Gen. Jedidiah Huntington

• BIRTH 4 Aug 1743 Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, USA
• DEATH 25 Sep 1818 (aged 75) New London, New London County, Connecticut, USA
• CENOTAPH Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London, New London County, Connecticut, USA
• PLOT Section 5
• MEMORIAL ID 104188320 Pictures by Irma This monument is a cenotaph.

Biography

Jedediah Huntington (4 August 1743 – 25 September 1818 was an American general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. — Among the distinguished names of those of the Revolutionary era which shed a lustre about New London County, that of Gen. Jedediah Huntington stands pre-eminent. Born of a noble stock, he united inherited excellence | with a superior education, and was eminently qualified for the important positions, both in the field and council, to which he was subsequently elected.

He was born in Norwich, Aug. 4, 1743, where he was prepared for a collegiate course, and graduated at Harvard College with distinguished honor in the class of 1763. The high social rank of his family is indicated by the order of his name on the college catalogue, it being the second in the list of his class, above that of John Quincy. The Master's degree was also conferred on him by Yale College in 1770. After leaving college he became associated with his father in commercial pursuits, and was engaged in this business when the Revolutionary cloud began to lower, and he soon became noted as a Son of Liberty and an active captain of the militia. The bursting of the storm found him ready, and just one week from the firing of the first shot at Lexington he reported at Cambridge with a regiment under his command, and was detailed to occupy Dorchester Heights. After the evacuation of Boston by the British he marched with his army to New York, and entertained the commander-in-chief on the way at Norwich.

During the year 1776 he was at New York, Kingsbridge, Northcastle, Sidmun's Bridge, and other posts. In April of that year he assisted in repulsing the British at Danbury, Conn., assailing the enemy's rear, and effecting a junction with his fellow-towns man, Benedict Arnold. In March, 1777, Roger Sherman writes thus, " Col. Huntington was recommended by Gen. Washington as a fit person for brigadier, but then Connecticut had more than her share." May 12th of that year he was promoted to that rank, as Mr. Sherman states, " at Gen. Washington's request. "

In July he joined Gen. Putnam at Peekskill with all the Continental troops which he could collect, and in the following September was ordered to join the main ' army near Philadelphia, where he remained at head quarters, at Worcester, Whippin, Whitemarsh, Gulph Hills, etc. In November, on receiving information of the enemy's movement upon Red Bank, he was detached with his brigade, among other troops, to its relief, but Cornwallis had anticipated them. Having shared the hardships of his companions in arms at Valley Forge through the winter of 1777-78, he, together with Col. Wigglesworth, was in March appointed by the commander-in-chief " to aid Gen. McDougal in inquiring into the loss of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, in the State of New York, and into the conduct of the principal officers commanding those posts."

In May he was ordered with his brigade to the North River, and was stationed sucsessively at Camp Reading, Highlands, Neilson's Point, Springfield, Shorthills, Potowa, Peekskill, West Point, etc. In July he was a member of the court-martial which tried Gen. Charles Lee for misconduct at the battle of Monmouth, and in September he sat upon the court of inquiry to whom was referred the case of Maj. Andre. In December, 1780, his was the only Connecticut brigade that remained in the service. On the 10th of May, 1783, at a meeting of officers, he was appointed one of a committee of four to draft a plan of organization, which resulted in their reporting on the 13th the constitution of the famous "Society of Cincinnati." On the 24th of June, Washington writes that the army was " reduced to a competent garrison for West Point, Patterson, Huntington, and Greaton being the only brigadiers now left with it, besides the adjutant-general." At the close of the war he received the brevet rank of major-general. Gen. Huntington was also one of the founders of West Point Academy.

On returning from the army he resumed business in his native town, and was successively chosen sheriff of the county, State treasurer, and delegate to the State convention which adopted the constitution of the United States. In 1789 he was appointed by President Washing- ton collector of customs at New London, then the port of entry for Eastern Connecticut and Connecticut River, which office he retained under four ad ministrations, and resigned shortly before his death. At twenty-three years of age he made a public profession of religion, and was for many years an officer and pillar of the church of which he was a member. "His munificence, for its profusion, its uniformity, its long continuance, and for the discretion , by which it was directed," was pronounced " with out an example or a parallel in his native State."

Gen. Huntington was twice married. His first wife was a daughter of Governor Trumbull, and she died at Dedham, Mass., while on her way to the camp to visit her husband. Two of her brothers, one of them the distinguished painter, were associated with her husband in the war, of which her father was one of the main supports. She died leaving a son. His second wife was Ann, daughter of Thomas Moore, and sister of Bishop Moore, of Virginia. She survived her husband, and was the mother of seven children. Gen. Huntington died in New London, Sept. 25, 1818, where his remains were interred, though subsequently transferred to the family tomb at Norwich.[4]

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Jedidiah Huntington graduated at Harvard College in 1763, with distinguished honor. The social rank of his family is evinced by the order of his name on the college catalogue, it being the second on the list of his class, above that of Josiah Quincy. The Master's degree was also conferred on him by Yale College in 1770. After the close of his academic course, he engaged with his father in commercial pursuits, and, with the approach of the struggle for independence, because noted as a Son of Liberty, and an active captain of the militia. Promoted the command of a regiment, he joined the army at Cambridge, April 26, 1775, just a week after the battle of Lexington.

His regiment was part of the force detailed for occupying Dorchester heights; and, after the evacuation of Boston by the British, marched with the army to New York. He entertained the commander-in-chief, on the way, at Norwich. During the year 1776, he was at New York, Kingsbride, Northcastle, Sidmun's bridge, and other posts. In April of that year, he helped repulse the British at Danbury, Conn., assailing the enemy's rear, and effecting a junction with his fellow townsman, Arnold. In March, 1777, Roger Sherman writes the Col. Huntington was recommended by Gen Washington as a fit person for brigadier, but that Connecticut had more than her share. On May 12 of that year, he was promoted to that ranks, as Mr. Sherman states, at General Washington's request.

In July, he joined General Putnam at Peekskill, with all the Continental troops which he could collect; whence, in September, he was ordered to join the main army near Philadelphia, where he remained at headquarters, at Worcester, Whippin, White March, Gulph Hills, etc. In November , on the information of the enemy's movement upon Red Bank, he was detached with his brigade, among other troops, to its relief, but Cornwallis had anticipated them. Having shared the hardship of his companions in arms at Valley Forge, through the winter of 1777-8, he, together with Colonel Wigglesworth...

In March, appointed by the Commander in Chief, "to aid General McDougall in inquiring into the loss of forts Montgomery and Clinton, in the state of New York; and into the conduct of the principal officers commanding those posts." In May, he was ordered with his brigade to the North River, and was stationed successively, at Camp Reading, Highlands, Neilson's Point, Springfield, Shorthills, Totowa, Peekskill, West Point, etc. In July, he was a member of the court martial which tried General Charles Lee for misconduct in the battle of Monmouth; and in September he sat upon the court of inquiry to whom was referred the case of Major Andre.

In December of 1780, his was the only Connecticut Bridge that remained in the service. On the 0th of May, 1783, at a meeting of officers, he was appointed one of a committee of four to draft a plan of organization, which resulted in their reporting, on the 13th, the Constitution of the Society of the Cincinnati. ON the 24th of June, Washington writes that the army was "reduced to a competent garrison for West Point: Patterson, Huntington, and Greaton being the only brigadiers now left with it, beside the adjutant general." At the close of the was he received the brevet rank of Major general. His greatness was rather intellectual and moral than physical, as there is in existence a memorandum of the weighing of several revolutionary officers at West Point, August 19, 1788; when Gen. Washington weighed 209 pounds, Gen. Lincoln, 224, Gen. Know, 280, and Gen. Huntington, 132.

