Vermont AHGP
Part of the American History and
Genealogy Project
Revolutionary Soldiers
There were three Revolutionary soldiers (book only two names
provided) who made their homes here, whose last years were made
comfortable from the pension bestowed on them by government,
which were richly deserved for the toils and sufferings of those
early days, for which they were paid in continental money which
became worthless.
Joseph Blanchard was born in Concord, N. H., where his
ancestors resided, and where, when the dark clouds of despotism
were hanging like a gathering storm over this country, the
patriotism of young Blanchard compelled him to enter the ranks
of those who went forth to protect their dearest rights from
being snatched from them. He was for years in those stirring
scenes which called for men of true worth to fight the battles
of liberty, and his mind formed in the positive school of the
times, when a Tory was the object of extreme hatred, led him to
be most decided in his likes and dislikes. He was a fast friend
or a bitter foe; a man of a large heart and a quiet disposition,
but when roused by opposition to some of his cherished views,
the spirit of early life developed itself strongly. He left a
numerous progeny, a very large proportion of whom have well
sustained the character of their progenitors in integrity and
uprightness.
David Rugg came into town when it was yet almost an
unbroken wilderness, and made a home for himself and family. He
also went forth early at his country's call, and continued
during the war of the Revolution. He was at the battle of Bunker
Hill, and among those behind the breastwork made of rail fence
and newly-mown grass. He said he was near Gen. Putnam during the
fight, who encouraged his men by some of his off-hand speeches,
and they, partaking of his spirit, fought with desperation. When
Washington took command of the forces, he was still in the
service, and when Arnold was about to betray West Point, he was
called with a few others to skirmish with the vessel which
brought Andre on his mission to purchase West Point of the
traitor Arnold, and when they were about to fire from the ship,
he, with his fellows, retreated behind a large pine tree
standing on the shore. On that cold, stormy night, when
Washington and his division were enabled to cross the Delaware
and march to Trenton, Mr. Rugg was among his soldiers who went
forth from their gloomy abodes to victory; and when the storm of
war was gathering about Yorktown, he was still in the army of
Washington, and witnessed his final departure from his disbanded
army, and returned to Massachusetts, and gave his last $70 of
the depreciated currency of the time for a mug of flip. His
pension came just in time to save him, whose early life had been
devoted to the service of his country, from a pauper's home, and
saw him standing in all the dignity of the true patriot and
conqueror.
Source: History of Washington County Vermont, Collated and Published by Abby Maria Hemenway, 1882.
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