Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W.17.265, John Beardslee, Conn.
Page 1

Conn. Beardslee, John W.17.265
Beardsley, Margaret
Page 2

Connecticut 9894
John Beardsley
of Bridgeport in the state of Connt.
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Benjamin of the Regt. commanded 
by Col. ___________ in the Connecticut
line for 6 months

==========
Inscribed on the roll of Connecticut 
at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

==========
Certificate of pension issued the 24th day of June 1833 and sent to R.S. Nichols
Clk. Fairfield Co.

==========
Arrears to the 4th of March 33 $40
Semi-annul allowance ending 4 Sept 33 10
====
$50
====

{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Go. C. Giles, Clerk
Book 6. Volume 3. Page 4
Page 3

Connecticut - 936
Margaret Beardslee
widow of John Beardslee 
who was a private
Connecticut line
Conn.

Inscribed on the roll at a rate of 
20 dollars
cents per annum to commence on 
the 4th day of March 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the
15th day of July 1843
and sent to Isaac Sherman
Bridgeport
Connecticut

Act of March 3, 1843
Recorded in book A
Vol. Page 62
Page 4

John Beardlsey
Bridgeport, Conn.
Six Months
24168
Page 5

State of Connecticut, }
Country of Fairfield,   } ss.  Bridgeport
On this 30th day of July, 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate in & for the District of Stratford in sd county now sitting John Beardsley, a resident of Bridgeport, in the county of Fairfield, state of Connecticut, aged seventy one years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits 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

viz I enlisted into the State Troops at Fairfield in Connecticut in the Month of June 1776 under Captain George Benjamin and Lieutenant Josiah Lacey for [underlined] Six Months [/underlined] and Served the whole of said period in different places in the state of New York. - We went first to the City & Staid [Stayed] there until the British Army took possession of the City - Then we came to [illegible] White Plains & [illegible] We had a skirmish at White Plains. Genl Washington was there - We were discharged or rather Given discharges at North Castle in December.  (Genl Silliman was with us. I also recollected.) Joseph T. Borthwell of Woodbury & Thomas Stratton of Bridgeport were both with me in the Service - Said Stratton is now in court & I have the Deposition of Said Borthwell - We were in a short time in Long Island until the retreat by Genl. Washington - I do not mean to say that Genl. Washington had the command in the skirmish at White Plains but that He was there at White Plains while I went there.
I was Born in the Town of Fairfield in Said Fairfield County October 22, 1760 - I have not any record of my age - I never recd any written discharge nor have I any [illegible words] of my service - The Regiments in which I belonged were [illegible] at North Castle the 25th of December 1776. I returned to Fairfield after my discharge I have lived at Bridgeport aforesaid for the last 15 years.
Eliphalet Jennings of the Town of Bridgeport was also with me in the aforesaid Service & in
Page 6

I Thomas Straton of Bridgeport in Fairfield County
Connecticut (now in court) before Fitch Wheeler
Judge testify that I am well acquainted with
John Beardsley the within named Applicant who
is now present in Court & served with him in
the Revolutionary War under Capt. George Benj-
amin at Long Island & different places in the
State of Newyork for Six Months which was
in the latter part of the year 1776 - Josiah Lacey
was our Lieutenant - the said John Beardsley
was well known to me before we entered the Service
as well as since ??? that he inlisted for
six months. & He was discharged at the same
time with me
                                      Thomas Straton
I. Eliphalet Jenings of the Town of Bridgeport
in Fairfield County now in court testify & say
& say that I am well aquainted with the wi-
thin named John Beardsly & have heard his decla-
ration read & know the fact that he served in
the Revolutionary war for six monas he
states - I was with him in said service we
both enlisted under George Benjamin & served Six
months in the State of Newyork at different
places -
                             Eliphalet Jennings

The above Depositions of Thomas Stratton
Eliphalet Jennings subscribed & sworn to
in open Court at the same are part of
the proceedings herein certified under my
hand & seal of office
and I do further certify that the
said Eliphalet Jenings & Thomas
Stratton are credible Witnesses
                                R. S. Nichols Clerk

Beardsley
Page 7

now in court to testify to the same
I am well known to Isaac Sherman Esq
& Asa Benjamin both of said Bridgeport
who can testify to my character for truth &
veracity & to my reputation as a soldier of
the Revolution

The said John Beardsley 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 and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
                                                                                        John Beardslee

We, Isaac Sherman residing in the town of Bridgeport
and Asa Benjamin residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well
acquainted with John Beardsley who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration; that we believe him to be 71 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the
neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
                                                                     Isaac Sherman
                                                                       Asa Benjamin

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 Asa Benja-
min who has signed the preceding certificate, is a  resident in the town of
Bridgeport and that Isaac Sherman who
has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of 
Bridgeport and is a credible 
person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
                                                                Fitch Wheeler Judge
I, R S Nichols Clerk of the aforesd Court
do hereby certify that the foreging contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the appli-cation of John Beardsley for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office,
this 30 day of July 1832

                                                     R. S.. Nichols, Clerk

I Fitch Wheeler Judge of the Court of Probate for the
District of Stratford Certify that R. S Nichols is
Clerk of said Court that the above is his signature
with the seal of said Court annexed
                                                 Fitch Wheeler Judge -
Page 8

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield   ⎬ Ss Bridgeport
On this 8th day of August AD. 1838.
personally appeared before the Court of
Probate within and for the District of
Stratford in said County and State afforesaid
Margaret Beardsley a resident of Bridgeport
aged 75 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 Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838
entitled "an Act granting half pay and
Pensions to certain widows:"
That she is the Widow of John Beardsley
late of said Bridgeport decd who was a
private in the Army of the Revolution
and was a Pensioner under Act of June 7
1832, and to his Declaration at Washington She relies
for proof of his service

She further declare that she was married
to the said John Beardsley in the year
Seventeen hundred and ninety one on the
2 day of November (1791) and that her
husband the afforesaid John Beardsley
died at said Bridgeport on the 6th day
of November 1836
That she was notmarried to him prior to his
leaving the service, but the Marriage took place
previous to the first day of January AD 1794 viz at the time above stated.
                                                                 her
                                                 Margaret  X  Beardsley
                                                                mark
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year first above
written.                      Before me
Attest Ira Sherman Clerk 
                                            Alanson Hamlin Judge
Page 9

And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion, after investigation of the matter and
after putting the interrogatories prescribed by
the War Department the above name appliant
is the widow of John Beardsley
a Revolutionary Soldier and who served as she
States
                                       Alanson Hamlin Judge
Attest Ira Sherman Clerk

I Ira Sherman Clerk of the Court aforesaid
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains
the Original procedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of the Widow
Margaret Beardsley for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and Seal of Office this 14th day
of August 1838 Ira Sherman Clerk

I Alanson Hamloin Judge of the Court
of Probate aforesaid certify that Ira Sherman
is Clerk of said Court, 
that the signatures purporting to be his are
genuine, with the seal of said Court
thereto annexed
                                   Alanson Hamlin Judge
Page 10

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County Ss. Stratford August 4th 1838
                      I George C Shepard of the town of Stratford in
the County of Fairfield and State aforesaid do certify that it appears from the
Records of Christ Church in Sd town of Stratford, of which I have the Custody
that John Beardsly and Margaret Plums were married November 2
1791 and that their marriage is recorded therein under the head of Marriages
in the Word and figures following Vize "John Beardsly to Margaret Plumb November
Second one thousand seven hundred & Ninety one"-- I certify the above to be
a true extract from the Records with the exception of the date which is
expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows "John Beardsly
to Margaret Plumb Novm 2nd. 1791" -
               I George C. Shepard above named depose and say
that I am Rector of Christ Church in the town of Stratford in the
County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut and that the above is a true
Extract from the Records of said Church with the Exception above
named as certified by me
                                                             George C. Shepard.
                                                                    Rector of Christ Church.
Sworn before me
David Brooks Justice of Peace

I certify that the word to next precedng Margaret in the foregoing
Certificate, the Alteration in both instances, was made before signing & this the
George C Shepard is a credible
Witness                                     ⎬ David Brooks Justice of Peace
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No 24168
John Beardsley Fairfield
County Connecticut

Admitted
Private 6 months

R. S. Nichols Clk Fairfield
County Connecticut
Page 12

                                                               WAR DEPARTMENT.
                                                                                          Pension Office,
                                                                                                                     183
Sir:
     The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
     A Statement, showing the Service of John Beardsley Fairfield County
                                                                                                Connecticut
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Period when              Duration of the    Rank of    Names and rank of the Field of-     Age at present,           Proof by which the
service was               Yrs  Mo  Days         the            ficers under whom he served        and place of abode    declaration is
rendered.                                              Claimant                                                             when he entered       supported
                                                                                   Geo. Washington                                the service
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Entered June 1776     -    6       -          private         Capt Benjamin Gen'l                     71 years                      Traditionary Evidence
                                                                                  Sullivan                                        County of                   Credible paper correct
                                                                                                                                      Fairfield                      2 Witnesses certified
                                                                                                                                      Connecticut                credible


I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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                                                              2                   
                               REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
     The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
     Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
       1.The Regular Troops.
       2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
      3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
      4. Indian Spies.
   As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim-
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
                                                    DECLARATION.
                  In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
                              State, Territory, or District of }
                                 County of                          }  Ss.
On this       day of          personally appeared (a) before 
A. B. a resident (b) of               in the county of             and State, Territory or District
of       aged (c)         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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)          , with         and
served in the           e) regiment of the       line, under the following named officers:

   set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he serv-
ed under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched . This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
    He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
       Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                                            A. B.

                  [ And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
   And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu-
tionary soldier, and served as he states.
   I                                                         of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of                                                     for a pension.
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of                                              & c.
   If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
   Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia.
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
   (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                                      and C.D. residing in (the same)       
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                                  who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
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.
     Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
             [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
   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 A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
        I,                                     Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
                                           In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
                                   of office, this          day of                          & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commis-
sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
   If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 14

                                                                                  3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-
tempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-
expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
   The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
     1. Where and in what year were you born?
     2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
     3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary 
war, and where do you now live?
     4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
     5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
    6.  (To Soldier )  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
                           en , and what has become of it?
         (To an Officer.) Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
                           has become of it?
    7.State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
    The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
    The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
    The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
    Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
   Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
    No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro-
cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
                                                  ______________________________
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fol-
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the role.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and 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---year -- -- months, and --
days, I served as a .  _____For ______ months and --- days, I served as a ______; and for such service I claim a pension."
    It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent au-thority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
persuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h)  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub-
lic seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
                                                                            Mode of authenticating papers.
   In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which con-
tains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
                                                                          Proof of Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wit-
nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 15

                                                                                  July 2, 1940.

                                                                    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. Nellie B. Holt                                             BA-J/ADY
10 Sunset Terrace                                             W. 17265John Beardslee
West Hartford, Connecticut                              

Dear Madam:
    Reference is made to your request relative to John Beardsly.
of Fairfield, Connecticut, pension claim No.W.17265.
    The data contained herein were obtained from the papers
on file in pension claim, W. 17265, based upon the military
service in the Revolutionary War of John Beardslee,
    John Beardslee, pensioned as Beardsley, was born October
22, 1780, in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut. The names
of his parents are not shown.
    John Beardslee enlisted in Fairfield, Connecticut, in June
1776, served as private in Captain George Benjamin's Connecticut
Company; was in the battle of White Plains and was discharged
December 25, 1776.
    He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30,
1832, at which time he was a resident of Bridgeport, Fairfield
County, Connecticut.
    He died November 6, 1836, in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
    Soldier married in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
November 2, 1791, Margaret Plumb.
    Soldier's widow, Margaret Beardslee, was allowed pension
on her application executed August 8, 1838, while living in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, and aged seventy-five years.
    Their son, John W. Beardslee, was residing in Bridgeport,
Connecticut in 1838, his age not given. There are no further
family data.
                                   Very truly yours
                                  A. D. HILLER
                                   Executive Assistant
                                  to the Administrator
Page 16

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.                                     A.D.Y

                                                     February 1, 1929.

Esther Chapman,
Greenville,
Illinois.

Madam:
    I advise you that from the papers in the Revolution-
ary War pension claim, W. 17265, it appears that John
Beardslee, pensioned as Beardsley, was born October 22,
1760 in Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
    He enlisted at Fairfield, Connecticut in June 1776
as a private in Captain George Benjamin's Connecticut
Company, was in the battle at White Plains and was dis-
charged December 25, 1776.
    He was allowed pension on his application executed
July 30, 1832 while a resident of Bridgeport, Fairfield
County, Connecticut. He died there November 6, 1836.
    He married at Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecti-
cut, November 2, 1791, Margaret Plumb. She was allowed
pension on her application executed August 8, 1838 while
a resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut, aged seventy-five
years.
Page 17

    Their son, John W. Beardslee, was living in Bridge-
port, Connecticut in 1838.
    There are no further family data on file.
    The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail
to afford any information in regard to any Phineas
Beardsley.
                                           Respectfully,

                                           WINFIELD SCOTT,
                                            Commissioner.
Page 18

