USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Chelmsford > History of Chelmsford, Massachusetts > Part 24
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The officers of the Boston & Lowell railroad, have tendered to the company the use of a hall in their passenger depot in Boston, where the company will partake of a collation after the procession is dismissed. The Cambridge Cadets will escort the company to their place in the procession.
Frank Leslie's of July 3, 1875 contains a double page illus- tration of the Lexington and Chelmsford Minute Men passing up Columbus Avenue, Boston, on the day of the celebration. Co. F, Unattached Cavalry, of Chelmsford, was assigned a place in the procession.
The significance of the battle of Bunker Hill is not, however, to be gauged by the losses on either side, heavy as they were in proportion to the numbers engaged, nor by its purely military results, but by the moral effect which it produced; and when it is considered from this standpoint its far-reaching consequences can hardly be over-estimated. "It roused at once the fierce instinct of combat in America * * * * , and dispelled
* the almost superstitious belief in the impossibility of encountering X regular troops with hastily levied volunteers. * * No one questioned the conspicuous gallantry with which the provincial troops had supported a long fire from the ships and awaited the charge of the enemy, and British soldiers had been twice driven back in disorder before their fire." The pride which Americans naturally felt in such an achievement, and the self-confidence which it inspired, were increased when they learnt that the small force on Bunker Hill had not been properly reinforced, and that their ammunition was running short before they were dislodged from their position. [Encyclopædia Britannica.]
The British soldiers fired without taking aim, and charged that the Americans were murderous because they took aim and fired from the shoulder.
COLONEL SIMEON SPAULDING.
Colonel Simeon Spaulding was born August 4, 1713, the son of Joseph (born September 22, 1673) and Elizabeth Colburn Spaulding who were married April 10, 1700. Joseph was the son of John and Hannah Hall (or Hale) Spaulding who were married May 18, 1658. John, born about 1633, was the son of Edward, died February 26, 1669-70. He was of Braintree, where his wife,
242
HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
Margaret, died in 1640. He had sons, John; Edward, Repre- sentative in 1691; Benjamin; Joseph; Andrew, deacon in the Church at Chelmsford, born 1653, died 1713; and two daughters, Grace and Dinah.
Colonel Spaulding married Sarah Fletcher; 2d, Mrs. Abigail (Johnson) Willson, daughter of Edward Johnson. He was the Town's agent for delivering contributions in the Revolution. On the farm he was succeeded by his son Deacon Noah, whose daughter Julia Ann married Dr. John C. Dalton. She was a woman of great force of character.
Colonel Spaulding was Town Treasurer and Selectman; Colonial Representative from 1771 to 1775; in the Provincial Con- gress, 1775 to 1778; Chairman of the Committee of Safety, 1776; Commissioner to adjust War Act., 1778; Delegate to form the new Constitution, 1779. He died, April 7, 1785.
By his first wife he had five children, and nine by his second. His record in the Revolution is given as follows:
Spaulding, Simeon. 1st Lieutenant Colonel, Col. David Green's (2d Middlesex Co.) regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 6 days; reported returned home; also official record of a ballot by the House of Representatives, dated Feb. 7, 1776; said Spaulding chosen Colonel, 7th Middlesex Co. regt. of Mass. Militia; appointment concurred in by Council Feb. 8, 1776; reported commissioned Feb. 8, 1776; also, list of officers chosen in 4th Co. (North Co. in Chelmsford), as returned by said Spaulding, field officer and moderator, dated Chelmsford, July 5, 1776; also, Colonel; list of members of committees appointed to raise men for New York and Canada, showing number of commissions delivered them; said Spaulding reported as belonging to committee for Middlesex Co .; also, resignation dated Chelms- ford, March 9, 1778, signed by said Spaulding, resigning his commission as Colonel of 7th Middlesex Co., regt. of Mass. Militia on account of advanced age; resignation accepted in Council March 11, 1778. See also later record in Chapter V.
An account of Colonel Bridge has already been given.
A MUSTER ROLL OF THE FIELD & STAFF OFFICERS BELONGING TO COLO. BRIDGE'S REGIMT. OF MINUTE MEN.
Officers' Names
Towns they belong to
Rank
Time of Marching
Time in Service
Amount of Wages
Ebenr Bridge
Billerica
Colonel
April 19th
4 Days
£1.14.
