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"The first militia organized in Wakefield was a train-band known as the Reading Infantry Company, ... established in 1644, one year earlier than the Great and General Court order of 1645 which ordered all settlements to keep a military guard. This company remained active in various forms (infantry, cavalry and rifle companies) until 1840 when old militia laws were abolished and a new plan was adopted. During its nearly 200 year history, the Reading Infantry Company heeded the call and fought in several battles with several leaders, its first Captain being Richard Walker, its last Asaph Evans. In 1675 Reading troops marched against the Pequots in King Philips War; in 1711 and 1745 they enlisted in armies which fought against the French and Indians in Nova Scotia; and in 1774, 104 Reading men joined train-bands known then as the Minutemen. Of these 104, 86 officers and men fought under the command of Captain John Walton and their pastor Rev. Caleb Prentiss. These men went to Lexington on April 19, 1775 and were among the first troops to engage in battle when the British retreated from Concord. As the war continued, many men joined the army and navy and were at the battle of Bunker Hill, Ticonderoga, West Point, Long Island, among others. Captain James Bancroft of Reading was detailed to serve at Washington's headquarters in Cambridge and was with the 8th Massachusetts at Valley Forge. After the militia laws were abolished in 1840, volunteer systems sprang up throughout the Commonwealth and in 1849 a new military law was adopted by the State. Under the wise and vigorous administration of the leader of the militia, chosen in 1851, companies and regiments became more efficient. It was during this time that Wakefield's best known militia was formed. The Richardson Light Guard was officially established on October 11, 1851, one of only 14 new companies recognized by the office of the Adjutant-General. Three local youths, James F. Emerson, George O. Carpenter and Joseph L.R. Eaton, are credited with initiating a light infantry company in the town and within days 26 men had enrolled as active members. The group was formed not for love of militarism, but a desire for peace. The first members canvassed the town for additional members and when chartered, 65 men were enrolled. A name for the infantry was needed and a committee selected the name of Dr. Solon O. Richardson, a longtime friend and benefactor of the town. Richardson graciously allowed his name to be used and contributed $500 for the infantry's well-being, a practice he continued until his death in 1873. Dr. Richardson first practiced medicine with his father Nathan until the latter's death in 1837. The stress of the practice being too much for him, Dr. Solon Richardson stopped practicing medicine and continued manufacturing 'Sherry Wine Bitters' a remedy first introduced by his father in 1808. It is the success of the 'Sherry Wine Bitters' which allowed Dr. Richardson the financial security to assist the Richardson Light Guard throughout the years, often paying the fees for parades, target practice and collations after such events. The Richardson Light Guard continued to thrive and acquire new members as time went on. Their first call-to-action was received after President Lincoln's proclamation on April 15, 1861 calling for 75,000 militiamen 'to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Government.' The Richardson Light Guard was told to report to Boston for service at the front. Only two hours later, 87 men had assembled and were sent off to Boston for their orders before they marched to the front. The men fought in several battles in the ensuing months, including the Battle of Bull Run. The Richardson Light Guard was called upon several times to help the nation during the Civil War until it ended in 1865. From 1865 until the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Richardson Light Guard performed routine duties and drills were held regularly. On May 5th, 1898, the Richardson Light Guard reported for duty and subsequently saw action in Puerto Rico. The men returned to Wakefield in 1898 and were officially released from duty on January 21, 1899. On March 22, 1917, rumors of the United States entry into the war in Europe were circulating throughout the town. Knowing that the National Guard would be called into service, company commanders issued a call for volunteers and eventually 86 men and 2 officers were ready for action. The call for troops came on March 30th and Congress declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917. In June the company was called to Camp Darling in South Framingham. Several members of the company fought battles in France and England during World War I. Wakefield soldiers returned home on October 13, 1919. The Richardson Light Guard was again called to action during World War II." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio. Read More |
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(1989.)
