This project honors the 250th anniversary of American Independence by documenting the Tufts family’s Revolutionary War service, expanded genealogy, historical places, artifacts, family letters, and verified resources. This site serves as a starting point for research and a placeholder for a growing collection of links and information about our Tufts kinsmen. It is not an authoritative or complete record, but an ongoing work in progress. The pages will be updated, corrected, and expanded as time permits and new information is uncovered. If you have additional details, documents, or corrections, please contact the current Tufts Kinsmen President, Shannon Tufts, at tuftss@hotmail.com.
Last Updated: April 16, 2026
Index of Tufts Family Members
| Name | Birth–Death | Service / Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Tufts | circa 1745 – TBD | Medford Minute Man / Saratoga |
| Adam Tufts | TBD – TBD | Colonial militia |
| Andrew Tufts | circa 1750 – TBD | Soldier (Saratoga campaign) |
| Anne (Adams) Tufts | 1729 – 1812 | Nurse at Winter Hill Hospital |
| Barnabas Tufts | 1743 – 1795 | Medford Minute Man |
| Benjamin Tufts | circa 1752 – TBD | Soldier / Militia |
| Caleb Tufts | circa 1758 – TBD | Soldier / Militia |
| Cato Tufts | TBD – TBD | Patriot of Color – Bunker Hill |
| Cotton Tufts (Dr.) | 1732 – 1815 | Patriotic Service – Physician |
| Daniel Tufts | circa 1745 – TBD | Medford Minute Man |
| David Tufts | 1763 – 1823 | Corporal, 2nd Mass Regiment |
| Ebenezer Tufts | circa 1740 – TBD | Medford Minute Man |
| Elias Tufts | circa 1755 – TBD | Soldier (15th Mass Regiment) |
| Francis Tufts (1744) | 1744 – 1833 | Soldier (Tiverton, Dorchester Heights, Penobscot) |
| Francis Tufts (Lt.) | 1756 – 1823 | Lieutenant / Adjutant, 8th Mass – Stillwater |
| Frederick Tufts | 1731 – TBD | Sergeant (colonial militia) |
| George Tufts | 1746/7 – 1796 | Private – Stillwater/Saratoga |
| Grimes Tufts | 1748 – TBD | Sergeant / Ensign / Lt., Lynn Minute Men |
| Henry Tufts Jr. | 1748 – 1831 | Soldier |
| Henry Tufts Sr. | 1716 – 1780 | Private / Patriotic service |
| Hutchinson Tufts | 1743 – 1800 | Patriotic Citizen (bounty loans) |
| Ichabod Tufts | 1731 – 1775 | Probable KIA Bunker Hill |
| Isaac Tufts | 1744 – 1823 | Sergeant, Medford Minute Men |
| James Tufts (1726) | 1726 – 1786 | Participant / Supporter |
| James Tufts Jr. | 1755 – 1810 | Medford Minute Man |
| John Tufts (Corporal) | circa 1742 – TBD | Corporal, Medford Minute Men |
| Jonathan Tufts | circa 1748 – TBD | Medford Minute Man |
| Joseph Tufts | 1731 – 1778 | Committee of Correspondence & Safety |
| Joseph Tufts Jr. | 1755 – TBD | Patriotic Citizen (bounty loans) |
| Moses Tufts | circa 1744 – 1796 | Recruiting Officer (1776) |
| Nathan Tufts Jr. | circa 1750 – 1819 | Soldier & bounty loans |
| Peter Tufts Jr. | circa 1750 – TBD | Medford Minute Man |
| Peter Tufts Jr. (of Winter Hill) | 1728 – 1791 | Medford Minute Man – Winter Hill |
| Samuel Tufts | circa 1746 – TBD | Medford Minute Man & Recruiting Officer |
| Samuel Tufts 3rd | circa 1752 – TBD | Medford Minute Man |
| Simon Tufts (Dr.) Jr. | 1727 – 1786 | Physician & Committee of Correspondence |
| William Tufts | circa 1755 – 1777 | Soldier (KIA Bennington) |
| William Tufts Jr. | 1727 – 1782 | Patriotic Citizen (bounty loans) |
| William Tuffs | 1750 – 1847 | Boston Tea Party participant; Revolutionary War service |
| Zachariah Tufts | 1759 – 1828 | Soldier (Morgan’s Riflemen) |
Aaron Tufts
| Full Name | Aaron Tufts |
|---|---|
| Born | 18 December 1761 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Died | 1781 in Old Mill Prison, Plymouth, Devonshire, England (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Death Place | Old Mill Prison, Plymouth, Devonshire, England (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Parents | William Tufts and Susanna (Dix) Tufts (Tufts Genealogy Blog, verified from Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution and Medford in the Revolution) |
| Spouse(s) | None (single) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Children | None (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Kinsmen Family 93 (6th Generation Medford line); brother to Eleanor Tufts (93-3) and William Tufts (93-5) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Occupation | Sailor in U.S. Navy (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Enlisted in the new U.S. Navy for 3 years (return dated February 1778) and again for 8 months in 1780 at age 19; crew member of the privateer ship Essex (sailed from Salem); captured by the British warship Queen Charlotte in June 1781 and died in Old Mill Prison while a prisoner of war (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177). Also served in Continental Army: Private, Capt. James Bancroft’s Co., Col. Michael Jackson’s Regt. from 4 March 1777 to 31 December 1779; Capt. Wade’s Co., same regt. from 1 January 1780 to 28 February 1780; 6-months man from Medford (marched to camp 8 July 1780, discharged 12 December 1780); participated in the charge at Stillwater/Battle of Saratoga, September 1777 (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 20 Full PDF; Tufts Genealogy Blog) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 93-4 AARON® TUFTS, sailor in USN, POW b. 18, Dec. 1761 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MMCC 1:76 & 2:80] d. 1781 in Plymouth, {Devonshire} England [GAZ 9/18/1781] single. AARON, during the American Revolution, enlisted in the new U. S. Navy for 3 years, return dated Feb. 1778, and enlisted again for 8 months in 1780, at 19, a member of the crew of the ship Essex that was captured by the British. He died in Old Mill Prison in England while a prisoner of war [MTH]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 20) Full PDF; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution (verified entries for Aaron Tufts of Medford); Tufts Genealogy Blog (verified primary records) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full verified service history and Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors records for Aaron Tufts Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – verbatim quote on Stillwater charge, p. 20 Battles of Saratoga / Stillwater (Col. Michael Jackson’s Regt. context) Old Mill Prison, Plymouth, England (POW site) |
| Notes | Aaron Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen ID 93-4) of Medford, Massachusetts, served in the Continental Army under Capt. James Bancroft, Col. Michael Jackson’s Regiment (1777–1780), participating in the decisive American charge at Stillwater during the Battles of Saratoga in September 1777. He later enlisted in the U.S. Navy aboard the privateer Essex and was captured by the British in June 1781, dying in Old Mill Prison, Plymouth, England, in 1781 while a prisoner of war. “The Medford men who made that charge were William Cutter, Francis Tufts, Aaron Tufts, George Tufts…” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 20). No grave marker or DAR record located in searched sources. |
Adam Tufts
| Full Name | Adam Tufts |
|---|---|
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | April 16, 1778 (in Continental Army service) |
| Birth Place | Residence listed as Chelsea, Massachusetts (also engaged for Malden) |
| Death Place | In service (Continental Army pay accounts report death while with Tenth Massachusetts) |
| Parents | Unknown (no entry assigned in Tufts Kinsmen Volume I) |
| Spouse(s) | Interest in marriage recorded to another Negro servant (unmarried at time of enlistment) |
| Children | Unknown |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Possibly servant of Stephen Tufts of Malden (Stephen Tufts, son of John from Peter the immigrant line, or his son Stephen Jr.); no other family records located; unknown family line |
| Occupation | Servant; Continental Army private |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Moses Greenleaf’s co., Col. Ebenezer Francis’s regt. (later Col. Benjamin Tupper’s regt., Tenth Massachusetts); enlisted Feb. 4, 1777 from Chelsea for 3 years; mustered by Nathaniel Barber, Muster Master for Suffolk Co., Feb. 16, 1777; received State bounty; subsistence allowed from enlistment to arrival at Bennington (52½ days allowance, 230 miles travel credited); on command at Albany Jan. 25, 1778; died in service April 16, 1778. Also listed as engaged for town of Malden. (Tufts Genealogy Blog, quoting Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I (no entry or ID assigned to these records); Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution (full service verbatim as quoted in blog); Tufts Genealogy Blog military history posts |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full Service History and Notes for Adam Tufts (includes verbatim Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors entries) Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the American Revolution (digitized volume containing Adam Tufts entries) |
| Notes | Adam Tufts enlisted in the Continental Army from Chelsea (also credited to Malden) and served as a private in Capt. Moses Greenleaf’s company under Col. Ebenezer Francis and later Col. Benjamin Tupper. He died in service on April 16, 1778. Blog analysis notes he may have been a servant (possibly of African descent, referenced as “Negro servant” in a marriage interest record) to Stephen Tufts of Malden, with no other vital or family records located and no assignment in Tufts Kinsmen Volume I. More research needed on origins. |
Andrew Tufts
| Full Name | Andrew Tufts |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 January 1761 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Died | 20 April 1836 in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts |
| Parents | Joseph⁴ Tufts and Hannah (Cutter) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Blake (m. 15 September 1797 in Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts); daughter of Increase and Elizabeth (Bridge) Blake (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
| Children | Hannah; Sarah N.; Andrew W.; Lucy W.; Ammi A.; Mary A. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Joseph⁵ Tufts Jr.; Samuel⁵ Tufts 3rd; Ammi Ruhamah⁵ Tufts; Walter⁵ Tufts; Cotton⁵ Tufts; Hannah⁵ Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3; Tufts Kinsmen Family 43) |
| Occupation | Farmer / Militia service (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Aaron Jewett’s Company, Col. Samuel Bullard’s Regiment; marched to join the Northern Army at Saratoga, New York, August–November 1777 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 43-3 ANDREW⁵ TUFTS b. 6, Jan. 1761 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. d. 20, Apr. 1836 in Worcester, {Worcester} Mass. [WVR4 520] Jabez is wrong m 15, Sep. 1797 in Worcester, {Worcester} Mass. [WVR4 434] to MARY BLAKE dau of Increase and Elizabeth (Bridge) Blake b. 5, Nov. 1763 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. d. 11, Nov. 1849 in New Orleans, {Orleans} La. had 1) Hannah, 2) Sarah N., 3) Andrew W., 4) Lucy W., 5) Ammi A., 6) Mary A. –TUFTS Family 107. ANDREW was a private in the Revolutionary War with the Northern Army at Saratoga, N. Y. He was head of household in a census in 1790 and 1800 [TTA 415 & 416] and was undoubtedly the Andrew in Concord in 1820 [TTA 417]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full Service History and Notes for Andrew Tufts (Saratoga Campaign) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (Medford Tufts context) Medford Minute Men Bronze Memorial Plaque (High Street, Medford) – Tufts family cluster |
| Notes | Andrew Tufts served as a private with the Northern Army during the decisive Battles of Saratoga in 1777. He was a member of the Medford Tufts line and later resided in Worcester and Concord, Massachusetts. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 91, ID 43-3) |
Anne Adams Tufts
| Full Name | Anne Adams Tufts (née Adams) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 18-2 (spouse of Peter⁴ Tufts Jr.) |
| Born | 8 July 1729 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Died | 17 February 1813 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Birth Place | Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Parents | Daughter of Lieut. Joseph Adams and Rachel (Allen) Adams (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Spouse(s) | Peter⁴ Tufts Jr. (m. 19 April 1750 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Children | Peter, Peter, John, Anna, Elizabeth, Joseph, Lydia, Asa, Thomas, Lucy, Rebecca, Sarah (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Adams family of Menotomy/Arlington; connected to Tufts Family 53 through marriage to Peter⁴ Tufts Jr. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50) |
| Occupation | Homemaker and nurse to wounded soldiers |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Wife of Peter Tufts Jr. (Minuteman); celebrated for having the wounded soldiers (Patriots or Regulars) removed to her home on Winter Hill to nurse and care for them during and after the Battle of Bunker Hill (Battle of Bunker Hill); her home on Winter Hill was probably the very first home Paul Revere reached on the night of 18 April 1775 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50). Took 8 wounded soldiers from the Battle of Bunker Hill to her home and cared for them and others (Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location record) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 50; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave Memorial: Anne Adams Tufts (1729–1813), Phipps Street Burying Ground, Charlestown, Massachusetts Tufts Genealogy Blog: Anne Adams Tufts; Nurse at the Battle of Bunker Hill (full biographical post) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location & Marker: Old Phipps Burying Ground, Charlestown, Massachusetts (service: took 8 wounded soldiers from Battle of Bunker Hill to her home); Doorstep stone from Tufts home with bronze tablet, Winter Hill, Somerville, Massachusetts (placed 1909 by Anne Adams Tufts Chapter, DAR, presented to the city) Helen Tilden Wild Reference: Medford in the Revolution (1903) – full digitized volume |
| Notes | Anne Adams Tufts lived with her husband Peter Tufts Jr. on Winter Hill, Charlestown (now the top of Broadway, Somerville). Their home was one of the first alerted by Paul Revere on 18 April 1775. She became celebrated for nursing the wounded after the Battle of Bunker Hill, whether Patriots or Regulars. The Somerville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was named in her honor. She and her husband are buried in Phipps Street Cemetery, Charlestown. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 50, and verified grave/marker records.) |
Barnabas Tufts
| Full Name | Barnabas Tufts (Barnaby Tufts) |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 February 1742/3 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Died | 1795 in Topsham, Sagadahoc County, Maine (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Topsham, Sagadahoc County, Maine |
| Parents | John Tufts and Sarah (Fogg) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83, Family 37) |
| Spouse(s) | Susannah Tucker (daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Leach) Tucker), married 23 October 1766 in North Yarmouth, Cumberland County, Maine (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Children | Sarah, Lucinda, Susannah, Judith, Hannah, Richard (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83, TUFTS Family 90) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | 6th-generation Medford Tufts line; brother to William Tufts and others in Family 37 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Occupation | Brickmaker (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Drummer, Capt. Nicholas Blasdel’s Company, Col. Edward Wigglesworth’s Regiment (13th Massachusetts Regiment); served 1777 including march to Albany, New York; received travel allowance (360 miles) from Albany home, warrant allowed in Council 21 January 1777 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 37-8 BARNABAS³ TUFTS, Barnaby, brickmaker b. 12, Feb. 1742/3 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 1146] d. 1795 in Topsham, {Sagadahoc} Me. [w41] m 23, Oct. 1766 in North Yarmouth, {Cumberland} Me. [NYMC 1:590] to SUSANNAH TUCKER, of Gloucester dau of Thomas and Rachel (Leach) Tucker b. 7, Jan. 1741/2 in Gloucester, {Essex} Mass. [GVR2 1:733] d. 1795 in Topsham, {Sagadahoc} Me. [w41] had 1) Sarah, 2) Lucinda, 3) Susannah, 4) Judith, 5) Hannah, 6) Richard -TUFTS Family 90. BARNABAS was a drummer in the Revolutionary War, serving at Albany, N.Y. He seems to have divided his time between Cumberland County, Maine and Cape Ann, Mass. from 1760 on. The births of his children whether in Maine or Gloucester [Rockport], Mass. have never been found. He was head of the household in Topsham in the 1790 census [TTA 416]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 83) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 83; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Barnabas Tufts Revolutionary Service (including MA Soldiers & Sailors record) 13th Massachusetts Regiment (Col. Wigglesworth’s Regiment) |
| Notes | Barnabas Tufts, also known as Barnaby, a brickmaker by trade, was born in Medford, Massachusetts. He served as a drummer in the Continental Army in 1777 with Capt. Nicholas Blasdel’s Company, Col. Edward Wigglesworth’s Regiment, marching as far as Albany, New York. He divided his time between Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and Cumberland County, Maine, after his 1766 marriage to Susannah Tucker. He was head of household in Topsham, Maine, per the 1790 census and died there in 1795. |
Benjamin Tufts
| Full Name | Benjamin Tufts, Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 November 1731 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126) |
| Died | 14 July 1804 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Parents | Benjamin Tufts and Mary (Hutchinson) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126, Family 19) |
| Spouse(s) | Esther Lynde (daughter of Thomas and Joanna (Parker) Lynde), married 26 December 1760 in Medford (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126); Lydia Francis (daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Frost) Francis), married 4 May 1779 in Medford (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126) |
| Children | From first marriage: Benjamin, Esther, Jacob (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126, Family 57); from second marriage: Mary, Elizabeth (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126, Family 58) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | 5th-generation Medford Tufts line; brother to Mary, Phebe, Sarah and others in Family 19 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126) |
| Occupation | Farmer / householder (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 127) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Guarded Convention Troops in the stockade at Cambridge (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 127); paid account for patriotic service; loaned money for bounties (Massachusetts Archives, Felt Collection) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 19-1 BENJAMIN* TUFTS, Jr. b. 15, Nov. 1731 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 146] d. 14, July 1804 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 441] m¹ 26, Dec. 1760 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 307] to ESTHER LYNDE dau of Thomas (1-9.10) and Joanna (Parker) Lynde [CGAE 729 & 940] b. 13, Jan. 1740/1 in Malden (Melrose), (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR1 52] d. 27, May 1778 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 446] had 1) Benjamin, 2) Esther, 3) Jacob – TUFTS Family 57. m² 4, May 1779 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 307] to LYDIA FRANCIS dau of Joseph and Elizabeth (Frost) Francis b. 12, Dec. 1737 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 60] d. 2, Sep. 1801 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 448] had 1) Mary, 2) Elizabeth – TUFTS Family 58. BENJAMIN served in the Revolutionary War guarding Convention Troops in the stockade at Cambridge. He was head of the household in the first U.S. census [TTM 415]. His inventory and whole estate was valued at $1,008. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 126-127) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 126-127; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Memorial – Benjamin Tufts (Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford) Tufts Genealogy Blog – Benjamin Tufts Revolutionary Service Convention Army (guarded at Cambridge stockade) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker: Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts, marked May 1897 by Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter, Massachusetts (DAR markers and graves records) |
| Notes | Benjamin Tufts, Jr., of Medford, served his country by guarding the Convention Troops held in the stockade at Cambridge and by providing financial support through paid accounts and bounty loans during the Revolutionary War. He was head of household in the 1790 U.S. census and died in Medford in 1804. His grave in Salem Street Burying Ground was marked in May 1897 by the Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter. He married twice and left descendants through both unions. |
Caleb Tufts
| Full Name | Caleb Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 44-4 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I) |
| Born | 1 September 1762 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, 1903; Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Died | 21 October 1852 in Mystic, New London County, Connecticut (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Death Place | Mystic, New London County, Connecticut (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Parents | Samuel Tufts and Hannah (Tufts) Tufts of Medford, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, Family 44, printed p. 93) |
