Joel Munsell

Quick Facts

Date of Death:

November 23, 1777

Joel Munsell of Windsor, Connecticut, wanted to fight for his country. In August 1777, the 23-year-old left home and joined Colonel Thaddeus Cook's militia which was being sent to upstate New York to fight against Burgoyne's invasion. He fought in both Battles of Saratoga and survived unscathed, which was not an easy thing considering Cook's militia suffered the second highest number of casualties of any American unit. He stood with his comrades while Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga that October. His two-month term of service expired, Joel was undoubtedly proud of the victory he fought for and was excited to return to Windsor.

But Joel was a casualty of the Saratoga campaign. He returned home to his parents in early November, "but in about 2 days begun to complain, and in about a week after his return was broke out with the small pox." Sadly, Joel contracted this mortal disease while "on his return through Albany" after the triumphant Saratoga victory. He died a couple weeks later on November 23.

To this day, Joel's headstone can be seen in Scantic Cemetery, East Windsor, Connecticut.