Genealogy Gem: Lieutenant Joseph Spaulding, my Half 3rd cousin 7 times removed

Revolutionary War militia officer.  

He was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on Breed's Hill.

Months before the outbreak of war, Spaulding lost his wife, Phoebe, to "nervous fever."  That left him as the sole provider for a young son and daughter.  Nevertheless, he answered the call to arms of April 19, 1775, and hastened with his company to Concord and Lexington.  He returned home to Pepperell to arrange care for his children and then rejoined the army at Cambridge.  He was first Lieutenant to Capt.  Asa Lawrence's Company, Under the command of Col. William Prescott, which occupied Breed's Hill on the night of June 16, 1775,  Tradition has it that in the ensuing battle on the afternoon of the 17th, Lieut, Spalding exhorted his troops as they exchanged fire with the oncoming British.  His last words were reported to be , "They fall like pigeons."  His death left his children orphans, cared for by a grateful community that honored his memory and service.