Marston Watson (1756 - 1800)

Born 28 May 1756 in Plymouth, Plymouth, Massachusetts Bay

Ancestors

Husband of Lucy (Lee) Watson — married 30 Mar 1779 in Manchester, Massachusetts

Descendants

Died 7 Aug 1800 at age 44 in Boston, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts, United States

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Biography

Early Life

Marston Watson was born on May 28, 1756,^[1] in Plymouth, Plymouth County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Elkanah Watson and Patience Marston Watkins.^[2]

He attended school in Plymouth and "he early imbibed a love of letters which the busy engagements of a commercial life never extinguished. " ^[3]

After leaving school he went to work for Jeremiah Lee in Marblehead, Massachusetts. ^[3] Jeremiah Lee was about that time the wealthiest merchant and ship owner in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. ^[4] Marblehead was a coastal community on the North Shore of Massachusetts along Massachusetts Bay and Salem Harbor. It began as a fishing village. The fish were salted and exported to more populated areas.

Military Service during the Revolutionary War

When the revolutionary war began there was a cutback in the usual business activities. Marston enlisted in the military service. ^[3] He first entered into service in Marblehead as a lieutenant in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.^[5] The regiment was one of the first raised in the state. It was authorized on April 23, 1775 in the Massachusetts State Troops as Glover's Regiment and commanded by Colonel John Glover. It was organized with companies in Marblehead and other locations in Essex County.^[6] Marston's employer, Jeremiah Lee, was also a colonel and had been involved in establishing the regiment. When Glover took over the regiment he drilled the regiment "to face a stubborn enemy in an open field ; to stand a charge or to execute one ; to take a fortification or to defend and hold one. They learned readily, and tenaciously retained what they learned. They had already learned and needed no lessons in the handling of oars and sails." ^[7]

On June 14, 1775 the regiment was adopted into the Continental Army and assigned to the Main Continental Army. ^[6] On June 21, 1775 Colonel Glover and his regiment were ordered to join the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They began the march from Marblehead to Cambridge the next day. ^[8] On January 3, General George Washington took over command of the American Army.

On September 2, 1775. Captain Nicholson Broughton a captain in Glover's Regiment was commissioned captain of the armed schooner Hannah by General Washington. It was the first vessel in the American navy and the first captain's commission issued. Captain Broughton sailed from Beverly in the Hannah on his first cruise on September 5. Two days later he captured his first prize, the ship Unity, loaded with military stores and ammunition, which he carried into Cape Ann.

Colonel Glover with his regiment was ordered from Cambridge to Beverly, Essex County, Massachusetts on October 4. They marched out the same day. Their mission was to obtain and supervise the fitting out of vessels for the navy. By October 15, two vessels, the Lynch and the Franklin, were ready to be manned for service. ^[9] From that time until December 22, 1775 when the Continental Congress first began appointing officers, Col. Glover was in charge of the equipment and manning cruisers and armed vessels that were in service at the time. "He was practically "Secretary of the Navy" under Washington, until Congress took the matter in hand."^[10] He was likely aided in the success of that undertaking by the regiment of mariners which he commanded.

In November the Continental Congress made preparations to establish a navy to fight the already powerful and well equipped British Navy. On November 25th Congress authorized privateering which allowed the use of private ships to serve military purposes. On November 28 they adopted rules for the navy and on December 13 they resolved to build thirteen ships for the navy. ^[11]

On December 19 British frigates were approaching and Colonel Glover with his regiment was ordered to Marblehead, and then back again to protect Beverly which was thought to be in danger.

The army was re-organized and Grover's Regiment was designated on January 1, 1776 the 14th Continental Regiment. ^[6] During this transition Marston was enlisted in the 14th Regiment of Foot, Commanded by Colonel John Glover as a second Lieutenant. He had received his commission as second lieutenant from the Continental Congress and signed by its president, John Hancock, on January 1, 1776.^[12]

During the spring of 1776 the regiment was in Beverly when a requisition was made for volunteers to officer and man the Continental Schooner Hancock on a cruise.^[13] The ship was commanded by Samuel Tucker, Esq. Marston Watson volunteered and was detached from his Second Lieutenant post for the cruise. The cruise lasted about six weeks and the Schooner Hancock arrived safely at Marblehead.^[14]

Marston found that Grover's Regiment had been ordered to the vicinity of New York and had arrived there on August 2nd. Marston rejoined them there. The battle of Long Island took place on August 27, 1776. General Washington's army was out numbered two to one and took heavy losses.^[15] August 28. Glover with his regiment was ordered to join Washington and crossed over to Long Island. They arrived before noon, and took post at Wallabout Bay, on the left of the American army. After a conference between General Washington and Col. Grover, Washington wrote to General Heath: We have many battalions from New Jersey which are coming over this evening to relieve those here. Order every flat bottomed boat and other craft fit for the transportation of troops down to New York as soon as possible." ^[16] The evacuation of the Continental Army from Long Island was completed in thirteen hours on the morning of the 30th of August, 1776, Credit was given to Col Grover and his sailor/soldiers. "The American army was saved. The ten British frigates and twice as many gunboats and sloops-of-war, that moved up the bay that day, would have made the evacuation impossible, and Washington and his army would have been lost to the Revolution." ^[17]

In September, Glover's Regiment evacuated New York City in the same businesslike and organized manner between 9 o'clock in the evening and sunrise the next morning they removed five hundred sick to improvised hospitals on the Jersey shore. The tents and light baggage were sent by wagons to Kingsbridge, but the heavy baggage was taken to the wharf and carried up the river. They had again performed a special service for the American Army.

They engaged in skirmishes and battles and often distinguished itself particularly near Westchester, Frog's (Throg's) Point, and Pells Neck about 18th October 1776. The 14th regiment formed a part of the rear divisions of the army under the command of Major General Lee and was stationed near the Highlands and Peeks Hill, while the main army under General Washington was maneuvering in New Jersey. ^[14]

Watson was sometimes employed by General Lee on confidential service as is shown by General Lee's orders to him dated Peek's Hill Dec. 2nd 1776 (accompany application) He continued under Gen. Lee's orders until Lee's capture at Chatham on December 13th when the regiment (Col. Glover's) with the others of Gen. Lee's command continued under the command of General Sullivan and joined the main army under General Washington near Benton Falls on December 15. ^[18]

"On December 25. General Washington with his troops and military stores was on the banks of the Delaware River; his boats were ready for crossing. But to cross seemed impossible. The river was full to the brink. Great masses of floating ice were constantly rushing by. The case was urgent. Washington called for volunteers to man the boats for crossing, and Glover's Regiment, and they alone, stepped to the front." The boats were put in their charge. … An army of eight thousand men, with the munitions of war were to be placed on the opposite bank of the river. That night Washington and his entire army were ferried safely across. It was effected before daybreak, in the darkness, through snow, sleet and floating ice."^[19] The unit then, on December 26, took part In the Battle of Trenton. Glover's Brigade was with General Sullivan's right wing. His regiment at that time consisted of thirty commissioned officers and one hundred and forty- seven enlisted men, with two hundred and nineteen sick or on extra duty elsewhere.

In 1838, Marston's sister Martha recalled his stories of the crossing of the Delaware. "during that dreadfully cold, dark, and stormy night, blinded with snow, sleet, and rain with the river encumbered with ice they had no other guide to direct their movements, but "Gen'l Washington's white horse which constantly served them for a beacon in the darkness." ^[20]

It is uncertain when he left the military but in the 14th Continental Regiment was disbanded on December 31, 1776 in eastern Pennsylvania. ^[6] The Marblehead soldiers had enlisted for one year and most of them left the army following their enlistment time. Many of them served as privateers upon returning to Marblehead. At some point in 1777, Marsden served as First Lieutenant of the privateer schooner "Hawke," in June of that year he was commissioned her commander. ^[21]

Marriage

After his service in the military Marston Watson returned to Marblehead and became a successful businessman. He was married to Lucy Lee on 30 March 1779 in Manchester, Massachusetts. ^[22] They were married by Reverend Benjamin Tuppen. Lucy was the daughter of John Lee and Joanna Raymond Lee.^[2]

In the 1790 U. S. Census ^[23] the family was enumerated in Marblehead, Essex County. There were three males under sixteen and two males over sixteen. There were a total of eight females for a total of thirteen in the household.

He was recognized for his efforts to revive and encourage the fisheries and other decayed branches of the commerce in Marblehead. and he always zealously took part in whatever would contribute to the prosperity of the town. ^[3] He was a member of the Philanthropic Masons in Marblehead.^[24]

In 1790 and 1791, Marston was one of five managers for the Marblehead Lottery. ^{[25] [26]}

In 1792 he served as a representative to the General Court for Marblehead. ^[27]

He served as Colonel in the Militia thus the title Colonel. ^[3]

The family moved to Boston, Suffolk County in 1797 where his business prospects and contacts were improved. Marston must have been involved with ship building having written to the War Department regarding the purchase of ships for the navy. ^[28] In October 1798 MARSTON, merchant and owner of the ship AMAZON, Russell Trevett, master, filed a suit for damages against the ship HENRY, JOHN ULDRICK FARRAR, master "owing as it is stated in the Libel to the ill conduct of the Master of the said ship Henry, or some other person or persons on board the said ship Henry. "^[29]

Death

Marston died after a short illness in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts on August 7, 1800. His death announcement was in the newspaper on Saturday August 9. 1800. ^[30]

Research Notes

Disputed Birth Date

• 27 May 1756 Find A Grave accessed December 2019. ^[31]

• 30 Mar 1779 In the index of Find a Grave ^[32] This was actually the marriage date to Lucy Lee.

Wife

At this time two wives are listed for Marston. Lucy Lee and Lucy Manchester. Lucy Manchester has no documentation. He actually was married only once to Lucy Lee in Manchester. The two need to be merged.

His wife Lucy Watson filed for a widows pension on October 13, 1838. She states that Lucy declares she married Marston Watson on the thirteenthday of March in 1779 in Manchester, Essex County, Commonweath of Massachusetts. Her husband, Marston Watson, Died on 7 August 1800 in Boston. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service. But were married prior to first of Jan 1794 at the time above stated.^[33] It was Lucy Lee who married Marston Watson on 30 March 1779 and was still married to him at the time of his death.

Sources

1. ↑ Ancestry.com. Mayflower Births and Deaths, From the files of George Ernest Bowman; by SUSAN B. ROSER; Vol. 2; Genealogical Publishing, Co., Inc.; Baltimore, MD; [1]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. WINSLOW; p 491;
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} See Wm. R. Deane, SEE ALSO below; [2]; page 14
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4} GeneaologyBank.com; Character of Col. Marston Watson;[3]; Columbian Centinel; Wednesday, Aug 13, 1800; Boston, MA; Vol: XXXIII; Issue: 47; Page 2 & 3; Col. 4 & 1; TRIBUTE TO MARSTON WATSON
4. ↑ Wikipedia.org Profile Jeremiah Lee Mansion; [4]
5. ↑ #2 See Also Pension Records;[5]
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3} Website; American Revolutionary War. 1776 to 1783 ;Continental Regiments: 14th Continental Regiment; [6]
7. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 12
8. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 13
9. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 14
10. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 16
11. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 16
12. ↑ #2 See Also Pension Records; Ancestry.com: Image of document; [7]; Appointment to Second Lieutenant by Continental Congress, JOHN HANCOCK
13. ↑ Naval History and Command; Hanock I (Schooner) [8]
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1} See Also #2, Pension Application filed by Lucy Watson [[9]
15. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 18
16. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 19
17. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 20
18. ↑ See Also #2, Pension Application filed by Lucy Watson [10]
19. ↑ See Also #3, Sandborn Book, page 31-32
20. ↑ See Also #2, Letter by Marston's Sister Martha regarding his service. Included in the pension application papers. [11]
21. ↑ Frank A. Gardner, M. D.; Washington Crossing the Delaware: Glover's Regiment of Marblehead Fishermen Manned the Boats on This Critical Occasion: The Salem Press Co., Salem, Mass.; Total 25 pages; SECOND LIEUT. MARSDEN WATSON; Page 22, 23: Book available online: [12];
22. ↑ Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988 [13]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook). Manchester Births, Marriages and Death; Page 146: Marston Watson & Lucy Lee
23. ↑ Ancestry.com. 1790 United States Federal Census [14]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Marblehead, Essex, Massachusetts; Series: M637; Roll: 4; Page: 383; Image: 424; Family History Library Film: 0568144
24. ↑ Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Mason Membership Cards, 1733-1990 [15]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards 1733–1990. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
25. ↑ GenealogyBank.com; MARBLEHEAD Lottery; [16]; Columbian Centinel; Saturday, Oct 30, 1790; Boston, MA; Vol: XIV; Issue: 14; Page 55; Col 4; One of managers 2d Lottery; MARSTON WATSON
26. ↑ GenealogyBank.com; Third Marblehead Lottery; [17]; Columbian Centinel; Wednesday, May 18, 1791; Boston, MA; Vol: XV: Issue: 19; Page 76; Col 2; List of managers: MARSDEN WATSON
27. ↑ RHODES, SAMUEL JR; The Marblehead Manuel; Marblehead, Mass.; Statesman Publishing Co.; 1883: Page 88; Representatives to the General Court, - ancestry.com; [18]; 1792; MARSTON WATSON
28. ↑ Fold3; [19]; Miscellaneous Records Of The Navy Department; Navy Department; Naval Board; 1798; Page 72; LETTER TO MARSTON WATSON RE; WAR DEPT REFERING HIS LETTER TO SEC. TREASURY
29. ↑ GenealogyBank.com; Advertisements MASSACHUSETTS DISTRICT; [20]; Columbian Centinel; Wednesday, Oct 10, 1798; Boston, MA; Vol: XXX; Issue 11; Page 4; Col 1;
30. ↑ Newspapers.com: MORTUARY NOTICE; [21]; Columbian Centinel Saturday, Aug 09, 1800; Boston, MA; Vol: XXXIII; Issue: 46; Page 2; Col 4; MARSTON WATSON
31. ↑ Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 12 December 2019), memorial page for Col Marston Watson (27 May 1756–7 Aug 1800), Find A Grave Memorial no. 107771686, [22]; NO PHOTO; citing Central Burying Ground, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA ; Maintained by Jacki Earp, Weymouth, Massachusetts (contributor 47755371) .
32. ↑ Index "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch [23] : 13 December 2015), Marston Watson, 1800; Burial, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States of America, Central Burying Ground; citing record ID 107771686, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
33. ↑ #2 See Also Pension Records;[24]

See Also

1) "A biographical sketch of Elkanah Watson, founder of agricultural societies in America, and the projector of canal communication in New York State with a Brief Geneaology of the Watson Family Early Settled in Plymouth Colony" by Wm. R. Deane; Albany, N. Y.; J. Munsell St: 1864

2) Fold3; PENSION FILES; Document 3; Application for Pension supporting documents by Lucy WATSON; for her husband's military service in the Revolution; 29 October 1838; Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk County, Boston: OR Ancestry.com: Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files; Pension #W. 15454; U. S. Revolutionary War; Publication Number M804; National Archives Catalog ID 300022; National Archives Catalog Title Case Files of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Based on Revolutionary War Service, compiled ca. 1800 - ca. 1912, documenting the period ca. 1775 - ca. 1900; NARA Record Group 15; Roll 2508;

3) Nathan Perkins Sanborn, Book Gen. John Glover and his Marblehead Regiment in the Revolutionary War.; A paper read before the Marblehead Historical Society, May 14, 1903, Published by the Society: Available online; [25] or [26]

• "Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F466-H9R : 5 November 2017), Marston Watson, 28 May 1756; citing Birth, Plymouth, Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States, , town clerk offices, Massachusetts; FHL microfilm 416,335.
• http://www.famouskin.com ; Ancestry of John Cena, Ahnentafel# 228.