Over the many years of Rochester’s history, the town has been fortunate that so many prominent men have been so civic-minded. Some of these men were first sea captains, men of business or rose through the military. One such man was Charles Sturtevant, born on Nov. 11, 1757. He appears on the list of those who fought for independence during the Revolutionary War where he gained the rank of colonel. His name is also one of those in the list of selectmen during the years 1697 thru 1857.
He had several descendants of note including a son, John Bourne Sturtevant, who was famous for his encyclopedic memory and a grandson, Capt. Randall, who during the Civil War fired the last shot on the sinking ship, “Cumberland” in its battle with the Merrimac.”
In 1815-1816, a “mortal fever” reached Rochester. The disease, “spotted fever” (not smallpox), was first detected in Fairhaven and then Mattapoisett before moving into West Rochester. This disease killed over 200 people in the area. It particularly attacked heads of households, 61 of whom died in Rochester alone.
A Dr. Mann of Boston was sent for to help in controlling the disease. Maybe, he suggested wearing masks, washing hands and staying 6 feet apart. Whatever his measures were, the progression of the disease eventually stopped at the home of Colonel Sturtevant about a mile west of Rochester Center. Col. Charles Sturtevant died April 20, 1816, the last victim of the “spotted fever,” and he is buried in Rochester Center.
By Connie Eshbach