Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2132, Lewis Compton, New Jersey
Page 1

Service: New Jersey

Compton, Lewis

Number S2132

barded
Page 2

3A.918

New Jersey
Lewis Compton
of Monmouth Co. in the State of N. Jersey
who was a private in the [convoy?, illegible], commanded by Captain [illegible] of the Regt commanded by [illegible] Holmes in the New Jersey Line for [illegible].

Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of February (?), 1819 [illegible] W. Halstead House of Representatives

Arrears to the 4th of September 1845 $420.00
Semi-annual allowance ending Mar 4th 41 - 20.00

$440.00

Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832

DD Addison Clerk

Vol. 3 Page 120
Page 3

Amendatory Declar
ration of Lewis Compton
N. J.
act 7 June 32
Adm
12 Mopri
40 $

Hon. W. Halsted
H. R
Page 4

State of New Jersey, County of Monmouth ⎬ On this 31st day of July 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting at Freehold, New Jersey Lewis Compton a resident of the Township of Freehold in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy five upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated to wit, in the year 1776 in the Company of Capt Elisha Walton as a substitute for Nathaniel Fell and Joseph Compton each one month
in the year 1777, under Capt Walton he served nine months and an half - in the year 1776 he served in the Company of Capt Waller three and an half months in the year 1778 he served under Captain Thomas Cook, Samuell Carhart, James Green, John Conover Seven months and in the year 1779 under Capt John Walton one
month and an half - served under Capt Peter
Pension in Middlesex County N. Jersey as a substitute for George Reed So also in same County as a Substitute he William Osborn under Capt Pyatt one month served under the following field officers
in Monmouth Col Holmes, Major Seabrook Genl David
Forman and Genl Elisha Lawrence, Says he know
Capt Burrows of the continental army was in
several skirmishes with the British and Resigns
to wit, at Browns-Point on the Bay Shore under
Capt Walter was also engaged at may take
on the Bay Shore Monmouth Juney in which
Page 5

Service   Number
New Jersey  Compton, Lewis  S2132
Comments     Carded
Page 6

does not remember any of the regular officers being with the troops where he served the Regiments of the Militia where he served were commanded by Col. Nathan Scudder, Col. John Holnaz
Page 7

State of New Jersey
County of Monmouth } Personally appeared in open Court afsd. before the Judges afsd. Peter Cook a resident of Monmouth County N Jersey aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn agreeably to Law says that he was well acquainted with the said Lewis Compton in the Revy War and served with him in Capt Schancks Company and in Capt. Harkinsons & Capt Conovers companies-- first entered the service at Monmouth Court House N Jersey--

Sworn to Subscribed the
31st day July 1832           his 
in open Court}.            Peter X Cook
                                          mark
John W. Davison
John Hull
John Headder

[written vertically on right side:  'Lewis Compton's application for pension No. 3174']

State of New Jersey
County of Monmouth}.  Personally appeared in open Court aforesaid before the Judges aforesaid William Potts Esq. a resident of the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey -aged about seventy three years, who being duly sworn according to law says that he was well acquainted with the said Lewis Compton in the Revy War and served with him in Capt.
Schancks Company and in Capt Hankinsons and Capt. Conover companies- first entered the [text crossed out] service at Monmouth Court House N. Jersey.

William Potts

Sworn to & Subscribed the
31st day of July 1832
in open Court.

John Davison
John Patterson
Page 8

And the said Court after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogation presided by the War Department do hereby declare their opinion that the said applicant Lewis Compton was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states- And the court further certify that William Hayes, Peter Cook and William Potts ESQ (are known to the court) where affidavits are hereto assessed, that they are credible persons and that their statements are entitled of their credit.
By Order of the Court,
N.J. Bourne


I Daniel H Ellis clerk of the Interior Court of Common  Plea in the fourth County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that
the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the
court in the matter of the application of Lewis Compton for a pension.
In the Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed seal of the said court this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three,

D.H. Ellis  ESQ (I believe)
Page 9

Amendatory Declaration of Lewis Compton to his original Declaration of the 31st July 1832 for a pension under the act of June 7th 1832.

