Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6,245, for Joseph Lee, New Jersey
Page 1

New Jersey      Lee, Joseph          R6245
Penn                      Eleanor          Was filed as B 
                                                 and changed to R
                                                   Aug. 30 - 1934
Page 2

19516  (poss. 19316)


INDIANA
Joseph Lee
of Decaturle (?) in the State of Ind.
who was a pr. in the co. commanded
by Captain Connover of the reg't commanded
by Col. Chambers in the N.J.
line for 14 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Ind. 
at the rate of 46 Dollars and 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March
1834

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day Aug
1833 and J. Test In
Greensburg

Arrears to the 4th of March               93.32
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept.  23.33
                                                           $116.65

Recorded by Danl. Boyd Clerk
Book E Vol. 7 Page 119
Page 3

No. 17274

Joseph Lee

Indiana
 from 1778 Private
1 yr and 2 months
$46.66


Jno. Test Junr.
Greenburg Indiana
Page 4

Brief in the case of Joseph Lee
County of Decatur in the State of Indiana

1. Court

2.

3. 70 years

4. Service:
         Period in 1778 1779 1780 1781
    Duration : months: 3 / time not stated / 1 / 2 /
                             2 / time not stated
    Rank: Private
          General and Field Officers:
          Gen. G. Washington
          Capt. Conover Col. Chambers
          Capt. Conover
          Same officers
              Maj. Heant Capt followed
              Capt Buskirk

5. at Monmouth Court House

6. State of New Jersey

7. Traditionary

8. Correct

    J.W. Clagett Examining Clerk
Page 5

Joseph Lee

Application

17274
Page 6

State of Indiana
Decatur County
     On this 24th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Judges of the Decatur Circuit Court in and for said county of Decatur now sitting Joseph Lee a resident of Decatur County state of Indiana aged seventy years the 22nd day of April last who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States from Hunterdon County State of New Jersey in June 1778 in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Chambers in the company commanded by Captain Abram Conover joined Gen. Washington's army at Monmouth Court House and was in the forepart of the battle at that place in 1778 and the rest of the day was a guard to the baggage and was with the main army some time, not recollected how long but was marched to Brunswick and there dismissed until further orders and kept as Minute Men frequently called at different times on alarms, that he entered the service under Captain Conover the time not recollected but was dismissed late in the fall, and in said town marched through Monmouth County and was at Bound Brook and on the lines and served three months and was dismissed until further orders.....
Page 7

(continued from previous page)

....he further sayeth in the spring of 1779 was embodied in the company commanded by Captain Abram Conover march to Brunswick there was ordered back to Hunterdon County and in August was ordered on the lines and remained until in the fall following, that he was called upon in the year 1780 in May as he believes and was in service one month stationed at Bound Brook and Brunswick and in the fall was called upon was in the same company and was on the lines and served two months.
   He further sayeth to the best of his recollection he served the United States in all his tours in New Jersey ten months, and in December 1780 removed to Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and in the spring following was drafted in the service of the United States in the regiment the Colonel name not recollected the Major name was Josiah Heart in the company commanded by Joseph Followel and Lieutenant William Scout.  Marched to Newtown remained there some time the marched to Trenton New Jersey served two months.
That he was called upon in the fall following and joined the company commanded by Captain Andrew Buskirk marched to Newtown in Pennsylvania then Germantown then furlowed for one week then met at Newtown and was dismissed and that he was born in the state of New Jersey Hunterdon County in the year 1762 on the 22nd.....
Page 8

(continued from previous page)

....of April and remained in said state until (this next sentence inserted between sentences)... that he has a record of his age at home ....December 1780 then removed  the state of Pennsylvania and remained in such state during the war then removed to Kentucky then to the State of Indiana that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service, he 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, sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid never received a discharge 
   Henry H. Talbott CLK
Joseph Lee

     We David Cox a clergyman residing in the County of Decatur State of Indiana and David Jewett residing in the County and State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Lee who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy 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.  David J. Cox M.G. David Jewett
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
   Henry H Talbott CLK