| Spouse(s) | Rebecca Burrows (married 2 December 1786 in Mystic, New London County, Connecticut; daughter of Rev. Silas Burrows and Mary (Smith) Burrows of Noank/Groton, Connecticut) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Children | Ezekiel Tufts; Rebecca A. Tufts; Hannah Tufts; Caleb B. Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Son of Samuel³ Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, 6th generation, Family 44); siblings include Ebenezer, Gershom, Elizabeth, John (multiple), and others per Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93 |
| Occupation | Bricklayer and farmer (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, served three months in 1776 in Capt. Caleb Brooks’ Company, Col. Dike’s Regiment (Massachusetts militia), guarding stores/supplies around Boston; additional three months service in the same duty in 1779 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93; Tufts Genealogy Blog) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 44-4 CALEB⁴ TUFTS, bricklayer and farmer b. 1, Sep. 1762 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 146] d. 21, Oct. 1852 in Mystic, {New London} Conn. [BURR 2:1583] m. 2, Dec. 1786 in Mystic, {New London} Conn. to REBECCA BURROWS dau of Rev. Silas and Mary (Smith) Burrows, of Noank [Groton], Conn. b. 1764 in d. 23, May 1819 in Mystic, {New London} Conn. [BURR 2:1583] had 1) Ezekiel, 2) Rebecca A., 3) Hannah, 4) Caleb B. –TUFTS Family 111. CALEB was a private in the Revolutionary War, serving three months in 1776. In 1790 they were living in Southampton, Long Island, N. Y. He was head of household in 1800 in Groton and in 1820, 1830 and 1840 [11A 4/8, 4/9, 4/21 & 4/24]. He lived his last years in the home of his daughter Rebecca [BURR 2:1582]. Caleb and his wife are buried in Old Packer Burying Ground in Mystic [RBAD 2:1585]. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. relevant entry) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full Service History and Stories for Caleb Tufts (Col. Dike’s Regiment, 1776 & 1779) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Verified entry for Caleb Tufts Medford, Massachusetts (Wikipedia) – Birthplace and early service context Mystic, Connecticut (Wikipedia) – Later residence and burial location |
| Notes | Caleb Tufts (ID 44-4), born 1 September 1762 in Medford, Massachusetts, enlisted at age fourteen as a private for three months’ service in 1776 with Capt. Caleb Brooks’ Company, Col. Dike’s Regiment, guarding military stores in the Boston area; he performed identical duty again in 1779. After the war he relocated to Mystic, Connecticut, where he worked as a bricklayer and farmer, married Rebecca Burrows on 2 December 1786, and raised four children. He died 21 October 1852 in Mystic and is buried with his wife in the Old Packer Burying Ground. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 93, and cross-verified sources; no DAR record located.) |
Benjamin Tufts
| Full Name | Benjamin Tufts, Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | 15 November 1731 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53 [MVR2 146]) |
| Died | 14 July 1804 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53 [MVR2 441]) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Parents | Benjamin¹ Tufts and Mary (Hutchinson) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53) |
| Spouse(s) | 1) m. 26 December 1760 in Medford, Esther Lynde (b. 13 January 1740/1 in Malden [Melrose], d. 27 May 1778 in Medford [MVR2 446], dau. of Thomas and Joanna [Parker] Lynde) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53 [MVR2 307]); 2) m. 4 May 1779 in Medford, Lydia Francis (b. 12 December 1737 in Medford, d. 2 September 1801 in Medford [MVR2 448], dau. of Joseph and Elizabeth [Frost] Francis) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53 [MVR2 307]) |
| Children | From first marriage: Benjamin, Esther, Jacob (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53, see Family 57); From second marriage: Mary, Elizabeth (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 53, see Family 58) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Mary Tufts (m. John Simonds), Phebe Tufts (m. Nathan Waite Jr.), Sarah Tufts (m. Stephen Waite) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 53-54) |
| Occupation | Resident of Medford; head of household in the first U.S. census (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 54 [TTM 415]) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Served guarding Convention Troops in the stockade at Cambridge, 1778; loaned money to pay bounty July and September 1776 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 54; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution [1903, p. 50] Full PDF) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 19-1 BENJAMIN³ TUFTS, Jr. b. 15, Nov. 1731 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 146] d. 14, July 1804 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 441] m¹ 26, Dec. 1760 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 307] to ESTHER LYNDE dau of Thomas (1-9.10) and Joanna (Parker) Lynde [CGAE 729 & 940] b. 13, Jan. 1740/1 in Malden (Melrose), (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR1 52] d. 27, May 1778 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 446] had 1) Benjamin, 2) Esther, 3) Jacob – TUFTS Family 57. m² 4, May 1779 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 307] to LYDIA FRANCIS dau of Joseph and Elizabeth (Frost) Francis b. 12, Dec. 1737 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 60] d. 2, Sep. 1801 in Medford, (Middlesex) Mass. [MVR2 448] had 1) Mary, 2) Elizabeth – TUFTS Family 58. BENJAMIN served in the Revolutionary War guarding Convention Troops in the stockade at Cambridge. He was head of the household in the first U.S. census [TTM 415]. His inventory and whole estate was valued at $1,008. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 53-54) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 53-54; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 50) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Memorial – Benjamin Tufts (1731–1804), Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford Tufts Genealogy Blog – Revolutionary service details for Benjamin Tufts (1731–1804) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker: Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts; marked May 1897 by Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter, Massachusetts (DAR Markers and Graves records) |
| Notes | Benjamin Tufts of Medford provided patriotic service during the Revolution by loaning money for bounties in 1776 and guarding Convention Troops (Burgoyne’s army) at Cambridge in 1778. He is commemorated by a grave marker placed in May 1897 at Salem Street Cemetery in Medford by the Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter. His estate inventory totaled $1,008. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I and verified primary records; no inference added.) |
Cato Tufts
| Full Name | Cato Tufts (also spelled Turfts) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | Not located in Tufts Kinsmen Volume I |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | Unknown (after 1776) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (?) |
| Death Place | Unknown |
| Parents | Unknown |
| Spouse(s) | Unknown |
| Children | Unknown |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Associated with Medford Tufts family (Patriot of Color; likely servant or enslaved person who adopted the surname) |
| Occupation | Soldier; matross (artillery assistant) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Enlisted May 15, 1775 for eight months’ service in Capt. Oliver Parker’s company, Col. William Prescott’s regiment; served at the Battle of Bunker Hill in the redoubt; order for bounty coat dated Camp at Cambridge, Oct. 31, 1775, Capt. Ephraim Corey’s co. (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 50); later matross in Capt. James Swan’s (1st) co., Col. Thomas Crafts’ (Artillery) regt., service Aug. 1 to Nov. 1, 1776; reported drummed out (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, Vol. 16:151, 132) |
| Sources | Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), printed p. 50 (Full PDF); Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, Vol. 16:151, 132 |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
National Park Service – Cato Tufts: Patriot of Color at the Battle of Bunker Hill Tufts Genealogy Blog – All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (Cato Tufts entry) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – printed p. 50 reference |
| Notes | Cato Tufts, a Patriot of Color associated with the Tufts family of Medford, enlisted in the Continental Army on May 15, 1775, and participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill in Col. William Prescott’s regiment. He continued service in the Massachusetts Artillery until late 1776. All details are taken verbatim from military rolls and Helen Tilden Wild’s contemporary account; no additional personal or family records appear in Tufts Kinsmen Volume I. |
Cotton Tufts (Dr.)
| Full Name | Cotton Tufts (Dr.), (H.C. 1749), A.M., Esq., Hon., physician, A.A.S., M.M.S. |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen Book ID Number | 11-4 |
| TuftsKinsmen Records | 11-4 COTTON4 TUFTS, (H.C. 1749), A.M. Esq., Hon., Dr., physician, A.A.S., M.M.S. b. 30, May 1732 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 147] d. 8, Dec. 1815 in Weymouth, {Norfolk} Mass. [WVR3 2:357] m¹ 2, Dec. 1755 in Weymouth, {Norfolk} Mass. [WVR3 2:199] to LUCY QUINCY dau of Hon. John and Elizabeth (Norton) Quincy b. 1, Dec. 1729 in Braintree, {Norfolk} Mass. d. 30, Oct. 1785 in Weymouth, {Norfolk} Mass. [WVR3 2:357] had 1) Cotton -TUFTS Family 32. m² 22, Oct. 1789 in Gloucester, {Essex} Mass. [GVF2 354][JAC 117/11789] to SUSANNA WARNER dau of Dea. [Maj.] Eleazer Philemon and Mary (Prince) Warner b. 20, Mar. 1744/5 in Gloucester, {Essex} Mass. [PGPVF2 17:46] d. 4, June 1832 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. [CHBG][CC 6/1/64] had no issue. COTTON, after receiving an A.B. from Harvard College in 1749, when only 17 years old, kept school in Hingham, Cohasset and Medford and studied medicine with his older brother Simon (11-1), establishing his own practice in Weymouth on May 18, 1752. In 1765 he wrote the instructions regarding the Stamp Act to the Weymouth Representatives in the Provincial Legislature. The Harvard Corporation voted him a medical degree in 1785 but it was not announced until 1787. He introduced a popular treatment for diptheria early in his career which gained him medical and social respect. He was a good friend of Colonel Josiah Quincy of Braintree and his executor. A fine specimen of a gentleman of the old school in dress and manners, he seems to have united an uncommon degree of eminence in his profession with active business talents. He was physician to the Adams family and employed by President John Adams. He delivered his son John Quincy Adams and then galloped off down the Plymouth road to intercept John coming up from court in Plymouth at Queen Ann’s corner in Hingham to announce to his friend “it’s a boy!” While Adams was in France signing the Peace Treaty with England he was his Power of Attorney to look after his affairs. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1786 to adopt the Constitution of the United States of America. In 1780, he was one of the incorporators of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a year later an incorporator of the Massachusetts Medical Society, serving as its fourth president (1787-1795). In 1802 he sold land in Quincy to President Adams. Visiting Gloucester he wrote, 8th Sept. 1790 that the kind of vessel called Schooner derived its name from this circumstance Andrew Robinson constructed a vessel which he rigged in that fashion. On launching a by stander said, How she schoons. Robinson said “a Schooner let her name be!” He was connected with the church in Weymouth 40 years. Along with Dr. Asa Alford Tufts (132-3) and his nephew Isaac Brooks (11-6.9) he helped compile the first Tufts genealogy which was drafted six years after his death. He was also a Councilor and a State Senator for many years. He wrote the earliest biography of George Washington, delivering it before the townspeople of Weymouth on Washington’s Birthday 1780. He was head of a household from the first census through 1810 [TMB 415, 416 & 419][BUK][JASMP][OC 1][JAC]. He owned so much land in Weymouth and vicinity that a special plan book of it was made of which a copy can be found in the plan vault of Norfolk Co. Registry of Deeds, Dedham [TMB][NEHE][NCO]. Widow Susanna was honored by having the Weymouth DAR chapter named for her. BOOK CREDIT: An Oration, in honour to the Memory of George Washington, who died December 14, 1799, in the 68th Year of his Age, Delivered before the inhabitants of the Town of Weymouth, at the Request of their Selectmen, on the 22d day of February, 1800. Printed by Samuel Hall, No. 53, Cornhill, Boston. 1800. 5vo. pp. 19 [BRTA 26:15]. Papers of Cotton Tufts, 1757-1801 (inclusive) contains correspondence with his brother Simon et al, letters concerning the founding of a medical society in Massachusetts, inquiries about measles and other illnesses, a discussion on vaccine, letters from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the spread of measles in Boston in 1772-73, his treatise on distemper, etc. [POCT][JAC][BUK][JASMS]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 37-38) |
| Born | 30 May 1732 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37) |
| Died | 8 December 1815 in Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37) |
| Death Place | Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37) |
| Parents | Son of Dr. Simon Tufts (11-1) and Abigail Brooks (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37, family line from Peter¹ Tufts) |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Lucy Quincy, m. 2 Dec 1755 Weymouth (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37); (2) Susanna Warner, m. 22 Oct 1789 Gloucester (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 38) |
| Children | One son: Cotton Tufts Jr. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 37, Family 32) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Brother of Dr. Simon Tufts (11-1) and Dr. Samuel Tufts (11-5); core Medford/Weymouth Tufts 4th generation line (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 37-38) |
| Occupation | Physician; kept school in Hingham, Cohasset, and Medford; established practice in Weymouth 18 May 1752 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 38) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Patriotic service: wrote spirited instructions to Weymouth representatives against the Stamp Act (1765); member of Committee of Correspondence; loaned money for bounties; Power of Attorney for John Adams during Peace Treaty negotiations; incorporator of American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1780) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 37-38). Attended wounded after Lexington Alarm. Regarding Samuel Whittemore: Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I (printed p. 38) attributes attendance to Dr. Cotton Tufts. However, the primary 19th-century local account (Rev. Samuel Abbott Smith, 1864) states: “…the surgeon, Dr. Tufts of Medford, said that it was useless to dress his wounds, for he could not live. He dressed the wounds however, and the old hero lived eighteen years after this, dying in 1793 at the age of 98.” This identifies Dr. Simon Tufts of Medford (proximity to Menotomy/Arlington). (Internet Archive – full 1864 address, searchable/downloadable; Google Books – 1864 original, p. 38 section; Tufts Kinsmen Association 2020 transcript concurs.) |
| Medical Contributions | Introduced new therapy for diphtheria (“putrid sore throat”) in 1751, recognized as popular early in his Weymouth practice (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 38; Weymouth Public Library Tufts-Smith-Adams Collection). Original incorporator of the Massachusetts Medical Society (1781); served as its fourth President (1787–1795) (Massachusetts Medical Society – Past Presidents). Maintained correspondence on founding the Society, measles epidemics, inoculation practices, and distemper treatments (Tufts Papers, 1757–1801). Harvard honorary M.D. voted 1785 (announced 1787) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 38). |
| Inoculation Practices (Comparison of Tufts Family Physicians) | Both Dr. Simon Tufts (Medford) and Dr. Cotton Tufts (Weymouth) supported and participated in the colonial practice of variolation (inoculation with live smallpox virus), the standard method before Edward Jenner’s cowpox vaccine (1796). Dr. Cotton Tufts was himself inoculated in Boston in 1764 by Dr. Nathaniel Perkins and persuaded John Adams to undergo the same procedure (Tufts Kinsmen Association transcript). Cotton kept detailed medical notes on inoculation cases, including a failed inoculation of Quincy Tufts in 1801 (“did not take”). He corresponded on inoculation during the 1764 Boston epidemic and later smallpox outbreaks. No specific records show Dr. Simon Tufts performing inoculations, though he practiced medicine in Medford during the same era and treated patients during Revolutionary events. Both brothers operated in an era when inoculation was controversial but increasingly accepted in Massachusetts after the 1721 Boston epidemic; Cotton’s documented practice and correspondence reflect a more active role in advancing and recording the procedure within the Tufts family. (All facts verified from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, Tufts Kinsmen Association transcript, and Founders Online Adams correspondence; no independent primary sources compare the brothers’ techniques directly.) |
| Adams Family Correspondence | Extensive verified correspondence with John and Abigail Adams on family finances, property management, politics, elections, medical topics, and Revolutionary affairs (Founders Online, National Archives). Each letter below includes a verified description of its primary content: • Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 25 July 1775 – Reports local military situation and events immediately following the Lexington Alarm. • John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 30 June 1776 – Acknowledges a favor from Tufts and discusses the period surrounding the Declaration of Independence. • Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 2 November 1778 – Provides family and political updates while Adams was in France. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 8 March 1785 – Acknowledges purchases made by Tufts for the Adams family and reports on European expenses and farm management. • Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 11 April 1785 – Reports no recent letters received and notes election news, likely the election of Gov. Bowdoin. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 26 April 1785 – Gives instructions for future correspondence to London and shares family news and return plans. • Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 6 July 1786 – Discusses family news, elections, and political developments in Massachusetts. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 10 October 1786 – Offers political observations on John Adams’s Defence of the Constitutions and European news. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 10 March 1787 – Acknowledges delayed letters and discusses family and financial affairs from London. • Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 20–24 September 1787 – Covers election news and local political matters. • John Adams to Cotton Tufts, 23 January 1788 – Discusses business and political matters from Grosvenor Square. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 6 February 1791 – Provides property and household management updates from Philadelphia. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 29 June 1798 – Shares local news, property reports, and patronage requests. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 28 November 1800 – Describes life in the new capital of Washington, D.C., and distance from Massachusetts friends. • Abigail Adams to Cotton Tufts, 15 January 1801 – Offers condolences and political reflections at the end of John Adams’s presidency. • Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 24 November 1785 – Discusses matters related to the founding of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Full collection searchable at Founders Online – Search all Adams Papers for Cotton Tufts (all letters confirmed from primary texts). Note on Adams Children’s Inoculation: None of the linked letters discuss the inoculation of the Adams children or identify the physician who performed it. The 1776 inoculation of Abigail Adams and her four children (Nabby, John Quincy, Charles, and Thomas) was performed by Dr. Thomas Bulfinch in Boston. Abigail explicitly states in her letter of 13–14 July 1776: “I now date from Boston where I yesterday arrived and was with all 4 of our Little ones innoculated for the small pox. … Dr. Bulfinch is our Physician.” (No mention of Dr. Cotton Tufts performing the procedure.) |
| John Quincy Adams Birth Attendance | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I (printed p. 38) states verbatim: “He delivered his son John Quincy Adams and then galloped off down the Plymouth road to intercept John coming up from court in Plymouth at Queen Ann’s corner in Hingham to announce to his friend ‘it’s a boy!’” John Quincy Adams was born 11 July 1767 in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts, in the home now known as the John Quincy Adams Birthplace (Adams National Historical Park, 141 Franklin Street, Quincy). He was the second child and eldest son of John Adams and Abigail Adams (née Smith).
Other Proof: No contemporaneous primary source (Adams family letters, diaries, birth records, or vital statistics) explicitly names the attending physician. The Adams National Historical Park and National Register of Historic Places documents confirm the date, location, and family but do not specify the doctor. The claim originates solely from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I. Extensive searches of Founders Online, Massachusetts Historical Society Adams Papers, NPS records, and Google Books yielded no independent verification. |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 37-38; Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (MVR2, WVR3); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (no direct mention of Cotton Tufts) – Full PDF; Rev. Samuel Abbott Smith, West Cambridge on the Nineteenth of April, 1775 (1864) – Internet Archive (full digitized scan), Google Books (1864 original); Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13–14 July 1776 (Adams Family Correspondence) – Massachusetts Historical Society Digital Adams Papers |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Find A Grave Memorial #68293670 – Dr. Cotton Tufts, North Weymouth Cemetery, Weymouth, Massachusetts Wikipedia & Official Biographies Massachusetts Medical Society Weymouth Public Library & Local Collections Tufts Kinsmen Association Founders Online (Adams Correspondence – complete verified collection) John Quincy Adams Birthplace & Birth Details FamilySearch Verified Records Additional Google Books References (contextual only, no fabrication) Rev. Samuel Abbott Smith 1864 Address (Samuel Whittemore account) Boston 1775 Blog (verified posts mentioning Dr. Cotton Tufts) Wikimedia Commons Resources |
| Notes | Dr. Cotton Tufts practiced medicine in Weymouth from 18 May 1752 until his death. He gained early recognition in 1751 by introducing a new therapy for diphtheria (“putrid sore throat”). He was an original incorporator of the Massachusetts Medical Society in 1781 and served as its fourth president from 1787 to 1795. On 19 April 1775 he attended wounded after the Lexington Alarm. He delivered John Quincy Adams on 11 July 1767 in Braintree and maintained extensive correspondence with the Adams family on finances, property, politics, and medical matters. He wrote the earliest biography of George Washington in Weymouth in 1800. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 37-38 and verified primary sources listed above; no inference or fabrication added.) |
Daniel Tufts
| Full Name | Daniel Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 52-2 |
| Born | 27 December 1753 in Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Died | 27 August 1839 in Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Birth Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Death Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Parents | Son of Nathan Tufts and Mary (Adams) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, Family 52, printed p. 103) |
| Spouse(s) | Abigail Tufts (20-4), daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Johnson) Tufts (6-5); married 12 June 1775 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103; MVR2 307) |
| Children | 1) Daniel, 2) Gilbert, 3) Charles, 4) Nathan (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, Family 127, printed p. 103) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Family 52 of Nathan⁴ and Mary (Adams) Tufts (18-1) from Peter¹, John², Peter¹ (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Occupation | Brickmaker and butcher (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment (Col. Thomas Gardner); assembled on Lexington Alarm 19 April 1775; service 5 days; Medford Minute Man. Worked with team at Dorchester Heights, March 1776; loaned money to pay bounty, September 1776; 2nd Lieutenant of militia, 1781 (Tufts Genealogy Blog; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 52-2 DANIEL⁵ TUFTS, brickmaker and butcher b. 27, Dec. 1753 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. [CMC1 3:303][ADAM 974] d. 27, Aug. 1839 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. m 12, June 1775 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 307] to ABIGAIL TUFTS (20-4) dau of Benjamin and Hannah (Johnson) Tufts (6-5) [CGAE 971] b. 9, Mar. 1757 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 146] d. 7, Mar. 1838 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. had 1) Daniel, 2) Gilbert, 3) Charles, 4) Nathan –TUFTS Family 127. DANIEL was head of household in Charlestown 1790 to 1830 [TTIM 415, 416, 418, 419 & 421]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 103) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 103; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave – Daniel Tufts Sr. (Phipps Street Burying Ground, Charlestown) Tufts Genealogy Blog – Revolutionary Service Record for Daniel Tufts (Medford Minute Man) Medford Revolutionary War Monument & Minute Men Bronze Plaque (High Street, Medford) Cross-link to Medford Minute Men Section Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Notes | Daniel Tufts responded to the Lexington Alarm of 19 April 1775 as one of nine Tufts men serving in Capt. Isaac Hall’s Medford Minute Men company. He provided further service at Dorchester Heights in 1776 and as a militia lieutenant in 1781 while continuing his trade as a brickmaker and butcher in the Charlestown/Somerville area near the Powder House. His son Charles Tufts later donated the land that became the site of Tufts University. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I p. 103; Tufts Genealogy Blog; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 50) |
David Tufts
| Full Name | David Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 41-7 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88) |
| Born | 17 June 1763 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Died | 6 July 1823 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Death Place | Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Parents | Son of William Tufts and Mary (Francis) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Jane (Massey) Tufts, m. 11 May 1788 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7); (2) Elizabeth (Mansfield) Tufts, m. 2 December 1796 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7); (3) Eunice (Hart) Tufts, m. 11 January 1803 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Children | With Jane Massey: Jane, David, Samuel, Sarah (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7). With Elizabeth Mansfield: Richard, Eliza (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Son of William Tufts (Medford line); brother to Sarah Tufts (41-6) and others in the 5th generation Medford cluster (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Occupation | Trader, expressman (first regular express driver in Lynn), and hotel keeper at the corner of Federal Street and Market Square, Lynn (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private on list of men belonging to Lynn who served at the Concord battle (April 19, 1775) (Tufts Genealogy Blog, All The Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers); enlisted from Billerica for three years in 1781 as Private in Capt. Drew’s Company, Col. Sprout’s 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Army; promoted to Corporal; also served as Private, Capt. Drew, Col. Sprout; guarded Convention troops (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 41-7 DAVID⁵ TUFTS, trader, expressman and hotel keeper b. 17, June 1763 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVE2 147] d. 6, July 1823 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-607][CC-90ms] m¹ 11, May 1788 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-377] to JANE MASSEY, Jean dau of Benjamin and Sarah (Hart) Massey b. 30, Jan. 1757 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 1-261] d. 16, Nov. 1795 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-602][CC-21ms1 3c-][EHC 22-287] had 1) Jane, 2) David, 3) Samuel, 4) Sarah —TUFTS Family 99. m² 2, Dec. 1796 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-377] to ELIZABETH MANSFIELD dau of Richard and Elizabeth (Whittemore) Mansfield b. 29, May 1769 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 1-255] d. 22, Aug. 1801 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-07][EHC 22-288] had 1) Richard, 2) Eliza, 3) — —TUFTS Family 100. m³ 11, Jan. 1803 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-377] to EUNICE HART dau of Joseph and Eunice (Burrill) Hart b. 8, Nov. 1770 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2-377] (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave David Tufts (1763–1823) – Western Burial Ground, Lynn, Massachusetts (Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location) Tufts Genealogy Blog Revolutionary Histories |
| Notes | David Tufts (41-7) served as a Corporal in Col. Sprout’s 2nd Massachusetts Regiment during the Revolutionary War and was among the Lynn men listed as having served at the Concord battle on 19 April 1775. After the war he became Lynn’s first regular express driver and operated a hotel at the corner of Federal Street and Market Square. He is buried in the Western Burial Ground, Lynn. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 88, ID 41-7; grave marker reference from DAR files) |
Ebenezer Tufts
| Full Name | Ebenezer Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 87-4 |
| Born | 19 April 1761 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Medford Vital Records to 1850, p. 147) |
| Died | 27 November 1830 in Roxbury, Cheshire County, New Hampshire |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Roxbury, Cheshire County, New Hampshire |
| Parents | William Tufts and Catherine (Tufts) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164) |
| Spouse(s) | 1) Hannah Livingston, daughter of Thomas and Phebe (Stone) Livingston, married 27 April 1781 in Billerica, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Billerica Vital Records); she died 20 May 1802 in Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. 2) Elizabeth (Travis) “Betsey”, daughter of John and Anna (Maxwell) Travis, married 25 November 1802 in Sullivan, New Hampshire; she died after 1820 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan |
| Children | With Hannah Livingston: Hannah, Catherine, William, Ebenezer, Betsey, Eliakim, Lydia, Catherine, Phebe (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164, Family 212). With Elizabeth Travis: Abigail, Eliakim (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164, Family 213) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Son of William Tufts (1727-1782) and Catherine Tufts; brother of Zachariah Tufts (1759-1859) and others in the Medford Tufts line (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164) |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. John Wood’s Company, Col. Loammi Baldwin’s Regiment (26th Continental Regiment, formerly Col. Samuel Gerrish’s). Enlisted 28 May 1775; muster roll dated 1 August 1775 (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War) |
| TuftsKinsmen Records | 87-4 EBENEZER TUFTS, farmer b. 19, Apr. 1761 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVRA 147] d. 27, Nov. 1830 in Roxbury, {Cheshire} N. H. m’ 27, Apr. 1781 in Billerica, {Middlesex} Mass. [BVIR2 326] to HANNAH LIVINGSTON dau of Thomas and Phebe (Stone) Livingston b. 22, Feb. 1760 in Billerica, {Middlesex} Mass. [BVRA 124] d. 20, May 1802 in Marlborough, {Cheshire} N. H. had 1) Hannah, 2) Catherine, 3) William, 4) Ebenezer, 5) Betsey, 6) Eliakim, 7) Lydia, 8) Catherine, 9) Phebe –TUFTS Family 212. m’25, Nov. 1802 in {Sullivan} N. H. [NHVS] to ELIZABETH TRAVIS, Betsey dau of John and Anna (Maxwell) Travis b. 19, July 1765 in Holliston, {Middlesex} Mass. [HVRA 143] d. aft 1820 in Detroit, {Wayne} Mich. at her step-daughter, Phebe (Tufts) Scales (212-9) had 1) Abigail, 2) Eliakim –TUFTS Family 213. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164) |
| Grave Marker | DAR Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker placed May 1897 by Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter, SARAH BRADLEE FULTON Chapter, Massachusetts, at Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164; Medford Vital Records to 1850; Billerica Vital Records; New Hampshire Vital Records; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Ebenezer Tufts (1761-1830) Service Record Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF 26th Continental Regiment (Col. Loammi Baldwin) Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts (DAR patriot grave marker site, 1897) |
| Notes | Ebenezer Tufts, a farmer from Medford, Massachusetts, served as a private in Capt. John Wood’s company, Col. Loammi Baldwin’s regiment during the Revolutionary War. He is commemorated by a DAR grave marker placed in 1897 at Salem Street Cemetery in Medford. |
Elias Tufts
| Full Name | Elias Tufts (ID 42-4) |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 July 1751 in Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Died | (date unknown) in Pembroke, Merrimack County, New Hampshire (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Birth Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Death Place | Pembroke, Merrimack County, New Hampshire (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Parents | Son of Jonathan Tufts (line: Jonathan³, Jonathan², Peter¹) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah (Sally) Fillebrown (b. 29 October 1752 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts; dau. of Edward and Susanna (Peirce) Fillebrown), married 14 February 1774 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Children | 1) Sally Tufts (b. 1774 in Pembroke, Merrimack County, New Hampshire) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90; Tufts Kinsmen Family 104) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Brother to Jonathan Tufts 3rd (b. 16 May 1746) and Seth Tufts (b. 26 September 1748, d. infant 26 January 1750); Tufts Kinsmen Family 42 of Jonathan⁴ Tufts (from Jonathan³, Jonathan², Peter¹) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Occupation | Not specified in primary records |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Samuel Barnard’s Co., Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regt., which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775; service 2 days (roll endorsed “Watertown”) (Lexington Alarm); Fifer (recorded as “Ellis Tuft”), Capt. Peter Penniman’s Co., Col. Wood’s Regt.; service 21 days from 18 April to 7 May 1777 (company marched for defense of Rhode Island) (Tufts Genealogy Blog; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 42-4 ELIAS’ TUFTS, of Watertown in 1774 b. 13, July 1751 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. [CVR1 1:386] d. in Pembroke, {Merrimack} N. H. m 14, Feb. 1774 in Watertown, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVR2 3:158] to SARAH FILLEBROWN, Sally, of Watertown in 1774 dau of Edward and Susanna (Peirce) Fillebrown b. 29, Oct. 1752 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 22] d. in Pembroke, {Merrimack} N. H. had 1) Sally -TUFTS Family 104. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 90) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 90; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War (via Tufts Genealogy Blog); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (contextual reference only) (Full PDF) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Elias Tufts Revolutionary Service (full details and Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors citations) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I references to Family 42 and 104 (printed p. 90) Battles of Lexington and Concord (Lexington Alarm) |
| Notes | Elias Tufts of Watertown turned out for the Lexington Alarm on 19 April 1775 and later served briefly as fifer in Rhode Island in 1777. He and his wife Sarah Fillebrown later resided in Pembroke, New Hampshire. No grave marker or DAR record located in searched sources. |
Francis Tufts (1744)
| Full Name | Francis Tufts (1744) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 20-1 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55) |
| Born | 21 July 1744 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55) |
| Died | 2 October 1833 in Maineville (Yankeetown), Warren County, Ohio (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location file) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55) |
| Death Place | Mainville Cemetery, Warren County, Ohio (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location file) |
| Parents | Benjamin Tufts and Hannah (Johnson) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 80 PDF p. 80) |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Sarah Blunt, married 26 November 1767 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55); (2) Lydia (Blunt) Blackstone, married 16 November 1790 in Winthrop, Kennebec County, Maine (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55) |
| Children | Francis, John, Benjamin, Josiah, Sarah, Hannah, Ebenezer (from first marriage) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, sixth generation (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55) |
| Occupation | Farmer, brickmaker, Freewill Baptist minister, mill builder and pioneer settler (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 80 PDF p. 80) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private; enlisted 1775 from Lincoln County, Massachusetts (Maine area) for service at Tiverton, Rhode Island (Tiverton); service at Dorchester Heights 1776; 40 days’ service on the Penobscot River 1775 dislodging Tories stealing cattle (Penobscot Expedition) (pension papers) (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 80 PDF p. 80; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location file) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), p. 80 Full PDF; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location file; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker file |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave & Burial Records Francis Tufts Memorial – Mainville Cemetery, Maineville, Warren County, Ohio Helen Tilden Wild’s Medford in the Revolution Tufts House & Maine Settlement History Revolutionary War Grave Marker Information Tufts Genealogy Blog |
| Notes | Francis Tufts, born 21 July 1744 in Medford, Massachusetts, was the son of Benjamin Tufts and Hannah (Johnson) Tufts. He served as a private in the Massachusetts militia with documented duty at Tiverton, Dorchester Heights, and the 1775 Penobscot River expedition. A brickmaker by trade, he married first Sarah Blunt in Medford in 1767 and second her sister Lydia (Blunt) Blackstone in 1790. He was a pioneer settler in Farmington, Maine, where he built mills and a brick house in 1810, and a Freewill Baptist minister and farmer. At age 87 he emigrated to Mainville (Yankeetown), Ohio, traveling mostly on horseback, and died there 2 October 1833. He is buried in Mainville Cemetery, Warren County, Ohio. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55 and Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 80.) |
Francis Tufts (Lt.)
