Fifth Generation
Family of John BASFORD (24)

38. Jacob BASFORD (John4, Jacob3, James2, Jacob1). Born on 8 Dec 1771 in Chester, NH. [2, Readfield, ME VRs] Jacob was baptized in Chester, NH, on 17 May 1772. [17] Congregational Church. Jacob died in Augusta, ME, on 20 Apr 1827. [262]

1800 federal census of Augusta, Kennebec Co., ME [263]
Jacob Basford
1 male under 10 (John)
1 male 26-45 (Jacob)
2 females under 10 (Celia, Bethsheba)
1 female 26-45 (Catherine)

He may be the Jacob Basford who was on a list of non-resident owners who owed taxes for property in Chester, NH for the year 1804. [196]

He was of Readfield, ME at the time of his marriage in 1809. [264]

1810 federal census of Readfield, Kennebec Co., ME [192]
Jacob Basford
1 male under 10 (William)
1 male 16-25 (John?)
1 male 26-44 (Jacob)
1 female under 10 (Abigail)
1 female 16-24 (Abigail)

[17], [263], [192], [264], [2], [23], [262]

He first married Catherine NORTON, on 23 May 1795 in Readfield, ME. [23] Born on 21 Nov 1774. [2, Readfield, ME VRs] Catherine died in Readfield, ME, on 29 Feb 1804 or 1808. [265]

The edge of the paper for her death record is torn off showing only Feb. 29, 180_. Since February only has 29 days in leap years, this would imply that the year must be 1804 or 1808 given the fact that she must have died after the birth if Abigail in 1803 and Jacob's second marriage in 1809. [2]

[2], [23]

They had the following children:
91 i. Celia (1795-?)
92 ii. Bethsheba (Died Unmarried) (1798->1870)
93 iii. John (1800-1882)
94 iv. Abigail (1803-)

He second married Abigail PATTERSON, on 27 Jul 1809 in Dresden, ME. [264] Congregational Church. Born abt 1787. [265] age 61 at death. Abigail died in Portland, ME, on 14 Sep 1848. [265]

of Dresden, ME. [264, p. 109]

[264], [265], [2]

They had the following children:
95 i. William P. (1809-1894)
96 ii. Enos S. (~1819-<1870)

In one set of notes, marriage is transcribed as 27 Jul 1809. [264]

Perhaps had another son Enos? [17]

39. John BASFORD (John4, Jacob3, James2, Jacob1). Born bef 27 Feb 1774 in Chester, NH. [17] John was baptized in Chester, NH, on 27 Feb 1774. [17] Congregational Church. John died ? .

He might be the John Basford who married Mrs. Celia Pitts on 5 Mar 1798 in Readfield, ME. [23] (Intentions 13 Dec 1797, Hampden, ME. [266])

He might be the John Basford listed in the 1800 Federal Census for Chester, Rockingham Co., NH? [187]
Name of head of family: Basford, John
1 male 10-16
1 male 16-26
1 female 10-16
1 female over 45

He might be the John Basford found in the 1810 federal census of Dixmont, Hancock, ME. [192]
John Basford
1 male under 10
1 male 26-45

The age ranges given for John and Jonathan in the 1800 and 1810 census data would imply that they was born between 1765 and 1774. This would fit with the baptism date of 27 Feb 1774 for John the son of John Basford of Chester, NH, but seem to be a little inconsistent with the baptism data of 28 Apr 1782 for Jonathan. Perhaps these are not the same brothers?

[17], [2]

40. Jonathan BASFORD (John4, Jacob3, James2, Jacob1). Born bef 28 Apr 1782 in Chester, NH. [17] Jonathan was baptized in Chester, NH, on 28 Apr 1782. Congregational Church. Jonathan died in Dixmont, ME, in Jun 1848. [267] age 65.

1810 federal census of Dixmont, Hancock Co., ME, p. 575 [192]
Jonathan Basford
1 male under 10 (?)
1 male 26-44 (Jonathan)
1 female 16-25 (Sally)

He served in Capt. Samuel Butman's Co, Lt. Col. Andrew Grant's Rgt., during the War of 1812, together with his brother Joseph. [268]

1820 federal census of Dixmont, Penobscot Co., ME, p. 78 [269]
Jonathan Barford
2 males under 10 (Benjamin and ?)
1 male 10-15 (?)
1 male 16-25 (?)
1 male 45 and up (Jonathan)
1 female under 10 (Jerusha)
1 female 26-45 (Sally)

The age ranges given for Jonathan in the 1800 and 1810 census data would imply that he was born between 1765 and 1774. This would seem to be a little inconsistent with the baptism data of 28 Apr 1782 for Jonathan the son of John Basford of Chester, NH. Either he was baptized when he was older, or perhaps this is not the same Jonathan?

On 26 Nov 1821, the Selectmen of Dixmont petitioned that a guardian be appointed for Jonathan Basford. [270] On 8 Jan 1822, the Penobscot County Probate Court declared that Jonathan "is a distracted person, and incapable of taking care of himself," and granted guardianship of Jonathan and his estate to Larnard Wright, Esq., of Dixmont. [271] An inventory of his estate was taken on 21 Jan 1822. [270]

There is a man of the right age listed with Larnard Wright in the 1830 census of Dixmont, so perhaps he went to live with his gaurdian?
1830 Dixmont, Penobscot Co. ME, p. 495 [272]
Larnard Wright
1 male 15-19
1 male 40-49 (could be Jonathan Basford?)
1 male 50-59 (prob. Larnard)
1 female 10-14
1 female 20-29
1 female 50-59


On 31 Dec 1844, Larnard Wright asked to be disharged from his duties as guardian for Jonathan. On 23 Aug 1845, an inventory of the estate of Jonathan Basford, "an insane person," was presented to the Penobscot Co. Probate Court. The value of the estate was $400 (consisting of a piece of property: Lot 49 in Dixmont, containing 70 acres). On 15 Mar 1846, Jonathan's guardian, Benjamin P. Rollins, petitioned for permission to sell this piece of property. [270]

He is probably the Jona Basford, age 65, who died in Dixmont, ME in Jun 1848. [267]

[17], [263], [192], [23], [266], [271], [270], [268], [267], [273]

Will/Probate: Guardianship of Jonathan Basford, Penobscot County Probate Court, Bangor, ME

Hon. David Pirham? Esquire, Judge of Probate for the County of Penobscot
We the subscribers Selectmen of the Town of Dixmont do hereby certify that Jonathan Basford an inhabitant of this Town is now in a state of derangement & has been for several months past & as he has a wife & several children & a small farm together with some personal property, all of which he wholly neglects to provide for, or take any care of in any respect, but devotes the whole of his time to idleness, we therefore request your power to appoint some person as guardian to the said Basford
Dixmont, Nov'r 26, 1821
Sam'l Butman
Larnard Wright
Benjamin ___
Selectmen of Dixmont

Will/Probate: Guardianship of Jonathan Basford, Penobscot County Probate Court, Bangor, ME

Letter of Guardianship, 8 Jan 1822

To all people to whom these presents shall come, David Perham Esquire, Judge of the Probate of Wills, re, in the County of Penobscot, within the State of Maine, sendeth greetings.
Whereas it hath been made to appear to me by the Inquisition of the Selectmen of the Town of Dixmont, taken and returned to me as the Law directs, that Jonathan Basford, an inhabitant of the Town of Dixmont, is a distracted person, and incapable of taking care of himself. Therefore, know ___, that I the said Judge, trusting in the care and fidelity of Larnard Wright of Dixmont, aforesaid, Esquire, have, and by these presents do, pursuant to the power and authority to me granted in and by an Act of Law or Law of the said State, assign and appoint the said Larnard Wright to be Guardian of the said Jonathan Basford hereby directing and empowering him in said capacity, to take care, as well of the person as estate, bot real and personal, of the said Jonathan Basford and to make a just and true inventory of the said Estate, to be exhibited into the Register's Office of Probate for the County aforesaid; and the said Guardian shall improve frugally and without waste and destruction, the Estate aforementioned, and apply the annual profits and incomes thereof for the comfortable maintenance and support of the said Jonathan Basford, and also of his household or family (if any such he have) and the said Guardian is hereby empowered to settle accounts, receive, and (if need be) sue for, and recover all such debts as are due to the said Jonathan Basford from any person or persons whomsoever; and to manage, improve, divide, and take care of his real estate, in as full and ample a manner as he would or might do, were he not a distracted person, as aforesaid; and the said Guardian shall also pay all such debts as are owing from the said Jonathan Basford out of his personal estate, or in the case that be not sufficient, then out of his real estate (being first empowered to make sale thereof, or such part thereof as shall be sufficient for that end, by any court having power to grant License for that purpose upon application to them made therefor) and he shall render a plain and true account of his guardianship, when and so often as he shall be thereunto lawfully required. And in the case the said Jonathan Basford should be restored to the use of his reason, he shall return and deliver the residue and remainder of his estate, real and personal, unto him, or, in case of his death, to his heirs, executors or administrators. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two.
David Perham, Judge of Probate

