John Fellows (brigadier general) facts for kids
John Fellows (born July 7, 1735 – died August 1, 1808) was an important military leader during the American Revolutionary War. He served as a Brigadier-General in the Massachusetts Militia, which was a group of citizen soldiers. He took part in many big battles that helped America become an independent country.
A Life of Service
John Fellows was born in Plainfield, Connecticut. Around 1750, he moved to Sheffield, Massachusetts.
He gained military experience fighting in the French and Indian Wars before the American Revolution began. When the Revolutionary War started, Fellows quickly joined the fight. After the first shots were fired at the battles of Lexington and Concord, he led his soldiers to Boston. He was there during the British Siege of Boston, where American forces surrounded the British army. He also fought bravely at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
In August 1776, Fellows commanded a group of soldiers during the Battle of Long Island. He helped protect George Washington's army as they had to retreat after a difficult loss. Fellows led a regiment (a military unit) in the Massachusetts Militia at Roxbury, Massachusetts until the end of 1775. On June 25, 1776, he was made a brigadier general. This meant he would lead more militia soldiers to help the main American army, known as the Continental Army, in New York City.
Key Battles and Challenges
On September 15, 1776, British General William Howe landed many troops at Kips Bay in NYC. The American militia, including soldiers led by General Fellows, struggled to stop them. This failure was very disappointing to General Washington. It is said that Washington was so upset, he almost charged the British himself, but an aide stopped him. His army barely escaped being completely defeated. Fellows also commanded troops at the Battle of White Plains and during the important Saratoga campaign.
After the war, Fellows, who lived in Massachusetts, was part of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. This was a special government group in Massachusetts. He also helped develop and settle new areas in places like Canandaigua, New York. In 1790, he built the first saw mill at Mud Creek, East Bloomfield, New York. Records from 1790 show him living in Ontario County, New York. Fellows also served as the Sheriff of Berkshire County, Massachusetts for many years. He was also given the job of helping to set up the town of Wolcott, Vermont.
John Fellows died on August 1, 1808, in Sheffield, Massachusetts. He is buried in Bernard Cemetery there.
A Family Controversy
John Fellows had a nephew, also named John Fellows Jr., who was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1843, his nephew published a book called The Veil Removed. This book included many letters and statements from other soldiers who were at the battle. These letters talked about the actions of General Israel Putnam during the battle. The book brought up questions about where Putnam was and what he did during the fight. This created a long-lasting argument among historians and veterans for many years.