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey Lewis Compton, 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 periods and length of his several services, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the grade of a private soldier all the time. In the year 1776, under Capt Walton two months- and in the same year under Capt Wallon three and an half months-  In the year 1777 under Capt Walton nine and an half months- in the year 1778 under Captains Thomas Cook Samuel Carhart ,James Green & John Conover seven months and in the year 1779 under Capt John Walton one month and an half - under Capt Peter Perrine one month and under Capt Pyatt one month- making altogether a service of two years one and an half months for which service he now claims a pension-

Lewis Compton

Subscribed & Sworn to this
22nd day January 1833.
Thos C Throckmorton Justice of the Peace
Page 10

I Daniel H. Ellis, Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that Thomas C Throckmorton, before whom the foregoing amendatory declaration was sworn to and subscribed by Lewis Compton, and who has signed his name to the Jurat thereof- is and was at the date thereof enrolled in my office as a justice of the peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and sworn into office, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Thomas C. Throckmorton justice as aforesaid, and verily believe that the signature "Thos C. Throckmorton" signed to the Jurat of the said Amendatory declaration of the said Lewis Compton, is the proper hand writing and genuine Signature of the said justice--

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said Court at Freehold this
twenty ninth day of January in the
year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three-

D. H. Ellis
Page 11

3.

2nd Ameindatory
Declaration of
Lewis Compton
with testimony of
Witnesses
Page 12

2nd Amendatory declaration of Lewis Compton to his original declaration of the 31st July 1832, for a pension under the act of June 7th 1832.

Personally appeared before me the undesigned
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmonth in the State of New Jersey Lewis Compton, who being duly Sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to all the several periods of service by him performed when they commenced and ended, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the grade of a private soldier each period of service. He first entered into the Militia service of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War some time in the year 1776
(does not remember the month) at Long -Branch in Monmouth County New Jersey in the company of Capt Elisha Walton and served two months in tours of duty of one month each as a
Substitute for Nathaniel Ferl & Joseph Compton- also served the same year 1776 under Capt Wallen at Browns Point Monmouth County N.J.  three and an half the months not
remembered, does not distinctly remember whether this period of service was performed in monthly tours of duty or not, but rather thinks this was the case, as he remembers that he did
perform services in tours of duty of one month each alternately

In 1777 he served under Capt Walton nine and an half months, does not remember the particular months-

This period of service he thinks was performed in tour of duty of one month each, during this last period he served as a substitute for Asher Clayton one month and for Phonis Riggs one month & for William [illegible] one month. This last period of service under Capt Walton was performed in the County of Monmouth guarding the Sea Board at Sandy Hook, Long Branch, Browns Point & Middletown Point-

In the year 1778 he served under Capt Thos Cook two months in tours of duty of one month each at Sandy Hook, Monmouth County N. Jersey (months not remembered) the same year served under Capt Saml Carhart two
months in tours of duty of one month each, (months not remembered) at Middletown Point Monmouth County N.J.  Also served this year under Capt James Green one month at Long Branch, Monmouth County Nt Jersey-- also served this year
Page 13

under Capt John Conover two months at the Highlands near Sandy Hook in tours of duty of one month each (months not remembered. In 1779, served under Capt John Walton one month and an half at Long Branch & Sandy Hook afsd.   Also served this year under Capt. Peter Perrine in Middlesex County N Jersey a substitute for George Reed one month. Also served same year in the County of Middlesex afsd under Capt Pyatt one month a substitute for Wm Osborn

Declarant says that he does not know that any
one of the herein before mentioned Captains under whom he served is living but believes they are all dead

Lewis Compton

Subscribed & Sworn to
the 15th day of August
1833 before me

W. J Bowne

Personally appeared before me the undersigned
a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Monmouth Capt David Baird a resident of said County aged upwards of Eighty years, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with the above Lewis Compton in the Revolutionary War and knows that said Compton Served in the war, but cannot state definitely his different periods of service, frequently saw said Compton under arms in the war under Capts Elisha& John Walton, does not know how long he served in
said companies, but understood that he performed monthly duty. Witness believes from the general reputation of said Compton that he served a considerable time in the War and that he is entitled to a pension & further Deponent saith not.

David Baird

Subscribed & sworn to
the 15th day of August 1833.
The said Wits Capt Baird
is a credible person & his
statement is entitled to credit

R.J. Bowne
Page 14

State of New Jersey 
Monmouth County }.  Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County James Hendrickson a credible person aged eighty years and upwards who being duly sworn deposes and says that he was well acquainted in the Revolutionary War with Lewis Compton the applicant named in the preceding declaration that witness frequently saw said Compton under arms in the County of Monmouth, cannot state the particular dates at Tinton Falls a place of Head quarters in the Township of Shrewsbury in Monmouth County- Saw him L. Compton under arms at Middletown, Eaton Town and at Long Branch in the County of Monmouth.  Witness and said Compton belonged to different companies, but in their marches and countermarches in and through the County of Monmonth guarding the Sea board watching the British and reffugees [refugees]  they met at the several places above stated, from old age and consequent loss of memory witness cannot state the dates when he saw said Compton at the places aforesaid, but has a distinct recollection of seeing said Compton under arms at the places aforesaid performing militia duty, cannot state the names of the Captains under whom he served, at the times witness saw said Compton their services were generally performed in periods of one month alternately

