Robert Stetson Jr. was born on January 29, 1653, in Scituate, Plymouth, Massachusetts, during the early colonial period of New England. At the age of 22, Robert married Deborah Stetson. Robert Jr. lived through a period of great change in colonial Massachusetts. His life and lineage are well documented in various genealogical sources, reflecting his family's significance in early American colonial history.
Isaac Stetson was born in 1669 in Scituate, Plymouth, Massachusetts, during the formative years of colonial America. In adulthood, Isaac married Elizabeth Pray. Isaac spent his life in the Plymouth region and eventually settled in Pembroke, Massachusetts Bay, where he died in 1724 at the age of 55. His life bridged generations of early colonial settlers and contributed to the continuation of the Stetson family lineage in New England.
Cornelius Stetson was born on November 16, 1708, likely in Massachusetts. In adulthood, Cornelius married twice: first to Sarah Pepper in Boston in 1731, and then to Thankful Saunders in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1733. With Thankful Saunders, he had at least one known child, Stephen Stetson, born in 1747. Cornelius lived much of his later life in Westerly, Rhode Island, where records suggest he may have resided until his death in 1772. Cornelius Stetson's life connects closely with early colonial history, particularly in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and he is listed in several genealogical and historical records, including those tracing the descendants of Cornet Robert Stetson.
Stephen Stetson was born on May 17, 1747, in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island. He married Dorcas Hall around 1767. Stephen Stetson served in the military during the American Revolutionary War, with a recorded enlistment dated December 1, 1777, in Rhode Island. He died in 1780 at the age of 33 in his hometown of Westerly. He is buried there as well. Stephen Stetson’s life is documented through several sources, including military records, vital records, and genealogical indexes, and he is remembered for his service during a critical time in American history.
Stephen Stetson Jr. was born on July 23, 1773, in Westerly, Rhode Island. In adulthood, Stephen appears to have settled in Connecticut. He lived in several Connecticut towns over the years, including New London (1810), Norwalk (1820), and Norwich again by 1840. Stephen served in the War of 1812, as confirmed by military service records from both the U.S. Adjutant General and War of 1812 archives. His death occurred around 1840, likely in Connecticut. His life, though marked by early loss and periods of relocation, left a generational legacy continued by his son.
Stephen Stetson III was born on March 8, 1796, in Norwich, New London County, Connecticut. Over the years, he lived in various places including Norwich and Preston in Connecticut, as well as several locations in New Jersey. He passed away on February 13, 1878, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was buried on February 16, 1878, in Montclair, Essex County, New Jersey. Throughout his life, Stephen’s residences and family milestones paint a picture of a man deeply connected to both Connecticut and New Jersey during the 19th century.
John Batterson Stetson was an American hatmaker and entrepreneur best known for creating the iconic Stetson cowboy hat. Born in 1830 in Orange, New Jersey, Stetson learned hat-making from his father before heading west to improve his health. Inspired by the needs of Western pioneers and cowboys, he designed a durable, wide-brimmed hat suited for harsh weather and rugged conditions. His creation became a symbol of the American West and was widely adopted by ranchers, lawmen, and even presidents. In 1865, he founded the John B. Stetson Company in Philadelphia, which grew into one of the largest hat manufacturers in the world. Beyond business, Stetson was also known for his philanthropy, supporting education and health care initiatives, including the founding of Stetson University in Florida.