Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

BLACHFORD.
WILLIAM BLACHFORD.
According to tradition William Blachford, the ancestor
of this family, came from London. His wife, Elizabeth
Lewis, was a daughter of Benjamin Lewis, who had a house
at Crooked, now called Lampson's Pond. She was popularly
known, not by her true name, but as Liza Towerhill,
because the family of her husband is said to have resided in
that part of London. She was reputed to be a witch.
Some of the marvels which are related of her I have published.
It is unnecessary now to re-produce them, or other
equally improbable relations since collected. That Elizabeth
Blachford was a witch, and transformed herself into a black
cat at pleasure, and performed most wonderful feats, all her
neighbors three-fourths of a century ago believed, or at least
pretended to believe. Even at this day, there are persons
who firmly believe that Liza Tower Hill was a witch, and
did all the wonderful things that they have heard ancient
people relate.
She was a daughter of Benjamin Lewis by his second
wife, Hannah Hinckley. Her father was a grand-son of the
first George Lewis, and her mother was a grand-daughter
of the first Samuel, and own cousin to Gov. Thomas Hinckley.
Her family and connections were among the most respec-
table and infiuential in Barnstable. She was born Jan'y 17,
1711-12, married William Blachford, Nov. 12, 1728,
admitted to the East Church, in full communion, Jan'y 9,
1736-7, of which she was an exemplany member until her
death in July, 1790. She was honest, industrious, energetic
and shrewd in making a bargain. The records of Eev.
Mr. Green furnish evidence that she was an exemplary and
pio'.is woman, fifty-three years of her life—a period covering
the whole time in which, according to popular belief.