The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: NY
Qualifying Service: Private / Patriotic Service
Early in 1775, Eleazer Barrett was moderator of a special town meeting at Alford, Massachusetts, to address the needs of Bostonians. He was on a committee to" ... transmit Donations for and to the Poor of Boston ... " He was also on the Committee of Observation, which oversaw the collection, transportation and distribution of these donations. In October 1775, Barrett was named to a committee to procure a stock of ammunition.
Eleazer Barrett served as a private in Captain George King's Company of Colonel Mark Hopkins first Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Militia Regiment in July and August 1776. The mission of his regiment was to quell a Tory insurrection at Dutchess County, Ney York, and reinforce the Westchester County Militia at Peekskill, New York. He experienced the firepower of the HMS Rose while he guarded the eastern shore of the Hudson River. He served eighteen days, and returned to his farm in time for wheat harvest.
Barrett’s second enlistment was in October 1776 as a private in the company of his brother, Bartholomew, at Albany County. He served in Colonel Peter Van Ness' Ninth Albany County, New York, Militia Regiment. His company's mission was to hunt and apprehend Tories at Kinderhook, NY. At the time, eastern Albany County was a haven for Tories. Eleazer and his brothers were trustworthy patriots. As longtime residents, they knew friend from foe. He served eight days and received horse rations.
In July 1777, Private Eleazer Barrett enlisted in Captain Sylvanus Wilcox's Company of Colonel John Ashley's First Berkshire County Regiment. The mission was to obstruct General John Burgoyne's path through upstate New York in the area north of Fort Edward. He and his farmer compatriots were well suited to the job of trenching, felling trees and diverting streams. They successfully delayed the British advance. Barrett served nineteen days.
In September and October 1777, Private Barrett served at the Battle of Bemis Heights. His commanders were Captain Sylvanus Wilcox, Colonel John Ashley, General John Patterson and General John Fellows. He helped cut off Burgoyne's retreat. He returned to his farm at Alford, October 14, 1777. He missed the historical surrender of 8,000 British soldiers at Saratoga, however; he may have seen Hessian prisoners march through Berkshire County on their way to Boston. He served for twenty-five days including travel.
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