    And the said Court de 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 David J. Cox is a clergyman resident in the County of Decatur and state of Indiana and that David Jewett who has also signed the same is a resident in the county and state aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
M.C. Eggleston Pres. Judge
James Elder AGDC (?)
 John Bryon  AGDC

     I Henry H. Talbot Clerk of theDecatur Circuit Court do hereby that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joseph Lee for a pension, in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at Greenburgh at my office this 24th days of October 1832
     Henry H. Talbot. CLK
Page 9

12595

Rd. March 28 / '46

Eleanor Lee dec'd
           Joseph

Ind.
 Act 7 July '38

m 87 d37
say -?-

To adm for children

6245
Page 10

(handwriting transcribed)

...were of Eleanor Lee

William Ryans at the request of the heirs or children of said deceased and the said William Ryans
.....is...
...himself...

9th day oof February
...hundred and forty SIX

Henry H. Talbott
Page 11

State Indiana
Decatur County
     I Henry H. Talbott Clerk of the Probate Court in and for said County certify that William Ryan is duly authorized to act in the capacity of an administrator upon the estate of Eleanor Lee, deceased, late of said County as named aforesaid and set forth in the within letters of administration and that it has even proved to my satisfaction that the said Eleanor Lee was the widow of Joseph Lee who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States on the Indiana Pension Roll and that the said Eleanor Lee has now known to be  leaving/living the following named children to wit "Ann Lee, Elizabeth Lee, Rebecca Lee, Mary Lee, Joseph Lee, Davison Lee, Eleanor Lee, Martha Lee, Susannah Lee, and Perry Lee".  Given under my hands this fourth dat of March AD 1846.
   Henry H. Talbott Clerk
Page 12

State of Indiana
Decatur County
     On the second day of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty six personally appeared before the county commissioners court in and for the county of Decatur and state of Indiana said court being a court of Record William Ryan aged over sixty years past, a resident of said county of Decatur who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his 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" Also the "Act in extension of the provisions thereof passed March 3rd 1843" and the Act of June 17th 1844".  That he is the identical person and administrator of the estate of Eleanor Lee, deceased, named and specified in the letters of administration granted to him upon her estate by the Probate Court in and for the said county of Decatur a copy of which said letters of administration are hereunto annexed.  that the said Eleanor Lee was the widow of one Joseph Lee, who was a private and served in the revolutionary war as well as he is informed and believes, as a volunteer in the troops called the New Jersey troops or New Jersey militia, he is not positive which, but is pretty certain it was in the New Jersey command.  This declarant can not state the length of time that the said Joseph Lee served in that war nor can he state his captain's name, nor his colonel, or other officers under whom he served, nor the Regiment to which he belonged nor the time and place he entered the service, nor where and when nor by whom he was discharged, nor the battles or engagements he was in, nor anything specific of his said service.  But he states positively upon his own personal knowledge that the said Joseph Lee was a....
Page 13

(continued from previous page)

....Revolutionary pensioner of the United States and placed on the Indiana Pension Roll and agency at Madison in the state of Indiana about the year 1832 at the rate of forty two dollars and thirty seven cents per annum ($42.37) , or thereabout, and first drew his pension money at Lawrenceburg and lastly at Madison, in the state of Indiana.  And for a particular and specific statement of the said serving of the said Joseph Lee, the declarant begs leave to refer to the papers in the application of the said Joseph Lee, for his said pension and the proof thereto annexed on file at the Pension Office in Washington City, as he supposes.
    He further declares that the said Eleanor Lee (whose maiden name was Davison or Davidson) was married to the said Joseph Lee in the County of Harrison and state of Virginia as he is informed and believing, on or about the 11th or 12th day of November in (the fall of) the year seventeen hundred and eighty seven or eighty eight and that the said Joseph and Eleanor Lee had been in wedlock the following named children, whose names and births appear of Record in the family Bible kept by the said Joseph and Eleanor in their life time and made by the said Joseph in his own hand writing and is now in the possession of Susannah Lee on of their daughters, now living in the said county of Decatur, Indiana, to wit:
Andrew Lee born August 28th 1789 now dead
Ann Lee " May 30th 1790                      "  living
Hannah Lee " Sept 2nd 1793                " dead
Elizabeth Lee " Aug 27th 1796              " living
Rebecca Lee " Sept 6th 1798                " living   
Mary Lee " Feby. 15th 1801                    " living
Joseph Lee " March 12th 1803              " living
Davison Lee " June 8th 1805                 " living
Eleanor Lee " June 16th 1807                " living
Martha Lee " Dec. 10th 1810                  " living
Page 14

(continued from previous page)

...Susannah Lee born Aug 4th 1813.        " living
Perry Lee " June 20th 1817                       " living

     That the aforesaid Joseph Lee her husband died in Decatur county in the state of Indiana on the 24th day of August in the year 1837 where he had resided for the last fifteen years past and previous thereto he resided in the States of New Jersey, Virginia, and Kentucky.
     That the said Eleanor, widow of the said Joseph lee, Dec'd., drew the arrears of pension due him at the time of his death as aforesaid, and that the old pension certificate of the said Joseph Lee, dec'd., was forwarded to the Pension agent and surrendered up with the application and power of attorney for the arrears of her husband's pension as aforesaid.
     That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated.  that the said Eleanor Lee, the widow of the said Joseph Lee, dec'd., remained a widow without intermarrying until the time of her death and that she died in the county of Decatur and state of Indiana, on the 26th day of October in the year 1844; and that the said Eleanor Lee widow as aforesaid, never applied for her pension under the Acts of Congress Above herein specified, and that this application is now made to draw her pension money due up to the time of her said death for the use and benefit of her said children, who are now living, viz "Ann, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, Joseph, Davison, Eleanor, Martha, Susannah, and Perry".
William Ryans

Sworn to and Subscribed in upon court
the court judicially sitting this 
2nd March A.D. 1846
  Andrew Dyer Clerk
Page 15

State of Indiana
Decatur County
     I Andrew Dyer Auditor of Decatur county of Decatur and State of Indiana and ex office Clerk of the commissioners court in and for said County do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said commissioners court of this day the court judicially sitting in the matter of the application of William Ryan administrator of the estate of Eleanor Lee, dec'd., for the pension due to her for the benefit of her children.  And I do further certify that said court is a court of Record.
     And I do further certify that at and before  the said court this day holden at the town of Greensburg in and for the said county of Decatur and state of Indiana, satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said court that Eleanor Lee was the widow of Joseph Lee, deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of forty two dollars and thirty seven cents per annum, was a resident of the said county of Decatur and state of Indiana and that the said Eleanor Lee (widow of the said Joseph Lee) died in the county of Decatur and state of Indiana on the 26th day of October in the year 1844, that she left the following named children who are now living, to wit "Ann, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, Joseph, Davison, Eleanor, Martha, Susannah, and Perry Lee".
    
   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Greenburg this 2nd day of March A.D. 1846.
    Andrew dyer Clerk
Page 16

Page too faded and faint to transcribe accurately.  Apologies.

See Extracted Text for parts of it.
Page 17

State of Indiana
Decatur County
    On this third day of March 1846 before me Erwin W. Madison the subscriber (long line) Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared David Jewett aged fifty three years past, a resident of the said county of Decatur who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath say that he was personally and well acquainted with Joseph Lee and Eleanor Lee his widow both now deceased.
    That the said Joseph Lee and Eleanor Lee are the same identical persons spoken of and named and specified in the declaration of William Ryan hereto annexed.  That the said Joseph Lee was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $42.37 as well as he now recollects and was placed on the Indiana Pension Roll and agency at Madison where he last drew his pension money.  That the said Joseph Lee resided in Decatur county in the state of Indiana for about fifteen years next before his death and that the said Joseph Lee died in Decatur county, Indiana, on he 24th day of august 1837 as he believes.  That the said Eleanor Lee his widow continued to reside in the said county of Decatur in the state of Indiana from the time of the death of her husband without intermarrying to the time of her death.  And that the said Eleanor Lee his widow died in Decatur county in the state of Indiana on the 26th day of October in the year 1844. That the said William Ryan who executed the declaration hereto annexed is the administrator of the estate of the said Eleanor Lee, deceased.  That the said Joseph and Eleanor Lee lived together as man and wife from the time he first knew them in the year 1822 up to the time of his death in 1837.
Page 18

(continued from previous page)

...That the said Joseph and Eleanor had the following named children, who are now all living as he is informed  and believes viz "Ann, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Mary, Joseph, Davison, Eleanor, Martha, Susannah and Perry Lee" and that they had two other children that are now dead viz "Andrew and Hannah".
David Jewett

Sworn to and subscribed before
me this third day of March
A.D. 1846
  Erwin W. Madison Esq. J.P.

