Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25,489, for George Tillotson, Connecticut
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SERVICE   Conn.
Tillotson, George 
Sila
NUMBER  25,489
B.L. Wt. 31729-160-55
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180889  
Reported Decr 22 / 48 
2594. 
Connecticut 
Sila Tillotson widow of George Tillotson who served in the Revolutionary war , as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Dec 1848 and sent to Hiram Willey New London Ct.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 357 Vol 1
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Let to John C. Palmer, 21 July ‘3  
Let to J McCurdy, 2 Aug ‘39 
[Connecticut]   22751  
George Tillotson of Lyme in the State of Conn who was a Private in the Com [company] commanded by Captain - of the Regt commanded by Col Parsons in the Conn Troops  for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.  
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of Octr 33- and sent H.M Waite Lyme Conn 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 33 $200 
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 40 
$240 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}  
Recorded by CD Bullock Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 3 Page 48
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180889
Act March 3
June 30 / 33
Sila Tillotson widow Geo Tillotson Pensioner Dec
Pri
Capt Saml Mather
Regt of Conn Troops
No. 31729 issued June 30 / 56
Enl  1779
Dis  1782
War of Revolution
Conn Reg 48 2594
Ad: 160 acres June 25 / 56
Boynton
Nathl A. Chapman
New London Conn
Vol T Page 94
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Orville M. Babcock
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State of Connecticut ss New London County 
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court in & for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry M. Waite before whom the annexed depositions of George Tillotson, Silas Robbins, Joseph Latham, Seth Smith,  Joseph Marvin &  Peter Pearson were taken is and was at the time when said depositions were taken was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of New London and State of Connecticut duly appointed commission and qualified and that the certificates upon said depositions are made are in his own hand writing,   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 19th day of June 1833 
John DeWitt Clerk
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I hereby certify that Henry M. Waite before whom the annexed depositions of George Pierson and Silas Robbins were taken is and at the times when said depositions were taken, was a Justice of the Peace for the County of New London, in the State of Connecticut duly appointed, commissioned & qualified & that the certificates to said depositions are genuine & in his own her hand writing.   
Dated [unreadable] 11 May 1833 
Noyes Barber MC
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State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss  Lyme May AD 1833 
personally appeared before me Henry M. Waite a Justice of the Peace for the County of New London in said State of Connecticut George Tillotson who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of his advanced age, and his consequent loss of memory he cannot state more precisely than he has done respecting his first service in the Guard when the sea coast in Lyme. He strongly impressed that this service was in the fall of 1775, or it might have been in the forepart of the year 1776, & before his service in Captain Mathers Company.   He is very confident it was before his service in Captain Mathers Company, but it may have been the spring immediately proceeding that service and is inclined to think it was. He can give no further testimony when that subject that he has given and must submit that service together with his service while with the French Army to be decided as the commissioner of Pensions, shall think right.     
Since forwarding the papers the last time, he has been able to obtain the testimony of Silas Robbins in support of his service in Captain Caulkins Company.   
George Tillotson
State of Connecticut 
New London County } ss Lyme May 6 1833 personally appeared George Tillotson and before me subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition.  And I certify that the deponent is a credible person.  
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
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I Silas Robbins of Lyme in the County of New London & State of Connecticut aged 75 years on oath depose and say that in the fall of the year 1777 I served as a substitute for my father Nathan Robbins, three months in Captain Jonathan Caulkins company in Colonel Latimers Regiment in General Gates army, at the northward, & was present at the taking of Burgoyne & have a strong impression upon my mind that George Tillotson of said Lyme was a soldier in the same company with me. The company was a large one and they were generally strangers me when I joined.  According to my best recollection the said Tillotson was one of the soldiers in the Company with me. I think I have a recollection of his being there with me but it is so long since, that I cannot take myself to swear positively to it.  I do not recollect knowing him before that service, although I have known him ever since.  I was quite young at the time of that service.  He is a small man, and upon reflection, I believe I have a recollection of his person & appearance there.  
Silas Robbins
State of Connecticut 
New London  County}  ss Lyme May 1 AD  1833 
Personally appeared Silas Robbins and before me subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition. I certify that the said Robbins is personally known me & is a credible witness.   
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
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I hereby certify that Henry M. Waite before whom the annexed depositions of George Tillotson, Joseph Latham,  Seth Smith, Joseph Marvin & Peter Pearson were taken is and at the times when said depositions were taken was a Justice of the Peace for the County of New London in the State of Connecticut duly appointed commissioned and qualified and that the  signatures to the certificates upon said depositions are in his own hand writing.   
Washington DC Jany 11, 1833 
William L. Storrs MC
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State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss  Lyme December 25 1832 
Personally appeared before me Henry M. Waite a Justice of Peace for the County of New London aforesaid George Tillotson 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 three months I served as a private in Captain Dows company in the Guard. 
For seven months I served as a private in Captain Samuel Mathers Company at Fort Trumbull. 
For four months I served as a private in Capt  Jon’a Caulkins company in New York, Vermont &c
For three ¾  months I served as a private in the guards upon the sea coast.  
For two months I served as a private in Captain Abner Lords Company at New London.  
For ten north I served as a waiter in the French Army
Making  29 ¾  months in the whole for which I claim a pension 
90
19
George Tillotson
Sworn & subscribed this 25th day of December 1832 
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
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Joseph Latham of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 73 years on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with George Tillotson of said Lyme.    In the latter part of April 1776 I was drafted to serve two months in Captain Samuel Mather Company in Colonel Erastus Wolcotts Regiment then stationed at New London and served in it until the first of December 1776 when we were dispersed at Fort Trumball in New London.   The said George Tillotson entered at the same time I did and continued to serve with me in the same company the whole seven months.  We were at first drafted for two months, and when that time expired, we and a great part of the remainder of the company enlisted for another term of five months, and remained at the fort until the time expired which was on the first of December 1776.   We were both privates in the company and the company was in actual serve the whole seven months.  On the first of April 1778, I enlisted in a company called the Beach Hall guard stationed where the north shore of Long Island Sound under the command of John Griswold a Lieutenant and served in it until the first of July of that year. The said George Tillotson as near as I can recollect entered the company at the same time I did, and served the whole time I served. According to my best recollection and belief he must have served at that time not less than three months.   The Company was in actual service the whole time.  We belonged to it - it was raised to guard the coast from the depredations of the enemy, who were in Horseneck of Long Island opposite & I do not recollect any
