Timothy Bigelow (soldier)

Timothy Bigelow (April 27, 1739 – March 31, 1790) was an American lawyer and soldier who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Bigelow was a blacksmith before becoming a lawyer. He was a prominent figure in Worcester and a strong advocate for American independence.

Bigelow played a key role in the lead-up to the Revolution. He served as a delegate to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and actively recruited soldiers for the colonial militia. He is particularly remembered for leading a group of men in preventing a British supply train from reaching Boston in 1774.

Upon the outbreak of hostilities, Bigelow was commissioned as a major in the Massachusetts militia. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a colonel and commanding the 15th Massachusetts Regiment. He participated in several major battles, including the Siege of Boston, the Battle of Saratoga, and the Battle of Monmouth. He was known for his courage and leadership under fire.

Bigelow endured considerable hardship during the war. He was captured by the British in 1779 and spent several months as a prisoner of war. He was eventually exchanged and returned to service.

Following the war, Bigelow returned to Worcester and resumed his law practice. He remained active in public life, serving as a selectman and a member of the Massachusetts General Court. He struggled financially due to the economic downturn after the war and the depreciation of Continental currency.

Bigelow died in 1790 at the age of 50. He is remembered as a dedicated patriot and a brave soldier who played a significant role in the American Revolution. He is buried in the Old Common Cemetery in Worcester. His contributions are commemorated by a statue in Worcester's Elm Park.