Theunrestrained oppressions of imperial and kingly power, long exercised with impunity, have been receding before the light of intelligence with an ominous but rather unsteady pace for the last few centuries. As the genial rays of Liberty illuminate the crowding millions of the human family the tenure of thrones will become more slender—monarchies more limited if not annihilated. In Europe kingly power has been vibrating for years in the cradle of a political earthquake. The love of freedom has never been extinguished in the old world. The same motive power that prompted the pilgrims to court the dangers and privations of this western hemisphere, still pervades the bosoms of those held in bondage by military force. Volcanic eruptions occasionally occur—new craters open—the time is rolling on rapidly when these craters will rush together and deluge kingly and imperial power with one broad sheet of liquid fire. In thunder tones of retribution the people will proclaim theirFreedom.
When our ancestors planted themselves on the granite shores of America they had clear conception of a republican form of government as organized by Greece and Rome. Many of them had read the thrilling history of the rise, progress and fall of those republics in theoriginal languages where none of the beauties or force are lost by translation. They were prepared to improve upon those governments by avoiding their errors and preserving all that was valuable. With these lights the pilgrim fathers appear to have been illuminated when rearing the incipient superstructure of a more pure republic than any before known. At first, articles of association were entered into by the people of a single or contiguous settlements, based upon the broad platform of equal rights and universal Liberty circumscribed only by eternal justice and sterling honesty. Among the earliest of these miniature republics was that consolidating Windsor, Hartford and Weathersfield in Connecticut. The articles of association adopted by this infant Colony were penned by Roger Ludlow. The revised constitution of that state is either substantially copied from the instrument drawn by Ludlow or the ideas of republicans must run in a channel that has no change.
Among those who directed the destiny of the pioneers of the new world the name of Wolcott stands conspicuous. Henry Wolcott, the patriarch ancestor, removed from England to Dorchester, Mass. in 1630. In 1636 he founded the town of Windsor, Connecticut. During the perils of the Indian wars—the difficulties with the Canadian French and through all the various vicissitudes that have pervaded New England down to the present time, the descendants of Henry Wolcott have acted a conspicuous part. They were ready to go where duty called—to the field or legislative hall.
Oliver Wolcott, the subject of this brief sketch, was the son of Roger Wolcott who was appointed Governor of Connecticut in 1751. This son was born on the 26th of November 1726 and graduated at Yale College in 1747. The same year he was commissioned to raise and command a company which he marched to the defence of the northern frontiers where he remained until the peace of Aix la Chapelle. He then returned and applied himself to the study of medicine until he was appointed the first sheriff of Litchfield County formed in 1751. In 1755 he married Laura Collins a discreet woman of great merit. In 1774 he was appointed counsellor which station he filled for twelve consecutive years. He was also chief judge of the Common Pleas Court and for a long time a judge of the Probate Court. In the military field he rose from the grade of captain to that of major-general. In the summer of 1776 he commanded the fourteen regiments raised by Gov. Trumbull to act with the army in New York. He headed his division at the memorable battle that resulted in the capture of Burgoyne and revived the drooping spirits of those who were engaged inthe glorious cause of equal rights. He was uniformly consulted on important military movements and listened to with great confidence. From its commencement he was a zealous and efficient advocate of the cause of freedom and stood firm amidst the revolutionary storm undaunted by the roaring of the British lion.
In 1775 Congress made him commissioner of Indian affairs for the Northern Department then an important trust. During the same year he effected much towards reconciling disputes between Colonies relative to their boundaries. Amiable and persuasive in his manners—imbued with a clear sense of justice, he was an admirable mediator. He merited the blessing pronounced on peace-makers.
In 1776 he took his seat in Congress and remained until he affixed his signature to that Declaration of Rights which burst the chains of material bondage—gave birth to our nation in a day—astonished gazing millions—shook the British throne to its centre and gave us a Republic that surpasses all Greek—all Roman fame.
He then returned to the field and on all occasions proved a brave, skilful and prudent officer. When he deemed his services more useful in Congress than in the army he would take his seat in that body, which he did at intervals up to 1783. In 1785 he was associated with Arthur Lee and Richard Butler to conclude a treaty of peace with the Six Nations of Indians. The year following he was elected lieutenant-governor and performed the duties of that office with great ability and dignity up to the time of his death which occurred on the 1st day of December 1797. He died regretted by the nation at large, but most by those who knew him best.
His numerous public services were highly appreciated. They were promptly and judiciously performed without any parade, pomp or vain show. His private character was adorned by all the richness of purity—purpose and action, that render a man an ornament among the virtuous. He possessed all the sterling virtues—was a devout and consistent Christian—a useful and honest man. In the hands of such men our government is secure—our UNION safe.
Tobe born rich is oftener a misfortune than a blessing. Action is designed by the great Creator—noble and god-like action. Riches are prone to produce inertness. With the young, who are left to the bent of their own inclinations either by the erroneous indulgence of parentsor for the want of parents or an efficient and kind guardian, an abundance of riches often proves their ruin. A thousand emissaries are abroad to lead them into the purlieus of vice and hurry on their sure destruction. Money attracts attention in all circles. Although the love of it is the root of all evil—still it commands undue attention. Thousands live who will not earn, but must have it. These sharks are ever on the lookout for young men of fortune and too often succeed in plucking every feather from their newly fledged wings. The poor young man is in less danger. He has no attractions for fashionable blacklegs—the vilest things that creep on earth. Necessity impels him to action. He labors industriously—studies economy—saves his earnings and eventually becomes rich. Many of the most wealthy men of our country commenced without a dollar. Few who are left large fortunes retain them and but few who have lost them in profligacy have moral courage to break the letters of vice, spurn the demons who have robbed them, return to the paths of rectitude, redeem a lost fortune—a shattered reputation and again stand up like men. We wonder and admire to behold such instances—rare to be sure—but they have occurred.
This was fully exemplified by George Wythe born in Elizabeth City, Virginia, in 1728. His father was a wealthy planter—his mother a woman of unusual talents, learning and worth. To her this son was indebted for his education and early impressions of the correct and noble principles that actuated him after he assumed the dignity of a man. From her he acquired the Greek and Latin languages and general science. Unfortunately for him both his parents were snatched away by death nearly at the same time, leaving him a buoyant youth without a hand to guide or a voice to warn him against the allurements of vain pleasure or the seductions of ruinous vice.
His father left him a fortune which was sufficient to have made a prudent man in easy circumstances for life. Like too manyonlysons, he had been put to no business. He was a stranger to labor and had no inclination to make its acquaintance. He was soon led away by idle company, became dissipated and pursued the road to ruin until he was thirty years of age, neglecting study and business and spending all his substance.
Like the prodigal he then came to himself—returned to the paths of virtue, studied the profession of law, was admitted to the Bar and became one of its brightest ornaments. During the remainder of his life he walked in the ways of wisdom most scrupulously and proved to his friends and the world that a young man may be led astray by the prowling wolves of vice—be torn and lacerated by the demon robbersthat are permitted to prey upon the community by the official guardians of our cities and towns and yet recover from his wounds, redeem his character and become a virtuous and useful member of society. God grant that this example may influence thousands to go and do likewise.