Will/Probate: Guardianship of Jonathan Basford, Penobscot County Probate Court, Bangor, ME

To the Hon. Martin Kinsley, Judge of Probate for the County of Penobscot
The petition of Sally Basford, now resident of the town of Hampden in s'd County, respectfully represents that her husband Jonathan Basford now resident in the town of Dixmont, has for a number of years been in a state of derangement and one year ago last November a Mr. Larnard Wright of s'd Dixmont was appointed a guardian to her s'd husband, and she with her three children separated from him; that she finds it very difficult to maintain herself & family without some further assistance from her husband's property; he owns a farm of seventy acres in s'd Dixmont with a tolerable house & barn ___ had when she left him a yoak of oxen & some other stock ___ all that she had from his property is our bed & beding & a few articles of kitchen furniture, the use of our ___ & sixteen bushels of corn & grain; she understands that her s'd husband is in tolerable bodily health; and performs labor sufficient to pay for his living; that besides the furniture she had at the time of her marriage, she let her s'd husband have sixty dollars in money which now appertains to his estate; under all those circumstances, she requests your Honor will be pleased to order & direct that she should have ___ further assistance of herself & children as you shall think fit & proper under all the circumstances of her ___, and she ___ duty bound will --- pray ___
Sally Basford
Hampden, July 5th 1823

He married Sally HIGGINS, abt 10 Aug 1807 in Hampden, ME. [266], [273] intentions. Born on 2 Jun 1786 in Maine. [2], [273] Sally died in Hampden, ME, on 29 Nov 1857. [266], [273] age 71 years 5 months 27 days. Buried in Locust Grove Cemetery, Hampden, ME. [266] aka: Sarah. [274], [273]

On 5 Jul 1823 she filed a petition asking for additional assistance from her husband's estate. She indicated that Jonathan had "for a number of years been in a state of derangement and one year ago last November a Mr. Larnard Wright of s'd Dixmont was appointed a guardian to her s'd husband, and she with her three children separated from him." (It is not clear which three children this would refer to. Presumably it would be the youngest three. Perhaps the older ones were too old to be counted as dependents?) During 1822-1824, she received funds from the guardian of her husband Jonathan for various expense for herself, and her sons William and James. On 1 Jan 1824, the records indicate that she received funds to cover the cost of a move from Hampden to Dixmont. However, she must have moved back to Hampden at some point because she is living there in the 1840 census. [270]

Sarah and son Benjamin are listed in the 1837 special census of Hampden, ME. This census was taken to supply data for the distribution of surplus revenue. The data for this was from small slips of paper found in the town vault in 1978. [273]

1840 census for Hampden, Penobscot Co., ME, p. 189 [274]
Sarah Basford
1 male 15-19 (James?)
2 males 20-29 (Benjamin and William?)
1 female 50-59 (Sally)

On 27 Feb 1849, she was named Administratrix of her son John F. Basford's estate. [266]

1850 federal census for Hampdon, Penobscot Co., ME, p. 265 [275]
Sally Basford, female, age 54, b. ME
Benj'n F., male, age 35, b. ME, farmer

[275], [274], [2], [23], [266], [270], [273]

They had the following children:
97 i. Jerusha (1811-1891)
98 ii. Benjamin F. (~1815-1895)
99 iii. John F. (No Children) (~1818-1849)
100 iv. William
101 v. James H. (Died Unmarried) (~1823-1848)

[17] gives marriage intentions as 17 Aug 1810.

41. Mary BASFORD (John4, Jacob3, James2, Jacob1). Born bef 24 Oct 1784 in Chester, NH. [17] Mary was baptized in Chester, NH, on 24 Oct 1784. [17] Congregational Church. Mary died ? .

Could she be the Polly Basford who married John Dergan on 19 Nov 1805, Hampden, ME? [266]

[17]

42. Col. Joseph BASFORD (John4, Jacob3, James2, Jacob1). Born abt 19 Apr 1787 in Chester, NH. [188] age 77 years 7 days at death. Joseph was baptized in Chester, NH, on 8 Jun 1787. [17] Congregational Church. Joseph died in Bangor, ME, on 26 Apr 1864. [265], [276] Buried in Dixmont Corner Cemetery, Dixmont, ME. [188]

He served in Capt. Samuel Butman's Co, Lt. Col. Andrew Grant's Rgt., during the War of 1812, together with his brother Jonathan. [268]

1820 federal census of Dixmont, Penobscot Co., ME, p. 75 [269]
Joseph Basford
2 males under 10 (Henry and Summer)
1 male 26-44 (Joseph)
2 females under 10 (Malinda and Louise)
1 female 16-25 (Lucy)

1830 federal census of Dixmont, Penobscot Co., ME, p. 494 [272]
Joseph Basford
1 male under 5 (Henry)
1 male 5-9 (Philander)
1 male 10-14 (Summer)
1 male 20-29 (?)
1 male 40-49 (Joseph)
2 females 15-19 (Malinda, Louise)
1 female 30-39 (Lucy)

1840 federal census for Dixmont, Penobscot Co., ME, p. 236 [274]
Joseph Basford
1 male 5-9 (Charles?)
2 males 15-19 (Philander and Henry?)
1 male 20-29 (Summer)
2 males 40-49 (Joseph and perhaps Jonathan?)
1 female under 5 (Malinda)
1 female 20-29 (?)
1 female 40-49 (Lydia)

1850 federal census for Dixmont, Penobscot Co., ME [275]
Joseph, male, age 63, b. NH
Lydia, female, age 34, b. ME
Melinda, female, age 10, b. ME
Sarah H., female, age 8, b. ME
Howard, male, age 6, b. ME (one transcription gave this entry as Hannah)
Caroline, female, age 4, b. ME (or Arroline)

1860 federal census for Dixmont, Hancock Co., ME [277]
Joseph, male, age 73, b. NH, farmer
Lydia, female, age 44, b. ME
Sarah H., female, age 18, b. ME
Hannah M., female, age 16, b. ME (This is probably Howard)
Aroline, female, age 14, b. ME
John, male, age 9, b. ME
Harrison D. Rollins, male, age 21, b. ME, farm laborer

Will dated 5 Mar 1861, proved May 1864, mentions wife Lydia, and children Howard M., John, Sarah H., Arline M., Louise M. Boynton, Philander P., Charles Franklin, Henry F. and Summer. In Jun 1864, Lydia, together with Daniel E. Fergusen and Theodore Chick were appointed as administrators of his will. After Lydia's death, his daughter Sarah H. Basford was named as an administrator on 25 Apr 1866. [278], [276]

[17], [275], [277], [272], [188], [279, p. 121], [280, p. 98], [2], [281], [266], [278], [276], [268], [282]

Will/Probate: Will of Joseph Basford, 5 Mar 1861, Penobscot Co. Probate Court, Bangor, ME

Be it remembered that I Joseph Basford of Dixmont in the County of Penobscot, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say:
I give and devise to my beloved wife Lydia Basford & my to sons Howard M. & John & my two daughters Sarah H. and Arline M. and their heirs and assigns all the real estate wherever situated which I may be seized and ___ of at the time of my deceased, (except as herein after given & devised to my three sons Philander P., Charles F. & Henry F.) in the following proportions, viz. my wife to have two shares and each of the children Howard M., John, Sarah H. & Arline M. one share each, to have & to hold the same to them the said Lydia, Howard M., John, Sarah H. & Arline M. their heirs and assigns forever; and if my son Henry F is not now living or should not be at my decease then and in that case the forty acres of land hereinafter given to him is to go to and become the property of my wife & children Howard M., John, Sarah H. & Arline M. in the same proportions as the other.
I also give and bequeath to my wife and to my four children Howard M., John, Sarah H. & Arline Mall my personal property of every kind including money on hand and debts due after paying all my ___ debts & expenses of every kind & the bequeaths hereinafter made, said property to be shared by them the same as in the real estate.
I give & bequeath to my daughter Laura M. Boynton one hundred dollars to be paid to her in one year after my decease.
I give and devise to my son Philander P. fifty acres of land on Lots No. 104 & 117 in Dixmont & bounded on the north partly by lot 103 & by lot 118, on the west by the west line of said lot 117, thence easterly by a line running parallel with the north line to the road leading from Dixmont Corner to north Dixmont and so far south as to contain fifty acres to have & to hold the same to him the said Philander P. & his heirs and assigns forever.
I also give and devise to my son Charles Franklin fifty acres of land on lots Nos 104 and 117 in Dixmont and is bounded on the north by the land given as above to Philander P., on the west by the west line of Lot 117, thence easterly and parallel with the north line to the before mentioned road and so far south as to contain fifty acres; to have & to hold the same to him the said Charles F. his heirs and assigns forever.
I also give and devise to my son Henry F. forty acres of land on Lots No. 103 & 115 and adjoining & bounded on the north by the land herein given to my son Charles F., on the west by the west line of Lot No. 117, there by a line running easterly and parallel with the north line to the road aforesaid and so far south as to contain forty acres. I also give and bequeath to him the s'd Henry F. one note of hand given by him to me for fifty dollars & int. dated Nov 12th 1855.
Having given to my son Summer all that I intended for him nothing is given him by this will.
I hereby appoint my beloved wife Lydia Basford my sole executrix of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this fifth day of March 1861
Joseph Basford
Signed, sealed and declared by the above named Joseph Basford to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence and the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witness thereto
Nath'l Crocker, S.? Palmer, A. Packard

He first married Lucy Carey ALDEN, daughter of Elihu ALDEN (20 May 1775-22 Jun 1832) & Lydia MITCHELL (22 Apr 1777-10 Sep 1864), bef 1813. birth of Malinda. Born on 9 Apr 1797 in Dixmont, ME. [281] Lucy Carey died in Dixmont, ME, in 1838. [188] Buried in Dixmont Corner Cemetery, Dixmont, ME. [188]

One set of notes gave surname as Gary. [2]

[188], [279, p. 121], [280, p. 98], [2], [281]

They had the following children:
102 i. Malinda (Died Unmarried) (1813-1838)
103 ii. Louise M. (1815-1908)
104 iii. Summer (~1819-1898)
105 iv. Henry (Died as Child) (1820-1822)
106 v. Philander Randolph (1822-1873)
107 vi. Almira (Died as Child) (1824-1826)
108 vii. Henry T. (1826-1897)
109 viii. Charles Franklin (~1832-<1900)

He second married Lydia FERGUSON, on 2 Dec 1838 in Penobscot Co., ME. [23], [282] Born abt 1 Mar 1816 in Maine. [188] age 50 years 9 days at death. Lydia died in Bangor, ME, on 10 Mar 1866. [265], [283] Buried in Dixmont Corner Cemetery, Dixmont, ME. [188]

She was named administratrix of her husband's will. [278]

Her son Howard M. Basford was granted administration of her estate, which was valued at about $1482. [283]

[275], [277], [188], [2], [23], [266], [283], [278], [282]

They had the following children:
110 i. Malinda E. (Died as Child) (~1840-?)
111 ii. Sarah H. (Died Unmarried) (~1842-1924)
112 iii. Howard M. (Died Unmarried) (~1844-1924)
113 iv. Aroline M. (Died Unmarried) (~1846-1908)
114 v. John F. (~1851-?)
115 vi. Julia Harris (Died as Child) (~1856-1856)

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