A One-Name Study for the BARNUM/BARNHAM Surname
Benjamin Stevens was born about 1651 in Stamford, Connecticut, British America. He was the son of Thomas Stevens and Anna Unknown. Benjamin and his brother Obadiah were granted building lots by the Town of Stamford on September 22, 1676, for their "service against the common enemy."
Benjamin moved from Stamford in late 1680 or early 1681, to "Hop Grounds" (present-day Bedford), to Westchester, New York. British America. No prior attempt was made at settlement on the portion of the tract now known as Bedford until 1680. In that year the Town of Stamford granted to twenty-two Stamford men the lands known as the "Hop Grounds" lying "at the north end of Stamford bounds." Under the grant the beneficiaries, on the 23d of December, 1680, bought from Katonah, Rockaway, and several other Indians, the territory in question, 7,673 acres. The purchase thus made became known as "Bedford Three Miles Square." (source: Shonnard and Spooner, 1900).
Stamford Land Record (Register of Deeds?): On 20 December 1686, the brothers Obadiah, Benjamin and Joseph Stevens agreed that their mother, "the widow Homs," would live with her son benjamin Stevens, with some support being provided by the other two brothers in the form of certain specified gifts of animals. And, on 1 April 1689, Ann Homs, widow, signing with her X mark, gave "a sartain ox" to her son Joseph Stevens.
Benjamin moved to Danbury, Connecticut (about 1700?), where he lived on the east side of Main street. He passed away about 1735 (or 1746?), Danbury, Connecticut.
The Wikitree profile for his brother Joseph gives some more information, although Benjamin's move from Bedford to Danbury probably happened well after 1685 (when the first 8 settlers arrived there): "Joseph Stevens and his brother Benjamin both participated in the development of the new town inland from Stamford that became Bedford in Westchester County, New York. They were both on the list of original proprietors there on 23 December 1680 (the same year as Joseph's marriage). Benjamin actually moved to Bedford and stayed there until about 1685, when he moved further inland and back eastward to another new settlement - this time the one at Danbury, Connecticut, where he remained until his death."
A Research Guide to the Genealogy of the Barnum/Barnam/Barnham Family Worldwide
AncientFaces - Family History Photos
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