Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5969, for Asahel Kingsley, Connecticut
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(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Kingsley, Asahel

NUMBER
R 5969

CONTENTS
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                  STATE of CONNECTICUT
TOLLAND COUNTY, SS. HEBRON PROBATE DISTRICT

     On this 27th day of July A. D. 1833, personally appeared in open court before Abner Hendee, Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate, for the District of Hebron, now sitting, Asahel Kingsley a resident of Columbia in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut, aged 71 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
     That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.

That on or about the first day of August 1778 he enlisted as a private under Ensign David Young of Windham for the term of six months, and was stationed at the Powder Mill and Magazine owned by the State of Connecticut in said Windham and employed in guarding the Mill and  Magazine until the Mill was blown up on the 12th day of December 1778 after which he served in watching the powder in the outhouse and Magazine until the 7th day of February 1779 when we were discharged having served six months as a private in said guard.
     On the first day of July 1779 I again enlisted under said Ensign Young for one year as said Mill was rebuilt by State of Connecticut and was employed as a guard for seven months when he was discharged in order that I might enlist in the Continental army.
     On the first day of June 1780 I enlisted into the Continental army for the term of seven months under Captain Nathaniel Webb then a recruiting officer at said Windham and on the 14th or 15th day of June marched with a number of recruits from Windham and joined a  part of our regiment at Danbury and placed under and officer of the army who marched us to Peekskill where the declarant was placed in the first Continental Regiment commanded by Colonel Starr
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Said Lieutenant Colonel Sill in the second Brigade under Brigadier General Jedediah Huntington and [illegible] marched 20 miles up the river at Nelsons Point and there put into the fifth company of said first regiment and drilled by Sargeant James Benjamin who was afterwards promoted and then was transferred to the fourth company of said Regiment commanded by Captain Douglas and stayed at Nelsons Point about three weeks when we were marched down the river to Peekskill and crossed at Stony Point and marched to Tappen where we remained until after the execution of Major Andre and then marched to near Hackensack where we remained until about the first of December 1780 when we marched to the Highlands and there stayed until the 7th Day of said December when he received a written discharge from Herman Swift Commandant of this Brigade that on the 10th of said December 1780 he received an order to draw provisions at Danbury and Hartford and arrived at home the 16th Day of December 1780 having served as near as he can recollect six months as a private and stated that he has lost his discharge.
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states that in his first service as a private six months in his second at Windham as a guard aforesaid he served eleven months and in his third he served in the Continental Army as a private six months, and in his fourth he served as guard at Windham four and a half months as a private
     The herewith furnishes the affidavits of Oliver Kingsley, Benjamin Miller, Alpheus Kingsley knowing to a part of his services and is all the testimony he able to procure.
     He also furnishes several documents from the comptroller office which are hereto annexed.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
He answers to the interrogatories propounded by order of the War Department, as follows:
1.  Where, and in what year were you born?  He was born in Lebanon A. D. 1762
2.Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  He has no record of his age
3.  Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?  He lived in Lebanon when called into service has lived there since the Revolutionary War and now lives in Columbia
4.  How were you called into service? Were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?  in all his terms of service he enlisted
5.  State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiment as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
He has stated the names of his officers and Regiment and circumstances as near as he can recollect in his declaration
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Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid- Asahel Kingsley

We, Henry Brown a clergyman residing in the town of Coventry in the County of Tolland, and Simon Babcock residing in Columbia in said County hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Asahel Kingsley who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 71 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.
                           Henry Brown Clergyman
                           Simon Babcock
     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, the the Reverend Henry Brown who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident of Coventry and that Simon Babcock who has signed the same, is a resident in the town of Columbia and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

     I, Cyrus Mann, clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Hebron, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Asahel Kingsley for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 27th day of July A. D. 1833.

                           Cyrus Mann Clerk
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I Oliver Kingsley of Lebanon in the County of New London and State of Connecticut sixty two years of age do testify and say that I am acquainted with Mr. Asahel Kingsley of Columbia in the County of Tolland in the state aforesaid and known that in the year 1780 Mr Kingsley enlisted into the continental service in a company commanded by Captain Nathaniel Webb for seven months and left home some time in the month of June and returned in the month of December following. I likewise state that I have known the said Mr Kingsley to be one of the guard at the powder mill at Windham in said state.
                             Oliver Kingsley

Windham County ss Windham July 27th A. D. 1833 Personally appeared Oliver Kingsley signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same and I certify that the said Kingsley is a person of truth and his deposition is entitled to full credit.
  Before me Calvin Hibbard Justice of Peace
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I Benjamin Miller of Windham in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut of seventy eight years of age do testify and say that I know Mr. Asahel Kingsley of Columbia in the  County of Tolland and state of aforesaid and during the war of the revolution there were {illegible] am around near where I then lived in said town of Windham and a select guard near likewise kept over it and I knew the said Mr Kingsley to be there and understood that he was one of the guard aforesaid and further the deponent saith not
                              Benjamin Miller

Windham County ss Windham July 27th A. D. 1833 Personally appeared Benjamin Miller signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me and testify that the aforesaid Benjamin Miller is a person of truth and full credit is due his deposition
          Calvin Hibbard Justice of the Peace
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I, Thomas Day, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
That Luther Kingsley Esquire, if and for more than one year last past, has been a justice of the Peace and for the county of Tolland in said state, and also that Calvin Hibbard Esquire, now is and for more than one year last past has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Windham in said state, and that both of said Justices have been duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said state to administer on this to witnesses, and to take affidavits and depositions out of court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Justices in Court and Country.

