Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 406, Ellis Campbell, New Jersey
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Continental (crossed out) New Jersey 
Campbell, Ellis 
Campbell, Nancy

NUMBER
W. 406

CONTENTS
Page 2

(Document is partially torn and thus missing some words)

New Jersey

Nancy Campbell
widow of Ellis Campbell
who died on the -------
of Middlesex in he State of N.J.
who was a Serg (Sergeant) in the county commanded by Camptain N.J. of the Regt (regiment) commanded by Col in the Revolution (illegible) for five years

Date of widow's death not on A.B. (side note)

Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton 
at the rate of 120 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the  (illegible) date of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of Nov. 1857 and (illegible) Hon Jas Cooper M.L. Pottsville, PA

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section the 3

Recorded by H R Weightman  Clerk
Vol 2   Page 364
Page 3

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

On this sixth day of January one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before Mr Edgar Freeman, one of the judges of the County of Common pleas in and for the County aforesaid,  Nancy Campbell, widow of Ellis Campbell deceased of aged ninety three years, a resident of the City of New York, in the State of New York, who being first duty sworn according to law. (illegible) on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision, made by the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.  That she is the widow of Ellis Campbell deceased.  That her husband entered into service in the war of the Revolution, in the spring of the year 1776 as a volunteer and joined a company of Light Horse, commanded by Capt Matthew Freeman and belonging to the Regiment commanded by Col. Sheldon. That her husband, the aid Ellis Campbell was elected a Sergeant in Capt Matthew Freeman's company and continued to serve in that capacity until the close the war of the Revolution.  That in the month of May 1777, the said Ellis Campbell was in an engagement with the British troops near Bonhamtown.  That in the month of June of the same year, her husband was in an engagement with the British troop on their retreat from New Brunswick to Parth Amboy.  That her husband, the said Ellis Campbell, was (illegible) at and served in the Battle of Monmouth which was fought on the 28th day of June 1778, and from which he returned disabled from the effects of the heat of the weather.  That as soon as his health was restored, he reentered the service as a sergeant in Capt Matthew Freeman's company, and was selected by the said Capt. Freeman as a bearer of dispaches.  That her said husband was on the 23rd day of June 1780 engaged in a skirmish with the British troops and tories near Elizabethtown in Capt Nathaniel F. Randolph
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was mortally wounded. That her husband, the said Ellis Campbell was in many other engagements and skirmishes with the British troops and thrice during the years 1781, 1782 and 1783, which she does not distinctly (illegible).  That her maiden name was Nancy Clawson. She further declares that she was married to Ellis Campbell on the evening of the first day of January, one thousand seven hundred and eighty one, 1781 at the village of Metuchen, in the township of Woodbridge by Rev. Azel Roe D.D., Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in the township of Woodbridge.  That her husband, the said Ellis Campbell died on the 10th day of February one thousand eight hundred and fourteen 1814 aged fifty eight years 58 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as (illegible) fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed. That she is not in possession of any documentary evidence. That she makes this declaration in the State of New Jersey, for the reason that her husband's service were rendered in that State, that her witnesses reside there, that she is a native of the township of Woodbridge and that she considers New Jersey as much her residence as New York

Nancy Campbell
X (her mark)

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me

(illegible name) Freeman
Judge of the Courty of Common Pleas
Page 5

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

SS

Nancy Freeman of the township of Woodbridge, in the County and State aforesaid being first duly sworn acccording to law on her oath saith. That she is acquainted with Nancy Campbell widow of Ellis Campbell deceased.  That she was well acquainted with Ellis Cambell in his lifetime.  The he was a Seargent in a company of Lighthorse or troop commanded by Capt Matthew Freeman during the war of the Revolution.  That Ellis Campbell aforesaid was a relation of deponents. That this deponent was not present at the marriage of Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson, yet she has not the least doubt that they were legally married by the Rev. Azel Roe on the evening of the first day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty one.  That Rev Azel Roe was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in the township of Woodbridge during the war of the Revolution and continued to reside there for many years afte the close of said war. That the said Ellis Campbell and Nancy his wife soon after their marriage commenced house keeping in a tenement belonging to deponents grandfather with whom deponent then lived, and continued to reside there for the six following years.  That this deponent was then thirteen years of age.  That the said Nancy Campbell gave birth to their children during the six years that she and her husband resided in my grandfather's house.  That they had eleven children (illegible): Mathias, Edward Ellis, Letitia, Mary, Cornelius, Alexander, Sarah, Freeman, Joel and Ann, and that they were all over sixteen years of age at the period of their father's death.  That the said Ellis Campbell died on the 10th day of February one thousand eight hundred and fourteen aged fifty eight years.  That since the death of said Ellis Campbell she the said Nancy Campbell had not intermarried (remarried) but still remains the widow of the said Ellis
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Campbell deceased.  That the said Nancy Campbell is dependent on her children for her support.

