THE GARRISON HOUSE, on Cannon Hill, was built by Samuel Stickney in 1704, and enlarged by his grandson, Capt. Thomas Stickney in 1765, who was born and died there. After the death of Capt. Stickney’s widow in 1815, the house was purchased by his son, Deacon Daniel Stickney, who sold it to Philip Tenney, and he, without occupying it, sold it to Aaron Atwood in 1820. Mr. Atwood lived there until 1830, when it came into the possession of the late Richard Renton, Esq., who tore it down in 1854. The old house was built of plank, with one end of brick made on the place. The house standing on the old site was built by Mr. Renton, and is at present owned and occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Jane C. Nichols, and her son, N. Woodburn Nichols, and family. See frontspiece.

(p.vi)

THE OLD SAVORY HOUSE was originally the northern half of the present dwelling, and was built by Capt. John Savory about 1755. After the Revolutionary War his son, Major Thomas Savory, altered it to its present shape, and it is still occupied by his descendants. See page 16.

THE OLD MORSE HOUSE, on the corner of Washington and Main streets, South Groveland, was built by Benjamin Morse about 1805. It was owned and occupied by his descendants until a few years ago, when it was bought by the late E. J. M. Hale, and has been since used as a tenement house for operatives. See page 24.

THE SAMUEL PALMER HOUSE, built by Mr. Palmer before the Revolutionary War, on land granted to his ancestors in 1670, was occupied by him and his descendants until about 1812, when its owner, Mr. William Palmer, sold it to a Mr. Woodman, and moved to Hopkinton, N.H. It was afterward bought by Capt. John Brown, and is now owned by his heirs. See page 40.
 
 

(p.vii)

THE SAMUEL TENNEY HOUSE was built about 1786 by Capt. Samuel Tenney, whose wife was the daughter of Lieut. Asa Merrill. After the Revolutionary War Lieut. Merrill made this his home until his death, which occurred Nov. 3, 1815. The house, which is on a part of the original Tenney grant, remained in the possession of the Tenneys for three generations. It has since been occupied by Aaron N. Pillsbury. See page 64.

THE WILLIAM SAVORY HOUSE was remodelled in 1765 by Sergt. William Savory from the old Ezekiel Jewett house, which stood on the same spot. In 1823, Wm. S. Balch, grandson of Wm. Savory, took the north half. Silas Hopkinson lived in the south half until the same year, when it was taken by Ira Hopkinson, who lived there until 1839, the whole house then coming into the possession of Wm. S. Balch, whose daughter, Miss Sarah H. Balch, is the present owner. See page 89.

THE OLD TENNEY HOUSE, built by Philip Tenney in 1732, on the original (p.viii) Tenney grant, and within a short distance of the site of the first Tenney house, was occupied by Dea. William Tenney during the Revolutionary War, and remained in the possession of the family until a few years ago, when it was sold to Mr. Daniel Abbott, its present owner. The addition on the left of the main house was made by Dea. William’s son, Philip, about the year 1830. See page 96.

Bradford had been incorporated one hundred years when the Lexington alarm was sounded, and although town meetings were at that time, and even afterwards, called "In His Majesty’s name," two companies of infantry were soon on the way to Cambridge.

The inhabitants of Bradford were conservative to a considerable degree, but they were at the same time ready to act for the common weal when occasion required.

Among the first acts of the town in what may be termed the revolutionary period, was the calling of a town meeting at the West Meeting house on Monday the 10^th day of October, 1774, at 7 o’clock in the morning, to make choice of one or (p.4) more Deputies, to meet at Concord on the eleaventh of this instant October, with Deputies which shall be appointed by the other Towns in this province, to Consider and Determine on such measures as the Congress shall then think expedient and necessary. Also to see if the Town will Instruct the Selectmen Relating to Replenishing the Town Stock of Ammunition." This call was made through Daniel Kimball, one of the Constables, and was signed by
 

• SAMUEL WOODMAN, }
• JOSIAH BACON }Select
• PETER RUSSESS, } men.
• BENJ. MUZZY, }

The "Freeholders and Other Inhabitants" met in answer to that call. Dudley Carlton Esq., Moderator. Capt. Daniel Thurston was chosen to represent the town in the Provincial Congress at Concord, which convened the next day. The Town Stock of Ammunition was to be replenished to the extent of six half-barrels of powder, and "Bullets and flints proportionable."

Jan. 4^th, 1775. A meeting (p.5) held, and Capt. Daniel Thurston was again chosen to sit in the Provincial Congress, and thirty pounds voted to "Supply the Town Stock with Ammunition."

Jan. 18^th, 1775. Voted, To give encouragement to such men as incline to enlist as minute-men; and Deacon Thomas Kimball, Capt. Daniel Thurston, John Burbank, Bradstreet Parker, Josiah Bacon, Dudley Carlton, Esq., Benj. Gage, Jun., William Greenough, Abel Kimball, Benj. Walker, Nath’l Gage, Jun., Phinehas Carlton, Dea. Obadiah Kimball, Moses Harriman and Peter Russell were chosen a committee to formulate a plan for that purpose.

At an admourned meeting (Jan. 30^th) it was voted to accept the plan of the committee relating to minute-men. Then plan proposed is embodied in the following votes:
 

• Voted, That the Minute-Men after the company is full, train half a day a week for ten weeks, three hours accounted half a day, and have one shilling each person for so doing.
  
• (p. 6) Voted, That the Selectmen provide bayonets and cartouch boxes for the Minute-Men on the town cost, to be returned to the town after they are dismissed from the service.
  
• Voted, To give each man a dollar for billeting, when they are called to march, and seven dollars per month while in actual service.
  
• Voted, That the Captain of the Minute-Men return a muster roll to the Selectmen to receive order for their pay.
  
• Voted, To pay Captain Thurston for attendance at Congress 11l. 2s. 6d. Mr. Russell for attendance 0l. 10s. 0d.
  
  
• Voted, To raise to defray Town charge 100l. 0s. 0d.
  
  
• Samuel Woodman and Thomas Morse were paid four shillings each for perambulating the town line between Bradford and Rowley.

We give on page 8 a full list of the officers of the town for the first year of the war. It is believed that descendants of all or nearly all the men whose names are mentioned in this sketch are eligible for member- (page 7) ship in the S.A.R., S.R., D.R. and D.A.R., for the reason that they were engaged either in the military or civil service of the town, State or United States at some time during the Revolutionary War.

• Benjamin Muzzy, Town Clerk.
• Nathaniel Woodman, }
• Daniel Tenney, } Constables
• Dea. Thomas Kimball, }
• Wm. Greenough, }
• Benj. Gage, Jr., } Selectmen
• Abraham Burbank, }
• Richard Kimball, }
• Dea. Thomas Kimball, Treasurer.
• Nathan Kimball, }
• Daniel Kimball, }
• Eliot Payson , }
• John Runnels, } Surveyors
• Amos Carleton, } of
• Samuel Tenney, } Highways
• Samuel Wood, }
• Ebenezer Stickney, }
• Benj. Jaques, }

(p.9)

John Savary, }

Abraham Day, jr. } Tything men

Jonathan Bailey }

Ebenezer Wood }

Obadiah Kimball } Fence Viewers

Richard Woodman }

Phineas Cole }

Samuel Wood } Sealers of Leather

Abner Hardy }

Spencer Bailey }

Daniel Buzwell } Hogreaves.

Samuel Trask, Jr. }

Thos. Morse } To take care of the

Thomas Kimball } Fish Courses

Joseph Haggett }

Samuel Adams } Informers of Deer

Reuben Carlton }

Wm. Greenough }

Joseph Atwood } Timber Measurers

Nath’l Gage, Jr. }

Joseph Kimball }

Thomas Webster }

Josiah Bacon } Cutters of Lumber

Ebenezer Kimball }

Wm. Greenough } Corders of Wood

Joseph Kimball }

James Lindall, }

Ensign Sam’l Hopkinson } Wardens

Phineas Carlton, Sealer of Weights and Measures.

Voted, To indemnify the Selectmen, in neglecting to make a return to Harrison Gray of their assessment (p. 10) upon the inhabitants of Bradford for the year seventeen hundred seventy-four.

Voted, That ye swine go at large the year ensuing. It was put to vote to see if the town would mend the highways by a Rate, the year ensuing, and it passed in the negative.

Voted, To Capt. Jonathan Bailey for Damages done him by means of the Courts Committee Laying out part of a road on his Land to accommodate Cottle’s Ferry, 16l. 0s. 0d.

Voted, To John Savory for Damages done him by means of the above said Road, 16l. 0s. 0d.

May 23, 1775. Voted, To supply the Massachusetts army with sundries.

Voted, That John Head, Daniel Kimball, Daniel Jaques, William Greenough and Peter Russell, be a committee for this purpose.

Voted, That Dea. Thomas Kimball, William Greenough, Benjamin Gage, Jr., Abraham Burbank and Richard Kimball be a committee of correspondence.

Voted, That the Committee of (p.11) Correspondence Return the names of those persons belonging to this Town which deserted the Province Service, to the County Committee if those Persons neglect to return to their duty.

