Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13544, for Reynolds Johnson, Connecticut
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SERVICE  Conn.  
Johnson, Reynolds
NUMBER  S. 13544
B.L. Wt.  26472-160-55 
carded
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Revy 3 Mar 55-165109 
32889 
Connecticut 
Reynolds Johnson 
of  - in the State of - who was a Private in the - commanded by Captain - of the - commanded by - in the Conn.   Revolutionary War 
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Increased from $20” 
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Octo,  1852 and sent to – S A Peugh Present
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending  
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by R. McRae Clerk, 
Book E 2. Vol. 3 Page 20.
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165,109  Act Mar 3d
June 11th 55
Reynolds Johnson  
Priv.
Capt.
Col
Enl.
Dis.
Rev War
No. 26472 issued May 27 of 56
Recd Pension Certificate No 32.889
Conn June 32 – 32889
Ad: 160 acres May 24/56
Boynton
W. H. H. Comstock
East Lynn Conn.
Ad: W. H. H. Comstock Apl 24/56
Vol J 83
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State of Connecticut ss New London County 
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court for the County of New London aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry M. Waite before whom the annexed depositions of George Griswold, and Joshua Lester were taken is and at the times when said depositions were taken was a Justice of the Peace for said County duly appointed & commissioned and that the signatures to the Certificates upon said depositions are genuine & in his own hand writing.   
In testimony whereof I 1 have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of said Court this 20th day of June AD 1833.   
John De Witt Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
County of New London 
Probate District of Lyme }  ss Lyme  
On this 10 day of June 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the district of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut, now sitting Reynold Johnson, a resident in the Town of Lyme in the County and State aforesaid, aged 69 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.  That he enlisted into the service of the United States, under the named following officers and served as herein stated.  
Some time before the year AD 1780, Andrew Griswold Esquire, then of said Lyme, but since deceased, was authorised to raise a company to guard the sea coast in said Lyme, to apprehend all illicit traders found trading with the enemy, then in possession of Long Island, and to keep the enemy from landing and desolating that part of the Sea coast lying in the western part of New London and eastern part of Lyme, and for that purpose, he received a commission from Governor Trumbull, then Governor of the  State of that Connecticut.  In pursuance of this authority and his  commission, he
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enlisted a company of men, such as he could at all times place confidence in George Griswold of said Lyme, Joshua Lester of New London in said County of New London, Jeremiah Lester, formerly of said Lyme, but now of Meredith in the County of Delaware in the State of New York, and this deponent all enlisted into said company and are the only persons now living that the deponent recollects, who belonged to said company.   They all belonged to said guard and served in it according to the deponents best recollection and belief as much as three years.  Owing to this advanced age and three years consequent of memory, the deponent is unable to State the precise time when he entered or left said guard, but he knows that he belonged to it before the year 1780 and believes that be belonged to it the whole time the enemy were in possession of Long Island, after he joined the said Guard.   He believes that he served not less than three years in this guard, and he can positively certify that he belone to it more than two years and for such service he claims a pension.  He was a private in the guard and the said George Griswold and Joshua and Jeremiah Lester can be all testify to this service.  The company to which deponent belonged had a boat and were employed both by land and water in guarding the coast.  It was a great object  to intercept & capture all persons, who were trading
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with the enemy and furnishing them with provisions and other necessaries from the main land, and also to prevent the enemy and the refugees as they were  then termed from keeping up an intercourse with the tories and disaffected Americans.  Tor this purpose the guard was required to cruise much in the night season as that was the time when the traders with the enemy attempted to carry on their business.   
In the month of November according to the deponents best recollection, a British whale Boat, commissioned and manned by ten refugees and aided and assisted by some tories who lived near paid called Black Point in said Lyme landed at Black point & secreted their Boat in the bushes, and themselves in the houses of the tories and remained there about a week.  They were at length discovered and eight men belonging to said guard went in pursuit of them.  They found and secured their Boat. They they then stationed three of their men between the houses of the tories on the place where the Boat had been secreted, and the remaining five went to search the houses of the Tories.  One of the five was discovered, while reconnoitering and taken prisoner and carried into one of the houses where the refugees were.  The other four of the guard rushed in, released the one who had been captured and after a desperate
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the refugees with the exception of one, who escaped in the dark, all surrendered.  The deponent and the two Lesters were three of the eight men who captured the party of refugees.  The prisoners were kept under guard  in said Lyme two nights, & were then marched to Norwich.  There orders came for them to be sent to Hartford in said State of Connecticut, which was a accordingly done. The deponent was one of these that was stationed as a guard over them while they remained in said Lyme and the two Lesters went as a guard with them to Norwich.  
The service of this deponent can be proved by the said George Griswold, and the said Joshua and Jeremiah Lester.  Proof of the service of the said Griswold company is furnished also from the journal of the Council of Safety of this State in the Comptrollers office, a copy of which is hereto annexed.   The company which deponent belonged was called the "Flying Guard”  The records in Hartford do not shew the whole period of this deponent service but as deponent believes only the latter part of it.  This company did not belong to any regiment or body of men, but was a distinct company raised for a distinct purpose.   It was employed for the defence of the State of Connecticut and raised by withority of the same.
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The deponent was born in said Town of Lyme on the 6th day of June AD 1764 and has ever since lived in said Lyme and consequently is now sixty nine years of age.  His age is recorded upon the Records of said Town of Lyme.  He enlisted as aforesaid but never served as a substitute nor was he drafted. He served the whole time as a private. He never served with any officers or regiments of the continental army.   The said Andrew Griswold being dead and not leaving as the deponent can learn any roll of said Company & this deponent never having received any written discharge  has no documentary evidence of his service, except the aforesaid Record at Hartford. There were no other officers of said company besides the said Andrew Griswold; except this deponents father John Johnson, who generally served in the absence of the said John Griswold.   The deponent is well known to Moses Warren Esqr,  Joel Loomis Esqr, Peter Comstock Esq and to nearly all the other inhabitants of said Lyme who can all  testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution-
