Josiah Taft (April 2, 1709 – September 29, 1756) was a wealthy landowner and legislator in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
Josiah was born on April 2, 1709, at Mendon, Province of Massachusetts Bay, the son of Daniel and Lydia (née Chapin) Taft, who were married on December 5, 1706.
[1] Josiah's father Daniel, had been a local "squire", town treasurer, moderator, justice of the peace, and legal advisor to his family.
[9] Josiah and Lydia went on to have a family of 8 children between 1732 and 1753,[10][11] including Bazaleel Taft Sr., born November 3, 1750,[12] Caleb, Joel, and Eunice, who married Mr. Stowell, and after he died, Samuel Curtis Jr.[13] Josiah was a farmer and soldier, and Lydia was a colonial mother and homemaker.
[14] In the fall of 1756, Josiah and Lydia's son, Caleb, became ill, while studying at Harvard College, and died on September 19.
[6][15][16] Josiah himself became ill after returning home, and died on September 29, 1756, at Uxbridge, Massachusetts at age 47.
[6][d] On October 30, 1756, an important open town meeting was held to decide whether to support the French and Indian War effort.