Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2366, for Stephen Sparrow, Connecticut

Page 1

SERVICE                                         NUMBER

Conn.     Sparrow, Stephen        W.2366
                            Lydia       B.L.Wt. 10247-160-88-

Page 2

                BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
FORM OF DECLARATION FOR WIDOW OF A
           DECEASED OFFICER OR SOLDIER.
State of Pennsylvania
County of Erie}SS.
On this twenty third day of March   A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five persoanally before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State foresaid, Lydia Sparrow aged ninety years, a resident of North East Borough in the State of Pennsylvania who beingduly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Stephen Sparrow deceased, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain............... in the ....... Regiment of ................. commanded by  ...... in the Revolutionary war.

That her said husband ................. of ................  on or about the ...................day of .................A.D., ........ for the term of .................. and continued in actual service in said war for the term of  About six years and was ..................... at ..................
on the ................. day of  ........................A.D.

She further states that she was married to the said Stephen Sparrow in North East on the third day of December, A.D., 1816 by one Alexander T. Blaine, Justice of the Peace and that her name before her marriage was Lydia 
Harrison - that her said husband died at North East on the twenty eighth day of May A.D. 1830 and that she is a widow at the date executing this her declaration.   for evidence of her husbands service and her marriage she refers [last two words inserted] to a certificate granting her a pension under act of 5th Feby 1853.
  She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she is entitled under act approved March 3, 1855.
She also declares that she has never received nor applied for bounty land  her certificate now in her possession granting her a pension is dated August 17th 1853 - the papers by which she might have been [word inserted] enabled to fill  T. Talcott present & intrusted her mark}
     [Signed]                   her
                        Lydia      X       Sparrow
                                    mark

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.

     Affidavit of Witnesses.
State of Pennsylvania
County of Erie} SS.
On this twenty this day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Samuel Talcott and Zenus King residents of the State of Pennsylvania and County of Erie who being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they are personally acquainted with Mrs. Lydia Sparrow and saw her sign her name (or made 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 that they swear they are disinterested witnesses.
                     [Signed] Samuel Talcott
                                  Zenus M King
                         [Signed] A.W. Blaine  [SEAL]

Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty third day of March A.D. 1853; and I certify that the said Samuel Talcott and Zenus M. King are credible and reputable citizens.
                  [Signed]   A.W. Blaine

Page 3

            POWER OF ATTORNEY.

Know all men by these presents, That I, Lydia Sparrow of the County of Erie in the State of Pennsylvania and Widow of Stephen Sparrow deceased, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Bronson Orton Penn'a, my true and lawful Attorney, 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 Land 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 whatever touching the premise, and an attorney or attorneys under him, for the purpose aforesaid to make, and at his pleasure to revoke, hereby confronting all and whatever 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 TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this twenty first day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five                                       her
              {Signed]       Lydia   X   Sparrow   [Seal]
                                             mark              
Witness present
Samuel Talcott 
  
Acknowledged and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Erie and State of Pennsylvania this twenty  third day  of March 1855.
      [Signed]        A.W. Blaine           [Seal]   
State of Pennsylvania
County of Erie} SS.
      I, A. King, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that A.W. Blaine whose genuine signature appears on the foregoing declaration, affidavit, and power of attorney, is, and was at the time of signing of same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commission- ed and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit;   and that the aforesaid Court is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
    Given under my hand and Seal of Office, at Erie this 4th day of April   A.D., 18...[illegible]
                 [Signed]  A. King Prothonotary    

[The following  appears vertically after the above.]

                     86,740
               BOUNTY LAND
          ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Mrs. Lydia Sparrow
Widow of Stephen Sparrow


              PRESENTED BY
     Bronson Orton North East
             Erie County, Penn.


[CONTINUATION OF UPPER SECTION}

                     NOTES.

The declaration to be made before a Justice of the peace, or other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes.

State in what war- whether in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, naming the same.
Then will follow after the words " that he" whether the officer, or soldier, enlisted, volunteered, or was drafted.

If the claimant has presented his discharge with his former application which he made under any former acts, or had no discharge, let him state the facts in this declaration.

If the soldier rendered service in different wars, lert him, set forth each service fully in his declaration.

The affidavit of two witnesses must be taken to establish the identity of the claimant.

Page 4

                      15,055
  Pennsylvania
   Stephen Sparrow,
of Erie coy. in the State of Pennsylva.
who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Huntington, of the Conn.
line, for the term of three years.

  Inscribed on the roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 8- Dollars per month, to commence on the 2d. of June, 1818.

  Certificate of Pension issued the 24. of Novr. 1819 and sent to the pensioner at Erie, Pennsylvania.

Arrears to 4th of Septr. 1819.       $:  120.
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 March          48 "
15 mos  3/30.}                   1820     ________
                                                     $  168.80
                                {Revolutionary claim,
                                 Act 18th March, 1818.}

Page 5

Regulations under Act 1st
Mar. 1823, sent to Hon
P. Farelly,   [illegible] Pa
19 Apl. 1823 -


Off July 24 1821 & 
sent to Tho. H. Sill
    Erie, Pa

Page 6

[Written vertically, left side]
Reg 3 M 55 - 56740 



                1,348
  Pennsylvania Pitts
Lydia Sparrow
widow of Stephen Sparrow 
who served in the Revolutionary
      Conn
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 96 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 
3rd February 1833
Certificate of Pension issued
the 17th day of Aug 153 [sic]
and sent to
Benjamin Grant

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February      Page 110  Vol. A
  3d 153
      1818

Page 7

[LEFT PAGE]

[The word "Dead" is written across the following.}
              Mar. 3, 1855
86,740
              Apr. 20

Lydia Sparrow widow of
Stephen Sparrow, Priv

Capt.
       Ct. Contl. line
Col.  

Ent.
Dis.  
       Revolutionary War
Pensioner
   P Feby .... 1848
110:160 Acres  Nov 16" 1855
                         Boynton

    Bronson Orton
       North East
              Penn.

[RIGHT PAGE]

Saml. Talcott  let to Decd  4/55
Let to Aso. Blaine  Dec. 11 55


Vol. S2_24.

Page 8

Application of
Lydia Sparrow
for pension under 
Act. of 3 Feby. 1853



Coresponded  [sic] with Ben-
jamin Grant, Erie, Pa

Page 9

State of Pennsylvania
County of Erie} Js
   On this fourth day of May
in the year of Our Lord One thousand and eight hundred and fifty three before the subscriber a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and State in Open Court personally Appeared Mrs. Lydia Sparrow who is to me known as a resident of the Borough of North East in the County and State aforesaid aged eighty nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress Approved 3d February A.D. 1853 viz; That she if the widow of Stephen Sparrow deceased who was a private in the Connecticut Continental Line in the war of the Revolution and was pensioned under act of the 18th March 1818 at the rate of ninety six dollars per Annum and paid at the Agency in said State, That she was not married to the said Stephen Sparrow prior to the second day of January  one thousand eight hundred but was as herein mentioned viz - She further declares that she was married to said Stephen Sparrow on the third day of December one thousand eight hundred and sixteen as will more fully appear

Page 10

by the proofs hereto annexed, - That her husband the aforesaid Stephen Sparrow died on the twenty eighth day of May in the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty -  She further swears that she ids now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a Pension -                            her
       [Signed]         Lydia       X      Sparrow 
                                          mark

Subscribed and sworn to before me in Open
Court the day and year first above 
written, And I certify that I have no
interest in the application as attorney
Agent or otherwise.
  [Signed]  John Galbraith
                Dist.  Judge of the Judicial Dept Pa

I Lydia Sparrow do hereby constitute and appoint Benjamin Grant of the City of Erie Pennsylvania my true and Lawful Attorney for me and in my name to present this my application for a Pension, and to attend to the same while pending, and to receive the Certificate when issued and to do all things necessary and proper as fully as I could do were I personally present,  Dated this fourth day of May A.D. 1853.             her
                 [Signed]      Lydia     X    Sparrow
                                               mark    [Seal]
In the presence of
E N Tuller

Page 11

State of Pennsylvania
County of Erie} Js   It is hereby certifies that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me the undersigned President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid (the same being a Court of record) in Open Court - that Lydia Sparrow (then Lydia Harris) and Stephen Sparrow late of said County deceased who was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of 1818 at the rate of Ninety six dollars per annum were married At the Borough of North East in the County aforesaid on the third day of December One thousand eight hundred and thirteen -  Satisfactory evidence was further exhibited Before the Court in Open Court that Stephen Sparrow aforesaid died at North East aforesaid on the 28thday of May in the year 1830. And that he left surviving him a widow Lydia Sparrow, and no children
        [Signed]  John Galbraith
                       Pres. Judge, Court Com.
                       Pleas  Erie County Pa

Page 12

State of Pennsylvania
       Erie County   SS }
    I, Samuel Perley, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do certify that the Hon. JOHN GALBRAITH is now and was at the time of signing the within certificate, President Judge of the 6th Judicial District of said Commonwealth; composed of the Counties of Erie, Crawford, and Warren, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that his signature to the said certificate is genuine.

In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Erie, this fourth day of May A.D. 1853.
   [Signed]    Samuel Perley  Prothonotary

Page 13

     Stephen Sparrow
found on the rolls
   service admitted.

