Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16684, John Bidwell, Conn. Continental
Page 1

Service
Conn. 
Continental

Bidwell, John
Potter, Sarah 
(Former Widow)

Number W. 16684
Page 2

*left side transcribed as written*

June 21 Let to C Calen Albany N.Y

xxx4  Nov. 5 Richard Winne
1861 Sept. 20 Copies of the Surrogates 
certificate sent to Richard Winne


*right side transcribed as written*
1919
New York, Albany
Sarah Potter [illegible]
widow of formerly [unknown] of Joh Bidwell
who died in the Month of November 1825 of Columbus in the State of New York
who was in [illegible] company on the _____ commanded by Captain ______ of the N.Y. Regt. commanded by Col. Penfield in the New York line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the reate of 600 dollars 00 cents per annum to commence 4th day of March 1831, & End 18 March 1844

Certificate of Pension issued 30 day of August 1857 and sent to Hon. Gideon Reynolds 
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending [unknown] from $300 
{Revolutionary Claim
Act July 4, 1836
Section the 3}

Recorded by: HR Weightman, Clerk
Book I, Volume 2, Page 360
Page 3

The application of Sarah Patton formerly the wife of John Bidwell for a pension under the act of the fourth day of July 1836 and the amended acct. of the third of March 1837. made before Mr. Medad Butler one of the Judges of the County Court of the County of Columbia and state of New York made this 22nd day of April 1837. The said Sarah Patton being duly sworn depose & says that she is now in the Eighty first year of her age, that she was born in the town of Chatham in the State of Connecticut on the 6th day of November 1756. That she was married to John Bidwill (Bidwell) of the aforesaid town on the 15th of August 1775, that in the month of Aug. 1776 the said John Bidwell as a Sergeant in the Malitia (Militia) from said town of Chatham marched to Long Island in the state of New York. That he was in the regiment of Col. John Penfield, does not know the exact time that he was abroad- it was from one to two months that he then returned to Chatham in Connecticut, that the said John Bidwill (Bidwell) was several times called and in short excursory but this deponent does not recollect the timing nor the length of time - that in the year 1778 or 1779 he the said John Bidwill (Bidwell) was appointed assistant company under the then acting Company of that part of the state of Connecticut, does not recollect the name of the Commissions and that he continued in that service for more than two years and was engaged in purchase of Beef, Pork, Flour, Fish L.C.
Page 4

for Government and that it was delivered by said Job Bidwell at Middletown in Connecticut aforesaid- that after the expiration of his services as commissary- [unk] the said John Bedwell went as orderly sergeant in the company of Capt Blake Lieut Joseph Sage- that he went to Horse neck and remained there three months that the said John Bidwell continued to live in the town of Chatham in Connecticut until the fall of 1799 when he removed to the town of KinderHook in the County of Columbia & State of New York & continued to live there until November 1825, when he died, and that the said Sarah Potter remained the widow of said John Bidwell until June 1830 when she was married to William Potter of the town of Schodack in Renselaer County, that the said William Potter died on the 20th January 1833, and that she the said Sarah Potter is now a widow and has been since that time- that she has no documentary evidence & that the living witnesses of the services of the said John Bidwell are Abiel Chancy & Prudence Chancy- whoes affidavits are hereunto annexed & who resided in the city of Hudson in the county of Columbia & State of New York and the said Sarah further says that she well remembers that the said John Bidwell went frequently to Hartford to draw money to pay for the aforesaid provisions- sworn & subscribed before me this 22nd April 1837.
Sarah P Potter
Medad Butler
Page 5

Sarah Potter formerly
widow of John Bidwell
certificate
Page 6

State of New York
Columbia County} ss.
On this 2d day of September 1850 personally appeared before the Surrogate of the said County Alexander Bidwell of said County and made oath in due form of law that his mother Sarah Potter, formerly the widow of John Bidwell decd and was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of $160 per annum under the act of 4th July 1836. That she died on the 18th day of March 1846 leaving surviving her six children whose names are Alexander Bidwell, Sally Stannard, Holsey Bidwell, Ann Potter, Horace Bidwell, & Benjamin Bidwell and of whom ow survive Alexander Bidwell, Sally Stannard, Ann Potter, & Benjamin Bidwell & that they are the only surviving children of the said Sarah Potter deceased.
Alexander Bidwell
Subscribed & sworn this 2d day of September 1850 before me
C. B. Dutcher
Surrogate
Page 7

State of New York
Columbia County} ss.
I Charles B Dutcher Surrogate of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that at a Surrogates Court held in & for said County on the 2d day of September 1850 satisfactory evidence was adduced before me that Sarah Potter formerly widow of John Bidwell deceased was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of $160 per annum under the act of 4th of July 1836. That she died on the 18th day of March 1846 leaving surviving her six children whose names are Alexander Bidwell, Sally Stannard, Holsey Bidwell, Ann Potter, Benjamin Bidwell, & Horace Bidwell & of whom now survive Alexander Bidwell, Sally Stannard, Ann Potter & Benjamin Bidwell & they are the only surviving children of the said Sarah Potter deceased. That this certificate is made to obtain any arrears or increase of pension to which they may be entitled & that Alexander Bidwell is administrator upon the estate of said Sarah Potter deceased & that full force & credit are due to his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 2d day of September 1850.
C. B. Dutcher
Surrogate
Page 8

