Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25606, Robert Francis, Conn.
Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.

Francis, Robert
Lydia Deming

NUMBER
W. 25606
B. L. Wt 2496-160-55
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17414
Connecticut
Robert Francis
of Hartford in the State of Con who was a Pri in the Com commanded by Captain ~~ of the Reg commanded by S. B. Webb in the Con line for 6 mo 7 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Con at the rate of 20 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of August 1833 and sent S. H. Parsons, Hartford Ct.

Arrears to the 4th of March 33 $41.54
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 4 33  10.38
_________
$51.92

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 13

See letter to P. Agt Sept 27, 1834
Page 3

8175
PENSION ACT OF 1832.
Declaration of Robert Frances in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
COUNTY OF Hartford}SS. Hartford
On this 30th day August 1832, before the Probate Court for the district of Hartford in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut being a Court of Record, having by law a Clerk and Seal, personally appeared Robert Francis a resident of Wethersfield in the County of  Hartford and State aforesaid aged sixty nine years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on is oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.

1st
That he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier in a company commanded by Captain Absalom Williams Lieutenant (don't recollect) and Ensign (don't recollect) at Wethersfield in the County aforesaid and State aforesaid on or about the forepart of July 1779; that said company was foot.
That he the deponent was detached at Wethersfield for two months, and continued to serve in the said Corps, until or about the latter part of August 1779 when he was dismissed from the service, at or near New Haven in the County of New Haven and State aforesaid.
; that when he entered the service, he resided in said Wethersfield in the County of Hartford and State aforesaid and was marched from thence to New Haven where the company acted as a guard for some part of the time, but afterwards & during the principal part of the tour, the company was stationed & acted as guard at East Haven on the Sound Coast which was but a few miles from said New Haven. That he served on this tour faithfully about a month & perhaps a few days over was honorably dismissed & returned home.
That the deponent knows of no person living who served with him on this tour, but his Brother, James Francis, & his Sister Mrs. Lucy Griswold both of said Wethersfield know the facts & will so testify.

2nd
That he was drafted about the first of July 1780 for a tour of six months & was mustered & marched from said Wethersfield the forepart of August following, under the command of Sergeant Lockwood of said Wethersfield, to
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Danbury & there was ordered on to join the army in the state of New Jersey. We marched immediately for the North River which we crossed (he thinks) at Kings Ferry & proceeded to a place in New Jersey called (he believes) Fennyck, where we joined the army & was attached to the Regiment commanded (he believes) by Lt. Col. Ebenezer Huntington (& he thinks) in a company of which John Miegs was the Lieutenant. He knows that Sergt Dorman was in the company but cannot recollect with confidence the officers in the company: From Fennyck the army marched to a place above Hackensack called (he thinks) Lienrippa[?] (or some name like it in sound) - thence to Orangetown; thence in the forepart of October to West Point, thence crossed the North River the forepart of December & marched a few miles to the Highlands erected huts, & went into winter quarters; & there the deponent was discharged by Major John P. Wyllys in writing, & returned home after an absence of four months from home & five months from the draft.
That he knows of no person now alive who served in the company but that Mrs. Lucy Griswold of said Wethersfield sister to the deponent & Mr. James Frances brother to the deponent both remember distinctly that this tour of service was performed by the deponent, & will so testify.

The deponent further declares that a few days after his return from the Highlands, viz the latter part of December 1780 or perhaps the 1st of January 1781, his father Mr. Timothy Francis was drafted or detached from the 2nd company of militia in said Wethersfield commanded, as he thinks, by Capt. John Hanson other persons in that & in other companies of militia were drafted or detached at the same time, to go to
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the Sound Coast, & serve as a guard, for two months, as near as he can recollect - that the deponent at the request of his father took his place, & went as his father's substitute. That he marched directly to Milford on the Sound Coast (about ten miles west of New Haven) & served as a guard at that place, until about the middle of February following according to his best recollection, & that he weas absent on this tour of duty he thinks, about six weeks, & was honorably dismissed & returned home. That he does not recollect the names of any commissioned officer at that station, he think that a Capt. once came there & remained a short time (his name the deponent does not remember) but Corporal Thomas Bunce of Hartford had the immediate charge & command of the guard.
The deponent knows of nobody alive who served with him on this tour, but his aforementioned Brother & Sister know this statement to be true & will so testify.

The deponent would observe that while in Col. Huntington's Regiment, at Orangetown, he thinks he saw Genl Washington, Genl Greene, Genl Wayne & many other Genl officers whose names he has lost from his memory. He was at Orangetown he thinks at the period of Genl. Arnold's defection & Major Andre's execution.

The deponent is well acquainted with
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the Reverend Caleb J. Tenney a clergyman residing in Wethersfield & with John Williams Esqr & sundry other gentlemen of the first standing in said town who can testify as to the deponent's moral character & his reputation, as to his military services int he revolutionary war.

And in reply to certain interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and propounded by the Court, the deponent further declares,
1st That he was born at Wethersfield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut on the 26th day of April AD 1763.

2d That the day and year of his birth is recorded in the office of the Town Clerk of Wethersfield, according to Law

3d and 4th. That when he was called into service, he resided at said Wethersfield as herein before stated; and served in the manner set forth in the preceding declaration.

5th. That the general circumstances of his service are detailed in the preceding declaration, and also the names of such officers, &c. as he distinctly recollects.