It was Voted, [June 28] That if the Minute-Men belonging to the Town which Inlisted for the Defence of this Province shall Re-enlist again into the same company by Monday next, said men shall be entitled to Pay for their past services according to a former vote of this town.

Sept. 21. Voted, To Phineas Carlton, for 22 Bayonets fitted with Scabbards and Belts, 8l. 5s. 0d.

Voted, To Phineas Carlton, for Scowering the old Bayonets, and fitting with Belts, 4l. 4s. 0d. For 2 Scabbards and Belts, 0l. 3s. 0d.

Wm. Greenough, for fitting one Bayonet and one belt, 0l. 2s. 8d. The town made choice of Ebenezer Wood to serve as Selectman in place of Abraham Burbank, deceased. It was put to vote to see if the town would open a school, and it passed in the negative.

(p.12) The annual meeting was held at the East Meeting-house on the 12 of March, 1776, and after electing the officers, the meeting adjourned to the 15^th. On that date it was Voted, That Capt. Benjamin Gage be paid 1l. 10s. 0d. for building a fire raft to go to Newburyport.

Voted, To Phineas Cole for Leathering 50 Cartridge boxes, 6l. 13s. 4d. Voted, To Daniel Thurston for attendance at Congress and at General Court, 24l. 4s. 6d.

Voted, To accept five shillings per pound for the Powder that was delivered out of the Town stock, for the use of the Province, and pay for the Lead and flints. Voted, That the Selectmen order the Town Treasurer to pay the Province money which is in his hands to the Colony Treasurer.

A meeting was called April 30, 1776, To see if the town will choose a committee to meet ye committee of Newbury, Newburyport and Amesbury, at the Town house in Newburyport, on May 2, to join the above committee in Building a fort on (p.13) Plum Island, if they think proper. The question was put and passed in the negative.

III

A meeting was held on the 20^th of June, 1776, and the town proceeded to take into consideration a Resolve of the Honorable House of Representatives, passed June 10, 1776, relating to the Honorable Congress declaring these United Colonies Independent States, and after mature Deliberation on this important affair, a motion was made to chose a committee to formulate Instructions for their Representatives, and Report. Accordingly they made choice of Thomas Webster, John Burbank, Captain Nathaniel Gage, Benjamin Muzzy and Captain John (p.14) Savory. The meeting adjourned half an hour in order to give the committee time to prepare a report, which was just what might have been expected from the composition of the committee; two of its members, Savory and Gage, had each recently led a company of minute-men into service, and a third, Burbank, was in the ranks. The report is as follows: We, the subscribers, being chosen a committee to form Instructions for the Representatives of this town with Respect to the Honorable Congress’ forming these United Colonies into Independent States, beg leave to make the following report:

To Dudley Carlton, Esq., Representative for the town of Bradford, in the General Assembly, Sir: When we consider the despotic plan of Government adopted by the King, Ministry and Parliament of Great Britain, to enslave these American Colonies. When we consider that Instead of redressing our Grievances, they have turned a Deaf ear to the Repeated Petitions and Remon(p.15)strances of all the United Colonies, and have also been, and still are Endeavoring to Enforce their Arbitrary plan upon us, by Spilling our Blood, by burning our towns, by seizing our Property, and by instigating the Savages of the Wilderness and Negroes to take up the cause against us; when we consider these things, it Raises our Indignation! That we who have always been loyal subjects to the King of Great Britain should be so unconstitutionally and Inhumanly Treated, Such Tyrannical Imposition and abuses of Power we cannot Submit to. Therefore, Utterly Despairing of a happy Reconciliation ever taking place between Great Britain and these Colonies, you are hereby desired as our Representative to use your utmost endeavor, that our Delegates in General Congress be instructed to shake off the Tyrannical Yoke of Great Britain, and Declare these United Colonies Independent of that Venal, Corrupt and Avaricious Court forever; [Provided no Proposals for happy reconciliation be offered, (p.16) which the Honorable Congress think proper to accept.] and we hereby engage that we will, at the risk of our lives and Fortunes, Endeavor to support and defend them therein.

THOMAS WEBSTER, }

JOHN BURBANK, } Com.

CAPT. NATH’L GAGE, } to

BENJ. MUZZY, }Report.

JOHN SAVORY. }

Voted, That the above report be accepted.

Voted, [Sept. 19, 1776] To Peter Russell for attendance at County Congress held at Ipswich, 0l. 10s. 0d.

Voted, 100 pounds for town charges.

Voted, To Retire Parker for making a table and seat for the East School house, 0l. 13s. 0d.

October 24, 1776. The Town Proceeded to take in Consideration a Resolve of the Honorable House of Representatives passed September 17, 1776, Respecting the House and Council joining in one Body and Equal Voice, to form a plan of Government for this State, and the (picture "THE CAPT. JOHN SAVORY HOUSE") (p.17) town, and the town consenting to the same. After mature Deliberation on the Important affair, a motion was made to choose a Committee to make a Draught and Report. Accordingly, Col. Daniel Thurston, Deacon Thomas Kimball, Benjamin Muzzy, Major Benjamin Gage and John Burbank were chosen.

Oct. 31, 1776. Voted, To receive the Report of the above Committee, which was a follows:

That we are not willing nor do we consent, that the house of Representatives and Council acting in one Body as proposed in a Resolve of the House on Sept. 17, 1776, should agree and enact a Constitution and form of Government for this State. But we are willing and desire, that the Honorable Council, and Honorable House of Representatives, [each acting in their respective Capacities] proceed to form a Plan of Government for this State, and exhibit attested Copies thereof to its several towns for their Inspection and approbation, before it is Ratified and Confirmed.

(p.18) Passed in the affirmative.

The annual meeting March 12, 1776, was the last one called "In his Majesty’s name;" and May 19, 1777, the warrant read:

ESSEX SS. "To Benjamin Walker, one of the Constables for the Town of Bradford, Greeting:

1^st. "These are in the name of the Government and People of Massachusetts Bay, to will and require you forthwith to notify and warn the freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of Bradford that have an Estate of Freehold in Land within this State or Territory, of Forty shillings per annum, or other estate to the value of fifty pounds stirling, to assemble and meet at the West Meeting house in said Town, on Monday the nineteenth of this instant May, at two of the clock afternoon, then and there to elect and depute a Representative or representatives, to serve for and represent them in a Great and General Court or Assembly, to be convened, held and Kept for the Government Service at the State House in Boston, in (p.19) the County of Suffolk, upon Wednesday the twenty-eighth day of this Instant May.

2^nd. Also to try a vote of the Town to see if they will engage, as faithful subjects of this State to exert their utmost ability to procure the Universal Observance of an act of the Province to prevent monopoly and oppression.

* * *

5^th. Also to see if the Town will direct the Selectmen to hire a sum of money to buy Gun Powder. Daniel Thurston, Abel Kimball, Nathan Kimball, Solomon Tenney, Selectmen of Bradford.

It was voted [May 19, 1777] unanimously that they would engage as faithful subjects of this State to exert their utmost ability to procure the Universal Observance of an act of this State to prevent monoply and oppression. And that the Selectmen purchase gun powder for the town.

(p.20) IV

May 29, 1777, Jeremiah Hardy died, according to the Church record, "very sudden;" and tradition says the cause of his death was not definitely determined at the time but about two weeks later his son Abner and daughter Elizabeth were taken ill with what was unquestionably small pox, and both of them died June 22, these deaths being followed by several others. Those on record as dying at that time are, Jeremiah Hardy, May 29; the wife of Deacon Timothy Hardy, June 21; Abner and Elizabeth Hardy, son and daughter of Jeremiah, June 22; Wm. Greenough, June 23; Dr. John Tenny, June 24; Dea. Timothy Hardy, June 27, and David Marden, June 28.

The town meeting held June 26, (p.21) 1777, recognizing the importance of isolating the disease, voted to build a "Pest house in some convenient place in this Town to accommodate the Inhabitants that shall hereafter be taken sick with the small pox; and accordingly made choice of Lt. Daniel Kimball, Ephraim Hardy and Phineas Carleton, to see work effected." Said committee were ordered to build the Pest house and hire seventy Pounds to enable them to carry on the work. They voted that the Pest house be set on land belonging to Nathaniel Parker, "or in any place that they shall think will best accommodate the Town." Voted, To raise one hundred pounds toward the costs and charges that shall arise in building the Pest house.

The house was built on the east side of the Jaques road near Jewett’s Crossing, and the graves of those who died of the disease, were to be seen near the wall until within a few years, when the field was ploughed, and since then a new growth of wood has sprung up, and the graves are obliterated: the house was burned soon after it was vacated:

(p.22) ESSEX SS. To Ephraim Hardy one of the Constables for the Town of Bradford, Greeting:

We will and require you to notify and warn the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Bradford qualified by law to vote in Town affairs, that they assemble and meet at the West Meeting house in said Town on Thursday the fifth day of June next, at three o’clock, afternoon, to choose by ballot some person which is firmly attached to the American Cause to procure evidence etc, agreeable to an act of the Great and General Court of the State of Massachusetts Bay, for securing this and others of the United States against the danger to which they are exposed by the internal enemies thereof; and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon to us, the Subscribers, on or before said day.