Moses Parker
Chelmsford
Lt. Colo.
April 19th
4 Days
1. 7. 5
John Brooks
Reading
Major
19th
4 Days
1. 2. 10
Joseph Fox
Billerica
Adjutt.
19th
4 Days
10. 4
Walter Hastings
Chelmsford
Surgeon
19th
4 Days
. 1. 5
Errors Excepted.
£4.14.11
Cambridge Dec. 20th. 1775. Ebenr Bridge Col. Min. Men.
[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 26, p. 35.]
On the original a pen has been drawn across the name of Walter Hastings and all on that line, which explains the footing.
A MUSTER ROLL OF THE FIELD & STAFF OFFICERS BELONGING TO COL EBENR BRIDGES REGIMENT TO THE FIRST DAY OF AUGUST 1775
Officers' Names
Towns to which they belong
Rank
Time of Engagement
Travel
Amount of Travel at 1d. pr mile
Time in Service
Amount of Wages
Whole Amount of Wages & Travel
Ebenr Bridge
Billerica
Colonel
April 24th.
17 miles
1/5
3 Mo. 15 Days
£42. 3. 7 £42. 10. 0
Moses Parker
Chelmsford Lt. Colo.
24th
23
1/11
2 Mo. 22 Days
26. 14. 10 26. 16.
9
John Brooks
Reading
Major
24th
15
1/3
3 Mo. 15 Days
28. 5. 8 28. 6. 11}
Joseph Fox
Billerica
Adjutt.
24th
17
1/5
3 Mo. 15 Days
19. 8. 11
19. 10. 4
John Bridge
Chelmsford Qr. Mr.
24th.
23
1/11
3 Mo. 15 Days
10.12. 1
10. 14.
0
Walter Hastings
Chelmsford Surgeon
24th.
23
1/11
3 Mo. 15 Days
26. 10.
26. 12.
3
John Sprague
Malden
Do Mate
May 1st
6
6d
3 Mo. 8 Days
13. 2.10
13. 3.
4
Cambridge Dec'. 2 1775
£167. 13. 7}
Ebenr. Bridge Col.
Colony of the Massachusetts Bay June 18th 1776 The above named Ebenezer Bridge made Solemn Oath that the above Roll by him subscribed is Just & true in all its parts Before Moses Gill Justice of Peace Thro Ye Colony
In council June [ ] 1776 Read & allowed & ordered that a warrant be drawn by the Treasurer for £167. 13. 7} in full of the within Roll
John Lowell Dpy Secty P. T.
[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 26, p. 34.]
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
243
244
HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
CAPTAIN OLIVER BARRON.
Captain Oliver Barron was born January 7, 1733, son of Lt. Jonathan, born June 28, 1698, and Rebecca Prescott Barron. Jonathan was the son of Moses, Jr., who was born October 28, 1669, and Mary Bunker (Richardson) Barron. Moses, Sr., born 1643, married Mary Learned, and was the son of Ellis or Eliseus of Watertown, freeman in 1641, married Grace
Captain Barron married Abigail Proctor July 30, 1755. He died November 11, 1809. She died September 10, 1820, aged 87.
Parson Bridge records that Captain Barron's house burned November 18, 1770, and that he raised the frame of a new one on the old site, January of the following year.
CAPT. OLIVER BARRON'S ALARM ROLL.
A List of the Travil and Service of Capt. Oliver Barron of Chelmsford in the County of Middlesex and the men under him belonging to the Regiment of Militia whereof David Green Esq is Colonol.
We in Consequence of the alarm made one ye 19th of April 1775 marched from home for the defence of This Colloney against the Ministerial Troops.
-
Men's Names
Rank
Travil from and to
each man's home No. of miles
at one penny per mile £. s. d.
The time each
man was in
service
Wages
Total carried out
£ S. D. Q.
£ S. D.Q
Oliver Barron
Capt.
50
0:4:2
16
3: 8: 7:0
3:12: 9:0
Samuel Stevens
Lieut.
50
0:4:2
10
1: 8: 6:3
1:12: 8:3
John Ford
Sergt.
