Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1362, Jonathan Bell, Conn.
Page 1

Service
Conn.

Bell, Jonathan
Agnes

Number
W 1362
Page 2

9797
Connecticut
Jonathan Bell
of Darien in the State of Connt
who was a Priv in the Conn commanded by Captain Brown of the Regt commanded
by Col Waterbury in the Connt
line for State Troops 2 years
C C

Inscribed on the Roll of Connt
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of June
1833 and sent Charles Hawley Stamford Cont

Arrears to the 4th of March $160
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept 4 40
$200

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk
Book C Vol. 3 Page 4
Page 3

[partially obscured]

[Conn]ecticut
[Ag]nes Bell
widow of Jonathan Bell
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Private
Connecticut Md
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the
23 day of Aug /53
and sent to Wm. T. Minor
Stamford Connt.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3/53 Page 57 Vol. A

1832
Page 4

State of Connecticut }
Fairfield County } ss Probate District of Stamford
On this 15th day of January AD 1833 before the Court of Probate in & for said District personally appeared Jonathan Bell of Darien in this District who being duly sworn on his oath in open Court depose & says in addition to his former declaration dated August 1st 1832 that he believes he enlisted in Capt Sylvanus Browns Company as mentioned in said Declaration on the 3rd or 4th day of May 1775 for he enlisted about four days before Joseph Mather did which he seems was on the 7th - that his service in New York in 1776 was in the Connecticut militia as he knows for not less than six weeks - Thaddeus Bell who was in the service with him says it was for two months - The Service in Rye mentioned in said Declaration under Capt Eli Reed Declarant knows upon reflection was for more than two months & he knows he went in the service in December 1776 & continued certainly in duty there till sometime in March 1777. This was in the same company of Connecticut militia first above mentioned in the first of said militia tours Eli Reed was lieutenant - Sylvanus [illegible] was Ensign - Declarant swears positively that then their militia tour in Horseneck mentioned in his Declaration was for not less than two months & is sure in the same company - Declarant cannot tell on what day of March 1778 he enlisted in the Guards as stated in his Declaration but he knows his first time of Service therein was not less than nine months & a half - Declarants second enlistment in said guards was as stated in said Declaration for one year, but he recollects upon reflection that one week before the year was up viz on the 24th of Dec 1779 he was discharged that he might be inoculated for the small pox - recollects it was the day before Christmas - his third enlistment in said guards in the year Cornwallis was taken declarant has said he thinks was for eight months. he knows it was for not less than six months Declarant further says that when he went out on duty in the militia as stated above he was ordered out with the rest of the company by his militia authority but he has it not in his power to show documentary evidence of that fact While on duty on these occasions he was all the while absent from his home in constant service in the field
Page 5

in a regular enlisted corps of militia in the public service - The nature of the service in the town Guards was this the guards were troops raised by regular enlistment under regularly commissioned affairs for the defense of the shores & Coast & the soldiers drew on pay & rations - They on ordinary occasions had their times of standing guard in the night only once every three nights - but were required to be ready constantly at the Rendezvous so as to be ready for any service at any moment - as our homes were near by we could occasionally call at them & see a little to some business but one duty required regular absence from our homes as much as this we had been in the Continental service - we had in short the strict duties to perform that Continental Soldiers Stationed in the same place we have had and during all the terms of service of this Declarant in said guards, his services were of this nature & were faithfully rendered - Declarant enlisted & served as a private in all his enlistments as stated in his Declaration - When he did duty in Rye as stated in his Declaration Genl Wooster had the command for a while & after him Gen McDougal - do not recollect what officer had this command (except those he has mentioned) when he did duty in Horseneck; except that Jno Mead was Col. -
And Declarant further says that by nature of old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service (except as he has sworn in his original declaration) but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the service mentioned before & in the following grades; for seven months I served as a private (in Capt Sylvanus Brown's Company) - for six weeks I served as a private (in Capt. Jonathan Bells Company) - for two months I served as a private (in the militia under Capt Reed as stated in my original Declaration)- for two months I served as a private (in the militia under Ensign Joseph Mather) - for nine months & a half I served as a private (in the Guards under Jesse Bell & [illegible) - for one year eleven months & twenty four days I served as a private (in said guards under the same officers) - for six months I served as a private (in sd guards under the same officers) & for six months I served as a private (in sd guards under Lt Stephen Bishop) For such service I claim a pension. - and I am confident I have served more time than stated above, but I know positively I have
Page 6

served not less than the times I have stated above & I therefore claim a pension for those times of service only - and for the particular specification of these times of service I refer to my original Declaration in connection with this -
Jonathan Bell
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid}
Ch. Handley, Just p

And on the same 15th day of January AD 1833 before said Court personally appeared Stephen Bishop of Newtown in said District aged seventy six years who being duly sworn on his oath depose & say that he was a soldier in Capt Sylvanus Browns Company of Connecticut State troops in Col David Waterburys Regt in the Revolutionary War -
Page 7

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } Ss.  Stanford Probate District
 I viz. 15th 1833

I certify that Jonathan Bell maker of the foregoing Declaration. I John  Dibble, William Waterbury, Joseph Matter, Thaddeus Bell & Stephen Bishop respectively maker of the foregoing deposition, & who have subscribed & sworn to the & respectively are all personally known to me and are all credible persons. 
   Charles Hawley, Judge of the Court 
of Probate & said District


I Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate in the District of Stanford Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the saidCourt in the matter of the application of Jonathan Bell for a pension. his testimony which I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 15th day of January AD 1833.

Samuel Lockwood Clk


*Upside Down*
Jonathan Bell
21889
Page 8

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield  Ss. Probate District of Stanford

On this first day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in the Court fors'd [illegible] Court of Probate in this District was sitting Jonathan Bell a resident of & served in said County & State who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted the services of the United States under the for [illegible] named officers & known is herein stated. In May 1775 the day is well acquainted  he enlisted in a Company of State troops of Connecticut commanded by Capt. Sylvanus Brown. Jonathan Whiting was Lieutenant, with [illegible] to Stanford in said County [illegible] are now said David Waterbury was Colonel of the Regiment marched to New York then to Harlem of thence ordered to Canada. come by Albany Fort Edward N.Y. was at the siege of [illegible] in Canada until  is to taken Montgomery Commanded us at St. Johns from St. Johns went to Montreal about that place. Declarants enlistment was for seven months which expired while he was at Montreal & about the early part of Dec. in that year. then was discharged & came home left the  [illegible] came home at the same time. Stephen Bishop of said Stanford & Joseph Mather of said Danbury were in the Service with Deponent. after this hand through from tours one in the Militia when ordered out. was on or about six weeks in  New York next before the British took [illegible] of that places in 1776. Jonathan Bell was Capt. of the Company & Jno. [illegible] Col. of the Regt't both are now dead. after this called one again in the militia is Rye in the State of New York for & Samuel Sherwood two months under Capt. Eli Reed of Norwalk now dead. This was in the winter of 1777.  Natha'l Stephen(?) and of said Davison was Lieutenant, again was entered [illegible] in the militia for two or three months in Horse week, Joseph Mather now of said [illegible] was Ensign & had the command the [illegible] a [illegible] Dennison during this time hung a tory at Horseneck. He was send by the [illegible] in this name way attend and in early part of March 1778 he enlisted in the towns guard of Stanford fleeing State troops, commanded by Capt. Jose.  Bell of said Stanford now dead. Said Stephen was a lieutenant & had command which division to which Grolan had belonged- enlisted as i said Stanford till the 1st of next January &  served the whole time & when that enlistment expired again enlisted in the same company under
Page 9

the same officers for another year & served out the whole time. His services was altogether in this part of Stanford as [illegible] is now [illegible] Israel Dibble of said [illegible] was in service with Connecticut all this time. and a rank as a private. in the year when Cornwallis was there declarant again enlisted in said Town Grand, under the same officers is was in Spring he thinks for eight months as he believes opens part of the time in Daytime in cutting for [unknown] until Washington curfew the river & kept guard in the night. second and the whole period of enlistment in said Stanford. he in 1782 in the Spring of probably April, again enlisted for six months in the same Guards in said Stanford then commanded by Lieutenant Stephen Bishop ground militia whole term in Said Stanford. was also and in the militia at Danbury when [illegible] was [illegible] & was in the engagement at Ridgefield when Wooster was killed & afterwards at Camp when the British attacked. Capt. Jesse Bell had escape of the Company and this time only three or four days. 
    In answer to the interrogatories pass [illegible] together War Department Declarant states that he is now Seventy Seven years aged having been born in said Stanford Apl. 24th 1755 his age is recorded in the Town Records of said Stanford. [illegible] in said Stanford where he entered the service & ever since the Revolutionary war have retired in New Haven or Stanford in which is now Danbury- always volunteered into the service is able when called and in the militia as stated above. cannot call to his [illegible] every prominent circumstances of the service or the names of officers more than he has already stated. having named a written discharge. When Dibble, William [illegible] & Joseph Mather of who he served & Stephen Bishop is had Stanford know me [illegible] & can testify as to my declaration for fourth J. this belief of my services on a& of the revolution. 
  [Illegible] hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. 
Jonathan Bell

Sworn to & Subscribed this day and year aforesaid
Cha. Hawley, Judge
Page 10

State of Connecticut               Probate Court
County of Fairfield               District of Stanford

On this 4th day of May AD 1853 before William T. Minor Judge of he Court of Probate for the District of Stanford personally appeared Agnes Bell a resident of the Town of Darien in Said District and County aged Eighty years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration for the purpose of claiming such a rate of pension as may be due to her under any of the laws regulations or decisions that have been or may here after be adopted.
  That she is the widow of Jonathan Bell late of Said Darien dec'd who was a private in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of $80 a year. And she refers to the application of her said husband and the evidence accompanying the same on file at Washington for proof of the service of her said husband. That she was married to said Jonathan Bell in the Tour of North Salem Westchester County State of New York on the 31st day of July
Page 11

1817 by the Rev. Abraham Purdy a Presbyterean minister and that his name at the time of such marriage was Agnes Knapp. that her said husband died at said Darien on the 25th day of May. AD 1844. She further swears that she has not intermarried since the death of her said husband but that she is now his widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension

Agnes Bell

Sworn and subscribed 
the day and year aforesaid
in open Court before me 
                                         William T. Minor Judge


In presence of Abigail Howe
 I Abigail Howe of Damien Fairfield County Connecticut, depose and say that I was well acquainted with Agnes Bell this application for a pension and have known her for a great number of years. I also knew her husband Jonathan Bell in his lifetime. The said Jonathan Bell died at Said Darien on the 25th day of May 1844 and the said Agnes Bell hath been seen since and still is his
Page 12

widow  The said Jonathan Bell as to the time of his death was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States. I am now Sixty five years of age I was present at the time of the dead of said Jonathan. 
Abigail Howe


I Wallace Webb now of Darien Fairfield County Connecticut depose and say that I am now Seventy nine years of age. I was well acquainted with Jonathan Bell a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States he died at said Darien in the month of May AD 1844 I saw him after his death. This applicant for a pension Agnes Bell with whom I have been acquainted for a great number of years has been since his death and still is widow of said Jonathan Bell . I was living with said Jonathan Bell when he died. The Said Jonathan Bell and this applicant Agnes Bell was married in the summer of the year 1817 by the Rev. Abraham Prudy a Presbyterian Minister in the town of North Salem Westchester County and State of New York. I was present and saw them married her name at the time of such marriage was Agnes Knapp. Wallace Webb

In presence of Rebecca Waterbury
Page 13

I Darius Weed of Stanford Fairfield County Connecticut depose and say I am sixty seven years of age. I am well acquainted with Wallace Webb the maker of the foregoing deposition and have known him for more than forty years, he is a credible person and his statements are entitled to credit. 
                                         Darius Weed

State of Connecticut           Probate Court
County of Fairfield               District of Stamford

On the 4th day of May 1853 in open court before William T. Minor Judge of said Court of Probate personally appeared Abigail Howe maker of the foregoing deposition by her subscribed and signed the same in my presence and made oath to its truth before me. And on the 9th day of May 1853 in Open Court before William T. Minor Judge of said Court of Probate personally appeared Wallace Webb and Darius Weed each maker of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed and each signed the same in my presence and made oath to its truth before me. And saith that I am well acquainted with said Abigail Howe and Said Darius Weed and that the statements of each are entitled to credit.  
Stamford May 9th 1853

William T. Minor Judge 
of said court of Probate
Page 14

Admitted 
Private 25 1/2 months




Charles Hawley, Agent
Stanford, 
Connecticut
Page 15

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, June 5, 183_
 Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed. The notes and regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (this:}). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

 A Statement showing the Service of Jonathan Bell, Stanford Connecticut. 
Period when the services were rendered/ 
Enlisted in 1775/ Served in 76/ Served in 1777, Enlisted '78/ Enlisted/ Enlisted/ Enlisted in '82

Duration/
7 Months/ about 42 Days/ about 42 Days/ Not Correctly stated/ 1 year/ 8 months/ 6 months

Rank/ 
Pr./Do/Do/Pr/Do/Do/Do. 
Names and Rank of Officers under whom he served 
Capt. Brown, Lt. Whiting, Col. Waterbury/ Capt. Bell, Col. Meade / Capt. Reed, Lt. Slosson/ Capt. Bell, Lt. Slosson Dd. / Capt. Bell 

Battles in which the applicant was engaged
St. Johns/-/-/-/-/-/ Ridgefield

Country through which he marched
From the City of New York thence to Camden 

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
Stanford Connecticut Aged 78 years

Evidence by which the declaration is supported 

Living Witnesses and traditionary evidence

I am, respectfully, 
Your Obedient servant,

J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 16

                     2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes are embraced in this law:
   1. The Regular Troops.
   2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
   3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
   4. Indian Spies.

As Rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record in the County where such resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

                  DECLARATION,

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of _____}
County of _____________________} ss.

On this ______ day  of ______ personally appeared (a) before __________ of A.B. a resident (b) of ________ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of ____ aged (c) ______ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion (provision) made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with ____ and served in the _______ (e) regiment of the _______ line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered (entered) the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged and the country through which he marched. -> This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any Stat, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                 A.B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I _______________ of the Court of __________ do hereby certify (h) hat the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension.

        In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c. 

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and state Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

   (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the _______ and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___________, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _________ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
      Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
    [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.  ________ who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ________ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I, ________ Clerk of Court of _______ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ____________ for a pension. 

       In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ___ day of ____ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
{   If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the service of each person
Page 17

  3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts state I will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
     The Court will propand the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops, of Virginia.
   1. Where and in what year were you born?
   2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
   3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
  5.  State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, were you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
  6.  {To a Soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?  
      { To an Officer:  Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by who was it signed, and what has become of it?
  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
 {   The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons- one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant , who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in the opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 

   The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
   Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
   Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such a person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
   No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
_______________________________________

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his [illegible]
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot be reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace,  &c. A.B. who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned  below, and in the following grades: -- For ___ year ______ months, and _______ days, I served as a _______. For ______ months and ___ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.
  It is important in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, h was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[j]. The law makes the relinquishments indispensable.
[g]. The opinion of the Court in always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress. proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

        Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contain the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached hereunto by a piece of tape, or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

             Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses. who are required to set for in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] The traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

W.R. Turner
Page 18

Rev. Widow, &c.

File No. 1362
Agnes Bell, 
Widow
Jonathan Bell
Priv. Rev. War. 

Act. Feb. 3, 1853

Index:- Vol. A, Page 48

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

No. 1687

Agnes Bell, widow of
Jonathan Bell

Let. W'm T. Minor  Aug. 3/53
(RB)



Rev'y
Act 3rd Feb. 1853
Page 20

Hon. Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

*Sideways text*
Agnes Bell
wid
Jonathan

Mr. Mal(?)


*upside down text*

Rec of Marriage
demanded
Page 21

May 18/33

Agnes Bell, 
widow of Jonathan

Fairfield Co. 9797 
Conn't P$80

3rd Feb. 1833

[illegible]

Ao't $80 per annum
Commencing 3rd Feb'y 1853

W'm T. Minor
Stanford 
Fairfield Co. 

Served [illegible] U. States 


*Sideways text*
Department of the Interior
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 22

*left side*

Pension Office
Aug. 16/53

Sir.
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioned was last paid- State if in your present the date of his death

Very respectfully 
Your Ob'd Sevt.
S. Cole. 
For the Commis'r
F. Burt Esq. 
Present

(see other side)

*Right Side*

Jonathan Bell, Act 7th June 1832 $80  p. an. 
Died 15th May 1844, paid to his death
F. Burt
Auditor
Page 23

Bell
Page 24

Brief in the case of Agnes Bell, widow of Jonathan Bell Fairfield County and State of Connecticut. 
act 3rd February 1853

Claim, ("original")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

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

Husband was a pensioner under the Act of 3rd February 1853.

Marriage proved by parol testimony certified to be credible

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


William T. Minor,
Stanford 
Name and Residence of Agent  Connecticut

R Gedder
Examining Clerk.
Page 25

Stanford August 12, 1853

Hon. Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions 

Dear Sir
Herewith I send affidavit of W'm Agnes Bell in pursuance with the requirements of your letter of august 3, 1853. Stating that there is no record of his marriage Either public or private according to my minutes of this case. Two witnesses who were present at his marriage have testified to the marriage according to the laws you state the testimony of persons who were present and witnessed a fact as the best possible evidence of that fact.

Very Respectfully yours
William T. Minor
Page 26

Agnes Bell
Widow Pension
application for under
at July 3, 1853

un



William T. MInor
Stamford County 
Attorney
Page 27

State of New York
Westchester County SS

I Sarah Lobdell (sp?) of the Town of North Salem in the County and State aforesaid being duly sworn depose and say. I am sixty years of age. I am well acquainted with Agnes Bell this applicant for a pension who was formerly of North Salem. The Said Agnes was married to Jonathan Bell at the house of this deponents father in said North Salem by the Rev. Abraham Pindy a Presbyterian Minister. I was present at the marriage. I cannot now state the exact time of the marriage but think I was about twenty four years of age at the time, which would make it about thirty six years age. That I gather this from dates of other events occurring about the same time. The reason of said marriage taking place in the house of deponents father was that a brother of said Agnes occupied a part of said House with his family. 
Subscribe and Sworn to this 6th day of May 1853 before me, and I certify that I am well acquainted with said   
 Sarah Lobdell


State of New York, 
    County of Westchester, ss:
I ROBERT R. OAKLEY, Clerk of the County aforesaid, and also Clerk of the Courts in and for said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That  John F. Jenkins Esquire,  whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a Judge of the Peace in and for the said County, residing in said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same, according to the laws of the said State. And, further, that I am well acquainted with the hand -writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County Courts, the 10th day of May 1853

