Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23816, Oliver Clark, Conn.

Page 1

3-1776
Service
Conn.
Clark, Oliver.
Betsy
Number W. 23816

Page 2

[left page]
973.
New York Albany
Betsey Clark
Widow of Oliver Clark
Conn.
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a pri & Sergt.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
28 Dollars 37
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
28 day of July 1848
and sent to  
Hon Henry Nes
H of R
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 39 Vol. 4
[right page]
Reported
Let Calvin E. Clark May 19/52
F. E. Hassler Aug 5 1852

Page 3

[handwritten]
State of New York
Madison County ss
On this 19th day of January 1839 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Madison aforesaid Betsy Clark a resident of the town of DeRuyter in the county aforesaid aged eighty one 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1838 entitle “An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows”; That she is the Widow of Oliver Clark who was a Sergeant in the company of Capt Gersham Barrows & attached to the Regiment of Col. John Chester raised by order of the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut in June 1776 in compliance with a requisition of Congress that some time in the month of August 1776 according to her best recollection (but owing to her age & the great length of time that has now transpired she cannot positively specify the exact dates) and that some time in the month of January 1777, he returned from the service, & that she saw him not long before he entered the service, and shortly after his return. That she has often heard her husband the said Oliver Clark say that he served six moths and a half in the American army at that time.
She further declares that she was married to the said Oliver Clark on the 15th day of April 1778 in the town of Bozrah in the County of New London & State of Connecticut  That her husband the aforesaid Oliver Clark died on the 23d day of September 1825; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, viz. at the time above stated  She further states that the Sergeants Warrant hereto annexed was in her husbands possessions and the she often saw the same during the time they lived together and heard him say that it was the warrant given to him in the revolutionary war. And also the paper hereto annexed entitled “ A Return of the prisoners taken during the present campaign” which an [illegible] torn to pieces and to which then was a few years ago attached a muster Roll of the company of which he was sergeant.

Page 4

[handwritten]
And that he had a regular discharge from the army which she has often seen during the lifetime of her said husband but which is now lost  She further states that she has often heard her husband speak of being in the American Army at White Plains at New York & Staten Island
[signed] Bettsy Clark

Sworn & Subscribed before me
This 19th day of January 1839.
[signed] Barak Beckwith Judge

State of New York
Madison County ss
On this 19th day of January 1839 personally came before the subscribed a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the county aforesaid Eliakim Clark of the town of DeRuyter aged forty three years who being first duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is the son of Oliver Clark & Betsy Clark named in the above declaration  that he often heard his father the said Oliver Clark say during his lifetime that he served in the Revolutionary Army of the United States six months and a half as stated in the above declaration of his mother  that he often heard his father say that the sergeants warrant hereto annexed was the identical warrant which he held and under which he acted in the army of the Revolution  And further that the pieces of paper hereto attached entitled “A Return of the Prisoners taken” “during the campaign” he often saw in his fathers possessions and also attached to them a muster roll of the company of which he was sergeant as stated in the above declaration  but which said roll has been lost for several years  And further he deposes & says that he often saw while his father the said Oliver Clark was living, his regular discharge from the army as stated above in her mothers declaration and said deponent further states that the Family Record hereto annexed or attached is a true copy from the original record made in their family Bible. And copyed from said Bible about thirty years ago. Which said Bible has been worn out for several years He further testifies that his mother the said Betsy Clark still continues the widow of the said Oliver Clark and has not intermarried since his death and further saith not
[signed] Eliakim Clark 
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 19th day
Of January 1839
[signed] Barak Beckwith Judge

