Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,720, William Ellis, Conn. Conn. Sea Service

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Service:
Conn.
Conn. Sea Service

Ellis William

Number:
S.28.720

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Service                                  Number
Conn.  Ellis, William S28720
Conn Sea Service

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State of New York, Monroe County. 
On this second day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before Peter Price. 

Judges of the court of Common Pleas of said court of Monroe now sitting William Ellis a resident of the town of Henrietta in said county and State of New York ages seventy nine years and eleven months. Who being first duly sworn according to the law doth upon his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Passed June 19th 1832. That he catered the service of the United States the following named officers and served as here in stated. 
That some time in the fore past or about the middle of July in the year 1775 he enlisted as a soldier in a Regiment commanded by Col. Jedidiah Huntington, in a company commanded by Asa Kingsbury for the time of six months, according to this deponents best recollection. But this deponent cannot positively say whether his original term of enlistment was five or six months. 
He says first period enlisted at Norwich in the County of New London and State of service of Connecticut that directly after his enlistment he marched five months with his company to Roxbury near Boston where he joined the army who were then besieging the enemy in Boston. That this deponent served in the army which was engaged watching and skirmishing with the enemy at Roxbury and other places near Boston until about the middle of the December following when he was discharged. That he received a regular discharge from Colonel Huntington which has since been lost. 
His deponent  further says that during the year 1776 and a part of the year 1777 while he was living in Norwich aforesaid the enemy made frequent incursions into New London and the vicinity from their boats and vessels and this deponent was frequently called out with the militia to defend the country for a short period of time and generally from two to four weeks. He further says that about the first of December int he year 1777 he enlisted on board a sloop of war called the Revenge under the command of Captain Post (whose Christian name he thinks was Nathan but is not positive.) What this deponent left New London in

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the Revenge on the sixth of January 1778 (for six months cruise against the enemy - that the vessel sailed to the West Indies- that the vessel was employed in cruising and skirmishing with the enemy until the following spring during which time they landed at the Island of Guadeloupe and Martinique - that the deponent was engaged in two battles in which they captured two prizes, this deponent recollects that at one time by request the French Commander at Guadeloupe the Revenge sailed out in the night which was very dark in pursuit of a British cruiser.  After having cruised for some time a vessel was discovered by her lights. We hailed her when she returned a broad side. We concluded she was a British Frigate and would be an overmatch. We stuck on lights and made our escape. his deponent returned int he Revenge and arrived at New London (in the latter part of May 1778). 
This deponent further says that in the fall following, he was drafted for a [number redacted] months service in a company who served as a guard to Governor Griswold at Line in Connecticut that the company first marched to New London then to Line where he performed his months service but he cannot now recollect the name of the Captain but one Brewster was the Lieutenant. He further says that during the year 1779 and 1780 he made several cruises on board the sloops of war Revenge and Randolph on the coast off Long Island and up and down Long Island Sound and some times for two or three months at a time. That the Captains name of the Revenge was Parker. That deponent officiated as steward. That Nichol Fosgate was the Captain of the Randolph. That during the fall of the year 1779 as this deponent thinks he was engaged in an attack on a British fort in Huntington Harbor. That the Fort surrendered after a brisk canonade. We took the British shipping in the harbor and arrived save in New London harbor closely pursued by the enemy ships. this deponent further says that on the first day of March in the year 1781.

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he enlisted as an orderly Sergeant in a Brigade under the command of General Waterbury for the term of one year. That said Brigade consisted of two battalions that the battalion to which deponent belonged was commanded by Major Humphry and the other battalion was commanded by Major Shipman. That Captain Miles commanded the Company in which this deponent was. That after his said enlistment he remained at Norwich where he then resided for three or four months by the command of his commanding officer, as a recruiting officer, and was employed int hat service where he enlisted as many as sixty according to his best recollection. This deponent further says that some time in the month of July of that year he was ordered to join the army with what recruits he then had being twelve men the others having been previously sent forward, that he accordingly marched with his twelve men and joined the army in the State of New York. He does not recollect the the name of the place, but it was near a place commonly called Rye and not far from the Stamford in the State of Connecticut. This deponent further says that he remained with the brigade an served faithfully until the expiration of the year for which he enlisted except about two months during which time he had leave of absence from his commanding officer and his place was supplied by his brother Stephen Ellis who this deponent employed and paid. That this deponent received an honorable discharge which has since been lost. This deponent further says that the principle object of the brigade to which he was attached as he understood was to protect the surrounding country, grow the depredations of the enemy and the Tories, then usually called Cowboys, that the main army at this time had been principally withdrawn under the command of General Washington to the attack of Lord Cornwallis and the Brigade to which deponent belonged was raised to supply the place of the regular army - This deponent further says that in the spring of

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1780 he enlisted on board a sloop of [?] under a letter of [Marque] and [Repnisol].  The captain was Jobes Perkins.  We sailed out the third of April for Cape Francois in the West Indies.  That just before we landed, we were chased by an [evemirey] schooner into a harbour called Monte Christo. That after remaining about one day we came out and fell in with a french fleet directly from France with whom we sailed into the harbour called Cape Francoise where we remained a fortnight or more and then returned to New London.  The vessel was a fast sailor and the whole voyage was performed in less than two months.  This deponent further says that he has no documentary evidence of his military services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure except his brother Stephen Ellis above mentioned whose affidavit was procured about two years since when this deponent applied for a pension and forwarded to the pension office at Washington where the same [name] is as this deponent supposes and to which he refers.  That said Stephen Ellis resides as this deponent understands at the town of Clifford in the State of Pennsylvania.  This deponent further says that the only records which he has of his age is a copy of the town records in the town of Norwich aforesaid which was furnished to this deponent by the town clerk of said town in the year 1818 but is not authenticated as [] described by him.  This copy is now in deponents possession.  Also a family record in a book of this deponent the entries in which were made by this deponent since the year 1818.  This deponent further says that as the close of the revolutionary war he resided at the town of Norwich aforesaid and continued to reside there and in the town of Franklin adjoining which was formerly a part of Norwich until the year 1818 when he removed to the town of Henrietta in the county of Monroe and state of New York where he has resided ever since.

This deponent further says that the following

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when he was appointed as sergeant in the army as above mentioned he received a sergeants commission or warrant which was signed either by General Waterbury or Major Humphrey and he does not recollect which - that he kept it carefully as many as twenty years or more when it was either lost or destroyed.  He further says that he herby relinquishes every claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state.
William Ellis
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid J Cutler Dep Clerk

We John Thalhimes a clergyman residing in the town of Henrietta county of Monroe and the state of New York and Abram Pease residing in the peace aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Ellis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy three years and eleven months old.  That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a  soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
J Thalhimes
Abraham Pease
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid J Cutler Dep Clerk

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  And the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Thalhimes who signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Henrietta in the county and state aforesaid and that Abraham Pease who also signed the same is a resident in the town of Henrietta in the county of Monroe and the state aforesaid and is a credible person and that their

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statement is entitled to credit.

I Leonard [Adams] Clerk of the court of common pleas do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of  William Ellis for a pension.

In testimony where of I have [hereunto] set my hand and seal of office this 2nd day of October 1832
L Adams Clerk

13845
The matter of William Ellis Pension Applicant
Declaration to

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State of New York
Monroe County c/o}
On this 15th day of June 1830 personally appeared in open court being the Court of Common pleas proceeding according to the courts of the Common Law having a jurisdiction unlimited in  [ ] of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings William Ellis resident in said county aged seventy one years.  who being first only sworn according to the 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 tho said William Ellis enlisted for the turn of one year as a sergeant on the first day of March in the year1781 in the state of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Miles in the regiment commanded by Major Humphreys in the [ ] of the state of Connecticut on this continental establishment - that he continued to serve in said [corps ante] in the month of December of the same year when he went home on a  furlough having hired his brother to serve in his stead that he served cheifly at white plains and horse neck.  And that declarant further says that he was in actual service as a sergant in the revolutionary was under the said enlistment for more than nine months that he enlisted in Norwhich New London County Connecticut  that hs marched from there to White Plains and was engaged in a number of skermishes that about the month of November he went with the army into winter quarters near horse neck and was there until the month of December as aforesaid that he has applied for a pension before Judge Goddard of Connecticut in 1818 but has never heard of his papers since and applied for it now because hi is compelled to do it from necessity 
[An] in pursuance of the act of the 1st May 1820 I do solemly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift fate or in any manner dishared of my property of any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish [ch] as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of congress entitled [ ]

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act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war [hass..] on the 18th day of March 1818.  and that I have not nor now [any?] person in trust for me any property or securities [contr..ets] or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule here unto annexted and by me subscribed - thrity seven acres of land 1 plain tables 6 chairs 2 iron kettles one trap kettle a tea kettle 2 milk pans 1 meat barrell an old wagon one cow a yearling stud and a calf and 37 acres of land
William Ellis

The declarant is by occupation a farmer.  Is unable to pursue it on account of infermity  - that the {..} disorder and is much disabled thereby can do but little work - his wife, Anne, aged sixty five years is entirely unable to do any work.  She has a cancer on her face which has entirely eat away her nose most of her lips and cheeks.  She is in constant suffering and is under the care of a physician and has been sick for more than three years. Her sight is much affected and she is wholy disabled from attending her household concerns.  This declarant has nine children all of whom take care & support themselves except his youngest daughter Emily [aprox?] 26 years who lives with this declarant and has been sick for more than two years and is now and has been under the declarants care for that length of time.  She is wholly dependent on this declarant for her support.

That since 18th of March 1818 the following changes have been made in my property on the 1st of March 1818.  I had no [...] I had $400 in money a sh.. of horses wagon 4 horses and very little household furniture no more than what I moved in one wagon from Connecticut to the said county of Monroe with this money I bought 37 acres of land.

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which I now own but no house on it . [That ...] said farm would not afford a subsistence to the declarant without the aid of this declarants son Gordon Ellis aged thirty four years who works on said farm and joins this declarant his living from the same and that without such aid from his said son he could not procure a support for himself and family from the said farm.  And he also received gratuitous assistance from his other children and this deponent lives in the home of his said sone Gordon Ellis.  That this declarant is indebted to doctors.  Carver and Wicke for medical attendance on this declarant and his family but how much he can  not say -
William Ellis

Sworn to and declared in open court the 15th days of June 1880, Peter [Price],  Ms. Chapin, [James Smith], Judge
I William Groves clerk of Monroe County and also clerk of the court of Common Please of said county do hereby certify that it appears tot he satisfaction of the court that the said William Ellis did serve in the revolutionary war as states in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under one engagement on the continental establishment.  I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule hereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is seven hundred and sixty five dollars.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court this fourth day of August in the year 1830.
William Groves Clerk

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21,404
William Ellis
Pensioner

N Bacon agent
Rochester
Monroe Co
N.Y.

Rejected 14 Aug 1820

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William Ellis Monroe County, New York
10
6.666
______
16.66
    44
______
1.622

5.16
P 371

10 mo Sergant -----$50.00
4. [....] private  ------$16.22
                        _____________
                               66.22

Ashley Samson Agt.
Rochester
Monroe County, New York

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Brief in the case of William Ellis of Monroe County in the State of New Yor (Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  a court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 73 years & eleven months

4 State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

period duration of service Rank Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
enlisted in 1775 served 5 months as a private under Col Huntington
enlisted in 1777 served 6 months as a private under Capt Post
Drafted 1778 served 1 month as a private under Lieut. Brewster
Drafted 1778 & 1780 from [.] to [.] months served as private under Capt Parker
Enlisted 1781 served 1 year as Sergeant under General Watenbury or Humphry, {Serg} Capt Miles
Enlisted 1788 less than 2 months served as private under Capt Perkins

5. In what battels was he engaged?  Huntington Harbour

6. Where di he reside when he entered service? Norwick, [bay] of New Loudon, Connecticut

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesse, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence by incidental evidence or by rolls?  Traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not properly attach{ed}

I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Wm Robinson Examining Clerk

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In reply to your request of ------ received ----- for a statement of the military history of William Ellis a soldier of the revolutionary war, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.  S.28,720

Dates of enlistment or appointment
Length of service
Rank
Offices under whom service was rendered
captain colonel
State

July 1, 1775  5 months Private  Captain Asa Kingsbury, Colonel Jedediah Huntington, Conn

1. Dec 1, 1777 to May 15 1778 Private  Captain Nathan Post, sloop "Revenge"
Fall 1778 1 mo  Private Lt. Brewster served as guard to Gov. Griswold Parker, sloop "Revenge"
2. Apl 20, 1779 2 mos  Steward and Mch 25, 1789 2 mos Steward Captain Jabez Perkins Letter of Margne
3. Sept 15 1780 2 mos  Captain Nichol Fosdick, sloop "Randolph"
Mch 1 1781 1 year Orderly Sergeant  Captain Charles Miel, Major Humphrey

Battles engaged in, 
1. Two battles & took 2 prizes.  1.  Took 2 prizes and British forts in Huntington Harbor  3.  Took a vessel of Charleston, S.C. with only one man aboard.