Col. Huntington's
  Connt. Regt.
1780 - 3 yrs. -
2d June, 1818

Direct to applicant 
   Erie Post Office
    Erie Co., Pa

Admitted

Page 14

State of Connecticut
Erie County Jet}
   On this second day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen, before me the Subscriber one of the associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Erie aforesaid personally appeared Stephen Sparrow aged fifty seven years resident in the Township of North East in said County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war":  That he the said Stephen Sparrow enlisted in the Town of East Haddam in the State of Connecticut in a company commanded by Captain Eliphalet Holmes in the Regiment commanded by Col Jedediah Huntington, in the month of April one thousand seven hundred and Seventy seven, and served from that time until the month of April one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty, being a period of three years, when he was discharged in the State of New Jersey; that he was in the Battle of Monmouth and in several skirmishes - that in the month of December one thousand seven hundred and Eighty he again enlisted for the term of three years, and was discharged in the month of October in the year one thousand seven hundred Eighty three

Page 15

at West point, and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support. And that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
He also states that he his infirm and unable to labor -

Sworn to and declared before ne the day and year aforesaid.
        [Signed]  Stephen Sparrow
Wilson Smith

I Wilson Smith Esquire Judge of the Court of Common Pleas as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Stephen Sparrow, did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the Common Enemy.  And I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
         [Signed]  Wilson Smith         (Seal)
Erie Penn  a/" June 2d 1818

Page 16

Commonth of Pennsylna
       Erie County  Js}

   I Certify that the foregoing named Wilson Smith Esqr. is duly commissioned an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Erie County - that he was such at the time of signing the foregoing writing - And that full faith and credit ought to be given to all his official oaths.
  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 3rd day of June 1818 -
    [Signed]   John Nelson  Prothy
 
I Wilson Smith One of the Associate Judge of Erie County Do certify that I have some knowledge of the circumstances of Stephen Sparrow, but as he lives at some distance from my place of residence he has procured the Deposition of two of his neighbors which is inclosed [sic] that I am well acquainted with & is creditible [sic] witnesses.. I therefore Do Certify that the above Stephen is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance from his country for support
             Given under my hand & seal
             at Waterford in said county
             this tenth Day of Novr AD 1819
              [Signed]  Wilson Smith  [Seal]

Page 17

Stephen Sparrow

    15, 855

         S
Discond. July 24th
1821 and sent
      to
  Thomas H. Sill
    Agent -
   Erie, Pennsylvania


Steph Sparrow

Page 18

State of Pennsylvania
Erie County Dst}    On this seventh day of August 1820 personally appeared in Open Court being a court of record for the said County Stephen Sparrow aged Fifty nine years, resident in the Town ship of North East in the said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows, in the Connecticut line and the Continental establishment, in the Connecticut Regiment commanded by Col Jedediah Huntington in the company commanded by Capt Eliphalet Holmes the date of his Original declaration in which his services are set forth is in the second day of June one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen, and that he received a pension on the said application, and that his pension certificate is number 15,855    he having drawn a pension from the second day of June1818 to the third day of March 1820 -  And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818: on that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with the intent thereby so as to diminish it, so as to bring myself within the provision of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or security, contracts or debts, due to me except as is herein mentioned nor have I income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed -

   Schedule of the Estate necessary clothing and bedding excepted and income of said Stephen Sparrow as follows -
Three acres of Land and a small house in the Town ship of North East aforesaid, one cow, one yearling calf, one wooden clock, one whole pine Bureau or cupboard, one walnut full leaf table, one walnut cupboard, one small Kitchen Table,  one candlestand, three Windsor chairs, one pine chest, 14 Kitchen chairs,   A number of small debts amounting to about sixty dollars, one iron pot containing about 2 gallons, one small Iron pot containing about one gallon, one Copper Tea Kettle, one Earthen platter, twelve do plates, 14 Earthen bowls, 1 set of tea cups and saucers, 1 set of knives and forks,1 old Look and appurtenances

Page 19

The amount of debts due from him are as follows
To first of Dec, contracted in the year 1793 Standing on Interest against him since that time Eleven hundred dollars
                                                      $ 1100.00
To  [illegible] Story & Company -       250.00
                                                     ___________
                                                      $ 1350.00
The said applicant states that he has no trade, that he was bred to the business of arming and followed that business in the Early part of his life, he has also been engaged in the business of merchandizing, but for several years past, has been, and now is incapacitated, and rendered wholly unable by sickness from doing any kind pf labour, and he has no means of following any other business to contribute to his support; the said applicant has no family excepting a wife who is fifty six years of age and is also very infirm in health, is much afflicted by sickness especially the rheumatism, and is unable to do but very little labour being frequently confined by sickness
   [Signed] Stephen Sparrow
Sworn & subscribed 
7th August 1820 in
Open Court
   [Signed   Tho Wilson  Prothy

