Approximately 30 residents watched the Sudbury Companies Militia and Minute march and ride through Wayland early afternoon on April 20. The Militia dressed in period costumes started at the First Parish Church (Wayland Center) stopping for commemorative salutes at Grout-Heard House and North Cemetery and ended with a salute at the Olde East Company Training Field. Then, the company headed to Old Sudbury Center.
The Historical Society’s records indicate that some of the earliest protests of taxation and self-government emanated from Sudbury’s town meeting with calls to repeal or suspend the stamp act. When King George III of England refused, the colonists prepared for battle. According to historical records, a messenger reached Wayland, which was then part of Sudbury, between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. on April 19, 1775 bringing news that British soldiers had left Boston the evening before and were headed westward, presumably to Concord where military supplies were garrisoned.
Wayland was represented by two Companies of Militia and Minute, according to the Sudbury group’s site. The militia consisted of seventy-five men commanded by Captain Joseph Smith, and the minute company totaled 40 persons led by Captain Nathaniel Cudworth. Captain Isaac Loker also led twenty-one horses and riders. It is estimated that the number of men of eastern and western parishes sent 302 men to Concord that day. Some historians believe that Sudbury did not engage British Regulars until a short distance beyond Meriam’s Corner, Concord. In this area, the fighting was heavy as the British Regulars retreated through a narrow gap and were vastly outnumbered. Sudbury lost its first resident to battle, Deacon Josiah Haynes.
The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute is a local organization based out of Sudbury that depicts colonial life. They march in parades, conduct drilling and firearm demonstrations, provide color at historical dedications and demonstrate 18th century encampment. They have also participated as honor guards at weddings, special events and funerals where they fire their muskets as a final salute to recently departed individuals. They appear at schools to present a taste of colonial life around the time of the American Revolution.
