Samuel McClellan

Who was Samuel McClellan?

Samuel McClellan was a Brigadier General in the American Revolutionary War. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, married Jemina Chandler on 16 November 1757 in Killingly, Connecticut, and Rachel Abbe on March 5, 1766, and is buried in Woodstock, Connecticut.

Samuel McClellan served as Ensign and Lieutenant in the French and Indian War, and was wounded in battle. Upon his return from the provincial campaign, he purchased a farm in Woodstock and settled there. He later engaged in mercantile business and established an extensive trade, importing goods and supplying neighboring merchants.

When the American Revolution put a stop to his trade, he trained and equipped the county militia. In 1773, a troop of horse was raised in Woodstock, Killingly, and Pomfret, Connecticut, of which he became commander.

In 1775, Major Samuel McClellan led 184 men at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He played a prominent role in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and after achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1776, Colonel in 1777, and Brigadier General of the 5th Brigade in 1779, his regiment of the Connecticut Militia was stationed near New Jersey.