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other officers of the company then Lieutenant Graves & Mather.  There were other officers of the same Company stationed upon other parts of the sea coast & am unable to say.  We served in the Town of Lyme.  
The said Tillotson also served with me between two and three months in the same company of guards in the fall of the year 1775 but am not able state the precise times that be entered & left. But I know that he served with me in the same guard at the same time.  John Griswold was an officer of the guard at that time.  Lee Lay was also an officer at that time and was the senior officer.  
Joseph Latham 
State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss Lyme Dec 21 1832 
Personally appeared Joseph Latham and subscribed and made oath the foregoing deposition before me - and I certify that he is personally known to me and is a credible person.   
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
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I Seth Smith of Lyme in the County of New London  and State of Connecticut aged 79 years, on an oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with George Tillotson of said Lyme. We were both born and brought up in said Lyme near each other.  In the summer of 1776 I served seven months at Fort Trumbull in New London in Captain Samuel Mathers Company. I was a sergeant in the Company, and the said George Tillotson was a private, and served seven months in the Company with me at New London. We were drafted the latter part of April 1776 and served until the first of December 1766 and were there discharged at New London.  The Company was composed of a few enlisted men and a large number of drafted men. The company was a large one. The men that were drafted were drafted for two months but at the end of that time generally enlisted for another five months more and actually served the whole seven months. The company was in actual service the whole of that time. They were principally employed in building Fort Trumbull, Colonel Erastus Wolcott had command of the Regiment.   
Seth Smith
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State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss Lyme December 21st 1832 
Personally appeared before me Henry M Waite Justice of the Peace for New London County Seth Smith subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition.   And I certify that the deponent is personally known to me and is a credible person.  
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
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I Joseph Marvin of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 77 years years on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with George Tillotson of Lyme aforesaid.  We were both born in Lyme and have ever since lived there.   In the month of April 1776 I entered into Captain Samuel Mathers company of Militia in Colonel Erastus Wolcotts Regiment.   In the latter part of April 1776 the Company was marched to New London and served at Fort Trumbull until the first of December 1776 and was then dismissed having served there seven months in the Revolutionary War.  The said George Tillotson was a private in the same Company and served in it the whole seven months at New London 
Joseph Marvin
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Geo Tillotson
State of Connecticut 
County of New London } Lyme December 7th 1832 
Personally appeared before me Henry M Waite a Justice of the Peace for New London County of - Joseph Marvin and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition.   And I certify that the said deponent is personally known to me and is a credible person.   
Henry M Waite Justice of Peace
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Peter Pearson of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 70 years on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with George Tillotson of said Lyme.  During the Revolutionary war I was drafted to serve one month in a company of guards stationed at Island Sound.  I entered the company and served in it one week and then hired the said George Tillotson to serve the remainder of the month. He accordingly took my place and served nine weeks in the company.  I think Lee Lay of said Lyme at that time had the command of the guard. It was in a company that was kept at the greater part of the war upon the sea shore in said Lyme for the defence of the inhabitants being upon the sea coast against the enemy who had possession of the Sound & Long Island opposite - I dont recollect the year nor the time of the year, when this service was – I  believe it was in the spring of the year  however after I had served in Captain Elys Company in the year 1776, and before the close of the war.  
Peter Pearson
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State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss  Lyme December 25th 1832 
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of Peace for the County of New London Peter Pearson and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing deposition and I certify that the deponent is personally known to me and is a credible person.   
Henry M. Waite Justice of Peace
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3815
George Tillotson
1 – 3 months
2 – 7 months
3 – 4 months
4 – 3 months
5 – 2 ¾ months
6 – 2 months
7 – 10 months
29 ¾  
Samuel Mathers appn & statements
Caleb Champlin ditto
Seth Smith ditto
Joseph Marvin ditto
Joseph Latham ditto 
Rich’d Chadwick  ditto
1 & 4
Joseph Latham ditto
3 
His statement
Selas Chamblin
Peter Pierson [Pearson}
6 & 7
His statement
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State of Connecticut 
New London County 
Probate District of Lyme } ss  Lyme 
On this 7th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for the District of Lyme in the County aforesaid now sitting 
George Tillotson, a resident of the Town of Lyme and County of New London and State of Connecticut aged 77 who 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 under the following named officers and served as herein stated -  
1. In the year 1775 at same aforesaid he enlisted into a company of minutemen under the command of Capt Matthew Dow in Col Samuel H Parson's Regiment, but he cannot tell the time of the year. The company was ordered March to Roxbury and went as far as Norwich in Connecticut, and there orders were given for them to remain and guard the sea coast and they returned back. He then and he thinks it was the fall of the same year, entered as a substitute of Holston Brockway into a company of guards stationed when the sea shore in the Town of Lyme, John Griswold son of Governor Griswold was the Ensign of the company and had charge of that portion the company to which deponent belonged.   The deponent thinks that George Way who is now
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dead was the sergeant and had charge of that part of the guard in which the deponent principally was.   Joseph Latham of said Lyme was also a private in the same guard the same time and can testify to his service.  The deponent served in this tour about three months, and he is confident that including the time he was in Capt Dows company he served more than three months. He knows of no other witness than the said Latham.  He served at this time as a private.   The guard was raised by the State of Connecticut for the defence of the sea coast.   
