Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,679, for Ashna Symonds, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Symonds, Ashna
or Simonds, Ashney
NUMBER   S. 17679
carded
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17.780 
Connecticut 
Ashney Simonds* 
of Hartford in the State of Conn who was a Pri in the Com commanded by Captain  - of the Regt command by Col Gay in the Conn line for 11 mo 
*Ashna Symonds 
W. D. G. Dec. 1 1908 
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Sept and sent Jesse Charlton East Windsor 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833  $81.65 
Semi-an. allowance ending Mar 4 ‘34. 18.33 
$99.98 
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832} 
Recorded by E D Bullock 
Book E Vol 3 Page 42
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9318
Ashney Simonds
Declaration of in order to obtain the benefit the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832  
State of Connecticut 
County of Hartford } ss In East Windsor On this - day of August 1832 before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor in the County aforesaid now sitting Personally appeared in open Court Ashney Simonds of Manchester in said County of Hartford aged 75 years who being first duly Sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th AD 1832.   
I Ashney Simonds now  of said Manchester in the County of Hartford State aforesaid declare and affirm under solemn oath, That my parents informed me That I was born in that part of East Hartford now  forming the said town of Manchester in the year 1757 the second day of August the Record of which is in my Fathers Bible where I have often seen it. 
1st – I entered the service of the United States in the year 1775 by enlisting into a company of State troops commanded by Capt Jonathan Wells of East Hartford aforesaid, Lieut Richard Pitkin of said town was Lieut,  I enlisted to him in said East Hartford this was in the month of December, I marched with our Company from said Hartford thro Pomfret & Killingly to Dedham near Boston.   I assisted in fortifying Dorchester Heights in making good preparation to meet the enemy.   There saw General Washington, our Regiment was commanded by Coll Gay, I was in the service at this time two months, was discharged but have lost it.  Have no documentary evidence.  
John Wood is my evidence, Deacon Bryant is my evidence  his affidavit will be sent
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2nd -  Again I entered the service of the United States in August AD 1776.   I was drafted into a Company of Militia in said East Hartford Commanded by Capt Timothy Cheney of said town of East Hartford,  Major Pease was our Commandant,  we marched from said East Hartford thro Hartford, Wethersfield to New Haven from there we went by water to New York where I remained as one of the guard of the City untill driven out in September 1776,  we went to a place called Valentine Hill near Kings Bridge & I was dismissed in October making a tour of two months whether I received a written discharge I do not recollect if I did I have lost it & I have no documentary evidence.  
And know not that I can procure a living Witness,  
3d - Again I entered the service of the United States in 1777 in said I was drafted into a company commanded by Capt David Johnson, our Ensign was David Little of said East Hartford whether State troops or Militia do not recollect.  Our Commandant was Roger Newberry Esq of Windsor Conn.  We marched from East Hartford thro Farmington, Litchfield to Fishkill & Rohshilla & the Highlands up to Red Hook and saw Esopus Burnt.  Was in the service this time two months, was dismissed, do not remember whether I had written discharge if I had it is lost.   
Thomas Burkweather was with me & will give his deposition.  
4 -  Again entered the service of the United States in the month - I have forgot AD 1778 as a Substitute for John Wyles of Harford in Connecticut in a Company of Militia, I think, commanded by Capt Henry Ammidon [Amidon} attached to Coll Worthington’s Regiment to Gen Chapman’s Brigade.  We marched from East Hartford where I found my Company thro Bolton, Windham to Providence in the State of Rhode Island, we assisted in building a Fort on
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the Hill in that town, expected to go down to Newport to make an attack upon it but the enterprize was given up,  I was in the service this time one month was then dismissed. but the manner I do not recollect.   
I have no documentary evidence.   
Mr Timothy Anderson of East Hartford was with me & will give his affidavit of my service in this Company.   
In said East Hartford 
5 - Aquin entered the service in the year Ad 1779 
I was drafted into a company into the Militia commanded by Officers whose names I have forgotten except the orderly sergeant  Elijah Bissell of East Hartford,  we marched from East Hartford, thro Danbury,  Southington and and from Danbury we marched down to White Plains was employed in guarding the lines against the tories or Cowboys who used to plunder that part of the country when not prevented.   
