Need to find a certain Samurai

Hi Group. I'm new here, just for the purpose of some light research.

Could anyone help me find a Samurai by the following description:

- Lived before 1750
- Was the major hero / contributor to the DEFENSE of a particular
village / household etc.
- Basically, if he disappeared just before a certain time, a lot of
people would be in trouble without him.

If you are aware of this certain Samurai who saved the village /
household, and feel like educating me, any information you wish to
provide would be very helpful. Terminology, names, place, times, etc.
would all be helpful as well. However, I realize that I am asking for
one of probably a thousand needles in a haystack, so if you just
provide a Samurai's name, that would be a huge help all by itself.

Thank you very much.

Mickey