Vashti Streeter

Vashti (sometimes misspelled Vasti, Veshti, or Vasuti) was living in Hinsdale, NH in the 1860 Census. In 1870, she was living with her husband Levi (age 66, born 1804), and Wallace (age 25, born 1845) in New Hampshire. In the 1880 Census of Hinsdale, she is listed as living with Levi in Hinsdale.

NAME

Vashti's name presents some challenges for genealogists. The name comes from Queen Vashti, a wife of King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther. It briefly came into vogue in the 1800s and was moderately popular among Methodist families. (Vashti Streeter's religious affiliation is unknown.) name sometimes appears as Vasti (user-submitted genealogical information on-line), Veshti (Harriet's marriage record), or even Vasuti (1880 Census), but is listed in all family records, Crowninshield Family Association records, and news clippings as Vashti. Family oral tradition indicates a possible pronunciation of "VASH-ti," with a long "i" on the end.

NEWS CLIPPING

A news article from Hinsdale in 1951 about Levi Streeter and Stillman Crowningshield, entitled "Hinsdale Streeters Colorful Part Of History Since 1800," says this about Vashti:

Levi and his wife, Vashti, had 10 children. The family branched out with 60 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, giving him an average of one descendant for every year he lived. The couple's golden anniversary in 1883 was also a gala occasion, with all except one of the then living 45 grandchildren gathered round to celebrate.