Company A, Halifax Light Infantry.
Organized in 1792, receiving its charter from John Hancock, then Governor of Massachusetts. The officers at that time were: Capt. Asa Thompson, First Lieut. Cephus Washburn, Jr., Second Lieut. Charles P. Lyon.
Captain Thompson was a mighty man of valor, of gigantic proportions, being six feet and seven inches in height in normal condition, and eight feet with his captain’s cap on. On parade and muster this company attracted attention, not only by the Saul-like appearance of its captain, but also by the large bearskin caps worn by the officers and men. Tradition says that when Captain Thompson marched his army across South Boston bridge, throngs of men, women, and children collected to see “the giant” and his men, and not a few trembled with fear lest the bridge should not be able to support the captain and his great company.
When called into service in 1861 this company was officered by Capt. Joseph S. Harlow, of Middleboro; First Lieut. Cephus Washburn, Jr., of Kingston; Second Lieut. Charles P. Lyon, of Halifax.