Joseph Warren

Dr. Joseph Warren (June 11, 1741–June 17, 1775) was an American doctor and soldier, remembered for playing a leading role in American Patriot organizations in Boston and for his death as a volunteer private soldier while also serving as chief executive of the revolutionary Massachusetts government.

Related Topics:
June 11 - 1741 - June 17 - 1775 - American - American Patriot - Boston - Private soldier - Massachusetts

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Warren was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. After attending the Roxbury Latin School, he studied medicine at Harvard University, graduating in 1759. He married Elizabeth Hooten, but she died in 1772, leaving him with four children.

Related Topics:
Roxbury, Massachusetts - Roxbury Latin School - Harvard University - 1772

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While practicing medicine and surgery in Boston, he joined the Freemasons and eventually was appointed as a Grand Master. He became involved in politics, associating with John Hancock, Samuel Adams and other radical leaders. He became active in the Sons of Liberty, and was appointed Chairman of the Massachusetts Committee of Correspondence. He drafted the Suffolk Resolves, which were endorsed by the Continental Congress, to advocate resistance to the British. He was appointed President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, the highest position in the revolutionary government.

Related Topics:
Boston - Freemasons - John Hancock - Samuel Adams - Sons of Liberty - Committee of Correspondence - Suffolk Resolves - Continental Congress

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After receiving intelligence about British troop movements, he sent William Dawes and Paul Revere on their famous "Midnight Rides" on April 18, 1775 to warn Lexington and Concord of British raids. Several historians believe that his source for this information was Margaret Gage, the wife of General Thomas Gage. During the Battle of Lexington and Concord the following day, he coordinated and led militia into the fight alongside William Heath as the British Army returned to Boston. He played an important role in recruiting and organizing soldiers during the Siege of Boston.

Related Topics:
William Dawes - Paul Revere - April 18 - 1775 - Thomas Gage - Battle of Lexington and Concord - William Heath - Siege of Boston

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He was appointed a Major General by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress on June 14, 1775. His commission had not yet taken effect three days later when the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought. He served as a volunteer private against the wishes of General Israel Putnam and Colonel William Prescott who requested that he serve as their commander. He fought in the front lines and was killed.

Related Topics:
Major General - Battle of Bunker Hill - Private - Israel Putnam - William Prescott

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British Captain Walter Laurie, who had been defeated at Old North Bridge, later said he "stuffed the scoundrel with another rebel into one hole, and there he and his seditious principles may remain." His body was exhumed ten months after his death by his brothers and Paul Revere, who identified the remains by the artificial teeth he had placed in the jaw. This may be the first recorded instance of post-mortem identification by forensic odontology. His body was placed in Granary Burying Ground and later in St. Paul's Cathedral before finally being moved to his family's vault in Forest Hills Cemetery.

Related Topics:
Old North Bridge - Forensic odontology - Granary Burying Ground - St. Paul's Cathedral - Forest Hills Cemetery

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At the time of his death, his children--Joseph Warren, H. C. Warren, Richard Warren, Elizabeth Warren, Mary Warren--were staying with Abigail Adams at the John Quincy Adams birthplace in Quincy, Massachusetts. A cairn now marks the spot where his oldest daughter observed the battle from afar after word of her father's death. His children were then financially supported by Benedict Arnold who later succeeded in obtaining support for them from the Continental Congress until they were of age. General Gage is thought to have called Warren's death of equal value to the death of 500 men, but his death strengthened the radicals' political position because it was viewed by many Americans at the time as an act of nationalist martyrdom. Fourteen states have a Warren County named after him.

Related Topics:
Abigail Adams - John Quincy Adams birthplace - Quincy, Massachusetts - Cairn - Benedict Arnold - Nationalist - Martyrdom - Warren County

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