Samuel Whittemore: Indomitable patriot of the American Revolution

By Henry Howe Director, Fort Jackson Museum CommunityApril 4, 2025

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

On April 19, 1775, as British Regulars retreated from Lexington and Concord, a 78-year-old farmer named Samuel Whittemore faced a profound choice.

He could stand by and watch the British march past his home, feeling powerless, or he could take a stand for his beliefs and become an active participant in the fight against British rule.

In a remarkable display of courage, Whittemore chose to fight.

Armed with his musket and pistols, he positioned himself behind a low stone wall, ready to defend his home and community.

As the Redcoats advanced, he took a deep breath and fired his musket, bringing down one soldier. He then drew his pistols, shooting two more before British troops overwhelmed him.

In that moment, a musket ball struck him in the face, and as he fell, he faced a brutal attack from the soldiers who stabbed him more than a dozen times.

Though left for dead, Whittemore’s spirit was unbroken.

Against all odds, he survived this harrowing encounter and went on to lead a full life, passing away at the remarkable age of 96 in 1793.

Samuel Whittemore’s story is a powerful testament to the unyielding determination and enduring spirit of those who fought for their freedom, embodying the resilience that characterized the American struggle for independence.

His bravery serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals committed to a cause greater than themselves.