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: Civil Service
No record for this Patriot found in Find-A-Grave April 2022
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Author: Herbert M. Gould
Melitiah Davis was born October 19, 1716 in Falmouth, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, son of Benjamin Davis and Mary Robinson. In 1740 he was employed in the tannery of Thomas Butler (processing animal skins to make leather). He was also known to be a shoemaker and farmer, and a leading citizen of the area. In 1744 he married Jemima Dunham. Their children included sons Benjamin and Melitiah Davis Jr., and daughter Mary (Molly) Beals who married Samuel Norton, Sr.
During the Revolutionary War he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel, in Col. Beriah Norton's (Dukes Co.) regiment. He was commissioned Feb. 1, 1776. (Son-in-law, Samuel Norton, was also commissioned in this regiment in April 1776). He also served as 1st Lieutenant in Capt. Benjamin Smith's (2nd) company and is listed as one of the seacoast officers stationed at Elizabeth Islands and Martha's Vineyard in 1776. In addition, he served as Lieutenant, Capt. Benjamin Smith's company at Martha's Vineyard. (He served in this unit following Samuel Norton, his son-in-law's earlier service).
He is also approved for Civil Service, having served as Selectman of the town of Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts in 1779, 1782 and 1783. The will of Melatiah Davis was written December 5, 1791, and probate February 5, 1795 in Edgartown, Dukes County, Massachusetts (Martha’s Vineyard).
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