Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25023, for Josiah Smith, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Smith, Josiah
Sarah
NUMBER   W. 25023
b. [born] July 12, 1750
res. in 1788 Poundridge, West Chester N.Y.
d. [died] Nov. 29, 1830 at Stamford, Conn.
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Connecticut 5387 
Sarah Smith 
widow of Josiah Smith who was a Lieut & Sergt. Major in the Revolution 
Inscribed in the Roll at the rate of 153 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of April 1844. and sent to N. D. Haigt to Stamford, Connt. 
[Act of March 3, 1843.] 
Recorded in Book A Vol 1 Page 77 
Rep’d [reported]
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Rept 
2137 
Connecticut
 Sarah Smith 
widow of Josiah Smith who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lieut &  Sergt Major 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 153 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on he 4th day of March, 1848. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Sept 1848 and sent to N. D. Haight 
Stamford Ct 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February, 1848, Page 337 Vol.1
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Josiah Smith
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By Richard Varick and Richard Platt of the City of New York Esquires – 
This is to certify that in pursuance of the Law of the State of New York Entitled "An Act making Provision for Officers Soldiers and Seamen who have been disabled in the service of the United States” passed 22nd April 1796 We have examined Josiah Smith of Poundridge in the County of West Chester Farmer and find that during the late war he was a Lieutenant of Captain James Stoddards Company in the Regiment of Connecticut State Troops in the service of the United States commanded by Lieut Colonel Samuel Canfield.   That on the twenty fourth Day of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two he the said Josiah Smith was ordered out by Colonel Canfield to take command of a party from Stamford to East Chester in the County of West Chester to discover the movements of the Enemy and to intercept any Supplies of Cattle which might be sent in to them.  That on or about the twenty seventh Day of May in the same year the party under the Command of him the aforesaid Josiah Smith were attacked by a detachment of Delancey’s Corps in the service of the Enemy and his whole party except one man killed, wounded, or taken Prisoners.  That he the said Josiah Smith received several wounds one by a musket shot by Means of which he lost the Thumb of his left hand and
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another in the right arm above the Elbow by a Broad Sword.  By means of which two Wounds he is rendered in some Measure unable to obtain his Livelihood by Labour.  That on the twelfth day of July last he was thirty seven years of age. Wherefore in pursuance of the Law aforesaid we do further certify that upon the principles of the act of Congress of the seventh of June 1785 the said Josiah Smith is entitled to receive from the Treasurer of this State a yearly Pension of seventy five Dollars from the first Day of March in the Year one thousand seven hundred and eighty three if not before paid. 
Given under our Hands this thirtieth Day of May 1788 
Richd Varick  
Richd Platt
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V   2753 
Sarah Smith 
widow of Josiah 
Conn 
Act July 7 1838 
Married 1784 
decd Nov 1830
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2753
State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield } ss 
On this 8th day of September AD 1838 before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Stamford in the said County and State, the same being a Court of Record and holden at Stamford in the said District, personally appeared Sarah Smith a resident of Stamford in said District aged seventy six years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled “an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."   That she is the widow of Josiah Smith decd late of said Stamford who was in his life time and during the Revolutionary war, was an officer in the Army of the United States and who received a pension as an invalid.   Declarant is unable to state from her own knowledge the particulars of his services; but she has frequently heard from him and from others; and she accordingly avers that he was three years in the regular continental service and held the office of Sergeant Major, said Josiah, as declarant has been informed and verily believes, enlisted for three years, when the standing army was first raised and during that time, held the office above stated. She thinks she has heard her late husband, the said Josiah say that Col. Charles Webb commanded the Regiment and Capt Stephen Betts the Company in which he the said Josiah served for the period in the capacity above stated. That under these
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he was in the Battle of Monmouth.  The event of that battle and the sufferings of the from the extreme heat of the weather, Declarant has often heard related by her said husband.  She further avers That, after his, the said Josiah’s three years term of service in the regular Army had expired, he took a lieutenant's commission and commanded a company of Rangers on the lines, belonging to Col. John Meads Regiment.  Declarant recollects to have seen her husband’s commission as Lieutenant of said company.  She believes that he took that command in the Spring of the year 1780, and retained it, till Col. Canfield took command of the Fort in said Stamford in April 1782.  He then took a Lieutenants Commission which Declarant as also seen under said Canfield and remained under him as Lieutenant til within a short time previous to the cessation of hostilities when, at the head of a scouting party, he had an engagement with some refugees in which he had his thumb shot off by a musket ball and received several severe wounds upon his arm and head by a cutlass, which disabled him as long as he lived. In this engagement being overpowered by the superior force of the enemy he was taken prisoner and retained, as such till the close of the War.  Declarant states that she has often seen his Commissions as Lieutenant above referred to; but is unable to find them and thinks they must have been returned to the Pension Department
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that she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim to a pension in her possession, but refers to  the documents which must be on file in the War Office at Washington & Leaving the [unreadable] particulars of his services and she respectfully requests that they may be examined as evidence in support of this, her application.  
She further declares, that she was married to the said Josiah Smith on the twenty ninth day of March one thousand seven hundred and eighty four by the Rev. Wm Seward.  That her maiden name was Sarah Reynolds.  That her said husband, the aforesaid Josiah Smith died at said Stamford on the 29th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four by at the time herein before stated.  That she has never married since his death, but has ever remained and still is his widow and has always resided and still resides in said Stamford.   
