Two Wives for Ellery

William Ellery, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was married twice. He married Ann Remington, daughter of Hon. Jonathan Remington of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in October 1750. Ann was a descendent of Governor Dudley and Governor Bradstreet of the old Bay Colony. She was a young woman who was highly educated and accomplished. At the time of their marriage, William had recently completed his study of law and started his practice. He was 20 years old, and she was 17. Their home in Cambridge became a center for refined and cultured society. Ann and William had seven children, four daughters and three sons. She died in 1764 at the approximate age of 31. Their children and grandchildren were also very accomplished.

Three years after the death of Ann, William married Abigail Carey, the daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Wanton Carey (or Cary) in 1767. Abigail was a 25 year old second cousin to William. Eight children were born to William and Abigail, but only two lived to adulthood. Abigail was there to give support to William through the years that he served in the patriot cause of liberty. Abigail died in 1793, long before the death of her husband.