Samuel Dunham Eldridge Christening date is in doubt, since the same date has also been applied to other Eldridge children, born after that date!
One source indicates Samuel died 17-Mar-1899 (possibly at Ashfield). Need to clarify, but have seen more works referencing the 1884 date.
There is often confusion between some of these Eldridge generations, as there was always family in the Ashfield area, as well as back in Barnstable. The 1860 Census for Mass, is what I believe causes the potential confusion between the Samuel D. Eldridges. In Conway, appears Samuel D. Eldridge, age 31, while in Barnstable, appears ANOTHER Samuel D. Eldridge, age 39. SOME room for possible confusion, in others' research????
The following is the family group in the Ashfield version of the 1860 US Census:
Daniel Eldridge, head, 54, m, Farmer (father)
Nancy Eldridge, 59, f. (mother)
Lucian Eldridge, 20, m. (brother)
Nancy Eldridge, 18, f. (sister)
and living, likely on the same property, or at least 'next door':
Samuel D. Eldridge, head, 31, m, Farmer
Susan Eldridge, 29, f.
Lyman B. Eldridge, 3, m.
For future information, the Samuel D. Eldridge in Harwich, Barnstable, and his family, appear as:
Samuel D. Eldridge, 39, m, Mariner
Mary A. (Matty?) Eldridge, 38, f.
Rebecca A. Eldridge, 16, f.
Marietta Eldridge, 13, f.
Elvira/Elmira/Elvina ? Eldridge, 11, f.
Samuel D? Eldridge, 1, m. (COULD be a 'Jr' thing happening here, causing even MORE confusion)
1880 US Census for Conway, Franklin County, MA:
Samuel D. Eldridge, head, M, m, w, 51, MA, farmer, MA, MA
Susan Eldridge, wife, M, f, w, 49, MA, keeping house, MA, MA
Lyman Butler Eldridge, son, S, m, w, 22, MA, farmer, MA, MA
Daniel Eldridge, son, S, m, w, 16, MA, at home, MA, MA. He was born in 1829 at
Ashfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, USA. He was the son of
Daniel Eldredge and
Nancy Adams Dunham. Samuel Dunham Eldridge was christened on 2 October 1831 at
Ashfield, Franklin County, Massachusetts, USA. He married
Susan Lilly, daughter of
Lyman Lilly and
Lucy Bement, in 1856 at
Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts, USA. Samuel Dunham Eldridge died on 1 December 1884 at
Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts, USA.