Ebenezer Learned facts for kids

Ebenezer Learned (born April 18, 1728 – died April 1, 1801) was an important general in the American Continental Army. He fought bravely during the Revolutionary War.

Early Life and Family

Ebenezer Learned was born in Oxford, Massachusetts. He lived his whole life in that area. His parents were Ebenezer and Deborah Haynes Learned. In 1749, he married Jerusha Baker. They had nine children together. When his grandfather passed away in 1750, Ebenezer inherited a large piece of land. It was called Prospect Hill. He built his family home there.

Early Military Service

Ebenezer was very active in the local militia. This was a group of citizens who trained to be soldiers. He even formed and trained a company in Oxford during the French and Indian War. In the summer of 1756, he led his company to Fort Edward near Lake George. He served off and on until 1763. In 1757, he became sick with smallpox and had to stay in the hospital for a month.

Community Leader

After the French and Indian War, Ebenezer stayed home for several years. He worked on his farm and ran a tavern in Oxford. He was a respected person in his community. He served as a town selectman, which is like a town council member, for 25 years.

Fighting for American Freedom

Ebenezer remained active in the militia. On April 19, 1775, he heard about the Battle of Lexington. He quickly led his own company and another group of minutemen to Boston. Just a few days later, on April 24, he was named a colonel. He was asked to form a new group of soldiers called Learned's Regiment. This regiment later became part of the main American army, the Continental Army.

The Siege of Boston

During the Siege of Boston, General George Washington gave Colonel Learned an important job. He was put in charge of the Dorchester Heights position. This was a key spot overlooking Boston. When the British army left Boston on March 17, 1776, Colonel Learned was the first American officer to enter the city. He led a special group of 500 men. Their job was to clear out any traps or garbage the British had left behind. These men were chosen because they had already survived smallpox or had been protected from it.

Return to Duty and Saratoga

Ebenezer Learned had to leave the army in May 1776 because of his health. But he returned to duty on April 2, 1777. He was promoted to brigadier general. He was sent to the Northern Department to fight. In the first part of the Battle of Saratoga, called the Battle of Freeman's Farm, his group of soldiers got a bit lost in the woods. They only had a small fight near the end.

However, at the next big fight, the Battle of Bemis Heights, his brigade was in the middle of the American line. They fought alongside brave leaders like Daniel Morgan and Enoch Poor. General Benjamin Lincoln was in command. General Learned's own brigade was made stronger with more soldiers. The American attack on the far left was successful. But the middle of the enemy's line was held by Hessian troops (German soldiers fighting for the British). Benedict Arnold came to the battlefield and encouraged the soldiers. Arnold and Learned then led a joint charge against the Hessian positions. Even though Arnold was wounded, Learned and his men kept going. They broke through the enemy lines! This forced the British army to retreat.

Valley Forge and Retirement

After the victory at Saratoga, General Learned's unit was the first to guard the captured British army. They escorted them south. In 1777 and 1778, he commanded a group of Massachusetts soldiers at Valley Forge. This was where the Continental Army spent a very difficult winter. On March 24, 1778, his health problems continued. This led to his final resignation from the army.

Life After the War

After leaving the army, Ebenezer returned home to Oxford. He continued to serve his community. He was the Chairman of the Massachusetts Convention in 1779. This meeting created a new constitution for the state. He also served as a Judge of Common Pleas for Worcester County, Massachusetts. In 1783, he was elected to the Massachusetts General Court. This is the state's House of Representatives. Ebenezer Learned passed away at his home in Oxford in 1801.