Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5955, Zebulon Butler, Conn.
Page 1

Service: Conn
Butler, Zebulon
Phebe
Number: W 5955

{B L Wt 132 - 500 Cole, 
Issued Sept. 15, 1491, no papers}
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Pennsylvania
Phebe Butler
of Wilkes Barr in the State of Pennsylvania
who was a ~ in the ~ commanded by Captain Conn. of the ~ commanded by ~ in the ~ troops

widow of Zebulon Butler decd Col of the Connecticut Line.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of August 1836 and sent Hon. Beaumont Wilkes Barre.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1836  $3000.00
Semi-annual allowance ending Sept 4  $300..00
_________
$3,300.00

Act 4 July '36
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk
Book ~ Vol. 1 Page 159

[left side of page is very torn]
Sent to [illegible]
kell [illegible]
letter to M to Cert
Feb 9, 1838 to J.
1 1838
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Declaration of Phebe Butler Widow of Col. Zebulon Butler decd in order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836
Pennsylvania
On the twenty fifth day of July in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of
Luzerne and State aforesaid Phebe Butler a resident of the Borough of Wilkes Barre in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy seven years and upwards 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 ratified July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Zebulon Butler deceased who was a Colonel of the second Connecticut Regiment in the army of the United States. She further declares that she was married to the said Zebulon Butler on or about the first of November in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one that her husband the aforesaid Zebulon Butler died on the twenty eighth day of July in the year seventeen hundred and ninety five and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year written before
Phebe Butler her X mark
David Scott Prist Judge of the 11th Ind. Dist
of Pennsylvania including Luzerne Co.
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Pennsylvania 
Luzerne County
I do hereby certify that Phebe Butler the aforesaid Applicant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to attend Court. In testimony whereof hereunto set my hand & seal this 25th day of July A.D. 1836.
David Scott Prist
Pres. 11th  Indt Dist of Pleas

seal

And I hereby further certify that Phebe Butler
the within named Applicant is well known 
to me and is credible

David Scott Prist
11th Neal dist
25 July 1836
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In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Wid Fils 5995 Zebulon Butler 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
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
RANK.
CAPTAIN.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
COLONEL.
Colonel 2. Conn Regt.

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Not stated
Date of application for pension, July 25, 1836 her claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Borough of Wilkes Barre Luzerne Co. Penn.
Age at date of application, 77 years.
Remarks: Soldier died July 28, 1795. He  married Phebe Haight, November 1, 1784. She died Jan. 19, 1837 only children [illegible]  Zebulon Butler [illegible] Butler
Very respectfully,
Mrs Wm Graham
Rochester Michigan
Commissioner,
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Wilkes Barre 28th January 1838

Dear Sir
By Mr Butler who is in company with Majors Holenback, Conyngham & Shoemaker, I send you this letter with particular request that you will call on Mr Edwards who stands at the head of the Pension Bureau and obtain from him the Exact amount of money which has been paid Phebe Butler the widow of the late Col Zebulon Butler when done. And the manner of payment & to whom paid
If Mr. Edwards should recollect when I was in his office & the kind feelings which he
exhibited towards the claim of Col Butler pay and rations he would give me a full detail of all made after you present him with the facts touching [illegible Stuben?] Butlers conduct with the old Lady his mother to [illegible] Mrs
Robinson out of his share of the money

On you I must rely for this business to be done effectively
yours
Yours Most Respectfully
JW Robinson

Col Miller Thorton
Washington City
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paid from 4 March 1831 to 4 Sep 1836- $33 00- to Joseph B Mitchell her attorney- 24 Sep 1836-
Died 19 Jan 1837 pd arrears to Garrick Mallory attorney of the hern 9 Sep 1837-
$225
JH
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Phebe Butler. Penn a roll-act 4 July 1836.
Be pleased to say what amount has been paid in her case. at what time. and to whom.
Pension office
Feb 8. 1838.
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J. R. Poinsett
Sec. of War

Philad Nov 24, 1838

Sir
The heirs of Zebulon Butler later of Wilkesbarre PA & son of Col. Zeb Butler of the Revolutionary Army have heard that money has been paid to the widow of said Col. Zeb. Butler now deceased, & being unable to ascertain particularly from those who are said to have been entrusted there with, they respectfully ask you to favor them with a statement of the amount that have been paid, & to whom, & such the particulars as are recorded.
Very respectfully
in behalf of 
Lydia Stoddart }
Ann B Castle }
Sarah Curtis } late Butler
Harriet B Silver }
John Butler
Sylvia Butler
Wells Butler

J. S. Silver
Philadelphia
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[illegible town] PA
On Sep 14, 1836
J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions,

Sir,
Some time ago I presented to the General Bank a power of attorney to receive the amount due on a pension granted to Phebe Butler $3300 being due. The papers are all correct, but I was informed that payment could not be made until instruction should be received from you as to the officer before whom the oath is to be made. On reviewing my application the day, I am informed nothing has been done. From a desire to oblige a widow of a Revolutionary officer, in obtaining for her, that which she is justly entitled to, I have been induced to address you, and request that the necessary instruction be given.
Yours &c
J. B. McGehell
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House of Reps
Feby 9, 1848

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Will you please inform me whether the commission, discharge or other papers of Col. Zebulon Butler are to be found in your office. Col. Butler commanded a Connecticut Regiment at the close of the Revolutionary War and the papers I wish to find were, I think, presented by his widow Mrs. Phebe Butler in support of her claims in right of her husband, which claims were allowed.
Respectfully
Yours &c
Chester Butler
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1906 Nov 5. History to Mrs. Wm Graham. M.B.H.
1910 Oct. 18. Rev. of E Haydew infd no papers on file for Col. Z. Butler except [illegible] aw

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5955
Phebe Butler
Wid 
Zebulon Butler
Col. Conn. line
Act: July 4/36
Index:-Vol. a, Page 101
[Arrangement of 1870.}
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I do certify that Col Zebulon Butler, the Bearer hereof, hath served as [illegible] Colonel in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army from January 1777 to the close of the War.  In which capacities he discharged his Duty, so far as came to my knowledge, with Honor as a brave officer, and with Esteem for his attention to Decency and good Order.

