Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8356, Azor Belden, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn. 

Belden, Azor
Hannah

NUMBER
W.8356
B.L.W.13737-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

111.712
Ad  Mar 3/55
May 1/55

Hannah Belden wid: Azor Belden

Hannah Belden wid of
Azor Belden

Lt: of Artil:

ct: State Troops,
Revolutionary Pensioner

NO(?): 160 acres Jany: 4"/56
Boynton
Conn July 53- 4942

[illegible]

No 13737 of Jany 9/56

Wilson H Clark
New Haven 
Conn

Vol. B - 87.
Page 3

4942
Connecticut
Hannah Belden widow of Azor Belden Conn who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Captn. of Teams
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 220 dollars 00 cents per annum to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 13th day of February 1855.
and sent to
Wilson H. Clark
New Haven, Ct
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3. 1853, Page 67½ Vol. A

date of death not on B(?)-
Page 4

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield ss
On this 30th day of November one thousand and eight hundred and fifty-four, before me George A. Davenport Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Norwalk, in said county and state, personally appeared in open court Hannah Belden a resident of the town of Wilton in said County of Fairfield aged 88 years, who being Sworn according to law on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed on the 3d. day of February 1853, granting pensions to the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers (which declaration according to her best recollection, information, & belief she verily believes is true,) that she is the widow of Azor Belden, who resided in Wilton in the Revolutionary War which was then a part of the town of Norwalk, that her said husband entered the Service in 1775 and went to Boston but how long he Served this year I am unable to say; in the year following 1776, he entered the Service in Captain Mead's Company Col Waterbury's Regiment and served in the campaign in New York and vicinity and held a Warrant as first Sergeant; in the following year 1777 he was Commissioned as a Lieutenant in a Matross or Artillery Company Stationed at Norwalk as a coast guard- He was at Danbury when the place was burnt and served under Gen: Wooster,- he acted as  Lieutenant this year till some time in the Winter following, when he was commissioned, to raise a Company of teams, as Captain, to go into the team Service, and early in the Spring he went on to North River and was employed in the vicinity of West Point and along the River, during the fall and Summer of that year year [sic], and that he continued in the Service that Winter and acted as forage master and in getting teams ready
Page 5

for the next season that in 1779 he went on to Fishkill on the North River and was employed during the Summer and fall in the team Service as Captain or conductor of teams-  The entire time he acted as conductor of teams was as I always understood about twenty or twenty one months-  I have often heard him speak of his services on the North River and vicinity That after he left the team Service he continued to serve at intervals during the war as coast guard- His team service was performed on the North River and in New Jersey chiefly- She further declares and says that she was married to said Azor Belden at Norwalk on the 7th day of June 1801 by one Rev Matthias Burnett Presbyterian Clergyman then the settled minster of that town, that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Fitch, that her said husband died at said Wilton on the 28th day of November 1828, with old age and debility; that she had two children by said marriage George who is now 52 years of age Platt who is 50 years of age, that she has not intermarried since the decease of her said husband but still remains his widow-
Hannah Belden

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County ss-Probate District of Norwalk
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this day and year first above written and I hereby certify that the said declarant appears to me to be of the age above stated and that I am personally acquainted with her and that she is a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth (note) the words "information" & "not" were interlined in the above declaration before the same was sworn to & subscribed) In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court.
George A. Davenport Judge as aforesaid
Page 6

111.712
Bounty Land.
Act of March 3 1855

Mrs. Hannah Belden
Widow of Azor Belden

PRESENTED BY 
WILSON H. CLARK
Attorney, New Haven, Ct.

J.U. Benham's Steam Press, 55 Orange Street, New Haven.
Page 7

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield ss.

On this twenty fifth day of April A. D. one thousand eight and fifty-five, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hannah Belden aged 89 years, a resident of Wilton in the State of Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Azor Belden deceased, 
who was a Captain of teams in the Revolutionary war. 
That she is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of two hundred and twenty dollars per annum, payable at the Hartford Connecticut agency- commencing on the 3d. day of March 1853- certificate bears date the 15th day of February 1855
She further states that she was married to the said Azor Belden in Norwalk on the Seventh day of June A.D., 1801  by one Rev Matthias Burnett a Cong. Clergyman and that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Fitch- that her said husband died at Wilton on the 17th day of November A.D. 1828 and that she is a widow at the date of executing this her declaration.
she refers to the papers when which she was pensioned for evidence of her husband's service, and her marriage, &c.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under act approved March 3, 1855. She also declares that she has never received nor applied for Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress, except as above stated.
Hannah Belden

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in said claim.
Wilson H. Clark
Notary Public
SEAL

AFFIDAVIT OF
STATE of Connecticut
COUNTY OF Fairfield ss.
On this twenty fifth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me, a Notary within and for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy Belden and Noyes Higgins residents of the State of Connecticut and County of Fairfield- who being duly
sworn according to law, declare that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs. Hannah Belden who saw her sign her name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration, that they know her to be the identical person
therein represented, and that she is now a widow; and they swear they are disinterested witnesses.
Nancy Belden
Noyes Higgins

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven ss.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before on the day and year above written, and I certify that I am personally with the affiants and know that they are respectable persons and entitled to credit for truth, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim
Wilson H. Clark
Notary Public
Page 8

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents, That I, [blank] of the County of [blank] and State of [blank] and the widow of [blank] deceased, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint [blank] my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, for me and in my name, to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate, or warrant, due me by virtue of my deceased husband's service in the United States, under existing laws granting Bounty Lands to the officers and soldiers, or their widows and minor heirs for services rendered in the different wars, and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, an attorney or attorneys under him, for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do, or cause to be done, in and about the premises, as much so as if present myself.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this [blank] day of [blank] in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-
SEAL.
Acknowledged and subscribed before me a [blank] in and for the county of [blank] and State of [blank] this [blank] day of [blank], 185
SEAL.
Page 9

Hannah Belden
and
Azor's
original
Boynton
Dec 20/54

Wilson H. Clark
New Haven
Conn.
Page 10

State of New York
County of New York ss.
On this 24th day of November one thousand eight hundred & fifty four, before me a Commissioner of deeds duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for said county & state personally appeared William Belden of the city and county of New York, aged 72 years, who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say that he is the son of Azor Belden who in his life time resided in the town of Wilton County of Fairfield Connecticut, that he now resides in the city and county of New York- That his said father Azor Belden took and active part in the Revolutionary War as I always understood and verily believe- I have often heard him speak of going to Boston after hearing of the Battle of Lexington; how long he staid [stayed] in the service this year I am unable to say-  He was in the service the year that Danbury was burnt; I have often heard him say that while the Army under Tryon was in the march to Danbury, he with a companion was sent forward by the Commander of the American forces to reconnoiter and ascertain the number of the enemy- during this service he made prize of the horse Portmanteau of Gen Burcoine(?) [Burgoyne] one of the British Officers, who had alighted at a house to get some refreshments - This Portmanteau was more properly(?) a large trunk capable of holding nearly a bushel made of thick sole leather, and filled in part with the officer's clothing and in part with "Royal Protections" intended for distribution among the Tories- (This trunk while I lived at home I used for holding my own clothing)- The same day not far from the village of Ridgefield he alone captured two British Soldiers one armed with a musket, and the other a drummer, and conducted them into the American Camp- This event I have heard him mention often and once in the presence of one who saw him bring in the prisoners For this capture, 
 and that of the "Royal Protections" and Gen Burg horse, he was recommended to the Gov. of Connecticut for promotion, and he received from him a Lieutenancy in the Artillery- I have often seen his commission among his old papers- after his promo
Page 11

tion he immediately joined his company, and was stationed at Norwalk, when a guard was kept to prevent the incursions of the cow boys or plundering parties from Long Island- While stationed at Norwark he made his quarters at the house of Eliphlaet [Eliphalet] Lockwood in whose family he remained seven months or over- While the American Army lay in the highlands of the Hudson my father was commissioned to raise a company of teams & teamsters for the use of the Army, which he did, & while acting as Captain or conductor of teams, he was appointed to Superintend the transportation from the Sterling furnace  to West Point of the great chain that was put across the Hudson River at that place to prevent the passage of the British shipping, it was a laborous [laborious] and difficult service, as he always and to say- I will recollect of his saying that the ensuing winter he spent at West Point and vicinity in the capacity of forage Master for the Army- I have heard him mention many hard cases of seizing the farmers fodder- He said that the severity of the Winter and scarcity of pay were such that great number of cattle & horses died, and that in the spring the commander of the post gave him as many furnished Oxen as he choose and a furlough to take them home- He thus saved a number of them from starvation: and for his services that year, he received the pay of major without holding the rank- He continued to serve in the team service the next summer as I always understood- The whole time he was in the team service & acted as forage master was twenty months and over as near as I can now recollect from(?) what he said- He was absent in the service most of the time till about 1780, when he was married- he continued to serve as a court guard, I think for different periods till the close of the War. I well recollect of his saying that he was on duty in the City of New York when the place was taken by the British army for sometime but how long I am unable to say- I have often heard my further say that Joseph Jessup of Wilton served with him in the team service, and said Joseph spoke of him as very meritorious man, Mr Jesup moved to the State of New York and died somewhere in the neighborhood of Albany- These facts I heard my father relate when I was a boy at home before I entered College- My own mother is dead; I recollect
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when my father was married to his second wife, which was before I entered college, & I entered college in the fall of 1801- further Deponant [deponent] saith not
William Belden 
S.S.

State of New York 
County of New York
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day & year above written, and I hereby certify I verily believe the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth, & that he appears to me to be of the age stated above-
Anson Willis Justice 6th Judicial District City of New York
Page 13

State of New York, 
Count of New York, ss.
I, RICHARD B. CONNOLLY, CLERK of the City and County of New York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Anson Willis whose name is subscribed to the deposition on the annexed instrument was at the time of taking such deposition Justice of the 6th Judicial District of the City of New York duly elected and sworn and authorized to take the same and that his signature thereto is genuine I verily believe 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 19th day of December 1854 Rich B. Connolly Clerk.
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May 18, 1933 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Azor Belden- W.8356 
BA-J/AWF 

Mr. William C. Kline 
760 W. 10th Place
Los Angeles, California 

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information relative to Hannah Belden, widow of Azor Belden, a soldier of the War of the of Revolution. 
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.8356, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Azor Belden. 
The date and place of his birth are not given, nor are the names of his parents shown. 
Azor Belden, while residing in the Parish of Wilton in the town of Norwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut, went in 1775 to Boston, officers not stated and length of service not given. He was appointed, March 27, 1776 first sergeant in Captain M. Mead's company, Colonel David Waterbury's Fifth Connecticut Regiment, was in the Danbury alarm, and was commissioned, July 7, 1777, lieutenant in Conn. artillery company and served from the spring of 1778 as Captain or Conductor of teams and forage master for about twenty-one months. 
He died November 27 or 28, 1828 in Wilton, Connecticut, then aged about seventy-eight years. 
Azor Belden married about the year 1780, name of this wife not given. He married June 7, 1801 at 

stationed or Norwalk as coast guard;
Page 15

Norwalk, Connecticut, Hannah Fitch, who was born in September, 1766, names of her parents not stated. 
The widow, Hannah Belden, was allowed pension on her application executed November 2, 1854, then living in Wilton, Connecticut. 
The children of Azor Belden and his wife, Hannah: George, aged about fifty-two years in 1854, and Platt, aged about fifty years in 1854. 
William Belden, son of Azor Belden and his first wife, was seventy-two years of age in 1854 and living in New York City. 
In 1854 the following persons testified in the case- Samuel M. Fitch, brother-in-law of the widow, Hannah Belden, was sighty-five [eight-five] years of age and a resident of Norwalk, Connecticut; Sally Raymond, sister of the widow, was seventy years of age and living in said Norwalk. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator
Page 16

Azor Belden

Serjents [Sergeant's] Warick(?) [Warrant?]

Serjents [Sergeant's] Warran
Warrant-
Page 17

(No. 1.)
DAVID WATERBURY, ESQUIRE,
Colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the Inhabitants inlisted [enlisted] and assembled for the special defence and safety of his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut.
To Azor Belden Greeting
BY virtue of the power and authority to me given, in and by the Colony of Connecticut, I do by these Presents, reposing especial trust and confidence in your loyalty, courage and good conduct, constitute and appoint you the said Azor Belden to be the First Sergeant in ["the" crossed out] Capt. M. Mead Company in the Regiment whereof I am Colonel, to proceed under the supreme command of the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, for the defence of American Liberties: And you are hereby commanded faithfully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Sergeant, in said Company for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my Hand and seal at New York
27th Day of March A.D. 1776
David Waterbury Jr Colo
Page 18

Major Wikes [Wickes]
Recommendation
Lieut. Commition [commission]
&c.-
Page 19

(No. 3)
Fish Kill [Fishkill] March 25th: 1779
Sir
If your Business is such as you Can Come and, assist at this Post Insuing [ensuing] Season, I should be Very glad, King and Cavanagh I Expect is done, I Shall want Some Assistance and Should be fond of you, You Will Please to Let me know as Soon as Posible [possible] Whether You Can Come and you will oblige your Friend and Hum'le Sert.
Thos: Wickes DWMG(?)

Capt Belding [Belden]
Page 20

30.1897. History 
Mrs. Martha B. Warren
Cannon, Conn.

1916 Apr. 4 Hist to Mrs. Jessie B. Kline

1933 - May 18 - hist to William C. Kline awf.

1935- June 14- Mr. Wm Belden Kline adv. further in regard to service. MMHF

Revy Widow, & C.
File No. 8356
Hannah Belden Wed.,
Azor Belden
Capt Rev War
Act: Febry 3d 1853
Index:-Vol. A Page 52
(Arrangement of 1870.)

Mch. to-
Page 21

13.737

160 acres

Case ad: upon the order of Comr. after examination of the case.
Boynton

admitted for 6 mos(?) as teamster(?) or Capt of Teams for 6 mos as Lieut: of Artillery(?) [illegible] 33 1/3 months 

[illegible] 3373
"Boynton"(?)
Page 22

Adm(?): act/53. ct

Boynton
Page 23

(No. 2) 
State of Connecticut
By the Governor-
To Azor Belden Junr Gentleman Greeting you [illegible] by the Governor and Council of Safety appointed to be Lieut. Fireworker, of a Company of Matrosses or Artillery men for managing the Conn in the Town of Norwalk for the defence of the Sea coast~ Reposeing [reposing] special Trust and confidence in(?) your(?) Fidelity Courage & good conduct(?) I do appoint [illegible] the said Azor Belden Junr Lieutenant(?) Fireworker of said(?) Company- you are therefore carefully and dilligently(?) to Discharge the duty of a Lieut. Fireworker- in ordering and exercising said Company in Arms and managing its(?) canon [cannon], both inferior officers and soldiers in the service aforesaid(?), and to keep them in good order and Discipline ~ hereby commanding them to obey you as their Lieut. Fireworker and your self(?) to observe and follow such orders as you shall from time to time receive for(?) [illegible] or the Commander in Chief of said State for the time being(?), or other your Superior Officers according(?) to the discipline of War pursuant to the Trust hereby(?) reposed in you ~ 
Given under my hand and seal at Arms at(?) Lebanon the Seventh Day of July Ad 1777-
Jonthn Trumbull
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No. 5.445
Hannah Belden
wid of
Azor 
Fairfield Co:
Ct:
Act/53
admitted for $220/ per an:
Com: Feby: 3d. 1853.

Revy:

Capt: of Teams & Lt: Artl:

Wilson H. Clark,
New Haven.

Hannah Belden
Page 25

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield ss
On this 10" day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty four before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer Oaths within and for said County and State personally appeared Samuel M. Fitch aged 85 years a resident of the town of Norwalk in said Fairfield County, who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say that he is the brother in law of Hannah Belden of the town of Wilton in said Fairfield County, who is the widow of Azor Belden late of said Wilton deceased,- I recollect distinctly when they were married and was present at the wedding. They were married as near as I can remember or about the 7" day of June A.D. 1801, by the Rev. Matthias Burnett a Presbyterian Clergyman, then the settled minister of this town.- They lived together as husband and wife during the life time of said Azor Belden & had two children George & Platt, who are now living: George is now about 52 years of age and Platt is about 50 years of age. I know that Azor Belden died at the town of Wilton in or about the 27, day of November 1828, aged 78, years of old age and general debility- Mr Belden as I always understood and believe served in the Revolutionary War, as Captain or Conductor of Teams and was at West Point and had charge of the teams that brought the chain from the Sterling Iron Works to the North River, I have often heard him speak of it- and State the particulars about it- I have also heard him speak of serving as a forage master one Winter on the North River. I have often heard him speak of taking two prisoners at the time Danbury was burnt- I have heard Mr Belden speak of serving as Lieut in a Matross Company
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which was stationed at this place. I know that he was called he was Leftenant [Lieutenant] after the war. I recollect When this place was taken and burnt. there were only two or three houses left in the place on the east side of the river I was the old enough to recollect all about it- I recollect that Azor Belden when he was stationed here on guard came across the river to see a lady and when he was about to leave he took the wrong door and accidently [accidentally] fell down the cellar stair- This circumstance was spoken of at the time and made some sport, and I recollect the fact of his being in guard at that time from this event as it was told among the young people-  I lived only forty or fifty rods from the place where the accident happened- The words and figures "aged 85 years"-"called"- "on the East side of the river"- and the words "stairs" & "lived"- were all interlined and [illegible] made before signing- further deponant [deponent] saith not-
Samuel M Fitch 
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I verily believe that the Affiant is a respectable man and is entitled to credit for truth and that he appears to be of the age stated 
Wilson H. Clark
Notary Public
Page 27

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield ss
On this 2" day of November one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four, before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for said County and State, personally appeared Hannah Belden aged 88 in Sept last, who being Sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say that she is the widow of Azor Belden who was an Officer and conductor of teams in the Revolutionary War, that she resides in the town of Wilton in said County- that she was married to her said husband on the 7" day of June 1801 at Norwalk in said County- that she has no family record upon which was entered the date of her marriage to her said that diligent search and inquiry for such record has been made and none can be found and that she verily believes no such record exists- ["further deponent saith not" crossed out] The words" has been made" were interlined before signing by the affiant and before the oath was administered- and she further declares and says that the following papers numbered one, two & three were the papers that belonged to my said husband and have been in my possession since the decease of my said husband- further deponant [deponent] saith not. 
Hannah Bolden 
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I verily believe the affiant to be a respectable person, and entitled to credit for truth and that she appears to me to be of age above stated 
Wilson H. Clark 
Notary Public
Page 28

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield ss
On this 27" day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for said County and State, personally appeared Sally Raymond aged 70 years a resident of the Town of Norwalk in said County, & who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say, that she is the sister of Hannah Belden of the town of Wilton in said County & State, who is the widow of Azor Belden who was an officer in the Revolutionary War as I always understood and verily believe. I recollect distinctly when my sister was married to said Azor Belden, and Was present and saw them married, they were married at Norwalk in the 7" day of June 1801, by one Rev. Matthias Burnett a Presbyterian Clergyman then the settled minister of this town. The Wedding was small none but the family were present- They lived together as husband & wife ["during his life" crossed out] during the life time of said Azor Belden, and had two children George the oldest was born March 1803, Platt ["was" crossed out] the youngest was born Febry 1855, said Azor Belden died in Wilton on or about the 27" day of November 1828, aged 78 years, with old age and debility- I often heard Mr Belden speak of his being in the Revolution and of being at West Point, of assisting to put the chain across the River- have heard him speak of seeing Arnold- heard him speak of cutting his name in the Rocks at that place further deponant [deponent] saith- 
Sally Raymond Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I verily believe the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth, and that she appears to be of the age stated-
Wilson H. Clark 
Notary Public
Page 29