Sarah Smith 
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year first written 
Joshua B. Ferris Judge 
And on the same day, personally appeared before said Court Samuel Dean resident in said Stamford aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose
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and say that he well knew said Josiah Smith during the Revolutionary War, and after the war, of until his death. That said Josiah was in the line of the army in the regular continental service for three years commencing as Deponent thinks, in the Spring of 1777 and ending in the Spring of 1780, belonging to Capt Stephen Betts company in Col. Charles Webb's regiment.  Deponent saw said Josiah the day after the battle of Monmonth in which battle said Josiah was engaged, said Josiah was in this regular service a Sergeant Major and a faithful efficient officer.  After the termination of this three years service, said Josiah took a Lieutenant’s commission and commanded a company of Rangers, belonging to Col John Mead's Regiment. In this service to he was engaged from the spring of 1780 continuously till April 1782 when he took a commission under Col Canfield, whether as Ensign or Lieutenant, Deponent is unable to state,  tho he is decidedly of the opinion that it was a Lieutenants Commission, as he was always called Lieutenant and had before held that commission. He continued in this service under Col Canfield until within a few months previous the close of the war.  Col Canfield was stationed at the Fort a short distance North of the Village of Stamford. While under Canfield, said Smith at the head of a scouting party had an engagement with a party of Refugees who greatly outnumbered him. in which he was dangerously wounded and taken prisoner. This engagement took place, according to
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Deponents recollection, a few months before the close of the war. said Josiah was retained, as a prisoner of war until peace was declared.  He had the reputation of a brave man and Deponent knows that he did his country great Service.   Deponent is well acquainted with his widow Sarah Smith and knows that she is unmarried and still the widow of the identical Josiah Smith herein named.   
Said Josiah was an Invalid Pensioner 
Samuel Dean 
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first & herein before written – 
I further certify that the Deponent said Samuel Dean is a credible person.   
Joshua B. Ferris Judge
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On this 21st day of September AD 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford in the State of Connecticut the same being a Court of Record and now holden at Stamford in said District George Mills of the city of New York, now in said Stamford who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was during the Revolutionary War, acquainted with Josiah Smith, late of said Stamford, whose widow Sarah Smith is an applicant for a pension.  Said Josiah Smith after he left the line of the Army in the Spring of 1780, took a commission and was called Lieutenant.  Said Josiah did service, as commissioned officer in various places after he left the line of the Army was frequently out upon scouting parties and was in several battles.   Deponent recollects that said Smith was commissioned officer under Col Canfield who was stationed at the foot near Stamford.  Said Smith services under Col. Canfield commenced in April 1782, and continued till near the close of the war when he was severely wounded by some refugees and taken prisoner.   He was a very active and meritorious officer and did his country great service.   Deponent knows, that said Josiah Smith was in the service as a commissioned officer from the spring of 1780, till within a few months before the termination of hostilities
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Deponent knows that said Smith was an invalid pensioner, and that Sarah Smith the present applicant is the widow of the identical Josiah Smith herein named.   Deponent once went with said Josiah to the pension office in N. York and saw him there receive his pension.   
George Mills 
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first written  
I further certify That Deponent, said George Mills, is a credible person.  
Joshua E. Ferris Judge
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Josiah Smith and Sarah Reynolds were married by Revd William Seward March Twenty Ninth one thousand seven hundred and eighty four.   
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows. March 29th 1784.   
Seymour Jarvis Town Clerk of the Town of Stamford in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut
I Seymour Jarvis, above named, depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk, in the County Town, & State aforesaid, & that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Stamford, with the exception above named as certified by me 
Seymour Jarvis, Clerk of the town of Stamford 
Stamford Sept. 10, 1838 
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield}  ss  Stamford Probate District  
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District on the day and year last written made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate & deposition by him subscribed, the above named Seymour Jarvis, who I hereby certify is town Clerk of the town of Stamford and a credible person.  
Joshua B. Ferris Judge
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On this 25th day of Sept 1838 personally appear before the Court of Probate for to District of Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut the same being a Court of Record and now holden at Stamford in said District.  Nathaniel D. Haight a resident of said Stamford who being first duly sworn doth oath, on his oath testify that he was acquainted with Lieut Josiah Smith late of said Stamford and that for six years previous to the said Josiah's death, deponent was practising physician in his family, Deponent attended said Josiah in his last sickness was at his funeral and saw him after he was dead. Deponent is well acquainted with his widow Sarah the applicant herein named, for a pension and knows that she is still unmarried and the widow of the identical Josiah Smith above named. That she resides in said Stamford and has resided there ever since deponent was acquainted with her.  
N. D. Haight  
Sworn and subscribed in the year first written.  I further certify that Deponent said N D Haight is a credible person.   
Joshua B. Ferris Judge
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And the said Court doth hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that said Josiah Smith was an officer in the Revolutionary war and served as his widow, said Sarah Smith, in her declaration states. That said Josiah and said Sarah were married March 29th 1784. That said Josiah died the 29 day of November 1830 and that said Sarah is still unmarried & his widow.   
Joshua B. Ferris Judge 
I Sands Seely, Clerk of the Court of Probate for to District of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby certify that the fore going contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Sarah Smith for a pension.   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of September AD 1838
Sands Seely Clk
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Record Division, 
June 27, 1910.
Miss Ella J Holley,  
R. F. D. # 29, 
Stamford, Conn.  
Madam:  
In reply to your letter dated the 14" and received the 13" instant, you are advised that from the papers in the claim Wid. File No. 25,023, Revolutionary War, it appears that Josiah Smith, born July 12, 1750, was in the Spring of 1777 a Sergeant Major in Captain Stephen Betts' company, Colonel Charles Webb's regiment. In 1777 he enlisted in Captain Chapman's company, Colonel Swift's regiment, Connecticut Line, as Sergeant Major, and served three years and was in the battle of Monmouth; in the Spring of 1780 he was Lieutenant of a company of Rangers under Colonel John Head, and on January 10, 1782 he was commissioned Lieutenant of Captain James Stoddard's company, Colonel Samuel Canfield's regiment, Connecticut State troops. On May 24, 1782 he was ordered out by his Colonel to take command of a party from Stamford to East Chester, and on the 27th of May, at a place called North Street near East Chester, New York, they were attacked by a detachment of Delancey’s Corps and the whole party, except one man, killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. Soldier was wounded by a musket that by which he lost his left thumb, and received several wounds on his right arm and head. He was taken prisoner and retained as such to the end of the war.
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Wid file No. 25,023 - 2 
He was allowed pension for disability, May 1, 1783, under the Act of June 7, 1785. In 1788 he was a resident of Poundridge, West Chester County, New York, and he died November 29, 1830 at Stamford, Connecticut. 
He married at Stamford, Connecticut, March 29, 1784, Sarah Reynolds. She was allowed pension on an application executed September 8, 1838, while a resident of Stamford, aged seventy-six years. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
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Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 25023 
Sarah Smith 
Widow of Josiah Smith 
Major Rev War 
Act Feb 2nd 1848 
Index: Vol. L Page 22 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Decr 13 ‘98 
Miss S.E. Willson  Tuckahoe NY 
1910 June 27 Hist to Ella J. Holley 
1910 July 17 Ella J Holley not more than one Statement furnished to one person 
1917 July 16 Hist to Mrs. W. A. Hatzel
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Connecticut 5116   
Sarah Smith 
widow of Josiah Smith, decd who was a pensioner under the Act of 24 Apr 1816 and who died on the 29 Novr 1830 of Fairfield in the State of Connt who was a Lt & Sgt Major in the Compy commanded by Captain Bett of the Regt commanded Col Mead in the Conn line for 20 mo Sgt Major 
4 mo Lieut 
Inscribed on the Roll of Connt of the rate of 153 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.  
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Feby 1840 & sent and Hon T. B. Osborne  House of Representatives 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839   $536.66 
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ‘40   76.66 
$613.33 
{Act July 7, 1838.} 
Recorded by D. McCurdy Clerk 
Book A Vol. I Page 206
dec Act 43 ret’d to N.D. Haight Jan. 24. ‘44 
Sent N D. Haight April 11. 1844
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Sarah Smith
widow of Josiah
Conn
Act 7 July 1838
Act 1838
Let to J. B. Ferris 1 May 1839 & 20 July 1839 & Sept 12 1839
Same 21 Sept ‘39
Hon T. B. Osborne 28 Dec 1839
Act 7 July ‘38
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Sarah Smith
widow of Josiah
Conn
Act 7 July 1838
Married 1784
Decd 1830
Allen 20 Mst Sergt Major
$100 & 4 mo Lieut $53.33
153.33 per annum
Sergeant Major & Lieut
Hon T. B. Osborne HR
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Josiah Smith – N.Y. Invalid when last pd?  
GMC
21 Sep ‘39
Died 29 Nov 1830 pd that period
JH
File with Sarah Smith’s papers of Connecticut wid of Josiah
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Jany 82
Ap Let
17 May 82
27 at U
m. 84
d. 30
apr 18 ’77 Segt Major K May 78 dl Aug 18 1780
Onnll
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Josiah Smith Invalid
Capt Berry Col Hooke
77 4 mo Serg Swift
Sept 77 28 mo Sergt major
3 ½
35 ½ 
No Apl 1780
10 Sgt 81 apl Lieut pro from an Ens
Smith – was appd Lut Jan 10
1782 Commd serve 17
Maj & was disabled by wounds
27 day May 1782 see Invalid papers
Maj Allan 20 mo Sergt Major
4 mo Lieut
24
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Washington February 24, 1830 
Sir -  I am authorised to request a Certificate of Pension to be issued to Mrs Sarah Smith according to terms of the Letter of the Department War dated in January last, to wit, for 4 months service as Lieutenant & 20 months as Sergeant Major.   
Very respectfully Your Obedt Sevt 
Tho. B Osborne 
James L. Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions
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Stamford Aug 18th 1848 
Dr Sir
Enclosed I forward the Declarations of Mrs Sarah Smith Widow of Josiah Smith & Lucy Ann Briggs Widow of Isaac Briggs in order to obtain the benefit of the late act of Congress extending the Pensions to certain Widows under the law of Congress passed 2d of February 1848 as per directions of  Yours Respectfully 
Your Obdt Sevt 
N. D. Haight
J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commission of Pensions 
Washington City  
P S. I address you a few days since for a form of Declaration for certain widows, who were married prior to 1800, to obtain a pension for the services of their husbands who would be entitled if alive to one said law being lately passed there are a few widows here who will be entitled on account of their dead husbands, who drew a pension during their lifetime. You will much oblige 
N D Haight
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Stamford April 3 1844 
Sir
In your letter of the 29th March to Hon Saml Simons you request information as to the time when the claims of Sarah Smith & Mary Hoyt were forwarded & where they resided as to the time when forwarded,  I cant exactly say but some time last summer.  They were duly authenticated as per your directions in your letter of the 17 October 1843,  in the case of Mary Hoyt whose residence is in the Town of Newark you required the record of the births of Warren & Mary Hoyts children which I procured from the Bible & sent it on.   Mary Hoyt is the widow of Warren Hoyt decd of the Town of New Canaan asking a pension on the law of 1838 & 43. Sarah, widow of Josiah Smith late of Stamford decd her application for the pension of the law of 1843 giving on additional years pay.  I was somewhat supprised when the certificates of Lucy Briggs & Ann Farris came & not Sarah Smith as they were all duly authenticated & forwarded at the same time.   I hope you will find them & forward as soon as practicable & releive the anxiety of the old Ladies.   I am very respectfully your humble Svt N. D. Haight
J. L. Edwards, Esq
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Comptrollers Office Hartford May 8 1839 