50
0:4:2
9
0:15: 5:0
0:19: 7:0
Silas Spaulding
50
0:4:2
16
1: 7: 5:0
1:11: 7:0
Jonas Peirce
Cor.
50
0:4:2
10
0:15: 8:1
0:19:10:1
John Spaulding
Drummer
50
0:4:2
10
0:14: 3:0
0:18: 5:0
Jacob Howard
Private
50
0:4:2
11
0:15: 8:0
0:19:10:0
David Burge
50
11
0:15: 8:0
0:19:10:0
Ephraim Parkhurst
50
do
11
0:15: 8:0
0:19:10:0
Oliver Richardson
50
do
18
1: 5: 8:0
1: 9:10:0
Daniel Sillaway
.6
50
9
0:12:10:0
0:17: 0:0
Willard Howard
50
2
0: 2:10:0
0: 7: 0:0
William Bowers
50
13
0:18: 7:0
1: 2: 9:0
Josiah Richardson
50
3
0: 4: 3:0
0: 8: 5:0
John Dunn
50
do
3
0: 4: 3:0
0: 8: 5:0
John Twiss
50
3
0: 4: 3:0
0: 8: 5:0
Henry Spaulding,
Junr.
66
50
7
0:10: 0:0
0:14: 2:0
Joseph Marshall
50
5
0: 7: 1:0
0:11: 3:0
Stephen Peirce,
Junr.
50
5
0: 7: 1:0
0:11: 3:0
Samuel Fletcher
50
do
4
0: 5: 8:0
0: 9:10:0
7
0:10: 0:0
0:14: 2:0
Daniel Dammon
50
6
0:10: 3:2
0:10: 3:2
Benjamin Warren
Sergt.
6
0: 9: 5:1
0: 9: 5:1
Benjamin Spaulding
245
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
CAPT. OLIVER BARRON'S ALARM ROLL-CONTINUED.
Men's Names
Rank
Travil from and to each man's home No. of miles
at one penny per mile £. s. d.
The time each
man was in
service
Wages
Total carried out
£. S. D. Q
Joshua Davis
Private
50
8
0:11: 5:0
0:15: 7:0
Oliver Fletcher
50
8
0:11: 5:0
0:15: 7:0
Jonathan Peirce
50
11
0:15: 8:0
0:19:10:0
Nathaniel Farrar
50
9
0:12:10:0
0:17: 0:0
Joseph Tylor
=
50
do
10
0:14: 3:0
0:18: 5:0
Thomas Marshall,
Junr.
-
9
0:12:10:0
0:12:10:0
William Mears
50
0:4:2
4
0: 5: 8:0
0: 9:10:0
John Roby
50
17
1: 4: 3:0
1: 8: 5:0
Benjamin Parkhurst
50
do
3
0: 4: 3:0
0: 8: 5:0
Moses Barron
..
50
5
0: 7: 1:0
0:11: 3:0
Jeremiah Abbott
50
do
13
0:18: 7:0
1: 2: 9:0
David Danforth
.6
50
0:4:2
7
0:10: 0:0
0:14: 2:0
Isaac Keent, Junr.
16
50
0:4:2
6
0: 8: 7:0
0:12: 9:0
David Marshall
"
50
0:4:2
5
0: 7: 2:0
0:11: 4:0
Samuel Marshall
"
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
William Dunn
50
0:4:2
4
0: 5: 8:0
0: 9:10:0
Benjamin Barrit
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
James Dunn, Junr.
8
0:11: 5:0
0:11: 5:0
Francis Davidson
7
0:10: 0:0
0:10: 0:0
Moses Esterbrooks
"
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
David Chambers
8
0:11: 5:0
0:11: 5:0
John Chambers
7
0:10: 0:0
0:10: 0:0
Jonathan Sprage
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
Isaiah Foster, Junr.
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
Samuel Britton
"
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
William Chambers
=
3
0: 4: 3:2
0: 4: 3:2
Benjamin Parker,
"
8
0:11: 5:0
0:11: 5:0
Benjamin Peirce
7
0:10: 0:0
0:10: 0:0
Josiah Fletcher, Junr.
9
0:12:10:0
0:12:10:0
Joseph Spaulding
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
Sum Total
£45: 5: 4:1
[61 names]
Oliver Barron & Capt.
-
9
0:12:10:0
0:12:10:0
John Keyes
6
0: 8: 7:0
0: 8: 7:0
Reuben Parker
50
4
0: 5: 8:0
0: 9:10:0
Benjamin Parker
50
0:4:2
3
0: 4: 3:0
0: 8: 5:0
Amos Mastes
5
0: 7: 2:0
0:11: 4:0
Daniel Keyes
50
15
1: 1: 5:0
1: 5: 7:0
John Mears
50
5
0: 7: 1:0
0:11: 3:0
Benjamin Melvin
8
0:11: 5:0
0:11: 5:0
William Cambel
Junr.
£. S. D. Q.
246
HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
Chelmsford January 1th. 1776.
I Oliver Barron atest the above
To be a True Musterroal according To the best of My Knowledge Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, Jan 24th. 1776. Capt Oliver Barron above named made solemn oath to the truth of the above rool by him subscribed to the best of his knowledge.
Before me Saml Hotton J of Peace thro the Colony.
April 3. 1776 the Council ordered a warrant drawn on the Treas. for the above amt.
[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 11, p. 210.]
To fill a blank space on this page this pedigree is inserted.
Dr. Walter Hastings was born Sept. 25, 1752, and died Nov. 29, 1782. He graduated at Harvard in 1771. He settled in Chelmsford as a physician, and married, Nov. 23, 1777, Lucretia, daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer Bridge. He was at Bunker Hill in the capacity of surgeon in Col. Bridge's regiment. His record will be found in Chapter V. His father was Jonathan, born in January, 1708; died at Cambridge, Feb. 16, 1783, a graduate and steward of Harvard. His home was the headquarters of General Artemas Ward in 1775. From this house General Warren went to the battle of Bunker Hill.
The father of Jonathan Hastings was Jonathan, born July 15, 1672; died, 1742. He was the son of Walter, born 1631; died, 1705.
Walter's father was John, who came to this country in 1638; freeman, 1643; died at Cambridge, Dec. 2, 1657.
ANCESTRY OF LT. COL. MOSES PARKER.
Abraham Parker, from Wiltshire, England, came to Woburn; freeman, 1645, came to Chelmsford 1653, married Rose Whitlock in 1644. He died here in 1685.
His son Moses, born about 1658, married Abigail, daughter of Richard Hildreth, 1684; died 1732.
His son Joseph, born March 25, 1693-4, married Rebeckah and died April 29, 1738.
His son Lieutenant Colonel Moses, born May 13, 1731, married Sarah - -. She died March 10, 1817, aged 80.
The following names are those of their children whose births are recorded in Chelmsford: Abel and Aaron, twins; Joseph, Nehemiah Abbott, Moses, Rebecca and Sarah.
247
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
A MUSTER ROLL OF COL. MOSES PARKER COMPANY, YEAR 1775.
Men's Names
Town from whence they came
Rank
Time ingaged
Travil 54 miles in the hole
Amount at one penny a mile
Time of
service. No.
of days
The hole amount
Benjn. Walker
Chelmsford
Lieut.
April the 19th
"
0:4:6:0
5
0:14: 3:1
Isaac Parker
John Freland
=
Sargt.
1:13: 6:2
Wm. Parker
11
1: 3: 3:2
Azariah Procter
11
1: 3: 3:2
Simeon Barritt
Private
9
0:17: 3:0
Saml Perham Jr.
=
9
0:17: 3:0
David Spaulding
=
11
1: 1: 9:0
Aaron Chamberling
10
0:18: 9:1
Henry Fletcher
21
1:14: 3:0
Wm. Fletcher 3d
11
1: 1: 9:0
Jeptha Spaulding
=
12
1: 1: 6:0
Mica Spaulding
"
10
0:18: 9:0
Robert Adams
12
1: 1: 6:0
Supply Reed
=
8
0:15:10:0
Levi Peirce
10
0:18: 9:0
Isaac Marshall
"
7
0: 9:11:0
Nathaniel Foster
=
=
6
0: 8: 6:0
Benjn. Butterfield
=
7
0: 9:11:0
Reuben Foster
8
0:11: 4:0
Joseph Spaulding, Jr
8
0:11: 4:0
Solomon Keys
10
0:14: 8:0
John Parker
=
=
7
0: 9:11:0
John Adams
=
9
0:12: 9:0
Ebenezer Goold
=
9
0:12: 9:0
Josiah Blood
9
0:12: 9:0
Zacheous Fletcher
9
0:12: 9:0
Robert Peirce
=
9
0:12: 9:0
Saml Marshal
=
9
0:12: 9:0
Joseph Ausgood
9
0:12: 9:0
Charles Fletcher
9
0:12: 9:0
Thomas Adams
9
0:12: 9:0
Benjn. Ausgood
=
9
0:12: 9:0
Joshaway Durant
9
0:12: 9:0
David Walker
0:12: 9:0
£ s d q
35: 1: 9:1
[43 names]
In council April 1776. Read and allowed & ordered that a warrant be drawn on the Treasurer £35.1.914 in full of the within roll. Perez Morton D. Secy. [Deputy Secretary] This company was commanded by Lieut. Benjamin Walker, who became captain.
