Simeon Hix's Musket

              Individual historic artefacts provide a unique window into bygone times. Each item tells a tale that provides insights into the people and events of that era and, if the stars align, can sometimes magically tie directly to the present.  Such is the case with Simeon Hix’s musket from the American War of Independence (AWI).

Courtesy of Brigadier General Richard J. Valente (retired), photo © Fort Ticonderoga Museum

              Simeon Hix (1755-1855) was a Massachusetts farmer who served as a Minute Man in his local Massachusetts militia during the AWI. He also served in a New Hampshire battalion and briefly with a Vermont company.  It’s easy to forget how intermittent the militia’s service was in the AWI.  Hix’s service is reflective of the episodic nature of militia service.  He would volunteer for active-duty then be discharged only to be called up again months later.  Of note was Hix’s participation at the Battle of Bennington, Vermont in 1777 where Hix, in the thick of combat, captured a Hessian Major and nine Hessian Privates. He also served at the 1775 siege of Boston, in1776 in Rhode Island to repel British hit and run attacks, and in action to support Fort Ticonderoga in 1777. It’s difficult for 21st century Americans to comprehend AWI militia duty that literally alternated between active-duty combat tours and farming. 

Hix’s musket was acquired in an Albany, New York antique store for $50 by newly minted US Army Lieutenant Richard Valente in 1961. Valente was curious to learn about the provenance of his newly acquired musket, however, the only available clues were the initials carved into the musket’s wood stock; S Hix 1774 and the stamped numbers NH 3B 426 on the breech. With those clues, Lt. Valente started his multi-decade research that ultimately led to a rich understanding of Simeon Hix’s patriotic military service and to Hix’s living descendants. 

Simeon’s name and date carved in the right hand side of the butt of the musket                                                                              

New Hampshire markings on the left side of breech reading - “NH3B No426” 

Images courtesy of Brigadier General Richard J. Valente (retired), photo © Fort Ticonderoga Museum

One unexpected pleasure that came out of Valente’s musket research was tracking down and connecting with Hix’s living relatives. Over the centuries the Hix family and their illustrious ancestor’s musket were separated so it was serendipitous that Valente’s determined research reunited them.  Many Hix family members have now had photos taken with the musket and shared family lore with Valente. 

Hix moved from Massachusetts to New Hampshire and ultimately settled in Vermont. At the age of 77 he was finally awarded his AWI military pension. He passed in 1855 and is buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery overlooking the Green Mountains of Vermont.

  Hix lived into the age of daguerreotype photography

Richard Valente retired in 1995 as a Brigadier General from the US Army.  General Valente wrote a book on Hix and the musket titled Simeon Hix: Revolutionary War Soldier, Patriot, and American Hero.  Hix’s musket is currently on loan to the Fort Ticonderoga Museum in New York. 

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I’ve had the privilege to serve with General Valente as Trustees of the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection at Brown University since the 1990s.