Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10822, Justus Francis, [ILLEGIBLE]
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W. 10822
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[illegible page - no writing visible]
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State of Connecticut
Hartford County}ss.
On this 17th day of July 1846 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within & for the District of Hartford in the County & state aforesaid in open court. Abi North a resident of Berlin in said county & state aged eighty one years & upwards, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838 and the 23d of August 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. 
That she is the widow of Justus Francis who was a private soldier and artificer in the war of the Revolution & served as she has understood & believes as follows, viz
That in the early part of the year 1778 [?] her said husband then about eighteen years of age and an indentured apprentice to one David Lowry then residing in Wetherfield in the County & State aforesaid to leave the trade of a blacksmith, enlisted into into the service of the United States under Capt. Asa Bray in Col. Roger Ents regiment. That soon after his said enlistment and on finding that he was very competent to serve as a blacksmith he was detached from said company to serve as an artificer and entered upon said service at the post of Hartford and that he continued to serve in that capacity.
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as she has understood and believes until near the close of the war. 
That he first enlisted into the public service, as she has understood, for the term of one year & that at the expiration of said period he twice enlisted for the same term and continued in the service in the capacity as artificer stationed for the most part at said Hartford with only an occasional absence in the [illegible].
She also declares that she was married to the said Justus Francis on the 10th day of March 1785 and that her husband the aforesaid Justus Francis died on the 14th day of February 1819. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the 1st of January 1794 viz, at the time above stated.
She further declares that after the death of husband aforesaid, she was married to James North of said Berlin. That he died on the 15th day of May 1833 and she has ever since remained a widow.
The words "in open court" interlined before signing.
Abi North

Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written.
Henry Perkins
Judge of Probate
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I, Isaac Perkins, Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abi North for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17th day of July 1846.
Isaac C. Perkins, Clerk
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I Elijah Francis of Berlin in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, a Revolutionary pensioner, aged eighty six years & upwards; being first duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that Justus Francis, late of said Berlin, deceased, was my brother. My said brother Justus, was two years younger than myself and when the revolutionary war broke out, he had been some time an apprentice with one David Lowry, then living in Wetherfield (Norwington Parish) to leave the trade of a Blacksmith, he was apprenticed very young, I think at the age of twelve or thirteen, according to my best recollection, he remained with said Lowry, until he was almost eighteen years of age when he enlisted into the service of the United States. My impression is that he enlisted into the army under Capt. Asa Bray, in Col. Roger Eno's Regiment, and I think this was in the  year 1778. I was out in the service on several different tours during the war, but was at home at my fathers, when Justus enlisted. I recollect that said David Lowry came to my fathers home soon after my brother had enlisted into the Army, and before he had been called away into active service, on finding that he was a good Black Smith, he was detached from his company to serve as an artificer at the Port of Hartford, when he served according to my best recollection, more than two years, I met him very often while he was i the public service at Hartford and sometimes called on him there at the Continental Black Smith shops. My impression and belief is that he reenlisted before the expiration of his first enlistment, and for a longer period. I have no doubt of his service as an artificer at the port of Hartford for more than than two years. After the
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close of the war, my said brother Justus, returned to Berlin and [illegible] himself as a Blacksmith in my own neighborhood, where his widow now resides with her son George Francis. Soon after his return to Berlin, my said brother married Abi Stanley, daughter of Timothy Stanley of said Berlin. I have saw an ancient writing purporting to be a record of the Stanley family, and I have no doubt of its being a true & genuine record. I was at my brother's wedding and the time of the marriage of my brother corresponds with my own recollection of that event as set down in said record. My said brother Justus died in the year 1819, his widow afterwards married James North of said Berlin, with whom she lived until his death which took place in 1833, and she has ever since remained a widow & furthermore the deponent saith not.
Elijah Francis

State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss}
Sworn and subscribed this 25th day of  June 1846 before me, and I further certify that the deponent is a man of good character and capacity, and as the faculties of his mind appear to be unimpaired. I believe his statements entitled to full credit.
Jeremiah Brown, Justice of Peace
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I Noah W. Stanley of Berlin, in the county of Hartford & state of Connecticut, aged fifty one years, being first duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that Justus Francis, late of said Berlin, deceased, residing during his life time and at the time of his death, in my immediate neighborhood. That for a long [illegible] of years we lived on terms of friendship and almost daily habits of said intercourse.
That I have very often heard him speak of his revolutionary services, and speak of the manner of his entering the service and the branch of the public service in which he was engaged. He told me that while an apprentice at his trade (a blacksmith) he enlisted as a soldier, but it having been discovered soon after that he was a capable workman as a blacksmith, he was detached from his company and stationed at the Continental Shops at Hartford, as an artificer, where he served in that capacity a long time, my impression is, more than two years. I have heard him [illegible] numerous residents of his service there, and much of his employment as I understood, consisted in shoeing horses & oxen for the public teamsters. I have also heard him speak of being sent out on one occasion or more to assist in building or repairing some fortification. Having in my long acquaintance with said Francis, always found him an honest man of strict veracity. I have given full credit to his own representations of his revolutionary services. I have no doubt that he served his country faithfully during the revolutionary war as a soldier and artificer, for a period of more than two years. I further say that I have also been long acquainted with Mrs. Abi North, now the
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residence of James North, both formerly the widow of said Justus Francis. After the decease of said Francis in the year 1819, she married said James North & lived with him until his death in 1833. Since residing with her son George Francis, in the house where her first husband, the said Justus Francis lived and died. She was married to said Justus Francis as appears by the annexed record, on the 10th day of March 1785. I further say that the annexed was in the possession of the said George Francis. It is surely necessary for me to say, that I have no doubt of its authenticity because no one can doubt after an inspection - and further more the deponent saith not.
Noah W. Stanley