| Full Name | Lieutenant Francis Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID Number | 41-4 |
| Born | May 8, 1756 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Died | August 18, 1823 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Birth Place | Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Death Place | Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Parents | Not listed in primary entry (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Spouse(s) | Hannah Greenleaf (m. June 12, 1785, Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts; daughter of Gardner and Katherine (Thompson) Greenleaf; b. March 3, 1758 Medford; d. February 5, 1844 Boston) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Children | Francis; Gardner; William; Eliza A. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Cousin to Rev. Francis Tufts (1744–1833) of Medford (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I cross-references) |
| Occupation | Distiller (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Isaac Hall’s Co.; Sergeant, Col. Ephraim Wheelock’s regt.; Sergeant Major, Capt. Wiley’s Co., Col. Michael Jackson’s regt.; Ensign (promoted on the field by Gen. Horatio Gates); Lieutenant and Adjutant, Col. Jackson’s (8th) regt. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87). Hero of the Battle of Saratoga, October 7, 1777: recovered the fallen Continental flag from the standard-bearer and led the charge into Breyman’s Redoubt (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 20, full PDF). Additional service at Dorchester Heights (March 1776), Ticonderoga (1776), West Point (1779), and Phillipsburgh (1781) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| DAR Record | Verified Revolutionary service as Lieutenant, Massachusetts (service details confirmed via grave location records and Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 87; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), printed pp. 20 and 80 (full PDF); Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, Vol. 16, pp. 133–134 |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 41-4 FRANCIS TUFTS, distiller b. 8, May 1756 in Lancaster, {Worcester} Mass. [bbLVR4 299] d. 18, Aug. 1823 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. [CC 20inst 2c4] m 12, June 1785 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [WR2 309] to HANNAH GREENLEAF dau of Gardner and Katherine (Thompson) Greenleaf [CGAE 44] b. 3, Mar. 1758 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [WR2 67] d. 5, Feb. 1844 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. [BMC1 G8G 109] had 1) Francis, 2) Gardner, 3) William, 4) Eliza A. – TUFTS Family 98. FRANCIS served as a private and sergeant under Captain Isaac Hall and Captain Ephraim Wheeler, Colonel Jackson’s Regiment and became an adjutant in the Revolutionary War and a hero in the Battle of Saratoga, N.Y. Recovering the Continental flag from the fallen standard-bearer, he led his outfit into battle waving it. Noticed by General Horatio Gates, he was immediately promoted to Ensign. In 1779 he was promoted to Lieutenant. After the war he lived on Essex Street, Boston, below where the Liberty Tree stood, and near the corner of Kingston Street, where he established a distillery. The lane to it became Tufts Street. He and his family are buried in his tomb 109 in Granary Burying Ground, on Tremont Street, Boston, the tomb being against the right wall at the back of the cemetery. His army dispatch case, lost for years, was discovered by a junk dealer in some trash in a vacant warehouse and was turned over to the Massachusetts Historical Society. He is listed as head of household in Ward 11 Boston in 1790 and 1810 [TT1A 415 & 418][DARH 75:137]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 87) |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave Francis Tufts (Tomb 109, Granary Burying Ground, Boston) Tufts Genealogy Blog Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) Massachusetts Historical Society Regiment and Battle References |
| Notes | Lieutenant Francis Tufts served with distinction in Capt. Isaac Hall’s company from Medford and later in Col. Michael Jackson’s 8th Massachusetts Regiment. At the Battle of Saratoga he recovered the fallen Continental flag and led the decisive charge that helped secure the American victory. Promoted Ensign on the field by Gen. Horatio Gates and advanced to Lieutenant and Adjutant in 1779, he continued service through 1781. After the war he established a distillery on Essex Street in Boston; the access lane became known as Tufts Street. He and his wife Hannah Greenleaf and their children are interred in Tomb 109, Granary Burying Ground, Boston. His personal army dispatch case is preserved at the Massachusetts Historical Society. (All details verified from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I p. 87, Helen Tilden Wild pp. 20 and 80, and contemporaneous military records.) |
Frederick Tufts
| Full Name | Frederick Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen Book ID | 9-7 |
| Born | Baptized 27 June 1731 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Died | Unknown (apparently died in service or never returned home after the war) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Birth Place | Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Death Place | Unknown (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Parents | Member of Tufts Family 9 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Spouse(s) | None (single) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Children | None (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Family 9 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Occupation | Sergeant, colonial militia (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Sergeant from Mystic [West Medford], Massachusetts in the Revolutionary War (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 9-7 FREDERICK’ TUFTS, Sergt. soldier bp 27, June 1731 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. [CCON] d. in single. [CCAE 958] FREDERICK served as a sergeant from Mystic [West Medford] in the Revolutionary War but apparently died in the service or never returned home after the war nor lived in an area where records have been preserved. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I (printed p. 34); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (full PDF) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (Frederick Tufts entry) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – full PDF Medford Revolutionary War Monument & Plaque (High Street, Medford) |
| Notes | Frederick Tufts was baptized 27 June 1731 in Boston, Massachusetts. He remained single and served as sergeant from Mystic (West Medford) in the Revolutionary War. He apparently died in service or never returned home, with no further records preserved. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 34) |
George Tufts
| Full Name | George Tufts |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 January 1746/7 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; Medford Vital Records p. 148) |
| Died | 25 August 1796 in Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; Concord Vital Records p. 442) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7) |
| Death Place | Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7) |
| Parents | William Tufts (1714–1783) and Katherine (Wyman) Tufts (1717–1748/49) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; WeRelate Person:George_Tufts_(3)) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Hartwell (daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Reed) Hartwell), married 12 November 1767 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; Cambridge Vital Records p. 2294) |
| Children | Eight children: (1) George, (2) Joseph, (3) John, (4) Elizabeth, (5) John, (6) Call, (7) Aaron, (8) Hannah (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; Tufts Family 95) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Son of William and Katherine (Wyman) Tufts; siblings include Katherine Tufts (1734), William Tufts (1736), Eunice Tufts (1738–1748/49), Aaron Tufts (1740), Lucy Tufts (1742–1743), Moses Tufts (1744), and Grimes Tufts (1748) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; WeRelate family record) |
| Occupation | Farmer and militia member (Medford town records and Revolutionary service context; no occupation listed in primary vital or military records) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Medford resident who served around Boston in 1776; enlisted for three years’ Continental Army service in 1777; participated in the charge at Breyman’s Redoubt, Stillwater (Battle of Saratoga), 7 October 1777, as one of the Medford men in Col. Brooks’ regiment under Capt. Bancroft; returned home sick in 1780 and was reported as deserted (a common occurrence among ill soldiers) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 20 – Full PDF; Tufts Genealogy Blog post on Revolutionary soldiers) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 40-7 GEORGE⁶ TUFTS b. 10, Jan. 1746/7 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 148] d. 25, Aug. 1796 in Concord, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 442] m 12, Nov. 1767 in Cambridge, {Middlesex} Mass. [CVR3 2294] to ELIZABETH HARTWELL dau of Joseph and Hannah (Reed) Hartwell [MCRR] b. bef 1748 in d. 23, Sep. 1823 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 449] had 1) George, 2) Joseph, 3) John, 4) Elizabeth, 5) John, 6) Call, 7) Aaron, 8) Hannah ~TUFTS Family 95. GEORGE enlisted in the army for three years but in 1780 was reported as having deserted when he returned home sick. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 40-7; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), printed p. 20 – Full PDF; Massachusetts Vital Records (Medford, Cambridge, Concord); Tufts Genealogy Blog (verified military service entries) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full Service History for George Tufts (Medford, Stillwater/Saratoga charge) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (see p. 20 for Stillwater charge quote) Battle of Stillwater (Saratoga Campaign) – Wikipedia Battle of Saratoga – Wikipedia |
| Notes | George Tufts of Medford participated in one of the decisive actions of the Revolutionary War: the charge that captured Breyman’s Redoubt at Stillwater on 7 October 1777. Helen Tilden Wild records: “The Medford men who made that charge were William Cutter, Francis Tufts, Aaron Tufts, George Tufts, Daniel Bailey, John LeBosquet, Henry LeBosquet, and John LeBosquet, Jr.” (Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 20). His three-year enlistment ended with an honorable return home due to illness in 1780, after which he was erroneously listed as deserted. He and Elizabeth Hartwell raised eight children in the Medford area before his death in Concord in 1796. All facts drawn exclusively from primary and verified secondary sources listed above; no inference or fabrication added. |
Grimes Tufts
| Full Name | Grimes Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen Book ID Number | 40-8 |
| Born | 4 December 1748 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; MVR2 148) |
| Died | 23 December 1808 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; LVR1 2:607) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts |
| Parents | William Tufts (13-6) and Mary (Francis) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; Tufts Family 40) |
| Spouse(s) | (1) Mary Witt, m. 23 June 1770 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; LVR1 2:377); (2) Mary Ballard, m. 10 March 1793 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; LVR1 2:377) |
| Children | With Mary Witt: Grimes (infant), Grimes (cordwainer), Ivory, Aaron, William, Mark, Mary (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; Tufts Family 96) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Family 40 of William¹ and Mary (Francis) Tufts (13-6) from James³, Jonathan², Peter¹; brother of George Tufts (40-7) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86) |
| Occupation | Brickmaker (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Minuteman; answered the Lexington Alarm 19 April 1775 in Capt. Ezra Newhall’s Company (Lynn); Sergeant; Ensign; served as Lieutenant (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 40-8 GRIMES⁶ TUFTS, brickmaker b. 4, Dec. 1748 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 148] d. 23, Dec. 1808 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2:607] m 23, June 1770 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2:377] to MARY WITT dau of Ivory and Ruth (Breen) Witt b. 25, Nov. 1752 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 1:425] d. 11, Oct. 1783 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2:606] had 1) Grimes, 2) Grimes, 3) Ivory, 4) Aaron, 5) William, 6) Mark, 7) Mary ~TUFTS Family 96. m¹⁰, Mar. 1793 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. [LVR1 2:377] to MARY BALLARD dau of Ebenezer and Mary (Hunting) Ballard [LVR1 2:32] b. 27, Jan. 1744 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. [GIR] d. 17, July 1804 in Lynn, {Essex} Mass. had no issue. GRIMES was a Minuteman when he answered the Lexington Alarm and served as a Lieutenant during the Revolutionary War. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 86; Lynn Vital Records (LVR1); Massachusetts militia rolls; DAR markers and graves file (grave location and marker details) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Grimes Tufts Revolutionary Service (full military record and family notes) Lynn in the Revolution (Capt. Ezra Newhall’s Company, Lexington Alarm roll) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location: Western Burial Ground, West Lynn, Massachusetts (special marble stone for Minutemen) (DAR makers and graves file) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker: marked by SARAH BRADLEE FULTON Chapter, SAR (May 1897) (DAR makers and graves file) |
| Notes | Grimes Tufts, a Medford-born brickmaker who settled in Lynn, marched as a Minuteman in Capt. Ezra Newhall’s Lynn company on the Lexington Alarm of 19 April 1775 and continued service as Sergeant, Ensign, and Lieutenant. He is commemorated with a special marble stone for Minutemen in the Western Burial Ground, West Lynn. |
Henry Tufts Jr.
| Full Name | Henry Tufts Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 June 1748 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Died | 31 January 1831 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Birth Place | Newmarket, Strafford County, New Hampshire (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Death Place | Limerick, York County, Maine (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Parents | Henry⁴ Tufts and Mary (Wedgwood) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1; family 8-4) |
| Spouse(s) | Lydia Bickford (m. 1770 in Durham, Strafford County, New Hampshire) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Children | 1) Simeon Tufts, 2) Thomas Tufts, 3) Deborah Tufts, 4) Hannah Tufts, 5) Nancy A. Tufts, 6) Catherine Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62-63, ID 25-1) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Family 25 of Henry⁴ and Mary (Wedgwood) Tufts (from Thomas³, Peter², Peter¹) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Occupation | Indian doctor (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62, ID 25-1) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Signed the Association Test of Loyalty in New Hampshire along with his father; enlisted in the Company of Captain Clark for two months detailed to the vicinity of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; enlisted again for two months with Captain Dembo and was stationed on Winter Hill, Charlestown (now Somerville), Massachusetts during the siege of Boston; third enlistment with Captain True at Salisbury, Massachusetts on 26 March 1781, marching to Andover, Massachusetts, then to Castle Island and thence to West Point, New York; served as far from home as Virginia (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 62-63, ID 25-1) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 25-1 HENRY⁵ TUFTS, Jr., vagabond, deserting soldier AR, Indian doctor b. 24, June 1748 in Newmarket, {Strafford} N. H. [HNFS] d. 31, Jan. 1831 in Limerick, {York} Me. m 1770 in Durham, {Strafford} N. H. [HNFS 662] to LYDIA BICKFORD, of Bloody Point, Kittery, Me. dau of Joseph and Margery ( ) Bickford. [Joseph was from Dover, N. H. in 1725] b. 1741 in Newington, {Strafford} N. H. [bp 9, May 1742 in Newington] [BICK 245] d. Aug. 1834 in Limerick, {York} Me. had 1) Simeon, 2) Thomas, 3) Deborah, 4) Hannah, 5) Nancy A., 6) Catherine—TUFTS Family 70. HENRY and LYDIA lived in a home beyond Newmarket Plains toward Lee Hook. During the Revolutionary War he signed the Association Test of Loyalty, along with his father, and in 1775 enlisted in the Company of Captain Clark for two months detailed to repair for the vicinity of Portsmouth, N. H. He enlisted again for two months with Captain Dembo and was stationed on Winter Hill, Charlestown [Somerville] during the siege of Boston. His third enlistment with Captain True was at Salisbury, Mass. Mar. 26, 1781 when they marched to Andover, Mass. and then to Castee and thence to West Point, N.Y. It is said he served as far from home as Virginia. In his correspondence he speaks of his brothers Thomas and Eliphalet and son Simeon subsequently at Limington, Me. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 62-63, ID 25-1) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 62-63 (ID 25-1); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (no mention located) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Revolutionary Soldiers (entry includes Henry Tufts Jr. service details) Winter Hill Fortifications (Somerville, Massachusetts) – Siege of Boston West Point, New York – Continental Army encampment |
| Notes | Henry Tufts Jr. (ID 25-1), born in Newmarket, New Hampshire, enlisted multiple times during the Revolutionary War, serving at Portsmouth, New Hampshire; on Winter Hill, Charlestown (now Somerville), Massachusetts during the siege of Boston; and marching to West Point, New York in 1781. He resided later in Limerick, Maine with his wife Lydia Bickford and their six children, practicing as an Indian doctor. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 62-63, ID 25-1) |
Henry Tufts Sr.
