John Stricker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Stricker
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1816 portrait by Rembrandt Peale
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| Born | February 15, 1759 Frederick, Province of Maryland, British America |
| Died | June 23, 1825 (aged 66) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Maryland |
| Service/ |
 Continental Army United States Army Maryland State Militia |
| Years of service | 1775–1783, 1812–1815 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Third Brigade ("City Brigade" or "Baltimore Brigade"), Third Division, Maryland State Militia |
| Battles/wars | |
Brigadier General John Stricker (1758–1825) was a brave military officer from Maryland. He fought in two important wars for America: the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.
During the Revolutionary War, he was part of the Continental Army. This was the army that fought for America's freedom from Britain. He served in the famous "Maryland Line" of soldiers. Later, in the War of 1812, he led a group of Maryland's citizen soldiers, called the Maryland state militia.
General Stricker is best known for his role in the Battle of North Point. This battle happened on September 12, 1814. It was part of the larger Battle of Baltimore, which also included the British attack on Fort McHenry. The Battle of North Point was a key moment in the War of 1812. It helped lead to the Treaty of Ghent, which finally ended the war.
Early Life and Military Service
John Stricker was born on February 15, 1759, in Frederick, Maryland. His father, Colonel George Stricker, was also a soldier in the American Revolutionary War. John started his military career as a young trainee, called a cadet, serving under his father. He was part of the 1st Maryland Regiment.
He fought in several important battles during the Revolutionary War:
- The Battle of Princeton in New Jersey (January 3, 1777).
- The Battle of Brandywine in Pennsylvania (September 11, 1777).
- The Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey (June 28, 1778). This was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War in the northern states.
After the war, Stricker became a successful banker in Baltimore. He also continued his military service by joining the state militia.
The Battle of North Point
On September 12, 1814, about 9,000 British soldiers landed at North Point in Baltimore County. Their goal was to march to and capture the city of Baltimore.
General Stricker was in charge of the Third Brigade of the Maryland state militia. These were citizen soldiers from Baltimore. His job was to slow down the British army. This would give the American forces more time to build strong defenses around Baltimore. These defenses were on hills like Loudenschlager's Hill and Potter's Hill (now part of Patterson Park).
The 5th Maryland Regiment, made up mostly of Baltimore soldiers, bravely faced the British. They had fought before in the Battle of Bladensburg. At North Point, they stood strong for two hours, even under heavy fire from British rockets and cannons. They were eventually ordered to fall back to the prepared trenches outside Baltimore.
The British soldiers, many of whom were experienced from the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, were surprised by how well the Maryland militia fought. They had expected an easy victory, like at Bladensburg. The British lost about 300 soldiers. Their commanding general, Robert Ross, was also shot by American sharpshooters and died. Colonel Arthur Brooke then took command.
The American militia slowly retreated in good order to the strong defenses on Hampstead Hill. The successful defense of Baltimore greatly boosted American spirits. It also helped American diplomats negotiate a better peace treaty with Britain. This treaty, the Treaty of Ghent, was signed in the neutral city of Ghent (now in Belgium).
Today, the 175th Infantry of the Maryland Army National Guard continues the traditions of the old Fifth Maryland Regiment, which is still known as "The Dandy Fifth."
Family Life and Burial
John Stricker married Martha Bedford in 1783. They had six daughters and one son:
- Mary (1784–1851)
- Catherine (1786–1860)
- Ann Eliza (1789–1843)
- Julianna (1797-?)
- Charlotte (1798–1826)
- Laura (1805–1877)
- John (1800–1837)
General Stricker is buried at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in downtown Baltimore. This cemetery was once called the Western Burying Grounds of the First Presbyterian Church.
