ÆäÀÌÁö À̹ÌÁö
PDF
ePub

1787.

The officers of the Artillery Company elected in 1787 were: John Brooks (1786), captain; Josiah Waters (1769), lieutenant, and Ebenezer Torrey (1765), ensign. William Todd, Jr. (1773), was first sergeant; John Johnston (1786), second sergeant; Francis Green (1786), third sergeant; Thomas Wells (1786), fourth sergeant, and John Winslow (1786), clerk.

About sunset, on Friday evening, April 20, 1787, a fire broke out in a malt-house, near the Liberty Pole, at the South End. It was the greatest that had occurred in the town since 1760. About one hundred buildings were destroyed, including one meetinghouse and fifty dwellings. It burned on both sides of Orange, now Washington, Street, and the houses of several members of the Artillery Company were consumed.

In 1787, and for some years afterward, Benjamin Lincoln (1786) was major-general in command of the First Division of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and John Brooks (1786) was major-general in command of the Third Division.

April 7, 1787, an independent company of cavalry, called the Governor's Horse Guard was formed, Col. James Swan being elected commander. They made their first public appearance in uniform (red, faced with blue), June 21, 1787.

May 25, 1787, the Republican Volunteers, under the command of Major Bartlett (1769), appeared in complete uniform for the first time. This company was instituted the 17th of November preceding. Their uniform was red, faced with black. June 16, the governor presented the Volunteers with a standard. Their second commander was Capt. Lemuel Gardner (1787), who was unanimously chosen in August, 1787.

The members of the Artillery Company recruited in 1787 were: William Bird, William Call, Benjamin Cobb, Jr., William Dall, Phineas Dana, John Fenno, Lemuel Gardner, John Green, David Hatch, Peter Parker, William Shattuck, Ezra Whitney, Jeremiah Williams.

William Bird (1787), innkeeper, of Boston. He was published to marry Polly Bayley, Nov. 24, 1784. Mr. Bird (1787) was adjutant of the Suffolk County Brigade Train of Artillery in 1784, captain of Ward 12 military company, in Boston, in 1787, was commissioned major in the Boston regiment, in March, 1788, and was first sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1788.

The directory of Boston for 1796 gives "William Bird, innkeeper, Washington Street." "Bird's Tavern, so called in 1796, known in Revolutionary times as Edward Richardson's, and afterward as Bellow's, still stands in the angle formed by the intersection of Belmont Street with the old Watertown road. It was the hiding-place where the colony cannon and intrenching tools were concealed. It was also a favorite resort for Burgoyne's officers on account of the cockpit on the other side of the road. The faculty of Harvard College ate their annual dinner there for many years."

1

William Call (1787), baker, of Charlestown, son of Richard and Mary (King) Call, of Charlestown, was born Feb. 27, 1732-3. He followed the trade of his father. In 1760 he bought of Jonathan Bradish the bakehouse in which his father, who died in 1756, had done his business, but he subsequently moved to Boston. He was a brother of Capt. Nathaniel Call (1774). Capt. William Call (1787) was living in Boston in 1782.

William Bird (1787). AUTHORITY: Boston Records.

William Call (1787). AUTHORITY: Wyman's Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown.

1

Saturday Evening Gazette, 1886," Taverns in Olden Times, N.. 5."

Benjamin Cobb, Jr. (1787), distiller, of Boston, son of Benjamin and Bethia (Homer) Cobb, was born in Yarmouth, Mass., and was published, November, 1780, to marry Lucy Jackson. His distillery was on "Orange Street; house, Washington Street." Benjamin Cobb, Jr.'s (1787), mother was a niece of Michael Homer (1768).

Mr. Whitman (1810) says of Mr. Cobb (1787), he was "admitted a member of the church while young, and was a worthy, industrious, and respectable man, having a large family." He never held any office in the Artillery Company.

