Stephen Badlam

Stephen Badlam (May 7, 1751 – August 25, 1815) was an American artisan and military officer. Raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Badlam was orphaned as a young child following the death of his father, a tavern-keeper and cabinetmaker. Badlam worked as a surveyor prior to the American Revolutionary War, where he served as an artillery commander in engagements in New York, Canada, and Vermont, serving as a major in General Richard Montgomery's ill-fated 1775 invasion of Quebec. After serving at Fort Stanwix, he fell gravely ill and was forced to return home with his wife to Dorchester.

While continuing to work as a surveyor for some time, he became a successful furniture artisan, specializing in the construction of ornate cabinets and looking-glasses, alongside frames, chairs, and windows. He served for over two decades as a justice of the peace in Dorchester, as well as a brigadier-general in the Massachusetts militia. He helped to organize the Second Church of Dorchester, where he served as a deacon and supporter of controversial Reverend John Codman.

Early life

Stephen Badlam was born in Milton, Massachusetts, on May 7, 1751, to Hannah ( – )Efn|Some sources put Hannah Badlam's death in 1758, 4 days prior to the death of husband, Stephen Badlam Sr. was appointed as a deacon in Canton (at the time part of Stoughton) at age 29, and served in this capacity until his death eight years later.

Badlam's siblings included Hannah, William, and Ezra Badlam. Orphaned at a young age, Stephen Badlam grew up at the Lower Mills in Dorchester (now part of Boston), receiving limited formal education at a local district school. He trained in cabinetmaking and pursued surveying as a profession.

Career

Revolutionary War As the American Revolutionary War began in 1775, Badlam enlisted in the Continental Army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the New York City artillery under General Henry Lee, and was over the following year promoted to first lieutenant and captain. While stationed in New York, he became acquainted with Alexander Hamilton, and was appreciated for his engineering abilities. During his service, he met the Marquis de Lafayette, who granted Badlam a sword.

He built many cabinets for wealthy Boston merchant Elias Hasket Derby. In 1791, he built for Derby a chest-on-chest in mahogany and pine, featuring neoclassical personifications of Peace, Plenty, and America sculpted by brothers John and Simeon Skillin. This chest would be used as a wedding present for Derby's daughter. Despite having no formal education, he served on various school committees. Along with multiple other local figures, he raised $1200 to build four schoolhouses in Dorchester, as well as giving up the southwest corner of his house to be used as an annual school.

His first wife, Mary, died in 1794. In 1798, Badlam remarried to Elizabeth Turner.

Badlam died in Dorchester on August 25, 1815, recorded as due to a stroke of palsy. Rev. Codman conducted and published a sermon in his honor.