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Norwich, Connecticut
Date of application for pension, June 12, 1832, his claim was allowed.
Residence as date of application, Henrietta, Monroe County, N.Y.
Age at date of application, born Nov 9 1758 Norwich, Conn.

Remarks: In Dec 1781 soldier obtained furlough & returned home with his father (Rev. John Ellis) who was chaplain in the same army division under General Waterbury.

1830 wife Anne or Anna age 65 yrs.
9 children. no names stated except Gordon age 34& Emily (youngest dau.) 26 yrs.

Sol. brother Stephen Ellis W 6716 states that their father was John Ellis.

Respectfully,

Commissioner

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State of Pennsylvania
County of Susquehanna
I Stephen Ellis of the town of Clifford in said county being duly sworn deposes and says that he is a brother of William Ellis of Monroe County state of New York - that the said William Ellis enlisted as a sergeant in the Norwich, New Loudon County, Connecticut some time int he sprint of the year 1781, int he revolutionary war - according to this deponents best recollection & belief - that the said William was employed for some length of time in recruiting soldiers - that same time in the summer of same year he marched with his company and joined the army at or near White Plains as this deponent has always been informed and understood - that he frequently heard from him while he was in the army at that time both by letter and otherwise, and heard of his being engaged in frequent skirmishes - and further that this deponent in the month of December of the same year, went with a horse to horse neck where the army was lying in winter quarters, for the deponents father who was the chaplain in the same division of the army to which the said William Ellis belonged - and that when this deponents father left the army to return home, this deponent was hired to stay as a substitute for his brother, who then returned home with his father, and that this deponent stayed through the residue of the winter and served in the place of his brother.
Stephen Ellis

Sworn & Subscribed before the 26th day of January 1830
Walter Lyon [J..]

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State of Pennsylvania
Susquehanna County

I Asa Dimock [.] prothonotary of the courts of Common Please of said County do certify that Walter Lyon, Esquire, before whom the within affidavit was taken was on the day of the date of the attestation thereto an acting Justice of the peace in and for the county of Susqeuhanna aforesaids, duly commissioned and sworn as appears of accord and as such was duly qualified by Law to administer oaths and take affidavits.  That I am well acquainted with the hand writing  pf said Justice and verily believe the signature "Walter Lyons" to the attestations of said affidavits affixed to be in his own proper hand writing.  In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and the seal of said county as Montrose the first day of February in the year 1830.
Asa Dimock [...]

I Edward Herrick presiding Judge of the 13th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, do certify that the foregoing certificate of the prothonotary of Susquehanna and the attestation thereof is in due and proper form.
E Henrick

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New York Rev:

Wm Ellis

Suspended
7 Nov: 33 for amended declaration - see letter [resstion]
letter to A Sampson, Rochester N.Y. Marc 1, 1834
letter to same b [leay] 1834
'18 [illegible]

Ad 7 June 32

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Wm Ellis
New York

Admitted
Certificate withheld
Circular enclosed to A Sampson Esq of Rochester 
June 12, 1835

[Ad] June 7, 32

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Illegible dark colored sheet - possible cover of previous certificate

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February 15, 1939
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MMHF:MLB
[] Ellis
S. 28720
Mr. H. S. Snyder
Diamond Mutual Fire Insurance Co. of York, Pa.,
2nd Floor, 29 South Duke Street
York, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you furnish further information in regard to the William Ellis in whom you are interested.
You state that William Ellis was born about 1665 or 1667, that he lived in New York and later in Logan County, Ohio, and later in Champaign, Clark and Greene Counties, in that state, that his messmate was William Curl, that his widow was Catherine and their children: Jane, Anna, Mary, Edith, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Sarah and James, and that his pension was drawn by Judge Harlan.
A real effort has been made to locate the record which you seek, but there is no claim for pension on filed based upon service in the Revolutionary War or the War of 1818 of the William Ellis whom you describe. The search was not made on the basis of the birth date you give, as he would have been too old to have served in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The pension which you state he received may have been paid by the state from which he served and not by the United States, in which instance, this office would have no record of the transaction.
The Revolutionary War record of a William Ellis of New York State and the War of 1818 record of a William Ellis of New York State and Ohio have been found. Those records are furnished you herewith. It is hoped they will aid you in the matter of elimination, if in no other wat.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistance
to the Administrator

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February 15, 1939
William Ellis, S 28720
William Ellis O.W.I.R. 13982\BA-J/MLB

Mr. H. S. Snyder
Diamon Mutal Fire Insurance Company
2nd Floor, 29 South Duke Street
York, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:
You are furnished herein the record of William Ellis, S. 28720, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and that of William Ellis, O.W.I.R.File 13982, a soldier of the war of 1812.

William Ellis
s. 28720

The data which follow in regard to William Ellis (S. 28720) were obtained from the papers on file in his claim for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War.
William Ellis was born November 9, 1756, in Norwich, New Loudon County, Connecticut.  He was the son of Reverend ---Ellis, Chaplain in the same army division as William, under General Waterbury.  The names of his father and mother were not stated.
While a resident of Norwich, Connecticut, William Ellis volunteered July 20, 1775, server a tour of five months as private in Captain Asa Kingsbury's company, Colonel Jedediah Huntington's Connecticut regiment, marched to Roxbury and assisted in attaching the British at Boston where he was in skirmishes.  During the years, 1776 and 1777, the British made frequent incursions into New London and its vicinity and he was called out often to defend the country for short periods of two to four weeks at a time, exact length of that service is not shown.  He enlisted December 1, 1777, for the cruise on board the sloop of war, "Revenge" Captain Nathan Post, left New London January 6, 1778, for the West Indies, during which cruise he was in two battles in which two prises were captured and he was discharged May 15, 1778 after having served a tour of five and one half months.  He served one month in the fall of 1778 under Lieutenant Brewster as guard to Governor Griswold at Lime, Connecticut.  He enlisted August 20, 1770, as steward on board the sloop fo war, "Revenge", Captain Parker, sailed from New London along Long Island Sound, captured two prises also a British fort in Huntington,