William Dall (1787), merchant, of Boston, son of William and Elizabeth Dall, was born in Boston, Dec. 22, 1753, and he died Sept. 18, 1829. He was published, Jan. 17, 1781, to marry Mary Parker, of Boston. He is given in the Boston Directory of 1796 as "shop-keeper, Orange Street; house, Washington Street." He never held any office in the Artillery Company. He was identified with the militia, and held the grade of captain.

Phineas Dana (1787).

John Fenno (1787), "cordwainer, leather-bucket maker, and maker of hose for engines and West India use," on Orange Street, son of John and Hannah, his wife, was born in Boston, May 4, 1732. He was clerk of the Artillery Company in 1788.

John Fenno (1787) joined the Old South Church, Jan. 5, 1772, and became a member of The Massachusetts Lodge, A. F. and A. M., May 2, 1774. He visited Massachusetts Grand Lodge in 1773 and 1779.

Lemuel Gardner (1787), cooper, of Boston, was published to marry Deborah Humphreys, of Weymouth, July 9, 1777. He became a member of the Old South Church, April 7, 1782. Capt. Gardner (1787) was second sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1790, ensign in 1792, lieutenant in 1799, and its captain in 1803. In 1789, his cooper's shop was on Garaner's Wharf, and his residence on Fish, now North, Street. He was one of the contributors, June 18, 1792, towards purchasing a new bell for the New Brick Society. The bell bore this inscription, "The First Church Bell cast in Boston, 1792, by P. Revere."

"He lived at a time of prosperity among mechanics in Boston, who, earning their money easy, lived generously. He belonged to a set, very hospitable, whose sideboards were loaded with plate, and who brought up their families in expensive style. They were enterprising, ready to promote all public improvements, firm friends, carried a great sway in public, sung good songs, and seldom had a heavy heart or felt want."

He was elected captain of the Independent Corps of Republican Volunteers in August, 1787. His brother, Joshua, Jr., joined the Artillery Company in 1798.

[blocks in formation]

David Hatch (1787), broker, of Boston. His office was No. 28 Marlborough, now Washington, Street. He was captain of the Ward 10 military company in Boston, in 1787-8.

Peter Parker (1787), son of John and Experience (Cloyes) Parker, was born in Framingham, Oct. 3, 1738. He married, Dec. 8, 1761, Ruth Eaton. He became a leading citizen of Framingham: was one of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety during the Revolutionary War, and one of the committee of the town appointed to provide for the families of the soldiers who enlisted in the Continental Army. He was active in the church of which he became a member May 22, 1763; was selectmen in 1777, and from 1779 to 1782 inclusive; town treasurer from 1783 to 1786 inclusive, and was one of a committee of fifty persons to examine the new constitution of Massachusetts, in 1780. He was also town collector and a member of the company of alarm soldiers, under Capt. Emmes. He was a member of the militia for many years, and rose to the grade of captain.

Capt. Parker (1787) died Nov. 5, 1803, aged sixty-five years.

William Shattuck (1787), merchant, of Boston, son of John and Martha (Hammond) Shattuck, of Roxbury, was born in Newton, Dec. 24, 1749, and died in New York, April 2, 1807, aged fifty-eight years. His place of business was No. 41 Long Wharf, and his residence, in 1796, was on Milk Street, just below the Old South. Mr. Shattuck (1787) received the Masonic degrees in the Lodge of St. Andrew, of Boston, in 1777, at the same time that Edward Tuckerman (1765) did. During the Revolution, and for a short time before and after, he was one of the most prominent and wealthy merchants of Boston. He became involved to a very large amount by indorsements for other parties, and, it is said, lost thereby over one hundred thousand dollars. He applied his wealth to the payment of these debts, and afterward was employed in the custom-house in Boston. He held that position from 1789 until his decease. He married Martha, daughter of Peter and Sarah Payson. She died March 26, 1807.

Ezra Whitney (1787), merchant, of Boston, son of James and Martha (Rice) Whitney, was born Feb. 22, 1730. He married, (1) Feb. 14, 1754, Mary Morse, (2) Elizabeth —, (3) in 1760, Agnes Ross. For a short time he resided in Boston. His store, where he sold West India goods, and his residence, were on Orange, now Washington, Street. He was lieutenant in the Ward 12 military company of Boston in 1787-8. He died Sept. 24, 1804, aged seventy-four years.

Jeremiah Williams (1787), blacksmith, of Roxbury, son of Jeremiah and Katherine, was born in that town, Nov. 10, 1762. He married, in August, 1787, Matilda, the youngest daughter of Hon. Caleb Davis (1786). He was active in the militia, and rose to the grade of captain. He resided in the old mansion, yet standing, on the corner of Amory Street, near the railroad bridge, in Roxbury, known as the "John Curtis

Peter Parker (1787). AUTHORITIES: Barry's Hist. of Framingham; Parker Genealogy.

William Shattuck (1787). AUTHORITY: Boston Records.

Ezra Whitney (1787). AUTHORITY: Whitney Genealogy.

Jeremiah Williams (1787). AUTHORITIES: Crane's Tea Leaves of 1773, p. 170; Roxbury Records; Drake's Hist. of Roxbury, p. 398.

House." He was a nephew of Col. Joseph, a distinguished citizen, and a brother of Major Edward Payson Williams, an officer of the Revolutionary Army, who died in the service.

The record of the Artillery Company for 1787 is as follows:

"January, 1787. The Committee appointed to consider what, in their opinion would be the most proper uniform for the Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company, having attended that duty, beg leave to Report: -1st. The Coats be made of deep blue cloth, & faced with buff, lappelled, & straps on the shoulders to secure the belts, with hooks & eyes at the skirts; the Buttons plain yellow, double-washed. 2d Buff Vest & Breeches, buttons uniform with the Coats. 3d A plain black hatt, with a black button loop & cockade, cocked soldier like & uniform as possible. 4th. White linen spatterdashes, to fasten under the foot & come part up the thigh, with black buttons & black Garters to buckle below the knee. 5th. White Stocks. 6th Bayonett & Pouch Belts white two & half inches wide, to be worn over the Shoulders. 7th. The pouches to be uniform. 8th. The Hair to be Clubbed. 9th. The Guns to be as nigh uniform as possible. roth. White Ruffled Shirts, at Wrist & Bosom. 11th. Your Committee recommend that our Standard have a device and motto, & that a Committee be appointed for that purpose. 12th. That the drums & fifes uniform be the same as the Company Coats reversed. The above Report read by paragraphs & accepted by a large majority of the Company. The Committee appointed to attend to the motto & device on the Standard consist of five. The Company made choice of the following gentlemen, Samuel Gore [1786], John Johnston [1786], Capt. Bell [1756], Josiah Waters [1769] John May [1786]. The Company Voted, That the musick Clothing shall be paid for out of the Company's funds by a draft on the Treasurer. Voted, that Col. Josiah Waters [1769] shall get a complete uniform made & appear with the same before the Company as a pattern. Attest; WILLIAM DAWES, Jun. Clerk.

[ocr errors]

"Friday, May 11th. 1787. Voted, that Capt Wm Bell [1756], Capt John Stutson [1765] Maj. William Dawes [1768], Col. Josiah Waters [1769], & Col. Amasa Davis [1786] be a Committee to provide a Dinner for the Ancient & Honorable Company of Artillery at Faneuil Hall on Monday the fourth day of June next. Voted, as the Company have passed a vote to allow thirty pounds out of the Funds of said Company, that every member bear an equal Proportion of the sum necessary to complete the expenses of the day, that may arise over & above the thirty pounds. The Committee appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. John Clarke to preach the Artillery Election Sermon, have waited on him, and report to the Company that he complies with their request.

"Attest; WILLIAM DAWES, Jun. Clerk.

