Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,696, Seth Hillyer, Conn.
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Conn. Hillyer, Seth W. 4,696 Sibil
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No [unreadable]
Ohio Pittsburgh

Seth Hillyer

of Ashtabula in the State of Ohio,

who was a private in the [blank] commanded by Captain [unreadable] of the [unreadable] commanded by Col Ward of the Connecticut [unreadable] for 2 years from 1776

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio [unreadable] at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents [unreadable] to commence on the [unreadble] day of [unreadable], 1834
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4260
Ohio Pittsburgh Agency
Sibil Hillyer
widow of Seth Hillyer
who was a Private Conn in the Revolution
Husband died June 22, 1841

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars
0 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of August 1845 and sent to Hon J.R. Giddings
Jefferson, Ohio

Act of March 3, 1843, recorded in Book [unreadable] June 17, 1844. 
Vol 2 Page 204
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[unreadable]
Seth Hillyer
Ashtabula, Ohio

Return
[unreadable] 2 years $80

J.R. Giddings
Jefferson
Ashtabula Co
Ohio
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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 show 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, showing the Service of Seth Hillyer, Ashtabula Co Ohio

Period when service was rendered _ 1776 1778
Duration of the claimaint's service
Years _ 1 1
Rank of the claimant _ Private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served _ [unreadable]
Nams and Rank of the General and Field Officers _ [unreadable]
Battles in which the applicant was engaged _ [unreadable]
Country through which he marched _ [unreadable]
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period _ [unreadable]
Evidence by which the declaration is supported _ [unreadable]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE CT 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
On this _day of ____personally appeared (a) before _______________of ___________aged (c) ______years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ______, with ________ and served in the ____ (e) regiment of the ____line, under the following named officers: 
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ____________________
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
A.B.
(and then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I ____________ of the Court of _______ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of ____________ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of office (i) this _____ day of ________ &c.

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the ________ and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____________, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _______________ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revaluation, 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. and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ________ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, ______Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ________ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of ____ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they 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 doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or county, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

(a) the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) the declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) the age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. [underlined] 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. [underlining ends] In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long so 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 serve; but, according to the best of his recollection, served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For ____year _____months, and ___________days, I served a 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. 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, eh was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. [underlined] The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses [underlining ends] 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 the note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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Sibil Hillyer
Record of Marriage
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State of Connecticut
[unreadable] County Simsbury October 7th 1844
"[unreadable] one thousand and seven hundred eighty three Married [unreadable] & Sible Case"
I [unreadable] Pastor of the first Congregational Church in Simsbury aforesaid certify that the above is a true copy from the record of [unreadable] ages by the Rev. [unreadable] Stebbins on my profession with the exception of the date which is [unreadable] on the accord in [unreadable] legible figures as follows "Mar. 1783"

Certified by
[unreadable]
Pastor of the first Congregational Church in Simsbury

I [unreadable] above named depose and say that I am the Pastor of the first Congregational Church in the [unreadable] of Simsbury, County of Hartford and state of Connecticut, that I was ordained Pastor over said Church on the 11th day of August 1809, that the records of the Rev. Samuel Sebbins who was the former Pastor of said Church came into my hands after the decease of the said Stebbins and is now in my possession, that said record of [unreadable] believe to be in the handwriting of said Rev Samuel Stebbins, and that the above is a true [unreadable] from the aforesaid record with the [unreadable] above named as certified by me.
[unreadable]
Sworn before me
[unreadable]
Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut Js.
Office of Secretary of State. }
I hereby certify that Aurora Case, of Simsbury, is,  since the 20th of day of June last has been a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hartford and state aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned  sworn. I further certify that I believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + affix the Seal of Said State, at Hartford, this eighth day of October A.D. 1844.
Dan L. Tyler
Secretary of State
[seal]
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Below on the answers of the said Seth Hillyer to the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, which were propounded by said Luther Spelman Judge.
Interrogatory 1. Ans. I was born in in Granby, state of Connecticut the sixteenth day of August 1756.
2. Ans. I have no record of my age, but I know I was twenty years old when I went on board the vessel to sail to New York when I first enlisted.
3. Ans. I was living in Granby in the state of Connecticut when [cut off] into the service & have lived there since the Revolution until 1818 when I removed to Andover, Ohio where I now live. 
4. Ans. For the first year of service, I volunteered, or enlisted. At another time I was drafted for one summer & another summer I went as a substitute for one Benjamin Sweany.
5. Ans. The first year I served under Generals Sullivan & Putnam. My Col. was Andrew Ward, Noah Phelps was Capt in the same Regt. We went from Middletown to N.York by water, hadnot been in N.York long, before the British took it. I was in several battles which if I have not forgot the names of the paces one was at Trenton, at Brownstown, one at Barriston & some little fighting at White Horn's.
6. Ans. I had a written discharge at the end of the first years service to show that I ight not be taken up as a deserter but who gave it do not remember neither do I know what has become of it.
7. Ans. John Pikett & John Pikett of said Andover Township there is no Clergyman residing in Andover. 
Sworn to before me this tenth day of May 1833.
Luther Spelman {Associate Judge
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STATE OF OHIO
Ashtabula County } SS  [torn paper next sheet is written said]
ON this tenth day of May AD 1833 personally appeared [open court crossed out] before me Luther Spelman one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for [crossed out now sitting] said County Seth Hillyer a resident of Andover Township, in the County of Ashtabula and state of Ohio, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the  following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
He enlisted in Granby, State of Connecticut, in the year 1776 into the Continental line for this term of one year under Capt.Ozias [illegible] Andrew Ward for Commander of the Regiment to which he belonged. was in the battle at Trenton, Bowman Town, Princeton + was in about two miles of new york when it was taken, was also at White Plains. That he served his year out, + has a written discharge which he has lost. That in the year 177? he served in the Militia. + also served in the Militia in another year, or, in another [illegible] he served in the Militia two summers, of which, the summer 177? was one, under different Officers the names of which he cannot recollect. He went to White Plains + Danbury + wherever he was called. was out saw two summers not less that six months. And that he has now no Documentary evidence or living witness of his said services within his knowledge excepting Ashbel Hoskins. That there is no Clergyman residing in Andover Township

HE hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any sate [crossed out or (if any) only so that of the agency of the state of]
[signature] 
Seth Hiller

SWORN to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
[signature] Luther Spelman

We, John Pickett, [crossed out a clergyman] residing in the Township of Andover
and John Pickett residing in said Andover hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Seth Hillyer who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be 76 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 the opinion. [signatures] John Pickett 
John Pickett Jr

SWORN, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid,'[signature] Luther Spelman

AND I the said Luther Spelman [crossed out court] do hereby declare [crossed out their] my 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 then that the said john Pickett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Township of Andover and that the said John Pickett Jr who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said Andover and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I further certify that the said Seth Hillyer is unable to attend court on account of bodily infirmity   Luther Spelman

[crossed out I, Sam Hundy clerk of the court of] Common Plea do hereby certify that the foregoing contains [crossed out the testimony of the said court in the matter of the application of Seth Hillyer]

INTESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my and and seal of the office, this    day of    A.D> 183
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The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
Andover Township May tenth 1833
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for Andover Township in said County Seth Hillyer who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age, & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of time of his service, named within, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below & in the following grade. For one year I served as a private Continental soldier & for six months I served as a private Militia soldier making in all one year & six months & for such service I claim a pension.
Seth Hillyer

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above written before me.
John Pickett Jr.

The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
I Sam Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Luther Spelman whose name is subscribed to the within certificate is his own property hand writing which is to me well known is one of the Associate Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Laws of the State of Ohio. And also that John Pickett Jr whose name appears subscribed above is his own proper hand writing, which is to me well known, is a Justice of the Peace of the township of Andover in said County of Ashtabula duly commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Laws of the State of Ohio. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Jefferson this tenth day of May 1833.
Sam Hendry, Clerk

[written sideways on the side of the page] Seth Hillyer
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11,499
Sibel Hillyer
Declaration 
for a 
Pension
Act 7 July 1838
M 83241
rejected
Act 3 March 43 + 7
June 44
[illegible]
12 nd pri           8067
____                      816
40

JR Giddings
Jefferson
Ohio
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The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
On this 29th day of November personally appeared before me Jonathan Warner associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio. Sibil Hillyer a resident of the Township of Andover in the County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to the law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 Entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Seth Hillyer who was a Private during the war of the Revolution.
She further declares that she was married to the said Seth Hillyer in the month of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty three on the 10th day of said month; and that her husband the aforesaid Seth Hillyer died on the 22nd day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz; at the time above stated.
Sibil Hillyer her mark X

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. 
Jonathan Warner
Associate Judge

(over)
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The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
Jonathan Warner associate Judge within and for the county aforesaid do certify that in my opinion the applicant aforesaid, Sibil Hillyer, is unable by reason of bodily infirmity to appears or make the declaration above written before a court of Record in the county aforesaid. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand this 29th day of November A.D. 1844.
Jonathan Warner
Associate Judge

The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
I, A.C. Hubbard, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County and State aforesaid, hereby certify that Jonathan Warner is an associate Judge of said Court, duly commissioned and qualified agreeably to the law of the State of Ohio, and that his signature to the foregoing certificate is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this second day of December A.D. 1844.
A.C. Hubbard Clerk
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Revolutionary War Records Section  3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D. C,......................,19....



