Ward
Soldiers in the
American Revolution
Welcome to the Ward History section devoted to all the Ward men and boys who served in State Militias and the Continental Army fighting for our nation's independence during the American Revolutionary War for Independence, 1775-1783.
If you have copies of records or information on any Ward's who served in the American Revolutionary War, please send us copies to preserve in the Ward Family Library.
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Wards in the American Revolutionary War JAMES WARD
North Carolina Militia. Born in 1763 in Bertie Co., NC and was living there when he enlisted in the NC Militia. He still lived there, at White Oak, when he applied for a veteran's pension 15 Nov 1832. His pension was approved, with an allowance of $20 a year. He was listed on the Pension Roll of 1835. His pension started 9 Dec 1833; he had received a total of $60 by the time the Roll was taken in 1835. He was listed as aged 72 (in 1835) and resided in Bertie Co.
JAMES WARD
Virginia Militia. Born 25 Mar 1758 in Fincastle Co., Va. He lived in Montgomery Co., Va. when he enlisted in the Va. Militia; on Osborn's Militia rosters for 1777, 2 Apr 1783 and 1785. He was in Captain Womack's Company stationed at Womack's Fort in Fincastle Co. (which later became part of Washington Co., Tennessee) on 15 Jul 1776 and had been on duty for 90 days (along with Dempsey Ward). After the war, he moved to Lawrence Co., Ky., where he applied for a pension in 1834. He died there 15 July 1848. He mar Elizabeth Williamson Sep 1810 in Floyd Co., Ky. She applied for a pension 14 Mar 1853 giving age as 61 when living in Lawrence Co., Ky. She listed her age as 59 in Jun 1853. She applied for a BLW 23 Apr 1856 while living in Johnson Co., Ky., giving age as 56. In 1872, Elizabeth was living in Martin Co., Ky. and records mention a son, not named. In 1853, Washington Ward and Nathan Ward made affidavits in Lawrence Co. on her behalf. In 1872, George W. Ward of Martin Co., Ky. was mentioned. (Pension W1105; BLW 58685-100)
JAMES WARD Sr.
Virginia Militia. His wife Elizabeth stated in her pension application that he lived "high up" on the Holston River in the mountains in Montgomery Co., southwestern Va. when he enlisted. They lived in Warren Co., Ky. by 1798, when their two oldest ch, Edmund Ward and Mary Ward, were "grown". They also had 5 other ch, James Ward Jr., George Ward, Demsey Ward, William Ward and Phebe Ward. James died in 1830. Elizabeth applied for a pension 5 Jan 1841 when living in McCracken Co., Ky, aged abt 84. (Pension R+11116)
JAMES WARD
Connecticut Militia. James lived at Somers, Ct. when he enlisted in the Militia. He applied for a pension 28 Sep 1832 at Bradford Co., Pa., aged 74.
JAMES WARD
New York Militia and Navy service. James was b 22 Mar 1760 in New York City, NY and lived there when he enlisted in the NY Militia. He mar Mehetable Williams 24 Jul 1783 at Salem, Ma. After the war, he lived at Salem and Boston, Ma. He applied for a pensin 14 Jul 1835 at Boston. (Pension R11118)
JAMES WARD, Sr.
New York Militia. James was b in Dutchess Co., NY and lived there when he enlisted. In 1796, he moved to Luzerne Co., Pa. where he applied for a pension 4 Sep 1832, aged 75. His son David Ward, age 52, made affidavit in Luzerne Co. 13 Jul 1855, stating he was the only living son and that his father James had died 21 Sep 1838, leaving ch: Catharine Atherton, Rachael Phillips and James Ward.
JEDEDIAH WARD
Connecticut Militia. Jedediah was b 1 Apr 1760 at Ashford, Windham Co., Ct. In 1775, he enlisted at Cambridge, Ma. and enlisted there. He also served as a substitute for his brother Nathan Ward. After the War, he lived at Edinburg, NY for 7 yrs. He applied for a pension 9 Feb 1835 at Springfield, Windsor District, Vt. where he had lived for 45 or 46 years.