The several periods or places before stated, witness saw said Compton in the service comprised a period of between two and three years

       his
James J Hendrickson
      mark

Sworn & Subscribed
21st June 1834
before me 

W.J. Bowne
Page 15

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County ⎬ Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County William McTeer a resident of said County and a credible person, aged Seventy one and upwards, who being duly sworn says that he was acquainted with Lewis Compton in the Revolutionary War and frequently saw said Compton under arms in the Militia service in the County of Monmouth in the Revolutionary War in the year 1779. Witness first met with said Compton at Freehold in said County as a turn out or muster on a  general alarm given at the landing of a party of British on the Sea Board-  The field officers in command on that occasion were Col Saml. Forman, Lieutenant Col Elisha Lawrence and Major William Montgomery and Genl David Forman -  Witness says he saw L. Compton under arms at Tinton Falls, Shrewsbury and Long Branch in the County of Monmouth
witness and said Compton served in different
companies but belonged to the same Regiment
witness saw said Compton served in Capt. Conovers Company at Monmouth Court House, cannot state the names of the other captains under whom said Compton served, neither can
he state the date or precise periods of his service but well remembers having seen said Compton in service at the places aforesaid & further saith not-

Wm McTeer

Subscribed & Sworn to
21 June 1834
Before me W. J. Bowne
Page 16

MState of New Jersey 
Monmouth County } Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Jesse Mount a resident of said
County and a credible person aged Seventy years and upwards, who being duly sworn deposes and says that he was well acquainted with Lewis Compton named in the preceding declaration and affidavits in the Revolutionary War-  Witness first saw said Compton in service and under arms in Capt John Conovers Company at Monmonth Court House does not remember the year or month.  Capt. Conovers Company was mustered at the Court House witness & said Compton were both then mustered in said company and marched from the Court House to Tinton Falls a place of headquarters, to Saml Forman, Major Wm Montgomery and Genl David Forman were the field officers  From Tinton Falls they marched to Long Branch on the sea board where they remained about two months watching the landing of the British and tories - From Long Branch afsd they marched to Shoal Harbor in the Bay Shore and to the Highlands near Sandy Hook under Capt John Walton - The tours of duty were generally performed in tours of one month each alternately-  In consequence of loss of memory Witness says he cannot state the particular dates of the periods of services, but witness can say and is confident that
Page 17

his and said Comptons Services comprised a period of between two and three years - Witness and said Compton werestogether in a skirmish under Capt David Baird at the Long crossway near Tuckerton with a party of Refugees from thence they marched to Manahawkin Toms River and from thence to Monmouth Court House, does not remember the year, nor the precise time of this period of service under Capt Baird, it must have been
witness thinks several months - Capt John
Conover resigned and Capt Baird succeeded him. Witness says they were frequently changed from one company to another in their several periods of service.

Witness says he cannot state more particularly the dates and periods of service than before stated & further saith not. Their services ended under Capt Baird and was near the close of the
War to the best of witness's recollection

Jesse Mount
-
Subscribed & Sworn
to 21 June 1834
before me. 
W.J. Bowne

I Wm J. Bowne a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth in the State of N.J. do certify that Lewis Compton named in the preceding declaration & affidavits is generally reputed and believed to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that the witnesses
above named David Baird, James Hen-
Page 18

drickson, William McTeer and Jesse Mount are residents of the County and whose statements are entitled to credit and belief
Witness my hand at Freehold N Jersey 21st June_1834. W. J. Bowne
I Daniel H. Ellis clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth N Jersey do certify that William J. Bowne before whom the foregoing declaration & several affidavits of David Baird, James Hendrickson, Wm McTeer & Jesse Mount were subscribed and sworn to is and was at the dates of the taking thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned, sworn & enrolled in my office and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to his official acts. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court hereto affixed the 21st day June 1834.
D.H. Ellis Clk
Page 19

