The Sheldon Family

Hattie Sheldon was descended from one of five progenitors of  the name Sheldon in America. As fate would have it, her ancestor, Isaac Sheldon (1629-1708) was perhaps the most famous Sheldon in America.  During the French and Indian War, an English settlement in Deerfield, MA was attacked. John lost several family members and vowed to redeem others who were taken captive to Canada during the Deerfield Raid of 1704.  Because of John’s efforts, Hattie found a hero that she could always revere.

• http://sheldonfamily.org/genealogy.htm
• http://www.memorialhall.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=5683

The real Hattie Sheldon, her family and her forefathers

In 1833, Hattie Sheldon was born in the rural New York town of Burlington Flats in Otsego County. Her family relocated in 1845 to Utica where her father, Ebenezer Sheldon, established a successful harness, trunk and bag business. He always kept a family member as his partner and allowed his name to appear second in the business title. Because of his success and Hattie’s intellectual capabilities, she attended and later graduated from Utica Female Academy.

Moore & Sheldon, Hattie’s father’s business
On Genesee Street in Utica, NY

Much history about the Sheldons is also available in Deerfield, MA, the site of the infamous Deerfield Raid of 1704. Follow these links:

• http://www.memorialhall.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=5683
• http://www.historic-deerfield.org/discover-deerfield/historic-houses/sheldon-house/

The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America by John Demos details The Deerfield Raid, a tragic event during the French and Indian War. During the attack on the English settlement, several members of the Sheldon family were killed. Others were taken captive to Canada. Ensign John Sheldon, Hattie’s great, great great grandfather, redeemed his kidnapped children through heroic efforts.