Elias Dewey

Bio

In Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War Elias Dewey is listed as living in Conway, Massachusetts. He was 16 years old when he enlisted in 1781, and is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a black complexion, dark hair, and dark eyes. Elias would have been 12 years old when he first enlisted in 1777. At such a young age he might have served as a musician, water boy, or messenger. Before the age of 16, he would have needed parental consent to enlist. Elias served in Capt. Robert Oliver's Co. and Capt. Edward Cumpston's Co., both of John Greaton's 3rd Regiment. In January of 1781, he was at West Point, New York. He enlisted for the duration of the war.

Military Service

• March 1, 1777; private in Capt. Robert Oliver’s Co., Col. John Greaton’s 3rd Regiment; enlisted for the duration of the war 
• before Aug. 15, 1777; Capt. Edward Cumpston’s Co., Col. John Greaton’s 3rd Regiment
• April 1, 1779; Capt. Thomas French’s 7th Co., Col. David Wells’ 5th Regiment
• Apr. 13- Dec. 31, 1777; paid for service 
• Jan. 25, 1781; at West Point

Sources Consulted
History of Conway, Massachusetts, 1767-1917, Rev. Charles Stanley pease, 1917, p. 204

Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, Vol. 4, pub. Secretary of the Commonwealth, 1891, p. 709