The reference to Joel Perkins in the History of Deerfield, vol. II, is likely from the town records. The author, George Sheldon, also co-authored the History of Northfield, with J.H. Temple, and in the genealogy section of that work, they included the names of individuals who appeared in the town records and the year they appeared, even if nothing else was known about them. The brief identification of Joel Perkins with only his date of birth and a single reference to Dfd. 1766, indicates to me that Sheldon probably found a reference to this man in the Deerfield town records for the year 1766. I would begin my search in the town records for this time period. Joan Hunter ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.