Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12463, Henry Champion, Conn Continental

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE  NUMBER

Conn.  Champion, Henry  S 12463
Continental

carded
CONTENTS

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556
Connecticut
Henry Champion decd

in the State of Ct.
who was Assistant in the Commissary commanded by captain  of the  commanded by  in the  line for [crossed out]
Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 600 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & Ending 13. July 1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of June 1852 and Sent to
D. D. Addison

Arrears to the 4th of  Present
Semi-annual allowance ending

Increased from $480.-

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by R Mc Rae Clerk,
Book E [illegible] Vol. 3 Page 8.

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No 1009

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State of Connecticut New London County Ss
On this 23d day of July 1832 personally appeared before the Honorable Benjamin Trumbull Judge of Probate for the district of Colchester in the County of New London and State of Connecticut. Henry Champion a resident of the town of Colchester in the said County of New London and state of Connecticut aged 81 years the 27 day of March 1832 who being 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 joined the American Army before Boston immediately after the battle of Lexington as an Ensign, but had no commission of that grade. Soon after he received a commission from his Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of the State of Connecticut, dated May 1st 1775 of second Lieutenant of the eighth company in the second regiment of the Connecticut forces, under which he served till 1st January 1776 when he received a commission signed by John Hancock, President of Congress of 1st Lieutenant in Capt Levi Wilts company 22d regiment of Fort commanded by Colo Samuel Wyllys, by a commission signed by John Hancock, President of Congress dated Sept 4th 1776, which last commission was succeeded by one signed by John Jay President of Congress as Captain in the third Connecticut regiment in the army of the United States to take rank from

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1st January 1777 under which last commission he served till May 1st 1780 when he obtained permission from General Washington to resign his commission in the army of the United States which permission is entered on the back of said commission. The foregoing commissions & discharge are now in his possession except the last commission & discharge which are herewith forwarded. When he entered the Army he lived in Colchester the place of his nativity & where he has ever since resided. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state & that ^two of the the aforesaid commissions were issued to Henry Champion Jun, his father Henry Champion being then alive but since deceased. Being without a family he was very seldom absent from Camp & never lost a tour of duty from ill health and took a part in all the action fought in the department in which he served from the battle of Bunker hill to the capture of Stony Point inclusive, in which last action he commanded the first battallion of Connecticut light Infantry which command he retained during his continuance in the Army & retired from the service with no other emolument than his continental pay
Henry Champion
Sworn to and subscribed
the day & year aforesaid

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary officer & served as he states
Benjn Trumbull Judge of sd Court
of Probate

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I Benjamin ^M Trumbull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Colchester in the County of New London and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Henry Champion for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 23d day of July 1832
B. M. Trumbull

I John R Watsons of Colchester, in the County of New London, State of Connecticut, testify and say, that I was in the army of the Revolution from May 1775, to the close of the War - the two first years, viz. 1775 & 1776, as Surgeons mate, from that time, afterwards as Surgeon; and was the whole of said time in a Regiment commanded by Colo Samuel Wyllys and Colo. Thos Grosvenor, in the Connecticut line of said Army - That I have seen and examined a statement made by Henry Champion of said Colchester of his services in the said Revolution - and am personally knowing to his being in the army, as is therein expressed - being the whole time of his service in the same Regiment with him - and that I now live in the same Town with him, and know him to be the same person who was in service, as is by him set forth in his application for a Pension, agreeably to an Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832-
John R Watsons
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesd-
Before me Benjn Trumbull Judge ~

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STATE OF Connecticut
COUNTY OF Hartford ss. District of Hartford
May 17th 1851.

It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Henry Perkins - Judge of the Court of Probate within & for said District of Hartford.

that Henry Champion, aforesaid, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ Four hundred and eighty dollars per annum, and that he died on the 13th day of July . eighteen hundred and 36.
leaving surviving children and no widow, -

and that Abigail Demin, Aristarchus Champion, Maria Watkinson and Eliza C Goodrich -
are the only surviving children of the aforesaid, Henry Champion.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 17th day of May one thousand eight hundred and fifty. one.
Henry Perkins
Judge of Probate

SHH of
Hry Perkins
Pond St

Abigail Deming
Aristarchus Champion
Maria Watkinson
Eliza C Goodrich

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POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.

Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Maria Watkinson of Hartford, Connecticut, a daughter of Henry Champion of Colchester, Connecticut, who was an officer of the army of the American Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, hereby constitute and appoint D. D. Addison of Washington D. C. and George Hill, of Guilford, Connecticut ~ my true and lawful Agents and Attorneys to prosecute the Claim of the surviving children of said Henry Champion for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agents to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file addition evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to Joseph Trumbull and Robert Watkinson executors of the last will and testament of said Henry Champion; to appoint one or more substitutes under them for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorneys and Agents shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 17th day May A. D., 1851.
Maria Watkinson
for herself and the other surviving children of said Henry Champion

Signed and Sealed in the presence of
Ellen M Watkinson
Robert Watkinson

STATE OF Connecticut
COUNTY OF Hartford ss:
On this seventeenth day of May A. D. 1851 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Maria Watkinson and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, the day and year aforesaid.
Edward Goodman J. Peace.

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[same as page 7]

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June 12, 1931

Mr. F. C. Bissell  Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
1009 West Boulevard  EEL
Hartford, Connecticut

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 12463, that Henry Champion, the son of Henry, was born March 27, 1751, in Colchester, New London County, Connecticut.
While residing in Colchester, Connecticut, he joined the American Army immediately after the battle of Lexington as an ensign; May 1, 1775, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Eighth Company, Second Connecticut Regiment; January 1, 176, was commissioned first lieutenant in Captain Levi Wells' Company, Colonel Samuel Wyllys' Connecticut Regiment; October 11, 1776, was commissioned captain of said regiment; he was again commissioned captain, which commission was dated March 16, 1779, to rank from January 1, 1777, in the Third Connecticut Regiment; in the winter of 1777, he was appointed assistant engineer to Colonels Lacarderie and Kosciuszko and assisted in laying out the first fortifications at West Point; and continued to serve in this capacity until about July 1778, when he rejoined his regiment; he was later in that year appointed brigade major to General Parsons' Brigade; he was in the battles of Bunker Hill and Stony Point, where he commanded the first battalion of Connecticut Light Infantry; he resigned May 1, 1780, to become assistant to his father, Colonel Henry Champion, Commissary of Purchases for the army and served until sometime subsequent to April 1, 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 23, 1832, while residing in Colchester, Connecticut.

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He died July 13, 1836, leaving no widow surviving  him.
In 1851, his only surviving children were: Abigail Demin; Aristarchus Champion; Maria Watkinson, a resident of Hartford, Connecticut; and Eliza C. Goodrich. The name of their mother is not given.

P 6 Robert Watkinson 1 of 1 Maria Watkinson [illegible]
Very truly yours
[illegible] Henry Champion & [illegible] Edwards W ^040[illegible] [illegible]
Maria [illegible] 1851

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.

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Dead. Increase applied for & rejected - See letter to Jon. J. Trumbull Dec. 10. 1841 - to Ditto. Jany 18. '42
Let. to L. M. Tracy
Jany 24: 1850 -
Letter to D. D. Addison Octr. 3/57
Same, Mch 26/52.

[right page] 556
Connecticut

Henry Champion
of New London C in the State of Connecticut who was a Captain in the commanded by [crossed out] Captain - of the regt commanded by Col: Wyllys in the Connecticut line for 4 years from 1776 and Continental Line

Oct 28 1905
A.O.T.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 480 Dollars - Cents per ann. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of September 1832 - and sent to Pensioner
Colchester.

Arrears to 4th of September 1832 #720.-
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 March 1833 240.-
$960

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Wm S Allison
Book D. Vol. 3. Page 3[cut off]

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

DEPARTMENT [eagle] OF STATE.

