Jedediah Healey was born in Dudley, MA on September 18, 1757. His parents were Joseph and Mary (Whitmore) Healey. Jedediah came to Worcester around the time of the American Revolution. After the War he owned and operated a small carpentry shop at what is now the Burnside Building on Main Street. By trade he was a cabinet maker, and was famous for his humor and wit. During the Revolutionary War he served as a Matross in Colonel Craft’s Artillery Company in 1776 and 1777.

"He was an Englishman by birth, came to this country about the year 1766 on board a British frigate, from which he deserted. In 1775 he joined the American Army, in which he faithfully served during the whole Revolutionary War."

“He from earth did suddenly retreat, To the grand lodge above: We trust he’s gone to take his seat, Where masons dwell in love.”

Mr. Edward Johnson (1785-1827) "Of joys departed, / Never to return how painful the remembrance.”