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.
This site is sponsored by the Ward Family Association, a national family club devoted to gathering and preserving the history of all Ward families.
If you came directly to this site, be sure and visit the Ward Family Club's HOME page where you can jump to the main Ward HISTORY page and our other history sites; the Ward Family QUERIES section; the "FAMOUS WARDS" section and the Ward Family NEWSLETTER.
Explanation of terms:
b. = born
BLW = bounty land warrant (free land given to veterans for their service)
Ch = children
Co. = county
Mar. = married
Ward men in the Revolutionary War ABIJAH WARD
New Jersey Militia. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in the New Jersey Militia.
AMOS WARD
New Jersey Militia. Born abt 1761 in Morris Co., NJ, a son of Joseph Ward and Phebe Parkhurst. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in the New Jersey Militia. He mar Susannah Easton in 1786. Amos died in 1837.
ARTEMAS WARD Sr.
Massachusetts Militia. B. Shrewsbury, Worcester Co., Ma. 37 Nov 1727, he graduated from Harvard College in 1848 and afterward served in several government positions. He was appointed a Colonel in the British Army during the French and Indian War. After the war, Artemas turned against royal authority and began urging independence from Britain. He commanded one of the volunteer groups of American soldiers that forced the British troops to evacuate Boston in 1775. The Continental Congress selected Artemas as second in command to General George Washington. He was made commander and chief of Massachusetts troops in 1775. He led the colonists in their successful siege of Boston and was left in command of the area while the main army moved to New York. He was a member of the Continental Congress (1780-81) and was elected to the first United States Congress in 1791 and reelected in 1793. Artemas died 28 Oct 1800 at Shrewsbury, Ma. [see also Wards in the United States Congress--go to "FAMOUS WARDS"]
ASA WARD, Sr.
Massachusetts Militia. Asa was b 17 feb 1747/48 in Worcester, Ma., a son of Daniel Ward and Mary Stone. Asa served as a Minute Man in Capt. Bigelow's Company from Worcester, Col. Artemas Ward's Regiment of Massachusetts Militia and on muster roll of 19 Apr 1775. Asa mar Hannah Chamberlain and they had ch: Asa Ward Jr. (19 Apr 1772; mar Sally White), Relief Ward (22 Apr 1774; mar William Paine); and Artemas Ward (18 May 1776; mar Patsy Phillips).
BENJAMIN WARD
Connecticut Militia. Enlisted as a Private in the Connecticut Militia and later became Sergeant. After the war, he moved to Ashtabula Co., Oh. where he appears on the 1835 Revolutionary War Pension Roll, aged 71.
BETHUEL WARD
New Jersey Militia. Bethuel Ward was b ca 1752 . He enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in the New Jersey Militia. Bethuel mar Hannah Dodd. They had at least one ch: Linus Dodd Ward (28 May 1794). Bethuel died 29 Mar 1830 at Bloomfield, Essex Co.
CALEB WARD
New Jersey Militia. Caleb was 10 Dec 1760 in Essex Co., NJ. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in Captain Pierson's Company of NJ Militia. He moved from Essex Co. to Philadelphia, Pa. 24 May 1783. He mar Mary Wood. On 8 Jul 1788, he moved to Richmond Co., NY where he applied for a veteran's pension. He died there in 1833. (Pension # S17176) Cousin of another Caleb Ward from Essex Co.
CALEB WARD
New Jersey Militia. B. 12 May 1749 in Essex Co., NJ. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in Captain Pierson's Company of NJ Militia. Caleb was a teamster. He applied for a pension while living in Essex Co. on 30 Jun 1834 (Pension file # S3440). He mar Ruth Lane.
CALVIN WARD
Service unknown. Later moved to Alabama, where he applied for a veteran's pension.
CHRISTOPHER WARD
New York Militia. Christopher was b 18 Jul 1758 at Stone Arabia. He lived in Schenectady during and after the war. In Jan 1776, he enrolled in Captain Abraham Oothout's Company, 2d Albany County Militia. He took part in the expedition to Johnstown and in the fall of that year was on guard at Johnstown and Switzerbergh. In spring 1777, he was served under Captain Jesse Van Slyck and marched to Jessup's Patent. The same year, he served during Schuyler's retreat, at Saratoga, Stillwater and Bemis Heights, part of the time as a substitute for Harmon Peters. From March to 18 July 1778, he served as a blacksmith in the Continental Army; he then enlisted and served three months in Captain Thomas Patten's Company of artificers. With this company he went to Albany, Fishkill, Fredericksburg, White Plains and Dover. In the fall of this same year he went with a detachment from Colonel Wemple's regiment towards Cherry Valley. From January to May 1, 1779, he served in a company of artificers under Captain John Clute, and in the spring of 1780 performed three weeks' duty at Schoharie. In the summer of this same year he enlisted in Captain James McGee's company, Colonel Morris Graham's Levies. When Stone Arabia was raided by Sir John Johnson (Aug1780) he was on duty at Fort Herkimer. A pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832. He died 13 Nov 1838; buried in Vale Cemetery.
