Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,647, Aaron Comstock, Conn.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE NUMBER

Conn. Comstock, Aaron W. 17,647
Ann

CONTENTS

Page 2

17533
Connecticut

Aaron Comstock
New Canaan in the State of Connecticut
a Cor. & Sgt. in the Company commanded [by Capt]ain Benedick of the Regt. commanded [by] Col Waterbury in the Connecticut line for 6 mo. corpol
18 mo. sergt.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 112 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Augt. 1833 and deld. B Isaacs of Norwalk Con, Present

Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33, $224.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 3 Sep '33  56.
$280.

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 9

Page 3

Connecticut 777

Ann Comstock
widow of Aaron Comstock decd
Conn.
who died on the 24 January 1834 of Fairfield in the State of Ct who was a Corp & Sgt in the Company commanded by Captain Benedick of the Regt commanded by Col. Waterbury in the Connt line for 6 mos Corporal
18 " Sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of Connt. at the rate of 112 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 [illegible] to 24 Jany. 1534 to be deductd.

Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Apl. 1837 and sent Benjn Isaacs Norwalk Ct

Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 $ 672.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.  56.00
$728.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section the 3d.

Recorded by D D Addison Clerk
[Bo]ok A. Vol. 1 Page [illegible]

Page 4

State of Connecticut, ss.
County of Fairfield,
On this 31- day of July - 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Norwalk in the County aforesaid

now sitting, Aaron Comstock - a resident of New Canaan - in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy Nine years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein 
1 stated. That in November 1775 [underlined] Inlisted under Capt. Daniel Benedict in Norwalk and was marched to New York and served Four Months [underlined] and twenty two days [underlined] and was discharged at Harlem heights. Decr. 1 
2 1776 [underlined] I enlisted again into Capt John Coster Company at Norwalk was on Guard at Norwalk horseneck and on the lines was in the front of the battle where Genl. Wooster was killed in Ridgefield, and near Genl Arnold when his horse was shot under him and served until the 7 day of July [underlined] next following and was discharged at horse neck. I was again [underlined] on the 7 day of July 
3  Drafted [underlined] and served under James Weed at Byram for fifteen days [underlined]. And in August following [underlined] was drafted [underlined] into 
4 Capt. Jabez Gregory Company at Norwalk and served one month and 15 days [underlined] and was discharged at horseneck ~
5 In the fall of the year 1778 [underlined] I enlisted into Capt. Reuben Scofield at said New Canaan then being a part of Norwalk under Col. John Mead, afterwards Genl Mead and I served under said Capt. Reuben Scofield until the first day of December 1783 [underlined] in guarding and protecting the sea coast and on the lines, and part of this time under Genl Waterbury - was in the battle when the town of Fairfield and Norwalk were burnt
Born in Norwalk aforesaid Octr. 20. 1752 Recorded in my Fathers book produced in Court lived in said Norwalk when I entered into the aforesaid service in the parish of Canaan now the town of New Canaan where I now live, never recd any Written discharge and have no documentary evidence of my services.

Page 5

The said Aaron Comstock hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Aaron Comstock

We, William Bonney a clergyman, residing in the town of New Canaan and Isaac Benedict. residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Aaron Comstock who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 79- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood 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.
William Bonney
Isaac Benedict

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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that William Bonney who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of New Canaan and that Isaac Benedict - who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of New Canaan - and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Benjn Isaacs Judge

I, Charles Isaacs Clerk of the said Probate District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Aaron Comstock for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Probate Office, this 31 day of July - 1832.

Chas. Isaacs Clerk

Page 6

[left page] Found on Scofields Rolls-
2 mo 2 ds Corpl in -79-
Sergt. 8 mo 28 ds
" 1 - 28
" ~ 16
" 4. - 5
I consent to estimate his services in that compy at Corpl 6 mo
Sergt 18 mo
24 mo
Benjn. Isaacs

admd
6 mo. Corpl
18 mo. Sergt.

