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CHAPTER XX

FOOTPRINTS OF THE PATRIOTS OF THE REVOLUTION IN LOWELL. -- BOWERS FAMILY HOMESTEAD OF TWO HUNDRED YEARS. -- STORY OF FORD HOMESTEAD. -- CAPTAIN JOHN FORDS DESCENDANT TELLS THE STORY OF THE PATRIOT MILLER. -- CAPTAIN FORDS JOURNAL IN THE NORTHERN CAMPAIGN OF 1776. -- LIST OF PATRIOTS PRESERVED BY CAPTAIN FORD. -- STORY OF FATHER OF PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE

      Man loves the soil that gave him birth as the child loves the mother, and from the same inherent impulses. - B. J. Lossing.

      THOSE who are accustomed to think of Lowell as a city of comparatively recent origin will hardly expect to find the footprints of the patriots of the Revolution along its busy streets; but a careful search will reveal them, and also bring to mind the faithful service of much earlier patriots.
      Nature, through the distribution of her waterways, had determined that East Chelmsford should be a city; but long before the white settlers found a use for the bountiful waters, there lived and loved another race of beings. The red man of the forest, with his dusky mate, was early attracted to

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the place. In 1653 the Legislature of Massachusetts granted the Indians a reservation about the falls, and they were peaceable through the influence of the Christian patriot, Eliot. Yet other tribes were of hostile intent; and the good citizen

[Photo - "Bowers Homestead, Lowell"]

was he who kept a vigilant watch for the lurking enemy, and took steps to protect himself and family against the foe.
      Of those who early did service in the interest of the white settlers of this locality, we can readily trace one to the Bowers farm. "This estate,"

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says Mr. Perham, "has been in the family possession as long as its history is known. The dwelling is the oldest standing in Lowell, and has doubtless served the Bowers family for two centuries. The first to settle here was Jerathmell Bowers, who was a son of George, who was in Plymouth in 1639. Jerathmell was born May 2, 1650. He doubtless came to Chelmsford, now Lowell, with the family of Henry Boutell, who was his stepfather. He was a man of wealth and influence, was early chosen representative to the General Court, and was captain in the military organization doing good service." In proof of this I quote from the diary of Chief Justice Samuel Sewall, who, with all his cares, found time to make a tour of inspection through Middlesex County. In his diary he wrote: --

      "Monday, Oct. 26, 1702. Went to Chelmsford, by that time got there 'twas almost dark; saw Capt. Bowers and his company; gave a volley and Huzzas; sup'd at Mr. Clark's[1] I and Col. Pierce in his study."

      The document reproduced on page 297 is of interest in this connection for the signature of Thomas Hinchman, a patriot of the time, whose name is indelibly stamped on the pages of the early history of Massachusetts.


[1] Mr. Clark was the minister, Rev. Thomas Clark, whose daughter married Rev. John Hancock of Lexington, and hence became the grandmother of Governor John Hancock.

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Jerathmell Bowers removed from this homestead to Groton, where he died in 1724, at the age of seventy-eight years. Probably he was not long away from his home, as we find in Chelmsford burying-ground a stone to the memory of "Mrs. Elizabeth Bowers, wife to Capt. Jerathmell Bowers who died, March 4th 1721, in ye 76 year of Her age." Captain Bowers was a man of influence in his time, and on this old homestead conducted business according to the demands of the time. Octobef 5, 1686, Jerathmell Bowers and John Fisk were licensed by the court to sell "strong waters." Two years later Bowers and Cornelius Waldo were licensed to carry on the same business. Fisk was a son of the minister, and Waldo was the deacon of the church. No harm was thought to arise from the sale of intoxicants to the white people, but it was bad for the Indians with whom Captain Bowers had to do.
      Six children were objects of Captain Bowers's solicitude at this old homestead, and he was doubtless succeeded by his son Jerathmell, and perhaps Jonathan, at the old home; and it is certain that William, Joseph, and Sewall have each tilled the ancestral acres and gone to their reward, and two generations are still living there. The hearthstone around which the family gathered when the red men were their enemies was the place where anxious mothers and children gathered on the morning of April 19, 1775, when the men fell in

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with Captain Ford's company and hastened on towards Concord.
      At some distance from the Bowers homestead was the home and mill of John Ford. He was a son of Robert Ford, born in Haverhill in 1738, and early settled in East Chelmsford (Lowell), near

[Photo - "Captain Ford Homestead, Lowell"]

the Pawtucket Falls. He was a strong man, of an adventurous spirit, and was led to this locality by the advantages which it afforded for milling. He obtained the land bordering on the Merrimack, either whole or in part, from the Indians. He erected a mill near the falls, and a house not far away for the comfort of his family. Here he took up his abode, and was recognized as an influential

