Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8205, for Eleazer Phillips, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Navy
S.C.
Phillips, Eleazer
Martha
NUMBER
R.8205
CONTENTS
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Charleston August 27th 1838
Lutheran Church of German Protestants.
The following extract is furnished from the Records of this Church.
"Married on the 13th of November 1786 by the Revd. Mr. J. N. Martin, Mr. Elias Phillips to Marta Millener."
I certify the above to be correct.
Jacob F. Mintzing President

Charleston Dist. So. Ca.
I further certify that the Revd. Dr. Bachman. Pastor of said church is absent in Europe. That, I believe, the word "Elias" in the above, should have been "Eleaser". Because, in all other respects it corresponds with the true names of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. The last of whom is known to me - and because, no other entry of marriage is upon the record on or about this period of similar names. Dated at Charleston this fourteenth day 14th of September 1838
Jacob F. Mintzing
Sworn to before me this 14th day of September 1838. and I further certify the credibility of the affiant. The words "first of whom was," 5 line first being stricken out.
P. Cantwell
Not Pub & Clk for said District
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State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
On this 12th day of September 1838 personally appeared before the undersigned Mrs. Martha Phillips (alias Martha Milliner) and 70 years a resident of Christ Church Parish now Charleston, who being duly sworn according to law doth on Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed July 7th, 1838 entitled "an act granted half pay and pension to certain widows." That she is the widow of Eleaser Phillips decd. formerly of said parish [illegible words] who was (as Deponent frequently heard said husband relate) and as she believes a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and served in some for two years, and upwards in the following manner. to wit, as early as 1776 he joined a militia company in Charleston and served therein 6 months, and was then discharged, Deponent saith that after being thus regularly discharged, he entered as a mariner on board the U.S. Brig Wasp Captain Bulfinch and served therein 12 months, and while in said Brig, he acted in the capacity of steward and Purser. but cannot say whether he was commissioned so to act, or whether they were appointments temporary made by his superior officers. Neither can she say how long he acted in these capacities, Deponent saith that, while he was in marine service as above, he was at the taking of several prizes and in several actions, Dept. saith that the gallant Pulaski being wounded at Savannah in October 1779. He was put on board said Brig, where he died, and was buried in the ocean between North and South Edisto, Dept. saith that, when the Brig arrived in Charleston the said Eleaser Phillips was honorably discharged, and immediately thereafter he joined a militia company and served at the Siege of Charleston as a private soldier when the town surrendered to the British in May 1780, He was taken prisoner while under arms and retained a prisoner for 12 months. on parol, Deponent saith, said, Eleaser then left Charleston and reached St. Thomas's parish contiguous to the Camp of Marion, whom he aided and assisted in many ways, and became in consequence obnoxious to the British, with whom he had several
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several encounters and from whom he had several narrow escapes. perilling thereby life and liberty. Deponent further declares she was married to the said Eleazer Phillips on the 13th November 1786 the same being regularly entered in an original entry in her Bible, and by the Revd. J. N. Martin, as appears further, by the Certificate from the President of the Lutheran Church of German Protestants in Charleston hereto annexed. Her husbands first name being written through mistake "Elias" instead of Eleaser and that, her husband the said Eleaser Phillips died in the month of November 1826, that she was not married prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the 1st January 1794, viz at the time above stated, and that, she has no other documentary evidence other than those sent. and that she believes with the exception of Mr. Jos. Righton every of said Eleasers fellow soldiers who knew or remembered him are dead or left the state
For my Mother and in her Presence
John M. Phillips

Sworn to before me the 14th Sept 1838 & signed in the presence of his mother by her son
John M. Phillips

Geo. Lee
Dist. Judge of the U. States for So. Carolina
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June 15, 1934.

Mrs. Lillie E. McInnes
Woodland Shores, Jas. Island
R.F.D. #1, Charleston, South Carolina

BA-J/ILL
Eleaser Phillips
R. 8205

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Eleaser Phillips, who served on the brig, "Wasp".

The record of Eleaser Phillips is furnished herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, R. 8205, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Eleaser Phillips of Christ Church Parish, Charleston, South Carolina, married November 13, 1786, Martha Milliner, or Millener; the marriage was recorded in the Lutheran Church of German Protestants, Charleston, South Carolina.

He died in November 1826, in Christ Church Parish, near Charleston, South Carolina.

Martha Phillips, his widow, applied on September 14, 1838, for the pension which might have been due on account of the service of her husband, Eleaser Phillips, in the Revolutionary War. She was then seventy years of age, and a resident of said Christ Church Parish.

It was alleged that Eleaser Phillips, while a resident of Christ Church Parish, Charleston, South Carolina, enlisted early in 1776, served six months in the militia in Charleston and was discharged; that, after that, he entered on board the U. S. Brig, "Wasp", Captain Bulfinch, served as steward and purser, and while on this brig, assisted in capturing several prizes, was in the Siege of Savannah, Georgia, and was on board the "Wasp" when General Pulaski died and was buried, length of this service twelve months; that, upon the arrival of the "Wasp" in Charleston, he enlisted and served as private, was in the Siege of Charleston in May 1780, was taken prisoner and held twelve months on parole; that, when
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released, he reached St. Thomas Parish and assisted General Marion against the enemy and was in several encounters.

Martha Phillips' claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension law under which she applied.

In 1838, John M. Phillips appeared in behalf of his mother's claim for pension. He lived with his mother in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1852. 

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator
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[Stamp] REJECTED
8203
P. O.
Martha Philips
Eleazer
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Printed list of 1852, Rejected and Suspended Pensions page 300 - "Suspended for further proof." Nov. 12-1931-ILL.
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized. Contract
Cert. of Dis. Searched for

[handwritten on side]:
1931- Nov. 12- Hist. to David H. Hallock- ILL
1934- June 15- Hist. to Mrs. Lillie E. McInnes. ILL
Page 8

Martha Phillips
SC Eleazer
Let to P. Cantwell
10 May 1839
19 July ''
10 June 1840
to same April 13th 1841
to same May 12, 1841
'' Hon J. E. Holmes July 26 1841
'' same 6 Sep. 1841
'' same June 9. 1842.
'' C. J. Nourse 10 Oct. 1843
To letter J.C. Bates 22 April 1844

Act of July 38

[written on side]
Hon J. E. Holmes March 16, 49.
Page 9

C.J. Nourse
10 Oct. 1843
Page 10

82

Pen Off
Oct. 10 '43

Sir
In answer to yours respecting the case of Sarah Cardozo I would inform you that she has asserted no such claim as you refer to & that it must be asserted formally by her & established by the best attainable proof. If she intend to assert a claim which her husband omitted atho he recd. a half pension only, she will be required to sustain it by evidence of a very high grade.
In the case of Martha Phillips a long correspondence with her agt. Mr. Cantwell and the Hon. J. E. Holmes has apprized her of all the difficulties in her case-& if she should change her atho it is incumbent upon her to furnish them with the correspondence.

C. J. Nourse Esq.
Present
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Washington Oct 6. 1843
To the Commr. of Pensions
Sir
I am authorized to call upon you in regards to two pension cases - the papers in connexion therewith, are lodged in your office.
1. Mrs. Sarah Cardoza - revoluty. pensioner/act July 1838/ as the widow of David N. Cardoza, who was a revoluty. pensioner Act June 7 1832, claimant for arrears due her husband for 12 months imprisonment, but for which he omitted to make claim in his declaration in 1833 he was made a prisoner whilst under arms to the fall of Charleston 1780 he was paroled, but the parol agram and was broken by the British who attempted to force the American prisoners to join the British Army. Cardoza remained faithful; he was not permitted to leave the city, was prevented from pursuing his ordinary occupation and so kept in actual imprisonment 12 months. Sarh Cardoza has made the declaration on file supported by affidavits also on file of Judith Abrahams, Doctor David Jarzedus & John Burt, Revoluty pensioners.
For a case is found see that of Job Palmer Revoluy penr. So Carolina [illegible] on file in the Dept.
2 Mrs. Martha Phillips widow of Eleazer Phillips of So Carolina claims under the act July 7 1838 for a pension for 2 years service performed by her husband in the war of the revolution as a private in the Militia of So Carolina
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Has & for 6 Months service in 1778
6 Months in 1779
6 Months in 1780
and for 12 months actual imprisonment (the parol he first obtained being recalled) after the fall of Charleston in 1780 - he made his escape from the city, and joined Marion in the woods-- this is "exclusive" of 12 months service in 1778 & 1779 on board the Brig Wasp Capt Bulfinch. The proofs are on file in the department by the evidence of Joseph Righton, Mary Anthony, Massey Graves, & Sarah Godfry all Revoluty pensioners having personal knowledge of those services- And by Mr Phillips & Jacob Bon I'on, the respectability of Jos. Righton is certified by Judge Gilchrist of the U.S. Circuit Court. I will thank you to have these cases examined and if any thing more is necessary to a favorable action upon them I shall be glad to know what it is, in order to further actiosn of the parties.
Very Repy
Chs. J. Nourse
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House of Rep.
April 4th 1842

