We know of George Washington and many other American Revolutionary heroes. Along the way, one of the most distinguished has been forgotten. His name Henry Knox. An unsung, relatively unknown American hero.
Let me introduce him to you.
Knox’s earliest days were spent as a street brawler. His constant youthful fights on the streets of Boston.
He lacked a military education. He knew where to find it, however. On the shelves of his shop, the London Book Store.
At the early age of 24, the bookseller impressed George Washington who was having difficulty taking Boston. Washington made Knox Commander in Chief of the troops in his place. Note again, Knox was a mere 24 years old. Knox was the one actually responsible for the Colonist victory at Boston. His preparation and leadership little known today. He helped win the “big one” for the American Army.
Washington was duly impressed. He chose Knox over other more experienced veterans as his chief military officer. Knox managed the logistics for Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and the siege of Yorktown that forced the British to surrender. He also served as Washington’s Secretary of War.
Further unknown items of Knox’s life include helping at the age of 9 to help support his Mother and 7 brothers and sisters when his Father abandoned the family. He was forced to do so. Quit school and took a job at a local bookstore. He loved books. Read everything, one book after another. In 1771, at an age just shy of 21 he opened his own shop and called it the London Book Store.
He watched the Boston Massacre. Was moved by it. Showed the wrongness and meanness of the British troops. Caused him to join the rebellious Sons of Liberty and a military group called the Train. He additionally found a sister unit called the Boston Grenadier Corps.
Knox had become a revolutionary.
At the age of 23, he married Lucy Flucker. Talk of in-law problem’s. Lucy’s parents were pro English and left the Boston area for England. Lucy remained and married the love of her life.
The victory at Boston required Colonial artillery. It had none. Washington told Knox “get me cannons.”
Knox did. The trip to get the cannons to Boston an onerous one. Knox a mere 25. Whatever, he accomplished it. Knox assembled 59 pieces of artillery. Total weight 120,000 pounds. Rivers and roads troublesome. Roads a mess since it was winter.
Took 52 days, but Knox did it. Gave Washington the ability to take Boston.
Henry and Lucy had 13 children. Three survived to adulthood. One grandchild of the surviving three was an Admiral on the American side in the Civil War.
Knox established a “cantonment” in New Jersey.
Stationed at West Point. Later became Commander in Chief.
He was close friends with Alexander Hamilton.
He was instrumental in the Colonial victory at Yorktown,
He succeeded Washington as Commander in Chief of the American Army following Washington’s resignation.
He became an expert in Indian affairs and was notable in his relations with them in the northeast.
Knox unfortunately died at the age of 56 after choking on a chicken bone.
An early great American. He helped make America and helped it to succeed. Unfortunate he is not better known.
Keep Mark Kelley in mind.
Enjoy your day!