                                                                                    M. C. S.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
                              
                                                        March 15, 1924

Mrs. Homer J. Davis
554 Mt. Vernon Road
Newark, Ohio

Madam:
    I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolution-
ary War pension claim, W. 17265, it appears that John Beardslee,
pensioned as Beardsley, was born October 23, 1760, in Fairfield,
Fairfield County, Connecticut.
    He enlisted at Fairfield, Connecticut, in June 1776, as pri-
vate in Captain George Benjamin's Connecticut Company, was in the battle at White Plains and was discharged December 25, 1776.
    He was allowed pension on his application executed July 30,
1832, while a resident of Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
He died there November 6, 1836.
    He married at Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut, November
2, 1791, Margaret Plumb. She was allowed pension on her applica-
tion executed August, 1838, while a resident of Bridgeport, Connecti-
cut, aged seventy-five years.
    Their son, John W. Beardslee, was living in Bridgeport, Connecti-
cut in 1838. There are no further family data on file.
                               Respectfully,

                                               Commissioner
Page 19

Refd. Mar 13.43-
New certificate iss'd in this
case, see opinion of
atty Genl of the 2d
September 1842

Connecticut - 267-
_____________________________________________________________
Margaret Beardsley
widow of John Beardsley
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 32
and who died on the 6 November, 1836
of Bridgeport in the State of Ct.
who was a private in the co
commanded by Captain Benjamin of the
               commanded by                 in
the Ct       line for 6mo
______________________________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Cont:--
at the rate of 20 - - Dollars-
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836. & terminating 6 Nov. '36
______________________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of
March '43 and sent to J. Sherman
Bridgeport Ct
_______________________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannual allowance ending

                                                                                 $13.47
Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by                                                     Clerk
Book A   Vol. 1   Page 66
Page 20

Connecticut-267
_____________________________________________________
Margaret Beardsley
widow of John Beardsley
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 '32
and who died on the 6th November 1836
of Bridgeport in the State of Conn
who was a Priv in the Compy commanded
by Captain Benjamin of the Regm commanded
by ------------ in the Conn
line for 6 mos
______________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 20 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
________________________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Sept
38 sent to Isaac Sherman
Bridgeport Conn
__________________________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of Sept                       $40. 00
Semi-annual allowance ending                10. 00
                                                           __________
                                                                $50. 00
                                              { Act July 7,}
                                                 {  1838.}
Recorded by  R. Bardin    Clerk, 
Book A     Vol. 1    Page 166
Page 21

Griffith              17 -265
-
                Rev WIDOW, &c.

File No.   17265
Margaret Beardsley
Widow
John Beardsley
Pri Rev War

Act: March 3d 43
Index: -- Vol. 1   , Page 52
(Arrangement of 1870.]

Jan. 28 /98 Wm H.
Bridgeport, Conn
_____________________________
Dec 14 '98
Wm H Griffith
Bridgeport,
                 Conn
_____________________________
Aug 9  '99
W H Griffith
Bridgeport
_______________________________________
Dec. 8, 1902,
Hon. Chas. H. Peck
Stratford Conn
_____________________________________
Mch 13, 1905 Hist
W H Griffith Griffith Bridgeport
____________________________________
1924 March 15 Hist to
Mrs Homer Davis
___________________________
1929 Feb 1. Hist. to Esther
Chapman A.D. Y
____________________________________
1940 July 2, Hist to Mrs Nellie
           Holt ADY
Page 22

1352
May 22 1843

Ct
May 3d 1843
Margt  Beardsley

FREE

J L Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington
   City

BRIDGEPORT
MAY
20
Ct.
Page 23

John Beardsley Con. act 7. June 20 ?? when last pd
Sept 8.38                                GWC

Died 6 Nov 1836 pd to that period
                                                      LH
Page 24

Cont
Bridgeport

J. L. Edwards Esq.     May 20th 1843
Sir I send you the Pension application of the widow Margarett Beardsley please send her Certificate to me

Yours Respectfully 
Isaac Sherman
Page 25

State of Connecticut }
County of Fairfield    } Ss. Stamford
On this 15 Day of May 1843.
personally appeared before me Isaac
Sherman a Justice of the peace in and
for said Fairfield County Margarett Beardsley
a resident of Fairfield in said County
aged 82 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 3 of March 1843, granting
Pensions to widows of persons who
served during the Revolutionary War
That she is the widow of John Beardsley
decd who was a private in the Army
of the Revolutionary War.
And the annual amount of Pension
that she received under the act of
July 7th 1838 as his widow was Twenty
Dollars.
She further declares that She still
remains the widow of said John
Beardsley dcd                                 her
                                        Margaret  X   Beardsley
                                                      mark