6th. That he --- received a written discharge from the service from Major Jno P. Wyllys at the Highlands in December 1780 & has lost it many years ago. That he never recd a written discharge at any other time.

7th. That he is personally known to the Revd Caleb J. Tenny, Jno Williams Esq, Mr. James Francis, & Mrs. Lucy Griswold
who are respectable persons in the neighborhood where he now resides, and can testify as to his character for veracity, and also their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.

And the said Robert Francis 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.
Robert Francis

And the said Court do hereby declare its 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 that the Revd Caleb J. Tenny, John Williams Esqr, Mr. James Francis & Mrs. Lucy Griswold all of Wethersfield in said County of Hartford whose affidavits are hereto annexed are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.

I, Wm. Whitman Clerk of the Probate Court for the district of Hartford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Francis for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 31st day of August 1832.
Wm. Whitman, Clerk of Court of Probate for district of Hartford
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Increase                   3.074
Connecticut           (Hartford)
Lydia D. Francis
widow of Robert Francis
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 96 dollars, 00
cents per annum, to commence on
the [unk] 27 July 1868 made [unk]

Certificate of Pension issued
9th day of January 1869
and sent to John C. Fay
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensions under act
February 3, 1853, Page 199 Vol. H
July 27, 68
J. N. Smith
Page 8

Pension Claim of
Lydia D Francis
Widow of
Robert Francis
under - Section Act 3 Feb. 1853
Page 9

State of Connecticut
Hartford County ---
On this 24 day of March One thousand and eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Henry Perkins Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Hartford in --- County of State aforesaid. Lydia Francis aged sixety years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth, as her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress? passed the 3rd day of February 1853. That she is the widow of Robert Francis who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and a ---- --- United States an --- --- Connecticut Agency under the Act of June 4 1832 at the rate of twenty dollars and seventy seven cents per annum
The further declares in the Town of Wethers (Wethersfield) but - -- said Hartsford County on the -- day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty six. That her husband the aforesaid Robert Francis died on the thirteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and that she has remained a widow ever since that --- -as will more fully appear by reference in the proof here to annexed and that her maiden sworn to and subscribed on that name before her marriage day. --- above written was Lydia Deming
Before me Henry Perkins 
Lydia D Francis
---- ----
Page 10

State of Connecticut
Hartford County ---, Hartford
I Henry Perkins Judge ---- Probate Court for the District of Hartford do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court on this 24 day of March. ND 1853 - by the testimony of Jedediah Deming J & Nancy A W Deming who I certify and credible persons and -- are residents of Wethersfield in the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut that Robert Francis was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of twenty dollars and seventy seven cents per annum, that he was a resident of Wethersfield in the County & State aforesaid and died in said Wethersfield on the 13th day of February one thousand eight hundred & fifty five. That he left a widow whose name is Lydia D. Francis the identical person who he signed the foregoing declaration in order to obtain a pension.
In witness whereof I have herein to signed my name and ---- the Official Deal of -- Probate Court of Hartford this 21 day of March AD. 1833.
Henry Perkins 
---- - ----
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This is to certify that Mr. Robert Francis and Miss Lydia Deming both of Wethersfield were lawfully joined in marriage on the 14th day of January 1846 by me.
William Bentley Preacher of the Gospel

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford, ss.} Wethersfield March 26th 1855
The above is a true copy of the Records of this Town.
Certified by Albert Galpin
Town Clerk

Hartford County ss. Wethersfield March 26th A. D. 1855
Personally appeared before me Albert Galpin Clerk of the Town of Wethersfield and made solemn oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed.

Samuel Galpin Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut
I, Oliver H Perry-Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That Samuel Galpin was, from the fourth day of July, A.D. 1854, to the fourth day of July, A. D. 1856, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hartfore in said State, duly appointed and cmmmissioned-having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, That I believe the foregoing signature of the said Samuel Galpin to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my had and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartfort, this 27 day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
O H Perry  Secretary of State
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20,669 (Act June 5/55
[illegible] 29/55
Lydia Francis
widow of Robert Francis Priv.
Capt} ~
Col } ~
Ens ~~
[illegible]
War of the Revolution
U. S. Pensioner
Ct. Continental Line
Admit 160 acres July 19/55
Boynton

2436 iss July 19/55
Henry Fowler
Hartford Conn.
R[illegible]
Page 14

Lt to H. Fowler July 12/55
Vol. F 129
Page 15

20.665

Bounty Land claim of
Lydia D. Francis
Widow of Robert Francis

Revolutionary Service
under Act March 3, 1855.
Page 16

State of Connecticut
Hartford County ss. Hartford
On this 27th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within & for the County aforesaid Lydia D. Francis Aged sixty years a resident of Wethersfield in said County & State who being duly sworn according to law declares, that she is the widow of Robert Francis decd who was a private in the army of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States on the roll of the Connecticut Agency under the Act of June 7, 1832at Twenty dollars & seventy cents per annum.
She further states that she was married to the said Robert Francis in the Town of Wethersfield aforesaid by the Rev William Bentley a Baptist Clergyman on the 14th day of January 1846, and that her name before her marriage was Lydia Deming, that her said husband died in the town of Wethersfield on the 13th day of February 1855, and that she is now a widow, proof of which facts accompanies her application for a pension transmitted to the Pension Office in Washington this day and to which she refers for evidence to substantiate this claim.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3, 1855.