I certify, that in the publication of the obituary notice of Mrs. Sarah Potter, as appears in the Kinderhook Sentinel of March 26th 1846, the name of her first husband was erroneously to be Capt. David Bidwell, whereas it should have been Capt. John Bidwell; the name of the son having been printed for that of the father. I was well acquainted with both, and know Capt. John Bidwell to have been the first husband of Mrs. Sarah Potter, Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 12th 1850.
Peter Vanschaak, Editor and Proprietor of the Kinderhook Sentinel
Page 9

Record of Deaths.
A REVOLUTIONARY MATRON.
At the residence of her son-in-law, Col. Wm. K. Potter, in the town of Schodack, Rensselaer county, on the 18th inst., Mrs. Sarah Potter, relict of the late Col. Wm. Potter, in the 90th year of her age.
Mrs. Potter was twice married, and both her husbands were patriots of the Revolution and received pensions from the Government at the time of their deceased. Mrs. Potter's first husband was Capt. John Bidwell, who entered the regular army in the early part of the struggle for Independence, and served as Orderly Sergeant, in the Connecticut line, about one year, when he received the appointment of Deputy Commissioner under Gen. Wadsworth, in which capacity he continued to act until the close of the war. While serving out rations to the famishing troops, the patriotism of his wife (the subject of this notice) was aroused into action, and she devoted herself wholly to the cause her husband had espoused. Her labors were unremitting, and day and night did she occupy her place at the platform, assisting in putting up provisions for the soldier. The services rendered to the cause of freedom by this heroic woman were of no trifling value, and her example nerved the arms of this of the sterner sex who were exposed to the shock of the battle and to whose wants she ministered. She was often near the scene of danger and the point of attack, and did not leave her post until the war was over. Mrs. Potter was in the receipt of a pension at the time her deceased; under the act granting pensions to the widows of deceased officers and soldiers of the Revolution.
The death of this venerable lady was peaceful and happy, as her life had been pure and exemplary. The meek and quiet spirit which marked her character through a long and eventful life, and which in the sight of God is of great price, was exhibited in her death. She expressed a firm reliance on the merits of a Divine Savior, and has left a comfortable hope that she has entered into that rest which remaineth to the people of God.
In Austerlitz, on the 15 inst., Charles F., son of David G., Woodin, aged 6 months and 15 days.
In Hudson, on the 16th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth Tobey, relief of the late Silas Tobey, in the 57th year of her age.
Page 10

where excelled.
J. C. BOOTH & C
New York, March 26, 1846.

NOTICE
I, THE Subscriber, will sell at publ
Auction, for cash, to the highest bi
ber, on the 14th day of April next, at tw
o'clock in the afternoon of that day, at n
Store in the Village of Kinderhook, late
occupied by Joseph T. Buffington, the fo
lowing Book Accounts, Promissory Note
Judgements and other evidences of De
against the following persons, which E
sha Dodge and William W. Curtiss, a
said Elisha individually, assigned to me f
the benefit of their Creditors, to wit :--
E. S. Keep, Note and Account, $195 5
Samuel Funnold, do  do  129 9
Chas. McAlister, do  do  490 1
A. P. Barringer, do  do  226 3
J. W. Vincent & Co.  do  do  39 7 
D. W. Van Aerman, Notes,  400
Ami S. Osborn,  do  do  164 1
Wm. H. Collier, do  30
John D. Trimper,  do  5
H. I. Roberts,  do  5
James Brown,  do  2
Andrew Durrip,  do  2
Thos. Homby  do  1
John E, Vosburgh, Judgement, 11
Henry V. V. Hinman, Account, 4
David Green,  do  5
Wm. Bigsby,  do  7
Stephen Bosworth, Judgement, 28
Edward Holmes,  Account  21
Benjamin Reynolds, do  11
Robert B. Clark, do  22
Nicholas I. Van Valkenburgh, Ac,t. 3
John V. & Lyman Salmon, do  . 11
Theodore Clark,  do 116
Lucy Hobert, 3 Notes.  600
Also several articles of Household Fu
ture.
Dited Kinderhook, March 25th. 1846
P. I. HOES, Assignee

The Cash System.
R. A. BULLIS will continue his busi
as usual until the 1st of April n
after which day he will relinquish the c
it system, and sell for
CASH AND FARMERS' PRODUCE ON
Being about to discontinue his present
siness and enter upon other employmen
the opening of another spring, he finds t
dispensable, in order to settle up his bo
to proceed on the cash principle.  Grat
for past favors, R. A. B. hopes to conti
to receive the patronage of all his old cu
mers who approve of the cash system 
their own concerns, and who like a "c
business."
Kinderhook, March 26.
Page 11

March 14, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. H. H. West                       BA-J/ady
214 South Hill Street              John Bidwell
Los Angeles, California          W.16684

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one
John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for
pension, W.16684, based upon his military service in that war.

While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, John
Bidwell enlisted in August 1776 and served one or two
months as a sergeant in Colonel John Penfield's Connecti-
cut Regiment.  In 1778 or 1779 he was appointed
assistant commissary by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth and
served under him more than two years.  He then enlisted
and served three months as orderly sergeant in Captain
Blake's Connecticut Company.  He did not state whether
or not he was engaged in many battles.

In the fall of 1799 he moved from Chatham, Connecti-
cut, to Kinderbrook, Columbia County, New York, and died
there in November 1825.  The date and place of soldier's
birth are not stated, and the names of his parents are not
given.

While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, soldier
married August 15, 1775 in Chatham, Connecticut, Sarah,
her maiden name not given.  She was born November 6, 1756,
in Chatham, Connecticut.  She married in June 1830 William
Potter of Schodack.  He died January 20, 1833, place not
stated.

