Rachel Comstock

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Quaker

Notes:

She married Thomas Barwick, son of Thomas Barwick and Helen Bols, from Lake Ponchartrain, Louisiana, on 16 February 1795 in St.Martinville.
SLR: Comstock, Rachel - "secta Quietista" [the Quietist or the Quakers sect], of Boston, in the United States (William Crumstuk & Rachel Edward) m 16 Feb 1795 Thomas Barwick - Presbyterian (Thomas & Helen Bols) Wits: John Merriman, Joseph Matthee, Joseph Berwick. Fr. Pedro de Zamora (Opel. Ch: v.1-A, p 55)
(Opel. Ch. v. 1, p 55 & 1- supp. #1)

1816 resident of Plaquemine Brulee

Rachel married Thomas Berwick, III on 16 Feb 1795 in St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. Thomas (son of Thomas Berwick, (immigrant) and Eleanore Helena Brigitta Wallace (or Walles)) was born on 8 Jan 1771 in Lake Ponchartrain, Louisiana; died on 12 Oct 1846 in Louisiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
The marriage took place in what would eventually be Lousiana after 1803.
St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, LA
Marriages
vol. 1-A 201; vol. 1-A page 55 [Church source]

February 16, 1795
groom: Thomas Berwick (a Presbyterian)
bride: Rachel Comstock (a Quaker from Boston)
groom's parents: Thomas Berwick & Helen Bols
bride's parents: William Crumstuk & Rachel Edward
witnesses: John Merriman, Joseph Matthee, Joseph Berwick
Fr. Pedro de Zamora

Southwest Louisiana records: church and civil records (1750-1900), Complete Revision, Rev. Donald J Hébert, 1974



In another place, the marriage is recorded as Raquel of Boston [William & Raquel Edward de secto quienisto] married 16 Feb 1795 to Thomas Barwick, Presbyterian.

1. Thomas Berwick was born on 14 Jan 1797 in St.Martin Parish, Louisiana; died after 1816.
2. William Berwick was born on 6 Jan 1799 in St.Martin Parish, Louisiana; died after 1816.
3. Marie Zilpha Berwick was born on 22 Jul 1802 in Atacapas Post, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana; died on 12 Jun 1843 in Jefferson Co, Texas.
4. Delphine Berwick was born on 22 Jul 1802 in St.Martin Parish, Louisiana; died after 1803.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Property: 26 Feb 1770, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Property: 21 Aug 1770, East Hoosuck, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Property: 5 Feb 1773, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Residence: Abt 1776, Hopewell Co, Virginia
• Residence: Bef 1777, Boston, Nelson Co, Kentucky; Amiee born
• Residence: 11 Jun 1786, Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
• Residence: Between 1787 and 1790, Louisiana
• Research Notes: 1998, Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana

Notes:

Posted to St.Landry Parish
He married, 2/21/1765, Rachel Aldrich.

Guillaume of N.E. m Rachel Allredge of N.E. (SM ch)
Alredge, Rachel m Guillaume Cumstock (SM ch)

William and Rachel are firmly placed in RI for several generations up until Rev.War. They then "went west" as did many others.

William Comstock went to Hopewell, Va. and from there to Kentucky (by 1787 when Miriam was born ?? she seems to have married in 1787).

They were associated with the Harned family in Nelson Co., KY. See the "Harned Family of KY." by Arthur L. Keith, in he Kentucky State History. Soc. Register, Vol 29, No. 87.

It is not known when William Comstock came to Louisiana. Daughter Esther was baptised in St. Landry Church at Opelouses 11 June 1786.


_______________
(from email from Dee8514@aol.com)
Children:
Samuel Oliver, b. Smithfield, R.I. about 1768
Miriam, M. Nelson Co., Ky., 12/19/1787, William Harned.
Deborah, died 1829; m. Enos Harned
(There were other children, but no names in my book)

Source: A History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America" by Dr. John A. Comstock, pg 59.

I have William's ancesters if you want.
Dee8514@aol.com



Property:
On 2/26/1770, William Comstock of Smithfield, R.I., and Rachel his wife deed his homestead farm of 100 acres on the Oxford Road to Gideon Mowry.

Property:
Aug. 21, 1770, Emily Johnson of East Hoosuck deeds William Comstock of E. Hoosuck 100 acres.

Property:
2/5/1773, William and wife Rachel give deed to Eleazer Brown, 100 acres for 414 lbs. Nathan Comstock a witness.

Residence:
daughter Hester/Ester was baptized on this date in Opelousas, then Louisiana Territory (not a state until 1803) at the age of about 15.


Residence:
determined by daughter Miriam m in Nelson Co, KY in 1787 and dau Esther m in Louisiana in 1790.


Research Notes:
Reply-to: algravois@mobiletel.com
To: lumoto@aol.com

Hi,
Am searching for a William Comstock who was the father of Rosalie Marianne Comstock in the early 1800's. Rosalie is listed in Father Hebert's books as being from New Orleans but married Ursin Augustin Aucoin in 1840 in Thibodaux. She lateried Jean Charles Naquin in
Terrebonne Parish. Comstock is not a common name in those areas, although there is a small family group in lower Terrebonne Parish. I cannot find out anything about William. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Patty Whitney Gravois.
___________
From: algravois@mobiletel.com (Albert Gravois)
Reply-to: algravois@mobiletel.com
To: Lumoto@aol.com (Lumoto@aol.com)

Hi Sherry,
I found a Comstock family in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and see that a William Comstock of New Orleans (maybe my William, father of Rosalie Marie Anne Comstock) was buried in Donaldsonville, Ascension Parish. I was wondering if you recoge any of the names below because
these are names associated with the Ascension Parish Comstocks.
Jean Comstock m. Rosalie Anne McMerrimon
Elizabeth Emilie m. Emile Bourgeois
Adelaide Louise
Jean Comstock
Philippe Edouard Comstock
John Louis Comstock m. Victoire Hortense Terrio
(this John was a sheriff of Ascension Parish shortly before the Civil War?
Marie Clothilde Comstock m. Elphage Capbern
Joseph Henri Comstock
Marie Regina Comstock
Marie Aimee Comstock m. Henry Nores
Marie Mathilde Comstock m. John S. Mavor
Marie Camilla Comstock
John Louis Comstock m. Marie Zulmee Landry
Andre Albert Comstock m. Estelle Marie Hatkinson
Joseph Arthur Comstock
William Comstock b. 25 October 1840
Miriam Helenam Comstock
Philippe Edouard Comstock
Bernard Albert Comstock
Whitney Albert Comstock
Andrew Albert Comstock

Names of Witnesses on various documents:
Bernard Davis, Emile Buquoi, Anna Comstock, Adele Hatkinson, Frederic Francis Duffel, Clemence Duffel, Gustave Israel, Adele Mollere, Jean Baptiste Terio, Emelie Comstock, Francoise Irma Terio, Narcisse Teriot, Adelaide Comstock, Andrew Gingry, Aristide Teriot, Marie Amilie Teriot,Robert Scot, Carmelite LeBlanc, William V. Comstock, Luce Landry, Henry Archinard, Evelina Pujos, L.S. Richard, P. Pourcine, Gerade Comes, C. Boglioli, Caroline Nee, Rev. L.P. Landry, Anne Braud, Olympe Braud,
Henry Nores, Emilie Buquoi, Joseph Baselack, Marie Emilie Guilbaut, Emile Bourgeois, Pierre Dufour, Adelaide Tolliere, Edouard White, Emilie Constance Dumond.

Arthur Comstock and Philip Comstock were members of the Donaldsonville Cannoneers during the Civil War, along with Evariste Aucoin, which is the name of one of the sons of Rosalie Comstock m. Ursin Aucoin.

If any of these names ring a bell with you, I would sure appreciate hearing from you. Thanks, Patty Whitney Gravois.
---------------
Reply-to: algravois@mobiletel.com
To: Lumoto@aol.com (Lumoto@aol.com)

Sherry,
Hi. Just wanted to let you know that I went to the Ascension Parish Courthouse today and found some records on the Comstocks who lived in Ascension. Sadly, most of the documents are in French (and written very, very small). I can make out e of it, but I'll need to get help with the entire documents.
I have found that most of the witnesses on these documents that I told you about were the "elite" of Donaldsonville. They were the people who ran the show, so to speak. John Louis Comstock Sr. listed himself on his marriage record as being fm New Orleans. Also, there is a William V. Comstock listed as a witness.
I have been in touch with the JOHNLYONS group at Rootsweb, who will probably be very helpful in our search for the Merriman connection. I've had some contacts through them who have shown interest and knowledge.
I'll get back with you when I find out more.
Patty.

_______________
From: algravois@mobiletel.com (Albert Gravois)
Reply-to: algravois@mobiletel.com
To: Lumoto@aol.com

Sherry,
New information on the Ascension Parish Comstocks. They definitely were related to a William V. Comstock, as he appears several times in documents associated with them. I was contacted by someone who is researching confederate naval officernd wanted info on William Van
Renaulme Comstock and John H. Comstock of New Orleans. The
Donaldsonville Comstocks definitely had an "in" in New Orleans because several of the children were married in New Orleans.
I think I have found out why this particular Comstock family left the area! John Louis Comstock, Jr. who married Zulmee Landry was interdicted a few years after the Civil War and spent the rest of his life in an insane asylum in New Orleans.dward Comstock (who I think
may be Philippe Edward) was also interdicted after the Civil War. In 1802 Zulmee Landry Comstock applied to the court for permission to sell land which she owned as separate property and stated that she needed a court order because her husband had been placed in an asylum for thirty
years. I also have copies of the orders placing both John and Edward into state custody. Edward went to Jackson.
It seems they were a well respected family because the people of the area took care of the children afterwards. Joseph St. Martin became their tutor under the succession proceedings of John Sr. Most of the witnesses on the documents, as I st to you, were the "in crowd" of
Ascension and Assumption Parishes, as I think I told you. There were judges, legislators, plantation owners, etc.
I'll keep you posted as I find new info. I think we have really discovered MY William. Now if I can just prove it. See ya, Patty.

___________________
Date: 9/2/98 9:22:31 PM Central Daylight Time
From: algravois@mobiletel.com (Albert Gravois)
Reply-to: algravois@mobiletel.com
To: Lumoto@aol.com (Lumoto@aol.com)