Lydia D Francis

We Jedediah Deming Jr. and Nancy A W Deming both residents of Wethersfield in the county & state aforesaid upon our oaths declare that the foregoing Declaration was signed & acknowledged by Lydia D Francis in our presence & that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the
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identical person she represents herself to be.

Jedediah Deming Jr
Nancy A W Deming

The foregoing Declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and years above written: and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and I also know that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.

Henry Fowler Justice of the Peace
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No. 20669
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855
Received Mch 29th 1855

Lydia Francis wid. of
Robert Francis [unk]

Rev. War

Warrant 2496-160-55

Henry Fowler
Hartford
Conn.
Page 19

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 25, 606
Lydia D. Francis
Widow of 
Robert Francis
Priv. Rev. War

Act Feb 3 1855
Index: Vol. A, Page 255
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

189
[illegible]
3 Dec 27 data by Mr. Aspinwall
c/of B of R. [illegible]
Page 21

[stamped] FREE
L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Conn
Lydia Francis
wid Robert

Boynton
3 Mar  30669
act 3 Feby 53 - no 5074
Page 22

3 feby 53 Ct.
Boynton
Page 23

2496
160 acres
Page 24

Th: Clerk
13 Feby 1855 3 wit & cert of Ct
3 [illegible]
Boynton
Page 25

5.074
Connecticut
Lydia D Francis,
Widow of Robert
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 20 dollars 77
cents per annum, to commence on the 13th February, 1855
Certificate of Pension issued
3 day April 1855
and sent to
Henry Fowler
Hartford Ct.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 1, 1853, Page 59 Vol. A
Page 26

Hartford CT March 27

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C
Page 27

March 29th, 1855
No 5, 583
Lydia D Francis, 
wid of Robert.  Hartford Ct.

Act/53
$20.77/100 per Annum;
Com: 13th February: 1855. the 
day Robt Francis died
Revy

Henry Fowler,
Hartford Ct.
Page 28

Auditor Office
March 30/55
4054
Sir:
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid.
Or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner

[illegible]

Mr. Randolf
R. J. Atkinson, Esq
Third Auditor, Treasury
Page 29

Robert Francis paid to 4 Sept 1854

Robert J Morrison
Auditor
Page 30

Rev Caleb J. Tenney
Dep &c appl
of 
Robt Frances
Page 31

WE, Caleb J Tenney a clergyman, residing in the town of Wethersfield in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut and John Williams residing in the same town hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Robert Francis a resident of said Wethersfield who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he is generally reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he now resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion, and that he sustains a fair character for truth and veracity.

Caleb J. Tenney
John Williams

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} ss. Wethersfield August 30th 1832
On this 30th day of August 18?2 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, personally appeared The Revd Caleb J Tenney who is a clergyman residing in the said town of Wethersfield and John Williams Esq who is a credible person residing in the same town- and made oath that the preceding certificate by them subscribed is true, and I further certify that their statement is entitled to credit.

James S Belden Justice of Peace
Page 32

[illegible] 16 Aug 1780 Wyllys Co. J. B. Webbs Reg.
9 Decr

14.23

Please reply to Samuel H. Parsons
Hartford Connt.
Page 33

I Lucy Griswold of Wethersfield in Hartford County & State of Connecticut aged sixty seven years, sister of Mr. Robert Francis of said Wethersfield, who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832, depose & say,
That I have a perfect recollection that my said brother went into the service several times int he course of the revolutionary war, but the precise dates or periods when he went & when he returned I have forgotten. I know that my mother & family made knapsacks for him & soldier clothes for him several times. I remember that he went about the time the British came to New Haven but how long he was gone whether a month or longer I don't recollect. I also recollect that he went again & served, as I understood in the Continental Army. He went in warm weather & did not return till winter. My brother went again, after he returned from the Continental Army in the name of my father, at this time he went to Milford in the [illegible] or exact time when he left home I cannot state, but I remember that it was cold weather when he went & when he returned. I think he might have been absent on this tour a considerable portion of the winter but I cannot say with confidence as to the length of time. I think however that it was not more than two no less than one month. His longest tour
Page 34

was in the Continental army-
I further depose & say both my father & Brother Robert was called upon & went on several alarms & upon short tours of duty in the militia besides the times I have before stated & that the times I have before stated & that his farming business sometimes was necessarily neglected by reason of their absence on those occasions.
I further depose & say that it is very well known & understood I believe in our Town & neighborhood, that my said Brother was repeatedly in the service as a soldier in the revolutionary war. I have never heard a doubt on the [illegible] expressed by anybody & I didn't think any doubt is entertained by anybody who is acquainted with him. & further the deponent saith not 
Dated at Hartford this 31st day of August 1832
Lucy Griswold
Sworn or affirmed to & subscribed the day &year last above written.
Before me En: Parsons Just. Pac
I certify that the deponent, Mrs. Lucy Griswold is a credible witness
En Parsons Just Pac
Page 35

