Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 12295, Thomas Bissell, Conn.

Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.   Bissell, Thomas. W. 1229
———.  ————Eleanor.   BLWt57522-160-55
==================================
CONTENTS
15 blank lines

Page 2

Connecticut  9806
Thomas Bissell
of Hartford in the State of Cont.
who was a private in the comp commanded
by Captain Parsons of the Reg. commanded
by Col. Boyer on the Cont.
line for 6 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Cont.
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of June
1832 and sent to J. Charlton East Windsor

Arrears to the 4th of Ma: '33          $40
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep '33   10
                                                      ------------
                                                       $50
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by G. C. Stiles Clerk
Book E  Vol. 3  Page 4

Page 3

Let: to claimant calling for an off cl:
of Th: H. Bissell from 3d 756


246. 210 consd with
144. 488 act Mar. 3 '55

Eleanor Bissell, wid.
Thomas Bissell, pri.


1 Revy War
Pens. act Feb. 3 1853 p. 197 Vr.H.
Boynton Feb 8/56
Special, by actg. Connt.
W. Cole May 30 '56
Vol B1 page 145c
Claimant
South Windsor
Conn.

Page 4

5754
Connecticut
Eleanor Bissell
widow of Thomas Bissell Conn.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 20 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence on
the 31st Dec. 1855.

Certificate of Pension issued
29th day of April 1856
and sent to J. H. Charlton
East Windsor Hill
Ct.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 197  Vol. H

Page 5

State of Connecticut, County of Hartford. South Windsor
On this 19th day of May AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty six, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Eleanor Bissell, aged seventy five years, a resident of South Windsor in the State of Connecticut who being duly sworn according to law, declare that she is the widow of Thomas Bissell deceased, who was a private in the revolutionary war, and a Pensioner, which pention Office on the Roll of Pentioners under act February 3rd 18543 Page 197 Vol H. She further states that she was married to the said Thomas Bissell in East Windsor on the 20th day of November AD 1804, by one David McClure DD and that her name before her said marriage was Eleanor Mills that her said husband died at South Windsor Connecticut on the 31st day of December AD 1855 and that she is not a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d 1855. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other Act of Congress nor made any other application therefor.
Eleanor Bissell

We Levi Bissell and Francis Pinney

Page 6

3d 1855. She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any Act of Congress nor made any other application therefor.
Eleanor Bissell

We Levi Bissell and Francis Pinney residents of South Windsor in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed ad acknowledged by Eleanor Bissell in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Levi Bissell
Francis Pinney

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Thomas H Bissell
Justice of the Peace

Note I made an application for Thomas Bissell the husband of above, No. 144488 and received notice of its suspension for want of Record evidence, since his death, with a written endorsement to the effect that it would be promptly signed should the Record and be repeated.
Tho H Bissell

Page 7

144-488

Page 8

State of Connecticut}
Hartford County,}Ss South Windsor

On this fifteenth day of May 1853, personally appeared, before I am the subscribing authority, 
legally authorised to administer oaths , take deposisions throout said County;
Thomas Bissell, a resident of said South Windsor, aged Ninety Seven years & four months: who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Thomas Bissell, who served in the War of the Revolution, in the year 1776, for the period of five months; & for which he received a pension at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum, under the act of June 7th 1832. his certificate is numbered, dated 20th day of June 1833 and recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 3 Page 4 by G.C. Siles.
He makes this declaration, for the purpose of obtaining a Bounty land, under the act of Mar , 1855,  he also declares, that he has never before applied for, and never has received any bounty land, under this or any other act.

his mark x Thomas Bissell 


We Levi Bissell and Francis Pinney residents of South Windsor, in the state of Connecticut upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged, by Thomas Bissell in our presence; and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that he is the identical person, he represents himself to be. 

Levi Bissell
Francis Pinney

The foregoing declarations and affidavit were sworn to

Page 9

and subscribed before me, on the day & year above written, and I with that known the Private to be  a credible person; That the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that  I have no interest in this claim. 

Thomas H. Bissell Justice of the Peace

Page 10

19339
Thomas Bissell
Ct
Admitted
Private  6 months

Jesse Carlton
East Windsor
Court

Page 11

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, (this: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement,, showing the Service of Thomas Bissell Ct.

