Family:Whitney, Daniel (1735-1801)

Daniel⁵ Whitney (Daniel⁴, Benjamin³, John², John¹), son of Daniel⁴ and Dorothy (Tainter) Whitney,^[1] was born 7 Dec 1735, Watertown, MA,^[2] baptized 19 Sep 1736, Watertown, MA,^[3] and died [before 16th] Sept 1801, Watertown, MA.^[4]

Daniel married, before 2 Apr 1775, Mary Harrington,^[5] daughter of Master Nathaniel and Mary (Kemball) Harrington.^[6] She was born 18 May 1748, Watertown,^[7] and died [before 16th] Sept 1801, Watertown, MA, aged 53 years.^[8]

He was also known as Dea. Daniel Whitney.

"Whitney, Daniel, Westford. Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood's co., Col. William Prescott's regt. of Minute-men, which marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 5 days; also, Capt. Abijah Wyman's co., Col. William [p.211] Prescott's regt.; muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775; enlisted April 24, 1775; service, 99 days; also, company return dated Cambridge, Oct. 3, 1775; also, order for money in lieu of bounty coat dated Cambridge, Dec. 27, 1775; also, Private, Capt. Zaccheus Wright's co., Col. Brooks's regt.; company return dated Camp at White Plains, Oct. 31, 1776; said Whitney reported as in camp at White Plains and fit for duty; also, Capt. Joshua Parker's co., Col. Robinson's regt.; enlisted July 5, 1777; service to Jan. 1, 1778, at Rhode Island."^[9]

From the Watertown Church records, we have:

"22 Oct 1780, Danl and wife Mary Whitney, adm. full comm."

"Daniel Whitney had had a child baptized in the 'Third Church' by Mr. Robert Sturgeon."

"Deaⁿ Whitney appointed to a committee, 3 Apr 1793."

"Deaⁿ Whitney appointed to a committee, 21 Oct 1799."

"Dea. Daniel Whitney mentioned 17 Mar 1800."

"Estate of Deacon Daniel Whitney mentioned 10 Feb 1802."^[10]

Watertown, MA, quitclaim of Francis S. Hooker, husband of daughter Catharine, mentions sons of deceased, Charles and Israel Whitney. On 3 Dec 1801, Watertown, MA, administration on his estate was granted to Charles Whitney, yeoman, of Watertown, who posted bond with Peter Harrington and Nathaniel Bright, yeomen, both of Watertown, as sureties. On 7 Apr 1802, Watertown, MA, his inventory was taken by Moses Coolidge, Leonard Bond, and Jonathan Brown, and was exhibited. On 10 Dec 1802, Watertown, MA, an administration account was recorded. On 4 May 1804, Watertown, MA, an inventory of his real estate was taken by Moses Coolidge, Leonard Bond, and Francis Bright. On 5 Jul 1804, Watertown, MA, distribution of the estate was made to children: Charles Whitney, Israel Whitney, Catherine, Dorothy, Grace, and Elisha.^[11]

Children of Daniel⁵ and Mary (Harrington) Whitney, all born Watertown, MA:

i.	Mary Kemball6 Whitney, b. 2 Apr 1775;[12] bapt. 5 Nov 1780, Watertown, MA;[13] d. 2 Sep 1801, Watertown, MA;[14] not mentioned in the distribution of her father's estate on 5 Jul 1804.
ii.	Katharine Whitney, b. 21 Feb 1777;[15] bapt. 5 Nov 1780, Watertown, MA;[16] m. (int. 6 Jan 1803, Watertown) 17 Feb 1803, Watertown, MA, Francis Sergeant Hooker,[17] son of John and Tabitha (Serjeant) Hooker.
iii.	Daniel Whitney, b. 8 Nov 1778;[18] bapt. 5 Nov 1780, Watertown, MA;[19] d. 19 Aug 1801, Watertown, MA;[20] not mentioned in the distribution of his father's estate on 5 Jul 1804.
iv.	Charles Whitney, b. 16 Nov 1780;[21] bapt. 26 Nov 1780, Watertown, MA;[22] m. Ruth Chinery.
v.	Israel Whitney, b. 14 Aug 1782;[23] bapt. 25 Aug 1782, Watertown, MA;[24] d. 12 Feb 1849, Marlborough, MA, aged 66 years 5 months 28 days, of rheumatic fever;[25] m.(1) (int. 5 Dec 1807, Watertown, MA) 12 Jan 1808, Watertown, MA, Sally Bernard,[26] daughter of James and Sarah (Fuller) Bernard; m.(2) (int. 29 Apr 1815, Watertown, MA) 8 Jun 1815, Needham, MA, Sally Mills;[27] on 30 Nov 1801, Watertown, MA, Israel Whitney and Dorothy Whitney, minors over 14, chose Nathaniel R. Whitney as guardian.[28]
vi.	Dorothy Whitney, b. 4 Aug 1784;[29] bapt. 12 Sep 1784, Watertown, MA;[30] d. 25 Mar 1818;[31] m. 9 May 1805, Watertown, MA, Nathaniel Bright,[32] b. Mar. 4, 1777;[33] on 30 Nov 1801, Watertown, MA, Israel Whitney and Dorothy Whitney, minors over 14, chose Nathaniel R. Whitney as guardian; in 1804, Watertown, MA; Nathaniel R. Whitney of Watertown was appointed guardian of Dorothy and Grace Whitney, minor children over 14 of Deacon Daniel Whitney of Watertown, deceased, and posted bond, with Edmund Fowle of Watertown and Jonathan Coolidge of Waltham as sureties; at the distribution of this estate on 5 Jul 1804, Nathaniel R. Whitney continued as guardian until she reached 21, her brother having already reached that age.[34] Children:[35] 1. Nathaniel Bright, b. 13 Mar 1806; d. 27 Jul 1828. 2. Samuel Bright, b. 7 Jan 1808; m. Elizabeth Bright. 2. William Bright, b. 29 Dec 1810; d. 7 Dec 1840. 2. Jonathan Brown Bright, b. 12 Feb 1816; m. Maria G. Harding; res. Cambridgeport, MA.
vii.	Grace Whitney, b. 6 Jan 1789;[36] bapt. 25 Jan 1789, Watertown, MA;[37] m. (int. 5 Dec 1807, Watertown, MA) 14 Jan 1808, Watertown, MA, Samuel Cook;[38] on 30 Nov 1801, Watertown, MA, Grace Whitney, aged 12, and Elisha Whitney, aged 9, requested Nathaniel R. Whitney be appointed their guardian; in 1804, Watertown, MA, Nathaniel R. Whitney of Watertown was appointed guardian of Dorothy and Grace Whitney, minor children over 14 of Deacon Daniel Whitney of Watertown, deceased, and posted bond, with Edmund Fowle of Watertown and Jonathan Coolidge of Waltham as sureties; on 4 May 1804, Watertown, MA, Grace Whitney, minor over 14, chose Nathaniel R. Whitney as her guardian.[39]
viii.	Elisha Whitney, b. 21 Jul 1792;[40] bapt. 29 Jul 1792, Watertown, MA,[41] m. (int. 17 Dec 1815, Watertown, MA) 9 Jan 1816, Watertown, MA, Charlotte Williams;[42] on 30 Nov 1801, Watertown, MA, Grace Whitney, aged 12, and Elisha Whitney, aged 9, requested Nathaniel R. Whitney be appointed their guardian; on 4 May 1804, Watertown, MA, certificate of minor's nomination of Nathaniel R. Whitney as guardian was recorded; on 4 May 1804, Watertown, MA, Nathaniel R. Whitney was named guardian of Elisha Whitney, minor under 14, son of Deacon Daniel Whitney, deceased.[43]

Census

• 1790, Watertown, Middlesex Co., MA: Dan^l Whitney, 2 males over 16, 3 males 0-15, and 6 females.
• 1800, Watertown, Middlesex Co., MA: Daniel Whitney, 1 male over 45, 2 males 16-25, 1 male 0-9, 2 females over 45, 2 females 16-25, and 2 females 10-15.

References

1.^  His parentage is proven by his birth and baptism records.

2.^  "Daniel Whitney, s. Daniel & Dorothy Whitney, b. 7 Dec 1735," according to [[Archive:Watertown, Massachusetts, Vital Records#Volume 3|Watertown Records, Comprising the Fourth Book of Town Proceedings and the Second Book of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, from 1738 to 1822 (Watertown, MA: Historical Society, c19030, p. 116.

3.^  "19 Sep 1736, Simon, Daniel, Joanna, Abigail, Mary, Dorothy, ch. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 142.

4.^  The New-York Gazette and General Advertiser, 12 Oct 1801, Volume XV, Issue 4927, Page [3]: "DIED at Watertown, deacon Daniel Whitney; in the course of four weeks, death has taken from this truly afflicted family, a father, a mother, eldest son and sister, and there now remains dangerously ill another son and daughter." The Mercury and New-England Palladium, 29 Sep 1801, Volume XVIII, Issue 26, Page [3]: "At Watertown, Deacon Daniel Whitney – Death! What wilt thou more? Within four weeks hast thou not taken father, mother, eldest son, and sister, and hast now almost elapsed in thy cold arms another son and daughter? Yes thou hast affailed every branch of this afflicted family – Gracious God have mercy on the afflicted. Ye feeling and compassionate, pass not unmoved by distress like this. Where once was peace and happiness is now sorrow and distress. Where once was heard the industrious hum of the wheel and shuttle is now the groans of expiring life. Dry up your tears ye that have ailed only common woe, for this family alone know real sorrow. They have drank even the dregs of affliction."

5.^  The date is based on the birth of their oldest child. Her name is from Frederick Clifton Pierce, The Descendants of John Whitney, Who Came from London, England, to Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1635, (Chicago: 1895), p. 77.

6.^  Her parentage is placed thus due to naming her oldest daughter Mary Kemball Whitney, after her putative mother, Mary (Kemball) Harrington, together with her age at death agreeing with her birth record. This is in spite of Bond, who claims that Mary Harrington married, 6 Oct 1773, John Stimson.

7.^  Henry Bond, Genealogies of the Families and Descendants of the Early Settlers of Watertown, Massachusetts, Including Waltham and Weston; to Which is Appended the Early History of the Town. With Illustrations, Maps, and Notes. Volume I, Genealogies (2nd ed., 1860), p. 280.

8.^  The Mercury and New-England Palladium, 25 Sep 1801, Volume XVIII, Issue 25, Page [2]: "Died - At Watertown, Mrs. Mary Whitney, Age 53. consort of Dea Daniel Whitney, whose eldest son died on the 19th of Aug and his eldest daughter of the 20 (inst.)"; and Western Star, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 10 Oct 1801, Volume XII, Issue 47, Page [4]: "Deaths: At Watertown, Mrs Mary Whitney, ae. 53, wife of Deacon Daniel W."

9.^  Secretary of the Commonwealth, Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution, 17 volumes (Boston: Wright and Potter Printing Co., 1896-), vol. 17, p. 211. Also appearing there, and possibly pertinent, is this: "Whitney, Daniel. Private, Capt. Samuel Barnard's co. of militia, Col. Thomas Gardner's regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 6 days; roll endorsed "Watertown;" also, Capt. Phineas Stearns's co.; service, 5 days; company marched from Watertown by order of Gen. Washington to reinforce army at the time of taking Dorchester Heights in March, 1776; also, receipt dated Watertown, July 17, 1776, for bounties paid said Whitney and others by Jonathan Brown, Town Treasurer, for enlisting "as Soldiers in the Defence of this Country."

10.^  Watertown Records, p. 113, 116, 118, 186.

11.^  Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records, file #24,623.

12.^  "Mary Kemball Whitney, d. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 2 Apr 1775," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

13.^  "5 Nov 1780, Mary Kimbal, Katherine, and Daniel, ch. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 169.

14.^  The Mercury and New-England Palladium, 4 Sep 1801, Volume: XVIII, Issue: 19, Page, [3]: "DIED At Watertown, 2d of Sept. 1801, Miss Mary Kimball Whitney, oldest daughter of Deacon Daniel Whiney, aged 26 years. [The eldest son of deacon Whitney, died on the 19th ult]".

15.^  "Katharine Whitney, d. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 21 Feb 1777," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

16.^  "5 Nov 1780, Mary Kimbal, Katherine, and Daniel, ch. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 169.

17.^  "Francis S. Hooker and of Rutland Catharine Whitney of Watertown, int. 6 Jan 1803", and "Francis S. Hooker of Rutland and Catharine Whitney of Watertown, m. 17 Feb 1803", according to Archive:Watertown, Massachusetts, Vital Records#Volume 3|Watertown Records]], pp. 230, 196.

18.^  "Daniel Whitney, s. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 8 Nov 1778," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

19.^  "5 Nov 1780, Mary Kimbal, Katherine, and Daniel, ch. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 169.

20.^  The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser, from Monday, 17 Aug 1801, to Thursday, 20 Aug 1801, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2128, Page [3]: "Death Notices: At Watertown, suddenly yesterday, Mr Daniel Whitney Jun. age 23, eldest son of Deacon Daniel W. - His funeral will proceed from his father's this day, at 4 o'clock P.M., at which time the friends and connections of the family are requested to attend, without further invitation." Also The Mercury and New-England Palladium, 25 Aug 1801, Volume XVIII, Issue 16, Page [3]: "DIED At Watertown, suddenly on the 19th ins. Mr. Daniel Whitney AEt 23 years, oldest son of Deacon Daniel Whitney of that place. His deportment endeared to all his friends and acquaintance. The prudence, stability and vial aflection which marked his youthful life, happily qualified him to make the declining years of his fond parents both easy and happy ; but he who views not with human eyes, has undoubtedly taken him to supply a vacancy in a higher sphere, where he could be more useful than here on earth. On the 21st his remains were committed to the silent grave, attended by almost all the inhabitants of the town."

21.^  "Charls Whitney, s. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 16 Nov 1780," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

22.^  "26 Nov 1780, Charles, s. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 169.

23.^  "Israel Whitney, s. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 14 Aug 1782," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

24.^  "25 Aug 1782, Israel, s. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 170.

25.^  Israel Whitney, married, farmer, died 12 Feb 1849, Marlborough, MA, aged 66 years 5 months 28 days, of rheumatic fever, according to: Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841–1910. From original records held by the Massachusetts Archives, volume 40, page 250. Online database: NewEnglandAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2004; and also Franklin P. Rice, ed., Vital Records of Marlborough, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849 (1908), p. 399.

26.^  "Israel Whitney and Sally Bernard, b. of Watertown, int. 5 Dec 1807," and "Israel Whitney and Sally Barnard, b. of Watertown, m. 12 Jan 1808," according to Watertown Records, pp. 233 and 199.

27.^  "Israel Whitney of Watertown and Sally Mills of Needham, int. 29 Apr 1815," according to Watertown Records, p. 239; "Israel [Whitney], of Watertown, and Sally Mills, [married] June 8, 1815," according to Town of Needham, "Vital Records of Needham, Massachusetts," unpublished.

28.^  Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records, file #24,626.

29.^  "Dorothy Whitney, d. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 4 Aug 1784," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

30.^  "12 Sep 1784, Dorothy, d. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 171.

31.^  Pierce, loc. cit.

32.^  "Nathaniel Bright and Dorothy Whitney, b. of Watertown, m. 9 May 1805," according to Watertown Records, p. 197.

33.^  Pierce, loc. cit.

34.^  Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records, file #24,626.

35.^  Pierce, loc. cit.

36.^  "Grace Whitney, d. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 6 Jan 1789," according to Watertown Records, p. 175.

37.^  "25 Jan 1789, Grace, d. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 173.

38.^  "Samuel Cook and Grace Whitney, b. of Watertown, int. 5 Dec 1807," and "Samuel Cook and Grace Whitney, b. of Watertown, m. 14 Jan 1808," according to Watertown Records, pp. 233 and 199.

39.^  Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records, file #24,626.

40.^  "Elisha Whitney, s. Daniel & Mary Whitney, b. 21 Jul 1792," according to Watertown Records, p. 179.

41.^  "29 Jul 1792, Elisha, s. of Daniel Whitney, bapt.," according to Watertown Records, p. 174.

42.^  "Elisha Whitney and Charlotte Williams, b. of Watertown, int. 17 Dec 1815," and "Elisha Whitney and Charlotte Williams, b. of Watertown, m. 9 Jan 1816," according to Watertown Records, p. 239 and 210.

43.^  Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records, file #24,626.

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