Titus Kent facts for kids

Titus Kent was an enslaved person who lived in Suffield, Connecticut, a long time ago. He was owned by a man named Elihu Kent. Titus Kent is also known as the father of Titus Gay, who many people called "Old Ti." Titus Kent played an important role in the American Revolution, fighting for freedom alongside other soldiers.

Titus Kent: A Revolutionary War Hero

Titus Kent was a brave person who lived in colonial America. He was an enslaved person, but he still chose to fight for what he believed in. His story shows how many different people helped win America's freedom.

Life in Colonial Suffield

Titus Kent lived in Suffield, Connecticut, during a time when slavery was allowed. He was an enslaved person, meaning he was forced to work without pay and was not free. His owner was Elihu Kent. Even though he was enslaved, Titus Kent's life was connected to the history of his town and the fight for independence.

Fighting for Freedom: The American Revolution

Titus Kent joined the American Revolution to fight for the colonies' independence from England. He served in the Connecticut militia, which was a group of citizen soldiers. He fought alongside his owner, Elihu Kent, and other people from Suffield.

Titus Kent was part of the 3rd Connecticut Regiment. This regiment was led by Colonel Samuel Wyllys and served under General Samuel Holden Parsons. They spent much of their service fighting in the New York area.

At first, the American leaders did not want enslaved people to join the army. They were trying to keep the southern states happy, where slavery was very common. However, England offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for their side. To keep up, the American Congress then also offered freedom to enslaved people who joined their army. This meant many enslaved people, like Titus Kent, could fight for their own freedom and for the new country.