Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,770, Nathaniel Churchill, Conn.
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(8-1776)
Service                                     Number
Conn.   Churchill, Nathaniel   W.22,770
                               Lydia
Contents
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Vermont No. 26,048
Nathaniel Churchill
of Rutland Co in the State of Vermont
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Wells of the Regt commanded
by Col. Tolcott in the Connt. Troops
[illegible] for 10 months & 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 35 Dollars _Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of Dec.
1833 and Sent to S.H. Merrill
Rutland Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833     87.50
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 36   17.50
                                                        $105.00
$105.50
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3  Page 58
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3470
Albany
Lydia Churchill
widow of Nathaniel Churchill
Conn
who was a private
in the Connt Militia
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
8th day of December 1843
and sent to
H.[illegible] Toper
Batavia
N.York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book H
Vol. 1 Page 104
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State of Vermont
Rutland County}
On this first day of April AD 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Probate Court for the District of Fairhaven in the County of Rutland now sitting Nathaniel Churchill a resident of Poultney in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont aged 76 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
3 mos/ That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers & served as herein stated. That in December 1775 he enlisted in a Regiment commanded by Col. Erastus Wolcott of Windsor County in the State of Connecticut and in Capt. Hezekiah Wells Company, in which company Charles Churchill was Lieut. That soon after his enlistment he marched with his Regiment to Roxbury Massachusetts and was stationed at Jamaica Plains. At which time the Brittish had possession of Boston. That he remained in the vicinity of that place doing duty untill the enemy left Boston which was about the middle of March, when he was discharged having served three months and returned home to Wethersfield.
5 weeks/ That in the summer of 1776 the Regiment of Militia to which he belonged was ordered into service wich Regiment was commanded by Col. Elizer Tolcott of Glastonbury. That he served in Capt. Martin Kelloggs company and that Charles Churchill was Lieut. That he embarked on board a Sloop on the Connecticut River in the town of Wethersfield at a place called Rockey Hill on Saturday and landed at New York on the Monday following. That they went to Long Island the day the Battle was fought at that place by Genl. Sullivan but did not participate in the engagement. That they retreated from that place the last of August with the American army to Hurlgate where he remained a few days when Lieut. Churchill was taken sick, & was ordered to accompany the Lieut. home having served 5 weeks.
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4 W. That in September 1777 he was again ordered into the service of the United States with the Regiment of the Militia in which he was enrolled, that they went to Fishkill & from thence pursued the British fleet up the North River to Redhook, at which place they heard of  the surrender of Gen. Burgoyne when he was dismissed having served four weeks.
3 M/ That afterwards in the year 1778 he enlisted into a Regiment called minuit men, commanded by Roger Enos in Capt Elijah Wrights company. That in the month of June he was ordered into the service under the enlistment & marched through Danbury to White Plains where he remained about three weeks & then marched to West Point where he remained about a month, when he was so much injured in consequences of Lightning striking near his limb he with Sergeants Bordman & North was sent to the Hospital at Fishkill where he remained three or four weeks, and was sent home, but in consequence of continued illness was unable to again join his Regiment during their term of service which was six months
3 Weeks/ That in the month of August 1779 he with one half of the Regiment of Militia to which he belonged was again ordered into service. and marched to Newhaven & remained there & into Easthaven as a guard those weeks. This call from the Militia was made in consequence of the plunder of Newhaven & burning of Fairfield a few days previous by a force under the command of Gov. Tryon.
6 Weeks/ That on the last of August or first of September in the year 1781 he again enlisted for three months in a Regiment commanded by Col. Hezekiah Willis & in Capt. Benjamin Norris Company in which company Joseph Miller was Lieut. , and marched to New London where he remained a short time, then proceeded to Mohegan on the River Thames, from there to Poquetanuck where they remained a few days when they were informed that Lord Cornwallis had surrendered. They were then dismissed having served but six weeks
He further states that he continued to reside in the State of Connecticut until the year 1792 when he removed to Hubbardton in the County
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of Rutland & State of Vermont where he has ever since resided until last May he removed to Poultney in said County his present residence.
He is unable to provide any persons who can testify to  any part of this his declaration as he does not know the residence of any person living who was in the service with him. 
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year afsd. 
Nathl. Churchill
We Horation Flagg a Clergyman residing in the town of Hubbardton & Isaac Russequie residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well aquainted with Nathaniel Churchill who has subscribed & sworn to the above declarations, that we believe him to be 76 years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he has resided, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution.
Sworn & subscribed this day& year afsd.}
HoratioFlagg
Isaac Russequie
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 Horatio Flagg who's has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Hubbardton in Said County of Rutland and that Isaac Ressiquie who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same town of Hubbardton and is a credible person and that their Statement is entitled to credit
I S. H. Merrill Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Fair Haven do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Courts in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Churchill for a pension
[illegible]
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In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office the 1st day of April A.D. 1833.   S. H. Merrill
Nathaniel Churchill
24743
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State of New York
Genesee County} Ss. On this Twenty fourth day of June eighteen hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before me, on of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the county of Genessee Lydia Churchill, a resident of the town of Stafford in the said County aged Eighty 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 act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Nathaniel Churchill who was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, but the particulars of his service she cannot state and refers to the proof of his service under the Pension act of the 7th June 1832 on file in the Pension Department. She would however state that she is quite positive that her said husband the said Nathaniel Churchill was out one term in actual service after this Declamant was married to him, but whether the proof of his service after the 2nd day of April 1783, being the time of his marriage is on file in the Department she cannot state, and if not, she cannot [illegible]
She further declares that she was married to the said Nathaniel Churchill on the second day of April in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three by Rev. John Smalley, in the town of Berlin in the County of Hartford, Ct. That she was the widow of Jeremiah Osgood at the time of her marriage to her said husband the said Nathaniel Churchill and that the said Nathaniel Churchill was a widower and had three children by his first wife, one of whom is now living Eunice Churchill, and with whom this Declarant now lives. And she further declares that she thinks there is no Record of her marriage except the one hereto annexed
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which is a leaf taken from the account Book of the said Nathaniel Churchill and is in his hand writing and was kept by him. That the same has always been in her possession.
She further declares that her husband the aforesaid Nathaniel Churchill died on the 22nd day of March eighteen hundred and thirty five. That she was married to him as regards the time of leaving the service as is herein before stated,and that the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the time above stated.
Sworn to and Subscribed on
the day and year above written
before. William Mitchell
First Judge of Genesee
County}
         her
Lydia X Churchill
     mark
And I further certify that the above named applicant from bodily infirmity cannot write her name or attend Court.
William Mitchell
First Judge of
Genesee County
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November 12th 17[illegible]
then Nathl Churchill was Married to Eunice Woolcutt of Weathersfield Connecticut  She died with the Consumption August 19. 1782
Births of Our Children
Eliz[illegible] Woolcutt Churchill Born March 7th 1777
Eunice Churchill Born Dec 19, 1779
We had a Child Born in April 1782
Died att a [illegible]
Seventeen Hundred and Eighty [illegible]
April Second Day
Married the Widow Lydia Osgood
Nathl Churchill Born March 20, 178[illegible]
Lydia Churchill Born August 2 177[illegible]
[illegible] Osgood Churchill Born April 7 1789
Elisha Born July 2 1791 Died [illegible] old
Neomi Churchill Born August 29th, 1792
Elisha Churchill Born August 2 1792
Sage Churchill Born July 23 1798
Eliz[illegible] Woolcott Churchill Died July 1799
out at Sea December 19 1800
We had a Daughter Still Born
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[illegible]99 jany Reod. Thomas [illegible] 
for fasting Booties   0-12=0
Soling [illegible Shoes   0=2
Mending [illegible] Boots   0=7
to mending [illegible] Shoes  [illegible]
[illegible] to making [illegible] Boots [illegible] 
to making small shoes [illegible]  4=3
[illegible] Small Shoes   3=8
Soling Elisha Shoes  1=10
Dates Flagg DN
for fasting Booties  0=12=0
Month 1799 mending your wife's Shoes
mending and [illegible] for wife shoes
making [illegible]
Eighty Post without holeing
Debt to soleing Coping [illegible] wife's Shoes  0=2=0
1800 to post top for James 0=0=9
[illegible] for shoes for your wife [illegible] 0=7 [illegible] Shoes 
to Soleing and [illegible] Boots  0=3=0
Feb 1799 Dan [illegible]
to makeing Shoes your Sister  0=3=0
March
to mending Shoes your house 0=2=0
to making Shoes for Amanda 02=10
to makeing four Small Shoes 
to Soleing Boots  0=1=9
mending your Shoes Wifes 0=2=6
making Small Shoes 0=1=2
[illegible]
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State of New ork
Genesee County} 
Eunice Churchill, of the town of Stafford, in said county, being sworn, deposes and says, that she is aged fifty nine years, and is the daughter of Nathaniel Churchill and Eunice, his first wife and that her mother died when she was very young. That her father, the said Nathaniel Churchill died on the twenty second day of March eighteen hundred and thirty five. That this Deponent was between three and four years old when her father married his second wife, who was the Widow Lydia Osgood. That she cannot recollect the event as she was too young, but that she has lived the great part of her life with her said father and his second wife, Lydia Churchill, his present widow and she has always so understood the facts. That she is well acquainted with the hand writing of her said father and that the annexed Record is in his hand writing and was taken by the half sister of this Deponent, Naomi, from the account Book of the said Nathaniel Churchill. That the account is in his hand writing which is on the back of the said Record. And this Deponent further says that her father, the said Nathaniel Churchill, at the time of his death left his widow Lydia Churchill, who has not intermarried since the death of her said husband and further this Deponent saith not.
Sworn and Subscribed this 24th day Eunice Churchill
of June 1839 before me, by the said Eunice Churchill, whom I certify to be a person of truth
and veracity-. William Mitchell
First Judge of
Genesee County
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State of New York
Genesee County} Naomi Churchill, being sworn says that she is a resident of the said town of Stafford in said County and is aged forty six years and is a daughter of Nathaniel Churchill, who died on the twenty second March eighteen hundred and thirty five, and his present widow, Lydia Churchill. That she has always lived with her father and mother and that the annexed Record's in the handwriting of her said father and is a leaf from an old account Book of her said father which she, this Deponent, took out of said account Book at the request of her said father for the purpose of preserving the same same in the family Bible. That the same has always been in the possession of the family. And this Deponent further says that her said mother the said Lydia Churchill, has always remained a widow since the death of her said husband and has not intermarried and further saith not. 
Sworn and Subscribed   Naomi Churchill
this 24th day of June 1839
before me by Naomi Churchill,
whom I certify to be a person of
truth and veracity and entitled 
to credit.  William Mitchell
First Judge of Genesee County
State of New York
Genesee County
Nathaniel Churchill of the town of Bethany in said County, being sworn says that he is aged fifty five years years last March and is the oldest child of Nathaniel Churchill deceased and Lydia, his present widow. That the said Nathaniel Churchill died on the twenty second day of March eighteen hundred and thirty five and left
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his present widow Lydia Churchill, who has never intermarried since the death of her said husband.
And this Deponent further says that the annexed Record is in hand writing of the dead Nathaniel Churchill and is his family Record and as this Deponent believe is correct and that the account on the back of said Record is in his hand writing, and further the Deponent saith not.
Sworn and Subscribed this
24th day of June 1839 before me
 by Nathaniel Churchill, whom
I certify to be a man of truth and
veracity-. William Mitchell}
First Judge of Genesee County
Nathaniel Churchill
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State of New York
Genesee County} Ss:
I, Horace M Soper, Clerk of said County do certify that William Mitchell Esq. was first Judge of Genesee County at the time of taking the foregoing Declaration and affidavits and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificates are his hand writing.
A Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official Seal this 5th July 1839
HMSoper, Clerk
5755
Widow Lydia Churchill
Application
for a Pension
7.6
H.M.Soper
Batavia
N.Y.
Page 16

