Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,601, John Billings, Conn. Continental. Vt.
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Conn.|Billings, John|W.23.601|
Continental|Olive|[blank]|
Vt.|[blank]|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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I Oel Billings of Woodstock in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont Aged fifty two years, testify and say that John Billings late of Royalton in said County deceased was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of March 18" 1818 and subsequently when the act of June 7. 1832 was passed for the benefit of the soldiers of the Revolution he applied to me to make his declaration and assist him to obtain the provision of the last mentioned act and furnished me the attached statement made out in the year 1832 in his own hand writing of his service done while residing in the state of Connecticut making out that he served more than two years, which as we then supposed would give him a full pension, but at the same time, several services done at Royalton in 1778. 79 & 80 was talked over, but it being done at several times and in short tours, and then not knowing of the records of said service being in the Treasurer's or Secretary of state office in Vermont and not knowing where to obtaining other testimony to prove much if any of said service, together with having already made out as he thought, two years or more service done while living in Connecticut which would give him a full pension we decided that it was not necessary to put in the service done at Royalton and it was therefore left out. I have frequently heard him relate the service done at Royalton in the Years aforesaid, in assisting to build fort fortitude at Bethel, and when the Indians came and burned Royalton in 1780 of his attempt to take a Young Indian, of his being at Windsor &c & all which was related to the family circle and the hardships he endured on his removing to Vermont. Under his last declaration aforesaid the pension Department saw fit to consider the services said John Billings did while guarding the stores at Danby Ct. of no consequence as it was explained to me by letter from the department, and therefore gave him a certificate for only $74.32 being less than a full pension, and before I received said certificate my father died, and the amount due was paid to my Mother Olive Billings the widow of said deceased. My mother then requested me to make her declaration which I did in the usual form in such cases, by stating that she claimed a pension for services done by her late husband as set forth in his declaration under the act of June 7. 1832. still being ignorant of the evidence
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last furnished by Secretary of State. In October 1839 I was at Montpelier and examined the pay rolls and there found said service when I obtained said secratarys certificate. made a supplementary declaration for an increase of pension and forwarded the papers to the Hon'r Samuel Prentiss to present to the commissioner of pensions for allowance.
I further testify and say that when I made the affidavit of Elias Stevens in May 1840 for the purpose of substantiating the claim of Olive Billings to an increas of pension. he stated in substance that John Billings came up from Montville Ct. in the spring of 1778 without his family and worked through the summer for Capt Gilbert as he believed (and it should have said in Sharon as that was what he testified.) but through mistake I said Royalton, I believe, and then he went down and in October 1778 he removed to Royalton with his family. Sharon and Royalton are adjoining towns and Elias Stevens lived next to Sharon line about half a mile from the old Gilbert place so called where he has always since resided. 
I further testify and say that my father John Billings aforesaid always said when speaking of removing to Vermont, that he came up to Sharon and worked for Capt Gilbert the first summer and then went down [illegible] in the fall and removed his family up which consisted of self, wife & two children, and further say not
/s/Oel Billings
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss } At Woodstock in said County of Windsor this sixteenth day of June AD 1840, personally appeared before me, Norman Williams, Clark of the County Court of said Windsor County. - Oel Billings, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth. I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the said Oel Billings and that he is a credible witness.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribed my name and affix the seal of said County Court the day and year above written
/s/N. Williams Clerk
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of revolution and Christopher Darrow Lieut. John Raymond insign - Conrad Parsons regiment
My first inlistment was ['in may' crossed out] the first of may 1775 in the town of Montvill State of Connecticut State troops to march to Boson against the British for Eight months in the company of Capt. James Chapman we arrived at Roxbury the morning after Bunkerhill battle served my term out and without leaving ['the' crossed out] the Service or taking any Discharge I inlisted in the Continental Service as Corporal in Capt Christopher Darrows Company Col. tylers regiment marched to New York and after the retreat from the Citty was stationed at a place called Crump pond (Crompond) near Danbury a town in Connecticut where continental stores were sent in December. was moved to the peekskill crossed north River into the Jersey to a place called Ramapaw hear we ['to' crossed out] lay untill the first of march ['17' crossed out] 77 then returned our former rout to our former station near the Regiment was Discharged except sum five who the Col. persuaded to stay and guard the Stores at Danbury untill Recruiter should arrive and relieve them promising they should be well paid I turned out an older Brother and sum few others and on the 26 Day of April 77 the British sent a large force of light horse and Distroyed the town and the Store a little before this place I was taken sick with the fever and [illegible] out of the Village to about where my brother took care of me in said Danbury stay sick untill about the tenth of May 1777 my Brother left me went home, and my father can and carried me home after I got home I received pay from the time that took me from Danbury 
wrote July 19. 1832 Father aged 80 -years-
/s/John Billings
Statement for Pension 
born Nov 15. 1751
Died Augt 22.1832.
J Billings $108.95 O.B
E Fowler 180
S. Cleaveland 60 / 348.95
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My first inlistment ['in may' crossed out] was the first of may 1775 to march to boston in the company of Capt James Chapman of [illegible] Christopher Darrow Lieutenant and John Raymond insign both of Montville the town in which I was Born and where I then Lived in the State of Connecticut Col Persons Regment State troops for the term of eight months when my time was nearly out I inlisted in the Continental Service under Capt Cristopher Darrow as Corporal our former Lieut John Mcgregor Lieutenant Cornat Tyler regiment & Did not leave the Service nor take any Discharge untill the fore part of may 1777 - in December 76 our Regiment crossed across North River at peekskill into the Jersey not far from where [illegible] was taken by the British Light horse and carried to Newyork hear we pitched out towcloth tents untill about the middle of march 77. then we marched back to our former Station near Danbury joining the State of New york in Danbury there was Continental Stores and the troops that guarded them Stores, had princabley (principally) Left the place their time being out
our corporal requested that Sum of the Rigment would Stay untill recruits would arive to releave them part of our Company turned out myself and a brother older the I hear I was taken sick and carried to a house, out of the Village and taken care of by my Brother and on the 2nd Day of April ['is [illegible] not' crossed out] the British Sent a large body of Light horsemen and Distroyed the town and Continent Stores by fire my brother then Left me behind Sick and Sent my father after me and Capt Darrow pade me up to the time father took me from Danbury out of the hospital - the whole time being over two years: - in october 1778 I moved from Montville State of Connecticut to the town of Royalton County of Windsor State of Vermont where I now live with my youngest son. - ['I was' crossed out] I was 80 years old last November - in the year 1818 I was placed ['of' crossed out] on the pention List and in 1820 was Dropt - that ['he' crossed out] I hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pention or annuity except the present and Declares that his name is not on the pention roll of the agency of any State whatever
my former Certificate under the act of 1818 is number 15626
[margin note: 1836-75/61-22/ John Billings]
N. Williams Clerk.
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['Thos. L. Billings' crossed out]
I was born in the 15 year 1751 - November as my parents told me in the town now called Montvill St of Connecticut
[margin notes: May 1775 to 10 177 Oct 1778]
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[verso]
See letter to Oel Billings 30" April 1833.

[recto]
2718
Vermont
John Billings of Royalton in the State of Vermont who was a Corp. & Priv in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg't commanded by Col. Parsons in the ['Massachusetts' crossed out] Connt line for 13 mo. as Corp. $47.66
8 "  " Priv. 26.66
21 " $74.32
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 74 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 4. day of Dec'r 1832 and sent to O. Billings Royalton Vt.
______
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832  111.48
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4. mar 1833 37.16
$148.64
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J M Cuffield Clerk,
Book D Vol. 4 Page 48
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[verso]
Windsor Vermont 646
Olive Billings [margin note: clf 646] widow of John Billings dec'd Conn. who died on the 22 August 1832 of Windsor in the State of Vt. who was a Pvt&Crp'l in the Company commanded by Captain Chapman of the Reg't commanded by Col. Parsons in the Ct. line for 8 mo's Private 13 " Corporal
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Windsor at the rate of 74 Dollars 32 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. amt pd. to 22 Aug. 1832 to be deducted
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Mar. 1837 and sent Oel Billings Woodstock Vt.
______
Arrears to the 4th of Apr 1837  $223.92
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 37.16
$261.08
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d]
Recorded by DD Addison Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 3

[recto]
2
[illegible] let to Hon. S. Prentiss, May 19, 1840.
let to Mr Oel Billings 9 July 1840
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4th of July AD. 1836.
State of Vermont
Windsor County } On this third Wednesday of September 1836 personally appeared before the Hon'l Probate Court of Hartford district in said County of Windsor. Olive Billings a resident of Royalton in said district County and state aforesaid. Aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passee July 4th 1836.
That she is the widow of John Billings late of Royalton in said district deceas'd, who was a private and Corporal in the Revolutionary Armu, and who first Enlisted in May 1775 in the company commanded by Captain James Chapman ['Company' crossed out] in Col. Person's Regiment, for Eight months as private, and about the time this service ended, he enlisted the second time for thirteen months as Corporal in the continental service under Captain Christopher Darrow, which service, together with some other service in guarding the stores at Danby Ct. will appear as by my deceased husbands declaration under the act of June 7th 1832, now on file in the war department will appear, and under which my said husband drew a pension, and where also will be found the evidence of the time of his death besides my statement annexed below. 
She further declares, that she was married to the said John Billings at Montville Ct. being part of New London, by the Rev. Mr. Jewett a Congregational Minister on the 10th day of October AD 1773 and that she knows of no other record, only it was put down in her husbands old bible. and that her husband John Billings aforesaid died at Royalton aforesaid on the 22d day of August AD 1832, and she is, and has remained a widow ever since his death, as will more certainly appear by the proof hereto annexed. I have two sons born, before the Revolutionary war commenced, to wit, one married John the other Asa, the former being now sixty three years old the 10th day of April last, who now resides in Claremont, N.H. 
/s/X her mark Olive Billings
Witness /s/Oel Billings
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State of Vermont
Hartford District ss } Probate Office Woodstock Sept. 21. 1836
I, Norman Williams, Register of the Probate Court for the District of Hartford do hereby certify that the foregoing are the original papers and proceedings in the matter of the application of Olive Billings before said Probate Court for a pension
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, the day and year above written 
/s/N. Williams, Register
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State of Vermont
Windsor County
District of Hartford } On this 26th day of March AD 1840 personally appeared Olive Billings now a resident of Bethel in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make this supplementary declaration in order to increase her pension and to obtain the further benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836, that she is the widow of John Billings late of Royalton in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont deceased, who was a private, Corporal and sargent in the army of the  revolution and served in addition to what he declared for, under the act of Congress of 1832, and also in addition to what she declared for under the act of July 4, 1836, as follows.
In October 16th 1780, he served at said Royalton in Capt Joseph Parkhurst company as sargent three days. and again in August 9, 1780 he served in said Joseph Parkhurst Company as sargent three days, and again her said husband served in said Parkhurst company as private and assisted in building fort fortitude at Bethel in 1780. six days and also he served in Lieut Zebulon Lyons company in guarding the committee of safety at Windsor Vt. and also in guarding Col Stone and others to Springfield at which time he served seven days, and again her said husband served in Capt. Joshua Hazens Company in Col Peter Olcotts Regiment as private in the year 17778. thirty four days for all which service she claims an addition to her pension & to substantiate which service, she herewith forwards the certificate of the secretary of the state of Vermont under his hand and seal to make out fifty three days service.
/s/X her mark. Olive Billings
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me /s/Oel Billings Justice Peace & Register
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State of Vermont
Hartford District ss } I Oel Billings Register of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Olive Billings for an increase of pension. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this day of March AD 1840 - 
/s/Oel Billings Register
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3-525
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. , [blank], 19[blank]
W23601

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of John Billings 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. 
[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|LENGTH.|RANK.|OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.(CAPTAIN.|COLONEL.)|STATE.|]
May 1 1775|8 months|Pvt.|(James Chapman|Parsons)|Conn.|
June 1776|to May 10,1777|Corpl|(Christopher Darrow|Tyler)| " |
1778|34 days|Pvt|(Joshua Hazen|Peter Olcott)|Vt.|
1780|6 " | " |(Joseph Parkhurst| ✓ )| " |
Aug.10, 1780|3 " |Sgt.|( " " | ✓ )| " |
Oct. 16, 1780|3 " | " |( " " | ✓ )| " |
 ✓ |7 " |Pvt.|(Lieut Zebulon Lyons| ✓ )| " |
[end of columns]
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistments, Montville, Conn. & Royalton Vt.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 6 1818. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Royalton, Windsor Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, born Nov. 15, 1751 in Montville Conn. 
Remarks: Sol mar. Oct. 10, 1772 at Montville Conn, Olive Noble. He died at Royalton Vt. Aug. 22, 1832, & she was al pen on her ap. ex. Sept 21, 1836. aged 82 yrs in Royalton Vt. They had sons, John b. Ap. 11, 1773 Oel b. 1788 and Asa.
Respectfully, 
[blank]
Commissioner,

8-2856
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[verso]
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23,601
Olive Billings wid of John Billings
Corpl. Rev war
Act: July 4th 1836.
Index: - Vol. A, Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
1919 July 2. Hist. to Mrs. EW Mitchell ew
1939, Jan. 3. Mrs. Willard E. Voight furn. date rel. to soldiers birth, marriage, etc.
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[verso]
15.626
Vermont
John Billings of Royalton in the state of Vermont who was a Corporal in the regiment commanded by Colonel Parson of the Mass'ts line for the term of thirteen months.
______
Inscribed on the roll of Vermont at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 6th of April 1818
_____
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d of Nov'r 1819 and sent to Dudley Chace Esqr Randolph Vermont 
______
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819  $135.73
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1820 48.
16 mos 29/30 $183.73
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}

646
Olive Billings widow of John Billings. 
see let to Hon: Sam'l Prentiss. April 16, 1840 - 
To same May 19, 1840.

[recto]
Respecting ap'n for continuation, see letter April 13. 1829 to H.E.G. McLaughlin.
do. to Hon. L. Cass 27 March 1832
do. to Hon. H. Hubbard March 30. 1832
Last act June 1832 for certificate and evidence of 8 months service.
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To what time was John Billings of Windsor County Vermont, paid under the act of June 7th 1832
HHS Pen Off
March 22d 37

Decd. 22d Aug 1832 paid to that period
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I Adonijah Rogers of Randolph in the County of Orange and state of Vermont of the age of seventy Eight years testify and say that in the year 1775 I lived in the town of Newlondon north  [illegible] afterwards called Montville in the state of Connecticut 
I was then well acquainted with John Billings then of said Montville but lately of Royalton in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont and a nigh neighbor of his when he Enlisted into the state Troops of Connecticut in May 1775 in the company commanded by Captain Chapman Lieut Christopher Darrow & Ensign John Raymond for the term of Eight months and march'd off for Boston and suppose he served his time out as he was gone a much longer time in the service before he returned, than the Eight months, & further the deponent saith not.
/s/Adonijah Rogers
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss } Bethel November 17th 1832
Personally appeared Adonijah Rogers and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in due form of Law. - 
Before Oel Billings Justice of the Peace
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John Billings of Royalton in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont of the Age of Eighty years, testify and say, That under the Act of Congress of March 18th 1818 & was placed on the pension Roll of the Vermont agency and and obtained said pension until 1820. when I was dropped from said roll or pension on account of property my present place of residence is in Royalton aforesaid, and was the same at the time I made my former application
My certificate is numbered 15626 said in order that the war department may fully understand the Served I rendered I will now proceed to state.
My first Lieutenant was in the state Troops of Connecticut on the first of May 1775 in the Town of Montville, state aforesaid, then my place of residence in the company of apt James Chapman of New London Ct. Lieut Christopher Darrow, Ensign John Raymond in Col. Parsons Regiment. my enlistment was for Eight months and we marched to Boston Mass. to defend that place, we arrived at Roxbury the morning after the Battle of Bunker Hill. I served the Eight months out, and before it expired, and without leaving the service I enlisted in the continental service as Corporal in Christopher Darrows Company & Col. Tylers Regiment. we marched to New York and after the retreat from the City, was stationed at a place called Crump pond near Danbury in Connecticutt when some continental stores were kept, In December we was marched to Peekskill in the state of New York, crossed north River into the Jerseys to a place called Ramapaw. Here our former station at Crump pond. Here the Regiment was discharg'd, except some few who the Col. persuaded to stay and guard the stores at Danbury untill recruits should
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arrived and release them: promising they should be all paid. I therefore volunteered together with my Brother and a few others, and on the 26th day of April 1777 the Brittish sent a large force of  light horse and destroy'd the Town of Danbury and all the stores then on land. A little before this last took place I was taken sick with the fever and was carried out of the village a short distance where by Brother took care of me. I lay sick at this place untill about the 10th of May 1777 at which time my brother left me, went home, and my father came and carried me home, makeing in all the service being stated, some days over two years, After I got home I drew pay up to this time my father took me from Danbury aforesaid. I never left the service from the time of my first enlistment on the first of May 1775 untill I went home with my father about the 10th of May 1777.
I have been this particular, that all my service might appear before you. And yet knowing that the Evidence of the continental service was at the war department. From this full statement I hope to find no further trouble in again being placed on the pension roll and receiving a Certificate of the same as soon as may be hereby relinquishing any claim whatever to a pension or any annuity except the present [under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832' crossed out]
I declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state only on that of the Agency in the State of Vermont. 
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss} Royalton July 19. 1832
Personally appeared John Billings the subscriber above and made solemn oath to the foregoing statement or affidavit by him subscribed as being the truth
Before Oel Billings Justice Peace
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John Billings
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of March next, in Burlington, Vt.
by Heman Allen Esqr
Agent for paying U. S. Pensioners
[illegible signature]
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War Department. 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818.
John Billings late a Corporal in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Vermont Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the sixth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this third day of November one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
[seal affixed] /s/John C Calhoun
Secretary of War.
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Decl'n of John Billings of Royalton Windsor Co. Vermont
6 May
adm'd 
Returned for the Judge's certificate as to reduced circumstances - 
This statement appears correct - there are no rolls of the reg't in which J.B. served, & he lives at a great distance from any witnesses - the claims is therefore admitted - J.L.E.
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State of Vermont
Orange County ss } On this 6th day of April AD 1818 - before me the subscriber Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont personally appeared John Billings aged sixty six years, resident in Royalton Windsor County & State of Vermont who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act, to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," that he the said John Billings in May AD 1775 enlisted into the Army of the United States as a private soldier for eight months, & joined Capt. Chapmans Company, Col. Parsons' Regiment, Gen'l Spencer Brigade Connecticut Line; That he served his time out & without quitting the service again enlisted into the same reg't as a corporal 13 months but the company to which he was attached was there commanded by Christopher Darrow or Darrar his former Lieutenant, which term he served out and was honourably discharged at CrumPond; That he believes no written discharges were given, that during his second period of service afores'd Col. Tyler his former Lieut. Col. was the Col. commanding the afores'd Regiment, Col Parsons having been appointed a General; That he is & ever has been since the Declaration of Independence a resident citizen of the United States
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;That he performed the afores'd services in the Revolutionary War & on the Continental Establishment; & that he is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, & has declared before me the 6th day of April AD 1818. 
/s/Dudley Chace Chief Justice S.D. State Verm't
I Dudley Chace Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Billings did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of thirteen months as is herein before mentioned on the Continental Establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
/s/Dudley Chace Chief Judge Sup. Ct. State Vermont
I hereby certify from satisfactory proof now deposited with me it appears to my satisfaction that the above named John Billings is in reduced circumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
[seal affixed] /s/Dudley Chace Chief Judge S. Court
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State of Vermont.
Secretary's Office, Montpelier, Octo. 23d, 1839.
[state seal affixed]I, Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of said state, do hereby certify that there is on file in this office a paper, purporting to be "A Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph Parkhurst's Company of Militia for the service in the alarm in Royalton, Oct. 16th, 1780." I further certify that the name of John Billings, a Sargeant, appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of three days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office another paper, purporting to be "A Pay Roll of Capt. Joseph Parkhurst's company of Militia for the service in the alarms in August the 9th. - Royalton, Aug. 10, 1780."
I further certify that the name of "Sargeant Billings" appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of three days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office  another paper, purporting to be "An account of labor of men and oxen, done in building Fort Fortitude, in Bethel, by Capt. Jo. Parkhurst's company of militia in Royalton, by order of Capt. Jesse Safford; commander of said Fort, agreeable to a Resolve of the Board of War, 1780, said men ('said man' crossed out] finding their own provision, and to be allowed five shillings per day, agreeable to said Resolve." I further certify that the name of John Billings, a private, appears upon said pay roll or account, with an allowance of six days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office another paper, purporting to be "A Roll of Lieut. Zebulon Lyon's Company, employed in service in order of the committee of Safety of Windsor and the towns adjacent in guarding y'l committee at said Windsor and guard-
Page 26

