Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,922, Israel Conant, Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Mass.

Conant, Israel
              Sybil

NUMBER
W.20922

CONTENTS
Page 2

[left side:]
Letter to Hon F. Granger 14 Decr 1840
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sept 1839 to 4 March 1840. [illegible] Notified 23d Feby 1841
------
Letter to J. W. Brackett 16 sept 1843
do. to Same Nov. 14. 1844

[right side:]
15992 New York
Israel Conant of Genesee Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain McClintok of the Regt. commanded by Col. Brewer in the Mass. [illegible] for 9 mo. [?]

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 dollars 00 Center per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of May 1833 and sent to E. J. Spaulding Att [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of march 1833 $60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible] Sept. 15.00
________
$75.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk,
Book C Vol. 4 Page 49
Page 3

Pay [illegible due to hole in paper] to children, see endorsement
7754
1832 Albany, N. York
Sybil conant, dec 
widow of Israel Conant
[MSS written in a different medium]
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843 
& end 17th February 1845, when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of May, 1866, and sent to Hon. C. H. Carroll, House of Representatives
[ closed brackets are part of the actual document]
[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
& June 17,1844.
Recorded in Book A.
Vol 2. Page 73.
[right side:]
Payable to Polly Spalsbury, Sally Moffatt, Campbell Conant, Anor Parker, William Conant & Roxey Richards children of Sybil Conant, decd.
Agent notified, see letter
Letter to L. M. Drury & albany Agent Aug. 13,1846
Page 4

Israel Conant Jr application for a pension 9 months service
15992
(checkmark)

Pleas send certificate to E G. Spaulding Attica Genesee Co. N.Y.
Page 5

Declaration of Israel Conant Jr.

State of New York Genesee County SS
On this 16th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Genesee and State of New York, being a court of record, now sitting, Israel Conant Junior a resident of Attica in said county of Genesee and State of New York, aged 69 years the 15th day of August in the year of our Lord 1832, 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 7 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born in the year of our Lord 1763, in the town of Wilbraham in the State of Massachusetts, where he resided when he entered the service in the Revolutionary War - that about the first of April in the year of our Lord 1781, he enlisted in the militia of said State of Massachusetts for nine months, and served under the following named officers, namely, Captain Henry McClentick, lieutenant Scott, (having forgotten his ensigns name) and James McClentick, his orderly sergeant - That from Wilbraham he marched to Springfield, in said state of Massachusetts, thence to Great Burrington, thence to Redhook on the Hudson River in the State of New York, thence to Fishkill, and from thence down the said River to Peekskill, where he joined the Army of the United States under the command of General Washington - That according to the best of his recollection his company, with the officers aforesaid, was attached to Col. Brewers regiment. That he was stationed at this place about six weeks - that at this place he became waiter to Captain McClentick - from thence he marched to White Plains, where he stayed five or six weeks, and then returned again to Peekskill, at which place he was taken sick, and was left by his company and the main army - that he was sick about six weeks - that after he had recovered his health again, he was first into Captain Battle's Company, and according to the best of his recollection in Col. Goodrich's regiment - That he remained at Peekskill until his time was
Page 6

out, and was discharged from the service - that he was discharged the last of December 1781 or the first of January 1782. That on his return home he crossed the Connecticut River on the ice - that he recived a written discharge from the service, but he cannot tell who signed it or what has become of it - that he was not acquainted with any continental regiments or companies, which he now recollects, nor any of the regular officers, whose names he now recollects - that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Israel Conant

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Timothy Fitch Clerk

We, Thomas Wells, and Daniel Cooley hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Israel Conant Jr, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 69 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Thomas Wells
Daniel Cooley

Sworn, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Timothy Fitch Clerk

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 Thomas Wells and Daniel Cooley are residents in the town of Attica County of Genesee and State of New
Page 7

York and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Isaac Wilson
James Taggart
Robert Oarll Jr
William Mitchell Judges of Genesee Common Pleas

I Timothy Fitch, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Genesee, hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Israel Conant Jr, for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said court of Common Pleas this sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Timothy Fitch Clerk
Page 8

State of New York
Ontario County

On this 30th day of May 1843. Personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice
of the Peace in the said County of Ontario Sybil Conant a resident of Bristol in the County of Ontario, aged Seventy five years, who, beng first duly sworn 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 3rd of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war.  That she is widow of Israel Conant, who was a private in the revolutionary war and who drew and received an annual pension of thirty dollars under the act of June 1832., that the Said Israel Conant died on the 23rd Day of April, 1841. that he received his said pension up to the 4th of March 1841.  as will more fully appear by the papers on file in the Pension office.  She further declares that she is still a widow, & that she was married to the Said Israel Conant on the Sixth day of January 1785.  

Sybil Conant

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year first above written, before me Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Ontario County Ss.

I hereby certify that Phineas Kent Esquire before me whom the above and within affidavits was sworn and subscribes was at the time the same purports to have been sworn and subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and qualified and authorized by Law to act as such.  And further that I am well accquainted with the handwriting of such Justice and verily believe his signature above and writing subscribed to be genuine.  

Given under my handwritten seal of said county at Canandaigua this 30th day May 1843.  

Thomas Hall Clerk
By George A. Leete deputy clerk
[Appears to be written on anther document underlying this sheet:]
Said Israel Conant, Deceased, and has remained
Page 9

[Illegible]

On this 30 Day of May 1843. personally appeared
before the Undersigned a Justice of the Peace
in the Said County of Ontario, Jonas Prichard a
resident of the Town of Bristol in said County, 
who being Duly Sworn doth depose and say  that he was 
well acquainted with Israel Conant, late of Said Town of Bristol in Said County, a revolutionary
soldier, now deceased, in his life time, that said
Israel Conant died on the 23rd Day of April,
1841. that Said Israel Conant, Deceased, was 
reputed to be a United States pension whilst 
living; and this deponent believes that the said
deceased was on the U. S. pension roll; that said deceased left a widow Sybil Conant; that said widow is still living, and resides in the Said Town
of Bristol in Said County of Ontario, and is still the widow of Said Israel Conant, Deceased.   And further saith not.

