USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > History of the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, with genealogical registers > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
147
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
OF THE
MEN OF THE REVOLUTION.
COL. BRIGGS ALDEN. He was quite young elected an officer of the militia, and in 1762 elevated to the office of Major, and in 1776 received the rank of Colonel. During the war he con- tinued in firm opposition to the proceedings of the English government, and his exertions in support of the measures of the Continental Congress were untiring, truly believing that in that the fate of the country could be safely intrusted. At most of the meetings of the town during his long and active life, he presided, and his customary stately and digni- fied mien secured for him the respect of the people, for whose interests he toiled much, and whose services were by them duly appreciated. It is true, he was in the commencement of the troubles with England, opposed to the proceedings of the provincials, and an esteemed friend of Gov. Hutchinson. When however the English Parliament asserted their right to tax the colonies in every case without their consent, he was convinced of their unjust purpose, and felt true indignation at their course, declared that they ought to be resisted, expressed himself prepared to fight them, and came out a warm and decided whig.
He was an active member of the church, for many years a justice of the peace, and much interested in the cause of education. In person he was portly and of great size, weigh- ing about 220 pounds ; dignified in his manner, and of lofty bearing.
The portrait of Col. Alden, which accompanies this work, is copied from a miniature likeness, taken by the late Dr. Rufus Hathaway, but a few years previous to the Colonel's death, and is said by his grandchildren, in whose possession the original now is, to have been a striking likeness.
Having faithfully served his generation he departed this life on the 4th of Oct. 1796, aged 74 years. His son Samuel served in the Penobscot expedition under Gen. Lovell, where he received a wound from which he afterwards died, Nov. 1778, aged 27.
MAJOR JUDAH ALDEN, son of Col. Briggs Alden, served during the first years of the war in Col. Bailey's regiment as a Captain, and was a brave and valiant officer; and like- wise an officer of the minute company in the town, and in the
148
JUDAH ALDEN .- GAML. BRADFORD.
capacity of clerk of which he commenced his military career. As an officer, Major Alden was skilful and prudent. He was an intimate and confidential friend of Washington, and of whom he always spoke with freedom; yet nothing ever escaped him but in praise. In the use of arms he was dex- terous, and his fine manly form manifesting great physical strength, eminently qualified him for the profession he led in early life; but which he chose from a conscientious regard for duty, and though of a disposition much averse to the bloody consequences of war, he pursued it for his country's good, and regardless of his own private happiness, he spent the vigor of his days, amid the turmoil of the camp, and the confusion and din of strife, to secure for his children an ever- lasting freedom. Living to an extreme old age and enjoying it in comparative health, preserving his erectness of figure until within a few years of his death, he died in the full possession of his intellectual powers, on the 12th of March, 1845, aged 94.
While at Roxbury in 1776, he accompanied Col. Learned into Boston with a flag of truce, immediately after the news came of the defeat of Montgomery at Quebec. As they approached the British out-sentries, a British Colonel, with half a dozen subordinate officers, met them. They inquired the news from Quebec, and were very freely informed. Their interview was about one half of an hour. Maj. Alden inquired of the Colonel, why they did not come out and make the troops at Roxbury a visit. "Ah!" replied he, "we should have to think of that some time first." About this time a party of the British landed and took possession of one of the islands near Quincy. Gen. Thomas determined to dislodge them, and sent Col. Tupper with Maj. Alden and others, and a party of men in the Plymouth whale boats. The English, however, left the island before they arrived there, and were too far to the eastward for pursuit, and the party then returned safe. Maj. Alden was for several years preceding his death President of the Massachusetts Society of Cincinnati, of which he was an active and devoted member. He was also a member of the Pilgrim Society.
CAPT. BILDAD ARNOLD. He was early one of the minute men of the town, and commanded a company of its militia. He also had command of a company in Col. Thomas Lath- rop's regiment, and continued in the war during a greater part of its continuance.