I James Francis of Wethersfield in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, aged sixty five years, brother of Mr. Robert Francis who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832, depose & say that I recollect that my sd brother Robert about the time the British landed at New Haven in 1779, the month I cannot state, (but it was hot weather) went to New Haven under Capt Absalom Williams & served as a soldier there & he was gone, as near as I can now recollect, rather over a month. I can't be positive as to the time, but I think it was short of two months & over one.
My said brother was out on several tours of duty as a soldier in the revolutionary war...he went to Milford soon after his return from the Continental army; & served at Milford (as I always supposed) as a soldier & returned home sometime in the winter of 1781 in about the fore part or middle of February as near as I can now recollect.....how long he was absent on that tour I dont know, it may be two months or perhaps between one & two months, I cannot now recollect the precise time of his absence..think however that it was between one & two months.
I further depose & say, that my Brother was drafted in the summer of 1780 (about June of July) & went into the continental army & did not return home till about the middle of December 1780. I remember perfectly well that my father sent me with a horse to meet my brother & that I met him accordingly at a place bear Harrington
Page 36

about twenty miles from sd Wethersfield, & we both rode (double) from thence back to Wethersfield- it was very cold weather & about the middle of December 1780 on this tour of duty I understood & always supposed that my said Brother served in Colo Webbs or Huntingtons Regiment.
I further depose & say that my said brother was often times called out on short tours of service & went upon alarms & was sometimes gone only two or three days & sometimes gone only two or three days & sometimes longer.
I further depose & say that it is well understood  & believed always has been, among the neighbors & the inhabitants of sd Wethersfield that my said brother had served in the Continental army as a soldier & also on several tours of duty as a private in the Militia troops & I do not think it has ever been questioned or doubted by anybody & further the deponent says not. Dated at Hartford 31 August 1832

James Francis

Sworn & subscribed the day & year above written. Before me

En. Parsons Just. of Peace

I certify that the above named James Francis the deponent sustains a good character for integrity & veracity.

En. Parsons Just of Peace
Page 37

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} ss. Harford
On this 30th day of May 1833 before the Probate Court for the District of Hartford in said State of Connecticut personally appeared Robert Francis of Wethersfield in the County of Hartford, and made oath that he is the same person named in a declaration taken before said Probate Court the 31st day of August 1832 in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

That by reason of old age & 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 period mentioned below and with following grades-
I served as a private soldier in Captain Absalom Williams company of infantry at New Haven not less then three weeks and [unk] days. The names of the other officers are not distinctly recollected. I served as a private not less than four months in a company of Continental infantry commanded according to my impression by John Miegs who was Lieutenant and [unk]. I joined a regiment called "Webbs regiment" formerly commanded by Samuel B Webb, before said Webb was a [unk] of New York or [unk] at that time the Regiment was under the command of Lt Colonel Ebenezer Huntington. I think that Jabez H Tomlinson was Ensign of the company but hes not positive. I am however very confident that he belonged to the same regiment. I believe said
Page 38

Tomlinson is father to the Hon Gideon Tomlinson of the Senate and was placed on the pension roll of the Connecticut agency April 4, 18?3 as I have been informed since my application for a pension
3rd
I served as a private soldier at Milford as a member of a Coast Guard, one Bane was corperal of the Guard. I served in this company six weeks. I am unable to detail the particulars of the services more distinctly than as already set forth in my declaration before the Probate August 31 1832.
I served eight days upon an alarm when the British under Governor [unk] invaded New Haven & also when they burnt [unk] marched from [unk] field to Farmington. These last tours of service were not inserted in my first declaration as I was absent only two days on the first tour & one week the second two I did not consider it very important to state it. The names of my officers are entirely forgotten & I cannot recall their names to my recollection, neither service I [unk] nor can I find any evidence to prove the same other than the testimony already addressed. My services as a private soldier in the revolutionary war amount to not less than six months, two weeks, & four days and for such services I claim a pension under
Page 39

the act of June 1832, I can procure no further evidence [unk] were already addressed neither can I detail my service with more [unk] or particularly.

Robert Francis

Sworn & subscribed this 31 day of May 1833.

In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Probate Court, and subscribed my name the day & year above written, and I further certify that Enoch Parsons Esq before whom the affidavits of Lucy Griswold and James Francis were sworn to is and was a Justice of the Peace for said county of Hartford, and that James L. Belden Esq before whom the affidavits of the Reverend Caleb J Tenney & John Williams Esq were sworn to was & is a Justice of the Peace for said county of Hartford and I believe that the signatures of said magistrates are genuine.

Wm Whitman, Clk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford in the State of Connecticut
Page 40

Wethersfield Sept 3d 1832
Mr Parsons
Sir
Since I left you on saturday I have thoughts that you left out of my claim of services those two short tours I Spoke of (to wit) (When the British under Governor Tryon invaded New Haven I went halfway the British left New Haven I returned home in two days.) Also when the British burnt Europus I marchd from Wethersfield to Farmington, the British after staying awhile in North river went down I returned in about a week, these two leaves of service ought to be inserted because my Brother & Sisters testimony was that I went several short tours which the secretary might put for those other tours I served. I served five Distinct tours of Duty.

Robert Francis

PS
If you have not sent my papers on please to defer till I see you tomorrow I apprect. to be to Hartford or very soon.
Page 41

Revolutionary War
N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE
OF PENSION.
Under section 13, act July 27, 1868.

