USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dover > Narrative history : a history of Dover, Massachusetts, as a precinct, parish, district, and town > Part 9
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
Thomas Ferrett, private. Marched under Capt. Ebenezer Battle at the Lexington alarm, was absent two days, and travelled 403 miles.
122
HISTORY OF DOVER
John Fisher, private. Marched under Captain Battle at the Lexington alarm, was away ten days, and marched 402 miles. Was at Castle Island, 1776.
Joseph Fisher, sergeant. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle. Was absent eight days, and marched 40 miles. He engaged in fortifying Dorchester Hill.
William Fisher, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle, was absent four days, and travelled 404 miles. Served at Dorchester Heights, 1776.
Samuel Fisher, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm, was absent six days, and travelled 304 miles.
David Fuller, private, born December 6, 1731. Marched at the Lexington alarm in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company, was absent two days, and travelled 404 miles. He served the parish on a committee to raise men to go into the army, and money to meet the expenses of the war.
Daniel Fuller, born November 6, 1760. Did guard duty in 1778, for which his father received compensa- tion from the parish. Enlisted in Continental Army for six months, July 15, 1780.
Thomas Gardner, private. Marched at the Lexing- ton alarm under Capt. Ebenezer Battle, was absent ten days, and travelled 402 miles. He took part in 1776 in fortifying Dorchester Heights.
Ebenezer Gay, private. Served at the siege of Bos- ton. He took part at the battle of Bunker Hill in Brewer's regiment, served at Dorchester Heights, and later enlisted in Capt. Timothy Stow's company, and served at Ticonderoga in 1776 and at Providence in 1777.
123
MILITARY SERVICES
Ezra Gay, private, born February 19, I721. Marched in the West Dedham company under Capt. Daniel Draper at the Lexington alarm. He travelled 24 miles, and was absent two days. He served in Captain Stow's company at Ticonderoga in 1776.
James Gay, private. Was at the siege of Boston. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, serving in Capt. Daniel Whiting's company in Brewer's regiment. Was at Dorchester Heights, and served at Ticonderoga in 1776 in Ephraim Wheelock's regiment ; guarded in Boston three months, 1778.
Stephen Gay, private, born August 20, 1719. Did guard duty in Roxbury in 1778, at Dorchester in 1778. Enlisted in the Continental Army for six months in 1780 and for three years in 1781.
Elias Haven, private. Marched under Capt. Ebenezer Battle at the Lexington alarm, and was the only soldier from Dedham who was killed in the encounter. He was shot by a British soldier near the meeting-house at Arlington.
Lemuel Herring, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm in Capt. David Fairbanks's company from West Dedham. He was absent two days, and received five shillings for his services. He engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill under Capt. Daniel Whiting, and was at the siege of Boston. He was at Ticonderoga in 1776, and served at Providence, R.I., in 1777, and in the Rhode Island expedition in 1778.
Petitiah Herring, private, born September 16, 1721. Served in 1775 at the siege of Boston. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, being in Brewer's regi- ment. Guarded at Watertown in 1778.
124
HISTORY OF DOVER
Petitiah Herring, Jr., private, born March 28, 1750. Served for four months in the spring of 1776, at or near Boston.
Adam Jones, born June 25, 1760. Did guard duty at Roxbury in 1778.
Oliver Kenrick, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company, was absent two days, and travelled 403 miles.
Jesse Knapp, sergeant. Marched at the Lexington alarm in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company, was absent eight days, and travelled 403 miles. He was in the battle of Bunker Hill, serving in Capt. Daniel Whit- ing's company. He took part in fortifying Dorchester Heights, and was in the army at the siege of Boston.
Thomas Larrabee, private. Took part at Ticon- deroga in 1776, and later entered the Continental Army. He did service in New Jersey, and guard duty in and about Boston in 1778.
James Mann, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle, was absent seven days, and travelled 40 miles. Served in fortifying Dorchester Heights.
Asa Mason, lieutenant. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle, was absent thirteen days, and travelled 408 miles. Served at Dorchester Heights and Castle Island in 1776.
John Mason, private, born August 23, I737. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle, was absent eight days, and travelled 40 miles. Served at Dorchester Heights.
Moses Mason, private, born March II, 1752. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle,
125
MILITARY SERVICES
was absent three days, and travelled 402 miles. Also served at Castle Island in 1776.
William Mansfield, private. Took part at the battle of Lexington, serving in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's com- pany. He was absent three days, and marched 40 miles.
