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: MA
Qualifying Service: Corporal / Soldier
Author: LTC (R) Richard H Wright
Born October 30, 1766 in Sheffield, Massachusetts, died October 21, 1847 in Mendon, New York.
July 1781, enlisted in Captain Isaac Marsh’s Company at Stockbridge, Massachusetts, marched to Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Fort Plain, N.Y on Mohawk River. Upon discharged, he arrived home on October 29, 1781.He was sixteen years old.
February 10, 1782, enlisted for three years serving in:
Captain Belding’s Company, Colonel John Brown’s Regiment, September 21 to October 14, 1777.
Captain Emos Parker’s Company, Colonel Jacobs Gerrish’s Regiment, July 3 1778 to January 1, 1779.
Captain John Spoon’s Company, Colonel John Ashley’s Regiment, July 7 to 28, 1780.
Captain Isaac Marsh’s Company, Colonel Rossiter’s Regiment.
Captain Woodward’s Company. It was ambushed by Indians, and fifty-five out of sixty-nine men together with commander, were killed or taken prisoner. His story, “I joined Capt Woodward’s company of Rangers and we marched to Fort Schuyler where Utica now stands, and from there we went in a northwest direction is search of Indians. We had but sixty-two men, rank and file, and one faithful Indian guide. After marching about twelve miles, we came to a place where Indians had encamped the night before. The pilot told the captain that there were many Indians and we should all be killed if we pursued them. The captain called him a coward, and marched on the trail made in the breaks by the pursued. We had not proceeded more than two miles when coming to a ravine, down which the Indians had proceeded, our pilot again remonstrated with the captain of the danger in following them further, but the captain processing more courage than wisdom, ordered a forward march and we had not gone more than forty or fifty rods when we were fired upon by the Indians lying in ambush on three sides of us. The captain, lieutenant, and ensign fell at the first fire. After firing a few rounds, a man by the name of Parker said to me;”We are all alone”. I looked around but could see nothing but smoke and Indians. We than ran for our lives. Five or ten redskins followed us; we ran several miles and loaded our guns as we ran, when Parker said to me “lets give them another shot.” We wheeled and fired, two of the Indians fell and Parker also fell dead at my side. I made all speed possible to outrun them. The other three still in pursuit, and frequently firing at me. I ran on until it was quite dark or dusky, when running over a little hill and out of their sight. I loaded my gun and fortunately a large tree that has fallen and split by falling had formed a kind of trough on the underside, just large enough to admit my body. Into this I went feet foremost with my gun well loaded, determined to sell my life as dearly as possible should I be discovered by my pursuers. In a short time they came and stood upon the log not more than twenty feet from me, conversed awhile in their language and then returned the way they came to their tribe I suppose, and glad I was to know they were gone. I lay in that situation all night, and the next morning started for the Fort which I reached the following morning about 8 o’clock.”
Captain Marsh’s Company at Fort Plain, discharged, October 3, 1781.
Captain Fox’s Company, Colonel Henry Jackson’s Command on the North River.
Captain Holbrook’s Company. Colonel Jackson’s 4th Regiment at West Point.
Captain Mills’ Company, Colonel Hall’s Regiment, discharged June 30, 1784 at West Point, N.Y.
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