I Erwin W. Madison the Justice of the peace before whom the foregoing affidavit of David Jewett was made this day do certify that the said David Jewett witness above named is a person of truth and veracity and that his statements are entitled to credit, which I certify from my own personal knowledge.  Given under my hand this third day of March A.D. 1846
   Erwin W. Madison Esq. J.P.

State Indiana
Decatur County
     I Henry H. Talbott Clerk of the circuit court in and for said county do certify that Erwin H. Madison and Edward Tanner are magistrates as above and that their signatures thereto purporting to be theirs are genuine
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of office at Greensburg this 4th day of March 1846.
Henry H. Talbott Clerk
Page 19

J.P. Cooper Esq.
Marshall
Clark Co
Illinois

Rec'd at Marshall Ills.
17th March 1846
JP Cooper
Page 20

   I Eli Marsh Clerk of theCounty Court of Harrison County in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that upon examining the records of my office I find that Joseph Lee was married to Elonor Davisson on the 12th day of November 1788 by the Rev. John Denham DD.   Given under my hand this 5 day of March 1846
   Eli Marsh Clerk

            Clarksburg Va. March 5 / 46

Mr. JP. Cooper
     D Sir - I take pleasure in forwarding agreeable to your directions Mr. Lee's certificate.  I hope the above will be all that is requisite.  If however it is not sufficient you can forward to me line stating anything else you may require and it shall be promptly attend to.  If you should want the County Seal to the Certificate or to a Copy of the -?- just drop me a line to that effect and I will take great pleasure in complying with your wishes.
Our fee for the above is 36 cents but as that amount cannot be forwarded by mail you can if you find it convenient forward the cents (?).
I remain
Respectfully Yours
V.P. Chapin DC
Page 23

Know all men by these presents that I Rebecca Ryan one of the heirs of Joseph Lee deceased who rendered service in the war of the Revolution of the County of Decatur and State of Indiana have made constituted and appointed and do by these presents made, ordain, constitute and appoint H C Spaulding of the Washington City District of Columbia my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name as one of the heirs of the said Joseph Lee, to examine any and all papers, rolls, records, and proofs that may be on file at the Pension office and present the claim of said heirs.
And I do hereby certify and confirm whatsoever my said attorney may lawfully do in the premises by these presents.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand ad seal the 24 day of November AD 1854.
Rebecca Ryan
Page 24

State of Indiana
Decatur County
    On this twenty-fifth day of November in the year AD 1854 personally appeared Rebecca Ryan to me well known and acknowledged the making and signing the foregoing power of attorney to be her voluntary act and deed, and I certify that the said Rebecca Ryan is the identical person who made and acknowledged the foregoing power.
Witness my hand and seal
this twenty fifth day of
November AD 1854
I..W. Fugit
Justice of the Peace

State of Indiana
County of Decatur
     I Henry H. Talbott Clerk of the Decatur Circuit Court do hereby certify that Isaac W. Fugit Esq. whose genuine signature appears to the above acknowledgement of the with Power of Attorney is now and was at the date thereof to wit: on the 25th day of November AD 1854 an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for said County of Decatur, duly elected, commissioned, and qualified, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to all his official acts.
In attestation of which I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said Court November 29th 1854.
Henry H. Talbott Clerk
Page 32

(VERY faint and faded...)

I cannot prove the Pa (?) services at all.
Office note

In spite of the allowance for 14 mos. and soldier's statement that he served 14 mos. in all, when he makes the specific statements as to his tours they only amount to 13 mos.  I cannot find any service for the 14th month so have omitted it.

It is highly probable that the heir Rebecca Ryan was the dau. Rebecca or her dau. but she does to state her relationship so I have not included her and especially because in every list of children the dau. Rebecca is mentioned as Lee (underlined).

No use to mention the rejection of children's claim as they were to entitled.
Page 33

Indianapolis Ind.
Aug 8th 1934

(ink stamp) REC'D Aug 10 1934 Mail Sus-Div Vets. Adm

Pension Office
Will You please give me some information as to the pension of Joseph Lee (underlined) who enlisted in the Revolutionary War fro Hunterdon County New Jersey his second enlistment made from Philadelphia Pa.
He is buried in Decatur County Indiana.  He was my great grandfather and through him I would like to become a D.A.R.
      Respectfully 
      Stella Marlow
      725 Middle Drive Woodruff Place
      Indianapolis, Indiana
Page 35

Toledo, Ohio
Aug 14, 1929

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
      One William Sherman (wife Eunice) served in the Revolutionary War presumably from New York.  However he lived first in Mass. and might have enlisted from there.  Are there any records, land grants or pensions made to him or widow?
Joseph Lee, Rev. soldier enlisted from  Hunterdon County New Jersey about 1778 served with Capt. Conover's company under Col. Chambers.  Second enlistment made about 1781 at Philadelphia; served under Capt. Joseph Fallowell - Maj. Heart also under Capt. Buskirk, engaged in battle of Monmouth and pensioned Oct 24, 1832.  Pension was paid after his death to widow Eleanor Davison Lee.  At this time Lee lived in Decatur County Indiana, having gone there from Kentucky.  
Kindly give me any information possible concerning him or widow.
William Fenley (Finley) served from Virginia in militia or regular army during War of 1812; company, regiment etc. unknown.  Later he received a land grant for acreage in Tennessee, approximately where Memphis is now located.  This grant was never taken (over)...
Page 36

(continued from previous page)

...Can you give any information concerning this William Fenley (Finley).

Yours truly
Mrs. Beatrice F. Johnston
715 W. Central Ave.
Toledo - Ohio

(upside down ink stamp)
Pension Office US
Aug 15 1929
Page 37

(right side)

REJECTED
6245
Eleanor Lee
Service: wid Joseph

(left side)

1915 May 1 History to Mrs.C.O. Norton 
       Kearney Neb.  AW
       (See letter -?-
         Wm. Neill Va W2939)

1924 Jan 15 - Hist to
   Sue I. Silliman - UM
    Three Rivers Free Public Lib.
    three Rivers, Mich.
     (see her letter in W499
      -?- in lieu of bounty
      Land.  Ludwell Lee
      War 1812)

1929 Oct 16 - Hist to
       Mrs. Beatrice F. Johnson

1929 Dec. 2 - Hist. to
      Mrs.C.H. Lorenz.   (initials)

1934 - Aug 30 - Hist. to
       Stella Marlow.  (initials)
Page 38

Oct. (date smudged - poss. 18 18?6)
(illegible word)
post mark: Marshall Oct 12
-?-
Margaret Lee

(written vertically)

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 39

(same as previous page - turned horizontally)

left side (now vertically):
   Oct. (date smudged - poss. 18 18?6)
     Decatur - post stamp Decatur Oct 12
-?-
Margaret Lee

right side (now horizontal):

Paid 20

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 40

Marshall, Clark County, Illinois
Oct. 12th 1846

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
       Sir
          I enclose herein to you two letters from the Secretary ofState of New Jersey, one of date May 8, 1846 the other of Oct. 5th 1846.
        The letters are explanatory of the Militia service of Joseph Lee who was a pensioner on the Indiana Roll, and whose heirs are now applicants for the amount due Margaret Lee, his widow, at her death.
     Your letter to the Hon. Thomas Smith of the H.R. from Indiana of the 14th April last, was duly rec'd and I have been trying to obtain the evidence required therein.
    In this case the husband was pensioner at about $42.00 per annum under the act of June 7th 1832 and was allowed upon his statement and proof there in existence (underlined) for his services, it seems extremely hard to require now specific details and proof of his service by his heirs, some 13 years afterwards, than was required of the soldier himself, when he had the means of proof at command , which has since become extinguished.
    I hope you will be so good as to look into these explanatory letters and in connection (?) to the whole claim again closely; when it is hoped the explanation will suffice to admit the claim upon the husband's or father's statements and proof of service.
     If he detailed a part of his six tours (underlined) of service prior to Nov. 1779 and a part of the six tours (underlined) after that twice, it seems to me very clear, that his statements then are in accordance with the militia service of the New Jersey troops and that it is correct and should be admitted under the circumstances at this late day.  Perhaps 5 months for this service as alleged, may have been in 1776 in the then existing -?- for the Militia of NJ was not divided into 8 classes until after Nov. 1779 (underlined) and even then frequently was all out at the same times and some of whom may have.....
Page 41

(continued from previous page)

...continued out, the length of two tours (underlined) before being discharged and permitted to return; for instance, the 8 classes were all out at once, consequently at the end of the month or 30 days tour by classes were discharged or even a lesser number (?), the 8th class or more, of course, would remain for the other month before they were discharged as all were not discharged at once.
    I believe, if the claim is fully examined into, it well be found "that his own estimate of the length of his several tours was (not so -(underlined) very extravagant and inconsistent with the laws prescribing the duties of the militia.
      I hoped the explanation may be deemed satisfactory and the claim of the heirs or children admitted.
      You will please correspond and enclose certificates to me at this place.
         Most Respectfully
             Your Obt. Servt.
                     J.P. Cooper

P.S.  the certificate for $210.00 is for balance due Joseph Lee which was paid in 1784 after the war, and for services after November. 1779 and no doubt the Muster Rolls from NJ destroyed in the Treasury conflagration in 1802 contained the only evidence of his service prior to 1779 (Nov.) as N.J. could only paid for services subsequent to that time and which correspond with application.
              Yours
                    J.P. Cooper

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 42

Ink stamp to left: Trenton NJ Oct. 5

J.P. Cooper
Marshall
clark County6
Illinois
Page 43

Office of Sec'y of State
Trenton N.J.
Oct. 5 1846

Dear Sir,
     In answer to yours of August last I have to inform you that the ---gins of all Counties have been examined and but one of the names can be found viz: Joseph Lee of Essex County rec'd a Certificate for balance of pay due him for militia service May 4 1784 $2.10.0 No. 181 signed Thomas Clark  (smudged word).
    I must also inform you that we have no Muster Rolls, they were sent to the War Dept. in 1789, at the settlement with the G'l Govt. and then destroyed by fire in the Treasury Office in 1802.  The pay certificates issued by -?- was for balance due for militia service after Nov. 1779.  Of course we have no record of the service  how much or when but I must inform you that these could not have been 14 months service in six tours.  There was 5 mos. service in 1776 after that the militia was drafted monthly and seldom served 30 days at a tour and they were divided into 8 classes.....
Page 44

(continued from previous page)

...It is strange that the widow (or children any) cannot tell the place of the father's nativity.
Why not write to the Dept. at Washington for a copy of the tours and officers names to enable the widow to prosecute her claims - with some reasonable success.
    But the small amt. allowed would be only identity and if he alleged earlier (?) service with that for which he rec'd pay it would be good endeavor - provided it was in the County of Essex.
      I am Respectfully
           Yr. Obt. Servt.
                 Charles G. McChesney

J.P. Cooper Esq.
Page 45

J.P. Cooper
Marshall
April (date smudged)    Illinois
Page 46

Pension Office
April 11 1849

Sir,
    In reply to your letter of the 16th August last in the case of Mrs. Eleanor Lee dec'd widow of Joseph Lee I have to state that the Act of 1 July 1848 allowing the same pension to widows of revolutionary soldiers which was received by her husband, does not pay to those cases where was not living at the time of the passage of that Act.  Mrs. Lee's death having taken placer in 1844, her children cannot be allowed a pension, without further proof as indicated in my letter to you of the 27 October 1846.
    In the case of Sarah Finney widow of John Finney, she should, if alive, make a declaration before a magistrate so some other competent officer and proving her identity.

J.P. Cooper Esq.
Marshall Ill.
Page 47

Greensburg Va
Apl. 29 1833

War Department 
Washington City
D.C.

Pension Office
Page 48

Greensburg Mo (?) April 29th 1833

Mr. J.L. Edwards

Sir,
      Enclosed as directed the amended application of Jospeh Lee and Benjamine Gosnell, who are very respectable men and of true revolutionary services as one who has a knowledge of their character can have no doubt.  The applications are drawn by Esq. Jewit their neighbor and a respectable man.  I have superintend (?)their presentment (?) to the Court, but having much business in hand I haven't been permitted to inquire but slightly into their accuracy.
     Please forward to me the returns (?), the old men are extremely feeble, and  perhaps some of them will not survive the return which the Department may make if not done early.
Yours Respectfullly
Jno. Test jr.

JL Edwards Esq.

NB:  the interrogatories ---  the accuracy (?) by the Depart. have in the --- of business been mislaid but I presume they are immaterial.
Page 49

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Page 50

House of Representatives
March 27 - 1846

Hon. 
J.L. Edwards
      Sir,
      I send you the enclosed papers in relation to a pension, I will thank you for your early attention to them. Z off the papers are defective I shall be glad to be so informed, and any other particulars I relation to the case that you may Sir propose to give.

                  I have the honor to
                    -?- your obt. servt.
        
                       Thomas Smith, M.C.
                                              Ind.
Page 52

J.P. Cooper

Oct. 27 1846
Page 53

Pension Office
Oct. 27 1846

Sir

       The explanatory letter of the Secretary of State of New Jersey received from you in the case of Eleanor Lee Dec'd. widow of Joseph Lee but confirms the information previously in possession of this Department relative to the Militia Service of that State.
         Lee, agreeably to his own declaration belonged to Hunterdon County and was drafted to serve in the Militia I July 1778 and alleged that he was out 6 times.  One month is the highest estimate that can be made for each of those tours, which is all that he was required by law to perform.
        The settlement with Joseph Lee of Essex County affords no evidence of the service in this case.

J.P. Cooper
Marshall
Clark County
Ill.
Page 54

ink stamp to left:  Trenton N.J.  May 9

J.P. Cooper Esq.
Marshall
Clark County
Illinois
Page 55

Office of Secretary ofState
Trenton, New Jersey
May 8, 1846

Sir
      In answer to your letter of the 25th ult. I have to inform you that the name of Joseph Lee does not appear on any of the Rolls of the N.J. Reg'ts.  There are no Military Rolls of the Revolutionary War in this this office.  They were believed to have been destroyed at the destruction of the Treasury Building at Washington City in 1801 or 2  of the military service in the several counties of this State from Nov. 1779 to the close of the war.  Pay certificates were issued by Commissioners of which there are some forty books and unless specify the county or place of residence when the service was commenced no search can be satisfactorily made.  It would take a month. I have examined the 6 & 9 mos. Rolls none of which bear his name.  the Militia was divided into 8 classes four of which classes and sometimes all were out at the same time.
   There appears on the margins of Essex County the name of Joseph Lee who rec'd No. 181 indent (?)- for L2.10.0.   I am willing to give every attention to applications for search in.....
Page 56

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..... this office and more specially to those of the Revolution if it is specifically made but such sweeping ones as yours without time, service, officers, or place would keep ten clerks in constant employment receiving as we do applications from all parts of the union almost daily.
     Fees $1 or further search will be made without charge if you will specify the place of Mr. Lee's residence or the names of his officers.

                    respectfully
                          yr. obt. servt.
                          Charles G. McChesney


J.P. Cooper Esq.
Page 57

Mr. J.P. Waldo
      Comm. of Pensions
                 Pension
Page 58

Washington Dec 5th 1854

Hon. L.P. Waldo
   Comm. pf Pensions

   Sir - I herewith submit the Power of Atty. from Rebecca Ryan the heir of Joseph Lee deceased, whose widow Eleanor Lee applied for a pension under Act of the July 1838 and was suspended from Decatur County Indiana.  You will please permit me to examine the papers on file.

                        Very Respectfully
                        Your Obt. Servt.
                          H.C. Spaulding
                               Atty.
Page 59

Marshall Clark County Illinois
August 16 1848

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions

       Sir - By the Resolution of Congress approved July 1, 1848 relative to evidence in applications for pensions by the widows whose husbands were pensioned.  The claims of Eleanor Lee (underlined) Dec'd. widow of Joseph Lee of Indiana, and also the claim of Sarah Finney (underlined) widow of John Finney Deceased, of Indiana are admissible:  the evidence as to their marriage identity and in all other requisites was deemed satisfactory in both these cases.
       Please be so kind as to have Mrs. Lee's claim made out payable to William Ryan, the administrator for the use of her children, as properly married and shown in the application and accompanying papers as proof.
    And Mrs. Finney's claim to herself.

    Please admit claims and include the certificate in both cases to me at this place (underlined) early as convenient.

          I have the honor to be
               Most Respectfully
                   Your Obt. Servt.
                       J.P. Cooper
Page 60

12595

Eleanor Lee dec'd
Ind.

(Next 5 lines crossed out)

Act July 7, 1838
Page 61

(Note some parts too faded for accurate transcription - apologies)

Marshall Illinois   December -?- 1847

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions

Sir
    Yours of the 14th of April 1846 in reply to the claim of William Ryan admin. of Eleanor Lee of Indiana widow of Jospeh Lee was duly rec'd.
     And also sent your letter from Secretary of State of N. Jersey in explanation of the service showing some payments made for service upon draft in Essex Co. N.J. which in addition to admitted evidence of 6 months from Hunterdon Co. N.J. would make about 8 months service as I suppose.  The marriage is also admitted (underlined).
      I have been trying for more proof of service in NJ. but cannot obtain it.   You can allow the claim for the service thus admitted in former letter for 6 months in Hunterdon county N.J. and from the payments made in Essex Co. N.J. whatever it may be.
     Please admit the claim in favor of William Ryan the administrator the declarant for the use of the heirs being (?) shown (?) by the proof exhibited and enclose same to me at this place.

     I have the honor to be
     Very Respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.
          J.P. Cooper
Page 62

Hon. T. Smith
April 14 '46
Page 63

Pen Off
Apr 14 46

Sir
    I have the honor to inform you that the claim of Eleanor Lee examined and proof of the date (underlined) of the marriage deemed satisfactory but by referring to her husband's papers with the better knowledge of the militia service of NJ than was proposed by the examining clerks when his claim was adjusted it would appear that his own estimate of the length of his several tours was very extravagant and inconsistent with the laws prescribing the duties of the militia - they were divided into 8 classes and served monthly tours rotation but it was competent to call out 4 classes in one draft - Her husband detailed 6 tours of duty which he estimate  at 14 months while the law (underlined) limited each tour to 1 month and this Dept. is constrained to regard each tour...
Page 64

(contimed from previous page)

...at or less than 1 mo. unless established by the most conclusive evidence.

(written vertically on right side):
Hon. T. Omuth (?)
April 14. '46

(written horizontally at bottom)

Hon. Thomas Smith
H.R.
Page 65

   The amended application of Joseph Lee an applicant for pension under the provision of Congress passed June 7th 1832
   On the (blank) day of April 1833 the said Joseph Lee personally appeared in Open Court at the April term 1833 of the said Decatur Circuit Court before which his original application was made and on his oath sayeth that by means of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear (word crossed out) positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served one year and two months as a private soldier in the service of the United States and that he was a substitute under Captain Buskirk one month for Isaac Longstreuh (?) and was at the battle of Monmouth was drafted and the rest of the time was a volunteer and that he never received a written discharge and that he is acquainted with Col. Thomas Henricks, John Test, George Miller, John Miller, Edward Tanner, James Johnston Esq. who can testify to their belief of his services as a revolutionary soldier and to my character and veracity.
Joseph Lee his X mark

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the amended application  of the above named applicant and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department as stated in his declaration that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them credit may be placed in the above.....
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... amended application of Joseph Lee for a pension.

M.C, Eggleston Pret. Judge
John Bexom  AS Judge
James Elder ASDC

   I Henry H. Talbot Clerk of the Decatur Circuit Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contained the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the amended application of Joseph Lee for a pension.
    In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 24th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
     Henry H Talbott CLK
Page 67

Lee, Joseph     Private in Artillery   New York

7430           Feb. 7, 1792
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