Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2338, for Joseph P Peters, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Peters, Joseph P.
Lydia
NUMBER  W. 2338
B.L. Wt. 38541-160-55
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27178
New York
Joseph P Peters of Chautauqua in the State of N York who was a fifer & pri in the commanded by Captain Hills of the regt commanded by Col. Wells in the Connecticut line for 
3 months fifer 
7½ months  Corporal 
$38.50. 
Inscribed on the Roll of New York rate of 36 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Nov 1834 and sent to Mrs Lydia Peters Portland N. York 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 126.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending March 4  18.00 
$144.00  
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk, 
Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 54 
See letter 16 Dec 1834 to P. Agt [pension agent] let to Lydia Peters Jan 23. 1844. Copies of papers sent to Hon J. A. Wright Feb 3 1844
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209 Aby 
New York 
Lydia Peters widow of Joseph P. Peters who served in the Revolutionary War, as a Private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 38 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of June 49 and sent to Timothy Judson Portland NY 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 1848, Page 203 Vol 1 
29th July book 8 
Reported 
A. W. [unreadable] Jany 20 / 58 
Mrs. E. P. Chamberlin May 26 / 58
222409
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222.409 Act March 3 / 55 Nov. 12  
Lydia Peters widow Joseph P. Peters 
Joseph W. Peters 
Capt. Wales
Col. Wells
No. 38541 issued May 16 / 56
Revy War
Paid Act July 29 1848
July 48 209
Ac: 160 acres Aug 13 / 56 
Boynton
Claimant Pinland N. Y.
Vol P=60
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No. 18412
Joseph L. Peters NY
i. j.
Joseph P. Peters agent Portland Shatauqua Co. New York
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WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office, 
183
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 Joseph L. Peters of Chatauqua Co. New York
Period when the service was rendered.  Enlisted 1778    Duration of Claimant’s Service.  9 Months   Rank of the claimant.   Teamster   Names and rank of the Company Officers under whom he served.     Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.    Battles in which the applicant was engaged.  Country through which he marched.  To Hartford, to Danbury, to Peekskill     Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.  Hartford Co. Connecticut, Aged 70  Evidence by which the declaration is supported.  Traditionary & Surviving Witness
Period when the service was rendered.  Enlisted 1779   Duration of Claimant’s Service.  3 Months  Rank of the claimant.  Fifer   Names and rank of the Company Officers under whom he served.  Capt Squire Hills   Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.  Colo. McCellter [McCellan}  Battles in which the applicant was engaged.  Country through which he marched.  To Station at New London   
Period when the service was rendered.   Enlisted 1780    Duration of Claimant’s Service.  9 months   Rank of the claimant.  8 only Corpl  Names and rank of the Company Officers under whom he served.  Capt. Nathaniel Wales  Lieut Williams  & Eliott  Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.  Colo. Levi Wells  Battles in which the applicant was engaged.  Country through which he marched.   To Horseneck, to West Point, to the Hightlands opposite West Point.
I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
[unreadable] of being furloughed but not – blank
Service in the enlisted corps of Continental Teamsters is embraced by the Act, but the team service above is not.
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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
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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.         
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. 
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.
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Cop’d 
Cop’d  
Team service disallowed  
Service in Col Wells Regt could have been only 8 Mo.  & says he was discharged a short time before enlistment expired say 7 ½ mo 
Admd.
3 mo fifer 
7 ½ mo Corpl.   
11 
23.33 
1.66 
36.00
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State of New York 
Chautauqua County ss} On this twentyfifth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me Benjamin Walworth one of the judges of the court of common pleas of said County Joseph P. Peters of the town of Northland in said county aged 70 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 7th 1832.    
1st That he was born in the year 1761 on the seventh day of November at Hebron then the County of Westfield now the County of Tolland in Connecticut.
2nd  That he has a record of his age in his family bible and understands that it is also recorded in the clerks office of the town where he was born.  
3rd  that he resided at Hebron aforesaid when he enlisted into the service he immediately after the war studied medicine of Wethersfield in Connecticut that since that time he has resided in Vermont and New York in various places and that he now resides in the town of Northland aforesaid.
4th  that in 1776 he thinks in the other part of April he enlisted under Bissel Phelps conductor of teams for the term of nine months and went to Northford and took loading from commissary goods worth of provisions for the army and carried it to Danbury, left it carried loads from there to Peekskill in N.Y.,  also carried loads to [unreadable]  in N.Y. and some part of
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the [unreadable] collected forage for the army at Danbury,  was discharged at Peekskill in the winter but does not recollect the time.  That he drove a team of three yokes of Oxen which were hired of a man by the name of Luyan of Colchester by the Commissary Wadsworth that he served nine months under said enlistment. 
That in 1779 in the eighteenth year of his age he enlisted into a regiment of minute men and in Capt Squire Hills company and Col McCellans Regiment as a fifer, that he enlisted at Hebron aforesaid and was in the fall and fore part of winter stationed at New London three months and then discharged.  That he enlisted in the month of May and was under half pay at home and full pay when called out and that untill discharged he was liable to be called out at a moments warning.  That 1780 in nineteenth year of his age about the last of April of Hebron aforesaid he enlisted under Lieutenant William Tolcott in Capt Nathaniel Wales company and Col Levi Wells regiment of State troops for the term of nine months as a corporal, Regiment unto at Hartford about two weeks after enlistment went from there immediately to Horseneck and stationed there and about there most of there and scouted against De Lanceys men & Cowboys, there were frequently skirmishes and had some men killed almost every week
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was ordered to West Point about the time of Arnolds treachery, by Gen Arnold, marched to the Highlands opposite West Point after Andre was made prisoner the Regiment was ordered back to Horseneck about a fortnight before under Andres capture Col Wells ordered him (Peters) and another soldier (he thinks) by the name of Gonsey to patrole for a mile or two  towards the enemy, while on this duty saw a man coming on horseback with a white flag and stepped aside when he saw him and when he got against him hailed and was answered a flag of truce from New York and had business with Col. Wells, he then conducted him to the Col’s door,  he the flag wanted to go alone but would not permit him, stopped him at door and informed Col. Wells that  a flag of truce was at the door, was ordered to bring him into the room,  he did so, when got into the room threw down the flag and when the Col asked him who he was he answered a deserter from the British army and brought a flag to escape the scouting parties, that he Deserted because he took offence at the conduct of his officers, Col Wells directed him to a rest and what rank he bore in the British army he replied a Captain (he wore a British uniform) and of the same conversation about his name age & time he had served he was arrested by Col Wells as a
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spy and 14 horsemen of Col Sheldons Regiment then stationed at Horseneck ordered to take him to Gen. Arnold at West point. Gen Arnold wrote back that Col Wells had abused him (the officer)  by calling him a spy and that he was a friend of the States which he ordered to be read to the Regiment and he (Peters) heard it read, after the capture of Andre he learned that it was the same man who had been there sent to Arnold and men who saw Ande knew him to be the same which was also Col Wells opinion. That few days before his time was out Major Peter (Col Wells then a prisoner) gave him a furlough till time expired and he did not rejoin the Regt.  
5th  Col. Sheldons Regt of horse commanded by Major Tallmadge was most of the summer with them.  Recollects Corporal Tippiny of that Regt and trumpeter by the name of Osel Gilbert. 
6th  never received any other discharge than the furlough above mentioned.  Does not know what her become of it.