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:

CERTIFY, That the papers hereunto annexed are true copies, transcribed from and carefully collated with the originals on file in this Department. ~

In testimony whereof, I J. J. Crittenden, Acting SECRETARY OF STATE, of the United States, have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of the Department of State to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington, this thirteenth day of October, A. D. 1851, and of the Independence of the United States of America the 76th.

J J Crittenden
Acting Secretary.

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Henry Champion
Papers in the
case of Henry
Champion
with letter to
D. D. Addison
from Secy of State
18th Oct. 1851

D. D. Addison
Present

Page 15

1

Extracts of papers among the Washington Papers in the Department of State.

"Camp, Highlands, July 10th. 1780.

Sir,

Permit me to lay before your Excellency a letter from Capt. Henry Champion of the third Connecticut Regiment enclosing his commission requesting a discharge from the army &c.
From the earliest period of the war Capt. Champion has justly merited the character of an attentive, brave officer and his quitting the army [is] to be regretted, yet his particular circumstances, the situation of his fathers (Col. Henry Champion) affairs as Commissary of Purchases for the army, Col. Champions earnest request for his assistance in that business, together with the essential service Capt. Champion will be ale to render the public in that capacity, induces me to judge his resignation will not injure the service, but conduce

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much to the public good; therefore recommend him for a discharge agreeable to his request, to bear date the first day of May 1780, being the day affixed him for bringing in his resignation, previous to which he entered into the Commissary's business and at which time he now consents his discharge should take place. The reasons assigned in the enclosed letter will I hope plead an excuse for the delay and his not personally applying for a discharge at this time.
Should his Excellency be pleased to accept Capt. Champion's resignation as Capt. in the 3d. Connecticut regiment, I would beg leave to recommend Capt. Lt. Jonathan Heart to succeed to the vacancy.
# # # # # #
I am his Excellency's most
obedient & humble servant,
Saml. Wyllys, Col. Comdt.
first Connecticut Brigade.

His Excellency
Genl. Washington."

Page 17

"Colchester 25th. June 1780.

Sir,

Enclosed I send you my commission as Captain in the Continental army and request your influence to procure me a discharge. I am very sorry to trouble you in this matter but my situation and business is such at present, that it is exceeding inconvenient for me to be in camp myself. I should not delayed sending on my commission to this time, but I have been obliged to make an unexpected Journey to Massachusetts and New Hampshire States to obtain money for the Commissary Department in which uncommon disappointments have prevented my return till two days since and this is the first direct conveyance I have found since the time I proposed writing when I last saw you in camp. Nor can I express the

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mortification I now feel on quitting a profession which it has been my study to understand and highest ambition to discharge the duties of my station, ever since the first alarm at Lexington, and my unhappiness is still increased by the respect I bear and the indulgence I have experienced from the officers in general and the commander of our Brigade and Regiment in particular and I much beg of you to present my resort respectful and cordial thanks to the Field and other officers of our regiment for the politeness I have received and the friendship I have experienced, during the course of five successive campaigns. The injunctions of a father loaded with business and care, whom it is my duty and interest, as well as inclination not to disoblige, could alone prevent my joining and sharing with them the vicissitudes of the war. I am, however, partly relieved from

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my anxiety, by considering that I can perhaps give as much real support to the cause which we espouse as by any personal service I could render in the field.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,
Henry Champion.

Officer Commanding
Col. Wyllys Regt.
Camp."

"Camp, Highlands, July 10th. 1780.
This certifies that there are no publick accounts unsettled with or open against Capt. Henry Champion of the Third Connecticut Regiment; that the state of the regiment is such as does not render his resignation and discharge from it injurious; therefore recommend him for a

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discharge from the army agreeable to his his request. I am his Excellency's most obt. & humble servant,
E. Ells, Capt. Comdt.
3d. Connectt. Regt.

His Excellency, Genl. Washington."

[illegible] Forrest.
Compared with originals and found correct
James S Mackee

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Brief in the case of Henry Champion decd.
County and State of Connt.
act 7 June 1832.

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.) [crossed out]

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Evidence of service of Capt Connt. Papers in the State Dept. and Rolls in this office - or rather Documentary evidence being an A/C Book.

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

Name and residence of the Agent
D. D. Addison
Present,

Kirby Examining Clerk.

Page 22

Pension Office
March 26. 1852.

Sir,

In the case of Henry Chapman of Connt. who was pensioned under the Act of 7 June 1832, at the rate of $480 per annum for services as Capt. in the War of the Revolution, and for whose heirs you ask an increase for services performed in the Commissary Dept. 
I have to inform you that under a recent decision of the Secretary of the Interior the case cannot now be re-opened. It appears that this claim was settled in 1832, when Mr. C. was allowed the full amount of pension for all the service claimed, in which he acquiesced without a murmur up to the time of his death which occurred in 1836. From that time till 1850, 14 years, no increase was demanded ~
It is now too late, under the decision above mentioned to re-investigate the claim ~
I am very Respectfully
Your Obed. Servt.
F F C Triplett
For Com. of Pensions

D. D. Addison Esq.
Present

Page 23

Name | Letter | No | Date | Amount | When due
Henry Champion Junr. | 9. | 488 | Nov. 25. 1786 - | $7.0.86 | April 1. 1781
Ditto .- | 1 | 489 | " " " | 312.12 | " " "

Treasury Department
Registers Office Mar 12. 1852

I Certify the above to be a true extract from the "Register of certificates issued by Jonathan Burrall Commissioner for settling the accounts of the Commissary and Quarter Master Departments, from 22d August 1782 to the 7 May 1789" - on file in this office.
N Sargent
Register

Page 24

Comptrollers office
Hartford
Connt.
Decr. 11th. 1841

I certify that the following is the heading in a Book in this office entitled Haskalls Receipts Page 141 ~

Invoice of Beef Cattle & Sheep deld. by the State of Connecticut for the use of the United States to Sundry droviers appointed by Henry Champion Jr. Esqr receiver on accot. of the requisition of Congress February 25th. 1780 ~

Henry Kilbourn Comp

Henry Champion Jr was pensioned as a Capt. at 480 Dols. pr. annum & died July 1836

Page 25

Henry Champion

D D Addison
Present

Page 26

Department of State,
Washington, August 30, 1851,
D D Addison Esqr.
Washington.

Sir,
The following Evidence of the Staff services of Henry Champion, is found upon an examination of the Washington Papers, made in compliance with your request
In Vol. 30, p. 98 of the Army Returns, under date of November 14th. 1776, there is a return signed by "Henry Champion, Adjutant,"
In the Letters of Washington B. Vol. 3, p. 36, there is a Letter of Genl. Washington dated Feby. 7. 1778, addressed to "Henry Champion A. C. Purchases Conn." The same address & title occur under date of 9th March of the same volume, also under date 4th. June '79, B. vol: 9. p. 67.
In V vol. 11. p. 265 Genl. Washington

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addresses Henry Champion, 12 April, 1780, as "late Asst. C. Purchases;" under date 4th. May 1780, same volume, Champion is addressed as "D. C. Purchases;" the same title is used under date 11th. May & 26th. May 1780.
There is, in No. 39, Vol. 3, p. 421, of the old Congress Papers, a "General Return of Provisions & Signer from the respective States for the use of the Army in 1780" dated 6th. April 1781, in which Henry Champion is returned as the receiver for the State of Connecticut.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
your obedient servant,
W. S. Derrick,
Acting Secretary.

Page 28

Washington May 22nd 1851

Dear Sir,

I enclose herewith a power of attorney and application for an increase of Pension in the case of Henry Champion who was a pensioner under the act of 1832 on the Roll of the state of Connecticut and have respectfully to request an early examination of the same.

I am very respectfully
Your most obedient servt.
D. D. Addison

Jas. E Heath Esqr.

Page 29

Captain
(on role from 1776 to 1780)

West, Chester Ct. $480 per ann
Septr. 19th  | 183/4 [crossed out]

Honl. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
City of Washington
Dist. Columbia

[sideways, down left side] Pension office

[sideways, up right side] Pension Off
Sep 24. '32

Page 30

Colchester Sept. 19.. 1832

Honl. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

Sir,
I address'd a letter to you on the 23d. July last covering a statement of my claims for a Pension under the act of Congress of the 7 of June last.
Not knowing but some accident might have delayed its conveyance, is the principal occasion of my troubling you with this. If it has not been recieved I will be much obliged by your informing me, that I may send another
I have been verbally informed that some officers are allowed $50 per month while others are allowed but $40, and if it is so, not knowing the reason of it, I take the liberty to add to my former claims, - That I was appointed a Brigade Major to Genl. Parsons Brigade in 1778 & performed that duty till Congress ordered it to be done by a Major in the Line - I was also appointed in General orders as assistant Engineer to Colo. La Radier & Colo. Kosciusko successively, at West Point & assisted in laying out the first fortification at that place in the winter of 1777, when I continued till about July 1778, when the Regiment I belonged to being ordered away, I accompanied it.
These services I can verify, & for them I had an extra allowance in the then going currency of those time. 
I have taken the liberty to notice them, that they may have their effect if any.-
I have the Honor to be,
with much respect
Your very Humb. Sert.
Henry Champion

Page 31

Colchester July 23d 1832

Honorable Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

Sir
I herewith transmit my claim to a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 If approved I will thank you to inform me, if not what objection is made to it & please (if consistent) return my commission
I have the honor to be Sir
your most obedient servant

Henry Champion

Page 32

Head Quarters May 1st. 1780 ["May" appears to be written over "July"]

This Certifies that Capt. Henry Champion of the third Connecticut Regiment, has at his own request, obtained permission from His Excellency the Commander in Chief to resign his Commission in the Service of the United States.
D Humphrys A. De Camp

[sideways, down left side] Henry Champion
Captain Commission
signed by Isaac Taylor
Dated March 1779
to Command from 1 Jany 1777

Page 33

THE UNTED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
To Henry Champion Esqure Greeting. We Reprising especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Virtue, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Captain in the third Connecticut Regiment - in the Army of the United States to take rank as Such from the [illegible] day of January AD 1777 You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do Hereby charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders as Captain ~ And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you Shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, or Committee of the States or Commander in Chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officers, according to the rules and discipline of [illegible] [illegible] of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.

Witness his Excellency John Jay Esqr President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the 16 day of March - 1779 and in the third year of Independence. --
John Jay.

Entered in the War Office.
and examined by the Board
Attest
[illegible] Secretary of the Board of War

Page 34

Head Qrs May the 26th. 1780

D Sir

We are in a situation of extremity for want of meat. The Troops on several day have been entirely destitute of any - and for a considerable time past - they have been at best at half - at quarter - at an Eighth allowance of their essential rations This mishap produced a mutiny last night in the Connecticut line. I entreat your best of every emotion to give us relief
I am Dr Sr, with great regard
Yr most Obed Sert.
G Washington

[illegible]
Colo. Henry Champion

Page 35

On public Service

Henry Champion, Esquire
One of the Commissaries of purchases
in

Go. Washington Connecticut

Page 36

[stamp] THE
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
OF THE
UNITED STATES

publi[c servi[ce]

Colo Henry Champion

Colchester
Go. Washington

[upside down] P
Gen Washington
25 May 1780

Page 37

[split over left and right pages] Apr. 15 1894 - History to Mrs - Augusta I. Hicks -
Pigna, Ohio.
(see Inv. 46.049-

1916. July 20, {2 sheets pro. & key} photostat
Copies of Gen. Washington's letters furnished Mrs Grace M. Pierce
Columbia Apl. Wash. D C. (see receipt for payment in this claim.) au

1920 May 21. Photostat of 1 page letter of Washington, furnished N. S. Lincoln 2235 D. St. City. (see receipt for payment in Samuel Sheffield S. 39842.) au

1931 - June 11- Hist to Mrs Merril G. Shaw EEL

1931 - June 12- Hist. to [illegible] C. Bissell - EEL

1939, Mar 9 - Mrs Merrill G Shaw [illegible] no other record for sol. of that name than [illegible] above - MLB

[center] 12463
Rev War INVALID.

File No. 12, 463
Henry Champion
Asst Comy Rev. War
& Continental

Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. A, Page 66
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 38

208 Pawtuxet Ave.
Edgewood, R. I.
Feb. 12, 1939

Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen, -
I am desirous of obtaining information and record of service of an ancestor for use in application for membership in Daughters of American Revolution.
The name of ancestor is Henry Champion [underlined], Born March 20, 1729 in Lyme, Connecticut My record in the Champion Genealogy

Page 39

says that this Henry Champion was appointed Lieutenant of South Company of Lyme May 9, 1765 [underlined] and promoted to Captain on second Thursday in October 1771. Resided in that part of Lyme known as That Rock Hill.
The Genealogy does not give any further information except that he died May 16, 1791-
I have been referred to your office for the information I am seeking.
In looking up this record please do not confuse this Henry Champion as there are several of this same name and one in particular whose record has been given me by mistake.

Page 40

Thank you very much for the information I am asking
Yours Truly
Margery B. Shaw
(Mrs. Merrill G.)

208 Pawtuxet Ave.
Edgewood
R. I.

Page 41

[right side] Law

Received of Miss Grace M. Pierce
The Columbia Apt.
Wash. D. C.
$270 for copies of papers in 9 Rev. War claims per attached sheet R
RWB Law
[stamp] Finance Division
JUL 20 1916
BUREAU OF PENSIONS [end stamp text]
July 20, 1916
[stamp] CHIEF'S DESK
[illegible] & Supplies
JUL 20 1916
Division
U. S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[left page] BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Finance Division.

July 20, 1916
Chief of Land Division
Sir:
I have this day received from
Miss Grace M. Pierce draft [crossed out]
No. [crossed out] Cash for [crossed out] $2,70/100,
requesting post office addresses [crossed out] copy of record
as per letter herewith.
July 26, 1916 Finance Division advised as to disposition of money
RWB Law

Very respectfully,

W. N. Campbell
[illegible]
Chief of Division.

Page 42

uncertified. total no. sheets 18.
15/ 90
18/2.70
delivered to Miss Pierce in person July 25, 1916

July 20, 1916.

Miss Grace M. Pierce 
The Columbia Apts.
Washington D. C.
wants
2 photo copies of 1 sheet: in Rev. War pension claim Saml. Lapsley, Va. W9149
2 " " " 1 " " " " " Sylvanus Budlam, Mass. W25188
2 " " " 1. " " " " " Henry Champion, Conn. S.12463 [underlined]
2 " " " 1. " " " " " " Thos. Cook. N. C. R.2247
2 " " " 1 " " " " " Thos. Hall, N. Y. W.1857
2 " " " 1 " " " " " Saml. Sheffield Navy, S39842
2 " " " 1 " " " " " Thos. Linnen, Mass. S. 18080
2 " " " 1 " " " " " John Pushee, Mass, S.18557
18 2 " " " 1 " " " " " Andrew Walker, Penn, B. L. W12390

Page 43

THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY of the SONS of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION
[many names printed in the heading and left margin]

F. CLARENCE BISSELL, Registrar
1009 West Boulevard, Hartford  May 11. 1931

U. S. Pension Office
Please send Pension record of Henry Champion [underlined], New London County,
Conn. 1832.
Respectfully
F C Bissell Regr.

[circular stamp] PENSION
B
MAY
U. 13 S.
1931
OFFICE

[oval stamp] WIDOW DIVISION
MAY 16 31
E. M.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

PATRIOTIC, HISTORICAL, AND EDUCATIONAL

Page 44

MRS. MERRILL G. SHAW
208 PAWTUXET AVENUE
EDGEWOOD, R. I.

April 20, 1931.
U. S. Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

[circular stamp] PENSION
O
APR
U 22 S
1931

Gentlemen:-
I am writing for information regarding Henry Champion [underlined] of Lyme, Connecticut and his war record during the Revolutionary War.
The Champion Genealogy says that he was made a Captain in 1771 but that is as far as his war record goes in the book.
I am seeking this information

Page 45

as I am a direct descendent and wish to join the D. A. R.
If you cannot give me this information will you kindly advise [underlined] me where I can obtain it.
Thanking you in advance
yours respectfully,
(Mrs.) Merrill G. Shaw.

Page 46

No.

Date May 21 1920
Name Henry Champion No. Sur. File 12463
Rev. War
Photographic copies wanted of 1
piece, consisting of 1 pages.
Remarks:

A E Wilson Exr. W. F. W[illegible] Chief Record Div.
2032
Serial  Law Clerk.

Page 47

Washington
letter photo
see receipt for
payment in
Samuel Sheffield
S 39842 -

Page 48

June 11, 1931

Mrs. Merrill G. Shaw  Rev.& 1812 Ware Section
208 Pawtuxet Avenue  EEL
Edgewood, Rhode Island

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, 8.12463, that Henry Champion, the son of Henry, was born March 27, 1751, in
Colchester, New London County, Connecticut.

While residing in Colchester, Connecticut, he joined the American Army immediately after the battle of Lexington as an ensign; May 1, 1775, he was commissioned second lieutenant in the Eighth Company, Second Connecticut Regiment; January 1, 1776 was commissioned first lieutenant in Captain Levi Wells' Company, Colonel Samuel Wyllys' Connecticut Regiment; October 11, 1776, was commissioned captain of said regiment; he was again commissioned captain, which commission was dated March 16, 1779, to rank from January 1, 1777, in the Third Connecticut Regiment; in the winter of 1777 he was appointed assistant engineer to Colonels Lakadier [crossed out] (Lacarderie) and Kosciuszko and assisted in laying out the first fortifications at West Point, and continued to serve in this cpacity until about July, 1778, when he rejoined his regiment; he was later in that year appointed brigade major to General Parsons' Brigade; he was in the battles of Bunker Hill and Stony Point, where he commanded the first battalion of Connecticut Light Infantry; he resigned May 1, 1780, to become assistant to his father, Colonel Henry Champion, Commissary of Purchases for the army and served until sometime subsequent to April 1, 1781.

[left margin beside preceding paragraph] use correct spelling on this name Lacarderie & not such as sol. stated, & as Hutman gives it

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 23, 1833, while residing in Colchester, Connecticut.

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He died July 13, 1836, leaving no widow surviving him.

In 1851, his only surviving children were: Abigail Deming; Aristarchus Champion; Maria Watkinson, a resident of Hartford, Connecticut; and Eliza C. Goodrich. The name of their mother is not given.

Very truly yours

E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.

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Increase,

Henry Champion decd.
Connt.
Act 7 June 1832.
admd.
2 yrs Ass. Commy of Issues [crossed out] $600 per an: to 13 July 1836 when he died. Deduct former Payments at the rate of $480 per ann:
Payable to 
Abigail Demin, Aristarchus Champion, Maria Watkinson & Eliza C. Goodrich only remaining children.

D. D. Addison
Present.

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March 9, 1939

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

HENRY CHAMPION
Mrs. Merrill G. Shaw  S. 12463
208 Pawtuxet Avenue  BA-J/MLB
Edgewood, Rhode Island

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Henry Champion who was born in 1729 in Lime, Connecticut, was appointed Lieutenant from that town in 1765, promoted to Captain in 1771 and died in 1791.

This office has no record of service rendered in the Colonies prior to the Revolutionary War, hence, none of service rendered by a Henry Champion, 1765-1771.

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service in that war of the Henry Champion cited above. No other claim for pension or bounty land has been found based upon service in the Revolution of a Henry Champion than the one which was furnished you June 11, 1931.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator