Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14945, Arthur Bell, Penn.
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(3--1776)
SERVICE Penn. Bell, Arthur
NUMBER S.14945 carded
CONTENTS [section empty]
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[printed form with written responses] 
20.738
New York
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Arthur Bell
of Westfield in the State of N York who was a Private [to Sergt -- inserted] in the Comp commanded by Captain Reed of the Regt. command by Col. Cuningham in the Pennsylvania line for Moth
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Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
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Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of Oct. 1832 and Sent to T B Campbell Westfield
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Arrears to the 4th of Sept '33 $66.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 M '24  13.33
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$79.99
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{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by P. C. Stiles Clerk
Book 6. Vol. 4, Page 48. 

[on right side of paper] 
Date of death not sar  A B
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14811
Arthur Bell
only 5 months allowed in Flying Camp

Admitted Private 8 months
T. B. Campbell
Westfield Chautauq Co N. York
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Admit [written diagonally across top left corner of page]
[typed form with written responses] 
WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, May 17, 1833
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 the regulations will shew [show] what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). 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.
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A STATEMENT, shewing [showing] the Service of Arthur Bell of Westfield of Chautauqua County -- New York
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[table with 11 columns and 4 rows including row of column headings]
[column headings] Period when the service was rendered [written vertically bottom to top] | Duration of the claimant's service. Years. | Months. | Days | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported. |

1777|  | 5 |  | Sergt. | Capt. Reeds | Col Cunningham | none | from Lancaster to Amboy N. Jersey to Philadelphia | Lancaster County Pennsylvania | Traditionary evidence 

or years after |  | 2 |  |  | Bell |  | none |  | age 79 years |

volunteered frequently after this & was out sometimes one week & sometimes 2 weeks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

[handwritten at bottom of page] Flying Camp said 5 mo
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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 of cases 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 of the County where such applicant 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 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 entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [graphic of a hand pointing to the right:] 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.] [square brackets in original]

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 State, 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.] [square brackets in original]

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) 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 (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.] [square brackets in original]

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 the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation [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 if 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 the 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 services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated 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 Count 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 propound 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, where 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 whom 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 that 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 Justice of the peace, the certification of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such 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 he 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.
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[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[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, by 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 duty 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 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; 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, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is 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, providing 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 contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto 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 forth 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.
[graphic of closed right hand with index finger pointing] 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 in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This 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.
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14811 
In the matter of
Arthur Bell
Pension
Allowed T.B.C
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State of New York Chautauque County Ss
On this 14th day of October 1832 personally appeared before me, Thomas B Campbell one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of said County of Chautauqua, Arthur Bell a resident of Westfield in said County of Chautauqua & State of New York, aged 
Seventy nine [inserted: years] the 11th day of last January N.S. 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and Served as herein stated he volunteered [inserted: in the month of Nove 1777 in Paxton township Lancaster County_] in a company of Riflemen, under the comand [command] of Captain John Reed, in the Town of Paxton Lancaster County & State of Pensylvania [Pennsylvania], and marched direct to Amboy in New Jersy. his 1st Lieut.s name was as he thinks Killcrist. the 2nd Lieut.s name was Colyer & the 3d John Cochran. When we arrived at Amboy our whole company volunteered or enlisted for the term of five months. to serve in the States of Pensylvania New Jersy & Maryland, and became the first company in the first Regiment of the flying camp, our Col. name was Cunningham, Lieut. Col. name was Hase. Our company was discharged at Philladelphia after having been detained about a month longer than our term of enlistment, in this Campaign I served as a Sergeant. he again volunteered [inserted: he thinks about two years after] and served about two months in a Rifle company under Captain George Bell. Marched to the Bald Eagle in defending the inhabitants against the Indians. Our term of service in the campaign Expired when we were at Potters fort where we were discharged and we returned to our homes_ he volunteered at a number of other times in defense of the inhabitants against the Indians but does not particularly recollect how long he served. Some times he thinks they were out nearly a week, and at other times two or three days_
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he recollects of seeing Lord Sterling at Long Isleland [Island] he remembers to have seen Gel. Sullavan at Newyork [New York]_ he has no documentary evidence or living witnesses to prove his Services_ he resided in Barree Township Huntington County PA. after the Revollutionary war, untill the year 1802 when he moved to the place where he now resides (Westfield) he thinks that he was nearly or quite a month in the Service as a volunteer before he enlisted, And has no doubt but his whole services would amount to nine months or more

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  Arthur Bell [signature] 

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid } T. B. Campbell

We James McMahan and James Montgomery residing in the town of Westfield above mentioned hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Arthur Bell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine 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-- James McMahan [signature]  James Montgomery [signature] 

Sworn and Subscribed to the day and year aforesaid before me T. B. Campbell
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And I the said Judge do hereby certify and declare that I have put the interogatories prescribed by the war department to the within named Arthur Bell and that it is my opinion that he was a Soldier of the revolution and he served as he states, and further that from his extreme age and bodily infirmity it is impossable [impossible] for him to appear in Open Court. and also that I am well acquainted with James McMahan & James Montgomery, and that they are both reputable persons and are entitled to credit as Witnesses_ 

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid Thomas B. Campbell [signature] 

State of New York Chautauqua County Ss
I James B. Lowry Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Thomas B. Campbell Esquire is a Judge as 
above, and that the above Certificate is genuine Witness my hand and seal of Office this 17th day of
October 1832  James B. Lowry Clerk [signature]
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State of Newyork Chautaugue County Ss
On 12th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me Thomas B Campbell (same Judge before whom I was sworn in my first declaration [inserted: No 14877) one of the Judges of the court of Common please of said County of Chautauque, Arthur Bell) the same Arthur Bell that is in the foregoing declaration No 14811) who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, I cannot swear positively as to the precise length of my services, but according to the best of my recollection I served not less than the periods mentioned below, And in the following grades. And for such service I claim a Pension
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A statement shewing my services as a serg. & Soldier during the Revolutionary war
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[hand drawn table with 10 columns and 4 rows including row of column headings]
[column headings] Period when the service was rendered [written vertically bottom towards top] | Duration of the Claimant service. Years | Months | Days | Rank of the Claimant | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers | Battles in which He [crossed out: applicant] was engaged | Country through which he Marched | Place of abode when he entered the Service, & age at the present period
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1777 |  | 7 |  | 4 sergent | Cat James Reed 1 Lieut Fullchrist 2 Lieut James Calyer 3 Lieut John Cochran | Lord Sterling at Longisleand Gen Lee Col or Gen Hanal Cat Cunningham Lieutt Col Hase Mager Elsworth | Longisleand Westchester Eastchester Milesquare besides [a word crossed out] Several skirmishes | from Lancaster to Amboy from there to Newyork Longisleand Southern part of the state New Jersey to Philadelphia | Lancaster County Pennsylvania Age 80 years    
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1779 |  | 2 |  | a common Soldier |  |  |  |  | 

1782&3 |  | 1 |  | J& |  |  |  |  | 

That in the spring of 1777 he was one of a company of [inserted: volunteer] riflemen formed in Paxton Lancaster County, St of Pennsylvania that they with other volunteer companies of the same kind met in the Town of Lancaster County & State aforesaid and there formed a regiment of Riflemen. which was commanded by Col Cunningham Liet-Col Hase, Major Edwards &c his Captain Name was James Reed 1st Lietet, Liettetnant 2d Lieut -- James Colyer 3d Lieut, John Cochran that he was appointed A Sergant in said Reeds Company [crossed out: that he with his regiment] that he with his regiment [inserted: by the way of Philadelphia & Trenton] was marched from Lancaster to Amboy in the State of NewJersey, that there he with his whole Regiment enlisted to serve five months in the States of Pennsylvania New Jersey and Maryland, but that he served six [inserted: months] before he obtained his discharge, and that he served not less than seven months from the time of his leaving home untill he obtained his discharge
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That in the year 1779 he the aforesaid Arthur Bell volunteered to go against the Indians for 2 months and served under his Brother Captain George Bell they were Marched [crossed out: Marched] from Jacksvally about seventy miles northwest of Lancaster County and state aforesaid, to a place Called Baldeagle to defend the inhabitants from the Indians and from there they were taken to Potter Fort and there discharged having served 2 months. That as he lived for several years in the aforesaid place called Jacks Valley it being then a frontier settlement and much exposed to the inroads of the Savages was [inserted 4 words but crossed out] during the remainder of the war with the indians frequently out against the indians sometimes 2 or 3 days and sometimes a week but in consequence of the lapse of time and the loss of memory he cannot recollect the whole time but feels confident in saying that the different periods of his services (exclusive of the 2 different periods of service before [inserted: and during] States) that he was not less than one monthe__ that in consequence of his age and infirmity he has been confined to his room for four years and that there was no Clergyman in the vicinity at the time of his first declaration nor is there now that has a knowledge of his character  Arthur Bell [signature] 

Sworn and Subscribed before me the 12th day of June 1833.  Thomas B. Campbell

State of New York Chautauqua County Clerks Office Ss } 
I James B. Lowry Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Thomas B. Campbell Esqr before whom the above & within affidavits purports to have been sworn, was at the time of taking the same one of the Judges of the Courts of said County And that his name subscribed to said affidavits is genuine, 
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 15th day of June 1833. 
James B. Lowry Clerk [signature]
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That from Amboy with the consent of their Regiment they were taken to the city of Newyork and there was attached to and embodied with Col Hands regiment of Riflemen. from the City of Newyork they were taken on to Longisleand that he with his regiment was in the Battle of Longisleand and were commanded by Lord Sterling (an anecdote he relates there we were driven into our lines in great confusion when an officer on horseback in a light dress who had received a [inserted: flesh] wound under his chin; and who by frequently [a word crossed out] wipeing [wiping] the wound with his arms and the blood runing [running] down his breast; in front, had become litrally [literally] covered with gore cried out boys where are you going. Some replied they were going to hunt their companies he replied this is no time to hunt your companies, fall into the lines and defend them, for I say if you go you go with dishonor; We immediately fell into the lines and impationly [impatiently] waited for the word fire; (for the enemy was marching down upon us in solid calums [columns]) we immedately opened upon them a tremendious fire; when the brave officer who did not dain to take cover under the works but all the time sat on his horse exposed to the fire of the enemy cried whora the bugars are runing) that they retreated to Newyork [inserted: cit] and from there he with his Regiment was taken to a place called Delanceys Mills; there they lay until the Battle [inserted: of] Westchester which Battle he was in. from there he ware [was] taken to Eastchester where he was in another Battle at East Chester, from there they wase ordered to a place called mile square where they had a Battle with the Hessians and drove them into their camp. the only Battle [crossed out: in] which he was in that our army were victorioz. He was also at the White Plains and on the day of the Battle was out on a scout. That he seen and spoke to General Washington at fort Lee on the day before the capture of fort Washington asking him for a pass to go to fort Washington to see his brother William Bell who was in the fort and made a prisoner the next day: that General Washington replied that he gave no passes [inserted: of that kind]. And that he must apply to the commanding officer of the place, but fortunately he got name and escaped being made a [illegible]; es; the fort was taken the next day. that he with his regiment was at Brunswick when the British came there that he was appointed with a gaurd to conduct in number of bagog waggons to Trenton where the army he was with followed. that he with his regiment was ordered to Philadelphia where they lay some time and then was discharged
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Intoragatories [Interrogatories] propounded to the Claimant Arthur Bell
1--he answers that he was born in the Town of Paxton Lancaster County Pa. on the 11th day of January 1753 New Style
2--he answers that he has no record of his age, here but there was a record left with his Brother John Bell who died in Washington County Pa. and does not know what has become of it.
3--he answers that he lived in Paxton the same place where he was born when he entered the Service. he has since lived in Jacks Vally Pa. Barre Huntington Co. Pa. and now resides in Westfield N.Y.
4--he answers that he volunteered, afterwards enlisted, never was a substitute -- 
5--he answers that he saw Gen. Washington at Fort Lee and other places. he recollects seeing Lord Sterling at Long Isleand, remembers seeing Gen. Lee. cannot recollect the names of many of the other officers, and no further particulars then Stated.
6--he answers that he received a regular discharge at Philladelphia, that it is now lost and has been a long time
7--he answers that he is acquainted in the neighborhood where he now resides, with James Montgomery, James McMahan, David Eason, Thomas McClintock, Thomas Prendergast &---- who can certify as to his Character_

Answered upon oath before me the 12th day of June 1833-  T.B. Campbell
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April 11, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[handwritten at an angle: Our]
BA-J/EEL  Arthur Bell-S.14945
Mr. Raymond M. Bell  616 S. Allen Street
State College, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Arthur Bell, a Revolutionary War soldier, who served from Pennsylvania and was pensioned while residing in Chautauqua County, New York.

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.14945, based upon the military service in that war of Arthur Bell.

Arthur Bell was born January 11, 1753, in Paxton, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.

While residing in said Paxton, Arthur Bell enlisted, served as 4# sergeant in Captain John Reed's Company of Rifleman, Colonel Cunningham's Pennsylvania Regiment of the Flying Camp; he was in the battle of Long Island, retreat from New York and battle of Westchester; length of service seven months; he enlisted sometime in 1779, served about two months in Captain George Bell's (soldier's brother ) Pennsylvania Company, and went on an expedition against the Indians; he also served at various times on short tours protecting the inhabitants against the Indians, entire length of this service, at least one month. He stated that he was also in the battles of East Chester and Mile Square. 

After the Revolution, he resided in Jacks Valley, Pennsylvania, and in Barree Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, from whence he moved in 1802, to Westfield, Chautauqua County, New York, of which latter place he was a resident when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 14, 1832.

There is no reference to wife or children.

[handwritten note in left margin of page]
Could not use 1777 which he gave as date of enl. because his service was 1776. See Pa archives Vol 7. pages 342, & 343
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[typed letter page 2]
The soldier's brother, William Bell, also served in the Revolution and was taken prisoner at the capture of Fort Washington. There are no claim for pension on file on account of the services of William Bell, who served from Pennsylvania, or of George Bell. Soldier had another brother, John Bell, who died in Washington County, Pennsylvania, date not given, it is not stated that John Bell served in the Revolutionary War.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War soldier, Arthur Bell (S.14945), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following data:

Arthur Bell, Certificate No. 20738, issued October 2, 1833, rate $26.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, New York Agency.

Very truly yours A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.
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[handwritten at angle in top left corner of page: Reohran] 

[left side of page -- printed form with handwritten responses]
141945   INVALID.
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File No. 14,945
Arthur Bell Priv & Sergt. Rev War
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Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-- Vol. 1, Page 30 
[Arrangement of 1870.] [square brackets in original] 

[right side of page -- handwritten]
1907. April 2. Josephine Bell Hegarty history AW
letter in Inv. File No. 22116.
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1934 - Apr 11 - Hist. to Raymond M. Bell - Eres. 
1935 - Aug. 29. Raymond M. Bell adv3 cost of photos_ MNS&F
1935 - Sept 24 - Photos to Raymond M. Bell MNS&F
Page 18

616 S. Allen St. State College, Penna.
23 Mar. 1934

Dear Sirs: 
I am seeking information about Arthur Bell [underlined] a Revolutionary soldier who was placed on the pension roll Oct. 2 - 1833, at that time living in Chautauqua County, New York. He served in the Penna. militia. Will you please send me his record, including any material of genealogical value. 
Faithfully yours,  
Raymond M. Bell  [signature] 
Raymond M. Bell
Page 19

[round mail stamp in top right corner of page: RECEIVED JUL 8 1935 Mail Sub-Div. VETS ADM Reader 7] 

55 Wilson St. Carlisle, Pa. 5 July 1935

Veterans Administration Pensions, Revolutionary War
Attention: BA-J/EEL  Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:
On April 11-1934 you wrote me in connection with the
Revolutionary War pension claim of Arthur Bell S.14945, [underlined] of Westfield, N.Y., but a Pennsylvania soldier. I visited your offices and looked over the original papers. You told me that photostatic copies could be furnished at 25[cent sign] a page. As I recall in the case of Arthur Bell he forwarded two application papers, each of about four pages; making
a total of eight pages. There were some other minor papers, but I am interested only in his applications. I should like to have photostatic copies of these if the cost will not be more than about two dollars. Let me know how to make remittance.
Very truly yours, Raymond M. Bell [signature] 
Raymond M. Bell
Page 20

[in top left corner of page: round stamp of VETERANS ADMINISTRATION with graphic of an eagle with spread wings atop crossed flags and a shield] 

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON
August 29, 1935.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
IN REPLY REFER TO  BA-J/ MMHF/ ady
Arthur Bell S.14945

Mr. Raymond M. Bell 55 Wilson Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
[round postal stamp to right of R M Bell address: RECEIVED SEP 9 1935 Mail Sub-Div VETS ADM Reader 27]

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension of Arthur Bell, S.14945.

The cost of such copies is twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is eight.

Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States. [in right margin, number stamp: 8900] 
Very truly yours  A. D. Hiller [signature] 
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

[handwritten at an angle in lower left corner of page: Im m o NS]
Page 21

September 25, 1935.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MMHF/ady
Arthur Bell  S.14945

Mr. Raymond M. Bell 55 Wilson Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:
You are furnished herewith, in compliance with your request, photostatic copies of eight pages on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.14945, based upon service of Arthur Bell in that war.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 22

BA-J/ady  Rev. & 1812 No. 277
September 17, 1935.  Navy 970
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rev. War claim for pension of Arthur Bell, File No. S.14945. Actual 1 page of each UNCERTIFIED [underlined] 

[inserted handwritten note written vertically bottom towards top of page: included all but the printed table dated May 17, 1833, No cover or a brief -- F]
 
$2.00......8 pages
xxxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in folder with corresponding name and number. 
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied. 

Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
Page 23

August 29, 1935.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MMHF/ady Arthur Bell S.14945

Mr. Raymond M. Bell
55 Wilson Street Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension of Arthur Bell, S.14945.
The cost of such copies is twenty-five cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is eight. 
Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States. 
Very truly yours  A. D. HILLER  Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 24

[printed form with written responses] 
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Arthur Bell 
--------------------------
[table with 6 columns and 4 rows including the row of headings]
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. | Length of service. | Rank. | Officers under whom service was rendered. Captain. | Colonel. | State. 

June 1776 | 7 mos | 4"Segt. | John Reed 1st co | Cunningham Regt Flying Camp. | 

1779 | 2 mos | Prvt. | George Bell Soldiers brother |  | 

1782 & 1783 | 1 mo | " | defending the Frontier against Indians |  | 

{as battle was in 76 and Flying Camp not in existence in 1777 I used 76 for enlistment} 
-----------------------------------------------

Battles engaged in, Long Island, Westchester, Eastchester, Mile Square
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lancaster Co. Pa
Date of application for pension, Oct. 14, 1832. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Westfield, Chautauqua Co NY
Age at date of application, b. Jan 11, 1753. Patton, Lancaster Co. Pa.
Remarks: Soldier's brother William was captured at Fort Washington and his brother John died in Washington Co Pa. No further family data.
A careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to those that a claim was filed on account of the Rev. war service of William Bell or John Bell of Pa.
Very respectfully,