The Elwell Family of Early New England
| Earliest Ancestor | Robert Elwell |
| Origin | Gloucester, Massachusetts |
| Line | Elwell → Walling → Garrison |
| Proof | GPS Supported |
The Elwell Family of Early New England
The Elwell family of colonial Massachusetts represents a fully documented New England lineage that extends through the Walling and Garrison families into modern generations.
Historical Overview
The Elwell line begins in Gloucester, Massachusetts with Robert Elwell. Through Thomas Elwell and Sarah Elwell, the family transitions into the Walling line and later into the Garrison family of New Jersey. From there, the line continues into the Griner, Loder, Berdeaux, McAllister, and Ognan families.
Disputed Identity: Daniel Garrison
The Daniel Garrison listed as a minor in the 1750 will is the same individual who later died in 1799.
“Under age” means minor, not a different person.
Splitting one person into two due to misreading legal wording.
All records support one continuous Daniel.
Evidence Comparison
| Category | Correct View | Incorrect View |
|---|---|---|
| Will | One Daniel listed | Assumed duplicate |
| Age | Minor in 1750 | Misread as different person |
| Timeline | 1750 → 1799 fits | Requires unsupported split |
Visual Proof Flow
📜 Primary Document Translation
In the name of God, Amen.
I, Jacob Garrison, being of sound mind, declare this my will.
I give all my estate to my wife Elizabeth during her lifetime.
Children:
- Benjamin
- Christian
- Rachel
- Samuel
- Sarah
- Jacob
- Mary
- Elizabeth
Minor children:
- Daniel — at age 21
- Ephraim
- William
- Cornelius
- Anna
- Phebe