Community Corner

A History Lesson For Groton Students (VIDEO)

Re-Enactor Kevin Johnson Brings The Battle of Groton Heights To Life

Kevin Johnson yelled out over 100 West Side Middle School students at the Groton Municipal Building Monday.

"I don't want to die a slave!" cried Johnson, a re-enactor. He was portraying Jordan Freeman, born in 1732 and killed at the Battle of Groton Heights on Sept. 6, 1781.

West Side's eighth graders learned the history lesson in social studies class, then went to the municipal building to watch Johnson talk about how it was.

Find out what's happening in Grotonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"He was a really good actor," said Ricky Caldron, 13. "He was loud when he needed to be. He wasn't afraid of screaming out."

"The way he presented it, it seems more important now," said Lyndie Bredy, 13. "It seems like he was a hero."

Find out what's happening in Grotonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Battle

Freeman was the body servant of Col. William Ledyard when the British attacked New London in 1781. The Connecticut militia rushed to Fort Griswold, where British soldiers outnumbered them 800 to 150.

Freeman and his brother, Lambert Lathom, who had a different last name because of the family he worked for, fought as the British army overpowered the men.

Lathom tried to help Ledyard and was stabbed 37 times. Freeman also tried to defend the fort, killing a British officer trying to scale a wall. Freeman was later also killed in the battle.

Freeman and Lathom are among the faces pictured in the mural that hangs in the main hall of the Groton Municipal Building.

Living Relatives

Groton City Police Officer Peter Miller attended the event as distant relative of Freeman.

He said Freeman was his grandfather's great grand uncle. Two other Groton City Police officers - Sgt. Scott Sanford and Cpl. Donald Comstock - also have relatives who fought in the Battle of Groton Heights.

Johnson urged the students to learn about their own family histories from relatives.

"If you get a chance," he said, "Go home and say, 'Grandma? Grandpa? I've got about 25 questions to ask you..."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here