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Submitted: 8/22/13 • Approved: 8/28/13 • Last Updated: 8/13/15 • R165199-G0-S3
David was born 16 Sep 1760 in Granby, Connecticut, the fourth of six boys born to Nathaniel Messenger and Eleanor Griffin. His siblings were: Nathaniel Jr., Israel; Lemuel; Daniel and Amos.
Revolutionary War service: On June 3, 1775, at age 15, David enlisted as a private in Capt. Malcolm Henry's Co., Col. David Brewer's 9th Reg., [company's return dated October 7, 1775]; also served in Capt. Henry's Co., Col. Rufus Putnam's (late Brewer's) Regt.; fought in the siege of Boston; order for a bounty coat or its equivalent in money dated Roxbury, December 23, 1775. [from Mass. Soldiers & Sailors, pg 694]. David also served in Capt. Samuel Hay's Co., Conn. 18th militia regt., commanded by Jonathan Pettibone. Arrived NY: August 22, 1776, discharged September 25, 1776.
In about 1781, David married Hannah Higley, daughter of Dudley Higley and Eunice Stratton of Simsbury, Connecticut. David and Hannah were the parents of eight children: Grove, Sinthy, Hannah, David Jr., Samuel, Campbell, Harriet and Forest.
In April, 1804, David and 34 others paid $8 each and formed the Scioto Land Co., to explore available land in Ohio. In May of that year, 3 from the group traveled to the area to view and purchase land but rather than the intended Scioto Valley, they preferred Licking County. Eventually 44 signed up, they changed the name to Licking Land Co. and set out for Ohio. On December 10, 1805, records show that David received a deed for 500 acres for which he paid between about $900 and $1,600.
David was a farmer and a good citizen of Granville. In 1808, he was nominated to serve as a grand juror and along with six others, was a supervisor of highways. He also played a hautboy, an instrument similar to the oboe, in the 11-member township band.
David died in 1811. He was only 51. He is buried in plot #755 next to his wife and son Campbell. Photo was taken in 1973 and shows context with son Campbell's stone [far right]. David's stone, originally on the far left, is no longer visible.
Contributed on 8/22/13 by gvand
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Record #: 165199