I saw General Putnam while here
Was in the service this time two months was then dismissed, had no written discharge, nor can I find one living who served with me, have no documentary evidences.  Was stationed some time at Horse neck, then to Quakers ridge, then to Bedford, New purchase, then back to Horse neck, was here in October a November.
6 - In East Hartford aforesaid again entered the service of the United States in the year 1780, I was drafted into Company of Militia commanded by Capt Ozias Bissell of East Hartford that part now called Manchester, Lemuel Thrall was Lieut, Russell Bissell Ensign, afterward a Coll in the Western army against the Indians; our company went from East Hartford to New Haven Fairfield to Horse Neck.   I was there when Putnam was hotly pursued and our Capt was taken we were out two months, was dismissed but had no written discharge & have no documentary evidence.
1st Service 2 months 
2nd Service 2 months 
3 Service  2 Months 
4 Service 1 month 
5 Service 2 Months
6 Service 2 Months
11 months in the whole
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I had a dismission, served my time out which was two months, have no documentary evidence do not recollect whether I had a written discharge. 
Mr Ashbel Case of Manchester aforesaid was with me in this tour and his affidavit will be sent with the application.   
I am known to Deacon Ebenezer Bryant and Mr George Buckland both of said Manchester who can testify for my character and their belief in my services. And I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State. Ashna Symond
[Sworn] to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Edgar Bissell Clerk 
We Ebenezer Bryant & George Buckland both of said Manchester in Connecticut hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Ashney Simonds of Manchester who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 75 years of age that he is reputed & beleived in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.   
Ebenezer Bryant
George Buckland x his mark
[Sworn] and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Edgar Bissell Clerk 
And the said Court do hereby demise their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after pulling the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.   And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Ebenezer Bryant and George Buckland who have signed the proceeding certificate are both residents of the town of Manchester in Hartford County and are credible persons and that there statement is entitled to credit. 
Edgar Bissell Clerk of the court of Probate for the District of East Windsor do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Ashna Symonds for a pension.   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal office this 4th day of August AD 1832.   
Edgar Bissell Clerk
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9518
Ashney Simonds
Obj 10. 11. 12
Jesse Charlton
East Windsor Connt
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BRIEF in the case of   Ashney Symonds 
County of Hartford in the State of  
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
7332
1833
81.65
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?   75 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period.  Decr 1775   Duration of Service.  2 Months  Rank.  Private   Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Capt Wells, Col. Gay
Period.  Augt 1776  Duration of Service.  2 Months  Rank.  Private  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt Chaney
Period.  1777  Duration of Service.  2 Months  Rank.  Private   Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt Johnson
Period.  1778   Duration of Service.  1 Month  Rank.  Private Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Captain Ammidon; Col. Worthington
Period.  1779  Duration of Service.  2 Months   Rank. Private Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  officers not recollected
Period.  1780  Duration of Service.  2 Months  Rank. Private   Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Capt Bissell
5. In what battles was he engaged?  none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?   Hartford Connecticut
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?   By Living Witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?   Correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above 
Richard Cutts  Examining Clerk
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington D. C. , 19 –
S. F. 17679
In reply to your request of – received – for a statement of the military history of    Ashna Symonds*  a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this bureau.  
* pensioned Ashney Simonds
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   Dec 1775   LENGTH OF SERVICE  RANK.  2 mos.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Jonathan Wells, Colonel Gay  STATE.  Conn.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT  Aug 1776  LENGTH OF SERVICE 2 mos.   RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Timothy Cheney; Major Pease   STATE. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT  1777  LENGTH OF SERVICE  2 mos.  RANK.   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain David Johnson   STATE. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT  1778   LENGTH OF SERVICE  1 mo. RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Henry Amidon; Colonel Worthington  STATE. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT  1779  LENGTH OF SERVICE  2 mos. RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  officers not recollected  STATE. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   1780 LENGTH OF SERVICE  2 mos.  RANK.  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Oscar Bissell STATE. 
Battles engaged in,  none listed
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  enlisted in East Hartford, Conn.
Date of application for pension,  Aug 4 1832, His cl al. {His claim allowed]
Residence at date of application, Manchester, Hartford Co. Conn.
Age at date of application,  born Aug 2, 1757 in that part of E. Hartford now Manchester, died Jany 20 1850
Remarks:  Sally Bull his daughter was alive in 1850.  There is no other data on file as to his family.
