Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 20434, for Jonathan Lee, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.

Lee, Johathan
Mindwell

NUMBER
W. 20434
B.L.Wt. 6454-160-55

CONTENTS
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Reported
Feby 12/49
Reg 3d M 55 No 45754

3815
Connecticut
Mindwell Lee
widow of Jonathan Lee who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Feby 1849 and sent to Pensioner Madison Ct

Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under the act February 2, 1848, Page 302 Vol.1.
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Let to J. Trumbull see Augt 14 ‘45 
Connecticut, 22515  
Jonathan Lee. 
of Guilford in the State of Connt who was a Pvt  in the Co by commanded by Captain Dudley of the Regt commanded by - in the Connt line for 11 mos  
Inscribed on the Roll of Connt at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept, 1833 and sent to George Griswold Guilford, Connt  
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1833   91.65. 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34   18.33   
$109.98 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 25
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45754 
Act March 3, 1885 
April 6 / 55  
Mindwell Lee widow  Jonathan Lee Pri 
Private Capt Vail’s  Compy Connt Troops
Rev. War 
Roll in Connt Miscell [miscellaneous] Rolls to 1782 -  15 days Pri.  
Rev. Pension 
Wt No. 6454 issued Sept 24 / 55
Boynton 
Admd [admitted] 160 acres Sept 21 ‘55 
Dodge 
[unreadable] 
W. H. Buel
Clinton Conn 
Cir W. H. Buell Sept 7 / 55 
Let [unreadable] 13
Conn
Feby 48 no. 3815
Vol L. Page 49
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22.515
18909
Jonathan Lee 
Return this 
Adm [admitted] 11 months $36.66. 
36.66
2 ½ 
73.32
18.33
91.65
18.33
109.98
George Griswold Guilford Connecticut
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WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office, 
Sir. 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, showing the Service of Jonathan Lee of Madison Connecticut
Period when the service was rendered.  1778   Duration of Claimant’s Service.  above 3 Months   Rank of claimant.   Private   Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   Capt Dudley   Battles in which he was engaged  none mentioned  Country through which he marched   Conn and N. J.  Place of abode when he entered the service and age at present period.  70 years Madison Connecticut   Evidence by which the declaration is supported.    Three living witnesses & traditionary evidence
Period when the service was rendered.  1778   Duration of Claimant’s Service.  2 Mos.    Rank of claimant.  Private  Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.  Capt Munger  
Period when the service was rendered.  ‘80  Duration of Claimant’s Service.  +8 mos   Rank of claimant.   Private  Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   Capt Dudley
+ [unreadable] 
I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.            
The following regulations have been adopted:                  
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.              
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:  
1. The Regular Troops.  
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.    
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.             
4. Indian Spies.                 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.             
DECLARATION.                        
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.           
State, Territory, or District of 
County of } ss.
On this day of A.B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before in the county of and State, Territory or District years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the in the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:    
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]            
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only that of Agency in the State of    
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]            
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I of the Court of hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of for a pension.               
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c.            
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.          
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be and C.D. residing in (the same) who has years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.                 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]     
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.               
I, Clerk of the Court of contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c.         
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.            
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his  alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.            
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.    
1. Where and in what year were you born?                
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?          
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?               
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?              
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.           
6. To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what Town officer has become of it?              
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.                 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.         
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject     
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.        
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed his genuine signature.          
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the person of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.        
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.    
[b]   The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.     
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.    
[d]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e]  Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.        
Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year - months , and days , I served as a - months and --- days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension."   
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.    
[f]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g]  The opinion of the Court is always required.  
[h]  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i]  The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.               
Mode of authenticating papers.              
