Ethan Allen

Early Life

Ethan Allen, a farmer, entrepreneur, land speculator, thinker, writer, patriot of the American Revolutionary War, and politician, had a significant impact on the formation of the state of Vermont. He is widely recognized for his role in capturing Fort Ticonderoga alongside Benedict Arnold.

Allen was born on January 10, 1738 in Litchfield, Connecticut. He was the first child of Joseph and Mary Baker Allen,who were descendants of English puritans.

Shortly after his birth, Allen’s family moved to the town of Cornwall at the quest of his father’s desire for freedom of religion during the Great Awakening.

As a young child, Allen excelled at quoting bible and disputing the meaning of passages.

Allen grew up in a wealthy home as his father was one of the wealthier landowners in the area by the time of his death in 1755.

Allen’s father ran a successful farm and had served as town selectman.

Education

Allen received some education from local ministers with the intention to gain admission to Yale College, but primarily educated himself by reading books.

Allen was forced to stop his education when his father died in 1755.

Career

Eventually, he relocated to the New Hampshire Grants, which is now known as Vermont. It was there that he emerged as a prominent figure and leader of the Green Mountain Boys, a militia group that resisted New York’s claims over the land.

Allen actively participated in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. However, in 1775, he was captured by the British and spent almost three years as a prisoner until his exchange in 1778.

Following his release, Allen returned to Vermont and immersed himself in the state’s politics.
Allen passionately advocated for Vermont’s independence from both New York and the United States.

He also tirelessly campaigned for its admission as the 14th state. In addition to his political endeavors, Allen displayed his literary talents by penning several books, including “A Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen’s Captivity” and “Reason: The Only Oracle of Man.”

Personal Life

Allen married Mary Brownson in 1762. She was five years his senior. They had five children but only two reached adulthood but the marriage between the two was unhappy.

After Mary’s death in 1783, Allen married his second wife, Frances “Fanny” Montresor Brush Buchanan in 1784. He had three children with her.

Tragically, Allen’s life was cut short in 1789 when he passed away in Burlington, Vermont.