State of New York
Genesee County} SS:
I, Horace M Soper, Clerk of said County do certify that William Mitchell Esq. was first Judge of Genesee County at the time of taking the foregoing Declaration and affidavits and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificates are his hand writing.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official Seal this 5th July1839
HMSoper, Clerk
5755       7.5
Widow
Lydia Churchill
Application
for a Pension
H.W.Soper
Agent
Batavia
N.Y.
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No. 24743
Nathaniel Churchill Rutland 
county Vermont
jm
Admitted
10 No 15 Pr
S.H.Merrell Clk Rutland County
Vermont
Page 18

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
11 June 1833
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 show what is necessary to be done. These 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
Statement, showing the Service of Nathaniel Churchill Rutland County
Vermont
Period when the service was rendered
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years Months Day
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Ate at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Enlisted Decr. 1775
- 3[months] -
private
Col Wolcott, Cap Wells
76 years
Traditionary evidence & Clergiman
Served June 1776
- 1[month] 5[weeks]
private
Col Tolcott, Cap Kellogg
Wethersfield, Connecticut
Certificate, Witness certified credible
paper correct.
Served Sept. 1777 
- [1 crossed out] 28 [weeks]
[private] 
officers not named
Enlisted 1778
- 6(months) (T)
[private]
Col Enos, Cap Wright
Served Augt. 1779
--21[weeks]
[private]
Officers not named
Enlisted 1.Sept. 1781
- [illegible]
[private]
Col Wells, Cap Morris
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L.EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions,
(1)  3
       2.28
          21
      1.12
8-01
It cannot be admitted that the above service
is insusceptible of proof, and the regulations require the applicant to furnish the best to be had.
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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 patriots, 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, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make applications 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    personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of   in the County of   and State, Territory or District  of   aged (c)   years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)   , with   and served in the   (e) regiment of the   line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he 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 on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn 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    do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of    
    for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this    day of    &c.   
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such a proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to 
the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the     and C. D. residing in (the same) do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with      , who has  subscribed and sworn to the above declarations; that we believe him to be       years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and Subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the     and that C.D. who also signed the same is a resident in the      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,      Clerk of the Court of      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this    day of     &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of this applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light up on the transaction.
If such a 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-
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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 on 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 ex-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 live now?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. { To a Soldier.{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{ To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the 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 can concur in that opinion. If one of these Persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such a certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. and the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine Signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such a services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance.
[b] the declarant must make his declaration in the County 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 entitle. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; -For---year---months, and ---days, I served as a ___, For___ months and ___days, I served as a ___; and for such services I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with the precision the period for which each applicant served, and the personal rank he held, as the law directs the pensions to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for Pensions merely state that they served two years in the 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 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 were 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 is 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.
[I] 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 is 
note [j] applies to Continental troops only.
[k] The traditionary evidence is indespensable in Militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] the answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. }
Page 21

In reply to your request of ______ received_____ for a statement of the military history of Nathaniel Churchill a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his {or his widow's} application for pension on file in this Bureau.   W. File 22.270
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR  APPOINTMENT
Dec. 1775
Sum. 1776
Sept. 1777
Mch. 1778
Aug. 1779
Aug or Sept 1781
LENGTH OF SERVICE
3 mos.
t weeks
1 mos
6 mos
3 weeks
6 weeks
RANK
Prvt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Hezekiah Welles
Martin Kellogg
    "          "
Elijah Wright
Absalom Williams
Benjamin Norris
COLONEL. 
Erastus Wolcott
Eleazer Talcott
  "                 "
Roger Enos
Hezekiah Wyllip
Hezekiah Wyllip
STATE.
Conn.
Battles engaged in, none stated.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Wethersfield, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Apl. 1, 1833. His cl was al.
Residence at date of application, Poultney, Vt.
Age at date of application, seventy-six years. He d. Mar. 22, 1835
Remarks: He Mar. Nov. 14, 177- Eunice Woolcut, she died Aug. 19, 1782. Their children Elizer Woolcut, b. Mar. 7, 1777. d. July 1799. Eunice b. Dec. 18. 1779. Sol. Mar. at Berline Conn, Apr. 2. 1783 Lydia widow of Jeremiah Osgood  Lydia was alld. pens. on her appln. exec. June 24, 1839, while 80 years of age & a resident of Stafford Genesee Co. NY. Their children, Nathaniel b. Mar. 20, 1784, Lydia Aug 1. 1786, Jere. Osgood Apr 7. 1789 Elisha July 2, 1791 died at 6 wks. . Naomi Aug. 21, 1792. Elisha Aug 5, 1795. Sage July 20. 1798 
Very respectfully,           Over
Commissioner.
6-2856
Page 22

Albany 4,348           let. H. U. Soper Sept.4. 1843
Lydia Churchill
widow of Nathaniel Churchill
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832
and who died on the 22.d March 1835
of Genesee Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Wright of the regt. commanded
by Col. Enos in the Con. militia
line for 10 months & 15 day,
Inscribed on Roll of Albany 
at the rate of 35 Dollars ____Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10.th day of Oct.
1839 and sent to H. U. Soper
Batavia, N. Y. 
Arrears to the 4th of Sep.'39              122.50
Semi=annual allowance ending 4.Mar.'40  17.50
                                                             $140.00
                                    {Act. July 7,
                                          1838.}
Recorded by D. Brown     Clerk,
Book A. Vol.2 Page 73
Page 23

Revolutionary
Lincoln, Nebraska
March 15, 1921

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D.C.

Gentleman-
Will you kindly advise the record of the family of Nathaniel Churchill 7-22-770, Revolutionary War Soldier that was furnished your Department when application for the widows pension was made June 24, 1839 while she was living at Stafford, Genesee Co. New York.

Respectfully,
Gertrude Kettlewell
Post Office Clerk.

Received Mar. 17. 1921,
in Rev War Section
Page 24

V.L.M.
Rev. War Section.
April 21, 1920.
Mrs. G. R. Unthank,
1701 Sewell Street,
Lincoln, Nebraska,
Madam: 
In response to your letter dated the 3 instant, you are advised that in the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Nathaniel Churchill W. File No. 32,770 there are no other children mentioned than those furnished [illegible] March 30, 1920, other than a daughter, stillborn December 1, 1800.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a Captain Elijah Wright from Connecticut. If the subject of your inquiry served in any other capacity, and you will so state, another search of the records will be made in your behalf,
Very respectfully,
[illegible]
Commissioner
Page 25

Rev Sec
G. R. UNTHAMK
CONTRACTOR
LINCOLN  :  : NEBR
April 3rd. 1920
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.
Sirs:-
I wish some further records on Nathaniel 1 Churchill, who enlisted at Wethersfield, Conn. during, "the Revolutionary War. The list of children you sent me ended with Sage b-July 20th. 1798 There were more children and it is a report on the later ones which I need.
Also would like a report on the family of Elijah Wright, a Captain from Conn.
Thanking you for this information, I am
very truly,
Mrs. G. R. Unthank
1701 Sewell St.
Lincoln, Nebr.

[postmark reads: PENSION OFFICE
D
APR
U    7    S.
1920]
Page 26

G. R. UNTHANK
CONTRACTOR
LINCOLN  :  :  NEBR
March 12th. 1920.
Rev Sec
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:-
I wish some information [illegible] your Dept. in order that I may become a member of the D.A.R.'s.
I have a letter dated Feb. 23rd. 1834 which I will quote in regard to the pension to be paid my Great-grandfather, so that with these figures and dates it can be readily found. 
"You know that father talkedof trying to get a pension before you left,here, in  August father went to Uncle Stephen, get his affidivit and one in Paulet, then father sent by Uncle Peck and another friend in New Briten, got two more, and at the third return of the papers they were made right and father i_ to draw thirty-five dollars a year as long as he lives. Father will draw $100.00 in March." this letter was from West Poultney, VT. in Feb. 23rd. 1834.
Will you please send me any information and dates of birth etc. concerning Nathaniel Churchill of West Poultney, Vt.
Thanking you for all information, I am
Very respectfully,
Mrs B. R. Unthank.
1701 Sewell St.
Lincoln, Nebr.
[postmark reads; 
PENSION OFFICE
D
Mar 15 1920
U.S.]
Page 27

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
I would like the records you have of Nathaniel Churchill who received a pension in 1834 at West Poultney, Vt. of $35 a year for life.
Respectfully
Fanny C. Unthank
Lincoln, Nebr.
3303R
April 1- 1913
[postmark reads: 
PENSION OFFICE
B
Apr
4
1913
U.S.
Page 28

New York. July 31/96
Mr Wm Lochran
Dear Sir
-Will you please inform me whether Giles Wilcox and Nathaniel Churchill of Connecticut drew Pensions and all the facts in the case and oblige
Yours Truly Jared W Bell
248 Lexington Ave
New York
Page 29

THE NEW MATHEWSON
S.W. MATHEWSON, PROPRIETOR
S. W. MATHEWSON, JR., MANAGER
Narragansett Pier, R. I.
Mr Wm Lochran
Pension Bureau
Wash. D C.
Dear Sir
Since writing you a few days ago I have obtained the following facts concerning Giles Wilcox. 
Giles Wilcox of Killing worth Connecticut Revolutionary record. In Lexington Alarm 1775- 9th Co. 6th Regt Drum Major 1780. Coperal 1881. Taken prisoner at
Page 30

New York
Fort Washington Nov.
16th 1776. Capt & Militia Comp. Col Bradley.
Trusting this may help you to give me the information whether he drew Pension or not 
as well Nat. Churchill
I remain
Yours Truly Jared W Bell
Aug 13. 1896
[postmark reads:
PENSION OFFICE
AUG
16 17 1896
U S.
Page 31

[postmark reads: PENSION OFFICE
AUG
12
1896
U. S.]
THE NEW MATHEWSON
NARRAGANSETT PIER, R.I.
S. W. Mathewson
C & W
Aug 10/96
Dept Bureau Pension
In answer to your letters which I have just received in reply to mine, will say the reasons of my Enquiry is this
Giles Wilcox of Wethersfield Conn. & Nathaniel Churchill are my ancestors and I want to know if they drew pensions to help me to prove
Page 32

Please address me same as before to my early address  248 Lexington Ave
New York
[postmark reads: PENSION OFFICE
AUG 12 1896
U S]
Page 33

whether they were in Revolutionary War- and I was told by writing  to your Dept I could get the facts- Giles Wilcox I think was from Wethersfield and Nathaniel Churchill also but am not certain as to latter- he may have been from Farmington Conn. I have not the paper with me to show what Regt they were in
Yours Very Truly
Jared W Bell
Page 34

Aug 21 '96 said
pensd to
 JWBell
Marragansett [illegible] RI.
[illegible]
1897. History to MV.
D. Riley. #14 West 39th 
York City, New York.
1913 Apl 12. Hist to Mrs
Fanny C. Unthank. C
1920 Mar. 30. Hist to Mrs
G. R. Unthank and
1920 Apr 21 Mrs. G. R. Unthank informed
no other children than those furnished
Mch. 30. 1920.
1921 Mch. 19 Hist. to Gerturde Kettlewell
Rev 22-770
WIDOW, &c,
Lydia Churchill
Wid. of
Nathaniel Churchill
Pin State M---
Act: Mrch. 3d 1843
Index:-Vol. A. Page 133
[Arrangement of 1870.]
May 15.
Russell
st. New
Page 35

4348
New York
Act July 7, 1838
Lydia Churchill
Married 2d Apl 1783
Husband died 22d March 
1835
Capt. Wright. Col Enos
Connt. Militia
Admitted
Private [illegible] 10 & 15 days)
Page 36

Albany
Burlington Vermont
Nathaniel Churchill act June 7. 1832 to what time paid ?
p to  4th March 1835  V L
IH  22d March 1835
Page 37

Payments to be made
at Burlington
by the Prest. U. Y. Br. Bk.
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of Vermont

Recorded in the Pension Office,
in Book E. Vol. 3
Page 58 by D. Brown
Clerk
Page 38

WAR DEPARTMENT
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June,  1832, Nathaniel Churchill of the State of Vermont
who was a Private in the Revolutionary War
is entitled to receive--- thirty five dollars and ----cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this---27th day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
LewCass
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned}
J LEdwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 39

2023
Widow Lydia Churchill
Declaration for a Pension under
Act of 3d. March 1843
$35 per annum
H. Soper Agent
Batavia
N. Y.
Page 40

Declartion
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 3d. of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received Pensions under the act of July 7. 1838
State of New York, County of Genesee:
On this Second Day of June 1843 personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the Peace of the said County, Lydia Churchill a resident of the town of Bethany in the said County of Genesee aged Eighty 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions, to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Nathaniel Churchill who was a private in the Revolutionary war in the Militia but she cannot state the particulars of his service and refers to his papers and proofs on file in the Pension Department. That the annual amount of the pension, which she received under the Act of July 7. 1838 was Thirty five dollars
She further declares that she is still a widow
Sworn to me and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me and the said Lydia Churchill made her mark not being able to write her name on account of old age.
Lydia X Churchill
her mark
and I certify that the said
Lydia Churchill is to me personally Known
Josiah Churchill J. P.
Josiah Churchill Justice of Peace
State of New York Genesee County} Ss:
I certify that Josiah Churchill was a Justice of the  Peace of said County at the time of taking the above declaration and that his signature to the same is his hand writing
Witness my hand and official Seal this 10th June 1843
HWSoper Clerk
And I certify that the last signature of Josiah Churchill to certificate that he knows Declarant in his hand writing. Sept. 28. 1843. HWSoper Clerk
Page 41

Nathaniel Churchill
Amended Declaration
Page 42

State of Vermont
Rutland County
On this 14th day of November AD 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon the Probate Court for the District of Fairhaven in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont [illegible] sitting Nathaniel Churchill a resident of Poultney in sd. County who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following additional declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That he enlisted in the Regiment & Company as stated in his original declaration, in the month of March 1778. And on the first of June after, he was ordered into active service, and continued doing duty in his Regiment, where he was taken sick as stated, in the first declaration, the last of August. He was then sent to the Hospital at Fishkill & remained there 3 weeks, when he was sent home, in September, on the 13th day of the month. That he was in actual service those months under this enlistment, but received pay from the time of his enlistment, to the time he was discharged being six months. He knows of no testimony he can present in addition to the testimony of Stephen Churchill, whose affidavit is herewith enclosed
Nathaniel Churchill
He further says that when he served in 1777 as stated in his original declaration the Regiment was commanded by Col Talcott. He belonged to Capt Martin Kelloggs Company
He also States that when he served in 1779 he belonged to Col. Welles Regiment & in Capt Absalom Williams Company.
Nathel Churchill
I S.H.Merrill Clerk of this Court of Probate for the district of Fair Haven do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court, in the
Page 43

matter of the application of Nathaniel Churchill for a pension on his amended declaration therefore.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 14th day of November AD 1833  S.H. Merrill
Page 44

State of New York
{Columbia County}  On this thirteenth day of September A.D. 1833 personally appears before the Justices of the Justice Court of the city of Hudson in said County in Open Court. [illegible] Stephen Churchill a resident of Canaan in said County aged seventy two years & made solemn oath that he is now nearly Seventy two years of age. That he is a brother of one Nathaniel Churchill of Poultney in the State of Vermont that said Nathaniel served in the Connecticut State troops six months, with this Deponent. that is to say- the said Nathaniel & this deponent, about the first of March 1778 each enlisted for the term of one year, this deponent in the company of Capt. Asa Bray- & the said Nathaniel in the company of Capt Elijah Wright & the Regiment of Col Roger Eno. or Enos- being in Hartford County in the State of Connecticut. That said Nathaniel served with the deponent at Horseneck, White Plains, & West Point. That said Nathaniel was taken sick at the expiration of three months, & so contained till the expiration of six months- when he relinquished his engagement for the year, & was allowed to go & remain at home on account of his ill health- to wit the first of September of that year- and further says not
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid
J Parker Clk         Stephen Churchill
And the said Court hereby certify that it appears to them that the above named Stephen Churchill who was sworn to the above affidavits, is a man of truth & veracity & his statement entitled to credit
Page 45

Stephen Churchill
 Affidavit
Page 46

I, John D Parker, Clerk of said Court here by certify that the above contains the original proceedings before said Court of the affidavit of Stephen Churchill in favour of Nathaniel Churchill 
Witness my hand & seal
of Office this 18th day of September
A.D. 1833
JDParker Clerk
Page 47

Phineas Penfields
Affidavit
Page 48

State of Connecticut
Hartford County} SS  Berlin October 16th 1833
I Phinheas Penfield of Berlin in Hartford County, now 77 years of age, do certify that I have known Nathaniel Churchill of Bethany in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont ever since the period of his boyhood. That I was well knowing to his being in the Revolutionary Service at sundry times during the war; but the particular periods, or the length of his service is now to me unknown, except that in the year 1776. I was [illegible] out in the Militia in the Company of Captain John Langdon on a tour of three months, to New York, at the same time the said Nathaniel Churchill was out also in the Militia, [illegible] in the Company of Captain Kellogg, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Talcott, he was draughted for the period of three months. We left our homes together about the tenth of August, we reached New York together, though in different Vessels on the 16th of August, when his Company went over to Long Island, and I next saw him after he had retreated with the Army from Long Island, and I saw him several times afterwards, [illegible] but after our army [continued to crossed out] retreated back from New York I have no recollection of seeing him, and do not that he served out the whole period
Page 49

for which he was draughted- the whole period of his service then known to me personally being about five weeks
Phinehas Penfield
Hartford County SS. Berlin Oct.. 16th. 1833
Personally appears Phinehas Penfield well known to me as a man of good moral character and of unquestioned veracity whose testimony is entitled to credit, who Subscribed the foregoing affidavit in my presence-, and made Solemn oath to the Truth of the same
Before me
Ira E Smith Justice of the Peace
Page 50

State of Connecticut, County of Hartford, Ss.
I, Jared Griswold, Clerk of the County Court for s County do hereby certify, that Ira E. Smith Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of Phinehas Penfield was taken, was on the 16th day of October 1833, a Justice of the Peace in & for s County, duly commissioned & qualified according to Law, with full power to administer oaths &c., that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe the signature, purporting to be his, is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of s County Court this 17th day of October AD. 1833
Jared Griswold, Clerk
Page 51

Widow
Lydia Churchill's 
Papers
HMSoper
Ag
Batavia
N.Y.
Page 52

Batavia, Genesee County, N.Y.
July 5. 1839
Dear Sir,
I herewith enclose your Papers in case of the application of Widow Lydia Churchill for a Pension
She replies up on the proof in the Department as to the service, of her husband and is quite sure that he was in the service after her marriage, but she cannot tell what the proof may be.
I am Sir
Yours Very Respectfully
Horace M. Soper
J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions,
Page 53

Batavia, Genesee County, N. Y.
Sept. 28. 1843
Sir, Enclosed are the Declarations of Widows Disbrow and Churchill, amended as to the Knowledge of the Justice of the Applicants.
I hope to have a speedy return.
I remain
Yours Very Truly
H. W. Soper

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington
Page 54

14 West 39th St New York NY.
April 11. 1897
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.       C.W.
Sir:
Will you kindly inform me if there are any records on file relating to Stephen Williams of Middletown Conn. as a soldier in the Revolutionary War? I believe he served in the battles of Boston and Long Island.
Also of Nathaniel Churchill Jr Of Conn who served in the Connecticut Militia? I wish to join the Sons of the Revolution is my reason for inquiry.
Very respectfully
Russell L. Riley
NVM
April -97
Page 55

ECS  OW&n
[postmark reads: PENSION OFFICE
U. S.
AUG 12 1896]
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington D. C. Aug 7. 1896
Respectfully returned to
Jared W. Bell
248 Lexington Ave.
New York. N.Y.
In order that the claim within referred to may be identified, he will please indorse the inclosed letter with the full name of the soldier, the company and regiment in which he served, and the number of the pension certificate (if known), returning ALL these papers to this Bureau.
D. J. Murphy
Commissioner
1845b5m
Also please state reason for desiring the information. 
stamp reads: [OLD WAR & NAVY
AUG 14 1896
FILES]
Page 56

I, Samuel Churchil of the town of Wethersfield Hartford County and State of Connecticut do depose and say that in the year 1776 Nathaniel Churchil then of Wethersfield enlisted in the United States service at the same time and in the same company [illegible] which I the said Samuel enlisted under the Command of Capt. Hezekiah Welles of said town of Wethersfield and Col. Gay of Farmington in said County of Hartford had the command of the Regiment said enlistment was for the term of three months, we were then ordered to March to Boston and were stationed at a place called Dorchester.- Hill near Boston and the said Nathaniel Churchil performed his service for the time which he enlisted and was then honorably discharged. I the said Samuel Churchil am now in the eighty first year of my age   Samuel Churchil
Hartford County of Wethersfield October 11th 1833 Be it remembered that on the day of aforesaid Samuel Churchil who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before me and after being examined made solemn oath to the above deposition
Ebenezer Goodale Justaice of the Peace
Page 57

State of Connecticut, County of Hartford Ss.
I, Jared Griswold, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Hartford aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Ebenezer Goodale of Wethersfield in s County is a Justice of the Peace, in & for said County of Hartford, duly commissioned & qualified according to Law, with full power to administer oaths, take affidavits that sd. Goodale, at the time of taking the w affidavit, was a Justice qualified as aforesaid, & that the signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of s. County Court, this 14th day of Oct AD. 1833
Jared Griswold, Clerk

Samuel Churchill
Affidavit