Author: Michael J. Fisch
Jabez Elwell was born the 3rd of May 1747 in Dudley, Massachussets, just on the border of Connecticut and close to Rhode Island. Like most Patriots he lived his life as a farm hand or farmer. Early in his life his family moved a bit further north to Hardwick, Massachusetts a small but politically active community feeling the impacts of the King of England’s attempts to control the colonies. Hardwick is 60 miles west of Lexington and Concord so you can imagine the agitation and activity ongoing in the rural areas of the Commonwealth of Massachussets prior to that fateful day in April 1775. Jabez Elwell was living in Old Hadley, Massachusetts and was a minuteman serving under Jonathan Warner, and immediately upon hearing of the Battle of Lexington went to Boston and served nine months with the Massachusetts Troops. He then went home for a few weeks and then enlisted and served under Captain Timothy Paige of Massachusetts. Elwell served under a number of Commanders, Captain Jonathan Warner, Col. Brooks, Captain Paige, Captains Warren and Alden, overall he served from 1775 through 1780, then going home. He was once again called into service for short periods in 1781 and 1782. He participated in the siege of Boston, marched with Washington to New York, fought in the Battle of Long Island and White Plains, and the Battles of Stillwater, Saratoga and the taking of General Burgoyne. He was a private and corporal during his service. Jabez Elwell proudly served his Country and was proud of his service. His headstone, located in a small cemetery in Shaftsbury, Vermont, proudly states “He was a soldier under Gen. Washington.” Jabez Elwell died in Shaftsbury, Vermont on April 1st, 1813 aged 65 years. His parents were Thomas Elwell and Lucy Pierce who resided in Hardwick, Worcester, Massachusetts, originally from Glouscester, Essex, Massachusetts. It wasn’t until his widow, Thankful Elwell attempted to file for a pension that his entire story was told. His pension file is over 80 pages of letters attesting to his service. Within these letters we learned of the sacrifice and courage Jabez and his fellow Patriots demonstrated in winning our independence. There is a photo of his headstone on the NSSAR Patriot & Grave Record. It is located in the South Shaftsbury Cemetery in the first row far left from the main entrance. Corner of Route 7 A and Cleveland Ave, South Shaftsbury, Vermont, USA 05262.