Sarah Potter was allowed pension, on account of the 
services of the soldier, John Bidwell, on her application
executed April 22, 1837 in Columbia County, New York.

She died March 18, 1846, place not stated.
Page 12

Sarah Potter was survived by the following children:
Sally Stannard, Halsey Bidwell, Ann Potter, Horace Bidwell,
Benjamin Bidwell and Alexander Bidwell who was aged about
sixty-five years and living in Columbia County, New York,
in 1850.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 13

*Left Side reads as written*
Dec. 1, 1904 Hist to
Katharine S.Snow
Rochester N.Y.

1912 June 19 Hist to Fred. K. 
D. Bidwell V. L.M.

1912 July 22 F.D Bidwell that more than one statement is not finished to the same person V.L.M

1912 July 31 Hist. to Edmund F. Bidwell V.L.M
1912 Aug. 26 To Isaac H. Vrooman, Jr. 
1913 Mar 17. Hist. to Daniel D Bidwell
1913 June 9 Hist. to Ella E. Bidwell  
1917 March 1 Hist. to Mrs. James Westervelt
1921 May 28 Hist. to Mrs. Mary Catlin
1933 June 20, Hist. to Josephine Potter
1934 Mar 14 HIst. to H.H. West

* Right side reads as written*

Rev. Widow, &c.

File No. 16684
Sarah Potter
Thomes Widow
John Bidwell 
[line unreadable]

Act: July 4th '/36
Index:- Vol. M, Page 137

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 14

*Left side reads as written*

1919 Increase    Albany
New York
Sarah Potter, deceased, formerly widow of John Bidwell who died on the November 1825 of Columbia in the State of New York who was an apt Comp. in the _______ commanded by Captain_____ of the Regt commanded by. Col. Penfield in the New York line for one year

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 300 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 & end 18 March 1846, when she died.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Novm. 1850 and smt to 
Hon. Gideon Reynolds, Norwick NY

Increase from $160.00 to
Alex Bidwell Adm.
Payable for her only surviving children, to wd See Back of the file

Benjamin Bidwell & others (crossed out)

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836, 
Sect the ____}

Recorded by J.P Chase, Clerk
Book___ Vol. 2 Page 360

*Right Side reads as written*
Reported

Payable to Alex Bidwell Adm. for her only surviving children, Aunt

Alexr. Bidwell
Sally Stannard
Ann Porter 
&
Benja Bidwell.
Page 15

*Left side reads as written*

1919
Albany New York
Sarah Poter formerly widow of John Bidwell decd.
who died on the November 1825
Columbia in the State of New York who ws an apt. Com. in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Rgt. Commanded by Col. Pendfield in the NY line for _______ 


Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of April 1838 and seat Hon. W. F. Butler  [illegible]

Arrear to the 4th of March 1838, $1120.00
Semi Annual allowance ending 4, Sept. 1838 $80.00

Total $1200.00
{Revolutionary Claim 
Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rach
Allaeh 37837}

Recored by D. D. Addison Clerk,
Book A Bol. 2d  Page 115


*Right side reads as written*
Letter Hon. Thos Corwin 1st February 1850

Letter Hon. Gideon Reynolds Sept. 17/50
Page 16

Sarah Potter who was widow of John Bidwell

assistant depute commpany (Company)

$160 per am.
Albany Roster

Hon. B.F. Butler 
Present
Page 17

The application of Sarah Potter for a pension under the act of 4th July 1836 & 3rd March 1837
Page 18

State of New York}
Columbia County} S.S.
Abiel Cheney of the City of Hudson in the County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn. depose and says that he is now Eighty three years of age that he was born in the town of Chatham in the state of Connecticut that he lived at the aforesaid place during the Revolutionary war that he was well acquainted with John Bidwell of the aforesaid place that he well knows that the said John Bidwell was a deputy commisary and acted as such during the Revolutionary War that he acted as such deputy commisary for two years and upwards thus the said Bidwell was actively engaged in purchasing and putting up provisions for Government as to the Militia service of said John Bidwell can say nothing as he the said Cheney was absent most of the time engage in prevaturing that he was on board of the first stoop that went [unknown] of Connecticut River of being the stoop [illegible] and that he was also on Board of the brig samsan that he was taken prisoner in the ship Handay that he was also in the Brig Marshal and further the deponant says not. 
Abiel Cheny

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 5th May 1837}
Medad Butler one of the Judges of the County Court of the County of Columbia
Page 19

State of New York
Columbia County ⎬Ss
Prudence Chency [Chuncy? Cheney?]
of the City of Hudson Columbia County
& State of New York being duly sworn
deposes and says that she is now Eighty
two years of age that she was born in
the town of Chatham in the State of
Connecticut She was well acquainted 
with John Bidwell of the aforesaid
town of Chatham that she lived 
nighbor [neighbor?] to said Bidwell that she was["was" is crossed out] well
knows that said Bidwell was a debuty [deputy?]
Commisary during the Revolutionary War
that he acted as said debuty for more than
two years as that he was engaged
in purchasing an puting [putting?] up fish and other
provisions for goverment [government] that she is
well acquainted with Sarah Potter that ["that" is crossed out]
and that said Sarah was married to the said
John Bidwell that this deponent was
present at the marriage that it was in
summer of 1775- by the Reverend 
[illegible] Strong and further this deponent
says not
Sworn & subscribed
before me this 5th of
May 1837---
Prudence Chency [Cheney?]
Medad Butler one of
the Judges of the County
Courts of the County of Columbia
Page 20

