Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 15815, William Wells, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Wells, William Eleanor
N 15815.
CONTENTS

3097 5097 New York Albany
Elleanor Wells. widow of William Wells who died on the 5 February 1818 of Albany in the State of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Irving of the Regt commanded by Brig Genl Stone in the Massachussetts line for 9 months, 10 days Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of New York Albany at the rate of 31 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 st day of March, 1831 and ending 6 mar 1840
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of January 1852 and sent to Ewing Washington
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by A VAN WYCK Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 360

Eleanor Wells decd wid of William Wells deceased
Pension Certificate Returned for a new one. Act of 4 th July 1836
Surrogate Certificate Appointment of Administrator
New York, Role
J. G. Austin attys Present

State of New-York } Albany County } ss.
I, Lucian P Netherby County Judge of the County aforesaid, and performing the duties of the office of Surrogate, in and for said county, do hereby certify that at a Surrogate's Court held in and for said county, on the 24 th day of June 1852. It was proven to my satisfaction, that Eleanor Wells (late widow of William Wells deceased) died at the town of Pownal, Bennington County State of Vermont, on the 6 th day of March 1840, and that at the death aforesaid she left William Wells, George Wells, Calvin Wells, Betsey Pratt and Nancy Eddy, only surviving children, all of whom are above the age of twenty one years: - That the places of residence of the said Children are as follows -
William Wells and George Wells reside at Whitehall, Washington County, state of New York; Calvin Wells resides at Eagle, Wyoming County, state of New York; Betsey Pratt resides at Pownal, Bennington County state of Vermont; and Nancy Eddy resides at Dolney, Oswego County, state of New York - -
And I further certify that Calvin Wells, of Eagle, New York, above mentioned, and one of the above named children has been duly appointed Administrator of the Estate of Eleanor Wells deceased, above named, and that he is duly authorized by the laws of this state to act as such Administrator.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official Seal this 24 th day of June 1852.
L P Netherby 6. Judge & Surrogate

The certificate returned and made payable to the Administration
July 2/8-2

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
September 10 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of William Wells is borne upon a Pay Roll of the 6 months men of the town of Chesterfield as a private from July 12 to December 15 1780 including allowances of 9 days for 180 miles travel. 5 Months and 13 days.
Upon a Descriptive list of the 32nd Division of the 6 months men who marched from Springfield under the care of Lt Benjamin Pike Augt 2 1780 as a private of Chesterfield arrived at Springfield August 1.
Upon a Pay Roll of Capt Ebenezer Strong's Company, in Col Sears regt from the County of Hampshire, for Service at Saratoga as a private from August 10 to November 20 1778 3 Months and 10 days

No rolls of Capt Watson for 1775 Not upon rolls of any Capt Watson No evidence of his service as a Lieutenant.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Peasey.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application for Certificate of Revolutionary Service made by the son of the party who rendered the service.
State of New York. County of Allegany. Town of Rushford.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish further evidence by resuming from the Rolls in his office for my father's service in the war of the Revolution William Wells.
He enlisted from the town of Chesterfield in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1775, thence in Capt. Watson's Company in Col. Bonney's Regiment - was at the Battle of Bunker Hill, also in the Battle at White Plains & Bennington and at the taking of Burgoyne. was in the service most of the time during the war. that he was some of the time a Corporal & Sergeant and at one time promoted or acted as Lieutenant after his Lieutenant having been killed. And that he was some time during the war wounded in the head and was trepanned - And that after the close of the war returned to Chesterfield where he continued to reside some five or six years from whence he moved to Williamstown Mass.
I am now sixty five years old and from the best of my knowledge and infor- mation I am not able to state my father's service more fully than above stated. Witness my hand this 14 th day of August 1847 Calvin Wells
Signed in presence of - Orville Boardman. A. Hays

Christie's Map Apr. 1840
B.Y.R.
J. J. Lyon Esq. Rushford Steuben County New York
W. L. D. March 6. 1840
614 July 1836
Map
6471 Eleanor Meeuwe Museum of the City of New York