ing Col. Stone and others to Springfield, &c." I further certify that the name of John Billings, a private, appears upon said pay roll, with an allowance of seven days' service annexed.
I further certify that there is on file in this office another paper, purporting to be a "Pay Roll of Capt. Joshua Harris' Company of Militia under the command of Col. Peter Olcott in the service of Vermont State, from the time of their engaging until their discharge by the commanding officer of the Northern Department." I further certify that the name of John Billings, a private, appears upon said pay roll with an allowance for service commencing on  "September 23." and amounting to thirty-four days.
I further certify that the said pay rolls appear to have been examined, approved and ordered to be paid by a committee appointed for that  purpose, and that the same were duly paid by the Treasurer of this State. I further certify that the last above-mentioned pay roll appears to have been paid on the 26th day of October, A.D. 1778.
Given under my hand and Seal of office, at Montpelier, this 24th day of October, A.D. 1839.
/s/Chauncey L. Knapp, Secretary of State.
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I Thomas Rogers of Montville in the County of New London & State of Connecticut, of lawful age depose & say, That, I am seventy nine years old last April That at the commencement of the Revolutionary War I went down to Roxbury to see a number of my friends who were in the Army, there were twenty or thirty of my neighbors in the Army as soldiers - among them was John Billings, who married Olive Noble. I carried some clothes and other things to Mr. John Billings from his wife then living a neighbor to me. They were married before the beginning of the War and at this time had one or two children - I did not see them married, but they lived together as man & wife in the neighborhood where they were both born & brought up & The Records of the town of New London were all burnt when the traitor Arnold made an incursion into Connecticut in Sept. about the year 1781; I was there  at the time fitting a vessel for Sea - Montville was a part of New London at that time - Some years after New London was burnt Montville was set off - to be a town by itself - 
The minister of our Parish before & at the time of the Revolution was the Rev'd Mr. David Jewett, he died many years ago, I believe about fifty years ago - And further the deponent saith not - 
/s/Thomas Rogers
New London County ss Jan'y 11th A.D. 1837 Personally appeared Capt. Thomas Rogers who hath subscribed the above affidavit, and after being examined & cautioned to speak the whole truth made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me, 
/s/Asa Roath Judge of Probate for the District of Norwich - in the State of Connecticut New London County ss Norwich Jan'y 11-1837 I hereby certify that Asa Roath Esqr. is Judge of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court - 
Attest. /s/J. Holbrook, Clerk.
Page 28

