Honoring a Historic Chaplain
Pastor John Rosbrough was tragically bayoneted during the retreat from the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Assanpink Creek, an event that took place 239 years ago.
In a 19th-century biography, Reverend John Clyde recounts the “life, labor, and death” of this dedicated chaplain, referring to him as a “priestly martyr of the revolution.” Clyde emphasizes that despite historical records focusing on various aspects of his life, only Rosbrough’s merits endure, stating that “nothing but his merits remained, and evil was buried with his bones.”
Clyde notes, “Saber blows were made on his devoted head, three of which penetrated the horsehair wig he was wearing.”
Rosbrough came from a Scottish family that migrated to Northern Ireland in the early 18th century. Eventually, he and his brother William settled in New Jersey. At just 19, he married a woman named Sarah, who, unfortunately, died during childbirth alongside their baby.
Years later, despite financial hardships that kept him from achieving the education usually necessary for ordination, Rosbrough pursued his theological studies at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) with assistance. He graduated in 1761.
He became an ordained minister at Greenwich Presbyterian Church in New Jersey in 1764. His profile significantly increased over the years, and he remarried, this time to Jane Ralston from the Allen Township Presbyterian Church, with whom he had five children. Their eldest son, James, would later serve as a militia captain in the War of 1812.
Long before his son took up arms, Rosbrough, who was “filled with the spirit of freedom,” chose to guide his congregation from the church into battle.
Clyde illustrates how Rosbrough motivated his congregation to respond to the Continental Army’s call for reinforcements by quoting Judges 5:23 and offering to lead them as their pastor. The congregation was eager to join, but only if he would take command. After much thought and with his wife’s blessing, he agreed.
In preparation for their journey, Rosbrough wrote his last will and testament and then marched onward, musket in hand, joining General George Washington in Philadelphia.
In a touching moment, Clyde detailed how little James rode alongside his father until Rosbrough urged him to return home and be a good boy. Tragically, they would never reunite.
Once in Philadelphia, Rosbrough took on the role of company chaplain, and Captain John Hayes assumed his command. It was noted that each regiment in the Continental Army required a chaplain, who received a salary equivalent to that of a captain.
However, Rosbrough’s time as a military chaplain was brief. Following the Battle of Trenton, shortly after Washington’s significant victory against the Hessians, Rosbrough met his end.
Clyde points out that although there are various interpretations regarding the circumstances of his death, the most credible account suggests he remained at the Battle of Assanpink Creek while Patriot forces retreated.
On January 2, 1777, while resting his horse outside a pub, Rosbrough heard cries of “The Hessians are coming!” Upon discovering his horse had been stolen, he attempted to escape on foot, but soon found himself confronted by a small contingent of Hessians led by a British officer.
Clyde narrated the unfortunate events that followed: Rosbrough surrendered as a prisoner of war, offering his gold watch and cash in a desperate attempt to secure his life for his family. Although his attempts were in vain, the Hessians proceeded with their deadly intentions. Reports indicate that as he knelt at a tree to pray for his foes, he was repeatedly bayoneted, suffering 17 thrusts, one of which broke off in his trembling body.
A stone monument at Hanover Academy in Trenton honors Rosbrough, marking him as a “Clerical Martyr of the Revolution.” It commemorates his role as Moderator of New Brunswick Presbytery in 1776 and as Chaplain for the 3rd Battalion of the Northampton County Militia, stating his tragic end on January 2, 1777, at the hands of a Hessian in Trenton.
