Our Story • Our History
Moses Clark
Our Namesake — Revolutionary War Patriot, 1761–1844
Moses Clark was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1761. In May 1777, at only fifteen years of age, he enlisted in the Connecticut Militia as a fifer. During the Revolutionary War, fifers played an essential role on the battlefield, using music to communicate commands and encourage soldiers during battle. Like many military musicians of the period, Moses also assisted army physicians in caring for wounded soldiers, serving not only as a musician but also in a medical support role during the difficult years of the war.
After the Revolution, Moses returned to Lebanon, where he married Patty (Patsy) Bill, and together they raised a family that included their son, Erastus.
According to military records, Moses was discharged on May 31, 1780 at Morristown, New York, on the St. Lawrence River. Moses returned to his hometown of Lebanon, Connecticut and married Patty Bill on April 13, 1786.
The family later moved through western New York into Upper Canada with their three children, where Moses and Patty spent much of their adult lives.
Moses and Patty went on to have two more children and lived near Toronto until 1843, when they traveled to Michigan to live with their son Erastus and his family.
Records show that Moses sought to update his pension information on September 19, 1843; however, he passed away shortly after this on January 2, 1844, and was buried in what is now Brooklawn Cemetery in Walker, Michigan. Patsy passed away two years later on March 21, 1846.
Photographs and further detail will be added as our research continues.