Abraham Belknap facts for kids
Abraham Belknap (born around 1589 or 1590, died 1643) was an important early settler in New England. He came from England and settled in Salem, Massachusetts.
Abraham Belknap is a very special person in history because it's believed that almost everyone alive today with the last name Belknap, Belnap, or Beltoft is related to him and his wife, Mary Stallion. Before he moved to America, other families with the Belknap name in Europe had died out.
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Who Was Abraham Belknap?
Abraham Belknap was one of the first Europeans to make a home in the American colonies. He helped build the early communities in what is now the northeastern United States. His journey across the ocean was a big step for his family.
Notable Family Members
Many of Abraham Belknap's descendants became important people in American history. One famous relative was Jeremy Belknap (1744–1798). He was a clergyman and a historian. He also founded the Massachusetts Historical Society, which is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States. Jeremy Belknap even mentioned Abraham Belknap in his book, History of New Hampshire.
Other descendants include:
- US Army Brigadier General William G. Belknap
- Morris Burke Belknap
- William Burke Belknap
- William Richardson Belknap
- Eleanor Silliman Belknap Humphrey
- William Humphrey
- Thomas M. Humphrey
Belknap Family in America
Many of Abraham Belknap's direct descendants made their homes in Louisville, Kentucky. They played a big part in the city's growth and development.
Important Descendants in Louisville
- Morris Burke Belknap (the elder) (1780–1877): He was an iron foundry worker. He also started the famous Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing Company. This company grew to be a very large hardware business.
- W. B. Belknap (1811–1889): Also known as William Burke Belknap, he continued the family's business success.
- Morris Burke Belknap (1856–1910): Known as Colonel Morris Burke Belknap, he was another important figure in the family's history.
- William Burke Belknap (1885–1965): He was the owner of Land O'Goshen Farms.
- William Richardson Belknap (1849–1914): He also played a role in the family's business and community involvement.
- Eleanor Silliman Belknap Humphrey (1876–1964): She was a genealogist. This means she studied family histories and traced their roots.
- Dr. Edward Cornelius Humphrey: He was a Major in the United States Army Medical Corps during World War II. He served in the Ardennes region.
- Thomas M. Humphrey: He is a well-known economist.
