Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14508, Stephen Couch, Conn.

Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE  NUMBER

Conn.  Couch, Stephen  W.14 508
Poliphema

CONTENTS

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5795
Massachusetts.
Stephen Couch
of Lee in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain  of the regt commanded by Col Mosley Conn [written over printed, "in the"] Mass [crossed out] line for 8 Mos

Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 20 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of Decr 1831 and Sent H W Bishop Lenox Mass

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832  $39.99
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33  13.33
$53.32

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by J H M Blair Clerk,
Book D- Vol. 2[illegible] Page 43

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5203.  | Repo.
Massachusetts

Poliphema Couch
widow of Stephen Couch
Conn
who was a Private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1. day of April 1844 and sent to Hon. Julius Rockwell
House of Reps.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1, Page 265.

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4798.
Stephen Couch
application for Pension
Lee Mass
Augt 28 1832

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE, ss.
ON this twenty eighth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open Court before Hon. William P. Walker Judge the Court of Probate now sitting Stephen Couch a resident of The Town Lee in the county of Berkshire and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy & four 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 act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832:- That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. - In the Commencement of the Revolutionary War I was an Inhabitant of the Town of Newtown County of Fairfield In the State of Connecticut and In the fall of the year of 1775 I removd to the Town of New Milford In the County of Litchfield State of Connecticut and In the Month of March following I inlisted as A Militia Soldier under Sergeant Timothy Taylor in Colonel Beardsleys Regiment of New Fairfield in Fairfield County and Marched the same Day for New York and there remained till the Arrival of Troops from Boston and then returnd home being out a Month and I think More the Exact time I cannot state
In the Middle of July following I went again to New York as A Substitute for one Samuel Miles who soon after went over to the Enemies fled to [illegible] and soon after Died in this time I remaind for four Months or More as near as I can remember at this time I think Capt Benjamin Stone Comanded the company of New Milford if I am not mistaken Col Hinman of Woodbury In Litchfield County Commanded the Regiment Saml. Canfield was A Major in said Regiment and the Bragidier Genl. in command was Selick Siliman the next time I [illegible] was in the Summer the time I cannot recollect into the state of New York on an [illegible] to a place Cald Coxes Mills or Bed Mills and was commanded By Capt Noble Hine In Col Mosley Regiment one Doctor Graham Surgeon of Woodbury I cannot Exactly tell as to the time but A month or more At this time Col Saml. Canfield Belongd to the regiment and I was A waiter to him on this [illegible]
The ^next time time [crossed out] I was Drafted and the Company Commanded By Capt Noble Hine Col Canfields Regiment and was marchd to Norwalk Stamford & Hors neck This Draft was for Two Months Command By Brigadier Genl Woolcot of Litchfield

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At one other time I went out on an Allarm and on horse Neck went to Litchfield then up the North River to Fishkills and there Discharged was not organisd into any Company Old Men and young turnd out at a time It was said the Enemie was going up the River Cold out frequently on Allarms but not Marched as I recolect More than Above Mentioned and here I would ^state that for the whole course of the War no Man Could Make Any calculation being Subject to to the Calls of his Country Being now in the Eightieth year of My Age and In A feeble State of Health and My Memory like others in my age of Life I cannot recollect the particular times as to Days and Months of the Different times of service not having Any papers to Correct my Memory and from [illegible] all the officers of whom I have Mentioned ar Dead I trust therefor [illegible] to the history of the war for any particulars not mentioned and to any Charracter up to this time of life. I was born in the Town of Now Cald Reading then Fairfield and Now Fairfield County in the State of Connecticut in the year of out Lord one Thousand seven hundred and fifty two on the 18. Day of September The record of my Age If any from what I have Stated is in Fairfield. all the record I have is from my fathers record of his family
I served my first enlistment. - 1 month
do - second - - 4 do
do - third - - 1
do - fourth - - 2
Total 8 months
I always lived when called into service in New Milford in Ct.
I never received a discharge
I was once a substitute as above for Samuel Miles.
I know of no person now living who knows my services and can testify of the same.
I am known to the Rev Alvan Hyde of Lee and to David Baker, the first of whom has known me more than thirty years-

