History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

Personal Sketches 203
He became the common ancestor of one of the most numerous, popular and
respected families in Bridgewater. Some of whose descendants can now be
found in almost every state of the Union. "He died in Bridgewater, Mass.,
July 20, 1692.
"
Daniel Edson had limited opportunity for attending school but was
possessed of unusual abihty to learn and by perseverence he acquired a
good education, which enabled him to serve the town of Swansea as Selectman
and in other capacities. He represented Swansea in the State Legislature
1851.
When quite young he came to Swansea and lived in the family of
Benajah Mason where he was an apprentice and served seven years to learn
the trade of a tanner and shoemaker. When 21 years of age he was married
to Sarah Marvel, daughter of Benanuel Marvel, who kept a store near Mr.
Mason's shop. It is related that on their wedding day March 5th, 1812,
both were at work when the mim'ster came to perform the ceremony,
Daniel removed his leather apron which he wore at the shoemakers bench
and Sarah left her work and was married in her father's house. Then both
resumed their work in a very practical manner. A little later Daniel
served in what is called the war of 1812, for which, late in life, he drew a
pension. In an old letter written by him to his wife from Fort Phoenix,
Fairhaven, Mass., we find the date Oct. 2nd 1814. The letter is well
preserved and we give a few statements from it "Thinking a knowledge
of my situation would be very agreeable to you I shall inform you in as
few words as possible. Our rations are a pound of good bread a day, one
pound and a quarter of beef per day, for four days in the week, twelve
ounces of pork per day for two days in the week. One pound and a quarter
of codfish for the other day with a sufficiency of potatoes. We also draw a
pint of molasses for every six persons, and one giU of rum a day for every
man. One pound of coff'ee for every fifty men. We lack many vessels for
cooking. We are in a dehghtsome place and we fare better than I expected.
I do not consider that we are in danger of being attacked. We have seen
one ship which we supposed to be an English Frigate.
Daniel and Sarah Edson lived for many years in that section of Swansea
known as the Two-mile Purchase. Ten children were born to them six
daughters and four sons. (8 lived to manhood and womanhood—7 of them
to old age). One son Daniel Edson Jr. served as Quartermaster in the Mass.
Seventh Regiment, in the Civil War, and died in 1866.
Mrs. Edson died May 8th 1869. Mr. Edson fived to be nearly 90
years old and died Jan. 2nd, 1881. (89 years-10 months-16 days.)
Job Gardner
Job Gardner was widely known, beloved and respected not only in
his own town, but in Fall River and elsewhere. He was born in the house
where he died in South Swansea, then more commonly known as Gardner's
Neck, December 27, 1826, the son of Job and Patience (Anthony) Gardner
being one of a large family of children. He attended school in that town
and later learned the trade of mason. Having a taste and aptitude for
books, however, he prepared himself for college, entering Wesleyan University,
from which he was graduated in 1855. Soon after his return from
college he was chosen as a teacher in his native town. He taught in the
village schoolhouse which was burned and was the first preceptor in the late
village schoolhouse. After a few years he was honored by a place on the
School Committee, and this he retained for almost half a century. Much
of the time he was chairmeui of the board, and for not a few years he acted
as superintendent of schools.
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