Hi Sherry,
I think the wife of the guy in our local group is descended from Hester (Ester), if I recall what he told me correctly. I'll let you know for sure when I talk back with him.
I'm lucky for all of this treasure hunting. I was born and raised in Terrebonne Parish (Houma). I live in Lafourche Parish (Thibodaux). And I work in St. James (Convent), Ascension (Donaldsonville and Gonzales),
and Assumption (Napoleonville) Parishes. As a district court reporter, I work in all of these courthouses so it's a snap to run downstairs on my lunch hour and look up stuff. That's why I was so excited when I realized my stubborn little Comstock line was linked to Ascension
Parish.
Also, I'm a member of the Terrebonne Parish Genealogical Society,which is really well promoted and helpful. The genealogy section of the Terrebonne Parish Library is quite extensive. And, they just had a new
tax passed, so they will be adding lots of new stuff to it! They're asking for people to recommend what books they would like bought for the library. That's only 15 minutes away from my house.
Also, Thibodaux, where I live, has Nicholls State University, which has a wonderful section on genealogy and local history. They have archives on most of the local people/events/history from the southern section of the state.
Also, Thibodaux is the home of the Diocesan Archives for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, the repository of all of these old records from Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes.
I've only been hooked on genealogy for about three or four months, so I still don't know how to look up the really good stuff yet, but I'm learning. Sadly, I do have to work for a living, so my time is limited. I would rather do this 24 hs a day.
Oh, by the way, I would love to see some connection to Edward Douglas White in my line, even if it's not direct. The reason? My oldest son just graduated from and my middle son is a sophomore at, you guessed it,
Edward Douglas White Catholic High School here in Thibodaux. That would be a real kicker.
Okay. Catch you later. Patty.

William* married Rachel* Aldrich on 21 Feb 1765 in Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island. Rachel* (daughter of Peter* Aldrich and Miriam* Ray (Rea)) was born on 10 Jan 1742 in Mendon, Worcester Co, Massachusetts; died in 1810 in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Quaker

Notes:

children baptized after they came to Louisiana:
1st 3 children, Samuel, Miriam, and Deborah, did not go to Louisiana
Hester/Ester b abt 1771 bt 11 Jun 1786 age abt 15
Amelia b 10 Mar 1775 bt 25 Jul 1789 age 14

Other Events and Attributes:

• Other-Begin: 1731, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Property: 30 Mar 1731, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: Between 1735 and 1754, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Residence: 1747, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 8 Dec 1747, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Will: 26 Jul 1771, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island

Notes:

Date of death might be 8/27/1771. He was a councilman of Smithfield, RI in 1735, 1736, and 1754. He was a deputy from Smithfield in 1743 and 1746. On 10/9/1731, a road in Smithfield was laid out, David Comstock being the constable. He performed marriages as Justice, 1738 to 1749.
David Comstock's will of July 26, 1771, probated 9/16/1771, provided that his wife and sons Samuel, Nathan & Geoge should be guardians of son Benjamin for his life. Legacies of 30 pounds each to four other children, namely: William, Farnum,borah Arnold and Ann Ballou.
William Gibbs Comstock states: It appears that David Comstock occupied his father Samuel's homestead at the northeast corner of the village. It is perhaps 60 rods easterly from the Branch bridge, southerly from David's some 60 rods is the hstead of his grandfather, Capt Samuel (1654-1727). David's son George Comstock, a Quaker, succeeded to the occupancy of David's home, and after George, it passed into the hands of Nathan C. Aldrich.
David, Jan 20, 1767, deeded to his son Nathan half his homestead, consideration, 300 pounds.
__
Resided Smithfield, RI occupying his father, Samuel's, homestead. The house passed from David to his son, George (a Quaker), then to Nathan C. Aldrich.

Land transactions:
1770, of Smithfield


1. The History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America, 1949, John Adams Comstock


Other-Begin:
David Comstock was chosen the first constable of the new township of Smithfield at the first town meeting in 1731; his brother (uncle?) Hazadiah was one of the first fence viewers. History of Smithfield, RI by Thomas Steere, c 1881, p.24

Property:
Smithfield RI, DB 1, p.16-17 30 Mar 1731 David Comstock to Joseph Cook. 31 acres on the NW side of the Branch River where it empties into the Pawtucket [Blackstone] River. Signed: David Comstock. William Comstock [probably his brother] was one of the witnesses. Acknowledged by David Comstock on 27 Apr 1733.
On 28 Mar 1733, Joseph Cook, sold this same 31 acres to Daniel Comstock, stating that the land was formerly laid out to Samuel Comstock on 18 May 1716 - this could be either David's father or his grandfather as they both died in 1727.

Other-Begin:
David was a Councilman of Smithfield in 1735, 1736 and 1754. He was a deputy in 1743 & 1746. He preformed marriages as Justice from 1738 to 1749.

Residence:
1747 David Comstock, Esq. was on a list of freemen in Smithfield

Other-Begin:
Grandmother Elizabeth Comstock's will

Will:
Will in Smithfield. Dated 26 Jul 1771 and proved on 16 Sep 1771. Wife Deborah. Son Benjamin to be cared for. Sons Samuel, Nathan, George & William. Daughters Sarah Farnum, Deborah Arnold, Anne Ballue. Wit: Jacob Arnold, Caleb Arnold, Enoch Sprague, Thomas Steere.

David* married Deborah* Brown on 23 Aug 1730 in Providence Co, Rhode Island. Deborah* (daughter of Joseph* Brown and Sarah* Pray) was born on 10 Feb 1706 in Westerly, Washington Co, Rhode Island; died on 2 Feb 1764 in Rhode Island. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lori London states names and birthdates of these eight children listed in "The George Aldrich Genealogy" by Alvin James Aldrich, 1971.

Died:
His father's will, dated 18 Mar 1758 stated:
Item--I Give and Bequeath to the Children of my 3rd Son Peter Aldrich Deceased on Shilling Lawful money apiece to be paid to them out of my sd Estate by my Executor as they shall come of age.

Peter* married Miriam* Ray (Rea) on 20 Nov 1738 in Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island. Miriam* (daughter of Samuel* B. Ray (Rea), Jr and Miriam* Smith) was born on 9 Apr 1712 in Wrentham, Norfolk Co, Massachusetts ; died after 1743. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Quaker
• Other-Begin: 14 May 1707, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 2 Oct 1708, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Residence: 16 Jun 1713, Woonsocket, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 14 Feb 1716, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 23 Apr 1716, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 28 Jan 1717, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 27 Jan 1718, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 31 Mar 1718, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 1 Aug 1718, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 15 Sep 1718, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 2 Nov 1723, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Other-Begin: 1 Jun 1724, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Property: 27 Feb 1727, Woonsocket, Providence Co, Rhode Island
• Will: 1 Apr 1727, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island

Notes:

Samuel Comstock was a Quaker and resided in Smithfield, RI.

