Purse Museum and Lunch At Root’s Cafe, March 2018
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Patriot Remembered
Gustavus Boswell was born around 1757 in Charles County, Maryland. He was the son of John and Sarah Harris Boswell. In 1784, he married Zeruia Ward. She was the daughter of David Ward and Lydia Baity. Zeruia was also born in Charles County, Maryland circa 1760.
Children include Edward, Gresham, William, John, Gustavus, Lydia (Harbison), Violetta (Armstrong), Clarissa (Hart), and David.
He is listed a small land owner, tiller of the soil; farmer
Private in Captain John Hansons Co. 12th Battalion for the Charles County militia. He was held prisoner on the British ship Jersey, in New York Harbor in terrible conditions.
“The heat was so intense that (the hot sun shining all day on deck) they were all naked, which also served well to get rid of vermin, but the sick were eaten up alive. Their sickly countenances, and ghastly looks were truly horrible; some swearing and blaspheming; others crying, praying, and wringing their hands; and stalking about like ghosts; others delirious, raving and storming,—all panting for breath; some dead, and corrupting. The air was so foul that at times a lamp could not be kept burning, by reason of which the bodies were not missed until they had been dead ten days.”
His future father-in-law, David Ward, was also held prisoner on that ship.
Gustavus and Zeruia moved to Fayette County, Alabama in 1836 after Gustavus received a land grant.
Patriot of Alpha Stephens