Nathaniel Metcalf, private, born May 29, 1714. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Capt. Ebenezer Battle, was absent three days, and travelled 40 miles. He engaged in fortifying Dorchester Heights.
Thomas Morse, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Capt. Ebenezer Battle, was absent three days, and travelled 403 miles. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill, serving in Brewer's regiment, and was in the army at the siege of Boston. He did guard duty at Roxbury in 1778.
Nathaniel Mellen guarded Burgoyne's troops near Boston for five months in 1777.
Joseph Parker, private. Was in the battle of Lex- ington under Capt. Ebenezer Battle. He was absent nine days, and travelled 404 miles. He took part in fortifying Dorchester Heights, and was in the army at the siege of Boston.
Ebenezer Newell, born October 18, 1736. Took an active part in the contest which led up to the Revolu- tion. He was a lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Guild's company of minute-men who marched from Dedham at the Lexington alarm. In 1776 he became a lieu- tenant in the first Boston regiment. He was at Fort Hancock on Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Guarded Bur- goyne's troops one hundred and fifty days, 1777-78.
Theodore Newell, born May 20, 1744. Was a cor-
126
HISTORY OF DOVER
poral in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company, which marched at the Lexington alarm, April 19, 1775. He was absent eight days, and travelled 402 miles.
John Reed guarded stores fifteen days, and was paid for his services by the Parish.
Asa Richards, private, born October 9, 1743. Marched April 19, 1775, in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company of minute-men. He was absent two days, and travelled 303 miles. He engaged in fortifying Dorches- ter Hill, and was a lieutenant in a company which guarded Roxbury.
Abijah Richards, private, born July 2, 1758. Guarded in and about Boston in 1777, enlisted in the Continental Army, was in camp near Valley Forge in 1778. Thirteen months, five days' service.
David Richards served in Rhode Island six months and ten days in 1778.
Ebenezer Richards, corporal, born January 12, 1718, son of James Richards. Marched at the Lexington alarm, April 19, 1775, under Capt. Ebenezer Battle. He marched 302 miles, and was away four days. He served at Dorchester Heights, and did guard duty at Roxbury and Providence.
Jesse Richards, born September 28, 1762. Guarded in and about Boston in 1778. It will be observed that he was only sixteen years of age.
Josiah Richards, born November 15, 1749. Enlisted in Capt. Daniel Whiting's company, April 24, 1775, for three months and fifteen days. He engaged in the work of fortifying Dorchester Heights, and took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. He is said to have fired . twenty-four rounds, knocked down a British officer with
127
MILITARY SERVICES
the butt of his musket, and retreated, running directly over the body of General Warren. It is related of him, in Morse's Genealogy of the Richards Family, that one night, being on guard, Washington, to test his fidelity, as he was wont to do in other cases, appeared before him. Richards challenged with " Who comes there?" " A friend," replied Washington. " Friend, advance
and give the countersign." Washington gave the wrong name. "Stand," exclaimed Josiah, " the counter- sign is not right." "It is of no consequence," said Washington ; "I am your commander-in-chief and must pass, as I have important business." Josiah presented his bayonet, and told him if he advanced another step that he would run him through. Washington turned, went to the officer of the guard, took his name, and the next day sent for him, and clapped him on the shoulder, adding, "My good fellow, you were faithful and true last night ; and I will see that you are promoted."
Lemuel Richards, born January 22, 1737. He was a lieutenant in Capt. Timothy Stow's company, in Col. Ephraim Wheelock's regiment, which was sta- tioned at Ticonderoga in 1776. He did other service in and about Boston in guard duty. He had previously served in the last French war.
Moses Richards, corporal, born December II, 1739. Marched at the Lexington alarm, in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company. He was absent twelve days, and marched 402 miles. He engaged in the work of fortify- ing Dorchester Heights, and did service at Ticonderoga in 1776; also in the French war previous to the Revolution.
Richard Richards, private, born December 5, 1749,
. .
128
HISTORY OF DOVER
son of Capt. Thomas Richards. Marched at the Lex- ington alarm, April 19, 1775, in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company. He was away three days, and marched 402 miles. He also took part in fortifying Dorchester Heights.
Samuel Richards, private, born September 9, 1757, son of Samuel Richards. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Capt. Ebenezer Battle, was absent four days, and marched 40 miles. He was an apprentice in a bakery in Boston, and during the siege daily carried bread to the British troops.