Period when the service was rendered: Mar. 1777 entered
Duration of the claimant's service: 2 months
Rank of the claimant: Private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: Cap Parson
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Maj Riply
Battles in which the applicant was engaged: much shoveling, no battle
Country through which he marched: marched [unk] Ct into RI
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period: 75 born in Hartford Ct. entered the service same place and still lives in sd county

Period when the service was rendered: July " voluntd
Duration of the claimant's service: 2 months
Rank of the claimant:  "
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served: Cp Bissell
Names and Rank of the General and Field Officers:
Country through which he marched: marched to NY

Period when the service was rendered: " subt.
Duration of the claimant's service: 2 months
Rank of the claimant:  "
Names and Rank of the Company officer under whom he served: Cap Hayden
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers: Col Boyer or Newbury
Country through which he marched: Fishkill, West Point

first and last tour proved by two surviving witnesses and one other witness proves generally but they are not certified credible
certificate of two citizens

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

Page 12

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 by 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, musicians 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 of
County of                               } ss.
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 names 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 varied 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 annuity, except the present, and he declares that his names in 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 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 made and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k)We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in               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 day and year aforesaid.
[And the 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 that that A. B. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the               
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, of possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the service 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 alleged service, as they are know at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

Page 13

3
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 subscribed 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 the 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 live now?
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 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 he 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 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 mist 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 loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ---- year -----months, and ----- days, I served as a --------. For ----- months and ----- days, I served as a -------; and for such service I claim a pension."
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] This 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 names of the applicant is not 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 oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
-> 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 be all written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 14

Declaration, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the 2nd section of the Act of February 3rd, AD 1853! in this 1st day of April 1856, personally appeared, before the Court of Probate for the district of East Windsor, in Hartford County & State of Connecticut, Widow Eleanor Bissell, a resident of South Windsor of said County & district of, aged 75 years: who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath I make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3rd February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Thomas Bissell, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner; at the rate of Twenty dollars per annum; under the act of June 7th 1832. She declares, that she was married to him, but the  Rev. David Mclure D.s, who was pastor of the Congregational church in East Windsor Ct; That she was married to him on the 20th day November Eighteen hundred & four; and  that her said husband died at said South Windsor, on the 31 day of December AD 1855.  That she was not married to him prior to the second of January Eighteen Hundred;  but at the time above stated. She further declares, that she is now a widow; & that her maiden name was Eleanor Mills.
Eleanor Bissell

Sworn to and Subscribed, on the day & year above written, before me William Barns Judge of said Court.
Wm. Barnes Judge

In testimony whereof, I Henry Pease Jr. Clerk of said probate Court, do hereby certify that the above signature is in the hand writing of said Judge, & that the

Page 15

foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Court, in the application of widow Eleanor Bissell, for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I do hereunto subscribed my name & affix the seal of said Court on the day & year first written.
Henry Pease Jr Clerk

Page 16

I Jesse Charlton of South Windsor, in Hartford County, & State of Connecticut, of lawful age; do hereby depose & say; That I was acquainted with Thomas Bissell & Eleanor Mills, both of East Windsor, more than fifty years ago; I well remember the intermarriage immediately after it took plave! I have known them to live, reportably together, as man & wife, in this place, for more than Fifty years past & they have brought up a family of children together; with whom I am now acquainted.
I know also, of the death of the said Thomas Bissell; was present when his will was proved, before the Probate Court: and the applicant for a pension is whose behalf this deposition is given, is the widow of the said Pensioner; Thomas Bissell deceased.
Jesse Charlton
Sworn to and subscribed, before me William Barns Judge of the Probate Court for the District of East Windsor, in Hartford County on this 1st day of April 1856. In testimony whereof, I do hereunto subscribe my name, & affix the seal of said Court. And I certify that the deponent is a credible witness well known to me.
W. Barns, Judge

Page 17

I John S Clapp, Clerk of the Congregation church in South Windsor, formerly a part of East Windsor in Hartford County & State of Connecticut do hereby certify that as Clerk of said church I have custody of its records.
And I find therein an entry in the hand writing of the Rev. David McClure D.D. who was Pastor of the 1st Congregational church, in East Windsor from the year 1786, to the year 1820; which entry is in the words and figures following.

