Israel Angell was born on August 24, 1740 in Providence, Rhode Island, United States, a descendant of one of the original settlers who came to Rhode Island with Roger Williams, was born in Providence, the son of Oliver and Naomi (Smith) Angell.
He had a good education, and was particularly interested in scientific subjects.
At the beginning of the war he was a major of Rhode Island troops and served nearly to the end. He was successively promoted: major of the 11th Continental Infantry 1776, lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Rhode Island, January 1, 1777, and shortly afterward colonel.
Angell's services were at the siege of Boston, at the battles of Brandywine, Red Bank, Monmouth, and Springfield; in Valley Forge, and at various points in Rhode Island, New Jersey, and the Hudson Highlands, particularly at Peekskill and West Point. He gained distinction especially in the almost forgotten battle at Springfield, New Jersey on June 23, 1780, where he held an important command, by withstanding the British advance at the bridge. His value in this engagement was recognized in the correspondence between Washington and Greene.
Retiring from the army on January 1, 1781, Angell settled in Johnston, Rhode Island, as farmer and cooper.
He was courting a fourth lady when he died at Smithfield, R. I, in his ninety-second year.
He was a man of medium height, fair complexion, and military bearing.
He was married three times: to Martha Angell, his second cousin; Susanne Wright, or Wight; Sarah Wood. He had seventeen children.