DANIEL THURSTON, }

SAMUEL GREENOUGH, } Selectmen

NATHAN KIMBALL, } of

ABEL KIMBALL, } Bradford.

At a legal meeting held on March (p.23) 18, 1777: the following persons were elected a Committee of Inspection and Safety. Thomas Morse, Lieut. Nathaniel Plummer, Deacon Obadiah Kimball, John Burbank and Thomas Webster.

Selectmen for the year ensuing, Daniel Thurston Esqr., Samuel Greenough, Lt. Abel Kimball, Solomon Kimball and Nathan Kimball.

At a legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Bradford, held on adjournment Thursday the 26^th of June, 1777; Mr. John Head, moderator of said meeting;

The Town made choice of Daniel Parker, Joseph Marble, Joseph Richardson, Benj. Muzzy and Ebenezer Kimball to prosecute all Breaches of the acts to prevent monopoly and oppression.

Made choice of John Pickering for Register.

The Town made choice of Abraham Day, Jun. to procure evidence against all such persons as are internal enemies to this or the United States of America.

(p.24) September 23d. Voted, To raise forty-one pounds, fifteen shillings and two pence to pay for Gun Locks, &c, and ordered the Town Treasurer to pay the above said sum; and voted to abate Jonathan Chadwick what he was rated for his Negro man in 1776.

January 13, 1778. Voted, to leave the affair respecting the Delegates being authorized to ratify the Confederacy of the United Colonies, to their Representatives in General Assembly to act in that important matter as he shall think best.

Voted, To sell the Gun Locks in possession of the Town.

Voted, To Ebenezer Ordway for damage on account of the small pox being brought near him, 1l. 16s. 0d. Daniel Tenney, ditto, 16l. 4s. 0d. David Hardy, for damages sustained by means of the small pox in his house, 51l. 0s. 0d. Ephraim Hardy, ditto, 30l. 0s. 0d. Jonas Hardy, ditto, 7l. 0s. 0d.

V

(p.25) The following document explains itself and shows that the arrival of a new resident in town did not go unnoticed in those times.

GENTS: This is to inform you that Aaron Cross of Methuen, came to town May 1, 1777. I know not his circumstances. John Day. Jun.

Another form of notice is shown in the following:

Bradford, Oct. 28, 1776. This may inform the Selectmen of said Town that the family of Stephen and Susanna Adams of Topsfield, moved into my house for a few months. A list of the children: Jacob Adams, David Adams, Israel Adams, Henry Adams, Pamelia Adams, Julia Adams,, given by the subscriber. Peter Russell.

Peter Russel, Esq., at that time kept a "Tavern" on Main street, East Bradford, in the house afterwards occupied by the late Captain (p.26) Benj. Parker, and recently by M(blotted out) Samuel Perley.

To the Selectmen of Bradford (blotted out) Gentlemen. These are to inform you that John Tenney and Rose, his wife; William Tenney, his son and Hannah Tenney his daughter came to this town the 15^th of April last, from Rowley, and ye widow Hannah Tenney from the town of Pelham in the State of New Hampshire some time afterward. Per Sarah Jaques. Feb. 22, 1779.

To the Selectmen of the Town: This is to inform you that I have taken into my house Freeborn Balch and wife, and his children Benjamin, Eunice and John. They came from Haverhill to Bradford, May 12, 1779. Bradford, June 3, 1779. Moses Parker.

Bradford, May 1, 1778. To the Selectmen of the Town of Bradford: These are to inform you that John Cole came to this town sometime in the month of June last, from the town of Salem, New Hampshire. John Griffin.

We have in the next document (p.27) something which gives us a little more light on the social and religious side of life in those perilous times that "Tried men’s souls."

To the Town Clerk in Bradford:

We, the subscribers, being chosen a committee by the Society of the People called Antipedo Baptists, who meet together for Religious worship on the Lord’s Day, in the Town of Haverhill, to exhibit a list or lists of such persons as belong to said Society or Congregation, do certify that Nathaniel Plummer, Samuel Trask, Ebenezer Kimball, Martha Kimball, Moses Plummer, Joseph Richardson and Daniel Cheney do belong to said Society or Congregation, and that they do frequently and usually when able, attend with us in our meetings for religious worship on the Lords Day, and we do verily believe, are with respect to the Ordinance of Baptism, of the same religious sentiments with us. Haverhill, Aug. 2, 1775.

HUGH SMITH. }

JOHN WHITE, } Committee.

BENJ. MOOERS. }

(p.28) The annual town meeting held March 10, 1778, elected the following Committee of Safety:

Col. Daniel Thurston,

Lt. Thomas Stickney,

Richard Kimball,

Eliphalet Hale,

Jonathan Chadwick.

Selectmen for 1778,

Dudley Carleton Esqr.,

Peter Russell,

Edmund Kimball,

Phineas Carleton.

Ordered, that the committee of Correspondence etc. draw 3l. 0 0 out of the Treasury and deliver it to Benjamin Atwood to support him until he joins the army.

Thomas Kimball was chosen for one of the committee of correspondence etc., in room of Col. Thurston, who declined serving.

Voted, to make the Selectmen and Assessors some addition to their wages.

Voted, to accept Solomon Tenney to serve as Constable in room of Lt. Moses Harriman. The gentlemen that were chosen to serve as Select(p.29) men and Assessors the last meeting at this, was persuaded to serve.

We, the subscribers, have perambulated the line between Rowley and Bradford and renewed the Antient Bounds.

JERE. SEARLE, } Selectmen

E. SPOFFORD, } of Rowley.

Rowley, March 2, 1778.

ABEL KIMBALL, } Selectmen of

SOLOMON TENNEY, } Bradford.

It was Voted, {May 6, 1778,) to hire 8 men for nine months to fill up the Continental Army, and Capt. Nathaniel Gage, Capt. John Savory, Lt. Daniel Kimball, Lt. Moses Harriman, Lt. Thomas Stickney and Benjamin Walker were chosen a committee and empowered to hire the above said number of men. Voted, that the Town Treasurer hire a sum of money sufficient to hire said number of men, and deliver it to the above said committee, he taking their receipt for the sum delivered, and also to be accountable to the Town.

June 29, 1778: Voted, that the Treasurer hire fourteen pounds for (p.30) each soldier that is drafted from the Militia, according to a resolve of the General Court passed June 10, 1778.

Sept. 19. It was voted to make choice of a committee to supply the families of the soldiers that are in the Continental army: accordingly, made choice of Messrs. Nathaniel Parker, Thomas Kimball, Abraham Day, Jr., Josiah Bacon and Thomas Webster for the above purpose.

Voted, Mr. Peter Russell for digging a grave for Samuel Atwood, and rum supplied for the watchers, 1l. 10s. 6d.

Dec. 8, 1778; A meeting was called to see if the Town will order the Selectmen to draw the firearms from the board of war which is allowed by the State for the Town of Bradford, and draw so much money out of the Town Treasury as will procure the same and pay the charges of getting them. Voted, to the families of John Wool and Benjamin Atwood, soldiers in the Continental Army, 28l. 19s. 6d. Voted, that the Town Treasurer pay nine hundred and fifty pounds with interest due or which shall be due to those persons he hired it of, for the use of the Continental Soldiers in May, 1778. Voted, that Daniel Kimball, Treasurer, be hereby directed to pay to the Selectmen, with interest (p.31) due when paid, 42l., it being for money they hired to hire 3 soldiers for Rhode Island.

(p.32) VI

Selectmen for 1779, John Head, John Burbank, Jonathan Chadwick, Dea. William Balch, Benjamin Walker. Constable, Nathaniel Balch.

At a legal meeting held the 16^th, Mar. 1779, The question was put, whether the town would reconsider a vote passed on the 8^th, of this Instant respecting carrying on the war by a rate, and it passed in the negative.

May 18, 1779, the question was put, whether the town would choose to have a new Constitution or form of government made at this time, and it passed in the negative.

June 17, 1779, Voted, to choose a committee to hire 3 men of the militia to go to Rhode Island, and 7 to fill up our quota of the (p.33) Continental army for the term of nine months, accordingly made choice of Capt. John Savary, Lt. Moses Harriman, Lt. Nathaniel Plummer, Lt. Eliphalet Hardy and Lt. Thomas Stckney (sic), as a committee for the purpose. Voted, to raise four thousand pounds to defray the cost and charges of raising said soldiers, 4000,00l.

A story too good to remain untold is the following, which was told to me by a man who had it from the lips of one of the participants, and the truth of it is vouched for.

On occasion it was necessary to raise a number of men to fill the quota of the town in the Cotinental (sic) army, and it was decided to muster one of the companies of minute men, and call for volunteers. The call was issued, the company paraded in front of Squire Russell’s Tavern and after a stirring appeal with the fife and drum "the object of the expedition" was stated; a pause; no one responded; then an appeal to the patriotism of the men was made by the commanding officers; still no response; the person who tells the (p.34) story suggested to the Captain the proximity of Squire Russell’s bar room, and the result was a round of grog, but that had apparently, no more effect on the lines than the fife and drum; a second round of grog, still no man came forward, and the company broke ranks for a while, then fell in, and Squire Russell again appeared with liquid refreshment, this time more liberal than before, and it soon began to show its effect, for the next time a call was made, one man stepped to the front, then another and another until the whole company wanted to go, and the quota was filled.