Jonas Prichard

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year
first above written before me
Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace
Page 10

E Springfield
May 1834 1834

[crossed out lines:]
Jones Pickard Esqr
Bristol
Ontario Co
[end of cross out]
N.Y.

[upside down:]
184
Mr. Isaac Woodward
East Springfield 
Otsego Co
N Y
 Bristol [illegible] May 31
Page 11

State of New York }
Otsego County, ss. }
Be it remembered, that on this 13th Day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty three, personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace in the said County of Otsego, Isaac Woodward, a resident of the Town of Springfield in the said County of Otsego, who, being by me duly sworn doth
[some text below is missing due to seal removal]
dep[ose] & say that he is aged seventy nine years, [text missing] [w]ell acquainted with Sybil Conant of [text missing] Ontario County, widow of Israel Con[ant], late a Revolutionary pensioner, now deceased, that he was well acquainted with the said Israel Conant several years previous to his marriage with the said Sybil Conant & has been well acquainted with him from that time to the time of his death, which, as this deponent has been informed & verily believes to be true was on the 23rd day of April 1814-- that this deponent knew of the intimacy of the said Israel & Sybil previous to their marriage & that it was generally understood & believed that they were to be married to eachother, that this deponent believes to be true that the said Israel & Sybil were married on or about the month of January A. D. 1785 - that they were married in the Town of Dover, Dutchess County in the State of New York, that since their said marriage this deponent has intimately known them both & resided near them & they had up to the decease of the said Israel from the Date of his said Marriage always lived together as man & wife & reared up a numerous family of children between them- & this deponent verily believes that they were man & wife - this deponent further states that said Sybil Conant is now the widow of Said Israel Conant, Deceased, & has remained
Page 12

a widow since the Death of the said Israel
Conant. Isaac Woodward
Sworn & Subscribed on the Day & Year first above
written before me
Char. M Lean, Justice of the Peace.

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
the within named Isaac Woodward, that he
is a person of good moral character & a
credible witness. Dated June 13th 1843
Char. M Lean
Page 13

State of New York }
County of Ontario }ss
On this sixteenth day of october in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty five personally appeared [struck out: before] in open court before me Harry Smith A Judge  of Ontario County Courts Roxey Pickard a resident of the town of Bristol in said County [crossed out: who] aged fifty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the amount due to her as one of the heirs of Sibel  Conant deceased who was entitled to the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7. 1838. entitled a act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows &c. that she is the daughter of Israel Conant & Sibel Conant deceased - that her father the said Israel Conant was a soldier in the war of the revolution and drew a pension for several years previous to his death. that his death happened on the 4th day of April in the year eighteen hundred & forty one - that for more than [crossed out: eleven] six years previous to the death of the said Israel Conant he resided with this declarant and received his support at the hands of this declarant & this declarants husband.
This declarant further states that her mother the said Sibel Conant died on the seventeenth day of February in the year
Page 14

one thousand eight hundred & forty five
that for for six years previous to the death
of the said Israel Conant the said Sibil
Conant resided with this declarant and
from the time of the death of the said
Isreal Conant to the death of the said
Sibil the said Sibil Conant resided
with this declarant and received her support
at the hands of this declarant and
this declarants husband.
This declarant further states that the annexed
record is the original family
record taken from the family bible
belonging to her father the said Israel
Conant, that this declarant knows that
the said record is in the hand writing of
her father the said Israel Conant with
the exception of the two last entries which
["are in the" crossed through] were made by this declarants
husband. this declarant well remembers
that the said record was kept by her said father
for more than twenty five years previous
to his death, and this declarant believes it 
was made many years before this declarants
["of" crossed through] recollection of having seen the said records
This declarant further states that since the
death of her said father & mother the
said record has been kept & procured by
this declarant And further this
Page 15

declarant saith not.

Subscribed & sworn to}
the day & year first above} Roxey Pickard
written before me.}
The words "more than six" &}
the word "our"}
Interlined and the word}
"eleven" erased before signing}
Harry Smith} A Judge of Ontario County Courts}
State of New York}
County of Ontario} Ss. I, Alexander H. Howell clerk
of the court of Oyer & Terminer held in & for the County of Ontario
and clerk of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing
are the original proceedings of said court in the matter
of the application of Roxey Pickard. I further
certify that Harry Smith is a Judge of Ontario County Courts
duly commissioned & qualified and that his signature above
written is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county this 22d
day of December 1845
Alexr. H. Howell Clerk

State of New York}
County of Ontario} Ss
John Hill of the
town of Bristol in said county and
Stephen Francis of the same place being 
severally sworn depose & say & each for
himself says, that they & each were
well acquainted with Israel Conant
& Sibil Conant the individuals spoken
of in the foregoing declaration of Roxey
Pickard, during their lifetime, that ["it" crossed through]
according to these & each of these deponents 
best recollection & belief the said
Page 16

said Israel Conant died the [crossed out: 17th day of] fourth day of April 1841. and the said Sibil Conant died the [crossed out: fourth] seventeenth day of February 1845. - that for several years previous to the said Israel & Sibil's death they resided in the town of Bristol and with the said Roxey Pickard.
These deponent's severally say that they & each have known the said Roxey Pickard for more than  seventeen years & have always known her as the daughter of the said Israel & Sibil Conant and believe her to be the daughter of the said Israel & Sibil - that she is the same person mentioned in the annexed record as Roxey Conant. And further say not.
John Hill
Stephen Francis

Subscribed & sworn to this 20 day of October 1845 Before me Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with [crossed out: John] the said John Hill& the said Stephen Francis - They are both persons of credibility and full confidance may be reposed in their statements above made -
Phineas Kent Justice
Page 17

