Sir Francis Clerke, 7th Baronet
Sir Francis Clerke, 7th Baronet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 24 October 1748 St. George Hanover Square, London |
| Died | 15 October 1777 (aged 28) |
Sir Francis Carr Clerke, 7th Baronet (1748 – 15 October 1777) was the 7th baronet of the Clerke baronets, of Hitcham and was killed at the Battles of Saratoga.
Education[]
Clerke of North Weston, Thame was educated at John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon, (now Abingdon School).[1]
Career[]
After studying at the Inner Temple he joined the military and as Lieutenant in the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards and was Aide-de-camp for General John Burgoyne.[1]
Peerage[]
He succeeded to the title on 12 February 1769.[2]
Death[]
He was killed on the 15 October 1777 (aged 28) at the second battle of Saratoga.[1] He is reputed to have been shot by Timothy Murphy, a rifleman in Daniel Morgan's newly formed Morgan's Riflemen. Benedict Arnold rode up to General Morgan and ordered Morgan to fire upon General Fraser, Murphy scaled a nearby tree and fired four times. The first shot was a close miss, the second grazed the General's horse, and with the third, Fraser tumbled from his horse, shot through the stomach. As Sir Francis Clerke galloped onto the field with a message. Murphy's fourth shot killed him instantly.[3]
See also[]
References[]
- ^ a b c Richardson, William H (1905). List of Some Distinguished Persons Educated at Abingdon School 1563-1855. Hughes Market Place (Abingdon). p. 6.
- ^ "Sir Francis Carr Clerke, 7th Bt". The Peerage.
- ^ "Timothy Murphy: Frontier Rifleman". New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.
- 1748 births
- 1777 deaths
- People educated at Abingdon School
- Baronets in the Baronetage of England