By Muriel Bristol | September 20, 2026
John McDuffee was born in Rochester, NH, April 10, 1753, son of Capt. William and Martha (Allen) McDuffee.
John McDuffee appeared as a Private in a Return of Capt. David Place’s Company, on Seavey’s Island [in Kittery, ME], November 5, 1775.
Father William McDuffee was among the one hundred ninety-eight men who signed the Revolutionary Association Test in Rochester, NH, June 1, 1776. (James McDuffee signed also).
WE, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with ARMS, oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets, and Armies, against the United American COLONIES (Batchellor, 1910).
Twenty-two Rochester men “refused” to sign. Another twenty-two Rochester Friends, i.e., “Quakers,” did not “choose” to sign, i.e., they were conscientious objectors.
Father William McDuffee commanded a company in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment in 1776. William Palmer, Ebenezer Twombly, and David Wallingford served in his company.
Meanwhile, John McDuffee served in Captain John Drew’s Company, in Col. Isaac Wyman’s Regiment, in 1776, when they marched to a site overlooking Lake Champlain in what is now Orwell, VT. They constructed a fortification there, which they named “Mount Independence,” after hearing news of the Declaration of Independence.
John McDuffee served a month or so at Portsmouth harbor in early 1777, with Captain John Hayes’ Company. He served again later that year in Capt. Daniel McDuffee’s Company, in Col. Stephen Evans’ Regiment. (Capt. Daniel McDuffee was his paternal uncle). They “… marched from the State of New Hampshire and joined the northern Continental Army at Saratoga, [in] September 1777.” They participated in the Battle of Bemis Heights (or Second Saratoga), October 7, 1777. British General John Burgoyne surrendered his army, October 17, 1777. John McDuffee was paid £6 17s 6d for his service between September 8, 1777, and November 15, 1777.
John McDuffee was paid £4 8s for his service as a Private in Captain Peter Drowne’s Company, in Lt. Col. Stephen Peabody’s Regiment, at Providence, RI, between July 11, and September 26, 1778. They served in the Battle of Rhode Island, on August 29, 1778. He served also in the same Company from November 17, 1778, until the expiration of their service, and was allowed a day’s wage for every twenty miles of travel back to their homes, as well as an additional 1¢ per mile. He was discharged at Exeter, NH, January 6, 1779.
It does not appear that any settlement was made east of the West Branch river prior to about 1785 or 1786, and among the earlier settlers there may be named among others Reuben Jones, Paul Jewett, Amos Witham, the Berrys, the Millers, Ephraim Twombly, Paul Wentworth, Caleb Wingate, David Coursan, John McDuffee, and soon after Hatwell [Hatevil] Nutter, Thomas Applebee, William Applebee, John Hart, John Remick, Jr., Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dearborn, and many others (Scales, 1914).
Father William McDuffee was among the three hundred ten Rochester inhabitants that petitioned the NH legislature, August 30, 1785, seeking repeal of an act requiring milled boards to be square-edged and an inch thick (and other lumber in proportion). Those inhabitants described themselves then as being “largely Concerned in Lumber.” They sought also repeal of an act forbidding transport of lumber to the British West Indies, and seeking the issuance of a new paper money (Hammond, 1884). (See Rochester Lumber Remonstrance – August 1785).
Capt. Peter Drown, John McDuffee’s former company commander at the Battle of Rhode Island, was murdered, February 4, 1788, while trying to break up a fight at Randall’s Tavern in New Durham, NH.
