Samuel Whittemore

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Samuel Whittemore (born July 27, 1696 in Charlestown , Province of Massachusetts Bay , † February 2, 1793 ) was an American farmer and soldier . At the age of 78, he was the oldest known soldier in the armed forces of the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783.

biography

Whittemore was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was a son of Samuel Whittemore and Hannah Rix, both also residents of Charlestown. He fought as a soldier under Colonel Jeremiah Moulton in the Third Massachusetts Regiment on the American scene of the War of the Austrian Succession , namely the so-called " King George's War " (1744-1748). He was involved in the capture of a French fort, Fort Louisbourg . After the war he moved to Menotomy, what is now Arlington . Newer sources indicate that as a 64-year-old he fought in the North American Seven Years War , during which he was in turn involved in the capture of Fort Louisbourg. He also took part in a punitive expedition against Chief Pontiac in 1763 .

However, none of these sources cite any documents confirming these holdings. However, a 19th century source claims that he served as the "Captain of Dragoons" ( dragoon captain).

Battles of Lexington and Concord

On April 19, 1775, British forces returned to Boston after the battles of Lexington and Concord . They were constantly attacked by American militias.

Whittemore watched an approaching British brigade , commanded by Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland (Earl Percy) , to aid the withdrawal of British troops. Whittemore loaded his musket and attacked the soldiers of the 47th Regiment of Foot from behind a stone wall, killing one soldier in the process. He drew his dueling pistols and killed two other British soldiers. When he fired the third shot, the British stormed his position. Whittemore drew his sword and charged.

Samuel Whittemore sustained a gunshot wound to the face and multiple bayonet injuries . Assuming he was dead, he was left on the spot. He was then found by militias trying to load his musket for another attack. He was taken to Medford to see Doctor Cotton Tufts , who expressed no hope of survival. However, Whittemore lived another 18 years until he died of natural causes at the age of 96.

recognition

Memorial to Samuel Whittemore in Arlington, Massachusetts.

There is a memorial for Whittemore in Arlington, Massachusetts, which incorrectly gives its age. Two sources - Paige and BB Whittemore's genealogy - state his age at the time of his last standby at 78 and his death at 96. Inscription of the monument:

"Near this spot, Samuel Whittemore, then 80 years old, killed three British soldiers, April 19, 1775. He was shot, bayoneted, beaten and left for dead, but recovered and lived to be 98 years of age."

“Samuel Whittemore, then 80 years old, killed three British soldiers on April 19, 1775 near this place. He was shot, stabbed with a bayonet and left lying apparently dead. But he recovered and lived until he was 98 years old. "

In 2005, the Massachusetts State Senate proclaimed Samuel Whittemore the state's official hero. Every year on February 3rd, his person is remembered.