7th that he is known in his neighbourhood to Timothy Judson, Samuel Tucker, a pensioner, David Skinner, Lemie Hill a pensioner, and all other to whom he is known can testify to his charater for truth
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and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
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. 
Joseph P. Peters
Subscribed and sworn to before me Sept 25th 1832 
B. Walworth Judge Chau Com Pleas 
State of New York 
Chautauqua County ss I James B Lowry Clerk of the said County do Certify that Benjamin Walworth Esquire before whom the the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same
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We Charles Lahatt a clergyman residing in the town of Portland County of Chautauqua and Manseur Brown residing in the above mentioned town hereby certify that we are well  acquainted with Joseph P. Peters who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 70 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. 
Charles Lahatt pastor of the first Baptist Church in Portland County of Chatauqua N.Y.
Manseur Brown of Portland County of Chatauqua  NY
Sworn and subscribed this 25th day of Sept 1832 before me 
B. Walworth 
And I the said judge do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war deportment (the answers to which an embodied in the annexed declaration) that Joseph P Peters the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Charles Lahatt who has signed the above certificate that he is an aged and  respectable clergyman residing in the town of Portland. And that now also acquainted with Manseur Brown who has also signed the same and that he is a resident of Portland aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement
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is entitled to credit and I further certify that the applicant Joseph P Peters is from bodily infirmity unable to attend in court for the purpose of making his declaration. 
B Walworth Judge Chau Com Pleas 
State of New York 
Chautauqua County ss I James B Lowry Clerk of said County do certify that Benjamin Walworth Esquire is Judge as above & within set forth & that above Certificate & the within Certificate of affidavit are genuine.  Witness my hand and seal of Office this 10th day of October 1832  
James B. Lowry Clerk
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1832 James B. Lowry Clerk 
In the matter of Joseph P Peters a Revolutionary soldier
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State of New York 
Chautauqua County ss} Joseph P Peters of Portland in said County being duly sworn deposeth and with in explanation of his declaration made on the 25th day of September last and which is hereunto annexed that under the enlistment in 1779 he served in Captain Squire Hills company the whole of the time 1 mentioned in the said declaration as having served under that enlistment.   That under the enlistment of 1780 mentioned in said declaration he served all the time mentioned in Captain Nathaniel Wales company in Col. Levi Wells regiment and that the furlough mentioned in said declaration was given him by Major Peters on account of ill health, not over five days previous to the expiration of the time of of service for which he had enlisted. That on account of old age, infirmities and subsequent loss of Memory he cannot be more particular in his description of his services than he has been in his declaration.  
Joseph P. Peters
Subscribed & sworn before me August 15th 1839 
B Walworth Judge Chau Com Pleas 
State of New York 
Chautauqua County ss I James B. Lowry Clerk of County of Chautauqua do hereby certify that Benjamin Walworth, was on days of the date of the several affidavits hereunto annexed & now is one of Judges of the County Courts held in & for said County and that his And signatures thereunto affixed is genuine. And I further Certify that the papers hereunto attached contain original proceeds of said Court as appears by my seal of office & my signature thereunto attached.   
Witness my hand & seal of Office this 10th day of October 1833 
Jas B. Lowry Clerk
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N.Y. Nov 13
Resp Jos P. Peters
Portland NY
Nov 6
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
In Haste
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Portland NY
November the 5th 1834
To the honorable J L Edwards 
Sir  we have received your letter of October 24th Dear sir I beg you to bear with me, I must acknowledge we are greatly surprised that we do not get our pension, we cannot imagine your object in withholding it from us as it is our just due and we stand in great need of it, well knowing my husband to be entitled to a pension under the late act of June 7th 1832, we have sacrificed the last dollar we possessed to obtain it, we can do no more neither do we consider ourselves under any obligation to we have done all the act required and more too you rate to us when there was no records to refer to it was necessary to have two witnesses  to be obtained and we obtained three besides the applicant.   
You have the honorable Judge J.P. Peters testimony Judge of the Supreme Court of Connecticut informs you that he was [unreadable] and he well understood that he was in the revolutionary service that he then was and now is a man of truth and veracity,  also his brother General Absalom Peters who personally appeared before you and obtained his pension he informs you in his Testimony that my husband served in the revolution was and is entitled to a pension or to that effect.  Likewise Captain Rhoderick Morrison Esq of Westmoreland in his testimony informed you that he served nine months with him in the same Company.  In your letter to Timothy Natchin instead of Timothy Judson Esq. you suggested the particulars of the minute man service and the particulars have since been sent to you in my husbands affidavit taken before Timothy Judson Esq and certified by the County Clerk. In the same letter you state you had placed My husband on file for eight months there was not a word said about eight months in any of the Testimonys
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we have proved to you beyond a doubt one year Service besides his teaming service, we beg of you to put us to no more unnecessary trouble place my husband on file for one year service, if his teaming service does not come under the act and send us a certificate immediately or we must suffer.  We are not in possession of one dollar to buy a bushel of grain to live upon, we have no friends in this Country able to he support us, our son that we depended on to have supported us in the decline of life was drowned 6 years since and has left us almost helpless and alone and destitute of the Comforts of life. 
Judge Walworth told us he thought we get our pension without much trouble or expence we have been to a great deal of both.  You will please to send your communication to my husband or to Timothy Judson  being unable to get out from home on account of our infirmities and considering our case so plain and well substantiated by good testimony we have no atorney employed to advocate for us our pension will be our only means of support we shall need the whole of it without any more expence.   
Yours respectfully 
Joseph P. Peters 
Lydia Peters
J L Edwards 
Commissioners of Pensions  
N B. please to excuse my repeated solicitations our necessities is the causes would again remind you that my husband has not been able to assist his Family for 2 years next January and my health is very poor and has been for three years past and Cannot walk but by the help of a staff on account of the Rheumatism. we want the comforts of life the little time we have alloted to us in this world Lydia Peters
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State of New York 
County of Chautauqua } ss On this thirtieth day of September One thousand Eight hundred & fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and state of aforesaid Lydia Peters aged Seventy eight years a resident of Portland County & State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of Joseph P. Peters deceased who was a private in the Company Commanded by Captain Wales in the regiment of Infantry Commanded by Colonel Wells in the Revolutionary War, that her said husband either enlisted or volunteered at Hebron State of Connecticut Sometime in the Jun 1778 but does not recollect the exact date for nine months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of nine months, does not remember the place of his discharge or the exact time. She further states that she is a pensioner for her said husbands service as aforesaid which certificate for said pension now in my possession was granted to her under the act of July 29. 1848 for thirty eight dollars & fifty cents per annum said Certificate is dated 12th June 1849 and is signed by T. Ewing as Secty of Interior and by J.L. Edwards as Com of Pensions she further states that she was married to the said Joseph P. Peters at Pittstown Rensselaer County State of New York on the 8th day of April A.D. 1794 by one Durlin Esquire a Justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage was Lydia Day that her said husband died at Portland State of New York on the 21st day of September A.D. 1843 and that she is now a widow and has not married since the death of her said Husband, she
Page 23

makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855. She also says that her said husband was a pensioner at the time of his death as aforesaid for the services rendered in said Revolutionary war, she also says she would refer the Department to her evidence on record their of her Marriage with the said Joseph P. Peters and also of his death, being the evidence on which she receives her present pension which evidence was sent at the time of her application & on which she received her present certificate as aforesaid. She further says that there is no record either public or private of her marriage with the said Joseph P Peters.   
Lydia Peters 
We James H Hulburt and David Hulburt residents of Portland State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was Signed and acknowledged by Lydia Peters in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and the deponents further say that they were severally acquainted with Joseph, P. Peters for the last twenty one years of this life. That they knew the said Joseph P Peters & Lydia Peters during the said twenty one years to live together and cohabit as Husband and wife and were during the said twenty one reputed to be husband & wife by those who knew them. These deponent further say that they were severally present when the said Joseph P Peters died & further say that he died at the residence
Page 24

of the said Deponent J H Hulbert in the Town of Portland on the 21st day of September 1843. There Deponants further say that they have been well acquainted with the said Lydia Peters since the death of her said Husband Joseph P Peters as above stated. That she the said Lydia Peters has resided with this Deponent J M Hulburt most of the time since the death of her said Husband Joseph P Peters and has not since married to the knowledge of these Deponants but is known & has been known as the widow of the said Joseph P Peters Since his death as aforesaid,   
James H. Hulburt 
David Hulburt 
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 
State of New York 
Chautauqua County Clerk's Office } ss I hereby Certify that Theodore S. Moss Esq. whose name is subscribed to the instrument hereto annexed, was, on the day of the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly elected and sworn, and authorized by the laws of this State to administer Oaths and Affirmations. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice, and verily believe that such signature is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, this day of November A.D. 1856. 
R O Green Clerk
Page 25

of the said Deponent J H Hulbert in the Town of Portland on the 21st day of September 1843. There Deponants further say that they have been well acquainted with the said Lydia Peters since the death of her said Husband Joseph P Peters as above stated. That she the said Lydia Peters has resided with this Deponent J M Hulburt most of the time since the death of her said Husband Joseph P Peters and has not since married to the knowledge of these Deponants but is known & has been known as the widow of the said Joseph P Peters Since his death as aforesaid, 
James H. Hulburt 
David Hulburt
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 she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.  
Theodore S. Moss J. P.
Page 26

NY [unreadable] 
Jos P Peters
Corp Company
P
Free
Pension Office
Washington City D.C.
Page 27

November the 5 1843 Portland Chautauqua Co of New York 
Mr. J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of pension 
Sir please to hear my petition and grant my request And if it is possible to send me a certificate for a pension if you would obtain one for me.  I am a lonely widow and infirm Joseph P. Peters the pensioner  Was my lawful husband we were lawfully married at the house of Benjamin Cotsfore my sisters husband. My home at that time in Pittstown in Rensselaer County St of New York by Esq Darlin an acting of the peace on wednesday the 8th day of April in the year AD 1794 before a number of witnesses but they all dead, it will be fifty years the 9th day of next April. I cannot prove my appersion but it of the solemn truth and proof could not make any more true and if it is possible I wish you Would get a certificate for a pension and send it to me I am old and should be very glad to get it.  If you should get it take for fees out of the pension money and if you cannot get one for me please to write to me and let me know that I may think no more about it [unreadable].   Joseph P Peters my husband Died the 21st day of September. he was a kind husband when in his right mind but his mind become deranged And his [unreadable] in body and mind for twenty nine years and could not perform any business to support his family in all that length of time of his memory was good untill his death which caused me to pass through many hardships and I am now troubled with the rheumatism and a small pension would be great help for my support.  I have but one son living he is in Wisconsin Territory and three daughters married.  They live near by.  I am left alone to mourn the loss of my husband that I have lived with nearly 50 years And his pension be please to write and let me know [unreadable]
Page 28

I can obtain one or not.  I am a stranger to you.  I had to state the particulars of my situation so that you might see my necessity was great and you could make up your mind whether I could or ought to have a pension.   I hope you will not neglect my request as not being worthy of your notice but do the best you can for me. And write to me whether you can get one or not with out fail and you will oblige me. 
Lydia Peters
J L Edwards  
Commissioner of Pensions 
N B I have enclosed in this letter the writing that Contained the information of my husband Joseph Peters certificate and pension for the purpose that you might know to the truth.  [unreadable] that it is all truth and I do want to obtain A widdows pension, thirty six dollars a year the sum that my husband obtained that would support And comfort me through life if it could be had.  I wish you would send me a certificate for a pension of thirty six dollars a year if it is consistent.  And you will confer on me a great favor if you get No other blessing I hope the Lord will bless you.  This from your most obedient Servant 
Lydia Peters 
War department 
Pension office
Page 29

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.  3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,  19
W. 2338
In reply to your request of - for a statement of the military history of Joseph Philps Peters
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Apr 1776   LENGTH OF SERVICE. 9 Mos.  
RANK.   Teamster   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. Under Bissel Phelps Conductor of teams   STATE. Conn.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. May 1779   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  3 Mos  RANK.  Fifer   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Squire Hill  Colonel McClellan    STATE.  Conn.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Apr. 1780  LENGTH OF SERVICE.  9 Mos.   RANK.  Corporal   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.  Captain Nathaniel Hill  Colonel Levi Wells  STATE.  
Battles engaged in,  
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hebron Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 25th 1832.  His cl. was al. [his claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application, Portland Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application {b. [born] Nov 7 1761 at Hebron Conn. d. [died] Sept 21, 1843 at Portland N.Y. }
Soldier was the son of Lt. John & Lydia Peters and mar [married] Apr. 8 1794 at Pittstown N. Y. Lydia Day who was born Nov 15 1777.  She was allowed pension on an appl. ex. Nov 9 1843 while a resident of Portland N.Y. They had 3 sons & 3 daughters Eliza P. Chambers is the only one whose name is stated.  Soldier was referred to as Dr. Peters.  Brother “General Absalom Peters.”
Respectfully
Commissioner
Page 30

Apr. 28 / 97 - History to F. D. Hulburt Reedsburg, Wisconsin  
1922 Nov. 4 Hist. to Hon Ben L. Fairchild AW 
1922 Nov. 15. Copies mailed to Hon. B. L. Fairchild AW 
Rev War 11.231 
INVALID. 
File No. 11231 
Joseph Peters 
Corp Rev. War   
Act: June 7 1832  
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 293 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 31

1915 May 24 Hist. to A. C. Thompson
Letter in S. 12084 Daniel Barnes
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 2338 
Lydia Peters, 
Widow 
Joseph P. Peters, 
Priv. Rev. War.  
Act. Feb. 3. 1853. 
Index: -- Vol. M Page 119  
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 32

38.541
160 acres
Page 33

Certificate to be returned and pension Increased from $36 to $38.50 per an
Page 34

[stamp] PORTLAND N.Y. MAY 17
FREE
Lydia Peters = Joseph P 
N.Y. 
24218
J. Minot
Commr Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 35

[stamp] [unreadable] N.Y. 12 MAY
222.1109
Comr of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 36

New York 
Revo  
J. P. Peters 
Suspended 
Note to T. Patchin July 26 1834 
Let to Lydia Peters 24 Oct 34
Admd [admitted]  
Timothy Judson
Page 37

Joseph P. Peters N. Y.
Rev claim
ACT 1832
Wid. ad. 29 I 48 March 2, 09
Lydia Peters N.Y.
For J. D. Woodward by C. C. Mr. Helmick June 1862
Rd to files.
Page 38

Peters  
widow of Joseph P. Peters who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private. 
Conn Line  
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 38 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.  
Certificate of Pension issued the day of June 1849 and sent to  Timothy Judson Portland New York 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 23 Book D. Vol.  1 Book D.
Page 39

[stamp] HARTFORD CT JUNE 23
Doct Joseph Peters Portland Chautauqua County NY
Page 40

I John T. Peters late of Hebron now of Harford in Connecticut being duly sworn upon oath do say that resided in said Hebron during the Revolutionary war & was well acquainted with Joseph Phelps Peters thereof said Hebron who went abroad during said war and as understood & now believe served as a teamster in the Continental army, how long he served. I know not, but he was absent a considerable time, of his military services I have no knowledge or recollection, he then was considered a man of truth. and further say not. 
John T. Peters  
State of Connecticut 
Harford County ss. June 21st 1834 Personally appeared John T Peters well known to me to be credible witness who being duly sworn upon oath declares that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true Before me 
Charles Sigourney Justice Peace
Page 41

State of Connecticut 
Hartford County ss, June 1834   
I Jared Griswold Clerk of the County Court for said County do certify that  -   is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County duly appointed & sworn and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificate is his proper hand writing. 
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name & affix the seal of said Court 
State of Connecticut, 
County of Hartford ss. I James G. Bolles Clerk of the County Court for said County of Hartford, do hereby certify that the within named  Charles Sigourney Esq is a Justice of the Peace within & for s County of Hartford, duly appointed and sworn, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of saod County Court at Hartford this 23 day of June AD 1834, 
James G. Bolles Clerk
Page 42

No 305 
Lydia Peters 
widow of Joseph P. 
NY 
Act 29 July 1848 
Married 1794 
husband died 1843 
Admd  38.50 per an 
From 4 March 1848 
Timothy Judson Portland Chautauqua Co. NY
Page 43

Portland Chaut Co NY May 17/58 
J Minot Commr of Pensions 
Sir, Mrs Lydia Peters Widow of the late Joseph P. Peter a pensioner. of the U.S. Troops served nine months teaming service for which he has received a pension the said Widow Peters employed Mr A. Muzzy of Panama Chaut Co NY & with a power of attorney to collect the back pay on the above named service.  
Mr. Muzzy has returned from Washington has not of informed Widow Peters of the result of his labors, either personally or by letter, merely sent word by the second person that it was rejected.  
Now Widow Peter want to know from you if he (Mr Muzzy) received any thing from the pension Office & if so how much.
You will confer a favor on those interested by informing her as soon as may be 
Direct to 
Eliza P Chamberlin 
Portland Chaut Co. NY
P. S. Eliza P. Chamberlin daughter of J. P. & Lydia Peters}
Page 44

Payment to be made at New York by Prest of Mechanics Bank Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York 
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E2 Vol 4  Page 54 by Danl Boyd Clerk
Page 45

WAR DEPARTMENT 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. 
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Joseph P. Peters of the State of New York who was a fifer and private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty-Six  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. 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 24th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four. 
Lew Cass 
Secretary of War. 
Examined and Countersigned. } 
J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 46

27778
Page 47

War Department 
Pension Office 
25th Novr 1834 
Madam,
Herewith you will receive a pension certificate for your husband Joseph P Peters computed for three months as a fifer in McClellans regt & 7 ½ months as a Corporal in Wells regt excluding his alleged team service, which is not provided for by the Act of 7th June 1832. The service in Wells Regt in 1780 was but 8 months & he declares he was discharged a few days before the expiration of his enlistment It is therefore computed at Seven & a half months. 
I am Respectfully 
Your Obt Servant 
J L. Edwards
Lydia Peters 
Portland New York Lydia Peters
Page 48

Rev Claim –
of  Lydia  Peters 
Joseph P Peters 
New York 
Ad 29 j 48 
Husband certificate under act 1832 
Oct 12th 1854 
Please call up the case- 
A W. Muzzy Present. 
Widow Peters Certificate and request-
Page 49

Mr. A. W. Muzzy 
Panama NY
Sir 
My late Husband, Joseph P Peters was a pensioner at the rate of $36 per year (Act 1832) and I receive a pension at the rate of $38.50 under Act of July 29 1848. 
My Husband all ways claimed that he served nine months as a Teamster and one month he was sick but for neither of said periods of service did he ever receive any pension and I hereby authorize and request you to examine his papers at the pension office or elsewhere - and to prosecute said claims for said arrears or increase of pension.  Dated Portland Chautauqua Co. NY - August 26 -1857 
Lydia Peters
Joseph C. Hulburt Witness
Page 50

State of New York 
Oneida County ss 
Roderick Morrison Esqr of Westmoreland in said county being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that he is sixty nine years of age, that in the year 1780 this deponent resided in the town of Hebron, (then Hartford County, now Tolland County) in the State of Connecticut, that on or about the fifth day of April in said year 1780, he this deponent enlisted into Capt. Nathaniel Wales company, in Col. Levi Wills regiment of Connecticut state troops as a soldier in the Revolutionary war; that the said Deponent marched with said regiment the forepart of May, in said year, to New Haven from thence to Horseneck to White Plains, New Rochelle, Sawpit,   Greenwich, & said regiment spent the summer & fall & fore part of the ensueing winter, on the lines (so called) that this deponent was discharged from said regiment the fore part of January, in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty one;  that this deponent before he enlisted as above was well acquainted with Joseph P. Peters, then of said Hebron, but now of Chautauqua County in the state of New York, that when this deponent joined said regiment in May 1780 he found said Peters in said Wales' company acting as corporal, that he said Peters served as a corporal in said company, during all the time which this deponent served in said company namely, till the fore part of January 1781 and that this deponent uniformly understood
Page 51

by information from said company, that said Peters enlisted into said Wales' company, in the month of March 1780.
Roderick Morrison 
Sworn & subscribed before me the 28th Aug 1833 – 
Truman Enos Justice of the Peace 
I Truman Enos do herby certify that I am well acquainted with Roderick Morrison Esquire the above deponent (& have been so acquainted with him for 30 years) and that he sustains the reputation of being a man of strict veracity. 
23 August 1833- Truman Enos 
Clerks Office Oneida County I Joseph B. Read Deputy Clerk of said County do certify that Truman Enos Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Justice of the peace and for said and duly authorized to act as such.  And further that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be genuine. 
Witness my hand & seal of Office this 29th day of August AD 1833. 
Jos B. Read Dy [deputy] Clerk
Page 52

