Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 17,312, James Blackman, Conn.

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SERVICE                                         NUMBER
Conn.      Blackman, James          W. 17312
               or Balkeman
                                Ann

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let to Hon G Tomlinson
Aug 25 1934
Dup. cert. issd 6 Dec 1834
& sent to Hon G. Tomlinson Senate US
on the 9th


Connecticut 28483
James Blackman
of Fairfield in the State of Ct.
who was a [unk] in the compy commanded
by Captain Blackman of the ---- commanded
by ------- in the Cont.
line for 7 mos [unk] days

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 20 Dollars 95 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of [unk] 34 and sent Hon: Tomlinson U. S. Senate

Arrears to the 4th of March 32      74.85
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept.  12.47
                                             -------------
                                                      $87.32
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Nath Rice Clerk
Book E  Vol. 2  Page 3

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Connecticut- 268
Ann Blackman
widow of James Blackman
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7, '32
and who died on the 7th May 1835
of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut
who was a Priv in the compy commanded
by Captain Blackman of the Regt commanded
by ------ in the Cont.
line for 2 years, 7 mos, & 4 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 24 Dollars 95 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Sept
'38 and sent to David Brooks,
Stafford, Con.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept          $62.37
Semi-annual allowance ending   12.47
                                              ---------------
                                                  $74.84
{Act July 7, 1832}
Recorded by R Burdine Clerk
Book A  Vol. 1  Page 166

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State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield} ss. Bridgeport
On this 31st day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of [unk] in & for Sharford District now sitting, James Blackman a resident of Sharford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged eighty five years, who being first sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. viz- In first or the last part of July 1776 I was drafted to go to New York with a court of Light Horsemen under the command of Capt Samuel Blackman and the whole company was ordered into said service & went to New York where we staid in the service to the best of my knowledge one month. Capt Blackman's company of Horse was part of the Brigade of Connecticut militia under the command of Genl Stillman and his service one month. I can prove by Curtiss Foundinson who was with me & is now in Court.
In the month of October following (1776) Capt Blackmans company was again called into said service & went to Saw pitts in the State of New York where we were stationed & kept patrolling at different places near Saw pitts. We started in October & returned in January after 10 weeks service & in about ten days were again called back to Horseneck for 3 weeks longer. Elnathan Nichols was our Lieut. & Genl Wooster had command of the Brigade. Ezra Bridsey of Shasford was with me in said service (which was Thirteen weeks) & is now present in Court to prove the same. I do not remember any other officers except those I have named who are all dead.
In July 1779, there was a draft of ten persons out of Capt. Blackman's company. I was drafted one of the 10f or six weeks. David Judson late of Huntington decd was one of the numbers (& corporal) we went first to Danbury where we made a company of thirty men under Capt Hull (all  of Fairfield decd- from Danbury) We went to White Plains where were the head senators tis was shortly after White Plains was burnt. Nathan Lewis of he is living was with with me at this time. I do not know of an other person living who was with me. About one week before said six weeks expired Nathan Birdsey decd took my place & I came home. Ezra Birdsey is a witness in Court to prove this service.

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I Curtiss Tomlinson of Huntington in Fairfield County (now in Court) testify & say that I served with the within named applicant James Blackman one months in the United States service in the Connecticut Militia at New York under Capt Samuel Blackman in the summer of 1776. I have always known the said applicant & recollects him in said company & in the service which he states at New York in July 1776.
Curtiss Tomlinson


I Ezra Birdsey of Sharford in Fairfield County (now in Court) testify & say that I am well acquainted with the within named applicant James Blackman & went with him in Capt Samuel Blackman's company to New York in July 1776 where we served as I have supposed 18 days but on further reflection I am induced to believe the time was longer & as the said James states one month. I was also with said James in said service three months & ne week under Genl Woosin in Capt Blackman's company at Sawpitts in the Fall of the year 1776 or only in the winter 1777. I have heard the statement & declaration of the said James & agree with him as to said service & the circumstances he states. I further say that [unk] well [unk] that said James was drafted & went into the service & to the rest of my knowledge in 1779 when he left I agreed to come & take his place before the time was out. I did not go but my brother Nathan went a short time before the term of service expired. I think my brother was absent 2 weeks. I have read the statement of the said James in action to this period of service & also in relation to two weeks service at Horseneck in the summer of 1778. I know that he served as he stated said two weeks at Horseneck as I served the first 2 weeks for him & I have no doubt but that he staid five weeks in the service when my Brother took his place as my Brother was absent from home only a fortnight. I also know that he was in the service at Danbury & at Fairfield. I believe all the officers under whom he served are dead. I know of no one living.
Ezra Birdsey
The foregoing deposition of Curtiss Tomlinson & Ezra Birdsey subscribed & sworn to in open Court.
[unk] 77- R. L. Nichols Clerk

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In the Summer of 1778, I was drafted again for one month out of the same company then under command of Capt Elnath Nichols. The aforesaid Ezra Birdsey went as my substitute for 2 weeks when I went down & took my place & staid the remaining two weeks at Horseneck & on the Lines. I dont recollect any officers in command, there were none from the company out of which I was drafted- the said Birdsey now presents testify to this service which lodged in with me previous tours are [unk] to six months & one week. I was also ordered into service & volunteered on several occasions & was in the service at Danbury & at Sanford & at New Haven & other places at last one month but I cannot recollect dates or places with certainty in relation to those other as tours & rely on me six months in which I [unk]
The said James Blackman hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name if not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
James Blackman

We, Huntington Tomlinson residing in the town of Shatford and May Blackman residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Blackman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to 85 years of age; 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.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and date aforesaid.
Huntington Tomlinson
May Blackman

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 Huntington Tomlinson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the town of Shatford and that May Blackman who has also signed to same, is a resident of the town of Shatford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Fitch Wheeler Jr Esq



have testimony I have not any documentary evidence of service nor any assistance. I was home as appears by my Towns Records which I have on the 17 of April 1747 at Shatford Conn, where I have always lived.
I, F. S. Nichols Clerk of the Court of [unk] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Amos Blackman for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 31st day of August 1832.
R. S. Nichols Clerk

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I Fitch Wheeler Judge of the Court of Probate, in & for the District of Shatford do hereby certify that Curtiss Tomlinson & Ezra Birdsey the witnesses in support of this application are both credible witnesses & men of said character for truth & veracity.
Fitch Wheeler Judge



James Blackman
Shatford Conn
6 months
 24164

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I Edward M Phelps Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Woodbury hereby certify that Josiah R Eastman whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate and known to be genuine, is now and was at the 15th January 1834 a Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths &c.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court; at Woodbury this sixteenth day of January 1834.
Edwd M Phelps Clerk

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State of Connecticut
Litchfield County } ss. Roxbury Jany 15th 1834
I Thomas Bardslee of Roxbury in Litchfield County Connecticut do depose & say that I was called upon & performed a tour of duty in the Summer of the year 1780, that I served in the Militia Light Dragoons in a company commanded by Capt Hancock, and Battalion under Major Starr in the war of the Revolution, that we were stationed at & about [unk] ridge in the State of New York & near the enemies lines, that according to my best recollection we served about a month or six weeks. That James Blackman of Stratford in Fairfield County was a soldier in said company and served in said Company, during said term of one month or six weeks, that I was well acquainted with him at the time, & have known him ever since & further saith not.
Thomas Bardslee his mark X
Litchfield County ss Roxbury January the 19th 1834
Personally appeared before me Thomas Bardslee the signer of the above deposition & solemnly sworn to the above deposition as true to the best of his recollection.
Sworn by me Josiah R Eastman Justice of Peace

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State of Connecticut
Fairfield County} ss. Huntington Jany 18th 1834
I David Beard of Huntington in said Fairfield County do depose & say that in the Summer of the year 1780, I was called upon & performed a tour of military duty in the Militia Light Dragoons in a company commanded by Capt [unk], and Battalion under Major Starr, in the war of the Revolution, that we were stationed at & about Tunnbridge, in the State of New York and near the enemies lines, that according to my best recollection, we served about six weeks. That James Blackman of Stratford in said Fairfield County, was a soldier in said Company at the time, and served in said company during said term of about six weeks, being the time we were called upon to serve, that I was well acquainted with him at the time & have known him ever since & further saith not.
David Beard
State of Connecticut, Fairfield County ss
Huntington January 18th AD 1834
Personally appeared David Beard and made solemn oath that the facts stated in the above deposition by him subscribed are true. Before me
Donald Judson Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that David Beard who has subscribed the above deposition to be a person of truth and veracity.
Donald Judson Justice of Peace

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State of Connecticut
Fairfield County }Ss

On this 31st day of January 1834 personally appeared before the court of Probate in  [unintelligble]  the District of Shafton in said County James Blackman of the Town of _____ford in said county & being duly sworn makes this his  [unintelligble]  Declaration in  [unintelligble] now in the Pension Office at Washington And so Applicant doth on oath Declare & say  that he served in the Revolutionary War as stated in  mos. said former Declaration  [unintelligble]  in July 1776 one month-- from October 1776 ten weeks -- soon after that three weeks -- in 1778 one month, which sd service of one month in 1778 and as stated by me in my former Declaration by  [unintelligble]  in the Declaration  [unintelligble]  and been only two weeks & that Ezra Birdsey took my place at any time & I served the whole month myself too weeks of   [unintelligble]  is stated in my former Declarationan  [unintelligble]  record same day Ezra Birdsey [unintelligble]  Deaf &  [unintelligble]  did not perceive me  or in sd Declaration where it was recd  [unintelligble]  my next Service  [unintelligble]  was six weeks (with the exception of one week  [unintelligble]  by Nathan Birdsey) was stated correctly -- At the time I made

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my former Declaration & did not recollect until after sd Declaration was forwarded Another term of service whichI did in the year 1780  [unintelligble]  afterwards  [unintelligble]  it and now   [unintelligble]   [unintelligble]  & Do Declare that on the first of August 1780 Capt. Samuel Blackman drafted out of his company of   [unintelligble]  the number of about one third of the Company to form a Company of  [unintelligble]  10 be made  [unintelligble]  drafts from the other Companies of  [unintelligble]  in the Regiment. I among others was drafted to go on the lines & went under Capt. Heacock of Danbury to  Round Ridge near the lines at which  [unintelligble]  that I one the Lines. I served in sd company of Horse or Dragoons Six weeks the ocmpany shited about & was called and  [unintelligble]  and guarding the lines &  protecting  the company from the enemy & especially from  [unintelligble]

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with me - Thomas Beardsay of the town of Roxbury but formerly of [illegible] a Revolutionary Pensioner was also with me in the above named service. Said Beard & Beardsley both lived about five miles from me. 3 [illegible] eight seven years of age & my memory is ver poor & seem not able to recall many circumstances connected with my service. I know of no man [illegible] reps except the above named Beard & Beardsley by whom I can prove this service. One Edward hawley & one Isaac Wells both of said Strafford [illegible] have drafted & were [illegible] me. I [illegible] this declaration to be taken in [illegible] with my declaration.
Subscribed & sworn to in Court on the day & year aforesaid.
James Blackman

Attest Mark Moore Judge

I R. S. Nichols Clerk of the court of Probate for said District of Strafford certify that the foregoing declaration of James Blackman was made in court as aforesaid & that Donald [illegible] whose signature is attached to the deposition of David Beard which said deposition is now annexed under my seal of office was in the 18th

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of January 1834 & is now a Justice of the peace in & for said [illegible] county duly commissioned & that [illegible] his signature on said deposition &c said [illegible] thereon to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office on this 31st day of January 1834.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk

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433
Ann Blackman
widow of James
Con:
act 7 June 38
5 years
married in 1784
died in 1835
admd
5 mo 22 dys pri
1.12 Dragoon
7-4
$24.95
no deduction
David Brooks
Stratford 
Con

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State of Connecticut
Fairfield County} ss: Stratford
On this 101th day of August 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, Ann Blackman a resident of the town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield & State aforesaid, aged 77 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 7, 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of James Blackman late of said Stratford decd, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and also a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and for the proof services rendered by her late husband James Blackman decd & the evidence confirming the same, she would refer to the documents already in the Office at Washington. She further testifies and says that she was married to the sd James Blackman by the Rev David Elyon the 16th day of May 1784 & that her husband the sd James Blackman died in sd Stratford on the 7th day of May 1835. That she has not since the death of her late husband James Blackman decd been since married but that she still remains his widow, that she was not married to him prior to his having the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred ninety four- viz, at the time above stated. The declarant further testifies that she has in her possession (which is herewith surrendered) a Duplicate Pension Certificate granted to her husband the said James Blackman for his services during the Revolutionary War & which she now offers as proof to sustain her claim. That she did not apply at the Pension Office in Stratford, for the balance due her husband at the time is his death, as the amount then due was so small, that it would not cover the expenses attendent upon setting it who therefore none take, the opportunity to forward it with this her declaration and want respectfully submit her case.
Ann Blackman her mark X
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written. Before me
Alanson Hamlin Judge

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That the above named applicant is the widow of James Blackman, late of the town of Stratford in the probate District aforesaid, a Private in the army of the Revolution, and who served therein as stated by her in her aforesaid declaration. 

Done certified on the day & year first above written:

By Me Alanson Hamlin, Judge

I, Ira Sherman Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the history [illegible] of James Blackman for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto let my hand & seal of office this 13th day of August 1838.

Ira Sherman Clerk


I, Alanston Hamlin, Judge of the Court of probate of aforesaid certify that Ira Sherman is Clerk of said Court, and the signatures purporting to be his, on these papers, are genuine, with the seal of said Court embossed thereto.

Alanston Hamlin Judge

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield

[illegible] Bridgeport. 

I Ira Sherman Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the District of Stratford in said County and State aforesaid hereby Certify that [illegible] David Brooks is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified, that his Commission will expire on the 20th June, 1839.

[illegible] Ira Sherman Clerk

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State of Connecticut
Fairfield County
Sanford August 7th 1838
I Lewis H Renn of the Town of
Stratford in the County and State aforesaid do certify
that it appears from the records of said town of Stratford
of which I have the custody that James Blackman and
widow Ann Custers were joined in Marriage May 16th 1784
and that the marriage is Recorded therein in the words
and figures following Viz
"James Blackman and widow
Ann Curtis was joined in Marriage May Sixteenth one
thousand seven hundred and Eighty four. I certify the
above to be a true extract from the Record with the exception
of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible
figures as follows James Blackman widow Ann Curtis
was joined in marriage May 16 1784
I Lewis H Russell above named
depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in
the County town and State aforesaid and that the above
is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me
Lewis H Russell
Clerk of the Town of Stratford aforesaid
Sworn Before me
David Brooks Justice of Peace
I certify that Lewis H. Russell above named is the clerk of the town of
Stratford and a credible Witness
David Brooks Justice of Peace

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State of Connecticut
Fairfield County Ss} Stratford August 8th 1838
Personally appeared Beard Blackman a resident of the town of Stratford in Fairfield County & state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath testify & say that he was well acquainted with James Blackman late of said Stratford decd who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and that the said James Blackman died in said Stratford on the 7th day of May 1835. That he assisted in laying out his corpse and that the said James Blackman left a widow by the name of Ann who is still living. That she has not since the death of the said James Blackman been since married but that she still remains his widow. The deponent further testifies that he is 40 years of age and has lived the next door neighbor to the said James Blackman and his widow Ann from his youth up.
Beard Blackman

Sworn & subscribed before me
David Brooks Justice of Peace

I certify that Beard Blackman above named is well known to me and is a credible witness entitled to full credit & belief.
David Brooks Justice of Peace

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James Blackman Fairfield
County Connecticut

Admit as private
[illegible] 5 mo 22 ds 19.10
(unreadable) 1   12   585
                                ------
                              $24..95

Rejected

Hon. Geo Tomlinson
U. S. S.

