William Longley (1708 - 1788)

Born 13 Feb 1708 in Groton, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Ancestors

Husband of Mary (Parker) Longley — married 4 Jan 1733 in Groton, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Descendants

Died 15 May 1788 at age 80 in Shirley, Middlesex, Massachusetts Bay Colony

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Biography

DESCRIPTION. From “History of the Town of Shirley, Massachusetts, part III” (Seth Chandler, 1882): He settled in what is now the south village in the town (Shirley). According to the most consistent tradition, his house was situated on the north side of the Catacunemaug, on the side of the hill, about halfway between the river and the bed of the Fitchburg Railway. Mr. Longley was a man of enterprise and efficiency, but either from a want of ability, or inclination, or taste, or popularity, his name appears in no place of public trust or employment; yet, with his countrymen generally, he nourished that inbred spirit of patriotism which secured in his day the independence of the United States, a work that older and abler men had desired to see effected, but who had died without the sight. There is, however, one event that must give prominence to the reputation of William Longley as long as the history of Shirley shall exist. In connection with Samuel Hazen he builded the first grist mill that existed within the town, to which a saw-mill was afterward appended.

MOVING FROM GROTON TO SHIRLEY. From “History of the Town of Shirley, Massachusetts, part III” (Seth Chandler, 1882): It has been seen that William Longley Senior, the grandfather of John of Indian memory, was one of the original proprietors of Groton, and with two exceptions he was the largest proprietor. It is highly probable that when the territory was divided among the proprietors, according to the number of shares in the stock, a large tract of land lying in what is now the southern part of Shirley was awarded to him, as his children of the third generation became permanent settlers there. The three eldest sons of the redeemed captive, John, emigrated to Shirley in company, in the year 1751 [William, Jonas, & John]. This was thirty years after the settlements had commenced in Shirley, and but two years before the town was incorporated as a district. As, however, the northern and eastern sections of the town , being nearer the center of Groton, and, of course, nearer the paternal homes of most of the Shirley settlers, were first inhabited, and as the progress of settlement was slow, but few families were supposed to be living, in 1750, south of what is now known as “Pound-hill” school house. Hence the three farms of the Longleys were in a wild state, and covered with a primitive growth of pine, oak and chestnut, the progress of whose huge bodies had never been disturbed except by wind and age…More than forty years ago the daughter of Jonas (the younger brother of the emigrants,) then past eighty years of age, related to the compiler of this history, an account of the removal of her father and his brothers from Groton to Shirley, their new home. She said her father liked to often repeat this relation to his family, as the most notable adventure of his life. The distance in a direct course could not have exceeded eight miles. But, although rude bridges had been thrown over the intervening streams at certain places, and a highway had been surveyed from Groton to Lancaster, the bridges were too far down the stream to be available, and the highway was so far east as to leave the territory of Shirley untouched. They could travel a short distance on the road leading from Groton Centre to Chelmsford; then they must make a right-angle in their way, and take a southerly direction, and pass over the territory that now forms the town of Ayer, towards the dwelling of the late Abel L. Holden. There the banks of the intervale were so low that the river could be safely forded, and passing over the farm now owned by Charles Dodge, they would reach the borders of their own estates. When the day of their departure arrived they assembled, with their wives and children, their cattle, farming utensils and household gear, taking such a store of provision as was demanded for present want, and commenced their trying journey, some ten or more miles through the wilderness, to what proved permanent earthly homes for themselves and for some generations of their posterity. They made good progress while they traveled east, but when they turned the angle to the south they found imperfect cart-paths and narrow bridle-ways, with obstructions at every turn; these were succeeded by an untrodden forest in its natal wildness. Huge logs lay across their path; stony pitfalls, concealed by a pitiless jungle, were obstacles in their way; so that the spade as well as the axe were required to open a passage for their overburdened teams. Almost three entire days were required to complete this undertaking. But, as the father of my informant stated, “The weather was warm and clear, so that our healths were uninjured, yet we thought it a terrible long voyage!” This narrative of the removal of the Longleys exhibits some of the lighter trials endured by the fathers in the early settlements of the country.

BUILDING THE MILL & THE EEL. From “History of the Town of Shirley, MA, Civil History”: The first to immortalize their names as builders of mills within the limits of what is now the town of Shirley, were William Longley, one of the early settlers, and Samuel Hazen who became a resident in 1749. They builded the first grist-mill, to which they subsequently added a saw-mill. It stood upon what was since the site of the late “Shirley Cotton Mill”, or perhaps recently better know as the “Red Mill”, which was destroyed by fire in 1867. This first corn-mill was a humble structure, containing but a single run of stones and was without any apparatus for bolting flour. But humble as was the enterprise when regarded from a later point of view, it required a mighty effort at the time, and was an event in the town of noteworthy character, and was hailed by the people as a harbinger of better times. The two proprietors wrought at the work with their own hands, in excavating the banks, laying the foundation for a building, and in erecting a dam across the stream. An event occurred of an amusing character, while this work was in progress, which is sustained by well-founded tradition. Mr. Longley, the senior partner in the enterprise, while engaging in his work picked up a small silver eel. Being rather of a jocose temperament, he said to his fellow laborers, “Give me a pint of rum and I will swallow this eel.” At the same time he threw back his head and held the squirming animal over his open mouth. It slipped through the fingers of the daring hero, into his mouth, and soon made the downward passage into his stomach. There, instead of quietly ensconsing himself in a corner and waiting the progress of events, the eel proved his natural unstaid proclivity by a frequent and rapid change of position, to the no small annoyance of his rapacious entertainer, who repeatedly exclaimed in horrified accents, “The eel will kill me!” Some New England rum was hastily administered – it being then, as in later days, regarded as a universal panacea – which the patient swallowed in large doses, until he had consumed a full half pint, from which the eel received a quietus; at least, he was never after heard from, much to the gratification of the adventurer, who found it much more in accordance with his taste to build mills, even in a new settlement, than to dine on living eels.

Within a few years Mr. Hazen disposed of his interest in the establishment, and it fell to Mr. Longley to serve his townsmen as their “miller”; this he did with fidelity unto old age, and was succeeded by his son in the same honorable employment. And to their credit let it be related, they lived above the suspicion of embezzlement or the taking of larger toll for their services than the law prescribed. The long service of the elder Longley in this useful occupation, and the consequently powdered apparel in which he appeared – which was seldom exchanged for more fitting attire – gave him the general appellation of “Will, the miller”; and when years had disabled him for physical labor, he was alluded to as “Old Will”, that used to be a “miller”. His eldest son followed him in the same employment. In process of time these mills went to decay, when successors arose on the same privilege, but on the opposite side of the stream. They were owned and run by one Henry Haskell. Eventually they became the property of Israel Longley, Esq. – the grandson of the original senior proprietor – who sold them to Thomas Hazen, a grandson of the other original proprietor. Mr. Hazen rebuilded these mills in 1837.

MILL STORIES AND PATRIOTISM. From “Beside Old Hearth-Stones” (A. E. Brown, 1897): The Story of Old Will the Miller. William Longley the father, and William the son, were both millers. In order to distinguish the craftsmen, the good farmers of the locality, who brought their grist to be ground at the mill on the Catacunemaug, called the elder “Old Will the Miller”. No disrespect was implied; for the rugged yeomen looked on Old Will as their great benefactor. He had been the first to set up that indispensable institution, a mill, thus relieving them of much of the burden of life. The Longley and Hazen mill was rude indeed, but in keeping with the dwellings of the farmers, made as they were from rough-hewn logs, and affording but little beyond the bare necessities. The farmers, young and old, delighted in listening to Old Will’s recitals of his father’s experience during the five years of his life in captivity. Waiting for grist was no hardship for them if Old Will, dressed in powdered apparel, was tending the stones. The elder William was a sufferer from rheumatism, and not in a mood for story-telling at all times; but when he was at his best in describing the life among the Indians, the farmer’s boy was reluctant to leave. In fact, the fathers were known to tarry long after Old Will had taken his toll, and emptied a fresh sack into the hopper. These stories of savage warfare served a two-fold purpose. They amused the miller’s patrons, and prevented their being impatient while waiting their turn, and also kindled a fire of patriotism in the minds of the farmers, which served them well when the time came for opposing the king. The news of the Stamp Act aroused the miller to a high state of indignation, and he declared his readiness to fight against all such oppression. The Port Bill reanimated his spirit of patriotism, and he dipped deep into his toll-bin for the aid for the aid of the poor of the distressed port. He had reached almost the allotted age of man when the Lexington alarm was sounded through the town. The exemption from service granted to millers was no excuse for him. The ardor of youth possessed his spirit when his sons, neighbors and friends were hastening to and fro in preparation for the march. But his bowed and crippled form made it impossible for him to join the company; yet he insisted, saying, “True, I cannot handle a musket, yet I will fight the redcoats with my two canes;” at the same time brandishing those formidable weapons as though his words were not to be disregarded. He reluctantly remained at home with the few who were compelled to stay at home because of age or infirmity. But no citizen of the town evinced more genuine patriotism, watched the progress of the war with more interest, or manifested more joy when the yoke of oppression was thrown off, than did Old Will the miller. “Joshua, son of “Will the Miller”, my grandfather, was among the eighty men who marched from this town on April 19, 1775,” said the present occupant of the estate. “He remained in the camp until the 30th of the month, and later entered the service for eight months. He was in the Battle of Bunker Hill, escaping with but little injury.” At this point of the narrative a cannonball was brought forward which a family tradition says was fired from the British side, and when well-nigh spent carried away a portion of Joshua Longley’s skirt.

From “History of the Town of Shirley, Civil History” (Seth Chandler, 1882): When the tidings of the Lexington battle reached the town every man, old enough to bear arms, volunteered his services and marched to Cambridge, but seven! And these – either by age or infirmities or the situation of their families – were prevented from joining the expedition…These movements were unmistakable evidence of the patriotism of the actors, and of the reliableness of their declarations. William also fought in the battle of Fort William Henry where they were defeated, 1758. Other relatives were in the battle as well, including his half brother Joseph Longley who was killed.

From “History of the Town of Shirley, Genealogical Register” (Seth Chandler, 1882): (regarding John, brother of William) Mr. John Longley was a man of high standing and character for his time and place. Unlike his elder brother William, he accepted public trusts when called to them by the votes of the people, and the early success of the town was largely due to his care, skill and industry. He was town clerk eight years, he was one of the selectmen eleven years, and at the organization of the town militia he was appointed captain. Although he was sixty-five years old when the muster roll of volunteers, to join the American army at Cambridge, was drawn, his name was on that roll as one of the eighty in Captain Haskell’s company; and he did much other good service in the cause of liberty and the independence of the country.

BUILDING A CHURCH. From “History of the Town of Shirley, Ecclesiastical History” (Seth Chandler, 1882): (on Shirley’s church) This house – which was used for town and military meetings as well as for the public worship of God – was continued for these purposes for the space of twenty two years. Thither, regardless of storm without or cold within, almost all the people made their way on every returning Sabbath. Thither the faithful parent carried his infant offspring – of one week old – to the altar of baptism. There the convicted sinner consecrated his life to the work of righteousness, and there the trembling penitent craved the forgiveness of a prayer-hearing God. Such, however, had become the increase of population that the house was now found too small for the accommodation of its worshipers; it was, therefore, decided to exchange it for a larger and more commodious structure. Accordingly it was disposed of, and the materials of which it was composed were converted into a barn… After the first meeting house was set up and enclosed, the people resolved, without unnecessary delay, to have a settled ministry. On the 4th day of April, 1754, “It was voted to give a minister a call; and Mr. John Whitney, James Patterson, William Symonds, and William Longley, were then chosen a committee to seek advice of the neighboring ministers.” “Voted that the committee shall go to the ministers hereinafter named: viz: Mr. Caleb Trowbridge, Mr. David Stearns, Mr. Phineas Hemenway, Mr. Secomb, Mr. Joseph Emerson, and Mr. Daniel Emerson.” Nothing is recorded as resulting from this first effort. According to a prevailing custom, therefore, the people agreed upon the observance of a day of fasting and prayer, that they might have the divine guidance in a matter of such great moment. In pursuance of the plan the assistance of the neighboring clergymen was solicited and the fast was observed, June 18, 1755. From this time until February of the following year a Mr. Goodhue from Hollis, NH, supplied the pulpit. He remained in town during this period, and boarded with Mr. Jonas Longley, the town voting Mr. Longley 5 pounds 12 shillings “for the minister’s board and for keeping his horse”. (Jonas was William’s son) (summary of the following paragraphs: Mr. Goodhue was extended a call twice and he rejected it both times; they held another fast in 1759; Mr. Sparhawk turned them down; finally in 1762 Mr. Phineas Whitney of Weston accepted the call) (It also seems that in 1757 the first school in Shirley met in Jonas Longley’s house)

JOURNEY TO NOVA SCOTIA. From “History of the Town of Shirley, Genealogical Register” (Seth Chandler, 1882): The following account of Israel Longley is from his grandson Isaac, who resided in Paradise, Nova Scotia in 1879: “In or about the year 1759 or 1760, there came from Shirley a man named Longley, bringing with him a son named Israel, who was my grandfather. His father, after stopping one or two seasons, and liking the country, returned home to Shirley with the intention of removing his family to Nova Scotia, and making that place his permanent home, but he did not live to effect his purpose.” The readers of this history have learned something of the quaintness of the words and ways of William Longley, by allusions that have been made to him, and will be prepared to recognize, as characteristic of him, the following anecdote that occurred while he was abroad. In crossing the Annapolis River, on a boat loaded with brick, the crew and cargo went down, and it required considerable effort to save the passengers from drowning. Sometime after the question was asked, “Mr. Longley, what were your thoughts while under water?” His answer was, “A living man has no right to complain.” He left his son, Israel, behind when he returned to the States, whom he apprenticed to a man by the name of Parker to learn the carpenter’s trade. The boy was then sixteen years of age, and he made Nova Scotia the place of his life-residence.

Note N00181Emigrated to Shirley, MA with 2 brothers in 1751. Had 12 children. On visit to Nova Scotia about 1759 or 1760 "In crossing the Annapolis River,on a boat loaded with brick, the crew and cargo went down, and it required considerable effort to save the passengers from drowning. Sometime after, the question was asked, " Mr. Longley, what were your thoughts while under water?" His answer was, "A living man has no right to complain."

from History of Shirley-Genealogy-Longley

1775 - An expedition including many Groton men was sent to Nova Scotia to expel from their homes the French settlers called Acadians. Two families of ten persons each were sent to Groton to live. ( pg 12, Petapawag Plantation...Hx of Groton)

[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 2, Ed. 1, Tree #3327, Date of Import: Dec 7, 1999]

From “Who Begot Thee? Some Genealogical and Historical Notes Made in an effort to trace the American progenitors of one individual living in America in 1903” By Gilbert O. Bent, 1903:

William Longley. 1708-1788. Second child and oldest son of John. Born at Groton Feb. 7, 1708. Among the records of hajotismata by the Rev. Dudley Bradstreet, 4th minister of Groton, is the following : Feb. 15. 1707* Guilielmus Longly Filius Joannis & Sarace Longly. He married Jan. 4, 1733, Mary, daughter of Joseph Parker. He appears to have been concerned in the settlement of the new town of Lunenburg, adjoining Groton, and may have lived there for a time. In 1751, in company with his two brothers, John and Jonas, he removed from Groton to Shirley — a very serious journey through the wilderness, at that time, though only ten miles distance. In connection with Samuel Hazen, he built the first grist-mill at Shirley, to which a saw-mill was added later. He was the miller of Shirley and was succeeded by his son, William, in the same occupation. William Longley saw military service in the French war. He served in Col. Jonathan Bagley's regiment during the campaign of 1758. Several of his brothers also served in this war. His brother, Joseph, who was in the same company as William, was mortally wounded at Fort William Henry and died at Greenbush, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1758. Under date of May 9, 1758, William Longley appointed his brother, "John Longley, of Shirley, gentleman," his lawful attorney to sell real estate and transact all business for him. Under this power of attorney, Dec. 5, 1763, John Longley, on behalf of his brother, William, " now residing in the Province of Nova Scotia, yeoman," deeded William's interest in the estate of his father's widow, Deborah, to their brother, Zachariah of Groton. William Longley removed to Nova Scotia in 1760 and settled in the Belleisle district, Granville, Annapolis co. He took with him his son, Israel, then about 15 years of age. About the time that Israel became of age he appears to have returned to Shirley, leaving the Nova Scotia property to Israel. He died at Shirley May 15, 1788.

Children:

1. William, b. 24 Jan 1734, d. 2 Feb 1734
2. Mary, b. 13 Oct 1736 , d. 1749
3. William, b. 23 May 1738, m. 8 Aug 1763, Lydia Warrensford, d. 9 Jan 1813
4. Sarah, b. 18 Feb 1740, m. 31 Mar 1761, James Willard, d. ca 1767
5. Anna, b. 10 Mar 1742 , m. 13 Dec 1765, Thomas Bennett, d. 18 Apr 1826
6. Lydia, b. 31 Dec 1743, d. 9 Sep 1820
7. Israel, b. 12 Oct 1745, m. 30 Sep 1770, Anna Kent, d. 16 Sep 1824
8. Nehemiah, b. Sep 1747, m. Miriam Sawtelle
9. Mary, b. 4 Nov 1749, m. John Priest, d. 22 Mar 1822
10. Joshua, b. 23 Jul 1751, m. 20 Mar 1770, Bridget Melvin, d. 07 Nov 1817
11. James, b. 04 Nov 1753
12. Abigail, b. 1 Dec 1755, d. Oct 1758

Sources

• Source: S00209 Author: unknown Title: Prescott Memorial NOTESource Medium: Book CONT
• Source: S00258 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 2, Ed. 1 Publication: Name: Release date: November 29, 1995; NOTESource Medium: Family Archive CD CONT CONT Customer pedigree. CONT
• Source: S00260 Author: Brøderbund Software, Inc. Title: World Family Tree Vol. 5, Ed. 1 Publication: Name: Release date: August 22, 1996; NOTESource Medium: Family Archive CD CONT CONT Customer pedigree. CONT
• The Longley Family Genealogy compiled by Louise Baneck Longley and Janneyne Longley Gnacinski, 1967, FHL Film # 928132 Item 6, page 2, 7.

Acknowledgments

WikiTree profile Longley-110 created through the import of DurlingJamesO_AncWithDeathAft1600.ged on Feb 19, 2012 by Sue Durling. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Sue and others.