Daniel Thurston

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Daniel Thurston (1 March 1719 Bradford, Essex Co., Massachusetts-14 July 1805 Bradford, Essex Co, MA), was an Officer during the American Revolution, Member of the Committee of Safety, and a member of the Committee drafting the Massachusetts State Constitution.

[edit] Family

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 first on 3 Sept 1741 Hannah Parker, second on 10 Sept 1761 Judith Gerrish, and third on 17 Sept 1767 Elizabeth Rolfe.

His son Nathaniel Thurston (17 Jan 1755-21 Oct 1811) was also a member of the Massachusetts Legislature.

[edit] Military and Political Career

Col. Thurston was a Captain of the Bradford Militia as early as 1765.

Only one web source actually attributes to him the rank of Colonel, however at least 3 of his brothers in law held that rank (Joseph Gerrish, Samuel Gerrish, and Jacob Gerrish all commanded regiments) during the Revolution.

Multiple sources list him as a member of the Committee to Draft the MA State Constitution.

[edit] Sources

Vital Records of the Town of Bradford Essex Co. Mass. to the Year 1850.