Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton, Connecticut's Forgotten Hero
By Todd Gerlander and Lee Gerlander

Knowlton Before the Revolution, 1740 - 1775

Thomas Knowlton was born on November 22, 1740 in West Boxford, MA. When Knowlton was eight years old his father moved the family to Ashford, CT, where they lived on a farm of 400 acres. In 1755 the War with France started (French & Indian War) and Knowlton served in both the First and Third Connecticut Regiments, being promoted to Sergeant in 1759, Ensign in 1760, and Lieutenant in 1762.

Later in 1762 he participated in the Battle of Havana, Cuba and was lucky enough to survive and return to Ashford. (Of Israel Putnam's Company of 107 men, only 20 returned home, due mostly to tropical diseases). On April 5, 1759 Knowlton married Anna Keyes of Ashford and bought a farm on the present site of the Norcross Webster Boy Scout Reservation.

Knowlton is described as being six feet high, erect and elegant in figure, and formed more for activity than strength. He had light complexion, dark hair, and eyes of deep spiritual beauty. He and his wife raised a family of nine children, Frederick his sixteen-year-old son would accompany his father to fight in the American Revolution. Knowlton at the age of 33 was appointed as one of the Selectmen of the town.

Knowlton and the American Revolution, 1775-1776

When news of Lexington reached Ashford, Knowlton grabbed his musket and powder horn and joined his militia company. The Ashford Company was part of the Fifth Regiment Connecticut Militia along with the towns of Windham, Mansfield, and Coventry. The Ashford Company had no captain so they drew ballots and Knowlton was unanimously chosen. The Militia Company from Ashford was the first to enter Massachusetts from a sister colony. At Boston they were reorganized into the Fifth Company of General Israel Putnam's Connecticut Regiment of 1775.

The night prior to the Battle of Bunker Hill, Captain Knowlton was in command of a fatigue party of 200 Connecticut men constructing defenses. During the battle he was in command of the rail fence which protected the rear of the Patriot redoubt on Breed's Hill. When the Patriots began their retreat from the redoubt it was Knowlton and his men who formed the rear guard covering their retreat.

For his bravery Congress promoted Knowlton to a Major. A wealthy Boston man presented Knowlton with a gold-laced hat, sash, and a golden breastplate. Colonel Arron Burr later in life said of his friend Knowlton, "I had a full account of the Battle from Knowlton's own lips, and I believe if the chief command had been entrusted to him, the issue would have proved more fortunate." Burr also commented on Knowlton's promotion, "It was impossible to promote such a man too rapidly."

In 1776, with the reorganization of the American Army, Knowlton was assigned to the 20th Continental Regiment commanded by Colonel John Durkee.

During the Siege of Boston in 1776, Knowlton was sent by Washington to burn the remaining buildings at the base of Bunker Hill, and to capture the British guard. Knowlton accomplished this mission without firing a shot or losing a man.

In New York on August 12, 1776 Knowlton was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. In September he was put in command of an elite hand picked independent corps which was under the direct command of Washington. This unit was called the "Rangers", or "Knowlton's Rangers." On September 16, 1776 Knowlton's Rangers were scouting in advance of the main army at Harlem Heights, New York when they stumbled upon the Black Watch. A skirmish began which ended with Knowlton being mortally wounded. Knowlton was carried off the field to prevent capture. He is reputed to say, "You see my son, I am mortally wounded; you can do me no good; go fight for your Country." Washington upon hearing the news stated, "The gallant and brave Col. Knowlton, who would have been an honor to any country, having fallen yesterday while gloriously fighting." Knowlton was buried with military honors in an unmarked grave at 143rd St. and St. Nicholas Ave.

Other True Patriot Heroes:

The Forgotten 40 Miles: The Midnight Ride of Captain John "Jack" Jouett
Oliver Cromwell: A Survivor of the Gallant Army
William Dawes Rides Into History