The Genealogy of one Vermonter, Darrell A. Martin

Josiah was born in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, on 6 February 1756.¹ He was the son of Robert Beardsley and Hannah Chauncey. Josiah Beardsley was a Revolutionary War soldier. He enlisted in 1775 for six months service. During that time he participated in the invasion of Canada, including the seige of the fort at St. John's.¹ He again enlisted circa 1 May 1776 for six months, serving the earlier part in New York before it was evacuated. During much of the latter part he was taken sick, but recovered before his term of service was complete.¹ He again enlisted and served for two months in the fall of 1777.¹ In 1778 he was drafted and served two months at Horse Neck, watching for the enemy.¹ He married Abigail Bulkeley in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, on 28 January 1779.¹ In 1779 he enlisted for six months. His company was stationed at Black Rock, and was engaged in skirmishes during the campaign.¹ Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, where Josiah and Abigail lived, was burned by the enemy 8 July 1779 while he was with the army. It is reasonable to assume that she was forced to flee their home, if she had not already left. She gave birth to their first child one week later.¹ Josiah relocated with Abigail to Gilbertsville, Butternuts, Otsego County, New York in 1810.¹ Josiah died on 6 August 1842 in Gilbertsville, Butternuts, Otsego County, New York, at age 86.¹