No. OLD CERTIFICATE.....................
APPLICANT
Lydia D. Francis
widow of
Robert Francis
Pt in Revolutionary War

FILED BY
John C. Fay
Present

Printed and sold by W. H. Moore, 484 11th st., Washington, D.C.
Page 42

N.
DECLARATION FOR INCREASE OF PENSION
(Under section 13, Act July 27, 1868)

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} SS,
On this 3rd day of December, A. D. 1868, personally appeared before me, Clerk of the Supreme Court within and for the county and State aforesaid ..... Lydia D. Francis, aged 74 years, a resident of Wethersfield in the State of Connecticut, who, being duly sworn according to law. declares that she is the identical Lydia D. Francis to whom was granted Pension certificate No. .............., payable at Hartford Agency, at the rate of 30 76/100 dollars per month, issued under the act of February 3rd, 1823; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the thirteenth section of the act of July 27, 1868. That she still remains a Widow, and has not again married since the third day of April, 1855, the date of her said certificate.

My Post Office address is as follows: Newingtown Conn

And she, hereby constitutes and appoints John C Fay Esq of Washington &c, Attorney, to present and prosecute this claim, and authorizes him to receive and receipt for any certificate that may be issued for the same, and to do any other act or thing necessary or that she might do if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby countermanding all former authority that may have been given for the above specified purpose.

Signature of Claimant:  Lydia D Francis

Also personally appeared, Jedediah Deming and Anna W Deming, residents of Newingtownton, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Lydia D Francis sign her name to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. That she is still a Widow, not having remarried since the third day of April, 1855.*

Signatures of Witnesses,  Jedediah Deming
                                        Anna W Deming

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 2nd day of December, 1868; and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing declaration and affidavit were carefully read by me to the applicant and witnesses before subscribing their names thereto, and I know the affiants to be credible persons.

Signature of Judge or other Officer,  Chauncey Howard clerk of Sup. Court

*Date of Certificate

Dec 2nd 1866
Page 43

No. 17.414



Recorded in the Pension office in Book E, Vol. 3, Page 13
by E. D. Bullock, Clerk
Page 44

United States of America

STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
COUNTY OF HARTFORD,} SS. HARTFORD,

Be It Known, That before me,                       Justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared                           and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:

"WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.

I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Robert Francis of the State of Connecticut, who was a private during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Twenty dollars, and seventy seven cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this 20th day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.

Lew. Cass
Secretary of War

L.S.

Examined and Countersigned}
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions."

That he is entitled to a pension of         dollars per annum; that he now resides in Wethersfield in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, and has resided there for the space of 71 years past; and that previous thereto he resided in    
SWORN and subscribed this 6 day of Sept. 1834 before me,

(Reported March 1, 1834 @ $20.= pr. ann.)
Page 45

[blank page]
Page 46

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
3 May 1833

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 me removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and regulations will show 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 will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing Service of

Period when the service was rendered:
Duration of the claimant's service:
Rank of the claimant:
Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served:
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service:
Proof by which the declaration is supported:


I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions

Mr Robert Francis
Page 47

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, bit 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 claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucisions 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,m 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:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served 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 persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.}

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or a annuity, except the present, and he declares that his names 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 revolutionary 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.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. That is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, of possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witnesses 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 48

3
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 attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be 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 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; did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
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 a Soldier} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, 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 testify 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 dome 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 if death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, 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 follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[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 names 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 [unk] 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 the 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 services 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 pensions to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of 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 a pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, 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 places where the service was performed' that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; 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 pursuit.
[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 their seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has public 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 contains 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 witnesses, 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 [f] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule on 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 49

Increase 5.074
Brief in the Case of Lydia D. Francis Widow Robert Private Rev War Newington [written on side Hartford] Hartford County and State of Connecticut 
Act 2 Sec Feb 3 1853
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE
PROOF EXHIBITED
A pensioner roll of Conn at $20.77 per annum.
Certificate returned.
Claims increase as provided by Act
of July 27. 1868.
Persaid identity widowhood properly shown.
Admitted Aug 6. 1869 to a pension of $96 per annum to commence July 27. 1868 deducting payn twice
WE Trask
Examining Clerk.
Name and residence of Agent
John C Fay
Present.
Page 50

Payment to be made at Hartford by
Seth Belsen Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the 
Agency of 
Connecticut
Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March     [amount scratched through $19.36]  6
Recorded in the Pensions Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 59 Vol. A.
G. T. Getty. Clerk
Page 51

24 R
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WIDOW'S PENSION

I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853, Lydia D. Francis, widow of Robert Francis who was a private in the revolutionary was, is inscribed in the Pension List, at the rate of twenty dollars and Seventy Seven cents per annum, commencing on the 13th of February 1855 and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior
this third day of April
one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
10.38
R W Clelland
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned
J.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 52

Hartford March 27. 1855
Sir
Herewith I transmit the application of Lydia D. Francis Widow of Robert Francis decd late a pensioner under act June 7. 1832 for a pension as his Widow under the 2d section of the Act 3d February 1853.
please make returns to me
I am Very Resp
Your Ob Sev
Henry Fowler

L P Waldo Esq
Comr of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 53

Brief in the case of Lydia D. Francis, widow of Robert.
Hartford County and State of Connecticut
act 3d Feby: 1853

Claim, (if "original")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by the rolls? If either, state the substance.

Husband was pensioned under the act of 7th June 1832 @ the rate of $20 77/100 per an: Marriage is proven by the Town record thereof. Pensioner died Feby 13" 1855, as per the affidavits of three witnesses, a certificate of Court & the report of the Third Auditor.
Widowhood & identity is established by the affidavit of three credible affiants.

(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?


