Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3282, Elisha Eldridge, Conn. Mass.
Page 1

    SERVICE                                                                      NUMBER                               

Conn.                               Eldridge, Elisha                     R. 3283
Mass.                              "Aldrige
                                        "Aldridge
Page 2

State of New York
Rensselaer County} Js  On this twenty ninth day of
                                    November Eighteen hundred and
forty One personally appeared before Henry J. N. Martin
one of the Justices of the Justice Court of the City of Troy -
(being a Court of Record)          Elisha Eldridge   a
resident of the Town of Lanninsburg in the County and State aforesaid.  Aged eighty five years. Who being first duly sworn according to law, Doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Dated July 7, 1832 that he enlisted in the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein state,  That at the time I first enlisted I resided in the town of Branford in the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut. In the Spring or forepart of Summer of 1774  I went to the town of Groton in the County of Middlesex in Massachusetts State. Where I enlisted under Capt. Duly - With Matthew Rogers, Samuel Prentice and Levi Sherman as minute men for nine months, was in Colonel Wards Regt. as soon as the alarm of Lexington reached the town of Groton we immediately took up our of march to Lexington and arrived there just as the British left it for Boston. about this time my first enlistment expired - I then again enlisted for three months more under Capt. Duly in Colonel Wards Regiment and went with him to Cambridge where we encamped and at the time of the Battle of Bunker Hill we were stationed on Prospect Hill in both of the above enlistments Is served as Corporal.

My second enlistment having expired, I enlisted in a company of Artillery under Cpt. Thomas Staples for nine months and I think was attached to Colonel Wards Regt.  Cannot tell how long I served but did not serve long as my Captain released me on account of the service being two [sic] hard for me.  Then being only about eighteen years of age -
Page 3

I immediately after being discharged from the Artillery inlisted under Capt, Aaron Morse of Massachusetts for three months as a minute man, according to my best recollection Joseph Reed was Colonel and  Marion or Seth Reed Lieutenant Colonel . Went with Capt. Morse to Roxberry where we built a Fort and took up our Winter quarters, in this last enlistment I was Sergeant. 

I then enlisted again under Capt. Morse for Six months and was orderly Sergeant and went with Capt. Morse to Dorchester where we were stationed blockcading [sic] the British in Boston expecting every day to have an engagement with them but to our surprise the first we knew they evacuated the Plain, and as they with their shipping ...... in number passed by our troops each if them gave us a broadside cutting down many of our men. our troops then entered the City in triumph, about this time my last enlistment under Capt. Morse expired. he gave me my discharge and I returned home to old Branford in Connecticut having been in the service one year and nine months from the time of my first enlistment under Capt. Duly in 1774 to the time of my discharge by Capt. Morse in 1776.
Although I cannot remember the exact date of each inlistment, Yet I do know I was in the Service at the time of Lexington battle the 19th of April 1775 untill [sic] after at the time the British left Boston the 17th March 1776
   Some time after I returned home in 1776 I again enlisted under Captain Samuel Barker in the town of Branford in the State of Connecticut for three years in Colonel Rupells Regiment, don't remember wheather [sic] they were State Troops or Continental at this time, one brother was Lieutenant . I served eighteen months of my enlistment. When I hired a man by the name of Asha Bull and paid him one hundred dollars to serve out my time,  He was excepted by my Captain, and he gave me my discharge which I have lost with the one I received from Captain Morse.
Page 4

for which Service I claim a Pension, which I have intended to Call on my Country for, but in consequence of old age and my destitute circumstances, and being dependant on my Daughter who teaches a school for her support, I am under the necessity to do so.  And further I have no documentary evidence, and I know of no person living who can testify to my service.  I hereby relinquish every Claim whatsoever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State -
[this next sentence/line is illegible]
Sworn to and subscribed the          his   
day and year aforesaid          Elisha  X  Eldridge
 H.V.W. Marten one of the             mark
Justices of the Justice Court of the
City of Troy being a court of Record

And I the said Justice do hereby declare My Opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and that from bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court or Write his name and therefore makes his Mark
Dated Nov 29th 1841      H.V.W.Masten Justice 
                                               Peace etc.

I the Clerk of the Justice Court of the City of Troy hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of Henry V.W. Masten one of the Justices of the Justice Court of Record of the City of Troy in said County, in the matter of the application of Elisha Eldridge for a pension, and that the signature annexed to the said declaration is the genuine signature of the said Henry V.W. Masten

Seal        In testimony whereof, I have hereunto
affixed    set my hand and the seal of said 
here        Court Dated at Troy this twenty ninth 
                Day of November A.D. 1841
                          [Signed]  Wm Hagen clerk
Page 5

State of New York. Rensselaer County, SS
On this 7th day of August 1857, Personally appeared before me Charles C. Seale, County Judge of Rensselaer County, Nancy Aldrige [Eldridge] a resident of the County and State
aforesaid, aged 39 years who being first duly sworn according to law, Doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
Deponeth [illegible] says that she is the only surviving child and lawful heir at law of Elisha Aldrige [Eldridge] and his wife Mary whose maiden name was Wheadon that my Father the said Elisha died the first day of December 1841, leaving no widow [illegible] surving. That in the
year 1775 he resided in Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut, that in the spring of 1775 he went to the town of Grafton State of Massachusetts, where he enlisted in the [illegible] service under Capt Dury
or Drury in Col. Ward's Regt. that after his first enlistment expired he again enlisted for 3 months under the same Capt and Col and after his seccond and enlistment expired he again enlisted for 3 months under
Capt Moore and after his last enlistment expired he enlisted for 6 months, thinks Seth Reed was his Colonel. He then returned to Branford in Connetticut [Connecticut] and enlisted for 3 years in Capt or Lieut Barkers Com, Col Russells Regt.
Page 6

