Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3496, Jonathan Fenton, Conn Sea Service
Page 1

[typewritten form with handwritten entries]

SERVICE
Conn Sea Service

Fenton, Jonathan
Rosalinda

NUMBER
R.3496

CONTENTS
Page 2

[handwritten]

State of Vermont}
Bennington County}
On this 1st day of November
1854 before me the subscribing authority
personally appeared Christopher W Fenton
a resident of Bennington in said County
+ State aged 48 years, who being duly sworn
made the following affidavit, - to wit -
That he is the son of Jonathan Fenton and his
wife Rosalinda Fenton- That he was born at  
Dorset in the state of Vermont in the year 
1806. -That his father the said Jonathan
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution 
from the state of Connecticut - That said Jonathan 
once made an application for a pension but
was not successful in obtaining it- That his
Father the said Jonathan died March 2nd 1831, and 
left a widow living, who is now living, and
she is the only wife his Father ever had, and
is the identical Rosalinda Fenton who was 
married to his father in 1792 now lives at
Alexander in the state of New York, and is
trying to obtain a pension for herself---
That he has lately sent to his mother for the
Family Bible - which has been in her possession.
+ which contains the Records of Marriages Deaths
etc. of the family - that it may be used in establishing 
her claim - That said Bible has just
Page 3

[handwritten]

been received from his mother by Express,
and is now forwarded to the pension office
That the record of Births+ marriages is in
his deceased Fathers handwriting, and that
no alterations or erasures have been made
in said record [checkmark over word] to his knowledge -
  That he has no interest in the claim 
of his mother for pension -
                    Christopher W Fenton [signature]
Sworn + subscribed before}
me the day and year first above mentioned
and I certify that Christopher W Fenton is
to me well known to be a respectable and 
reliable man, and his statement entitled 
to perfect credit - and that I have no
interest in the pension claim - - 
    John Cushman [sginature] Justice of the peace

I Tarrant Sibley Register of the Probate Court in
& For the District of Bennington Vermont do hereby
certify that John Cushman before whom the foregoing affidavit was executred, was & is a Justice 
of the peace, duly autorized by law to administer
oaths, and that his signature to the same is 
genuine. - I further certify that Christopher W
Fenton is to me well known, and is a perfectly
reliable man, a good citizen, and all of his
statements are entitled to the utmost credit,
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & affixed the seal of said Probate
Court this 3d day of November 1854. -
Page 4

[handwritten]

Know all men by these presentg that I 
Rosalinda Fenton widow of Jonathan 
who was a soldier in the War of the 
Revolution. do hereby constitute and 
appoint Henry E Robinson of the City 
of Washington my true and lawful 
attorney for me & in my name to 
prosecute my claim for a pension.  
Hereby revoking all former Powers 
of attorney, I do fully empower the 
said Robinson to examine all papers 
on file in the Pension office relating 
to my claim, and to take all of the 
steps necessary to secure the allowance 
of the pension.

Witness my hand & seal this 
15th day of August 1855.

In presence of}
Jno [checkmark] M, W, Herritt [signature]}  Rosalinda Fenton [signature]
[checkmark] O. T Fargo [signature]}
State of New York}
County of Genesee}
Be it known that before the subscriber 
duly authorized by law to administer oaths &c 
personally appeared Rosalinda Fenton above named 
and acknowledged the above Power of attorney 
to be her free act & deed -  Witness my hand 
this 15th day of August 1855.
M.W. Herritt [signature]
Justice of the Peace 
of Genesee Co
Page 5

[typewritten form with handwritten entries]

STATE OF NEW YORK
GENESEE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE} SS.

I CERTIFY, That M. W. Hewitt Esqr before 
whom the annexed Instrument in writing was proved or acknowledged, was, at the time of taking 
the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that 
I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate 
is genuine.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal, at 
Batavia, in said County, this 16th day of August 1855.
M. G. Soper [signature] Clerk



Rosalinda Fenton
NY
suspd
act Con


Filed Aug 25/55
by H E Robinson
Atty
Page 6

[handwritten]

F. E. Hassler
atty
Fenton case
Page 7

[handwritten]

State of New York}
Gennesee County ss.}

Be it known that on this 21st day of 
July AD 1854, before the subscribing authority personally came 
Rosalinda Fenton, a resident of Alexander, in said County and 
State aged 82 years, who being duly sworn made oath as follows. -
That she is the widow if Jonathan Fenton who was a soldier
in the Revolution in the State of Connecticut, and who
made an application for a pension several years since from Dorset Vermont, but for reasons not known to her was not successful & never received any pension. - That she has reason to believe herself entitled to a pension as his widow, and now makes this application for that purpose. That 
she cannot in consequence of forgetfulness, state many of the particulars of his enlistment & service, but would refer the 
Department of the Declaration made by her deceased husband 
at the time he applied as aforesaid. - That she was married 
to the said Johnathan at New Haven in the State of Connecticut 
on the 27th day of August 1792, and that he died 
at Alexander, aforesaid on the Second day of March 1851.
leaving herself a widow and Seven children living.
She further declares that she was not married to the said Fenton
 prior to his leaving the service but at the time aforesaid, and 
that she has never since married & is now his widow.

Rosalinda Fenton [signature]

Sworn and subscribed before me}
 in open Court the day & year first above mentioned. In witness 
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & attached the Seal of 
the County Court in & for said County & State.
Edgar C Dibble [signature] County Judge of 
Genesee County

[seal affixed]
Page 8

[handwritten]

State of New York}
Genessee County}
On this 22nd day of July before the subscribing 
authority personally appeared Orra Gardner 
a resident of Batavia aged Forty seven years.
who being duly sworn made oath that she was formerly a
resident of Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of
Vermont. That she was while there well acquainted with
Jonathan Fenton & Rosalinda his wife. that the said 
Jonathan was supposed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and once made application for a pension which he did not succeed in getting. That the said Jonathan & Rosalinda lived & cohabited together as husband & wife & were generally reputed to be husband & wife. - That the said Jonathan died in Alexander 
N.Y. in or about the Second day of March 1851 
leaving a widow the said Rosalinda and Seven children. 
That [after crossed out] before his death the said widow and the said Johathan moved to Alexander in 
Genessee County where she now resides, and that 
she is now well acquainted with her & knows her to be still a widow & the identical person who is now endeavoring 
to obtain a pension for herself. That she moved out of [Batavia crossed out] Vermont into thee state of New York nearly at the time of said widow, and from their 
having came from the same place has kept up the previous acquaintance - and that she has no interest in her claim whatsoever -
Orra Gardner [signature]
Sworn & subscribed before me}  Witness sign here
this 22nd day of July 1852 and I certify that the above named 
witness is a credible person and his statements entitled 
to credit
Edgar C Dibble [sginature] County Judge of the 
County of Genessee
Page 9

[handwritten]

State of Vermont
County of Bennington ss.}

On this 25th day of August in the year 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the same the
Probate Court for the Probate District of Manchester in the County 
of Bennington & State of Vermont, now sitting, Johnathan Fenton 
a Resident of the Town of Dorset in said County, aged sixty six years who being duly 
sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration 
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed 
June 7, 1832. - That he was born in the Town of Mansfield in 
the County of Windham & State of Connecticut, on the 18th day of 
July in the year 1766 & as he understands & verily believes, his birth 
& age were recorded in the Town Records of said Town of Mansfield, 
where he lived until sometime about the latter part of July or first 
of August AD 1781, when he went to reside with an Uncle at Newhaven 
in the County of Newhaven & said State of Connecticut.
That he entered the naval service of the United States under the following named Officers, & served as herein stated.
That sometime in the month of August & near the fore part thereof, agreeably to his present recollection & belief, in the year 1781, he enlisted 
at said New Haven as a volunteer into the naval service of the United 
States under the command of Capt Solomon Fenton, who had a Commission 
as Capt in the naval service against the enemy, from General Trumbull 
of said State of Connecticut, as he understood & believes & who then commanded
 a Row Galley with two Carriage Guard, one in the Bow & the other 
in the stern & ten swivels,, & two whale Boats- that he continued in the 
said service, & for the greater part of the time on board one of these said Boats 
principally stationed & residing in Long Island Sound, for the purpose of intercepting operating illicit trade with the British & a part of the time on land in watching 
the Cow Boys so called, & in detecting & preventing them from driving 
cattle & furnishing other supplies to the enemy for more than two years 
in constant & active service, & until the army were disbanded, as he
now thinks, in or about the fore part of November AD. 1783. when he was 
regularly discharged by parol & during which time, he believes, & he has 
heard Pierpont Edwards, & Abraham Bishop Esqr & as he thinks, also 
James Hilhouse Esqr all of said Newhaven say, that the said Boats 
did more business, & was of more benefit on the Coast, than all the other 
Boats which were commissioned on the Coast during the same time in the revolutionary 
war- that previous to which service, the said Solomon Fenton, as he understood 
& verily believes, served as Lieut in the Continental army & in the line
Page 10

[handwritten]

of the State of Connecticut, for the Term of three years, & in the Company commanded 
by Capt John Shumway- that these were on board of the said Boats under the 
command of the said Capt. Solo. Fenton, besides him, as Volunteers, Majr
Leavenworth, & Capt Jos. Mansfield, both of whom had served in the Continental 
army, & had resigned, & a Capt. Plymat, a former Sea Capt, all of whom served for 
a part of said times, also Nathan Fenton, Jos Mansfield Lieut. John Wise, & Wm 
Robinson & some others whom he can now name, besides other whose names 
he has forgotten- that during the foregoing term of service, he with others captured 
a British Boat from Long Island with a British Agent on board, which 
they carried into Newhaven-they took a vessel loaded with Beef and the command 
of Capt Morris of Easthaven, from under the mouths of the Cannon of a British 
Privateer, lying off the harbour of Newhaven, & brought her also in- they also captured 
a Boat commanded by Capt. Dayton, which was commissioned, but was trading
with the British- they also took a Boat there loading for the British, commanded 
by Capt Mattoon- they also took a Boat on East Shore, which had just come in 
from Long Island , the Capt. of which belonged on Connecticut River- also detected 
& apprehended a man of the name of Freeman at his own house, who had aided 
& assisted the British in capturing our Vessels & Boats- also one other man of the 
name of Grannis, residing about one & an half miles from Newhaven, at his own 
house, who had in like manner aided & assisted the British in taking our Vessels 
from our harbour- both of whom were taken after severe conflicts & much defiance
- that they gave chase to a Schooner from Norwalk, which was loaded for the British 
at New York, but were out off by a British Privateer, who ran them onto the rocks 
where they were nearly being castaway & finishing- that on their return they took 
a Whale Boat, not far from Black Rock, in Long Island Sound- that in many other similar 
interpassages both by water & land they were equally perservering & successful, 
in detecting, capturing & intercepting Goods, Cattle, & other supplies for the British
- that in some instance he alone about midnight, discovered about 1000 
Dollars worth of British Goods, about being conveyed from Newhaven, of which he gave 
information & they were seized & sold, but he received no part of the avails thereof, except 
two Crowns- that his father also Jona Fenton Senr was for a long time in the 
service of the United States during the revolutionary war, was in the Battle at 
Bunker Hill, was on two Tours of duty at New London- enlisted in the Company 
of Continental troops, in the Connecticut line commanded by Capt John Shumway, 
& was three years in the Continental service as an Armorer, - & in various 
ways underwent severe hardships, sufferings & sacrifices of property, but died 
before the passing of the first Pension Act, that after the close of the revolutionary 
War, he this Applicant returned to said Newhaven, where he resided 
until in or about the month of May AD. 1788, when he removed to New Milford
in the County of Litchfield, in said State of Connecticut, where he lived until in 
or about the month of April AD 1788. when he removed to Walpole in the County 
of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire - & from thence in or about the month of April 
or May AD. 1791. he returned to said Newhaven, & from thence on or about the 
latter part of March AD. 1793. he removed to Boston in the State of Massachusetts 
& from thence once more in or about the month of May AD. 17960 to said Walpole- & from 
thence in or about the month of March AD. 179.8 to Winterbury in the County of 
Hartford in said State of Connecticut- & from thence in the fore part of April
Page 11

[handwritten]

AD. 1801. according to his best present recollection, to said Town of Dorset, where 
he had ever since resided. that he has no documentary evidence to support 
his said claims, & he knows of no living Witnesses whatever whom 
he can nor produce to prove his sd services or any part thereof, that the 
nearest & only Clergyman now residing in the East part of said Town 
of Dorset, where he at present lives, is the Revd John Whitehorn, by whom 
& also by another respectable neighbor Mr. Benedict Eggleston, who also 
resides in the same part of said Dorset, & who is now on the pension Roll 
of the U.S., & whom he has here produced, he expects to be able to show his respectable 
standing in Society, & also the general understanding & belief amongst 
his neighbors as to his said Services - He hereby relinquishes every claim 
whatever, to a pension except the present, & declares that his name is not 
on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.

Jona Fenton [signature]

Sworn to, & subscribed the day & year aforesaid by & before

Myron Clark [signature] Judge of Probate Ct

We John Whitehorn Clergyman residing in the Town of 
Dorset in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont, & Benedict 
Eggleston of the same Dorset, hereby certify that we are well acquainted 
with Jonathan Fenton, who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration 
- that we believe him to be sixty six years of age, that he is respected 
& believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier 
of the Revolution, in the naval service of the U.S., & that we concur in that opinion.