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He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Stephen Couch
[illegible, in margin] Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate
We, Alvan Hyde a clergyman - " - residing in the town of Lee and David Baker residing in same hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Stephen Couch - who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy nine 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.
Alvan Hyde
David Baker
[illegible, in margin]
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
W. P. Walker J. Probate

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and 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 Alvan Hyde is a Clergyman resident in the town of Lee and that David Baker who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Lee in sd County and that their statement is entitled to credit.
W. P. Walker J. Probate

I, Henry W. Bishop Register of the Court of Probate in Pleas, do hereby do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Couch for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty eighth day of August AD 1832

Henry W Bishop Register of Probate

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire Ss. On this fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before the Hon. William P. Walker Judge of the Court of Probate within & for the County aforesaid in open Court. Polliphema Couch a resident of Lee in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy nine 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 Stephen Couch, late of said Lee deceased who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution & at the time of his death a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States: she is unable to specify the services performed by him particularly as a Soldier in the Revolution, as they took place prior to their marriage, but she refers to his Declaration & the accompanying proofs, on which his pension Certificate was granted, supposed to be on file in the Pension Office.- She further declares that she was married to the said Stephen Couch on the sixteenth day of December in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty one, at New Milford, Litchfield County Connecticut: her maiden name was Polliphema Carington: and that her husband, the aforesaid Stephen Couch, died on the ninth day of August in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty three, at said Lee: that she was not married to him prior to

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place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the time above stated. - she further declares that she has not intermarried since his death, but still continues the Widow of the said Stephen Couch, deceased.-
Sworn to and subscribed  her
on the day and year above Polliphema X Couch
written, before  mark
William P. Walker Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County ss.
I, Henry W. Bishop, Register of the Court of Probate within and for the said County of Berkshire do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Polliphema Couch for a pension -
I further certify that the Honorable William P. Walker is the Judge of said Court and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine, and I also certify that George J. Tucker Esquire before whom the annexed deposition of Daniel Couch was taken was at the time of the taking thereof a Justice of the peace within & for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that the signature subscribed to the certificate of oath to said affidavit purporting to be his is his genuine signature-

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"December Sixteenth seventeen hundred Eighty one Stephen Couch married Polliphema [crossed out, illegible] Carington"

I Noah Porter Junr. Pastor of the first Congregational Church in the town of New Milford, County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "Decr" 16. 1781"
Noah Porter Junr

I Noah Porter Junr above named, depose & say: that I hold the Office of Parton of the First Congregation Church in the town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exception above named as certified by me

Noah Porter Junr-
Pastor of the church
aforesaid

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Probate District of New Milford ss:
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court

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before the Court of Probate for said District this 26th day of July 1839
Nathaniel Perry Judge
of said Court

I Noble S. Bennitt Clerk of said Court of Probate do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in taking the affidavit of Revd Noah Porter Junr
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 26th day of July 1839
Noble S. Bennitt Clerk

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4798
Stephen Couch
Lee
Berk Co
Mass

Private 8 Months
admd

$26.66.

H W Bishop
Lenox
Mass.

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BRIEF in the case of Stephen Couch
of Berkshire Cty in the State of Mass-
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

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

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

3. How old is he? 79 years-

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

Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
 | Years, Months, Days. | As a | Gen.
In 1776. Mar | - 1 - | Privt - | Col. Beardsley -
 ' July | - 4 - | " | Capt. B. Stone Col. [illegible]
- | - 1 - | " | " Noble Hine, Col. Mosley
 | - 2 - | " | " Do Do . " Canfield

5. In what battles was he engaged? none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? New Milford

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary Evidence -

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct -

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

J H M Blair
Examining Clerk.

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6044
Poliphema Couch
Mass.
Act 7. July 38

m 81. d 33

admd
8 mo pri
26.66

no deduction

Geo. J. Tucker
Lenox
Mass-

Page 15

In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this fourth day of September AD 1839
Henry W. Bishop Regr. Probate

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P. Couch

Act 43

$26.66 per an

Hon. Julius Rockwell
House of Rep

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Dear Sir  House of Representatives
I enclose a p [erased] March 20. 1844
I enclose a paper and letter from Ransom Hinman Esq of Lee, in regard to the matter of Mrs Couch's application for Pension &c- I hope to hear from you on the subject
Respectfully yours
J. L. Edwards Esq  Julius Rockwell
Comr of Pensions-

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Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
D. C.
Hon Julius Rockwell
Member of Congress

[written sideways up left margin] 5549

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Lee March 13. 1844
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Sir, In the month of Sep last, I made out and provided to your Office papers for Mrs. Poliphema Couch similar to statement hereunto annexed, which were sent back together with a printed circular head with "the regulations for carrying into effect the Act of March 3. 1843" with the following words underscored "that she is personally known to him [underlined] which as I casually omitted, led me to think, that was a reason for so returning it; that defect [underlined], you will perceived is cured in the present certificate. I supposed upon reading the Act of March 3 1843 which is lodged in my Office as Town Clerk of this town, that the widow who had established her claim and drawn a pension under the Act of July 7th 1838 and being still living in the same widowhood, would now be intitled under the Act of March last without going thro' the process of again proving marriage, the service of her deceased husband, and all the details incident to a new case [underlined], which, at this period of time among that class of citizens, is becoming very difficult, for want of living testimony. By the records on our town Books now in my possession, it appears they have children's births recorded, the oldest of which is more than 60 years old & the youngest 46 and that the Parents came from the State of Connecticut in a married state to this town; and this is prima facia [underlined] evidence of an early marriage, as the record also shews that Stephen Couch her husband died the 9th of August 1833 of a cancer aged 80 years.
With the above delineated circumstances together with her statement under Oath and the fact that she has drawn a pension under a former Act, I think Sir, it will be clear in your mind (as it is in mine, from the Knowledge I have of her just and needy claim) that she is entitled, and that you will not hesitate to satisfy the widow.
Respectfully Yours [illegible]
Ransom Hinman

Page 20

I Daniel Couch of Lee in the County of Berkshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty seven years, do testify and say that I am the Son of Stephen Couch, deceased & Polliphema Couch, of said Lee, widow of said Stephen, and that I was present at the decease of the said Stephen Couch, which took place at his Dwelling house in said Lee on the ninth day of August in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three, and I also attended his funeral: the said Stephen at the time of his death, was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States. - I further testify that the said Polliphema Couch has not intermarried since the decease of the said Stephen Couch, but has remained unmarried and is still the widow of the said Stephen Couch, deceased. And further I say not.- Danl Couch.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Berkshire Ss. Lenox September 4.th 1839.
[illegible] the above named Daniel Couch made oath to the truth of the above Deposition by himself subscribed - before me. And I certify that I am well acquainted with said Daniel Couch and Know him to be a man of truth & a credible Witness.-
Geo. J. Tucker, Justice of the Peace.

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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Stephen Couch Berkshire Ct. Mass which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? -

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension other than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

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2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? -

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? - yes

XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes [smudged]
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes [smudged]

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? no

XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

* QUERE V. 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."

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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 [italicized] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.

†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.

‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

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[circular stamp] LENOX
SEP
5
Mass.

Free
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commr. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington.-

[written sideways up left side] 6044
Sept 9
Mass.
July 7, 1838
Polliphema Couch
wid: of Stephen

Page 25

Sir
Enclosed is the Pension Declaration &c. of Mrs. Polliphema Couch.- You will please communicate the result to me. Yrs &c.
Geo. J. Tucker

Lenox Mass.
Sept. 4. 1839.

Page 26

W. 14, 588
Stephen Couch.

[illegible] Aug 28. 1832 & Sept. 18. 1752
Fairfield (now Reading) Conn.
[illegible] New Milford, Conn.
1833 - Dec. Berkshire Co. Mass.
Conn.
Mch. 76  under Sergt Timothy Taylor
Col Beardsley 1 mo

July 76 Capt Benj Stone
Col Hinman 4 mo

Summer Capt Noble Hine
winter Col. Mosley
Saml Canfield  1 mo

Capt. Noble Stone
Col. Canfield  2 mo

Mar. Aug 16, 1781 Polliphema Carington New Milford Conn
8. Dec, Mass. Aug 9 1833
Son Daniel 57 in 1838 [illegible]

Page 27

L. W. B.
W. 14508.
[illegible]

This Bureau can furnish the military record 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 Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
Q. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
May 12, 1897.

