of that country shall be and remain to his sister Elianor Reading and her husband Thomas Reading and all their children equally and indifferently".

He owned land and tenements in co. Norfolk, out of which £10 per annum was given to the Corporation for Propagation of the Gospel in New England and £34 per annum. with which "two fellows and two scholars forever shall be educated maintained and brought up in the college called Cambridge College in New England, of which I desire one of them, so often as occasion shall present, May be of the line or posterity of the said Robert Pennoyer, if they be capable of it and the other of the colony now or late called Newhaven Colony, if conveniently may be".

Harvard sold this Norfolk property only recently. The third brother, Robert Pennoyer, is the founder of the American branch; brief notes concerning him follow.

Robert Pennoyer, brother of William (the testator of 1670 and benefactor of Harvard College), a turner by trade, born perhaps in 1614, was alive in January 1677, then of Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., N.Y., and resided in Gravesend, Long Island, N.Y., Stamford, Conn., and Rye and Mamaroneck. He married, first, about 1652, an unknown wife, who became the mother of his children, and who died by 6 March 1671; and, secondly, after 1666, and before 6 March 1671, Elizabeth Scofield, widow of Richard Scofield of Stamford.

It has been thought that this Robert is identical with a Robert Pennaird, aged 21, who with a Thomas Pennaird, aged 10 (possibly a younger brother), came over on the Hopewell, of London, Thomas Babb, Master. She sailed about the middle of September and arrived in Boston, Mass., the latter part of November 1635. (Banks: 'Planters of the Commonwealth", 1930.) He was certainly the Robert Pennoyer, of Gravesend, Long Island, in 164-, and again in 1645. (Record, 16:99, 102.) 23 Aug. 1656 we learn that the lands of Robert Pennoyer, et als., at Gravesend were surveyed, from the Calendar of Dutch Ms., 189. (Ibid., 65:242.) 1 Aug. 1670 his daughter, Elizabeth "Penrye", was married to Richard Lownesbury, from Court of Assizes, 2;572. (O'Callaghan: "New York Marriages", 1860, 239.) 24 Dec. 1670 John Richbell, of Mamaroneck, with his wife, Ann, sold to Robert "Penoire". homelots, numbers 2 and 3, there, see Liber 1677-1683 [in Albany?]. (Record, 58:250.)

6 March 1671, the inventory was made or the estate of Richard Scofield, late of Stamford, deceased, filed 16 March 1671, which mentions the widow, now the wife of Robert "Penoyer". (Mead: Ms. "Fairfield Probate", 1:22.) The next record appears in Boston 18 Oct. 1671;

"I Robert Penoyer Late of Stamford doe ... Ordayne my. . . freind Jonathan Sellick to bee my ... Attourney to demand & receave for mee my full Legacy Left mee by my Brother mr William Penoyer Late of London ... as witnes my hand & scale in Rye this 18th of October 1671 ... Robert Penoire". Wit: John Richman, Miles Okely, and the mark of Nicolas Webster; attested 19 Oct. 1672 by Richman and Webster; recd. 20 April 1672. (Suffolk Deeds, 6:280.)

Further deeds are of interest in proving the names of his children:

8 Jan. 1671-72, Robert "Penoyer", of Mamaroneck conveyed property, purchased of Richbell, to his dearly beloved children: William and Thomas Penoyer; the cattle and household goods to be divded between said sons and daughter, Martha Penoyer; Robert was to have full management of all the property during his natural lifetime. Westchester Deeds, B:100. (Record, 58:351.) Another abstract of this deed gives the date as 18 Jan. 1671-72, calls the grantor "Penoyre", recites that he gave to children, William and Thomas, all rights to his estate, real and personal; to eldest son, William, two thirds of the land purchased of said Richbell, and for want of issue to son Thomas; daughter, Martha, also named. Westchester Deeds, B:100. (Ibid., 54:394.)

1 Jan. 1677, a statement that William Penoyer did bequeath to Walter Butler, of Greenwich Conn., son of Evan Butler, of Cursonn, in the county of Hereford, the sum of four score pounds, Westchester Deeds, at Albany, 4:26. (Ibid., 58.349.)

Recorded for Mr. George Heathcott, 7 Jan. 1677. "Whereas William Penoyer, Esq., citizen and clothworker of London, did make his last will in writing bearing date the five & twentieth day of May . . . 1670; and among other things ordered that £800 be laid out in merchandise fit for New England & sent over to the Corporation for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England; delivered to Robert Penoyer of Stratford [Stamford] for the benefit of himself & children & did appoint Richard Leton Esq., & Michael Davison, Esq., Executors; . . . the residue to Ellena. Reading & her children. The sd Michael Davison has since died. Now there is no such corporation in New England to which sd goods may be consigned & sold and proceeds divided amongst respective persons; neither can security be taken for children. Robert Penoyer is removed to Mamaroneck in New York State and hath only 4 living children, viz., Elizabeth Pennoyer, aged 24, William Pennoyer, aged 22, Thomas Pennoyer, aged 17, and Martha

Pennoyer, aged 11, under age, January 1677. Signed

Robert Pennoyer

Elizabeth Pennoyer, now Lounsbury

Wm. Will Penoyer"

Wit: William Dyre, George Kniffon, John Royse, William Hall, and Anthony Buckholm. Westchester Deeds, at Albany, 4:9. (Ibid., 58:349.)

29 Jan. 1677, Robert Penoyer, of Mamaroneck, Turner, William Penoyer, of the same place, son of the said Robert, with Richard Lounsbury, of Rye, Conn., and Elizabeth Lounsbury, his wife, oldest daughter of the said Robert, conveyed to Richard Leton, of London, England, and to George Heathcott, of Middlesex Co., England, mariner, by bond. Westchester Deeds, at Albany, 4:23. (Ibid., 58:349.)

There is mention in a deed, dated 2 April 1694, of land formerly in the possession of Robert Pennoyer and now in the possession of his son (not named). Westchester Deeds, B: 177. (Ibid., 54:394.) It would seem therefore that Robert was surely dead by April 1694.

Children by first wife, born in Stamford:

  1. Elizabeth2, b. about 1652; m., Richard Lounsbury. See Lounsbury Notes. MARY -
  2. William, b. about 1654; m. Mary ______. In 1698, a William "Peneor", was of Mamaroneck, and, in New Rochelle, a Robert "Peniore" (a footnote explains that Robert probably belonged to the Mamaroneck List); also another 1698 list, for New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Morisanna, gives a Robert "penneor", aged 17. 22 May 1702, William "Penior", of Mamaroneck, freeholder, for love a to his son and heir, Robert "Penoir", one half his land there; 2 March 1703, William Penoir, of same, for love deeds all his estate to his wife Mary, for her natural life; wit: Fred, and Elizabeth Platt and Benj. Collier; 26 June 1703, Eleazer Gedney, of same, shipwright, conveyed to William and Robert Penoyer, of same, 13 acres there, as laid out to William Penoyer. Westchester Deeds, G:222,287,311. (Ibid., 59:107; 51:42, 45; 56-.40; 52: 71, 321.)

Children:

    1. Robert b. in 1681.
    2. ? Thomas.

  1. Thomas. b. 29 March 1658; d. in Stamford 21 Nov. 1723; m. there, 22 May 1685, Lydia Knapp, b. about 1668 d. there 9 Feb. 1709-10, dau. of Moses and Abigail (Westcott) Knapp. I have further data.
  2. Mary, b. 25 Nov. 1660i d. young
  3. Martha, b. 26 Sept. 1664; living in 1677.
  4. Abigail, b. 13 Get. 1666; d. young.

Lounsbury

Richard Lounsbury, of Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1672, died by 8 Dec. 1694, testate. He married, by License, and as "Lownesbury", 1 Aug. 1670, Elizabeth "Penrye", who, aged twenty-four, 8 Jan. 1677, was living in 1694, daughter of Robert Pennoyer, and niece of a benefactor of Harvard, William Pennoyer.

Nothing is known of the antecedants of Richard Lounsbury, whose male descendants, by his wife, Elizabeth Pennoyer, are entitled to the Pennoyer Aid at Harvard.

Mead's Ms. "Fairfield Probate", mentions, page 18, that Philip Galpin, of Rye, conveyed property there to Simon Roberts, of Boston, Mass., 20 Feb. 1672, as witnessed by Joseph Horton and Richard Lounsberry. According to Baird's "Rye", (1871), pages 421-422, Richard was a proprietor there of Penungs Neck in 1672, and also held property in White Plains, Westchester Co., where he removed between 1673 and 1682, selling part of his Rye land. However, he kept his land in Rye at Budds Neck, which by his will of 2 Jan. 1690 [?], he left to his wife, Elizabeth, and to his elder sons.

His will, proved 7, or 8, Dec. 1694, mentioned wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Mary; gave to son John, a bed, etc.; and to sons Thomas and Michael, all his rights at White Plains; to his son, Henry, his rights in "Raccone Ridge", and Lame Wills Purchase; required his son Richard's £10 note, "when time is out a cording to bargain". The widow Elizabeth was administratrix. (Selleck-Jacobus: "Miner Ancestry", 1928.)

Westchester Deeds, C:320, deals with the estate of this Richard Lounsbury, and also refers to the Westchester Wills. Lounsbury had left his lands in White Plains to his sons, Thomas and Michael; the latter sold out his portion. The will, 1690-1694, recorded in the Deeds, mentions daughter, Mary, but she was omitted from the Will. (Record, 49:300; also see 54:397).

Although son Henry Lounsbury's birth is recorded in Stamford, it is exceedingly doubtful if Richard ever resided there. No doubt Henry, himself had it recorded in the Stamford Town Book.

Children, probably all born in Rye:.

i. Mary2, m by 11 Aug. 1701 Israel Rogers.

ii. John, m. about 1701 Abigail (Thomas) Preston, b 21 Nov 1674, dau. Of John and Lydia (Parker) Thomas and widow of Samuel Preston. Her two sons are known from the conveyance of Thomas property inherited from her. 11 Aug. 1701, John conveyed part of his homelot, in Rye, to his brother-in-law, Israel Rogers, and Mary, his wife. John was a wit. at Rye, 1706-1723. (Record 17,280; 54:395; Jacobus, "New Haven Families", 5:1107; 7:1790; Sharpe's "Bethany", 1908, 129; 132.)

Children;

1. Richard, of Kingstown, N. Y., in 1733.

2. Josiah, of New Haven, Conn.; m. there, 7 May 1734, Ruth Lines; the ancestors of the Lounsburys of Bethany, Conn.

iii. Thomas, held rights in White Plains, Westchester Co., from his father.

iv. Michael, b. about 1680; d. 20 Jan. 1730-31; Stamford, Conn., test.; m. there, 19 June 1707, Sarah Lockwood, who d. there 7 June 1749, dau. of John Lockwood.

The will of Michael Lounsbury of Stamford, dated 18 Jan. 1730, proved 16 April 1731, names children: "Murmoth" (Monmouth), Joshua, Nehemiah, Jonathan, Sarah, Jemima, and Abigail, brother Henry Lounsbury; wife Sarah; no executor cited; wit: Samuel Weed, Daniel Hait and Thomas June; inventory, by said Weed and Samuel Hait, 17 June, filed 24 June 1731; 1 Sept. 1747, distribution according to will. (Mead- Ms. "Stamford Probate" 1.23.) See Stamford V.R. (Barbour), 129; "Stamford Registration", 1874, 71; Selleck-Jacobus "Miner Ancestry", 1928, 63-64; Mead: Ms. "Stamford Probate", 1:19 50; "Lockwood Genealogy", 1889, 35; Baird. "Rye", 1871, 421. I have further data.

2. v. Henry, b. IS Aug. 1684, reed. in Stamford, m. Mercy Scholfield.

vi. Richard, m. Elizabeth Du Bois. A Richard, carman, of New York, d. intest., admin. granted his widow, Abigail, 28 Feb. 1715-16. ('New York Wills2:165, pub. in Coll. N. Y. Hist. Soc.) However, see Record, 17:280.

 

2. Henry2 Lounsbury (Richard1), born probably in Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y., birth recorded in Stamford, Conn., 15 Aug. 1684, died in Stamford between 8 Oct. 1749 and 2 April 1751, intestate. He married there, about 1709, Mercy Scofield, born there 30 Oct. 1690, died between 8 Oct. 1749 and 2 April 1751, daughter of John and Hannah (Mead) Scofield.

By the terms of his father's will, which was proved in December 1694, Henry received land and first appears in the deeds of Stamford in 1706:

11 March 1705-06, Samuel Seeley, of Stamford, sold to Henry Lownsbery, of same, land there; wit: Samuel Hait and John Crissy; ack. 1708 and recd. 1717. (Stamford Deeds, B:287.)

Brief notes on the rest of his land transactions follow:

23 June 1709, Abraham Finch, of Stamford, sold land with a house and orchard there, at a farm called Taunton, in all 13 acres, to Henry Lownsbery of same; ack. 1709 and reed. 1717. The same day Lounsbury conveyed this back to the said Finch; ack. 1709 and recd. 1710. John Holly and Joseph Hait wit. both deeds. (Ibid,, B: 288, 29.)

