Chute, Josiah

Person

Dates

Existence: 1759 - 1834

Biography

Josiah Chute (1759-1834) was a day laborer in Windham, Maine, providing services like plowing, planting, and hauling wood. He served as a sargeant in the 11th Massachusetts Regiment during the American Revolution, and in 1777 during the battle of Hubbardton, Vermont, he was wounded by a musket ball and taken prisoner by the British. He escaped and served for another two years, spending the winter of 1777-1778 with George Washington's troops at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and participating in the battle of Monmouth in 1778. He was honorably discharged in 1779. When Josiah Chute returned to Windham, he was appointed town constable and tax collector. He also served as town selectman for many years, and as town clerk in 1804. From 1805 to 1812, and again in 1816-1820, he represented Maine at the General Court of Massachusetts. Josiah Chute married Mary Noyes in 1781, and they had ten children.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Josiah Chute account book

FOUND IN: Baker Library Special Collections and Archives, Harvard Business School

Collection Identifier: Mss:770 1782-1795 C564

Scope and Contents: Account book maintained by Josiah Chute (1759-1834), a day laborer and civil servant in Windham, Maine, from 1781 to 1795. Inscribed on the first page of the volume is a note that the book was given to him by Lieutenant Silas Chadbourn (1752-1823) at West Point, New York, on December 2, 1779. Both men served in the 11th Massachusetts Regiment during the American Revolutionary War. The entries record credits and debits for services he provided, often assisted by his oxen, including hauling...