6471 Eleanor Wells dau M rs Mary of Millersburg April 28, 1845. Married a c 4 July 1836
W. died Mar 6. 1840 Mary County Ky
Chas. L. Chap Apt. N. N. J. Lyon Esq. Bishop By

1778 Nov. 9 th (Seventeen hundred seventy eight Nov. Ninth)
Intentions of marriage between William Wells one of the Regulars, and Eleanor Hickey both of this Town have been published as ye Law directs.
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the Record found on the back in the Clerk's Office of the Town of Chesterfield Mass. of the intentions of marriage between Mr William Wells & Miss Eleanor Hickey & I also certify that I can find no record of any Marriages on our Town Books between 1774 & 1780.
Oliver Edwards - Town Clerk Chesterfield Mass. April 5 th 1845
Hampshire ss. April 5 th 1845 then personally appeared Oliver Edwards above named Clerk of the Town of Chesterfield and made solemn Oath that the above Certificate by him subscribed is true.
Before me Benjamin Bryant Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that Benjamin Bryant Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Benjamin Bryant, and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said Commonwealth, this eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Samuel Wells
Clerk.

Chesterfield Mass. April 12 th 1845
A. S. Lyon Esq.
Sir Yours of the 28 th ult. came duly to hand agreeable to request I have made a transcript of the Record and made Oath to it. I have delayed some days not being able to procure the certificate of County Clerk before now
Respectfully Yours
Oliver Edwards S.C.

State of New York Albany County ss - At a Surrogate's Court held at Anselma, in the County of Albany, on the 25 th day of March 1825, before Samuel C. Wilson Surrogate of said County - I hereby certify that satisfactory evidence was exhibited to said Court that William Wells who was reputed to have been a Soldier and an Officer in the Army of the Revolution died on the 5 th day of February 1818 at the town of Hampton in the County of Washington & State of New York, and that he left a widow whose name was Eleanor, and who remained his widow until the 6 th day of March 1840, when she died at the town of Pownal in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont, and that they left five heirs, whose names are William Wells, George Wells and Calvin Wells and Nancy Eddy widow of John Eddy and Betsey Pratt wife of Jacob Pratt.
In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto affixed - Witness Samuel C. Wilson Esquire, our Sur- rogate of our County of Albany, at Anselma, in said County, the 25 th day of March A.D. 1825 Samuel C. Wilson Surrogate

Application for Certificate of Revolutionary services, made by Son of the party who rendered the service
State of New York, Allegany County. 3 Town of Eagle. 3
To the secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in your Office, of my Fathers services in the war of the Revolution, William Wells
He enlisted from the town of Chesterfield in the county of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts, in the year 1775, as a private in the company  commanded by Captain William Watson in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Bonney, for the term of five years, or during the war, and served about four years, was in the Battle of Bunker Hill, Bennington, and Fort Miller, at which last named place the Lieutenant of his Company was killed, and that he the said William Wells was appointed Lieutenant to fill the vacancy, and that he served as Lieutenant from that time till the Battle of White Plains, at which place he was severely wounded, at the time supposed mortal but did recover by being Trepaned.
I am now Sixty two years old, and my memory does not enable me to state my Fathers services more fully than above stated
Witness my hand this 17 th day of January A.D. 1845.
Signed by said Calvin Wells Calvin Wells in my presence.
A Byron Guelph
Plaza direct to A Byron Rushford Allegany County NY

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
March 1. 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of William Wells of Chesterfield, is borne upon a descriptive list of the 32 d Division of six months men marched from Springfield with Lieut. Benjamin Pike, Aug. 7. 1780; — said Wells arrived at Springfield Aug. 1. st ; — The men were certified to have been raised and forwarded "to re-inforce the Continental Army for the term of six months", by Brig. Genl. Glover; — the name of William Wells is further borne as a private upon a pay Roll of Capt. Eben r Strong's comp y . from the County of Hampshire — service at Saratoga from Aug. 10 to Nov r 20. 1781 — 3 months 10 days. — There are no rolls of Capt. W m Watson or Col. Bonney, and no further service appears in the case. No other person of the same names appears upon the records in this office either from Chesterfield or any other town in the County of Hampshire.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Parry;
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Quitt