2 Aug. 1709, Said Finch conveys 2 acres in this Taunton farm to said Lownsbery; wit: John Holly and Joseph Hait; ack. 1709 and recd. 1717. 6 Aug. 1709 Henry Lownsbury, of Stamford, sold 25 acres there on Flat Ridge to Thomas Waterbury and Cary Leeds; wit: John and Joseph Holly; ack. 1709 and recd. 1721 . (Ibid., B: 256, 379.)

27 Sept. 1709, Cary Leads, of Stamford, sold Henry Lownsbery, of same, land at Shipan; wit: Jno and Joseph Holly; ack. 1709 and recd. 1717. (Ibid., B: 287)

21 Nov. 1709, Henry Lownsbery, of Stamford, sold to Edmund Lockwood, of same, "a right in a house Lott within the bounds of Stamford abovesd containing Eleven pounds thirteen Shillings Rights according to the inventory Price as it may more plainly appear by Fairfield Record of Probates"; wit: John and Susanna Holly; ack. same day; reed. 1710. (Ibid., B.42.)

29 Dec. 1709, Ebenezer and Nathaniel Scofield, of Stamford, conveyed to Henry Lownsbery, of same, 12 plus acres there on Little Ox Ridge; wit; Jonathan Selleck, Jr., and Henry James, ack. same day and recd. 1717, (Ibid., 13-.287.)

20 Jan. 1709-10, Henry Lounsbury, of Stamford, sold land ' there on Ship-han Neck [now Shippan Pt.], to Elisha Holly, of same; wit. Peter Demill and Richard Scofield; ack. 1710 and recd. 1718. 24 Jan 1709-10 Henry Lounsbury, of same, conveyed to Samuel Hait, Sr., of same, land on east side of Noroton River; wit: John Ambler and Elisha Holly; ack. and recd. 1710. 22 March 1709-10, Lounsbery, of same, conveyed to Michael Lounsbery, of same, land there; wit: Jonathan Selleck, Jr., and John Bishop; ack. same and recd. 1710. (Ibid., B:156, 18, 278.)

9 March 1710 Edmund Lockwood, of Stamford "to prevent any controversy grant unto Henry Lounsbury all my title to land west of Mill River & north of Boundary line between him and myself which land was formerly in partnership between Abraham & Isaac Finch"; wit: Jno Holly and mark of Joanna Baker; no ack.; recd. 1740. (Ibid., D: 192)

5 July 1717, Land laid out to Henry Lownsbery 4 acres "being part of ye right of Thomas Waterbery in ye Double measure of long Lotts on west side of Mill River", "below ye town", signed by Stephen Bishop, Daniel Scofield, and John Holly. (Ibid. B.- 279.)

27 Feb. 1720-21, land laid out to Henry Lounsbery on Flatt Ridge and Bell's Ridge, "on Thomas Larances Right, in ye long Lotts & descended from him unto Eliezer Slason & from sd Slason to Samuel Seeley and from sd Selley unto him sd Henry"; signed by Benjamin Green, Samuel Webb, and John Knapp; recd. 1721. (Ibid., B:390.)

6 Jan. 1734-35, "Henery Lounsberry", of Stamford released my brother Michall Lounsbery's estate from all that he gave me by will"; wit: Nathaniel Webb and Daniel Hait- the same day Sarah Bates ack. receipt of all her portion of her "Uncle Henery Lounsbery's" rights that her father gave him by will, etc. (Ibid., C:150,210.)

21 Dec. 1738, Abraham Ambler, of Bedford, N. Y., for £100, sold Henry Lounsbery, of Stamford, land there which did accrue to said Ambler, from his uncle, John Ambler, etc.; wit: Samuel Weed and Joseph Ferris; ack. 1738 and recd. 1739. (Ibid., D:137.)

15 May 1739, land laid out unto Henry Lounsbery, at Stamford, by Capt. John Knap and Richard Scofield, 10 acres in Long Lotts on Huckleberry Ridge; recd. 1739. (Ibid., D:134.)

1 Feb. 1742-43, Henry Lounsbery, of Stamford, gave to son Epinetus Lounsbery, of same, land at Taunton Farm there, reserving use of one half the meadow and barn for life; wit: Joseph Bishop and mark of Hannah Bishop; ack. and recd. same day. (Ibid., D:359.)

22 March 1742-43, Henry Lounsbery, of Stamford, gave to son Gideon Lounsbery, of same, 3 lots west side of Mill River, some 3 acres, reserving for himself a piece of same "for life and my present wife"; wit: Jonathan Bell and Joseph Biship; ack. and recd. same day. (Ibid., D:369.)

4 April 1743, Henry Lounsbery, of Stamford, conveyed to son Epinetus Lounsbery, of same, a house an homestead of 11 acres there, reserving one third of same "for my life time and my present wife"; wit: Samuel Hait and John Finch; ack. and recd. same day. (Ibid., D:373.)

8 April 1743, Henry Lounsbery, of Stamford, conveyed land there to his son Nathaniel Lounsbery of same- wit: Samuel Hait and Nathaniel Heusted; ack. and recd. same day. (Ibid., D:374.)

8 May 1743, Henry Lounsbery, of Stamford, conveyed land there to his son, Nathan Lounsbery, of same; wit: Joshua and Monmouth Lounsbery; ack. same day and recd. 21 Jan. 1744-45. (Ibid., D.481.)

The records of the Stamford Church are extant only from 31 Dec. 1746. At this time the Lounsbury members included Abigail, Epinetus, Gideon, Hannah, wife of Joshua, Joshua, Mary, Nathan, and Rachel, wife of Jonathan Scofield. Gideon later became an Episcopalian and Joshua left town. Mercy, wife of Henry Lounsbury, was admitted a member 8 Oct. 1749, which would prove that both were then living. (Mead: Ms. "Stamford Church Reeds".)

In view of the above deeds of gift, we are not surprised to learn that Henry died intestate, nor is there any record of an estate for his wife or widow. Evidently both were deceased when their heirs passed these conveyances:

23 April 1751 Nathaniel, Epinetus, and Gideon Lounsbery; Samuel Scofield and Hannah Scofield alias Lounsbery, his wife; Jonathan Scofield and Rachel Scofield, alias Lounsbery, his wife; Charles Buxton and Mercy Buxton, alias Lounsbery, his wife; Nathaniel Newman and Mary Newman, alias Lounsbery, his wife, all of Stamford, convey to Nathan Lounsbury of same, land there; Hannah Rachel Mercy and Mary sign by mark; wit: Charles Smith and John Holly; ack. 23 and 25 April 1751; recd. 25 April 1752. (Stamford Deeds, E:448.)