Israel Conant Born August 15th 1764
Sibil Agard Born Sept 25th 1767
Poley Conant Born Novr 11th 1785
Rufus Conant Born Novr 8 1787
Campbell Conant Born Feby 5 1792
Roxey Conant Born May 11 1794
Charles Conant Born July 30 1798
Tuly Conant Born Feby 15 1801
Hosea Conant Born Feby 29 1804
Anor Conant Born March 11 1806
Wm. B. Conant Born July 17 1811
Sibel Conant died Febr 17th 1845
Israel Conant died April 4th 1841
[numbers, some overwritten:]
1831 - 0 - 13
1798 - 6 - 30
______________
32 - 6 - 13

[illegible]  1845
1790         1794
__________   ______
55                  17
[other figures illegible]
Page 18

State of New York
County of Ontario SS
Jonas Pickard of Bristol in said County being sworn doth depose & say that - was was married to Roxey Pickard in the year 1813 - that the annexed record is in the hand writing of Isreal Conant the person spoken of n the foregoing declaration of Roxey Pickard - this deponent was well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Isreal Conant - and knows that the annexed record was kept in the possession of the said Israel for more than twenty years previous to his death - This deponent further says that the two last entries in said record - viz those recording the death of the said
Page 19

Israel & Sibil Conant were made by this deponent - And further this deponent saith not.
Jonas Pickard

Subscribed & sworn this 20 day of October 1845 Before me -
Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jonas Pickard - He is a man of credibility and in my opinion full confidence may be reposed in his statement - Phineas Kent Justice
Page 20

15.992
Israel Conant
Genesee Co N York

admitted.
__________
9 mo. Private.

E G Spaulding
Attica
N.Y.
Page 21

War Department,
Pension Office,
183

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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the Service of Israel Conant

Period when the service was rendered. | 
----------------------------------------- |
Duration of the claimant's service. | 
-------------------------------------- |
Years. | Months. | Days. |
------ | --------- | ------ |
Rank of the claimant. | 
------------------------|
Names and rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | 
------------------------------------------- |
Names and rank of the General and Field officers. | 
------------------------------------------ |
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | 
------------------------------------------------ | Country through which he marched. |
---------------------------------------  |
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period |
---------------------------------------------- |
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. |
----------------------------------------- |
April 1781 | | 9 | | Private | Capt McClintock Lt [?] Scott Capt Bettler | Geo Washington Col. Brewer Col Goodrick |  | Wilbraham to Springfield to Red Hook & the [illegible] | 69 years Wilbraham Massa'ts. | [illegible] 2 Witnesses
[end table]
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 22

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 instance,
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 [left blank] day of [left blank] personally appeared (a) before [left blank] 
A.B. a resident (b) of [left blank] in the county of [left blank] and State, Territory or District
of [left blank] aged (c) [left blank] 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [left blank], with [left blank] and 
served in the [left blank] (e) regiment of the [left blank] 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 officer;) the
town or county and State in which he resided, when he en[t]ered 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 [left blank] 
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 [left blank] of the Court of [left blank] 
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of  
the application of [left blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [left blank] 
day of [left blank] &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 [left blank] and C.D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [left blank], who has 
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [left blank] 
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. [left blank] 
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [left blank] 
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [left blank] 
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [left blank] Clerk of the Court of [left blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [left blank] 
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
[left blank] of office, this [left blank] day of [left blank] &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 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
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 23

                          3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts state, I will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or if detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are ample 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 the 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 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 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 that 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. 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 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 doubt 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 a 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 surfaces 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 services, the title if 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 a 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 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 then the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:-For ——-year———months, and———-days, I served as a ————- for ————- months and —————— days, I served as a—————-, and for such service I claim a pension.”
    It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as 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 years in the militia & (illegible) 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] Ima 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 no declaration.
Page 24

State of New York, Otsego County, Cherry Valley, May 8th 1845.
Sir,
In the case of Sybil Conant, widow of Israel Conant, a late pensioner deceased, of Bristol, Ontario County N.Y. claiming a pension under the act of July 7th 1838. I would State in regard to the evidence on file & more particularly contained in the late certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, that there were two Israel Conants in the Revolutionary War. Father & son, but not serving in the same Regiment the Junior was not appended to the sons name. The widow Sybil Conant was wife of the younger Israel Conant, who served for nine months only; the fact of which service of his enlistment, absence & return was at the time notorious among his neighbors in the Town of Wilbraham, Mass.
It is probably that no documentary evidence can be obtained to substantiate the proof already on file in Your office. Be pleased to review that proof, & I hope you will allow the widow's claim.
In your Reply, please to state whether the heirs or legal representatives of a Revolutionary Soldier who served over two years & who died in the year 1834. pending his application for a Pension can apply for & obtain the Solders Pension.
Most Respectfully Yours,
Joseph W. Brackett

To the Commissioner of Pensions.}
Page 25

Rvy
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20922
Sybil Conant
Widow of 
Israel Conant
Prt Rev War
Act March 3d 43 & June 17th 44
Index: Vol A, Page 45 [last number illegible?]

{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 26

[left side:]
Payable to children, see endorsements

New York 19023
Sybil Conant, decd.
Widow of Israel Conant
Who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
And who died on the 23d April 1841
of Ontario Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain M. Clintock of the rgt. commanded by Col Brewster in the [text obscured] line for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 30 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21t day of May 1846 and sent to Hon. C. H. Carroll, House of Representatives

Total amount, $150.--

Act July 7, 1838.
& Resol. 23. Jan 1845.
Recorded by D, Brown, ---- Clerk
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 155

[right side:]
Payable to Polly Spalsbury, Sally Moffatt, Campbell Conant, Anor Parker, William Conant, & Roxey Richards, children of Sybil Conant, decd.
Page 27

11.315
Sybil Conant
N. Y.

Rejected
Sent to Joseph W. Brackett Nov 11th 1844
  "    to Hon J. E. Cary Feb 24, '45
  "    to J. W. Brackett May 12, 1845.
  "     L. M. Drury 16 Feby 46

Act July 7th '38
Page 28

Canandaigua Aug 7th '86 [?]