In reply to your request of ......., recieved.... for a statemnet of the military history of Seth Hilliger as soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-
sion on file in this Bureau W. 4696
Date of enlistment or appointment | 
May 1776
Summer 1718
Length of Service |
1 year
6 mos
Rank|
Pvt.
Officer under whom service was rendered |
Captain. | Ozias Pettibone
Colonel. | Andrew Ward
officers names not stated
State| Conn.

Battles engaged in
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State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
On the seventh day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared before me Luther Spelman one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for said county, Seth Hillyer a resident of Andover in the County of Ashtabula & State of Ohio who says he is seventy five years of age, born in Granby state of Connecticut who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th A.D. 1832.
That he enlisted into the service in this town of Granby State of Connecticut in the year 1776 in the continental line for the term of one year and that Josias Pettibone was his captain and Andrew Ward was the commandant of the Regiment to which he belonged. That he was in several battles in the course of that year and that he had a discharge in N. Jersey which is now lost. That in the year A.D. 1778 he served in the militia a year or there about under different commanders the names of whom he cannot now recollect and that he has now no documentary evidence or living witnesses of his said services within his knowledge.
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.
Seth Hillyer

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Luther Spelman

We, John Picket residing in the township of Andover and Nathaniel Owen residing in the township of Andover aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Seth Hillyer who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and we believe in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
John Pickett
Nathaniel Owen

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Luther Spelman

And I Luther Spelman Judge of said court do hereby declare it my 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 I further certify, that the said John Pickett who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the township of Andover and that the said Nathaniel Owen who has also signed the same is a resident in the township of Andover aforesaid and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I further certify that the said Seth Hillyer is unable to attend court on account of bodily infirmity.
Luther Spelman

The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
I Sam Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Luther Spelman whose name appears subscribed above is his own proper hand writing was on the seventh day of the present month and still is, of the Associate Judge of said Court of Common Pleas duly commissions and sworn agreeably to the Law of the state of Ohio.
[page cut off]
Page 19

And I Luther Spelman Judge of said court do hereby declare it my 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 I further certify, that the said John Pickett who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the township of Andover and that the said Nathaniel Owen who has also signed the same is a resident in the township of Andover aforesaid and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I further certify that the said Seth Hillyer is unable to attend court on account of bodily infirmity.
Luther Spelman

The State of Ohio
Ashtabula County
I Sam Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Luther Spelman whose name appears subscribed above is his own proper hand writing was on the seventh day of the present month and still is, of the Associate Judge of said Court of Common Pleas duly commissions and sworn agreeably to the Law of the state of Ohio.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Jefferson the 24th day of August A.D. 1832.
Sam Hendry Clerk

Taken before Thomas Kenedy a Justice of the Peace of Nelson township in Portage County state of Ohio at his office on the 19th day of July A.D. 1832 to be used by Seth Hillyer for the purpose of obtaining a pension for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. 
Ashbel Haskins on my oath depose and say that Seth Hillyer did in the month of May A.D. 1776 list into the company of Capt Osias Petabone of Granby in the state of Connecticut to serve as a soldier in the Connecticut troops for the term of one year and joined the Regiment of Colonel Andrew Ward of said Connecticut troops. That this deponent in the same month listed in the Company of Capt Noah Phelps of Timsbury Connecticut and joined the regiment of Col. Andrew Ward. That they marched to New York and served in said Ward's regiment until may seventeen hundred and seventy seven when the said Seth Hillyer and this deponent were discharged. That the said deponent was personally acquainted with the said Seth Hillyer both before and when they were in the army.
Ashbel Haskins

The state of Ohio
Portage County
Nelson July the 19th 1832

I do certify that Ashbel Haskins whose name is above written subscribed and swore to the 
[page cut off]
Page 20

Peace of Nelson township in Portage County state of Ohio at his office on the 19th day of July A.D. 1832 to be used by Seth Hillyer for the purpose of obtaining a pension for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. 
Ashbel Haskins on my oath depose and say that Seth Hillyer did in the month of May A.D. 1776 list into the company of Capt Osias Petabone of Granby in the state of Connecticut to serve as a soldier in the Connecticut troops for the term of one year and joined the Regiment of Colonel Andrew Ward of said Connecticut troops. That this deponent in the same month listed in the Company of Capt Noah Phelps of Timsbury Connecticut and joined the regiment of Col. Andrew Ward. That they marched to New York and served in said Ward's regiment until may seventeen hundred and seventy seven when the said Seth Hillyer and this deponent were discharged. That the said deponent was personally acquainted with the said Seth Hillyer both before and when they were in the army.
Ashbel Haskins

