Ebenezer Webster facts for kids
Ebenezer Webster was born in Kingston, New Hampshire, on April 22, 1739. He passed away on his birthday, April 22, 1806, in Salisbury (which is now part of Franklin), New Hampshire. Ebenezer was a farmer, an innkeeper, and a member of the local army, called a militia. He also worked as a politician and a judge.
Ebenezer Webster was the father of Daniel Webster, who became a very famous lawyer and speaker. Daniel also served in the United States Congress and as the United States Secretary of State.
Life and Work
Ebenezer Webster worked as a farmer and ran an inn. He also served as a judge for Hillsborough County in New Hampshire.
He was a soldier under General Amherst during the French and Indian War. This war was fought between Great Britain and France, along with their Native American allies, in North America. In 1761, Ebenezer was one of the first people to settle in what is now Franklin, New Hampshire. At that time, it was the northernmost settlement in New England.
Fighting for Freedom
When the American Revolutionary War began, Ebenezer led the local army from Salisbury to Cambridge, Massachusetts. He fought in important battles like White Plains and Bennington. He was also at West Point when a general named Benedict Arnold betrayed the American side. Ebenezer continued to serve in the war until it ended. By then, he had become a colonel in the militia.
Serving the Public
After the war, Ebenezer Webster became involved in politics. He was a member of the New Hampshire state government, serving in both the New Hampshire House of Representatives and the New Hampshire Senate. From 1791 until his death, he also served as a judge for Hillsborough County. He worked in a court that handled common legal cases.
His Family
Ebenezer Webster had two notable sons with his second wife, Abigail Eastman.
His oldest son was named Ezekiel. Ezekiel was born in Salisbury on March 11, 1780. He passed away in Concord on April 10, 1829. Ezekiel went to Dartmouth College and graduated in 1804. He then studied law and became a very successful lawyer. He also served in the state government. Ezekiel died while working on a case in court.
Ebenezer's second son with Abigail was Daniel. Daniel became a very important leader and statesman in the United States.
