Joshua Bigelow, III

Joshua 4 Bigelow, son of Joshua 3 ( Joshua 2, Johnl) and Hannah (FISKE) BIGELOW, was born in Watertown, Midd1esex co, MA, 05 February 1702. He married there 23 January 1725 Lydia HASTINGS of Weston. She was born 27 February 1704/1705, the dau of Joseph and Elizabeth (Edwards) Hastings. (see below). They lived in Weston until 1745, when he bought 75 acres of land in Worcester from Samuel ANDREWS, father-in-law to Col. Timothy BIGELOW. In 1749 he bought the adjoining tract of land, giving him altogether 300 acres. On 30 January 1750 his house was destroyed by fire, and a son and daughter burned to death. The Boston News-Letter reported the fire "caused by a stick rolling off the log in the kitchen." Joshua lived the remainder of his life in Worcester, and was representative to the General Court from 1768 to 1774, a selectman in 1747, then 1767 to 1773, 1775, and 1778; in later years he led a retired life, In September 1788 his son was appointed his guardian  His death was reported in the Boston Centinel issue of 05 June 1790. His will, dated 1787, mentions son, William, Thaddeus, and Asa, daughters Esther MOORE and Anna, and grandson William MOORE. Asa was appointed executor. After his death son Thaddeus acquired the property but later removed to Rutland.

Children of Joshua and Lydia (HASTINGS) BIGELOW, all but the youngest born Weston, Middlesex co, MA:

16111. William, b l0 Apr 1727; d 13 July 1815 Brattleborough. VT; m 28 May 1753 (Cambridge) Margaret GATES; res Athol, MA. 2 children.

16112. Thaddeus, b 26 Sep 1728; d ______ Rutland; m 28 Mar 1754 Rebecca WARREN; res Worcester & Rutland; 6 children.

16113. Jerusha, b 22 Jun 1730; not named in father's will.

16114. David, b 6 Mar 1732; d in house fire 30 Jan 1750.

16115. Lydia. b 13 Mar 1734; d in house fire 30 Jan 1750.

16116. Esther,b 23 Feb 1736;d ______; m 11 Sep 1760 John MOORE (he died 1793, was in Rev War).

16117. Asa, b 13 Sep 1738; d 22 Sep 1807 Brookfield, MA; m Feb 1766 Rebecca RICHARDSON; res Brookfield, MA. 11 children.

16118. Anna, b 25 Mar 1740; d l2 Jan 1826 Weston; m 3 Jan 1771 Nathan HAGER; res Weston. 10 children.

16119. Hannah, b 2 July 1748 Worcester; d 29 December 1829, aged eighty-two years; m 13 May 1770 Joel WESTON (WESSON). Hannah not mentioned in father's will.(see below)

Sources: The Bigelow Family Genealogy, Vol I pg 64; Howe, Bigelow Family of America; Weston vital records; Obits in Boston newspapers; Vermont vital records.

2009 Notes from Bigelow Society Library: Lydia HASTINGS of Weston. She was born 27 February 1704/1705, the dau of Joseph and Elizabeth (Edwards) Hastings. Joseph Hastings was born 06 May 1669; d _____ ; Elizabeth (Edwards) , b 21 Nov 1679; d _____ ; Joseph Hastings was the son of John and Lidea (Champney) Hastings; John, b ca 1630; d ____ ; Lidea, b ca 1642; d 23 Jan 1690/1691; Elizabeth Edwards, was the dau of Matthew and Mary (Pooll) Edwards; Matthew, b ca 1631; d 22 Dec 1683; Mary Pooll, no dates;