State of Connecticut Hartford County Ss.
Sworn to and subscribed the 27th day of June 1846 before me & I further certify that the deponent is a man of good character and capacity, and as the faculties of his mind appear to be unimpaired. I believe his statement entitled to full credit.
Jeremiah Brown, Justice of Peace
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Timothy Stanley, a son still born [illegible]
[illegible] Stanley daughter to Gad Stanley born the 21st day of September Anno Domini [illegible]
Timothy Stanley a son still born Nov 1769
Amzy Stanly son to Gad Stanly born the 23 day of October Anno Domini 1770
Timothy Stanly son to Timothy Stanly born 29 day of June Anno Domini 1771
Oliver Stanly son to Timothy Stanly born the 11th day of May Anno Domini 1776
Gad Stanley son of Gad Stanley born the 13th day of August Anno Domini 1776
Jesse Stanley son to Timothy Stanly born the 26 day of October Anno Domini 1779
Abi Stanley to Timothy Stanley was married with Justus Francis son to [illegible] Elijah Frances the 10 day of  March 1785
Lydia Stanly was married with Joel Smith son to Mr. Elijah Smith [illegible] December Anno Dom 1787
Rachel Stanly was married with Elezer Curtis son to Mr. Daniel Curtis the 12 day of March AD 1792
Timothy [illegible] with Abigail Robbins [illegible 1795
Oliver Stanly was married with Fiona Booth daughter of Levi Nathan Booth of Barban the 10 day of May 1797
James Stanly married Almira Lee daughter of Mr. Isaac Lee Sept 27 1801
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[illegible] to Thomas Stanly 
[illegible] February Anno Domini 1749
Noah Stanly married with Ruth daughter of [illegible] 2d day of November AD 1749
Seth Stanly son to Noah Stanly born the 18th day of March Anna Domini 1751
Lot Stanly son to Thomas Stanly the 3d born the 3d day of March Anno Domini 1752
Sylvia Stanly daughter to Noah Stanly born the 24 day of October N. S. Anno Domini [illegible]
Abigail Stanly was married with Capt John Griswold son to Maj Josiah Griswold of Weathersfield the 15th day of March Anno Domini 1756
Ruth Stanly daughter to Noah Stanley born the 11th day of July Anno Domini 1756
Timothy Stanly was married with Lydia daughter to Capt John Newell 10th day of May AD 1757
Oliver Stanly son to Timothy Stanly born the 5th day of July Anno Domini 1758
Noah Stanly son to Noah Stanly born the [illegible] day of April Anno Domini 1759
Rachel Stanly daughter to Timothy Stanly born the 20th day of March Anno Domini 1761
Thomas Stanly son to Thomas Stanly the 3d born [illegible] day of September Anno Domini 1762
Adna Stanly daughter to Noah Stanly born the [illegible] 1763
Lydia Stanly daughter to [illegible] Stanly born the 25th day of April Anno Domini 1763
Thomas Stanly the 3d was married with Sarah Relicto of Mr. Saml Grisley deceased daughter to Ens Nathaniel Wadsworth the 28 day of Feb Anno Domini 1765
Abi Stanly daughter of Timothy Stanly born the 9th day of August Anno Domini 1765
A[illegible] Stanly son to Noah Stanly born the [illegible] day of December Anno Domini 1766
Gad Stanly was married with Mary daughter [illegible] day of October 1767
[illegible] Stanly daughter of Noah Stanley born the [illegible] December Anno Domini 1767
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[only writing is what bled through the other side of the paper]
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AFFIDAVIT AND POWER OF ATTORNEY.
STATE OF Connecticut}
COUNTY OF New Haven}  SS.
Be it remembered, That, on this 18th day of November A. D. 1852, We George Francis and Horace Francis [line illegible] we are the children and heirs-at-law to Abi North formerly Abi Francis who was the only wife of Justis Francis as a Revolutionary Artificer who served some years, under the command of [blank space] in the forces raised by the State of Connecticut and that he and his said wife were married about the month of March A. D. 1785 that he died about the month of February A. D. 1819 and that his said wife also died about the month of October (3rd) A. D. 1852 and that a pension of one hundred & forty four dollars a year was drawn by said widow on account of said services, and so continued until the year A. D. 1852, since which time nothing has been received by either, or the heirs of either of said parties.  And that Claimants now demand a balance due them on acct. of said services, of eight dollars a month for the whole time during which the above one hundred and forty four dollars a year was drawn 
And that claimants are now 52 and 48 years of age; and it is understood and believed that there are arrearages of Pension, and other claims due for said services:  NOW, THEREFORE, the true intent of all this is to qualify and irrevocably appoint and empower ALFRED J. WORKS, of New Haven City and County, State of Connecticut, as our Attorney, with power of substitution, to investigate, substantiate, demand, and receive the avails of, said claim or claims, and to say and do all things relative thereto, as amply as we might do:  hereby ratifying every thing said or done by our said Attorney, or his substitute, in virtue hereof;  ALSO, revoking all Powers of Attorney, or other authority previously given for any such purposes.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals, day and date first above names.
George Francis [his seal]
Horace Francis [his seal]
Attest,}
Wm. Goodwin}
Henry Peck Jr}
Subscribed and acknowledged before me, the day and year first above [illegible].
Wm. Goodwin
Notary Public
Notary Public seal is present
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[illegible]
October 26, 19[illegible}
[name and address illegible] Colorado
Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, [illegible] , it appears that Justus Francis  son of Elijah Francis enlisted in 1778
served about two years as a private and artificer in
Capt Asa  Bray's Company, Colonel Roger Enes' Connecticut
Regiment.
He married on March 10, 17[illegible] Abi, born August 7, 17[illegible]
daughter of Timothy Stanley of Berlin, Hartford County, Connecticut
Soldier died February 14, 1819.
She married James North of said Berlin, who died
May 15, 1833.
She was allowed pension on account of the services of
Justus Francis on her application executed July 17, 1846
while residing in Berlin, Connecticut.
Two sons are referred to George and Horace Francis
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10822
Abi North for 
wid.
Justus Francis
Artificer
Act: Feb 3, 1848
Index: - Vol. M Page 88
(Arrangement of 1870.)
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[Very dark, grainy page, some letters are visible but no discernable words]
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[Entirely black page, no legible text ]
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Connecticut Abi North formerly widow of Justus Francis who died in the year 1819 of Hartford County in the state of Connecticut who was an [illegible] in the [illegible] commanded by Captain C of the [illegible] commanded by Col in the Revolution for two years
Inscribed on the roll of Hartford at the rate of 144 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of  January 1851 and sent to Hon. WW Snow Arrears to the 4th of [illegible] semi-annual allowing ending Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7 1838
Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk. Book D. Vol. 1. Page 89
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Connecticut Abi North formerly widow of Justus Francis who was an Artificer in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 144 dollars 00 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of January 1852 and sent to Hon. W. W. Snow H of R [Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17. 1844.] Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2. Page 55
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Transcripts from the [illegible] Day Book of 1780 Quarter Master General to paid Daniel Jones [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] For cash paid [illegible] [illegible] for Bill of Rights per For cash paid David Clark Conductor of Continental Blacksmiths at the Port of Hartford 4 [illegible] 360.0 For cash paid Justus Francis for service as continental Blacksmith at the Port of Hartford 21 days 6,12,0 ditto ditto ditto gentry 20 days 184 13.4 Hartford Connecticut February 27, 1780
Quarter Master General To paid Daniel Jones AD MG for Bill of Rights For sundry expenditures of the V M Gen Depart at the Port of Hartford [illegible] To cash paid Justus Francis for service per Bill 28..16. April 29 1780
Quarter Master General To paid Justus Francis per Bill of Right For sundry articles of clothing due him for the year 1779 [illegible] 1 hat 32 dollars 2 shirts at 48 dollars 1 hunting shirt 48 dollars 52.16.0 2 pair overhalls at 40 dollars 80 blanket 106 2/3 dollars  56.00 [illegible] 108.16
August 9, 1780 Pension Agency Office Hartford July 17, 1846 I certify that I have carefully examined and compared the foregoing with the original Books and find them true and accurate transcript H Goodwin Pension Agent
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12934
Ali North
Conn
Act 7 July 38
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State of Connecticut
---
I, CHARLES WM. BRADLEY, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and
Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or
may concern, That Jeremiah Brown, Esq'r
is, and since the 20th day of June last past, hath been a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County of Hartford, in said State, duly appointed
and commissioned, ===having full power and authority by the laws of said State to
ttake the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer
Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of court and to give Certificates
thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his
official acts and attestations.
And I further certify that I believe the foregoing signatures of the said
Jeremiah Brown, to be genuine
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand, and affixed the seal of said State,
at Hartford, this 17th day of
July, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and forty six.
Charles Wm. Bradley,
Secretary of State
[Black seal with sunburst pattern affixed to lower left corner of page]
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[Black seal with sunburst pattern affixed to upper left corner of document]
STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
___________________________
By His Excellency THOMAS H. SEYMOUR,
Governor of said State
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know Ye, That George Robinson was at 
and now is, a Notary Public,
in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned,
and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full
faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out
of Court; that the within attestation is in due form
and by the proper offices and that the foregoing
signature of said George Robinson thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 10th day of February, A.D. 1852, and in the
seventy sixth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor
[illegible] P.C. Mather
Secretary of State
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Know all men by these presents that I Abi North of Avon in the county of Hartford in the state of Connecticut do hereby constitute and appoint L. M. Drury Esq of Canandaiqua NY my true and lawful attorney and agent to prove out my claim for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due. And I hereby authorize my said agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable to myself at the agency in Hartford Connecticut, to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby revoking all former power of attorney and establishing this power as irrevocable, and ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney and agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Abi North

