BRIDGTON — Now for April’s Patriot of the Month! Daniel Brigham was born on November 15, 1760, in Marlborough, MA, the son of Ithamer and Ruth (Ward) Brigham. At the tender age of 16, he began the first of his three enlistments in the Revolution, serving a total of 9.5 months with Colonel Read and Howe and marching as far as New Jersey and West Point. Returning home to Marlborough, he married Anna Beaman, the daughter of Noah and Lydia (Howe) Beaman.

Brigham was listed as from Marblehead when he purchased lot 10 in range 8 with his brother Silas in 1788 and lived on Ridge Road, eventually having at least six children. His original homestead is said to have burned in the 1800s, and his barn was taken down piece by piece and attached to the ell of the newly built home. Astonishingly, the barn was still standing in 1968. He served the community in the essential role of blacksmith and also on several church and school committees.

Unfortunately, he died on March 7, 1807, at only 46 years old. His widow, Anna, lived a long life to age 94, collecting a widow’s pension of $31.66 per month, beginning in 1844. Daniel and Anna’s graves are marked by slate stones, one with an urn and the other with a willow tree, at the Ridge Cemetery. The History of Bridgton lauds the couple, stating, “Their descendants typify the sturdy, reliable stock that helped develop Bridgton.” The Molly Ockett Chapter, NSDAR, honors Daniel Brigham’s service and sacrifice.

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