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The subject:
Joseph Warren was the embodiment of the American colonists’ struggle to secure their rights within the British empire. In June of 1775, Warren had just turned thirty-four. He was a widowed father of four young children and an esteemed Boston physician. His political leadership in Massachusetts started in 1765. A protege of Samuel Adams, Warren’s influence began through his writings and orations as a staunch defender of the right of self-government for the American colonists. Warren took part in every major event in Massachusetts including the Liberty incident, the Boston Massacre (after which he treated the wounded), and the Tea Party. He co-authored the Solemn League and Covenant and authored the Suffolk Resolves, which was unanimously endorsed by the First Continental Congress. Warren called the militia to confront the British in Lexington and Concord then worked tirelessly to bring military and governmental order out of chaos in the weeks leading to his ultimate sacrifice on Breed’s Hill. He was the essence of Liberty.
Early scholars carefully laid the foundation in their presentation of Joseph Warren’s life by adhering to the available historical record. The realization of a ledger and letters previously unknown offered new information to contemporary biographers about two females associated with Warren. Inferences made using this documentation suggest Warren had intimate relationships with them. The first was Sally Edwards, who was pregnant and unwed. Warren put her in the care of a fellow physician, Dr. Nathaniel Ames of Dedham. The second was Mercy Scollay, nanny to Warren’s children. The inferences made by these contemporary authors failed to relate the historical circumstances surrounding these associations. The responsibility of all historians is to introduce their subject through a prescribed conduct of accountability to historical fact and circumstances. Neglect to do so in contemporary accounts of Warren have put at issue the character of this man.
Historian, author, lecturer, screenplay writer, and October’s speaker, Janet Uhlar, brought details to light that open the door to a different perspective about interpreting history.
Ms. Uhlar is the author of two books on forgotten heroes of the American Revolution: Liberty’s Martyr: The Story of Dr. Joseph Warren, and Freedom’s Cost: The Story of General Nathanael Greene. Janet served on the Board of Trustees of the Nathanael Greene Homestead, and on the advisory board of the Mulberry Grove Foundation (General Greene’s home in Savannah, GA). Her lecture on Nathanael Greene was instrumental in the Valley Forge monument project (8/7/15) by the General Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
Janet served on the jury of the James “Whitey” Bulger trial. Following said trial—with more questions than answers—she corresponded with and interviewed Bulger. In 2018 she published a roman a clef of her experience in the trial and research thereafter titled The Truth Be Damned. Janet was co-founder of The Open Doorway of Cape Cod, Inc., a nonprofit advocate group for those suffering with substance use disorder. She was also a founding member of Cape Cod and the Islands Commission on the Status of Women. She is involved in various historical preservation activities.