Henry Fowler Esq
Hartford, Ct.
Name and residence of Agent

J. C. Boynton
Examining Clerk
Page 54

Hartford July 16, 1833

Sir

Herewith I transmit the Comptrollers certificate establishing Revolutionary service of Robert Francis of Wethersfield sufficient to entitle his widow Lydia Francis to bounty land under act 3 March 1855, whose claim No. 20669 has been suspended for want of record evidence.

I am respectfully your obt servt

Henry Fowler


L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 55

20669
Page 56

Hartford March 27, 1835

Sir

I transmit herewith the application of Lydia D. Francis widow of Robert
Elizabeth Strong " " Jacob     } Revolutionary
Riley Thompson : Matthew
Julia Warefield " Ephraim 
for Bounty land under the act March 3, 1835
please make returns to me

I am respectfully you ob ser

Henry Fowler


L. P. Waldo Esq
Coms of Pensions
Washington
Page 57

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford July 16th 1855

I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Robert Francis of Wethersfield in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office, and find the name of Robert Francis on a Pay Roll under the following heading vis, "Abstract of Pay for the six months recruits in the 9th Connecticut Regiment from the commencement to the expiration of their services," 1779, "when the said Francis is credited with service from 18th of August to 9th Dec., 3 months 21 days. The said Robert Francis is entered on the Roll as belonging to the town of Wethersfield.
No name of the captain appears on the above mentioned Pay Roll, but it is noted on the Roll as "the Colonels Company."

Alex Merrell, Comptr. 
by G W Robinson Clerk
Page 58

carded
Page 59

21619
Massachusetts
Robert Francis
of Berkshire in the State of Mass
who was a private in the Comp commanded
by Captain Root of the Regt commanded
by Colo Smith in the Masstts
line for 6 1/2 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Mass
at the rate of 21 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of Oct
1833 and sent to H. W. Bishop Lenox

Arrears to the 4th Sept. '22 $54.16
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4'24  20.83
                                           ---------------
                                                $64.99

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk
Book E  Vol. 2  Page 26
Page 60

Robert Francis
Piterfield Ms
Application for Pension
Sept 25 1832
14046
Page 61

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

County of Berkshire, ss.
ON this twenty fifth day of September A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable WILLIAM P. WALKER, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for said County of Berkshire, now sitting, Robert Francis a resident of the town of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy seven 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 Wethersfield in the State of Connecticut on the sixteenth day of April 1755 where he resided until December 1760 when he with his Fathers Family removed to Pittsfield aforesaid, where he has resided ever since. That about the last of June or 1st of July 1776, he enlisted at said Pittsfield in a company commanded by Captain Oliver Root, in Col Jonathan Smiths Regiment & Genl John Fellows Brigade for the term of five months, it may have been six months. That the said Captain Root marched his company from said Pittsfield for the city of New York on the 24th day of July 1776, he said Francis marching with said company that he arrived at the city of New York about the first of August. He was at New York when the Brittish took possession of the city. Captain Root, then being detached to take care of the sick at Horseneck in the State of Connecticut- he said Francis was ordered there with him, and remained taking care of the sick until about ten days before the Battle of White Plains, where he joined the Army again at that place, and was in the Battles at sd White Plains, he afterwards marched with said Roots company from time
Page 62

to time until he arrived at Crotons Bridge in the sd State of New York, where he was discharged about the first of December 1776.
Genl Putnam was at the Battle of White Plains, he saw Genl. Washington often whilst he was stationed in New York City. He was frequently called out on alarms during the year 1777, was marching for Fort Ann, and had arrived at Manchester in Vermont when he received orders to return as the Battle was over, he once went to Saratoga when Captain William Francis was commander of company at that place & he thinks Col. John Brown commanded the Regiment- he belonged to Captain William Francis company at sd Pittsfield and his standing order was to be ready to march at a moments warning. That he did hold himself so in readiness, and that he actually served on these alarms besides the five months aforesaid, according to his best recollection from 40 to 60 days, making in all 6 1/2 to 7 months, without calculating the time he was under orders & equipped to march at a moments warning, he sd Francis had no written discharge but was discharged with the whole Regiment, he sd Francis refers the Secretary of War to the deposition of James Taylor accompanying these papers & a copy of Capt. Oliver Roots Role
Page 63

& Commission to prove his services.

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, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Robert Francis
W. P. Walker J. Probate

We Robert Green, a Clergyman, residing in the town of Pittsfield in the sd county of Berkshire and James Taylor residing in said Pittsfield hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Robert Francis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 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.

Robert Green
James Taylor

Sworn and subscribed, the day year aforesaid.

W. P. Walker J. Probate

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 Robert Green who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that James Taylor who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

W. P. Walker J. Probate

I, HENRY W. BISHOP, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Robert Francis for a pensions.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office of said Court of Probate, this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.

Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate
Page 64

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss., On this second day of July A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable William W. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Berkshire now sitting at Lenox in said County, Robert Francis a resident of the town of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following additional declaration in amendment of his former Declaration, made on the twenty fifth day of September A.D. 1832, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, that by reason of old age & 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 before and in the following grades.
In the year 1776, for five months as a private soldier & in the year 1777 for one month & a half as a private soldier-making in the whole six months & a half.
For the reason aforesaid he cannot state more particularly than is stated in his former Declaration, the precise time of his first enlistment, nor the precise times of his being called out in the year 1777 on alarms- the first time he is confident was in June of that year & the last time in October of the same year- at every time in sd year 1777 he belonged to Capt. Wm Francis' Company & he thinks Col. John Brown's Regiment.
He never received a written discharge and he has no record of his age- he copied about fifty years ago the record of his age, made by his father
Page 65

from his Father's Bible or account Book, but his own account Book, which is now in his possession, the original has been lost for many years.

