Ward, Pelatiah

Pelatiah Ward was born in Dover, Dutchess County, New York. The year of his birth is not known. While studying/practicing law at Poughkeepsie, New York, a religious experience eventually led to his call to the Methodist ministry. Ward decided to enroll in Amenia Seminary, located in New York State, for theological preparation. He joined the New York Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1846 and served several churches including Dutchess, Lee, Salisbury, New Concord, Chatham, Harlem, Yonkers, and Yorkville. Ward was active in local temperance movements. He was a part-time lecturer at Spencertown Academy. In 1861, Ward was the pastor at Ellenville, New York. It was during this pastorate that Ward volunteered to serve in the Union Army. As a part of his enlistment he encouraged others to join as well. One hundred and thirty men joined him. His original intent was to go as a chaplain, but the men voted that he be their commander with the rank of captain. Their first engagement was at the Second Battle of Bull Run on August 3, 1862. During the battle Ward was wounded three times. He died of those wounds on September 2, 1862.