[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 13, p. 153.]
7
0: 9:11:0
Enoch Cleaveland
=
8
0:11: 4:0
Isaac Foster
16
1: 7: 4:0
Willard Parker
11
1: 3: 3:2
Wm. Abbot
16
1: 7: 4:0
13
1: 2:11:0
Wm. Parker Jr.
John Bates
12
0:17: 1:2
Benjn. Farly
=
5
0:12: 6:0
17
248
HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
CAPTAIN BENJAMIN WALKER.
He was born October 6, 1741, the son of Benjamin, son of Benjamin, son of Joseph, first of Woburn, then of Billerica where he settled in 1667. The genealogy of this family is given in Hazen's Billerica.
The reader will please consult the Index to find the ancestry of Captain Benjamin Walker. He married Abial Abbott of Andover.
The following births are recorded in Chelmsford:
Abbott, son of Benjamin and Abial Walker, July 24, 1770. Ephraim, “
July 22, 1772. Rhoda, daughter of “
¥ April 12, 1774. This marriage is recorded: Abiel Walker and Samuel Fitch of Acton, April 23, 1778.
CHELMSFORD NAMES ON A RETURN OF CAPT. BENJAMIN WALKER'S COMPANY IN THE 27th REGT. OF FOOT. [AN IMPERFECT ROLL TO AUG. 1-1775]
Rank
Time of Enlistment
Travel miles
Time of service
Amt.
months days
Charles Fletcher
Sergt.
April 19
25
3.
15
8. 4.11
Josiah Blood
Corp.
do
25
3.
11
7.11. 2
Thomas Marshall
Corp.
do
25
3.
11
7.11. 2
John Adams
Private
do
25
3.
11
6.17. 8
Zacheous Fletcher
do
25
3.
11
6.17. 8
Robert Peirce
do
25
3.
11
6.17. 8
Joseph Osgood
do
25
3.
11
6.17. 8
Ebenezer Gould
do
25
3.
11
6.17. 8
Joshua Durant
do
25
3.
11
6.17. 8
David Putnam
David Osgood
These names are supplied from the October Return.
Samuel Marshall
Benj. Osgood
Phinehas Kidder
David Walker
Thomas Adams
These men were undoubtedly at Bunker Hill with the others, as there were prac- tically no enlistments between the dates of these rolls.
[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 16, p. 57.]
[A few of these men had guns & cartridge boxes, Shoes, stockings, &c, furnished by the Province. Guns charged at £1.16.0 to £2. 14. 0. Cartridge boxes 4 Shillings.
Shoes 0.6.8
Shirt 0.9.0
Stockings 0.3.4
Privates were given £2. advance wages. Officers, 8. S. or 4. S. more.]
249
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
[October Return, 1775]
A RETURN OF CAPT BENJAMIN WALKER'S COMPANY 27th REG FOOT COMMANDED BY COL. EB. BRIDGE.
Benjamin Walker Capt. Dead from Chelmsford John Flint 1 Lieut Tewksbury
Ebenr Fitch 2 Lieut
Bedford
Men's Names
The Towns they belong to
Men's Names
The Towns they belong to
Sargts Lake Swett
Tewksbury
Josiah Kidder
Tewksbury
Asa Fassett
Beadford
Nehemiah Hunt
Tewksbury
Charles Fletcher
Chelmsford
Amos Foster
Tewksbury
Eliakim Walker
Tewksbury
John Bailey
Tewksbury
Corprils Josiah Blood
Chelmsford
Joseph Frost
Tewksbury
Thomas Marshal Chelmsford
John Welch
Andover
Peter Hunt David Bailey
Tewksbury
James Bailey
Andover
Phinehas Annis, Drum
Tewksbury
Malachi Allen
Bedford
Isaac Manning, Fife
Tewksbury
Jabez Carter
Bedford
John Adams
Chelmsford
Asa Duran
Bedford
Zacheus Fletcher
Chelmsford
Samuel Fletcher
Billerica
Robert Peirce
Chelmsford
Obediah Johnson
Bedford
Joseph Osgood
Chelmsford
Ebenezer Johnson
Bedford
Ebenezer Gould
Chelmsford
Abraham Meriam
Bedford
John Hall
Tewksbury
Abner Mead
Lexington
David Morrill
Tewksbury
Simeon Parker
Bedford
Hezekiah Thorndike
Tewksbury
Joseph Ross
Bedford
Justus Blanchard
Billerica
Epheriam Smith
Bedford
Jonathan Beard
Tewksbury
Benjn. Winship
Bedford
John Haywood
Tewksbury
Abel Winship
Lexington
Paul Hunt
Tewksbury
David Osgood
Chelmsford
Eliphalet Manning
Tewksbury
Samuel Marshall
Chelmsford
John Dandelen
Tewksbury
Benj Osgood
Chelmsford
Jonathan Gould
Tewksbury
Phinehas Kidder
Chelmsford
Jonathan Frost
Tewksbury
David Walker
Chelmsford
Joseph Phelps
Tewksbury
Benj Dilleway
Andover
Jonathan Gray
Tewksbury
William Calwell
Billerica
Amos Goodell
Bedford
Thomas Adams
Chelmsford
Asa Leavestone
Tewksbury
Reuben Beacon
Dead
Bedford
Samuil Bayley
Tewksury
Jacob Crosby
Dead
Billerica
Joshua Durant
Chelmsford
Jacob Frost
David Putnam
Chelmsford
Prisoner Boston
Tewksbury
Amos Russell
Lexington
Timothy Dutton
Tewksbury
Corprel Philip Fowler Missing
Tewksbury
[Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 56, p. 178.]
Tewksbury
Jonathan Dutton
Tewksbury
250
HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
CAPTAIN JOHN FORD, HIS COMMISSIONS AND MUSTER ROLLS.
Captain John Ford was born August 3, 1740, the son of Robert Ford and Esther Davis Ford of Haverhill. John was the fifth of seven children. Robert died at Cape Breton, July 5, 1745. Captain Ford married Sarah Barker of Methuen. They had eleven children. He is described as a tall, wiry and active man, with a florid complexion. All his actions were indicative of great resolution and endurance. He was a man of few words, simplicity of manner and sterling integrity. He was early put to work. When fourteen years old he drove an ox team drawing logs, and was so small that in order to reach the off ox, he was obliged to run his goad under the nigh one. He was at the second taking of Louisburg, in 1758. In 1767, he purchased his property at the head of Pawtucket falls. John Corliss, the carpenter who built his house, married his eldest daughter, Sarah. He owned a sawmill at the foot of the falls.
In 1820, by an act of the General Court, he, with numerous others, was set of from the Chelmsford church to the church in Dracut (Pawtucketville). Chase, in "Old Residents' Collections" says: "Captain Ford once told Colonel Thomas Adams that one day when he went to his sawmill wearing his 'Revolutionary' coat, having three brass buttons two inches in diameter, he was met by an Indian, who sprang at him, shouting 'Me got you!' and immediately attempted to stab him with a knife, but the knife striking one of his buttons, his life was saved. Captain Ford having in his hand a bar with which he moved the logs in his mill, struck the Indian a powerful blow and sent him dead out of the tail race of the mill."
FROM A PAPER BY MISS JOSEPHINE H. EARL.
Capt. Ford's company belonged to the regiment of Col. Ebenezer Bridge. This regiment on the morning of the battle of Bunker Hill had not yet left their quarters in Cambridge.
It shows the impatient disposition of the man that, becoming restive at the delay, he gained permission to lead forth his com- pany alone, and proceeded to the Hill.
It is related by one of his historians that, while at Bunker Hill, the day before the battle, Capt. Ford warned General Prescott that it was evident that the British were preparing to attack the Americans upon the hill, and urged the necessity of immediately throwing up breastworks. Prescott, who had not feared such an attack, yielded to the persuasion of Capt. Ford and before morning, the fortifications were completed, without which the Americans could not have held their ground or achieved the immortal glory of that day. Mr. Chase in his article pertinently asks, "Is it asking too much to claim a share of that glory for the brave and sagacious Capt. Ford?"
251
THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION
At the end of the nine months' service of Capt. Ford's first company, another company of Chelmsford men, with Ford in command, was raised to reinforce the army in Cambridge. This company served from January to April, 1776, but with little fighting, and in April the soldiers returned to their farms. In connection with Capt. Ford's second company, I quote from a manuscript of Lawyer Corliss. "William Fletcher of Chelmsford was a member of Capt. Ford's 2d company at Cambridge. His son William told me that his father, then alive, told him that Washington planned an attack upon Boston in the night, to cross with boats and Capt. Ford was put in charge of a boat, but for some reason the expedition was given up."
In the summer of 1776 a third company with Ford as Captain was raised and stationed at Ticonderoga. While there Capt. Ford kept a regimental order book in which are recorded regi- mental orders, trials by court martial, promotion of officers, punishments of soldiers, and other matters. This book is in the possession of his descendants.
[On their starting out to join the Northern Army, Captain Ford, his impetuosity having been somewhat abated, since April 19, 1775, requested Parson Bridge to pray with them in the meeting house, which he did. They sang part of the 18th Psalm and he gave them a word of exhortation.]
FROM THE ORDER BOOK.
General Orders :-
HeadQuarters Aug. 31, 1776.
The Officers and Soldiers may be satisfied that the Genll. has left no means in his Power untry'd to procure medicines and every comfort for the Sick of this Army which the Station and Circumstances of this place will admit. * * * *
The Genll. is credibly informed that a principal Surgeon is dispatched from N. Y. above a fortnight ago with a supply of medicines and apprehends that the Badness of the weather and Roads has alone prevented his arrival.
It is the Soldiers duty to maintain the post he is ordered to defend. The same climate affects our enemies that affects us and the favor of the Almighty to whom we have appealed will if we trust in him, preserve us from Slavery and Death.
Capt. Ford and his company returned to Chelmsford toward the close of 1776 and for some months they attended to their farms and mills, but on Sept. 30, 1777, still another company raised in Chelmsford and commanded by Capt. Ford marched to reinforce the Northern army. They were a little too late, however, to assist in the splendid victory at Saratoga. On returning they brought forty or fifty British prisoners from Stillwater.
252
HISTORY OF CHELMSFORD
During the forty-five remaining years of his life he carried on his lumber business, bought large tracts of land in Chelmsford and did considerable farming.
Among his papers is a ruling of the Court of Common Pleas, Middlesex Co., given at the December term, 1806, in a case of some disagreement between two Chelmsford men. "The parties appear and agree to refer this action and all demands between them to the determination of Capt. John Ford, Messrs. Joel Spalding and Phineas Whiting."
John Ford married Sarah Barker of Methuen. They were blessed with eleven children, seven of whom lived to manhood and womanhood. Sarah, the eldest, born in Chelmsford in 1767, married John Corliss of Chelmsford, afterward of Haverhill, N. H.
The other children, Deborah and Prudence, lived, unmarried, and died on the old homestead. Elisha, who was a civil engineer, spent many years in the service of the Locks and Canals Co., and helped to build Pawtucket bridge, the wooden structure that preceded the present bridge. He was captain of the militia of the town of Chelmsford, and represented the town of Lowell in the General Court in 1828.
John Ford died November 6, 1822, aged 84, and was buried in the Pawtucketville Cemetery.
THE CONGRESS OF THE COLONY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
To John Foord Gentleman- Greeting. WE, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Courage and good Conduct, Do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you the said John Foord to be Captain of the Foot Company in the Regiment of Foot whereof Ebenezer Bridge Esq. is Colonel raised by the Congress aforesaid, for the Defence of said Colony.
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