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Harbor, and was discharged after having served a tour of two months.  He enlisted March 25, 1780, on board a sloop of war under a letter of marque and reprisal, Captain Jabez Perkins, again for a cruise to the West Indies and returned to New London after serving a tour of two months.  He enlisted September 15, 1780, on board a sloop of war, "Randolph", Captain Nichol Fosdick, and while cruising off Charleston, assisted in capturing a vessel with only one man on board, which after a few days was recaptured by the British.  He enlisted March 1, 1781, to serve one year, as orderly sergeant in Captain Charles Miel's company, under Major Elijah Humphrys, and after ten months, obtained a furlough to return home with his father, and his brother, Stephen Ellis, as his substitute, completed the year's term for which he was enlisted.  During part of his service, William Ellis was engage in recruiting soldiers.
At the close of the Revolution, the soldier was a resident of Norwich, Connecticut, and in the adjoining town, Franklin, formerly a part of Norwich, and remained there until June 1818, when he moved with his family to Henrietta, Monroe County, New York.
William Ellis was allowed pension on his application executed October 2, 1832, while residing in Henrietta, New York.
In 1830, the soldier referred to his wife, Anne or Anna, then aged sixty-five years, also to nine children.  The only names of the children designated were those of a son, Gordon, aged thirty-four years, with whom the soldier lived, and a daughter, Emily, the youngest child, then aged twenty-six years, who was living with him.
In 1880, William Ellis' brother, Stephen Ellis, was residing in Clifford, Pennsylvania.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of the person paid and possible the date of death of William Ellis, you should write the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city and cite the following data; William Ellis, certificate #29682, issued January 26, 1835, rate $66.22 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act June 7, 1832, New York Agency.

William Ellis
O.W.I.R. File 13962
The data which follow is regard to William Ellis were obtained from the claims on file under O.W.I.R 13962, based upon military service and upon disability incurred during service.

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William Ellis was born March 27, 1787;the place of birth and names of parents of this soldier were not given.

While residing in Ution, Oneida County, New York, William Ellis enlisted in the United States Army July 22, 1808, for five years service, served as private, corporal and sergeant under Captains Samuel S. Cherry and Peter Muhlenburg in the 6th regiment, U.S. Infantry, was stationed at Odensburgh, New York, until June 2, 1809, when he was injured by a fall in a slippery boat while rowing, in the line of duty, on the Saint Lawrence River, wintered at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania; in July, 1810, went to Pittsburgh, where he was engaged in building boats until March 24, 1811, then descended the river Natchez, then to Baton Rouge, where he transferred to Captain Nichols or Nicholas company, in the 7th regiment, U.S. Infantry, and was discharged on account of disability January 31, 1813.

After being discharged from service, William Ellis returned to his home in Oneida County, New York, where he remained a year then moved to Rensselaer County, New York, where he lived until 1818 when he moved to Jefferson County, New York for a year, then to Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio.

While residing in Lancaster, Ohio, William Ellis applied October 11, 1850, for bounty land which was due on account of his service and was granted one hundred and sixty acres of bounty land on Warrant No. 3845, under the Act of September 28, 1850.

There are no family data shown in this claim.

If you desire information in regard to the location of the land granted William Ellis, you should apply to the Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official the number of the warrant, the acreage and date of the act under which issued.

Very Truly Yours
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

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June 2, 1915

Mr. J. A. Ellis
1716 Sassafras Street Erie, Pa.

Sir:
In response to your letter dated the 28th ultimo, you are advised that this Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services, and the Revolutionary War records fail to show such a claim on file for Chaplain John Ellis; but in the claim of William Ellis.  Sur. File No. 28720, his brother Stephen Ellis testified, that in December, 1781, he went with a horse, to Horse Neck where the army was in winter quarters, for his father who was a Chaplain in the same division of the army to which the said William belonged and William returned home with his father x x x, and in the claim of the said Stephen Ellis W. File NO 6716, it is stated that his father  Rev. John Ellis was a Chaplain in the army of the Revolution.

Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner

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510 North Tinga st Ithaca N.Y.
Nov 13/17

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
 
Dear Sir:
Have you any record of the services of the Rev. John Ellis of Norwich, Conn., who was chaplain all through the Revolutionary War?  Also have you a record of the services of his son William Ellis who enlisted at Norwich, Conn and served as private and sergeant?
A reply at your earliest convenience will greatly oblige. 
Your sincerely,
(Miss) Mary M. Pitcher

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28720
Wm Ellis
June 12 1832-74
Henrietta NY

July 1, 75 Norwich Conn

Cpt Asa Kingsbury
Col. Jedediah Huntington
Sta [R..berg] & Boston
5 months

Dec 1 77 
Capt Nathan Post
Sloop "Revenge"  Navy
Cruised to West Indies
Captured 2 prizes
seaman 5 1/2 months

4 [a..] 78 Cpt - Col - [Sym ct] 1 mo

Aug 20, 79 Cpt Parker, "Revenge" Steward 2 mo cruised in Long Island harbor, {s.l.] took 2 prizes, captured [for..] in Huntington harbor & the shipping there 2 mo

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March 5 80  [primation?]
capt Jabez Perkins
illegible - W. J. Monte Cristo
found french Fleet & went to St. Francois  2 mos

Sept 15 80
Cat. Nicholas F[osdrick]
Sloop " Randolp"
found vessel off of Charleston, one of which the enemy retook  2 mo

March 1, 81
Capt Miles
Maj Humphrey
Sgt - 10 mos
Recruiting at Norwich
illegible

Moved to Henrietta NY ~1878

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This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department.  Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.

L.W.B.
I. 28720
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

O.W. & N. Div. Revolutionary
 June 15, 1897

Madam:
Replying to your request for information concerning William Ellis, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on June 12, 1832, at which time he was 74. years of age and residing at Henrietta, N.Y., and his pension was allowed for fourteen months and twenty-six days' actual service as a private and sergeant in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt Kingsbury and Col. Huntington.  He enlisted at Norwich, Conn.
The above data is taken from the papers on file in his claim for pension.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner

Miss Mary W. Pitcher, Owego, Tioga Co, N. Y.

Page 30

Established 1888
THEO. J. ELY. PRES.
23 PATTERNS MOP STICKS
20 PATTERNS X. C. SAW HANDLES
5 PATTERNS CARPET BEATERS
4 PATTERNS ANIMAL POKES
CLOTHES LINE PROPS
ELY'S DANDY SUREHOLD BLANKET
FASTENER
S. & E. S. RAT TRAP

Capital $75,000
M. E. ELLIS, TREAS.