May 14, 1707 had 14 shillings and chattels taken from him as a fine for not training (Quaker).

Will April 1, 1727, Proved April 13, 1727, bequests to wife, Anne, to his children, Sarah Aldrich, David and Anne Comstock. Inventory 319 pounds, 19s, 3d.

Samuel Comstock mentioned in record of the Greenwich monthly meetings between 1705 and 1717. The 3rd month, 1706, Friends from Providence present their sufferings and Samuel Comstock and Edward Bass are appointed to attend to same.

February 27, 1727 Samuel Comstock deeds to Samuel Jr. Comstock 100 acres 'on both sides of a river that runs out of a cedar swamp known as Wansocutt (Woonsocket) cedar Swamp, besides that on which son Samuel now resides.

1. The History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America, 1949, John Adams Comstock


__________________
(Vol. 1 #3207)
The Comstock Lode and Henry Tompkins Paige Comstock--The Comstock Family

In the history of silver mining there is probably no area in the world more celebrated than the Comstock Lode.
This rich vein of combined silver and gold, located in Storey County Nevada, produced three hundred and fory million dollars in silver during the thirty year perion of 1860 to 1890. In its peak year of 1877 alone, it yielded thirty eight mn dollars.
The story of its discovery and development is a fascinating saga of the early west told again in three recently published and widely circulated books. The first, and most important, is a reprint of the classic account published by "Dan De e" in 1875 "History of the Big Bonanza." Dan De Quille was the nom de plume of William Wright, staff writer for the Birginia City "Enterprise," and the one best qualified to record the story. Unfortunately his book had very little sale, and is now a scarce item. The reprint, published by Alfred A. Knopf, and edited by Oscar Lewis and Robert Glass Cleland, is titled "The Big Bonanza," and makes this valuable source material generally available.
As a readily accessible historic account, George D. Lyman's "Saga of the Comstock Lode," issued in 1946 by Charles Scribner's Sons, is the book of next improtance.
The third work is C.B. Glasscock's book, "The Big Bonanza," published by Binfords and Mort in 1931.
All three of these works give in detail accounts of the discovery and early development of the Lode when Henry Tompkins Paige Comstock was there. They all agree concerning his eccentricities and peculiar quirks of character. He is pictus an illiterate prospector given to much boasting, with a vivid imagination that had little regard fro factis. He was said to possess streaks of kindliness and impractical generosity, but these were interspersed with volatile outbursts. An account of Comstock's activities prior to his appearance in the Washoe mining district of Nevada, and of his later experiences after leaving Virginia City is not recorded. In Chapter X of Dan De Quille's book, there is a letter written by H.T.P. Comstock in which he recounts his wanderings and various activities, It was written from Butte City, Montana, when he was nearly fifty years of age, and is so full of obvious errors and bombastic imaginings as to be utterly worthless from the standpoint of history. It does, however, give a few clues as to his earlier and later activities, some of which have been in part confirmed from authentic sources. In this letter he gives his full name as Henry Thomas Paige Comstock. Perhaps he purposely substituted Thomas for Tompkins; but it is likely that he forgot he had been given his mother's family name.
Henry Tompkins Paige Comstock was born in Trenton, Ontario, Canada, in the year 1820. His father was Noah Bird Comstock who is listed as the head of Family 723 in this genealogy. His mother was Catherine Tompkins, daughter of Stephen Tom, Jr, of Watertown, NJ.
Contrary to statements usually made, he came of good stock on both sides of the family. His father was in the lumber and hotel business, and had moved in early life to Cooperstown, NY. Later he went to Ontario, Canada, then to Cleveland,, and finally to Blissfield, Michigan.
Henry was the fifth in a family of twelve children. Apparently he had a profound distaste for learning. It was stated by his friend and partner, Emanuel Penrod, that he could not read nor write.
At a very early age he was bound out to the American Fur Company and according to his statement "trapped all over Canada, Michigan, and Indiana." It is claimed that he served in the Black Hawk War, but if so, he must have been about the yot recruit. He was only twelve years of age when Chief Black Hawk surrendered. He served in the Mexican War, and according to his statement, "... all through the Patriot War in Canada."
The drift of the American forty niners into California found him in the gold country, where he probably prospected for a time without success, as the next reference to him is as a herder, driving a large band of sheep into the Carson Valleye Piute Indians got most of his sheep and left him destitute; but the Mormon pioneers of the district took him in, and eventually he became one of the band of rough and ready prospectors who were washing gold in the stream beds of the area. Most of these men knew more about "tarantula juice" (wiskey) and faro than they did about mineralogy.
There were, however, two young easterners, Allen and Hosea Grosch, in the district who were competent mineralogists. They had come from Utica, NY, where their father, A.B. Grosch, was a Univeralist clergyman. In the fall of 1855, they discd an outcropping on the slopes of Mt. Davidson, which yielded a bluish ore testing high in silver. They kept their discovery secret from all but their father, and endeavored to raise capital for the development of their claim. Failing in this, they worked in the gold diggings in the hope of obtaining enough of the yellow metal to start their larger project.
Hosea Grosch injured his foot, and died of tetanus in 1857. In an effort to raise funds, Allen and an associate, Richard Burke, decided to take samples of their ore and maps of their claim to California. Henry T.P. Comstock was left in e of the Gorsch cabin wherein were housed their various effects, including a locked chest full of ore samples, charts, and documents.
Gorsch and Burke began their trek over the Sierran trails but were trapped by the December storms. After incredible hardships and the loss of all their equipment they were finally rescued more dead than alive by miners from Last Chance, r County. Their feet and hands were frozen, and gangrene soon set in. There was no surgeon in camp, and the miners felt that only an amputation would save their lives. The operation was performed by men who were skilled in the use of pick and shovel. Allen Grosch died on December 19, 1857. And so the two brothers who were the real discoverers of the Comstock Lode were gone. Richard Burke lived; and after his recovery returned to his native Canada.
When Henry T.P. Comstock learned of Allen Grosch's death, he decided that it was his right to examine the contents of the locked chest in their cabin. In fact, from that time on, he claimed that the cabin was his personal property. When test was opened and found to contain only samples of ores with to him unintelligible charts and documents, Comstock flew into a rage, and destroyed everything that seemed to have any bearing on the Grosch brothers.
All that he could understand was that the peculiar blue ore had been found by the brothers somewhere on Mt. Davidson, presumably not far from the cabin, and that it was rich in gold. He had no inkling that it was almost pure sulfide of s. Thereafter Comstock spent much time in visiting the various diggings of the local miners and prospectors, in search of that particular blue ore.
On January 28, 1859 four miners working on a sight at Gold Hill uncovered some bluish rock which yielded considerable gold. Comstock heard of the strike, and immediately looked them up. He was convinced that they had found the blue stuff d been seeking, and tried to talk himself into a partnership on the basis of some shady rights that he claimed to have on the area. The miners were nort convinced; but a portion of the site next to the discovery was unclaimed and Comstock filed on what remained.
The four miners who had located on the Gold Hill outcropping were James Fennimore, known as "Old Virginny"; John Bishop, known as "Big French John"; Aleck Henderson, and Jack Yount. They had actually uncovered one end of the Lode, but not ain vein which had previously been found by the Grosch brothers.
In working the Gold Hill deposits, Comstock and the other miners had great difficulty in separating the gold from the "blue stuff," and spent much energy in loudly cursing it as they discarded great quanities of silver salts worth many time value of the gold recovered.
One June evening, Comstock learned that two prospectors named Pete O'Riley and Pat McLaughlin were mining in Spanish ravine near a spring where he had previously staked off a claim for grazing purposes. Full of "sound and fury" he straightid himself over the the diggings. There were Pete and Pat, making their last cleanup for the day, with a mound of gold beside them. There was the real bluish ore.
Comstock stormed and threatened, and finally talked himself and his partner, "Manny" Penrod into an interest in the claim. He also wrangled an additional hundred feet for himself on the basis of his water rights.
The claims thus staked out developed later into the famous Ophir and Mexican Mines which yielded millions of dollars in silver. To the ignorant men who found them, men interested only in gold and cursing the "blue stuff" that clogged theirers, they brought only a pittance. Pat McLaughlin sold his interest for three thousand, five hundred dollars. Emanual Penrod let his go for eight thousand, five hundred dollars. Pete O'Riley held on longer than the others, and finally sold out for forty thousand dollars, and eventually died an insane pauper. Comstock traded an old blind horse and abottle of whiskey for a one tenth share owned by "Old Virginny," (James F. Cooper) but later sold all of his holdings to Judge James Walsh of Grass Valley for eleven thousand dollars and lost it all trying to run a store in Carson City. All of the original locators of the Lode died in poverty.
O'Riley and McLaughlin are generally credited with the discovery, on June 12, 1859, of the famous Lode. Actually theirs was a redicovery of the Grosh brothers' lost claim. "Old Virginny" and his associates would with equal right, be crediith the prior discovery on January 28, 1859, since their claims were located at one end of the vein.
Comstock's daydreaming of his wealth, and loud boasting of his exploits kept him so busy that he had no time to bake sour dough bread as did most of the miners. He therefore made pancakes, and became so adept at tossing them that he camee known in the diggings as "Old Pancake."
He talked so loud and long of "his mine" that the people of the district began calling it the Comstock Lode.
In 1862, after his failure as a merchant, Comstock left Nevada and followed the life of a prospector and road builder in eastern Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. His hope was always for the discovery of another Big Bonanza. He did make severalkes of minor importance. Bancroft states that he and Lytle opened the first quartz vein in which free gold was visible on the Powder River; and that he surveyed a road from there which was shorter and better than the old one. On August 11,1862, he discovered a vein from which he took four hundred and fifty dollars in gold, according to the San Francisco Bulletin of Augst 27, 1862. He was apparently active as a miner in various sections of Idaho and Montana. He accompanied the Big Horn Expedition which planned to explore and prospect the Yellowstone Country.
In 1870 he was called to Nevada as a witness for the Ophir Company, and was well paid for his testimony. He was said to have had considerable money on his person when he returned to Bozeman, Montana. Accounts differ as to the cause of hish there on September 29, 1870. On his grave marker in Bozeman Cemetery it is recorded that he "committed suicide by shooting himself through the head."
Many who knew him believe that he was murdered for the money he carried. Such an opinion is expressed in a letter written by his old friend and partner, Emanuel Penrod, to Samuel Willett Comstock. The original of this letter is here repro. It gives an interesting, though-biased appraisal of the character of H.T.P. Comstock by one of the original owners of the "Comstock Mine." Penrod's reference to Comstock's "wife living in style in Cal." is pure fiction. The true story of Comstock's purchase of a wife from a Mormon immigrant, and of her running away twice with other men, is told in Chapter IX of dan De Quille's "Big Bonanza."
In the Bozeman, Montana, Cemetery "Old Pancake" rests in peace, while the silver tinkle of his name is heard around the world wherever the Comstock Lode is metioned. Generous, boastful, kindly, illiterate, the restless spirit of the "Magnit Liar of Washoe" lives on in the ghost town and crumblin mine shafts of the old west. Gone is the man who gave away more gold than most people have ever seen - through whose fingers slipped a veritable flood of silver. But his record will carry down the years as one of the most colorful chapters in the story of the Big Bonanza.