No man ever dignified his profession more than Mr. Wythe. He was rigidly honest and would not proceed in a cause until convinced justice required his services. If drawn into a cause by misrepresentation that was tinctured with wrong, he would abandon it the moment he discovered that fact and return the fee. His virtuous habits, extreme fidelity, legal acquirements and untiring industry, gained for him the esteem and confidence of his friends and the people at large. He was a member of the House of Burgesses for a long time and under the new government was appointed Chancellor of the State, which office he filled with great ability to the time of his death. He was highly esteemed as a legislator for integrity, talent and independence. In politics he was guided by his own matured judgment irrespective of party. On the 14th of November 1764 he was appointed on a committee to prepare a petition to the king, a memorial to the House of Lords and a remonstrance to the House of Commons on the impropriety and injustice of the proposed Stamp Act.
The remonstrance was from the able pen of Mr. Wythe and was drawn in language so bold and strong that it alarmed many of his colleagues and underwent a modification to divest it of what they deemed a tincture of treason. He understood and properly appreciated the true dignity of man and did not live to quail at the tyranny of a haughty monarch or corrupt ministry. He was a prominent member of the House of Burgesses in 1768, when Virginia blood and Virginia patriotism were roused and passed the memorable resolutions asserting their exclusive right to levy their own taxes—accused ministers and Parliament of violating the British Constitution and denied the right of the crown to transport and try persons in England for crimes committed in America. In passing these resolutions parliamentary rules were dispensed with, the members anticipating the proroguing power of the governor, who, on learning their tenor, immediately dissolved the House. He was half an hour too late—they had passed their final reading—were entered upon the records and beyond his power to veto or expunge. This action of the governor was unfavorable to the interests of the crown—the people took the helm as they should do now and returned all the old patriotic members to the next session with several new ones of the "same sort."
Among the new members was Thomas Jefferson who had been a law student under Mr. Wythe—was charged with the samerebelprinciples and was a bold and fearless champion of Liberty and equal rights. The atmosphere was becoming rather too highly charged with patriotic fire to be comfortably inhaled by the governor and the bipeds of the crown. It was rather too caloric for the free respiration of monarchical lungs. The people, awakened to their true position—saw the path of duty and pursued it. With an enlightened mass there is safety.
From that time Mr. Wythe continued to oppose parliamentary and ministerial oppression and boldly vindicated the rights of his injured country. At the commencement of the revolutionary movements he joined a volunteer corps, determined to vindicate in the field the principles he had advocated in the legislative hall. He lived up to the motto—"we do what we say."
In August 1775 he was elected a member of Congress and took a high rank in that body—then the observed of all observers. When the proposition of Independence was made it met his warm approbation. He was to the hilt in this measure. When the day arrived for final action he put his name to that bold instrument that he knew must prove the Chart of Liberty or the death warrant of the signers. In all the majesty of conscious dignity these master spirits of freedom shook off the corroding rust of kingly power, planted deep the tree of Liberty and proved to a gazing world that a nation can be born in a day and live. Language can never portray nor imagination fully conceive the enthusiastic joy that marked the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence among the people. The bells sounded a requiem and tolled the funeral knell of monarchy—illuminations and roaring artillery conveyed the glad news from the central arch of the Union to its remotest bounds—the replenished torch of Liberty rose, a pillar of fire to guide the patriots in their onward march—on the wings of thanksgiving and praise the happy tidings were carried to the throne of Heaven, received the sanction of Jehovah's high authority and were recorded in the book of everlasting fame by the hand of justice with an angel's pen.
In November 1776 Messrs. Wythe, Pendleton and Jefferson were appointed to revise the laws of Virginia. Although much other business devolved upon them they prepared and reported one hundred and twenty-six bills by the 18th of the ensuing June. The new code commenced the revision at the time of the revolution in England and brought it down to and in accordance with the new government.
In 1777 Mr. Wythe was chosen Speaker of the House of Delegates—the same year a Judge of the High Court of Chancery and subsequently Chancellor. A more impartial judge never graced the Bench. Nothing could induce him to swerve from strict justice. He was a profound jurist and a lucid expounder of the law. He graced the law professorship in the College of William and Mary until other duties compelled him to resign. He was a member of the legislature when Virginia sanctioned the Federal Constitution.
He put in full practice his principles of Liberty by the emancipation of his slaves and providing them with the means of support. He tried the experiment of education upon one so far as to teach him Latin and Greek when he suddenly died. He was extremely anxious to see a development of African intellect that its calibre might be more clearly known.
Chancellor Wythe died suddenly on the 8th of June 1806, believed to be from the effects of poison administered byGeorge Wythe Sweny, a grandson of his sister, for the purpose of arriving immediately at the enjoyment of a part of his estate which was fortunately prevented by a codicil made just before his decease. Although there was not proof to convict, the ungrateful demon, circumstances were so strong against him that the public verdict stamped upon him the damning stigma—murderer.[A]
[A]After publishing my first edition, I was credibly informed the poison was only intended for two emancipated slaves, who were legatees in the will, both of whom died a few hours before their benefactor. Mortification, from being co-heir with them, is the cause assigned for the murder.—Author.
[A]After publishing my first edition, I was credibly informed the poison was only intended for two emancipated slaves, who were legatees in the will, both of whom died a few hours before their benefactor. Mortification, from being co-heir with them, is the cause assigned for the murder.—Author.
In his private character Chancellor Wythe was amiable, modest, charitable and humane. He sought to improve the society in which he moved and used great exertions to guard young men against the purlieus of vice. He was industrious, temperate, frugal but liberal and proverbial for charity and a practical Christian.
Jefferson, in delineating the character of his law instructor—remarks—"No man ever left behind him a character more venerated than George Wythe. His virtue was of the purest kind—his integrity inflexible and his justice exact. Of warm patriotism and devoted as he was to Liberty and the natural and equal rights of men he might be truly called the Cato of this country without the avarice of a Roman, for a more disinterested person never lived. Such was George Wythe—the honor of his own and a model for future times."
Timeis wasted by many persons as if it had no limit and they were to live for ever. But few place a proper value upon it—but a small portion ofthesereduce it to an advantageous system. If every personrealized that "time is money" and ends in eternity—it would be used very differently by many—not by all. The instances are very rare where a man of fifty can look back upon his career and not see that he has squandered a large portion of his time in senseless vacuity or improper appropriation. If he then realizes its full worth he will gaze upon the past with keen regret and vainly wish he could live his life over again—a wish that the illustrious Washington said he did not indulge. If no one of the human family wasted or improperly used time, earth would be a Paradise—Pandemonium a fable. If all would assign a due portion of time for each class of incumbent duties—rigidly adhere to the one and promptly perform the others—a harmony in action and an amount of labor would be produced that would effect a change in the social, religious and business departments that would astonish the most visionary theorist of system and order. Profligacy of time too often commences in childhood—increases in youth and is made bankrupt in manhood. Let all feel more deeply the importance of a judicious arrangement and wise improvement of precioustime. Its whirling wheels are rolling us on rapidly to "that country from whose bourne no traveller returns." It is a boon from our Creator—to Him we must render an account of every hour from the moment our reason assumed and presided over its empire. Let all be prepared to render that account with a joy that shall increase in ecstacy through the ceaseless ages ofeternity.
