In 1784 he was granted land in compensation for services during the revolutionary war. The land was in New Rochelle, NY just a few miles from my current home. His cottage was built around 1800. Its original structure included only the right half of the home shown below. It was moved a few hundred feet to this location in the early 1900s.
By the time he died in 1809, his services to the country had been largely forgotten. In the meantime, he had made a few enemies. The title of this post may be one of the reasons. There were only six people at his burial. Although he specified his wish to be buried in the Quaker cemetery, the Quakers would not allow it. He was interred very close to the location of the cottage on his own property.
Paine is probably best remembered for his pamphlet, "American Crisis." It was written as the winter of 1776 approached and enlistments lapsed or soldiers deserted. General Washington’s frustration with “part time” soldiers had been acknowledged by Congress who had approved the creation of “regular” regiments by the states. New York was to have four such regiments.
In November of 1776 the names of the officers of the 4th NY regiment were submitted to Congress for approval of their commissions. The list of officers included the Captain of the 4th company of this 4th regiment, William Jackson, of Hanover. Andrew Campbell had enlisted in this company for the duration of the war.
On December 19, 1776 the words of Thomas Paine first appeared in print that encouraged many an American to enlist in these “regular” regiments. “American Crisis,” as the pamphlet was known, was undoubtedly read in the taverns of Hanover, Newburgh, and New Windsor as the Campbells listened with interest. "THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman...”
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