Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26314, for Eli Phelps, Connecticut
Page 1

Service:  Conn.  New York
Phelps, Eli   W. 26314
            Rachel  B. L. Wt. 27592-160-55
Page 2

3699
New York

Eli Phelps
of Watertown in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Wells of the Regt commanded
by Col Hosford in the Connecticut
line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of New York 
at the rate of 20 Dollars -- 00 cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of December
1832 and sent to Perley G.
Keyes, Watertown, Jefferson Co N. Y.

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832                $30.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 10.00
                                                            40.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk
Book D  Vol. 5  Page 125
Page 3

498.3.ACby
New York
Rachel Phelps
widow of Eli Phelps Con
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
2nd day of August '49
and sent to 
A. Ely, Esq.,
Watertown,
New York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 167 Vol. 4
Page 4

33,156  Mar. 3, 1833
            Apr. 9, 1833
Rachel Phelps, widow of
Eli Phelps, Private

Capt.
Col.

Encd
Dis

Revolutionary War
Pensioners 

Adriel Ely, 
Watertown,
N. Y.

A. Ely, Sept 21 1855

Vol P. Page 79
Page 5

Eli Phelps     Bir
Oct. 18th 1751
Mrs. Phelps
Rachel Livermore wife
of Eli Phelps born 
March 1st 1764

Births

Barret Phelps son of 
Eli & Rachel Phelps
born Jan. 12th 1790
Elizer Phelps born
Sept. 14th 1792
Anna Phelps born
July 17th 1795
Elisha Phelps born
Feb. 20th 1797

L. G. Hoyt
Deaths

Elizer Phelps died
May 11th, 1813, Aged 22
Anna Babcock died
Dec. 21st 1837, Aged 44
Eli Phelps Sen died
May 11th, 1838, Aged 88
Francis Phelps died
July 13th 1840, Aged 32
Page 6

Eli Phelps Bir
Oct 18th 1751
Mrs. Phelps
Rachel Livermore wife
of Eli Phelps born
March 1st 1764
 
Births
Barret Phelps son of
Eli & Rachel Phelps
born Jan. 12th 1790
Elizer Phelps born
Sept. 14th 1792
Anna Phelps born July 17th 1795 
Elisha Phelps born
Feb 20th 1797

L G Hoyt 

Marriages
Eli Phelps married
April 2nd 1788

Births
Eli Phelps ? born Feb 22d 1801
Rachel Phelps born 
Jan 9th 1809
Francis Phelps born
Feb 5th 1808

L G Hoyt
Page 7

55,156
Rachel Phelps
widow of Eli
Rev
Page 8

A. H. Hall, Book and Job Printer, Bookbinder, Bookseller, Stationer, &c. 2 doors South of Arcade Entrance, Watertown, N. Y.

State of New York, County of Jefferson, SS.

On this 4th day of April 1855 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Jefferson, aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Rachel Phelps aged 93 years, a resident of Watertown in the County of Jefferson in the State of New York, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Eli Phelps deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States under act of June 7th, 1832, on the pension roll of the New York Albany Agency and that she is a pensioner of the United States on the same agency under act of February 2nd 1848, by certificate dated August 2d 1849, No. 4983, and that the proof of her marriage and being the widow of the said Eli Phelps is on file with her declaration for pension to which she refers and declares that she has not intermarried since the death of her said husband but is still his widow, she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor
Rachel (her mark) Phelps

Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above written, before me, and I certify that I am acquainted with the aforesaid declarant and believe her husband to have served as she states, and she to be of the age stated, and that I have no interest in her claim and am not concerned in prosecuting it.
Geo Farnham  Justice of the Peace.

State of New York, County of Jefferson, SS.
Personally appeared before me Philip P Farnham, a resident of Watertown, and Angeline Phelps, a resident of Watertown, and made oath that they were present and saw the above named declarant sign and make oath to the within declaration, and that they believed that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and served as is stated in her declaration, and that they are disinterested witnesses. 
Signed  Philip P Farnham
              Angeline Phelps

Sworn and subscribed before me this 4th day of April 1855 and I certify said deponents are persons of truth.
Geo Farnham  Justice of the Peace.

