Individual Details

Military

Simon Wardwell served during the Revolution and on 8 April 1818 he applied for a pension based on his service. He was then 65 years old and a resident of Andover. In the latter part of April 1775, he enlisted as a private for a term of eight months in the company of Capt. Benjamin Farnham, Col. James Frye’s regiment. He served the eight months and then enlisted on 1 January 1776 in the company of Capt. Joshua Reed, Col. James M. Varnum’s regiment of Rhode Island troops. After two months, he was transferred to Gen Washington’s life guard under Capt. Caleb Gibbs. He served until November 1776 when he “had a fit of sickness” and he was discharged from the service by Col. Webb. Simon was awarded a pension. On 13 July 1820, Simon Wardwell provided additional information on his circumstances. He had no real estate and valued his personal property at $16.71 and that he owed six times that amount. He was 68 years old and was a shoemaker by trade but unable to carry on his business. His wife was 46 years old and daughter Mary was seven years old.1 His widow Sarah later received the widow’s pension.2

1 Daughter Mary named was Mary Dole, the daughter of Sarah and her first husband William Dole.
2 U. S. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, Case W6421

Property

Deeds – 171:106, 172:94, 178:210, 248:139 and 140 (the last two are the son Simon)

On 15 May 1790, Simon Wardwell cordwainer of Andover mortgaged a four-acre tract of pasture to Ward Noyes with promise to pay £10 with interest by 15 May 1792. On 5 March 1803, Simon Wardwell conveyed five acres in Andover to Isaac Lovejoy for payment of fifty dollars. On 1 April 1806 following a judgment against Simon Wardwell for two hundred and three dollars owed to Joseph Peters, two properties with buildings belonging to Simon Wardwell were seized and sold to Daniel Peters.1

1 Massachusetts Land Records, Essex County, 171:106, 172:94, 178:210