My earliest specific records begin with Z.Gapen b. 1733, but have no evidence that he is American progenitor. Indeed, have found references to earlier Gapin/Gapen's. What is the connection if any? Nov.22 1634 a John Gapin is mentioned in Mass. town records. A Bernard Gapin (or Capen) died in same Mass town in 1638, age 86. He had been born in England and left a son. (In at least one entry John and Bernard are mentioned together)Wm Gapin/Gapen was an immigrant from the British isles who arrived in America in the 1630's (passanger list reference?)--appointed by the General Assembly as a man"...of experience and integrity." The first census, in addition to Zachariah and 3 of his sons (Wash. Co, PA, lists another Gapen as head of a household in the Charleston area of S.C.
We know that Zachariah's m. Ruth Tindall and that his mother's maiden name was Mary Gawson and the maiden name of Ruth Tindall was Sarah Yarley or Yardley. Please reply to
hardup0@lycos.com (that is a zero, not an upper case O. Many thanks, GB Gapen