Esther Helmne

     Esther was born on Wednesday, 20 July 1740. She was the daughter of Judge James Helmne and Esther Bernon of Tower Hill, South Kingston, Rhode Island. Esther married Francis Carpenter, son of Joseph Carpenter III and Mary Willett, in 1767. Francis & Esther had children: Esther [1770-1855][not married], Willett [6/17/1772], Powell, Rowse, Sarah [d.y.], Elizabeth [d.y.], James [4/15/1774]. Adam [died unmarried], Samuel [1775]. Sarah [1779-1840][not married], Gabriel [died unmarried], Nathaniel, & Abigail [1778-1857][not married]. Esther departed this life on Sunday, 5 January 1817 in Boston Neck, North Kingston at age 76 years, 5 months and 16 days. She was buried there in the Willett-Carpenter Cemetery. The inscription on her tombstone reads: Esther wife of Capt. Francis Carpenter Died Jan. 5, 1817 Age 76 years.¹