Nathan Daggett Esq

Nathan Daggett Esq was born on December 24, 1733 in Rehoboth, MA to John and Hopestill (Wood) Daggett. On November 5, 1755, he married Abigail (Turner) (Carpenter), widow, daughter of Reverend David and Sarah (Howard) Turner. Together they had three children: Sarah, William, and Abigail. His wife may have died as a result of complications from childbirth as their youngest child was born on April 16, 1760 and Abigail died 13 days later. On September 25th, he married Martha Read, daughter of Obediah and Ruth (Smith) Read. Together they had 8 children: Lucy, George, Nathan, Anne, Benjamin, Russell, John, and Martha.

Nathan served as a soldier and was a patriot during the American Revolutionary War. He enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant in Captain John Lyon and Captain Jesse Perrin’s Companies to answer the alarm of April 19, 1775. The colonists, known as Minute Men, marched from Rehoboth to Lexington and Concord and fought in what was the first major military action of the Revolutionary War. His service lasted seven days as the role of Minute Men was to be ready at a moment’s notice to be deployed to specific battles. Once the battle was over, soldiers returned home.

Nathan reenlisted as a 1st Major with Colonel Thomas Carpenter’s Regiment to answer the alarm on December 8, 1776. They marched from Rehoboth to Bristol. The alarm was raised following a massive British naval invasion of Narragansett Bay. A fleet of 78 British ships carrying 7,000-8,000 troops entered Newport Bay. There was a rapid mobilization of nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island militia to camp at Bristol and nearby Howland’s Ferry. Nathan served for 16 days.

According to Doggett–Daggett Family by Samuel Bradlee Doggett, Nathan was also a Patriot. A Patriot was a colonist who rejected British rule and supported American independence. Patriots might serve in the military, hold legislative roles, or provide supplies or pay special taxes to support the war.

The book cites records from Rehoboth:

“In 1773 a full letter of fire and patriotism was addressed to the representative of Rehoboth by the Committee of Correspondence, which was composed of six men, one of whom was Nathan Daggett.”

The Committees of Correspondence were essential intercolonial and local governing bodies established by American Patriots on the eve of the American Revolution to coordinate resistance to British policies.

The book also records an earlier town vote:

“Nov. 6, 1755. The town voted to borrow four pieces of cannon of Capt. John Lyon and Maj. Nathan Daggett.”

After his service , Nathan returned to Rehoboth. His residence as an adult is unknown, however he did grow up in the house that is still standing at 74 Roger Williams Avenue in Rumford, RI. He died on April 18, 1776 at the age of 43. He is buried in Newman Cemetery in Rumford, RI. His gravesite is marked with a slate stone which was carved by Daniel Farrington.

Nathan Daggett Esq. is remembered for his service in the fight for American independence. His contribution helped secure freedom for future generations.