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The Minutemen of Lexington

In honor of the upcoming Patriots’ Day celebrations, the Lex250 Commission would like to shed light on the eight men who fought bravely for American independence and died on April 19, 1775, at the Battle of Lexington. 

Casualties of the Battle of Lexington

Ensign Robert Munroe

The highest-ranking man who died on April 19 was Ensign Robert Munroe. He was 63 years old when he was killed by enemy fire.

Robert served as an Ensign, which was the lowest rank of infantry officer at the time, on Lexington Common on April 19 and may have been in the front rank of the militia.

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Ensign Robert Munroe

Jonathan Harrington, Jr.

Jonathan Jr. and his brothers, Thomas, Moses and John rallied on April 19, 1775. Within the first few minutes of fire, Jonathan Jr. was struck by fire within sight of his home on the northern end of the Battle Green.

His home, called “The Jonathan Harrington House” still stands in Lexington on Harrington Road.

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Jonathan Harrington, Jr.

Samuel Hadley

Samuel Hadley was only 28 years old when he was killed by British forces. 

Samuel, a farmer, was married to Betty Jones in 1771 and had three children; Lucy, Betty, and Samuel. All of his children were under the age of five when he died. 

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Samuel Hadley

Jonas Parker

On the morning of April 19, 1775, after the first fire, Jonas Parker, John Munroe, and Ebenezer Munroe, Jr., fired their rifles at the regulars. 

His son Jonas, Jr., his first cousin Thaddeus Parker and his nephew Ebenezer Parker fought alongside him on the Common.

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Jonas Parker

Caleb Harrington

During the Battle of Lexington, Caleb had gone into the meetinghouse for more gunpowder with Joshua Simonds and Joseph Comee.

All three found themselves in danger of being cut off from their company by the British. Caleb Harrington and Joseph Comee decided to make a run for it toward the Monroe house.

He was only 23 years old when he was killed by British forces.

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Caleb Harrington

Isaac Muzzy

Isaac Muzzy was around 31 years old when he was killed by British forces. 

Isaac’s great-grandfather Benjamin Muzzy bought a property in 1693 and in around 1709 he built the first public house in Lexington. 

Benjamin Muzzy’s son, John, later operated the tavern, until it was run by his granddaughter Ruth and her husband John Buckman. They owned the tavern on April 19, 1775. 

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Isaac Muzzy

Asahel Porter

On the morning of April 19, Asahel Porter and another farmer, Josiah set out for Boston on horseback to sell their farm goods.

Along the way, they ran into the British army column, moving west along the same road toward Concord.

The British were wary that the men would alert the rest of Lexington that they were approaching, so the men were forced to stay with the soldiers.

Upon his release, he ran, and was shot.

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Asahel Porter

John Brown

Brown was only 24 years old when he was killed by British forces, and was among the first to fall.

John’s first cousins, James, Solomon and Francis Brown, also responded to the alarm.

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John Brown