John Sidebottom The Forgotten Soldier
Honoring a Hero: John Sidebottom and the Battle of Trenton
For the past 20 years, I have dedicated myself to uncovering the remarkable story of my 5th great grandfather, John Sidebottom. His bravery and quick thinking during the Battle of Trenton played a crucial role in saving the life of James Monroe, who would later become the fifth President of the United States.
The Battle of Trenton On the morning of December 26, 1776, General George Washington led the Continental Army in a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. This pivotal battle was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, boosting the morale of the Continental Army and the American cause.
Amidst the chaos of battle, my grandfather, John Sidebottom, demonstrated extraordinary courage. As an eighteen-year-old Lieutenant, James Monroe was severely wounded. John, a mulatto and free Black man, along with another comrade, carried the injured Monroe to safety, ensuring he received the medical attention that ultimately saved his life.
My journey to uncover John Sidebottom’s story has been long and filled with countless hours of research. Through historical documents, family records, and personal accounts, I have pieced together the narrative of a man whose actions had a lasting impact on American history.
Life After the War After the war, John Sidebottom returned to civilian life with the same resilience and dedication he showed on the battlefield. He became a respected member of his community, working as a blacksmith and later as a farmer. John was known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to helping others.
John married Mary, a woman of remarkable strength and kindness. Together, they raised five children: Samuel, Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah, and William. John and Mary instilled in their children the values of courage, integrity, and perseverance. The Sidebottom family was known for their close-knit bonds and their active involvement in the community.
John’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He was actively involved in local affairs and was a vocal advocate for the rights of freedmen, using his own experiences to inspire and support others in their pursuit of equality and justice.
Post-War Achievements John’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He was actively involved in local affairs and was a vocal advocate for the rights of freedmen, using his own experiences to inspire and support others in their pursuit of equality and justice. John played a significant role in establishing a local school for Black children, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities for a better future. He also helped found a community cooperative that provided resources and support for newly freed individuals, aiding their transition to independent lives.
John’s leadership and dedication to his community earned him widespread respect and admiration. His efforts not only improved the lives of those around him but also left a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress.
Announcing a New Video and Accessible Information I am thrilled to announce that I am creating a video to share John Sidebottom’s story with a wider audience. This video will delve into his life, his heroic actions during the Battle of Trenton, and his legacy. Additionally, I will be making all the information I have gathered readily available for those interested in learning more about this unsung hero.
Stay tuned for the release of the video and more updates on John Sidebottom’s incredible story. Together, we can honor his memory and ensure that his contributions to our nation’s history are never forgotten.
The Battle of Trenton On the morning of December 26, 1776, General George Washington led the Continental Army in a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. This pivotal battle was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, boosting the morale of the Continental Army and the American cause.
Amidst the chaos of battle, my grandfather, John Sidebottom, demonstrated extraordinary courage. As an eighteen-year-old Lieutenant, James Monroe was severely wounded. John, a mulatto and free Black man, along with another comrade, carried the injured Monroe to safety, ensuring he received the medical attention that ultimately saved his life.
My journey to uncover John Sidebottom’s story has been long and filled with countless hours of research. Through historical documents, family records, and personal accounts, I have pieced together the narrative of a man whose actions had a lasting impact on American history.
Life After the War After the war, John Sidebottom returned to civilian life with the same resilience and dedication he showed on the battlefield. He became a respected member of his community, working as a blacksmith and later as a farmer. John was known for his strong work ethic and his commitment to helping others.
John married Mary, a woman of remarkable strength and kindness. Together, they raised five children: Samuel, Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah, and William. John and Mary instilled in their children the values of courage, integrity, and perseverance. The Sidebottom family was known for their close-knit bonds and their active involvement in the community.
John’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He was actively involved in local affairs and was a vocal advocate for the rights of freedmen, using his own experiences to inspire and support others in their pursuit of equality and justice.
Post-War Achievements John’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He was actively involved in local affairs and was a vocal advocate for the rights of freedmen, using his own experiences to inspire and support others in their pursuit of equality and justice. John played a significant role in establishing a local school for Black children, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities for a better future. He also helped found a community cooperative that provided resources and support for newly freed individuals, aiding their transition to independent lives.
John’s leadership and dedication to his community earned him widespread respect and admiration. His efforts not only improved the lives of those around him but also left a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress.
Announcing a New Video and Accessible Information I am thrilled to announce that I am creating a video to share John Sidebottom’s story with a wider audience. This video will delve into his life, his heroic actions during the Battle of Trenton, and his legacy. Additionally, I will be making all the information I have gathered readily available for those interested in learning more about this unsung hero.
Stay tuned for the release of the video and more updates on John Sidebottom’s incredible story. Together, we can honor his memory and ensure that his contributions to our nation’s history are never forgotten.
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