Thomas Masterson (American Revolution)
Thomas Masterson was an officer in the American Revolution, serving as a Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy.[1]
Biography[edit]
As one of limited number of naval officers who served for a full three years, Thomas Masterson is represented today in The Society of the Cincinnati[2]
Thomas Masterson was born about 1750 in Fairfax County, Virginia to Edward Masterson and his wife Mary.[3]
Edward Masterson died while Thomas was still a minor; his will probated September 18, 1754.[4]
Thomas' uncle, Joseph Farrow, apprenticed the fatherless Thomas Masterson to the ship's carpenter Thomas Dagg in 1766.[5]
Thomas Masterson served as a Midshipman aboard the Virginia State Navy brig "Tempest".[6]
At a battle on the James River, near Osborne's, on April 27, 1781, the Tempest was lost to the British, with several of the officers taken prisoner.[7]
Thomas Masterson survived the war, but died insolvent around 1791.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ Saunders, Celey “I Hereby Give Notice”, Purdie's Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg), March 27, 1778, page 4
- ^ a b Davenport, Robert, "Original Members and Other Officers Eligible to The Society of the Cincinnati", (ISBN 978-1-885943-19-4, 2008) page 229
- ^ Schilt, Ginny, Masterson Family Association, “Edward Masterson, His Children and Grandchildren”, Masterson Family Newsletter and historical journal, Volume 2, number 4 and Volume 3, number 1 (Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1992), 55, 66-67.
- ^ Masterson, Edward, “Last will and Testament”, (Fairfax County, Virginia: September 18, 1754). Microfilm copy held in the Library of Virginia, County And City Records, Fairfax County, Reel 27, Will Book B1, 69-71.
- ^ Farrow, Joseph and Dagg, Thomas, “Masterson's Indenture to Dagg”, (Prince William County, Virginia: November 3, 1766), Prince William County, Deed Book Q, 411-412. Microfilm copy held in The Ruth E. Lloyd Information Center for Genealogy and Local History (RELIC), Manassas, Virginia.
- ^ Brumbaugh, Gaius Marcus, “Revolutionary War Records, Volume 1, Virginia”, (Lancaster PA, Lancaster Press, 1936), 33-34.
- ^ Steele, William, “L and Bounty Claim” (including information about the loss of the Tempest), (Library of Virginia, Rv. Bounty Warrants) System 001099872.
- ^ British Mercantile Claim, 1803, Masterson Family Association, Edward Masterson, His Children and Grandchildren, Masterson Family Newsletter and historical journal, Volume 2, number 4 and Volume 3, number 1 (Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1992), 55, 66-67.