PORTSMOUTH, February 8. The following tragical circumstance occurred at New Durham, on Monday last: A number of persons had assembled at Mr. Randall’s tavern up on business; among others present were, Col. [Thomas] Tash, Capt. Peter Drown, a son of Col. Tash’s, and an Elisha Thomas (formerly of Durham, but late a resident in the above town.) Thomas had got into a dispute with one of the persons present [Abraham Libby], and having taken a stone into his fist, was dealing his blows with a great deal of avidity, when Capt. Drown, pained at a fight so inhuman, slipped in between them, and taking Thomas at one side of the room, endeavoured, by soft words, to cool down his resentment, and to dissuade him from persevering in a conduct so alarming. – But alas what was the consequence! – O virtue, where was thy shield! Justice where was thy arm! – At this instant when this good man was acting the part of a mediator, Thomas drew a knife and plunged [it] into his breast; – the wound was mortal – Captain Drown survived it but a few hours, and then expired. – Thus fell, in the cause of humanity, Capt. Drown, in the meridian of his days: a most amiable and deserving man, esteemed and admired by his acquaintance, revered and respected by his friends. As soon as Thomas had committed the horrid deed, he put himself in a posture of defence, and threatened instant death to any person who should dare to approach him – a son of Col. Tash endeavoured to seize him – but, receiving several wounds, he was obliged to desist. Thomas made his escape: but was apprehended and committed to the goal [gaol] in Dover, on Wednesday evening. Thomas had received several favours from Capt. Drown — was greatly indebted to him for his assiduity in procuring him a pension for the loss of his thumb, while in the late continental army (Eastern Herald (Portland, ME), February 28, 1788).
(Elisha Thomas was hanged for his murder of Capt. Peter Drown, in Dover, NH, June 3, 1788. It is said to have been Dover’s first hanging execution (NH Historical Society, n.d.)).
Wm Duffee [McDuffee] headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included three males aged 16-plus years, and four females. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Joseph Heard and Saml Chamberlain. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).
John McDuffee headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the First (1790) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-plus years [himself]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Jona Geoch and Ebenzr Kent. (See Northeast Parish in the First (1790) Federal Census).
John McDuffee, Jr., married in Rochester, NH, January 24, 1793, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Joseph Haven performed the ceremony.
Wm McDuffee headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 45-plus years [Martha (Allen) McDuffee], one female aged 26-44 years, one male aged 16-25 years, one female aged 16-25 years, and one female aged under-10 years.
John McDuffee headed a Northeast Parish, Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Second (1800) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], one female aged 26-44 years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee], one male aged under-10 years, and one female aged under-10 years [Lucy McDuffee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Simon Brawn [Brown] and Wm Griffis. (See Northeast Parish in the Second (1800) Federal Census).
Father William McDuffee of Rochester, NH, made his last will, July 6, 1801. He devised one-third of his neat produce to his well beloved wife, Martha McDuffee. He devised $1 to his beloved son, John McDuffee. He devised forty acres of land purchased from David Leighton to his beloved son, James McDuffee, it being the land on which he now lives; he devised to him also the adjoining thirty-seven acres purchased from Ebenezer Place. He devised $1 to his beloved son William McDuffee. He devised the homestead farm to his beloved son, Samuel McDuffee, including all the buildings, farming utensils, and ten acres of land. He had purchased it of Boardman and others, it having been formerly owned by Abner Dame.
He devised two cows and half of the household furniture to his beloved daughter, Sarah McDuffee. She was to have the remaining furniture after the decease of her mother, and she was to have the use of one-quarter of his house and garden while she remained unmarried. He devised $5 each to his beloved daughters, Mary, Jane, and Hannah. He devised two cows and half of the household furniture to his beloved daughter, after the decease of her mother, and she was to have the use of one-quarter of his house and garden while she remained unmarried.
He named his beloved son, Samuel McDuffee, as executor. Joseph Haven, Mary Haven, and John Haven signed as witnesses (Strafford County Probate, 9:6).
Father Capt. William McDuffee died in Dover, NH, July 9, 1804, aged seventy-five years. His last will was proved in Strafford County Probate Court held in Dover, NH, August 15, 1804 (Strafford County Probate, 9:8).
John McDuffee was assessed in the Milton School District No. 1 of Joseph Plumer in 1806. (See Milton School Districts – 1806).
Uncle Daniel McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, February 26, 1807, aged sixty-eight years. (He had commanded a company, in September 1777, which he led to join the northern Continental Army at Saratoga, NY. His nephew, John McDuffee, had marched with him).
Mother Martha (Allen) McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, January 1, 1808, aged seventy-eight years.
Jno McDuffee headed a Milton household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 45-plus years [himself], and one female aged 45-plus years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of David Corston and Abigail Hanson. (See Milton in the Third (1810) Federal Census).
Daughter Lucy McDuffee married in Wakefield, NH, September 3, 1813, John Richards, both of Rochester, NH. Rev. Asa Piper performed the ceremony. John Richards was born in Rochester, NH, in 1783, son of John and Sarah (Bickford) Richards.
John McDuffee headed a Milton household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 70-79 years [himself], and one female aged 60-69 years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee]. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Israel Nute and Thos P. Ricker. (See Milton in the Fifth (1830) Federal Census).
John Richards headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Fifth (1830) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 40-49 years [himself], one female aged 30-39 years [Lucy (McDuffee) Richards], one female aged 15-19 years, one male aged 10-14 years, one female aged 10-14 years, one female aged 5-9 years, and one female aged under-5 years. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Sarah McDuffee and Jas Clark.
John McDuffee of Milton made a sworn declaration of his Revolutionary War service, September 14, 1832, order to claim a Revolutionary War Veteran’s Pension. In it, he specified his birthplace, birthdate, service record, and the battles in which he had participated, such as the Battle of Bemis Heights or Second Saratoga, on October 7, 1777, and the Battle of Rhode Island, on August 29, 1778.
DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State of New Hampshire, County of Strafford, Ss. } At a Court of Probate holden in Wakefield in said County.
On this 14 day of Sept., 1832, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Probate, in open Court, John McDuffee, a resident of Milton in the County of Strafford, and State of New-Hampshire, aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. that he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1775 with Capt. Brewster and served in the New Hampshire regiment of the Militia line, under the following named officers: that is to say ~ He enlisted for two months in the fall of the year 1775 and served that time in Portsmouth, N.H. that the officers of his Company were Capt. John Brewster & Lt. Paul Nute, the ensign’s name not now recollected ~ that said Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Joshua Wingate ~ that in the month of July 1776 according to the best of his recollection he again enlisted into the service for five months and served said time out ~ that he served in Capt. John Drew’s Company attached to Col. Wyman’s regiment of the New Hampshire troops ~ that they marched thro’ Concord, N.H., Charlestown, then called No. 4, passed into Vermont and arrived at Mount Independence, where they were stationed during most of said service ~ that after his time was out he returned home ~ that in 1777 in the spring, the time not exactly recollected, he enlisted to go to the Fort in Portsmouth Harbour for one month and he did go and served that time out, and returned home ~ that he served said term or engagement in a Company of Militia under the command of Capt. John Hayes ~ that in the same year – 1777 – he again enlisted for three months and served that time out ~ that he did duty during that time in the company of Capt. Daniel McDuffee, attached to the regiment of Col. Stephen Evens of the New Hampshire troops ~ that they marched thro’ Peterborough, Keen, Chesterfield &c. in New Hampshire, passed thro’ Brattleborough, Bennington &c. in Vermont to Saratoga in New York and that he was in the battle of 7th October 1777 – and that at the expiration his said time he returned home ~ that in 1778 he again enlisted for six months and served that time out at Rhode Island ~ that he did this duty as a soldier in the Company commanded by Capt. Peter Drown attached to the regiment of Col. Stephen Peabody of the New Hampshire troops ~ that he was in the battle which took place there in August of that year and was there when General [John] Sullivan retreated from the Island ~ that after his time was out and returned home ~ and that he never had any written discharge at any time ~
He further says that he was, according to the best information he has, born in Rochester in said County of Strafford, April 10, 1753 ~ that he resided there in the time of the Revolution and has resided in said Rochester and Milton taken from said Rochester ever since – and that he has no record of his age ~
John McDuffee, of Strafford County, NH, aged eighty-one years, appeared in the Pension Roll of 1835. He had been entered on the Pension Roll, December 3, 1832, as a former Private in the NH Militia. He was to received $57.11 per annum, and had received $171.33, since including retroactive payments from March 4, 1831.