I certify that on application for evidence of the Service of Josiah Smith as Sergeant Major I have examined the Records of Settlement made with the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army and finds his name in a settlement made on the 7th Connecticut regiment Heman Swift Esq Col before 1780  where he is entered as a Sergeant and commenced service Apr 30 1777. Time of Settlement Sept  1 1777, Making Four Months.  Again same Regiment as Sergeant Major and commenced Service Sept 1 1777, Time of Settlement Jany 1 1780, making Two Years Four Months.  Again same Regiment as Sergeant Major from Jany 1 1780 To Apr 15 1780 making Three Months 15 days.  
Henry Kilbourn Compt.
As Sergeant 4 Months
As Sergeant Major 2 years 7 months 15 days
2 years 11 months 15 days
I further certify that I find recorded by the Govr Council of Safety at a meeting holden at Hartford on the 10th day September 1781 the following – 
Resolved - that the following appointment be made in the State Troops under the command of Gen Waterbury and his Excellency the Govr is hereby desired to communicate them accordingly [unreadable] 
Ensign Josiah Smith is appointed a Lieutenant in the room of Lieutenant Akins Resigned, Sergeant Major Louiss Hewett is appointed an Ensign in the room of  Lieut Akins Resigned – Sergt Major Lewiss Hewett is appointed an  Ensign in the room of Engin Josiah Smith promoted to a Lieutenant.  
Henry Kilbourn Compt
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Josiah Smith
For increase
Recd 28 Nov 1821
[stamp] NEW YORK NOV 26
Oct 10 issued 1806
J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension office
Washington
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New York Nov 23d 1821 
Sir   In At the request of Josiah Smith, with a view of obtaining an increase to his Pension I take the liberty of enclosing to you his original Certificate of Pension, a  Certificate from Josiah Everett, Surgeon of the U.S. Army Shewing the increase of the pensioners Disability [unreadable] to my care.  
I am very respectfully your Obdt Servt
Wm. Ovington
J. L. Edwards Esqr
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New York
Josiah Smith
Lieutenant
In the army of the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the roll of New York at $6 25/100 per mo. Increased to $10 per mo by Law 27th April 1810 and again increased by Law of 24th April 1816 to $11 33 1/3 / 100 per month
Formal certificate issued & sent to Wm Ovington, Esq new York, see letter to him May 24 1822.
Increased Sept 1 1824 to $17 per month from the 19th June 1824 & certificate sent to Dr. Samuel Webb Stamford Con.
Susp’d see letter to Dr Samuel Webb & John Augue, Stamford, Fairfield Co. Connecticut October 3d 1823.
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Increase of Pension. – 
It is hereby certified that Josiah Smith formerly a first Lieutenant in Captain James Stoddard’s Company in the Regiment of Connecticut State Troops, in the service of the United States, commanded by Lieut Col Samuel Canfield who it appears by the accompanying certificate was placed on the Pension roll at the rate of Eleven dollars and sixty six and two thirds cents per month on account as he states of having received two wounds, whilst engaged with a British force at or near a place called West Chester in the State of New York on or about the twenty seventh day of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two, one of which by a musket ball, caused the loss of the thumb of the left hand and the other by a saber  which divided the muscles of the right arm near the shoulder, is not only still disabled in consequence of the said injuries, but in my opinion is intitled to one third more than he already receives as a pensioner. 
Josiah Everett 
Surg U.S.A.
Given at New York September 10 1821
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State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield}  ss Stamford Probate District 
On this third day of August AD 1839 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District, now sitting the same being a Court of Record & now holden at Stamford in said District Samuel Dean of said Stamford aged seventy six years and upward who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose and say that Lieut Josiah Smith of said Stamford now deceased was a neighbor of Deponent before the commencement  of the Revolutionary war.  That they, the said Josiah and Deponent were school mates in their youth and were always very  intimately acquainted,  Deponent has already testified on the application of Sarah Smith widow of said Josiah for a pension.  That  said Josiah was a Sergeant Major in to Connecticut line or more properly
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speaking, in the Continental line in the regular continental Army. Deponent knows this as how the fact & reason for beleiving said Josiah there served, for on the same day of the battle of Monmouth or the day after that battle, Deponent saw said Josiah acting in the capacity of Sergeant Major and understood that he held that office. Deponent, at that time, belonged to Eno’s Regiment which was ordered in the Continental Army at that time in anticipation of an engagement with the enemy, and which arrived at Monmouth very shortly after the battle terminated,  so soon thereafter, that Deponent saw the dead and wounded on the field. Deponent never knew that said Josiah Smith served as Ensign after his service in the Regular army terminated but at the commencement of the year 1781 said Josiah was called Lieutenant and Deponent supposed that he was serving in that capacity in the State troops. In January
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1782, Deponent entered the Fort near Stamford Village.  The troops there, at that time, were all under the command of Gen David Waterbury, Lieut Josiah Smith before mentioned was then Lieutenant, and, as deponent then understood and verily beleived, had for some time, served in that capacity and Deponent knows and therefore [unreadable], that said Josiah, from the commencement of the year 1782 until he was wounded and taken prisoner by the enemy (which Deponent thinks was about six months before the close of the War,  was in constant active service as a Lieutenant and was a very brave and efficient officer.  His service was continuous for as to preclude him from the performance of any civil business - and he was one of the most active and meritorious officers on the line.  
His widow Sarah Smith who is an
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applicant for a pension under the law of Congress passed June 7th 1838, I know to be widow of the identical Josiah Smith whose services are herein set forth. She now resides in Stamford and is the neighbor of Deponent. Deponent has seen the wounds of said Josiah and knows that he was an invalid pensioner and was in the habit of drawing his pension in the city of New York.  The reason why said Josiah did not apply for a pension under the law of 1818 Deponent supposes that he owned property to a great an amount to enable him to obtain a pension under that act. Deponent has no hesitation in expressing the opinion that said Josiah was, at that time worth at least eight thousand dollars.  
Samuel Dean 
Sworn & subscribed on the day year first written before the said Court of Probate for Stamford District
 J. B. Ferris Judge 
And I further certify that Deponent said Samuel Dean is a credible person. 
J. B. Ferris Judge
The enemies on the third page of this deposition of the said Josiah and in the last line of said page made before signature or oath
Hon J. B. Ferris Judge
Page 40

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield } ss Stamford Probate District 
On this 26th day of August AD 1839 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District now sitting in Stamford in said District, the same being a Court of Record George Mills of the City and State of New York aged seventy six years upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he well knew Joseph Smith deceased late of said Stamford during the Revolutionary War.  Said Josiah Smith served  as deponent has stated in his deposition [unreadable] given, three years in the Continental Army in the early part of the year 1781 after the termination of his service in the Continental army said Josiah joined the a State troops and was in continuous service therein as Ensign or Lieutenant until he was severely wounded and taken prisoner which deponent thinks was in September preceding the close of the War and said Josiah was uniformly called Lieutenant during his service as aforesaid in the State Troops and Deponent verily believes that during the greater part of the time he thus
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served said Josiah held the office of Lieutenant.  Said Josiah's service in the State troops from the early part of the year 1780 till he was taken prisoner as aforesaid was continuous and of such a character as entirely to prevent him from engaging in any civil pursuit. The State troops in which said Josiah served as Lieutenant during the time above stated were under the command of Brig Gen Waterbury and were stationed at the Fort near the village of Stamford.  Said Josiah received a pension as an invalid pensioner at the time of his death in 1830. Deponent has no doubt that the reason, why said Josiah did not apply for a pension under the Act of 1818 was, that his property which was, then, in Deponents judgment, worth $10,000 would have prevented him from obtaining a Pension under that act. At the same time he was receiving a pension as an invalid said Josiah Smith whose services deponent has herein stated, as well as in a former deposition, left a widows, Sarah Smith, who is still living and resides in said Stamford.  Deponent gives his deposition
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in this matter at her request, as she is an applicant for a pension under the act of 1838.   Deponent knows that said Sarah Smith is the widow of the identical Josiah Smith herein before mentioned, and who served in the Connt line in the Continental Army and afterwards in the State troops as Deponent in his former and present deposition has stated – 
George Mills  
Sworn and subscribed on the day and or first written.  I further certify that deponent said George Mills is a credible person.  
Joshua B. Ferris Judge
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I Sands Seely Clerk of the Court of Probate for to District of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby  certify that the foregoing contains the original procedence of said Court in the matter of the application of Sarah Smith widow of Josiah Smith for a pension.    
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this [unreadable] day of August 1839-
Sands Seely Clerk
Page 44