John Whitehorn [signature]
Benedict Eggleston [signature]

Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid by & before

Myron Clark [signature] Judge of Probate Ct

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the 
investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed 
by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary 
Soldier, & served as he states - And the Court further certifies that 
it appears to them that John Whitehorn who has signed the passed 
Certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Dorset in said 
County of Bennington, & that Benedict Eggleston, who has also signed 
the same, is a Resident in the same place, & is a credible person, & 
that their statement is entitled to credit. Certified by me.

Myron Clark [signature] Judge of Probate Court
Page 12

[handwritten]

I Henry Robinson Register of the Court of Probate 
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains 
the original proceedings in the matter of the 
application of Jonathan Fenton for a Pension -

[seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand & have affixed the seal 
of our said Probate Court, at Manchester, 
this 25th day of August 
A.D. 1832 - & of the Independence 
of the United States the 57th ~
Henry Robinson [signature] Register

No 2551
Jona Fenton
Vermont

[illegible, possibly short hand]
Page 13

[typewritten with handwritten notations]

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MSC/eel
arm

June 19, 1[9 crossed out] 929

Mrs. A. R. Canhaw
913 Prospect Place
Port Huron, Michigan

Sir:

I advise your from the papers in the Revolutionary 
War pension claim, R. 3496, it appears that Jonathan Fenton 
was born in July 18, 1766, in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut,
and was the son of Jonathan.

He alleged that while living in New Haven, New Haven 
County, Connecticut, he enlisted in August, 1781, and 
served until early in November, 1783, in the Connecticut 
sea service and was on a row galley under the command of 
Captain Solomon Fenton; he was engaged in intercepting 
illicit trade with the British.

In 1780, he moved to New Milford, Litchfield County, 
Connecticut, in 1788, moved to Walpole, Cheshire County, 
New Hampshire, in 1791, he returned to New Haven, in 1793, 
he moved to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1796, he moved to 
Walpole, in 1798, he moved to Wintonbury, Hartford County, 
Connecticut, in 1801, he moved to Dorset, Bennington 
County, Vermont.
Page 14

[typewritten]

He applied for pension August 25, 1832, at which time 
he was living in Dorset, Vermont. His claim was not allowed 
as he failed to prove that the service he rendered 
was in a military capacity, which was the requirement of the 
pension law.

He married August 27, 1792, at New Haven, Connecticut, 
Rosalinda, her maiden name not given.

He died March 2, 1851, at Alexander, Genesee County,
New York, and was survived by his widow, Rosalinda and 
seven children.

Christopher W. Fenton, who was born at Dorset, Vermont, 
in 1806, and was living at Bennington, Vermont, in 1854, is
the only child's name that is given. Said Rosalinda was 
living in Alexander, New York, in 1854, and was eighty-two 
years of age.

Respectfully,

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner
Page 15

[handwritten]

Jonathan Fenton
Vermont
____________
Suspended
[Ditto 1 July 1834 crossed out]
ag [4 Dec " crossed out]
Samuel Swift
[Serenus Swift 4 Jany 1835 crossed out] [checkmark]
[1st Claimant 10 Decemb 1835 crossed out]
[same 31 decemb 35 crossed out]


No 15212
Rosalinda Fenton
dec'd widow of Jonathan 
Conn.
F.E. Hapler 4 Sept 1854
same Nov 11 1852
S. Swift July 23d, 1857
Page 16

[handwritten]

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Nith Rible
free
Page 17

[typewritten form with handwritten entries]

3496.
P.O.
Rosalinda Fenton
Service:

[REJECTED stamp]
Enlisted:                         , 18
Discharged:                    , 18

Application filed:                     , 18

Alleges: List of 1852 gives following 
reason for suspension, "In a 
corps which was merely always 
ready for service but never 
called out."

Re-enlisted:

Attorney:
P.O.


------- Recognized.   ---------- Contract.
------- Cert. of Dis.  Searched for ----------, 18
Page 18

[handwritten]

Rec'd 11 Dec 1833
add evidence for
Jonathan Fenton of Vermt

[vertical text (left to right)]

Saml Swift
In the case of Jona Fenton 
of Vt.

[written opposite direction of above vertical text]
The Hon. James L. Edward
Com of Pensions
Washington
D. C.


Jon'a Fenton
Vermt
Page 19

[handwritten]

Manchester Dec 7th 1833

To the Hon. J. L. Edwards, &c

Hond. Sir, you will perceive by the 
enclosed Certificate, which Mr. Jona Fenton has procured 
from
the Comptrollers Office in the State of Connecticut 
that there has been no Return of the names of the Officers &
men who served on board of the armed Boats in L.I. Sound under 
the authority & Comm of that State, during the revolutionary war, 
pensioned in that Office. Mr Fenton also, at the same time,
sent to the western part of the State of N. York, to a place to which 
his Uncle Solo Fenton, under whom he served, formerly
removed, for the purpose of procuring his testimony, to his services &c 
but he has been informed in return, that his uncle had four or
five years since removed from there, to a place still further west, 
he has since sent again to the place, to which it was said he had 
removed, & if he still remains alive, will probably be able to
procure & forward his Affidavit to prove his services if required.

Respectfully I am Hond, Sir, yours &c

S Swift
Page 20

[handwritten]

Comptrollers Office

I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public 
Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify 
that by a carefull examination I have not 
been able to find any account of military 
services rendered, during the Revolutionary 
War, by Solomon Fenton, either as soldier or 
officer; or any account of any boat that he 
commanded.

Frequent mention is made of armed 
boats, in the journal of the Council of Safety, 
& the names of their commanders are omitted.

E Phelps [signature]
Page 21

[handwritten]

Vt. Mar 9
Jonathan Fenton
Vt - Free
Hon. J.L. Edwards Pension Office
Washinton city

[Mar 9 on left margin]


East Dorset}
V Lelluh 3} Washington City

act 7 June 1832
Page 22


East Dorset February 27th 1835
to the honorable J L Edwards Esquire
Sir, I seek a desire that you would examin[e] my papers once
more with car[e]fullness. I in the first place sent on my
declaration not noing [knowing] of any evidence, and afterwards
the comptrollers office in Connecticut. then I obtained
evidence of boats being fitted out by the State but not one
Commander named. I will ask if their was boats fitted out
by the state. it is likely they had commanders and as likely that
Solomon Fenton was Captain of one as any other man.
this with [illegible] [illegible]had [illegible] me. I [illegible] gave me
to believe I had don[e] every thing the act required, but this did not answer. I then took considerable pains to find further
evidence and found the only one living that was out with me. he gived [sic] in evidence that it was on States Service and that Captain
Solomon Fenton was the commander of a rogally [row galley] and 
that I actually did these servises, I do not know that I can gain further evidence, but if I could have the voice of the dead
It would be a clear Business. I will deta[I]n you a few 
moments with the true voice of an old Soldier. my father 
Jonathon Fenton was a staunch Whig of 76. he was out at
Bunker Hill and Several towers [tours] at New London. He then
enlisted as an armouror for three years belonging to the
Connecticut line. he served his time out and came home out of health and spent the best of his days in the servis [sic] of his
country. he died a short time before the first Pension act
Without reward. He left a widow, my Mother that I had to maintain for fourteen years and Died of the age of 99 and being poor it [illegible] had be[e]n a heavy burdin [sic] had it not been for parental feeling, but no reward from government for a 
poor widow. I feel that I am richly deserving a reward
for services I have don[e] for my country but I have this consolation that I have done my duty. I had fought a good fite [fight] and am entitled to a reward. For I know we saved thousands from the British threw [through] our exertions while others were wrong and assisting them. I wish this to be taken
Page 23

into further consideration and if consistent with law and equity to alow [allow] the old soldier something that will eas [ease] the few day he has to stay on this earth and not forgetting General  Washington’s advice not to forget this old soldier. Your humble servant.  Jonathan Fenton

