Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13659, for Rufus Kingsley, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Kingsley, Rufus

NUMBER
S. 13659
carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

11.882 
Pennsylvania 
Rufus Kingsley of Susque’a [Susquehanna] in the State of Penna who was a Drummer in the company commanded by Captain Johnson of the Regt commanded by Col. Ely of the Connt. Troops for 2 years.   
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 88 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of July 1833 and sent to A Dimock  Montrose Pa
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  176.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833 44.00 
$220.00 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. Brown. Clerk 
Book E Vol. 5 Page 31
Page 3

Sep - 26
Declaration of
Rufus Kingsley in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
10051
Page 4

Certificate respecting the character and reports f service of Rufus Kingsley an applicant for pension.
Page 5

State of Pennsylvania  
Susquehanna County}  ss 
 Personally appeared before Hosea Tiffany Esquire one of the Justices of the peace, in and for the County of Susquehanna aforesaid Rufus Kingsley of Harford township in the said County aged seventy years, and an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th day of June 1832 and being duly sworn according to Law, in answer to the interrogatories presented by the regulations of the war department under said act of Congress doth on his oath depose and say –
1st That he was born in the town of Windham & County of Windham State of Connecticut the 12th day of April 1763 
2nd Has no record of his age in his possession, but that he has been informed by his parents, that his age is recorded on the town Books at Windham aforesaid 
3d At the time he was called into service he was living in the town of Windham aforesaid from thence he removed to the State of Pennsylvania where he now resides, in Susquehanna County
4th By the Consent of his parents, he inlisted as a Drummer at Windham aforesaid into the Connecticut State troops in the month of April or May 1775 in Capt O. Johnson's Company, that Col Storrs first had command of the Regiment & after him, Col Durkee who then belonged to the Provincial or States troops.  That the manner in which he was called into service are detailed in his declaration. That he was at no time enlisted in the Continental line.   
5th The names of officers who were with the troops where he served were Col. Storrs, Col Durkee, Col Ely, Major Ledyard, Gen Putnam was with the troops and had command until Gen Washingtons arrival, and the general circumstances of his services are fully detailed in his declaration 
6th He received a written discharge signed by Col Durkee which is lost or destroyed. This was the only written discharge he ever received 
7th That Hiram Finch & Stephen Ellis have testified to his character for veracity and their belief of his revolutionary services  and he verily believes his neighbours generally to whom he has been know for any length of time, would testify to the same
Rufus Kingsley
May 24th 1833 personally appeared before the subscriber the said Rufus Kingsley to me well known as a man of credibility & to whose testimony full credit may be given & subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition
Hosea Tiffany
Page 6

State of Pennsylvania 
Susquehanna County } ss I Asa Dimock Jr Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas of said County Do hereby Certify that Hosea Tiffany esquire whose signature in his own proper hand writing appears to the attestation of the within affidavit subscribed, is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County of Susquehanna duly commissioned and qualified according to law, as appears of record, and that full faith and credit should given to his official acts 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Montrose, the twenty fourth day of May AD 1833, Asa Dimock Jr Pro
Page 7

State of Pennsylvania
County of Susquehanna}  SS. On this tenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two, personally appeared in open court, before his Honor Edward Herrick President Judge, and William Thompson and Davis Dimock associate Judges of the Court of Common pleas, now sitting, Rufus Kingsley, a resident of Harford township in the & County of Susquehanna and State of Pennsylvania, being in the seventieth year of his age, 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 7th 1832 – 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. – 
That at the age of twelve years, then residing in the town and County of Windham, State of Connecticut and at the urgent request of Officers & Soldiers going from that place, and with the consent of my Father in the month of April 1775, I enlisted as a drummer for eight months in the company commanded by Capt Obadiah Johnson,  Joined the army at Cambridge, I think in the month of May of the same year.  The regiment was commanded first by Col. Storrs, and afterwards by Col. Durkee of Norwich Connecticut.  Was in the reserve, and under arms at the day during the battle at Bunkers hill.  One half of our regiment being in the battle, and the other half in the reserve. Served the time of my enlistment out and was regularly discharged. 
In 1776, I think in the month of July, the militia company in which I served as drummer, being called into service, marched with said company as their drummer, commanded by Capt Samuel Morgan of Windham, who then being sick, the company was marched under the command of Lieutenant John Kingsley my Father.  Joined the army under General Washington, near fort Washington - served three months and was regularly discharged.   
In the spring of 1777, I again enlisted as drummer for eight months, under Capt Mosely of Hampton, County
Page 8

