David Crowninshield

David Crowninshield was a public official, businessman, and early settler of Hinsdale, New Hampshire.

Early Life

Crowninshield was born on February 18, 1766 in Wrentham, Massachusetts. His father, Richard Crowninshield, was a grandson of Dr. Johannes Kaspar Richter von Kronenschieldt, the Danish-German progenitor of the noted "Boston Brahmin" Crowninshield family. His mother, Mary Lane, was originally from Attleboro, Massachusetts and was the daughter of Ebenezer Lane and Elizabeth Follett.

Marriage & Family

Crowninshield married one of his extended cousins, Persis Crowninshield. She was originally from Cumberland, Rhode Island and died in Hinsdale on July 21, 1822. Together, they had four Artemas, Philo, Leonard, and Julia.

Life in Hinsdale

Crowninshield arrived in Hinsdale from Rhode Island "at a very early date." He settled on what was known as "Road 7." His farm initially only had enough cleared land to place his house and
barns upon, but he expanded it as time went on. Like most Hinsdale settlers, he made his living primarily off of his own land.

Crowninshield was elected tythingman (similar to constable) in 1803 and sealer of leather (town officials who authorized the sale of leather) in both 1810 and 1812.

Death & Legacy

Crowninshield died on November 5, 1812 at the age of 46, though he is sometimes reported as having died at the age of 48. His sons Artemas and Leonard settled on the family homestead and remained there throughout their lives. His son Philo moved to Guildford, Vermont after his marriage. His daughter, Lydia Crowninshield Butler, moved to Chesterfield, New Hampshire with her husband.

Crowninshield's land was eventually passed down through his grandson (through Leonard) Samuel T. Crowninshield's family and remained with the Crowninshields for several generations. Hinsdale became the site of Crowninshield family reunions for decades.

Sources

• Brown, Janice. History of Hinsdale, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. c. 2006.
• Child, Hamilton. Gazetteer of Cheshire County, N.H., 1736-1885. Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, 1885.
• Crowninshield Family Association. Biographical Sketch of David Crowninshield. 2010.

This biographical sketch was written in May 2011 for Geni by Ashley Odell. Please do not redistribute it without full attribution.