Dated at Phila this 10th day 
of May A.D 1784

G. Washington
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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBED
To Zebulon Butler
Greeting, We, reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents consittute and appoint you to be [illegible] in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such from the 3rd day of [illegible]. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a [illegible] and by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command to be obedient to your orders, as Colonel. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States or Commander in Chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officers; according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in your, This commission to continue inforce, until revoked by this or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness his Excellency [illegible] President of the Congress of the United States of America at [illegible]
day of [illegible] 17[?] and in the third year of our war of Independence.
Secretary of Congress
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Wilkes Barre July 29th 1836
J. L. Edwards Esqr
My Dr Sir
I herewith forward to you the Declaration and proof of Mrs. Phebe Butler the widow of the late Col. Zebulon Butler in order to avail herself of the benefits of the act of the 4th of July instant extending the benefits of the act of 1832 to the widows of Revolutionary Officers & soldiers, &c. These documents have been prepared, as near as was practicable, in conformity with the instructions contained in your circular of July instant. Of Col. Zebulon Butler's Revolutionary services, the proof it is presumed is abundantly to be found among the Records of Revolutionary officers in the War Department; but his Commission and discharge are herewith forwarded. The proof of the marriage of Mrs. Butler with Col. Butler before the expiration of his Revolutionary Service, beyond her own affidavit, is contained in the affidavit of the Reverend Benjamin Bidlack a highly respectable & worthy man and an imminant [illegible] of the
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Revolution and the affidavit of Thomas Williams one of the most estimable and respectable inhabitants of this valley. This proof I should deem conclusive.
You are fully aware no doubt that in most of the cases, the applicants for the benefits of this highly praiseworthy act of Congress can, in all human probability, continue but a very few years, perhaps days, this side the grave and that any delay beyond the essential points of prudence and a just regard for the public interest, may be their claims forever. Under this view of the subject, and with a knowledge of your patriotic sentiments in relation to Revolutionary sufferings & services, I feel a confidence, that as far as you are concerned, the claims of these few remnants of the more glorious and better days of our Republic, will not be sacrificed to mere matters of form, if the substance be complied with.
If these documents shall be deemed by you sufficient to entitle Mrs. Butler to the benefits of the act alluded to, (and I have the confi-
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-dence to believe they are amply &c) it is desired by the connexions of Mrs. Butler, that the Commission & discharge may be returned to them; if not deemed as essential as records in the Department; as they have been kept as a Family heritage as mementoes of the service of their ancestor in the Revolutionary struggle, and more especially so, of the approbation of him who has been justly called "The Father of his Country. If the application be finally rejected, which I will not contemplate, there can certainly be no reason for their destruction. Be pleased my dear sir to advise me as early as possible of the decision in this case.
Most truly
your friend
A. Beaumont
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Pennsylvania
Luzerne County} Ss.
Before me one of the Judges of the Court of Com. Pleas in and for said County this 27th day of July A.D. 1836 personally appeared Thomas Williams of the township of Wilkes Barre in said county, aged eighty years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Col. Zebulon butler from the year 1774 or 1775 until the time of his death. This deponent served in the regiment of the said Col. Butler in 1777 and also in 1783 at West Point where this Deponent understood from general report that Col. Butler had some time preceding married a Miss. Haight with whom he was then living as his wife as Deponent understood. Also in 1782 that said Col. Butler was married to the lady above referred to and he knows that Col. Butler continued to live with her as his wife from the above named period, 1783, until the time of his death. Deponent has continued to know Mrs. Phebe Butler, the aforesaid wife of the said Col. Butler, from the period of his death to the present time - that she has remained a widow since his decease and still lives a widow with her son Steuben Butler in the borough of Wilkes Barre in the county aforesaid and further saith not.
Thomas Williams
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day and year first aforesaid.
David Scott Prest. Judge of the 11th Jud Dist. including Luzerne County
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[loaded upside down]

Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Ss
I do hereby certify that Thomas Williams the within named affiant is well known to me & that he is perfectly credible. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 27th July AD 1836.
David Scott, Judge of the 11th Jud. Dist of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Ss
I John Smith Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for Luzerne County do hereby certify that David Scott Esquire, before whom the foregoing deposition and acknowledgement was taken, is and was at the time hereof a President Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District of Pennsylvania and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for Luzerne County duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such, and I do further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and that the signature of the said David Scott is genuine and in his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Wilkes Barre the twenty eighth day of July AD 1836.
John Smith, Prothy
[illegible]
Page 20

Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Ss.
Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, this 22d day of July AD 1836 personally appeared Benjamin Bidlack of Kingston in said county, aged seventy seven who being duly sworn according to law doth depose that in April 1781 he enlisted in the Company of Captain William Helms of Hackelstown New Jersey for the second Battalion of New Jersey troops commanded by Col. William DeHart. In May 1782 we marched to King's ferry in the Highlands on the Hudson and remained there during the ensuing summer. Whilst at that place and during that summer Deponent heard it announced that Col. Zebulon Butler, whom this deponent knew very well [page cut off] went to call on Col. Butler and his [illegible] them and knows that they were then living together, as husband & wife until the death of Col. Butler according to the best of Deponent's knowledge and belief and that she has remained a widow since the death of Col. Butler and still lives a widow with her son in the borough of Wilkes Barre in Luzerne County aforesaid.
Benjamin Bidlack
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day and year first aforesaid.
Sharp D. Lewis
Justice of Peace
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[sideways]
Col.. Zebulon Butler of Con.
Commission signed by John Jay Prest of Congress & his discharge written out by Gen. Washington.
Col. Butler was active in the hostilities between Cont & [illegible] at Wyoming Valley.
Was attached as part of Litchfield Co, Connt
Col Butler had left his Cont Regt & gone to his home in the Valley & on the approach of the Indians took the command for that defense but the result was the Wyoming Massacre July 3, 1778 by an overpowering force.
He died 1795.

Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Ss
It is hereby certified that Benjamin Bidlack the within named affiant is well known to me and that he is perfectly credible. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 25th July 1836.
Sharp D. Lewis
Justice of the Peace {Seal}

Pennsylvania
Luzerne County ss}
I John Smith Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for Luzerne County do certify that Sharp D. Lewis Esqr before whom the foregoing deposition and acknowledgement was taken is and was at the time hereof an acting Justice of the Peace for Luzerne County, duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such and I do further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and the signatures of the said Sharp D. Lewis is genuine and in his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Wilkes-Barre the twenty
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[stamped] OCT 17 1910

Wyoming Historical and Geological Society
INCORPORATED A. D. 1858.
PRESIDENT
IRVING A. STEARNS
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN
REV. HORACE EDWIN HAYDEN
SECRETARY
SIDNEY R. MINER
TREASURER
CHARLES W. BIXBY.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. October 14, 1910
Hon. James L. Davenport
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Hon and Dear Sir
When I had the honor of calling on you in May last, when through Miss Wilson you enabled me to secure a photograph of the Commission and Hon. Discharge of Colonel Zebulon Butler for this Society, I was also permitted to copy off the application of Mrs. Phebe (Haight) Butler the widow of Col. Butler. It did not then occur to me to enquire about his other points in this connexion.
First. The heirs of Colonel Butler applied to the 23d Congress 1st session for a pension on the basis of his service. The journal of the House p 65 shows that the application was referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Claims, but the [illegible] on Private Claims, and the Pension
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Report of 1835 show no [illegible] action.
Second. Mrs. Phebe Haight Butler applied for pension July 25, 1836 but died Jany 19, 1837. From annual income now ready for [illegible] Since as always, publish some Butler data as he was "the Hero of Wyoming." I am now about to print an account of the Commissions and would be much gratified, if consistent with the rules of your Department, obtain if any thing was done with the claim of 1834 & if Mrs. Phebe Butler really drew a pension. As the last grandchild died and was buried by me last September 1909, I doubt if any living heirs of Col. B can put in any claim & the inquiry above will not interfere with the rules. I would greatly appreciate a reply with most pleasant remembrances of your kindness to me last May I am
Most truly yours
Horace Edwin Hayden
Com Secretary & Librarian
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O. W. & N.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

dear Sir:
Will you kindly give me the Revolutionary record of the following:
(1) Zebulon Butler (2) Stephen Butler.
Any data regarding name of wife, residence  dates etc, will be valuable in tracing their descendants.
Thanking you for the favor,
Very Respectfully,
Mrs. Wm. Graham
Rochester, Michigan

October 22, 1906
[stamp] O. W.& N. DIVISION
OCT 25 1906
RECEIVED
[stamp} PENSION OFFICE U.S. A OCT 24 1906
Page 25

Rev, Horace Edwin Hayden,
Wyoming Historical Society,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Sir: 
In response to your letter dated the 14" and received the 17" instant, you are advised that there are no papers on file in the Bureau relative to Zebulon Butler, Colonel in the Revolutionary Army except those in the claim of his widow Phebe Butler, Wid. File No 5,966, which were examined by you last Spring, and which show that said widow was allowed pension upon her application executed July 25, 1936, certificate being issued August 5, 1836.
It is probable that the papers referred to by you, if still in existence, are among the records of private claims in the United States Capitol.
Very respectfully,
commissioner.