Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2193, John Comstock, Mass.
Page 1

[document is a printed catalog card]

(8-1776)
SERVICE_________________________NUMBER
Mass______Comstock, John______ R. 2193
__________________Elizabeth_______________

CONTENTS
[rest of card blank]
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Declaration of
Elisabeth Comstock
John - 7.898.  wid of

JH
Page 3

State of New Hampshire}   On this eighteenth day of
County of Coos   ss._____}  June in the year of our
Lord eighteen hundred & forty-one, personally appeared
before me Joshua Marshall, a Justice of the
Court of Common Pleas within and for said County
of Coos, Elisabeth Comstock, a resident of Clarkville
in the County of Coos and State of N. Hampshire
aforesaid, aged Seventy Six years, last January,
who being first duly sworn, according to law,
doth on her oath, make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision,
made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838,
entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions
to certain widows".  That she is the widow of
John Comstock late of Clarkville deceased who was a
Private in the Army of the revolution and served
nearly all the time during the said War, excepting six
months which time he was sick, and came home on
a furlough and returned as soon as he had regained
his health, she does not recollect the names of the Officers
under which he served excepting Capt Knapp, she
has often heard him say, that Capt Knapp was the best
officer he had served under, and she has heard him
say that he was in a battle at White Plains, at Brandywine
and was at the taking of the Hessians and was
present when Gen. Putnam rode down the Stone
Steps, that she believes her said husband was
born in Topsfield in the State of Massachusetts but
Page 4

his place of residence at the time his services were performed
as she believes was in the State of Rhode Island, in the towns of  [illegible & [illegible]
but she is not positive that it was not in the State of Massachusetts. 
She further declares that she was born in Ipswich in the
State of Massachusetts, that her maiden name was Elisabeth
Harris, that at the age of 23 years she removed to the town
of Strafford in the State of Vermont, that she was there
married to the said John Comstock by Doctor Gilbert a
Justice of the peace, in the month of September in the year
Seventeen hundred and ninety, and resided in said Strafford
untill she had three children, removed from there
into Virshire V.T. and there resided untill the year 1812
and since removed to Indian Stream N Hampshire where she lived
untill the year 1820 thence to Clarkville N. Hampshire where
she has resided ever since and where she now resides, and
that her said Husband, John Comstock, died at said Clarkville
on the 2nd day of October in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred & twenty eight, and that she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the
marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen
hundred and ninety four.  Viz at the time above stated.
The words [begin underline] as she believes, the towns of and the third
line from the top of this Page [end underline] were interlined before
Sworn to and subscribed
Witness Stillman Martin} Elizabeth X Comstock her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
and before written, before me
Joshua Marshall } Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
Page 5

I further certify that the within named Elisabeth Comstock
is from bodily infirmity unable to attend Court
to make her declaration
Joshua Marshall Justice of the C. C. Pleas

State of New Hampshire. [illegible]
I James M Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas within and for the County of Coos, do hereby certify
that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas as above,
and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said
Court, this twenty sixth day of June, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and forty one.
[A piece of paper with a faded stamped seal is affixed to the left margin]
James M Rix Clerk
The words "Court of Common Pleas" interlined above before
signing and sealing
James M Rix Clerk
Page 6

State of Vermont}   Town Clerks office Strafford
Orange County ss}  June 20th 1841
I Stephen Morrill do hereby certify that I
have searched the records of the Town of Strafford
for the purpose of finding the Marriage of
John Comstock and Elizabeth (or Betsy) Harris
which Marriage I am not able to find on
record in my office, but I do find on record
the following, to wit,

John son to John Comstock By Betty his wife
was born Strafford July fourteenth one thousand
seven hundred and ninety two
Stephen Morrill Town Clerk

I hereby certify the above birth, to be a true
extract from the records in my office (except
the words & figures are as follows, to wit, 1792 -
[illegible] Stephen Morrill} Town Clerk of said Strafford

