Dear Pierce Researchers, I need help straightening out some confusion regarding my 5th Great Grandfather Joshua Pierce of Pembroke MA, who married Hopestill Hollway, Joshua born c1705, deceased 15 March 1794, and is buried in Cornwall Cemetery, Cornwall, Litchfield Co., CT, his gravestone engraved as follows: "Inscription: In Memory of Lieut Joshua Pierce who Died March 15th 1794 in the 89th year of his age" The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Patriot Index provides the following information: "PIERCE, Joshua Birth: MA 25 Jan 1705 Service: CT Rank: PS Death: CT 13 Mar 1794 Patriot Pensioned: No Widow Pensioned: No Children Pensioned: No Heirs Pensioned: No Spouse: (1) Hopestill Holloway PS - is patriotic service. He may have fed the army or given livestock. " Question: Could Joshua Pierce have been given the military rank of Lieutenant if his Rev. War service was a public service? Did he have milita ry service other than the "public service" as stated in the DAR index? How did Joshua come by the military rank of Lieutenant as engraved on his gravestone? Did he serve in some Train Band? His spouse, Hopestill, is also buried in Cornwall Cemetery and gravestone is engraved as follows: Hopestill Pierce wife of Lieut Joshua Pierce Departed this Life the 10th of April 1784 in the 81st year of her Age" Any clarification on Joshua's military ranking "Lieut" will be most appreciated. Thank you, Jeannie Winter ooo --- This Email Automatically Scanned for Virus --- ooo by Norton Live Update Anti-Virus Software