HON. MAJOR EBENEZER POMEROY (Medad, Eltweed), b. May 30, 1669; m. (1) May 4, 1691, Hannah, daughter of Ebenezer and Hannah (Clapp) Strong, b. Oct. 7, 1669, d. Nov. 29, 1691; he m. (2) Dec. 26, 1692, Sarah, daughter of Capt. John and Sarah (Holton) King, b. May 3, 1671, d. Nov. 5, 1747; he died Jan. 27, 1754. (Source: History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, Albert Alonzo Pomeroy, 1912)
Gunsmith, Lawyer, Inn Keeper, Soldier – Ebenezer Pomeroy bio
B. 30 May 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts
M. (1) 4 May 1691 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Hannah Strong
M. (2) 26 Dec 1692 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Sarah King
D. 27 Jan 1754 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Ebenezer Pomeroy was called "a man of energy and ability" and this was reflected in the many roles he had during his life. He was born on May 30, 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Medad Pomeroy and Experience Woodward, the fourth of their eleven children. The Pomeroys were one of the founding families of Northampton and Ebenezer's father was one of the town leaders. Medad Pomeroy was a gunsmith, and Ebenezer no doubt learned this skill from him.
On May 4, 1691, Ebenezer married Hannah Strong, who sadly died before the year was out. Then on December 26, 1692, he wed Sarah King. They had a large family of nine children with the youngest born in 1711; only their first child died young.
By 1704, Ebenezer was involved in civic matters in Northampton. That year, he was appointed attorney in a dispute between Northampton and neighboring Hatfield over the location of their border. In colonial times, the title "attorney" was applied to men considered educated enough to make legal decisions for the community. There's nothing to suggest Ebenezer had any formal training to serve as an attorney; he must have impressed others that he had the ability to prepare and present a legal argument, and was therefore chosen to represent the town.
Ebenezer was later involved in a case about rerouting the river to prevent flooding of some land. In 1710, he served on a committee to organize the project, but when the work was done in 1724, some land owners had benefited much more than others. A petition suggested that having everyone pay the same tax to fund the project was unfair, so Ebenezer presented the legal argument that men who profited from the project should pay more than those who didn't.
Other positions Ebenezer held included high sheriff and church deacon. He was part of a committee to build a town jail in 1706, a structure that remained in use for almost 70 years. Also he was part of a three-man committee appointed in 1721 to administer loans, and he was appointed justice of the peace in 1735 and in 1743.
Ebenezer became one of the biggest landowners in Northampton. He acquired 9 acres in 1709 when his aging father deeded him some land. He later added to it, and his property became known as the "Pomeroy Homestead." After 1706, he used his home as one of the town taverns when he was approved for a license to sell "strong drink." The house he built and lived in passed to descendants; it was known as "Old Red Tavern" and stood until 1827.
Along with everything else he did, Ebenezer was a military leader. He was a major in the militia, serving during King William's War and Queen Anne's War. In 1711, he led a company that was part of a force trying to invade New France. The English sent a total of 5,000 men on 15 ships plus 40 other boats, including 900 men from Massachusetts. The fleet left Boston on July 30th, but when they entered the St. Lawrence River, bad weather drove many of the ships onshore, wrecking them, and the entire force had to retreat.
Three of Ebenezer's sons served in the military, and they each died because of it. His son Simeon drowned in the Connecticut River while returning from a 1725 expedition against Indians, and his son Daniel was killed in a battle of the French and Indian War at Lake George in 1755.
Ebenezer's son Seth led part of a 1745 expedition to capture Fort Louisbourg in New France, and Ebenezer wrote him a letter just before the battle:
"…in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition, have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to believe that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army."
Seth survived the French & Indian War. Later at the outset of the American Revolution he was appointed Brigadier General, and he was considered to be America's first general of that rank. He tried to turn the post down because of his age, but was drafted into accepting it. Seth was right about being too old because on a march to help Washington in New York he collapsed and died.
Ebenezer's second wife Sarah died in 1747, and on January 27, 1754 Ebenezer passed away at the age of 84.
