Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 20,041, for Elihu Lester, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn, continental
Lester, Elihu Lestor or
S. 20,041
carded
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 29.889
Elihu Lester
of Alford in the State of Mass who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Hoddard of the Reg t commanded by Col Sheldon in the Conn d line for 1 year & 20 days of Artillery 1 year + Cont d
Inv File 30541
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 110 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of April 1835 and H. B. Birbe r Esq r Lenox Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 44.0 Semi-ant. allowance ending 44 55 49.5
{ Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Chas Clerk Book H Vol. 2 Page 51
Rev. Henry L. Davis Mody 12, 1861

I Norman Lester of Alford in the county of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of lawful age do testify and say that in the spring of 1776 I lived in New London in the State of Connecticut and was then in the fifteenth year of my age that Elisha Lester my brother then enlisted in the service of the United States as a soldier under Captain Christopher Darrow for the term of one year nine months I do not mean that I saw him enlist. but it was so stated & understood in the family. He left home to go with the troops from New London to New York. My father sent him a blanket & other clothing while absent at this time. In the winter following he returned home. In the spring he went to Fort Ticonderoga but, as I understood, soon enlisted during the war. He was gone from home till some time in the fall of this year, 1777. when he came home labouring under the effects of the small pox. having lost all his hair, large portions of flesh out of each hip. and with his eye sight very much impaired. He soon went into the Garrison at Fort Ticonderoga where he was nearly the whole time till 1780. except for about three months. in 1778. when he went on an expedition to Newport as a substitute of my father who had been drafted for three months to serve on this expedition, in the mean time I took my brother's place in the Garrison of Fort Ticonderoga. When he returned from Newport. he took my place in the Garrison & I was relieved. I know of my brother's being a soldier at Fort Ticonderoga because I was there occasionally during the time of his service & saw him acting as a sergeant. His sergeant's warrant I have frequently seen among his papers. ~ Norman Lester

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss. At a Court of Probate held at Lenox in the said County on the second day of December, A.D. 1834, before the Hon. William P. Walker Judge of said Court. Then personally appeared before me the said Judge in open Court the afore- named Norman Lester a person to me well known & who is a credible person and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & the Seal of said Court.
William P. Walker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County ss. On this second day of Decemba in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty four. Person- ally appeared in open court before the Honorable William P. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said county of Berkshire now sitting. Eliza Lester resident of Alford in the said county of Berkshire aged Seventy four years who being duly sworn, according to Law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of con- gress passed June 7 th 1832. ~
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - - - - -
That he was born in the north parish of New London - now Montville on the twenty third day of Decemba AD 1759. In the month of April 1776 as the troops were passing from Boston to New York he enlisted at said New London into the company commanded by Captain Christopher Darrow belong- ing to the Regiment under the command of Colonel Parsons afterwards General Parsons. That he went with the troops by water through Long Island Sound to New York and joined the company & regiment to which he belonged. That he crossed from New York onto Long Island and was in the battle on Long Isl- and. after the battle he recrossed with the troops to New York to his old encampment the tents not having been struck and retreated to Harlem heights on his passage thither had an action with the Enemy in which our Major William Chapman was killed. Thence he retreated across Kings bridge to White Plains. That he was at the battle of White plains was thence ordered to Ramapo in New Jersey by the way of Peekskill on the Hudson river there the troops to which he belonged remained until some of

The last days of Decemba AD 1776 when he returned with others of the army to Peekskill deposited his arms and on the first day of January AD 1777 was discharged the time of his enlistment having expired. The term of service was nine months. — In the month of March (and about the first of March as he believes) AD 1777 he enlisted under Capt. Adam Shapley, commandant at Fort Trumbull in the State of Connecticut and some time in the following April he enlisted out of said Fort during the war under Cornet Pool into Capt. Stoddard's company of light dragoons. said company belonged to Col. Sheldon's Regiment. he joined said Regiment at Mansfield in the State of Connecticut. Thence he was marched through Litchfield & Sharon to Peekskill. Thence to Morristown in New Jersey where he with others were ordered to be inocculated for the small pox. In the month of October following he joined the regiment at a place called the Rising Sun near Philadelphia. He was seriously & permanently injured by small pox and very much disabled and in consequence thereof has been placed upon the roll of invalid pensioners. His eye-sight was very much impaired and is now wholly gone. In consequence of his illness he on some of the first days of November received a furlough and was helped as far as Middletown on his way home and was to return & rejoin his Regiment on the first of April following his health permitting. In the month of April or May AD 1778 Capt. Seymour & Halibut of Col. Sheldon's Regiment being at New London examined him & judged him unfit to do the duty of a dragoon and gave him a written permission to do duty in the garrison of Fort Trumbull. Whereupon he immediately

upward to Fort Tumbull and commenced doing duty in that garrison. In the course of the summer following his father Isaac Lester was detached for three months service in the militia of Connect- icut. By permission of the commandant, Capt. Shap- ley, he took his father's place. The object of this enterprise was a descent upon the Island of New Port. I was attached to a company under the com- mand of Lieutenant Waterman of Col. Smith's Regiment under General Sullivan. His brother Norman Lester was substituted in his room in the Garrison in Fort Tumbull. He went on to Providence and joined his company and the troops marched thence to Newport. The expedi- tion failed & he marched back to Providence and was there discharged, returned to Fort Tumbull, relieved his brother Norman, resumed his place in the Garrison. In the month of February AD 1879. while at Fort Tumbull he received verbal orders to rejoin his Regiment of Light dragoons then in Winter-quarters at Durham in the State of Connecticut to which place he immediately repaired and on reporting himself he was examined and was pronounced unfit to do the duties of a dragoon upon account of his inability occasioned by the smallpox and was thereupon dis- charged by Elisha Sheldon Col. of the Regiment on the first day of March AD 1779. He then returned to Fort Tumbull and enlisted under Capt. Adam Shapley for the term of one year as the first Sergeant of the Garrison and received a Sergeant's warrant and at the expiration of the year in the month of April AD 1780 he was discharged.

The seven interrogatories presented by the War Department he answers as follows - viz
1. That he was born at New London in the State of Connecticut on the 23 d Decem r AD 1759 as informed by my parents & others. - 2. There is no record of this age Extant. There was a record in his father's family bible. which bible is now in possession of his brother, Norman Lester, but the blank leaf on which the record was made is gone, & has been for several years. 3. When called into the Service he was living in New London aforesaid, where he continued to live until his removal to the Town of Holford in the County of Berkshire where he has since continued to reside 4. He was called into the Service by enlistment and served as a substitute for his father as stated in a preceding part of this declaration. 5. Capt. Christopher Durfee in whose company he enlisted in 1774, was in the year 1777 promoted to the office of Major - and Col. Parsons who in 1774 was Col. of the  Infantry Regiment of the  Infantry  was was in 1776 promoted to the office of Brigadier General - before the promotion of Parsons Col. Tylers was Lieut. Col. of the Regiment and one Prudden was Major. In 1777 when he enlisted during the war, the officers of his company were - Hoddard, Captain - The Lieutenants name he does not recollect & Thomas Pool was Cornet. The officers of the regiment were Elisha Sheldon Colonel - Blackman was Lieutenant Col. & Benjamin Talmadge was Major - When this applicant petitioned to be placed upon the roll of meritorious pensioners Major Talmadge gave him a certificate of his services which may be found among the papers filed with said petition

While in service at Fort Trumbull. Adam Shap- ley was Captain. Richard Chapman was Lieut. and Izak Stow was also Lieut. & Daniel Bill was 3 d Lieut.
6. He received at Durham in the State of Con- necticut. on the first day of March 1779. a written discharge from Elisha Sheldon. Col. of the 2 d Regiment of Light dragoons. This is the only written discharge he ever received and this he lost previously to his removal to Hford aforesaid. At Fort Trumbull. he received a warrant as Sergeant under which warrant he acted for one year. This warrant he thought was in his possession till recently when upon search it could not be found among his papers. It may be lost. Since totally deprived of his sight, he has not been able to take care of his papers personally.
7. Daniel Banet. Postmaster. Elijah Hewins. Elijah Hewins Junr. Norman Lester Esq r . Stephen H. Church. Charles G. Dewey. Hugo Dewey Esq r . Grolia Dewey Esq r . Chester Foot. Nathaniel Husted James Phelps. Roswell. Richd. & Reuben Wilson Esq r are the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. He further states that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except his brother Norman Lester whose deposition is herewith transmitted
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity. Except the present & his claim as an invalid pensioner. and declares

that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state except that of the agency of the State of Massachusetts. ~
Elihu Lester
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
We Norman Lester and Elijah Hewins Jr. residing in the town of Alford in said County of Berkshire & Henry W. Bishop of Lenox in said County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elihu Lester Esquire, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of age. That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion. ~
Norman Lester Elijah Hewins Jr. Henry W. Bishop
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. ~
W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
Gen. J. M. Briggs
In the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states in the continental army. They certify that it appears to them that Sylvester Buck who has signed the certificate of deposition hereto attached marked A is a clergyman residing in the town of Great Barrington in said County of Berkshire & that Norman Lester & Elijah Hewins Jr. who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the town of Alford in said County & that Henry W. Bishop who also has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of Lenox in said County, and are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.
32046
William P. Walker Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. ~ I Henry W. Bishop Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County of Berkshire do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elihu Lester for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of said Court of Probate this fourth day of December A.D. 1834. Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate. ~
Henry W. Bishop

Record Division.
October 5, 1909.
Mr. Robert H. Arnold,
# 44 Columbia Street,
Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 25" and received the 23" ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in claim Sur. File No. 20,041, it appears that Elihu Lester was born December 25, 1759 in the North Parish of New London, Connecticut. He enlisted for nine months at New London, in April, 1776, in Captain Christopher Darrow's company, Colonel Person's regiment of Connecticut troops, was in the battles of Long Island, Harlem Heights and White Plains, and was discharged January 1, 1777.
About March 1, 1777, he enlisted in Captain Adam Shapley's company, which was stationed at Fort Trumbull, and in April he enlisted for the War in Captain Stoddard's company, Colonel Elisha Sheldon's regiment of Second Continental Dragoons; in June 1777 he was inoculated for smallpox, in April or May, 1778 after a long illness he was found unfit for duty as a Dragoon and was attached to Captain Shapley's company at Fort Trumbull. During the Summer he substituted for his father Isaac Lester, in Lieut. Waterman's company of Colonel Smith's regiment in General Sullivan's expedition to Newport, and then returned to his place in Captain Shapley's company which had been filled by his brother Norman Lester. In February 1779, he rejoined Colonel Sheldon's regiment at Durham, Connecticut where he was discharged

Sur. File No. 80,041.--2
for disability, March 1, 1779.
He enlisted in April 1779, and served as 1st Sergeant in Captain Adam Shapley's company at Fort Trumbull for one year.
In 1817 soldier was allowed pension for total disability the result of small pox.
He resided at Alford, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in 1834.
There is no further data as to his family in the case.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

20 041 INVALID.
Dec. 11/97- To H. D. Sisson, Mill River, Mass - 1909 Oct. 5. Hist. to Robt. H. Arnold. p
File No. 20 041
William L. Siler
10th Regt Conn
Act: Invalid
Index: —Vol. 9 , Page 231
[Arrangement of 1870.]

30541
Rev INVALID.
Consolidated with D.W. Inv File 20,041
File No. 30,541
Elihu Lester
P.W. Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 241
[Arrangement of 1870.]

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by George M. Moore
Claim No. Sept. 30, 1909
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Elihu Lester
Service Conn.  Res.
Additional Service _____
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No O.W. Ins. Pnd or Reg
as above except  3rd trip
O.W. Ins. F. No 20041
and O.W. Ins. F. No 30541

OLD WAR & NAVY
NOV 29 1897
FILES
W. B. B. P.
Miles Kimball Mass
Nov 24 th 1897
To the Secy of the Interior
Pension Office
I wish to ascertain if Eliza Lester, who was a Revolutionary Soldier received a Pension, and if the pension was sent to him at Alford, Mass. or was he a resident of Alford.
I have written the Pension and Record Office - War Dept. and get the record of his service, but no answer as to his pension.
Therefore take it for granted that the record of pensions granted are somewhere else. Therefore write this -
Respectfully
H. D. Sisson

L. S. W.

44 Columbia St.
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Sept. 25, 1909.
United States Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen, — Is there any record of a pension having been granted to Elisha Lester, who enlisted in the Patriot army at New London May 24, 1778, and if so what will a certificate to that effect cost?
Thanking you for the favor of a reply, I am
Yours respectfully, Robert V. Arnold

L. W. B. I. 20041.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV,
REVOLUTIONARY.
December 11, 1897.
Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Elihu Lester, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on November 18, 1816, at which time he was 57 years of age and residing at Alford, Mass., and his pension was allowed on account of disability contracted while serving as a private in Capt. Stoddard's Company, Col. Sheldon's Regiment, Conn. troops, Revolutionary. He enlisted at New London, Conn.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. H. D. Sisson,
Mill River, Mass.

This certifies that Silas Lester enlisted into the 2 d Reg t of Light Dragoons Com- manded by Col. Silas Sheldon, to serve during the revolutionary War - His Enlistment is entered on my Regimental Roll Book May 24 th 1777, & he appears from the same Book to have been dis- charged from 2 d Reg t March 1. 1779 - Given under my hand in Litchfield Conn. Nov r 12 th 1816. Benj. Tallmadge Late Maj r 2 d Reg t L. D.

Forward Maximum Deposition

I Forward Barnum of Alford County of Berkshire & state of Massachusetts, Physician do Testify & declare that having frequently & carefully examined the right eye of Elisha Lester Esq. of said Alford, I declare it as my opinion that the sight of said eye, is totally destr- oyed, and that it can never be restored. Again — I find that the injury appears to be the effect of the small Pox — Attest — Forward Barnum Physician
Berkshire ss. Alford November 5 th 1816. then appear Forward Barnum & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. — Before me, Philander Hulbert Justice of the Peace

1 year Private of Cavalry 1 year Sergeant of Artillery $110
H W Bishop Esq Seneca N.Y.

War Department Pension Office
December 29, 1882
Sir:
It appears by the rolls of Sheldon Dragoons in this Office, that Elisha Lister was discharged from that corps on the 1 st March 1779, and from the evidence of several witnesses, this discharge was in consequence of his inability to perform his duty from blindness. — That he should have been immediately appointed a Sergeant in a permanent corps of artillery cannot be admitted, without explicit proof of the most satisfactory character. A pension may be allowed to Mr Lister for his service in Sheldon Dragoons — but unless a very clear explanation and strong proof is furnished, no allowance can be made for the subsequent service claimed. — The papers are returned. —
The enclosed letter from the Secretary of War will explain the reason why the claim of Mr Clarke, to which reference is made in your letter, cannot at present be admitted.
The letters of Lt. W. Bickel Esq. to you is herewith returned. —
I have the honor to be Your Ob. Servant J L Edwards
Hon. Genl. Briggs Down of Crisp

I Charles Jeffery of the Town of New London in the State of Connecticut of the age of about Seventy five years depose and say. That I was a Drummer in the Company commanded by Capt Adam Shurply for the term of One year, which said Company during the period I was attached to the same was stationed at Fort Trumbull in New London. I will remember Elisha Lester who was also a member of said Company during the whole period I was attached to the same. Mr Lester belonged to the same company with me. I remember that he had marks of the small pox on his face. and that one of his eyes was impaired, which it was said was occasioned by the small pox. My impression is that Mr Lester acted as the orderly sergeant of the Company from the Spring of the year 1779 to the following Spring of 1780. but on this point I am not positive.
Dated at New London this 21 st day of January AD 1835 Charles Jeffery Affirmance of W. H. Trumbull J. H. Trumbull

State of Connecticut
New London County ss New London January 21 st AD 1835
Then before me W m P Cleveland Jr a Justice of the peace for the County of New London personally appeared Charles Jeffery who has subscribed the within deposition and who is to me well known and made oath to the truth of the same in due form of law. And I do hereby certify that the said Charles Jeffery is a credible witness
W m P Cleveland Jr Justice of the peace
State of Connecticut } ss New London County }
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that W m P Cleveland Jr as given before whom the foregoing deposition of Charles Jeffery taken was at said 21 st day of January and still is a Justice of the peace in & for said New London County and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that his signature above written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 19 th day of February AD 1835
John D e Witt Clerk (W)

Norman Lester of Alford in the county of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the age of seventy three years since September twenty fourth eighteen hundred and thirty four, Depose & say, That I have always been well acquainted with Elisha Lester from childhood, remember well when he was discharged from Col. Sheldons Regt of Lights Dragoons in the spring of the year seventeen hundred seventy nine, & that he enlisted in the Garrison of Fort Trumbull soon after his discharge from the Horse & that he served in said Garrison as an Ordery Sergeant in said Garrison until the spring of the year of seventeen hundred & eighty I verily believe & further that I well remember of seeing his warrant afterwards as a Sergeant of said Company in said Garrison.
Previous to this he had lost the sight of the right eye by the Small Pox while in the service as a Dragoon. Yet I never could discover but that his sight was as good & as quick as my own when hunting together, & at no other time until the winter of eighteen hundred and fourteen when he lost the sight of his left eye, by the means of the sharp end of a stick striking across the ball of the eye as I was then informed. I did not see it done but saw it immediately after. The outward coats of the eye were cut through & the lens pressed through the wound. In a year or two after this he had his eye couched as I understand, but received no benefit.
Norman Lester
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss. Great Barrington Feb. 10. 1835.
Personally appeared the above named Norman Lester signer of the foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before, J. Sumner, Jus. Peace
I certify also that I am acquainted with the character of said Lester & that he is a person of credibility J. Sumner, Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire County - ss
I Henry M. Bishop. Register of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire do hereby certify that Increase Sumner Esquire before whom the foregoing disposition of the last Will and Testament was taken was at the time of the taking thereof & ever since has been a true tree of the peace in & for said County of Berkshire and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that her signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this sixteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty five.
Henry M. Bishop - Register of Probate.

I Joseph Smith of the Town of New London in the State of Connecticut of the age of Seventy Eight years almost Seventy nine. Depose and say That I belonged to Capt Adam Shapleys Company from the year 1779 to 1781. That during said time said Company was stationed at Fort Trumbull in New London. I will remember Elizer Lester. who was the a member of said Company. I am not certain how long said Lester continued to be a member of said Company but will remember that he was the ordinary Sergeant of the Company for one year. From the Spring of 1779 to the Spring of 1780. I also remember that there was some blemish in one of the said's eyes at that time. And further Depose Smith not
Dated at New London this 21 st day of January AD 1835 Joseph Smith
Subscribed before me Ebenezer W. Harkness Esq State of Connecticut New London County ss
New London January 21 st AD 1835
Then personally appeared Joseph Smith Subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and in due form of Law made oath to the truth of the same
Before me
W P Shurland Esq Justice of the Peace
New London County ss New London January 21 st 1835
I W P Shurland Esq a Justice of the Peace for the County of New London do hereby certify that Joseph Smith who has subscribed the above deposition is to me well known and is a credible Witness
W P Shurland Esq Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } ps New London County }
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that W m P er cevale and J er m ey Esquire before whom the foregoing deposition of Joseph Smith was taken (and also whose Certificate is also hereto annexed in regard to said Joseph Smith) was on said 21 st day of January and still is a Justice of the place in and for said New London County - and that full faith and credit are to be given to his official acts as such - and that his signature above written is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 19 th day of February A D 1835
John D e Witt Clerk
(22)

Gershon Dörmons Deposition

I Gershom Dorman of Great Barrington in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massa- chusett, being of lawful age, do Testify and declare, That in the year Seventeen hundred & seventy seven I belonged to Capt. Stoddards Company and Col. Sheldons Regiment of Light Dragoons, and that Elisha Lester Esq. now of Alford in said County, then belonged to the same Company with my self - And that the Regiment to which we belonged joined the Army at Morristown in New- Jersey - at which place the said Elisha my self & others, were ordered to be Inoculated with the Small Pox - and that the sight of said Elishas right Eye was entirely destroyed by the disorder; and that he was otherwise maimed - And that in consequence of his disabilities as aforesaid the said Elisha was honourably discharged in March in the year Seventeen hundred & seventy Nine, at Durham in the State of Connecticut - Attest Gershom Dorman
Berkshire ss. Alford November 5 th 1846. then appeared Gershom Dorman and after being duly cautioned, made Solemn Oath to the truth of the above deposition by him Subscribed, before me; Philander Hulbert Justice of the Peace

I Elisha Lester of Alford in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of the age of seventy five years the twenty third day of December last past, according to the family records. say In seventeen hundred seventy seven I belonged to Col. Sheldon's regiment of Light Dragoons, that in the month of June of the same year, I with a few others were ordered to be inoculated with the Small-pox at Monstown, New Jersey, by which disorder I lost the sight of the right eye, & was otherwise materially injured by mortification on each hip joint, the flesh of those wounds being removed & the hip joints being scraped or cleansed. These wounds did not heal until the April following notwithstanding in the month of October I joined the Regiment near Philadelphia when I had a long furlow & was sent home in a waggon & ordered to join the Regiment the next April my health permitting.
In this month of April two Captains belonging to Colonel Sheldon's Regiment called at my father's house & examined me & gave me a written permission to do duty in Fort Trumbull under the command of Adam Shapley Esq. I remained with him until the February following when I joined the Regiment to which I belonged, & was discharged for having lost the sight of the right eye, & having been otherwise materially injured.
At the time of my discharge the sight of my left eye was as quick, steady & strong as any other person that I have been acquainted with, I could see to read or write, or to take as good aim with the muskets or rifle, or sight a cannon as any other person I was acquainted with, but with a musket or rifle I had to perform left-handed. — 4
The sight of my left eye remained good until January sixth eighteen hundred & fourteen when I had the misfortune of losing the sight of my left eye by the stroke of a stick which cut through the coats of the eye & wounded the lens, which produced a cataract, about two years after I had the eye couched, the operation proved unsuccessful, & I have been blind for a little more than twenty years.
Elisha Lester

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire ss. Great Barrington Feb. 10, 1835,
Personally appeared Elisha Lester signer of the within affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before J. Sumner Jus. Peace
I certify also that I am acquainted with the character of said Lester & that he is a person of credibility — J. Sumner Jus. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Berkshire ~~~~~
I Henry W. Bishop. Register of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire do hereby certify that Increase Sumner Esquire before whom the foregoing deposition of Elisha Lester was taken, was at the time of the taking thereof & since has been a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Berkshire and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court of Probate this 14th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirtyfive
Henry W. Bishop. Register Probate

I Sylvester But. a clergyman residing in the town of Great Barrington in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Settled and ordained over the Congregational Church & Society in said Great Barrington do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elisha Lester of Alford in said County Esquire. that I believe him to be seventy four years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that I concur in that opinion. That I reside about four miles from the residence of said Elisha Lester Esq r and that said Lester is the only individual bearing his name residing in said Alford and that I am acquainted with the said Lester & believe him to be a man of truth & veracity. ~ Sylvester But
Berkshire ss. December 4 th AD 1834. Then personally appeared the above named Sylvester But a clergyman residing in Great Barrington in said County & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that said Sylvester But is a person to me well known.
at the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire, ss.
I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that J. Hyde Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition is taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of December A. D. 1834 Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate

A
I Sylvester Dyer, a clergyman, residing in the town of Great Barrington, in the county of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, settled and ordained over the Congregational Church & Society in said Great Barrington, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elihu Lester of Alford in said County Esquire, that I believe him to be seventy four years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that I concur in that opinion. That I reside about four miles from the residence of said Elihu Lester Esq r and that said Lester is the only individual bearing his name residing in said Alford and that I am acquainted with the said Lester & believe him to be a man of truth & veracity.
Sylvester Dyer
Berkshire ss. December 4 th A.D. 1834. Then personally appeared the above named Sylvester Dyer a clergyman residing in Great Barrington in said County & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that said Sylvester Dyer is a person to me well known.
James A. Hyde. Justice of the Peace.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of December A. D. 1834 Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate.

Elihu Lester
Petition.
Dec 16-1816.
Ref to the Committee on Pensions & Revolutionary Claims -
That the
subject
place him on the Pension List at $8 per month commencing the 5 th Nov. 1816.
24. Dec 1816.
Massachusetts
Hulbert A. H.
Rev. Friends

To the Hon. the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled.
Humbly prays Elisha Lester of Alford in the county of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts; that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that after serving through the Campaign of seventeen Hundred & Seventy Six, in the Spring of seventeen Hundred & seventeen Hundred & Seventy Seven , he enlisted at New London in the State of Connecticut, under Thomas Pool, then a Colonel in Captain Stoddard's company of Light Dragoons, belonging to Col Elisha Sheldon's Regiment, to serve during the war; That the said Regiment having joined the Army at Morristown in the State of New Jersey, myself and some others who belong to said Regiment, were ordered to be inquisitor for the small Pox, which disorder totally destroyed the sight of my right Eye, and also materially injured my Constitution, and the use of my limbs, that in the month of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty to wit: the aforesaid disabilities still continuing, & remaining, I was discharged by Col Elisha Sheldon, at Danbury in the State of Connecticut on account thereof. And he further states, that about three years ago while engaged in learning the sight of his other eye was destroyed by the accidental stroke of a stick. That skillful Physicians have endeavoured to restore his sight, but that there is no probability of success. Your Petitioner is now advanced to the age of Eighty seven and wholly unable to transact any business. He has never hitherto applied to be put upon the Pension list because he hoped by his own exertions to be able to maintain himself & family, but under his present great misfortunes he finds it impossible to do so. He therefore humbly prays that under the circumstances of his case your honors would pass such laws & resolutions as shall to you be thought proper.
Alford, Nov. 18. 1816.
Elizur Lester

Elihu Thomson
Deposition

I Elisha Lester of Alford, County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts, do depose testify & declare, that, after serving through the Campaign of seventeen hundred & seventy six in the Revolutionary War; in the spring of seventeen hundred & seventy seven, I enlisted at New London under Thomas Pool, then a cornet in Capt. Stoddards Company of Light Dragoons, belonging to Col. Elisha Sheldon's Regiment; to serve during the War - and that the said Regiment having joined the Army at Morristown in the state of New Jersey, myself & some others who belong d to said Regiment, were ordered to be inoculated for the Small Pox, which disorder totally destroy d the sight of my Right Eye, and also materially injured my constitution and the use of my limbs - and that in the Month of March in the year seventeen hundred & seventy nine, the aforesaid disabilities still remaining, I was discharg d at Durham in the State of Connecticut; which discharge being since lost, was in substance as follows. (to wit) "Elisha Lester a private in Capt. Stoddards Company in my Regiment having lost the sight of one eye by the small Pox, and being otherwise much injured, which renders him unfit to do the duty of a Dragoon for which reasons, he is hereby discharg d - given under my hand at Durham this day of March 1779." sign d by Elisha Sheldon Col. of the second Regiment of light Dragoons - and I further declare that on my receiving the aforesaid discharge, Col. Sheldon declar d "that I must, (or shou d ) be plac d on the Pension List - attest -
Elisha Lester Berkshire ss. Alford November 24 th 1816. Then appear d Elisha Lester Esq r the signer of the above instrument, & made solemn oath to the truth of the same - before me - Philander Hulbert Justice of the Peace

No. if the evidence of the discharge shou d be thought insufficient a record of it may be found on the Books of the war office —
Ebenezer Lester's Deposition

Massachusetts.
Act 3 d March, 1817.
Elisha Lester, 14
private bapt. Stockbridge company of Col. Elisha Sheldon's regt. to serve during the revolution- ary war.
Inscribed on the Massachu- setts roll at $8 00 per month to commence on the 5 th of November, 1816. determin- ed by the act aforesaid.
Certificate of pension issued the 24 th March, 1817, and sent to Benjamin Austin Esqf. agent for paying inva- lid pensioners, Boston, Ma.
arrears to 4 th March, 1817.
4 months. — days. $32.00
semi annual allow ce . to the 11 th Sept r . 1817 $48.00
$80.00
Total. total. $80