Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8714, for Matthew Reynolds, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Conn.
Reynolds, Matthew
NUMBER
R.8714
Page 2

In the matter of 
Matthew Reynolds
Pension Application
1st Oct 1778aage 62 years
Wife, daughter [illegible]
Page 3

I Solomon Reynolds of Southbury New Haven County of lawful age do testify and say That My Brother Matthew Reynolds of *Shatecork Rensalaer County and State of New York enlisted into the Revolutionary Army the second Connecticut Regiment Commanded by Charles Web and Samuel Grange Company in the year 1777 and continued in said Company until some time in 1778 when he was pronounced unfit for duty by the Surgeon of said Regiment in consequence of fallen sickness fits his Officers sent him away to re[illegible] his health with orders to join the Army again whenever his health would permit.  Accordingly he joined the Army at Quaker Hill which I believe to be in the fall of 1778 I am certain; he was there at the celebration of the capture of **Burgines capture
He was soon after sent away on the same account as before with orders to join when his health would permit as before but he never afterwards was able to join until the time of his enlistment was out which time was for three years.
Solomon Reynolds

*possibly Shaghticoke
**Burgoynes
Page 4

State of New York
Rensselaer County
City of Troy ss. } At a Court of Common Pleas called the Mayors Court held at the Court House of the county of Rensselaer in & for the city of Troy.

On this seventh day of May 1832 personally appeared in open court, (being a court of record in and for the said City according to the solemn adjudications of the Supreme Court of this state, and being a court which proceeds according to the course of common law; with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount; keeping a record of its proceedings; and possessing the power of fine and imprisonment) Matthew Reynolds aged sixty two years, resident in the Town of Schaghticoke in said County who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on is oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war as follows:- last he enlisted for the term of three years in the Spring- May be believes of 1777 in the town of Southbury in the State of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Granzer of the 2nd Connecticut line that he continued to serve w/said company in the service of the United States until the spring April he believes of 1778 when he was dismissed in consequence of sickness with orders to join the company again when his health would permit that, in the month of August or September following he again joined the said company & continued to serve herein about three weeks when he was again dismissed on account of sickness with like orders as before but was never able again to the army- that he was dismissed the first time near Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania & the second time at Custerhill in the state of New York-that he was in the battle at Chermat Hill west of Philadelphia in the fall of 1777 & was at Chemat Hill west of Philadelphia in the fall of 1777 & was at Custerhill at the celebration of Burgoynes capture in October 1778.

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or on any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to being myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed on the 18th of March, 1818; and that I have not, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed,

Matthew Reynolds

Sworn to and declared on the seventh day of May 1822 in open court

Isaac McCouche
Depy Clerk
Page 5

Inventory of the property of Nathana Reynolds taken May 7th 1822.

Real Estate I have none either in law or Equity
valuation possession reversion or remainder, excepting the possession of a small house & Garden for which pay to [illegible] the owner the annual Rent of twenty Dollars.

Personal Estate
1 Table $.75 1 [illegible] 50 cents 1 tin Kittle 1 Dollar $2.25
6 tea cups & Saucers 18 cents- 1 Tea Kettle 50 cents  .68
6 old chairs $1.50 [illegible] 75 cts 1 Hoe 25 cts. 2.50
1 Jack Knife 6 cents 1 Crane for chimney & 2 hooks  75 .81
1 Meat Barrel 50 cents
2 old beds & bedding 10
                                   __________
                                   $16.71

and I the said Mathew Reynolds do further [illegilbe] depose that I am by occupation a Delcher & Basket maker and  that I have a wife aged 58 years who is much of the time sick & unable to labor, that I have only one child a daughter thirteen years of age who lives with me who is also much of the time sick & unable to do any hard labour - that I have other children living abroad all of whom are too poor to afford me any support.

Matthew Reynolds

Subscribed & sworn in
open Court this 7th day of
May 1822
Isaac McCoache
Dep. 4 Clerke

[in margin]
25 May 77
10 Jan 78
Page 6

December 13, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/EEL
Solomon Reynolds- W. 17517
Matthew Reynolds- R. 8714

Mrs. F. Randal Livesay
Clarkson, Ontario
Canada

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 17517, based upon the military service of Solomon Reynolds in that war.

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Solomon Reynolds are not shown.

While residing in Southbury, Connecticut, Solomon Reynolds enlisted in April. 1776, served nine months as a private in Captain Samuel Roger's Company, Colonel Gay's Connecticut Regiment and was a the battle of Long Island: he enlisted in January, 1777, and served three months as a private in Captain David Hinman's Connecticut Company: he enlisted May 25, 1777, served as a private in Captains Granger's and Henry Ten Eyck's Companies of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment, was wounded in the left breast by a musket ball in a skirmish at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1780, and was discharged May 19, 1780: after this, he remained in the service as a sutler, no details of this service given. (copied this service from a letter of Miss Wilson)

After the Revolution, he lived in Queensbury, and Cherry Valley, New York; then returned to Woodbury, Connecticut, to live with his son, Noah S. Reynolds.

He was allowed pension on account of the disability resulting from the above noted wound, from March 4, 1794. He was also allowed pension on account of service on his application executed July 9, 1833, while living at Woodbury, Litchfield County, Connecticut, and aged seventy-four years.

He died October 28, 1835, at Southbury, Connecticut.

The soldier married July 9, 1780, at Springfield, New Jersey, Elizabeth Maria, maiden name not stated.
Page 7

Elizabeth Maria, widow of Solomon Reynolds was allowed pension on her application executed February 16, 1839, at which time she was aged seventy-seven years and resided at Woodbury, Connecticut.

She died November 8, 1851.

The names of the following children are shown:

James  born August 15, 1781
Kesiah  " March 2, 178(illegible)
Joanna  " July 5, 1785, married ---- Steele. In 1855, she made affidavit in Ingham County, Michigan
John  " born September 19, 1787, died March 22, 1788
Seamer or Seymour  " January 15, 178(illegible) died in the service during the War of 1812
William  " April 19, 1792
Marck  " February 22, 1794, died March 19, 1794
Benjamin Wildman  " August --, 1797, died September 18, 179-
Elsa  " September --, ----
Smith B.  " ------- --, ----,died in Cherry Valley, New York, about 1827
Noah S.  " May 28, 1805

A granddaughter, Mary Hammond, lived in Cherry Valley, New York, in 1839. The names of her parents are not designated.

In 1855, one Amos E. Steele, was a notary public for Ingham County, Michigan; No relationship to Joanna Steele, soldier's daughter, was shown.

There are no further family data.

*************
Matthew Reynolds
R. 8714

Matthew Reynolds was born January 23, 1760, at Southbury, New Haven County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown. 

On May 7, 1822m, while residing at Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, New York, Matthew Reynolds applied for pension and stated
Page 8

that he enlisted January 23, 1776, place not stated, and served three months in Captain David Hinman's Company, Colonel (he said Col Joel but it was Benj who was the Colonel so I left out first name) Hinman's Connecticut Regiment; that he enlisted again and served six months in Captain Mallery's Company, Colonel Canfield's Connecticut Regiment; that in the spring of 1777 or July 6, 1777, he enlisted at Southbury, Connecticut, for three years and served in Captain Samuel Granger's Company, Colonel Charles Webb's Connecticut Regiment; that in the spring of 1778 or in October, 1778, he was taken sick and sent home by his officers; returned to the army, was again taken sick and went home and did not re-enter the service; that he was in the battles of White Plains, Danbury and Chestnut Hill.

The claim of Matthew Reynolds for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service of nine consecutive months in the continental line as required by the pension law.

In 1822, the soldier stated that his family then residing with him consisted of his wife, aged fifty-eight years and a daughter, aged thirteen years. He referred to other children not residing at home but gave no names of wife or children. In same year, soldier's brother, Solomon Reynolds, was living in Southbury, Connecticut. There are no further data as to family.

In 1830, Matthew Reynolds was residing in Genesee, Livingston County, New York.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 9

CANADA POST CARD

A.D. Hiller
Veterans Administrator
Washington, D.C.
Page 10

Clarkson Ont
Nov 26 1934

Dear Sir:

I8788

In a note you were kind enough to send re Jonathan Randalls, b. 1759, in Rue- of parents not known. I think you can insert Mark Randal as father -- lines goes far back and is traced.

Please tell me if you have anything on Benjamin Rennolds (however spelt) on War of 1812, residence New York, I 44th Co N.Y. S.V.
Schoharie

Yours very truly

(Mrs) F Randal Livesay
Page 11

[strike through] Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873. [end strike through]

8714

P.O. Matthew Reynolds
Service:

Enlisted: REJECTED, 18
Discharged: _____, 18

Application filed: _____, 18

Alleges: _____

Re-enlisted: _____

Attorney: _____
P.O. _____

_____Recognized _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____.18

[in margin] 1934-Dec 13- Hist to Mrs. F. Randal Linsay EEL
Page 12

21190
Matthew Reynolds
Livingston Co New York

Act 18 March 1818

Rejected see letter to
Hon. W. G. Angel HR
13 March 1830
Page 13

J L Edwards
Pension Office
War Dept

12 March
Page 14

Washington, March 21, 1830

Sir,

I enclose you the papers in the case of Matthew Reynolds a revolutionary soldier claiming a pension. It is believed that the records of War Department will afford the proof of his services.

I request the decision of War Department on his case.

With esteem so yours

William G Angel

JL Edwards
Page 15

December 13, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BAmJ/MMHS/eel

Mrs. F. Randal Livesay
Clarkson, Ontario
Canada

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Matthew, Matthias, Benjamin, Stephen, Michael, John, Seth, Solomon, James and David Randall, Reynolds, or other spelling, Jeremiah and John Rancy or Ranney, and the War of 1812 record of Benjamin Rennolds.

There are no claims for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Stephen Reynolds who served in the New York
troops, a John Reynolds who deserted in 1777, a John Raney of any New England state, nor of any soldiers with the names Matthias Reynolds, Michael Reynolds, or Jeremiah Ranney. All spellings of the surnames were used in the search of the records. No Revolutionary War
records of David and James Reynolds could be identified, nor any other Benjamin than W. 18806, whose record was furnished you, nor
could the War of 1812 record of a Benjamin Reynolds be identified. The Revolutionary War record of Matthew Reynolds and one Solomon
Reynolds have been found and are furnished you herewith as shown in the papers on file in the pension claims based upon their service
in the Revolutionary War.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

[handwritten note at top]
advised Mch. 1936 Matthew Reynolds R. 8714 the only Matthew under any spelling had been found
[end handwritten note]
Page 16

RECEIVED
OCT 20 1934
TRANSLATION SECTION
Page 17

RECEIVED
Oct 20 1934 
TRANSLATION DEPARTMENT
Page 18


i
ef BA-J MMHF ady

Veterans Administration,
Washington
Clarkson, Ontario, Canada
Oct 15, 1934

Would you please give me anything you have on Matthew one only
Randal (however spelt). I take these notes from Doc. Rist of N. Y.
but he was possibly from Mass, or R.I. or VT (Pownal )

Matthew Randal private Webster -- Child's "egt Van R - Ogle --
Corporal Van Rensselaer -- Randall; compare "att. Randle, private
Dubois; Matthias Randle Dec '76 8th co dis Dec 28 ' 79  MK

Benjamin Randall private, Van Rensselaer-Shaw (Capt. Van R)

Willet-Marshall
---
Stephen Randall, Van Rensselaer Randal
---
Benjamin Randell priv Drake Seeley; priv Van R-dle;  Crane Lawrence
I note that you cannot find Michael Reynolds on your lists.
In the Doc. list of New York the following note occurs
Michael Reynolds Dec 20 '76 des. Jan 26,  '77 MK
John Reynolds des. '77; compare John Raney des Co MK Jackson.
have you a thing on Seth  Randal (N.Y Rolls) July 5.
1st Co, 4th regt?
none
 Anything on Jeremiah Ranney, missing, '77?
Please give me anything you have on any Benjamin Randall
spelt in any way a nearing the end of quest
and hope I shant have to trouble you more
In one of your letters you said you did not know of a
Captain Randall's company. In the "Robt. Randall  of Weymouth and Easton book,  
Matthew b 1749 of Freetown is called Capt Matthew (Chap xiv
History of Easton, Mass ) R.I.  service 1776; serving with Matthew were Solomon Reynalds and James, brothers, widen to David or
David and Stephen Randal were both Lieutenants in 6th Regt.
Albany Co  militia under Col Schuyler (N.Y IN REV.
were in Stephentown N.Y -- possibly had a brother Benjamin?
Would you have any data on these?
Yours faithfully
Florence Randal Linseay
(Mrs)
Page 19

COPY

War Department
Pension Office
March 13, 1830

Hon. W. G. Angel 
H.R.

Sir:

The documents forwarded by you to this Dept. in the case of Matthew Reynolds, an applicant for a pension, have been examined. The claimant states that he enlisted on the 6th of July, 1777, in Captain Granger's Company, Col. C. Webb's regiment of the continental line for 3 years, and that by reason of continued sickness, he was permitted to go home in October 1778. On this service he relies for a pension, for he admits that he joined the army only for a short time afterwards, was again sent home, and did not join it again until long after peace was proclaimed. It appears from the roll of C. Webb's regiment in this Office that the claimant enlisted for 8 months only, on the 25th of May 1777, and was discharged from service on the 10th of January, 1778, fifteen days before his enlistment expired. This is conclusively against the applicant, as the credit of a record is greater than the testimony of witnesses, and the law under which he claims does not permit pensions for a period less than nine months. His papers will remain on the files of this office.

J.L.E.
Page 20

COPY
War Dept. Pension Office
Oct. 23, 1822
Hon. J. D. Dickinson
Troy, N. Yk.
Sir:
The claim of Matthew Reynolds to a pension transmitted by you to the Department has been examined.  It appears from the muster rolls of the Connecticut line, that he enlisted for 8 months only, on the 25th of May, 1777, and was discharged on the 10th of January, 1778, having served seven months and seventeen days only.  The law requires a service of 9 months.  His claim is therefore inadmissible.  The declaration will remain on the files of this office, agreeably to the regulations of the Department.
I am, etc.
J. L. E.
Page 21

I, Cumey Simon of *Mibury New Haven County of lawful age do testify and say that Matthew Reynolds of **Shaticook Rensallear County and State of New York was mustered for three years what time he enlisted I do not know he joined the Revolutionary Army at Peekskill in July 1777 Col Webs Regiment Capt. Samuel Gangers Company of which I was a member he continued until May 1778 when he was sent away in consequence of having fallen sickness fits which rendered him unfit for duty with order to join the Army again when his health would permit he accordingly joined the Army again in Oct 1778 at Quakerhill and soon after his fallen sickness fits came on again and rendered him unfit for duty and his Officers sent him away again with Orders to join as before when his health would permit but never joined again to my knowledge
The deponent further sayeth not
his signature [hand drawn X] Cummy Simons
State of Connecticut s.s. Southbury New Haven County January 21, 1822
Personally appeared Cummey Simon signer of the foregoing Deposition and after being duly sworn made sollemn [solemn] oath to the truth of the facts therein contained
Vefore me
John Pearce Junr. Justice of peace
*possibly Middlebury
**possibly Schaghticoke, Rensellaer Co
Page 22

The Honble John C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
Washington
Page 23

Troy Sept. 18th, 1822
The Honble
Jno C. Calhoun
Dear Sir
I am requested to forward the inclosed [enclosed] paper to you and to ask that the applicant Matthew Reynolds may be placed upon the pension list- I shall be obliged by a line from Mr Edwards whenever the case is decided- I am with sentiments of great respect and esteem
Your Obt Servt
Jno D. Dickinson
Page 24

State of New York
Livingston County ss
On this twenty sixth day of January 1830 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Livingston and State of New York being a court of record according to the solemn adjudications of the Supreme Court of this State and being a court which proceeds according to the course of Common Law with a Jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount keeping a record of its proceedings and possessing the power of fine and imprisonment Matthew Reynolds aged seventy years the 23d day of January instant resident in the town of Genessee in the said County of Livingston who being first duly sworn according to Law doth declare on his oath that he was born in the town of Southbury in the County of Newhaven and State of Connecticut that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows on the 23 of January 1776 he enlisted under Captain David Heeman in Col Joel Hirmans Regiment of Infantry for the purpose of reconnoitering on the lines between horse neck and New York for the term of three months and that he faithfully served out that period of his enlistment he then again enlisted under Captain Mallery of Woodbury in Col Comfields Regiment of (Infantry as he believes) for six months and faithfully served out the period of his enlistment and after this to wit on the 6th day of July 1777 he enlisted into the continental army in Col Webbs Regiment in Captain Samuel Grangers Company of Infantry for three years this enlistment took place at Southbury in Connecticut was mustered and joined the army at Peekskill in New York was moved to various places on the River Hudson at one time went below Philadelphia and continued in the service till in the month of October 1778 by reason of continued sickness he was permitted to return to his friends in Southbury to recover his health that he remained at home a short time and having partially recovered his health rejoined the Army at Quakerhill remained in the service a few weeks
Page 25

and his heath becoming again bad was again sent home by his officers to recruit with orders to rejoin the army when his health was restored that he was for the next three or for years unable to do any labour by reason of his sickness and during the whole of that time was under the care of Physicians  that he was not able to return to the army till long after peace was declared and did not in fact finally
regain his health till some 5 or 6 years after he quit the service that he was at the Battle of White plains and Danbury Norwich. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time
by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with interest thereof so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons
engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war"" passed on the 18th of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in Trust for me, any property or security contracts or debts
due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed
, and that by age & infirmity I am unable to earn or procure but a scanty subsistence, that I have no children who have the means or ability to aid me to obtain a living, that for nearly twenty years past I have lived with my
wife alone separate from any of my children, and that am in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support myself without the assistance of my country-
Sworn and declared the 26th day
of January 1830 before me
Matthew Reynolds
in open court-

Chauncey R Bond Clerk
of Livingston County Court
Page 26

Schedule of the property of Matthew Reynolds above in his affidavit referred to
Towit
Dollars
1 feather Bed & bedding for the same value
$10.00
1 Hog                                  " " "  1.
1 Chest value of seventy five cents     .75
1 Pot .     .     .     _ _ _ _ _                1.
1 Kettle $1.50 1 Tea Kettle .50        1.00
1 pair flat Irons $ 62 1/2 1 pair shovel & Tongs $1,25                                                1.87 1/2
4 Table plates $.25- 3 knives & forks $.75
40
5. Table Spoons pewter $.15 six small pewter spoons, .10                                             .25
2 Teacups & sauces $12 1/2  Two Brown Earthern Platter .18                                 .30 1/2
3. Brown Earthern Bowls $.18 one Pitcher. 12. 1 Milk pot 6.                                                   .36
Earthern Churn __________ $.25  1 Earthern Crock $.18                                                    .43
1 Water Pail $.50  Meal Barrel $1.00            1.50
5 Chairs       $1.25 - 1 Looking Glass $.25    1.50
1.  ax?         $.50     1.decanter            .18     .68
Glass Tumbler         .06
wearing apparel, one old suit of Woollen clothes, for self with 2. shirts & 2 neck handkerchiefs $4.00 wearing apparel for applicants wife, only a poor old suit, and she has no shoes and otherwise so poorly clad
as to be unable in winter to go abroad _____ the value of her clothes not more than 4.00
                                                             ---------
                                                             $29.04
We the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Livingston do certify that we appraise the above Schedule of
property at the prices and value annexed to each of them and in the aggregate valued at $29.04- this 26th day of January 1830
H. D. Mason First Judge
John H Jones
James McNair
Page 27

Livengston Com. Pleas
Of January 26th 1830
In the matter of the application
of Matthew Reynolds, an applicant
for the relief provided by the act of
Congress of March 18th 1818
It appearing to the satisfaction of the Court from the declaration of the said applicant, on
oath in open Court, according to the said act of congress of the
18th of March 1818 that the said Applicant did serve as a soldier
during the Revolutionary war, as stated in his said declaration,
and the said applicant having exhibited to the Court a Schedule
subscribed by him of his whole estate and income the value of which
as it appears to the Court is twenty nine dollars and four cents
and having taken the oath and by the said act of Congress
of the 1st of may 1820. It is ordered that the Clerk do certify
the said declaration and transmit the same together with
a copy of the said Schedule and oath to the Secretary of war
of the United States
State of New York
Livingston County
Clerks Office
Chauncey R. Bond  of tClerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in said County do hereby certify that the
foregoing papers contain a true copy of a declaration made and sworn to by Matthew Reynolds in open
Court, the applicant therein named, and also of the
oath taken and subscribed by him, the said applicant,
and of the schedule by him exhibited to the Court of his whole estate &
income, and further, that the preceding rule is a transcript of the
proceedings of the Court in the premises.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of the said Court this 27th day
of February in the year 1830
 Chauncey R. Bond Clerk
of Livingston County Courts