Sworn to and Subscribed on the day
and year above written before me
& I certify that the above named
Margarett Beardsley is personally
known to me to be the widow
of said John Beardsley dcd
                   Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace
Page 26

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield  ⎬ Ss. Bridgeport
I Mark Moore Clerk of the Court of
Probate within & for the District of
Bridgeport in sd County do hereby certify
that Isaac Sherman is a Justice of
the peace in and for said County
duly commissioned and qualified
and that his signature to the within
instrument is genuine-
Given under my hand
and seal of Office this
20 Day of May AD 1843
                 Mark Moore Clerk


13.52
Page 27

Bridgeport Aug 16th 1838

J. L. Edward, Esq.
Sir I send you the Pension Application of the Widow Margaret Beardslee of Bridgeport. You will please send her certificate to me.
Yours Respectfully
Isaac Sherman
Page 28


                                                                     House of Reps.
                                                                                May 3, 1834
J. L. Edwards, Esqr,
             Dear Sir

   Not long after my arrival here
I laid before you the accompanying papers
of ???? Rice. Shortly afterwards I rec'd a
line from you which stated that the claim of
??? Rice would be revisited on unre

  REMAINDER UNREADABLE

of
for more vigouch
-
---
---
to
with request that he
and for the
ment on to me to be
.father

was undertents
the pen to you will
when his estate to for
---
as you believe him
the instance of an other
efied will ought and
same will be with
I have the honor to be be
Son
-
Page 29

Margaret Beardsley
Con:
Act 7 July 38
20$  from 4 March
'36 to Nov 36-

March 3d 1843
Ct
Mrs Beardsley
arrears
Isaac Sherman
Bridgeport
Con.

J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington 
City

BRIDGEPORT
FEB
28
CT
Page 30

State of Connecticut}
County of Fairfield  } Ss.         Fairfield
On this 23rd day of February 1843 personally
appeared before Jesup Banks Esq. a Justice of
the peace in and for sd County of Fairfield
Margarett Beardsley a resident of the Town of
Fairfield in said County aged 82
years who being duly sworn according to Law.
doth on her oath, make the following declaration
in order to obtain the amount of Pension which
she claims from the 4th of March 1836 to the
6th day of November 1836 from which period
She has been already paid under the act of July
1838. And the declarant further alleges that She is
still the widow of John Beardsley who was a
private during the Revolutionary War that her
pension was allowed at the rate of Twenty Dollars
per annum, and was paid to her at the
agency in Hartford in the State of Connecticut
And further she saith not.
                                                      her
                                       Margaret  X   Beardsley
                                                     mark
Sworn to & Subscribed, on the day & year above written before me
                     Jesup Banks Justice of the Peace
Page 31

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield   ⎬Ss.   Bridgeport
I Mark Moore Clerk of the Court of Probate
for the District of Bridgeport in sd County
do hereby certify that Jesup Banks Esq is a
Justice of the Peace in & for sd County duly
commissioned and qualified whose commission
is dated in June 1842 & will expire in
June 1843. and that his signature to the
foregoing instrument is genuine
Given under my hand & Seal of said
Court this 27 --- day of February AD 1843.

                          Attest Mark Moore Clerk
Page 32

                                                 State of Con. Fairfield Co.
                                               Bridgeport Feb 27th 1843
J. L Edwards Esq
                         Sir please send me
Margarett Beardsleys Certificate for
arrears of Pension
                            Yours Respectfully
                                      Isaac Sherman



8 July
Page 33

John W. Beardsley of Bridgeport
in the County of Fairfield and State of
Connecticut of lawful age Deposeth
and saith that he is a son of John
& Margaret Beardsley of said Bridgeport
and that his father the said John
Beardsley was a Pensioner of the United 
States, and that he died at said Bridgeport
on the 6th day of November 1836
of Consumption
and that he left a Widow by the name of
Margaret who is now a resident
of said Bridgeport, and that she has
never been married since his death,
                             John W Beardsley

State of Connecticut}
County of Fairfield   } Ss.  Bridgeport August 8 1838
personally appeared John W. Beardsley
and made oath and subscribed the above
Deposition before me who I certify is a
Credible witness well known to me
                     Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace
Page 34