[right page] Aaron Comstock
No. 3156.

[sideways down page] [first line cut off, illegible]
[illegible] campaigns at Norwalk Horse necks Stamford Byram and on guard. and was in actual and constant service as a Sergeant in said company for more than two years in the service of the United States during said term of time
Sworn and Subscribed   Aaron Comstock
in open Court the day
and year aforesaid
Benjn Isaacs Judge

Page 7

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Ss. Probate Court District of Norwalk May 1st 1833 Personally appeared the within named Aaron Comstock and being duly sworn in open Court according to Law deposes and says in explanation of his declaration herein set forth.
That in November 1775 I enlisted as herein stated in Capt Daniel Benedict Compy. Col. Waterbury Genl. See and was marched to New York and was in actual and constant service as a Private Soldier. Four Months and twenty [crossed out] two days
That Decr. 1. 1776 I enlisted as herein stated in Capt. John Coster Compy. Col. John Mead Genl. Silliman as a private soldier and was in actual and constant service on Guard at Norwalk Horse neck on the lines. Seven Months and six days
On the 7 July 1777 I was drafted in [illegible] Comd James Weed Col. John Mead Genl. Silliman as a private soldier and was on Guard at Byram on the lines. 15 days
On the first of August 1777 I was drafted as herein stated in Capt Jabez Gregory Company Col. John Mead Genl Silliman as a private soldier and was stationed at Horse Neck and on guard and was in actual and constant service. One Month and fifteen days
In the fall of the year 1778 I enlisted as herein stated as a sergeant in Capt. Reuben Scofield company Col Mead & Col Stephen St John Genl. Silliman & Genl. Mead and continued in said Company until the first of Decr. 1783 during which term of time I was in Nineteen campaigns at Norwalk Horse necks Stamford Byram and on guard. and was in actual and constant service as a Sergeant in said company for more than two years in the service of the United States during said term of time
Sworn and Subscribed Aaron Comstock
in open Court the day
and year aforesaid
Benjn Isaacs Judge

[remaining text sideways, same as page 6]

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1086

Ann. Comstock
widow of Aaron

married 24 Nov. 74

admd
112$

Old case deduct.
died 24 Jany. 1834 [illegible]
ap

Benjn Isaacs Esqr
Norwallk
Conn.

Page 9

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Ss
On this 15th day of December 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Norwalk in said County and State Ann Comstock a resident of New Canaan in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged Eighty 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the Widow of Aaron Comstock who according to her best belief and Knowledge entered the Service of the United States and served as a Sergeant under different Capts. and under Col. John Mead Col. Stephen St John Genl Silliman as will fully appear by the proofs declarations and applications in granting said Aaron Comstock a pension under the Act of June 7 - 1832 on the Records at Washington City as [illegible] Certificate dated the 26 day of August 1833 and No. 17533 which Certificate was surrendered to the War Department on the death of said Aaron Comstock has no documentary evidence of her husband services except what may be at Washington  She further declares that she was married to the said Aaron Comstock on the Twenty fourth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy four that her husband the aforesaid Aaron Comstock died on the twenty fourth day of January Eighteen hundred and thirty four and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Sworn to and subscribed  her
Ann X Comstock
mark
on the day and year above
Written before said
Court of Probate -

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I George Taylor Clerk of the said Probate Court being a Court of Record do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the Matter of the application of Ann Comstock for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Probate Court the 20 day of December 1836

G Taylor
Clerk

Page 11

In the record of the congregational church in Canaan Parish, (now the town of New Canaan.) there is a list of persons joined in marriage by Rev. William Drummond, who was the pastor of this church from 1772 to 1777.
In this list is the following entry made by Mr. Drummond
"Nov. 24. 1774. Aaron Comstock and Ann Hanford, both of Canaan."

New Canaan
Dec 19. 1836 | Attest Theophilus Smith, Pastor
of the Congrl. Chh. in New Canaan.

Page 12

AWF

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

May 13, 1926

Alice E. Conklin
Ivy Ave
Englewood, N. J.

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 17647, it appears that Aaron Comstock was born October 20, 1752 at Norwalk, Connecticut.
While residing at said Norwalk, he enlisted
and served as a private in the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From November 1775, four months and twenty-two days in Captain Daniel Benedict's Company, Colonel Waterbury's Regiment.
From December 1, 1776 to July 7, 1777 in Captain John Carter's Company, Colonel John Mead's Regiment, and was in the battle at Ridgefield.
From July 7, 1777, fifteen days under Lieutenant James Weed, in Colonel John Mead's Regiment.
From August 1, 1777, one month and fifteen days

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in Captain Jabez Gregory's Company, Colonel John Mead's Regiment.
From the fall of 1779 to December 1, 1783, as
Sergeant in Captain Reuben Scofield's Company, Colonel John Mead's Regiment, and was in the battlesaat Fairfield, and Norwalk.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 31, 1832, while a resident of New Canaan, Fairfield County, Connecticut. He died January 24, 1834.
Soldier married November 24, 1774 in Canaan
Parish, Connecticut, Anne Hanford. She was allowed pension on her application executed December 15, 1836, while a resident of NewwCanaan, Connecticut, aged eighty years.

Their children-
Thaddeus born August 6, 1775, died Nov. 3, 1775
Aaron " March 25, 1777.
Thaddeus Hanford " September 10, 1779.
Lucretia " September 8, 1783.
Hannah " September 8, 1785.
Daniel " August 4, 1789.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner

Page 14

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Aaron Comstock Wid 7. 17,647, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE.
 | | | CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | 
Nov, 1775 | 4 mos 22 days | Pri. | Daniel Benedict. | - Waterbury | Conn.
Dec 1st. 1776 | July 7, 1777 | Pri. | John Carter | - John Mead | Conn.
July 7. 1777 | 15 days | Pri. | under [crossed out] Lt. James Weed. | - " " | Conn.
Aug 1. 1777 | 1 mo. 15 days | Pri | Capt. Jabez Gregory | - " " | Conn.
x Fall 1778 | Dec 1. 1783 | Pri [crossed out] Sergt | Reuben Scofield | [ditto marks crossed out] John Mead | Conn.

Battles engaged in, Ridgefield [check mark above], Fairfield [x above] and Norwalk [+ above], Conn.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Norwalk, Conn.
Date of application for pension, July 31. 1832: his claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, New Canaan, Fairfield Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, born Oct 20, 1752 at Norwalk Conn: died Jan. 24 1834.
Remarks: He married Ann Hanford at Norwalk Conn. Nov 24 1774, [crossed out] in Canaan Parish, Nov. 24, 1774 Anne Stanford, & she was alld. penss. on an applic. ex. Dec. 15, 1836 while 80 yrs of age & a res. of ^Fairfield C. Conn. Children: Thaddeus born Aug 6. 1775 died Nov 3, 1775: Aaron born March 25, 1777: Thaddeus Hanford, born Sept. 10, 1779; Lucretia, born Sept 5. 1782, Hannah, born Sept. 8. 1785; Daniel, born Aug 4. 1789.

Page 15

V.L.K.
Rev. War Section.

April 1. 1914.

Mrs. Ida A. Foster,
211 London Street,
Portmsouth, Virginia.

Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 21" instant, you are advised that to obtain the date of the last payment of the pension of Ann, widow of Aaron Comstock, wid. File No. 17,647 Rev. War, you should apply to the Auditor for the Interior, [illegible] U. S. Treasury Department, citing the following data: Ann, widow of Aaron Comstock, $112. per annum, commencing March 4, 1831, certificate No. 771, issued April 19, 1837, Act July 4, 1836, Connecticut Agency.

Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.

Page 16

3-871
Ao.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Briefed by A. [illegible] D. 12/11/'10
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Arron Comstock
Service Conn.
Additional Service Rev.

No  claim, State records  , 191
No claim, combination records  , 191

REMARKS:
No Fm. of any service from 36, 000
" Wid. "" " not [illegible] see
" Regt. at all Wid 17647

No Aaron Comstock [illegible]
[illegible]. One Anson Comstock
S. 12532
but service not
identical
6-1914  Chief Division

Page 17

Portsmouth Va March, 21st 1914
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions.

Some time ago your department sent me upon my request a statement of the military record of Aaron Comstock a Revolutionary soldier from Connecticut.

He drew a pension & after his death his widow Anne Hanford Comstock drew one. She applied for her pension, Dec. 16, 1836.

Page 18

I would like to know how long she drew the pension. The record is numbered. M. B. H.
W. F. 17 647. Rev. War.

Thanking you for the information if you can give it to me.

Yours Respectfully
Mrs. Ida A. Foster
211 London St.

Page 19

Portsmouth Va March, 31st 1914
Mr. G. M. Saltzgaber, Commissioner of pensions.
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir,
In a certificate issued by you under date Nov. 28. 1913, of the military history of Aaron Comstock, & based upon. Revolutionary War records. M. B. H. W. F. 176 47. Rev. War. you kindly gave all the information I needed with reference to Aaron Comstock. Under the head of remarks you stated that Aaron Comstock's widow Ann Hanford Comstock was allowed a pension on application executed Dec. 15, 1836, while

Page 20

a resident of Fairfield Co. Conn. aged 80 yrs.
I would like to know the date of Ann Hanford Comstock's death & if your records do not show this kindly let me know the date of the last pension paid to her. Thanking you for your former attention to this matter & assuring you of my appreciation of your kindness.
yours truly
Ida A. Foster.

Mrs. I. A. Foster.
211 London St.
Portsmouth
Va.

[circular stamp] PENSION
O
APR
U. 1 S.
1914
OFFICE

Page 21

Rev Sec

2
To the Dept of Interior Bureau of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

Please send me the military history of Aaron Comstock a soldier of the Rev. He drew a pension and my cousin told me that the information could be given me from this department. Her's was found in the Rev. War records section Div J. SC. Wid File 17647 His wife's name was Ann Hanford
Yours sincerely
Caroline E. Osborn
315 Broadway
Dobbs Ferry
New York.

July 28,
1915

[circular stamp] PENSION
D
JUL
U. 29 S.
1915
OFFICE.

Page 22

[same as previous page (21)]

Page 23

Portsmouth Va Nov. 22nd 1913
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington. D. C.

Please send me the military record of Aaron Comstock [underlined, twice] a Revolutionary soldier, his widow [underlined] Anne Hanford Comstock drew a pension. A member of my family has the record & he told me I could get it from your department. I think

Page 24

you will find it in. Record Division: J. S. C. Wid. File 17647. Rev. War. If there is any charge for the information please let me know & I will send on the amount of fee.
Yours very truly
(Mrs) Ida A. Foster.
211 London St.

Page 25

O. W. & N.  C

[circular stamp] O. W. & N. DIV.
FEB
3
1906
FILES

Bureau of Pensions.
Wash. D. C.
Dear Sir,

I wish to make inquiry concerning the Lambs and Comstocks who were pensions ^for service in the war of the American Revolution. For whose service did Ann Comstock recieve a pension from New Canaan Connecticut It was granted her in 1840 she was then 85 years of age. I also wish to know who was the wife of Simeon Comstock who rec'd a pention act of Congress 1840 aged 86. I also wish to know the name of Silas Lamb's wife he rec'd pention at the age of 77 from Groton Ct. act of 1840

Page 26

Who was the wife of John Comstock [illegible] line of Sheldons Continental State regiment June 1776 taken prisoner some say killed
Can you give me any information concerning the family of Samuel Comstock Capt of Sullivans Regt. Con. Militia Aug to Dec 1776 served till June 1783.

For whose service did Lucy Sedgwick of Hartford receive a pension?

Please tell me as much as you can of the families of these patriots all of whom were from Connecticut.
Address
Mrs. M. S. Drake
2126 Dwight Way
Berkeley
Cal.

[circular stamp, sideways] PENSION
A
FEB
U. 2 S.
1906
OFFICE.

Page 27

Hastings-on-Hudson N. Y.
November 8th 1910.

Bureau of Pensions.
Gentlement.-
I am very desirous of obtaining a copy of the record of service of my Great-grand-father Ann Comstock. In 1776 he was a member of the 9th company of the 9" Regiment of Militia of the State of Connecticut commanded by Lieut. Col. John Mead (from Greenwich). The company was composed of men from Canaan Parish and at that date under Capt. Daniel Benedict. Aug. 12- 1776. They were ordered to New York they were again ordered to New York they were again ordered Oct. 28th to march Westchester under Lieut. John Carter. He was promoted to the rank of adjutant in the first battallion raised June 1776 - He was quarter master in "77 Sergeant in "79 and afterwards pensioned. Would like to have a copy of this pension paper as I am desirous of becoming a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and must have the required proof. Thanking you in advance for any information  [stamp] NOV 11 1910 [illegible]
I am Yours Hanford Comstock Todd"

Bureau of Pension
Washington D. C.

Page 28

Aus.
May 13, 1926

Ivy Ave.
Englewood, N. J.
April 2, 1926

Dept. of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington. D. C.

Dear Sirs -

Will you kindly send me a statement of the military record of Aaron Comstock - a soldier in the Revolutionary War? If it is

Page 29

possible will you include dates of enlistments - officers under whom he served etc.

I wish to use this information to join the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and would appreciate it if you could send to copies as two records are needed - one for chapter and one for the headquarters of the society in Washington.

Thank you for your courtesy
(Miss) Alice E. Conklin

Page 30

Ivy Ave.
Englewood N. J.
May 10, 1926.

Dept. of Interior
Bureau of Pensions - Record Div.
Washington - D. C.

Dear Sirs:
Many weeks ago I sent a request for a statement of the military history of Aaron Comstock - a ^Conn. soldier in the Revolutionary War.

Since I have not

Page 31

received it and since I did not send any money with my request - I assume there is a charge for the records necessary.

If you will advise me of the required amount I shall immediately forward it. I wish to see this information in order to join the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Yours truly,
(Miss) Alice E. Conklin

Page 32

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 17647
Ann Comstock
widow of
Aaron Comstock
Sergt Rev War

Act: July 4th 36
Index:-Vol. A, Page 150

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right page] 1906 Feb 10- History to Mrs. M.
1910 Nov. 15. To Hanford C. Todd ¢
1913. Nov. 28. Hist to Mrs. Ida A Foster
MNK

Apr. 1 Mrs. Ida A. Foster to apply to the And for lat.
[illegible]
Aug. 4. Hist. to Caroline C. Osborn
May 13 - " " Alice E. Conklin
[illegible]

Page 33

A Comstock

admd

4.5.6.14.17

B Isaacs

P 141.

Page 34

3156 [circled]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Aaron Comstock ~ which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?

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

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? - no

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 amout of pension he is entitled? - no

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

No

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

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?

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?

Page 35

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?

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?

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? - no -
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?

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?

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

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

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."

Page 36

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 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 be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under 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.

Page 37

State of Connecticut | Ss. Court of Probate in & for the
County of Fairfield | District of Stamford July 25rd Ad 1832 -

Personally appeared in open Court Ephraim Jones resident in Stamford in said County who being first duly sworn deposes & says that he enlisted in the fall of the year 1775 [underlined] in a company of state troops commanded by Capt. Daniel Benedict & served in the same till the 25th of March 1776 - Col David Waterbury of Stamford commanded the Regiment - The service was rendered in the city of New York - we were in the service five months [underlined] as nearly as Deponent can recollect. Aaron Comstock Esq [underlined] of New Canaan in said County enlisted with me in the same company & served in it the same time I did [underlined] - we were discharged at New York - In the July following [underlined] he & myself were drafted & went in the same company to New York & served two months - In 1777 [underlined] we were again drafted & went to Byram in Connecticut in the same company which was then commanded by Lieutenant James Weed - we served this time four weeks - In the year previous in 1776 we were drafted & went to said Byram & served six weeks under Capt. Gregory - said Comstock was with me & served with me on all these occasions -
Ephraim Jones

Sworn to & subscribed in open Court the day & year aforesaid

Chsr Hawley Judge -
And I certify that the said Ephraim Jones is well known to me personally & is a credible person -
Stamford Probate office Feb. 2nd 1833
Chsr Hawley Judge -

Page 38

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Ss. Probate Court District of Norwalk on the 31 day of July 1832 before said Court personally appeared Daniel Weed aged sixty seven of New Canaan in said County being duly sworn according to law in open Court doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Aaron Comstock of said New Canaan that in the time of the Revolutionary War lived with said Comstock from year before the close of the War and knows that said Aaron was in the service under Capt. Reuben Scofield during the whole of said time  Daniel Weed
Sworn and Subscribed in open Court
Benjn Isaacs Judge

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Ss Probate Court District of Norwalk
May 2d. 1833. this may testify that I am well acquainted with the above deponent Daniel Weed and know him to be a respectable and Credible Person  Benjn Isaacs Judge

Page 39

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Probate Court District of Norwalk May 1. 1833
Personally appeared Jesse Richard of New Canaan ^aged Sixty Nine and being duly sworn in open Court, Depose and say that He is well acquainted with Aaron Comstock of said New Canaan and knows that said Comstock was in Actual and constant service for the United States in Capt. Reuben Scofield Company. for more than two years. from the fall of the year 1778. to Dcr. 1. 1783 on Guard and on the lines, within said term of time
Jesse Richard
Sworn & Subscribed in open
Court the day and Year
aforesaid and that said
Jesse Richard is a Credible
Person  Benjn Isaacs Judge

Page 40

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County Ss December 15. 1836
Personally appeared before the Subscriber Benjn Isaacs a Justice of Peace within and for said Fairfield County Lovana Heeler of New Canaan in said County who being first duly sworn according to Law deposes and says that she is Fifty years of age and well acquainted with Aaron Comstock late of New Canaan decd and with his Widow Ann Comstock and knows that said Aaron Comstock died on the Twenty fourth day of January One thousand Eight hundred and thirty four and that said Ann Comstock has remained the Widow of said Aaron Comstock decd since that period and is now his Widow
Lovana Heeler
Sworn and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid that
the said Lovana Heeler is
a Credible Witness Benjn Isaacs Justice of Peace

Page 41

this may Certify that the following is a true Copy from the Record of the town of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut ss
Aaron Comstock was Married to Anne Hanford Nov. 24. 1774
Thaddeus Comstock son of sd Aaron & Anne born Augt. 6 1775
The said Thaddeus Comstock died Nov. 3. 1775
Aaron Comstock son of Aaron & Anne born March 25. 1777
Thadds. Hanford Comstock son of sd Aaron & Anne born Sept. 10 - 1779
Lucretia Comstock Daughter of sd Aaron & Anne born Sept 8 1782
Hannah Comstock Daughter of sd Aaron & Anne born Sept. 8 1785
Daniel Comstock son of sd Aaron & Anne born Augt. 4 1789
attest Benjn Isaacs Town Clerk
Norwalk Decr. 19. 1836  of Norwalk

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[same as previous page (41)]

Page 43

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield Ss
I George Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Norwalk in said County and State being a Court of Record do hereby Certify that Benjn Isaacs whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proofs to the foregoing depositions was on this day and date [illegible] and for more than one year before a Justice of the Peace within and for said Fairfield County Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer Oaths and to take depositions And am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Benjn Isaacs and know the same to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have set my hand and affixed the seal of said Probate Court the 30 day of December 1836

G Taylor Clerk