DANFORTH, JOHN, - son of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Danforth, of
Billerica, was born in Andover, July 23, 1756, and was a cousin of Joshua,
noted below. He was married by Rev. Joseph Roby, September 15, 1779, ta Hannah
Bancroft, daughter of Captain Nathaniel and Mary (Taylor) Bancroft, born, May
17, 1755, died April 12, 1806. Their home was in Lynnfield, in the house now
occupied by his great-grandson, John M. Danforth. The house was built by
John Bancroft, son of Nathaniel. The death of Jahn Danforth occurred August
16, 1796, at the age of forty, and he is buried at Lynnfield Centre. After the
Revolution he was a captain in the militia, and known as Captain John
Danforth.
Service in the Revolution: Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's regiment;
order for advance pay for one month dated Cambridge, June 8,
1775; also private, same company and regiment; muster-roll dated August 1,
1775; enlisted May 6, 1775; service, three months, two days; also Captain Newhall's
company, Colonel Mansfield's (19th) regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
Israel Hutchinson; company return dated October 6, 1775; also order
for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated camp at Winter Hill, November
4, 1775; also Captain Joseph Hiller's company, Colonel Jonathan Titcomb's
regiment; arrived at destination May 5, 1777; discharged July 5, 1777; service,
two months, six days, travel included at Rhode Island; roll dated camp at
Providence. - Mass. Rolls.
DANFORTH, JOSHUA, - corporal, son of Joshua and Keziah (Reed) Danforth,
was born December 14, 1754. His emigrant ancestor was Nicholas Danforth, and his
great-grandfather, Ensign Jonathan, was in the Narragansett War. He was married
by Rev. Mr. Roby (published May 24, 1782, according to the Saugus church
records, but,
[ 261 ]
according to the Lynn town records, married June 15, 1781)
to Lydia Sweetser, daughter of William and Lydia Sweetser, and lived in an old
one story house very near the present Cliftondale station. His brother-in-law
was Major Benjamin Sweetser, by whom he was employed as a "trader" for
many years after the war. He was an industrious, prudent man, and trained up a large family in a respectable manner. His children
were Joshua, Lydia, Eunice, Joseph, Lucinda, Sally, Dorothy, Mary, Lavinia,
Eliza, and John. He died in Saugus, February 3, 1834, in the eightieth year of
his age, and his wife died May 8, 1845, at the age of eighty-five. Both are
buried in the old ground at Saugus Centre.
In 1818, according to the United
States pension records, he appeared before the Probate Court of Essex County,
and made oath that in May, 1775, he was a private in Captain Ezra Newhall's
company, and continued until January, 1777, when he was discharged by
Colonel Hutchinson. Was at Dorchester Heights, went on to New York and
was in the Jerseys as a corporal. Lieutenant Frederick Breed says that he was
lieutenant in the company. Henry Hallowell mentions the fact that he was with
him. All of his property at the time his application was made consisted of
thirty-four dollars worth of goods; namely, a pot, kettles, looking-glass, two
tables, cow and pig. He was a day laborer, very feeble and infirm. His wife,
aged fifty-eight, had been sick for six months, and his children were: Dolly,
aged twenty; Mary, eighteen; Lavinia, sixteen; Eliza, fourteen ; John, twelve.
He was pensioned from April 4, 1818, at eight dollars a month, and his widow was
pensioned from March 4, 1843, at $66.67 per year.
In 1825 Joshua
Danforth appears in an official list of the survivors of the battle of Bunker
Hill who assembled in Charlestown for the purpose of being present at the laying
of the corner-stone of the monument. The legislature by special act
appropriated three dollars to every veteran who presented himself that day and
proved his service, together with mileage for each twenty miles travelled. He
gave his residence at that time as Saugus and his age as seventy years, and it
is not unlikely that he was one of the actual participators in the battle. There
were 180 veterans present at the dedication, including the Marquis de Lafayette.
[ 262 ]
Some additional service
taken from the Massachusetts rolls indicates that he was in the Rhode Island
expedition of the summer of 1777, also among the nine months' men sent to the
Hudson who arrived in July, 1778, and also with the six months' men sent to
reinforce the Continental Army in the summer of 1780.
DANIELS, JEREMIAH (given
Jerahmeel), - in a list of men raised in Essex County for
Continental service (year not given); residence, Lynn; engaged for the town
of Lynn. - Mass. Rolls.
Also mustered in 1777 for service in the
Burgoyne campaign.
DAVIS, JACOB, - was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun which was
being repaired, probably at or near Saratoga, in the fall of 1777. He was
formerly in service in Massachusetts, and was wounded at the battle of Bunker
Hill. He was a comrade of Henry Hallowell.
No record.
DAVIS, JOHN, - private,
Captain Adam Bailey's (later Captain Jacob Allen's) company, Colonel
John Bailey's (2d) regiment; muster-roll made up for three years from
January 1, 1777; enlisted January 1, 1777; enlistment during the war; reported
died January 15, 1777. - Mass. Rolls.
Died in camp at Valley
Forge.
DOYL, MATTHEW, - return of men raised to serve in the Continental Army from 1st
Essex County regiment dated Lynn, February 16, 1778, and sworn to at Salem, by
John Flagg, first military officer of the town of Lynn; residence, Boston; engaged
for the town of Lynn; joined Captain Allen's company, Colonel Crane's regiment;
term during the war. - Mass. Rolls.
DRAKE, MICHAEL, - private,
Captain Nathan Brown's company, Colonel John Mansfield's regiment;
muster-roll dated August 1, 1775; enlisted May 25, 1775; service, nine
weeks, five days. - Mass. Rolls.
DUNNELL,
JONATHAN, - son of David
and Keziah (Ramsdell) Dunnell, was born May 4, 1759; brother of Reuben.
Private, Captain Joseph
Hiller's company, Colonel Jonathan Titcomb's regiment; arrived at
destination May 5, 1777; discharged July 5, 1777; service, two months, six days,
travel included, to Rhode Island; roll dated camp at Providence. Corporal, Captain Wells's company, Colonel John Crane's regiment;
Continental Army pay accounts for service from June 7, 1777 to December 31,
1779; residence, Lynn; credited to town of Lynn; return
[ 263
]
of men raised to serve in the Continental Army from
1st Essex County regiment dated Lynn, February 16, 1778, and sworn to at Salem
by John Flagg, first military officer of the town of Lynn; residence, Lynn;
engaged for the town of Lynn; joined Captain Allen's company, Colonel Crane's
regiment; term three years; also list of men mustered by Nathaniel Barber,
muster-master for Suffolk County, dated Boston, August 3, 1777, Colonel Crane's
regiment; also corporal, Captain Jackson's company, Colonel John Crane's
regiment; Continental Army pay accounts for service from January 1, 1780, to
June 7, 1780; also certificate, dated Boston, July 11, 1780, signed by John
Crane, colonel of artillery, stating that said Dunnell was in his regiment from
June, 1777, to June, 1780, and had not been absent except on command. - Mass. Rolls.
