#9375. 4. AYRES. “Nyumps,” Feb. 5, 1923. Many thanks for further clews. [sic] Am hoping that others will be as courteous and add to data given by you. With your familiarity with early Connecticut history you aid in searches frequently, and we who are hundreds of miles west appreciate this greatly. It looks as if Abigail Gunn, daughter of Nathaniel Gunn and wife, Sarah Wheeler, must be from old Dr. Jasper Gunn, one of the founders of Milford, and was but twenty-nine when he came in 1635. In May, 1636, was made a freeman and settled in Roxbury, removing to Milford, and afterwards to Hartford, about 1646. In May, 1657, he was freed from training etc. during his practice of medicine. He returned to Milford and died there in 1679. His name is one on Memorial Bridge, Milford. Might say that some inquiries have come to me for list of those on this famous bridge, and I am willing to send them if so desired.
In the “Spirit of ‘76” it gave children of Dr. Gunn as daughter, Mehitable Fenn, and four sons, Jobanna [sic], Abel, Daniel and Samuel. There was an Abel Gunn, of Derby, sergeant (of what war I know not), whose daughter Abigail, born Sept. 16, 1707, married John (3) Holbrook, and they gave land for the Episcopal Church. Abel Gunn married Agnes Hawkins, and I just found that Abel, the sergeant, was son of Jobamah, son of Dr. Jasper Gunn, so it looks as if ere long we’ll find Nathaniel, who married Sarah Wheeler, for there were also two Wheeler families early settlers of Milford.
Then it may be that the Hurd line is connected with Holbrook, for Wilson Hurd served in Revolutionary War, married Abigail Holbrook, daughter of Captain John Holbrook, and she seems to have had brothers Nathaniel, Abel, Philip and several sisters. I hope someone will give the rest of these data soon, and kindly give also the marriage of Samuel (2) Miles, son of Colonel Richard (1) for this is not in my records. I found in old Connecticut Magazine in article on “Old Seymour” that the Widow of Samuel Miles in the division of land in 1702 received “Section No. 10,” and her son Jonathan built a house on this land about 1724, and that he had son Theophilus and grandson also, but nothing about his brother Theophilus.
As Samuel Miles was the first person baptized at New Haven, April 12, 1640 [1649?], died Dec. 24, 1678, where [sic] not stated, nor any children listed, nor name of wife given, but may it not be that she was related to Theophilus Eaton? Is this why that name is carried down?
Can you tell me the parentage of Mary Meeker, wife of Theophilus? I found only two early Meeker families, Robert of New Haven, married Sarah Tuberfield, and removed to Fairfield, before 1670. And William Meeker of New Haven also, in 1657, no wife nor children mentioned.
Glad to have the proof from this Miles line, as the granddaughter, Sarah Osborne, is named in settling estate of Theophilus Miles. She married Ransom Osborn, and not only is the name Ransom used in further generations, but the name Sheldon also; one Sheldon Ayres, son of Sarah Osborne Ayres, and have wondered where this came from. An old clipping said Joseph Ransom had sons Sheldon and Stephen, but as yet have found no Ransom connection with Osbornes. Cannot someone tell whether Captain Joseph Osborn served in Revolution, as he did not die until 1797, it seems quite probable: or his son Joseph might, as he died in 1794. Shall appreciate further aid from those familiar with Mallory, Tolles and other old New Haven and Milford lines, on any families named above.