This Sunday marks the 232nd anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill (you knew that already, right?), and that's as good a time as any to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of one of its heroes - John Stark - a man who shows up time and again at key moments in the American Revolution, yet is now largely a forgotten figure.
A new book by Ben Z Rose, "John Stark: Maverick General," attempts to address this oversight and largely succeeds. It is well-researched and makes a compelling case for Stark to claim his rightful place as one of the key figures in American independence.
Born in 1728, John Stark grew up in New Hampshire when much of it was still largely frontier country, survived capture by Indians as a young man and went on to serve on the British side with an outfit called Rogers Rangers, a tough special forces outfit which pioneered a guerilla-style of warfare. For a time, Stark commanded this unit and participated in the Battle of Ticonderoga.
When war broke out between the British and her colony in America, Stark, though nearly 50, signed up again, becoming a colonel in the New Hampshire militia. A savvy tactician and hardened leader, Stark's timely action helped shore up the left flank of the Patriot army during a critical moment of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Stark played a pivotal role in another key battle a year-and-a-half later when he led troops at the vanguard at the Battle of Trenton on Dec. 26, 1776. It was Washington's masterstroke, it may well have staved off disintegration of the Patriot army, and there was Stark, in the thick of it.
Appointed brigadier general in 1777, Stark was, literally, Johnny on the spot again, playing key roles in the Battle of Bennington in August of that year and a short time later at the first Battle of Saratoga. He shows up as a key figure again as head of the military tribunal that tried John Andre, the British case officer for turncoat Benedict Arnold. He continued to serve throughout the war and remained an influential figure throughout the rest of his remarkable 94-year life. In correspondence with citizens of Bennington, Stark coined the phrase "Live Free or Die," now the New Hampshire state motto.
Yet he remains a forgotten figure. Why? Though Stark's relative obscurity can't be pinned on any one thing, Rose does a good job at suggesing some possible clues. One factor may be Stark's personality. A maverick, staunchly independent figure, Stark emerges as a man who had trouble "playing the game" of politics needed for career advancement. Quite frankly, Rose's research reveals him to be a prickly figure, who resigned his position several times over slights, both real and self-perceived. That, coupled with the fact that many of his military achievements were overshadowed or simply key roles in larger successes, and you have a man who fails to get his due.
Rose's book is an interesting read for fans of American history, and a valuable contribution to a complete understanding of our region and of that time. "John Stark: Maverick General" was published in April 2007 by TreeLine Press, PO Box 79118, Waverly, Mass., 02479, ISBN: 978-0-9789123-0-7.