In the latter part of April 1776 in Lyme aforesaid he was drafted as a private from the 4th Company 3d Regiment of Connecticut Militia into the company commanded by Captain Samuel Mather and in Colonel Wolcotts Regiment. He was marched immediately after to New London and remained with the Company at that place 7 months, while they were there orders came to enlist men into the Company and bounty being offered the deponent enlisted for the remainder of the time for which they were drafted and continued until the 1st of December 1776 when he was discharged at New London by Colonel Wolcott.   Samuel Mather was Captain,  Lee Lay Lieutenant and John Johnson was Ensign of the Company.   Captain Mather, Seth Smith then a Sergeant of the Company. Caleb Champlin, Joseph Marvin and Joseph Latham all of Lyme aforesaid belonged to the same Company and are still living.  They entered about the time this deponent did and served in said Company until it was dismissed in December at the end of
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of the enlistment. Richard Chadwick was a Corporal in the Company and served a part of the term may be two months or more. These persons can all testify to deponents service. Amos Smith another Corporal of said Company has removed to the State of Vermont.  The other members have of the Company have either all removed from Lyme or are dead.   
In the year 1777 he was in Lyme aforesaid, drafted to serve a tour at the northward and entered into Captain Jonathan Caulkins Company in Col Latimers Regiment. He was at the Battle of Bennington and with the army of the taking of Burgoyne.   The deponent is unable to state the time when he entered the company but he well recollects it was warm weather and he returned in the winter and when he came home there was snow upon the ground.  He knew General Gates and General Arnold of the United States army. He was drafted from Captain Bushnells company of Militia, formerly commanded by Capt Dow.  He was dismissed at Norwalk near the Green, was  in the State of Connecticut.  He cannot state the precise length of time he served but according to his best recollection & belief he served not less than four months.  He well recollects the Hessians who were in the Battle at Bennington, a great many of them were killed and wounded.   He served a considerable part of the time as a waiter. He does not know of any one now living who can testify to this service.
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He next had a tour in the guard stationed in said Lyme.  He enlisted to serve as he believes for the term of three months.  According to his best recollection it was in the fore part of the year 1778 but is not certain as the time. The guard to which he belonged was principally stationed at Black Point in the eastern part of the state.   He also served a part of the time at a place called Four Mile River.  Another part of the guard remained at Black Hall.   Joseph Latham was also in the guard and served in company with the deponent and served as deponent thinks the same period that he the can testify to his service.   John Waite now dead was one of the sergeants.   He knows of no living witness of this service except the said Latham.  
At another time Peter Pearson of said Lyme was drafted to serve in the Guard at Blackhall for a term of one month. He served one week and then hired someone as a substitute for the rest of the time, and and I served it out.  He can testify to it-- The deponent also served a tour at New London. He cannot tell the year. Abner Lord was Captain.  Beckwith was Lieutenant and the deponents uncle, Jacob Tillotson was the Ensign of the Company.   Marshfield Danns was Colonel of the Regiment.   He served in Fort Trumbull, and a part of the time at a place called Hog neck.   He enlisted.  It was before he was with the French Army as herein after stated.
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He cannot tell how long he served but believes it was two or three months. He thinks he can safely say that he served as this time as much as two months and believes more. He does not recollect any living witness of this service.   
At the time when the French Army had arrived the deponent enlisted for the term of ten months, under Adriel Ely of said Lyme, a captain, to serve with the French Army.  They joined the French Army  at Providence, cannot state the precise time, but it was while the French were at Providence. He was employed as sort of waiter of the French.  He assisted them in cutting hay for their horses, cutting wood for them, making brick houses &c.  He went with the French Army to Hartford,  thence to New-York state and afterwards to Virginia.  They passed  through Philadelphia and Baltimore.  He was with the army at the taking of Lord Cornwallis and afterwards discharged at York Town in Virginia, and continued with the army until [unreadable] weeks after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis.  The deponent sometimes rode horses for the French officers, sometimes drove teams and assisted in various ways as
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they required.  He knew Count Rochambeau,  La Fayette, and a number of other French officers.   He does not recollect any one living that knows of this term of service.  
In consequence of his advanced age his recollection is very much impaired and he cannot recollect the transactions of these remote periods as he might formerly could.   According to his present recollection and belief he served at this time in the manner he has above stated ten months.   
He was born at Lyme aforesaid on the 14th day of November 1754. His age is recorded in the Town records of Lyme aforesaid. He has always lived in Lyme and was there when called into service.  He entered as a substitute for Walston Brockway and served as a volunteer and was drafted.  Has never been on any pension list. He recollects the names of the officers above mentioned. He never received any written discharge nor has he any documentary evidence of his service. He is known to most of the inhabitants of the Town of Lyme who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his having been a soldier of the revolution. He served at all the times aforesaid as a private.  
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declared that his name is not on pension list of the agency of any state. 
George Tillotson
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
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We Josiah Hawes a Clergyman resident in the Town of Lyme County of New London and Lodowick Bell residing in the same Town of Lyme hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Tillotson  who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the of Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  
Josiah Hawes
Lodowick Bell
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
And the court hereby declares their opinion 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 Josiah Hawes  who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town Lyme aforesaid and that Lodowick Bell who has signed the same is a resident in the same Town of Lyme and is a credible person and that their Statement is entitled to credit. 
Joel Loomis Judge of Said Court 
I Joshua R. Warren Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Lyme aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Tillotson for a pension.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the office of the Court of Probate this day of August - AD 1832. 
Joshua R. Warren Clerk 
[unreadable] that George Way who is now
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180889, 
Please draft the warrant on the within application to Nath’l A Chapman New Haven Conn
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State of Connecticut 
County of New London } ss 
