The Biographical Dictionary of America/Badger, Joseph (soldier)

BADGER, Joseph, soldier, was born at Haverhill Mass., Jan. 11, 1722; son of Joseph and Hannah (Peaslee) Badger. He was a farmer, served in the militia, and held the ranks of ensign, lieutenant and captain, successively. At the age of twenty-three he was made a deputy sheriff, and afterwards justice of the peace. Jan. 31, 1740, he was married to Hannah Pearson, and their son Joseph married Elizabeth, daughter of William Parsons of South Hampton. In July, 1763, he removed to Gilmanton, N. H., where he was one of the proprietors and first settlers. He was first magistrate, and on July 10, 1771, received the appointment of colonel of the 10th N. H. regiment. In 1771 he acted as a muster-master for the state, was elected a delegate to the provincial congress, and was made brigadier-general in the state militia, June 27, 1780. He served on the governor's council from 1784 to 1791. In December, 1784, he was appointed judge of the probate court, holding the office for thirteen years. In 1788 he was a member of the New Hampshire convention that adopted the federal constitution. He was very influential in founding and erecting the academy at Gilmanton, was one of its trustees, and president of the board of trust until his death, which occurred April 4, 1803.