In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the tenth of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
                                           Thomas Day
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More for the service of my said brother Asahel Kingsley who was at that time a minor, under the age of Twenty one years; while my said brother guarded the Powder Mill I was part of the time a guard with him. I remember we always kept a loaded musket with us, I further deponent saith not
               Alpheus Kingsley

State of Connecticut Tolland County of Hebron Probate District
Personally appeared in open Court before Abner Hendee Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for 1st District Alpheus Kingsley signer of the forgoing affidavit and made oath that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And this Court certifies that the Said Kingsley is a man of truth, that his statement is entitled to credit. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto sent my hand and affixec the seal of said Court this 27th Day of July A. D. 1833
                            Cyrus Mann Clerk
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Alpheus Kingsley of Columbia in Tolland County state aforementioned aged sixty nine years, being first sworn as the law directs, do on oath testify & say - that I well recollect that Asahel Kingsley then of Lebanon in Windham County now New London County Connecticut, enlisted into the Continental Army for seven months the time of enlistment was on the 1st of June 1780; I remember when sd. Asahel marched to join the army, which was about the middle of the month of June 1780 aforsd. - the order for sd. Asahel to join the army was from Capt Nathaniel Webb, then of Windham aforsd. who was the recruiter officer - the time that sd. Asahel was ordered to join the army was about one fortnight after his enlistment, & he staid in Army untill the month of December 1780 as I well remember it was winter weather - I also further testify, that in the month of June 1778 the aforesd. Asahel Kingsley was a guard for the
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powder mill, situated in sd. Windham, in Connt.. Sd Asahel guarded sd. mill for six months from sd. 1st June 1778 the State of Connecticut manufactured the powder & the guard was enlisted by their order. My sd. brother Asahel was also in the year 1779 enlisted, as a guard for sd. mill, he enlisted under said tour for six months from 1st January to first June 1779 - the sd. mill was blown up on 12th of Novmbr. 1778 by some evil minded persons, it was perceived that it was done by throwing nails into one of the morters of sd. mill; while the mill stoppd one man named Roswell Moulton was killed, & several others were wounded, the whole time my brother served in the mill was one year - the State of Connecticut manufactured large quantity of powder at sd. mill, there were several tons of powder, there was the drying house, & a large quantity of sulpher was removed out of the mill the day before the mill blew up - 
I recollect that my brother recd. his pay for his services at the time he enlisted with the Continental Army at twice he recd. pay for six months, & my father was dissatisfied with the amount of pay recd.; & went to the pay master, Majr. John Ripley who was pay master of the Regt. & obtaind six Dolls.
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                              Asahel Kingsley
                                Application
                                  26.549
                                 Rejected
                              Act of June 1832


       Return
Abner Hendee
Hebron, Connecticut


Certificate de
{illegible]
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Comptrollers Office
July 9th 1833
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of public accounts for the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety under date July 12th 1776, that the following order was made by that board, viz, "A letter from Colol. Petkin expressing his great apprehensions of danger of his powder mill; being destroyed by enemies, having been much threatning about them &c from prisoners &c which occasioned much consultation about guarding or securing them & how to & voted after much discourse, that guards be allowed at Colo. Petki, & also at Col. Elderkin at Wales powder mill and that the respective owners be allowed four shillings per night for each night they shall keep such guard until the board shall take other more further order concerning them."
Under date 19th July 1776 said board voted and ordered Messrs. Elderkin & Wales to build a magazine of stone for the storage of the powder made at their mill; & were authorised to receive from the public treasury therefor a sum not exceeding fourteen pounds Lre; & that said magazine should belong to the Colony.
Under date July 31st 1776 said board ordered the pay table to draw an order on the Treasurer in favor of Messrs. Elderkin & Wales for L250,0,0 to be on account of their making powder for the Colony.
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Under date Oct. 30th 1777 Mess. Elderkin & Wales were ordered by said board to deliver powder for the use of the forts at New London and Grotio.
On the 5th November 1777 said board ordered the Committee of the Pay Table to settle with Messs. Elderkin & Wales for guarding the magazine for powder and salt petre at Windham, charged at 12/per diem from the 9th day of June to the 5th day of November 1777, & ordered to draw on the Treasurer for the balance.
On the 4th day of November 1778 said board voted that Messr. Elderkin & Wales might have and receive for the use of their powder mill one hogshead of sulphur belonging to the State in the care of Capt. Jabez Fitch, & to account therefor according to the resolve of the Assembly.
On the 27th day of May 1779, said board adjusted & allowed the sum of L302, 14, 11 upon the account of Eleazer Cary of Windham, for boarding Messr. Nicholas & Mark Forquett, who were employed by Congress to inspect the gun powder mill in the United States. & ordered the Committee of the Pay Table to draw an order on the Treasurer for that amount.
On the 5th day of August 1779 said board ordered Jedediah Elderkin & Nathaniel Wales Esqs. to vend half a ton of musket powder belonging to this State to be delivered to Brigdr. Genl. Tyler for the supply of the troops under his command.
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Said board on the 21st of October 1779, upon the application of Samuel Jannison of Sutton in the State of Massachusetts, for a loan of fifteen hundred pounds weight of saltpetre belonging to this State, in the care of Messr. Elderkin & Wales at Windham, resolved that the said Samuel may have & receive said quantity therefrom, upon his giving sufficient security to replace the same by the first day of April 1780.
Also under date 22nd of October 1779 said board ordered one ton of saltpetre belonging to this State, & in the care of Messr. Elderkin& Wales to be delivered to Isaac Doolittle of New Haven &c.
Said board on the 4th day of February 1780 voted that Messr Elderkin & Wales deliver to Nathaniel Skinner of Hartford half a ton of pistol powder, in their custody & belonging to this State, designed for Gen Ethan Allen of Vermont, &&c.
And on the 3rd day of February 1780 upon the request of the board of War 18th Decr. 1779 for two tons of powder to supply the two Frigates the Trumball & the Bourbon, said Council of Safety ordered Messr Elderkin & Wales to deliver two tons of cannon powder, in their possession and belonging to the State, to John Deshon one of the Commissioners of the Navy in the Eastern Department, taking duplicate receipts &c.
On the 23d of April 1782 said Council of Safety ordered Messr. Elderkin & Wales to deliver to Guy Richards Mst Dep 2d M at the Post of New
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London four barrels of musket powder, belonging to this State to be by them delivered to the commanding officer at the posts of New London & Groton.
On the 23d of May 1782 said Council of Safety ordered said Elderkin & Wales to secure the powder at Windham from wasting &c.
And that no pay roll of said guard, or other evidence of the duration of these services, remained in this office.
E Phelps

On 11th June 1782 said Council of Safety passed the following resolution, viz, "Resolved that the Committee of Pay Table be directed to draw in favor of the Selectness of Saybrook on Wales & Elderkin of Windham for one barrel of musket powder one barrel of cannon powder - on Jabez Perkins of Norwick Esq for two hundred weight or lead, & on sd. David Trumball of Lebanon for five hundred (illegible) taking their receipt to be accountable.
That on the 15th of November 1782 said Council poised the following resolve, viz, "Resolved that Chauncey Whettlesey Esqr Q.M.G. be directed to obtain from the several Brigdr. Genls. a return of the stores of ammunition in their hands & thereupon send to each a sufficient quantity of powder to fill their stores according to law, that he send forthwith to Messr. Elderkin & Wales for a sufficiency & order B. Genl. Tyler & Douglass (whose situation renders it convenient) o receive from said Elderkin & Wales their proper store or proportion. That the several Brigadiers take care that such powder be properly disposed & ordered so as to be in readiness for public use, according to law & that said Elderkin & Wales may distribute
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the [illegible] in their hands that shall be left to the care of the Selectmen of the several towns in New London County East of the river of Windham in proportion to their lots nearby the common powder to the towns in New London County save Preston - the said Brigadier and Selectman to be accountable- that said Elderkin and Wales are authorized to sell and dispose such quantity of cannon powder as they shall judge may be shared the the best terms they shall be able for cash or short credit or good security and lodge the money with the Treasurer taking proper receipts.
     " And on the 21st day of June 1782 said Council posed the following resolve, [illegible] Resolved that Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales said be and they are hereby directed to store the powder made at their works in a barn belonging to Doctor Joshua Elderkin in Windham which they have provided for that purpose and keep a proper guard at night and secure the same in the best manner the reasonably and put up a proper iron rod as a means to preserve the same from lightning the whole at the expense of the State."
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And on the 28th day of April 1783 said Council of Safety passed the following viz, " Resolved that the Committee of Pay Table be and they are hereby directed to liquidate and settle with Messrs Jedediah Elderkin, Nathaniel Wales and David Young of Windham the expense of keeping and to guard the State powder and salt peter at the powder mill at Windham during the war not allowing more than two shillings per day to one person nor more than two on guard at one time - also to allow such sum as they shall judge reasonable for finding house room and fore for the guard in that season of the year that the same was needful also to liquidate and settle with said Elderkin and Wales the payments by them or either of them made for and on account of said guards and also the money received and on a certain note executed by John Griswold and Abel Marsh to the Governor and Company of this State dated July 2nd 1776 and in part paid out to said guard and also to allow to said Wales out of the money received on said note thirty dollars paid by said Wales to Mark Foquet as per his receipt and draw on the Treasurer of this State for such sum as may be found and due to said Elderkin, Wales and Young or either of them in the matters aforesaid to be paid out  of the one shilling tax the Committee of the Pay Table are directed to charge
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the thirty dollars paid to Mark Foquet to (illegible) United States.
E Phelps
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                               Comptrollers Office
                               August 14, 1833

I Elisha Phelps Comptroller of the Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that it appears by the "payroll of the new services in Captain Richard Douglass Company 1st Connecticut Regiment 28th December 1780 that Asahel Kingsley commenced service" therein on the 1 Day July 1780 and served therein as a private until the 9th day of December 1780 being four months and nine days.

                                    Elisha Phelps
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Revolutionary and 1812
Wars Section
R. 5969
MOS/HMM
                                              July 10, 1929
Mrs. Mary M. Trotter
1915 Greenwood Street
Pueblo, Colorado

Dear Madam:
     I advise you that from the paper in the Revolutionary War pension claim R 5969, it appears that Asahel Kingsley was born in 1762 in Lebanon, Connecticut.
     It was stated that while a resident of that place he enlisted and served as a private with the Connecticut Troops as follows:
From about the first of August 1778 until January 15, 1779 under Ensign David Young, and was engaged in guarding a powder mill; from July 1, 1779, eleven months, under Ensign Young and was engaged in guarding a powder mill; from July 1, 1780 until December 9, 1780 in Captain Richard Douglass' Company in Colonel Starr's Regiment; from the middle of September 1781 until February 1, 1782 under Ensign Young and was engaged in guarding a powder mill.
     He applied for pension July 27, 1833, at which time he was living in Columbia, Tolland County, Connecticut. His claim was not allowed as he failed to prove that he served six months in a military capacity which was the requirement of the pension law.
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     There are no data relative to wife and children.
     The above is the history of the only soldier by the name of Asahel Kingsley that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.

                            Respectfully

                                  Earl D. Church,
                                       Commissioner.
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I Jabez Clark of Windham in Windham County aged [illegible] and one years first- sworn according to law do on oath testify and say that in the year 1775 and 1776 I was engaged in the Manufacture of [illegible] and then lived in Lebanon in {illegible] Manufactured about thirteen hundred weight of Salt Peter after it was [illegible] the same was to be inspected by a person appointed by the state the late judge Southworth was the inspector. I carried it to Windham and it was inspected by T. Southworth and he gave me certificate for the above quantity, He applied to the Treasurer of the state and used about thirteen hundred dollars from the State of Connecticut for, the said Salt Peter was purchased for the state was Manufactured in the Mills in Windham for the state, after that in the year 1777, I joined the Continental Army
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I served five campaigns I will remember that the Powder Mills in Windham made much powder for the State during the war and at times was at home from the army and that a guard was kept at said Mills by the State. The Mill was blew up in
1778. I think a Mr. Moulton in the Mill killed. It was supposed that it was done by unfriendly persons to the Country. Some vile person had driven a parcel of old nails in the Powder Mortars as the nails were found driven into the Mortars. These were facts generally known and about two or three tons of Salt Petre and Powder was blown up that belonged to the State and further saith not
           Copy of Jabez Clark

I Roger Huntington of Windham County and the State of Connecticut and seventy six years do on oath testify and say that I was born in Windham aforesaid and have ever lived in said Windham that during the Revolutionary was I was actively engaged at times in the service of the United States that I will remember a Powder Mill established in said Windham at a place now and then called Willimantic in said Windham that I was also well acquainted that at said Mills much Powder was manufactured at said Mill for the State of Connecticut and for the United States. I also know and testify that a guard was kept at said Mill by the State of Connecticut once during the war and the said mills were blown up and a man killed by the name of Moulton. I have seen the guard at the Mills but I cannot name any of them at the time the Mills were blown up
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It was then the general opinion that it was designedly down, as the stubs of nails were found driven into the Mortars which the powder was made, by a person in [illegible] to the Country and for the purpose of injuring and preventing them from carrying on the war for the 
want of that news article, the state gave a bounty of about four shillings, lawful money a pound for Salt Petre. The state purchased the salt Petre and Manufactured it for the state and the United States and sent the powder to the Army. After the Mills were blown up it was immediately rebuilt and a Magazine also built to store powder and the guard had charge of the Magazine also. It was very difficult to get Salt Petre and the State game said Cargo a bounty to obtain it. It was not to be had at all except that was made in the neighborhood I made Salt Petre and sold it to the State and obtained the bounty and further not
     Copy of Roger Huntington's 
in Presence of 
Clarissa Huntington

I consider Young of Windham in the County of Windham and the State of Connecticut of sixty six years of age do testify and say that during the war of the revolution lived about one mile from the Powder Mill and Magazine in said Windham and know that my uncle David Young had the command of a guard stationed at said Magazine for a considerable time and knowing said Young paying some of said guard and I recollect that a Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales were said to be the only owners of said Powder Mill and that Mr. Asahel Kingsley served as on of said guard and further the deponent saith not
Copy of Consider Young's taken by C. Hibard
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I Anna Hiberd of Windham in the county of Windham and State of Connecticut aged eighty five years being first sworn according to Laws to on oath testify and say that I am sister to David Young formerly of Windham aforesaid but lately of Lebanon in State of Connecticut [illegible] during the Revolutionary Was a Powder Mill was erected at a place in said Windham called Willimantic by Elderkin and Wales that they manufactured great quantities of gun powder for the State of Connecticut and that in the year 1778 when said Mill was created by said Elderkin and Wales and the State of Connecticut built a Magazine to store the Powder Manufactured for said State of Connecticut - There were much Powder made during said War and my brother David had charge of the guard that was kept - by the State to guard said Magazine, he was overseer or Sargeant of the guard during all the turn of the war and had charge of the said guard, I will recollect that said Mill was blown up during the war and it was supposed to be done by some evil disposed person to the Liberties of our country. I know that my said brother David Young was never called upon to do Military duty in the war, but was kept and ordered to keep said Magazine of Powder for the said State of Connecticut and that was his business through the war. I had two other brothers, William and Samuel, who were both at times called upon to go into the army and did go, but my said brother David did not.
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After the War of the Revolution was over I do not recollect that any Powder was made after that time at said Mill - the place is now often called the Powder Mills and further Deponent saith not
     Anna Hebard's Deposition taken by
                                  W. J. Williams

I Elisha White of Windham in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut age of seventy nine years do testify and say that I have always made my home in this town that Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales were a council of safety in said State of Connecticut during the war of the Revolution and that said Wales was one of the owners of the Powder Mill in said town and said Elderkin was reported to be the other owner of the said Mill  while the war continued and I never knew or heard of any other person being concerned in said Powder Mill and further state that I know that there was a guard kept at a Magazine near said Powder Mill some part of the time during the war and at the time the Connecticut Militia went to New York I carried one ton of Powder from said Magazine to New Haven which was guarded by twenty of the Militia that was going to New York and a short time before the aforesaid time I carried 1 1/2 tons of Powder from said Magazine to Norwich which I understood destined for New York- and further the deponent saith not - 
                      Elisha White's taken by 
                            [illegible] copy
Page 28

I Roxana Swift of Lebanon in said New London County State of Connecticut and seventy two years being first sworn as the Law directs do on oath testify and say that I will recollect that Asahel Kingsley then of said Lebanon enlisted into the Continental Army the particular time I cannot now certainly recollect but believe it to be in June 1780 this I well remember that after said Asahel enlisted I saw him twice before he joined the Army. There was a wedding in the neighborhood in which I lived on the 13th of June in that year and that was the last time I saw said Asahel Kingsley and did not see him after that until the winter of following after he had returned from army. But the particular time I do not remember whether [illegible] knew how long he served.

