John Nixon (military) facts for kids
John Nixon (born March 1, 1727 – died March 24, 1815) was an American brigadier general in the Continental Army. He played an important role during the American Revolutionary War.
Early Life and First Battles
John Nixon was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on March 1, 1727. His parents were Christopher and Mary Nixon.
In 1755, he joined the Massachusetts militia. He fought during Sir William Johnson's campaign. This was against the French during the French and Indian War.
By 1775, Nixon had moved to Sudbury, Massachusetts. He became a captain of the town's Minutemen. These were special militia units ready to fight quickly. He led his Minutemen at the famous Battles of Lexington and Concord. These battles marked the start of the American Revolution.
Fighting for Independence
John Nixon and his men also fought bravely at the Battle of Bunker Hill. This major battle happened on June 17, 1775. His unit was one of the last to leave the battlefield. After this battle, Nixon was promoted to colonel. He then led the 6th Massachusetts Regiment.
Colonel Nixon's regiment joined Gen. John Sullivan's brigade. They took part in the New York and New Jersey campaign in 1776. This was a series of important battles.
In August 1776, Nixon was promoted again. He became a brigadier general. He commanded a brigade of several Massachusetts regiments. These included the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th regiments.
General Nixon led his brigade in the Battle of Harlem Heights. Later, they joined the Saratoga campaign. During this campaign, his brigade received more support. They were joined by Cogswell's, Gage's, and Mays's militia regiments.
His brigade was involved in the Battle of Bemis Heights in October 1777. They took part in the final attack. During this attack, a cannonball passed very close to his head. This incident affected his sight and hearing for the rest of his life. Nixon resigned from the army on September 12, 1780.
Later Life and Legacy
General John Nixon moved to Weybridge, Vermont in 1806. He passed away while visiting his son in Middlebury on March 24, 1815. He was buried in a cemetery on his farm. This cemetery is now known as First Weybridge Hill Cemetery.
Family Life
On February 7, 1754, John Nixon married Thankful Berry. She was also from Framingham. She lived from 1735 to 1776. In 1778, he married Hannah Gleason. She lived from 1744 to 1831. Hannah was the widow of Captain Micajah Gleason. Captain Gleason was killed at the Battle of White Plains in 1776.
General John Nixon is remembered today. The General John Nixon Elementary School in Sudbury, Massachusetts, is named in his honor. Nixon Road in Framingham, Massachusetts, also carries his name. On Nobscot Hill in Framingham, there is a trail named after him. This trail leads to the ruins of where his house once stood.