Smith
Sept 20
Jurat
Ct.
[stamp] STAMFORD CT SEPT 17
[stamp] FREE
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 45

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Sir 
Yours of the 12th inst is before me.  Of the death of Josiah Smith for whose services Sarah Smith of this place claims a pension, I have personal knowledge. I am unable to state the precise time of his death but from the evidence which has been taken before me I have no doubt that he died in 1830 as Stated.  I knew him personally which  living and it was always said & I beleived that he was an invalid pensioner & I am informed he obtained his pension in N. York, having soon after the Revolutionary War resided in that State long enough to entitle himself to the benefit of its laws and which were passed, at an early period for the aid of persons wounded the the Revolution and that he continued, until his death, to draw his
Page 46

pension in the city of N. York. From this I infer that his name was never transferred to  the Connecticut agency, tho to my knowledge, he lived in his place at least fifteen years preceding his death, and from his reputation, has always lived here, with the exception named.   Capt George Mills of the city of New York who has given his testimony on the application of a Sarah Smith his widow of said Josiah Smith, stated, according to my recollection, that Smith was in the habit of drawing his pension in N. York and that on one occasion or more, he accompanied him for that purpose. I recollect further that when Mills gave his first deposition, he presented one with an abstract taken from the pension office in that city on which Smith’s name appeared as an invalid pensioner.  These circumstances provide the only explanation I can give why his name is not found among the invalid pensioners of Fairfield
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County.  I would add that I know no other Josiah Smith except the one for whose service said Sarah Smith claims a pension.   
Most Respectfully 
Your obt svt 
Joshua B. Ferris
Stamford Sept 16. 1839
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Declaration  
In order to attain the benefits of the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848 entitled An Act making further provisions for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution.   
State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield } Stamford 
In this 8th day of August 1848 before me a magistrate in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Sarah Smith a resident of Stamford in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut aged eighty six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.   
That she is the widow of Josiah Smith who was a Lt. & Major of the militia, that she received a pension under the Act of June 17 1844 at the rate of $153.33 cents per Annum.   
She further declares that she is still a widow.   
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written Before me 
Sarah Smith 
N. D. Haight Justice of Peace 
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above Declarant & know she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.   
N D Haight Justice of Peace
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4520  April 22 ‘44
Sarah Smith
3 March 1843
$153.33 per annum
N. D. Haight
Stamford Conn
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State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield}  ss On this 13th day of April AD 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County March of Sarah Smith a resident of Stamford in said County aged eighty two years and upwards who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war, that she is the widow by of Josiah Smith deceased late of said Stamford, that her husband the said Josiah was a Lieut. and Major during the Revolutionary War that he received a pension under the act of July 7th 1838 on her application for which she set forth the services of her said husband in the Revolutionary war and proved the same, that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the last named act was one hundred and fifty three dollars thirty three cents and that she refers respectfully to her said application and the proofs thereto annexed in support of her present claim.  She further declares that she is still a widow. 
Sarah Smith
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personally appeared Sarah Smith the subscriber to the foregoing declaration on the day and year last above mentioned and swore to the truth of the same by her subscribed and I certify that the is a credible person.
before me N D Haight Justice of Peace
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Clerk's Certificate. Sold by Croswell & Jewett, No. 22 Street's Building, New Haven. 
STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 
County of Fairfield
COUNTY COURT, CLERK' S OFFICE. } ss  Bridgeport 
I Wm H. Noble Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of Fairfield and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY:-- N.D. Haight Esquire was on the 13th day of April 1844 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 18th day of April 1844 
Wm. H. Noble Clerk
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State of Connecticut ss
At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut in America holden at Hartford in said State by adjournment, on the tenth day of January Anno Domin 1783 
This Assembly do appoint Henry Bull, David Spencer, Josiah Smith, Ebenezer Root, Zadock Howe, Oliver Bostwick, Elijah Hart & Nicholas Keigwine to be Lieutenants in the Regiment ordered to be raised for the defence of Horseneck or western frontiers.  
I hereby certify the above to be a true copy of record in this office. and further certify that the above named officers were appointed, and under the command of Samuel Canfield as Lieut Colonel Commandant and Elijah Humphrey Major.  
In Testimony of which I have at the office of the Secretary of said State Dec 12th 1839 hereto affixed the seal of this State and signed the same 
R. N. Hinman Secretary of State
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State of Connecticut ss 
Office of the Secretary of State Dec 12th 1839  
I hereby certify that at the General Assembly of said State May Session 1779, Josiah Smith was commissioned a  Lieutenant of the 8th Company or train C and in the 26th Regiment in this state as appears by the records in this office.  
In Testimony of which have hereto affixed the seal of this State and signed the same at the date first above 
R. R. Hinman Secretary
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Record Division. July 7, 1910
Miss Ella J. Holley, 
R. D. # 22, 
Stamford, 
Connecticut. 
Madam:. 
In reply to your letter dated the 29" ultimo and received the 1” instant, relative to Josiah Smith, Wid. File No. 25,023, Revolutionary War, you are advised that you were furnished a statement of his service on June 27, 1910 and it is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than one such statement to any person. 
Owing to a lack of clerical force available for the purpose, full copies of papers in such claims cannot be furnished, but any person designated by you will be allowed to examine and copy the said papers. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
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Increase of Pension 
It is hereby certified that Josiah Smith formerly a Lieutenant of Capt James Stoddards Company in Colonel Samuel Canfields Regiment of Connecticut State Troops in the Revolutionary War who it appears by the companying certificate was placed on the pension roll at the rate of Ten dollars per month on account, as he states of having received a wound by a musket shot by means whereof he lost the Thumb of his left hand and other wound in the right arm above the Elbow by a broad sword, which occasioned a division of the large muscle of his right arm between the Shoulder and the Elbow which Muscle at the point of its division and clear to the bone two or three inches below the Shoulder joint, while in the line of his duty and in the said service, on or about the 27th day of May in the year 1782 at a place called North Street near East Chester in the State or territory of New York, is not only still disabled in consequence of the said injury, but in our opinion is entitled to one third more than he already receives as a pension, being disabled in the degree of Total from attaining his subsistance by manual labor.    
Saml Webb Surgeon 
John Auger Sugeon  
Fairfield County Ss Stamford June 19th 1824 
Personally appeared Samuel Webb & John Augur & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by them Subscribed Before me 
J. H. Minor Jus of Peace
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Fairfield County ss Stamford June 19th 1824 
J. H. Minor Justice of the peace within & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Saml Webb &  John Augur Signers of the foregoing affidavit are to me personally known are reputable practicing Physicians in said Town of Stamford & are credible Witnesses.   
J. H. Minor Jus of Peace 
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss; 
I David Burr of Fairfield in the County of said Fairfield, Clerk of the County Court of said Fairfield County, do certify that J. H. Minor Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly missioned with full power and authority to administer Oaths & do all matters and things appertaining to the office a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County - and that full faith and credit, is, and ought to be given to his official acts and proceedings - In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand & the Seal of said Court in said Fairfield this Day of June AD. 1824
David Burr
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State of Connecticut 
Fairfield County ss}  I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court within and for the County aforesaid & keeper of the seal thereof and of the Commissions of the Justices of the Peace for said County, do certify that Nathaniel D Haight Esq is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and acting as such, and duly authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds - that his commission is dated June 24th 1848 & will expire on the the 19th day of June 1849.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County Court this 12th day of August AD 1848 
Thomas Robinson Clerk
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INCREASE OF PENSION. 
United States. 
DISTRICT of Connecticut ss
To Doctor Samuel Webb at Stamford in said District
To Doctor John Augur of [unreadable} in said District
The 4th day of February [unreadable]
Pursuant to an actof Crongress of the United States passed [unreadable]
act to revive and continue in force “An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received in the Revolutionary war, and for other purposes” hereby appointed and authorized to examine Josiah Smith
who is inscribed on the Pension List of the United States, and is claimant for an increase of pension, conformably to the 5th section of the act of the 10th April, 1806, revived as aforesaid; and ye are to report, in writing, and on oath or affirmation, your opinion of the nature of his disability and is what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor; and in your proceedings in the premises you are to be regulated and governed by said act. 
Given under my hand and seal, at Hartford this 10th day of February in year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two
[unreadable]
[unreadable]
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May 16 
Ct
Addl Proof 
Sarah Smith
[stamp] STAMFORD CT MAY 14
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pension 
Washington City D.C.
Page 61

Hon J.L. Edwards 
Sir 
I forward to you the enclosed, from & the Comptroller  of Public Accts as additional evidence in support of the Widow Sarah Smith's application for a pension.   
Most respectfully Your obt svt
 John G. Ferris
Stamford May 13. 1839
Page 62

T. B. Osborne
H.R.
Page 63

State of New York 
Orange County ss.}  Uzal Knapp of the town of New Windsor in said County being duly sworn says that he is eighty years of age and was a sergeant in the army of the Revolution & belonged to the Connecticut regiment line & the third regiment of said line under the command of Col Webb that in the month of July in the year 1777. this deponent enlisted at Stamford in the State of Connecticut aforesaid in the aforesaid regiment for the term of three years, and that he was well acquainted with Josiah Smith then of Stamford aforesaid who enlisted at the same time with this deponent for the term of three years & served the said term of three years in Capt Chapman's company of Infantry in Col Swifts regiment of the Connecticut line as a Sergeant Major. That after the expiration of said term of three years the said Josiah Smith received a Lieutenants Commission in the State line of the State of Connecticut. and was informed & believes that said Smith was taken prisoner by the British in a skirmish near Stamford aforesaid & that his thumb was cut off in sand skirmish & deponent knows that after the close of the war that said Smith received a pension for the loss of his thumb. And deponent further says that he was well acquainted with Sarah Smith formerly the wife & now the widow of said Josiah Smith that he was acquainted with her both before & after her marriage with said Smith that her name before marriage was Sarah Reynolds or Runnels that the said Josiah & Sarah resided at Stamford aforesaid from the time of their marriage until the death of the said Josiah and that about three years since this deponent
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was at Stamford aforesaid & there saw the said Sarah Smith then the widow of the aforesaid Josiah Smith & that he knew that she was the identical widow of said Josiah Smith who was a Sergeant Major aforesaid & afterwards lieutenant in the State line aforesaid and that deponent knows of no other Sarah Smith residing at Stamford aforesaid except the aforesaid Sarah Smith the widow of said Josiah Smith and further says not. 
Uzal Knapp x his mark
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 5th day of November 1839, by making his mark 
H. Armstrong Justice of the Peace 
I the undersigned Justice before whom the foregoing affidavit of Uzal Knapp was made do certify that I am well acquainted with him & believe him to be a man of strict truth & veracity & his statements under oath entitled to full credit & belief and also that said Knapp gave to me as a reason for his signing the same by making his mark that by infirmity he had lost the use of his right hand to the truth of which statement I am fully satisfied.   
H Armstrong Justice of the Peace 
State of New York 
Orange County ss.}   Be it known that before me William Fullerton a Notary Public duly commissioned & sworn residing in the County & State aforesaid personally appeared
Page 65

Horace Armstrong to me personally known to be a justice of the Peace for the town of Newburgh in said County of Orange with whose signature I am well acquainted & know that the signature H Armstrong subscribed to the foregoing affidavit & certificate is the proper hand writing of said Horace Armstrong, and that he acknowledged that he signed the said certificate & took said affidavit acting as such Justice as aforesaid all which I certify.   
Given under my hand & seal of Office at Newburgh in said County of Orange & State of New York this fifth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine 
William Fullerton Notary Public in & for Orange County
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Stamford, Conn 
June 29, 1910 
J.L. Davenport 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir 
Your letter containing military history of Josiah Smith, who served in Revolution received. Can you send me a duplicate copy of his pension papers. If so, I shall be greatly obliged.   
Thanking you for other information, I am 
Very respectfully yours 
(Miss) Ella J. Holley 
(Address) R G.D 29 Stamford Conn
Page 67

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE E JUL 1 1910
[stamp] RECORD DIVISION JUL 1 1910
Page 68

Stamford, Conn 
June 14, 1910 
Department of the Interior 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington, D.C 
Will you kindly send me, if on file, a statement of the military history of Lieut. Josiah Smith who served in the Revolutionary War. I am not sure that he received a pension He lived in Stamford, Conn. Thanking you for trouble, I am (Miss) Ella J. Holley [stamp] JUN 16 1910
(Address) R.F.D. 29 Stamford, Conn
Page 69

[stamp] RECORD DIVISION JUN 15 1910
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE E JUN 15 1910
Page 70

Recon
427 Cross  St. Ann Arbor, Mich 
June 16, 1917, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir 
Will you kindly give & me my ancestor's service?   He was Josiah Smith and served in the Revolutionary War - enlisting at Stamford, Conn, in Apr. 1777.  He was discharged Apr. 15, 1780 but re-enlisted in the early part of 1781.   He died Aug 31 1849
Page 71

His widow received a pension.  I wish to join the D.A.R. and the information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.   
Very truly yours Edna Smith Hutzel 
(Mrs. W. A. Hutzel) 
427 Cross St. Ann Arbor Mich 
T. M. Lohr
Page 72

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O JUL 18 1917
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O JUL 18 1917
Page 73

427 Cross St. Ann Arbor Mich 
July 9 1917 
Rev Sec AWD
Mr. E. C. Tieman  
Acting Commissioner 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir 
My ancestor, Josiah Smith, enlisted in Apr. 1777 in Chapman's Co. 7th Regt Conn. line, for three years. appointed Sergt Major Nov. 15, 1777. Discharged Apr. 15, 1780. Reenlisted in 1781 in State troops and while in charge of a detachment was attacked
Page 74

and taken prisoner by Delancy Corps (British) May 7, 1782.  He was acting in capacity of Lieutenant.  He was born Aug. 23, 1750 and died Nov. 29, 1830. His wife was Sarah Reynolds Smith and she died Aug. 31, 1849.  Her place of residence was Stamford, Conn. I believe. That is where Josiah Smith is buried was pensioned under laws of New York State.   
Thanking you very much for your trouble.  I am 
(Mrs. W. A Hutzel) 
Very truly yours 
Edna Smith Hutzel
Page 75

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O JUL 2 1917
Page 76

Tuckahoe New York 
Nov. 30, 1898 
S
Sir  
My grandfather, Josiah  Smith who resided at Stamford Conn, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was I think was a pensioner. He died at  Stamford in 1830, and his widow whose name was Sarah, drew a pension until her death.  Will you
Page 77

please send me a statement of the soldiers  service as shown by the papers filed in his or her claim and oblige. 
Very Respectfully 
Sarah E. Willson 
Address} Tuckahoe New York 
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE H DEC 1 1898
2137
[stamp] DEC 3 1898 [unreadable]