The currency had depreciated at the time so much that it required $13.42 of it to pay one dollar in gold or silver; it continued to decline in value every month until the close of 1780, when the new emission bills appeared, and they rapidly depreciated to total worthlessness.

July 12, 1779, Voted, that the committee chosen to hire 7 Continental and 3 Rhode Island soldiers be hereby empowered to draw (p.35) out of the Treasury of this Town nineteen hundred and seventy four pounds to pay the above said soldiers for their service.

Also voted, the aforesaid committee be hereby empowered to draw a sufficient sum of money out of the sd. treasury to purchase 263 bushels of Rie for sd. soldiers for their service. Voted, that the committee chosen to hire soldiers be impowered to draw a sufficient sum of money out of the treasury to hire 2 men to serve as soldiers at Boston 3 months. Dudley Carleton, Esq., was chosen delegate to attend a Convention of State delegates July 14, at Concord. The question was put whether the Town would instruct Dudley Carleton, Esq., to concur with the other delegates of committees in lowering the prices of Country produce in proportion to the Merchants lowering the price of their Merchandize, and it passed in the affirmative.

(p.37) VII.

A muster roll of Capt. Nathaniel Gage’s company of minute men, Lexington alarm, April 19, 1775. Marched to Cambridge, time, 7 days.

FIRST FOOT COMPANY.

Nathaniel Gage, Capt.

Thomas Stickney, 1^st, Lieut.

Eliphalet Hardy, 2^nd, Lieut.

SERGEANTS.

Moses Pearsons,

Jeremiah Kimball,

Ephraim Hardy,

Phineas Cole.

CORPORALS.

Amos Pillsbury,

Ebenezer Mullicken,

Joseph Jennings,

Abijah Gage.

Stephen Plummer, Drummer.

(p.37) PRIVATES.

Richard Ayers,

Archelaus Balch,

William Bacon,

Nicholas Buswell,

Enos Bishop,

Simeon Currier,

Ebenezer Davis,

Caleb Foot,

Thaddeus Gage,

Moses Gage,

Jonathan Gage,

John Greenough,

Nathaniel Griffin,

John Haggett,

John Hall,

Nathan Hardy,

Moody Hardy,

Isaac Hardy,

Benjamin Hardy,

Moses Kimball,

John Kimball,

Edmon Kimball,

Aquilla Kimball,

Daniel Mullicken,

Moody Morse,

Free Parker,

Jesse Rollins,

Charles Walker,

(p.38) Solomon Kimball,

Jonathan Silvia,

Robert Savory,

John Platts,

Stephen Morse,

John Palmer,

Samuel Marden,

Moses Platts.

Time roll made up by me, alarm of April 19^th, marched to Cambridge

John Savory, Captain.

SECOND FOOT COMPANY.

Capt. John Savory.

Lieut. Moses Harriman.

SERGEANTS.

Joshua Hardy,

Solomon Tenney,

William Savory.

CORPORALS.

James Palmer,

Ebenezer Stickney,

Retier Parker,

David Hopkinson.

Fifer, Thomas Wood.

Drummer, Thomas Savory.

PRIVATES.

Jas. Richardson,

(p.39) Eliph. Rollings,

William Tapley,

Moses Plummer,

Solomon Hardy,

Nath. Plummer,

Jona. Stevens,

Eben Hardy,

Jonas Hardy,

David Marden,

Dan. Nichols,

Sam. Savory,

Charles Walker,

Daniel Hopkinson,

Wm. Perry,

Jos. Richardson,

David Hall,

Wm. Tenney,

Asa Tenney,

John Burbank,

Israel Hardy,

James Dwjnel,

Sam. Palmer,

Eben Wood,

John Tenney,

John Savory Jr.,

Moses Wood, Jr.,

Eben. Hopkinson,

Richard Wallingford,

Jess. Atwood,

(p.40) Jona. Bailey,

Enoch Hardy,

Nat. Greenough,

Thomas Kirby,

Joseph Atwood, jr.,

Abner Hardy,

Samuel Tenney,

John Jennings.

Muster roll of detachment under Sergt. Kimball that marched from Bradford on the 19^th, April, 1775, to Cambridge. Distance marched, 62 miles; time, 5 days.

Sergt., Albert Kimball

PRIVATES

John Runnels,

Richard Woodman,

Benj. Haggett,

James Head,

Thomas Sticknee,

Solomon Smith,

Benj. Mills,

Phineas Goodheu,

Saml. Clough,

John Haseltine,

Nathan Griffin,

David Kimball,

Richard Perry,

Timothy Gage.

(photo – THE GARRISON HOUSE, ON CANNON HILL.)

(p.41) VIII

Essex ss. To Phineas Carlton, one of the Constables for the Town of Bradford: -

These are in the name of the Government and People to will and require you forthwith to notify all the male inhabitants that are free, and twenty-one years of age, belonging to the Town of Bradford, that they assemble and meet at the West Meetinghouse in said town on Wednesday the Fourth day of August next at two o’clock, afternoon. To see if the Town will send a man or men to Cambridge in the county of Middlesex upon a convention the first day of September next, in order to agree upon a new Constitution or form of Government for this state. (p.42) Also to see what instructions they will give their delegate or delegates when so chosen.

At a legal meeting of the Town of Bradford held on Wednesday the 4^th August, 1779, at 2 p.m. The Town, agreeable to a resolve of the General Court passed June the 15^th, 1779, made choice of Mr. Peter Russell as a delegate to meet the delegates at a convention to be held at Cambridge on the first day of September next, for the sole purpose of framing a Constitution for this state, and he was instructed, "when the Consitituion is framed to deliver a copy thereof to the Selectmen, in order to have it laid before the town for their inspection."

Aug. 17, 1779. At a meeting held this day Dudley Carlton, Esq., was chosen as agent to attend the General Court on the 2^nd Wednesday of their next session in order to defend the Town Claim to 18 Continental Soldiers they hired for three years, from the Eastward parts: against the claim of several towns to said men.

(p.43) Oct. 5, 1779. Voted: To hire four men to do duty at Boston until the second Wednesday of November next. Voted: That the Committee be hereby empowered to draw a sufficient sum of money out of the Treasury, to hire said men. Voted: To make an addition of three to the Committee of Correspondence and Inspection. Dr. Thomas Kimball, Abel Kimball and Lt. Thomas Stickney were appointed.

Oct. 11, 1779. Voted: To hire ten men to join General Washington’s army at New York, and to do duty as soldiers for the term of three months, if not sooner discharged. Made choice of the following persons as a committee for the above, viz: Messrs. Nathaniel Gage, Daniel Kimball, Joseph Mulliken, John Savory, Thomas Stickney, Moses Harriman, Thomas Kimball, Samuel Adams, Phineas Carlton, Solomon Tenney, Thomas Webster, Peter Russell, John Head, William Savory, Daniel Thurston, Thomas Tenney, Benjamin Walker, Eliphalet Hale, Benjamin Muzzy and Nathaniel Plumer.

(p.44) Voted: To the Committee chosen the 11^th of October, to hire ten soldiers to go to Claverick, New York, the sum of 1995l, "which sum the committee have paid or engaged to the soldiers that went to join General Washington’s army."

Selectment for 1780: Thomas Morse, Bradstreet Parker, David Kimball, Junr., Eliphalet Hale, Benj. Walker.

May 23, 1780: The question was put whether the Town would put the Rev. Ebenezer Dutch in possession of one half of the Ministerial land lying on the Town of Bradford, and it passed in the negative. Voted: To Wm. Tenney for mending a chair, 2l. 2s. 0d.

(p.45) IX

June 5^th, 1780. The Constitution was read, and after due deliberation on the important affair, the following votes passed, viz:

The question was put, whether the Town would accept of the Constitution as it now stands, except the third article, and it passed in the affirmative. Then a vote was tried upon the third Article and there appeared to be 51 for it, as it stands, and 11 against it. Voted: That on the article concerning the qualification of the Governor, that the word Protestant be inserted after the word Christian.

(p.46) June 12, 1780. Voted: To choose a committee to hire 16 men to serve as soldiers in the Continental Army for the term of six months; accordingly made choice of Capt. Nathaniel Gage, Lt. Daniel Kimball, Thomas Savory, Lt. Thomas Stickney, Lt. Eliphalet Hardy, Dr. Thomas Tenney, Lt. Moses Harriman, Lt. Phineas Cole, Adjt. Dan’l Hardy, Jonathan Kimball, William Savory, Stephen Carlton, Lt. Abel Kimball, Jonathan Chadwick, Timo. Kimball, John Head, Richard Kimball, Jonathan Stevens, Abraham Day, Jr., Daniel Tenney, John Burbank, Nathaniel Kimball, Moses Wood, Jr., Richard Woodman, Samuel Wood, Jona. Bailey, Jr., Samuel Adams, Lt. Nathl. Parker, Nathl. Balch, Saml. Palmer, Eliphalet Rollins and John Day, Jr.

