Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,674, Lucius Chapin, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Mass.   

Chapin, Lucius  
Susan   

NUMBER
W. 6674
B.L.Wt. 2188-160-55

CONTENT
Page 2

[Two columns of illegible text, saying at the bottom:]
The End of the new testament
Chapin, Lewis (Massachusetts)
W6674
[illegible stamp]
Page 3

[illegible] January 1
[illegible] [illegible] 
[illegible] 
[illegible] 14th June
[illegible] 
[illegible]  Edward
[illegible] 6th March
4 or 5 [illegible] 1802
[illegible] [illegible] 
[illegible] June 1835
[illegible] January 1 1806
11 October [illegible] [illegible] 
3 [illegible] 
Monday 1 July 10 Clerk [illegible] 
1805 [illegible]
Page 4

[apparently a page of Bible text]
[Duplicate of image 2]
Page 5

[Two side. Left side:]
Sunday August 7th 1791
Lucius Chapin
Susan Roseau
Married
Saturday 28th July 18 [illegible] 
[illegible] 7th March 10 [illegible] 
74 Lucius Rezeau Chapin
[illegible]day 10th July [illegible] 
[illegible] August Philander Chapin
[illegible] 19 April [illegible] 
1797 [illegible] [illegible] 
[illegible] February 11th 1827

[Right side:]
[illegible printed text]
Chapin, Lewis (Massachusetts) 
W6679
Page 6

[Duplicate of image 3]
Page 7

7/70

[Left side:]
Ohio 
31,739
Lucius Chapin
of Hamilton in the State of Ohio
who was a fifer in the Company commanded
by Captain Alexander of the regiment commanded
by Colonel Wigglesworth, Massachusetts
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Cincinnati
at the rate of 88 Dollars___ Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of April
1840, and sent to Dr E. G. Kemper
Walnut Hill, Hamilton County Ohio
Arrears to the 4th of March 1840 $792.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 September [18]40
44.00
$836,00
Revolutionary Claim,
Recorded by
Act June 7, 1832
D. McCurdy, Clerk,
Book E Volume 8. Page 10

[Right side:]
Letter to E. G. Kemper
November 16 [18]48.
Page 8

[Left side:]
1889
April 10, Mrs. Helen L K Blinn
Of Glendale Hamilton County Ohio
with history- Prior
[illegible] 55. Number 16034

[Right side:]
5017
Ohio
Susan Chapin
widow of Lucius Chapin
Massachusetts
who served in the Revolutionary war as a fifer
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
88-Dollars__Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of August 1849
and sent to
Dr E. G. Kemper
Walnut Hills
Ohio
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 33
Page 9

[Left side:]
16034 Act March 3 [18]55
March 27 [18]55
Susan Chapin widow of
Lucius Chapin, Fifer
Revolutionary Pensioner
Act February 1848
Cincinnati Agency
Private under Captain Enoch Chapin
Colonel Timothy Danielson
Massachusetts Militia
Admit 160 [illegible] July, 10 [18]55
Boynton
2188 issued July 10 [18]55

[Right side:]
Letter to W. B. Barry January 23 [18]55
Ohio
February [18]48 - Number 5017
Volume [illegible] -95.
Page 10

34875
Lucius Chapin
Ohio


Fifer on roll Capt. Alex Andrs/Feb 1778 3 yrs
Page 11

Declaration. In order to obtain the
benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832
State of Ohio
Hamilton County
On this 16th day
of October 1832 personally appeared in
Court, before the
superior Court in Cincinnati and County
aforesaid, now sitting Lucius Chapin a resident of said State
and County, and aged 79 years on the 25 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
act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That in 1775, he resided with his Father in Springfield
Hampshire County State of Massachusetts, and volunteered about
mid summer on a military tour, of four to six months, under
a Captain Chapin, and joined the Troops at Roxbury near Boston,
for the purpose of heming [hemming] in the British then in Boston. He
thinks that General Gates commanded the Brittish troops at that time.
having been sick at Roxbury, he was scarcely able to walk
home when discharged, through the snow- That in the
latter part of 1776, he again volunteered on a militia tour
to Ticonderoga - He thinks Colonel Woodbridge commanded the regiment to
which he was now
attached. On this trip he was out three
or four months -
That in the spring of 1777 he inlisted in the
regular service for three years. He thinks his inlistment was
dated in February or March 1776, but whether he belonged to
Continental, Regular or State troops he can now have
no recollection or knowledge; he was however attached
to Colonel Wigglesworth's Regiment with Lieutenant Colonel Sprout, and Major Porter
the Captain he can not recollect. The Regiment belonged to Brigadier General Glovers Brigade. The first thing he did was to go to the hospital to be inoculated. He was there much longer than usual
Page 12

and never afterward enjoyed the health that he had before
The next thing he recollects with certainty was his being
with the Brigade at or near Stillwater, that he was at the battle
of Stillwater on the 19 of September and remained there until the
surrender of General Burgoine, some time after a second
battle.
This division of our troops was commanded by Major General
Gates. After the capture of Burgoine, he marched with his
Brigide through New Jersey to Valley Forge, where they went
into winter quarters, and continued until the British left Philadelphia.
He then marched with his Brigade in pursuit of the british
troops to cut off their junction if possible with those in New York
and over took them at Monmoth, where a battle took
place, but was unsuccessful in stoping their march - He
next marched to Rhode Island to take Newport. This detach
ment was commanded by Major General Sullivan, who led the
troops or to the Island, but for the want of the co-operation of a French fleet as was said, had soon to retreat, and
with much military adroitness and manoeuvering, got the troops
off of the Island in the night. We after this went up to Providence to winter quarters, and continued there until the next
spring or summer-- We then marched on through Connecticut
up into the State of New York, to the highlands, where he
remained until the time of his inlistment expired, and was
discharged he thinks by Major Porter, the then Commandant of
the Regiment- That on receiving his discharge here
turned home to his Father and remained there for a
considerable time, but does not remember of taking his discharge
from his Fathers house, nor does he know any thing
of it since that time, nor what became of it. but views it as
forever lost. During the whole time, and through all the above
mentioned periods of his service, he belonged to the mu-
Page 13

[mu]sicians, and was a Fifer - He further states, that he has no documentary evidence of his services, nor does he know of any now in existance
that he could now possibly obtain. And that he left his
native land when young, and has not been there, for almost fifty
years
That his Fathers, his brothers, his sisters and the compeers
of his youthful days, now mostly sleep under the faraway
clods of the earth. The last surviving brother or Sister
he has is the Rev. Dr Calvin Chapin of Rock Hill, Connecticut -
It is 8 or 10 months since I have heard from him. If he
still live, I might, in time if required, obtain his living testimony to my services-- and he is the only person in my knowledge now living, that I know to be knowing to it.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an
annuity, except the present and declare my name is not, nor ever
was on the pension roll of any agency in any State of
the Union.
Lucius Chapin
Sworn to and subscribed
before me in open Court
October 16th 1839
Daniel Garro
The State of Ohio 
Hamilton County
The within named applicant
Lucius Chapin appeared before the superior
Court of Cincinnati in open court and being
examined under oath made answer to
the following questions
Question 1st-where and in what year was you born?
I was born in Springfield in Massachusetts State.
on the 25th of April 1760, as he believes
Question 2nd- Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it? I have not at this time with me I had one when
in Virginia but now does not know when it is
Question 3rd-where were you living when called into service
Page 14

where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
and where do you now live?-
Answer - I lived in Springfield Massachusettswhen

When I volunteered and when I insisted into service. further
I have lived for a short time in the different
State of Vermont Massachusetts, Newhampshire
and New York in capacity of a teacher
of Sacred music, and have resided in
the State of Kentucky since the year
1796, until two years last part during
which time I have resided in Hamilton
County Ohio and have fully stated in my
declaration other facts in answer to this question
Answer to question 4 he answers and
days, I have before stated I was a volunteer
and further states - I have within
in my declaration fully stated so far
as now in my power the name of
officers the regiments and general
circumstances so far as at present
recollected, and that I never received
a commission but did receive
a discharge from Major Porter
I think his name was John Porter
and applicant refers to the Reverend A.M
Aton Rev. Benjamin Graves. Arthur
Sautter, as persons who know and have
Known him since his residence in the County of Hamilton.
Lucius Chapin
Sworn to and subscribed
before me in open Court
October 16th 1839.
Daniel Garro, Clerk
Superior Court of Cincinnati

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County
City of Cincinnati
Page 15

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County
City of Cincinnati

October 16th 1839
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Mr Lucius Chapin who has subscribed
the annexed declaration and have known
him for many years, and believe him to be
of the age of Seventy nine years as he
represents, his character for veracity
is unimpeached, I have no recollection
of having heard of his being a
soldier of the revolution, but my
opinion of his character is such
that I would believe it upon his own
declaration
John T. Shotwell
Sworn to and subscribed
before me in
open Court October 16 1839
Daniel Lane Clerk of
the Superior Court of County
The Court order it to be certified that
they are of opinion that the after an 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 stated, and the Court further certifies that Doctor John T. Shotwill M.D. who has signed the preceeding
certificate and sworn to the truth of its
contents is a resident in the City of Cincinnati Ohio and is a credible person, and
that his statement is entitled to credit.
By order of the Court
[illegible] Clerk of the Superior
Page 16

scribed before me in
open Court October 16th 1839
Daniel Garro Clerk of
the Superior Court of Cincinnati
The Court order it to be certified that
they are of opinion that the after an 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 stated, and the Court further certifies that Doctor John T. Shotwill M.D. who has signed the preceeding
certificate and sworn to the truth of its
contents is a resident in the City of Cincinnati Ohio and is a credible person, and
that his statement is entitled to credit.
By order of the Court
I Daniel Garro Clerk of the Superior Court of Cincinnati
Do hereby certify that the
foregoing within and annexed
contain the original proceedings of the Court, in the
matter of the application of
Lucius Chapin for
pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at Cincinnati this 16th of
October AD 1839
Daniel Garro Clerk
Page 17

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County Ss.
Be it known that before me
a Justice of the peace in and for said County
aforesaid, personally appeared Susan Chapin
and made oath in due form of law, that she
is the widow of Lucius Chapin deceased, that
her deceased husband was drawing a pension
of Eighty Eight dollars per annum from the
Government for military services during the
Revolutionary War. that after volunteering on
two different occasions for several months each
he made a regular enlistment into the service
for the Term of three years, which service he
faithfully performed. He received his pension
under the act of 1832, but not apply until
late in 1839, his certificate from the department was dated 16 of April 1840. He deceased
on the 24th December 1842, after which she
drew the arrears of pension due him at his
death - and she further states that at the time
of their Marriage Mr Chapin had a bible
in which he entered the family record of their
Marriage and the births of their children, and that
she still has this book and record in her possession
in a plain and legible form in his own hand
writing, showing that they were married on the
7th day of August 1796, that she remains his widow 
and that she still resides in the County and
State aforesaid where they were living at the
time of his death, and further she now makes
this declaration for the purpose of drawing
a half pay pension of her deceased husband
from the time of his death to the 4th of March
Page 18

1848, this she claims under the act of Congress granting
pensions to widows of Revolutionary soldiers and approved March 23. 1843; and also an act for the same
purpose passed on the 17 day of June 1844, and
further from the 4th day of March 1848 she claims
full pay of her deceased husband, during her natural
life as granted under act of Congress of February
1848. all which is Respectfully submitted
Susan Chapin

Sworn to and subscribed before me this Seventh day of
September Eighteen Hundred and Forty Eight (the words "did
and "Widow" interlined before sworn to) 
Jacob S. Peterson Justice of the peace.

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County Ss.
Be it known that before me a
Justice of the peace in and for the said County aforesaid personally
appeared Jared M Stone a minister of the Gospel and made
oath in due form of Law, that he was intimately acquainted with
Lucius Chapin and his wife Susan Chapin for some years
before the death of Mr Chapin they being members of the
the
Church to which he at that time ministered in the Presbyterian 
Connection. That he still continues his administration in
the same Church and that the widow Susan Chapin Still continues a member thereof. That he knows the above and within
named Lucius Chapin to have been receiving a pension from 
Government at the time of his death and that the above
named and within applicant Susan Chapin is the identical 
widow of the said Lucius Chapin, and further the said widow
Chapin produces the strongest documentary evidence of the
of their marriage, it being their family Register
inserted in their Bible (as is the practice of many) in the
well known and peculiar hand writing of the deceased
Lucius Chapin, and that an inspiction [sic] of this book and
record gives the strongest demonstration of the age
Page 19

and faithfulness, and the truthfulness of its being the
family record as it purports to be, and that this record sets forth
the time of their marriage, and the births of their several children at the subsequent periods of time therein stated with two of whom I am personally acquainted, this record shows that the within named Lucius Chapin and his wife Susan were married the 7th day of August 1791.
Jared M. Stone
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7" day of September ┃
Eighteen Hundred and Forty Eight (the word time" interlined
before sworn )
Jacob S. Peterson Justice of the peace

The State of Ohio Hamilton County⎬ SS
Be it known that before me a Justice
of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally
appeared Edward Kemper and made oath in due form
of law that he has had a particular acquaintance with the
family of the within named Lucius Chapin deceased for the
thirty years now past, and further that the declarations and Statements of the within applicant Susan Chapin and the statements of the within deponent Jared M Stone he knows to be in strict accordance with the matters of facts as set forth
by them.
E.Y. Kemper
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 7th day of September
Eighteen Hundred and Forty Eight 
Jacob S. Peterson justice of the peace.
Page 20

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County Ss.
Be it known that I the undersigned
A Justice of the peace in and for the County
aforesaid have a personal acquaintance with the
within applicant Susan Chapin and the deponents
that I also have a knowledge of many facts
named by them. Especially have I esteemed the
bible and its records refered [sic] to and know that
they have given a true representation of it and
and am confidently of the opinion that their statements
throughout are according to the plain and simple
truth in the case.
myself.)
(the words "of the" interlined by myself)
Jacob S. Peterson Justice of the  Peace
Page 21

13.846
Susan Chapin
Widow of Lucius
Ohio
J.L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
admitted
fifer $88 per annum
4th March 1843
under act 3rd March 1843 and 17 June 1844
and from 4th March 1848 under act 2nd February 1848.
Dr E.G. Kemper
Walnut Hill
Ohio
Act 1 July 1838
Page 22

STATE OF OHIO, } ss.
Hamilton County,
I, EDWARD C. ROLL, clerk of the court of common pleas for said county certify that Jacob S. Peterson Esquire
before whom the affidavits of Susan Chapin
Janet M. Stone and Edward J. Kemper hereto attached
appear to have been made
was
at the time of taking and subscribing the same as acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Hamilton, duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such,
and as such and that the several signatures of the
said Jacob Peterson, thereto and to the Certificate
of opinion are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I , the Clerk aforesaid
have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal
of the said County of Cincinnati, in said
County this 22 day of September AD 1848
E.C. Roll 
Clerk H.C.C. P. [Hamilton Court of common pleas]
J.M. McMaster Deputy
Page 23

16034
Act 3rd March 1855
8th Section
Susan Chapin
widow of Lucius
Chapin Fifer in
war of the
Revolution
For Bounty Land
[illegible] B. Barry
Cincinnati Ohio
Page 24

STATE OF Ohio
COUNTY OF Hamilton
On this seventeenth day of March 1855
Personally appeared before me a Justice of Peace within and for said County, Susan Chapin aged 94
years, a resident of Hamilton County Ohio
who being duly sworn, according to law, doth, on
her
oath make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the benefit of provision made by the
section of the Act of Congress,
passed March 1854
She is the
Widow of Lucius Chapin deceased
who was A fifer in the Revolutionary War
That she is a pensioner as such widow of the claimant Ohio at the rate of Eighty eight dollars per
Annum under act of Congress
of 2nd February 1848-
She further declares that she 
has not again Married and is still a widow.
That she constitutes and appoints William B. Barry of Cincinnati her Attorney in the premises and to receive
Her Land warrant.
Susan Chapin
Attest
Charles. A. B. Kemper
James L. Kemper
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year first above written, before me, and I certify 
that I know the said Susan Chapin, and that
she is the identical person who received
pension above referred to that I have no
interest in her claim-
John Jenkins Justice of the peace
Page 25

at same time and place personally
appeared A.B. Kemper and J.L. Kemper
who being duly sworn according to Law declare
that the are residents of Hamilton County
Ohio and that the
one intimate with
the present Susan Chapin
who signed
made
the within
declaration-
they further declare
that
she is
the
a pensioner
of the United
States
at $88 per annum
as widow of
Lucius
Chapin under
Act of Congress of 2nd February 1868, and
from the intimacy 
with her
they know
that
she is
Still
Widow
and that they
Are
disinterested
Witnesses
Charles A B Kemper
James L. Kemper
Sworn to and
Subscribed before me the day and year first
within written and I certify that the deponents are well entitled to credit.
John Jenkins,
Justice of the Peace
Page 26

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County
Thomas Spooner Clerk of the
Court of Common
Pleas in and
for said County
Certify that John
Jenkins before whom the
foregoing
affidavits were made and whose
Genuine Signature appears thereto was
of the same
time an acting Justice of
the
Peace
in and for
said County duly 
Commissioned and qualified-
In testimony 
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal from said court this 21 day of March
1855. 
Thomas Spooner
Clerk Court Common pleas
Hamilton County Ohio
Page 27

Rocky Hill, Connecticut 24th Jan. 1840
James L. Edwards, Esquire Commissioner of Pensions-
My Dear Sir
I cannot, for a moment, doubt, that the Lucius 
Chapin, now of Hamilton County, Ohio, is my brother the
The 3rd son of my Parents. I do not recollect ever to have heard of another person, with that name - excepting a mere youth
grandson of my oldest Brother Deacon Aaron Chapin late of
Hartford, Connecticut, many years an office bearer in the 1st church of that city, and who died the 25th day of December 1834, in the 46th year of his age.
This youth was named, I suppose, after my Brother
Lucius, in the West. He is a recent graduate, of Yale College, and
is at present, a Teacher, in the Asylum, for deaf and dumb persons in the city of New York.
Inasmuch as the real and very aged person of the
name, does now exist in Hamilton County, Ohio, it would seem
altogether improbable that a stranger residing in the same
county- assume the name, with any hope of success, in applying for a pension, whether my Brother Lucius has a son thus named
I am not advised, he has, it seems hardly presumable, that he would undertake such an imposition.
Will you now my dear Sir, have the goodness and  patience 
to bear with me, if I particularize? I fear that justice to the
case does not admit even desirable brevity.
According to the family Record, my brother Lucius was
born in Chickapee-the north parish of Springfield, Massachusetts
the 25th day of April, 1760. of course, he is now in his 40th 
Year. In that village our Parents lived, from their youth
And there in a good old age, they died.
On leaving the army in 1780 he learned the clothier’s
business, in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Thence he went south westerly.
How much he ever labored in his mechanical branch, I know not.
since he left for the south west, I do not remember his visiting
New England more than once. That visit was short, may
have been in 1791 or 2. Possibly however he can have visited
us twice. Little, consequently, have we known, of him excepting by his Letters and by the correspondence of others, during the
last half century. By these means we have understood -I trust correctly- that a large majority of his time, since he left us has
been spent in teaching sacred music, several seasons in seem
In the central district of Virginia - but principally in Kentucky
He has reared a large family - sons and daughters. His residence, for the last 2 or 3 years, has been with a son in law, Dr. E. G. Kemper, lives at walnut Hills-from Cincinnati distant about two miles.
from this latter son in law, I have, within a few day, received
Letters requesting me to express and send to you my recollections concerning my Brother Lucius's military services in the war of 1775, together with evidence showing that the real Lucius and the claimant are identically the same person
Doctor Kemper states that the evidence is not satisfactory
to the department - the evidence that he Lucius claiming is
the Lucius who performed the service, and to whom the pension
belongs. I do very cordially respect and honor the government
And it officers, for their caution and care against imposition.
This however, is certain. The more than 3 years military services of my Brother, Lucius Chapin, are unquestionable.
Whether the Lucius Chapin, now in Hamilton County, Ohio, is my
Brother - that same son of my Parents above named- I can no
more doubt, than I can doubt, that there such distinguished
men as Martin Van Buren or Amos Kendall - or that there
Exists such a monarchs as Victoria.
My correspondents in Ohio and Kentucky - some of them near
relatives of Lucius and myself-have informally, and not long since, written concerning him as living. they have mentioned his
changes of residence his health - his happiness in christian
piety and hope. Both they and he have represented his worldly
circumstances as low, Not a word, however, from either
him, or them, until now, have received, on the pension subject.
When I saw the Law of ’32, I thought at once of that brother.
The clearness of his title to country, justice seemed
Perfectly evident. The information now received from Doctor Kemper that my Brother does not receive the pension, is unexpected and to me surprizing.
The department has undoubtedly done its duty.
But the wonder is, that my Brother, with the aid of friendship not 
taken the steps requisite to identify himself and his services for
the country- thus receiving the relief which the increasing
feebleness of his old age demands, and to which the Law intitles
him.
His neglect has been owing, no doubt to his long felt and practiced indifference to perishing property, beyond the demands of mere competency and rational enjoyment, not far from 60 years, it is believed, he has been successfully intent on the acquisition and happy use of “the true riches”. Hence, probably his neglect, until moved by the imbecility of superannuation- to adopt the measures justly requisite, for receiving the late and only remuneration proffered by his country.
I have never perceived, in his opinions or conduct the least evidence of moral contamination, by the vicious and impious enticement of the camp-rather, he seems ardently to have employed his opportunities in search of enduring intellectual and moral excellence. He acquired a handsome form of chirography, More than this-his Letters were highly gratifying to his pious parents.
Several years have now gone by, since direct communications
between him and myself, have existed. The reason of my omission has been that as I understood by correspondents- he was likely to be way seeing his children, in their dispersion. I was of course, uncertain how or where to direct .on his part, it has been said that his eyes grew dim, and the use 
of the pen became irksome
Until the skirmish, at Lexington, in April, and the real battle at Bunker Hill in June, 1775, my Brother Lucius and myself, with an older Brother were laborers together, on the paternal farm.
Forthwith, the military fire was kindled Drumming-fifing-training-recruiting officers-enlisting and war were the ton [tone]. Lucius, neither full grown nor adult-took fife in hand. Not many weeks were gone before it was said, that he could play well.
soon therefore, he inlisted and went to Roxbury, near Boston where the Regulars were. He served his time out, and returned, I believe in good health.
The next year, he enlisted again, and went northerly - to Ticonderoga then in the every day style called [illegible]. That time, likewise served out, he came back, I think in health and safety, He had, doubtless, a firm and robust constitution
The year next following - 1777- Washington and the government finding that something more stable and trustworthy than temporary and floating militia, was indispensable to success- instituted the 3 years service.
In this my Brother Lucius inlisted of the day. Of the day however or the month, I have no recollection. Early in the autumn of that year, I inlisted for 6 months, as a fifer, into the guard of military munitions, at Springfield.
Those captured with Burgoyne, were brought there, deposited And safely kept, till ordered away. Burgoyne’s men, also, were for some time, in a part of our barracks.
Page 28

These itemsI mention, because the impression has been long
fixed, and without any apprehension of mistake, that, when I enlisted,Lucius was offI had, for months, been off-somewhere in the army under his 3 years enlistment, To me the inference is satisfactory, that his enlistment must have taken place, as far back as the winter, or early in the spring of 77-
He went as a Fifer - as he had gone in both of the preceding
expeditions. He served out his 3 years punctually, and joined our
armies no more. Once during that period, he came home on a
furlough I do not remember but once.
As a musician, he was reported as standing high. In morals he was correct- in fidelity exemplary. He was favored, according to my best recollection, with uniform and strong health. My entire impression, ever since his discharge has been that he was fife major of a regiment. Though I will not now positively affirm, that this was the fact; yet, if he says it was, I can have no doubt. Such is my confidence in his moral principle, I cannot believe, that even for the millions in the national treasury, he would knowingly
declare a falsehood.
My recollection again carries me back to the far distant day
of our youth, seem to hear him, there, tell me what were his duties as fife major, not I think himself to play for the marching of
troops but to teach, direct and control the performance of others.
Concerning the military service of Lucius Chapin my brother
I feel an unwavering persuasion, that- the subject being justly
investigated, he cannot be left a particle of reasonable doubt
on being by Law, entitled to a full pension, as a Musician, and 
probably as a major; nor can I indulge the least uncertainty
Carrie Lucius Chapin, now of Hamilton County, Ohio, is the aged
And beloved Brother, concerning whom I fear you already say, that I do quite insufferably attempt to tax your time and attention
Indulge me, nevertheless, if you can, a little longer …of his
written discharge-for I conclude, that, like others, he must have
received one-- I have no recollection. That he received one and
In his ramble, has lost it, can be no matter of rational surprise.
Still perhaps, you say, that notwithstanding the full proof
of service by my brother, L. C., You are not quite convinced, that the
L.C. of Hamilton County, Ohio, now claiming a pension-is that same Lucius Chapin, born in Springfield, Massachusetts 25th April 1760.
Permit me therefore, respectfully to crave yet a small measure of additional patience. There were from birth, and through childhood and youth, two personal marks, by which my Brother, now in question, was distinguished, he has them now, they cannot but be decisive of identity. How far they have ever been notices, I am unable to say - or whether even beyond the family.
1. The pupil of one eye-which I am now uncertain, but believe it 
was the right was not perfect circle. There was a depression, the
under side of the periphery, shaped like an inverted cone.
2. From his birth, also, as our Mother used to say, one of his
ears, in external form was imperfect and unnatural
Possibly, time, and the decays of age can have obliterated the
former of the marks or have rendered it scarcely perceptible
The latter, however, I believe, that no change in other respects,
during life, can remove.
Notwithstanding there “curus naturae" these variations
from constitutional structure- his powers of vision and hearing
were perfect.
Now, if credible witnesses find, on inspection, that the
Lucius Chapin, here in question, is distinguished by one or both
of these original varieties; and will in due form, certify you,
I cannot doubt, that you will be perfectly satisfied that the
said Lucius Chapin, of Hamilton County, Ohio, is completely identified as my brother beloved, whose more than 3 years-say 42 months service for his country entitle him to such pension, as the Law in the case made and provided - warrants.
I do not remember ever in my life to have either seen
heard, so much as a single allusion to these marks out of my
Fathers family. As boys little Brothers-play fellow-we used
to look at and talk about them. Doctor Kemper writes me nothing concerning them. I infer he has never observed them.
The perfect efficiency of an artificial mark, in possessing
conviction of identity you doubtless, recollect to have often
seen beautifully described in the 17 th book of Homer’s  Odyssey.
It may be difficult to perceive, why the same effect must
by produced by marks, like my Brother’s, naturally adherent.
My purpose is to transmit, immediately the substance
of this communication to Doctor Kemper that both service and identification, without needless delay, may be forwarded to you and the question decided and settled in favor of my Brother.
I propose, furthermore, to request the Honorable Joseph Trumbull a representative in Congress- just to call on you and say, whether in his opinion my character is such as to justify confidence in the correctness of my statements-- as the result of my best recollections, and of my full belief.
I will not affirm, that there can be no item of error-
I am ready to declare, under oath, that I am not aware of any
mistake. Further than this my solemn appeal, to my maker
And Judge for the truth of this testimony, does not extend
As to myself, in a case like this, it need not, I hope, be accounted
indecorous if I say, however unworthy, that for more than
45 years, have had the Pastoral charge of the church and
society in Rocky Hill Connecticut- and that I have had no other
Yours, Respectfully,
Calvin Chapin
Sworn to this 25th day of
January AD 1840 before
Seth Tury Judge
Page 29

State of Connecticut
At a Court of Probate
held at Hartford within and for the District of
Hartford
January 25th 1840
Present Seth Tury Judge
I certify the within deposition of Reverend
Calvin Chapin of Wethersfield in said District
Contains all the proceedings there had before said
Court in the matter of the application of
Lucius Chapin for a Pension and
certify that said Deponent is to me personally
known and that he is a gentleman of high
reputability and that his character as a
man of truth is well established and
that full credit is due to his testimony
Within made and this day sworn to before
said Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed
my seal of office this
25th day of January
AD 1840
Seth Tury Judge
Page 30

for a statement of the military history of Lucius Chapin
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.
Widow F.6674.
[Table of five columns, headed:]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT || LENGTH OF
SERVICE || Rank || Officers under whom service was rendered || State.
Summer 1775 || 4 to 6 months || Fifer | Captain Chapin || Massachusetts
Late in [17]76 || 3 or 4 months || Fifer || Captain Chapin, Colonel Woodbridge || Massachusetts ||
February or March. [17]79 | Fifer || Captain Chapin, Colonel Wigglesworth || Massachusetts ||

Battles engaged in, Battle of Stillwater Monmouth.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Springfield, Hampshire County Massachusetts.
Date of application for pension, October 8 1832 His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Hamilton County, Ohio; the North Parish of Springfield Massachusetts
Age at date of application, Born April 25 1760 in Chickapee, Died December 24, 1842, Hamilton County Ohio.
Remarks: He married August 7, 1791 Susan Rezeau. She was allowed pension on an application [illegible]  September 7, 1848 while a res. of Hamilton County Ohio
Children; Lucretia Campbell, born July 10, 1792, Lucius Rezeau born October 10. 1794; Amzi Philander, born July 10, 1795; Hariot Emelia, born April 19, 1797;Juliet Eliza, born January 29, 1799; Calvin Edward born June 14, 1800; Niessimus Born March. 6. 1802; Cephas Lysander born January 24 1804, died July 25, 1828, Susan L. bornJuly 1, 1805.
Very Respectfully
Miss E.A. Chapin
96 Richmond avenue
Buffalo, New York
Commissioner.
Widow’s age is not shown. Died June 13, 1835
Page 31

CHAPIN, LEWIS (MASS)
W 6674
Page 32

STATE OF OHIO, } ss.
Hamilton County,
I, EDWARD C. ROLL, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County
of Hamilton, do hereby certify that Jacob S Peterson before whom affidavit of Francis Cox hereto [illegible] affixed have been made and E.V. Brooks, Esquire before whom affidavit of Edward Y. Kemper also [illegible] attached-
appear to have been made was each at the time of taking
said affidavit and
at the time of taking and subscribing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the
County of Hamilton, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to all
his official acts such. and that the signatures of the said
Jacob Peterson and E.V. Brooks to said affidavit are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I the Clerk aforesaid,
have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal
of the said Court at Cincinnati, in the said County, this 24th 
day of July 1849
E.C. Roll
Clerk H. C. C. P. [Hamilton Court of Common Pleas]
J.M. McMaster, Deputy
Page 33

The State of Ohio,
Hamilton County SS.
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned,
Justice of the Peace in and for said County
Lucius Cox, who makes Solemn oath that he
did See Doctor E G. Kemper, cut the family records
from the old Bible now in the possession of
Mrs. Susan Chapin, widow of the late Lucius
Chapin, Deceased
Tennis Cox
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty third
day of May A.D. 1849.
Saul S. Peterson, Justice of Peace
I hereby certify the above named him on to be
a person of respectability, and whose word can be
implicitly relied upon in all cases.
Jacob S. Peterson
May 23d 1849.
CHAPIN, Lucius
(MASSACHUSETTS)
W 6674
Page 34

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County Ss.
Edward Kemper
of lawful age being duly sworn according to
law deposeth and saith, that the paper hereto
attached marked A and B are the identical
papers referred to in the affidavit of Mr. Lucius 
Cox, and that the same were cut by him said
Kemper, from the old Bible in presence of said Cox-and that said  Bible was in the possession of the said Mrs Susan Chapin, the person referred
to in the foregoing affidavit
and further saith not
E.G. Kemper
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th
day of May AD 1849
E.W. Brooks Justice of the peace
Page 35

Ohio
Susan Chapin
Boynton
Lucius
Regiment 3rd Massachusetts number 16034
Admitted 2 [illegible] [18]46-number 5017
[stamp] Cincinnati Ohio July 6 Free

L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of pensions
Washington DC
Page 36

218 [illegible]
Page 37

Number 16034. act 3rd March 1855
Additional evidence
Susan Chapin
Widow of Lucius
Chapin [illegible] of revolution.
Page 38

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
July 20 1855
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books
and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the
Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the
name of Lucius Chapin is borne on return
of 8 months men in Captain Enoch Chapins Company Colonel
Timothy Danielson's Reiment. name borne on
Continental Roll dated October 26. 1775, as fifer, from
Springfield
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 39

[illegible] 5th July 1855
Sir
In compliance with your request as per your letter of the 23rd ultimo [last month] I enclose evidence of Lucius Chapin’s service in the revolution.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Wiliam P. Barry
Page 40

[Left side;}
History to Mrs. E. S. Chapin

[Right side:]
February 25 [18]08
Revolutionary widow etc.
File number 6674
Susan Chapin 
widow
Lucius Chapin
Massachusetts revolutionary war
Act: February 3, 1848
Index:-Volume A, Page 115
{Arrangement of 1870}
Page 41

8621,
Ohio
Susan Chapin
widow of Lucius Chapin
who was a Fifer
in the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of Dollars__ Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued
the 16th day of august 1849
and sent to
Dr E. G. Kemper
Walnut Hills
Ohio
{Acts of March 3, 1843 and June 17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book A
Volume 2
Page 202
Page 42

Lucius Chapin
Ohio
Suspended
Letter 30th November [18]39
Dr. E.G. Kemper
Died 26 December [18]39
Letter 21 January 1840 Honorable A. Lurcon
Letter 21 February 1840 Honorable J. Trumbull
Act 7 June 183[illegible]
Page 43

13,846
Susan Chapin
widow of Lucius
Ohio
Suspended
Letter May [18]49 to
E.G. Kemper May 1849
Act of July 1838
Page 44

W6674
96 Richmond Ave 
Buffalo New York
Revolution
The Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C 
Dear Sir 
My great grandfather Lucius Chapin served through the Revolutionary War from Massachusetts May I ask for his record as given in his application
Page 45

for a pension.
He (Lucius Chapin) was born in Springfield, Massachusetts april 1760. He enlisted as drummer and fifer in Captain Gideon Burt's company, Colonel Timothy Danielson's regiment. also drummer in Captain Enoch Chapin's company also Captain Walter Pynchon's company, also Captain Alexander's company, Colonel Wigglesworth's regiment
Page 46

Hoping to receive a favorable reply and 1thanking you for the information 
Very truly 
(Miss) E. A. Chapin 
96 Richmond Avenue
Buffalo New York
[stamp] US Pension Office February 27 1908
Page 47

34,875
Susan Chapin
Ohio
Admitted
Fifer 2 years $88-
Captain Alexander, Colonel Wigglesworth, Massachusetts
Act 7 June 1832
Dr. E.G. Kemper
Walnut Hills
Hamilton County 
Ohio
Page 48

Rocky Hill Connecticut 6th March 1840
James L. Edwards Esquire
My Dear Sir,
I have just received your papers from the Honorable J. Trumbull They remind me that respectful decorum bids me explain in a few words.
In the 18th of Dec 1839, I received a request from Doctor E . G. Kemper, under date of December 1st
in that he wished me to send you my recollections of my Brother Lucius’s military services, in the war of 1775
This Doctor Kemper is son in law of my said brother. As soon as preengagements permitted I described these recollections, and religiously attested them as my undoubting belief, in a court of record. According to his request, they
were addressed, in manner and form, to you.
As- on, or about the 25th of the same December - I was ready to seal the paper, and commit it to the Mail, under direction to you, I received another from Doctor Kemper, under date of the 15th, desiring me to send him the recollections. This change of plan seemed correct. It might possibly aid my Brother in his
view of times and events long since gone by. It might, also, as well come back from Ohio, with their papers to Washington
as to go directly thither. At the same time, I deem it possible, that my Brother and his relatives in the far distant
west, will find nothing in my recollections, which they will worthy of transmission to you. Be this as it may, I
trust you will excuse this obtrusion upon the important duties of your office.
By what Doctor Kemper writes, I doubt whether my brother can recollect his captain.
I think not that he was more or less, frequently removed from one company or regiment to another.
If I am well informed such changes were not uncommon, as to the time of his 3 years enlistment, my impression
has long been, that, when I enlisted - I know not what day, but it must have been very little anterior to the capture
of Burgoyne, say about the beginning of October 1777- my Brother had been, and then was off in the army, and he
been off a number of months, under his 3 years bond, Still this many, as to the time be a mistake, I state it only
as my impression and belief.
Please accept my thanks for your kind attention to this subject, and believe me, sir, 
with much respect, your friend,
Calvin Chapin
Page 49

Allow me to add a word here, which I forgot, on the other page. It is conjecture, however,I must pass for what it is worth.
The wonder seems to be, why my Brother has not applied much earlier. My apprehension is that he
has found in that for away region, very few and very unsatisfactory means of proving his legal right. This may
be a reason, having some weight. He and his friends there must nevertheless have known that this difficulty
would only increase by delay. For years, they can have thought they never would apply [illegible] the dependence
induced by the imbecility of old age may cause necessity to be felt.
But the principal reason of his neglect - occurring to my conjecture-- may be the dread of taking oaths. I cannot doubt, that he would feel a conscientious horror at the idea of exposing himself to the guilt of false swearing. He would know that recollections in detail- specially in relation to a period
So long, and so much of it forgotten- must be frail, imperfect, and liable to error. outlines can be remembered
with exactness. They can therefore, be topics of solemn and safe appeal to omniscience, while millions of
particular items, filling up the outlines are irrecoverably gone into oblivion.
What he will give as reasons, for neglect till this late hour, I know not. If other reasons have caused the omission and my conjectures shall prove groundless-I  certainly can have no objection
Yours as ever
C.C.
Page 50

Walnut Hill Hamilton County Ohio
Sir
I presume another failure of mail conveyance
in our communication has
has occured [sic]. Under date of 12, February
last, I sent you a lengthened reply to your requirements
of last November. This was as early as it could be effected
in consequence of the loss of your first letter and the time
required for me to obtain the testimony of Dr Chapin
in Connecticut. His full and explicit testimony, I then inclosed to you as a principal part of my reply and the
most essential of what you further required in the case.
you will please to reflect Sir, upon the great
uneasiness that must be felt under such a state of
uncertainty by a man of Mr. Chapins age, with himself and his
Wife perfectly helpless and pennyless [sic].
May I not therefore respectfully solicit an acknowledgement of this note, and the papers alluded to in it (if they
have been received) as early as may be convenient after the receipt of this
I am Sir your Most
Obedient and humble servant
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 51

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
D.C.
Page 52


Walnut Hills October 18, 1839-
Sir
Accompaning this Note, I direct to you the papers of
my old friend, Mr. Chapin, To me they have some what of an
awkwardness about them. How they may appear to you I know not
indulge me in a little of the history-- I am no limb of the law. I called
on an attorney somewhat advanced in life, and I think much experienced
in this
pension business. His name is Gains, and he told me he wrote
you on this same case, but afterward said he did not expect a reply.
He disappointed me in meeting me before the Court every day for almost
week, and I then determined to do without him or any other-
I have the rules and regulations of the War Department for Applicants for pensions. They with extensive alphabetical notes, fill 3 pages of a sheet.
I presume they are the last, and all, by which I am to be guided-- They consider four distinct classes of applicants. It would have been according to my views, to have brought the claimant forward under the first class, with only each evidence as is called for from that class; presuming that
you have his name on your rolls. It was Mr Gains intention to embrace the two first classes, and come forward with the evidence necessary for either
or both, and I have written some things in the declaration pursuant
of his views, and from the same cause, some attempt has been made at giving testimony called for only in the second class, and the Court in a measure pursued the same plan, giving the papers an appearance, I would not have them to have. But I suppose them to be good. If they are not, I know the cause to be good.
Page 53

If any out doors business, or any thing different from the
rules prescribed by the department, would aid at giving you
satisfaction, I could give you refferences [sic] to a dozen of the most responsible
persons in the west, as to the character uprightness and
integrity of the applicant. He lived and raised his family in Fleming County Kenyucky from 1790 or, 97 on the same spot, to 1832, when he broke up house keeping and resided until within two or three years
Breckenridge County Kentucky. During a great part of his active life he taught sacred music through the best Counties of Kentucky. When
I mentioned your name to him today, and whose son you are, “why" said he "your grand father Colonel Edwards was a particular acquaintance of mine”, and told me an anecdote on the occasion.
Your Father at some time had told your grand father, that the
place where your father had been, or was then living, was one of the worst places for thieves and robers [sic] that ever was, and that out of fifty horse thieves, he had cleared fourty nine. But sir, enough, I will trespass no more in this way - It is possible you may not be the grand son of Colonel Edwards who once lived near to Bardstown Kentucky.
any communication from you on the subject will be thankfully received And it is requested as early as possibly may be convenient.
If you cannot give a favourable action upon the present papers
I will thank you to let me know their deficiency, & express to
me deficiency and express to me deffinitely [sic] what is required and what way I must proceed-
With sentiments of respect
I remain yours
E.G. Kemper
Page 54

P.S.  Please to direct to Doctor  E.G. Kemper Walnut Hills Ohio. We are within one mile of ⌨ Cincinnati
Page 55

Dear Sir
Walnut Hills Hamilton County Ohio.
Dear Sir,
about the 15 of October last I forwarded
you the papers of my old friend Mr Chapin,
who now at this late hour applies for his pension.
as conveyance by Mail is uncertain, and I have not yet
heard from you, I hope you will have the goodness
immediately on the receipt of this to drop me a line
letting me know whether you have received the former or not. Please to direct to Walnut Hills Post
Office Ohio,
and oblige
Your Humble Servant
E.G. Kemper
December 13, 1839
Page 56

Will Mr. Edwards be so good as to inform me of the progress of the application referred to in the inclosed 
Respectfully 
W. Duncan
January 19th 1840
Page 57

Walnut Hills Ohio September 14, 1848
Sir,
On the 24 June last, I addressed you a Note
in behalf of the Widow of Lucius Chapin, a revolutionary Pensioner, but did not lay the case and evidence before you.
Included herewith, I now send you her application
with what I suppose to be the necessary evidence in the
whole case.
you will please to let me hear from you
soon as convenient
Respectfully
Your Humble servant
E.G. Kemper
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 58