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citizen of Chelmsford long before any one thought of rebelling against the king, whose faithful subjects they were. In the bustling city of Lowell, where so little remains to remind us of the pioneers, it is refreshing to turn aside from the hum of the many spindles, follow the course of the river a short distance, and come to the Ford estate, where the descendants of the brave captain still live, and with most commendable pride cherish the old homestead of the founder.
      To be sure changes have come. The rude dwelling which sheltered the brave miller and patriot has given way to two commodious residences, both occupied by Ford descendants. The roof-tree set up by Captain John Ford after the Revolution is that which shelters the fourth generation. Here I received a most cordial welcome from Mrs. Henry G. Lambert, to whom I am indebted for the following story: --
      "The first of our family here was John Ford. He was succeeded by a son, Elisha Ford, and daughters; of the latter, Sally married John Corliss of Haverhill, N.H. Their son, John L. Corliss, was succeeded by daughters. Sarah Corliss married Henry A. Lambert of New York, and Helen married William D. Earl of North Attleboro, Mass. I am a great-granddaughter of Captain John Ford, and there are seven of the next generation who cherish these ancestral acres. Grandfather Ford was at work in his mill when

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the alarm-gun sounded from the hill not far away. But the miller was so well posted on the state of affairs that he knew what that meant, and he lost no time in adjusting his saw, and making things ready to leave. He refreshed himself with a bowl of bread and milk, which he ate when standing by a window seen in the cut, the one-story part of the dwelling being his home at that time. He mounted his horse, and made haste to the centre of the town of Chelmsford. He was joined by neighbors on the way, and as you have already learned, was in so great haste as to decline the thoughtful invitation of the good pastor to go into the meeting-house for prayers."
      "Grandfather Ford," continued my informant, "was familiar with military life long before the call to arms on the morning of April 19, 1775. He had been obliged in his early days here at the mill to keep a close watch for the Indians, who were inclined to make some trouble at times; and on one occasion he had an experience which resulted in putting an end to the annoying party. While such incidents are not altogether pleasant to recall, they serve to show the nature of the preparation which Captain Ford had for the service of a true patriot in 1775."
      The family story around the old hearth-stone becomes doubly real through the presence of the sword carried by Captain Ford from this place to the battle of Bunker Hill, also his musket and pow-

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der-horn used in the Continental army. Among numerous papers that belonged to the patriot are two commissions. The first is to John Ford as, "captain of a company, raised by this Colony as a temporary re-enforcement to the American army, until the first day of April next, at Watertown, 7th day of February, 1776, in the 16th year of the reign of his Majesty, King George the third. By command of the major part of the council."
      The other is to appoint John Ford as "captain of the First company in the Regiment of Foot, whereof Ebenezer Bridge is colonel, raised by the Continental Congress aforesaid for the Defence of the Colony. By order of the Congress, Jos. Warren, President, P. T."
      Among other papers which these descendants cherish with a genuine spirit of patriotism are the following: --

CHELMSFORD, Jan. 26, 1776.

      Received of Philip Parkis three pounds, twelve shillings, lawful money, in full for doing a turn for him in the Continental army, this present year.

SYLAS PARKER.

      Attested: FRANCIS SOUTHACK.

CAMP AT CAMBRIDGE, June 27, 1775.

      Received of Eben Bridge Fifteen pounds in Province notes for my company.

      In the summer of 1776 another company was raised in Chelmsford, and stationed at Ticonderoga

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under command of Captain Ford. While there the captain kept a regimental order-book, which is still in the family. In this book, now one hundred and twenty years old, are recorded regimental orders, trials by courts-martial, promotions of officers, punishments of disorderly soldiers, and other matters pertaining to a military encampment. Every day are recorded the parole and countersign of the camp. From this book I quote a few orders, being careful to preserve the exact form and spelling.

August 24, 1776.

      Ensign Lee of Capt. Spauldings company, Col. Reed's Regt. tryed at the Court-Marshal for bying a Gun belonging to Col. Marshfield Regt. & Defacing the name New Gersey & the No that was markt on it. Pleading Guilty -- the Court Sentenced him to Return to Col. Marshfield & to be Repromanded by the Commander of the Regt. at the H. D. of the Regt. Richard Buck of Col. Patisons Regt. tryed at the same gl Court Marshal for Refusing his Duty & striking his officer. The Court finds him Guilty & Sentences him to Receive 39 Lashes on his Bare Back for Each Crime.
      James Conner of Capt. Osgoods Company in the Regt. Commanded by Lt. Col Ward is tryed by the same gl Court Marshal for Desertion & pleads Guilty, & is Sentenced to Receive 39 Lashes on his Bare Back & ware a with on his neck for 14 Days for a mark of Igno-minion, & if he is seen without it is to Receive 100 Lashes, he is to return to his Duty in his Battalion, the Gel approves all the a bove & orders the Execution's to-morrow morning at guard mounting. -- JOHN FORD.

      Town records, old grave-stones, and family traditions prove to us that many young patriots, the

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pride of New England homes, perished from disease during this northern campaign, in the same locality where other patriots from the same towns had given up their lives in the service of the king in the earlier wars. We have an intimation of this in an entry of Captain Ford, under date of August 26, 1776: --

      "After order the commanding officer of each Regtm is to send a subbordinate officer to-morrow morning at sunrise to Fort George to Bring the Arms of the Dead & Discharged of their Respective Regtms to this Place, officer will Receipt to the Director at Fort George for the Arms they Receive, and on their arrival at this Place Deliver them to the commanding of their Respective Corps."

HEAD QUARTERS, August 31st, 1776.

GENERAL ORDERS.

      The Officers & Soldiers may be satisfied that the General has left no means in his Power untry'd to procure medicines and every Comfort for the Sick of this Army which the Station & Circumstances of this place will admit. The Director of this Department Dr. Stringer was sent to N. York three and thirty Days ago with positive orders to return the instant he had provided the drugs and medicines so much wanted; since this, repeated Letters have been wrote to N. York and Philadelphia setting forth in the strongest terms the pressing necessity of an immediate supply of those articles. The General is credibly informed that a principal Surgeon is dispatched from N. York above a Fortnight ago with a supply of medicines & apprehends that the Badness of the weather and Road has alone prevented his Arrival. It is the Soldiers Duty to maintain the part he is ordered to defend. The same climate affects them, our enemies, that effects us, & the

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favor of the Almighty to whom we have appealed will, if we trust in him preserve us from Slavery & Death. The General recommends it to the Surgeons of the Different Regts to communicate to each other the state of the sick in their ranks, and their different Diseases, the Remedies principally wanted & the comforts which are most in request, for he will have nothing unattempted in his power to provide what ever he can command for their Recovery. The General also desires the medical Gentlemen will consult upon and adopt the most proper measures for obtaining those salutary purposes.

HEAD QUARTERS, Oct. 8th, 1776.

PAROLE MADRID, CT. SN. WALL.

      The Commissary to issue four sheep to each Regt., 3 to the Corps of Artillery, & 3 to the Artificers, at their usual time of Drawing Provisions. The Commanding Officers will direct the sick & weak Soldiers be supply'd with this Refreshment. The Commissary is to recon the Sheep in their Allowance to the Regt. at their estimated weight.

HEAD QUARTERS, Oct. 12, 1776.

      Discharged soldiers are to return in to the commanding officers of the Regt., to which they belong, the arms, ammunitions, accoutrements, &c, which they may have in Possession belonging to the public. The commanding officers are to see that this order is comply'd with. A Return of the names, companies & Regiments of soldiers who have been discharged the Service from the first Day of Oct. is to be given in to the Deputy Adjutant Genl., to-morrow at orderly-Time, afterwards to be given in on Saturdays.

      We have an intimation of the condition of the army by a return of Captain Ford's company, made on September 27, 1976:--

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Capt., 2 Lieuts., 1 Ensign, 4 Sargts., 2 Trumpeters, 33 fit for duty, 11 on command, 4 sick absent, 34 sick present, 82 total rank and file.

HEAD QUARTERS, Oct. 15, 1776.

      The Fleet have acted a noble part. Let it not be said hereafter that the cause of all America was injured by the supineness of the northern army. Capt. Lt. Jones of the Artillery will return to the side of Ticonderoga and Major Bigelow, being recovered from his late Indisposition, will return to the Command of the Artillery on Mount Independence.

HEAD QUARTERS, Octr. 19, 1776.

      Lt. Colo. Baldwin 1st Engineer will take the Direction of the works upon the side of Ticonderoga with the following assistants under him, Major Paine, Capt. Newland, Lt. Dallis, and Ensign Parrett. Lt. Colo. Pallifor, 2nd Engineer will take Direction of the works upon Mount Independence with the following assistants under him, Capt. Patterson, Mr. Delezenne and two other gentlemen that the Colos. on that side may command. This arrangement being settled & the particular works to be completed, determined upon, the General has no doubt but the necessary preparations for a vigorous Defence will be made with that animated zeal becoming soldiers who are also citizens of America. Soldiers whose arms have been wet by the late bad weather and cannot be drawn, are to be drawn up in squads in proper places half an hour before sunset, and there discharge their arms. The Regts. who want ammunition may be supplyed by applying to Colo. Trumbull D. A. G. The troops have two days provisions ready dress'd until further orders. All the spears that can be spared from the vessels to be delivered for the Defence of the French Lines & Redoubts.

