Aaron Cleaveland

Aaron Cleaveland was born on 27 Nov 1727 in Canterbury, CT to Josiah Cleaveland and Abigail Paine. (1) He married Thankful Paine, his mother's 15 year old niece, in Canterbury on 7 Jun 1748 when he was 21 years old. (2) Ten years later he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the French and Indian War under Israel Putnam, who was later a famous general of the Revolutionary War. (3) In 1775 when he was 48 years old, Aaron was a captain of the CT militia at the Battle of Lexington. (4) Several books refer to additional military involvements. (5)
He died intestate at the age of 57 on 4 Apr 1785. John Spaulding and David Paine testified that it was the wish of Aaron Cleaveland that his estate go to his wife, sons and daughters. This statement served as a de facto will of Aaron Cleaveland. (6) He was buried in Cleaveland Cemetery in Canterbury, Connecticut. (7) His graveside memorial states "on the 17th of June, A. D. 1782, when in the bloom of health and prime of life, was stuck with the numb palsy; from that time to his death, had upwards of sixty fits of the palsy and apoplexy." (8)

Sources

(1) Canterbury Connecticut Vital Records Vol 1 pg. 45 fhl film 1378163 image 338

(2) Canterbury Connecticut Vital Records Vol 1 pg. 41 fhl film 1378163 image 336
Thankful was the daughter of Elisha Paine, a brother of his mother, Abigail Paine.

(3) Military Rolls of Connecticut Soldiers, French and Indian War, 1755-1762 Vol 10, pg. 57

(4) The Record of Connecticut Men in the Military and Naval Service During the War of the Revolution 1775-1783, edited by Henry P. Johnston, pg 6

(5) "A PLEA FOR THE SMALLER COLLEGE" AN ADDRESS DELIVERED ON FOUNDERS' DAY AT Alma College JUNE 16, 1897 By DAVID M. COOPER 1898, pg 41-42.
"Col. Aaron Cleaveland, fifth son and tenth child of Josiah and Abigail (Paine) Cleaveland, was always resident in Canterbury, Conn. He married Thankful Paine. He served as captain in the French and Indian wars; was a man of wealth, and well known throughout New England in business and political circles. He bore a conspicuous part in the Revolutionary struggle as a gallant soldier and meritorious officer, was present at the time of Governor Tryon's assault upon Horse-Neck, and saw "General Putnam plunge down the steep bluff, the bullets of the baffled dragoons whizzing around him, and even passing through his hat." Colonel Aaron Cleaveland was a man of great wit and humor, with wonderful powers of mimicry. He accompanied his son Moses to Ohio, and with him invested largely in those Western Reserve lands, making their purchases from the Indians. The land on which the City of Cleveland stands was purchased by them and named for them."

The Paine Family Records by Henry D. Paine, 1883, pg 157
"Aaron Cleaveland was a distinguished man in Canterbury, and prominent in public affairs during the Revolution. He furnished the 'pent up' Bostonians a cow for food in 1776. He was known as Col. Aaron. He was struck with palsy and died after a lingering illness, in 1785, aged 58 years.."

(6) Connecticut Probate Records (Plainfield District) fhl film 5444 image 437
Col Aaron Cleaveland mentioned to Esq David Payne & Doc't John Spalding his intention in settling his estate which is in the following manner (viz)
To my wife I design to give the one third part of the improvement of my estate during her life. The one third part of that at her disposal forever.---
To my eldest son Aaron double to what I give to the rest of my sons including what I have deeded & given to him.----
To all the rest of my sons equally alike except what it costs in brining up my son Moses to College which I have an account of.------
To my Daughters two thirds as much as the sons except the eldest.-----
Canterbury 25th Sept 1782 Signed John Spalding and David Paine

(7)

"Revolutionary War Capt. Aaron Cleveland
Lexington Alarm
Died Ap 14, 1785
AE 57"
View of Cleaveland Cemetery with the stones for Aaron and Thankfull Cleaveland in the background

(8) Connecticut Historical Collections: Volume 2 1837, pg 423

Graveside Memorial Aaron Cleaveland