State of New York
Columbia County ⎬Ss
Medad Butler of the Town of
Stuyvesant in the County & State aforesaid
being duly sworn deposes and says that he
was well acquanted [acquainted] with John Bidwell
that he was a man of High standing in
society. that I am well acquainted with
Sara Potter-[illegible] Cheney & Prudence
Cheney whos affidavits are hereunto
annexed that I have been acquainted with
them for thirty seven years pas [past?]
and I do most cheerfully say that their
standing for truth & veracity and General
good character is as high as any
individual in this County
Medad Butler
Sworn & subscribed
before me this 5th May
1837
J. McCagg Jus Peace
I hereby certify that Medad Butler whos
affidavit is above is one of the Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas in this County
that he has been in that station about
fifteen years that he is a man of 
unquestioned truth & Veracity
J McCagg Jus Peace
Download
Page 21

1774
The application of
Sarah Potter for a
Pension under the
Acts of Congress of
the 4th of July 1836
& 3 of March 1837
[very faint writing follows]
NY
4 July 36
[illegible]
Connt
Hon. B. F. Butler
Page 22

State of New York
Columbia County Clerks Office}

I James Storm Clerk of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that Medad Butler before whom the affidavits of Sarah Potter, Abiel Cheny and Prudence Cheny purport to have been Sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the County of Common Pleas in & for said County and also that Isaac McCagg, before whom the affidavit of credibility of said Butler purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. And further that I am well acquainted with handwriting of the said Medad Butler and Isaac McCagg and verily believe their signatures to the said several affidavits to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 5th day of May 1837.

James Storm
Clerk

I am acquainted with the character of Mrs. Potter (formerly Mrs. Bidwell) & Mr. & Mrs Cheney. They are all highly respectable. Judge Butler, before  whom the depositions were made, is my father.

B.F. Butler
May 11th 1837.
Page 23

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County} Ss

Timothy Russell of the Town of Chatham in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, being duly sworn, deposes & says that he is now Eighty years old the 23 day of June 1837. That I was born in the town of Chatham in the State of Connecticut & that I was well acquainted with John Bidwell of the aforesaid town of Chatham that I lived near to said Bidwell, and well know that the said Bidwell was in the habit of putting provisions for the use of the Continental Army during the revolutionary war, for two or three yeaars, or more & that the deponent had at the time an Interest in a Shad fishery, in said Chatham and supplied sd Bidwell with large Quantities of shad, which were put up for the use of the army. And that the sd Bidwell had authority to purchase provisions &c from one of the Acting commisaries, with Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, or Elijah Hubbard or Nehemiah Hubbard, who were all three acting Commisions. for Government. And further the deponent saith not.
Timothy russell

MIddlesex County, Chatham
August 31, 1837

Personally appeared Timothy Russell, signer of the above & acknowledged the above to be the truth before me,
Sam Hall
Justice of the Peace

I hereby Certify that I have been acquainted with Timothy Russell whose [?] the above officiant for the last forty years and think he is highly [?] in Character & [?]

Chatham 26 August 1837
Sam Hall J.P.
Page 24

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County

I John Fisk Clerk of the County of Middlsex do Certify that Samuel Hall Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Middlesex as [?] on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificate is his proper Hand writing & signature. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my Hand & affixed the Seal of sd Court this 31 day of Augusut AD 1837

Jno Fisk Clerk

Sarah Potter
Page 25

Comptrolers Certificate
State of Connecticut

Sarah Potter's
Page 26

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Connecticut
August 30th 1837

I certify that it appears by the Books in this office that Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq. was Commissary during the Revolutionary War, and that he acted in that capacity.

Wm Field Comprtoller
Page 27

House of Representatives
5th September 1850

Honl. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions

Sir,
I herewith enclose you the application of the administrator of Sarah Potter, formerly widow of John Bidwell (deceased) for an increase of pension. Mrs. Potter was pensioned for one year's service, as commissary, at the rate of $160.

This application is made for an increase to $300 per annum for said service, according to the decision of the Secretary of the Interior.

I am very Respecfully
Yourt Obt. Svt.
Gideon Reynolds
Page 28

Increase
Sara Potter, Wid. of Jno Bidwell do N.Y.
Act 4th July 1836

[?] 1 yr [?]
Inc? to $300 per ann from 4th Mch 1831 to 18th Mch 1846, when she died.

Payable to Alexander Bidwell; Sally Stannard; Aron Potter; & Benjamin Bidwell her only surviving children.

Cert. to be sent to 
Hon. Gideon Reynolds
H[?] N. Y.

1846
1831
15-
$45.00
Page 29

Pension Office 
7 Nov. 1850

Sir:

I have the honor herewith to transmit the papers, numbering 6, relating to the case of Phebe Hunnerwill dcd and a brief of the evidence.

The records of the service rendered during the Revolution in Massachusetts, at [?] up to 1780, are[?] and per [?] in
Page 30

Washington D.C.
1st NOv. 1850

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions

Sir, 
I have the honor to request that you will cause a Certificate to be issued for an increase in the case of Sarah Potter widow of John Bidwell of New York, under Act of 1836.

In your letter of the 17th Sept. last to the Hon. Gideon Reynolds you say that the increase is allowed.

The Certificate can be sent ieither to Mr. Reynolds or myself.

Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt.
A. H. Lawrence
Page 31

County of Columbia
State of New York} Ss

On the 14 day December One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty came before me as am the Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Personally appeared Alexander Bidwell and was duly Sworn; Deposes that he is about Sixty Five years of age and he is the Son of John Bidwell the first husband of Sarah Potter Decd and also a Son of the Said Sarah Potter; and that he had frequently heard his father and mother relate incidents of the War of the Revolution that they were married in the [?] part of the war and that my father was appointed assistant commissary and was in that capacity for more than two years; and often heard my father say that he was Trouble to get provision for the army as cattle was Scarce; and he had to purchase fish of the fisherman along the River that he had a large [?] to carry provisionn in from one [?] to another; He often told him that he had to pay $8 per Bushel for Salt. We lived near the River about 14 miles below Hartford; that he had orders from Genl. Wadsworth to be in Hartford with a load od provision at Such a time for Genl. Lafatts army and he got all the provision he [?] and started and he got to Hartford only a [?] hours before Lafaetts army arrived; and that was the first time that he ever saw a Large Bass Drum with Pleast him much and often heard him relate insident of the war
Page 32

too numerous to mention.

As to my Mother she has often told me that She had to drye fish for the army till her hands was very soar and stiff but she had to stand at the platform night after night dressing shad to keep them from Spoiling for the relief of the army for other provision was very scarce and not to be had Sufficient for the Army. And she had to attend to take care of the farm on account of my fathers being from home the most of his time and she had to Endure very grate hardship till the End of the war; She often told Me if she could get a good Cup of Tea it would revive her but the Law was against drinking tea and she says she had to do without it.

As to my Fathers papers we moved from Chatham before Hartford to Tinderhook in the year 1799. Fifty one years ago and when we moved we sold most of the furniture and the desk that had my fathers papers in of the war was left with Daniel Hale with a Quantity of [?] money in [?] for him to purchase the desk or send it to us for the Spring and the the desk and papers I have never seen since --as we considered them of no value at the time

Alexander Bidwell

Sworn Before Me
This 14 Day Decr. 1850}
Russell D. Wilbur Justice of the Peace
Page 33

Alexander Bidwell
Page 34

We the undersigned inhabitants of the town of Kinderhook and Stuyvesant, in the County of Coluombia and State of New York, certify that we have been well acquaintd with Alexander Bidwell, son of Capt. John Bidwell, deceased, and that we know him to be a man of high respectability of unquestioned veracity, and that his statements and declarations are entitled to implicit confidence.

January 23rd 1851

Peter Van Shaack
John P. Vosburgh
Garret Z. Sickles
Alexander Warner

Sir I should have sent this before but I have had so much trouble with the move from the other that I had almost concluded not do do any more about it. if you succeed in getting any  [?] and have it payable in New York you can write me and I will meet you there; the names of the above are all Reputable men. Mr. Van Schaack is Editor of the Kinderhook paper. Mr. Vosburgh is one of our Justices of the peace. Mr. Sickles is our late Supervisor and Mr. Warner is a large merchant in our place. I have not heard from the Potters since the surogate informed them I had one yeur to pay off the [?]. With Mr.  Soone I remain yours A. Bidwell
Page 35

Albany Pension Agency
June 13th, 1859

Geo. C. Whiting Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir,
Mrs. Sarah Potter was inscribed under Act 4th July 1836, at the rate of $160 per annum, and paid at that rate to the time of her death, March 19th 1846.

Increased by letter of November 8th 1850 to $300 per annum, and further increased by letter of August 30th 1851 to $600 per annum former payment in each case to be deducted. These two last increases were ordered paid to Alexander Bidwell, Administrator. Will you please inform me of the name of the Surrogate, granting letters of Administration to said Bidwell. The County from which issued, as well as the date of such appointment: The reason for asking this information is there appears to be a difficulty as regards the proper distribution of the money.
Page 36

Mrs. Sarah Potter was pensioned as the former widow of John Bidwell, decd. 

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Cornelius Glen
Page 37

To The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Sir
A 
proceeding is now pending in the
Surrogate's Court in Columbia
County New York to compel the
Executors of the Estate of Alexander
Bidwell deceased to account
for certain moneys received by
him as administrator of the
Estate of Sarah Potter deceased:
and to pay over the same to
the next of kin of the said Sarah
Potter. As the attorney of and
representing the parties 
prosecuting this claim I desire to
have a copy of the certificate
of the Surrogate of Columbia
County that Alexander Bidwell
was the Administrator of
Page 38

of Sarah Potter and the 
accompanying affidavit authenticated
according to the statute of the
State of New York for the
purpose of being read in evidence
in such proceeding in the
Surrogate Court to establish
the claim of the next of kin
of Sarah Potter to such money
and to fix the liability of
the Estate of Alexander Bidwell
to pay the same.
With Great Respect
Your obedient Servant
Richard Winne
Counsellor at Law
39 [illegible] St
New York
Hon W Helmick
Acting Com of Pensions
Sept 18th 1861
Page 39

Sarah Potter of N. York, a Pensioner at the rate of $300. per annum, in her declaration states that her husband, John Bidwell) was Sergent & went to Long Island N.Y. in 1776 in Col Leafield's Regt and was absent 1 or 2 months was several times called out on short excursions.
In 1778 or 1770 he was appointed assistant Commissary Gen'l and that he continued in that service more than 2 years, and afterwards was sergeant in Captn Blakes Company went to Horseneck and was out about 3 months.

Abel Chaucy. Eighty three years old was well acquainted with John Bidwell, knows that he was Deputy Commissary for 2 years and upwards.

Prudence Chaucy. Was a neighbor of Bidwell and knows that he was Deput Commissary and acted as such for more than 2 years.

Timothy Russell an 80 years old, was born in the same town and was well acquainted with John Bidwell lived near him and will knows that said Bidwell was in the habit of putting up provisions fish &c for the use of the Continental Army, during the Revolutionary war for 2 or 3 years or more. That deponent had an interest in a Shad fishery, in Cattau Ct & supplied Bidwell with large quantities of Shad which was put up for the use of the arm and that said Bidwell had authority to purchase provision 7c from one of the Commissaries either J. Wadsworth, Elish Hubbard or Nehemiah Hubbard.

Menard Butler. Before whom the Deposition were taken Father of B.F. Butler late Atty, Genl of the U.S. & B. F. Butler both certify to the high standing of Mrs. Potter & to the entire credibility of the witnesses
Page 40

Alexander Bidwell aged over 60 years old says that his father John Bidwell was assistant Commissary more than 2 years & relates many incidents of his fathers service as commissary also says his mother would assist in packing away fish for the Continental and endure great hardships exposure to the cold & that the Dek containing the papers of continental money of his Fathers were left at Chatham Conn when he removed in 1799, Kinderhook 7 were all destroyed.
Obituary Notice. of the Kinderhook Sentinel in announcing the death of Mrs. Potter in 1846, contains tradition of the neighborhood & all corroborate the fact of the grade of service of both Mr. Bidwell & Mrs. Bidwell
Res. Cont'l Congress  18th June 1778 shows that Jeremiah Wadsworth was appointed Commissary on that day.
In this case three living witnesses who know John Bidwell & had personal knowledge of his service, testify to the correctness of the statement of Mrs. Potter. Mrs. Potter's character as well as the character of the witnesses are vouched by one of the highest officers of the Germl. Hon. B. F. Butler late of NY Gen'l of U.S. and documents & traditions all combine to give effect and to confirm the belief of at least 2 years service as Dpt. Com'y in the Revolution. & so conclusive is the testimony if it were a question of personal liberty, or even the penalty Death the evidence would be deemed ample for conviction

Lee case
Page 41

State of New York
Columbia Ss:

The amended declaration of Sarah Potter, formerly widow of John Bidwell described in the documents hereunto annexed, made this seventh day of October 1837, before me Medad Butler one of the Judges of the County Courts & the County of Columbia. The said Sarah Potter having heard her former declaration hereunto annexed, read to her, and being by me duly sworn declares & says, that after the making of her said former declaration, and in conversing with one of her sons, she recollects, and more fully recollects, that the Commissary under whom her husband John Bidwell acted, & from whom, as she believes, he received his appointment as Assistant Commissary, as stated in her former declaration was Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth who then resided at Hartford in the State of Connecticut; and the said Wadsworth was also the person from whom as she understood and believes her husband received the money laid out by him in the purchase of provisions while he acted as assistant
Page 42

Commissary and to whom she intended to refer in her former declaration but was not then able to recollect his name.
Sarah Potter
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 7th of October 1837
Medad Butler

I was present when the above declaration was made & drew it up. The old lady, I fund, exceedingly intelligent for one of her years & apparently very candid in her statements
B. F. Buter
Page 43

New York Nov. 1st 1860
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Dr. Sir
In
the years 1850 and 1851
several sums of money were
paid through your 
department to Alexander Bidwell
of Stuyvesant in the State
of New York as administrator
&c. for the Pension of
Sarah Potter.
I have before me letter
from your department in
which it is stated that
Letters of Administration
were granted to Alexander
Bidwell by C.B. Dutcher
Surrogate of Columbia
Co New York:
Will you
Page 44

please inform me on whose [illegible]
these letters of 
Administration were presented
to Alexander Bidwell
[illegible] accident [illegible]
Record in the Surrogate
office serves to be [illegible]
and we are unable to obtain
the information therein
An answer [illegible] an
early day will much
oblige Yours Respectfully
Richard Winne
Box 2594
C B Dutcher Surrogate of Columbia Co
Certified on the 5th Day of September
that Alex Bidwell is administrator
upon the Estate of the said Sarah Potter
decd & that full force & credit is due to him
Page 45

39 Napan St
New York June 1862
Hon Wm Helmick
Sir
In
September of last year
I applied to your department, for copies of some papers relating to th
to the payment of
certain moneys awarded
for presence to Sarah
Potter to bely man
Bedell as adminis
trator &c. The papers were
to be used in the sum
gates Court in Colin
his County in this Stat
Page 46

[illeg] of great service to us. I have now to ask of you through my friend Mr. Buckley if you will send to me a certified copy of the the papers on which the sum of $2.105.84 was
paid to the same  Alexander  Bedwell as administrator & on the 13th day of November 1850, at the Pension Agency in Albany as in letter dated November 20 1850. These papers are written for the same purpose as the
Page 47

moneys then received.
If you can furnish
my friend with a
copy your doing so
will be estimated a
great favor by yours
Very Respectfuly
Richard Winne
Page 48

Sarah Patten, decd
formerly Widow of
John Bidwell, decd

Admit as Asst
Com'y for 2 years
$600. per annum
Act 4 July 1836
Com'g 4 March 1831
and ending 18 March
1846 When she died.
deduct former payments.
Payable to Alexr Bidwell
Admr for had only
surviving children Viz.
Alex Bidwell
Sally Stannard
Ann Porter
Ben Bidwell