On this 26th day of June AD 1855 personally appeared before me a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Sila Tillotson aged Eighty nine years a resident of the Town of Montville in the State of Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of George Tillotson deceased who was a teamsters in the Revolution War & also as a soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Samuel Mather in the Regiment of Connecticut Troops commanded by  - in the Revolutionary War, which took place or commenced April 19 AD 1775. that her said husband enlisted at Lyme Conn on or about the - day of AD 1779 for the term of & continued in actual service for the term of three years and was honorably discharged at -  in the day of - AD 1782.   She further states that she was married to the said George Tillotson in the Town of Lyme on the 7th day of November AD 1782 by one Eleasor Mather a Justice of the Peace for said County & that her name before her said marriage was Sila Maxwell  and that she is a widow.  Proof of her husband service, Marraige & death & present understood are in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions.  
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under
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the act approved March 3d 1855 She is a pensioner of the United States Government & that her pension is Eighty four dollars. 
Sila Tillotson 
We Orville and Almon Babcock residents of the Town of Montreal Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sila Tillotson in our presence; and that we believe from the statements and appearance of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.   
Orville M. Babcock
Almon Babcock
The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before on the day & year above written. And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim. 
Nath A Chapman Notary Public
[seal] Nathaniel Chapman Notary Public
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I ROYAL R. HINMAN, Secretary of the State of Connecticut and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That Charles Griswold Esq is and for more than eleven months last past has been a Judge of Probate, within and for the Probate District of Lyme in this State. duly appointed and commissioned, as appears on record in this Office, with power to settle estates of deceased persons, testate or intestate, and to certify any official acts in said Probate Office by his seal of office and signature, to which full credit is to be given in court and country. 
In testimony whereof, I have in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said State at the Office of the Secretary of said State, in Hartford, the 3rd day of June A.D. 1839 
And I certify that the signature of said Griswold is his genuine signature. 
Royal R. Hinman Secretary
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ROYAL R. HINMAN, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, 
THAT Charles McCurdy Esq and for more than ten months  last past, has been Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New London in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said McCurdy in Court and Country. 
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the third of June day in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and 37. 
And I certify that the signatures of said McCurdy hereunto annexed is genuine. 
Royal R. Hinman Secretary.
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A ROYAL  R. HINMAN, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, 
THAT 
and for more than last past, been Justice of the Peace within and for the County of in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said 
in Court and Country. 
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the day of in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and  - 
And I certify that the signature of said hereunto annexed genuine. 
Secretary.
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State of Connecticut New London County ss Lyme 1838 
on this third day of December AD 1838 
personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Lyme in said County & State Sila M Tillotson of said Town County & State 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 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of George Tillotson late of said Lyme deceased who was a private in the army of the Revolution and who was a pensioner of the United States in the roll of the Connecticut Agency whose pension certificate is dated October 27th 1833. That she is not able to specify the particulars of his service but refer to his application on file at Washington of the accompaning documents. That she was married to the said George Tillotson in the seventh day of November (A D 1782) seventeen hundred and eighty two by Eleazer Mather Esqr of said New London a Justice of Peace in for said County of New London. That she was married to
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him after he had left the service before the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time before stated.  That the said George Tillotson died at said Lyme on the fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty eight.  /and that since that time she has never married again. She knows of no record evidence of her Marriage.  
Sila Tillotson 
Sworn to & subscribed on the day of year above written before me 
Chs. Griswold Judge of Probate for District of Lyme
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him after he had left the service before the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four viz at the time before stated.  That the said George Tillotson died at said Lyme on the fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty eight.  /and that since that time she has never married again. She knows of no record evidence of her Marriage.  
Sila Tillotson 
Sworn to & subscribed on the day of year above written before me 
Chs. Griswold Judge of Probate for District of Lyme
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Mary Tillotson of New London in the County of New London and State of Connecticut now at Lyme in said County aged seventy seven years being duly sworn on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with George Tillotson late of said Lyme deceased and am well acquainted and have been from my youth with his widow Sila Tillotson. She was a daughter of John Munsell. I lived in early life & untill her marriage & afterwards about a mile & a half from the said Munsell. The said George and Sila were married by the late Eleazer Mather Esq at her fathers.  I was present and saw them married.   There was quite a collection present & they had a dance.  I was also at a second days wedding given by her grand Father They were married soon after the close of the Revolutionary War. I should think running from the time of my own marriage it was one or two years after the close of the war.  He died this last fall and his widow has not married again and further the Deponent saith not.  
Lyme April 4th 1839 
Mary Tillotson x her mark
In presence of Oliver Spencer  
State of Connecticut New London County Lyme  April 4th 1839.  On this day personally appeared Mary Tillotson who signed the above deposition in my presence & whom I hereby certify to her a credible witness & made [unreadable] oath to the truth of the same before me.
Chas McCurdy  Justice of Peace
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I Abel Rogers of Lyme in the County of New London aged seventy nine years being duly sworn on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with the late George Tillotson of said Lyme who was a pensioner of the United States and am well acquainted with his widow Sila Tillotson.   I remember very well going to her Fathers home when I was about twenty four years old to attend a wedding of one of his daughters. According to the best of my recollect and belief was the marriage of Mr Tillotson. It was performed by Dr Eleazer Mather.   I rather think the ceremony was just closed when I got there. The said Tillotson and his wife always lived together as man wife until his death during the last fall. Since his death she has never married again & further the Deponent saith not.   Abel Rogers 
Lyme February 16th 1835} State of Connecticut New London County of Lyme Feby 16th 1835 on this day personally appeared Abel Rogers signer of the above deposition whom I certify to be  to be a credible witness & made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me this Chas McCurdy Justice of Peace
Page 39

