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Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution

Chapter 37: JOSEPH FRYE.
By Mary Theresa Leiter
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About This Book

The work compiles concise biographical sketches of the senior officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, arranged with lists of major and brigadier generals and summaries of each officer's commissions, service, and notable engagements. It pairs these entries with an index of dates and a collection of portraits assembled for display, and includes a preface explaining the provenance of the engravings and the editorial methods and sources consulted. Intended as a compact reference for visitors and readers, the volume emphasizes factual data—appointments, service conclusions, and commemoration—while providing bibliographic notes and acknowledgments of contributors.

JOSEPH FRYE.

Joseph Frye, born in Andover, Massachusetts, in April, 1711, was enterprising and intelligent, and at an early age represented his town in the General Court of the county. Entering the army, he was present at the siege of Louisburg and wrote the terms of the surrender. He was a colonel when Montcalm captured Fort William Henry in 1757. Being seized and stripped by an Indian, he was led away to torture; but overpowering and killing his captor, Frye fled into the woods, succeeded in eluding the savages, and after several days reached a place of safety. In June, 1775, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts appointed Colonel Frye a major-general, and the 10th of January, 1776, Congress gave him the rank of brigadier-general in the Continental army. His age and infirmities, however, compelled him to retire soon after from active service. Removing with his family to the frontier of Maine, he founded the town of Fryeburg, and died there in 1794.