Was born in Guilford, Vermont, June 9th, 1793. He was educated by his
uncle, Capt. Ward, of Lancaster; came to this place when a young man,
and married into one of the oldest and most respectable families of
Worcester.
He was admitted to this society in 1819, and remained an active member
for eleven years. In the military department of the government he was
deeply interested. At this time every able-bodied citizen, between the
ages of eighteen and forty-five years, was obliged to perform military
duty at least five days in each year. Worcester, then with a population
of little more than three thousand, had full and well disciplined
companies of artillery, cavalry, riflemen, and two very large companies
of infantry. Mr. Ward took great pleasure in military affairs, and was
ambitious to excel and become a good disciplinarian; and he succeeded
remarkably well. He was promoted from one position to another, till he
was finally elected Colonel of the Sixth Regiment.
The next morning after he was promoted from Major to the office of
Colonel, he was walking down Main street, in his most dignified manner,
very straight—a little more than perpendicular, when Israel Whitney, who
wanted to see him on business, called out, “Major Ward!” Ward walked on.
Whitney called a second time, louder, “Major Ward!” No attention was
paid to the call. He called a third time, “_Colonel Ward!_” Ward turns
immediately and walks towards Whitney, and says, “Good morning, Mr.
Whitney. I am glad to see you. _I did not hear you the first two times
you called!_”
Colonel Ward was a gentleman in his manners, intelligent, kind and
courteous; prompt, energetic and faithful in the discharge of his
duties, and agreeable and entertaining in conversation. He died in
Boston, March 1st, 1842.