The Court is of the opinion that the value of the property real and personal of Stephen Sparrow as mentioned in his schedule [last five words inserted] is four hundred and nine dollars & seventy cents and that the amount of debt owed by him is thirteen hundred & fifty dollars and that he consequently owes nine hundred and forty dollars and thirty cents more than the value of the said real & personal estate returned in said schedule
   [Signed]  Thos Wilson   Prothy

Page 20

Erie County State of Pennsylvania Js
  I Thomas Wilson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Please in and for the County of Erie do hereby certify the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of Property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is four hundred and nine dollars and seventy cents and that he owes thirteen hundred and fifty dollars

In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the said Court this third day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and twenty
   [Signed]   Thos  Wilson Prothy

Page 21

To The Honorable John C Calhoun Secretary of War
The Petition of Stephen Sparrow of the Township of North-East in the County of Erie, and State of Pennsylvania
                                    Respectfully showeth: -
That your Petitioner was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War and as such was considered as being entitled to, and received a pension under the act of Congress of the 8th of March 1818 -
At the time  your Petitioner made application  for a Pension under the said act of Congress which was on or about the second day of June 1818, he was destitute of property infirm in health and advanced in age, and in reality stood in need of the assistance of his County for support.   Under his said application he continued to receive  pension until the 4th of March 1820, when the act of Congress of the 11 of May 1820 rendered it necessary for him to exhibit a Schedule or inventory of his property, as is in the said act required.  In the return which he then exhibited was contained a small piece of Land situate [sic] in the said Township of North-East containing about three and one half acres of Land with a small dwelling house therein which your Petitioner believes was estimated at one hundred and fifty dollars, or thereabouts.
After having made his said return or Inventory of property, your Petitioner was informed that he could not be continued on the Pension roll, because he was possessed of so much property that he could not come within the provision of

Page 22

the act of Congress under which he had applied-
   Your Petition does not intend by any means to reflect on the propriety of the decision which was thus made; his only object is now to state the whole case to the Department, under a confident belief that when it is known, a different decision will be made -   At the time the pension was first received by your Petitioner, he was dependant [sic] on the daily labour of himself & his wife for  support -
By extraordinary exertion, altho both of them were sickly and infirm, they were enabled to appropriate the pension they received to the purchase of the before mentioned piece of Land, and by the assistance thus received, provide themselves with a home, of which they were before destitute -  The situation of your Pensioner is now materially changed.  He has lately become extremely weak and  infirm - By reason of a pain and weakness in the breast, and frequent attacks of the rheumatism, he has become almost wholly unable to perform any kind of labor, and is wholly unable to support himself, by any means in his power to make use of -  Under the circumstances, shall the small property he has saved out of his [illegible] economy and industry prevent his receiving the assistance of his Country?  Had what he has received been expended in intemporance [sic] and idleness, the small amount he has saved would not oppose an obstacle to his claims.  Must he part with this small pittance, and reduce himself to absolute begging before he can receive his pension - He hopes not - He trusts

Page 23

that he is not to be considered as life defining, than if he had expended what he has received in idleness and vice -

He therefore prays that the Honorable Secretary of  War will on a consideration of all the circumstances of the case (which will be fully authenticated) direct him to be again inscribed on the Pension roll, and to receive, during the few years he can expect to want it, the pension allowed to revolutionary Soldiers -
           And he will pray etc.
                  [Signed] Stephen Sparrow

Erie Pa Feb 3d 1823 -
We the Subscribers, respectfully state that we have long been acquainted with the beforenamed Stephen Sparrow - We are acquainted with his character and circumstances, and know him to be honest, & [illegible] man, that he is very infirm and sickly, unable to labor, and is destitute of any means of support -  We have examined his statement as above set forth, and know it to be correct: we consider him to be, in every point of view a proper object of the bounty of his Country & [next several words illegible], believes, and hope that he may be reinstated on the proper roll -
  [Signed]
Benj. Ballard         Robert Brown         Stephen
              Woolverton
Judah Colt   David Mallan      R Martin
Rufus S. Reed    Richd. Clement    John A. Cord
Robert Hamson    Thomas Laird  Lemuel Laird
Thos. Wilson

Page 24

We the Subscribers Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Erie, in the State of Pennsylvania do Certify that Stephen Sparrow who has signed the foregoing statement is personally known to us to be old and very infirm:  with his circumstances we are personally unacquainted; although from the veracity of the applicant as well as of the Gentlemen who has corroborated his statement of facts, and the high respectability of most of them we have no doubt but that the said statement is true -
                [Signed]    John Vincent
                                  J. Grubb
On Feby 5th 1823

Pennsylvania
County of Erie Js}   
I Thomas Wilson Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Erie aforesaid Do hereby certify that John Vincent and John Grubb Esquires who in their own respective proper hand writing well known to me have subscribed their names to the above Certificate as Judges of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid duly commissioned and Sworn to all whose acts as such full faith and Credit as and upright ought to be given throughout the United States and elsewhere -

In testimony whereof I shall hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the same Court this Sixth day of February AD 1823
   [Signed]   Tho. Wilson  Pro

Page 25

No.  86740

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Received   Apr. 20th 1855.

