Maltby Genealogy

American Lineage

Some years ago Florence Isham Cross, wife of a Congregational minister, read an interesting paper at a D.A.R. meeting of the "Mary Silliman Chapter, Bridgeport, Conn. Her subject: Lieut. Jonathan Maltbie. She speaks of him as "24 in 1778"--possibly a mis-print, as he was 34 at this date. She describes him as having "red hair and a quick temper, and the ready sympathy that go with it."

                         Copy. 
"George Washington, President of the United States of America."

"To all who shall see these Presents Greetings:----- Know ye That reposing special Trust and confidence in the Integrity, Diligence and good Conduct of---

               Jonathan Maltbie of Connicticut 

I do appoint him Master of a Cutter in the Service of the United States, for the protection of the Revenue and do authorize and em- power him to execute and fulfil the Duties of that Office, according to law and to have and to hold said office, with all the Rights and Emoluments thereunto legally appertaining unto him the said Jonathan Maltbie during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being--

In testimony where of I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the United States to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my Hand, at the City of Philadelphia, the 21st day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and nine- ty One and of the Independence of the United States of America, the Fifteenth-----

                         Signed: G. Washington 
                           By The President. 
                             Thos. Jefferson." 
(The Photographer said it was impossible to photograph the original-- the writing being too faint. This is owned by Mr. Frank Pentecost, of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Notes from Florence Isham Cross' paper, "Lieutenant Jonathan Maltbie of the Continental Navy."

"A farm which ran back to the water, as did that of our hero's home, was thought to be useful only for harvesting salt meadow grass and the gathering of oysters, scallops and clams.

On the east side of the Fairfield green facing the Episcopal Church, there still stands the home of the Maltbies. . .the house only escaped burning because the officers chose it for their head- quarters. . .

After the war Lieut. Maltbie returned to Fairfield. . .one day in going about the yard, Jonathan Maltbie saw the toe of a boot stick- ing out of the ground and on digging down, he discovered the body of and English officer evidently of high degree." (Article dated June 8, 1898.)

I have two copies of the 1790 Census of Connecticut. One reads: "Jonathan Malbey of Fairfield Town and County, as head of a family of eight persons." The other transcription is:--

     "Jonathan Malbey.  Fairfield.  Fairfield." 
        2 males over 16 - John, bp. 1769 and Self? 
        1 male under 16 - William. 
        1 female        - Sarah, bpt. 1772. 
        1 slave. 

158

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