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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.  
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid viz June 10 1833
Reynolds Johnson
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Reynolds Johnson
application
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We Herman L. Vail a Clergyman residing in the Town of Lyme in the County of New London and state of Connecticut and Jonathan Gillet residing in the same Town of Lyme and hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Reynold Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration.  That we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.   
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Herman L. Vail
Jonathan Gillett
And the Court do further declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Herman L Vail who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said Town of Lyme and that Jonathan Gillett who has signed the same is a resident in the same town of Lyme & is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Joel Loomis Judge of Probate
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Reynold Johnson's 
Application  
I Joshua R. Warren  Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Reynold Johnson for a pension.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate this 10th day of December 1833 
Joshua R. Warren Clerk
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No. 32889
United States of America. 
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, New London COUNTY, ss  On this 8th of June 1855 Be it Known, That before me W H H Comstock a Notary Public in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Reynold Johnson and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify the following is a true copy: 
Revolutionary DEPARTMENT, of the Interior 
I CERTIFY, that in conformity with the law of the UNITED STATES, of the 7th of June 1832 Reynolds Johnson of the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and  Cents per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semiannually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year, payable at $20.00 per annum to be deducted.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 9th day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.   
Alex H R Stewart Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned 
J E Heath Commissioner of Pensions. 
That he now resides in East Lyme, in the county of New London and State of Connecticut and has resided there for the space of Ninety one years past;
Sworn and subscribed this 8th day of June 1855 Number of his certificate 32,889 or 32,884
Before me, W H H Comstock Notary Public 
In presence of Benjamin Johnson
Reynolds Johnson
John H. Denison
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor. Except an application under the act of September 28 1850 which was rejected.   
Reynolds Johnson 
We, Benjamin Johnson and John Denison residents of East Lyme in the State of Connecticut, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Reynolds Johnson in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be. 
Benjamin Johnson 
John H Denison 
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim except a small fee for my services. 
W. H. H. Comstock Notary Public.
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July 21, 1931 
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
MCS 
Miss Katherine B. Avery 
The Stockgrowers National Bank 
Ashland, Kansas 
Dear Madam: 
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 13544, that Reynolds Johnson, the son of John Johnson, was born June 6 or 10, 1764, at Lyme, Connecticut.  
While a resident of Lyme, Connecticut, he enlisted in the fall of 1779 and served as a private for three years in the Sea Coast Guard of Lyme, Connecticut, under Captain John Johnson (his father) and Ensign Andrew Griswold. He was in active service not less than one half the time.  
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 10, 1832, at which time he was living in Lyme, Connecticut. 
In 1855 he was living in East Lyme, Connecticut. 
In 1855 one Benjamin Johnson was living in East Lyme but it was not stated that he was related to the soldier.   
The papers in this pension claim contain no further data relative to the soldier's family. 
Date of death not on agency book.  
Very truly yours, A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator
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13544
Revy War INVALID  
File No. 13,544     
Reynolds Johnson 
Priv Rev War 
Act: June 7, 1832  
Index:- Vol 1, Page 196 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
1922 Dec. 7 Letter to Miss Eliza W. Avery -  no ref in cl to marriage, etc.  EW 
1926. June 18, Tombstone date to C H Hale AW 
1931, July 21 hist to Miss Katherine B Avery W.C.S.
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26,472
160 acres
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32.889 
Connecticut 
Reynolds Johnson 
of New London in the State of Connt who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Griswold of the Regt commanded by - for six months Conn. 
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford the rate 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued 13 day of June 1831 and send to J. G. Berret Esq   Present
Arrears to the 4th of  
Semi-annual allowance ending 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by H. R. Weightman 
Book E 2  Vol 3, Page 18
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Addl Evi [evidence] in case of Reynold Johnson
Cap Griswold
James G. Berret
Present
Act 7 June 1832
Honorable James E. Heath
Comms of Pensions
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Miantic Ch 8 June 9
Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
165,109
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Reynolds Johnson
Ct.
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards
Washington D. C.
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Hon. J L Edwards 
Sir
Will you be so good as to send me a copy of the declaration of Reynolds Johnson of Lyme for a pension made under the law of 1832 & of the deposition of Joshua Lester on his behalf & much oblige.  
Your Obt Svt 
Chas J. McCurdy
Lyme Con. Aug. 3 1838
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165119
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East Lyme Ct 8 June 1855 
Hon L P Waldo 
Dear Sir  
Enclosed send you Reynolds Johnson application for Bounty Land and a copy of his pension certificate the number of which is verry plain and is No 32.884 or 32.889.   
Very Respectfully Yours
W H H Comstock
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Washington 20 March 1857 
Honorable Jas E Heath 
Comm. of Pensions 
Sir 
I enclose additional evidence in support Reynold Johnson claim for Pension under the act of 7 June 1832.   
Very Respectfully 
your Obt Svt 
James G. Berret
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W. H. H. Comstock
Answered Sept 6 1853
Reynolds Johnson – Rev
[unreadable]
26472
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East Lyme Ct Sept 1853 
Hon L P  Waldo 
Dear Sir   The applicant Mr Reynolds Johnson for Bounty land is a Revolutionary Pensioner and draws Eighty dollars per annum.  He would like the bounty land if he is entitled to it.   
I am respectfully Your Obt Servt 
W H H Comstock
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Reynolds Johnson 
Ct 
Increase 
Admd [admitted]  June 7 1832 
2 yrs priv- 80$  per annum from 4th March 1831 
deducting former payments 
Cert to S.A. Peugh Present
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Act June 7 1832 
Declaration of George Griswold 
He enlisted in the Coast guards under Lieut or Capt Griswold in 1779 or 80, in service ‘til end of war.  Served with Jeremiah Lester, [unreadable] Jenson &c 
Reynolds Johnson swears to the above service. Johnson is a pensioner the same service
