Person in War of Indipendence question.

[Uruk-Hai]

Hi Figureteers!

I hope you can help me out here with the vast knowledge that is being displayed here repeatadly.

I remember reading about a old english solder, over 60 years old if not over 70who joined the minutemen and ambushed retreating british soldiers. Killing a few but ending up being both shot and stabbed but actually survived.
I think Ive read about it in a Magazine called Military History but where can I get the story for this person?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Shamelessly bumping my own thread hoping to get an answer.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[shaunpekar]

I know Stockholm is a bit of a distance from the states, but I would try emailing the people at Minuteman National Historical Park, or as it is more commonly known, Battleroad. The historians and rangers there are very knowledgeable, and should be able to help you out no problem.

A link to there website:
http://www.nps.gov/mima/

If that doesn't work, there are a number of other methods one could use to find info about this man, if he were real. If he was indeed a militiaman, local muster lists may carry his name, and if he enlisted into the regular army, you might be able to try pension records, inspection returns, and company rolls for whatever regiment he may have joined. Its a long shot, but it might work.

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help...

 

[garyjd]

Janne, I have a few references to check and I know of one that talks of an elderly militiaman or civilian/farmer that was killed by the British. It's more a matter of locating the information not so much where to look. ~Gary

 

[geaugan]

You are talking about Sam Whitemore.

Go here for his story, absolutely unbelievable.

http://www.dwhitmore.thewhitmorefamily.com/internet/samwhit.htm

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Thanks guys, and especially thanks to Larry!

Its quite a story isnt it?

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[garyjd]

Yep, That's the guy. I find Mr. Wittemore's story just as interesting as Gettysburg civilian John Burns. It makes me wonder how much of the story is true and how much is embellishment. In David Hackett Fischer's book Paul Revere's Ride Whittemore is said to be 78 years old (few years difference from the article). The sword Wittemore carried in Fischer's book was said to be an old cavalry saber. The one thing I found a little funny was the "dueling pistols" taken from an enemy officer during Pontiac's Rebellion. I found that a bit amusing as it was a rebellion against Native Americans not whites. It sounds like a strange selection of weapons for a Native to be packing. The fight between Whittemore and the British regulars is not totally the same in the book but does indicate that he was wounded several times. It's a neat story that over the years has no doubt been told over and over through the ages with at least a dose of embellishment. ~Gary

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Yep, That's the guy. I find Mr. Wittemore's story just as interesting as Gettysburg civilian John Burns. It makes me wonder how much of the story is true and how much is embellishment. In David Hackett Fischer's book Paul Revere's Ride Whittemore is said to be 78 years old (few years difference from the article). The sword Wittemore carried in Fischer's book was said to be an old cavalry saber. The one thing I found a little funny was the "dueling pistols" taken from an enemy officer during Pontiac's Rebellion. I found that a bit amusing as it was a rebellion against Native Americans not whites. It sounds like a strange selection of weapons for a Native to be packing. The fight between Whittemore and the British regulars is not totally the same in the book but does indicate that he was wounded several times. It's a neat story that over the years has no doubt been told over and over through the ages with at least a dose of embellishment. ~Gary

Ahh, come on Gary, you know better than to ruin an amazing tale with facts.

Even if only one third is true, I am impressed. Thanks for giving more details. I will check this John Burns up as well because I like to read of people in these situations being brave.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[garyjd]

Ahh, come on Gary, you know better than to ruin an amazing tale with facts.

Even if only one third is true, I am impressed. Thanks for giving more details. I will check this John Burns up as well because I like to read of people in these situations being brave.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

Janne,

I'm sure what happened to Whittemore happened, embellishments or not. As for John Burns, check out the book by Tim Smith. It's a very well researched book that not only tells Burn's tale but also leaves you with some unanswered questions. ~Gary

http://www.amazon.com/John-Burns-Timothy-H-Smith/dp/1577470605