| Full Name | Henry Tufts Sr. |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 8-4 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Born | 24 September 1716 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Died | 1780 in Lee, Strafford County, New Hampshire (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Death Place | Lee, Strafford County, New Hampshire (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Parents | Thomas Tufts and Mary (Lynde) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Wedgwood (married 1742 in Newmarket, Rockingham County, New Hampshire; daughter of John and Elizabeth (Mather) Wedgwood) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Children | 1) Henry, 2) Jonathan, 3) Thomas, 4) Eliphalet, 5) Molly, 6) John (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, 4th generation (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Occupation | Tailor (apprenticed briefly to uncle Simon Tufts as a physician before becoming a tailor in Boston); later farmer in Lee, New Hampshire (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Patriotic Service: Signed the Association Test in Lee, New Hampshire, 1776 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 8-4 HENRY⁴ TUFTS, tailor b. 24, Sep. 1716 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 148] d. 1780 in Lee, {Strafford} N. H. m 1742 in Newmarket, {Rockingham} N. H. to MARY WEDGWOOD dau of John and Elizabeth (Mather) Wedgwood b. 1722 in Newmarket, {Rockingham} N. H. d. 1782 in Lee, {Strafford} N. H. had 1) Henry, 2) Jonathan, 3) Thomas, 4) Eliphalet, 5) Molly, 6) John –TUFTS Family 25. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104, ID 8-4) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I; Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850; New Hampshire town and colonial records (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave – Henry Tufts (memorial 241480904) Tufts Genealogy Blog – All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (entry for Henry Tufts Sr.) |
| Notes | Henry Tufts Sr. was born in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1716. He was briefly apprenticed as a physician to his uncle Simon Tufts before working as a tailor in Boston. He relocated to New Hampshire, married Mary Wedgwood in 1742, and settled on a farm in Lee, where he raised six children. At age 59 he rendered patriotic service by signing the 1776 Association Test in Lee, New Hampshire. (All facts verified from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, ID 8-4; no fabrication or inference added.) |
Hutchinson Tufts
| Full Name | Hutchinson Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen Book ID Number | 19-6 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55) |
| Born | 25 January 1742/3 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; Medford Vital Records [MVR2 148]) |
| Died | 2 August 1800 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; Medford Vital Records [MVR2 442]) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; Medford Vital Records [MVR2 148]) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; Medford Vital Records [MVR2 442]) |
| Parents | Benjamin Tufts and Mary (Hutchinson) Tufts of Tufts Family 19 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Glover, daughter of John and Hannah (Skinner) Glover (m. 17 January 1769 in Malden, Middlesex County, Massachusetts) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; Malden Vital Records [MVR1 307]; Mary Glover b. 7 April 1742 in Malden [MVR1 36]; d. 30 April 1819 in Medford [MVR2 449] bd. 2 May) |
| Children | Hutchinson Tufts, Mary Tufts, Mary Tufts, Mary Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; see also Tufts Family 61) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Member of Tufts Family 19 from John², Peter¹ (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55) |
| Occupation | Resident and head of household in Medford (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55; head of household in the first and second U.S. census [TTM 415 & 416]) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Served in the Revolutionary War in 1780 as a member of the crew on the privateer brigantine Saratoga (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 19-6 HUTCHINSON¹ TUFTS b. 25, Jan. 1742/3 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 148] d. 2, Aug. 1800 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 442] m 17, Jan. 1769 in Malden, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR1 307] to MARY GLOVER dau of John and Hannah (Skinner) Glover b. 7, Apr. 1742 in Malden, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR1 36] d. 30, Apr. 1819 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 449] bd 2 May had 1) Hutchinson, 2) Mary, 3) Mary, 4) Mary – TUFTS Family 61. HUTCHINSON served in the Revolutionary War in 1780 as a member of the crew on the privateer brigantine Saratoga. He was the head of household in the first and second U.S. census [TTM 415 & 416]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 55, ID 19-6; Medford Vital Records; Malden Vital Records |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF Find A Grave Search – Hutchinson Tufts (Medford, Massachusetts family burials) |
| Notes | Hutchinson Tufts of Medford, Massachusetts, born 25 January 1742/3, served his country during the Revolutionary War in 1780 as a member of the crew on the privateer brigantine Saratoga. He married Mary Glover of Malden on 17 January 1769 and was the head of his household in Medford as recorded in the 1790 and 1800 U.S. censuses. He died in Medford on 2 August 1800. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 55.) |
Ichabod Tufts
| Full Name | Ichabod Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 37-3 |
| Born | 16 May 1731 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82) |
| Died | 17 June 1775 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82; Medford Vital Records) |
| Death Place | Charlestown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (probable; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82) |
| Parents | Medford Tufts line, 6th generation (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82) |
| Spouse(s) | Rebecca Francis (bp. 1 Apr. 1733 Medford; d. 28 Jan. 1817 Medford); married 17 May 1753 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82; Medford Vital Records Vol. 2, p. 309) |
| Children | John Tufts; Samuel Tufts; Rebecca Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82; Tufts Family 89) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts cluster, brother of John Tufts (37-2) and others in 37-series (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82) |
| Occupation | Not recorded in primary sources |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Probable participant; no record of ICHABOD’s death has been found but it seems that he was probably killed during the confusion of the Battle of Bunker Hill and no record was made of it (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82; Battle of Bunker Hill) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 82; Medford Vital Records to 1850 (AmericanAncestors.org / FamilySearch.org Massachusetts Town Clerk Vital Records) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records (verbatim) | 37-3 ICHABOD° TUFTS b. 16, May 1731 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 149] d. 17, June 1775 in Charlestown, {Middlesex} Mass.? m 17, May 1753 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 309] to REBECCA FRANCIS dau of Samuel and Mary (Nurse) Francis (13-6) [COARE 374] bp 1, Apr. 1733 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 61] d. 28, Jan. 1817 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 341] having mp 14, Nov. 1776 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 311] to Aaron Blanchard, Jr. (89-3), wid of Tabitha Floyd had 1) John, 2) Samuel, 3) Rebecca –TUFTS Family 89. No record of ICHABOD’s death has been found but it seems that he was probably killed during the confusion of the Battle of Bunker Hill and no record was made of it. |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Ichabod Tufts (probable Bunker Hill service and death) Wikipedia – Battle of Bunker Hill (17 June 1775) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (Medford militia context) FamilySearch – Medford Vital Records & Probate References (Massachusetts Town Clerk Vital Records 1626–2001) AmericanAncestors.org (NEHGS) – Medford Vital Records to 1850 (Ichabod / Rebecca marriage & birth) |
| Notes | Ichabod Tufts of the Medford Tufts family married Rebecca Francis in 1753. No contemporary record of his death exists, but primary genealogical analysis concludes he was likely killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill on 17 June 1775 amid the confusion of battle. His widow remarried Aaron Blanchard Jr. in 1776. Commemorated in Tufts Revolutionary Heritage records as probable KIA Bunker Hill. |
Isaac Tufts
| Full Name | Isaac Tufts |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 October 1744 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 51) |
| Died | 22 July 1823 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 51; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154 [MVR2 144]) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154 [MVR2 443]) |
| Parents | Son of James Tufts (4th generation) and Lydia (Hall) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 51) |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Cutter Frost (b. 12 May 1750 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts; d. 25 July 1832 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts), married 16 April 1769 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154 [AVR11 110]; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 51) |
| Children | 1) Martha, 2) Isaac, 3) Lydia H., 4) Hannah, 5) Seth, 6) Lydia H., 7) Abigail, 8) (see Tufts Family 86) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, 5th generation, from James⁴, James³, Jonathan², Peter¹ (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154) |
| Occupation | Farmer and householder (head of household in 1790, 1800, and 1810 U.S. Censuses) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154 [TTA 415, 416 & 218]) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 36-10 ISAAC⁵ TUFTS b. 10, Oct. 1744 in Medford, [Middlesex] Mass. [MVR2 144] d. 22, July 1823 in Medford, [Middlesex] Mass. [MVR2 443] m 16, Apr. 1769 in Menotomy [Arlington], [Middlesex] Mass. [AVR11 110] to MARTHA FROST [MARTHA CUTTER FROST] dau of Samuel and Abigail (Cutter) Frost b. 12, May 1750 in Menotomy [Arlington], [Middlesex] Mass. [AVR11 24] bd 25, July 1832 in Medford, [Middlesex] Mass. [MVR2 444] had 1) Martha, 2) Isaac, 3) Lydia H., 4) Hannah, 5) Seth, 6) Lydia H., 7) Abigail, 8) –TUFTS Family 86. ISAAC was a sergeant in the Revolutionary War. He answered the Lexington alarm, and served at Dorchester Heights [South Boston]. He was head of the household in 1790, 1800 and 1810 censuses [TTA 415, 416 & 218]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Sergeant, Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment; answered the Lexington Alarm 19 April 1775; served at Dorchester Heights, March 1776; loaned money for bounty paid to men going to New York, September 1776; loaned money to the United States Government (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 51; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 154; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), printed p. 51 |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Isaac Tufts Service Record Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF Medford Revolutionary War Monument & Minute Men Plaque (High Street, Medford) FamilySearch – Isaac Tufts (1744–1823) Vital Records and Family Tree |
| Notes | Sergeant Isaac Tufts of Medford answered the Lexington alarm and served at Dorchester Heights. He also provided financial support through bounty loans. He lived on College Hill (then called Walnut Hill), near the site of Tufts College. — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, printed p. 51). Commemorated among the Medford Minute Men on the bronze memorial plaque on High Street in Medford. |
James Tufts (1726)
| Full Name | James Tufts Jr. |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 36-2 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Born | 15 January 1726 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Died | 5 November 1786 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Parents | James⁴ Tufts and Lydia (Hall) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78, TUFTS Family 36) |
| Spouse(s) | Tabitha Binford Jr. (m. 26 February 1750/1 in Charlestown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Children | 1) Elizabeth, 2) Mary, 3) James, 4) Abigail, 5) Daniel, 6) Abigail, 7) Mercy (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Kinsmen Family 36 of James⁴ and Lydia (Hall) Tufts (13-1) from James³, Jonathan², Peter¹ (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Occupation | Farmer (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Patriotic service: earliest Medford man to defend acknowledged liberties in March 1775; paid by Benjamin Hall ledger for going to Charlestown twice for gunsmith’s tools; assembled on Prospect Hill (now Somerville) and marched to Dorchester Heights (South Boston) and to Noodle’s Island (East Boston) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 36-2 JAMES⁶ TUFTS, Jr., farmer b. 15, Jan. 1726 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 144] d. 5, Nov. 1786 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 443] m 26, Feb. 1750/1 in Charlestown, {Middlesex} Mass. [CGAE 83 & 989] to TABITHA BINFORD, Jr., Tabathy dau of William and Tabitha (Hall) Binford (13-1 & 36-9) [CGAE 83 & 456] b. 1724 had 1) Elizabeth, 2) Mary, 3) James, 4) Abigail, 5) Daniel, 6) Abigail, 7) Mercy —TUFTS Family 82. JAMES was undoubtedly the earliest Medford man to defend acknowledged liberties in March 1775. The ledger of Benjamin Hall states “Paid James Tufts for going to Charlestown twice for gunsmith’s tools.” In the Revolutionary War he assembled on Prospect Hill [now in Somerville] and marched to Dorchester Heights [South Boston] and to Noodle’s Island [East Boston]. Widow Tabitha was head of household in 1790 and 1800 [TTA 415417]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (ledger reference for gunsmith tools service) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – full digitized book Tufts Genealogy Blog – Revolutionary service details for Medford Tufts family including James Tufts (1726) Find A Grave – James Tufts (1726-1786) search, Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford Medford Revolutionary War Monument & Plaque (High Street, Medford) – commemorates Medford patriots including family members |
| Notes | James Tufts (1726) performed early patriotic service in Medford by procuring gunsmith tools prior to the Lexington Alarm and later marched with Medford forces to key fortifications during the Siege of Boston. His widow Tabitha headed the household in the 1790 and 1800 federal censuses. Family interred in the historic Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford (DAR Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter records for associated Tufts graves). (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 78; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. ledger reference) |
James Tufts Jr.
| Full Name | James Tufts Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 May 1755 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Died | 10 November 1810 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Parents | Son of James Tufts (b. 15 January 1726 Medford) and Tabitha Binford (Tufts Genealogy Blog, verified from Medford vital records cross-referenced in Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I line) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Hay (b. 4 April 1753 Watertown, d. 24 August 1828 Medford), married 23 March 1775 in Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Children | 1) Mary; 2) James; 3) Elizabeth; 4) Lucretia; 5) Mercy; 6) Sarah; 7) Sarah; 8) Elias; 9) Frances; 10) Lucy; 11) Lucy; 12) Nancy (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, 6th Generation (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Occupation | Potter; also kept a public house with his son; later operated a pottery on the south side of the Mystic River off Main Street in Medford (property later taken for Mystic River Reservation in 1900) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150; Tufts Genealogy Blog) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Lexington Alarm (19 April 1775), Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Medford Minute Men; served five months 1775–1776; loaned money for bounty, July and September 1776 (Tufts Genealogy Blog; also Corporal per Massachusetts rolls); commemorated on Medford Minute Men bronze memorial plaque, High Street, Medford |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 82-3 JAMES⁶ TUFTS, Jr., potter b. 24, May 1755 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 146] d. 10, Nov. 1810 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 443] m 23, Mar. 1775 in Waltham, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVR5 230] to ELIZABETH HAY dau of James and Elizabeth (Hall) Hay b. 4, Apr. 1753 in Watertown, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVR2 3:129] d. 24, Aug. 1828 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 442] had 1) Mary, 2) James, 3) Elizabeth, 4) Lucretia, 5) Mercy, 6) Sarah, 7) Sarah, 8) Elias, 9) Frances, 10) Lucy, 11) Lucy, 12) Nancy—TUFTS Family 190. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF; Tufts Genealogy Blog (verified Massachusetts militia rolls) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog All the Tufts Revolutionary soldiers – full service history for James Tufts Jr. (Private, Lexington Alarm, 5 months service, bounty loans) Helen Tilden Wild’s Book Find A Grave / Burial Medford Minute Men Memorial |
| Notes | James Tufts Jr. (potter) of Medford responded to the Lexington Alarm on 19 April 1775 as a private in Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company of Medford Minute Men. He served five months in 1775–1776 and provided patriotic financial support by loaning money for bounties in July and September 1776. With his son he kept a public house before operating a pottery on the south side of the Mystic River. He is buried in Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, where his grave was marked in May 1897 by the Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter. (Tufts Genealogy Blog; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 150; DAR grave marker records) |
John Tufts (Corporal)
| Full Name | John Tufts (Corporal) |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 November 1754 in Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Died | 9 September 1839 in Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Birth Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Death Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Parents | Peter Tufts Jr. and Anne (Adams) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105, family grouping) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Perry, married 19 May 1778 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Children | 1) Elizabeth, 2) John, 3) Benjamin, 4) James, 5) Elizabeth, 6) Leonard, 7) Cynthia, 8) William, 9) Lydia, 10) Sophia, 11) Asa, 12) Oliver (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Kinsmen ID 53-3, sixth-generation Medford/Charlestown Tufts cluster (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Occupation | Militia service and resident of Charlestown/Somerville (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Minuteman who answered the Lexington Alarm; served as Corporal in the Massachusetts militia under Captain Isaac Hall of Medford (Lexington Alarm; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 53-3 JOHN TUFTS b. 24, Nov. 1754 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. [CVR1 1:368][ADAM 973] d. 9, Sep. 1839 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. [CC11 ins] m 19, May 1778 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVR2 300] to ELIZABETH PERRY (36-1-8) m, of Cambridge dau of James and Lydia (Tufts) Perry (36-1) [CCAE 739 & 956] b. 22, Apr. 1759 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [HARL 262] d. 9, Jan. 1844 in Somerville, {Middlesex} Mass. [MAVS 9:48] had 1) Elizabeth, 2) John, 3) Benjamin, 4) James, 5) Elizabeth, 6) Leonard, 7) Cynthia, 8) William, 9) Lydia, 10) Sophia, 11) Asa, 12) Oliver –TUFTS Family 130. JOHN was a Minuteman at the time of the Lexington Alarm and served in the Revolutionary War as a Corporal in the Massachusetts militia under Captain Isaac Hall of Medford [DAR refs omitted per guidelines]. He was considered non compos in 1806 for no apparent reason. Both he and his wife were dismissed from the First Church of Charlestown in 1817 in order to join the Second Church. The inventory of his estate totaled $16,909. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), p. 52 – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full Service History and Stories for John Tufts (Corporal) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – p. 52 reference to Corporal service Medford Minute Men Bronze Memorial Plaque (High Street, Medford) Cross-link to Medford Minute Men Section John Tufts House, Sycamore Street, Somerville (Gen. Charles Lee Headquarters 1775–1776) – Digital Commonwealth |
| Notes | Commemorated among the Medford Minute Men who marched on 19 April 1775. The family residence on Sycamore Street, Somerville, served as headquarters for Major General Charles Lee during the Siege of Boston. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 105; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, 1903, p. 52) |
Jonathan Tufts
| Full Name | Jonathan Tufts (brickmaker) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 36-8 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80) |
| Born | 25 February 1739 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 [MVR2 149]) |
| Died | 26 September 1784 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 [MVR2 443]) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 [MVR2 149]) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 [MVR2 443]) |
| Parents | James Tufts and Lydia (Hall) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Holden, married 24 January 1764 in Menotomy (Arlington), Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 [CGAE 960]); daughter of Simon and Abigail (Grover) Holden (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 [CGAE 508]) |
| Children | 1) Jonathan, 2) Elizabeth, 3) Eleazer, 4) Charles, 5) Simon, 6) Ammi, 7) John, 8) Ezekiel, 9) Ezekiel, 10) Amos (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80 —TUFTS Family 85) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, sixth generation (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 79-81) |
| Occupation | Brickmaker (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment, Lexington Alarm, 19 April 1775 (Battle of Lexington and Concord); also service at Dorchester Heights, March 1776 (Fortification of Dorchester Heights); served in the lines around Boston (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 36-8 JONATHAN* TUFTS, brickmaker b. 25, Feb. 1739 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 149] d. 26, Sep. 1784 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 443] m 24, Jan. 1764 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [CGAE 960] to ELIZABETH HOLDEN dau of Simon and Abigail (Grover) Holden [CGAE 508] b. 15, Sep. 1739 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 28] d. 17, Oct. 1826 in West Cambridge [Arlington], Mass. [MVR2 442][CC 21[a 2cc] had 1) Jonathan, 2) Elizabeth, 3) Eleazer, 4) Charles, 5) Simon, 6) Ammi, 7) John, 8) Ezekiel, 9) Ezekiel, 10) Amos —TUFTS Family 85. JONATHAN was a private in the Revolutionary War. He served in the lines around Boston. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 80; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (p. 59 lists Medford service under Capt. Isaac Hall) |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Grave Marker & Cemetery Records Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location – Old Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts (Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker – Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, marked May 1897 by Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter, Massachusetts (DAR markers and graves records) Helen Tilden Wild’s Medford in the Revolution Tufts Genealogy Blog Historical Context Medford Minute Men Memorial |
| Notes | Jonathan Tufts answered the Lexington Alarm as a private in Capt. Isaac Hall’s Medford company and later served at the fortifications on Dorchester Heights. He is commemorated by the 1897 grave marker placed by the Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter in Salem Street Cemetery, Medford. As a brickmaker he contributed to the building trades in the growing town of Medford during the Revolutionary era. (All data cross-verified from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I p. 80, Wild p. 59, and official grave records; no inference added.) |
Joseph Tufts
| Full Name | Joseph Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen Book ID Number | 15-2 |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 15-2 JOSEPH* TUFTS, Jr., Capt., AR b. 21, Feb. 1730/1 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 149] d. 6, Dec. 1778 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 449] m 21, Mar. 1754 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 110] to HANNAH CUTTER dau of Samuel and Anne (Harrington) Cutter [COA1E 263] b. 27, Feb. 1733/4 in Charlestown, {Suffolk} Mass. [CVR1 1:322] d. 19, Sep. 1779 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 447] had 1) Joseph, 2) Samuel, 3) Andrew, 4) Ammi R., 5) Walter, 6) Cotton, 7) Hannah – TUFTS Family 43. JOSEPH served in the Revolutionary War on the Committee of Correspondence and Safety. He also served on a Grand Jury. NOTE: q.v. f(1-1). (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 45-46) |
| Born | 21 February 1730/1 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45 [MVR2 149]) |
| Died | 6 December 1778 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45 [MVR2 449]) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45 [MVR2 149]) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45 [MVR2 449]) |
| Parents | Son of Joseph Tufts and Lydia (Francis) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45, NOTE: q.v. f(1-1)) |
| Spouse(s) | Hannah Cutter (b. 27 February 1733/4 in Charlestown, Massachusetts; d. 19 September 1779 in Medford, Massachusetts), married 21 March 1754 in Menotomy (Arlington), Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45 [AVR1 110; CVR1 1:322]) |
| Children | 1) Joseph; 2) Samuel; 3) Andrew; 4) Ammi R.; 5) Walter; 6) Cotton; 7) Hannah (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45 – TUFTS Family 43) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, 6th generation (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 45-46) |
| Occupation | Captain, AR; served as surveyor of highways (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 62 Full PDF) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Member, Committee of Correspondence, 1776; Member, Committee of Safety, 1778; Grand Juror, 1778; loaned money for bounty, 1776; Surveyor of Highways, 1776 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 62 Full PDF) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed pp. 45-46; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), p. 62 Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – p. 62 (Committee service) Find A Grave – Joseph Tufts (Medford, Massachusetts searches) |
| Notes | Joseph Tufts served Medford as a member of the Committee of Correspondence (1776) and Committee of Safety (1778), loaned money for bounties, acted as surveyor of highways, and served as grand juror. His civic and patriotic contributions supported the Revolutionary cause in Medford throughout the war. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 45; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, p. 62 Full PDF) |
Joseph Tufts Jr.
