The family tradition prevailing in northern New York pertaining to this family is erroneous. It is undoubtedly of English origin, and was in this country about one hundred years earlier than supposed. It has carried great influence in the affairs of the state of New York, and especially the Lake Champlain region, from a very early period.

(I) Lieutenant John Weed, born about 1627, was a planter in Amesbury, Mass., where he married, Nov. 14, 1650, Deborah, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Winsley (Wensley or Winslow), of that town. No record appears to show his place or time of birth, or time of arrival in America. He was a commoner and taxed in Salisbury, Mass. in 1650, and received a grant of land there in 1654. He was among the original settlers of Amesbury in 1654-55, and received various grant there between 1654 and 1664, including a "township" for one of his sons in 1660. Both he and "Goodwife" Weed were assigned seats in the meeting house in 1677, and he subscribed to the oath of allegiance the same year, and to a petition in 1680. He died in Amesbury, March 15, 1689, and was survived six years by his widow, who passed away April 20, 1695.
Children:
Samuel, Mary, John, Ann, Deborah, George, Nathaniel, Ephraim, Joseph and Thomas.

(II) Samuel, eldest child of John and Deborah (Winsley) Weed, was born Feb. 15, 1652, in Salisbury, and lived in Amesbury, where he was a cordwainer or shoemaker, and received land on account of his children in 1659. He took the oath of allegiance in 1677, and was a member of the "training band" in 1680, and made his will Sept. 15, 1718. This document was not proven until Oct. 1, 1730, indicating that he lived about twelve years after its execution.
He married, March 12, 1676, Bethia, daughter of Robert Morgan, of Beverly.
Children:
Elizabeth, Deborah, Bethia, Margaret, Samuel (died young), Samuel (died young), Hannah, Lydia, Daniel and Samuel.

(III) Daniel, third son of Samuel and Bethia (Morgan) Weed, was born Oct. 27, 1695, in Amesbury, and probably died before Oct. 31, 1736. He married, Jan. 24, 1720, Dorothy Sargent and the records of the second Amesbury Church show the baptism of three children, namely:
Daniel, May 11, 1729.
Orlando, Sept. 12, 1731.
"Naomie of Dan'l Weed's wife," Oct. 31, 1736.
The mother was received as a member of the church Sept. 14, 1735.

(IV) Daniel (2), son of Daniel (1) and Dorothy (Sargent) Weed, was baptized May 11, 1729, at the second church of Amesbury, and may have been six or eight years old at the time, but was probably an infant, as the family tradition as to his age indicates. He learned ship-building, probably at Newbury, and settled in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he followed this occupation. His last years were spent in Grafton, New Hampshire, where he attained the age of ninety-five years.

(V) Joseph, son of Daniel (2) Weed, was born July 23, 1762, probably in Portsmouth, N.H., whence he went to Lebanon, N.H., and thence moved to Essex, Chittenden county, Vermont, and engaged in farming, reaching the age of eighty-two years. He married March 10, 1783, Lydia Aldrich.

(VI) Roswell Alcott, son of Joseph and Lydia (Aldrich) Weed, was born in 1797, in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, and died Jan. 17, 1860, in Plattsburgh, New York. He was reared in Essex, Vermont, where he remained until he attained his majority, and located in Plattsburgh in 1818. He was employed some time as a clerk and engaged in lumbering operations, remaining ten years in Plattsburgh. He then purchased land in Belmont, Franklin county, N.Y., on which he conducted lumbering business and operated a grist mill until 1839, when he returned to Plattsburgh. For some years he engaged in mercantile operations here, and retired with a competence a few years before his death.
He was active in promoting the interests of the village of Plattsburgh, and was a director in various industrial enterprises, one in which he took especial interest being the plank road which was built in his time. Every effort to improve the town and country about it received his encouragement and support.
He married, in Plattsburgh, Sarah A., a native of that place, born in 1810, died 1895, daughter of Smith and Hannah (Roberts) Mead, and granddaughter of Nehemiah and Sally (Newcomb) Mead, of Easton, Washington County, N.Y. Smith Mead was born in Easton and became an early settler of Clinton county, serving many years as county clerk. At the time of the battle of Plattsburgh in Sept. 1814, when he took part in repelling the British, he was living about five miles from the village. He attained the great age of ninety years.
His wife, Hannah, died at the age of sixty-five years. She was a daughter of John Roberts, a revolutionary soldier and a pensioner in his old age, which was passed near Plattsburgh, and granddaughter of General Roberts, of Manchester, Vermont.
Roswell A. Weed and wife had the following children:
1. Cornelia A., married Thomas Benedict, of South Norwalk, Conn., and die din 1908.
2. Smith Mead, mentioned below.
3. William B.
4. Mary E.
5. Sarah M., married William S. Ketcham.
6. Hannah, died at the age of fifteen years.