I Eleanor Raymond of Montville in the County of New London and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose & say, that I am seventy five years old - that John Billings who married Olive Noble. ['they' crossed out] lived in a house called the Perez Bradford house in the neighborhood where I lived. I was there to see my grandfather & grandmother frequently to see Mr John Billings & his wife lived in the same house with the grandfather and I used to run into that part of the house occupied by Mr. Billings and I recollect that Mrs. Billings had one child - I think this was before the commencement of the Revolutionary war, but am not able to say how long they lived in the house of my grandfather nor the year or years - The meetinghouse in Montville was built in the year 1772 - It was raised in June 1772 the year after I was ten years old - They John Billings and Olive his wife lived together as man & wife in a reputable manner - I did not see them married, but both belonged here, and I never heard any body dispute or question their having been legally married. 
and further the Deponent saith not....
/s/Eleanor Raymond
New London County ss. Jan'y 11-A.D. 1837. Personally appeared before me Mrs. Eleanor Raymond who hath subscribed the above affidavit & after being examined & cautioned to speak the whole truth made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me - 
/s/Asa Roath Judge of Probate for the District of Norwich State of Connecticut
New London County ss. Norwich Jan'y 11th A.D. 1837 I hereby certify that Asa Roath Esqr is Judge of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court - 
Attest. /s/J. Holbrook, Clerk.
Page 29

I Annis Leffingwell of Bozrah in the County of New London and State of Connecticut of Lawful age depose and say, that I am now seventy six years of age, that when I was about eleven years old. I went to live with my sister Rhoda Bill in Montville the same summer that the Meeting house in Montville was built. My sisters husband Charles Bill was master workman in Building the meeting house - I was then about eleven years old. I spun tow(?) for my sister Bill, and Olive Noble was then at work in the same house spinning worsted for Mrs. Joshua Raymond who lived in the same house with my sister Bill - The young people talked to Olive & joked her about being married; and she was married to Mr. John Billings some time in the fall of the same year, as I was informed; but I was not at the wedding. - They did not go to keeping house immediately - but worked out some time to earn money to buy furniture &c. for keeping house, and in a few years they moved away to the State of Vermont - and further the deponent saith not - 
/s/Annis Leffingwell
New London County ss. January 11th A.D. 1837 personally appeared Miss Annis Leffingwell who has subscribed the above affidavit and after being examined & cautioned to speak the whole truth made solemn oath to the same before me. 
/s/Asa Roath Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut - 
New London County ss. Norwich Jany 11-A.D. 1837 - I hereby certify that Asa Roath Esqr. is Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have affixed the seal of said Court ['affix' crossed out] hereto. 
Attest /s/J. Holbrook Clerk
Page 30

I John Arnold Gifford of Norwich in the County of New London and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say, that I have been to the Society Records in the town of Montville & examined the Church Book so called, that was kept by the Rev'd Mr. Jewett the minister of the Parish before & at the time of the Revolutionary war - and I find that he kept no account of marriages on said Book - Mr. Jewett has been dead many years - 
I went to New London Jan'y 13th 1837 to see if there could be anything found on the Town Records of New London in relation to the marriage of John Billings with Olive Noble, but the in the year 1781 as I had been informed the records of town of New London were burnt by the British - 
And from the Town Clerk of New London I got the certificate hereunto annexed - I did not look at or examine the Records of the town of Montville because that town was set off from New London about fifty years ago - and further the deponent saith not.....
/s/John A. Gifford
New London County ss. Norwich Jan'y 14th A.D. 1837 Personally appeared before me Mr. John A. Gifford who hath subscribed the above affidavit and after being examined & continued to speak the whole truth made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me.
/s/Asa Roath Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut - 
New London County ss. Norwich Jany 14th A.D. 1837, I hereby certify that Asa Roath Esqr. is Judge of Probate for the District of Norwich in the State of Connecticut 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court - 
Attest.
Page 31

Town Clerk's office New London January 13th 1837 This may Certify that I have examined the Town Records at the Town of New London I do not find the Marriage of John Billing & Olive Noble on said Records.
attest /s/Henry Douglass Town Clerk
Page 32

[handwritten letter]
Woodstock Vt June 16. 1840

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Sir
I received your favor of the 19th of May last addressed to the Hon. Samuel Prentiss M.C. on the subject of an increas of pension to Olive Billings widow of John Billings deceased and note its contents. 
In answer I have to say, that I again enclose her certificate with affidavit &c. in explanation of all the objections made by your department in the letter to said Prentiss above named and would request your early attention to the Claim - 
I am Respectfully Your obt. Servant
/s/Oel Billings
Page 33

John Billings must forward his old pension Certificate, and such evidence as he can obtain respecting his first service of 8 months. 