State of New York, Jefferson County Clerk's Office, SS.
I John L Marsh Clerk of said County, do herby certify that Geo Farnham Esq. whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at Watertown, this Fifth day of April 1855.
John L. Marsh Clerk
Page 9

No. 7415
Eli Phelps
p 58
admitted
45.11.12.16
detail required
17 Sep 32
16 ??
Perley G Kegg
Watertown Jefferson Co
N Y
Page 10

7415
Brief in the case of Eli Phelps
of Watertown in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

E.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Before the Court of Common Pleas.

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  81 years

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
PERIOD: 1n 1776 Was called out 
DURATION OF SERVICE: was out about 4 months. Served upwards of 2 mo. while out on Alarms.
NAMES OF GENERAL AND FIELD OFFICERS UNDER WHOM HE SERVED: Cap. John Howell Wells
Col. Obadiah Hosford Lt . Col. Mason thereafter Gen. Salsington

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  None stated.

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Hebron Connecticut

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Luther G Hoyt and Ebenezer Sabine Esq. prove Traditionary evidence.

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Not authenticated.

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

A Reintzel  Examining Clerk
Page 11

In the matter of the application of Eli Phelps for a pension Sept 7th 1832

7615

admitted
6 mo. private
20$
Page 12

State of New York
Jefferson County SS

On this 11th day of September 1832 personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Jefferson now sitting Eli Phelps a resident of the town of Watertown in the County of Jefferson aged 81 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
He was called out in the Militia in the yar 1776 to go to Frogs Point near Kingsbridge not far from the city of New York was under the command of Captain John Howell Wells & he at that time resided in the town of Hebron, County of Hartford & State of Connecticut. The names of his under officers were Lieutenant William Talcott & Ensign Durham. He marched through the following places on his way to Frogs Point  Granbury, Rocky Hill, Newington ,Wallingford ,  North Haven & New Haven, Strafford, Milford, Fairfield, Norfolk, Horse Neck & to Frogs Point where his regiment lay until Lord Howe drove them from that position. That applicant was on guard at the time they commenced landing thir troops and fired upon their boats & then retreated to his company which was obliged to retire before superior numbers
Page 13

to a place called the sawpits on the East River where they lay ten or twelve days & then retreated to a place called Merrimack still further up the sound where they lay until they were discharged or dismissed. That applicant was out at this time about 4 months & that the names of the officers who commanded the regiment were Colonel Obadiah Hosford & Lieutenant Colonel Mason, thinks the commanding General name was Salsington. The only additional services which the applicant rendered during the Revolution was in being called out on alarms, that he moved from Hebron, the place where he first enlisted to Cambridge in the State of New York in the year 1778. Was during that year called out on alarms two other times to Saratoga & White Creek. Was at Charleston number four once in 1779. That applicant met twice a week for six months to drill & held himself in readiness at all times as a Minute Man in 1775. That he served upwards of two months while out on alarms not including his service as a Minute Man. After the Revolution he moved to Herkimer New York where he resided three
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or four years from which place he moved to Brownville, Jefferson County, New York where he resided one year & from there to Watertown where he now resides & has continued to reside for about 14 years last past. He never received a written discharge and does not at this time know of any surviving witness by whom he could prove his services neither has he any documentary evidence whatever to support his claim. Applicant was according to the best of his knowledge and belief born in the year 1751 at a place called Hebron County of Hartford & State of Connecticut. Has no record of his age. The following persons residing in the present neighborhood and vicinity of the applicant can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution viz Jonathan Deming, Luther G. Hoyt, H.H. Coffee, N M Woodroff & Orville Hungerford. 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.
Signed  Eli Phelps

Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
P. Burchard Clerk

We Luther G. Hoyt residing in the town of
Page 15

Watertown in the County of Jefferson and Ebenezer Sabin Esq. a Justice of the Peace of the town of Pamela do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Eli Phelps who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 81 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur that opinion.
Signed Ebenezer Sabine
               L. G. Hoyt

Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
P Burchard Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and 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 Luther G. Hoyt & Ebenezer Sabin Esq. who have signed the preceding certificate are residents the former of the town of Watertown the latter of the town of Pamela both County of Jefferson and State of New York and are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. I Peleg Burchard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Jefferson do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court on the matter of the application of Eli Phelps for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 11th day of September 1832.
P. Burchard Clerk
Page 16