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Reynolds Johnson 
Ct
7 June 1832 
Adl 6 mo Pen $20 per annum from 4 Mch Act 1831-
 Cert sent to 
J. G. Berret
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Reasons for the admission of the claim
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I have examined carefully the claim of Reynolds Johnson in connection with the pension papers of Jeremiah Lester who was allowed a pension at the rate of $80 per annum for similar services, by the Secretary of War, and am of the opinion that the pension of Mr Johnson should be increased to the same rate.   
S. Cole
Oct 7, 1852  
Mr Cole having examined this case requests me to admit it, which I do, after examining it myself and believe it to be made out.
T. Triplett
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Brief in the case of Reynolds Johnson 
County and State of Connecticut 
act June 7 1838 
Claim, ( for increase.) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
When this case was examined before, it seems that the pension papers of Jeremiah Lester were not examined in connexion with it.  The claim for in case is now made & [unreadable]
see Brief, signed by S. Cole 
Name and residence of Agent 
S.A. Peugh Present 
Thornton Triplett 
Examining Clerk.
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State of Connecticut 
New London County } ss East Lyme May 26, 1849. 
On this 26th day of May 1849 personally appeared in open court before the court of Probate now sitting for the district of East Lynn in said New London County Reynolds Johnson a resident of said East Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged eighty four years who being first sworn duly according law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.   
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as is herein stated.   That in the Fall of the year 1779 he entered the service under Capt. John Johnson who held a commission as Captain in the 4th Company of the 3rd Regiment of Connecticut militia,  that Capt. Johnson enlisted about that time some twelve or fourteen men to act as a Coast Guards on Long Island Sound between Connecticut River and New London for the purpose of breaking up the illicit trade that was carried on between the Tories and the British;  that he was
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a member of that Guard enlisted for that purpose; that he served in said Guard throughout the war till Peace- that during the time he was in said guard he assisted in capturing many boats manned with Refugees and Tories and laden with provisions for the British Ships or British goods in exchange for provisions.  That in the month of November 1781 a British whale boat manned by ten refugees, assisted by four Tories living near Blackpoint in said East Lyme landed at said Blackpoint,   secured their boat in the bushes and themselves in the houses of Tories about a week before they were discovered that eight men belonging to said Coast Guard secured the boat and then went in pursuit of the party, that three of the "Guard” were posted between the boat and the tory houses, that the other five went to search the Tory houses, that one of them was taken while reconnoitering  a Tory house, that the other four rushed in rescued him, and [unreadable] in capturing the whole party of refugees and Tories except one,  that he the said Johnson was one of the eight of the Coast Guard who captured the Refugees; that the purpose of the said Refugees and Tories was to assist in capturing and carrying off Gov. Trumbull who resided in Lebanon in N. London County.   Said Johnson further declares that there was no other
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New London County SS Probate district of East Lyme May 26th AD 1849 
Then Personally appeared George Griswold the within named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed to the best of his knowledge & belief.   And I hereby certify that I have personally known Mr George Griswold the within deponent more than fifty years & that his character for truth & veracity is good & his testimony entitled to full credit.   
Edwd R Warren Judge
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3
officer in said Coast Guard except Andrew Griswold who held an Ensigns commission in the same company with Capt. John Johnson.  That he was born in the said town of East Lyme on the 10th day of June 1764. that he had always lived and still lives in said East Lyme that he knows of no record of his age, that he has no documentary evidence of his service and that he knows of no other person living except Griswold whose deposition accompanys this, who can testify as to his service that he never received a written discharge from the service: that he is known to the Rev Frederick Gridly and Peter Comstock residents of said East Lyme, as well as to many others in his neighborhood who can testify as to his veracity and to their belief of his Service as a Revolutionary Soldier.   Said Johnson further declares that he relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State.   Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Reynolds Johnson 
We Frederick Gridley a clergyman residing in the town of East Lyme aforesaid and Peter Comstock living in the same
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town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Reynold Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood when he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.   
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Frederick Gridley 
Peter Comstock 
And the said Court do hereby declare the opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Frederick Gridley who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said East Lyme, and that Peter Comstock who has signed the same is a resident in said East Lyme and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.   
I Moses H. Warren Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of East Lyme aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Reynold Johnson for a pension.   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 26 day of May AD. 1849 
Moses H Warren Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
New London County Probate District of East Lyme May 26th 1849 
Personally appeared before Edward R Warren Esqr Judge of the Court of Probate for said East Lyme district George Griswold who after being duly cautioned and sworn made affidavit as follows to wit: 
That he the said George Griswold, was born in the town of Lyme Now East Lyme on the 13th day of July AD 1766 and that he has ever since lived & resided in said East Lyme and that in the year 1780 or 81 he said deponent volunteered as a private soldier in a coast guard under the command of Andrew Griswold who was ensign of Capt John Johnsons company of Connecticut militia and at the time this deponent joined said guard Reynold Johnson was a member or private in said guard & served in the same, some times in a boat but mostly on the coast, at all times when called upon by day or night & that said Johnson in the month of November 1781 did assist in capturing a boats crew of one officer and eight men all well armed for war & the said nine prisoners were by said guard sent to Jail in Norwich - and that said guard did capture while said Johnson was a member thereof several tory boats & parties trading to Long Island, and that said Johnson was a member of said guard to the end of the war.   
George Griswold
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New London County SS Probate district of East Lyme May 26th AD 1849 
Then Personally appeared George Griswold the within named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by him subscribed to the best of his knowledge & belief. And I hereby certify that I have personally known Mr George Griswold the within deponent more than fifty years & that his character for truth & veracity is good & his testimony entitled to full credit.
 Edwd R Warren Judge
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Reynolds Johnson
Transfer
Page 42