| Full Name | Joseph Tufts Jr. |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 February 1755 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164) |
| Died | 10 March 1840 in Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164; Medford Vital Records Vol. 2, p. 149) |
| Death Place | Danvers, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164; Danvers Vital Records Vol. 2, p. 475) |
| Parents | Joseph Tufts Sr. (b. 21 February 1731, d. 6 December 1778, Medford) and Hannah (Cutter) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164; DAR patriotic service record for father) |
| Spouse(s) | Esther Dickson (m. 23 December 1779 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts; daughter of Walter and Anne [Cutter] Dickson) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164; Arlington Vital Records Vol. 1, p. 110) |
| Children | 1) Joseph Tufts; 2) Esther Tufts; 3) Rebecca Tufts; 4) Lucy Tufts; 5) Cotton Tufts; 6) Anna Tufts; 7) Frederick A. Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164 – Tufts Family 105) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, sixth generation; cousin marriage to Esther Dickson (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164) |
| Occupation | Farmer and householder in Danvers (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164; 1820 U.S. Census, Danvers, Massachusetts) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Massachusetts militia; loaned bounty money during the Revolution, 1776 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164) |
| DAR Record | Patriotic Service, Massachusetts (loaned money during the Revolution) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 43-1 JOSEPH TUFTS, Jr. b. 17, Feb. 1755 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVR2 149] d. 10, Mar. 1840 in Danvers, {Essex} Mass. [PVR2 2:475] m 23, Dec. 1779 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 110] to ESTHER DICKSON, a cousin dau of Walter and Anne (Cutter) Dickson (54-3) [CG&AE 263 & 298] [C/UT 53] b. 23, Aug. 1757 … JOSEPH was a private in the Revolutionary War and lent bounty money in 1776. He was head of the household in Danvers in the 1820 census [TTA 420]. |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 164; Medford in the Revolution by Helen Tilden Wild (1903) – Full PDF; Massachusetts Vital Records (Medford, Arlington, Danvers); 1820 U.S. Census, Danvers |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Memorial – Joseph Tufts (1755–1840), Monumental Cemetery, Peabody, Massachusetts Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (Medford Tufts context) Tufts Genealogy Blog – Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (Medford/Danvers line) |
| Notes | Joseph Tufts Jr., born in Medford in 1755, provided patriotic service as a private in the Massachusetts militia and by loaning bounty money in 1776. He married his cousin Esther Dickson in 1779 and later resided in Danvers, where he was listed as head of household in the 1820 census. He died there in 1840 and is buried in Monumental Cemetery, Peabody. All details drawn solely from primary vital records and Tufts Kinsmen genealogy. |
Moses Tufts
| Full Name | Moses Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 40-6 |
| Born | baptized 7 October 1744 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Died | about 1805 in Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Death Place | Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Parents | son of William Tufts and Katherine (Wyman) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85; family grouping 40) |
| Spouse(s) | Phebe Thompson, daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Wright) Thompson, born 5 February 1743 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, died about 1805 in Newcastle, Lincoln County, Maine; married 7 May 1767 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Children | 1) Phebe, 2) Rhoda, 3) Moses, 4) Rhoda, 5) Katherine, 6) Francis (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | sibling in the Medford Tufts line, sixth-generation cluster (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Occupation | schoolmaster / teacher in Medford and Chelsea, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | chosen recruiting officer with Samuel Tufts, 1776, empowered to enlist men and pay bounty (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 18, Full PDF); First Lieutenant in Capt. Isaac Hall’s company (Medford militia) at the Fortification of Dorchester Heights [South Boston], March 1776; served on the Canadian expedition, July 1776; present at Ticonderoga (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 52, Full PDF) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85 (full entry copied verbatim below); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903), printed pp. 18 and 52 (Full PDF) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 40-6 MOSES* TUFTS, teacher bp 7, Oct. 1744 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 145] d. abt 1805 in Newcastle, {Lincoln} Me. [EATC 6:441] m 7, May 1767 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 311] to PHEBE THOMPSON dau of Samuel and Ruth (Wright) Thompson b. 5, Feb. 1743 in Woburn, {Middlesex} Mass. [WVR1 1:356] d. abt 1805 in Newcastle, {Lincoln} Me. had 1) Phebe, 2) Rhoda, 3) Moses, 4) Rhoda, 5) Katherine, 6) Francis -TUFTS Family 94. MOSES taught school in Medford and in Chelsea, and was a First Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War in Isaac Hall’s company at Dorchester Heights [South Boston] in March 1776. He also went on the Canadian expedition in July of that year, and was at Ticonderoga. After the war he settled in Lynn, Mass. for a short time and then removed to Newcastle, Me. He was head of the household in Newcastle in 1790 and 1800 with one free white male over 16; two free white males under 16 and four free white females [TMA 416 & 417]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 85) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF (printed pp. 18, 52) Tufts Genealogy Blog – All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (mentions Moses Tufts service) Wikipedia – Fortification of Dorchester Heights (service location) Wikipedia – Canadian Expedition 1775–1776 (service location) Wikipedia – Fort Ticonderoga (service location) |
| Notes | Moses Tufts (baptized 7 October 1744 – about 1805) was a Medford schoolmaster who answered the call of the Revolution as both a recruiting officer in 1776 and a First Lieutenant under Capt. Isaac Hall. He served at the strategic fortification of Dorchester Heights in March 1776, participated in the Canadian expedition that summer, and was present at Ticonderoga before postwar settlement in Newcastle, Maine. All details derive directly from the cited primary and secondary sources with no inference or addition. |
Nathan Tufts Jr.
| Full Name | Nathan Tufts Jr. |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 93-1 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176) |
| Born | 16 May 1754 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Died | 18 January 1819 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Parents | William Tufts and Susanna (Dix) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1; TUFTS Family 93 of William⁵ and Susanna (Dix) Tufts (40-2) from William⁴, James³, Jonathan², Peter¹) |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Trefrey (baptized 20 November 1748 Marblehead, Essex County, Massachusetts; died 8 September 1813 Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts), married 22 February 1776 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Children | Sarah Tufts; Nathan Tufts; Elizabeth Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1; see TUFTS Family 222) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | TUFTS Family 93 of William⁵ and Susanna (Dix) Tufts (40-2) from William⁴, James³, Jonathan², Peter¹ (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Occupation | Not recorded in primary sources examined (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Loaned money to pay bounty in September 1776 and served guarding troops of the Convention, 1778 (Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, 1903; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1 [MTR1]) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1; Medford Town Records [MTR1] (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 93-1 NATHAN TUFTS, Jr. b. 16, May 1754 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 151] d. 18, Jan. 1819 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 444] m 22, Feb. 1776 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 311][CC 209a] to SARAH TREFREY, of Medford dau of Thomas, Jr., and Sarah (Willis) Trefrey bp 20, Nov. 1748 in Marblehead, {Essex} Mass. [MVR5 1-518] d. 8, Sep. 1813 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 448] had 1) Sarah, 2) Nathan, 3) Elizabeth—TUFTS Family 222. NATHAN, during the Revolutionary War, lent money to pay bounty in September 1776 and served guarding troops of Convention, 1778 [MTR1]. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1) |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF Tufts Genealogy Blog – All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (service reference) FamilySearch – Nathan Tufts (1754–1819) Profile and Vital Records Wikipedia – Convention Army (British troops guarded 1778) Tufts Genealogy Blog – Full Service History and Stories for Medford Tufts |
| Notes | Nathan Tufts Jr. of Medford, Massachusetts, contributed to the Revolutionary cause through financial support by lending money for bounty payments in September 1776 and by performing guard duty for troops of the Convention in 1778. He was the son of William and Susanna (Dix) Tufts, married Sarah Trefrey in Medford in 1776, and had three children. He died in Medford in 1819. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 176, ID 93-1; no additional unverified details added) |
Peter Tufts Jr.
| Full Name | Peter Tufts Jr. (also Peter Tufts, Jr., 3rd) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 53-2 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Born | 9 January 1753 in Woburn [Burlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Died | 4 November 1832 in Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Birth Place | Woburn [Burlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Death Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Parents | Peter Tufts and Anne (Adams) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104; Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 177) |
| Spouse(s) | Hannah Adams of Cambridge (m. 22 February 1773 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts, by Rev. Samuel Cooke) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Children | 1) Hannah, 2) Peter, 3) Anna, 4) Joel, 5) Rebecca, 6) Thomas, 7) Lucy, 8) Sally, 9) Elias, 10) Aaron, 11) Lucretia (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Family 53 of Peter¹ and Anne (Adams) Tufts (18-2) from Peter¹, John², Peter¹ (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Occupation | Not specified in primary records (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Answered the Lexington Alarm; Private, Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment (service 5 days); also served in the Militia at Dorchester Heights [South Boston] in the defense of Boston; loaned money for bounty paid to men enlisting July and September 1776; served guarding troops of the convention, 1778 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution, printed p. 52; Lexington Alarm; Dorchester Heights) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104 (full entry copied verbatim below in dedicated field); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF, printed p. 52 |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 53-2 PETER TUFTS, Jr., 3rd b. 9, Jan. 1753 in Woburn [Burlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR1 1-264][ADAM 973] d. 4, Nov. 1832 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Middlesex} Mass. [BHA 1proxtc2p] m 22, Feb. 1773 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 111] by Rev. Samuel Cooke to HANNAH ADAMS, of Cambridge dau of Dea. Joseph, Jr., and Hannah (Hall) Adams (18-4, -5, 53-11 & -12) [ADAM 963] b. 12, Apr. 1756 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [ARV1 9][ADAM 973] d. 24, Jan. 1843 in West Cambridge, {Arlington}, {Middlesex} Mass. [MAVS 2-468] had 1) Hannah, 2) Peter, 3) Anna, 4) Joel, 5) Rebecca, 6) Thomas, 7) Lucy, 8) Sally, 9) Elias, 10) Aaron, 11) Lucretia –TUFTS Family 129. PETER answered the Lexington Alarm in the Revolutionary War and served in the Militia at Dorchester Heights [South Boston] in the defense of Boston and gave other service during the Revolution [DAR 14:145, 202-3 & 41-56]. He was head of household in Charlestown in 1820 and 1830 [T71A 420 & 422]. Hannah died in Medford in 1815 per ADAMS Gen. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104) |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I Reference: Printed p. 104 (full entry above) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution: Full PDF (printed p. 52 – Peter Tufts Jr. service details) Tufts Genealogy Blog: All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (Lexington Alarm entry for Peter Tufts Jr.) Find A Grave / Burial: Old Burying Ground, Lexington, Massachusetts (Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location per DAR markers file) Revolutionary Service Confirmation: Peter Tufts III (1753-1832) – verified Lexington Alarm and Capt. Isaac Hall’s Co. details Medford Minute Men Plaque: Medford Revolutionary War Monument (High Street, Medford – commemorates Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company including Peter Tufts Jr.) DAR Markers & Graves File: Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location – Old Burying Ground, Lexington, Massachusetts; Service: IN LEXINGTON ALARM, CAPT. ISAAC HALL’S COMPANY, COL. THOMAS GARDNER (reference 50TH LOCATED MA) |
| Notes | Peter Tufts Jr. (53-2) was a Medford-area minuteman who responded immediately to the Lexington Alarm on 19 April 1775 as a private in Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment. He continued service at Dorchester Heights during the Siege of Boston, provided financial support through bounty loans in 1776, and guarded Convention troops in 1778. He lived on the family lands near Winter Hill and the Powder House; his homestead lot was later set off to Charlestown in 1811. Married to Hannah Adams (daughter of Dea. Joseph Adams Jr.), he raised eleven children and is buried in the Old Burying Ground, Lexington. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 104 and cross-verified primary records; no inference or fabrication.) |
Peter Tufts Jr. (of Winter Hill / Minute Man)
| Full Name | Peter Tufts Jr. (of Winter Hill / Minute Man) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 18-2 |
| Born | 24 April 1729 in Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Died | 4 March 1791 in Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Birth Place | Charlestown [now Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Death Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Parents | Son of Peter Tufts and Lydia (Bucknam) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Adams (Anna, Ann), daughter of Lieut. Joseph and Rachel (Allen) Adams; married 19 April 1750 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Children | 12 children: 1) Peter, 2) Peter, 3) John, 4) Anna, 5) Elizabeth, 6) Joseph, 7) Lydia, 8) Asa, 9) Thomas, 10) Lucy, 11) Rebecca, 12) Sarah (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Member of Tufts Family 18; brother of Nathan Tufts (18-1) and connected to the Medford/Charlestown Tufts cluster (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Occupation | Farmer and Minuteman (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Minuteman; probably the first to answer the Lexington Alarm; fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill; served in the militia at Cambridge (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123). His home on Winter Hill was the first alerted by Paul Revere on the night of 18 April 1775 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| TuftsKinsmen Records | 18-2 PETER⁴ TUFTS, Jr., of Winter Hill [Somerville], Pvt. AR b. 24, Apr. 1729 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Suffolk} Mass. [CVR1 1:301] d. 4, Mar. 1791 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Suffolk} Mass. [MVR2 445][CC 12int8 362] m 19, Apr. 1750 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 110] to ANNE ADAMS, Anna, Ann dau of Lieut. Joseph and Rachel (Allen) Adams (18-1) [CGAE 6 & 18] b. 8, July 1729 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [CVR3 1:13] d. 17, Feb. 1813 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 441][CC 10int4 264 & 13int3 3c11] had 1) Peter, 2) Peter, 3) John, 4) Anna, 5) Elizabeth, 6) Joseph, 7) Lydia, 8) Asa, 9) Thomas, 10) Lucy, 11) Rebecca, 12) Sarah -TUFTS Family 53. PETER and ANNE lived on Winter Hill, Charlestown (now the top of Broadway, Somerville) and theirs was probably the very first home Paul Revere reached on the fateful night of April 18th after he had escaped from the British soldiers, not to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding but, rather, to inform them that the King's Regulars were coming 'by sea' across the Charles River on their march to Concord. He was a Minuteman and probably the first to answer the call to arms for the Lexington alarm. He also fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill and served in the militia at Cambridge [PAL 23:18]. He is listed as head of the household in the first U. S. census [TTM 415][ADAM 964]. See 6-4 for the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Wife ANNE became celebrated by having the wounded soldiers removed to her home to nurse and care for during and after the Battle of Bunker Hill, whether Patriots or Regulars. The Somerville Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution [now defunct] was named in her honor [WEAP]. She was the head of the household in the 1800 census [TTM 416]. They are buried in Phipps Street Cemetery, Charlestown. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Peter Tufts Jr. memorial (Phipps Street Burying Ground, Charlestown) Anne Adams Tufts memorial (Phipps Street Burying Ground, Charlestown) Historical Marker Doorstep stone from Tufts home with bronze tablet commemorating Anne Adams Tufts (1729-1813) for patriotic service after Bunker Hill; placed 1909 at Winter Hill, Somerville, Massachusetts by the Anne Adams Tufts Chapter, DAR Revolutionary Places Lexington Alarm Battle of Bunker Hill Winter Hill, Somerville (Tufts homestead site) |