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.         
Proof of Service.         
[j]  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j]  applies to continental troops only.     
[k]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. 
State of Connecticut) 
County of New Haven } ss  Probate Court Guilford District  
On this Seventh day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford now sitting, Jonathan Lee  a resident of the town of Madison in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 70 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832: -   That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: -- I was drafted from the Militia the first of September 1778 for three months under Captain Gilbert Dudley of Guilford (now Madison),  Lieut Smith, Ensign Leet,  marched first to New London,  Stationed on the Neck,  kept garrison about three months then discharged but no written discharge,  no engagement or skirmish during that period to my recollection.   The next year I was drafted for two months under the command of Capt Timothy Munger of Guilford (now Madison) and Lieut Turner of Killingworth, joined the regiment at Guilford, one company was then stationed on the shore of Long Island Sound.  I with seven others composed a guard under the command of Seargeant LeBaron and stationed at a place called Reubin’s Rocks.  After the service above mentioned in the year 1780 I was drafted for six months under Capt Gilbert Dudley, Timothy Field Lieut,  Stationed on the Shore of Long Island Sound from May untill November when my time of service expired.  I was born in 1762 in Guilford East Society now the Town of Madison.   I was living in Madison, (then Guilford) when I entered the service of the United States.  My age is recorded  on the records of the town of Guilford;  I have resided in Guilford East Society now the town of Madison ever since I was drafted three different times, eleven months in the whole.   I do not recollect any of the General officers.   I never received any written discharge.  I have no documentary evidence except what accompanies
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his declaration; Samuel N. Shepard a Clergyman and Jesse Crampton Esq both of Madison will testify as to my veracity and their belief of my services. 
I John F. Meigs of the Town of Madison County of New Haven State of Connecticut certify that Jonathan Lee who hath made the foregoing declaration was on guard at Madison (then East Guilford) at a place called Tures Island the length of time in which he served I cannot tell.  
Jno F. Meigs    
I Curtiss Murrey of the Town of Madison County of New Haven State of Connecticut hereby certify that I was drafted into the service of the United States under Capt Timothy Munger for two months and Jonathan Lee who hath made the foregoing declaration was with me in that Service.   
Curtis Murrey
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I Ambrose Dudley of the Town of Madison County of New Haven State of Connecticut (son of the late Gilbert Dudley, Deceased) certify that Jonathan Lee who hath made the foregoing declaration was in the service of the United States, that he enlisted under my Father and served at New London.   I cannot say as to the length of time he served.   
Ambrose Dudley 
I Jonathan Crampton of the Town of Madison County of New Haven State of Connecticut certify, that I was in the service of the United under Capt Gilbert Dudley - a place called Reubins rocks and Jonathan Lee was there with me.   
Jonathan Crampton 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State,  
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid 
Jonathan Lee 
before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate 
We, Samuel Shepard a Clergyman, residing in Madison and Jesse Crampton residing in Madison hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Lee who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 70 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid 
Samuel N Shepard 
Jesse Crampton 
before me Reuben Elliott  
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Samuel N. Shepard, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Madison and that Jesse Crampton who has also signed the same, is a resident in Madison and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.   
Reuben Elliott Judge 
I, George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court of Guilford District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Jonathan Lee for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Seventh day of August 1832 
George Griswold Clerk
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New Haven County ss Madison July 17th AD 1833 
Personally appeared before me Jesse Crampton Justice of the peace for New Haven County John F. Meigs, Curtiss Murray, Ambrose Dudley and Jonathan Crampton, signers of the within Certificates by them made to the foregoing Declaration of Jonathan Lee, and made oath to there respective certificate and I hereby certify that the said John F. Meigs, Curtiss Murray, Ambrose Dudley, and Jonathan Crampton are credible witnesses.    
Jesse Crampton, Justice of peace 
I Geo Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford do hereby Certify that Jesse Crampton who has signed that foregoing attestation is a Justice of Peace for New Haven County duly appointed & authorised to administer oaths & that I am personally acquainted with J Crampton & believe his signature thereto to be genuine.  
In testimony &c George Griswold  
The Application of Jonathan Lee of Madison in New Haven County State of County for a Pension under the Law of 1832 
Taken before Reuben Elliott Judge of the Court of Probate for Guilford District in said County & State
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I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original & additional doings of the Court in the case of Jonathan Lee for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 17th day of July A.D. 1832
George Griswold
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State of Connecticut New Haven County ss - Probate Court Guilford District

On this 15th day July 1833 personally appeared in open court before Reuben Elliott Esq Judge of sd court - Jonathan Lee who hath made the foregoing declaration & in order to amend the same doth on his oath further declare & say that in my first mentioned tour of service under Capt. Dudly I served three months - In my second tour of service I served under Capt. Dudly six months making in all eleven months which I served as a private Soldier & was not engaged during any part of my service in any other pursuits - And for said service I claim a pension
Jonathan Lee

 Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge
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12,758
Mindwell Lee,
July 7, 1838
Conn.
Married 1789
husband died 4 Nov 1844
Rejected.
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Madison New Haven County Connecticut 
To the Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir 
I recd your letter dated August 14th. 1845, in due time. I also received, enclosed, these depositions which I had Sent you.  I immediately sent those depositions to Batavia in New York in order that the Surrogate who took them might certify to the credibility of the deponents.  T. Fitch who was the Surrogate when depositions were taken was now not the Surrogate and did not prove the certificate of his being Surrogate, under the Seal of Office, but interlined the aforesaid depositions and sent them back to me.  Instead of sending them directly to me, as was designed, they were sent to Madison in New York and lay there a considerable time which has occasioned this long delay on my part.  I have not now got just what I could wish from said Surrogate, but I will herewith send you all the correspondence which I have had with G. Fitch and by it, you will see all about what is done.  I believe it will be sufficient to show you at least the truth of my statements.  
The distance between this place and Batavia in N York is several hundred miles, and of course it is attended with  considerable trouble, and delay in getting Evidence from
(over)
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that place the individuals who witnessed the marriage of Jonathan Lee to Mindwell Hill, were once residents of this town, and are as well known here as in the town when they now reside, (viz) Bergen N. York. I therefore send you certificates from Jesse Crampton Judge of the Probate Court and from Walter P. Munger Esqr. Clerk of the Town of Madison testifying to the credibility of the aforementioned deponents, viz. Elizabeth Hill, also Elizabeth Field, both of the Town of Bergen in the State of New York.   
This certifies that we are well acquainted with Elizabeth Hill also with Elizabeth Field both of the Town of Bergen in Genesee County in the State of New York, and signers of the depositions which were taken by T. Fitch in the twenty sixth day of March 1845 and that they are persons of truth & veracity.   
Madison Feb. 13th. 1846. 
Jesse Crampton Judge of the Probate Court 
Walter S. Munger
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This certifies, that the aforementioned Jesse Crampton is now the Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Madison, and that the aforementioned certificate, Dated at Madison Feb. 13th. 1846. was signed by him.   
Also that the aforesaid Walter P. Munger is Justice of the Peace for New Haven County and Town Clerk for Town of Madison, and that the aforementioned certificate dated at Madison Febry 13th. 1846. was signed by him.   
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court on the day and year abovewritten 
Attest Samuel R Crampton Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison and keeper of the seal thereof
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State of Connecticut New Haven County ss 
Madison   On this thirteenth day of February in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred forty six personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of S Madison Mindwell Lee resident of said Madison in said New Haven County, aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn, according to law doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows.”   That she is the widow of Jonathan Lee, who was a private in the army of  the Revolution.   She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Lee on the eighth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty nine; that her husband the aforesaid Jonathan Lee, died on the fourth day of November, Eighteen hundred and forty four; that 1 she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.   Mindwell Lee   
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me 
Jesse Crampton Judge of Probate Court
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You will readily see that I am not acquainted with doing business of this kind I supposed that in order that this widow receive the pension, it was only be necessary to fully prove her lawful marriage to Jonathan Lee prior to 1794. This I hope you will feel is fully proved by the whole of the accompanying documents.   The fact of her marriage is not doubted here, and that he lived with Jonathan Lee more than fifty years and bore him Eleven children within that term of time.  This Lieutenant Governor Roger S. Baldwin also Hon D. Kimberly, as well as many others of that class of our Citizens would be willing I presume to bear testimony to the above stated fact.  
I hope this will suffice, for the widow is needy. If this cannot be sufficient I shall feel it my duty to get the aforementioned depositions taken anew and in such a way that it will be sufficient.   
Will you please send me a certificate for the Widow as soon as convenient.   
I am Sir your Humble Servt 
J. Trumbull Lee
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Mindwel Lee
48754
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State of Connecticut  
County of New Haven }  SS. Madison 
On this 24th day of March in the year AD Eighteen hundred and fifty five before the subscriber a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer Oath Personally appeared Mindwell Lee widow of Jonathan Lee a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and a resident of the town of Madison in the County & State aforesaid aged 85 years and whose pension Certificate I certify the following is a true Copy.   
War Department 
Widows Pension 
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d Mindwell Lee widow of Jonathan Lee, who was a private in the Revolutionary War  is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty six dollars & Sixty six cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March 1848 and continuing for life unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage, 
Given at the War Office of the United States this 12th day of February one thousand Eight hundred forty nine. 
W. L. Marcy Secretary of War 
Examined & countersigned 
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions 
That she has made oath that she has not intermarried but continues the widow of said Jonathan Lee. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act granting Bounty Land passed by the Congress of the United States on the 3d day of March 1855. That she has never received or made application for Bounty Land under this or any previous act of Congress, 
In presence of Selah Lee 
Mindwell Lee
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We Selah Lee & Chloe M. Bishop both residents of the town of Madison in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut do upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mindwell Lee in our presence, and that we believe from long acquaintance that and from the statements of the Applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that she is now a Widow.   
Selah Lee 
Chloe M Bishop 
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons That the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that said Mindwell Lee did sign the above Declaration and that I guided her hand in the signature of Mindwell Lee and that I am wholly disinterested in said Claim.
Wm H Buell, Notary Public 
I request that the Commissioner of Pensions will send the Warrant to the above to Wm H Buell of Clinton Ct.   
In presence of Selah Lee 
Mindwell Lee
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State of New York 
Genesee County ss. Elizabeth Hill of the town of Bergen in the said County being duly sworn deposeth and saith that this deponent was well acquainted with Jonathan Lee in his life time and also with Mindwell Lee wife of the said Jonathan Lee, and this deponent further saith that the said Jonathan Lee and Mindwell Hill were duly married in the town of Guilford County of New Haven and State of Connecticut which marriage took place more than fifty years since but the precise time this deponent can not now remember but this deponent was present at the time of the marriage of the said Jonathan Lee and Mindwell Hill and saw and heard the marriage ceremony performed by a minister of the gospel by the name of Jonathan Todd, and this deponent knows that after the said marriage the said Jonathan Lee and Mindwell his wife lived together for several years as husband and wife and as this deponent has been frequently informed and believes they continued so to reside together until the death of the said Jonathan Lee which took place about the fourth day of November 1844 at the town of Madison in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut where as this deponent is informed and believes the said Mindwell Lee wife of the late Jonathan Lee aforesaid now resides. And this deponent further saith that she is now in her ninetieth year of age, and
Page 25

