Founders Who Fell - 6 Revolutionaries to Remember This Memorial Day (2021)
Just like I did last year, I thought I’d celebrate Memorial Day by highlighting several of the American Revolutionaries who died during the war.
This article contains some of those fallen American Revolutionaries who are often over looked, but at the time were considered martyrs.
*Please note: there are thousands of soldiers who died during the Revolutionary War. This is just a selection of stories you might find interesting to reflect on.
Christopher Seider - The First Casualty
Christopher Sieder was just a child when a protest at a Custom Agent’s house became violent and he was killed. Seider’s death increased tension just weeks before the Boston Massacre.
Richard Montgomery and the Invasion of Canada
Richard Montgomery was a casualty of the Battle of Quebec. In fact, his death is often considered the turning point which led to the loss of Canada (and led to the Great White North not being a part of the United States). Montgomery was touted as a martyr and his passing helped drive recruitment in the early years of the Revolutionary War.
Hugh Mercer and the Flying Camp
Brigadier General Hugh Mercer led the Continental Army’s Flying Camp, which was expected to be ready to move at any moment. They were surprised attack while moving from Trenton to Princeton and, though mortally wounded, Mercer refused to be removed from the field and instead insisted to be propped up on a tree where he could continue to instruct his men.
William Ledyard and the Fort Griswold Massacre
William Ledyard was in command of two forts in Connecticut after the Main Army had turned south. After surrendering, he (along with his surrendering men) we brutally massacred.
Isaac Hayne Symbolizes British Atrocity
Isaac Hayne disobeyed his parole agreement with the British and returned to fight with the Patriots. When he was caught again, he was hung.
Nathaniel Scudder – The Doctor Who Died in Battle
Nathaniel Scudder was killed in New Jersey during a minor skirmish which actually took place after the Victory at Yorktown. Scudder was a signer of the Articles of Confederation and the only person to be killed in action while an active member of the Continental Congress.
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If you want to learn about arguably the most important Martyr, I recommend ‘Fallen Founder'.
Christian Di Spigna’s book about Joseph Warren is not only a well researched recounting of his life, but a deep dive into living in pre-Revolutionary Boston.
If you’d like a precious copy for your very own you can through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
