"Nathaniel Chickering was born in Dover, Massachusetts on March 29, 1750 and died there February 5, 1837.  He was a civil engineer.  He marched under Captain Battell to Lexington.  Later in 1776, he took part in the battle of Ticonderoga.  He was town treasurer of Dover from 1798 to 1810. There is in the South Natick Historical Society's Museum a wooden surveyor's compass sold by John Dupee, Boston, Mass.  Attached to this compass is a card as follows: 'Compass made by Nath'l chickering Dover 1780'"

Reference:  Smart, Charles E.   The Makers Of Surveying Instruments In America Since 1700  Troy, New York:  Regal Art Press.  1962