Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,219, Samuel Ashley, Conn
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Service Conn 

Ashley, Samuel
Lucy 
  
Number W. 172149
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**Samuel Ashley**  
Windson, in the State of Connecticut, who was a Private in the camp commanded by **Captain Cleaveland** of the regiment commanded by **Colonel Drake** in the **Connecticut Line** for **9 months**.  

Inscribed on the **Roll of Connecticut** at the rate of **30 Dollars - Cents per annum**, to commence on the **4th day of March, 1831**.  

**Certificate of Pension issued** the **27th day of June 1832**, and **Smith Thos. Gray, Windham**.  

**Arrears to the 4th of March 23**  
$ __  
**Semi-annual allowance ending 4th September 33**  
C. O. 5 Foy  

⎨ **Revolutionary Claim**, Act **June 7, 1832**.  
**Recorded by G. C. Stiles, Clerk**  
Book **C, Vol. 3, Page R**.
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Samuel Ashley
Hampton No. 1224
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Sam Ashley
State of Connecticut,
County of Windham ss Hampton
On this 27th day of July 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Windham in the County of Windham and state of Connnecticut, now sitting Samuel Ashley a resident of Hampton, in the county of Windham and state of Connecticut, aged seventy six years, and who being duly sworn according to law,of Congress, passed June 7, 1832--That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated-
1st campaign - He was drafted in the militia in July or August 1776 and went to East Chester near New York and there enlisted into Capt Cleveland's Company of Regulars in Col Dinkee Regiment for five months. Was discharged on Christmas Day at Newton in Pennsylvania and returned home to Connt in the winter some time in January 1777.

2nd campaign-He enlisted in Apr 1777 in Capt Abner Robinson's company for one month in Col McCelen's Regiment in Gen Spencer's expedition  served and Lewiston & was at Liverton Rhode Island.

3rd campaign- He was drafted for action of 2 months in August 1779 in Capt Rup' Company Col Abbott's Regt & moved to New London & Groton. Served out his term & was verbally discharged.

4th campaign- He served as a substitute for James Reynold of Greenwich in Rhode Island, who was drafted and served in Capt. Hopkins Company & Col. Mesto Regt & was in Gen Sullivan expedition on Rhode Island & was in the engagement when Ge. Sullivan retreated off the Island.
After that he lived in Winham (or Hampton) when called into the service & ever lived (except about 3 years in Rhode Island) &now lives in Hampton, at that he has no documentation of his services.

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.
Samuel Ashley

We, David G. Sprague a clergyman residing in the town of Hampton and Edmund Badger residing in said Hampton hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Ashley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 76 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.
David G. Sprague
Edmund Badger
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Personally appeared Mr. Daniel Clark of Chaplin in Windham County in open court & after being sworn according to law says that he performed the 1st campaign mentioned in the foregoing declaration and that Mr. Samuel Ashley was with him in the same regiment this Capt [Captain] Clevelands company & performed said campaign with him at Kingsbridge & Fort Washington & retreated with Gen [General] Washington thro the [illegible] on Christmas day 1776 
sworn to & subscribed the day & year afores'd [aforesaid]
Daniel Clark
Personally appeared in open court Mr Joseph Ashley of Hampton afores'd [aforesaid] and after being sworn according to law says that he personally performed the 2d 43d campaign mentioned in the foregoing declaration and that said Samuel Ashley belonged to the same company and regiment with him & personally performed the services as therein stated & he further states that he personally knew of s'd [said Sam'l Ashley performing the services stated in said 4th campaign though he was not in the same reg't [regiment] with him - sworn & subscribed the day & year afores'd [aforesaid]
Joseph Ashley
This certifies that Mr Samuel Ashley was born Jan'y [January] 25 1756 in Windham in Windham County & state of Connecticut as appears from the town records of the town of Windham.
Thomas Gray Town Clerk
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 Daniel G Sprauge who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman settled in Hampton & that Edmund Badger Esq who has signed the same is a resident in S. Hampton viz a credible person & their statement is entitled to credit and the court further certifies that Mr. Daniel Clark & Mr. Joseph Ashley who has sworn & subscribed the foregoing deposition are persons know to this court & are credible persons & their statements are entitled to credit.
I Thomas Grey clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Windham in [strike out "for"] the county of Windham do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Samuel Ashley for a pension.
In testimony [illegible] unto set my hand and seal of office this 27th day July
Thomas Gray Clerk
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1774
Samuel Ashley
Cont
Admitted
Private 9 months.
Thos. Gray
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(4)
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.
The notes and the regulations will shew 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.
A statement, shewing [showing] the service of Samuel Ashley Con't [Connecticut]
Duration of the
claimant's service.
[Column heads] Period when the service was rendered | 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 and of the General 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
1776 August | -/5/- | private | Capt Cleveland | Col Durke | [blank] | York s'd East Chester | Winsor CT 76 | this service prov'd by Da[illegible] Clerk
1777 Octo | -/1/- | "[private] | Cap Robinson | Col McClellen | [blank] | Triverton R I & back to Fairfield | [blank] | There two tours of service defined upon the declaration and the traditionery certificate
1779 Augt | -/2/- | "[private] | Cap Rufo | Col Abbot | [blank] | N. London Grotton | [blank] |
Sep 1778 | -/1/- | Capt Hopkins | Col Weston | [blank] | Sullivans expedition R.I. | [blank] | Joseph Ashly
I am, respectfully your obedient servant
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
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2
Regulations Under the Act of June 7 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes 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 [blank]
County of [blank] ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A.B. a resident of (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] 
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 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) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank]
(e) regiment of the [blank] 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. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A.B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] & 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 [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. [blank] who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & 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 area amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will 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 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 live now?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
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 service.
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 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 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 the 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 of Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of 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 signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the service 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 partied interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless presented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which 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.
[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 e 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 duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in following grades:- For ---- year ----- months and days, I served as a ------. For -----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 paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, 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 officer the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places, where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; ad 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 of it has no device or inscription by which it can distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal f office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which 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 record 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 f his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper office, under his seal of office.
*The notes from [a] to [i] are a;; equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule is note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] Is 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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Sam Ashley    (2)

State of Connecticut
County of Windham ss Hampton4 December AD 1832

On this 4th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the district of Windham in sd County & State aforesd now sitting Mr Samuel Ashley a resident of said Hampton, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on oath make the following declaration in addition to his former declaration made on the 27th day of July 1832 in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he was drafted on or about the first day of August 1776 for the militia and went under the command of Leiut Harmmend with Elias Blanchard, Wm Durkee, Daniel C Clark & others to New Haven, Stanford & to East Chester near New York, soon after we arrived there we enlisted into Capt Cleveland's Camp & regular troops Col Durkee Regt, we went to York Island & were near fort Washington & King's bridge  [unk] afterwards men ordered from fort Washington to fort See and after Fort Washington was taken, Gen Washington commanded the retreat thro the Jersies & we marched thro Hackensack, Quackenack, Newark, Princeton & to Trenton where we crossed the Delaware river & were at Newton & went to Bristol * then back to Newton where we were discharged a Christmas day & returned home to Connecticut & arrived some time in January.

2d campaign. He enlisted sometime in the month of
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of October 1777 into Capt Abner Robinson company for a month, in Col McCleelum Regiment & we marshed to Providence & then to Liverton in R. Island & was in what was called Gen Spencers expedition; we went down three times in the dead of the night to go over to take Newport from the enemy but did not get over, the wind was high & something hindered & it was given up & we marchd back to Providence & staid there until our time expired & were quartered in the College, we returned back by Plainfield & there left our muskets & took on old ones again.

3d Campaign
He was drafted for the term of two months, sometime in the month of August 1779 (the exact day I cannot recollect) & marchd to New London & then crossed to Groton where I joined Capt Ross' company & Col Abbot Regt, our Lieut's name was Kingsbury I think; we were stationed a little north of the Fort & I continued at said Groton two months, at the house of widow Seeds & was then verbally discharged.

4th Campaign
He served as a substitute for James Reynolds of Greenwich R Island in September 1778, who was drafted. he was in Capt Hopkin Company & Col [unk] Regt & ws in Gen Sullivans expedition on R Island& was in the engagement when Gen Sullivan retreated off the Island. Our Lieut Brown was mortally wounded
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and I with them were ordered to remove [unk],but he soon died. I served out the term of one month & recd for it [unk] Reynolds 120 dollars continental money which turned out to be worth nothing.

That he was born in Windham in Windham County on the 25 day of Jan 1756, that he has no record of his age except the town records of sd town of Windham. That he lived in sd town of Windham when he entered the service in that part of it since incorporated into the town of Hampton, when he has lived ever since (except about three years in Rhode Island) & that he now lives in sd Hamilton; That he has no recollection of ever having recd a written discharge & if I did it is lost. That he is personally known to Eben Griffin Esq Hon Phillip Pearl Lieut Col Sam S Mosely & Gen John C Howard, Dean Abijah Fuller, Elder James Burnham, James Bennett Esq & Charles Moulton all of sd Hampton who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution.

Sworn to & subscribed the 4th day of Dec 1832 in open Court.

Samuel Ashley
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250
Connecticut
Lucy Ashley
widow of James Ashley decd who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 20th day of May 1835 of Windham Co in the State of Ct who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Cleaveland of the Regt commanded by Col Drake in the Ct line for 9 months course

Inscribed on the Roll of Ct at the rate of 30 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Sept 1838 and sent James A Harvey Hampton Ct

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838 $75.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March '39 15.00
$90.00

{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded by DD Addison Clerk, Book A Vol 1, Page 164
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State of Connecticut
Windham County } ss Probate Office District of Hampton

I James A Hovey, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hampton in said State, do certify that Mason Cleveland Esq is Judge of said Court of Probate, and that the signature within written purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court, and have signed the same with my hand on this 13th day of August 1838.

James A Hovey, Clerk
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State of Connecticut
Windham County } ss Probate Office, District of Hampton

On this thirteenth day of August, eighteen hundred thirty eight, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Hampton, in said State; Mrs Lucy Ashley, a reside of the town of Hampton in the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress of July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Samuel Ashley, late of said Hampton, deceased, who was a pensioner under the act of Congress of July 7, 1832. She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Ashley on the second day of July seventeen hundred eighty nine; that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Ashley died on the twentieth day of May eighteen hundred thirty five; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.

Lucy Ashley

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before the Court of Probate for he District of Hampton. I certify that Lucy Ashley is a credible witness.
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368
Lucy Ashley
Admitted
Program $30-
died 20 May [ineligible] 35
James A. Hovey
Hampton
Page 17

I, Dyer Hughes Jr Town Clerk of the Town of Hampton in the County of Windham and State of  Connecticut, do certify that the following is a true copy of record taken from the record of marriages of said Town of Hampton with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures:- "Samuel Ashley of Hampton and Lucy Nye of Tolland were married together, July second, seventeen hundred eighty nine." The date on the Record is as follows: July 2d 1789.

Dyer Hughes Jr Town Clerk

I, Dyer Hughes Jr above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town, County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.

Dyer Hughes Jr

State of Connecticut
Windham County } ss Hampton August 14, 1838

Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a Notary Public within and for said State, Dyer Hughes Jr Esq Town Clerk of said town of Hampton, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition and certificate by him subscribed.

In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my Seal of Office, and have signed the same with my hand.

James A Hovey, Notary Public
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March 20, 1936
BA-J/MCS
Samuel Ashley, W. 17219
Jessie Ashby Anderson
Elmbrook
Noank, Connecticut
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the
pension claim, W. 17210, based upon the military service of Samuel Ashley.
He was born January 25, 1756, in Windham, Windham County, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Windham, Connecticut, in that part which was
later called Hampton, he enlisted and served as private with the Connecticut
troops as follows: from July or August, 1776, five months in
Captain Cleveland's company in Colonel Durkee's regiment and was with
General Washington when he crossed the Delaware near Trenton; in 1777
one month in Captain Abner Robinson's company in Colonel McClellan's
regiment and was in General Spenser's expedition to Rhode Island, in
1778, one month in Captain Hopkins' company in Colonel West's regiment
and was with General Sullivan in his expedition to Rhode Island and was
in the battle of Rhode Island; from August, 1779, two months in Captain
Russ' company in Colonel Abbett's regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 27, 1832, at which time he was living in Hampton, Connecticut, where he had lived since the Revolution with the exception of about three years when he
lived in Rhode Island.
He died May 20, 1835, in Hampton, Connecticut.
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Samuel Ashley married July 2, 1789, Lucy Nye of Tolland, Connecticut.
She was allowed pension on her application executed August 13,
1838, at which time she was seventy-eight years of age and was a
resident of Hampton, Connecticut.
In 1832 Joseph Ashley, a resident of Hampton, Connecticut aged seventy-six years, stated that he served with Samuel Ashley
during the Revolution, relationship not shown.
The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to
the soldier's family.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17219
actresses
Lucy Ashley
Wid, of
Samuel Ashley
Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 7. 1838
Index: - Vol. 1, Page 20
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Mch 17/96 Soldier pensioned
F. B. Growbudge, New
Haven, Conn MEl
1920, that. 18 Hist to Hon
Richard T. Freeman
See letter in claim of
Ebenezer Gilbert. 36539
MCS
1936. War 20 Hist to Jesse
Ashby Anderson, Nick
MCS
Page 21

I Asa L Litchfield of Hampton, Windham County, Connecticut, aged forty two years, depose and say, that I was acquainted with Mr Samuel Ashley, late of said Hampton, deceased for many years before his death; and have been acquainted with Mrs Lucy Ashley widow of said Samuel for many years; that I know the fact that the said Samuel Ashley rec'd a pension for several years before his decrease for revolutionary services; that the said Lucy is the widow of the identical Samuel Ashley who is described in her declaration made this day before the Probate Court in the District of Hampton; that the said Lucy has remained the widow of the said Samuel ever since his decease; that the said Samuel died on the twentieth day of May eighteen hundred thirty five.

Asa L Litchfield

State of Connecticut
Windham County } ss Hampton August 13, 1838

Then personally appeared Mr Asa L Litchfield, who is a credible witness residing in the town of Hampton aforesaid, before me the undersigned, a Notary Public within & for said State, and made solemn oath the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and have affixed my seal of Office.

James A Hovey, Notary Public
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Samuel Ashley

Tho Gray
-Rend Har
RL
Page 23

Personally appeared in open Court Mr Daniel Clark of Chaplin in sd County of Windham, aged 82 years, being sworn according to law says that he was drafted in the latter part of July or first of August 1776, & went under the command of Lieut Hammond with Mr Durkee, Samuel Ashley, Elias Blanchard & others to East Chester near New York, we went thru New Haven, Fairfield, & Stamford & pretty soon after we got to East Chester Saml Ashley & I & some others enlisted into Capt Clevelands Company of regular troops in Col Durkee's Regiment & we were together at Kingsbridge & Fort Washington & we we were ordered over to the English neighborhood & retreated under the command of Gen Washington thro the Jersies to Newark, Princeton & Trenton & over to Newton & Bristol and Mr Samuel Ashley was with me in the same company all the time & we were discharged on Christmas day 1776 at Newton in Pennsylvania & returned home & married some tome on January.

I have told more about this campaign in my additional declaration of this date, reference to which may be had to ascertain my knowledge of the facts as here stated. Sworn to & subscribed this 4th day of December AD 1832.

Daniel Clark
Page 24

personally appeared in open court Mr. Joseph Ashley of Hampton New Haven County Connecticut aged 76 years and after being sworn according to law says that [strike out "he"]  Abr Sam'l Ashley of Hampton aforesaid performed the second and third campaigns mentioned by said Sam'l Ashley with him in the manner particularly set forth by me in my additional declaration dated Dec [December] 4th AD 1832 in my declaration aforesaid the aforesaid compaigns are No. 2 & 4 [illegible] for a particular naration [narration] of facts relative to said duty & services as performed by said Sam'l Ashley [illegible] may be heed to my aforesaid declaration where will be found the term and all the particulars within my recollection of the services of of said Samuel Ashley in said second and third campaigns.
Sworn to & subscribed this 4th day of Dec'r [December] 1832 in open court
Joseph Ashley
And this court hereby declares their opinion that the witness named applicant Samuel Ashley was a revolutionary soldier & that his statements are correct and that Mr. Daniel Clark & Mr. Joseph Ashley who have sign'd [signed] & sworn to the foregoing depositions in open court are credible persons & well known to this court & that their statements are entitled to full credit & that the s'd [said] Daniel Clark is a resident of Chaplin & Joseph Ashley is a resident of Hampton in said county of Windham.
I Thomas Gray clerk of the court of
Page 25

Probate for the District of Windham do certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings ofs Court
in the matter of the application of Samuel Ashley
for a Pension-

In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand
&
seal of office this 4 day of
of December AD 1832
Thomas Gray Clerk
Page 26

Aug 18
Hampton at Aug 14
free
James L. Edwards, Esq
Commr. of Pensions
Washington. D.C.
Page 27

(6 )


Hampton, Windham County, ┃
August 14. 1838
Sir
I transmit this day to your Office the applications of Widow Mary Denison, Phebe Clark and
Lucy Ashley for pensions under the act of Congress
of July 7. 1838. together with the evidence required
by your regulations to support the same." I respectfully  request an early examination of their claims, and if
pensions are granted them, you will please forward
to me the Certificates, and much oblige
Your Obedient Servt

James A. Hovey
J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 28

ELMBROOK
NOANK, CONN.
Feb. 28th 1936
Veteran's Administration
Washington, D. C.
[stamp] RECEIVED MAR 2 1936
Gentlemen:

I shall be very grateful for any
information you may find available to send
me relative to Noah Ashley who was born in
1757 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts
; married Abigail (Abbie) Ashley; and
served as a private in the Massachusetts
Continental Line during the American Revolution. He filed an application for a pension
while residing in Bristol County, Massachusetts. His name was placed on the pension
roll July 26, 1819, and his pension commenced
June 28, 1819, Act of March 18, 1818. His
pension was suspended in accordance with the
provisions of the Act of May 1st, 1820, but
he was pensioned again by the provisions of
the Act of June 7th, 1832.
I shall also appreciate any biographical
information you may be able to send
me about Samuel Ashley, who served as a private
in the Connecticut Continental Line, and
made application for a pension in 1833 at the
age of 78 years, while a resident of Windham
County, Connecticut.
Thanking you in advance for this information, I am
Very truly yours.
Jessie Ashby Anderson
Page 29

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS/HMM

March 18, 1930.
Hon. Richard P. Freeman
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.
My dear Mr. Freeman:

In response to your request of March 15, 1930, for in
formation desired by Mrs. Mary B. Bishop of Putnam, Connecticut,
I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 17219, it appears that Samuel
Ashley was born in Windham, Windham County, Connecticut, January
25, 1756.
While a resident of Windham, Connecticut, in a part that
was later Hampton, he enlisted and served with the Connecticut
troops as follows:
From July or August 1776, five months in Captain Cleveland's
Company, in Colonel Durkee's Regiment, and was with General Washington
when he crossed the Delaware River near Trenton. In 1777
one month in Captain Abner Robinson's Company in Colonel
McClellan's Regiment, and was in General Spencer's Expedition
to Rhode Island. In 1778 one month in Captain Hopkins' Company,
in Colonel West's Regiment, and was with General Sullivan in his
Rhode Island expedition and was in the battle of Rhode Island.
From August 1779, two months in Captain Russ' Company, Colonel
Abbott's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July
27, 1832, at which time he was living in Hampton, Connecticut.
He died May 20, 1835 in Hampton, Connecticut.
The soldier married July 2, 1789 Lucy Nye of Tolland,
Connecticut.
Page 30

She was allowed pension on her application executed August 18, 1836, at which time she was seventy-eight years of age and
was a resident of Hampton, Connecticut.

Jos. Ashley Hampton served unto and to
[handwritten note] 
M 1832 Jos. Ashley res Hampton issued [illegible]
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH  
Commissioner.
Page 31

(9)
March 20, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(2
Noah Ashley, S. 29592
Samuel Ashley, W. 17219
BA-J/MLS aw
Jessie Ashby Anderson
Elmbrook
Noank, Connecticut
Dear Madam:
son
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War records of Noah Ashley, born in 1757 in
Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts, married Abigail (Abbie)
Ashley and was pensioned in Bristol County, Massachusetts; also,
of Samuel Ashley who served as private in the Connecticut Line
and was pensioned while a resident of Windham County, Connecticut.
Their records are furnished you herewith.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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