The state of Ohio
Portage County
Nelson July the 19th 1832

I do certify that Ashbel Haskins whose name is above written subscribed and swore to the 
above deposition before me.
Thomas Kenedy Justice of the Peace

THE STATE OF OHIO
PORTAGE COUNTY
I, Geo. Kirkim, Clerk of the Court of Common Please in and for the county of Portage, in the state of Ohio, do by these presents, certify and make known, that Thomas Kenedy Esquire, before whom the annexed and foregoing deposition was taken, and who has thereunto, in his own proper hand writing subscribed his name, was, at the time of taking Deposition and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, commissioned and sworn, and to all whose official acts as such, full faith [page cut off] ought to be given throughout the United States, and elsewhere.
[page cut off] Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the [page cut off] Court at Ravena, in said County this twenty sixth day of {page cut off] the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Geo Kirkim Clerk
Page 21

I certify that Ashbel Haskins who gave his deposition before me on the 19th day of July AD 1832 in regard to the application of Seth Hillyer for a pension, is a credible witness.
Given under my hand this 22 day of June AD 1833
Thomas Kenedy 
Late Justice  of the Peace
Page 22

Selden Moore
Affidavit
in the case of Sibel Hillyer
Page 23

State of Ohio
Ashtabula County Andover Nov 30, 1844
I Selden Moore being of lawful age deposed and say that I have been acquainted with Sibill Hillyers for a great length of time. She with her husband Seth Hillyers lived in Granby Hartford Co Connecticut as man and wife and raised a considerable family. They removed from [illegible] state about the year 1818 and I removed to this county about the year 183[scribbled out] and found them living here as man and wife. He drew a pension as having served in the revolutionary army. He the said Seth died three or four years since and his aged widow has not since been married. And further the deponent saith not.
Selden Moore

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th Nov 1844.
Jonathan Warner
Associate Judge

The above named Selden Moore sustains in his neighborhood a reputable character and I should give full credit to this testimony.
Jonathan Warner
Page 24

Topher Viets +
Benj Comstock
Affidavits
in the case of 
Sibel Hillyer
Page 25

State of Ohio
Ashtabula County 
Williamfield Nov 30th 1844
I, Benjamin Comstock, being of lawful age depose and say that I was personally acquainted with Seth Hillyer and Sibel his wife from their first removal to the state to the [writing is faint and illegible] is more than 20 years ago they lived together as man and wife and raised a family. She Sibel has now become aged and very infirm her husband Seth Hillyer drew a pension before his death which I believe occurred about three or four years since and the said Sibil Hillyer has not been since married. And further this deponent saith not.
Benj. Comstock

Sworn to and subscribed this 30th day of November A.D. 1844.
Jonathan Warner
Associate Judge

The above named Benj Comstock I believe to be a very credible witness and should [illegible] full confidence in the foregoing affidavit.
Jon. Warner
Page 26

State of Ohio
Ashtabula County Fr Williamsfield Nov 29, 1844
I Topher Viets being of lawful age depose and say that thirty one years ago I married Lucy Hillyer the daughter of Seth and Sibel Hillyer then living in the town of Granby Hartford County State of Connecticut and that the said Seth and Sibel lived and cohabitated together as man and wife the removed to Ohio about twenty six years since and he the said Seth drew a pension as a  private soldier of the revolution until his death about the year AD 1841 and that the said Sibel has not been married since his death. and further this deponent saith not
Topher Viet
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written,
Jonathan Warner
Associate Judge

The above named Topher Viets sustains as I believe a good and reputable character and I should give full credit to his affidavit.
Jonathan Warner
Page 27

Sibel Hillyer
Copy of Seth Hillyer
Pension Certificate
Page 28

Copy of Seth Hillyer's Pension Certificate
War Department- Revolutionary Claim. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th of June 1832 Seth Hillyer of the State of  Ohio who was a private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive during his natural life, commencing on the fourth of March 1831, and payable semiannually on the fourth of March and fourth of September in every year. 
Given at the war office of the United States this eighth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
{LS}
Examined + [illegible]
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Lew. Crass
Secretary of War
Page 29

[illegible initials]
Hon J. R Giddings
Jefferson
Ohio
[faded stamp too light to read]
Page 30