Page 5

[handwritten]
Eliakim Clark 
Cozanovia near Woodstock
Madison Co NY

Page 6

[handwritten]
Elijah Clark the Brother of Oliver Clark Testifieth that he was knowing to his Brother Oliver Clarks Serving in the Revolutionary war under the Command of Capt Gursham Barrows in the Year 1776. Six months or more  Recollects of seeing of the Warrant that his Brother Oliver had as Sergeant & allso Recollects of the Parrole his Brother kept of the Prisoners During the campaign & Many other incidents and further says that he was knowing to his Brother Olivers Marrying Betsy Lish the present widdow of said Oliver Clark Diseased & was marryied in the town of Norwich & Parish of Bozrah & was Married or [scratched out] but the year 1777 or Eight.
[signed]
Elijah Clark 
Subscribed and Sworn
this 2nd of January 1839
before me
[signed]
Neoma Leonard Justice

State of New-York, 
Clerk’s Office, Oneida County. } ss.

I, James Dean Clerk of the County of Oneida, do hereby certify, that Neoma Leonard Esquire, was on the 2 day of January A.D. 1839 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county of Oneida, duly authorized to act as such. And that the signature on the annexed paper purporting to be his is genuine  In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, this 9 day Jany A.D. 1839

[signed] James Dean, Clerk.

Page 7

May 17 - 52
Examination
Revolutionary 
Papers
Oliver Clark
&
Betsey Clark
Act. 2. July. 1848

filed 17 May 1853
F E Hassler
Attorney

Page 8

[handwritten]
State of New York, 
County of Allegany } ss.

Be it known that before me Joseph Leonard a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Personally appeared Calvin E Clark aged 54 years, who being duly cautioned and the sworn in due form of law, States that he is the Son and heir of Oliver Clark who was a Revolutionary Soldier of the State of Connecticut and that he died on the 23d day of September 1825 and that his mother named Betsey died on the 2d day of November 1848 and that they were Married on the 15th day of April in the year 1778 and that they were residents of DeKuyter in the State of New York and that they resided there Twenty years and the he resides in Dansville Livingston County New York
and furthermore he By these Presents constitutes appoints and fully Empowers and Authorises irrevobly and with powers of Substitution F. E. Hassler of Washington City D.D. as his true and Lawful Attorney for him and in his name and Stead, to Examine into, to prosecute, to demand and to receive from the U.S. Government Officers his rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, May be due him as the Son & heir of Oliver Clark
who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of Law Custom or equity he is or may be intitled. In Witness Whereof he has on the 29th day of April 1852 hereunto signed his name and affixed his Seal, in presents of Witness [signed] William Dye
Witness [blank]
[signed] Calvin E Clark 

Signed Sealed Acknowledged and sworn to before ^me on this 29th day of April 1852
[signed]
J Leonard J.P.

Page 9

[handwritten]
At the same time personally appeared before me Joseph Leonard a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid two credible witnesses named William Dye. and John Smith residents of the aforesaid County and State, who having been cautioned by me and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself that he has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that Calvin E. Clark States is the Son of Oliver Clark and was by him always treated as, and is by the witnesses believed to be the Son of the Said Oliver Clark
[signed] William Dye
[signed] John Smith
Sworn to before me the day and year above written
[signed]
J Leonard J.P. 

State of New York}
County Allegany}
 I, hereby certify That Joseph Leonard Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgements were made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and Sworn. and that his Signature above written in genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said County Court this 30 day of April 1853
[signed]
John I Rockafellow
Clerk

Page 10

[printed page filled out in handwriting]
Family Register
Olliver Clark was born in Mansfield County of Windham Ste of Conn 16th April 1748 & Died September 23rd 1825.
Betsy Fish was born in Bozrah County of New Lond Ste of Conn 16th Aprill 1756
They were Married in Bozrah County of New Lond Ste as above 15th April 1778
[following is a section with 4 columns “Names.” “Births.” “Marriages” & “Deaths.”]
Mary Clark/Born April 16th 1779./Married March 3d 1808./Died Novm 3rd, 1826.
Betsey Clark/Born April 12, 1780/Died June 16th, 1781.
Eliakim Clark/Born April 22, 1782/Died July 25th, 1783.
Joseph Clark/Born July 14th, 1784/Married July 26th, 1807./Died Oct 19th, 1834.
Wyllys F. Clark/Born August 21, 178-/Married November 5, 1819.
Betsey Clark 2nd/Born March 10, 1789/Married January 30th, 1831.
Esther Clark/Born Oct 25th, 1792/Married Aug 2 [illegible]
Eliakim Clark 2nd/Born May 24th, 1795/Married Sep [illegible]
Calvin Clark/Born April 24th, 1798/Married May 9th, 1822.
Sidney F. Clark/Born Febr 28th, 1803/Married Jan 1st, 1829

