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John Wyllys

1754 – 1790

18th century United States Army officer

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About John Wyllys

Lived 1754 – 1790 (aged 35–36).

John Palsgrave Wyllys (1754-1790) was a United States Army officer from Connecticut. Wyllys was the son of George Wyllys and Mary Woodbridge, and the youngest brother of Samuel Wyllys. He graduated from Yale College with Nathan Hale.

Wyllys began his American Revolutionary War service during the Siege of Boston. Wyllys was captured by the British during the retreat from New York. He was released the following year, and promoted to captain in the 9th Connecticut Regiment. During the Yorktown campaign, he commanded the 3rd Connecticut Regiment under General Lafayette.

Wyllys married Jerusha Talcott. They had one child, who died an infant in 1783. Jerusha died a week later. and was in command of the combined U.S. regular and militia force in the climactic Battle of Kekionga on 22 October 1790. His plan to take the Native American town was foiled when Native American decoys drew away his militia support. After Wyllys and his 60 regulars crossed the St. Joseph River, they were ambushed in an open field. Wyllys died in battle. A non-commissioned officer of the regiment reported seeing a Native American flaunting Wyllys' large hat.

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Important facts

Birth century
Died
1790
Also known as
John Palsgrave Wyllys, John P. Wyllys

People in John Wyllys's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John Wyllys's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Wyllys?

18th century United States Army officer

When was John Wyllys born?

John Wyllys was born on 10 July 1754.

When did John Wyllys die?

John Wyllys died in 1790.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John Wyllys

· Wikidata: Q109913011

· DBpedia: John Wyllys

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Wyllys. https://biography.guide/john-wyllys/

MLA: "John Wyllys." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-wyllys/.

Chicago: "John Wyllys." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-wyllys/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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