John Richards headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 50-59 years [himself], one female aged 40-49 years [Lucy (McDuffee) Richards], one female aged 20-29 years, one female aged 15-19 years, one female aged 5-9 years, one male aged 80-89 years [John McDuffee], and one female aged 70-79 years [Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee]. “John McDuffee,” aged “87” years, was a Revolutionary pensioner residing in the household. Their household appeared in the enumeration between those of Phineas Hoit and Samuel Foss.
John McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, January 10, 1843, aged eighty-nine years.
His widow, Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee of Rochester, NH, applied, July 4, 1843, for a Revolutionary War Veteran’s Widow’s Pension.
Declaration. In order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838.
State of New Hampshire. Strafford County, Ss.
On this fourth day of July 1843 personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for said County this day sitting at Rochester Elizabeth Betsey McDuffee, a resident of said Rochester in the County of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged seventy-four years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838.
That she is the Widow of John McDuffee, who was a Soldier in Captain John Drew’s Company in 1776, in Captain John Hayes’ Company in 1777, in Captain Danl McDuffee’s Company in 1777, and Captain Peter Drown’s Company in 1778, all in the New Hampshire Militia as set forth in his declaration for which he drew a pension at the rate of $57.11 per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said John McDuffee on the twenty-fourth day of January seventeen hundred and ninety-three and that her husband, the aforesaid John McDuffee, died on the tenth day of January, 1843, and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed.
Elizabeth “her X mark” McDuffee. Stephen Demerritt, B.W. Jenness } Witness to her signature.
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year last above written. Before me. B.W. Jenness, Judge Probate.
Elizabeth (Fitzgerald) McDuffee died in Rochester, NH, August 4, 1844, aged eighty years.
Daughter Lucy (McDuffee) Richards of Rochester, NH, made further declarations, June 5, 1846.
County of Strafford, Ss. Court of Common Pleas. Clerk’s office. I, John H. Smith, Clerk of said Court, hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been filed in this office, that Lucy Richards of said Rochester is the only child and legal heir of John McDuffee and Elizabeth McDuffee, both late of said Rochester and both deceased, and that said Elizabeth died at said Rochester, August 4th, 1844. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fifth day of June, A.D., 1846. John H. Smith, Clerk.
John Richards, a farmer, aged sixty-seven years (b. NH), headed a Rochester, NH, household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Lucy [(McDuffee)] Richards, aged sixty-six years (b. NH), Mary Richards, aged twenty-four years (b. NH), and Charles Richards, aged three years (b. NH).
References:
Find a Grave. (2015, March 10). Capt. Daniel McDuffee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/143594061/daniel-mcduffee
Find a Grave. (2015, May 27). John McDuffee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/147051222/john-mcduffee
Find a Grave. (2009, November 19). Cpt. William McDuffee. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/44559126/william-mcduffee
NH Historical Society. (n.d.). “Life and Dying” Speech of Elisha Thomas, 1788, June 3. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/261706/life-and-dying-speech-of-elisha-thomas-1788-june-3
Scales, John. (1914). History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nGsjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA508
Wikipedia. (2026, August 29). Battle of Rhode Island. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rhode_Island
Wikipedia. (2026, September 8). Battles of Saratoga. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Saratoga
Wikipedia. (2026, August 9). [Col.] Isaac Wyman. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Wyman
Wikipedia. (2026, July 8). Mount Independence (Vermont). Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Independence_(Vermont)
Milton Observer 