Page 11

[typed]
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
August 25, 1931

Mr. M. M. Lewis
80-90 Eighth Avenue
New York
BA-J/MCS

Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.  23816, that Oliver Clark was born August 16, 1748, in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.
He enlisted August 2, 1776, place not stated, and served six and one-half months as first sergeant in Captain Gersham Barrows’ Company in Colonel John Chester’s Connecticut Regiment.
He died September 23, 1825.
The soldier married April 15, 1778, in Bozrah, Connecticut, Betsy Fish, who was born April 16, 1756, at Bozrah, New London County, Connecticut.

She was allowed pension on her application executed January 19, 1839, at which time she was living in DeRuyter, Madison County, New York.

Betsy Clark died November 2, 1848.

Page 12

[typed]
Oliver and Betsy Clark had the following children:
Mary Born April 16th 1779, married March 3d 1808,
died November 3, 1826.
Betsey born April 12, 1780, died June 16, 1781.
Eliakim born April 22, 1782, died July 25, 1783.
Joseph born July 14, 1784, married July 26, 1807.
died October 19, 1834.
Wyllys F. born August 21, 178-, married November 5, 1819.
Betsey (2nd) born March 10, 1789, married January 30, 1831.
died February 11, 1833.
Esther born October 25, 1792, married August 2, -----.
Eliakim (2nd) born May 24, 1795, married September 18, -----.
Calvin E. born April 24, 1798, married May 9, 1822.
Sidney F. born February 28, 1803, married January 1, 1834 or 1839.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

Page 13

[handwritten]
4331
New York
Act. July 7. 1838
Betsey Clark
Married 15. Apr 1778
Husband died 23 Sept
1825 – 
Col John Chester Capt
Barrows_ Connt Militia
Admitted
Private 1 mo & 1 day
Sergeant 4 29 “
6 mo
Barak Beckwith Esq
Cazenovia N.Y.

Page 14

Barak Beckwith Esq
Cazenovia
New York

Page 15

[handwritten]
Comptrollers Office
Hartford June 11 1839
I, Certify that on application for evidence of the services of Oliver Clark who claims service in the War of the Revolution under Cap Gurshom Barrows in 1774 that no Pay Roll of Cap Barrows can be found in this office  that on Pay Table Book is the following  [illegible] 
Cap Gurshom Barrows/Chesters Regt/DC
1776 Jan 26 To order on [illegible] for [illegible] his Company £580.0.0
Supra C
1777 Ny Cash paid [illegible]	50.0.0
1777 July 8 Ny Amount [illegible] his Company [illegible]
Listing bounties £237 Equiping £75.14	312.14.0
Wages from Enlisted till Marched	92.1.7
Loss & Cash paid [illegible] 125.4.5 £580.0.0
Henry Kilbourne Comptr

Page 16

[handwritten
Rev. Sev War
144 More Place
Utica NY.
June 1st/19
Com. Bureau of Pensions – 
Washington D.C.
I am trying to prove the claim of Elizabeth H. Clark to the D.A.R.s – she is the daughter of Edwin Gilbert Clark he a son of Eliakim Clark _ a son of Oliver Clark

Page 17

a soldier of the Revolution who enlisted June 29 1780 in the 7th Connecticut Regiment. Can you furnish any other information regarding this Oliver Clark?
Sincerely yours – 
Mrs. Flora Clark
144 More Place 
Utica
N.Y.
[round stamp to the left with the following print]
Pension Office.
U.S.
K Jun 3 1919

Page 18

[handwritten]
Cazenovia Madison Co. N.Y.
Dear Sir
I send you enclosed the application of Bettsy Clark for a pension  please direct any communication the Department may make on the subject to the Subscriber  Very respectfully your obt. Servt
Barak Beckwith

Page 19

[handwritten]
New. York, 3519-
Betsey Clark
widow of Oliver Clark
who was a priv. & sergeant
in the Connecticut line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 28 Dollars 27 Cents per annum, to commence on 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the [blank] day of December 1840 and sent to Barak Beckwith
Cazenovia N. Y. 
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 – Page 104

[left page]
Refd 14 Dec

Page 20

[typed]
Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS/eel

June 20, 1929

Estella Briggs
1220 Second Street
Lorain, Ohio

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 23816, it appears that Oliver Clark was born August 16, 1748, in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut. 
He enlisted August 2, 1776, place not stated, and served six and one-half months as a first sergeant in Captain Gersham Barrows’ Company in Colonel John Chester’s Connecticut Regiment. 
He died September 23, 1825. 
The soldier married April 15, 1778, in Bozrah, Connecticut, Betsy Fish, who was born April 16, 1756, at Bozrah, New London County, Connecticut.
 She was allowed pension on her application executed January 19, 1839, at which time she was living in DeRuyter, Madison County, New York. Betsy Clark died November 2, 1848.

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[typed]
Oliver and Betsy Clark had the following children:
Mary Born April 16th 1779, married March 3d 1808,
died November 3, 1826.
Betsey born April 12, 1780, died June 16, 1781.
Eliakim born April 22, 1782, died July 25, 1783.
Joseph born July 14, 1784, married July 26, 1807.
died October 19, 1834.
Wyllys F. born August 21, 178-, married November 5, 1819.
Betsey (2nd) born March 10, 1789, married January 30, 1831.
died February 11, 1833.
Esther born October 25, 1792, married August 2, -----.
Eliakim (2nd) born May 24, 1795, married September 18, -----.
Calvin E. born April 24, 1798, married May 9, 1822.
Sidney F. born February 28, 1803, married January 1, 1834 or 1839.
Very truly yours,
Earl  D. Church
Commissioner.

Page 22

War Records Section.
3-525
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19 [blank]
W. F. 23816
In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank]
for a statement of the military history of Oliver Clark
a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow’s) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment. Aug. 2, 1776
Length of Service. 6 ½ mos.
Rank. 1st Sgt.
Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered. Captain. Gersham Barrows  Colonel. John Chester
State. Connecticut

Battles engaged in, [blank]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [blank]
Date of application for pension, Jany 19, 1839. Her [illegible] al
Residence at date of application, She was b. at Bozrah New London Co. Conn. Apr. 
Remarks: He was b. in Mansfield Windham Co. Conn. Aug. 16. 1748 and married in Bozrah Conn. Apr. 15. 1778. Betsy Fish. He died Sept. 23. 1825. And she died Nov. 2. 1848. See Supplement herewith for names of children

Page 23

[typed]

June 12, 1919.

Mrs. Flora Clark,
144 Grove Place,
Utica, New York.
Madam:
In addition to the military history of Oliver Clark, W. File No. 23,816 Revolutionary War you are furnished the following data as to his children:

Mary born April 16, 1779, mar. March 3d 1808.
Betsey born April 12, 1780.
Eliakim born April 22, 1782. 
Joseph born July 14, 1784, mar July 26, 1807.
Wyllys F. born August 21, 178-, mar. November 5, 1819.
Betsey (2d) born March 10, 1789, mar. January 30, 1831.
Esther born October 25, 1792, mar. August 2, -----.
Eliakim (2d) born May 24, 1795, mar. September 18, -----.
Calvin E. born April 24, 1798, mar. May 9, 1822.
Sidney F. born February 28, 1803, mar. January 1, 1834 or 1839.

Mary died November 3, 1826.
Betsey died June 16, 1781.
Eliakim died July 25, 1783.
Joseph died October 19, 1834.
Betsey (2d) died February 11, 1833.

Very respectfully,
E. C. Tieman
Acting Commissioner.

Page 24

[typed]
Rev. War Section.

March 28, 1913.

Mrs. Florence Cox.
Delphi, Indiana.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 17” and received the 19” instant, you are advised that the pensioner “Betsey Clark”, referred to by you, was the widow of Oliver Clark, a soldier in the Connecticut troops, War of the Revolution., and in the family record contained in her claim for pension, the name Susan or Susannah does not appear.

If you desire it, a history of the above noted claim will be furnished you. Please quote as follows: “Oliver Clark, W. File No. 23, 816, Rev. War.”

Very respectfully
[signed] J. L. Davenport
Commissioner.

Page 25

[typed]
Delphi, Ind., March 17 1913.

To the Hon. U.S. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., 

Dear Sir:--
In June, 1840 there was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War named “Betsey Clark” who lived with Eliskine Clark in Madison County. N. Y.

Can you tell me without taking up too much of your valuable time anything of the history of these people? What was Betsey Clark’s husband’s given name and what was his war record?

I am trying to find the parents or grandparents of Susan or Susannah Clark, born at Lenox, Madison County, N. Y. on June 20, 1799 and married to Alexander Thompson Wallace on Sept. 21, 1819 or 20. 

Any information pertaining to either of these parties will be thankfully and gratefully received.

Yours very respectfully,
[signed] Florence Cox

Page 26

[handwritten]
88 Elliott Ave
Yonkers, N.Y.
March 1, 1914

Mr. G. M. Saltzgaber,
Wash., D. D.
Dear Sir:
Can you give me any information which will help in filling out my papers for the D.A.R.?
My Great Grand

Page 27

[handwritten]
father, Oliver Clark who fought at Bunker Hill, was of New England and Virginia Stock and married Elizabeth Fish
Any information you can furnish concerning him as a soldier and that will be helpful in

Page 28

[handwritten]
filing out these papers, I shall be very grateful for.

Very truly yours,
[signed] Alice B. Clark

Page 29

[Letterhead]
Lewis Historical Publishing Company Incorporated
Founded 1877 
[image of a sailing ship]
Business Department
M.L. Lewis, Mgr.
Telephones Stuyvesant 4352
Cable  Address 4353
Lewhoso-New York 4354

80-90 Eighth Avenue
New York, N. Y.

[typed]
Clark-Col. Fam. of Am.-THB-22

August 13, 1931. 

Director of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

We are desirous of obtaining the complete war record of Oliver Clark, of Mansfield, Connecticut, a soldier in the Revolution, who fought in the Battle of Bull Run.

We wrote to the Adjutant General’s Office and they kingly suggested writing to you, as their Revolutionary War Records were incomplete. 

Your courtesy in this matter will be highly appreciated.

Thanking you, we are
Very truly yours,
Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc.
[signed] M. M. Lewis

MML-MFO

[stamp]
Received Aug 14 1931
Receipt Section
Pension Files Sub-Division

[printed]
Publishers
History
Genealogy 
Biography 
Heraldry

Page 30

3942
Betsy Clark's
Pension Papers
357

$28.27

Barak Beckwith 
Cazenovia NY

Page 31

[handwritten]
State of New York
Madison County ss.

