America 250 My Massachusetts Revolutionary War Ancestor Daniel Markham Sr

 

Daniel Markham,  Sr

Daniel Markham is my maternal 7^th great grandfather.  Daniel was born in 1704 in Middletown, Connecticut to Daniel and Deborah (Meacham) Markham.  Daniel was the oldest of the children born to the couple.  Daniel would leave Middletown, then move to Stratford, Connecticut and then on to Tyringham, Massachusetts.   (See blog post The Life of Daniel Markham).  Daniel was 71 years old in 1775 and living in Tyringham, Massachusetts when the Revolutionary War officially began. 

• Tyringham was a small frontier farming town in Berkshire County during the Revolution. Settlement there was still relatively recent (mid-1700s), and many residents were first-generation landowners.

What could a 71-year-old man possibly have done in the Revolutionary War?  After searching through the traditional sites (Fold3, Ancestry, FamilySearch, etc.), exploring sites about the state in the Revolutionary War and then books detailing a town/city history can be of help. The following Document of Historical Interest was located in Tyringham: A Hinterland and Settlement:

Transcription:

WE the Subscribers, Do each of us severally for our selves, profess, testify and declare before GOD and the World, that we verily believe that the War, Resistance and Opposition in which the United American Colonies are now engaged, against the Fleets and Armies of Great-Britain, is on the Part of the said Colonies, just and necessary. And we do hereby severally promise, covenant and engage, to and with every Person of this Colony, who bears or shall subscribe this Declaration, or another of the same Tenor and Words, that we will not, during the said War, directly or indirectly, in any Way, aid, abet or assist, any of the Naval or Land Forces of the King of Great-Britain, or any employed by him; or supply them with any Kind of Provisions, Military or Naval Stores, or hold any Correspondence with, or communicate any Intelligence to any of the Officers, Soldiers or Mariners belonging to the said Army or Navy, or assist, protect or abet to assist them to take Land or Sea Service of Great-Britain, or take up Arms against either of the United Colonies, or undertake to pilot any of his Vessels belonging to the said Navy, or in any other Way aid or assist them, upon the Penalty of suffering such Punishment as shall be inflicted on us by the Laws of this Colony, now or hereafter to be provided, for the Regulation of the Militia thereof.

This was sworn to by me
(signature unclear)

Signers:

Which signature is my Daniel since two Daniel Markhams are listed?  

I will probably never know.  Research has indicated that Daniel had sons named Daniel and Benjamin who appear to have also signed this document.

What is the significance of this document to the Revolutionary War?

In the spring through the summer of 1776, towns across Massachusetts required adult men (usually 16-60 or 21-60 depending on the town) to sign a loyalty declaration supporting the American cause against Great Britain. These documents are usually called “Association Tests.”  Those who signed were generally”

• Free adult men (usually 16–60 or 21–60 depending on town)
• Heads of households
• Landholders or taxpayers

 “Association Tests” typically stated that the signer would defend the American colonies against the British fleets and armies. The purpose of this ‘oath’ was political in nature and would identify Patriots vs. Loyalists (Tories).  Returns from towns were sent to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Similar tests were used across New England. The results would help demonstrate popular support before independence was declared and organize militia and civil authority.

Daniel would live through the Revolutionary War and see victory for the colonies not passing until 1786. While the “Association Test” is evidence of political allegiance and not proof of military duty I believe it demonstrates that even at the age of 71 Daniel Markham and at least two of his sons (Daniel Jr. and Benjamin) were indeed “Patriots”! 

Note:  Daniel Markham’s daughter Lucy married Private Israel Alden.  (See post The Life of Israel Alden and America 250 My Massachusetts Revolutionary War Patriot Israel Alden)   

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

America 250 My Massachusetts Revolutionary War Ancestor Israel Alden Update

 

Israel Alden

In November 2021 I wrote a blog entitled The Military Service of Israel Alden.  Five years later I used the information I had already discovered and wanted to see if I could learn more about Israel’s military service.

Isreal Alden is my maternal 6^th great grandfather and the great great grandson of Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden.  He was born in 1748 in Tolland, Connecticut to Noah and Joanna (Vaughn) Alden.  Israel was the second of nine children born to the couple.  Israel moved his family to Tyringham, Berkshire County, Massachusetts in the late 1760s which is why he would have served in the Massachusetts Milita and not the Connecticut Militia.  Israel was 27 in 1775 as the War began.

