This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Jennifer Mitten Surnames: Dassance Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.vermont.counties.franklin/548.887.1367.1485.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Rohn, Glad to hear from you. Abner Dassance settled in Newfield, NY in 1816 when he left Shrewsbury, VT in the year of the great freeze in Vermont. My ancestor, Martin (III), was Abner's brother. If you are interested in joining the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, just email me privately at Ancestry. I'll be happy to let you know my member number so you can hook into the lineage I've proven. Of course, you'd have to get back to Abner (he is named in his father's will and I have a copy if you need it to prove their relationship). There was also a sister named Hannah. The Shrewsbury history discusses another sister named Mary but this is erroneous - Mary was the widow of Martin II's brother, Jesse Dassance, and she owned land in the area. Holland is the son of Martin III. My grandmother was born in Shrewsbury and a photo of the house is in the Shrewsbury book you mention. Her father inherited it from Rebecca Dawson Waterman, also a sibling of Holland and child of Martin III. As for the press gang story - it has been repeated over many years and I haven't been able to ascertain the truth of it. Anyway, if you need any info, just let me know. Jennifer Mitten Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.