The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: MA
Qualifying Service: Private
Birth: 08 Mar 1713/1714 Barnstable / Banstable / MA Death: 23 Nov 1778 Barnstable / Barnstable / MA
Qualifying Service Description:
Pvt, Capt Micah Hamlin, Col Simeon Cary, MA, 07 Jul 1775 - 08 Feb 1776
Additional References:
MA Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Rev, Vol 2, pg 911
Muster/Payrolls of the Rev War (MA/RI), Vol 36, pg 60, 64, images 87, 94
Spouse: Bethiah Fuller Children: John; Bethiah; Lemuel; Sarah; Abigail; Joseph;
Members Who Share This Ancestor
None*
*This means that the NSSAR has no applications for this Patriot on file.
Instead the information provided is best effort, and from volunteers who have either researched grave sites, service records, or something similar. There is no documentation available at NSSAR HQ to order.
The gravestone for Joseph Bursley is made of slate and measures 16" wide, 23" tall, and 1.5" thick
Carved at the upper section of the gravestone is a winged skull
The photo is displayed courtesy of David C. Schafer, MA SAR
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Starting at the Rt. 149 cemetery entrance proceed 14 yards along the cemetery road
Turn right and walk 90 yards, parallel to Rte 149, to the gravesite of Joseph Bursley
Photo: 1 of 1
Author: David Crandall Schafer
Joseph Bursley, eldest child of Joseph and Sarah (Crocker) Bursley, was born March 8, 1713/14, at Barnstable, Massachusetts. Joseph had two siblings, Lemuel, and Mercy. (1)
December 20, 1739, Joseph was married to Bethiah Fuller, daughter of John and Thankful (Gorham) Fuller, by Reverend Jonathan Russell at Barnstable. Together Joseph and Bethiah had six children, John, Bethiah, Lemuel, Sarah, Abigail, and Joseph. (2)
Joseph enlisted in Captain Micah Hamblin’s 50 man militia company on July 7, 1775, and served to December 31, 1775. (3) The company was stationed three months at Barnstable to guard the coast and harbor; then marched to Plymouth to guard that place for three months. Captain Micah Hamblin’s Muster Roll from the first day of November to the last day of December 1775 shows Joseph Bursley (soldier) with monthly wages of 1 shilling and 16 pence per month, and wages for 61 days of 3 pounds, 18 shillings, and 3 pence. (4)
From a Pay Roll of Captain Micah Hamlen’s company of militia in Colonel Simeon Cary’s Regiment, from the time of their enlistment till the day they marched on March 30, 1776, Private Joseph Bursley is recorded as enlisting on February 2nd, 6 days to time marched, and whole wages due of 8 shillings.(5)
Joseph Bursley declared his last will and testament on September 25, 1778, naming his wife Bethiah, daughter Abigail Bursley, son John Bursley, daughter Bethiah Jenkins, and daughter Sarah Nye.
Joseph Bursley died November 23, 1778, at Barnstable, and was buried at the cemetery of West Barnstable. Mrs. Bethiah (Fuller) Bursley, widow of Joseph, died February 2, 1794, and was buried at the cemetery of West Barnstable.
References:
(1) Barnstable, Transcript of Records, 1713-1781, Vol. 2, page 390.
(2) Descendants of Captain Matthew Fuller.
(3) Muster/Payrolls of the Revolutionary War (MA&RI), Vol. 36, pg. 60 (image 87)
(4) Ibid, Volume 36, page 64 (image 94)
(5) Ibid, Volume 20, page 69 (image 172)
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