Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,837, John Colburn, N.H.
Page 1

B-1776
Service
N.H. Colburn John W. 23837
or Colbourn
Theoda
contents
Page 2

12,872
M.85 d.27
Vermont
John Colbourn
of Fairfield in the state of Vermont
who was a Sargent in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Cilley of the N. Hampshire
line, for the term of three years
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 6 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued 28 of June 1819
and sent to Jos. D. Farnsworth Esq.
Burlington Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Mar. 1819 87.69
Semi-ani, all'ce ending 4 Sep. 1819 48.00
10 mo. 25/30 4/31  $135.69
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
Continued
[Handwritten vertical] Notification sent to Horace Jance [illegible]
16th October 1820
Page 3

Dead
Letters to Pen Agent [illegible]
9 April 1840
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th
April 1838 from 4 March
1836 to [illegible] January 1839. The 
day of her death. Agent notified 30th April 1840
Vermont 3266
Theoda Colbourn
widow of John Colbourn, dec.
N.H.
who was a pensioner under the Acto of 18 Mar 1818
and who died on the 20 Dec. 1827
of Franklin County in the State of Vermont
who was a Sergeant in the [blank space] commanded
by Col. Cilley in the N. Hampshire 
line for 2 years
Inscribed in the Roll of Burlington, Vt.
at the rate of 120 Dollars per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certivicate of Pension issued the 20the day of June
1839 and sent to Wm. Bridges St. Albany, Vermont
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $360.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 39 60.00
$420.00
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. M. Curdy, Clerk
Week A Vol. 2 Page 36
Page 4

District of Vermont Franklin County [illegible]
on this 6th day of April 1818 before me
the [illegible] Chief Judge of the County Court for the
County of Franklin in S. District personally ap-
peared John Colbourn aged 71 years resident
in Fairfield in the County of Franklin in the said district of Vermont Who being by me
first duly sworn according to the law doth in 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 State in the Revolutionary War" that he
the said John Colbourn enlisted in the [illegible] in the
State of New Hampshire in the Company commanded by
Captain John House in Co. Joseph Cilly's Regiment of
the New Hampshire line in March 1777 as a soldier
(He had the warrant of a Sargent) for three years
in said service to the United States, doing the duty of a Sargeant until the 14th February 1778 at Valley Forge in the State of Pennsylvania
where in consequence of ill
health he obtained a furlough to the section to his friend
in New Hampshire with directions to forward monthly
a certificate of his attending physcians of the state of
his health in case of in ability to do duty he need not
return which was regularly done until his time was 
out.  That he has never recovered his health since
that he was in the battle at Brooklyn Heights and Saratoga
and that he is in reduced in circumstances and stands
in need of the ajustance of his County for support
and that he has no other evidence now in his power
of his said service (except the accompanying deposition)
John Colbourn
Sworn to and [illegible] before me the day and year aforesaid
Joseph D. Farnsworth Chief Judge
Franklin County [illegible]
Page 5

I Joseph D. Farnsworth Chief Judge of the County
Court for the County
of Franklin in the District
of rent which Court is a Court of Record as a
do certify
that it appears to my satisfaction that the
said John
Colton
did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceeding declaration
the common enemy for the time of nine
months
on the continental establishment and from
my own knowledge that he is willed 
circumstances quit out of death And I now transmitt
the proceedings & testimony taken & had
for
me to the writer for
of Warrant
the Department of
timed act of Congress
to the directions of
& hav
the aforementioned
county the seal of
the County Court for the County of Franklin
be hereunto affixed at Fairfield this 10th Sept
Joseph D. Farnsworth
Page 6

John Colburn
Declaration
Copy of Record
Page 7

Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820.
STATE OF VERMONT, Supreme Court July Ad Term 1820
Franklin County SS
On this Eleventh day of July of said State
1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court for the County of 
Franklin and a Court of Record for said County stated, having the power of fine and Imprisonment
John Colburn aged 72 years, resident in Fairfield in said County, who being duly sworn,
according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows:
enlisted in last of March or April 1777 for three years in the
Company under Capt John House in Coln Cyleys Regiment in
the Newhampshire line that I served untill the month of February 1778 when being Sick I had a plough went home and was
under the Doctors care for two or three years
to the army. my original declaration is
I did not return again
dated April 6th 1818 and
my pension certificate is numbered 12872
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and
that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent
thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled ""An act to proside
for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war,” passed
the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or secuties
, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto
annexed, and by me subscribed. A. Schedule of John Colburns property-
Cow table two low chests, Six Knives & forks, 1 Iron Spoons
all Silver tea spoons Nathan States of
to Sanders shoutea kettle one Iron pot
Spider dish Kittle
Swans Bes Sixdacharis milk pans one pair and sons
Iron Kettle fire shovel & tonges & 2 old pails - I am by occupation
a farmer but am unable to do any labour by reason of infirm
by caused by a cold taken the night after Burgoyne Surender
my wife is aged 61 years she is some what infirm have no
Children under my care
John Colburn
Sworn to and declared on the
11th day of July 18 [illegible]
Page 8

