Ebenezer Thayer, Jr. (August 21, 1746 – May 30, 1809) was a Massachusetts farmer, military officer, town official, and politician who served in both branches of the Massachusetts legislature, as a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council; and, from 1793 to 1794, as the first sheriff of Norfolk County, Massachusetts.[2]

Ebenezer Thayer, Jr.
Norfolk County, Massachusetts Sheriff
In office
1793–1794
Preceded byNew office
Succeeded byAtherton Thayer
Personal details
BornAugust 21, 1746[1]
Braintree, Massachusetts[1]
DiedMay 30, 1809 (aged 62)[1]
Spouse(s)Rachel Thayer, m. December 19, 1772
OccupationFarmer
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Branch/serviceMassachusetts provincial militia
Years of serviceMilitia
CommandsMassachusetts provincial militia
Battles/warsAmerican Revolutionary War

The Braintree Instructions, drafted by John Adams, were addressed to Thayer's father, Ebenezer Thayer, Esq., from his constituents in Braintree.

Military service edit

During the American Revolutionary War Thayer was active in recruiting men in his home town and in leading them in the war.[1]

Family edit

His half-brother was Atherton Thayer.

Over a number of generations the Thayer family became known as a Boston Brahmin family and descended from early settlers and brothers Thomas Thayer (1596–1665) and Richard Thayer (1601–1664).[3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Roberts, Oliver Ayer (1897), History of the Military Company of the Massachusetts, Now Called the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. 1637-1888 Volume II,- 1738-1821, Boston, Massachusetts: Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, p. 239
  2. ^ "History". Norfolk County Sheriff's Office. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  3. ^ "Descendants of Thomas Thayer". freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com. Retrieved 2017-06-01.