Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,799, Gideon Chapin, Conn.
Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.

Chapin, Gideon
Lydia

NUMBER
W. 23,799
Page 2

Order to pay 30 Oct 1837
No. 18864
Vermont
Gideon Chapin
of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont
who was an Artificer in the company commanded
by Captain Foxon of the commanded
by in the Connecticut
line for 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of
72 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Oct
1833 and sent to Carlos Coolidge
Windsor Vt
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 180.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 6 March 34 36.00
$216.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 58
Page 3

Rev Aug 15
Set. Hon. H. Hibbard 25th June 1850
Set Chas Joy
Sept 7, 1852
Sec. of the Interior
Sept. 25, 1852.
Deci{illegible] confirmed Jan 28/53
1479
He died March 10 1838
Vermont Mont
Widow died April 15 1846
Lydia Chapin
Corye.
widow of Gideon Chapin
who was an Artificer
in the Conn. line
for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
42 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15th day of August, 1843
and sent to
Tho. F. Hammond
Brownsville
Vt
(Act of March 3, 1843.}
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 25
Page 4

Declaration of Gideon Chapin
State of Vermont
County of Windsor...District of Windsor

On this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eighty hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont in open court Gideon Chapin a resident of Weathersfield in the County (and District) of Windsor and State of Vermont aged seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth by his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June [illegible] 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven with Captain Faxon and served under the following named officers

At East Windsor in the State of Connecticut where he there resided in the spring of 1777 and he thinks in April he enlisted for one year under Captain Faxon, marched to Springfield Massachusetts where he was employed in making gun carriages - During this season, and about the time the arms that were brought from France came to America he was transferred from the work at gun carriages to the armory at that place on account of his having been [  ] a gunsmith - The French arms were brought to the armory and there overhauled and repaired and thence sent to the army - While at work in the armory some of Gen Burgoyn's troops as prisoners, passed through Springfield; but how many of them he did not know,
Page 5

He remained at the Armory until the succeeding spring (1778) when he was discharged, by a written discharge, which he has not seen since he came to [  ] and supposes it has been long lost -  the discharge was signed by the Capt of the shop, whose name was __ Spring__ Tho' he is unable to fix precisely the time when he was discharged yet he has a strong belief it was in April but he know he served out his full year -  As to the nature of his contract of enlistment, he can only say that Capt. Faxon told him , when he enlisted, that if he was called for he would be obliged to take arms at any time; and a short time before or soon after he went into the Armory and at the time, as it now appears to his recollection, where the British were trying to get up the North River and relieve Burgoyne, news came how he does not remember, that they  were called for to do to North river, but before they started, orders came for them to remain.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present and he declares that his not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State  -

[illegible signature]

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.

Jabez Proctor Judge

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.

Jabez Proctor Judge

I Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court
Page 6

within and for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Gideon Chapin for a Pension.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.

Reuben Washburn
Page 7

Lydia Chapin
Vt
Act 7 July 38
Admd
12 mo Artificer
$72
Died 10 March 38
pen Com. 11. March 38.
Saml W Porter
Springfield
Vt.
Page 8

State of Vermont 
Windsor County ss
 On this twenty fourth of Sept 1838 personally
 appeared before me Samuel W. Porter
one of the assistant Justices of Windsor County Court, (said Court
being a Court of record of Common law jurisdiction, having
the power of fine and imprisonment.) Lydia Chapin a
resident of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor aged
Seventy five years (who from bodily infirmity cannot attend
Court) 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 Gideon
Chapin late of Said Weathersfield deceased who was an artificer
in the Army of the Revolution, that he was a pensioner of the
United States under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832
that he received a pension certificate which was dated 11th
October 1833 and numbered 18.864, that she has received the 
arrears of pension due to said Gideon Chapin at the time
of his decease - and returned the pension certificate to the 
War Department, that she has no other evidence of his 
services except such as he furnished the War Department
and upon which the pension was granted to him, to
which proofs she makes reference. She further
says that she was married to the said Gideon Chapin
on the 8th day of November 1780. that her husband the
aforesaid Gideon Chapin died at sd Weathersfield on the 
10th day of March 1838
that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage
took place previous to the 1st of January, 1794, at the time above stated
Lydia Chapin
her X Mark
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Lydia
Chapin by her making her mark or [illegible]
in my presence on the day year first above
written
Before me Saml W. Porter Judge of said
Court -
Page 9