State of New York
Lewis County SS

On this 6th day of October 1838 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Lewis in the State aforesaid Mrs. Ruth Phelps of Lowville in said County who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath say that Mrs. Rachel Phelps widow of Eli Phelps is a sister to this deponent and was married at Cambridge in the State of New York on the 2d day of April 1788. That her name before marriage was Rachel Loveland that she was married to the said Eli by a Justice of the Peace by the name of Skinner; that she is certain of the date of her sister's marriage from the fact that she herself was married in the March of 1789 to Noah Phelps a brother of the said Eli and that her sister Rachel was married the previous April and from the fact that she and her sister resided together and her oldest child was born on the same day of the second child of the aforesaid Rachel Phelps That the aforesaid Rachel lost her oldest child that her second child Barret Phelps now living Watertown was 48 years old the 12 January 1838 being of the same age of the eldest child of this deponent that this deponent was 70 years old last February & further saith nor
Signed  Ruth Phelps

Sworn to & subscribed this day & year first above written before me.
Pardon Lansher Justice Peace

I certify that Mrs. Ruth Phelps the above deponent is a credible person & apparently of sound mind and memory.
Pardon Lansher Justice
Page 17

State of New York
Clerks Office Lewis County

I Carlos P Sovil Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Pardon Lanscher Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been taken was at the time of taking such affidavit a Justice of the Peace of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned and sworn & further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that his signature subscribed to said affidavit is genuine. Given under my hand and Seal of said County this 15th day of September 1838.
Carlos P. Scovil Clerk
Page 18

2785  Act ’46 9678
Rachel Phelps 
widow of Eli Phelps Decd Act July 7 1838 Adriel Ely Watertown Agt
Married before 1794 
husband died 1838 
Admd, act 7 July 1838 and  resolutions of 23 Jany 45, 1st July 48 
$20 per annum
From 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841, also ’43, ’44, 48} $120.00
On 4 March 43
A Ely Watertown NY
Page 19

State of New York
Jefferson County SS

On this 9th day of October 1838 personally appeared before the Hon. Calvin McKnight first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Jefferson Rachel Phelps a resident of the town of Bath  in Upper Canada aged seventy four years, who, being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" That she is the Widow of Eli Phelps who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution & served in the manner specified in his declaration made under the act of June 7, 1832, by which he obtained a pension of Twenty Dollars per annum. She further declares that she was married to the said Eli Phelps at Cambridge in the State of New York on the second day of April Seventeen hundred and Eighty eight by a Justice of the Peace by the name of Skinner; that she has no record of her marriage, it having been destroyed & that there is none in existence as she verily believes: that her name before marriage was Rachel Loveland: that her eldest child is dead: that Barret Phelps of Watertown is her second child and was born the 12th January 1790 being 48 years old last January. That her husband the aforesaid Eli Phelps died at Ernestown Upper Canada to which place he had removed from Watertown about a year since) died on the eleventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight: 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.
Rachel Phelps x her mark
 Sworn to and subscribed, on the day & year written before. 
C McKnight, first Judge of Jeff. County Court
Page 20

I hereby certify that Rachel Phelps the foregoing declarant is unable to attend Court as consequence of bodily infirmity.
C McKnight, first Judge of Jeff. County Courts

State of New York
Jefferson County SS

On this ninth day of October 1838 personally appeared before the Hon. C. McKnight, first Judge Jefferson County Courts Louisa Phelps of Watertown in said County who first being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath say that she is the grand daughter of Eli Phelps late of Bath in Upper Canada deceased: that the said Eli Phelps died at Ernestown on the eleventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight: that she was present at his death: that Rachel Phelps the foregoing applicant for a pension is the widow of the said Eli Phelps deceased: that she has never been married since the death of the said Eli, but still remains his widow.
Signed Louisa Phelps

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before
C McKnight first Judge of Jeff. County Courts

I certify that Louisa Phelps the above applicant is a credible person.
C McKnight first Judge of Jeff. County Courts

(written along the side: 1/2785  Act '43 (? cl))
Page 21

State of New York,
Jefferson County Clerk's office,}ss.

I Peleg Burchard, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that Calvin McKnight Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same First Judge of Jeff. County Courts in and for the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of said county, this nineteenth day of October in the yar 1838.
P. Burchard Clerk.
Page 22

Rev. War Section.

November 5, 1913.

Mrs. W. J. Cochrane,
Lake City, Minn.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the do" ultimo and received the 1" instant, you are advised that from the papers in the claim Widows File No. 26,314, it appears that Eli Phelps was born at Hebron, Hartford County, Connecticut, October 18, 1751, and while residing there, volunteered in 1775, as a Minute Man, and as such met for exercise twice a week for six months. He was called out in August 1776, served as a Private for four months under Captain John Howell Wells. in Colonel Obadiah Horsford's regiment of Connecticut troops, and was in an engagement at Frogs Point, New York. In 1778, he moved to Cambridge, New York, and during that year and 1779 was called out at various times on alarms, serving in all about two months, sometimes under Captain Gilmore, names of other Captains not stated.
He married at Cambridge, New Your, April 2, 1788, Rachel Loveland 
who was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut. March 1, 1764.
He ws allowed pension on an application executed September 11, 1832, at which time he lived in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York. He died at Ernestown, Upper Canada, May 11, 1838.
Page 23

Phelps - 2

His widow Rachel was allowed pension on an application executed October 9, 1838, while residing in Bath, Upper Canada. They lost their eldest child whose name was not stated. Their other children were: Barret born January 12, 1790, living in Watertown, New York in 1838: Elizer born September 14, 1792, died May 11, 1813: Anna born July 17, 1795. Anna Babcock died December 21, 1837:Elisha born February 20, 1797: Eli Jr. born February 22, 1801: Rachel born January 9, 1804: Francis born February 5, 1808, died July 13, 1840. A grand daughter Louisa Phelps, lived in Watertown, New York, in 1838.
Mrs. Ruth Phelps a resident of Lowville, New York, in 1838, stated that she was the sister of Rachel Loveland and that she married in March 1789, Noah Phelps the brother of Eli and that her eldest child was born on the same day with Barret Phelps. His name is not stated nor is there any further family data on file.
In one paper Rachel's maiden name appears as Loveman.
Very respectfully
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 24

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26314
Rachel Phelps
Wid. of
Eli Phelps 
Priv. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 2nd 18??
Index:-- Vol. P, Page 129
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

8607          Alby
New York
Rachel Phelps
widow of Eli Phelps
who was a Private 
in the Revolution
? ? 11 May 1838
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 20 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued
the 2nd day of August '49
and sent to 
A. Ely Esq.
Watertown,
N. Y.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 82
Page 26

10.700 In Reso $23rd
Jany 45 & 1 July '48
New York
Rachel Phelps
Widow of Eli Phelps
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 11th May, 1838
of Jefferson in the State of N. Y.
who was a Pri. in the company
commanded by Captain Wells of the
Regt. commanded by Col. Hosford in
the Revolution for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of
August '49 and sent to 
A. Ely
Watertown, N. Y.
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Th Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D  Vol. 1  Page 203


Reported
Page 27

N. York
Rachel Phelps
let. to A. Ely 12 April 1839
"     to B. P. Johnson Sept 2, '45
A Ely, Esq Feb 13, 49
let. to A. Ely March 26, '49

Act 7 July 1838



27,592

????
Page 28

Watertown N York Oct 19, 1838

Sir
Herewith I send you the declaration of Mrs. Rachel Phelps widow of Eli Phelps for a pension under the Act 7 July 1838.
Yours Respectfully
Adriel Ely

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington
Page 29

Watertown Jefferson County
New York Sept 9 1848

Sir
I enclose herewith the declaration of Rachel Phelps widow of Eli Phelps for pension under the passed acts of Congress July 1838 June 44 & Feb 48
Very Respectfully
Yr Obedient
Adriel Ely
Page 30

Watertown Jany. 21, 1849 
Sir 
Your Letter of the 13th inst.  in answer to mine of the 30 Ult. in which I asked for a decision of the claim of Rachel widow of Eli Phelps was duly recd.  You require what can not be produced "Recorded Proof" of the marriage or the Certificate of the Town Clerk showing the marriage before 1794 because the marriage never was recorded. They were married in the State of New York & that is all that is necessary to say in order to know why it was not recorded. I have procured the strongest proof possible in her case. The original papers filed in May 1838 contains  among their numbers an affidavit of one present at the marriage. I now send the family Register, but as it is a copy of the original & that [unreadable] it does not bear the marks of Antiquity necessary make it conclusive testimony.   I beg of you therefore to examine with the circumstances under which it appears in this & the strong testimony of the Hon. H. H. Coffin here with [unreadable] the truth of the Record in regard at the age of the oldest child and entertain no doubt you will be convinced of the legality of the marriage prior to 1794.  
Allow me to ask if I may wish
Page 31

