Charles Frost (military officer) facts for kids
Major Charles Frost (1631–1697) was an English military leader who served in Maine during a conflict known as King William's War. He was a high-ranking officer in the region.
Life and Military Service
Charles Frost was born in 1631 in Tiverton, Devon, England. He later married Mary Bolles in 1660, and they had a daughter named Sarah Frost in 1666.
Frost was stationed in Kittery, Maine, which is known today as Eliot, Maine. During King William's War, he became the highest-ranking military leader in Maine. This was a time of conflict between English settlers and Native American tribes, often supported by the French.
Sadly, Major Frost was killed by Native Americans on July 4, 1697, at a place called Ambush Rock. Several other local residents were also killed at that time. It is believed he was targeted because of his involvement in an earlier event during King Philip's War. In that conflict, a leader named Richard Waldron had tricked and captured many Native Americans. This event caused deep anger among some Native groups, and they did not forget it.
Years later, a flat stone was placed to mark Major Frost's resting spot. It has a simple carving that says, "Here lyeth intrrd ye body of Mj. Charles Frost ager 65 years Decd July ye 4th 1697." The exact spot where he died is near a large boulder, which is now known as Ambush Rock.
In 1897, exactly 200 years after his death, the newly formed Eliot Historical Society held a special ceremony. This event honored Major Frost and was their first public gathering.
Interestingly, Major Charles Frost was the fifth great-grandfather of the famous American poet Robert Frost.
Legacy
- Frost Hill in Eliot, Maine, is named after him.
- He is honored on a plaque at Ambush Rock in Eliot, the place where he died.
