On 5 Oct 1705 John Biglow, Thomas Sawyer, and his son Elias Sawyer, of Lancaster, were surprised by the Indians and taken captive. They were moved to Canada, and were held prisoners by the French Governor. Sawyer was a black smith and Biglow a carpenter, and they proposed to the Governor that if he would procure their release they would build a saw-mill. Because there wasn't one in Canada at the time, the offer was readily accepted. They built a saw-mill on the River Chamblay. After some delays Biglow and the elder Sawyer were permitted to return, the younger Sawyer being kept there for several months to run the mill before being allowed to return. The following is a copy of a letter written by Mrs. Biglow to her husband while he was in captivity :

" Maulburt Aug. 22, 1706. Dear and loving Husband. In much grief and tender affection, greatly lamenting your miserable condition, hoping in the mercy of God who has prospered you and kept you alive hitherto and will iu His own due time work your deliverance, that these few lines may find you in health as I am at present and the children, blessed be God for it and for all his mercy bestowed on you and on myself. This may acquaint you that I received your letter dated January the 6th on the 6th of Aug. last, and for which I am though in much sorrow and grief, thankful to you. And I do most humbly and importunately petition the governor to have pity and compassion on yourself and me. Lamentations 3 : 25. The Lord is good to them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord, for the Lord will not cast off forever, but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. Wherefore should a living man complain, a man for the punish- ment of his sins. Let us search, and try our way, and turn again to the Lord. I remain your loving wife, greatly sorrowing for you. Jerusha Bigelow. I do further acquaint you that brother Samuel and Thomas is well and the I'est of our relations."

After his release from captivity he named his next daughter Comfort, and the one after that daughter Freedom.