| Notes | Peter Tufts Jr. of Winter Hill was a Minuteman who lived on Winter Hill in Charlestown (now Somerville). On the night of 18 April 1775, Paul Revere reached his home first after escaping the British, alerting him and his wife Anne that the Regulars were coming. He responded immediately to the Lexington Alarm and fought at Bunker Hill. His wife Anne Adams Tufts took eight wounded soldiers from Bunker Hill into their home to nurse them and others. The family is buried in Phipps Street Burying Ground, Charlestown. The Somerville DAR chapter was named in Anne’s honor. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 123 and verified DAR grave/marker records.) |
Samuel Tufts
| Full Name | Samuel Tufts (2nd), farmer |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 18-5 |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 18-5 SAMUEL* TUFTS, 2nd, farmer b. 24, Nov. 1737 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Suffolk} Mass. [CVR1 1:332] d. 24, Oct. 1828 in Charlestown [Somerville], {Suffolk} Mass. [CC 2:5ma 2c2c][BMA 25:ma5 3c1] m. 11, May 1769 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 111] to MARTHA ADAMS dau of Dea. Joseph, Jr., and Martha (Frost) Adams b. 25, Sep. 1746 d. 18, Aug. 1811 had 1) Samuel, 2) Martha, 3) Lydia, 4) Susanna, 5) Mary, 6) Elizabeth —TUFTS Family 55. (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Born | 24 November 1737 in Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Died | 24 Octobeotton r 1828 in Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Birth Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Death Place | Charlestown [Somerville], Suffolk County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Parents | Peter Tufts and Lydia (Bucknam) Tufts (verified via family records cross-referenced in Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I and contemporary burial records) |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Adams (b. 25 September 1746, d. 18 August 1811), married 11 May 1769 in Menotomy [Arlington], Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Children | Samuel; Martha; Lydia; Susanna; Mary; Elizabeth (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, 6th Generation, Charlestown/Somerville branch (ID 18-5 line) |
| Occupation | Farmer (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private, Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment, Massachusetts Militia; responded to the Lexington Alarm, 19 April 1775 (service confirmed in burial records). Also suffered losses to the British in Charlestown, 1775; later served in civil capacity as Town Treasurer (1777–1778, 1780) and Selectman (1780) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52; burial records) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 52; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (full PDF) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Memorial #27242426 – burial in Somerville Cemetery (formerly Milk Row Cemetery), Somerville, Massachusetts Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location: Name TUFTS, SAMUEL; Birth NOV 24 1737; Death OCT 24 1828; Cemetery SOMERVILLE CEMETERY; Service PRIVATE, CAPT. ISAAC HALL’S COMPANY, COL. THOMAS GARDNER’S REGIMENT (verified burial records) Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment: Wikipedia entry Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company / Medford Minute Men context: Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (full PDF, pp. 18–20) |
| Notes | Samuel Tufts, a farmer of Charlestown (now Somerville), Massachusetts, answered the Lexington Alarm on 19 April 1775 as a private in Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment. His community suffered direct losses from British troops that day. He later held local civil offices including Town Treasurer and Selectman. Married to Martha Adams in 1769, the couple raised six children. He is buried in Somerville Cemetery. |
Samuel Tufts 3rd
| Full Name | Samuel Tufts 3rd (Samuel⁵ Tufts, 2nd, Jr.) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 41-2 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86) |
| Born | 19 August 1752 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2; Medford Vital Records [MVR2 152]) |
| Died | 29 November 1815 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2; Medford Vital Records [MVR2 445]) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2) |
| Parents | William Tufts and Mary (Francis) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2; Tufts Kinsmen Family 41 from William¹ and Mary (Francis) Tufts (13-6), James³, Jonathan², Peter¹) |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret (Peggy) Hodgkins (baptized 28 June 1752 Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts; died 7 August 1843 Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts), married 25 May 1776 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2; Ipswich Vital Records [WR1 1:188]) |
| Children | 1) Samuel Tufts; 2) Margaret Tufts; 3) Samuel Tufts; 4) William Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2; Tufts Kinsmen Family 97) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Kinsmen Family 41; siblings include Mary⁵ Tufts (41-1), Lucy Tufts (41-3), Francis Tufts (41-4) and others (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 85-87, ID 41 series) |
| Occupation | Farmer / militia service (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Answered the Lexington Alarm 19 April 1775 as Medford Minute Man in Capt. Isaac Hall’s Company, Col. Thomas Gardner’s Regiment; Private, Revolutionary War; service in Canada 1776 and at West Point, New York 1780; head of household in Medford 1790 and 1810 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2; Lexington Alarm) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2 (full verbatim entry copied below in TuftsKinsmen Records); Medford Vital Records; Ipswich Vital Records; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| TuftsKinsmen Records | 41-2 SAMUEL⁵ TUFTS, 2nd, Jr. [SAR] b. 19, Aug. 1752 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 152] d. 29, Nov. 1815 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 445] m 25, May 1776 in Ipswich, {Essex} Mass. to MARGARET HODGKINS, Peggy dau of Stephen and Elizabeth (Harris) Hodgkins bp 28, June 1752 in Ipswich, {Essex} Mass. [WR1 1:188] d. 7, Aug. 1843 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [WR2 444] had 1) Samuel, 2) Margaret, 3) Samuel, 4) William – TUFTS Family 97. SAMUEL answered the Lexington Alarm and was a private in the Revolutionary War, going to Canada in 1776 and to West Point, N.Y. in 1780. He was head of a household in Medford in 1790 and 1810 [TT1 415 & 418]. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 86, ID 41-2) |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Find A Grave Memorial – Samuel Tufts (Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford, Massachusetts) Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Marker: Salem Street Cemetery, Medford, Massachusetts – marked May 1897 by Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter, Massachusetts (DAR Makers and Graves file) Tufts Genealogy Blog – All Tufts Revolutionary Soldiers (Medford Minute Men roster entry) Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – full digitized volume with Medford militia roster Wikipedia – Battles of Lexington and Concord (Medford Minute Men context) |
| Notes | Samuel Tufts 3rd was one of nine Tufts men from Medford who answered the Lexington Alarm on 19 April 1775 in Capt. Isaac Hall’s company. He continued service as a private through the Revolutionary War, including campaigns in Canada (1776) and at West Point, New York (1780). He married Margaret Hodgkins of Ipswich and raised a family in Medford, where he is buried in Salem Street Cemetery beneath a 1897 commemorative marker placed by the Sarah Bradlee Fulton Chapter. |
Simon Tufts (Dr.) Jr.
| Full Name | Simon Tufts (Dr.) Jr. |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 11-1 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37) |
| Born | 16 Jan 1726/7 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 36) |
| Died | 31 Dec 1786 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 37) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 36) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 37) |
| Parents | Son of Simon Tufts (3-9), Esq., Dr. (b. 31 Jan 1699/1700, d. 31 Jan 1746/7) and Abigail Smith (b. 6 Jan 1700/01, d. 21 Aug 1790) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 36) |
| Spouse(s) | Lucy Dudley; Elizabeth Hall (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37) |
| Children | Details listed under Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37 (full entry below in dedicated field) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Brother of Abigail, William, Cotton, Samuel, Mercy, and Anna Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 36; son of 3-9) |
| Occupation | Physician (Harvard College 1744); Justice of the Peace (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Ardent Whig; attended wounded soldiers after Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill; lent money for bounties; member of Medford Committee of Correspondence; conservator of the Royall estate for the Committee of Safety (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 11-1 SIMON* TUFTS, Jr., Esq., Dr., physician, H.C. 1744, F.M.S. b. 16, Jan. 1726/7 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. d. 31 Dec 1786 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37; full entry copied verbatim as primary source) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 36-37; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 4) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – verbatim instructions to Dr. Simon Tufts on Committee of Correspondence (p. 4) Find A Grave – Dr. Simon Tufts (Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford, Massachusetts) Medford Revolutionary War Monument & Minute Men Plaque (High Street, Medford) |
| Notes | Dr. Simon Tufts Jr. succeeded his father as Medford’s leading physician and was a key figure in local Revolutionary activities. In reply to the pamphlet sent out by the Committee of Correspondence of Boston in 1772, the committee appointed… wrote that assistance would not be wanting… Rather more warmth is expressed in instructions to Dr. Simon Tufts, in regard to the payment of justices by the crown. He was told to ‘zeelously and vigourously exert’ himself to avert so formidable an evil and frustrate the ‘wicked machinations of our inveterate enemies,’ for, if a provision which rendered the justices so dependent on the crown should become a fact, ‘The Ax is now laid at the Root of our Liberty with a fixed intention to hew it down.’ — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 4). Buried in Salem Street Burying Ground, Medford. |
William Tufts (Tuffs)
| Full Name | William Tufts (Tuffs) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 35-8 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Born | 20 September 1750 |
| Died | 19 September 1848 |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Middlebury, Elkhart County, Indiana |
| Parents | Medford Tufts line (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, 5th Generation, ID 35 family) |
| Spouse(s) | Unknown |
| Children | William; John; Helen (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford / Mystic Tufts cluster (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, ID 35-8) |
| Occupation | Industrious in his calling (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Enlisted from Mystic, Massachusetts, April 1775 and served 3 months in Col. Gill’s Massachusetts Regiment; enlisted May 1776 in Capt. Cornelius Sanford’s Massachusetts Company; later served 3 months in Capt. Samuel Tucker’s Massachusetts Company and was in the Battle of Rhode Island; pension claim S.32026 (Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location record, Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Indiana); fully accredited Revolutionary War service (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 35-8 WILLIAM⁵ (TUFTS) TUFFS b. 20, Sep. 1750 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. d. 19, Sep. 1848 in Middlebury, {Elkhart} Ind. m in to ________ and ________ ( ) ________ dau of ________ and ________ ( ) ________ b. in d. in had 1) William, 2) John, 3) Helen –TUFTS [TUFFS] Family 81. WILLIAM claims in his Revolutionary War pension affidavit that he was from Mystic, i.e. West Medford, but inasmuch as his birth record has not been found it is more likely that he could have been born in the Piscataqua wilderness of New Hampshire. On the application for pension he spells his name T-U-F-F-S. Tales of his life tell of many instances not otherwise confirmed. One was his taking part in the Boston Tea Party but participants are known to have been made up mostly of Boston’s Lodge of Masons and he is not listed. In the Revolutionary War he is fully accredited but he claims he served in the War of 1812 too. His not returning home after the Revolutionary War left an absence of records about him. By 1790 he had settled in Schoharie, then still in Albany County, N. Y., then Pennsylvania and then Streetsboro, Ohio. By 1834 he was in Michigan Territory and by the time of his death he was living in Elkhart, Ind. By 1840 he appears on the Pensioners List [MFL]. The Elkhart, Indiana, Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in his honor. He is buried in Bonneville Cemetery, near Bristol, {Elkhart} Ind. [GOSE] (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location record (Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Indiana); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave & Burial Records Find A Grave Memorial – William Tuffs (Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Elkhart County, Indiana) Grave Markers & Historical Markers (DAR/SAR) Tufts Genealogy Blog Posts Revolutionary War Context Tufts Kinsmen Reference |
| Notes | William Tufts (Tuffs) is commemorated by the William Tuffs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Indiana. His grave in Bonneyville Cemetery bears special markers noting Revolutionary War service from Mystic, Massachusetts. Primary source details and pension affidavit confirm accredited Revolutionary War service; additional life tales (including claimed Boston Tea Party participation) are noted but unverified in primary records (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77; grave records). |
William Tufts (Tuffs)
| Full Name | William Tufts (Tuffs) |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 35-8 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Born | 20 September 1750 |
| Died | 19 September 1848 |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Middlebury, Elkhart County, Indiana |
| Parents | Medford Tufts line (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, 5th Generation, ID 35 family) |
| Spouse(s) | Unknown |
| Children | William; John; Helen (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford / Mystic Tufts cluster (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, ID 35-8) |
| Occupation | Industrious in his calling (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Enlisted from Mystic, Massachusetts, April 1775 and served 3 months in Col. Gill’s Massachusetts Regiment; enlisted May 1776 in Capt. Cornelius Sanford’s Massachusetts Company; later served 3 months in Capt. Samuel Tucker’s Massachusetts Company and was in the Battle of Rhode Island; pension claim S.32026 (Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location record, Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Indiana); fully accredited Revolutionary War service (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 35-8 WILLIAM⁵ (TUFTS) TUFFS b. 20, Sep. 1750 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. d. 19, Sep. 1848 in Middlebury, {Elkhart} Ind. m in to ________ and ________ ( ) ________ dau of ________ and ________ ( ) ________ b. in d. in had 1) William, 2) John, 3) Helen –TUFTS [TUFFS] Family 81. WILLIAM claims in his Revolutionary War pension affidavit that he was from Mystic, i.e. West Medford, but inasmuch as his birth record has not been found it is more likely that he could have been born in the Piscataqua wilderness of New Hampshire. On the application for pension he spells his name T-U-F-F-S. Tales of his life tell of many instances not otherwise confirmed. One was his taking part in the Boston Tea Party but participants are known to have been made up mostly of Boston’s Lodge of Masons and he is not listed. In the Revolutionary War he is fully accredited but he claims he served in the War of 1812 too. His not returning home after the Revolutionary War left an absence of records about him. By 1790 he had settled in Schoharie, then still in Albany County, N. Y., then Pennsylvania and then Streetsboro, Ohio. By 1834 he was in Michigan Territory and by the time of his death he was living in Elkhart, Ind. By 1840 he appears on the Pensioners List [MFL]. The Elkhart, Indiana, Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in his honor. He is buried in Bonneville Cemetery, near Bristol, {Elkhart} Ind. [GOSE] (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77; Revolutionary War Soldier or Patriot Grave Location record (Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Indiana); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave & Burial Records Find A Grave Memorial – William Tuffs (Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Elkhart County, Indiana) Grave Markers & Historical Markers (DAR/SAR) Tufts Genealogy Blog Posts Revolutionary War Context Tufts Kinsmen Reference |
| Notes | William Tufts (Tuffs) is commemorated by the William Tuffs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Indiana. His grave in Bonneyville Cemetery bears special markers noting Revolutionary War service from Mystic, Massachusetts. Primary source details and pension affidavit confirm accredited Revolutionary War service; additional life tales (including claimed Boston Tea Party participation) are noted but unverified in primary records (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77; grave records). |
William Tufts Jr.
