Samuel Taft


Samuel Taft was a Revolutionary War soldier who later hosted his former commander in Chief, President George Washington, at his home, on his inaugural tour of New England.

Early life

Samuel was the son of Israel Taft, and Mercy Aldrich, both of whom were from Mendon. Samuel's father, Israel Taft, was the grandson of the first American Taft, Robert Taft, Sr of Mendon
Taft was an American Revolutionary War soldier from Uxbridge, Massachusetts. The vital records of Uxbridge, records that Samuel Taft had intentions to marry Mary Murdock on December 16, 1758. The vital records of Uxbridge, record that a number of his children, including Frederick, Marcy, Merret, Otice, Perley, Sibbel and George S. were born to Samuel and Mary Taft. His wife Mary died after 28 years of marriage in 1785. Samuel married Experience Humes January 9, 1786 at Uxbridge, Ma; died August 2, 1816 at Uxbridge, Ma, at age 80.

Service in Revolutionary War

He served in the American Revolutionary War as a private with a company from Worcester County. He served in Capt. Thaddeus Read's co., Col. Nathan Tyler's regt.

A famous visitor

In 1789, Samuel Taft was the proprietor of a tavern in Uxbridge. This tavern is now known as Samuel Taft House. Newly elected President of the United States, George Washington, stayed one evening with Mr. Taft and his family. The President wrote a letter to Mr. Taft, from his next stop, on November 8 at Hartford, thanking him for his service and giving some gifts to Samuel's daughters.
November 8, 1789.


It is possible that President George Washington refers to Perley in his letter as "Polly" and one of the other girls as "Patty". These could have been their nicknames and not their given names.

Samuel Taft House

Samuel Taft House is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and an external link below tells the story of the house and has a picture.. President William Howard Taft, also stayed here in 1910.

A famous family

The famous Taft family from Uxbridge and Mendon, has produced a line of politicians throughout the US, including another President, William Howard Taft, whose grandfather, Peter Rawson Taft I was born in Uxbridge in 1785.

Death

The town of Uxbridge vital records recorded Samuel Taft, Revolutionary soldier's death, on August 2, 1816, in his 80th year.