Thomas Knowlton

Thomas Knowlton
BornNovember 22, 1740
West Boxford, Province of Massachusetts Bay, British America
Died16 September 1776(1776-09-16) (aged 35)
New York City, Morningside Heights, New York, USA
Cause of deathKilled in action
Other namesFather of American Military Intelligence

Connecticut's Forgotten Hero The Gallant and Brave

Fearless Ranger
OccupationsFarmer and soldier
SpouseAnna Keyes (1762–1776)
Children9
Espionage activity
AllegianceUnited States
Service yearsFrench and Indian War (1755–1762) American Revolutionary War (1775–1776)
RankLieutenant Colonel
Signature
Thomas Knowlton
ConflictsAmerican Revolutionary War

Thomas W. Knowlton (November 22, 1740 – September 16, 1776) was an American patriot who served in the French and Indian War and was a lieutenant colonel during the American Revolution. Knowlton is considered America's first Intelligence professional, and his unit, Knowlton's Rangers, gathered intelligence during the early Revolutionary War. Knowlton was killed in action at the Battle of Harlem Heights.