that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with in
tent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an 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," passed
on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities
, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto
annexed, and by me subscribed.. Schedule of John Colburns property
one Cow 2 Tables two low chests, Six Knives & forks, 1 Iron Spoons
small silver tea spoons earthan States on the two
cups saucers the tea kettle one Iron pot
Spider dish Kittle
four Swarns Burs Six charis milk pans
one pair and Irons
one Iron Kettle fire shovel & tonges & 2 old pails - am by occupa
tion a farmer but am unable to do any labour by reason for firm
ity
caused by a cold taken the night after Burgoyne Surrender
my wife is aged 61 years she is some what infirm have no
Children under my care
John Colburn
Sworn to and declared on the
11th day of July 1820
Before the Court Attest Horace James Clerk
Horace Janes
Clerk of the Supreme Court
, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are
truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion
of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid
schedule, is twenty nine
dollars and 50 cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said court, on this 18th day of
July
1829
Horace Janes
Clerk.
Page 9

4637
Theoda Colburn's
Declaration
Wid of [illegible] Colburn
[illegible]
Ad July 7 1838
Married
1785
died
1827
Allon My Sergeant
$120 per ann
Wm Bridges
St Albans
Marriage took place [illegible] to the first of
January seventeen hundred & ninety four
Page 10

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838.
entitled An act granting half pay and pensions to certain
widows
State of Vermont ⎬ 
Georgia District SS 
On this 9th day of November 1838 personally
appeared before me the undersigned
authority Theoda Colburn, a resident
of Fairfield, in the County of Franklin & State aforesaid,
aged eighty 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 provision made by
the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838, entitled An act
granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of John Colburn who was a
Sergeant in the any of the Revolution, that he
was a resident of Lebanon N.H. when he entered the
service of the U.S. that he enlisted for three years
believes he served under Capt John House, in Col
Celleys Regt. was taken sick and returned before
his time was out, and remained sick for nearly
two years, did not join the army afterwards, believes
he was in the Battles at Saratoga C Monmouth;
that her said husband obtained a pension under the
act of 1818, and continued on the roll to the time
of his death. She further declares that she was
incured to the said John Colburn on the 25th day of
August 1785, that her husband the aforesaid John Colburn
died on the 20th of December, 1827, that she was not marroed to the s' John prior to his leaving the service, but
the marriage took place previous to the first of
January seventeen hundred ninety four his
Page 11

at the time before stated
Sworn to and subscribed on ┃
the day year above written
Theoday Colbourn
mark
In testimony whereof I have subscriibed my name officially, and affixed
the seal of the Probate Court at St
Albans in said district this ninth
day of November in the year of our ┃
Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty eight
William Bridges
Judge of Probate ┃
Page 12

Hon J.L. Edwards
State of Vermont
Franklin County
St Albans January 23d 1839
Sir
You will please examine
the annexed Declaration and
return and answer to me the
subscriber
W. Bridges
Page 13

John Colburn and Theody Dunham married
Timothy Kenrick Town Clerk of Lebanon
in the County of Grafton and State of New
Hampshire, certify. That the above is a true
copy of the record of the Marriage of John Colburn
and Rody Dunham with the exception of the
date, which is expressed on the record in fair
legible figures as follows. "August twenty fifth
Seventeen Hundred and Eighty five" (the whole
of said record in words and figures is, John
17
Colburn and Theody Dnrham married Augt
25th 1785")
Timothy Kenrick above named depose
and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the
Town, County and State aforesaid, and that the
above is a true extract from the records of said
town of Lebanon, with the exception above named
as certified by me
Timothy Kenrick Clerk of the Town of Lebanon
Grafton ss. State of New Hampshire Lebanon Dec 21 1838
Personally appearing the above named Timothy Kenrick
whom I certify to be a witness entitled to full credit,
made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him
subscribed is just and true
Before me
Alpheus Baker Justice of Peace
Co
unty of Grafton
State of New Hampshire
I Nathan B Felton, Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas for said County, hereby certify
that Alpheus Baker, whose name is subscribed to the ┃
foregoing certificate, was on the 21st day of December
current an acting Justice of the Peace for said County
& that his name so subscribed is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court the 24th day December AD 1838
N. B. Felton Clerk
Page 14

Nov 8 1906
[illegible]
Page 15

Colburn, John
His name appears on a list of applicants for all
pension returned by the District Court for the District of
New Hampshire, submitted to the House of Representatives
by the Secretary of War on Feby 28, 1795 and printed in the
American State Papers Class 9, page 160
Rank; Sergeant.
Regt; Col. Cilley. Capt. House's compy
Disability; Caught a violent cold
in Fording a river,
having little clothing to cover himself.
---
When and where disabled: Mohawk
Residence, Hanover
To what pension entitled; One third
disability does not proceed from any known wound,
therefore not entitled to a pension.
Page 16

Rev. & 1812
Wars Section
ILL
June 26, 1930.
Miss Mabel Bye
Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.
Dear Madam:
I advise you the papers in the Revolutionary War
228 it appears that John Colburn (pensioned
John Colbourn) enlisted in March or April, 1777 at Cornish or Lebonon, New Hampshire and served as sargent in Captain John House's Company, Colead Joseph Gilley's New Hampshire Regiment, was in the
battel of Bemas Heights and Saratoga, and was  furloughed February 14, 1778
at Valley Forge on account of sickness.

No was allowed pension on his application executed April6, 1818, while a resident of Fairfield, Franklin County, Vermont.
seventy-one years.
He died December 20, 1837.
Soldier married August 25, 1765, Thedy (name also appears Theoda) Dunham, marriage recorded in Lebonon, Grafton County, New Hampshire 

She was allowed pension on her application executed November 9 1832, while a resident of Fairfield, Franklin County,
She died January 6, 1839,
A family of nine children is referred to, no names shown,
Very truly yours,
R. W. Morgan
Acting
Commissioner
Page 17

In reply to your request of
received
a statement of the military history of John Colburn,
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.
W. 23,837
DATES ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
Mch or Apr 1777  + served until Feby 14, 1778 where he was furloughted on account of sickness at Valley Forge, [illegible]
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
RANK,
Sergeant

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
John House
COLONEL.
Joseph Cilley
STATE.
N.H.
Battles engaged in, Bemis Heights & Saratoga.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at Cornich or Lebanon, N. H. 
Date of application for pension, Apl 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Fairfield, Franklin Co. the
Age at date of application, seventy-one years.
Remarks: Soldier married
Aug. 25, 1785 Theoda Dunham
Recorded in town of Lebanon, Nov. He died Dec 20, 1827
and
her pension was allowed on her application executed Nov. 7, 1838 while
resident of Fairfield, Vt. & 81 yrs of age. She died Jany 6, 1839. nine children
were referred to and names stated
Respectfully,
Commissioner,
Page 18

REv
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23837
Theoda Colbourn
Wid of
John Colbourn
Sergh NH. Line
Act July 7th 1838
Page
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Index: -- Vol.
May 15 - 1905 Hist to ┃
A.A. Griffith, E. Orange
1919 Jany Inst. to Mrs. Fred W. Culver
1919 Nov. 18 " " Henry R Dronne
1930 June 26 Hist to Miss
Mabel Bye
I L L.
Page 19

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office
April 23d 1840
Sir
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States, Two of nine child of Theoda Colburn
Pensioner on the Roll of the
Vermont
Agency, at
the rate of one hundred & twenty Dollars and
per annum, under the law of the 7th July 1838
have been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1836
to the 6th January
1839, the time of her death,
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K Parris
Comptroller.
Mr E. Paris
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 20

Jno Colbourn
Burlington Apr. 1818 . 1829
the said H H
a 1827
Died 20th Decr 1827 p. that said
J H
Page 21

John Colburn
Private
77 to 80
Cilley N Hampre
Regt
admitted
Page 22

John Colburn
Sergeant
Col Cilleys Regt New
Hampshire line 1777-3 years
April 6th 1818
Admitted
on Rolls


District of Vermont
Franklin County
The Judge's certificate
as to citizenship wanted
I hereby certify that John Colburn the within named applicant
for pension is a resident Citizen of the town of Fairfield in the
County of Franklin & State of Vermont as that he has resided
the
years last part came here from the State of New Hamps
Fairfield May 27th 1819
Jos. D. Farnsworth Chief Judge [illegible]
Page 23

State of One
I George
Shepard of Franklin aged 73 years being duly Sworn Depose + say that in the year 1777 - I belongeed to the army
of the United States was a [illegble] in the New hampshire Line. I was then well acquainted with John Colburn
who was a Sergeant in Capt Home Company in Col Cilley's regiment he was in the three year service I said
being
frequently while in the service. we belonged to them brigade that this day been the said John Colbourn was in [illegible]
about 70 years of age & resides in Fairfield &
I [illegible] him to be the same man shown I [illegible] in the army as I have [illegible] and further say [illegible]
George Shepheard
Sworn to before me this 9th July 1818 +
the department has the reputation of being a credible witness

Joseph D. Farmworth Chief Judg
Franklin County [illegible]
Page 24

I Isaac Gibbs: depose and say the I inlisted in Captain John House Company and Joseph Cilly and Regan as a sergeant on the 22nd day of March AD 1777 and that place of Randwoga was at Charlestown No 4 State of New Hampshire and there I became acquainted with Sergeant John Colburn of the same company and regiment on or about the first April following and that we tented to gather untill later part of February 1778 and that the S@ Colburn was me in both of the battles with Gen. C. Burgoyne army on the 19th of September and 7th of October 1777 and that [page is torn can't read] Colburn behaved himself like a good officer and soldier and after Burgoyne army resined the armies we were marched Valley Forge Camp in the State of Pennsylvania where Sergea Colburn got a furlow to retire from the army being out of health and further sayeth not
Isaac Gibbs
State of Vermont Franklin County } Franklin formily 
Huntsburgh this day personally appeared Isaac Gibbs and sollemnly swore to the truth of the above affidavit before Samuel Hubbard
Justice of the Peace
July 3rd, AD 1818
Page 25

O. W. & N. Division.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of John Colburn, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will please 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.
Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered, Captain. Colonel.
State.
In March, 1777 he enlisted for 3 years and was appointed a sgt in Capt John House's Co Col Jos. Cilleys N H Regt; served until Feby 14, 1778 when he obtained a furlough and returned home on account of ill health and did not again enter the service.
Battles engaged in, Bemis Heights and Saratoga.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlist at Cornish, N H.
Date of application for pension, Apr 6, 1818
Residence at date of application, Fairfield Vt
Age at date of application, 71
Remarks Mr M. Theody Dunham, at Lebanon NH on Aug 25, 1785 and died December 20, 1827.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 26

Beaver Crossing, Nebr.,
May 3, 1930.

Com. of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,

Dear Sir:

Will you please send me the Revolutionary War record of John Colburn, who was a pensioner from Fairfield, Vt., and who served in the New Hampshire Continental line, together with names of children, and dates, or any genealogical data given.
Yours truly,
Miss Mabel Bye
[stamp: U. S. Pension Office May 5 1930]
Page 27

[handwritten OWN EM; Stamped: HICKS & GRIFFITH, Successor to;  Stamped: U.S. OWN Navy May 10 1905 Files P.B.]

S. A. Pumphrey & Co.,
Packers
THE "PERFECTION" CHIPPED BEEF, 
10 and 12 Crawford Street,
Long Distance Telephone
Newark, N. J.,  May 8th 1905

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Among the records of Pensions paid our soldiers in the revoluntary war will you kindly let me know if Asa Colburn, Jacob Colburn or John Colburn. all or either of these received a pension for seervices rendered and what is date of their pension.  They enlisted from Lebanon N. H.  The above information is desired as I want my daughters to become members of the D of R.  Any expense attached thanks kindly let me know with your reply.  Thanking you in advance I remain Very Recpt. Yours
A. A. Griffith
17 Amherst St
East Orange N. J.
CV 10-12 Crawford St
Newark N. J.
Page 28

[Handwritten:  Rev Sec EB]

Saginaw, Mich
Jan 5 1919

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me a copy of the pension record and military data of John Colburn who served in the Revolutionary War and died, I think at Fairfield Vt.
Very Sincerely
Mrs. Fred W. Culver
421 No Warren Ave
Page 29

[off to side handwritten: 2 ct stamped envelope Rec NL  Rev. Sec CSW]
[ Sons of the revolution seal]

Sons of the Revolution 
in the State of New York
Fraunces Tavern
Corner Broad and Pearl Streets
New York City     November 7th, 1919

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

Will you kindly send me the revolutionary service of John Colburn, who was born in New Hampshire February 9th, 1746 and died in Fairfield, Vt. October 20th, 1837.

He was sergeant in the New Hampshire continental line and was placed on the pension roll June 28th, 1819, his pension commencing April 5th, 1818.

His record is found on page 43 of the United States pension rolls 1776 - 1783 Vermont.

I desire this information for establishing the eligibility to membership of an applicant in this society.

Very truly yours,
Henry Russell Dronne 
Secretary.

HRD/MRM
Stamped Envelope Enclosed.