History of Kittery, (York County) Maine United States of America

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Biographies:

John Frost, soldier, was born in Kittery, Maine, May 5, 1738. He was a captain in the Colonial army operating against the French in Canada in 1759, and lieutenant-colonel in the American army in the siege of Boston, 1775. He joined Washington's army at Cambridge in 1776 and was promoted colonel, accompanying the army in its ill-fated campaign, beginning with the defeat on Long Island, at Harlem Heights, White Plains and retreat through New Jersey to Philadelphia, and ending with Valley Forge. When Burgoyne invaded New York, Colonel Frost with his regiment joined the forces of General Gates and after the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga he rejoined Washington's army and was present at Monmouth and the other successful movements in New Jersey. He then served in the southern states under General Greene and participated in the campaign in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, terminating in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. On his return to his native state he was made judge of the court of sessions of York county and served as a member of the governor's council. He died at Kittery, Maine, in July, 1810.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

William Whipple, Jr., signer, was born in Kittery, Maine, Jan. 14, 1730; son of William and Mary (Cutts) Whipple and grandson of Robert and Dorcas (Hammond) Cutts. His father removed from Ipswich to Kittery, and thereafter followed the sea. William, Jr., subsequently made several voyages to the West Indies on merchant vessels, amassing some fortune. In 1759 he established a business partnership with his brother Joseph in Portsmouth, N.H. He was married to his cousin, Catherine, daughter of John and Catherine (Cutts) Moffat of Portsmouth. He was a member of the provincial congress of New Hampshire, 1775, serving on the committees of safety of Portsmouth town and province; a delegate to the Continental congress at Philadelphia, Pa., 1775-79, signing the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776, and serving on the marine and commerce committees and as superintendent of the commissary and quarter-master's departments, and was a member of the council of New Hampshire, Jan. 6, 1776. He was commissioned brigadier-general of the 1st brigade of New Hampshire troops, July 17, 1777; participated under General Gates in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga, and signed the capitulatory articles with Burgoyne. He took part in General Sullivan's expedition to Rhode Island in 1778; declined his appointment as Commissioner of the board of admiralty, 1780; was a member of the general assembly of New Hampshire, 1780-84, and resigned his military commission, June 20, 1782. He Was president of the board appointed to settle a land dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, 1782; state superintendent of finances, 1782-84; judge of the superior court, 1782-85, and justice of the peace and quorum of the state of New Hampshire from 1784 until his death, which occurred in Portsmouth, N.H., Nov. 28, 1785.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

William Pepperrell, soldier, was born in Kittery, Maine, June 27, 1696; son of Col. William and Margery (Bray) Pepperrell. His father came to America from Tavistock, Cornwall, Eng., and engaged in the fishing trade, first on the Isles of Shoals, and subsequently at Kittery, where he was married. William, their only son, studied land surveying and navigation under a tutor; and became a successful ship-builder and marine merchant in partnership with his father, as William Pepperrell & Son. He was made justice of the peace and captain of a company of cavalry in 1717, and received promotions to the ranks of major, lieutenant-colonel, and brevet colonel, having charge of the entire militia of Maine. He was a representative in the general court of Massachusetts in 1726; a member of the Governor's council, 1727-59, and secretary of the board for thirteen years. He was married, March 16, 1723, to a niece of the Rev. Samuel Moody, of New York city. He was chief justice of the court of common pleas, 1730-59. In 1744 he was commander-in-chief of New England volunteers, and marched against Louisburg, the strongest fortress in America. He was supported by a small squadron under Commodore Warren, and after a siege of forty-nine days compelled its surrender, June 17, 1745. For this service he received the thanks of the colonists, and was created a baronet of Great Britain, being the first American to receive that honor. He retired from business, having amassed a large fortune, and entertained lavishly at his house at Kittery. In 1755 he raised and equipped troops for the French and Indian war, and was commissioned major-general. He was acting governor of Massachusetts, 1756-58, and was commissioned lieutenant-general in 1759. He is the author of: Conference with the Penobscot Tribe (1753). He died in Kittery, Maine, July 6, 1759.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor