Research Goals

1. Research Goal One: Document the date and place of Joseph's birth

Existing information indicates that Joseph may have been born in England in 1670, or about 1672, or as late as 1675, but the documentation is inconclusive, conflicting or secondary. One source claims Joseph's paternal family came from Wilts, Berks and Gloucester, with later family interests in London. Another associates his father with Finchley, in suburban London (north beyond Hampstead). Still another believes he was born in America.

2. Research Goal Two: Document the names of Joseph's parents

Existing information is ambiguous in suggesting several possible parents for Joseph. Suggestions include Catherine (TATE) and Charles HEDGES, or Mary (CALDWELL) and William HEDGES. If Charles was the father, was he the son of William HEDGES, or the son of Eleanor (SMITH) and (Sir) Charles HEDGES?

3. Research Goal Three: Document the particulars of Joseph's marriages

It seems well established that Joseph was married more than once, but not as many times as the four or five wives attributed to him. Catherine STALLCOP is cited often, although considerable doubt attaches to her. Other names are Mary FETTLEPLACE, Katherin TINGEY, Mary BECKENBAUGH, and Catharine LAND (HOGG). Documenting when and where the marriages occurred would go far to answer other questions as well.

Other Research Goals

While it would not be unreasonable to set further goals (e.g., agreement on the date and place when each of his children was born), we are proposing to keep the Project relatively simple and stick with just these three. There will be spinoff benefits, anyway, and additional goals can be added later if desired.

How Can These Goals be Realized?

On one level the answer is "Through the cooperative efforts of all those interested." The Internet and e-mail allow rapid communications from anywhere around the world. We will utilize several sites for communications and the exchange of data (see "Logistics" below). On a second level the answer is "Through the sharing and compilation of citations and documentation, including original research where appropriate."

Updated: Monday, May 22, 2000