I John Marble late of Lebanon in New London County and State of Connecticut but now resident of Lee in the County of Berkshire in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 70 years being first sworn according to Law under oath testify and say the in the War of Revolution I was well acquainted with Asahel Kingsley of Lebanon aforesaid lived some years previous to the war. Also in the family of Asahel Kingsley father Mr. Oliver Kingsley then of said Lebanon now [illegible] in the year 1778 in the month of August and will recollect that I saw said Asahel Kingsley as a guard of the Powder Mill in Windham. I know also that gun powder was made at the Powder Mill and for the State of Connecticut and for the United States
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I once tried to purchase some gun powder to hunt with but was refused and I know that all persons [illegible] way concerned with the mill were forbidden to sell any to any private individuals but that it all was reserved for the public. I know that David Young later on was Sargent of the Guard most part of the Revolutionary War and said Asahel Kingsley was a guard at the time the Powder Mills were blown up which was on the 12th of December 1778 and I will remember that a man by the name of Molton was blown up and killed. After the mill was blown up and there was no guard kept there until the month of July 1779 when the Mill was again put into operation and after that was strictly guarded as it was supposed that some person unfriendly to the United States has blown it up. In the winter of 1782 I was at the Powder Mill aforesaid and the said Asahel Kingsley was there and I well remember that I heard said Asahel say to one of the guards it was time for him to take his place upon the guard. I asked said Asahel if he had command of the guard. He said yes when Sargent Young is gone. Young was gone to Boston Kingsley acted when Young was absent was the [illegible] of the guard and had charge of the soldiers that were at the time the guard of the Mill and further saith not
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I Oliver Bingham of Mansfield in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut of the age of 70 do Testify and say I went to live with Mr. David Young of Windham in the County of Windham and State aforesaid on the first day April 1781 and lived boarded with home one year and I know that said Mr. Young enlisted the guard and  paid and [illegible] when their [illegible] were out and the said Young furnished with arms which were stationed at the Powder Mill and Magazine in said Windham during the aforesaid time and I further state Jedediah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales who were Council of Safety for the State of Connecticut during the War of the Revolution were the said owners of the said Powder Mill. The guard that was stationed at said Magazine consisted of six and two were stationed as guard in each successive night with loaded arms and I have frequently seen several tons of powder at said Magazine.
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the foregoing are copies of Depositions which are now in Washington
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Connecticut
[illegible] C. October - 4 1833

A. Hendee



recorded Volume 2a page 15
Page 33

                                       War Department
                                       [illegible] Office
                                       4 October 1833

Hi
     The term of Asahel Kingsley in watching the powder mill magazine in Windham cannot be regarded as military service under the Act of 
[illegible] 1832 as was heretofore stated in my letter relative to the claim of Asahel Kingsley. His service in Butler's Regiment having been but five months and nine days, his claim does not come within the act which requires nine months service. The claim is rejected and this paper placed on file.

Abner Hendee
Hebron, Connecticut
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                             REJECTED

                                 3969

P.O.
  Asahel Kingsley
Servie:
Enlisted:                 , 18  ,
Discharged:           ,  18  ,
Application filed:   ,  18  ,
List of 1832 gives for reason for rejection: He did not served in a military capacity.
Alleges:                  ,  18  ,
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
              Recognized,                     Contract.
     Certificate of Discharge       
Searched for             , 18  .

1929 July 10 history to [illegible] Mary M. Trotter U C S
1931 November 30 Mrs. G. F. Trotter advance history send July 10 1929 U C S
Page 35

Honorable Winfield Scott
Pension Bureau   Pension Department
Washington D.C.
Honorable Sir: -
     Will you please be kind enough to furnish me with the Revolutionary Pension Record of Asahel (Asa) Kingsley of Swausra (Swanzry) or Scolland (Scotland) or Lebanon or Mansfield or Windham Connecticut or Massachusetts.
Mr. Kingsley an ancestor was a Revolutionary soldier and his record is greatly desired

                       (Mrs.) Mary M. Trotter
1915 Greenwood Street
Pueblo, Colorado
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Copy of original order from B. Genl Durkee to Col. Jeremiah Mason  
In consequence of [unreadable] from the [unreadable] you are directed to muster the men who are or shall be raised within your Regt for the defense of Horseneck & the Western [unreadable]  to an act of the Genl Assembly in Session last to muster men out able bodied & effective men.  See that they are with [unreadable] to give the [unreadable] for two marchings to position 
themselves under the command of Col Canfield commanding them – and the receivers of provisions in the [unreadable] Towns and by his Excellency’s orders directed to supply them with with Rations of Provisions necessary on their March whose proper  [unreadable].
You are to make return to me by the [unreadable] of April first of with the Recruits for the Continental Army that shall be their enlistment [unreadable] after the fifth day of April 
[unreadable]
Page 37

is to be immediately dispatched to supply his place [unreadable]
April 3d 1781 (signed) J Douglas B. Genl
Col. Mason
Col Mason order to the Captains under his Command
(copy)
In consequence of  [unreadable] Just Received and in compliance with the  [unreadable] unreadable of this State  [unreadable] dispatch forthwith from your  [unreadable] four able bodied &  [unreadable] men fit for  [unreadable] is fit to serve until the last day of December   [unreadable] three from  [unreadable] Classes – Numbers 9 – 27 – 61 and also one from your said Company  which is our  [unreadable] for them which go at large in the Town, class and hold them in readiness until they shall be presently mustered, Receipted and make in  [unreadable] return to me of the men so  [unreadable]
Given at Lebanon this 3d Day of April AD 1780
(signed) Jeremiah Mason Col.
Page 38

Receipt of Asahel Kingsley’s Enlistment 
(Copy)
I do hereby acknowledge myself Enlisted Soldier in a Regiment of the Connecticut line of the Continental Army under the command of John Durkee Esqr in case such Regiment is full in such other Regiment of said line.  I may be [unreadable] in pursuant to an Act of the General Assembly passed in this Session in October last at my Election and am Subject to the [unreadable] said regulations in this Army unless sooner proper [unreadable] by proper authority 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of May AD 1780.  
(signed) Asahel Kingsley
Andrew Chapman discharge
(Copy)
Andrew Chapmen in Col James Mason Company in [unreadable] Regiment is hereby discharged from the Continental Army and six days been allowed him to go home in.  By order of 
(signed) John Durkee Lt. Col
Dated at [unreadable] Conn
December [unreadable]
Page 39

State of Connecticut
New London County
                                 Probate Office District
of Lebanon April 27, 1841
          I Edwin M Dolbeau Clerk of Probate for said district hereby certify that I have examined General Douglas' order to Colonel Jeremiah Mason also Colonel Mason's order to the captains under his command likewise Asahel Kingsley receipt of enlistment and Andrew Chapman's discharge that their papers are now in my possession and the forgoing are true copies of the same. In witness, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of this office this day and year aforesaid.
                            Edwin M Dolbeau
                            Clerk of Probate
                            District of Lebanon
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled the Petitioner Asahel Kingsley respectfully (illegible) that there was a powder mill built in 177 all the is Willimantic in Town of Windham in the State of Connecticut by Colonels Jedidiah Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales. Two of the  Council of Safety for said State for the purpose of making powder for the public to carry on the war of the Revolution against England. Said Elderkin and Wales made large quantities of powder for the army and navy of the United States and State service of the State of Connecticut furnishes all the material and owned all the powder manufactured at said mill and for the same (illegible0 of said powder ordered a magazine built to store said powder in and a guard to (illegible0 over the same said guard was kept by said State and the command of David Young Sargent in Militia who enlisted arms said and (illegible) D Young and (illegible) of (illegible) to on Earth (illegible) night with loaded arms said guard and paid (illegible) said State of Connecticut and your petitioner would further state that on (illegible) 12th died (illegible) said Powder mill was blown up and a man killed the the name of Morton supposed to be done but a person unfriendly to the country after this a man a traitor, a guard was kept at said mills. On the first of August (illegible) your Petitioner was drafted as one of the guards for six months and (illegible) said guard until the position was taken from said (illegible) for the use of the army and navy and given discharge 15th January 1779. After the mill was destroyed is two (illegible) by the name of (illegible) was sent by building in a (Illegible) said mill paid by Congress subject your Petitioner enlists is most of one year and Magazine I guard at it mills and magazine until May 1780 when he was detained for one of the herewith for the Continental arm to serve until the last day of December 1780 been about six months and the (illegible) submitted to the Council of Safety which (illegible) in Lebanon on the (illegible) not be (illegible) from (illegible)
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he being all ready in State service and left  (illegible)  would enlist in to the Continental army (illegible) mission on the (illegible) and I (illegible) said guard until 30 May until the last day December 1780 being seven months on the Captain Nathaniel Webb then the recruiting officer at Windham ordered me on the 6 of June to notify the men then enlisted to report to Danbury immediately and I immediately notified said men and we marched for Danbury on the 14 Day of June remained at Danbury a day or two for Lebanon, Windham, Mansfield, and Hampton. Recruits to come in, we then marched for the Peekskill under a Lieutenant about 45 in number. We were drilled under Sargent Benjamin's until the first of July then we were placed in Colonel Isiah Stars Regiment. I was first in Captain Douglas' Company and remained in said company until I was discharged in 9th Day December 1780. Six days allowed to come home in marking my service in the Continental army for the time enlisted until I return to home six month and eleven days andt your Petitioner would further state that his pay was of little value except the extra bounty paid by Town of Lebanon in silver money and after your Petitioner left the service of the United States he was again employed by the State to take charge of guard of magazine powder and a small store of salt peter. The powder mill having stopped making powder and never made any at Mill. Afterward New London being burned September 1781 and (illegible) threatening by a Party then called Torys. I and two other that had been in the Continental Service took charge of said powder magazine and said store to gather with three other able bodied men. Six in number, perhaps the most efficient guard (illegible) the establishment. I will use the expression of Sargent Young. I can't (illegible) no longer.
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Your petitioner would further state there was in said Magazine four or five ton of powder which gave great uneasiness to the inhabitants in said village and it was removed to home of [illegible]
Joshua Elderkin in Windham and guard detached to guard the same. My first town on said guard five months fifteen days [illegible] and eleven months in the Continental Service six months seventeen days and stayed in charge of said guard four months with Sargent. Pay the whole two years and three months. Your Petitioner therefore prays your honorable body to Congress unto the facts and finding them true upon inquiry to place [illegible] your Petitioner on the Pension List as he believes his service was meritorious and that he deserves to be paid well as many others have been placed on to [illegible] and he is Duty Bound will ever pray
         April 27 A D 1841
         Lebanon State of Connecticut
         Asahel Kingsley

Th:   W. Williams
                       MC
Page 43

Honorable J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.




Kingsley - 
        February 8, 1842
Page 44

Honorable J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.


Kingsley -
        February 8, 1842
Page 45

when said Honorable J. L. Edwards Esquire not [illegible] of Pensions. He did have now in my possession you [illegible] to the Honorable Thomas W. Williams House of Representatives state that you have received mu supplement statement. Sir you state to W. Williams my service in the Continental Army to be but five months and nine days throwing away the time I was employed by Captain Nathaniel Webb after I was enlisted in notifying the men to March to Danbury and marching to Danbury then to Peekskill then to the Highlands and there [illegible] to where and march under James Benjamin of Colonel Josiah Starr right until the first of July without ever seeing a field officer on the {illegible] none but a few during the war men kept there in charge of the look outs in the Highlands. On the 6th of July, colonel Starr came and took command of his regiment and I was placed in Captain Douglass Company and we were marched down to Roberson farm three or four mines when General Huntington's Brigade went by and the brigade came together and the new recruits drew their arms. General Parsons brigade lay further down towards the North River and the whole Army came together at {illegible]. Sir, the first role you find of my service I joined the Army 1st July where was the Army to join until that time more than one month [illegible] away. After I had enlisted to make your statement correct and you threw away six days, allowed others to come home. Sir, this is not the way we trust our Public Servants. When I am called and willingly I am paid my [illegible] and wages when a [illegible] my time and travel. When detailed on a Court  Martial my travel and days when a member of the Legislature the number of days from home and to return. Sir you will find the orders from General Douglass by his [illegible[ command when that the men show to have their rations necessary on March to camp. Upon proper return being made and receipts given April 3rd A. D. 1780, April 5th A.D. 1780. Colonel Mason's orders that the men are mustered and receipts and returns made to him May 30, 1780. I enlisted and read my State, County from Colonel Jeremiah Mason and gave my receipt to serve in the Connecticut Line in the Continental Army. Marking this time I enlisted till I was discharged six months and eleven days to come home. Six months making six months and seventeen days, the same that others have been allowed and  paid and now Sir for the Magazine and Powder Mill Guard in your letter to Abner Hendee Esquire dated September A. D. 1833
Page 46

Sir, in said letter to said Hendee you acknowledge the Council o Safety ordered a guard to be kept at the Powder Mill and Magazine and they were paid by the State of Connecticut from their Treasury then you state the State was reimbursed by Elderkin and Wales. Said Elderkin and Wales had nothing to do with the guard no more than Governor Trumbull and Judge Williams, both of Lebanon, or the Honorable Jabish Huntington and Honorable Benjamin Huntington, both of Norwich. For all of them were of and belonged to the Council of Safety. Sir, I do not know anything Elderkin and Wales had to guard but the {illegible} of Wales all the testimony she will most [illegible] that the powder belonged to Public. Salt peter was owned by the State of Connecticut, they having paid a large bounty to obtain it. Sir, it is a clear case that the State of Connecticut built the Magazine to store their powder when finished and owned it when it was built so saith the Records of the Council of Safety. Sir, when the Powder Mill was blown up in 1778, Judge Clark testified two or three tons of powder and salt peter were blown up with said Mill which belonged to the State. Sir, with regard to the Powder Mill, it was rebuilt after being blown up by two French Gentlemen. Sent by Congress their wages charged to Congress and the State paid their board. What did Elderkin and Wales have to do with the building said Mill more than the said Council men in Lebanon and Norwich or any others in the State of Connecticut, belonging to said Council of Safety. Sir, in your note to the Honorable Thomas W. Williams, House of Representatives, June 11th [illegible, Sir, you claim the Powder Mill and Magazine guard was not Military but performed under a civil contract with said Wales and Elderkin. Sir, I would simply ask you from what parts of the Testimony or any other authority you can make that assertion and I am totally ignorant from what authority you can claim that Elderkin and Wales ever paid the State one cent for said Powder Mill guard or had anything to do with said guard. The Council of Safety did order a guard to be kept at said Mill and Magazine and David Young an officer in the Windham Militia Company had chard of said guard most part of the Revolutionary War. Sir, he enlisted the men and armed, paid and discharged when their time were out and he was not called to do any other duty in said War but was ordered to take care of said guard and that was his business to keep said Magazine and Powder Mill for the State
Page 47

When said Sargent Young could not get the men for said guard he did detach them for Nehemiah Ripley Testifies he was frequently called upon by David Young to guard the Powder Mill in Windham during the Revolutionary War and I further know that said David Young was an Officer in the Militia. Sir, if you will carefully examine the testimony you will find I am correct with regard to my services in the Continental Army is six months and half and is clearly within the Law of June 7th A. D.1832. Sir, if said Powder had been carried to New London and Groton fort and a guard enlisted, drafted or detached as the case truly was the State built the fort and Magazine and ordered the powder sent to them both and all of them at Windham, New London and Groton were guarded by the State of Connecticut and by the same kind of Troops and paid by said State. Sir, I cannot see no difference whether a man did his duty at the Magazine in Windham or at the Magazine in New London or Groton. All the said Magazines [illegible] Public Property and said State owned all the Powder carried to them. Sir, I do not believe that Elderkin and Wales ever owned one cannel of powder made at said mill. One of them lived three miles and the other four miles from said Mills and both of them were of the Council of Safety and of course were Public Agent Nehemiah Ripley testifies the Powder Mill and Magazines were the  property of the Public and the Powder made there was public property. John Mable testifies he once tried to purchase some to hunt with and was refused and I know that all persons any concerns with the Mill were forbidden to sell any to any private individuals for it all was kept for the Public and I would state to you that in the year 8 when and 82  I had charge of the guard that said Mill was not in operation and the work men were discharged and said guard were stationed at the Magazine and salt peter store. Said Magazine was full of Powder, said to be between four and five tons of Powder belonging to the State. Sir, I have [illegible] to through all the light on the [illegible] Before you I can, Sir, if you will examine the Record of the Council of Safety you will find said Powder ordered to be [illegible] to Joshua Elderkin, born in Windham, who was a Public Commissioner and a guard ordered to be dispatched to take care of it until I was divided the several towns. Sir, I will refer you to the testimony of Peter Sanders of the men drilled by Sargent James Benjamin
     To the Honorable J. L. Edwards
     Commission of Petition
Dated: Lebanon, New London County, State of 
           Connecticut
           January 25th A. D. 1842

Sir, I remain with all due respect yours to serve
          Asahel Kingsley
Page 48

[illegible]



Asahel Kingsley
July 11, 1843
O C

Mr. Asahel Kingsley
Lebanon
New London County
Connecticut
Page 49

                                        Pension Office
                                        July 11, 1842

Sir,
     In reply to your letter regarding your claim for service as a guard under the direction of Messrs. Elderkin and Wales, I have only to [illegible] that the discharge day not [illegible] of a military [illegible] within the just and meaning of the law.
     With respect to your service in Colonel Starr's Regiment in 1780, I can only add, that I have no discretionary power to allow any thing beyond the added service recognized and p aid by the State, what was five months and nine days.
     Should you think proper for you to present your claim to Congress the papers now before [illegible] July may be subject to the direction of that body.
                                                     [illegible]
Page 50

                    [illegible]
                 March 11, 1842
Page 51

                                           Pension Office
                                           March 11, 1842

Sir,
     I have the honor to return you the petition and papers of  Asahel Kingsley and in reply to your inquiry to state that he enlisted into the 6 month [illegible] of the Continental Line on July 80 and was discharged on 9 December 80 making 5 months 9 days service. The service at the Powder Mills of Messrs. Elderkin and Wales was an employment by the owners who it is shown by the records were allowed 4 p night towards the necessary expenses of guarding their mills as the public safety required and was in no respect a military service in the  contemplation of the Pension Laws.

                             Honorable J. C. Bates
                             C W  committee pensions
                             Senate
Page 52

December 22, 1842

Asahel Kingsley

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Washington City, D. C.
Page 53

To his Honorable J. L. Edwards Committee of Pensions for the United States
     Sir, my claims for Services done in the year 1780 in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army the last of May or the first of June, I testified at Windham and read my State bounty from Colonel Jeremiah Mason of Lebanon as one of the Lebanon Quota of men for said Town. Captain Nathaniel Webb was the recruiting officer and gave Colonel Mason a certificate for me as one of the Lebanon Quota to serve in the Connecticut Line until the last day due unless sooner discharged the whole time 7 months. Sir, on the 6th of June, Captain Webb ordered me to notify the men then enlisted to march for Danbury, a place of rendezvous in Connecticut. When ordered, I obeyed and did notify the men then enlisted and made my return to Captain Webb and received an order from Captain Webb to draw our rations of provisions at Hartford and Danbury to carry us to camp. On the 13 or 14 of June, we marched from Lebanon to Hartford then to Peekskills then to the Highlands near West Point in the State of New York,140 miles. We that were for Colonel Josiah Starr's Regiment were placed under Sargent James Benjamin's to learn to walk and march without Army from 10 to 15 days, and the first of July we drew our Army and Colonel Starr came and took command of this Regiment. I was then place in Captain Douglas' Company until the 9th day. On the 10th day read my discharge, Sir, I claim my service was more than 6 months and 6 days from the time I enlisted to the time I returned home was 6 months and 16 days from the time I was ordered on duty by Captain Webb until I read my discharge was 6 months and 4 days and 6 days more to come home in the same as the others have been paid would make 6 months and 10 days. I claim that when I had enlisted read my State Bounty I was bound to obey the order of Captain Webb or any Proper Officer in the United States Service and liable to be punished for refused to obey said order. If I had deserted after I had read said Bounty from Colonel Mason should I not if found been bound to camp as a deserter and punished according to the rules of war for not performing said Tour of Duty as I had engaged and read my Bounty. Sir, the rate you seem to claim would through me out of more than one month when I was actually engaged in doing my Duty as I [illegible] with rigor to the Powder Mill. You state your department does not consider I came under the Spirit of the Law. I most respectfully thank you for one day in the Continental Line should you on careful examination find my service to be more than six months. You will, of course, send my testimony. 
     I am very respectfully your obedient servant.
                           Asahel Kingsley
Page 54

Asahel Kingsley

March 4 1843
Page 55

                                     Pension Office
                                     March 4th, 1843

Sir,
     Your letter postmarked 18th December 1842 has been received. A letter was addressed by me to the Honorable J. C. Bates, Chairman of the Committee on Revolutionary claims in Congress under date March 11, 1824 stating the [illegible] of which your claim had been rejected of which letter a copy is herewith sent. Since the date of the above communication no new information or evidence of any kind has come to hand. Consequently, my opinion remains unaltered.

                                    Number 266.549
                                    Act June 7th 1843

Asahel Kingsley, Esquire
Willimantic
Windham County
Connecticut
Page 56

                           22nd February 1848
                           Honorable H. Johnson
Page 57

191
February 22d 1848. 
Sir,
I have the honor to return the petition and papers of Asahel Kingsley, and to state that he enlisted into the 6 months levies of the Connecticut Line in July 1780, and was discharged on the 9th December 1780, making 5 months and 9 days service.   
His service at the powder mills of Messrs Elderkin & Wales, was an employment by the owners who it is shown by the records were allowed 4. Shillings per night towards the necessary expences of guarding their mills as the public safety required, and was in no respects a military service in the contemplation of the Pension laws.   
Hon H. Johnson 
Ch. Comm. On Pensions 
Senate U. States.
Page 58

Asahel Kingsley 
‘78  6 guard at the Powder Mill 
‘79  12 guard at the Powder Mill 
Serv’d  10m & detached for the army  & served Dec 31 ‘80 in Col. Starrs Regt Capt Douglass 
5 15 
11 
6  172
23. 2 
July 1 1780 and Dec 5 1780
5 mo 9 days
Col. Starr
Page 59

No 26.549 
Connecticut Act 7 June 1832
1832
Asahel Kingsley  
[unreadable] Feby 11, 1842  
Rejected
5969
See letter to A  Hendee. 
4th Oct 1833 
See letter to  Hon W. K. Bond H.R. 
Jan 8 1838. Rejected see letter to Hon Thomas W. Williams June 11 1841
See letter to Hon. J. C. Bates March 11th  1842 
Claimant
See letter to Claimant
Hon. H. Johnson 22 Feb 1848
Page 60

Mrs. G. F. Trotter 
1515 Greenwood Street
Pueblo, Colorado  Nov 14 1931
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir 
Would you please behind enough furnish me with memoranda concerning the Revolutionary Pension Record of Asahel Kingston with the following record 
Private and Guard Capt Pecks Co 
Sworn in at Swansea 
private in Capt Nathaniel Webb’s Co 7 -1 - 1780
Page 61

Mrs. G. F. Trotter 
1515 Greenwood Street
Pueblo, Colorado 
Also in Richard Douglass Co 
Col Starrs Reg't. 12-9-80 
In 1833 ancestor was living in Columbia Tolland Conn.  
Thanking you for your kindness 
Yours Very truly  
(Mrs G. F.) Mary M. Trotter
Page 62

November 30, 1932
BA-J/MCS
Mrs. G. F. Trotter 
1515 Greenwood Street
Pueblo, Colorado 
Dear Madam: 
Reference is made to your letter of November 14, 1931, requesting the Revolutionary War record of Asahel Kingsley. 
The record furnished you July 10, 1929, is that of the only soldier by the name of Asahel Kingsley that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office. 
Very truly yours, A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator