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John Thomas: Physician, Soldier, and Patriot (1724 – June 2, 1776)
John Thomas was an accomplished American medical doctor and soldier from Massachusetts who rose to the rank of major general in the Continental Army. Known for his leadership during the Siege of Boston and his brief command of the Continental Army’s retreat from Canada, Thomas’s life was a blend of medical expertise and military service. His untimely death from smallpox in 1776 marked a significant loss for the Patriot cause.
1/7/20252 min read
Early Life
Born in 1724 in Marshfield, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, John Thomas exhibited an early aptitude for medicine.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Tufts in Medford, Thomas trained as a physician before establishing his own medical practice in Kingston.
He married Hannah Thomas, with whom he had three children: two sons and a daughter.
Military Service in Colonial Wars
King George’s War
Thomas’s military career began during King George’s War (1744-1748).
In 1746, he was a surgeon in a regiment bound for Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.
His interest in military affairs grew, and in 1747, he exchanged his surgeon role for a commission as a lieutenant.
French and Indian War
Thomas continued his military service during the French and Indian War (1754-1763), where he achieved the rank of colonel in the provincial militia.
His military responsibilities included serving in Nova Scotia in 1759 and participating in the capture of Montreal in 1760, where General Jeffery Amherst placed him in command of a division.
Following the war, Thomas returned to Kingston to resume his medical practice.
Revolutionary War Contributions
Siege of Boston
With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, John Thomas’s military expertise and leadership were called upon once again.
In 1775, he was appointed as a brigadier general in the Continental Army.
Serving under General George Washington, Thomas played a pivotal role in the Siege of Boston, particularly in the strategic placement of artillery on Dorchester Heights.
This maneuver forced the British to evacuate Boston in March 1776, earning Thomas widespread acclaim.
Campaign in Canada
In March 1776, Thomas was promoted to major general and assigned to lead the Continental Army’s forces in Canada.
Arriving in Quebec City in May 1776, he found the situation dire: the troops were weakened by disease, supplies were scarce, and morale was low.
Despite these challenges, Thomas worked to organize an orderly retreat following the failed invasion of Canada.
Tragically, during the retreat, he contracted smallpox, a disease that had devastated many soldiers. He died on June 2, 1776, at the age of 52.
Legacy
John Thomas’s contributions to the Patriot cause reflect a lifetime of service and dedication.
As a physician and soldier, he bridged the gap between healing and leadership, earning respect in both fields.
His strategic acumen during the Siege of Boston played a crucial role in the early successes of the Continental Army.
Although his life was cut short, his efforts laid the groundwork for future victories in the struggle for American independence.
Thomas’s family, including his wife Hannah and their children, continued to live in Massachusetts.
His legacy remains a testament to the critical roles played by leaders who balanced personal sacrifice with national service during the Revolutionary War.
John Thomas