Sir:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Stephen Couch, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on August 28, 1832, at which time he was 79 years of age and residing at Lee, Mass., and his pension was allowed for eight months' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Hines and Col. Mosley. He enlisted in Fairfield County, Conn.
His widow, Poliphema, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Mr. Fred M. Couch,
291 Seminary Ave.,
Chicago, Ills.

Page 28

Box 676
R
Rockland Mass
Sept 9. [illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Revolutionary Records Dept
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
To perfect my standing in the DoR I am required to furnish from you the record of pension or revolutionary service of Stephen Couch of Connecticut (served in Conn troops under Col. Mosley) kindly furnish me with same giving the volume and page upon which the record appears and greatly oblige
Mrs Sarah C. Couch Wheeler
(Tacoma Wash)
Please mail to above address at Rockland Mass

Page 29

Chicago. Apr. 19.97

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
Will you kindly send me the record or certificate of service of Stephen Couch I think he was born in 1753 in Conn. & enlisted in the Revolutionary army from Mass. I understand he was with Washington at Valley Forge. Kindly send me the above or let me know where I can obtain information in regard to him.
Yours very truly
Fred M. Couch
291 Seminary Av
Chicago Ill.

Page 30

[split over right and left pages] May 12 - 1894 - History to
Mr. Fred M. Couch
291 Seminary Avenue
Chicago Ills.

Sept. 16, 1904 - Hist. to 
Mrs. Sarah E. C. Wheeler
Rockland. Mass. [illegible]

Revy
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 14,508
Poliphema Couch
Widow of
Stephen Couch
Pri Rev War

Act: March 3d. 43
Index:-Vol. A, Page 147
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 31

4365
Massachusetts

Poliphema Couch widow of Stephen Couch, decd. who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 9th of August 1833 of Berkshire Co in the State of Mass. who was a private in the com commanded by Captain  of the regt commanded by Col Mosley in the Mass. line for 8 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Octob 1839, & sent to [written over printed "and"] Geo. J. Tucker
Lenox, Mass.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $93.33
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Mar '40  13.33
$106.66
Act July 7,
1838.
Recorded by D. M. Curdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 81.

[written sideways to the right] Dec [illegible] (3 march) reld. to Claimt.

Page 32

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Humbly shews Polliphema Couch of the town of Lee, in the County of Berkshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that she is the widow of Stephen Couch late of said Lee deceased, remaining so and residing in said town of Lee; that her said deceased husband, in his life time, drew a Pension from the Government of the United States for services as a Revolutionary Soldier; that he died at Lee aforesaid on the 9th day of August A.D. 1833~ That she made out her claim and drew a Pension under the Act of Congress July 7. 1838 to which she was entitled~ And that by an Act of Congress passed and approved March 3. 1843. entitled "an Act, granting a pension to certain Revolutionary Soldiers," She is again entitled to receive the same pension or annuity which she received under the former Act for, and during the further term of one year from the 4th. of March 1843- Whereupon she prays that said Pension may ^be granted and paid to her in manner and form as is provided. Dated at Lee March 13. 1844.
Poliphema Couch

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire County Ss: Lee March 13. 1844 | Then the above named Poliphema Couch signed the above Instrument in my presence and made Oath to the truth therein contained; and I certify that she is personally well known to me, that she remains the Widow of the aforesaid Stephen Couch residing in this town, that she is entitled to undoubted credit as to truth and veracity, that her mind is sound, very, for one of her age and that she has drawn a pension under the Act of July 7. 1838.
Ransom Hinman Justice of the Peace
within & for the County of Berkshire
Mass.

Page 33

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Berkshire Ss:
I Charles Sedgwick, Clerk of the Superior [crossed out] ^[illegible, crossed out] Court of Common Pleas ^of said Commonwealth for the County of Berkshire, do certify that Ransom Hinman Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration of Poliphema Couch was made, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this sixteenth day of March 1844.
Charles Sedgwick Clerk.