23 April 1751, Epinetus Gideon, and Nathan Lounsbery, Samuel Scofield Jr., and Hannah, his wife; Jonathan Scofield, and Rachel, his wife; Charles Buxton, and Mercy, his wife; Nathaniel Newman, and Mary, his wife; all of Stamford, convey land there on west side of Mill River to Nathaniel Lounsbery, of same-, Rachel, Mercy, and Mary sign by mark, as does Jonathan Scofield; wit- John Holly and Charles Smith; ack. 23 and 25 April 175I; recd. 2 March 1757. (Ibid., F:226.)

Henry's first six children are recorded in the Stamford Town Records, as see The American Genealogist, 11:164,224. His own birth also appears therein, ibid., 10:182.

Children, born in Stamford:

i. Henry, b. 17 Dec. 1709; aged 7, 17 Dec. 1716; prob. d. young.

ii: Mercy, b. 12 March 1710-11. See below.

iii. Hannah, b. 2 Sept. 1713; aged 3, 2 Sept. 1716; m. in Stamford, 3 May 1739, Samuel Scofield, Jr., both were living there 1751; see the American Genealogist, 11:196 for her account.

iv. Nathaniel, b. 4 Feb. 1714-15; aged 2,4 Feb. 1716-17; m. in Stamford, 14 Jan. 1749, Eunice Brown, living in 1751. His will of 1792, proved 1796, names dau. Mercy Reynolds. (Mead. Ms. "Stamford Probate", 262-263.)

v. Epenetus, b. 14 Feb. 1716-17- m. in Stamford, 25 June 1749-50, Elizabeth Finch, living in 1751. They had son Henry, bapt. in Stamford, 18 June 1758, and others. No estate there of record.

vi. Rachel, b. 15 Jan. 1718-19; m. Jonathan Scofield; both living in 1751.

vii. Gideon, b. about 1720; m. in Stamford, 14 Jan. 1747-48, Deborah Buxton. He drew his will in 1792. (Ibid.)

viii. Nathan, b. about 1723; m. in Stamford, 27 March 1751, Elizabeth (Seeley) Talmadge. Their son, Enos, had a son Nathan, who was the father of Gov. George, and of Gov. Phineas Lounsbury, b. in 1738 and 1741, respectively. Nathan made his will in 1792. (Ibid.)

Mercy3 Lounsbury (Henry,2 Richard,l), born in Stamford, Conn., 12 March 1710-11, aged six on 12 March 1716-17, living there 23 April 1751. She married there, by a Justice of the Peace, 6 May 1742, Charles Buxton, born there 29 Aug. 1714, living there, 5 July 1772, son of Clement Buxton III, by his wife, Elizabeth Ferry.

Charles Buxton bought out the rights in his father's Stamford holdings, of his siblings, in 1750, and then sold land there, subject to his mother's life interest, to Daniel Lockwood, who had bought other land of Clement Buxton in 1741. In 1753, Charles' mother, Elizabeth Buxton, then of Bedford, N: Y., quit to Charles her rights in the Stamford property. His first deed, after his marriage, follows:

23 Nov. 1744, Anthony DeMill, of Stamford, sold to Charles Buxton, of same, land there on the west side of Mill River, next to that of Moses Buxton; wit: Jonathan Glason and Joseph Heusted; ack. same day; recd. 1744. (Stamford Deeds, D:472.)

Mercy, wife of Charles Buxton, is included in a list of the members of the First Church of Stamford, 31 Dec. 1746, and their five children were all baptised therein. (Mead: Ms. "Stamford Church Records", 6, 41, 42, 43.) The rest of Charles' conveyances, filed at Stamford, are noted below. He perhaps had others recorded elsewhere, -very possibly at White Plains, N. Y.

1 Nov. 1745, Charles Buxton, of Stamford, sold land on west side of Mill River there to Ebenezer Scofield; wit: Samuel Squier, Jr., and Jonathan Maltbie; ack. same; recd. 21 Jan. 1746-47. 5 Jan. 1745-46, Charles Buxton, of same, sold land there, next to Moses Buxton, to James Scofield; wit: Richard Scofield and Anthony Demill; ack. same; recd. 2 Nov. 1747. (Stamford Deeds, E:85,130.)

11 April 1746, Charles Buxton, of Stamford, sold land there at Rocky Neck to Benjamin Weed, Jr.; wit: mark of Martha Whiting and Ebenezer Dibble- ack and recd. same. 19 July 1746, Samuel Pennoyer, of same sold Charles Buxton, of same, 2 acres meadow there; wit: James Bell and Robert Arnold; and recd. same. Charles had sold, 2 July 1746, 35 acres there to Edmund Lockwood of same; ack. and recd. 19 July 1746; the same day, 2 July, Lockwood conveyed the same property back to Buxton; ack. and reed. 19 July 1746; same wits. both deeds: Reuben Penoyer and Robert Arnold. (Ibid., E:49,50.)

3 Feb. 1746-47, Charles Buxton, of Stamford, sold land there to Nathaniel Lounsbury, of same; wit: Jonathan and David Maltbie; ack. same; recd. 24 Feb. 1746-47. 3 March 1746-47, Charles sold Epenetus Lounsbury of same; wit: Jonathan Maltbie and Ebenezer Dibble; ack. and recd. same. (Ibid., E:95, 101.)

10 Nov. 1747, Charles Buxton, of Stamford, sold to Samuel Hait 3d, of same, one 3d part of right to land called Quester [The Sequestered Land] which "was of my hond grandfather Buxston and one third of the right in Sequest land which was Samuel Handyes and one third right which was francis Davis"; wit: Jonathan and Sarah Maltbie; ack. same; recd. 13 Nov. 1747. (Ibid., E:132.)

2 March 1747-48, Charles Buxton, of Stamford sold land there on Upper Weed Ridge to Monmouth Lounsbury; wit: Nathaniel and Gideon Lounsbury; ack. same; recd. 21 March 1747-48. 24 April 1749, Charles Buxton, of same, sold land there to Nathaniel Lounsbury, of same; wit: Jonathan Maltbie and Jonathan Church [?]; ack. same; recd. 28 April 1749. (Ibid., E:157,228.)