On retiring from the army re resumed business in his native town, and was successively chosen sheriff of the county, treasurer of the state, and delegate to the state convention which adopted the Constitution of the United States. In 1789, he was appointed by President Washington collector of the customs at New London, then the port of entry for eastern Connecticut and Connecticut river, which office re retained under four administrations, and resigned shortly before his death. He died in New London, Sept 25, 1818, where his remains were first interred, though subsequently transferred to the family tomb at Norwich.

At the age of twenty-three, he made a public profession of religion, and was for many hears, an officer and pillar of the church of which he was a member. "His munificence, for its profusion, its uniformity, its long continuance, and for the discretion by which it was directed," was pronounced, "without an example, or a parallel, in his native state." His 1st wife was Faith, daughter of Gov. Trumbull. She died at Dedham, Mass., in December of 1775, on her way to the camp. Two of her brothers, one of them the distinguished painter, were associated with her husband in the war, of which her father was one of the main supports. She left a son. Her burial location is unknown at this time.

His 2nd wife was Ann, daughter of Thomas Moore, who was born in New York, received his education at Westminster school, London, engaged in commercial pursuits in his native city, at the approach of the Revolution retired with his family to West Point, and, driven thence by violence, returned to the city, where he occupied a place in the custom house through the war. He died at the house of his daughter, in Norwich. Her brother was the late venerable Bishop Moore, of Virginia. He uncle Stephen was the proprietor of the spot now occupied by our national military academy, which Gen. Huntington advised should be established there. She survived her husband, and was the mother of seven children all b. in Norwich, CT with the exception of Jabez (see below)[5]

Chronology

8/4/1743 Born in Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, USA
1763 Graduated at Harvard College with distinguished honor
1766 Made a public profession of religion, and was for many hears, an officer and pillar of the church
1770 Graduated with a Masters Degree from Yale College
1771 Entered his father's shipping business and became very successful.
4/26/1775 Promoted the command of a regiment, joined the army at Cambridge, a week after Lexington.
6/17/1775 He "fought courageously during the Battle of Bunker Hill, from which he emerged a Colonel."
1776 Stationed at New York, Kingsbride, Northcastle, Sidmun's bridge, and other posts
4/1776 Repulse the British at Danbury, CT, assailing the enemy's rear...with his fellow townsman, Arnold
5/12/1776 Promoted to Brig, Gen. at General Washington's request.
7/1776 Joined General Putnam at Peekskill, with all the Continental troops which he could collect
9/1776 Join the main army at headquarters, at Philadelphia, Worcester, Whippin, White March, Gulph Hills, etc
11/1776 Detached with his brigade to relive Red Bank but Cornwallis had anticipated them.
1777-8 Shared the hardship of his companions in arms at Valley Forge, through the winter
3/1778 Appointed by the Commander in Chief, "to aid General McDougall in inquiring into the loss of forts
5/1778 Stationed with his brigade at the North River, Camp Reading, Highlands, Neilson's Point, Springfield, Shorthills, Totowa, Peekskill, West Point, etc.
7/1778 Member of the court martial which tried General Charles Lee for misconduct in the battle of Monmouth 9/1778 Sat upon the court of inquiry to whom was referred the case of Major Andre.
12/1780, his was the only Connecticut Bridge that remained in the service.
5/1783 Appointed one of a Committee of Four to draft a plan of organization, which resulted in their reporting
5/13/1783 the Constitution of the Society of the Cincinnati.
5/241783, Washington writes, the army was "reduced to a competent garrison for West Point: Patterson, Huntington, and Greaton being the only brigadiers now left
6/1778 Received the brevet rank of Major general. His greatness was more intellectual than physical
8/19/1788 Gen. Washington weighed 209 pounds, Gen. Lincoln, 224, Know, 280, and Huntington, 132.
1788/9 Chosen County Sheriff, State and Delegate to the State Convention which ratified the Constitution.
1789 Appointed by Pres. Washington collector of customs at New London, Port of Entry for 4 administrations
9/25/1818 Died at aged 75 inNew London, New London County, CT
1970 The Gen. Jedidiah Huntington House in Norwichtown, CT is listed U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Inscription
Sacred to the memory of Gen. Jedidiah Huntington for 26 years Collector of this Port, who entered into the joys of his Lord, Sept 25, 1818, age 75. This spot first received his ashes, which are now deposited in the family tomb at Norwich, to await the resurrection of the just.

Gravesite Details
Jedidiah is buried in the Old Nowichtown Cemetery, #31969184, this is a cenotaph

Parents
Gen. Jabez Huntington 1719–1786
Elizabeth Backus Huntington 1721–1745

Siblings
Gen Jedediah Huntington 1743–1818
Andrew Huntington 1745–1824

Half Siblings
Col. Joshua Huntington 1751–1821
Hannah Huntington 1753–1761
Gen. Ebenezer Huntington 1754–1834
Elizabeth Huntington Chester 1757–1834
Mary Huntington Strong 1760–1840
Zachariah Huntington 1764–1850

Children all b. in except 1st [5]
Jabez Huntington b. Sept 17, 1767
Elizabeth Huntington More, b. Jan 20, 1779, d. unmarried, March 3, 1832.
Ann Huntington Channing b. Oct 9, 1780 d. Jan 9, 1857
Faith Huntington Trumbull b. Oct 7, 1782, m. Benjamin Huntington d. April 5, 1838
Harriet Huntington Smith b. July 24, 1784 d. Sept 6, 1849
Joshua Huntington b. Jan 31, 1786
Daniel Huntington b. Oct 17, 1788 d. May 21, 1858
Thomas Huntington b. Dec 4, 1793

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jedediah_Huntington

2a. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/104188320/jedidiah_huntington

2b. https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=31969184 Find A Grave Memorial]

3. http://services.dar.org/Public/DAR_Research/search_adb/?action=full... DAR Ancestor #: A060684 A Patriot of the American Revolution for CONNECTICUT with the rank of BRIGADIER GENERAL.

4. History of New London County, Connecticut, With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men, p. 348

5. "The Huntington Family In America" by the Huntington Family Association 1915, pages 448, 449, 450

Additional Data

Born in Norwich, Connecticut, the son of Jabez Huntington (1719–1786). He graduated at Harvard in 1763, joined the American army at Cambridge, became a brigadier general in 1777, and took part in many important engagements until the close of the war, when he was brevetted major general in 1783. He was one of the organizers of the Society of the Cincinnati. He became collector of the port of New London in 1789 and held the office 26 years. In 1778 he was a member of the court-martial that tried Gen. Charles Lee and in 1780 of the one that condemned Major André.

Revolutionary War General. Graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor's degree in 1763, and received his master's degree from Yale College in 1770. Entered his father's shipping business and became very successful. His military career began upon his commission as an ensign in Connectcut's colonial militia, and he rose to the rank of colonel by the time of hostilites with Britain. During the American Revolution, he led the 20th Regiment of Connecticut Militia against the enemy at Long Island, King's Bridge, Northcastle, and Sidmun's Bridge. His forces were also present at Dorchester Heights, where the strong defenses resulted in the British Army and Royal Navy's evacuation of Boston in 1776. Commissioned a brigadier general in the Continental Army in 1777, upon the explicit wish of General George Washington. Present at the winter encampment of the American forces at Valley Forge in 1777. In 1780 he was assigned by General Washington to a board of senior officers investigating whether the captured British Major John Andre ought to be considered a prisoner-of-war or guilty of spying behind the American lines. It was upon Huntington's recommendation in 1783 that West Point, New York was chosen as the future site (1802) of the United States Military Academy. After the war Huntington served as treasurer of the State of Connecticut, and was chosen to be a delegate at Connecticut's convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States.