Comptroller Office, Connecticut
Hartford July 5. 1845}
On application for evidence for the service of Seth Hillyer in the war of the revolution. I certify that on examination of the documents relating to that war remaining in this office I find no payroll of Capt. Pettibones Co, but find that he was in service and belonged to Col Wards Regt. In a pay table day book is this entry
1777 May 28th United States   Dn
To order on Treasurer Capt. Petibone [illegible] 
bounty of 30/ for his Co. Col Wards Regt. L 135
Commission 40/6 2-0-6
Also under date of August 26, 1777 is the following
United States Dn
[written on side] Service 76 12 mo

To order on Treasurer to Capt Orion Pettibone [illegible] of his Co Col Wards Regt,
Also the following
1778 June 22nd
Capt. Orion Petibone Dn
[on the side X] To order on Treasurer in and for his Co, detached with a [illegible]-- 61.-\-
A Carrington Comptroller
Page 31

Jefferson Ohio Dec 2. 1844
Sir
I herewith enclose to you the application and proofs of Sibil Hillyer, and aged widow of a pensioner for a pension under the act of Congress of July 1838. I humbly trust that the proofs will be sufficient to warrant you in granting her application, and remitting to her a certificate for the amount she is most justly entitled to.
With great Respect
Your humble Sevt-
J.A. Giddings
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 32

Aug 12, J848
Jefferson O July 17, 40
J R Giddings
Enc. evidence of
services of Seth Hillyer
G98. Rec Aug 11/45
[illegible] Office
[illegible] case
Mrs.{?} Hillyer
Page 33

Jefferson Ohio
July 17, 1845
Sir,
At request of Mrs. Hillyer I forward the enclosed letter of the comptroller of Connecticut in regard to the service of Capt Pettibone in whose company her husband Seth Hillyer is said to have served.
Very respectfully
M Giddings

Hm Secretary of War
Page 34

Jefferson Ohio
July 17, 1845
Sir,
At request of Mrs. Hillyer I forward the enclosed letter of the comptroller of Connecticut in regard to the service of Capt Pettibone in whose company her husband Seth Hillyer is said to have served.
Very respectfully
M Giddings

Hm Secretary of War
Page 35

Mr. A Giddings
Page 36

The clerks Certificate and county seal should be attached to the Widows Declaration Mr. Viets and the Widow manifested great anxiety to have Mr. A Giddings foresaid on the papers to the commissioner of pensions as soon as possible.
Iona Warner
Page 37

[written in corner] JTC
3-871
--------------------
RECORD DIVISION
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
__________________
Briefed by J.T.C.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
claimant
Soldier Seth Hillyer
Service 1812 Conn.
Additional Service
No___ claim, State records___, 191
No claim, combination records_____, 191
REMARKS
No 1812, old war,
vary as, as above
S
[illegible initials]
W.F. Waite
Chief Division
6-1944
Page 38

1916, Feb. 24. history to Mrs. Kathleen V. Prouty M.B.H.
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4696
Sibil Hillyer
Wid.
Seth Hillyer
act Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Moch, [illegible] 3. June [illegible]
Index:-Vol. A, Page 333
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 39

Rev Sec
H
Cleveland Ohio, 
February fourteenth
1916
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:
I wish to learn if there is any official war record of one Capt. John Viets, of East Granby Conn. According to family tradition, he was a Captain in the Continental Army served as Keeper of Old Newgate Prison at Copper Hill, near Granby, conn. during the Revolutionary War.
[written next to with an arrow] I have no searched items
I also wish to enquire if there is any record of Seth Hillyer of East Granby, Conn., serving in either the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.
[written next to with arrow W 4696-Rev] [written after] Please search-none

As these men are ancestors of mine I would be very glad to obtain some authentic information concerning them.

Thanking you in advance for any information you may be able to give, I am
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Kathleen V. Prouty
10702 Ahina Ave
Cleveland Ohio
Page 40

Cleveland Ohio
10702 Helena Ave
February fourteenth
1916


Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-

I wish to learn if there is any official war record of one Capt. John Viets, of East Granby Conn. According to family tradition he was a Captain in the Continental Army and served as Keeper of Old Newgate Prison at Copper Hill, near Granby, Conn. during the Revolutionary War. 

I also wish to inquire if there is any record of Seth Hillyer of East Granby, Conn., serving in either the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.

As these men are ancestors of mine I would be very glad to obtain some authentic information concerning them.

Thanking you in advance for any information you may be able to give me, I am

Very truly yours,
Mrs. Kathleen V Prouty
10702 [illegible] Ave
Cleveland Ohio