Bezaleel Taft Sr.

Bazaleel Taft Sr., his first name is also spelled Bezaleel (November 3, 1750 – June 21, 1839), was an American Revolutionary War soldier, captain, and state legislator from Uxbridge, Massachusetts. He built the Hon. Bazaleel Taft House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Early life Bazaleel Taft Sr. was born to Josiah Taft and Lydia Chapin Taft at Uxbridge on November 3, 1750. He was one of eight children. A captain, Josiah fought in the French and Indian Wars, and died on September 30, 1756, Taft became Josiah and Lydia's eldest surviving son. Adjunct 3rd Worcester Company regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Tyler. He was engaged December 8, 1776, and the regiment marched to Providence, Rhode Island. He was discharged January 29, 1777. He served as 2nd lieutenant under Captain Edward Segrave's 9th Company, 3rd Worcester Company, regiment of the Massachusetts militia. Taft served in the state legislature as a representative and in the senate for over 30 years.

Personal life Taft was first married to Abigail Taft, and they had a daughter Eunice, born January 28, 1775, who married Deacon Phinehas Chapin. Abigail died on August 12, 1775.

Taft next married Sarah Richardson on January 2, 1777. They had a son, Bezaleel Taft, Jr (1780-1846), who was a lawyer and legislator A Hessian sword was embedded in the wall of this home, as partial evidence that British Hessian forces, once passed through the historic Blackstone River Valley during the American Revolutionary War.