Robert R. Oakley Clerk
Page 28

State of New York
Westchester County SS. I Sarah Lobdell (?) of the Town of North Salem in the County and State aforesaid being duly sworn depose and say. I am sixty years of age. I am well acquainted with Agnes Bell this applicant  for a pension who was formerly of a North Salem. The Said Agnes was married to Jonathan Bell at the house of this deponents father in Said North Salem by the Rev. Abraham Purdy a Presbyterian minister. I was present at the marriage. I cannot now state the exact time of the marriage but think I was about  twenty four years of age at the time. which would make it about thirty six years ago. That I gather this from dates of other events occurring about the same time. The reason of said marriage taking place in the house of deponents father was that a brother of said Agnes occupied a part of said house with his family.
                                       Sarah Lobdell

Subscribed and sworn to this 6th day of May 1853 before me, and I certify that I am well acquainted with said Sarah Lobdell and that her statement are entitled to credit.
John F. Jenkins 
Justice of the Peace
Page 29

State of Connecticut                Probate Court   
County of Fairfield              District of Stamford

I Sands Seely Clerk  of said Court of Probate and keeper of the seal and records thereof hereby certify that William T. Minor is the sole presiding Judge of said court of Probate and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are his own hand writing and signature. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal of Stamford this 12th day of May AD 1853

Sands Seely Clerk of the Court of Probate
for Stamford District
Page 30

Additional Evidence
Page 31

I Agnes Bell of Darien in the Probate District of Stanford depose and Say that I am the identical Agnes Bell who has made application for a pension under the act of February 3, 1853 as the widow of Jonathan Bell dec'd. There is no record either public or private that I can find of my marriage with said Jonathan. I do not think that any record was ever made of any kind as I have ever seen one or heard that one was made on presence. 
Agnes Bell

Sworn to and Subscribed   Mary E. Richards
this 12th day of August
1853 in open Court before me and I certify that I am well acquainted with Said Agnes Bell that she is a credible person and the person she describes herself to be. 
                    William T. Minor, Judge

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield} Probate Court District of Stanford. I Sandy Seely Clerk of Said Court and keeper of the seal and records thereof hereby certify that William T. Minor is the sole presiding Judge of Said court and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his own proper hand writing and signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 12th day of August 1853. 
Sandy Seely             Clerk of the Court of Probate for Stanford District
Page 32

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield } S.  Probate District of Stanford

On this 1st day of August AD 1832 before the Court of Probate in & for said District personally appeared John Dibble resident in Darien in said District who being first duly sworn according to law saith in Open Court depose & say thus he is seventy two years. he has always known Jonathan Bell who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration believing him to be seventy seven years . The [illegible] his character for veracity is good & in the purpose of requests 1778 or present enlisted in the Troops Guards in Stamford in said County until the first of the next January. Jesse Bell was Captain & [name illegible] Lieutenant served for the whole term in [illegible] part of Stanford which is now Darien- then again enlisted for another year in the same guard & same officers & served out the whole time. said Jonathan enlisted in said Company for both these terms of served both out with  this Deponent in 1780 or 1781 Deponent & said further both enlisted in said Guard again & served for six months under the same officers 7 serving at which time were cut [illegible] for a long time enlisted as Deponent the [illegible] in the spring in The next year or about in 1788 in the Spring & [illegible] & said Jonathan again enlisted for six months in said guards under command of Lieut. Stephen Bishop & serve said time and isn said Stamford. 
                                       John Dibble

And on the [illegible] personally appeared before said Court William Waterbury of said Darien who being duly sworn according to law & doth on his oath say that he well knows Jonathan Bell who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration deponent was in service with said Bell in the Troop Guard in said Stamford in 1778 commanded by Capt. Jesse Bell & Lieut. [illegible] for one year or there about & afterwards as he thinks in 1781 was again with said Bell in said guard for six months under the same officers enlisted has served in the thing- was out in the militia with him several times once at
Page 33

Horseneck when [unknown] Dennison Long history two months. on he supposes or there about on when [illegible] out for that times which in jammed cannot particular in & guarding during the war he & my say when not currently in the service elsewhere were on guard every [illegible] nights in said Stamford. His character for veracity is good. 
                                 Wiliam Waterbury


And on this stand say before said Court personally appeared Joseph Mather resident in Darien in said District who being first duly sworn according to law doth in open court [illegible] his oath declare & say he is seventy nine years and that he well knows Jonathan Bell who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration believing him to be seventy seven year aged. his character for veracity is he fully good. May 7th 1775 Deponent enlisted together with said Bell in seven months in a Company of state troops commanded by  Capt. Sylvanus Brown in Col. David Waterbury's Reg't, went to New York, then to Harlem, then to Albany - half moon &c.&c. to St. Johns in Canada. were at the Siege & Capture of St. John's & then went & took Montreal- was at Montreal when his enlistment expired & then came home. Said Bell was in service with Deponent during all this time & came away when deponent did. both served out the whole seven months. Montgomery had charge on or after was sent to St. Johns was on duty with said Bell as it seems to me was two months in the city of New York next before they retreat from that place in 1776. was out with him on duty in the Militia at Horseneck twice, cannot say how long in that occasion but think a month one time & about the same time again. but cannot be positive about the time. Stephen Bishop of said Stamford was with us in one Northern expedition, was not with him on another occasion for two months or more in the Militia in Rye in New York under. Capt. Eli Reed this he stationed was in the first winter months of 1777.                           Joseph Mather

Sworn to & Subscribed by the law John Dibble, William Waterbury & Joseph Mathers respectively the day and year aforesaid. 

         Chr. Hawley Judge
Page 34

We Daniel Smith a clergyman residing in the town Stamford in Connecticut & David Waterbury residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Bell who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration. that we believe him to be seventy seven years of life that he is resident & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion. 
                                      Daniel Smith
                                      David Waterbury
Sworn & Subscribed on this 2nd day of August AD 1832
                         Chr Hawley Judge

and the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation on the matter & after putting the interrogatories produced by the Deponent that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states and the Court further states [illegible] or appear to know that Daniel Smith who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Stamford in Connecticut & that David Waterbury who has also signed his name is a resident in the same place & is a credible person that his statement is entitled to credit. 
                      Chs. Hawley Judge


I Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Bell for a pension. The foregoing whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 3rd day of August AD 1832. 
                         Samuel Lockwood Clerk
Page 35

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } S.   Probate District of Stamford
   On this 8th day of January AD 1833 before the Court of Probate in & aforesaid District personally appeared Thaddius Bell Esq. of Darien on said District who being only sworn according to law & that on his oath in open court depose & say that he well knows Jonathan Bell who hath remembering & sworn to the foregoing Declaration- his character for trust is good. In the Revolutionary War this  deponent was called out in the 11th Co. 9th Reg't of Connecticut Militia into service against the enemy to the city of New York the Company was Commanded by Capt. Jonathan Bell de'd the father of the applicant Eli Reed dec'd was Lieutenant & Sylvanus J. Archer dead was Ensign. Col. John Mead I think was commanding officer of the Reg't we marched in August 1776 & I think either 13th Day & continued constantly in the service for two full months  then service was rendered in the city of New York until one army retreated from that place & at the expiration of the two months we were discharged near Kings bridge. The Company was ordered out as I believe the Governor of Connecticut. the chief part of the militia of this state went on the Connecticut River was ordered on that occasion to New York. Deponent & said Jonathan the applicant led the  [illegible] to said Company & I know said Jonathan the applicant went to New York with the rest of the company & did duty as a private in said Company during said tour for I was to see him daily there at the expiration of the time we were paid for two months service which was [illegible] time spent. I am seventy three years aged.
                               Thaddius Bell

Sworn to & subscribed the day 
& year aforesaid 
                        Chr. Hawley Judge