I Wolcott Chapin & Elizabeth Spencer of Weathersfield
in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont
depose and say that our Father Gideon Chapin
late of Weathersfield deceased, was at the time
of his decease a Revolutionary Pensioner of the
United States, that he died at sd Weathersfield
on the 10th day of March now last past
our Mother Lydia Chapin survives him as
his widow, and has not been married again
since his decease.- Wolcott Chapin
Elizabeth C Spencer
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss
State of Vermont  
At Weathersfield in said County
on the 24th day of Sept AD 1838
personally appeared Wolcott Chapin & Elizabeth
C Spencer, to me known as credible witnesses
and made solemn oath that the foregoing
affidavit by them subscribed in my presence
, contains the whole truth and nothing
out the truth-
Before me Saml W Porter Judge Windsor
County Court
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss
I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court-
Do hereby certify that Samuel W. Porter is a Judge of Windsor County
Court and that Henry Closson & Joshua Upham are Justices of the
Peace in & for said County, and that their several signatures to
the foregoing affidavits are genuine-
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County Court
the twenty sixth day of November Eighteen hundred & thirty eight
Benj Swan Clerk
Page 10

I Joseph Chapin of Middlesex County of
Washington State of Vermont aged 75 years
do testify & say that Gideon Chapin
Brother now residing in Weathersfield
V. Enlisted for the term of one year
in Capt Trayow's Company early in
the Spring of 1777 Either in March or April
at East Windsor Connecticut
That he went to Springfield
Mass. That in the fall of 1777 I think
in September when Burgoyne's Men
arrived there as prisoners I was herewith employed 
six months in the armory 
a great part of the time with his
Brother & I know that he served
out the full term of one year &
was discharged in the Spring of 1778
The particular day of the month he enlisted 
or was discharged I cannot remember. 
But I well recollect he served
his year out Joseph Chapin
Sworn to & subscribed before me at Montpelier this 12th day of August AD. 1833
E P Jewitt
Justice of Peace
I certify that said Joseph Chapin is a
man of truth & veracity
E P Jewitt Justice of Peace
State of Vermont
Washington County ss
I Joshua Y Vail Clerk of
the County Court within 
and for the County of Washington
do hereby certify that Elisha P.
Jewett Esq is a Justice of the Peace
duly appointed & acting under the
authority of this State and that 
the name to the above affidavit is his own proper
hand writing 
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & official Seal this 12th
day of August AD. 1833
Att J Y Vail Clerk
Page 11

Gideon Chapin Born April 16th 1754
Lydia Potwine Born October 7th 1762
Gideon Chapin & Lydia Potwine
Was Married Novr 8th 1780
Lydia Chapin Born Novr 23rd 1781
Gideon Chapin Junr Born August 9th 1784
Jane Chapin Born February 18th 1787
Thomas P Chapin Born Octr 15th 1790
Woolcot Chapin Born October 6th 1792
Jane Chapin 2nd Born Novr 20th 1796
Elizabeth Chapin Born Sept 3rd 1802
Jane Chapin died March 14th 1790
Page 12

I Wolcott Chapin of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor
and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that
I have resided in said town of Weathersfield for more than
forty years, and that I have had the care and
custody of the family record of the marriage of
Gideon Chapin & Lydia Potwine, which is hereto annexed for
more than thirty years last past, and I verily believe that
it is a true record of the marriage of the said Gideon
and Lydia
Wolcott Chapin
Sworn to and subscribed this 24 Day of September
A.D. 1838
Henry Close Justice of the Peace
Page 13

I James Moore, Town Clerk & Register for the
Town of East Windsor in the County of
Hartford and State of Connecticut hereby
certify, that I do not find any entry of
the Marriage of Gideon Chapin and Lydia
Potwine, under any date, and I further
certify, that previous to the year AD 1820,
when a new law went into operation in
this State, requiring under a Penalty, that all
persons solemnizing Marriages should cause
them to be recorded; the number of Marriages
recorded in the Records in this Town
for fifty years preceding is so very few,
as to prevent any prejudice from arising
against the claims of any persons that
it was not on our public records that
they were married at any time
Attds James Moore Town Clerk
State of Connecticut
Hartford County  ss East Windsor
On this 23d day of August 1838, personally
appeared before me & Jesse Charlton, a
Notary Public of and for the State of Connecticut
James Moore, a credible person well
known to me, as town Clerk and Register of
and for said town of East Windsor and
made solemn oath to the truth of the above
certificate by him subscribed before me
In testimony whereof I do hereunto
set my hand & affix the seal of my
Page 14

said office at East Windsor aforesaid on
this 24th day of August, AD 1838
Attest Jesse Charlton
Notary Public
Page 15

I Shubael Bartlett Pastor of the second
Church and Society in East Windsor, Hartford
County Connecticut hereby certify, That I am
successor, in the pastoral office, to the Rev
Thomas Potwine who was Pastor of said
Church from May 1754, to Novr
1802
hereby certify that I have not been able by diligent 
search to find any record of the Marriages Solemnized 
by my said predecessor in the said
pastoral office; and if he kept any such
record, I fully believe, that it is entirely lost.
Shubael Bartlett Pastor
of the second Chh of East Windsor
Connt
State of Connecticut 
Hartford County Ss East Windsor
On this 24th day of August 1838, personally
appeared before me Jesse Charlton a
Notary Public of and for the State of Connecticut
the Revd Sherbael Bartlett, a credible person to
me well known as the successor to the Revd
Thomas Potwine, who was formerly pastor of
the second congregational Church in sd East
Windsor, and who I well remember in the
ministry there, and the said Bartlett then and
there made Solemn Oath to the truth of the above
certificate by him subscribed before me
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my
hand and affix my seal of office at said
East Windsor the day and year
above written-
see next page
Page 16

viz the
24th day of August AD 1832
Jesse Charlton
Notary Public
Page 17

I Caleb Potwine of the Town of East Windsor
in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut
hereby certify that I am a brother
of Lydia Chapin widow of Gideon Chapin
of Wethersfield in the State of Vermont
That I was well acquainted with the said
Gideon Chapin and his present widow
more than sixty years ago
That I was present 
at the Marriage of the said Gideon Chapin 
to Lydia Potwine, my sister, in the fall
of the year 1780. the fall after the dark
day: she was married at the house of
our Father, the Revd Thomas Potwine,
in the North Society of East Windsor
And I am well knowing to the fact that 
the said Gideon Chapin and Lydia Chapin
his present widow, removed to said Wethersfield, 
in Vermont, I have been often at their
house, and know the present widow to be the
identical person, who was married, as I have
stated above, & that her said Husband
has been dead some months
Caleb Potwine
State of Connecticut
Hartford County East Windsor
On this 22nd day of August AD 1838, personally
appeared before me Jesse Charlton, a Notary
Public of and for the State of Connecticut Caleb
Potwine, who has signed the foregoing certificate
and made solemn oath to the truth of
Page 18

the same before me and he is a credible
person to me well known and known a
Son of the Revd Thomas Potwine a former 
Pastor of the second Congregational
Church in the said Town of East Windsor
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set
my hand and affix my seal of office at
East Windsor aforesaid on this 22nd day
of August AD 1838.
Attest Jesse Charlton
Notary Public
Page 19