In perusing this history of the Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution the reader has learned that all of them were industrious—several of them bright models of perfect system in the distribution of their time. No one was more diligent in the performance of his duties than Robert Yates who was born in the city of Schenectady, N. Y. on the 27th day of January 1738. The early developments of his mind were of unusual solidity and free from that frivolity that too often retards the course of boys in their preparation for manhood. Let my young readers remember this and become men in conduct during your minority. You will then be prepared to appear upon the stage of action with credit to yourselves and usefulness to our common country. Improve your minds by storing them with useful knowledge. If the tree has no blossoms in spring we gather no fruit in autumn. If your youth is barren of healthful culture—if the vain allurements—the trifling amusements of this deceiving world exclude from your immortal minds salutary improvement—your mental powers may darken with age and rush you into the murky waters of lasting disgrace—perhaps ruin you for ever. Soon the mighty concerns of our country will devolve on you.In your hands will be placed the destiny of our nation. Some of you must fill up the swelling ranks of the professions—the arena of politics and posts of honor and profit. Let these reflections raise you above the trifles that amuse without benefitting you. Learn to be men when you are boys—you may then be intellectual giants when you reach manhood. Remember your Creator—study the Bible and let it be deeply impressed upon your minds that to become eminently great you must be truly good.
Robert Yates commenced his classical education in the city of New York and completed it at an early age. He then read law with William Livingston of that city and became an ornament to the profession. He located at the city of Albany—obtained a lucrative practice—the high esteem of his numerous acquaintances and a title of honor too rare and priceless—"the honest lawyer." An additional proof of his good sense was exhibited by his leading to the hymeneal altar the amiable Miss Jane Van Ness who proved worthy of the noble man of her judicious choice. They sailed buoyantly, prosperously and joyfully on the flood tide of domestic felicity until the angry elements of an oppressed people were concentrated by British oppression and raised the rough storm of the Revolution. Mr. Yates was a whig of the first water—bold, fearless, calm, prudent and firm as the iron mountain of Missouri. No one better understood the relative condition of the two countries—the powers and rights of each and the law of nations. He was conversant with the liberal principles of Magna Charta as granted by King John and as improved and confirmed by King Henry III. in the ninth year of his reign. He was familiar with the provisions of the British Constitution—the Charters of the Colonies and the various declaratory Acts of Parliament defining the rights of the American people which had grown sacred by long and peaceful enjoyment. To see them now rudely trampled upon by a venal ministry roused the patriotism and indignation of Mr. Yates. He wrote and published several pungent essays exposing the usurpations of the British Cabinet. He took an active part in the public meetings of the people that prepared them to strike forliberty. At that time he was a member of the corporation of Albany and attorney for that board. He was a leading member of the Committee of Safety when it was virtually the supreme government of the empire state. Thetoriesgreatly feared and most sincerely hated this bold champion of equal rights. His ardent zeal was tempered with a discreet moderation and equal justice to all. He never passed the orbit of legitimate power nor hesitated in performing his whole duty regardless of consequences. He was an active member of the first Provincial Congress of New York—chairman of the committee to organize the military and did much towards producing a concert of action against the invading enemy. In 1777 he was an efficient member of the Convention that framed the first constitution of his native state. Under that constitution he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court. His acceptance raised him to the zenith of rebellion in view of the creatures of the crown. He was menaced by them and threatened by the tories. He promptly assumed the duties of his responsible station and boldly performed them. Stern justice, tempered with charity, directed his course. Officially he favored no friend—persecuted no enemy. His courts were held in the midst of bitter foes. No dangers could intimidate—no threats deter him from the faithful discharge of all the duties devolving upon him. When tories were arraigned before the court the overcharged zeal of jurors sometimes paralyzed their sense of right. On one occasion he sent out a jury of this kind four times with a direction to change their verdict of "guilty" which was not warranted by the testimony. The legislature talked loudly of calling him to an account for this act but on a sober second thought wisely determined to permit the old Roman to pursue the even tenor of his ways. His salary was far below the income of his practice at the Bar. To advance the interests of his country was above all pecuniary considerations. His salary for one year was paid in paper apology for money which depreciated so much in a few days that it took the whole to buy a pound of tea. This did not disturb his equanimity or abate his zeal in the glorious cause of Independence.
After the close of the Revolution Messrs. Robert Yates, Alexander Hamilton and Chancellor Livingston were chosen to represent the state of New York in the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution. His services on that important occasion were highly appreciated. He was opposed to some features of that sacred instrument but voted for its adoption when it came before the Convention of his own state. When it became the supreme law of the land he was one of its firmest supporters. In his first charge to the grand jury after it had been legally sanctioned he used the following language which I implore the reader to ponder well and let it come home with all the force of living truth proclaimed from the tomb of a departed patriot.
"The proposed form of government for the Union has at length received the sanction of so many of the States as to make it the supreme law of the land. It is not therefore any longer a question whether or not its provisions are such as they ought to be in all their different branches. We, as good citizens, are boundimplicitly to obey them. The united wisdom of America has sanctioned and confirmed the actand it would be but little short of treason against the Republic to hesitate in our obedience and respect to the Constitution of the United States of America. Let me, therefore, exhort you gentlemen—not only in your capacity as grand jurors but in your more durable and equally respectable character as citizens—to preserve inviolate this Charter of our national Rights and safety—a Charter second only in dignity and importance to the Declaration of our Independence. We have escaped, it is true, by the blessing of divine Providence, from the tyranny of a foreign foe—but let us now be equally watchful in guarding againstworse and far more dangerous enemies—domestic broils and intestine divisions."
Would to God this patriotic language of Judge Yates could be written in flaming capitals of living fire raised in bold relievo on plates of burnished gold and suspended in every court room, legislative hall, church, school-house and public place in our land. It should be circulated by every press in our country and committed to memory by every child.
Judge Yates was one of the Commissioners to settle the boundary question between New York and the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut. He was subsequently employed to prosecute claims of his native State against Vermont. In 1790 he was appointed Chief Justice of the Empire State and presided with great dignity until the 27th of January 1798 when his age reached the constitutional limit and closed his long, useful, arduous and brilliant judicial career. He had been an ornament to the Bench for twenty-one years. Not a stain had soiled his official ermine. He then resumed the practice of law and was appointed by the legislature of his state to settle disputed titles in the military tract which office he held until the Act creating it expired.
In comparative poverty and peace he glided down the stream of time until the 9th day of September 1801 when an arrow from the quiver of death pierced the shining mark—released his noble soul from its earthly prison and returned it to its original home of enduring bliss. He had exemplified primitive Christianity—his last hours were bright with hope, strong in faith, calm, peaceful and happy. He was greatly beloved in life—deeply mourned in death. In the performance of all the multiform duties of public and private life he stood approved by his friends, his country, his conscience and his God. He was an admired model of system in all the concerns of life—arranged his time judiciously, improved it wisely and earned a lofty fame that will endure while virtue is esteemed and patriotism lives. In the hands of such men our Republic will continue to rise in majesty sublime until its burning light shall illuminate the world and become too brilliant for the vision of all those who do not love and support our UNION.
