Ephraim Curtis facts for kids
Ephraim Curtis (born March 31, 1642 – died around 1684) was an important military leader in colonial Sudbury, Massachusetts. He played a role during a major conflict called King Philip's War.
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Who Was Ephraim Curtis?
Ephraim Curtis was born in Sudbury, Massachusetts. His father, Henry Curtis, was a carpenter who moved from England to New England. This happened during a time when many Puritans moved to America.
Curtis is known as the first European settler in the area that is now Worcester, Massachusetts. Because he lived there, he learned a lot about the ways of the local Native American people. He was able to communicate and interact with them.
However, when King Philip's War started in 1675, he had to leave the area. Soon after, he was made a lieutenant, which is a military officer rank.
His Role in King Philip's War
King Philip's War was a big conflict between Native American tribes and English colonists in New England. It lasted from 1675 to 1678.
The Siege of Brookfield
In August 1675, Ephraim Curtis was part of a difficult event called the siege of Brookfield. This event is also known as Wheeler's Surprise. During this siege, Native American forces surrounded a group of colonists.
Curtis was the officer who managed to escape in the dark. He went to find Major Simon Willard. Major Willard then brought his soldiers to help and rescue the people trapped in Brookfield.
Defending Marlborough
On March 26, 1676, a group of Native Americans attacked Marlborough, Massachusetts. Curtis led his troops to defend the town. They fought hard and held off the attackers for a while.
Even though Curtis and his men fought bravely, most of the town had to be left empty. Only military personnel stayed behind to protect it.
Ephraim Curtis's Legacy
Ephraim Curtis left a lasting impact. His brother, Joseph Curtis, named his own son, Ephraim Curtis (1680-1759), after him. This nephew also became an important military figure and a local politician.
Today, Ephraim Curtis Middle School in Sudbury, Massachusetts, is named in his honor.
