Descendants of James/John Blackwood: First Generation

First Generation

1. Cpl Matr James (John)1 Blackwood, son of James Blackwood and she (Blackwood), (#798) was born in Belfast, Antrim, Ulster, IRE 1744.(1) age 76y in 1820

DAR Lineage Papers (#267596 - Bertha Gavin Osterheld) say born 1737; could have been circa 1741

Ralph W. Blackwood ([email protected]), Sue Szewczy ([email protected]), and Carol B. Fisher say b 1744, Ireland

Sue Szewczy and Carol B. Fisher say that he is reported to have deserted from the English and joined the American revolutionary forces, listed as a corporal, serving with Col John Crane in the 3rd Continental Artillery and was at the Battle of Monmouth, NJ and Saratoga, NY.

James Blackwood, Capt in British Army under Burgoyne at Saratoga, NY; an Irishman. Early settler on Lot No. 30 at head of Young's Cove, ME. Surrendered with Burgoyne's army; probably after battle of Stillwater, NY 7 Oct 1777, but is found on MA Muster Roll for Apr 1781. Enlisted 10 Feb 1781 for three years, reported joined 24 Apr 1781. Pension under 28 Jun 1819 from 16 Apr 1818 at $96 per year; total received $852.82. Individual flags: Rev War. James died 12 Dec 1827 in Dennysville, Washington, ME, at 83 years of age.(2) NOTE: Maine Pensioners 1835 says d Mar 1827

His body was interred aft 12 Dec 1827 in Pembroke, Washington, ME.(3)

He married Nancy Ann Grimes (Ramsdell?) in Southern or Middle Colonies, 1782/3.(4) poss m 1 Jan 1783 NC ??? (Nancy Ann Grimes (Ramsdell?) is #799.)

Nancy was born c1756.(5) age 64y in 1820

VA?, NC? Middle or Southern Colonies somewhere; poss b c1757 Belfast, IRE ???

Came to Dennysville, ME w/child in the Hingham Migration (see Dennysville Memorial)

Ralph Blackwood ([email protected]) says Nancy's maiden name was Grimes - source???? Grimes is also pencilled in on a page of information regarding James' military service records I received from the National Archives. No idea who pencilled it in or why. Need to verify her surname - question is, how???

Sue Szewczyk and Carol B. Smith Fisher (9 East Road, Penobscot Terrace, Brewer, ME 04412) say her surname may be Grymes; however, there are some who claim it is Ramsdell - really need to verify. Sue and Carol also state that her parents may be Charles Ramsdell and Elizabeth MacDonald and that Nancy was b 1 Jan 1783 in NC or c1757 in Belfast, Ireland, and d 13 Sep 1845 in Dennysville.

Nancy died 13 Sep 1844 in Pembroke, Washington, ME, at 88 years of age.(6) age 88y; DAR Lineage Paper 267596 says died 1844/5; Pension Records say "13 Sep 1844 or 45 aged 88"

Her body was interred 13 Dec 1844 in Machiasport, Washington, ME.(7) buried beside husband on original grant of land in Pembroke, ME (Ethel Quimby says Machiasport)

latest correspondence from Gretchen Gordon at Yellow Birch Farm, Young's Cove Road, Pembroke, ME (the old Blackwood homestead) states that James and his wife Nancy are buried on the lot adjacent to Yellow Birch Farm - at the home of Alcey Mitchell. I have permission to visit when I get there in May 2000. Some researchers say her parents are Charles Ramsdell and Elizabeth MacDonald. This is purely speculation only!!! My research indicates that Charles and Elizabeth could not have had a dtr Nancy or Ann b in 1756; nor were they ever in the Southern or Middle colonies; unless this Charles Ramsdell and Elizabeth MacDonald were not from New England .... This really needs more work ....

James immigrated, May 1776. Destination: America.(8) Occupation: farmer.(9) NOTE: prior to James becoming a farmer, he served with the British Army as a Lt. with the 21st Regiment of the North British Fusiliers.

He bought property in Machias, Washington, ME, 30 Jul 1777.(10) James served in the military in Roxbury, Suffolk, MA, 10 Feb 1781 - 9 Jun 1783.(11) Rev War - Pensioner (Cpl Matross)

He resided in Dennysville, Washington, ME 17 May 1786.(12) He made a will 12 Aug 1818.(13) Abstract from NSDAR Online Patriot Index: BLACKWOOD , James Birth: 1744 Rank: Cpl Matr Service: MA Death: ME 16 Dec 1836 Patriot Pensioned: Yes Widow Pensioned: No Children Pensioned: No Heirs Pensioned: No Spouse: (1) Nancy X

Abstracts of Rev War Pension Files by White, p 283:

Blackwood, James, Nancy, W21675, Cont Line (MA), sol appl 16 Apr 1818 Washington Cty ME, in 1820 sol was aged 76 a res of Dennysville Me with wife Ann aged 64 and children: Rebecca Gardiner aged 19 and a grandchild Emily Blackwood aged 3, sol and wife m 1 Jan 1794, sol d 16 Dec 1836 and wid d 13 Sep 1844 or 45 aged 88, leaving children: James Jr aged 66 in 1850, Matthew and William Blackwood of Pembroke ME and Nancy wife of James Lurchin of Lubec ME, it was also stated that sol m about 1783 in the Southern or Middle States to Nancy "Ann" and that they went to live in the Hingham MA and in 1786 moved to Dennysville.

Abstract from Maine Pensioners, 1835:

County: Washington Co. Name: James Blackwood Rank: Private Annual Allowance: 96 00 Sums Received: 852 82 Description of service: Massachusetts line When placed on the pension roll June 28, 1819 Commencement of pension: April 16, 1818 Age: 90 Laws under which inscribed, increased or reduced OR Remarks.: Died March, 1827.

Abstract from Vital Records Dennysville, ME 1792-1892 (FHL #0010828):

Obituary: James Blackwood - Eastport Sentinel, Saturday 22 Dec 1827 - "At Dennysville (ME) Mr. James Blackwood, age 84 years. A patriot of the Revolution and for a number of years a pentioner." National Archives records lists his death as 12 December 1827, although Maine Revolutionary Pensions by Flagg, p 19 says he died 19 Mar 1827.

NOTE: James Blackwood (the son???) lists his death as 16 Dec 1836 Pembrook, ME - Pension files concur with this date; Sue Szewczy ([email protected]) and Carol B. Fisher also say d 16 Dec 1836, but in Dennysville. Ralph Blackwood ([email protected]) says he died 12 Oct 1827. However, as with all dates recorded for James' death, I shall stay with 12 Dec 1827 (as reported in the National Archives service records) until the correct date is proven.

Will of James Blackwood (copied from copy of original in possession of Mrs. Ethel Quimby, Bucks Harbor, ME):

"Be it known that I, James Blackwood of Dennysville, being in helath and of sound and perfect mind and memory, do now make publish and declare my last will & testament as follows, to wit: I give and bequeath to my wife Nancy Blackwood one third part of all my estate both real and personal during her natural life - I give to my sons John and James and to my daughters Elisabeth, Rebecca, Nancy, and Sarah one dollars each. I give devise and bequeath to my two sons William and Matthew the whole and every part of my estate both real and personal after the payments of my debts, funeral expenses and the legacies above mentioned together with the provision of the dower of my said wife after he decease to have and to hold to them, their heirs and assigns forever, and in case either of them should die without issue, that I give the same to the survivors of them his heirs and assigns forever. and I hereby constitute and appoint Theodore Lincoln and Isaac Hobart Esquires, executors of this my last will and testament. Signed, sealed, and published, and declared by the same James Blackwood to be his last will and testament this twelfth day of August in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and eighteen in presence of us who have witnessed the same in presence of the testator and of each other." Witnesses: John Wortan, J. D. Westone, John Hatherup.

James was buried on original grant of land in Machiasport, ME - NOTE: Ralph Blackwood says he is buried in Pembroke, ME (Ethel Quimby, another descendant, says grave is in Machiasport, ME and she has seen it).