Incorporated 1908
THEO. B. ELY, VICE PRES. & SECY
Rev Sec
6 PATTERNS TOWEL RACKS
2 SIZES CLOTHES RACKS
3 SIZES CEDAR BUCKETS WITH
AUTOMATIC ROLLER WRINGERS
1 SIZE GALVANIZED BUCKET AND
AUTOMATIC ROLLER WRINGER
DANDY HAY KNIFE

OUR NEW HOME
THEO. J. ELY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
25TH AND ASH STREETS

ALL AGREEMENTS ARE CONTINGENT UPON STRIKES, ACCIDENTS AND OTHER DELAYS
UNAVOIDABLE OR BEYOND OUR CONTROL.  QUOTATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

ERIE, PA., 5/28/15

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
If possible kindly furnish me with
whatever information you can regarding John Ellis,
of Norwich, Conn., who served as chaplain, also
William Ellis, of Norwich, who served as a
private and sergeant during the Revolutionary 
War.  We know that the latter, William Ellis,
moved to Henrietta, N. Y., and was granted
a pension, for which he made application about
June 12, 1832.
Any data you can give me on the
above will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly, 
J. A. Ellis
1718 Sassafras St.,
Erie, Penna.

Page 31

Rec Sec m

Owego N.Y.
Rev. War Records Sec.  Sep. 18, '18
Dept. of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Will you kindly
send me a statement of the
Military history of William Ellis,
brother of Stephen Ellis, and
son of Rev. John Ellis.
William Ellis was born in 1758
John Ellis " " " [was born in] 1727

Much oblige
Lorin A. Walker
Owego, [Oswego]
Tioga Co. N.Y.

Page 32

Wtn Rev War

W. & M. Division
[Stamped] Jan 23 1902

1901
San Marco, 
Indianapolis Jan 15th
or Delaware, St. Clare, St.

Dear Sir,
I am compeled [compelled] to
ask you to favor me this one time more,
pleas [please] forgive me for asking the favor when
you have been so kind and accomodating [accommodating], I
am asking for a coppy [copy] of the paper you sent
me, informing me what Major William Ellis
given name was and a history of his being
in the Militia Corp in Washington army
as I was writing to New Jersey, to find out
something about the business, I was persuaded
to send it along, which I felt very reluctant
to do so, and when we got word my papers was
not there and it grieved me to give them up
for I intended to always keep them in my
family, it is hard for an old Lady to give up what
-

Page 33

values anything as much as I did that paper, in account of is good information, I never can repay you for you kindness of you will please send me a copy of it, and receive my heart felt thanks,

Your respectfully,

Mrs Mary G Douglass

Page 34

325 Main St., Oswego N.Y.
May 25, 1897

Head of Pension Bureau.
Washington D.C.

Dear sir:

Will you please be so kind as to inform me whether it is recorded that William Ellis, born in Norwich, Conn., afterward a resident of Henrietta N.Y., drew a pension for having fought in the War of the Revolution?

If the record states where he was born and where he dies please inform me of these date. He did believe 1835 and 1840 probably.

All information that can be obtained from the pension

Page 35

records in regard to this man's service to the government I wish to obtain, in what regiment he served &c &c. Please also give me the number of volume and page where this record is found.

Very truly yours,


(Miss) Mary M Pitcher

Oswego, Tioga Co, New York

Page 36

28720
INVALID
Revy 

File No. 28,720
William Ellis
Serg Rev War

Act: June 7th 32

Indix: -- Vol. 2, Page 123

{Arrangement of 1870.}

Page 37

June 15. 1897 - History to
Miss Mary M. Pitcher Oswego
Tioga Co. New York
_______________________
Feby 14 1902
Mrs. Mary G. Douglas
Indianapolis Ind
______________________
1917, Nov. 19. History to
Mary M. Pitcher
_________________________
1918 Sept. 27. Hist. to Lorin A. Walker
Feb 16 - Hist to H S Snyder (Etc. in pen
post. R. 13982 of Wm. Ellis)  MLB

Page 38

Monroe County [unknown] Nathaniel Weeks being
duly sworn says that William Elis [Ellis] of Henrietta
in said County is indebted to this deponent thirteen
dollars and twelve cents for medical attention
and medicines for the family of said William Elis [Ellis]
Nathaniel Weeks

Sworn before me and subscribed
to the 19th July 1830
Joshua Tripp Justice

Page 39

State of New York
Monroe County}ss

I William Groves clerk of Monroe County do certify that Joshua Tripp before whom the within affidavit was taken, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Monroe: and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joshua Tripp and verily believe that the signature of said Joshua Tripp to the [unk] of the written affidavit is his proper signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribe my name and affixed the seal of said county the 4th day of Aug. 1830.

Wm Groves Clerk

Page 40

Monro County}ss

Hartwell Carow being duly sworn says that William Ellis of Henrietta in said county is indebted to this deponent thirty two dollars and thirty eight cents for medical attendance and medicine for the family of said William Ellis.

Hartwell Carow M.D.

Subscribed & sworn this 19th July 1820 before me

Ephraim Goss Justice

Page 41

State of New York
Monroe County} I William Groves clerk of Monroe County do certify
that Ephraim Goss before whom the written
affidavit was taken was at the date hereof
a justice of the peace in and for the county of
Monroe: and further that I am acquainted
with the hand writing of the said Ephraim Goss
and verily believe that the signature of the
said Ephraim Goss to the [illegible] of the written
affidavit is his proper signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my
name and affixed the seal of said county the
4 day of Aug. 1830
Wm Groves
Clerk

Page 42

Geo. Wm. Crump Esq.
Doting Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 43

Rochester Sept. 2, 1833

Geo. Wm. Crump Esq.

Dear sir,

I this morning received a note from you in relation to the application of Thomas Cooley for a pension. You state from the comptroller of the State of Connecticut as to his services &c-and likewise that the original declaration in his case should be returned. Not before knowing that the original declarations were required to be returned & now enclose that of Thomas Cooley & likewise that of William Ellis whose declaration was sent two days after that of Mr. Cooley's. I hope if you have decided upon Me. Ellis case before the receipt of his original declaration,  making the want of it are objection, you will as soon after the receipt of this as possible obviate said objections.

Yours very respectfully,
Ashley Samson

Page 44

13845

The matter 
of
William Ellis
Pension Applicant

Ashley Samson

Rochester
New York

Page 45

And continued with them untill the December following (1781) when my brother afore named came and took my place, I previously had received my warrant as ord. Sgt and now rec. an honorable discharge & in all my services where by land or sea I ever had regular discharges all of which by other removing otherwise are mislaid or lost.

I can if thought necessary produce in addition to what I have offered numbers of my neighbors (men of integrity) who will freely testify to their confidences in me from long acquaintance or to my verasity or character respecting the truth.

Multiplying ascruations in my case may be considered or worse than [unk], but this may be added without incurring the charge of egotism and it is a consolation in my advanced age to me that I served my Beloved Country number of years by sea ad land when in the time of of life in danger, in suffering, in cold, without pray or even [unk] and that my poor services was some small help in raising her to the grand and honorable station which she now holds among the Nations of the Earth-And now having entered my 76th year of age with many infirmities of body I ask gentlemen for you to consider my care-if you can grant me a pittance in my want I am duty bound shall ever pray.