Children (all by Sarah King):
1. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 22 Nov 1693; D. young
2. John Pomeroy — B. 1 Apr 1696, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 4 Jun 1736, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Rachel Sheldon (1701-1774), 19 May 1718, Northampton, Massachusetts
3. Ebenezer Pomeroy — B. 18 Sep 1697, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 22 Apr 1774; M. Elizabeth Hunt (1701-1782)
4. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 5 Feb 1700, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 3 Apr 1777, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Noah Wright (1699-1775), 12 Dec 1721, Northampton, Massachusetts
5. Simeon Pomeroy — B. 21 Feb 1702; D. 24 Apr 1725, Connecticut River
6. Josiah Pomeroy — B. 29 Dec 1703, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. about 1790; M. Lydia Ashley (1710-1772), 9 Nov 1731, Northampton, Massachusetts
7. Seth Pomeroy — B. 20 May 1706, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 19 Feb 1777, Peekskill, New York; M. Mary Hunt (1705-1777), 14 Dec 1732
8. Daniel Pomeroy — B. 27 Mar 1709, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 8 Sep 1755, Lake George, New York; M. (1) Mary Clapp (1713-1734), 25 May 1733, Northampton, Massachusetts; (2) Rachel Moseley (1715-1797), 4 Nov 1636, Northampton, Massachusetts
9. Thankful Pomeroy — B. 12 Jul 1711, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 12 Aug 1790, Goshen, Massachusetts; M. Gad Lyman (1713-1791), 22 Jun 1738, Northampton, Massachusetts
Sources:
History of Northampton, Massachusetts, From Its Settlement in 1654, Volume 1, James Russell Trumbull, Seth Pomeroy, 1898
Early Northampton, Massachusetts D.A.R., 1914
History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, Albert Alonzo Pomeroy, 1912
Find-A-Grave
Ancestors of Ebenezer were his father Medad and grandfather Eltweed. Eltweed Pomeroy arrived in Massachusetts in 1630-32. Most Pomeroys in the US descend from Eltweed Pomeroy, but there are other Pomeroy lines that arrived in America later.
Other Historical Notes:
Sheriff of Hampshire County; Member of Royal Council (Ebenezer's title)
Letter from Ebenezer to Captain Seth Pomeroy (Ebenezer's son). Northampton, June 11, 1745
"Sir: I, your mother, relations and friends are generally well, blessed be God. We want to hear from you and the fleet and army, and a particular account of the bigness and strength of the City Louisburg, the height of the walls etc; your power and interest against scaling the walls to take the city, for I suppose that if you get inside of the city the place is not taken, for I conclude that every house is so strong that they are each, after a sort, a castle. But those things I must leave to those who are on the spot, who are the best judges, but still we want to hear of all the men of war that came from France being taken, store, ships and all; we want to hear of the City Louisburg being taken, but we desire patiently to wait God's time; but in the meantime, for your encouragment, I would inform you and your soldiers that God, in his providence, hath remarkably stirred up a spirit of prayer in this town for victory in this grand expedition, and I hear also throughout the land; for in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to conclude that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a very remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army upon many accounts, and we really hope, and earnestly pray, that the Lord of Hosts, and God of Armies would still be on our side, and then there is no danger but your enterprise will be crowned with glory and triumph. Be much in prayer - abstain from all appearances of evil - watch particularly against those sins a soldier's life expose men unto, and above all keep always the fear of God before your eyes, and that will be a security to your living and dying. With respect to your business at home, all goes on well; your wife manages affairs with conduct and courage, and indeed your business that she was unacquainted with before you went away. The boys are industrious - the new pasture is fenced - the hay all got in well - finished yesterday. My service to the General, and to all the offices of my acquaintance, and my due regards to Commodore Warren, and my love to your soldiers, and in particular to those that went from this place.
The Lord prepare and prosper you, and all with you, and return you again to your respective homes, which is the desire and prayer of Your loving father."
Ebenezer's son General Seth Pomeroy has three FindAGrave memorials, one for his Northampton MA burial plot, 13904083, one for his "Anvil" memorial plaque in Peekskill New York, 9605466., and one for the 26' high monument at Hillside Cemetery in Peekskill NY, 173109026 . The Peekskill Anvil memorial does an excellent job of describing Seth's life and military service.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9605466/seth-pomeroy
Ebenezer Pomeroy was known by his military and civil titles: Major and Honorable.
