Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3628, Robert Usher, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Usher, Robert Anna
N. 3628
CONTENTS

No 2636-
Repr.
Connecticut.
Anna Usher.
widow of
Robert Usher decd.
who died on the 27 March, 1820.
of Middletown in the State of Ct
who was a Surgeon in the _____ commanded
by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded
by _____ in the Connecticut
line for 13 Months -
inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
the rate of 260 Dollars _____ Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
of Pension issued the 4th day of May
1839 and sent to S. H.
son, Hartford, Ct -
the 4th of Mar. 1839 $2,080
allowance ending 4 Sept. 130
$2.210
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Wm Stewart Clerk,
Vol. 2 - Page 77
Lib to J. C. Palmer, Dec. 27. 1843.
Lib to H. and M. Huntington Apr. 18. 44

N o 2636-
Connecticut
Anna Usher.
widow of Robert Usher, deceased who died on the 27th March, 1820 of Middlesex Co in the State of Ct who was a Surgeon in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Connecticut line for 13 Months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut. at the rate of _____ Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of May, 1839 and sent to S. H. Parsons, Hartford Ct, Ct: _____
Arrears to the 4th of March '39. $2.000 Semi-annual allowance ending 11 Sept: _____
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
by M t H. C. B. Clerk
Let to G. Michaux 17 Jan 32

7 th
Letter to Socy Intern Febry 7 th 1857- F. L. Brackett Febry 13 1857-
Docs N o 3.

I Isaac Spencer of Haverford in the County of Haverford of lawful age, being more than Seventy Eight years of age, depose and say that in the Month of January A D 1779 I was present at the Marriage of Doctor Robert Fisher of Chatham in Middlesex county to Miss Anna bone of East-Had-dam in said Middlesex County. They continued to live together until the death of the said Robert. From the inspection of the family record now before me which I know to be in the hand writing of the said Robert Fisher it appears that the marriage of said was on the 25 th day of January 1779.
Isaac Spencer
State of Connecticut County of Haverford
On this 12 th day of December A D 1837 personally appeared the above named Isaac Spencer and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me Nathan Johnson Just. Peace
I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness and that his statements are entitled to full credit Nathan Johnson Just. Peace

Mary Marsh of Castabadaw in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut being seventy five years of age the 28 th day of August last and sister to Anna Usher widow of Doctor Robert Usher dec d do testify that in January 1779. Robert Usher was married to my sister Anna Bone & I further testify that I was present at the time the marriage ceremony was performed by the Revd. Oleser Sweetland which which I will recollect at this time and further the deponent saith not
Mary Marsh
Middlesex County ss Chatham Sept r 19 th 1838
Personally appeared the above named Mary Marsh and made oath to the above deposition by her subscribed Before Me Nath l C. Smith Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above deponent would be a credible witness in any case Nath l C. Smith Justice of the Peace

May 20 1849
Proof of Marriage
by C. Philander

May 20 1849 Proof of Marriage by C. Chace

(Copy)
Probate Office, Farmington District
June 14, 1849,
I, Adrian R. Wadsworth, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Farmington, do hereby certify that at a Court of Probate held this day, satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Mrs. Anna Usher, was a pensioner of the United States, at the rate of Three hundred and twentyfive Dollars per annum - that she was a resident of the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut, and died in said County on the 20th, of May, A.D. 1849, - that she left six children living at the time of her decease, whose names are as follows, viz - Revilo C. Usher, Abby Cone, Diodate J. Usher, Sophron Usher, Harriett Usher, Josiah C. Usher - that at the time of her decease the said Mrs. Usher was a widow - and I further certify that Josiah C. Usher, & Sophron Usher are the Executors of the last will and testament of Mrs. Usher whose will was lodged in this Court May 28. 1849 - having been proved out of Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set My hand and affixed the seal of this Court, this 14th. day of June 1849,
A. R. Wadsworth. Judge.
Treasury Department, Third Auditor's Office July 9. 1851.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original on file in this Office. J. S. Callahan 3 d Auditor.

X 3282. Declaration of Mrs Anna Usher for a pension under act of July 4 1836 Conn. Maria 1779 died 1820 Allow 13 mo at Burgess Conn Cont line — $260 per ann
No 1
S t H Parsons Esq Hartford Conn.

Declaration of Mrs Anna Usher, in order to obtain the benefit of the 3 rd Section of the Act of Congress of the 14 th July 1836.
State of Connecticut } Sc Chatham County of Middlesex }
On this 13 th day January A. 1838, before the Probate Court for the District of Chatham personally appeared Mrs Anna Usher of said Chatham aged 82 years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 14. 1836.
That she is the widow of Robert Usher who was a Surgeon & Physician in the army of the revolution, and according to her best knowledge and belief served the United States, in that capacity herein after mentioned . from the the year 1775 - to 1780 - at several periods, amounting to not less than two years. About the fall of the year 1775, he went to Roxbury or Brookline near Boston

as a volunteer, where he officiated as a Surgeon Soon after received an appointment from the State of Connecticut as Surgeon to Colonel James Madsen's regiment stationed at Roxbury or Cambridge. During the year 1776, he recd a Commission from Governor Trumbull. Was afterwards ordered to New London, where he was stationed, and acted as Surgeon to the Forces, there collected in the years 1776 1777.-1778. & 1779 - returning home & stationed occasionally on furlough, to visit his family. The Commission issued by Gov. Trumbull Governor of Connecticut is herewith forwarded.
She further declares that she was, married to the said Robert Usher on the 25 th day of January 1779 - being his second wife. That she has remained a widow ever since the period of her husband the said Robert Usher's decease, which occurred on the 27 th day of March 1820.
Sworn to and subscribed } Anna Usher This 23 rd day of January 1838. }
Before the subscriber a Judge of Probate for

Said District. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court of Probate and subscribed my name this 13 th day of January 1838. I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been adduced in support of the statements contained in the preceding declaration: That Abias Green & Nathaniel C. Smith Esq before whom the affidavits of Abel Abell & Jonathan Wolles were taken, were at the time when said affidavits were taken & now are justices of the peace for Middlesex County. & that the signature purporting to be theirs are genuine. - also that Benjamin Fumbull Esq before whom the deposition of Daniel Williams was taken is now several at the time said deposition was taken a justice of the peace for New London County, & the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
Philip Sage. Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Connecticut.

3 o affixant for when.

Jonathan Usher of Haddam in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged sixty seven years, do testify and say, that my father Doctor Robert Usher late of Chatham deceased, served the United States at different periods during the Revolutionary War from the year 1775 to 1780 in the capacity of Surgeon and Physician.
From my own personal knowledge & from frequent conversation, with him relative to his service, I am persuaded that he served the United States not up than two years in the above mentioned capacity.
He volunteered & went to Roxbury in the Fall of 1775, upon an alarm or general turn out where he officiated as Surgeon after his arrival, I well recollect his coming home the forepart of the winter & soon after returning to Roxbury. About that time he was appointed by the State of Connecticut Surgeon to Colonel Wadsworths regiment of recruits raised for

Cambridge hi - I have known Colonel James Wadsworth, for several years past. he died some time ago at Durham. - We have heard him speak of my father's serving as Surgeon to his regiment.
During the year 1776 & sometime after his appointment, my father recd a comm- ission from Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of the State Connecticut, under which he continued to act for several years.
From Cambridge he went to New London, where he served from 1776 to 1779, in duties, returning home occasionally on furlough, but always, as I have understood, under pay. -
I have heard him mention the name of one Simon Wolcott as his Mate at New London for a short time.
My father married his second wife in January 1779. Her name was Anna Bone of East Haddam. She is now a resident of Chatham. I worn to subscribe this
Jonathan Usher
3 rd day of January 1838
Before me - Oliver Green Justice of Peace

I am personally acquainted with Jonathan Usher Esquire, the signer of the preceding affidavit and know him to be a person of veracity. That his statements are entitled to full credit. Oliver Green Justice Peace.

Power of attorney Sophron Mather and Josiah C. Mather Prosecutors of Anna Mather dec d !
Connecticut
Act 4 July 1836
Presented by H. L. N. P. Roe att y Washington, D. C.