War Department 
Pension Office 
September 30. 1833 
Sir
The State of Connecticut undoubtedly paid the actual services of the flying guards at the Mouth of Connecticut River from July 1781 to May 1782. But the certificate of Mr Phelps as well as the general acts seem that this service was not constant. It seems the officers and men were paid by the day instead of the month as is the case of those in constant service.  Unless the claimant can shew the periods and duration of each term in detail, his pension cannot be computed under the act. The best evidence must also be produced.  The papers are herewith returned.   
I am Respectfully Your Obt Servant 
J L Edwards 
H. M. Waite Esq 
Lyme Connt
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Comptrollers Office May 15th 1833. 
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State Connecticut, do certify that under date, February 4th 1783 upon the journal of the Council of Safety, is the following resolve or, Resolved that the former resolution of this board on the day of respecting the pay allowed to Lieut. Andrew Griswold & the guard under his command at Lyme be reconsidered & "that such further pay and allowance be made to" him & them for said service as on due examination " & consideration shall be found reasonable & just.” 
And under date May 28th 1783, there is upon said journal, the following entry and resolve, viz, 
“On the pay abstract of the flying guard stationed at Lyme, from the 10th day of July 1781 to the 18th day of January 1782 with the time each man was in actual service; and also the pay of tract of said guard from the 18th January to the 22d of May 1782 as the other.  Resolved that Ens. Andrew Griswold be allowed”
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“five shillings and four pence per day for his service and Capt John Johnson as a volunteer in said service principally in the absence of said Ensign five shilling and four pence per day, and the men two shillings and eight pence per day, and that the Committee of  Pay Table adjust and settle the said abstract  accordingly, and draw on the Treasurer for the sum & they find due, to be paid out of the one shilling take payable in April last.” 
Copy & Ens. Griswold 
I further certify that there has not been found any pay, or other roll of said guard, or any document by which the duration of their service can be ascertained.  
E Phelps
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Suspended [unreadable]
Ct
S. A. Peugh
Claim of 
Act of 
STATE of Connecticut 
COUNTY of New London} ss 
Be it known, That on this 4th day of June A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty two before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Reynolds Johnson a resident of East Lyme in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the identical person 
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and soldier at the rate of  - Dollars per annum; that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim. 
Reynolds Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me. Horace  Smith J. Peace. 
I Horace Smith Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that Reynolds Johnson who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Horace Smith J. Peace
State of Connecticut  
County of New London ss 
I, Wm S Brewer Assistant Clerk of the County Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Horace Smith before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this fifth day of June A. D. 1852. 
Wm S Brewer Asst Clerk
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POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims. 
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Reynolds, Johnson 
hereby constitute and appoint D. L. & S. A. Peugh of Washington City my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Mine for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, 
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney, and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises. 
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 4th day of June A.D. 1852. 
Reynolds Johnson 
Signed and Sealed in the presence of 
Horace Smith 
D. L. C. Smith 
STATE of Connecticut 
COUNTY OF New London} ss On this day of June A. D. 1852 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Reynolds Johnson and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year aforesaid. 
Horace Smith Justice of Peace
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STATE OF CONNECTICUT 
County of New London, } ss 
I, JAMES STEDMAN, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby certify that John L. Beckwith & Daniel Chadwick Junr whose names in his own proper hand writing is subscribed to the Certificates on the Instrument hereto attached, were at the date of said Certificate Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly empowered to take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF on this 5th I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, day of March A. D. 1851 
James Stedman Clerk 
revolution were interlined by me E. R. Warren before signing &c
times six months or more all which she said she was willing to make oath to to the best of her knowledge and belief and a few days after I called on her for the purpose of taking her deposition but found her paralized and enable to collect her thoughts & soon after died.   
East Lyme February 10th AD 1851 
Edward R. Warren 
New London County ss East Lyme February 10th AD 1851 
Then personally appeared Edward R Warren the above named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed to the best of his knowledge & belief 
Before me John L Beckwith Justice of the Peace
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* the words “in the war of the revolution” were interlined by me
E. R. Warren before signing &c
I Edward R. Warren of the town of East Lyme in New London County & State of Connecticut being duly cautioned & sworn Depose testify & say that I have personally known Mr. Reynolds Johnson of said East Lyme more than fifty years and that he always had the reputation of being one of the members of the coast guard in said East Lyme in the war of the revolution and I have heard old men now dead. And in particular Andrew Griswold Esq who was reputed to be ensign of said guard speak of the courage & patriation of said R Johnson as one of the resolute boys of said guard.   And Mrs Lydia Latham of said East Lyme aged 92 years but now deceased in my presence and hearing to say that in her opinion the aforesaid Reynold Johnson did serve in said coast guard at different times six months or more all which the said he was willing to make oath to to the best of her knowledge and belief, and a few days after I called on her for the purpose of taking her deposition but found her paralized and unable to collect her thoughts & soon after died.    
East Lyme February 10th AD 1851 
Edward R. Warren 
New London County ss East Lyme February 10th AD 1851 
Then personally appeared Edward R Warren the above named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed to the best of his knowledge & belief 
Before me John Beckwith Justice of the Peace
Page 49