Gunsmith, Lawyer, Inn Keeper, Soldier – Ebenezer Pomeroy bio
B. 30 May 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts
M. (1) 4 May 1691 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Hannah Strong
M. (2) 26 Dec 1692 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Sarah King
D. 27 Jan 1754 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Ebenezer Pomeroy was called "a man of energy and ability" and this was reflected in the many roles he had during his life. He was born on May 30, 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Medad Pomeroy and Experience Woodward, the fourth of their eleven children. The Pomeroys were one of the founding families of Northampton and Ebenezer's father was one of the town leaders. Medad Pomeroy was a gunsmith, and Ebenezer no doubt learned this skill from him.
On May 4, 1691, Ebenezer married Hannah Strong, who sadly died before the year was out. Then on December 26, 1692, he wed Sarah King. They had a large family of nine children with the youngest born in 1711; only their first child died young.
By 1704, Ebenezer was involved in civic matters in Northampton. That year, he was appointed attorney in a dispute between Northampton and neighboring Hatfield over the location of their border. In colonial times, the title "attorney" was applied to men considered educated enough to make legal decisions for the community. There's nothing to suggest Ebenezer had any formal training to serve as an attorney; he must have impressed others that he had the ability to prepare and present a legal argument, and was therefore chosen to represent the town.
Ebenezer was later involved in a case about rerouting the river to prevent flooding of some land. In 1710, he served on a committee to organize the project, but when the work was done in 1724, some land owners had benefited much more than others. A petition suggested that having everyone pay the same tax to fund the project was unfair, so Ebenezer presented the legal argument that men who profited from the project should pay more than those who didn't.
Other positions Ebenezer held included high sheriff and church deacon. He was part of a committee to build a town jail in 1706, a structure that remained in use for almost 70 years. Also he was part of a three-man committee appointed in 1721 to administer loans, and he was appointed justice of the peace in 1735 and in 1743.
Ebenezer became one of the biggest landowners in Northampton. He acquired 9 acres in 1709 when his aging father deeded him some land. He later added to it, and his property became known as the "Pomeroy Homestead." After 1706, he used his home as one of the town taverns when he was approved for a license to sell "strong drink." The house he built and lived in passed to descendants; it was known as "Old Red Tavern" and stood until 1827.
Along with everything else he did, Ebenezer was a military leader. He was a major in the militia, serving during King William's War and Queen Anne's War. In 1711, he led a company that was part of a force trying to invade New France. The English sent a total of 5,000 men on 15 ships plus 40 other boats, including 900 men from Massachusetts. The fleet left Boston on July 30th, but when they entered the St. Lawrence River, bad weather drove many of the ships onshore, wrecking them, and the entire force had to retreat.
Three of Ebenezer's sons served in the military, and they each died because of it. His son Simeon drowned in the Connecticut River while returning from a 1725 expedition against Indians, and his son Daniel was killed in a battle of the French and Indian War at Lake George in 1755.
Ebenezer's son Seth led part of a 1745 expedition to capture Fort Louisbourg in New France, and Ebenezer wrote him a letter just before the battle:
"…in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition, have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to believe that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army."
Seth survived the French & Indian War. Later at the outset of the American Revolution he was appointed Brigadier General, and he was considered to be America's first general of that rank. He tried to turn the post down because of his age, but was drafted into accepting it. Seth was right about being too old because on a march to help Washington in New York he collapsed and died.
Ebenezer's second wife Sarah died in 1747, and on January 27, 1754 Ebenezer passed away at the age of 84.
