Research info for Massachusetts

When looking for info on the Pipes or Hathaway family in Massachusetts, we should be looking at records from Taunton until 1712, then Dighton until 1735, then Berkley in 1735 and 1736. After 1736 the families moved to New Jersey. The county seat was in the town of Bristol before 1746. Bristol is now in Rhode Island and after 1746 the county seat was moved to Taunton.

Bristol County was established in 1685 from Plymouth Colony. The County seat was Bristol (now in RI), but was moved to Taunton in 1746. Since 1837 deeds were also registered at New Bedford and since 1892 also at Fall River, some proprietor (land) records are also at Fall River, RI.

City of Taunton:

Recognized in March of 1639 when the town's name changed from Cohannet to Taunton. Taunton was not made a city until 1864. In March of 1640 land at Assonet was granted to Taunton. In July, 1682 the land called Assonet Neck was annexed to Taunton. They split off land for the town of Norton in 1710, Dighton in 1712 and Raynham in 1731. Land was split off to form part of Berkley in April of 1735.

Town of Dighton:

Established in 1712 from part of Taunton. Town of Wellington split off in 1814 then absorbed in 1828.

Town of Berkley:

Established in April of 1735 from parts of Dighton and Taunton.