I Stephen Morrill above named depose and say
that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the town of
Strafford in the county and State aforesaid, and that
the above is a true extract from the records of s'd
Strafford as it relates to the said birth, with the
exception before named or certified by me
Stephen Morrill Town Clerk of s'd Strafford

Sworn & [illegible] to before me at Strafford
June 20.1841
J. H. Harris Jus. Peace
Page 7

State of Vermont
Orange County

I Robins Dunsmore, Clerk of Orange County Court, hereby certify that I H Harris is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County
of Orange duly commissioned and qualified; that his commissioned and qualified; that his com-
mission bears date the 29th day of October A.D. 1820, and will expire on the 30th day of November AD 1841,
and that his signature, within written, is in my opinion, genuine,

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and office the seal of said County Court this
21 So day of June AD 1841

Robins Dunsmore, County Clerk
Page 8

I Mary Comstock of Stafford in the County of Orange and the state of Vermont aged twenty three years depose and say that i was married to Israel Comstock on 24th day of December 1791, and my husband had a brother by the name of John Comstock who married Betsy Harris and that at my marriage they had one child by the name of Betsy and the summer following their son John was born which was previous to the birth of my oldest child Thomas Comstock who was born the 24th day of September 1792 as appears from the family record, He said John and Betsy resided in Strafford a few years after they were married then moved to Gesshine (?) and lived a short time from there they moved in the province of (illegible) in Canada and to Indian Stream, I understood that the said John Comstock with his father Samuel Comstock, his brother Michael Comstock served during most of the Revolutionary War. I heard of the death of said John Comstock several years ago which was at or near said Indian Stream and that his wife or widow now resides at or near said Indian Stream.
Mary Comstock Her mark X
State of Vermont Strafford June 20, 1840 Then Mary Comstock Orange County who subscribed the above by making her mark who is known by me to be a venerable person personally appeared to make oath to the truth of the same before me.
Stephen Morrill Justice of the Peace
Page 9

State of Vermont, I Robins Dinsmore Clerk of Orange County County Court herby certify that Stephen Morrill is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange duly commissioned and qualified; that this illegible illegible bear date the 29th day of October AD 1840 and will expire on the 30th day of November AD 1841 also that his signature written in my office on illeigible. In testimony whereof i have herunto set my hand  and affix the Seal of Laise Court this 21st day of June AD 1841
Robins Dinsmore Co Clerk
Page 10

not reviewed
____________________

March 22, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

JOHN COMSTOCK
R. 2193Mrs. E. H. 
BL-J/MLB

Mrs. E. H. Corttis
North Grosvenor Dale
Connecticut

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of john Comstock, who served from Dudley, Massachusetts, and whose father, Samuel, died in 1809.

The record of John Comstock follows as found in the papers on file in pension claim, R. 2195, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

John Comstock, son of Samuel, was born in Topsfield, Massachusetts; the date of soldier's birth and name of his mother are not given.

John Costock married in September, 1790, in Strafford, Vermont, Elizabeth Harris (sometimes referred to as Betsey) who was born in January, 1765, in Ipswich, Massachusetts, but then residing in said Strafford, Vermont, to which place she moved about 1789, and where she and the soldier lived for a few years after their marriage, then moved to Vershire, Orange County, Vermont, lived there until 1812, thence to the Province of Lower Canada and to Indian Stream, New Hampshire, where they remained until 1820, then moved to Clarksville, Coes County, New Hampshire.  The soldier died October 2, 1828, in Clarksville, New Hampshire.

Soldier's widow, Elizabeth Comstock, applied for pension June 18, 1841, while a resident of Clarksville, New Hampshire.  She stated that the soldier lived during the Revolution in Oxford and Dudley, Massachusetts, and served under a Captain Knapp and was at the battles of White Plains, at the "taking of the Hessians", Brandywine and present when General Putnam rode down the stone steps".  He served in Captain Joseph Balen's company, Colonel Craft's battalion of artillery, as a private, from September 27, 1776, two months five days.
Page 11

Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of six months' service as required by the pension laws.  She died prior to June 22, 1854.

Reference was made to children of John Comstock and his wife, Elizabeth, and it was stated that three children were born in Strafford, Vermont.  The only names given were Betsey, the oldest; John the second child, born July 14, 1792, in said Strafford, and Samuel who was living in Clarksville, New Hampshire, in 1854; his age and place of birth not stated.

In 1855, one John Comstock was living in Clarksville, New Hampshire, his relationship to the family not shown.

Reference was made to the following brothers of the soldier, John Comstock:  Michael Comstock; and Israel Comstock, who married December 20, 1791, one Mary_________, her maiden name not given, who in 1841 was aged seventy-three years and a resident of Strafford, Vermont; they had a son, Thomas, born September 28, 1792.  One of soldier's brothers, name not designated, who died prior to 1841, had a son, [name stricken out] Comstock, born in October, 1791 or 1792, no other details given.

In 1841, soldier's sister, Hannah Wallace, aged sixty-four years, was a resident of West Fairlee, Orange County, Vermont, and stated that before her marriage she lived in Vershire, Orange County, Vermont.  She did not state the given name of her husband.

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

- 2 -
Page 12

Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of six months' service as required by the pension laws. She died prior to June 22, 1854.

Reference was made to children of John Comstock and his wife, Elizabeth, and it was stated that three children were born in Strafford, Vermont. The only names given were Betsey, the oldest; John the second child, born July 14, 1792, in said Strafford, and Samuel who was living in Clarksville, New Hampshire, in 1854; his age and place of birth not stated.

In 1855, one John Comstock was living in Clarksville, New Hampshire, his relationship to the family not shown.

Reference was made to the following brothers of the soldier, John Comstock: Michael Comstock; and Israel Comstock, who married December 20, 1791, one Mary_________, her maiden name not given, who in 1841 was aged seventy-three years and a resident of Strafford, Vermont; they had a son, Thomas, born September 28, 1792. One of soldier's brothers, name not designated, who died prior to 1841, had a son, [name stricken out] Comstock, born in October, 1791 or 1792, no other details given.

In 1841, soldier's sister, Hannah Wallace, aged sixty-four years, was a resident of West Fairlee, Orange County, Vermont, and stated that before her marriage she lived in Vershire, Orange County, Vermont. She did not state the given name of her husband.

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

- 2 -
Page 13

[written vertically on left side of page]

1925 May 25 - Hist. to Honorable Jos. W. Byrns -- MMHJ.

1935. Mar. 22 - Hist. to Mrs. E.H. Corttis--MLC
[end of vertical writing]

[following line stricken out]
Acts of July 14, 1832, and March 3 1873.
[Stamp reading "REJECTED" ]
2193
P.O.____________________________

Elizabeth Comstock

Service:_____________________________
Enlisted:____________________________, 18
Discharged:________________________, 18

Application filed:___________________, 18

["Alleges:" and "Re-enlisted:" stricken out]

The printed list of 1832 gives as cause of suspension:   "Suspended for further proof and explanation."

Attorney:___________________________________
P.O._________________________________________
______________Recognized.__________Contract.
_______Cert. of Dis.  Searched for__________, 18
Page 14

[upper left corner of page]
MAJORITY MEMBERS
MARTIN B. MADDEN, ILL., CHAIRMAN.
CHARLES R. DAVIS, MINN.
DANIEL R. ANTHONY, JR., KANS.
WILLIAM S. VARE, PA.
SYDNEY ANDERSON, MINN.
WILLIAM R. WOOD, IND.
LOUIS C. CRAMTON, MICH.
EDWARD H. WASON, N.H.
WALTER W. MAGEE, N.Y.
GEORGE HOLDEN TINKHAM, MASS.
BURTON L. FRENCH, IDAHO.
MILTON W. SHREVE, PA.
L.J. DICKINSON, IOWA.
FRANK MURPHY, OHIO.
JOHN W. SUMMERS, WASH.
HENRY E. BARBOUR, CALIF.
ERNEST R. AKERMAN, N.J.
GUY U. HARDY, COLO.
FRANK H. FUNK, ILL.
JOHN TABER, N.Y.
MAURICE H. THATCHER, KY.

[upper right corner of page]
MINORITY MEMERS
JOSEPH W. BYRNS, TENN.
JAMES P. BUCHANAN, TEX.
JAMES A. GALLIVAN, MASS.
JAMES F. BYRNES, S.C.
GORDON LEE, GA.
BEN JOHNSON, KY.
CHARLES D. CARTER, OKLA.
EDWARD T. TAYLOR, COLO.
WILLIAM B. OLIVER, ALA.
ANTHONY J. GRIFFIN, N.Y.
THOMAS W. HARRISON, VA.
JOHN N. SANDLIN, LA.
JOHN J. EAGAN, N.J.
WILLIAM A. AYRES, KANS.

MARCELLUS C. SHEILD, CLERK.
MARGARET M. PERRY, SECRETARY.

House of Representatives
Committee on Appropriations
Sixty-Eighth Congress
Washington, D.C.

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,
D. C.

My dear Sir:

I am requested to secure information relative to one John Comstock, pensioner, who died in 1830 and also one John Comstock who died in 1834.  These men either lived in Albany County; Montgomery or Fulton County New York.  These counties were formerly a part of Tryon County, New York.  I will appreciate any information that you can furnish me.

Very truly yours,
Joseph W Byrns.

Nashville, Tenn.
May 22, 1925

[Stamp at bottom of page]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
C
MAY
25
1925
Page 15

North Grosvenordale, Conecticut
March 11, 1935

Department of the Interior
Clerk of Pension Claims of Revolutionary War Soldiers
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you please tell me if there is any record of a pension granted to the widow of John Comstock, [word underlined] who at the time of his enlistment lived in Dudley, Massachusetts, and according to the records there served as a privated in Capt. Joseph Elliott's Company, Col. William Thomas' regiment; enlisted July 25, 1781; discharged Dec.1,1781; served 4 months and 11 days at Rhode Island?

If so, where was she living at that time and what was her name.  In fact we would like any details that may be there.  John's father was also a soldier;his name was Samuel but he died in 1809.
Very truly yours
Edith B. Corttis

Address:
Mrs. E. H. Corttis
North Grosvenordale
Connecticut

[Stamp at bottom of page]
RECEIVED
MAR 12 1935
[illegible]--DIV.
[illegible]  11
Page 16

9. 15. Hartshorn

April 11, 1863.
Page 17

Pension Office.
April 12th 1864.

Sir:

In reply to your letter of the 22d ult.  I have to inform you that an application for a pension was made on behalf of Elizabeth Comstock widow of John of N.H. and filed in this Office in the year 1841.  but it was suspended for the want of sufficient evidence.  and it has not since been admitted.
Respectfully cc

George W. Hartshorn, Esqr.
Deputy ["Depu" stricken out] Collector.
Canaan.
Vt.
Page 18

Clarksville
Nov 18  NH
Secretarys Office

New York

[postage stamp in upper right corner]
U.S. POSTAGE
THREE [illegible]
Page 19

No 7898

Elizabeth Comstock,
widow of John

New Hampshire

[all the following 4 lines stricken out]
Let J. Haskill  July 15, 1841
L.J. Bonn  Aug. 24, 1864,
C.W. Bermuth  Feb. 5. 1856
Geo. W. Hartshorn  April 11  '64

2193
July 7, 1838,
Page 20

[written vertically on left side of page]
Elizabeth Comstock
John--NH  Died 1838

[Stamp in upper right corner]
POST OFFICE EXPRESS
FREE.

Commifsioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[Stamp on right side of page]
NEW YORK
NOV
19
Page 21

[a large "X" drawn through this entire page, with the following note written next to it:  "These letters the same as on other jacket"]

Elizabeth Comstock
widow of
John
Act July 7 1838

7898--

let to J. Kimball Esqr.
July 15th 1841

Let. L.J. Bowen  Aug 24/54
C.W. Bennett [illegible] 56

Act 7 July 38
Page 22

7898
_____________________________
Elizabeth Comstock
--NH--wid of John
_____________________________
Let. C. W Bennett  Feb'y  5/
_____________________________
Act--1838--pasfed
Page 23

Washington
Jany. 31.1836.

Hon'l. J. Minot Cf
Com'r of Pensions

Sir

I have the honor to enclose herewith Certificate of the Secretary of Mass. and an affidavit, sent to me to be filed as additional evidence in support of the suspended claim of Elizabeth Comstock of N.H. for pension under Act of 1838.

Very Respectfully,
C.W. Bennett
Page 24

C.W. Bennett

Feb. 5, 1856.
Page 25

Old Book
____________________

Pension Office,
February 5 1956.

Sir,

I have examined the ["additional" stricken out] evidence filed by you in the case of Elizabeth Comstock, who desires pension as the widow of John Comstock, under act of July 7, 1838.  ["This" stricken out] Precisely similar evidence was on file when the claim was suspended in August 1854.  This claimant in 1841 ["claimed" stricken out] averred that her husband served under Captain Knapp--There is not a day's service certified as having been performed under such an officer by a man of her husband's name--
I am,
Very resp'y
Your obt servt
For Commiss'r.

C.W Bennett Esqr
Present
Page 26

Clarksville,  November the 14, 1856

Sir

As we are in persute of a pention we should like to have you Search the records and See if you can find John Comstock Name, and Service under Capt Knapp  And if So please Send me the Same and I will pay you for your trouble
Stillman, W. Martin
Clarksville NH
Page 27

1838  NH

Custom House
Deputy Coll's Office

Canaan, Vt.  March 22, 1864

Hon. Joseph Barrett--

Sir--

The friends of the late Elizabeth Comstock of Clarksville, New Hampshire, wish me to inquire whether there was ever a Pension obtained for the said Elizabeth Comstock--the widow of John Costock, a Revolutionary Soldier--They mistrust that one was obtained & the money used by one Sam Comstock--one of the heirs in 1857, or 1858, as he was making an effort at that time ["and that he used the money" stricken out]  by the consent of all, to obtain it.  But he never gave them any satisfactory account of the result.
Truly Yours,
Geo W Hartshorn, Dep Coll of Customs
Page 28

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston,
January 1st--1856.

I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Comstock is borne on pay roll of Capt. Joseph Balch's Comp. Col. Craft's Regt. from Sept. 27, 1776, 2 mos. 5 days as Matrofs.

Also on pay roll of travel blanket money &c. recapture by Capt. Joseph Balch for L2.15.4 Dated Aug 31, 1776.

Also on pay roll for blanket money travel &c for L2.17.6. received by David Jeffries, Pay Muster, dated Dec. 6, 1776.

Also on roll of Capt. Joseph Elliots Comp. Col. William Turner's Regt from July 25. to Dec. 1st 1781  4 mos 10 days from Dudley.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E.M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 29

I Miles Hulbert of Clarksville in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire, of Lawfull age depose and Say that I was well acquainted with Mr John Comstock and Elizabeth Comstock his wife, and I have frequently during his lifetime heard him tell of Serving in the revolutionary war under Capt Balch and I further State that Mr. and Mrs. Comstock are both now deceased, and have been for a good many years past.
Miles Hulbert

State of Newhampshire.  Coos  SS.
January 8th 1856

Personally appearing Miles Hulbert above named and made Solemn Oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is just and true.
Before me,
Joseph Wiswall  Justice of the Peace
Page 30

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston.
December 14th 1855.

[illegible seal affixed in the upper left corner of the page]

I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of John Comstock is borne on pay roll of Capt. Jonathan Caniel's Comp. Col. Isiah Whitney's Regt. for one month in the year 1776.  (Exact time not given.  L2.17.6.  blanket money included.

Also on pay roll of Capt. Joseph Elliotts Comp. Col. Turner's Regt. from July 25 1781.  5 mos. R. Island service, as private from Dudley.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 31

Clarksville  Dec 7, 1855

To the Secretary of Mass

Sir

Please Search the records of the Revolutionary war and find the Service of John Comstock and what Captain he served under

Please Send the Certificate and Service and forward it as soon as Possible and Send what you tax for your Service and we will send it  Samuel Comstock Sent one dollar and if you ask any more we will send it

He was a native of Mass and had lived in Oxford and Dudley Mass

N.B.  Please Direct ["your letter" stricken out] it to, Clarksville, New Hampshire

Yours with respect
John Comstock
Page 32

Elizabeth Comstock
Widow. of John Comstock

Claim for Pension
filed from N.H.

Act 7 July 1838

Additional Evidence
MC &c

S.J. Bowen  Atty
Present
Page 33

Washington City DC
Aug. 19, 1854

Sir,

Enclosed you will find certified copy from rolls of Mafs. of service of John Comstock in Revolutionary War, which I ask may be filed with the claim of his widow, Elizabeth Comstock, under Act of 7th July 1838

Yours truly
S. J Bowen

Hon L P Waldo
Com of Pensions

for A M Gangewer
Page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, Boston:
July 8th 1854.

I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The name of John Comstock is borne roll of traveling expense, blanket money & advance wages receipted to Capt. Joseph Balch for L2.15.4. received of David Jeffries PayMaster.  August 31. 1776.

Also on roll of Capt. Joseph Balch's Comp. Col. Craft's Battalion of Artillery from Sept. 27th 1776.  2 mos. 5 days, as private.

Also on muster roll of Capt. Jonathan Caniel's Comp. Col. josiah Whitney's Regt. for one month's pay, blanket money, and traveling expense to Camp.  Received of David Jeffries, PayMafter L 2.17.6.  Dated Dec. 6. 1776.

Also on roll of Capt. Joseph Elliot's Comp. Col. William Turner's Regt. from July 25th to Dec. 1. 1781.  4 mos. 10 days from Dudley.  L.8.18.5.
Page 35

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence or said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears;  that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone;  and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E M Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 36

S. J. Bowen

Aug 25/54.
Page 37

118

Pension Office,
August 24. 1854

Sir,

I have received the Certificate of the Secretary of Mafsachusetts setting forth certain service in the revolutionary war of John Comstok.  The man of that name in virtue of whose services Elizabeth Comstock his alledged widow, applied for pension in 1841 is not identified with this service.  The only officer, whose name is given in the papers filed by Elizabeth is Captain Knapp--There is not a day's service certified as having been performed under such an officer.  The claim is further suspended.
Very respectfully
OC

S. J. Bowen Esqr.
Present
Page 38

Elizabeth Comstock
claimant for Pension
in New Hampshire
Act 7 July 1838--
suspended.

P. of Atty enclosed.  Ask
to see papers

Col Anderson

S. J Bowen  Atty
Present
Page 39

Washington City  DC
June 24, 1865

Sir,

Enclosed you will find Power of Attorney from Samuel Comstock, [illegible] & heir of Elizabeth Comstock whose claim for Pension under Act of 7 July 1838 was filed from New Hampshire and suspended

I wish to see papers filed in support of her claim.
Yours truly
A M Gangewer

Hon L P Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Page 40

Know all men by these Present That I Samuel Comstock of Clarksville in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire son of Elizabeth Comstock deceased, whose application for pension under the Act of July 7 1838 is now suspended do hereby constitute and appoint S.J. Bowen of Washington D.C. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute the claim of the Said Elizabeth Comstock for pension and do hereby give to my said attorney full power to examine all papers and documents relating to said Claim on file in the Department at Washington or elsewhere:  hereby revoking all former powers of attorney by me given.
Witnefs my hand and seal this 22d day of June A.D. 1854
Samuel Comstock

[illegible seal affixed under the above signature]

Signed Sealed & delivered
in presence of us
Hazen Bedel
L.D. Stevens

State of New Hampshire
Merrimack SS.
June 22d 1854

Then personally appeared the above named Samuel Comstock and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act & deed
Before me
L.D. Stevens  Justice of the Peace
Page 41

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Pension Office
Washington

[written vertically on left side of page]
May 16. 1842
viz
E Comstock
Page 42

Washington City  16th May 1842

James L Edwards Esqr.

Sir--the declaration of Elisabeth Comstock was forwarded to the pension Office during the last summer--In answer you said to me that her declaration was so vague that her case could not be examined--I would not pretend but the remark was Just, but as nothing definite can be shown as to the place where her husband lived where he served I would request that as far as practable the Mass. Rolls may be examined, and if the names of Samuel Comstock (the Father) and John & Michael shall be found I have no doubt it would be satisfactory as I have no doubt they all served (probably together) I believe the widow named one Captain under whom her husband served--

The Widow at least is rather an ignorant Woman--She believes her husband served from Dudley or Oxford Rhode Island or Massachusetts
Page 43

I believe there is no such Town Towns as Dudley or Oxford in Rhode Island but there are Towns by those names in Massachusetts--not a great distance from Rhode Island & I have but little doubt that the Comstocks served from Dudley or Oxford Mass and probably most of the war--
Respectfully Yours
John Kimball
Page 44

July 15th  1841.
Page 45

269

Penna Office
July 15 1841

Sir

The claim of dec'd Elizabeth Comstock widow of John Comstock has been examined and her papers placed upon our files.

The service for which Mr Comstock claims, is so vaguely stated, that I have no thoughts proper to attempt to find it upon the rolls.  Indeed, it does not appear from the papers whether the service was a RI or Mafs.  Whether in the militia, or the regular line of the army.  Some further proof and explanation will be required.

I am
OC
July 7 1838
7898

Jno kimball Esq
Barton
Ver't.
Page 46

14 July 1841

John Kimball
Dec & other papers case of
Elizabeth Comstock 7 July 1838

SyC

[written vertically in center of page]

Barton Vt.
9 July

Free

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington
Page 47

Barton Orleans County Vermont
July 8th 1841

James L. Edwards Esqr.

Sir--Enclosed is the declaration of Elisabeth Comstock for a pension, and who all the evidence that can be obtained in relation to her ["and" stricken out] Marriage--and husband's service.  I hope that the evidence in relation to Marriage will be satisfactory--If Comstock served as a during the War Man I presume his name can be easily found--possibly by searching the Records of Capt. Knapp mention in the declaration of the Widow  service may be found--

I have no doubt as to the service of John Comstock but when I say I hope his service will be found (it is almost hope against hope)--I hope in due time you will let me have a return-
Respectfully Yours
John Kimball

P.S.  the widow believes (by her declaration) that her husband served from Rhode Island--If her husband served from Dudley or Oxford he probably served from Massachusetts--
Page 48

Affidavit

Philinda Martin
Page 49

I Philinda Martin of Clarksville in the County of Coos and State of New Hampshire do depose and testify that I was present when John Comstock died at Clarville aforesaid on the second day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty eight.  and saw him die, and that he left a widow who now resides at said Clarksville.
Philinda X her mark Martin

Witness
Stillman Martin

State of New Hampshire  )
Coos  ss.                           )

on this Eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty one, the above named Philinda Martin personally appeared and made oath to and subsccribed the above Affidavit before me.
Joshua Marshall  Justice of the Peace

I further certify that the above named Philinda Martin is a credible witness.
Joshua Marshall  Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire  Coos fs.

I James M. Rix, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County of Coos, do hereby certify that Joshua Marshall is a Justice of Peace as above, duly authorized to administer oaths, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this twenty sixth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty one.
James M Rix  Clerk.

[illegible seal affixed to the left of the above paragraph]
Page 50

Affidavits of

Eprheim Titus
&
Hannah Wallace
Page 51

I Hannah Wallace of West Fairlee in the County of Orange & State of Vermont of the age of Sixty four years Depose & Say that I was Sister to ["the sd." stricken out] John Comstock & before my marriage lived in the Town Vershire & that my brother the Sd. John Comstock resided in the town of Strafford & I perfectly remember the time of his marriage with Betsey Harris of Sd Strafford although I was not present at the wedding, nor can I state for certainty where it took place, but according to my belief it took place about fifty two years ago, Judging from the ages of their children as I know that their second child of the name of John was born the summer following the birth of Orange Comstock the son of another brother (now deceased) whose age I know to be either forty nine or fifty in October of the present year---And I further say that I have always understood (not only from my brother John) but from my father & the rest of the family that the Sd John Comstock was in the army of the Revolution during the greater part of the war & that my Sd brother died about ten years ago
(Hannah Comstock)
Hannah Wallace

State of Vermont   )
Orange County fs. )

at West Fairlee this 15th day of June 1841 the Said Hannah Wallace, well known to us as a credible witnefs personally appeared & subscribed the foregoing by first signing her name Hannah Comstock & then Hannah Wallace & made solemn oath that the foregoing affadavit is true
before me
Alfred Pixley  Just. of the Peace
Page 52

I Eprhaim Titus of West Fairlee in the County of Orange & State of Vermonr Aged Seventy three years Depose & say that I was well aquainted with John Comstock & Betsey Harris as she was then called formerly of Strafford in the County of Orange aforesaid.--I was myself married in the winter of (that is in February) of 1791 & I well remember that ["John" stricken out] the Sd. John Comstock & Betsey Harris were married previous to my marriage, some ["time" stricken out] one or two years but the precise period I cannot remember--At that time I lived in the town of Vershire, a short distance from them--They afterwards moved into the Town of Vershire & resided there some years when they as I understood went to the place known by the name of the Indian Stream & some ten or twelve years ago I heard that the Sd. John Comstock was dead & I further say that I have often heard him speak of being in the army in the war of the revolution
Ephraim Titus

State of Vermont     )
Orange County fs    )
At West Fairlee June 15, 1841 the Sd. Ephraim Titus the subscriber of the foregoing afadavit well known to me as a credible witnefs, personally appeared and under oath to the foregoing.
Before me
Alfred Pixley Just. of the Peace
Page 53

State of Vermont       )
Orange County fs      )

I Robins Dinsmore Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that Alfred Pixley is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange duly commifsioned & qualified, that his commifsion was date the 29th day of October A.D. 1840 & will expire on the 30th day of Noember A.D. 1841, & that his signature within written is, in my opinion genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this 21st day of June AD 1841
Robins Dinsmore, County Clerk

[written vertically on the left side of page]

Affidavits of
Eprheim Titus
&
Hannah Wallace
Page 54

MMH2

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

May 25, 1925

Honorable Joseph W. Byrns
Nashville, Tennessee.

My dear Mr. Byrns:

In response to your letter of the 22nd instant, I have the honor to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 2193 it appears that John Comstock, the son of Samuel, was born in Topsfield, Massachusetts, the date not stated.

He married in September 1790 in Strafford, Vermont, Elizabeth Harris.  She was born in January 1765 in Ipswich, Massachusetts and about 1788 moved to said Strafford.  Soldier died October 2, 1828 in Clarksville, Coos County, New Hampshire.

His widow Elizabeth applied for pension June 18,1841 while a resident of Clarksville, New Hampshire and stated that soldier lived during the Revolution in Oxford and Dudley, Massachusetts and served under a Captain Knapp and was at the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Brandywine and Horseneck.  He served in Captain Joseph
Page 55

Balch's Company, Colonel Craft's Battalion of Artillery as a private from September 27, 1776, two months and five days.

Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of six months service as required by the pension laws.  She died prior to June 22, 1854.

[following written in the left margin beside the above paragraph--"Miss Wilson said use "6 mos" as we had proof of a part of his ser--instead of saying "failed to fur. proof of his alleged ser.""]

Their children are referred to, Betsy the oldest, John the second child borne July 14, 1792 and Samuel who was living in Clarksville, New Hampshire in 1854, are the only names given.

It is not stated that soldier ever lived in New York.

The histories herewith furnished you, are those of the only soldiers named John Comstock found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Yours very truly,
WILDER S. METCALF.
Commissioner.

Sol. had bros. Israel & Michael & sister Hannah Wallace--his bro. Michael & father Samuel in Rev.--