The Bravery of Captain William ScottandOther Scott Family InformationThank you to researcher Janice Farnsworth for her kind permission to reprint her original posting about one branch of the Scott family, formerly of Groton, Massachusetts. Part of Janice's info includes a description of a heroic sea rescue made by Capt. William Scott, who passed away at Litchfield, Herkimer County, in the early days of the town's settlement by New Englanders. This info was originally shared with the MAMIDDLE-L@rootsweb.com mailing list on June 7, 2000.
Subject: Capt. William Scott of Groton, MA P.197-198 Capt. William Scott was a son of John Scott and Mary (Chamberlin) Scott of Groton, MA. He was born on July 1, 1742.
"The Boston Gazette and the Country Journal," July 16, 1792 "Since writing the above account, we further learn, that a boat from this city (Boston) to the Jersey shore was overset within fifty rods of Samuel Cowper's Wharff. There were in the boat Capt. (William) Scott, Mr. Blake, his wife and four small children, a young woman, and Mr. Betis, in all nine persons, none of whom could swim but Capt. Scott." "The Captain, by the most astonishing and praise-worthy exertions, was able, providentially, to save them all. He swam ashore with one child hanging around his neck, and one to each arm; and he returned to the boat amidst the boisterous waves raging in a furious and frightful manner, and brought the others, who had with much difficulty held by the boat, safe to the land." "For the honor of Captain Scott, an old and valiant soldier, a Son of Massachusetts, this circumstance should be handed down to posterity." [The above mentioned hero, is Capt. William Scott, of Groton (MA) in this Commonwealth; and an invalid officer of the United States. At the commencement of the late war in the Battle of Bunker's Hill he received several wounds, was taken prisoner, and confined in gaol in this town, when in possession of the British and suffered much mal- treatment.]" The "Columbian Centinel" (Boston), July 14, 1792, also mentions the same incident, but does not give so many particulars: "William Scott was a son of John and Mary (Chamberlin) Scott of Groton, where he was born on July 1, 1742. It will be noticed that the act of heroism was performed on his own birthday, on the day when he was fifty years old, and this fact may have incited him to make special exertions. During the Revolutionary War he saw much military service, and at one time was in the navy. For a sketch of his life, see Dr. Albert Smith's "History of Peterborough, New Hampshire (p. 248 of 2nd Part). His death took place at Litchfield, New York on Sept. 19, 1796 at the age of 54 years." Groton Marriages - "History of Groton" by Caleb Butler, p.434
John Scott and Mary Subject: John Scott of Groton Source: "Groton Founders Series Book Two" by Elinor Skeate, p.62 Robert Conant b. before Feb 2, 1755 son of Rachel Hobart and Josiah Conant. Rachel Hobart b. 1725, Groton dau of Shebuel Hobart and Martha Prescott. Josiah Conant b. abt 1722/23 - both died at Pepperell, MA He was the son of Robert Conant. Robert Conant was born at Pepperell, MA and died Nov 14, 1776 military service. He m. before 1775 to Ruth _____. She m. (2) John Scott, Jr. b. Dec 15, 1736 at Groton, MA son of John Scott and Mary (Chamberlain) Scott. By Robert Conant she had one child. She m. (3) Capt. Jonathan Keep b. 1745 at Westford, MA son of Capt. Jabez and Sarah Keep, who m. first July 26, 1769 at Westford, MA Hannah Hildreth who d. at Pepperell. (see p. 456 - History of Westford, MA by Rev. Hodgman 1882) p.456 -" Hist. of Westford"
Jonathan Keep b. 1745 8th child of Capt. Jabez Keep and Sarah Keep of
Westford, MA. Jonathan Keep m. Hannah Hildreth 1769 and had: Note: Shubael Hobart Jr. brother of Rachel Hobart who m. Josiah Conant m. Esther Parker dau of Lieut Isaac Parker, Esther b. 1714. Materials gathered and transcribed by Janice Farnsworth. For information about viewing books mentioned, please check with your local librarian about interlibrary loan. |
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