William Hutchings, last Rev War soldier

A Patriot of the American Revolution for MASSACHUSETTS with the rank of PRIVATE. DAR Ancestor # A061277

102 Years Old. Born in York, Maine on October 6, 1764. Died on May 2, 1866. Saw fighting at the Siege of Castine where he was taken prisoner by the British.

His service with the War of the Revolution was limited. He enlisted at the age of fifteen for the coastal defense of his own state, Maine. The only fighting he saw was at the siege of Castine where he was taken prisoner. But the British, declaring it a shame to hold as prisoner one so young, promptly released him. Upon the close of the War Hutchings was married at the age of twenty-two, after which his wife Mercy bore fifteen children.

In his later years he is described as being “an early riser and a hard worker. He smokes regularly, and uses spirituous liquors moderately. His mind is still vigorous, though his body is feeble. His memory is good, retaining dates especially, so that he is a referee in the family in the matters of history.” One of his last requests was that the American flag should cover his remains, and be unfurled at his funeral. This was done; and in the stillness of a bright Spring afternoon, in the midst of an assembled multitude, upon the farm which for nearly a century had been his home, all that was mortal of the old hero was removed from earthly sight, while the stars and stripes he had so long honored, floated above his grave.”

http://www.earlyamerica.com/rare-images/last-men-revolution/