Jabez Rockwell (1761)

Born 3 Dec 1761 in Ridgefield, Connecticut Colony

Died [date unknown] in Leonardsville, Pennsylvania, USA

Biography

"He received slight wounds at Monmouth, also was present at the surrender of Cornwallis.

In 1824 he returned to Conn. and married Sarah Rundell, who died in Pike County, Penna. His second wife was Elizabeth Mulford, daughter of third sheriff of Wayne County, Penna.

After service under Gen. Putnam the regiment under General McDougall was ordered to Penna. to join Gen. George Washington and took part in the Battle of Germantown, Penna. Oct 4, 1777 and endured the privation and suffering of the winter spent there.

Through his life he entertained the strongest affection for his old commander General Washington.

After eating a breakfast of roasted nuts and potatoes (peelings, some books say), Gen. Washington asked him if and what he had for breakfast. When Jabez told him Washington went in his quarters and brought out enough food to last the entire day. At Mororistown the Government furnished so little food, they had to depend on the farmers to feed them.

3 Jabez Rockwells (according to Chas. Rockwell, grandson of "our" Jabez) in 6th, 7th, 8th regiments and also from the Adjutant General of Hartford, Conn - 7th Reg. Conn Line 1777-1781. Reg. raised Jan. 1777. Recruited Fairfield, sent to Peekskill, NY Sept. Ordered under Gen. McDougall to George Washington's army in Penna. Wintered 1777-1779 at Redding. Summer - East side of Hudson with Gen. Heath's wing.

The light company under Capt. Chamberland to Meigs engaged in storming Stoney Point.

Wintered at Norristown Heights July 15, 1779 & 1780 and in summer served with main army on the Hudson 1780-81 at Conn. Villiage near Robinson's , upper Hudson and there consoledated for formation 1781-1782. Recorded in above regiment was Private Jabez Rockwell, enlisted for three years Feb. 16, 1777, discharged Feb. 16, 1781.

Rockwell belonged to the 7th Reg. He was with Gen. Washington Christmas Eve in the trip across the Delaware River which was full of ice. The soldiers had to push the ice away from the boat."

Sources

• Unsourced family tree handed down to K (Banks) Perry