That all the within mentioned service I have
often time heard my Father [illegible] over in his life time, and that my Father and Mother were married in the town of Branford New Haven County State of Connetticut [Connecticut]
Sworn to and subscribed
for me this 7th day of August 1851
Chas. C. Parmelee
Rensselaer County Judge.
Nancy Aldrige [Eldridge]

I certify that I am personally acquainted with
the above deponent and that she is a person of truth and [illegible], and is entitled to the fullest credit, and that from [illegible] is unable
[illegible]
of Rev
pec
STATE OF NEW-YORK,
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, 88.
certify that Charles C Parmalee Esq. 
before whom the annexed affidavit was made,
and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the late hour Judge of Rensselaer
County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is
genuine.
www
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Ninth day of August A. D. 1851
Henry A Clum Clerk
Page 7

I have
often time herd my Fartha rehear over in his
life time, and that my Father and Mother were
married in the town of Branford, New Haven County
State of Connetticut
[illegible] to and subscribed before me this 7th day of August 1851 of

[Nancy Aldrige] 
[name of Judge illegible]
Renselaer County Judge
I certify that I am personally acquainted with
the above deponent and that she is a person of
truth and veracity, and is entitled to the fullest
[illegible], and that from Indibility is unable ┃
to appear in Court.
[illegible name] Rensselaer County Judge
Page 8

State of New York    Rensselaer County} Js
On this 8th day of August 1851 personally appeared before me Charles C. Parmelee, County Judge of Rensselaer County the under named deponent having been duly sworn according to law testifies and says that he was the Physician who attended Charles Aldridge , in his last sickness that he died in the County aforesaid on the first day of December 1841 at the home of his daughter the within named Nancy Aldridge
Sworn to and Subscribed before me
this 8th day of August 1851       Alson D. Hull
Chas C. Parmelee
        Rennselaer County Judge

State of New York Renselaer County Js
on this 8th day of August 1851 personally appeared before me Charles C. Parmelee, County Judge of Rennselaer County
the under named deponent who being duly sworn according to law testifies that he was a Captain of a uniform company at the time of the death of Elisha Aldridge and that in respect of his having been as was believed an old Revolutionary soldier  he was buried with Military Honors.  Sworn and Subscribed before me this day of August 1851
                                                            Alfred Seaman
Chas C. Parmelee
Rennselaer County Judge
I testify that I am personally acquainted with the above named deponents and that they are persons of Truth and veracity - 
                                      Chas  C. Parmelee
                                      Rennselaer County Judge
Page 9

Extract from the Records of the First Congregational Church in Branford, (?) (?) by the Rev Philemon Robbins Pastor.
"Marriages
1777 February 27th. Elisha Aldrige & Mary Wheedon"
I Timothy P. Gillett Pastor of the Congregational Church in Branford (?) that the above is a true extract or copy from the records of the said church (?) by the Rev. Philemon Robbins who was ordained over the church Feb 7th 1732/3 - (?) (?) in that office August 13th 1781.  As appear from the same records.  The time of his death is recorded in a different hand writing.  The mode of recording marriages followed by Mr. Robbins was to put the word marriages at the head of the record.  The date of the year & month in the margin in (?) and against the date the names of the person married (?) (?) (?) (?) extract.
The purpose of the (?) therefore is this -
One
Page 10

State of Connecticut
New Haven Co  Js      Branford Aug 1, 1851

Personally appeared the Rev Timothy P Gillett, Pastor of the Congregational Church Branford, Subscriber of the foregoing certificate and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same

              Before me
              Levi S. Parsons, Justice of Peace
Page 11

October 13, 1937.


Mr. Charles William Eldridge
27 East Bridge Street
Oswego, New York.

Upper Right Corner
BA-J/ILL
Elisha Eldridge
R. 3282

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Elisha Eldridge (Aldridge or Aldrich) who lived in Brandford, Connecticut, and died in Lansingburgh, New York.
The data given herein were found in pension claim, R. 3282, based upon service of Elisha Aldrige, or Eldridge, in that war.
Elisha Aldrige, or Eldridge, was born in Branford, New Haven County, Connecticut, where he resided at the time of the Revolutionary War.  The date of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
November 29, 1841, he resided in Lansingburgh, Rensselaer County, New York, with his daughter Nancy Eldridge, a school teacher.  He gave his age then as eighty-five years.  He applies then for the pension which might have been due on account of his service in the Revolutionary War, and stated that he served as follow: enlisted in Groton, Massachusetts, in 1774, was a minute-man in Captain Luke Drury's company, Colonel Jonathan Ward's Massachusetts regiment, that he marched from Groton as soon as news of the Lexington Alarm reached there but reached that place after the British had left, that he enlisted and served nearly three months in that company and was stationed at Prospect Hill during the battle of Bunker Hill, that he served next as corporal in Captain Thomas Staples company of Artillery for a short time, that he served three months in Captain Aaron Morse's company, Colonel Joseph Reed's Massachusetts regiment, and served six months as orderly sergeant in Captain Morse's company, that some time after the British left Boston, he returned to Branford, Connecticut, that he enlisted there in 1776, and served eighteen months in Captain Samuel Barker's company, Colonel Russell's Connecticut regiment, then hired a substitute for complete the three years for which he had enlisted.
The claim for pension was not allowed as proof of service of six
Page 12

months was not furnished in accordance with the requirements of the pension law.
Elisha Eldrige, or Eldridge, died December 1, 1841 at the home of his daughter in Lansingburgh, New York.  It was stated that his neighbors "honored him with a warrior's burial.".
He married February 27, 1777, in Branford, Connecticut, Mary Wheadon: the ceremony was performed by the First Congregational Minister of Branford; a copy of the record of this marriage shows Elisha's name "Elisha Aldrige".
In 1841, Nancy Eldridge stated that he father came to live with her in 1841, and that she had not lived at home since a child; she was the only surviving heir of the soldier.  In 1852, she was living in Lansingburgh, and gave her age as thirty-nine years, but did not state the place of her birth.  No reference was made to any other children.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