Certificate to be sent
to Hon Gideon Reynold
Hoosick, New York.
Page 49

Shirley R. Snow, M. D.,
267 Alexander St.
Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 19, 1906
To the Honorable
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please advice me what the records in your Office show as to the military service of Captain John Bidwell, who served in a Connecticut Regiment during the war of Independence, was honorably discharged and pensioned.
Also of Josiah Bidwell who was Drum Major in a Connecticut Regiment and was likewise honorable discharged. I will remit fee for the service upon being advised of the [unk] hereof.
Very respectfully,
Katherine S. Snow
267 Alexander St.,
Rochester
NY
Page 50

Peter

Dear Sir,

Please 
of the Renoir papers of
Bidwell form


Joseph Bromm who lived in Kensington
He served
I think was a captain
Thinking of you I am
Mrs Mary
Page 51

Declaration for Pension
State of New York
County of Erie
On this 24th day of September A.D. 1890, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid county and state, D.D. Bidwell, aged 54 years, a resident of Buffalo, County of Erie, State of New York, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares:
That he is the administrator of the estate of John Bidwell, deceased, who was a Private in the War of the Revolution, serving in the Connecticut Line.
That the said John Bidwell died on or about 1825, leaving no widow surviving.
That this application is made for the purpose of obtaining any pension, bounty land, or other benefits to which the estate of said soldier may be entitled under existing laws.
He further declares that he has never applied for or received any pension or bounty land in the right of the said John Bidwell.
He appoints H. C. Farnsworth, of Washington, D.C., his true and lawful attorney to prosecute the claim, and receive the certificate when issued.
D.D. Bidwell
(Signature of claimant)
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Charles H. Gould,
Notary Public
Page 52

PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C.
January 10, 1891
Sir:
Referring to your letter of Jan. 7, 1891, you are respectfully informed that the military records of this office show:
John Bidwell,
Private, Connecticut Line.
Enlisted May 1777 for during the war.
On roll for June 1777.
On roll for May 1778.
Reported deserted August 1, 1779.
No later record found.
Very respectfully,
Green B. Raum, Commissioner
Addressed to:
D.D. Bidwell,
1650 Pearl St.,
Buffalo, N.Y.
Page 53

No. 989,159
PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C.
January 7, 1891
Sir:
Referring to your letter of Jan. 2, 1891, you are respectfully informed that the military records of this office show:
John Bidwell,
Private, Connecticut Line.
Enlisted May 1777 for during the war.
On roll for June 1777.
On roll for May 1778.
Reported deserted August 1, 1779.
No later record found.
Very respectfully,
Green B. Raum, Commissioner
Addressed to:
D.D. Bidwell,
1650 Pearl St.,
Buffalo, N.Y.
Page 54

government for his services. If so, the amount, date granted and for how long.
I would also like to know if he rendered any of his services during the Revolutionary War, and of so what with date and place.
If there is a charge for obtaining information asked for, kindly let me know and I will remit.
An early reply will greatly oblige.
Very truly,
Mrs James Westerrell
Hillside Ave.
Tenafly, N. J.


served as a Sergeant in 23" Regiment Connecticut Militia in campaign around New York in August, September  & October 1776. He also served as Orderly Sergeant in Capt. Blake's Company of Col. Thaddeus Cook's Regiment at Saratoga in 1777 and until close of war acted as Assistant Commissary under Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford, Conn. I would like to know in what Regiment he served as Captain and when promoted, also whether he received a pension from the
Page 55

PENSION OFFICE
Washington, D.C.
June 9, 1892
Sir:
Referring to your letter of May 4, 1892, you are respectfully informed that the records of this Bureau fail to show that a soldier named John Bidwell, of Middlebury, N.Y., served in the Revolutionary War.
The following is found, however:
John Bidwell, Private,
Connecticut Line,
Enlisted May 1777 for the war.
On roll dated June 1777.
On roll dated May 1778.
Reported deserted Aug. 1, 1779.
No further record.
Very respectfully,
Green B. Raum
Commissioner
Address:
D. D. Bidwell
1650 Pearl Street
Buffalo, N.Y.
Page 56

DANIEL D. BIDWELL
Real Estate & Insurance
1650 PEARL STREET
Buffalo, N.Y.
(date line not filled in) 189__
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir:
I wrote you some time ago in reference to John Bidwell of Middlebury N.Y. I hereof record:
John Bidwell born Dec 28th 1750 at Glocester (Rhode Island).
Was Capt. in Rev. War. Went from R.I. 1785 — Middlebury N.Y. Was at the War 7 years.
Kindly give me the information that is consistent.
Respectfully,
D. D. Bidwell
Page 57

FRONTIER 2472
BELL, SENECA 556-W
FRONTIER 30652
RESIDENCE: FRONTIER 61151

DANIEL D. BIDWELL
Real Estate and Insurance
23 W. Eagle St.
160 PEARN STREET
Buffalo, N. Y. March 4th 1913

Com. of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

I understand that John Bidwell of Kinderhook,
N.Y. was on the pension rolls in the Revolutionary War. Will you kindly give me some information of his service. What company, regiment, etc., he belonged to.
I wrote to the War Department and they referred me to your department.
Yours very truly,
D.D. Bidwell

DDB/1T
U.S. Pension Office Mar. 6, 1913
Page 58

Box 292 - Cazenovia N.Y. Aug 19, 1912
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir,
As Registrar of Philip Livingston Chapter, sons of
the Revolution, Albany, N.Y. I have had referred to me an application for membership of F. D. Bidwell who claims descent from John Bidwell a soldier of the Revolution. For Authority as to John Bidwell military service enrollment he refers to "Pension office Rev. War V.L.M. W.F. 16684. Will you kindly advise me what this notation means and what is to be found
under it?  Would it be possible to obtain a copy of the record and would there be a charge?
Very truly yours,
Isaac H. Vrooman Jr.
Page 59

Albany N.Y. July 25, 1912
Thos. J. S. Davenport
My dear Sir,
Would you kindly send me the military record of my great Grandfather, John Bidwell, who moved from Chatham, Connecticut to Kinderhook, New York in 1799.
I understand a pension was granted to his widow
after his death 
Thanking you in advance I remain
Yours very truly,
Edmund F. Bidwell
55 Manning Boulevard South
Albany, New York
Page 60

BENJAMIN E. HALL, New York
THOMAS F. BYRNES, Brooklyn Chairman
WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN, Norwich
STATE OF NEW YORK
STATE BOARD OF TAX COMMISSIONERS
JOSEPH B. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary
ALBANY N.Y. July 18, 1917

Hon. J.L. Davenport,
My dear Sir,
Would you kindly send me two more copies similar to the one you mailed me  June 19th relative to the military history of John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, whose residence at date of enlistment was Chatham, Connecticut.
Thanking you in advance I remain,
Yours very truly,
Frederick David Bidwell.
State Tax Commission
Albany, New York
Page 61

BENJAMIN E. HALL, New York
THOMAS F. BYRNES, Brooklyn
Chairman
WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN, Norwich
STATE OF NEW YORK
STATE BOARD OF TAX COMMISSIONERS
JOSEPH B. CUNNINGHAM, Secretary
ALBANY N.Y. June 15, 1912

Dear Sir,
On page 13 of Volume 9 of American Ancestry,
entitled " Bidwell and Allied families" it states
my great grandfather in part as follows: 
"John Bidwell of Kinderhook, New York, born in
Chatham, Connecticut, December 28, 1750, was captain in Revolutionary War, pensioned, moved to Kinderhook in August 1799."

Can you inform me from the records on file in
the Pension Office if the above mentioned John Bidwell was pensioned by the government services in the Revolutionary War. It will be of aid
to me in joining the Sons of the Revolution.

Thanking you in advance I remain
Yours truly,
Frederick David Bidwell,
State Tax Commission
Albany, New York
Page 62


H. H. WEST CO.
Manufacturers Representative
214 South Hill Street
VAndike 1818
Los Angeles, Calif. 
March 3, 1934.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
Will you please furnish me with the Revolutionary War Record, and advise if
any pension record of John Bidwell, born Chatham, Conn., Dec. 28, 1750, who served as
Sergeant in the 23d Regiment of Connecticut Militia. Does the record give the battles
in which he participated ? Thanking you, I am,
Yours Truly,
[Illegible] West
 
HHW - M
Page 63

1254 6th St.,
Santa Monica, California.
June 9, 1933.

United States Pension Office,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
Will you please furnish the undersigned with
the military record in the Revolutionary War,
of John Bidwell of Chatham, Connecticut.
A pension was granted to his widow after his
death - I was advised that I could therefore
obtain this record from your files, I being
desirous of obtaining this information in order
to fill out papers for becoming a member of the
D. A. R., above mentioned John Bidwell having been my great grandfather.

Thanking you for your attention, I am,
Respectfully yours,
Josephine Potter
1254 6th St. ,
Santa Monica, California.
Page 64

Rev. War Section.

July 22, 1912.

Mr. Frederick D. Bidwell,
State Tax Commission,
Albany, N. Y.

Sir:
In reply to your letter dated the 18"  and received the 19" instant, you are advised that the record of John Bidwell, Wid. File No. 16, 684, Rev. War, was forwarded you June 19, 1912.
It is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than one such statement to the same person.
Any persons desiring certificates of the services of their ancestors in the Revolutionary War, should apply for the same over their own signatures.
Very respectfully,
J. L. [illegible]
Commissioner.
Page 65

June 20, 1933.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/ADY
John Bidwell,
W.16684

Miss Josephine Potter,
1254 Sixth Street,
Santa Monica, California.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to one John Bidwell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.16684, based upon his military service in that war. 

While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, John Bidwell enlisted in August 1776 and served one or two months as Sergeant in Colonel John Penfield's Connecticut Regiment. In 1778 or 1779 he was appointed assistant commissary by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth and served under him more than two years. He then enlisted and served three months as orderly sergeant in Captain Blake's Connecticut Company. 

In the fall of 1799 he moved from Chatham, Connecticut, to Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York, and died there in November 1825. The date and place of soldier's birth are not stated. 

While a resident of Chatham, Connecticut, soldier married August 15, 1775 in Chatham, Connecticut, Sarah, her maiden name not given. She was born November 6, 1756, in Chatham, Connecticut. She married in June 1830 William Potter of Schodack. He died January 20, 1833,  place not stated.

Sarah Potter was allowed pension, on account of the services of the soldier, John Bidwell, on her application executed April 22, 1837 in Columbia County, New York.

She died March 18, 1846, place not stated.
Page 66

[cross out] The following children survived her: [/cross out] Sarah Potter was survived by the following children: Sally Stannard, Halsey Bidwell, Ann Potter, Horace Bidwell, Benjamin Bidwell and Alexander Bidwell who was aged about sixty-five years and living in Columbia County, New York, in 1850.

Very truly yours, 
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to the Administrator.