June 28, 1780. Dea. Thomas Kimball, Moderator. The following votes were passed:

"Ordered: That the Town Treasurer reimburse to the Selectmen the mileage money that they have lately advanced to 16 Continental soldiers.

(p.47) The question was put whether the Town would reconsider a vote passed March, 1779, respecting carrying on the war in future by a rate, and it passed in the negative.

Voted: To choose a Committee to hire four men to serve as soldiers in the Continental Army for the term of six months, and 19 men to serve as Militia for the space of three months, accordingly made choice of Francis Kimball, Lt. Nathl. Plumer, Shubael Tenney, Thomas Cross, Joseph Richardson, Joseph Day, Stephen Burbank, Saml. Greenough, Elijah Hardy, Amos Carlton, Retire Parker, Stephen Foster, David Hopkinson, Samuel Hopkinson, Obadiah Hall, Peter Gage, John Griffin, Job Bailey, Thomas Wood, Moses Haggett, Thomas Savory, Elliot Payson, John Runnels, Joshua Hardy, Wm. Parker, Solomon Hardy, Stephen Plumer, Jeremiah Gage, Reuben Carlton, Ebenezer Kimball, Jr., Solomon Kimball, Nathl. Thurston, Aquilla Kimball, Daniel (p.48) Buswell, Stephen Parker, Josiah Bacon, Isaac Platts, Jr., David Palmer, Samuel Savory, Daniel Thurston, Jr. and Moses Parker to serve as that committee.

Oct. 12, 1780. Voted: That Rev. Ebenezer Dutch may enter into immediate possession and peaceable improvement of the one half of the Ministerial land lying in Bradford."

Voted: To raise the sum of 43844l., 128.,6d.for Town expenses.

Voted: That the Selectmen be directed to purchase 10750 weight of beef for the use of the Army, and that they be hereby empowered to draw a sufficient sum of money out of ye town treasury to purchase said beef.

Dec. 20, 1780. Voted: To choose a committee to settle accounts with ye soldiers that were hired for six months in the year 1780, "and also them that was hired for three months ye same year, and likewise with ye committee that hired said soldiers;" accordingly made choice of Major Gage, Mr. Russell, Lt. (p.49) Abel Kimball, Lt. Thomas Stickney and Col. Thornton, as a committee for the above said purpose. At an adjourned meeting, Dec. 25, 1780, voted to choose a committee of seven to hire 18 men to serve as soldiers in the Continental Army for the term of three years or during the present war. Also ordered that the Town Treasurer, or his successor in office be hereby directed to give his security in behalf of the Town to each man the above said committee shall hire.

Made choice of the Selectmen as a committee to purchase 20,642 w. of beef for the use of the State, also voted, That the said committee be empowered to give their security in behalf of the town for the above said beef. Voted, that there be one month’s schooling in the school house near Mr. John Burbank’s the present year.

At a legal meeting held the 3d of January 1781, it was voted, To raise the sum of sixty one thousand nine hundred and twenty six pounds, to purchase beef for the use of the state.

(p.50) On the twenty-third of January a meeting was called and among other things, to see if the town will pass a vote to pay the money in lieu of beef at Four dollars and a half per pound or the money for any part of said beef: on this question it was voted, that the Selectmen for the time being have discretionary power either to purchase the beef for the use of the State, or to pay the money for said beef as they shall think will best serve the interest of the town.

Meetings were called "In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," after Oct. 12, 1780; instead of "In the name of the Government and People of the State of Massachusetts Bay."

(p.51) X

On the 29^th of Jany. 1781, a meeting was called to see what sum of silver money the Town will vote to raise to hire 18 men to serve as soldiers in the Continental Army, for the town of Bradford, for three years or during the war. Voted, to raise 300 pounds in silver.

The following shows the method of filling the quota: The taxpayers were divided into classes, each class to furnish a soldier. I have been fortunate enough to find an original list of the members of one class together with the amount of their assessments.

(p.52) By order of the General Cort we the subscribers have Clast the inhabitants of Bradford and the within written names are hereby Required to Procure a man to do three years Service, or during the War in the Continental Army, Bradford March th’ 9 1782.

Broadstreet Parker } Selectmen

Eliphalet Hale } of Bradford.

John Savery Cpt.

Joseph Richardson, 2 4 2

Joseph Richardson, Jnr., 11 4

Daniel Richardson, 11 8

Wd. Abigail Platts, 5 11

James Dwinnile, 9 2

James Wallingford, 6 5

Nicholas Wallingford, 8 1

Wd. Abigail Wallingford, 2 8

Stephen Morse, 1 19 1

David Hopkinson, 1 18 2

David Hopkinson, Jur., 18 6

Nathaniel Hopkinson, 13 9

Daniel Hopkinson, 13 3

Capt. Jonathan Bailey, 1 1 0

Jonathan Bailey, Jur., 1 3 9

William Bailey, 1 4 3

Isaac Platts, 12 11

Isaac Platts, Jur., 18 9

Samuele Greenough, 1 9 5

Edward Toppan, 2 2

Burpey Ames, 3 2

17 17 5

(p.53) Each Person is to pay his proportion towards furnishing the Men, as annexed to their Respective Names in the above Lift.

By Order of the General Court.

Selectmen 1781, Joseph Kimball, Solomon Tenney, Abraham Day Jr., Lt. Nathaniel Plummer, Richard Woodman. Voted, not to make up the depreciation of money on a note of hand due Peter Gage from the town. Reuben Carleton, Lt. Abel Kimball and Obadiah Kimball were chosen a committee to take care of the guns and lead, and accoutrements of war belonging to the Town.

Voted, to Richard Kimball for 11 squares of glass for the schoolhouse 47l. 0 0.

Voted, to Eliot Payson for one day’s work on the schoolhouse 12l.

At a meeting held Mch. 17, 1781, the question was put, whether the town would re-consider all the votes they have passed respecting the impowering a committee to hire 18 soldiers to serve in the Continental Army, and it passed in the affirmative.

(p.54) The vote empowering the Treasurer to give his security to said soldiers was likewise reconsidered; and also the vote to raise 300l. to hire said soldiers.

Voted, that the Selectmen be hereby impowered to draw a sufficient sum of money out of the Treasury to pay the mileage of the Continental soldiers.

Vote for Governor 1781, John Hancock 25 votes. For Lieut. Governor, Thos. Cushing Esqr., 25 votes.

At a meeting held July 6, 1781, Mr. Bradstreet Parker moderator. Voted. To build a School house in the East end of the Town about twenty feet square. Voted, To raise 30l. hard money for the above purpose, and that John Burbank, Mr. Peter Russell & W.m. Savory be a Committee to build said house.

At a legal meeting held July 19, 1781, it was Voted. That the Town raise 8525 wt. Of Beef for the use of the Continental army and deliver the same to the superintendent at six different times according to the resolve of the General Court passed June 22, 1781.

(p.55) Voted, To raise the sum of 400l. hard money to purchase sd. beef and hire soldiers.

Ordered, that the Treasurer pay 518l,5s,3d to the County Treasurer in bills of the new emission, at the rate of 1 dollar & 7-8 of a dollar in lieu of a hard dollar.

Voted, That the Town Treasurer hire forty shillings Silver money, and deliver to the Committee chosen to purchase beef.

December 6, 1781. Voted, To reconsider the two votes that were passed last July and Sept., ordering the Treasurer to pay the County Treasurer Bills of the New Emission in lieu of hard money, and he is hereby directed to pay to the Treasurer of the County the sum of 14l. 9s. 0d. in Silver money. Jan. 15, 1782. Voted, That Mr. Peter Russell, our Representative be hereby instructed to use his utmost endeavor to obtain a repeal of an act of the General Court, laying duties on Sundry articles.

Voted, That the scholars that attend the town school be taxed for (p.56) the wood consumed in said school in due proportion to the time they shall attend, and that the tax be laid on those under whose care said scholars are.

Feb. 16, 1782, the following votes passed.

Voted, To accept the report of the committee chosen at a former (the last) town meeting which was as follows: "The committee chosen to treat with those men the Town is indebted to. Report, That some time since they met those men and find that there is a considerable sum due to them, which should have been paid before the old paper currency was out of credit, but as it has been neglected, the men decline to take anything short of a silver dollar in lieu of 75 of the old emission. Per order of Dudley Carlton."

Voted, That the Town Treasurer be hereby directed to receive no money into the Town Treasury but what is a lawful tender, and pay the town debts as soon as he can, according to the scale of depreciation as established by the General Court.

(p.57) Voted, That the Treasurer be hereby directed to exchange the paper he has in the Treasury for silver, at the best rate he can, and also to receive from Constable Woodman 93 dollars in paper money, which he has already collected for taxes and exchange that likewise.

April 1, 1782. Voted, That the committee appointed to settle with the soldiers in the year 1780, be hereby directed to settle with Lt. Plumer, and make up the loss he sustained in hiring a six months soldier.

Voted, To Lt. Nathl. Plumer 25 silver dollars for ye loss he sustained in hiring a six months soldier, he paying to ye Town Treasurer 646 dollars, Old Emission which he has on hand.

Selectmen, 1782:

Francis Kimball

Jonathan Kimball

Mr. Peter Russell

Lieut. Phineas Cole

Retier H. Parker

The original of the following is in the possession of the descendants of Lieut. David Hopkinson.

(p.58) Bradford, October the 2, 1782.

I Promis to Pay or Cause to be Paid Unto Lt. David Hopkinson the just and full sum of three Hundred Dollars to be Paid in Silver or Gold Upon Demand if the said Abner Danford Dus Not belong to the town of Brunswick in the County of Cumberland and the State of massechutes and is Not free from the Continental Army Before the Date of this Presant Obligation and if the said Danford stands free and Cleare for a Soulger for this state then the Above Oblegation to be Void and of no afect or Else to Remain in full force as witness my Hand.

test In. Corliss

Phineas Carleton

Richard Walker

Thomas Savory

Edmund Kimball, Jr.

(p.59) XI

Capt. Gage’s Company, Col. Frye’s Regiment, Cambridge, 1775. This roll, although no month is given is without doubt, that of the company that fought at Bunker hill.

Nath’l. Gage, Capt.

Thomas Stickney, 1^st Lieut.

Eliphalet Hardy, 2^nd Lieut.

Sergt. Moses Pearson,

" Jeremiah Kimball,

" Ephraim Hardy,

" Phineas Cole.

Corp. Amos Pillsbury,

" Ebenezer Millicken,

" Joseph Jennings,

" Abijah Gage.

PRIVATES

Richard Ayers

Jesse Atwood

Archelaus Balch

William Bacon

(p.60) Josiah Bacon

Nicholas Buswell

Joseph Brown

Giles Burrows

Enos Bishop

Samuel Clough

Simeon Currier

David Cheney

Eben Davis

Caleb Foot

Jona. Gage

Thaddeus Gage

Nat. Greenough

Nat. Griffin

John Haggett

John Hall

Nat. Hardy

Benj. Hardy

Isaac Hardy

Moody Hardy

Edmund Kimball

Aquilla Kimball

Thomas Kirby

Richard Kimball

Moses Kimball

Daniel Mullicken

Benj. Mills

Moody Morse

Free Parker

(p.61) Moses Platts

Richard Perry

Jesse Rollins

Charles Walker

Jonathan Woodman

Caleb Whitney

Sol. Kimball

John Kimball

Jonathan Silver

Robert Savary

John Platts

Stephen Morse.

A muster roll of a detachment of the second foot company in Bradford, who marched for the defence of Cape Ann on the 30^th of November, 1775, under the command of Capt. John Savory, time of service, five days.

Capt. John Savory

Lieut. Moses Harriman

Sergt. James Greenough

" Solomon Tenney

Corporal, David Hopkinson

Drummer, Thomas Savory

Fifer, Thomas Wood

PRIVATES.

Ebenezer Wood

Eliphalet Rollings

(p.62) Nathaniel Plummer

Stephen Morse

Moses Plummer

Samuel Marden

Jonas Abbot

Nich. Wallingford

Jesse Atwood

David Plumer

Eben Hardy

Moses Parker

Samuel Savory

Moses Wood Jun.

Jonas Hardy Jun.

Spencer Bailey

Samuel Bacon

Nathan Burbank

Asa Tenney

Israel Hardy

Asa Wallingford

James Barker

Henry Hardy

Isaac Platts Jun.

John Banks.

Bradford men in Rhode Island on roll of Capt. Jere. Pitman’s Company, Col. Nathan Tyler’s Reg.

Lieut. Jeremiah Kimball

Private Day Mitchell.

Time 1 month 5 days, 107 miles.

(p.63) Roll of Capt. Johnson’s Co., Col. Pitman’s Regt., Mass. Bay Militia to the State of Rhode Island, from Bradford. 78 miles, 2 months, 10 days.

Solomon Smith

Joseph Brown

Timothy Haggett

James Barker

David Hall

Zechariah Barker

Day Mitchell

Bradford men who served in the army, not on any, of the foregoing, muster rolls.

Lieut. Daniel Kimball

" Abel Kimball

" Nathaniel Plummer

Adjt. Daniel Hardy

Col. Daniel Thurston

Maj. Benjamin Gage

Amos Mullicken

Dudley Hardy

John Wool

Benjamin Atwood

Eliot Payson

Ezra Trask

Benjamin Morse.

(p.64) Voted, at a meeting held May 17, 1783, That the Representative for this town for the ensuing year be hereby instructed to use his utmost endeavors to prevent any person or persons returning to live in this Commonwealth who have conspired against or absented themselves from the United States during the continuance of the war with Great Britain.

(photo - THE SAMUEL TENNEY HOUSE)

(p.65) XII

At the last annual town meeting (1895), it was voted to place markers of the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution on the graves of all Revolutionary soldiers buried in Groveland. Mr. J. K. P. Balch and the writer, being the only members of the society in town, volunteered their services in the search that must be made to locate the markers. Mr. Balch had already (p.66) placed one on the grave of his ancestor, Capt. Thomas Stickney. Farther assistance was rendered by Mr. Charles T. Balch, our representative at the General Court, in examining the records at the State House.

Thirty-three graves are marked thus far, and it is known that there are other graves of old soldiers in the cemetery; but, as they have no grave stones, they could not be found. There are several stones with inscriptions bearing names corresponding to names found on the Revolutionary rolls, but, as there is doubt about the identity of the men, they were not decorated.

The names have been placed alphabetically, without regard to rank or age. The writer has tried to ascertain something about each, and place it on record, although the knowledge gained about some of them is very meagre.

(p.67) Care has been taken to verify all statements; it will not be surprising, however, if some mistakes are found, for we must bear in mind that the old records were not always kept carefully.

Great difficulty has been experienced in consequence of the custom that obtained up to the beginning of the present century of giving the first-born son his father’s name, which frequently resulted in there being tow of the same name, both of a military age, and perhaps both in the service at the same or at different times; the junior, which should have been attached to one of them, was often omitted.

JESSE ATWOOD,

Born Sept. 6, 1748, son of John and Mary (Wood) Atwood; married Dec. 31, 1778, Abigail Hardy, daughter of Eliphalet and Hannah (Platts) Hardy. Mr. (p.68) Atwood was a member of Capt. John Savory’s company of minute-men, and marched on the alarm of Apr. 19, 1775; he also fought at Bunker Hill in Capt. Nathaniel Gage’s company. He, in common with persons of that day, worked on the farm in summer and in the shop during the winter months. His father was killed in the French and Indian War, at Crown Point, when Jesse was only seven years old.

In his later years, Mr. Atwood lived in the house now occupied by Mrs. Laura A. Atwood. He was the ancestor of the late Moses P. Atwood, Miss Priscilla P. Atwood, Mr. Charles A. and Miss Lois P. Atwood, Mrs. Heman Balch and Mrs. E. Milton Stacey. He died Sept. 10, 1827.

JOSIAH BACON,

Son of Josiah and Mary Bacon, was born in 1723; married, first, Abigail Knowlton, Oct. 7, 1745; second, Abigail, daughter of John and Mary (Wood) Atwood, Sept. 8, 1788.

Mr. Bacon was a private in Capt. Gage’s company at Bunker Hill. He lived on the old Bacon farm on King street, in the house now standing, owned by Philip Martino and occupied by Samuel Burbank. Mr. Bacon was a prominent man in town affairs, and filled several offices. He died Dec. 14, 1807.

SAMUEL BACON,

Born in 1756, son of Josiah and Abigail (Knowlton) Bacon; married Feb. 25, 1788, Sally Perley of Boxford. Mr. Bacon went to the defence of Cape Ann in November, 1775, serving five days; was afterward a lieutenant in the militia; he lived with his father on the old Bacon farm; died Nov. 22, 1809.

(p.70) JONATHAN BAILEY,

Born April 4, 1742, son of Jonathan and Rebecca (Hardy) Bailey; married Mary Eames, daughter of Nathan and Mary Eames of Bradford, June 24, 1773. Mr. Bailey marched to Cambridge on the Lexington alarm, being one of the minute-men enrolled in the Second Foot company; afterward a captain in the militia. He lived in the "old brick-end Bailey house" in Savaryville, where he died Jan. 29, 1823, at a ripe old age.

JOHN BURBANK

Was the son of Eleazer and Lydia Burbank, and was born May 3, 1722; married, Dec. 20, 1748, Mercy Savory, daughter of Thomas and Mercy (Adams) Savory. Mr. Burbank was enrolled in the Second Bradford Foot company, and marched with that (p.71) command on the alarm of Apr. 19, 1775. He was a farmer, and lived where Mr. Nathan Longfellow now lives; took prominent part in the management of the affairs of the town; he died Sept. 18, 1802, in his eightieth year.

NATHAN BURBANK,

Son of John and Mercy (Savory) Burbank, was born Aug. 17, 1757; married February, 1781, Elisabeth Palmer, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Savory) Palmer. Although a "beardless youth of eighteen" young Burbank did service in the defence of Cape Ann, November, 1775; lived with his father in what is now the Longfellow house; he died July 17, 1819.

Ancestor of Mrs. Edward Harrington of this town, and Mrs. H. A. Burnham of Gloucester.

(p.72) PHINEAS CARLETON,

Was the son of Dea. Thomas and Abigail Carleton; born Oct. 1, 1740; married, first, Dec. 8, 1763, Susannah, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Goodrich) Stickney; second, August, 1784, Sarah Mullicken. Mr. Carleton was a sergeant in Capt. Nathaniel Gage’s company, and served from Sept. 30, to Nov. 6, 1777. He lived on Christian Hill, South Groveland, in the house now owned by Mrs. Benson; as a miller, and had a grist mill on Johnson’s Creek, near the place where the old woollen mill now stands.

Ancestor of Thomas H. Balch and family, Frank P. Balch, Mrs. C. P. Savary, Mrs. L. K. Pemberton, Mrs. Abigail Carleton, Phineas B. and Alvin R. Carleton and Mrs. Newton Tilton.

(p.73) JOHN CURTIS,

Son of William Curtis of Lynn, born in 1743; married Mary Parker, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Stevens) Parker; held the rank of sergeant in Capt. Jacob Gould’s company, Col. Samuel Johnson’s regiment, Apr. 19, 1775, was then of Boxford; came to Groveland later and lived on Main street, in the house east of Hervey E. Parker’s, which was then on the estate of his wife’s father, now owned by George H. Collum. He died April 3, 1826.

Mr. Curtis was the ancestor of Mrs. J. Harraden Savary of Groveland, Mr. Leverett M. Tyler of Bradford, Mr. Walter G. Curtis of Southport, North Carolina, Mr. Henry Curtis of Brooklyn, N.Y., and others.

(p.74) SOLOMON HARDY,

Son of Capt. Eliphalet and Hannah (Platts) Hardy; born Nov. 20, 1747; married Sarah Bailey, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Cottle) Bailey; served in the Second Foot company on the alarm of April 19, 1775.

Ancestor of Nathaniel Parker, Kingston, N. H.; N. P. Gage, Washington, D.C., S. Kimball Gage, Charlestown, Mass.; Mrs. D. P. Hopkinson and Mrs. N. Woodburn Nichols of Groveland, Mrs. Edward Stickney of Chelsea, Mass. Died Aug. 9, 1801.

JOSHUA HARDY,

Born Sept. 24, 1740; son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Rolf) Hardy; married, Oct. 15, 1765, Hannah Tyler of Boxford. Mr. Hardy was a sergeant in the second company of minute-men who marched to Cambridge on the (p.75) alarm from Lexington April 19, 1775. He lived in the field between King and Rollins streets, in the rear of the late Tyler Hardy’s house, where he died June 3, 1814.

Ancestor of Misses Elisabeth Ann and Harriet Hardy, Clarence C., Cornelia M. and Arianna K. Hardy, Albert L. and Allen Hardy, Mrs. Charles Brown, Sumner, Mary Esther and Lucilia Adelaide Hardy, Mrs. Woodbridge Parker and Wallace King.

LIEUT. MOSES HARRIMAN,

Born April 10, 1737. Son of Nathaniel and Mehitable (Spofford) Harriman; married Jane Hale, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Hale; first lieutenant in the Second Bradford company of minute-men, served on the Lexington alarm, and in defence of Cape Ann in November, 1775. Mr. Harriman’s father was a (p.76) cornet in the Colonial service, and died at Louisburg in October, 1745. Lieut. Harriman lived in a house which stood on the site of the present Harriman house: and it is said that he planted the magnificent elm which stands before the house. He died Aug. 24, 1784.

Ancestor of Moses H. Harriman of this town, Judge Hiram P. Harriman of Barnstable, Mrs. E.P. Perkins and Mrs. Samuel W. Hall of Georgetown, Mrs. Moody M. Palmer, Mrs. Wm. L. Moore, Mrs. Enoch Adams and Mrs. Walter L. Willis.

DANIEL HOPKINSON,

Born Nov. 25, 1750; was the son of David and Elisabeth (Platts) Hopkinson; married Hannah Richardson, daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Monroe) Richardson January, 1781. Mr. Hopkinson served in the Second Bradford Foot company, and responded to the call on the alarm of April 19, 1775. He lived in the old homestead now occupied by Walter H. Hopkinson.

Ancestor of Walter H. Hopkinson, Daniel W. Hopkinson, Miss Abbie C. Hopkinson, Mrs. William Ruddock and Miss Emma Ruddock. He died Feb. 16, 1837.

LIEUT. KING LAPHAM

Was born Oct. 14 1743; son of David and Rebecca (King) Lapham of Marshfield, Mass.; married Nov. 4, 1764, Lucy Barker, by whom he had eleven children. He was first lieutenant in Capt. Crocker’s company Apr. 20 to Aug. 1, 1775, marched from Marshfield; first lieutenant Second Plymouth County Regiment May 8, 1776; served in Rhode Island two months in 1776; first lieutenant in a company raised to guard the passage of the North (p.78) reiver; also, in service at Hull Mar. 5, 1778. Mr. Lapham came to this town just after the War of the Revolution, and was, in connection with his son, Barker Lapham, engaged extensively in shipbuilding. He lived in the "old Lapham house," which stood on Main street until a few years ago, on land now occupied by W. S. Canney. He died Nov. 30, 1826.

Ancestor of Mrs. Adeline and Miss Priscilla Parker, Benjamin P. Hale, Esq., of Boxford, James F. Hale, Lucy L. Howe and Mabel G. Howe of Cambridge, E. J. M. Hale of New Orleans, Benjamin K. and Frederick F. Balch of Malden, Annie P. Balch of Boston, Mrs. George W. Rowe of Haverhill.

LIEUT. ASA MERRILL,

Born June 30, 1732, son of Stephen and Keziah (Hardy) (p.79) Merrill; married Bethiah ________; commissioned lieutenant by the council Apr. 3, 1776. He served as first lieutenant in a detachment that marched by the way of Providence, R.I., to Danbury, Conn., December, 1776. Lieut. Merrill was in the Continental army three years; he was then of Boxford; came to Groveland later, and lived on the old Tenney place, now owned by Aaron N. Pillsbury, where he died Nov. 3, 1815.

He was the ancestor of the late Charles S. Tenney, and Alonzo L. Quimby, of Groveland, Mrs. A. W. Anderson and Miss Mabel Anderson of Haverhill, Mrs. Jerome Ingalls, Mrs. Rufus A. Hovey, Walter R., Robert C., Harry C. Ingalls and J. B. Renton of Lynn, Ralph C. Hovey of Amesbury, Ella R. Hovey, Guy C. Hovey, Edward L. Hovey, Mrs. Francis Cutts, Mrs. James (p.80) A. Dwinell, Mrs. Ambrose H. Carsley of Lynn, and many others.

CAPT. DAY MITCHLL

Was the son of Deacon Nathaniel and Abigail (Day) Mitchell; born Jan. 15, 1760; served as a private under Lieut. Jeremiah Kimball in Rhode Island when in his eighteenth year, and afterward "followed the sea" during the Revolutionary War; was taken prisoner several times, and once was confined in England. Mr. Mitchell married, first, Susannah Greenough in 1785, and, second, Abigail Parker, Oct. 24, 1802. He lived to a good old age in the house now owned by Mrs. Walter L. Pemberton, and occupied by her and Mrs. Laura A. Fowler, where he died in 1848. Mr. George Mitchell, his son, is still living, and is probably the youngest son of a Revolutionary sire in the State.

He was the ancestor of Mrs. Chas. S. Hardy, Abraham P. Mitchell, Mrs. Eustace W. Sargent, Peter Mitchell, Mrs. Amasa E. Drew, Mrs. Elmre F. Smith, Mrs. Elbridge H. Carleton, Miss Nellie Hardy, Mrs. Wm. F. Smith, Mrs. A. S. Barker and Mrs. Alvan H. Knox.

BENJAMIN MORSE

Was born in Newbury, Feb. 5, 1754; he was the son of Thomas and Elisabeth (Bartlett) Morse; and married Olive, daughter of James and Mary Greenough. Mr. Morse enlisted as a private in Capt. Thomas Mighill’s company of Rowley, January, 1777, and served six months; he also served three months and fifteen days in Capt. Jonathan Ayer’s company of Haverhill. He was a cloth dresser, and had a fulling mill on Johnson’s Creek, near the Merrimack river, where he (p.82) did business for many years. He built the house now standing at "Morse’s Corner," South Groveland (see illustration), where he lived until his death, which occurred Dec. 23, 1828.

He was the ancestor of William H. Morse, Herman F. Morse, Miss Fidelia Morse, Mrs. Reuben L. Locke and Mrs. B. A. Sargent of Bradford, George D. Morse, Charles W. Morse, Mrs. Wm. H. Curtis, Charles E. Greenman, Geo. H. Greenman and Frank C. Morse of Haverhill, Israel Morse and Mrs. Minnie S. Balch of Newburyport, Mrs. Warren L. Cowdrey, Mrs. John T. Small, Mrs. George S. Hovey, Miss Mattie I. Morse, Mrs. George H. Tenney of Groveland, and many others.

SAMUEL PALMER

was born March 3, 1727; son of Samuel and Elisabeth Palmer; (p.83) married, Jan. 24, 1749, Mary Savory, daughter of Thomas and Mercy (Adams) Savory. Mr. Palmer was on the alarm list of April 19, 1775, and marched to Cambridge in Capt. John Savory’s company. He lived on the north side of Main st., in Savaryville, in the house now owned by S. R. Morrill, on land that was granted to his grandfather, Joseph Palmer, before 1672. He died Sept. 3, 1800.

Ancestor of Mrs. Abigail P. Atwood, Mrs. E. M. Stacy, Mr. Abel Stickney and Mrs. W. T. Page of this town, John William Palmer, Esq., of Washington, D.C., Mr. Frank J. Pillsbury, Mrs. J.S. Norris, Mrs. Orrin T. Carter of Concord, N.H., Mr. William O. Palmer, Miss Maria A. Palmer, Mrs. Mary F. Burbank of Hopkinton, N.H.; Mrs. Laura Skillings of Henniker, N. H., Mrs. Mary Spalding.

(p.84) MOSES PARKER,

Son of Bradstreet and Rebecca (Balch) Parker; born April 3, 1756; married Sarah Eaton of Haverhill. Mr. Parker served his country as a private in a detachment from the Second Foot company, under Capt. John Savory, which was sent to Cape Ann in November, 1775. He kept a general store, and lived in the house now occupied by his descendants, opposite Perry Park. He was the ancestor of the late Dr. Moses Parker, Peter Parker, and Moses P. Atwood, and also of Miss Priscilla Atwood, Miss Annie Parker, Mrs. A.C. Savary, Miss M. E. Parker, W. G. B. Parker, Edward H. Parker and Charles P. Parker, Mrs. George F. Choate of Essex, Miss Sarah Cogswell of Bradford, and others. He died July 9, 1837.

(p.85) RETIER H. PARKER,

Born Dec. 12, 1746; son of Abraham and Mrs. Hannah (Hathorn) Parker; married, first, May 9, 1768, Ednah Hardy, daughter of Capt. Eliphalet Hardy and Hannah (Platts) Hardy; second, Mrs. Abigail Pearsons (born Titcomb) of Newburyport. When the Lexington alarm was sounded he was a minute-man in the Second Bradford Foot company, and responded to the call, marching to Cambridge with the company. Mr. Parker was a tanner and currier, and had a shop near the site of the lower mill in South Groveland. He died Feb. 2, 1799.

Ancestor of the late Dr. Moses and Peter Parker, Moses P. and Miss Priscilla Atwood, Mrs. Edward Stickney of Chelsea, Mass., Mrs. Daniel P. Hopkinson and Mrs. N. Woodburn Nichols of Groveland. Mrs. Geo. F. Choate, and Miss Sarah Cogswell.

(p.86) ELIPHALET ROLLINS

was born Oct. 7, 1757; son of Eliphalet and Mary (Savory) Rollins; married Patty Sargent September, 1782. Young Rollins was a member of the Second Foot company of minute-men, and was detailed with about thirty others to go to the defence of Cape Ann in November, 1775. He afterwards sailed from Newburyport on a privateer. After the war was over Mr. Rollins settled down in East Bradford as a farmer and trader. He had two sons, Ebenezer and William, whose descendants live in Boston. He lived in the house now owned by Charles F. Paine, Esq. He died Oct. 27, 1818.

CAPT. JOHN SAVORY

Was born May 21, 1736; was the son of Thomas and Mercy (Adams) Savory; married Sara, (p. 87) the daughter of Edward and Mary (Spofford) Wood, Sept. 11, 1755.

Capt. Savory commanded the Second Foot company of Bradford minute-men, and was in command of the company at Cambridge when the troops assembled there after the battle of Lexington; he afterwards led a detachment of his company to Cape Ann. In early life Mr. Savory lived in a house which stood near the lane leading to Cottle’s Ferry, but, later, he built the house which has since been enlarged, where Mrs. J. A. Savory and Mr. Wm. Ferguson now live. He died April 5, 1805.

JOHN SAVORY, JR.

son of Capt. John and Sarah (Wood) Savory; born Nov. 18, 1757; married, December 1779, Polly Bacon, and lived in the Andrew George house, on the east side of Seven Star road. He (p. 88) served with his father in the Second Foot company at Cambridge, April, 1775. Died jan. 1, 1823. No descendants living in town.

THOMAS SAVORY,

son of Capt. John and Sarah (Wood) Savory; born Feb. 16, 1756; married, first, Bethiah Carleton, June 18, 1778; second, Polly Rollins, Aug. 18, 1785. Mr. Savory was the drummer of his father’s company, and went to Cambridge with the company on the Lexington alarm; he also accompanied the detachment of the Second Foot company to Cape Ann in November, 1775. He was a prominent man in town affairs, a member of the House of Representatives and a major in the militia. Maj. Savory lived in the old Savory house, built by his father, and still standing in Savaryville, on land that has (p.89) been in the possession of the family for several generations.

He was the ancestor of William R. Walker of Concord, N.H., Mrs. Eldred S. Parker, Miss Clara L. Savary, Eben Rollins Savary, Henry S. Savary, Mrs. Aaron B. Parker, Harry P. Savary, Eldred P. Savary, Mrs. Arthur E. Abbott, Mrs. J. Everett Wood of Groveland; Rev. William H. Savary, Edward Hosmer Savary, Esq., Miss Anna L. Savary of Boston; Frank Savary, Benjamin Balch Savary of Medford; Rev. George Savary of Newark, N.J. Maj. Savory died May 2, 1829.

(photo facing page 89 – THE WILLIAM SAVORY HOUSE)

WILLIAM SAVORY,

Born Dec. 6, 1743; son of Thomas and Mercy (Adams) Savory; married Mary Gage, daughter of Thomas Gage of Haverhill, 1764. Mr. Savory was a sergeant in the Second (p.90) Bradford Foot company, of which his brother John was captain, and went to the defence of Cape Ann in 1775. He lived in the Wm. S. Balch house, now owned and occupied by Miss Sarah H. Balch. He died July 22, 1800.

Ancestor of Dr. W. P. Savary of Brockton, Miss Annie W. Savary, Geo. S. and Edward F. Hovey of Groveland; Mrs. Herbert E. Wales of Bradford, J. K. P. Balch, Esq., Daniel S. Balch, Esq. of Lyons, Ia., Mrs. Benj. F. Peach of Lynn.

JEREMIAH SPOFFORD,

Born in Rowley, Oct. 12, 1749; son of Capt. Eliphalet and Lucy (Peabody) Spofford; married, Feb. 13, 1777, Temperance, daughter of Col. Daniel and Judith (Follansbee) Spofford. At the alarm of Lexington he joined a company under the command of his father, and marched to (p.91) Cambridge. Mr. Spofford came to Groveland (then East Bradford) in 1817, and died here in 1827.

Ancestor of Mr. Herschel A. Spofford, Mrs. Laura A. Atwood, Miss Apphia T. Spofford, Mr. Edward W. Spofford of Omaha, Neb., Miss Helen K. Spofford, Miss Belle G. Downie.

ELEAZER SPOFFORD,

Born Aug. 12, 1739, on Spofford’s Hill, Rowley, now Georgetown; the son of Dea. Abner and Sarah (Coleman) Spofford; married Mary Flint of Danvers. He was appointed quartermaster of the Second Regiment Essex County Militia, April 22, 1775, by his uncle, Daniel Spofford, colonel. Dea. Spofford was a millwright, and built a valuable set of mills in East Jaffrey, N. H. After he retired from business he came to Groveland, where he died Mar. 15, 1828.

(p.92) He was the ancestor of Ainsworth R. Spofford, Esq., librarian of Congress.

JONATHAN STEVENS,

Born 1747; married Mary __________; he served as a private in the Second company of minute-men, and marched to Lexington April 19, 1775; he lived in the house on Main street near the Groveland bridge, afterward occupied by Manley Hardy; the house burned in 1887; died Dec. 23, 1802.

CAPT. THOMAS STICKNEY

Was the youngest son of Thomas and Mary (Mullicken) Stickney, and was born in Bradford, now Groveland, Oct. 24, 1734; he married, Jan. 6, 1761, Sarah Tenney, daughter of Daniel and Ann (Coleman) Tenney; he served as a private in Col. Winslow’s expedition in Nova Scotia in 1755, (p.93) nd when the alarm was sounded from Lexington he was first lieutenant in the First Foot company of Bradford, Capt. Nathaniel Gage, and marched to Cambridge with the company; this company was also at the battle of Bunker Hill. When the call was made for men to resist Burgoyne’s progress from Canada, Lieut. Stickney joined Capt. Joseph Eaton’s company from Haverhill, and was in command of the company at the battle of Bennington, where he received a serious wound. He lived on "Cannon Hill," in the "old Garrison house," which was built by his grandfather, Samuel, about 1703. The house was owned and occupied for many years by the late Mr. Richard Renton, who took it down in 1854 and built the present house occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Jane C. Nichols. (See illustration.) Died Nov. 8, 1808.

(p.94) Capt. Stickney was the ancestor