Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,229, for Joseph Pelton, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn. 
New Jersey
Privateer
Pelton, Joseph
NUMBER  S. 11,229
carded
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20,596  
New York
Joseph Pelton 
of Oneida in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp  commanded by Captain Cartwright of the Regt. commanded by Col. Rosecrans in the New Jersey* line for 15 months
N.J.,  Conn. and Privateer 
Records completed June 12 / 05, J  
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sep 1833 and sent to H Baker Whitestown
Arrears to the 4th of Sep ‘33   $125 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Ma 34 25 
$150 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo C. Stiles 
Book E  Vol. 4, Page  72
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832  
State of New York 
Oneida County} ss 
On this Eleventh day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Oneida now sitting Joseph Pelton a resident of the Town of Floyd in the County of Oneida and State of New York aged seventy two years  who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act  of Congress passed June 7 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born at Groton in the State of Connecticut in the year 1759 that he has no record of his age, that the first time entered the service he was living in the Town of Minisink or Shippeconk of Delaware river in the State of New Jersey. that after wards when entered the service resided in the Town of Groton in the State of Connecticut that he removed from Groton to Ashfield in the State of Massachusetts & from there to said Saratoga in the State of New York & from Saratoga to Floyd in the County of Oneida & State of New York where he now resides, that at the time first entered the service he lived at Minisink or Shippeconk in New Jersey,  it was near the town line but he cannot be positive which town he was in, that he was drafted & went into Captain Cutright & Company, the name of the Lieutenant he can not recollect but the ensign
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name was Benjamin Hornbeck, that he can not recollect the names of the other officers that he marched to Perth Amboy & staid there one month & he then marched to South Amboy in the State of New Jersey & staid there one month & was honorably discharged at South Amboy aforesaid but he had no written discharge to his recollection, his time having expired for which he was drafted & returned to Minisink aforesaid.  That entered the service as aforesaid he thinks in the month of July in the year 1776.  
That in the same year in the fall of the year 1776 aforesaid the company of Militia to which belonged was divided into classes of five each, each of which was to furnish a man & he went for the class to which he belonged by consent & went from Minisink aforesaid, the month he cannot remember but it was late in the fall.  He thinks the Captains name was Manuel Hoover,  the Lieutenants name he can not recollect but the ensigns name was John Westhook, that he was under the command of General Manfield or Maxwell, the officers of the Regiment he can not recollect that he went to Westfield in the State of New Jersey & staid there three months that while he was stationed there, he went out in a scouting party of about two hundred that they had a skirmish with the British near Amboy but were obliged to retreat, that he was discharged at Westfield aforesaid but received no written discharge to his recollection, & returned to Minisink
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that the next summer being 1777 but the month he can not tell that he was drafted into the service at Minisink aforesaid for the term of one month in Captain Manuel Hoovers Company the other officers he does not recollect, that he marched to Elizabeth town & a part of the time at Woodbridge  & staid there a month & was the discharged but received no written discharge to his recollection.   
That the same year & in the month of September was again drafted at Minisink aforesaid to one month & was placed in Captain Cutrights Company in Colonel Rosecrans regiments but the other officers he does not remember.  That he was a marched down the Delaware River as far as Trenton & there went into Pennsylvania & joined the army at a place called Perkiomin or Perkiomen in the State of Pennsylvania under General Washington which was a few days before the Battle of Germantown.  That the night before the Battle he with the others were paraded  about sun set & marched all night & about day light the advanced parties began the firing, that he was engaged in the battle during the day was the flank guard, this he believed was in October, soon after the Battle he was discharged & went home to Minisink that received no written discharge
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That he returned to Groton State of Connecticut, that he went out privateering on a six weeks cruise under Captain William Wattles in the Schooner Young Cromwell so called, that he sailed from New London that Ransford Rose was the Lieutenant, that they cruised off the Coast & returned to New to London after having been absent six week & then returned to Groton, this was in 1779. That in the same year in 1779 in the fall of the year but the month he does not distinctly remember he enlisted at Groton aforesaid or the term of eight month & in Captain Richard Hewitts Company, in which Isaac Geer was the Lieutenant & Cyrus Spicer was the ensign, & Benajah Avery was the second Lieutenant, the adjutant of the regiment same was Root, that he was marched from Groton to New London & was marched occasionally back & forth to mill stone point on the River & staid there untill it became cold weather & he was then marched over to the Groton side of the river & to Fort Griswold & was there put under the command of Col. Ledyard & remained there untill his enlistment of eight months had expired when he was honorably discharged but received no written discharge to his recollection, that immediately before he left Groton he engaged as a substitute to take the place of a man by the name of Stanton & said one month longer & was discharged & went home to Groton
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That the same year that left Groton as aforesaid & he thinks in May 1781 he again entered the service in privateering under the command of Captain William Wattles and sailed in a sloop called the Phoenix & sailed from New London, that after cruising about three weeks & within about half a days sail of Block Island they fell in with a British squadron the Sloop was taken & he was with about fourteen others put on board the Charleston Frigate & sailed to Halifax was first put into a Jail & afterwards put in to a prison ship & remained there five or six weeks & was then removed to the hospital on shore & was soon after Cornwallis surrendered sent home to be exchanged & was landed at Cape Ann in November & arrived at Groton at home on the third day of December of that year.    
That the next spring in the month of May he again entered the service as a privateer under the command of Captain Nicholas Fordick, the Lieutenants name was Buckley, that he sailed for New London in the Sloop Randolph that he cruised off the Northern coasts, that they took eight prizes & returned home to New London after having been absent three months & then returned to Groton aforesaid
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that the whole time, he was in the service, including the time he was privateering & that he was taken prisoner was about two years & two months.   
That he has no documentary evidence of his services, that he knows of no person living who can testify to his services that was performed in the State of New Jersey & Pennsylvania, nor who can testify to his service in privateering, whose testimony he can procure.  That he knows of no person except his Brother Reuben Pelton of Northampton in the State of Massachusetts & Hannah Bosworth his sister who lives in the same place are the only persons, that he knows of who can testify to his service in relation to his term of nine months service whose affidavit he has procured.   
That he is known to the following persons in his present neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his service as a soldier of the revolution, viz Lot Fuller, Augustus Potter, Salmon Moulton, farmer, James Fairchild, Mechanic, Col David Moulton, Distiller,  Rev. Orrin Beckwith.  
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
J. B. Read Dep Clk 
Joseph Pelton
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We Orrin Beckwith Clergyman residing in the Town of Floyd in the County of Oneida & State of New York and David Moulton, Distiller residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Pelton who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be about seventy two years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. That he is a man of truth & veracity 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
J. B. Read Dep Clerk 
David Moulton
Orin Beckworth 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Orin Beckworth who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Floyd County of Oneida aforesaid and that David Moulton who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
By the Court C. Hayden first judge 
I George Brown Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Oneida & State
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of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Pelton for a pension.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Eleventh day of September Eighteen hundred & thirty two 
Geo. Brown Clerk 
State of New York 
Oneida County}ss  Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in for the of Oneida residing in the Town of Floyd who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades.  
For one year and three months I served as a private soldier.  
 For Eleven months I served as a Seaman and for such service I claim a pension. 
Witness my hand at Floyd Oneida County this 27th day of May 1833 }
Samuel S. Brooker Justice of the peace 
Joseph Patton 
State of New York 
County of Oneida} ss I George Brown Clerk of said County do certify that Samuel C. Brooker before whom the
Pelton’s 
Papers 
N.Y.
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above affidavit of Joseph Pelton purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. 
Witness my hand and seal of Office at the City of Unita this 30 day of May 1833 
Geo Brown Clerk 
Jos B. Read Dy Clk
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I Hannah [unreadable] County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify & say that I was 75 years of age last January that I am the sister of Joseph Pelton who is now present at the taking of this affidavit & who lives in Floyd in the County of Oneida State of New York. that said Joseph enlisted into the service of the United States for eight months as I always heard that he entered into said service as a private soldier & was absent said length of time except a few times when he came home on a visit. When he came home he had the dress & appearance of a soldier & appeared to have come from & to return into military service. I am confident that he served his time out as I have always heard it so spoken of & never knew it doubted. I did not know the names of any of the officers. At the time he enlisted he lived in Groton Connecticut. The month & year of said service I am not able to recollect. And further the deponent says not.  
July 5th 1832. 
Witness C.P. Huntington 
Hannah Bosworth her mark 
Hampshire July 8th 1832 Comth [Commonwealth]  of Massachusetts 
Then personally appeared the above named Hannah & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit & statements by her subscribed before me 
Chas. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace
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State of Massachusetts 
County of Hampshire} ss  Charles P Huntington a Justice of the peace in & for the County of Hampshire aforesaid do certify that Hannah Bosworth who took & subscribed the within affidavit before me on the 5th day of July 1832 was well known to me & I certify that her character for truth veracity is good & her statement is entitled to full credit. 
Witness my hand at Northampton in said County this first day of 1833 
Chas. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace
Joseph Pelton
14749
Pelton
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Hampshires ss 
I Soloman Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Court of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire do certify that Charles P. Huntington Esquire whose signature is affixed to the within certificate was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the peace within and for said County duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Charles Huntington and believe his signature within to be genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. 
S. Stoddard Clerk
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I Reuben Pelton of Northhampton County of Hampshire Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify & say that I was eighty two years old in February last that Joseph Pelton now present entered the service of the United States under Capt Hewett, having enlisted for eight months. At the time of enlistment he lived in Groton Connecticut & served on the sea coast where his regiment was stationed to guard the coast from New London to Mill Stone Point. The latter part of said eight months said Joseph was at Fort Griswold with most of his regiment. I lived in Groton during said eight months & was born & had always resided there. I know that said on Joseph left Groton as a soldier under said enlistment & one or more times I saw said Joseph in the service aforesaid at Mill Stone Point. I also testify & declare that said Joseph came home after his time was out & I recollect that he served said time of 8 months through, but I cannot state from my own recollection the month or year of his enlistment. I only know it was when the coast about New London was guarded, & that it was a different time from that when I was out myself on similar duty for 2 months under a draught [draft]. And further the deponent saith not 
Witness C.P. Huntington 
Reuben Pelton 
Hampshire ss July 8th 1832 Com’th [Commonwealth] of Massachusetts 
Then personally appeared the above named Reuben & made oath to the truth of the foregoing statements & instrument by him subscribed before me 
Chas.P. Huntington, Justice of Peace
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State of Massachusetts
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Hampshire ss  
I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth for the County of Hampshire do certify that Charles P. Huntington whose signature is affixed to the within certificate was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the peace within and for said County duly commissioned and acting under the authority of this commonwealth and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Charles P. Huntington and believe his signature within to be genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this twenty eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three 
S. Stoddard Clerk
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Hampshire County ss I Charles P Huntington a Justice of the peace in & In the County of Hampshire aforesaid do certify that Reuben Pelton who took & subscribed the within affidavit before me on the 5th day of July last was well known to me & is a man whose character with & veracity is good & in whose statements full reliance can be placed.   
Witness my hand at Northampton in the County aforesaid this first day of June 1833 
Chas P. Huntington Justice of the peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Hampshire County ss} I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth of the County of Hampshire do certify that Charles P Huntington Esquire whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate in relation to Reuben Pelton & the annexed certificate in relation to Hannah Bosworth both bearing date the first day of June 1833, was at the date thereof a Justice of the peace in said County & authorized & [unreadable] & that I am well acquainted with his hand writing verily believe the signature of Chas P Huntington to the affixed to be his proper hand writing & signature. 
Witness my hand & seal of Office this Eighteen hundred thirty three 
S.  Stoddard Clerk
Reuben Pelton
Affidavit
Joseph Pelton
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14.749
Joseph Pelton
Oneida Co N. York
Admitted
Private 15 months
5. 16. 16
P. 392
Service as a privateer disallowed
May 14 33
J. C. Baker P. M.
Whitestown N. Y.
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BRIEF in the case of Joseph Pelton of Oneida Co. in the State of N York 
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 72 years 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period. July In 1776   Duration of Service.  2 Months   Rank.  Private   Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt. Cartwright, Col. not recollected
Period.  Fall 1776     Duration of Service.  3 Months    Rank. Private    Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt. Hoover, Gen’l Maxwell
Period.  Summer 1777    Duration of Service.  1 Month    Rank.  Private    Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt Hoover, Col. not recollected
Period.   Sept  1777   Duration of Service.  1 month     Rank.  Private    Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt. Cartwright, Col. Rosecrans
Period.  Fall 1779   Duration of Service.  9 Months   Rank.  Private  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Captain Hewitt, Col. Ledyard
Period. May 1782 Privateering X
5. In what battles was he engaged? Germantown 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?   Minisink N. Jersey 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary and living witness 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Papers not attached as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above 
Mentioned.  
X Also out on another cruise – for ten Months – including the time he was a prisoner & both vessels
Richard Cutts 
Examining Clerk
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Rev War
11.229 
INVALID. 
File No. 11,229 
Joseph Pelton 
Priv Rev War 
Act: June 7” 1832 
Index:--Vol. A, Page 293 
[Arrangement of 1870.]