Lewis Compton's Case 
of Monmouth Co. New Jersey

Hm W Halsted 
HR
Page 20

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County
On the 17th day of January A.D. 1842, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Personally appeared Lewis Compton, of said County, a Person of credability and truth aged eighty four years - who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that the several declarations he has made now on file at the War Department contain all the facts and service that he is Enabled to remember, that he has spent much time an money in visiting and procuring the affidavits of those who both know and served with im in the militia in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary war. That he has stated as accurately and specifically his tours of duty the places where and under what officers he served as he possibly can. He further declares that he received pay monthly while under Capt. W Patton in 1777. and that he frequently received pay from John Craig and Kenneth Hankinson Paymasters to the militia of Monmouth County, and that the certificates of pay received from Dr Thomas Henderso commissioner for the County of Monmouth _(then a near neighbour to this deponent) was for balance of pay that remained due at the close of the war_the continental money being utterly worthless-this deponent further declares that the amount of the certificates of pay was not a twentieth part of what he had received for militia service in said war. That he is now unable to procure any more proof as out of bodily infirmity age and the deaths of most of those who served with and testified for this applicant and that which all those who served with this applicant have received pensions he desires nothing but what is justly and honestly due for those services he perilled life and property and which an aged and infirm soldier ardently hopes will be satisfactory to the commissioner, and furhter saith not.
Lewis Compton
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before.
John W. Davison Justice
Page 21

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County

On the 17th Day of (December 1841 crossed out) January 1842 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared John Dewitt in the nintieth  year of his age a person of credibility and truth resident in the township of Freehold in the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn on a holy bible saith that he was a soldier in the militia of New Jersey in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War, that he was well acquainted with Lewis Compton in said war and now is, that he well remembers the said Lewis Compton served in a Company commanded by Captain Elisha Walton and Lieut Samuel Forman in the year 1777, said Company quartered at Freehold town and that the said Lewis Compton was in said company the greater part of that year. this deponent also remembers that said Compton served in a Company of militia under Capt John Covenhoven after the battle of Monmouth in June in 1778, and that he also remembers that he served under Capt Schenck and Hankinson of said County, this deponent fully believes that the said Lewis Compton_served more than two years active duty in the Service of the U.S. during said war. that he was personally known to this deponent as a good and faithful soldier and further saith not
John Dewitt
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year above written 
Before (1st line "December 1841" erased and January 1842 substituted before execution 
John M. Davison Justice
Page 22

State of New Jersey
I Charles G McChesney, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that John W Davison Esq before whom the affidavits of Lewis Compton and John Dewit were taken was at the time of the taking thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth in said State duly as Commissioned and Sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said John W. Davison Esq

In testimony whereof I have hreunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton in said State this twentieth day of January AD One thousand eight hundred and forty two.
Page 23

4
Lewis Compton
Supplemental Declaration

"Act 7th June 1832"

C. G. McChesney
Trenton
N.J.
Page 24

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County

On the twenty sixth day of August A.D. 1840, Personally appeared
before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of
common pleas in and for said County Lewis Compton a resident
at the
of the Township of Freehold in said county, aged
eighty three years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amendatory declaration in or as to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States in the malitia of New Jersey
and in the County of Monmouth as a substitute for Nathaniel
Ferrell, in the first week in April, 1776, under Capt Elisha Walton
our Head Quarters were at Freehold Town, and were sent out on Scouts
to the Bay Shore_ remained the month out, and was discharged at
Freehold about the middle of May. This declarant again became a substitute for Joseph Compton at Freehold under Capt Walton and Lieut Samuel Forman_ marched a number of times downto Long Branch and along shore. The month expired at Freehold about the middle of June. About the first of July this deponent was drafted under Captain John Walling and Lieut Joseph Walling was stationed the month out at Brown's Point and Mount Pleasant during this month we had a skirmish with the Enemy at Browns Point, was again drafted or volunteered cannot say which, under the same officers. (Capt and Lieut Walling) about the middle of August was stationed at Browns Point and Mount Pleasant the month out, during which term the Battle of Long Island took place. The month expired about the middle of September about the first of October was drafted again under the same officers and was stationed the month out at Browns Point. This declarant then returned home for about two weeks_when he again joined Capt Walling's Company at Mount Pleasant and remained there for two weeks_ This declarant was three months and a half under Capt Walling in the year 1776 In the year 1777. In the month of February this declarant recollects another monthly tour under Capt Walling_the weather was very cold and marched from Mount Pleasant to Middletown, Browns Point, Middletown Point to Mount Pleasant the month expired. In about two weeks after the month expired-this deponent volunteered to the best of his recollection in his recollection in the middle of March under Capt Elisha Walton
Page 25

and Lieut Samuel Forman while the Enemy were in New Brunswick and served under the said officers monthly tours of duty in the Service of the United States from the middle of March until New Years day of 1778 which was nine months and a half. We were stationed in Freehold Village and our tours of duty of Scouts were along the Monmouth Shores a part of our Company were out on continual Scouts myself and many others were discharged by the word of mouth by Capt Walton at Freehold. I received my pay monthly, about one week after serving the nine months and a half under Capt Walton. this deponent volunteered about the sixth or eighth of January under Capt Thomas Cook_ marched to sandy hook Shrewsbury and Coltsneck where the month expired which was in the first week in February_and immediately without leaving the Company this declarant volunteered for another month and marched to Long Branch where we were Quartered until the month expired. Soon after this deponent joined the Company of Capt James Green without going home which was about the middle of March or a little later and was stationed at Long Branch the month out, which was about the latter part of April. This deponent then joined or volunteered under Capt Samuel Carhart the latter part of May and marched to Middletown Point and Browns Point. This tour lasted until the last of July which was two months or more_during this service the Battle of Monmouth was fought. Col Holmes and General David Forman were our commanding officers after returning to Monmouth Court house, this deponent about the first of August volunteered for one month under Capt John Covenhoven marched from Freehold to the Highlands along shore. He recollects the Harvest was very much destroyed by the enemy's retreat to Sandy hook, the month expired while we were at the Highlands about the middle of September. This declarant was drafted under Capt Covenhoven and Lieut Thomas Edwards marched from Freehold to Sandy hook and Long Branch, back again to Sandy hook where the month expired. Some time in November He joined or volunteered under Capt Carhart at Middletown, marched to middletown Point where we were Stationed until the month expired, as this deponent remembers going home about Christmas after the Battle of Monmouth which was on the lines between Monmouth and Middlesex, in the year of 1779.
Page 26

Christmas after the Battle of Monmouth which was on the lines between Monmouth and Middlesex, in the year of 1779.  Some time in the month of February (latter part, this declarant Joined the Company of Capt Peter Perrine of Middlesex County as a substitute for one George Reed marched to Bennetts Island
where we took a large chest of Muskets one of which this deponent has in possession at this present time- returned to near Bergen's mills where the month expired.  Some time about the first of May (to the best of this deponents recollection) following he became a substitute for one William Osborn in Capt Peatts Company in Middlesex County, which was after the tour to Bennets Island under Capt Perrine, marched from Spotswood to Amboy and on as far as Woodbridge & Elizabeth town Col. Scudder commanded, was discharged at the latter
place or Woodbridge cannot say which, at the expiration of the month. This declarant was not again out until some time about the first of September he served part of the month of the month of September under Capt Kenneth Hankinson and the other part under Capt Schanck- during the whole month the company
was stationed at Freehold village. Soon after this month expired, this declarant volunteered under Capt Jeremiah Chadwick as a scout in a company of Sixteen men marched to the shore to a place called Jumping Point where we were
attacked by the British and had a severe engagement in which our Capt got killed also one Hendricks and four or five wounded. this deponent received a wound in the left groin
Doctors Nathaniel Scudder and Swain extracted the Ball the same day, this declarant was unable to do duty until some time in the month of June 1780, when this deponent entered as a volunteer under Capt John Walton marched to Long Branch and Sandy hook and was in said company until some time in the month August fully one month and a half, was discharged at Freehold.  this declarant was mistaken in his former declaration in the year as he well remembers it was after the Battle of Springfield in the year 1780, instead of 1779 as this deponent believed at the time. This deponent was out on Scouts a number of times on short tours afterwards-- this deponent is now enabled to specify tours more minutely for the following reasons he commenced last winter to visit his old associates and together with their assistance this declarant has been able to specify with
Page 27

more accuracy his services during said war.  their [there] may be some slight difference and slight error in some months, but they are specified to the best of this declarants recollection and belief, all of which duty he performed, and fully believes that he served as much as three years actual duty in the service of the United States.  this declarant carries a large scar produced by the wound received at Jumping Point which produced a Serofulive [serous?] humour in his leg which has never entirely healed since.

Lewis Compton

Sworn to and Subscribed
the twenty sixth day of
August AD. 1840.
Before me,

John W. Davison
Judge,

I hereby certify that Lewis Compton is personally known to the subscriber and has been many years as a Person of credibility and truth,

John W. Davison Judge
Page 28

State of New Jersey
Mercer County } SS.   On the 11th day of January AD 1840 Before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Jacob Hall a resident in said County a Person of Credablility [credibility] and truth, a Pensioner of the United States, and in the 88th year of his age who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath deposeth and saith. That during the Revolutionary war this deponent was well acquainted with- Lewis Compton who was in the service of the United States in the County of Monmouth. That in the year 1777 this deponent saw the said Compton under Capt Elisha Walton while said Company was at Freehold and also at Coltsneck.  they were employed in guarding the shores.  also ['under' crossed out] in Capt John Conners Company, this deponent was then in the nine months service, under Capt Abraham Lyons- this deponent was frequently at Freehold during the year 1777- while Capt Elisha Walton's Company was there, the said Lewis Compton was- always
in the said Walton Company and knew him well he was a good soldier- untill [until] the year 1778- when this deponent enlisted under Capt Boman for the war in the light infantry after which this dept did not often meet him.

           his
Jacob  X Hall
         mark

Sworn and subscribed the 
day and year above written
Before John B Mount
Page 29

State of New Jersey
Mercer County } ss   On the 7th day of August AD 1840. Before the Subscriber a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County personally appeared Abraham Malatt of the County of Mercer a Soldier of the Revolutionary war, a
Person of credibility and truth, who being duly
Sworn according to law upon his oath deposeth
and saith, that he was raised and brought up in the same neighbourhood of Lewis Compton an applicant for a Pension in the County of Monmouth, in the year 1777 this deponent enlisted under Capt Peatt; while in the Village of Freehold this deponent saw the said Lewis Compton in the Company of Capt Elisha Walton Stationed at that place, was in the habit of seeing him every day while one company remained there, this dept then joined the regular army and did not see the said Compton again untill some time in the year 1780 when he recollects seeing him in the malitia [militia] companies in active service but cannot recollect the names of his officers. This deponent never learned how to write.

                 his
Abraham   X. Malatt
               mark

Sworn and Subscribed
the 7th day of Augt 1840.
Before me

John B Mount, J. P.
Page 30

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County. }. SS.  on the 7th day of January AD 1840 Before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared William Paynton in the
Eighty second year of his age a resident of said County a Pensioner of the U.S., a Person of credibility and truth who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath deposeth and saith, That during the Revolutionary war this deponent was well acquainted with Lewis Compton who was a Private in the malitia [militia] of New Jersey in the service of the United States, that some time in the year 1779, in the month ____, this deponent was in the Co
under the command of Capt Jeremiah Chadwick.  the said Compton was one of the sixteen in said Company and was in the Engagement at Jumping Point along shore.  Capt- Chadwick got Killed.  Bill Brack mulatto, had his thigh broken, George Brindley was wounded also John Estel in the foot- Master Smith wounded in the abdomen and the said Lewis Compton was wounded in the groin- Cornelius Van Demeer, Col or Vic Winans and this dept and 4 others escaped John Hendricks was killed at the same time and was a
volunteer.  the tour was a month this is the only time this dept served with the said Compton, saw him in the year 1777. In the Village of Freehold under Capt Elisha- Walton at different times in said year under the said Walton-.

             his
William  X  Paynton
            mark

Sworn and subscribed the day
and year above written
Before

John Station J P
Page 31

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County  SS }  
J. Daniel H. Ellis
Clerk of the Superior
Court of Common Pleas

in and for the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that John Slater before whom the within affidavit is taken is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth in the State of New Jersey duly enrolled and Sworn into office, and that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that the same is the proper hand writing of said Justice

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the Seal of said
Court at Freehold this Eighth day of
January in the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and forty

Daniel H. Ellis Clk
Page 32

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County. }. SS    On the Eighth day of January A.D. 1840 Before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared James Yetman a Pensioner of the United States a person of credability [credibility] and truth and resident in the said County who being duly sum according to law upon his oath deposeth and saith. That during the Revolutionary war this dept Knew Lewis Compton in the service of the United States and that in the year 1777, this deponent was in the
year service under Capt Elisha Walton and performed the said years service in the County of Monmouth and had our head Quarters at Freehold town Capt Elisha Walton and Lieut Samuel Forman were our ['only' crossed out] officers  John Lloyd was our Quarter Master and Commissary  This deponent was also under Capt Thomas Chadwick one year, said Compton served with this dept under Capt Elisha Walton from Spring untill in the winter of 1777.

James Yetman

Sworn and Subscribed the day
and year above written
Before
Moses S. McChesney
Page 33

[Table with seven columns; headings are:  (1) No. of Voucher, (2) No. of Certif., (3) Date, (4) Signed by, (5) Payable to, (6) Amt: {symbol for pounds}, (7) Amt. Int. {symbol for pounds}] 

[Text under column headings:]. (1) 221, (2) 380, (3) May 1, 1784, (4)Thomas Henderson, (5) Lewis Compton, (6) 2.10.0, (7) -3.0

Receipts for Cash paid for the 4th years interest on notes given by the Commissioner in the several Counties for Militia Services.