Witness my hand and seal at Avon this 9th day of February 1832. Signed and sealed in the presence of 
R. M. Thompson
A. D. French

State of Connecticut
Hartford County}ss.
On this 9th day of February AD 1832 before me the subscriber a Notary Public residing in the city of Hartford, personally appeared Abi North above named (former widow of Justus Francis) and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be her act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name & affixed my seal of office.
Geo. Robinson, Notary Public
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State of Connecticut
Hartford County}ss. Avon
Be it known, that on this 9th day of February AD 1832 before the undersigned a Notary Public in & for said state, personally appeared Abi North, a resident of Avon in said county and made oath according to law, that she is the former widow of Justus Francis deceased, who was an artificer in the War of the Revolution and that she receives a pension as his widow at the rate of One hundred and forty four dollars per annum.
That she has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased. That she is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension and makes the affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day & year above written.
Abi North

Before me
Geo. Robinson Notary Public

I Geo Robinson a Notary Public residing in Hartford county & state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Abi North who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this county, and is, I believe directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Geo. Robinson
Notary Public
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Hartford, CT March 25, 1848

Sir:
I have the honor herewith to forward you additional evidence in the case of the widow Abi North claiming a pension in right of the services of her former husband Justus Francis deceased, who served as an Artificer or Continental Blacksmith during the Revolutionary War.
This evidence, fully corroborating and strengthening that which was submitted with the original application. I think you must receive conclusion in favor of the case.
In discussing with me the evidence in this case, on a former occasion. You balanced sometimes between allowing and disallowing it on the evidence then before you but finally suspended it, on suggestions some doubts whether three were an enlisted corps of artificers stationed at the Post of Hartford.
After the evidence now submitted I think you can no longer doubt that fact or that Justus Francis served full two [illegible] in that corps.
In addition to all the facts now before you, I must beg leave to call your attention to the case of a late pensioner, Theodore Spencer, who had his pension increased to the pay of an artificer for his every service,
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that of a Continental Blacksmith at the Post of Hartford.
Permit me to [illegible] the principal points of evidence in this case and I have done.
We first have the widow of Deacon Elijah Francis, an elder brother of the deceased who is proved before yours to be a man of high character and respectability, who testifies that said Justus who was then, and had been for several years, an apprentice at the Blacksmith business, enlisted for a years service in the Connecticut line. That a claim was made upon the father of said Justus by his master for breaking the indentures which was arranged by the father, and further arrangement was made that said Justus should be detached from service in the "line" on condition that he enlisted for a longer period (he being then a good blacksmith) to serve in the corps of Artificers at the Post of Hartford.
We have then by way of traditionary evidence the deposition of a man who has often hears said Justus speak of this service in his life time, and which is the more to be relied upon because the said Justus died before the Pension Law was in contemplation. So much for parol evidence.
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and or will continue to say, that thousands of pensions may ten of thousand have been granted on paid evidence alone, with nothing like the strength and corroborating circumstances with that formerly of that which is now submitted in this case.
But in addition to this you have before you the Documentary Evidence from the Hubbard Books putting the case beyond all doubt or cavil. Showing that he was paid as a Continental Blacksmith and paid for clothing the preceding year. The latter of which was never done but in a regular Enlistment in the Service of the United States.
In regard to the fact of there having been an enlisted Corps of Quartermasters, Blacksmiths, Carpenters, etc. stationed at the port of Hartford during the Revolutionary War, the presentation is inscrutable from the importance and character of the Post. No Post in the United States match importance was without such a Post., and the correspondences of the officers of the Involuntary Independent everywhere abounds with statements of the pressing necessity of having these men regularly enlisted in order to secure the full record of their services, instead of sending to civil
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contracts. Accordingly this was done in every instance where they could be pursuaded to enlist. 
My client is in needy circumstances and has waited long for this pittance which the justice of the country has provided for her. 
I hope the commissioner will take up the case and examine it personally and decide it as promptly as its order in the callender of business would seem to demand.
With great respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your mo. obd. servt.
L. T. Pease

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Abi North wid of Justus Francis
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top cut off followed by illegible typed writing]
Documentary & traditionary
Record proof of marriage

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Hon. W. W. Snow
H of R

S. Cole
Examining Clerk
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I Jonathan Olcott of Hartford, Hartford County, State of Connecticut, a Revolutionary Pensioner aged eighty nine years & upwards, being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that I was a resident of the city of Hartford, have always resided there. I well recollect that during the War of the Revolution there was a corps of enlisted or Continental Blacksmiths serving under the United States and stationed at Hartford aforesaid, that the shops, &c were on Main Street on Enl. Wadswatter land, between the artman & St. Johns Church. I have no doubt that the blacksmiths engaged & working in these shops were enlisted artificers serving under the United States. One of them, Theodore Spencer, well known to me who died a short time since was pensioned under the act of 1832 for that service and probably others unknown to me may have been pensioned for said service & further the deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of February AD 1848.
Jon. Olcott

John W. Seymour
Justice of Peace
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Hartford, Hartford County, St of Connecticut Ss.
February 29th 1848
Before me a Justice of the Peace in & for said county & I hereby certify that said Jona. Olcott the deponent is personally well known to me & that his faculties of this mind appear to be unimpaired, that he is a person of truth and veracity& that his testimony is entitled to full credit.
John W. Seymour
Justice of Peace
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I Isaac Jones of Hartford, County of Hartford said State of Connecticut aged Eighty two years and upwards having been duly sworn according to law depose and say that I was born in the City of New York and came to Hartford to reside in the year 1779 where I have been since resided and now reside, that soon after I came to Hartford I became an Apprentice at the Carriage making business with one Asa Frances, now deceased, of said Hartford. That I was well acquainted with one Justus Francis, a cousin of said Asa, a native of New Britain, a parish in the town of Berlin, in said county the then serving as an Artificer or Blacksmith in the Continental shops in said Hartford. I do not know the precise length of said service, but I have always understood and have no doubt it exceeded the term of two years. Said Francis after the close of the War returned to New Britain and established himself there in the Blacksmith business which he carried out to the time of his death which happened some twenty-five years since or more.
I will (illegible) the Continental Blacksmith Shops which stood on the lot of the late Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth on Maine Street
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Between where the [illegible] and St. John's Church now stand. I then understood and now fully believe that the Blacksmiths there engaged in service there were regularly enlisted artificers in the service of the United States and further the deponent saith not.
Isaac Jones

Hartford County
State of Connecticut}ss.
March 1st 1848
Then personally appeared Isaac Jones the deponent who signed the foregoing deposition in my presence and made oath in due form of law that the same is true. And I further certify that said Isaac Jones is personally well known to me, that his mind and memory appear to be unimpaired, that his character for truth and integrity is such that his testimony is entitled to full credit.
Before me,
Erastus Smith Justice of Peace
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State of Connecticut
Hartford County    S. S.
I Chauncey Howard of Hartford in said County, Clerk of the County Courts, for said County and State and keeper of the legal thereof and of the Commissions of the Justices of the Peace for said
County do hereby certify that John W. Seymour Esq. of said Hartford was on the 29 day of February 1848 and now is a Justice of the Peace for said County and as such duly authorized to administer oaths, etc. and that his signature affixed the Certificate of the foregoing deposition of Jonathan Olcott is well known to use as his genuine official signature. And I definitely certify that Erastus Smith, Esq. of said Hartford was on this 11 day of March 1848 and now is a Justice of Peace for said County and as such duly authorized to administer oaths, etc. And that his signature affixed the Certificate of the foregoing deposition of Isaac Jones is well known to us as his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereas I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 10th day of March A. D. 1848.
Chauncey Howard
Clerk
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12.934
Abi North
formerly widow
of Justus Francis
Ct
Act 7 July 1838
Married 1785
Husband died 1819
Admitted 2 yrs
Artificer $144 per annum Acts
38
43 & 44
48
(See papers of Shelby Spencer
Ct. Act 2 Feb 1828)
Hon W.W. Snow
H of R
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Hartford July 17th 1846
Sir
Herewith is forwarded the application of Mrs. Abi North formerly Mrs. Francis for a pension on account of the service of her first husband, Justus Francis deceased.
The facts in this case as detailed in the declaration are few & simple - and supported by the depositions of two persons of the first respectability in this County. And corroborate by documentary evidence which would seem to remove all doubt from the case.
I pray in behalf of my client your early consideration of the case.
I have the honor to be with great respect your most obdt srvt.
L. T. Pease

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm Pensions
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O. W. & N. DIV
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON D. C.

May [illegible] 1895

Respectfully returned to

Mr. W. M. Francis
[illegible]
Hartford, Conn.

with the information that the courtesy of furnishing the military history of Revolutionary soldiers is extended by this Bureau when the same is desired by descendants for historical and genealogical purposes only, and then only when the soldier or his widow applied for pension, their papers being the principal source from which data is collected for a report. The history of not more than two soldiers can be furnished to each applicant because of the large number of such requests, and the time and labor it is necessary to expend upon each report.
For purposes of identification the soldier's full name should be furnished, his place of residence before and after service (town, county, and State, if possible) and the christian name of his widow if she survived him.
Please return all papers with your reply.
Wm Lochren
Commissioner

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
L
MAY 27 1895

[stamped]
O C W NAVY MAY 31 1895
FILED
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REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE
O. W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.

Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.

25610w. no other w. no i.

Full name of soldier
Elijah Francis

Place of residence before service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
[illegible], Conn.   Berlin

Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible)
Brilin x New Britain Land

Date of death (as near as possible):
Aug 17, 1812

Christian name of widow:
Hannah Buck

Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
I do not know

Remarks:

Your name and address:
W. M. Francis
P. O. Dr. P
Hartford Conn

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
L
MAY 27 1895
Page 40

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE
O. W. & N. DIV.

MEMORANDA.

Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.

10822w

Full name of soldier:
Justus Francis

Place of residence before service:
(Town, county and State if possible)
New Britain, Conn.

Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
New Britain Conn.

Date of death (as near as possible):
Feby 11, 1819

Christian name of widow:
Abigail       Abigail

Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
I do not know

Remarks:

Your name and address:
Page 41

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE
O. W. & N. DIV.
 MEMORANDA
Please supply as possible of the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
David Lindsay
Place of residence before service 
(Town, county, and State if possible)
New Britain Conn
Place of residence after service.
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
New Britain Conn
who was a
Date of death (as near as possible):
Christian name of widow:
Prudence
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Remarks:
Have been working to find any record of his death.
Page 42

O. W. N.

A. C. W.
HARTFORD STEAM BOILER
INSPECTION AND INSURANCE CO.

J. M. ALLEN, President
Wm. B. FRANKLIN, Vice President
F. B. ALLEN, Second Vice President
J. B. PIERCE, Secretary & Treasurer

Hartford, Conn May 8, 1895

Comm of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly send me a copy of the record of service in the Revolution War of
Elijah Francis - He was 1st Lieut of Capt. Brays Co. of Col. Hookers Regt.

also of
David Lusk - who was a private in Capt. Stanley's. Co of Wadsworths Brigade 

and of
Justus Francis - who was a private in Capt. Wrights Co. Col. Enos Regiment.

By so doing you will greatly oblige.
Yours truly
W. M. Francis

P. O. Drawer 7
Page 43

316 Michigan Ave. Menominee Mich.
Apr 4th 1921

Rev.

Bureau of Pensions:

Gentlemen:
This is my first application to the Pension Office. I am very desirous to establish my eligibility to the D. S. R. on the Rev. record of Justun Francis. He was born (probably Berlin CT) Jan 28, 1762, married Mar 19 1785 Abi or Abigail Stanley of New Britain or Berlin (all the same towns at that time) and died Feb 14 1819 aged 67. He came from a patriotic family as his father Lieut Elijah Francis [illegible] he Rev. m. Goodrich [illegible] Reg. Capt Arn Bray's Co. and his two older brothers James and Elijah Jr, the latter at the age of 16 were also in the war.
In "Conn. Men in the Revolution" I read some years ago the following "Justus Francis, private in Capt. Elijah Wright's Co. Col. Roger Enos Reg. on the Hudson 1778 engaged for 3 months. Arrived in camp June 29 1778" which I think must refer to my ancestor. In 1778 he would be 16 yrs old.
I have an older sister 75 years old residing in Hartford CT. She has written me that she visited our grandmother in 1862 or 63 and grandmother who was the daughter of this Justus, told her she received a pension of $1800 for her fathers services as a soldier and that she had to give one half of it ($900) to her agent who procured it for her. My sister does not remember how long before that time she received it.
I have an aunt 86 years old residing in Conn, the only surviving child of my grandmother. She too remembers distinctly her mother receiving this pension money and both of these people always supposed it was for services rendered in the Rev. War.
Page 44

My grandmother's name was Abi Francis (dau of Justus) who married at New Britain CT Nov 29 1816 Cyrus Thompson and removed to Avon where she resided until her death in 1871. Her husband Cyrus Thompson died in 1834; on July 21 1850 she married (2) Luke Case of Canten Conn. & removed to that town. He lived only about six months and she returned to her old home of Avon and was never called Mrs. Case, but always Mrs. Thompson. I mention this because there might be a possibility that the pension paper would be made in Mrs. Luke Case's name, although I think it would be in Mrs. Abi or Mrs. Cyrus Thompson's name.
Her father Justus Francis was a Capt in the militia and a descendent of his in another line Mr. George Francis Tyler of New Britain wrote me in 1916 that he had a copy of Joshua Grancis commission as Capt from the Gov. of Conn of the 3rd [illegible] 18th Reg. dated Oct 15, 1815. He wrote me his family always supposed he was active service in the Rev. War.
I do not know whether the name of a wife or children appear in a pension certificate. His wife's name was Abi or Abigail Stanly and her children's names were John, Hamah, Abi (my grandmother), Jesse, George, Lydia, Horace. Now I realize there will be some difficulty in locating the war record of my Justus Francis because he had a end cousin Justus Francis who was in the Rev. War and was a Major at least he was called Major Francis. This Justus was B 1750 & died 1827 and had 4 wives, vis: Keturah Andrews 1773; Mary Belden 1783; Lois Andrews 1786 and Ruth Barber 1805. Lived at Barrington Jan 8 1827 & my Justus d. at Berlin CT Feb 14, 1819. The two towns not far apart. This Justus Francis had 10 ch. Appleton, Keturah, Harvey, Ansen, Newman, Alfred, Cyrus, Laura, Erastus & Mary.
Page 45

[illegible] I think no a D. A. R. may agree that the Rev. record of soldiers who had been [illegible] pensions was carefully compiled and easy for reference. But I can readily see a compiler not knowing of the two Justus Francis's would naturally think all references to Justus Francis were one and the same person.
This however is a fact - that my grandmother received $1800 pension money for her father (Justus Francis) service and gave $900 of it to her agent. Putting it though. And there should be a record of it somewhere either in Mr. Luke Case's name or Mrs. Abi (Francis) Thompson's name or Mrs. Cyrus Thompson's name. The tradition in our family and of the [illegible] in New Britain who are strangers to me, is that Justus Francis my great -grandfather saw service in the Rev. War.
It might be possible it was in the War of 1812 although he would be 50 years old at that time, but we have none of us ever considered that.
As this is my first appeal to the Pension Bureau, I sincerely hope you will be able to find his service and send me a copy for which I should be most grateful.
Can it be possible the reference to Justus Francis are to my Justus and that Major Justus Francis of Barrington received his title of Major in Militia in Conn? Was he a pensioner after his d of 1818?
Hoping to receive a favorable reply I am most truly yours
(Mrs. A. M.) Harriet W. Bill
Historian of Menomonee Chapter D. A. R.

[stamped]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE
APR 7 1921
Page 46

Pension Bureau
Wash D. C.
Sir,
Will you please send me the data you have [illegible] as to the date of birth service etc of Justus Francis. His widow Abi North drew a pension for the service of her husband during the Revolution. This pension was issued  prior to 1852 which is the date of her death.
Page 47

[illegible]
I think his brothers Cyrus at the time the pension papers were filed.
Yours REspt.
Mrs. O. C. Wise
270 S. High St
Pueblo Colorado

Sept 16 1925
Page 48

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington D. C. Apl 29 1921

In reply to your request of _____ received ______ for a statement of the military history of Justus Francis a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in (his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. 10822

[column titles]
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment | Length of Service | Rank | Officers under whom service was rendered | State
1778 | About 2 years | Pvt & Artificer | Captain Asa Bray | Colonel Roger Enos | Conn.

Battles engaged in None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment Not stated
Date of application for pension July 17 1846, her cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Berlin, Hartford Co, Conn
Age at date of application she was b. Aug 9 1765
Remarks: Sol mar. Mar 10 11785 Abi dau of Timothy Stanley of Berlin, Conn. 2 sons are referenced Geo & illegible. Francis died Feb 14 1819 & she later mar. James North of Berlin who d. May 15, 1833.

& was the son of Elijah Francis.

Respectfully 
Commissioner
Page 49

[blank lined page]
Page 50

State of New York}
 Alleghany County} Ss Johnsation Gowing of the town of Franklinville in the County of Cateragus aged seventy one years last November being duly sworn deposeth and saith that in the month of June or July in the year 1779 as near as I can recollect the time, I then lived in the town of Lunenburgh in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts and I was intimately acquainted with Lorena Francis and that he went in to the army in a Company of Militia enlisted for six months commanded by John Fish Captain. Regiment no remembered Colonel Tyler. Served six months and untill he was regularly discharged. Marched to Providence in the State of Rhode Island and there remained untill discharged.
   I was then young and may not at the time recollect correctly but of this I am certain and have no doubt that the said Loring Francis was in the Service of the United States as (illegible) Soldier for the term of six months and (illegible) served until the expiration of said term and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn and Subscribed
this 23rd day October 1832
before me Henry Miller J.P.
John Going
I Henry Miller Justice of the Peace aforesaid do hereby certify that the above named Johnathan Goin is a man of strict integrity, and good moral character and that his testimony, where he is known, would bear full weight in any cause or in any court.
Dated at Angelica October 23d 1832
Henry Miller J.P.
Page 51

Allegany County
Clerks Office

I Judson W Sherman Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Henry Miller before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn whereupon the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing. And verily believe his name subscribed thereto to be his own proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of office this 31st day of October 1822.
J. W. Sherman
Page 52

[blank page, writing seen on document is bleed though from the front]
Page 53

State of New York
Allegany County} Ss. On the thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas of the said County of Allegany, now sitting, Loring Francis a resident of the town of Canaedea in the said County of Allegany & State of New York, aged seventy 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 June 7 1832.
   That he entered the services of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated viz.
   He entered the service as a soldier in the company of militia commanded by Captain John Fish and Lieutenant Burt, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Tyler and Lieutenant Putnam in the month of June in the year 1779 for the term of six months and continued in the service until the end of the term in the latter part of December following. That at the time he entered the service he resided in the Town of Lunenburgh in the state of Massachusetts. In that section of Country at that period of the war, each Town had to furnish a certain number of men, and the tow in which he resided furnished seven of whom he was one. And they were hired by the select men of the town. 
    He joined the regiment at Providence and remained their about four months from thence he marched with the regiment to a place called Granwick in the State of Rhode Island from thence to Newport, where he remained until the latter part of the month of December following at which time his term of service expired. He does
Page 54