Free
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Portland NY
October 13}
Joseph P. Peters
Page 53

Portland Chautauqua Co NY York October the 13th 1834  
Messrs Please to give your attention petition and necessities. I am the wife of Joseph P Peters the pensioner, we have Not received a pension yet we have been for a long time expecting to receive a pension, we have been at a considerable expence and Trouble to get an applications and our affadavits and have them all exactly as the law directed and when the writings were sent back for a little more information it was carefully And immediately attended to that there might be no delay. Timothy Judson received a letter from the pension office for more information on Minute man service and it was attended to and done according as the law directed and sent on to pension office or war department but we have received no pension yet but we think we shall we think we have done every thing that the law requires and we have set three affidavits from very respectable men and proved one year service besides the nine months my husband is out of Teeming service.  My husband is out of health and has not been able to assist his family for nearly twenty years and has lost his eye Sight which is the reason of my writing and his being out of health has caused me to Days through scenes of hardships which has much impaired my health so that I cannot do but a little to support my family and as he is entitled to a pension by the pension Law i cannot but hope that he will obtain one. It was very difficult for me to go to a lawyer so employed Timothy Judgon to do business for us but I do not want to trouble him to write any more or to make any more expence if we can obtain a pension with without it.  It is very surprising that we do not receive our pension to all the
Page 54

who are acquainted with him and his circumstances there are but a few [unreadable] that need a Pension any more than we do.  It is not Probable that that he will ever enjoy his health in this world and as the pension law was made for old revolutionary soldiers that were laboring under pains and diseases of body and mind we think he is one whose case demands all the aid and support that the pension law can give.  We want to know  whether you have received Esq Judsons last communications or not, we wish you would attend to it with out delay and if you Do grant a pension direct it to Joseph Peters of Portland Chautauqua Co NY.   He heard the letter read which was sent to Esq Judson and that mentioned 8 months service when it was nine and it was Proved by a good witness that served in the same Company with him the whole time and had the praise of his officers of being a good soldier.  He feels very bad to think he has not got a pension when he is as much entitled to one as any of his neighbours who has theirs and are in the enjoyment of their money when we heard that the law had granted a pension for State team service we though we should obtain one and we have paid out our money to get our business done and our anticipations were so strong that we should receive a pension at the last that we cannot feel willing to give it up.  We wish you would consider our Necessities and circumstances and send us a certificate before the Cold winter commences is the sincere wish of your unworthy friend. 
Lydia Peters 
The unfortunate wife of Joseph P Peters who has so long applied for a pension. 
To the pension officers
Page 55

State of New York 
Chautauqua County }ss   On this 22nd day of January 1849, personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Chautauqua duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Lydia Peters, a resident of the town of of Portland in the said County of Chautauqua aforesaid aged Seventy one years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the lot of Congress, approved on the 29th day of July 1843, granting pensions to certain surviving Widows of officers and soldiers of the revolutionary Army.   That she is the Widow of Joseph P Peters, who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and died at the town of Portland aforesaid, on the 1st day of September 1843, and that previous to his death he received a pension, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, of 36 dollars per annum, and that his pension Certificate, which she has in her Possession, bears date the 24th day of November 1834, and is certified to have been recorded in the pension office, in Book E, Vol 4, Page 54. She further declares that previous to her marriage with the said Joseph P Peters her name was Lydia Day, and that they were married in Pittstown, County of Rensselaer, State of New York, on the 8th day of April 1794, and that they lived together as husband and wife untill the time of his death, and had Six children, 3 of them Sons, and 3 daughters.  She further declares that she was born on the 15th day of November 1777, and was
Page 56

16 years old the 15th day of November previous to her marriage, and that she has a family record, in the family Bible which agrees with the date herein mentioned. 
She further declares that she and her husband removed from the town of Mendon Monroe County to Portland Chautauqua County in the year 1825, that she has not been married since the death of her husband Joseph P Peters, and is still a widow.    
Lydia Peters
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day  and year above written before 
Timothy Judson Justice of the Peace 
State of New York 
Chautauqua County Clerks Office ss: I. Matthew P. Bemis County Clerk, and also Clerk of the Courts in and for said County do hereby certify that Timothy Judson Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing deposition was on the day of the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn & further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Jurat is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 25th day of January A.D. 1849. 
M. P. Bemis Clerk  
By R. O. Green Dept Clk
Page 57

State of New York 
Monroe County } ss On the 15 day of December 1848 Personally appeared before me Herman Groesbeck one of the Justices of the Peace of said County Charles Foote to me personally known who after being duly sworn according to Law made the following declaration first that he was now sixty eight years old (68) that he had known Lydia Peters formerly Lydia Day from his earliest recollection, had been acquainted with Joseph P. Peters for the last forty years (40) previous to his Death, that the Husband of the said Lydia Peters that he lived a part of the time in the immediate Neighborhood that they the said Joseph and Lydia Peters lived together as man and wife and had several children that the said Joseph Peter Died in the Town of Portland in Chautauqua County when the said Lydia Peter has resided in a State of Widdowhood ever since,  that the said Lydia Peter was a younger sister of my mother, that she has allways sustained a good [unreadable] and Religious character and is in all respects entitled to be believed.   
Charles Foote 
Subscribed and sworn before me the 15th December 1848  H Groesbeck J.P. 
State of New York 
Monroe County } ss On the 15 day of Dec. 1848 Personally appeared and before me Herman Groesbeck one of the Justice of the Peace of said County Charles Day to me personally known who after being duly sworn by me according to Law made the following declaration first that he was now in his seventieth year 70 that Lydia Peters formerly the wife of Joseph Peters is his Sister that they the said Joseph and Lydia Peter were Married as this Deponent was informed and believes in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety four (1794) that this Deponent soon after said having been me acquainted with the said Joseph Peters and has been acquainted with him ever since untill his death that he died in Portland Chautauqua County where the said Lydia Peters has resided in a State of Widowhood ever since and that he has allways from his earliest recollection been acquainted with his sister, the said Lydia Peters but was not at home at the time of her Marriage that she always sustained a good Character and is entitled in all cases to be believed.  
Charles Day  
Subscribed and sworn before me this 15th December 1848 
H. Groesbeck J.P.
Page 58

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Charles Day and Charles Foote and have been for the last 17 years that they are both of them men of good character and are in all respects entitled to be believed. 
Dated Dec. 15. 1848            H. Groesbeck J. P. 
State of New York 
Monroe County ss. I certify that Herman Groesbeck Esquire is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the above and within signatures purporting to be his are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this eighteenth day of December 1848 – 
John C. Nash Clk
Page 59

State of New York 
Cattaraugus County }  On the 27th day of December 1848 Personally appeared before me John A Kinnicutt one of the Justices of the Peace of said County Polly Day to me personally known who being by me duly sworn according to Law made the following declaration first that she is now Sixty nine years old that she is now and has been acquainted with Lydia Peters (formerly Lydia Day) for Fifty years that she knew her before she was married and known her ever since and that she was well acquainted with Joseph P Peters in his life time the husband of the said Lydia Peters and that he the said Joseph P Peters Died (as this deponent has been informed and believes) in the Town of Portland in the County of Chautauqua where the said Lydia Peters now resides that this Deponent well recollects the time when they the said Joseph P Peters, and the said Lydia Peters were said to be married that they have lived together as man and wife ever since till his death and that they the said Joseph and Lydia Peters were Married in the year seventeen hundred and ninety four (1794)
Polly Day
Sworn Before me this 27th day of Decr 1848
John A. Kinnicutt Justice
State of New York County of Cattaraugus } ss I F. E. Baillet Clerk of the County Courts in and for said County do certify that John A. Kinnicutt Esq. is a Magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 28th day of Decr 1848. 
F.E. Baillet Clerk
Page 60

To the pension office of the United States, at the [unreadable] of Washington. The subscriber hereby certifies, That he was acquainted with Joseph P. Peters the husband of Lydia Peters, and also with his widow, Lydia Peters for twenty three years past, and that she is a member of the Church to which he has administered all this time, and she bears on unblemished character is destitute, aged, and decrepid. 
written by Charles Lahatt in the Town of Portland Chautauqua County State of New York the 30 day of November 1848 
Charles Lahatt Pastor of the Baptist Church in Portland 
This may certify that I have been acquainted with Lydia Peters, Widow of Joseph P. Peters some twelve or fifteen years and do not hesitate to say that in my opinion the old Lady is entitled to full credit for truth & Veracity & is in all respect worthy of confidence - I was also acquainted with her late Husband Joseph P. Peters previous to his death. 
Dec 1 1848
Samuel Hall P. M. at Salem X Roads in the Town of Portland in the County of Chautauqau & State of New York
Page 61

To the Hon. the Com of Pensions the United States 
I Certify that I have lived near the Widow Lydia Peters for Twenty years, and am well acquainted with her and was acquainted with her husband Joseph P. Peters, who was Pensioner of the United States and I fully concur with Elder LaHatt in his statement relative to her character and circumstances.   Portland Chautauqua County Dec 11 1848 
Timothy Judson J. P.
Page 62

Portland NY
Jany 11th 
NY Jan 20
FREE
Jos P. Peters
Admd [admitted]
Mr. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City D. C.
Page 63

Portland Dec 28th 1832 
To J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions 
Joseph P Peters has Received his Certificate the Credit of which has given him relief.  He Requests that you be kind enough to write to him and let him now how you sustained he served but Eight months and how you come to call the furlow [furlough] half month he told Judge Walworth he thought it did not exceed 3 or 4 days he says at the time he enlisted he received Enlisting orders from his superior officers was constantly in service untill they had orders to march, served the nine months with the exception of four or five days furlow he thinks the furlow for a few days being out of health should not prevent his drawing pay for the nine months. He Enlisted Moreson in to the Company, he tells you he served nine months. Timothy Jutson Esq of this town kind neighbor to Moreson for 30 years or more he says he is a very Credible man, he this he should have pay for the year he served as fifer and Corporil, we hope if he has not got what the law allows him you will see that he gets it, They are in verry low circumstances, the old Lady has supported them or several years by her own labor, she is worn out and confined to her Bed with the Rheumatism, there pension will be there only support, they should have every cent the law will allow him and that will be quite insufficient for there support.  Please to write that he may by Satisfied and give done him a chance to rectify the mistake of it can be done.
yours Respecfully
H Hulburt 
Son Dr. Joseph P. Peters
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Portland Chautauqua County New York July 1 1831
Sir   soon after receiving the affidavit and your letter I sent Esq Morrisons affidavit to the Justice before whom it was made After waiting some time and not receiving it I wrote and was informed that he annexed his certificate and forwarded it to me.  I then waited some time but not receiving wrote again to E Morrison and he made another affidavit which I enclose to you.  He has not mentioned that he is a pensioner but the fact you can ascertain from your records.  I have endeavoured to get an affidavitt from some one that was in the same company with Peters & Morrison but have not been able to find one.   I enclose an affidavit from Mr Peters Brother who is a pensioner,  I perceive that in your letter you have marked the note which makes it necessary to have two witness for an applicant in the continental troops But Mr Peters was in the State troops. I conclude that the above mentioned note was marked by mistake the other note and reference mark I think and now complied with and I should have sent you two more if I could have found them.  But I [unreadable] that this is amply sufficient and as said Peter is in very indigent circumstances does not wish to be at any more expence than is necessary I perceive that you have not read Judge Walworth writing correct his nine months service was in Capt Nathaniel Wales Company, Lieutenant William Tallcott and also in the said Peters name his name is Joseph P Peters.  I presume from your letter that you think that his teaming services are not
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included in the act. But I think upon an examination that you will find that he was not an occasional teamster but that he enlisted and served nine month in the service of the United States as such I have enter an affidavitt from Judge Peters of Hartford Connecituct respecting his teaming services which I presume will be sufficient.
Please to attend to this immediately for Mr. Peters is anxious to get his pension soon in order that he may enjoy some of the real necessaries and comforts of this life during the few remaining years he has to stay.
Yours respectfully 
Timothy Judson
Hon J. L Edwards
Hon J L. Edwards Com of Pensions City of Washington
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I Absalom Peters of Lebanon in New London County State of Connecticut aged Eighty years do testify & say that my brother Joseph P. Peters of Portland Chautauqua County State of New York was born in Hebron Connecticut and resided there untill he arrived to mature age that he is now about seventy two years old that he was much of the time during the struggle of the Colonies for Independence, in the service of his Country, that he has ever had the reputation of a brave soldier, And that his statement of services (a copy of which is before me) sent to the war department and returned to him I believe to be substantially correct.   
Sworn to & subscribed 
June 6th 1834 
Absalom Peters 
State of Connecticut 
Tolland County ss Hebron Probate District Personally appeared before Abner Hender Esq Judge of the Court of Probate for said District now sitting Absalom Peters signer of the foregoing affidavit and made oath that the same contains the truth & nothing but the truth & this Court certifies that the said Absalom Peters is a man of truth & that his statement is entitled to full credit 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 6" day of June AD 1834  
Cyrus Mann Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
Tolland County } ss Hebron Town Clerks Office June 6th 1834 
I hereby certify that it appears by the records of the Town of Nelson that "Joseph Phelps son of Lt John & Lydia Peters was born Novr 7th 1761”  
Attest Cyrus Mann Town Clerk
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Revolutionary Claim
of Lydia Peters
Widow of Joseph P. 
NY w 29 1848
A. W. Muzzy
Attorney
Panama 
Chatauqua Co. N.Y.
Page 69

State of New York 
County of Chautauqua }  On this 1st day of January 1854 before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State afore said personally appeared Lydia Peters aged Eighty years a resident of Portland in said County, who being duly sworn according to said declares that she is the identical Lydia Peters who is the widow of Joseph Peters who was a Rev Pensioner at the rate of $36- per annum. Act of 7 June 1832. That she is also a Rev pensioner at the rate of $38.50  Act. July 24, 1848. 
She further declares that her said husband the said Joseph P Peters in his declaration for a pension under Act of June 1832 made in Sept. 1832 alleged that he served one tour of  nine months as a Teamster from April 1776 under Bissell Phelps Conductor of Tears under the & Command of Commissary Wadsworth of Connecticut. which said said service of nine months was “disallowed” on the ground that Team service was
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not included in the Act of June 7, 1832, as it was their Construed but which is now included as she has been informed and verily believes.   
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the arrears or increase of pension that was their due her said husband for said service as Teamster, also for the increase of her own pension to the amount that the said nine months of Team service would allow her.
Lydia Peters 
We James H Hulburt and Erastus Denison  residents of Portland in said County upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Lydia Peters in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.  
{ James H Hulburt 
Erastus Denison
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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 she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.   
Timothy Judson  Justice of the Peace 
STATE OF NEW YORK. 
Chautauqua County Clerk's Office, ss. } I hereby Certify that Timothy Judson Esq whose name is subscribed to the instrument hereto annexed, was, on the day of the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and authorized by the laws of this State to administer Oaths and Affirmations. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice, and verily believe that such signature is genuine.   
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County and the Courts thereof this day of Jany of 1858 
J.P. Davis D Clerk
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THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY. 
[stamp] THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
PRESIDENT. Dr. GEORGE C. F. WILLIAMS, HARTFORD. 
VICE-PRESIDENT. ISAAC W. BROOKS, TORRINGTON. 
SECRETARY CHARLES G. STONE, HARTFORD. 
TREASURER. HENRY C. SHERWOOD. BRIDGEPORT. 
REGISTRAR, FREDERICK BOSTWICK, 144 GROVE STREET. NEW HAVEN.
 HISTORIAN. GEORGE F. BURGESS, NEW HAVEN. 
New Haven, Conn., Feb. 23, 1912.
The Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 
Will you kindly furnish me with a copy of the Pension Record of SAMUEL MUNSON, who is listed as a Pensioner on page 635 of Connecticut Men in the Revolution? 
Very respectfully yours, 
Frederick Bostwick 
Conn. Registrar 
S. A. R. 
144 Grove St
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51 
12-5-41 
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* 
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives 
NAME   Peters, Levi    GRADE  Private    LINE   New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER   8654    ACREAGE  100    ISSUED  June 28, 1799
To Abraham Bell, assignee
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives. registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.