State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven ss
On this 10" day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oath within and for said County & State, personally appeared Aaron Abbott, a resident of the Town of New Canaan in said County aged 96 years, who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say, that before and during the Revolutionary War I was well acquainted with Azor Belden then a resident of the Parish of Wilton in the Town of Norwalk in said County, and knew that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. I know that he was Captain of a company of teamsters raised in Norwalk &(?) adjoining towns - I entered the service and served one campaign in the Team Service. I enlisted into Capt John Abbotts Company, who was also a Capt- or conductor of teams- I joined my company at Fishkill near the last of March I think. When I arrived at Fishkill Azor Belden was then with his Company of Teams. I was drafted from Cart John Abbott's Company, and attached to Azor Belden's Company and assisted to bring the links that the chain was made of that was put across the river at West Point from the Sterling Iron works to a place in the North River called new Windsor where the boats then took them. I know that Azor Belden was then, and that he had charge of the Teams that did this work and acted as Captain of Teams while I was under him. I served with him from the last of March as I think till the last of June or any part of July following. I was then again attached to Capt John Abbott's Company, and he as near as I can now recollect left the post at West Point and went to Rhode Island. This
Page 30

was after I was discharged from Capt Beldens Company and somewhere from the first to the middle of July- I was left at White Plains & did not go to Rhode Island, I was directed to draw(?) Stores and provisions for the army and was attached, or under the direction of Col Lewis Dubois who had command of a Regt that was stationed there- I continued in the service as a Teamster as near as I can now recollect till late in the month of November following when I was discharged The man who obtained(?) my discharge from the Quartermaster was Bircham, and belayed(?) to that Department After I was discharged from Azor Belden Company, I was separated from him and whether he remained at West Point or went to serve other place I cannot say- but I am quite sure that he remained in the service that summer & fall: & the ensuing winter acted as forage Master for the Army. I know that he came home in the Winter and wanted me to inlist [enlist] in his company for the ensuing summer but I was engaged and could not go- he also wanted to get my oxen. he continued in the service the next summer as I always understood till late in the fall. This I understood at the time, I think I cannot be mistaken about it as we lived in the same town & generally knew about each others service- The year I served under Captain Belden I do not distinctly remember but think it was in 1778 or at any rate it was the year the chain was put across the river at West Point. I served with Azor Belden in
Page 31

a Matross Company which was stationed
at Norwalk as a Coast guard it was commanded by Capt Jackson. Mr Belden I
think held a commission as Lieut. I was
with him at this time I think between (6) six &
seven (7) months: the year I do not remember
at the time I applied for a pension I think
I did not state in my declaration that
I was in the Team Service, as Team Service
was not allowed at that time I was told. The word "town" interlined before signing
deponant [deponent] as were the word "Captain of Teams" six"seven"
Aaron his X mark Abbott
John R. Abbott
Mrs EC Abbott
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written: and I hereby certify that I verily believe the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth, and that he appears to be of the age stated-
Wilson H. Clark
Notary Public
Page 32

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield ss
On this 1st day of November one thousand eight hundred and fifty four before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for said County and State, personally appeared Sherman Cole a resident of the town of Norwalk in said County of Fairfield aged 50 years who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say, That in the month of February 1837 I think, my Mother, Mary Cole, made an application of(?) for a pension as the Widow of Thomas Cole, who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution. To establish the claim of my Mother I had to take several depositions of those who were(?) knowing to my father's service- Among these who testified as to his service was Samuel Stewart who was also in the War and drew a pension, he lived in Wilton in this County, Mr Stewart stated in his Deposition "that he served with my father, Thomas Cole, two six months terms, in all twelve months under Azor Belden who was a conductor of teams" and lived in Willton, which in the war was a Parish belonging to the town of Norwalk- "and that they were engaged along the North River and vicinity one season, that he was with the teams and assisted to cast links that the chain was made of that was placed across the North River at West Point and that they transported stores and provisions from one place to anth". This deposition was signed and sworn to by Mr Stewart; I saw him sign the deposition, and heard Reuben Booth Esqr. who took the deposition administer the oath to him. Mr Booth the certified to it and signed it as Justice of the peace; this was in the month of February 1837. Mr Booth stated that he was of the opinion that team service was not allowed but he would try to get it allowed, but this deposition was never sent to the department for the reason that
Page 33

that two years or 24 months service was served without it otherwise it would have been sent. Judge Isaacs sent in the papers upon which the pension granted- I kept this deposition a good many years and often looked it over, but by accident or some cause it is lost- I am positive and distinctly remember that it was stated by said Samuel Stewart, that Azor Belden of Wilton was Captain or Conductor of Teams, and that he served with my father two terms of six months each under him said Azor Belden. Mr Booth who wrote the deposition was
Reuben Booth of Danbury- I have made diligent search for the deposition but it cannot be found- I know that Azor Belden of Wilton who is now dead was reputed and believed by all of his acquaintances to have served as Captain or conductor of teams for nearly two years in the Revolution- His widow Hannah Belden now resides in Wilton is now single and unmarried and still remains his widow-
Thomas Cole
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I verily believe the affiant to be a
respectable man, and entitled to credit for truth and of the age stated- 
Wilson H. Clark
Notary Public
Page 34

State of Connecticut
I, - Oliver H. Perry - 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 Reuben Booth- was, from the fourth day of July A.D. 1836, to the fourth day of July A.D. 1837, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of
Fairfield- in said State, duly appointed and commissioned, having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to the Affidavit, 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 signature of the said Reuben Booth- to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 28th- day of - November - in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
OH Perry Secretary of State.
Page 35

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield ss
On this 2d day of November one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four, before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for said County and State, personally appeared Anna Birchard aged 73 years a resident of the town of Wilton in said County, who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say that she was well acquainted with Azor Belden late of this town and now deceased, and knew that he was was [sic] always reputed and believed to have served in the War of the Revolution as Capt of teams and in the Militia I know that my husband Daniel Birchard used often in his life to say that he served under him and Capt John Abbott, that he was at the North River and in New Jersey for a period of nine months & half in the team service, that he served und[er] Capt Azor Belden three months and a half & The balance of the time under Capt John Abbott who was a conductor of teams- I have often heard him speak of being at West Point of assisting to cast the chain from the Sterling iron works to the River and of the bad state of the roads and the difficulties attending the transportation of it that thirty(?) carts were some times broken(?) down(?) That while in this branch of the service he was under Capt Azor Belden- when engaged in the post at West Point- 
Anna her X mark Birchard
Witnessed by 
Edwin Birchard 
Mary E Birchard 
Sworn to subscribed and acknowledged before me on the day and year above written and I hereby certify that the affiant appears to me to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth. 
Wilson H. Clark 
Notary Public
Page 36

State of Connecticut 
County of Fairfield ss.
On this 13" day of November one thousand Eight hundred and fifty four before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths within and for County and State, personally appeared Hannah Olmstead aged 91 years the 22d day of April 1855(?)- who being sworn according to law doth on oath declare and say that she is a resident of the town of Wilton in said County, that I was always acquainted with Azor Belden after I came into this town which is 65 years ago he owned land in the immediate neighborhood where I live, he used to be in to one house very often and used to be talking men about his service I have often heard him speak of serving as a Lieutenant in the Army, and have heard others say so. He was in the war several terms as I always understood. I have heard him speak of driving teams and having teams under his command and of the hardships the horses suffered- I have heard him speak of the men that was with him. I well remember having heard him say that he had one honest man with him and one he could trust, his name was Joe Jessup- I have often heard him speak of having to press(?) teams and horses- I have heard him speak of having something to do with bringing the links of the chain that was put across the North River- I heard him say Samuel Stewart was with him and served [illegible] I have often heard him tell about getting a horse of a dutchman who said he had tricks whi[illegible] now(?) had he stated this to prevent Mr Belden from taking it- Mr Belden always reputed to have been an officer militia man a Lieutenant & Captain
Page 37

of waggons [wagons]- I know that he was a commisary [commissary] to collect foder [fodder] for the cattle and horses or I heard
Mr Belden say so and [illegible] that he had
reputation of acting in that capacity
Mr Belden died in this town from twenty [illegible] thirty years since; I know that his widow Hannah Belden now lives in this town and has remained single and unmarried since the decease of her said husband and still remain his widow- the words "which is 65 years ago" "in the war" were interlined before signing further deponent saith not-
hannah olmsted

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day & year above written, and I hereby certify that I verily believe the affiant to be a respectable person and entitled to credit for truth, and that she appears to me to be of the age above stated-
Wilson H. Clark
Notary Public
Page 38

State of Connecticut.

By his Excellency HENRY DUTTON, Governor of said State.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That Wilson H. Clark was at the time of subscribing the within attestation 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 officer; and that I believe the signature of said - Wilson H. Clark - thereto to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 28th day of November A.D. 1854, and in the seventy ninth ["eighth" crossed out] year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor,
OH Perry Secretary of State.

Henry Dutton
Page 39

111712
Page 40

NEW HAVEN, CONN, Apr. 28" 1855.
Sir:
Enclosed please find application of Hannah Wid of Azor Belden
for Bounty Land, under act of Congress of
March 3d, 1855.
Yours most Respectfully,
WILSON H. CLARK.

To HON. L. P. WALDO,
Commissioner of Pensions,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Page 41

Saml M. Fitch. 85 yr: pres: at Ma: & appl: is wid: of Sol: Nov: 27" 1828 died. heard Soldier say he was Capt: or Conductor of Teams, was forage master, Lieut: in a Matross Comp: Knows he was called Lieutenant after war, same Azor Belden on guard at Danbury, fell into a cellar,

Sally Raymond. 70 yr: Pres: at Ma: [illegible] 27" nov: 28, Appl. is wid: of Sol. was reputed an officer in Rev: war. heard him state many incidents, 
Com: as Sergt: from Col. Waterbury 27" March, 1776
Com: as Lt: of Fire Workers, of Comp: of Matross by Jonth Trumbull, July, 7" 1777.
Request from Tho: Wickes Qr.m. Genl to take a post at Fish Kill, Mch: 25,79.
Aaron Abbott, 96. Pensr. Knows Belden was Capt: of Comp: of Teams, he Aaron Abbot was a Sol: of Capt John Abbott, Comp: who was a Capt: or Conduc: of Teams, saw Azor 
Belden at Fish Kill Commanding Comp: of Teams, was detached from Abbotts Comp: & placed under Belden from last mch. to last of June. & then reattached to Abbott's Comp: Azor Belden returned from the war in the winter & wanted me to join his Comp: for ensuing season & wanted my oxen. I always understood Belden served the next season thinks he served with Belden in 1778
[illegible] as a Soldier.

Anna Birchard, 73 yr: reputed a Conductor of Teams. Comp: stationed at Norwalk as a Coast Guard, it was commanded by Capt. Jackson. Belden I think was Lieut: & I(?) was in this service 6 or 7 mos:
Page 42

Hannah Olmsted. 91 yr: ref(?): of Ser: & off: appl. is wid. & to Soldier's death.
Wm Belden. 72 always reputed a Sol: & Off. & to ma:
Page 43

 is supposed that Azor Boldon has given.
affidavits in the following cases(?)-
X 175569 Samuel Stewart, Conn, act of 1818 or 1832
X No Ev: James Batterson(?) " M 19 Sus 1838
not found Michael Morehouse "
X no Ev: David Birchard BLA(?)-111836 wid ad 53 1434
X no Ev: 31062 Seth Boughton(?) " 
X No Ev: Aaron Abbott " m 20
X No Ev:17554 Stephen Abbott "

For an explanation on the difference of the clerks certificate in N.Y. please refer to me
INM(?)
Page 44

Saml Stuart. Pen: Act 32. Served in 78. under Capt: Belden. 6 mos: in transporting Chain to West Point. Enlisted from town of Wilton

Daniel Birchard, Pen: Says he served 3 mos: under Capt: Belden of Wilton in Comp: of Teams in 78. Alludes to Great Chain at West Point.
Aaron Abbott, a Pen: Says: Birchard served in 1778, 3 mos: under Capt: Azor Belden, a Capt of Teams

Hannah Belden, wid: of Azor. Fairfield Co: ct:.
Page 45

New Haven Conn: 
Febr'y 2d. 1855 
Sir
Your letter dated Dec. 23d /54 is rec'd: from it I learn that the claim for an increase of pension on behalf of Anna Widow of Daniel Birchard is disallowed, till further proof of service is furnished-
I have also rec'd yours of same date stating that the claim of Aaron ["Daniel" crossed out] Abbott for increase of Pension is rejected till more satisfactory proof is produced- 
I beg leave to inquire of you what disposition has been made of the claim of Hannah Widow of Azor Belden for Pension under act of Febr'y 3d 1853? It was filed at the same time with ["as" crossed out] these cases above refered [referred] to- I have heard nothing from it- 
Yours most Respectfully 
Wilson H. Clark

to(?) the(?) Hon: Comr of Pensions 
Washington D.C_

Boynton 1
Page 46

Brief.
Brief in the case of Hannah Belden, widow
of Azor. Fairfield Co: Conn:.
Claim is original.
Aaron Abbott, a Revolutionary pensioner
of Conn: testifies that he Abbott, served from
last of March to last of June, 1778, under said
Azor Belden, as a Capt: of a Company of Teams at Fishkill, that Belden continued in
service as Capt: until the winter following.
Samuel Stuart, a pensioner of Ct: claimed for
six months service under Capt: Azor Belden, 
as Capt: of Comp:Teams in 1778, & was
pensioned for such service.
Daniel Birchard, another pensioner of Conn: Swears in his own declaration that he served 3 months in 1778, under said Azor Belden, a Capt: of Comp:
Page 47

of Teams, & this declaration of Birchard is Supported by the affidavit of Aaron Abbott, a revolutionary pensioner of Ct:.
The evidence of Saml. M. Fitch, 85 yr: of age, Mrs: Sally Raymond, Aged 71 years, Mrs: Anna Birchard, age 73 years, Mrs: Hannah Olmsted aged 91 years & Wm Belden, aged 72 years is filed in connection with that of said pensioners Abbott, Stuart & Birchard to the effect that said Azor Belden, entered the service from the town of Wilton, Ct: where most of said Witnesses resided; that he, Belden, was always known & recognized as a Capt: of Comp: of Teams & as a soldier who had served in various capacities during the
war. From this statement Belden's widow should be allowed for 6 months service as a Captain of Comp: of Teams.
Addition to the above allowance, the widow  should by entitled to the benefit of a further service of six months upon it, following
testimony Viz: The Original Commission of said Azor Belden as Lieutenant of "Fire Workers" of a Company of Matrosses or Artillery men. Signed by Jonathan
Page 48

Trumbull, July, 7th 1777 is filed. The Commission states that, said Belden is to be stationed at Norwalk, Ct: to take charge of the cannons for the defense of the Sea Costs [coast]. His Commission is genuine & is proof of the duration of the Service therein [illegible].
Aaron Abbott 96 yr: a Revolutionary pensioner of Ct: testifies he, Abbott, served under Belden, at Norwalk, Ct: in a company of Matross- from six to seven months, that,
Belden was a Lieutenant.
There can be no doubt of the fact that,
said Belden, served in various capacities during the Revolutionary war & was a merritorious [meritorious] Soldier, as in addition to the above proofs, an Original warrant is filed, in which Belden, was appointed a first Sergeant by Col. David Waterbury jr. in 1776 in Capt: A. Mead's Company, of Ct. troops ["of" crossed out]  There is also filed an original letter dated Fish Kill [Fishkill], March, 23d 1779, written by Thos. Wickes Depty: Quarter Master General to said Belden, requesting Belden, to assist him Wickes, at his post that season. ["For the" crossed out]
Marriage is proven by three witnesses, who were present at the same. Soldier died November, 27th 1828, as per
Page 49

the affidavits of three credible witnesses.
Applicant, widowhood & identity as the widow of the Soldier is established clearly by the affidavits of four aged, credible affiants. Some of whom knew Azor Belden, the applicant's husband during the War. 
S.C. Boynton 
Ex: Clk: 

Certificate to Wilson H. Clark Esqr 
New Haven, Ct:.
Page 50

1.
Inquiry regarding a pension said to have been given Hannah wife of Azor Belden with type written data sent to the Commissioners of Pensions some time since receives(?) no response. Hannah wife of Azor Belden died 1860 at Wilton Fairfield Co Conn. and through some inadvertance [inadvertence] of mine in the way of proper address I presume the delay occurs for when I sent claims they were returned to me. I need the history but did not consider that the account of Azor's service sufficiently well authenticated
Page 51

to warrant publication May I hope for the return of the material sent the Department Commissioner of Pensions application to which was by the record and pension office at an early date My communication was sent after Feb 24th 1897 
Mrs Martha Belden 
Cannon
Fairfield Co
Conn
Compiler of Belden lineage

PENSION OFFICE
US
Mar 22 1897
Page 52

Sent March 18 1897. Cannon's Ct
Mrs. M.B. Warren
Cannon's Ct
Page 53

OW&N
W.H.H.P.

Feb 24th 1897
Commissioner of Pensions
Azor Belding [Belden] Inquiry
I am furnishing Belden history for the forthcoming book Selleck's Norwalk In history of Fairfield Co he is accredited with Eight years service with Washington at the evacuation of New York at Bunker Hill, at the battle of Ridgefield when Wooster fell, etc(?). I can find no proof the War Department gives only one month and one day's service Azor Belding [Belden] 9 Regt Conn Militia Capt Comstock His widow Hannah Belden died in Wilton Ct. March 29 1860 I am referred to this departed to learn if the received a Pension
Mrs M.B. Warren

PENSION OFFICE 
US
FEB 26 1897
Page 54

Inquiry in the interest of authentic history. Too much romance has already crept in to printed history. The enclosed is sent me for publication cannot conscientiously forward to the Historian without the credentials and must give reason for withholding the history sent by his descendants
Mrs Martha B. Warren Cannon's Conn.

OLD WAR & NAVY FILES.
MAR 8 1897
P.
Page 55

March 21
Rev Sec H
Pension Dept
Washington DC.
Will you kindly send me record of Capt Azor Belden if a pension from Cannon Conn Revolutionary Record.
Respectfully
Mrs Jessie Belden Kline
Hastings Nebr
Page 56

Los Angeles, Cal.
5/3/33

Veterans Administration Bldg.
Revolutionary War Division.
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me all Data and particulars concerning Pension granted to Hannah Belden or (Belding) Widow of Azor Belden.
Send full Data Please and oblige
Yours Respectfully
Wm C Kline
760- W. 10th Place

RECEIVED
MAY 13, 1933
PENSION INDEX
SECTION
Page 57

REC'D
APR 1 1935
MAIL SUB_DIV.
VETS. ADM
READER

Los Angeles Cal
3 /29 /35
-
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please give me the following information. I am anxous [anxious] of joining Colonial Society/ Society of Cincinnati Society so please tell me if
Captain Azor Belden
"War Dept Record No 8356"
was a Continental Soldier or militia. If Continental please give me the date and all data when the 5th Connecticut Artillery which
Page 58

he was Lieutenant in was considered or "Admitted in Continental Service.
Or was the Artillery Co a militia co?
Please give me all the data etc.
Yours Respectfully
William Belden Kline
1430-Wright St.

REC'D
APR 1 1935
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM
READER
Page 59

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
W.F. 8356
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19[blank]
In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Azor Bolden 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.
1775
Mch. 27 1776
July 7 1777
1778

LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
✓
✓
fall winter
20 or 21 mos.

RANK.
[blank]
1" Sgt.
Lieut in Connecticut Artillery
Capt or Conductor of Teams & Forage Master

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
went to Boston no officers stated
M. Mead

COLONEL.
David Waterbury  5" Conn.

STATE.

Battles engaged in, Danbury when it was burned
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Parish of Wilton, in Town of Norwalk, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Nov. 2 1854 The cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Wilton Fairfield Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, She was b. in Sept 1766.
Remarks: Soldier married about the year 1780. name of wife is not stated son William b. ["1782" crossed out] 72 yrs. 1854 res. N.Y. City- June 7. 1801 Soldier mar. at Norwalk, Conn. Hannah Fitch (2d wife) & died at Wilton Conn. Nov. 27. ["28" written underneath] 1828, aged 78 yrs. Their children were George b. Mch. 1803 ["1802" written underneath] 52 [yrs] & Platt b. Feby 1855. aged 50 yrs in 1854]
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

3-2856
Page 60

June 14, 1936
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

AZOR BELDEN
W. 8356
BA-J/MMHF:MLB
Conn

Mr. William Belden Kline
1430 Wright Street
Los Angeles, California

His writing looks so much like that of Wm C. Kline who was [illegible] this(?) record May 18-1933

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request further information in regard to the military service of Azor Belden, W. 8356.
The papers in the above noted pension claim have been examined. It is not shown that Amor Belden served in the continental line. His service was rendered in the militia or State troops. The company of artillery to which he belonged, it is shown, was stationed at Norwalk to guard the coast. The number of the Connecticut artillery company of which he was lieutenant is not shown. You may have
confused that service with the service he rendered as sergeant in the 5" Connecticut Regiment, Colonel David Waterbury.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator