Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,859, Reuben Wilcox, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Wilcox, Reuben
S 11,859
Carded
CONTENTS

14161 1476 New York Reuben Wilcoxon of Oneida Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Allen of the Regt: commanded by Col Meard in the Ch Virg line for 7 mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of May 1833 and sent to J. B. Baker.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $46.66 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept 1 11.66  $58.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. I. Williams Clerk. Book _____ Vol. 4 Page 31
Date of Certificate Nov. 11. 1833
†

Reuben
Walter Wilson
Whitestown Medina County
N.Y.
14 730
Acorn
Ymo pri

declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832
State of New York } On this twelfth day of Septem- Meida County } ber 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Meida now sitting Reuben Milcox a resident of the Town of Whitestown in the County of Meida and State of New York aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
That he was born at Middletown in the State of Connecticut on the first day of November 1762 That he has no record of his age. That at the time he entered the service he resided at Middletown aforesaid, that he continued to reside there until about the year 1790 when he removed into the Town of Durham, which was adjoining Middletown & resided there until January 1792 when he remo- ved to the Town of Whitestown aforesaid where he has ever since resided & still resides
That in the month of July 1779 the day of the month he can not tell he was drafted at Middletown aforesaid from Captain Daniel Clarke's Company of Militia to which he belonged, as a private soldier for the term of eight months, that the company to which he belonged first rendezvoused at Estlin Brewster's in the City of Middletown, Brewster being the Lieutenant, that he was marched together with others under the command of Lieut. Brewster aforesaid to New Haven, where the company was altogether, that Captain John Allen comman- ded from Berlin commanded the company & the ensign's name was Clarke but his given name he does not recollect, the orderly sergeant's name was David Hubbard, that they marched from New Haven aforesaid to Horineck in the State still believes he was absent at service near

of Connecticut & was attached to Colonel Meads regi- =ment, he thinks he was a Lieut Col. but he com= =manded the regiment, the majors name he can not recollect, but the adjutants name was Bull, That he recollects Capt. Perry & Capt. Keeler respectively commanded commanded companies in said regiment & he was acquainted with them. That Col. Meads regiment was the only one stationed at Horse neck, That while he was stationed there he together with about forty others of the regimo volunteered & with about forty others who were in= habitants went under the command of Capt. Keeler above mentioned, he thinks in the month of January, to a place called Morrisena, which he believes to be about 30 miles from the Camp & surprised a Body of Tories or "Cow Boys" as they were then called & took a Colonel Hatfield, a Capt. a Quarter Master & twelve privates prisoners & conveyed them to the Camp where the regiment was stationed, That he remained there at Horse =neck until the last day of February 1780 when they were marched to Norwalk, State of Connec= =ticut aforesaid where he was honorably discharged having served upwards of seven months, but he received no written discharge, that he then returned to Middletown aforesaid
That he has no documentary evidence of his services, That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service ex= cept his Brother Abel Wilson who resides in New= Hartford in the County of Middle & State of New= York who knows something of his service although he was not in the service with him & Isaac Hubbard of Trenton, N.Y. who lived in the town at the time
That the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood & who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution are as follows, Rev. John Frost Pastor of the

Presbyterian Church in Whitestown, Rev. Alanson S Covell Pastor of the Baptist Church at the same place, Judge Needham Maynard Farmer Doctor Elizer Moreley, Merchant, Lewis Berry Jnn Thechee, Gen Theodore Sill Counsellor at Law & Gen Fortune C White Counsellor at Law
He 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 any state the agency of any state
Sworn to & subscribed } the day & year aforesaid } Joseph B. Read Dep. Clerk
Reuben Wilson
we Elizer Moreley, Merchant residing in the town of Whitestown County of Oneida & State of New York & Theodore Sill atty at Law residing in the same place hereby Certify that we are well acqu- -ainted with Reuben Wilson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a sol- -dier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion that we believe him to be a man of truth.
Sworn & subscribed the day } & year aforesaid. } C. J. Read Dep. Clerk
Theodore Sill
Elizer Moreley
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter after putting the inter- -rogatories prescribed by the war department & that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Theodore Sill of Whitestown who has signed the preceding certificate is a counsellor at Law resident in the town of Whitestown County aforesaid and that Elizer Moreley who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place & is a credible person and has never been a was a juror

That this statement is entitled to credit By the Court C. Hayden, first judge
I George Brown Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Oneida, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben Wilson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twelfth day of September A. D. 1832 Joseph D. Peck Dep. Clk.
Reuben Wilson's Pension Papers

State of New York } Isaac Hubbard of the Town of Meeker County } Trenton in the County of Meeker & State of New York being duly sworn says that he is acquainted with Reuben Wilson of Whites- town in said County an applicant to a per- -son that he became acquainted with said Reu- -ben when he was a boy before the revolutionary war, that they both then resided in the Town of Middleton State of Connecticut, that this deponent is the brother of David Hubbard who was the or- -derly serjeant in the same company with the said Reuben in the service of the United States that this deponent resided in Middleton aforesaid at the time that he well recollects the time the draft for eight months was made. It is his impression & belief that his brother David was the orderly serjeant, that he well recollects that said Reuben went with his said brother in the same company but how long they were in the service he can not speak with entire certainty that he well recollects that his said brother & the said Wilson were absent from home as it was said & believed as this deponent then under- -stood & believed to be in the service in pur- -suance of said draft, & this deponent believes they were absent as much as seven months that he well recollects when they returned & that it was in the winter & it was said on their return

believed & this deponent then & still believes that they returned from their service as soldiers in pursuance of said draft. That this deponent was well acquainted with the said Elisha Brewster & knows he was the lieutenant at in said company. That this deponent is of the age of eighty three years & now resides within about ten miles of the said Reuben Melcon.
Sworn this 30 day of August 1832 before me
Isaac Hubbard
Ebenezer Willard
Commissioner of Pleadings
I Ernest Willard Commissioner of Pleadings in & for the County of Middle do certify that I am acquainted with Isaac Hubbard who took & subscribed the fore- going affidavit before me & that I believe him to be of the age he represents & that he is a man of truth & veracity in whose statement full reliance can be placed
Ebenezer Willard Commissioner of Pleadings
Reuben Willcox

State of New York } } p Abel Milcox of the Town of Whites- Mersa County- } New Hartford being duly sworn says, that he resides in the Town of New Hart- ford County & State aforesaid & is of the age of seventy six years, that he is the brother of Reuben Milcox of Whitesboro County & State aforesaid an application for a pension named in the annexed declaration of the said Reuben which he has heard read & knows the contents thereof, that he resides within about two miles of him although now in different Towns & has resided within that distance of him for about thirty eight years, that in the year 1779 his brother resided with this deponent in the Town of Middleton & State of Connec- ticut & was an indentured apprentice to him in the business of a mason & at the time the said Reuben was drafted as a soldier as stated by him, although this deponent was not pres- ent at the time he was drafted, that he left his house & entered the service in pursuance of his draft, in the month of July 1779, according to this deponent's best recollection at the month, that he entered into Capt Allen's Company in which Elisha Brewster was the Lieutenant & with whom this deponent was well acquainted, & that David Hubbard was the Orderly sergeant with whom also this deponent was well acquainted, that although this deponent can not recollect that he ever saw the said Reuben in actual ser- vice, yet it was said at the time & believed & understood in the family & neighborhood & this deponent then understood & believed & this still believes he was absent at Horse neck in the

State of Connecticut in the service in pursuance of his said draft for about the term of seven months, that this deponent understood at the time & it was understood & talked of in the neighbor- hood & he believes from hearing of it at the time that his said brother was drafted at the time for the term of eight months but that the company was discharged one month before their time expired. & that he returned in the latter part of the winter or the part of the spring but the day he can not tell, that this deponent well recollects that when he returned he mentioned about their taking Col Hatfield & some "Cow Boys" prisoners & it was said & believed in the neighborhood at the time that such was the fact.
Sworn & subscribed the 20 th } Abel Willcox day of September 1832
Uriah Stevens Justice of Peace
su as
I Uriah Stevens the Justice before whom the foregoing affidavit of Abel Milcox was taken. do certify that I have been well acquainted with the said Abel & Reuben Milcox both for upwards of ten years that they are both respectable men & men of truth & in whose statements or testimony full reliance can be placed
Uriah Stevens Justice of Peace
State of New York } for I George Brown Clerk of the County Meida County } of Meida aforesaid do hereby certify that Erastus Millard Esq before whom the annexed

affidavit of Isaac Hubbard was taken was at the date of the taking the same a Commis- sioner of Peace in the said County & authori- zed to take affidavits & that Archa Stevens Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit of Abel Mil- lard was taken was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the peace of said County & authorized to act as such & further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Erastus Millard & said Archa Stevens respectively & verily believe the signa- tures of their names to the said respective affidavits to be their proper hand writing & signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this fifth day of October Eighteen hundred & thirty two
Geo. Brown Clerk
Joseph B. Read Dep Clerk

14.736
Reuben Wilcox Oneida Co NYork
adm g
J B Baker

BRIEF in the case of Reuben Wilcox  of Whitestown of Oneida  in the State of New York.  (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? 69 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.      July 28 1779. to 28 Feb'y 1780. after 1780.  11 18 — private Col. Allen Col Mead  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Middletown Con't  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct not attached as required 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richard Alcott Examining Clerk.

October 22, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Isaac Byington-W.1380 Reuben Wilcox-S.11859 BA-J/AWF
Mrs. Grace Smith 300 Elizabeth Street Utica, New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of the Revolutionary War pensioners, Isaac Byington and Reuben Wilcox.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claims, based upon their services in the War of the Revolution.
Isaac Byington-W.1380
Isaac Byington was born January 24, 1761, place not shown, nor are the names of his parents stated.
He enlisted in 1777 and served three years as private in Captains Mattocks' and Barnes' companies, Colonel Chandler's Connecticut regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 2, 1818, then a resident of Oneida County, New York.
The soldier, Isaac Byington, married about April 1, 1798, Elizabeth Byington, who was born July 8, 1775, place not given, nor are the names of her parents shown. He died July 6, 1828 in Westmoreland, Oneida County, New York.
His widow, Elizabeth Byington, was allowed pension on her application executed, March 26, 1849, then a

resident of Oswego County, New York.
The children of Isaac Byington and his wife, Elizabeth-
   Rosalinda  born  November  3,  1798     Milton  "  August  29,  1800     Eliza Minerva  "  September  3,  1802     Harriet Adalia  "  March  26,  1804     Lucia Miranda  "  March  31,  1806     George  "  January  26,  1808     Lydia Maria  "  November  3,  1810     Ruffus Spencer  "  August  25,  1812     Seymour Pollodore  "  August  22,  1815     Abey (Abbey) Jane  "  February  24,  1818     Active C.  "  November  19,  1820     Harriet A. Byington  married  February  23,  1825,  Ezra Coon    Milton Byington  "  September  27,  1830,  Susan Smith    Miranda Byington  "  December  14,  1830,  Evan Rober of    Rufus S. Byington  "  September  5,  1831,  Orinda Perkins    Minerva Byington  "  January  3,  1831,  Daniel B. Read    Lydia M. Byington  "  December  24,  1834,  W. Gainer    Active C. Byington  "  December  5,  1839,  Ira Holbrook    
Reuben Wilcox-S.11859
Reuben Wilcox was born November 1, 1762 in Middletown, Connecticut; the names of parents not stated.
While residing in said Middletown, Reuben Wilcox enlisted in July, 1779 and served seven months as private in Captain John Allen's company, Colonel Mead's Connecticut regiment; he was in a skirmish with the Tories at Morrisania.
Reuben Wilcox moved in 1790 to Durham, Connecticut, and in 1792 moved to Whitestown, Oneida County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application exe-

outed, September 12, 1832, then a resident of Whites- town, New York.
It is not stated whether the soldier, Reuben Wilcox, was married. His brother, Abel Wilcox, in 1832 was seventy-six years of age and living in New Hart- ford, Connecticut.
Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Rev. War
11859 INVALID.
File No. 11859
Reuben Wilcox
Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 412
[Arrangement of 1870.]
with W. 1388-1843

94 to
Aug 10 Hist J P Wilson Clinton Iowa
Feb 14/93
Wil. Hist. to Mrs. John Hallam, 204 Mt. Mark Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Apr 11 '96 Recd pencil to Mr. E. Olsen 2 Clark St. Brooklyn N.Y.
1914 Oct 30: History to J. A. Roberts. J.W.B.H.
Letter to S. J. Josiah Wilcox 45-453.
1917 Oct. 26. Hist. to C. H. Bronson
1933 Oct. 23 " " Mrs. Grace S. see her letter in Isaac Bunting

O. W. & N. Div.
L. W. R.
I. 11859.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
April 11th, '96.
Sir:-
In returning herewith your letter of the 3rd inst., you are advised that Reuben Wilcox made an application for pension on September 12th, 1832, at which time he was residing at Whitestown, N. Y., and 70 years of age, and his pension was allowed for 7 months actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. John Allen and Col. Mead. He enlisted from Middletown, Conn.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mr. Ernest S. Green,
2 Clark St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

W. 904 SAINT MARK'S AVENUE, BROOKLYN.
Dear Sir; January 17 th 1895
I am seeking information about my great grandfather, Reuben Wilcox who died on December 10 th 1853 at the age of 91, at Whitestown (or Whitesboro') Oneida Co. N.Y. He came from Middletown, Conn.
I would be glad to know in what battles he fought.

whether he served in both Revolution and war of 1812.
I thank you for any information that you can give me.
I inclosed no address envelope, as I wish the reply from your office as official as possible, and am told it is not necessary to do so.
With renewed thanks of Grace L. Shallon (Mrs. John Shallon.)

904 SAINT MARK'S AVENUE, BROOKLYN.
February 18-1895.
Wm Lochren Esq.
Dear Sir:
Please accept my thanks and appreciation for the information concerning my great- Grandfather, Reuben Wilson, obtained through your Department. Please extend my thanks also to those who have assisted in the search of the records. Sincerely yours Grace L. Thallon.
(Mrs John Thallon.)

file

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
D. C.
Bureau of Pensions,
M.E.C.
Washington, D. C., February 14, 1895.
Madam:-
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Reuben Wilcox --- 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. July 1779 7 mos. Pvt. John Allen Mead Conn. Was detailed from Capt. Allen's company and served under Capt. Keller at the battle of Morrisania (August 5, 1779).
Battles engaged in, As above. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Middletown, Connecticut. Date of application for pension, September 12, 1832. Residence at date of application, Whitestown, New York. Age at date of application, Born at Middletown, Conn., Nov. 1, 1762.
Remarks: His pension was allowed.
Very respectfully,
Mrs. John Thallon,
Commissioner.
1904blm 904 St. Mark's Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Sons of the American Revolution
St Paul Minn
Oct 18-17
Rev J
Bureau of Pensions Wash D.C.
President:
Robert D. Cone, Minneapolis
Vice Presidents:
Clifford L. Hilton, St. Paul Fred A. Bill, Minneapolis
Secretary:
Charles H. Bronson, 48 East Fourth Street, St. Paul
Treasurer:
Charles W. Eddy, Capital Bank Bldg., St. Paul
Registrar:
Charles Stees, 165 East Seventh Street, St. Paul
Historian:
Rev. M. D. Edwards, St. Paul
Chaplain:
Rev. L. A. Crandall, Minneapolis
Board of Managers:
St. Paul
John B. Sanborn, Kenneth G. Brill, Douglas Putnam, Edward S. Stringer, Grier M. Orr, C. R. Boostrom.
Minneapolis
Ernest C. Brown, Clarence A. Brown, Edward F. Waite, Dr. Charles A. McCollom, Joseph E. Ware, Louis P. Chute,
State
Arthur C. Gooding, Rochester Dr. Warren L. Beebe, St. Cloud Frederick H. Waldron, Duluth Charles W. Clark, So. St. Paul Rev. John McCoy, Stillwater Edwin H. Canfield, Luverne Edward U. Wade, Moorehead Charles L. Conger, McIntosh
Past Presidents:
Hon. Eli Torrance, Minneapolis Hon. Judson Wade Bishop, St. Paul Hon. Henry A. Boardman, St. Paul Hon. F. G. McMillan, Minneapolis Hon. William B. Dean, St. Paul Hon. John Day Smith, Minneapolis Hon. Charles Keith, Princeton Hon. Jesse A. Gregg, St. Paul Hon. E. J. Westlake, Minneapolis Hon. Edward P. Sanborn, St. Paul Hon. John H. Riheldaffer, Minneapolis Hon. Gideon S. Ives, St. Paul
Honorary Vice Presidents:
Will Oren Chamberlin, Minneapolis Wallace G. Nye, Minneapolis William J. Dean, St. Paul Alonzo T. Stebbins, Rochester
Dear Sirs -
would you kindly give me information as to the application for pension of Reuben Wilcox Sr seven months service as a private in the Conn troops, part of the time under Capt John Allen and Col Mead He enlisted from Middle town Conn. It is stated that he on Sept 12, 1832 he made application for pension and it was allowed -
Respy
C H Bronson Secy Minn Soc S.A.R.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Reuben Wilson , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. 11,859.
John Allen    DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 1779 7 mos. Pvt. Daniel Clarke John Allen Wm. L. Conn.                                                   
Battles engaged in, Skirmish at Morrisania
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Middletown, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 12, 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Whitestown, Oneida Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, Nov. 1, 1762, in Middletown Conn.
Remarks: There is no data relative to wife or children.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Reuben Wilcox.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Reuben Wilson 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 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

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 no XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no 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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes 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? yes 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."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
‡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 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 authenticates 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 ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.