Latest correspondence (April 2000) from Gretchen Gordon at Yellow Birch Farm, Young's Cove Road, Pembroke, ME (owner of the old Blackwood homestead) states that James and his wife Nancy are buried on the lot adjacent to Yellow Birch Farm - at the old Mitchell homestead (now owned by Aubrey Hersey). I have permission to visit when I get there in May 2000.

James was a member of the company of settlers from Hingham, MA (called the Hingham Migration - many articles available) that comprised Plantation #2 in Washington Co, ME, receiving Lot No. 30 of 100 acres from General Lincoln, who speculated in land development after the war. James also received an additional 100 acres ("The Beech Ridge") for the birth of his son, the first male child in the new settlement. James was a farmer and his land was located at the hed of Young's Cove. His neighbors referred to him as "The Irish Captive" (no doubt relating to his capture by American forces during the Rev War).

Abstract from Dennysville Memorial, pp 26-27:

Early in the season of 1786, the expedition to take possession of the new purchase in this far-away Eldorado of Down East, set sail from Massachusetts Bay. They are Hingham farmers and artisans, old neighbors and the sons of old neighbors of Benjamin Lincoln, that with him had every Sunday attended the long services in the old square Hingham meeting-house, and at least once a year voted with written ballot or upraised hand at the annual town-meeting in the same building - the ballot-box got some salutary association of sacredness from the circumstance that it stood on the communion table. Perhaps some of them had borne the old flint-lock musket in the May trainings, or the autumn general muster of the militia, in which he had been in succession captain, major, colonel, and general, and then carried the same weapon in a real army, in a real and terrible war. These are the names of the little band of adventurers:

Theophilus Wilder Senior, Theophilus Wilder Junior, James Blackwood, Laban Cushing, Daniel Gardner, Calvin Gardner, Laban Gardner, Richard Smith, Christopher Benner, Braddock Palmer, John Palmer, Samuel Sprague, Seth Stetson, Ephraim Woodbury, William Holland (millwright), Solomon Cushing (blacksmith). Theodore Lincoln, the General's second son, then 22 years old and unmarried, was the leader, the Aeneas of those 16 pioneers, going, like the ancient Trojans, over seas to seek new seats and build the foundations of a new community.

The voyage from Boston lasted two weeks according to tradition. They were windbound, and made harbor at Machias, as will appear in the history, and as they arrived so early as the 17th of May, the expedition must have been fitted out with energy and dispatch. It seems that they did not venture over the Cobscook Falls in their vessel, but anchored in the lower bay, and rowed up with a pilot. I find a description of the first landing and of the country at the time of the first settlement so fraceful and interesting, from the pen of the late Thomas Lincoln, that I can adorn my recital by adopting it without alteration. It was read by him at meeting in your Town Hall in 1860. ...

Captain Theophilus Wilder's family came to him in October of the first year, so he must have set up the first family altar in the new settlement. Theophilus was the father of a son of the same name and of the late Deacon Ebenezer Wilder. The original Wilder lot was in what is now Pembroke and is still occupied by the family. The two Gardners took up lots ner and their numerous descendants are still with you, besides those scattered abroad. Joseph Bridges and James Blackwood settled at Young's Cove. Abraham, son of Joseph, is now living, upwards of 90 years old. Samuel Sprague settledin Pembroke and his name and blood still survive. Of course Smith came. He is a party in every enterprise and what English town was every settled without him? This time he was known by the name of Richard and not knowing in what pleasant places his lines might fall, pitched upon Edmunds for a home. Christopher Benner must have been one of General Lincoln's old Continentals. A boy, who was once asked what calling he meant to follow when had grown up, replied, "I mean to be a Revolutionary Pensioner." It is a good business, or used to be, and Benner seemed to consider it vocation enough, for he took up no lot. ... The 11/11/98 Bangor Daily News article says he arrived at Dennysville 5/17/1786 - no source listed (also listed death date as 12/16/1836) (as per Ralph Blackwood).

Pension files say married "1 Jan 1794" and in another statement says they were married "about 1783"; however, their oldest child was born 1783/6, so ......

DAR Lineage Papers (No. 267596 - Bertha Gavin Osterheld) says that Nancy's surname is Grimis/Grimes...however, this has a question mark and the surname is in parentheses. It also states they were married abt 1785.

NOTE: Sue Szewczyk says she has records that show Nancy's surname is Ramsdell and that she and James were married 1 Jan 1783 in Charlottesville, Albemarle, VA. I have sent Sue an e-mail message (Apr 2000) and asked for documentation of these facts. Sue responded and says that it is her belief that Nancy's surname is Grimes or Grymes and that individuals are researching records for the information.

8 May 2000: Received latest information from Sue Szewczyk (and Carol Fisher). Seems they now believe James and Nancy were married 1 Jan 1783 in NC. Really need to get their sources and resolve this issue.

Abstract from Walk Through History by Pembroke Hist Society:

7. James Blackwood Property - (now Yellow Birch Farm). Part of the original piece settled by James Blackwood (born about 1728 in Ireland, died 1827 in Pembroke) who was a captain in the British army under Gen. Burgoyne at the battle of Saratoga (called the "turning point of the American Revolution"). Blackwood was captured by Americans, and later joined the American cause. He married Ann "Nancy" Grimes and came to Pembroke in 1786 with other settlers from Hingham, Mass. The Blackwoods settled on 100 acres, and were later given an additional 100 acres ("the Beech ridge") by the Lincoln family upon the birth of their son, the first while male child born in (what is now) Pembroke. In 1917, the property was owned by John B. Mahar, and his son John Russell Mahar was one of Doris Bridges' students. An ancient apple tree, a variety known as Red Astrachan, still stands here and is prized by those who sample the fruit in late August.

Deeds

Rebecca Hobart and Harold Blackwood of Pembroke copied from original deed at Court House, Machias, ME register of deeds, Book 5, 355 30 Jul 1787 Benjamin Lincoln and C to James Blackwood, settlers, Lot #30, Lowell's Neck, Young's Cove, paid five schillings for 100 acres.

"No. 1: From Benjamin Lincoln, atty for Thomas Russell and James Towell, in consideration of 5 shillings, do hereby give and convey to James Blackwood of Cobscook in the Bay of Passamaquoddy lot number 30 on Lowell's Neck within the Bay of Passamaquoddy, containing 100 acres, bounded SWest by Cobscook, North boundry principally touching however a small part SWest on Young's Cove. North West and North East on land left for highway. South East on Lot 31, being 83 rods in width. The lines run from the bay aforesaid North 550 E (NE-blurred?) aforesaid lot #30 is in Township #2 so called.

The aforegoing deed is however on this condition that the said James Blackwood or his heirs or assigns, within four years from the date hereof, shall build upon the premises a house sixteen by twenty and shall also clear up and improve 6 acres of the place lyne to get her so as to be fit for tillage, pasture or mowing." Dated 7/30/1797, Rec'd Dec. 26, 1808.

Other deeds:

1. from Benjamin Lincoln, atty, to James Blackwood, conditional Bk 5, page 355. 2. from James to James Jr., warranteed, Bk 6, page 487 3. from Theodore Lincoln to James Blackwood, Jr., Bk 14, page 492

http://theamericanrevolution.org/battles/bat_sara.asphttp://www.casayego.com/amrev/sarat/nsarat.htm http://www.wpi.edu/Academics/Depts/MilSci/BTSI/Saratoga/ffrec.html

transcribed ltr from Winfield Scott, Commissioner, Rev. and 1812 Wars Section, to Mrs. Herbert W. Hall (Mabel G.) 171 Second Street, Hallowell, Maine, dtd 6 March 1926. This letter was written in response to her request (dtd 24 Jan 1926) for a copy of the pension claim of James Blackwood.

"Madam:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 21675 it appears that James Blackwood enlisted at Boston [2 Oct 1781 for three years??], Massachusetts, served as private and corporal in Captain Thomas Jackson's Company, Colonel John Crane's Third Regiment of Continental Artillery and was discharged June 9, 1783 having served two years and five months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 16, 1818 while a resident of Dennysville, Washington County, Massachusetts. In 1820 he was aged seventy-six years and referred to his grandchild Emily Blackwood aged three years. He died December 16, 1836 in Pembroke, Washington County, Maine.

