Mulliken Family History: A Connection to the American Revolution (audio)

FM #1487 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1487 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Peter Mulliken, Franklin resident with some relatives having a role in the American Revolution. We had our discussion on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in his residence here in Franklin.

 

We talk about 

• Nathaniel Mulliken and his story in Lexington

• Lydia Mulliken, Nathaniel’s daughter and betrothed to Dr Samuel Prescott

• Dr Prescott’s role completing the ride of Revere & Dawes

As Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary, leading to the 250th anniversary of Franklin in 1778, there may be other family connections worth sharing with the community.

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1487-mulliken-history-connection-to-american-revolution-07-29-25/

--------------

Lexington Minutemen profile of Nathaniel Mulliken -> https://lexingtonminutemen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/natemulliken.pdf 

Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker ->

Nathaniel’s background as a clockmaker

https://www.delaneyantiqueclocks.com/clocks/maker/nathaniel-mulliken-i-lexington-massachusetts

Tour Lexington and see the Mulliken house

https://www.tourlexington.us/listing/nathaniel-mulliken-house/ 

Dr Samuel Prescott background -> https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/samuel-prescott

And

https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/samuel-prescott-midnight-rider/

Nathaniel’s deposition of the fighting at Lexington and along the battleroad can be found in “William Diamond’s Drum” by Arthur Bernon Tourtellot. Copies are available through the interlibrary loan from libraries in Concord, Lexington and others.

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

American Revolution 250th Celebration Gets Local Boost in Wrentham and its “Daughter” Towns

Historically minded individuals and town groups plan to mark the mustering of Wrentham-area militia who marched to support the fighting at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Wrentham (which then also included the modern towns of Franklin, Norfolk, and Plainville), was a quiet farming town, but one where local patriots were well aware of the tensions building with the mother country, Great Britain, and most were determined to protect what they saw as their most basic rights.

vintage Minutemen stamp

On the morning of April 19, 1775, news began to filter in about the British Army’s march to Lexington and Concord and then the news that fighting had broken out. It was news that was feared but locals were ready and, according to historians, two groups of local Wrentham-area soldiers were soon on the march to support their fellow Minutemen and militia members.

To commemorate that important local historical event, groups and individuals are pooling resources.

On April 19, 2025, at about 10 AM, the Gavel Restaurant in Wrentham, 36 South Street Wrentham, will play the role of the Colonial-era, Man Tavern with a brief pageant, commemorating the arrival of THE news and the mustering of the first Minutemen from the area.

Weather permitting, the event will continue outside, on the Common until approximately 11:30 AM. Seating in the Gavel is very limited. For updated information closer to the date, visit https://alanrearls.wixsite.com/mysite-1