William Kendall, Sr., enlisted in 1777 at Winslow, ME
(then MA) for a term of three years. ( Mass
Soldiers & Sailors of the Revolution, Vol. 9, pg. 105) He served as a Private
in Capt. Josiah Jenkin’s Company, 12th Battallion of Massachusetts Bay
Forces (Continental Line) commanded by Col. Samuel Brewer. He first appears on
the company muster roll as a Private on 13 Nov 1776 located at Van Schaicke’s Island. This is a set of
islands at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson
Rivers—near Albany, NY. In Aug 1779 he is
listed on the company muster roll at West
Point, NY. Capt Jenkins being
deceased—the unit was then commanded by Major Tobias Fernald. He remained at the West Point station until he was discharged from service
on 12 Mar 1780.
He is supposed to have served in the retreat
from Ticonderoga, Battle of Hubbardton, and both
engagements with Burgoyne at Saratoga
(Sept 19 + Oct 7, 1777). I know from reading two studies of the Saratoga Campaign that the 12th
Mass was part of Brigadier General John Patterson’s Brigade—Strength: 976 Continentals; 277
Militia; Total, 1,253 (John F. Luzader, Saratoga: A Military History of
the Decisive Campaign of the American Revolution, New York: Savas
Beatie, LLC, 2008; Appendix D & E, pg. 371-375). The
Regiments included the 10th
Mass (Col. Thomas Marshall: 11th Mass (Col. Benjamin topper); 12th
Mass (Col. Samuel Brewer); and 14th Mass (Col. Gamaliel
Bradford) plus 2 Mass Militia Regiments.
From what I have read, it appears that parts
of Patterson’s Brigade were at Ticonderoga and the retreat—the Battle of Hubbardton—and both engagements at Saratoga. I think the 12th was held in
reserve on Sept 19, and was stationed very near Gen. Gates headquarters
. Parts of the Brigade
did see active combat on Oct 7, but I do not know which regiments or exactly
where. I need some help with
this—which regiments and which companies of the 12th Mass were
engaged and where?
A few days after the Saratoga
victory and surrender of Burgoyne—the 12th Massachusetts was marched south to join
General Washington. I have a Xerox copy of part of the program dedication for
the Maine Monument
at Valley Forge (l907) and it lists William
Kendall. Patterson’s 12th
Mass was at Valley Forge! I don’t know of other
service by the 12th Mass in 1778-1779-1780…but William Kendall
served to guard the Hudson and was stationed at West Point, NY (there was a huge chain
across the river there). His military service ended with his discharge on 12 Mar 1780.
He returned to Maine,
settled on the Kennebec at what is now Fairfield,
ME. Owned a saw mill and grist mill and a large farm. He became wealthy and
served as a Brigadier General in the Maine State Militia in the War of 1812. 2nd
Brigade, 8th Division, in service at Wiscasset and Edgecomb from 14th to 25th September
1814. His son, Captain
William Kendall, Jr. also served in the War of 1812.
His wife Abigail Chase Kendall filed for a
pension (probably 1832 ) as William Kendall. Sr. died
9 Aug 1827 at Fairfield, ME. I do not have a copy of her pension file. Abigail lived on for
years, death came on 14 October 1855; they had a total of 11 children.
Submitted by his descendant
David
Kelly.