Nancy Freemean

The words they had interlined
sworn to and suscribed this 7th day of January 1857 before me

Edgar Freeman
Judge of The Pleas
Page 7

November 1, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mrs. Edward M. Miller
536 East 19th Street
Brooklyn, New York

ELLIS CAMPBELL
W. 406
BA-J/MLB
(Illegible initials/word)

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of October 28, in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Ellis Campbell, of Middlesex County, New Jersey, and Morris Morris, also of Middlesex County, New Jersey.

There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary of Morris Morris.  Such claims are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office.

The record of Ellis Campbell follows as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 406, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

The date and place of this soldier's birth and names of his parents are not given.

While residing in Metuchen, New Jersey, Ellis Campbell volunteered in the spring of 1776, served as first sergeant in the New Jersey troops during each succeeding year until April 1, 1783, a part of the time in Captain Matthew Freeman's company, Colonel Moses Jacques' New Jersey regiment.  He was in an engagement in May, 1777, near Bonhamtown, and in June of the same year in an engagement with the British on their retreat from New Jersey to Perth Amboy, was i the battle of Monmouth, in a skirmish with the British and Tories near Elizabethtown, and was in many other engagements and skirmishes, no details stated.  Ellis Campbell was a spendid horseman and a brave man and was often employed in secret service and was selected by Captain Matthew Freeman as a bearer of dispatches.

The soldier died February 10, 1814, at the age of fifty-eight years, place of death not given.
Page 8

Ellis Campbell married January 1, 1781, at the home of one Dr. Melanethon Freeman, a physician, of Metuchen, Township of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Nancy Clawson, a native of Woodbridge Township, the date of her birth and names of parents not stated.  Nancy Clawson had lived in the home of Dr. Melanethon Freeman for many years prior to her marraige, no relationship shown.

Soldier's widow, Nancy Campbell, was allowed pension on her application executed January 6, 1851, at which time she was aged ninety-three years and a resident of New York City, New York.

Ellis Campbell and his wife, Nancy, had eleven children; their names were as follow: Matthew, Edward, Ellis, Letitia, who in 1851 was residing in New York City, Mary, Cornelius, Alexander, Sarah, Freeman, Joel and Ann; no ages were given.

In 1851, Henry Campbell, then aged eighty-four years, and Nancy Freeman, who was thirteen years of age at the time of soldier's marriage to Nancy Clawson, both residents of the Township of Woodbridge, New Jersey, stated that they were relatives of the soldier, Ellis Campbell, but did not state the relationship.  The relationship between Nancy Freeman and Captain Matthew Freeman, or others with that surname, was not shown.

In 1851, Sarah W. Freeman, aged fifty-eight years, daughter of Dr. Melanethon Freeman, deceased, was residing in the Township of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, as the wife of Edgar Freeman who was then Judge of the Court of Common Please of Middlesex County, New Jersey.

There is no charge for furnishing this record.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

-2-
Page 9

July 5 - 1900
Mil history is
H.S Cowins, PO, Born Brook
N.J.
1035 Oct 3 Hist to F.J Portore - MRB
WIDOW, &c.
REOY
File No. 406
Maney Campbell,
Widow
Ellis Campbell,
Singh, Riv, War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index: - Vol. A, Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.[
Page 10

No 7080

Nancy Campbell
New Jersey
Act 4th July 1830

Hon. James Cooper U.S. Senate
March 12, 1857
J.W. Schomberg
May 30/(illegible)
Let (illegible) King
Sept 1 of 51
Page 11

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

Henry Campbell of the township of Woodbridge in the County and State aforesaid, being first duly sworn according to law on his (illegible) oath depose and say that he makes the following affidavit as supplemental to his former affidavits in the case of Nancy Campbell, an applicant for a pension. That with respect to the marriage of Nancy Campbell, this deponent says that a circumstance occured a few days prior to said marriage which the deponent can never forget.  To wit, that the sound between Staten Island and Woolbridge, was frozen over and the ice so strong, that teams, with wagons on (illegible) heavily loaded crossed the same on the ice with safety.  That this was an uncommon occurence and had never to deponent's knowledge since 1780 & 1781 been frozen over in the same manner.  That Dr. Azel Rao Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Woodbridge was driven from his residence and Parish in Woodbridge by the British troops and tried and sought an asylum in Mutuchin.  That the said Dr. Azel Rao preached in the dwelling house of Dr. Melanethon Freeman, a physician on the evening of the first day of January 1781 on which evening the said Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson who married as stated in this deponents firm affidavit.  This deponent further says that Ellis Campbell served as a volunteer in the Capt Matthew Freeman's company.  That he did not enliist.  That this deponent was mistaken in one of his statements made in his first affidavit which he soon corrected in this as follows viz: that Capt Matthew Freman
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was a capt. of a militia company and son of
that the said Capt. Freeman had         mounted
men all owed him for the 
carrying           to Ellis Campbell.
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State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

Joseph Sofield of the township of Woodbridge in the County and State aforesaid being first duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he is eighty eight years of age and a pensioner of the United States.  That he resided near the village of Bonhampton in the said township of Woodbridge and within two miles of Mutuchin.  That he was acquanted with Capt. Matthew Freeman during the war of the Revolution.  That the said Matthew Freeman commanded a company of Militia, mostly if not all volunteers.  That the said Freeman residency was in Mutuchin.  That his company was employed in guarding, defending and protecting the inhabitants residing in Mutuchin Bonhampton and along the Rariten river co Crows Mills.  That the said Capt Matthew Freeman had several mounted men allowed him for reconnecting & c.  That this service on account of the distance and the peculiar situation of the county could not be performed with dispatch by any troops unless they were mounted.  That he was aquainted with Ellis Campbell. That the said Ellis Campbell was the leader of those mounted men.  That the said Campbell was the first Sergeant in Capt Matthew Freeman's company that Moses Jaques was Col. of the Militia and Nathaniel Heard was General

Joseph Sofield
X his mark

Subscribed & sworn this 4th day of April 1851
before me.

Jaques Freeman
one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in (illegible) County.
Page 14

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

Nancy Freeman of the township of Woodbridge in the Counry and State aforesaid being first duly sworn according to law on her oath saith.  That she makes this affidavit as supplmental to her former affidavit in the case of Nancy Campbell and applicant for a pension.  That this deponent was mistaken in her former statement that Ellis Campbell belonged to the Light Horse.  That this  deponent is satisified that Capt Mathew Freeman commanded a company of Militia a part or all of whom were volunteers.  That Ellis Campbell was first Sergeant in said company.  That this deponent knows that he served on horseback.  She frequently saw him mounted and from that circumstance this deponent was induced to say that the said Campbell belonged to the Lighthorse's troop.  That with regard to the marriage of Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson on the first of January 1781 as stated in her former affidavit she had not the least doubt. That some circumstances occured at that period.  That tended to fix the time of said marraige in deponent's memory, viz. the sound between Staten Island and Wooldbridge was frozen over and the ice so solid that teams with heavy loads crossed the same with safety.  That Dr Azel Roc Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Woolbridge was driven from his residence and Parish in Woolbridge and found an asylum in Meunchin that the said Dr Roc preached in the dwelling house of Dr. Melancthon Freeman a physician on the evening of the first day of January 1781 on which evening the said Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson were married.  That this deponent was well acqainted with the said Dr Roc for many years after the war of the Revolution and has heard him the said Dr. Roc say that he married the said Ellis Campbell & Nancy Clawson
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That the said Ellis Campbell for many years prior to his deceased was very sickly and infirm being subject to fits caused as his physician said by the hardships which was he was obliged to undergo during his military service in the war of the Revolution.  That the said Nancy Campbell has ever and does still sustain a fair moral character and this deponent has never heard any person doubt the legality of said marriage

Nancy Freeman

Woolbridge 3rd April 1851
Subscribed and sworn the day & year above written before me

Jaques Freeman
Judge of the Pleas
Page 16

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

Sarah N. Freeman of the township of Woodbridge in the County and State aforesaid being first duly sworn, according to law on her oath saith, that she is fifty eight years of age.  That she is a daughter of Dr. Melancthon Freeman deceased.  That her father, the said Melancthon Freeman in his lifetime resided in Metuchen, in the County aforesaid and was by profession, a physician.  That she is well aquainted with Nancy Campbell an applicant for a pension.  That she was well acquainted with Ellis Campbell.  That she had often heard her father Dr. Melancthon Freeman say that Ellis Campbell rendered very important services in the war of the Revolution.  That the said Ellis Campbell was very infirm for many years prior to his decease, so much so as not to be able to provide for his family.  That he was subject to fits induced, as her deponent's father said by the (illegible) attendant on the service, in war aforesaid.  That this deponent has often heard her father and mother say that Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson were married in her father's house.  That she had also heard Dr. Azel Roo himself say that he married Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson in Dr. Melancthon Freeman's house.  That Nancy Clawson lived for many years prior to her marriage in the family of Dr. Melancthon Freeman and was evidenced by the family rather as a companion than a servant.  That Nancy Campbell spring from a respectable family was always much respected and is so at the present time.  That Ellis Campbell and his family lived a near neighbor to deponents father's family for and (illegible) many years.  That this deponent never
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heard the marriage of Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson doubted by any one.  But on the contrary they were considered by the people of the neighborhood in which they lived to be husband and wife.  That such was the fact, this deponent has not the least doubt.  That this deponent is the wife of Edgar Freeman, one of the Judge's of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey

Sarah W. Freeman

Sworn to and subscribed this 4th day of April 1851 before me Alanson (illegible) one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey
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I certify that I am personally acquainted 
with Henry Campbell, Joseph Sofield, Nancy Freeman, and Sarah W. Freeman witnessed:
who testified in the case of Nancy Campbell
an applicant for a pension and that all and 
each of them are worthy persons whose
integrity and veracity are irreproachable and
undoubted and that I have no hesitation in 
saying, that their testimony in the about case,
is reliable and true.
Alanson Newton
one of the         of the court of
common please in and for the 
county of Middlesex and State 
of New jersey.
State of New Jersey              I Nicholas Booreim
Page 19

Pottsville Apr 14, 1851

James E. Heath Esq.
Comm. of Pensions

Sir,
Sometime since Nancy Campbell, widow of Ellis Campbell a soldier of the revolution. presenetd an application for a pension, which was disallowed, first because the marriage of the appliant was not sufficiently proved, and secondly, because doubt was cast on the evidence produced to establish the service of Ellis Campbell, by a mistake into which the winesses had fallen in relation to the Colonel of the regiment to which it was said he belonged.  The mistake was a natural one, as you will discover from an examination of the supplementary evidence herewith transmitted to you.

That the mistake committed by the witnesses was not a wilful [willfull] one, is evident from their character for uprightness and integrity, as testified to by the Hon. (illegible initial) Vandyke, the member of Congress from the District in which they reside as well as by the judges of the Courts of the County of Middlesex.  In addition to (illegible) there could have been no motive for a wilful (willful) misstatement of the facts of the case.
Page 20

The objection to the proof of the marriage was not so much, as I understand from your letter, communicating to me the disallowance of the claim, that the facts stated were not sufficient to establish it, as that it was strange they should be so accurately remembered after a great lapse of time.

That the applicant herself should remember the exact date of her marriage, taking place as it did, on New Year's Day, is not strange.  It is quite natural - indeed it would be strange, if an event so important in the life of a woman, and on a day of noted, in a period of great public and private danger, should be forgotten.

In the memory of the witnesses, Henry Campbell and Elizabeth Freeman, the period of the marriage was fixed by several cirumstances.  The winter during which the marriage took place was one of unusual severity, so much so that the sound was  frozen over, a thing that has not occured since.  Another circumstance well calculated to (illegible) the marriage in the memory of witnesses, was the flight of the minister, the Rev. Dr. Roo, from his residence in Woodbridge to a distant part of his Parish; and that on the day of the marraige he preached in the house (of) Dr. Malanchton Freeman where where the parties were married. Sarah N Freeman another
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states that she is the daughter of Dr. Freeman and that she had sequently speak of the marraige and the attendant circumstances.  Without referring to the evidence of the marraige in detail, I have only mentioned these facts to show, that the curcimstances were such as must almost of necessity fin the date of the marraige in the memory of the witnesses.  I cannot doubt that the marriage is sufficiently proved.

As to the proof of the service of Sergeant Campbell, it is fully and considerably proved, if the witnesses are worthy of credit.  That they are persons of integrity and veracity is amply certified by N Van Dyke already referred to.  Nor could there (their) testimony be doubted were it not for the mistake as to the regiment in which Campbell served.  That mistake was a natural one, as will appear from the explanation given in the accompanying affidavit.

It was stated by Henry Campbell & perhaps also by Elizabeth Freemanin their depositions first filed, that Ellis Campbell was first Sergeant of Captain Matthew Freeman's company of Light Horse and attached to Col. Sheloon's regiment.  Captain Freeman did not command a company of Light Horse but a company of New Jersey State troops or militia.
Page 22

This company belonged to a regiment of State troops commanded by Col. Moses Jaques, but was occasionally attatched (attached) to Col Sheldon's Continental regiment whilst it was on duty in the neighborhood.  The mistake then was so far natural.

But it was stated by the witnesses that Ellis Campbell belonged to a company of Light Horse.  This also was a mistake, but a likewise natural one.  The county bordering on Staten Island was the theatre of almost constant skirmishes between the hostile troopos, during the whole period that New York was occupied by the British.  Woodbridge was a village surrounded by a dense population for that period and almost every man and boy was a soldier; and it is a fact, that there are more survivors of the revolution, now being in the vicinity of Woodbridge, than almost anywhere else in the United States.

Whilst New York was occupied by the British, their (illegible) into New Jersey were frequent & sudden, sometimes at one point and sometimes at another: Under these circumstances, the State of New Jersey authorizes the reaising of troops to ussel these incursions of the enemy; and provided, that each company of infantry, as I am informed, should when deemed necessary, have a number of mounted men to carry inlleigence from point to point as it might be needed.  Capt. Freeman's company had several of  these new, and amongst them Ellis Campbell, a man who left behind him a character for (illegible) and
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successful daring, which has but few parallels.  His history is intimately connected with all the senses of shife & danger occurring in the peculiarly exposed neighborhood in which he lived.  Even now, as I am informed, by (illegible) of the most unquestioned veracity, his exploits are themes on which the old people dwell with peculiar pleasure in the vicinity of Woodbridge.

The mistake made by the witnesses are thus shown to have been natural; and although they abundantly warranted the rejection of the  claim, being explained they detract nothing from the credibility of the witnesses.

I ask therefore, on behalf of the applicant, an exellent and meritorious woman, that the case be taken up and re-examined, and allowed if the proof should warrant it.  That it does, if the witnesses are to be believed, cannot be doubted.  The marriage is proved as distinctly, and much more so than most marraiges of date so ancient, are susceptible of being proved.  The services of the applicant's husband are likewise proved by one who was an eye witness (eyewitness), and for a period of time greater than is necessary to authorize the allowance of the pension applied for.  

With great (illegible) 
your (illegible words)
James Cooper
Page 24

State of New Jersey
Middlesex COunty

Liticia Campbell of the City County and State of New York being first duly sworn according to law on her oath saith that she is a daughter of Ellis and Nancy Campbell.  That there is no original record of the marriage of Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson (illegible 4 words) of their children in possession of any of the children of of the said Ellis & Nancy Campbell.  That if there ever was such a record it has either been mislaid or destroyed.

Liticia Campbell

Sworn to and subscribed this 9th day of Jan 1857 before me.

Jacques Freeman
Judge of the Pleas
Page 25

I, Hanson Newton, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey, so hereby certify, that by the request of the parties, interested in the case of Nancy Campbell an applicant for a pension that I have in connection with the Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey.  Examined the Records in his office relating to the case aforesaid and that we did not find any Records evidence of the service of Ellis Campbell excepting a receipt of Capt. Matthew Freeman for Ellis Campbell of (British pound currency symbol) 1.00 (5).10 (11).  The Secretary supposes that the person who (crossed out) who (illegible) the afc., misseplled the name of Ellis Campbell and I have good reasons for concurring in that supposition as upon inquiry I find, that no person of the name of Elisus Campbell was a resident of Woodbridge in the time of the Revolutionary war nor has there been any one of that name residing there since that period.  I also certify that there are no muster rolls, or any other documents in the State Department at Trenton showing the terms of service of the volunteers and Militia of the County of Middlesex.  I further certify that I have examined with the security the several special acts passed by Legislature of the State of New Jersey from the year 1779 to 1782.  In Chapter C.C.XLII.

In Sec. 22 provision made for calling out the Militia for one (illegible)

"    23    D    D  D, the when of the Militia

"    24 & 25. 26 & 27 contain several enactments, showing that the documents and Militia served as periods varying from one to nine months.

I also further cerify, that I have examined Joseph Sofield a Soldier of the Revolution upon his oath, who states, that Capt. Matthew Freeman's company was almost constantly employed in actual service, during the last three years of the war of the Revolution.

Hanson Netwon,
Judge as aforesaid

Woodbridge 26 June, 1857
Page 26

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County
Rev William B. Bastin of the 
township of Woodbridge in the county and state
aforesaid being first duty sworn a ending to law
on his oath faith, that he is pastor of the first
Presbyterian Church in the township of Woodbridge
That the records of said church are in his
that they do not contain any record of the marriage
of Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson.  That his
only believing Dr. Azul Roo when pastor of the 
church aforesaid aid                any record of marriages
Micheal B. Bastin
Page 27

State of New Jerey Middlesex County
I Nicholas Booraem Clerk of the County
of Middlesex  aforesaid do hereby
certify that Edger Freeman Esq. before
whom the within and annexed several
affidavits and declarations were made
& taken was at the time of the recording
said declaration & taking said affidavits
a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
in & for the County of Middlesex duly
Commissioned and sworn and that
his signature to the Jurats of said declaration
& affidavits are Genuine
In witness whereof I have
hereto set my hand and
affixed the Seal of said
County this 15th day of January
AD 1851 N Booraem esq
Noy. 680
Page 28

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County

Henry Campbell of the township of Woodbridge in the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey being first duly sworn according to law on his oath saith, that he is eighty four years old.

That he is aquainted with Nancy Campbell, widow of Ellis Campbell deceased.  That he has heard her Declaration for the purpose of obtaining a pension (illegible) and only believes the statemetns therein contained are true.  That he was well acquainted with Ellis Campbell the deceased husband of the said Nancy Campbell.  That he the said Ellis Campbell was a relation of deponents.  That he the said Ellis Campbell entered the service in the war of the Revolution as stated by Nancy Campbell in her Declaration aforesaid.  That the said Ellis Campbell entered the service as a volunteer and was made a Sergeant in a company of Light horse commanded by Capt Matthew Freeman, in a Regiment commanded by Col Sheldon.

That the said Ellis Campbell was a splendid horse man and a brave man and was selected by Capt Matthew Freeman as a bearer of dispatches.  That the said Ellis Campbell served five months in the year 1778 and was in the Battle of Monmouth six months in 1779, eight months in 1780, five months in 1781, eight months in 1782 and three months in 1783.  Besides his services in 1776 & 1777, the amount of which this deponent does not recollect, he was employed, frequently, on secret service as well as bearer of dispatches during the war of the Revolution.  That this deponent was not present at the marriage of Ellis Campbell and Nancy Clawson, but that he as fully believed they were legally married as if he had been present and an age witness on the occasion.  That he only believes the said marriage took place on the first day of January 1781
Page 29

as stated by Declarant.  That a brother in law of deponents was present at said marriage and informed this deponent and the family of deponents father, of that fact, on the following morning.
That the said Ellis Campbell and Nancy his wife resided for marry in the same neighbourhood with deponent and that he, deponent, never heard any person doubt the legality of said marriage.  This deponent further says, that Ellis Campbell aforesaid died on this 10th day of February one thousand eight hundred and fourteen 1814, and that she the said Nancy Campbell has remained a widow, ever since the period of her husband's death.

Nancy Campbell

The word "married" (illegible)
Sworn to and subscribed this 6th day of January 1837 before me.

