Background
Varnum, James Mitchell was born on December 17, 1748 in Dracut, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Major Samuel and Hannah (Mitchell) Varnum.
army officer Continental congressman
Varnum, James Mitchell was born on December 17, 1748 in Dracut, Massachusetts, United States. Son of Major Samuel and Hannah (Mitchell) Varnum.
Attended Harvard; graduate with honors Rhode Island College (now Brown U.), 1769. Read law in office of Oliver Arnold, Rhode Island.
Admitted to Rhode Island bar, 1771. Commissioned colonel Kentish Guards, 1774. Colonel 1st Regiment, Rhode Island Infantry (later 9th Continental Infantry), 1775.
Served in seige of Boston, battles of Long Island and White Plains.
Commissioned brigadier general Rhode Island Militia, 1776, also brigadier general Continental Army (confirmed by General Washington). Wintered at Valley Forge with Washington, 1777-1778.
Commander Rhode Island Department, 1779. Resigned to revive law practice, 1779.
Served as major general Rhode Island Militia, 1779-1788.
Served irregularly as member Continental Congress, 1780-1787: early member Society of Cincinnati. Director Ohio Company of Associates. Appointed United States judge for North.W. Territory, 1788-1789, assisted in drawing up territorial law.
Member Continental Congress, 1780-1787: early member
Married Martha Child, February 8, 1770, no children.