not recollect the names of any officers in the regular army who were upon that station at that time the regiment to which he belonged was stationed there.
     He was born in the town of (illegible) in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts about four miles from Boston on the 7th of June in the year 1762- He has no record of his age, but it was kept by his father, and he had often seen it in the family Bible.
    He lived in the town of Boston and Lunenburgh until he was about twenty five years of age. He then removed to the town of Westmoreland in the state of New Hampshire, where he resided about ten years. He then lived about two years at Boston and Lunenburgh and then he removed to the town of Wayne in the County of Steuben & state of New York, where he resided about six years. He then removed to the town of Causadea in the said county of Allegany, where he has lived for about twenty six years.
    He was dismissed at the expiration of the time for which he entered the service but he did not receive a written discharge.
    General Samuel L. Haight, Lepheniah Caswell, and George Renwick have known him for many years and will testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
    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.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
JM. Sherman Clerk
Loving Frances
Page 55

(Illegible) of the town of Belfast & George Renwick of the Town of Angelica. Hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Loving Francis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. And we further certify that the said Loving Francis, was for several years, one of the assistant Judges of the said County of Allegany, and that he did the duties of his office with credit & respectability. 
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
JM Sherman Clerk
Amos Pearce
George Renwick

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 name applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Amos Pearce resides in the town of Belfast  who has signed the preceeding certificate, and also George Renwick. who has also signed the same are resident in the town of Angelica aforesaid, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
John Griffin}
Josiah Utter}  Judges
Asa S. Allen}
Judson W Sherman, Clerk of the
Page 56

Courts of Common Pleas of the said County of Allegany do hereby certify that the foregoing (illegible) the original proceedings of the said courts in the matter of the application of Loving Francis (illegible) pensions.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 30th day of October in the year 1832 J.M. Sherman Ck.
Page 57

Lorring (Illegible)
Allegany Ci of York
23 481


5 No 13 Am
Page 58

This evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been reviewed, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in 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 inscribed 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 Loring Francis

[column titles]
Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. | Rank of the Claimant. | Names and rank of the company officers under whom he served. | Name and rank of the General and field officers. | Region in which this applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he enlisted this service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the deponent is supported.
1779 | 6 months | Private | Capt Fish | ~~ | [illegible] Rhode Island | 70 years, Worcester CT [illegible] | Traditionary, a living witness

I am, respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 59

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service. but not those who were occasionally employed with, the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of }ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the 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 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 Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of 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 it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 60

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore. these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what 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. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of bis service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:
For year months, and days, I served as a ; For mouths and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
{It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 61

REJECTED
Page 62

Loring Francis
New York
Act June 7 1832
[illegible] 1775
26 Aug 1835
5 Dec 1835

[illegible]
Let [illegible] 21 /49
to Arad Joy July 3/51
Page 63

To Hon. J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
we have appointed Arad Joy of New York our agent to investigate the claim of our late mother, to the pension due to her as the widow of the late Lorin, or Loring Francis, whose application is on file - Dated Dec 30th 1846
John Kelly
Betsey Franklin
Lucy Emery
Polly Kelly

Note in margin:
This to be signed by all
Page 64

Loring Francis
Revo. Brief
Pension Claim
Page 65

Loring Francis
Pension Chairmn

In October, 1832, Loring Francis declares that he entered a Militia Company under Capt. John Fish and Lieut. Burt, Col. Tyler and Lieut. Col. Putnam, in June 1779, for 6 months, which he [illegible].  He then resided in Luxemburgh [sic], Worcester County, Mass.  His town furnished 7 men as its portion of state troops.  He joined the regiment at Providence, where he remained 4 months; they then went to Greenwich, R.I., thence to New Port, where he was discharged in the latter part of December.  He was born 7th June, 1762. [illegible]
           Evidence.
1.  J. Going, 71 years old, lived in Luxemburgh in June or July, 1779.  Knew Claimant well.  Claimant went into a Company raised for 6 months, commanded by Capt. John Fish, under Col. Tyler.  He served his 6 months out.  Deponent was then young and may not recollect distinctly, but is certain that Claimant served as he has stated.  [illegible]
2.  Amos Pierce and George Renwick believe Claimant to be 70 years old.  In his neighborhood he is reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier.  He was an officiant Assistant judge of Alleghany [?] County several years.  [illegible]
3.  One who styles himself Town Clerk of Medford certified that Loring, son of Richard & Hannah Francis, was born 7th June, 1762.  [illegible]
4.  J. Going knows that Claimant enlisted in Lunenburgh in the State troops under Col. Tyler in Capt. John Fish's Company in June, 1779.  Saw him doing duty frequently in Providence, R.I in the [illegible] the month of December, & believes he enlisted for and served 6 months.  He was then 17
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years old.  (Ex C.)
5.  Samuel Francis, 70 years old, says that Claimant enlisted in Lunenburgh in 1779 for 6 months.  He went to R. I. and served out his time, as deponant always understood.  Deponant then lived with him at his father's (Ex D.)
6.  The Secretary of State of Massachusetts certifies that Loring Francis was allowed for 5 months 13 days service, from July 22, 1779, to 1st January, 1780, in Capt. Thomas Fish's Company, Col. N. Tyler's Regiment.  (Ex E.)
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Note:  Mostly illegible document
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Cattaraugus County ss.
Jonathan Going of Hinsdale and County afsaid. personally came before me and duly made oath that he is personally acquainted [with] Loring Francis and that he enlisted in the Town of Luningburg [Lunenburg], County Worester [Worcester] State of Massachusetts in the state troops in the revolutionary [words blacked out] the Command [illegible] Tyler Capt. John Fish's Company in the year of our Lord 1779 in the month of June and that the deponent saw him doing duty in the same regiment in Providence State of Rhode Island and this deponent saith that he saw him the said Loring Francis frequently and done duty with him till the last of the month of December following and believe that he enlisted and done duty for the term of six months and further saith not  Said Francis 17 year old at the time
Jona. Going
Sworn and subscribed
September 18th 1834
before me
Luther Scott Justice

I hereby Certify that the above deponent is a man of good Character and unimpeachable as to truth and veracity
Luther Scott Justice

State of New York}
Cattaraugus County ss}
I John W Staunton, Clerk of the said county do hereby certify that Luther Scott Esquire before whom the foregoing applicant purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for the said county [illegible] and qualified and duly authorised [authorized] to take the same and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and [partially illegible] his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing [partially illegible] my hand and seal of Office this 7th day of November A. D. 1836.
John W. Staunton, Clerk
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Samuel Francis
Afft. 
Act 34
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---- for six months, that he went to Rhode island and served out his time as I always understood.  I was at that time living with him at my Fathers in said Lunenburg.
Samuel Francis

Came before me & made the Oath to the above Declaration I Certify that sd. Samuel Francis is a credible witness
Ambros Morell Justice of the peace

Lexington October 18th 1834
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss.
I Elias Phinney Clerk of the court of Common Pleas being a Court of record in said County of Middlesex, do Certify that Ambros Morell Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex, duly qualified and that his name signed to the above Certificate is his true and genuine signature --
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the Eighteenth day of October 1834
E Phinney Clerk
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Dec. 1

Stamped:
BOSTON
OCT 28

Hon. P. C. Fuller M. C.
Washington D. C.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Octr. 8th 1835.
I Hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Loring Francis, as a private, is borne on the pay-rolls of Capt. Thomas Fish's Company, in Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt. where he is allowed from July 22d 1779 to Jany. 1st five months and thirteen days. ----- m. 5 d. 13
Edward D Bangs Esq
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Pension Office,
September 4th 1850
Sir,
I herewith transmit the papers name being as relating to the case of Loring Francis on which Hon W. T. Jackson appeals, and a brief of the evidence
The claimant belonged to one of a large class of Massachusetts militia who served a little more than 5 months and to whom pensions have uniformly been refused.  But Mr Jackson contends that because the record shews the claimant to have served 5 months and 13 days it is fairly inferable that he served 6 months.  By what process of reasoning this result is arrived at I cannot understand since if the record is to be relied on he did not complete such a term as would entitle him, if it is not reliable, there is no satisfactory evidence that he ever served at all.
Very respectfully,
Your Obdt Servant,
J L Edwards
 
D. C. Goddard, Esq.}
Act. Secretary of the Interior}
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March 18, 1851
Ovid N. Y. 
Mar 10 / 37
Arad Joy
Rel. to his appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions in the case of Loring Francis
Charged to 
Cap Triplett
Sep 4 - 1850
Hon Alex H. H. Stuart
Secy. of Interior
Washington DC

Ackd.  & Refd. to Comr. of Pensions
Dept. Int.
Mch 12 / 51
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Ovid March 10, 1850
Sir
On the 21 August last, I appealed through 
Hon Wm. T Jackson the case of Loring Francis
[remainder is blacked out]
Most Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Arad Joy

Hon Alex H. H. Stevens
Secy. of Interior
Washington

Loring Francis was of New York
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Document is illegible
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Loring Francis of New York, an applicant for a Revolutionary pension, an appeal is taken to the Secretary of the Interior -
The grounds of the appeal is this, the Court of Pensions admits that Loring Francis enlisted for 6 months, but was discharged at the end of 6 months & 13 days - We contend that he [word missing] out his enlistment, if not why was he soon discharged, he did not desert, but served as long as the war wanted, & served as much of the 6 months as the Officers required, entitling him to 6 months service in fullfillment [fulfillment] of his engagement to serve 6 months
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Medford Sep 12, 1834
This certifies that there stands recorded on [illegible] of Medford records count of Medford State of Massachusetts, the name of Loring, son of Richard and Hannah Francis born June 7 '46.
W. M. Hitch Town clerk of Medford
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Sept 4 '47
Enquiry Loring Francis

FREE

Hon J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
DC

Stamped
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Ovid N. Y. Augt. 28 - '47
Sir
You say in yours of April 16 last in the case of Loring Francis, that he "asserted a claim for six months" &c - you do not say (as I can see), that he claimed no more, I ask respectfully, therefore if he only claimed in his declaration for one tour, & that for 6 months or did he alledge [allege] other tours - I wish only to ask so far as I may be allowed [illegible] your regulations - I wish to know what service he alledged [alleged]
Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Arad Joy

Hon J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
DC
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March 29 / 47
Loring Francis

J L Edwards
Coms. of Pensions
Washington
DC
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Ovid N. Y. March 24 - '47
Sir
I enclose my agency in the case of Loring Francis, I am informed that he applied from Allegany Co. N. York say in '33  I am also informed that he died in 1840 - none of the family seem to be able to give a clue to the case, under these circumstances may I be allowed to ask you to please give me a history of the state of the case & a copy of the service alledged [allleged] to have been performed by him
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Arad Joy

Messr J L Edwards
Coms. of Pensions
Washington
DC
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Angelica July 16, 1835.
Dr Sir
Enclosed I send some affidavits and certificates in the case of Loring Francis an applicant for a pension whose papers are I believe on file.  Will you please give these your attention on whether the papers enclosed will [remainder of sentence illegible] think.  There must be some clerical mistake in the papers as to age or in some other way - He says he has proof positive of his services -
Your early answer will confer a favour
Yours &c
Ransom Lloyd

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
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Blank page
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has heretofore been a magistrate, and a citizen of some consideration.  An error of some ten years in the account of his age, I am assured was the mistake of his agent, & not his - He is not able to learn from his agent as I understand, whether any difficulties still exist, & if so, what they are.  The papers last sent, he has not heard from.  May I ask of you the favor to give me briefly the aspect of the case -
With great respect
Yr obt svt
P. C. Fuller