Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16920, for Abel Lewis, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER
Conn  Lewis, Abel  S.16920.
CONTENTS
Page 2

36
died Apr. 18, 1836
See agency book

28059.
8.059 Connecticut
Abel Lewis 
Danbury in the State of Conn
who was a Sergt in the com commanded
Captain Burrough of the ---- commanded
by ---- in the Conn Troop
6 Mo 14 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Conn
the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of Feb
1833 and sent Hon
G. Tomlinson Senate
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $83.73
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4Mar 4 34 1666
#99.99
 Revolutionary Claim,
⎨Act June 7, 1832.   ⎬ 
Recorded by E D Bullock Clerk
Book E Vol 3 Page 24
Page 3

I Justus Lewis of Danbury in the County of
Fairfield State of Connecticut aged sixty
six years and upward being duly sworn, do
depose and say that Abel Lewis of
said Danbury is my Father that during
the revolutionary War my father resided
in Stratford in the said County and I well
recollect that in the year 1777 my father
the said Abel belonged to a Company of
minute men commanded by Captain Stiles
Judson and was a Sergeant therein - And
that in the month of December that year
he was called into the service of the United
States for the term of three months
[illegible] recollect also that the said Abel
[illegible] home in said Stratford and marched
said Company and on the command
of said Judson (as such Sergeant) and
said he hearing to [illegible] in the
state of New York on the lines I saw
him march in said company, as
aforesaid he was absent on said
[illegible] until some time in the month of 
March 1778 when he returned home
& lived in his family at the time and during
his absence we frequently heard from
at said [illegible]
I further depose and say that in the
Summer of 1778, but in what month I
cannot recollect he served as a sergeant
or the term one month at a post
in said Stratford on Long Island Sound
under the command of Lieutenant
Nathan Seeley of Connecticut Militia
and serving said term attended to no civil
[illegible] said regt was established to
guard and protect the inhabitants and their
property from invasion by the enemy and
was kept up during the whole time of the war
Justus Lewis
Page 4

27.521

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County 
On this 31 day of
August 1833 personally appeared
Justus Lewis the above named Deponent
to me well known on a man of truth
and a credible witness & subscribed the 
foregoing deposition and being duly
sworn made solemn oath the truth
the same
Before me Reuben Booth Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County        ⎬ I Thomas B Osborne Clerk of the County ┃
Court within & for the County of Fairfield
& State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Reuben Booth Esquire
is now was on the 31st day of August last a Justice of the Peace
in & for sd Fairfield County duly commissioned & qualified & duly 
authorized to administer oaths & take depositions or and that the signature
to the above certificate purporting to be his is genuine
in his proper hand writing. I further certify that Isaac Sherman
Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in & for sd County duly 
commissioned & duly authorised & qualified to administer oaths and
take Depositions &c and that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of the said Isaac Sherman Esquire & verily
believe that the signature to the foregoing Certificate on the
Depositions of Aaron Hubbell. Thaddeus Hubbell & Elijah
Burritt, purporting to be his, is genuine & in the proper hand
writing of the said Isaac Sherman Esquire. In
testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of said County Court
Fairfield this 4th day of September AD 1833
Thomas B Osborne Clerk
of said County Court
Page 5

page 1st
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Ss Danbury
On this fifth day of September 1833 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court
of Probate in & for the District of Danbury in said County and State
now sitting, Abel Lewis a resident of Danbury
in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged
89 years, who being first sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the year 1776 he resided in the Town of Stratford in said county 
in the Parish of Stratford at which time a company
of Householders was organized by Authority of the State of
Connecticut, & commanded by Stephen Borroughs who is dead
That he was Sergeant of said Company during the
whole of the Revolutionary War & was frequently
drafted from said Company for various terms of
service - the first tour of service which he performed 
for the United States in the Revolution was drafted from 
said Company as a Sergeant in the year 1776
into a company of Guard under the command of Aaron
Hawley which guard was stationed at a place called
Newfield (now Bridgeport), That he performed
One months service faithfully in said Guard
& was discharged at said Newfield had no written
discharge or documentary evidence
Samuel Booth, William Hubbell & Isaac Patchen were with
me in said Guard & others who are dead, the Gun Boats under command
of Capt David Hawley were laying at this time in the
Harbour of said Newfield & preparing to sail up the St
Lawrence-- A few weeks after he was discharged
from the first tour of service he was ordered to take charge of
a Guard as Sergeant to guard some vessels in said Newfield
Creek, that he remember that Stephen
Sterling was in said Guard that he performed one
week service for the United States as Sergeant of
said Guard
Page 6

That in the spring of 1777 in Just before Danbury was burnt
he was drafted from said Stephen Burroughs Company as
Sergeant to Keep guard in a company under the command
of Lieunt Hall at a place called mutton Lane in said
Stratford on Long Island Sound at the mouth of said
Newfield Harbour where he performed one month
service for the United States as a Sergeant

That in the spring of 1777 when Danbury was burnt he
was in service one week in said Stephen Burroughs
company as a Sergeant

That in the winter of 1778 he was drafted from said
Company of Householders in to a Company under the
command of Capt Stiles Judson of Stratford
in Col John Meads Regiment & went in said
Company to a place called the Sawpitts in the
State of New York on Long Island Sound where he
performed Three months service faithfully for the
United States as a Sergeant in said company had a
Sergeant's warrant in this campaign which is annexed
& can also prove this tour of service by my son Justus & 
others whose deposition is annexed that he went from home in
said Campaign in December 1777 & returned in March 1778. at the
time the Brittish had possession of New York

About this time I was drafted from said Burroughs
Company to take the place of Ensign Seth
Seely in a company of infantry the other officer I do not
recollect, he remembers Joel Parrish & Ezra Seely
were with him in this campaign & are both Dead
that he performed one month service for the
United States in this campaign in the State of
New York at Red Hook General Gold S Sillaman
had the command of the regiment that he
performed this Tour of Service as Ensign of said
Company had no commission, but took the place
of said Seely was discharged at Red Hook
Page 7

That in 1778 he was drafted from said Stephen
Burrough company into a Guard commanded
by Lieunt Nathan Seeley which guard was stationed
at a place called Mutton Lane at the mouth
of said Newfield Harbour, That he performed
One months service for the United States
as a Sergeant of said Guard Aaron Hubbell
whose Deposition is annexed was with me
in said Guard every Campaign which I served in
the Revolution was in a regular embodied corps By authority
of the State of Connecticut & was then in field or guard employed in my [illegible]
That in the year 1779 or 1780 he was Drafted from
said Company of Householders to keep Guard over
Some Ammunition in the Parish of Stratfield
that had been taken from the Brittish by
an American Armed vessel, That he performed
Three months service as a Sergeant of this
guard faithfully for the United States Aaron
Hubbell & Thaddeus Hubbell whose Depositions
are annexed were with me in said Guard
These are the only terms of service that he can
now distinctly recollect, but is conscious that
he performed other tours of service for the United 
States never had any written discharge from any
of these campaigns & have no documentary evidence
to prove my service except a Sergeant's warrant in
one campaign allways served as a Sergeant, except
one I our of one month when he served as ensign
in the [illegible]of Seth Seely all the officers 
with whom [illegible] except Capt. Stiles Judson
Page 8

whose Deposition is annexed
That he was born in Stratford in said Fairfield
County December 11 1743. his age is on the
Records of said Town of Stratford
was living in said Town of Stratford when called
into service, has lived in said Stratford & Huntington
& Danbury since the Revolutionary War, & now
live in Danbury was called into service by
Draft & as a substitutes for Ensign Seth Seely
the names of some of the regular officers that
were with the Troops when he served were
Genl Gold S. Sillaman, Col John Mead
Lieut Nathan Seely & Capt Stiles Judson - 
never had any written Discharge in said campaigns
was not employed in any civil pursuit while in
said Campaigns Elijah Gregory & Lewis Osborn
are persons to whom I am well known & can
testify to this belief of my service in the Revolution
months
The 1th term of service in 1776 on 1 month Sergeant
2 do  do 1 week do
3 Do 1777  1--- Do
4 Do 1777 1 Do
5 Do 1778 3--- Do
6 Do. 1 month ensign 1778
7 Do 1778 1 --- DoThat has
8  1779 1780  3---
9 1/2 months Sergeant
1 month Ensign
Abel Lewis

Sworn and subscribed
in open court
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

[in right margin]
The reason he has not provided
the certificate of a clergyman is
that there is [illegible] that has
any knowledge of his service
Page 9

The said Abel Lewis hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Abel X Lewis his mark
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

State of Connecticut,
Fairfield County 
on this 31st day of August 1833 Danbury
We, Levi Osborn, a clergyman, residing in the town of Danbury
and Elijah Gregory residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well
acquainted with Abel Lewis who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration; that we believe him to be eighty nine years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the
neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Elijah Gregory
Levi Osborn
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. 
in open Court
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier,
and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Levi
Osborn who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of
Danbury and that Elijah Gregory who
has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Danbury
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest
Edward Taylor Clerk

I Edward Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the
District of Danbury do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Lewis for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my said office,
this 5th day of September 1832.
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
Page 10

March 3, 1932
BA-J/MLB

The American Historical Society, Inc.,
80-90 Eighth Avenue
New York City
Attention of M. M. Lewis

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of March 1, 1932, relative
to Abel Lewis, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file
in pension claim, S. 16920, based upon the military service of
Abel Lewis in the Revolutionary War.

Abel Lewis was born December 11, 1743, in Stratford, Fairfield
County, Connecticut.

While residing in that place, he enlisted and served with
the Connecticut troops, as follows: in 1776, one month as
sergeant of a company of guard under Aaron Hawley; in 1777, one
week as sergeant of a company of guard; in the spring of 1777,
before the burning of Danbury, one month as sergeant of a company
of guard under Lieutenant Hall; in the spring of 1777, when
Danbury was burned, one week as sergeant in Captain Stephen
Burroughs' company; from sometime in December, 1777, until sometime
in March, 1778, three months in all, as sergeant in Captain Stiles
Judson's company in Colonel John Mead's regiment, and his appointment
in said company was dated February 21, 1778; in the summer of
1778, one month as ensign under Captain William Worden; in 1778,
one month as sergeant of a company of guard under Lieutenant
Nathan Seeley; in 1779 or 1780, three months as sergeant of a company
of guard under Jesse Burr.
After the Revolution he lived in Stratford Huntington and
Danbury, Connecticut.
Page 11

He was allowed pension on his application executed September
5, 1833 at which time he was living in Danbury, Connecticut. He
died April 15, 1836.
In 1833, his son, Justus, was living in Danbury, Connecticut,
stated that he was then sixty-six years of age "and upwards. "

There are no further data relative to the soldier's family.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

Date of death
on Agency -BK
Page 12

[various unintelligible calculations}

S. F. 16920
Abel Lewis
Conn
Page 13

Morning Report of Capt. Judson Company
1 Captain
Lieutenant 
Ensign 
1 Sergeant 
3 Corporal 
Drum & fife.
3 Privates on commission 
18 Privates fit for duty
9 Privates on [illegible]
1 Privates [illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible]
on furlough
Discharged
[illegible]
48 total

Sawpits  February 27th 1778
Stiles Judson Capt.
Page 14

[unintelligible calculations]

S.F. 16920
Abel Lewis 
Conn
Page 15

Weekly Return of Capt Stiles Judson Company of  Col. John 
Meads Regiment of Militia from the State of Connecticut
service at the Sawpits,
Captain
Lieutenant
Ensign
Corporal
Drum & Fife
Private fit for duty
Sick [illegible]
on furlough
discharged
deserted
Total
Sawpits January 15th 1778
Page 16

S. F. 16920
Abel Lewis
Conn.
Page 17

By John Mead Esq Colonel of a Regiment of Militia 
State of Connecticut to Abel Lewis [illegible]
[illegible] to special Trust and confidence in your loyalty courage and good conduct I do by virtue of authority
Reposed in me certificate and appoint you the sd Abel Lewis 
be a Sergeant in Capt Stiles Judson company for the regiment aforesaid
for and during the present campaign and I do hereby authorise and empower you to exercise the power of office in the discharge thereof according to the discipline of war and act carefully to
obey all such orders as you shall from time to time receive from any of your superior officers for which he shall be sufficient warrant Given under my hand at Sawpits February 27th 1778
John Mead Col.
Page 18

To the Pension Bureau
Abel Lewis Pensioner of 1832 in Stratford town (Fairfield Co). died before 1840
Nathan Lewis Pensioner of 1840 born about 1755 was 85 years old in 1840
died in Huntington- Conn - could not have lived many years longer-
Abiah Lewis pensioner born about 1764 was 76 ys old 1840 d. in Bridgeport Conn
Benjamin Lewis born in Conn. pensioner in New York State of year 1818
and died there -
Please send to Mrs Elizabeth (Lewis) Moore
Cor of Stratford ave & E.Main St.
Bridgeport Conn-

{stamp]
US PENSION OFFICE
OCT 28 1902
Page 19

January 6, 1932
BA-J/ MCS

Mr. Otto S. Perfect
Paris
Texas

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of December 26th, requesting
the date and place of death of Abel Lewis, a soldier
of the Revolutionary War.

The records of this office show that Abel Lewis, S. 16920,
died April 15, 1836, place not shown.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of
Abel Lewis, and the name and address of the person to whom it was
paid as this may be the place of death of the soldier, it is suggested
that you address The Comptroller General, Records Division,
General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing the following data:

Abel Lewis, Certificate 28059, issued February 4, 1833, rate
$33.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832,
Connecticut Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 20

December 14, 1931
BA-J/MOS

Mr. Otto S. Perfect
Paris
Texas

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter of November 23, 1931,
requesting information in regard to Abel Lewis, a soldier of the
Revolutionary War.

The Revolutionary War data contained herein are obtained
from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 16920, based upon
the military service of Abel Lewis.

He was born December 11, 1743, in Stratford, Fairfield
County, Connecticut.

While residing in that place he enlisted and served with
the Connecticut troops as follows: in 1776, one month as sergeant
of a company of guard under Aaron Hawley; in 1777, one week as
sergeant of a company of guard; in the spring of 1777, before the
burning of Danbury, one month as sergeant of a company of guard
under Lieutenant Hall; in the spring of 1777, when Danbury was
burned, one week as sergeant in Captain Stephen Burroughs' company;
from sometime in December, 1777, until sometime in March, 1778.
three months in all, as sergeant in Captain Stiles Judson's company
in Colonel John Mead's regiment and his appointment in said company
dated February 21, 1778; in the summer of 1778, one month as
ensign under Captain William Worden; in 1778, one month as sergeant
of a company of guard under Lieutenant Nathan Seeley; in 1779 or
1780, three months as sergeant of a company of guard under Jesse 
Burr.

After the Revolution he lived in Stratford, Huntington and
Danbury, Connecticut.
Page 21

He was allowed pension on his application executed September
5, 1833, at which time he was living in Danbury, Connecticut.

In 1833 his son, Justus, was living in Danbury, Connecticut,
and stated that he was then sixty-six years of age "and upwards".
There are no further data relative to the soldier's family.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 22

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE. 1-681 PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 35480

Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.  September 12, 1929 192
Please furnish work specified below.

Bureau ordering PENSIONS Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of eight ( 2 ) pages from the
Revolutionary War pension claim of Abel Lewis, S. 16920.
No. of copies 1 of each page    shall form be kept standing? ..... days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch 5033. 541.
Room No. Phone No.
Approved
A.D. Wilkinson     Margaret Finch
Chief Clerk of Bureau.  Chief of Branch 
NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering

CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph  single or double space? ....... Facsimile Signature? .............
Mimeograph  one side or both sides? ...........  Facsimile Signature? .............
Folding  once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling  Once?  Twice?  Side?  End?  

Electric typewriter  Fill in addresses ..... Dated? ......
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size   Cards, size
Proof list  Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample)  Corrections
Fill in letters   Tabulation Sheets

Photostat x Size actual  Official use?  ........................ Repay? yes $1.20
Blue Print Size ...... Official use? ...... Repay ... $ ...

Remarks .....................
(OVER)


Facsimile signature?
Facsimile signature?
Cards, size
┃ Pay rolls
┃ Corrections
┃ Tabulation sheets
Official
use?
Official use?
(OVER)
Repay? Yes. $1.20.
Repay?
Page 23

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without form
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks
bureaus.
....................
( Date )
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate     on list ...................
as follows:
Now reads  1 ......................
2 ............................
3 ...........................
4 ...........................
5 ...........................

Should Read 1 ......................
2 ............................
3 ...........................
4 ...........................
5 ...........................

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made
Operator
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ............... Date ....... Type set by ................... Date .....................
Remarks:  ...................................
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ........................... Date .......................... Cut By .................
Remarks: ...............................
Page 24

September 12, 1929
Acting Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Cash $1.45
[STAMP}
FINANCE DIVISION
BOOKKEEPER'S DESK
SEP 13 1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Dear Sir:
Please furnish photostatic copies of eight (8) pages from the
Revolutionary War pension claim of Abel Lewis, S. 16920. To be
certified.
Signed:
Edward R Lewis
606 S. Michigan Ave
Chicago

Received payment
September 12, 1929
One dollar and forty - five cents ( $1.45 )
Maurice E. Emerick
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Page 25

List of pages of Edw. R. Lewis
Sols dec. Sept. 5, 1833-4 ps
Aaron Hubbell's affid. & Elijah Barrett
affid. not dated, 2 ps
Aaron Hubbell's affid. with Capt
Stiles Judson at bottom, no date 1 ps
Justice Lewis affid no date 1 ps
Page 26

16920
INVALID.
No. 16920
Abel Lewis
Sergt Rev War
Act:June 7th 32
index:--Vol. 1 , Page 222
{Arrangement of 1870.}

[Right side]
Nov. 21-1902
Mrs. Elizabeth
Bridgeport Com
1929 Sept. 20. Photos mailed
to Edward R. Lewis & Fin
Div. no. AD
1931 Dec. 14 hist to
Mr. Otto S.  Perfect
1932. Jan. 6 Mr. Otto S.
Perfect adv. as to date
of soldier's death &c
1932 - Mar. 3 - Hist. to M.M.
Lewis Amer Hist Society N.Y.
Page 27


OTTO S. PERFECT
LAWYER
PARIS, TEXAS
December 26, 1931.
BA - J/MCS

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-

On the 14th of this month you very kindly furnished
me with some data relative to Abel Lewis, a soldier of the 
Revolutionary War.
I would appreciate the matter very much if you will
kindly advise me if your records show anything relative to the
date of his death as well as place of death
His claim seems to have been, S. 16920.
Thanking you for whatever you may be able to give me,
and again for past kindnesses, I am,

Very truly yours,
Otto S. Perfect
Otto S. Perfect
Page 28

AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY ING.
Publishers
80-90 EIGHTH AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY

DEPARTMENT OF
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS
M. M. LEWIS

TELEPHONE WA 9-7751
CABLE ADDRESS 9-7752
LEWH090-NEW YORK  9-7753

March 1, 1932

Bureau of Pensions
War Department
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:

May we please have a copy of the pension record
of Abel Lewis who was living in Danbury, Connecticut in 1853
and who, according to the statement of his son Justus, resided
in Stratford, Connecticut.
Abel Lewis held rank of sergeant, served on Connecticut
Continental and was placed on the pension roll in 1834.
Very truly yours,
THE AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.

M. M. Lewis,

HB: AC
Publishers
HISTORY
GENEALOGY
BIOGRAPHY
HERALDAY
Page 29

OTTO S. PERFECT
LAWYER
PARIS, TEXAS
November 23, 1931.

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:-

Will you please send me the record of one Abel Lewis
who served in the revolutionary war in a company of householders
under Stephen Burroughs at Stratford Connecticut in 1776 and was
drafted to serve in service of the United States.
I would certainly appreciate just as full information
as you can give me including date and place of death if possible.
Abel Lewis was the father of Icabod Lewis who was my
great grandfather.
Thanking you for such information as you may be able
to give me, I am,

Very truly yours,
Otto S. Perfect -
Otto S. Perfect
Page 30

The papers of Abel Lewis are returned. Three
months service, as a Sergeant in Capt. Judson's Company
in Col. Meads regiment appears to be sufficiently established
but the other terms are not corroborated by sufficient
testimony as suggested in the brief, What is meant by
the term personal knowledge in the affidavits of the
witnesses does not appear. If they served in the same
corps, they should so state-- if not, their means of
knowledge of his service, should be stated in detail.
Page 31

Bridgeport January 22 1833

Hon. G. Tomlinson

Sir. I have returned to you Mr. Abel
Lewis papers. I am authorized from him to request.
you to accept of a certificate for such part of
his service as is proved satisfactory to the
Department, without any further delay he is
an old man 90 years of age poor but honest man 
and it would be very gratifying to him to
receive his Country Bounty - Yours Truly
Isaac Sherman
Page 32

Abel Lewis
Immediate Attention
6 mo 14 days Serg
$33.33
Returned [crossed out]
suspended

Hon. G. Tomlinson
Page 33

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.
Statement, showing the service of Abel Lewis
Period when the service was rendered
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years  Months  Days
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 34

2 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 instance , 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 District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. a resident (b) of ----- in the county of ---- and State, Territory or District of ----- aged (c) --- 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 pension made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ----, with ---- and 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 enered 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 on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to 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 (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I -------------------- of the Court of ----------------------------- do hereby certify (h) 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 (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 ------------- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---------------- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -------- 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 ---------------- 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 --- 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 

in 1776 and as sequent of guard cannot be allowed unless proven [illegible]
as they are not recognized in Mr Phelps certificate. It does not appear
that Nathan Seely held a command there as early as 1778. If claimant
served as Ensign, he must either produce his commission or show his
appointing in the State Records
Page 35

3 
alleged service as they are known to the Department.  A very full account of services of each person 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 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. If 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 is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is 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 the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period 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 rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were 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 clamant 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 worn, deposes 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 persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- 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, as 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 years in the miliia, &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 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 in 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 once, 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 claimants 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 credibly 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 [a] to [i] are 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 indispensible 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
Page 36

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              
do hereby certify (h) 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 (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         and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with           who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
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 days 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               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

Lewis in 1776 and as sergeant of the guard cannot be allowed unless proven satisfactorily 
as they are not recognized in Mr Phelps certificate does not appear from them
that Nathan Seely held a command there as early as 1778. If claimant
served as Ensign, he must either produce his commission or shew his
appointing by the State Records
Page 37

Thaddeus Hubbell of the Town of Fairfield &
State of Connecticut 68 years of age
Deposeth & saith that he is a pensioner
of the United States & is & always has been well
acquainted with Abel Lewis the foregoing
applicant for a pension. That he has
personal knowledge that said Lewis was a
Seargeant in Capt Stephen Burrough
Company of Householders in the Revolution
& that he has personal knowledge that said
Lewis performed Three months service
in a Guard stationed in said Fairfield to guard
some ammunition that had been taken from
the Brittish which service was performed
in 1779 or 1780 & that said Lewis was a
Sergeant of said Guard. Also he remembers
the circumstance of said Lewis taking the
place of Ensign Seth Seeley in a Tour to
the State of New York & knows that he went
in said Company for him & that he was a zealous
whig & true to his country
Thaddeus Hubbell
Page 38

Elijah Burrit of the Town of Bridgeport in the
County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut 90 years
of age Deposeth & saith that he has personal
knowledge that the foregoing named Applicant
for a pension Abel Lewis was a Sergeant
in the Revolution in Capt Stephen Burrough
Company of Householders & that he has
personal knowledge that said Lewis
performed one Campaign in the Revolution
at the Sawpitts in the State of New York
& one tour of Guard at Mutton Lane
Elijah Burritt

James Beers of Trumbull County of Fairfield &
State of Connecticut 71 years of age depose & say that
I am well acquainted with Abel Lewis the foregoing named
applicant for a pension that he belonged to Capt
Stiles Judson Company of Infantry of Stratford in the
Winter of 1777 & 1778 at which time said Lewis was a
Sergeant of said Company that he has personal
knowledge that said Abel Lewis served the
United States three months as sergeant in
said Company at Sawpitts in the State of New York
, which service commenced in December
1777 and was discharged at Sawpitts in March 1778
James Beers
Page 39

Aaron Hubbell of the Town of Fairfield & State of
Connecticut 70 years of age Deposeth & saith
that he is & has been well acquainted with
Abel Lewis the foregoing named applicant
for a pension for more than 60 years.-
That in the summer of 1778 I was in service
with said Lewis under Nathan Seely
for one month at said Mutton Lane as said
Lewis in his declaration has stated & have
personal knowledge that said Lewis served
the United States as a Sergeant of said company
one month in said campaign - Also that in 1779 or
1780 after Fairfield was burnt there was a quantity
of Ammunition Deposited in the Parish of Stratford
that had been taken by the Privateer brig Fairfield
& commanded by Samuel Smedley over which
was a guard commanded by Jesse Burr, I have
personal knowledge that said Abel Lewis
performed Three months service as a
Sergeant of this last mentioned guard & that
he has personal knowledge that sd  Lewis took
Ensign Seth Seely's place in a company that
went to the Northward to West point
Aaron Hubbell

Capt Stiles Judson of Stratford County & State aforesaid
81 years of age depose & say that Abel Lewis who has applyed
for a pension was a sergeant in my Company in a
Campaign in the Revolution at Sawpitts in the State of
New York that he has personal knowledge that
said Lewis served the United States three months
in said Company as a Sergeant
Stiles Judson
Page 40

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County       ⎬ Bridgeport
Be it known that on this 4th day of September 1833
personally appeared Aaron Hubbell, Thaddeus
Hubbell & Elijah Burrit, 
Before me Isaac Sherman Justice of the
peace in & for said County & made oath that the
foregoing Depositions by them subscribed are
true & I further certify that said Aaron Hubbell
Thaddeus Hubbell & Elijah Burrit, 
are all of them well known to me & are
persons of fair character for truth & veracity
Sworn before & certified by me
Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County Bridgeport Be it
known that on this 5 day of September 1833 personally
appeared James Beers and Capt Stiles Judson & made
oath before me to the Truth of the Depositions by
them signed & I certify that they are person of fair
Character for truth & veracity & are well known to me
Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace

I Roswel S Nichols Clerk of the Probate Court for
the District of Stratford in Fairfield County State of Connecticut 
certify that the signature of Isaac Sherman Esq
to the Certificate of the Depositions of James Beers & Capt Stiles
adson is genuine. In testimony whereof I have affixed the Seal
of said Court & Set my hand at Bridgeport Sept 5 1833
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Page 41

Thaddeus Hubbell of the Town of Fairfield
County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut
Do further depose & say that he lived 
near Abel Lewis during the Revolutionary 
War & was with said Lewis one Campaign 
in 1779 or 1780 in the Town of Said Fairfield
in the Parish of Stratford that he has
personal knowledge that said Lewis served
the United States in the same company
with him as the Sergeant for
Three months faithfully in guarding
some Ammunition of Magazine of Powder at said Stratford 
that said Company was drafted from
the Regular Militia Company to guard 
said Magazine & belonged to Genl Gold S
Sillamans Brigade- That he also lived
near Ensign Seth Seely & remembers
that said Abel Lewis took the place
of said Seeley as Ensign of a Company
tour of duty to the State of New York
which company I think was the
Stratford Militia company or it might have
been a company of Householders
Thaddeus Hubbell
Page 42

Aaron Hubbell of the Town of Fairfield in Fairfield
County State of Connecticut 70 years of age
Deposeth & saith that Abel Lewis of Danbury
in said County was in service in the War of
the Revolution with him in the same
Company under Lieunt Nathan Seeley in 1778
at a place called Mutton Lane near the mouth
of Bridgeport Harbour on Long Island Sound on
the line that divides the Town of Fairfield & Bridgeport
which in the Revolution was Stratford & that
said Abel Lewis was Sergeant of said Company
that the term of said Lewis service in said company
was one month-
Also that in 1779 or 1780 he was in service
with said Lewis in the same company
under Jesse Burr to Guard a quantity of
Ammunition at a place called Stratford in
said Town of Fairfield that said Abel Lewis was a
Sergeant of said Jesse Burrs Company that
he has personal knowledge that said
Abel Lewis performed three months service
as Sergeant of said Company in said Campaign

That he lived near said Lewis during the
Revolution & remembers when he went to
the Northward to West point as Ensign in
the Room of Ensign Seth Seeley who also lived
near me which service was performed at the
time Genl Burgoyne was coming down from
Canada, that he remembers the Company
was commanded by Capt William Worden
& believes it was a Household company his
living near said Lewis & said Seely is the
(see next page)
Page 43

the reason that he has knowledge of said Lewis
having served as Ensign for said Seely
& remembers that said Seely was sick
at the time his company was ordered
into service that he remembers that they
said Wordens Company went from home in
August or September & was gone I verily
believe more than one month, that he
remembers when said Lewis went in said
Worden Company & when he returned
Aaron Hubbell

Elijah Burritt of the Town of Bridgeport
in Faifield County State of Connecticut
Deposeth & saith in addition to what he
has before stated in relation to Abel Lewis
Service in the Revolution the reason that
he has personal knowledge of his said Lewis
Services as he has before stated is that said
Lewis lived in his neighborhood during the
Revolution & many years after and that
he was intimately acquainted with said
Lewis who is about the same age with
himself 
Elijah Burritt
Page 44

State of Connecticut
Fanfield County
Bridgeport January 20 1834
personally appeared before me the subscriber
Thaddeus Hubbell, Aaron Hubbell & Elijah
Burritt & made oath to & subscribed the
foregoing Depositions who are all persons
well known to me & are person of undoubted 
truth & veracity & are credible Witnesses
Sworn & Subscribed before me
Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace

I Roswil S Nichols Clerk of the Court of Probate
for the District of Stratford in Fairfield County
Certify that Isaac Sherman Esq before
whom the Depositions of Thaddeus Hubbell
Aaron Hubbell & Elijah Burritt was taken
is a Justice of the Peace of Bridgeport in
said Fairfield County State of Connecticut
& the signature purporting to be his is
genuine - In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal
of said Court at Bridgeport this 22 day
January 1834
Test
R S. Nichols Clerk