William the Puritan (1637 - 1704) 2012. Acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20"
In 2012 I published a book, End of the Line, a genealogical study of 11 generations of my patronym in America. William was the first to arrive, from Sutton-cum-Lound, England. Most of the book’s research was already done for me. My Great Grandfather, Henry Throop (1880 - 1956), was an engineer for income and a hobbyist genealogist for joy. I edited the book and wrote some original essays and reflections. Also, I made a font out of my Dad’s handwriting, and used it to embellish parts of the book.
William Throope, the Puritan, married Mary Chapman in Barnstable, Massachusetts, May 4, 1666. He was one of the first settlers of Bristol, Rhode Island, traveling there overland prior to 1683, with his family in an oxcart. He was Grand Juryman at Barnstable 1680, Surveyor of Highways at Bristol 1683, Selectman 1689, Grand Juryman 1690, and Representative in 1691. He died in Bristol December 4, 1704.
Grave Inscription: “Here Lyeth Buried the Body of William Throope He Departed This Life December 4th 1704 in the 67th Yeare of His Age”
William’s grave in Bristol
Ron and Rose at the end of the line, waiting behind William and Mary.
P.S. The gravestones were carved by William’s cousin, William Throop, a popular death artist of the Narragansett Basin area. Maybe I should change lanes late career:
A Headstone Just Missing the Dates 2021. Oil on canvas board, 11 x 14"