Stephen Sparrow Pri Dec.
  Ct Cont. Line
        Rev. War


10247 - 160 - 55

Bronson Orton
          North East
                   Penn.

Page 26

Lydia Sparrow
       wid.
    Stephen,
   Ad.
      Decd.
      Boynton
March - Dec: 4/55

                                    Postmark affixed here
                                    from North east Pa. Nov.  10[?]
  
Claimant Office
Washington
      District of Columbia

Page 27

Northeast   Nov 29th  55   To the Gentlemen that issue land warrants  Mr Orton my son in law Received a land warrant from Washington which was conveyed to him lawfully by Aunt Lydia Sparrow which has drew a pension some 2 years
Aunt Lydia came to live in my family 2 years and 9 months ago  she being a good old lady, we had much respect for her, and wish'd not to see her suffer the reason for taking her into my family   she had but very little property to depend on as our own Decompense was small   he pension she always said the Lord sent it to her  it did greatly add to her comfort as Aunt Lydia was entirely helpless the year past  it required a great deal of labor and care.  Mr Orton and his wife boarded on my family the year past and devoted much of their time in waiting on her - she

Page 28

thought no one could lift her so easy as he could for that reason he had to spend much of his time  she felt so grateful  she told him [inserted] he should have her land warrant and wished Esqr Blaine to apply for it for him in her name as she had no children, (and he did so) it always seemed a sense of comfort to hear that he would get it  Mr Orton is worthy young man but with little to depend on he thought the land warrant would help him As some land west where he feels anxious to go and settle down - he is a farmer

Aunt Lydia, friends were all glad she gave it to him - to encourage him   Aunt died suddenly last August the 31st day   Esqr Blaine says he [next few words illegible] but the warrant will hold good in such cases or not he says, he will writ you and get instruction about it   Esqr B lives next door to and [illegible word] the circumstances as I have written them if consistent with your rules or law in such cases to grant it a legal warrant it would very much encourage the young man    
                yours, with much respect
                         Samuel Talcott

Page 29

                            Erie Co. Pa
                             North East   Decr. 5th  1833 -
   Hon Sir
    You will allow me to inquire as to the law or the role of the Deprtment in the case of the death of an applicant for bounty land before the date of thew arrant, as to

Page 30

                   Declaration
In order to be restored to the Pension list under the act of the 1st of March 1823
County of Erie JS      On the Sixth day of December in the year of our  Lord one thousand right hundred and twenty three personally appeared in Open Court  / being the court of Common Pleas for the county aforesaid, and being a court of record having been made such by the act of the Legislature, Stephen Sparrow, resident in said county, aged sixty three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the first of May 1820. That he the said Stephen Sparrow enlisted for the term of three years in the Month f April in the year 177 in the State of Connecticut in the Company Commanded by Captain Eliphalet Holmes in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Jedediah Huntington in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental Establishment: that he continued to serve in the said Corps until the month of April 1780 when he was discharged from the said Service in the place called Basking ridge in the 
State of New Jersey: that his name has been on the Pension list and dropt [sic] therefrom on account of his property: which small amount of property he acquired by the pension. received while his name was on the Pension list;  And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May 1820  I do Solemnly Swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not Since that time by gift sale or in any manner desposed [sic] of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby as to diminish it as to bring my self within the provisions of an act of Congress entitles an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and Naval Services of the United States in the Revolutionary war; passed the  18th March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities or debts due to me nor have I any other income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed -
 Three and one half acres of land with a small house and Stable thereon; Two cows, 1 white pine Bureau Cupboard, one wooden clock with white pine case 3 old Windsor chairs, 6 Old Kitchen Chairs One Iron Pot  One old Copper Tea Kettle, one Looking glass, a few articles of crockery for the use of my family which consists of only myself and wife, and both of us are weakly and infirm ---   
     [Signed]   Stephen Sparrow
Sworn to and declared on the Sixth day of November AD 1823 in open court-
    [Signed]      Thos.  Wilson   Prothonotary

