Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21116, Andrew Fitch, Conn
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Conn
Fitch, Andrew
Abigail

W. 21116
B.L. Wt. of 21_300_Capt.
Issued Aug. 7, 1789
No papers.
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Connecticut 1297

Abigail Fitch, Conn, widow of Andrew Fitch, decd. who died on the 22 Augt. 1811; of New London Co. in the State of Connt. who was a Captain in the  __________ commanded by Captain _________ of the Rgt. commaned by C. A. J. Durkee in the Connecticut line for 2 years Captain.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 480 Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of August, 1837 and sent to W. L. Williams, Lebanon, Connt.

Arrears to the 4th of March, '37 = $2880:00
Semianl. allowance ending 4 Sept. " 240:00
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I Jabez Fitch of Lebanon in New London County State of Connecticut aged fifty-four years, after being sworn according to law do on oath testify.  I say that I am the son of Andrew Fitch late of said Leganon Dist. That my father died in August 1811. My mother Abigail Fitch now remains his widow & resides in Lebanon aforesd. __ And I do further testify that the Commssions hereto annexed signed by Jonathan Trumball then Governor of Connecticut, the one signed by John Hancock President of Congress & the one signed by John Jay the President of Congress were [in] my father's possesion at his death, & always had been in as far as my knowledge extended -- and after the death of my said father the same commissions came into my care & keeping; until this day Thurs the 4th of June 1837 -- when I delivered the same in court; to be annexed to my mother's application to the War department for a pension, as widow of said Andrew Fitch & further I say not.
Jabez Fitch

Signed in presence of 
Abby Fitch
Jason Williams
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State of Connecticut  Lebanon
New London County  June 7, 1837

Be it remembered that on this day of year aforesaid Jabez Fitch the witness Deponent personally appeared before & after being sworn according to law made oath, that the [ ] terms by him subscribed containing the truth and I do further certiy that the said Jabez Fitch is well known to me and that he is a man of truth & veracity & a credible person.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last aforesaid. 
Wm L Williams Justice of the Peace.
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I Jason Williams of Lebanon in the Counnty of New London & State of Connecticut, aged seventy years, after being sworn acccording to law, doon oath testify & say that I was formerly well acquainted with Capt. Andrew Fitch late of said Lebanon dec'd. That during his last sickness I watched, with him, (being a near neighbor to him). I was with him when he died, & helped to lay out his corpse, saw him after he was dead, & attended his funeral. He died in the month of August 1811, the latter part of the month; the day I do not recollect. I am also well acquainted with his widow Mrs. Abigail Fitch, she still remaining his widow, and now resides in said Lebanon, where she has always resided, ever since I have known her. The said Andre Fitch was reputed to have been a captain thru the Revolutionary War & always was called Captn. Fitch; and further I say not.

Jason Williams

Subscribed in the presence of 
Clarisa Llott
Maria J. Williams
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State of Connecticut
New London County
Lebanon [ ]
June 7th 1837

Be it remembered that on this day & year aforesaid, Jason Williams the witness named deponent, personally appeared before me who after being sworn according to law made oaths that the witness deponent was telling the truth -- and I do hereby certify that the said Jason Williams is well known to me, that he is a man of truth & veracity and a credible person.

In witness where of I have hereto set my hand this day and year last aforesaid.
Wm. L. Williams
Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut
County of New London
Lebanon Probate District 1st

On this seventh day of June one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared on Open Court before Julius Clark, Judge of the Court of Probate, within and for the District of Lebanon now sitting:

Abigail Fitch a resident in Lebanon in said Probate District of Lebanon in said County of New London and said State of Connecticut, aged eighty-two years on the 26th day of January last, who being first duly sworn according the law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the Act of Congress passsed the 4th day of July 1836 -- that she is the widow of Andrew Fitch late of Leganon aforesaid deceased. That the said Andrew Fitch was a lieutenant and captain in the Army of the Revolution. That the said Andrew died on the 22nd day of August 1811 and the the said Andrew served in the War of the Revolution, vis. as follows, in the Sixth Company in the Third Regiment of the Militia of Connecticut as early as thge year 1775 as lieutenant; and that on 1st day of January 1777 he was appointed a captain of a company in a regiment commanded by John
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Durkee Esq. and that the 16th day of March 1779, he was appointed a captain in the 4th Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States, to take rank from the 1st of January 1777 -- all which will fully appear by the commissions granted to said Andrew Fitch hereto annexed. That the said Andrew Fitch served in said capacity through the War of the Revolution; that she was married to said Andrew Fitch on the 17th day of May 1781 before the last period of his service expired. That the said Andrew Fitch died on the 22nd day of August 1811. That she now remains the widow of said Andrew Fitch & that she resides in said Lebanon where she was born & where she has always resided. And she herby relinquishes any claims, whatever, to pension of [ ] (except for  the pfesent) & declaires that her name is not on the Pension Roll of any State.
Sworn to & subscribed this 7th day of June 1837
Abigail Fitch

We Edward Bull clergyman residing in said Lebanon & Jason Williams also residing in said Lebanon, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the aforesaid Abigail Fitch, who has subscribed, &
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& sworn, to the above declaration; that we believe her to be eighty-two years of age, as she has stated & that the said Andrew Fitch was reported & so believed, in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we believe he died as stated on the 22nd day of August 1811. And that the said Abigail Fitch now remains his widow & that she resides in Lebanon aforesaid and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed this 7th of June 1837
Ed. Bull
Jason Williams

And the said Court do hereby declaire their opinoin after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant is the widow of said Andrew Fitch aforesaid dec'd. & that said Andrew Fitch was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and served as stated. And that said Abigail Fitch now remains the widow of said Andrew Fitch & that she now resides in said Lebanon; & that Edward Bull, who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said Lebanon & Jason Williams is also a resident in said Lebanon and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Julius Clark
Judge of Probate for the Distrct of Lebanon.
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I Archibald G. Bailey, clerk of this court of probate within and for the District of Lebanon, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Abigail Fitch, widow of Andrew Fitch late of said Lebanon dec'd. for a pension.

In testimoney whereof I have hereto set my hand, and seal of office, this seventh day of June in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Seven.

A. G. Bailey, Clerk
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I Rhoda Dolbear of Lebanon in New London County sand State of Connecticut aged sixty four years being firstsworn according to law do on oath testify & say that I am sister to Mrs. Abigail Fitch of Lebanon aforsaid. The said Abigail was the eldest of my fathers family, the late Col. Jeremiah Mason, late of Lebanon dec'd. I was present when my sister Abigail was married to Andrew Fitch. They were married on 17th day of May 1781, by the Revd. Mr. Timothy Stone. Andrew Fitch aforesaid died in August 1811, the day of the month I do not now recollect tho I attended his funeral. My said sister is now the widow of said Andrew Fitch, & resides now in Lebanon where she has always resided and further I say not.

Rhoda Dolbeare

Signed in presence of
Edward Bull
Sophia E. Dolbeare
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State of Connecticut
New London County
Lebanon Justice
June 5th, 1837

Be it remembered that on the aforesaid 5 of June 1837 Rhoda Dolbear the witness deponent personally appeared before me, & after being [ ] cautions made the [ ]   That the written  depiction by her subscribed containing the truth -- and I do certify that the said Mrs. Rhoda Dolbear is well known to me, & that she is a woman of truth, & veracity and a credible person.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand the day & year last aforesaid.

W.L. Williams Justice of the Peace
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I Dyer Throop Hinckley of Lebanon in the County of New London & State of Connecticut aged seventy one years. After being dule [sic] cautioned & served, do on oath testify & say that I am well acquainted with Mr.s Abigail Fitch the widow of Capt. Andrew Fitch late of Lebanon aforesaid decd. I have ever been acquainted with said Abigail Fitch since my first recollection. I attended & was present at the marriage of said Mrs. Fitch with her late husband, Andrew Fitch aforesiad decd. They were married by the Revd. Timothy Stone, the minister of the parish of Goshen in Lebananon, in which parish I lived & where Mrs. Fitch then lived. She was the daughter of Col. Jeremiah Mason, late of Lebanon decd. They were married on the 17th of May 1781 if I recollect right. Mrs. Rhoda Dolbar, now of aforesaid Lebanon was present also at said marriage. Capt. Andrew Fitch was a Captain in the Revolutionary War. Said Andrew died in the month of August 1811. And I do also say that the said Mrs. Abigail Fitch now [ ] the widow of said Andrew Fitch after said died and further I say not.

Dyar T. Hinckley

Subscribed in the presence of 
W. L. Williams
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State of Connecticut
New London County

Lebanon 5th June 1837-
Be it Remembered that on 5th of June, Dyer
Hinkley the within Deponent personally 
appeared before me, & after being Cautioned
& sworn made oath to the within Deposition
by him subscribed - and I do certify that
I am well acquainted with the sd Dyer
Hinckley (he was my old school master) and
that he is a man of truth & veracity and a
credible person
In Witness whereof I have hereto
set my hand the day & year
last said
Wm L Williams Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut
New London County ss
Town Clerks Office
Lebanon July eighteenth
one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven
I John Nattles Town Clerk of the Town of Lebanon
do certify that Abigail Mason was born twenty sixth
January one thousand seven hundred & fifty five all
which will fully appear from the Files & records in
this Office          In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand at the time
of the above date
John Nattles Town Clerk

I hereby certify that Andrew Fitch & Abigail
Mason were married seventeenth May one thousand seven hundred & eighty one by Rev[eran]d Tim[oth]y Stone all which
will fully appear by the records in this Office ~
Lebanon July eighteenth one thousand
eight hundred & thirty seven
John Nattles Town Clerk

This may certify that Andrew Fitch died in the Town
of Lebanon State of Connecticut twenty second of August
one thousand eight hundred & eleven as will fully app
-ear by the records in this Office
Lebanon July eighteenth one thousand
eight hundred & thirty seven
John Nattles Town Clerk ~
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State of Connecticut
New London County  Lebanon
Be it remembered that on the Nineteenth day of
July One thousand Eight Hundred
Thirty Seven John Wattles within named
personally appeared before me & made oath
that the within & foregoing certificates by
him signed are true copies from the town
Records of the Town of Lebanon aforesaid truly
made out by him from the Original Record
of said town - & which town; he is Town Clerk
& has the records in his possession

And I do hereby certify that the said
John Wattles is well known to me & that
he is the Town Clerk of Town of Lebanon
& has the Records of sd town in his keeping
and that I was present at his Election to
Office by the Majority of the Elders of
Lebanon, and that I administered
to him his official oath 
and I  do further
certify that said John Wattles is a man
truth veracity, & a credible Witness
In testimony whereof I have hereto set 
set my hand, the day & year last
aforesaid
Wm. J. Williams Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut
New London County   SS  I John D Witt
Clerk of the County Court in and for the said
County of New London do hereby Certify that
William L Williams esq before whom the
Annexed deposition of John Wattles was taken
was on said 19th day of July 1837. and Still is 
a Justice of the Peace in and for said New
London County. and that [his] [signature] there
affixed is genuine in [testimony] whereof
I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said 
County thy 21st day July AD
1837
John De Witt Clerk
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Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2116
Abigail Fitch
wid of
Andrew Fitch
Capt Rev War
----
Act July 4th/36
Index: Vol. A, Page 239
{Arrangement of 1870.}
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In CONGRESS

The DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and Georgia, TO
Andrew Fitch Esq (? Greeting)
We, reposing especial (?) (?) and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Captain of a Company in a Regiment commanded by John Durkee (?)
in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as their Captain
And you are to observe and follow such orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you.  This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
Dated at Hartford in the State of Connecticut the first Day of January 1777
By Order of the Congress,
John Hancock PRESIDENT
ATTEST. Cha Thompson Esq. (?)
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 Seal in the Upper Left Corner
THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
 
To Andrew Fitch Esquire
Greeting We, Reposing (?) trust
and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Captain in the fourth Connecticut Regiment.
-
---
in the Army of the United States to take rank as (?) (and missing words) from the __(?)
of January A.D. 1777; You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of  Captain-___ by doing and performing all manner of things therefore belonging.  And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command. to be obedient to your orders and directions.  From time to time, as you shall receive from this on a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for their purpose appointed a Committee of the (?) or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in (?) of the trust in you.  This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this, or a future Congress the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.


Entered in the War Office
and (?) by the Board

Witness his Excellency John Jay Esq. President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 16th day of March___1779, and in the third year of our Independence.-

(?) Secretary of the Board of War
 
John Jay-
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Colony of Connecticut. } JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire,

Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His Majesty's English Colony of Connecticut,  in New-England, in America.

To Andrew Fitch GREETING:

By Virtue of the Power and Authority to me given, in and by the ROYAL CHARTER, to the Governor and Company of the said Colony, under the Great Seal of England, I Do, by these Presents, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct, constitute and appoint you, the said Andrew Fitch. to be Second Lieutenant of the (?) Company in the third Regiment of the Inhabitants, inlisted and assembled for the Special Defense and Safety of His Majesty's said Colony.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieutenant in leading, ordering and exercising said Company, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, in the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline; hereby commanding them to obey you as their Second Lieutenant and yourseld to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from Me, or the Commander in Chief of the said Colony for the Time being, or other your Superior Officers, according to Military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the public Seal of the said Colony, at Hartford the first Day of May in the 15th Year of the Reign of His Majesty King GEORGE the Third, Annoque Domini, 1775
Jon Trumbull 
By His Honor's Command,
George Wyllys (?)
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State of Connecticut
New London County}Ss.
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that William L. Williams Esq before whom the annexed depositions by Dyer F. Hinckly, Rhoda Dolbear, Jason Williams & Jabez Fitch were taken was at the time of taking them and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that his signature affixed to them are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 8th day of June AD 1837.
John DeWitt Clerk
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State of Connecticut
New London County Ss. Lebanon
Town Clerk's Office June 5, 1837
I John Wattles Town Clerk of the Town of Lebanon do certify that Abigail Mason daughter of Col. Jeremiah & Elizabeth Mason was born 26 January 1755 all which will fully appear from the record & files in this office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.
John Wattles Town Clerk

I John Wattles Town Clerk of Lebanon do certify that Andrew Firch & Abigail Mason were married 17 May 1781 by Revd Timothy Stone which will appear from the record and files in this office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Lebanon this 5 June 1837.
John Wattles Town Clerk

I John Wattles Town Clerk of Lebanon do certify as appears from the files & record in this office that Andrew Fitch died 22 August 1811.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Lebanon this 5 June 1837.
John Wattles Town Clerk
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V2127
Abigail Fitch
wid of Andrew Cont.
final seal cert
Vol 1 p 4 & or Cont rolls
Admd as Captain 2 yrs
$480 per ann commencing
4 March 1831

a Captain Cont conl line
died 22 August 1811

W. L. Williams Esq
Lebanon CT
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I Pompey McCuff of Windham in Windham County & State of Connecticut aged seventy seven years after being first sworn according to law do on oath testify & state I am a pensioner of the United States & was upwards of five years in the army as a soldier in the War of the Revolution. I belonged to the 4th Connecticut Regiment under Cols Miegs [?] & Butler. I well remember Andrew Fitch of [illegible] in said state of Connecticut was a Captain in said 4th Regiment. I well remember him, he was there in the latter part of year 1781. I have [illegible] him, tho I belonged to Capt. Potters company in said regiment & further say not.
Pompey McCuff X his mark
Sworn to & subscribed
W. L. Williams
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State of Connecticut
Windham County} Sst June 9th 1837
On the day & year foresaid Pompey McCuff (a colored man) personally appeared before me after being duly cautioned & sworn made oath that the within depositions by him subscribed contains the truth and I further certify that the said Pompey is well known to me and that he is a credible person.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand the day & year aforesaid.
W. L. Williams Jus Peace

State of Connecticut
New London County ss}
I hereby certify that the above dpeonent was not known to me, as a person, acquainted with the fact of the said Capt and Mr. Fitch was attached to the 4th Regt of Connecticut troops, until after the first certificate of Jno Dewitt Esq, late of New London County was [illegible]
W. L. Williams Just Peace
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State of Connecticut, New London County Ss.
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that W. L. Williams esq before whom the annexed deposition of Pompey McCuff (a colored man) was taken was on the 9th day of June 1837 and still is a Justice of the Peace in and for said New London County and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such and that this signature thereto affixed is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 20th day of June AD 1837.
John DeWitt Clerk
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[stamped]
FREE

The Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of the Pension Office
City of Washington D. C.

[stamped]
NORWICH JUL 23

2127 July 27
add [illegible]
Abigail Fitch
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Lebanon County July 25th 1837

The Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of the Pension Office &c

Sir
I have the honor to transmit the evidence required at your office made out in conformity to the directions recd in the case of Mrs. Abigail Fitch, widow of the late Capt. Andrew Fitch.
I have the Honor to be with much respect, your most obedient servant.
W. L. Williams