William Ellis

Henrietta Monroe Co State of N.Y.
Dec 10th 1833

Page 46

To the Gentlemen at Washington Company the Pension Board for awarding to Military Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary army for services performed therein [unk] [ermit your petitioner in addition to his attested declaration which is herewith endorsed to adding myself to your honorable Board, I was born in Connecticut Nov 9th 1758 in Norwich New London County and at the commencement of hostilities between Great Britain and the then United Colonies, now United States of North America, in the 17th year of my age as by my petition will more fully appear to which I refer, to which more evidence is requested, I volunteered my services as a soldier  in [unk] army or set forth in my statement. In March 1818 I proffered a petition to the Pension Board at Washington asking for a pension with full and ample testimony to the facts therein set forth, by three soldiers who at times served personally with one, my petitioner was not granted, amongst the reasons given for not granting my prayer at tat time were that I had property and I was not a proper claimant, that objection is now removed the property is gone,  Those [unk] I then employed are absent by death or gone to places unknown to your petitioner, In June 1818 I removed with my family to the State of New York, town of Henrietta, County of Monroe, where I now dwell. As to additional testimony which your honors request, two aged men have informed me that they knew me and were with me at several places in the war above names, but on further inquiry I think they though honest are mistaken they would willingly attest to it, but I think it would be far from honest in me to use them as testimony or present any before you but facts and truth.

Amongst the statements I have presented in petition to your Board, there is one I would particularly at this time  refer to wit my brother Stephen Ellis testimony he is now living in the State of Pennsylvania his affidavit which is before you will show in what town or county; he testifies to my services in general Waterbury Brigade. Major Shipman & Humphrey Battalions, in Capt Mile's Company. I enlisted as an orderly svt in Capt Miles company the first of March 1781 and was employed as a recruiting svt by my superior officer for some time till the company was full and  by order then joined the Army on the lines of the British Army and ours in the vicinity of N York at Stamford, at Honnouk, White Plains or wherever danger appeared.

Page 47

And continued with them untill the December following (1781) when my brother afore named came and took my place, I previously had received my warrant as ord. svt. and now rec. an honorable discharge & in all my services whether by land or sea I ever had regular discharges all of which by other removing or otherwise are mislaid or lost.
I can if thought necessary produce in addition to what I have offered numbers of my neighbors (men of integrity) who will freely testify to their confidence in me from long acquaintance t or to my veracity or character respecting the truth.
Multiplying accusations in my case may be considered or worse than [unk], but this may be added without incurring the charge of egotism and it is a consolation in my advanced age to me that I served my Beloved Country number of years by sea and land when in the time of life in danger, in suffering in cold, without pay or even [unk] and that my poor services was some small help in raising her to the Grand and honorable station which she now holds among the Nations of the Earth. And now having entered my 76th year of age with many infirmities of body I ask gentlemen for you to consider my care., if you can grant me a pittance in my want I am in duty bound shall ever pray.

William Ellis

Henrietta Monroe Co State N.Y.
Dec 10th 1833

Page 48

Mr. Ashley Sampson
Rochester
Monroe County
NewYork

Page 49

Comptroller Office March 22nd 1834
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety, under date 22nd May 1779 that the following vote was passed by that board, vis "Voted that 50 weight of flour + bread + eight bushels of indian corn be allowed for the stores of the armed Sloop Revenge commanded by Nathan Post." No roll of her crew has been found, or evidence showing where or how long this vessel was in service. E Phelps

Page 50

Sir, I transmit all the evidence to be found here regarding the Sloop [illegible] or her public character. The account of the naval service was kept by the Navy Board for the [illegible] Department, established by the old Congress it is believed. Fee $1. I am very respectfully, E Phelps.

Page 51

Revolutionary Claims. Secretary of War. Washington. free. Rochester Dec [illegible] N.Y. New York 28 Dec 33

Page 52

State of New York, In the matter of William Ellis, A Pension applicant. Monroe County [illegible] Ashley Samson Counsellor at Law of Rochester in said county, being sworn, deposes + says that he sometime since received a letter from J L Edwards Esqu, in the pension Office at the City of Washington, informing him that the original declaration of William Ellis, which was made by him to obtain a pension was required to be returned to the pension office. This Deponent further says that upon the receipt of said letter, he made search in his office among the papers where it would be likely to be found, but could not find the same + has not been able to find it, although thorough search had been made therefor. This Deponent further says that the pension papers of said Ellis were prepared by one Elihu Lockwood, who was at that time a clerk in the Deponents office + who had the sole charge + management of that kind of business. He further says that said Lockwood had left this part of the country + gone somewhere to the State of Alabama to [illegible] to the receipt of said letter, but to what particular place this Deponent does not know. He further says that he thinks it altogether probably that said original declaration of said Ellis had been destroyed because it was not deemed of any important to be preserved. This Deponent further says that he is more acquainted with said

Page 53

Ellis & that he sustains an irreproachable
& first rate character for integrity. That this
[illegible] fully believes & had no doubt of
the truth of his declaration, & believing that
no person who is acquainted with him,
entertaining the least doubt as to the fact of
his serving in the Revolutionary War as
stated by him.
Ashley Samson

Sworn to this 18th day
of December 1833
Before me.
William S. Bishop Justice of the Peach

State of New York
Monroe county to: I certify that William S. Bishop Esquire before
home the above affidavits appears to have been
sworn is a justice of the peace in & for said county
and that I am well acquainted with his hand
writing and verily believe that the above signature
is his proper hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and seal of office, this eighteenth day of December 1833.
Leonard Adams clerk

Page 54

J L Edwards [unintelligible] Sir In the case of William Ellis I enclose my own affidavit of the loss of the original application made by him. He is as honest a man as ever lived and I have no doubt but his claim is meritorious and hope he may succeed. Very respectfully , Your Obt servant, Ashley Samson. Rochester, N.Y. Dec. 18, 1833, PS: I enclose a statement prepared by him in his request A S

Page 55

Revolutionary Claims
[Written sideways on the left edge]
New York
8th April - 1834

[Postage stamp]
Rochester 
Mar
3
N.Y.

[Written sideways]
add. evidence for
Wm. Ellis

Secretary of War
Washington

Page 56

Rochester N.Y. Mon. 31. AD '34
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
Pursuant to your suggestions of the 6th- instant in the case of William Ellis, a pension applicant, I have sent to the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, whose statement, I enclose. I do not know that I can obtain any thing more specific or satisfactory, unless you can refer me to the correct source of information. I sincerely hope this claim may be allowed, & disposed of soon, as the applicant probably will not live to claim it very long- Allow me also to inquire respecting the case of John Dudley whose papers were forwarded the second time: on the 30th of May last. Also the case of Abraham Starks, whose papers were forwarded on the 12th of June last, & that of Asa Mann, whose papers were the sent on the 5th of June last. It is possible that returns may have been received in some of these cases, as the papers were made out & the business transacted by a clerk of mine who has since left the country--
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
Ashley Sampson

Page 57

Free

[Written sideways on left]
Dec 29
William Ellis 
[Postage Stamp]
Rochester
Dec
2[illegible]
J L Edwards, Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Revolutionary Claims   D.C.

Page 58

Rochester N.Y. Dec. 21. 1834
Js Edwards Esq
Sirs
I sent to the Comptroller of the State of
Connecticut a copy of the original declaration of William
Ellis, & requested him to furnish a full statement of all the
evidence which could be found [illegible]pecting his services.
I really hope this may prove satisfactory. If not known,
I shall endeavor to procure still further testimony if possible
as I do not entertain a doubt of the [illegible] character
of his claims & I am confident that no one does who
is acquainted with the [illegible]. If my opinion should be thought
to be of any weight I would offer you to M. Whitthley the M.C. from this county or to Mr. Dickson from Ontario Co.
for information respecting myself although I do not know
whether either of them are acquainted with Mr Ellis.
Very Respectfully
[illegible] 
Ashley Sampson

Page 59

Rochester Jun 02 NY [post office stamp in black ink]
The
Secretary of War.
Washington.
Revolutionary Claims {
----"----
N.Y. July 7. [vertical notation at left]
addl. evi Wm. Ellis- [upside down notation at bottom]

Page 60

Rochester Monroe County N.Y.-
June 30th 1834
Sir, Pursuant to your directions in the application of William Ellis. I have written again to the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut. & have received the inclosed certificate & letter. You will observe that he states that the pay-rolls were sent to the war office in Philadelphia- I have no doubt that Mr. Ellis has sought in good faith for all the proof in his power. But if any thing further can be obtained, I will most cheerfully assist him in procuring it.
Very Respectfully, 
your obt. servant.
Ashby Sampson

J.L. Edwards Esqr. }
War department. }
Pension Office. }

Page 61

Comptrollers Office
December 11th- 1834
I Roger Huntington Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that it appears by an authenticated copy of the payroll of the 1st-Co. 8th Regt of Connecticut troops raised July 1775 for five months by order of the General Assembly, that William Ellis served in said company as a private from the the 20th day of July to the 16th December 1775 being four months twenty six days. Said Regiment was commanded by Col. Jedediah Huntington. Asa Kingsbury was Capt. Jonathan Brewster Lt. & afterwards Captain of said company. I further certify that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety under date 22nd May 1779, that it was

Page 62

"Voted that 60 [partly blotted out] 50, weight of flour bread & eight "barrels of Indian corn be allowed for the store. "of the armed Sloop Revenge commanded by "Nathan Post."
-
That upon the journal of the Council of Safety, under date September 19th 1778, there is the following order, viz, "Voted that Col. "Mason or the commandant at N London "send twenty men of the new raised detachment "properly officered to guard at Lyme to "supply the place of the late guard near the "mouth of Connecticut river; "& under date September 1778 in the following vote viz. "Voted that Col Mason be directed to detach "from the regiment under his command at New London an Ensign & sixteen men and "for the present station there at Black Point "in Lyme as a guard for the security of the "inhabitants there." No roll of the crew of the sloop Revenge or of the above guards ordered to be stationed at Lyme has been found

Page 63

And that it appears by the records of the State that the General Assembly in November 1780 ordered a corps to be raised and to serve until the 1st of March 1782, & that the corps was augmented and reorganized in February 1781 & placed under  command of a Brig' General.  And that it appears by the accounts & records that Gen'l Waterbury commanded, Edward Skipman & Elijah Humphreys were Majors.  Charles Miles was a Captain therein, and the pay roll of his company was charged to the United States.

No roll of Waterbury's brigade or of Capt. Miles company has been found, or other proof of the duration of these services.

Certified by Roger Huntington
                 Comptroller of Public Accounts


M Ashley Sampson
      Rochester

Page 64

Ashley Samson Esq

      Rochester
      Monroe County
                New York

mail
Single

Page 65

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's office
Hartford June 26th 1836

On examination of the Books of this Office, it appears that Capt Charles Miel commanded a company in one of the Battalions of the Brigade commanded by General David Waterbury, stationed at the Port at Greenwich in the year 1781, and his pay Roll account for his company service for that year was allowed, settled, and paid by the committee of Pay-table of this State on the 25th day of March 1782, and charged to; and allowed by the United States, amounting to $1798.8. & also that major Elijah Humphrey was major of one of the above said Battalions - and major Edward Shipman was major of the other of said Battalions.

Certified by Roger Huntington
Comptroller of Public Accounts

Page 66

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's office
Hartford June 26, 1836

Ashley Samson Esq.

Sir, your letters of 15 March & 4 June are before me, all the evidence that can be furnished in this office in relation to militia service of William Ellis in Gen'l Waterbury's Brigade is contained in the within certificate.  The pay Rolls are not here, were sent to the war office in Philadelphia.

fees $1.00

Your most obt

Roger Huntington
comptroller of Public Accounts

Page 67

State of New York
Monroe County ⎬ ss 
On this twelfth day of June 1833 personally appeared in open court before Samuel L. Selden Ira Carpenter and S. Castle Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting William Ellis a resident of the town of Henrietta in said County & State aforesaid aged seventy four years & upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June seventh 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. That on the first of July in the year 1775 he enlisted as a soldier in a regiment commanded by Col. Jedediah Huntington. in a company commanded by Asa Kingsbury for the term of five months. He says he enlisted at Norwich in the County of New London & State of Connecticut- that directly after his enlistment he marched with his company to Roxbury near Boston where he joined the army who were then besieging the enemy in Boston. [1st period of service five months] That this deponent served [crossed out] That this deponent served in the army which was engaged watching & skirmishing with the enemy at Roxbury & other places near Boston until the full expiration of five months when he was discharged. That he received a regular discharge from Colonel Huntington which has since been lost- 
This deponent further says that on the first day of December in the year 1777. he enlisted for a six months cruise on board a sloop of war called the Revenge under the command of Captain Nathan Post, that this deponent left New London in the Revenge on the sixth of January 1778- that the vessel sailed to the West Indies. That the vessel was employed in cruising & skirmishing with the enemy until the following Spring during which time they landed at the Islands of Guadaloupe & Martinique- that the deponent was engaged in two battles in which they captured two prizes. This deponent recollects that at one time by request of the French