2.
Page 13

Died Dec 1. 1841
REJECTED INVALID
REJECTED
REJECTED

Elisha Aldridge
See papers under 3282.
ervice; as Elisha Eldridge
Page 14

Mch. 14, 1905
Page 15

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
MMHF
Pierre E. Haynes,
East Aurora,
New York.
Dear Sir:
March 3, 1930.
I advise you that photostatic copies of three pages,
old letters in Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 3282,
Elisha Eldridge, will be furnished you at the rate of
fifteen cents a page, and twenty-five cents additional for
certification should you desire it.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau
by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the
Interior.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner.
Page 16

2
PIERRE E. HAYNES
EAST AURORA, N. Y.
November 13th, 1929
The U. S. Pension Office,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:

I have obtained from your office a photostat
copy of correspondence inconnection with the claim of
Elisha Eldridge or Aldridge (R. File No. 3282).

The material obtained from your office contains
copies of letters and other papers originating with the applicant,
 his daughters and various witnesses and contains no
copies of letters sent from the Pension Office.

Will you kindly inform me as to whether this
file contains copies of Pension office letters or other memoranda
and the approximate cost of obtaining photostatic
copies of such material as you find.

Yours very truly,

Pierre E. Haynes
Page 17

Rev. and 1812
War Section.
                                July 31, 1924
R. P. Elder
430 Merchants Bank Bldg.,
Indianapolis, Ind.

Sir;

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 3282, it appears
that Elisha Eldridge or Aldridge was born in Branford,
Connecticut, date not stated.
While residing at said Branford, he enlisted at
Groton, Massachusetts and alleged that he served as
follows --

   In 1774, was a Minute Man in Captain Luke Drury's
Company, Colonel Jonathan Ward's Massachusetts Regiment.
    In 1775, two months and twenty four days as Corporal
in same company and regiment.
   A short time in Captain Thomas Staples' Company of
Artillery.
   In 1775, three months as a Minute Man in Captain
Morse's Company, Colonel Joseph Reed's Massachusetts Regiment
.
In 1775, six months as an Orderly Sergeant
in Captain
Page 18


Morse's Company.
From 1776, eighteen months in Captain Samuel Barker's
Company, Colonel Russell's Connecticut Regiment.
   He applied for pension November 29, 1841, while a resiident
of Lansingburgh, Rensselaer County, New York, aged
eighty five years, but the claim was not allowed, owing to
insufficient proof of the services alleged.
Soldier married February 27, 1777 at Branford, Connectiticut
, Mary Wheadon. He died in Rensselaer County, New York,
December 1, 1841, leaving no widow, only child surviving him
was Nancy, names of other children are not stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 19



3282

3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,
19
In reply to your request of
received
a statement of the military history of Eliza Aldridge or Eldridge
soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
firmation as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
at the Mass
1775
1775
1775
1776

.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
COLONEL.
Batten Ward
STATE.
Mineteman Luke Drury
Corpl.
Mass
Thos Staples' [illegible] Co.
Sutton Morse
Joseph Reed
City at
Mary
Samuel Barker
Russell
Battles engaged in, stated
Son
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Branford have Haven Co. Com.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 29, 1841.
Residence at date of application, Lansingburgh, Rensselaer Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, 85  in Branford, Conn, date not dated
Remarks: Hearing Feb. 27, 1777 at Branford Conn. Mary
Wheadon He [illegible} [illegible] Rensselaer Co. N Y. Dec 1841.
and his only surviving child was Nancy Aldridge
he lelt no wid names of other children nor Stated
This claim was rejected owing to insufficient prove of the service.




Respectfully,
the daughter signs both ways  in spite of saying her name was 
Aldridge.

This name  is not found and in Conn. Archives at all.
 Commissioner
& only as of [illegible] [illegible]  for 2 months 24 day and service with
transfer to act,
Page 20

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 27064
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,     October 15, 1928
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension   Deliver to Room 5033

(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job Photostatic copies of 11 pages from
Revolutionary War pension claim of Elisha Eldridge, Conn.TRPS. R3282
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing?
days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch


Deliver to Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
[name is illegible] Chief Clerk of Bureau.
[Name is illegible]Chief of Branch X
NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
Room No.
Phone No.
Margaret M. H.
Duplicate
Multigraph
Mimeograph
Folding
Assembling
Stapling
CHECK WORK DESIRED
single or double space?
one side or both sides?
once or twice?
Once?
Electric typewriter
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters
Facsimile signature?
Facsimile signature?
Twice? Side? End?
Fill in addresses?
Photostat x Size actual
Size Official use?
Repay? yes $1.65



-
(OVER)
Page 21

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank with a
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief
bureaus.
________ 192 __.
( Date )
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate  On list _____
as follows:
Now reads
1 _____
2 _____
3 _____
4 _____
5 _____
Should read
1 _____
2 _____
3 _____
4 _____
5 _____

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made _____
Operator______
MULTIGRAPH
Operator______ Date _____ Type set by Date _____
Remarks _____
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator _____ Date _____ Cut by _____
Remarks _____
Page 22