NB [note well]: after wrighting [sic] the above I have conversed with Serenos Swift Esquire.  he informs me that the last returns he had from you stated that I was not in actual service but staid [stayed] in readiness. I think this must be a mistake as it does not agree with former veterans, it is my humble wish that you would look over all my papers once more, I do affirm by the honor of a man, that I did these services named in my declaration and that it was on States Service, I have this day received a letter from one of Captain Solomon Fenton sons informing me that his fathers commition [commission] of that [illegible] together with his Lieutenants commition in the continental service was sent to the war office in order to obtain a pension. I think you will find it there at the Service office.  He had a claim on the first act for services [illegible] in the continental army as lieutenant and belonging to the Connecticut line and has given returns to Serenos Swift Esquire Manchester Vermont this man I have emploid [employed]  and think he has done all business fare [fair] and honest. your attention to this will oblige your humble servant Jonathan Fenton
Honorable J. L Edwards
Page 24

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield} ss. Court of Probate within and for the District of Sharon

At a Court of Probate holden at Canaan within and for the District of Sharon on the 16th day of October AD 1834. Present William M Burrall Esq, Judge. On this 16th day of October AD 1834 personally appeared Joseph Mansfield of said Canaan in the District aforesaid in open Court, before the Court of Probate within and for said District of Sharon, the same being a Court of Record, and now sitting and the said Joseph Mansfield being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following deposition viz. I Joseph Mansfield of Canaan in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut testify and say that I was born and resided in the Town of New Haven in the County of New Haven and State of aforesaid, and continued to reside there, untill after the [unk] of the Revolutionary War, and on the first of July AD 1781 I enlisted into a company of troops raised by the State of Connecticut for the protection of the City of New London, and the Seacoast adjacent, said Company was commanded by my father Joseph Mansfield since demand, as Captain and Solomon Fenton as Lieutenant, and Nathan Fenton as Ensign, and the said Solomon Fenton had also the command of a Row Galley & several whale boats as Captain and I continued in the service untill the first of January AD 1782 at which time my Father Joseph Mansfield resigned and the said Solomon Fenton was appointed Captain of said company and who continued to command said Row Galley, and boats, and I remained in the service in said Company untill the first week in May 1782 when I was discharged. And I the said Joseph Mansfield further testify and say that during the whole of my services as aforesaid and at the time of my discharge, as above stated
Page 25

Mr Jonathan Fenton now of Dorset in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, and who is now present at the taking of this Deposition, was a member of said company, and served as a private, but the said Jonathan Fenton served most of the time on board of said Row Galley and Whale Boats, and I well recollect that said Jonathan Fenton was performed the services I have before stated, as I was well acquainted with him, and I also well remember that he continued in the service aforesaid untill I was discharges in May 1782.

Joseph Mansfield

Sworn to and subscribed the day and date first mentioned. Before me

William M Burrall Judge of Probate

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Mansfield the abovenamed Deponent, and that he is a credible witness, and a man of good character for honesty and integrity.

William M Burrall Judge of Probate

I William P Burrall clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the district of Sharon do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Jonathan Fenton for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 16th day of October AD 1834.

Wm P Burrall Clerk
Page 26

jona Fenton
Vt
additional
Page 27

I Richard L Fenton of Dorset in the county of Bennington and State of Vermont of lawful age depose testify and say that I was knowing to Jonathan Fenton receiving a letter from Captain Solomon Fenton dated 1817 which made mention of services done by the said Jonathan under him. And I further say that in the fall of 1816 or 1817 I stayed at the house of Captain Solomon Fenton over night, who then lived in the town of Unadilla in the State of New York and in conversation with him at that time he stated several circumstances relative to the services of Jonathan Fenton under him in the Revolution. I further say that I have frequently during twenty years past heard Jonathan Fenton speak of services done by him and also related circumstances and events that took place in the revolution and I fully believe those services were done by him. And further I say not.

Richard L Fenton

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss.} Dorset January 30th 1834

Then personally appeared Richard L Fenton and made oath to the foregoing affidavit in due form. Before me

Benjamin Ames Justice of the Peace
Page 28

I hereby certify that I have for more than twenty years past been acquainted with Richard L Fenton and I consider him a man whose character stands as fair, for truth and veracity as any man in our community.

Benjamin Amos Just Peace

State of Vermont

I Henry Robinson Clerk of Bennington County Court do hereby certify that Benjamin Amos Esq whose signature appears to the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County aforesd, duly qualified by Law to act as such, & that his signature I believe to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & have affixed the seal of our said Court at Bennington this 7th day of Feby AD 1834 & of the Independence of the United States the 58th.

Henry Robinson Clerk
Bennington County Court
Page 29

East Dorset
Vermont March 23
March 30
Vermont

Free
Honorable J. L. Edwards Commissioner of  Pensions
War office
Washington City
Page 30

East Dorset March 23rd 1835
Sir 
I Received your Letter of the 10th of the present month where in thier [sic] appears to be doughts [doubts] in your mind as to my actual servis[c]es, knowing my clame [sic] to be Just and honest I will try to explane [sic] to you further as to the business.  I say I was at that time on my gard [sic] as Mansfield has stated but not under Solomon Fenton as commander , he never was commander of that gard [sic] but Captain of a rogally[row galley] and two whale boats and had no connection with those gards [sic] after he had the command of the gally [galley] nathan did I understand by Mansfields depos[ition] that he was Captain of a cost [coast] gard [guard] but Captain of a gall[e]y and that I was actively on servis [sic] under him, by night and day and more constant than any continental soljer [soldier] and more hardships and alarms I went threw [sic].  be so good as to look at his Commition [sic] which his son informs me was sent to the war office together with his other commitions in order to obtain a pension on the first act for pensions as he has a Lieutenants commition in the Continental line.  I do not lik[e] to giv[e] up so fare and honest a clame nether do I wish you to think us so depraved as to trifle with oaths and honor because thier has been frauds in a neighboring county. their appears to be no scruples among my friends and acquaintences  as to my clame, and as for my being in readiness to serve is entire mistake. I do not Doug[b]t but you ame [aim] at wright but you are diserved [disserved] probably by blunder in making out papers. I wish you to take it into consideration and if a balance in my favor it will oblige. Your humble servant 
Jonathan Fenton  
Honorable J.L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Joseph Mansfield [illegible] says state troops coast guard
Page 31

a few lines more I do not see whi I should be cast of
becase I served on gard before I serve on board a rogally
as Maryfield has stated and likewise in my declaration that
I served part for the time on land in States serves as appears
by a coppy or memorandom I handed to Esq Swift, you say their was both
attest to these gards it is poroable l that anm
small both might 
be, but to my knowledge, but if that was the case I will dify
any proof that a rogally had any connection or conserne with
coast gards it was actuly navel severs and under order from
the gov of the State, and their was commitions whale boats
likewise that had no consarn with gards, Manyfield States
that Solomon Denton was Leut under his father of gard this
was before he had his commition of the jolly for he had
nothing to do with said gards afterwards, if their has ben any
diferant Statements [illegible] Manifeld and my self it ment be
ing to making out paper for he and I agreed in every [illegible]
in conversation
yours with great respect
J. Fenton

Hon J L Edwards
Page 32

Samuel Swift
July 1st 1834
O.C.



Red. Vol 20 p. 456
Page 33

Department of War
Pension Office
July 1st 1834

Sir

As no evidence has been added within to prove the same of Jona Fenton, or of Solo Fenton, with whom he alleges to have served, no favorable decision can be made on his case; his papers are therefore placed on file.

I am respectfully

Saml Swift Esq
Manchester
Vt.
Page 34

(top left corner written vertically)
Vt Jan 5th 

(top right corner)
Free

Manchester Vt
Dec 30, 1834

The Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 35

Manchester Dec. 29, 1834
To the Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Hon. Sir, I enclose to you the
supplementary Declaration of Bartimus Howell, intended to explain his original Declaration in the particular service referred to in your late communication. Insuring to the minutes of his former statement from which his Declaration was framed, I find that he did not represent his enlistment record to as having been for the years for which he served, & if it is so stated, it was by a mistake of my own entirely, & I now recollect that he made a verbal statement somewhat similar to the one he has made in his supplementary Declaration. Mr. H. is quite aged & very infirm,& without is very poor, & wholly unable to make journeys to search for testimony, & says that he knows of no one alive whom he can address with a prospect of gaining information, or procuring assistance to furnish the requisite proof of his identity & service.
As to the Case of Jon. Fenton, relative to which I have also rcd. a late communication, he says that he knows not that he shall be able to obtain any more definite proof as to the service for which he claims being recognized by the State of Connecticut beyond what he has heretofore proved & forwarded, except the [illegible] mission of his [illegible] Capt. Mansfield under whom he served. which he tells me he has some prospect of being able to get possession of having some information where his papers were lodged [illegible] to his awards. but Mr. F says that he is confident that the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, as well as the Affidavit of Joseph Mansfield, both heretofore [illegible]. have
Page 36

kind of service, referred to & which he participated, was not only recognized but paid by the Authorities of the State of Connecticut as military & defensive of the County in the Revolutionary War. I should be very thankful to be informed as to what kind of proof further in his power to obtain would be satisfactory as to that point.
Very respectfully , I have the honor to be 
Hon. Sir; Yours [illegible]
Serenus Swift
Page 37

Saml Swift
Dec 4 1834
Page 38

Department of War
PensionOffice
Dec 4 1834

Sir

I have examined the affidavit of Joseph Mansfield which has been presented to this Office for the purpose of establishing the claim of Jona Fenton but do not find the evidence satisfactory,
That a service somewhat similar to that described by the witness was performed, there can be no doubt, but as no evidence in support of the alleged service is found among the archives in the office of the Comptroller of public account, it seems, conclusion that the service was not recognized by the State as military service.
The coast guards established in Connt did not continue so late in the war as the service of the claimant is alleged to have been performed. The paper will remain on file.

Saml Swift Esq
Bennington
Vt.
Page 39

Mr Jonathan Fenton
March 31, 1825



Recorded Vol 37 p. 78
Page 40

War Dept
P,C,
March 31 1835

Sir

Your letter has been received, as your statement is not borne out by the testimony of Joseph Mansfield, not the certificate of the Comptroller of Public Accounts with regard to the naval service, it is impossible to recognize your claim to any allowance under the act of 1832. I refer you for a detail of the reason on which you claim is rejected to my former letters.

Mr Jonathan Fenton
Care of S. Smith Esq
Manchester
Vt.
Page 41

Hon. Hiland Hall
Apl 8 1836
O.C.
Page 42

War Dept
Pension Off
Apl 36

Sir

In addition to my letter to Jonathan Fenton of 10 March '35 a copy of which is herewith enclosed, I have the honor to states that the commissions of Solomon Fenton referred to by the claimant were in the Connl. Line as a 1st & 2nd Lieut in Webbs regt. Solomon Fenton in his declaration made no allusion to any service as Capt of a Galley, or of Coast Guards. The absence of any entry on the pay table of the service of Capt Fenton is conclusive that it was not a military service authorized & paid for by County.

Hon. Hiland Hall
Ho Reps
Page 43

Revolutionary
Power of Atty of
Rosalinda Fenton
New York

F. E. Hassler
Nov 30, 1852
Page 44

STATE OF NEW YORK
GENESEE COUNTY, SS.

BE IT KNOWN, That on this sixteenth day of November 1852, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Rosalinda Fenton a resident of Alexander in said County, and made oath according to law, that she is the widow if Jonathan Fenton formerly of Dorset in the State of Vermont, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for a pension, that she was married to the said Jonathan in the year 1792, that she believes him to have been entitled to a pension and that she is directly interested as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose of obtaining such sum of arrears of pensions as may be due under any of the laws, regulations, or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said affidavit further declares that she hereby constitutes and appoints Genl Henry Robinson of Bennington &c to be her Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of substitution, to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and lawful in the premises, except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for.

Rosalinda Fenton

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me.

H B Houghton Justice of the Peace

I further certify that Rosalinda Fenton above named is a respectable resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim, and acknowledge the above power of 
Attorney to be to act and deed.

H B Houghton Justice of the Peace
Page 45

T. S. Robinson
Bennt County Vt.

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss.}

In pursuance of the authority given me by the within power of Attorney, I hereby constitute & appoint F. E. Hassler Esq of Washington City, my substitute to act for me & in my name & stead as such Attorney & to perform all the acts & things in the premises as though personally present.

Given under my hand at Bennington in said County this 24th day of November AD 1852.

Henry Robinson

Witness Thos S Robinson
Page 46

STATE OF NEW-YORK
Genesee County Clerk's Office, } ss.

I CERTIFY, that H. P. Houghton Esq before whom the annexed Instruments in writing was proved or acknowledged, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine, and that the annexed Declarant is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.