(VII) Hon. Smith Mead, elder son of Roswell A. and Sarah A. (Mead) Weed, was born July 26, 1833, in Belmont, N.Y. His parents returned to Plattsburgh to reside in 1839, and he secured his early education in the common school and an academy there. It was his desire from early boyhood to take up law, but was opposed by his father, who place him in a general store as clerk, three years in Plattsburgh, and two years in Boston. When he had reach man's estate he at once began the study of the law, which had so long been denied him, in the office of Judge Beckwith at Plattsburgh, and was admitted to the bar Jan. 1, 1856, and thereafter pursued the course of the Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Mass., taking high rank in the class of 1857, and graduating with the degree of L.L. B. After graduating at Harvard he began the practice as a partner of this former preceptor in Plattsburgh, the third member of the firm being Henry Johnson, a noted attorney. Mr. Weed devoted himself iwht diligent attention to the interets of his clients, and was correspondingly rewarded with success. His aim ws to do well whatever he undertook, and his careful study of cases and the law kept him fully informed and enabled him to use his powers to the best advantage. As a consequence he rapidly made his way to the front rank of his profession and gained the confidence and esteem of the community. Whether consciously or unconsciously, he was laying the foundation for future usefulness, and was soon called to higher fields of endeavor.
His reputation for diligence, intelligence and decision, coupled with a pleasing manner and presence, soon brought him into leadership. In 1865 he was pressed to become a candidate for president of the village, to which position he was easily elected and continued to fill by re-election for several years. In 1867 he was a member of the constitutional convention in the state of New York, from the Fourth Judicial district, as delegate-at-large. He was a staunch Jeffersonian Democrat from principle, as well as strongly inherited tendencies, but notwithstanding the fact that the district was overwhelmingly Republican in normal tendency, he was repeatedly elected to the legislature by a handsome majority, beginnning with 1865, and continuing for three years, and again in 1871, 1873, and 1874. During this service he was a strong force in shaping legislation, far-sighted and progressive, and took the initiative in pushing several important measures to final passage. Among these was the free school act of 1867, which put away forever the "rate bil" and made the public schools of the state for the first time free to all. He was sedulously active in securing railroad communication between the Lake Champlain region and New York City, and drafted the articles of association which put the matter in such organized form as to secure results. Through his influence, largely, a grant of $250,000 was secured from the state legislature and capitalists of Clinton and Essex counties subscribed to bonds; and finally, in Nov. 1875, the road was opened to Plattsburgh and through to Rouse's Point and Montreal. This public service has never been forgotten, and has place Mr. Weed permanently among the public benefactors of the region.
In speaking of the enterprise, the Plattsburgh Republican said: "Mr. Weed has met and overcome difficulties which would have discouraged a man of less strength and less perseverance." At the banquet held in celebration of the success of the undertaking, one of the speakers, Hon. R.S. Hale, said: "For a season of years no man has struggled for the success of this enterprise as has Hon. Smith M. Weed. In the pursuit of that end he has never faltered, never flinched, never hesitated, pursuing his object with skill, and sagacity . . . . I am sorry to say I have been opposed to his policy in regard to this enterprise, but time has vindicated his judgment."
Mr. Weed's practice grew to such proportions and his reputation so extended as to require the maintenance of an office in the metropolis, which was established in 1873, though his residence continued in Plattsburgh. He became counsel for various stock companies and has served on the official boards of great industrial enterprises.
He founded the Chteaugay Ore and Iron Company in 1881, and was its president. In 1867 he purchased these mines and in 1874 the Hon. Andrew Williams became a partner in the mines. He built the Chateaugay railroad from Plattsburgh to Lake Placid, and in 1881 the ore company and iron company were consolidated and additional capital admitted, and was later sold to the Delaware & Hudson Railroad.
In 1868 he was senior counsel for prosecution of Robert C. Dorn, the canal commissioner, which was on of the most noted cases of the state, for impeachment. His legal work carried him through all branches of litigation. He was vice-president and member of the executive board of the Nicarauga Canal Company and president of the San Domingo Improvement Company. In 1887 he recieved the full Democratic vote for United States senator in the legislature, and he has been an active participant in party councils through many years. He was a delegate in the national Democratic conventions of 1876- 80- 84, and enjoyed the personal friendship and confidence of Samuel J. Tilden, being often, during the later years of that statesman's life a welcome visitor at "Greylock," his home.
As a public speaker Mr. Weed has long enjoyed a high reputation, and his forceful and energetic character needs no mention beyond the achievements already noted. His time and abilities have always been at the command of every enterprise calculated to aid in promoting human progress, and he is esteened as one of New York's most useful citizens. In recent years he has practically retired from all activities of a business or professional nature, and he enjoys the well-earned epose of life at his home in Plattsburgh, overlooking Lake Champlain.
He married Sept. 6, 1859, Caroline Leslie, daughter of Colonel Matthew M. and Catherine Phoebe (Miller) Standish, of Plattsburgh (see Standish VII).
Children:
1. Roswell Alcott, born June 19, 1860, died unmarried at the age of forty years.
2. George Standish, mentioned below.
3. Margaret Celeste, June 16, 1866, residing in Plattsburgh, unmarried.
4. Katherine Miller Standish, April 1, 1878, wife of Judge Henry T. Kellogg, of Plattsburgh.