ALLEN ETHAN was a native of Salisbury, Connecticut and removed to Vermont when a boy. He was a man of strong mental powers which were improved by a close observation of men and things—not by a school education. He took an active part in public affairs from an early age to the time of his death. He was emphatically a "Rough and Ready." When the revolutionary storm commenced he was the kind of man to brave its fury. He was then a militia colonel and at once rallied a brave band of Green Mountain boys around him. Soon after the battle of Lexington he received orders from the general Assembly of Connecticut to make a descent on Ticonderoga and Crown Point. About that time Arnold had been charged by the Massachusetts Committee to raise 400 men for the same purpose. On his arrival he found Col. Allen prepared to march with 300 men and became his aid in the expedition. On the 9th of May 1775 they arrived at the lake opposite Ticonderoga and with great difficulty landed 83 men near the garrison during the night. As day was approaching the Colonel determined on an immediate attack. He led his Spartan band to the wicket gate where a sentinel snapped his gun at the bold intruders and fled into the fort closely followed by the Green Mountain boys who rushed in and formed on the parade ground facing the two barracks and made the welkin ring with three loud huzzas. One of the guard who begged for quarter pointed out the apartment of the officers. Col. Allen entered with his sword drawn and demanded the surrender of the fort from the astonished Capt. De la Place who was in command. He jumped out of bed, rubbed his eyes and asked by whose authority the demand was made. The Colonel quickly replied—"I demand it in the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." The summons was promptly obeyed. Crown Point surrendered the same day and shortly after, the only British sloop of war, which gave Col. Allen the mastery of Lake Champlain. In the fall of that year Col. Brown pledged himself to act in concert in an attack upon Montreal but failing to meet him Col. Allen was overwhelmed by numbers and taken prisoner, loaded with irons and treated with proverbial British cruelty—a mistaken policy on the part of the crown officers that did much towards rousing the Americans to resistance. He was sent to England with a strong promise of a halter on his arrival. In 1776 he was returned to N. York and was not exchanged until the 6th of May 1778. Bad treatment had ruined his iron constitution. A base attempt was made to bribe him which he resented with the dignity of an honest freeman. He wrote a history of the cruelties uniformly practised upon the American prisoners. During his confinement in N. York he estimated that over 2000 perished by hunger, cold and disease produced by the impurity of the prisons and prison ships. Col. Allen was highly esteemed as a stern patriot, a good citizen—an honest man. He died suddenly at his home in Colchester, Vermont, on the 13th of February 1789.
ALLEN EBENEZER a brave subaltern officer who was with Col. Allen at the capture of Ticonderoga. At the head of only 40 of his Spartan comrades he took the fortress on the hill Defiance without the loss of a man. At the brilliant affair near Bennington he headed the small division that was stationed behind a ledge of rocks and kept the enemy at bay until Gen. Stark could form his men to drive back the reinforcement that came up before he could properly dispose of the large number of prisoners he had taken. Mr. Allen closed his mortal career in 1805.
ALLEN MOSES was born in Northampton, Mass. on the 14th of September 1748. He graduated at Princeton college—prepared for the ministry—became pastor of the Presbyterian church at Medway, Georgia—advocated the cause of equal rights in the pulpit and when mingling with the people. In 1778 the British under Gen. Provost made a descent upon Medway—laid in ashes the meeting house and most of the private dwellings. Mr. Allen was made chaplain of the Georgia brigade—repaired to Savannah—was there taken prisoner—sent on board a ship of war—was treated with great cruelty—attempted an escape by swimming to the shore and was drowned on the 8th of February 1779.
ALEXANDER WILLIAM was born in the city of New York in 1726. He was a Major General in the Continental army—fought bravely at the battle of Long Island on the 27th of August 1776 where he was taken prisoner. At the battle of Germantown his brigade was a part of the reserve. At the battle of Monmouth he commanded the left wing of the American troops and did himself great credit as a brave, discreet and accomplished officer. This noble veteran died at Albany, New York on the 15th of January 1783.
ARMSTRONG JOHN was early enrolled with the list of heroes that periled life for Liberty. He was one of the brave officers who so nobly defended fort Moultrie against the desperate attack of Sir Peter Parker when he visited Charleston harbor on a belligerent pleasure excursion. He was raised to the rank of Brigadier General and distinguished himself at the battle of Germantown and other places. After the Revolution he located in Pennsylvania and was elected to Congress from that state. He was in all respects a worthy man and took his final leave of his friends in 1795.
BARRY JOHN was born in the county of Wexford, Ireland in 1745 and came to Philadelphia, Pa. when he was but 15 years of age. Previous to the American Revolution he became a skilful mariner and rose to the rank of captain of a large merchant vessel. In February 1776 Congress put him in command of the brig Lexington with 16 guns with which he made several successful cruises. In 1777 the British attacked the little American Navy in the Delaware, then under the command of Commodore Barry and destroyed it at White Hall. He subsequently took charge of the Raleigh of 32 guns and was runon shore in Penobscot Bay by the enemy and lost his ship. He was then transferred to a ship commissioned with letters of marque and reprisal and cruised among the West India Islands with success. On his return he was put in command of the Alliance frigate and left Boston in February 1781 for France with John Laurens, American minister to that kingdom. When returning he came in contact with the British ship Atlanta and brig Treposa on the 29th of May and captured them both after a severe engagement. In February 1782 he had what the British captain called a drawn battle with an English frigate of equal metal with his own but could out sail her. The enemy had 37 killed and 50 wounded—Com. Barry but 3 killed and 11 wounded. Lord Howe offered him 20,000 guineas and command of the best frigate in the British navy if he would turn traitor. This base proposition was repelled with contempt. When war seemed inevitable with France he was put in command of the frigate United States and cruised on the West India Station. He was noble in spirit, humane in discipline, discreet and fearless in battle, urbane in his manners, a splendid officer, a good citizen, a devoted Christian and true patriot. He died in Philadelphia on the 30th of September 1803.
BEATTY WILLIAM born in Frederick county Maryland on the 19th of June 1758. In 1776 he was commissioned an Ensign under Col. Griffith and served under Gen. Washington at New York. The next year he was commissioned Lieutenant and in a few months was raised to the rank of Captain and ultimately transferred to the renowned 1st Maryland regiment of regulars under Col. Gunby which was ordered south and performed astonishing feats of noble daring at the battle of Cowpens and at Guilford court house on the 15th of March 1781. He there engaged in single combat when the battle was raging with the fury of desperation and pierced his antagonist through the heart. That battle was emphatically fought hand to hand like those of Chippewa, Lundy's lane and Bridgewater during our last war with mother Britain. At the battle near Camden South Carolina on the 25th of the next April, Captain Beatty fell mortally wounded as he was gallantly leading on his company to the charge. His loss was keenly felt. He was in all respects a noble man and an officer of great promise. In his report Gen. Greene remarked—"Among the killed is Capt. Beatty of the Maryland line one of the best of officers and an ornament to his profession."
BIDDLE NICHOLAS was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1750. He became a seaman when but 14 years of age and gave great promise of becoming one of the noblest sons of the main. He and his shipmates were cast away on a barren island on the 2d day of January 1766 two remaining there with him for nearly two months in a state of extreme suffering. In 1773 he and Horatio—afterwards Lord Nelson, doffed their uniforms and shipped before the mast on board the Carcase bound on a voyage to the north pole and penetrated to 81° 39' north latitude. At the commencement of the American Revolution Capt Biddle was put in command of the Camden galley on the Delaware. He was subsequently transferred to the Andrew Dorin of 14 guns with 130 men and attached to the infant fleet of Commodore Hopkins, destined for the Island of New Providence. On arriving at the capes the small pox became general among the other crews—disease obliged the fleet to run into New London. After replenishing his numbers Capt. Biddle was ordered to cruise off the banks of Newfoundland where he was so successful in capturing British ships that when he arrived in the Delaware he had but five of his original crew, the others having been put on board the prizes.
On his return he was placed in command of the frigate Randolph of 32 guns and sailed from Philadelphia in February 1777 with a crew partly made up of English seamen. Shortly after he got to sea he was overtaken by a gale which carried away nearly all the masts of his frigate. He then steered for Charleston to repair. On the way mother Britain's children formed a plan to dispatch the Americans and take the ship although they were shipped upon their own urgent solicitation professing to sustain the cause of Independence. They were promptly put down and sullenly returned to duty. When thoroughly repaired he again put out to sea. On the third day he fell in with four English vessels, one the True Briton with 20 guns, all of which he captured. He took several other prizes and returned to Charleston. So highly did the citizens of that city esteem Capt. Biddle as an officer and gentleman that they fitted out the ship General Moultrie—the brigs Fair American, Polly, and Notre Dame and placed on board the Randolph fifty men from the first regiment of the South Carolina infantry to act as marines—the whole of which were placed under command of Capt. Biddle. His little fleet continued cruising and capturing prizes until the night of the 7th of March 1778 when it came in contact with the English two decker ship Yarmouth of 64 guns, Capt. Vincent. At 8 P. M. a severe action commenced. Capt. Biddle was severely wounded in the thigh but continued on deck encouraging his brave tars. His fire was incessant—at least three broad sides to that of one from the enemy. In 20 minutes after the commencement of the fight the Randolph blew up—the brave, accomplished, intrepid and gallant Biddle was launched into eternity. The Yarmouth was so badly crippled that she permitted the other vessels to depart unmolested.
BLAND THEODORIC was born in Virginia in 1742. He was one of the early patriots and left a lucrative medical practice and took command of a regiment of dragoons. In several actions he proved himself a brave and efficient officer. In 1779 he was put in command of the convention troops at Albemarle barracks. The next year he was elected to Congress. He was a member of the Virginia Legislature when the Federal Constitution was adopted and voted with the minority for the same reasons that induced Patrick Henry to oppose it. When adopted he was its firm adherent and was a member of the first Congress that convened under its broad mantle. He died on the 1st of June 1790 while a member of the House of Representatives. He was a good, discreet and honest man.
BLOUNT THOMAS was born in North Carolina in 1760. He entered the Continental army at the age of 16 and served faithfully to the close of the war. He was subsequently made a major-general of the militia of his native state. He was a valued member of Congress for many years. He was a man in the full sense of the word. He died on the 8th of February 1812 while at his post in the national legislature.
BOUDINOT ELIAS was ushered into life on the 2d day of May 1740 in the city of Philadelphia. He read law with Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1776 Congress appointed him Commissary General of prisoners. The next, year he was elected to the Continental Congress and proved an able and efficient member. In 1782 he was elevated to the presidential chair of that bright galaxy of sages and had the high honor—the untold pleasure: of signing the treaty of peace forced from mother Britain. In 1780 he was elected a member of Congress under the new constitution. In 1795 President Washington placed him at the head of the Mint at Philadelphia which office he filled for 12 years. He then retired from the public arena and settled at Bordentown, N. J. where he died on the 24th of October 1821. He was a noble, generous, talented and good man. He was the first President of the American Bible Society and made liberal donations to that and several other benevolent institutions.
BOWDOIN JAMES first breathed the vital air in Boston, Mass, in 1727. He became a prominent public man at an early age—was a bold and sterling whig—opposed the usurpations of the crown—was one of the trio of the committee that bearded Gen. Gage, who ostracised him, Dexter and Winthrop from the General Assembly. Mr. Bowdoin was elected to the first General Congress in 1774 but was prevented from attending by ill health. He was President of the Convention that framed the first constitution of Massachusetts under the new order of things. In 1785-6 he was Governor of his native state. He was an able statesman, a firm patriot, a devoted Christian—an honest man. He died at Boston on the 6th of November 1700.
BRADFORD WILLIAM was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. on the 14th of September 1755. In the spring of 1776 he was made brigade-major under Gen. Roberdeau who commanded the flying camp. He subsequently commanded a company of regulars under Col. Hampton for a short time and was then appointed Deputy Paymaster General and served two years when he left the military service—resumed the study of law—was admitted to the Bar in 1779 and in 1780 was made Attorney-General of the Keystone state. On the 22d of August 1791 Gov. Mifflin raised him to the Bench of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania which office he filled with great dignity until the 28th of January 1794 when he was appointed Attorney-General of the United States, which office he held up to the time of his death. He performed all the duties of public and private life with great ability and strict fidelity. He stood approved by his country, his conscience and his God. He died at Philadelphia on the 23d of August 1795 in full hope of an unfading crown of glory.
BROAD HEZEKIAH was born in Massachusetts in 1748. He was a man of strong common sense, great moral courage, stern integrity—discreet and consistent in all things. He early and firmly opposed British oppression. He was a member of the Provincial Congress in 1774 and a delegate of the Massachusetts Convention that framed the state constitution in 1779. He filled various public offices with honor to himself and usefulness to his constituents. He died at Nantick, Mass, on the 17th of March 1824.
BROOKS ELEAZER was first introduced to his friends in Concord, Mass. in 1726. He was a man of bright intellect and untiring perseverance. Without the advantages of a school he became a man of extensive information by studying books, men and things. In 1774 he was elected to the General Court and remained a distinguished member of the different branches of the Legislature for 27 years. He was an uncompromising enemy to all tyranny. At the battle of White Plains in 1776 he commanded a regiment with the skill of a veteran soldier. At the battle of Still Water on the 7th of October 1777 his cool and determined courage was the subject of general remark. He lived esteemed and died lamented at Lincoln, Mass. on the 9th of November 1806.
BROOKS JOHN was first presented to the human family in Medford, Mass. in 1752. He was well educated—became a physician and commenced a successful practice in the town of Reading near his native place. When the revolutionary storm commenced its fury he exchanged his amputating knife for a sword. His noble bearing and skill in military tactics attracted the attention of Washington. He was soon promoted to the grade of lieutenant-colonel and rendered important service in the capture of Burgoyne. At the close of the war he resumed the practice of medicine at Medford. He became major-general of militia and commanded the military that put down the insurrection in Massachusetts in 1786. During the last war with mother Britain he was the adjutant-general of Gov. Strong and succeeded him as chief magistrate of the State. He performed all the duties of public and private life with a well tempered zeal and unquestioned integrity. He died in Medford, Mass. in 1825.
BROWN ANDREW was one of those brave spirits who seized their rusty muskets, powder horns and slugs and met the enemy on the heights of Lexington. At the noted battle of Bunker's and Breed's Hill he was among the last who left the entrenchments for want of "a little more grape," He removed to Philadelphia when his war-toils were over and conducted the Federal Gazette in Chestnut Street. On the 27th of January 1797 his office and dwelling house were consumed by fire. His wife and three children perished in the flames. In an attempt to rescue them he was so severely injured that he expired on the 4th of February following.
BROWN JOHN was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1736. He led the party that dared to resist the crown task-masters and destroyed the British sloop of war Gasper in Narraganset Bay in 1772. That was the second kick the Rhode Islanders gave the revolutionary ball. He was an enterprising merchant—at one time member of Congress—a friend to education and public improvements, a good citizen and worthy man. He died at Providence, R. I. in 1803.
BROWN MOSES was welcomed to earth in 1741 at some place in New England—of the precise location we have no record. He was a bold mariner—never liked old England—became an active patriot—commanded several privateers with great success and did good service for his country until he saw her free and independent with the white, red and blue floating in the breeze ofLiberty. He lived respected and died regretted in 1803.