DUNNELL, OLIVER, -
drummer, Captain Nailer Hatch's company, Lieutenant-Colonel William Bond's (late Gardner's) 37th regiment; company return dated
Malden, October 6, 1775. - Mass. Rolls.
An Oliver appears on a
list of prisoners in Captain Topham's company, December 31, 1775, at
Quebec. His captain was captured with him. - N.E. Hist. Gen.
Register.
In the First Church records an
Oliver Dunnell owned the covenant June 17, 1773. Nothing further is known of him.
DUNNELL REUBEN, - son of
David and Keziah (Ramdsell) Dunnell, brother of Jonathan, was born January 11,
1739. Was in the French and Indian War, and also performed the following service
in the Revolution: Private, Captain David Moore's company, Colonel John Nixon's
(5th) regiment; company return dated September 30, 1775; also muster-roll dated
August 1, 1775; enlisted May 14, 1775; service, two
months, twenty-three days.
He was killed in the battle of
Saratoga, September 19, 1777. A comrade of Henry Hallowell, his death is noted in
the Hallowell narrative.
EDES, SAMUEL, - private,
Captain Josiah Harris's company, Lieutenant-Colonel William
Bond's (late Gardner's) regiment; company return probably October,
1775; also order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated December
17, 1775; also private, Captain Simeon Brown's company, Colonel Jacob Gerrish's
regiment of guards; service between April 2, 1778, and July 3,1778,
two months, twenty-five days; roll dated camp at Winter Hill. - Mass.
Rolls.
[ 264 ]
EATON, JOSEPH, -
probably son of Joseph and Anna (Hutchinson) Eaton, was a private in
Captain Parker's Saugus company, and served with it in the fight of the 19th of
April, 1775. In June he enlisted in Captain Josiah Hart's company, Colonel
Thomas Gardner's 37th regiment, and served as corporal. Frothingham in his
history of the battle of Bunker Hill says: "After the British landed, this
regiment was stationed in the road leading to Lechmere's Point, and late in
the day was ordered to Charlestown. On arriving at Bunker Hill, General Putnam
ordered part of it to assist in throwing up defences commenced at this place.
One company went to the rail fence. The greater part, under the lead of their
colonel, on the third attack advanced towards the redoubt. On the way
Colonel Gardner was struck by a ball which inflicted a mortal wound from
which he died July 3." One of the first orders given by General Washington on
assuming command was to order military honors for his funeral. Joseph Eaton was
with the regiment of Colonel Gardner in the battle, and had the honor of being
one of the very few men from Lynn to participate in it. He went into winter camp
at Prospect Hill, receiving the customary order for a bounty coat, December 5,
1775. He undoubtedly served through the siege of Boston, and may have died in
the service. His name does not appear in church or town records and he is lost
to sight after the winter of 1775-76.
EDMUNDS, JOSEPH, - son of
Joseph and Mary (Fry) Edmunds, was born in Saugus, April 11, 1755. He served in
the Saugus company at the Lexington alarm, but his name does not appear in
the records of Lynn before or after that event. An old Edmunds house once stood near the spot now occupied by the Cliftondale
station, but was destroyed by fire about 1820.
EDMUNDS,
JAMES, - private,
Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's regiment; company order
for advance pay dated Cambridge, June 8, 1775; also sergeant, same company and
regiment; muster-roll dated August 1, 1775; enlisted May 3, 1775; service, three
months, five days; also Captain Newhall's company, Colonel Mansfield's
regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Hutchinson; company return
dated October 6, 1775; also, order for bounty
[ 265 ]
coat or its equivalent in money dated Winter
Hill, November 4, 1775.
Corporal, Captain
Ezra Newhall's company of minute-men, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775;
service, twenty-four days, - Mass. Rolls.
FARLEY, JONATHAN, - private, Captain Samuel King's company,
Colonel Josiah Whitney's regiment; service from
August 1, 1776, to December 1, 1776, four months, two days, at Hull; also
Captain James Tisdale's company, Colonel John Greaton's regiment; muster-roll
for June, 1781; dated Phillipsburgh;· enlisted during the war; reported mustered
by
Colonel Woodbridge. - Mass. Rolls.
FARINGTON, EZRA, - son of
Theophilus and Sarah (Breed) Farington, was born December 26, 1762. His name
appears in a descriptive list of men raised to reinforce the Continental Army
for the term of six months, agreeable to resolve of June 5, 1780; return as
received of Justin Ely, commissioner, by Brigadier-General John Glover, at
Springfield, July 16, 1780; age, seventeen years; stature, 5 ft. 8 in.;
complexion, ruddy; engaged for the town of Chelsea (but probably lived in Lynn);
marched to camp July 16, 1780, under command of Captain Zebulun King; also list
of men raised for the six months' service, and returned by General Paterson as
having passed muster in a return dated Camp Totoway, October 25, 1780; also
pay-roll for six months' men raised for the town of Chelsea for service in the
Continental Army during 1780; passed muster at Springfield, July 16, 1780;
discharged at West point, December 18, 1780; service, five months' twenty days,
travel included. - Mass. Rolls.
FARINGTON, JOHN, - son of Theophilus and Sarah (Breed)
Farington, was born in Lynn, April 17, 1750, and brother of Theophilus, Jr.,
Joseph, and Ezra. He married, first, Dorcas Ramsdell, April 17, 1785, intention
published. She died January 8, 1808, and he married, second, October 30, 1808,
Deborah Hart, who died his widow, October, 1831. He lived in an old house which
stood in a lane leading from Federal Street westward. This old black house, with
its long slant roof, was seen for many years.
John Farington died in Lynn, July
5, 1830. The notice in the Lynn Record read: "Died, John Farington, aged 80, a soldier of the
Revolution. He had at last to eat bitter bread in realms his valor saved,"
[ 266 ]
Revolutionary service: Private, Captain Ezra
Newhall's (Lynn) company of minute-men, which marched on the alarm of April 19,
1775; service, twenty-one days .
Private, Captain Samuel King's company; enlisted July 14,
1775; service, six months, two days; company stationed at Salem and Lynn for
defence of seacoast; also company receipt given to Daniel Hopkins for advance
pay for one month, dated Salem, September 25, 1775.
FARRINGTON, JOHN, - name spelled with two "r's," may have been John, Sr.,
born February 8, 1727-28, and father of John, Jr., who served in Captain
Farrington's company. This, however, cannot be proved. His service was in
Captain Rufus Mansfield's (4th) Lynn company, which marched on the alarm of
April 19, 1775, to Concord.
FARRINGTON, JOHN, Jr., - private, son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Farrington,
was born in Lynn, February 14, 1758. His father was born in Lynn, February
8, 1727-28, and was married, November 11, 1756, to Elizabeth Smith of
Danvers. Aside from the service of John Farrington, Jr., in the company of
Captain Farrington on April 19, 1775, nothing is known of him.
FARINGTON, JOSEPH, - son of Theophilus and Sarah (Breed) Farington, was born,
a twin, June 13, 1754, and was one of four brothers who served in the
Revolution. His brother John marched in the same company with him, that of
Captain Ezra Newhall, April 19, 1775, but no other record has been found except
that of the Massachusetts roll for his service in Captain Ezra Newhall's
company, Colonel Mansfield's regiment; company order for advance pay for one
month dated Cambridge, June 8, 1775; also private same company and
regiment; muster-roll dated August 1, 1775; enlisted May 6, 1775; service, three
months, two days; also Captain Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's
(19th) regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Hutchinson; company
return dated October 6, 1775; also corporal, Captain Joseph Hiller's company,
Colonel Jonathan Titcomb's regiment; arrived at destination May 5, 1777;
discharged July 5, 1777; service, two months, six days, travel included, at
Rhode Island; roll dated camp at Providence.
FARINGTON, THEOPHILUS, - son of Theophilus and Sarah (Breed)
Farington, was born in Lynn, February 7, 1759; married May 16, 1786, by
Rev. Obadiah Parsons, to Susannah Newhall, daughter of Andrew
[ 267 ]
and Susannah (Brown) Newhall, born September 13,
1760. Their children were Joseph, Susannah, Issabel, and Joseph. He was a
shipwright, with his home near Federal Square.
Touching his Revolutionary service, the following
certificate is preserved by the Lynn Historical Society:
-
This may Certify that
Thopiles Farenton was a solger in My Compeny in 1776 and was taken prisner at
fort washington when it Surrendered to the British.
to
whom it May Concern.
EZRA NEWHALL,
1792. Salem, Oct. 25.
From the Massachusetts rolls the following service is taken: Captain
Newhall's company, list dated Fort Lee, November 16, 1776, of men taken from the
Orderly Book of Colonel Israel Hutchinson of the 27th regiment reported as taken
prisoner at Fort Washington, November 16, 1776; also descriptive list of men
raised to reinforce the Continental Army for the term of six months, agreeable
to a resolve of June 5, 1780, returned as received of Justin Ely, commissioner,
by Brigadier-General John Glover, at Springfield, July 13, 1780; aged twenty-two
years; stature, 6 ft.; complexion, ruddy; engaged for town of Lynn; marched to
camp July 13, 1780, under command of Captain Thomas Pritchard.
Theophilus Farington died
September 12, 1812, and is buried in the old Western Burial
Ground.
FARRINGTON, WILLIAM, - captain of the 2d Lynn company of militia, or
minute-men, son of John and Abigail (Fuller) Farrington, was born in Lynn, July
15, 1734. His ancestors were among the earliest settlers, Edmund Farrington, the
first of the name in the town, coming in the "Hopewell," April 1, 1635, with his
wife and four children. The home of Edmund Farrington was on the westerly side
of Federal Street, and he built a corn-mill on Waterhill where a pond was dug.
His son, Matthew, was one of the selectmen of Lynn when the Indians, David
Kunkshamooshaw and James Quonopohit, in consideration of sixteen pounds
lawful money, deeded it to the white men.
William Farrington, the subject of
this sketch, was married February 2, 1757, by Rev. Joseph Roby, to Sarah
Stocker, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Mansfield) Stocker, born April 2,
1740. He
[ 268 ]
thus became allied with another old Lynn
family, the descendants of both of which are among the prominent citizens of the
city at the present time. Soon after his marriage he became owner of the
old Farrington homestead, known in later years as the "Hathorne House,"
which was moved to make room for the buildings of the Lynn Hospital. This
colonial mansion, which was one of the finest in Lynn, stood well back from the
old county highway, and, surrounded by ample grounds, always attracted
attention. It was built about 1681, was roomy and spacious, and presented a
generally substantial air. It was first conveyed to Andrew Mansfield, first
town clerk of Lynn, by his father, Robert, about the time of Andrew's marriage.
It was later occupied by Andrew's son, Deacon Daniel Mansfield, who died June
11, 1728. After this it was occupied by the latter's son Daniel, who died in it
in 1758. Soon afterward it passed into the hands of Captain Farrington, who
lived in it during the rest of his life. In the exciting days of the Revolution
this old mansion was a centre of the fashionable affairs of the town. Its halls
rang with the laughter of young people, and its fireside gave contentment and
cheer to a large family.
Captain Farrington entered the king's service in
1771, when he was duly commissioned ensign of the 2d company of Lynn foot by
Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., Governor and Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's
Province of Massachusetts Bay. The captain of this company was John
Mansfield, whose home was near by, on the present Strawberry Avenue. The
lieutenant was Increase Newhall, who lived in the house still standing at the
corner of Federal and Marion Streets. These two officers had seen long service
in military circles, the former having participated in the old French War. Under
their influence, William Farrington gradually gained in military skill, and when
the militia was reorganized, just before the outbreak of the Revolution, he was
chosen captain of the company, to succeed John Mansfield who had been elected
lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Essex County regiment. To a lover of ancient
Lynn an examination of the personnel of this company will prove of interest, as
showing the intimate connection of its members by birth, marriage, and
association. It comprised fifty-two men, nearly all of whom were from the
eastern section of the town, largely from Wood End and the district known as
Mansfield's End. Seven of the members were of the Ingalls family, all closely
[ 269 ]
related, father and son in one case
appearing together. Four were of the name of Richards, including father and son.
The Lexington alarm found Captain Farrington and his company ready, and
early in the morning most of his men were mustered and the march towards
Lexington begun. Later in the forenoon Abednego Ramsdell, Joseph Richards,
and others who had received the alarm late set off alone and joined their
neighbors. That the company saw actual fighting is well known. The story of
Mr. Ramsdell's tragic death and the narrow escape of Mr. Richards is told
elsewhere. Although the company did not reach Lexington, it met the British in
the town of Menotomy at about five o'clock in the afternoon, upon the return of
the regulars from Concord. The hardest part of the fighting took place at
this time, for hundreds of the yeomanry had collected on the line of the British
retreat, waiting their time to enter the contest. Captain Farrington
dispersed his men after arriving on the Boston road from Lexington, and the
fight was carried on by the members individually as they found opportunity.
After the hot struggle at the Jason Russell house, in Menotomy, where Mr.
Ramsdell was killed, the members pursued the retreating British to Charlestown.
Captain Farrington took no further part in the Revolution, and on his return
to Lynn continued his trade as a cordwainer. For many years he was chosen
leather sealer by the town, served as fish commissioner one year, and held
several minor positions, but does not appear to have taken a prominent part in
the affairs of government. In 1772 he with his wife joined the First Church,
owning the covenant in that year. After the death of Deacon John Burrage,
in 1780, Captain Farrington was chosen a deacon, and served in that office until
the famous secession to the society of Methodists took place in 1792. Affairs
under the leadership of Rev. Obadiah Parsons were not altogether satisfactory at
the old First Church, and, although the tenets of the fathers had been there
religiously kept for one hundred and fifty years, the field was nevertheless
ripe for the persuasive eloquence of Rev. Jesse Lee, of the new Methodist
faith, when he appeared in 1790 and preached at the home of Lieutenant Benjamin
Johnson on Market Street. The latter had been next in command under Captain
Farrington on the 19th of April, 1775, and perhaps had some influence in
inducing his former captain to come to hear the new doc-
[ 270 ]
trine expounded. Be that as it may,
six months after, with one hundred and eight members of the old First Church, Captain
Farrington withdrew from membership and joined the Methodist society. After this
notable secession but five male members remained in the First Church;
namely, Colonel John Mansfield, Ensign Theophilus Bacheller, Rev. John Carnes,
Corporal John Burrill, and Nathaniel Sargent, all of whom, with the
exception of the latter had been in the Revolution. When the seceders departed, they took
with them the silver communion vessels, - a fact which is
very feelingly alluded to by Rev. Parsons Cooke, the famous minister, in his
book called "A Century of Puritanism." He says: "Deacons Farrington and Hallowell,
and we know not how many more, especially of females, were members of
this church. Nor did they go out empty. They in one respect, at least, imitated
the Israelites' flight from Egypt. They took with them the communion vessels
of the church, which being numerous and made of solid silver, were very
valuable. They had been mostly given to the church, eighty years before, by
individuals whose names and acts of gift had been engraved on the vessels themselves,
so that there could be no mistake as to the donor's intent, that they
should be for the church use alone, and not the personal property of individuals becoming
members for awhile, and then dividing the spoil." Those who
went out claimed that half of the vessels should belong to them, - an
idea which was vigorously fought by those left in the old society. A lawsuit was
instituted, but through the efforts of James Sullivan, afterwards Governor of
Massachusetts, the plate was sent back before a trial was held. Deacon
Farrington also came back at the same time, February, 1797, and was officially
received back into membership.
Deacon Farrington had seven sons and seven daughters, Elizabeth, Paul, Joanna,
William, Thomas, Amos, Sarah, Elizabeth, Nathaniel (born April 8, 1775), John,
Sophia, John, Lydia, and Polly. His last days were quietly spent in the old
mansion, surrounded by children and friends, at peace with church and state.
For several years before his death his health gradually failed, and he died
November 1, 1808. The death of his wife occurred July 16, 1792. Both are
buried in the old Western Burial Ground. On the 17th of June, 1904, an
appropriate stone, which had been erected by his great-grandson, Charles Henry
Newhall, of Lynn, was unveiled by Miss Ellen Mudge
[ 271 ]
Burrill in the presence of a large company of people. A
marker of the S. A. R. was also placed at his grave. Near him lie Colonel John
Mansfield, Captain Rufus Mansfield, Lieutenant-Colonel John Flagg, Captain
Joseph Stocker, and many members of his company of minute-men.
FEARN, JAMES, - private, Joseph
Hiller's company. Colonel Jonathan Titcomb's regiment; enlisted May 6, 1777;
discharged July 6, 1777, at Providence; service, two months, six days; also June
11 to August 11.
He was living in Lynn
in 1800 according to United States Census.
FELT, JONATHAN, - son of Aaron and
Mary (Waitt) Felt, was born in Saugus, April 8, 1753. He was brother of Joshua,
Samuel, Joseph and Peter. Died in Packersfield, N.H., February 17, 1807. His
wife was Martha, and his children, all born in Packersfield, were Jonathan,
Lydia, Benjamin, Martha, Polly, Joseph, Solomon, Henry, Mercy, Milly, Betsey,
and Amos.
He was a private in Captain Samuel
King's company, raised for the defence of the seacoast. Enlisted July 11, 1775;
service, six months, five
days.
FELT, JOSHUA, - private, son of Aaron and Mary (Waitt) Felt, was born in
Saugus, June 21, 1751, his father having removed from Chelsea. He was married by
Rev. Joseph Roby, January 16, 1774, to Hannah Stocker, daughter of Ephraim and
Lydia (Newhall) Stocker, born October 2, 1752. Joshua Felt was in Captain David
Parker's Saugus company in the fight at Menotomy, and was wounded by the
British, being the only member of Captain Parker's company, so far as is known,
to be wounded. His brother Joseph was shot in the thigh, and taken prisoner the
next year at Fort Washington. After the Revolution Joshua removed to
Packersfield, N.H., where all but one of his children were born. The names
of his children were Mercy, Polly, Elijah, and Ephraim. His brothers Jonathan,
Joseph, Peter, and Samuel, all born in Lynn, were in the Revolution. He died at
Westmoreland, N.H., about 1822, his wife having died before him, but it is not
known where he is buried.
FELT, JOSEPH, - son of Aaron and Mary (Waitt) Felt,
was born in Saugus, January 12, 1757, and died in Packersfield, now Nelson,
N.H., in August, 1842. He was married October 15, 1785, to Elizabeth Spof-
[ 272 ]
ford, daughter of David, Jr., and Elizabeth (Griffin)
Spofford, of Townsend, Mass. She was born August 10, 1762. His children
were David, Joseph, Asa, George, Samuel, Jeremiah, John, Elizabeth, and Sally.
He is said to have served seven years in the war. The following record has been found,
together with the fact that he was pensioned from April 4, 1818, at
$18 per month, he having been disabled from all labor
in the winter time by reason of a wound received in the thigh at Fort
Washington, in 1776: Private, Captain Ezra Town's company, Colonel James
Read's regiment; age, eighteen years; stature, 5 ft., 4 in.; complexion,
fair; eyes, gray; occupation, farmer; birthplace, Lynn; residence, New Ipswich;
enlisted May 4, 1775; mustered July 11, 1775; appears on a company return
of October, 1775; reported sick and absent; also on Israel Hutchinson's
list of prisoners at Fort Lee, taken at Fort Washington, November 16, 1776,
Captain Ezra Newhall's company; enlisted January 1, 1776; exchanged in January,
1777. His brother, Joshua, was wounded at Menotomy, April 19, 1775, and brothers
Peter and Samuel served in the war from New Hampshire.
FLAGG, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL
JOHN, - son of Rev. Ebenezer Flagg, was born in Woburn, June 12, 1743. He was
descended from Thomas Flagg who settled in Watertown in 1643, and was the
ancestor of all the Flaggs in this country. Thomas Flagg's fourth son, Gershom,
was the father of Lieutenant Gershom Flagg who went to Woburn and was there
admitted a freeman in 1674. Lieutenant Gershom's son Ebenezer was born December
21, 1678. Ebenezer's son, Ebenezer, was born about 1704 in Woburn and married June 2, 1725, Hannah
Knight, of Woburn, and John Flagg, the subject of this sketch was their son.
John Flagg graduated at Harvard College in 1761, and soon afterward took up the
practice of medicine. He married June 21,1769, Susannah Fowle, of Woburn,
daughter of James and Susannah (Wyman) Fowle, born in Woburn, November 12, 1748.
Soon after his marriage Dr. Flagg removed to Lynn, where his skill gained him
the confidence of the people. His home here was the ancient gambrel-roofed house
still standing on Marion Street, known as the "Billy Gray House" from
[ 273 ]
the fact that William Gray, Lieutenant-Governor
of Massachusetts, was born in it. It stood back from the old Boston road, shaded
by tall trees, and was a stately residence for those days.
On the alarm of
April 19, 1775, Dr. Flagg was a member of Captain William Farrington's 2d Lynn
company of minute-men, and he marched with it to West Cambridge, where Abednego
Ramsdell of the same company was killed. During the day his skill as a surgeon
became of great value to his wounded comrades. On returning home, he at
once sent his wife and daughter to Chester, N.H., to live with his father while
the war progressed. A letter which he wrote from Lynn to his wife during this
time will prove of interest as illustrating his feelings at the beginning of the
great contest. It is reproduced here through the courtesy of Mrs. Mary Caroline
Phillips Bennett, of Richmond, Va., daughter of Dr. James Gardner, who many
years after married Susannah, the little girl called "Sukey" in the letter, and
who was sent with her mother to New Hampshire.
LYNN, Aug. 1st, 1775.
My
Dear.
It is a long time since I have
even heard from you, or have wrote to you. Am afraid you begin to think that I treat you with neglect. I have put
off coming to see you, in hopes that affairs would turn in such a manner as
that you might return home without being subjected to much fear. And am now
determined to come for you within a fortnight unless our danger increases;
and if I shall be unable to come myself, will endeavor to send your brother
Benjamin for you: as I cannot be reconciled to live in this solitary manner any
longer. Our fears daily lessen, & we feel ourselves almost secure, the noise
of cannon and the flames of Buildings set on fire give us but very little
disturbance, as we have now been used to them; which would be the case with you
in a short time. However, I shall not think of urging of you to return, if it is
the least against your inclination, but will submit myself to continue in my
widowed state a while longer. We have considerable reasons to hope that war will
cease in a few months. Gage's army is very sickly, & they are almost
destitute of every kind of provisions except Pork & Bread. The people in
Boston begin to receive passes again to come out of Town.
There have been
several small skirmishes since Sunday, but think it needless to write any
particulars, as you will see an account of them in the newspapers. It is but
seldom an opportunity to write presents. Have received but one letter from you
yet. I fear Sukey will forget me. I am, after presenting duty to father
& mother love to Eben & Molly your
constant and loving Husband
JOHN FLAGG.
[ 274 ]
Whether or not the wife and daughter came back
to Lynn in two weeks, it is certain that the war did not cease in two months. On
August 22, 1774, Dr. Flagg had been chosen a delegate to the Ipswich convention,
called to take such action as might be necessary to preserve the rights of
the colonies. On February 14, 1776, he was chosen by the House of
Representatives a lieutenant-colonel in Colonel Timothy Pickering's 1st
Essex County regiment of Massachusetts militia, and was commissioned the same
day. Soon after he was chosen as the first military officer of the town of Lynn,
and it was he who swore to the enlistment of a large number of Lynn soldiers.
In 1776, 1778, 1781, 1782, and 1783 he was a member of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection,
and Safety of the town of Lynn, the most important committee created
during the war, by order of the Provincial Congress. He also served as
treasurer of the town in 1780, 1781, 1782, 1783, and 1784. During the entire Revolution,
while he did not see active service in the field, he was steadfastly attending
to his military duties at home, sending recruits to the front, caring
for families of soldiers away in the war, and watching the interests of
the colonies. Dr. Flagg was a commissioned justice of the peace, settled the
estates of many of his neighbors, and served as guardian, appraiser, legal adviser,
and bondsman for them. He was a man of means, - a fact which is
shown by his will on file in the probate records at Salem.
In 1793 Dr. Flagg began
to languish in health, and died on the 27th of May of that year. He was buried
in the old Western Burial Ground, where a large slate stone recounts his virtues
at length: -
"This monument is erected to the memory of John Flagg,
Esq., in whom remarkable temperance, uniform prudence, unaffected modesty,
affectionate humanity and diffusive benevolence shone conspicuous among the
virtues which graced his character, endeared him to his family and his friends,
and secured him the respect and love of all who had the happiness to know him.
"As a physician, his skill was eminent, and his practice extensive and
successful.
"To
death whose triumph he had so often delayed & repelled but could not
entirely prevent, he at last submitted on the 27th of May, 1793, in the 50th
year of his age.
"Heav'n now repays his virtues and his deeds
And endless life the stroke
of death succeeds."
[ 275 ]
Dr. Flagg was a stout man, of commanding
presence and a true type of the old school gentleman. A silhouette of him has
been preserved in the family, and is reproduced in the first part of this work
through the kindness of Mrs. Bennett, of Richmond. This is the only known
likeness of a Revolutionary soldier of Lynn who died before 1800.
His daughter Susannah married Dr.
James Gardner, his successor. She died in
Lynn, February 3, 1806. Dr. Flagg's wife died November 28, 1834, aged
eighty-seven, and is buried in an unmarked grave at his side.
There are now living (1904) in different parts of Virginia seventeen of Dr.
Flagg's descendants, none of whom bear his surname.
A bronze marker of the
S. A. R. was erected at his grave in 1903.
FLEMING, MICHAEL, - From Hutchinson's Orderly Book he is found to be a
sailor; age, thirty-five; height, 5 ft. 6 in.; complexion, light; and hair and
eyes, light.
From the Massachusetts rolls his name is found in a return of
men raised for the Continental service, agreeable to the resolve of December 2,
1780; engaged May 1, 1781, for the term of three years for the town of Lynn.
FLINT, WILLIAM, - private. It has been impossible to find the record of the
birth of this man, who is placed in the Lynnfield company, but was probably not
a native of Lynnfield. He was married by Rev. Joseph Roby, June 5, 1770, to
Sarah Larrabee. His name is borne on the roll of Captain David Parker's Saugus
company, but, as in the case of Thomas Hadley, this is probably an error. His
home was in South Lynnfield, and he responded to the alarm of April 19, 1775,
without doubt in the company of Captain Nathaniel Bancroft. He was killed
at Menotomy with Abednego Ramsdell, Daniel Townsend, and Thomas Hadley, and is
buried in the cemetery at Arlington, Mass., where a monument erected by the town
in 1848 bears his name with that of others. His widow died October 12, 1813,
aged seventy-eight.
In 1776 Edward Johnson, then representative to the
General Court, obtained an allowance of two pounds, six shillings, for the use
of Sarah Flint, wife of William Flint, killed at Menotomy.
FLORENCE, CHARLES, - son of Charles and Mary (Kilby) Florence, was born in
Lynn, May 1, 1758. His father came from the Isle of Jersey, was a sea captain,
and according to Thomas T. Stocker, his great-grandson, of East Saugus, he
was lost at sea.
[ 276 ]
Charles Florence, the son, was one
of the three men mentioned in the Hallowell narrative who left Philadelphia for
Lynn about January 1, 1777. He had been sick for two months, and was unfit for
travel in the dead of winter, and, although he set out with Mr. Hallowell
and Stephen Coats, he soon gave out, and it is not known when he succeeded in reaching home. His service in the war is given
in the Massachusetts rolls, and a letter written from Williamsburg, Va., in May,
1780, is published in the first part of this work. It is said that another
letter was received from him, which was written from St. Pierre, Martinique,
dated September 9, 1781, and that he was never heard from again.
The following is his service:
Private,
Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's 19th regiment; order
for advance pay dated Cambridge, June 8,1775, signed by said Florence
and others; also muster-roll dated August 1,1775; enlisted May 6,1775; service,
three months, two days; also Captain Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's
19th regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Hutchinson; company return
dated October 6, 1775; order for bounty coat or
its equivalent in money dated Winter Hill, November 4, 1775; also list of men
raised to serve in the Continental Army from 1st Essex County regiment, dated Lynn, February
16, 1778, and sworn to at Salem by John Flagg, first military officer for
the town of Lynn; residence, Lynn; engaged for the town of Lynn; joined
Captain Goodale's company, Colonel Rufus Putnam's regiment; term three years or
during the war; also Continental Army pay accounts for service from March 14,
1777, to December 1, 1779, and from January 1, 1780, to May 7, 1780;
also private, Captain John Williams's company, Colonel Rufus Putnam's regiment;
return for gratuity approved April 22, 1779. - Mass. Rolls.
FLORENCE, THOMAS, - son of Charles and Mary (Kilby)
Florence, was born February 7, 1754, brother of Charles noted above. He was
married by Rev. John Treadwell, February 8, 1781, to Mary Hudson, daughter of Moses and
Catherine Hudson, born February 5, 1754, died December 19, 1783. His only
son was Charles, born December 19, 1783. After the death of his wife he lived
with this son and died September
[ 277 ]
5, 1826, in the pleasant little Florence
homestead, still standing on Lincoln Avenue, East Saugus.
Thomas Florence
could speak French, was a man otherwise of somewhat superior education for
his day, and in consequence was commonly called "Sir Thomas." He was well
remembered by his grand-daughter, Mrs. Susannah (Florence) Tuttle, who was
living in 1903, at the age of eighty-one. Some years ago Benjamin F. Newhall, in
a series of personal sketches, described the home of Thomas Florence, saying
that it was a few rods south of the residence of Solomon Brown, and that the
small house, still standing upon the side of the ledge, was of practically
the same appearance as when built sixty years before, further adding: "Thomas
Florence was a hero of the American Revolution, and as a soldier did honorable
service in the cause of the country. He was a gardener by trade, and for many
years after the war was in the employ of Landlord Newhall. He purchased about an
acre of land upon the side of the rocky hill, and cultivated every spot of the
same which was unoccupied by porphyry ledges. His well cultivated garden in the
nooks of the sunny side of the hill always attracted considerable attention. His
house descended first to his son Charles and then to his grandson Charles."
In 1818 he appeared before the Probate Court of Essex County, and stated
that he was a resident of Saugus, a cordwainer. Enlisted in 1775 as a private
for eight months in Captain Ezra Newhall's company of the 27th regiment,
commanded by Colonel John Mansfield. Just before his time expired, he enlisted
again in 1776, for one year more. After serving in the same, was honorably
discharged on the field by Colonel Hutchinson in New Jersey, January 1, 1777.
Colonel Frederic Breed says that he (Breed) was an officer in the company with
Florence.
Thomas Florence stated that he was sixty-six years old at the time
he made his application for a pension, that he was weak and infirm and could do
but little labor. He served under General Lee, and was later in the War of 1812.
His claim was allowed from April 4, 1818, at $8 per month, and $88.23 back pay
was given him. He was stricken from the roll in 1820.
The Massachusetts
rolls also give additional service in Captain Goodale's company, Colonel
Putnam's regiment, from February 16, for
[ 278 ]
three years or
during the war. He is buried in the old Western Burial Ground, just at the left
of the front gate, near the Hudsons. A marker and stone mark the spot.
FLYNN, JOHN.-Nothing is known of this man except the very full service which
is given in the Massachusetts rolls, as follows: -
Private, Captain Daniel Whiting's company, Colonel Jonathan Brewer's
regiment; company return dated October 6, 1775; also list of men raised to serve
in the Continental Army from 1st Essex County regiment, dated Lynn, February 16,
1778, and sworn to by John Flagg, first military officer for the town of Lynn;
residence, Lynn; engaged for the town of Lynn; joined Captain Greenleaf's
company, Colonel Francis's regiment; term three years or during the war; also
descriptive list of men raised to reinforce the Continental Army for six
months, agreeable to resolve of June 5, 1780; returned as received of Justin
Ely, Commissioner, by Brigadier-General Glover at Springfield, July 13, 1780;
age, forty-nine years; stature, 5 ft. 4 in.; complexion, light; engaged for the
town of Lynn; marched to camp July 13, 1780, under command of Captain Thomas
Pritchard; also private, Captain William Watson's (6th) company, 3d
Massachusetts regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Mellen; muster-roll for
December, 1782; also order for wages for February, 1783, dated cantonment, near
Windsor; also muster-rolls for March and April, 1783; balance of enlistment
unexpired, ten months, twenty-two days; also Captain Watson's company, 3d
Massachusetts regiment, descriptive list; age, forty-nine years; complexion,
dark; hair, gray; occupation, barber; stature, 5 ft. 4 in.; residence, Lynn;
engaged for town of Lynn; enlisted April 16, 1781; discharged July 10, 1783;
enlistment three years; reported received clothing at various times between
December 29, 1782, and June 22, 1783.
FOLSOM, PETER, - Letters of
administration for one of this name were asked for November 11, 1795, from Beverly. Said Folsom, a mariner, left an infant child,
but no other relatives. His estate amounted to $185.91. - Probate
Records.
Descriptive list of officers and crew of the ship "Junius Brutus," commanded by
Captain John Leach, sworn to at Salem, June 15, 1780; age, twenty-six years;
stature, 5 ft. 7 in.; complexion, light; residence, Lynn. -
Mass. Rolls.
[ 279 ]
FORTUNE ----.
List of men raised to serve in the
Continental Army from 1st Essex County regiment, dated Lynn, February 16, 1778, and
sworn to by John Flagg, first military officer for the town of Lynn; residence, Lynn;
engaged for the town of Lynn; joined Colonel Brewer's regiment; term
three years or during the war; reported a negro. - Mass. Rolls.
FOSTER, ANDREW, - was born in Lynn, July 12, 1751. He married, first, Sarah
Thissel, and, second, Bethia Knowlton, of Ipswich. He was a member of Captain
Bancroft's company, and saw active service April 19, 1775. During the fight he
was wounded by a bullet which has since been in the possession of his family for
many years.
FULLER, DAVID, - according to the church records of the Third Parish, was
baptized September 30, 1750, his father being also "David." Nothing further is
known of him except that he was with Captain Parker's Saugus company at the
Lexington alarm.
FULLER, JONATHAN, - private,
Captain Rufus Mansfield's (4th) company, which marched on
the alarm of April 19, 1775, to Concord; service, two days; also private in
Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's regiment; muster-roll dated
August 1, 1775; enlisted June 4, 1775; service, two months, two days.
- Mass. Rolls.
FULLER, JONATHAN, - private Captain Ezra Newhall's (Lynn) company of minute-men,
which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, two days; also
Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel Mansfield's regiment; order for advance
pay dated Cambridge, June 8, 1775, signed by said Fuller and others; also
Captain Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's (19th) regiment, commanded
by Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Hutchinson; company return dated October
6, 1775. Mass. Rolls.
FULLER, PETER, - On June 22 Thomas Fuller and son Potter (possibly the above
Peter), who had come from Salem, were warned out of Lynn by the constable. The
similarity of the names is at least suggestive that the unusual name of "Potter"
might have been written "Peter" on the Saugus roll. On the other muster-rolls on
file in the archives the name is given as "Potter." Assuming that the two names
should be one, Private Fuller, after the Lexington alarm, enlisted, May 3, in
Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel John Mansfield's regiment,
receiving advance pay at Cambridge, June 8. After the retirement of Colonel
[ 280 ]
Mansfield he still
continued in the service under Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Hutchinson, of Danvers.
The following November he received an order for a bounty coat, and spent the
winter in camp at Winter Hill. He was discharged from service after the
evacuation of Boston. Re-enlisted again in Captain Robert Dodge's company,
Colonel Ebenezer Francis's regiment, and marched in the fall of 1776 to
Dorchester Heights, where he was encamped for some time. Here his service ends,
in so far as the records are concerned.
He is buried in the old Western Burial Ground, near the South Common
Street side. A marble stone and bronze marker of the S. A. R. were placed near
the spot in 1903.
GALEUCIA, CAPTAIN DANIEL, -
Born in Norton, Mass., August 1, 1740; died in Lynn, December 9, 1825. The name
Galeucia is spelled in several ways in the records, and there would seem to be
some obscurity in regard to the marriages of Captain Daniel. That there were two
Daniels, father and son, is certain, and according to Mr. Warren A. Galeucia, of
South Peabody, a descendant of the Revolutionary soldier, it appears
that the latter married three times and had eight children. The first marriage recorded in Norton, Mass., gives
Daniel "Gallusia," married December 28, 1768, by Rev. Nathan Holt, to Hannah
Lindsey, of Danvers. The second marriage, probably, was that recorded in the
Lynn records as taking place May 5, 1782. This was to Elizabeth Lindsey, but whether
she was a sister of Hannah is not known. Mr. William Hudson, a descendant
of the soldier through Martha Norton Galeucia, states that Captain Daniel
was a son-in-law of Captain Eleazer Lindsey, who was cashiered, and that he
took the place of the latter upon his removal from command. This would seem to
indicate that Hannah or Elizabeth, or both, were daughters of Captain Eleazer
Lindsey. The third marriage would seem to be that, July 26, 1812, between
Daniel Galeucia and Mrs. Elizabeth (Tarbox) Thomas, given in the Lynn records as
"Eliza Thomas." Two other marriages recorded are probably those of his son
Daniel.
The farm of Captain Galeucia was
the land now owned by John L. Shorey, and there he died in his eighty-sixth year. Those who
remembered him in his latter years described him as a tall, fine-looking
man,
[ 281 ]
though somewhat bent, with white hair
which fell over his shoulders. At the age of seventy-five he hung himself in the
old barn, but was discovered before it was too late. Upon
recovering consciousness, he is said to have asked for water and to have remarked, "I
believe now I shall live out my appointed time."
For a time Captain Galeucia
owned the old house which stood at the corner of Franklin and Boston Streets.
From his
first burial-place, back of Brown's Pond, his remains were removed to a tomb
near the Peabody end of the pond. From thence, with five others, he was buried
in Cedar Grove Cemetery, South Peabody, and a stone suitably inscribed,
together with a marker of the S. A. R., was placed at his grave by
the Peabody Historical Society.
The
following is the Revolutionary service of Captain Galeucia: Lieutenant, Captain E. Lindsey's company, Colonel Woodbridge's
regiment; list of men who received advance pay for one month in
1775, at Cambridge, for engaging in the eight months' service; also lieutenant,
Captain Eleazer Lindsey's company, Colonel Samuel Gerrish's regiment;
return dated July 21, 1775, signed by Galeucia; also lieutenant in
command of Captain Lindsey's company, Colonel Ruggles Woodbridge's regiment; muster-roll
dated August 1, 1775; engaged May 12, 1775; also captain, 10th company,
Colonel Woodbridge's regiment; company return (probably October, 1775).
-Mass. Rolls. Captain Galeucia was evidently made captain of his
company when Captain Lindsey was cashiered for neglect of duty.
GOLDTHWAITE, BENJAMIN, - son of Major Benjamin and Charity (Edwards, Crafts)
Goldthwaite, was born in Boston in 1743, and was descended from Thomas, the
emigrant ancestor. Benjamin Goldthwaite was married in Saugus by Rev. Mr. Roby,
May 3, 1767, to Lois Boardman, daughter of John and Eunice (Cheever) Boardman,
of Cambridge.
He lived for a time in Malden, was by occupation a
heel-maker. May 28, 1770, he bought a farm of fifteen acres and buildings in Malden. When the war broke out, he was enrolled a member
of Captain Parker's Saugus company, in which were many of the relatives of his
wife. After the battle of Lexington he sold his farm in Malden and moved to
Boston, where for some years he kept a tavern on Back Street. In 1796, he was
[ 282 ]
living on Margaret Street, according to the
Boston directory of that date. His children, all by his first wife, Lois, were
John, Lois, Esther, Eunice, Ezekiel, Sally, and Hannah. His wife Lois died in
1812, and he married, second, April 9, 1812, Elizabeth Wadsworth Barrett,
daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Smallidge) Barrett, of Boston, born in 1772.
Mr. Goldthwaite's home in Malden was probably near the Saugus line, for he
appears to have been associated with that parish, being clerk of the same in
1777, and previously serving as tithing-man. His father, Major Benjamin, of
Boston, was a captain in the Louisburg expedition, served through the French and
Indian War, rising to the rank of major and then colonel. His brother Jacob was
a captain in the Revolution from Stoughton.
Benjamin Goldthwaite died in
Malden, July 26, 1835, aged ninety-one. His wife Elizabeth died in Malden,
December 10, 1845, at the age of seventy-three. Their gravestones may be seen in
the Salem Street cemetery, Malden.
GOTT, CAESAR, also "Cuff." - In a descriptive list probably of 1780, he is
noted as aged seventeen; five feet, eight inches tall; black and a laborer.
Return of men raised for Continental service, agreeable to resolve of December 2, 1780;
engaged May 17, 1781; engaged for town of Lynn: term three years; also
private, Captain Jeremiah Miller's company, Colonel Joseph Vose's regiment; muster-roll
for June and July, 1781, dated Phillipsburgh; reported on command at
West Point; also muster-roll for August, 1781; also September and November, 1781,
reported sick at New Windsor; also list of men belonging to 1st Massachusetts brigade,
returned as sick in hospital at New Windsor; dated December 24,
1781; also private, Captain Jeremiah Miller's company, Colonel Joseph Vose's
regiment; muster-rolls for January and February, 1782, dated York Huts; enlisted
April, 1781. - Mass. Rolls.
GOWING, DANIEL, - son of Gideon and Elizabeth, was born May 26, 1759; married
April 24, 1781, by Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth, to Hannah Butler, of Danvers. He
died probably in 1782, as letters of administration were asked for October
7 of that year, in which his wife Hannah is mentioned.
Another Daniel Gowing
married Mercy or Martha Bowers, according to the Lynn records, December 25,
1764. It is impossible to tell which
[ 283 ]
of these was the Revolutionary soldier. The
military record is as follows: -
Private, Captain Gideon Foster's
company, Colonel John Mansfield's regiment; muster-roll dated August 1,
1775; enlisted May 9, 1775; service, two months, twenty-seven days; also Captain
John Baker's company, Colonel Mansfield's regiment, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel Israel Hutchinson; company return probably October,
1775.
Also receipt for advance pay signed by said Gowen and others, dated Cambridge, July
4, 1775; order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money, dated camp at
Winter Hill, October 27, 1775. - Mass. Rolls.
GOWING, JAMES, - private, probably son of Samuel Gowing, was baptized in
Lynnfield, August 8, 1736. He served in the French and Indian War, having been
in Captain Newhall's company, Colonel Plaisted's regiment, which marched towards
Springfield, August 15, 1757, on the way to relieve Fort William Henry. He
served at the Lexington alarm with the Lynnfield company. In the accounts
rendered by the British of losses incurred on the 19th of April, twenty-six men
are reported as missing. These men were undoubtedly taken prisoners, among whom
can be quoted Lieutenant Goold, who was later exchanged for Josiah Breed, of
Captain Rufus Mansfield's company. On the muster-roll of Captain Nathaniel
Bancroft's company a note indicates that James Gowing was detailed to go to
Ipswich jail with a number of prisoners. For this service he was given three
days' pay, more than that received by any member of his company. It should be
remembered that Townsend, Flint, and Hadley were killed, and Monroe, Foster, and
Wellman wounded, all Lynnfield men. It would also seem that their comrades won
distinction by taking British prisoners.
James Gowing appears on the town
records as warden in 1776, but nothing further is known of him.
GOWING, JOHN, -
sergeant in Captain Ezra Newhall's company of minutemen which marched
on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, twenty-one days.
The above is the only record of
this man which has been found. He was probably of
Lynnfield and the John Gowing who married Mrs. Lydia Bryant, September 12, 1775.
GOWING, JOSEPH, - first lieutenant, son of Thomas and Sarah (Hawkes) Gowing,
was born in Lynnfield, May 7, 1730. There were four of
[ 284 ]
the name of Gowing in the
Revolution from Lynnfield, and the name was very prominent in the Second Parish,
yet little has been preserved of the family records. Joseph was probably brother
of John and perhaps of Daniel. In 1766 he was an ensign of the 3d company
of Lynn militia, 1st Essex County regiment. In 1771 he was captain. In
1774, he was chosen captain of the new company of minute-men, but gave way to
Deacon Nathaniel Bancroft, who had previously served in that capacity in 1767.
Joseph Gowing was married, March 72, 1763, by Rev. Benjamin Adams, to Mrs.
Deliverance Gowing. His only military service was at the time of the Lexington
alarm. It was from his house, the "Joseph Gowing Tavern," that the company mustered on the morning of April
19. Near by in the old meeting-house was stored the stock of powder for
the company. The Gowing Tavern was burned on the night of June 18,
1896.
Joseph Gowing held the town offices of field-driver, fence-viewer, warden,
surveyor of highways, treasurer of the parish, selectman, and assessor. He was
called "Captain" in his later years. He died October 30, 1811, and his wife died
April 17, 1806. Both are buried in the old cemetery at Lynnfield Centre, where a
marble stone and bronze marker of the S. A. R. were placed at his grave in 1904.
It is curious to note that, while the family was at one time very prominent in
the town, but one stone in the old burial-ground bears the name of Gowing.
GRAVES, JACOB C., - private, was not a native of Lynn, so
far as is known. The only reference to him in the Lynn records appears in 1766, when Mrs.
Sarah Graves, together with her children, Abigail, Hannah, Jerusha, and
Jacob, were warned out of Lynn, her husband being Jacob Graves, shipwright,
formerly of Boston, Boston town records give the marriage of Jacob Graves, of
Boston, and Sarah Pierce, April 7, 1737, Rev. John Webb performing the ceremony.
A careful search of the records of neighboring towns gives no further light, and
it is possible that the above Jacob Graves is not the man borne on the roll of
Captain Farrington's company. His service of two days at the time of the
Lexington alarm is the only authentic record known. He may have been the Jacob
Graves who was captured by the British and
[ 285 ]
brought to Boston, October 8, 1778, in the
cartel "Silver Eel," to be exchanged for British prisoners. He is noted by the
commissary of prisoners as a seaman. Administration was granted upon his estate,
October 3, 1785, at which time he was described as a shipwright. A marble
gravestone and bronze marker of the S. A. R. were erected to his memory in the
old Western Burial Ground in 1904.
GREEN, JAMES. - Nothing is positively known of this man who was a
private in Captain Rufus Mansfield's (4th) company which marched on the
alarm of April 19, 1775. A James Green was warned out of town November 17, 1756;
also married March 25, 1759, Lydia Ramsdell, who died in 1760. He married again,
March 5, 1761, Sarah Moulton, sister of Ezekiel and Ezra Moulton. According to
the Lynn records a James Green died in Lynn on March 13, 1831.
HADLEY, THOMAS, - probably son of Anthony and Abigail Hadley, was born in
Stoneham, Mass., March 4, 1726. On April 11, 1752, he was published to Mary Cox,
of Stoneham, and on April 12, 1762, he came from Stoneham to Lynnfield. He was
warned out of town two days later. He continued to live in Lynnfield, however,
where he had married his second wife on the 26th of November, 1761. She was
Rebecca Hinkson, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Jeffords) Hinkson, born July
28, 1722. His home was between South Lynnfield and Lynnfield Centre, east of the
Gerry cider-mill. The old house occupied by him has long since disappeared, and
the house now standing on the spot is the home of Mr. Sprague. The wife of
Thomas Hadley was accidentally drowned January 9, 1771, in crossing the
stream above the mill pond (Pilling's Pond). She had left her house to visit an
acquaintance. Not returning, search was made, and her body found on the
26th.
Mr. Hadley appears on the
muster-roll of Captain David Parker's Saugus company of minute-men, but this is probably an error. The rolls were
made up many months after the battle of Lexington, and it is not strange that
errors should have occurred. Mr. Hadley was a Lynnfield man, and undoubtedly
marched with his neighbors in Captain Bancroft's company, reaching the
scene of the conflict in Menotomy, where the enemy was met on the return to
Boston. Like his friend and neighbor, Daniel Townsend, he was caught between the
flank guard and main line of the British, and was instantly killed. This was at
[ 286 ]
about half-past five in the afternoon. His body was later in the
evening taken into the home of Jason Russell, and there laid with those of
his comrades. His remains were buried with others in the field back of the house
where he was killed, and there rested until 1848, when the town of Arlington
caused the bodies of these patriots to be removed to the Arlington cemetery and
a monument erected to their memory. Mr. Hadley was one of the oldest men in the
company, being over fifty years of age.
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