Brief Life History of Esther Maria
When Esther Maria Atwater was born on 12 February 1821, in Chester, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States, her father, Aaron Atwater, was 27 and her mother, Betsey Atsom, was 27. 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 died on 20 July 1906, in Guilford, Chenango, New York, United States, at the age of 85, and was buried in Guilford, Chenango, New York, United States.
Photos and Memories (2)
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Family Time Line
Sources (12)
- Esther Gridley, "United States Census, 1850"
- Esther Maria Atwater Gridley, "Find A Grave Index"
- Ester Atwater in entry for Mary Elizabeth Bartholomew, "Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987"
Spouse and Children
Children (11)
+6 More Children
Parents and Siblings
World Events (8)
1825 · The Crimes Act
The Crimes Act was made to provide a clearer punishment of certain crimes against the United States. Part of it includes: Changing the maximum sentence of imprisonment to be increased from seven to ten years and changing the maximum fine from $5,000 to $10,000.
1827 · Slavery Becomes Illegal in New York State
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
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’.
History: This surname was established from an early date in New England. David Atwater was one of the group of settlers who founded the New Haven colony in 1638.
Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.
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