An American Family History

Michael and his first wife, Hannah, had eight children. Thomas Dwinnell was born on October 3, 1693. Sarah Dwinnell Foster was born on June 20, 1697. Mary Dwinnell Gott Peabody was born on April 25, 1702. Michael Dwinnell was born in 1705/06. Stephen Dwinnell was born on March 5, 1707/08. Hannah Dwinnell Bowery Curtis was born on March 12, 1709/10. Jacob Dwinnell was born on January 31, 1714/15. Abigail Dwinnell Deering was born on November 5, 1719.

In 1724, Michael married 20 year old Elizabeth Fiske. They had two children. Benjamin Dwinnell was born on November 10, 1726. The second Thomas Dwinnell was born on August 26, 1729. Elizabeth died soon after his birth in 1730.

Michael married Elizabeth Cave in 1731. They also had two children. Samuel Dunnel was born in 1731 and baptized on July 18, 1731. Elizabeth Dwinnell was born on October 29, 1733. Elizabeth Cave Dwinnell died on February 7, 1736/37.

Michael married Charity Cotton in 1737 in Salem. Charity died on November 8, 1752. Michael and Charity did not have children. Shortly after Charity died, he married Mary Shaw Balch in 1753.

Michael died in 1761.

On May 20, 1760, the town of Topsfield appointed a committee of twelve men to seat the congregation "according to there Best Skill and Judgement." The report was dated May 17, 1762. (Topsfield Historical Collections, Volume 7) In 1762, the widow Mary Dwinnell was in the women’s first seat with Mr. Aaron Esty’s wife.

Mister ( Mr.) was derived from master and Mrs. and Miss were derived from mistress. They indicated people of superior social status in colonial America.

Old Style Calendar Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.