Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,610, Elijah Francis, Conn.
Page 1

[typewritten form with handwritten entries]

(3-1778)

SERVICE 
Conn.

NAME 
Francis, Elijah
Jane

NUMBER  
W.25.610

CONTENTS
Page 2

[typewritten form with handwritten entries]

9013
Connecticut

Elijah Francis 
of New Britain in the State to Conn't 
who was a Pri in the Com commanded 
by Captain Hooker of the Regt commanded 
by Col Matt in the Conn't 
line for 2 mos 7 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Conn't 
at the rate of 70 dollars and 76 Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of March 1831 and sent to Thomas
Lee. Berlin Connt

Arrears to the 4th of March 33 $141.44
Semi anl payment ending Sep. 30 35.33
$176.77

Revolutionary War
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by E D bullock Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 13
Page 3

[handwritten]

Elijah Francis
2085
New Britain Conn
Page 4

[handwritten]

State of Connecticut}
Hartford County  }Ss  Berlin July 31st A 1832

On this 30th day of July A 1832 personally 
appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for Berlin District in the County of Hartford, now 
sitting. Elijah Francis a resident of said Berlin 
aged Seventy three years next January 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 7th A 1832. That he entered the 
Service of the United States under the following 
named officers, and served as herein stated

1st I enlisted into the service of the United States 
Militia Company of State Troops as they were called 
in the Command by Captain Noadiah Hooker 
of Farmington - Heath was first Lieutenant 
Skinner was a Lieut Nemuel Hotchkiss of
Farmington 
was ensign was Ensign. the Regiment was commanded by Col
Mott, we marched from Farmington by the way of 
Sheffield Lenox Williamstown, to Shaensborough 
in the State of New York, this was in the year 1778.
I entered the service at this time the last of May 
or first of June, returned in December, I served at 
this time six months, I do not know of any person 
living who served with one, I had been sick, and when discharged, my Brother James Francis came and 
met at WMinster, where I had been confined 
about a week, & he from there took one home 
on horse back, some days I could only ride about 6
miles.

[I entered the service crossed out] United States in under Capt William Judd of 
Farmington I believe it was by enlistment 
Gore was Lieut Tarbox Lieutt for him
Page 5

[handwritten]

2
Mix of Farmington was Ensign, the Regiment was 
commanded by Col. Saml Willis of Hartford, the 
Lieut Col was Col Butler, the Major was Grosvenor, 
& I think Genl Pomeroy of Middletown commanded 
the Brigade. We marched to Middletown - then 
to New Haven, by the way of Danbury to Peekskill 
in the state of New York. I served at this time 
eight months in different places was at White 
Plains, Fishkill, Rheinbeck, Red Hook &c. 
I entered this compaign in June 1777 was discharged 
in Kingstreet in the state of New York, February in 
the year 1778 as near as I can recollect.
2nd
3rd I was enlisted into the United States service on June 1779, the company 
into which I enlisted was commanded by Capt. John Allyn of Farmington, 
the Regiment was commanded by Col. Mathew Mead, 
a Wm. Brown was Major, and marched from Farmington 
to Horse Neck, we were employed in scouting 
and guarding the coast. I served at this time about nine
months. I was at the taking of Col. Hatfield at
Morrisania near New York, we took at the same time
30 or 40 of Tories in Refuge.
I have no documentary evidence; we were discharged
in may, & if I had any written discharge, it is
not remembered, or is lost, I lived in Farmington 
at the time I served in the Revolutionary War;
and was [illegible word crossed out] since I have lived in that part of the 
town of Farmington, which now is Berlin. my services
were all in the state service, except the [illegible] declaration,
which I suppose was the follow up on the continental 
service, it being [thought crossed out] to get [illegible] for 3 years
I was inlisted for nine [9 crossed out] months; and served about 9 months 
I have no documentary evidence of any of my service
Page 6

I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declare that my name is not in the pension roll of the agency of any State
Elijah Frances [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the date and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District

Interrogatory 1 Answer in Farmington
Interrogatory 2 Answer in my father's Bible
Interrogatory 3 in Farmington & [illegible], and that part of Boston which was then [illegible]
Interrogatory 4 Answered in his declaration
Interrogatory 5 Answered in his declaration
Interrogatory 6 Answered in his declaration
Interrogatory 7 Phineas Penfield Master Sam'l Hart & William Smith Esq
Elijah Frances [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District

Hartford County Ss. Berlin July 30th 1832 
We the neighbors of Elijah Francis who has sworn the following declaration, have always lived near him, and consider him as a man of truth & credibility, of unblemished moral character, and believe him of the age he states [illegible] and that he performed  the service he states in the Revolutionary War. And is reputed as having often been called in that service
Phineas Penfield
Sam'l Hart
William Smith
Page 7

Hartford County ss Berlin July 31th 1832
I Samuel Higby of for the County of New Haven certify, depose and say that I was acquainted with Elijah Francis, formerly of Farmington and served in the army in the year 1777 with him, in Col Nathan Meads Regiment, in Capt John Allyn's My Company at Horse Neck, I did not serve with him quite all of the time, but have no doubt that he served about the length of time he has stated in his declaration I am 74 years next month 
Samuel Higby [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District.

County of Hartford Ss Berlin  July 31st 1832
In the year 1777 I was a private in Capt Kenny [illegible] company in the Revolutionary we were stationed at Peeskill. I often saw Elijah Francis who was in Capt Nathan Mead's company and have no doubt but he served eight months as he has stated in his declaration. [illegible] both Col Wills, Regiment & belonged to the same town when he entered the service, viz the Town of Farmington
John Anderson [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlon District.

Hartford County ss Berlin July 31st 1830

This may certify that I am knowing to my brother Elijah Francis, enlisting into Capt Noadiah Hooker's company in the year 1776 he was in service ten months and I remember of going to Williamston near the end of his service. He was sick, and I brought
him home to our Fathers Have, I Also remember of the within campaigns mentioned in his declaration.
James Francis [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
Page 8

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Judge of Probate Berlin District

State of Connecticut 
Hartford County Ss Berlin July 11, 1832.
I Jonathan Carswell a Clergyman residing in the town of Berlin and Samuel Hart Physician residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elijah Francis who has Subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy three 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 
Jonathan Cogswell
Samuel Hart [signatures]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District,

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 Jonathan Cogswell who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Berlin, in the Parrish of New Britain and that Doctor Samuel Hart who has also signed the same
a resident in the town of Berlin and are credible persons, and their statement is  entitled to Credit. And the Court further states that Phineas & William Smith who have made oath to the first certificate [illegible] under Samuel Hart who has also signed the certificate  are men of truth and respectability living in said Berlin and that their statement is entitled to credit, that Samuel hart who has signed and made oath to the certificate lives in Milford in the County of New Haven is unknown to the Court personally but is reputed
Page 9

That Master Samuel Hart who has also signed the same is a resident of the town of  Berlin and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.  And the court further certifies that Phineas Penfield and William Smith who have signed and made oath to the first certificate (with Master Samuel Hart who has also signed the last) was a man of truth and respectability living in said Berlin and that this statement is entitled to credit, that Samuel Hart who has signed and made oath to this certificate lives in Milford in the county of New Haven is unknown to the courts personally but is reputed  as a man of respectability  and as a deacon of in the church Pastor John Andrews who has signed and sworn to the certificate is a resident of Berlin is a man of trust and respectability, named moreso his statement [illegible] is entitled to credit.
Certified by Thomas Lee Judge Probate District of Berlin

I George Washington Southworth Clerk of Probate in the district of Berlin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings  of the court in the matters of the application of Elijah Frances, for a Pension and also certify that Thomas Lee, who has affixed his name in his own hand is Judge of Probate in Berlin District.

In testimony whereof I have transcribed with my own hand and seal of Office this 8 of August 1832
Geo. W. Southworth Clerk.
Page 10

432
Jane Francis
wid of Elijah
Conn.
Act 17 June, 1844
admitted
21 mo 1 days private
$70.72 per an,
from 39th October, 1846
when husband died

Ira E Smith Esq
New Britain 
Hartford Co
Conn
Page 11

State of Connecticut.
His Excellency ISAAC TOUCEY. of aforesaid said State

WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That Ira E. Smith Esq. Judge of Probate in and for the District of Berlin in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that his acts and attestations, as such
full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court that the within attestation is in due form and by the proper officer
Isaac Toucey [signature]

In Testimony where I have caused the public seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 12th 
day of January A.D. 1837 and in the seventy first year of the Independence of the United States

By His Excellency the Governor
Charles W. Bradley
Secretary of State
Page 12

State of Connecticut
Probate Court of Berlin SS Berlin 6 January 1837

I Ira E. Smith Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Berlin Do hereby certify, that the said Jane Francis, who is well known to me, made the within and foregoing declaration
before this Court on this 6th day of January AD 1847 and that she made solemn oath to the truth of the same and subscribed the same in open Court

I further certify that Elijah Frances was a pensioner at the rate of Seventy Dollars per annum 
that he was a resident of Berlin in the County of Hartford State, and died in said Berlin on the 30th day of October AD 1846, leaving a widow whose name is Jane same Francis, and who is the identical person who has signed the foregoing declaration

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed name and affixed the seal of this court this 6th day of January 1847
Ira E  Smith Judge
Page 13

At a Court of Probate holden at Berlin within and for the District of Berlin on the 6th day of January. 1847.
Present Ira C. Smith Esq Judge

On this day in open Court personally appeared Jane Francis a resident of Berlin aforesaid in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress of the 17th day of June 1844. That she is the widow of Elijah Francis, late of said Berlin who was a private in the Revolutionary War and a Pension of the United States at the rate of seventy 72/100 dollars per annum

The further declares that she was married to the said Elijah Francis on the 21st day of December A. D. 1783 by the Revd John Smalley, then Pastor of the Church of Christ in New Britain and that her husband the aforesaid Eliza Francis, died at said Berlin, on the 30th day of October 1846. that she was married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1st day Janry 1794, at the time above stated sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and date first above written
Jane Francis [signature]

In presence of
John Stanley
Romeo Francis
Page 14

I, Charles J. Sherman, Pastor of the first Congregational Church of New Britain in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, keeper of the Records thereof, hereby certify that the marriage of Jane Clark now the widow Jane Frances, to Elijah Frances of this place late a Pensioner of the United States is recorded on said books in words figures as follows.
"Records of the Church of Christ in New Britain Marriage
Elijah Frances & Jane Clark Decem 21. 1783"

Attest Charles S. Sherman

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford Ss Berlin Jany 15th 1847
Before me personally appeared me Rev Charles J. Sherman, above named and made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate by him made and signed and I certify that I am personally acquainted with the deponent and know him to be a credible and respectable person
Ira E. Smith Justice of Probate
Page 15

[no legible text]
Page 16

O. W. & N. Division.          W. 25610
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
F. S. Bureau of Pensions, [illegible]
Washington, D. C. [illegible]

Sir:-
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history 
of --- Elijah Francis--- 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.
DATES OF
ENLISTMENTOR
APPOINTMENT.
June 1776
May 1777
June 1779

LENGTH
OF SERVICE.
6 mos.
2 mos.
? mos.

RANK.
Pvt.
Pvt.
Pvt.


OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN.
[illegible best guess Jordin Booker]
[illegible best guess Willis Judd]
[illegible best guess John Allyn]

Colonel
[illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible]

State
Conn.
Conn.
Conn.


Alm
Battles engaged in, [illegible]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Farmington, Connecticut.
Date of application for pension, June 30, 18??.
Residence at date of application,[illegible], Connecticut.
Age at date of application,[illegible]

Remarks:
Very Respectfully,
W. M. Francis, Esq.,
Hartford, Conn.   Commissioner.
,
,
,
.
Very respectfully,
IAEL
Commissioner.
Page 17


Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No  25610
Jane Francis
Wid of
Elijah Francis
Pri Rev War
Act Feb 2nd 1848
Index: Vol A, Page 255
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 18

Feb. 6/95 Int, Hist, to Hartford Conn.
W.M. Francis
W. Eil
Page 19

355
Connecticut
Jane Francis
widow of Elijah Francis
who was a Private 
in the Conn. Line
Husbd died 30 Oct, 1846
Inscribed in the Roll at the rate of 
70 Dollars 77
Cents per annum, to commence on23d day of Jany 18687
and sent to
Ira W. Smith Esq
New Britain
Hartford Co
Conn.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book A
Vol 2 Page 52
Page 20

{letterhead]
Hartford Steam Roller
Inspection and Insurance Company
Hartford January 7, 1895

Comm of Pensions
Washington DC

Dear Sir:
Can you give me the  [illegible]
[illegible] pension records [illegible]
[illegible] Elijah and Jane Francis
[illegible served [illegible] Revolutionary illegible]
I desire &  [illegible] the record of 
their enlistment and discharge [illegible]
[illegible] other service  [illegible]
[illegible line]

Your attention to this greatly obliged

Yours [illegible]
Wm B. Franklin]
Page 21

New Britain, Hartford Co
Connecticut Jany 13. 1847
Hon. James L. Edwards
Sir,
At the request of my venerable neighbor, Mrs. Jane Francis, I forward to you the enclosed papers in order that Mrs. Francis, may obtain the pension to which she is by law entitled as the [illegible] of Elijah Francis , late of this town died. Should you find upon examination that any of the papers are incorrect or insufficient, I will thank you when you return them to give a statement of whatever further is required in order that Mrs Francis my obtain her pension.
I am Respectfully
Your obt Sevt.
Ira E Smith
Page 22

Hon. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Jan 16 1847, 
Jane Frances
June 17 1844
Conn
Page 23

Elijah Francis, a pensioner on the Connecticut toll, under the Act of 7 June, 1832, at the rate of $70.77 per annum.
Will the auditor be pleased to say to what time he was last paid?
Pension Office
Jany 22, 1847
Paid to 4th March 1846
B.L.B.
Page 24

State of Connecticut.
I, CHARLES WM. BRADLEY, 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 Ira E. Smith Esquire
is and since the 20th day of June last past. hath been a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County of Hartford in said State, duly appointed 
and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws and 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 this
applicants acts and attestations.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my 
hand, and affixed the Seal of said State
at Hartford, this twelfth day of
January in the year of one
thousand eight hundred and sixty seven.
Charles Wm. Bradley,
[illegible]
Page 25

Berlin December 1837
Dear Sir
As a number of the applications for pensions are returned to my office as being deficient in some particulars. I have thought it best to make some remarks on their being offered again, in each separate application, this will accompany the  application of Elijah Frances. there is great difficulty in the aged about distinctly recollecting the officers in their different tour, as well as the precise length of time Mr Francis was in a number of Campaigns under different officers and had not a scroll of any thing to refresh his memory his declarations were made by recollecting
of things which took place more than 50 years ago and [illegible] time of the survivors who were his contemporaries who labor under the same [illegible] and they often disagree in their recollections

Mr Francis has taken great pains to gather his testimony in his power, and we should think that his claim is now made out, as clear as the nature of his case can be expected. We have had to rely in most of the cases, the very literal requirement your [illegible] you called "traditionary evidence" in the absence of other proof to corroborate the statement of the honest applicant, in all cases obtained
Page 26

the best proof that could be found, and then, in fear it was not sufficient, have resorted to the requirement of  Traditionary evidence and the certificate of 
pensions as required, as to the character of the applicant we believe in the present case no further evidence can be had he has stated as definitively as he can trust 
hurt his memory and made his affidavit as to length of service as the last thing he can do there is no doubt but he was in all the tours he has stated in the mind of any persons who know him, in his tour in 1776 in Hooker Company & [illegible] in the same company who died at Skeensborough, I have often heard Mr Frances relate the officers to my father & grand father when living, as being one who buried him I mention this merely as in this time Mr Francis had not must proof yet all his acquaintance with knew he was in the town by such circumstances where I would earnestly request your office to act on this this Application as soon as received as the anxious applicants whose papers are returned is in much trouble for for the little pittance they had in contemplation to a great honor in their days left of life, with never
be [illegible] and the cold black of December remind the needy of the sufferings expected by a cold winter; and a needy family, are looking with
Page 27

anxiety the results of a parents application. I have written to the Hon J W Ellsworth one of our Members of Congress - that if he can assist the applicant at the Department he is requested to do it

I am Respectfully you your obedient servant
Thomas Lee

To the Hon Lewis Cass Esq
Secretary War
City Washington

N.B. Thomas Hart, whose application has been sent for a pension is dead, if the application can be acted upon and allowed in its present form as is desirable & should be, as his decease will [illegible] a [illegible] of commissions.

[signature illegible]
Page 28

Declaration. In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February 1818 
An Act making further provisions for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution

State of Connecticut
Hartford County Ss Hartford

On this 11th day April 1840 personally appeared before me a magistrate in & for the 
County aforesaid Jane Francis a resident of Berlin in the County of Hartford State of Connecticut Aged eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath makes the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the 
provisions made by the act of Congress on the 7th Feb 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is of Elijah Francis who was a private in the militia in the Revolutionary War & a pensioner under the act of June 1832

That she received a pension under the act of 18 June 1844at the rate  of seventy dollars and seventy cents per annum

She further declares that she is still a Widow

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written, before me, Henry Fowler Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Jane Francis who declared and sworn , she is the same individual who drew a pension as a\stated in the foregoing declaration
Henry Fowler Justice of the Peace
Page 29

State of Connecticut
I, JOHN B. ROBERTSON, 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
Henry Fowler is, and since the 20th day of June last past hath been a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County of Hartford in said State, duly appointed and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws of said State to the the Acknowledgment of Deed, and to certify the same also to administer oaths, as take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court and 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 Henry Fowler, to be genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said state at 
Hartford this 17th day of April in the year of one thousand eight hundred and forty eight

John B. Robertson
Secretary of State
Page 30

Elijah Francis
New Britain
To accompany his pension application No 2085

admit
Private
21 mo.  7 day
$70.72

To Thomas Lee 
Berlin Connt
Page 31

State of Connecticut
Hartford County Ss Berlin November 30 1832

On this 30th day of November 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for Burton District in the County of Hartford now sitting Elijah Francis who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration as an amendment and explanation and further proof of his former declaration stated July 31st 1832 to which this is an addition to accompany the forever application for a pension.

First - In my first former declaration I said I did not know of any person living who served with me in that tour of duty I have since found Mr Joseph Hills who was on the same Company with me whose deposition is annexed to this further application, In that tour, as a private, I now say I enlisted the last of may or first of June in the year 1776 into Col  Motts Regiment of State troops in the company commanded by Capt Noadiah Hooker of Farmington, a Mr Heath was first Lieutenant a Mr. Skinner was a Lieutenant & Lemuel Hotchkiss of Farmington, was ensign. I served as stated in my former declaration at this time six months & returned home in December in the same year
Second. - In my former declaration I stated
Page 32

that I entered this campaign in 1777 & was discharged in February 1778 and that I served at this time eight months as near as I can collect. It appears by the letter from the War Department that I enlisted in Judd's Company the 28th May 1777 for Eight months and was discharged in 1778 I made my declaration from memory I had no writing or memorandum in so far and made my declaration to the best of my recollection of a fact that took place more than  55 years ago; and [illegible] concede that documents are more likely to be correct that my memory for such a length of time yet my time was allowed from the time of my discharge at [illegible] until my arrival home, I could not be short of 8 months - this will be as your Honor to decide but without this or [illegible] it appears that I served from May 1777 to the first of January 1778 inclusive, making 7 months & 7 days in which according to the documents at the War Department. I claim is correct.

Third - In my former declaration I stated that I enlisted into Capt. John Allyns Company in June  1779 & served about 9 months, I had no writing to refer to in this case nothing to strengthen my memory neither could I hear of any person living who served the whole
Page 33

tour with me -  Mr Samuel Higbee whose certificate I obtained was with the company only part of the time - I have since found a Mr Thomas F. Bishop who was also in the same company, only a part of the time, his deposition also accompanies this . I said about 9 months my impression was that I served in this tour 9 months -- but I could not swear positive to the full 9 months, and as I have no evidence for the whole tour I will now
relinquish the one month and make my affidavit that I served not less than 8 months on this tour as a private - and that will include in my affidavit. the time of service in the inst and
declaration also - as do not know of any other proof of my services. I would amend my first Interrogatory by saying I was born in the year 1780 and the 6th by saying I never had any written discharge, and the 5th by saying I knew Gen Putnam commanded the division in 1777. I knew Gen gates- Gen'l Waterbury commanded the troops on the later the time our fleet was destroyed
Elijah Francis [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

Thomas Lee Judge Probate, Berlin district

State of Connecticut 
Hartford County

Personally appeared before me [illegible]
Page 34

undersigned a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Berlin Elijah Francis, who being first duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason to age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For one year nine months & Seven days I served as a private as stated in the foregoing declarations, and for such service I claim a pension.
Elijah Francis [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge Probate Berlin District
Page 35

State of Connecticut Hartford County ss
Berlin November 30th 1832

I Joseph Hills of Farmington in the county of Hartford, depose & say - that about the first of June in the year 1776, I enlisted into Capt. Noadiah Hookers Company in Col. Motts Regiment of state troops, in the service of the United States, we were disbanded in December following after six months service, I will remember that Elijah Francis, the foregoing applicant for a pension, was in the same company with me, and served the whole of tour with me in said company - we were at Skensborough & Ticonderoga in the state of New York most of the time in this campaign, I am a pensioner of the army of the revolution from the year 1818, and shall be 78 years old next January.

Joseph Hills

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

Thomas Lee Judge of Probate
Berlin District
Page 36

State of Connecticut
Hartford County Ss Berlin Novr 30th 1832

I Thomas F. Bishop of Farmington in the County of Hartford depose and say that in August 1779 I went in the service of the United States as a Substitute for my Brother Samuel Bishop, in Capt. John Allyn Company of Militia under the command of  Col Matthew Mead. I joined the Company which was then stationed at Horse Neck, - my brother on my arrival returned home - I found and become acquainted at this time with Elijah Frances, he was a private in the same Company, I have since been well acquainted with him. -in October following I returned home shall here said [illegible] and again joined the regiment. I found there Elijah Francis again. Served in my brothers place as his substitute several times  in this campaign and always found in the company Elijah Francis who is now an applicant for a pension. I did not serve but a part of the time, my Brother who is now dead the remainder - I have no doubt that Elijah Francis Served the length of time he has stated in his declaration, Eight months as he is a man of truth, sustains a good moral Character

I am a pensioner under the act of June 7th 183? and was 67 years old last October
Thomas Bishop [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
Page 37

State of Connecticut
Hartford County Ss Berlin November 30th 1832

And the said Court would certify that Joseph Hills & Thomas F. Bishop whose certificates, or affidavit, and herein annexed to this application, are men of truth, and good moral character living in the town of Farmington, their statements are entitled to credit. and the Court has full confidence & belief in the truth of the
applicants Declaration
Certified by Thomas Lee
Judge of Probate, Berlin district

I George Washington Southworth clerk of Probate for the District of Berlin do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the additional proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Elijah Francis for a pension

In testimony whereof I have set my hand and seal of office this 30th of November 1832.

George W. Southworth Clerk
Page 38

(lined blank page blackened)
Page 39

Ohio
George Francis of Madison Twp in the state he of Ohio who was a private in the regiment commanded by Col Honsegger of the Penn  [illegible] for the duration of the war

Inscribed on the roll of Ohio at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 5th of June 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th of April 1818 and sent to Henry
Graves Esq. Hamilton, Ohio

Arrears to the 4th March 1831  71.96
Semi-anl  all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819 40.00
---
119.94

Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818}
Page 40

Private
Con't Col Hodgkiss Regt
Pennsylvania Line
1776 to 1783 war

See Rhode Island rolls
5th June letter

Admitted
Page 41

within and for said County of Butler personally appeared  George Frances, aged about seventy-three years, resident of the town of [illegible] of New Jersey in said county of  [illegible] who being by me first [illegible] residing the same, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain
the provisions made by the late act of Congress entitled " an act to furnish for [illegible] engage in the the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," That the said George
Frances enlisted in Philadelphia the State of Pennsylvania was in the company commanded by Captain [illegible] Clay in the garrison regiment commanded by Colonel [illegible] in which Regiment
consisted of five Company of Pennsylvania troops and four Company Maryland troops in the fall of 1776 for three years or during the war & served in said regiment until the first day of January 1784 [illegible] in that time was at the taking of the [illegible] at Trenton in the State of Newjersey the 26th of December 1776 and the battle of Princeton the 2d of June 1777 the Battle of Brandywine Sept
11th 77 the battle of Germantown Oct 4th 77 and at the battle of Monmouth Court house June 28th 1778 and in a number of with the enemy in different places and 1779 was in the Indian expedition by General Sullivan destroying the Indians & laid waste to their country. During the time from his enlistment to the first of January 1782 he was a Sergeant in the Company and got his discharge Signed by General Wayne in the month of April 1782 this deponent [illegible] enlisted under Colonel Stuart in the 2d Pennsylvania regiment and served in the company commanded by captain [illegible]
and was marched to Virginia in the year 1782 and was at the taking of Cornwallis at Yorktown Oct 29th 1784 after the surrender of Cornwallis he marched to South Carolina under the command of General Wayne in the year 1782 this deponent was attached to Captain Finney, Company of Infantry,
continued in said Company until the end of the war that was on or about the 30th of October in the year of 1783. this Deponent received his said discharge, at Philadelphia from Colonel Richard Humpton, having served during the war this deponant further saith, that he is in reduced circumstances, and in need of the assistance of his country for support. that he has no other evidence now in his power of
Page 42

[first two lines illegible up to] this fifth day of June [illegible]
George Francis [signature]

State of Ohio Butler County Ss
I, Henry Weaver on of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common pleas within and for said county of Butler do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction said George Frances did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy [illegible] personal knowledge he is in need of [illegible] and absolutely needs the assistance of his Country for support . I now transmit the proceedings and testimony  taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. Given under my hand this fifth day of June A.D. Eighteen hundred and Eighteen --
Henry Weaver

State of Ohio Butler County
I, John Reily Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Butler aforesaid do
certify that Henry Heaver Esquire before whom the foregoing or within deposition and 
the above certificate were taken and made, was at the time of the taking and making thereof an associate Judge of the Court of Common pleas of the county of Butler and that to all his official acts as such full faith and credit is due and ought to be given

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official Seal at Hamilton the seventeenth day of June One thousand eight hundred and eighteen
John Reily
-
Page 43

[no legible text]
Page 44

[smudged typewriting on the whole document]

[date illegible]
addressee illegible]
[greeting illegible]
[illegible] I hope to advise you from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension office [illegible] it appears George Frances enlisted in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in the fall of 17?? and was a sergeant in Captain [illegible] company, illegible] regiment.  He was in the battles of [illegible] [illegible] Brandywine [illegible] Monmouth and in [illegible] against the Indians - and served until [illegible] in 17??, after which he enlisted and served in Captain [illegible] company, Colonel Stewart's Pennsylvania regiment: was at the taking of Cornwallis. After the surrender he marched to South Carolina under Colonel [illegible] and in 1783 was attached to Captain [illegible] company and served until October 30, 1783.

He was allowed pension on his application [illegible] June 8, 18?? at which time he was a resident of Madison Township Butler County Ohio, aged seventy seven years.
Page 45

[more smudged typewriting]
[illegible line]
[illegible paragraph]

Very Truly yours
[illegible]
Commissioner
Page 46

[Mostly illegible]
18
179
Page 47

[no legible text]
Page 48

[letterhead committee members in top left corner illegible]

United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON POST OFFICE AND POST ROADS
June 12, 1928
Mr. Winfield Scott
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Mr. Scott:
I am taking the liberty of enclosing here - with a statement taken from the Archives of the
Pennsylvania State Library and Museum concerning the army record of George Francis.

A friend of mine is desirous of obtaining the date of birth and the date of death of Mr. Francis,
as well as his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Schank Francis. I have been in communication with the War Department in an effort to obtain information concerning Mr. Francis, but, of course, their records would give no information concerning Mrs. Francis, and you probably will not be able to furnish any data on the subject concerning her unless she was a pensioner.

In any event, will you kindly advise me what you are able to ascertain concerning Mr. and Mrs.
Francis, and I would thank you to return the enclosure with your reply.

Very sincerely yours,
Cyrus Locker

[stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
A JUNE 18 1928
Page 49

John C. Cable
[illegible]
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington D.C.
14 September 1929

Honorable Earl D. Church, Commissioner
Bureau of Pensions
Department of the Interior
Washington D.C.

In re:
Francis, George,
Cumberland County, Pa.
Revolutionary War.

Dear Mr. Church:
Will you please give me the service record of the above soldier, who served during the War of the American Revolution, and oblige
Sincerely yours,
John L. Cable [signature]
John L. Cable, Ohio.

[sideways]
revolutionary

[stamp]
Sep 16 1929
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 50

June 14, 19??
[addressee illegible]
My dear [illegible]
In response to your letter of the twelfth instant, with evidence from Mr. H. H. [illegible] Archivist, Harrisburg Pennsylvania, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim [illegible] it appears that George Francis enlisted in in the fall of 1778 and was a sergeant in Captain [illegible] company Colonel [illegible] Pennsylvania regiment.  he was in the battles of [illegible] [illegible] Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth and in Colonel [illegible] expedition against the Indians, and served until January 1, 1781. After which he enlisted and served in Captain Bonham's company Colonel Stewart's Pennsylvania Regiment, was at the taking of Cornwallis, after the surrender he marched to South Carolina under General Wayne, and in 1782 was [illegible] in [illegible] [illegible] Company and served until 
[End of letter page]
Page 51

[Letter continued from previous page]
He was granted pension on his application executed June 5, 1818 at which time he was a resident of Madison Township, Butler County, Ohio, aged seventy-three years.
There are no data as to family.
The above noted George Francis (Fransis) is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Herewith is returned the enclosure from Mr. H. H. Frank.
Very truly yours
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 52

Division of Veteran's Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD

NAME Francis, George  GRADE Sergeant  LINE  Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9364  ACREAGE  100  ISSUED April 6, 1790 to Not shown
Notation: on file, not delivered


Information concerning Warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volume 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants issued prior to 1800 which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives
Page 53

[no legible text]
Page 54

(lined paper - black - unable to see anything written)
Page 55

In the Circuit Court of the said County

State of Arkansas 
County of Johnson Ss Johnson, September Term AD 1837

Be it remembered that on this Twelfth day of September in the Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty seven, personally appeared in open Court Henry Francis a resident of the aforesaid County of Johnson, and State of Arkansas, aforesaid aged Eighty two years on the 1st day of April last, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

I was born in the State of Virginia in the year 1755, but have no record of my age nor do I know where there is any such record When I enlisted in the service, as a volunteer I was living in the State of Virginia Wythe County and since the Revolutionary war have lived in the States of Kentucky and Missouri and now reside in the aforesaid County of Johnson and State of Arkansas, and have lived in the last mentioned state for the last seven years

I volunteered in the war of the Revolution, with this - in the company to which I belonged, was a volunteer company, and commanded by Capt Isaac Campbell, In consequence of age
and infirmity, and the partial loss of memory
Page 56

I do not recollect the time of volunteering, but I distinctly recollect that I was in service for the space of two years and two or three months, I was in the battle of the Shallow Ford of the Yadkin in North Carolina, a fact known to John Ward of Wythe County Virginia, if he be now living, who was also in the same battle, and shot through the leg. My father was likewise in the same battle and killed a few steps from me.  I think the battle was fought sometime in the year 1780, but from the lapse of time cannot be positive; yet the history of the revolutionary struggle will probably Show the time. The whole of my service in the revolution I am positive and certain was more than two years as before stated. I do not recollect that the company
to which I belonged was ever attached to any Regiment, No discharges were granted to any of the Company owing to the fact that Capt Isaac Campbell our Commander as previously stated, fled ignobly at the said battle of the shallow Ford,-- left his men to preserve themselves by their own individual rules or perish and never dared to stand a trial by a Court Martial

I am personally Known to Benjamin Clark James M Campbell, and David Ward who reside in the neighborhood in which I live,

I further say that Major Joseph Cloyd commanded as major at the battle of the Shallow Ford above mentioned and further he saith not
Page 57

Signed sworn to and subscribed in open Court, the day and year aforesaid
Henry Francis [signature]

We Benjamin Clark a clergyman, residing in the aforesaid County of Johnson, and State of Arkansas and James Campbell residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Frances who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty two and a few months upwards as stated, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed in open Court the day and year first aforesaid
Benjamin Clark
James W. Campbell [signatures]

And the said Court, 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 to him that Benjamin Clark, who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman, residing in the County of Johnson State of Arkansas, and that James W. Campbell who has also signed the same, is a resident of the last mentioned place, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Page 58

I Augustus N. Ward Clerk of the Circuit Court of Johnson County and State of Arkansas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Henry Frances for a pension

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 12th day of September AD 1837.
Augustus Ward Clk

I, Robert A Watkins Secretary of State of the State of Arkansas do hereby certify that Augustus N Ward whose signature to the foregoing instrument [illegible] is a regular commissioned Clerk of the Circuit & County Court for the County of Johnson and State as aforesaid and that full faith and credit are due to all his acts as such

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of Office at Little Rock this 14th of October, 1837 and of the American independence the 61st year

R.A. Watkins Secretary of State
Page 59

State of Arkansas County of Johnson County
Be it Remembered that personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace the undersigned person and made oath deposeth and saith that when a small boy he lived  in Wythe County Virginia and [illegible line] was in the battle of Shallow Ford of the Yadkin in North Carolina and when he returned home was wounded by a ball being shot through his leg.

