Thomas Taft

BIOGRAPHY: Thomas, the oldest son, married Deborah Genery of Dedham, we learn from a deed of a tract of land situated in Dedham, dated, in which he describes it, as "a part of the estate that fell to my wife from our honored father Isaac Genery, lately deceased, of Dedham." Thomas was a farmer, with 11 children. Like his father, he was elected to places of trust in the town affairs and shared the confidence of the local public. These local honors, conferred among persons intimately acquainted with each other, as are the inhabitants of such a town, have not the charm of political honors gained from the State, or from larger divisions of the country but they are a better test, of the estimate in which a man is held by those who know him best. Thomas came forward so early, that many have supposed he was the father of his brothers, or at least that he was the brother of his father. But he was only his father's oldest son, perhaps two or three years older than his brother Robert, Jr. Thomas had that part of the original "house-lot" of his father, on which are still remaining the rocks, that, according to tradition, were once part of a defence, giving to the whole tract, the name of the "Fortfield." He died at about the age of 85. Tradition says that he was remembered as a venerable old man, and hoary headed, with a face of benignant expression.Thomas and Deborah followed the example of Robert and Sarah, in early settling lands upon their children. They gave their children better opportunities for education, than had been practicable, when they themselves were young. The result was developed in the next generations.It is pleasant to find, among the descendants of Thomas Taft so good and valuable a man as the late Rev. George Taft D.D., of Pawtucket, whose ministry was honorable, long continued, and useful. He was a graduate of Brown University, in the class of 1815. His death occured within the last four or five years. Doctor John G. Metcalf of Mendon, who knew him well, says of him in a recent correspondence: "The Rev. Doctor George Taft was one of the best men I ever knew."Like the Rev. Moses Taft, he spent his life, a long one, in one church. His parishioners sought no change. No higher commendation could be asked, or given of the talents, or character of these men. In taking an account of our jewels, these cannot be ommitted.

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