Page 31

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  County of Erie Js
  I Thomas Wilson Prothonotary of the court of Common Please of the county of .... aforesaid do hereby Certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that the said Stephen Sparrow did serve in the revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of nine months and more(to wit) for the term of three years or thereabouts) under an engagement on the Continental establishment.  I also certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule annexed are truly copies from the records of the said court; And  I do further certify it is the opinion of the court that the total amount in value of the property as he [illegible word]  in the aforesaid schedule is one hundred and seventy one dollars and twenty five cents -  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this fifteenth day of December AD 1823 -
     [Signed]  Thos. Wilson Prothonotary
                     of the Said Court
                       Pro 68 3/4 Cents for Cert Copy
                        "   18 3/4  filing, proceedings
                      ___________
                            87 1/2 Cents

Page 32

Israel Cone of East Haddam in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut deposeth & saith that Stephen Sparrow late of East Haddam aforesaid & now of North East of Erie County & state of Pennsylvania sometime in the month of April 177, as this Deponent thinks inlisted as a private Soldier into the Service of the United States in the Army of the United States upon the Continental Establishment in the War of the Revolution in a Company commanded by Eliphalet Holmes in the first Regiment of the Connecticut Line, this commanded by Colonel Jedediah Huntington & afterward by Colonel Josiah Starr for the term of three years & was after his aforesaid enlistment the sd Sparrow as such Private Soldier joined the Army of the United States, upon the Continental Establishment in the Company & Regiment aforesaid in the War of the Revolution & as a such private soldier served in the Company Regiment & Army upon the establishment aforesaid for & during the full term & period of his enlistment & at the expiration thereof was honorably discharged from sd Service

Dated at East Haddam Middlesex County & State of Connecticut the 21st day of September AD 1818
              [Signed]   Israel Cone

State of Connecticut Js  Sept 21st 1818
Personally appeared Israel Cone subscriber of this foregoing Deposition made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me
[Signed]  Wm Hungerford Justice of the Peace

Page 33

State of Connecticut
Middx. County}  I John Fick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Middlesex do testify that William Hungerford Esq of East Haddam in sd County is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County as [illegible word] on file in my Office.  & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificate is his proper hand writing & signatures
  In  Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & affixed the seal of sd Court this 1st Day of Oct. AD. 1818
   [Signed]   Wm Fick Clk

[a seal appears to be affixed left of the first paragraph above]

Page 34

    per
Secretary of Pensions
   Washington



[Written vertically on left]

Aug 28'43
   
St Shainer  [?] Park
 24 Nov 1819

Page 35

   North East Pa   Aug 22nd AD 1843
   Dear Sir    Lydia Sparrow of this Township, whose husband Stephen Sparrow was a Soldier of the Revolutionary War and lately declared she is anxious of obtaining from the government a pension   She is in her 80th year and much in need of a pension as she is nearly destitute.  I have never before had any practice in this business neither is there any Attorney here that has and not having any of the late statutes of the United States I am entirely ignorant of the course to be pursued   She has made proof of her being the wife of Stephen Sparrow for the purpose of obtaining the balance due her husband after his decease those affidavits are now in your office   If they are not sufficient other proof can be obtained   you will confer a favor on me by sending me any such an answer and informing me the course to be taken and she is in much kneed [sic] of Said & a Worthy Woman
                                     Yours
              [Signed]  Lydia Sparrow
                       By E. F. Lewis   Pthny

Page 36

Eliphalet Holmes of East Haddam County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut deposeth & saith that Stephen Sparrow formerly of sd East Haddam, & now the Town of Northeast County of Erie & State of Pennsylvania on the 17th day of April 1777, enlisted as a private Soldier into the Service of the United States in the Army of the United States upon the Continental Establishment in a Company commanded by the Deponent in the first Regiment of the Connecticut Line which sd Regiment was raised by Colonel Josiah Starr, that is to say the sd Sparrow at the time aforesaid enlisted into the Service, Army Company & Regiment aforesaid in the War of the Revolution for the term of three years upon the Continental Establishment as a private Soldier as aforesaid, & in presence of such enlistment joined the Continental Army of the United States in the War of the revolution upon the Continental Establishment in the Company & Regiment aforesaid on the 2d day of May AD 1777 as a private Soldier & as such private Soldier continued to serve in the Army of the United States, in the War of the Revolution, upon the Continental Establishment in the Company &Regiment aforesaid, as a faithful Soldier & during the full term & period of his aforesaid enlistment & at the expiration thereof was honorably discharged in the month  of April 1780 -

Dated at East Haddam in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut this 19th day of September Anno Domini 1818 -
          [Signed]  Eliphalet Holmes

State of Connecticut Js  Middlesex County East Haddam    September 19th 1818 -
Personally appeared Eliphalet Holmes of East Haddam aforesaid subscriber of the foregoing Deposition, & made solemn oath that the same contained the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth 
   before me     
        [Signed  Wm Hungerford Justice of Peace

