"The Revolution's Last Men: The Soldiers Behind the Photographs" — Signed By Author, Don N. Hagist

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Paperback (216 pages), brand new and signed by the author, Don N. Hagist. Published by Westholme Publishing in 2015.

The Stories of the Final Six Surviving Soldiers Who Fought in the American Revolution

During the Civil War—a time when the United States faced division and uncertainty—there came a poignant realization: only a few veterans of the American Revolution were still alive. These were men who had helped secure the nation’s independence decades earlier. In 1864, Reverend E. B. Hillard photographed and interviewed six of these remaining patriots, publishing their stories in a book later that year. Though the images have long fascinated generations, the accompanying biographies were flawed—shaped by fading memories and a strong patriotic narrative. As a result, the accounts ranged from historically inaccurate to highly improbable.

Now, for the first time, the military experiences of these Revolutionary War veterans have been carefully reconstructed through extensive research using primary sources. Historian Don N. Hagist's The Revolution’s Last Men: The Stories Behind the Photographs presents these findings, offering a fresh and factual look at each man’s service—from enlistment to discharge—as well as insights into their quieter lives after the war. The book includes the original 1864 interviews alongside later pension records and personal statements, allowing readers to trace the evolution and accuracy of their life stories.

To enhance the 1864 portraits, new illustrations based on current scholarship in military history and material culture depict what these men might have looked like as young soldiers. Additional photographs—taken after their recognition as the final living links to the Revolution—are also featured. While the aged images of these veterans remain powerful symbols, this book offers a deeper understanding of their service and honors them for who they truly were.

About the author

Don N. Hagist is editor of the Journal of the American Revolution and author of a number of books and articles, including Noble Volunteers: The British Soldiers Who Fought the American Revolution and British Soldiers, American War. He lives in Rhode Island.