Edward Antill (soldier)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edward Antill | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 11, 1742 Piscataway, Province of New Jersey, British America |
| Died | May 29, 1789 (aged 47) Saint-Jean, Canada |
| Branch | Continental Army |
| Service years | 1775–1783 |
| Rank | Colonel (military engineer) |
| Unit | 2nd Canadian Regiment |
| Conflicts | |
| Spouse | Charlotte Riverin (1753–1785) |
| Relations |
|
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Antill (April 11, 1742 – May 29, 1789) was an American soldier from New Jersey who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is known for his actions during the Invasion of Quebec in 1775–76.
Antill was born on April 11, 1742, in Piscataway ("Piscataqua"), Province of New Jersey.[1] He was the fourth of six children born to Edward Antill (1701–1770), a colonial plantation owner, attorney, and early politician in New Jersey, and Anne Morris (1706–1781). His maternal grandfather was Lewis Morris (1671–1746), Royal Governor of New Jersey,[2] and his paternal grandfather was Edward Antill (c. 1659–1725), an English-born merchant and attorney.
In 1762, Antill graduated from King's College (now Columbia University) in New York City.[2]
On May 4, 1767, Antill married Charlotte Riverin of Quebec City. They had six children. Antill was a member and Past Master of St. John’s Masonic Lodge.[3] He was active in Freemasonry, having served as the first Deputy Grand Master for the District of Montreal, having been appointed to that office in 1767 by the Provincial Grand Lodge of Quebec.
Military career
Antill was an American colonist living in the city of Quebec when in 1775 he joined the 2nd Canadian Regiment (also known as Congress' Own Regiment), as an engineer. He participated in the Battle of Quebec under General Richard Montgomery, and was present when Montgomery died from wounds received in the battle on December 31, 1775.[2]
After the failed attack on Quebec, Antill was sent to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.[2]
In August 1777, Antill was taken prisoner at the second Battle of Staten Island, so he was not with his regiment at the Battle of Brandywine. He remained on a prison ship on the Hudson River for three years.
Upon his release, he followed and rejoined the 2nd Canadian Regiment at Yorktown.[2]