[Table with same column headings as above; text below headings as follows:]

(1) 122., (2) 1688, (3) May 1, 1784, (4) Thomas Henderson, (5) Lewis Compton, (6) 2.19.8, (7) 0.3.6

State of New Jersey
[embossed seal below, on left of page]

I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of
the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing are true abstracts, from Books
headed as above, now remaining of record in my Office, as taken from and compared therewith. And I do further certify that Thomas Henderson Esqr was, by an act passed by the Legislature of this State Dec 20,1783, appointed a Commissioner
Page 34

for the County of Monmouth, for settling and adjusting the payrolls of the Militia and troops of this State.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton
in said State this twenty Seventh day of March AD. One thousand eight hundred and forty one.

Charles G. McChesney
-
Secy.State
Page 35

State of New Jersey
[embossed seal below on left of page]

I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that John W Davison Esqr before whom the declaration of Lewis Compton was taken, was at the time of the taking thereof, one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth duly appointed commissioned and sworn, and that Moses S. McChesney Esqr. before whom the affidavit of James Yetman was taken, was at the time of the taking thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Monmouth in said State, duly appointed Commissioned and sworn, and that John B Mount Esqr. before whom the affidavits of Jacob Hall & Abraham Malat were taken, was at the time of the taking
thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer in said State, duly appointed Commissioned and sworn.  that I am acquainted with their several handwritings, and believe the same to be genuine, and that full faith and credit are to be given to their official attestations.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton
in said State this thirtieth day of March AD. One thousand eight hundred and forty one.

Charles G. McChesney
Secy of State
Page 36

Lewis Compton
Act 7 June 1832
-----------
N. Jersey - Suspd
See letter to Hon J
Parker 27 March 1835 &
to Hon. G. D. Wall
[crossed out 'Oct.'] Nov. 1. 1839 to
C.G. McChesney 8th Sep 184 [last digit cut off]
ohuttal had
Hon. W Halsted Jany 31st 1842
Page 37

Apl 76 Walton.        1 mo.
May.      "                 1
July  Palling             1 "
Aug.     "                  1 "
Oct.     "                   1 "
  "        "                . 14  5..14
77
Feb.     "                   1  "
Mar.    Waller           9 1/2 to New Years day
                      in monthly tours.
Jan. '79 Cook.         1
                  "              1
               Green.       1
               Carhart      2
Aug.  Covenhoven.  1
Sept.         "               1
Nov.       Carhart.      1
79 Feb.  Perrine.      1
May.                           1
Sept.                          1
80.        Walton.        3 years
Page 38

Lewis Compton
76.  5 1/2 Elisha Walton
77  9 1/2
78  7
79  3 1/2
---
76.  2 Walton
      3 1/2 ----
77 9 1/2 ----
78 7. Cook, Carhart, Green
79.  1 1/2
       1.    [symbol for pounds] 2 10.0
       1.                                        2.19.8
                                                  5.9 8
James Yetman NJ out


16
50
80
8
Page 39

Com [stamped on the right is "BURLINGTON NJ. Oct. 28  .CT   05]

Lewis Compton
N.J.

[stamed on the right is "FREE']

The Honble
J L Edwards Esq
Comr of Persons
Washington D.C.
Page 40

Burlington Oct 24. 1839

Dr Sir

Will you be kinder en. to send me at your earliest leisure a copy of the Declaration of Lewis Compton, of the Township of Freehold in
the County of Monmouth in this State, made on his application for a pension

Yrs respy
Garret D Wall

The Honble
L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Page 41

[vertically on left:  'Lewis Compton']


N.J. Feb 24

[vertically on right:  James L. Edwards Esqr.
Pension Office
Washington]


Hon. J. Parker

[the following figures are written upside down]
1832
69
____
163

1632
73
____
9
1840
____
58
Page 42

Washington Feb. 23. 1835

Sir

W.J. Bowne Esq of N.J. writes and as follows.
30 Dec 1834.  "The claim of Lewis Compton for a pension for some Cause remains suspended.  I recd a letter from Mr. Edwards 8 Sept last saying that in [following sentence is underlined] "Some of the years stated by him are more than have been stated or claimed by individuals serving in similar Corps or was called for in the usual course of service and cannot be allowed without a satisfactory explanation".[end of underline]  I immediately informed the Department that Compton "had no further Testimony or explanation to give and requested
" that a Certificate might be granted for the time satisfactorily "made out. He has supported his claim by an unusual num-"ber  of Witnesses and I think clearly established his claim to full
"pay after deducting the excess of time complained of, I lately "called in the Department for a decision in this Claim and have "not had an answer."

Will you be good enough to give your attention to this claim and also to the pension of Linton Doughty lately suspended in whose Card I lately sent you the affidavit of David Gordon called for by you. 

I am very respectfully
Yr obt Serv
James Parker

James L. Edwards Esqr

['9678' written in left margin near bottom of text of letter]
Page 43

Nov 24
Resp Lewis Compton
N.J.

[far right, written vertically:  "Lewis Compton N.J.]

[postal stamp: FREEHOLD Nov. 20  N.J.]

['FREE' stamped at top of envelope over name and address]

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissr PensionsWashington City
Pension Office
Washington City
Page 44

Freehold N. 19. Nov. 1834

J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir

I recd your letter of the 8th Sept. last stating that "the service claimed by Lewis Compton during some of the years stated by him are more than have been stated or claimed by individuals serving in similar corps, or was
called for in the usual course of service and
cannot be allowed without a satisfactory explanation".  I shortly after returned the papers to the Department requesting your attention to the periods the said Compton served as a substitute for others, which will be found to make the excess (in part) complained of and that no further explanation could be given- and requested that a certificate might be granted for the proper time-  It appeared to me that after allowing the periods which he served as a substitute there would be only an excess of 1 1/2 mo. in one of the years and still would be entitled to full pay-  I beg your attention to the same and that a certificate may be allowed him
for the time made out to your satisfaction

It has been long pending and unless soon obtained will not benefit the old man, who is fast sinking with poverty and infirmity-

I am respectfully yours
W. J. Bowne
Page 45

J L Edwards Esqr
Pension Office
Washington City

[following is on right of page:]
Lewis Compton
N. J.
Page 46

Freehold N S 19 Sept 1834

J L Edwards Esq

Sir---
The papers in the case of Lewis Compton are received with your letter stating that, "During some of the years stated by him, are more than have been stated or claimed by individuals serving in similar corps, or was called for in his
usual course of service"-  By reference to his declaration it will appear - That in 1776, he served 5 1/2 months-  In 1777- 9 1/2 months
3 months of this last period he served as a
Substitute for others - In 1778, he served 7 months and in 1779, he served 3 1/2 months- making total 25 1/2 months-  I presume the excess of time claimed was to be more than 1 1/2 Months to wit in 1777 -  1/2 Mo. & in 1778- One month.  It will be admitted I presume that he may have served six months in each year, if so the excess will only be 1 1/2 months, deducting the time he served as a substitute for others-  We cannot give any further explanation. Be pleased to grant a certificate for the time satisfactorily made out - Will he not be entitled to full pay after deducting the excess of time?

Most Respectfully Yours
W.J. Browne
Page 47

Return this.

Lewis Compton
N. J.


Let Hon James Parker
27 March 1835

[written faintly:  service and {illegible} best evidence with {illegible}]


papers copied for Hon. G. D. Wall
Nov. 1, 1839-
Page 48

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
[hand-written: 'Lewis Compton']  which require
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?

V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
[hand-written: 'No see Quere 5.']

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832?

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
Page 49

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?  Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. +Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  [hand-written:  'No see Quere 16.']

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
------------------

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of 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.
Page 50

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.
Page 51

[hand-written on left:  'Rev War']

[hand-written at top:  '2132']

INVALID.
---
File No.  [hand-written.  2132']
[hand-written:  'Lewis Compton
Privt Rev War']
-----
Act: [hand-written.  'June 7, 1832'
Index: -- Vol. [hand-written.  'A.']  Page [hand-written:  '72.']
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[hand-written check-mark]
Page 52

Compton
NJ
.
Rept to
Hon W Halsted
HR
Page 53

Extract of a Letter from
D McChesney to the "Hon. T Halsted

Trenton 5 May 1842

Dear Sir

The letter of the Comm. of Pensions (31 July) in regard to the claims of Lewis Compton was communicated immediately to the old mans son Joseph who desired me to write to you as soon as possible and say to you that the old man his father is at his house quite ill having himself a large family and being exceedingly poor, part of a pension may make him comfortable while
he lives, and therefore desires you to call at the office and accept the
Page 54

twelve months offered procure the certificate as
soon as you can for fear the old
fellow will die"