Discovery

In reading my book on John Adams, I ran across the name Robert Treat Paine and wondered if he might be related to our ancestor, Governor Robert Treat. Today, while doing some genealogy, I discovered that he was! So, children, you are indirectly related to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence!!
Your 10th grandfather, Robert Treat, was governor of Connecticut. His son, Samuel, born in 1648, attended Harvard College in 1669. Samuel's daughter, Eunice, was the mother of Robert Treat Paine, born 11 March 1731, Boston, Massachusetts.
It is interesting to note Adams' first impression of Robert Treat Paine: "Robert Treat Paine was another lawyer and Harvard graduate, whom Adams thought conceited but who, like Wilburg and Sewall, had a quick wit, which for Adams was usually enough to justify nearly any failing."
Later: "It would divert you to witness conversation between my ancient friend and colleague Robert T. Paine and me. He is above eighty. I cannot speak and he cannot hear. Yet we converse."
I also found some things about him in my genealogy file: "Judge Paine was a firm believer in the divine origin of the Christian religion. He gave full credence to the scriptures, as a revelation from God, designed to instruct mankind in a knowledge of their duty, and to guide them in the way to eternal happiness." (source Rev. Charles A. Goodrich, "Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence")
I will send you the rest of the history by e-mail as it is quite extensive.