The two deeds, drawn in 1751, in which Mercy, as wife of Charles Buxton, a ears in connection with the settlement of the real estate Mr father, Henry Lounsbury, are noted above. As a Charles Buxton, Jr., appears in the Stamford Church Records in 1767 and 1772, it may be assumed that our Charles was then living; also that this record applies to the last named:

3 May 1768, Charles Buxton gave a bond as the guardian of Clement Lloyd, son of David Lloyd, late of Bedford, Westchester Co N. Y., decd., a minor. From Miscl. Papers not copied. (Mead: Ms. "Stamford Probate", 328.)

In 1790, the only Buxtons listed in Connecticut were at Norwalk: Mary, a widow, also James, John, Peter, and Samuel; at Greenwich: Dorras [Dorcas?].

Children (surname Buxton), born in Stamford, Conn.:

i. Charles, b. 12 March 1742-43; m. Dorcas _______ -. 14 Oct. 1767, Dorcas, an adult and wife of Charles Buxton, Jr., bapt. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Stamford.

Child:

1. Enoch, bapt. 5 July 1772, St. John's, son of Charles Buxton, Jr.; an estate of an Enoch Buxton, 1800, Westchester Co.: N. Y. (N. Y. Wills, 15.)

ii. Mercy, b. 21 Oct. 1744; d. 9 Aug. 1822, aged 78, bur. Hornbrook, Bradford Co., Pa.; m, (1) prob. in New York State, about 1763, Jonas Smith, b. about 1740, d. after 1800, Ulster, then Luzerne Co., Pa.;m. (2) between August 1802 and 1 April 1806, William Coolbaugh. For further particulars, fully documented see W. L. Holman: Ms. "Smith Notes", 1942-1943, typed and bound at the N E. H. G. Society, compiled for Mrs. Morrison.

Children by first husband (surname Smith):

1. Nathan (Rev.), b. about 1764; living in Wellington, Ohio, in 1826.

2. Jesse, b. 25 Nov. 1766; d. in Bradford County, 23 Dec. 1843, on his farm on line between Wysox and Sheshequin; m. Jane, Miller.

3. Lydia, b. about 1768, bapt. as an adult, in Wysox, Pa., 4 Oct. 1791.

4. Enos, b. about 1771. Nathan Lounsbury also named a son Enos.

5. John, b. about 1775, bapt. in Wysox 17 June 1892[1792]; d. in Bradford County after 16 May 1817; m. Phebe Horton.

6. Sally, b. 25 feb1777, bapt. Wysox 17 Jun 1792; d. in Sheshequin 10 May 1841m aged 62-2-15; m. Isaac Horton

7. Joseph B[ruxton], b. about 1780; living in Bradford County 8 Dec. 1824.

8. Charles, b. about 1782; living in Dutchess County, N. Y., 27 Nov. 1826.

iii. Lydia, b. 6 Aug. 1746, bapt. in Stamford 25 Jan. 1747; d. there 25 March 1747.

iv, Lydia, b. 12 Feb. 1747-48, "Called after ye name of their daughter yt dyed", bapt. in Stamford 27 March 1749; prob. m. David Lloyd of Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y.

Child (surname Lloyd):

1. Clement, b. by 1768.

v. John, bapt. in Stamford 20 May 1750; m. in Salem, Westchester Co., N. Y., 28 June 1769, Rachel Lounsbury. (Record, 31:88.)

Thanks again to Bill Mac Donald for this interesting article on the history of the Pennoyer and Lounsbury families during their early days in North America.

Floyd Lounsbury

Floyd G. Lounsbury was an extraordinary man. A Sterling Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University, Floyd contributed much to modern understanding of languages of the indigenous people of North America. He also contributed significantly to the "L" community, providing his insights on the evolution and divergence of the spelling of the Lounsberry name.

As you will see from the articles and obituaries on this page and the next, he was a remarkable person. We offer our condolences to Floyd’s family.

Floyd G. Lounsbury, 84, Expert In Decoding Mayan Hieroglyphs

By HENRY FOUNTAIN

Floyd G. Lounsbury, who brought an anthropologist’s eye to the study of American Indian languages and helped decipher the hieroglyphs of the Maya, died on May 1 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was 84 and lived in East Haven, Conn.

"He was a master at analyzing complex cultural and linguistic systems," said Harold C. Conklin, like Dr. Lounsbury an emeritus professor of anthropology at Yale University.

Dr. Lounsbury’s work on the Maya, for example, went beyond language to include astronomy and calender systems, Dr. Conklin said.

Dr. Lounsbury also used his knowledge of linguistics in his anthropological studies of how societies classify kin, a field in which he was "the great theoretician, without any question," said Michael D. Coe, another former Yale colleague.

Dr. Lounsbury’s first love was the Iroquoi languages, including Oneida, which he learned in 1939 through a Depression-era jobs program in Wisconsin. The position involved teaching Oneidas to write their language, but to teach them he had first to learn to speak the notoriously complex tongue.

"Floyd was a quick study," Dr. Conklin said, and his work with the Oneidas produced texts that have been "the bible for Iroquoianists."

Dr. Lounsbury was an early supporter of the Russian linguist Yuri Knorosov, who held in the early 1960’s that the hieroglyphs of the Maya represented phonetic syllables rather than letters of an alphabet, as had long been assumed.

Dr. Lounsbury had a crucial role in the collaboration among scholars to expand upon Knorosov’s work and unlock the written language of the Maya, whose civilization flourished in Central America before collapsing around A.D. 800.

Dr. Lounsbury "established the modus operandi, how you go about deciphering," said Dr. Coe, the author of "Breaking the Maya Code" (Thames & Hudson, 1993). "He really gave us our methodology."

The key was to examine glyphs that represented an entire word and look to see where the Maya, whose language Dr. Lounsbury also spoke, had written the same thing phonetically. "You have to have a set of cross-check readings," Dr Coe said. "It can’t be done off the top of your head."

Dr. Lounsbury was born in Stevens Point, Wis. And studied at the University of Wisconsin, where his first degree was in mathematics, a subject that helped him in much of his later work. He received his Ph.D. in anthropology from Yale in 1949.

Dr. Lounsbury, who taught at Yale for three decades before retiring in 1979, is survived by his wife, Masako Yokoyama Lounsbury; a daughter, Ruth Lounsbury of Cortes Island, British Columbia, and a sister, Elva Lounsbury, of Wisconsin.

Although he was in poor health for much of his life and did most of his research at a desk, Dr. Lounsbury occasionally went into the field, including trips to Mexico to study Maya sites. "He felt he ought to get down to the Yucatan."

From The New York Times, May 18, 1998.

Floyd Glenn Lounsbury

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Floyd Glenn Lounsbury, a Yale University anthropologist and expert in American Indian languages, died Thursday of congestive heart failure. He was 84.