JEPTHA WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Served as a Private in the Ma. Militia. A BLW was granted 24 Jan 1797 to Cesar Diman who listed himself as the "father" (stepfather?) of Jeptha.
JESSE WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Jesse Ward was born 23 Jul 1765 in Middletown, Middlesex Co., Ct. His family moved to Otis, Berkshire Co., Ma. where he entered the Massachusetts Militia at age 11 and served three years--despite his age. He applied 28 Jun 1819 at Vergennes, Vt., aged 55 (in Jul 1819). He reapplied 4 Jul 1832 at Waltham, Addison Co., Vt. (Pension S23475)
JOHN WARD
North Carolina Militia. John Ward was born 1760 in North Carolina. He lived in Surry Co., NC when he enlisted in the Militia. He later lived in Kentucky and Tennessee before settling in Ripley Co., In. John applied for a pension 23 Aug 1832. He died there and is buried near Versailles, In.
JOHN WARD
North Carolina Militia. Served in Bertie County Company of NC Militia. After a battle with the British, he escaped after receiving a head wound and rib injury by "playing dead". Knocked to the ground by a shell, he "laid right there on the ground". When night came he started for Little Washington.
JOHN WARD
North Carolina Militia. Born 25 Mar 1756 in Deep Run (or Deep River), NC. Lived in Duplin Co., NC when he enlisted as a private in the NC Militia in Capt. Alexander Outlaw's Company of Duplin County Militia and later served in Capt. Kenon's Company. Was in the Battle of Moore's Creek in NC. He later moved to Edgefield Dist., SC, and served under Capt. Burney in Colonel Hammond's South Carolina Regiment. With that unit, he participated in battles at Savannah, Ga. and Stono, SC. His father and brothers all fought together. His brother, David Ward died in service. About 1820, John moved to Bibb Co., Ala. and applied there for a pension 3 Jun 1833. He died in 1837. In 1856, his ch were living in Alabama. [SEE original document at bottom of page]
JOHN WARD
Maryland Militia. Born 1759 in Md., died 18 Feb 1824 in Madison Co., Ala. He enlisted in the Maryland Militia under Capt. John H. Stone on 24 Jan., 1776.
JOHN WARD, Sr.
Virginia Militia and North Carolina Militia. Born 25 Apr 1755 in Culpeper Co., Va., son of Jacob and Anna Ward. He enlisted in the Va. Militia there. In the spring of 1778, he moved to Surry Co., NC (in an area which later became part of Stokes Co.). He enlisted in the NC Militia there. He mar. Rachel Varnon there 21 Dec 1779. He applied for a pension in 1832; died 15 Sep 1838. Ch. Were Betsy Ward, Mary Ward, William Ward, Rebecca Ward, Jacob Ward, John Ward Jr., Anna Ward, Ebenezer Worth Ward, Sarah Ward, Mitchell Ward, Rachel Ward and Judith ("Judy") Ward. (Pensin # W9872)
JOHN WARD
Virginia Militia. Served as a corporal in Lee's Legion of the Va. Militia. Received a bounty land warrant.
JOHN WARD
Virginia Militia. B. 9 Jan 1760 in Louisa Co., Va. and was living there when he enlisted in the Va. Militia. He applied for a pension there in 1833. He mar Nancy ??? 8 Jan 1805 in Louisa Co. He died there 26 Dec 1838. His wid applied for a pension in 1853 at age 83.
JOHN WARD
Virginia Militia and Continental Army. Born 28 June 1766 in Nottoway Co., Va., son of Richard Ward (b 1 Feb 1737) and Anna Ford. He enlisted in Lunenburg Co., Va. He mar 4 Apr 1789 in Nottoway Co. Theodosia ("Dosha") Anderson (b 17 Jan 1768); they later moved to Mason Co., Ky., where he died 25 Oct 1846. Ch. Betsey Marshall Ward (b 13 Jan 179?), Anderson Ward (24 Mar 179?), Nancy Ward (10 Dec 179?), John Ward Jr. (23 Mar 1797), Polly Ward (10 May 1799), Frances Ward (2 Apr 1802), Washington Ward (19 Nov 1804), Patsey Ward (4 May 1807), Rebecca Ward (31 May 1809) and Allen Donaphan (Donavan) Ward (19 May 1811). His widow applied for a pension 12 Jul 1847 in Mason Co. His widow applied for a pension 12 Jul 1847 in Mason Co., Ky. She died 4 Sep 1854. In 1829, John's brothers Albery B. Ward and Robert Ward made affidavits in Lunenburg Co., Va. on his behalf. In 1847, Stokes Anders Sr. of Mason Co. , aged 75, stated he knew the soldier from his youth.
JOHN WARD, Sr.
New Jersey Militia. John Ward was b 24 Aug 1752 in Morris Co., New Jersey. After the War, he moved to Washington Co., Pa. for 2 or 3 yrs then to Westmoreland Co., Pa. In 1806, he moved to Preble Co., Oh. and in 1829 to Cass Co. In. He died 13 May 1839; buried in Spring Creek Christian Cemetery, Clay Township, Cass Co. He mar 1806, Pamelia Bridge (1779-1820). Their ch: Samuel Ward (1784); Sarah Ward (1788, mar Richardson); William Ward; John Ward Jr. (1800); Thomas Ward; Pamelia Ward; Julia Ward (mar Bennet); and Elizabeth Ward (1803, mar Sellers).
JOHN WARD Sr.
Connecticut Militia. John was b Sep 1758. He lived at Enfield, Hartford Co., Ct. when he enlisted in the Connecticut Militia. He applied for a pension 20 Aug 1832 when living in Warren, Herkimer Co., NY. He mar 3 Dec 1782 Abigail Phelpes (b 20 Jul 1760). They had 8 ch but listed only: Artemas Ward (25 Mar 1794) and John Ward Jr. (who mar Saley Plumb or Phimb 11 Mar 1810).
JOHN WARD
Massachusetts Militia and Navy service. John was b 1755 at Union, Windham Co., Ct. He applied for a pension 5 May 1818 at Johnsburgh, Warren Co., NY. In 1820, he had a wife age 60 and mentioned a dau aged 15 living at home and 6 other daus of age and two sons of age; and a grandson aged 15 and granddaughter aged 7, dau of the "widow Herrington".
JOHN WARD
Massachusetts Militia and Naval Privateer service. John was b in County Waxford, Ireland and came to America at age 9 or 10 and landed at Boston, Ma. He entered the merchant service there and shipped to the West Indies.
JOHN WARD, Sr.
New Jersey Militia. John Ward was b 24 Aug 1752 at Morristown, New Jersey. He died 13 May 1839. Buried in Spring Creek Christian Cemetery, Clay Township, Cass Co., In. He mar 1806, Pamelia Bridge (1779-1820). Their ch: Samuel Ward (1784); Sarah Ward (1788, mar Richardson); William Ward; John Ward Jr. (1800); Thomas Ward; Pamelia Ward; Julia Ward (mar Bennet); and Elizabeth Ward (1803, mar Sellers).
JOHN WARD Sr.
New York Militia. Served as a Colonel of Militia. Buried at Meech Cemetery, Brutus, NY.
JOHN WARD Sr.
New York Militia. John applied for a pension 9 Apr 1818 when living at Aurelius, Cayuga Co., NY. In 1820, he was listed as aged 60, with wife Deborah (age 58) and 2 ch living at home: Laury (age 20) and Alexis (18). John mar Debora Hinkley in Jun 1778, dau of Nathaniel and Mercy Hinkley. Her brothers Nathaniel Hinkley Jr. and Isaac Hinkley and sister Marcy Hinkley were at the wedding at her parents home in Addison, Vt. John and Deborah had 13 ch, 9 sons and 4 daus. In 1836, these ch were still living: John Ward Jr. of Canada, Reuben Ward and Nathaniel Ward, both living near Lake Ontario, Loyal Ward, Black Rock, NY, Alexis Ward, Orleans Co., NY, Deborah Ward (who mar Stedman Etherton and lived in Vt.) and Laura Ward (who mar Rev. Dyer A. Nichols). John died in 1831, aged 71, at Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY. Deborah applied for a widow's pension 24 Dec 1836 when she was living with her daughter Laura and son-in-law Dyer Nichols at Philadalphia, Pa. (Pension W4609)
JOHN WARD Sr.
New York Militia. John enlisted in the NY Militia at Catskill, NY. He mar 9 Aug 1782 at Albany, NY Jane Daniels (b 13 Nov 1763). John applied for a pension 5 May 1818 when living at Saratoga, NY, aged 64. He died 20 Jul 1840. His widow applied for a pension 2 Jun 1842 in Albany, NY and was a resident of Saratoga. She died 3 Nov 1845, leaving ch: John Ward Jr. of White Hall, NY, Abraham T. Ward, Nancy Ward, Daiel B. Ward and Betsy Ward Whitford of Saratoga. The sons Abraham T. and Daniel B. made a joint affidavit 29 Apr 1848 in Saratoga Co. The soldier's grandfather Plank was mentioned as having died in Jun 1784. The claim contains three letters from the soldiers "father" John McKenzie to the soldier dated 1782 to 1784. (Pension W19592)
JOHN WARD
New York Militia. John was b 2 Jan 1761 and lived at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., NY when he enlisted in the NY Militia. He mar Rebecca Wilde 14 Feb 1782 there. He died there 30 Jan 1838. His widow applied for a pension there 9 Dec 1843, stating she had moved to Clinton, NY and returned to Pleasant Valley abt 1818. (Pension W25858)
JOHN WARD
Pennsylvania Militia. John served as a Lieutenant in the NY Militia. He received a BLW 19 Aug 1791, sold to Alex Power. (BLW#10550-100)
JOHN WARD
Pennsylvania Militia. Served as a Private in the Pa. Militia. Received a BLW 3 Feb 1796 (BLW #10550-100)
JOHN WARD Sr.
Pennsylvania Militia. John served as a Private in the Pa. Militia. He received a BLW 26 Sep 1791, sold to George Walton. (BLW #10551-100)
JOHN WARD
Pennsylvania Militia. John served as a private in the Pennsylvania Militia's Artillery. He received a BLW 1 Oct 1789. (BLW #10656-100)
JOHN WARD
Pennsylvania Militia. John's son stated in an affidavit 5 Jan 1855 in Portage Co., Oh. that his parents John and Agnes D. had mar in 1780 and that they had lived at Mt. Pleasant, Pa. for many years. He said that his father died 16 Apr 1834 and his mother Agnes died 10 Jan 1846, leaving ch: Anna Ward Bradford, Polly Ward ???, William Ward, Dorothy Ward Walkes, Rachel Ward Wheeler and Sebra Ward Green. (Pension R11121)
JOHN B. WARD
Virginia Militia. Served as a Private in Lee's Legion. He received a BLW 12 Feb 1794. (BLW #13924-100)
JOHN L. WARD
North Carolina Militia. John was b 12 Jul 1763 in Bute Co., in the area which later became part of Warren Co. He lived there when he enlisted in the North Carolina Militia and when he applied for a pension in Aug 1833. (Pension S7804)
JOHN P. WARD
South Carolina Militia. John served as a Lieutenant in the South Carolina Militia. He received a BLW 19 Mar 1800. (BLW #2453-200)
JONAS WARD
New Jersey Militia. Served as Captain of a Company of New Jersey Militia.
JONAS WARD
New Jersey Militia. John served in the NJ Militia from Essex Co., NJ
JOHNATHAN WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Johnathan Ward was commissioned Colonel of the 21st Regiment of Massachuesetts Militia.
JONATHAN WARD
Virginia Militia. Jonathan Ward served as Captain of a Company, 2nd Battalion, Grayson County, Virginia Militia.
JONATHAN WARD
New Jersey Militia. John was b 14 Jul 1758 at Newark, Essex Co., NJ. He lived there when he enlisted, with his father, in Essex Co., NJ in Captain Lyon's Company of NJ Militia. Jonathan mar 12 Jan 1779 Rachel Freeman. He died 30 Jun 1834. Rachel applied for a pension 9 Oct 1838 at Schenectady, NY at age 78. Her brother Richard Freeman of Schenectady made an affidavit at age 70 on her behalf 6 Sep 1843.
JONATHAN WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Colonel of 21st Regiment of Massachusetts Militia in 1776 and 1777.
JOSEPH WARD
Maryland Militia. Joseph served as a Private in the Maryland Militia. He received a BLW 6 Apr 1797, sold to Joseph DeBaufre. (BLW #11805-100)
JOSEPH WARD
New Jersey Militia. When news that Revolutionary War veteran Joseph Ward would marry at the age of 47, General George Washington revealed his lighter side and wit in a letter dated 20 Dec 1784 to the historian William Gordon. Washington wrote:
"I am glad to hear that my old acquaintance Colo. Ward is yet under the influence of vigorous passions-I will not ascribe the intrepidity of his late enterprize to a mere flash of desires, because, in his military career he would have learnt how to distinguish between false alarms & a serious movement. Charity therefore induces me to suppose that like a prudent general, he had reviewed his strength, his arms, & ammunition before he got involved in an action-But if these have been neglected, & he has been precipitated into the measure, let me advise him to make the first onset upon his fair del Tobosa, with vigor, that the impression may be deep, if it cannot be lasting, or frequently renewed!" ...George Washington
JOSEPH WARD
New Jersey Militia. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in Captain Craig's Company of NJ Militia. Madisonville was established in 1809 as Madison, Ohio after the newly elected President James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. Prior to 1809 settlers had already begun to arrive in the territory. The first permanent setter was Joseph Ward, a sixty-five year old Revolutionary War veteran from New Jersey. Joseph and his two sons, Usual and Israel, came overland by horseback intending to settle in the new outpost of Columbia. Joseph's wife, Phebia, and other sons and daughters traveled by flatboat down the Ohio River to be reunited at Columbia. Seeing the obvious flooding at that location they decided to go up higher and settled in what was to become Madisonville. Joseph and his sons built the first house, a log cabin, in 1797 along an old Indian train near what is now Whetsel and Monning Avenue. By 1926 a Post Office was established in the village and the name was changed to Madisonville to avoid duplication with another Madison, Ohio. [this is today a suburb of Cincinnati, Oh.
JOSEPH WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Joseph mar 28 Mar 1782 Sarah Thompson of Stoughton, Ma., when he lived in Easton Bristol Co., Ma. He died 5 Sep 1836. His widow applied for a pension 11 Aug 1838 at Easton, aged 75. In 1820, Joseph mentioned 2 daus: Phebe Ward (aged 20) and Lucinda Ward (age 14). His widow applied for a BLW 7 Apr 1855 at Easton. Richard B. Ward was her witness. (Pension W20118) (BLW #110570-160)
JOSEPH WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Joseph applied for a pension 5 Apr 1818 when living in Providence Co., RI. In 1820, he was aged 65 and had no family.
JOSEPH WARD
Pennsylvania, Naval service. Joseph enlisted in the Naval service at Philadelphia, Pa. He lived there when he applied for a pension 17 Aug 1821, aged nearly 65. (Pension S40625)
JOSHUA WARD
Connecticut Militia. Joseph served in the Connecticut Militia. He mar 24 Oct 1782 at Middletown, Ct. Mary Stowe. He died 13 Nov 1815. His widow applied for a pension 18 Sep 1838 at Floyd, Oneida Co., NY, aged 75. Ch listed were Elisah Ward and Josiah Ward.
JOSHUA WARD
Massachusetta Militia. Joshua was b 3 May 1755 at Weymouth, Ma. He lived at Dorchester, Ma. when he enlisted in the Ma. Militia. He mar 15 Apr 1795 Huldah Babcock. They lived at Milton, Norfolk Co., Ma. when they mar and afterwards. He died 12 Jun 1837. His wid applied for a pension 9 Jun 1849 at Rosbury, Norfolk Co., Ma. at age 83. She applied for a BLW 16 Nov 1855. (Pension W2498) (BLW #38338-160)
JOSHUA WARD
Pennsylvania Militia. Joshua enlisted in the 6th Company, Pa. Militia from Southampton, Pa. and was on the muster roll of 19 Aug 1775.
JOSIAH WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Josiah applied for a pension 4 Apr 1818 at Bradford, Hillsborough Co., NH. He had lived at Southborough, Worcester Co., Ma. Josiah mar 4 Dec 1777 at Southborough, Ma. Hannah Morse. In 1822, he was age 66. His brother Stephen Ward made affidavit 15 Mar 1823 at Bradford, NH on his behalf and again 13 Aug 1838 when he was 75, stating his brother Josiah and wife had 10 ch, of which 7 were living. Josiah died 20 Apr 1824. His wid applied for pension 13 Aug 1838 in Marrimack Co., NH, aged 80.
JOSIAH WARD
Massachusetts Militia and Privateer service. Josiah was b May 1763 at Weymouth, Ma. and lived at Nantucket, Ma. in 1776 when he served in the Ma. Militia. He lived at Dorchester, Ma. in 1777 when he enlisted as a sailor on the Privateer ship "Pilgrim". He applied for a pension 8 Oct 1832 when living at New London, Huron Co., Oh. He stated that his father was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill, Ma. and that his brothers Nehemiah and Joshua Ward both served in the Militia during the War. His first wife (not named) was a sister of Samuel Sherman. Josiah mar 2nd in 1795 Elanor ???. During the War of 1812, he lived at Windham, Vt. He and his two sons Samuel Ward and Lemuel Ward went to Plattsburg, NY, where they enlisted in the Army on the day of the Battle of Plattsburg. Josiah died 18 Jan 1843. His widow made inquiry about pension 7 Jan 1846 when living in Elyria, Lorain Co., Oh. (Pension 7813)
KERLEY WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Kerley (Kerly) was b 1753. He received a disability pension. He reapplied 29 Jul 1824 when living in Montgomery Co., NY. On 16 Jan 1833, he ha moved from Stratford, NY to Buckland, Franklin Co., Ma. to live with hsi children (not named). (Pension S20224)
LAURENT WARD
Virginia Militia. Laurent enlisted in Prince William Co., Va. in the Virginia Militia. He mar 1780 Elizabeth ??? in Fairfax Co., Va. He applied for a pension 20 Apr 1819 in Estill Co., Ky. at age about 66. He died 11 Feb 1830. His wid applied for a pension 3 Oct 1838 in Estill Co., aged 94. She stated her father served in the War. Ch listed: Jeremiah Ward (27 Sep 1781), Jilson Ward (4th ch, b Feb 1786), Thomas Ward, Elizabeth Ward, Charles Ward, Elizabeth "Betsy" Ward (aged 30 in 1821) and Rebecca Ward (aged 60 in 1855). A grandson B. H. L. Ward was age 29 in 1839 and lived in Estill Co. Widow died 23 Dec 1845 in Madison Co., Ky. At her death, she left ch: Jilson Ward and Rebecca Ward, both of Owsley Co., Ky. in 1855.
LUTHER WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Luther was b 10 Nov 1761 at Grafton, Worcester Co., Ma. and enlisted there in the Ma. Militia. After the war, he lived at Leicester, Ma. for 40 yrs, then moved to Dover, Windham Co., Vt. He applied for a pension there 30 Jul 1832. He mar 14 Feb 1787 at Leicester Anna Tenny. He died 10 Jul 1848. His wid applied for pension 16 Jan 1849 at Dover, NH, aged 80.
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