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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }).
You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
Period when the service was
rendered.
Draft July 1776 ┃
Served Oct 1776
Draft July 1779
Draft June  1778
A Statement, showing the service of James Blackman Fairfield County
Connecticut
Duration of the claimant's service
Years  Months  Days
- 1 -
- 3 7 "
- 1 5 "
- - 14 "
Rank of
the
claimant.
troop
"
"
"
5 29
1
2 10 
21
1 05
1 14
520
Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Genl Silliman
Cap Blackman
Cap Blackman
Age at present, and place of abode
when he entered the service.
35 years
Count of Fairfield Connecticut
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary evidence Living
 testimony certified credible
paper correct

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2.
The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State Territory or District
County of
On this
day of

personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of aged (c)
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) with and
served in the
(e) regiment of the

line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
&c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia.
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the

and C. D. residing in (the same;)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with   who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; 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.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court].
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 A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
, and what has become of it?
To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year---months, and ---days, I served as a---For ---months and ---days, I served as a ---- for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each
applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under seal of office. 
If the notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 24

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MMHF / eel
VETERANS' ESTABLISHMENT
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
July 25, 1930

Mrs. L. C. Greiner
1345 Hall Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.17312, that James Blackman or Blakeman was born April 17, 1747, in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.

while living in said Stratford he enlisted in July,
1776, and served one month as a private in Captain Samuel Blackman's Company, Colonel Silliman's Connecticut Regiment.

He enlisted in October, 1776, and served thirteen
weeks as a private in Captain Samuel Blackman's Company.

He enlisted in the summer of 1778, and served two weeks in Captain Elnathan Nichols' Connecticut Company.

He enlisted in July, 1779 and served five weeks as a private in Captain Hull's Connecticut Company.

He enlisted August 1, 1780, and served one month and two weeks in Captain Hicock's Company, Major Starr's Connecticut Regiment of Light Horse.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 31, 1832 while a resident of Stratford, Connecticut, where he died May 7, 1835.

Soldier married May 16, 1784, in Stratford, Connecticut, Ann Curtis, a widow.

She was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1838, while living in said Stratford, aged

Page 25

seventy-seven years.
There are no further data as to his family.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

Page 26

to
Courts
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17312
Ann Blackman
Wid of
James Blackman
Priv. Rev. War
---
Act: July 7, 1838
Index: -- Vol. 1, Page 68
Arrangement of 1870.}

1895 Jan. 3. Hist.
Mrs. M. C. Stanley
New Britain,
1906 Nov. 13. History to
Hon. James H. Blakeman
1909 Jan. 19. Hist. to H. T. Norcross
1919 Mch 8, To Mrs. Frederick Menger.
1930 July 25 Hist to L. C. Greiner 
Mrs. MMHT

Page 27

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

September 30, 1924

S. B. Blakeman
Room 412 Yorkville Bank Bldg.,
205 East Eighty - fifth St.,
New York City.

Sir:

I have to advise you that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim W. 17312 it appears that James Blackman or Blakeman was born April 17, 1747 in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.

While living in said Stratford he enlisted in
July 1776 and served one month as a private in Captain Samuel Blackman's Company, Colonel Silliman's Connecticut Regiment.

He enlisted in October 1776 and served thirteen
weeks as a private in Captain Samuel Blackman's Company
.
He enlisted in the summer of 1778 and served two weeks in Captain Elnathan Nichols' Connecticut Company.

He enlisted in July 1779 and served five weeks as a private in Captain Hull's Connecticut Company.
He enlisted August 1, 1780 and served one month

Page 28

and two weeks in Captain Hicock's Com Major
Starr's Connecticut Regiment of Light Horse.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 31, 1832 while a resident of Stratford, Connecticut where he died May 7, 1835.

Soldier married May 18, 1784 in Stratford, Connecticut, Ann Curtis a widow. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1838 while living in said Stratford aged seventy-seven years.
There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

Page 29

In reply to your request of .............., received ........... for a statement of the military history of James Blackman 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.  @. 17312

[column headings]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.|
July 1776 | 1 month | private | Captain Samuel B[illegible] Troops of Horse, Colonel Sillman | Conn. |

Oct 1776 | 3 mos [illegible] | ~ | Ditto | Gen. Wooster. | ~ |

Summer 178 2 weeks | ~~ | Captain Elnathan Nichols | ~~ |

in 1779 | [illegible] | ~~ | Captain Hull | ~~ |

Aug. 1, 1780 | 1 mo 2 wks | ~~ | Captain Hicock's Troop of Horse, Major Storr | ~~ |

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stratford, Fairfield Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug 31, 1832, his claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Stratford, Conn.
Age at date of application, born Apl 17, 1747 at Stratford Conn.
Remarks: soldier married at Stratford Conn May 16, 1784 the widow Anna Curtis. He died at Stratford Conn May 7, 1835 and she was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1838 while seventy seven years of age a resident of Stratford aforesaid. No further family data.

Respectfully
Commissioner

Page 30

Cleveland, Ohio.
May 27, 1930.
United States Bureau of Pensions,
Department of Interior,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I am a descendent of James Blakeman Blackman, who took part in the Revolutionary War and who lived in Stratford, Connecticut.

As a matter of record and history, I would
appreciate any information you can give me in regard to the pension of the above party.
Yours truly,
(Mrs) Eva R. Greiner

Page 31

WALTON L. CROCKER, President

ROBERT K. EATON, Vice President
JOHN L. WAKEFIELD, Vice Pres. & Gen. Counsel
FRED E. NASON, Vice President
ELBERT H. BROCK, Vice President

GUY W. COX, Vice Pres. A Gen. Solicitor
L. H. HOWE, Actuary
CHARLES J. DIMAN.
Secretary
THOMAS F. TEMPLE, Supt of Agencies

S. B. BLAKEMAN, Superintendent
(District No. 2 )
Room 412 Yorkville Bank Building
205 East 85th Street
Telephones Lenox 1926-1927

John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company
Home Office
Boston, Massachusetts
New York, N.Y.

9-9-24

Pension Department
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen:-

I am writing to see if it will be possible
for you to furnish me with copies of application for pension, or pension papers to show that James Blakeman served in the Revolutionary War of 1776, as I have some daughters and sons
who wish to join the Son's and Daughter's of the American Revolution.

I am advised that the records at Washington
for particulars may be found under the following heading:

"James Blakeman, Conn. Pension Act of 1832,
Resident of Fairfield County " Conn. Men page 650 " Listed under Act. Appears in Senate Document 1 Sess. 23 Cong. 1833 - 34 ".

If there is any cost involved, if you will
kindly advise me I will forward remittance by return mail.

Yours truly,
S B Blakeman
SBB.RFD

Pension Office
US Sep 10 1924

Page 32

US Pension K Office Feb 28 1919
Rev War

Fred Menges
Pharmacist
42 Broadway Saratoga Springs , N.Y.
The Rexall Store
136 Circular Street
We are trying to prove Revolutionary claims for applicants to the society of the Daughters of the American Revolution as pension claims are positive proof.  Please advise regarding the following names - 
Conrad or Conradt Lasher
Bastian or Sebastion Lasher
Philip Clum
Above served from  [illegible] state
James Blackman - from Conn
Thanking your for your trouble
Sincerly
Mrs. Frederick Menges

Page 33

United State of America Postage Stamps - one cent 1843- 1901 McKinley
USA Pension Office  Jan 14 1909
Bridgeport Conn 1909 Jan 14 6 :30 PM

The space above is reserved for postmark
Postal Card
The space below is for the address only
Hon Commissioner of Pensioners 
Washington DC

Page 34

Initials E M

Bridgeport Conn  Jan 3/09

Dear Sir
I wrote dated Jan 4 for the Military record of James Blackman  Conn Pensioner Act of 1832 in Sen Doe 1 Session 23 Congress 1833-4 but have received no reply
Kindly advice me & oblige
Yours H F Norcross Registrar
Gen Silliman Branch CSS A Rev

Page 35

17321
Record Division
Jan 5 1909

Page 36

Sons of the American Revolution
Gen. Silliman Branch, S.A.R. Organized 1893  Bridgeport, Conn.
President
George William Jackman

Vice President
Rev. John Depeu

Secretary
Henry Clarence Burroughs

Registrar
Henry Fanning Norcross

Treasurer 
Julius Hubbard Gorham

Historian
Dr. Nathaniel Eugene Wordin

Chaplin
Rev. Edward Livingston Wells

Jan 4 1909
Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir - 
Please send me the military record of James Blackman or Blakeman a Revolutionary Pensioner - Connecticut pensions, Act of 1832, List under this Act appears in Ser Doe 1 Sess, 23 Cong 1833-34 
And Oblige
Your H F Norcross
Registrar Gen. Silliman Branch CSSAR

Page 37

O.W. & N. Div
Nov 6 1906
Fil[illegible]

Page 38

Own

To the Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.

Will you please send me a statement of the servi
ce of James Blakeman a Revolutionary Pensioner born in Stratford Conn in 1835

James Blakeman drew pension under act of 1832
His widow drew pension under act of 1840 at 79 years of age and died in Stratford Conn in 1843

Very Respectfully
Hon. James Henry Blackeman
Oronoque Conn

USA Pension Office Nov 6 1906

Page 39

OW&N

Page 40

49 Lexington Street
New Bristol Connecticut
December 3rd 1894

not us n r
See 17312
B

The Pension bureau
Washington
[illegible] write to obtain information concerning Mr. James Blackwell of Stratford Connecticut. He died in 1835 aged 88 years and according to our family tradition he had been drawing a pension which was afterwards paid to his wife Janna until her death in 1843.
Will the Pension Records [illegible] facts?
If so, it would be of great service to me to hear [illegible]

Page 41

the records.
Write to
Mrs. M. C. Fawler
Ner Bristoll
Connecticut
49 lexington Street

Page 42

433
Payments to be made at Hartford By I. Dodd, Esq.
Agent for paying  Pensioners in the Agency of Connecticut

This Certificate issued in lieu of one dated on the 25th June 1834, which has been lost or destroyed and which if it should be presented at the Pension Agency, the agent will please transmit to the Dept.

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol 2 Page 3 by N. Rice  Clerk

Page 43

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim
Duplicate.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, James Blackman of the State of Connecticut who was a Private during the War of the Revolution.
is entitled to receive Twenty Four dollars and Ninety-five cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this Sixth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and countersigned}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 44

US Dept Cert for
James Blackman CA
James L Edwards Esq.
Com of Pensions
Hon. G. Tomlinson

Page 45

Washington Dec. 4, 1834
Sir:
When I addressed you respecting the
pension certificate of James Blackman
forwarded to me, in the latter part of the 
month of June last.  I supposed that, by mistake. It had been put into a box containing papers which I left in this City, at the close of the last session of Congress, since my arrival here I have very carefully examined those papers but have been unable to find the certificate.  Where it is I do not know.  I am entirely satisfied that the pensioner has not received it.  Having long known Mr Blackman , as a worthy citizen.  I make the above statement in order that he may be furnished with a proper certificate in lieu of the one lost. I am very respectfully
your obedt servt.
G. Tomlinson

J. L. Edwards Esqr

Page 46

[illegible]
[illegible] 22
The G. Tomlinson
James L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington

Page 47

Fairfield Aug 22, 1834
Sir:
A short time before the late
adjournment of Congress, I received
James Blackman's pension certificate.
It was , I believe, by mistake, put into a box with the private papers, which I left at Washington.  The pensioner being nearly ninety years old & infirm, it is very desirable that he receives the small amount due to him as soon as may be practicable [illegible] the Fourth of September next. As the box was nailed & sent to the Capitol & contained many papers I am unwilling to have it opened  & examined.  I therefore request you to forward to me a duplicate of the certificate which has been mislaid, so that the worthy old

Page 48

gentleman may be speedily 
gratified by the receipt of his stipend.
You may rest assured that the 
certificate which you sent to me
shall be returned to you whenever 
it may be found.

I am very respectfully yours,
G. Tomlinson

J. L. Edwards, Esq.