He was Yale’s Sterling Professor Emeritus of Anthropology specializing in linguistic theory, Mayan hieroglyphics and kinship systems.

After working with the Oneida Iroquois language in 1939, Lounsbury dedicated himself to describing and clarifying a wide variety of Indian languages of North and South America. Among his contributions were tracing the historical relationship between Cherokee and other Indian languages. He also was considered a foremost expert on Mayan hieroglyphics.

From the Terre Haute Tribune Star, May 20, 1998

Floyd G. Lounsbury, 84

EAST HAVEN — Floyd Glenn Lounsbury, 84, 52 Hellstrom Road. Sterling Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Yale University, died Thursday at Connecticut Hospice. He was the husband of Masako Yokoyama Lounsbury. Professor Lounsbury, son of the late John Glenn and Anna Louise Jorgensen Lounsbury, was born in Stevens Point, Wisc., April 25, 1914. He served as a master sergeant in the 22nd weather squadron of the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was a graduate of University of Wisconsin with a B.A. degree in mathematics in 1941 and an M.A. in antrhopology in 1946; he received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1949 in anthropology and an honorary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1987. He began teaching at Yale University in 1947, retiring in 1979 as a Sterling Professor.

A scholar in his many fields, he made outstanding contributions to linguistic theory and the study of American Indian languages, of Mayan hieroglyphic writing and of kinship systems. He received the Yale Graduate School Wilbur Cross Medal. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Ruth Lounsbury of East Haven; and a sister Elva Lounsbury in Wisconsin. He was predeceased by a brother, Gordon Lounsbury. Memorial contributions may be made to the Endangered Language Fund, Department of Linguistics, Yale University, New Haven 06520 – New Haven Funeral Service, New Haven

From the New Haven Herald, May 18, 1998

YALE News Release

For Immediate Release: May 19, 1998

5/19/98: Yale Anthropologist Floyd Lounsbury Dies at Age 84

New Haven, Conn. -- Yale University anthropologist Floyd Glenn Lounsbury, an expert in American Indian languages, died Thursday, May 14, at Connecticut Hospice at the age of 84. The East Haven resident, who was the Sterling Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, made outstanding contributions to the study of linguistic theory, Mayan hieroglyphic writing and kinship systems.

Born in Stevens Point, Wis., he served as a master sergeant during World War II in the Army Air Force 22nd Weather Squadron as a meteorologist. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, where he received a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in anthropology. He received his Ph.D. degree in anthropology from Yale in 1949 and an honorary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1987. He began teaching at Yale in 1947 and retired in 1979.

Throughout his long career at Yale, Professor Lounsbury earned world-wide scholarly recognition for his contributions to the understanding of linguistic and cultural systems. After working with the Oneida Iroquois language in 1939, Professor Lounsbury dedicated himself to describing and clarifying the complexities of a wide variety of North and South American Indian languages.

Some of his notable contributions in this area included tracing the historical relationship between Cherokee and other Iroquoian languages and writing the definitive study of Iroquois place names in the Champlain valley. Envisaging the relation between the structure of language and the

organization of ideas, he pioneered the application of linguistic methods to the formal analysis of kinship terminology and social organization.

Professor Lounsbury also advanced our understanding of the astronomy and mathematics of the Maya civilization of Mesoamerica and was one of the foremost experts of Maya hieroglyphic writing. His many publications included an interpretation of Maya myth and history at Temple of

the Cross in Palenque, part of the groundbreaking Palenque Roundtable Series. He was an early proponent of the Soviet scholar Y. V. Knorosov's phonetic approach to the Maya script, which led to its ultimate decipherment.

Among his many honors, Professor Lounsbury was elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He received the Wilbur Cross Medal from the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the school's highest honor to its Ph.D. alumni for career achievements.

Besides his wife, Masako Yokoyama Lounsbury, he leaves a daughter, Ruth Lounsbury of Cortes Island, British Columbia, and a sister, Elva Lounsbury, in Wisconsin. He was predeceased by a brother, Gordon Lounsbury. Memorial contributions may be made to the Endangered Languages Fund, Yale University Linguistics Department, New Haven, Conn., 06520, or call 203/432-2450.

The above release from the Yale University web site: http://www.yale.edu/opa/newsr/98-05-19-01.humanities.html

1998 International Reunion

"L" family members from all over the world pose for a group photograph on August 29.

1998 L Family Reunion at the Balsam Shade in Greenville, NY

by ALBERT "AL" LOUNSBURY

On a beautiful weekend, August 28-30, approximately 125 Lounsburys (and various other spellings), their families and some friends came from distant places to join some local L family members for a delightful weekend.

Everything went smoothly from the well organized registration to the final brunch on Sunday morning. The meals and hospitality were superb under the direction of Jyl and Len DeGiovine, proprietors of the Balsam Shade. Jyl is connected to the Lounsburys through her mother, Mary Lounsbury Griffin who used to operate the Balsam Shade.

From Alberta, to Florida; from Los Angeles to Texas; from Connecticut to Michigan; from Ontario to New Brunswick and many places in between, the family gathered. About eight states and four provinces were represented with a sizeable delegation from New York State.

The spacious, beautifully landscaped lawns of the Balsam Shade, the rolling hills of what was once a farm and the high peaks of the beautiful Catskill Mountains to the southwest made an ideal setting for the reunion. Bountiful home cooked meals in an elegant dining room, comfortable lodging and an abundance of recreational amenities provided opportunity for relaxation. The recreation hall was lively with registration and genealogical research during the day with the help of Bill Mac Donald (Langton, Ontario) and Jim Jurista (Cazenovia, NY, and the new editor of the newsletter) and their computers with a wealth of information stored in them. Sharing of family lines, family picture displays, perusing genealogy books was ongoing.

In the evening the recreation hall became the center of entertainment: Friday evening – a short skit/play depicting the family of Richard Lounsberry and Elizabeth Pennoyer, each having come from England separately; then, their marriage and arrival of six children (five sons and one daughter). They lived in and around Rye, CT/NY in the mid to late 1600s. Elaine Lounsbury Brown directed the play with volunteers from the audience in the roles of the family members. Then, there were some talent acts by "volunteers" from the audience – lots of laughs. Saturday night featured some awards and a DJ for dancing and entertainment. There was a bonfire each night for those who preferred the outdoors under a beautiful sky, with marshmallows to roast and friendly conversation.

An interesting extra sideline was that some farriers were staying at the Balsam Shade. Under a tarp on the lawn, they were making various kinds of horseshoes, practicing for competition at the Rhinebeck Fair in Columbia County on that Sunday. The propane heated forges and the hammering of red hot metal being shaped into horseshoes was a special show all weekend.