When I moved to Arkansas Major Henry Frances heard my name and inquired of me if I was related to a certain John Ward that was with him at the battle of Shallow Ford and repeated the circumstances of being behind the same tree and stated to me that my uncle was shot through the leg and his father was killed a few steps off - this statement was made without any knowledge of me before that time

Question by Major Francis what do you believe of my standing
Answer, I believe him to be a man of veracity and every statement he make on oath is to be relied on
John Ward [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed to before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Johnson and State of Arkansas this  Ninth day of September AD 1837
John Swagerty JD
Justice of the Peace

I Robert A Watkins Secretary of State of the State of Arkansas do hereby certify that John Swagerty
Page 60

whose signature to the foregoing instrument of [illegible] is a registered commissioned 
Justice of the peace for the County of Johnson and state aforesaid and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of office at Little Rock this 9th day of October 1827 and of the American independence the 62nd year 
R.A.  Watkins Secretary of State
Page 61

Free
To the Honorable Secretary of War
Washington City DC

Arkansas 1832

Henry Frances

[postmark]
LITTLE ROCK ARK
OCT 23
Page 62

Little Rock
October 26th 1857

[illegible name]
Secretary of War

Sir,
the Enclosed claims for pension have been handed me [illegible]  the application and I take the liberty sir, of recommending them to you for favorable consideration

With the profoundest respect I have the honor to subscribe myself, your humble and
obedient Servant
J. H. Hempstead
Page 63

3739
P.O. Henry Frances
Service: ____
REJECTED
Enlisted :
Discharged:
Application Filed:
Alleges:
Re-Enlisted :
Attorney:
P.O. :

_____ Recognized: _____ Contact
Page 64

[no legible text]
Page 65

Number
W.459 

(lined paper, black, unable to see anything written)
Page 66

New Jersey 1720
Jacob Francis
[illegible] in the State of New
was a Private in the Co commanded
Captain Brook, of the Regt. commanded 
Col. Phillips in the New Jersey
for two years,
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey
the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Aug
1833 and sent to Ch 
Saxton Flemington, N Jersey
Arrears to the 4th of March, 1833, 160
Semi-anl.. allowance ending 4 Sept '[illegible]3  40 
$200.00
[Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832]
Recorded by Wm R Palmer, Clerk
Book  E. Vol. three Page 111
Page 67

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County ss:

On this 10th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Court of Common Pleas holden at Hunterdon in and for the County of Hunterdon and state of New Jersey Jacob Francis, a (illegible) aged seventy eight years, (illegible) 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 in the Revolutionary War as here stated. viz I was born in the township of Amwell in the county of Hunterdon on the 15 January 1754. I never had or saw any record of my age, I learned it from my mother & the persons with whom I served my (illegible) I was of age, as I always understood I was bound by my mother a colored woman when I was young to one Henry Wambough, (or Wambock) in Amwell, he parted with me to one Michael Hatt, he sold my time to one Minner Gulick (called Hulick) a farmer in Amwell he sold my time when I was a little over 13 years of age to one Joseph Saxton, he went in the spring of the year 1768 and took me with him as his servant to New York from there to Long Island where we took shopping in 1768 and went to the island of St John, we visited different parts of that island and spent the summer thru towards fall we came to the town of St Peters where we took shopping and returned to Salem Massachusetts when we arrived about the month of November
Page 68

when in Salem Mr. Saxton sold my time to one Benjamin Deaton with whom I was to serve 6 years & until I was 21 years of age, with him I lived and served in Salem until my time was out was out which was in January 1775. I lived in Salem & worked for different persons until the Fall of 1775 [illegible] of that again the war had commenced and the Battles Bunker Hill & Lexington had taken place about the last of October I enlisted as a soldier in the United States service for one year. I was told they were enlisting men to serve one year from the 1st of January 1776, but I showed receive pay from the time I enlisted & enlisted [illegible] the service about the last of October and received two months pay for my service up to 1 January 1776, I enlisted at Cambridge about 4 miles from Boston under Captain John Wolley, or Worley or Whorley in Col Paul Dudley Sergeant Regiment (Col Sergeant I understood had lived in Cape Ann)-- When I left New Jersey and well with M. Saxton to St. Johns. I did not know my family name but called  myself Jacob Gulick, after the M Gulick I had lived with (or Hulic), and was enlisted by that name but after I returned to New Jersey was informed by my mother that my family name was Francis & after that time I went by the name of Jacob Francis -

Capt Wooley or Worley as his name was called, was Captain. his brother was lieutenant his Christian name I forget and he had two sons one a Sergeant & the other a Drummer in the same company in which I enlisted - the Majors name was Ashton or Afton the Christian  name I don't recollect
Page 69

the Lieutenant Colonels name was Jackson [three lines crossed out] I remember their 
was in the Regiment Captains Pope, Scott, Barnes, Ferrington & I forget the names of the other. - General Putnam was the general that I [illegible] recollect serving under - 
at the time  I was enlisted the British Army lay in Boston, after that I remained with
the Regiment at Cambridge and in the neighbourhood of Boston until the British were
driven out of Boston, [illegible] General Putnam more particularly from a circumstance that occurred when the troops were engaged in throwing up a breastwork at Leechmore's point across the river opposite Boston between that & Cambridge, the men were at work digging, about 500 men on the fatigue at once, I was at work among them, they were divided into small squads of 8 or 10 together & a non commissioned officer to oversee them, General Putnam came riding along in uniform as an officer to look at the work they had dug out a pretty large stone which lay on the side of the ditch, the General spoke to the corporal who was standing looking at the men at work. & said to him "my lad throw that stone upon the middle of the breast work", the Corporal touching his hat with his hand said to the General " Sir I am a corporal.-- Oh" said the General "I ask your pardon sir" and then immediately got off his horse and took up the stone and  threw it up on the breastwork himself & then mounted [illegible] giving directions &
Page 70

[illegible] the winter season & the ground was frozen - in 1776. after the British left Boston. on the army with our Regiment and myself among with them marched the way of Roxbury (that way we could go by land) over a cause way into Boston.& stayed there   
two on three days, thence were ordered out to Bunker hill we marched out & remained there, and lay there some time then one Regiment was ordered to an Island at that time called Castle William - the Island contained about 10 acres. It was about 3 leagues  or 9 miles from Boston, the channel for [illegible] passed close under it the Island had had a fortification in the shape of a half moon but it was very much destroyed by the British before they left .  the British fleet. then lay about 9 miles farther out - we stayed  on that Island til about harvest time then we left the Island & was ordered to New York
from the Island we crossed the river left Boston on our right hand and marched
to New London then we took shipping and came to New York came down the East River left Long Island on our left the British was then on Long Island at that time the people were calling out, we laid a day or two in New York there were no other troops but our Regiment with us, after a day or two we marched out to a place called Huntgate on the south side of the east river there we threw up breast works; and the British threw up breast works on Long Island on the opposite side of the east river & used to fire across -  we lay there some time. while we lay there the battle of long Island took place
Page 71

then was a number of men detailed from our Regiment so many from each company to go over & join the American army perhaps 200 men. I was one who crossed the river at Hunt Gate and marched on to the Island in the direction we was ordered, but did not get to join the army but the trouble had commenced & our army was on the retreat.  We had to cross a creek to get to our army one who had engaged the enemy on the other side but before we got to that creek our army was repulsed & retreating & many of them were driven into the creek & some drowned.  The British came same in sight & the balls flew round us &  our officers finding we  could do no good. ordered us to retreat which we did under the fire of the enemy - we retreated back to Hunt gate & [illegible] to our fortifications.-- soon after that We had orders to leave that place & marched to West chester by way of Kings bridge we lay there some time and every night
We had a guard, stationed out 2 or 3 miles from where the Regiment lay at a place called Morrisana I mounted guard their every time it came to my turn. there was an Island near there the side made up round it. the British had a station on the Island & a British ship lay there [illegible] in an attack on the island one night Col Jackson was wounded after some time we were ordered to march to the white plains we marched there and then joined General Washington's army - we lay some time at the White Plains- while we lay there the British land
Page 72

landed and attacked some of our troops, I had a brush there; our  Regiment & I with them marched by General Washington order toward a hill when the engagement was but the British got possession of the hill & we retreated back to the camp.  The British established a garrison on the hill. I stood sentinel that night in a thicket between the American camp and the hill so near the British lines that I could hear the Hessians in the Garrison which was between 1/4 & 1/2 mile from me - the British lay there awhile then left that place. & our Regiment march then about 3 or 4 miles further East-- then we received orders & Marched to Peekskill on the north river we halted a day & night a little distance from the river and then crossed at Peekskill to the west side of the river from thence we marched on & I do not recollect the names of the place we passed this but we got to Morristown New Jersey. We lay them one night then marched down to Baskin Ridge & lay there the next night - that night. General Lee was taken in or about. Baskin Ridge I heard the Guns firing-- the next morning we continued our march across Jersey to the Delaware and crossed over to Easton, from thence we marched down the Pennsylvania side  into Bucks County, it was then cold weather and we were billeted about
Page 73

in houses our company lay off from the river a few miles below Howell's ferry & above Howits ferry & lay there a week or two, then we received orders to march & Christmas
night crossed the river early in the morning our Regiment crossed at Howell's ferry four miles above Trenton, & marched down the river Road & entered the West end of the town-- General Washington with the rest of the army crossed at McConkey ferry four miles above Howell & marched down the Scotch road & came into the north end of the town-- We marched down the street from the river and into the town to the Corner where it crosses the street [illegible] at towards the scotch road, I turned at this street. General Washington was at the head of that street coming down towards us & some of the Hessians between us & them. We had the fight & the principal firing was, after about half an hour the firing ceased & some offices among
whom I recollect was general Lord Sterling Rode up to Col. Sergeant. &I conversed with him then we were ordered to follow them officers & Col Sergeant at our head, we marched down thro the town toward [illegible] & up the [illegible] on the northwest & to the East of the town where we were formed in line and
Page 74

in view of the Hessians were paraded on the south side of the [illegible] & grounded there arms & left them there & marched down to the old ferry below the [illegible]. This between  Trenton & [illegible], soon after that a number of men from our regiment were detailed to go down and ferry the Hessians across to Pennsylvania.  I went as one & about noon It began to rain & rained very hand we were engaged all the afternoon ferrying them across, but it was quite dark when we quit. I slept that night in an old mill house above the ferry on Pennsylvania side. The next morning I joined my Regiment where I had left them the day before up the point East of Trenton up the ]illegible] east of Trenton we lay there a day or two & then the time of the years men was out and our Regiment received part of the pay and were permitted to return home. I did not get a discharge, at that time I had 7 1/2 months pay due to me & I believe others had the same. I received 3 months pay all the rest of the Regiment received the same & we were ordered after a certain time to come to Peck kiln on the North river and then we should receive our pay & get our discharges. I was with the Regiment & in service from the time of enlistment until that time about 14 months & never left it until I had rec'd the three month, pay & had permission to return to the place of my nativity in Amwell about 15 miles from Trenton. I immediately returned from Trenton to Amwell & found my mother living, but in ill health, I remained with her and when
Page 75

the time came to go to Peekskill for my pay and discharge I gave up going and never received either my pay or a discharge in writing, that pay 4 1/2 months at 40/ a month [illegible] money equal to $24 yet due to me from the United States, after I came home I was enrolled in the militia as the month's service the militia took turns, one part went one month & then the other part went out a month & relieved them then those that were out the first month went again so that one half the militia in this part of Jersey was out at a time & this continued five years. I always went out where it came to my turn to the end of the war as one of the militia & went out once as a substitute for a person who was to go but could not and gave me $75 continental money to take his place and I did served the month - the name of this person I am unable to recollect as I was not
particularly  acquainted with him. - in the spring of 1777 the first month I went out, was under Captain Phillips or Capt. Charles Ready I cannot recollect which as I was out under them both at different times. We marched first to Elizabeth Town & stayed a month. We laid part of the time at a [illegible] near there called Halsted point. Col David Chambers was Col of the Regiment William Chamberlin Lieutenant Colonel. After that. I went out again another month at Elizabeth town under Captain Philip Snook.- I was out another month under Captain Philip Snook we marched to Newark & laid a month we stayed in a building in Newark called an auxiliary
Page 76

or schoolhouse at that time the British & Hessians lay on Staten Island - an alarm came that there was an attack on the militia at Elizabeth town & sd company marched out toward Elizabeth two miles or more along the road until we came to a piece of higher ground where the British came in sight. When we saw their numbers we fired on them and then retreated and found low ground covered with bushes, stay on the west of the road we returned into meet the Hessians came foremost there was 3 Columns blue Coat Green coat, & red coat & when they got on the higher ground fired on us after we got  off some distance. Some of us concluded to creep back toward the road and get a shot at them. One Joseph Johnson belonging to the company & myself were delegated and
I crept away among the bushes til I got almost within good shot when I heard a noise  behind me and looked round & there were three Hessians belonged to a flanking party
that had gotten. between me and the company they took me prisoner - Johnson
was some distance from me, and was taken prisoner by another party. I was taken away the Hessians that took me out to the road, to the British army & marched with them under guard through Newark, and was carried some distance up the river called second river night came and some time in the night came to a creek that ran down into the river - [illegible] of our Militia but I don't know who expecting the British had placed themselves in some bushes on the left of the road
Page 77

near the crest & fired on the British as we came up (this created some confusion & broke the ranks). & the most of them left the road & received off to the right toward the river. There was four men had me under guard. They turned in the alarm & left me. I stood near a steep bank that can down into some banks as aforesaid. The bank he find [illegible] men a little way from me. I stepped down the bank into the bushes and laid down the militia that had find retreated. & I saw nothing of them. The British staid a few minutes, one of the Captains was wounded, then they formed in the road again & marched on. That same party marched on up to [illegible] & burnt Johns at that time. I lay in the bushes some time til they were all gone then came out & pushed back to Newack & joined Captain Brooks company there about 2 o'clock in the morning. I staid my month out - after that I went out again under Captain Snook & we marched to New Ack and lay there a month I think. I was at New ack & Elizabethtown several times after that. & did tours of duty a month at a time at Newack & Elizabethtown but I cannot state the number of times or particular circumstances that occurred each time. I was out afterwards & did a tour of duty of a month in which - we marched up to Pompton. I laid there some time there was other militia there and two batalion officers & about 1 [illegible] of the militia & myself among others turned out to go on a scouting party & down toward
Page 78

[illegible]
we marched from [illegible] to Paramus from that we marched down to Hackensack and staid all night there the next morning marched down the river towards the British lines & driven a few miles to where there was an old guard house on the west side of the river that was unoccupied-- and on the opposite side another which was supposed to be occupied by the British - went to the guard house on the west of the river & I laid an hour or two - on the other side a piece from the river was army ground after waiting some time we saw some [illegible] come over the army ground at a [illegible] & march down toward the river below us where they were obscured from our sight by an intervening wood. There appeared to be a much larger number of men than we had & the Subaltern who were with us. apprehending they might cross the river below & come in on our rear ordered us to retreat & not to fire, we had not proceed up the river far when a considerable party of the British troops we had seen below came in on the opposite side of the river and fired on us.  The subalterns took the lead in the retreat & ordered us to hurry on without firing, we marched a little way. the British kept firing I was being the most of our party and a bullet struck very near me and upon which I suddenly turned and
Page 79

round and fired then our whole party turned & fired on the British upon which they retreated again one subaltern officers had pushed on ahead and we saw no more of them, we marched in without them and joined the army at head quarter & I joined my company

I was out afterward under Captain Philip [illegible line] particularly being out under him at the time of the battle of Monmouth We were in a Regiment of the Jersey Militia at that time commanded by Col Joseph Phillips belonging to General Dickenson Brigade, our Regiment, & myself with it was on the battle ground & under arms all that day, but stationed on a piece of ground a little to the Northwest of where the heat of the battle was & were not actively engaged with the enemy but our Captain Snook, was permitted
to go, or went for the course of the day for some purposes, but what I am unable to recollect or state to another part of the field, and received a wound from a musket shot through his thigh

After the battle was over we were discharged and returned home. I recollect other occurrences when I was out was out although I cannot State them exactly in the order of time, I was out in the militia at the time of the Battle of Brandywine, I was at Newark at the time Lord Cornwall was taken.-

I am not able to state the times & places of my services more particularly-- But States for  the time he served in the militia added to the time served in the continental army considerably exceeds and the space of two years. I have no discharge or documentary evidence to prove my services or a
Page 80

men enlisted at the [illegible]
all the office under whom I served in the militia are dead Jerome Waldron, John Manners, and Moses Stout , and others were out with me & saw me in the militia served at different times are yet living  & can testify to my being out at particular times [illegible]

And I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except such as may now be allowed me for the services above mentioned and declare that my name
is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Jacob X Frances his mark [signature]

Sworn & Subscribed
August 11 1832

Benj'm Egbert

Herndon Ss. 
Samuel Corwine aged 70 years and being duly sworn according to law before Benjamin Egbert one of the Judges of the court of Common pleas of the County of Hendon on his
oath with that he is well acquainted with Jacob Francis who hath subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that he recollects [illegible] out in the militia in the service of the United States at Elizabeth town in the month of March 1778 - and I recollect in the time of the war it was understood in the neighbourhood where Jacob lived that he had served in the standing army in the New England troops
Samuel Corwine [signature]

Sworn and subscribed August 18, 1832 before
Benj'm Egbert
Page 81


17.20?
Jacob Francis
N. J.

