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He served as a private in Colonel Jeremiah Moulton's Third Massachusetts Regiment, where he fought in King George's War (1744–48). He was involved in the capture of the French stronghold, the Fortress of Louisbourg in 1745.
He fought in the French and Indian War (1754–63) at the age of 64.
On April 19, 1775, after hearing of the British attacks at Lexington and Concord, he gathered his musket, two pistols and his sword to wait for the retreating British.
On April 19, 1775, British forces were returning to Boston from the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening engagements of the war. On their march they were continually shot at by American militiamen.
Whittemore was in his fields when he spotted an approaching British relief brigade under Earl Percy, sent to assist the retreat. Whittemore loaded his musket and ambushed the British grenadiers of the 47th Regiment of Foot from behind a nearby stone wall, killing one soldier. He then drew his dueling pistols, killed a second grenadier and mortally wounded a third. By the time Whittemore had fired his third shot, a British detachment had reached his position; Whittemore drew his sword and attacked. He was subsequently shot in the face, bayoneted numerous times, and left for dead in a pool of blood. He was found by colonial forces, trying to load his musket to resume the fight. He was taken to Dr. Cotton Tufts of Medford, who perceived no hope for his survival. However, Whittemore recovered and lived another 18 years until dying of natural causes at the age of 96.
He fought in the French and Indian War (1754–63) at the age of 64.
On April 19, 1775, after hearing of the British attacks at Lexington and Concord, he gathered his musket, two pistols and his sword to wait for the retreating British.
On April 19, 1775, British forces were returning to Boston from the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening engagements of the war. On their march they were continually shot at by American militiamen.
Whittemore was in his fields when he spotted an approaching British relief brigade under Earl Percy, sent to assist the retreat. Whittemore loaded his musket and ambushed the British grenadiers of the 47th Regiment of Foot from behind a nearby stone wall, killing one soldier. He then drew his dueling pistols, killed a second grenadier and mortally wounded a third. By the time Whittemore had fired his third shot, a British detachment had reached his position; Whittemore drew his sword and attacked. He was subsequently shot in the face, bayoneted numerous times, and left for dead in a pool of blood. He was found by colonial forces, trying to load his musket to resume the fight. He was taken to Dr. Cotton Tufts of Medford, who perceived no hope for his survival. However, Whittemore recovered and lived another 18 years until dying of natural causes at the age of 96.
Samuel Whittemore, The Oldest, Bravest and Maybe Craziest American Revolutionary - New England Historical Society
Samuel Whittemore was shot in the face, bayoneted, clubbed and left for dead by British soldiers as they retreated from the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Though he was 78 years old, Whittemore survived -- but not long enough to receive his due.
newenglandhistoricalsociety.com