State of New York Albany County ss. on this 25 th day of March 1845 personally appeared before me Samuel M c Wilson Surrogate of the County of Albany Calvin Wells a resident of the town of Eagle in said County, aged 62 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July the fourth 1836 that he together with William Wells and George Wells both of the town of White Hall in the County of Wash- ington and State of New York and being Pratt Wife of Ezadock Pratt of Pownell in the State of Ver- mont and Nancy Eddy Wife of John Eddy of the town of Palmyra in the County of Oswego State of New York are all and the only surviving Heirs and Children of William Wells and Eleanor Wells de- ceased that their Father the said William Wells was a Soldier of the Army of the Revolution as they learned from him while living that he Enlisted in the service from Chesterfield in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1775 as a private in a company commanded by Capt William Wilson in Col Bonnets Regiment for the term of 3 years or during the war and served about three years was in the Battle of Brunker Hill Bensingtown, and fort Miller, at which place his Lieutenant was killed and his father the said William Wells was appointed to fill his place and served as a Lieutenant from that time till the Battle of White Plains when he was wounded supposed mortally but did recover by having his head trepanned and that his father the said William Wells at that time or soon after left the Army and return- ed home thinks in the Summer or fall of 1778 and was married in that year or the spring of 1779 that their Mother the said Eleanor Wells whose Maiden Name was Eleanor Nickles at the time

of Chesterfield in the State of Massachusetts that their father was in the army in the year 1780 and 81 under Lieutenant Benjamin Pike and also under Capt Strong and served nearly a year as they believe will appear by Ref- erence to the Evidence herunto annexed and that their father the said William Wells became insane in consequence of his wounds about the year 1816 and died in that State until the year 1818 when he died at the town of Hampton in the County of Washington in the State New York and that their Mother the said Eleanor remained his Widow until the South of March 1820 when she died at the town of Pawtucket in the State of Vermont and further this deponent saith not
Subscribed and sworn before Me the day and year above written
Coolin Wells
Sam M c Wilson Subscribed

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
March 19, 1924.
Mrs. M. D. Church, Greensboro College, Greensboro, N. C.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 15815, it appears that William Wells enlisted at Chesterfield, Massachusetts in 1775 and served as a private and Lieutenant in Captain William Watson's Company, Colonel Bonney's Massachusetts Regiment, he was in the battles of Bunker Hill; White Plains, where he was wounded in the head; Bennington; Fort Miller and surrender of Burgoyne, served until 1778.
He enlisted in 1780 and served as a private nearly a year under Lieutenant Benjamin Pike and Captain Ebenezer Strong.
He died February 5, 1818 at Hampton, Washington County, New York.

Soldier married in 1778 or 1779 at Chesterfield, Massachusetts, Eleanor Hickkey, she died March 6, 1840 at Pownal, Vermont.
The following children were alive in 1845, and were allowed pension on account of their father's services— Calvin, aged sixty two years and a resident of Eagle, Allegany County, New York; William; George; Betsey, wife of Zadock Pratt; Nancy, wife of John Eddy.
Respectfully,

51197
Eleanor Wells wid of Com NY Act July 4 '36 wms
Admitted
Priv 9mo. 10d
$31.11
From 4 th March '31 until 6 th March '40
William Wells George Wells Calvin Wells Nancy Eddy Betsy Pratt
J. Ewing Jr Washington

