Alpheus Underwood, Esq

ALPHEUS UNDERWOOD (1777-1827): He was born in Wales, Hammond Coun-ty, Massachusetts. His birth date is calculated per the Underwood Family Mem-orandum of the Town of Wales. He died in 1827 at the age of 50 giving his birth about 1777. He married Mary Walbridge on July 21, 1799, in Wales. They lived in Wales until 1809 when they moved to Monson, Hampshire, Mas-sachusetts. In 1817, they returned to Wales for two years until moving West to Ohio, where they settled.

Portage, Ohio (picture in Media “Alpheus Underwood purchased 411 acres of undeveloped land in Brimfield township, Portage county, Ohio on November 26, 1817 just after his eldest son, Lybia, turned 18. One supposes Lybia lived on this land all his adult life and that this is what the farm looked like in 1874, 3 years before Lybia died.”

“The farm which Alpheus purchased was apparently along the eastern edge of the township about midway between north and south in lots 44 and 45. This 1874 map (see in Media) shows much of the property still owned and lived on by his children and grandchildren. The will of Alpheus implies that his home was in the NW corner of lot 44 probably where this map shows a large home.” 

He died in Brimfield, Ohio, and was buried there. His headstone stands in the part of Restland cemetery moved from Thorndike Cemetery. Engraved after his name is "Esq." once used as an abbreviation for "Esquire" and referred to one who was licensed to practice law.