W9: Charlotte Dawes(1786-1846)

Charlotte Dawes Gravesite

Charlotte Dawes Gravesite

Charlotte Dawes(1786-1846)(W9)

Birth: March 18th, 1786 in Boston, MA


Father: UNKNOWN

Mother: UNKNOWN


Married: Married Joseph Wright(1778-1825)(W8) on April 15th, 1813 in Westfield, MA


Children:

  • Elizabeth Wright(1813-1876)

  • Infant(1815-1815)

  • Infant Daughter(18167-1816)

  • Joseph Wright(1817-1878)

  • Asa Wright(1818-1883)(W4)

  • Fanny Fowler Wright(1821-1845)

  • Orrin or Orange Wright(1823-1884)


Death: May 17th, 1846 in Northampton, MA

Charlotte Dawes was born on March 18th, 1786 in Boston, MA. There is no record of her parents. She first appears in documents when she married Joseph Wright on April 15th, 1813 in Westfield, MA when she was 34 years old. They were married by the Justice of the Peace, Samuel Fowler.

Charlotte Dawes Birth Record

Charlotte Dawes Birth Record

Charlotte's practice Signature inside her bible

Charlotte's practice Signature inside her bible

Their first child, Elizabeth was born on December 2nd, 1813 in Northampton, MA. They lost a child at birth on April 22nd, 1815. The lost another child in December of 1816. She was born on December 9th and died on December 11th. Their first son, Joseph was born on February 27th, 1817 followed by Asa on August 22, 1818.

The 1820 U.S. Census shows Joseph living in Northampton, MA. This census only lists the number of people living with him an not who they are, but there is something of a mystery here. Joseph is listed as working in Manufacturing.

They had another daughter, Fanny Fowler on December 3rd, 1821. Their last child was born on April 12th, 1823. He was either called Orrin or Orange. Her husband, Joseph, died on July 6th, 1825. The 1830 U.S. Census has Charlotte living with her family. Like the 1820 census, it does not list names.

Charlotte died on May 17th, 1846 in Northampton, MA. She is buried n Bridge Street Cemetery.

The Mystery

Charlotte represents a long standing family mystery. Who was she and who was her parents? Here are some clues I've seen in the data, but I haven't been able to connect the dots.

  • Charlotte was 27 when she got married to Joseph

  • They were married by Samuel Fowler, a Justice of the Peace

  • They named one of their daughter Fanny Fowler

  • Some of the probate records list Charlotte as being named Fannie.

  • She is listed as being born in Boston, but was married in Westfield

So here are the questions I've been pondering, some could be red herrings:

  • Since she was married at 27, could she have been married before?

  • Why were they married by a Justice of a Peace?

  • What is her connection to Samuel Fowler?

  • Could her name have been Frannie or Frances? Possibly a middlename?

  • How did she get from Boston to Westfield?

Branch

Sources

  • 1820 United States Federal Census: 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Page: 108; NARA Roll: M33_50; Image: 116

  • 1830 United States Federal Census: 1830 US Census; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Page: 588; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 64; Family History Film: 0337922

  • Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915: Name Charlotte Wright, Gender Female, Age 80, Birth Date abt 1766, Death Date 17 May 1846, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts, USA, Wills and Probates Charlotte Wright - 1846

  • Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915: Name Fannie Wright, Gender Female, Birth Place Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Spouse Joseph Wright, Child Orange Wright, Wills and Probates Fannie Wright

  • Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Charlotte Daw, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 15 Apr 1813, Marriage Place Westfield, Massachusetts, Spouse Name Joseph Wright

  • Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Charlotte Dawe, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 15 Apr 1813, Marriage Place Westfield, Massachusetts, Spouse Name Joseph Wright

  • Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Mrs Charlotte Wright, Event Type Death, Birth Date abt 1786, Death Date 17 May 1846, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts, Death Age 60

  • Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Charlotte Wright, Event Type Death, Death Date 1846-1847, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts

  • U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current: Name Charlotte Wright, Gender F, Birth Date 18 Mar 1786, Death Date 17 May 1846, Death Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Cemetery Bridge Street Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Has Bio? Y, Spouse Joseph Wright, Children Elizabeth Wright, URL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88043937

  • Charlotte Dawes Family Bible