Allowed 2 years

18 months only

N. Saxton
Hemington N Jersey
Page 82

War Department
Pension Office.
22 May 1833
Sir,
The evidence in support of your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, has been [illegible] the following is a statement your [illegible] in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim

A Statement, shewing the service of Jacob Francis a colored man Huntington Co NJ

Period which the [illegible]
Oct 1775 Enlisted in the name of Jacob G[illegible]
Enrolled

Subst 1777 Spring

Duration of Claimant's service
About 14 months
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
___
19 months

Rank of the Claimant
Priv
"
"
"
"
"

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Captains 
Wooley
Snook
Philipp Chawdury
Snook
Snook
Snook
Snook

Names and Rank of Generals and Field Officers
Cols
{illegible]
Chittendon
Phillips

Battles in which the applicant was engaged
Trenton
Skirmishes
[illegible]
Monmouth

Country through which he marched
Mass NY Pa
NJ
NJ

Place of residence when he entered the service, and age at the present period
Aged 78
Salem Mass

Evidence by which the declaration is supported
Traditionary service [illegible]

He is satisfied that the time he served considerably exceed two year

I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 83

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service. but not those who were occasionally employed with, the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[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 an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a 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.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years
 of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 84

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 in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To 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 done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can 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 should 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 name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of bis 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 mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie 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 his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no 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 [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Dyer Castor
[illegible[ Clerk
Page 85

Mary Francis
dow of Jacob Francis
was a Private
the New Jersey
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
60 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Page 86

blank page
Page 87

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County Ss
On this twenty second day of September in the year of one thousand Eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County of Hunterdon Mary Francis a resident of Flemington in the township of Raritan within the said County of Hunterdon aged seventy two years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain windows. That she is a woman of color and is the widow of Jacob Francis a man of color who was a private in the war of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That at the time he made his application for a Pension he resided in the Township of Amwell now being the Township of Raritan, the Township Amwell having since been divided & cut into three that this declarant still resides in Flemington in what is now the Township of Raritan in said County where she & her said Husband came to reside in the spring of the year 1800 and where both have ever since resided untill the death of her said Husband which took place on the twenty sixth day of July Eighteen hundred and thirty six and that she has still remained in the same place where she now resides. That he has not been married to any
Page 88

than person at any time. and that she remains the widow of the said Jacob Francis. That said declarant has no personal knowledge of the services of her Husband not having any acquaintance with him at that time and can only refer to the proof already on the files of the war Department, or to the witnesses by whom his services have already been proved & to others knowing like facts. She has no documentary evidence of his services in her possessionnor does she know of any.

She further declares that she was married to the Jacob Francis in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty nine the thinks in the month of September that the has a record of the Birth of his oldest son and that he was born on the nineteenth day of December seventeen hundred and 
ninety one & she well remember she was married two years never before his birth. That she has no record of her marriage and does not know there ever was any made. That she was married at the House of Nathaniel Hunt her old master while a slave. That her marriage ceremony was performed by a colored man named Cato Finley who was in the habit of solemnizing marriages &
who married most of the colored people in that vicinity. That this deponent has heard that Cato  was previous to that time the property, of old Doctor Finley & was sent by him to solemnize the marriage of colored people and that it was in this way he came so generally to be called to perform this
Page 89

ceremony for people of color. That one Philis Duncan and Mr. Samuel Hunt the person her older sister was present at her marriage whom she expects will testify to the same. That her husband the aforesaid Jacob Francis died on the twenty sixth day of July Eighteen hundred and thirty-six. And that he was the only husband she ever had. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service. That the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four - to wit at the time above stated. That at the time of her marriage it was not customary for white persons to perform the marriage ceremony for people of color, but that so far as she knows it was always done by persons of their own color.
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written in open court
Mary Francis mark
Peter C. Rice
Samuel Hill
Jacob J. Young
Page 90

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County Ss

on this twenty second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand
Eight hundred and thirty Eight personally appeared before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of Hunterdon Philis Duncan of the Township of Lawrence in the County of Mercer aged fifty nine years who being duly sworn according to law on her oath saith that she is well acquainted with Mary Francis the above named declarant and has been for upwards of fifty years. That this deponent was present and saw the said Mary Francis Married to the above named Jacob Francis by Cato Finley. That at the time of said Marriage this deponent & Mary Frances & to
Finley all lived with and were the slaves of Nathaniel Hunt where the marriage took
place at this deponent has no means of ascertaining the time of the marriage of the said Mary but by her own age. That he is now as she is told fifty nine years of age and the
she was a girl of about ten or eleven years old at the time said marriage that she recollects the marriage distinctly & remembers that the said Jacob Francis immediately after his marriage to the said Mary bought the said Mary off her said master Nathaniel Hunt and that the said Mary in a few days left the employ of her Master Hunt & went with her husband the said Jacob. That the said Mary & said Jacob have ever since that time lived together as man & wife until the death
Page 91

of the said Jacob, which took place about two years ago and raised a family of children
That the said Mary is still the widow of the said Jacob not having been married since the death of the said Jacob. That the said Cato Finley was in the habit of solemnizing marriages & performed this ceremony  for most of  the colored people of that vicinity and it was the custom for colored men to perform this ceremony for people of Color
Phillis X. Duncan her mark [signature]

Sworn & subscribed in open Court, the day & year above written
Peter Rice
Samuel Hill
Jacob Young

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County ss 
On this twenty second day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & thirty Eight personally appeared in open court before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County Peter Howard who being duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith, that his well acquainted with the above named Mary Francis and has been for the last thirty five years & upwards. That she with her said husband has resided in Flemington for upwards of thirty five years to the knowledge of this deponent and to the time of the death of the said Jacob Francis. That during the whole time both have maintained excellent characters and that the said Mary has always to the present, been of good repute for honest veracity; that she has been many
years & is still a member of the Baptist
Page 92

church in this place & has raised up a family of sturdy and honest children. That she is unmarried and the widow of the said Jacob That the said Jacob died about two years since and was a pensioner of the United States That the said Jacob & Mary [illegible]
knowledge of them by this deponent have lived together as man & wife
Peter Howard

Sworn & subscribed in open Court the day & year above written
Peter C Rice
Samuel Hill
Jacob Young

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named Mary Francis was married to the said Jacob Frances & that he has deceased leaving her at this time his widow as she states and the court further certifies, that it appear to them that Philip Duncan who has made the above affidavit is a resident of the Township of Lawrence in said County of Mercer and that Peter Howard who has also made a foregoing affidavit is a resident of Flemington in said County of Hunterdon and that they are both credible
persons & that their statement is entitled to credit, certified this twenty second day of
September Eighteen hundred thirty Eight in open Court by us
Peter C Rice
Page 93

Samuel Hill
Jacob J Young

I, Isaac G Foster Clerk of the Inferior Court
of Common Pleas of the County of Hunterdon
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in
the matter of the application of Mary Francis
for a pension
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
seal of office the twenty second
day of September Eighteen hundred
and thirty Eight
Isaac G. Foster Clk
Page 94

[page too dark to read]
C
C


State of New
Page 95

[page black]
orn
1791
J J 
David
Francis was born
November 10 Day 1792
Jacob Francis was born
Dama
July 16 1792
20  mung
Page 96

Illegible writings per blackened out
Page 97

he was allowed pension on his application 
entered August 18 illegible
while residing in illegible New Jersey
He died July 24, 1825.
the soldier reported in September illegible 
they were married at her sister's home by one 
illegible Finley a colored man residing to illegible Finley. who was sent by wife from her mother.
Soldier's widow Mary was allowed pension on her application entered illegible date, as follows she was aged seventy-two years and resided in Anwell illegible county
It was stated that they reared a family of children, the
only names given are
John December 19, 1792
Sarah November 16, 1794.
illegible name July 16, 1799
in 1839, one Nathaniel Francis made affidavit
in Beaverton County New Jersey, in appears the death of Mary Francis no relationship show
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Ada
Page 98

1902-May 31- His
to C.G. Woodson
ECL
 Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 459
Mary Francis 
Widow 
Jacob Francis
Priv N. .J. Line Rev. War
Act: March 3, 1843.
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 252
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 99

[page too dark to transcribe]
Page 100

New Jersey
Jacob Francis [illegible] Act June 7, 1832 to 
what time paid?
Died 26 July 1836/07 that piece Jacob [illegible] died 26 July 1836
JH
Page 101

New Jersey 4219
Mary Francis
widow of Jacob Francis
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832
and who died on the 26. July 1836
Hunterdon Co. in the State of N. Jersey
who was a Private in the company command
by Captain Smock of the regt command
Col. Phillips in the N. Jersey
line for 18 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Jersey
the rate of 60 Dollars --- Cents per annum
to commence on the[crossed out  4th day of March, 1836.]
27. July
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Sep
1839 and sent to James N.
Reading, Flemington, N.J
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '39  206  17
Semi=annual allowance ending Mar "40 30.00 
$236.17 ┃
{Act July 7,
1838.}
Recorded D. Brown Clerk
Book A. Vol. 2 Page 123
Page 102

[blank page]
Page 103

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 2d March, 1848, granting
for one year, to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7, 1838.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
Hunterdon County  ⎬ ss.

On this Seventh day of August 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber, a
Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, Mary Francis a resident of Raritan in the county of Hunterdon aged seventy six years, who being personally known to me and being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons who
served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jacob Francis who was a Private in the war of the Revolution. That she was married to the said Jacob Francis in the month of September in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty nine and that the said Jacob departed this life in the month of July in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty six, since which time she has remained unmarried. That she received a Pension under the act of Congress of the 7th July AD 1838 at the rate of sixty Dollars per annum as will appear by the records & files of the pension office
She further declares that she is still a widow
Mary X Francis her mark  [signature]

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED THE DAY AND YEAR ABOVE WRITTEN, BEFORE ME.
Adam C. Davis Justice of the peace

W. H. Sloan
Page 104

Mary Francis
Declaration
$60
Direct to Jas. N. Reading
Flemington
New Jersey
Page 105

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County
I  Peter Clark Clerk of the Inferior Court
of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby that
Adams C Davis Esq before whom the foregoing
affidavit purports to have been subscribed was at the time of taking thereof and now is one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County duly
commissioned and qualified as such and
that his signature thereto is in his own proper hand writing-
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of said Court
at Flemington this 9th day of December
AD 1843 -
Peter J. Clark Elle
[seal]
I Adams C. Davis one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County
of Hunterdon and before whom the within declaration was made do 
hereby certify that Mary Francis within named is personally known to me And that I have been acquainted with her
for the last nineteen years
H. C. Davis
Page 106

State of New Jersey, Hunterdon County Ss. Before me the subscriber one of the Justice of the Peace in & for said County personally appeared Samuel Hunt who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Mary Francis the above named declarant and hath ben from a child. That said Mary was the property as he understood of Ralph W. Hunt his brother in law who also lived with his father Nathaniel Hunt, and he sold her to Jacob Francis. He saith he is strongly compared that he saw the said Mary & Jacob Francis married by Cato Finley in his Father's house. That they after that lived together as man & wife and had several children & always maintained a good character and respected in the neighborhood that the said Cato Finley who [illegible] the said Jacob & Mary Francis was in the habit of performing the marriage ceremony for people of color in that vicinity & that it was uncommon for persons of Coulor to be married by any other though those own coulor at the time of the said marriage of said Mary - Phillis Duncan who testified to said marriages and Cato Finley both belong to Nathaniel Hunt - the Father of this deponent. That the said Phillis was after wards manumitted and has been free for many years. That the said Cato Finley as this deponent believeth has been dead many years, that the said Phillis Duncan has always maintained a fair character for truth & veracity. That this deponent is fifty eight years old on the 12th of November next 1838 & further saith not.
Samuel Hunt

Subscribed and sworn to this twenty first day of October 1838 before me.
David Stout
Justice of the Peace
Page 107

State of New Jersey 
Hunterdon County ⎬ 
I David Stout Esq  Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Hunterdon aforesaid do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Hunt the above deponent and have been for fifteen years last past one that he is a man of good credit for truth and veracity and that his statements are and ought to be received as true certified this twenty third day of October 1838 by me
David Stout

I Isaac G. Farley Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Hunterdon
hereby certify that David Stout, before whom the above affidavit was made was at the time of the making thereof a Justice of the Peace of the County of Hunterdon and as such authorized by law to administer oaths & take affidavits and that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to his official acts as such and that his signature is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty Eight
Isaac G Farley Clk
Page 108

Declaration of May Frances
4219  2841

H Dcd July 1836
[illegible
Married Sept 1789Mary Fran
Husband died 26 July 1836Jan

Col Phillips
Capt Snook N.J

record of the birth of husband

Admitted 18 months
private 18 months allowed

Certificate to be sent to
James N Reading
Flemington
New Jersey
Page 109

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County
Before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County personally appeared Mary Frances who being duly sworn on oath saith that she is the same Mary Francis, widow of Jacob Francis, deceased, who have both made application to the  War Department for a pension on account of the services of her deceased husband. That the enclosed leaf taken from an old book published or printed in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty seven called "a Draught of the form of the Government of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America" contains the original Record of the Births of her three Eldest children, John Jacob & [illegible].  That her eldest child John was born on the nineteenth day of December seventeen hundred and ninety one and her second son Jacob on the tenth day of November seventeen hundred and ninety four as they there stand recorded. That the record of the birth rest of her children is on different leaves of the Book and that she knows of no record or documentation of the marriage. That said Book has been within his family ever since previous to the year seventeen hundred and ninety one that the whole of the records contained in said Books have been Copied into the family bible some six or seven years since, where Ii now remains to be seen. And further saith not-
Mary X Francis her mark [signature]

Sworn & subscribed this seventeenth day of June Eighteen hundred thirty nine before me

Samuel Hill
Judge & Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County. before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County personally appeared Nathaniel Frances he being duly sworn on his oath saith that he has been
Page 110

acquainted with the Book from which the annexed leaf [illegible] of the ages of the three Eldest children of Jacob and Mary Frances was taken for the last thirty years [illegible] that during that time of [illegible] & Reading said Record [illegible] that  the Book [illegible] in the year [illegible] that the records [illegible] family Bible where they now reside 

Nathaniel Francis [signature]

Sworn and subscribed before me the 17th of June 1839
Samuel Hill
Judge & Justice of the Peace

I, Samuel Hill before whom the above affidavit of Nathaniel Francis was taken hereby certify that the said Nathan has always bore a good character for veracity & that he is a credible person & that I have been acquainted with him for the last twenty years and that he is a number of the Methodist Society of this Village
Samuel Hill

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County Ss
I, Isaac G Porter Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that Samuel Hill Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits was taken is one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the county of Hunterdon duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereto is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Hunterdon this 17th day of June A.D. 1839
Isaac G. Porter Clerk

.-
Page 111

Jacob Frances
Private
76 to 77
Sergeant Map
Regt
17052
Page 112

[blank page]
Page 113

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County

On this thirtieth day of August AD 1819 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Hunterdon Personally appeared Jacob Francis aged sixty six years resident in Flemington in the County of Hunterdon who being by me first duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war". That he the said Jacob Francis left the State of New Jersey when about thirteen years of age with a person of the name of Joseph Saxton, and went to St John's, that from thence he returned to Salem in Massachusetts where he was sold until the age of twenty one to Benjamin Deland, that previous to leaving the State of New Jersey he had acquired the surname of Jacob Hulicks from living with a man of that name, that he did not know his true name, until his return to the State of New Jersey. That he enlisted at Cambridge near Boston in the fall of the year of seventeen hundred and seventy five by the name of Jacob Hulick into the Company of Capt John Whurley, Maj C.  Aston and Lieut Col Jackson, and Col. Paul Dudley Sergeant, for one year, but that he faithfully served till January seventeen hundred and seventy seven till after the taking the Hessians at Trenton in the Massachusetts line, that he was discharged at Trenton in the State of New Jersey. That he was at the battles of Trenton and Long Island and that upon his return to New Jersey he learned from his mother that his true name was Jacob
Page 114

Francis by which name he has ever since been called and known, and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he hath no other evidence now in his power of his services
Jacob X Francis his mark [signature]

Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Capner

I Thomas Capner Judge of the Court of Common Pleas as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the above named Jacob Francis did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common Enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings taken and had therein before me, to the Secretary of the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the Act of Congress
Thomas Capner

Flemington Aug 30th 1819
Hunterdon: Ss 
I John T. Blackwell Clerk of the Court of Common pleas for the County of
Hunterdon do certify that Thomas Capner Esq before whom the forgoing proceedings were had, then was, and still is, one of the judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Hunterdon duly Commissioned and sworn, and full credit is due to all his acts as such - Witness my hand and seal of
said court the Seventh day of Sept AD 1819
J T Blackwell Clerk
Page 115

We the Subscribed persons acquainted a long time with the character and conduct of Jacob Frances the within deponent, do certify that we believe the truth of the affidavit annexed, that the said Jacob Francis hath maintained a fair character for honesty and truth, that he is an industrious sober, useful man, having raised a large family, and stands in need  of his country for support

Dated Aug. 26. AD 1819

Thomas Capner
J T Blackwell
Wm Maxwell-
Page 116

[postmark] FLEMINGTON NJ

Free
Hon. James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 117

Dear Sir,
I received a communication from the Department of War last month stating that if Mary Francis  would accept a pension at the rate of sixteen months service of her husband, a Certificate would immediately be made out & forwarded. I have seen the applicant since I read yours and she finds herself unable to make any further proof of his services, and will be thankfull to receive a certificate for such sum as the Department shall think her entitled to

very respectfully
your obt sent
James N Reading
Flemington N.J. Sept 13th 1839


Hon. James L. Edwards
Page 118

FREE
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
[stamp] MINGTON JUNE [illegible]
Page 119

Dear Sir:
Enclosed I send the leaf containing the record of the birth of the eldest child of Jacob and Mary Francis, as lately directed by the department. He would be glad to see the leaf again when it can be spared

very respectfully
your obt sernt
James N Reading
Flemington N. J June 17th 1839

Hon. James L. Edwards
Page 120

Dear Sir
I Enclose two Declarations. If the Department
have leisure to allow it, may I request early attention to them. should any thing additional be
required,
please let me know it as soon as
convenient
very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
James N Reading
Flemington Oct 26th 1838
Page 121

Frances Waldron of the township of Amwell County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey being duly sworn according to law before George Rea one of the Judges of the court of common plea of the said County on his oath saith that he was born in November 1766 is 71 years of age last November. That he was out in the militia service in the Revolutionary War soon after [illegible] years of age in the months prior. & continued go out he and his Brother Jerome Waldron alternately, as long as the New Jersey militia was called out. That he recollects Jacob Francis a coloured man being out in the months service the first time
he recollects seeing him was in the spring of this year 1777. thinks in March, Deponent went out under Captain George Holcomb of Amwell Jacob Frances was one of the company and went with us and served a month that time, marched down to Elizabeth town & was relieved then. We kept up [illegible] Guards at different places along near the sound at places called Halsted Court, De Harts point & Coves point & other places to watch the British & Refugees on Staten Island [illegible] Sergeant & I often mounted guard recollect Jacob being on Guard and standing sentinel he was a good soldier and always did his duty well-- he belonged is Captain Snooks company of Militia at home & I belonged to Captain Arthur [illegible] company  aferward commanded by James Stout & other captains. I recollect seeing Jacob Snook and also under other Captains.  I was in camp with him & saw him frequently going & returning from Camp when I understood he had been or was going out with the forces. Jacob was out under captain Philip Snook at the time of the Battle of Monmouth. I was there in another company that kept much on the [illegible] in the early part of the day I recollect Snook. advancing from where the main body of the militia lay on a wood of some distance ahead in the field one of the Colonel ordered him to do so and about 50 or 60  of the militia
I myself among them, were with him with
Page 122

[illegible]but we came in sight of the British and about 200 of hem advanced & fired on us & a party of British light horses got between us & the wood & charged in and wounded some of our men & one of the light horsemen got killed & we took his horse. Capt Smoot was shot thru his  thigh, and we carried him back. - the main body of the militia did not get engaged - at that time. - I have an indistinct recollection of having understood in the case of the war that Jacob had been out in the service in the United States Army before he was out with us in the militia service - but it is so long since that I cannot recollect the particular but from what I know of Jacob's service in this militia & of his character. I fully believe that he has served as he states.
Jerome Waldron [signature]

Sworn & subscribed. August 18, 1832 before me
George Rea
one the Judges of the Township of Amwell

Hunterdon Ss 
John Manners being duly sworn according to law before John Thompson one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Hunterdon on this 18th day
of August 1832. on his oath saith. I am acquainted with Jacob Francis, a colored man who has subscribed and sworn to the forgoing declaration I have known him since the revolutionary war I very well recollect being out in the revolution on a tour of militia duty of one month when we lay below bound brook between & another brook we went to bound brook & from that and [illegible] town Jacob Francis  was with us at that time & served one month he was at that time in the same company with me under Captain David Johns or John Phillips I was over

[illegible text in left margin]
Page 123

been out in the regular Army in the [illegible] -gland troops as all the Eastern troops were called [illegible]  behaved very well at that time - he did his duty well as a soldier I further saith not.
John Manners [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the date above before me
Jno Thompson

Hunterdon Ss 
Moses Stout of the township of Amwell being duly sworn according to law before John Thornton one of the Judges of the court of common pleas of the County of Hunterdon on my oath saith. I am acquainted with Jacob Francis who has sworn to and subscribed
the foregoing declaration I recollect being out and serving a tour of duty of one month in the militia in the revolutionary war. Jacob was out and served with us that month. - We went first to bound brook and from that to P[illegible] & Paramus and lay there some time I recollect while we lay there there was a scouting party of 50 or 60 men turned out to go down to Hackensack & towards the [illegible] neighbourhood as we called it down toward Beyer & Paulus Hook  - Jacob was one of the party while they were gone the militia marched from Paramus to Hopkin
Page 124

more in the regular service [illegible] his circumstance [illegible] at that time Jacob had been out in the [illegible] England service among the Yankees as we then called them
Jacob called his, knapsack "snappack, we told him  it was "illegible".  He said that they called at snappack in the New England troops he had been with
Moses Stout [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the date above before
Jno Thompson
Page 125

the foregoing declaration [illegible] him to be 70 years of age [illegible] is
reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that Opinion
John F. Clarke
George Rea [signatures]
J F. Clark affirmed and George Rea sworn and subscribed their names in Jno Thompson

And the court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and [illegible] the interrogatories presented by the war department that Jacob Francis the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states and the court further certify that it appears to them that John F Clark who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman residing in Flemington in the Township of Amwell. And that George Rea Esquire who has signed the same is also a resident in the same place, and is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit Done in Open Aug 18, 1832
Jno Thompson
Benj Egbert
John Barton
Richd Cove
Page 126

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County Ss
I, Isaac G. Farley Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Hunterdon in the State of New Jersey Do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of an application of Jacob Francis for a
pension -  and that Benjamin Egbert before whom the foregoing declaration was sworn - and the affidavit of Samuel Corwine taken, George Rea before whom the affidavit of Jerome Waldron was taken - John Thompson before whom the affidavit of John Manners and Moses Stout were taken & the certificate & affidavit of the Revd J. Clark and Geo Rea were affirmed and sworn and Richard Cove and John Barton who together with the said John Thompson and Benjamin Egbert have signed the foregoing certificate of the court as respectively Judges of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Hunterdon aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn whose official acts full faith are due

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the public seal of the said Court at Flemington this 18th day of Aug AD. 1832.-
Isaac G. Farley

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County ss. 
I John Thompson one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common pleas of the said county of Hunterdon do hereby certify that I well acquainted will Samuel Corwine, 
Jerome Waldron, John Manners,  Moses Stout, the witnesses who have sworn to & signed
the foregoing affidavits and that I believe them to be men of truth & veracity and that their statements are entitled to full  faith & credit Given under my hand this 12th day of June A.D. 1833
Jno Thompson
Page 127

[top illegible]
one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of common pleas of the said County of unterdon and that the signatures Jno Thompson affixed to said certificate is his genuine signature

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty three
Isaac G. Farlee Clk
Page 128

Jacob Francis
Page 129

[letterhead]
The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Incorporated
John Hope President  S. W. Rutherford, Secretary and Treasurer 
The Journal of Negro History
Carter G. Woodson
Director and Editor 

Executive Council [left side]
JOHN HOPE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
S. W. RUTHERFORD, WASHINGTON, D. C.
CARTER G WOODEON, WASHINGTON, D. C.
JAMES H.. DILLARD CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.
WILLIAM D. PEARSON, DURHAM, N.C.
FRANK BOAS COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
CARL FISK UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
N.A. HOOTON CAMBRIDGE, MASS

Executive Council [right side]
WILLIAM E. DODD, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
BISHOP R. A. CARTER, CHICAGO, IL.
A. CLAYTON POWELL, NEW YORK CITY
ALEXANDER L. JACKSON, CHICAGO, ILL
BISHOP R. E. JONES, NEW ORLEANS, LA.
A. M. SCHLESINGER, HARVAND UNIVERSITY
HARRY E. DAVIS, CLEVELAND, OHIO
LOUIS R. MEHLINGER, WASHINGTON, D. C.
[END LETTERHEAD]

1832 NINTH STREET, N.W.
Washington D.C.
April 26, 1932

Director of Pensions,
Pension Office of the U. S.
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
are looking for information about Jacob Francis, a Negro who was enrolled as one of the soldiers of the American Revolution recruited from New Jersey or serving in its militia. We desire to know other facts concerning his record. We are also anxious to find out whether he was ever put on the pension list or granted a bounty.

Respectfully yours,
C.G. Woodson [signature]
C.G. Woodson
Director.

CGW: D
Page 130

July [illegible]
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. [illegible], that Jacob Francis, a colored man, was born January [illegible], in Amwell[?] Township, Hunterdon[?] County, New Jersey. His mother whose name is not given, bound [?] him out and he [illegible] [illegible] pension[?]. In the spring of [illegible], he went to the Island[?] of [illegible] [illegible] with [illegible] Joseph [illegible], to whom he was then bound[?]; from [illegible] [illegible] went to Salem Massachusetts, where he was again sold[?] until[?] his time expired[?] in January, 177[?], when he became of age.
While living in Salem, Massachusetts, he enlisted the last of October[?], 177[?], under the name of Jacob Hulick or Gulick, the name of a man in New Jersey to whom he had [illegible] been bound, served as a private in Colonel[?] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Massachusetts Regiment, then in Captain John Wiley's[?] Company, Colonel [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] Massachusetts Regiment, was at the battles of Long Island and Trenton and was discharged[?] in January, 1777[?].
After the termination[?] of the above services he returned to his mother in Amwell[?] Township, New Jersey, enlisted there under his real name of Jacob Frances, and served at various times on [illegible] tours[?] [illegible] to over two years in all as a private under Captain Philip Snook[?], Charles Reading, John Philips, David Johnson and George Holcomb, Colonels David Chambers, and Joseph Phillips in the New Jersey Militia.
In the spring of 1800, he moved to Flemington, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
He was allowed pension on his application
executed August 18 188{?], while residing in Flemington, New Jersey
He died July 24, 1825[?]
The soldier married in September, [illegible], Mary, a servant of [illegible] [illegible]. They were married at her sister's home by one
Cate Finley, a colored man, belonging to [illegible] Finley. who was sent by his mother to perform the marriages of all the colored people in that vicinity. Immediately after their marriage Jacob bought. his
[End of letter page]
Page 131

[Letter continued from previous page]
wife from her mother.
Soldier's wife Mary, was allowed pension on her application executed September {illegible], of which time she was aged seventy [illegible] years and resided in [illegible] [illegible] Township Hunterdon[?] County, New Jersey.
It was stated that they raised a large family of children, the only names given are:
John born December 19, 1792.
Sarah[?] Born November 14, 1794.
Issac[?] born July 14, 1796[?].
In [illegible] one Nathaniel[?] Francis made affidavit in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, in support of the claim of Mary Francis, no relationship shown.
This history to be furnished if ever called for.
It was written just to have a record of negroes.
[Written bottom left corner]
Date of Widow's death not on A B
Page 132

[no legible text]
Page 133

Connecticut 1776
James Francis of Hollingsworth in the state of Connecticut who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Cook in the Regt commanded by Col. Wooster in the Connect. line for 19 months.
$63.33

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 63. Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of September 1833 and sent to John Fisk of Middletown Connt

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33. 158.33
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Mar 14 31.67
$190.00

Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by William Palmer
Book 8 Vol three page 13
Page 134

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss
Declaration August 3rd 1832

On this 3d day of August 1832 Personally appeared in Open Court before of the Court of
Probate for the district of Middletown now sitting at said Durham in said County James Frances a resident of the town of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged
Seventy Eight 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 7th 1832

That he enlisted in the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated; that he enlisted the latter part of April 1775 under Capt Isaac Cook of Wallingford in said State, Lieut Huff of Meriden & Ensign Shepherd of Wallingford in said State, that said Company was attached to a Regiment of Colo Worster of New Haven of the State Troops of the State of Connecticut that he marched with said Company to Horseneck, where he continued a short time & from thence he marched with said Company to Harlem in the State of New York & there joined and encamped with said Regiment that during the continuance of said Regiment at Harlem he was detached with others to remove cattle from Long Island which were
in danger of falling into the hands of the British - that said detachment effected what they could & remained a short time at Oyster ponds on said Island then returned to New York and joined said regiment, soon after said Regiment was ordered to March to the North [illegible] attacked St. John's in Canada and proceeded up the Hudson River to Albany & from thence by Land to Lake George Crossed the lake to Ticonderoga and from thence in Boats to near Port St Johns and there joined the troops that was before St Johns under the command of General Montgomery that he continued the attack on St Johns until it was compelled to surrender, the siege continued about  about thirty days
Page 135

that after the surrendery of Fort St. Johns he marched with Josiah Regiment to Montreal which place was taken by our troops under the command of General Montgomery, that he continued in Montreal until he thinks the last of December 1775 and was then dismissed & that there were no written discharges given.
That on or about the third day of January 1776 at the request of the commanding officers being then at Montreal he again enlisted under Capt. Parmelee of New Haven on the company with Lieut Fisk & Ensign Hickcox and served as one of the guards at Montreal which said company was attached to Col. Worsters regiment and continued at Montreal in said company until the third day of May AD 1776 & was then dismissed. There was not any written discharge given.
That on or about the first day of June 1776 he enlisted for seven months in the state troops of the state of Connecticut under Capt. Aaron Stevens of Killingworth in said state Lieut Abraham Turner of said Killingworth Ensign Plats of Saybrook in said state in the regiment commanded by Col. William Worthington. That he marched to Mount Independence Cont. where he continued until he was dismissed which was on or about the first day of January AD 1777 having served seven months. There were no discharges given in writing.
I went a volunteer under Capt. Bezaheel Bristol of Killingworth in the year 1777 and joined a party of soldiers above Fishkill near Red Hook and proceeded up the Hudson River to join the army until the news arrived of the defeat of General Burgoyne. we then returned to said Killingworth after an absence of about three weeks. 
I performed one or two other short tours but will not stoop to mention them.
He has no documentary evidence of the foregoing facts, nor does he know of any
Page 136

living persons who can fortify his statement except those whose deposition are annexed hereto

He the said James Francis hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity
except the present and declares that his name  is not on the pension rolls of any agency of any state.

In answer to the first interrogatory said applicant states that he was born in the Town of
Haddam in said County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut

To the Second that he has no record of his age that he knows of

To the third. That he lived in Wallingford Connt when called into service but has never lived
then since. After he left the service he moved to Durham aforesaid where he resided about
five years and then moved down to a place called Black Rock in Killington aforesaid where he has ever since been an Inhabitant,

To the fourth and fifth, that he cannot state more particularly than he has done always

To the sixth, that he was always a soldier and that he never received any formal discharge
from service but was dismissed of was usual.

And to the seventh. That Timothy Scranton of said Killingworth, Josiah Coon, Zebulon Haley, Enos Rogers, & others, will testify to his character for veracity.
Page 137

and their belief served as a private in the Revolution. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
James Francis.