has a distinct and perfect reollection of the facts above stated and further saith not. 
Elizabeth Hill x her mark 
State of New York 
Genesee County 
Surrogates office SS. 
I Timothy Fitch Surrogate of the said County of Genesee do certify that on the twenty sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before me Elizabeth Hill whose name is subscribed to the foregoing deposition to me and whom I certify to be a person of truth and veracity known who being by me duly sworn did depose and say that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed is in all respects true. And I further certify that the said Elizabeth Hill could not write her own name by reason of her age and bodily infirmity but the same was written by her declaration and in her presence and also in my presence. And I further certify that the intellectual faculties of the said Elizabeth Hill appear perfectly sound and her recollection entirely uncompromised. 
In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my official seal and Signature of Batavia in the said County of Genesee this twenty sixth day of March A.D. 1845 
T. Fitch Surrogate
Page 26

[stamp] FROM  W.H. BUELL  FIRE, MARINE & LIFE INS. AGENT CLINTON CTY.
45714
Mindwell Lee
Com Feb 4 [unreadable] 
Boynton
[stamp] CLINTON CT SEP 18
Department of the Interiors
Free
FREE
Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions  Washington D.C.
Page 27

V 12.758 
Mindwell Lee, 
Conn 
Let to J. Trumbull Lee May 15, 46. 
Act 7 July, 1838
Page 28

No 54754
ACT OF MARCH 3 1855
Received April 6, 1855
Jonathan Lee
Rev War
Warrant - 6454-160-55
W. H. Buell
Clinton Conn
Page 29

