Artemus Ward, born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, in 1727, graduated
at Harvard College in 1748. Soon after, he entered public life as a
representative in the Colonial Assembly, and later was a delegate in
the first Provincial Congress, and justice of the peace in his native
town in 1752. Having gained some reputation for military ability during
the French and Indian War, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the
Massachusetts troops on the 19th of May, 1775, and held that rank until
the arrival of Washington at Cambridge. Though nominally in command
during the battle of Bunker Hill, he remained in his camp and took no
active part in determining the events of that day. On the 19th of May,
1775, he was made brigadier-general, and on the 17th of June, 1775, he
was commissioned as senior major-general by the Continental Congress,
being the first officer of that rank appointed by that body. Owing to
impaired health, however, he resigned on the 23d of April of the year
following, but at the request of Washington, continued to act until
May. From that time until his death, he held responsible legislative
and judicial positions, and served in the former one for sixteen years.
Possessed of high integrity and unyielding principles, his judicial
conduct won for him much praise, especially during Shays’ Rebellion in
1786. He died in his native town on the 28th of October, 1800.