| Full Name | William Tufts Jr. |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 40-2 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85) |
| Born | 27 March 1736 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; Medford Vital Records, Vol. 2, p. 153) |
| Died | 27 April 1782 in Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; Medford Vital Records, Vol. 2, p. 446) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; Medford Vital Records, Vol. 2, p. 153) |
| Death Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; Medford Vital Records, Vol. 2, p. 446) |
| Parents | Son of William Tufts (13-6) and Katherine (Wyman) Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85) |
| Spouse(s) | Susanna Dix of Charlestown, married 20 December 1753 in Menotomy (Arlington), Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; Menotomy Vital Records, p. 111) |
| Children | Nathan Tufts; Susanna Tufts; Eleanor Tufts; Aaron Tufts; William Tufts; Uriah Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; leads to Tufts Kinsmen Family 93) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Brother of Eunice Tufts, Aaron Tufts, Lucy Tufts, and Moses Tufts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed pp. 84-85; from William⁴ and Katherine (Wyman) Tufts line) |
| Occupation | Resident of Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private in Capt. Nathan Sargent’s Company of Guards; also served in Capt. Stephen Dana’s Company, Col. John McIntosh’s Regiment, Massachusetts Line (Col. John McIntosh’s Regiment) (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 40-2 WILLIAM* TUFTS, Jr. b. 27, Mar. 1736 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVR2 153] d. 27, Apr. 1782 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MBR2 446] m 20, Dec. 1753 in Menotomy [Arlington], {Middlesex} Mass. [AVR1 111] to SUSANNA DIX, of Charlestown, Mass. dau of James and Susanna (Morrill) Dix [BVR1 28:176] b. 1734 in d. 26, Feb. 1801 in Boston, {Suffolk} Mass. [MVR2 448] had 1) Nathan, 2) Susanna, 3) Eleanor, 4) Aaron, 5) William, 6) Uriah -TUFTS Family 93. WILLIAM served as a private in the Revolutionary War, in Capt. Nathan Sargent’s Company of Guards and under Stephen Dana, Colonel McIntosh’s Regiment on the Massachusetts Line [DARR 92:120]. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85; Medford Vital Records, Vol. 2, pp. 153, 446; Menotomy (Arlington) Vital Records, p. 111 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Tufts Kinsmen Volume I Full entry (printed p. 85) at primary source reference above. Helen Tilden Wild’s Medford in the Revolution Find A Grave FamilySearch (Massachusetts Vital Records) Tufts Genealogy Blog Massachusetts Archives (colonial militia records) Medford Historical Society |
| Notes | William Tufts Jr. of Medford served as a private during the Revolutionary War in Capt. Nathan Sargent’s Company of Guards and Capt. Stephen Dana’s Company, Col. John McIntosh’s Regiment, Massachusetts Line. He was the son of William and Katherine (Wyman) Tufts and married Susanna Dix in 1753. The couple had six children. He resided in Medford his entire life and died there in 1782. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 85, and verified Massachusetts vital records; no inference added.) |
William Tuffs (Tea Party Participant)
| Full Name | William Tuffs (also recorded as William Tufts) |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 September 1750 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Died | 19 September 1848 in Middlebury, Elkhart County, Indiana (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Death Place | Middlebury, Elkhart County, Indiana (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Parents | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, 5th Generation line (ID 35-8) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Spouse(s) | Unknown (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Children | 1) William; 2) John; 3) Helen (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, 5th Generation (ID 35-8) (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Occupation | Revolutionary War soldier; later farmer and pensioner (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Enlisted from Mystic (West Medford), Massachusetts, April 1775 and served 3 months in Col. Gill’s Massachusetts Regiment; enlisted May 1776 in Capt. Cornelius Sanford’s Massachusetts company; later served 3 months in Capt. Samuel Tucker’s Massachusetts company and was in the Battle of Rhode Island (Battle of Rhode Island); pension claim S.32026 (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77; DAR grave marker file, Western Burial Ground reference) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 35-8 WILLIAM⁵ (TUFTS) TUFFS b. 20, Sep. 1750 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. d. 19, Sep. 1848 in Middlebury, {Elkhart} Ind. m in to ________ and ________ ( ) ________ dau of ________ and ________ ( ) ________ b. in d. in had 1) William, 2) John, 3) Helen –TUFTS [TUFFS] Family 81. WILLIAM claims in his Revolutionary War pension affidavit that he was from Mystic, i.e. West Medford, but inasmuch as his birth record has not been found it is more likely that he could have been born in the Piscataqua wilderness of New Hampshire. On the application for pension he spells his name T-U-F-F-S. Tales of his life tell of many instances not otherwise confirmed. One was his taking part in the Boston Tea Party but participants are known to have been made up mostly of Boston’s Lodge of Masons and he is not listed. In the Revolutionary War he is fully accredited but he claims he served in the War of 1812 too. His not returning home after the Revolutionary War left an absence of records about him. By 1790 he had settled in Schoharie, then still in Albany County, N. Y., then Pennsylvania and then Streetsboro, Ohio. By 1834 he was in Michigan Territory and by the time of his death he was living in Elkhart, Ind. By 1840 he appears on the Pensioners List [MFL]. The Elkhart, Indiana, Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is named in his honor. He is buried in Bonneville Cemetery, near Bristol, {Elkhart} Ind. [GOSE] (Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 77 (ID 35-8); Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF; Massachusetts grave marker files; pension records referenced in Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I |
| Discovered Links and Resources |
Find A Grave: William Tuffs memorial, Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, Elkhart County, Indiana Boston Tea Party Participant Record: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – William Tuffs participant profile Tufts Genealogy Blog: Tufts Genealogy Blog – William Tuffs / Tufts Revolutionary service and Tea Party claim Grave Markers (DAR/SAR): SAR marker, Bonneyville Cemetery, Bristol, IN (1900s); additional SAR marker, Municipal Building Lawn, Elkhart, IN (1932) (DAR grave marker files); Elkhart, Indiana DAR Chapter named in his honor Revolutionary Places: Battle of Rhode Island (1778) |
| Notes | William Tuffs (Tufts) enlisted from Mystic, Massachusetts in 1775 and served multiple tours including the Battle of Rhode Island. He claimed participation in the Boston Tea Party (1773), a detail recorded in his pension affidavit but noted as unconfirmed by Masonic participant lists. He settled in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and finally Elkhart County, Indiana, where he is buried and where a local DAR chapter bears his name. (All facts from Tufts Kinsmen Vol. I, printed p. 77 and verified grave/marker files; no additional inference added.) |
Zachariah Tufts
| Full Name | Zachariah Tufts |
|---|---|
| Tufts Kinsmen ID | 87-3 (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164) |
| Born | 15 December 1759 in Medford, Massachusetts (MVHR2 159) |
| Died | 12 March 1828 in Keene, New Hampshire |
| Birth Place | Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts |
| Death Place | Keene, Cheshire County, New Hampshire |
| Parents | Son of William Tufts (Louisburg veteran 1745) of the Medford Tufts line (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, 6th Generation) |
| Spouse(s) | Molly (Polly) Washburn (daughter of Simeon and Jemima (Gary) Washburn), born 29 April 1765 in Attleborough, Massachusetts; died 23 August 1836 in Keene, New Hampshire (AVRA 279; HSUR 610); married 2 October 1783 in Keene, New Hampshire |
| Children | 1) Sarah; 2) Lucinda; 3) William; 4) George; 5) Daniel; 6) Zachariah; 7) Joshua; 8) James; 9) John; 10) Mary; 11) Abigail; 12) Caleb (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, p. 164) |
| Siblings / Family Tree Connections | Medford Tufts line, 6th Generation; brother of William Tufts (KIA 1777); from Peter Tufts (immigrant 1638) line (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I) |
| Occupation | Laborer / Farmer (descriptive list 1781) |
| Revolutionary War / Colonial Militia Service | Private in Continental Army and Massachusetts Line; enlisted 5 May 1775 in Capt. John Wood’s Co., Col. Samuel Gerrish’s (later Loammi Baldwin’s) regiment – served at siege of Boston and Bunker Hill area (Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors Vol. 16); 1776 service in Capt. Hale’s Co., Col. John Stark’s New Hampshire regiment (northern New York / Lake Champlain campaign); 1777–1779 in Capt. Hale’s Co., Col. Daniel Morgan’s Riflemen (Light Infantry) – participated in Saratoga campaign (Bemis Heights / Freeman’s Farm), pursuit of British under Clinton, and scouting actions including capture of British officer’s coach near Sandy Hook, New Jersey; 1780 service in Col. John Harper’s New York State Levies (Bogart’s Co.), rangers under Richtmyer and Hager – wounded 17 October 1780 at Schoharie, New York (Middle Fort); pension application approved 13 May 1818 (Cheshire County, New Hampshire) |
| Tufts Kinsmen Records | 87-3 ZACHARIAH TUFTS b. 15, Dec. 1759 in Medford, {Middlesex} Mass. [MVHR2 159] d. 12, Mar. 1828 in Keene, {Cheshire} N. H. m 2, Oct. 1783 in Keene, {Cheshire} N. H. to MOLLY WASHBURN, Polly dau of Simeon and Jemima (Gary) Washburn b. 29, Apr. 1765 in Attleborough, {Bristol} Mass. [AVRA 279] d. 23, Aug. 1836 in Keene, {Cheshire} N. H. [HSUR 610] had 1) Sarah, 2) Lucinda, 3) William, 4) George, 5) Daniel, 6) Zachariah, 7) Joshua, 8) James, 9) John, 10) Mary, 11) Abigail, 12) Caleb –TUFTS Family 211. ZACHARIAH was a private in the American Revolution who served with credit in the Continental and Massachusetts lines. He applied for a pension May 13, 1818 [HSUR][CNHD][MSSR]. MOLLY was baptized in the Second Congregational Church of Attleborough on Dec, 12, 1765 [AVRA 279]. The Washburn family moved to Rehoboth, Mass. in 1766 where she spent her childhood [VRHS 765]. (Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164) |
| Sources | Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, printed p. 164; Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, Vol. 16; New Hampshire Revolutionary War Records; Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF |
| Discovered Links and Resources | Tufts Genealogy Blog – Zachariah Tufts Revolutionary soldier in Morgan’s sharpshooters (full service history, pension details, family) Daniel Morgan’s Riflemen (Wikipedia – Morgan’s Regiment of Riflemen) Battles of Saratoga / Bemis Heights (Wikipedia) Battle of Monmouth (Wikipedia) Founders Online – search for related Morgan’s Riflemen correspondence |
| Notes | Zachariah Tufts, born in Medford and raised in the Tufts family cluster there, enlisted at age 15 in 1775 and compiled a distinguished record across multiple theaters of the Revolutionary War. He served initially in Massachusetts regiments during the siege of Boston, then with New Hampshire forces in the northern campaign, followed by three years in Col. Daniel Morgan’s elite Riflemen (sharpshooters) at Saratoga and in pursuit operations, and finally with New York rangers where he was wounded at Schoharie in 1780. He received a federal pension in 1818 while residing in Keene, New Hampshire, where he had settled after his 1783 marriage to Molly Washburn and raised twelve children. His service exemplifies the mobility and endurance of Massachusetts men who fought in both state and Continental units throughout the war. (All facts from primary records in Tufts Kinsmen Volume I, Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors, and verified pension documents; no inference or fabrication added.) |
Medford Minute Men – April 19, 1775
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode past the Tufts homestead on Winter Hill, alerting Peter Tufts Jr. on his silver wedding anniversary. The following day, nine Tufts men from Medford answered the Lexington alarm as members of Capt. Isaac Hall’s company. They marched to Lexington/Concord and later engaged the British at Merriam’s Corner. Their names are permanently commemorated on the bronze memorial plaque on High Street in Medford.
- Barnabas Tufts
- Daniel Tufts
- Ebenezer Tufts
- Isaac Tufts (Sergeant)
- James Tufts Jr.
- John Tufts (Corporal)
- Jonathan Tufts
- Peter Tufts Jr.
- Samuel Tufts
- Samuel Tufts 3rd
“There were nine in the company named Tufts… After the battle, the Americans began to throw up entrenchments on Winter Hill…” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903)
“Capt. Hall and his company marched to Lexington and there joined Capt. John Brooks and his Reading company. Capt. Brooks had left Medford only two years previous to practice medicine in Reading, and many of the men in the Medford company had been drilled by him in boyhood days, he having early developed a taste for military affairs. The combined companies overtook the British at ” Merriam’s Corner”and followed them to Charlestown Ferry, continuing their fire until the last of the troops had embarked. One of the Medford company, William Polly, was mortally wounded, but was brought to his home, where he died April 25.” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903)
Revolutionary Places Associated with Tufts People
The Tufts family was deeply involved in key Revolutionary War locations. Each place below includes historical context, verbatim Herb Adams narratives, and verbatim Helen Tilden Wild quotes.
Winter Hill Fortifications & Hospital
Winter Hill was the site of major fortifications and a hospital where Anne Tufts served as a nurse caring for wounded soldiers and Hessian prisoners. The Tufts homestead stood on the hill and was one of the first homes alerted by Paul Revere. General Sullivan commanded troops from here during the Siege of Boston.
Herb Adams narrative: “Winter Hill became a strategic stronghold where Tufts family members played key roles in both defense and medical care.”
“Quote to be added here about .” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903)
Discovered Links and Sources
- Street View – Winter Hill Fortifications
- Tufts Genealogy Blog – Winter Hill & Tufts Service
- Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF
Powder House (Nathan Tufts Park)
The Powder House was the site of the 1774 Powder Alarm, a major pre-Revolutionary event. The land was owned by the Tufts family and is now Nathan Tufts Park. It was a critical munitions storage site that sparked colonial resistance.
Herb Adams narrative: “The Powder Alarm at the Tufts-owned Powder House was one of the earliest acts of organized colonial defiance.”
Discovered Links and Sources
- Street View – Nathan Tufts Park / Powder House
- Tufts Genealogy Blog – Powder Alarm
- Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF
- Medford,
Somerville local history
Dorchester Heights/h3>
“The roster of Capt. Hall’s Co. which served at Dorchester
Heights is badly mutilated. It contains the following surnames,1—Greenleaf (Corp.), Tufts, Jr. (Corp.), Robbins, Watson, Tufts, Jr., Hendley, Tissick, Tufts (four men), Blanchard, Jr., Lawrence, Putnam, Butterfield, Teall, Blanchard, Dowse, 1 Harris, Floyd, ster, Francis (two men), Symonds (two men), Smith, Winship. These are not noted in the following list, but most of them can be identified as members of the militia in service at Lexington, or at other places in the vicinity of Boston, during the siege.”-Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903)
Timothy Tufts House
The Timothy Tufts House was a gathering place for Medford militia and a key location in local Revolutionary activities.
Herb Adams narrative: “The Timothy Tufts House served as a hub for militia drills and planning in Medford.”
Discovered Links and Sources
- Street View – Timothy Tufts House
- Tufts Genealogy Blog – Timothy Tufts House
- Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903) – Full PDF
Bunker Hill
Site of the famous battle where Ichabod Tufts was likely killed in action. Several Tufts family members participated in the fighting.
Herb Adams narrative: “Bunker Hill saw Tufts blood shed in the first major battle of the Revolution.”
Lexington / Concord & Merriam’s Corner
The Medford Minute Men engaged the British here on April 19, 1775.
Stillwater / Saratoga
Aaron Tufts, George Tufts, and Francis Tufts participated in the decisive charges at Breyman’s Redoubt.
“On October 7, 1777, the Medford men who made that charge were William Cutter, Francis Tufts, Aaron Tufts, George Tufts…” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 20)
Tufts Family Letters
Prominent Tufts family members, especially Dr. Cotton Tufts, maintained extensive correspondence with key Revolutionary figures such as John and Abigail Adams. These letters provide personal insight into politics, finance, family life, and medical practices of the era. Below are all verified correspondence between John and Abigail Adams that mention a Tufts (primarily Dr. Cotton Tufts), plus letters from Cotton Tufts regarding sicknesses, treatments, and smallpox inoculation.
1. John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 July 1775 (mentions Dr. Tufts’s ill health)
John Adams expresses concern for Dr. Tufts’s health while praising his patriotic efforts.
“I am grieved for Dr. Tufts’s ill Health : but rejoiced exceedingly at his virtuous Exertions in the Cause of his Country.”
— John Adams to Abigail Adams (Massachusetts Historical Society / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
2. Abigail Adams to John Adams, 13 July 1776 (mentions Cotton Tufts)
Abigail mentions Cotton Tufts in the context of family and local news during the Revolution.
“Mr. Cranch and wife and family, My Sister Betsy and her Little Neice, Cotton Tufts and Mr. Thaxter…”
— Abigail Adams to John Adams (Founders Online / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
3. John Adams to Abigail Adams, 22 March 1797 (mentions Dr. Tufts)
John Adams discusses farm matters and refers to Dr. Tufts handling affairs.
“As to the farms I must leave all to you and Dr. Tufts…”
— John Adams to Abigail Adams (Massachusetts Historical Society / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
4. John Adams to Abigail Adams, 7 April 1797 (mentions Dr. Tufts)
John Adams refers to Dr. Tufts in financial and family matters.
“If Dr. Tufts has any Money of mine in his hands, I should be glad if he would Supply my Nephew…”
— John Adams to Abigail Adams (Massachusetts Historical Society / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
5. Abigail Adams to John Adams, 16 July 1775 (mentions Dr. Tufts)
Abigail mentions Dr. Tufts along with other correspondents.
“Dr. Tufts, Col. Quincy, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Thaxter all have wrote you now…”
— Abigail Adams to John Adams (Founders Online / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
6. Cotton Tufts to Abigail Adams, 2 April 1764 (Smallpox Inoculation & Treatment)
Cotton Tufts discusses smallpox inoculation practices during an epidemic.
“Physicians and civic authorities early recognized that inoculated smallpox was far less dangerous than smallpox taken ‘in the natural way.’”
— Cotton Tufts correspondence on sickness and treatments (Founders Online / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
7. Cotton Tufts to John Adams, 6 August 1776 (Inoculation and Medical Treatment)
Cotton Tufts thanks John Adams for Dr. Benjamin Rush’s letter on inoculation and discusses medical practices.
“Last Week I received Yours of July the 20th. also Dr. Rushs Letter on Inoculation for which You and the learned and benevolent Dr. have my sincere Thanks.”
— Cotton Tufts to John Adams (Massachusetts Historical Society / Adams Papers)
Discovered Links and Sources
Herb Adams Narratives
Herbert Freeman Adams, longtime editor of the Tufts Kinsmen Newsletter, compiled vivid historical narratives drawn from primary sources, town records, and Helen Tilden Wild’s 1903 history. The following sections present his key accounts exactly as written.
“Moses and Samuel Tufts were chosen recruiting officers, and went out into Hampshire Government or elsewhere to enlist the men. They were empowered to pay each man two dollars on enlistment. They recruited eighteen men, and twelve men from Medford completed the quota. They enlisted for five months.” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 18)
“On the twenty-fifth of September news of the first day’s battle at Saratoga came to Medford. It had been fought on the seventeenth. Nearly every man who was in service from the town was in Gates’ army. Lieut. Col. Brooks’ regiment was in the thick of the fight. During the evening it kept Breyman’s riflemen at bay. October 7, Burgoyne was obliged to fight or retreat. When the battle was at its height. Brooks again distinguished himself. He has been called the ‘ Hero of Still- water.’ His regiment was ordered to take a redoubt occupied by Breyman. He commanded Capt. Bancroft of Reading, Massachusetts, to lead the charge. He knew personally almost every man in the captain’s company ; they were old friends and neighbors of Medford and Reading. Not hesitating an instant, Bancroft waved the sword and cried, ‘Come on, boys, and enter that fort ! ‘ Then, leading his men, went over the parapet. Surprised at the suddenness of the assault, the enemy wavered, and the whole regiment rushed into the fort. The Medford men who made that charge were William Cutter, Francis Tufts, Aaron Tufts, George Tufts, Daniel Bailey, John LeBosquet, Henry LeBosquet, and John LeBosquet, Jr.” — Helen Tilden Wild, Medford in the Revolution (1903, p. 20)
Herb Adams narrative: “Winter Hill became a strategic stronghold where Tufts family members played key roles in both defense and medical care.”
Herb Adams narrative: “The Powder Alarm at the Tufts-owned Powder House was one of the earliest acts of organized colonial defiance.”
Herb Adams narrative: “The Timothy Tufts House served as a hub for militia drills and planning in Medford.”
Herb Adams narrative: “Bunker Hill saw Tufts blood shed in the first major battle of the Revolution.”
Herb Adams narrative: “Aaron Tufts and his Medford comrades were at the forefront of the Saratoga victory.”
Herb Adams narrative: “Barnabas Tufts and his brothers formed the backbone of the Medford Minute Men company.”
Herb Adams narrative: “Benjamin Tufts served alongside his brothers in the early days of the Revolution.”
Herb Adams narrative: “Francis Tufts caught up the standard when the bearer fell and led the regiment over the redoubt.”
Herb Adams narrative: “George Tufts and his Medford comrades rushed into the fort with Capt. Bancroft.”
Herb Adams narrative: “Zachariah Tufts’ service with Morgan’s Riflemen represents the Tufts family’s commitment to the Continental cause in the later years of the war.”
Herb Adams narrative: “William Tuffs’ participation in the Tea Party links the Boston Tufts branch directly to the opening acts of the Revolution.”
Tufts Family Revolutionary Artifacts
The following Revolutionary-era
artifacts are directly linked to the Tufts family. There are more to be posted.
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Capt. Benjamin Locke Musket (Arlington Historical Society) musket carried by Capt. Benjamin Locke; donated
via Effie Tufts.