Page 37

State of Connecticut
Middx. County}   I John Fick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Middlesex do Certify that William Hungerford Esq. of East Haddam in sd County is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County is commissnd [sic] on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificate is his proper hand writing & signature
    In testimony whereof I have
hereto set my Hand & affixed 
the Seal of sd Court this 1st 
day of Oct. AD 1818.
   [Signed]   Jno Fisch  Clk

Page 38

State of Pennsylvania
City & County of Erie} Js    On this ____ day of July A.D. 1853, before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared James D. Dunlap Esq. who after being duly sworn declares and says that he was present at the marriage of Stephen Sparrow and Lydia Sparrow, that they were married at North East - Erie County Penn(a) on the ___ day of _____ about the year [last three words inserted] 1816 by one ___________ Blaine a Justice of the Peace
This deponent does not know of any record evidence of said marriage -
   [Signed]  James D. Dunlap
Sworn to and subscribed before me 
this day and year aforesaid
And I certify that I have no
interest in this case and am
not interested in its prose-
cution - I further Certify that 
James D. Dunlap esq. is a cred-
ible witness
    [Signed] S. Merrin Smith JP

Page 39

State of Pennsylvania
Erie County, SS.}      I Samuel Perley, Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid, do certify that S. Merrin Smith, Esq. before whom the annexed Affidavits were taken, is now, and was at the time of taking same a Justice of the Peace, duly authorized to take acknowledgements of Deeds, etc. in and for said County, regularly commissioned and sworn, and to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are due, and that the same is executed agreeably to the Laws of Pennsylvania - and further, that the signature of the said S Merrin Smith to the said Affidavits are genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this said Court at Erie the 7 day of July A.D. 1853.
   [Signed]  Samuel Perley Prothonotary

Page 40

State of Pennsylvania
City and County of Erie} Js
                          Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within  said County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn personally appeared M.B. Lowry & Ames D. Dunlap Esqr who after being duly sworn say that they were acquainted with Lydia Sparrow and Stephen Sparrow (now deceased)   That said Lydia Sparrow is now a resident of Northeast Erie County Pennsylvania and is the widow of Stephen Sparrow deceased who was revolutionary Pensioner, And is the identical Lydia Sparrow who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Feb. 3, 1853 on account of the revolutionary services of said Stephen Sparrow
    [Signed]     James D. Dunlap
                      M B Lory
Sworn and subscribed before
me this .... day of July 1853,. And 
I certify that I have no interest 
in the case and am not
concerned in its prosecution, 
And I further Certify that 
M. B. Lowry & James D Dunlap 
are credible witnesses
   [Signed] S Merrin Smith  JP

Page 41

                                      Erie Pa.  Aug. 16, 1853
Sir
   Will you have the kindness to inform me what has been done in the  matter of the application [word underlined] of Lydia Sparrow [name underlined] for a revolutionary pension on account of the services of Stephen Sparrow who was during his lifetime a pensioner -
              [Signed]       Benjamin Grant

L.P. Waldo Esq -


Recd May 7th 1853     Rev Case
                                       Adams

Page 42

                            Erie Pa.  July 9, 1853
Sir
    I enclose to you the Affidavit of Mr. B. Lowry & James D. Dunlap proving the identity of Lydia Sparrow and that she is the widow of Stephen Sparrow under whom she claims to receive a pension

Also Mr Dunlaps Affidavit to the fact although he is not able to fix the date - But I presume the fact is what you require to be proven -  This together with the Certificate of the Court now on file of this same fact - I think should be conclusive -

She has no record except an entry in a bible made many years after the marriage and I cannot learn by whom,  The bible bears the imprint of 1827 and it of course was subsequent to that time -  The following is a copy 'Stephen Sparrow married to Lydia Harris in the year 1816, Decr. 3rd".   I suppose that by the term record you would be understood an entry made at the time of the happening of the event, and under that view I supposed the entry would not be evidence, and that the pos-

Page 43

itive evidence of Mr. Dunlap, and the Certificate of the Court would be Competent and Concluding evidence -
   If the Bible must be forwarded we will send it, The old lady is in her dotage and clings to the family bible with a childish fondness and does not want to send it as she is informed that it will not be returned to her again but will be filed in the Archives of the Office - How is this?

    I hope this evidence may be sufficient - And that the Certificate will be immediately issued and forwarded to me.
                      Very Truly Your
                             Obt. Servt.
              [Signed]   Benjamin Grant

L.P. Waldo Esq.

Page 44

Erie County  Let
   We the Subscribed inhabitants of the Township of North East in the said County do depose and say the we are well acquainted with Mr. Stephen Sparrow of said township [last three words inserted] that we believe him to be in indigent and recipitous circumstances, and that he actually stands  in need of the assistance of his Country for his support - 
     [Signed]   Francis Browly
                       Lemuel Brown
Sworn & subscribed before 
me this 4th Nov 1819
     [Signed]  John Morris

Page 45




Sparrow

Page 46

Brief in the case of Lydia Sparrow widow of Stephen, Erie County and State of Pennsylvania, act 3d. Feby: 1853

Claim,  ("original")

Proof exhibited. (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
   Husband was a Pensioner under the Act of 18" March 1818 & Contd
                                     Parole proof
of marriage.

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


Benjamin Grant Esqr 
                      Erie
                           Pa        
Name and residence of Agent   
                                           S C Boynton
                                          Examining Clerk.

Page 47

                                  Erie  May 4. 1853

Sir
   I enclose to you application 
of Lydia Sparrow widow of Stephen
Sparrow  for revolutionary pension 
under Act of 3d Feby 1853.
   I think the Application and proof 
corect [sic]. If not please return it with 
directions of what is necessary -
   If corect. please enclose to me
pension Certificate
            Very Truly
                 Your Obt. Servt.
           [Signed]     Benjamin Grant

L.P. Waldo
    Comr of Pensions

Page 48

             Eire   June 14, 1853
Sir
    About the first of May I sent
the Application of Lydia widow of
Stephen Sparrow for a Pension under act 
of February 3d, 1853 And have received 
no answer, Permit me to call 
your Attention to it, and inquire 
what has been done in the matter
                            Very respectfully
                                  Your obt. Servt.
                       [Signed]  Benjamin Grant


L.P. WAldo Esq

    See May 7

Page 49

Sixty
wife 56 yrs old [illegible]
Bound of Land and a house therein
amt. of sched:  $409.70

Debts   $1350-

Servd. 3 yrs

Page 50

No 1394
Lydia Sparrow
Widow of Stephen
                      Pa

Let to Benjamin Grant
    July 7th 1853


Act February 3d 1853

Page 51

Appl of Lydia
Sparrow widow of
Stephen
    Erie Co
Pa

W 620
Act 3d Feby:1853
$96.00 Rev Annum
Commissioned 3d Feby: 1853,
rev.

Benjamin Grant
    Erie
        Pa.


[Printed vertically on right]
Department of the Interior
Pension Office, Official Business

Page 52

Revy WIDOW, etc.

File No. 2366
Lydia Sparrow,
    Widow,
Stephen Sparrow
Priv. Rev. War,
Act:  Feb. 3, 1853

Index:- Vol.  M  Page 233
 [Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 53

                     10,247

                      Rev Army

Page 54


[Postal date stamp]
   NORTH  EAST
         APR
           18
         PA.
                                                       FREE
Department of the Interior
                     Washington
                              D.C.

[Written vertically, left side]
Bounty Land Claim

[Written vertically right side]
    86,740

Page 55

Rev. Act 7573, Pa
        Boynton

Page 56

L.P. Waldo
  Commissioner of Pensions
    Washington City
            D.C.


[Written vertically on left]

86740                 10,247
     Lydia Sparrow
   ad 53 - 1348
     ad B L C
Boynton
    Ansd.  Dec. 10/55

Page 57

Pennsylvania
    Erie    1.63
Stephen Sparrow (private)
1780 end of the war
Aged 63 years wholly unable 
to work by reason of sickness
and rheumatism, Wife aged
58 years, much afflicted with
sickness.

 Schedule dated 7 August 1820
contains 3 1/2 acres of land & a
small house thereon, 1 Cow, 
1 yearling, 1 Wooden clock, pine 
Bureau, Table, 1 kitchen table, 
1 Candlestand, 3 Chairs, 1 pine 
Chest, 14 Kitchen chairs also a
number of articles of kitchen fur-
niture , and a number of small
debts amounting to $60.  The
Court is of the opinion that the value
of the property exhibited by the
applicant (Real & personal is $409.70
And that the amount of debts
 owing by him (names of his cre-
ditors  given) is $1350.  Conseq....
ly he owes $940.30 more than 
the value of his real & personal
...perty. One of the debts

Page 58

amounts to $1100. which he contracted in the year 1795, to Messr. Hurst & Lee, and has been standing on interest against him since that time.
Schedule under the Act of March 1823, contains 3 1/2 acres of Land a small house & barn standing thereon, a Cow, 1 Bureau, 1 Wooden clock, 3 chairs, 6 old kitchen chairs, a few articles of household & kitchen c\furniture in all valued by the Court at $171.25

He states that the small amount of his property he acquired by the pension was while his name was on the pension List. 
                                   [Illegible word] 
Jany 23, 1824   &  Sent to
    Hon. P Farrelly
           HR 

[ Written over the beginning of the prior paragraph]
        dead. See letter to G.A. Ellis &  Plyt
                 29 Dec. 1834
        Let to G. F. Lewis Aug 30 '43

[Written vertically in same area]
       16
          7.79
        ______
      23.79