(VIII) George Standish, second son of Smith M. and Caroline L. (Standish) Weed, was born Feb. 13, 1862, in Plattsburgh, and began his education in the schools of his native town. On leaving the high school he began his preparation for college at St. Paul's school in Concord, New Hampshire, later becoming a student at Phillips Exeter Academy. Entering Harvard College he was graduateed in the class of 1886, with the degree of A.B.
Returning to his home he pursued the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1888, and became a member of the law firm of Palmer, Weed & Kellogg, a leading legal firm of Clinton county. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and has been continuously a member of the county Democratic committee since leaving college. In 1886 he received the nomination of the Democratic party for member of assembly, and was elected by a majority of eighteen hundred, the district having a usual Republican majority of at least two thousand. He was re-elected in 1887, and in 1887-88 he was a member of the state committee of his party and served as treasurer of that body. During his first year in the assembly he was a member of the committees on appropriations, villages and state prisons, and the following year (having been re-elected without opposition from the Republicans), served on committees on ways and means, rules and others. In the following year he was elected president of the village of Plattsburgh, and filled that position with acceptability. One year later, upon the resignation of Judge S. A. Kellogg, Mr. Weed was selected to fill the position of county judge. Since the establishment of the State Normal School at Plattsburgh, he has been a member of its board of managers, serving as treasurer of the board, and was also many years chairman of the teachers' committee.
From Aug. 1, 1893 to July 1, 1899, he was collector of customs at the port of Champlain.
He married, May 20, 1891, Frances H., born Jan. 1, 1870, at Essex, New York, daughter of Hon. John Ross*.
Children:
1. Caroline Standish, born Feb. 28, 1893.
2. Catryna Ten Broeck, Dec. 8, 1898.
*John Ross was born Aug. 12, 1836, of Scottish ancestry, and married, Sept. 11, 1867, Anna Mary Ketchum, born Jan. 25, 1837, daughter of John Ten Broeck Ketchum and his second wife, Lucy Ann Swetland. John T. B. Ketchum was born June 6, 1805, and died Feb. 10, 1882. He married (first) Nov. 30, 1830, Caroline Elizabeth Cargill, who lived only a few years, and he married (second) Jan. 25, 1836, Lucy Ann Swetland, born Sept. 11, 1817, daughter of William and Henrietta Julia (Kirtland) Swetland. He was a son of Joseph Ketchum, born March 16, 1781, died March 1, 1863, son of Hiram and Mary (Barlow) Ketchum, of Waterford, New York. Joseph Ketchum married Sept. 22, 1804, Maria Bodyn Ten Broeck, born Sept. 10, 1785, at Claverack, N.Y., died July 11, 1863. She was a daughter of Major John C. Ten Broeck, of Claverack (see Ten Broeck, V.). John Ross was the eldest son of General Henry H. and Susanna (Blanchard) Ross, of Essex, N.Y. General Henry H. Ross was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Gilliland) Ross. Elizabeth Gilliland was the daughter of William Gilliland, the pioneer of the Champlain valley. Susanna (Blanchard) Ross was the daughter of Anthony J. and Maria (Williams) Blanchard. Maria (Williams) Blanchard was the daughter of General John Williams of Salem[hard to read] New York. These lines of ancestry connect the Weeds of Massachusetts with some of the oldest New York families.