                        396
Margaret Beardsley
widow of John
   Con.
Act 7 July 38
    5 years
Married in 1791.
Admd
Oma pri
20 $

deduct died
6 Nov 1836. Her
pen, commenced on
7 Nov 1836-

Isaac Sherman
    Bridgeport
     Con.
Page 35


State of Connecticut}  Bridgeport
County of Fairfield   }  
I, Ira Sherman Clerk of the Probate
Court in and for the District of Stratford
in said County & State aforesaid hereby
certify that Isaac Sherman is a Justice of
the Peace in and for said County duly
Commissioned and qualified; that his commission
will expire on the 20th June 1839 and that
his signatures to the deposition of John W Beardsley aforesaid is genuine
Given under my hand, and
the seal of said Court the 8
day of August 1838
                              Ira Sherman Clerk
Page 36


                                     Greenville Illinois
                                          May, 4, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
     Please send me
the Rev War record of
Colonel John Beardsley-
( Probebly of Fairfield Co.)
Connecticut
    Please send any other
information you have
concerning him
    I thank you very 
much
 (Mrs)  Esther Chapman
Page 37

                          554 Mt. Vernon Road
                             Newark, Ohio
                                          February 11, 1924
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
    Kindly give me
the history of the soldiers
of the war of the Revolution
listed
    John Beardsley of
Connecticut, probably
Stratford. There may be
son of same name.
Page 38

Also
    Benjamin Stone
of Kanawha Co. West Va.
Thanking you for your
kindness, I am
    Most sincerely yours
     Ruby Castle Davis
(Mrs. Homer J.)
Page 39

T.H. Watson & Co
Banker's and Brokers

Watson & Alpers,
New York.
                                         Bridgeport, Conn, Feb. 23, 1905.

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs:-
    Referring to yours of February 18th, I
notice that I neglected to say that John Beardslee
was a Revolutionary soldier. The file number seems
to be, O W. & N. Division, J. R. W. No. 17265 - W.S.,
Rev. War. I will be obliged to you if you will
send me a copy of the pension statement of his wife,
Margaret Beardslee,
                     Very truly,
                        W. H. Griffith

FEB 25 1905
Page 40

T. L. Watson & Co.
Bankers and Brokers
Wilson & Gibson
New York              Bridgeport, Conn. Nov. 29 1898

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
         Can I get the following
facts in regard to John Beardsley
from application made July 30. 1832
Parents Names
Names of brothers and sisters.
Birth place
   Do you supply copies of application
and if so what is the cost
Yours truly
Wm H. Griffith

OLD WAR
DEC 3 1898
????
Page 41

T. L. Watson & Co.                                        OWN
Bankers and Brokers

Wason & Gibson             Bridgeport, Conn  MAY 8 1899
   New York

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C
Dear Sir
    Can you give me
names of parent and brothers and
sisters of Margaret Beardsley
who received pension for the
services of her husband in Rev.
War. He served under Capt Benjamin
& General Sullivan and he also
received pension for which he
made application July 30 1832
    Please give in her birth
place if it is mentioned
                   Yours truly
                     W H Griffith

O. W. & N. DIVISION
    MAY 8 1899
      RECEIVED

PENSION
    H
  MAY
    4
  1899
 OFFICE
Page 42

T. L. Watson & Co.
Bankers and Brokers.

Watson & Gibson
New York                                Bridgeport, Conn Jan 17th 1898

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
    Please inform me if possible which John
Beardsley who served in the Revolutionary War was
the husband of Margaret Beardsley who was a pensioner
in 1840, residence was Stratford.
             Yours truly,
                   Wm H. Griffith

OLD WAR ??
JAN. 20 1893
    FILES,

PENSION
    H
U.  JAN   S.
    19
   1898
 OFFICE
Page 43

HARTFORD
  MAY 23
3  10:30 AM
  1940
 CONN.

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS

Veteran Administration,
Pension Department,
Washington, D. C.

RECEIVED
MAY 24 1940
MAIL SUB-DIV
VETS ADM 7
READER 8
Page 44

Will you kindly send me the Rev. War record of
John Beardsley of Fairfield, Conn. W. 17265

                        Thank you,
      Mrs. Nellie Beardsley Holt,
      10 Sunset Terrace,
      West Hartford, Conn.
Page 45

GREENVILLE
   APR 21
  3:30 PM
   1928
    ILL.
THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
    D. C.
Page 46


Please send me the Rev. War record
of Col. Phineas Beardsley of the 7th
Connecticut Rgt.
   Also the Rev War record of
John Beardsley of Connecticut,
probably of Fairfield Co.
I thank you
    (Mrs) Esther Chapman
      Greenville, Illinois

     OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONER
   APR 28 1928
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS