Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5655, for Samuel Johnson, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Johnson, Samuel
Rebecca

NUMBER
R. 5655

CONTENTS
Page 2

Died Feb. 19, 1826 (AB)
18,176
New York
R
Samuel Johnson
of Delaware in the State of N York who was an Ensign in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Burrill of the Connecticut line for the term of one year.
[Inscribed ]on the roll of New York (at) the rate of 20 dollars per month, [to commence] on [the] 30th of May 1820-

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of June 1821 and sent to Messes. Root & Hobbie Delhi, New York

Arrears to the 4th of March 1821 - $183.87
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Sept. 1821 - 120.00
9 mos. 6/21 = 303.87

Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.
21 May 1829

Delaware County
Page 3

State of New York 
Warren County} ss The Rev. Isaac Headley of said county being duly sworn before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for said county deposeth and saith that on the ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen at the town of Walton in the county of Delaware according the best of this deponents knowledge and belief this deponent married Samuel Johnson and Rebecca Weed or in other words joined them in wedlock & further this deponent sayeth not  
Isaac Headley
Subscribed & sworn before me this 4th day of April 1846
Thos A. Leggett Justice
Page 4

Elizabeth S. Johnson
application for
pension
under act of Feby 3, 1853
Page 5

I Juliann Finch of Westchester County and state of New York depose and say that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth S Johnson this applicant she is the daughter of Rebecca Johnson and Samuel Johnson the said Elizabeth was born sometime in the month of September 1820 in the Town of Walton New York state. I was the nurse of the said Rebecca at the time of the birth of said Elizabeth up to the present time. I also always knew the said Rebecca Johnson up to the time of her death and she had no other children except the said Elizabeth
Juliann Finch

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day of March 1855 in open court William T. Minor Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Stamford and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Juliann Finch and that her statements are entitled to credit
William T. Minor Judge

State of Connecticut Fairfield County Probate Court District of Stamford

I Lorenzo Meeker clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Stamford and keeper of the seal and records thereof hereby certify that William T. Minor on the 24th day of March 1855 and up to the 4th day of July 1855 was the sole presiding Judge of said Court and that
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the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are his own genuine hand writing and signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 12th day of October 1855 
Lorenzo Meeker
Clerk of Probate Court for Stamford district

Elizabeth S. Johnson
application for 
pension
under act of Feby 3, 1853
Page 7

Saml. Johnson's case supplementary

Samuel Johnson, Delaware Co: N. Y.
Original declaration
30th May, 1820

 Worth $200

The year in which the original declaration was made, to be inserted.

Ensign in Coll. Burrill's regt. Connt., line, January 1776, to February, 1777, 

Messr. Root & Hobbie,
Delhi, New York,
Recd. 28 Augt., 1820.
Page 8

State of New York County of Delaware ss

On this thirtieth day of May personally appeared in open court, before the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas holden in Delhi in and for the County of Delaware, being the May term of said Court, and said Court being a Court of record and so declared by the acts of the State of New York in such case made and provided, Samuel Johnson of the Town of Walton in the Couty of Delaware, aforesaid aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 & the first May 1820, that he the said Samuel Johnson, received in the latter part of January or early part of February in the year 1776, a commission from the Congress of the United colonies, signed by John Hancock President, and bearing date at Philadelphia the 23d of January Anno Domini 1776, appointing him Ensign of the first company of the Battalian raised in the colony of Connecticut by order of Congress for reinforcement of the Continental army of the Northern department (which commission is hereto annexed) said Johnson was residing at the time in the Town of Amenia in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York, that immediately thereafter he proceeded to enlist men, for one year, to serve from the 1st of February 1776 under Capt. David Downs in Col. Charles Burrils regiment, in the Connecticut State line, in the continental establishment that within a fortnight after receiving said commission, the said company was enrolled, and he marched with the same from Albany to Lake George, thence across the lake to Ticonderoga, thence to St. Johns, where they remained a short time, they were then (this deponent included) ordered and marched to Cedars, 15 miles above Montreal where on the 19th of May 1776, he together with forty three of Capt. Downs & Stevens companies were taken prisoners by the Indian, after which he was released and joined his regiment, in the month of June of the same year. - that he continued in service with the same regiment until February in the year 1777 - when the time of the enlistment of the said company expired. That he continued to his residence in the County of Dutchess aforesaid, some time in the month (of)
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of March 1777, that the time he served was more than a year at one time, that he never was in any general engagement, or battle, that he has no further evidence now in his possession, excepting the annexed commission and affidavit of Michael Goodrich.    
And in pursuance of the act of the 1st of May 1820 I do Solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled “An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed the 18th of March 1818- and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed & by me subscribed.  
I have the following debts, legally, justly & bona fide to wit:
To Coleman & Co. of Walton   $20.75 
Allen Mead of Walton                  6.00
Benjamin North of Walton         10. 00 
Wm Ogden of Walton                  6.00 
Eliphalet Wakeman                     18.00 
$60.75 
Besides the costs and charges of this proceeding, which I have no other means of paying and discharging, than from out the personal property, hereinafter inventoried 
Schedule of property belonging to Samuel Johnson an Ensign in the service of the United States in the revolutionary
Page 10

War viz:
1 wardrobe, valued at      dollars    10.00
1 old bureau valued at   dollars        3.00
2 Plain Cherry tables                        4.00
6 Plain old windsor chairs                3.00
4 other old chairs                              1.50
1 Square & one round stand             3.00
Bed and bedding being 1 bed & the necessary bedding over & above what I deem necessary for myself & family  13.50
1 Small looking glass                       0.75
27 large and small plates                  2.00
12 tea cups and 12 saucers               0.75
6 bowls                                             0.75
1 teapot, 1 sugar bowl & milk cup   0.50
5 tumblers & 5 milk pans, 10 knives & 12 forks 3 tin basins 5.25
2 Earthen dishes & 2 decanters, 6 table & 6 tea spoons  6.25
2 pair old andirons, 1 shovel & tongs, 2 small iron dish kettles 5.25
1 old worn out 5 pail iron kettles, 1 tea kettle 1 broken iron pot  2.00
1 domestic weaving loom and the appurtenances  8.00
1 foot wheel, I large spinning wheel, 2 candle sticks, iron 2 stove pots  4.50
2 pails, 1 churn, 1 meal barrel, 3 dry casks, 1 washing tub  3.00
1 hoe, 1 old plough, 1 piece of chain, 1 old sleigh, 1 pitchfork  7.75
1 old ax eye, possibly some trifles of old iron & things not discovered or remembered, not amounting to more than } 2.00
1 24 year old horse, 2 cows, 2 yearlings heifers, 2 hogs  55.00
11 old sheep & 5 lambs                   20.00
A promise from Beruch Beardsley of the use of thirty acres of cleared land until the first of September next} 20.00
2 old saddles & 1 old bridle & one frying pan  8.25
$200.00
My occupation is that of a farmer, without any ability to pursue the same, arising from old age, dizziness in the head, occasional fits & other great bodily weakness that there is but one other in my family besides myself, to wit, Rebecca Johnson
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my wife, aged thirty nine years, who is severely afflicted with the Salt [unreadable], and therefore possesses but little ability to contribute to my support 
Samuel Johnson
Sworn in open court this 30 day of May 1820
 H.R. Phipps Dep Clk  
In Congress 
The Delegates of the United Colonies, of New Hampshire Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York 1 New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina , and Georgia, Gentleman Greeting   To Samuel Johnson especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, Valor, [unreadable] and fidelity, Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be of the first company in the Battalion raised in the Colony of Connecticut by order of Congress for Reinforcement of the Continental Army in the Northern department in the Army of the United Colonies 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 the Ensign of said Company, 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 Ensign. 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 Colonies, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed or commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United Colonies or any other your Superior Officer according to the rules and discipline of War
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in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress Dated at Philadelphia the 23d day of Jany Anno Domini 1776 
By Order of the Congress 
John Hancock President 
Attest Chas Thomson Sec. 
I Homer R Phelps Deputy Clerk of the County of Delaware do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of the said Court, and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in Value of the property Exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Two hundred dollars 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court on this 9th day of June 1820 
H R. Phelps Dep clk 
Delaware County ss. On this 28th day of November 1820 in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Delaware, aforesaid, personally appeared Samuel Johnson above named, & there upon the said Court, amended the foregoing copy of declaration & the original thereof now being on file in the Clerks office of said Court, by declaring that the said declaration was made on the 30th day of
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May 1820 
Samuel Johnson 
In testimony that the foregoing amendment was duly made in the Court of Common pleas of Delaware County at the time & in the manner above specified and that said amendment is duly entered and made as above specified in the original record of the preceeding affidavit now on file in the Clerks Office of this Court - I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid, this thirty first day of January 1821 
H. R. Phelps Dep  Clk  
Sam’l Johnson’s case Pension Supplementary
Cont
Conn
Already filed & very old
Samuel Johnson 
Delaware Co. N. Y. 
Original declaration 30th May 1820
worth $200. 
The year in which the original declaration to be inserted.
Ensign in Col. Burrill’s regt Connt line January 1776 to February 1777
Mssr’s Root & Hobbie, Delhi, New York Rec’d 28 Augt 1820
Page 14

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield} 
Probate Court District of Stamford 
On this 12th day of October before  James H. Olmstead Judge of Probate for said district of Stanford personally appeared Elizabeth Johnson of the City of New York who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.   That she is the daughter and only child of Rebecca Johnson and Samuel Johnson who was an Ensign in the Revolutionary War.  That said Samuel Johnson was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of $20 per month and that his name was inscribed on the roll of the Pension agency in New York City.   She refers to the Evidence A accompanying his declaration on file in the Pension Department for proof of his Services.  That the maiden name of her mother was Rebecca Weed that her father and mother as she has been informed were married at Walton New York State by the Rev’d Mr Headley sometime in the year 1819 - that her father died at the town of Walton aforesaid in New York
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Sometime in the month of February 1826.  That her mother died at Stamford Connecticut on the 30th day of April 1883, that she was always the widow of said Samuel Johnson from the time of his decease in 1826 of up the time of her death and that she never intermarried after the death of her said husband that there is no record proof that she can find of the marriage of her father and mother or of his death.   
Elizabeth S Johnson 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of October 1855 in open Court 
James H Olmstead Judge of Probate for the District of Stamford 
State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield  } Probate Court  
District of Stamford 
I Lorenzo Meeker Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford and keeper of the seal and records thereof hereby certify that James H. Olmstead is the sole presiding Judge of said Court and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his genuine hand writing and signature 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court this 12th day of Oct the 1855 
Lorenzo Meeker  Clerk of the Probate Court for Stamford district
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I Samuel Gage of Stamford Fairfield County Connecticut depose and say that I was well acquainted with Rebecca Johnson and Samuel Johnson the parents of this applicant during their lives the said Rebecca Johnson never intermarried after the death of her husband the said Samuel but continued a widow to the time of her death, the said Rebecca died at my house in Stamford Connt on the 30th day of April 1853.   This applicant is the daughter and only child of said Samuel and said Rebecca that the said Samuel was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death and died Sometime in the year 1826.   I knew that he was a pensioner from information from his family.   Saml Gage  
Sworn to and subscribed this 12th day of October 1855 before me in open Court and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Samuel Gage and that his statements are entitled to credit.
James H Olmstead 
Judge of Probate for the District of Stamford  
State of Connecticut 
Fairfield County } Probate Court 
District of Stamford 
Lorenzo Meeker Clerk of the Probate for the district of Stamford
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and keeper of the seal and record thereof hereby certify that James H. Olmstead is the sole presiding Judge of said Court of Probate and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his genuine hand writing and Signature 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of October 1855
Lorenzo Meeker Clerk of the Stamford Probate Court
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State of New-York, 
Delaware County Clerk's Office. }
I BENJAMIN CANNON, Clerk of the County of Delaware, and and also Clerk of the Court of said County, do hereby certify that Lewis C. Steele Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition purports to have been taken, was at the time of taking a deposition, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Delaware for elected and sworn, and duly authorised by law to take the same, and that his signature thereto is genuine. 
IN Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this 4 day of Sep.
Benj Cannon CLERK 
[unreadable]  this applicant.   I was present at the time Samuel Johnson and the said Rebecca were married and saw them Married the Rev Isaac Headley  performed the marriage service.  
They were married as this deponent thinks sometime in the month of May in the year one thousand Eight hundred and nineteen the town of Walton Delaware County New York State.  The maiden name of said Rebecca was Rebecca Weed.
Harriet Johnson x her mark  
Sworn to and subscribed this first day of September 1855 before me and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Harriet Johnson and that her statements are entitled to credit.   
Lewis S. Steele Justice of the Peace
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I Harriet Johnson of Walton Delaware County and State of New York being duly sworn depose and say that I was well acquainted with Rebecca Johnson and Samuel Johnson the mother and father of Elizabeth Johnson this applicant.   I was present at the time Samuel Johnson and the said Rebecca were married and saw them Married.  The Rev. Isaac Headley performed the marriage services.   
They one married as this deponent thinks sometime in the month of May in the year one thousand Eight hundred and nineteen at the town of Walton Delaware County New York State.  The maiden name of said Rebecca was Rebecca Weed.  
Harriet Johnson x her mark 
Sworn to and subscribed this first day of September 1855 before me and if that I am well acquainted with the said Harriet Johnson and that her statements are entitled to credit 
Lewis S. Steele Justice of the Peace
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I Calvin Johnson of the Town of Walton County of Delaware and State of New York being duly sworn depose and says that I was well acquainted with Rebecca Johnson and Samuel Johnson the Mother & Father of Elizabeth Johnson this applicant and I was present at the time Samuel Johnson and the said Rebecca Johnson were married and saw them married, the Rev Isaac Headley performed the Marriage Services .  They were married as the deponent thinks sometime in the month of May in the year one Thousand eight hundred and nineteen at the Town of Walton County Delaware and State of New York.  The Maiden name was Rebecca Weed 
Calvin Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed this first day of of September 1855 before me and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Calvin Johnson, and that his statements are entitled to credit 
Lewis S. Steele Justice of the peace
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Pension Agency 
Office Bank U. S. States 
Newport  July 10 1835  
I certify that Samuel Johnson an Ensign in the Revolutionary Army, was a Pensioner on the Roll of this Agency at 20$ per month and that the Balance of his Pension due up to the day of his Death to wit the 10th  of February 1826 was paid to his Widow Rebecca Johnson on the 3d day of April 1826 
T. H. Orington
Chf Clk
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November 17, 1937 
SAMUEL JOHNSON 
R. 5655 
BA-J/MLB OWN
Mr. John A. Johnson 
College Springs 
Iowa 
Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Samuel Johnson who served in the Revolutionary War from New York or Connecticut, moved from Dutchess County, New York, in 1787, to Walton, Delaware County, in the same state, where he died leaving a widow, Rebecca, also, the War of 1812 record of Samuel's brother, Joseph Johnson, whose wife's name was Jane. You state that these soldiers were born in England and that you desire to know the name of the town in which they were born. 
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the War of 1812 of the Joseph Johnson described by you. Such claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to soldiers of that war. The record of Samuel Johnson is furnished herein as found in pension claim, R. 5655, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.  
The date and place of birth and names of the parents of Samuel Johnson are not shown. 
While residing in the Town of Amenia, Dutchess County, New York, Samuel Johnson was commissioned January 23, 1776, Ensign of the First Company of Battalion and served from February 1, 1776, as such in Captain David Downs' company, Colonel Charles Burrell's Connecticut regiment, marched to different places then to the Cedars, fifteen miles from Montreal, where he was taken prisoner by the Indians, May 19, 1776, with about forty others, was held until June following, then released and rejoined his regiment sometime in March, 1777, and was discharged after having served more than a year. He was referred to as Captain Johnson but no explanation was made of the rank.   
The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed May 30, 1820, at which time he was aged seventy-five years and a
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resident of Walton, Delaware County, New York. He died there February 10, 1826.  
Samuel Johnson married in Walton, New York, May 9, 1819, Rebecca Weed. The date and place of her birth and names of parents are not shown. In 1820, her age was given as thirty-nine years. She died April 30, 1853, at the home of one Samuel Gage, in Stamford, Connecticut , no relationship shown either to her or to the soldier. 
Samuel and Rebecca Johnson had only one child, namely, Elizabeth S. Johnson, who was born sometime in September, 1820, in Walton, Delaware County, New York, and in 1855 was living in New York City. 
In 1855, Harriet Johnson and Calvin Johnson, both residents of Walton, New York, testified that they were present at the marriage of Samuel Johnson to Rebecca Weed, but did not state any relationship to the soldier. 
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator 
-2-
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1920 Dec 20 Hist to W. F. Gunn EW
1937, Nov 17, hist to John A. Johnson MLB
5655
Rebecca Johnson
Widow of Samuel
REJECTED
Page 25

IN CONGRESS  
The Delegates of the United Colonies, of New Hampshire Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York 1 New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina , and Georgia, Gentleman Greeting To Samuel Johnson  Greeting
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, Valor, Conduct and fidelity, Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Ensign of the first company in the Battalion raised in the Colony of Connecticut by order of Congress for Reinforcement of the Continental Army in the Northern department in the Army of the United Colonies 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 the Ensign of said Company, 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 Ensign. 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 Colonies, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed or commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United Colonies 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 Philadelphia the 23d Day of Jany [unreadable] 1776
Attest Cha Thomson Secy
By Order of the Congress 
John Hancock PRESIDENT.
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No. 6075. 
Rebecca Johnson 
Decd Widow of Samuel 
Connecticut 
5655
3 Feby 1853
Page 27

Jas H. Bostwick
Oct 16 / 55
Page 28

Pension Office October 16 1853 
Sir
In the case of Rebecca Johnson decd Widow of Samuel of Ct under the Act of 1853, an administrator must be appointed and the amount of his official Bond must be certified to this office.  
833
1853
James H Olmstead Esq
Stanford  Connt
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Stanford Corn Oct 12th 1855 
Enclosed I send you the papers for a pension. When ever you wish to communicate Address J. H Olmstead Stamford Conn 
Yours &c
J. H. Olmstead
 To Commission of Pensions
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Dellin NY
May 3 
Free
Mr. Edwards
Recd 14 May 1821
To the Secretary of War Department
Page 31

In the matter of Samuel Johnson an applicant for pension under act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 & 1 May 1820. 
State of New York Delaware County ss: 
Homer R. Phelps Clerk of the County of Delaware being duly sworn saith that on the thirtieth  day of May 1820 1 Samuel Johnson above named caused to be filed in the Clerks office of said County of Delaware a paper purporting to be a military commission to the said Samuel Johnson as this deponent believes as Ensign, given in the Revolutionary War, a certified & correct copy of which this deponent then being Deputy Clerk of said County of Delaware made out together with Copies of his schedule & oath made out & sworn to presented in the Court of Common pleas of the County of Delaware aforesaid (which were filed in the time said commission was) which copies of said Commission, schedule & oath were delivered by the Agent & attornies of the said Samuel Johnson that sometime in last summer or fall this deponent delivered to Selah R. Hobbie one of said Johnson's agents the said original commission of the said Johnson filed as aforesaid.  
H. R. Phelps  
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 3 day of May 1821. 
N. Johnson Com &c Del Co.
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State of New York 
County of Delaware } ss Selah R. Hobbie one of the agent & attornies of Samuel Johnson above named, being duly sworn saith that in the summer of 1820, this deponent obtained from Homer R. Phelps Deputy Clerk of the County of Delaware a certified copy of said Johnsons commission of as Ensign in the Revolutionary war said commission having been previous filed in said office, which certified copy, this deponent put in  together with the accompanying papers of said application the mail addressed to the war department that sometime thereafter during said summer, this deponent received a letter from the War Department requiring him to transmit the original commission, that on thereafter this deponent obtained from the files of said Clerks office said commission enclosed the same in a letter addressed to the Secretary of the War Department and put the same in the mail.  That according to the best of this deponents recollection & belief this was in the latter part of the summer or in the fall of 1820 
Selah E. Hobbie 
Subscribed & Sworn before me this 30th day of May 1821 
N. Johnson Comr &c for Del. Co 
In testimony that Noadiah Johnson is a commissioner in and for the County of Delaware duly commissioned and sworn to take affidavits according to the Laws of this State I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common pleas of said County this 3d day of May 1821 
H.R. Phelps Clk
Page 33

Delhi Apr May. 1821. 
Sir
Yours of March 30, we have recd.   In the case of Samuel Johnson you require the original commission a copy of which you acknowledge the receipt of.  The annexed appl will show that it has been transmitted to your office & is either there or lost in the mail.  
Yours respectfully 
Root & Hobbie 
To J.L. Edwards Esqr of the War Dept 
N. B. Dephi N.Y. 
Capt. Johnson is very aged & infirm & totally unable to labor, he is anxious to be apprized of the issue of his application as soon as possible.  
The affidavits inclosed show the loss of the Commission & the certified copy on file show the contents of it.  The affidavit of the petitioner is evidence of its truth & genuineness.   We are in hopes however that the original is on file.   Please inform as of the determination of the department.
R&H
Page 34

17,126
Samuel Johnson, 
Delaware Co. N.Y. 
Original declaration 30. May, 1820 served [unreadable] 
Ensign in Col. Burrill Regt Connt line Jany 1 1776 to Febr 1777 to Feby 75 yr old 
Admd [admitted]  & cont’d [continued] J.L.E. wife 39 sched $200  owes $60   
It is required, that the applicant’s service 9 mos in continuance & cont’l [continental] estab [establishment] be explicitly on oath proved by the testimony of two or more interested and credible persons, Certified as such, by the judge and that the year in which the declaration was made, be inserted
Admitted
Root & Hobbes agts Delhi NY
17 July 1820
 Samuel Johnson Application for a Pension 
The original Commission of the applicant, to be transmitted to the War department.
Page 35

State of New York 
Delaware County ss } On this twenty seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before me the subscriber came Samuel Johnson, aged Seventy five years and upwards, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War”.  That in the latter part of January or fore part of February in the year 1776 he received a Commission from Congress, dated at Philadelphia the 23d Day of Janry Anno Domini 1776 which Commission is enclosed that immediately thereafter the proceeded to enlistment for one year to serve from the first of February 1776 under Capt David Downs in Colonel Charles Burril’s Regiment in the Connecticut line - that as ensign of said Company.   He marched the same to Albany in the month of March following from Albany to Lake George, thence across the lake to Ticonderoga from thence to St. Johns where they remained a short time were then ordered & marched to the Cedars 15 miles above Montreal where, on the 19th of May 1776 He together with about forty others of Capt Downs's & Capt Stevens Companies were taken prisoners by the Indians after which he was released and joined his Regiment in the month of June of the same year.  That he continued in ser vice with the same Regiment until the February following in 1777. when the time of the enlistment of the men had expired.  That he still continued some time after - that the time he served was more than a year at one time that He was never in any General engagement or Battle.  That
Page 36

He has no further evidence except the enclosed documents now in his power to produce.   
And that he is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support.  
Samuel Johnson
Subscribed & sworn to this twenty seventh day of March one thousand eight hundred twenty before me 
Isaac Ogden First Judge of Delaware County 
State of New York 
Delaware County ss.} 
on this twenty seventh of March 1820 came Michael Goodrich to me well known to be a credible witness before me, & being by me first duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith that he has been acquainted with Samuel Johnson the above applicant from their infancy & that he knows said Johnson assisted as ensign in raising a company under Captain David Downs in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Charles Burril in the Connecticut line and that he, Johnson, served as ensign for one year or more at one time - and that he knows him to be in reduced circumstances & needs the assistance of his Country for support   
Michael Goodrich 
Sworn & subscribed this 27th of  March 1820 before me 
Isaac Ogden First Judge of Delaware County 
I Isaac Ogden, first Judge of Delaware County do certify that it appears to my entire satisfaction that the said Samuel Johnson did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceeding declaration against the Common Enemy, and here by transmit the same the proceedings & testimony taken & had before me to the Secretary for the department of War, pursuant to the aforementioned Act of Congress.  I further certify that I know the above applicant to be in reduced circumstances and standing in need of the assistance of his country for support.  
Isaac Ogden First Judge of Delaware County 
I Isaac Ogden do further certify that I am personally acquainted with Michael Goodrich above named & I know him to be a credible witness and
Page 37

entitled to full faith & belief. Dated August 17. 1820 
Isaac Ogden First Judge of Delaware County 
In testimony that Isaac Ogden was on the 27th day of March Last & is on this day firsted Judge of in Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Delaware I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court of Common pleas this 17th day of August 1820 
H R Phelps Dep Clk
Page 38

Abner Buck Affiant
Page 39

State of New York 
Delaware County } Abner Back being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that he was acquainted with Samuel Johnson during the Revolutionary war, that he knew him to be an Ensign in a company commanded by Captain David Downs in a regiment commanded by Colonel Charles Burrell, that he this deponent was enlisted as drummer by the said Samuel being an Ensign as aforesaid, in the said Company sometime in the month of February in the year 1776, the and that this deponent well knows that the said Samuel Johnson continued in command and served as Ensign for more than nine months, and at he believes, from February 1776 to February 1777.   
Abner Buck
Sworn & subscribed this Eleventh day of August 1820 before me 
Roswell Hotchkis Judge
Delaware County ss. I Roswell Hotchkis one of the Judges of Delaware County Common Pleas do certify that I am acquainted with Abner Buck whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a credible witness, and is entitled to full credit and belief 
Delaware County 
August 11th 1820
Roswell Hotchkis
Page 40

Abner Buck’s affidavit.  
In testimony that Roswell Hotchkis was on the Eleventh day of August instant a Judge of the court of Common pleas in and for the County of Delaware.   I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 17th day of August 1820 
H R Phelps
Page 41

Rev Sec
#424 Prospect Ave., 
Hartford, Conn. 
November 12th, 1920.
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 
Sirs:-
Will you kindly furnish me with the Revolutionary War record of Samuel Johnson, a pensioner. He enlisted from Connecticut and served under Col. Burrall.  Said Samuel Jenson's wife name was Rebecca.   Thanking you for any information you might give me. 
Respectfully, 
W. F. Gunn
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE NOV 15 1920
Page 42

College Springs, Iowa Nov. 3, 1937 
Veterans Administration 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sirs: 
I wrote the War Dept asking for the war record of Samuel Johnson who was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and they referred me to your Department.   He was a Capt and served with the a New York or Conn Company.  In 1787 he moved from Duchess Co to Walton Delaware Co. New York.  He died at Walton in 1823 and his wife drew a pension for a number of years.  She died in New York City.  Her name was Rebecca.  
FFE OOO 
He had a brother by the name of Joseph and his wife’s name was Jane.  Joseph was a veteran of the War of 1812 I believe. These men were born in England. Can you give me the name of the town or hamlet where they were born at?  Would like a complete a record as you can furnish of these two men as I am endeavoring to make a history or family tree of this family from the time they came to this country to the present date. 
Thanking you very for this favor, I am, 
Yours truly, 
John A. Johnson 
John A. Johnson,
[stamp] RECEIVED NOV 5 1937 ADM SUB-DIV VETS ADM READER #21
Page 43

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3 -- 525 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS. 
Washington, D.C.  Dec 18, 1920 
In reply to your request of -  received  - for a statement of the military history of Sam’l Johnson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT   Feb. 1, 1776   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  Over 1 year  RANK.   Ensign  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN.   David Downs  COLONEL. Chas Burrell  STATE. Conn.  
Taken prisoner by Indians  May 19, 1776 at the Cedars, near Montreal,  released in June 1776 and rejoined his Regt.  
Battles engaged in, none stated 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, America?  Dutchess Co. NY 
Date of application for pension, May 30, 1820 cl. al. [claim allowed]  
Residence at date of application, Walton Delaware Co NY 
Age at date of application, 75  
Remarks: He mar [married]  in May 9, 1819 in Walton NY Rebecca Weed.   He died in Walton in Feb. 1826 and she died in Stanford, Conn. Apl 30 1853. Their only child Elizabeth S. Johnson was born in Sept 1820 was living in New York NY. in 1855.   
Respectfully, 
Commissioner.