Marriages by David McLure. 
Eighteen hundred & four Nov. twentieth. 
Thomas Bissell, & Eleanor Mills of East Windsor: The above is an exact transcript from the record with the exception of the date, which in the original is in the words & figures following viz.
1804 Nov. 20th Thomas Bissell Eleanor Mills of E. Windsor.

John S. Clapp

Sworn to and subscribed before me in said South Windsor on the 10th day of March 1856  I certify that the said John S. Clapp, is clerk of said Church and keeper of its records.
I have examined said record know it to be in the hand writing of the said David Mclure with which I was well acquainted. I also remember the marriage & know that they lived together as man & wife & brot (brought) up a family in this town. 
attest. Jesse Charlton, Notary Public

Page 18

I Abner A Sperry, of South Windsor, in Hartford County Conn. of lawful age, & being duly sworn according to law doth hereby depose & say that I was well acquainted with Mr. Thomas Bissell a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United State; I know & depose, that he died in said South Windsor on the 31st day of December AD 1855, at the age of ninety eight years. I was present at his burial. I also know & depose that he left a widow (with whom I am acquainted) viz Mrs. Eleanor Bissell, who is still living, & also remains his widow.
Anber A Sperry

On the 18th day of March 1856 at South Windsor Conn sworn to and subscribed, before me Jesse Charlton a Notary Public, of said town, authorized by law to administer oaths, take depositions throout the State of Connecticut: I certify, that the deponent is a credible witness, well known to me.
Attest Jesse Charlton Notary Public

Page 19

I Abial Craw of South Windsor, in Hartford County & State of Connecticut, of lawful age, do hereby depose & say that I have been acquainted with the late Thomas Bissell, for more than twenty years & believe him to have been a revolutionary pensioner. I now that he has lived with the present widow Eleanor Bissell, as her husband, ever since I became acquainted with them, & they brought up a family of children together, in this place; and the said Thomas Bissell died in this town, about the last of December 1855, at the age of ninety eight years; and his widow, Eleanor Bissell, is still living & remains his widow. I was present at his funeral.
Abial Craw
State of Conn, Hartford County ss. South Windsor
Sworn to and subscribed, before me, on this 19 day of March 1856 and I certify that the deponent is a credible witness with whom I am well acquainted.
Attest Jesse Charlton
Notary Public

Page 20

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th AD 1832.
State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} ss. East Windsor
On this 15 day of November AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor in the County of Hartford and State aforesaid now sitting Thomas Bissell a resident of said East Windsor aged 75 years a person of veracity; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under Capt Hezekiah Parsons of Enfield in said State the first or forepart of March AD 1777 being drafted therein; which was a company of Connecticut Militia; our Lieut. was Daniel Ellsworth of East Windsor aforesaid, & our Ensign was Mr. McKenstry of sd East Windsor; that part of sd town then called  Goshen, but since Ellington he marched with the company tho Windham County thro Ashford, Promfret to Providence in the State of Rhode Island here he staid with his company a few says & then marched down to Bristol in sd Rhode Island, his company was annexed to Maj John Ripley's Battalion & here stood guard against our enemy who then occupied New Port & the Island; while he was here

Page 21

there was frequent exchanges of shot & several persons killed but no general or severe action, he remained here doing guard duty untill the time for which he was [unk] had expired. Two months when he was honorable dismissed but had no written discharge & he has no documentary evidence.
Again he entered the service of the United States in the month of August or the latter part of July 1777 as a Volunteer, in a company of militia or State troops commanded by Capt Hezekiah Bissell of said East Windsor; That he marched with his company thro Farmington, Woodbury & Danbury & on to Peckskill in the State of New York, & from there to Fishkill & up nigh to Esopus where I was, when that place was burned by the enemy; he was employed most of his time in guarding various places on the North River from incursions by the enemy who had command of the River and also from the tories & cowboys with which that part of the country was then infested; here I saw General Putnam, and General Poor. This was a tour of two months, I was honorably dismissed but had no written discharge, & have no documentary evidence.
Immediately after I was dismissed from the last tour I engaged as a substitute for Mr. Barter of Windsor in said State of Connecticut, & was attached to Capt Nathaniel Haydens company & Coll Roger Newberrys Regiment,

Page 22

while here at Fishkill my Capt was detached with a part of the company & went over to West Point he the applicant was employed on the East side of the River; part of the time in guarding the public stores, and a part of the time in guarding private houses & stores as they were judged to be most exposed along the River for many miles in this desultory but fatiguing service he served out his second tour of two months and was then honorably dismissed but had no written discharge & have no documentary evidence.
To a part of this service he has procured the testimony of Ashney Simonds & to a part of it that of Thomas Starkweather.
The said applicant was born in East Windsor or County of Hartford & State of Connecticut on the 2nd day of December 1757. The record of it was in his Father's family bible, he was living in said East Windsor when called into the service of the United States has lived there since the Revolutionary War, & he lives there now,
And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State; He is known to Capt Aaron Bissell & Doctor Elijah F Reed both residents in said East Windsor, who can testify as to his character, and their belief in his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Thomas Bissell
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Edgar Bissell Clerk

Page 23

We Aaron Bissell residing in East Windsor aforesaid and Elijah F Reed residing in the same; hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Thomas Bissell who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 75 years of age. That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Elijah F Reed
Aaron Bissell
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
Edgar Bissell 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 applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that there is no clergyman living near the applicant & he has produced in Court Aaron Bissell, a resident of said East Windsor who was for twenty five years Town Clerk of the same, & Doctor Elijah F Reed resident of said Town who has been the principal physician in said Town for thirty five years past & they are both credible persons, ad their statement is entitled to credit.
I Edgar Bissell Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Thomas Bissell for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 15 day of November AD 1832.
Edgar Bissell Clerk

AA 19339
Thomas Bissell

Page 24

April 2 1900
Thos. H. Bissell- Hartford Conn
1922 Mar 29, Tombstone data to Hon. G. P. McLean (see cor. in Justus Reed W 814)

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 12295
Eleanor Bissell
widow of
Thomas Bissell
Priv. Rev. War

Act: Feb 3d/ 53
Index:- Vol. A, Page 63
[Arrangment of 1870]

Page 25

South Windsor Conn Jany 6, 1857
Hon Geo C Whiting
Dear Sir
On or about the 19th day of May last I sent an application for Bounty Land for Mrs Eleanor Bissell of this town. By some neglect it got into the P O without a certificate of my official character being attached. I was informed of the omision by the department and immediately forwarded one with an explanation. I have not since heard of the application or received notice of its number &c.
I should not think the above mentioned omission ought to cause much delay, but I believe application made at a considerable later time have been heard and granted.
As the applicant is an aged and infirm Revolutionary claimant it would seem unjust to subject her to any unnessary delay.
This is my excuse for drawing the attention of the department to it at this time.
Respectfully yours,
Thomas H Bissell

Page 26

246.710
add evidence
Eleanor Bissell
No 246710
no action

Refd to Hood
July 21/56
Horace Bissell
No 150113

let issd Feby [last of line unreadable]
120 acres to [unk] clmt
Hartford Connt

Page 27

South Windsor Conn
Hartford Co June 12, 1856
Dear Sir
I enclose a certificate as to my official character to accompany the claim made for Mrs. Eleanor Bissell of this town by me, and forwarded on or about the 19th of May last. I did not enclose one at the time as the department has several, and I believe under such circumstances it is sometimes not requested.
I received a printed circular in reply to inquired about the claim of Horace Bissell of this town made about a year since. The noumber was never received and as the memorandum of the date of the application as my memorandum book is lost I can not give it had I not better not make a new one.
Thomas H Bissell

H J Minot

Page 28

CERTIFICATE OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
State of Connecticut
Hartford County} ss. Thomas H Bissell, Justice of the Peace SUPERIOR COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE, HARTFORD, June 10th 1856
I, WAIT N. HAWLEY, Clerk of the Superior Court, within and for the County of Hartford, and keeper of the Seal thereof, hereby certify that Thomas H Bissell Esquire, was on the     day of July A. D. 1854, ever since has been, and now is, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the said County, duly elected and sworn, with authority, by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS and take the acknowledgement of DEEDS and other Instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine, official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Superior Court, at Hartford, this 10th day of June A. D. 1856.
Wait N. Hawley Clerk

Page 29

Brief in the case of Mrs. Eleanor Bissell, wid of Thomas Bissell, Stratford County and State of Ct.
act 3 Feb: 1853

Claim, ("original")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If wither, state the substance.
Thomas Bissell was pensioned under the act 7 June 1832, at the rate of $20.00 per an: Marriage proved by church record thereof & the affidavit of two witnesses to reputation of marriage & cohabitation. Pensioner died Dec: 31st 1855as per the affidavit of two witnesses & report of the Third Auditor. Widowhood & identity of the applicant is established by the affidavits of three affiants.
Witnesses are all certified to be highly credible.

