USA > Massachusetts > History of the Military company of the Massachusetts, now called the Ancient and honorable artillery company of Massachusetts. 1637-1888, Vol. II > Part 34
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Benjamin Russell (1788), printer, of Boston, son of John Russell, and nephew of Joseph Russell, so long the town treasurer of Boston, was born in Boston, Sept. 13, 1762. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were born, lived, and died in Boston. His English ancestor was John Russell, who settled in Woburn in 1635, whose son was Rev. John Russell, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Boston.
On the 19th of April, 1775, Benjamin was nearly thirteen years of age, and attended Master Carter's school. He says, in a statement written by himself : -
" In the morning, soon after the opening of the town school (which was kept in
Samuel Prince (1788). AUTHORITIES : Hist. of Massachusetts Lodge, A. F. and A. M .; Mass. Military Rolls.
Benjamin Russell (1788). AUTHORITIES : Specimens of Newspaper Literature, Vol. II., Little & Brown, 1850; Eulogy by Francis Baylies, March
10, 1845; Annals of Mass. Char. Mech. Association; Moore's Masonic Magazine, Vol. IV .; Boston Rec- ords; Whitman's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842.
1 Crane's Tea Leaves of 1773, p. 183.
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Scollay's Buildings), martial music was heard, and the Regulars were seen in motion. They were soon paraded in Long Acre [Tremont Street], and the line extended from the head of the Mall [Park Street] to the head of Queen [Court] Street, facing which was the school-house. Lord Percy, mounted on a white horse, was busy in arranging the column. When these movements were seen, Master Carter sent out one of the boys for information. It came full soon. The British had fallen on the Americans at Lexing- ton, killed several, and sent for a reinforcement. Master Carter then said, 'Boys, war has begun; the school is broken up.' This announcement was received with three cheers, and the boys, having gained their own freedom, sallied forth to see whether the men would gain theirs. They followed in the rear of the column, when the British took up the line of march, and followed as far as the colleges in Cambridge. The boys, being wearied, rested on the Common, and remained in that vicinity until near sunset, when a Mr. Hastings gave them some supper, and they slept in one of the college buildings. They could not return to Boston, which was in a state of close siege, but they had quarters in the colleges, which had been converted into barracks, and drew their rations as soldiers." "In these good quarters," continues the major (1788), "partaking of public and private bounty, we remained some weeks, with nothing to regret except that, owing to the close- ness of the siege, we could not inform our parents of our situation."
On the morning of the 17th of June, cannon were heard in the direction of Boston and Charlestown, and the boys went down the Charlestown road to learn the cause, and to see the contest. The principal events of that day, as they transpired on Bunker Hill, were within the vision and understanding of Benjamin Russell (1788), though so young in years. Several of the boys crossed and recrossed to the Neck during the battle, - that same Neck over which an American officer told Gen. Putnam no one could cross and live. Gen. Putnam, on his " long-tailed Connecticut horse, often came near us," says Major Russell (1788), "and then we cheered him with an huzza for Old Put."
After the battle, the boys returned to the colleges. Willing to do what they could to help the cause, they became useful by serving as clerks of the companies. " It fell to my lot," says Major Russell (1788), " to become the clerk of the company of Connecticut troops commanded by Capt. Putnam, a nephew, or son, of the general. We were stationed, with other troops, on Prospect Hill, where the general was in command. I did duty as clerk until the ensuing August. One day I was returning from the commis- sary's depot with the weekly provisions of the company, having four men with me, and I met my father and uncle, who had just escaped from Boston. My father had not seen or heard of me since the 19th of April. He was so rejoiced to see me that he was about to shake me for not writing to him. One of the soldiers took fire, 'Don't shake that boy, sir,' said he; 'he is our clerk.'" An explanation took place ; the father and son repaired to Gen. Putnam's tent, when, upon the application of the father, the son was honorably discharged from his first service as a Revolutionary soldier. On the next day, the father took him to Worcester, and apprenticed him to Isaiah Thomas, the cele- brated printer, founder of the Massachusetts Spy.
In 1780, Mr. Thomas was drafted as a Continental soldier, and was obliged either to join the army or procure a substitute. Mr. Russell (1788) volunteered to stand in the place of his employer, and July 17, 1780, he started from Worcester for the seat of war. He joined the army at West Point. "I have heard Major Russell say," says Mr. Francis Baylies, in his eulogy on Hon. Benjamin Russell (1788), March 10, 1845, "that he was one of the guard of Major André on the day of his execution."
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At the expiration of his enlistment he returned to Worcester, was released from his indenture by reason of his military service in the place of Mr. Thomas, and soon after removed to Boston. March 24, 1784, in company with William Warden, he began the publication of the Massachusetts Centinel. His partner died the next year, and he became the sole proprietor and editor of the paper which was afterwards called the Columbian Centinel. He continued the publication of the Centinel, as editor and proprietor, more than forty years, until November, 1828, when he retired from all con- nection with the press. In view of this service, and his fighting in behalf of the Adams cause for the presidency, a complimentary dinner was given him by his brother editors and printers. The course of Mr. Russell (1788), as editor of the Centinel, was wise, patriotic, and influential. He was a co-worker with the truest and best men of his time and commonwealth. He was firm for the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, and, largely through the influence of the Centinel, the mechanics of Boston were almost unanimous in the same opinion. He zealously supported Washington's adminis- tration in every particular and measure.
In early life he also printed almanacs, pamphlets, etc., but his peculiar talents as editor gained him much celebrity, and gave his paper extensive circulation. His was, indeed, a busy life. From the beginning of his soldier life until his decease, the years seemed filled with humane, useful, and practical work. He was one of the founders of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, in 1795 ; was elected its vice- president, 1798-1806, and its president, 1807-21, when the association unanimously thanked· him " for his able, successful, and unceasing exertions to promote the interest, honor, and happiness of this association, during the fourteen years which he, with honor to himself and pride to the association, had presided over it."
He was president of the board of health of the town of Boston five years ; a member of the school board five years, by election, and for four years by virtue of his office as alderman ; a delegate to the convention of 1820 ; a member of the common council from the organization of the city government in 1822 till 1825 ; a member of the board of aldermen in 1829, and was re-elected three successive years ; a member of the House of Representatives from Boston from 1805 till 1821, and from 1828 till 1835 ; a member of the State Senate in 1822 and 1825. In 1836 and 1837 he was a member of the executive council, which was his last public service.
The gallant major was a very outspoken man, and did not hesitate to express his views at times and places where most other men would have hesitated to speak. On one occasion, at the New South Church, the minister read the governor's proclamation for Thanksgiving, concluding, as usual, "God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Major Benjamin Russell (1788) arose in his seat, and exclaimed, "That was saved last Monday,"- referring to the success of his candidate in the election. Mr. Benjamin Russell (1788) was the author of that remark concerning a certain prayer in church by the minister : " It was the most eloquent prayer ever addressed to a Boston audience " He was fourth sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1790, lieutenant in 1796 and 1811, and its captain in 1801 and 1812.
After the Revolutionary War he continued his military career. Joining one of the Boston military companies soon after his return, he was commissioned ensign in 1787. By regular steps, he became lieutenant of the Ward 6 military company in 1790, captain of the same from 1794 to 1798, and in 1799 was promoted to be major of the Boston regi- ment. He was major of the First Sublegion in 1800. For a half century, nearly, he was
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generally spoken of as "Major Ben Russell." Mr. Benjamin Russell (1788) was a mem- ber of the Masonic Fraternity. Dec. 27, 1813, he was elected Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, and held that office three successive years. He was also a member of St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter, and of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts.
The decay of his faculties was gradual. He had no sickness. On the morning of Jan. 4, 1845, he lay down, and in an hour ceased to breathe. He suffered no painful struggle. The affectionate watcher noted not the transition from life to death. Thus died Major Benjamin Russell (1788), in the eighty-fourth year of his age. His funeral was attended by great numbers from those bodies with which Mr. Benjamin Russell (1788) had been identified, and a long procession of those who had been connected with him in friendly and social relations attended his remains to their resting-place in the Old Granary Burial-Ground.
Elisha Sigourney (1788), merchant, of Boston, son of Daniel and Mary (Varney) Sigourney, of Boston, was born April 14, 1753. He married Ann -, who died in Bos- ton, June, 1818, aged seventy-three years. His place of business in 1790 was at No. I Spear's Wharf, and his dwelling-house was in Southac Court, afterwards called Howard Street. He was a great-grandson of Andrew Sigourney, a French Protestant refugee, or Huguenot, who, from devotion to the cause of religious freedom, emigrated to Boston about 1686. Elisha Sigourney (1788) was "a man of strong mind, high sense of honor, scrupulously honest, indefatigable in business. Many of his acts of kindness were so abruptly communicated as to be unthankfully received." He was much relied upon for his sound judgment in every-day life, and, at his decease, was sincerely mourned by the business and social circles of Boston. Andrew Sigourney (1806) was his nephew.
Mr. Elisha Sigourney (1788) became a member of St. Andrew's Lodge in 1778, and of St. Andrew's Royal Arch Chapter, May 28, 1789. He died, highly esteemed, Oct. 10, 1811, and, it is said, " was buried on one of the islands " in Boston Harbor.
Samuel Swan (1788), of Medford, son of Samuel and Joanna (Richardson) Swan, was born in Medford, Jan. 17, 1749-50. He married, March 5, 1778, Hannah Lawson, by whom he had seven children. She died Nov. 18, 1826, aged seventy years, and he died in November, 1825.
March 4, 1776, after several years of military service, he appears as a member of Capt. William Adams's company, in Col. Thatcher's regiment, at Dorchester. He became assistant quartermaster of the Northern Army, under Gen. Lincoln (1786), in 1776, also quartermaster and commissary, under Gen. Devens, at Ticonderoga, in 1777, and went several times with supplies for the troops at that place in 1776 and 1777. He was a purchasing agent for the Revolutionary Army from 1778 to 1783. The Revolu- tionary War Minutes of 1778 state " that he paid for beef, etc., down to the close of the war." A letter from the war office, dated December, 1779, to the collectors of war taxes in Charlestown, Chelsea, Stoneham, and Reading, orders them "to pay the money col- lected to Samuel [1788] and Daniel Swan, to purchase beef for public use."
At one time, while on his way to Ticonderoga, in 1776, with funds he had in charge for the troops, he came near being robbed. He was travelling on foot, with a knapsack
Elisha Sigourney (1788). AUTHORITIES : Whitman's Hist. A. and H. A. Company, Ed. 1842; St. Andrew's Lodge and Chapter Records.
Samuel Swan (1788). AUTHORITIES: Wy-
man's Charlestown Genealogies and Estates; Early Masonic Records; Whitman's Hist. A. and II. A. Company, Ed. 1842; Usher's Hist. of Medford; New Eng. Hist. and Gen. Reg., 1856.
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[1788
and a camp kettle on his back, and stopped early one morning to get a little rest at a log tavern, near a forest twelve miles in length, with only a cow-path through it. The landlord asked him some questions about his business, which he evaded as well as he could, as then there was sitting in the room a stranger, a tall, stout man, whose looks Mr. Swan (1788) did not like, and who, from his manner, he believed had an evil design. The man soon after left the room, and went off. Mr. Swan (1788) also soon left, with- out breakfast, and continued on his journey alone. He had not gone far, but two or three miles, when he saw the same man at some distance ahead of him sitting on a stump by the wayside. There was no other path to follow, and Mr. Swan (1788) could not avoid him, except by turning back ; but he was on urgent public business, and must go forward. Mr. Swan (1788), seeing the stranger was a strong man, and that he must escape by management, walked steadily on, all the time turning in his mind what strata- gem he could use to encounter and pass him. As he came up to the man, he spoke civilly to him, told him he was about taking his breakfast, and asked the man if he would take breakfast with him. He said he would, no doubt thinking this would give him the opportunity he wished. Mr. Swan (1788) asked him to assist and get some sticks for fuel while he got ready the provision which he had in his knapsack. The man, not knowing he was suspected, was thrown entirely off his guard, and went for the sticks. As soon as he had gone a little distance, Mr. Swan (1788) started off on his way, keep- ing constantly an eye over his shoulder upon the man, who soon turned around as if to watch him, and called out loudly to stop, to which Mr. Swan (1788) paid no attention, but ran at the top of his speed. The man pursued him. They both ran for some time, when the man got out of breath and walked. Then he ran again, and Mr. Swan (1788) also ran. The stranger at last became satisfied he could not overtake him. Mr. Swan (1788) came at last to a settlement, and was safe. In due time he arrived safely at his destination, with the funds he had in charge for the troops.1
In January, 1786, Mr. Swan (1788) was appointed deputy quartermaster-general, with the rank of major, under Gen. Lincoln (1786), and served during Shays' Rebellion, and held the same position under Gens. Brooks (1786) and Hull (1788) from 1787 to 1802. Gov. Bowdoin wrote to Major Swan (1788), Feb. 7, 1787, "The governor very much approves of your spirited exertions in the cause of your country. The several expeditions in which you have been engaged reflect honor upon the parties and the individuals who composed them." He was appointed a justice of the peace by Gov. Bowdoin in 1787 ; was first treasurer of the Malden Bridge Corporation, then paymaster and treasurer of the Middlesex Canal Corporation until the canal was completed in 1804.
On Friday, Oct. 19, 1787, the artillery company in Charlestown, commanded by Capt. William Calder, paraded in that town, when a detachment of the company, headed by Capt .- Lieut. Phillips, proceeded to Warren Hall, in order to receive an elegant standard, provided by subscription among the gentlemen of the town. Upon the presen- tation of the standard, Samuel Swan, Esq. (1788), deputy quartermaster for the Third Division, made the address, which is given in full in the Massachusetts Centinel of Nov. 7, 1787. When Gen. Brooks (1786) was appointed collector of the port of Boston, Samuel Swan, Esq. (1788), was appointed deputy collector, a position which he retained until his decease.
He was present at the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, June 6, 1788, and June 4, 1789.
1 MS. of Caleb Swan, son of Samuel (1788).
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Ebenezer Thayer, Jr. (1788), yeoman, of Braintree, son of Hon. Ebenezer and Susanna Thayer, was born in Braintree, Aug. 21, 1746. He married, Dec. 19, 1772, Rachel, daughter of Gideon and Rachel Thayer, of Boston, Mass. They had seven sons. Rachel Thayer died Aug. 29, 1795. Gen. Thayer (1788) served the town of Braintree many years as selectman, town clerk, and treasurer ; was chosen repeatedly as represen- tative ; served as senator and councillor, and was appointed the first sheriff of Norfolk County, Mass. He was prominent in the administration of town affairs, serving on com- mittees to oppose the division of the town and county in 1791, and he wrote the long report, printed in the Braintree records, on erecting a dam across Ironwork River, April 4, 1791. He was also a justice of the peace. All the offices which he held he filled with fidelity, and discharged his official duties with promptness and efficiency.
He was early interested in military matters, and rose from grade to grade, until, in 1784, he became colonel of the Fifth Regiment, and, April 12, 1788, he was appointed brigadier-general of the First Brigade, First Division, of the militia of Massachusetts.1 He was promoted, Feb. 21, 1792, to be major-general. During the Revolutionary War he was active in recruiting men in his native town, and in leading them in the war.
Col. Thayer (1788) died May 30, 1809, aged sixty-three years.
Abraham Wild (1788), merchant, of Boston. In 1796, Abraham Wild (1788) was a dealer in West India goods, on the north side of the market, and his residence was on South School Street. He was a member of the Old South Church, and from 1805 to his decease, in 1820, a member of its standing committee.
Elijah Williams (1788), of Roxbury, probably a son of Dr. Thomas and Abigail (Williams) Williams, of that town, was born about 1766. He was a brother of " Lawyer Tom," who, until his decease in 1823, occupied the family mansion, the first brick man- sion erected in Roxbury. This family descended from Robert Williams, who joined the Artillery Company in 1644. Elijah Williams (1788) was named for his grandfather, Col. Elijah Williams, of Deerfield. Elijah Williams (1788) was lieutenant of the Ward 10 military company, in Boston, in 1787-8.
The record of Artillery Company for 1788 is as follows : -
" Monday, 31st March, 1788. Voted, We meet on Monday next at the Town House, complete in uniform if fair & suitable weather, at three o'clock, if not, the Friday follow- ing. Voted, The Clerk make provision for the Company at the Hall, and that every member pay his proportion of ye expence. Voted, The Musick be furnished with uniform Hatts by the Company, & that their clothing be deposited after training with the Officer present in town commanding.
" Monday Evening, April 21st. 1788. The Company met at Faneuil Hall, at seven o'clock for Exercise. The Committee appointed to take into consideration the finances of the Company, have, as far as circumstances would permit, attended that service and report : --
" That there appears due from the heirs of the late Mr. Blanchard [1737], includ- ing interest, & charging the same according to schedule herewith exhibited, to March,
1787 £499.0.2
1 The military review under Brig .- Gen. Thayer (1788), at Milton, in 1791, is thus described in the Centinel : -
"Gen. T- with twice five hundred men, Formed a long line, and broke it up again."
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[1788
" There appears still to be due from Mr. Brown 1 including interest to the Ist of May, 1788, about £316.8.8
" There appears to be a Balance in the hands of the Treasurer as pr
his Acc't settled 2 Ist day of April, 1788 II2.6.1
" Respecting the monies due from Mr. Blanchard [1737], the committee beg leave verbally to report : -
" Respecting the monies due from Mr. Brown the Committee wish the directions of the Company, as to the expediency of Real or Personal security under circumstances offered.
" Respecting the Balance in the hands of ye Treasurer, the same is at the disposal of the Company.
"Thus far your committee have proceeded & desire the direction of the Company as to ye further Completion of the Commission & beg leave to sit again !
" Monday Evening, April 28th, 1788. The Company met at Faneuil Hall at 7 o'clock. The foregoing report having been laid before ye Company with such observa- tions as the Committee had to communicate; Voted, That the same be accepted, and that ye Committee be requested to sit again for the completion of the business. Voted, That the Committee, or any three of them, proceed to settle the business of Mr. Brown's debt due to the Company, - that they give up the bond and cancel the Mortgage ; and that they receive as payment therefor in cash, sixteen pounds, eight shillings and eight pence, lawful money, & a Bond or Note for Three hundred pounds from the Committee of the town of Charlestown duly authorized in behalf of the Town for that purpose. Voted, That the Balance in the hands of the Treasurer be further attended to on the next Muster day of ye Company. Voted, The Company appear on Monday next at three o'clock in the afternoon at Faneuil Hall complete in uniform with 20 rounds of blank Cartridges. Voted, The Clerk make provision for the Company as usual & every mem- ber to pay his Club.
" Monday, May 5th. 1788. The Company met agreeable to Charter and marched into the Common ; in the evening were at Faneuil Hall as usual. Voted That the sum of sixteen pounds, Eight shillings and eight pence, which is to be received from the Com- mittee of Charlestown, and the sum of twelve pounds in the hands of the Treasurer be appropriated towards the expences of Election day. Voted, The Company meet for exercise on Monday evenings till June ; the Roll to be called precisely at 8 o'clock ; the members not present at roll-call to pay one shilling, - if absent the evening to pay two shillings. Voted, The Clerk be requested to notify the Absent members hereof. Voted, The Ensign of the Company provide a socket & belt for the Standard, and that he draw on the Treasurer for the payment thereof. Voted, That the monies in the hands of the Treasurer be forthcoming the 25th of this month, then to be at the disposal of the Com-
1 From original papers in the archives of the Artillery Company, it appears that the Artillery Company loaned to Mr. Nathaniel Brown, of Charles- town, on the nineteenth day of May, 1766, {172, and took therefor a note secured by mortgage on real estate, on the main street, in that town. On the first day of May, 1788, the principal and interest dne amounted to £316.8.8.
Another paper rehearses that, Sept. 29, 1780, the inhabitants of Charlestown, in town meeting assembled, proposed to widen the main street " from the ferry to the causeway," at an expense of £2,600.
The Brown estate was one of those injured or re- duced in area by the improvement.
Oct. 23, 1782, a committee was appointed by the town to settle with those injured by the altera- tion, giving mortgages on the training-field, Com- mon, town-farm, etc. The town of Charlestown seems to have assumed Mr. Brown's debt to the Company. In the summer of 1788, the matter was settled by the town of Charlestown, which paid the Artillery Company in cash {16.8.8, and gave a note for £300, secured by a mortgage on property of the town.
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pany ; but if it is not convenient for the Treasurer to pay the money on that day, he shall produce to the Company a Bond or Mortgage of a good Estate in the Town of Boston worth three hundred pounds, lawful money, free from any incumbrance.
"The Company met at Faneuil Hall, the 30th May, where Maj. Gen. Brooks [1786] read the following billet from His Excellency, the Captain General. 'The Governor presents his respectful compliments to Maj. Gen. Brooks [1786] & the other Officers and the Gentlemen who compose the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company, & requests the honor & pleasure of their company at his house on the afternoon of Monday next to take a glass of wine with him.
"THURSDAY, 29th May, 1788. " True Copy, Attest : JOHN WINSLOW, Clerk.
" Monday, June 2'd 1788. This day being the Anniversary or day of Election of Officers for ye Company, ye business was attended to in the following manner : - At ten o'clock A. M. the Company assembled at ye Old South Meeting-house, from thence they marched to escort ye Supreme Executive from ye Council Chamber to ye Old Brick Meeting-house, where they attended Divine Service, an excellent discourse being delivered by the Rev. David Osgood of Medford; after which they escorted as before the Governor, Lt Governor, Council & a numerous procession of other publick and private respectable Characters to Faneuil Hall, where an elegant Entertainment was provided at the expense of the Company, at which two hundred persons were present and partook. The Hall upon this festive occasion, was decorated and ornamented in ye highest stile of elegance & taste, with Arches & festoons formed of all the Flowers of ye Season. At four o'clock. P. M. the Company marched into ye Common, where they unanimously elected the following gentlemen as officers for the Current Year, viz :
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