A reproduction of the letter written to Samuel Willett Comstock by Emanuel Penrod on July 25, 1909, appears in The Comstock family on p. 509.
It tells of the mine discovery, Comstock's honesty, his wife and the money he spent on her jewelry, her leaving him and living in Calif., how he took care of the poor people, took up with strangers, how he was swindled at every turn, his failure as a merchant, and his murder for the money he carried.

Henry Tompkins Paige Comstock's picture appears on p. 180 of The Comstock Family

There is reference to H.T.P. Comstock on p. 530 etc. in "The West in American History" by Ban Elbert Clark

The Comstock family book is in the possession of either:
Bruce Pester
30172 Via Rivera
Palas Verdes Peninsula
California 90274

Clark Pester
7533 Juler Ave
Mederia, Ohio 45243

Other-Begin:
14 May 1707 - Fined for not training, he being a Quaker

Other-Begin:
The Early Records of the Town of Providence
Vol XX Deed Book 2, p.284-287 2 Oct 1708, Reign of Queen Anne. Indenture between Eliezer Arnold of one part and Thomas Smith, Joseph Smith Junr, Samuell Wilkinson junr, Samuell Comstock junr, Thomas Arnold, junr, Eliezer Arnold junr, and Joseph Arnold all of Providence in the collony of Rhode Island, Husbandmen, of the other part. Sold all that tract of land near his now dwellinghouse on the West side of the highway from Mendon to Providence, containing halfe an acre on which stands a Certaine Meatinghouse of the People called Quakers. There shall be No devision or Partition made of ye granted primises, or any part thereof, but that ye Same Shall be held & Used in common. Signed by all 8 gentlement in the presence of Walter Phettiplace and Benjamin Smith. Aknowledge before Joseph Jenckes, Assistant on 7 Mar 1709. Recorded 17 Mar 1709, Thos. Olney, Clerk.

Residence:
History of Woonsocket
p.52 Tax Payers, June 16, 1713, include: Daniel Comstock, Hazadiah Comstock, Sam. Comstock, Capt., Samuel Comstock, Jr., Thomas Comstock (Samuel and his 4 oldest sons)

Other-Begin:
Vol XIII, Town Meeting No. 2, p.2-3 14 Feb 1716 Samuel Comstock Junr John Arnold Junr & Henry Mawry Chosen to Lay out a highway from the highway formerly Layed out by the Town to Westquotomset: to Wansocut so far as they shall think meete: and make Returne of there proceedings to the towne for the Towns allowance and Confirmation of sd work

Other-Begin:
Vol. IX, p.29-30 23rd of Aprill 1716. Laying out of a highway through Wesquetomscutt and Wansocott [Woonsocket] Lands and so over the River Called the branch ...."Crassing the said path sevorall times with bounds plainely marked by Hazadiah Comestockes and a Long by Samuell Comestockes and Richard Spreagues to the Branch of the River" Signed by John Arnold, Henry Mawrey, Samuell Comestock Junr.

Other-Begin:
Vol XIII, Town Meeting No. 2, p.11. 28 Jan 1717. Capt Richard Waterman Chosen Moderator. Mr Jonathan Spreague Chosen Grand juriman to serve att the next Genrl Court of Tryals to be holden att Newport the Last tusday in March Next. And Samuel Comestock Junr, Leiut Roger Burlinggame, Leiut William Harris, Ebenezer Spreague to serve pette Jurimen att sd Court

Other-Begin:
Vol XIII, Town Meeting No. 2, p.6-7 27 Jan 1718. Upon a bill presented by severall persons Liveing in the northern part of the Towne ship: that they may have a pound build in that parte of the Towne: the which by voate is Granted: and also a Comittee of three men Chosen to appoynt where sd Pound shall be sett.
Ensigne James Whipple, John Arnold Junr and Saml Comstock Junr are the three men Chosen

Other-Begin:
Vol.XVI, p.50-52. Samuel Comstock, Jr. and John Mowre appraised the estate of Jathaniel Mawrey who died 24 Mar 1718. Date of appraisal was 31 Mar 1718. Nathaniel's son Joseph was Executor.

Other-Begin:
p.85-88 Accounts of the estate of Nathaniel Mowrey reveals a payment of 6 shillings to Samuell Comestock on 1 Aug 1718.

Other-Begin:
p.83-85. Samuel Comstock, Junr, Joseph Smith and Daniell Mathewson witnessed the Last Will and Testament of John Malavery dated 15 Sep 1718.

Other-Begin:
p.274-275. Agreement among heirs of Anne (Inman) Comstocks two deceased sisters, Tabitha and Joannah, signed by Samuel Barlet, John Inman, Valentine Inman, Deborah Inman, Daniel Mathewson, John Belaue, Samuel Comstock, Junr. 2 Nov 1723.

Other-Begin:
Vol XIII, Town Meeting No. 2, p.30. 1 Jun 1724 Samuel Comestock Junr Chosen seacond Constable. Marked with an X to indicate he was Engaged.

Property:
27 Feb 1727, his father Samuel Comstock deeded to Samuel, Jr. 100 acres "on both sides of a river that runs out of a cedar swamp known as Wansocut (Woonsocket) cedar swamp, being that on which son Samuel now resides"

Will:
Will dated 1 Apr 1727, proved 13 Apr 1727. Bequests to wife Anne and children Sarah Aldrich, David, and Anne, who is under 18. Wit: Richard Sprague, Hazadiah Comstock, Joseph Arnold.

Samuel* married Anne* Inman about 1704 in Rhode Island. Anne* (daughter of John* Inman and Mary* Wightman) was born about 1679 in Providence Co, Rhode Island; died in 1727 in Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Other-Begin: 2 Nov 1723, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island

Notes:

She signed a will on 13 April 1727 in Smithfield, MA, along with her husband.

Other-Begin:
p.274-275. Agreement among heirs of Anne (Inman) Comstocks two deceased sisters, Tabitha and Joannah, signed by Samuel Barlet, John Inman, Valentine Inman, Deborah Inman, Daniel Mathewson, John Belaue, Samuel Comstock, Junr. 2 Nov 1723.

Joseph* married Sarah* Pray about 1703 in Rhode Island. Sarah* (daughter of John* Pray and Sarah* Brown) was born about 1681 in Providence Co, Rhode Island; died after 1733 in Providence Co, Rhode Island. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Other-Begin: 29 Apr 1733, Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island

Notes:

Other-Begin:
Mentioned in her father's will dated 29 Apr 1733 as Sarah Brown. Will also mentions separately daughter Mary Brown. Some researchers are showing Sarah and Mary as same person.


Died:
have seen death date given as 4 Jan 1728; but she is mentioned in her father's will dated 9 Oct 1733 as daughter Sarah Brown.

Notes:

1st cousins 1 removed.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Will: 18 Mar 1758, Worcester Co, Massachusetts

Notes:

He settled in that part of Mendon known as Blackstone. David was a blacksmith, but he also probably farmed. He was a major landholder in Mendon. He and his wife were apparently Anabaptist. David and both of his wives are buried in the old graveyard in what is known as South Bellingham about a mile from Crook's Corner. His stone is the oldest one there.


Will:
In the name of God Amen the Eighteenth Day of March 1758 I David Aldrich of Mendon, in the County of Worcester in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England Blacksmith being grone old and weak in Body But of a Perfect mind and memory, Thanks be given unto God Therefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die do make and Ordain this my Last will and Testament (that is to say) Principally and first of all I Recommend my Soul into the hands of God that gave it and my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in a Decent Christian Burial at the Direction of my Executor nothing Doughting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power of God And as touching such Worldly Estate that I have Left wherewith it has pleased God to Bless me at present with it being some small matter of moveable or personal Estate my reall Estate I have near all given to my sons hereafter mentioned by Respective Deed which may make it fully app___. Said Personal Estate after my just Debt, and funeral charges and Probate Charges are paid I Give Devise and Dispose of in the following manner and form.

In primas I Give and Bequeath to Mehetabel my Dearly Beloved wife Twenty Spanish mil'd Silver Dollors to be raised and Levied out of my Said Estate to geather with one Third part of my Houshold Good Debts and moveable Effects as the Law Directs.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to David Aldrich my Eldest Son to be raised out of my Estate on cow one Silver Spoone, one Spanish mil'd Dollor Silver.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to Edward Aldrich my Second Con on Dollor as aforesd.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to Benjamin Aldrich Son of my Eldest Daughter Elizabeth Deceased wife of Abel Aldrich on Dollor aforesd.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to the Children of my 3rd Son Peter Aldrich Deceased on Shilling Lawful money apiece to be paid to them out of my sd Estate by my Executor as they shall come of age.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to my fourth Son Jonathan Aldrich on stake anvil on vice for the Black Smith and one Spanish mil'd Dollar as aforesd -- the anvill and vice is in his hand already.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to my Second Daughter Margaret Smith wife of George Smith one of my Best feather Beds and all the Beding and furniture thereunto belonging She Paying to my Executor Thirty Six Shillings Lawful money.

Item--I Give and Bequeath to my two younger Sons Abner and Levi Aldrich to them their Heirs and asigns forever as it was and is the intent of all the foregoing Legacy The Remainder part of all my Estate Either reall or personal that is not Disposed on by Deed or Deeds under my hand and Seal already or any Estate that Shall or might by Right become to be mine I Give to them aforesd to be Equally Divided betweend them or their Heirs all the aforesd Legacies Excepting Peters Children is to be paid out by my Executor one year after my Death.

Witnesses: Ralph Freeman, William Cook and Paul Cook.
Sole Executor: Abner Aldrich

http://www.wellswooster.com/tree/getperson.php?personID=I26628&tree=bryant#sthash.QaFI3W8K.dpuf

David* married Hannah* Capron in 1710 in Mendon, Worcester Co, Massachusetts. Hannah* (daughter of Banfield* Capron, Sr (immigrant stowaway) and Elizabeth* "Betsy" Callendar, (immigrant)) was born on 2 Jul 1689 in Attleboro, Bristol Co, Massachusetts; died on 17 Feb 1732 in Mendon, Worcester Co, Massachusetts; was buried in South Bellingham, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Possibly born in Swansea, MA (per Lori London plondon@bellsouth.net)

Notes:

He settled in Wrentham before marriage.

Samuel* married Miriam* Smith on 10 Aug 1710 in Wrentham, Norfolk Co, Massachusetts . Miriam* was born on 20 Aug 1689 in Gloucester, Essex Co, Massachusetts; died on 2 Aug 1746 in Wrentham, Norfolk Co, Massachusetts . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Not verified:

31. ELIZABETH13 HOBART (EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born 1613 in Hingham, Norfolk, England, and died Abt. 1655 in Hingham, Norfolk, England. She married RALPH SMITH.

