Partly-printed document signed by Thomas Cushing III (1725-1788) as Judge Probate.  Boston, [Massachusetts], 20 February 1778.1p, approx. 7 3/4 x 12 1/2 in. An appointment of Col. Joseph Williams Esq. of Roxbury as guardian for Rebekah Dudley, "a Minor above fourteen years of age Daughter of Thomas Dudley Esqr late of Roxbury," endorsed by Cushing as Judge of Probate: "The above named minor personally appeared before me, & acknowledges this Instrument or Letter of Guardianship to be her free act of deed which I allow & approve of." Docketed to verso "Letter of Guardianship for Rebecca Dudley 1778."

Hailing from a notable Massachusetts family, Thomas Cushing was an American lawyer, merchant, and statesman. He served on the Boston provincial assembly from 1761 until its dissolution in 1774, acting as the lower house's speaker for most of those years. Cushing represented Massachusetts in the First and Second Continental Congresses but was voted out when he opposed independence. During the Revolutionary War, he was a commissary responsible for provisioning Massachusetts troops and was appointed Judge of Probate for Suffolk County. He later served as the first Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts under the new state constitution.

Also of note are the parties referenced in this document, hailing from two prominent early Massachusetts families. The individuals named are likely the following: Rebecca (Rebekah) Dudley (ca 1762/1763-1834), daughter of Thomas Dudley, Esquire (1731-1769), and her guardian Col. Joseph Williams (1708-1798). Thomas Dudley was a descendant of a founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and of a Royal Governor. Rebekah was one of his at least seven children who lived to adulthood, and was approximately six years old when her father died. As an underage child a guardian was appointed for her, but once a minor turned 14 s/he was legally permitted to choose his/her own guardian. In this case, it appears that Rebekah, having reached fourteen years of age, chose Colonel Joseph Williams, a family connection, for the role. Williams was a prominent Roxbury citizen. He rose to the rank of colonel during the Mohawk War of 1755. Among other civic roles, he was a representative from Roxbury who urged the repeal of the Stamp Act, was a member of the "Sons of Liberty," was a Muster Master of the "Minute Men" for the town of Roxbury, and was present at Lexington in April 1775. He was also connected to the Dudley family by marriage, as his daughter Sarah Williams was married to Rebekah's older brother William Dudley.

An interesting document with ties to three prominent Revolutionary-era Boston families.

[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, Colonial America] 

Toning, small sections adhesive repair along rear folds, light chipping along edge line.