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

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

Family

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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

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  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.