Edgar Freeman
Judge of the pleas

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Henry Campbell, that he is far advanced in life - is a man of great reputation as well as of truth & veracity & that full circuit is due to his statements. And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Edgar Freeman Esq where name is attached to these papers.  That he is a Judge of the Courty of Common Pleas of the County of Middlesex in the State of New Jersey.  And is in every way (illegible) to credit to 

John Van Dyke
Rep 4th Court Dist NJ

Jan 24, 1851
Page 30

Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Countiees of the State of New Jersey for Militia service during the Revolutionary War.

NO. OF CERTIF. - 148
DATE. - June 8, 1784
SIGNED BY. - Thomson Stelle
PAYABLE TO. - Ellis Campbell
AMOUNT. - (British pound currency symbol) 1.0. 10

(The following receipt was given for int: in 25 Certifs including the above) 
Rec. Dec 17, 1788  of (illegibe 3 words) seven pounds, nineteen shillings & ten pence for one year interest on the (illegible) five above Stated Certificate which said (illegible) interest therein

Matthew Freeman

State of New Jersey 8

I, Thomas S. Allison (crossed out Charles G. McChensney) Secretary of state of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from, and compared with the original, now remaining in my office, - And I do further certify, that Thomsen Stelle was, by an Act, passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled, "An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a Commissioner for the County of Middlesex for the purpose of settling and adjusting the Pay-rolls of the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due.; and that the said so of (British pound currency symbol) of 1.0.10 was for a balance then due.

In testimony whereof, I have herunto set my hand affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said State, this twenty third day of June A.D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty one 

(illegible first name) S. Allison
Secretary of State

(illegible seal stamp)
Page 31

Nancy Campbell
wid (widow) of Ellis (Campbell)
Act 4 July 1836
N.J. (New Jersey)
2 year Sergt $120
per an. (annum) from 4th Mch (March) 1831

Hon Jas Cooper,
Pottsville, PA
Page 32

Brief in the case of Nancy Campbell, wid (widow) of Ellis (Campbell)
County and State of New Jersey
act 4 July 1836

Claim, ("original," or (crossed out) "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Capt. Triplett says this case was by him submitted to the Commissioner, who ordered its allowance.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Hon. Jas Cooper
Pottsville, PA

F.F. Kirby
Examining Clerk.
Page 33

Senate Chamber
Feb 26, 1851

Dear Sir:

Sometime since I presented the application of Nancy Campbell, the widow of Ellis Campbell, a first Sergeant in Capt. Matthew Freeman's troop of Light Horse, for a pension.  At the time I did so, knowing that Henry Campbell one of the witnesses, had served with the said Ellis Campbell, and can't speak distinctly, as to the period of time which the said Ellis served.  I (illegible) a note to W Pollard, a friend of the applicant, requesting him to procure from Henry Campbell a supplemental affidavit, setting forth distinctly the period of service in which the applicant's husband was engaged.

Herewith, enclosed, I send you the affidavit of Henry Campbell whose high character for integrity and veracity is vouched for by the Honorable W. Van Dyke of New Jersey.  This affidavit makes out conclusively the case of the applicant, and it is very desirable that it should be acted upon before the appointment of Congress.

If the claim for a pension be allowed, arrangements have been made to transmit a part of the funds to a relative of the applicant living at a distance, by returning member of Congress.  Will you be good enough to give to this your immediate attention and oblige.

Your respecfully
James Cooper

James E. Heath Esq
Comm Pension (Commissioner of Pensions)
Page 34

Jan 30/51
p:78
Washington
Jany 30 /51
Hon James Cooper
Transmits the application of Nancy Campbell
Widow of a Revolutionary
Soldier for a pension.
Cap Triplett
X
Transmitted to the
Pension Office for as
prompt action as
circumstances will allow

Dept. of the Interior
Jan. 30. 1851.
Letter to M Cooper
Jany 30/51
Page 35

Washington Jany (January) 30, 1851

To the Honorable
A. (cossed out H) H. Stuart [Alexander H.H. Stuart]
Secry (Secretary) Interior:

Sir:

Herewith I transmit to you the appliation of Nancy Campbell, the wiodw of a revolutionary soldier, for a pension.  The case, I think is fully and conclusively proved by witnesses of the most unimpeachable character; and it is desirable that there should be a speedy report upon it.  Will you oblige me so far as to (illegible), that the case may received prompt attention at the hands of the officers whose duty it is to examine it.

With great respect
Your off. (illegible)
James Cooper
Page 36

State of New Jersey
Middlsex County
JF

Henry Campbell of the township of Woodbridge in the County and State aforesaid being first duly sworn according to law on his oath saith.  That he makes the following affidavit as a supplement to a former one accompanying the application of Nancy Campbell for a pension.  That Ellis Campbell, the former husband of Nancy Campbell aforesaid was the first Sergeant in Capt. Martthew Freeman's company of Lighthorse.  That the said Ellis Campbell served under the said Capt. Matthew Freeman for and during the periods mentioned below.

That the said Ellis Campbell entered the service under the said Capt. Matthew Freeman on the first of April 1779 and continued to serve until the first of September following five months.  Again on the 20th of March 1779 and served until the 20th of September following six months.  Again on the 1st of March 1780 and served until the 1st of November eight months.  Again on the 1st of May 1781 and served until the first of October five months.  Again on the 15th of March 1782 and served until the 15th of November following, eight months.  Again, on the 1st of February 1783 and served until the first of April following, two months making in all 34 months exclusive of other services, as stated by this deponent, in a former affidavit, to which this is a supplement and further this deponent saith not.

Henry Campbell

Subscribed & sworn this 24th day of Feby (February) (illegible) 1851 before me 
Jaques Freeman
Judge of the Please
Page 37

State of New Jersey

(illegible circular State seal)

I Thomas S. Allison, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do herby Certify that there is evidence in my office Contained in Book B of Auditors Acct, page 82, that Matthew Freeman was a Captain in the Middlesex Regt. in June Seventh 1778 and 1779: and it further appears that by an Act of the Legislature on file in my Office, entitled, "An Act to raise by voluntary enlistment, eight hundred and twenty men for the defence of the frontier of this State" (illegible) December 26, 1780.  The Said Matthew Freeman was appointed Captain of a company of eighty six men, to be (illegible) in the Northside of Rariton River in the County of Middlesex.

In Testimony whereof I have hereinto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this twenty third day of June twenty third Eighteen hundreed and fifty one.

Thomas S. Allison
Secretary of State
Page 38

Pottsville July 8, 1851

To James E. Heath Esquire
Court of Pensions,

Sir:

Some months since, Nancy Campbell, of Wooldbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, the widow of Ellis Campbell, a first Sergeant in Capt. Matthew Freeman's company of revolutionary state troops made application for a pension.  In the allowance of the pension it was first objected, that the principal witnesses had evidentally fallen into a mistake of facts, namely, in having stated, that Campbell, the husband of the applicant, had served in Capt Freeman's company of Light Horse, and in Col. Sheldon's regiment.  Col. Sheldon commanded a (illegible) regimant, and Campbell's name did not appear upon the rolls; nor did it appear that Capt Freeman belonged to his regiment.  The mistake, as I have explained in a former letter, occurred in this (illegible); in the Legislative had authorized the Captain's of Militia, (illegible) to employ a certain member (there were four) of horsemen to (illegible) and bear dispatches.  Campbell was one of these and have spoken of as belonging to the Light Horse.  No other mistake, that Freeman belonged to Sheldon's regiment, arose from the fact, that although belonging to Col. Jaques' regiment, he was occasionally attached (crossed out two words)
Page 39

to the continental regiment of Col Sheldon.

The other object was to the insufficiency of the proof of the marriage.  This was subsequently removed and other objections made to the allowance.  These objections are, that there was no certificate from the Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, to show whether Campbell had ever served in the militia of the State or not, and that the periods, during which it appeared from the testimony, he served, namely, from 5 to 8 months at a time, were much longer than were actually (illegible) by this class of troops.  This was the principal objection.

I herewith send you certificates of the Secretary of State of New Jersey which will remove both of these objections.

There is no record of the (illegible) of Capt Freeman existing on the record of the State, nor, as I am informed is there upon them and record of the (illegible) of any other officers below the rank of Major except in (illegible) instances.  There is evidence however, as will appear from certificate which accompanies thiss, that Matthew Freeman was a Captain.  This appears from the record of account settled by him as Captain in the years 1778 and 1779.  It will also appear from the said certificate, that he was again (crossed out) (illegible) a certificate of a volunteer regiment in 1780 raises for the purpose of defending the frontier of
Page 40

the State.

It will further appear from another certificate of the Secretary of the State, that Captain Freeman settled an account for the interest of certain certificates of indebtedness on the part of the State to certain men who had served during the war in the militia or other state troops; and what is more important, one of the certificates had been granted to Ellis Campbell for a balance of interest due him.

As to the length of the period for which the New Jersey militia and other State troops served, the certificate of Judge Newton, who accompanying this (crossed out illegible word), shows, by (illegible) to the act, of assembly.  They were called out for various periods, varying from one to nine months.

The evidence now appears to be full and conclusive on all the points, and I hope an early report will be made.  The character of the witnesses I have referred to in a former letter. The Hon. W Van Dyke a member of the last (illegible), & Kyle Kernian both bear testimony to their character for integrity and veracity.

With great respect
I am your off. (Illegible)
James Cooper
Page 41

THE PORT MORRIS LAND AND IMPROVEMENT CO., 
WASHINGTON LIFE BUILDING,
NO. 141 Broadway

WM. REYNOLDS BROWN, 
PRES'T.

TELEPHONE, 3385 CORTLANDT.

NEW YORK

South Bound Brook, N.J.,
Dec. 22nd., 1899.

Hon. the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

A report that a pension was received by Nancy Clawson Campbell, as the widow of a soldier of the Revolutionary War, has been carried down through the different generations of our family; that she was the widow of Ellis or Ellis R. Campbell, of Middlesex County, N.J.  It was said that she received $1200.

To verify our belief, we would like to know who your records show was the soldier for whose services Nancy Clawson Campbell received a pension.

The date of his birth and death, if possible.

If the records show that Ellis, or Ellis R. was not the husband of Nancy Clawson Campbell, then kindly give the name, date of birth and death, Regiment &c. of the right one.

Quite a number of the name of Campbell, several of them from Middlesex County, N.J., fought in the Revolution, and several of them we believe to be related to our family.

In the list that I have seen of Revolutionary soldiers, I find the name Ellis R. Campbell, but I cannot at present account for the "R".  Possibly your records may show what this stands for.  

Any information that you can give me in this connection will be thanffully received by

Your obedient servant,

H.S. Cowens

(Circular stamp that reads U.S. PENSION OFFICE. DEC 26 1899)
Page 42

Metachun, N.J.
Sept. 20, 1935

Veterans Bureau,

Washington D.C.

Will you kindly advise me if any or all of the four men mentioned were granted pensions on service in the Revolutionary war, and if so do their applications (or those of their widows) show the names of their children or other family data.

(check mark) Ellis Campbell of Middlesex county N.J.

Peter Connover of Middlesex, Somerset or Hunterdon county N.J.

(check mark) Benjamin Thornal of Middlesex county N.J.

(check mark) Israel Thornal, son of the above Benjamin, of Middelex county N.J. 

Yours truly,

F J. Sortore

(Circular Received stamp with Sept 23, 1935 date, remaining stamp is illegible)
Page 43

[written across] stamp gone when rec. in Rev T 1812 Wars Dept. F
MRS. EDWARD MOEN MILLER
536  EARL 19th STREET
BROOKLYN. N. Y.
October 28th 1935
[stamp} RECEIVED OCT 29 1935 MAIL SUB-DIV. READER 16 VETS. ADM. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 [POINTS TO 3]
The Veteran's Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir-

I am very much interested in geneology of the Camphill family. Ellis Campbell
fought in the Revolutionary War and it is
his record I am interested in if you have one,
Also Morris Morris, a private from Middlesex
County N. J. [written across] scanded NY ADY
Ellis Campbell, Middlesex Co. N.J.
If there is any charge for his information. I will
send you my check for amount-
Very Truly yours
Mrs C. M. Miller
Page 44

October 3, 1935

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mr. F.J. Sortore
Metuchen
New Jersey

ELLIS CAMPBELL
W. 406
BA-J/MLB

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Ellis Campbell, Peter Conover, Benjamin Thornal and his son, Israel Thornal, all of Middlesex County, New Jersey.

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of Peter Conover, Benjamin Thornal or Israel Thornal, under any spellings of those surnames.  Such claims are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office.

You are furnished below the record of Ellis Campbell, of Middlesex County, New Jersey, as obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 406, based upon his services in the Revolution.

The date and place of this solider's birth and names of his parents are not given.

While residiing Metuchen, New Jersey, Ellis Campbell volunteered in the spring of 1776, served as first sergeant in the New Jersey troops during each succeeding year until April 1, 1783, a part of the time in Captain Matthew Freeman's company, Colonel Moses Jacques' New Jersey regiment.  He was in an engement in May, 1777 , near Bonhampton, and in June of the same year in an engagement with the British on their retreat from New Jersey to Perty Amboy, was in the batle of Monmouth, in a skirmish with the British and Tories near Elizabethtown, and was in many other engagements and skirmishes, no detailes stated.  Ellis Campbell was s spendid horseman and a brave man and was often employed in secret service and was selected by Captain Matthew Freeman as a bearer of dispatches.

The soldier died February 10, 1814, at the age of fifty-eight years, place of death not given.
Page 45

Ellis Campbell married January 1, 1781, at the home of one Dr. Melancthon Freeman, a physician, of Metuchen, Township of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Nancy Clawson, a native of Woodbridge Township, the date of her birth and names of parents not stated.  Nancy Clawson had lived in the home of Dr. Melancthon Freeman for many years prior to her marriage, no relationship shown.

Solier's widow, Nancy Campbell, was allowed pension on her application executed January 6, 1851, at which time she was aged ninety-three hyears and a resident of New York City, New York.

Ellis Campbell and his wife, Nancy, had eleven children: their names were as follows: Matthis, Edware\d, Letitia who in 1851 was a resident of New York City, Mary, Cornelius, Alexander, Sarah, Freeman, Joel and Ann; no ages given.

In 1851, Henry Campbell, then aged eighty-fourse years, and Nancy Freman, who was thirteen years of age at teh time of soldier's marraige to Nancy Clawson, both residents of the Township of Woodbridge, New Jersey, statet that they were relatives of the soldier, Ellis Campbell, but did not state the relationship.  The relationship between Nancy Freeman and Captain Matthew Freeman, or others with that surname, was not shown.

In 1851, Sarah W. Freeman, aged fifty-eight years, daughter of Dr. Malancthon Freeman, deceased, was residing in the Township of Woodbridge, Middleses County, New Jersey, as the wife of Edgar Freeman who was then Judge of the Court of Cormmon Pleas of Middlesex County, New Jersey.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator