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: Patriotic Service
David Wilder was born about 1708 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.1
He married Mrs. Anna (Willard) Prentice, widow of Thomas Prentice, on 10 June 1739 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.2 Among their known children were:
David [Patriot P-319945] was born on 13 March 1740 and married Lucy Joslin.
After Anna’s death, David married Mrs. Eunice Jennison in 1744. Among their known children were:
Samuel [DAR Patriot A126763] was born on 13 June 1745 and married Sarah “Sally” Ballard.
John was born on 20 March 1746 and lived in Templeton, Massachusetts, in 1777 in his father's Will. He is called a “gentleman,” indicating he was wealthy enough not to work with his hands.
After Eunice’s death, David married Martha White for the third time on 4 December 1751 in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Among their known children were:
Abel was born on 30 November 1752 and married Mary Paine.
Luke [Patriot P-319980] was born on 20 February 1754 and married Susanna Poor.
Jonathan was born on 21 April 1755 and married Ruth Prescott.
Martha was born on 21 April 1755 and married John Carter.
Jacob [Patriot P-319962] was born on 2 July 1757 and married Mary Wakefield.
During the early years of the American Revolution, David was a member of the Committee of Correspondence in the years 1774-1776.6
On 6 November 1776, David Wilder made his Last Will and Testament in Lancaster, Worcester County.3 With a large family, it is a long document. He starts by naming his wife, Martha, then names his children: David, Samuel, John, Abel, Luke, Jonathan, Jacob, and Mrs. Martha Carter. The Will was proven in court on 7 December 1776. Another document in the probate packet lists Martha Carter’s husband as John Carter.
The Patriot died on 17 November 1776 in Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts. His place of burial is unknown.
Sources:
Wilder, Moses Hale, The Book of Wilders..., New York City: E. O. Jenkins, 1878, page 146
The Birth, Marriages, and Death Register Lancaster, Massachusetts p. 27
Massachusetts, Worcester County, Worcester Probate Files - Series A: Worcester. Probate Estate Case Files 1731–1881
(Birth, Marriages and Death Register of Lancaster, Massachusetts, page 327
Massachusetts, Births and Christenings, 1639-1915
Military Annals of Lancaster, Massachusetts, pages 97, 100.
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