Nov 17 46.
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Kershford Nov 10. 1846
Dear Sir
I am under the necessity of calling on you for information some three months since I forwarded to Mr Nathan Drake Esqr of your city who by an arrangement between him and myself was acting as my agent or partner in the pension business at your office. a full Declaration made by Calvin Hills in support of the Claim of the heirs of Wm and Eliza Hills both deceased under the act of July 4th 1836 now on file in your Office.
Also a power of Attorney to draw the arrears of pension due Mary Webster at the time of her death.
Also two statements made by Wm Brown in the Claim of Marion Brown his widow in support of her claim under the act of July 7th 1838 on file in your office.
I also give him the charge of the claim of Elizabeth Pool widow of John Pool and the claim of Abigail Wood widow John Wood both on file in your office.
Since that I have enclosed to him the claim and widow of Arnett Campbell widow of Robert Campbell and some other papers. I have not heard from Mr Drake for the last three months and have wrote him three or four times.
Will you be so good as to inform me whether the above mentioned papers has been transmitted by him to your office or whether he is in your city or where he is. And you will much oblige your humble servant A. Dyer
Hon J. Edwards

Brief in the case of Eleanor Wells dec d wid. of Wm Allyhany County and State of New York act July 4. 1886
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service proved by record evidence See Certificate of Compt of N York Date of marriage, record evidence see Certificate of Town Clerk stating day of publication of intention Identity by parole evidence
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
J. Ewing Jr Washington
quit H. H. Savage
Examining Clerk.

No 6471
Eleanor Miles and
miss M rs . M rs .
married to A. J. Lyons. May 29.
1845
to Nathan Reake
Sept. 7. '46. at B. A. J.
Lyons Nov 18. 1846
to Pitts Oct 20. '47
to A. J. Lyons. Apr 25/57
J. Ewing Jr Dec 22/57 act 4 July 1836
51

Adams
Aug 15, 1896
Adams town
Clear Wells
W. L. Edwards
6 mi. N. Adams
Present
2

Washington Augt 14 th 1896
Sir
I enclose herewith the affidavit of Calvin Wells of Allegany Co New York, as additional evidence in the case of Mrs Eleanor Wells, his mother & an applicant for a pension from that state, under the law of 4 th July 1836 & hoping it may prove satisfactory in the allowance of her claim it is respectfully submitted
I am Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
Nathan Dake
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm of Pensions Present.

Washington D. C. July 1 st 1852. Jas E Heath Esq Com r of Pen s .
Sir Herein, I enclose to You the Pension Certificate No. 5097 act 4 th July 1836 in favor of Eleanor Wells d ce d Wid w of William Wells. Payable to the Children. This is returned for the purpose of asking You to make the same pension payable to the administrator (one of the Children) for the benefit of the Children - for your Authority I also enclose You the Certif- icate of the Surrogate of Allegany Co N.Y. appointing an Administrator, &c. Please make the change desired and remit Certificate to Me -
Respectfully Yours
Jas G Austin atty Present

647 Upne 28/45.
Deborah Wells, ad
July 4, 1856.
Hon: J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Rushford April 22. 1845
Sir
Enclosed I send you the papers of the heirs of William Hills and Eleanor Hills his widow both deceased for Annuities of a pension due their mother at the time of her death under the act of Congress of the 4th July 1836
I am very respectfully Your Obedt Servant A H Lyon
Hon J. L. Edwards Com d of Pensions

Washington D.C. Dec 29. 1857.
Sir,
I beg leave to call your attention to the claim for revolutionary pension under the Act of 4 th July '36 of the heirs of Eleanor Wells, the widow of William Wells a soldier in the war of the revolution - It is claimed in the declaration that he entered the regular army, at an early period of the war, under an enlistment for "8 years or during the war" and continued to serve in it for nearly two years when he was wounded at the battle of White Plains and discharged on account of disability - That he afterwards, in 1780-81, served in the Connecticut Militia for somewhat less than one year -
In your report on the claim dated 26 inst you say that possibly an allowance may be made of pension for nine months & ten days of Militia service on the evidence as it stands, "provided it be regarded as a final settlement of the claim."
No further evidence of the service in the regular army which Wells performed can, I

believe, he found - that which is already on file in the case is to my mind perfectly satisfactory - though not sufficiently conclusive , perhaps, to meet the very stringent requirements of the Pension Office.
Under the circumstances, with a view to the best interest of the parties claiming through me, I have to request that an allowance may be made them for the 9 months & 10 days militia service, and I hereby accept it as "a final settlement of the claim" -
Very Respectfully
Yours obedt Servt -
Theo. Emery Jr.
Atty for Clt's
James E. Southey Esq Counsel of Pensioners
3

Sep 27 47
add cut
Eleanor Wells Ms
ms of the ...
Hon: J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. Washington City. D. C.

Kirkford Sept 20 th 1847
Dear Sir
Enclosed I hand you Additional evidence in support of the claim of the heirs of Wm and Eleanor Wills deceased under the Act of July 4 th 1836 now on file in your Office Be so good as to examine all the papers now on file in this claim and I think it will appear that Wills served in the Regular Army up to the time he was wounded in 77 or 78 as his Marriage Certificate shows that he was then one of the Regular army and the fact that there was no other man of that name in service from Chesterfield shows that he must be the man that performed the service stated in the Enclosed Certificate in 1780 and 81 But it is not for me to decide Do as well as your duty will allow by the claimants with that they must be content If not allowed please give direction
I am very Respectfully Your Obedient Servt A Hays
Hon J. L. Edwards Com of Pensions

State of New York Albany County ss On this 18 th day of July 1846 personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Calvin Calvin Wells a Resident of the Town of Eagle in the County of Wyoming age sixty four years who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following full declaration In order to attain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July the fourth 1836 that he is still the son of William & Elenor Wells (both deceased and is the same person who made a former declaration to attain a pension due his mother some two years since which is now on file in the pension office and in addition to the facts stated in the said declaration he now says that he well recollects of hearing his Father the said William Wells speak of being wound- ed in the army while he was under the command of Captain William Watson & that he served about two years in the regular army before he was wounded that he then left the army for two or three years during which time he was married to his wife the said Elenor mother of this deponent and this deponent further says that he well recollects hearing his father and mother both say that he the said William was in the army after his marriage to the said Elenor from the Town of Chesterfield or near there

and this Deponent further saith that he knows that his Father was wounded and had two pieces of silver that had been in his head that the wound had the appearance of being done with a bullet & that he had always understood from his Father and others that the wound in the head was made by a bullet while in battle
and further that he can recollect of hearing his mother say that she was left alone with children while her husband was absent in the service for six months or more
And further this Deponent saith not sworn & subscribed before
me the day and year above written
Melson Stewart Justice of the Peace
State of NC 1846
Allegany County Clerk's Office
I William Windsor Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that Melson Stewart Esq before whom the above Affidavit was taken was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized and qualified to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the above Affidavit is his genuine signature
Witness my hand and the seal of said County this 25th day of July A.D. 1846
William Windsor Clerk

Wars Section
December 11, 1928
Frederick H. Wells Room 406, 105 West 40th Street New York, New York
Sir:
I advise you that photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claims are forwarded upon request at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra for certification in each claim, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied in claim of John Streator, W. 4794, is twenty-nine.
The number to be copied in claim of William Wells, W. 15815, is twenty-two.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Wid Eleanor Hickney died Mar. 6, 1820 at Pownal Vt.
Children William, George Calvin, Peter no Joseph Pratt, & Nancy no Eddy.
Sol. died Feb. 5, 1818, at Hampton Washington Co. N.Y.
mar. 78 or 79.
Wm. Wells -
1775 - Capt. Ken Watson Post. Col. Bonney Lieut. 3 yrs - 1 bat. Runkle's Hells 3 Bennington - 4 Fort Miller. = White Plains wounded in head. & at taking of Burgoyne.
disch July 18. 1780. Lieut. Benj. Pike
disch 5 mo 12 days any 10 Capt. Ebene Strong
1781 - 3 mo 10 days post Col Sears
at Fort Schuylerfield Mass.
Sons ap. Mar. 25, 1845 -

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15815
Eleanor Wells
Widow of
William Wells
Pro Stew. War
Act July 4th 86
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 321
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1906-June 19. Fredk. H. Wells. sent list of service as 1908. Feb. 24. Hon Geo. N. Southwick info. copies not furnished and
1911. Sept. 15. Hist. to Mrs. Louise H. Sigler.
1924. Mch. 19. Hist. to Mrs. J. M. Church aut.
1924. Oct. 10. Fred. H. Wells advised how to obtain date of last payment of pension etc. MMTS
1929 Jan. 2 Photos to Frederick H. Wells. A.D.Y.
1929. Feb. 19. Hist. to Frederick H. Wells. MMTS advised no 18 1/2 cl. for this soldier. MMTS

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section mmk I
October 10, 1924
Frederick H. Wells 105 West 40th St., New York City
Sir:
I have to advise you relative  relative to the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 15315, William Wells, that in order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and possibly the date of death, you should apply to the Pension Section, Civil Division, General Accounting Office, 1800 E St., N. W. Washington, D. C. citing all of the following data: " William Wells, widow Eleanor, Certificate No. 5097, issued January 8, 1852, rate $ 26.11  31.11 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of July 4, 1836, New York Agency".
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

February 24, 1908.
Hon. George H. Southwick, House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Southwick:
In reply to your letter dated the 20" and received the 21" inst. requesting a copy of the application in the Revolutionary War pension claim of William Wells, (Widow File 15,815) for Mr. Frederic H. Wells of 991 Broadway, Albany, N. Y., I have the honor to advise you that owing to lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, this Bureau is unable to furnish copies of papers in Revolutionary War pension claims, but any one designated by you may examine and copy said papers.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

of the military history of William Wells the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired s contained in his (or his son's widow's) application for pen- in this Bureau. N. 15815
   PERIOD OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 to 1778. Priv and Lieut William Watson Burney Mass.   1780 nearly a yr. Priv. Lieut Benjamin Pike Capt E. Strong ✓ "  
Battles engaged in, { Bunker Hill, wounded in head at battle of White Plains, Bemington, Fort Miller, Taking of Burgoyne. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at Chesterfield, Mass. Date of application for pension, by son, Calvin. March 25, 1845 Residence of son at date of application, Eagle, Allegany Co., N.Y. Age at date of application, 62 yrs.
Remarks: The claim was allowed. Soldier died Feb. 5, 1818 at Hampton, Washington Co., N.Y.; he mar. in 1778 or 1779 at Chesterfield, Mass., Eleanor Hickley; she died March 6, 1840, at Pownal, Vt. Children: Calvin, William, George, Betsey, wife of Zadock Pratt, and Nancy, wife of John Eddy, all alive in 1845.
Very respectfully,

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section MHF/eel
February 19, 1929
Frederick H. Wells 105 West 40th Street New York, New York
Sir:
I advise you that the War of 1812 records of this bureau fail to show a claim for pension on file or that a bounty land warrant was ever issued on account of the services in that war of William Wells, Senior, of Hampton, Washington County, New York and whose widow was Eleanor.
Photostatic copies of original papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim of William Wells as described above, were furnished you on January 2, 1929.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Pensboro H. Va Sep. 8. 1911
Washington D. C. Bureau of Pensions.
Sir:-
Please send me a statement of the military history of William Bell, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who enlisted from Chesterfield Mass. in 1775
very respectfully
Mrs. Louise H. Sigler