hope for a speedy decision in this matter.   It was five months after Mrs Phelps declaration Sept 2 that was sent to your office before her came was examined and then for the first time an objection sufficiency to the proof is raised to the [unreadable] although her claim had been on file 10 years.  Such a case is not just towards claimant & all the objections of the admission of any claim ought to be fairly stated of on time.  Mrs Phelps is 85 yrs old.  If as was designed by the act granting pensions to widows that she should be benefited thereby it follows that her claim must be allowed soon otherwise it will go the benefit of her children.
Yr Obt servt
Adriel Ely 
J.L. Edwards 
Com of Pensions Washington
Page 32

some papers which were with this refering to the Mexican claim were given to the Chief Clerk
July 12 48
Page 33

Watertown N York Jany 30. 49 
Sir
Will you please inform me whether you received at your office the declaration of Rachel Phelps widow of Eli Phelps for a pension under the act 7 July 7. 1838 which was addressed to you and by me mailed in the Watertown P. Office on the 9 day September 1849.  
Yr Respect Svt.  
Adriel Ely  
J. L. Edwards 
Comr of Pensions
Page 34

Smith
Rachel Phelps
N York
[unreadable]
[stamp] WATERTOWN NY AUG 2
FREE
10
FREE
J L. Edwards Esqr  
Commissioner of Pensions  
Washington D.C.
Page 35

Watertown Jeff Co NY  
Aug 1 1849 
Sir 
Rachel Phelps widow of Eli Phelps asks you to do her the Justice which she has to decide upon her claim to a pension.   
The additional proof in regard to her marriage was sent to you through the Post office the 21st February last,  now more than seven months.   
You are a public officer & I suppose attend to the duties of your office but I cannot understand the reason for this delay.   
I have also to complain of days unnecessary in other cases & I now refer to that of John Brown whose claim for Bounty Land was sent to you under date of Oct. 2d 1848.  
Maybe these cases and others I may have to send [unreadable] attention,  I shall endeavor to have my [unreadable] attend to them in person.  
Yrs &c Adriel Ely 
J L. Edwards Esq
Page 36

Watertown June 4,1849
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir
Rachel Phelps, widow of Eli Phelps is an applicant on your files for a pension under the various acts 7 August & Joint Ps. of July 1848
On the 13th Feb. last you wrote to me saying in substance that the evidence of the marriage was insufficient 
On the ?? of February last I sent to you evidence which I deemed sufficient vir: the affidavit of Henry H. Coffin Esq. & Barret Phelps
I wish to know whether they have been received if so what the prospect or probability is of these commanding the attention of the ???the Pension Department
Very Respectfully
Your obdt
Adriel Ely
Page 37

State of New York
Jefferson County SS
On this 5th day of December 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Jefferson now sitting Eli Phelps a resident of the town of Watertown N. Y. aged 82 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following supplementary declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 
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 period mentioned below, and in the following grade: For six months he served as a private: and for such service he claiming a pension. The only reason why the applicant has not obtained a clergyman's affidavit is that there is no clergyman residing near him with whom he  is acquainted & who knows as to his services, and in such event he supposed the affidavit of a magistrate sufficient, and this deponent further saith that the following detail of tours during alarms is as near the facts as he is now able come at taking into the account his advanced age & consequent loss of memory is positive that he served not less than the times mentioned below. He was at Saratoga 5 or 6 times on alarms; was under the command of Captain Gilmore & Lieutenant Jonathan French that they were gone at least three or four days
Page 38

on each of the said alarms. Was out two days on an alarm at White Creek but was not commanded by any  commissioned officer
This deponent saith that he was called out four times on alarms for about 3 or 4 days each time to Fort Miller & was under the Command of Gilmore & French each time. That the aforesaid alarms were all except the three last in the year 1778 according to his best recollection & that the other last at Fort Miller was in the year 1779. That he was called out to go to Fort Edward twice in the year 1779. The first time he was out a week & the second 10 or 15 days - but that during this 10 or 15 days he was sent up to Fort George which had been attacked by a force of British Tories & Indians - That he arrived there after the battle and assisted in bringing 24 of our men who had been killed at Prospect Hill - This deponent says that he was gone on an alarm to Charleston number four in the State of New Hampshire for three weeks in 1779 - that they started off promiscuously without regard to officers 5 or 6 at a time - that part of them on their arrival then were put to the adjoining towns & front
Page 39

remained at Charleston. This deponent further saith that he must have been out at other times which he does not recollect.
In addition to the foregoing services he volunteered as a Minute Man in 1775, to meet twice a week for duty & exercise & that he did so meet for 6 months - That this requisition or request was made by old Governor Trumbull of Connecticut.
This deponent thinks it was in the later part of August in the year 1776 that he was called out in the Militia in the State of Connecticut while he resided in the town of Hebron & County of Hartford to go to Frogs Point - that he was out 4 months at that time which is more particularly set forth further in his first declaration herewith. On deponents arrival at Frogs Point the company to which he belonged was stationed at Pell's Manor not to exceed half a mile from Frogs Point and that he stayed there until they were drove off by the British that most of the four months aforesaid was spent at the latter place.
Signed Eli Phelps

Sworn & Subscribed in open Court the day and year aforesaid
P Burchard Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare
Page 40

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.
I Peleg Burchard Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Jefferson do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the further proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Eli Phelps for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of my office this 5th day of December 1832
P. Burchard Clerk
Page 41

Rachel Phelps
widow of
Eli Phelps
for Pension
Acts July 38
        June 44
        Feb   48
Adriel Ely
Watertown
N.Y.
Atty
Page 42

State of New York
Jefferson County SS

On this 2d day of September 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Rachel Phelps a resident of the town of Pamela in the county & State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the several Acts of Congress of July 7, 1838, March 3, 1843, June &, 1844 & Feb. 2d 1848 granting pensions to certain widows; that she is the widow of Eli Phelps who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7, 1832 at the rate of twenty dollars per annum; that she made an application for a pension before Judge McKnight in October 1838; that the papers sustaining that application were sent to the Pension Office by my Attorney Adriel Ely of Watertown, by whom I was informed that I could not be pensioned without record proof my husband the said Eli Phelps services, which proof I have been unable to get. She refers to these papers on file as forming a part of this declaration. She further declares that she was born in Glastonbury Connecticut March 1, 1764 and lived there until I was about 18 years old & then moved to Cambridge N. Y. when she was married as is set forth in my former declaration, above referred to that her husband the said Eli Phelps lived also in Glastonbury  with whom she was well acquainted from childhood and knows that he served in the Revolutionary War. That he became a cripple in the service of the United
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States & remained so to his death. That her husband the said Eli Phelps told this declarant that he served six months in the Continental service as a substitute under Capt. Wells of the Connecticut Line; that at this time his writings were made out by Perley G. Keys Esq this service was not stated on account of its being substitute service; That moving to Canada soon after he never attempted to have it rectified; that he told her but a short time before he died that she must get all owed for this service; She therefore claims in addition to the six months allowed her husband for services in the Militia of Connecticut, which services this declarant thinks consisted of services at longer & shorter periods of the War and not less than six months in all the six months of Continental service which were preformed under Capt. Wells who lived in Glastonbury & if the rolls of his company exist in the Pension Office she asks that Justice may be done her by the examination of Capt. Well's Roll whose Christian name she does not now recollect - She further declares that her husband the said Eli Phelps died the 11th day of May 1838 and that she has not married since his death but remains his widow.
Rachel (her mark) Phelps

On the day & year first above written came before me Rachel Phelps the foregoing declarant who is to me well known as the widow of Eli Phelps who was also well known to me to be a pensioner & is dead & made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration & subscribed that same& cannot write in consequence of bodily infirmity
Ebenezer Sabin Justice
Page 44

I certify that Ebenezer Sabin before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been taken was at the time a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Jefferson State of New York & duly authorized by Law to administer oaths & that his signature hereto is genuine
Watertown September &, 1848
J. Mullen
Page 45

Rachel Phelps
??????? Joint ???
7 July 1848
additional proof
of marriage
Adriel Ely
Watertown
N. Y.
Atty.
Page 46

State of New York 
Jefferson County ss 
On this 21st day of February 1849 personally came before me Luther G. Hoyt Esq a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Jefferson Rachel Phelps a resident of the town of Pamela in said County aged Eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain a pension under the joint Resolution of Congress of 12 July 1848, that declarant is now the widow of Eli Phelps who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum under act 7 July 1832 and who died on the Eleventh day of May 1838. that since the death of her said husband she this declarant has been unable to obtain a pension not being able to obtain the proof demanded of the services of her said husband, she therefore now applies for the sum or amount to which he is entitled under said Resolution of 1 July 1848.  She further declares that she made declaration before Judge McKnight October 1838 under the act of July 7, 1838 and further declaration before Esqr Sabin in September last to both of which she refers & asks for a pension of same amount her husband drew under the acts of July 7. 1838, March 3, 1843 June 17, 1844, February 2d 1848 & does hereby appoint Adriel Ely of Watertown N.Y. her attorney further swears that she had evidence of her marriage and births of her children in the hand writing of her husband that said Register became badly torn & she had it copied by a school teacher & pasted into a Bible & that it contains a true account of all the matters thereon and is correctly copied from the original & that there is no other record to be found.  
Rachel Phelps x her mark
Sworn & subscribed before me the day & year first above written & I  further certify that the above named Declarant is personally  known to me that I have known her & her family for the last thirty years. She is a lady of sound mind and strict moral integrity.   I have enquired into the ages of the children & the history of the family which with my own knowledge of the family for so many years back
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leaves no doubt in my mind that Eli Phelps & his present widow Rachel Phelps were legally married at the time she alleges. I further certify that the attached Register of the births of the children of the said Eli & Rachel I this day took from the Bible of Mrs Phelps in which it was pasted & a although not an ancient paper I have no doubt is a true account.   It is headed Eli Phelps Born Oct 18, 1757 on this Register I have written my name 
Luther G. Hoyt Justice of the Peace
Page 48

State of New York 
Jefferson County ss  I Henry H. Coffin being sworn say that I am well acquainted with Rachel Phelps widow of Eli Phelps and have been acquainted with her and her husband even since they first come into Watertown which is about thirty eight years ago that from that time to the present I have know the family.  That Barret Phelps the oldest child now living has been in my employment a great many years. I know him well and 1 know what he calls his age which is fifty nine and I have no doubt but that his true age.   I am sixty five years old and it has been well understood between us that I was five or six years older than he is. Eli Phelps husband of the said Rachel died ten or eleven years ago since which time the said Rachel has not married but is still his widow. I have this day seen a writing containing an account of the time of the marriage of the said Eli Phelps, the date of the births of the children, in which it is stated that Barret Phelps was born Jany 12 1790 which I have no doubt is a true account of of the facts set forth in said writing 
H. H. Coffin
Sworn to & subscribed this 21st day of February 1849 before me and I certify that I am well acquainted with Henry H Coffin Esq. the above named affiant and that he is a gentleman of high respectability & great moral worth one of the olderst & most influential  citizens of the County
Luther G. Hoyt Justice
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STATE OF NEW YORK, 
Jefferson County Clerk's Office, }  ss  
I  James G. Lynde, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Luther G. Hoyt Esq before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, by whom the above certificate was made was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand-writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of said county the 21st day of February in the year 1849.
J. G. Lynde Clerk
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Rome N.Y. 
August 26th 1845
Hon J L Edwards  
Sir have been requested by Rachel Phelps, widow of Eli Phelps formerly of Watertown Jefferson Co. now a resident of this Co. to write you and ascertain what has been done in relation to her application for a pension forwarded on her behalf by P. G. Keyes of Watertown Jefferson Co.   Not having heard anything from her application she fears her papers may have miscarried. They were forwarded some time since. 
Returns are respectfully requested to the subscriber 
I am very Respy your obt svt 
Benj P. Johnson
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Lake City Minn
Oct 30-1913 
V Warner Commissioner 
Dept of Interior
Can you said me a record of my Great Grand father who was a pensioner of Revolutionary war, his sons were Eli & Barrett Phelps, from
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in 1789, at Cambridge, Washington Co. N.Y.   
His name I dont know.  This is all I can find out.   Thanking you yours sincerely
Mrs. W J Cochrane
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51 
12-5-41 
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* 
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives 
NAME Phelps, Elijah     GRADE  Private  LINE     Connecticut
(Phillips)
In pencil only
WARRANT NUMBER  6290   ACREAGE  100  ISSUED  Aug 23 1790
to not shown
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives. registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.  Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.