David N. Gaines genealogical papers
Scope and Content
The bulk of the papers consist of photostatic copies of Gaines' notebooks. The house survey notes trace the ownership of Hartland area homes from 1749 to 1916. The container list indicates the names identified in the key to each "set" as provided by Gaines. Vital statistics notes include information on births, marriages and deaths in Hartland. Other notes cover the East Hartland Cemetery and a number of Hartland families. Also present is one of Gaines' original notebooks containing news clippings and vital statistics, along with a photostatic copy. Finally, name and address cards are arranged by town. Respondents were asked to indicated if they had any Hartland ancestors.
Dates
- 1891-1940
Language of Materials
The records are in English.
Restrictions on Access
These records are stored at an off-site facility and therefore may not be available on a same-day basis.
See the Rules and Procedures for Researchers Using Archival Records and Secured Collections policy.
Restrictions on Use
See the Reproduction and Publications of State Library Collections policy.
Biographical Note
David Gaines was born in Hartland, Conn. in 1854 and lived there until his death in 1941. Gaines served the community in several capacities: postmaster for the east section (East Hartland) for over thirty-five years; town clerk; judge of probate; secretary and treasurer of the First Ecclesiastical Society for sixty years; and sexton of the East Hartland Cemetery for more that fifty years, being responsible for much of the rebuilding and beautification of the grounds. A lifelong Republican, Gaines served as a representative in the General Assembly in 1899 and in 1921.
While town clerk, Gaines became interested in land records and genealogies of the early settlers of Hartland. He also gathered data on the First Ecclesiastical Society, its earliest ministers and various changes made to the church building. He spent many years researching the connections of Hartland men who served in the Revolutionary War and other wars.
Gaines compiled a map in 1916 of all the homes still standing, as well as abandoned homes. He marked bridle paths and discontinued roads. This map along with the map compiled by Cornell Tiffany of West Hartland helped explain the land divisions and lots drawn up in the early 1700s and given to the early proprietors
Known as the "Sage of East Hartland", Gaines was considered a living legend in the town. A recording of his voice has been preserved as an outstanding example of typical New England speech.
Sources
Bartlett, Sally. "Residents Can Consult 'Gaines Notes'." Hartford Courant, 1976 August 27, 27C.
"David Gaines 'Seer,' Dies in Hartland." Hartford Courant, 1941 September 27, 4.
"History and Map of Hartland Homes." Hartford Courant, 1917 February 13, 5.
"The Sage of East Hartland." Hartford Courant, 1941 September 28, A2.
"Sage of East Hartland." Hartford Courant, 1940 January 28, SM3.
"The Sage of East Mountain." Hartford Courant, 1932 January 31, E3.
Extent
3 cubic feet
Abstract
David N. Gaines (1854-1941) served as the town clerk, judge of probate, postmaster, and secretary and treasurer of the First Ecclesiastical Society in Hartland. His genealogical papers consist of notes on old houses, vital statistics, East Hartland Cemetery and various Hartland families.
Arrangement
Arranged into eight series as follows: House survey notes, Vital statistics notes, East Hartland Cemetery notes, Notes on families, Notebook, News clippings, Miscellaneous, and Name and address cards. The majority of the notes are arranged by set: A-Z, AA-ZZ, AAA-DDD, followed by unlettered sets.
Provenance
David Gaines' diary along with Barkhamsted Church record were received from David N. Gaines on May 14, 1941.
- Connecticut -- Genealogy Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Hartland (Conn.) -- Genealogy Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Historic buildings -- Connecticut -- Hartland Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- News clippings Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Notebooks Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Postal cards Subject Source: Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Title
- RG 074:003, David N. Gaines Genealogical Papers
- Subtitle
- Inventory
- Author
- Finding aid prepared by Damon M. Munz.
- Date
- 2009
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Connecticut State Library Repository