The Change from Nutspittle to Nourse

Francis Joseph Nutspittle (b. 1810) chose to have the last name changed from Nutspittle to Nourse. His little brother, Jacob (b. 1819), agreed to his family as well. All others siblings were sisters whose last name were no longer Nutspittle.

The following is found in the "List Of Persons whose Names Have Been Changed in Massachusetts" taking place on May 10, 1848, nearly 20 years since the death of John George Nutspittle:

Why Nourse?

Why did John George's oldest son, Francis, and other son, Jacob, change the family name? The motivation behind each individual name change is seldom recorded in the legislative enactment. Often a person changed his or her name in connection with an adoption, a divorce, to honor a deceased or prominant relative, or simply to obtain a more dignified or pleasant sounding name. In some cases, the latter reasons are obvious. So it is clear that Francis chose to get rid of the name Nutspittle. However, there are only theories as to why Francis chose the name, Nourse, as the new surname.

Perhaps it was the history of Rebecca Nurse, who was hanged for witchcraft in Salem, MA in 1692. Historically it was well a established document. There are various spellings of the Nurse surname, the most common of which being "Nourse." It appears the name changed back and forth several times. Maybe that's why Francis learned about it and chose that name too.

Also it is was the butchering of the name Nutspittle had caused him to look for an easier spelling name with of a single syllable. Unless it's documented somewhere as to why Francis chose the name, Nourse, we will never know.

An Example of the Change

This document is from the 1847 Boston Directory. F. J. (Francis Joseph) Nutsptill was a hair dresser in that day.

1848 Boston Directory:

1850 Boston Directory with a new surname: