Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 31553, Ezekiel Bissell, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Conn. Bissell, Ezekiel S31,553
CONTENTS
This Envelope Includes
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 2

this letter in claim
of James Birgs,
S.10364
to OS Seymour
1833
Dead
Office Treasury under
of (illegible) (illegible) (illegible) 1838
March to 1. Oct. 1834
of his death. Age
17. Nov 1840
Connecticut 22.760
Ezekiel Bissell
of Torrington in the State of Con
who was a Private in the Conn commanded
by Captain Beebe of the Regt. commanded by Oak Bradley in the (illegible) troops
for 7 months
Inscribed on the roll of Leon
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Oct. 33 and sent O.L.
Seymour Litchfield
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 33 $75
Semi-anl. allowance ending Mar. 4 - 15
New certificate $90
dated 27 Nov. 33
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D Bullock Clerk,
Book E vol. 3 Page 32
Make new certificate
old one inride
See letter 
27 Nov
Paid at
the Act
from 4th
the day
modified
Page 3

State of Connecticut}
County of Litchfield} Distrit of Litchfield
I Francis Bacon Clerk of the Court of 
Probate holden at Litchfield in & for the District of
Litchfield on the 19th day of October AD 1840 do here-
by certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhib-
ited to said Court that Ezekiel Bissell was a pen-
sioner of the United States at the rate of Twenty-
three dollars and thirty three cents per annum.
was a resident of Torrington in said District, County
& State and died in said Torrington on the first
day of October AD 1834; & that said deceased 
\Pensioner left on widow
And I further certify that Roderick Bissell Esq.
of Torrington is the son of said Deceased is the
lawful administrator on the Estate of said Eze-
kiel Bissell & is duly authorised to act in that
capacity of said Estate; as may appear from
the Records of said Court.
In testimony whence I have here-
unto set my hand & affixed my seal
of office at Litchfield this 19th day of
October in the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and forty
Francis Bacon-Clerk
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 4

State of Connecticut Litchfield County /Litchfield
Be it known that before me Geo. C Woodruff a Justice of
the Peace in & for the County aforesaid, personally appeared
Roderick Bissell Esq, & made oath in due form of 
Law that
he is administrator on the estate of Ezekiel Bissell late of Tor-
rington in County of Deceased the identical person who was 
a pensioner & is now dead & to whom a certificate of pen
sion was issued, of which the following is a true copy
" War Department-Revolutionary Claims 
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United
States of the 7th June 1832 Ezekiel Bissell of the State of Con-
necticut who was a private during the Revolutionary
War is entitled to receive Twenty Three dollars and 
thirty three cents per annum during his natural
life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable
Semiannually on the 4th of March & 4th of September 
in every year  (illegible) at the War Office of the
United Staes this 20th day of November one
thousand eight hundred and thirty three
LS
Examined & Countersigned Lew Cass
SL Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Secretary of War"
That the deceased Pensioner resided in Torrington in
the State of Connecticut for the space of seventy years
before his death and that previous thereto he resided in (?) Torrington & Suffield Ct.
Roderick Bissell Administrator
Sworn & subscribed this 9th day of Nov. 1840
Before me Geo. C. Woodruff 
Justice of Peace
Page 5

State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss Litchfield Nov 9th 1840
I George C. Woodruff a magistrate in the County above named
do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence 
that is the affidavit of Delig Elmer and Ansan Colt Jr
Esq. who are respectable persons & entitled to credit, that
Roderick Bissell Esq, who has this day appeared before
me to take the oath of Identity, is the son of Ezekiel
Bissell the identical person named in the pension cer
tificate which he has exhibited before me numbered 
22,760, and bearing date at the War office the 26th day of
November on thousand Eight hundred and thirty three
and signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War
(illegible) under my hand at Litchfield on the day and 
year above written
Geo C Woodruff
Justice of Peace
Know all men by these present, that I Roderick Bissell
of Torrington in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut
Administrator on the estate of Ezekiel Bissell late of said Tor
rington (illegible) and late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States
do hereby constitute and appoint Reuben M Woodruff of Litchfield
in (?) County my true & lawful attorney for me and in my name
to receive from the Treasurer of the United States the
balance of said pension from the 4th day of March 1834 to the 1st day of October 1834 being the day of his death
Witness my hand & rec'd this 9th day of November 1840
Sealed & delivered in presence of 
Roderick Bissell Administrator
William Bulr
Geo. C. Woodruff
Page 6

