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This is an American history educational moment of those who made a difference during the Revolutionary War era and how they served our country.
John Stark was born in Londonderry, N.H., on Aug. 28, 1728. He had a limited formal education because of John’s parents, as they lived a nomadic lifestyle on the American frontier. However, his upbringing allowed John to learn “agriculture, hunting and trapping,” making him self-reliant.
While a young man, John, his brother and two others were returning from a hunting trip in the mountains of New Hampshire when they encountered a problem; the Abenakis tribe kidnapped Stark, while the others escaped or were killed. John’s bravery was shown by running the gauntlet of the Abenaki men.
Stark caught them off guard by running toward the gauntlet line, hugging the Bravehearts, and yelling, “I’ll kiss all your women.” As punishment, John was put to work hoeing the fields. In retaliation, he cut down their corn and beans, leaving only weeds. Ironically, John’s eccentric actions impressed the Abenakis, who accepted him as one of their own.
After John was set free, his acquired survival skills led him to be commissioned as an officer in Rogers’ Rangers. With continued experiences and achieved leadership expertise, Stark was promoted to colonel and assigned to lead the efforts at the Battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington, a transition time in the Revolutionary War.
Stark and Gen. George Washington combined their forces to set the stage for the “attack on the Hessians at Trenton [just] before their [troops’] enlistments expired.” This decision led Stark and his men to be among those who crossed the Delaware River with Washington on Dec. 25, 1776. This action allowed Stark to oversee victories at the battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Stark is known for developing military tactics, including having his soldiers be battle-ready in several ways. One was to tell his men they were worth more than the Hessians and other enemies. Another was not to make Mrs. Stark and their wives battle-torn widows.
Stark also introduced the patriots to camouflage to blend into the environment and discern themselves from their combatants. He had an uncanny ability to choose when to battle and how best to prepare. Those who did not heed his advice often paid the ultimate price.
Stark was one of the longest-lived generals of the Revolutionary War, reaching the age of 93. He is recognized for attacks that cost the British a thousand lives and bestowed all British forces surrender by a General Burgoyne. Stark was also a court member that sentenced the British spy John Andre to death.
Stark was an American hero and patriot in every sense of the word. His remarkable leadership skills led to victorious battles and convinced other sovereigns to join America in its struggle for independence.
In later life, John Stark originated the axiom of “Live Free or Die – Death is not the worst of evils,” which became New Hampshire’s motto (Humphries, 2019). At his funeral with military honors on May 8, 1822, three cannon volleys were fired, “surrendering his arms to his God.”
Visit your local Charters of Freedom setting on Valley River Avenue in downtown Murphy. A Charters of Freedom setting consists of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. They are on permanent display analogous to the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives in Washington.
Visit FoundationForward.com for details.
Dr. David Streater is director of education for Foundation Forward, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. He is a retired college instructor/administrator and a retired probation and parole officer/administrator. In addition, David is a criminologist who has an acute history interest, served in the Navy and is a resident of Burke County.