How many of you were familiar with the name Samuel Whittemore

tlawler · #1 03-23-2025, 11:00 AM

before you read about him in the latest AR?

I am almost ashamed to say I was not, and I consider myself to be a pretty astute historian. A truly amazing American patriot.

Samuel Whittemore - Wikipedia

Breakaway500 · #2 03-23-2025, 11:19 AM

He was a pretty amazing old man.

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.

lihpster · #3 03-23-2025, 01:01 PM

Once again, On Youtube search for The Fat Electrician. He does a good one on Samuel. Strong language so no linky. You've been warned.

wood714 · #4 03-23-2025, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breakaway500

He was a pretty amazing old man.

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.

Unless my math is wrong, he did all that at 78 years old?

lihpster · #5 03-23-2025, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wood714

Unless my math is wrong, he did all that at 78 years old?

Yes, and he was a veteran of several wars before that. Amazing guy. His pistols and sword were spoils of war.

venomballistics · #6 03-23-2025, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breakaway500

He was a pretty amazing old man.

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.

CMOH kinda sauce right there

tlawler · #7 03-23-2025, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venomballistics

CMOH kinda sauce right there

Yes indeed!

30-30remchester · #8 03-23-2025, 04:58 PM

I often held him up as an example to my city raised grandsons. When they whine about a boo boo and just don't feel good enough to help pick up rocks or trim trees, I remind them of Samuel.

Leslie Sapp · #9 03-23-2025, 08:18 PM

I used to assign reports on famous (or not so famous) Americans to my 4H Shooting Sports kids. Public speaking is emphasized in 4H and these assignments were generally on the order of "Research this person, and at our next club meeting, give a short speech about them".

I did not believe that American history was receiving the proper amount of emphasis in our schools, and this was my way of exposing the club members to the stories of people they may otherwise have never heard of

Whittemore was a perennial favorite of mine. Tough old man, whose courage should not be forgotten.

Doug627 · #10 03-24-2025, 12:50 PM

As Samuel once said to the redcoats: "None shall pass!" As to those that found him: "Merely a flesh wound." Amazing man.