Revolutionary War Veterans and Civilian Casualties in Fairview Cemetery

John Abbot

April 19, 1775: 2nd Lt, Westford’s First Foot Company

Born at West ford 2 December 1743, died there 8 May 1804, son of John & Hannah (Richardson) Abbot. He married (I) at Westford -- July 1769 Lucy Procter, born at Chelmsford 28 November 1746, died at Westford 27 April 1779, aged 33 y., daughter of Daniel & Susanna (Hill) Procter; he married (2) at Westford, 22 June 1780, Mary Farrar of Concord, born there 4 July 174 7, died at Westford 26 February 1815, aged 68 years, daughter of Jacob & Mary (Merriam) Farrar.

Abbot’s title of captain came from his participation in America’s War for Independence with Great Britain. However, Captain Abbot’s patriotism started well before the war with England. He was one of Westford’s first citizens to oppose the 1765 Stamp Act. The Stamp Act was a direct tax on the American Colonies by the British that required taxed printed matters in the colonies be made from stamped material made in England.

To protest this tax, John Abbot along with Jonas Prescott, Samuel Fletcher, Ebenezer Stone, and Thomas Comings formed a committee in Westford that recommended the use of local goods and rejected the importation of goods from Great Britain. The town of Westford voted unanimously to support the position of Captain John Abbot and his committee.

He was six months shy of his 31st birthday when he signed the 1774 Covenant. John served as 2nd Lieut., Capt. Oliver Bates 's Co., Col. James Prescott’s Regt. which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; served.'5 days.

Josiah Brooks

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company

Born at Westford 21 June 1756, died at West Point 28 February 1782, in his 26th year, probably unmarried, son of Josiah & Lydia (Haywood) Brooks.

While the MSSRW entry below suggests limited military service, we wonder if his death at West Point was in connection with additional military service.

Westford. Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood's co., Col. William Prescott's regt. of Minute-men, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 9 days. Also: Descriptive list of men enlisted from Middlesex Co., agreeable to resolve of Dec. 2, 1780; age, 24 yrs.; stature, 5 ft. 4½ in.; complexion, light; hair, light; eyes, blue; occupation, farmer; residence, Westford, enlisted May 1, 1781; enlistment, 3 years. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)
Died at West Point in 1782.
His epitaph is on the gravestone of his father Josiah Brooks 1722-1771.

Silas Chandler

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company

Born in Westford 16 May 1755, died 29 December 1839, son of William & Dorcas (Blood) Chandler. He filed marriage intentions at Westford 18 0ctober 1802 with Mary Brown of Billerica, born about 1764, died at Westford 12 September 1827, aged 63 years. They had only one child, Mary, born at Westford, 31 March 1804 who married Benjamin F'. Morse.

"Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood’s Co., Col. William Prescott's Regt. of Minutemen which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service 2 days; also Capt. Zaccheus Wright’s Co. Col. Brooks’s Regt.; return of men in camp White Plains dated 31 October 1776; reported sick & absent; also, Capt. Aaron Jewett’s Co., Col. Job Cushing’s Regt.; enlisted 27 July 1777; discharged 29 August 1777; service 1 mo, 10 days, travel included marched to Bennington on an alarm; company raised in Westford, Groton, Shirley, Townsend, and Ashby." [MSSRW III-297]

Thomas Cummings

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company, 1st Lt.

Born at Westford 29 May 1734, died there 17 November 1818 (as Lieut.), aged.
84 years, son of Thomas & Sarah (Fassett) Comings. He married at Littleton.
20 February 1755 Lucy Lawrence, born at Littleton 29 February 1731/32, died at Westford28 October. 1815, aged 84 years, daughter of Eleazer & Lucy (Tuttle) Lawrence. He was about a month past his 40th birthday when he signed the 1774 Covenant.

"1st Lieutenant Capt. Timothy Underwood's Co. Col .William Prescott's Regt. of minute-men, which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service 5 days; also, 2d Lieutenant, Capt. Wyman's Co., Col. Prescott's Regt.; list of officers recommended to be commissioned by (committee of Safety at Cambridge 23 June 1775; ordered in Provincial Congress 25 June 1775, that corru1issions be delivered; also, Lieutenant, Capt. Asa Lawrence's Co. of volunteers, Col. Jonathan Reed's Regt.; entered service 27 September 1777; discharged 9 November 1777; service 1 mo. 14 days; company raised in Littleton and Westford and marched to reinforce the Army under Gen. Gates." [MSSRW IV-220]

Timothy Cummings, Jr.

