Revolutionary War Patriots of Jackson County, Michigan

Though originally hailing from the East, twenty-two revolutionaries moved to Jackson County in their sunset years.

These brave men made various and sometimes surprising contributions to the war effort. Thomas Swartout served as a spy for George Washington, and Jabez Mosher Jr. drove cattle across New England to feed hungry Continental troops. Swift Woodworth got his first taste of combat at the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. Logging enough war experience for many men, John Wall fought in major battles with the militia, participated in raids as a ranger, helped capture British vessels as a sailor and was a prisoner of war.

Exploring the lives of these men before and after this pivotal conflict, local authors Linda Hass and David Van Hoof tell the surprising stories of these unsung heroes.

Linda Hass is a Jackson author who received a master’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University. She has authored three books and researched and successfully applied for four Michigan historical markers and three national designations from the National Park Service. She is an officer of the Jackson County Historical Society and was named ＂Jackson Historian＂ by the Jackson City Council in 2021.

David Van Hoof grew up in Jackson. On receiving his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Michigan and juris doctor from Detroit College of Law, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a major after twenty-two years of service. During his military career, he earned additional graduate degrees from the University of Oklahoma and Arizona State University. He is actively involved in the National Society Sons of the American Revolution.