Samuel Taft
Samuel Taft (September 23, 1735 at Upton, Worcester County, Province of Massachusetts – August 2, 1816 at Uxbridge Worcester County, Massachusetts) was a Revolutionary War soldier who later hosted his former commander in Chief, President George Washington, at his home, on his inaugural tour of New England. Early life. Samuel was the son of Israel Taft, and Mercy Aldrich, both of whom were from Mendon. Samuel's father, Israel Taft, was the grandson of the first American Taft, Robert Taft, Sr of Mendon Taft was an American Revolutionary War soldier from Uxbridge, Massachusetts. The vital records of Uxbridge, records  that Samuel Taft had intentions to marry Mary Murdock on December 16, 1758. The vital records of Uxbridge, record that a number of his children, including Frederick, Marcy, Merret, Otice, Perley, Sibbel and George S. were born to Samuel and Mary Taft. His wife Mary died after 28 years of marriage in 1785. Samuel married Experience Humes January 9, 1786 at Uxbridge, Ma; died August 2, 1816 at Uxbridge, Ma, at age 80. Service in Revolutionary War. He served in the American Revolutionary War as a private with a company from Worcester County. He served in Capt. Thaddeus Read's  co., Col. Nathan Tyler's regt. Visit from George Washington. In 1789, Samuel Taft was the proprietor of a tavern in Uxbridge. This tavern is now known as Samuel Taft House. Newly elected President of the United States, George Washington, stayed one evening with Taft and his family during his inaugural trip through New England. The President wrote a letter to Taft, from his next stop, on November 8 at Hartford, thanking him for his service and giving some gifts to Samuel's daughters. It is possible that President George Washington refers to Perley in his letter as "Polly" and  one of the other girls as "Patty". These could have been their nicknames and not their given names. Samuel Taft House. The Samuel Taft House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . William Howard Taft, also stayed here in 1910. Family. The Taft family from Uxbridge and Mendon, has produced a line of politicians throughout the US, including President William Howard Taft. Death. Samuel Taft died on August 2, 1816, at the age of 80.