Person:Ephraim Niles (1)

Ephraim's wife's maiden name was NOT Littlefield but was Houghton from Milton MA town vital records. Ephraim was not born in 1755. He did not know when he was born, according to his Rev War pension application file. His father died in May of 1752 at Braintree MA. Ephraim was the youngest of five children. Thus he was likely born before or not long after his father's death. Ephraim's mother, Freelove (Sweet) Niles, was appointed his legal guardian by the MA Suffolk Co Court in Jul of 1752.

Ephraim's son John gives his birth place of birth as NH in 1778. Ephraim's Rev War pension file has Ephraim serving in RI for most of 1778 and passing thru Charlestown NH perhaps early 1779 on his way to Ticonderoga NY. I rather doubt Hannah was with him during his military travels. Most likely John was born at E. Bridgewater MA late 1778. However, Charlestown NH records should be checked for a record of John's birth there.

1.   United States, National Archives. Revolutionary War Pension Files
   Pension File No. 15546.

   Orderly Sergeant in the Massachusetts Militia.