Thomas Holden (general) facts for kids

Thomas Holden (born June 7, 1741 – died February 12, 1823) was an important leader during the American Revolutionary War. He became a general in the army. After the war, he served as a judge on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Thomas Holden was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he also worked as a farmer. He joined the army in 1775 and quickly rose through the ranks. He was even elected to the Continental Congress, which was like an early American government.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Holden was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, on June 7, 1741. He was one of four children born to John and Deliverance Greene Holden. Thomas grew up working as a farmer. He married a woman named Freelove, and together they had twelve children.

Military Career

Holden began his military journey in April 1775. He was made a captain in Varnum's Regiment. This regiment was a new group of soldiers formed by the Rhode Island Assembly.

Rising Through the Ranks

By the end of 1775, Varnum's Regiment was disbanded. Holden was then suggested for a promotion to major. In October 1776, he became the quartermaster for the Rhode Island Brigade. A quartermaster is someone who makes sure the army has enough supplies.

Fighting in the Revolution

In April 1778, Holden was chosen as a captain in the Warwick Alarm Company. The next month, he became a colonel in the 1st Regiment of the Kent County Militia. As a colonel, he led his soldiers in the Newport Campaign. This was an important battle during the Revolutionary War.

General and Politician

Holden continued to advance in his military career. In June 1779, he was promoted to brigadier general in the militia. He also served on the Rhode Island Council of War in 1781. This council helped make important decisions during the war.

After the war, Holden was elected to the Continental Congress in both 1788 and 1789. This was a very important group of leaders for the new country. In 1790, he received another promotion, becoming a major general in the militia.

Legal Career and Later Life

In December 1797, Thomas Holden began a new career. He was appointed as a justice on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. This meant he served as a judge for the state's highest court. He held this important position until June 1801.

Thomas Holden passed away in Warwick on February 22, 1823. He was 82 years old. He was buried in East Natick, Rhode Island. Later, one of his family members placed a memorial stone for him in the East Greenwich cemetery.