Daniel Thurston (March 1, 1719, Bradford, Massachusetts - July 14, 1805, Bradford, Massachusetts) was an Officer during the American Revolution, a member of the Committee of Safety and a member of the committee drafting the Massachusetts State Constitution. He was also an Architect and house carpenter in Bradford Mass., and had one of the finest farms in that region
He was the eldest son of Benjamin Thurston and Mary Gage, whose family had a history of military service in America, dating back to MG Humphrey Atherton. He married Hannah Parker first on 3 September 1741; second on 10 September 1761, Judith Gerrish; and third on 17 September 1767, Elizabeth Rolfe.
His son, Nathaniel Thurston (January 17, 1755 - October 21, 1811), was also a member of the Massachusetts Legislature. His daughter, Mary (born July 24, 1746) married May 21, 1771 Deacon Richard Walker, a farmer and tanner in Bradford, Mass. <ref. Thurston Genealogies 2nd edition, Brown Thurston, Portland Maine, 1892>
Military and political career
Thurston was a captain of the Bradford Militia as early as 1765.
Daniel Thurston was chosen at a Town Meeting (Monday October 10, 1774) to travel to Concord, Mass. on October 11, 1774 to represent Bradford Mass. as a Deputy to the Provincial Congress. He was again chosen at another Town Meeting on January 4, 1775, to represent Bradford in the Provincial Congress. <ref. An Historical Sketch of Bradford, Mass;, In The Revolution>
Only one web source actually attributes to him the rank of colonel. However, at least three of his brothers-in-law held that rank—Joseph Gerrish, Samuel Gerrish and Jacob Gerrish, all commanding regiments—during the Revolution. [citation needed]
Multiple sources list him as a member of the Committee to Draft the Massachusetts State Constitution<ref. An Historical Sketch of Bradford, Mass;, In The Revolution>
Sources
Vital Records of the Town of Bradford Essex Co. Mass. to the Year 1850.
" Thurston Genealogies, compiled by Brown Thurston, Portland Maine, 2nd Edition 1892"
" An Historical Sketch of Bradford, Mass;, In The Revolution, by Louis A. Woodbury 1895"
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