Royalton Vt Nov 18th 1832
Enclos'd I forward the required certificate, and testimony to prove his first service of 8 months, in relation to John Billings
/s/Oel Billings

admitted
Corporal 13 mo. 47.66
Private    8  " [+] 26.66
$74.32
sent to O. Billings
Royalton Vt.
Page 34

[addressed envelop]
Randolph Vt.
Oct. 13. 1819- }
Free
To The Hon'l John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
 City of Washington 
[margin notes: old case Adm'd Vt]
Page 35

[handwritten letter]
Randolph, Vt. Oct. 13. 1819

To the Hon'l John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War. 
Enclosed is the Declaration of John Billings, which is returned to your Office with the additional certificate of Reduced circumstances required. The delay of this return has been occasioned by the want of proof exhibited to satisfy me untill this time - 
Enclosed are also the new Declaration of Benj. Mach. - Conant Sawyer George Williamson - John Dexter - & Dan Barnard
I have the honour to be very Respectfully your obdt. serv't 
/s/Dudley Chace 
new cases taken out.
Page 36

[addressed envelop]
Royalton Vt
18 Jany free
War Department Pension Office
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington City, D.C.
[margin note: Jany. 14]
Page 37

Royalton Vt Jany. 7. 1833

J. L. Edwards Esq

Dear sir
Your favor of Dec. 21th is rec'd, on the subject of John Hutchinson pension 
It would have been answered some and the certificate been forward'd had the letter been addressed to me. I now enclose his old certificate which I should have done in the first instance had I supposed it necessary but I have found that I was in error in that, as well as in the case of Elisha Fowler Squire Cleveland & John Billings 2718 all which have been acted upon, and certificates rec'd. In the case of John Billings I can not but believe there must be a mistake. 
He declared for a little over two years, was a corporal a part of the time and all the evidence required was forwarded and when the certificate came it gave him $74.32. per annum, only. I will thank you to inform me on the return of John Hutchinson certificate (which I wish may be directed to me) whether said John Billings certificate was made correct.  
Yours Respectfully /s/Oel Billings
Page 38

Sept 23. 34 days
Nov 29. 
Oct 80 3d. Lt.
Aug 80 3. Lt.
  "   "  6; build fort for srv'e com Safety - 
 7  "  Hd Store
1778 34. Capt Hazen
James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 39

Mr. Edwards will be so good as to examine the accompanying papers of Olive Billings for an increase of pension, and let me know his decision upon the application, as soon as may be convenient. 
/s/S. Prentiss.
Monday, April 13th.
Page 40

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss } Woodstock County Clerks Office 20th July 1832
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windsor. Do hereby certify that Oel Billings is one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, and that the foregoing is his signature - 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the Seal of said Court & subscribe my name the day above - 
/s/Benj. Swan Clerk
Page 41

additional testimony is the case of Olive Billings. 
Hon. S. Prentiss
Senate U.S.
Page 42

I Benjamin Parkhurst of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged ninety four years testify and say that I removed from Plainfield Ct. to said Royalton in the year 1773. and have lived in said Royalton ever since to this time, and am a pensioner of the U. S. and I further testify and say that in October 1778 John Billings moved into said Royalton from Montville Ct with his wife Olive Billings where they lived within a short distance of me fifty five years, or more. Said Billings was here during our Indian troubles and I was knowing of his serving as a soldier in scouting &c. many times and he is the only John Billings (excepting his son John) that ever lived on White River or in the County aforesaid or in the state of Vermont to my knowledge, said John Billings drew a pension in his life time and his wife Olive now living in Bethel is drawing for his service. And any service done in these parts by John Billings must have been done by the first above named. 
I further testify and say that Capt Hazen lived in Hartford on White River is said County of Windsor. and further say not. 
/s/Benj'n Parkhurst
State of Vermont
Hartford District
Windsor County ss} The above affidavit subscribed and sworn to this 7th Day of May AD 1840 
Before me. /s/Oel Billings Justice Peace & Reg.
Page 43

I, Elias Stevens of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Eighty five years testify and say that I removed into the town of Royalton aforesaid in the year 1771. from Plainfield Ct. and in the year 1778 John Billings removed in to said Royalton from New London or Montville Ct. and said Billings lived in said Royalton until his death which I think was in the year 1833. I was personally knowing that said Billings served as a soldier while in said Royalton during Indian troubles during the years 1778 to 1780. and then was no other person by the name of John Billings at that time in this part of the Country. Said John Billings was a sargent at the time of an alarm in the year 1780 in Capt Joseph Parkhurst Company and I was Lieutenant. I was knowing that John Billings in his life time was a pensioner of the U States and his wife Olive Billings is now drawing a pension for her husbands service she now living in Bethel Vt. I was also knowing that there was many Tories at Windsor during our Revolutionary war and that Capt Hazen lived in Hartford on White River, but I was not knowing to his marching to Springfield as I think at the time I was on duty at Albany NY. I believe that said John Billings came to Sharon in the spring of 1778 and worked through the summer for Capt Gilbert and then went and removed his family up to October aforesaid to s'd Royalton. I further say that I am a pensioner of the United States and further say not.
/s/Elias Stevens
State of Vermont
Hartford District
Windsor County ss} Sworn to and subscribed on the 7th day of May AD 1840 before the subscriber. And I further certify that Benjamin Parkhurst and Elias Stevens the signer of the foregoing affidavits are uncommonly bright in intellect for men of their age and are credible witnesses. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of May AD 1840
/s/Oel Billings Justice Peace & Register
Page 44

No: 277[illegible: damaged paper]
Olive Billings widow of John Billings Vt died Aug't 22. 1832
Allow pri & Corpl'$74.32 per ann.
coms. 22d Aug't 1832
Oel Billings 
Woodstock Vt.
Page 45

I Alden C Noble of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Olive Billings wife of John Billings late of said Royalton deceased, who in his life time was a Revolutionary pension, and that said Olive Billings is, and ever has been unmarried since said John Billings death and now is living in said Royalton. Said Olive Billings is of good character for truth and veracity, and has been a member of the Baptist church for a great many years
/s/Alden C. Noble,

I, George Lyman of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, testify and say that I am well acquainted with Olive Billings wife of John Billings late of Royalton deceased, who in his life time was a Revolutionary pensioner, and that said Olive Billings is, and ever has remained and since said John Billings death, and now is living in said Royalton. Said Olive Billings is of good character for truth and veracity and has been a member of the Baptist for a great many years. - 
/s/George Lyman

State of Vermont
Windsor County ss} Royalton September 21st AD. 1836 Then personally appeared Alden C. Noble and George Lyman the signers of the above affidavits and made solemn oath that said affidavits respectively contain truth and nothing but the truth. I also certify that I am personally acquainted with said Noble and Lyman and that they sustain irreproachable characters. 
/s/Julius Cammon, Justice Peace
Page 46

State of Vermont
Windsor County

I Benjamin Swan Clerk of the County Court of the County and state aforesaid as hereby certify that Julius Converse is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 4th day of December 1835 and will expire on the 4th day of December AD 1836 and that his signature on the other side written is genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 22nd day of September AD 1836.

Benj. Swan Clerk
Page 47

Quarters 17-A
Ft. Harrison
Indiana

Old War File 23601
11/16/38

Dear Sir:

Does the pension file of John Billings W23601 contain any data about the birth of John Billings or the birth and death of his wife Alice? Does it contain a statement as to their marriage or her parentage?

I am descended from this couple and am trying to prove her ancestry so shall appreciate this favor.

Yours Truly,
Willard E. Wight
Page 48

[typewritten letter]
Cincinnati, Ohio,
June 20, 1919.  [margin note: Rev War incr]

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
May I ask if your records give the service of John Billings in Revolutionary War that you supply us with a copy of the same?
My husband is his great-great-grandson.
The service was for Connecticut.
He died in Vermont, Aug. 22, 1832.
Tradition says that his rank was private and corporal: also that his name was on a pension list at Windsor, Vt.
Please to tell us if certain states have pension rolls which do not appear in the Government files, if so do they include  Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Pennsylvania?
[margin note: we have no data about this]
Thanking you for such information as you may give me in advance, I am
Respectfully yours
/s/(Mrs. E. W.) Anne R. Mitchell
823 Cleveland Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Page 49

[typewritten letter]

January 3, 1939
xxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/MCS [margin note: own]
John Billings, W.23601

Mr. Willard E. Wight
Quarters 17-A
Fort Harrison Indiana

Dear Sir;
Reference is made to your letter requesting data the relative to the birth, marriage and death of the Revolutionary War soldier, John Billings, W.23601, and his wife, Olive, also their parentage.
The papers on file in pension claim, W.23601, based on the Revolutionary War service of John Billings, show that this soldier was born November 15, 1751, in Montville, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown. He married October 10, 1772, at Montville, Connecticut, Olive Noble. The date and place of her birth and the names of her parents are not shown. John Billings died August 22, 1832, at Royalton, Vermont. Olive Billings applied for pension as the widow of John Billings on September 21, 1836, and she was then aged eighty-two years and was living in Royalton, Vermont.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of Olive Billings, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of death of said Olive, it is suggested that you address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., giving the following data: Olive Billings, widow of John Billings, Certificate 646, issued March 25, 1837, Act of July 4, 1836, Windsor, Vermont Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator