Category Archives: Uncategorized

Isaiah Barker’s second son, George Washington Barker, was born in September 1844. In the 1860 Federal census, he is at home, and a mariner, like other South Wellfleet boys. He married Clara Bell, daughter of Edward Bell and Ruth Rich, … Continue reading →

Isaiah Barker, Jr., born in December 1841, followed the path of many other South Wellfleet young people, and became a mariner.  On December 15, 1863, he married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Doane Atwood, daughter of Daniel Atwood and Mehitable Holbrook of Wellfleet. … Continue reading →

As I researched the history of the Barker family, I have come to view them as exemplifying the families of South Wellfleet who lived through the economic changes of the 19th Century. I started my family research with the Barkers, … Continue reading →

As I was writing about the South Wharf on Blackfish Creek, I noticed that the organization of the Wellfleet Marine Benevolent Society appears to be a South Wellfleet venture. It was organized January 28, 1836.  The first officers were Richard … Continue reading →

Fishing became the basis of the Wellfleet economy and grew steadily after the Revolution.  In 1831, Leonard Battelle and Robert Little, both of whom were in the shipping business in Boston, joined Richard Arey, South Wellfleet local, in building the … Continue reading →

By focusing on the south side of Blackfish Creek, and the families that lived there, I’m narrowing history down to a very limited location.  But it’s important to also have “big picture history” to understand South Wellfleet’s economy, particularly fishing … Continue reading →

Lydia Ward was the daughter of George Ward and Barzilla Doane, two original Wellfleet families. She was born in 1760 and married Reuben Arey (1) in 1777 at age seventeen. Together they had eleven children. Reuben Arey died in 1801 … Continue reading →

The second Reuben Arey, born in 1778 as the son of Reuben Arey (1) and Lydia Ward Arey, was also a distinguished  citizen of Wellfleet.  He was a successful businessman and is referenced as “Esquire” and “a Gentleman” in various … Continue reading →

The first Arey in the English colonies was Richard, a mariner born in 1606 in Truro, England.  His name appears in documents in Salisbury and Gloucester, Massachusetts, and he purchased land in New London, Connecticut.  Eventually he settled in Martha’s … Continue reading →