Breed Batcheller facts for kids
Breed Batcheller was an early settler in Roxbury, New Hampshire. He lived during the exciting time of the American Revolutionary War. However, Breed Batcheller didn't support the American colonists who wanted independence from Britain. Because of his views, he was forced to leave his town. He ended up hiding in a place called Batcheller's Cave during the summer of 1777.
Who Was Breed Batcheller?
Breed Batcheller was born on December 11, 1740. When he was younger, he learned how to survey land in Brookfield, Massachusetts. Surveying means measuring and mapping out land.
His home was an important place in the early days of Packersfield, New Hampshire. This town was later renamed Nelson, New Hampshire. The very first town meeting for Packersfield was held right in his house!
Before the war, in 1773, Breed Batcheller was a major in the local militia from Keene, New Hampshire. A militia was a group of citizens who trained to be soldiers, ready to defend their community.
His Role in the American Revolution
In 1775, Breed Batcheller joined other colonists marching towards the Battles of Lexington and Concord. These were some of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. However, he returned to New Hampshire before the famous Battle of Bunker Hill.
After returning, he started speaking out against the rebellion. He believed that the colonies should not fight for independence from Britain. People who supported the British during the American Revolution were called Loyalists.
Because of his strong opinions, Breed Batcheller had to hide. He found safety in Batcheller's Cave. Later in 1777, he left New Hampshire and went to Canada.
Breed Batcheller's story is important because it shows that not everyone agreed about the war. His experience highlights the idea of "freedom of speech." This means people should be able to share their thoughts, even if they are different from what most others believe. His story reminds us that even during big events like a revolution, people had many different views.