Oct 13, 1928
Chief, Rev and 1812 Wars Section Division.
I have this day received from Pierre E Haynes money order in the amount of $1.90, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith. Copies made & Luisuce? Did noted Oct. 23, 1928
[initialed] N.C.L.
No CC Oct 16
To Law Oct 19
Page 23

PIERRE E. HAYNES
EAST AURORA, N.Y.
BUREAU
Finance.
Oct. 11th, 1928.
M.D. 170541-1.90

Mr. E. W. Morgan,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Dear Sir:
I am enclosing money order for $1.90 to cover
the purchase of certified photstatic copy of the original
papers on file in connection with the Revolutionary War
Pension Claim of Elisha Eldridge Aldridge, Aldridge), R.
3282. I understand that there are eleven pages which
will be photographed at 15 cents per page plus 25 cents
for certification.
Yours very truly,
June E Haynes

[stamp]
FINANCE DIVISION
BOOK KEDES OSK
OCT 13, 1928
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 24

Section.
October 5, 1928.

Pierre E. Haynes,
East Aurora,
New York.
Sir:
I advise you that photostatic copies of original
papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim
of Elisha Eldridge (Aldrige, Aldridge), R. 3282, will be
furnished upon request, under the Act of August 24,
1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-
five cents extra for certification if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is eleven.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau
by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary
of the Interior.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
COPIED BY ADY

15
11
 15
15
1.60
.25
1.90
Page 25

PIERRE E. HAYNES
EAST AURORA, N.Y.
The U. S. Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
September 19, 1928.
Gentlemen:
I would like if possible to obtain a
photostatic copy of the pension application of Elisha
Eldridge (or Aldrick or Aldridge ) who served in the
revolutionary war. The application was dated either
1832 or 1841 probably the latter. He lived at Lansingburg
N.Y. and had served under Col. Artemus Ward at
the Battle of Lexington. The claim was rejected.
If it is impossible for me to have a photostat
will you kindly give me the exact date of the application

Yours very truly,
Jane E Haynes

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
SEP 22 1928
Page 26

Papers included in photos to Pierre E. Haynes:
Soldier’s entire declaration including James Ruinlans’s affid. of Sept. 21, 1841- 4 page Nancy’s affid. dated Apr. 26, 1852. 1 page 
Nancy’s affid. dated Aug. 7, 1851 & within affid. of Alison P. Hull & Afred Seaman 3 p-
Church record & affid. of Tim. Gillett dated Aug. 1,1851 (on back) 1 p-
Nm C. Follet’s affid. dated Dec. 14, 1851 1 p-
[crossed out] appl. for Ctp. of Rev. Sr.
Nancy’s affid. dated Apr. 7, 1846 on which ends with “honored him with a warrior’s burial” 1 p-
11 p-
Page 27

Charles William Eldridge, A. J. A.
ARCHITECT
[Registered]
27 East Bridge Strest
Oswego, New York
SEPTEMBER TWENTY - NINTH 1937
Rev and 1812 Sec
Pension Bureau
War Department
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I would like to inquire if Elisha Eldridge,
Aldridge, or Aldrich who lived at Branford, Conn.,
died at Lansingburg, New York, and was at Lexington,
Bunker Hill and the Seige of Boston, and served in
several other enlistments from the town of Branford,
ever applied for a pension, either personally or through
his descendents and was it paid?
Yours very truly
Chas. Wm Eldredge
CHAS. WM. ELDRIDGE
E/m
[stamp]
RECEIVED Oct 1 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV
Page 28

HENRY EVANS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD PAUL L. HAID, PRESIDENT
FIDELITY PHOENIX
INSURANCE COMPANY
OF NEW YORK
WESTERN DEPARTMENT
844 RUSH STREET P. O. BOX 796 CHICAGO
ALFRED STINSON, VICE PRESIDENT F. D. HOUGHAM. ASST. SECRETARY

R. P. ELDER, SPECIAL AGENT
430 MERCHANTS BANK BLDG.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.

Indianapolis, Ind., July 17, 1924.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: -
Please give citation to official records, if any, relative
to the service of Elisha Eldridge, of Massachusetts, in the War of
the Revolution.
This soldier is said to have enlisted as Corporal in the
Regiment of Colonel (or General) Artemis Ward, and to have been in
the actions at Lexington and Bunker Hill. He is alleged to have
served about two years in the Continental Army, and certain family
records indicate that he was originally a member of the detail
known as " Minute Men".
Thanking you in advance for any assistance you may be
able to give me in this matter, I am,
Yours truly,
R P Elder

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
JUL 29 1924
Page 29

HENRY EVANS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD PAUL L. HAID, PRESIDENT
FIDELITY PHOENIX
INSURANCE COMPANY
OF NEW YORK
WESTERN DEPARTMENT
844 RUSH STREET P. O. BOX 796 CHICAGO
ALFRED STINSON, VICE PRESIDENT F. D. HOUGHAM. ASST. SECRETARY

R. P. ELDER, SPECIAL AGENT
430 MERCHANTS BANK BLDG.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Indianapolis, Ind., June 30, 1924.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please give citation to official record,
if any, relative to service of Elisha Eldridge, of Massachusetts,
in the war of the Revolution.
This soldier is said to have enlisted as Corporal
in Regiment of Colonel (or General ) Artemis Ward, and to have
been in actions at Lexington and Bunker Hill. He is alleged
to have served about two years in the Continental Army, and
certain family records indicate that he was a member of the
detail known as "Minute Men".
Your assistance in this matter shall be greatly
appreciated.
Yours truly,
R B
R. P. Elder
430 Merchants Bank Bldg.,
Indianapolis, Ind.