[stamp] FROM  W.H. BUELL  FIRE, MARINE & LIFE INS. AGENT CLINTON CTY.
Department of the Interior
Free
FREE
B
[stamp] CLINTON CT SEP 10
Hon. J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions  Washington D.C.
Conn
Mindwell Lee
Widow Jonathan
Nov 55 – 4 / 54
Act 2 Feb 48 – 38 15
Boynton
Page 30

6454
160 acres
Page 31

OW&N 
South 526 Cedar St 
Spokane Wash 
May 13th 1901 
H. Clay Evans Com. of Pensions Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir 
Will you kindly send me an official record of the military service Jonathan Lee, a Revolutionary Soldier from Madison Ct. The certificate is to be used for the purpose of proving eligibility to join the Daughters of the Revolution.  
Very truly yours 
Phebe B. M. Green
(Mrs. S. K.)
[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE E MAY 20 1901
Page 32

No 12758 - 342 
Mindwell Lee 
Widow of Jonathan 
Conn 
Act 7 July 1838 
Rejected husband died 4 Nov. 1844 
Admd [admitted]  act 17 June 1844 
10 mo priv 
$33.33 per annum
From 4 Novr 1844 
J Trumball Sec Madison Conn
Page 33

[stamp] MADISON N.Y. DEC 31
Forwarded  5/10
J. Trumbull Lee Esqr
Madison 
New Haven County Connecticut
Page 34

Batavia Decr. 8. 1845 
Dear Sir
Your favor of August 23d was read during my temporary absence and never came to my knowledge until two days since. When I recd your last I made enquiry concerning the matter and after some search found yours of August as above stated. I regret this delay as I always desire to do every thing in my power promptly for the benefit of Revolutionary soldiers or those who may have suffered with them.  
After finding the depositions which you enclosed and which are herewith returned I went and consulted H.U. Soper Esqr who has been very extensively engaged for many years in procuring pensions as well for Revolutionary soldiers & their widows as to what I could do or what might be necessary in the premises. He advised me to enterline the certificate of credibility of the respective deponents and assured me that would be sufficient. This seems to be the only thing which I could do as I am not now Surrogate and could not make a new certificate as such officer. I ceased to be Surrogate last June. I hope this may answer the purpose for if not it seems to me new depositions must be taken or else some one be procured who is acquainted with the deponents who will attach an official certificate of credibility and also that I am not now in office. As to for I am not disposed to charge as for any other business. When I took the depositions I went sixteen miles took them and made the certificates and was paid $2.00 but I paid $1.25 for rail road & an leaving $.75 Now the certificates alone would entitle me to receive $.50 each making $1,00 to that in fact I got nothing for going and taking the depositions nor even what was entitled to for the certified under all the circumstances if it should be convenient to enclose me $1.00 you may do so, if not let it a pass 
Respectfully yours &c 
T. Fitch
Page 35

Surrogates Letter
73
Mr. Jonathan T. Lee
Madison
New Haven County Connecticut
M. Mades James James L.
James
James l. Edwards
Page 36

Batavia March 26. 1845 
Surrogates office Genesee Co. 
Mr Jonathan T. Lee 
Sir 
I send you the enclosed depositions by request of Mr Wickham Field.   The depositions were taken before me as Surrogate - You requested that they should be taken before the Judge of the Court of Probates but we now have no officer by that name in this State. The office of Surrogate here is presisely what that of Judge of Probates is in content and in fact one present Surrogate court was formerly denominated the court of Probate. I hope every thing connected with the depositions may be in due form.   
Very Respectfully your 
T. Fitch
Page 37

Book containing record of Marriage in Commissioners Room
Page 38

July 5
July 10 1845
Informal Officer Mindwell Lee
Paid 20
James L. Edwards Esqr  
Commissioner of Pensions  Washington City
Page 39

Madison July 4th. 1845, 
To the Commissioner of Pensions in Washington City 
Dr Sir
Jonathan Lee of Madison New Haven County State of Connecticut was a pensioner, and died on the fourth day of November 1844 you doubtless have a certificate of this in your office.
Mindwell Lee the Widow of Jonathan Lee still survives.   She wishes to obtain the same pension which her deceased Husband received.   
There being no person living in this vicinity that witnessed the Marriage of the said Jonathan Mindwell She she has sent into the State of New York & obtained the deposition of the only two surviving persons who witnessed their Marriage.   These depositions I herewith send you.   I should send you the records of their Marriage, which was made by the Rev Mr. Todd, who married them; but unfortunately his records were subsequently to their marriage, all destroyed by fire.   They were married as stated in the depositions, more than fifty years ago. I believe it is near sixty years since their marriage.   
I know not what further testimony, (if any) is necessary for her, to obtain the pension provided for such individual. Mr. Fowler who is in the Pension Office at Hartford in this State said he thought nothing more would be needed than to send these depositions.   If any thing more is needed, will you please
Page 40

inform me what it is?   I suppose any thing necessary to substantiate the foregoing statements except it be further direct Evidence of Marriage, can be furnished. 
Yours very Respectfully 
J. Trumbull Lee  
Please direct to J. T. Lee, Madison Conn or if you prefer it, to Mindwell Lee the Widow of Jonathan Lee
Page 41

Sept. 15, 1846 
Adress to Con 
Mindwell Lee 
Hon J L. Edwards Esqr  Commissioner of Pensions  Washington D.C.
Page 42

Madison Sept. 11th 1846, 
Sir 
Yours of the 15th of May arrived in Madison in due time; but I was absent when it arrived, consequently could not then attend to getting the requisite proof of the date the Marriage of the said Mindwell Lee.   Since my return, the Judge of the Probate Court for this the District has been sick which has caused some delay in this business. 
The proof of the date of said Marriage is found on record in an old account book, which belonged to and was kept by said Jonathan Lee. In addition to this, I have thought proper to get the testimony of several as respectable individuals as we have in order to show you the fact that their marriage and the date of their marriage cannot be doubted in Madison.   
I have obtained the testimony of the Town Clerk of Guilford, that I Marriage was not on the Town record nor was there any record showing anything to the Contrary.    
This Town of Madison, was until the year 1826 (I believe) a part of the Town of Guilford. All record made for the Town of previous date to 1826, are on the Guilford 
(over)
Page 43

Record.   
You will doubtly perceive that the Judge of the Probate Court for this District is not the same as When I last wrote you. The office was changed by the last state Legislature in June last. 
When I last wrote you (viz. in Feb. 1846) I sent you with my letter all the writings which I then had in my possession pertaining to this pension business. I then supposed that the proof which I had sent would be sufficient so that I did not take a copy of any of them.  I believe I then sent you the Widows Declaration, but not certainly knowing, I have now sent it with the other testimony.   
I cannot but hope that the evidence of the said Marriage which you will probably receive by the Mail which carries this letter will be satisfactory to you, so that you can send me a certificate of the claim of the Widow Mindwell Lee.   I can if it is indispensably necessary get the testimony of the two individuals (viz. Elizabeth Hill and Elizabeth Field) who witnessed the Marriage of said Jonathan and Mindwell.  Sir, that the date given you of their marriage, viz. Dec. 8th 1789, is true & correct. But these witnesses reside 3 or 400 miles from this place and it will make horrible delay, besides, I find it very difficult to get anything of
Page 44

this kind done abroad, in such manner as to answer any good purpose.   
At the same time when I send this letter I send you the old account Book to which I have alluded together with affidavits, certificates &c. I send them all by Mail.   
I am Sir Yours very Respetfully 
J. T. Lee
 To Hon. J. L Edwards Comissioner of Pensions
Page 45

20434 
Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 20434 
Mindwell Lee 
Widow of Jonathan Lee 
Pri Rev War 
Act: Feb 2d 48 
Index: Vol. A, Page 429 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
May 23 1901 Mrs. S. K. Green Spokane Wash
Page 46

Clinton Sept 10th 1855. 
Hon J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC 
Dear Sir, 
Yours of the 7th of Sept inst reporting the claim of Mindwell Lee. Suspended Will you be so kind as to give the “Brief of the Revolutionary Service" of Jonathan Lee her husband in the Revolutionary War, for which Mindwell Lee now enjoys a pension?   Mrs Lee has not preserved a duplicate of her declaration, neither does she know the precise amount of time set forth in the declaration of Jonathan Lee under the act of 7th June 1832. 
Very Truly Yours 
Wm H. Buell,
Page 47

