John Stark: Maverick General

by Ben Z. Rose

A Foreword Magazine Finalist for Best Biography “We owe a debt of gratitude to Ben Z. Rose for bringing this hero of the Revolution back to life. This is a well-researched, important story of a memorable life.” —Terry Golway, Author, Washington’s Nathanael Greene and the American Revolution Author Ben Z. Rose brings to life the legendary hero of the New England Militia during America’s War of Independence. Born in Colonial New Hampshire to Scotch Irish immigrants, John Stark survived Indian captivity, and later fought alongside the British in the French and Indian War as part of Rogers Rangers, the legendary militia company which pioneered the tactics of today’s U.S. Army Special Forces. Stark’s first-hand exposure to second class citizenship in the British army fueled his desire to enlist in the Continental army and prevent a humiliating defeat at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Later, his surprise attack against British hired mercenaries at the Battle of Bennington turned the tide in favor of the young American army. Ben Z. Rose focuses on a handful of people in John Stark's life in an effort to gain insight into his motivation and character. These include his wife, Elizabeth "Molly" Stark, who hailed from a prominent Puritan family; his oldest son, Caleb, who enlisted in the Continental Army at the age of 15; Robert Rogers, founder of the colonial ranger force that bears his name; Seth Warner, captain of the Green Mountain Boys who fought for Vermont's independence; fellow New Hampshire General John Sullivan, and General Horatio Gates, who rivaled George Washington for leadership of the Continental Army. John Stark inspired the phrase "Live Free or Die—Death is not the greatest of evils" in a letter to the citizens of Vermont. Stark's sentiment at the time was clearly intended to warn against another British invasion, which occurred a short time later when the British burned down the US Congress during the War of 1812. As we live in an age when the pendulum swings between concerns over government intrusion into our lives and the necessity to confront our overseas enemies, Stark speaks to us today with the same relevance as he did more than two-hundred years ago.

Genres: Biography, American History, History, American Revolution, American Revolutionary War

216 pages, Hardcover

First published March 17, 2007

Reviews

[Breck Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agreeable and informative, this concise account follows an oft-forgotten general of the Continental Army, though on the way biographer Ben Z. Rose perhaps takes too many liberties from a handful of secondary sources dedicated to both the French & Indian and Revolutionary War. Rose's chronicle flows with an even and well-written pace, aptly following Stark's actions, as well as making it clear that the rogue officer had his fair share of issues with the authority and entitlement mentalities of both the British army and Continental Congress. While indeed there's a compelling narrative for the better part of each chapter, Rose can be forgiven as an amateur historian for adding in the occasional Stark-family lore (which he properly cites), as well as his own conjecture intertwined with the details that come about—a quibble that is fortunately scarce throughout the book:

The version of the oration that I believe resonates most authentically is the one in which Stark playfully chides his troops in a call to action: "My men, yonder are the Hessians. They were bought for seven pounds and tenpence a man. Are you worth more? Prove it! Tonight the American flag floats from yonder hill, or Molly Stark sleeps a widow..."

While any correspondence between John Stark and his wife Molly is slim to none, Rose captures their struggles during the war effort in an admirable and illuminating manner. Similarly, he concludes by offering the slightest of hints of Stark's likely anti-federalist political leanings through letters written to Thomas Jefferson. Rose's work will help to provide students of history justification of Stark's contributions to the Continental Cause for years to come.

[noreast_bookreviewsnh · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stark : Maverick General by Ben Rose
.
.
.
Not many books have been written on General John Stark of New Hampshire as there is little information on the man other than his military service during the American Revolution. This book compiles all known information and details previously unknown on General Stark and offers a comprehensive picture of his personal life and military exploits. Starting with his birth in New Hampshire we follow John Stark through his marriage to Molly Stark and we learn of his exploits serving in the French And Indian war under command of Robert Rodgers and his famous rangers. Then to his life as a businessman in the timber industry and the building of his family farm in Manchester NH and onward to his service in the American Revolution as a colonel working his way up to Major General in the continental army; fighting in the battle of bunker hill, battle of Bennington, invasion of Canada, skirmishes throughout New England , and the battles of Trenton and Princeton. Always a soldiers soldier who spoke his mind and had to fight with political appointees to attain his well deserved rank of General against other unqualified hacks. Always a loyal son of America and New Hampshire, Stark is quoted as saying , Live Free of Die ; death is not the worst of evils” in regards to fighting for and maintaining our republic and freedoms. A great book about a little known figure from early America 🇺🇸
.
.
.
#history #johnstark #livefreeordie #revolution #newhampshire #usa #usa🇺🇸 #read #bookstagram #books #bookreview #army #ushistory #nh #newengland

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Stark is a well-known Revolutionary War hero to New Hampshire residents but much of the rest of the country may only know the adage - "Live free or die" - which they might connect to Stark. Stark was a French and Indian fighter with Rogers' Rangers (second in command), a farmer, and the militia leader who saved many of the Patriots at Bunker Hill by quick-thinking and actions. He was THE general at the Battle of Bennington where the win for the Americans set up the defeat Burgoyne experienced shortly thereafter at Saratoga.

Stark was a man who knew his worth but, like Benedict Arnold, did not play well with other leaders. Unlike Arnold, Stark waited until he was sorely needed and demanded the rank that befitted his abilities and his accomplishments.

Rose has done a fairly good job of bringing Stark to the forefront and giving him his due. I can recommend this book if you like history.

[Elting C. Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it ! I moved way up here to the Adirondack Mountains a few years back . I love the history here . I have studied all Americas wars for independence. The French and Indian war was just the beginning. Robert Rogers and John Stark were way ahead of their time . Benedict Arnold was an amazing fellow till he sold his soul . I am just about yo start a new job at Fort Ticonderoga and wanted to brush up on the fort . John Stark Maverick General filled in some of what I was lacking in knowledge. Excellent reading .all the things that led up to the revolution are happening right now in America. Will there be another war for independence?

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not without merit, but it was not really my idea of great book. It was chatty and did not contain a lot of dates or hard information. It also contained fundamental errors, notably early in the book the author referred to Drummer's War instead of Dummer's War. I would give this one a pass in favor of better researched and more in-depth material.

[Rusty Kehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Revelation

Having read much of the history of the American Revolution I never really bothered to delve into the person of John Stark. This book was quite enlightening to a shadow figure who was very much at the forefront of liberty and its protection following 1783. Thank you, Mr. Rose, for your contribution in the education of our national history.

[Rick Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Founder Who Should Not Be Forgotten

Until I found this book, I knew only that John Stark was involved in the Battle of Bunker Hill , and that he said “Live free or die”. How much I missed! Apparently from this interesting account, he was important and influential in ways that even his contemporaries did not appreciate. He seemed always find some way to help the cause of freedom and liberty, not matter how discouraging the circumstances or the people around were. We need more of his example today. Great read! Highly recommended!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this relatively brief book, John Stark was not a name I remembered hearing in association with the Revolutionary War. He is famous for the saying, "Live Free or Die - Death is not the greatest of evils.' He fought at Bunker Hill and commanded American troops in many battles.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was easy access on kindle unlimited. Worth the look. Moving on to check out another of the author's short biographies related to early American personalities: Mother of Freedom: Mumbet and the Roots of Abolition.

[TERRY L TEUFEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

having traveled to vermont i can understand how important john stark was to the american cause.
both john and his wife molly left a lasting mark because of they both had a long life for the time.

[William Seymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book you never learn these things in school and the really should spend more time teaching about people like this that do their job not to get famous but for love of country.