| Biographical Revew 30
"Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Worcester County, Mass."; Boston Biographical Review Publishing Company; 1889 pages 465, 466 Charles F. HITCHCOCK, the popular merchant of Gilbertville, was born in Brimfield, Hampden County, Mass., on July 3, 1831, son of Abner and Susan (GARDNER) HITCHCOCK. The first representatives of the family in this country were 3 brothers, who came from Ireland, and of these Samuel was the direct ancestor of Charles F. HITCHCOCK. The HITCHCOCK genealogy, which has been published, gives an interesting account of the circumstances leading up to and following their arrival in this country, as well as information concening other of the early members of the family. Jesse HITCHCOCK, grandfather of Charles F., was born in Brimfield, and spent his life in that town, engaged in farming and in shoemaking. The maiden name of his wife was STEBBINS. Abner HITCHCOCK, who was also born in Brimfield, besides carrying on farming and shoemaking, operated a grist and saw mill. During the earlier part of his life he resided in different places. His last years were spent in the town of Ware, where he died on May 3, 1868. He was a member of the Congregational church and for many years a Deacon. In politics he was successively a Whig and a Republican. At one time he represented his town in the legislature. His second wife was before her marriage with him, Nancy B. LAWTON. His first wife, born in Wales, April 15, 1789, who died in Ware on Feb. 27, 1857, was the mother of his 11 children: 1) Calvin, Mar 22, 1817 at Homer, NY 2) Alvan, Sep 17, 1818 in De Ruyter, NY 3) Lavonia, May 4, 1820 in Brimfield, who is now the widow of the late B.C. MOULTON and a resident of Ware. 4) Elizabeth, Sep 18, 1822 5) Susan, Feb 8, 1824; wife of Smith A. HALL 6) Abner D., Feb 26, 1826; resident of Ware now 7) Vashti S., Dec 8, 1827; wife of G. MARSH, of Ware 8) Esther F., twin sister of Vashti, unmarried, living in Ware 9) Elizabeth G., Nov 15, 1829 10) Charles F., subject of this sketch 11) Sarah J., Feb 23, 1834; widow of Chauncy P. HIDE/HYDE, residing in Ware also. 1) Alvan, died April 10, 1893 2) Elizabeth, died Oct 3, 1822 3) Susan, died Jan 2, 1892 4) Elizabeth G., died June 2, 1872 Charles F. HITCHCOCK's youth was spent in different towns, and his schooling was somewhat interrupted by frequent changes of residence. He resided with his parents until about 18 years of age, when he entered the general store of A. & J.H. PETERS at Ware. After remaining there for about a year, he spent 4 years in the capacity of clerk with FIELD, LELAND & Co., of Enfield. Then he returned to Ware and entered the employ of David P. BILLINGS. After working for Mr. BILLINGS for about a year and a half he engaged in agriculture on the farm of his wife's father. This property he subsequently bought, and for the ensuing 9 seasons gave his full attention to general farming. Transcribed by Catherine Livezey |