The Deerfield Catlin Family and the 1704 Massacre

Introduction

The Catlin family played a significant role in early Deerfield, Massachusetts, where they became victims of the infamous Deerfield Massacre of 1704. This tragic event occurred during Queen Anne’s War when French and Indigenous forces attacked the frontier settlement, killing or capturing many residents.

John Catlin Jr. and His Family in Deerfield

John Catlin Jr. (1643–1704) was a teacher, town attorney, and selectman in Deerfield. He and his wife, Mary Baldwin Catlin, settled in the village with their children:

• John Catlin III (b. 1663)
• Mary Catlin (b. 1665, d. 1704)
• Elizabeth Catlin (b. 1667, d. 1704)
• Hannah Catlin (b. 1670, d. 1747)
• Joseph Catlin (b. 1673, d. 1704)
• Sarah Catlin (b. 1673, d. 1733)
• Esther Catlin (b. 1675, d. 1733)
• Jonathan Catlin (b. 1683, d. 1704)
• Ruth Catlin (b. 1684, captured, later returned)
• John Catlin IV (b. 1687, d. 1766)

The 1704 Deerfield Massacre

On February 29, 1704, Deerfield was attacked by a coalition of French soldiers and Indigenous warriors, including Abenaki and Mohawk forces. The Catlin family suffered devastating losses:

• John Catlin Jr. was killed defending his home.
• Mary Baldwin Catlin was also killed during the attack.
• Mary Catlin and Elizabeth Catlin were taken captive but did not survive the forced march to Canada.
• Joseph and Jonathan Catlin were killed during the assault.
• Ruth Catlin was taken captive but later returned to English society in 1707.

Captivity and Return

Several captives from Deerfield were taken to Canada and assimilated into Indigenous and French communities. Ruth Catlin was among those who eventually returned. The process of redemption, where English authorities negotiated and paid for captives' release, was a slow and difficult one. The experiences of those who survived captivity shaped the narrative of colonial frontier struggles.

Legacy and Impact

The Deerfield Massacre of 1704 remains one of the most well-documented frontier conflicts in early American history. The Catlin family's tragic fate is a testament to the struggles of colonial settlers on the frontier. Today, historical records and genealogical research continue to preserve their memory. The attack reshaped the region’s demographics and left lasting scars on both the settlers and the Indigenous communities involved.

Credits and Licensing

Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.

All materials licensed: CC BY-ND 4.0 by eirenicon llc.

Sources

• The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion by Rev. John Williams
• The Catlin Genealogy by Louise Catlin Cleaver Roloson
• Deerfield Historical Society Records
• 1704 Deerfield History Museum Archives