Solomon Richards, private, born October 21, 1751. Was for many years commander of a company of cavalry. He marched at the Lexington alarm under Capt. Ebenezer Battle. He was absent three days, and marched 30g miles. He engaged in fortifying Dor- chester Heights. He was a lieutenant in Ephraim Wheelock's company at Ticonderoga, 1776.
Thadeus Richards, corporal, born November 14, 1747. Served at Dorchester Heights, and entered Captain Stow's company in Col. Ephraim Wheelock's regiment, and was at Ticonderoga in 1776. Guarded fifteen days in 1778.
Barach Smith, private. Marched at Lexington alarm, in Captain Battle's company, and engaged in fortifying Dorchester Heights. Served at Ticonderoga in 1776, and did guard duty at Roxbury in 1778, also at Provi- dence in the same year.
Ebenezer Smith, private, born February 26, 1747-48. Marched under Capt. Ebenezer Battle at Lexington alarm, was absent two days, and travelled 303 miles. Served at Dorchester Heights in 1776.
129
MILITARY SERVICES
Joseph Smith, born August 25, 1746. Took part at the battle of Bunker Hill in Brewer's regiment, and also served in fortifying Dorchester Heights. He was in the army at the siege of Boston.
Elias Stimson, private. Took part at the battle of Lexington, serving in Capt. Ebenezer Battle's company, was absent six days, and travelled 403 miles. He engaged in fortifying Dorchester Heights, and was at Ticonderoga in 1776 under Captain Stow. Served in Rhode Island in 1778.
Silas Taft, private. Marched under Captain Battle at the Lexington alarm, was absent three days, and travelled 404 miles. Served in Rhode Island in 1780.
Henry Tisdale, private. Marched at the Lexington alarm in Captain Battle's company. He was absent four days, and travelled 403 miles. Also served at Dorchester Heights.
Aaron Whiting, born in 1745. Marched at the Lex- ington alarm under Captain Battle. When the call was given he was ploughing in the field. He left the plough in the furrow, and the oxen to be unyoked and driven to pasture by his wife. April 24, 1775, he entered Capt. Daniel Whiting's company in Colonel Brewer's regiment as a sergeant, and served thirteen months and fifteen days. He took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. He stood beside his brother-in-law, Elias Haven, when he was shot down at Arlington, April 19, I775. During 1776 Mr. Whiting was a member of Capt. Timothy Stow's company, and was at Ticonderoga. Marched to Dorchester in first Dedham company on the alarm, March 4, 1776. Was appointed an ensign in Jonathan Brewer's regiment, but owing to the confusion
130
HISTORY OF DOVER
that took place June 17, 1775, was not commissioned. He was later recommended to be commissioned by General Washington.
Daniel Whiting, born February 5, 1732-33. Served as first lieutenant in Captain Battle's company of minute-men at the Lexington alarm. April 24, 1775, he was made a captain in Colonel Brewer's regiment, and took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. January I, 1776, he entered Colonel Alden's battalion, and on the death of that brave commander at Cherry Valley, November 10, 1778, took command of the forces. November 6, 1776, he was made a major in Col. Asa Whitcomb's regiment, and served until December 31, 1776, at Ticonderoga. On January 1, 1777, he entered the Continental Army in Colonel Brooks's regiment and served three years. September 29, 1778, he was made a lieutenant-colonel in the Sixth Regiment, and served until December 31, 1779. On January 1, 1780, he entered Colonel Nixon's regiment, and served until 1781. Before the Revolution he served in the French and Indian War. He was in William Bacon's company from Dedham at Crown Point in 1755.
Ellis Whiting, born September 29, 1760. Engaged in the Rhode Island expedition in August, 1778. Also served at Governor's Island in 1778.
Jabez Whiting, private, born January 1I, 1758. Marched at the Lexington alarm under Captain Battle, was absent three days, and travelled 402 miles. He engaged in fortifying Dorchester Heights, and was in the Rhode Island expedition in 1778, and served in Roxbury in 1778.
Jonathan Whiting, born April 13, 1731. Served at
13I
MILITARY SERVICES
the Lexington alarm in Capt. William Ellis's company of Dedham, enlisted in the army, and served at Ticon- deroga in 1776.
Ephraim Wilson, private, born January 18, 1737. Marched at the Lexington alarm, was absent six days, and travelled 402 miles in Captain Battle's company. He served under Captain Battle in fortifying Dor- chester Hill.
Samuel Wilson, private, born April 25, 1718. Marched at the Lexington alarm, was absent four days, and travelled 402 miles. He engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill in Brewer's regiment, and served at the siege of Boston. Also engaged in fortifying Dorchester Hill.
Seth Wight, Jr., private. Marched at the battle of Lexington under Capt. Ebenezer Battle, was absent four days, and travelled 402 miles ; was hired by the Medfield Selectmen to re-enforce the army at or near New York in December, 1776.
CHAPTER X.
MILITARY SERVICES .- Continued.
SHAYS'S REBELLION - DIFFICULTY IN RAISING SOLDIERS - SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN - PORTS BLOCKADED - SERVICE OF DOVER SOLDIERS - MILITIA - SERVICE OF DOVER OFFICERS IN THE MILITIA - MEMORIAL DAY.
Wake in our breasts the living fires, The holy faith that warmed our sires. Thy hand hath made our nation free : To die for her is serving thee. - HOLMES.
Residents of Dover must have taken part in main- taining in the western part of the State the supremacy of the law in what is called "Shays's Rebellion," as the State made a requisition for soldiers in December, 1786 ; but no record has been found of her service.
After the close of the Revolutionary War it was not easy to hire soldiers ; and it was with difficulty that the quota of the town was raised to meet the demands of an army of eighty thousand soldiers, which was created by Congress in 1794. 1
The soldiers demanded twelve dollars a month, with he assurance of good money, and two dollars as at bounty for enlisting. This demand was rejected ; and it was voted "to make up the soldier's pay, with the Continental, to three pounds a month, and one dollar as a bounty."
Under these conditions it was most difficult " to hire soldiers to go into the service of the United States and
I33
MILITARY SERVICES
stand ready to march at a minute's warning." Later in the year the district was petitioned "that more money may be granted to make the soldiers volunteer."
The War of 1812 was far from being popular in eastern Massachusetts. Nevertheless, the people were patriotic enough to supplement the pay of the United States government, as a vote passed in 1807 shows : " Voted to pay the militia which was detached to be in readiness to march at a moment's warning, in addition to government pay, the sum of four pounds a month after they are called upon to march into actual service." Few could be induced to enter the service.
As the eastern ports were blockaded, many residents engaged in transporting merchandise overland with ox-teams from Boston to New York and other cities. The round trip to Philadelphia occupied six weeks in all
Among those who engaged in this service were James Tisdale, Draper Smith, Aaron Draper, Arnold Wight, Joseph Larrabee, and Calvin Newell.
Aaron Whiting accompanied an expedition to Albany, loaded with gunpowder ; and, as the wagon-wheels were fitted to wooden axle-trees, they had to be constantly watched and often greased lest friction should set fire to the load. The company often passed the night in the wilderness sleeping under their wagons; and Mr. Whiting never forgot the howling of the wolves, which sounded so fearful to his young ears in the Becket woods.
Joseph Larrabee went with others to New Jersey, loaded with silk and velvet. While travelling through Connecticut on Sunday, they were stopped by an officer
I34
HISTORY OF DOVER
of the law, who commanded them to put up their teams. A spokesman explained to the officer that if detained they should hold the town responsible for the cargo in case anything befell it. Learning the value, which was placed at ten thousand dollars, they were instructed to pass on to the next village.
Mr. Larrabee was fond of describing the ferry-boat which in those days plied across the Hudson River. It was propelled by a horse attached to a long beam which moved round and round like an old-fashioned cider-mill.
As far as known the following is the service of Dover soldiers in the war of 1812 :-
Ebenezer Wilkinson, drafted into the service.
George Fisher, captain of a company in Colonel Page's regiment, Massachusetts Militia, from August 2 to October 2, 1814.
Daniel Fuller, captain of a company in Lieut .- Col. James Appleton's regiment, Massachusetts Militia, from September 19 to October 12, 1814; private in Capt. . Seth Hamlin's company, Lieut .- Col. David Nye's regi- ment, from January 28 to January 31, 1814.
Fisher Ayers, private, Capt. George Fisher's com- pany, Colonel Page's regiment, Massachusetts Militia, from August 2 to November 3, 1814.
After the passage by Parliament, in 1774, of the several bills which were so obnoxious to the people of Massachusetts, including the nullification of their charter, correspondence was opened with other colonies, and a militia was organized in case the British should resort to force.
Capt. Ebenezer Battle was at the head of the Dover company. So the history of our militia goes back to
135
MILITARY SERVICES
this time, and the names of the early members are found in the list of those who took part in the battle of Lexington.
The militia laws of Massachusetts go back to the adoption of the Constitution of the Commonwealth, which went into effect October 25, 1780.
These laws were somewhat modified in 1793, and made to conform to the laws of Congress enacted in I792. Military companies were organized throughout the State ; and Dover, like other places, had its military organization.
In the words of the law every able-bodied white male citizen was "required to be constantly provided with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two square flints and a knapsack, a pouch with a box therein to contain not less than twenty-four cartridges suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each car- tridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and ball, or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and powder- horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a pound of powder, and shall appear so armed, accoutred, and provided when called out to ex- ercise, except, when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without knapsack. Com- missioned officers shall be severally armed with a sword or hanger and esponton." The following appear as commissioned officers of the militia :-
Hezekiah Allen, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, March 16, 1789.
Jared Allen, lieutenant, cavalry, Second Brigade, First Division, May 2, 1815.
Perez Allen, lieutenant, First Regiment, Second
136
HISTORY OF DOVER
Brigade, First Division, May 12, 1797 ; promoted cap- tain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 5, 1801.
Timothy Allen, Jr., ensign, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 6, 1806 ; promoted cap- tain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, March 26, 1810.
Horace Bacon, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, May 18, 1813 ; promoted lieuten- ant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, July 31, 1815 ; discharged September 1, 1818.
Silas Bacon, lieutenant, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, March 16, 1789 ; promoted captain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 3, 1 796.
Eleazer Battle, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, May 3, 1826 ; discharged April 24, 1 840.
Eleazer Battle, captain, Eighth Company, First Regiment ; promoted colonel, First Regiment, July I, 1781.
Hezekiah Battle, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, May 16, 1789 ; promoted lieuten- ant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 3, 1796 ; promoted captain, First Regiment, Sec- ond Brigade, First Division, May 12, 1797.
Jonathan Battle, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, May 3, 1796 ; promoted lieutenant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 12, 1797.
Josiah Battle, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, February 4, 1787.
137
MILITARY SERVICES
Ralph Battle, paymaster field and staff, First Regi- ment, Second Brigade, First Division, April 1, 1818 ; discharged May 30, 1823.
Rufus Battle, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, December 12, 1820; promoted lieutenant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Di- vision, March 24, 1823 ; promoted captain, First Regi- ment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 6, 1824; discharged April 26, 1826.
William Blake, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, April 15, 1833 ; promoted lieuten- ant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 3, 1836 ; discharged April 22, 1840.
Uriah Brett, ensign, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, December 30, 1818 ; promoted lieuten- ant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, December 12, 1820.
John Burridge, lieutenant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, June II, 1801 ; promoted cap- tain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, September 26, 1803 ; promoted major, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 3, 1804.
Obed Burridge, ensign, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, June 11, 1801 ; promoted lieu- tenant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, September 26, 1803 ; promoted captain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, June 25, 1804.
Charles Draper, cornet, regiment of cavalry, March 5, 1821 ; promoted lieutenant, June 25, 1822 ; dis- charged March 4, 1826.
Jesse Draper, cornet, regiment of cavalry, April 27, 1807 ; discharged March 1, 1810.
138
HISTORY OF DOVER
Eleazer Ellis, major, Second Regiment, First Division, March 14, 1788.
Benjamin Fairbanks, first lieutenant, First Regi- ment Cavalry, July 1, 1781.
Daniel Fisher, Jr., captain, First Regiment, Second Cavalry, July 1, 1781 ; colonel, Second Regiment, First Division, March 14, 1788.
George Fisher, ensign, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, May 26, 1810 ; promoted cap- tain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, 'First Division, May 5, 1812 ; promoted major, May 30, 1815, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division ; promoted lieutenant-colonel, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, June 11, 1816 ; promoted brevet-colonel, June 20, 1816 ; discharged February 19, 1820.
Daniel Fuller, ensign, First Regiment, Second Bri- gade, First Division, June 8, 1818 ; promoted lieutenant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, Decem- ber 30, 1818; promoted captain, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, December 12, 1820; discharged January 15, 1823.
Jesse Gay, captain, First Regiment, Seventh Cavalry ; July 1, 1781, resigned.
Daniel Lynn, lieutenant, First Regiment, Second Brigade, First Division, April 15, 1823 ; promoted cap- tain as a resident of Roxbury, May 3, 1836.
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.