John Lovewell
John Lovewell (October 14, 1691 – May 9, 1725) was a militia captain in the 18th century who fought during Father Rale's War (also known as Dummer's War or Lovewell's War). He lived in present-day Nashua, New Hampshire. He led three expeditions against the Abenaki Indians. Lovewell became one of the most famous rangers of the 18th century.
John Lovewell | |
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Born | October 14, 1691 Dunstable, Province of New Hampshire |
Died | May 9, 1725 (aged 33) Pequawket, Massachusetts Bay (present day Fryeburg, Maine) |
Allegiance | New England Colonies |
Service/ | New Hampshire Militia |
Rank | Captain |
Battles/wars |
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Spouse(s) | Hannah Lovewell Smith |
Children | Jonathan Lovewell; Lieut. John Lovewell; Hannah Baker; Col. Nehemiah Lovewell |
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Although the outcome was a draw, Lovewell's Fight in May 1725 marked the end of hostilities between the English and the Abenakis of Maine. This conflict was a turning point. So important was it to western Maine, New Hampshire and even Massachusetts colonists that the Fight was celebrated in song and story; more than 100 years later, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau all wrote about Lovewell's Fight.