Cert: to J. H. Charlton, Esq
East Windsor Hill
Name and residence of Agent

J. C. Boyster
Examining Clerk

Page 30

East Windsor Hill
Apl 3 1856
Hon K Minot
Commissioner
Sir
I send the application of Mrs Eleanor Bissell of South Windsor in Hartford County Conn widow of Thomas Bissell a pensioner for a pension under act of 3d Feb 1853.
Resp your obt svt
J. H. Charlton

Page 31

Hon Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Sir,
I herewith send the application of Thomas Bissell of East Windsor Connecticut for a pension under act of June 7th AD  1832.
With true respect I am Sir your obdt servant
Jesse Charlton

P. S. He applies as a private soldier.
J. C.
Hartford County East Windsor
Dec 1st AD 1832

Page 32

AA Affidavit
Ashna Simonds
for Thoms Bissell
3rd tour

Page 33

State of Connecticut
Hartford County } ss. East Windsor
On this 25th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor now sitting Ashna Simonds a resident of Manchester in Hartford County aged 75 years a person of veracity and made solemn oath that he is some acquainted with Thomas Bissell a resident in East Windsor an applicant for a pension under the Pension act of June 7th AD 1832.
He served with me at Fishkill in the State of New York we belonged to different companies but were both drafted into a company of Guards for the Hospital & Public Stores & private property stores & houses where they were most exposed to the enemy. I did not know Mr Bissell the applicant before I met him in this service. I do not now how long Mr. Bissell served in this tour.
Ashna Symonds

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Edgar Bissell Clerk

Page 34

AA Affidavit
Frederic Chapman
for Thomas Bissell
2nd tour

Page 35

AA Affidavit
Frederic Chapman
for Thomas Bissell
2nd tour

Page 36

State of Connecticut
Hartford County } ss. East Windsor
On this 30th day of November 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of East Windsor now sitting Frederic Chapman, a resident of Windsor in Hartford County and State aforesaid, aged 72 years a person of veracity and made solemn oath.
That he is well acquainted with Thomas Bissell a resident of said East Windsor an applicant for a pension under the Pension Act of June 7th AD 1832.
That he served with him in the revolutionary war: That he was in the same company with the applicant: that in the year 1777 in the month of October, they were drafted into Capt Nathaniel Hayden's company of said Windsor; which company was attached to Coll Roger Newberry Regiment, of said Windsor; that they marched from said Windsor, thro Farmington, Woodbury, & to Danbury then to Peckskill, on the North river, then to Fishkill & up to Esopus: we stood guard in the different towns on the River in this region, as the enemy were on the river, & were expected to land for plunder where there was not a force to prevent them. Esopus was burned.
Mr Bissell according to the best of my recollection served faithfully for the term of two months, & he is a man of good character for veracity.
Frederik Chapman

Page 37

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid.
Edgar Bissell Clerk


AA Affidavit
Frederic Chapman
for Thomas Bissell
2nd tour

Page 38

AA
Thos Starkweather
Affadavit
for Thos Bissell
1st & 3rd tour

Page 39

State of Connecticut
Hartford County } ss. East Windsor
On this 19th day of Nov AD 1832 personally appeared before me Daniel Hayden Justice of the Peace for Hartford County in open Court in East Windsor aforesaid Thomas Starkweather a resident in said East Windsor aged 83 years a person a veracity and make solemn oath that he is well acquainted with Thomas Bissell a resident of said East Windsor an applicant for a pension under the Pension Act of June 7th AD 1832. That he served with him in the revolutionary war, in the year AD 1777, That about the first of March in said year, in a company commanded by Capt Hezekiah Parsons for the Connecticut Militia which was attached to Maj John Ripleys Battalion, this deponent was in Congs company, he says they went first to Providence in the State of Rhode Island where they stayed a few days, & then went to Bristol which they guarded against the enemy who then held Newport we were discharged in May of the same year, having been in the service this time two months.
Again I knew the said applicant in the service of the United States on the North River, in the fall of the same year, we did not belong to the same company I belonged to Capt Johnson & he to Captain Bissells a part of the time or to Capt Haydens; these companies were of the Connecticut Militia; I returned before Mr