Robert Francis

Sworn to & subscribed the say & year aforesaid.

W, P, Walker J. Probate

I, Henry W. Bishop, Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in retaken the amended & supplementary declaration in the matter of the application of Robert Francis for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office of said Court of Probate this second day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.

Henry W. Bishop- Register of Probate
Page 66

Robert Francis
Massachusetts
Private 6 mos 15 days
5.16.1606
May 25 1833
P. 407
14046

4333
1087
------
5410

H. W. Bishop Esq
Lenox
Mass
Page 67

BRIEF in the case of Robert Francis
of Berkshire in the State of
(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?  77

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period: July In 1776 enlisted
Duration of Service: about 5 months
Rank: Private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served: Capt Root Col Smith

Period: called out 1777 frequently once to Saratoga making in all July... 8 1/2 months
Duration of Service: 1 month 15 days
Rank:
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served: Capt Francis  Col Brown

5. In what battles was he engaged?  Battle of White Plains

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Pittsfield Mass

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and of so, in what respect?  the papers are not attached agreeably to the regulations- the papers are [unk] [unk]- neither periods or length of service are distinctly given

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

George Taylor
Examining Clerk
Page 68

17420
INVALID

No. 17420
Robert Francis
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7 '32
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 133
[Arrangement of 1870]


Apl 17 1901
Miss Bell West
Sandusky Ohio
Page 69

17420
Robt Francis
Sept 25- 1832- 77
Pittsfield Mass
Born Wethersfield Ct. Apl. 16, 1755
July 76. Pittsfield Mass
Capt Oliver Root
Col Jona Smith
Pvt 5 mo
was out on alarms several times in 77 under different affairs 46 to 60 days
White Plains
Page 70

21619

327 Hancock St
Sandusky Ohio
March 29, 1901

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir:-

I have in my possession my great great grandfather's pension certificate from the Revolutionary War- Robert Francis of Pittsfield Massachusetts. The certificate is recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E, Vol 2, Page 26, by G. C. Stiles clerk- Can you give me any more of his
Page 71

military history & whether this certificate I possess is authentic. Any information on the subject will be greatly appreciated.

Yours Truly

(Miss) Bell West
Page 72

LS  Colony of the Massachusetts Bay}
The Major Part of the Council of the Massachusetts Bay in New England

To Oliver Root Gentleman  Greeting.
You being appointed Captain of a company in the third Regiment raised by order of Court to go to New York, whereof Jonathan Smith Esq is Colonel.
By virtue of the Power vested in us, We, its by them personally reposing special Trust and confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct, Commission you accordingly. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good order and discipline: And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain and you are yourself to observe and follow such orders and instructing as you shall from time to time receive from your Superior Officers.

Given under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Pittsfield the third day of July in the year of our Lord 1776.

By the command of the Major Part of the Council}

John Lowell Dep Secy 8T

Jer: Powell
B Greenleaf
W Spooner
Caleb Cushing
J Winthrop
T Cushing
S Hotten
John Taylor
B White
Wm Phillips
Jabez Fisher
Danl Davis
Jos Cushing
D Sewalt
D Hopkins
Page 73

I the subscriber, Register of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Berkshire within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify that a paper bearing marks of great antiquity and undoubtably genuine of which the within is a true copy has been presented & compared by me Henry W. Bishop.


Francis, Robert
(Mass.) S-17420

Copy of Captain
Oliver Root
Commission
Dated July 3d 1776
Page 74

I, James Taylor of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts being of lawful age, do testify and say that I am intimately acquainted with Robert Francis of said Pittsfield, and have been for more than sixty years that he said Francis is a neighbor of said Taylor & has been ever since the year 1770. That he this Deponent is well knowing to the said Robert Francis's Enlisting as a Soldier at sd Pittsfield, in the latter part of the month of June or the early part of the month of July 1776 into a company commanded by Captain Oliver Root in Colonel John Fellows Brigade. The 1st Lieut. was Clark & the 2d Lieut. Ebenezer Newell & the Ensign Cook. That said company marched from said Pittsfield for the city of New York the 24th July 1776, and said Francis went with said Company, that in the month of August 1776, he this deponent, went to the sd City of New York and joined said Company as a Substitute for Corporal Thomas Taylor who belonged to the same & was sick that he this deponent continued doing duty in the said company until about the first week of December 1776, when the said company were all discharged at or near Crotons Bridge. That said Robert Francis was in said company when he arrived at the City of new York and continued in
Page 75

the service of the United State in said company until he was discharged at Crotons Bridge as aforesaid. He this deponent well recollects that the said Francis was frequently called out on alarms during the year 1777 and he has no doubt and verily believes that the said Francis served nearly two months on these special occasions. Further deponent saith not.
Berkshire Jonesborough September 25th 1832

James Taylor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire  ss. On this twenty fifth day of September AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable William P. Walker, Judge of the Court of Probate within  & for the County of Berkshire, James Taylor a resident in Pittsfield in said County and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.

