Joseph Weare facts for kids

Joseph Weare (born March 9, 1737 – died 1774) was a well-known person in the 1700s. He lived in what is now Yarmouth, Maine. Joseph Weare was known for his role in conflicts with Native American groups. People often called him the Scout.

Joseph Weare's Early Life and Family

This cemetery in Yarmouth, Maine, is where Joseph Weare is buried.

Joseph Weare was born to Captain Peter Weare and Sarah Felt. When Joseph was just six years old, his father drowned. This happened while his father was trying to cross the Royal River. His mother, Sarah, lived for many more years after his father's death.

Joseph Weare married Mary Noyes on March 20, 1760. They had one child together. Their son, Nathaniel, was born in December of that same year. Nathaniel was named after Joseph's grandfather.

The Scout's Clever Trick

Joseph Weare was known for his cleverness. Around the year 1760, he was working near his home. He was splitting logs with an axe. Six Native American men approached him. They asked him if he knew where "Joe Weare" lived.

Joseph Weare replied that he did know. He offered to lead them to Joe Weare. But first, he asked them to help him finish his work. He told the men to pull on each side of the log. He would then drive his axe into the wedge to split it.

With three men on each side of the log, Joseph Weare drove his axe into the wedge. This caused the log to close tightly. It trapped the men's hands, making them unable to fight. This story shows why he was known as "the Scout."

Joseph Weare's Death

Joseph Weare passed away in 1774. He was in Boston at the time. He was either 36 or 37 years old when he died. He was buried in the Pioneer Cemetery. This cemetery is also known as the Indian Fighters' Cemetery. It is located in what is now Yarmouth, Maine. After Joseph's death, his wife, Mary, married again. She married Humphrey Merrill from Falmouth.