Alexander Lovell (1669-1709) and Lydia [prob. Leland] (abt 1622-1700)

{Ellis Ancestors}

The Lovell Family History by Arthur Stevens says that Alexander Lovell was the immigrant ancestor of the Lovells. He was born in England, or possibly Ireland, of English ancestry, and came to this country with some of his relatives probably when a boy.1

An unknown source says, "Alexander Lovell was baptized on 29 August 1619 at Holy Cross Church, Daventry, Northamptonshire, England."2, 3 He most probably lived with the Michael Bacon family in Dublin, Ireland and, in 1640, probably came with them to Dedham, Massachusetts.3

The History of Medfield states that he came to Medfield with the Weymouth and Braintree settlers about 1652.... He was granted a house lot in Medfield in 1658 and also some cedar timber for making shingles for his house. His home was on what is now Bridge Street, "near the Charles Russell place," [this was written in 1887] and his house was burned during the Indian attack in King Phillip's War in 1676.4

Photograph of the gravestone of Lydia Albee Lovell from https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2010/280/59777734_128660320449.jpg

Alexander married, first, Lydia Albee on 30 October 1658 at Medfield, Massachusetts.5 A son, also named Alexander, was born in February 1660/61.5 Unfortunately, Lydia died a short time later, on 1 March 1660/61,5 and the baby died on 10 March 1660/6.5 Lidia Albee Lovell was buried in the Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield.6 Her tombstone (#32) is now the oldest one extant in the cemetery.

Around 1663, Alexander, Sr., married Julia's ancestor, Lidia,5 (possibly Leland, the daughter of Hopestill Leland),1, 2, 3, 7 and had seven children, all born in Medfield: Lidia (born and died 1664),5 Julia's ancestor Lidia (2nd child – born 15 June 1665 – married Joseph Ellis),5 Sarah (3 August 1667),5 Nathaniel (born and died in 1669/70),5 Alexander (2 March 1670/71),5 Nathaniel (16 October 1672),5 and Deborah (20 December 1675).5

Alexander’s second wife, Lidia died on 2 July 1700 at Medfield.5

Arthur Stevens says, "Alexander Lovell's will was dated 2 August 1701, when he stated that he was 82 years old. This would make his birth year 1618 or 1619. The will specified "If any of my sons-in-law shall quarrel or molest my said two sons then they and their wives shall have but twelve pence apiece."1, 8

Alexander, Sr., died on 20 December 1709 at the age of 90 in Medfield, Massachusetts."5

Sources:

  1. Lovell Family History by Arthur Stevens (p 580-582)

  2. Family Central Network for Alexander Lovell and Lydia Leland gives Alexander's birth [prob. Christening] as 29 Aug 1619 in Daventry, Northampton, England.

  3. An unknown source with the reference https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/oclc/45714209?availability=Family History Library

  4. History of the town of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1650-1886 : with genealogies of the families that held real estate or made any considerable stay in the town during the first two centuries, by William Smith Tilden, 1830-1912, ed

  5. Medfield Massachusetts Vital Records.

    Note: the given name of Alexander’s second wife, Lidia, is established by the birth records of their children. Her maiden name is not verified.

  6. Find A Grave Memorial 59777734,

  7. Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of the State of Massachusetts by William Richard Cutter

  8. Massachusetts, Wills and Probate Records, 1635-1991, Suffolk Probate Records.

  9. Alexander Lovell genealogy: the ancestors and descendants of Alexander Lovell of Medfield, Massachusetts, 1619-1709. By Elisabeth Lovell Bowman.