3 – He was probably gay
Ever since he served under Josef Friedrich Wilhelm, rumors swirled of Baron von Steuben’s penchant for the same sex. He was essentially run out of Germany, when a General name Anhalt prosecuted him for his homosexual relationships.
This is when he struck up a friendship with Benjamin Franklin and was able to secure a position in the Continental Army. France, who was secretly providing military aid to George Washington, figured a Prussian General would be able to get the troops into shape.
The rumors followed Baron von Steuben to America, but they were never investigated. Despite von Steuben’s eccentric style and love of cursing, the troops loved him and he was a very effective military leader.
Following the war, he adopted a few handsome young soldiers. Back then, the only legal way gay men could have a relationship in the eyes of the law was through adoption. Homosexuality was a criminal offense. William North and Benjamin Walker were two of these “sons”.
The Pennsylvania legislature made von Steuben an American citizen in March 1784. He was very active in the German Reformed Church and was even an elder within their ranks. In his home on Manhattan Island, William North had his own room set aside for him. Despite receiving a large pension of $2,500 a year (at the bequest of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin), he still remained deeply in debt throughout the later part of his life.
When he retired to his estate, he had his faithful partner John Mulligan with him. John Mulligan also acted as his secretary, and when Baron von Steuben died in 1794, Mulligan was by his side. Von Steuben is entombed in a grove in Oneida County, New York. The park where he is buried is designated as a memorial site to him.