I Mary Allen, widow of Deacon Noah
Allen of the Town of East Windsor in
the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut hereby certify, That I am a
Sister of the widow Lydia Chapin of
Wethersfield in the State of Vermont,
who was formerly the wife, and is now the
widow of Gideon Chapin, formerly of said
Wethersfield And that, I am well knowing 
to the fact, that the said Gideon
Chapin Married Lydia Potwine, my sister
in the fall of the year 1780, some years
before the close of the Revolutionary War
That they removed from said East Windsor, 
to the State of Vermont, many years
ago, & have lived together, and brought up
a family; they were married at the house
of the Rev. Thomas Potwine, a former Pastor
of the 2nd Congregational Church in said
East Windsor, by himself the sd Potwine,
I have visited them at their house, and
am well acquainted with all the facts above 
Stated.
Mary Allen
Sworn a subscribed the day and year here
named, viz, on this 24th day of August 1838
Before me, and the said Mary Allen,
who has signed and sworn to the foregoing
certificate is a credible person well known
to me, and reputed the daughter of the late
Rev Thomas Potwine, who was Pastor of
the second Congregational Church in the said
Page 20

Town of East Windsor
In testimony whereof I do hereunto
set my hand and affix my seal of office
at East Windsor aforesaid this 24th
day of August AD 1838.
Attest Jesse Charlton
Notary Public
Page 21

Rev and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/eel
June 28, 1929
Mrs. M. H. Kimball
1402 H. Street
Sacramento, California
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War
pension claim, W.23799, it appears that Gideon Chapin
was born April 16, 1754, place not stated.
While residing at East Windsor, Hartford County, Connecticut
, he enlisted in April, 1777, and served one year
as an artificer with the Connecticut Troops under Captain
Faxon and was employed in making gun carriages and in the
armory at Springfield.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
July 30, 1832, at which time he was living at Weathersfield,
Vermont,
He died there March 10, 1838.
The soldier married November 8, 1780, in East Windsor,
Connecticut, Lydia Potwine, who was born October 7, 1762,
and was the daughter of the Reverend Thomas Potwine, pastor
of the Second Congregational Church in East Windsor.
Page 22

She was allowed pension on her application executed
September 24, 1838, at which time she was living at Weathersfield, 
Vermont. She died April 15, 1846.
Their children were
Lydia born November 23, 1781.
Gideon, Junior " August 9, 1784.
Jane " February 18, 1787. died March 14, 1790.
Thomas P. " October 15, 1790.
Woolcot or Wolcott " October 6, 1792.
Jane, 2nd " November 20, 1796.
Elizabeth " September 3, 1802., married Spencer
Respectfully,
EARL D. CURCH
Commissioner.
Spencer.
Page 23

Rev
WIDOW, & c.
File No. 23799
Lydia Chapin
wid of
Gideon Chapin
Artificer Conn Line
Act: March 3d 43
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 132
(Arrangement of 1870.}
June 28. Hist
Mrs. M.N. Kimball
[illegible]
Page 24

Vermont 3615
Lydia Chapin
widow of Gideon Chapin
was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 32
who died on the 18 March 1838
of Windsor in the State of Vermont
was an Artificer in the Compy commanded
by Captain Faxon of the Reg commanded
by in the Con
line for 12 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 72 Dollars Cents per annum,
commence on the 11th day of March, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of July
39, and [illegible] the Saml. W. Porter
Springfield, Vt
Arrears to the 4th of Mar - $71.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 36.00
$107.00
Act July 7,
1838.
Recorded by R Burdine Clerk
Book A Vol. 2. Page 36
Page 25

3.615
Montpelier Vermont
Lydia Chapin
widow of Gideon Chapin
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 10th March 1838
of Windsor in the State of Vermont
who was an Artificer in the Company
commanded by Captain Faxon of the
commanded by in
the Connt line for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier, Vermont
at the rate of 72 Dollars
per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836 & ending 10 March 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of
March 1843 and sent to Col
Billings, Woodstock, Vermont
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi annual allowance ending
(Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by
F. S. Evans Clerk,
Book. A Vol. 2 Page 36.
Reported
A new Certificate was issued
in this case under the opinion
of the Attorney General of the
2d Sep 1842, which was given in
consequence of the Resolution of
Congress of the 16 Aug 1842
Page 26

