Benjamin Simonds

Benjamin Simonds (1726-1807) was a Colonel of the all-Berkshire regiment of about five hundred men known as the “Berkshire Boys” during the American Revolutionary War. His regiment notably fought in the Battle of Bennington in the summer of 1777. He married Mary Davis, and together they had ten children (seven daughters and three sons). Simonds died in 1807 and was buried in what is now known as West Cemetery.

Early life

Benjamin Simonds was born on February 13, 1726 in Ware, Massachusetts. Little is known about his early years. However, at twenty years of age in June 1746, Simonds was likely transferred from the headquarters of Ephraim Williams at Fort Shirley to Fort Massachusetts. The French attacked on August 19 and the men of the fort surrendered. Simonds, among others, was injured in the attack and had to be transported in Indian canoes down the Hoosac River. On the first night, the party camped near the river at the spot where Simonds would eventually buy and build a house. The site is now known as the “River Bend Farm”.

Battle of Bennington

Benjamin Simonds is most known for his leadership in the American Revolutionary War. He led a troop of five hundred Berkshire men. In the autumn of 1776, his regiment joined Washington’s forces at White Plains. However, they fought in a losing battle. The regiment was then stationed at Fort Ticonderoga from December 16, 1776 to March 22, 1777. In April 1777, Simond’s original group was divided into the First and Second regiments, the latter of which he was Colonel. Finally, in the summer of 1777, he commanded his Berkshire regiment in the Battle of Bennington. He was a Colonel until 1780.

Later Years

Many years later, trustees requested that Simonds join the committee to build “West College”, in accordance with Colonel Ephraim Williams’ will. It was finished in 1791 and was named the “Free School”, until 1793 when Williams College officially received its charter.

Benjamin Simonds gravesite. From left to right, (small stone) Benjamin Simonds (13 year old son), Simonds first wife, Mary, mother to all of his ten children. Next is Benjamin Simonds, and far right is Ana Simonds, his second wife. Simonds inscription reads, "This monument erected in memory of Col. Benjamin Simonds, one of the first settlers in Williamstown, and a firm supporter of his country's Independence. He was born Feb. 23, 1726, and died April 11, 1807.

References

^{[1] [2]}

1. ↑ Perry, Bliss (1944). Colonel Benjamin Simonds, 1726-1807. Cambridge, Mass: Perry. 
2. ↑ "Battle of Bennington". Retrieved 25 January 2013.