On this eighth day of August eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before the subscriber a Commissioner of deeds in and for the county of Madison aforesaid Betsey Clark a resident of the town of DeRuyter in said county of Madison, aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Oliver Clark who was a sergeant in the militia of the State of Connecticut and served in Capt. Gersham Barrows company & Col. John Chesters Regiment, and that the annual amount of pension which she received under the act of July 7th 1838, was twenty eight dollars and twenty seven cents.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
[signed] Betsy Clark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Barah Beckwith
Commissioner of Deeds [illegible]
I also certify that I am acquainted with the aforesaid widow, Betsey Clark
[signed] Barak Beckwith
Commissioner of Deeds [illegible]

State of New York
Clerks Office Madison County } ss
I, Lewison Fairchild Clerk of said county do hereby certify that Barak Beckwith Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was, at the date of the same a Commissioner

Page 32

[handwritten]
of Deeds in and for said county, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Commissioner and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and official seal the tenth day of August 1843
(signed)

Lewison Fairchild Clerk

Page 33

C E Clark son
of Oliver (& Betsey) Clark
THis case was admitted - the claim is for increase.

Page 34

[printed form completed in handwriting]
Power of Attorney.
State of New York
County of Livingston} ss:

Be it known that before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared * C. E. Clark resident of North Dansville in the county of Livingston in the State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, states that he is †  the Son of Oliver (& Betsey) Clark of the Town of DeRuyter of the county of Madison and State of New York who was a revolutionary ‡ Officer (Sergeant) and that he is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for which application was heretofore made by said Betsey Clark and constitutes and appoints Isaac N. Coffin, of Washinton, D. C., his true and lawful attorney, with irrevocable power to examine into, investigate, and establish the claim for said pension, and do all acts necessary thereto.

In witness whereof, he the said C. E. Clark has on this 28 day of Jany 1853 hereunto signed his name, and affixed his seal.
(signed) C. E. Clark  [small scalloped circle to the right of the signature]
Witness: [signed] Wm. C. Clark

Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me, on this 28 day of January 1853.
(signed) Orville Tousey J. P.

State of New York
County of Livingston} to wit:
I, James S. Orton clerk of the County court, of the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Orvill Tousey before whom the foregoing power of attorney was acknowledged and affidavit made, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly elected and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, And affixed the seal of said Court this 29 day of Jany 1853. 
(signed) James S. Orton Clerk. 
* Here, if the soldier or officer I;s living, insert his name; if he is dead, and the widow is living, insert her name; if both dead, insert one of the living children’s names; if the children are all dead, and either of them survived the former unsuccessful applicant, insert the name of the administrator of that former applicant.
† Here, if the soldier or officer is living, insert his name again; if the widow is living, insert the words, “widow of,” and the name of her husband; if both dead, insert the words, “son or daughter of,” and the name of the former LAST unsuccessful applicant.
‡Here insert the word “soldier,” or “officer,” whichever he was.
Note.- When a female is the person who executes this paper, please put her the letter s before the word he in every place where it occurs.

Page 35

[handwritten]
49/Danville
May 3d 1852.
Calvin E. Clark

Kirby

Respectfully referred to the Dept of the Interior,
May 11/51

asks if he is entitled to Bty Land or arrearages of Pensions in right of his father Oliver Clark, a Revoly Soldier

Referred to the Commissioner of Pensions for answer
Dept Intr
May 14/52

C [illegible] 11/52

Page 36

[handwritten]
Dansville May 3/52
Dr Sir I am desirous of obtaining some information from you in regard to Revolutionary Pensioners, Claims, tc, My Father Oliver Clark was in the Army Six months as Sergeant & private  he died Sept 23 1825  his widow drew a pension of small amount how much I do not know (I think one fourth pay)  from 1839 or 1840. July 1848 She received a certificated under the hand of Wm L. Marcy for life of $28.27 per annum commencing 4th March 1848  She died Nov 2d following in the same year. I want to know whether I as the Son of Oliver Clark am entitled to any land or arrearages of pension under any of the actos Congress Since 1783. My Father & Mother were married on the 15th day of April 1778. I have the certificate to Betsey Clark now in my possession. I should like to know whether it is necessary for me to have an agent in Washington to attend to my own & the claims of others which I may forward there. I have some applications from the Children of Revolutionary Soldier who Served through the war for 7 years & have nothing from Government neither land or money. If you will have the goodness to inform me what I must do in either case you will confer a great favor on your humble Servt
[signed] Calvin E Clark
P.S. I think my mothers pension was too low can it be raised

Page 37

[handwritten on printed form]
Albany 4.331
Betsy Clark
widow of Oliver Clark
who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank]
and who died on the 23d. Sep. 1825
of Madison Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Pri & Sergt. in the company commanded 
by Captain Barrows of the regt. commanded
by Col. Chester in the Conn.
line for 1 month & 1 day Pr. ---     3.44
4 “ & 29 “ Sergt. –                          24.83
	                                             $28.27
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 28 Dollars 27 Cents per annum, 
to commence the 4th day of March, 1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Oct.
1839 and sent to Barak
Beckwith, Cazenovia, N.Y. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. ’39			                 84.81
Semi=annual allowanced ending 4 March 40	14.13
					                                         _____
					                                       $98.94
					                                {Act July 7, 
					                                      1838.}

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 73

Page 38

[printed form completed in handwriting]
Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled “An Act making further provision for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution.
State of New York
Madison County. } ss.
On this first day of July 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Mrs. Betsey Clarke a resident of DeRuyter in the county of Madison State of New York, aged 92 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision by the act of Congress, passed 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of Oliver Clarke who was a Sergeant in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Chester in the war of the Revolution, and that she has drawn a pension at the rate of Twenty eight dollars and twenty-seven cents, per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1841. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
[signed] Betsey Clarke “X” her mark
Philetus Lathrop
Witness to Betsey Clarkes mark
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written, before
Philetus Lathrop Justice of the Peace. 
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
[signed] Philetus Lathrop Justice of the Peace.

Page 39

[handwritten]
State of New York
Madison County Clerks Office} ss.
I A Scott Sloan Clerk of said County hereby certify that Philetus Lathrop Esq before whom the within declaration on oath was taken & whose name is subscribed to the [illegible] thereof & to the certificate thereunder written was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly elected & qualified. That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said [illegible] & certificate is genuine _ In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 4th day of July 1848.
[signed]
A Scott Sloan Clerk

[vertical writing]
Admitted
[illegible] Henry [illegible]
[illegible]

Page 40

 [handwritten]
State of New York
Madison County} ss
I hereby certify that the above declaration of Betsy Clark in order to obtain a pension, and also the above affidavit of Eliakim Clark are the original proceedings had before me this 19th day of January 1839 in the matter of the application of the said Betsy Clark for a pension. And I further certify that the said Betsy Clark unable to attend court by reason of bodily infirmity and that the said Betsy Clark & Eliakim Clark are both credible persons whose testimony is entitled to credit
[signed]
Barak Beckwith a Judge
of Madison County Court

Page 41

[handwritten]
State of New York
Madison County Clerks Office} ss.
I Alexander Donaldson Jr Clerk of said County hereby certify that Barak Beckwith the person before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit purport to have been made was on the day of the date of said declaration & affidavit a Judge of Madison County duly appointed and qualified & that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County the 8th day of February 1839.
[signed]
Alexander Donaldson Jr Clerk

Page 42

[printed form completed in handwriting]
[square stamp at top of page]
Chief’s Desk
Old War and Navy 
Division
Apr 12 1902
[end of stamp]

Bureau of Pensions
Application No. [blank]
Certificate No. [blank]
Name of Soldier
Captain Oliver Clark
Co. R Reg’t [blank]
Information Desired.
Revotation
Lived in R.I. and 
New York
Mrs. Frank Bunton
230 West Fulton St. 
Gloversville
N. Y.

Page 43

[handwritten]
Cazenovia August 16th 1843
Dear Sir
Enclosed I forward the declarations of Sally May and Betsy Clark, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision of the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
Will you have the goodness to inform me whether any provision is made by any act of Congress whereby the widows of Revolutionary pensioners who died since the year 1836, can draw the remainder of the 5 years pension granted to widows whose husbands had died previously to said year.

Will you also inform me whether pensions are grated to persons who were employed in the Revolutionary war by the U. S. as boatmen or Batteaumen in their service e.g. for instance one who was employed on the inland water communications between Albany & Niagara

Be pleased to write me as soon as conven. 
I am very respectfully 
Your obedient Servant
[signed] Barak Beckwith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm [illegible]
Washington

Page 44

[printed page completed in handwriting]
Rev
Widow, &c.
File No. 23816
Betsey Clark
Wid of 
Oliver Clark
Lieut Rev War
Act: Feb 2nd 1848
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 139
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Right page handwritten]
May 16 – 1902
Mrs. Frank Burton 
Gloverville, N. Y.
[blurred out] 11 Hist. to Alice B. Clark L.M.
[blurred out] 12 Hist. to Mrs. Flora Clark 
1929 June 20. hist. to
Estella Briggs WCS
1931 Aug 25 hist. to Mr. 
Wm Lewis WCS

Page 45

[handwritten]
Wid. File 23.816
Oliver Clark.

A return of the prisoners taken during the campaign of 1776 dated New York Nov. 27 1776 has been removed from this case and will be sent to the War Dept. 

M. B. H.
May 12. 1911.

Page 46

[stamp at top of page]
Revolutionary & 1812 Wars Section
Feb 4 – 1929
Bureau of Pensions
[end of stamp]

[handwritten]
1220 Second St.
Lorain, Ohio
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: I am trying to become a member of the D.A.R. and am hoping you will be able to be of some help. In the 21st report of the National Society of the D.A.R. in the appendix I find of record of Samuel Shelby of Jefferson Co. N.Y. receiving a pension to himself #S42271. Will you please send me his

Page 47

[handwritten]
record as a Shelly girl married my great grandfather Paulsberg and came from Jefferson Co. and I rather think he is one of my ancestors.
I also found in the same volume the record of Oliver Clark leaving his pension to his widow Betsy #23816 who I think is also an ancestor on my Grandfather Briggs side. Will you please send to my address their records as you have time.
If there is any charge send your fee and I will gladly remitt.
Yours Truly
Estella Briggs [signed]
Feb. 2-1929

Page 48

No. 2334
The [illegible]

Page 49

[printed form completed in handwriting]
John Chester, Esq. Commander of a Regiment of Foot, raised by Order of the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, in June last, in Compliance with a Requisition from the Honourable the Congress of the Thirteen United States of America.
 To Oliver Clark
Greeting:
Reposing especial confidence in your courage Skill and good conduct, I DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you, the said Oliver Clark to be the 1: Serjeant in Capt. Gersham Barrows Company, in the Regiment now under my command. – You are therefore faithfully and diligently to exercise the several Acts and duties of said office, in a strict and careful discharge of the same; and you are to observe and obey all such orders as you may from time to time receive from me, or other your superior officer, - and to instruct said Company in the use of arms, and of all necessary duty, commanding them to obey you as their Serjeant, for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.

Given under my Hand, this Second day of August A.D. 1776. 
(signed) John Chester Colonel

Page 50

Clarke _ Betsy
Dansville
NY
48 973-48
E F E Hassler
Aug 1852

Page 51

[printed form completed in handwriting]
War Department.
Widow’s Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848,
Betsey Clark. [faint writing to the side stating “1848 Nov 2 Died”]
widow of Oliver Clark. 
who was a private & Sergeant. in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of twenty eight dollars and twenty Seven cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States the 28th day of July one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
[signed]
W. L. Marcy
[large star shaped seal next to this signature – illegible print on it]
Examined and Countersigned.
[signed] J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Oliver Clark was of Mansfield Con.