Clinton Sept 18th 1855. 
Hon J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC 
Dr Sir 
In your letter of Sept 7th 1855. of giving Notice the Suspension of the claim of Mindwell Lee of Connecticut, Revolutionary Pensioner, Widow of Jonathan Lee.  The number of the claim for Bounty Land Act of 3 March 55 45756 or (thereabents). You ask for "Record Evidence" of service of Jonathan Lee. Will your Honor please refer to the pay Roll of Captain Peter Vails Company at Guilford in 1781 which was filed in the Department in the case of Hannah Graves widow of John Graves, Revolutionary Act of 1838, of Conn where this Jonathan Lee is credited for service for more than fourteen days in said Company.   
Very Truly Yours Wm H. Bull, 
claim for Bounty Land Act of 3d March 1855
Page 48

State of New York Genesee County ss.    Elizabeth Field of the town of Bergen in said County aged sixty five years being duly sworn doth depose and say that more than fifty years since she this deponent saw Jonathan Lee and Mindwell Hill duly married in the town of Guilford County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, that the marriage ceremony was performed by the Reverend Jonathan Todd a minister of the gospel, that this deponent was present at the time of the Marriage and knows that the said Jonathan and Mindwell lived and cohabited together as husband and wife for several years after the said marriage and until this deponent removed from that part of the country and as this deponent has frequently been informed and believes they continued so to reside together until the death of the said Jonathan Lee on the fourth day of November 1844 and that the said Mindwell Lee Widow of the said Jonathan is still living and resides at Madison of our and that is to say in the County of New Haven and further saith not.  
Elizabeth Field 
State of New York 
Genesee County Surrogates office SS. 
I Timothy Fitch Surrogate of the said County of Genesee do certify that on the twenty sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred
Page 49

and forty five personally appeared before me Elizabeth Field to me known and whom I certify to be a person of truth and veracity  who in my presence subscribed her name to the foregoing deposition and who then being by me duly sworn did depose and say that the facts stated in said deposition are true of her own knowledge and that those matters therein stated upon her information and belief she verily believes to be true.   
In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my official seal and Signature at Batavia in the said County of Genesee on the twenty sixth day of March A.D. 1845 
T. Fitch Surrogate
Page 50

261. 
Connecticut 
Mindwell Lee widow of Jonathan who was a private in the Connecticut Line 
Increased from $33.33 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1844. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th July 1849 and sent to pensioner  Madison CT.  
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.] 
Recorded Book A Vol 2 Page 54
Page 51

Repd [reported]  
Connecticut. 261. 
Mindwell Lee 
widow of Jonathan Lee who was a private  in the Connecticut Line Husband died 4th Nov. 1844.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of November, 1844. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Sept. 1846 and sent to 
J. Trumbull Lee, Esq. Madison Conn 
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.] 
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 54.  
D. H. Wood
Page 52

Town Clerks Office Guilford Aug 4th 1846 
This may certify that I have carefully examined the Records of this town & can find no record of the Marriage of Jonathan Lee & Mindwell Hill (formerly of Guilford now of Madison) neither is there any thing on said records to the contrary.   Attest Henry W. Chittenden Town Clerk 
State of Connecticut New Haven County 
District of Guilford ss Probate Court 
I Alvah B Goldsmith Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford and keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of Henry W Chittenden whose signature annexed to the above certificate that he is Clerk of the Town of Guilford in said New Haven County and that the above is his hand writing and genuine.   
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court on this 4th day of August AD 1846 
Alvah B Goldsmith Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford
Page 53

State of Connecticut New Haven County 
District of Madison ss Probate Court 
On this 5th day of August AD 1866 Personally appeared before a Court Mindwell Lee a resident of the town of Madison in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 7th AD 1838 entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of Jonathan Lee late of said Madison Decd who was a private soldier & served in the army of the revolution she further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Lee on the 8th day of December 1789.  That her husband the aforesaid Jonathan Lee died on the 14th day of November AD 1841, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the 1st day of January AD 1794 to wit at the time above stated,  Mindwell Lee 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written 
Before me Nathan W Hopson Judge of the court of Probate for the District of Madison
Page 54

State of Connecticut New Haven County 
District of Madison ss Probate Court 
On this 18th day of August AD 1866 Personally appeared before said Court the afforesaid Mindwell Lee a resident of the town of Madison in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut and made oath that the family record which is found on the leaf had but one in the old account book accompanying these documents and is herewith enclosed and sealed up was made and written out in the hand writing of her late husband the said Jonathan Lee (with the exception of the two last Names To wit Henry Lee and Hamilton Lee) on or about the time the events therein recorded took place.   
Mindwell Lee 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written 
Before me Nathan W Hopson Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Madison
Page 55

Probate Office District of Madison August 18th 1846 
I hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with the afforesaid Mindwell Lee who has subscribed and attested the foregoing affidavits. That she was at the time and is now of sound and deposing mind and memory. That she is person of high respectability and unquestionable Truth and veracity in whose testimony the most implicit confidence should be placed. That I never heard the legality of the marriage with the afforesaid Jonathan Lee in any way called in question and do not doubt that it actually took place on the 8th day of December 1789 according to her statement. Certifyed by 
Nathan W Hopson Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Madison
Page 56

We, the undersigned, do hereby Certify that the before mentioned Jonathan Lee and Mindwell Lee his wife were both members of the first Congregational Church in said Madison for more than forty years previous to the death of said Jonathan Lee, and that they were at all times in good and regard or standing.  To the date of their Marriage the And also in regard to the date of their Marriage being correct, viz. on 8th day of December 1789 there is not the least reasonable doubt.
Samuel N. Shepard  
Abel Hoyt Dec.
Phinehas Meigs Deacon
Page 57

State of Connecticut New Haven County 
District of Madison SS Probate Court August 27th 1816 
Personally appeared Samuel N Sheperd as Pastor and Abel Hoyt and Phinehas Meigs Deacons of the afforesaid church and made oath to the foregoing statement by them subscribed, that the same is true and correct. 
Before me. Nathan W Hopson Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison
Page 58

State of Connecticut New Haven County 
District of Madison SS Probate Court  
I Daniel M Webb Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison and  keeper of the seal thereof, do hereby certify that Nathan G Hopson whose signature is annexed to the foregoing affidavits is to Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison and that the of foregoing is his hand writing and genuine and that Samuel N. Shepard is Pastor and Abel Hoyt and Phineas Meigs are Deacons of the before mentioned Church; whose signatures are annexed to the foregoing certificate, that I am well acquainted with their hand writing and that the aforesaid signatures are in their hand writing and genuine and that I have this day enveloped the old account book with the accompanying documents and affixed the seal of this Court hereunto.   In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court this 11th day of September 1846 
Daniel M Webb Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison
Page 59

Hon J L. Edwards   
Commissioner of Pensions  
Washington D.C.
Ad Act 44 at 36.66 per annum commg 4 Nov ’44 deduct of former payts at 33.33 per annum
Ad ’48 at 36.66
Page 60

Hon J L. Edwards   
Commissioner of Pensions  
Washington D.C.
Ad Act 44 at 36.66 per annum commg 4 Nov ’44 deduct of former payts at 33.33 per annum
Ad ’48 at 36.66
Page 61

State of Connecticut County of New Haven - Town of Madison 
On this 4th day of Oct. 1848. before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Mindwell Lee  a resident of  said County & Town in said State aged Seventy nine years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath  makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2nd of Feb. 1848 granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Jonathan Lee who was a resident of said County & Town in said State and he was a soldier of the Revolution. that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the act of 17th June 1844 on account of the Revolutionary service of her late Husband at the rate of thirty three dollars sixty six cents per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.  
Mindwell Lee
For pension of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written 
J. T. Lee Justice of the Peace
Chloe M. Bishop
Anna L Redd
Page 62

I hereby certify that the declarant is personally known to me as a Widow and a Pensioner 
J. T. Lee Justice of the Peace 
I Samuel R. Crampton Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Madison in New Haven County State of Connecticut and keeper of the State thereof do hereby certify that the before mentioned J. T. Lee is a Justice of the Peace in for said New Haven County and that the foregoing signatures were written by himself and are true correct.   
S R Crampton Clerk of said Court and keeper of the Seal thereof Dated at Madison this 4th day of Oct A 1848