Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29182, Ephraim Goodsell, Conn. Navy
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CONN
Mary

Goodsell, Ephraim

S. 29182
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New York, 30, 487
==================================
Ephraim Goodsell
Criton Co in the State of New York
as a Pri & Marine in the Company commanded by Captain Bennett of the Regt commander in the Company for 8 days, Private 8 months Mariner on Fed Ship 5 months(Xary)
30,487
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Pri on the Roll of New rate of 32 Dollars 89 cents per commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
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of Pension issued the 22 day of A.D. 1836 and sent Hon Marlin. No Offers
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Arrears to the 4th March 36                   $164.40
Semi-ans, allowance ending Sept 4"    $   16.40
                                                                  =======
                                                                   $ 180.89

{Revolutionary War}
{Act June 7, 1836}

Recorded by DD Addison Clerk
Book C  Vol.   4         Page 26
J. G. Austin
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Ephraim Goodsell 28 185
9 months as Private
1 mo & 2 wk. 
8 months as mariner



Admitted
Private- 8 days
Mariners-8 months /8.8

Asses. J.D.  Woodward
Platts Garg New York


[Admitted]
[Marine 8 mos]
[Private of infantry 8 days]

Hon. Dudley Farlin
House Reps
N.Y.
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State of New York}
Clinton County ss} We John Martin a Clergyman
residing in Hemmingford Lower Canada near the Canada line and in the neighborhood of Ephraim Goodsell and Roger Robinson residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Goodsell who is making an application for a Pension under the act of Congress of the U.S of June 7th 1832 that we believe him to be Seventy two 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 John Martin Minister.

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 17th  day of July 1833 at Moores in said County, and I certify that it appears to me that John Martin who has signed the proceeding certificate as a Clergyman resident in Hemmingford Lower Canada and that Roger Robinson who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town is credible person and that their statements is entitled to full credit.   Roger Robson Capt

Wm Shurtliff, Justice of the Peace
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Declaration in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of New York
County of Clinton ss}  On this 17th day of July 1833 personally appeared before William Hedding Esq one of the Judge of Clinton Common Pleas of said County the said Court being a Court of record, Ephraim Goodsell a resident of Hemmingford L.C. Situated one mile north of the Canada line, aged Seventy two 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 officer and served as herein stated-
I was born at the town of Fairfield in the
Parish of Greens farms in the State of Connecticut on the fourteenth day of May 1761 - I have a record of my age in my bible made by my Father deceased more than seventy years ago. I have recently referred to said record, the book is now at my sons two miles from my residence. I resided at Greens farms Coun and volunteered at that place as a Teamster in the month of May 1776 under Lieut Jonathan Squires forwarding officer of the Continental army. Capt Duncan Co. Connecticut State Troops-
I served five months in said Company under said Line as a Teamster & was discharged in October 1776 at Greens farms Coun having severed five months during this time of service I was engaged between Fairfield Norwath Bedford Conn & Horse Nick M. Danbury Conn in transporting provisions Hay & baggage for the use of the Continental Troops-
{5 Mos as Teamster in 1776}
I remained at Greens farms until the twenty third of March 1777 when my Father was drafted as a militia man (his name was John Goodsell
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and I enlisted at that place as his substitute in to Capt Bennetts Company that recollect Col. name/Major Nash 1 Regt Connecticut Militia and served on guard in  of guarding the coast from Fairfield to Norwalk Conn from said time until the month of December 1777.  When I dismissed at an field having seven in said Company as a private for nine months during which time I was engaged in no civil pursuit, but was in constant and actual service during that
time I was on guard when the British landed
and marched on to Danbury Conn where they
burnt the continental stores. then they proceeded Richfield Conn & there we had a battle & our Gen. Wooster was killed.  I was in the battle our Lieut name was John Chapman. I had no written discharge. I resided at Fairfield from the time I was dismissed from Capt Bennett's Company of East guards the latter part of Dec 1777 to the 20th June
1779. During which time the British were encamped on Long Island & made frequent incursion into the town of Fairfield to plunder
Cattle and other property. I belonged to Capt Bennett's Company of Connecticut Militia during said time & was frequently during said time called out upon alarms and served in said company as near as I can estimate the time of actual service during said periods six weeks.
and my Father were in the Battle at Fairfield and
the time the British destroyed that place, & my father was killed in the battle-(1 m & 2 W. from Dec. 77 to June 79)
I remained at Fairfield until the month of March 1778 he enlisted at that place as a mariner or Sailor on board the Continental ship Trumbull commanded I think by James Nickeson of Baltimore, first Lieut Malby old Fairfield  2nd Lieut White, (Segt Hedding enlisted me)
I served on board of said vessel until the month
of November 1780 having served Eight months and a little over. (8 Mos as Mariner. in 1780)
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I went on board the said vessel (said vessel was a public vessel & belonged the United States) at New London Conn and sailed in company with an armed vessel but I don't recollect the name of the vessel we soon parted with her, and then we captured a small at of Long Island and sent her into port. We then continued our cruise until we fell in with the British frigate (I think she was called Ship Watt) & after an engagement she came under one Stern & succeeded in getting away the action continued two hours and a half & next morning one main and misen must and rigging went overboard & was lost & we put into Boston Harbor for repairs. Then we sailed in company with the Dean Frigate and put into Delaware Bay & then put out to sea & cruised along the Southern coast of the United States with a view of Capturing some of Lord Cornwallis vessels & on the said court we captured a British Sloop and a British Brig, we came in sight of two British frigates not long afterwards but came to engagement. We then pursued after another vessel & then returned with a vessel to Philadelphia where we were discharged. I was very sick with a fever at the time one ship arrived at Philadelphia + was taken to the Hospital at that place (Continental Barracks, and remained there till the 20th December 1780 when I was dismissed from the Hospital. I do not recollect whether we received written discharges or not & If we did mine is lost.-- After my time was out  & my discharge from the hospital I returned to Fairfield Conn and resided there till 1781.
When the British came and stripped me of all
my cattle and a sailboat and other property
of the value of five hundred dollars, I then
moved to Fredrickson N.Y. and I remained there
till 1785 when I moved to Granville N.Y.
& lived there till 1797 when I moved to
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Reflective in his right grounding-
And I the said Judge do hereby declare my 
opinion after investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named
applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and
mariner and served as he states.
William Hedding, Judge of Clinton Common
Pleas
And I the said Judge do further certify that
it appears to me that John Marlin who has
signed the annexed Certificate is a Clergyman
resident in the town of Hemmingford L.C. and
that Roger Robinson who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and
is a credible person and that their statement
is entitled to full credit.-July 17th 1833
William Hedding
Judge of Clinton Comm Pleas

State New York
County of Clinton Ss} I Nathan Taylor Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County, do hereby certify that the forego contains the original proceedings of Judge in the matter of the application of Ephraim Goodsell a pension. and I further certify that said William Hedding before whom the foregoing declaration of
Ephraim Goodsell was made & who has signed the two Certificates immediately following said declaration was at the time of taking & signing the same a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Clinton & that the signatures of said Judges to said Certificate are
his genuine hand writing I being acquainted with it.
I also certify that William Shirtliff before whom the annexed affidavit of John Martin & Roger
Robison was taken & sworn on the Seventeenth was at the time a Justice of the Peace in & for said County residing in the
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Swanton Vt and resided there till 1800 when I
me to Montreal L.C. and resided there till
1802 & then went to Lachine L. and lived
the two years and then in 1804 went to
Montreal and lived there until 1813 when I moved to La Prairie. L.C.  and resided there till 1813 and then moved to Longail L.C. and resided there till 1819 and then moved to Florida N.Y. and resided there till 1822 when I moved back to La Prairie and kept a Tavern there two years, and there in 1824 moved to Hemmingford L.C. about a mile north door town Clinton County N Y. where I have ever since resided and where I now reside-
The names of persons in my present neighborhood and who can testify to my character for veracity Frederick Scriver Kirk William Robertson John Robertson Aaron
Sweet William Horn Chauncey Hoon John Walker Channay Sperry Adam Robinson Lisle Robinson & others
I have no documentary evidence and know of no person whose testimony I can procure who can testify to my service- I am very severely afflicted with Rheumatism & entirely unable to labor and
have a rupture in my right groin which greatly
affect me & I am not able by reason of bodily infinity to attend Court at Plattsburg the nearest
place from my residence where courts of record on held ---
I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a
Pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the aging of any State and subscribed to before person and that he is unable to attend Court by reason of bodily infirmity he being afflicted with Rheumatism and a Sworn
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Ephraim Goodsell
N.Y. at 32


French Sylvester
July 3, 32
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whereas Mr. Ephraim Goodsell recorded in his life he drew a pension for less in amount than he considered himself entitled to by reason of the conclusion of his naval services for the want of sufficient proof of the cause at the time, And whereas the said Goodsell in his lifetime charge
gross mitigation & neglect upon than who undertook & did pre cases and new pension in that who  pension in not making suitable effect the processing of such credicence his unpaid. Goodsell residing at a considerable distance fewer then making the appreciation & not within convenient communication with them (said Pension) having been founded upon a claim by the said Goodsell for United States Military services in the Revolutionary War. And Whereas it is hoped that such haval services as were excluded may yet be proved-
Now therefore the undersigned John Goodsell (son of the said Ephraim Goodsell, residing
in the town of Moors in the County of Clinton and State of New York doth hereby constitute and appoint Henry H. Sylvester of the City of Washington D.C. his true and lawful attorney for him & in his name and on behalf of the other children of the said Ephraim Goodsell to my legate the matter & procure if practicable such additional
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Pension as I myself &  the witness children of the said Ephraim Goodsell may be entitled to- 

Witness my hand seal this 28th day January A.D. 1852.                                  John Goodsell

State of New York}
County of Clinton ss}

viz this 28th day of January A.D. 1852 Before the subscribed in Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared John Goodsell above named and to me well known and be knowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed. Witness my hand the day and year last above written
Asa Cockin, Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Clinton ss.}
John Goodsell above named being duly sworn deposes & says that he is the son of the above named Ephram Goodsell deceased & that he
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and a direct interest in the above mentioned claim & pension                 John Goodsell

Sworn to & subscribed on this 28th day of January A.D. 1852 
Before me.-
Asa Cockins, Justice of the Peace


State of New York
County of Clinton Ss.}

I David H. Parsons Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Asa Corkins was on the day of the date of the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgment a Justice of the peace in and for said County and that the regulations to the said affidavit & acknowledgement purporting to be his are genuine

Witness my hand and official seal
at Plattsburgh this 29th day of January A.D. 1852-                              D.H. Parson, Clerk
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Abigail Oak , only child of Ephraim Goodsell-N.York
Power
Act June 7, 1832
Entitled Card

[Perfect 2 pri]
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State of New York..... County of Clinton....ss.
On this 22nd day of June 1854 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Abigail Goodsell in my Oaks a resident of the town of Common Pleas in said County aged sixty years
and made oath according to law that he is directly interested in a claim against the United States for certain arrears or increase of pension, supposed to be due to her as one of the children of Ephraim Goodsell 

and the hereby appoints J. DOUGLAS WOODWARD, Counsellor at Law, of Plattsburg, N. Y., his Attorney to prosecute said claim, and examine all papers and documents in relation thereto, on file in any of the Departments at
Washington City or elsewhere, and to receive from the officer authorised to issue the same, a certificate for any arrears or increase of pension to which Deponent may be entitled, and to do all other acts and things in and about obtaining such arrears or increase of pension as Deponent might or could do, were the personally present at the doing thereof; and the hereby revoke all former powers if any inconsistent with the above, and authorizes her said Attorney to appoint Attorneys, one of more, under him, for any or all the purposes aforesaid,
said Attorney or those appointed under him shall law whereof the said Deponent has hereunto set her hand- Abigail Oakes
John Bullis

Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged,  before me, on the day and year first above mentioned, and I believe the Deponent to be directly interested in the claim above mentioned, and the identical person therein alleged and described) and I have no interest in the result of said claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.
John Bullis, Justice Peace
STATE OF.....COUNTY OF..........SS. I, the subscriber, Clerk of before whom the above affidavit and Power was sworn and acknowledged on the day of 185 was at said time a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified, and that I verily believe his signature above written to be genuine; and I have no interest in the result of the claim to which the foregoing paper relates, and am not concerned in its prosecution. Witness my hand and official seal at  in said County this ------day of-------------185 was at said time a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly qualified, and that I verily believe his signature above written to be genuine; and I have no interest in the result of the claim go which the foregoing paper relates, and am not concerned in its prosecution. 
John Bullis,  Justice Peace.

State of.............. County of........ss., I, the subscriber, Clerk of said County; certify that......before whom the above affidavit and Power  was sworn and acknowledged on the.........Day of -----------185 was at said time a Justice of the Peace in and for said County  duly qualified,and that I verily believe his signature above written to be genuine; and I have no interest in the result of the claim to which the foregoing paper relates, and am not concerned in its prosecution, Witness my hand and official seal at on said County this..........day of .........185
[L. S.]                                                     Clerk
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28185
Ephram Goodsell
N York

Admitted
Mariner 8 mo
Private of In 0-8 [unk][
infantry -----------
8.8

Certificate obtained & enclosed
Feb. 27, 1834, J.D. Woodward
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
17 January '32

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 Ephram Goodsell

Period when the service was rendered: 1776
Duration of the claimant's service: 5 months
Rank of claimant: Teamster
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served:
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered to the service: 72 S.C.
Proof by which the declaration is supported: traditionary

Period when the service was rendered: 1777
Duration of the claimant's service: 9 months
Rank of claimant: Pri.
Names and rank of the Field officer under whom he served: Capt Bennett
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service: Nicy Nash. Coast Guard, Fairfield was in Guard when British Danbury
Proof of which the declaration is supported:

Period when the service was rendered: 1779
Duration of the claimant's service: 1 month 12 days
Rank of Claimant: "
Names and rank of Field officers under whom he served:
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service:
Proof by which the declaration is supported:

Period when the service was rendered: 1780
Duration of the claimant's service: 8 months
Rank of claimant: Mariner
Names and rank of Field officers under whom he served:
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service:
Proof by which the declaration is supported:

The applicants claim for nine months cannot be allowed. He was not in actual service the whole of that time. It is the time only that he was engaged in actual service that can be competed. The service as a Teamster cannot be allowed and he should endeavor to to  procure proof of his service as a mariner.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to ever 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 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 in 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.

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    ad 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 milita, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or 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 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then 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 the 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 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.

Applicant is referred to Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of the State of Connecticut for evidence of his service in the Coast Guard. There is no evidence in the Department that Capt Necker for [unk] Phelps will be able to serve their parts. (see Mr Phelps certificate enclosed)
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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 live now?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And is 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 service.
5. 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 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 ca 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 inquiry 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, by reason of 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 of 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 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 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 her served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --------- year --------months, and ------ days, I served as a --------------. For ------- months, and ---------- days, I served as a ---------; and for such 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 ise if the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of 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 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 oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must ne certified by the proper officer, under his seal of Office.
* The notes [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applied 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 20

O. W. & N. Division

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOS
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C. January 30, 1895

Sir:-

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Ephraim Goodsell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: May 1776
Length of Service: 5 mos.
Rank: Teamster
Officers under whom the service was rendered:
Captain Duncan, Colonel not stated
State: Conn.

Dates of Enlistment of Appointment: 1777
Length of Service: 9 mos.
Rank: Pvt.
Officers under whom service was rendered:
Captain Bennett, Colonel not stated
State: Conn.

Date of Enlistment or Appointment: 1778 & 79
Length of Service: 6 wks.
Rank:
Pvt.
Officers under whom service was rendered: Captain Bennet, Colonel not stated
State: Conn.

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: Mar 1780
Length of Service: 8 mos.
Rank: Mariner
Officer under whom service was rendered: on the ship "Trumbell"
State:

Battles engages in, Richfield and Fairfield, Connecticut
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Fairfield, Connecticut
Date of application for pension, July 17, 1833
Residence at date of application, Born at Fairfield, Conn., May 14, 1761

Remarks: The names of Joseph Goodsell and Asahel Jerome are not borne upon the Revolutionary pension records and the Bureau is unable to furnish their history.

Very respectfully,

Commissioner

J.K. Deming, Esq.
Dubaque
Iowa
Page 21

2327.
Second National Bank of DuBuque
CAPITAL $400,000.00
GEO. B. BURCH, President
W. P. LARGE, Vice President
J. K. DEMING, Cashier
HERM ESCHEN, Asst. Cashier
DUBUQUE, IOWA Dec. 29, 1894
Hon. William Lochren
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
Will you kindly supply me with information from your office of the military services of Ephraim Goodsell [29182 written] who was a pensioner of the U.S. on account of services in the Revolution. After the war, he was a resident of Canada, but lived a short time at Isle La Motte, Vermont, and as I learn from his grandson, received payments on account of his pension at Champlain, N.Y.
I would like to know, also, if pensions were ever granted on account of services of Joseph Goodsell, killed in the attack on Fairfield, Conn, and of Asahel Jerome killed in service, (as reported in the published records of the Connecticut Soldiers of the Revolution).
Respectfully
J. K. Deming
Page 22

Navy No. 30 [illegible]
New York
Conn
Name: Ephraim Goodsell
Rank: Private Mariner Comp'y
Ship "Trumbell"
New York NY Agency
Rev War
RATE PER MONTH,AND DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
1st [illegible]    Comm'g
2d [illegible] Comm'g
3d [illegible] Comm'g
DATE OF CERTIFICATE, AND TO WHOM SENT.
1st [illegible] Sent to
2d [illegible] Sent to
3d {illegible] Sent to
Act 14th July, 1862. Bk. G. Col.___, Page ____
Disability Old Jacket inside

Jan 31/93 Mil. Hist. to .J.K. Dening
Dubuque. Ia. [illegible]
Page 23

Navy No. 30 [illegible]
New York
Conn
Name: Ephraim Goodsell
Rank: Private Mariner Comp'y
Ship "Trumbell"
New York NY Agency
Rev War
RATE PER MONTH,AND DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
1st [illegible] Comm'g
2d [illegible] Comm'g
3d [illegible] Comm'g
DATE OF CERTIFICATE, AND TO WHOM SENT.
1st [illegible] Sent to
2d [illegible] Sent to
3d {illegible] Sent to
Act 14th July, 1862. Bk. G. Col.___, Page ____
Disability Old Jacket inside
Milt Hist. to .J.K. Dening
Dubuque. Ia. M. El.
Page 24

Revy
Navy
[WIDOW, &c. crossed out]
INVALID.
File No. 29182
Ephraim Goodsell
Private and Mariner
U.S. Ship Trumbell
Rev. War
Act June 7, 1832
Index: Vol. 4, Page 26
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

N.Y. Suspended
Roll
Ephraim Goodsell
act 1832

Paker

Jas. G. Austin
atty for
H. H. Sylvester
for
Geo. A. Standish Esq.
Page 26

[Envelope]
FREE
[Written top left corner] Hon. J. L. Edwards June 1835
J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions

J. D. Woodward Esq.
Plattsburgh, New York
Page 27

War Department
Pension Office
June 15, 1835

Sir

The affidavit of Ephraim Goodsell made the 5th instant has been examined. The explanation does not affect the question in the case. If the service in the Coast Guards was endured in 1777 as alleged it was under some officer whose accounts were afterwards audited and paid. If paid the evidence of it must necessarily appear in the book of pay table in the office of the Comptroller of Connecticut. If Mr. Goodsell was mistaken as to the names of his officers he should correct his mistake and and apply to the comptroller for further evidence on the subject on the receipt of which a decision
Page 28

in regard to the service in question may be had.

Respectfully your obt servt

J L Edwards



J. D. Woodward Esq
Pittsburgh
New York
Page 29

War Department
Pension Office
May 12th 1835

Sir

The certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut under date of the 11th March 1835 relative to the service alleged by Ephraim Goodsell has been examined. It is evident from the papers that neither Capt. Bennett or Capt. Nash were in service in the Coase Guards in 1777 as alleged my Mr. Goodsell, and that the only service in that year under Capt. Nash was rendered from the 5th to the 23d of April. If Mr. Goodsell was in service in the Coast Guards in 1777 it will be necessary to have the names of his officers correctly given before his claim can be satisfactorily examined.

I am respectfully your obt servant

J L Edwards


J. D. Woodward
Pittsburgh
N. York
Page 30

War Department
Pension Office
July 24, 1835

Sir

The explanatory affidavits of Ephraim Goodsell sworn to the 20th [unk] is received. In my letter of the 15th June last it was requested that Mr. Goodsell should name the officers under whom the alleged service in the Coast Guards was rendered, if in his previous instrument he was mistaken in that particular and then upon produce the certificate of the (certificate of the) comptroller of Connecticut in conformation thereof. As soon as the requisition has been complied with the case will again be examined. 

Respectfully your obt servt

J L Edwards

D. J. Woodward Esq
Pittsburgh
N.Y.
Page 31

Ephraim Goodsell's case
Judge [unk] certificate
Page 32

Mr. J. D. Woodward

I have not been able since my conversation with you today to recolect the name of any person by whom Mr. Ephraim Goodsell performed his service in Capt. Bennetts Coast Guards in 1777, nor his services as a Mariner on board the Ship Trumbull in 1780. If I recolect right Jonathan Taylor who is in the Pension roll served under Capt. Bennett but his [unk]. Norwalk Feb 19, 1835

Benj. Isaacs
Page 33

We hereby certify that the bearer Ephraim Goodsell is of irreproachable character; that he is a sober, honest, and industrious man and worthy of credit in his testimony either on his work or oath; that we have reason to believe that he served both in the army and Navy of the United States and has lived in our neighborhood the last eight years.

Given under our hands at Hemmingford this 13th day of May 1833

John Marlin { Presbyterian Minister
Finley Fisher J.P.
Roger Robson Capt.

Dec 23d 1833 Mr. Goodsell now resides in Chazy [unk] removed to that place recently. J. D> Woodward
Page 34

Additional Evidence
Ephraim Goodsell


For
James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 35

Plattsburg, N.Y. August 11, 1834

J . L. Edwards Esq

Sir

The evidence required by your letter of the 12th April last in the case of Ephraim Goodsell is herewith enclosed, in the expectation that it will be deemed sufficient (with that already furnished) to entitle him to a pension.

Yours respectfully,

J. Douglas Woodward
Page 36

Ephraim Goodsells case

J Hull
May 12}   Free A Atkins P.M.

J.D. Woodward Esquire
Plattsburgh
N.Y.
Page 37

Quaker Hill May 13th 1834

Sir

Yours of the 26 April was duly received I believe there was no such persons living in this vicnity as Nathan Ogden or Jonathan Squires. Mr Ogden I believe has been dead some years and I know no such man as Jonathan Squire. If I can learn any thing of him I will give you information.

Yours respectfully,

Albro Atkin
Page 38

Ephraim Goodsell
8 1/2 months as a private in Connecticut Coast Guards & 8 months as mariner on board Ship Trumbull


James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 39

Washington Fby 27, 1835

James L. Edwards Esq.

Sir

In your letter of Nov 20 1834 in the case of Ephraim Goodsell, you remark "It would appear from the certificate of Mr. Phelps that Joseph Bennet was a Lieutenant in 1780, while the claimant alleges that in 1777 he served under him as Captain nine months agreeable to his second statement- "It will be found on examination, that Mr Goodsell in his second statement, claims for seven months only of actual service in the company of Capt Bennett Coast Guards in 1777, & from the affidavit of Joseph Meeker recently procured it would seem that Me Bennet had the appellation of Captain in 1777; though it is very possible he did not hold a Captains commission at that time. It is clear that he was Captain, & acted in that capacity, tho his grade may have been that of  Lieutenant. Efforts have been made to obtain additional evidence of the services of the claimant, but it appears that the persons who served with him are dead, & that the evidence in the case if the best in the power of the claimant to produce. From personal inquiries of gentlemen of respectability in the town of Fairfield, Saugatuck, & Norwalk, & from my knowledge of Mr Goodsells character, I have not the least doubt of the equity & justice of his claims. The additional evidence now presented together with that heretofore furnished is supposed sufficient to entitle him to a pension.

Very respectfully,

J. Douglas Woodward
Page 40

Comptrollers Office
February 19th 1834

I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify that under sate February 11th 1780, there is charged upon the books of the Pay Table to the United States the account of said Joseph Bennet L10550,18,9; but no roll of his company has been found, or evidence when, where, or how long they served.

That under date 22nd of October 1781 the additional pay roll of Capt. Joseph Bennet is also charged to the United States; but no roll of his company has been found, or evidence showing the duration of service.

That the pay roll of Capt. Joseph Bennet is also charged to the United States under late 28th February 1782, but no roll of his company has been found, or proof how long they served.

That upon the journal of the Council of Safety, under date February 25th 1778 in the following preamble, viz, :Whereas the Hon. Congress of the United States have authorized & requested his Excellency the Gov. & this board to cause the continental Frigate Trumbull now lying near the mouth of
Page 41

the river Connecticut, and there I claimed by reason of an apprehended difficulty of getting over a bar of sand called Lay Brook Bar, to be removed and got over said bar ready to proceed to sea."

Whereasfor the Council of Safety authorized Capt John Cotton of Middletown to, by all possible means, endeavor to get said Frigate over said bar, & into New London harbour; and order and direct Capt Dudley Saltonstall the commander with his officer & men to assist Capt Cotton in this undertaking; & appropriated on the 24th of February 1778, L100,0,0 for this purpose &c.

And that under date February 3rd 1780 upon the journal of the Council of Safety this entry, viz "Upon request of the Board of War of the 18th Dec 1779 for two tons of powder to supply the two Frigates the Trumbull & Bourbon now lying at the Port of New London the same being considered, is by this board granted &c. Majrs Elderkin & Wales ordered to deliver "the powder &c &c. No rolls of the crew of the Trumbull has been found or any evidence showing who succeeded Capt Saltonstall in command of her.

E Phelps
Page 42

Sir

I cannot find any direct proof of the revolutionary services of Mr Goodsell, but send all the secondary evidence to be found here.

That I have extracted from the journal of the Council of Safety is sufficient to establish the character of the Frigate Trumbull; that she was a public armed ship.

I am very respectfully yours
E Phelps

Fee $2
Page 43

Saugatuck 22d Feby 1835

J.D. Woodward Esq.