Walnut Hills Hamilton County Ohio
January 31, 1848
Sir,
Your note of the 21 instant through
Dr Duncan inclosing a copy of your letter to me of
the 30, November last, I received
last evening
Having heard
nothing from
you up to the 13, December
I then wrote
you to know whether my papers had been received.
To this Mr Crump Acting Commissioner replyed [sic] on the 20
December inclosing me a copy of the November letter. But
a day or two before receiving this, still not hearing
from your Office) I had written to our representative
Dr Duncan in order to elicit something
from Washington, as
more than two months had then elapsed - And this has
given you the necessary trouble of again examining your files, and sending me a third copy of your November communication. The first copy sent has never yet come to hand.
On receiving your letter for the first time
early in this month, I should have replyed immediately
Page 59

but some of the additional evidence it required made it
necessary to write to Mr Chapins Brother in Connecticut
and I determined to postpone writing to you, until I should
hear from him. I wrote him without delay, and requested him
to forward his, and what testimony he could get, directly to your
Office and to me at the same time. A few days after, I wrote
to him again, requesting him to forward his papers to me only
Thus the business stands. I have received nothing from him
Yet. soon as I do, I shall respond more fully to your
November letter-
I think it unnecessary to correspond with you through
Dr Duncan. Of this I have acquainted him by my
note to him of this day.
I am most Respectfully
your obedient servant
E. G. Kemper
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 60

Walnut Hills  Ohio Aug. 10th, 1849
Sir
In compliance with the directions you sent me in your letter of the 10th of May last, I took the leaf containing the family record from the Bible of Lucius Chapin deceased (now the property of his Widow, Susan Chapin) and enclosed it you on the 26th of the same month.  Knowing the liability of miscarriage by mail, and not having heard from you since, I now write you to inform you that it was done, and that I am since waiting upon you
I am most respectfully
Your hum svt
E.Y. Kemper
J.L. Edwards Esq
Coms of Pensions
Page 61

Walnut Hills Ohio May 26, 1849
Sir,
In your letter to me of the 10, instant you say the papers of Mrs. Susan Chapin have been examined and filed under act of July 1838.  I presume a certificate that she may obtain from the Department will embrace the provision of the act of 2 February 1848.  In compliance with your request, I henceforth send you the family record, taken from its long abode in the old Bible.  If there be no absolute necessity for retaining it in your Office,let me ask to trouble you so much as to mail it again to me, as it was while undisturbed a precious family relick [sic] and will still be if returned.
I anxiously hope to hear from you soon, as I feel that the business been very long on hand- almost a year- Please let the time already consumed, plead with you for more dispatch.
Excuse me for intimating the propriety of persons having their proper address- mine is that of a Physician.
This your office has forgotten.
Most respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
E. G Kemper
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 62

Walnut Hills Ohio Feb. 8, 1849
Sir,
About the middle of last September, I sent you the application of the widow of the late Lucius Chapin, a deceased revolutionary pensioner.  She is now asking for the Widow's pension.  I sent her own action and setting forth, with the evidence in the case,establishing her claims.  It is now almost five months since, and I have had no response to these papers, nor do I know whether they have ever been received-
Not knowing the throng of business that may be in your office, from the late transpiring circumstances of our Nation, I have endeavored to wait patiently thus far, but now am compelled to despair of hearing from you without writing you again.  The old Lady is very aged and entirely dependent on her friends.  Of course she feels much anxiety on the subject; and a desire to realize before she goes hence the little boon of her country for services giving it its Birth and Independence.
I hope it will be in your favor, immediately on the receipt of this, to acknowledge it, & let me know how the business stands
In so doing you will oblige
Your most huml servt
E Y Kemper
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 63

Walnut Hills Ohio June 24, 1848
Sir,
I now lay before you a claim of pension by the Window of Lucius Chapin.  Mr. Chapin was a revolutionary soldier, belonged to the Musick & was a Fifer; & drew his pension as such, under the act granting pensions, & approved June 7, 1832.  He did not apply for it until late in the year 1839; & died on the 24 of Dec. 1842.  I assisted him in his application, & was his agent to receive it for him at Cincinnati.  His certificate from the War Department bears date April 18,1840.
As his whole case is matter of record in your Office, I barely mention this for to enable you to turn at once to it.
Mrs. Susan Chapin, his Widow, now claims her pension of half pay from the time of his death, to the 4 of March 1848. She brings her claim under the law granting pensions to Widows, and approved June 17, 1844; in connection with the foregoing laws upon the same subject.
She also claims the fall pay pension of her deceased husband from the 4 of March 1848, during her natural life.  This she claims under the Act for that purpose, approved Feb. 2, 1848-
She will be able to offer you proof that she is the Widow of the said Lucius Chapin deceased, and that they were married prior to the 1 of Jan. 1794 - the particular manner of doing this, and any other requirements [illegible] for you to make, you will please have the goodness to acquaint me with on the receipt of this communication.
Respectfully,
Your humble servant,
E.Y. Kemper
Page 64

Washington City House of rep.
Febry 24, 1840
W.G. Edwards

My dear sir/

Will you read the enclosed letter from the Rev. W. Chapin D.D., and inform me if the statements therein contained in reference to his brother's request for a pension, will avail to his advantage, if verified by oath?-
Doctor Chapin is a most reputable man, who has been a distinguished preacher of the gospel for more than half a century . In his word you may [illegible] the fullest confidence-
I remain
Your obt servant  
Jos Trumbull
Page 65

Sir
Walnut Hill Hamilton County Ohio
February 12, 1840
Sir,
The communication from your Office of the 20, December
last has been duly received. Likewise that of the 21 Ultimo through Dr Duncan, being the same thing as the former, (that is) a note inclosing a copy of your letter to me 20, November last. The copy first sent has never yet come to hand.
On receiving your note and letter the first time, I did
not write. On receiving the same again, I was sorry to
have given your office so much trouble, and wrote immediately
stating to you that the requirements of the office made it necessary to write to Mr. Chapin's very distant Brother, and that soon as I heard from him, I would reply reply to those requirements.
I have now received his testimony. I think Mr. Lucius
Chapin stated to you in his declaration, that his brother Calvin
was the only man in his knowledge on earth, that he knew to be
personally acquainted with the services of the applicant - And I
believe that his testimony on the essential points, that is, the services and the identity of the man rendering those services, will be fully satisfactory to the Department.
Dr Chapin has borne testimony so fully and with such clear
decision and particularity, that there would appear to be hardly  any thing left necessary for me to say. Nevertheless, if you will have patience with me, I will still refer to those four particulars
specified in your letter of November last.
Let me first explain a little- Dr Chapin's deposition
is addressed to you. I think when I last wrote you, I
said to you that I had written to him twice. The first
time I requested him to send his testimony immediately to
Page 66

(2)
your office, and to inform me at the same time, what he had done. The
second time I wrote. I requested him to send it to me only-My second did not reach him, until he had it it prepared for you.
This accounts for its being thus addressed -
Let me again pause, while I ask, what possibility there
can be of a combination between Dr Chapin and myself to practice
a fraud on the Department-- We are publicly known, and our
characters, in our respective localities and sphere of action. His is not a small and contracted one. I should have offered you
my own deposition before now, had I not sustained the relation
I do to the applicant.-
But to the first of the four particular points, on which
you require additional evidence, that is the identity of the man who
performed the services with the applicant. Here you can but observe
with what singular peculiarity Dr Chapin fixes identity infalibly [sic] 
upon his Brother Lucius Chapin who performed
the service, and this Lucius Chapin now here in Hamilton County Ohio
and applying for his pension-- Whether the records of the War
Department now any thing about these natural marks or not, I
cannot say. It may be asked why were not those positive evidences before thought of and adduced?- I answer, I never saw them
I never knew them, I never thought of them, I never thought
of their being on record at the War department.
I will explain briefly as I can. It is said that the applicant has always worne his law in a cue; and that in the earlier parts of his life, it was cole [coal] black, and a heavy [illegible]. And thus
I saw it in a cue, about 30 years ago, when I first saw
him. But the ones black had at that time charged to a
dark silvery grey. He had given it a peculiar adjustment
and set, throwing a broad heavy turn over each temple, so low as
intirely to conceal the region of each ear. It looked graceful,
and not unseemly. Thus I have seen and known him, when I have
seen him, from that day to the present time. The hair is still
there, but now of a bright silver color. It is ten years since
my connection with the family. I have some times heard
Page 67

(3)
mention of the singular form of Mr. Chapin's hair, and some hint
of secrecy in it, unfavourable to Mr. Chapin. This has been from
the low, the vulgar and malicious
Mr. Chapin possesses a mind of as much originality and independence as any man in my knowledge. With such or mind
he has always since my acquaintance with him, aspired to
and enjoyed the first ranks of respectable society. With such a
man, his own mode of wearing his hair, was his own business
And not mine. I never took a second thought on the subject.
My wife has mentioned to me that one side of his face, is somewhat less than the other and when he laughs I see his mouth draw a little to that side. But I never thought that an
evidence of a [illegible] nature. It is from hence that I take no notice of these things, when writing to Dr Chapin; as you may observe
he says, I write him nothing concerning them. And
he also says, "I do not remember ever in my life, to have either ┃
seen or heard, so much as a single allusion to these marks out of my Father's family.”
I cannot for a moment persuade myself, that the vigilance,
good faith and fidelity, of the Officers at the War Department, under
these circumstances, and all the circumstances of the case, will cause them
to think it necessary to subject such a man as Mr. Chapin has been
described to be to an examination of his person in these respect,
for the purpose of giving an additional deposition of his being
the identical man
If however, I shall they do, I shall honour their judgment, and cheerfully acquiesce with the measure.
And if I don't to full satisfaction prove Dr Chapin's brother Lucius Chapin, who did the service in question, and the Lucius Chapin, now here
in Hamilton County Ohio, and applying for his pension, to be one and
the same Lucius Chapin, I will never again open my mouth
for him on this subject
Since my more intimate associations with Mr. Chapin for
for the last ten years, I have never observed any thing unusual
with the eye, but have never critically examined. During this period of time, his eyes have been almost retired from human view,
being very small, and deep sunk under the brow, and covered with the
Page 68

(3)
with the thick
folds of a withered visage. My wife says she never saw
any peculiarity of either eye.
So much for identity.
Will you be so good as to bear with me, while I promise not again 
to tax your patience so heavily on any other point?
Secondly, you say the period of enlistment for 3 years, does not
correspond with that set forth in the declaration". Whatever he
has said on this point so it must stand. I have talked with him
since, but can not move him to one particle of a change, or additional recollection about it. Dr Chapin has said all he can say on it no doubt. Therefore we can do no more.
Here let me take occasion once for all, to express my surprise
at the perfect knowledge Dr. Chapin has of the character of
his brother Lucius after a lapse of near half a century without seeing
him. I have no recollection of ever seeing a more complete and perfect
description of a man and his character than he has given to you of his Brother. His moral principle appears to me invulnerable. His unyielding veracity and integrity invincible! No: sure enough! Not
for all the resure of the United States. He is without duplicity, intrigue, or art. But with a noble and independent soul, he 
possesses the humility and simplicity of a little child. Do I digress?
Thirdly you say, "He should endeavour to state the name of the Captain under whom he served. He has stated to you in his declaration, that he has forgotten it; and he can yet have no recollection about it.
May I not here attempt to offer what may be one cause of this, and
here, I cannot refrain from again expressing my astonishment at the
correct reminiscences
of Dr Chapin upon this particular. It is precisely
the tenor of Father Chapin's language, when on the subject, to this day. I wrote nothing to Dr. Chapin, but that I wanted his testimony in the case
You know that Mr. Lucius Chapin has claimed but the rank of a
common Musician. But he has constantly talked to me of his being all the time engaged in services very different from that. Those ┃
unifies, he says, commenced with him specially, at Roxbury and he was
all the time of his services afterwards engaged in them. They were the
duties of Fife Major. He has no recollection of being under the orders  of any Captain- to turn out and parade, or play for a marching company
Hence he has lost the name of his Captain but not of the higher officers. It was his duty to teach and divert others, as well as to play.
Page 69

(5 )
Hear what Dr Chapin says on this point-- Column 3, line 13, to
the 23d from the top
the Claimant has asked his country for nothing but the fifer-boy’s
pay. But Query first- Did he not perform the duties, and do the
services of Fife major? Query second-- Is it not the Spirit
and intent of the law to reward according to the nature and rank of the
services performed. Query third-- Is it safer to follow the
spirit of the letter of the law? I bearly [sic] suggest-
I leave these things with you.
Fourthly, You want to know "his reasons for omitting to
apply under the act of 1818 and why he did not apply earlier
under the act of 1832.” Upon this fourth requisition, consisting of two parts, I can offer you but little. I have talked with
him since, but do not now remember destinctly [sic] what he said
It was however, nothing positive and direct. And
I can not now see him before I send you this package. I would therefore refer you unhesitatingly to what Dr. Chapin says on this part of
the subject, beginning toward the top of his 2d column,
as the true and principal reason, and best explanation that can be given. I will however make at least one statement in addition to what he says - Some four years since, Mr. Chapin
was afflicted by the loss of a choice son, with whom he lived in
Breckenridge County Kentucky after he broke up housekeeping.
since then he has felt less independent in his worldly concerns
for my own part I had no knowledge of the existence of such
laws, until last autumn. The old Gentleman was on a visit
to me, and I heard a friend of his ask him, if was getting his
pension. I then examined and found the law of [18]32. This I saw
to be all that at that time concerned him to know.
I, with other of his friends, told him that he ought to
attend to such a noble and to him acceptable, expression of his countries [sic] gratitude and justice, for his services, at the time of her struggling into life-- This, he was at this time very willing to do And I assisting him he made his application as early as the
Nature of circumstances would admit-
It is high time for me to come to a close. You have
Page 70

(6)
the whole case before you.
I hope there will be no
final decision unfavorable, before I again hear. If any thing
remains necessary to be done, that can be done, I will attend to
it, if properly advised of it. to me the case appears plain
and conclusively favourable. I leave it with you waiting to hear from you.
While I remain
Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
E.G. Kemper
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions