Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28776, for Stephen W Johnson, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.
Conn Sea Service
Navy

Johnson, Stephen W.

NUMBER
S. 28776

CONTENTS
Page 2

Navy 3.484
New York, Albany
Stephen W. Johnson of Albany in the State of N. Y. who was a private & Captn. Clerk & sailing master in the - commanded by Captain - of the - commanded by Capt Hawley & Smedley in the Revolution for 1 month private Conn
navy { 23 " Capt's Clerk & sailing master
Conn and Conn Sea Service & Navy

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 175 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. [illegible] 30th June 1834~

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Decr. 1853 and sent to [illegible] Esq
Present

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi=anl. allowance ending
Incd from $135

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by H R Weightman Clerk,
Book E.2 Vol. 4 Page 36

D. 5. 102
Page 3

No 2.952
Stephen W. Johnson's Declaration, and James Layman and Robert Wasson's affidavits

Po July 17, 1832

admitted-

sailing masters mate 5 mo.
9 mo
14 mo
private in Bradeys regt. 9 mo
23

1980. 2 ys
Page 4

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COUNTY of Albany } ss.
On the twelfth day of July 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the sitting of the Justices Court of City of Albany now sitting, Stephen W Johnson a resident of the City of Albany in the county of Albany and state of New York aged Eighty three 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 act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he was born in the Town of New London in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, that he has resided in that State until the year 1784 and then removed to the State of New York, and now resides in the City of Albany. That in the year 1775 he entered as a private in the nine months service in Colo. Bradley's Regiment, when after serving two months he was appointed Quarter Master, and served as such during the residue of the nine months. In 1777 he entered the service on board the armed Sloop of War, Called the General Schuyler, as purser and Captain's Clerk under Captain David Hawley, and served on board that Vessel nine months and upwards; & then he entered on board the twenty gun ship, Called the Defence, Commanded by Capt. Samuel Smedley as Sailing masters mate and served on board that ship nine months and upwards. In 1779 he entered on board the Alliance Frigate of thirty two guns under Capt. Landais as sailing masters mate, and served on board that frigate for about five months; In 1780 & 1781 He Commanded and American armed schooner of Eight guns called the Lucretive, and was stationed between Boston and New Haven and was in command of her for those two years - after which He retired from the service

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Stephn W Johnson

WE William B. Sprague a Clergyman, residing in the City of Albany and Richd. S. Treat late Judge of the Court of Com. pleas residing in the Same City hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Stephen W. Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty three 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.
William B. Sprague
Pastor of the 2d. Presbyterian church in Albany
Richd. S. Treat, late one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the Co. Albany
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 William B. Sprague who hath signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the City of Albany; and that Richard S. Treat, late one of the Judges of the Com pleas who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same place and is a credible person, and that their statements are entitled to credit.

I John G Wasson Clerk of the the Justices Court of the City of Albany DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of Stephen W. Johnson for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this thirteenth day of July A. D. 1832
John G. Wasson Clk-
Page 5

I Robert Wasson of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut, aged Eighty eight years & 10 Month being solemnly sworn do depose and say that he enlisted Stephen W. Johnson as Clerk & Purser on board the Sloop General Schuyler of Eight guns in the Month of March in the year 1777 and that said Johnson served on board of said Sloop until the Month of November next following and was present when he was discharged at New London in said November and that said Sloop Schuyler took eight prizes from the enemy during said time.
After said Johnson was discharged from the said Sloop Schuyler I enlisted him in said Month of November on board of the ship Defence of Eighteen guns the Laying in Boston as Second Mate of said Ship and sailed on a cruise in the Month of February and continued in service until the October next following and took two prizes the Admiral Kepple of Twenty guns and the Cygness of Sixteen guns and sent them to Boston two valuable prizes of which I was second prize Master on board the Admiral Kepple. Sworn and Subscribed this 9th day of July 1832
Robert Wasson

State of Connecticut Fairfield County Ss Norwalk July 9 1832 Personally appeared before me Benjn. Isaacs a Notary Public for said Fairfield County Robert Wasson and made solemn Oath that the foregoing declaration by him Subscribed is true and I hereby certify that said Robert Wasson is a Man of good standing in Society and that I am well acquainted with him In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 9. day of July 1832
Benjn. Isaacs Notary Public
Page 6

I James Seymour of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut aged Eighty years being solemnly sworn depose and say that in the Spring of the year 1776 he knew that Stephen W Johnson Inlisted [enlisted] in Capt Samuel Keeler Company under Col. Philip B. Bradley for Nine Months and that he fully believes that said Johnson served the whole of the time and that I was in the service at the same time and saw said Johnson in New York at the time
James Seymour

State of Connecticut Fairfield County Ss Norwalk July 9. 1832 Personally appeared before me Benjn. Isaacs Notary Public for said Fairfield County, James Seymour to me known to be a reputable Witness and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him Subscribed is true
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 9th day of July. 1832
Benjn. Isaacs Notary Public
Page 7

State of New York
Albany City & County
Surrogates Office } Ss. I Certify that John G. White of the City of Albany, has been, by me, duly appointed the Administrator of the Estate of Stephen W. Johnson, late of said City, deceased, who was at the time of his death, a revolutionary Pensioner, and who died in said City in the year 1834. I further Certify that the said John G. White has duly executed a bond, with good and sufficient [illegible] in the [illegible] sum of One Thousand Dollars for the faithful discharge of his duty as such administrator as aforesaid, that said bond is approved by me, and is filed in my office; and that the said John G. White is duly Authorized by the laws of this state to act as such Administrator-
In Testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 29th day of November A.D. 1853.
O. H. Chittenden
Surrogate
Page 8

State of New York
Albany Justices Court. } ss.
I Henry P. Nugent Clerk of the said Court, (the same being a Court of record) Do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has this day been exhibited to said Court, before the Justices thereof, That Stephen W. Johnson late of the City of Albany was a Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of one Hundred and thirty five Dollars per annum, under the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 -
That he died on the thirtieth day of June in the year one thousand eight Hundred and thirty four in said City; that he left no widow, but left him surviving the following and no other children. Viz - Stephen W. Johnson Junr, since deceased, and Betsey Wood, a widow, also since deceased; also Lewis Johnson and Esther Putnam wife of Elisha Putnam,- That the said Lewis Johnson is still living and resides in the County of Oneida, and the said Esther Putnam is also still living, and resides in the City of Albany -
I further Certify that the facts above stated were proved to the satisfaction of the said Justices court, by the testimony on oath of John G. White and William White, who reside in said City of Albany and are personally known to the Justices of said Court to be respectable Citizens and credible Witnesses.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court, (at the City of Albany), by order of the Justices thereof this 15th day of October A.D. 1853.
H. P. Nugent Clerk
Page 9

In reply to your request of 6 inst. , received 7th inst. for a statement of the military history of Stephen W. Johnson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.
  |  |  | CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. |
1776 | 9 mos. | Pri. & Qr. Ms. | Samuel Keeler | Philip B Bradley | Conn
Mch. 1777 | 9 mos. | Purser & Capt's Clerk | David Hawley served on board sloop of war "General Schuyler
Nov. 1777 | 9 mos. | Sailing master's mate | Samuel Smedley served on board Ship "Defence"
1779 | 5 mos. | " | - Landais served on board Frigate "Alliance"
1780 or 1781 | 2 yrs. | in command of an armed schooner "Lucretia"

Battles engaged in, [check mark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New London, New London Co. Conn
Date of application for pension, July 12, 1832. His claim was all'd
Residence at date of application, Albany, Albany Co. N.Y
Age at date of application, 83 yrs. Born at New London, Conn
Remarks: He died June 30, 1834 at Albany, N. Y. leaving no widow but the following children, viz. Stephen W., Betsey Wood, a widow, Lewis and Esther wife of Elisha Putnam.
Page 10

16/97- To. Mr. Matthew White Albany. N.Y-

Jan. 14.'08. Hist. to Mr. Matthew White.

1920, Dec. 11 Hist. to Mrs. F. C. Southmayd. Ew

Invalid
Revy Navy
Navy.

File No. 287776
Stephen W. Johnson
Private & Captain Clerk
Rev War

Act June 7. 1832
Index: Vol. 4. , Page 36
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 11

9484 New York

Stephen W. Johnson
of Albany in the State of New York who was a Priv. & Smr. Mte a Private in the company commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by Col Bradley - in the Connecticut line for 9 Months a Private and 14 Months Sailing Masters Mate on boar the US Ship Defence, Capt. Smedley.
Conn & Conn Sea Service & Navy

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 135 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd. day of December 1832 - and sent to I Van Inger
Albany

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 - $202.50
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '33 67.50
$270.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk,
Book D Vol. 5. Page 102

Dead. See letter to J. W. Olcott, Atty. P. Agt. Nov. 6. 1835-

Vinal Luce Octr 6 1853
same Octo 27 1853
same Nov 7. 1853
Page 12

J. E. Heath Esqr
Commr Pensions

S. W Johnson
NY

V  Dec 23-
V Luce - (50
Page 13

Washington Dec 1. 1853

Sir
Herewith enclosed is the Certificate of the Surrogate of the City & County of Albany relative to the Surety of the Administrator John G. White on the Estate of Stephen W Johnson decd required in the case of the heirs of Johnson
Respectfully
Your Obt Ser
V. Luce

L P. Waldo Esq
Commr Pensions
Page 14

Whereas, I, the subscriber, a resident of the City of Albany, am one of the Children of Stephen W. Johnson, late of said City, now deceased, who in his life time, was a Pension of the United States at the rate of $135- per annum; And whereas the said Stephen died on the 30th day of June 1834, leaving no widow, but leaving four Children, of whom two only are now living

And Whereas, I am advised that the said Stephen W. Johnson - was entitled to a larger annual allowance of pension than he received as above mentioned, and that his children are entitled to such increased allowance of pension, NOW THEREFORE, I do hereby, on behalf of myself and the other children of the said Stephen W. Johnson ~ constitute and appoint Vinal Luce of the City of Washington ~ our true and lawful attorney and agent for us, and in our behalf to prosecute our claim to an increased allowance of pension, as above mentioned; Hereby giving and granting to our said attorney and agent full power and authority to present and prosecute our said claims before the proper officers of the Government of the United States, and in the prosecution of the same to do any act of thing which we or either of us might lawfully do if personally present-and for the purposes aforesaid, to appoint or substitute agents or attorneys under him, or in his place and stead: Hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever our said attorney or his agents or substitutes shall lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and seal, this sixteenth day December A.D., 1852
Executed in the presence of
Luma White Esther Putnam

STATE OF NEW YORK
County of Albany } ss.
On this 16th day of December A.D., 1852, before the subscriber, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Esther Putnam above named and to me well known, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
Leml. Jenkins
Comr of Deeds.
Page 15

STATE OF NEW YORK,
County of Albany } ss.
Esther Putnam ~ of the City of Albany in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn, deposeth that she is one of the children of Stephen W Johnson ~ above named and described, now deceased, and as such child, this deponent is directly interested in the claim above referred to.
Esther Putnam
Subscribed and sworn to this Sixteenth day of December A.D., 1852, before me,
L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds-
Page 16

Washington Aug 6. 1853

Sir
The Children of Stephen W Johnson late a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832 claim that their their father was further entitled to an allowance of pension for service rendered in the Armed Sloop Gen Schuyler Capt David Hawley and in the Frigate Alliance Capt Landais
It is alledged [alleged] in the declaration of S. W Johnson that he served
9 months as Purse and Clerk on board the Gen Schuyler Capt David Hawley in 1777
9 months as Sailing Masters Mate on board the Ship Defence Cap. Smedley in 1778 and
5 months as Sailing Masters Mate on board the Frigate Alliance Capt Landais in 1779

The Service on board the Defence Capt Smedley was allowed: that on board the Gen Schuyler and the Frigate Alliance appears to have been suspended for proof Viz that the Gen Schuyler & the Frigate Alliance were Vessels in the public service
The fact that the Sloop Gen Schuyler was in the  Public Service has been admitted: Robert Wassar was allowed a pension for 9 months service on board of the Gen Schuyler under the Act of June 7. 1832 (see Connecticut roll, County of Fairfield) and is a Witness in this case
The certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut is added
Page 17

to [illegible] the character of the Sloop Gen Schuyler
Evidence of the public character of the Frigate Alliance Capt Landais one would suppose could hardly be needed by any one acquainted with the history of the revolutionary War. The Certificate [illegible] of the Sec of State of Massachusetts is added. See Cooper Naval History, history of Paul Jones &c &c.

Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Vinal Luce

L P. Waldo Esq
Commr Pensions
Page 18

Washington Dec 20. 1852

Sir
Enclosed is a Power of Attorney from Esther Putnam daughter of Stephen W. Johnson. The daughter claims that her father was entitled to a larger rate of pension than was allowed him
An opportunity of examining the papers is requested

J. E. Heath Esq
Commr Pensions
Page 19

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

[state seal of Massachusetts]

Secretary's Office, Boston;
March 5. 1853.

Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the second inst. in relation to Stephen W. Johnson. No evidence of his service exists here. The Alliance was a State vessel, but no rolls of it remain in the possession of this State. No evidence of the Gen. Schuyler remains here.
Very respectfully
Your obt. Servt.

E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

P.S. I enclose $2, no certificate being issued in the case. The fee for a certificate is $1. only, and on a former occasion the extra dollar was returned, two having been received.
J. M. Marks. Esq.
Albany, N. Y.
Page 20

Washington Oct 21. 1853

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of
Pensions

Sir
Herewith enclosed is the certificate of the Court as to kinship of the children of Stephen W. Johnson reqd by your letter of the
Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
V. Luce
Page 21

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford July 28th 1853

I certify that on the "Journal of the Governor and Council of Safety," in this office, I find the following entry under date of
"1777 June 30th."
"Orders were sent to Mr. Nathl. Shaw, to send all the Whale Boats to New Haven. Also the armed Sloops Schuyler and Mifflin to cruise off the harbor of New Haven and to the westward."
There are no lists of the officers or men who were engaged in the service above mentioned, found in this office.
I further certify, that from documents in this Office it appears, that Nathaniel Shaw was an Agent of the Colony and State of Connecticut from the year 1775 to 1780, for the purchase of Military Stores and Expense of Fortifications, armed vessels &c. and for which, an account was rendered amounting to the sum of £73.530.8.5 1/2, a part of which sum was charged to the United States.
R. G. Pinney Comptroller
By Geo. Robinson Clerk
Page 22

No. 2.954
Anthony Dan Santvord
John Williamson - No. 2.953
Stephen W Johnson No. 2.952

I have ascertained that the Defence was a Public Vessel. Service on board said vessel may therefore be allowed. But there is in this Dept. no proof whatever that the Lucretia was a Public vessel.
J. L. E
Page 23

War Department
Pension Office
October 26th 1832

Sir,

The applications accompanying your letter of July 13. have been examined.
There is no evidence to shew that the ship Defence and Schooner Lucretia, on board of which Stephen W. Johnson alleges to have served, were public Ships, to which alone the act extends. Nor is there any evidence that there was such a Frigate as the Defiance. If he claim for that period, he must satisfactorily establish their public character.
John Williamson relies upon traditionary evidence, and should comply strictly, and fully, with the regulations applicable to such cases.
Anthony Van Sootwood's declaration is too indefinite to compute a pro rata pension were it allowed.
I enclose you a breif [brief] of the questions which arise in every case, unless they can be answered affirmatively, a favorable decision should not be expected.
I am Respectfully
Yr. Obt. Servt.
J L Edwards

James Van Jugen Esq
Albany NY
Page 24

Pension Office
Sep 24 1853

Sir
Stephen W Johnson, New York Rolls, Act JUne 7 1832, $135. per annum. Please state to what time paid.
Very Respectfully
L P Waldo
Commr of Pensions

F Burths
3d Auditor

Died 30th June 1834, Paid to his death.

F. Burt
Auditor.
Page 25

Stephen W. Johnson decd.
NY
Act June 7 1832

1 month pri #3.33
23 " Capts Clerk & Sailing Master on ship Schuyler & Defence } 172.50
$175.83
per annum from
4 Mch 1831 to 30 June 1834 when he died. [manicule] Deducting for me payments at #135. per annum, under said act.

Pay to John G. White admd. for the benefit of Lewis Johnson & Esther Putnam only Children

Cert to
Vinal Luce Esq
Present
Page 26

Brief in the case of Stephen W Johnson decd
County and State of New York
act June 7 1832

Claim, ("original," of "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
He was pensioned at $135 per annum under the Act of 1832. He claims to have served 9 months as Captains clerk on board the Brig Schuyler, the office did not know the character of the vessel & he could not then show it, that part of his service was rejected. It was proven by Robert Wassen a pensioner. It is now shown [illegible] that said Brig was a U. S. Vessel. The case is there for increase to $175.83, deducting $135-
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Vinal Luce Esq
Present

Thomlin [illegible]
Examining Clerk.
Page 27

Mechs. & Farmer's Bank
Albany Pension Agency
November 2d. 1835.

James L. Edwards Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions,

Sir
Three of the children of Stephen W. Johnson decd, late a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832, claim the arrears due to him at the time of his decease, upon the enclosed Vouchers - Allow me to ask whether the Claimants are entitled to the whole or to three fourths only of the arrears. You will observe that the power of Attorney bears date the 15th Septr. 1834, more than 90 days ago and is drawn payable by the Agent in New York instead of Albany - as these are merely formal objections & it would be troublesome & expensive to obtain a new power from the party residing in Michigan, I should be pleased to be authorized to waive these objections-
very Respectfully
Your obt. Servt.

Tho. M. [illegible]
Page 28

Washington Oct 21. 1853

Sir
The claim of the children of Stephen W Johnson for an increase of the pension of their father under the Act of June 7th 1832 Viz for service in the Ship Gen Schuyler and in the Frigate Alliance Capt Landais it appears has been examined and the service in the Gen Schuyler alone allowed
As Attorney for the claimants I desire a reexamination of in this case
It appears from the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions of the 26 Oct 1832 that the claim of Stephen W. Johnson was suspended for proof that the Ship Defence in which it was alledged [alleged] that Johnson had served 9 months as Masters Mate was a public Vessel and that the Schooner Lucretia was of the same character. Subsequently the Commr endorsed on the papers "I have ascertained that the Defence was a public Vessel, service on board said Vessel may therefore be allowed" Indorsed with a pencil "Required to prove public character of Gen Schuyler and the Alliance"
All therefore that was required to sustain the claim to service in the Gen Schuyler & the Frigate Alliance, was proof that those Vessels were in the public service - That the Alliance was in the public service it is believed there is satisfactory proof; if not additional evidence will be furnished to that effect. Johnson Finch as Masters Mate in the Defence is admitted
Respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
Vinal Luce

L P. Waldo Esq.
Commr Pensions
Page 29

Nov. 16

Southmayd
Page 30

Rev
1. E [illegible]

Portland Conn Nov. 13. 1920

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Sirs:-
Will you kindly furnish me with the Revolutionary War record of Stephen W. Johnson, probably sea service, He was from Connecticut, a pensioner
Respectfully
Mrs. F. C. Southmayd

[stamp] PENSION
NOV
U. 16 S.
1920
OFFICE.
Page 31

W. H. H. P.

OLD WAR & NAVY
DEC 14 1897
FILES.

FROM
180 HUDSON AVENUE
ALBANY, N. Y.
December 11th 1897
P. J.

"Interior Department."
Bureau of Pensions
Washington. D.C.

Dear Sirs,
Will you please inform me if the persons named below, are on the Pension Rolls, in the past.

Stephen Putnam, died 5th March 1803.
Stephen William Johnson, died 29th June 1832.
Elisha Putnam, died 11th February 1854.

And oblige yours Respectfully
Matthew White.
No 130 Hudson Avenue
Albany, N.Y.
Page 32

HOTEL ALGONQUIN
59 WEST 44th ST.
MANHATTAN
Jany 6th 1908.

"Bureau of Pensions."
Washington. D.C.

Dear Sirs.
Will you please give me the Pension record of Stephen William Johnson. Revolutionary War.
He enlisted at New London Conn in 1776, and died in Albany N.Y. 1834.
Yours very Truly
Matthew White.
59 West 44th Street
New York
N. Y.

[stamp] PENSION
A
JAN
U. 7 S.
1908
OFFICE.