Dear Sir

In answer to yours of 26 May at this late date is occasioned in consequence of being unable to find any of the names you sent me alive except one. I called on most or all of the pensioners within a circle of 6 or 8 miles and others in the immediate nabourhood where he then resided, I found all or most of the old soldiers understood that he enlisted in the Naval service but could not make affidavit to the fact. I have called on some of the connections who say they have understood that he was in that service having often heard it mentioned in the family. I have lately heard of a half sister of his now alive which may say something about it and if necessary to see her write me.

Mr. Swift cannot refer me to any one he having made the papers found one in the Naval Service except Mr. Mosier who has already been seen. Any assistance which can be rendered by me is at your command.

Respectfully your obt svt

Ira Baldwin
Page 44

It is not probable that the half sister of Mr Goodsell can throw any additional light upon the matter. She could at most only testify to her belief of his service & her understanding on the subject at the time & there is already sufficient evidence of this character to render any more of the same kind [unk] & necessary.

Mr Mosher t whom Mr Baldwin refers informed me that he saw the Trumbull at New London, Conn, but did not go on board, mor was he acquainted with any of the persons belonging to that vessel. I think he said that his service was in defense of some other vessel. Mr Mosher informed me that there are no persons living who served on guard at [unk] to his knowledge.

J. D. Woodward
Feby 28, 1835
Page 45

War Departrment
Pension Office
April 12, 1834

Sir

The claim of Ephraim Goodsell has been examined and suspended for some proof of his alleged service in the Coast Guards of Connecticut, or of his having made the proper exertions to obtain it where it is most likely to be found. The regulations require the best evidence in the power of the claimant to produce. His papers are placed on file.

I am respectfully your obt sevt

J L Edwards
Page 46

J. L. Edwards
March 2 1835
Recd March 10th 


Pensioner

J. Douglass Woodward
Present
Page 47

War Department
Pension Office
March 2nd 1838.
Sir,
In relation to the claim of Ephraim Goodsell, I
have to state, that there is no evidence in the Department that Captain Bennett was in service at Fairfield, Connecticut in the coast gaurds [sic] in 1777 as alleged in this case - By
the certificate of Elisha Phelps Esq. it appears
that Joseph Bennett's account as Lieutenant, was paid for services rendered the 22nd of October 1781, and that
Captain Bennett' account, was paid the 28th of January 1782 - places where the service was rendered by these
officers, not mentioned -
Mr Phelps' certificate is
defective. It should show, where, by the terms of the
Act authorising the raising of these gaurds [sic], they were
to have been stationed, and the time for which they were
to be raised, as well as the date of the law.
If it should appear, that the claimant
was mistaken, as to any part of his statement, he will make an affidavit, to that effect
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servant
J. L. Edwards
J. Douglas Woodward Esqr
Present
Page 48

Mr. Ephraim Goodsell's
Pension case
J. L. Edwards Esq
Letters
Nov 11, 1805

J L
Comm

J. D. Woodward Esq
Plattsburg
Page 49

War Department
Pension Office
November 11, 1835

Sir,

Mr. Ephraim Goodsell in his letter of the 18th of August last requests that the service on board the Frigate Trumbull may be allowed, in addition to that in the militia, from the 5th to the 23d of April 1777. To which it is objected that Mr. Goodsell's account of the cruize of the Trumbull, and that on record in this Office, are so materially different as to render his statement too doubtful to be admitted without further proof.

I am respectfully your obt servt

J L Edwards


J.D. Woodward
Plattsburg
N. York
Page 50

Peleg Talman
letter in case of Ephraim Goodsell





J. Douglass Woodward Esq
Plattsburg
New York
Page 51

Boston Janry 17. 1836
Mr. J Douglas Woodward.
Platsburg
Sir your letter of the 29. rett. Returned to me from Bath in which you request a Deposition concerning a Mr. E. Goodsell I do not recollect this Gentleman but from his minute Recollections of so many of the facts connected with The ships Trumballs Cruise I have no doubt of his being on board of her at the Time of his ingagement with the British ship Walt. he is connecting all the facts that he states from his leaving New London that she arrived in Boston after that I am totally unacquainted I being confined to The Hoopitab in Boston with my wound & the Lazo of an arm till the December following Richard Law Cog who now resides in New London was a midshipman on board the Trumball at the time of the action & I believe continued in her till her Captain by the many he no doubt can & will furnish you with all the evidence you may require if I can say any thing that will do you any Good beyond what you may receive from Mr. Law & you will write me at Bath marine it shall be with Pleasure furnished to you. Very respectfully your Ol’servant
[signed] Peleg Tollman
[in left margin of page] Mr Law is a Gentleman of high standing and his evidence will have all the necessary weight!
Page 52

Richard Law's 
letter in E. Goodsells case




J Douglas Woodward Esq
Plattsburg
New York
Page 53

New London 17 December 1835
Yours of in duty mind, and in insure thereto by have to it that I have no
personal rotation of my Goods having served in the Frigate months from the very wet statement
the give of the officers and coin of that Ship during the time he served in that and that he must have
on bounds but as in shipped mother one in Philadelphia after he states to have it in which is but
us, and his is for me to that the name of but my his of the great number who served in that
Ship during the time I served which was ling before and after my Goods state his having belonged to that same
neither can I give him any information how he may be called to obtain proof except from the Department at
Washington when all those return an aged. I am not personally acquainted with but one service who served
in that ship which is in Feby Talman who lost and in the engagement with the Watt (which by thy not a
right but a merchant if in Talman is a man of property and now resides in the State of Maine
Bath, has been a member of Congress from that State, and is a very respectable man
I would afford me much satisfaction of I would in any way be sensible to God in his pension
Wit qual Respect
your of Serv
Rich Law
Page 54

NY Feb 6
Ephraim Goodsell


Hon. Dudley Farlin
House of Reps
Washington 
DC
Page 55

Plattsburg Jan 23 1836
Hon. Dudley Farlin
Dr Sir
It is supposed that the
evidence in the case of Mr Ephraim Goodsell
will be deemed sufficient at the Pension office
to entitle him to an allowance for Eight
months service as a mariner on board the
Ship Trumbull in 1780.         Should
Mr Edwards have any doubts about it, Mr
Goodsell wishes you to lay all his papers
before the Secretary of war for his decision.
The evidence now furnished is probably
the best which can be obtained.
Yours respectfully
J D. Woodward for
on behalf of the applicant
Page 56

Names of persons by whom Mr Ephraim Goodsell says he could prove his services if they were living.
Capt Bennet decd
Com. Nicholson  decd
Seth Meeker  decd
John Chapman decd
         Wakeman  decd
Thaddeus Osborn  supposed to be dead
Samuel Ogden  decd
Ephraim Beers  decd
Nathan Ogden  decd
Humphrey Ogden  decd
Ebenezer Coley  decd
Jonathan Squire  decd
Sergt Bennet  decd

Stenger Ogden knows that E. Goodsell served but his faculties  are so much impaired that he is incapable of making a correct statement.

George Stroke living at [unk] says there are no survivors of Bennet's guard to his knowledge by whom Goodsell can prove his service. He saw the ship Trumbull at New London but did not go on board.

Joseph Meeker obtained his affidavit.

J.D. Woodward
Page 57

Coast Guard at
Fairfield 1779
1781 & 1782
Page 58

State of COnnecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford
11th March 1835

On examination of the books of this office it appears that in January 1779, there were ordered to be raised for the defense of the sea coast, companies of troops and to be stationed at different towns, one company to be stationed at Fairfield, to serve one year.

That on the 15th April 1779, Colonel Davenport & Col Mead, impowered to fill commissions for the officers to command the men raised, and such as are ordered by the Genl. Assembly in April 1779 to be raised.

That in May 1779, the guard stationed in the towns of Stanford, Norwalk, Fairfield, & Hartford, be continued till the first day of January next, to make return to the Field officer, in the town where such guard is posted.

That on the 2nd day of September 1779, Joseph Bennet of Fairfield executed a bond to the Governor & company, conditioned "That whereas Joseph Bennett is appointed a Lieut" of company to guard the sea coasts of this State, & paymaster of the same. Now, if the said [unk]; That on said 2nd September the said Bennett is charged with an order on the treasurer for L 2.108.0.0

That on the 11th Feby 1780- Lieutenant Joseph Bennett is credited, by his account rendered, pay roll coast guard L 10.550.18.9, and charged with an order on the treasury for L 8.442.18.9.

That
Page 59

That on the 22nd October 1781, Captain Joseph Bennett recd an order on the treasurer for amount pay roll at Horse Neck L 183.10.2.

That on the 28th January 1782, Captain Joseph Bennett recd an order on the treasurer for amount additional allowance his roll L 183.10.2, which is carried to the account of expenses at Greenwich with the other.

That on the 19th June 1782, Capt Najah Bennett, received an order on the treasurer for amount pay roll, [unk] [unk] Forces : 49.7.4.

That on the 5th August 1783, Capt Najah Bennett, received an order on the treasurer for amount pay roll guard at Saw Pitts L 48.14.10.

That on the 30th January 1782, Ensign Samuel Bennett, received an order on the treasurer for amount pay roll guards at Fairfield L 20.9.6, no rolls of said services found in this office.

That Captain Thomas Nash served in the 4th Regt militia under Col Samuel Whiting for the 5th to the 23rd April 1777, as guards at Fairfield & Stratford.

That on the 6th April 1781, Capt Thomas Nash received an order on the treasurer for pay roll coast guard State money L 144.13.2.

That on the 28th January 1782, Capt Thomas Nash received an order on the treasurer for additional allowances his roll State money L 180.13.2, and also an order on the treasurer for pay roll guard at Fairfield [unk] money L 1.396.2.8.

That on the 15th May 1783, Capt Thomas Nash received an order on the treasurer for pay roll coast guards at
Page 60

Fairfield L 45.8.10, no rolls of said service found in this office.

That is February 1781, one company under a captain was ordered to be raised and stationed at Fairfield, to serve till the first day of January next, also one company of Troops under a Lieutenant, for the garrison of the battery at Groves Hill.

Certified by Roger Huntington
Comptroller of Public Accounts






J. Douglass Woodward Esq

Sir, I have annexed all the evidence I can fin of the service of Capt Bennett, or of any officer by the name of Bennett, and also of Capt Thomas Nash. fees $1.00

Your most obt

Roger Huntington
Page 61

Additional
Evidence
Ephraim Goodsell

[stamp] FAIR[illegible] 20 Feb CONN
Free
Honorable Rueben Whallen
M.C.
Washington (D.C.)
Page 62

Fairfield February 19, 1835
Sir-
J.D. Woodward Esquire has requested me to enclose the within Deposition to you-
very respectfully
Theo B. Osborne

Hon Rueben Whallon
Page 63

Additional Evidence
Ephraim Goodsell

Hon R. Whallon
Page 64

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss. Fairfield

Joseph Rucker a resident of said Fairfield aged seventy three years being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Ephraim Goodsell now a resident of Clinton County & late of New York and applicant for a pension & that he was acquainted with said Goodsell previous to the Revolutionary War, he was [unk] [unk] of John Goodsell [unk] was killed at Fairfield when the British destroyed that place, declarant lived near neighbor to said Goodsell in the town of Fairfield, parish of [unk] & knows that he served as a private in the coast guards in the state of Connecticut under Captain Joseph Bennett and Thomas Nash, in guarding the coast from Fairfield to Norwalk from APril to December AD 1777 seven months, that said Goodsell during said time was stationed at camps, in a Ronach to serve by the sea side, with a guard of twelve men in thereabouts commanded by Sergant Bennett, deponent was frequently at camps & served said Goodsell. But in service as above stated. Said Goodsell served in Capt Bennett company of Connecticut militia and deponent in several alarms from December AD 17778 to June [unk] 1779 at least six weeks, deponent during that time served with same Goodsell at camps, [unk] River (now Southport) Fairfield & Norwalk and
Page 65

deponent verily believes that said Goodsell actual services in said company during the term aforesaid was in fact now then six weeks, Deponent also believes that said Goodsell served as a mariner eight months in AD 1780. Deponent was well acquainted with Capt Nash & Capt Bennett who commanded the coast guards but is not certain that Capt Bennett was a Captain in AD 1777, in whether he a captain Nash commanded the company a part of which are stationed at campo with said Goodsell during the year AD 1777 as aforesaid. Deponent is quite confident that said Bennett was called captain in 1777 but whether he had a commission or not deponent can not say, that Captain Bennett & Nash and Sergeant Bennett  in deed. And further the deponent sayeth not.

The word William on the first page erased [unk] Ephraim interlined and [unk] that in the second page erased [unk[ whether interlined before the deponent signed and made oath to the affidavit.

Joseph Meeker

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 18th day of February AD 1835 & I certify that deponent is a credible witness.

James C Loomis
Just of Peace
Page 66

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } ss. 

I Thomas B Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that James C Loomis Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in & for sd Fairfield County duly commissioned & duly authorized to administer oaths & take Depositions &c. I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing og the sd James Loomis Esq & that I verily believe that the signature to the foregoing certificate purpoerting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County Court [unk] Fairfield this 18th day of February AD 1835.

Thomas B Osborne Clerk
Page 67

Copy of
J D Woodwards letter to Capt Richard Law of New London Conn

a similar letter was sent to Hon Peleg Talman [illegible] me Dec 29. 1835
Page 68

Plattsburg NY Dec 7, 1835

Capt Law

Dr Sir

In the declaration of Ephraim Goodsell made by him for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of June 7, 1832, he states that he was born on the 14th May 1761 at the town of Fairfield Conn & after [unk] his services in the Connecticut Coast Guards under Capt. Bennet in 1777 & 79 he says "I remained at Fairfield intil the month of March 1780, I think, the first of March 1780, when I enlisted at that place as a mariner or sailor on board the continental ship Trumbull commanded (I think) by James Nicholson of Baltimore. First Lieut Malby of Old Fairfield, 2nd Lieut White (Sergt Hedding enlisted me) I served on board of said vessell eight month and a little over. I went on board said vessel, but I do not recollect the name of the vessel; we soon parted with her and then we captured a sanall schooner east of Long Island & sent her into port. We then continued our cruise until we fell in with the British frigate (I think she was called the Walt) after an engagement she came under our sterns, and succeeded in getting away. The action continued two hours and a half, and the next morning our main and [unk] mast and rigging went over board and were lost & we put into Boston Harbor for repairs. Then we sailed in company with the Dean Frigate & we put into Delaware Bay, & then put out to sea, and cruised along the southern coast of the United States, with a view of capturing some of said Cornwallis vessels & on the said coase we captured a British sloop ad a British Berg. we came in sight of two British frigates not long afterwards but came to no engagement. We then pursued after another vessel and then returned with our vessel to Philadelphia where we were discharged. I was very sick with a fever at the time our ship arrived at Philadelphia & was taken to a hospital at that place(continental barracks) and remained there till the 20th December 1780 when I was dismissed from the hospital I do not recollect whether we received written discharges or not. If we did mine is lost."

Mr. Goodsell seeks to obtain proof of the above services & show the facts be within your knowledge he wishes you to make an affidavit setting forth as many particulars as you [unk] recollect; and send the deposition to me by mail [unk]
Page 69

then stated of the amount of your charge & expenses shall be promptly paid. Perhaps it may be in your power to give the name of some of the crew of the Trumbull who served on board that vessel during the tie described by Mr. Goodsell whose testimony might also be obtained.

Yours respectfully

J D Woodward
Page 70

State of New York
County of Clinton ss.

Ephraim Goodsell being duly sworn says that upon for the consideration of his service in the revolution he is induced to believe he has mistaken the year in which he served seven months in the continental coast guards, in as much as it appears that sd guards were stationed at Crumps in 1777 except in the spring. Deponent was standing sentinel when the British landed and proceeded to Danbury & burnt the continental stores at that place which he believes was in April 1777. He was also in service when Fairfield was burnt, & he thinks it was in 1779 instead of 1777 that he served his tour of seven months at [unk]. He was required at that place where the British passed on towards Fairfield & a part of our guard followed them & Deponent was in the battle of Fairfield, where his Father was killed. Deponent is confident he served more than eight & a half months in the Connecticut coast guards, & further says not.

Ephraim Goodsell

Sworn & subscribed to before me this 20th day of July 1835 & I certify that deponent is a credible person.

Wm F Haile a Judge of Clinton County Courts
Page 71

James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions

Sir,

Should you find the evidence in my case insufficient to authorize you to allow [unk] for all my service in the coast guards of Connecticut. I wish you to place me on the Roll for the service proven by the records of the comptroller of that state from the 5th to the 23d of April 1777 & also allow me for eight months as a mariner on board the continental Frigate Trumbull leaving my other services in the coast guards for further consideration. August 18, 1855.

Ephraim Goodsell
Page 72

State of New York
County of Clinton ss.}

Ephraim Goodsell being duly sworn says that upon further reflection & examination of the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut he is convinced that he has heretofore been mistaken as to the year in which he served on guard at Campo. He now believes that his service for the longest period at that place, was in the year 1779. Deponents services were under the officers whose names have already been stated by him viz Lieut Joseph Bennet & Capt Thomas Nash, & further says not.

Ephraim Goodsell

Sworn and subscribed to before me August 18, 1835 & I certify that deponent is a credible person.

Wm F Haile a Judge of Clinton County Courts
Page 73

Ephraim Goodsells case
claims
8 1/2 months as Private in coast guard & militia 1777 & 78 & 79
8 months as mariner on board Trumbull

Jos Meeker affidavit & the other papers
Page 74

State of New York
County of Clinton Ephraim Goodsell of Chazy in said
County being duly sworn says that he may have
been mistaken in saying that Joseph Bennet was a
Captain in 1777, during which you deponent
served under him at Comps in the Connecticut cast
guards - he was called Capt. Bennet, though it is very
possible he was only a Lieutenant. It is possible that
Thomas Nash was the captain of our company he was however called
Mayor, & resided in Greens farm in the town of Fairfield &
while we were station at Camp, understood that Bennet
was the commanding officer while stationed at Comps
guard house Bennet his Christain name I don't
collect) & John Chapman were sergeants in one
company & I belonged to Serge Chapmans guard
---
It is possible that Deponent has mistaken the year
of his service in the Court guards at Comps, but he
is confident it was the same day in which Dan
berry was burnt which was in the year 1777.
Sworn and subscribed
to before me this 30th
Ephraim Goodsell
day of April 1835 &
I certify that Deponent
is a credible person &
witness.
Wm F Haile a Judge of
Clinton County Courts
State of New York County of Clinton Ss I the Subscriber Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas of said County certify
that William
F Haile before whom the foregoing affidavit of Ephraim Good
sell was taken & sworn on the thirtieth day of April
1835, was at the time a Judge of Clinton County
& that the signature of the said Judge to the Jurat of said affidavit
is in his genuine handwriting I being well acquainted with it
Witness my hand & official Seal at Plattsburg this first day of May
Nathan Taylor Clerk
1835
Page 75

State of New York
of Clinton Ss Ephran Goodsell being duly sworn says that
he is confident he was on guard at Cumps when the British
landed at that place & proceeded to Danbury where they burnt
the continental Stores & that it was in the spring of 1777
deponent thinks it was during the same year that he
served on guard at Cones. It is possible that Captain Joseph
Bennett & Thomas Nash were not copies during that you, but
deponent believes that they acted in that capacity. Deponent further
says that the guard to which he belonged was alternately commanded
by Saint Bennet & Sergeant John Chapman & that the guard was
principally under their charge the persons who composed said deed
there were about twelve in number, are stead as Deponent is informed
 & believes. From the facts stated by Mr. Edward that it is
evident from the papers that neither Capt. Bennett or Capt. Nash were
service in the court grant in 1777 as alleged by the Goodsell. Deponent
is inclined to believe that said sequent Bennet & Chapman cannot have
belonged to some other company, or that deponent has mistaken the
year of his service. It is possible it may have been in 1779 he
Deponent served his seven months tour at Camp. He is con
fident he served on guard there seven months as stated by him
six weeks the court guards. Deponent cannot recollect that
any other persons then North & Brunet we captain of said Court
guards & cannot therefore give the names of the officers the
give to which deponent belonged & in which he served was
called a Sergeant & it is possible there was no Captain
to it-
Deponent is clear that he served Eight months & a
half in the Connecticut Courts & eight months as a
remained on board the Trumbull & has produced the best evidence
in his power. and for the saith not.
and subscribed to before
this 5th June 1835 & I
Ephraim Goode
certify that Deponent credible
compose & witness
Wm Haile a Judge of
Clinton
County pleas
Page 76


State of New York
County of Clinton
I the subscriber Clerk of said County certify that William
Haile before whom the within affidavit of Ephraim Goodsell was taken &
sworn on the fifth day of June 1835 was at the time a Judge of Clinton
County Court & that his signature to the first of said affidavit is
genuine I being well acquainted with his hand writing - witness
hand & official seal, this fifth of June 1835
Nathan Taylor
Clerk &
Page 77

Ephraim Goodsell
7 months a Private
1 1/2 "  " ""
8 " "" " mariner
Page 78

State of New York
County of Clinton Personally appeared before the un
designed a Justice of the Peace in & for said County
Ephraim Goodsell who being duly sworn deposeth
and Saith that by reason of old age and the consequent
loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the
precise length of his service but according to
the best of his recollection, he served not less than
the periods mentioned below and, in the follows,
For seven months as a private in Captain Bennet
Company. Major Nash out collect Col name) Counce
militia, as one of the Coast Guard. I
stated in my declaration made before Judge
Hedding July 17. 1833. that my father was drafts
on the 23d of March 1777. & that I took his
place as a substitute, on reflection & Admina
tion of the objections raised to this service
should not have stated that I immediately took
his place, because I recollect that he served one
months in said company before I went into
actual service.
I now correct my for
mer statement relative to my service in the
Coast guards in 1777.
I actually took my
Fathers place as his substitute the latter part of
April 1777, and I served on guard at Cam
po. between
Fairfield & Norwalk in count from
that time till December 1777. One guard
was composed of twelve men, some of whom were
Sergt Chapman Sergt Bennet, Ephraim Beers.-
Wakeman & Thaddeus Osborn
the other I dont recollect. we had a large guard house
near the seaside & about 80 rods from the place
where the British landed when they burnt the Amer
in stores at Danbury on. I believe the British
landed camps, the latter part of April 1777 when
they proceeded to Danbury Come to born on Stoe
as aforesaid
Page 79

I was on guard when the British landed
Camp & had been in service
one week before they landed so that I am
confident that my term of actual service
commenced in April 1777. I served on said guard
at Cumps from said time until December of
the same year & was in actual service during
said time. we deed our provisions & took
our two ons daily in standing as sentinels.
we kept sentinels' day and night.
Capt.
Bennet's house was three miles from where
we were stationed, were not relieved by any
but of our Company during said time
and confident I served as late as December
1777 because there was served on the ground
it was very cold weather before we quest.
there were other guards stationed part of said
time at old Fairfield & Norwalk I am
therefore, clear that I served seven months and
longer in said Court guard of actual service I
have stated that I served only seven months be
I do not recollect what time in December
we quit. I am sure it was in December,
perhaps the fore part. The whole of this town
of service was performed by me as I have
stated & we were stationed at Camps in
our said barrack during the whole of
said time
for one month and twelve days service
in Capt. Bennets Company of Connecticut militia
as a Private in the year 1779. as stated in my
said declaration, I served all of said time
& for Eight months as a mariner as stated
in my said declaration. I served all of said ┃
time, I claim a Pension for the aforesaid
services - since I made my declaration
at
Page 80

have endeavoured to procure some proof of my
services, but I dont know of any person
in this part of the Country by whom I can
prove my service nor do I know
whether I can prove my service by any
of my comrads. I have not seen or
heard from any of them for a great num
ber of years - If my services are not
corroborated by the records at Washington
I do not at present know how I can
a pension. I am in the actual
need of the assistance of my country for sup
port.
I did perform the service I
have stated-
7 months as a private in Coast Guards
12 months
militia
8 months as a marines
I claim a pension for such service
and subscribed to before
this 21st December 1833
Ephraim Goodall
& I certify that Deponent
is a credible person
Peter J Roberts Jus Peace
Page 81

State of New York
County
of Clinton Ss I the Subscriber Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas of said County certify that Peter J Roberts before
whom the within affidavit of Ephran Goodsell
was taken & sworn on the 21st day of December
1833 was at the time a Justice of the Peace in
& for said County & that his signature to the
Isal of said affidavit is
Gennine I
being well acquainted with his handwri
ing. Witness my hand & official seal
piece of rod takes passing under it at Pitts
 this 28th day of December 1853
Nathan Taylor
Clerk
Page 82

affidavit in the case of
Ephraim Goodsell
Page 83

State of New York County of Columbia Joseph Goodsell a resident of Hillsdale
in said County being duly sworn says he is a brother of Ephram Goodsell
now a resident of Canton County applicant for a pension, that said
Ephraim Goodsell resided at Greens farms Connecticut in the
year 1777 and deponent resided in Redding in said State with
his dent. That in the spring of that year as deponent 
understood at the time John Goodsell Father of Deponent & said
Ephraim) was drafted as a militia man, and said Ephraim enlisted
at said place in said month as his substitute into
Capt. Bennets Company Major Nash's Regt of Connecticut militia
to serve in guarding the court from Fairfield to Norwalk
Conn. That within a short time after his said enlist
 and during the month of April of said year a
according to deponents' best recollection, said Ephraim
entered into actual service as one of said Coast guards
and served on guard at Camp between Fairfield
& Norwalk in corn, from that time till the month of
December of the same year. Deponent resided at
Redding when said Ephraim was discharged during
said time frequently heard from the said Ephraim while
in the service, and he believes said Ephraim did serve
as a private in said Company from April to December 1777
Seven months. Deponent further says that his said
Brother also served as a private in Capt Bennett Company
of Connecticut militia in several alarms, from Decr 1777
to June 1779. at least six weeks, as deponent believes
& that said Ephraim was in the battle at the town of Fair
field at the time the British destroyed that place, & deponent
Father was killed in said action. Deponent further says that he
also understood at the time that his said Brother enlisted
at Fairfield Coun in March 1780 and served Eight months
as a mariner on board the continental Frigate Trum
full during said year + returned to Fairfield in December of
the same as deponent before he did so serve.
Sworn and before Joseph Goodell
40
to
Charles Reed
Justice of the Peace