Tavern Talks: Patriot Colonel Isaac Wyman

Patriot Colonel Isaac Wyman- The War Years 1775 to 1783

Isaac Wyman fought in the French and Indian Wars as a British soldier, stationed at wooden Fort Massachusetts in present day North Adams Massachusetts. He and his family moved to Keene in 1762 where he was a member of the Keene militia.

In April of 1775 he was asked to lead other local volunteers to support the patriots of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. In saying yes, he committed himself to 6 months of service which include the Battle of Bunker Hill. Asked again in 1776 to lead a regiment of militia men, he answered in the affirmative. Brought up on charges at Mount Independence in 1776 he faced a court martial and served another 6 months in service before he retired from the military and came home to Keene.

Isaac remained active in town affairs as the war eventually was won by the Patriots. Would you have said “Yes” and how did his service affect his family and his life? Come find a seat in his 1762 Tavern and learn more about this elder patriot.

HSCC Interpreter and volunteer Becky Barton has lived in Cheshire County since 2005 when she earned her M.A. in Public History at SUNY Albany. She joined HSCC in 2013 and has been researching early Keene history and Isaac Wyman specifically. Her book on Wyman and his family will be published later this summer.

This program is generously sponsored by The Putnam Foundation and Fenton Family Dealerships.

• Limited to 12 people per tour
• Meeting point: Wyman Tavern, 339 Main Street, Keene NH
• Parking is free and located near the Bruder House in the spaces marked for Museum Parking
• Please bring your ticket (printed or on smartphone) to show the guide
• Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

For private or group tour inquiries, please contact: Attn: Michelle Walker, Director Of Education Email: [email protected]

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Host or Publisher Historical Society of Cheshire County