FOOTNOTES:
[Z] This name is spelt differently, as Purmont, Pormont, Pormon, and Pomont.
[FAMILY INCREASE.]
The following facts published in a note in Vol. II. of Haliburton's "Historical and Statistical Account of Nova Scotia" are believed to be unparalleled in the increase of any family on record. It can at once be seen that at this rate of multiplying population it would take only a short period to people the earth. Any one, curious enough to make a calculation, will be astonished at the multitude of persons after the lapse of a few generations which could trace their descent from a common ancestor. The note is as follows:
"In the Spring of the year 1760, A. Smith, Esq., a native of Cape Cod, landed at Barrington,[AA] for the purpose of making arrangements for the reception of his family, but finding the Indians numerous, he abandoned the idea of emigrating and returned home. Shortly after his departure, his wife arrived in a vessel bound on a fishing voyage, and was landed with her family. Here she remained five weeks, until the arrival of her husband, during which time she was kindly and hospitably treated by the Savages. She died at Barrington, in March, 1828, leaving at the time of her death 5 children, 56 grandchildren, 297 great-grandchildren, 64 of the fifth, and 1 of the sixth generation living, exclusive of a daughter, in the United States, who had a large family, and of several grandchildren who have removed from Barrington."
[INSTANCES OF LONGEVITY IN ONE HOUSE.]
The following persons have died in the same house since 1781. The house is situated in Hingham, and was formerly owned by Peter Tower. Peter Tower, aged 84; Anna Tower, 95; Deborah Tower, 95; Joshua Tower, 77; Grace Cushing, 95; Laban Tower, 73; Esther Tower, 71; Deborah Dunbar, 80. Total, 670.—Hingham Gazette, April 6, 1837. We are informed that the Tower estate has been held in the name of Tower since 1637, and is now occupied by Mr William Tower.