Notes for John (Yohan) (Andrew) (Jake) Baptist Bezona (Bezolio, Begolia, Bezolia, Bezonia)

Notes for John (Yohan) (Andrew) (Jake) Baptist Bezona (Bezolio, Begolia, Bezolia, Bezonia)

Pre-War of 1812: In 1858, Maria Lown Bezona said that JBB was a nativ
e of Italy, who left the British service as a soldier in the Britis
h army at Plattsburg. He volunteered and joined the army of the Unite
d States in Sept. 1814. Source: Widow Maria Lown Bezona's pension pap
ers.
"Jake Bezona, brother to George, 3rd GG, was the bodyguard of Napol
eon Bonaparte. He stood by his side at Waterloo. Upon his capture, Ja
ke was given the choice of either rotting in prison, or joining the B
ritish in the fight against the Colonies. Jake took the latter offe
r and sailed to America. Hearing about the American cause, Jake jumpe
d ship at midnight, swam across the bay, and joined the Colonies. Geo
rge and his family later joined his brother." Source: Letter from Dav
id Burt.

War of 1812: served under Capt. Fillmore as a Private in the New Yor
k Militia in the War of 1812. He enlisted, and was in said war for a
t least 14 days (8 months). He entered service at Plattsburg, NY. H
e was in the battle of Plattsburgh, Sep 11, 1814. Maria Lown was no
t acquainted with him then. Source: Widow Maria Lown Bezona's War o
f 1812 pension file.

1820 census for John Baptist Bezona: Moreau, Saratoga Co, NY - 1 mal
e 26-45, 1 female 10-16.

1830 census for John Baptist Bezona: Moreau, Saratoga Co, NY. Males
: 2<5, 1 5-10, 1 40-50. Females: 1 5-10, 1 30-40. Includes 1 alien fo
reigner not naturalized.

1832: moved to Genesee Co, NY. From then until his death, lived in Ba
tavia and Pembroke, NY. He applied for and received a land warrant fo
r 160 acres of land No 106.38, in Batavia. Source: Widow Maria Lown B
ezona's War of 1812 pension file.

1840 Census of Pembroke Town, Genesee Co, NY for John "Bezonia"
males: 1<5, 1 5-10, 2 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 50-60
females: 2 5-10, 1 15-20, 1 40-50
Includes 2 people in agriculture, 1 illiterate.

Saratoga County Clerk: no deeds, 1791-1869, for John Baptist Bezona/B
az*, Bes*