Frederick, Baron de Weissenfels facts for kids

Frederick von Weissenfels, also known as Friedrich Heinrich Freiherr von Weissenfels, was an important soldier during the American Revolutionary War. He was born in 1738 in Elbing, Prussia, and later became a key leader in the Continental Army and for the State of New York. He passed away on May 14, 1806, in New Orleans.

Early Life and Military Career

Frederick von Weissenfels was born around 1728 in Prussia, near the town of Elbing. He received his military training from Frederick II of Prussia at the Military Academy in Königsberg. He served as a soldier in the Prussian Army during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748). After that, he spent six years in a cavalry unit in the army of the Netherlands.

In 1756, he became a lieutenant in the Royal American Regiment of Foot, also known as the 60th (Royal American) Foot. This regiment was special because it allowed foreign officers to serve in America. Weissenfels was one of about fifty German and Swiss officers who joined. He fought in the French and Indian War in important battles like the Plains of Abraham, Ticonderoga, and Havana.

Family Life

Frederick von Weissenfels married Mary Shurmur in New York City in 1756. She was the daughter of a New York merchant. They had eight children together: Ann, Charles Frederick, Catherine Maria, George Peter, John Henry, William Henry, Mary Charlotte, and Elizabeth Anna. Mary passed away around 1775.

In 1763, Weissenfels promised his loyalty to Great Britain and settled in Dutchess County, New York. He received a military pension from the British.

He married Elizabeth Williams in 1777. They had two children: Harriet and Frederick.

Service in the American Revolution

Even though he had a British military pension, Frederick von Weissenfels chose to join the American revolutionaries. He believed in their cause.

He quickly rose through the ranks in the New York forces:

• June 28, 1775: Captain in the First New York.
• March 8, 1776: Lieutenant-Colonel of the 3rd New York.
• November 21, 1776: Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd New York.
• January 13, 1779: Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the 4th New York.

He participated in many key battles of the American Revolutionary War. These included the Battle of Quebec in 1775, and later the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Saratoga, and Monmouth. In 1779, he joined General John Sullivan's expedition against the Iroquois and fought at the Battle of Newtown.

Later Military Service

In 1781, Weissenfels was released from his service to New York State. However, in 1782, New York needed more soldiers to protect its northern border. Weissenfels was called back to lead two regiments of "Levies" (local soldiers) alongside Colonel Marius Willet.

In July 1781, Willet and Weissenfels led their militia in the Battle of Sharon Springs. They surprised a group of Native Americans and Loyalists. In October, they fought against another mixed force at the Battle of Johnstown. They tracked the enemy through a snowstorm but the enemy managed to escape.

In 1783, George Washington asked Colonel Willet to improve roads and waterways in the Mohawk Valley. Soon after, Weissenfels' troops were sent home, and he officially retired from military service on January 1, 1784.

Life After the War

After the war, Frederick von Weissenfels faced money problems. He asked the United States Congress for a government job and to be treated like other foreign officers who had served the U.S. Congress said they would consider him for a job but would not give him the same special treatment as other foreign officers.

His daughter, Harriet, and her children tried for many years to get compensation from Congress. Weissenfels had lost 2,000 acres of land that the British Crown had promised him for his service in the French and Indian War because he joined the American side. Despite their efforts, including a bill passing the House of Representatives in 1859, the family never received the land.

Weissenfels continued to struggle financially. In 1787, the New York State Legislature helped him with a debt, showing the respect they had for his service. He even wrote to George Washington for help getting a government job, but Washington declined.

He worked as a captain of the New York City watch but lost that job in 1789. He was accused of sleeping on duty, but it might have been because his friend, the sheriff, lost his position. At 61, Weissenfels was tired, poor, and jobless again.

He later received a land grant of 500 acres in 1790, but this did not solve his financial issues. He worked as an Inspector of Spiritous Liquors in 1791 and later as a Gauger of customs in New York City in 1796.

He lived in New York City until 1805. At the time of his death in New Orleans on May 14, 1806, he held a small job in the police department. This job was likely arranged by his granddaughter's husband, Abraham Redwood Ellery.

Frederick von Weissenfels was a member of the New York State Society of [The Society of the Cincinnati], an organization for officers of the Continental Army. He was also the first vice-president of the New York Deutsche Gesellschaft (German Society).