Very respectfully
Commissioner
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T Affidavit 
Ebenezer Brant and Timothy Anderson 
for Ashney Simonds
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State of Connecticut 
County of Hartford } ss East Windsor   
On this 4th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the district of East Windsor County of Hartford & State of Connecticut now sitting
Deacon Ebenezer Briant of Manchester in Hartford County aged 88 years & Timothy Anderson of East Windsor aged 69 years   who being duly sworn according to Law made Solemn Oath each one for himself severally to the truth of the following declarations as declared by each and signed by his himself both person of veracity.   
I Ebenezer Briant of Manchester in the County of Hartford Aged 88 years.under Solemn oath depose & say, that I am well acquainted with Ashney Simonds of Manchester in Hartford County an applicant of for pension under the Pension Act of June 7, 1832.   That he served with me in the year 1775 December and in Revolutionary War in Capt Wells Company & Coll Gays Regiment.  He went with me in the Company to Roxbury & served the tour according to the best of my recollection two months.   The company was State troops a part of the time was employed in fortifying Dorchester Hights.    
Ebenezer Bryant 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Edgar Bissell Clerk
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[X] I Timothy Cheney of Connecticut aged Manchester County of Hartford & State of Connecticut aged - years declare & say that I am well acquainted with Ashney Simonds residing in said Manchester an applicant for pension under the Pension act of June 7th AD 1832.   – 
That he served with me in the Revolutionary War in the year 1776 he was in the company commanded by -  
& marched with us to New York where he did duty untill driven out by the enemy in September this was a tour of two months and according to the best of my recollection Mr Simonds served out his same faithfully which was a tour of two months, after he left New York he was part of his time at Valentines Hill near Kingsbridge.  
Further this deponent saith not  -  Mr Cheney did not appear as was expected and the above is therefore crossed [crossed out]
I Timothy Anderson of  East Hartford County of Hartford State of Connecticut aged 69 years declare & say that I am some acquainted with Ashney Simonds now residing in Manchester in Hartford County  an applicant for  pension under the Act of June 7th AD 1832.  
That he served with me in the Revolutionary War, was with me in the year AD 1778 in Captain Amidons Company and Coll Worthingtons Regt, & Gen Chapmans Brigade, went to Providence and to Bristol in Rhode Island,  Built fort on the high hill in Providence in the said Service one month. 
Furthermore this Deponent saith not 
Timothy Anderson 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Edgar Bissell Clerk
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T. Affidavit 
Thomas Bissell for Ashney Simonds
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State of Connecticut  
Harford County } Ss East Windsor on this 11th day of August AD 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor now sitting Thomas Bissell a resident of sd East Windsor Aged 74 years a person of veracity and made Solemn Oath that he is some acquainted with Ashney Simonds a resident of Manchester in Hartford County an applicant for a pension under the Pension act of June 7th 1832.   
That he served with him in the revolutionary War. 
That we served together at Fishkill in the State of New York, we belonged to different companies but  were detached and brought together to serve as a guard for the commissary stores & other stores buildings which were most exposed.  I was with the applicant at this time according to the best of my recollection a month or six weeks, I know not how long Mr Simonds the applicant had served before we were brought together living at some from Mr Simonds I have seen him seldom but believe him a man of veracity.  
And furthermore this Deponent saith not 
Thomas Bissell 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Edgar Bissell Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
County of Hartford }  ss East Windsor 
At a court of Probate holden at East Windsor within and for the District of East Windsor in said County on the 13th day of June 1833 the said Court certifies That the reason why Ashna Symonds did not obtain the evidence of a clergyman as to his belief respecting his age and this general belief in his neighborhood respecting his revolutionary services at the time of making his declaration for a pension on the 4th of August 1832 was that the clergyman who for some years had resided in Manchester in the neighborhood of Ashna Symons had previous to that time left this State and was supposed then to be in New Orleans and no clergyman could be obtained to give evidence in the case.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of June 1833 Edgar Bissell Clerk
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T. Affidavit
Ashbel Case for Ashney Simonds
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State of Connecticut Hartford Co. SS Manchester 
On this 27th day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared Ashbel Case aforesaid of Manchester & made Solemn Oath that the within Affidavit by him subscribed contained the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth. I am well acquainted with said Case & believe his character for truth is good.  
Ralph R. Phelps Justice of the Peace for Hartford County 
State of Connecticut Secretary's Office, Aug. 27. 1832 
I, Thomas Day Secretary of said State, and keeper of the Seals thereof, do hereby certify  that Ralph R. Phelps Esq. whose name is subscribed in his proper hand writing to me well known to the above Certificate, is and for more than one year last past has been, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hartford, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn; and that full credence is due to his official acts and attestations.   
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, the day and year above written.   
Thomas Day
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Ashbel Case of Manchester in Hartford County aged 71 years, being duly sworn depose & day; that I am well acquainted with Ashna Symonds of Manchester an applicant for a pension under the pension act of June 7th AD 1832. That I served with him in the revolutionary was in the year 1780, in a company of Militia commanded by Capt. Ozias Bissell of East Hartford,  Lemuel Thrall was Lieut. & Russell Bissell Ensign.  We marched from East Hartford through New Haven & Fairfield to Horse Neck the were there when Putman [Putnam] was to taken prisoner.  Our Captain was taken prisoner. This was a tour of two months & according to my best recollection Mr Symonds served out his full time. I should think Mr Symonds was about 75 years of age. I believe the officers in our company on all dead & further saith not. 
Ashbel Case
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Ashney Symonds
11 mo private
36.66
Ens Chandler
East Meriden
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of    Ashney Symonds Hartford Connecticut
which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?   yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?   
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned 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?  Yes 
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?   yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  NO
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?   NO
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  No NO
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 
XIV.  +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who has administered the oath certified that he, she or they are persons of credibility?  yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?   yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?   yes
XVI. + Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?   yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?   
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
#QUERE V. 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."
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3 
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 services. The use of the phrase about three or fours months is too indefinite, and all qualified expressions are objectionable. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his services by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witness, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE. 
Oct. 17, 1853 
Sir: 
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension agents,  
Sally Bull child of Ashney Simonds dec 
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Connecticut Agency, at the rate of Thirty Six and 66 Dollars Cents per annum, under the law of the 7" June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 of Sept. 1849 to the 20" Jany 1850 
Respectfully, yours 
17780 Act ’32    J. M. Brodhead Comptroller
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS. Present.
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17.679
Rev War INVALID.
File No. 17,679
Ashna Symonds
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7” 32
Index: - Vol: 1 Page 343
[Arrangement of 1870]
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Oct 7 / 95 Hist to Chas. J. Symonds Utica N.Y. MEL
1917 July 13 Hist to James a Ellis
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OW & N S.
1308
CHARLES S. SYMONDS Prest
THOS. FOSTER Vice Prest.
MELVILLE C BROWN [unreadable] 
THE UTICA CITY NATIONAL BANK
CAPTIAL $400,000
Utica, N.Y. Sept 26 1895 
Hon Commission Pension of the Pension Office 
Sir: 
Can I ascertain from you if our Ashna Symonds, Simons, Simonds or Symonds some year Since drew a pension on account of services in the Revolutionary war?  He died at age of 91
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If he ever drew one and I believe from family records he did.   Will you kindly inform me where he lived, When last payment Was made to him,  as appears from your books & greatly oblige.
Yours Chas S Symonds 
I think his house Was E. Hartford (from Manchester Conn)  Kindly give me the way he spelled his name if found
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Rev Sec N21
The American Historical Society 
(INCORPORATED) 
267 BROADWAY 
TELEPHONE BARCLAY 7127 
NEW YORK 
[seal wreath enclosing lamp on two books]
BUREAU OF GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH 
JAMES A. ELLIS, GENEALOGIST 
MEMBER OF NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BICGRAPHICAL SOCIETY 
LONG ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
AND NEW ENGLAND HISTONIC GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY  
647 Main Street, Hartford, Conn. July 9, 1917. 
U. S. Pension Office, 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
Will you kindly favor me with the record of Ashnah Simonds ( Symonds, etc.) who was a Revolutionary pensioner and died in Manchester, Connecticut, January 20, 1850, at the age of 92-3?   
I hope your records will show his birth place as well as the field in which he served. 
Respectfully yours, 
J. A. Ellis
JAE:CRS