CHRISTOPHER WARD
Massachusetta Militia. Served in the Ma. Militia. Christopher applied for a veteran's pension Apr 1818 while living at Brimfield, Hampden Co., Ma. aged 60. In 1820, he was mar and wife was aged 52, with ch: Sarah, aged 16 and Eliza (no age given).
CORNELIUS WARD
Maryland Militia. Served in Capt. Daniel Cresap's Co., Md. Militia. Cornelius was a millwright from Clarksburg WV. He came to Friendsville, Md. abt 1795 to bring a millstone for a grist mill. He died shortly after installation of the millstone. He brought with him dau. Elizabeth Ward (3 Nov 1778) and son Samuel Ward (14 apr 1785) from his first wife Barbara Ferguson. His dau Elizabeth mar John Friend Jr. Cornelius died 11 Aug 1795 and is believed to be buried at Friend Cemetery, Friendsville. A veteran's marker was erected there for him in 1975. Gabriel Friend was executor of his estate and John Friend (Sr.) was paid for his burial.
DANIEL WARD
Connecticut Militia. Daniel was awarded a BLW (#6674-100) on 6 Jan 1797 for his service as a Private in the Connecticut Militia.
DANIEL WARD
New Hampshire Militia. Daniel applied for a pension 7 Apr 1818 while living in New York City, NY at age 76. (Pension S44014)
DANIEL WARD
New Jersey Militia. Daniel Ward was born 8 Sep 1758 in Essex Co., NJ, a son of Joseph Ward and Phebe Parkhurst. He died 1828, in Union County, In. He mar Ruth Bigelow. Ch: Jonathan Ward (1808; mar Mary A. Hammil).
DANIEL WARD
New Jersey Militia and New York Militia. Daniel enlisted in the New Jersey Militia and served under Capt. Jonas Ward. He later served in the New York Militia. He applied for a pension 21 Oct 1823 while living in Union Co., In., aged 60. In 1823, Amos Ward of Union Co. and Nehemiah Ward of Hamilton Co., Oh. were referred to but no kinship was stated. (Pension #S36836)
DANIEL WARD
New York Militia. Daniel was b 26 Mar 1769. He mar 28 May 1797 at Brookfield, Worcester Co., Ma. Martha Bemis (b. 13 Apr 1777). Their ch: Samuel C. Ward (21 Oct 1797), Elmira Ward (31 Jul 1799--28 Oct 1806), Eliza G. Ward (7 Sep 1801), James P. (21 Sep 1803--28 Oct 1804), William H. Ward (31 Jul 1799--11 Aug 1806), Henry D. (8 Oct 1807 -- 1 Aug 1849), Elmira Ward (5 Aug 1809) and Daniel Ward Jr. (11 Oct 1812--14 Oct 1812). Daniel died 15 Feb 1815. His widow Martha applied for a pension 6 Mar 1850 in Monroe Co., NY. (Pension #R11125)
DANIEL WARD
New York Militia. Daniel mar Susannah Smith 2 Apr 1778 at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., NY. He died 22 Feb 1833. Susannah applied for a pension 5 Sep 1837 at Pleasant Valley, aged 81 (on 15 Apr 1837). (Pension #R11127)
DANIEL A. WARD
New York Militia. Daniel was b 1760 at Washington, Dutchess Co., NY and lived there when he enlisted in the New York Militia. After the war, he moved to Duanesburg, Scipio and then Sheldon, Genesee Co., NY, where he applied for a pension 16 Oct 1832. His father lived at Washington, NY during the war. (Pension #S23476)
DAVID WARD
North Carolina Militia. Died of smallpox while in service.
DAVID WARD
Virginia Militia. Born 1761 in Hampshire Co., Va. Living there with his father when he enlisted in the Virginia Militia. After the war, he lived in Virginia, Illinois and Ohio. He applied for a veteran's pension in 1833, when he was living in Darke Co., Oh. His nephew David lived in the same neighborhood. (Pension #S7818)
DAVID WARD, Jr.
Connecticut Militia. David was born ca 1753 in Litchfield, Ct., a son of David Ward Sr. He was a Minuteman from Wallingford who answered the alarm from Lexington at the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War. His wife helped to mould the bullets when lead was scarce and dear and King George's statue was melted. The number of men who are reported in the records to have marched in the Lexington alarm was about four thousand. The duty was necessarily temporary and brief. Some of the companies returned home before reaching Boston, as their presence was not needed. David served 34 days. He later served other stints in the Militia: Private in 3rd Company, Joel Clark, Captain, 12 Jul 1775 - 18 Dec 1775. David Jr. mar Mary Austin and they had at least 10 ch.
DEMPSEY WARD
Virginia Militia. Enlisted in Capt. Womack's Company of Virginia Militia and was stationed at Womack's Fort in Fincastle Co., Va. (which later became part of Washington Co., Tennessee) on 15 Jul 1776 (see also James Ward). He had been on duty for 90 days.
DIXSEY WARD
South Carolina Militia. B. 14 Apr 1760 in Prince William Co., Va., son of Elias Ward. He lived near Statesburg, Sumter Co., SC, when he enlisted in the SC Militia. His father had lived in the "High Hills" on the Santee River, SC. He applied for a veteran's pension in 1832, when he was living in Fairfield Dist., SC. (Pension #S22038)
EBENEZER WARD
New York Militia. Ebenezer was b 16 Apr 1759 at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., NY and lived there when he enlisted in the NY Militia. After the war, he moved to Bethlehem, NY then to Manlius, NY and to Cicero, Onondaga Co., NY. He applied for a pension 14 Sep 1832 while living in Onondaga Co. (Pension #S11641)
EDWARD WARD
Maryland Militia. Born 1757 in Charles Co., Md., a son of Robert Ward. He lived in Frederick Co., Md. When he enlisted in the Maryland Militia. After the war, he lived in Cumberland Co., Md. until 1811, when he moved to Perry Co., Oh. He applied for a veteran's pension there in 1833. He mar Lucy Wilson 6 Aug 1779. He died 25 Aug 1840 in Perry Co. Pension records show his children as: John Ward, James Ward, William Ward, Jeremiah Ward and Anna Ward Burgess. (Pension #R11115)
EDWARD WARD
Virginia Militia. Enlisted in the Virginia Militia at Williamsburg, Va. After the war, he lived in Cumberland Co., NJ, where he applied for a veteran's pension in 1818 at age 68.
ELIJAH WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Elijah was awarded a BLW (#5303-100) 13 Apr 1795 for his service as a Private in the Ma. Militia, which was sold to Reuben Munn. He later applied for a pension 13 Apr 1818 while living at Camillus, Onondaga Co., NY, aged 58. In 1820, he had a dau Almira Ward, aged 15, living at home. He died 11 Aug 1832. (Pension #S44016).
ELISHA WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Elisha applied for a pension Jun 1818 in Barnstable Co., Ma. In 1822, he was age 75 and lived at Wellfleet, Ma., with wife Thankful (aged 58) and referred to 2 ch: Joseph Ward (age 25) and Hannah Ward (age 28). (Pension S33223)
ELISHA WARD
Massachusetts Militia. He enlisted in the Ma. Militia at Leicester, Ma. He applied for a pension 13 Apr 1818 at Windsor Co., Vt., aged 62. In 1820, he stated he had no family.
ELNATHAN WARD
Massachusetts Militia and Continental Army. Elnathan served as a Private in the 9th Regiment, Massachusetts Militia. He was living in Rutland, Vt. when he was awarded a veteran's pension 10 Jun 1817 with an annual allowance of $72.00 and received $1,361.62. (N.A. Account #874, #050185, not 1/2 pay)
GEORGE WARD, Sr.
Virginia Militia. Lived in Hampshire Co., Va. when he enlisted in the Va. Militia and served under his uncle, Captain Sylvester Ward. He married Margaret Swisicks 24 Feb 1783 in Hampshire Co. They lived there for four more years, then moved to Harrison Co., Va. For 2 yrs, then moved to Randolph Co., Va., where he died in Feb 1791. He had 3 ch: David Ward, Mary Ward and George Ward Jr. After his death, Margaret moved to the Kenan home: they were attacked by Indians, who killed the daughter, Mary and wounded David. Margaret later mar David Riffle and had 3 ch and after his death, mar John Wintermote in 1826 in Darke Co., Oh. She died there in 1855.
HENRY WARD
North Carolina Militia. He lived in Surry Co., NC when he enlisted in the NC Militia. He mar Charity (???) there 22 Dec 1775. After the war, he moved to Georgia, where he died. His widow applied for a pension 29 Nov 1844 at age 84 while living in Madison Co., Ga.
HOPPER WARD
Virginia Militia. He applied for a veteran's pension 27 May 1818 while living in Fluvanna Co., Va., aged 63. In 1820, he and his wife (age about 52) and a son who had broken his back in 1813 lived together.
HUGH WARD
Maryland Militia. Served as a private in the Md. Militia. After he war, he received a BLW on 30 Jan 1795 for his military service. He sold this to John Stockdell.
ICHABOD WARD
Connecticut Militia. Ichabod served as a Private in the Connecticut Militia. After the War, he moved to Susquehanna Co., Pa. where he applied for a pension 7 Apr 1818, giving his age as 67. However, on 1 Sep 1823, he gave his age as 70, with a wife Mary age about 170. In 1821, he referred to 5 ch: Fanny Ward (age 38), William Ward (age 35), Polly Ward (deceased), Orrilla Ward (25) and Samuel Ward (22), all mar and living away from home. (Pension S40646)
ICHABOD WARD
Connecticut Militia and Rhode Island Militia. Ichabod was born 1761 at Middletown, the part that became Chatham, Middlesex Co., Ct. He lived at East Haddam and Canterbury, Ct. during the War. He served as a private in the Connecticut and Rhode Island Militias. After the war, he lived at Canterbury, Plainfield, Windham, Voluntown, Lebanon, East Trumbull and Norwich, Ct. He applied for a pension 18 Aug 1832 at Norwich, New London Co., Ct. (Pension S14775)
ISAAC WARD
North Carolina Militia. Served in the 3rd Regiment of Wake Co., North Carolina Militia and also the Continental Army. Isaac died in service during the war. Roster shown below includes him. "The following is a list of Soldiers who served in the Continental line of the State of North Carolina in the Third Regiment and died in the Service Thereof--" He is listed as number 79 ("do" means "ditto"= Private).
ISAAC WARD
New Jersey Militia. Isaace served as a Private in the NJ Militia. He received a BLW for his service (#8833-100) on 23 Jun 17??, which was sold to Elias Dayton and sons.
ISAAC WARD
New Jersey Militia. (may be same as above) Isaac was b 28 Jun 1755. He enlisted in the NJ Militia at Belleville, NJ. He applied for a pension 14 Apr 1818 in Essex Co., NJ at age 62. He mar 30 Dec 1784 at Orange, Essex Co. Sarah ("Sally") Looker (b 30 Oct 1761). In 1820, he stated his wife was aged 59 and they had 5 ch: Nathan Ward (b 14 Sep 1785 -- 1811), James L. Ward (24 May 1792; mar 22 Dec 1822) Moses Ward (3 Aug 1795, mar Oct 1811), Lydia Ward (18 Mar 1898-- May 1828; mar 7 Oct 1815) and Polly Ward (14 Oct 1802--15 Oct 1802). Also listed were (relation not given): Daniel T. Ward (b 4 Mar 1838), Isaac N. Ward (died 24 Jan 1837) and Matthias M. Ward, Sary Pickins, July Westervelt and Moses Westervelt. (Pension W678)
ISRAEL WARD
New Jersey Militia. Israel was b 4 May 1763 at Chatham, Morris Co., NJ, a son of Joseph Ward (also a Revolutionary soldier). He lived there when he enlisted in the NJ Militia. In 1811, he moved to Madisonville, Hamilton Co., Oh. with his father and brother where they founded the town which later became a suburb of Cincinnati. He applied for a pension there 28 Aug 1832. (Pension S2436)
ISRAEL WARD
New York Militia. Israel was b Aug 1752 in the Beekman Precinct, Dutchess Co., NY and lived there when he enlisted in the New York Militia. In 1778, he moved to Spencertown, Columbia Co., NY In 179, he moved to Warrensburgh, Washington Co. (later in Warren Co.); in Mar 1819, he moved to Scott, Cortgland Co. NY and in Apr 1823, to Frankfort, Berkimer Co., NY; in Aug 1832, he moved to Litchfield, NY where he applied 9 Oct 1832 for a pension. His niece Rachel Farington (dau of his sister) made an affidavit on his behalf, while living in Danube, Berkimer Co., NY 24 Feb 1834. (Pension # S14797)
JABEZ WARD
Massachusetts Militia. Jabez served as Quartermaster Sergeant with the Ma. Militia. He was awarded a veteran's pension 26 Sep 1818 while living in Rutland, Vt. with an annual allowance of $96.00 and received $183.69 by that time. Received a BLW (#5207-100) 6 Dec 1791, sold to Stephen Thorn. (Pension S41305)
JABEZ WARD
New Jersey Militia. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in Captain Pierson's Company of NJ Militia.
JACOB WARD
Connecticut Militia. Jacob was b Jan 1756. He enlisted in the Connecticut Militia in Hartford Co. He applied for a pension 1 May 1818 when living in Senaca Co., NY. In 1820, he lived at Wolcott, NY with his wife Mary (aged 55) and son aged 23 and granddaughter, aged 12 (names not given). Eli Ward was referred to (no relation given. He later moved to Michigan and made affidavit in 1842 in Livingston Co., Mi.
JACOB WARD
New Jersey Militia. Enlisted in Essex Co., NJ in the NJ Militia.
CONTINUED in Part 2
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