HON. GAMALIEL BRADFORD. He was a son of Lieutenant Samuel Bradford of Duxbury, and a great-grandson of Hon. William, the second Governor of Plymouth colony. He shar-
149
COL. G. BRADFORD. - CAPT. G. BRADFORD.
ed largely in all the duties of the public offices of the town, and was always selected to bear the responsibilities of its im- portant agencies. He was a friend of education, and did much towards the maintenance and improvement of the public schools. He for several years represented his town in the legislature, and during the trying period from 1764 to 1770, was a member of the executive council. He was for many years a justice of the peace, and judge of the county court. He also held command of the company of militia in his native town; and about 1750, was raised to the rank of major, and afterwards promoted to the command of the regiment, with the rank of colonel. In his declining days he witnessed with patriotic ardor the uprising of the Sons of Freedom; and though his heart was with them, he was unable by active ex- ertion to assist in the crowning glories of true-born freemen. He died in Duxbury on the 24th of April, 1778, having nearly reached his seventy-fourth year.
COL. GAMALIEL BRADFORD, a son of the subject of the preced- ing sketch. Like his father, he was a man of eminence and worth in his town, serving it in various capacities, and intrust- ed with its highest honors. During the period of 1756-8, he was in command of a company of militia, and on the com- mencement of hostilities at the beginning of the Revolution, he held the rank of major. He was one of the magistrates of the county, and formed one of the number who presented an address to Gen. Gage, for which act he afterwards asked the forgiveness of the town and signed a recantation of sentiments. His future career, however, was entirely free from any dis- affection to freedom. Soon after the commencement of the war, in 1776, he was appointed to the command of one of the continental regiments, and in this capacity he served until the close of hostilities. He was likewise a colonel of the militia, and also for some years the representative of the town. He died in Duxbury, Jan. 9th, 1807, aged 76 years. He was father of Captains Gamaliel, Daniel, and Gershom, and of the Hon. Alden Bradford, late Secretary of the Commonwealth.
CAPT. GAMALIEL BRADFORD, a son of Col. Bradford, the sub- ject of the preceding notice. He was born at Duxbury on the 4th of November, 1763, and received his early education under the tuition and care of the Hon. George Partridge. On the eve of the birth of American freedom, when at the youthful age of thirteen, he accompanied his father to the American camp, and ever after, amid the confusion and turmoil of the scenes of war and in the din and strife of conflict, he remained true and steadfast in his country's cause, until he witnessed her possession of acknowledged independence. In 1779, he
150
CAPT. DREW. - CAPT. S. LORING.
received the rank of ensign, and in the following year was pro- moted to the station of a lieutenant. After the establishment of peace, his active and energetic nature led him to the deci- sion upon a life at sea as a means of his livelihood. In 1784, he performed his first voyage to France. While remaining and travelling on the continent, he gave his attention to the study of the modern European languages. Of the French he acquired a thorough and accurate knowledge, and spoke it with ease and fluency. Of the Spanish, Italian and Latin he also acquired considerable knowledge. His letters to his friends at this period evince his literary attainments, and his account of his ascent of Mount Vesuvius, and description of the entrance of Napoleon into Venice, are fine examples of epistolary literature.
In 1798, at the time of the difficulties with France, he was offered the command of the Boston frigate by President Adams, but he declined the appointment.
In 1799, while in command of a merchant ship of 400 tons, he was attacked in the Mediterranean by four French priva- teers, and made a successful resistance. And again, in the following year, while on the coast of Spain, he was assailed by two large French armed vessels, and in the engagement which ensued he received a wound in his thigh, which ren- dered amputation necessary.
Now for a short time he engaged in commercial pursuits at home; but soon after, though laboring under such great dis- advantages, he again assumed the duties of a commander at sea, and thus continued until the year 1808, when he returned once more to mercantile engagements on the land, and finally in 1813, received the appointment of Warden of the State's Prison. He died March 7th, 1824, aged 61 .- See a Memoir in Mass. Hist. Coll. 3d ser. I. 202.
CAPT. SYLVANUS DREW. In the beginning of the Revolution he had command of a small schooner, the Lady Washington, and a number of whale-boats, which were employed as cruisers in Boston harbor. On one occasion, the schooner was chased by a British frigate, when, running into shoal water, out of the reach of the enemy's guns, boats were sent by the frigate to board her; but they were repulsed, and driven off with great loss, and the schooner escaped unharmed.
CAPT. SAMUEL, LORING. Soon after the commencement of hostilities, he joined the company raised in the town, and was chosen their lieutenant. With his companions in arms he served in the memorable campaigns of 1776 and 1777 in the Jerseys. But by the many exposures and hardships of the camp, his constitution was weakened and his health impaired.
151
COL. JOTHAM LORING.
Suffering from an attack of a fever, he was obliged to return home, as were many others of his company. He was then shortly after chosen to the command of the company of militia in his native town, and in the possession of this office he con- tinued until somewhat late in life. He was at one time of Capt. James Lincoln's company, Col. Cotton's regiment. After the war, he was appointed by the government one of the asses- sors for levying a land tax in Plymouth county, and perform- ed the duty with that integrity which was conspicuous in his more private concerns. His brother, Judah Loring, also served in the ranks in the early part of the war. Another brother, Daniel Loring, was in the army, and accompanied the expedition to Rhode Island in 1775, - was at the escape of Putnam at Horseneck, and at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, October, 1781. Seth Loring, also brother of the preceding, was clerk of the Duxbury company in 1776, and at a later period an officer in one of the Boston companies, and at the time of his death he was secretary of the Massa- chusetts Board of War, under Gen. Heath. The records of the Board, much of which are in the elegant hand-writing of Mr. Loring, are in the State archives. He was in Boston dur- ing the siege, and suffered, in common with others, the priva- tions to which they were subjected. He was bred a merchant in the counting-room of Samuel Partridge, and was a large dealer in teas. At the early age of twenty-four, and in the midst of his usefulness he died, at Boston, Sept. 10th, 1779. He held a high standing in society, and was a true gentleman in feelings and deportment, and his early death was greatly lamented by a large circle of friends and relatives, and of which honorable mention is made in the public prints of the day,
COL. JOTHAM LORING was a native of Hingham, though a resident of Duxbury in his latter years. He served in the Old French War, as a private, under the command of Col. Benja- min Lincoln, and was at Fort William Henry when it was taken by Gen. Montcalm, in 1757. On the commencement of hostilities in 1775, he was one of the committee of Hingham, chosen to have inspection of the militia, and shortly after re- ceived a captain's commission in the regiment of Col. Greaton in Roxbury ; and in June we find him a major in Col. Heath's regiment, and soon after fighting in the ranks of aspiring free- men on the heights of Bunker's Hill. At the time of the land- ing of the British at Nantasket, Maj. Loring, with Maj. Vose and others, succeeded in escaping with about a thousand bushels of barley, which they had cut. They then proceed- ed to the light-house at the entrance of the harbor, burned it, and captured three boats of the British, who were out on'
152
COL. C. PARTRIDGE .- HON. G. PARTRIDGE.
a fishing excursion from Boston, and succeeded in effecting their escape, bringing off with them three casks of oil and fifty pounds of powder. They also burned a barn and some hay on the Brewsters. Although this was done amid an almost incessant fire from the British men-of-war and tenders lying in the harbor, yet they escaped, having only two men slightly wounded. Col. Loring was also present in the assault on Danbury, and in the affair his horse was shot from under him. - MS. Records of the Loring Family:
COL. CALVIN PARTRIDGE. Soon after the commencement of the war, he was chosen to the command of one of the militia companies of the town ; and in the Rhode Island expedition he had command of the forces sent by Duxbury. He was afterwards elevated to the rank of colonel of the regiment, and was a man of usefulness in his town. The character of Col. Partridge was such, that he secured by its nature of joviality and jocoseness, and by his agreeableness of manners, the re- gard of his cotemporaries.
HON. GEORGE PARTRIDGE. He was born on the 8th of Feb- ruary, 1740, of reputable parents. His mother was a daugh- ter of Dea. Foster of Plymouth, and his father was the grand- son of one of the first settlers of Duxbury, who bore the name of his descendant, and who ranked high among the most re- spectable yeomanry of the period, and whose family connec- tions bespeak him to have been a man of substance.
The subject of this sketch pursued his early studies under the care of the Rev. Charles Turner, and doubtless partook something of the ardent patriotism of that worthy divine. Having traversed the course of study preparatory to entering upon a collegiate course, he joined the University at Cam- bridge, where he graduated in 1762. He was next engaged as an instructor of youth in Kingston, and afterwards this was relinquished for the study of divinity, which had always been his cherished purpose. He was, however, soon afflicted with a disease which blasted his prospects as a public speaker. He now again turned his attention to the education of youth, and in this capacity was employed from 1770 until 1773, when he emerged more openly into public view, by the grounds he took in that troubled and momentous period. His services during this time were valuable, as will be seen in connection with the history of the town. His name stands conspicuous on the annals of the State, and the records in her archives bear ample testimony to his character and his services.
His patriotism was sincere, yet ardent and zealous. He strove for a purpose, - for a purpose, whose only object was the political independence and advancement of his country-
153
DR. JOHN WADSWORTH.
men. His zeal was rational; it was no blind conductor of the will; it was not that zeal which, as Johnson has expressed it, is an eagerness to subvert, with little care what shall be estab- lished - but it was considerate and prudent.
In 1777, he succeeded Gen. Warren as sheriff of Plymouth county, and held the office with little interruption until 1812.
In 1781, he was a delegate to Congress under the old Con- federation, and at his death was the last surviving member, with the exception of the venerable Charles Carroll of Mary- land. He remained there constantly until the close of the Revolution, and was on several important committees, and was at Annapolis when the news came that our Independence was acknowledged, and was present in 1783, when Washing- ton delivered up his commission - a scene, as he often de- scribed it, of the most thrilling interest. In 1784, he was again a delegate to Congress ; in 1788, once again a represent- ative, and in 1790 was again chosen for another term of two years. In 1792, he was one of the electors of the President and Vice President, and afterwards a member of the State Legislature.
In his latter days he lived a life of usefulness in his native town, and finally died on the morning of the 7th of July, 1828, at the advanced age of 88 years, universally beloved as a Christian, a friend and pillar of the Church, a supporter of the cause of education, and esteemed as an example of patriotism and morality. His memory is still perpetuated by his own endowment of a seminary of learning, which shall transmit to future generations the name of a devoted friend of learning, and a Christian philanthropist.
DR. JOHN WADSWORTH. He had served in the Canada war as an officer, and on the commencement of the Revolution was a Captain of the militia. His opposition to the tyranni- cal power of Great Britain was firm and steady ; and he used his utmost endeavors to instigate his fellow-townsmen in that path, which he truly believed led to their own happiness and to the acquirement of their liberty. During the stifled con- tentions between the colonies and the mother country, which preceded the open outbreaks of hostilities, he was a member of the legislative assembly of the province, and his exertions in the cause of freedom were manifest and open. His actions and words breathed that same spirit of independence which characterized the declarations of the town on several occa- sions, and in the formation of which he so largely contributed.
In his private character, Dr. Wadsworth was eccentric, and the manner of his life was characteristic and amusing. In his speech he was rapid and witty. He was a man of strong passions and prejudices, and when excited was as invincible
20
154
DR. JOHN WADSWORTH.
by remonstrance as he was immovable in his opinions. It is related of him that when a mere boy, he once accompanied his father, Dea. Wadsworth, on a trip to Boston by water. On the passage he discoursed considerable with his father on logic, and finally his conversation tended to the point " that it was best for us in this world to let all things take their own course." Shortly afterwards the vessel was accidentally set on fire in the cabin, and John immediately went to work with all haste to extinguish it. "Ah, John!" said his father, "stop! It is best to let all things in this world have their own course." " 'True," replied John, "if you can't help it." His father, who was a very pious deacon, confessed that he had seen one instance, where terrible language did good. The Doctor, being with him bound out of Boston harbor in a sloop, they run afoul a British frigate. They made no effort to clear him until the Doctor opened upon them a battery of profaneness so tremendous, that they stood aghast and soon pushed him clear. They were about to cut his jib stays, but forbore in awe of him. The Doctor was remarkable for the neatness of his farm, and the fine order in which he kept his fences. It so happened that his next neighbor's fences were continually out of repair. Meeting with her one morning he assailed her with his volcanic battery. Being members of the same church she applied to Mr. Turner for redress, who called upon the Doctor on the next day, and in vain tried to expostulate. He listened for some time; but at last inter- rupted and said, "Parson, it's of no use, it isn't, that woman wont keep her fences in repair. I wish her ribs were a grid- iron to roast her soul upon !" "Good morning, Doctor," said Mr. Turner and left him.
Dr. Wadsworth prided himself much on possessing the art of prophecy, and was frequently consulted by the credulous concerning stolen property, absent friends, and coming events. It is still reported that he conjured with wonderful accuracy, and individual instances are often related. He always denied that his power was superhuman; but affirmed that it was capable of being learned and as simple as any operation in arithmetic, and that all errors in his foretelling were occa- sioned by mistakes in his calculations.
As a physician, Dr. Wadsworth was self taught, and of considerable eminence in his profession. He was a man of energy and activity, and retained his physical powers until late in life. His talents were by no means disputable. He died in 1799, at the advanced age of 92 years.
