Sir Francis Clerke, 7th Baronet

Sir Francis Carr Clerke, 7th Baronet (1748 – 15 October 1778) was the 7th baronet of the Clerke baronets, of Hitcham and was killed at the Battles of Saratoga.

Sir Francis Clerke, 7th Baronet
Born24 October 1748
St. George Hanover Square, London
Died15 October 1778 (aged 29)
Saratoga, New York

Education

Clerke of North Weston, Thame was educated at John Roysse's Free School in Abingdon, (now Abingdon School).[1]

Career

After studying at the Inner Temple he joined the military and as Lieutenant in the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards and was Aide-de-camp for General John Burgoyne.[1]

Peerage

He succeeded to the title on 12 February 1769.[2]

Death

He was killed on the 15 October 1778 (aged 29) at the second battle of Saratoga.[1] He is reputed to have been shot by Timothy Murphy, a rifleman in Daniel Morgan's newly formed Morgan's Riflemen. Benedict Arnold rode up to General Morgan and ordered Morgan to fire upon General Fraser, Murphy scaled a nearby tree and fired four times. The first shot was a close miss, the second grazed the General's horse, and with the third, Fraser tumbled from his horse, shot through the stomach. As Sir Francis Clerke galloped onto the field with a message. Murphy's fourth shot killed him instantly.[3]


Baronetage of England
Preceded by
Sir Francis Clerke, 6th Baronet		 Baronet
(of Hitcham)
1769–1778		 Succeeded by
Sir William Clerke, 8th Baronet

See also

References
  1. Richardson, William H (1905). List of Some Distinguished Persons Educated at Abingdon School 1563-1855. Hughes Market Place (Abingdon). p. 6.
  2. "Sir Francis Carr Clerke, 7th Bt". The Peerage.
  3. "Timothy Murphy: Frontier Rifleman". New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.
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