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
S JUL 1 1924
Page 30

[very faint] Nero 1-795
Warsaw, N.Y.
Jan 30-1920

N.S. Pension Office
Washington, D.C.,
Gentlemen
I am writing to you for a copy of the history of the military services of Elisha Eldridge, born 1756 at Mansfield, Conn. and died at Lansing-burg, N.Y. (mar Troy) Dec. 1–1841.
Also please give me a reference, by volume and page, to the documentary or other authority upon which this record was found.
(over)
Page 31

Elisha Eldridge was my Great Great Grandfather and I am asking you for this record and information to assist me in joining The National Society of the D.A.R.
Thanking you, I am 
Respectfully yours
Mrs D.E. Van Order
24 South Ave.
Page 32

[stamp]
RECORD DIVISION
MAY 16 1911
Page 33

[initialed] J.W / 2
Washington May 15, 1911
The Honorable 
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
I enclose a letter from Albert D. Spangler Registrar of D.C. Society Sons of the American Revolution which will explain itself- I will thank you to furnish me the Military History of my two great grandfathers. Elisha Eldridge, or Aldridge, or Aldrich, as sometimes spelled, and Thomas Lyon soldier of the Revolution, whose applications for pension are on file in your office
Respectfully
Watson Wm Eldridge
Chief of Division
PS I will thank you to return enclosed letter with your reply
[initialed] E.
Thos Lyon Eldridge Mass- W.
Page 34

BUXTON & SKINNER 11TH ST. LOUIS , U.S.A.
ST. LOUIS GENERAL AGENCY
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
ROOMS 301 - 312 NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE BUILDING. St Louis. Feb. 23, 1905.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
On December 16th I wrote you requesting a copy of
the declaration on file in the Pension Dept. of my grandfather
who served as a soldier during the Revolutionary War, and received
your certificate under date of Jan 3d. This certificate
his marked Widow 23,007 Rev. War and is a statement of the
revolutionary service of Elisha Eldridge.
This particular Elisha Eldridge, however, is not my
ancestor but probably his cousin. My ancestor was another
Elisha Eldredge whose history I understand you will find in case
3282 Old War and Navy Div. If I could trouble you to send me
this corrected certificate I should be very much obliged indeed.
Yours respectfully,
E A P Haynes

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
A FEB 25 1905
Page 35

83 No.
Page 36

Rejected
See let to Andrew Follet [unreadable & crossed out]
Same April [crossed out]
Same Aug [crossed out] 1842
Same Sept. 28 [unreadable]
7 June 1882?
Page 37

Lamingburgh Novr 30th 1841
Sir
I enclose you the papers of Elisha Eldridge an applicant for a Pension
I am yours Respectfully
Andrew Follet Esqr
J.L. Edwards Esqr.
board of Pensions
Page 38

85 June 3rd 1852
Ths. Lumpkins
appeals in case of Elisha Aldrich or Aldridge deed
Refd to Conn Pensions for a Report
Dept Jut ? 2/32
June 1, 1852
Page 39

Washington D.C.
July 31st 1852
Sir, I have the honor to enclose herewith Mr. Aldridges? letter to me and also to state that I have very carefully examined the case of Elisha Aldridge (Gen Halles) Act of 9th June 1832 New-York, and am perfectly satisfied that the case just and should be allowed. I am constrained therefore to appeal from the recent decisions made to Mr. Aldridge adverse to this case, on the ground that the identity is not [crossed out] closely established. I regard the identity establishes by the affidavit of the physician who attended him in his last illness, and the affidavit of the Capt. Alfred Seaman, who swears that he buried him with Military honors, he being regarded by the inhabitants as a soldier of the Revolution. The papers in his case will prove his service [initialed] J.C. I enclose herewith a letter from the Comm. Of Pensions & also Nov. 1, 1857, which ? the service [crossed out] case, but requires what is impossible viz. that some one who knew him while performing the service, must serve as to to his having a personal knowledge of said Elisha Aldrich service to establish the identity!
Page 40

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES
made by the Daughter of the party who rendered the service.
State of New York
County of Rensselaer Town of Lansingburgh
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence
from the Rolls in his office of the service of Elisha Aldridge or Aldrich
in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Branford in the county of New Haven
and State of Connecticut
He enlisted from the Town of Grafton in the County of Worcester
and State of Massachusetts in the year 1775 as a private in
the Company commanded by Captain Duly or Drury in Col Wards
Regiment for 8 month, and he served as follows, viz:
and after said time expired he again enlisted
for 3 months under said Capt Duly or Drury in
said Wards Regiment, and at the expiration of the
last service he again enlisted 3 months & served
under Capt Moore, and after serving out this
term enlisted for 6 months thinks Seth Reed
was his Colonel, again in 1777 or 8 Enlisted
in Capt or Lieut Burkies Compay of or 3 years
in the town of Branford New Haven County and
State of Connecticut and was attached to Colonel
Russell Regiment, all of which service I have
often heard my Father State in his life time.
Justice of the Peace.
I am now thirty nine years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services
more fully than above stated. Nancy Aldridge
Witness my hand, this 11th day of August A.D. 1851
Signed by said Nany Aldridge
in my presence,
J Ransom Justice of the Peace
Page 41

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
September 3 1851.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books
and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of
the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of Elisha Aldrich is borne on a Muster
roll of Capt. Aaron Kimball's Co, marched from
Grafton, Apr. 19, 1775, 7 days as private-enlisted into
the Army.
On rolls of 8 mo. service in 1775 in Capt. Luke
Drury Co. Col. Ward's Regt. as a private of Grafton
enlisted into the train July 15"
---
There appears to be no evidence of any other service
by any person named Elisha Aldrich or Aldridge
Page 42

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence
of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this
Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the
search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said
application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts
and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written
Amasa Walker
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 43

35.319
Elisha Eldridge
NY
Act of 7 Jun 32

3282
7th Jun 1832
Page 44

State of New York
Rensselaer  County. On this 21st of September 1841
Personally appeared before me Andrew Follet one 
of the Justices of the town of Lansingburgh in said County
James Quinlan Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church
In the town of Rensselaer Hill in the County of Albany in
State of New York - being first duly Sworn according to law
- deposeth and Saith that he is well acquainted with
Elisha Eldridge now Applying for a Pension In Lansingburgh
in the County of Rensselaer and has been for about thirty
years During which time said Elisha has been 
a worthy and reputable Member of the Methodist Church
and I have been [illegible] Informed has been for
about fifty years and that during my acquaintance
said Elisha has sustained a good moral character for
truth & veracity, and is entitled to Credit
James Quinlan
Subscribed and and
Sworn 11th Sept 1811
And Follet Justice Peace
Page 45

319
Pen off
Decr 24th 41

Sir
The claim of Elisha Eldridge
has been examined & rejected -
He asserts that after the Battle of Lexington
which is deemed the commencement
of hostilities, he enlisted & served 3 mo
under Capt Daly under whom he states
he had already served 9 month - again
enlisted under Capt Staples of the Artillery
for 9 months and having been discharged
from the artillery, he served two terms
of service under Capt Morse of the
Mass militia between the time of
his discharge from the artillery & the 
evacuation of Boston 17 March 76
This statement derives no support what
ever records of the Mass service
which are complete for that period of the war-
There were no such officers 
as he names-
The alleged service of 18 months under
an enlistment of 3 years in the Connt
line is discredited by the rolls-
Page 46

It is apparent from the ignorance
which his narrative exhibits of the
service of 75-6 in & about Boston
as well as from the records that
is not entitled to a pension
Andrew Follet Esqr
Lansingburgh NY

[illegible text sideways]
Page 47

Srpt 14 1846
Proof of Service
Elisha Eldridge

J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington City

[postmark]
LANSINGBURGH
SEP 12
Page 48

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
Sept. 7 1846.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books
and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of
the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of Elisha Aldrich is
borne upon a Muster Roll of Capt Aaron
Kimballs Company, in Col Artemas Ward
Regt, as a private of Grafton, from April 19
1775, 7 days. Upon a Muster Roll of
Capt Luke Drurys Company, in Col
Jonathan Ward Reg in the Eight months
service, as a private of Grafton, from April
26 to July 15 1775, 2 months and 19 days.
It is noted in said account as follows, viz:
enlisted into the train July 15 - The
name of Matthew Rouge, Levi Sherman
and Samuel Prentice, mentioned in application 
of Elisha Eldridge, are not borne upon
said Master rolls with that of said Aldrich 
The
Page 49

name of Elisha Aldridge is not borne upon
any military roll in this office
The preceding is all the evidence of
service of any one of the name of said
Aldrich Shown by the Military documents
in this department.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence
of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this
Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search
was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, 
and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and
circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 50

Lansingburgh Sept 3d 1846
Sir,
In the application of Nancy Eldridge
for a certificate of her fathers service in the
Revolution she requests me to say to you that
her farther name, is likely to be returned as
Elisha Aldridge as Eldridge, and that
his name was spelt Aldridge on the
record of his Marriage
for Nancy Eldridge
Andrew Follet Esqr

Let me have an answer as soon as convenient
Page 51

Lansingburgh Sept 9th 1844
I enclose you the require Record
Evidence of the service of Elisha Eldredge
or Aldridge as it appears that at the
time of his service and his marriage
he went by the name of Aldridge -
Your Respectfully
Andrew Follet

J.L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Page 52

Andrew Follett
Aug 29 '42
Page 53

442
Pen off
Aug 29 '42,
Sir,
In answer to yours of
22 inst in the case of Elisha Eldridge
if then has been any mistake in relation 
to the names of the officers or places
of enlistment, the claimant should correct
it by a deposition-
The certificate of the [illegible]
be adduced for any alleged service
under the authority of Connecticut
Andrew
Follet E
Lansingburgh
N.Y.
Page 54

April 11,1846
Recd
Page 55

Lansingburgh April 7th 1846
Sir. My Father Elisha Eldridge in the month
of Novr 1841. while in a low State of health, and
confirmed to his bed, made his application for a
Pension before a Justice of a Court of Record, and
sent the same on by his agent Andrew Follet Esq.
at the same time he made a will, Willing Mrs
whatever he might be entitled to at the time of his death
And a few days after Died, and feeling anxious
for myself to know wheather his claim is lost in
consequence of his death. And if not what course
I must pursue, and what is wanting to establish
his claim
Your Respectfully 
Nancy A. Eldridge

J. L. Edwards Commisson, 
of Pensions
N. B. Such was the confidence of the people in his
Neighbourhood in his Fidelity to his country. That
at his Funeral, that they honored him with a warrior,
burial
Page 56

Andrew Follett
June 22 1846
Page 57

499
Pen off
June 22 '46
Sir
In reply to the letter of
Nancy E Eldridge respecting the claimof
her deceased father Elisha Eldridge
would refer to my letter to you of 24 Dec.
41 for the ground upon which it has
been resisted. - The only remedy is
to be found in the records of the service
in which he alleges he was engaged 
as heretofore intimated to you
Andrew Follett Esq
Lansingburg
N. Y.
Page 58

Andrew Follett
April 6th 1842
Page 59

Pen off
Apr 6 1842
Sir
In answer to yours
28 ult in the case of Elisha Eldridge
I would refer you to my letter of 24 Dec
last a copy of which is herewith forwarded
Andrew Follet Esqr
Lansingburgh
NY
Page 60

123
211
Pen Office
July 19. 1832
Sir
Until the evidence required
in my letter of the 2 November last
can be produced in the case of
Elisha Aldridge decd the claim
cannot be allowed
A. Follet Esq
Lansingburgh
New York
Page 61

[top cut off]
umpkin
Oct 20/52
Page 62

205
Pension Office
October 28, 1832
Sir,
I have to inform you that the
decision of this office in the case of
Elisha Aldrich an applicant for a pension
under the act of 7 June 1832, has been
affirmed by the Secretary of the Interior

Thomas Lumpkin, Esq
Present
Rev
Page 63

Department of the Interior
Washington October 26th 1852
Sir
I have examined the testimony in the
case of Elisha Aldrich an applicant for a
pension under the act of June 7th 1832 and
have affirmed your decision therein, the proof
of identity being insufficient- The papers
in the case are herewith returned to the pen
sion Office - you will please advise the
claimants attorney of the decision
I am very Respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant

Alex H. H. Stuart
Secretary

James E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner
of Pensions
Page 64

June 7th 1852
Page 65

Pension Office
June 7. 1852
Sir,
I have the honor to return herewith Mr
Lumpkins letter of appeal from my decision
in the case of Elisha Aldrich decd N.Y. act 7
June 1832, and to state that the requirements
of my letter of the 21 Novr to Mr. Follett last, which is included,
have not been complied with. Without evidence of
the identity of the soldier to whom the certificate
of service refers, with the father of the present claimant
I do not feel at liberty to allow the claim
The papers, 17 in number, envelopes included
are herewith enclosed
I have [illegible]

Hon Alex. H. H. Stuart
Secy Int
Page 66

Andrew Follett
April 2 1852
Page 67

24
Pension Office
April 2. 1852
Sir,
The affidavit of Wm C. Follet in the case of
Elisha Aldridge decd of N. Y. act 7 June 1832, enclosed
in your letter of the 18th Decr last, does not meet
the requirements of my letter of the 21 Novr last
In that letter you were required to identify
the claimants father with the soldier of that
name referred to in the certificate of the Secy of
State of Mass.

Andrew Follett, Esqr
Lansingburg
N. Y.
Page 68

Lansingburgh 16th Febuary 1852
Sir,
I forward you the statement of the Pension Claims of
Nancy Aldridge for her Father Elisha Aldridge 
Revolutionary service. and the Evidence in support of the Claim
and the letters continuing the objection to its allowance
The Evidence in support of the Claim follows first
the application of the claimant to the Secretary of War
[illegible] setting forth her further statements to [illegible] of his Services
for which she received a certificate agreeing with her
Statement of her further Service
Also the Evidence of William Follet who Drew her fathers
Will Willing said Nancy his Daughter what he said E Aldridge
was entitled to for his Revolutionary Services
Your Respectfully
Andrew Follet

Hon Department of the Interior please to Allow. T Lumpkin
of Washington City my Agent to Examine my Pension Papers
on file in your office
Andrew Follet Agent
for Names Aldridge

the Evidence of the Daughter in obtaining the Certificate of
her fathers Service Identifies her father being the soldier who [illegible]
-are the service- and the Will identifies her as the Daughter 
you will Examine the case and let me have and answer
what you think of the Claim the claimants father was
Buried in the honors of War
Page 69

Lansingburgh 28th March 1840
J.L.Edwards Esqr
Sir  on or about the 1st December
last I sent you the papers of Elisha Eldridge Applying
for a Pension. - I should like to no weather they [illegible]
[illegible] to hand and if they did I should like to here the 
results ---
Yours Respectfully
Andrew Follet Esqr

Mr J S Edwards
Com of Pennon
Page 70

Andrew Follet
Sept 24 1848
Page 71

Pension Office
Sep. 24th 1846
Sir,
The certificate of the
Secretary of Massachusetts presented
by you as evidence of the service
in the case of Elisha Eldridge,
of Groton shews service for 2 months
and 25 days credited to the name of
Elisha Aldrich's, of Grafton
These names are entirely different
If, however, this service be admitted
as applicable to this claim, it would
not be sufficient to entitle him to
a pension, The balance of his
alleged service is discredited by the
records of Massachusetts & Connecticut
of which you have already been
informed
Andrew Follett, Esq.
Lansingburgh
N.Y.
Page 72

Lansingbough Sept 7th 1857
Sir,
Yours of July 17th came safe to hand
in which you state can be no papers
found in the case of Nancy Aldrige
I therefore send you a new declaration-

I am Yours
Respectfully
Andrew Follet

James E. Heath
Comr of Pensions
Page 73

Elisha Aldrich
Page 74

Pension Office
November 21, 1835.
Sir,
The application in the case of Elisha
Aldrich dcd is received. There is no evidence
connecting the father of the claimant with
the soldier to whom the certificate of the
Secretary of State of Massachusetts refers
His identity must be proved by some one
who knew him while performing the service
very respectfully fully
your obt svt
J.Wilson
for Comm Pensions

A Follet Esq
Lansingburgh NY
Page 75

Lansingburgh 24th December 1854
Sir,
I enclose you the Required evidence in yours of the 21th
of November last. In the Pension Claim of Nancy Aldridge
for her Father Elisha Aldridge Revolutionary Services and
hope it will fully satisfy the Department of the Equity and Justice
of the Claim
Yours Respectfully
Andrew Follet
Page 76

Lansingburgh 1th W. 1857
Sir,
In yours of the 17th July last. You state you could not find Nancy
Aldridge Declaration for her Brother Elisha Aldridge revolutionary 
service - I mailed out a new statement of her Claim and sent
On I should like to know if it had been received. I also send a Statement 
from Massachusetts of her fathers Service who made application
Short time before his Death which was on the first of December
1841 Your answer in the case would be gladly received as it has
been of long standing
Yours Respectfully
Andrew Follett
Page 77

Lansingburgh [illegible] 1851
Sir
Yours of the 11th last on the claim of Nancy Aldridge for
her father Elisha Aldridge Revolutionary Service in which
You state there is no evidence connecting the father of the
Clamant with the Soldier to whom the Certificate of the State of
the State of Massachusetts. Refers sir in answer [illegible] not the
Application of the Claimant to the Secretary of Massachusetts on her
oath as required by the Pension Department in setting forth her
Fathers Officers and Service and as found on Record Identify the
Claimant to be the Daughter of the Soldier Elisha Aldridge under
whom said Nancy claims and of which Service you hold the
Certificate of said Aldridge Service I cannot but conclude that on
A Further Examination of the Claim you grant the allowance
Yours Respectfully
Andrew Follet

NB
Sir  I was a witness to said Elisha Aldridge will on the 27th
Day of No 1841 In which he will all to the appliant said Nancy
his daughter.- And that Such was the Confidence of the People of
his Revolutionary service That was buried in Military Escort-
Page 78

Feb 11/52
Rel: to Danl
W Dewen &c

Andw Follet
Lansingburgh
NY
Triplete

Recd Feb. 7, 1852
Page 79

Lansingburgh 3d February 1852
Sirs
I wish and answer in the following cases which are of
long standing. Nancy Aldritch Act of 1832 for her father Services
in the Revolution
and Daniel W Dowen for his father Services in the Revolution-
Also John weeks Administrator of William Becker for back pay due
said William A Pensioner under the Act of 1831
Also the Heirs of Hamon Golden Solder of 1812 for the time
Also Daniel W Dewen a soldier of 1812 for his time
Yours Respectfully
Andrew Follet

NB
All the above claims are before the Department which
You will please to answer as soon as convenient
Page 80

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
July 26, 1851
Sir,
You will perceive that the enclosed
Certificate of the service purports to contain all the
evidence of his service, to be found in this office, and
is the same service mentioned in the Com letter.

Elisha Aldrich is justly entitled to 
be credited with a 8 mos. service in addition to 7 days
at Lexington Alarm; it appears that he engaged to
serve for 8 mo. from May 1. 1775. & on the 15th July
enlisted in the train of Artillery, a higher grade of service;
and there is nothing on the returns to show that he
was discharged before his time expired
Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servant
Wm Tufts
Depty Secy of

Andrew Follett Esq
Lansingburg W.Y.
Page 81

State of New York
County of Rensselaer ⎬ On this 24th Day of December 1851
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and
for said County William Follet of Lansingburgh County
and State aforesaid being Duly Sworn deposeth and
oath that he has bin Personally acquainted with Nancy
Aldridge and her father Elisha Aldridge Deceased of 
Lansingburgh County and State aforesaid and that he further said
Elish Died at his daughter said Nancy's at Lansingburgh Co
aforesaid on the first of December 1841 and that a short time before
her fathers Death I was witness to his will in which he
Wiled to his said Daughter Nancy all that he was entitled to for
his Revolutionary Services and according to the Statement given
her by her father of his services and officers She sent on her
Application to the Secretary of Boston and obtained a Certificate
of her father Service and sent the same on as Evidence for a
Pension for her Fathers Revolutionary Service
William C. Follet
Sworn to and subscribed
before me on the 
and year first written
J Ransom Justice peace

I certify that I am personally acquainted
with the above deponent and
that he is a person of truth & veracity
J Ransom Justice of the peace
Page 82

State of New York
Rensselaer County SS
On this Twenty Sixth day of
April 1852 personally appeared before me a Justice of the
Peace, in and for County and State aforesaid, Nancy Aldridge
a resident of the town of Lansingburgh County
and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to
law, deposeth that she is the daughter of Elisha
Aldridge or Eldridge for whose services she claims
And who in the time of the Revolution, was a resident
of Connecticut, and of whose service I have testified.
In my application I also depose, that I never knew that
my true name was Aldridge, until my Father came to
reside with me in 1841, not residing at home since a child and that in conversation
with him he asked how I came to remain unmarried
so long, I replied it was for the love I had for his name,
which I ever meant to retain, He answered my child
you have not my true name, my true name is
Aldridge, as you will find on the record of my marriage
to Mary Wheadon, in the town of Branford in
the State of Connecticut. And in his statement of
his true name, and service, after his death I made
application to the Secretary of Massachusetts, and obtained
a certificate of his services which you have
After his death I went to Connecticut in search of proof
of his services, and called on the Pastor of the church
at Branford and found his marriage just as stated
by him; but a short time before his death,
Elisha Aldridge to Mary Wheadon Aldridge
and Subscribed the day and
year first above written before me 
Isaac Ransom
Justice of the Peace
Page 83

I hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with the within
Named Nancey Eldridge, and that she is a person of truth and
veracity and is entitled to credit. And the words not Residing at
home since a Child -  Interlined before Executed

J Ransom Justice Peace
Page 84

Lansingburgh 17th Ap. 1852
Sir,
inclose you the additional Evidence of Nancy Aldridge
Pension Claim for her father Revolutionary Services
which I think must be satisfactory
Yours Respectfully
Andrew Follet