SECOND ENTRY

Joseph Weed was a descendant of the Weed family of Stamford, Connecticut, early settlers of that town. He was born at Milton, Saratoga county, Feb. 7, 1791 or 1792. He was reared in his native town and educated there in the public schools. He came to Essex county when a young man, and bought a tract of timber land and manufactured lumber. He owned several mills.
He was a Whig, and was one of the first postmasters of Ticonderoga. He died at Ticonderoga, N.Y., March 1, 1860.
He married (first) Lucy Benedict, who died in 1843. He married (second) Mary Hay, of Ticonderoga, born 1813, died in August, 1880, daughter of Henry B. and Esther (Coats) Hay.
Children of first wife:
George C., mentioned below.
Alfred, Walter, Frederick, Amanda and Emeline.
Children of second wife:
Alexander H., born March, 1844, of Weed Brothers, druggists.
Mary, married Richard Arthur, of Ticonderoga; children: Charles W., Joseph H. and Jennie D. M. Arthur. Charles, died aged twelve years. Henry, died young. Albert, mentioned below.

(II) George C., son of Joseph Weed, was born at Ticonderoga about 1816, died about 1901. He married Sarah Smith.
Children:
John, mentioned below; Jennie, Philip, Alfred and Joseph.

(II) Albert, son of Joseph Weed, was born at Ticonderoga, Jan. 10, 1857 [transcriber's note: it strikes me as odd that Albert was born in 1857, whereas his brother, George, immediately above, was born in 1816. Hmmm.]
He was educated in the public schools and the Union Free Academy at Ticonderoga. He worked for a time at the trade of carpenter and for some three years in the pulp mill at Ticonderoga. He then learned the drug business, and from 1892 to Sept. 1909, was in partnership with his brother, Alexander H. Weed, under the firm name of Weed Brothers, druggists. He has been in the fire insurance business in addition to his other avocations since 1887, in the firm of Weed & Burleigh. He is also a partner in the firm of Stevens & Weed, dealers in clothing, Ticonderoga. He was a director of the First National Bank of Ticonderoga for a number of years.
In politics he is a Republican, and he has taken a prominent part in public affairs. He was supervisor of the town, 1891-93; member of the board of trustees of the incorporated village of Ticonderoga; member of the assembly in 1895-96. Since 1901, when he was appointed by President McKinley, he has been postmaster of Ticonderoga.
He is a member of Mount Defiance Lodge, No. 794, Free and Accepted Masons; of Carillon Chapter, No. 290, Royal Arch Masons, Ticonderoga; of De Soto Commandery, Knights Templar, of Plattsburgh; of Oriental Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Troy. In religion he is an Episcopalisn.
Mr. Weed married, October, 1884, Ida Stevens of Westport, N.Y., daughter of Charles A. Stevens.
Children:
Charles, born 1888, died 1894.
Marjorie, July, 1897.

(III) John, son of George C. Weed, was born at Ticonderoga in 1848. He was educated in the public schools, and has always lived in that town.
Children:
Joseph Thurlow, who is mentioned below.
George, who was born Aug. 12, 1882, died Feb. 12, 1910.

(IV) Joseph Thurlow, son of John Weed, was born at Ticonderoga Aug. 7, 1880. He was educated in the public schools and at Middlebury College. He was admitted to the bar, Sept. 26, 1905, at Brooklyn, N.Y. and is practicing at Ticonderoga. In politics he is a Republican, in religion a Baptist.
He married, May 30, 1907, Pearl L., daughter of Daniel W. and Jane (Thompson) Smith, of Danbury, Conn.
one child, Virginia Thompson Weed.
[transcriber's note: This material was published in 1910, so any subsequent children this couple may or may not have had, are not listed].

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