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Prudence "Pru"
CUMMINGS
Born
26 November 1740
,
Dunstable, Province of Massachusetts Bay
Died
2 December 1824
,
Parents & Family of Prudence "Pru" CUMMINGS
Parents of Prudence "Pru" CUMMINGS
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Grandparents of Prudence "Pru" CUMMINGS
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Prudence "Pru" had an active role in U.S. Revolutionary War.
Tracing Ancestors Through Military Service Records: Unveiling Family Heroes
m. David Wright
The Minutewomen
In April 1775, when the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, left to join the fight at Lexington and Concord, Prudence organized a local women's militia.
Serving as captain, she led about 30 to 40 women—dubbed the "Minutewomen" or the "Prudence Wright Guard"—who dressed in men's clothing and carried muskets and pitchforks.
Capturing the Spies
The guard marched to Jewett’s Bridge in April 1775 to intercept British communications and monitor the area.
They successfully captured two Loyalist spies, including a known Tory captain (Leonard Whiting) and treasonable dispatches intended for the British in Boston.
In 1777, the town of Pepperell officially voted to compensate Prudence and her guard for their vital service.
The Minutewomen
In April 1775, when the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, left to join the fight at Lexington and Concord, Prudence organized a local women's militia.
Serving as captain, she led about 30 to 40 women—dubbed the "Minutewomen" or the "Prudence Wright Guard"—who dressed in men's clothing and carried muskets and pitchforks.
Capturing the Spies
The guard marched to Jewett’s Bridge in April 1775 to intercept British communications and monitor the area.
They successfully captured two Loyalist spies, including a known Tory captain (Leonard Whiting) and treasonable dispatches intended for the British in Boston.
In 1777, the town of Pepperell officially voted to compensate Prudence and her guard for their vital service.
FAMILY HERITAGE FINDS
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WORK & OCCUPATION
Occupation
Recorded occupation: militia commander during the American Revolutionary War
Spouses, Marriages & Children of Prudence "Pru" CUMMINGS
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Birth — 174026 November 1740
Dunstable, Province of Massachusetts Bay
RECORD HISTORY
About this genealogy record
Added
2/12/2025 12:43:07 PM
Last updated
8/19/2026 6:35:45 PM
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The name 'Massachusetts' originates with native Americans in the Massachusetts Bay area (from the language of the Algonquian nation). The name translates roughly as 'at or about the great hill.' (statesymbolsusa.org)1620 - 1627 - Plymouth Colony, New England
1628 - 1686 - Massachusetts Bay Colony
1686 - 1689 - Dominion of New England
1689 - 1692 - Massachusetts Bay Colony
1692 - 1775 - Province of Massachusetts Bay
1776 - 1788 - Crown Colony of Massachusetts Bay
February 6, 1788 - Massachusetts becomes 6th U.S. state
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