Ichabod Alden

Ichabod Alden (August 11, 1739 – November 11, 1778) was an American Revolutionary War officer and commanding officer during the Cherry Valley Massacre.

Early life and family The great-grandson of the Mayflower pilgrim John Alden, Ichabod Alden was born in Duxbury, Massachusetts.

Career Appointed lieutenant colonel of the Plymouth militia regiment in 1775, Alden first saw action serving with the 25th Continental Regiment during the Siege of Boston. Following his promotion to colonel in November 1776, Alden was assigned to the 7th Massachusetts Regiment. The regiment was stationed at Cherry Valley, New York in the summer of 1778. Although commanding 200–300 men, Alden's limited military experience and lack of knowledge regarding Indigenous tactics would prove to be a great disadvantage. He and several of his officers billeted well away from the fort in the homes of some of the inhabitants. Despite receiving a warning of an impeding attack from the American allied Oneida, Alden made few preparations.