I Polly Holt of Waterford in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged seventy three years being duly sworn on oath depose and say that I have always been well acquainted with the late George Tillotson of Lyme in said County now deceased and with his wife now his widow Sila Tillotson.  Her maiden name was Sila Munsell. I lived near her before she was married for some years.  Afterwards she was a school mate of mine.  I moved out of the neighborhood in in the month of February AD 1787. She have been married about four year as near as I can remember when moved away. I remember attending upon her after the birth of her first child. I was not actually present at her wedding but hear it spoke of at the time never heard it doubted. They were married as understood by Eleazer Mather Esq. the same man who married me. They always lived together as man & wife & have no more question of their having been married than things I had been present at the time & further saith not. 
Waterford January 5th 1839    Polley Holt
Page 40

Waterford New London County State of Connecticut January 5th 1833. 
On this day personally appeared Polly Holt who signed the within deposition in my presence & whom I hereby certify to be a respectable & reputable person & credible witness & made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me 
Charles J McCurdy Justice of Peace
Page 41

I Jonathan Hall of Lyme in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged sixty three years being duly sworn on oath depose & say that I have always lived within about two miles of George Tillotson late of said Lyme deceased who was a pensioner of the United States and knew him well.  I am also well acquainted with his family. His widow Mrs Tillotson I have understood was before her marriage Munsell. I am not, personally acquainted with the part of her marriage, but I have alway supposed that they were legally married & they lived together ever since my recollection as man & wife & raised a large family of children whose legitimacy I have never heard doubted. He died this fall but I dont know the precise time & further the Deponent saith not.   
Jonathan Hall 
Lyme November 30th 1838 
State of Connecticut New London County Lyme November 30th 1838. 
This day personally appeared Jonathan Hall signer of the above deposition who I certify to be a respectable per person & made oath to the truth of the same before me 
Charles J McCurdy Justice of the Peace
Page 42