Children (all by Sarah King):
1. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 22 Nov 1693; D. young
2. John Pomeroy — B. 1 Apr 1696, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 4 Jun 1736, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Rachel Sheldon (1701-1774), 19 May 1718, Northampton, Massachusetts
3. Ebenezer Pomeroy — B. 18 Sep 1697, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 22 Apr 1774; M. Elizabeth Hunt (1701-1782)
4. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 5 Feb 1700, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 3 Apr 1777, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Noah Wright (1699-1775), 12 Dec 1721, Northampton, Massachusetts
5. Simeon Pomeroy — B. 21 Feb 1702; D. 24 Apr 1725, Connecticut River
6. Josiah Pomeroy — B. 29 Dec 1703, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. about 1790; M. Lydia Ashley (1710-1772), 9 Nov 1731, Northampton, Massachusetts
7. Seth Pomeroy — B. 20 May 1706, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 19 Feb 1777, Peekskill, New York; M. Mary Hunt (1705-1777), 14 Dec 1732
8. Daniel Pomeroy — B. 27 Mar 1709, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 8 Sep 1755, Lake George, New York; M. (1) Mary Clapp (1713-1734), 25 May 1733, Northampton, Massachusetts; (2) Rachel Moseley (1715-1797), 4 Nov 1636, Northampton, Massachusetts
9. Thankful Pomeroy — B. 12 Jul 1711, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 12 Aug 1790, Goshen, Massachusetts; M. Gad Lyman (1713-1791), 22 Jun 1738, Northampton, Massachusetts
Sources:
History of Northampton, Massachusetts, From Its Settlement in 1654, Volume 1, James Russell Trumbull, Seth Pomeroy, 1898
Early Northampton, Massachusetts D.A.R., 1914
History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, Albert Alonzo Pomeroy, 1912
Find-A-Grave
Ancestors of Ebenezer were his father Medad and grandfather Eltweed. Eltweed Pomeroy arrived in Massachusetts in 1630-32. Most Pomeroys in the US descend from Eltweed Pomeroy, but there are other Pomeroy lines that arrived in America later.
Other Historical Notes:
Sheriff of Hampshire County; Member of Royal Council (Ebenezer's title)
Letter from Ebenezer to Captain Seth Pomeroy (Ebenezer's son). Northampton, June 11, 1745
"Sir: I, your mother, relations and friends are generally well, blessed be God. We want to hear from you and the fleet and army, and a particular account of the bigness and strength of the City Louisburg, the height of the walls etc; your power and interest against scaling the walls to take the city, for I suppose that if you get inside of the city the place is not taken, for I conclude that every house is so strong that they are each, after a sort, a castle. But those things I must leave to those who are on the spot, who are the best judges, but still we want to hear of all the men of war that came from France being taken, store, ships and all; we want to hear of the City Louisburg being taken, but we desire patiently to wait God's time; but in the meantime, for your encouragment, I would inform you and your soldiers that God, in his providence, hath remarkably stirred up a spirit of prayer in this town for victory in this grand expedition, and I hear also throughout the land; for in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to conclude that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a very remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army upon many accounts, and we really hope, and earnestly pray, that the Lord of Hosts, and God of Armies would still be on our side, and then there is no danger but your enterprise will be crowned with glory and triumph. Be much in prayer - abstain from all appearances of evil - watch particularly against those sins a soldier's life expose men unto, and above all keep always the fear of God before your eyes, and that will be a security to your living and dying. With respect to your business at home, all goes on well; your wife manages affairs with conduct and courage, and indeed your business that she was unacquainted with before you went away. The boys are industrious - the new pasture is fenced - the hay all got in well - finished yesterday. My service to the General, and to all the offices of my acquaintance, and my due regards to Commodore Warren, and my love to your soldiers, and in particular to those that went from this place.
The Lord prepare and prosper you, and all with you, and return you again to your respective homes, which is the desire and prayer of Your loving father."
Ebenezer's son General Seth Pomeroy has three FindAGrave memorials, one for his Northampton MA burial plot, 13904083, one for his "Anvil" memorial plaque in Peekskill New York, 9605466., and one for the 26' high monument at Hillside Cemetery in Peekskill NY, 173109026 . The Peekskill Anvil memorial does an excellent job of describing Seth's life and military service.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9605466/seth-pomeroy
Ebenezer Pomeroy was known by his military and civil titles: Major and Honorable.
HON. MAJOR EBENEZER POMEROY (Medad, Eltweed), b. May 30, 1669; m. (1) May 4, 1691, Hannah, daughter of Ebenezer and Hannah (Clapp) Strong, b. Oct. 7, 1669, d. Nov. 29, 1691; he m. (2) Dec. 26, 1692, Sarah, daughter of Capt. John and Sarah (Holton) King, b. May 3, 1671, d. Nov. 5, 1747; he died Jan. 27, 1754. (Source: History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, Albert Alonzo Pomeroy, 1912)
Gunsmith, Lawyer, Inn Keeper, Soldier – Ebenezer Pomeroy bio
B. 30 May 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts
M. (1) 4 May 1691 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Hannah Strong
M. (2) 26 Dec 1692 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Sarah King
D. 27 Jan 1754 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Ebenezer Pomeroy was called "a man of energy and ability" and this was reflected in the many roles he had during his life. He was born on May 30, 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Medad Pomeroy and Experience Woodward, the fourth of their eleven children. The Pomeroys were one of the founding families of Northampton and Ebenezer's father was one of the town leaders. Medad Pomeroy was a gunsmith, and Ebenezer no doubt learned this skill from him.
On May 4, 1691, Ebenezer married Hannah Strong, who sadly died before the year was out. Then on December 26, 1692, he wed Sarah King. They had a large family of nine children with the youngest born in 1711; only their first child died young.
By 1704, Ebenezer was involved in civic matters in Northampton. That year, he was appointed attorney in a dispute between Northampton and neighboring Hatfield over the location of their border. In colonial times, the title "attorney" was applied to men considered educated enough to make legal decisions for the community. There's nothing to suggest Ebenezer had any formal training to serve as an attorney; he must have impressed others that he had the ability to prepare and present a legal argument, and was therefore chosen to represent the town.
Ebenezer was later involved in a case about rerouting the river to prevent flooding of some land. In 1710, he served on a committee to organize the project, but when the work was done in 1724, some land owners had benefited much more than others. A petition suggested that having everyone pay the same tax to fund the project was unfair, so Ebenezer presented the legal argument that men who profited from the project should pay more than those who didn't.
Other positions Ebenezer held included high sheriff and church deacon. He was part of a committee to build a town jail in 1706, a structure that remained in use for almost 70 years. Also he was part of a three-man committee appointed in 1721 to administer loans, and he was appointed justice of the peace in 1735 and in 1743.
Ebenezer became one of the biggest landowners in Northampton. He acquired 9 acres in 1709 when his aging father deeded him some land. He later added to it, and his property became known as the "Pomeroy Homestead." After 1706, he used his home as one of the town taverns when he was approved for a license to sell "strong drink." The house he built and lived in passed to descendants; it was known as "Old Red Tavern" and stood until 1827.
Along with everything else he did, Ebenezer was a military leader. He was a major in the militia, serving during King William's War and Queen Anne's War. In 1711, he led a company that was part of a force trying to invade New France. The English sent a total of 5,000 men on 15 ships plus 40 other boats, including 900 men from Massachusetts. The fleet left Boston on July 30th, but when they entered the St. Lawrence River, bad weather drove many of the ships onshore, wrecking them, and the entire force had to retreat.
Three of Ebenezer's sons served in the military, and they each died because of it. His son Simeon drowned in the Connecticut River while returning from a 1725 expedition against Indians, and his son Daniel was killed in a battle of the French and Indian War at Lake George in 1755.
Ebenezer's son Seth led part of a 1745 expedition to capture Fort Louisbourg in New France, and Ebenezer wrote him a letter just before the battle:
"…in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition, have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to believe that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army."
Seth survived the French & Indian War. Later at the outset of the American Revolution he was appointed Brigadier General, and he was considered to be America's first general of that rank. He tried to turn the post down because of his age, but was drafted into accepting it. Seth was right about being too old because on a march to help Washington in New York he collapsed and died.
Ebenezer's second wife Sarah died in 1747, and on January 27, 1754 Ebenezer passed away at the age of 84.
Children (all by Sarah King):
1. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 22 Nov 1693; D. young
2. John Pomeroy — B. 1 Apr 1696, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 4 Jun 1736, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Rachel Sheldon (1701-1774), 19 May 1718, Northampton, Massachusetts
3. Ebenezer Pomeroy — B. 18 Sep 1697, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 22 Apr 1774; M. Elizabeth Hunt (1701-1782)
4. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 5 Feb 1700, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 3 Apr 1777, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Noah Wright (1699-1775), 12 Dec 1721, Northampton, Massachusetts
5. Simeon Pomeroy — B. 21 Feb 1702; D. 24 Apr 1725, Connecticut River
6. Josiah Pomeroy — B. 29 Dec 1703, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. about 1790; M. Lydia Ashley (1710-1772), 9 Nov 1731, Northampton, Massachusetts
7. Seth Pomeroy — B. 20 May 1706, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 19 Feb 1777, Peekskill, New York; M. Mary Hunt (1705-1777), 14 Dec 1732
8. Daniel Pomeroy — B. 27 Mar 1709, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 8 Sep 1755, Lake George, New York; M. (1) Mary Clapp (1713-1734), 25 May 1733, Northampton, Massachusetts; (2) Rachel Moseley (1715-1797), 4 Nov 1636, Northampton, Massachusetts
9. Thankful Pomeroy — B. 12 Jul 1711, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 12 Aug 1790, Goshen, Massachusetts; M. Gad Lyman (1713-1791), 22 Jun 1738, Northampton, Massachusetts
Sources:
History of Northampton, Massachusetts, From Its Settlement in 1654, Volume 1, James Russell Trumbull, Seth Pomeroy, 1898
Early Northampton, Massachusetts D.A.R., 1914
History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, Albert Alonzo Pomeroy, 1912
Find-A-Grave
Ancestors of Ebenezer were his father Medad and grandfather Eltweed. Eltweed Pomeroy arrived in Massachusetts in 1630-32. Most Pomeroys in the US descend from Eltweed Pomeroy, but there are other Pomeroy lines that arrived in America later.
Other Historical Notes:
Sheriff of Hampshire County; Member of Royal Council (Ebenezer's title)
Letter from Ebenezer to Captain Seth Pomeroy (Ebenezer's son). Northampton, June 11, 1745
"Sir: I, your mother, relations and friends are generally well, blessed be God. We want to hear from you and the fleet and army, and a particular account of the bigness and strength of the City Louisburg, the height of the walls etc; your power and interest against scaling the walls to take the city, for I suppose that if you get inside of the city the place is not taken, for I conclude that every house is so strong that they are each, after a sort, a castle. But those things I must leave to those who are on the spot, who are the best judges, but still we want to hear of all the men of war that came from France being taken, store, ships and all; we want to hear of the City Louisburg being taken, but we desire patiently to wait God's time; but in the meantime, for your encouragment, I would inform you and your soldiers that God, in his providence, hath remarkably stirred up a spirit of prayer in this town for victory in this grand expedition, and I hear also throughout the land; for in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to conclude that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a very remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army upon many accounts, and we really hope, and earnestly pray, that the Lord of Hosts, and God of Armies would still be on our side, and then there is no danger but your enterprise will be crowned with glory and triumph. Be much in prayer - abstain from all appearances of evil - watch particularly against those sins a soldier's life expose men unto, and above all keep always the fear of God before your eyes, and that will be a security to your living and dying. With respect to your business at home, all goes on well; your wife manages affairs with conduct and courage, and indeed your business that she was unacquainted with before you went away. The boys are industrious - the new pasture is fenced - the hay all got in well - finished yesterday. My service to the General, and to all the offices of my acquaintance, and my due regards to Commodore Warren, and my love to your soldiers, and in particular to those that went from this place.
The Lord prepare and prosper you, and all with you, and return you again to your respective homes, which is the desire and prayer of Your loving father."
Ebenezer's son General Seth Pomeroy has three FindAGrave memorials, one for his Northampton MA burial plot, 13904083, one for his "Anvil" memorial plaque in Peekskill New York, 9605466., and one for the 26' high monument at Hillside Cemetery in Peekskill NY, 173109026 . The Peekskill Anvil memorial does an excellent job of describing Seth's life and military service.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9605466/seth-pomeroy
Ebenezer Pomeroy was known by his military and civil titles: Major and Honorable.
Gunsmith, Lawyer, Inn Keeper, Soldier – Ebenezer Pomeroy bio
B. 30 May 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts
M. (1) 4 May 1691 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Hannah Strong
M. (2) 26 Dec 1692 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Wife: Sarah King
D. 27 Jan 1754 in Northampton, Massachusetts
Ebenezer Pomeroy was called "a man of energy and ability" and this was reflected in the many roles he had during his life. He was born on May 30, 1669 in Northampton, Massachusetts to Medad Pomeroy and Experience Woodward, the fourth of their eleven children. The Pomeroys were one of the founding families of Northampton and Ebenezer's father was one of the town leaders. Medad Pomeroy was a gunsmith, and Ebenezer no doubt learned this skill from him.
On May 4, 1691, Ebenezer married Hannah Strong, who sadly died before the year was out. Then on December 26, 1692, he wed Sarah King. They had a large family of nine children with the youngest born in 1711; only their first child died young.
By 1704, Ebenezer was involved in civic matters in Northampton. That year, he was appointed attorney in a dispute between Northampton and neighboring Hatfield over the location of their border. In colonial times, the title "attorney" was applied to men considered educated enough to make legal decisions for the community. There's nothing to suggest Ebenezer had any formal training to serve as an attorney; he must have impressed others that he had the ability to prepare and present a legal argument, and was therefore chosen to represent the town.
Ebenezer was later involved in a case about rerouting the river to prevent flooding of some land. In 1710, he served on a committee to organize the project, but when the work was done in 1724, some land owners had benefited much more than others. A petition suggested that having everyone pay the same tax to fund the project was unfair, so Ebenezer presented the legal argument that men who profited from the project should pay more than those who didn't.
Other positions Ebenezer held included high sheriff and church deacon. He was part of a committee to build a town jail in 1706, a structure that remained in use for almost 70 years. Also he was part of a three-man committee appointed in 1721 to administer loans, and he was appointed justice of the peace in 1735 and in 1743.
Ebenezer became one of the biggest landowners in Northampton. He acquired 9 acres in 1709 when his aging father deeded him some land. He later added to it, and his property became known as the "Pomeroy Homestead." After 1706, he used his home as one of the town taverns when he was approved for a license to sell "strong drink." The house he built and lived in passed to descendants; it was known as "Old Red Tavern" and stood until 1827.
Along with everything else he did, Ebenezer was a military leader. He was a major in the militia, serving during King William's War and Queen Anne's War. In 1711, he led a company that was part of a force trying to invade New France. The English sent a total of 5,000 men on 15 ships plus 40 other boats, including 900 men from Massachusetts. The fleet left Boston on July 30th, but when they entered the St. Lawrence River, bad weather drove many of the ships onshore, wrecking them, and the entire force had to retreat.
Three of Ebenezer's sons served in the military, and they each died because of it. His son Simeon drowned in the Connecticut River while returning from a 1725 expedition against Indians, and his son Daniel was killed in a battle of the French and Indian War at Lake George in 1755.
Ebenezer's son Seth led part of a 1745 expedition to capture Fort Louisbourg in New France, and Ebenezer wrote him a letter just before the battle:
"…in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition, have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to believe that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army."
Seth survived the French & Indian War. Later at the outset of the American Revolution he was appointed Brigadier General, and he was considered to be America's first general of that rank. He tried to turn the post down because of his age, but was drafted into accepting it. Seth was right about being too old because on a march to help Washington in New York he collapsed and died.
Ebenezer's second wife Sarah died in 1747, and on January 27, 1754 Ebenezer passed away at the age of 84.
Children (all by Sarah King):
1. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 22 Nov 1693; D. young
2. John Pomeroy — B. 1 Apr 1696, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 4 Jun 1736, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Rachel Sheldon (1701-1774), 19 May 1718, Northampton, Massachusetts
3. Ebenezer Pomeroy — B. 18 Sep 1697, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 22 Apr 1774; M. Elizabeth Hunt (1701-1782)
4. Sarah Pomeroy — B. 5 Feb 1700, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 3 Apr 1777, Northampton, Massachusetts; M. Noah Wright (1699-1775), 12 Dec 1721, Northampton, Massachusetts
5. Simeon Pomeroy — B. 21 Feb 1702; D. 24 Apr 1725, Connecticut River
6. Josiah Pomeroy — B. 29 Dec 1703, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. about 1790; M. Lydia Ashley (1710-1772), 9 Nov 1731, Northampton, Massachusetts
7. Seth Pomeroy — B. 20 May 1706, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 19 Feb 1777, Peekskill, New York; M. Mary Hunt (1705-1777), 14 Dec 1732
8. Daniel Pomeroy — B. 27 Mar 1709, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 8 Sep 1755, Lake George, New York; M. (1) Mary Clapp (1713-1734), 25 May 1733, Northampton, Massachusetts; (2) Rachel Moseley (1715-1797), 4 Nov 1636, Northampton, Massachusetts
9. Thankful Pomeroy — B. 12 Jul 1711, Northampton, Massachusetts; D. 12 Aug 1790, Goshen, Massachusetts; M. Gad Lyman (1713-1791), 22 Jun 1738, Northampton, Massachusetts
Sources:
History of Northampton, Massachusetts, From Its Settlement in 1654, Volume 1, James Russell Trumbull, Seth Pomeroy, 1898
Early Northampton, Massachusetts D.A.R., 1914
History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, Albert Alonzo Pomeroy, 1912
Find-A-Grave
Ancestors of Ebenezer were his father Medad and grandfather Eltweed. Eltweed Pomeroy arrived in Massachusetts in 1630-32. Most Pomeroys in the US descend from Eltweed Pomeroy, but there are other Pomeroy lines that arrived in America later.
Other Historical Notes:
Sheriff of Hampshire County; Member of Royal Council (Ebenezer's title)
Letter from Ebenezer to Captain Seth Pomeroy (Ebenezer's son). Northampton, June 11, 1745
"Sir: I, your mother, relations and friends are generally well, blessed be God. We want to hear from you and the fleet and army, and a particular account of the bigness and strength of the City Louisburg, the height of the walls etc; your power and interest against scaling the walls to take the city, for I suppose that if you get inside of the city the place is not taken, for I conclude that every house is so strong that they are each, after a sort, a castle. But those things I must leave to those who are on the spot, who are the best judges, but still we want to hear of all the men of war that came from France being taken, store, ships and all; we want to hear of the City Louisburg being taken, but we desire patiently to wait God's time; but in the meantime, for your encouragment, I would inform you and your soldiers that God, in his providence, hath remarkably stirred up a spirit of prayer in this town for victory in this grand expedition, and I hear also throughout the land; for in this town the parents and some other relatives of those gone in the expedition have constantly set apart some time every week to pray to God for success in this grand affair, and we have good reason to conclude that it hath not been in vain, for God hath in a very remarkable manner smiled upon the fleet and army upon many accounts, and we really hope, and earnestly pray, that the Lord of Hosts, and God of Armies would still be on our side, and then there is no danger but your enterprise will be crowned with glory and triumph. Be much in prayer - abstain from all appearances of evil - watch particularly against those sins a soldier's life expose men unto, and above all keep always the fear of God before your eyes, and that will be a security to your living and dying. With respect to your business at home, all goes on well; your wife manages affairs with conduct and courage, and indeed your business that she was unacquainted with before you went away. The boys are industrious - the new pasture is fenced - the hay all got in well - finished yesterday. My service to the General, and to all the offices of my acquaintance, and my due regards to Commodore Warren, and my love to your soldiers, and in particular to those that went from this place.
The Lord prepare and prosper you, and all with you, and return you again to your respective homes, which is the desire and prayer of Your loving father."
Ebenezer's son General Seth Pomeroy has three FindAGrave memorials, one for his Northampton MA burial plot, 13904083, one for his "Anvil" memorial plaque in Peekskill New York, 9605466., and one for the 26' high monument at Hillside Cemetery in Peekskill NY, 173109026 . The Peekskill Anvil memorial does an excellent job of describing Seth's life and military service.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9605466/seth-pomeroy
Ebenezer Pomeroy was known by his military and civil titles: Major and Honorable.
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