Twitchell, Moses (1723-1777)

In Recognition For: First permanent settler in New Boston (Gray)

In 1762, Moses Twitchell (18 Mar 1723 - 15 Nov 1777), with his wife and children were said to be the first family to settle permanently in New Boston (Gray).  The Twitchells built a cabin near the site of the Everett Higgins house on the Old Portland Road.  He established a Kings’ Mast Yard in what is now Elva Webster’s Field.  The mast timbers were cut and hauled to the riverside during the winter in the spring.  They were floated down the Pleasant River  through Westbrook to Fore River, where they were loaded on vessels or rafted and dispatched to England and other destinations.  Moses died while serving in the Army during the Revolution.

Sponsor: Gray Historical Society
Added: 25 Jan 2011