David Berwick

Notes:

Berwick, David (Joseph of Labaia in this parish & Helena Cumstok of Kentucky) b 18 Apr 1808 (SM Ch: v. 7 #239)

Notes:

Berwick, Joseph (Thomas of England & Helena Birgitta Wales of Ireland) m Helena Cumstock of Kenteuki (SM Ch)

Joseph married Helena "Ellen" Comstock in Apr 1807 in St.Martin Parish, or Assmption Parish, Louisiana. Helena (daughter of William* "Guilermo" Comstock and Rachel* Aldrich) was born about 1780 in of, Kentucky; died about 1819. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
The marriage took place in what would be Louisiana after 1803.
Helena Comstock of Kentuki, dau of Guillame of New England & Rachel Redge of New England married Joseph Barwic of La Badia. St. Martinville Church records.

Notes:

Berwick, Thomas of England m Eleanor Helena Birgitta Wales of Ireland (SM Ch)
Berwick, Thomas, succ. dated 16 Jan 1792 (LSAR: Opel.: 1792)

Berwick (the town) and Berwick's Bay and Bayou Barwick are all named for Thomas Berwick. He came to the area a few years after marrying Helena Wallace in 1768. Gov. Galvez (Louisiana was a Spanish territory at the time) turned down his petition for land near Natchez. Instead, Galvez granted Berwick land in the Attakapas district and hired him as the surveyor for the district. Some sources claim that he was the first Anglo settler west of the Mississippi.

Thomas Berwick and the Berwicks were prolific (he and his wife had 10 or 11 children) in St. Mary, St. Martinville, St. Landry parishes until beginning of the 20th century.
Berwick's Bay and Bayou Teche were strategic during the Civil War and most of the Berwicks homes and land (they were sugar planters) were pretty much demolished by the fighting (land and naval.)

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/LA-LGHS/2000-04/0955155462

Thomas married Eleanore Helena Brigitta Wallace (or Walles) about 1770. Eleanore was born on 14 Aug 1748 in Dublin, Ireland; died before 17 Jun 1789 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Berwick, Thomas, widr. of Helene Walles succ. dated 17 Jun 1789 (LSU-Archives; Opel #4)

Name:
last name recorded as Wales in SW LA books

Notes:

Thomas Berwick and his wife are identified somewhat differently in various records throughout the Opelousas and Attakapas districts. Thomas is variously identified as a native of England, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. His wife, who is identified as Eleonore Wales,
Helene Walles, Elenore Helene Birgitta Wales, and even Elena Ouzez, is also somewhat mysterious since it is not clear where and when they married.
https://archive.org/stream/AttakapasGazette/1986_Vol21_djvu.txt

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: