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.
Author: John David Peet
John 5 (Abraham 4 John 3 Joseph 2 William 1) Born 1735, baptized at Stratford Connecticut 18 January 1736; died 29 December 1815. Married at Stratford 14 July 1762 to Rachel Smith. John and Rachel had eleven children. Elisha, Sarah, Martha, Joseph Smith, Rachel, Andrew, John, James (twin), Irene (twin), Caty and Mary.
Son of Abraham and Esther (Jeanes) Beardsley, married at Stratford, 17 April 1723, born about 1699; died at Huntington, 11 Nov. 1772, daughter of William and Sarah (Clark) Jeanes. Two of his sons served in the Revolutionary War, Abraham and John.
Private John Beardsley enlisted for 3 years serving from 8 April 1777 to 1 April 1780 in Eighth Regiment Connecticut Line First Battalion in Captain Theophilus Munson’s Company. This company detached to Meigs Light Infantry Regiment and engaged in the assault on Stony Point, July 15, 1779. The Eighth Regiment raised January 1, 1777, for the new Continental Line; to serve through the war. Enlisted in Litchfield and other counties. Went into the field at Camp Peekskill, spring of 77. Ordered into Pennsylvania in Sept., under Gen. McDougall, it fought at Germantown Oct. 4, 77, and suffered some loss. Assigned to Varnum’s Brigade Oct. 16. A detachment from the regiment with one from Durkee’s continued the stubborn defense of Fort Mifflin, Mud Island, Penn., November 12-10, 77, and lost some gallant officers and men; Wintered at Valley Forge, 1777- 1778, and on June 28th following present at battle of Monmouth. Encamped during the summer at White Plains with Huntington’s Brigade. Wintered 1778- 1779 at Redding. In summer of 1779, on the Hudson, east side. Its Light Company under Captain Munson detached to Meigs Light Regiment and engaged in storming of Stony Point, July 15, 1779. Wintered 1779- 1780 at Morristown huts. Summer of 1780 with main army on the Hudson Wintered 1780- 1781 at camp; Connecticut Village, above Robinson’s House and there consolidated for formation of 1781-1783. MEIGS LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT: In July 1779, Washington organized a corps of light troops under Brigadier General Wayne, to serve at the front, and especially to attempt the capture of Stony Point on the Hudson, which the enemy had occupied since May. The Corps was composed of picked men from all the regiments then under Washington s immediate command, each regiment contributing companies of 40, 50, or 60 men according to its strength, and organized into four regiments of two battalions each. It was to disband at the end of the campaign. The Connecticut Division furnished one of the regiments numbering four hundred officers and men. In the assault, which occurred at midnight, July 15, 1779, it formed part of Wayne’s right column. The brilliant exploit had an inspiring effect upon the American army. His will is dated June 27,1798 and mentions all his children. His wife and son James were the executors. Will probated Jan. 2, 1816. The
inventory amounted to $2,532.14.
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