Though a grant of land eight miles square when established in 1655, the boundaries of Groton now produce a shape that looks somewhat like a teapot--sitting on Ayer, its neighbor to the south. Other adjoining towns include Shirley, Townsend, Pepperell, Tyngsborough, Westford and Littleton.

Groton Vital Records: Births, Marriages, Deaths [1656-1829]. [0001]

Though dates for births and deaths extend from about 1656-1829, the majority range from 1730-1799. Marriage dates extend from 1732-1772. Different hands, often with very small writing; various inks, sometimes faded; and dates worn from page edges--all characterize this book. Note that pages 1-145 are known also as pages 1-75.

Index to Births, Marriages & Deaths 1656-1829

FICHE 1

Deaths 1731-1750, <p 1

FICHE 1

Births & Deaths 1689-1692, 1719-1793, 1829; pp 1-27

FICHE 1

Births & Deaths 1656, 1688, 1716-1799, 1806, 1822; pp 28-87

FICHE 2

Births & Deaths 1688,1694,1713-1795,1805,1822-1829; pp 88-145

FICHE 3

Deaths 1753-1761, 1765; pp 116 & 127

FICHE 3

Marriages 1732-1750+, 1755-1772; pp 146-151, 153-156, 160

FICHE 4

Deaths 1719, 1738-1777; pp 156-159

FICHE 4

Births & Deaths n.d., 1730-1795, 1828; pp ca 152, 161-174

FICHE 4

Stray Animals 1734, 1771, 1784

FICHE 4

Groton Vital Records: Births & Deaths [1640-1853]. 359 pages. [0002]

Family records, with dates extending from 1640-1853, consist mostly of births, some related deaths, and occasional marriages--though most events occur between 1730-1845. Additional deaths (1818-1822) and marriages (1772-1793) are recorded separately. Note the extended records on page 52 for the family of Oliver Prescott, and on page 115 for the family of Deacon Isaac Farnsworth. Note, also, that miscellaneous births at the end of the book, including those for coloreds and illegitimates, may not be included in the indexes.

Indexes of Births, Marriages & Deaths 1640-1853

FICHE 5

Family Records 1736-1843, pp 1-26+

FICHE 5

Family Records 1640,1648,1695-1697,1714,1723,1731-1843;pp 26-79

FICHE 6

Family Records 1701, 1723, 1725, 1733-1845; pp 80-139

FICHE 7

Family Records 1744, 1763-1845, 1851; pp 140-199

FICHE 8

Family Records 1773-1845, pp 200-257

FICHE 9

Family Records 1764-1844, 1853; pp 258-317

FICHE 10

Family Records 1775, 1780, 1801-1845, pp 318-345, 355-356

FICHE 11

Deaths 1818-1822, pp 342-343

FICHE 11

Marriages 1772-1775, 1778-1791, 1793; pp 344-354

FICHE 11

Miscellaneous Births 1831-1839, 1776-1806; pp 356-359

FICHE 11

Groton Vital Records: Births & Marriages [ca 1674-1758]. 185 pages. [0052]

Births predominate in these records, mostly arranged by family. The few deaths appear occasionally among the births, or in separate listings. Marriages and publishments, circa 1710-1732, appear sporadically--mostly between pages 57 and 185. Worn pages and old-style handwriting make some reading very difficult. For greater magnification, see the 35-mm version of this same book (below).

Vital Records ca 1674-1753, pp 1-66

FICHE 12

Vital Records ca 1689-1756, pp 67-136

FICHE 13

Vital Records ca 1710-1758, 1817; pp 137-183

FICHE 14

Marriages 1710, 1713-1732; pp 157-185

FICHE 14

Groton Vital Records: Births & Marriages [ca 1674-1758]. 185 pages. [0052]

Births predominate in these records, mostly arranged by family. The few deaths appear occasionally among the births, or in separate listings. Marriages and publishments, circa 1710-1732, appear sporadically--mostly on pages between 157 and 185. Worn pages and old-style handwriting make some reading very difficult. Note, above, the standard version (16-mm film) of this same book.

