Cherry Fletcher Bamberg (b. 1944) grew up in Newport, Rhode Island and never quite got over it. She is a graduate of Brown University (BA 1965) and Linacre College, Oxon. (M.Phil. 1967) where she learned to cherish historical and biographical writing. The daughter of a weekend genealogist, she came to serious genealogy via involvement in the Rhode Island Historic Cemetery Database project, deciding after some years of searching out old cemetery records that she was much more interested in the people under the gravestones than in the gravestones themselves. Her research and writing centers on Rhode Island families and sources, with occasional forays outside its borders. She served as editor of Rhode Island Roots, the journal of the Rhode Island Genealogical Society, from 2002 through 2023 and remains editor of that society’s annual bonus issue, Gleanings from Rhode Island Town Records. She has edited or assisted with many of the books published by that organization. Although she is happy to help authors with Rhode Island articles, she does not take contract work. Her email is bamberg@tiac.net.

Books:

With Judith C. Harbold, A Crandall Family Reader (Hope, R.I.: Rhode Island Genealogical Society, 2020, 2nd ed.  2021).

With Judith C. Harbold, John Clarke’s World (Hope, R.I.: Rhode Island Genealogical Society, 2018).

Jane Maxson, Diaries of J. Irving Maxson, 1898-1923, ed. Cherry Fletcher Bamberg, FASG (South Kingstown, R.I.: The Author, 2009).

John Eylers Sterling, Barbara J. Austin, and Letty Champion, Newport, Rhode Island Colonial Burial Grounds, ed. and preface Cherry Fletcher Bamberg, FASG (Hope, R.I.: Rhode Island Genealogical Society, 2009).

John E. Sterling and James L. Wheaton, IV, Historical Cemeteries of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, ed. Cherry Fletcher Bamberg (Greenville, R.I.: RIGS, 2004).

Henry Clay Oatley, Jr., Daniel Stedman’s Journal 1826 – 1859, ed. Cherry Fletcher Bamberg (Greenville, R.I.: RIGS, 2003).

More Early Records of the Town of Warwick, Rhode Island, transcribed by Marshall Morgan, ed. Cherry Fletcher Bamberg and Jane Fletcher Fiske (Boston: NEHGS, 2001).

Elder John Gorton & the Six Principle Baptist Church of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. (Greenville, R.I.: Rhode Island Genealogical Society, 2001).

The Diary of Capt. Samuel Tillinghast of Warwick, Rhode Island, 1757-1766, ed. Cherry Fletcher Bamberg. (Greenville R.I.: Rhode Island Genealogical Society, 2000).

Articles:

“Isaac and Sarah Ann (Connor) Rice and Their Children (Part Two),” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 50, No. 1 (March 2024), 29-44.

“Isaac and Sarah Ann (Connor) Rice and Their Children (Part One),” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 49, No. 4), 194-218.

“The Unfortunate Captain Samuel Davis and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 49, No. 3 (September 2023) 144-150.

“Notes on Rev. James McSparran’s Early Life,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 49, No. 2 (June 2023), 69-79.

“Lydia Strengthfield and Her Family Revisited,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 48 (2022), 122-139.

“Daniel Rogers and His Wife Anne Saunders of Newport,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 48 (2022), 79-89.

“Daniel Grimwood and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol 47 (2021), 141-158.

“The Short Life and Sad Tale of Samuel H. Grimwood,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 47 (2021), 102-108.

“In Search of James Clarke, Jr.,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 47 (2021), 37-53.

“Swimming on Sunday and Other Scandals: Rev. Joseph O’Hara in Providence, 1728-1730,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 46 (2020), 76-94, 139-158.

“Notes on Early Members of King’s Church, Providence,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol 46 (2020), 181-220.

With Cheryl Vislay, “John² Shaw of Newport and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 45 (2019), 170-192.

“A Line of Descent from Thomas Prophet of Warwick, R.I.,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 45 (2019), 48-56.

With Judith C. Harbold, “From Westerleigh to Rhode Island: John Crandall’s Story Begins;” “John Crandall (Part Two): Stepping Forward;” “John¹ Crandall (Part 3),” Rhode Island Roots, Vol 44 (2018), 3-16, 87-109, 129-147.

“Nicholas Eyres: Thoughts on Faith and Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 43 (2017), 91-100.