State of Connecticut, Litchfield County Litchfield Nov 9th 1840
Be it known that on the 9th day of Nov 1840 before the subscriber
a Justice of the Peace in & for County personally appeared the above
named Roderick L Bissell and acknowledged the foregoing power of
attorney to be his act & deed In testimony whereof I have then 
unto set my hand the day & year last above mentioned
Geo. C. Woodruff Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss Litchfield
Be it known that on the 9th day of Nov. 1840 before the subservice
a Justice of the Peace in & for County personally appeared Reuben 
M. Woodruff, the attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney
& made oath that the same was not given him by reason of any
sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension or (illegible) of pension then
is authorized to be received by him
L C M Woodruff
Sworn and subscribed the day & year last above mentioned 
Before me Geo. C. Woodruff, Justice of Peace
I Grigen S. Seymour Clerk of the County Court of the
Couty of Litchfield, Conn, certify that George C. Woodruff
is a magistrate as above & that the foregoing signatures pur-
porting to be his are genuine In testimony whereof I
have hereunto affixed my seal of office
& subscribe my name this 9th day of November 1840
Orig on S. Seymour Clerk
Page 7

9995
Ezekiel Bissell
pen  (illegible)
Act of (illegible)
(illegible)
$13.44
12 Nov 1820
13
(FI)NAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
(Re)ceived from GAO
(Illegible)6530 dated 13 Nov 182(?)
Page 8

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
(?) the U States
To Roderick Bissell
Adm Estate of 
Ezekiel Bissell
(illegible) Hartford Roll
Act 7 June 1832
For his pension from 4 March
to 1 Octr., 1834 the day of his
death 212 days at $23.33-
per annum, per voucher Aud=Office
Ex-by A L Cathcart 12 Nov 1840
13th Nov-1840
States by Dasleyrim
Page 9

State of Connecticut}
County of Litchfield} September term County Court 1833
On the 1st day of October 1833, personally appeared in open
Court, before the Hon County Court for said County now
in Session, Ezekiel Bissell a resident of Torrington in said
County, aged 87 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
(illegible) June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the
United States, & served as herein stated, and under the
following named officers.
I was born in  Suffield, County Hartford, Conn., March
25th 1746, my age is recorded at home in the family
Bible, I lived in said town of Torrington when I entered
the service, & have ever since resided there.
In the spring of 1776, I enlisted into Capt. (illegible)
(illegible) company, Col Philip Burr Bradley's Reg., Connt.
State troops, our company officers were (illegible) Clark,
& Ensign Beach.  Immediately after enlisting I marched
with the company from Litchfield to Danbury, then
to Norwalk, & took a vessel to the city of New York, 
after being in New York a short time, I went with
our company to Bergen, New Jersey; was at Fort Lee 
when Fort Washington was taken; a detachment from
our company went over to Fort Washington, where Capt
Biebe & Leiut Cook were taken prisoners; We retreated
from Fort Lee to New Brusnwick, & crossed the Delaware 
at Trenton.  I remained on the West side of the Delaware
Page 10

till our times expired about the end of the year 1776, when
we were dismissed near Correl's ferry; I received no written discharges
I remained with the army till after the Hessians were surprized
at Trenton, and on my way home finding one of our company
sick at Bethlem, Penn, I staid and took care of him two or three
weeks.  I was in the actual service of the United States, at
this time nine months, according to the best of my recollection;
and I served as corporal of the company, during the whole 
period.
I am known to the Rev. Epaphras Goodman, Nathaniel Smith
and others who can testify to my character for veracity &
to their belief of my services.
I have no documentary evidence of my service but send
herewith the depositions of James Beige Esq & Frederick Stanley
who were both members of Capt. Beebe's company
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension 
or annuity except the present & declare that my name
is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Ezekiel Bissell
Sworn & subscribed
the day & year aforesaid.
Origen S. Seymour
Assistant Clerk.
We Epaphras Goodman-a clergyman residing in the 
town of Torrington and Nathaniel Smith residing in the 
same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted
with Ezekiel Bissell who has subscribed & sworn to the
above declaration that We believe him to be 87 years of
age and that he is reputed and beleived in the neighbor-
hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution
and that we concur in that opinion. We also further certify
that said Bissll sustains a good charactr for truth &
veracity. Nathan Smith
Epaphras Goodman
Sworn & subscribed
the day & year aforesaid
in open Court 
O.S. Seymour Assistant Clerk
Page 11

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter & after putting the
interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the 
above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served
as he states and the Court further certifies that it
appears to them that the Rev Epaphas Goodman
who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman
resident in said town of Torrington & that Nathaniel Smith
who has also signed the same is a resident in said Torrington
and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled
to credit.  Certified by 
Origen S. Seymour
Assistant Clerk
I Origen S. Seymour, Assistant Clerk of the County Court in &
for the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut said Court
being a Court of Record hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application
of Ezekiel Bissell for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and the seal of the Court aforesaid this
3d day of October 1838.
Origen S. Seymour
Assistant Clerk
Page 12

26. 502
Ezekiel Bissell
9m private
O S Seymour
Litchfield
C
Page 13

WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office.
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 show what is
necessary to be done.  These points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and 
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your 
claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Ezekiel Bissell
Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the Claimant's service.
Years. Months. Days. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field o-ficers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.  Proof by which the declaration is supported.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 14

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, &, 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
On this --- day of --- personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident 9b0 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 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. 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 ----.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,  ------A.B.
{and then will follow the certificate of the Court}
And the said Court due hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
 I, ------ of the Court of -----due 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 days and year aforesaid.
[ And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the --------------------- and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the -----------------and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I, --------Clerk of the Court of ------------do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ------for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ----day of -------&c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but 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
Page 15

3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 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 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 the 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 clergymen, 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 the 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 vey 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 inquiry 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 the Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of 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 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.

(FOOTNOTES)
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule set 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 debate as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In the 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 the following grades; ---- For --- year ---- month, and --- days, I served as a -------. For ---- months and --- days, I served as a ----; and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase : about three or four months", is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, 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, 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 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 same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from(a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the case 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.
Page 16

Litchfield Connt Oct 5, 1833
To the Hon IL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
I herewith forward again the application of
Mr. Ezekiel Bissell for a pension.  The former declaration
has (illegible) to continental service, Mr. Bissell has
therefore made a new one.  The old one is also inclosed
Very Respectfully
your obt. serv.
O.S. Seymour
Page 17

I, James Brige of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield
and State of Connecticut aged 76 years, being duly
sworn depose & say that from March 1776 to the
latter part of December of the same year I was a 
member of Capl Bezabel Beebe's company Col Philip
Burr Bradley's Reg. of the Revolutionary Army.  I
am and long have been well acquainted with
Ezekiel Bissell of Torrington in said Litchfield
County & know that that the said Bissell was 
a Corporal of said company during the period
aforesaid and was dismissed when the rest of
the company was discharged at Corriel's Ferry
opposite Trenton on the Delaware River. I saw the
said Bissell during said period almost every day
& know from personal knowledge that he faithfully 
served his full time.
James Birge
State of Connt
Litchfield County, Aug. 3, 1832
Then personally appeared James Birge Esq to me well known
as a gentleman of truth & veracity & made solemn oath to
the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him in my presence
subscribed.  Before me Origen S. Seymour Justice of Peace
I Frederick Stanly of tghe City of New York being duly
sworn certify & say that from March 1776 to the latter part
of Dec in the same year, I was a member of Capt. Biebe's
company in Col Bradley's Regt. and know that Ezekiel
Bissell of Torrington Ct was a corporal of the said Company
and did duty as such until the Company was
dismissed on or about the 25th of Dec. 1776 on the West
side of the Delaware River.  
Frederick Stanley
State of Connt
Litchfield County Litchfield Aug. 3 1832
Then personally appeared Frederick Stanley to me well
known as a gentleman of truth & veracity & made solemn
oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him
in my presence subscribed
Before me Origen S. Seymour
Justice of the Peace
Page 18

26.502
26.502
State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield Office of the Clerk of the
County Court for said County. 
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of said County hereby
certify that Origen S. Seymour Esq. before whom the
foregoing affidavits of James Brige Esq & Frederick
Stanley are taken was at the time when they
purpose to be taken a Justice of the Peace for 
said County duly qualified & authorized to admin-
ister oaths & that the signatures of said
Justice purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand of the Seal of said
Court this 3rd day of August 
A D 1832
Frederick Wolcott Clerk
Page 19

To
The Hon:
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
Litchfield Con. Nov 22
Page 20

Litchfield/Conn/Nov 21, 1833
To the Hon, The Commissioner of Pensions,
I take the liberty of enclosing the pension
certificate of Mr. Ezekiel Bissell supposing that
there is a mistake in it as regards the amount.
Mr. Bissell claimed to have served 9 mos as corporal,
He seems to be allowed for 9 mos service as a private,
On recurring to the depositions which accompanied
his declaration, it will be found proved by both
he (illegible) that he served as a corporal.  I suppose
therefore that there was a mistake in this respect
a consequence of which Mr. Bissell has not drawn
any part of his pension from the agent.  If an
alteration ought to be made please send the
new certificate to me, or return to me the
inclosed, if it should turn out that there is 
no mistake.  
Very Respectfully
your obt. serv
O.S. Seymour
Page 21

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the a of Congress of the 7th June 1832
State of Connecticut}
County of Litchfield} Court of Probate for the District
of Litchfield in said County.
On this 3 day of August 1832 personally appeared before
the Hon Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield
in the County of Litchfield Ezekiel Bissell a resident of Torrington
in the County of Litchfield aforesaid aged 86 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 7 1832 that he
enlisted into the army of the United States in
the spring of 1776 into Capt. Bezaled Biebe's 
Company & served in Col Philip Burr Bradley's Reg.
(I think the 4th) of the Connecticut line and
the following named officers (viz) Col Bradley
Capt. Biebe, Leint Cook, Ensign Beach.  I resided
in said Torrington when I enlisted.  I marched from
Litchfield to Danbury then to Norwalk then took
a vessel to the city of New York after being at 
New York a short time I went with our company
to Bergen Point, New Jersey.  was at Fort Lee when
Fort Washington was taken, a detachment from 
our company went on to Fort Washington where 
Capt. Biebe and Leit. Cook were taken prisoners, retreated
from Fort Lee to New Brunswick & escaped the River
Delaware a Trenton.   I remained on the West
side of the Delaware till our time expired about
the end of the year 1776  when we were dismissed
near Coriel's ferry.  I remined with the army
Page 22

till after the Hessians were surprized at Trenton
and on my way home finding Joseph Spener one
of our company sick at Bethlem Penn I stayed
and took care of him two or three weeks 
I was in the service of the United States at this time
nine months according to best of my recollection. I served as corporal of the company during the whole period.
I hereby relenquish every claim whatever to 
a pension or an annuity except the preset & declare that
my name is not on the pension roll of the agency
of any State,  
Ezekiel Bissell
Sworn to & subscribed the
day & year aforesaid. 
(illegible) Frederick Wolcott, Justice of
Probate (illegible) District
Court
I Phinehas Miner Clerk of the Court of Probate for
the District of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of Ezekiel Bissell for a pension
on testimony whereof dI have
hereunto set my hand & seal of
Office this 3 day of Aug. 1832
Phinehas Miner Clerk
Page 23

Payments to be made
at Hanford
by Pres U.S: Br Bank
Agent for paying Pension-
ers in the Agency of 
Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Of-
fice, in Book C Vol. 3
Page 32 by E I Bullock
Clerk.
Page 24

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, Ezekiel Bissell
of the State of Connecticut
who was a Private during the Revolutionary
War is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and 
cents per annum, during his natural life, com=
mencing on the 4th of arch 1831, and payable semi-
annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in
every year.
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 30 day of 
October one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.
Page 25

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
November 13th, 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States "Adm or of Ezekeil Bissell,
a Pensioner on the roll of the Connecticut Agency, at
the rate of Twenty three Dollars and  33 Cents
per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March,
to the 1s October 1834, the day of his death.
Respectfully yours, 
Alleion K Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
Present
Page 26

31553
Revy INVALID.
File No. 31553
Ezekiel Bissell
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index:- Vol. 2, Page 38
[Arrangement of 1870]
Page 27

Litchfield g ntr 40
R M Woodruff
Rced 12
Ann
ditor of Treasury
Washington City
D.C.
VOUCHER
GAO
Page 28

Litchfield Conn, Nov 9th 1840
Third Auditor of the Treasury 
Sir
I enclose a power of 
Attorney to enable me to draw the arrears of
Pension due Ezekiel Bissell Dec Please trans-
mit the amount to me at this place & oblige
Yours Respectfully
R. M. Woodruff
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 29

Payments to be made
at Hartford (illegible)
by Pres U.S. B. Bank
Agent for paying Pension-
ers, in the Agency of 
Connecticut
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Recorded in the Pension Of-
fice, in Book E. Vol. 3
Page 30 by C. Laurie.
Clerk.
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, Ezekiel Bissell
of the State of Connecticut,
who was a Private during the
Revolutionary war
is entitled to receive Twenty three dollars and
thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, com-
mendcing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-
annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in
every year.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 26th day of
November one thousand eight 
hundred and thirty-three
Lew Cass    
Secretary of War,
Examined and }
Countersigned,}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.