Jedidiah Preble facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jedidiah Preble
Born	(1707-03-01)March 1, 1707 York, Province of Massachusetts Bay
Died	March 11, 1784(1784-03-11) (aged 77) Falmouth, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Buried	Portland, Maine
Allegiance	Great Britain Province of Massachusetts Bay
Massachusetts Bay Militia
Rank	Chief Commander, Captain, Brigadier General
Battles/wars	Cape Sable Campaign, Battle of Fort Beauséjour, Siege of Louisbourg (1745), Battle of Grand Pré
Spouse(s)	Mehitable Bangs Roberts
Children	Martha, Ebenezer, Joshua, Edward, Enoch, Statira, Henry
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Jedidiah Preble (1707–1784) was an important military leader from the American colonies. He served as a Captain and later became a Brigadier General. Preble played a key role in several conflicts before and during the American Revolution. He was involved in important battles and campaigns in what is now Canada and the United States.

Jedidiah Preble was also the father of Edward Preble, who became a famous naval officer. Places like Preble Street in Portland, Maine, and Fort Preble in South Portland are named after his son.

Early Life and Military Start

Jedidiah Preble was born on March 1, 1707, in York, Maine. At that time, Maine was part of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He later moved to Falmouth, Maine, which is now known as Portland, Maine. He bought land there from Samuel Waldo, a prominent landowner.

Preble began his military career as a Captain of Infantry. He joined Samuel Waldo's Regiment, which was a local military group.

Key Battles and Campaigns

Jedidiah Preble took part in several major conflicts. These battles helped shape the history of North America.

Siege of Louisbourg (1745)

Preble was involved in the Siege of Louisbourg (1745). This was a big battle during King George's War. British and colonial forces attacked the French fortress of Louisbourg. It was a very important fort on Cape Breton Island, Canada. The colonists, including Preble, helped capture this strong French base.

Battle of Grand Pré (1747)

Two years later, Preble fought in the Battle of Grand Pré in 1747. This battle took place in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was another important fight against the French and their allies.

French and Indian War

Preble continued his military service during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). This war was fought between Great Britain and France. Both sides wanted control over North America.

Battle of Fort Beauséjour (1755)

In 1755, Preble joined John Winslow on an expedition. They traveled up the Kennebec River. The next year, Preble fought in the Battle of Fort Beauséjour. This battle was in what is now New Brunswick, Canada. During this fight, Preble was wounded.

Cape Sable Campaign (1755)

After Fort Beauséjour, Preble participated in the Cape Sable campaign. This campaign was part of the expulsion of the Acadians. The Acadians were French-speaking settlers in Nova Scotia. The British forced many of them to leave their homes.

Commander at Fort Pownal (1759)

The British gained control of the Saint John River. Then they focused on the Penobscot River. In 1759, Jedidiah Preble became the commander at a new fort. This fort was called Fort Pownal (now Fort Point State Park). It was built on the Penobscot River in Maine.

American Revolution

Jedidiah Preble was also active during the American Revolution. This was the war where the American colonies fought for independence from Great Britain. His experience and leadership were valuable during this time.

Family Life

Jedidiah Preble married Mehitable Bangs Roberts. They had several children together. His son, Edward Preble, became a well-known naval officer. Edward served in the United States Navy.

Jedidiah Preble passed away on March 11, 1784. He was 77 years old. He is buried in Portland, Maine.