[illegible] in New Haven Co.
Jabez Chalker of Durham in Middlesex Co hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Francis who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy eight years of age. That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Timothy Scranton
Jabez Chalker

Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Timothy Scranton of Madison & Jabez Chalker of Durham who have signed the preceding certificate are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Stillman K. Wightman, Judge of Probate for the District of Middlesex
Jno Fisk Clerk of the Court of Probate for Middlesex District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Francis for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 3d day of Aug AD 1832. 
Jno Fisk Clerk
Page 138

State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex Ss Middleton
on this 19th day of Dec. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Middleton now sitting in said Middletown, James Francis a resi
dent of Killingworth in said County of Middlesex and seventy eight years who being first duly
sworn doth according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to
and by way of explanation of and supplementary to his declaration made the 3d August AD 1883 before the Court of Probate then sitting at said Durham in said district of Middletown, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832

Respecting my first tour of service in the year 1775 as stated in my first declaration, I enlisted
the latter part of April that year as a Soldier in the capacity of a private and served as therein
stated. The last of Dec. 1775 I was dismissed from service at Montreal as stated in my first declaration, Stephen Tibbals, who was with us and whose deposition is attached to said declaration, left Montreal at that time, being dismissed, and returned home. But I remained
there and on the 3d January 1776 I enlisted again as stated in my first declaration under the
officers therein stated. It was desirable
Page 139

at that time to come home, but in services were called for and I did not hesitate. I remained there therefore my new enlistment and under the offices named in my full
declaration in service as a soldier and private until the 3 of May 1776 when I was dismissed and returned home.  Jonathan Wells whose deposition is attached to my first declaration,
during the term of our second enlistment while at Montreal as above stated and in the same company with me under Capt. Parmelee as stated in said declaration and after we were dismissed the 3d may 1776 we returned home. 

The first of June 1776 I enlisted a soldier in the rank of a private for seven months as stated in my with declaration under Capt. Aaron Stone &c. It is unnecessary to repeat the names of the officers. The Regiment was commanded by Col. William Worthington of Saybrook County We went to Skeensboro and from there to by water to Mount Independence: and then encamped. We were engaged much of the time in making pickets. We remained there on duty until the expiration of my time of service. I had two brothers with me at the time: one was taken on the lake by the enemy who dismissed him on parole. Both brothers are now dead. I was dismissed the first of January 1777 after a
Page 140

period of seven months

I also was a private and a volunteer under Capt Bezaleel Bristol in 1777 in harvest time
and joined a party of Soldiers above Fishkill near Red Hook  &c as stated in my first  declaration.  We went up the River until the arrival of the news of the defeat of General Burgoyne, and then returned to Killingworth having been about three weeks, my father at that time was Ensign in the company. But he is dead as so are all the others who went with me at that time or they are moved I know not where

I have thus stated all in my power to state relative to my service, and named all the officers within my recollection. Like most other applicants for a pension I am poor and the reason I did not get a Clergyman in the first instant was because did not know how to bear the expense

I have complied with the requisitions of the department so far as I can at this time, and hope I shall be continued as entitled to a pension to the full extent of my claim

Jacob Francis [signature]

Sworn and subscribed the 19th Dec. 1832
Attest Stillman K Wightman
Judge of Probate for
the District of Middleton
Page 141

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 eight months and four months and seven months and three weeks, in all nineteen months and three weeks, I served as a soldier in the rank of a private, and for such service I claim a pension.
Attest Stillman K. Wightman Justice of the Peace
Page 142

15,841
INVALID

No. 15,841
James Francis 
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7, 32
Index:-Vol. 1, Page 133

(Arrangement of 1870)
Page 143

2587
James Francis

Admd
6 11 12 14
Jno Fisk
Middleton
Con
Page 87
Page 144

BRIEF objections to the administration of Pension Claim, of which these 
answered in the
negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
James Francis which require
further proof or explanation.
of the
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?

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, is there any reason
and for his not doing so?
---
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?

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 amout [sic] of pension he is entitled? No

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?

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?
Page 145

XI. [first line illegible] theit belief respecting his age and the general belief in the neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  No clergyman

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 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
administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?  No
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? 

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?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?

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 _____ years _____ months and _____ days, I served as a_____. For _____ months and _____ 
days, I served as a ______; and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 146

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 service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too
indefinite, and all such qualifying 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 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 be belonged. The magistrate who may administor 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 authenticated 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 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.
Page 147

[illegible] and sworn to his declaration taken before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Middletown, at Durham in said District, on the third day of August AD 1832, and now in said Court now sitting in said Middletown in said District; that I have heard his declaration read by said Court; that I reside within about two miles of the said Francis who lives in said North Killingworth a parish of Killingworth named in his said declaration; that I am the only clergyman living in the region of the said Francis, and have known him well these fourteen past years; that I believe him to be seventy eight 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 I concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed this 19th day of Dec, 1832.
Samuel West
Page 148

Attest, Stillman K. Wightman. Judge of Probate for the District of Middletown.
I John Fisk, Clerk of the Court of Probate for Middletown District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the additional proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Francis for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 27 day of March AD 1833. I also certify that Stillman K. Wightman Esq is a Justice of the Peace in & for Middlx. County & that his name subscribed to the preceding certificate marked A is his proper hand writing & signature.
Jn. Fisk Clk

A.M.A

2587
James Francis
Admd 18 mo priv.
$63.33
Page 149

The [illegible] with me in the year 1775 we belonged both of us in Col. Worstors regiment and the said Francis belonged to Capt. Isaac Cooks company. We went to Horse Neck then Harlaim then to Long Island then back to Harlaim then up to Albany from thence to a place called Stillwater thence to Lake George also to St. Johns in Canada from thence to Montreal where we stayed from the time we both elected which was in April 1775 until May 1776 we were dismissed at Montreal and the deponent saith not.
Dated at Durham Connt the 3d August 1832.
Jonathan Wells

Middlesex County Ss. Durham August 3rd 1832
Personally appeared Jonathan Wells and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is the truth.
Before me
John White Justice of the peace 

Middlesex County Ss. Middletown
19th Sep 1832 I certify the said John White Esq now being about in the [illegible] states that the said Jonathan Wells the subscriber of the deposition who made oath to the same before said White is known to me to be a person of truth and veracity and entitled to credit. Stillman K. Wightman Jus Peace & Judge Probate for District of Middletown
Page 150

I Stephen Tibbals of Haddam in the County of Middlesex and state of Connecticut of the age of seventy five depose and say that I was in the service of the Revolutionary Wary. In the year AD 1775 in Capt. James Arnolds company in Colonel Worsters regiment of state troops of Connecticut and was well acquainted with James Francis of Killingworth in Middlesex County in said State of Connecticut. That said Francis belonged to Capt. Cooks company in said Col. Worsters regiment. That we marched in company to [illegible] thence to Harlem in the state of New York from thence to Long Island from thence back to Harlem and from thence to Saint Johns in Canada from thence to Montreal and was there dismissed the last of December 1775 and further the deponent saith not.
Date at Durham County the 3d Aug 1832.
Stephen Tibbals

Middlesex County Ss. Durham August 3rd 1832
Personally appeared Stephen Tibbals and made oath to the truth of the above statement before me.
John White Just of the Peace

Middlesex County Ss. Middletown
19th Dec 1832
I certify the said John White Esq the subscribing Justice of the Peace now being about in the southern states that Stephen Tibbals the subscriber of the above deposition who made oath to the same before the said White is well known to me personally. That he is a person of truth and veracity and his statement is entitled to credit.
Attest, Stillman K. Wightman Justice of the Peace and Judge of Probate for the district of Middletown
Page 151

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County}
I John Fisk Clerk of the County Court of said Middlesex County do certify that John White Esq is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex as per commission on file in my office & that his name subscribed to the proceding certificates marked A & B are his proper hand writing & signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 3rd day of August AD 1832.
Jno Fisk Clk
Page 152

New Haven County State of Connecticut ss
Guilford July 6th 1832 personally appeared Torry Scranton of sd. Guilford & made solemn oath, that during the war of the revolution he was on duty under Capt. Stephen Hall at Skenesboro & at Ticonderoga that he there saw James Frances, & that he knew that he belonged to Capt. Aron Stevens Company of Killingworth that he then served his time out, and that they returned home in company of each other

Sworn before me George Griswold Justice Peace
New Haven County State of Connt

Middlesex County ss. Middletown 19th Dec. 1832. I hereby certify that Torry Scrantin the above named deponent is a person of truth and veracity that he is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit. & that Stillman K Wightman Justice of the Peace, and Judge of Probate for the District of Middletown.
Page 153

(blank, lined page smudged in black)
Page 154

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex Ss}
Probate District of Middletown
On this eight day of September AD 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Middletown being a court of record, Mary Francis a resident in said Middletown in the County and State aforesaid aged eighty one years the 26th day of December 1837 who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and the acts of Congress of said Act passed March 3, 1837.
That she was married to James Francis who was a private in the War of the Revolution and served therein as follows - That she believes that said James Francis was at Roxbury and Boston in the summer of 1775 but she does not know the particulars. That in the spring of 1776 the day and month she does not know said James Francis enlisted into the Continental Line for three years under Captain David Starr, Lieut Shaler and was in Col. Meigs Regiment. He went to New York, White Plains, and continued in the service as she believes until about the month of January or February 1778. When he came home and remained [illegible] with the soldiers in making clothes until the 9th day of June 1778 when I was married to him by Revd Enock. [illegible] said Middletown said James Francis left soon after and joined his company as they sent for him [illegible] a fortnight after our marriage but a little [rest is very smudged]
Page 155

[very smudged writing]
until the war was [illegible] Major Leavenworth was in [illegible] belonged in said Middletown during all the time, the battles he was in and the places he marched through I am not able to tell. I have never seen any commission or written discharge of his but I have none of his letters. [illegible]
She further declares that she was married to the said James Francis on the 9th day of June seventeen hundred seventy eight and has not since intermarried and that her husband the aforesaid James Francis left Middletown and went to sea I think in the fall of the year 1786 and sailed from this place, and since that time has never come home. I have letters from him which I annex, but I have heard nothing from him for more than forty years past - and that she has remained a widow ever since the loss of her said husband, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Mary Francis

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me, and I certify that said Mary Francis is known to me and is a credible person and her statements may be relied on.
Saml Cooper
Judge of Probate
Page 156

by three Sundays Mary 
by one Sunday 
Mary Frances
Mary Sizer has book 1778
Mary Sizer is my name New England is my nation Middletown my dwelling place and Christ is my salvation [illegible]

Middletown March 18, 1778
Dear Brothers I gladly [illegible] this opportunity to let that I am well & let [illegible] of hope these [illegible] will find you.

Husbands must leave their loving wives and Sprightly youth as they leave their Sweet Hearts and risk their lives their country to defend
Mary Sizer her hand.
Page 157

[left side]
[illegible first line]
I came to Mr. Johnson's to five days work
February 7, 1778
Six days and half work
March [illegible]
April 2 weeks work
[illegible line]
four days work
two days work
one half days work

[right side]
Declaration 1778
Mrs Hall Dcd
to [illegible] for a living
Mary
Mary
Mrs Hall 
three gallons [illegible]
four [illegible]
four pound Salmon and [illegible]
Page 158

[entire page smudged some random words legible]
[illegible]
[illegible] Dr. Francis
[illegible]
altering a coat
making go? hat for Anna
[rest illegible til the last 2 lines]
March 1st
to making pair breechs[illegible]
Page 159

December 1777
by one days board
by four days board [illegible]
January 22th 1778
[ink stain] days board
[text crossed out]
to four week Board
March 2th
to one weeks Board
by 13 one days
April 6th
by five days Board
by one weeks Board
by three days Board
by three days Board
Page 160

[left side]
four days work
five days work
three days work
June 1
6 days
[right side]
first line illegible]
five dollars for knives and forks
three dollars for [illegible]
three shillings for rum
three shillings for [illegible]
Page 161

[first line illegible]
[illegible] December 7, 1778
[illegible] altering a coat [illegible]
to finishing a jacket
Mr. Frances has made since he came [illegible]
and carried to Major S[illegible]
14 coats and 17 jackets and 12 pair of breeches and 
altered  6 coat besides
Coats IIIIIIIIIIIII
Jackets IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Breeches IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Breeches M[illegible]

{numbers scattered on the bottom right and bottom]
Page 162

[illegible] May 4th 1778
To one Sundays board
10th
to one Sundays board
20th
by three days board

May 1778
one load of [illegible] 14 dollars
one pound of C[illegible] dollars
tens pounds of flour [illegible]
Mary Francis
Page 163

Middletown June 9th
[illegible]
Mary Sizer and lived together two days and then he joined the Regiment he went from home as of June 177[?]
20 year old May 11, 1778
[illegible] year old December 24th
[illegible] n may 10th 1779
Rockwell
Springing run half worked
Amont one run living yard
one ground coffe
Middletown June 1778
by four dollars worth 1:800
by fourteen dollars cash 400
Middletown April 17th 1773
we moved into Mr. Rockwells House
[crossed out]
by half pound butter
by quart and pint milk
Page 164

[illegible] August [illegible year]
three dollars paid out for [illegible]
by two dollars for coffe and then 
I was married June 9 1778
I joined my regiment June 22 1779
I ordered horse [illegible] October 4th 1778
I joined the regiment [illegible] August 28 1779
[illegible]
I joined the Regiment April 17th 1781
I returned home May 13th 1780
I went [illegible] May 17 [illegible]
Page 165

Mary Francis
Service s
widow of James Francis
elisted:
Discharged: 
REJECTED
Application Filed:
lleges:
Page 166

FRANCIS, JAMES
(CONN.)
R-3743
[text stained illegible]
South [illegible]
Page 167

[illegible] September 7, 1787
this comes from a loving husband to to a faithful but discontented wife hoping this letter may find you in good health as - thank god - I am to possess it. I hope your father and mother as well in good health. I [illegible] from Mr. Turpin that 6 of the months expired. I went over and over again you tell me to remember my marriage vows that starts to get in ones sense altho you may think I have [illegible] you and I suppose that I have got good friends there to tell you some stories, but I will defer the whole [illegible] to say that they never saw me misbehave myself [illegible] but one might walk away upright now as not to be found fault with you . Tell me you want me to come home for to go to [illegible] I should be very happy to wait upon you. there. If its that I should not have any [illegible] by some of the old people but they had threatened me once for staying away from home and I don't know how to [illegible] myself again. I should be very glad to come and see you all but I suppose I would not be excepted therefore I don't know what to do.
Page 168

I left [illegible] the beginning of last November and went to Boston I was taken very sick the first of January when we got in Boston the ?? of the same month. I was sick there for about 4 months and over. I got better & went to [illegible line and a half] home and I travelled as far as [illegible] and then was a [illegible] of seven months was to a short [illegible] with him but this is likely to be a very long one if your father will not [illegible] me I will come home this fall and make my acknowledgement for 
being so long time from home. I saw Benjamin's brother and he and I talked together about you and I saw William Woodard very sick with the smallpox. I was very glad to see them and I shall be very glad to see you but my desire if I never come home too see I hope you will forgive me and God I hope will forgive you must remember me to all your friends and remember me to Mr. Johnson So I must conclude with wishing well and subscribing my self as a unhappy man but a loving husband James Frances
Page 169

FRANCIS, JAMES
(Conn)
R-3743
Page 170

My Dear I give my joy to Mr. Sizer for his young son and I wish I could see his boy
advance down near me [illegible] to see him but [illegible] could see you my DEar and I hope to before long & my [illegible] so that I can't write as I want two so know
love at present but I remain your true Love and Husband James Frances

PS It is 9 o'clock and I am sleepy and so good nite. Remember to all [illegible] friends I must write you another before long.
Page 171

[illegible] No 1
James Francis
at Middletown
This with care and [illegible]
Page 172

My Dear I give my joy to Mr. Sizer for his young son and I wish I could see his boy 
advance down near me [illegible] to see him but [illegible] could see you my DEar and I hope to before long  & my [illegible] so that I can't write as I want two so know 
love at present but I remain your true Love and Husband James Frances

PS  It is 9 o'clock and I am sleepy and so good nite.  Remember to all [illegible] friends I must write you another before long.
Page 173

West Point October 3 1779
Kind and loving wife I kindly embrace this opportunity to let you know that I am well hoping this few lines will find you as well as they leave me at present I have no strange news to write at present only that I live as happy as a young lord or some king or another. I hear that Major Starr
is got the taylors all at work and girls in the town & that I don't think any body from the Regiment  will come to work, but I hope I shall come home Before Long and of hope before & as I may see you before long
turn over leaf
Page 174

Mrs. Mary Francis of Middleton [illegible] Connecticut
Page 175

[illegible] West Indies January 8 AD 1792
Madam this comes from one that has been Long absent from you but being yet in the land of the living and  opportunity being to write to you to inform you that I am one better in health.  then In condition I hope these few lines may find you and your friends well, for my part I have not heard from another friend or relations this same year. you was the last I heard from and then only by word of mouth and that Months ago I was in Charleston and what I hear there I cannot belief to be true altho the one that told me the nuse belongs to South [illegible]  I never think of  coming at [illegible]town any more I cannot think the person who once was called so virtous has resigned her [illegible] up to want ones Altho & great deal of what you hear of me I will not deny, but now I am not to say Mr. Sollaman Said that it is all vanity and vexation of [illegible] but you must
excuse me for my boldness for taking so much freedom in writing to so great a stranger as you are now to me. I 
Expect to sail from hear to New York in about Eight days from the date hereof for I have not been there since I left you neither have I heard from any of my friends since. I hope you will remember me to Mr. Johnston and his family. I hope one time or another to satisfy all for the [illegible] that I [illegible] out for you all.
Page 176

Although I am not able to satisfy you for my misconduct yet  still I ought to pay what I owe to Everybody in the world so now More at present but I must Conclude by wishing you all the prosperity that this world can afford and were this life shall be at an [illegible] you may be crowned with everlasting Joy that shall never cease no more all this is the most hearty wishes from your unfortunate friend
James Francis [signature]

O that the time mite once more be that one our or two I might Converse with Tho
Mary, Frances
Page 177

[all text crossed out]
Page 178

To
James Francis
at
Middleton

The favor of Mr. Merehame
Page 179

West Point June 27 1879
My dear and Loving wife I take this kind and present opportunity to tell you that I am not very well. I have got some letter that I wrote & sent with Major Starr. but I hope this few lines will you enjoying your health I have nothing strange to write at present only as our army lays waiting for the Enemy to come up and attack the fort, Our Army Expects them up before long
and we lay the revenge for a battle with them. I wish you would send me a letter the first opportunity you have for I want to hear from you very much I have sent 5 or 6  and I [illegible]
had but those from you last. Major Starr if he [illegible] going to work and he [illegible] husband could get cloth we should come to work there again and I hope we may for I want to every mail 
you must send me a note of [illegible] the first letter you send to me you must remember to me to all friends so no more at [illegible] but that I remain your one true love and husband
[illegible] Frances
Page 180

[page too black to transcribe]
Page 181

Copy the papers of Mary Francis, widow of
James Francis-(deserter)
for Hon. W.W. Boardman
House of Rep
Page 182

Mary Francis
[illegible]
Act 4 July 36
rolls
enlisted for war. 24 Nov 76
rted may ??
3743
Page 183

State of Connecticut
Middletown Probate District

I John Fisk Clerk of the Court of Probate for sd Middletown District do hereby certify that Sam'l Cooper Esq. is Judge of the Court of Probate for Middletown
District & that the signature mark'd A is his proper hand writing & signature

I further certify that John Palmer Esq is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Middlesex & that the signatures purporting to be his mark'd B&C are his genuine hand writing - In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my Hand & affixed the seal of sd Court of Probate this 20 day
[cutoff]
Page 184

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex Ss
Middletown  October 20th 1838.

I John Fisk of said Middletown aged Sixty seven years having been duly cautioned and sworn depose and say that I am the Town Clerk of said Town of Middletown and have in my custody the Brook of
Record of Marriages kept by Reverend Enoch Huntington late of said Milton deceased and there on said record I find the following in the hand writing of said Enoch Huntington with whom I am well acquainted and know the same to be his own proper hand writing to wit

Seventeen Hundred and seventy eight June ninth "James Francis a soldier to Mary Sizer"

I John Fisk above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of Middletown and the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Record kept by said  Enoch Huntington with the exception of the date which appears on the said record in fair legible figure as follows "1778 June 9th" and further the deponent saith not
John Fisk Town Clk 


[illegible]on the day and year above written and I certify that said John Fisk is personally known to me and is a credible person, and that he is the Town Clerk of Middletown, and has said Book of records referred to in his deposition now in his custody
Before me John C Palmer Justice of the Peace
Page 185

Controller's Office
Hartford Conn't Oct 5 1838

I certify that on application for evidence of the Services of James Francis I have examined the Records of settlement made with the Conn't line of the Continental Army, and find his [illegible] with the 6th Conn't regiment returned [illegible] before 1780, where he is entered as a private Novr 24 1776 Time of Settlement Jany 1. 1780 making 3 years 1 mo. 7 days
Henry Kilbourn Comp
Page 186

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss[?] Middletown
September 8th AD. 1838
I William Bacon of said Middletown aged Eighty years, being duly cautioned examined and sworn depone and say, that I have always lived in said Middletown and that in the year 1778 I was well acquainted with James Franses and Mary Sizer late[?] of said Middletown in the first part of the month of June in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Eight I was present and [illegible] said James Franses and Mary Sizer married by Revd Enoch Huntington a presbyterian minister in said Middletown. That said James Franses had been in the war before his said marriage, but he does not know the particulars. I was also married in the same month, and in the army the month I enlisted into Capt David Kerrs[?] Company, but [illegible], Regt Capt Eli Leavenworth took charge of said Company a part of the time I enlisted during the war, and James Franses enlisted into the same company with me, before I did and we joined the Regiment at New York and staid there a short time and from there we went into the Jerseys[?] and encamped at Morristown one or two winters, we were also at West Point. I [illegible] to come home occasionally as a furlough and worked at home on [illegible] Cap[?]. Said Franses also enlisted during the war and I marked his being home one winter at work on clothing. My impression is that said Franses served during the war and was [illegible] furlough, until about the close of the [illegible] that I think he left the service and was on the water but the exact time he left I cannot remember and whether he was discharged or not I cannot say. I think that Capt water but the exact time and Capt Potter[?] were captain of my company a part of the time after the war was over a year or two said James Franses [illegible] many years [illegible] I have heard my [illegible] said that it was lost at sea. This [illegible] Mary Franses
Page 187

[illegible; may be backwards stains]
Page 188

East Haddam Oct 20th 1838.
Hon J.L. Edwards
Dr Sir. I have the honor to transmit application of Mary Frances for a pension - you will notice that the form is according to the form given subsequent to July 1837. but this was error of mine which escaped my attention until after the oath was administered - The Book of Record of Marriages was placed in Fisk's hand because the minister of the parish is lately settled and he is unacquainted with the hand writing of parson Huntington Address me in relation to this application at East Haddam
[illegible] your Obt Serv
John C Palmer
Page 189

[illegible] March 12, 1841.

Hon J.L. Edwards

Dr Sir. A petition has been passed to Congress for a Pension in behalf of Mary Francis who made an application to Pension Office in 1839 and her claim was rejected on the ground of her husband desertion as stated in your letter to [illegible]. This desertion is matter of truth as there were two [illegible] of the same name in the county and from all I can learn [illegible] of her husband having deserted. The point to which I aim to call your attention is this. Hon Mr Taliafero chairman of [illegible] in [illegible] states that Desertion is no grand[?] of disqualification in case of application by a widow and was not intended as [illegible] that was requisite to be [illegible] and was the fact of her husbands service. This information was communicated to Hon WW Boardman and I understand from him that many others have given the same opinion. Be pleased to give this subject your early attention and say if on examination you come[?] to the same opinion.

Your obedt servt
J.C. Palmer
Page 190

[blank lined paper]
Page 191

State of Connecticut [illegible] July 30, 1832

On the 30th day of July AD 1832 personally appeared in open court in the court of probate for Berlin Subject[?], in the County of Hartford[?] now sitting, James Francis a resident of said Berlin aged seventy five years [illegible] who being first duly sworn according to law, doth upon oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th AD 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and [illegible] stated in the state service. [illegible] was drafted into the United States service in the year 1779 & served under Captain John[?] Allyn--the Capt I do not recollect, but Gad Stanley of Farmington was [illegible] I was his waiter[?] a part of the time. Seth Wadsworth was our quarter master, we marched from Farmington by the way of Danbury to Crawford[?] in the state of New York, stationed there a while, then marched to [illegible] to the stone church in Port Chester. I served at this time about 4 months.

I was drafted into a company [illegible] under the command of Cap Seth Deming of Farmington, in the year 1778. I marched from Farmington by the way of Danbury, and Norwalk, to a place called Quaker Ridge in the state of New York, then we [illegible] to Rye[?], had an engagement, took 17 prisoners [illegible] at this town about [illegible] months and one week, was then discharged. [illegible] County of Hartford & State of Connecticut [illegible] the service during the Revolution war, [illegible] lived in that part of Farmington which now
Page 192

[illegible] the Danbury Alarm, served under Capt John Langdon. I [illegible] this was in the year 1778 it was at the town Danbury was [illegible] I served at the time about two weeks. I [illegible] into the US service at the New Haven [illegible] under Capt Seth Deming of the [illegible] at the time about one week. I [illegible] this was in the year 1777.

I volunteered into the service at the Fairfield Alarm under Capt Seth Deming of the company, served at this time about one week [illegible] no documentary evidence of any  [illegible] services.

Intel[?] 1st--[illegible] I was [illegible] 1777
2--[illegible] in Farmington
3--[illegible] in Farmington & now in that part of Barton[?] which formerly was Farmington.
4--[illegible] in his declaration
5--[illegible] in his declaration
6--I had at some of the time, [illegible] them
7--Revd Jonathan Cogswell, Phenias Penfield and my Brother Elijah Francis & Lemuel Smith

I do not know of any person living who served with me in any of the tours during the Revolution war. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state.

James Francis

Sworn to and subscribed the [illegible]

Thomas Lee
[illegible]
Page 193

James Francis
[illegible]
P.O.
Page 194

Hartford County ss[?] Berlin July 30th 1832

We the subscribers, neighbors of James Francis who has written the foregoing declaration have [illegible] from the town he was in the Revolutionary service in this town, we were all [illegible] his being often called into the Revolutionary service, we believe him to be of the age that he states [illegible] 75 years old, and that he did all the service in the army he has stated in his declaration; and we further certify that he has always sustained a good character for [illegible] & are all of us over the age of seventy years--

[illegible] Esq
Elijah Francis
Leml Smith
Wm Smith
Phinehas Penfield

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid

Thomas Lee Judge of Probate
Berlin District

Hartford County ss[?] Berlin July 31st AD 1832

This [illegible] certify that I am knowing to my Brother James Francis being drafted into the service of the United States in the year 1777 the company he served in was commanded by Capt John Allyn and her served at this time about 4 months.

Also in the year 1777[?] he was drafted into the [illegible] Company under Capt Seth Deming he was in the service at the time a little over three months. I also recollect that he was called out [illegible] Danbury Alarm--and the New Haven [illegible] and the Fairfield Alarm and [illegible] service I should think on many weeks he has stated in his declaration. James
Page 195

[too smudged to read]
the service [illegible
in the Revolutionary War.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District

We Jonathan Cogswell a clergyman residing in the town of Berlin, and Samuel Hart a Physician residing [illegible] hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James Francis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 75 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.
Jonathan Cogswell
Samuel Hart MD

Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate 
Berlin District

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and 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 
[illegible]
Jonathan
Page 196

is a clergyman, resident in the town of Berlin, and Parrish of New Britain, and that Doctor Samuel Hart, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Berlin, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
And the court would further state that Lemuel Smith, Phineas Penfield & Wm. Sith who have signed & sworn to the foregoing certificate, are residents of the town of Berlin and men of worth & respectability. The latter is a magistrate in this town - and that Elijah Francis who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Brother of the applicant a resident of Berlin a man of great respectability & deacon of a congregational church, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Certified by me Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District

I George Washington Southworth, Clerk of Probate for the District of Berlin, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of James Francis for a pension, and I also certify that Thomas Lee who has affixed his name in his own proper hand writing as above, is Judge of Probate for Berlin District.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 2 day of August 1832.
Geo. W. Southworth Clerk
Page 197

James Francis

[illegible] his former application [illegible]
15 Rev
8 Jny ??
Page 198

Hartford County
On this  26 day of January 1838 Personally appeared in open court before the court of Probate for Berlin District in the County of Hartford now sitting - James Francis of said Berlin, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration as an amendment and explanation of his former declaration dated July 30th 1832

First, In my former first declaration I stated that I served about 4 months, I had no memorandum of my Services never expecting until lately of ever being paid for them. I made my statement from the best of my memory, - and planning that it might vary some days over or under, I said about 4 months according to my best recollection and entered this campaign in May & returned in September following in the year 1777. I now remember that Col. Strong commanded the Regiment - also remember that while we were Green Pond our company was called upon to  march to Eastchester Church, we encamped here 2 days with two other regiments as part of the three Regiment was called to West Chester - there we were in engagement at this place a number killed after the return of the party we marched to Rye encamped a few days from there  we marched to green Pond again & remained until discharged, until discharged, which according to my best recollection was 4 months

Second, I have the same reasons only to give as to saying in my former declaration about 3 months and one week  -  It was my opinion that in this tour of duty I served  over three months. tho the length of time is not certain & I will say [illegible]
Page 199

by my best recollection it was not less than three months. I now remember that Col White commanded the regiment while [illegible] he was a continental Col, and I think he was from Virginia - Major Starr of Danbury had the command of the horses the 17 prisoners are took in the night for [illegible] the horses: while on the way to Camp, we were overtaken by the British - Col. White had a company of infantry with the Horse we were ordered to form - 
firing commenced, a number of the British killed, the first & second charge, Col. White ordered a retreat, an were found about 8 miles some of our men were wounded, but none killed. I now also remember  that when at quaker ridge the people began to gather hay -  & that it was in July 1778 we entered this service & returned in October following

The [illegible] Short term of duty mentioned in my first declaration, I have nothing to add- this
service I performed and the time of each is stated according to my best recollection & it is I whom that  to you are to describe - I have no living testimony as to my service, that is of any persons that served in the same company with me

I have now produced the best evidence in my power In further answer to Interrogatory first I say, I was born in Farmington

All my service were performed in every term as a continental soldier
James Francis [signature]

Subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate
Berlin District
Page 200

State of Connecticut
Hartford County Ss Berlin January 26, 1833

I Nathaniel Penfield of Berlin Borking aforesaid Certify I am near Neighbor of James Francis and have lived and near him from the Revolutionary War to this time, I knew of his being in that war as one of Horsemen - he belonged to a cavalry Company. And I once saw him in the company of Seth Deming in the service of the United States, but  I cannot tell the year - I well remember the first time he went was in a company of [illegible] or infantry, the copy and commanded by Capt John Allyn.

James Frances is reputed as being a soldier in the  Revolutionary War in his neighborhood-- he is a man of truth and of great respectability. I am 72 years of age last November
Nathaniel Penfield [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District

State of Connecticut
Hartford County Ss Berlin January 26 1833
And the said Court would certify that Nathaniel Penfield who has signed and sworn to the above certificate is a credible person, a resident of Berlin, & known to the Court
And the said Court would further state that our opinion in the same as stated in the former application, that the foregoing applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, but he is after great enquiring unable to bring positive evidence of his service & relies on traditionary evidence in support of of his declarations which he submits to your Hon to decide
Certified by me
Thomas Lee Judge of Probate Berlin District
Page 201

I, George W. Southworth Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Berlin. Hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Francis for pension. And I also certify that Thomas Lee who has affixed his name in  his own proper hand writing is now a Judge of Probate for the Berlin District

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of office this 26th day of Jany 1833
Geo. W. Southworth Clerk
Page 202

DECLARATION.
STATE OF Connecticut
COUNTY of Hartford  District of Hartford
October 28th 1853

On this 28th day of October A.D. 1853 personally appeared before in Open Court before the Court of Probate for the district of Hartford Sarah Francis a resident of
Walingford in the county of New Haven and State aforesaid, aged seventy-one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the law
of Congress passed February 2d, A. D. 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of James Francis,
who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution in the 6th Connecticut Regiment, commanded by Return J Meigs, Esq. Colonel, for the term of three years, one month and seven days, viz; from, Nov. 24, 1775, to January 14 1780. It is believe that no pension has ever been drawn by said James Francis

She further declares that she was married to the said James Francis, on the 22d day of October one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, and that her said husband died on or about the 13th day of April A. D. 1857; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January, eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow.
Sarah Francis

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate
Henry Perkins
Judge of Probate
Page 203

Berlin 16th November 1827
This may certify that on the 22nd day of October last I joined in Marriage James Francis & Sarah Clark
Attest Henry Jones Pastor 2nd Church in Berlin

Town Clerks Office SS New Britain
Oct 8th 1853
I hereby certify that he above is a true and literal Copy of Record Vol 1st page 28 (Old Berlin Record) which sd records by virtue of the act of Division of the Town of Berlin are now the property of the Town of New Britain
Attest
Wm H. Lathrop Town Clerk
Page 204

State of Connecticut
City & County of New Haven
On this 23d day of December A.D. 1853
before me the subscriber, a
for said County and State personally appeared Henry
Francis of New Brittain, Hartford County, to me well known
and whom I certify to be a credible witness, and being duly
sworn did depose and say
that he is the Grandson of James Francis,
Deceased, a Revolutionary Soldier, and whose widow, Sarah
Francis has made application for a pension
that he the Deponent now occupies the
old home stead of the said James Francis in New Brittain
that he recently made search in a trunk
in said homestead, in which his said Grand father kept
his papers, and found two documents hereto annexed
marked A and B. to which the Deponent has subscribed
his name
and that he the Deponent knows that his
said Grandfather had these papers prepared in order to ob
tain a pension, but that the person who undertook the bar
ness suddenly died, and the matter fell through
that he the said Deponent well knows
the
said Sarah Francis, and that she has never married again
but is now the widow of said James Francis, and is the
identical person who has made application for a pension
as the widow of said James Francis
Henry Francis
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first
aforesaid before me & I have no interest in this claim
Charles Ives
Notary Public
Page 205

Sarah Francis
vice: Wid of James
REJECTED
listed:
charged:
plication files:  , 18
eges:
r-enlisted:
Page 206

[too black to transcribe]
Page 207

State of Connecticut
By his Excellency WILLIAM T. MINOR, Governor of said State.
WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Know ye, That William W. Stone and Charles Ives were at the time of subscribing the within and
annexed attestations and non - are notaries Public in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to their act and attestations as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court, that the annexed attestations is in due form and by the proper officers and that I believe the signatures of said William W Stone & Charles Ives thereunto to be genuine.
William J. Minor

In testimony whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed at Hartford, in said State, this 25 day of October A.D. 1856, and in the 81th year of the Independence of the United States of America
N.D. Sherry
Secretary of State
Page 208

State of Connecticut
New Haven County} ss.
On this 14th day of August A.D. 1856 before me the subscriber, a Notary Public within & for the County & State aforesaid, personally appeared Henry Francis of New Britain, in Hartford County, in said State of Connecticut, whom I certify to be a credible person, who being by me duly sworn according to law, did depose & say, in addition to his affidavit dated Dec 23d 1853;
that at the time when he made search for the papers of his grandfather, James Francis, Mr. A. H. Gallup came to deponents residence in New Britain, Conn. and it was at the request of said Gallup that he made search as aforesaid.
That while he and said Gallup were engaged in such search, he the deponent, discovered the two old documents hereto annexed marked A & B.
That he is well acquainted with the handwriting of his said Grandfather, & knows that the signature on said documents are in his Grandfathers own hand writing.
That the said Sarah Francis widow of his said Grandfather has never again married, but is now the widow of said James Francis, and is the identical person who
Page 209

has made application for a pension as the widow of said James Francis, & that he the deponent has no interet in her claim for a pension.
Henry Francis

Subscribed & sworn to before me this 14th day of August A.D. 1836 & I certify that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm. W. Stone
Notary Public
Page 210

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven}Ss.
On this 16th day of September A.D. 1856 before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public within & for said county & state, personally appeared Alonzo H. Gallup of West Meriden, Connt, whom I certify to be a highly credible person, who being by me duly sworn according to law, did depose & say,
That in the month of December, 1855, he went to the residence of Henry Francis of New Britain, in Hartford County, Conn, at the request of Mrs. Sarah Francis, widow of James Francis who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution to search for some old papers or documents of said James Francis, which might throw some light upon the service of said James Francis in said War.
That the said Henry Francis is a grandson of said James Francis, & has continued to occupy & now occupies the homestead where the said James Francis always resided until his death.
That upon his arrival he & the said Henry Francis overhauled an old trunk in which the said James Francis had always kept his old papers during his life time, & which had remained undisturbed until this examination by Henry Francis & himself.
That during such examination, the said Henry Francis discovered in said trunk the old documents hereto attached.
Page 211

that he has long been well acquainted [__]
the family of said James Francis, and that Mrs.
Sarah Francis has never again [____] but still remains his widow; that he the deponent hos no interest in his claim either for Pension or Bounty Land.
Alonzo H. Gallup

subscribed and sworn before me, this 16th day of September A. D. 1836 & I certify that I have no interest in the said claims.
Wm W. Stone
Notary Public
Page 212

POWER OF ATTORNEY.

Know all men by these Presents, THAT I Sarah Francis, of Wallingford, State of Connecticut do hereby constitute and appoint Chas Robinson of the town and
County of New Haven Connecticut my true and lawful Attorney for me, and in my name to prosecute all claims to a pension, or arrears of pension due or payable to me solely, or with other under the Act of February 21, 18??, or under any existing law; also, all claims to land or other thing, to demand and receive of the United States, the
usual certificates for either;

And in my name to give due receipts therefor; and generally to do all things pertaining thereto, as fully as I might personally do giving full power of substitution, and revoking all former authority in the premises hereby ratifying and confirming every act that my said Attorney or his substitute may do in relation to either of the above named matters.

In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal this 28 day of October
A. D. 1855

ATTEST.
Sarah Francis

STATE OF Connecticut
COUNTY OF Hartford
Hartford Oct 28 1833
Personally appeared before me, a Justice of Peace within and for said County of Hartford - Sarah Francis who acknowledged that she had executed the above Power of Attorney for the purposes therein specified.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, this 28th day of October A. D. 1853
Henry Peters
Justice of Peace
Page 213

State of Connecticut
I, JOHN P. C. MATHER, Secretary of State, hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, that - William H Lathrop - the Town Clerk of the son of New Britain in the County of Hartford in said State, duly appointed, for the term of one year from and after the 3d day of October A.D. 1853; that the foregoing attestation is in proper form, and that the matter of record thereby attested is a proper matter of record in the office of said town clerk

And I further certify, that I believe the foregoing signature of and William H. Lathrop to be genuine

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 5 day of Novbr A.D. 1853
J. P. C. Mathers
Secretary of State
Page 214

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford March 28th 1833

I certify that an application for evidence of the service of James Francis in the war of the revolution I have examined the documents remaining in this office and find the name of James Francis on a Pay Roll under the following heading, viz. "Settlement with the 6th Connecticut Regt, Return Meigs Esq Colonel, before January 1780," when the said Francis is credited with service as a private from Nov. 24th 1776 to January 1st 1780, 3 years, 1 
month 17 days,

R. G. Pinney, Comptroller
by Geo. Robinson, Clerk
Page 215

State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss.

On 28th day of October, A.D. 1853, personally appeared Julia Ann Bidwell of said Hartford to me well known as a credible person, and made oath in due form of law, as follows viz: That she was well acquainted for many years before his death, with James Francis, of New Britain now deceased:
That said of James Francis was a soldier in the war of the Revolution as she has been informed and died at said New Britain on the 13th day of April A.D. 1837;
that deponent also well knows widow Sarah Francis, of Wallingford, in New Haven County, who has made the declaration hereunto annexed, and has been well acquainted with her many years and knows that she is now and has ever remained the widow of said James Francis who was a Revolutionary soldier as aforesaid; and deponent has no interest in her application.

Julia Ann Bidwell

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written before me,
Henry Perkins
Justice of Peace
Page 216

State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss:

On 28th day of October A.D. 1853, personally appeared Sophia Stanley of said Hartford to me well known as a creditable person, and made oath in due form of law, as follows viz:
That she was well acquainted for many years before his death with James Francis of New Britain now deceased;
that said James Francis was a soldier in the War of the Revolution as she has been informed, and died at said New Britain on the 13th day of April A.D. 1837;
that deponent also well knows widow Sarah Francis, of Wallingford, in New Haven County, who has made the declaration hereunto annexed, and has been well acquainted with her many years, and knows that she is now and has ever remained the widow of said James Francis, who was a Revolutionary soldier as aforesaid, and deponent has no interest in her application.

Sophia Stanley

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written before me.

Henry Perkins Justice of Peace
Page 217

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford
On 28th day of October A.D. 1853, personally appeared Nancy Stanley of said Hartford to me well known as a credible person and made oath in due form of law, as follows, viz

That she was well acquainted for many years before his death with James Francis of New Britain, now deceased,

That said James, Francis was a soldier in the was of the Revolution as she has been informed and died at said New Britain on the 13th day of April, A.D. 1837;

That deponent also well knows Widow Sarah Francis of Wallingford in New Haven County who has made the declaration hereunto annexed and has been well acquainted with her many years, and knows that she is now and has ever remained the widow of said James Francis, who was a Revolutionary soldier as aforesaid and deponent has no interest in her application
Nancy Stanley

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year above written before me
Henry Perkins
Justice of Peace
Page 218

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford
Clerk's office Hartford
---
I Wm W. Eaton Clerk of  the county court within and for for said Hartford County and
was [illegible] at the time of administering the oaths [illegible] the three affidavits to which this [illegible] and duly qualified by the laws of [illegible] state to administer oaths, and the signature purporting to be his upon each of the said affidavits I know to be true and genuine
-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of said County Court this 29th day of October AD 1885
Wm W Eaton Clerk
Page 219

New Haven Nov 5, 1833
Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,
Herewith I forward the application of Mrs. Sarah Francis of Wallingford in this county for a pension as widow of James Francis dcd of Berlin who served as a private in the 6th Connecticut Regiment Commanded by Return I Meigs Colonel for than three years

Please let me receive notice the proof is now entirely satisfactory

Also when her certificate should be issued please have it be forwarded to me & oblige

Very respectfully
Yr Mos Obnt
Charles Robinson
New Haven Conn't
Page 220

Hartford Sep 28th 1853

I hereby depose and say that I was present at the marriage of James Francis of New Britain and Sarah Clark of Wethersfield, they were united in marriage at the house of the Rev Leroy Jones, by the said Jones - who resided in New Britain at the time of the solemnization, which took place on the 22 day of October, A.D. 1827 - or near that time of according to my belief & knowledge
Sarah Montague

signed in presence of
Julia Ann Bidwell
Henry Francis

State of Connecticut - Hartford County SS
Hartford Sept 28th 1853
Personally appeared Sarah Montague the signer of above, & who made oath to the same - Before me
Henry Francis
Justice of the Peace
Page 221

Hartford April 8, 1853

I, Sarah Montague of the town of the town & county of Hartford & state of Connecticut, do hereby declare that I was was present at the Marriage of James Francis to Sarah Clark which took place at the house of the Rev. Henry Jones on or about the 22 day of October 1827 in Berlin New Britain Society- (New Britain now an incorporated town) and that sd Jones was an ordained Minister, at the time - and the and the parties were all residing in New Britain at the time of the celebration of marriage
Sarah Montague

Hartford April 8th 1843.
Personally appeared the above named Sarah Montague and made solemn oath that the above statement is true, according to her best belief & knowledge before me
Henry Francis Just Peace
Page 222

Dear Sir
[line illegible] from your Department informed me that evidence was required in the application of Mrs Sarah Frances for a pension as the widow of James Francis, to identify the claimants husband with the service certified by the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut

The evidence had been previously prepared, and the certificate of our Comptroller obtained by another person before the case fall under my care

Upon careful inquiries after the receipt of your letter I became fully satisfied that the certificate referred to another James Francis, who was a resident of Middletown, Conn't.

I, afterwards suggested a careful search among the old papers of her husband, and the result was the discovery of the old proofs, herewith enclosed

These proofs appear to have been prepared in entire & full conformity with the regulations
of your office

They were never presented because the Agent who acted for Mr Francis died suddenly,
Page 223

there being no other person in that business in that vicinity no further  proceedings were had in the case

I trust that the evidence hereto attached will be satisfactory of the service of
said James Francis, that a certificate of Pension will be issued to Mrs Francis

When such certificate shall be issued please let it be forwarded to me, oblige

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Svnt
Charles Robinson
New Haven, Connt
Page 224

New Haven Nov 10th 1836.
Hon J Minot
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
Your letter of the 3rd relative to the application of Mrs Sarah Francis Widow of James was duly received

Before the additional evidence was forwarded forted, I applied to the Comptroller of this
State, was informed in reply that, "We have but little evidence of the service of our militia in 1777, 8. 9. & I do not find any Pay Rolls of service in those years under the Capts named in the declaration of James Francis. We have account on our pay Table Ledger which show that Capt John Allyn was in service in 1777 & 79, & 80. and also that Capt Seth Deming was in service in 1779, for about 7 months but we have no Pay Rolls of this service.

The War Office of this state during the Revolution, was at the residence of the then Governor Jonathan Trumbull. I am informed that a large number of Rolls of the Revolutionary service are now in the possession of a gentleman in the Eastern part of the State who received them as Administrator.
Page 225

It is possible that from them I may obtain the proof required.

May I ask of you a memorandum of the different terms of service set forth by James Francis. I supposed of course that I had a copy of his statement but
can not find it.

Please excuse me and oblige

Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Charles Robinson
New Haven Conn't
Page 226

Copy

New Haven Nov 10th 1836.
Hon J Minot
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
Your letter of the 3rd relative to the application of Mrs Sarah Francis Widow of James was duly received

Before the additional evidence was forwarded forted, I applied to the Comptroller of this State, was informed in reply that, "We have but little evidence of the service of our militia in 1777, 8. 9. & I do not find any Pay Rolls of service in those years under the Capts named in the declaration of James Francis. We have account on our pay Table Ledger which show that Capt John Allyn was in service in 1777 & 79, & 80. and also that Capt Seth Deming was in service in 1779, for about 7 months but we have no Pay Rolls of this service.

The War Office of this state during the Revolution, was at the residence of the then Governor Jonathan Trumbull. I am informed that a large number of Rolls of the Revolutionary service are now in the possession of a gentleman in the Eastern part of the State who received them as Administrator.

It is possible that from them I may obtain the proof required.

May I ask of you a memorandum of the different terms of service set forth by James
Page 227

Francis. I supposed of course that I had a copy of his statement, but can not find it. Please excuse me & oblige

Very respectfully
Yr. mo. Obdt.
Charles Robinson 
New Haven Com
Page 228

New Haven, Jan 17th 1856

Hon G. C. Whiting,
Com of Pensions

Dear Sir.

Your letter of Novr 3rd 1836 relating to the additional evidence forwarded by me in the application of Mrs Sarah Francis, Widow of James Francis, for Pension under the Act of Feb 3d 1833, was duly recd.

On the 11th I replied with a request that I might be furnished with a statement of the service set forth in such additional evidence, since by some accident I had failed to retain a copy of the same

That letter a copy of which is enclosed was filed on  the envelope " Mrs. Sarah Francis widow's application Act of Feb 3rd 1853"

I have this moment received a letter informing me that my letter is recd, but stating that it
relates to her claim for Bounty Land, that the number of her application must be given.

Permit me again to say that my letter of the 10th instant referred to the application of Mrs Sarah Francis for a Widows Pension Act of Feb 3rd 1853, as the widow of James Francis, a Rev soldier
Page 229

So far as I know no number has ever been given to any such application.
Permit me to renew my request that a memorandum of the service set forth by James Francis in such additional evidence so filed by me referred to by you in your letter of Nov 3rd, 1856, may be furnished to me, & oblige.

Very respectfully,
Yr. Mo. Obdt.
Charles Robinson
New Haven
Coms
Page 230

(lined paper, black, no wrtten text visible)
Page 231

(illegible)
Connecticut

James Francis
Corporal, Capt Talmadge
Connecticut line
the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 8 dollars per month, to commence on the 14th of April 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th of April 1818 and sent to Asa Bacon Esq; Litchfield, Connecticut

Arrears to 4th Sept. 1818, 4 22/31 mos. $37.67
$37.67

Revolutionary claims,
Act 18th March, 1818,

3 years
(illegible)
Page 232

Certification sent to Thomas Chester Esq
Hartford Connt. 20 Mat 1822
Page 233

[illegible]
Conn't
April 28 1818
[illegible]
Connecticut roll

[upside down]
Calhoun
Secretary of War Washington
Page 234

District of Connecticut and county April 14th AD 1818ss Litchfield District

On this fourteenth day of April 1818 before me Frederick Wolcott Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield in the state of Connecticut personally appears James Francis of Bristol in the county of Hartford in said district a resident therein aged sixty three years and being by me first sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."


That he the said James Francis enlisted in the state of Connecticut on the 15th day of January AD 1777 during the war as a private - the company commanded by Captain Benjamin Tallmadge (now the Hon Benjamin Tallmadge of Litchfield in said District) in the second regiment of Lieut Dragoons commanded by Col. Elisha Sheldon. That he continued to serve in said corps first as a private and then as a corporal until the 8th day of November AD 1780 when he provided a substitute, being out of health, & was regularly discharged, in the state of New York, from service. And received a written discharge from under the hand of the said Elisha Sheldon Colonel of sd. regiment. Which discharge has been lost by time and accident destroyed about six years ago and is thereby lost. That he was in the battles of Brandywine & Germantown and in every battle and skirmish