Child of ELIZABETH HOBART and RALPH SMITH is:
64. i. SAMUEL14 SMITH, b. July 11, 1641; d. March 22, 1696.

64. SAMUEL14 SMITH (ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born July 11, 1641, and died March 22, 1696. He married MARY HOPKINS January 3, 1665.

Children of SAMUEL SMITH and MARY HOPKINS are:
103. i. SAMUEL15 SMITH, b. May 26, 1668; d. September 22, 1692.
ii. MARY SMITH, b. January 3, 1669; d. Bef. 1708; m. DANIEL HAMILTON, Abt. 1693.
104. iii. JOHN SMITH, b. May 26, 1673; d. Bef. February 25, 1717.

103. SAMUEL15 SMITH (SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born May 26, 1668, and died September 22, 1692. He married BATHSHEBA LATHROP May 26, 1690.

Child of SAMUEL SMITH and BATHSHEBA LATHROP is:
143. i. SAMUEL16 SMITH, b. February 13, 1690; d. 1768.


104. JOHN15 SMITH (SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born May 26, 1673, and died Bef. February 25, 1717. He married BETHIA SNOW May 14, 1694.

Children of JOHN SMITH and BETHIA SNOW are:
i. JAMES16 SMITH, b. February 13, 1694; d. May 27, 1796.
ii. SAMUEL SMITH, b. May 25, 1696.
144. iii. DEANE SMITH.
145. iv. MERCY SMITH, b. Abt. 1700; d. Bef. November 3, 1744.
146. v. JOHN SMITH, b. April 7, 1703; d. April 12, 1767.

143. SAMUEL16 SMITH (SAMUEL15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born February 13, 1690, and died 1768. He married ABIGAIL FREEMAN October 9, 1712.

Child of SAMUEL SMITH and ABIGAIL FREEMAN is:
169. i. ZOHETH17 SMITH, b. December 11, 1716.


144. DEANE16 SMITH (JOHN15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD). He married HESTER.

Child of DEANE SMITH and HESTER is:
170. i. MERRIAN17 SMITH, b. Abt. 1689; d. August 2, 1746.


145. MERCY16 SMITH (JOHN15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born Abt. 1700, and died Bef. November 3, 1744. She married NATHAN KENNEY September 24, 1729.

Children of MERCY SMITH and NATHAN KENNEY are:
171. i. JOHN17 KENNEY, b. Abt. 1730; d. Bef. December 6, 1757.
ii. HEMAN KENNEY, b. 1732; d. February 4, 1775; m. MERCY NICKERSON, August 25, 1752.
172. iii. NATHAN KENNEY, b. 1741; d. April 24, 1827.


146. JOHN16 SMITH (JOHN15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born April 7, 1703, and died April 12, 1767. He married ELIZABETH BROWN September 2, 1727.

Child of JOHN SMITH and ELIZABETH BROWN is:
173. i. RHODA17 SMITH, b. October 12, 1740; d. August 20, 1767.

169. ZOHETH17 SMITH (SAMUEL16, SAMUEL15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born December 11, 1716. He married HANNAH SEARS February 23, 1737.

Child of ZOHETH SMITH and HANNAH SEARS is:
190. i. RICHARD18 SMITH, b. March 18, 1741.


170. MERRIAN17 SMITH (DEANE16, JOHN15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born Abt. 1689, and died August 2, 1746. She married SAMUEL RAY August 10, 1710.

Children of MERRIAN SMITH and SAMUEL RAY are:
i. MARY18 RAY, b. August 22, 1710.
ii. MIRIAM RAY, b. April 9, 1712.
iii. SAMUEL RAY, b. July 9, 1716; d. April 28, 1783; m. ELIZABETH.
iv. ROBERT RAY, b. October 3, 1718.
v. ABIGAIL RAY, b. April 16, 1721.
vi. JOSEPH RAY, b. April 30, 1723; d. April 16, 1798; m. SARAH GRANT, June 12, 1751.
vii. BENJAMIN RAY, b. October 17, 1725.
viii. HENRY RAY, b. February 11, 1728.
ix. WILLIAM RAY, b. February 21, 1730.


190. RICHARD18 SMITH (ZOHETH17, SAMUEL16, SAMUEL15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD) was born March 18, 1741. He married LYDIA CLARKE 1758.

Child of RICHARD SMITH and LYDIA CLARKE is:
207. i. MARY19 SMITH.
207. MARY19 SMITH (RICHARD18, ZOHETH17, SAMUEL16, SAMUEL15, SAMUEL14, ELIZABETH13 HOBART, EDMOND12, THOMAS11, THOMAS10, MILES9, JAMES8, THOMAS7, WILLIAM6, THOMAS5, JOHN4, GODFREY3, JOHN2, JOHN1 HUBBARD). She married DAVID HAMILTON.

Child of MARY SMITH and DAVID HAMILTON is:
222. i. THOMAS20 HAMILTON, b. September 1, 1695; d. May 1, 1772.
_______________

or

_________________

4. SAMUEL4 RAY (SAMUEL3, JOSHUA2, DANIEL1) was born March 12, 1687/88 in Salem, Essex, MA, and died September 02, 1744 in Wrentham, Norfork, MA. He married MIRIAM SMITH August 10, 1710 in Wrentham, Massachusetts, daughter of JOHN SMITH and ABIGAIL CARTER. She was born August 20, 1689 in Gloucester, Essex, Ma, and died August 02, 1746.

---------------------
or
findagrave:
daughter of 1652 John Smith & 1657 Maria "Mary" Horne