Mary Brownell

Mary Brownell was born in 1639 in Portsmouth, Newport, Rhode Island, the daughter of Thomas Brownell and Anne Bourne. Mary married Robert Hazard, who she outlived by 29 years, never remarrying. She died on the 28th of January, 1739, a centenarian. News of her death was printed in the Boston Gazette on the 12th of February, 1739, as follows: "Newport, Feb. 9. Mrs. Mary Hazard, widow of Mr. Robert Hazard, of South Kingston, and Grand Mother to the deceased George Hazard, Esq., late Deputy Governor of Rhode Island, departed this life the 28th day of January last, in the hundredth year of her age, who was decently interr'd the Wednesday following. She had 500 children, grand children, and great grand children, and left behind her now living 205 of the aforesaid number. She was accounted a very useful Gentlewoman both to the poor and the rich on many accounts, and particularly amongst sick persons for her skill and judgment, which she did gratis." Mary and Robert had eight known children: five sons and three daughters.