Esther Maria Atwater

12 February 1820–20 July 1906 (Age 86)
Chester, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States

The Life of Esther Maria

When Esther Maria Atwater was born on 12 February 1820, in Chester, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States, her father, Aaron Atwater, was 26 and her mother, Betsey Atsom, was 25. She married Norris Gridley on 21 October 1840, in Harwinton, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 5 daughters. She lived in Guilford, Chenango, New York, United States for about 50 years. She died on 20 July 1906, at the age of 86.

Photos & Memories (2)

Do you know this person? Do you have a story about her you would like to share? Sign in or Create a FREE Account

Family Time Line

Norris Gridley
1816–1906
Esther Maria Atwater
1820–1906
Marriage: 21 October 1840
Lucias Augustus Gridley
1841–1854
Hobart Alfred Gridley
1843–1875
Rosine Gridley
1846–1925
Francelia Elizabeth Gridley
1848–1849
Loren Atwater Gridley
1850–1854
Stella Vanetta Gridley
1852–1935
Melverne Manness Gridley
1854–
Lelia A. Gridley
1855–1938
Gaylord Guyvanas Gridley
1859–1937
Mary Elizabeth Gridley
1860–1955
Albert Norris Gridley
1864–1913

Spouse and Children

MARRIAGE
21 October 1840
Harwinton, Litchfield, Connecticut, United States
children

(11)

    Lucias Augustus Gridley

    Male1841–1854Male

    Hobart Alfred Gridley

    Male1843–1875Male

    Rosine Gridley

    Female1846–1925Female

    Francelia Elizabeth Gridley

    Female1848–1849Female

    Loren Atwater Gridley

    Male1850–1854Male

+6 More Children

Parents and Siblings

siblings

(4)

World Events (8)

1821 · Financial Relief for Public Land

Age 1

A United States law to provide financial relief for the purchasers of Public Lands. It permitted the earlier buyers, that couldn't pay completely for the land, to return the land back to the government. This granted them a credit towards the debt they had on land. Congress, also, extended credit to buyer for eight more years. Still while being in economic panic and the shortage of currency made by citizens, the government hoped that with the time extension, the economy would improve.
1827 · Slavery Becomes Illegal in New York State

Age 7

During the years 1799 to 1827, New York went through a period of gradual emancipation. A Gradual Emancipation Law was passed in 1799 which freed slave children born after July 4, 1799. However, they were indentured until 25 years old for women and 28 years old for men. A law passed 1817 which freed slaves born before 1799, yet delayed their emancipation for ten years. All remaining slaves were freed in New York State on July 4, 1827.
1846

Age 26

U.S. acquires vast tracts of Mexican territory in wake of Mexican War including California and New Mexico.

Name Meaning

English: topographic name for someone whose dwelling was by a river or lake, Middle English atte water ‘at the water’.

Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

Sources (3)

  • Esther Sri* in household of Norris Sri*, "United States Census, 1870"
  • Esther M Guilly in household of Norris Guilly, "New York State Census, 1875"
  • Ester M Gridley in household of Norice Gridley, "United States Census, 1900"

Find more of your family story

As a non-profit, we offer free help to anyone looking to learn the details of their family story.

Create a free account to view more about your family.
Create a free account
Share this with your family and friends.