SYLVANUS WOOD -Sylvanus Wood was one of the militia men who stood at Lexington. Like many, he wore civilian clothing to the action. He recalled Capt. John Parker saying, “Every man of you who is equipped, follow me.” Later that day, Wood became the first American to capture a British soldier. In 1776, his militia unit became the 26th Continental Regiment.

ANNA MARIA LANE -Anna Maria Lane was one of the few women known to have fought in the war. She was wounded at Germantown and received a pension from the state of Virginia. The state legislature noted that, in the garb, and with the courage of a soldier,” she had “performed extraordinary military service.”

JOHN LANE -In 1776, John Lane joined the Continental Army. His wife, Anna, followed him when he enlisted. John was wounded at White Plains and the couple fought together at Germantown. He later served in the Siege of Savannah. After the war, Lane spent his last years in Richmond, Virginia.

CATO VERNON (VARNUM) -In 1778, at the age of 16, Cato Vernon enlisted in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. He was an enslaved person owned by merchant William Vernon. Cato soon changed his last name to Varnum, the surname of his former regiment commander. He earned his freedom through enrolling in the Army. For his service of five years, he was awarded the badge of distinction for “bravery, fidelity, and good conduct.”

DANIEL NIMHAM -Daniel Nimham was the last sachem (chief) of the Wappinger People. At the age of 49 he joined the Patriots at Boston in a company that recruited other Stockbridge Indians into the Army. They served as scouts and sharpshooters. At the Battle of Kingsbridge, 16 Stockbridge Indians were killed, including Daniel and his son, Abraham.

JOHN LAURENS -Born into a wealthy Charleston, South Carolina family, Laurens served on General Washington’s staff. He sought combat and was wounded in battle. The son of a slave owner, Laurens was a leading advocate for granting freedom to enslaved men in exchange for their military service. Though rejected, the plan won him praise from Washington, Lafayette, and Hamilton.

WILLIAM SEYMOUR -William Seymour saw extensive combat in the Southern Theater. His journal describes how his regiment marched hundreds of miles across the country, even detailing how many Soldiers went barefoot. He noted they suffered, “with the greatest patience imaginable.”