History of Oxford, (Worcester County) Massachusetts United States of America

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Biographies:

Ebenezer Larned, soldier, was born at Oxford, Mass., April 18, 1728; son of Col. Ebenezer Larned. He was a captain of rangers during the French and Indian war, and when the news of the distresS of the garrison at Fort William Henry reached him at Fort Edward in 1757, he marched his rangers to their relief. He was a delegate to the provincial congress that met at Concord, Mass., in 1774; organized a regiment of militia in Worcester county for eight months' service in 1775, and reached Cambridge, Mass., just after the battle of Lexington. He led his regiment in the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775; and when the British raised the siege of Boston, he was the first to enter the city, unbarring the gates with his own hands. He was disabled at Dorchester and was absent from the army for nearly a year. In April, 1777, he was appointed brigadier-general by the Continental congress, and commanded a brigade at Saratoga, greatly distinguishing himself at Stillwater in October, 1777, where he was the first officer to gain entrance to the British stronghold. He served as chairman of the convention of 1789, that ratified the Federal constitution. He died at Oxford, Mass., April 1, 1801.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Nelson Henry Davis, soldier, was born in Oxford, Mass., Sept. 20, 1821. He was graduated at the U.S. military academy in 1846, and assigned to the 3d infantry. He saw service in the Mexican war and was brevetted 1st lieutenant for gallantry at Contreras and Churubusco. He was also engaged in the siege of Vera Cruz, the battle of Cerro Gordo, and the capture of the capital city. He was afterward on frontier service and was promoted 1st lieutenant Jan. 8, He was made captain March 3, 1855, and at the outbreak of the civil war was given command of the 7th Massachusetts volunteers. On Nov. 12, 1861, he was promoted major and assistant inspector-general in the regular service, receiving the brevet of lieutenant-colonel for gallantry at Gettysburg. In September, 1863, he was transferred to New Mexico and was brevetted colonel, May 29, 1864, for services in the expedition against the Apache Indians, and brigadier-general, March 13, 1865, for services during the civil war. He was inspector-general in the district of New Mexico, 1868, and in the district of Missouri, 1868-72; was on inspection duty, 1872-76, and inspector-general in the division of the Atlantic, 1867-85. He was made brigadier-general, March 11, and retired Sept. 20, 1885. He died on Governor's Island, New York harbor, May 15, 1890.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor