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| Minuteman - Google Image |
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in
May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States
military. Veterans’ Day, observed in November, honors all men and women who
have and are serving in the United States military. Keeping that distinction in
mind, I decided to write about Daniel Thompson (1734-1775), my husband’s 3rd
cousin six times removed, in honor of Memorial Day.
Daniel Thompson was a Revolutionary war
soldier. He was killed on April 19, 1775, during the British retreat from
Concord on the first day of the American Revolution. Daniel was one of 50
Americans who died that day.
Daniel was the second oldest child of five
children. His parents, Samuel Thompson (1705-1748) and Ruth Wright Thompson
(1706-1775) were life-long residents of Woburn, Massachusetts. Daniel came from
a family who always stood ready to come to the defense of their community and
surrounding area. His hometown of Woburn, where he was born, is only five miles
from Lexington, where he died.
This first battle of the American
Revolutionary War, which took place in multiple communities, came to be known
as the Battle of Concord and Lexington. This “battle” was actually a series of
skirmishes, between the Americans – aka Minutemen – and the British. The
British (a force of 700 men) were intent on seizing a cache of ammunition, and
the Minutemen were just as intent on denying them access. Shots were fired,
battle ensued, and the Revolutionary War started.
So, what is known about Daniel Thompson on
that fatal day? He was one of the many who gathered
at Fowle Tavern in Woburn
to muster out against the British. As part of the Woburn Militia, Thompson
would have marched with the militia from Fowle Tavern to Concord. Along with
militia units from other communities. The militia hid behind trees, stone
walls, and buildings in the hopes to ambush the approaching British soldiers.
Once the British appeared, the fighting began.
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| Fowle Tavern - Google Image |
According to information found on the Find A Grave website, Thompson took cover
behind a barn and fired with deadly results. His results were so deadly, “that
a British regular was ordered to come up behind him and take him out. But no
sooner did the regular’s find its target than he was in turn shot” by another
militia man who had managed to get behind the British soldier. However, the shot killing
the British regular was not in time to save Thompson’s life. It was left to
Daniel’s brother, Abijah, to tell Daniel’s wife and children of Daniel’s death.
On Friday, April 21, 1775, Daniel, along with
another patriot, Asahel Porter, were buried in the First Burial Ground in
Woburn Cemetery. According to the Find a
Grave website: “. . . the Woburn Militia’s . . . flag bearer, lowered the militia’s
flag and dragged it behind in honor of the dead heroes. Reverend Josiah Sherman
made a speech fitting the occasion and when he was finished, the flag bearer
raised the flag to symbolize Thompson’s and Porter’s rebirth in heaven.”
The inscription on Daniel’s headstone reads
as follows:
“Here lies Buried the Body of
Mr. Daniel Thompson who was
slain in Concord Battle on ye 19th
of April 1775. Aged 40 Years.
Here Passenger confin’d reduc’d to
dust
lies what was once Religious wise
& Just.
The cause he engaged did animate him
high.
Namely Religion and dear Liberty.
Steady and warm in Liberties
defence.
True to his Country. Loyal to his
Prince.
Though in his Breast a Thirst for
glory fired.
Courageous in his country’s cause
expired.
Although he’s gone his name Embalmed
shall be,
and had in everlasting Memory.”
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| Headstone Image from FindaGrave.com |
