The Biographical Dictionary of America/Badlam, Stephen

BADLAM, Stephen, soldier, was born at Milton, Mass., March 25, 1748; brother of Ezra Badlam, revolutionary soldier. He entered the colonial service at the outbreak of the revolution, in 1775, and was given the rank of lieutenant of artillery. He was later assigned to duty in the department of Canada, as commander of artillery, with the rank of major. He took possession of the eminence opposite Ticonderoga on learning of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and named it Mount Independence. In August, 1777, he fought under Willet at Fort Stanwix, N. Y., and in 1799 was made a brigadier-general. He was a brave soldier and a man of sterling qualities, and a friend and confidant of General Washington and Alexander Hamilton. He died at Dorchester, Mass., Aug. 25, 1815.