I must not forget the gift shop and auction. The gift shop was open from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning with many beautiful items to purchase. The auction was held Saturday afternoon with Don Berkhofer as auctioneer – lots of laughts, good bidders, and fun from start to finish. Thanks to everyone who brought and bought so many items for both the gift shop and the auction. These two events helped to put the reunion finances in the black with a little to spare for the next reunion. Thanks to Mary Lounsbury Griffin who was the reunion treasurer, and to all who helped with the gift shop and auction.

Sunday noon came too quickly following a delicious bunch, and then it was time to say goodbuy until when? … maybe 2003 or sooner. Any ideas?

I am most grateful to Jyl and Len DeGiovine for the splendid hospitality, and to all of the hardworking committee members – I will miss some if I start naming them – for all the wonderful ideas as we planned the reunion (five meetings at the Balsam Shade starting in May 1997) and for the follow-through with every detail which helped the reunion go so smoothly. There was so much talent and enthusiasm in that committee. I am most grateful to each one.

I had a very special surprise at the Friday night program. I was presented first with a "gag" gift of an ice bag which they thought I might need, and then a very beautiful jacket with the Reunion Logo on the back and Al Lounsbury, Editor on the front. It was made by Peter Forsythe who made all of the memorabilia items. Peter is the husband of Dawn Lounsbury, one of the many Lounsburys in the Albany and Green Counties area. Thank you to all who had a part in giving me that gift – a complete surprise.

Until the next reunion, whenever and wherever it might be, I want to thank everyone for coming. You were a great group. I don’t think I will be coordinating the next reunion. However, I will gladly share the records of this one, and help in a less active way. We must have another one, they are such fun!

Sincerely,

Albert "Al" Lounsbury, retiring editor of The Lounsbury Tree.

From The Editor

I had the great pleasure of attending the reunion and finally meeting in person so many of the people I had read about and who had contributed to the growth and nurturing of the international L community.

Al Lounsbury worked tirelessly to ensure that the reunion events were well planned and organized. He brought his experiences from helping to organize the 1993 reunion to bear in planning activities, budgets, and "operations" such as meal tickets and name tags.

The local Lounsburys all did a great job in planning, doing tons of legwork, and ensuring that everything was in the right place at the right time.

I am proud to be a member of such a hardworking, friendly, and fun-loving very extended family.

I was fascinated by the variety of L’s that I met. We had family members from Illinois, California, Texas, Michigan, Ohio, and many from Ontario and Alberta in Canada. Everyone was friendly and got along spectacularly.

Bill Mac Donald did a fantastic job handling the demands of genealogical queries from L’s from around the continent. He produced beautiful reports and charts for people to take home with them, and he tirelessly used his computer to research complicated genealogical links. As an amateur genealogist, I was impressed with Bill’s technical, genealogical, and historical expertise.

Jyl and Len of the Balsam Shade were wonderful hosts – the resort had wonderful amenities and everyone had a great time. The food was fantastic and the service was prompt and courteous.

Thanks to everyone for a great time and for the opportunity to meet and talk with you. To paraphrase Al’s sentiments, "Let’s do it again!"

Sincerely,

Jim Jurista, editor

 

Reunions

Alice M. Lounsbury

P.O. Box 41

Tioga Center, N.Y. 13845

Jim Jurista, Editor Sept. 03, 1998

"L" News Letter

Re: Tioga Center Reunion Aug 8, 1998

Dear Jim,

Enclosed is a copy of the minutes from our 77th Reunion, in the past we have forwarded same to Al Lounsbury.

These are rather long – so use what and if you see fit.

Thank You, for taking on the news letter, I’m sure it is a big undertaking, Al has done such a great job at keeping it going.

Have visited your web site, its great also appreciate the Genealogy list by Generation included in the last News Letter.

Sorry!! None of my family could attend the Big "L" Reunion, we were represented by Edwin & Louise Lounsbury, John and Ann Lounsbury and I believe David and Tina.

My husband (Sheldon L. Lounsbury d. 13 Sept. 1991) line is Richard 1634, Richard II – 1672, Josiah – 1699, Timothy – 1740, Timothy – 1770, Lewis – 1793, Lewis Jr. – 1820 Tioga Center N.Y., John Lewis – 1858 TC, Lewis John – 1903 TC, and Sheldon Lewis – 1927 TC.

Sincerely,

Alice Lounsbury, Sec.

The 77th Annual Lounsbury Reunion August 08, 1998

The 77th Annual Reunion was held at the home of John & Myrtle Whitcomb, 159 So. Hill Rd., Spencer, N.Y. John was attending a conference. Myrtle and family were host for the day.

Rev. Rhonda (Lounsbury) Kouterick asked the blessing, and guests enjoyed the usual delightful pass the dish picnic.

Pres. Edwin Lounsbury opened the business meeting, as the younger folks were off enjoying a "Treasure Hunt", followed by swimming, boating, fishing and fun.

Minutes of 1997, including Treasurer's Report, were read, no corrections noted, reports were accepted.

John Lounsbury, read "50+ years of marriages a Family Tradition" on the children of Joseph & Lena Smith, noting the death of Claude Eccelston, Joseph was the brother of May (Smith) Lounsbury wife of John Lewis Lounsbury

John reported the death of Norman R. Goodrich, son of Walter and Ellen (Goodrich) Lounsbury. (1932 - 1998)

And the death of Jane C. Lounsberry, 77 of Nichols,N.Y. on April 4, 1998, Jane was predeceased by her husband, Stephen M. Lounsberry, Jr.

A letter was received from John B. Lounsbury, son of Raymond Lounsbury, informing us of the death of his father, Raymond Oct. 27, 1997, in San Jose, CA. Both he and his wife Lucille, to be interned near Raymonds parents Lewis Harvy Lounsbury (1860-1932) and Ida (Rude) Lounsbury (1865-1944) at Tioga Cemetery, Town of Tioga. Also, John's wife of 34 yrs Evelyn (Lynne)(Guerin) Lounsbury passed away on Sept.26, 1997. John, hoped to see some at the International "L" Reunion in Greenville, N.Y.

A memorial gift of $10.00 each, to be sent for Norman, Jane, Raymond and Lynne.

Marriages: Rebecca (Lounsbury) Strope to William Ryan, May 23rd, 1998, Rebecca and Bill reside in El Paso, Tx.

Births: None reported

Thanks were received from Jessie (Lounsbury) Learned, for Authur's memorial and her invitation to the reunion, she also sent pictures taken at the reunion, held at the home of Fred Lounsbury on Ellis Creek Rd. Jessie also forwarded the name of a Lounsbury cousin who would like to hear from us. Mrs. Viola Hutson, 227 W. Lewiston, Ferndale, Mich. 48220

A note received from Louise (Lounsbery) DeLong of Trumansberg, N.Y. thanking us for the reunion notice, hoping they could be there.

A motion, was made by Rhonda Kouterich, 2nd by Leah Newbury and carried to donation $15.00 to John Whitcomb for use of the facilities.

Leah Newbury related the availability of a Name Plate for retired ministers, to be afisxed to the grave marker, cost approx. $215.00, this would be appropriate for Rev. Harvey Lounsbury, her great grandfather, who is buried in the Lounsbury Cemetery at Tioga Center. A motion was made by Louise Lounsbury, 2nd by Fred Lounsbury and carried, that Leah proceed with this project, and secure said plate.

The High School Graduation was noted of Hilary Strope, dau of Rebecca (Lounsbury) Strope, granddau. of John & Ann Lounsbury. Hilary plans to attend Texas Tech. University at Lubbock, Tx.

and

Adam L. Lounsbury, son of Fred and Diane Lounsbury, grandson of Sheldon and Alice Lounsbury. Adam will be attending Cornell University, studying Industrial Labor Relations.

A motion to retain the present slate of officers was made by Claudia (Lounsbury) Moody, 2nd by Leah (Barnes) Newbury and carried, 1 ballot was cast by sec.

Pres. Edwin Lounsbury

Vice Pres. John Lounsbury

Sec./Tres. Alice Lounsbury

Thanks to Amy (Lounsbury) Hall for organizing and providing materials for the "Treasure Hunt" a reflection on her memories of Edith Coleman.

Being no further business the meeting was adjourned, much visiting followed.

Respectfully,

Alice M. Lounsbury, Sec./Treas.

Reunions, continued.

ATTENDANCE for Tioga Center Reunion 8/08/98

1. Lewah Newbury 18. Louise G. Lounsbury

2. Randall Barnes 19. Edwin F. Lounsbury

3. Myrtle Barnes 20. Robert A. Moody

4. Richard Barnes 21. Claudia L. Moody

5. Esther M. Guimond 22. Robert A. Moody III

6. Brian McCormich 23. Amy Hall

7. Mary McCormich 24. Taylor Hall

8. Alice Lounsbury 25. Chris Hall

9. Tom Whitcomb 26. Myrtle Whitcomb

10. Emily Whitcomb 27. Mrs. Larry Brink

11. Diane Lounsbury 28. David Lounsbury

12. Fred Lounsbury 29. Tina Collins Lounsbury

13. Ashley Lounsbury 30. Steven Lewis Lounsbury

14. Rhonda Kouterick 31. Ann Lounsbury

15. Lon Kouterick 32. John H. Lounsbury

16. Natalie Kouterick 33. Amanda Brink

17. Emily Kouterick

Publications

 

Londesborough
by David Neave

Albert Lounsbury of Saratoga Springs would like everyone to know that he has thirteen copies of the book "Londesborough" for sale. Al writes:

It is a history of the East Yorkshire Estate Village, written by David Neave, drawings by Neil Thwaites. The book is important to the L family as this is the area where Richard L. came from, and Raymond Lounsbury did much of his research. The sale price [is] $11.00, which will include mailing costs. Anyone interested can request a copy from me at 21 Seward Street, Apt. C-4, Saratoga Springs NY 12866-1116. Make a check payable to me.

Al also included the foreword for this book. It was written by Barbara Ashwin; I have reproduced it here:

It gives me great pleasure to introduce this book about Londesborough, its history and architecture, the people who have lived here, and their activities over the centuries.

The Silver Jubilee Committee felt that the publication of such a book as this would be a permanent reminder of this memorable year. We have been very fortunate that Mr. David Neave has been able to write the book for us, without his expertise, knowledge, and the research he has done, it would never have been published. We are very grateful to him for all the time and work he has freely given to this project.

This has been a big undertaking and I want to thank all those who have helped financially, amongst whom are the Midland Bank, North Humberside CPRE, and many individuals. Their help has been very encouraging.

With the Wolds Way passing through the Park and village, and the designation of Londesborough as a Conservation Area, more visitors are coming. We hope that reading this book will add to their interest and enjoyment. For those who have lived here and have moved away, we hope that it revives happy memories, and for those of us who live here now, a reminder of our heritage in this little corner of the Wolds.

Barbara Ashwin

Londesborough Park
September 1977

Pennoyer Brothers
Lounsbury: Origin, Meaning and Significance
each by Raymond H. Lounsbury

Pennoyer Brothers – Colonization, Commerce, Charity in the Seventeeth Century, contains the following short biography of Mr. Lounsbury:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raymond H. Lounsbury’s career indicates a man of many interests and talents, Receiving a Ph.D. degree from Cornell University in 1929, he has taught Economics at Cornell, Lawrence College, the University of Illinois, Alfred University, Russell Sage College and Dartmouth College. After his retirement as a professor in 1952, he became a dairy farmer and certified seed grower in Bridport, Vermont.

In addition to the above interest, he has become involved in historical, biographical and genealogical research. His interest in the Pennoyer brothers was first aroused when he discovered that he was entitled to the Pennoyer Scholarship at Harvard by right of inheritance.

Mr. Lounsbury is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Sigma Rho; he is former president of the Bridport chapter of the New England Milk Producers Association and a former member of the board of directors of the Champlain Valley Seed Growers Cooperative. He and his wife Lucille, have to children.

Pennoyer Brothers – Colonization, Commerce, Charity in the Seventeenth Century is Mr. Lounsbury’s first published book-length work.

Sadly, Raymond passed away in 1997. This book and the short research booklet Lounsbury: Origin, Meaning and Significance are still available for $20 and $10 respectively (postpaid to US addresses) through Raymond’s son John B. Lounsbury at:

P.O. Box 93
Billings, NY 12510

"Housekeeping"

Subscribing

Thanks for reading the Tree. If you are a subscriber, the status of your subscription has been indicated either on the mailing label used to send this to you or on a note that’s been enclosed with this issue. If you would like to subscribe, the cost is $4.00 for American subscribers, and $5.00 for Canadians (in U.S. funds) to cover the extra postage. Checks may be made payable to Jim Jurista and sent to:

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Contributing

The Lounsbury Tree welcomes all L-related submissions. This includes family histories, stories, birth/death/marriage announcements, reunion reports, genealogical queries, and photographs. Materials can be sent to the address given above for subscribing, or they can be sent via e-mail to LTree@jurista.com.