Page 40

Bissell did, while in the service on the North River we saw Esopas burned: we were employed in guarding the towns along the River, from Redhook down to the lower barracks, guarding public & private property against the British who had the command of the River along here: & also against the Tories & Cowboys, as I left Mr Bissell the applicant in the service I cannot testify what time he returned; but I have no doubt he served his time out; as he is, and has always been reputed, a man faithful to his Country, a man of probity & veracity.
Thomas Starkweather
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 19th day of November AD 1832.
Danl Hayden Just. of Peace

I, THOMAS DAY, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify, and make known to whom it doth or may concern.
That Daniel Hayden Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Thomas Starkweather was taken, is, and at the time of such caption was, a Justice of the peace within and for the County of Hartford in said State, duly commissioned and qualified, having full power an authority, by the laws of said State, to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that I verily believe the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine; and that full credence is due to his official acts and attestations.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the twenty first day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Thomas Day

Page 41

*text does not make sense, but is transcribed as written*

Ch. UC; of Ma: & { to Uh: & Co:
{ to death Dec. 31" 155.
3 to wid & ive.

Page 42

Pension Office
April 18, 1856
Sir,
Be pleased to inform me to what time the within named pensioner was paid on the date of his death.
Very respectfully yours
J. Cole
for Commissioner

R. J. A. Hinson Esq
Third Auditor
Treasury


3d Auditor's Office
April 28, 1856
Sir,
Thomas Bissell Conn, act 1832, at $20 per ann, has been paid, as far as accounts have been received from the Agency, to 4 Sept 1855. No evidence of death on file.
Very respy your obt servt,
[unk name]
Auditor


J. Minot Esq.
Commr of Pensions

Page 43

Pension Office.
April, 16, 1856.

Sir:
 The Affidavits of a said person should be filed as proof of the reputation as a revolutionary soldier of Ukanah Dyer. The second of the town from which he is reputed to

Page 44

Eleanor Bissell
wid: No 6331
Thomas
Harford Co
Ct

Revy
ad: $20 per an
Com: Dec 31st 1855 when he died

act Feby 3rd 1853

J. H. Charlton
East Windsor Hill
Ct.



Department of the Interior
Pension Office, Official Business

Page 45

57522

Rev Army

Page 46

246.710
Eleanor Bissell
June 12th/56

Adl Evd

ad 57522
160
act '55
console with 144488
Thos H Bissell
South Windsor Hill
Cont

Page 47

cir claimant Mar 13/56

144.488 act March 3/55
May 21/55
Connd m
Thomas Bissell
Priv



Revolution
Pensioned act June 7 1832
Book E Vol. 2 Page 4
Conn June 32-9806
July 53-5754

claimant
South Windsor
Hartford Co.
Connecticut

Page 48

J. R. W.
This Bureau can furnish the military records of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the 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 Pensions 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.

3-076
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
W
Washington D. C. March 26, 1900
Sir:

In reply to your communication of a recent date, you are informed that the courtesy of furnishing information relative to Revolutionary war soldiers, on account of whose service pensions were granted, is extended by this Bureau only to their descendants and to them only when it is desired for historical or genealogical purposes.
In view of the large number of such inquiries now being made, and of the length of time required to make a proper search of the records in each case, information will not be given to any applicant concerning more than two soldiers.
In order that the claim of the soldier concerning whom you desire information may be identified, it is requested that you furnish as much as possible of the data called for below.

Very respectfully,
J H Davenport
acting Commissioner
Mr. Thos. H. Bissell
Hartford Conn.

Full name of soldier, Thomas Bissell
Place of residence before service, East Windsor, Hartford County Conn
Place of residence after service, South Windsor, New London set off from East Windsor on the [unk] same where he was born
Approximate date of death, Born December 2nd 1757 died Dec 31st 1855- 98 yrs and 29 days old
Given name of widow, Eleanor Bissell
Did either the soldier or his widow receive a pension? Thomas Bissell received a pention
Additional information, is my father was int he service but about six months his pention was a small on My Mother it seems did not apply for a pention on fathers death was she not entitled or her heirs now

Signature, (Mrs. or Miss to be prefixed if a lady signs) Thomas Bissell
Post-office address, including street and number, town, county, and State
45 Ann Street Hartford Conn