Until recently I was not even aware of Thomas, older brother of my ancestor Wheeler -- both had migrated from Newport, RI to this small village in Albany County, NY. I learned that Thomas was a lawyer (possibly the first in the village), a land owner and that he died in 1813 at age 43, leaving a wife named Sally and some children. That's about all I knew ... not what he died of, where he was buried, what had drawn him away from Rhode Island. I still don't know all the answers.
However, luckily Thomas, his wife and many other members of their families were members of the local Presbyterian Church headed by Rev Samuel Fuller who kept good records. The local historical society has possession of the Rev's record book which has been transcribed and is held at two libraries in New York State. These records have been the key to unlocking Thomas' story.
Using this document and other resources I have learned that:
- Thomas bought lot 286 in Rensselaerville in 1792
- He was initially living with his younger brothers Rufus and Wheeler
- in 1803 he married Sarah "Sally" Jenkins, daughter of Samuel the area's first settler
- They had 3 sons: John Jenkins, Rufus W and Samuel Squire
- Sally married widower Roger Metcalf in 1818 and moved to his home in Cooperstown, New York where Thomas' older sister Desire and her husband Peleg Peckham were living. She lived until 1852 and died in Geneseo.
Other than knowing that Thomas was a lawyer, a profession followed successfully by son Rufus, I am still searching for information on his life, cause of death and the life of sons John and Samuel. The search continues.
