Benjamin Wilcox

Benjamin Wilcox (or Willcox, circa 1752-1830) was originally from Newport and worked in agriculture. During the 1776 New York Campaign, he served as a serjeant in John Carr’s Company of Christopher Lippitt’s Regiment. In 1777, Benjamin was the ensign (sometimes written as 2nd lieutenant) of Christopher Manchester’s Company of Archibald Crary’s Regiment. The command of this company changed hands multiple times. At the end of 1778, it was Philip Palmer’s Company, and in early 1779, it was James Parker’s. In 1778, Benjamin married Patience Horswell. Benjamin and Patience had a son named John, and seem to have had at least one daughter. In the spring and summer of 1779, Benjamin held command of his company (the regiment then being commanded by Christopher Manchester). Later in 1779, he reached the rank of lieutenant. Benjamin was a head of household in Newport as of the 1820 United States Census. At the time of his death, he was living in Bristol. He was described in newspapers as “a brave Officer of the Revolutionary War”.