W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
and I further certify that the said James Taylor is a man of truth and veracity.
W,P, Walker J. Probate
Page 76

I Luther Cogswell of Pittsfield in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being of Lawful age do testify and say that I am intimately acquainted with Robert Francis of said Pittsfield and have been since the year 1770, and I am the said Francis have both resided in said Pittsfield since that time, except whilst we were absent in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War. That I inlisted in the month of May or June 1776 in Captain Oliver Root's Company in Colo Jonathan Smith's Regiment & Genl. John Fellow's Brigade. The 1st Lieut name of said Company was Clark & the 3d Lieut Ebenezer Newell and the Ensign Cook. That said Robert Francis inlisted at the same time I did, in said Root's Company, that we were ordered & marched for the City of New York, where we arrived in the month of July 1776 as we left Pittsfield aforesaid about the 24th of sd July. That we were stationed in New York & Greenwich until the Brittish took possession of the City we then retreated to Kingsbridge & thence on to White Plains, where we remained until after the Battle, afterwards we marched to Croton's Bridge where we were discharge about the 6th of December 1776. I also am knowing to the said Robert Francis being frequently called out on alarms during the year 1777. The precise time or length of times I do not remember. Further deponent saith not.
Pittsfield (Ms) June 10th 1833
affd

Luther Cogswell
Page 77

is entitled to credit.

Daniel B. Bush Justice of the Peace
Page 78

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

BERKSHIRE, ss. I, Henry W. Bishop, Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County, do hereby certify that Daniel B Bush Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this second day of July A. D> 1832.

Henry W. Bishop Register of Probate
Page 79

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire ss. Pittsfield September 25th 1832

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Capt. Robert Francis thirty years, and know him to be a man of strict intregrity, & possessing the confidence of the Town, as he has been either Selectman or Assessor for a t least eighteen years of said time, and that his reputation has been, & is now, that he was a Revolutionary Soldier. Any statement which he may make, relative to services performed during the Revolutionary War, I should place the upmost confidence in, believing that he would not misstate any thing, knowingly, upon that subject.

Phinehas Allen
Joshua Danforth
Henry C. Brown

Berkshire ss. September 25th AD 1832
I the subscriber Judge if the Court of Probate in & for the County of Berkshire aforesaid certify that Phinehas Allen, Joshua Danforth, & Henry C. Brown Esquires are residents of Pittsfield in said County, are credible persons & their statement is entitled to full credit.

W. P. Walker Judge of Probate
Page 80

BREIF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Robert Francis 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?
III.
If the applicant did not 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? No
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? No

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? yes
Page 81

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? yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?   yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 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? No

XVII.
Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
Ct. 2.

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.
Page 82

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 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 shewn under what officers the applicant served ; the duration of each term of engagement ; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; 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 pursuit.
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 service 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 he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, 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 authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper 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.
{hand with index finger pointing right) In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers
Page 83

A Muster Role of Captain Roots Company

1st column of names
Sergt John Fisher
Sergt David Parkhill
Sergt John Mills
Sergy Jesse Spolden

Corpl Josha Smedley
Corpl Thomas Taylor
Corpl Nathaniel Parker
Cporpl Set Pettebone

Drumr Olver Miller
Fifer Hecock Hubbel

Silas Ensign
John Cady
Edmond Bacon
Elijah Osborn
Edward Lewis
Hugh Michel
John Tooley
Samuel Tyler
Ard Roberts
Jacob Galufia
Shebner Spink
Nathan Commins
Ezekial Austin
Benjamin Wait
Josep Bateman
William Cleveland
Stephen King
Timothy Puffer
Isaiah Mason 


2nd column of names
Peter Wright
Israel Way
Nathaniel Spring
William Deming
Jonathan Gromack
Naham Wilson
Ezra Loomis
Richard Treat
John Thorp
Asahel Buck
Joseph Jenkins
Nathaniel Kent
Simeon Tupper
Ebeneser Chapman
Nathan Nickels
David Hubbel
Luther Cogsdale
Ezra Barker
Rice Honeywell
John Ells
Robert Francis
Thomas Wood
Jacob Pettebone
John Foot
Levi Day
Henry Cleveland
Volentine Rathbone
Jonah Jacobs
Amasa Ives
John Collins
Benjamin Trivet
John Hall
Page 84

1st column of names
Nathan Commins
Ezekial Austin
Benjamin Wait
Joseph Bateman
William Cleveland
Stephen King
Timoth Puffer
Isiah Mason
Charles Norton
John Parker
Joseph Stephens
Joseph Stodard
David Coller
Mical Parker
Thadeas Frisbey
Thomas White
William Cady
Benjamin Cole
William Miller
Isaiah Honeywell
Aaron Dillano

2nd column of names
Levi Day
Henry Cleveland
Volentine Rathbone
Jonah Jacobs
Amsa Ives
John Collins
Benjamin Trivet
John Hall
Theofilas Warren
Jonathan Byham
Joseph Eddy
Andrew Parker
Ebenesor Kellogg

17420
Robt Frances   (written in pencil below list of names)

across bottom of page
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire Ss G Henry W Bishop Register
of the Court of Probate within and for
Page 85

said: County certify that a book of very ancient appearance purporting to be a book kept by Capt. Over Root late of Pittsfield in said County had been presented to me and therein is contained a record of the Roll of his company of which the foregoing is a copy
Henry W. Bishop





Capt. Oliver Roots
Role