IN WITNESS WHEEOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal, at Batavia, in said County, this 17th day of Nov 1852.

Geo H Holden Dep Clerk
Page 47

Jonathan Fenton March 10, 1835

War Department
PO
March 10th 1835

Sir

Your papers have been again examined agreeably to your request. The witness whom you refer Joseph Mansfield contradicts your statements in this essential particular. You allege that you belonged to the naval service and served under Captain Fenton who held the rank of Captain in the naval service under Governor Trumbull, while Mr Mansfield states that you served in the coast guards of Connecticut stationed at New Haven originally under Captain Mansfield who was succeeded by Captain Fenton in that command.
If Captain Fenton ever commanded a company of coast guards in permanent service, his pay rolls would have been charged on the books of the pay-table. The certificate of the Comptroller being that no such officer was in service is conclusive that this was mere readiness to serve, and not actual
Page 48

actual service, authorized and paid for by the State of Connecticut.
Boats were undoubtedly attached to the several stations of the coast guards as stated by the Comptroller, but they were manned and officered by their [illegible], and if Captain Fenton was in actual service, it must have been herein as has been heretofore repeatedly stated.

Your claim like all others must rest upon general principles. Many claimants have deceived themselves, and this Department is supposing that readiness to serve and occasionally being called out on alarms constitute actual service within the law. But it is only service in field as is distinctly specified and supported that can be recognized. The view taken in my letter of the 9th January to L. Smith Esquire is strengthened a more critical investigation of your claim.

Mr Jonathan Fenton
care of Serenus Swift Esquire
Manchester
Vermont
Page 49

15212
Revolutionary
additional evidence
claim of 
Rosalinda Fenton
widow of 
Jonathan Fenton
Vt. susp, act 1832

Filed Aug 25th 1834
F. E. Hassler
Wasington
Page 50

State of New York
Genesee County Surrogates Court}

It is hereby certified that evidence of a satisfactory nature has been laid before this Court that Rosalinda Fenton who is now a resident of Alexander in said county & state, is the identical widow of Jonathan Fenton deceased formerly of Dorset Vermont & he was a Revolutionary soldier. It is further certified that the affidavits of Orra Gardner and Hiram Gardner were taken before the authority thereto subscribed, and the signatures attached are those of a competent authority to administer oaths & are genuine in and it is still further certified that the makers of the said affidavits are persons of veracity & reliable in their statements.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 22d day of July 1854, and attached the seal of the Surrogates Court of the County of Genesee aforesaid.

Edgar C Dibble County Judge and acting Surrogate of the County of Genesee
Page 51

State of New York
Genesee County}

On this 22d day of July 1854, the subscribing authority personally appeared Hiram Gardner a resident of Baldwin in said County & State, aged forty four years, his being duly sworn made oath as follows: That in 1832 to 1833, he was a resident of Dorset in Bennington County, Vermont, and during that time he was acquainted with Jonathan Fenton & Rosalinda Fenton, a couple who lived near him in the said town of Dorset. That said couple lived together as husband and wife, and were very respectable persons & generally reputed & esteemed to be husband & wife. That said Jonathan was formerly a soldier in the Revolution as he had always understood and believed from the State of Connecticut, and that the said Jonathan died at Alexander in the Cornty of Genesee New York on or about the second day of March 1851, leaving the said Rosalinda Fenton a widow, and seven children living. That sometime before her husbands death the said widow moved out to Alexander in Genesee Co New York, where she now resides, and is still well known to this witness. That she is still a widow & is the identical person who is now trying to get a pension for herself and that he has no interest in her claim whatsoever.

Hiram Gardner

Sworn & subscribed the day & year first above mentioned before me and I certify that the above affiant is a person of credibility & reliability and that I have no interest the widows claim.

Edgar C Dibble County Judge of Genesee County
Page 52

Hon L P Waldo
Com Pensions

Jonathan Fenton
as [illegible] 32

1834 
[illegible]
1766
1781
1715
Page 53

Washington, May 11 1854

Sir,

I have to ask a reexamination of the case of Jonathan Fenton, Vermont, Act 1832, suspended. No man can have his declaration attentively, so minute and circumstantial in its details and so full of self evident truth and not believe its statements. He shows by the comptrollers certificate that which the character of service he describes was performed in Connecticut, He shows that not only himself but Captain Fenton under whom he served [illegible] [illegible] in his lifetime, spoken of these services rendered by the claimant as far back as 1817; he proves by a witness, himself in service at the same time, that he was actually sent as he has stated.  If a mathematical demonstration be requisite in such cases, of course no claim can be verified; if it be sufficient to produce a moral conviction of the justice of the claim it is amply done here.

Very Respectfully, etc.
FLC Triplett
Page 54

Revolutionary
Rosalinda Fenton

NY 1838
Vermont
suspended
Con-38


filed 7 June 1854
F E Hassler
Page 55

New Haven Augt 23d 1854

Dr Sir

Yours of the 12th Inist was recd & I should have attended to the business requested, before, had I not been sick. I have examined the marriage Records in my Office and can not find the Record of the marriage of Jonathan Fenton to Rosalinda. The Records of marriage from the Revolution to the year 1820, when a new statute respecting the record of marriages was passed is very imperfect. You enclosed me 16 postage stamps (48 cents) but if I make a certificate that I can find no record of the marriage, sworn to it before a Justice & get the certificate of the County Clerk, that the person os a Justice, I shall have to pay the Justice & pay the County Clerk, 75 cents for his certificate, so that it will require #1 more than you have sent me to meet the expense.

Yours Respy

Alfred Perry
Town Clerk of New Haven
Page 56

Town Clerk of
New Haven Ct
"no record" of Mrs
Fentons marriage,
Aug 12th
"       23d

Rosalinda Fenton
Vermont
Page 57

Washington City DC
[unk] 7, 1834

Hon L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Enclosed please find the Town Clerks certificate in the case of Rosalinda Fenton New York or Vermont suspended, I also by reference to the record in the marriage record on the Bible forwarded to your office.

Yours respy

F E Hassler
Page 58

Rosalinda Fenton
N.Y. & Vermont
Col Niles

Recd June 8th 1854
Page 59

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Conn May 31st 1854

Sir

Your letter of the 25th ult has been recd at this office. I find by an examination of the Pay Rolls in the Comptrollers Office, the name of Jonathan Fenton on the Roll of Col. Starrs Regt where he is credited with three years service. My time is now occupied at New Haven while the Legislature is in session, so that I cannot examine the documents relating to marine service which are in the Office at Hartford. I will do this however as soon as I have an opportunity to do so. If you wish a certificate of what I have found relating to the service of Jonathan Fenton, you will please send me two dollars, and the certificate will be sent yo you immediately.

I am very respectfully yours

Geo. Robinson
For comptroller
Page 60

15212
Rosalinda Fenton
Jonathan
July 7, 1838



F.E. Hassler
atty
3496
Page 61

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford Aug 16th 1854

I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Jonathan Fenton, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this Office, and find the name of Jonathan Fenton on a Pay Roll under the following heading, "Settlement before January 1st 1780" where the said Fenton is credited with service as a private, from April 5th 1777 to Jany 1st 1778= 2 years 8 months 25 days.
In another settlement with Col Starrs Regt "for the year 1780" I also find the name of Jonathan Fenton, and he is then credited with service as a private from Jany 1st 1780 to April 5th 1780= 3 months & 5 days.

John Dunham Comptroller
by Geo Robinson Clerk


Jonathan
Father of 
Jonathan who served
on [unk]
Page 62

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford Aug 10th 1854

I certify, that on application for evidence of the service of Jonathan Fenton, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this Office, and find the name of Jonathan Fenton on a Pay Roll under the following heading, "Settlement with the 1st Connecticut Regt. Josiah Starr Esq Colonel, before January 1st 1780," when the said Fenton is credited with service as a private, from April 5th 1777 to Jany 1st 1780= 2 years 8 months 25 days. In another settlement with Col Starrs Regt "for the year 1780." I also find the name of Jonathan Fenton, and he is then credited with service as a private from Jany 1st 1780 to April 5th 1780 3 months & 5 days.

John Durham Comptroller
by Geo Robinson Clerk


Jonathan
Father of 
Jonathan who served on [unk]
Page 63

The Mansfields were pensioned N.Y. & Vermont act 1832
John Shumway act 1828
Vermont
Mr Fenton was from Mansfield Connecticut
Page 64

Sir
Please report he in the case of Rosalin
Fenton, the same in which case
you as a personal
examination admitted
to be found. The roll containing the names of her case be filed.
Ilegible name
Page 65

Marriage in 1792 shown by Family Record contained in a Bible

J Triplett
Examiner
Page 66

F. E. Hassler
Nov. 11/54
Page 67

Pension Office
Nov 11 1854

Sir

The Bible containing the Record of the marriage of Rosalinda Fenton decd to Jonathan of Ct has been received, I refer you to my letter of the 4th of Sept for the character of proof necessary to compete her case.

FE Hassler
Present
Page 68

Pension Office
4th Sept 1854

Sir,

The application of Rosalinda Fenton widow of Jonathan of New York, has been received and filed under act 7th July 1838.

The certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut indicating the services of one Jonathan Fenton for nearly three years cannot apply to the widows husband. His services under Col Starr commenced 5th April 1777, and ended by the Declaration of the widows husband that his services commenced in 1781 and terminated in 1783. The date of the marriage of Jonathan and Rosalinda, and of the death of the former have not been proved. No record of these events has been adduced, and the witness state no facts by
Page 69

which to test the accuracy of their recollection.

F. E. Hassler Esq
Present



F. E. Hassler
Sept 4/52
Page 70

Bennington County Vt
Nov 3d 1854

Hon L P Waldo
Commr of Pensions

Dear Sir

I have the honor to send herewith a Bible showing a record of marriage of Rosalinda & Jonathan Fenton.

Mr F E Hassler of Washington City will call and log the matter before the Department.

Very respectfully your obt servt

Thomas S Robinson
Page 71

Manchester June 23d 1857

Hon. Comr of Pensions,

Hond. Sir, The object of my addressing you, at this time, is for the purpose, of making an enquiry as to the rules adopted in your Department.
Upon my late return from the south, where I had been spending some time, with my children residing there, I was informed by Mr. Fenton, a son of Jonathan Fenton decd, who formerly applied, thro me for a pension, under the Act of June 7th 1832, & whose claim was rejected, for the want of satisfactory proof, by the then Comr. of Pensions, that application had been lately made, in behalf of his widow, relying upon the same proof of service, & that a reply had been given to that application, that a rule had been established, in that Department, or office, that no claim would be reexamined, or reviewed, which had once been rejected, for the want of satisfactory proof without further testimony to support it. This enquiry I am induced to make, not so much, on account of that claim of which I have now nothing to say, But, as there is an appeal allowed, in all such cases, at different times, & under different circumstances & different aspects, & as I have known, at least one case, in which the same Comr. (Mr. Edwards) did upon his own suggestion, review & reverse his first decision without any [unk] proof, & I cannot therefore see, the propriety in the case, where a different person, stands in the same place, as the first who decided, & who has like power to act & decide, should be concluded by the decision of the first.
I have induced a few cases, in which I will refer to. The first of which, was the case of Abigail Lucas, the widow if Saml Lucas, decd, who was returned, as enlisted, for the war, but always insisted that he had enlisted for only the term of three years, & he felt aggrieved & indigent, that he was so returned, & complained there of to his Officers, without redress. There was another man, in the same Corps, under like circumstances, or who made the same complaint, who induced Lucas, after having served for considerably more than a year, (& who was a very weak man, by his persuasions, to desert. It thus appearing from the Rolls, that he was a deserter, the Comr. (Mr. Edwards) that proper to disallow the claim for that service, altho the then existing law, made no such
Page 72

exception. It was afterwards found, & I think abundantly proved, that he was, after his desertion, pursued to his home, by Corporals guard & taken back to the army, & punished for his desertion, by running the gauntlett (as it was then termed) & then returned to the ranks & thus served to the close of the war, & then returned home with his military equipments, which I think was sufficiently shown by the most reputable witnesses, & indeed I myself, have seen him with his military coat, with whiter or buff farins & I think his military cap also, & he was also returned, as having served thro the war & entitled thus, to his Bounty Land, which has been granted also, but by falsehood & prying, the family were deprived of the benefit of it. But, as about the time of his return to the army, the Regiments in Connecticut, were consolidated to one of which he was attached & to which he fill, not being fully known, & as the Rolls of the Regt, to which he originally belonged, did not state, or show, his return, Mr. Edwards refused to admit or allow the other proof of his service. Besides Mr. E. was very much [unk] against the claim inconsequence of his desertion &c. The widow is now dead, but the family surviving, are in very needy circumstances, & have been wholly unable to refund the monies, which has been advanced, to procure the testimony, & prosecute the claim hitherto.
I will also name one other case,& that is, of Chipman Stores who in his application, stated his enlistment & service, in Capt. Edw Bulkley Co, Colo Webbs Cont. Regt., & I have no doubt that he did serve in that Co, but as a substitute, for his brother Prentiss, who originally enlisted into it, but procured his Br to supply his place, yet as Prentiss was already enjoying a pension, for that same service, he did represent himself as a substitute. But as his name was not found upon the Rolls, his claim was disallowed, & I believe that in his first application he stated no other service, except in Capt Bulkley's Co, but he afterwards proved by a reputable & very cautious man, other services, & I have no doubt that he served, in one Corps or other, during the greater part pf the war, as he assured me, that he did & he was of those kind of men, suited by his kindness with such service & who would take delight therein & besides, he proved by at least one very reputable witness, that at the close if the war, he came home with  his military garb on, as from the war & that he so represented. But the reason his omitting in his statement that this service was, because perhaps that he did not think , the statement of the [unk] or he forgotten the names of his officers as he was a very blundering man & indulged occasionally, & thou
Page 73

occasions occurring too frequently, in the inebristing up. But Mr. Edwards, became so much  prejudiced, against them, in consequence of what he considered the recklessness of his statement, in regard to his service, in Capt. Bs. Co., that he could not give him credit, for what other good people [unk], for, in his behalf, In that respect tit's somewhat similar, to the case of Saml Lucas. [unk] is also dead, but his children need, whatever they can get honestly, in his behalf &c. &c. These cases show, I think, that persons may be honest & upright, wise & skilfull indiscerning the truth, yet at times he deceived & receive wrong impressions of the evidence of the truth of facts," I should be pleased to have these cases, with some few others, revised & adjusted, conformably to "the truth of fact."

I am Hond Sir, very respectfully, your most obedt &c

S. Swift
Page 74

Son
Page 75

Joshua Fenton, Vernat 32 suspect

Jonathan Fenton of Bennington Vt aforesaid a
claim under the Act of June 7, 1832, as the 25th of request of that year. He alleged that in 1781, he enlisted in the Naval service of the U. States under Capt Solomon Fenton who held a Commission Gov. Trumbull (Fento commanded a Row Galley.) That he continues in service for the greater part of the time on board of a Row Galley, and others arrived at the main stationed at Long Island and for the found as the proper of intercepting that trade and that he remained to serve until about the fore part of Nov. 1783, when he was regularly discharged a parole. Solomon Ferton, he explains had he serves
present and to the continental Army of comm. as for the term of three years.- That there
was on board of said army Boat, among other
person known to him, Maj. Leavenworth and Capt Jas Mansfield, both of whom had also served in the Continental Line, and had resigned their commissioner therein..

Then he also among he convened James Man
field, Jr, Fentor set forth the delivery of by service with much reductress, and is different thereof induced the certainly of said Joseph Manfield, jr who, by the way as himself an applicant for a
Page 76

person in the same service. He is the a witness
the can who had personal knowledge of the service. He testified that in July 1781 he enlisted into a company of the commanded by his father of said Solon Fenton was the last. That
for the remained in command the January
1782, he resigned and Lieut Solomon Fenton
was appointed Captain foresaid, That Fenton
called to command the New Galley and other
armed beats, in which deponent continued too soon mark May 1782 and that day the above
time he was a service Jonathan Fenton served
mark him and served in the service as he
life A.
The next, and all servicery witness, Roland L. 
Fenton, who states not he knew that Jonathan
Fenton, the applicant received a letter for the
Capt. Solomon Fenton aforesaid in 1817 in where he needs matter of the serves preference of  Jonathan under him and also that he was at the house of Capt Solomon Fenton in 1816 & 1817, and hears him state residents of Jonathan, service.

There is no endurance in this office,  sees as not of the Constable of Connecticut. State office honor, in a letter filed in the same, said within
Page 77

3
1833, state a fact, when  he also here to as that
request another is  made to armies boats to the
journal  of the Council of Safety but not that the
name of their commanders was another
resisted
The law was resisted by the offer as the
ground that there was no ordered to show that
Rosalinda Fenton was not in actual service (a fact referred for the nature of the Confederation) has  at many himself a 
to service.  The Claimant died in 1851 and appears to have had no effect to estatter by claim the March 1835, In July 1854 his widow
Rosalinda Fenton, aforesaid law for the services
he husband, the said Jacha and the
act of June 7, 1838, and subsequently adduced
Record entered to show that she was named to
her in 1782; so has the whole case now
rests of the directed and detection of the
service Claim by he has land under the Act of
June 7, 1832. It is proper to do, he not
since the cedars on hear her spending as
attempt was made to appropriate the
service of Jonathan Fenton who was clear of
he husband did of the service as noted no
Record under has he produced was is it
Page 78

know to be his exertera. It is now, July, differies to to resent the cannot after a couser caused
are of his handmade, not he did not order
the same alleged; and it is his just to add not
his elements in regard to has Lieutenant
Captain Mansfield and Solomon Fenton are
suspended by our Records. The two last named new pension under the Act of Mar 18, 1818. Both under the Contentor Line of Conn and left
the servant 1780; But their papers had no
reference to any other service for that was which was strictly Commanded and entered by the law
Noz
or
Nov. 17, 1856
Page 79

know to be his exertera. It is now, July, differies to to resent the cannot after a couser caused
are of his handmade, not he did not order
the same alleged; and it is his just to add not
his elements in regard to has Lieutenant
Captain Mansfield and Solomon Fenton are
suspended by our Records. The two last named new pension under the Act of Mar 18, 1818. Both under the Contentor Line of Conn and left
the servant 1780; But their papers had no
reference to any other service for that was which was strictly Commanded and entered by the law
Noz
or
Nov. 17, 1856
Page 80

I have examined this warrant and of opinion the widow does not maintain the declaration, and from my knowledge of the Revin in Terrain in term during the revolutionary war. I am lead to doubt whatever there was my name as his deceased in the wid. undoubting pension known supporting this war must be offered notice of these few men, been given volunteer
 to Mr. Hassler,  M. Triplett agent, 

L. Waldo
January 20, 1885
Page 81

S. Swift
July 23/57
Page 82

Pension Office
July 23d 1857

Sir:

The contents of your letter of the 23d ultimo have been duly considered.

The cases to which you make refernece, namely, that of Rosalinda Fenton, of Ct., under the act of 1838, the case of Abigail Lucas of Vt,. under the act of 1836, and that of Chipman Storrs, of N/ York, under the act of 1832, have all passed into the hands of other agents, with whom this office is in correspondence, and I cannot consent to disturb the ordinary course of business in respect to them, while other cases of at least equal importance would thereby be delayed.

S. Swift
Manchester,
Vermont
Page 83

Pension Office
July 23d 1857

Sir:

The contents of your letter of the 23d ultimo have been duly considered.

The cases to which you made reference namely, that of Rosalinda Fenton, of Ct, under the act of 1838, the case of Abigail Lucas, of Vt, under the act of 1836, and that of Chipman Storrs, of N. York, under the act of 1832, have all passed into the hands of other agents, with whom this office is in correspondence, and I cannot consent to disturb the ordinary course of business in respect to them, while other cases at at least equal importance would thereby by delayed.

S. Swift
Manchester
Vermont
Page 84

U.S. War Dept-Bureau of Pensions
Washington, DC

Can you give me any information of Jonathan Fenton (Venton) who served from Maresfield Conn in the Revolutionary War.

Most sincerely
[unk] A. R. Canhaw
913 Prospect Place,
Port Huron,
Michigan

Jan. 29th, 1929