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Acton

(Encyclopedia)Acton, town (2020 pop. 24,021), Middlesex co., E Mass., NW of Boston; settled c.1680, inc. 1735. Among its manufactures are electrical machinery, chemicals, prefabricated houses, and preci...

Fanning, David

(Encyclopedia)Fanning, David, c.1755–1825, American Loyalist in the American Revolution, b. Amelia co., Va. He led raids on the colonials in the Carolinas and wrote (1790) an account of his adventures in The Narr...

minutemen

(Encyclopedia)minutemen, in the American Revolution, colonial militiamen or armed citizens who agreed to turn out for service at a minute's notice. The term minutemen is used especially for the men who were enrolle...

Armstrong, John, 1717?–1795, American pioneer

(Encyclopedia)Armstrong, John, 1717?–1795, American pioneer, known as the “hero of Kittanning,” b. Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. He laid out the town of Carlisle, Pa. In 1756 he led the expedition that destroyed Ki...

Laval, town, France

(Encyclopedia)Laval, town (1990 pop. 53,478), capital of Mayenne dept., NW France, in Maine. It has been noted for its linen products since the 14th cent. Among its other industrial products are textiles, shoes, fu...

War of Independence

(Encyclopedia)War of Independence: 1 In Spanish history, see Peninsular War, 1808–14. 2 In U.S. history, see American Revolution. ...

Bound Brook

(Encyclopedia)Bound Brook, borough (2020 pop. 10,030), Somerset co., N central N.J., on the Raritan River; settled 1681, inc. 1891. Largely residential, it produces c...

Syme, Sir Ronald

(Encyclopedia)Syme, Sir Ronald, 1903–89, British historian. After studying and teaching at Oxford, he served the British government in Belgrade and Ankara during World War II and taught (1942–45) at İstanbul U...

Clootz, Anacharsis

(Encyclopedia)Clootz or Cloots, Anacharsis änäkärsēsˈ klōts [key], 1755–94, French revolutionary, self-styled Orator of the Human Race. Born near Cleves and a member of the lesser German nobility, his given...

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