Mr. Edward Tuckerman, Jr.

Another member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, Edward Tuckerman, Jr. was born in Boston on Dec. 27, 1740. He worked as a baker in the South end for 50 years, during which time he achieved success by developing a biscuit that could stay fresh on long ocean voyages. During the Revolution he was a second Lieutenant of the train of artillery in Boston.

At the peak of his career, Mr. Tuckerman employed 300 men and supplied bread to the ports of New England. He was a businessman who did well, but he was also a businessman who did good for his fellows. On each New Year’s Day he called together his delinquent customers and forgave the debt of every one who acknowledged his inability to pay.

As well as being a founder of MBS, he was one of the organizers of the Charitable Mechanic Association, serving as its first Vice President, a founder of the first fire insurance company in New England, and was for several years a state senator. Edward Tuckerman, Jr. was known as “One of Boston’s most worthy, useful, and respectable citizens.” His portrait pictured here was painted by Gilbert Stuart. Mr. Tuckerman was a member of Trinity Church, where his father had been an original pew holder. He was the father of founders Rev. Joseph and Gustavus Tuckerman and died on July 17, 1818.