The Sudbury Companies
of Militia and Minute

Presented to the Maynard Historical Society
on April 24, 2000
by Todd Boothroyd, Bob Childs, et. al.

(You can click on the pictures to see larger, more detailed versions)

In September, 1774, (in response to calls for support by the citizens of Boston) delegates to the First Provincial Congress in Concord resolved to create an army at shortest notice "to be called Minute men". Sudbury was represented by Deacon Thomas Plympton who proceeded to moderate a Town Meeting on the 14th of November 1774 where it was proposed that "the several companies of militia meet for the choice of officers for their respective companies as recommended by the Provincial Congress".

At that time, Sudbury was separated by the Sudbury River into an East Side (eventually to be renamed Wayland) and a West Side. Overall, the town had a population of 2,160 with about 500 adult males aged from 21 to 98 years; of whom over 346 were organized into Companies of both Militia and Minute. Ezekiel Howe, a prominent citizen, innkeeper and militia veteran was promoted from Captain of the South Militia Company to Lieutenant Colonel of the Middlesex Regiment under Colonel James Barrett and was placed in command of the Sudbury forces.  The companies were composed as follows:

In addition there was an Alarm Company, composed of men considered too young or too old for conscription into military service, led by Capt. Jabez Puffer.

The men trained throughout the Winter, often in cold barns with mittens on and with limited weapons and supplies. However, when the alarm was brought to the town by Abel Prescott Jr., (who reported early in the pre-dawn hours of April 19th 1775 that "Redcoats are up as far as Concord") they were ready.

The West Side Companies mustered at the Sudbury Common Training Field from where they were led by Howe, Nixon, Haynes, and Stone to Concord, stopping briefly for refreshments at Dakins Farm, near South Bridge at approx. 8 a.m.  There they joined the men of Concord, Lincoln and Acton at the North Bridge and pursued the British troops along Battle Road.

The East Sudbury units, led by Smith and Cudworth, and Loker's Horse Troop assembled in the East Side Training Field and headed towards Concord by way of Lincoln, meeting up with their neighbors at Hardy's Hill.

Under the direction of Bob Childs, Minutemen Les Malecki and Bob Elliot fire their muskets.

Following that day three Sudbury Companies fought at Bunker Hill under Colonel John Nixon, Major Nathaniel Cudworth and Adjutant Abel Holden Jr. Several Sudbury men went on to serve with George Washington in the Continental Army including John Nixon who became a Brigadier General.  At the end, 26 men had died, and 8 were wounded during the War for Independence.

In 1964, inspired by the oncoming bicentennial celebrations and an enthusiastic Innkeeper of the Wayside Inn, Frank Koppeis, a determined band of modern Sudburians decided to reform the Militia and Minute Companies and re-enact the fateful march of April 19th 1775.  The event was a great success and the march (the route varying from year to year depending on the decision of the current Lieutenant Colonel) has been repeated without interruption ever since.

The Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie also exists to preserve the military music tradition of early America and provide emotional support to the militias.

The companies have grown to include women and children with activities including a Colonial Faire in September, Colonial Dress Balls in January and April and participation in several parades and re-enactments.  We meet monthly at the Wayside Inn to discuss our ongoing activities and listen to invited guests speaking on topics related to colonial era history.

Our officers consist of a Colonel who is responsible for organizing meetings and generally taking flak (Colonel Tony Howe, left), a Lieutenant Colonel who organizes the March, a Major Adjutant who oversees finances and a Quartermaster who deals with supplies.  Each has a tenure of one year following which he is promoted into oblivion.  We welcome new members who enjoy the experience of reliving the Colonial era and want to keep alive the memory of Revolutionary history.

Photo credits: Al Whitney and Dave Griffin