Soldier married about 1783 in the "Southern or Middle States", Nancy (also referred to as Ann) whose maiden name is not stated, and they went to live in Hingham, Massachusetts and in 1786 moved to Dennysville, Massachusetts. She died September 13, 1844 or 1845 in Pembroke, Maine aged about eighty-eight years.

They had several children, James Blackwood, Matthew Blackwood and William Blackwood of Pembroke, Maine, and Nancy Lurchin the wife of James Lurchin of Lubec, Maine, are the only names given. They were allowed the pension which was due their mother Nancy Blackwood, on an application executed October 3, 1850 by James Blackwood, then aged sixty-six years, in behalf of his said brothers and sister.

Respectfully,

Winfield Scott, Commissioner"

NOTE: James arrived in America as a Lt. in 21st Regiment of the North British Fusiliers, a premier group sent to aid Lt. Gen. Burgoyne. During the Battle of Saratoga (7 Oct 1777), he was captured and subsequently joined the American forces. See other pertinent material with this file.

Abstract from ME Pensioners of 1835, p 231:

County: Washington Name: James Blackwood Rank: Private Annual Allowance: 96.00 Sums Received: 852.82 Description of Service: MA Line When placed on pension roll: 28 Jun 1819 Commencement of Pension: 16 Apr 1818 Age: 90 Died: Mar 1827

Abstract from MA Soldiers and Sailors in the War of the Revolution, V 2, p 116:

Blackwood, James, Matross, Capt. Thomas Jackson's Co., Col. John Crane's (3d Artillery) Regt; muster roll for April 1781; enlisted 10 Feb 1781; enlistment 3 years; reported joined 24 April 1781.

Abstract from Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, V 1:

Blackwood, James Cem, Pembroke, ME 49 (NOTE: he is not buried in a cemetery; he is buried on property now owned by Aubrey Mitchell adjacent to James' property in Young's Cove.)

DAR Lineage Paper #267596 states that he served as a Private, Mattross (under Capt. Thomas Jackson's Company, Col. John Crane's Regiment, 3rd Artillary), and Corporal. References provided were: Alphabetical List of Revolutionary Pensioners Living in Maine by Charles Alcott Flagg, p 18, List 35c; Mass. Soldiers and Sailors of Rev War, p 116; Dennysville (Maine) Centennial, p 102, 108. Children named:

John b 1786 James b 1788 m Susanna Cushing Elizabeth b 1790 m Benjamin Wilbur Rebecca b 1792 William b 1796 m Eliza Cushing Matthew b 1798 m Hannah Bridges Nancy b 1799 (crossed out last 9 and inserted 8) m James Lurchin Sally b 1801 m Benjamin Dudley

Revolutionary War Pension #8933/#21675 - Private/Corporal, Third Regiment of Continental Artillary, Massachusetts Line; discharge signed by George Washington 9 Jun 1783. James enlisted in Crane's Third Artillary (see excerpt from Who Was Who in the American Revolution by L. Edward Purcell, page 116-117 on John Crane) from Boston, MA Dec 1780; was discharged 9 Jun 1783. He was a private and corporal (matross), cockswain of barge, residing in Hingham, MA.

http://www.revwar75.com/crown/foot2.htm#21

21st Regiment of Foot (Royal North British Fusileers) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Formed as The Earl of Mar's Regiment of Foot [before 1678] Redesignated the The Royal Regiment of North British Fusileers [1707] Designated 21st Regiment [1751] Arrived Quebec [May 1776] Surrendered at Saratoga [Oct 1777]

http://www.revwar.com/battles/bsara1.html

British Order Of Battle - Battle of Freeman's Farm (1st Saratoga - September 19, 1777 BRITISH NORTHERN ARMY (LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURGOYNE COMMANDING) LEFT WING (British) (Brigadier General Fraser)

Light Infantry and Grenadier companies of 10 British regiments Battalion companies of 24th foot Breymann's Brunswick riflemen 50 Indians 150 Tories 80 Canadians 50 British marksmen

Artillery: 4 six-pounders 4 three-pounders

CENTER COLUMN (British) (Brigadier General Hamilton (Lieutenant General Burgoyne)) Battalion Companies of 9th, 20th, 21st, 62nd Regiment of Foot Artillery (Captain Jones): 3 six-pounders 3 three-pounders NOTE: Our James/John was a member of the 21st Regt of Foot Artillery

Hamilton, GEN James Hamilton was the British commander of the central column of advance during the Battle of Saratoga. However, as Lieutenant General John Burgoyne was present with this element, most commands during the battle originated from Burgoyne.

RIGHT WING (German) )(Major General von Riedesel ) Brigadier General Phillips Regiment Prinz Frederich Regiment von Rhetz Regiment von Riedesal Regiment von Specht 6 companies of 47th Regiment of Foot Artillery (Captain Pausch): 6 six-pounders 2 three-pounders

Abstract from Pemmaquon Call, Vol. V, No. 4 (Nov 1999), p 9:

The many descendants of James Blackwood will be interested in Carol B. Smith Fisher's letter of September 15: "I just thought I should keep you informed on my quest to learn about great x five grandfather, James Blackwood. I have always wanted to research the British side of his journey to Maine, but I had no idea how to do that. I contracted Charles Bracelen Flood, who gave a lecture this past July in Castine on the Penobscot Expedition. He was very interested in our James, and he thought it was highly unusual for a British captain to join the Continental forces as a private. He put me in touch with his friend, Thomas Fleming, a renowned author on the American Revolution. He told me to contact the British Records Office in Surrey, England.

The British Records Office wrote back to me with names of British military historians who would do a search for me, but I first needed to have the name of his regiment. I had read that the British referred to their deserters as "wild geese," and I was beginning to think that I was the one on a wild goose chase! I contacted the Saratoga Battlefield Historical Museum and they said a search of their records would take weeks. I have a cousin who lives 15 minutes from the museum, and she went through their books, and lo and behold, found a listing for a Lieutenant J. Blackwood with the 21st Regiment-Royal North British Fusileers, comprised of soldiers from Northern England, Scotland, and Wales. He was the only one listed in this battle with the name Blackwood, so this may well be our James.

I have given all of this information and more to a British military historian, and he has just informed me that the records are available for this regiment, and that our James would have his own file since he was an officer. This regiment took the greatest hit during this battle at Freeman's Farm (Saratoga), and when they were outnumbered by the Continental Army, they tried to retreat and they were shot in the back by their own men, and they singled out officers since they wore large bright shiny silver buckles on their backs. This might be a great reason for deserting!" Carol promises to keep us posted on her research.

Abstract from The Pemmaquon Call, Vol VI, No. 1 (Feb 2000), p ?:

In the last Pemmaquon Call [p 9], we reported on the historical detective work of Carol B. Smith Fisher who is seeking to learn about her "great times five" grandfather, James Blackwood, an early settler in Pembroke reputed to have deserted the British Army for the American side in the Revolution. The latest clue Carol has uncovered is a listing for a "Lt. John Blackwood" in the records at Saratoga for the 21st Regiment, North British Fusileers. With the help of author Richard M. Ketchum ("Saratoga: Turning Point of America's Revolutinary War," New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1977), she located the original surrender document of Burgoyne's forces at Saratoga, signed by British officers on December 13, 1777. On page 3 of the document appears the signature of "John Blackwood, Lt. 21st Regiment."

With a clear microfilm copy of John's signature as a British officer in 1777, and a clear photocopy of James' American pension record signature of 1819, Carol was able to make a comparison. Her conclusion: the signatures are almost identical, down to a distinctive "loopy d." As she puts it, "I do not need to try to find another document to confirm that this Lt. John Blackwood of the 21st Regiment is our James." Carol's quest continues. She will try to follow the path of John Blackwood as a POW from Cambridge to Charlottesville to Frederick, MD, possibly confirm his service

Abstract from the Army Lineage Series, The Continental Army by Robert K. Wright, Jr., Center of Military History, U.S. Army, Washington, DC 1986: FHL 973 M2wr, pp 338-339:

3d Continental Artillery Regiment (Crane's) - Authorized 1 January 1777 in the Continental Army as Crane's Continental Artillery Regiment. Organized (less Stevens' Provisional Artillery Battalion - see Annex) in Spring 1777 at Boston, Massachusetts, and Peekskill, New York, with elements in the Main Army, HIghlands Department, and Northern Department, to consist of twelve companies from Massachusetts and Rhode Island (including veterans of the Continental Artillery Regiment). Redesignated 10 August 1779 as the 3d Continental Artillery Regiment.

Reorganized 1 January 1781 to consist of ten companies. Relieved 24 August 1782 from the Main Army and assigned to the HIghlands Department. Reorganized 12 June 1783 to consist of four companies. Disbanded 1 January 1784 at West Point, New York.

Annex: Authorized 9 November 1776 in the Continental Army as Stevens' Provisional Artillery Battalion and assigned to the Northern Department. Organized in early 1777 at Boston, Massachusetts, and Albany and Fort Ticonderog, New York, to consist of Captains Stephen Buckland's, Nathaniel Donnell's, and John Winslow's Companies of Crane's Continental Artillery Regiment (recruited from Massachusetts and Connecticut) and Captain Noah Nichols' Artificer Company. Relieved 18 May 1778 from the Northern Department and assigned to the HIghlands Department. Relieved 19 July 1778 from the Highlands Department and assigned to the Main Army. (Captain Noah Nichols' Artificer Company withdrawn 28 August 1778 and consolidated with Captain Jesse Roe's Company, Artillery Artificer Regiment [see Artillery Artificer Regiment]). Stevens' Provisional Artillery Battalion broken up 22 December 1778 at Pluckemin, New Jersey, and companies reverted to Crane's Continental Artillery Regiment.

Engagements: Elements of this regiment served in the following: Northern New Jersey, Saratoga [NY] Defense of Philadelphia, Philadelphia-Monmouth, Rhode Island, New Jersey 1780.

Ralph Blackwood ([email protected]) says "The 11/11/98 Bangor Daily News article says he arrived at Dennysville 5/17/1786. No source listed." Ralph says this source also lists the death date as 16 Dec 1836.

Dates and names of children were obtained from FHL No. 0010828, Dennysville, ME Vital Records 1792-1892 which contains family records listing births and deaths 1792-1892; intentions of marriage 1812-1891; and marriage records 1821-1892. Only the birth records were searched on 31 May 1995 and check ALL records on this film.

From Sue Szewczyk:

[NI02357] He is reported to have deserted from the english and joined the american Revolutionary Forces. He served with Colonel John Crane in the 3rd Continetal Artillery and was at the battle of Monmouth, NJ and Saratoga, NY. He was listed as a Corporal. James Blackwood capt in British Army under Burgoyne at Saratoga, NY. An Irishman. Early settler on Lot 30 at head of Young's Cove, Maine. Surrendered with Burgoyne's army probably after battle of Stillwater, NY Oct 7 1777 but is found on Mass Muster Roll for 4-1781. Enlisted 2-10-1781 for three years reported joined 4-24-1781. Pension under June 28, 1819 from 4-16-1818 at $96 per year total received $852.82

Some Sources to Check:

Irish and Scotch/Irish Anc. Research, Vol. I, CS 483-F32 Vol 1 at Lee Library, BYU University

"Blackwood: Archdale Family Papers - family papers of Col. J. B. Archdale of Castle Archdale, Co. Fermanagh, dtd 1537-1909. An account by William Archdale, late Sheriff of Fermanagh for 1667. A rent roll of Henry Mervyn, 1719, relating to Triellick and Omagh Districts, contains some names of tenants. A survey of Glenally Estate in Co. Fermanagh, 1721, with description of holdings and some names. Copies of Wills, Notices of Marriages, etc., relating to the families of Archdale, Price, Blackwood, Mervyn, Dunbar, Humphreys, and many others (Report 1927, p.24).

Blackwood originated in Blackwoods of Lanarkshire, Scotland - Migrated to Ireland. See also, "Helen's Tower" by Harold Nicolson.

Blackwood history at archives in Belfast.

PRONI records at Ulster Historical Foundation

Compiled from information received from Ethel Quimby, Machiasport, ME, and other sources:

According to family tradition, James was born 1741/2 in Belfast, Ireland, came to America in May or June 1777 (he was 35 in Spring of 1777), impressed into the British Army as a replacement/reinforcement with Burgoyne at Saratoga; captured at Stillwater in 1777, and, when released, joined the American forces. As Colonel Crane was indeed involved at the Battle of Saratoga, one has to wonder under what circumstances the two became friends. Crane relinquished command of the Third Artillery in November 1783 and retired to civilian life. Affidavits of John and Abijah Crane (sons of Colonel John Crane) attest and imply that James Blackwood was a member of John Crane's regiment and very possibly a close personal friend as he was residing with John Crane's family. Copies of information from National Archives in possession of preparer.

After his discharge, James was employed by/friends with Benjamin Lincoln, a Hingham, MA farmer. According to the "Memorial of the 100th Anniversary of the Settlement of Dennysville, Maine," (FHL No. 496891), pp 26...115, early in the season of 1786, an expedition comprised of James Blackwood and other "Hingham farmers and artisans, old neighbors and the sons of old neighbors of Benjamin Lincoln..." set sail from Massachusetts Bay to take possession of a new purchase in Maine. The voyage from Boston lasted two weeks and they made harbor at Machias "so early as the seventeenth of May," anchored in the lower bay and rowed up with a pilot. James Blackwood settled on a farm at Young's Cove, Lot 30 plan of 1810 on the "water side" of the road. He and his wife are buried somewhere on this lot, although graves may not be easy to discern (source: Mrs. Ethel Quimby).

Need to see Life of James Blackwood synopsis for additional information.

Check:

1. 1800 census - James Blackwood Washington County page 638 2. 1820 census - James Blackwood Dennysville, Washington County, page 269. Also listed: James Blackwood, Jr., Matthew Blackwood, Samuel Blackwood, and William Blackwood (all sons of James Blackwood). 3. 1850 census - James Blackwood Pembroke, Washington County, page 65. Also listed: Matthew Blackwood and William S.D. (sons of James Blackwood). 4. 1790 census - Machias Republican of March 29, 1859 published census for Washington County for 1790 - James Blackwood listed. 5. Dennysville Centennial

Possible Family/Ancestors of James:

David Shaw, 2nd husband of Mary Blackwood, who with her, her mother, Mary Blackwood, and her five children by the name of Blackwood came to America: David Blackwood, Catherine Blackwood, Sarah Blackwood, William Blackwood, James Blackwood (our James????). This article states they came from Queenstown, Ireland. There is also a vague reference to a Blackwood Bible.

Related??? William Blackwood, b 1706, d 1790 came to US in 1740, m Elizabeth Craig, settled NC, 8 children (oldest James b. Ireland - fr of Isaac).

Cpl Matr James (John) Blackwood and Nancy Ann Grimes (Ramsdell?) had the following children:

child + 2 i. Col John Crane2 Blackwood was born 20 Jun 1783/6.

child + 3 ii. James Blackwood Jr was born 26 Jan 1786.

child + 4 iii. Elizabeth Blackwood was born 11 Jul 1790.

child + 5 iv. Rebecca Gardiner Blackwood was born 14 Sep 1792.

child + 6 v. William Blackwood was born 9 Aug 1796.

child + 7 vi. Matthew Blackwood was born 14 Feb 1798.

child + 8 vii. Nancy (Anna) Blackwood was born 14 Feb 1798.

child + 9 viii. Sarah (Sally) Blackwood was born 16 Aug 1801.

horizontal rule

email graphic Send email to preparer: [email protected]

Table of Contents graphic Return to Table of Contents or Index

Go to Next Page GraphicGo to Next Page