Sir
As it is my attention to appeal from yr Decision in the Case of Mrs Phillips of So Carolina, I send you a copy of all the proceedings & testimony had in the Case & resptfully beg you to reconsider it, and give me a final Judgment. It does appear to me a strong case & supported by as good testimony as the nature of the case admits.
resptfully
your obt sert
J E Holmes
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87
Pension Office
Sept 6 1841.
Sir
I return herewith the letter of Mr. Cantwell on the subject of the claim of Mrs. Martha Phillips, widow of Eleazer Phillips decd. and in reply have
the honor to state, I did in my letter of the 12th of May last, to Mr. Cantwell: a copy of which was transmitted to you on the 26th of July, that the proof in support of the alleged service of her late husband is not such as will justify the Depart. in the admission of her claim.
The witnesses, with the exception of Joseph Righton, were not in a situation where such a knowledge of Mr. Phillips' serves could be had as to enable them to swear positively to its actual extent. Joseph Righton, is the only person among the witnesses, who from his position in the army could possibly have had any personal knowledge of the subject: and yet he is far from being positive so far as relates to the time in service. It is a matter of inference and conjecture alone, as he did not serve in the
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in the same company with him. It is true that he knew that he was in the service, and that he was made a prisoner in May 1780. But even then he had no personal relations with him. Righton and Job Palmer, of when Mr. Cantwell speaks, were both held as prisoners of war, as they testify for the period of 14 mos., and a part of that time together in actual confinements on board the prison ship Forbay; and until they were regularly exchanged.
Phillips it is alleged was discharged on parole, having been "detained" as Righton expresses it, "as he has reason to believe a prisoner in the City 12 months." 
I have the honor


Hon. J.E. Holmes
HR

[sideways writing]
Hon J. E. Holmes
6 Sep 1841
OC
Page 16

Hon J. E. Holmes
July 26. '41
OC
Page 17

444
Pension Office
July 26 1841

Sir
Your note of Saturday has been recd. The claim of Mrs. Martha Phillips of a hist you inquire is still suspended for want of proof of service. Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter addressed to P. Cantwell Esq her Agent on the 12th of May last, from this Office on the subject.
I have the honor

Hon. J. E. Holmes
HR

OC
July 7 1838
3071
Page 18

70
Pension Office
April 13th 1841
Sir
In reply to that part of your letter respecting the [illegible] on the part of Joseph Richton to state an service prior to 1779, in which you state that "perhaps it was not deemed material to the establishment of her case" I have to state, that Righton was born in 1762, and consequently not liable to be enrolled in the Militia until 1778. In 1776 he was fourteen years old only, and could have viz little of any knowledge of the military services of Mr. Phillips. He does not have state positively that Phillips performed the service in 1776, but merely, that he has reason to believe that such was the fact. Mrs. Martha Phillips papers
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remain upon our files
I am

P. Cantwell Esqr.
Charleston So. Ca.

OC
July 7 1838
3071

[sideways]
P. Cantwell
April 13th 1841
O.C.
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I am

Patrick Cantwell Esq
Charleston So Ca

OC
July 7 1838
3071

[sideways writing]
P. Cantwell
12 May 1840
OC
Page 21

153
Pension Office
May 12 1841

Sir
I have recd. the affidavit of Joseph Righton to be used in the case of the claim of Mrs. Martha Phillips, widow of Eleazer Phillips decd. and have placed it on file with her papers
Mrs. Phillips asserts her claim for the services of her late husband as follows to wit, in 1776, 6 months: prior to and at the surrender of Charleston in 1780: 6 months, and as a prisoner subsequent thereto, 6 months.
The proof in support of the alleged service in 1776 and 1780 is not satisfactory. and the claim for the period while he was a prisoner on parole in the city of Charleston is wholly inadmissible.
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I am

Patrick Cantwell Esq
Charleston So Ca

OC
July 7 1838
3071

[sideways writing]
P. Cantwell
12 May 1840
OC
Page 23

Charleston So Ca
6 May 1841
Sir
Your letter of the 13th April last, in relation to the claim of Mrs. Martha Phillips, requiring further proof as to the Six months service by Eleazer Phillips in the year 1776, I have now the honor very respectfully to lay before you.
As this was the point referred to by the Commissr. and as Mr. Righton's testimony was important to its establishment, I deemed that, it might be satisfactory, and accordingly have obtained the highest judicial junction as to the respectability and competency of this witness - Judge Gilchrist's Certificate is appended to Mr. Righton affidavit.
Submitting that we have now established 18 months service. 12 months under arms & 6 months imprisonment (during which time he was not permitted to leave the city or follow in usual business), it remains for me now respectfully to request that the Commissioner will be pleased to issue a certificate to Mrs. Phillips for that amount if she be entitled to two years service?
I Remain Sir
with just respect
Your Most obedient & Humble servant
P Cantwell

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
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James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 25

Charleston So Ca
25 March 1841
Sir
I beg leave respectfully to call your attention to the case of Mrs. Martha Phillips widow of Eleazer Phillips, a claimant for a pension on the ground of the revolutionary services of her husband the said Eleazer.
She conceives she is entitled for 12 months actual service and for 6 months detention as a prisoner, being forbid to follow his usual avocation, and upon the following proofs.
1838 27 September
Mary Anthony a revolutionary pensioner swears, she knew sd. Eleazer to have been engaged under arms, that, she has no doubt he served two years, and that at the surrender of the City in 1780, he was made a prisoner.
1838 29 September
Massey Graves a revolutionary pensioner and the sister of Eleazer deposes to his having served nearly the whole war, on board of vessels and in militia companies, that he served at the Seiges of Savannah and Charleston, and that at the surrender of the latter, he was made a prisoner of war
1838 27 October
Sarah Godfrey a revolutionary pensioner deposeth, that she saw him during the war under arms, and that she has reason to believe he served 12 months, that her appartenatus of knowing were good for she is connected with the family by marriage.
1838 27 August
Colonel Jacob Bond I'on, formerly a captain the U.S. army Deposes to the traditional, and his own belief for thirty years that Eleaser, was regarded in the parish as a revolutionary soldier, and to the credibility and respectability of his wife Mrs. Martha Phillips.
I now Sir approach the important testimony of Mr. Joseph Righton, to whom your letter of the 10 June 1840 very particulary refers
1 Nov 1838 He deposeth that he knew said Eleaser from his boyhood to his death, that he served during the Seige of Charleston, that he has no doubt he served during the war 12 months, and that when the Town surrendered in 1780 he was made a prisoner, Being requested to specify more particularly there services, on the 11 May 1840 He deposed that, he has reason to believe he served under arms
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6 months in Charleston during the year 1776. That during the Siege of Charleston, and previously in the year 1780 he served six months. That at the surrender he was made a prisoner. He was forbid to leave the City, and he was prevented from following his business as a Cabinet maker, and that he remained in this condition 6 months.
It will be perceived that the testimony of Mr. Righton is corroborated by all the witnesses. As to the circumstance of his not having specified his own services previous to November 1779, perhaps it was not deemed material to the establishment of his case - If however the Commissioner should deem the point important, and as Calling an explanation, He will please to furnish me with the paragraph alluded to, and I make no doubt a satisfactory one will be given. Looking then at the proof that sustains this case, and that, has established that of others, and that the Commissioner has himself spoken of the respectability of the Witness- I cannot do otherwise than hope, from the love of impartial Justice exhibited in so many decisions, that this poor lady will receive the benefit of the same uniform rule, but should testimonial evidence be further required in support of the Credibility of the witnesses, and of their ability to speak of the matters here referred to, I think I can promise it, to the Commr.
I have the honor to remain sir
your most obedient and humble servant
P. Cantwell

James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 27

[implied - P Cantwell]
June 10 '40
OC
Page 28

151
Pension Office
June 10 1840

Sir
The additional proof in the case of Martha Phillys widow of Eleazer Phillips decd. has been examined and filed with her papers.
The proof is not satisfactory for reasons, I will refer you to my letter of this day in the case of Mrs. Ann McCarty.
The claim of Mrs. Mary Martin widow of Edward Martin has been allowed for the amount of service established by the Comptroller certificate to wit $292.36 per annum. The claim of Mr. Kelly, his will be disposed of in the course of a few days
Jas.

OC
July 7 1838
3071

Cantwell Esq
Charleston SC
Page 29

State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 5 day of May 1841, Personally appeared before the undersigned Mr. Joseph Righton aged 79 years who being duly sworn according to Law Deposeth, that on the 14 May 1840 he Deposeth that he had reason to believe Eleaser Phillips served under arms in a militia corps six months & more during the year 1776 in Charleston. Deponent saith his subsequent recollection confirms him in this conviction - that he did so serve six months. Deponent has distinct recollection of the period, and of the Battle of Fort Moultrie Dept. saith, that, altho' he was but 16 years of age at this time he had opportunities of seeing said Phillips in the service, and that, he (this Dept.) was in the service before he was sixteen years of age. Dept. therefore Saith, that no doubt remains on his mind that said Phillips did perform six months service in the year 1776.
Jos. Righton
Sworn to before me this 5 day of May 1841 and I also certify the credibility of the witness
P Cantwell
Not Pub & Magr. for Sd. Dist. So Ca
Page 30

The United States of America
South Carolina District
I hereby certify that the within named Joseph Righton is well known to me to be a Gentleman of great respectability and that full faith and credit may be given to any of his statements.
Given under my hand at the City of Charleston this fifth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one.
R B Gilchrist
Judge of the United States
for the District of South Carolina
Page 31

Mrs. Phillips
Recd. Mr. Rutledge's Certificate
Recd. D J Auld
Minister of Wappataw Church
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So Carolina
Charleston
Sullivans Island
August 1838
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Mr. Eleazer Phillips's widow, namely Mrs. Martha Phillips of Christ Church Parish and that she is regarded, and esteemed by all who know her as respectable old married lady whose statements are entitled to credit.
F. H. Rable 
Pastor of Grace Church Sullivans Island and parish of sd Christ Church

I hereby certify that Mrs. Martha Phillips above named is member of Wappataw church in Christ Church Parish So Ca and that she is regarded and esteemed as a respectable named lady entitled to credit and the widow of said Eleaser Phillips deceased.
D J Auld
Minister of the Wappetaw Indnt. Congl. Church

Charleson 31 October 1838
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United States of America
South Carolina Charleston Dist.

To the Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
The petition of Martha Phillips of said District & State widow Respectfully shows That about the year 1838 she filed her petition for a pension as the widow of Eleazer Phillips a revolutionary soldier in the department of Pensions at Washington accompanied by the following evidence to wit Certificates, of her marriage, from the Clerk of the Court of Com. Pleas, & from the Revd Mr Rutledge, Affidavits & letter of Col. I'on, of Mrs Godfrey, Mrs Graves, Mrs Anthony, Mr Righton and of others.
Your petitioner prays that your Honor would reconsider your former decision in her case on the ground of the new evidence of Mr Philip Moore which she advances
And your petitioner will ever pray and so forth
Martha Phillips for John M Phillips
Attorney
Page 34

8205
Martha Philips
Widow of Eleazar of SC.
Act 7 July 1838
(Suspended)


Capt. Triplett
F. L. Brockett atty
Alexandra Virga.
Page 35

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY.
Printed and sold by Wm. Riley, 41 Broad-street.

The State of South Carolina.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT I Martha Phillips widow of Eleazar Phillips of Charleston, deceased, do make, constitute, and appoint F. S. Brockett, Esquire of Alexandria Virginia my True and Lawful Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute any claim I may have as the widow of Eleaza Phillips, or as his heir, the said Eleazar Phillips, being a Soldier in the Revolutionary war, and I hereby authorise my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said claim in the Departments in Washington City, and to file additional evidence with power also, an Attorney, or Attorneys, under him for that purpose, to make and substitute, and to do all lawful acts for effecting the Premises, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his Substitute of Substitutes, shall do therein, by virtue thereof.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
Martha Phillips
SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF
John M. Phillips

Be it Known, That on the twenty third day of October one thousand
eight hundred and fifty two and in the Seventy Seven year of the Independence of the United States of America, before me, C. R. Brewster Notary Public, by Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of the State, duly commissioned and sworn, came Martha Phillips, widow of Eleazar Phillips late of Charleston above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my Hand, and affixed my Seal of Office, at in the State of South Carolina, the day and year last mentioned.
C R. Brewster,
Notary Public & Ex officio Magistrate
Page 36

South Carolina,
Charleston District
Personally appeared before me Mr Philip Moore aged eighty years who upon being duly sworn says that he has often heard E Phillips in his lifetime speak of his services during the Revolution on board of a vessel of war belonging either to this State or to the United States in the presence of a great number of such persons who knew the fact of his Service and who admitted his assertions be correct.
That he has also understood from such persons that said Eleazer Phillips was at the siege of Savannah as a mariner on board of said vessel (the name unknown to Deponent) and that he made the coffin for Count Pulaski who was wounded at said Siege and subsequently died on board said vessel in which said Phillips was serving. That Deponent also understood that said Phillips had served a longer term than six months. That Mrs Martha Phillips whose petition for a pension was sent to Washington some years since as deponent understands is still living and is the
Page 37

widow of said Eleazer Phillips.
Phillip Moore
Sworn to before me this 29 March 1848
J Siegling Jr
Not Pub & Ex Off Mag
Page 38

11 May 1840
Case of Martha Phillips
affid. Jos. Righton
Page 39

State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 11 day of May 1840 personally appeared before the undersigned Mr Joseph Righton aged 78 years a residt. of the City of Charleston, who being duly sworn according to law Deposeth that in explanation of the 12 months of service mentd. by Dept. as having been performed during the war of the Revolution by Eleaser Phillips, decd. in Depts. affidt. of 1 November 1838, Deponent saith, he has reason to believe that said Eleaser served under arms in a Militia corps. Six months and more, during the year 1776 in Charleston that he served at the seige of Charleston and for a short time previously Six months, and that he has reason to believe, that, when he was made a prisoner at the surrender of the City in May 1780 he was so much a prisoner as to be forbid to leave the city and was prevented from following his business as a Cabinet maker, and remained in this condition as Dept. has reason to believe six months, and for his Depts. personal knowledge of E Phillips and the reasons upon which this, his belief is founded, Dept., refers to his said affidt. of 1 November 1838
Jos. Righton
Sworn to before me the day and year above Written, the word "was" 15 line print inserted I also certify the Credibility of the Witness
P Cantwell 
Not Pub & QU. for Charleston Dist So. Ca.
I also certify this another body of the words "in Charleston" 10 line
P Cantwell
NP & QU
Page 40

28 April 1840
Affidt. Mrs. Martha Phillips
Page 41

State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 28 day of April 1840 personally appeared before the undersigned Mrs. Martha Phillips of Christ Ch. Parish So Ca aged 71 years, who being duly sworn according to Law, Deposeth that she has reason to believe, that her husband Eleaser Phillips served as a private volunteer in a militia company in Charleston during the war of the Revolution six months that, this service was performed at or near a place then called Fort Wilkens in S. Charleston, previous to the departure of the English from the State in 1776. That in 1778 and 1779, he served 12 months on board as a Mariner, the U.S Brig Wasp Captn. Bullfinch, for which she referred to the Rolls of sd. Brig if at the Department, That, at the close of 1779 and previous to the month of May 1780, he joined & served in a militia company at Charleston & served at the siege of same six months, that tat the surrender he was made a prisoner on parol and remained a prisoner to wit, he was not permitted to quit, not to work at large outside the city, for twelve months, or to follow his business as a cabinet maker & Dept. again refers to her affidt. of 14 Sep 1838.
Martha Phillips his mark X
Witness John M. Phillips
Sworn to before me the day and year above written. the words "Six months" 7 line first inserted, I also Certify the Credibility of the witness
P Cantwell Not Pub & QU for S Dist So Ca
Page 42

State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
Office Court Common Pleas Charleston
I Charles C Strohecker Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Charleston Dist So Ca hereby that Patrick Cantwell, and William A Carson are magistrates and that the signatures to the annexed papers purporting to be theirs are genuine. I further Certify, that the witnesses in this case namely Col. Bon I'on, Revd. M. Rutledge, Mr. Jos Righton, Mr. Jacob F Mintzing; the Presidt. of the Lutheran Church of German Protestants Revd. D J Auld, Mrs. Mary Anthony, Mrs. Graves, Mrs. Godfrey are respectable and their statements entitled to full credit. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office this 2nd day of November 1838.
Charles C Strohecker
Clerk of the Court of Com Pleas
Charleston Dist So Carolina
Page 43

Mrs. Phillips
Col. I'on letter
3071
Martha Phillips
widow Eleazer
S.C.
Act 7 July 1838
Mr. John M. Phillips

near Carew's Mill
Mazyck Nd
Page 44

State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 27th day of October 1838 personally appeared before the undersigned, Mrs. Sarah Godfrey aged 71 years a resident of Charleston, who being duly sworn according to Law Deposeth, that she was a resident of Charleston during the war of the Revolution, that she remembers Mr. Eleaser Phillips late of Christ Church Parish decd. as having seen him during said war under arms actively engaged against the British, that she has every reason to believe he served as a private soldiers for 12 months, that she believes he served the siege and when Charleston surrendered that, he became like the other military men a prisoner, and remained so a prisoner for 12 months, Dept. saith, that, his family and that of the Phillips are connected by marriage, and that, therefore she had opportunities of hearing of, and seeing said Eleaser Phillips, Deponent saith she has reason to believe said Eleaser Phillips in the year 1786, married the present Mrs. Martha Phillips (his widow) and that said Eleaser died in the year 1826, She further declares that said Mrs. Phillips has always been regarded as a respectable married woman the mother of several children, and that her statements are entitled to credit.
Sarah Godfrey
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written & I also Certify the credibility of the affiant. the words and "that line" 22 line first struck out
P Cantwell
Not Pub & QU for said Dist So Ca
Page 45

State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
On this 1st day of November 1838 Personally appeared before the undersigned Mr. Jos. Righton aged 76 years a revolutionary soldier and a resident of Charleston who being duly sworn deposeth, that he was personally acquainted with the late Eleaser Phillips of Christ Church Parish deceased during the war of the Revolution, that he served in one of the militia companies, during the siege, that, when the town surrendered to the British in May 1780, he was among those who were taken prisoners under arms and Deponent has reason to believe he said Phillips, was detained a prisoner in the said City 12 months. Deponent Saith he knew said Phillips from his boyhood, they went to school together, Dept. knew said Phillips father, Dept. was in Charleston during this period, and from his knowledge of said Phillips character and history he has no doubt he served during the war under arms at least 12 months before the siege. Deponent Saith, he was acquainted with sd. Phillips after the Revolution also, and has every reason to believe said Eleazer Phillips was lawfully married to Mrs. Martha Phillips (who is now his widow) in the year 1786, and that said Eleaser died in 1826 and that said Mrs. Phillips statement of entitled to credit
Jos. Righton
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year above written & I also certify the Credibility of the affiant
P Cantwell
Not Pub & QU. for sd. Dist So Ca
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State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 29th day of September 1838 personally appeared before the undersigned Mrs Massey Graves widow aged 82 years a resident of Charleston & a Revolutionary pensioner, who being duly sworn deposeth that she was well acquainted with Eleaser Phillips decd. formerly of Christ Church Parish, planter and Cabinet maker that she knew him during the war of the revolution. Deponent saith said Eleaser Phillips was her Brother that, he served against the British for nearly the whole war in one capacity or other, that, she has every reason to believe he served for two years under arms - that he served vessels of war, and in  militia company's on land, that he served at Savannah & at Charleston and that, at the surrender of Charleston he was taken prisoner under arms by the British, But the particulars of his services Deponent cannot now recollect. Deponent saith, said Eleaser Phillips was married to Mrs. Martha Phillips, the widow of said Eleaser Phillips and now an applicant for a pension in the year 1786, and that said Eleaser died in the year 1826, and that said Mrs. Phillips was always regarded as one whose statements are entitled to credit.
Massey Graves her mark X
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written the word "war" on 12' line first inserted and I also certify the Credibility of the affiant the said affidt. being truly rend also to her.
P Cantwell Not Pub & QU for said Charleston Dist So Ca
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State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 27th day of September 1838 personally appeared before the undersigned Mrs. Mary Anthony aged 77 years a revolutionary pensioner and a resident of Charleston, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth, that she was well acquainted with Eleaser Phillips of Christ Church Parish, cabinet maker decd., that she knew him during the war of the Revolution to have been engaged under arms against the British, that said Eleazer Phillips was Cousin James Wikins also a Revolutionary soldier with whom this deponent lived & at whose house she was married, and Dept. there saw said Eleazer Phillips several times during the war, in which sd. Eleaser was engaged and Dept. believes from the beginning to the end of said, and Dept. saith she has no doubt he served two years under arms against the enemy, Dept. saith said Eleaser served at the siege of Charleston, and was upon the surrender thereof made a prisoner like the rest of the [illegible] under arms, and Dept. cannot now recollect what other places he served at, Deponent saith she has no doubt said Eleaser Phillips was married to Mrs. Martha Phillips in the year 1786 and that she is now his widow and has long been regarded as deserving of respect & credit.
Mary Anthony
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I also Certify the Credibility of the affiant
P Cantwell, Not Pub & QU in said Dist So Ca
I further certify that owing to the ink at Mrs Anthony's being bad, it was necessary to go over some letters in some words with better ink to make them legible
P Cantwell, Not Pub & QU as above
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Mrs. Phillips
Affid. Col I'on
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State of South Carolina
District of Charleston
on this 27th day of August 1838, personally appeared before the undersigned Jacob Bond I'on Cap. a planter in Christ Church Parish but now residing on Sullivan's Pland aged fifty years 50, who being duly sworn deposeth, that he was acquainted with the late Eleazer Phillips of Christ Church Parish Cabinet maker, who died in the year 1826, Deponent saith that he knew him for nearly thirty years and always understood he was a revolutionary soldier, and was so regarded in the Parish, Deponent saith he is also well acquainted with Mrs. Martha Phillips the widow of said Eleaser Phillips and for the same period of time, and that he believes she is now about 70 years of age, and was always regarded in the parish as a respectable married lady, and that, her statements are entitled to credit
Jacob Bond I'on
formerly a Capt. of U.S. Artillery
Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written & I also certify the Credibility of the affiant.
Wm A Carson
QU
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Moultrie Ville 21st Aug 1838
Dear Sir, 
I have completed the certificate which you inclosed to me, as early as I
could procure a magistrate to authenticate the same, you will find it Inclosed, & I should take the earliest opportunity of forwarding the same, together with the two nos. of the Southern portriat, which you sent with the Certificate.
I hope your mother may succeed in procuring her equitable claim, and in the pension, provided for the widows who like your deceased Father, served their country in its utmost neve & thro great hardship & peril with best wishes for the health of yourself & family,
I remain very truely yours
Jacob Bond I'on

to
Mr Jno M Phillips
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[stamp] REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS BUREAU OF PENSIONS SECTION OCT 31 1931
DAVID H. HALLOCK, M. D. F. A. C. S.
24 NORTH MAIN STREET
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y.

TELEPHONE 492
HOURS: 2 P.M. AND BY APPOINTMENT
October 29, 1931.

Bureau of Pensions,
War of Revolution,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen: -
Have you any record in your files of a pension granted to or refused ELEAZOR PHILLIPS of Charleston, S.C. who served first as gunner at Fort Wilkins, Charleston, later as Purser of the Brig WASP of the Continental Navy and again as a soldier at the siege of Charleston, all during the Revolutionary War?
If so, will you kindly send me pension number, dates of birth, marriage and death with names of children and service claimed?
Yours very truly,
David H Hallock, MD
Page 52

Woodland Shores, Jas. Island
R.F.D.-1- Charleston, S.C.
June 8th 1934

Pension Office Archives,
Revolutionary War. Dept.
Washington, D.C

Gentlemen:
I am enquiring for information about Eleazer Phillips a soldier and sailor of the Revolutionary War. We have a family record which reads: The service of Eleazer Phillips was first told at Fort Wilkins, afterwards Fort Mechanic and since named the Battery. He was 6 months a soldier being lame couldn't stand marching then relieved. Some time after he entered service in the Navy - on board the Brig Wasp - 18 or 20 guns - Capt Bulfinch and Lieut Main. Eleazer Phillips was Steward and Purser -
the former Purser being killed in action.
He was in service on the Brig Wasp at the Seige of Savannah, when the Wasp was ordered to proceed to Charlestown with the wounded general Count Casimer Polaski in October 9, 1777. Phillips was a
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cabinet maker and made a casket for Count Polaski's body when it was thought that his body might be brought to Charlestown after is death on board the Wasp, Nov. 11.
However, it seems that a storm prevented the Brig from arriving at Charlestown on scheduled time and Count Pulaski was buried at sea.
Having contracted scurvey, Eleazer Phillips was honorably discharged form service in the Navy & from the Wasp and later entered the lines within Charlestown and remained in the malitia until the capitulation of the City May 1st, 1780.
The family record continues: Evidence of his service in the Revolutionary War is confirmed by Mrs. Joseph Righton - Mrs. Anthony - Mrs. Graves and Mrs. Elizabeth Mitchell. The Honorable Jude Lee and Col. Jacob I'on, who for years, lived in the same Parish (Christ Church, Mount Pleasant, S.C.) with Eleazer Phillips, and were his friends and neighbors. Also the testimony of Eleazer
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Phillips wife Martha Milner Phillips - who was herself bayoneted by a British soldier. Tombstone in Circular Church Yard, Charleston, S.C.
Some time later Col. Jacob Bond I'on - then living in New Orleans wrote to Gadsden Phillips, a grandson of Eleazer Phillips, that he had found "unquestioned proof" of his grandfather's Revolutionary service in a look at Washington, Eleazer Phillips having received something in the form of payment in pension.
I would appreciate whatever information you can let me have.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Mrs. Lillie E. McInnes,
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November 12, 1931.
BA-J/ILL
Dr. David H Hallock
24 North Main Street
Southampton, New York.

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Eleazer Phillips, a soldier of the Revolutionay War.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 8205, based upon his service in that war.
Eleazer Phillips of Christ Church Parish, Charleston, South Carolina, married November 13, 1798, Martha Milliner or Millener, the marriage being recorded in the Lutheran Church of German Protestants, Charleston, South Carolina.
He died in November, 1826 in Christ Church Parish, near Charleston, South Carolina.
Martha Phillips, his widow, applied on September 14, 1833, for the pension that might have been due her on account of the services of her husband, Eleazer Phillips, in the Revolutionary War. She was then seventy years of age and a resident of said Christ Church Parish.
It was alleged that Eleazer Phillips, while a resident of Christ Church Parish, Charleston, South Carolina, enlisted early in 1776, served six months in the militia in Charleston and was discharged; that after that he entered on board the U. S. Brig, "Wasp", Captain Bulfinch, served as steward and purser, and while on this brig, assisted in capturing several prizes, was in the Siege of Savannah, Georgia, and was on board the "Wasp" when General Pulaski died and was buried, length of said service twelve months; that upon the arrival of the "Wasp" in Charleston he enlisted and served as private, was in the Siege of Charleston in May, 1780, was taken prisoner and held twelve months on parole; that when released, he reached St. Thomas Parish and assisted General Marion against
1.
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the enemy and was in several encounters.
Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish sufficient proof of service as required by the pension laws.
John M. Phillips appeared in 1838 in behalf of his mother's claim for pension. He and his mother were residents of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1852.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.