155
TUTOR JOHN WADSWORTH.
His son JOHN WADSWORTH, a gentleman of excellent talents, having completed a collegiate course, graduated at H. C. in 1762, and was considered a good scholar. He was engaged in Duxbury during a few following years as an instructor of youth, and as a teacher he was surpassed by few. He had a taste for metaphysical and logical discussions, and gave much of his time to the study of treaties on those subjects. He had a discriminating mind, and was indeed thought by some of his friends to be unprofitably critical in the distinc- tions he urged or proposed. He intended to have been a lawyer; but was however chosen a tutor in Harvard Univer- sity in 1770, and had the reputation of an able logician, and his superior power in metaphysical discussions was universally acknowledged .* This office he held during his life and was from 1774, as he was the eldest tutor, ex officio a member of the corporation. He was distinguished more for fine talents, than for extensive erudition. No tutor was ever better adapted for the branch of instruction which fell to his share. As an acute logician, he made accurate distinctions, was fluent in speech and copious in ideas. He could make the worse appear the better reason, which from love of dispu- tation he frequently did; or defend truth in the most lively and ingenuous manner. He was as fond of politics.
He was in Duxbury at the time of the first difficulties with England, and strongly favored the loyalists. This was how- ever not much to the surprise of his friends, who clearly understood the motives which actuated him in the preference he had given. It was in fact no other than a love of argu- ment which moved him. All others around him were urgently favoring the opposite side, and he gloried in the prospects of discussions and bandied disputations. With Mr. Turner he had been previously on terms of great intimacy, and used frequently to accompany him in his walks. Turner, who was an ardent whig, now took his walk unaccompanied. A friend one day meeting him asked him the reason. "Why,"
* In the various branches of science he was also a close student, and to the subject of electricity he was particularly partial. It is said of him that soon after Dr. Franklin had made his discoveries, and declared them, he undertook to construct an electric machine. His father, the Doctor, who was rather incredulous, laughed at him considerably and spurned the idea. John not in the least daunted still continued his work, and finally finished it. Having satisfied himself of the efficacy of the instrument, he deter- mined that the Doctor should suffer for his incredulity. The old gentleman consented, still disbelieving, and did as John commanded, who gave him so severe a shock as nearly to prostrate him, when rising up in considerable heat, he exclaimed, " You rascal you, do you mean to kill your father ? " He confessed himself convinced, and seldom after dared to be skeptical. - Rev. B. K.'s notes.
156
TUTOR JOHN WADSWORTH.
replied he, "that John Wadsworth is a turn-coat, and I'll have no more to say to him now." Thus in several instances he sacrificed to his love of argument friendship of years standing. At one time during the absence of Mr. Turner from town, he thought it would be a good time for him to preach, and urged it hard upon Dea. Wadsworth, who abso- lutely refused him, knowing him to be a tory, and thinking it probable that he wished to give the people a blast from the desk.
His tory principles would have lost for him the tutorship but for the attachment of his pupils and the exertions of his friends, who urged in his favor his remarkable faculty of communicating his ideas, so necessary in an instructor. It was likewise suggested that his political errors were more in appearance, than reality. His fondness for talking had led him to express himself imprudently on some occasions, yet it was no more in his heart, than in his power to injure the commonwealth. Nevertheless he was retained by a vote of only one majority. He fell a victim to the small pox, July 12th, 1777. He had long before anticipated death by this disorder. Having declined inoculation through fear of the result, he was much alarmed when he learned that he had taken it. He was greatly lamented by the students, for the older ones could appreciate his talents and learning, and the younger ones regarded him with affection for his mild and courteous deportment. "He was a man of eminent talents, of clear conceptions, a perspicacious reasoner, fluent in speech, and above all mild in the exercise of authority. In the midst of his usefulness he was snatched from the University by a fatal disease. The bosoms of the students were filled with consternation. 'What honors shall we pay to the memory of so beloved a tutor ?' They address the government of the College, - 'Do not by appointing one of your own body, deprive us of the melancholy pleasure of pronouncing his panegyric. Let one of our number be the organ of the rest and speak the grateful sentiments of our hearts.' The request was granted, and Mr. Minot was selected to deliver the funeral oration. With what pathos and eloquence he per- formed the duty, his cotemporaries will remember. They never can forget his impassioned tones, the deep sorrow which clouded his own brow, and the grief which filled the hearts of all his hearers."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.