I Orville Babcock of Lyme in the County of New London State of Connecticut aged seventy eight years being duly sworn on oath depose and say that I am well acquainted with Sila Tillotson of Lyme widow of George Tillotson late of Lyme deceased & was well acquainted with the said George having married one of their daughters & having been with them at his death. He died on the fourth day of last October.   I was present at his death & funeral. They and together as man & wife & I never heard their marriage doubted.   I have possession of his books & papers & the only family record which I have been able to find is a memorandum of the birth of his children in his hand writing which I have this day in the presence of C. McCurdy Esq cut out of the family bible which I have signed with my name & enclose. Since his death she has never married again. I have heard the said George & Sila convene together with respect to their wedding of having been married by Dr Eleazer Mather. Further the Deponent saith not.  
Orville Babcock  
Lyme December 7th 1838.
Page 43

State of Connecticut New London County ss Lyme Dec 7th 1838 
on this 7th day of December 1838 personally appear Orville Babcock signer of the within deposition who I hereby certify to be a credible witness & made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me 
Chas J McCurdy Justice of Peace
Page 44

I hereby certify that I have carefully examined the records of the Town of Lyme for the marriage of George Tillotson to Sila Munsell and do not find any record thereof.   
Joshua R. Warren Town Clerk 
Lyme November 30th 1838. 
State of Connecticut New London County ss Lyme December 3 1838 
Personally appeared the above named Joshua R. Warren & made oath to the truth of the above & certified that he is the Clerk of said Town of Lyme before me.  Chas J. McCurdy Justice of the Peace
Page 45

5640
Sila Tillotson
Con
Act 7 July 38
m 82 d Oct 38
admd [admitted]
2 yrs pri
80$
Hon T. W. Williams H.R.
Page 46

I Lodowick Bell of Lyme in the County of New London of State of Connecticut  aged fifty four years on oath depose & say that I have possession of the books & papers of Doct Eleazer Mather formerly of Lyme deceased who was a Justice of Peace for said County & upon examination of them I do not find any record or mention in them of the marriage of the late George Tillotson of Lyme with Sila formerly his wife & now his widow.  Further the Deponent saith not.  
Lodowick Bill 
Lyme April 30th 1839 
State of Connecticut New London County ss Lyme April 30th 1835  On this day personally appeared Lodowick Bell Esqr Signer of the above deposition whom I hereby certify to be a credible witness & made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me 
Chas J McCurdy Justice of Peace
Page 47

OWN
W. 25,489. 
June 1, 1897. 
Madam:
Replying to your request for information concerning George Tillotson, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made an application for pension on August 7, 1832, at which time he was 77 years of age and residing at Lyme, Conn., and his pension was allowed for two years actual service as a private in the Connecticut troops, Revolutionary War; a part of the time he served under Capt. Dow and Col. Parsons.  He enlisted at Lyme, Conn.
His widow, Sila, made application and received pension for the service of her husband as above set forth. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner
Mrs Jane Avery. 
194 Huntington Avenue, 
Boston, Mass.
Page 48

DR. STRONG'S. 
THE SANITARIUM 
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. 
May 14. ‘97 
Bureau of Pensions  
George Tillotson served in the war of the Rev. his name appear on the Roll of Capt Mathers Co. July 1776 at Fort Trumbull Conn.  Conn Men in Rev page 621.  He was granted a pension in 1832.  Will you kindly send me a certified copy of the record of granting pension and whatever further information in reference to his services in the war you may have, if remuneration is required I will forward same. An early reply is earnestly desired.
Mrs Jane Avery
over
Page 49

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE MAY 18 1897
[stamp]  U.S.P.B. OLD WAR & NAVY FILES MAY 20 1897
after June 1st my address will be 194 Huntington Ave Boston Mass.
Page 50

I George Tillotson of Lyme in the County, of New London and State of Connecticut on oath depose and say that in consequence of my advanced age and consequent loss of memory, I am unable to state the precise time I served in Capt Dows Company but according to my best recollection and belief I served as much as ten weeks in that company and according my best recollection & belief & I served not less than three months in the guard in the fall and winter 1775 & 1776.  
I was in constant and actual service the whole seven months that I served at New London in Captain Mathers company. The length of time that the company was in service at New London will probably appear from the documents in the pension office, accompanying Capt Mathers application.  At any rate, I have no doubt my name will appear upon the rolls, which are said to have been sent there.   
Capt Samuel Mather, Sargeant Seth Smith, Joseph Marvin & Caleb Champlin have been allowed, as I am informed, their pension for the same service in the same company.  
I was in constant and continued service the whole 29 ¾ months as stated in my affidavit of the 25th of December AD 1833, and was in service 19 ¾ months exclusive of my service with the French Army.
George Tillotson 
State of Connecticut New London County ss Lyme Oct 5 1833 
personally appeared George Tillotson and before me subscribed & made oath to the foregoing deposition.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal this 5th day of Oct 1833
Henry M. Waite Notary Public
Page 51

Hon T. W. Williams
H.R.
Page 52

State of Connecticut 
New London County}   
On this twenty first day of January 1843 personally appeared before me Henry M. Waite a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut Sila Tillotson a resident of Montville in the County aforesaid aged seventy seven 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 provisions made by the acts of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 and the 23d of August 1842 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the war of the revolution.  
That she is the widow of George Tillitson deceased who was a revolutionary Soldier and late a pensioner of the United States Connecticut Agency at the rate of $80 per annum.  
She also declares that she was married to the said George in the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty two as will satisfactoryly be shown in the papers filed, in her late application for the benefit of the act 1838. That her husband the aforesaid George - died on the 4th day of Oct 1832.
That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but previous to the 1st January 1794 to wit on the day and year above stated, and that she was not intermarried since the death of her husband.   
the application is made through her Agent Mr Alexander Ray of Washington.  
Sworn to and subscribed Sila Tillotson 
on the day and year above written before me 
Henry M. Waite a Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut
Page 53

New London Aug 17. 1848   
J. L. Edwards 
Comr of Pensions }
Enclosed are the declarations of Betsy Fargo,  Sila Tillotson, Elizabeth Tinker, & Esther Beckwith, widows of pensioners, and who by the late law of Congress are entitled to life pensions.  Will you send to me their certificates for pension for life.   
Yours Respectfully Hiram Willey
Page 54

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of 2d February AD 1848 entitled an act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the Revolution
State of Connecticut 
County of New London }  On this fourteenth day of August 1848 before me a magistrate in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Sila Tillotson a resident of Montville in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged Eighty three 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 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolution war.   That she is the widow of George Tillotson who was a private in the revolutionary war.  That the received a pension under the act of June 17 1844 at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum.  She further declares that she is still a widow.   
Sworn to and Subscribed on  the day & year above written 
Sila Tillotson 
Before me. Hiram Willey Justice of the Peace 
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above declarant and know her to be the same person or individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.  
Hiram Willey Justice of the Peace
Page 55

386
Apl 17 1843
Ct
Mar 3 1843
Sila Tillotson
Free
Hon J. L. Edwards
Washington D.C.
Page 56

Hon. J L Edwards 
Sir 
I send you the application of Sila Tillotson which I hope may be satisfactory. Please send the certificate to your obt servt 
Chas J McCurdy 
Lyme Apr. 12th ‘43
Page 57

State of Connecticut, New London County, Montville March 30th 1843 
on this 30th day of March AD 1843 personally appeared before me Charles J McCurdy a Justice of the Peace for said County of New London Sila Tillotson  a resident of said Montville in said County of New London aged seventy seven 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 on the 3 March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of George Tillotson formerly of Lyme in said county who was a pensioners of the United States served during the Revolutionary War in the manner set forth in his application
Page 58

That she was a pensioner of the United States under the act of July 1838 allowing five years pension to certain widows & the acts & resolutions passed August 1842 emending & [unreadable] thereof.  That his pension & her pension was at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum. That she was married & her husband died as set forth in her application, and that she has never married again, but remains the widow of the said George Tillotson.
Sworn to & subscribed the day of years above Sila Tillotson 
written before me Chas J McCurdy Justice of Peace 
and I hereby certify that the said Sila Tillotson is personally known to me that she is a reputable person & a credible witness 
Chas J McCurdy Justice of Peace
Page 59

State of Connecticut New London County ss 
Montville March 30th 1843 
This day personally appeared Almira Babcock of said Montville aged 38 years & being duly sworn who deposes & says she is a Daughter of Sila Tillotson now of said Montville & George Tillotson late of Lyme in County aforesaid.  That George Tillotson was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum & that his mother the said Sila has this winter received a pension from the United States at the same rate for four years & that the said Sila is still the widow of the George Tillotson.   
Swine & subscribed the day year above written 
Almira Babcock 
before me Chas J McCurdy Justice of Peace 
and I hereby certify that the said Almira Babcock is personally known to me that she is a respectable person is a creditable witness 
Chas J. McCurdy Justice of Peace
Page 60

356
State of Connecticut 
New London County } Ss   I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Charles J McCurdy Esq before whom the annexed depositions of Sila Tillotson, and also Almira Babcock were taken and sworn was on said 30 day of March 1843 and still is a Justice of the peace for said New London County and that his signatures thereto affixed are genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 31 day of March AD 1843 
John DeWitt Clerk
Page 61

Hon J L. Edwards 
Com of Pensions  
Washington
Page 62

Hon. J L Edwards 
Sir 
I send herewith the application & proofs of Mrs Sila Tillotson widow of George Tillotson (deceased) for a pension. I trust they are complete & sufficient & shall be pleased to see an early Answer. 
Respectfully yours 
Chas J McCurdy
Lyme Connecticut June 16th 1835
Page 63

3815
George Tillotson
Returned i
Admit
2 year Private
H. M. Waite
Lyme Connt
Page 64

WAR DEPARTMENT 
Pension Office, 
Sir. 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
A Statement, showing the Service of
Period when the service was rendered.    Duration of Claimant’s Service.   Rank of claimant. Names and rank of the Officers under whom he served.   Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.   Proof by which the declaration is supported. 
I am respectfully 
Your obedient servant 
JAMES L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 65

2            
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.            
The following regulations have been adopted:                  
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.              
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:  
1. The Regular Troops.  
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.    
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.             
4. Indian Spies.                 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.             
DECLARATION.                        
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.           
State, Territory, or District of 
County of } ss.
On this day of A.B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before in the county of and State, Territory or District years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the in the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:    
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]            
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only that of Agency in the State of    
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]            
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I of the Court of hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of for a pension.               
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of & c.            
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.          
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be and C.D. residing in (the same) who has years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.                 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]     
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.               
I, Clerk of the Court of contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c.         
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.            
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 66

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.            
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.    
1. Where and in what year were you born?                
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?          
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?               
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?              
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.           
6. To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? 
To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what Town officer has become of it?              
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.                 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.         
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject     
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.        
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed his genuine signature.          
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the person of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.        
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.    
[b]   The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.     
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.    
[d]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e]  Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.        
Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year - months , and days , I served as a - months and --- days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension."   
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.    
[f]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g]  The opinion of the Court is always required.  
[h]  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i]  The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.               
Mode of authenticating papers.              
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.         
Proof of Service.         
[j]  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j]  applies to continental troops only.     
[k]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
It must appear how much of the said term was in actual service, as well as that at New London.
The waiting upon the French Army was not military service within the law.
Page 67

WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 25,489 
Sila Tillotson Widow  of  George Tillotson 
Pri  Rev War 
Act Feb 2nd 1848 
Index: Vol. T, Page 276 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 68

June 1 1897, history to Mrs. Jane Avery 194 Huntington Avenue Boston Mass
Page 69

31729
160 acres
Page 70

5640
Rejected
Let to McCurdy 2 Augt ‘39
Act 7 July ‘38
Page 71

[stamp] NEW LONDON CONN JUN 28
2 
FREE
188889
Hon Loren P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 72

Connecticut 6983
Sila Tillotson widow of George Tillotson who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 4th October 1838. of New London in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the -  commanded by Captain  - the of the regt commanded by Col Parsons in the - line for 2 years.  
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of February 1843 and sent to Hon. T.W. Williams, House of Representatives  
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841   $400  
Semiannual allowance ending 
[Act July 7, 1838.] 
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, 
Book A. Vol 1 Page 214, 
Reported
Page 73

Rep   251
Connecticut 
Sila Tillotson 
widow of George Tillotson who was a private in the Connecticut troops for 2 years. 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th  day of June 1843 and sent to Charles J. McCurdy Lyme Connt 
}Act of March 3, 1843.} 
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 78.