From the Squire Family Ancestry and Descendants of David Squire 1743-1821 and Mary Bunker in the DAR Library, Washington, DC: About 1600 the family was split along political views. They were referred to as 'the Squires' meaning everyone collectively. Those within the family known as the Roundheads - supporters of the parliamentary party in England - continued with the spelling Squire. Those known as the dissenters - the nonconformists - changed to the spelling Squier. In reviewing genealogies at the DAR Library, both spellings can be found in the same lineage. Even our own Ephraim Hiram has been attached to Squire, Squires, and Squier.
Place of Birth?
Ephraim Hiram's place of birth remains a mystery. Family lore, which is often misleading, said he came from Scotland. After years of searching in the wrong country, I realized that I overlooked a basic principal of research - start from what you know and work back.
In the 1850 census, which was the first census to record detailed information, E.H. states his place of birth was Connecticut. Many Squires genealogies exist with the families centered in either Fairfield or Windham Counties. Looking at a map, there is a city called Scotland in Windham County, but I have not found any evidence of E.H. being born there.
View the Barbour Collection of Connecticut Vital Records for Windham County. This file does not cover the village of Scotland nor does it list our Ephriam.
In the 1850 census, which was the first census to record detailed information, E.H. states his place of birth was Connecticut. Many Squires genealogies exist with the families centered in either Fairfield or Windham Counties. Looking at a map, there is a city called Scotland in Windham County, but I have not found any evidence of E.H. being born there.
View the Barbour Collection of Connecticut Vital Records for Windham County. This file does not cover the village of Scotland nor does it list our Ephriam.