Windham, and State of Connecticut joined the regiment commanded by Col. Ely of Saybrook Connecticut,  marched to New London and encamped near fort Trumbull, repaired or new built that fort then marched to Rhode Island returned again to New London,  soon after marched to Norwalk in Connecticut thence on to Long Island in this last movement, a part of the regiment of regular troops under Col. Webb marched with us.  On Long Island we had a battle with a party of British who landed from some of their ships for the purpose of plunder and procuring supplies, killed many of them, and took some prisoners.  Returned again to New London, my term of service now being out, I was regularly discharged.  
Also in May or June 1778, I enlisted again as drummer under Capt Bingham of Windham County Connecticut, for three months.  Marched to Groton in New London County Connecticut. Kept garrison at fort Griswold commanded at that time by Major Ledyard - served the said term out and was regularly discharged.  
In 1779. I think in the month of July, I again enlisted as drummer for three months under Capt Sumner of Ashford in the County of Windham and State as aforesaid, marched to Providence Rhode Island and joined other troops stationed for the defence of the place - served the above time out and was regularly discharged. 
In the several tours as above stated I served my Country in the war of the Revolution, amounting in the whole to twenty five months and being very young when I first entered the service, and not realizing the importance of preserving my discharges, they are all lost, and it is not now in my power of availing myself of any documentary evidence to substantiate my claims.  Having long since removed from my native State, to the place where I now reside, and not having it in my power to procure any living witnesses to attest to my services, I have thought proper to append to this statement the testimony of Joseph Raynsford (now dead)
Page 9

who testified as to my first tour of service in Capt Johnsons Company before Joshua W Raynsford Esqr on the 6th of November 1830 as I Then making arrangements to apply to congress for a pension.  The certificate of Joshua W Raynsford Justice of the Peace, as to the testimony of Joseph Raynsford will be found further or in this document.   
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of  any State or agency whatever.  
Rufus Kingsley 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. the open Court 
Asa Dimock Jr Prot 
We Hiram Finch residing in the Borough of Montrose Susquehanna County Pennsylvania and Stephen Ellis residing in the town of Herrick of County and State aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Rufus Kingsley, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; and that we believe him to be about seventy 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. 
Hiram Finch
Stephen Ellis
Subscribed and sworn or  affirmed in open Court Sept 10th 1832 
Asa Dimock Jr. Prot 
And the said Court do hereby declare their 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 Hiram Finch who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the County of Susquehanna and State of
Page 10

Pennsylvania, and that Stephen Ellis who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County and State as aforesaid, and a credible persons, and their statement is entitled to credit 
By the Court  Asa Dimock Jr Prot 
State of Pennsylvania 
Susquehanna County ss.}  I Asa Dunnock Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Rufus Kingsley for a pension 
In Testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and seal of Office at Montrose the tenth day of September AD 1832 
Asa Dimock Jr Prot
Page 11

I the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Susquehanna, State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that Rufus Kingsley with a view to obtain a pension, did on the sixth day of November 1838 produce before me, Joseph Raynsford, since deceased, who did at the above time, make oath to and subscribe the following affidavit in words & figures as follows To wit: 
“Susquehanna County ss 
“Personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Susquehanna, Joseph Raynsford of Montrose, in the County aforesaid, and made oath that in the summer of 1775 Rufus Kingsley was drummer in the company commanded by Capt Obadiah Johnson, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Storrs, afterward by Colonel Durkee; this was the first year of the Revolutionary War at Boston and further saith not. “
“Joseph Raynsford”
Sworn and subscribed before me Nov. 6. 1830" 
Joshua W Raynsford 
Certified, and subscribed by me this tenth day of September AD 1832. 
Joshua W. Raynsford 
State of Pennsylvania 
Susquehanna County ss}  I Asa Dimock  Jur  Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas of said County do certify, that Joshua W Raynsford Esqr. before whom the above recited affidavit of Joseph Raynsford appears to have been taken, and to which he has certified is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn according to
Page 12

Law as appears of record; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice, verily believe that the signature "Joshua W Raynsford”, in the certificate of the above and annexed affidavit, is genuine, and in the proper hand writing of said Justice.  
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Montrose the tenth day of September AD 1832, 
Asa Dimock Jr Prot
I do further certify that before whom the certificate of  - clergyman and -  appears to have been taken is also an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn according to law, as appears of record and being well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice, I do very believe that the signature thereunto subscribed is genuine. and in the proper hand writing of said Justice 
Witness as aforesaid
Page 13

The within are the names of the officers & privates of the Company to which I belonged in 1775. so far as I can recollect them. If the Roll is to be found in the War Department it will show whether I am correct.   
Rufus Kingsley
Page 14

Obediah Johnson Capt
Epharem Lyon a Lieut
Wills Cleft a Lieut
Abner Robinson Ensign 
John Howard Serg 
Benjamin Holt  Ser
William Adams Ser 
Corpl Do not Recollect
Musick [Music]  
Enoch Kingsley
Timothy Underwood fifers  
Rufus Kingsley Drummer
Privates James Addams 
Ebenezer Kingsley 
Salmon Kingsley 
Elijah Bennet 
Josiah Underwood 
Cotrel Smith 
Ebenezer Butts 
Asahel Bottum 
John Cary 
Elisha Leach 
Jonathan Hallet 
Ebenezer Hebard 
Joseph Raynsford 
Charles Justin
Page 15

Whereas Rufus Kingsley of Harford township Susquehanna County Pennsylvania, being about to apply for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832.  We the undersigned subscribers hereto, living in the neighborhood of, and being well acquainted with the said Rufus Kingsley for about fifteen or twenty years do certify that in case he cannot make direct proof of service, that we believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and that his statement of services rendered our country in the war of the Revolution is entitled to full credit and belief.   And we further state, that by common report it has always been understood that the said Rufus Kingsley entered the service of his country as above while very young, and served as drummer of which service agreeably to his statement we have never heard a doubt expressed.  
Dated Harford August 8th 1832 
Fred’k Bailey 
Elias Sweet 
James Smith 
Esek H Palmer 
George M. Gere  
Freeman Peck  
Elias Carpenter 
Levi C. Aldrich 
Ezekial Titus 
Alfred Tiffany 
Joseph Chapman 
I Asa Dimock Jr. Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county  do certify that each of the individuals who have signed this Certificate for Rufus Kingsley and know them to be men of Respectability and whose statements and veracity may be relied upon. 
Witness my hand and seal of office at Montrose September 10th AD 1832.
Asa Dimock Jr Prot
Page 16

16651  
Rufus Kingsley Susquehanna Co Pennsylvania 
Admitted 2 years 
$88 
Asa Dimock Montrose Susquehanna Co Pennsylvania
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office, 
Sir. 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, showing the Service of  Rufus Kingsley Susquehanna Co Penn
Period when the service was rendered.   Enlist April 1775   Duration of Claimant’s Service.  8 Months   Rank of claimant.  Drummer   Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.  Col Storrs, Col Durkee     Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.   Age 70 Windham Connt.   Proof by which the declaration is supported.  Traditionary  Joseph Raynsford - deceased. 
Period when the service was rendered.  July 1776    Duration of Claimant’s Service.  3 Months  Rank of claimant.  Drummer   Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.    - 
Period when the service was rendered.  1777   Duration of Claimant’s Service.  8 Months   Rank of claimant.   Drummer   Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   Col. Ely
Period when the service was rendered.   May or June 1778   Duration of Claimant’s Service.   3 Months  Rank of claimant.  Drummer  Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   Major Ledyard
Period when the service was rendered.  July 1779   Duration of Claimant’s Service. 3 Months   Rank of claimant.   Drummer   Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   -I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 18

2            
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.            
The following regulations have been adopted:                  
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.              
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:  
1. The Regular Troops.  
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.    
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.             
4. Indian Spies.                 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.             
DECLARATION.                        
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.           
State, Territory, or District of 
County of } ss.
On this day of A.B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before in the county of and State, Territory or District years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the in the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:    
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]            
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only that of Agency in the State of    
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]            
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I of the Court of hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of for a pension.               
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c.            
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.          
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be and C.D. residing in (the same) who has 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.                 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]     
And the said Court do hereby declare their 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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.               
I, Clerk of the Court of contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c.         
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.            
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his  alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 19

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.            
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.    
1. Where and in what year were you born?                
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?          
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?               
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?              
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.           
6. To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what Town officer has become of it?              
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.                 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.         
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject     
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.        
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed his genuine signature.          
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the person of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.        
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.    
[b]   The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.     
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.    
[d]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e]  Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.        
Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year - months , and days , I served as a - months and --- days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension."   
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.    
[f]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g]  The opinion of the Court is always required.  
[h]  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i]  The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.               
Mode of authenticating papers.              
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.   [unreadable]      
Proof of Service.         
[j]  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[unreadable] 
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j]  applies to continental troops only.     
[k]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.        
Not on the rolls of Storrs & Durkee's regiment. See Note j - he should produce another witness.  Applicant never belonged to the Continental - he says this service in this Regiment was in 1775 before the Continental Establishment.
Page 20

February 13, 1936   
BA-J/MCS 
Rufus Kingsley, S.13659
Mr. John H. Wood 
609 Greeves Street 
Kane, Pennsylvania Dear Sir: 
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 13659, based upon the military service of Rufus Kingsley. 
He was born April 12, 1763, at Windham, Connecticut. 
While living in Windham, Connecticut, he enlisted in April or May, 1775, and served eight months as drummer in Captain Obadiah Johnson's company in a Connecticut regiment commanded first by Colonel Storrs and afterwards by Colonel Durkee. He enlisted in July, 1776, and served three months as drummer in Captain Samuel Morgan's Connecticut company who at this time was sick and the company was commanded by soldier's father, Lieutenant John Kingsley. He enlisted in the spring of 1777 and served eight months as drummer in Captain Mosely's company in Colonel Ely's Connecticut regiment and was in the battle of Long Island. He on listed in May or June, 1778, and served three months as drummer in Captain Bingham's Connecticut company. He enlisted in July, 1779, and served three months as drummer in Captain Sumner's Connecticut company. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 10, 1832, at which time he was living in Harford Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, having moved there from Windham, Connecticut. 
This soldier stated that the following served with him in 1775, relationship not given: Enoch Kingsley, Ebenezer Kingsley and Salmon Kingsley. 
The papers in this claim contain no data relative to wife and children of soldier. 
Very truly yours A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 21

February 13, 1936 
BA-J/MMHF:MLB 
RUFUS KINGSLEY S. 13659 OWN
Mr. John H. Wood 
609 Greeves Street 
Kane, Pennsylvania 
Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your letters in which you request photo static copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War claims for pension based upon service of Rufus Kingsley, of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, a pensioner, and William Wood, of Connecticut. 
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of a William Wood or Woods who served in the Connecticut troops, or who applied for pension while residing in Connecticut.  
 The papers in the claim for pension of Rufus Kingsley are found to be very brittle and frail indeed. To make photostatic copies requires extra handling, of course, which is necessarily injurious to such old documents. 
The papers in this pension claim, S. 13659, have all been examined very carefully and the data found in regard to age, family, residences, service, etc., have been incorporated in a report for you, which is enclosed herewith. These official reports have been accepted by various historical, patriotic and genealogical societies as authentic. 
It is hoped that this report will be just what you need in your research. If, however, you find these data inadequate, the matter will be given further consideration. It might interest you to know that should you be in Washington some future time, you may examine and collect data from this claim for pension, now on file in the Navy Building, 19th and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room 1851. 
It is regretted that your letter of January 9 could not have been answered sooner. The demand for Revolutionary War data is great and the trained clerical force available for furnishing such
Page 22

information is limited.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 23

for a statement of the military history of Rufus Kingsley a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for a pension on file in this Bureau.  S. F. 13659
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Apr or May 1775  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  8 mos  RANK. Drummer  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. Captain Obadiah Johnson  Colonel Storrs Colonel Durkee STATE. Conn.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   July 1776  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 mos.  RANK. Drummer  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Samuel Morgan, Lieut John Kingsley  STATE.  Conn
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   Spring 1777   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  8 mos  RANK. Drummer  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Captain Moseley  STATE.  Conn
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.   May or June 1778  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 mos.  RANK. Drummer  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.   Captain Bingham  STATE.  Conn
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  July 1779   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 mos.  RANK. Drummer  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Sumner  STATE.  Conn
Battles engaged in
Residence of Soldier at enlistment, Windham, Windham Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept 10, 1832, cl. al [claim allowed]
Residence at date of application, Harford Twp., Susquehanna Co., Pa.
Age at date of application, b. [born] at Windham Conn., Apr 12, 1763
Remarks: Soldier was the son of Lt. John Kingsley who commanded Captain Morgan’s Co in July 1776, who was then [unreadable]
Page 24

March 11 - 98. Frank B. Lamb Westfield, N.Y. 
Dec 15" 1879 Hon. J. P. Dolliver House of Reps 
1908. Sept. 23. Hist to Miss Harriet Fuller, Vineland, N.J.  
1912, Sept. 23. Hist. to Joseph Foster 
1926 Dec. 11 Photo R.S. Curry AW 
1926 Feb 13 Hist to Mr. John Wood MCA. 
Rev War 13659
INVALID
File No. 13, 659 
Rufus Kingsley 
Drummer Rev War 
Act: June 7th 1832 
Index: -- Vol.  1 Page 208 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

HK
Westfield New York, March 6-1898 
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sirs  In a recent news paper I read that you could look up the of two military Records of two ancestors for any applicant.   I would like the Revolutionary records of two following  
Rufus Kingsley He lived in Windham County, Conn at the time of  his service, Later in life at Harford, Penna wife’s name was Lucinda Cutler 
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE MAR 18 1898
Joel Hall born at Enfield but probably living in Halifax Windham Co. Vermont when in service or at least lived there after war.   Wifes name was Elizabeth Bush 
The above wanted for a family history
Page 26

report on these as soon as possible.  
Very Truly Yours 
Frank B. Lamb
[stamp] OLD WAR & NAVY FILES MAR 10 1898
Page 27

Rufus Kingsley 
Rev Com  
MC
SF 13659
219 East Ave  
Vineland, N.J 
Sept. 12 - 08. 
Pension Bureau 
Washington D.C.  
Will you kindly look up for me the record Rufus Kingsley who enlisted  as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  We believe he enlisted
Page 28

from New London, Conn 
He received a pension up to the time of his death.   I would like to have his records, 
Yours truly 
(Miss) Harriet K. Fuller 
219 East Ave 
Vineland NJ
[stamp] RECORD DIVISION SEP 16 1908 
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE SEP 14 1908
Page 29

HW 1
Revolutionary Pensions 
26 Middle St. Portsmouth, NH 
Sept 14, 1912 
Sir
Will you please send me the military record stating in what battles engaged, of the Revolutionary soldier  
Rufus Kingsley  born in Windham Conn, April 11, 1763 said to have enlisted May 19, 1775  at the age of 12 years as drummer with Capt. Obediah Johnson, 4th company, Col Israel Putnams regiment, Continental Army and to have applied for pension Sept 19, 1833, from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania He died May 26, 1846 in Harford, Susquehanna Co Penn where he had lived from about 1809  
Respectfully  Joseph Foster 
To the Commissioner of Pensions  Washington
Page 30

6769
3-2233 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS 
Finance Division Dec. 10  1926 
Chief Rev War Section Division 
I have this day received from Miss Kate S. Curry Cash No for $ 75/100  requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith
1926 Dec 11 photos mailed & Finance Div notif AW
O. J. RANDALL Chief Finance Division. 
26-6 L. to CC Dec 10 26
Page 31

December 10, 1926. 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Sir: Please furnish photostat copies of five pages not certified, from the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 13659 of Rufus Kingsley, to 
reed payment $0.75 
A E Wilson Chief Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. 
Kate S. Currey  
1420 Girard St. N.W.  
Washington .
Page 32

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department . Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States. 
L.W.B.
I. 13659
O. W. & N. DIV. 
REVOLUTIONARY. 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15th, 1899. 
Sir
In response to your recent communication, herewith I have the honor to advise you that Rufus Kingsley made an application for pension on September 10, 1832, at which time he was 70 years of age and residing in Susquehanna County, Penna., and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a drummer in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at Windham, Conn., and served under Capt. Johnson and Col. Ely. 
Very respectfully, 
Hon. J. P. Dolliver,
Commissioner.
House of Representatives.
Page 33

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department . Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States. 
L.W.B.
I. 13659
O. W. & N. DIV. 
REVOLUTIONARY. 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS, 
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 15th, 1899. 
Sir
In response to your recent communication, herewith I have the honor to advise you that a very careful search has been made and from the data given the name of Josel Neal has not been found upon the revolutionary war pension records on file in this bureau.
Rufus Kingsley made application for pension September 10, 1832, at which time he was 70 years of age and residing in Susquehanna County, Penna., and his pension was allowed for two years’ actual service as a drummer in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Johnson and Col. Ely.  He enlisted at Windham Conn.
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Mr. Frank B. Lamb
Westfield N.Y.
Page 34

Rev War SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE I-681   PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 11873 
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work. 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
WASHINGTON 
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137. 
Please furnish work specified below. December 10 1928 
Bureau ordering Pension 
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.) 
Title and description of job photostat copies of five pages from the Rev. War pension claim, S. 13659 of Rufus Kingsley 
No. of copies 1 of each page shall form be kept standing? no days 
For further information see A. E. Wilson 5033 Room No. 541 Phone No. 
Approved J. L. Lunsford  A. E.  Wilson Chief of Branch 
Deliver to Room No. 5033   
[stamp] DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED DEC 10 1926 DEPT OF THE INTERIOR
NOTE No order made “SPECIAL" unless statement stating necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering 
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Photostat x size actual   Official use? Repay  yes $0.75
Page 35

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of 
(Date) 
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN. 
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate 
as follows: 
Now reads 
Should read 
Operator Remarks: 
Operator Remarks: 
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION 
ADDRESSOGRAPH --- 
The above change was made Operator 
MULTIGRAPH – 
MIMEOGRAPH
Page 36

Kane and Vicinity Directory    Ridgway Directory    St. Marys Directory   Brookville and Vicinity Directory 
JOHN H. WOOD 
Compiler and Publisher
 CITY BOROUGH AND RURAL DIRECTORIES 
609 Greeves Street 
KANE PENNSYLVANIA 
Jan. 9, 1936
Pension Office, Revolutionary Department, Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen, 
W. Wood and Rufus Kingsley were kin of mine, enlisted in Connecticut during Revolution. of W. Wood I know little. Does his name appear in records? If so what would be the cost of photostatic copies of same? His Record? 
Of Rufus Kingsley I am told that his service record consists of five pages each about 8 1/2 x 14 inches. What would be cost of copies of these? Both the above enlisted from the Connecticut colony I believe. We have always considered Groton, Conn., the ancestral home, but Norwich, New London, and other villages of that time are mixed in traditions. 
Rufus Kingsley removed to Harford, Susquehanna county, Penna., and his application for pension was made and filed from his Penna, home about 1835 or 40. 
Thanking you for attention, 
I remain Very truly yours, 
John H Wood 
John H. Wood.
Page 37

Kane and Vicinity Directory    Ridgway Directory    St. Marys Directory   Brookville and Vicinity Directory 
JOHN H. WOOD 
Compiler and Publisher
 CITY BOROUGH AND RURAL DIRECTORIES 
609 Greeves Street 
KANE PENNSYLVANIA 
Feb. 7, 1936
Pension Office,  
Washington, D.C. 
Gentlemen, 
On Jan 9 1936, I addressed you relative to the records of Rufus Kingsley and Wm. Wood, both soldiers of the Revolution. And asking for their record, with costs of making same. Have no response.
If my query did not reach you, I shall be pleased to detail it again.  May I not have a reply from your usually prompt department?
Very sincerely  yours, 
John H Wood 
John H. Wood.