April 19, 1775: Westford’s First Foot Company, Drummer

Born at Westford 15 January 1752, died there 12 October 1832, aged 81 years, son of Thomas & Sarah (Fassett) Cumings. He married (I) at Westford 5 March 1776 Katherine Fassett, born at Westford 6 May 1757, died there 14 October 1812, aged 56 years, daughter of Benjamin & Rebecca (Russel) Fassett. He filed at Westford 13 June 1813 intentions of marriage (2) with Elizabeth W. Farrar of Pepperell, born about 1781, died at Westford (as wife of Col. Timothy) 27 January 1839, aged 58 years. He had several children by both wives, the youngest born in 1822! He was 22 years, 6 mo. of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant.

"Drummer, Capt. Oliver Bates' s Co., Col. James Prescott’s Regt. which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service 10 days;" [MSSRW IV-221]

Pelatiah Fletcher

6th Middlesex County Militia

Capt. Pelatiah Fletcher was born in Westford on May 3, 1727. He married his first wife, Dorothy Hildreth on January 13, 1757. With her he had 12 children before she died on June 14, 1782. He married his 2nd wife, the widow Elizabeth (Hartwell) (Reed) Keyes on October 15, 1782. In 1774 he was one of the wealthiest men in Westford: On the North tax list he was given a rank of 2. As an example of his holdings, in September of 1773 he was taxed for 1 horse, 2 oxen, 7 cows, 2 pigs, and 12 sheep. He was also one of four men in town who was noted to house a Negro man.

His involvement in town affairs prior to the Revolution included committee work focused on the raising of a new meeting house frame in 1770, replacing the first meeting house which had served the town since about 1725.

In July of 1774 he and 206 other Westford men signed the “Solemn League and Covenant”, an early non-importation pledge against Great Britain, and in January of 1775 he was one of seven men who made up the first “Committee of Inspection,” whose task was to see that the resolves of the American and Provincial Congresses be “faithfully observed and complied with.”

In 1776 he was appointed Captain of one of the two Westford companies in the 6th Middlesex County Militia Regiment. Throughout the war he supported the cause by recruiting men to serve in the militia and Continental Army, and provided food and other support to the families of men who were serving in far-off campaigns.

His House still stands on Lowell Road. (Dan Lacroix, 2005)

Captain, 4th (1st Westford) co., 6th Middlesex Co. regt. of Mass. Militia; list of officers chosen by the respective companies in said regiment, as returned by Jonathan Reed and others, field officers; ordered in Council April 24, 1776, that said officers be commissioned; reported commissioned April 24, 1776. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

Thomas Greenough, Jr.

Refugee from Boston

Thomas Greenough Jr was a mathematical instrument maker (marine compasses, backstaffs and wooden surveying compasses) in Boston with a wife and 4 daughters aged 4-12. By the summer of 1775 conditions in the town were dire with dwindling supplies and disease with most provisions being taken by the King’s Troops. Many inhabitants were disparate to find refuge in the countryside far from the danger of cannon fire but sadly, there was no escape from death, likely disease brought with them from Boston.

Rev. Willard Hall

Pastor, First Parish Church

Rev Hall came as minister to what was then the West Parish of Chelmsford in 1727, Westford was incorporated in 1729. Over the years he had several issues with the town in regard to his pay, initiating a lawsuit in 1740.

In September 1774, with Rev. Hall refusing to back the growing opposition to the King, the town voted “to dismiss Rev. Willard Hall from any further service in the town as minister, provided the church should think it proper to dismiss him from any further service in the ministerial office in said church”. Rev. Hall was among the last of the Tories in Westford, and due to his political beliefs in Sept. of 1775, the town voted to refuse any further financial support. His dismissal was finalized in the Jan. 1776 town meeting ending 48 years of his Westford ministry.

Rev. Willard Hall
Born in Medford, Ma. March 11, 1703, son of Stephen and Grace Hall.
Graduated from Harvard College in 1722.
Married Abigail Cotton of Portsmouth, NH.
Parents of 11 children- 4 sons and 7 daughters.
Probably came to Westford in July,or August 1726.

May 2, 1727, was voted by the inhabitants of the westerly precinct of Chelmsford (Westford still part of Chelmsford at this point) to be the minister. Pay 80 pounds for the first year, and then a raise of forty shillings a year until it came to 100 pounds a year. This seems to be the first step in the organization of what would become Westford’s first church.
Farmer- in 1727 he bought 18 acres of land from Josiah Burge- west side of Main Street. Also owned land in Providence Meadow.

Over the years he had several issues with the town in regard to his pay, initiating a lawsuit in 1740.
Starting in 1772- he began to have health issues and substitute ministers were appointed by the town.
September 1774 the town voted “to dismiss Rev. Willard Hall from any further service in the town as minister, provided the church should think it proper to dismiss him from any further service in the ministerial office in said church”. They did raise 42 pounds for his support that year in case the church did not dismiss him. The town searched for another minister, agreeing to pay Rev. Hall 46 pounds quarterly for the rest of his life.
Rev. Hall was among the last of the Tories in Westford, and due to his political beliefs in Sept. of 1775, the town voted to refuse any further financial support. His dismissal was finalized in the Jan. 1776 town meeting ending 48 years of his Westford ministry.

After his dismissal, Rev. Hall kept possession of the church records, instructing his wife to keep them after his death until his estate was settled. He died March 19, 1779 at the age of 77. His wife died Oct. 20, 1789.| (James VanBever. 2021)

Eleazer Hamlin

23rd Continental Infantry, Pembroke, MA

Major Eleazer Hamlin was in the Revolutionary War under General Durant around Cambridge and Lexington, earning the title of Major. He moved from Pembroke to Harvard, Massachusetts, and some of his Harvard furniture is now to be found in the Vice President Hamlin's home on Paris Hill, and the Dr. Cyrus Hamlin’s home in Waterford. The Harvard property consisted of a farm of one hundred twenty-eight acres and the potash works on the Groton Road. This was bought of the Burrs. Rebecca Burr married John Davis, and their son, Aaron Davis, sold it to Major Eleazer Hamlin. ‘

The Major later moved to Westford, the records of which read: “This remarkable man had five sons who were educated at Harvard College, and of his descendants, not less than fifteen have had college educations.” Proof which might be further substantiated that the Hamlin’s have always believed in and fostered education. His Westford home is at present occupied by the widow of his great-grandson, Mrs. Charles A. Hamlin, born Elizabeth Kimball. The high boy of this Westford home is now in the home of Charles S. Hamlin of Boston, at present, 1936, legal counsel of the Federal Reserve Board, Washington, D. C. (Hamlin’s of New England by Simon Moulton Hamlin 1936)

Hosea Hildreth

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Second Foot Company, Corporal

Born at Westford 21 November 1744, died there 20 December 1776, in his 33rd year, son of Joseph. & Abigail (Hill) Hildreth. He married at Westford 22 June 1769 Experience Keep, born at Westford 23 January 1752, died at Westford 27 May 1817, daughter of Jabez & Experience (Lawrence) Keep. She married (2) at Westford 18 November 1777 Ebenezer Parker. Hosea was in his 30th year when he signed the 1774 Covenant.

"Corporal, Capt. Jonathan Minot's Co., Col. James Prescott's Regt. which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service 6 days." (MSSRW VII857] [Hodgman, (p. 171) states that a Hosea Hildreth emigrated to Pepperell, but this was probably Hosea, Jr., born to Hosea & Experience Hildreth at Westford 15 March 1774.]

John Hildreth

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company

Born at Westford 5 November 1738, died there 13 August 1802, aged 64 years, son of Ephraim & Mary (Butterfield)0 Hildreth. He married (1) at Westford 27 July 1762 Abigail Parker born there 24 December 1745, died at Westford 30 October 1769, aged 24 years, daughter of Aaron. & Dorothy (Fletcher) Parker. He married (2) at Westford 24 December 1772 Betty Gates, born at Westford 29 July 1749, died there 13 April 1787 in her 38th year, daughter of Stephen & Betty Gates. He married (3) at Shirley 21 April 1789 Widow Ruth Bicknell, born about 1745, died at Westford 2 March 1802, aged 57 years. He was in his 36th year when he signed the 1774 Covenant.

"Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood’s Co., Col. William Prescott’s Regt. of Minutemen which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service, 1 day." [MSSRW VII-858]

William Hildreth

April 19, 1775: Westford Second Foot Company, Sgt.

Born 24 July 1740, probably at Litchfield, NH, died at Westford (as Deacon William) 3 February 1800, in his 60th year, son of Jacob and Abigail (Harwood) Hildreth. He filed at Westford 16 April 1763 intentions of marriage with Dorothy Parker, born at Westford 26 October 1742, died there 30 September 1813, aged 70 years, daughter of Aaron, Jr. & Dorothy (Fletcher) Parker. William did not sign the 1774 Covenant.

"Sergeant, Capt. Jonathan Minot’s Co., Col. James Prescott’s Regt. which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service, 4 days." [MSSRW VII-859]

Thomas Kidder

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Second Foot Company

Born at Chelmsford 2 January 1717/18, died at Westford 31 January 1793, aged 75 years, lacking 13 days, son of Thomas & Johannah (Keyes) Kidder. He married (l) at Littleton in 1741 Elizabeth Wheeler, born at Littleton 5 February 1722/23, died at Westford 29 November 1764 in her 42nd year, daughter of Edward & Elizabeth (Herrick) Wheeler. He married (2) at Westford (referred to as "Cornet Thomas Kidder") Mary Fletcher, whom we have not identified. He was 57 years of age when he signed in June 1780 the 1774 Covenant.

The Westford Vital Records volume includes the births of 3 children to Thomas & Elizabeth: Elizabeth, born 19 June 1743, Isaiah, baptized 5 August 1749, and Sarah, born 15 September 1761. The son Isaiah died at Westford in 1759. The MSSRW compilation has two entries for Thomas Kidder of Westford. Since our research suggests only one was in Westford in the time frame, we conclude they refer to the same individual, a few years apart:

"Private, Capt. Jonathan Minot’s Co. of militia, Col. James Prescott’s Regt. which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service, 3 days; also, Capt. Joshua Parker's Co., Col. William Prescott's (10th) Regt.; order for advance pay, signed by said, Kidder and others, dated Cambridge 9 June 1775; also, Private, same Co. & Regt.; muster roll dated l August 1775; enlisted 29 April l775; service 94 days; also, company return dated 27 September 1775; reported enlisted 28 April (Also given 15 April) 1775; also, order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Camp at Cambridge, l November 1775."

Jesse Minot

Massachusetts Militia

Under Jesse Minott: Private, Capt. John Minott's co., Col. Dike's regt.; muster roll for Dec., 1776-Feb., 1777; credited to town of Westford; enlisted Dec. 13, 1776; regiment raised to serve until March 1, 1777. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

Jonathan Minot

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Second Foot Company, Captain

Jonathan Minot was born in Chelmsford on January 19, 1722/23 and married Esther Proctor on March 6, 1745/46 in Westford. By 1769 they had all of their 11 children and lived in Parkerville, near Nonesuch Meadow, where he ran a brick making business with his sons. He was also a relatively wealthy man in 1774 as he was ranked 4th in the South Tax list.

From at least 1762, perhaps earlier, he held the rank of sergeant in the town militia, and was promoted to lieutenant in about 1769. In about 1772 or 73 he became captain of Westford’s 1st Foot Company of militia, the position he held at the age of 52 when he and his company made the march to Concord in response to the Alarm of April 19, 1775. Along with them was his son, 25 year old Jonathan, Jr., the company’s drummer.

Following the events at Lexington and Concord, he, with Captain Oliver Bates, remained in command of the Westford militia men who had not joined the Siege of Boston. Near the end of the Siege, in early 1776, he was appointed captain of another company of local Middlesex men who were stationed near Boston. Sometime in 1777 he was appointed a major in the militia establishment.

Town records show him to have been active in not only the war effort, but in town and church affairs. He was a member of several committees responsible for recruiting men for the army and contributed to supporting the families of soldiers. In 1779 he participated in a committee which drew up a comprehensive “confession of faith and covenant” for members of the church. A year later he joined a town committee to consider the form of a new government. He served as town Selectman in 1770, 1774, and 1777.

During the summer of 1775, at the age of 23, Jonathan’s son Joseph served in the new American army surrounding Boston with at least 58 other Westford men. He served in the company of Westford’s Captain Joshua Parker, Col. William Prescott’s regiment, and was killed along with two others from Westford in the attempt to hold the hastily built redoubt on Breed’s Hill.

Westford. Captain of a company of militia, Col. James Prescott's regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 15 days; also, official record of a ballot by the House of Representatives, dated Feb. 1, 1776; said Minot chosen 2nd Major, Col. Oliver Prescot's (6th Middlesex Co.) regt. of Mass militia; appointment concurred in by Council Feb. 7, 1776; reported commissioned Feb. 7 (also given Feb. 8) 1776; also, official record of a ballot by the House of Representatives, dated Feb. 14, 1776; said Minot chosen 1st Major, Col. Jonathan Reed's (6th Middlesex Co.) regt. of Mass militia, in the room of Josiah Sartell, elected Lieutenant Colonel; appointment concurred in by Council Feb. 15, 1776; reported commissioned Feb. 14, 1776.

Also under Jonathan Minott: Captain, Col. Baldwin's regt.; pay abstract for mileage from home to headquarters return, dated Cambridge, Jan. 12, Jonathan Minot, Jr.
(also given Jonathan, Jr.), Westford. Drummer, Capt. Jonathan Minot's co. of militia, Col. James Prescott's regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 14 days; also, Capt. Joshua Parker's co., Col. William Prescott's regt.; order for advance pay, signed by said Minot and others, dated Cambridge, June 9, 1775; also, Drummer, same co. and regt,; muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775; enlisted May 8, 1775; service, 85 days; reported promoted to Sergeant May 24, 1775; company commanded by Capt. Oliver Bates prior to May 24, 1775; also, order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Cambridge, Nov. 1, 1775. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

Also under Jonathan Minott: Westford. Sergeant, Capt. Joshua Parker's co., Col. William Prescott's (10th) regt.; company return dated Sept. 27, 1775; also, account showing sums of money to be paid out of the public treasury to sundry persons for losses sustained at battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill; amounts allowed in Council June 13, 1776
1776; mileage (52 miles) allowed, said Minott. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

Joseph Minot

Massachusetts Militia

Under Joseph Minott: Westford. Private, Capt. Joshua Parker's co., Co.. William Prescott's (10th) regt.; company return dated Sept. 27, 1775; enlisted April 19, 1775; also, certificate dated Westford, March 12, 1776, signed by Capt. Joshua Parker, certifying that said Minott, a soldier in his company, Col. Prescott's regt., was killed at the battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775, and had not received a bounty coat or value thereof; selectmen of Westford also certify that said Minott was the son of Maj. Jonathan Minott who was entitled to receive the bounty due (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

John Nutting, Jr.

April 19, 1775: Westford’s MInute Company

Born at Westford 22 October 1756, died at Albany, NY 25 December 1777 in the service of his country, son of John & his 3rd wife, Hannah (Read) Nutting. He was 18 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant.

"Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood’s Co., Col. William Prescott’s Regt. of Minute-men which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service 9 days; also, Capt. Jonathan Minott's Co., Col. Baldwin's Regt.; pay abstracts for mileage from home to headquarters and return, dated Cambridge 12 January 1776; mileage for 52 miles allowed said Nutting; also, list of men raised to serve in the Continental Army from Capt. Wright's Co., Col. Jonathan Read's (6th Middlesex County) Regt. as returned to Brig. Gen. Prescott; residence, Westford; engaged for Town of Westford; joined Capt. Ballard' s Co., Col. Alden's Regt.; term, 3 years to expire in 1780; also, Private, Capt. William Hudson Ballard' s Co., Col. John Brooks’s Regt.; Continental Army pay accounts for service from 30 June 1777 to 15 December 1777; residence, Fitchburg; reported deceased; also Capt. William Hudson Ballard’s Co., 6th Mass. Regt., formerly commanded by Col. Ichabod Alden; return of men who were in camp on or before 15 August l 777; also, Capt. Ballard's Co., Col. Ichabod Alden's Regt.; return, dated Albany 12 January 1778; residence, Westford; enlisted for the Town of Fitchburg; mustered by Col. Barrett, Muster-master for Middlesex County and a Continental Muster-master; also, 1st Co., Lieut. Col. John Brooks' s 7th) Regt.; return made up to 31 December 1779; enlisted 30 June 1777; reported dead 25 December 1777." [MSSRW XI-578]

Benjamin Osgood

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Second Foot Company

Born, probably at Andover about 1754 and died at Westford 9 December 1824, aged 70 years. He married at Westford 31 October 1778 Tryphena Cummings, born at Westford 5 February 1756, died there 13 December 1826, aged 71 years, daughter of Thomas Jr.& Lucy (Lawrence) Cummings. He was about 20 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant. In later years he was referred to as “Colonel '‘, but the basis for this is not reflected in his entry from the Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War.

“Private, Capt. Jonathan Minot's co. of militia, Col. James Prescott's regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 10 days; also, Capt. Jonathan Minott's co., Col. Baldwin's regt.; pay abstract for mileage from home to headquarters and return, dated Cambridge, Jan. 12, 1776; mileage for 52 miles allowed said Osgood”. [MSSRW XI-698]

David Parker

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Second Foot Company

Born at Westford 15 November 1757, died there 8 July 1834, aged 76 years, son of Aaron, Jr. & Dorothy (Fletcher) Parker. He married (1) at Littleton 18 January 1782 Martha Carver, born at Westford 9 December 1759, died there 10 May 1788 in her 29th year, daughter of Benjamin & Edea (Fletcher)Carver. He married (2) at Westford 8 October 1789 Lydia Hildreth, born at Westford 9 March 1760, died there 16 July 1834, aged 74 years, daughter of Ephraim, Jr. & Priscilla (Barron) Hildreth. He did not sign the 1776. Covenant. After his father died in I 762, this grandson of Mr. Aaron Parker probably stayed with his mother. She married (2) at Westford Peter Read of Littleton.

“Private, Capt. Jonathan Minot's co. of militia, Col. James Prescott's regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 14 days; also, Capt. John Minott's co., Col. Dike's regt.; muster roll for Dec. 1776-Feb. 1777; enlisted Dec. 18, 1776; regiment raised to serve until March 1, 1777.” [MSSRW XI-847]

John Parker

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minutemen Company

Born at Westford 12 July 1757, son of Moses & Bridget (Cummings) Parker. From Vital. Records of Westford, Mass. p. 300, “PARKER, John, s. Moses & Bridget [Feb. 5, 1778. different ink; killed by a fall on the ice with a stick of timber on his shoulder, a. 20 y. 6 mo. 22 d. G.R.I]"

"PARKER, John. Westford. Private Capt. Timothy Underwood' Co. Col. William Prescott's Regt. of Minutemen which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service 10 days; also, Capt. Joshua Parker's Co.,, Col. William Prescott's (l0th)Regt.; muster roll dated August 1775, enlisted 29 April 1775; service, 94 days; also, company return endorsed 'September the 17th 1775'; also, order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Cambridge Camp November 1775." [MSSRW XI-872]

Moses Parker

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company

Born at Westford 14 August 1755, died there 17 December 1775, aged 20 y., 4 mos. 4 days, son of Moses & Bridget (Cummings) Parker. He was 19 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant.

“Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood’s Co., Col. William Prescott’s Regt. of Minutemen which marched in response to the alarm of 19 April 1775; service, 2 days." [MSSRW XI-889]

Jonas Procter

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minutemen Company, Corporal

Born at West ford 16 September 1749, died at Louisburg, Cape Breton, Canada 6 November 1783 in his 35th year, son of Phillip & Phebe (Hildreth) Procter. He filed at Westford 17 November 1778 inventions of marriage with Lydia Brooks, born at Westford 21 August 1754, daughter of Josiah & Lydia (Haywood) Brooks. She married (2) at Westford 16 June 1785 Simeon Hunt, Jr. of Acton.

Westford, Corporal, Capt. Timothy Underwood's co., Col. William Prescott's regt. of Minute-men, which marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 13 days; also, Ensign; list of company officers of Col. Doolittle's regt. recommended by Committee of Safety at Cambridge June 12, 1775, to be commissioned; ordered in Provincial Congress June 12, 1775, that commissions be delivered said officers; also, Ensign, Capt. Joel Fletcher's co., Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regt.; muster roll dated Aug. 1, 1775; engaged May 2, 1775; service, 3 mos. 7 days; also, company return dated Camp at Winter Hill, Charlestown, Oct. 6, 1775. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

Joseph Read

December 16, 1773: Destruction of the Tea, Boston Harbor
Representative to the General Court: 1771-1776, 1778-1781
Selectman:1752-1755, 1768-1770, 1771-1773, 1775-1776, 1778-1780. 1783.
Clerk 1753-1754
On December 16, 1773, Joseph was involved in the destruction of the tea in Boston Harbor. Boston Tea Party Participant

Born at Chelmsford 4 June 1716, died at Westford 1 November 1795, aged 79 years, son of Thomas & Sarah (Fletcher) Read. He married at Concord, HA 30 May 1737 Ruth Underwood, born at Chelmsford 2 January 1719, died at Westford l November 1795, daughter of Joseph & Susanna (Parker) Underwood. He was 58 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant among the other "Town Fathers."

Capt. Read became a prominent man in Westford, MA which he represented for 20 years in the General Court. He took part in the famous Boston Tea Party, an act of protest regarded by many as the spark that ignited the American Revolution. Captain Joseph Read also served the town of Westford as delegate to go to the provincial Congress. He was a man of distinction and it is our honor to recognize his service.

Orders on Henry Gardner, Paymaster General, payable to said Read, Captain, dated Westford, Sept. 2, and Sept. 9, 1776, respectively, signed by the Selectmen of Westford, for money due for providing guns for certain soldiers in Capt. Joshua Parker's and Capt. Wyman's cos., Col. Prescott's regt. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

Possibly, under Joseph Reed: Account of blank commissions delivered the committees appointed to raise men to go to Canada [year not given]; said Reed, Captain, reported as belonging to the committee for Middlesex Co. (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War)

https://www.lowellsun.com/2022/10/16/boston-tea-party-participant-honored-in-westford/?fbclid=IwAR3pKVKfWDkBcPsuKuet2aq6kbapwDJQFKUxodGQDC4zHfyYytvGSt25QnA

Abijah Richardson

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company

Born at Westford 4 September 1748, died there 23 November 1828, aged 80 years, son of Thomas & Rebecca (Reed) Richardson. He married before 1773 Elizabeth, born about 1749, died at Westford 11 May 1826, aged 77 years. He did not sign the 1774 Covenant. “

Private, Capt. Timothy Underwood's Co., Col. William Prescott1s Regt. of Minutemen which marched in response to the alarm of 19 April 1775; service, 9 days; also, Capt. Jonathan Minot's Co., Col. Baldwin's Regt.; pay abstract for mileage from home to headquarters and return, dated Cambridge 12 January 1776; also, list of men raised for Continental service as returned by Capt. Zaccheus Wright and Capt. Peletiah Fletcher, endorsed "Westford Feby 6th '78' said Richardson, with others, enlisted from the Town of Westford for 1 year from July 1777; reported enlisted into 'Carpenter's Regt.' [MSSRW XIII-223]

Molly Rogers

The late summer and early fall of 1775 the civilians of Massachusetts towns were besieged by an epidemic of the Bloody Flux, a type of dysentery that can be deadly to children. The disease was brought into the towns by soldiers returning from their service in the camps surrounding Boston. Her father was Thomas Rogers who was killed in the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776 and reminds us of the toll the war took on families.

Thomas Rogers

April 19, 1775: Westford’s First Foot Company, Lieutenant

We are not certain of the background of this man. He was born about 1750 and, according to Vital Records of Westford, Mass., page 312, died on an expedition to Canada by the bursting of a cannon at Lake Champlain 17 [? 11?] October 1776 aged 26 years 9 months. He married Molly before 1774 Molly, who married (2) at Westford 23 March 1783 William Munroe of Lexington. Thomas & Molly had 2 daughters, both named Molly, born at Westford. The first, born 20 May 1774, died there 30 August 1775, the second, born 2 January 1777, less than 3 months after her father's death, died at Westford 11 September 1778.

ROGERS, THOMAS. Westford. "Sergeant, Capt. Oliver Bates Co. of militia, Col. James Prescott's Regt. which marched on the alarm of 19 April 1775; service, 7 days, reported enlisted in the army; Also, Second Lieutenant, Capt. Joshua Parker's Co.; list of officers of Col. Prescott's Regt. recommended in the Committee of Safety at Cambridge 23 June 1775 for commissions; ordered in Provincial Congress 25 June 1775 that said officers be commissioned; also, Sergeant, Capt. Joshua Parker's Co., Col. William Prescott's ( 10th)Regt.; muster roll dated I August 1775; engaged 26 April 1775; service, 97 days; reported promoted to 2nd Lieutenant 21 May 1775; also, 2nd Lieutenant, same Co. & Regt.; company return endorsed 'September the 27th 1775; Also, order for bounty coat or its equivalent in money, dated Camp at Cambridge, 1 November 1775." [MSSRW XIII-624]

Lt. Thomas Rogers

Thomas Rogers was born in 1750, and settled in Westford some time prior to 1774 with his wife Molly.

Rogers involved himself in town affairs. In the summer of 1774, along with 206 other Westford men, he expressed his patriot leanings by signing the “Solemn League and Covenant,” an early non-importation pledge against Great Britain. In early 1775, records show that Rogers was reimbursed for “boarding the school master for seven weeks.” And by April he had risen to the rank of sergeant in the Westford militia company of Capt. Oliver Bates, with whom he would serve on April 19th on the Battle Road.

The signature of Thomas Rogers from the
“Solemn League and Covenant”.
Courtesy J.V. Fletcher Library

Rogers remained in the camps at Cambridge during the Siege of Boston, serving as 2nd Lieutenant under Westford’s Capt. Joshua Parker. He served with that company at Bunker (Breeds) Hill on June 17, 1775.

Tragedy then struck the Rogers family. Their daughter, Molly, born in May of the previous year, died. She was one of 23 Westford children who would die in August and September of 1775, most likely the victims of diseases returned from the siege camps of the new American army.

Near the end of the Siege of Boston, in early 1776, Rogers joined the regiment of Westford’s Col. John Robinson, formed for three months as reinforcement to the Continental Army. This time he served as sergeant in Capt. Josiah Warren’s company.
In the summer of 1776 Rogers joined the Northern Army as a lieutenant in the regiment of Col. Jonathan Reed, again under Capt. Joshua Parker. An anecdote from Hodgman’s History of Westford describes the scene as a group of 12 Westford soldiers departed for Ft. Ticonderoga that year: “…one of them, Thomas Rogers, refused to stand up when [the Rev.] Mr. Thaxter spoke to them, …of the twelve all returned but Rogers.” From there he was detached to the command of General Benedict Arnold where, with Sgt. Jonas Holden, he helped man the gunboat New York on Lake Champlain. He was killed from the bursting of New York’s cannon.

Molly Rogers was pregnant when she learned of her 26-year-old husband’s death and would memorialize his sacrifice for the “caus of Liberty” with a unique stone at Westford’s Fairview Cemetery. Their second daughter, also called Molly, was born less than three months after her father’s death. Tragically, like her sister, she would never reach her second birthday.

In 1783, Molly, the “sorowfull widow,” married William Munroe, owner of the Lexington tavern that stands today as an historic site. (Dan Lacroix, 2005)

Jonathan Snow

Massachusetts Militia

Jonathan Snow was born Chelmsford, 16, May 1762 in Chelmsford, Middlesex County, Province. He was the son of Joshua & Lois (Hildreth) Snow. As a young man, Jonathan Snow served his country as a Lieutenant in the Massachusetts Militia. Marriage to Sarah Parker, 09 APRIL 1786 in Chelmsford, they had 6 children.

Chelmsford. Lieutenant, Capt. Benjamin Nye’s co., Col. Nathan Sparhawk’s regt; joined Sept. 17, 1788; service 3 mos 1 day, at Dorchester, including travel (5 days) home; company discharge Dec. 12, 1778. Roll sworn in Worcester Co.

Jonathan Spaulding

Born at Westford 21 February 1730/31, died there 5 November 1775 in his 45th year, son of Timothy & Bethia (Herrick) Spaulding. He married at Westford 11 January 1759 Lydia Richardson, born at Westford 11 October 1738, daughter of Henry & Priscilla Richardson. We find no local death entry for her. He was 43 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant. We find no suitable MSSRW entry.

Sergeant. Tewksbury Minutemen, with Capt. Jonathan Brown's Company at the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

Timothy Spaulding

April 19, 1775: Westford’s Minute Company, Sergeant

Born at Westford 26 November 1741, died there (as Lieut.) 24 September 1784 in his 44th year, son of Oliver & Sarah (Read) Spaulding. He married at Westford 4 August 1763 Hannah Richardson, born at Westford 28 October 1743, died there 27 October 1807, aged 64 years. She married (2) at Westford 12 November 1795, as his third wife, Joseph Jewett, possibly born at Littleton 15 June 1740, son of Ezra & Mary (Herrick) Jewett. Timothy was 33 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant

Under Timothy Spaulding: Westford. “Sergeant, Capt. Timothy Underwood's co., Col. William Prescott's regt. of Minute-men, which marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 6 days; also, 2d Lieutenant, Capt. Pelatiah Fletcher's 4th (1st Westford) co., 6th Middlesex Co. regt. of Mass Militia; list of officers chosen by the several companies in said regiment, as returned by Jonathan Reed and others, field officers; ordered in Council April 24, 1776, that said officers be commissioned; reported commissioned April 24, 1776.

Also: Account dated Westford, June 19, 1781, rendered by the Selectmen, of bounties paid men raised to serve in the Continental Army for the term of 3 years, agreeable to resolve of Dec. 2, 1780; said Spaulding reported as member of a class which engaged John Pacth (Patch)”. [Both MSSRW XIV-696]

Zaccheus Wright

April 19, 1775: Westford Lieutenant of militia

Born Westford 27 October I738, died there 20 March 1811, son of Ebenezer & Deliverance (Stevens) Wright. He married at Chelmsford 5 January 1764 Rachel Parker, born at Chelmsford 3 September 1737, died at Westford 27 June 1823, aged 86 years, daughter of Jonathan & Rachel (Butterfield) Parker. He was 36 years of age when he signed the 1774 Covenant at Column to head the "town officials." He was then a member of the Committee of Correspondence for Westford.

He was one of the founding Trustees of Westford Academy and served as President of that board from 1794 for several years.

(also given Zachariah), Westford. 1st Lieutenant, Capt. Jonathan Minot's co. of militia, Col. James Prescott's regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 15 days; also, Captain, 8th (2d Westford) co., 6th Middlesex Co. regt. of Mass militia; list of officers chosen by the several companies in said regiment, as returned by Jonathan Reed and others, field officers; ordered in Council April 24, 1776, that said officers be commissioned; reported commissioned April 24, 1776; also, Captain, 8th co., Col. Eleazer Brook's regt.; list of officers of a regiment drafted from Middlesex Co. militia and ordered to march to Horse Neck by Brig. Oliver Prescott Sept. 26, 1776; also, Captain, Col. Brooks's regt.; return dated Camp at White Plains, Oct. 31, 1776; said Wright reported as in camp at White Plains and fit for duty; also, reported as having lost a coat in battle; also, same regt.; engaged Sept. 27, 1776; discharged Nov. 16, 1776; service, 62 days, including 11 days (212 miles) travel home; order for payment of amount of roll dated at North Castle and signed by Col. Eleazer Brooks; also, Captain, Col. Cyprian Howe's regt.; appointed June 30, 1780; discharged Oct. 30, 1780; service, 4 mos. 5 days, including 4 days (80 miles) travel home; also, account dated Westford, June 19, 1781, rendered by the Selectmen, of bounties paid men raised to serve in the Continental Army for the term of 3 years, agreeable to resolve of Dec. 2, 1780; said Wright, Captain, reported as a member of a class which engaged Josiah Brooks; also, receipt dated Boston, May 31, 1782, for bounty paid Abel Read by said Wright, Colonel, and Chairman of Class No. 1 of the town of Westford, to serve in the Continental Army for the term of 3 years (MSSRW XVII-964]