Hon. C. H. Carroll
Dear Sir,
I will thank you & transmit the enclosed paper to the Pensions Office.
I am Respectfully Yours
L. M. Drury.

I transmit herewith the papers [illegible] to Hon. L. M. Drury and will thank you to act on them at your earliest convenience, and deliver L. M. Drury Esqr. Canandaigua, N. Y. - and oblige
yours Respflly.
CHCarroll
Sept 12, 1846

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Page 29

State of New York, Otsego County,
Cherry Valley 29 August, 1844.
Sir,
Enclosed is the application fo Sybil Conant widow of Israel Conant, late a pensioner of the U.S. from Ontario County, in this state, now dead, for a Pension under the act of July 7, 1838.
She last year applied for a Pension under the act of March 3rd 1843. but the papers now enclosed were returned with directions to first establish her claim under the act first named.
Having fortunately for her found a living witness of her marriage, she is now enabled fully to substantiate her claim.
Most Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Joseph W. Brackett

To the Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington.
Page 30

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 6th, 1841.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Israel Conant, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, NY. Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars [crossed out: and Cents] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept.1839, to the 4th March 1840.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 31

[Postal stamp text:]
WASHINGTON CITY D.C.
FEB 17

Pension Office
L. M. Drury Esq
Canandaigua
N. Y.

[upside down on right:]
Letter of 
Comr. of Pensions
Feb. 17. 1846
Page 32

Pension Office,
February 17th. 1846.
Sir,
The service for 9 months, and the date of the marriage in the case of Sybil Conant dec'd widow of Israel Conant, is satisfactory. But before a certificate can be issued the certificate of the Court showing the day of Mrs. Conant's death, and also that of her husband, with the names of all her surviving children, must be produced. The certificate of the Physician, who attended Mrs. Conant, or that of the undertaker or minister who officiated at her funeral showing clearly the day of her death, should be provided and sent to this office.
I am Sir, respectfully,
Your obt. servt.
J L Edwards

L. M. Drury Esq.
Canandaigua 
N. Y.
Page 33

No. 11315
Sybil Conant
Widow of Israel 
[illegible]
act 7 July [?] 1838 and [illegible]
Resolution of 23rd January, 1845
[illegible] 9 mo pn
$30.00 per ann
From 4 March 1836  to 4 March 1841. Payable Polly Spalsbury, Sally Moffatt, Campbell Conant, Anor Parker, William Conant and Roxey Richards. only surviving children of Sybil Conant dec.

[illegible] act 3 March 1843 and 17 June 1844
$30.00 per ann
From 4 March 1843 to 17 Feby 1845 the day of her death, payable to the above children
Hon C. H. Carroll 
[illegible]
Page 34

Canandaigua Aug. 4th '46.

Sir,
Permit me to call your attention
to a mistake made by one of the
clerks ["of" crossed through] in the Pension Officer in writing
the name of one of the [illegible] in the Pension
certificates recently issued in the case
of Sybil Conant, widow of Israel Conant.
By reference to the papers on file
in this case, you will perceive that the 
name of the heir who made the application
is Roxey Pickard, & by reference
to the certificates issued & recorded by
a clerk in your office. You will percieve
that the name is written Roxey
Richards.
The Power of Attorney herewith
sent to you, was sent to the Pension
Agent at Albany along with the
Power of Attorney of the other heirs, &
the Agent refused to pay the money
to Roxey Pickard but allowed it to 
the others.
In the Power of Attorney given
by Roxey Pickard, she swears & the
Magistrate so certifies that she is the
identical person named in the Pension
certificates as Roxey Richards. She
Page 35

could not sign her name, Roxey Richards
because it is not her real name, nor could
the magistrate certify to any thing farther
than that Roxey Pickard was the identical
person named in the certificate as Roxey
Richards.
By the endorsements written in 
pencil upon the power of Attorney herewith
sent, you will perceive that the Pension Agent
refuses to pay the money to Roxey Pickard
The endorsement was written by the Pension
Agents or ["by some" crossed through] by one of the officers in the
Bank.
As the certificates issued have 
been surrendered & as the heirs have all
been paid except Roxey Pickard, whom
the Pension agent refuses to pay, I submit
therefore whether new certificates may not
be issued to her for the amount to which she
is entitled.
I regret to be obliged to trouble
you in this matter further, but the decision
of the Pension Agent leaves me no other
alternative.
I am very Respectfully,
Your Obt Servant,
L.M. Drury

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 36

Washington May 16. 1826 [?][1816?]
My Dear Sir -
I enclose herein some papers Forwarded to me by L. M. Drury connected with the application of Mrs. Sybil Conant, with a request to forward to you - when the claim is decided, I will thank you to inform me and I will forward such decision to Mr Drury -
Resplly yours
C. H. Carroll

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commr &c
Page 37

2079
June 20 '43
[cancellation stamp:]
Cherry Valley N.Y. J[illegible]
1 [illegible

N.Y.
Mar 3d 1843
Should be July 7 1838
Sybil Conant
Page 38

State of New York, Otsego County
Cherry Valley, June 16th 1843.
JL. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir
Inclosed are papers for obtaining the pension of Sybil Conant of Bristol, Ontario County in this State
Please to send the certificate to my Direction at Cherry Valley Otsego County N.Y. & oblige
Yours most Respectfully
Joseph W. Brackett
Page 39

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claims.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th July, 1838 & Joint Resolution of 23 Jan 1845 Sybil Conant, deceased, late of New York, widow of Israel Conant, who was a Private in the Revolution, was entitled to a pension at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum; and having died on the 23rd of April 1841, the amount due from the 4th of March 1836, to the 4th of March 1841, is payable to Polly Spalsbury, Sally Moffatt, Campbell Conant, Anor Parker, William Conant, and Rxey Richards, children of said Sybil Conant, deceased.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this - 21st - day of May, one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 40