      As this campaign was drawing to a close, an effort was made to induce the soldiers to enlist

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for the war. Of this Captain Ford makes the following record: --

HEAD QUARTERS, Oct. 24, 1776.

      The Commanding Officers of the Regts. are directed to 1/4 lb. of buck shott for every man fit for Duty in their respective Camps. The honorable, the Congress of the United States of America have for the Reward & encouragement of each non commissioned Officer & Soldier who shall engage to serve during the War, further resolved to give every above the Bounty of 20 Dollars to each man annually with one complete suit of clothing which for the present year is to consist of two linen hunting shirts, two pair stockings, 2 pair of shoes, two pair of Overhalls, a leather or woolen jackett with sleeves, one pair of Breeches, one leather cap or hat amounting to 20 Dollars in the whole or that sum to be paid each soldier who shall procure those Articles for himself & produce a certificate thereof from the Capt. of the Company to the Paymaster of the Regmt."

      It was in this campaign that Rev. William Emerson was taken ill and died. (See Chap. XXIV.)
      The names of the patriots of Chelmsford who responded to the Lexington alarm, preserved by Captain Ford, are here given, together with the number of days each was in service, in order that the reader may more clearly understand the confused state of the country at that time: --

Oliver Barron, Capt., 16. Samuel Stevens, Lieut., 10. John Ford, Sergt., 6. Benjamin Warren, Sergt., 9. Silas Spaulding, Sergt., 16. Jonas Pierce, Corl., 6. John Spaulding, Drummer, 10.

Jacob Howard, Private, 10. Benjamin Spaulding, 11. David Burge, 11. Ephraim Parkhurst, 11. Oliver Richardson, 7. Daniel Dammon, 18. Daniel Sillaway, 9.

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Willard Howard, 2.	Amos Mastes, 7.
William Bowers, 13.	Isaac Kent, Jr., 6.
Josiah Richardson, 3.	David Marshall, 5.
John Dunn, 3.	Benjamin _____, 5.
John Twiss, 3.	Samuel Marshall, 9.
Henry Spaulding, Jr., 7.	Daniel Keyes, 6.
Joseph Marshall, 5.	John Keyes, 6.
Stephen Pierce, Jr., 5.	William Dunn, 4.
Samuel Fletcher, 4.	Benjamin Barrett, 6.
Joshua Davis, 8.	James Dunn, Jr., 8.
Oliver Fletcher, 8.	Francis Daverson, 7.
Jonathan Peirce, 11.	Moses Esterbrooks, 8.
Nathaniel Farrar, 9.	William Cambel, 6.
Joseph Taylor, 10.	David Chambers, 8.
Thomas Marshall, Jr., 9.	John Chambers, 7.
William Mears, 4.	Jonathan Sprague, 6.
John Roby, 17.	Isaiah Foster, Jr., 6.
Benjamin Parkhurst, 3.	Samuel Britton, 6.
Moses Barron, 15.	William Chambers, 3.
John Mears, 5.	Benjamin Parker, Jr., 8.
Jeremiah Abbott, 5.	Benjamin Pierce, 7.
Reuben Parker, 13.	Josiah Fletcher, Jr., 9.
David Danforth, 4.	Joseph Spaulding, 6.
Benjamin Parker, 3.

      It was on the 22d of April, 1775, that the Provincial Congress voted to raise thirty thousand men, and on the 25th John Ford had enlisted fifty-seven men -- a company of which he was made captain. Nineteen of these were on the roll of those who turned out on April 19, and several continued through later campaigns with their trusted leader, Captain John Ford. In the burying-ground near Pawtucket Bridge, a plain headstone records: --

CAPT. JOHN FORD
DIED Nov. 6, 1822, AE 84.

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      Benjamin Pierce, afterward General Pierce and the father of President Franklin Pierce, was a member of Captain Ford's company. Of him Joshua Merrill, Esq., of Lowell says, --
      "He was born in Chelmsford, now Lowell, December 25, 1767. He was bereft of his father at the age of six years, and was taken by his uncle, Robert Pierce, a farmer. . . . He remained with his uncle until April 19, 1775. He was then ploughing in a field on Powell Street. He heard the firing of guns, and soon messengers arrived notifying the inhabitants of the battles of Lexington and Concord. Young Pierce was then in his eighteenth year. He chained his steers, as he called them, to a stump, went to the house, took his uncle's gun and equipments, and started for Concord on foot. The British had retreated before he reached Concord. He enlisted in Captain Ford's company, and was in service till the close of the war.
      "In one of the battles, when the bearer of the colors was shot, young Pierce seized the colors, and bore them to the front during the conflict. In subsequent years, Governor Pierce, when he came from his home in Hillsborough, N.H., to Lowell to visit his old friends, took delight in pointing out to them the stump to which, on April 19, 1775, he hitched his steers."

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