Sacramento 
February 23 /29
To the
Dept of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Dear Sir
I am 
anxious about the Revolutionary
War records of two of my ancestors
will you please send to me the
infornation you have
Joseph Chapin, son of David and
Sarah (Stebbins) Chapin of Springfield
Mass and Windsor Vt or Ct.
born June 11 1718, died June 11 1803
at Weathersfield Vermont.
Page 27

Also of his son Gideon Chapin
born April 16, 1754
He married Nov 8 1780 Lydia Potwine
daughter of Rev Thomas Potwine
I shall thank you very much
for this information
Sincerely,
Clara Kimball
Mrs M N Kimball
1402. H Street
Sacramento
California
Page 28

Last day
Lydia Chapin
Pensioner Vt
Law 1838-
This claim is for pay back
of husbands death, under
joint Reso of 3d Jany 45
her papers filed in 1838
& the living 23 Jany 45
she died 15 April 1846
service admitted
I beg leave to ask
why this is not allowed
or in the year rule
applied, March 12 53
The claim has been
rejected; ought it to
have been
Page 29

Gideon Chapin Vt act 7 June 32 when Card fid?
25 July 35 Gore
Died 10th March 1838. I paid to the time of his death.
S, H. H.
Page 30

14077 Paid N.Y.
Sept 18 1852
Arad Joy
Refr to the case of Lydia
Chapin
Sent to 3d Ave
by mistake
presume
J. B. E
Referred to the Commissioner
of Pensions
Sept 2nd
Sept 21 /52
Recd Sept 21 1852
Page 31

Ovid Sept 18. 1852
Dear Sir

I inclose the Cout letter, it may be
more kind than I deserve, & I may deserve all
of the admonition; but as I was suspended upon
rumor & without the shadow of a cause, to be restored to what I never should have been deprived of is
to be sure wonderful, & I am thankful for it
I am informed by Hon H.S. Walbridge
that the court intimated to him, that I had
before this, been suspended, I affirm before
Heaven, that if I ever was, I never knew it
I never heard of it-- I judge the inclosed
letter to have been indited by a "Law" Clerk
I appeal from the decision of the Court
contained in the inclosed letter, as he does not
intimate that the arrears have been paid &
if they have not (& the child write to me that they
have not) provided her papers were executed
before the 30 April 1844 & filed before the 23d
Jany 45 and as the survived that date, She
would of course be entitled to the pension back
to 1836, her husband having died in March 38 and
she having (if the above be true) been paid only back to 38
Respectfully your Obt ServArad Joy
Hon Alex H H Stewart

Interior
Page 32

Pension Office
September 7th 1852
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 26
of March last relative to the case of Lydia
Chapin, you all informed
1st That she is not entitled to arrears
of pension from the 4 of March 1836, to March
1838 by reason of the restriction in the
appropriation bill passed April 30, 1844 which 
declares that no pension shall be hereafter 
granted to widow for the same time that
her husband received one.
2d. That she is not entitled to an increase 
of his stipend from the 4 March 1831 to 4
of March 1838, for the reason that he was
pensioner as an Artificer and for all the
service claimed as such - and 3d his widow 
was pensioned at the same rate, and there are 
no arrears due to her
As you have been again recognized as 
Agent, you are informed that it is
Page 33

expected your enquiries directed to this
Office will not be the result of mere
inference as to its action in relation to
cases upon our files but founded upon
some fixed facts, the consideration of which
will result in practical benefit.
You are also informed that when
claims for increase are presented the
testimony upon which the increase is
claimed must accompany the application;
as we cannot enter upon elaborate reconsideration
of testimony already filed,
upon the mere assumption of an
Agent that certain facts have been overlooked. 
The time of the examining Clerk
is too valuable to permit it to be thus
diverted.
[illegible] respectfully
Your obt. svt.
JEH Calle
Commr
Arad Joy Esq
Ohio
N.Y
Page 34

I Beman Boynton of Weathersfield in the
County of Windsor and State of Vermont of
lawful age depose and say that I have
resided in the town of Weathersfield aforesaid
for more than fifty years, and that during
my residence I have been well acquainted 
with Lydia Chapin now resident in said
Weathersfield Widow of the late Gideon
Chapin of Said Weatherfield a Revolutionary
pensioner of the United States, with whom
I was well acquainted in his life time
having lived in the same neighborhood with
the said Gideon during my time of residence
in said Weathersfield that the said Lydia
and Gideon Chapin lived together as
reputed husband and wife until the
decease of the said Gideon Chapin and
that I verily believe that the said Lydia
has not since been married
Beman Boynton
Sworn and subscribed to this 15th day of
Sept A.D. 1838
Before me
Joshua Upham Justice of the Peace
Page 35

I Asa Grant of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor
and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say
that I have resided in the town of Weathersfield aforesaid
about forty years past and that during my residence
I have been well acquainted with Lydia Chapin
resident in Weathersfield aforesaid, widow of the Late Gideon
Chapin of Said Weathersfield, a Revolutionary pensioner
of the United States with whom I was well acquainted
in his life time, having lived in the same vicinity
with the said Gideon, during my residence in said
Weathersfield that the Lydia and Gideon Chapin lived
together as reputed husband and wife until the
decease of the said Gideon and I verily believe
that the said Lydia has not since been married
Ash Grant
Sworn and subscribed to this 15th day of September 1838
Before me Joshua Upham Justice of the Peace
Page 36

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claim of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Gideon Chapin which require
further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension
he is entitled? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal? yes
Page 37

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining
it? no
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? no
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service? Not on the rolls proof of [illegible]
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Correct
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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 _  For _ months
and _ days, I served as a _ ; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 38

Vermont
Pension Office
June 25th 1850
Sir
I have the honor to return herewith Mr Bryant's
letter, and to state that the application for increase in the case
Gideon Chapin, and of his widow Lydia Chapin, have been examined
and disallowed
Gideon Chapin in his declaration, claimed to have
served as an Artificer at Springfield 12 months. For this service
he has been allowed a pension at the rate of $72, per annum,
which amount has been continued to his widow under the act
of 7th July 1838 and 3 March 1843, which is all that the law
authorize us to grant for that service
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully,
Your obt Sert
J L Edwards
Hon. H. Hibbard
House of Representatives
Page 39

Windsor Vt. Sept. 5, 1833
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir-- I again transmit the declaration of Gideon Chapin
sustained by the testimony of two witnesses, and trust that the claim may
allowed
With high respect
I am ye obt St
Carlos Coolidge
Page 40

Bank of Windsor
Windsor P. 21. 1837
Sir,
Herewith are forwarded for directions
in relation to pay, the vouchers of
Gideon Chapin
Nathan Burgess &
David Stimson
pensioners under the
Act of June 7th 1832
I am Sir, respectfully
your obt. Serv.
for Thos. Emerson
by
Prest. & Pension agt
by
R. Emerson,
Carld.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Coms. of Pensions,
Page 41

Woodstock Vermont Feby 25 1843
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir
I forward you the declarations of
Lydia Chapin and Bathsheba Nichols for arrear of
pension. I by you will give me an early answer
I am Respectfully your Obt st
Oel Billings
Page 42

Weatherfield Vt. Jany [January] 20. 1844

Sir
Having reason to believe that my late husband Gideon Chapin a Vermont Pensioner* of the United States was entitled to a greater amount of Pension than which was allowed him on a settlement of his claim by the Department I have to request a reexamination of the paper in his case in order to the allowance of arrears of his Pension and an increase of my own as his widow under the act of July 7. 1838 and the 3d March 1843 under the agency of [John?] [?] Esq of [?] NH and H. H. Sylvester Esq of the City of Washington

Her mark X Lydia Chapin

Witness Wolcott Chapin
Ariel Hendick [?]

* Act of June 7, 1832
Page 43

1643 4
Lydia Chapin
$72 per ann

Ths. F. Hammond
Brownsville
Vt.
Page 44

State of Vermont
District of Windsor, ss.
On this twenty second day of May in the year
of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and
forty three, personally appeared, before the Probate
Court in and for said district of Windsor Lydia Chapin a Resident
 of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of
Vermont, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according
to Law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration, 
in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting 
pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary 
War
That she is the widow of Gideon Chapin who was 
an Artificer in the War of the Revolution, reference being
had to his Declaration and proofs accompning the same now
on file in the pension department he having been a
Pensioner under the Act of the 7th June, 1832, that she received a pension of seventy two dollars per annum under the
Act of July 7. 1838. she further declares that she is still a widow.
Lydia Chapin her X mark
Witness Cullen G Spencer
Wolcott Chapin
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Lydia Chapin, on the day and
year first above written, Before me Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of
said Probate Court.
And I hereby certify that Lydia Chapin, the above declarant is
personally known to me. Thomas F. Hammond Judge of
said Probate Court.
In testimony of all which I have hereunto affixed the seal
of said Probate Court, and subscribed my name at
Windsor, in said District, this 27th day of May, in
the year eighteen hundred and forty three.
Thomas F. Hammond, Judge.
Page 45

State of Vermont
Hartford District
Winder County
On this 22d day of February AD 1843
Personally appeared before Col Billings a Justice
of the Peace and Register of the Probate Court for
the District of Hartford aforesaid Lydia Chapin
of Weathersfield in said County of Windsor who being
first sworn according to law doth on her oath
make the following declaration in order to obtain arrears of pension
of the United States up to the day of her husbands death
That she is the widow of Gideon Chapin late of said
Weathersfield deceased who was a pensioner of the United States up to
the day of his death which took place on the 10th day of March
1838 and that she was pensioned under the act of Congress passed
July 7th 1838 and that her pension commenced on the day of
her said husbands death to wit, on the 10th day of March 1838
and she now claims arrears of pension from March 4th 1836 to
March 10th 1838 at the rate of seventy two dollars per annum
Lydia Chapin her X mark
witness Wolcott Chapin
Lydia C Jenney
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written:
and I further certify that she the said Lydia Chapin is the widow
of Gideon Chapin deceased who was a pensioner of the United States and
she the said Lydia was also a pensioner as she has stated above,
and is respectable and credible persons. In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above named
Oel Billings Register. [illegible]
Page 46

Please report to the Hon Harry
Hibbard M. C from N.H
Meriden NH 
June 1850
J. Bryant
Page 47

Weathersfield Vt May 24th 1850
Sir
As it is believed by his children that my late
father Gideon Chapin who was a Windsor County
Vermont Pensioner of the United States under the Act
of the 7 June 1832 was not allowed for all the
service he rendered the County you will please
examine and report to John Brigand Esq of Meriden
N H What service was allowed on a settlement of his 
claim and also give the said Bryant such information 
as he may desire in reference to an increase
of the Pension of my late mother Mrs Lydia Chapin
of Pensioner under the act of the 7th July 1838 and
subsequent act of Congress
Respectfully your obt Servt
Wolcott Chapin
Meriden NH June 3. 1850
In order to satisfy the children of Gideon
Chapin a Vt pensioner deceased a compliance
with the above request will oblige
Your Obt Serv
John Bryant
Hon J.L. Edwards
Page 48

Revolutionary Claim
Pensioners of Vermont
Lydia Chapin
for increase
Ovid March 26. 1852
Sir
I inclose my agency in the case, that is the
case of Lydia Chapin late a prisoner of Vt
The first supposed claim is, for back pension
to 1836 from March 1839 when her husband died, under
Said Resolution of Jany 23d 1845 of the papers were on
file prior to April 30. 44 as I suppose they were
The next supposed claim is for an increase of
pension to Gideon Chapin from 4 March 31 to 4th
March 38 when he died, his having been an artificer
[illegible] a Gun Smith & Black Smith, refer 
to his papers on file
The third & last supposed claim is for an
increase to the widow from 4 March 1836 to the date
of her death April 15. 1846. as an Artificer a
Blacksmith or Gun Smith
Please report to me on the several
points
Respectfully
Your Obt Serv
Arad Joy
Hon E Heath
Coms of Pens
Page 49

State of Vermont
COUNTY of Winsor
Walcott Chapin being duly
sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is a child of Gideon Chapin
deceased, to whom a pension was probably due who was an applicant
for a pension from the State of Vermont that this deponent is directly interested as one of the
Claimants in said claim his said father & in often were pensions if
for an increase this is made
Wolcott Chapin
Sworn and subscribed before me this 19 day of March 1852 and I do hereby certify that the
said Wolcott Chapin is a respectable person, and that I have full faith in the truth of
the above statement sworn to by him as being directly interested in said claim.
Hyren Henry Justice of Peace
Know all Men by these Presents that I Walcott Chapin a child of
Gideon Chapin deceased, to whom a pension was probably due & who was
an applicant for a pension from the State of Vermont, do hereby constitute and appoint
Arad Joy of Ovid, N. Y, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name as one directly and personally interested
as also for and in behalf of all others interested in the claim or application for a pension as above mentioned
Witness my hand and seal this 19 day of March 1852. his said father
& mother each drew a part pension
Wolcott Chapin
SEALED AND DELIVERED IN
THE PRESENCE OF
Hyren Henry
Caroline Henry
STATE OF Vermont
County of Windsor
Be it known that on the 19 day of March 1852
before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State, duly authorized by law to administer oaths
take acknowledgements, personally appeared Wolcott Chapin above named and duly acknowledged
the above Power of Attorney and affidavits to be his act and deed
testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and date above mentioned
Hyren Henry Justice of Peace
Page 50

I Irena Smith of Amherst in the County 
of Hampton & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged 
Eighty one years testify & say that I am the sister of Gideon
Chapin, formerly of East Windsor in the State of Connecticut
of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor & State of
Vermont that my father's family had in said East Winsor
at the commencement of the Revolutionary War and I well
recollect that one or two years after the war began, my brother
Gideon Chapin enlisted into the army for three years; but being
unwilling to go, he employed a man by the name of Bates
whose Christian name I can not now recollect, to go as his
Substitute and soon after this time, I should think in the
Spring of 1777 the said Gideon enlisted at East Windsor
with the service, under a Captain, whose name think was
Taxen, for one year, and went immediately to Fairfield
Massachusetts, when he was employed in the armory making
and repairing guns & gun carrages (he being a Blacksmith)
and my father being also a Gunsmith has also two brothers
during the time he was engaged at Fairfield as aforesaid
the said Gideon [illegible] with my fathers house coming
home a Saturday evening I returing on Sunday evening
or Monday morning. He used to [illegible] about his work
at these times when he came home, and after he was
discharged, he came home alone. He was gone from
home a long time, and as many as I can recollect, it was 
a year or more I recollect that he enlisted to leave for a 
year, and I heard him say when he came home to stay that
his time was out & he brought home his tools with him
Page 51

and I have no doubt that said Gideon did serve
the full term of a year as aforesaid. He told us when
he came home, that he had got discharged, and I
think it was in the Spring or Summer when he returned
September 2, 1833 Irena Smith
Hampshire S. September 2 1833,
there personally appeared Irena Smith
subscriber to the foregoing deposition, who is well known
to me to be a credible witness, and made solemn oath
to the truth of the facts therein continued
Before me Edward Dickinson Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts
Hampshire County ss I Solomon Stoddard Clerk
of the County for said Court
do certify that Edward Dickinson Esq. before whom the
above deposition purports to have been sworn, was at the date
of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in aforesaid
County & that I am acquainted with his hand writing
and verily believe his name subscribed to the above
certificate to be his proper hand writing & signature
Witness my hand & seal of the Court of Common Pleas
this third day of September in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred & thirty three
S Stoddard Clerk