State of New York, Otsego County,
Cherry Valley 14 Novr 1844
Sir,
On the 30th August, last past, I mailed to your direction the papers of Mrs. Sybil Conant widow of Israel Conant, deceased, of Bristol, Ontario County, N.Y. for a Pension under the act of 4 July, 1836. &the joint Resolution of 7 July, 1838. accompanied with her declaration & evidence of a former application under the act of 3 March 1843. which had been returned to me from your Office with direction to first substantiate her claim under the act first above named. together with more full proof of her marriage.
This has been complied with, & the proof complete in the said papers containing her declaration & the affidavit of others; & I now write to know why her certificate has not been sent to me.
Most Respectfully Yours
Joseph W. Brackett

Hon. J. L. Edwards }
Comr of Pensions. }
Page 41

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington,
D.C.
Page 42

Canandaigua N.Y. Nov. 29, 1845
Sir;
The declaration affidavits &c of Roxey Pickard are herewith transmitted. It is hoped that the family received & affidavit of Joshua Wells will furnish satisfactory evidence of the marriage of Israel & Sybil Conant & the birth of children previous to the year 1794. There is no person living who was a witness to the marriage ceremony nor is there any parish, church, or town record in existence nor any record of any description except the one attached to the declaration of Roxey Packard. They were married in the town of Dover in this State and no public records were kept in that town of marriages.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
L. M. Drury

To/ J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Page 43

Free

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Pension Office

[text written sideways:]
Dec 12 1840
[illegible]
M Evans

Hon F. Granger
H.R.
Page 44

House of Reps:
Dec: 11 1840
DearSir
Be pleased to direct one of your clerks to inform me as to the course to be pursued in 
careo [?] like those referred to in the enclosed.
With esteem
F. Granger

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comr. & C.
Page 45

House of Rep. Febry 15th /45
Hon J. L. Edwards Comr. of Pensions
Sir-
I enclose the Certificate of the Secretary of the ComnWealth of Massachusetts as to the Services of Israel Conant on the application of Sybil Conant his Widow for a pension under the acts of Congress allowing pensions to widows of Revolutionary Soldiers - this I suppose with the other papers on file in Your Office proving his services on his application - and those filed by his widow since, will be found sufficient to entitle her to a Certificate which you will please send me - Should there be any thing further Required you will please inform me what it is & all that will be Required to satisfy the department of her Right to a pension - and Oblige Yours Respectfully
J. E. Cary
Page 46

State of New York, Otsego County,
Cherry Valley 16th November, 1844.
Sir,
In relation to the various applications for a pension of Sybil Conant, widow of Israel Conant, late of the Town of Bristol, Ontario County, New York, deceased, I received on the 15th of the present month from the Pension office a letter the contents of which are inexplicable as compared with previous communications from your office on the same subject and with my action consequent thereon.
This inexplicable letter is as follows, to wit,
"Pension office, November 11th 1844.
Sir, The papers in the case of Sybil Conant, widow of Israel Conant, claiming a Pension under the act of July 7, 1838, have been examined & filed. This claim is barred by the act of April 30th 1844. but should it be under the acts of March 3rd 1843, & June 17th 1844, record or documentary evidence should be offered to establish the date of the marriage, & the certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts to prove the service which as Israel Conant alleges, was in the Massachusetts militia under Capt McClintock, Lieut. Scott, Captain Bittle, Col Brewer and Colonel Goodrich in 1781. for nine months in the State of New York. The Department has no knowledge of such a term of service. Perhaps the Town records may throw some light upon it.
I am vey respectfully Your Obt. Servant
J L Edwards.
Joseph M. Brackett Esqr }
Cherry Valley Otsego County New York }"

In the Year 1843 on the 16th Day of June, I
(over)
Page 47

mailed to your direction a Declaration of the said Sybil, accompanied
with proof, for a Pension under the act of 3d March, 1843
more than three months after mailing this declaration & proof, they
were returned with a letter of which the following is a copy, to wit
"Pension office, September 16. 1843
Sir,
The papers of Rhoda Thompson, widow of John Thompson
& Sybil Conant, widow of Israel Conant, are herewith returned, in order
that the claimants may first make application for Pensions under the act
of July 7. 1838. After they shall have substantiated their claims under
that law, it will be time enough for them to claim under the act of
March 3. 1843.
They must produce more satisfactory proof
than they have yet exhibited, to shew that they were married as is alleged.
I enclose a sheet containing rules of evidence under the act
of July 7. 1838
I am Respectfully your Obt. Servt.
Edwards
Joseph W. Brackett, Esqr Cherry Valley, New York."
On the 30th of August 1844, application was made under the
act of July 7, 1838 in accordance with the last copied letter, &
now come tidings that her claim under that act is barred by the
act of 30th April 1844".
Nor is this all of the inexplicability of the matter; there was
enclosed in your letter of Sept. 16th 1843. (above Copied) "a sheet
containing rules of evidence under the act of July 7. 1838."
which rules
say - In a case where the Town, County, parish, Church
or family records afford no proof as to the period when the marriage
took place, the fact must be established by the testimony of one or
more respectable persons, whose credibility must be certified by
the officer who may administer the oath."
The fact that no record proof of her marriage existed was proved
Page 48