Page 68

Commander at Guadaloupe the Revenge sailed out in the night which was very dark in pursuit of a British cruiser. After having cruised some time a vessel was discovered by her lights. We hailed her when she returned a broadside. We concluded she was a British Frigate and would be an overmatch. We struck our lights & made our escape. This deponent returned in the revenge & arrived at New London on [on side: 2. Period 5 1/2 month] the fifteenth day of May 1778. where he was discharged after having served at this time five & ahalf months.
This deponent further says that in the fall  following he was drafted for a months service in a company who served as a guard to governor Griswold at Lime in Connecticut. that the company first marched to New London. Then to Lime where he performed [on side: 3rd period 1 month] his months service. but he cannot now recollect the name of the Captain but one Brewster was the Lieutenant.
He further says that to the best of his recollection on the twentieth day of August in the year 1779 he enlisted at New London on board the sloop of war Revenge commanded by Captain Parker the he sailed from New London aforesaid off Long Island & up & down Long Island Sound. That this deponent officiated as steward. That while he was in service at this time they took two prises & made an attack on a British Fort in Huntington Harbor which surrendered after a brisk cononade. They took the British shipping in the Harbor at this time & arrived safe in New London Harbor closely pursued by the Enemies ships. he further says he was [on side: 4th 2 months] in actual service at this time at least two months.
This deponent further says that on the twenty fifth day of March as he verily believes in the year 1780. he enlisted on board a sloop of war under

Page 69

a letter of Marque & Reprisal. The Captain was Jaber Perkins, we sailed on the third of April for Cape Francois in the West Indies- that just before we landed we were asaled by an enemies schooner into a harbor called Monte Christo. that after remaining about one day we came out & fell in with a French Fleet directly from France with whom we sailed into the harbour Cape Francoise where we remained a fortnight or more & then [written on the side near these words: 5th. 2 months] returned to New London. He says he served two months at this time having returned on the last of May.
He further says that to the best of his recollection on the fifteenth day of September 1788 he enlisted on board the sloop of war Randolph commanded by Nichol Fosdick & sailed & cruised off the southern states take Hatteras &c. & which off Charleston they took a vessel with but one man on board which was driven out of Charleston Harbour by a storm. They continued cruising & took another prize which after keeping about three days was taken from them again by the British. they then returned & cause into port at [ written on the side near these words: 6th 2 months] New Port Rhode Island this deponent having served at this time at least two months
This deponent further says that on the first day of March in the year 1781 he enlisted & was appointed as an orderly sergeant in a brigade under the command of General Waterbury for the term of one year. that said brigade consisted of two battalions that he battalion to which deponent belonged was commanded by Major Humphrey & the other battalion was commanded by Major Shipman. that Captain Miles commanded the the company to which this deponent belonged. That after his said enlistment he remained at Norwich where he then resided for three of four

Page 70

months by the command of his commanding officer as a recruiting officer, and was emplored in that service where he enlisted as many as sixty according to his best recollection. This deponent further says that some time in the month of July of that year he was ordered to join the army with what recruits he then had being twelve men. The others having been previously sent forward. That he accordingly marched with his twelve men & joined the army in the State of New York. he does not recollect the mane of the place. but it was near a place commonly called Rye- This deponent further says that he remained with the brigade & sensed faithfully until the expiration of the year for which he enlisted except about two monthly during which time he had leave of absence from his commanding officer this place was supplied by his brother Stephen Ellis who this deponent employed & paid- that this [written on the side near this sentence: 7th 1.0 months] deponent received an honorable discharge which has since been lost. This deponent further says that the principle object of the brigade to which he was attached as he understood was to protect the surrounding country from the depredations of enemy & the Tories then usually called Cow Boys- That the main army at this time had been principally withdrawn under the command of general Washington to the attack of Lord Cornwallis and the brigade to which deponent belonged was raised to supply the place of the regular army-
This deponent further says that when he was appointed Sergeant in the army as a above mentioned he received a Sergeants commission or warrant which was signed either by General Waterbury of Major Humphry & he does not recollect which, that he kept it carefully as many as twenty years or more

Page 71

when it was either lost or destroyed-
The deponent further says that he has no documentary evidence of his military service & that he knows of no person living whose testimony [crossed out: whose testimony] he can procure except his brother Stephen Ellis above mentioned whose affidavit was procured about two & ahalf years since when this deponent applied for a pension & forwarded to the pension office at Washington where the Same now isas the deponent supposes & to which he refers for proof that said Stephen Ellis now resides as this deponent believes in the town of Clifford in the State of Pennsylvania. This deponent further says that the only records which he has of his age is a copy of the town records in the town of Norwich aforesaid which was furnished to this deponet by the town clerk of said town in the year 1818. but is not authenticated or subscribed by him. This copy is now in deponents possession. Also a family record in a book of this deponent the entries in which were made by this deponent [added: before] [crossed out: illegible] the year 1818. This deponent further says that at the close of the revolutionary war he resided at the town of Norwich aforesaid & continued to reside there & in the town of Franklin adjoining, which was formerly a part of Norwich until the year 1818. When he removed to the town of Henrietta in the county of Monroe & State of New York where he has ever since resided.
This deponent further says that he is well acquainted with the Rev. Roswell G. Murray & Abraham Pease who live in his neighbourhood & are competent to testify to his character as to veracity to. He further says he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or aunuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any State-
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid{ [signed] William Ellis
[signed] L. Adams Clerk

Page 72

We Roswell G. Murray a clergyman residing in the town of Henrietta County of Monroe & state of New York & Abraham Pease residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Ellis who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration & that we believe him to be seventy four years & upwards old. That he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
[signed S. Adams Clerk]
[signed Roswell G. Murray]
[signed Abraham Pease]

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter. & after putting the interogatories prescribed by the war department. that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier. & served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Roswell G. Murray who signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman residing in the said town of Henrietta & that Abraham Pease who also signed the same is likewise a resident of said town of Henrietta and is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit [illegible]
[signed Ira Carpenter]
[signed Samuel Castle]
[illegible] of the court of common pleas

I Leonard Adams clerk of the court of common pleas in & for the county of Monroe do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Ellis for a pension.

[Seal]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto se my hand & seal of office this twelth day of June 1833_
[signed Leonard Adams clerk]