Ensign John Cleveland

Ancestor #: A023089

Biography:

John Cleveland was apparently born to Abigail out of wedlock. We will probably never know who his father was. Abigail later married John Adams and had eight children. The dates of birth for John, Lydia, and Cornelius cant all be correct.

John Cleveland's father is unknown however, his mother was Abigail Cleveland Adams. His birth is recorded in the Congregational Church in Canterbury listing her as the mother. Her will left 1/11's of her estate to her son John Cleveland and another son Benjamin Brown who's father was Benjamin Brown. She never married Benjamin Brown and is listed in the Bastard Files book at the Connecticut State Library. Abigail Cleveland is a descendant of Stephan Hopkins of the Mayflower.

Military History:

American Revolution:

John Cleveland Enlisted -- -- ---- in the 4th Regiment', Connecticut Line [it get's a little confusing here because there are two John Cleveland's in this Regiment. Both probably entered as privates, one was made a Sergeant, the other who remained a Private died, who's wife was Sarah that drew a widow's pension in New York]

History of the 4th Regiment, Connecticut Line

Authorized 27 April 1775 in the Connecticut State Troops as the 4th Connecticut Regiment. Organized 1-20 May 1775 to consist of ten companies from Litchfield and Hartford Counties. Each company to consist of 1 captain or field grade officer. 2 lieutenants, I ensign, 4 sergeants, 4 corporals, 1 drummer. I fifer, and 100 privates.

Adopted 14 June 1775 into the Continental Army

Took part in the Invasion of Canada, Battle of Quebec (Autumn and Winter 1775). Two companies from this regiment were garrisoned at Fort Ticonderoga.

Disbanded in December 1775 in Canada, less two companies disbanded 19-20 December 1775 at Cambridge, Massachusetts. These latter two were Lieutenant Colonel Ozias Bissell's and Captain Hezekiah Parsons' Companies, which stayed behind to serve at the Siege of Boston

COMMANDER: Colonel Benjamin Hyman (Hinman) May 1, 1775-December 20,1775.

Authorized 16 September 1776 in the Continental Army as the 4th Connecticut Regiment

Re- organized 1 January-April 1777 at Norwich to consist of eight companies from New London, Windham, and Hartford Counties

Defense of Philadelphia Campaign (Fall and early Winter, 1777; included Battles of Brandywine, Germantown and White Marsh

Quarters at Valley Forge, 1777-78 as part of Varnum's Brigade. Col. Durkee commanding, Second in command was Lt. Col. Giles Russell

Battles of Philadelphia-Monmouth (June 28, 1778)

The all black 2nd Company of the 4th Connecticut Regiment, consisting of 48 black privates and NCOs, was formed in October 1780 and served until November 1782. On January 1, 1781, most of its personnel were moved to the new 1st Connecticut Regiment.

Of the force that took Redoubt #10 at Yorktown under command of Alexander Hamilton, some 20 men of the 4th Connecticut, commanded by a Lieutenant, John Mansfield, crashed though the abattis without waiting for the sappers to clear it. Some 70 British soldiers remained in the redoubt to contest the point. The battle took ten minutes.

COMMANDER: Colonel John Durkee January 1, 1777 - January 1, 1781

Re-formed again January 1, 1781 by re-designating the old 6th Connecticut. Served until January 1, 1783 when it was broken up. Half its remaining enlisted men were incorporated into the 1st Connecticut Regiment; half into the 3rd Connecticut Regiment. COMMANDER: Colonel Zebulon Butler January 1, 1781-January 1, 1783.

Sources:

Service: Listing at D.A.R. Revolutionary War

AmericanRevolution.ORG