There is an entry in MA Revolutionary War Soldiers and Sailors:   Phelps, Edward, Leominster. Lieutenant, Capt. Joshua Wood's co. of Militia, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, to Cambridge.   There is a gravestone in Old Pine Grove Cemetery in Leominster for a Lieut. Edward Phelps, died Jan 15, 1776 at age 47.   There is another entry in MA Rev War Soldiers and Sailors:   Phelps, Edward. 2nd Lieutenant, Capt. Nathaniel White's co., Col. Willys's regt.; list of officers; commissioned Feb. 23, 1776.   There is an enlistment record for a Edward Phelps from Leominster in Capt. Nathaniel White's company, date of return Dec 1775.   Questions:   Is there anything in The History of Leominster that would clarify whether the two were the same person?   Is the enlistment record or MA Rev War Soldiers and Sailors wrong about the commission date?   I find no other Edward Phelps born in MA that would be of age to join the Militia or Continental Army except the son of Edward and Martha Phelps and he enlisted in 1778 as a Pvt.   Bob Thomas, descendant of Edward Phelps

This appears to be only other Edward Phelps in Leominster. Edward Sr. married twice. First wife Martha Tarbell and second one 1765 Martha Farnsworth. Marriages and other records seem to be spread in duplicate in Groton, Harvard and Leominster. If Edward Jr possibly old enough to be in the revolutionary war but not likely nor likely he would be an officer.1762 PHELPS Edward, s. Edward and Martha, Sept. 25, 1762. Birth Leominster

I see your problem. Suggest trying to find his Commission in Congressional records or any files in NARA. Appears he died early so no pension. Wid. Martha remarried 1780. No death records found so far. Not unusual for short enlistments in various outfits. Are you certain of death date?Volume 12page 283Phelps, Edward, Leominster.Lieutenant, Capt. Joshua Wood's co. of militia, which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775, to Cambridge; service, 14 days.Volume 12page 283Phelps, Edward, Leominster.Private, Capt. Peter Woodbury's co., Col. Jacob Gerrish's regt. of guards; enlisted July 12, 1778; discharged Nov. 9, 1778; service, 3 mos. 29 days, at Cambridge; roll certified at Lancaster; also, Capt. Peter Woodbury's co., Lieut. Col. Nathan Tyler's detachment of guards; list of men [year not given]; during the campaign Capt. Woodbury was succeeded by Lieut. Jewett; also, Capt. David Jewett's co., Col. Gerrish's regt. of guards; enlisted Nov. 10, 1778; discharged Dec. 12, 1778; servi! ce, 1 mo. 5 days, guarding troops of convention; roll certified at Lancaster; also, Capt. Jonathan Sibley's co., Col. Luke Drury's regt.; entered service July 29, 1781; marched Aug. 1, 1781; arrived at camp Aug. 11, 1781; discharged Nov. 10, 1781; service, 3 mos. 23 days, including 10 days (200 miles) travel home; residence, Leominster; engaged for town of Leominster; regiment raised for 3 months.Volume 12page 283Phelps, Edward.2d Lieutenant, Capt. Nathaniel White's co., Col. Willys's regt.; list of officers; commissioned Feb. 23, 1776.