The following newly located information confirms the information previously found in a book/online about Massachusetts Soldiers in the Revolutionary War:

Israel served in a Massachusetts militia regiment raised for the Saratoga Campaign of 1777. The regiment (often called Ashley’s Berkshire County Militia) was mobilized to reinforce the Northern Army against British General John Burgoyne. It marched north in September 1777 to join the American forces gathering under General Horatio Gates in New York. His service of roughly 30 days was a typical amount for the Saratoga militia service he was involved with. 

When I first researched Israel and his military service, I never quite understand the dates of his enlistment/discharge.  If I look at Israel’s dates of service and further research his regiment and what was happening at the time the dates begin to make a lot more sense:

Enlisted: 19 September 1777 - Israel served in Colonel John Ashley’s Regiment which joined the army on or about 19 September 1777, the same day as the First Battle of Saratoga (Freeman’s Farm).  While there is no record of specifically what Israel’s duties were they probably included helping reinforce American numbers, building fortifications and defensive works, guarding positions or supply lines, and encircling Burgoyne and his troops.  Military reinforcements like this company were critical in convincing the British they were surrounded.  On October 8^th, Burgoyne retreated to Saratoga and by October 13^th he asked for terms of surrender.

Discharged: 16 October 1777 -British General Burgoyne officially “surrendered” 17 October 1777.  As part of the “Convention of Saratoga” (formal agreement that ended the Battle of Saratoga).  Burgoyne refused to accept an unconditional surrender, which he felt would dishonor his King and country.  General Gates, eager to wrap up the campaign before British reinforcements could arrive from New York City, agreed to remarkably lenient terms which explicitly stated that the British were capitulating (cease to resist an opponent) under a "convention" rather than a formal, humiliating military surrender and that Burgoyne’s army was to be sent back to England and each soldier was required to pledge not to serve again in the war against the colonies.  

The Saratoga Campaign is widely considered the turning point of the American Revolution because Burgoyne’s surrender led directly to French alliance with the United States.  So even a short militia enlistment like Israel’s contributed to a decisive strategic victory.  Israel was a soldier that served in a very important battle of the Revolutionary War.  I would classify Israel, like his father Noah, as a "Patriot" of the American Revolution!  Isreal would live another 34 years after the end of the Revolutionary War.

Note: 14 June 1777 the Continental Congress passed the First Flag Resolution just three months before the Battle of Saratoga.  The Resolution stated that the flag of the United States would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen alternating stars.  There were no illustrations to accompany the description which led to a variety of flags being flown.  The flag that flew over the Battle of Saratoga was believed to be the Trumbull Pattern Flag:

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

America 250 My Massachusetts Revoltionary War Ancestor Rev. Noah Alden

 

Reverend Noah Alden

Noah Alden is my maternal 7^th great grandfather and the great grandson of Mayflower passengers John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden.  Noah was born in 1725 in Middleborough, Massachusetts to John and Hannah (White) Alden.  Noah was the 13^th and last child born to the couple.  Noah would also live in Stratford, Connecticut and Bellingham, Massachusetts.  He was 50 years old in 1775 and living in Bridgewater, Massachusetts as the Revolutionary War officially began.  To better understand my ancestor’s involvement in the Revolutionary War I also need to understand what was happening around him at the time:

• 19 April 1775 marked the ‘Shot heard round the world’ as the battles at Lexington and Concord happened in Massachusetts. 
• 15 June 1775 The Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army and George Washington was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the new army.  By the end of 1775 any hope for a peaceful reconciliation was gone.  Local skirmishes in Massachusetts turned into an organized, continent-wide military struggle for independence.
• 17 June 1775 was the first major battle at Bunker Hill.  The battle actually occurred at Breed’s Hill (adjacent to Bunker Hill) overlooking Boston.  The British would eventually win the battle after the colonists ran out of gun powder.  The British suffered high losses and this battle proved to the world that the raw colonial militia could stand toe-to-toe with the finest military in Europe.  The Colonists were organizing for War.  

What part did Noah play in the developments occurring around him?

Initial research yields:

From the Daughters of the American Revolution website:

This is great information and a good place to start but what else can I learn about Noah and his participation in the Revolutionary War?

First of all, I seem to have conflicting information between the Military information and the DAR website.  Hmm… Did my 7^th great grandfather at the age of 50+ serve in the Milita?  I guess it was possible but why wouldn’t it be listed in the DAR information?  After further investigation I find that Rev. Noah Alden in the military records is probably my 6^th great great Uncle Noah Alden born in 1755 who was the son of Rev. Noah Alden born in 1725.

Can I locate information that confirms what is listed on the DAR website?

Massachusetts towns elected delegates to meet at Cambridge to draft a new state constitution.  First, I find Noah’s name on a list of Delegates to Massachusetts State Convention:

That's very interesting but what can I learn about Rev. Noah’s participation in the State Convention?

On 22 March 1779 Rev. Noah Alden was elected to attend the Massachusetts state constitutional convention.  From the town records for Bridgewater, Plymouth County:

• “Voted, that Mr. Noah Alden be and hereby is chosen a Delegate to represent this Town in Convention to be held at Cambridge for the purpose of forming a Constitution or Frame of Government for this State.”

Delegates were elected by their towns and had to be a trusted and respected citizen.  The 1779-1780 Constitutional Convention was the second constitutional convention held in Massachusetts to draft a new state constitution following the state declaring its independence in 1776.   The convention’s proposal was principally drafted by John Adams (also a descendant of John & Priscilla Alden). It served as a model for the United States Constitution, which was written in 1787 and became effective in 1789.  Adams's draft proposed that the people of Massachusetts were to govern themselves through three separate and balanced branches of government; he called for a "government of laws, and not of men." 

From the History of the Town of Bellingham, Massachusetts 1719-1919 by Partridge:

• “Aug 6 1779 To Mr Noah Alden Sir you being chosen By the Inhabitants of this Town [Bellingham] to Represent them in a convention at Cambridge next September for the sole Purpose of forming a Constitution for the Massachusetts we your Constituants Claim it as Our Inherent right at all times to Instruct those that Represent us But more necessary on such an Important Object which not only So Nearly Concerns ourselves But our Posterity. we Do in the first place instruct you Previous to your Entering upon the framing of a form of Government you See that Each part of the State have Properly Deligated their Power for Such a Purpose and that a Bill of Rights Be formed where in the Natural Rites of Individuals Be Clearly ascertained that is all Such Rights as the Supream Power of the State Shall (have) no authority to Controal, to be a part of the Constitution that you use your Influence that the Legislative Power consist of a Senate and House of Representatives, the Representatives to Be Annually Chosen from the Towns as they were in the year 1776. that the Constitution be so framed that Elections be free and frequent, most likely to Prevent bribery Corruption and Influence that the Executive Power be So Lodged as to Execute the Laws with Dispatch . . . the Senators to be annually Chosen by the people That the holding the Court of probate . . . in but one town in the County as hereto fore . . . has been a grievous burden to us . . . that Each Incorporated Town may have power to hold a Court of Probate . . . and record Deeds in the same Town. We further Instruct you that when you have Drawn a form of government you cause a fair Coppy thereof to be Printed . . . that the Convention Adjourn to some futer Day and the Coppy be laid before your several Towns for their Consideration and Amendment to be returned to the Convention. That the Judicial be So established that Justice may be impartially Demonstrated without Enormous Expense that the Right of Trial by Jury be kept Sacred and Close . . . that Statutes of Old England nor any foreign Law be adopted . . . that a County Assemble be Established to Grant County Taxes in each county and settle all the county Matters.”

The convention met in September 1779.  The Bill of Rights, Article III, Religious Rights, required the most discussion, lasting about two weeks.  After a free general debate Rev. Noah Alden, a humble Baptist elder, was chosen as the chairman of this special committee of seven.  The discussions and debates of the draft of Article III was adopted at the convention without much change and remained in force until 1833.

16 June 1780 Massachusetts approved the state constitution.  The Constitution of the United States was adopted in Massachusetts in 1788 by one hundred and eight-seven Yeas and one hundred and sixty-eight Nays.  There were over twenty Baptists in the convention of which two-thirds voted against the constitution, as forming too strong a government.  Rev. Noah Alden was one of them.  I wonder if his religious beliefs were the main reason for his decision or if the journey and struggles of his great grandparents John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden to America also played a part in his decision?

Massachusetts not only refined the American system of constitution-making, but produced the longest and most detailed constitution of the Revolutionary era.

Noah Alden did not have military service but did have civil/political service and was definitely part of the Revolutionary era to create independent state governments.  This service indicated civic leadership status, community prominence and direct involvement in government formation. I would classify Noah as a “Patriot” of the American Revolution!  Noah would live another 14 years after the end of the Revolutionary War.

Note: I find it interesting that Noah Alden and John Adams served together at the convention.  John Adams was the principle writer of the State Constitution.  Did they know of their family connection?  I wonder how their involvement in the fight for independence and the decisions they made were influenced/shaped by their Mayflower ancestors John and Priscilla (Mullins) Alden who arrived on the shoreline of Massachusetts 155 years earlier?

Now I also have information about Noah Alden Jr. born 1755 in order to document his service in the Revolutionary War for a future story.  I wonder how many of Noah’s four sons actually served?  I know of at least two of them serving in the Milita-Noah Jr and Israel.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

America 250 My Revolutionary War Ancestors

 

This is the 250^th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.  The Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed unanimously by the Second Continental Congress of July 4^th, 1776.  When Americans today call themselves ‘Patriots’ they are evoking a sentiment that is 250 years old.  According to the dictionary a ‘patriot’ is someone who loves and supports their county.  250 years ago, Patriots in the thirteen colonies were also known as Revolutionaries, Continentals, Rebels or Whigs. The colonial population was basically divided into three groups: patriots, who supported the end of British rule; loyalists, who supported Britain’s continued control over the colonies; and those who remained neutral.

As America’s 250^th birthday is approaching it seemed appropriate to focus on my Revolutionary ancestors with some very in-depth research.  Previously, 8-10 ancestors had been located who had some mention of them being involved in the Revolutionary War.  My hunger for additional information was increasing with a desire to learn more about their service; when and where they served, what battles were they in and how actually did they serve?  Was the information previously located correct and was there more to their stories?  As frequently happens when we start researching our ancestors, along the way as we locate names and dates, we also learn a great deal about history in general.  This journey was no exception.  My journey continued with locating records I previously hadn’t researched or even realized existed, several meetings with local historians and ended with even more appreciation at what my ancestors endured during this period.

What did it mean to be a ‘Patriot’ in the American Revolution?  I set out to determine, as much as possible, which of my ancestors were involved in the fight for independence during the Revolutionary War.  At fi looking for the service records of those ancestors that were in the Military, I quickly learned the difference between the Militia (short term service) and the Continental Army (longer service with benefits).  I also discovered some ancestors were representatives at local and state meetings or were involved in signing oaths of allegiance based on their beliefs or what was required by the current government.  Weren’t these ancestors also serving in the War?  Not in the same capacity as a soldier but they were still participants in what was happening. My search widened to include any ancestor that participated in the War for Independence.  All of their service was important in telling their story and the country’s story.  There was also the realization that some historical information was state specific and also important in saying that person’s story. This research was going to be more extensive than I originally thought.  This research was going to be more extensive than I orginally thought.

Researching: When researching I always strive to find the original sources/documents and not just info someone has compiled in a book, blog, etc.

Caution: Father and sons with the same names served.  This can be very confusing when you have a father and son of the same name.  Sometimes further information is needed to try and determine who’s service you are looking at.  And…sometimes, you just can’t be sure which person was named.

Surnames were not always spelled the same across documents.  Sometimes there are several men with the same name. 

Where to research?  Checking out records on Ancestry, FamilySearch, Fold3 are always good places to begin.  I knew I would also need to look at state archives, books published about the War, newspapers, local historians, etc.

Organizing information: The information gathering process needs to fit your purpose and your style of researching.  I gather information differently based on the project I am working on.  How information is gathered and reviewed is different for each of us.  For this project I decided to just begin to research and find as much information as I could before I ever began to write my ancestor’s stories.  Compiling information found into a word document in a folder for each ancestor surname I came across seemed to work best for me.

Then I discovered I needed a way to be able to look at all of my ancestor’s basic information at once as I was adding information to save time searching when I thought I found some common names of Commanding Officers or Regiments so I started a spreadsheet arranged by State, then alphabetical by Surname and different lines for each enlistment.

Now, I believe, I’m ready to tell their stories…

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share, I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

Military Service of Israel Alden

 

American Musket from the Revolutionary War

In the Spring when I was researching the life of Israel Alden (my maternal 6th great grandfather) I learned he also served in the Revolutionary War.  Israel Alden is the great-great grandson of John & Priscilla Alden of the Mayflower.   (See post The Life of Israel Alden)  This led me to wonder what I could find out about his Revolutionary War service?

From the Massachusetts, U.S. , Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War page 108:

From these records of Israel's service I know that he was a Private and served from 19 September 1777 until 16 October 1777.  Israel served for a total of 28 days.   What happened during this time period of the War?  What was Stillwater?  Hmm, he served for only a month.  

First, I looked for information on Paterson's brigade:

• Patterson’s Brigade was organized in Cambridge, Massachusetts in April 1775.  The Regiment became part of the Continental Army in June 1775 then after several changes was also designated as the 15^th Continental Regiment and the 1^st Massachusetts Regiment in 1777.

Next, I wanted to learn about "Stillwater" and the War:

• “Stillwater” is a village southwest of Saratoga and part of the Battle of Saratoga occurred here.  So, Israel was a soldier at the Battle of Saratoga.

Being a little rusty on my Revolutionary War battles I needed to learn more about the Battle of Saratoga:

• The Campaign of Saratoga (14 June – 17 October 1777) was an attempt by the British to gain military control of the strategically important Hudson River valley.  The campaign ended with the surrender of the British army and was an enormous morale boost for the Colony and convinced France to enter the war in alliance with America.  WOW, Israel was part of a very important battle during the Revolutionary War.  Now I want to visit the battlefield to experience and learn more about the battle.

This Summer I had the opportunity to visit the battlefield which is now maintained as part of the Saratoga National Historical Park:

Listening to the Ranger talks and reviewing the displays I was surprised to learn how much of the land had been cleared of trees by the early settlers. It was also interesting to find out that frequently men served for short periods such as Israel did because they had farms to get back to, etc.  These soldiers brought whatever weapons they owned and used them in battle.  I also learned that there is Battle Historian for the Saratoga Battle.  I contacted him to ask questions about the battle and to see if there is any additional information about Israel.  As of this time, I have not received a reply.

Did Israel receive a pension for his service?  I’ve heard that some soldiers received land grants as payment.  Could that have been why Israel decided to move to Windsor, NY as other soldiers did?

• In the book Binghampton It’s Settlement, Growth and Development Lawyer states, ”Under a law of congress passed March 18, 1818, pensions were provided to be paid to those soldiers of the Revolution who had served in the regular or United States army, and they alone were entitled to its benefits, to the exclusion of the militia or state troops, whose service in many cases was fully as meritorious and hazardous as that of their more favored fellows.  The injustice or at least the discriminating provisions of the act were so manifest that the whole body of troops, both regulars and militiamen, were loud in their denunciation of them, yet more than twelve years passed before congress remedied the wrong.” 

Since Israel served for such a short time and after searching and searching for records, I was unable to find a record for a pension or a land grant.

What an interesting journey this was!  I was able to learn more about an important battle in our Country's history and learn that my ancestor was a farmer who became part of this important battle.  I was able to stand and view the areas Israel may have looked over and fought on.  Being able to actually "be" where your ancestor was 244 years ago is just amazing.  I always learn more when I can be at the location and talk to others who have done such extensive research about an event my ancestor was part of.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

The Life of Israel Alden

In honor of Thanksgiving and the 400^th Anniversary of the Mayflower, I wanted to learn about Israel Alden, my maternal 6^th great grandfather. Israel is the great-great grandson of John and Priscilla Mullins Alden. (click on highlighted names to view additional posts)

Israel was born to Noah and Joanna Vaughn Alden on 18 May 1747 in Stafford, Tolland County, Connecticut.

11 July 1765 Israel married Lucy Thankful Markham in Stafford, CT. 

Lucy and Israel would have 13 children: Israel, Noah, Timothy (my 5^th great grandfather), Lucy, Benjamin, Thankful, Samuel, Zilphah, Moses, Abner, Elisha, David and Ruth. Only their first child Israel was born in Stafford. The other children were born in Tyringham, Massachusetts. If oldest son Israel was born in 1766 and son Noah was born 6 March 1768 then Israel must have moved to Tyringham, Mass between 1766 and 1768.

14 June 1768 – Daniel Markham of Tyringham sold 41 acres of land to Israel also then of Tyringham, Massachusetts. Lucy also had a brother named Daniel but I believe they are referring to Lucy’s father here. Was the land sale the reason that the young couple moved to Tyringham? What was the area like when they moved there?

• This area was first settled in 1735 and began as a town named Tyringham (after a village in Buckinghamshire, England) in 1762 shortly before Israel and Lucy moved here. The town started as an agricultural community. In 1786 the town had 182 dwelling houses, forty shops, two tanneries, four potash works, two iron works, four grist and saw mills. From the town valuations we also know that the townspeople made 1185 barrels of cider that year and there were more than 10,000 acres of wooded land and a bout 2500 acres improved for growing crops. There were 500 horses, 800 swine, 178 oxen, 500 cattle and 541 milk cows. Quite a thriving community when Israel and Lucy were raising their family here.

Israel Alden served as a private in the American Revolution from 19 September 1777 to 16 October 1777 serving in the Berkshire County Militia.

In 1790 US Federal Census, the first census, and in the 1800 US Federal Census Israel and family are living in Tyringham, Berkshire, Massachusetts.

26 July 1792 there is a sale of their rights in the thirds set off to their mother Thankful from Lucy’s siblings to Israel. On the same day Israel and Lucy sell 54 acres to Daniel Markham.

12 March 1816 Israel and Lucy, living in Tyringham, sold 50 acres of land (lot #104) for $400. I wonder if they intended to move to Windsor, New York and this was their money for the new land and the move.

25 December 1816 Israel Alden bought 60 acres in Broome County, New York. The village of Windsor, where Israel lived, is located on the Susquehanna River. In 1805 Windsor had a population of 1,000. On 2 March 1807 the township of Windsor was created. I always wonder why my ancestors moved to a different location. What were the possible reasons for the move when Israel was 69 years old?

• In reading the book Binghampton It’s Settlement, Growth and Development I may have found an answer to my question. The editor William S. Lawyer explains that about 250 survivors of the Revolution came to this area and made homes for themselves and their families. As expected, I see “Israel Alden” in the list of Revolutionary soldiers who came to this area. Lawyer states “Nearly all of these patriots of the war for American independence were in modest circumstances, some of them very poor, while few indeed of the number could afford any of the luxuries of life as then enjoyed. They came to the region, as did other pioneers, hoping to benefit their condition and provide comfortable homes for their families. Their land was purchased at reasonable prices, and they at once set about its cultivation and development.”  Did Israel follow other soldiers of the Revolution to Windsor?

On 20 July 1817, only seven months after purchasing land there, Israel died in Windsor, Broome County, New York at the age of 70.

I am amazed at how far Israel moved in his life during that time period.  He was born in Stafford, CT.  He then moved his family to Tryingham, MA and later he would move them yet again to Windsor, NY.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Revolutionary War Pension of John Jacobs

John Jacobs is my maternal 6^th great-grandfather from Pennsylvania. John was a Revolutionary War soldier who served in the battle of Sullivan’s Island (see blog post Revolutionary War Soldier John Jacobs). Beyond that battle there wasn’t a lot known about his service. After learning of the Wyoming Massacre (see post 3 July 1778 The Wyoming Massacre) and learning of John’s wife Eliza’s escape down a corn path I wondered where John had been during this battle?

After locating John’s pension # W2805 I was able to locate his Revolutionary War Pension Record. Now I could, hopefully, learn more about John’s military service.

First, I needed to learn more about Pensions for the Revolutionary War. Who was eligible and when where soldiers able to collect?

According to the National Archives;

• Not every Revolutionary War soldier received a pension.
• Pension and bounty-land warrant application files contain mainly the records of enlisted men, not officers.
• On 15 May 1778 the Continental Congress passed a resolution allowing half-pay for officers and $80 for all enlisted men who remained in service to the end of the war.
• 24 August 1780 the Continental Congress passed the first act offering pensions to widows and orphans of Revolutionary War soldiers.
• Pensions were offered to encourage enlistment, prevent desertion and resignation.
• In 1818 Congress passed a pension law granting pensions to Revolutionary War Veterans who had not been disabled. Based on financial need these were granted for life.
• This was amended in 1820 (due to the large number of soldiers that had filed), 1822 and again in 1832 when full pay was given to officers and enlisted men who had served for two or more years and partial pay for six months to two years of service.

One of the first documents I found in John’s Pension File was an affidavit from John’s son, John Jacobs, Jr. dated 1842 to help his mother, Eliza Pensel Jacobs, obtain a pension for John’s service. John died in 1831 in Exeter, Pennsylvania.

(click on images to enlarge)

Transcription:

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7^th July 1838, entitled “An Act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows”

State of Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Pa

On this twenty ninth day of June AD 1842, personally appeared in open Court John Jacobs, a resident of Exeter Township, Luzerne County, & state aforesaid, aged Sixty Eight years or there abouts, & who was appointed by this Court among others to make a Declaration for Mrs Eliza P. Jacobs, who being f ? ? , according to Law, with, on his oath makes the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7, entitled “An Act granting of half pay & pensions to certain widows for his Mother Mrs. Eliza Jacobs-That she is the widow of John Jacobs declarants Father and that he has heard his father say that he was in the Revolutionary Army during the whole war as a Malitia Man, but does not know what State line he served in, that he was drafted-That he served in the Army & was in the battle of Sullivans island, that Genl Lee, Genl Moultrie & Rutledge Commanded, that he has very often heard his deceased father Speak of his being in this engagement: that he has no recollections of hearing his father speak particularly of any other engagement but he has heard him say that he was in many Skirmishes with the Enemy.
That he does not remember the names of the officers under whom his Father served, nor the time of his entering the Service-but he uniformly Stated the tour of his Service, to have been during the whole war_That he was in the Massacre of Wyoming, & that? his Mother escaped to Fort Allese, where his Father joined them after the battle, and this declarant who was then about four years old well remembers to have Seen a ball extracted from his fathers breast by a Surgeon, & which his father kept for many years; his father stated to him that he received it in the battle, that it struck his musket which he was in the act of priming it & shirred the musket & glancing lodged in his breast; that he was with Sullivan when he marched into the valley of Wyoming with his Army- That he remembers that many years since his father prepared & took evidence of his Services for the purpose of getting a pension, & that Solomon Dotter_ was one of this witnesses; but that his father gave it up as he understood because of his hearing some property which would deter him; that he was searched his fathers papers but cannot find them; that he has c? with Said Dotter Since that time, who told him that in the Said application he had proved his Service in the Revolutionary Army of this declarants Father, and that the said Dotter he thinks died before his Mother made application to the Pennsylvania Legislature for his pension- That he remembers to have heard his Father say that he performed services in the Army, in New Jersey, on the Delaware river & on the Minisinks, and that he was on the lines during the whole war and that this dependent does not know of every documentary evidence in the possession of his Mother or the family in Support of the claim, That his Father died on the 15 of March 1831-leaving no property, real or personal after the payments of his funerals expenses-And that his Mother has never been married to any person since-That his father has told him often he was a private soldier-That the said Eliza Jacobs his Mother now resides in Newport, in Said County, that previous thereto she resided in Hanover in Said County.

That he has known his Mothers age for a long number of years, and that as near as he can ascertain the day of Month it was the 15^th of June, and that on the 15 of this present Month She was one hundred and four years old- and that she is unable to make the Declaration required, owing to Deafness and an ? ? of her mental faculties, and loss of memory-

That declarants father & Solemon Dotier have both told him that at one time they were in the Same Camp together when in the Revolutionary Army-
Sworn & Subscribed in Open Court 29 June 1842
__
__                                                                                     John Jacobs
(additional names are illegible)

Thank-you to Kathy and Allen Hughes who were able to provide me with a visual and help me in understanding how John was injured during the battle.
It appears that John was injured while loading his musket. Loading was a 2-part process done by taking some powder from a paper cartridge and pouring it into the pan by the Frizzen then putting the rest of the powder and ball down the barrel.  Before putting powder and ball down the barrel John’s musket must have been struck by enemy fire which deflected the round into his chest.

This Pension file was found on Fold3 and difficult to read due to age. Please excuse any transcription errors. If you are able to identify any of the missing words I would appreciate knowing them. Once again using Vivid-Pix Restore enabled me to have a higher quality version to transcribe. The handwriting in the document was not easy to read either. I needed to do additional research about the Revolutionary War and the Battle of Sullivan’s Island to know the proper spellings of several of the names mentioned in this document. I also did further investigation on Fold3 to find the name of the fellow soldier mentioned in this document who’s name was difficult to read. I was able to locate a pension record (#22735) for a soldier named ‘Samuel Solomon Dotter’ also from Luzerne County, PA for the correct spelling of his name.

Now I know that John fought in the Wyoming Massacre and was fortunate to be one of the survivors when so many others perished. There are other documents in John’s Pension file and more to be discovered.

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Revolutionary War Soldier John Jacobs

An image of Sgt. Jasper raising the battle flag of the colonial forces over present-day Fort Moultrie on June 28, 1776 during the Battle of Sullivan’s Island by Johannes Oertel-New York Public Library

In honor of the 4th of July this year I wanted to look at one of my Revolutionary War Veterans-John Jacobs to see what I could find out about his service.  John is my maternal 6th great-grandfather and the father of Eleanor Jacobs Coolbaugh  and the husband of Eliza Pensel Jacobs (click on links to see their stories).  John was a Pennsylvania native.

I was able to learn that John Jacobs (1748-1831) served as a private in the 1st battalion, Essex County, New Jersey militia, and was in the battle of Sullivan's Island.  I was able to find the following listing of Enlisted Men in the book History of Essex and Hudson Counties, New Jersey on page 34 which lists John as a Private in Captain Cornelius Speer’s Company; also Captain Craig’s Company, State Troops in Continental Army.

I was also able to learn that John was in the battle of Sullivan’s Island.  When researching the Sullivan Island Battle, sometimes referred to as Battle of Fort Sullivan or First Siege of Charleston, I learned that Sullivan’s Island is in Charleston County, South Carolina off the coast at the entrance to Charleston Harbor.  This battle, part of the Southern Theater 1775-1782,  took place on 28 June 1776.  This was the first attempt by the British with their superior navy to begin a military push into the rebellious southern colonies.  The British were unable to break the American defense following stiff resistance from an entire day’s bombardment and significant damage to their fleet making this an American Victory!

I also learned in my research that John’s widow Eliza received a pension starting in 1832.  After some additional research I was able to locate the following pension card for John Jacob:

Finally, I now have a Pension # so I can get a copy of John’s Pension Records to see if there is any additional information, perhaps even about his parents.  More to follow on this.

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

3 July 1778 The Wyoming Massacre

If you have ancestors that lived in North Eastern Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary War, were they affected by the Battle of Wyoming, also known as the Wyoming Massacre?  Have you even heard of this battle?  When I think of ‘Wyoming’ I think of the 44th state, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, and Jackson Hole.  I didn’t realize until I was researching my maternal 5x great grandmother Eleanor Jacobs Coolbaugh (click on link to read her story) in Pennsylvania that long before the state of Wyoming became a state in 1890 there was a Wyoming Valley and ‘Wyoming County’ in Pennsylvania.

The battle, part of the Northern Theater 1778-1782,  was an encounter between the American Patriots and the Loyalists along with Iroquois raiders.  The British saw the patriots, about 360 soldiers, gathering in large numbers outside of Forty Fort.  The large numbers that were gathering led the Loyalists to begin the Battle of Wyoming. 

The Battle reportedly lasted about 45 minutes.  The  inexperienced militiamen were confused when an order was given to reform their lines of battle, panicked and began to run.  Some reports show about 60 Patriots managed to escape.   Almost all those that were captured by the Loyalists and Iroquois were tortured and killed.  Coronel Butler reported Indian allies had taken 227 scalps.  Estimates of about 340 Patriots were killed.   The British suffered the deaths of about 3 soldiers and about 8 wounded.  All those Patriots that were killed were buried in a common grave.  The Patriots surrendered the next day of Forty Fort.  This fort had become a refuge for displaced settlers during the Battle of Wyoming.  Read more about this battle at The Battle of Wyoming Valley (Massacre).


While researching Eleanor Jacobs Coolbaugh I came across the following hand written account (in the Ancestry online Strunk Family tree) about the battle, written down by Eliza's great-great-granddaughter, and believe the ‘baby’ was Eleanor who was a little over 2 years old at the time.  Her mother Elizabeth was also pregnant with Eleanor’s brother Samuel.     

Transcription:
“Eliza Pensil Jacobs made her escape from the Indians at the time of the Wyoming Massacre by walking on the old corn path from Newport (near Wilkes Barre) to Easton and carried her baby with her …”

What an amazing story of how my ancestor survived and kept her baby safe!  I am glad this story was handed down and has survived.  I am always thankful for these accounts that others have saved for telling the story of how directly involved our ancestors were in the historical events of their day.

Today there is a Wyoming Monument located at the site of a mass grave containing the bones of many of the victims of the battle and massacre. Commemorative ceremonies at the site of the massacre began in 1878, to mark the 100th anniversary with President Rutherford B. Hayes as the speaker.  Since then there is an annual program on the grounds sponsored by the Wyoming Commemorative Association. One hundred and seventy-eight names of Patriots killed in the battle are listed on the Wyoming Monument, and the names of about a dozen militia who were killed or died in captivity a day or so prior to the main battle. A possible explanation for the difference between the number of names on the monument (178) and the reported number of scalps taken in the battle (227) is that allegedly numerous civilians (perhaps as many as 200)—instead of surrendering to Colonel Butler—elected to flee and died of exposure in a swamp known as the "Shades of Death" after the battle.    See the website Durkees Men of Wyoming for the list of names of those killed on the memorial. 


If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby