The following is from "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution" 17 vols Vol 16 pg 40 "Tree, Francis (also given Francis, Jr) Seaman, State brig "Hazard" commanded by Capt John Foster Williams; engaged June 27, 1778; discharged Oct 14, 1778; service 3 mos, 19 days" This Could be son Francis although he would have been only 16 when he signed up. It may be father Francis - I have not yet determined this. A researcher has expressed the opinion that Tree may have been loyal to the American cause and may have been a privateer since he is not listed as captain. He also says that there are other TREE names and ALL were in the continental army and discharged in America after the signing of the Treaty. The Francis Tree group, however, left Boston and settled in Newfoundland. Information from Ann Belanger. Year of birth is a guesstimate by C.M.Richards 2001.

Francis TREE married Bridget MURPHY, 2 April 1761 at New North Baptist Church, Boston. Boston Births, 1700-1800 Combined Matches: Francis Tree, s/o Francis and Bridget , b 12Dec 1762. Susannah Tree, d/o " " b 20Jan 1765 Philip Tree, s/o " b 10 Dec 1767. Also from: Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution (17 Vols.) Volume 16 page 40 Tree, Francis (also given Francis, Jr.).Seaman, State brig "Hazard," commanded by Capt. John Foster Williams; engaged June 27, 1778; discharged Oct. 14, 1778; service, 3 mos. 19 days. research of an old 1800 census record for Ferryland, Newfoundland listed several members of the Tree family. It shows that Bridget Tree (a widow) was living there with her son Phillip who was 28. Francis Tree, whose wife's name was Ann, also lived there and had a daughter Susanna who was 1 1/2 years old. According to the story that Mrs. Tree told Aaron Thomas, an English seaman, who wrote a journal ( Newfoundland Journal of Aaron Thomas) of his voyage on the ship Boston, an British man of war, she and her family had fled Boston after the Battle of Bunker Hill. She said that they were American Loyalists. This story was related in 1894 while the Boston was in visiting Ferryland harbour. Mrs Tree, and later on, Francis Tree Jr. ran the London Inn at Ferryland and according to Aaron Thomas were very well off despite the loss of their property at Boston. When I contacted the UEL society they seemed to indicate that their was no evidence to show that there had been any applications for compensation from the British government for a family of that name. They have made several suggestions that I have not had the time to follow up on yet. Francis Tree continued to live in Ferryland and I have a note that he is in the voter's list for 1840 and maybe later. I also remember that he was a Deputy Sheriff in Ferryland in 1825. I think that there was a will for Phillip Tree noted for around 1858. I am confused at this point because the Battle of Bunker Hill was 1775 and Francis (which one?) was fighting in 1778? Also - I have never heard the term American Loyalist. Is that America? or British? in sympathy. Information from Ann Belanger. Year of birth is a guesstimate by C.M.Richards 2001.