G. N. SOUTHWICK, N.Y. CHAIRMAN.
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON.
February 20, 1908.
My dear Uncle Ves:-
I enclose to you a communication from my friend and constituent, Frederic H. Wells, of 991 Broadway, Albany, N. Y.
If you can favor Mr. Wells with a copy of his great grand-father's application for a pension, which was made by his great grand-father's sons on the 25th of March, 1845, you would not only please him, but would likewise confer another favor on
Truly yours,
Hon. Vespasian Warner, Commissioner of Pensions, City.
Letter of Mr Wells & paper copied by him returned to Hon Geo. N. Southwick Feb 24. 08

Rev. & 181 MMF/cel
ESTABLISHED 1836
AMERICAN METER COMPANY INCORPORATED
Manufacturers of Gas Meters
105 West 40 th Street
NEW YORK
November 27, 1928.
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMPANY
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I would like very much to obtain certified photostatic copies of all the papers filed in the Pension Bureau in connection with application for pension on the service of William Wells, a soldier of the Revolution, from Chesterfield, Mass. A memorandum in my possession shows that the application was made by his son, Calvin Wells, subsequent to the death of the widow of the soldier in 1840 and that the claim was allowed. The reference I have is Widow, File 15815 Revolutionary War.
I would also like to obtain certified photostatic copies of all papers filed in connection with widow's application for a pension on the service of John Streator, a soldier of the Revolution from Becket, Mass. I think that the widow, Elizabeth Kibbee Streator Sanford, made the application herself when upwards of eighty years of age and was at the time a resident of Windham, Ohio. She lived to be 103 years of age and I have her picture taken the day she was one hundred years old and am hoping that the papers on file in the Pension Bureau will show her own signature. The reference I have is I.S.C, Widow File 4794, Revolutionary War.
These separate sets of copies, certified, are desired solely for use in the compilation of some family records. I shall greatly appreciate your courtesy in the matter and will remit promptly upon advice from you as to the charge for the papers.
Yours very truly,
Frederick H. Wells
Room 406, 105 West 40 th Street, New York, N. Y.

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
4-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 28557
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137. Please furnish work specified below.
December 18, 1923 . . . . . 192
Bureau ordering pension Deliver to Room No 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 22 pages from Rev. War pension claim of William Wells and widow Eleanor Wells, W. 15815
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? . . . . . days
For further information see Mrs. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: AS... Chief Clerk of Bureau. Margaret M. Finch Chief of Branch or Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
  Duplicate         Multigraph  single or double space?    Facsimile signature?     Mimeograph  one side or both sides?    Facsimile signature?     Folding  once or twice?        Assembling         Stapling  Once? Twice? Side? End?        Electric typewriter  Fill in addresses?    Dated?     Addressograph from lists         Envelopes, size    Cards, size      Proof list    Pay rolls      Labels (submit sample)    Corrections      Fill in letters    Tabulation sheets      Photostat Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ 3.20 Blue Print Size _____ Official use? Repay? $ _____
Remarks _____

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief bureaus.
..... 2 (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate } On list..... Change present addressograph plate Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:
Now reads            1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read        1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by ..... Date .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

NOTE: Routine changes reference through bureaus.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
INDICAT..... Dec. 14..... 1928
Chief Pen. and War Pension Division.
I have this day received from Frederick H. Wells money order in the amount of $ 8 15 , requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
O. J. RANDALL Chief, Finance Division. F.H.W.L.
To Dec 18 To Law Dec 29 Photostat mailed & Fin. Div. mtg. A.N.Y. Jan. 2, 1929.

ESTABLISHED 1836
AMERICAN METER COMPANY
INCORPORATED
Manufacturers of Gas Meters
105 West 40 th Street
NEW YORK
December 13, 1928.
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMPANY
M.O.#934852 - $8.15
Hon. Winfield Scott, Commissioner, Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Reference:- Rev.& 1812 Wars Section M.M.H.F/eel
Dear Sir:
I am in receipt of your communication under date of December 11, 1928. In accordance therewith you will find enclosed Postal Money Order for $8.15 payable to Secretary of the Interior, for which please send me photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claims as follows:
  John Streator, W. 4794   29 Pages @ .15 each ... $4.35   Certification ..... .25 $4.60   William Wells, W. 15815   22 Pages @ .15 each ... 3.30   Certification..... .25 3.55   $8.15 
Thanking you for your courtesy regarding the matter, I remain
Yours very truly,
Frederick N. Wells
Room 406, 105 West 40 th Street, New York, N. Y.
FHW:EM

F. H. WELLS 228 PARTRIDGE STREET ALBANY, N. Y.
May 27th, 1905.
Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
My great-grandfather, William Wells, served in the American Army during the Revolution, although I am unable to find out for certain in what company and regiment, and for how long a time, but think that he was either in one of the Line Regiments or in the Berkshire County, Mass., Militia. I understand from my father that application was made at one time for a pension, and if so it was for the benefit of his widow, Eleanor Wells. He came to America from England previous to the Revolution, and after the Revolution lived at Pownal, Bennington County, Vt., and later at Hampton, Washington County, N. Y., where he died February 5th, 1825. His widow after his death lived at Pownal, Vt., and at Williamstown, Mass.
Will you kindly let me know if such an application for a pension is on file, and if so, if it is possible for me to get a transcript of same? I want this information solely for the purpose of having the correct data for use in securing membership in the society of the Sons of the Revolution, and would be glad to pay for an attested copy of such a document.
Very truly yours,
Frederick H. Wells
He had nine children as follows: Stephen, Getsey, Polly, William, Calvin, Luther, Joseph and Nancy, who possibly were mentioned in the application.

Greensboro College
Greensboro, N. C.
DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC FRANK M. CHURCH DIRECTOR
Feb., 16, 1924.
Pension Department,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen;
Will you please verify for me that William Wells widow's pension number was I58I5. William Wells fought in the Revolutionary War. Will you please give me the document, volume and page in which this is recorded? Thanking you ,I am
Respectfully,
Mrs F. M. Church

AMERICAN METER COMPANY
INCORPORATED
Manufacturers of Gas Meters
105 West 40 th Street
NEW YORK
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMPANY
September 18, 1924.
Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly furnish me with Certificate No., date when issued and any other data necessary for me to have in order to write the Auditor for the Interior Department, U. S. Treasury Department, for any information the records in that Department give as to name of party or parties to whom pension was paid covering Revolutionary War Service of William Wells of Chesterfield, Mass., later of Hampton, N. Y. The application for pension was made March 25, 1845 and claim allowed. Widow, File 15815 Revolutionary War. The information is desired for use in connection with the compilation of some family records.
Thanking you for an early reply,
Yours very truly,
Frederick H. Wells
105 West 40 th Street, New York, N.Y.
FHW/W

ESTABLISHED 1836
AMERICAN METER COMPANY
INCORPORATED
Manufacturers of Gas Meters
105 West 40 th Street
NEW YORK
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMPANY
February 6, 1929.
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I would like to find out if the records in your office give any information regarding my great-grandfather, William Wells, Sr. , with particular reference to his service in the War of 1812.
He was at the time a resident of Hampton, Washington Co., New York and is said to have served a short period in September 1814 in Captain Cleveland's company, New York Militia, and probably in an Essex County regiment. He died about 1825 and it occurs to me that either the soldier or his widow, Eleanor Wells, may have applied for land bounty or a pension and if so the records would show the service claimed and other information that I desire for use in compiling some family records.
I already have photostatic copies of the papers covering the application of William Wells, Jr. and his widow Lucinda Wells for bounty land and pension (Wid.Orig.No.11644 William Wells War of 1812) and desire similar papers and information covering the service of William Wells Sr. if such are on file in the Pension Bureau.
Will you kindly advise me if you have anything on file relating to the War of 1812 record of the said William Wells, Sr. and if so the cost of photostatic copies of such papers and I shall be pleased to remit promptly to cover the charge and will greatly appreciate the courtesy on your part.
Yours very truly,
(Frederick H. Wells) 105 West 40 th St., New York, N.Y.
FHW:EM