in her last application, & the fact of her marriage & its date were
positively proved by an eye witness whose credibility was duly
certified to
Let your last letter of the 11th November, In
stant, promulgate a new rule for proving her marriage
viz: that "record or documentary evidence should be offered
to Establish the date of the marriage."
leaving no alterative
for proof in case none is found in the Town, County, parish,
Church or family records
The follows a most arbitrary requisition
to a point behind the record of Israel Conant's service, in which
there is no alleged deficiency in the record, requiring a certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts of Israel Conants service
in the Massachusetts Militia, &c. of which "the department has
no knowledge," but concerning which, "perhaps the
Town Records may throw some light."
The Town Records, truly!
The Town of Cherry Valley
perhaps - Perhaps the Town Records of the several Towns in Massachusetts, or elsewhere-- as the records may happen to be.
Should the claim of this poor, friendless widow
happen to "be urged under the act of March 3rd 1843
& June 17th 1844." then all these impediments must be
overcome; but should I fail to comply with the wishes
of the Hon. head of the Pension office of the United States, in all
of the above particulars, & perhaps, some others not yet made
known, then, perhaps it may be, that some intelligent,
skillful honest Government Agent will successfully prosecute her claim, & of the avails of her Pension take one
half to himself as a remuneration for his Diplomatic
act in surmounting objections which continually
Page 49

arise in obtaining such claims.
I have already fully substantiated her claim under the
act of July 7. 1838. according to your letter of
September 16th 1843. and I intend further to comply
if possible, with your exaction of the certificate of the
Secretary of Massachusetts in your subsequent letter.
What further I shall do to obtain her certificate
time will determine.
Most Respectfully Yours
Joseph W. Brackett

Hon. J.L. Edwards, }
Comr of Pensions, }
Page 50

11315
Sybil Conant
N.Y
Act 7th July 38
deeds Aug. 44
Reputed husband
died 23 April 41     ⎬

married before 1794
Declaration under the
act 3 March 1843
Dated 20 May 1843
widow died 17 July 1845
Page 51

Sybil Conant, widow
of Israel Conant, late
of Ontario County, New York
Deceased -
-
-
Pension Application
under act of July 7. 1838
Page 52

State of New York                     ⎬
Court of Common Pleas
in & for the County of Ontario ⎬ SS


On this twentieth day of August 
in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & forty four,
personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the
Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Ontario, in Said
State, Sybil Conant a resident of Bristol, in the said 
County of Ontario, aged Seventy Six years, who being 
first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath,
make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit 
of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 
7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain
Widows:"

That she is the Widow of Israel
Conant, who was a private in the Revolutionary  War
and who drew & received an annual pension 
of thirty Dollars up to the time of his death; that he
died on the 23rd day of April, 1841,-
She further declares that she was married to the said
Israel Conant on the sixth day of January in the year ┃
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty
five; that she was not married to him prior to his care
ing the service, but the marriage took place previous
to the first of January, Seventeen hundred & ninety four,
viz: at the time above stated, & that she has remained
a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear
by reference to the proof hereto annexed and
the marriage
Day & year above written, before) of
me in open Court
Alexr. H. Howell
Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas & of
the County of Ontario
Page 53

State of New York}
Ontario County}Ss. I Alexander H Howell Clerk of
said Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that on the
twentieth day of August, 1844, the above named
Sybil Conant personally appeared in open Court & made 
oath to the facts set forth in the above Declaration &
which the Said Court considered satisfactory evidence
of the facts above stated. In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand &
Seal of office this twentieth day
of August in the Eighteen hundred & forty
four. Alexr H Howell
Clerk of Ontario County
Page 54

State of New York}
Otsego County} Ss.
Be it remembered, that before
me Lovett Hoeg, a Justice of the Peace in & for
said County of Otsego, personally appeared Jacob Campbell
of the Town of Edmeston, in said County, to me
known to be a credible witness, who being first
duly sworn, deposes & says, that he the said deponent is aged eighty two years; that he
resides in the said Town of Edmeston, Otsego County
that he was well acquainted with Israel Conant
late a Revolutionary pensioner, now deceased, and his
widow Sybil Conant, previous to their marriages
that her maiden name was Sybil Agard,
that he was present & saw them married in
the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty five, at the Town
of Dover, Dutchess County, in the Said State of New
York, that the marriage ceremony, this deponent 
verily believes, was performed by Elder Waldo, now
deceased; that this deponent is a brotherinlaw of
said Israel Conant, Deceased.
Subscribed by making his mark and Sworn} Jacob his X mark Campbell.
before me this 2d day}
of August, 1844.}
Lovett Hoeg Justice.

State of New York}
County of Otsego Ss} I, George B. Wilson clerk of Said
County do hereby certify that Lovett Hoeg Esq before whom the above
affidavit purports to have been Sworn was on the date of the
same a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Elected
and Sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the
handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his name [illegible]
to the above jurat to be genuine Witness my hand officiated
This 3d day of August AD 1844
Geo. B. Wilson Clerk
Page 55

State of New York, }
Otsego County } Ss.
Be it remembered that on this 
twenty sixth day of August in the Year eighteen hundred
& forty four, before the undersigned a Justice of the
Peace in & for the County of Otsego, personally appeared
Isaac Woodward a resident of the Town of
Springfield in said county of Otsego, who, being
by me duly sworn, doth depose & say, that
he is aged eighty - years, & is well acquainted
with Sybil Conant, widow of Israel 
Conant, late a revolutionary Pensioner & resident
of the Town of Bristol, Ontario County, now
deceased, that said widow Sybil Conant now
resides in the said Town of Bristol, Ontario
county; That said Sybil Conant & Israel
Conant were married as it was then generally
understood & reported & believed by this deponent
& others, & as this deponent now verily believes,
in the month of January in the year Seventeen
hundred & eighty five, at the Town of Dover,
Dutchess County in said State of New York; & this deponent
has been well acquainted with Said
Sybil since that period last named; and also
with said Israel up to the time of his death, which
this deponent believes was on the 23rd day of
April, 1841. This deponent further States, that
Said Sybil Conant is now the widow of Said Israel
Conant, Deceased, & has remained a widow
 since his death as aforesaid.
And this deponent further States that Said widow in
the year, 1843, last past, made application for
her Pension under the act of Congress of March
3rd 1843, & which Said papers & application were
returned to said applicant with a letter from
the Commissioner of Pensions of which the following
is a copy - Pension office, September 18, 1843
Sir, The papers of Rhoda Thomson, widow of
Page 56

John Thompson, and Sybil Conant widow of
Israel Conant, are herewith returned, in
order that the Claimants may first make 
application for Pensions under the act of July 7,
1838. After they shall have substantiates their
claims under that law, it will be time enough
for them to claim under the act of March 3, 1843.
They must produce more satisfactory proof than 
they have yet exhibited to show that they
were married as alleged. I enclose a sheet
containing rules of evidence under the act of July 
7, 1838. I am respectfully,
Your obet. Servt.
J.L Edwards

Joseph W. Brackett, Esqr.
Cherry Valley, New York.
Which application is returned to the Pension office
accompanying this affidavit. that the delay
in making this Second application hereto annexed,
by said widow, has been caused through
a want of early information of the present knowledge
of Jacob Campbell, whose affidavit is
hereto annexed of the marriage of said Sybil
& Isreal Conant: & this deponent further says
that he well knows the Said Jacob Campbell
to be a person of good Moral character &
a credible witness.
Isaac Woodward

Sworn & Subscribed on the day }
& year first above written before }
me & I hereby certify that the said }
Isaac Woodward is a credible witness.

Char. McLean, Justice of the Peace
Page 57

                             
     State of New York
      Otsego County Clerk’s Office, ss.} I Geo. B. Wilson Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Chas. McLean, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit was on the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the said affidavit is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, the 29th day of August A. D. 1844 (signed) Geo. B. Wilson, (typed) clerk
Page 58

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
 ———————————————————
                     Secretary’s Office, Boston;
                      Febr. 6 1845
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Israel Conant is borne as a private from Palmer , upon a return of Capt. Silvanus Walker, Col. Danielson in the 8 months service of 1775 and upon a Coal Roll of the same company, dated Roxbury Oct. 31. 1775, (said Palmer being a town adjoining Wilbraham, and in 1752, appears to have been a district). The name of Israel Conant is borne as a private from Wilbraham, upon these several Rolls or lists, (illegible) Upon a descriptive list of men raised to serve nine months in the Continental Army, for the County of Hampshire, dated July 19, 1779, Upon a return, and upon a general list of the same, the last dated Day Oct. 19; his name is also borne upon a list “ the 9 month men,” as a private in Capt. Cooper’s Company in the 14th Regt, as having served from July 16, 1779 to April 16, 1780 and is further signed (illegible), dated Wilbraham, Aug. 11 1784,” on the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, for his pay for
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 Application for certificate of Revolutionary services, made by the widow of the party who rendered the service.
The secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of any husband, Israel Conant, in the war of the Revolution.
       The enlisted, as I have heard (illegible) believe from the Town of Wilbraham in the County of Hampen in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, in what year, in what capacity, in what Company, or Regiment, and under what Captain, I am unable from my own knowledge or recollection to state, as I believe to be true + according to my best information he served as a private in the Massachusetts Militia under Capt. McClintock, Lieut. Scott, Captain. Bittle, Col. Brewer and Col. Goodrich in the year 1781 in the state of New York.
I am now seventy six years old, + my memory does not enable me to state my husbands services more fully than above states How long he served I know not. That he served at all under those officers I derived by information from the War Department. Witness my hand, at Bristol Ontario County, New York, this fifth day of December, 1844.
Signed by said Sybil Conant
In my presence                            (Signed)
Phineas Kent.                       Sybil Conant
Justice of the Peace

Cherry Valley Otego County, N. Y. 
Sir; above is the application for a search in your office made in Persians of a (illegible paper torn) heretofore, on the 20th of Nov. last, mailed to me, for the service of Israel Conant, Decd as a private in the Revolution, for the benefit of his widow, Sybil Conant. 
To the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of     
Massachusetts        
                           Most respectfully  yours,
                    (Signed) Joseph W.Brackett
Page 60

this service. No one if the name is upon of any officers of the name Scott or Brewer, and there are no rolls of the other officers named in the annexed declaration. No other person of the name Israel Conant appears upon any if the records, besides the foregoing named individual. 
            (Illegible signature)
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date written above. 

(Signed) John G. Palfrey
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 61

State of New York 
County of Ontario 

                                 I Alexander H. Howell clerk of said county do hereby certify that Phineas Kent is a Justice of the Peace in + to said county duly elected + qualified that the term of his office commenced on first day of January eighteen hundred + forty five and will expire on the thirty first day of December eighteen hundred + forty eight and that his signature above is genuine.
    In witnessing thereof I have hereunto got my hand and affixed the seal of said county this twenty second day of November in the year eighteen hundred + forty five. (Signed) Alex. H. Howell, clerk
Page 62

State of New York
County of Ontario Ss
Joshua Welles of the
town of Canadice in said County, aged Seventy Eight
years being duly sworn doth depose & say that 
he was well acquainted with Israel Conant
& Sibil Conant during their life time - this
deponent states that he was well acquainted
with the said Israel Conant & Sibil Conant
for several years previous to the year seventeen
hundred & ninety four, and know that
they lived together in lawful wedlock and
had children previous to that time - that they
lived together as husband & wife from the
time of their marriage to the day of the death
of the said Israel Conant. This deponent states
that he has known the Roxey Pichard whose
maiden name was Roxey Conant ever since
she was a child - and that the said Roxey
has always been known & regarded as the daughter
of the said Sibil & Israel Conant - This deponent 
further states that he has known &
been acquainted with Rufus Conant Polly
Conant & Campbell Conant since they were
children & that they have always been known
& regarded as the children of the said Sibil
& Israel Conant, and that the said Rufus, Polly,
& Campbell Conant were born previous to
the first day of January seventeen hundred &
ninety four. And further says not
Subscribed & sworn    Joshua Wells
to the 27th day of Novr
1845 Before me,
Eli Hutchisson Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted
with the said Joshua Welles. He is a person
of credibility & in my opinion full reliance
may be reposed in his statement above made.
Canadia 27th Novr   Eli Hutchisson
1845
Page 63

Bristol Nov 28th     5.
N.Y.

L.M. Drury
Canandaigua

[crossed through on side "12.312
Page 64

State of New York
County of Ontario Ss
I, Alexander H. Howell
clerk of the County of Ontario do hereby certify
that Eli Hutchisson is a Justice of the Peace in
& for said County duly elected & qualified
that his term of office commenced on the
first - day of January eighteen hundred
and forty two and will expire on the thirty
first of December eighteen hundred & forty five and that
his signature within written is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said county this twenty ninth 
day of November in the year one
thousand eight hundred and forty five.

Alexr. H. Howell
Clerk.
Page 65

State of New York} Elnathan W. Simmons of
County of Ontario} the town of Bristol in
said County being duly
sworn deposes and says he is a practicing
Physician of the said town of Bristol and
in that capacity attended Sibil Conant, in
her last illness, that the said Sibil Conant
died February 17th 1845.
Subscribed and sworn to   E.W. Simmons M.D.
this 30h day of April 1846   & practicing Phy
Phineas Kent Justice of
the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted
with Elnathan W. Simmons the Subscriber to the above
affidavit. He is a person of credibility
Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace

State of New York}
County of Ontario} Stephen Francis of the town of Bristol in
said county being duly sworn deposes and says he was acquainted
with Israel Conant that he died April twenty third A.D. 1841.
and that the Sexton who was present and officiated
on the occasion is also dead.
Subscribed & Sworn to this
30th day of April 1846    Stephen Francis
Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Stephen
Francis the subscriber to the above affidavit, He is a 
person of credibility

Phineas Kent Justice of the Peace
Page 66

State of New York
Ontario County Clerks Office
I hereby certify that Phineas Kent Esquire before whom the within affidavit was subscribed and sworn was at the time the same purports to have been so subscribed and sworn a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected sworn and authorized to act as sch and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature to the within Certificate is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said County this fourth day of May AD 1846
Reuben Murray 
Deputy Clerk
Page 67

Sate of New York
County of Ontario js
Jonas Pickard of the town of Bristol in said county being sworn according to law doth depose & say. that he is the husband of Roxy Pickard, formerly Roxy Conant. that Israel Conant and Sybil Conant, the father & mother of the said Roxy, resided at the house of this deponent for several years previous to their death . and that they each died at this deponents residence. this deponent states that the said Israel Conant died on the twenty third day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one and that the said Sybil Conant died on the seventeenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred and forty five. This deponent further states that the said Israel & Sybil Conant left six children surviving them . whose names and places of resident , as far as this deponent can ascertain , are as follows. Polly Spalsbury, who resides in Watertown in said state - Sally Moffatt, who resides in the town of Brownsville . Jefferson county in said state Campbell Conant . who resides in the town of Attica in Wyoming County in said state, Ann Parker who also resides in the said town of Attica. William Conant of the town of Mendon Monroe County in said state - and Roxy Conant . this deponents wife who resides in the said town of Bristol. This deponent further states that the said Israel Conant for about five or six years previous to his death and the
Page 68

and said Sybil Conant for about eight or nine years previous to her death , both resided with this deponent & were entirely dependent for their support upon this deponent and this deponents wife, with the exception of what assistance was afforded by means of the pension the said Israel Conant received and property to the amount of about two hundred dollars. that the said Israel Conant had no other property and the said Sybil Conant had no property. nor did either of them receive any support or assistance whatever from any other of their said children. that previous to the time when the said Israel & the said Sybil Conant came to reside with this deponent, the said Israel had been a Justice of the Peace and that by means of that office and other kinds of business the said Israel had supported himself and wife without assistance from any of his said children. that about the time the said Israel & wife . came to reside with this deponent the said Israel became a cripple, and was unable to do any business, whatever, and that for about three years previous to his death he was entirely helpless, so that he was unable to walk and had to be carried to & from his bed . and that during all this time the said Israel Conant was taken care of and supported by this deponent & wife without any assistance whatever in any form from any other of his said children . or from any other
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person - that all the other children refused or were unable to contribute to the support of the said Israel Conant & wife . and two of them the said william Conant and Sally Moffatt declared , at one time, to this deponent and this deponents wife that they would not have the said Israel Conant live with them and be obliged to support him for the best farm in the town of Bristol. This deponent further states that the said Sybil Conant derived her support after the death of the said Israel entirely from this deponent & this deponents wife. that the said Sybil Conant frequently declared if the pension should be allowed to her, which she was making efforts to obtain, it should go to this deponent and & wife as some compensation for the care & trouble to which this deponent & wife had been subjected, in supporting her the said Sybil Conant. And further this deponent saith not -
Jonas Pickard
Subscribed and sworn to in open court this 4th day of May 1846. Before me. 
The words "and property to the amount of around two hundred dollars besides" and the words "or were unable" introduced before signing.
Subscribed Chester Loomis
Judge of Ontario County Courts
Page 70

State of New York  
County of Ontario ⎬  SS.
I Alexander H. Howell clerk of said county and clerk of the court of oyer & Terminer held in & for said county - the same being a court of Record. do hereby certify that at a court of oyer & Terminer held in & for said county on the fourth day of May 1846. it was proved by the adduction of Testimony [crossed out: satisfactory] to the satisfaction of said court, that Israel Conant. late of the town of Bristol in said county died on the twenty third day of April in the year eighteen hundred & forty one. and that Sybil Conant his wife died on the seventeenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred & forty five - and that the said Israel & Sybil Conant left six children surviving them, whose names are, Polly Spalsbury, Sally Moffatt Conant Campbell Conant . Anon Parker . William Conant. And Roxy [crossed out: Conant] Pickard . In testimony whereof I have here unto [crossed out: affixed] set my hand & affixed the seal of said court & county this fourth day of May in the year eighteen hundred & forty six. 
Alexr. H. Howell 
Clerk.