State of Connecticut 
County of New London} ss  Lyme  
On this 21st day of January A.D. 1837. personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for said County and State, Reynold Johnson of said East Lyme in said County, aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following supplemental declaration in order obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States, as stated in his pensions declaration now on file in the Pension office at Washington.   That he was a private in the "Lyme Coast Guard" for a period of three years. That Andrew Griswold was the acting Captain of said Coast Guard, though said Coast Guard was commissioned under Captain John Johnson, the father of the said Reynold Johnson. That the said Reynold Johnson by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of recollection cannot swear positively the number of times said Coast Guard was called out, or the duration of service of each time, but according to the best of his recollection he was in active service not less them one half the time he was a member of Said "Guard", to wit not less than one year and six months.  
He further states that he went
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with said court Guard each and every time it was called out into service, and that at no time was captain Andrew Griswold in active service in said Coast Guard except said Reynold Johnson was with, also in active service.   That the said Reynold Johnson believes that the evidence of said Andrew Griswold in said Coart Guard is on file at Washington.   
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State.    
Reynolds Johnson 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
Daniel Chadwick Justice of the Peace 
James G. Berret
Present
Page 51

Hon Henry M. Waite Esq
Lyme Connecticut
Page 52

State of Connecticut 
Comptroller's office 
Hartford 24 December 1834 
On examination of the books of this office. it appears. That on the 24th May 1782 Ensign Andrew Griswold received an order on the treasurer for the amount of his pay roll Coast Guards in Specie  £ 29.8.8. 
That on the 28th May 1783 Ensign Andrew Griswold received an order in Specie on the treasurer for the amount of his pay roll at Saybrook  £65.14.8. in specie.  
That there are no pay rolls nor any record from which can be ascertained the names of the persons that served nor the time they served under said Griswold.  Said Griswold does not appear to have received pay for any other service in the guards . 
Certified by 
Roger Huntington Comptroller of Public Accounts. 
State of Connecticut 
Comptroller's office 
Hartford 24 December 1834 
On examination of the Journal of the Governor & Council of safety. I find the following entry under date of the 25th May 1782. (viz) "A pay abstract for a flying guard stationed at Lyme, from the 10th day of July 1781 to the 18th January 1782 being laid before this board for their order thereon. Resolved that the committee of payable, be and they are hereby directed to adjust and settle the same, allowing the officers and men at the rate of militiaman save that Captain Johnson freely serving as an Ensign receive pay accordingly; and that they allow in the same manner another pay abstract for the same guard stationed as aforesaid from 18 January to 22nd May following.  
Certified by Roger Huntington 
Comptroller of Public Accounts
Page 53

State of Connecticut 
Comptroller office 
Hartford 24 December 1834 
On examination of the books in this office. it appears that on the 28th May 1783. Captain John Johnson received an order on the treasurer for amount of his payroll New London Alarm £5.0.6.
Also another order for amount of his pay roll £10.4.6.   Also another order for amount of his pay roll Alarm at Saybrook £0.7.9 ½  which appears to be all the payment said Johnson for service in the guards or militia.   
Certified by Roger Huntington 
Comptroller of Public Accounts 
Hartford Dec. 25. 1834 
Dear Sirs 
The Comptroller has examined with care & sent you all he can find relating to the services rendered by my father.  My impression is that my father held some sort of commission under Col. Jonathan Latimer & that I have formerly seen it among his papers, but I am not certain. In the fall of 1813 I carried his papers (as a magistrate) to the Town Clerks office in a bag. But they were not well supported, & I have often thought that I would go & over hand them, but I have never found them.  I presume some private papers might be found among them.   You said nothing about Mr. Johnsons serving under his father, but I thought it possible that he did, & have sent a certificate of the pay of Capt John Johnson.  I have paid the comptroller $1.00 & shall charge nothing.  The certificates (if you dont want all them)  can be saved & such
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26.587
Reynold Johnsons Application for a pension   
Testimony 
1 Joshua Lesters depn.
2  Jeremiah Lesters depn.
3 George Griswolds depn 
4 Comptrollers certificate 
Direct to N Bailey 
Lyme Conn P.M.
Page 55

State of New York 
Delaware County ss I Jeremiah Lester of the town Meredith in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy years and now a pensioner of the United States for services rendered as a soldier during the Revolutionary War being duly sworn deposes and was that he is acquainted with Reynold Johnson of Lyme in the County of New London & State of Connecticut and was so during the Revolutionary War.  That he the said Reynold Johnson during the Revolution resided at time that he entered the service as a private soldier under Capt. Andrew Giswold 1777 to 1783 the close of the War, that he this deponent served with him in said company during that time that the said Capt. was commissioned, Jonathan Trumble [Trumbull] Governor of Connecticut that the company was never attached to any regiment, that the company was stationed between the mouth of Connecticut River and New London with head quarters at Lyme aforesaid that the duty of the company was chiefly to guard the sea coast and that they were engaged by sea and land along the shore, that they had several little skirmishes with the Tories, Long Island traders and some British officers,  that the said Andrew Griswold continued in command of said company till it was disbanded at the close as the War in 1780 and further this deponent saith not.   
Sworn and subscribed before me this 1 day of April 1833 
Jeremiah Lester
Anth M. Paine
Justice of the Peace
Page 56

I Anthony M Paine the Justice of the Peace whom the foregoing deposition was taken do certify that I am well acquainted with Jeremiah Lester who signed and swore to the said deposition and that he is a man of good character and entitled to credit and belief.   Dated April 1 1833 
Anth M. Paine 
Justice of the Peace
State of New York  
County of Delaware ss I Crawford B Sheldon Clerk of the said County do certify that Anthony M. Paine before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn and the person who Executed the above certificate, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his genuine signature.    
Witness my hand and seal of heir this first day of April 1833. 
C B Sheldon Clerk
Page 57

I Joshua Lester of New London in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 69 years on oath depose and say, that I am well acquainted with Reynold Johnson of said Lyme.  We were both born and lived many years in said Lyme. After the enemy had taken possession of Long Island opposite the town of Lyme and New London, and a portion of the inhabitants had fled from Long Island to the main land, in the time of the Revolutionary War, and which I think was in the year 1776, an intercourse commenced between the enemy upon Long Island, and some of the disaffected inhabitants upon the main land and provisions and other necessaries were carried from the main land to the enemy upon Long Island, and British goods were brought back in return. In addition to this the inhabitants who lived upon the sea coast were constantly exposed to depredations from the enemy. They were liable to have their property plundered and their persons captured.  It became very much an object with the authorities of the State of Connecticut to prevent this intercourse and protect the inhabitants upon the sea coast.   
For this perforce Andrew Griswold Esq then of said Lyme, but now deceased, was by authority of the State of Connecticut authorized to raise a Company to defend the inhabitants living upon the sea coast in said Lyme and in the western part of what was then New London.  He accordingly raised a company of about twelve men such as he could at all times confide in, and not long after that received a commission from the Governor of Connecticut.  I am not certain as to the time when this company was raised but according to my best recollection and belief it was as early as the spring of 1778.  It continued to the end of the war.  The said Reynold Johnson, my brother Jeremiah Lester formerly of said Lyme but now of Merideth in the State of New York, George Griswold & myself all belonged to said company, and
Page 58

are the only persons were living that did belong to said company. The said Johnson, my brother and myself entered said company when it was first formed and continued in it to the end of the war.   
Just before the company was raised Joseph Smith a respectable inhabitant of said Lyme and constable of said town of Lyme, had seized some goods illegally brought into said Lyme and as such Constable kept them in his house.  A British ship at that time was lying in the wind, opposite his house which was about three miles from the shore. The said Smith was one afternoon just at night forcibly seized by a company of Tories and forcibly carried toward the sea in the direction of the ship. He succeeded however escaping from his captors, fled & gave the alarm and the said Andrew Griswold with a party he suddenly raised, pursued and made prisoners of the Tories, and caused them to be punished. A drum was beaten all night on board said ship to give notice as it was then supposed, where she was so that the party who took and Smith might bring him in toward.  The object in taking Smith was to intimidate the inhabitants being upon the sea coast and prevent their taking measures stop the illicit trade, and in consequent the inhabitants were much alarmed.   This circumstance and others of a like nature  was the cause of forming our company.  
During the war after our company was raised we made many captures both on land and on the sea. We had boats belonging to our guard and we cruised much in them.  We also served much on the land. At one time after the burning of New London,  right after our company captured a boat and nine of the crew on board, who had landed in said Lyme for the purpose as it was there said of arresting in taking Governor Trumbull,  Governor of the
Page 59

State of Connecticut residing in Lebanon and carrying him to the enemy. We took the whole  crew of the Boat of the enemy, which was manned by ten men, except one who escaped in the dark, and carried them to Norwich and afterwards to Hartford.  The said Johnson, my brother & myself were among the eight that took the men. 
As the intercourse with the enemy was principally carried on in the night season and as was a great object with the authorities of our state to break up and prevent that intercourse. We were required to be out much in the night season frequently and whole nights.  We continued in service until peace took place.   
John Johnson the father of the said Reynold Johnson acted as the Captain of our company in the absence of the said Andrew Griswold and all the rest of our company served as privates.    We were raised by authority of the State of Connecticut and paid for our services by the State. 
According to my best recollection & belief the said Reynold Johnson belonged to the same company and served in the the whole time I did.  
Joshua Lester
Page 60

State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss New London June 20 1833 
Personally appeared Joshua Lester and before me subscribed and made oath to the truth of the  foregoing deposition.  
And I  hereby certify that Joshua Lester is personally known to me and is a credible person.  
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
Page 61

I George Griswold of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 66 years on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with Reynold Johnson of said Lyme.  We were both born in said Lyme and have ever since lived within two miles of each other.  
After the enemy in the time of the Revolutionary War, had taken possession of Long Island opposite the towns of Lyme and Waterford, which was then a part of the town of New London, a part of the inhabitants fled from Long Island to the main land.  This I think was in the year 1775. After that time an intercourse commenced between the enemy upon Long Island, and some who were adherents of the enemy upon the main land, and provisions and other necessaries were sometimes carried from the main land to the enemy and British goods were brought back in return. It became very much an object with the authorities of the State of Connecticut to stop as far as practicable that intercourse.  The persons and property of the inhabitants living upon the sea coast were constantly exposed to the depredations of the enemy who were for a number of years in possession of Long Island Sound & Long Island. 
For the purpose of breaking up this intercourse and protecting the persons & property of the inhabitants upon the sea coast my uncle Andrew Griswold Esqr by some authority under the State of Connecticut raised a company of such men as he could at all times confide in. It consisted of about twelve men, all of whom are now dead, except the said Johnson, Joshua Lester formerly of said Lyme but now New London in said County of New
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London, Jeremiah Lester then of said Lyme but now of the Town of Meredith in the County of Delaware and State of New York, & myself.  I was at that time young but with my father Samuel Griswold joined the company.  The father of the said Johnson who was also at that time young also belonged to the same company. After this company was formed, the said Andrew Griswold received a commission as I understood at the time from the Governor of the State.   I am not able to state at what time he was commissioned but it was a number of years before the close of the revolutionary war and the company continued until the end of the war and we four all belonged to said company until peace took hold.  We had boats and sometimes cruised in the sound and sometimes cruised when the land was [unreadable] .  Our business was to defend the sea coast in the eastern part of Lyme and western part of what was there New London adjoining said Lyme.   The intercourse with the enemy was principally carried on the night season, and for that purpose we often cruised in the night season, and slept in the day time and sometimes we cruised in the day time.  
Before this company was formed Joseph Smith a very respectable inhabitant of said Lyme, and one of the Constable of said Town had as such constable seized some  British goods brought into said Lyme and [unreadable] them in his house about three miles from the sea shore.   The tories broke into his house to retake their goods but were unable to find them.  At this time a  British ship was anchored off the sea coast opposite his house and remained there some time.  Toward night one day while the ship was
Page 63

coast opposite his house and remained there some time.  Toward night while the ship lay anchored as aforesaid the said Smith was forcibly seized in his house by a company of the adherents of the enemy, mounted upon a horse and carried toward the sea-shore, by accident he escaped, gave the alarm, and the criminal part of the Company were captured by the said Andrew Griswold & his assistants and were carried before a court the night following this arrest, and a drum was beaten on board said ship all night as was supposed to give notice where the ship was, the night being very dark.   It was generally supposed that the object of taking said Smith may to carry him a prisoner on board of said ship and thereby strike a dread among the inhabitants of the town, & present them from taking measures to stop the intercourse with the enemy.  The inhabitants in consequence became very much alarmed, and this circumstance was one cause for raising the guard to which he belonged.   
As I was the youngest of the guard and lived the fartherest from the sea coast of any of the guard  except my father I was not called out as often as the rest of the Guard. I cannot positively say how long the guard continued in service, or rather I am unable day in what year it was raised but I am confident it must have continue as much as three years and I know it continued until the end of the war.  
This company to which we belonged made many captures during the year by sea & land-- One circumstance in particular both
Page 64

I well remember. in the month of November 1781 - as near as I can recollect and after the burning of New London, a British Whale Boat manned by ten of the enemy refugees, came to a place in said Lyme called Black point and there the crew concealed their boat in the bushes, and secreted themselves in the houses of some persons who were Tories and in the woods near.   They remained there about a week.   Their object was, as it was said at the time, to seize the Governor of the State Connecticut and carry him to the enemy.   Governor Trumball then governor of the State resided at Lebanon.   Our company obtained information of them and eight of our Company went and seized the Boat and then hunted for the men. This was in the night They were found in the house of one Beckwith who belonged to the company of the enemy and after a desperate conflict the whole ten of the enemy except one who escaped in the dark, were taken prisoner.  They were kept in Lyme two nights - Two then marched to Norwich and there [unreadable] came to carry them to Hartford.  The said Johnson & the two Lesters were of the eight that that took them.  They three and myself & some others of the company guarded them while they remained in Lyme and the two Lesters & myself marched with them to Norwich and Jeremiah Lester was one of those that went to Hartford as a guard over them. When we arrived at Norwich the said Andrew Griswold who had been to Lebanon to see the Governor,
Page 65

After that I heard the Captain of the party of the enemy say with great joy to his men the Governor says my commission is good and I’ll be in New York in three weeks from this time. 
The said Johnson and the two Lesters entered the company when it was first formed and all of them continued in it to the end of the war. They were raised by authority of the State of Connecticut and the soldiers in it were paid by the State of Connecticut in the same manner as other soldiers in the Militia were paid, while in actual service.  Whenever the said Andrew Griswold was absent,  John Johnson the father of said Reynold had command of the company and I recollect seeing a return to that effect made by the said Andrew Griswold.  All the rest of the company served as privates and received pay as such.  
George Griswold  
State of Connecticut 
County of New London} ss Lyme June AD 1833 
Personally appeared George Griswold and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition before me.  And I certify that the said George  Griswold is personally known to me and  is a respectable man in the town of Lyme and a credible Witness.   
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
Page 66

Rev Sec
28 Perkins Ave, Norwich, Nov. 8, 1922 
Dear Sir
Will you please send me the date of the marriage of Reynolds Johnson of East Lyme Conn and Phebe Smith?   Reynolds was born Lyme Conn (now E. Lyme) June 6  1764 & died June 16, 1859.  Was in the Flying Guards and helped capture the party of tories who came over from Long Island in 1781 to kidnap
Page 67

Gov. Trumbull.  He was granted a soldiers pension No. 13,544, Bounty Land Warrant 26472-160-55 in 1833.  His pension papers must have the date of his marriage, which I must have for D.A.R. Paper.  
Thanking you in advance for this favor, I am yours very truly 
(Miss) Eliza W. Avery
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NO. 5386
The Stockgrowers National Bank 
ESTABLISHED 1885 
J. W. BERRYMAN PRESIDENT 
D. C. RHODES V. PRES & CASHIER 
CHAS. W. AVERY, ASSISTANT CASHIER 
W. H. STEVENSON. ASSISTANT CASHIER 
Ashland, Kansas   June 1st, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen: 
I would like data on the Revolutionary War service of my ancestor, Reynold Johnson, who was born 1761, died Jan. 16, 1859 at Lyme, Connecticut, married Pheobe Smith. He was a Revolutionary War pensioner from Connecticut. 
Thanking you, 
Sincerely, 
Katherine B. Avery 
(Miss) Katherine B. Avery.
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE  JUNE 1931
Page 69

H
Page 70

Hartford, Conn. April 11th 1926 
Revolutionary War Records Section 
Pension Dept. Washington D.C. 
Please send me Revolutionary war record of Reynolds Johnson, died 1859.  Also of Ebenezer Godard died Nov. 13 – 1843.   We wish to get headstones for these Veterans.  
Yours very Truly 
Chas R. Hale 
Hartford
Page 71

Rev. War Section.
December 7, 1922.  
Miss Eliza W. Avery, 
28 Perkins Avenue, 
Norwich, Conn. 
Madam:-  
In response to your letter dated November 8, 1922, you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Reynolds Johnson, S. File No. 13544, there is no reference to his marriage, wife or children. 
Very respectfully yours,
 Commissioner.
Page 72

Tombstone data only on this
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. 
June 18, 1923.
Chas. R. Hale, 
22 Capitol Ave. 
Hartford, Conn. 
Sir:  
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15153, it appears that Ebenezer Godard enlisted in May 1776, and served as private for one year in Capt. O. Pettibone's Co., Col. Andrew Ward's Conn. Regiment. He enlisted in April 1778 and served eight months in Capt. William Judd's Co., Col. Samuel Wyllys' Conn. Regiment. He enlisted in 1779 and served nine months in Capt. Lemuel Clift's Company, Col. Sumner's Conn. Regiment. He was appointed Second Sergeant on July 28, 1780, of the First Company, of the Second Battalion of Foot of Conn and was discharged January 1, 1781. 
The dates and places of his birth and death are not on record. In 1832 he was eighty years old and a resident of Granby, Conn. He was allowed pension. 
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 13544, it appears that Reynolds Johnson was born at Lyme Conn, June 8, or 10, 1784. He was living there in 1832. He was allowed pension. The date and place of his death are not on record.
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He enlisted in the fall of 1778 and served as a private for three years in the Sea Coast Guard of Lyme, Conn., under Captain John Johnson and Ensign Andrew Griswold. 
Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT, 
Commissioner.