Vital Records 1674-1751, pp <1-12 [1-7]

FICHE 15

Vital Records 1687-1753, pp 13-32 (8-17)

FICHE 16

Vital Records 1684-1742, pp 33-52 (18-27)

FICHE 17

Vital Records 1697-1743, pp 53-72 (28-37)

FICHE 18

Vital Records 1689, 1705-1755; pp 73-92 (38-47)

FICHE 19

Vital Records 1694-1751, pp 93-112 (48-57)

FICHE 20

Vital Records 1700-1756, pp 113-132 (58-67)

FICHE 21

Vital Records 1693, 1710-1758; pp 133-152 (68-77)

FICHE 22

Vital Records 1708-1747, 1817, 1823; pp 153-172 (78-87)

FICHE 23

Vital Records 1686, 1714-1742, 1751-1752; pp 173-185 (88-93)

FICHE 24

Groton Proprietors [ca 1712-1760]. 7+ pages. [0051]

The booklet identifies original proprietors, and those of the first and second land divisions. Note, also, the insert that enumerates British killed, wounded and captured in various battles of the Revolutionary War.

Land Divisions <1712, 1721, 1726/7, 1741, 1748, 1760

FICHE 25

Groton Proprietors [<1722-1824]. 20 pages.

Names grantors of 1722-1824, as well as the original proprietors.

Proprietors 1722-1788, 1802-1806, 1809, 1822-1824

FICHE 25

Groton Proprietors Records [1711-1796]. 186 pages. [0005]

These records pertain mostly to meetings and land. Note indexes at the front and back of the book.

Topical Index 1711-1796, pp <1

FICHE 26

Proprietors Records 1716-1729, pp 1-53

FICHE 26

Proprietors Records 1718-1728, 1735-1742; pp 54-113

FICHE 27

Proprietors Records 1721-1727, pp 114-171

FICHE 28

Proprietors Records 1711-1796; pp 172-179, 183-186

FICHE 29

Topical Index 1711-1796, pp 180-182

FICHE 29

Groton Proprietors Records [ca 1712-1767]. 348+ pages. [0003]

Though challenging at times, most of this old-style handwriting is readable-- except for some lists of proprietors at the end of the book.

Index of Land Records ca 1721-1767

FICHE 30

Land Records 1727-1749, 1761; pp 1-27

FICHE 30

Land Records 1726-1730, 1741-1751, 1760-1764; pp 28-85

FICHE 31

Land Records 1726-1731, 1735, 1741-1752, 1757-1758; pp 86-145

FICHE 32

Land 1721, 1725-1735, 1739-1751, 1756, 1760-1765; pp 146-203

FICHE 33

Land Records 1734, 1741-1749, 1753-1756; pp 204-259

FICHE 34

Land Records 1727, 1741, 1745-1763, 1767; pp 260-319

FICHE 35

Land Records 1746, 1752-1766; pp 320-348

FICHE 36

Proprietors ca 1712, 1727, 1742, 1745, 1748, 1760, 1798

FICHE 36

Proprietors ca 1721, 1727, 1741, 1760, 1823

FICHE 37

Groton Proprietors Records [1730-1829]. 140+ pages. [0004]

Note, on next-to-last page, weather diary of selected days May-December.

Proprietors Meetings 1730-1765, 1770; pp 1-53

FICHE 38

Proprietors Meetings 1756, 1763, 1770-1774, 1783-1804;pp 54-109

FICHE 39

Proprietors Meetings 1805-1814, 1822-1824, 1829; pp 110-140

FICHE 40

Payments & Receipts 1762-1787, 1801-1809; pp 132 & 140+

FICHE 40

Proprietors Records 1723, 1742, 1763;pp 112-ca 116 (from below)

FICHE 40

Groton Proprietor Records [1723-1828]. 112+ pages. [0006]

Records before 1758 are few. Note placement of last pages on fiche above.

Proprietors Records 1757-1794, pp 1-55

FICHE 41

Proprietors 1741-1752, 1777, 1784-1814, 1822-1828; pp 56-112

FICHE 42

Proprietors Records 1723, 1742, 1763; pp 112-ca 116

FICHE 40

Groton Lands & C [ca 1662-1706]. About 180 pages. [0008]

Despite valiant efforts to restore this ancient book, many pages still remain illegible.

Town & Land Records ca 1662-1706

FICHE 43

Town & Land Records ca 1662-1706

FICHE 44

Town & Land Records ca 1662-1706

FICHE 45

Land Records ca 1686-1700, 1760-1770; pp 164-167+

FICHE 45

Groton Lands & C [1657-1772]. [0010]

Last pages, listing land owners, are located on fiche above.

Index to Land Records ca 1678-1772

FICHE 46

Land Records 1683-1684, 1702, 1734-1738; pp 1-47

FICHE 46

Land Records ca 1678-1750, pp 48-107

FICHE 47

Land Records 1657, 1683-1712, 1734-1772; pp 108-163

FICHE 48

Land Records ca 1686-1700, 1760-1770; pp 164-167+

FICHE 45

Groton Copy of Old Records [1655-1754].

Among the minutes of town meetings and selectmen's meetings, one finds much interesting reading; e.g., the town offered Samuel Scripture land in 1671 as incentive to settle in the town (p 37); townspeople provided compassionate service in 1673 for Good-wife Ong (p 46); Andrew the Indian referenced (p 46); town census taken in 1681 (p 72); two drunken squaws caused problems (p 73).

Subject & Name Indexes 1655-1754

FICHE 49

Town History 1655-1668, pp iii-viii

FICHE 49

Town Records 1662-1667; pp 1-21

FICHE 49

Town Records 1667-1683, pp 22-80

FICHE 50

Town Records 1683-1704, pp 81-140

FICHE 51

Town Records 1704-1725, pp 141-200

FICHE 52

Town Records 1725-1738, pp 201-260

FICHE 53

Town Records 1738-1754, pp 261-320

FICHE 54

Groton Town Meeting [1670-1797]. Book 3. [0007]

Records include reports of stray animals, lists of town officers, minutes of town meetings, and bounds of highways. Note that some of the first and last pages do not seem to be included in the index.

Topical Index 1709-1740

FICHE 55

Town Records 1708-1714,1734-1741,1743; pp 1-35(1-21)

FICHE 55

Town Records 1713-1726, 1736-1743; pp 36-95 (22-51)

FICHE 56

Town Records 1727-1741; pp 96-155 (52-81)

FICHE 57

Town 1670-1673, 1705, 1714-1745, 1767, 1797; pp 156-179 (82-93)

FICHE 58

Groton Town Meeting [1740-1795]. Book 4. 539 pages. [0009]

Besides minutes of town meetings, this book records a few births of 1829-1843, new residents in 1788-1789 (pp 19-20), pew sales, treasurers reports, tax abatements, perambulations, oaths of allegiance (p 503), and warnings out of 1750-1785 (pp 5-15 & 32-33). Other town business includes the mutual divorce of Ebenezer & Eunice Woods in 1788 (p 108); and reluctance of some to pay tax in 1782 because of displeasure with the minister (pp 406-407).

Index to Persons Listed on pages 4-111

FICHE 59

Table of Contents for pages 1-532

FICHE 59

Births 1829, 1831, 1837-1843, p <1

FICHE 59

Town Records 1742-1782, pp 1-21

FICHE 59

Town Records 1742-1751, 1785, 1791, 1793, 1795; pp 22-81

FICHE 60

Town Records 1750-1759, 1788, 1790, 1792, 1794; pp 82-141

FICHE 61

Town Records 1759-1765, pp 142-201

FICHE 62

Town Meetings 1765-1773, pp 202-260

FICHE 63

Town Records 1773-1777, pp 261-318

FICHE 64

Town Records 1778-1781, pp 319-378

FICHE 65

Town Records 1781-1784, pp 379-436

FICHE 66

Town Records 1784-1788, pp 437-496

FICHE 67

Town Records 1740-1790, pp 497-539

FICHE 68

Groton Town Meetings [<1788-1825]. [0011]

Besides minutes of town meetings, this book records pew sales, town orders, cow licenses (p 351), warnings out of 1790-1793 (pp 527-532, 550), stray animals, perambulations, treasurer receipts, and church members; e.g. Presbyterians in 1788 (p 3).

Town Records 1774, 1788-1792, 1795, pp <1-53

FICHE 69

Town Records 1792-1795, pp 54-113

FICHE 70

Town Records 1795-1798, pp 114-173

FICHE 71

Town Records 1798-1801, pp 174-233

FICHE 72

Town Meetings 1801-1803, pp 234-291

FICHE 73

Town Meetings 1803-1806, pp 292-351

FICHE 74

Town Meetings 1806-1808, pp 352-411

FICHE 75

Town Meetings 1808-1811, pp 412-471

FICHE 76

Town Records 1790-1826;pp 472-531

FICHE 77

Town Records 1788-1825, pp 532-550

FICHE 78

Groton Records of Town Meetings 1813-1835. [0075]

Town Meetings 1813-1815, pp 3-56

FICHE 79

Town Meetings 1815-1817, pp 57-113

FICHE 80

Town Meetings 1817-1819, pp 114-173

FICHE 81

Town Meetings 1819-1821, pp 174-233

FICHE 82

Town Meetings 1821-1823, pp 234-293

FICHE 83

Town Meetings 1823-1826, pp 294-353

FICHE 84

Town Meetings 1826-1828, pp 354-413

FICHE 85

Town Meetings 1828-1832, pp 414-473

FICHE 86

Town Meetings 1832-1835, pp 474-534

FICHE 87

Town Meetings 1835, pp 535-552

FICHE 88

Groton [Town Orders 1789-1797]. About 200 pages. [0049]

"Orders" appear to be spending authorizations.

Town Orders 1789-1793

FICHE 89

Town Orders 1793-1796

FICHE 90

Town Orders 1792-1797

FICHE 91

Groton Town Orders [1797-1808]. About 600 pages. [0030]

"Orders" appear to be spending authorizations.

Town Orders 1797-1799

FICHE 92

Town Orders 1799-1801

FICHE 93

Town Orders 1801-1803

FICHE 94

Town Orders 1803-1805

FICHE 95

Town Orders 1805-1806

FICHE 96

Town Orders 1806

FICHE 97

Town Orders 1806-1807

FICHE 98

Town Orders 1807-1808

FICHE 99

Town Orders & Appointments 1808, 1798-1806

FICHE 100

Groton Town Orders [1797-1806]. About 50 pages. [0050]

Town Orders 1797-1798, 1801-1806

FICHE 101

Town Boundaries 1828-1829, pp 74-85 (from book below)

FICHE 101

Groton Field Book of Roads & Boundaries 1828-1829.

Identifies householders en route.

Index; Roads 1828-1829, pp 1-73

FICHE 102

Town Boundaries 1828-1829, pp 74-85 (see book above)

FICHE 101

Groton Selectmens' Journal [1814-1848]. About 225 pages. [0027]

Whether accepting or denying claims for support of the poor, the selectmen sign their letters, "With much respect, Gentlemen, we are your most obedient and humble servants." Other business includes contracts for goods and services, licenses, appointees, and oaths of office. Tables of monthly expenses for 1814-1817 appear at end of record.

Selectmen Records 1815-1820

FICHE 103

Selectmen Records 1820-1836

FICHE 104

Selectmen Records 1835-1848, 1814-1823

FICHE 105

Groton [Records of the Poor 1854-1902]. About 125 pages. [0039]

Lists of inmates usually include ages; sometimes provide death dates.

Poorhouse/Workhouse/Almshouse Inmates 1854-1876

FICHE 106

Almshouse/Town Farm Inmates 1877-1902

FICHE 107

Groton Dog Registrations [1858-1869]. About 50 pages. [0034]

Dog Registrations 1858-1869

FICHE 108

Non-Resident Taxpayers 1863 (from book below)

FICHE 108

Groton Tax Assessments 1863. [0044]

This book records assessments & payments.

Resident Taxpayers 1863

FICHE 109

Non-Resident Taxpayers 1863 (see above)

FICHE 108

Groton Taxes Assessments [1879] & Civil War Burials. [0053]

Last pages on this fiche come from the book below.

Tax Assessments ca 1879

FICHE 110

Civil War Veteran Burials ca 1863-1882, pp 1-29

FICHE 110

Aid to War Veterans & Families 1862-1865, pp 180-192 (below)

FICHE 110

Groton State Aid 1861-1883 to Families of Civil War Volunteers. [0032]

This record lists Civil War volunteers and identifies the family members receiving state assistance. Also included, on pages 120-121, is an 1870/71 membership roll of the Fire Engine Company. Beware of light ink.

Index of Volunteers

FICHE 111

Aid to War Veterans & Families 1862-1865, pp 1-41

FICHE 111

Aid to War Veterans & Families 1861-1883, pp 42-111

FICHE 112

Aid to War Veterans & Families 1862-1864, pp 112-179

FICHE 113

Aid to War Veterans & Families 1862-1865, pp 180-192 (above)

FICHE 110

Groton Birth Index [1843-1901]. Vol. 1-2. Indexes books 1 and 2.

Birth Index 1843-1901, A-S

FICHE 114

Birth Index 1843-1901, S-Y

FICHE 115

Death Index 1843-1901, S-Y (from index below)

FICHE 115

Groton Death Index 1843-1901. Vol 2. Indexes books 1 and 2.

Death Index 1843-1901, A-R

FICHE 116

Death Index 1843-1901, S-Y (see above)

FICHE 115

Groton Marriage Index 1843-1901. Vol 2. Indexes books 1 and 2.

Marriage Index 1843-1901, A-M

FICHE 117

Marriage Index 1843-1901, N-Y

FICHE 118

Groton Births, Marriages, Deaths 1844-1853. Vol 1. 99 pages.

Though registration began in 1844, the first vital events occurred in 1843-- continuing through 1853 for births, 1855 for marriages, and 1852 for deaths.

Blank pages include 37-58 and 72-74.

Births 1843-1851, pp 1-27

FICHE 119

Births 1851-1853, pp 28-36; Marriages 1843-1855, pp 59-71

FICHE 120

Deaths 1843-1852, pp 75-99

FICHE 121

Groton Births 1854-1901. Vol 2.

Note that page numbers continue from births in Vol. 1.

Births 1854-1862, pp 37-65

FICHE 122

Births 1862-1869, pp 66-95

FICHE 123

Births 1869-1881, pp 96-125

FICHE 124

Births 1881-1895, pp 126-155

FICHE 125

Births 1895-1901, pp 156-170

FICHE 126

Marriages 1900-1901, pp 90-93 (from book below)

FICHE 126

Groton Marriages 1856-1901. Vol 2. 93 pages.

Marriages 1856-1867, pp 1-29

FICHE 127

Marriages 1867-1881, pp 30-59

FICHE 128

Marriages 1882-1899, pp 60-89

FICHE 129

Marriages 1900-1901, pp 90-93 (see above)

FICHE 126

Groton Deaths 1853-1901. Vol 2. 119 pages.

Deaths 1853-1863, pp 1-29

FICHE 130

Deaths 1864-1873, pp 30-59

FICHE 131

Deaths 1873-1887, pp 60-89

FICHE 132

Deaths 1888-1901, pp 90-119

FICHE 133

Scroll Down for More Detail
 

Births & Marriages 1674-1751, Death 1822; pp [1-47] (1-68)

FICHE 1T

Births & Marrs 1689-1753,Deaths 1754,1758; pp [48-106] (68-153)

FICHE 2T

Births & Marriages 1686-1747, pp [107-131] (153-185,33-36)

FICHE 3T

Groton Births, Marriages, Deaths [1656-1829]. Book 2.

Births 1689-1784, Deaths 1734-1829; pp [132-165] (1-26)

FICHE 3T

Births 1720-1793, Deaths 1738-1822, pp [166-225] (26-71)

FICHE 4T

Births 1656-1795, Deaths 1747-1829; pp [226-285] (71-114)

FICHE 5T

Marriages 1736-1748, pp [286-345] (114-148)

FICHE 6T

Marriages 1732-1772, pp [346-371] (147-160)

FICHE 7T

Births & Deaths 1730-1828; pp [350-384] (148-174)

FICHE 7T

Groton [Births & Deaths 1648-1851]. Book 3

Births & Deaths 1736-1841, pp [385-405] (2-19)

FICHE 7T