BROWN ROBERT was born in Northampton County, Pa. in 1745.He was among the first officers who entered the field against the invading foe and was taken prisoner at the unfortunate affair on Long Island. Being a man of fine sense, pleasing manners and good address, he was not closely confined and was permitted to work at his trade of blacksmith and distributed his earnings among the destitute prisoners. He was subsequently raised to the rank of brigadier-general of militia in his native State—filled many civil stations—was member of Congress for sixteen years—voted for the war in 1812—lived to see mother Britain flogged a second time—spent his last years in the full sunshine of quiescent peace—died at Allentown, Pa. in 1823 most deeply mourned by those who knew him best.
BRYAN GEORGE was a native of Ireland—when he came into the world and made his final exit the record saith not. He came to Philadelphia soon after he reached his majority and became a wholesale merchant and highly respected citizen. He had imbibed no love for England during his youth—in manhood he sternly opposed her innovations upon the chartered rights of his adopted country. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1775. He was subsequently made Vice President of Pennsylvania and in 1778 filled the presidential chair of that State. He adorned every station he occupied with becoming dignity and usefulness. He was a Christian, gentleman and scholar.
BURD BENJAMIN was born at Fort Littleton, Bedford County, Pa. in 1755 and was made a lieutenant in Col. Thompson's regiment of riflemen at the age of twenty. He was in several fights near Boston in 1775. He was at the disastrous battle of Long Island and behaved with great gallantry. In 1777 he was commissioned captain in the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment—was at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth and in every instance stood highly approved by his superior officers. At Germantown he acted as major. In 1779 he was with the detachment that dispersed the Indians up the Hudson and burnt their towns. After the war he located at Fort Littleton—subsequently removed to Bedford where he lived highly esteemed for his past noble services, uniform virtue and correctness in the discharge of all the duties of a life well spent. He died at Bedford on the 5th of October, 1823.
BURR AARON commenced his remarkable life in Newark, N.J. in 1756. As manhood dawned upon him his genius rose in all the brightness of the sun on a cloudless morning. He was hailed as a brilliant luminary to light up the pathway to the goal ofLiberty. He was a powerful advocate in the cause offreedomand exemplified his precepts by feats of noble daring in the battle field. He was aid to the brave Putnam and rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. At the close of the Revolution he stood on a lofty eminence and commanded the admiration of the populace. His towering genius was fast ascending to high meridian in refulgent glory. He was elected to the United States Senate where his giant intellect became more conspicuous—his thirst for power more prominent. He was next elected Vice President and made a desperate attempt to supplant Thomas Jefferson as President. He made an unsuccessful Cataline grasp at the presidential chair which blotted out his political sun for ever. Alexander Hamilton made someprophetic remarks upon the prospective danger shadowed by his reaching demonstrations and ulterior designs. He planned and consummated the death of that illustrious statesman. The commingled clouds of wild ambition, consuming malice and fell revenge eclipsed the sunbeams of his genius. A blacker cloud spread its ebony mantle over these. The charge of TREASON veiled the bright morning ofAaron Burrin darkness impenetrable and paralyzed his day-spring of usefulness. His great legal and consummate shrewdness saved him from its technicality—not from the burning curse of a nation of freemen. To render this darkness more visible he was the Promethean vulture that devoured blooming innocence—the blighting sirocco that withered the bowers of domestic felicity. Like an isolated majestic oak with its green foliage seared by lightning fire—he stood alone for nearly half a century exposed to the scorching heat of bitter scorn—the chilling blasts of cold neglect—a fearful warning to those who wander from the path of wisdom—the only path of safety. He died on Staten I. 14th. Sept. 1836.
BUTLER RICHARD is first introduced by the record as a brave lieutenant-colonel in Morgan's rifle corps. For his correct deportment at all times and noble daring on various occasions at the south under La Fayette, he was raised lo the rank of colonel. He was next in command under Gen. St. Clair in his unfortunate expedition against the western Indians in 1791. At the sanguinary and disastrous battle of the 4th of November of that year Col. Butler commanded the right wing of the army with the rank of general and repeatedly led his men to the charge and for a time seemed certain of victory. Bleeding from several wounds he retired for surgical aid and in a few moments was rushed upon by an Indian warrior who gave him a mortal wound with his tomahawk. He immediately killed the savage with his pistol—they slumbered in death together.
BUTLER THOMAS was introduced into the great family of man in 1754. He was brother to Col. Richard Butler just mentioned. There were five brothers engaged in the Continental army. They appear to have been natives of Pennsylvania. Thomas was a law student under James Wilson of Philadelphia at the commencement of the Revolution. In 1776 he exchanged the law office for the camp and proved a brave and efficient officer. He had command of a company to the close of the Revolution and was in nearly every severe battle in the middle States. At Brandywine he received the thanks of Gen. Washington on the field of battle through his aid Gen. Hamilton, for rallying a detachment of flying troops and giving the enemy a severe check. At the battle of Monmouth he received the thanks of Gen. Wayne for defending a defile while Col. Richard Butler removed his regiment from a perilous position. He had command of a battalion under Gen. St. Clair on the memorable 4th of Nov. 1791 and behaved with great coolness and intrepidity. Mounted on his horse he led his men to the charge after his leg was broken by a ball. His surviving brother—Capt. Edward Butler, had great difficulty in bringing him from the field. In 1794 he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and put in command of the 4th sub legion. He commanded at Pittsburgh and by his undaunted courage more than by the numerical force of his troops he prevented the whisky insurgents from taking possession of the garrison. He was continued on the peace establishment—made several treaties with the Indians—was persecuted by jealous enemies—charged with misconduct—tried by a court martial—honorably acquitted and died the 7th of September 1805.
CADWALADER THOMAS was ushered into this world in 1743 in the city of Philadelphia, Pa. At the commencement of the struggle for Liberty he was in the front rank of the brave revolutionary generals and enjoyed the unlimited confidence of the illustrious Washington. At the beginning of the war he commanded a corps called the "Silk Stocking Company"—rather a problematical name for patriot soldiers as they were—for so perfect was this corps in military tactics that nearly all of its members were made commissioned officers. He was soon made a brigadier-general and put in command of the Pennsylvania troops. During 1776-7 he was constantly on duty—participated in the battles of Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth—displaying great courage, skill and prudence on each occasion. He loved Washington better than his own life. When Gen. Conway slandered the commander-in-chief he was at once challenged by Gen. Cadwalader and was dangerously wounded. Supposing he might not survive, he wrote to Washington acknowledging he had done him great injustice. Gen. Cadwalader was an ornament to the age in which he lived. In him the soldier, statesman, gentleman and scholar were all harmoniously blended. In public and private life he filled up the measure of a good man and crowned the design of his creation with an imperishable fame. His career was a continued round of usefulness.
CASWELL RICHARD is first introduced by the record in the capacity of Governor of North Carolina previous to the Revolution. He was an esteemed member of the Bar and remarkable for his kindness to the poor. He was a staunch whig and member of the first general Congress in 1774. In 1776 he commanded a regiment and proved himself a brave and skilful officer. With 1000 minute men he engaged Gen. McDonald with a force of 1500—killed and wounded 70 of his men—took him prisoner with 1500 rifles. This victory gave a fresh impetus to the glorious cause of Independence in North Carolina. This bold patriot ultimately reached the rank of major-general of militia. He was President of the Convention that framed the first Constitution of his State and governor for four years under that Constitution. He was President of the Senate at the time of his death. His life was nobly spent, his usefulness extensive, his reputation unsullied, his death deeply lamented. We died at Fayetteville, N. C. on the 20th of November 1789.
CHAMPE JOHN was introduced on this whirling planet in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1752. He was naturally a soldier. In 1776 he was appointed sergeant-major of Lee's legion of cavalry and gained a high reputation for bravery and noble daring. He was engaged in the hazardous enterprise of apparently deserting to the enemy at N. York for the purpose of capturing and returning Arnold to the American camp that the life of Andre might be saved. Arnold changed his quarters on the very evening fixed for his abduction and thus saved himself and sacrificed one of the brightest ornaments of the British army. Had Sir Henry Clinton complied with the request of Washington and exchanged Arnold for Andre, justice would have been vindicated—humanity honored and England relieved from supporting a base traitor and his presentdescendants. Champe went south with the enemy—returned to his corps the first opportunity and met with a warm reception from his old companions. Washington rewarded him liberally and discharged him from the service for fear he might fall into the hands of the British and be treated with a halter. He removed to Kentucky where he died in 1797.
CHRYSTIE JAMES was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, 1750. At the age of 15 he came to Philadelphia and the next year received the commission of Lieutenant in the Continental army. He was soon put in command of a company and held the commission of Captain to the end of the war. He was one of Washington's favorites. No one better deserved his esteem. He was a brave soldier, a firm patriot, a good citizen, an honest man and a consistent Christian. The time of his death is not on the record. Lieutenant Colonel James Chrystie of the 15th regiment of U. S. Infantry, who fought so desperately at Queenston and other places during the last war with England, was his son and worthy of his noble sire.
CLARK GEORGE ROGERS is first introduced to us as a colonel in the service of the state of Virginia and the pioneer warrior of the then far west. No man ever understood better the Indian character and mode of warfare and no man did as much hard service on the frontier as Col. Clark. He was the protecting father of all the early settlements in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and south western Pennsylvania. He became a terror to the red men. During the whole time of the Revolution he had command of the small forces on the western frontier and was commissioned a Brigadier General of the Continental army in 1781. In all respects Gen. Clark was well qualified to perform the hazardous duties that devolved upon him and did more than the acutest human sagacity dared anticipate. After a general peace took place with mother Britain and ultimately with her savage ally—the red men—Gen. Clark settled near Louisville, Kentucky to enjoy the fruits of his long and arduous toils. He was looked upon as the father of that broad section of country. Respected, beloved and honored—he glided down the stream of time until 1817 when his noble spirit went to its final rest.
CLINTON CHARLES father of James and George, was born in Longford, Ireland in 1690. On the 20th of May 1789 he embarked for America and after a tedious passage with a ruffian captain who compelled the passengers to give him a large sum of money above the price of their passage, he landed at Cape Cod instead of Philadelphia according to agreement. Mr. Clinton ultimately located in Ulster County New York, then a dense wilderness filled with wild beasts and savages more wild than them. He became a prominent public man and opposed the first indications of British oppression. He diffused liberal principles among his neighbors and planted them deep in the minds of his sons who did honor to their noble sire. He lived long enough to see the lurid clouds that portended the Revolutionary storm—just long enough to prepare his brave sons and neighbors for the approaching crisis. He was an honest man and a Christian. He diedat his original residence in Ulster County on the 19th day of November 1773.
CLINTON GEORGE, a brother of James, born in Ulster county, New York, on the 26th of July 1739. They were sons of Col. Charles Clinton who was a native of Ireland. George was liberally educated, possessed a strong mind, great decision of character and highly charged with original—not modern demagogue patriotism. He was a member of the Congress of 1775-6. He was present and voted for the Declaration of Independence but being a Brigadier General of the Continental army he was compelled to leave before that sacred instrument was prepared for signatures—the reason why his name is not enrolled with the other sages. In April 1777 he was elected the first Governor of the State of New York under the new order of things and filled that office 18 consecutive years when ill health compelled him to decline. He commanded at Forts Clinton and Montgomery on the Hudson when they were taken by an overwhelming force after a most desperate resistance of several hours. The British force amounted to 4000—the American to only 500 within a very imperfect fortification. The works were stormed in the night which enabled the governor and many of his officers and men to escape through the defiles in the mountains. In 1801 he was again elected Governor of New York and in 1805 Vice President of the United States in which office he continued until the time of his decease which occurred at the city of Washington on the 20th of April 1812 when Congress was in session. A nation mourned the loss of one of her noblest sons, his friends one of their best companions, his kinsmen one of their dearest relatives. The closing sentence on his monument at Washington speaks volumes. "While he lived, his virtue, wisdom and valor were the pride, the ornament and security of his country and when he died he left an illustrious example of a well spent life worthy of all imitation."
CLINTON JAMES was first announced to his friends on a bright Thursday—the 9th of August 1736 in Ulster County, New York. He was by nature a military genius—by heritage a stern patriot. With an iron constitution and great physical powers he united an accomplished education, great military experience acquired in the French war of 1756 and the subsequent border wars up to the time the American Revolution commenced. In 1775 he was appointed colonel by the Continental Congress and fought by the side of the brave Montgomery when he fell at Quebec. On the 9th of August 1776 Congress raised him to the rank of Brigadier General. He was at the desperate defence of Fort Clinton in October 1777 and was severely wounded and escaped after the enemy had stormed the imperfect works with 4000 regulars against 500 soldiers mostly raw militia. He commanded a division under Gen. Sullivan in his expedition down the Susquehanna against the Indians and was one of his most reliable officers. He was raised to the rank of Major General and closed his brilliant military career at the siege of Yorktown. He subsequently filled several civil stations. In all the duties of public and private life he acquitted himself nobly and with great usefulness to his country. He died on the 22d of December 1822 near his native place.
COMSTOCK ADAM was first introduced to his relatives in 1743.He was a soldier by nature—powerful in body, of undaunted courage, an enthusiastic patriot and good disciplinarian. He had the confidence of Washington who raised him to the rank of Colonel in the Continental line. At the brilliant victory at Red Bank he was the officer of the day. Alternately with Gen. Smith of Maryland he commanded at the successful defence of Mud Fort. After the war he filled various civil stations and was many years a member of the New York Legislature. His long and arduous services are a matter of history—no higher Eulogy need be pronounced. He died at his home in Saratoga County, New York on the 10th of April 1819.
COWARD JOSEPH was a native of Monmouth County, New Jersey. In view of this cognomen we may well exclaim—"What's in a name my lord?" He was a Coward and yet one of the bravest of the Revolutionary captains. He was a great terror to the refugeesaliastories. At the battle of Monmouth and several other places his undaunted courage was conspicuous. When the British fleet lay off Sandy Hook, one of the supply ships ran too near the shore and stuck fast. With a few men Capt. Coward captured her in defiance of two barges manned withsuperiornumbers that were sent to the rescue. At the close of the war he returned to his farm—became the esteemed citizen and fully exemplified the noble attributes of an honest man.
CROGHAN WILLIAM was born in Ireland in 1752 and came to America at an early age. He had imbibed no love for mother England in his native country—he detested her tyranny in America. At the commencement of the Revolution he pledged his life in favor of equal rights. In 1776 he received the commission of Captain in the Continental army and took command of a company of Infantry in the Virginia line. He was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth and received the high approbation of his superior officers. When the enemy invaded the south he was ordered to that field and raised to the rank of Major. At Charleston he was among the prisoners surrendered by Gen. Lincoln and was not exchanged during the war. He returned on parole and was a looker on at the siege of Yorktown but could not participate in that glorious victory. In the spring of 1784 he located at Locust Grove, Jefferson County, Kentucky, where he lived respected until September 1822 when he departed to the spirit world deeply mourned by his numerous friends.
CROPPER JOHN was born in Virginia in 1746. He was a captain in the 9th Virginia Regiment at the age of 19 which joined the northern army in December 1776. He was soon raised to the rank of major in the 5th Virginia Regiment which was literally cut to pieces at the battle of Brandywine. He retreated with those who could march and lay concealed in a thicket until after midnight and then proceeded to Chester with a red handkerchief upon a ramrod for a flag. His friends were no less astonished than rejoiced to see him and his brave remnant of soldiers, supposing they had fallen or were prisoners. He was subsequently raised to the rank of colonel and commanded the 11th Virginia Regiment until the 30th November 1782 when he returned to his long neglected home. When Commodore Whaley was attacked in the Chesapeake Bay by five British barges and was deserted by the three that were with him at the commencement of the fight, Col. Cropper was inthe barge with him. The Commodore and half of his men being killed the Colonel continued the action and for some minutes defended himself against two white men and a negro of his own who was the means of saving his life. The moment he discovered it was his young master he cried out—"Save my young master!"—for which Col. Cropper gave him his freedom and settled him comfortably in Baltimore. The Colonel was ultimately promoted to the rank of general—lived highly esteemed at Bowman's Folly until the 15th of January 1812 when he departed in peace to the upper world leaving an untarnished reputation and a well-earned fame on the records of history.
CUSHING THOMAS was ushered into life at Boston, Mass. in 1725. He received a good education and commenced a useful public career soon after reaching his majority. In 1763 he was chosen speaker of the General Court of Massachusetts and was continued for several years. He was with Adams, Hancock and the other bold Whigs in all the measures of that eventful period. He was a member of the Continental Congress in 1774-5 and continued active and unwavering in the cause of freedom until it was consummated. He filled various legislative and judicial stations after the Revolution and performed all the duties of public and private life with ability and fidelity. He adorned the Christian character. He was lieutenant-governor when he died on the 28th of February 1788.
DALE RICHARD was born in Virginia in 1756. In 1776 he was made a midshipman on board the Lexington. The next year he was taken by the enemy and sent to the celebrated Mill Prison in England. At the end of a year he escaped to France and joined Paul Jones on board the American armed ship Bon Homme Richard and was made first lieutenant. He was in the desperate action with the British frigate Serapis. In 1794 he became a captain in the United States navy. In 1801 he was put in command of the American squadron that sailed to the Mediterranean and humbled the insolent Bashaw of Tripoli by battering down his caste. On his return in 1802 he located in Philadelphia where he lived in peace and plenty until 1826 when he made his final bow to the king of terrors and launched upon the ocean of eternity. He earned an enduring reputation for bravery, skill and humane discipline as a naval officer. As a citizen he sustained an unblemished character.
DARKE WILLIAM made his first appearance on earth in the county of Philadelphia, Pa. in 1736. His parents removed to Virginia when he was a child. He was with Braddock at his memorable defeat in 1755. At the commencement of the Revolution he entered the Continental army with the commission of captain and served faithfully to the close of the war when he had reached the rank of major. In 1791 he was put in command of a regiment under Gen. St. Clair—lost a son in the disastrous battle of the 4th of November of that year and had several hair-breadth escapes himself. His latter years were peaceful and happy. He died at his seat in Jefferson County, Virginia, on the 26th of Nov. 1801. He left an unsullied reputation.
DAVIE RICHARDSON WILLIAM came into the world under the auspices of the crown of Britain at Egremont, England, on the 20th of June 1756. In 1763 his father brought him to North Carolinaand left him with the Rev. William Richardson a maternal uncle, who adopted him as a son and gave him a liberal education. At the commencement of the Revolution he resolved to join the patriots in the defence of equal rights. He was soon put in command of a company of dragoons and annexed to the legion under Count Pulaski. In a few months Capt. Davie was promoted to brigade major of cavalry. When Gen. Lincoln attempted to dislodge Lieut. Col. Maitland at Stono, Maj. Davie was severely wounded and disabled for five months. After his recovery he raised a corps of one company of dragoons and two of mounted infantry and spent the last shilling of a large estate in furnishing equipments and supplies for the service. He participated in the trying scenes of the southern campaigns under Generals Gates, Greene and others, until the foe was conquered and Independence secured. No officer of his grade did more to promote the cause of Liberty. After the war he became an eminent lawyer. He was a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Constitution. Every station he occupied in public and private life he filled with dignity and integrity. He was major-general of militia—governor of his State and minister to France in 1799. On his return his amiable wife was ill and soon died. He then removed to South Carolina and died at Chester in 1820. In life he exemplified all those high qualities that adorn the man and the Christian. He never united with any church because he considered manufactured creeds too dogmatical and sectarian lines drawn too closely for the growth of charity which he considered as broad as the human family—as diffusive as mountain air.
DAVIDSON WILLIAM was first presented to his fond parents in Lancaster County, Pa. in 1746 and when but four years of age removed with his father to Rowan County, N. C. At an early age he enlisted under the star spangled banner and was presented with thecommissionof major in one of the first regiments raised in North Carolina. Under Gen. Nash he repaired to the main army then in New Jersey. In 1779 he returned south, colonel of his regiment. By calling a few days at his home he escaped being made prisoner at the surrender of Charleston. He was very efficient in raising troops and supplies in his own state. In an engagement at Colson's Mills he was severely wounded and disabled for five weeks. On the last day of January 1780 Gen. Greene detached him with 300 men to prevent the enemy from passing the Catawba river. His corps was too small to repel the overwhelming force of Lord Cornwallis. He made a desperate defence and was instantly killed at his post. Col. Hall and several more of the British fell at the same time. In life Col. Davidson was greatly beloved and was an officer of great promise. His loss was keenly regretted and sincerely mourned.
DICKINSON PHILEMON was ushered into blooming life at Dover, Del. on the 5th of April 1739. Previous to the Revolution he located on a farm near Trenton, N. J. where he soon became prominent in public affairs. As in duty bound he boldly opposed the arrogant assumptions of mother Britain. He was a member of the Convention that formed the first constitution of his adopted state. He was made Commander-in-chief of the militia of N. J. and was very active in promoting the glorious cause of Independence. When stationed at Somerset Court House in January 1777 with only 300 plough boys of the true blue, Lord Cornwallis sent a foraging party of 400 regulars to a mill on the opposite side of Millstone river. Gen. Dickinson and his men forded the cold river which was up to their hips and rushed upon the enemy with such impetuosity that the red coats ran for dear life leaving their field pieces, nearly 50 wagons and over 100 English draft horses with a considerable number of cattle and sheep. So rapid was the flight that but 10 prisoners were taken. A number of killed and wounded were carried away in light wagons. Gen. Washington reported the brave act to Congress. Gen. Dickinson possessed great energy of character. When Red Bank was in jeopardy the Governor refused to order out the militia because his time had just expired and the election had passed through his own default. The General assumed the responsibility and brought them into the field in good time. He rendered essential service at the battle of Monmouth. He performed all the duties of life with promptness and fidelity. He was a member of the Senate of the U. S. He died at his residence in February 1809.