"Monday, June 4th. 1787. The weather being bad, the Company met at the Old South Meeting House, waited on the Governor, Lt Governor, & Council from the Council Chamber to the Brick Meeting House. The Rev. Mr. John Clarke preached a Sermon adapted to the occasion. The Company proceeded to Faneuil Hall, where a dinner was provided. At four o'clock they marched into the Common, where, under arms, they unanimously made choice of the following Gentlemen as Officers to the Company for the present year, viz :

[ocr errors]

:

Major General John Brooks [1786], Captain. Col. Josiah Waters [1769], Lieutenant. Mr. Ebenezer Torrey [1765], Ensign. Capt. William Todd, Jun [1773], Capt. John Johnston [1786], Capt Francis Green [1786] & Capt. Thomas Wells [1786] as

Sergeants; John Winslow [1786] as Clerk; Col. Joseph Jackson [1738] as Treasurer. The Company then adjourned to the Hall. Voted, that Capt Bell [1756], Capt. Stutson [1765], Gen Brooks [1786], Col. Waters [1769] & Mr. Torrey [1765] be a Committee to wait on Mr. Clarke & return him the Company's thanks, and desire a copy of his Sermon for the press. Voted that the Company meet on Monday evening next, at the Hall, at seven o'clock. Attest; JOHN WINSLOW, Clerk.

"Monday, June 11th. The Company met at Faneuil Hall at seven o'clock for exercise. Voted, The Thanks of the Company be given to Maj. William Dawes Jun. [1768] for his faithful services as Clerk. Voted, That Mr. Robert Jenkins [1756] & Mr. Thomas Clark [1786] be a Committee to examine the Clerk's accounts. Voted, That Gen. John Brooks [1786], Col. Josiah Waters [1769], Mr Ebenezer Torrey [1765] & Col. Joseph Jackson [1738] be a Committee to take up the finances of the Company at large, in such way & manner as they may judge necessary to take such counsel of whatever kind they may think expedient, and in all respects conduct for the Company as though they were acting for themselves, and make report of their doings as soon as may be. Voted, That the Company meet once a fortnight for exercise 'till the first of August next.

"Monday, September. -, Capt William Bell [1756] presented the Company with two Espontoons & desired their acceptance. Voted, The thanks of the Company be given to Capt Bell [1756] for the compliment made them. Voted, Unanimously, that Capt. Bell [1756] be on the Honorary List agreeable to his request.

Monday, October. Faneuil Hall. Voted, The Company meet for exercise the first Monday evening in Feb'y next, at 6 o'clock."

On Monday, April 2, 1787, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, commanded by Major Bell (1756), paraded in State Street, and marched into the Common, where they went through their usual manoeuvres and evolutions. The Company was in uniform, and made a fine appearance.

June 4, 1787, being the first Monday in June, agreeably to their charter, and according to ancient custom, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company held their annual election.

The corps, escorting his Excellency the governor, his Honor the lieutenant-governor, and several other distinguished characters, accompanied by the officers of the regiment of militia, and those of the Independent Cadets, Light Infantry, Republican Volunteers, and Fusileers, proceeded from the council chamber to the Old Brick Meeting-House, where the Rev. John Clarke delivered the anniversary discourse. After divine service, the procession was joined by the officers of the troop of horse, selectmen, and other gentlemen, and proceeded to Faneuil Hall, where the whole participated in an elegant entertainment provided by the corps, which concluded with a number of patriotic toasts.

In the afternoon, by invitation of the governor, the gentlemen of the procession repaired to his Excellency's house, where they partook of a cold collation, tea, coffee, etc. The Artillery, having marched into the Common, elected their officers for the current year, viz. Hon. Major-Gen. John Brooks (1786), captain; Col Josiah Waters. (1769), lieutenant; Mr. Ebenezer Torrey (1765), ensign. The Artillery Company then proceeded to the mansion of his Excellency Gov. John Hancock, where, having partaken of refreshments, they paraded on the ground marked out for the purpose. His Excellency the governor, the lieutenant-governor, with other gentlemen, repaired thither, and, being seated, the corps performed their several manoeuvres and firings. His Excel

« ÀÌÀü°è¼Ó »