“The Venerable Nathaniel Clap of Newport and His Converts,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 43 (2017), 152-160.

“A New Look at Ezra Stiles and His Bills of Mortality for Newport,” Newport History, Vol. 86 (2017), 28-58.

Capt. Charles² Bardin (Charles^1-A) of London, Providence, and Newport,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 42 (2016), 115-139, 177-189.

With Bruce C. MacGunnigle, “The Last Slaves in Rhode Island,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 42 (2016), 47-56.

“Major Alexander³ Hart, A Jewish Confederate Officer, and His Family,” NEHG Register, Vol. 170, Winter 2016, 1-14.

“John Clarke’s Inventory,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 42 (2016), 108—110.

With Linda L. Mathew, “Cotton Palmer, Colonial Church Builder, and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 41 (2015), 3-25.

With Letty Champion, “Capt. Simon Newton and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 41 (2015), 138-158.

“Bristol Yamma and John Quamine in Rhode Island, Rhode Island History, Vol. 73, Winter / Spring (2015), 4-30.

“Arnold Tifft of Smithfield and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 41 (2015), 201-223.

“Some South Kingstown, Rhode Island, Warnings Out and Removals,” NEHG Register, Vol. 169 (2015), 233-236; 334-336.

With Charles A. Watson, “1767 Estimates of Rateable Estate for Newport,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 40 (2014), 75-96; 153-166; 197-206.

“Carried Away by the British,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 40 (2014), 36-39.

With Michael F. Dwyer, “Margaret (Ward) (Bradley) Wrightington, Part One: Piracy and Piety in Newport,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 38 (2012), 169-183; Part Two: George² Bradley (George¹), Vol. 39 (2013) 1-14; Part Three: Margaret’s Wrightington Descendants, Vol. 39 (2013), 57-84.

“A Line of Descent from Ambrose¹ Taylor, Chairmaker of Apponaug,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 39 (2013), 113-133.

“Warwick Records in 1776,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 39 (2013), 203-205.

“Gleanings from Rhode Island Town Records: Warwick Town Council Records, 1781-1801,” Special Bonus Issue of Rhode Island Roots, April 2013.

With Donald R. Hopkins, MD, “The Slaves of Gov. Stephen Hopkins,” NEHG Register (January, April 2012).

“Gleanings from Rhode Island Town Records: Warwick Town Council Records, 1742-1780,” Special Bonus Issue of Rhode Island Roots, April 2012.

“The Cato Coggeshalls: An African-American Family of Newport and Providence, Rhode Island,” TAG, Vol. 85, No. 2 (April 2011, pub. May 2012).

With Donald R. Hopkins, MD, “Lewis Hopkins, Mariner, and the War of 1812,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 38, (2012), 73-84.

“Notes on Thomas Ward of Rhode Island,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 38 (2012), 144-164.

With Judith C. Harbold, “Margaret A. (Lester) (Chapman) (Glazier) Crandall and Her Family,” American Ancestors, October 2012.

“Joshua⁶ Rathbun and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 36 (2010), 33-42; addition/correction Vol. 39 (2013), 104.

Amy (Smith) Russell and Her Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 37 (2011), 57-78.

“Hopkins Family Letters,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 37 (2011), 119-141; 185-206.

With Donald R. Hopkins, MD, “Where Did Ship Carpenter Lewis Hopkins (~1810-1850) Come From?” Journal of the Bahamas Historical Society, Vol. 33 (October 2011), 51-58.

Introduction to Bruce C. MacGunnigle, Regimental Book, Rhode Island Regiment for 1781 &c. (East Greenwich, R.I.: RISSAR, 2011).

“Nathaniel and Esther (Carpenter) (Bardeen) Bowen of Warren, R.I.,” NEHG Register, Vol. 164 (April, July, October 2010), 121-134, 207-218, -265; Vol. 165 (January 2011), 53-61.

“Navigating the Shoals of the 1810 Census of Providence and Beyond,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 37 (2011), 13-16.

“Hopkins Family Letters,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 37 (2011), 119-141; 185-206.

With Donald R. Hopkins, MD, “Where Did Ship Carpenter Lewis Hopkins (~1810-1850) Come From?” Journal of the Bahamas Historical Society, Vol. 33 (October 2011), 51-58.

“Samuel¹ Sharp of Providence, Rhode Island,” The American Genealogist, Vol. 84 (2010), 1-16, 144-154.

“Notes on Mary Carder of Warwick,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 35 (2009), 30-33.

“Gleanings from Rhode Island Town Records: East Greenwich Town Council Records, 1775-1800,” Special Bonus Issue 2009 of Rhode Island Roots.

“1774 Census of Rhode Island: Newport (Part 2),” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 35, No. 2 (June 2009), 81-92.

“Dorcas (_____) Lippitt of Providence and Her Descendants,” NEHG Register, Vol. 162 (January, April 2008).

“Bible Record: The Family of John and Esther (Grove) Fletcher,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 34 (2008), 41-42.

“Gleanings from Rhode Island Town Records: East Greenwich Town Council Records, 1734-1774,” Special Bonus Issue 2008 of Rhode Island Roots.

“1774 Census of Rhode Island: Middletown,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 34 (2008), 72-75.

“1774 Census of Rhode Island: Jamestown,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 34 (2008), 189-191.

With Neil Dunay, “Passenger List of the Orient, 1812, to Newport,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 34 (2008), 202-205.

“Peleg Gifford.” In The Encyclopedia of US Disability History pub. by Facts on File, 2007.

“Bible Records from South Kingstown: Eldred / Babcock / Tucker,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 33 (2007), 50-51.

“Caesar, Murry, and William Lippitt of Warwick, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 33 (2007), 57-89.

“1774 Census of Rhode Island: Tiverton,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 33, No. 4 (December 2007), 194-201.

“A Rhode Island Tragedy in Verse – and Record,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 32 (2006), 37-42.

“1774 Census of Rhode Island: North Providence and Cumberland,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 32 (2006), 73-85.

“Comfort (Pearce) (Mathewson) Coggeshall and Her Children,” NEHG Register, Vol. 160 (April, July, October 2006), 85-98, 224-235, 297-310.

“1776 Census of Providence, Rhode Island,” NEHG Register, Vol. 159 (January, April 2005), 12-24, 141-154.

“Residency Certificates from the Warwick Archives, 1737-1820, Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 31 (2005), 32-39.

“1774 Census of Rhode Island: Providence,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 31 (2005), 66-87.

“Peleg Gifford’s Tale,” Rhode Island History, Vol. 63, No. 3 (Fall 2005), 51-68.

“Bible Records from South Kingstown: Cleary,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 31 (2005), 142.

“Announcement of a New Series: Gleanings from Rhode Island Town Records,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 31 (2005), 201-204.

“Rhode Island.” In A Guide to the Library of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, ed. Maureen A. Taylor and Henry B. Hoff. Boston: NEHGS, 2004, 162-181.

“Images of Our Ancestors: Nathan Hathaway of Exeter, R.I.,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 30 (2004), 110-111.

“Bible Records from South Kingstown: Steadman/Stedman,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 30 (2004), 163-165.

“The 1774 Census of Rhode Island: Warwick,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 30 (2004), 194-205.

“Bible Record: Harris-Clemence-Smith,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 29 (2003), 44-46.

“Some Rhode Islanders in Surinam: Notes from the Records of John Waterman,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 29 (2003), 77-86.

With John E. Sterling, “Warren Historical Cemetery #14: The Obadiah Bowen Lot,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 29 (2003), 139-148.

“The 1774 Census of Rhode Island: A New Look at an Old Friend,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 29 (2003), 164-166.

“Bible Record: Samuel Foster Sheldon,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 29 (2003), 210-211.

Bible Record: The Watson Family of Jamestown,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 28 (2002), 198.

“Taylor Family Record,” National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vol. 90 (2002), 296.

With Violet Kettelle, “Walter⁵ Spencer (Benjamin⁴, Walter³, Benjamin², John¹) of East Greenwich and Descendants,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 28 (2002), 1-26.

“Dr. Jeremiah Greene and His Family: A Cautionary Tale for Genealogists,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 28 (2002), 105-120.

“Funeral Ceremonies for King George II,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 27 (2001), 134.

“John² Rice, Jr., of Warwick, Rhode Island,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 25 (1999), 81-118; Vol. 26 (2000), 57-84; Vol. 27 (2001), 1-26.

Major Henry Rice of Warwick and His Family,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 24 (1998), 1-60.

“John¹ Rice of Warwick, Rhode Island,” Rhode Island Roots, Vol. 24 (1998), 153-168.