County of New London } State of Connecticut }
Know all men by these presents that we Sophron Usher of Middlesex County and Josiah C. Usher of Hartford County Connecticut. Executors of the estate of Anna Usher decd. late of the County of Hartford State aforesaid do hereby irrevocably constitute & appoint Franklin L. Brockway of the City of Washington D.C. our true and lawful attorney to examine the papers of the aforesaid Anna Usher on file in the Pension Office and if necessary to prosecute before the Commn of Pensions the claim of said Usher for an increase of Pension and to receive the pension certificate if issued. And to do all acts and things necessary and proper to be done which we could or would do were we personally present.
Hereby ratifying and confirming all the acts and doings of our said attorney in the premises.
Witness our hand and seal this Fifth day of July 1837
Sophron Usher
ESal
Josiah C. Usher
ESal
Sworn to and subscribed before me this fifth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty seven.
Octavius Emmons Justice Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. County of New London, }
I, JAMES STEDMAN, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby Certify that Octavius Emerson whose name, in his own proper hand writing, is subscribed to the Certificate on the Instrument hereto attached, was, at the date of said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly empowered to take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, on this Seventh day of July A. D. 18 55 57
James Steadman Clerk.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Robert Usher 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.
W. 3,628
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Fall 1775 3 mos. Surgeon at Roxbury James Wadsworth Conn.   June 10, 1776 7 mos. Physician Surgeon " New London Erastus Wolcott   July 14, 1779 3 mos. Surgeon ✓ Dyer Throop   Oct. 17, 1781 ✓ Ensign ✓ 3 rd Co. ✓ 2 nd Conn. Regt.  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Chatham, Middlesex Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, by wid. Jany. 13, 1838. Her claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Chatham, Conn.
Age at date of application, eighty-two years.
Remarks: soldier married Jany. 25, 1779 Anna Cone 2 nd wife of East Haddam Conn. He died Mch. 27, 1820 age not stated. His son Jonathan was 67 yrs. of age in 1838. Widow died in Hartford Co. Conn. May 20, 1849 leaving six living children: Revilo C.; Abby Cone; Diodate J.; Sophron; Harriet + Josiah C.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
The 13 mos. for which the pension was allowed are used for record of service.

1917 Feb. 6. Hist. to Charles Leona and Mrs. Charles F. Rood
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3628
Anna Usher
Widow
Robert Usher
Surg't Conn. Line
Act: July 4. 1836
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 293.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

copy
Rev Sar en
436 Crescent Ave , Grand Rapids Mich. Jan 21.1917
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.c,
Dear Sir; will you kindly give me all the information you can concerning my ancestors Elin Tibbals Pensioner from Norfolk.Conn. whose record you will find on page 664 Conn. Men in the Rev . but I hope to find the names of his children and where he was born which my family records do not give complete .
Also the records about Annanyshe Pensioner from Chatham Conn age 91
I will appreciate it if you will lookcarefully for all the details about these people
and oblige yours sincerely Mrs Harriet Cobb Rood (Mrs Chas, F. )

Joseph
Charles Leachman 418 North Van Ness Avenue, Hollywood, California
Mr. Leachman, I am very sorry that I cannot give you the information you are looking for. I have no record of your name in our files. If you can give me your full name and the date of your birth, I will be glad to try to find it for you. Sincerely, yours, [Signature] Commissioner of Pensions
Per E.C.

Rev Sec 418 North Ave, Grand Rapids, Mich. /
Jan. 23, 1917
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir ; please give me the Pension record of Anna Usher of Chatham Conn . I want especially the names of the chil- dren if you can find them and I wish to know if Alexander Fulton pg. 173 Conn. Men in Rev. Wooster, Mar, 1777, 3rd Conn . Regt, had any record or Thomas Fulton Capt. Hail's Co. Stamford, enlisted Aug, 14, Dec 1775-6 had a pension for services in the Revolution
yours sincerely Charles Leonard

Rev. War Section.
February 6, 1917.
Mrs. Charles C. Rood, 436 Crescent Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the twenty-first ultimo, you are herewith furnished the history of Robert Usher W. File No. 3638 Rev. War, and advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to any Elin Tibbals, and that the "Elin Tilbals" found on page 664 of "Connecticut Men in the Revolution", is a misprint, and should be Elue Tibbals, who was pensioned as the widow of Thomas Tibbals.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

100 100 100

San . . . . . born at 36 Kanninh Noshu - Pa - L d -
6.6 Nov 20

Jonathan Trumbull Esquire Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of Connecticut in New England in America
To Robert Usher Gentlemen Grating Do by these Presents reposing especial confidence in your Fidelity Skill and good conduct constitute and appoint you the said Robert Usher to be Physician and Surgeon in the 4 th Regiment now raised out of the Militia of this State in list and assembled for the Defence of this and the rest of the United States, And I do hereby Authorize and empower you to carry on your said Office in a due Discharge of the Duty thereof, which you are carefully and Diligently to attend as a Physician as aforesaid. according to the Trust reposed in you, for which this is your sufficient Warrant Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms at Lebanon in said State the 10 th Day of June Anno Domini 1776
Jon: Trumbull

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, ESQUIRE, Captain-General and Commander in Chief in and over the STATE of CONNECTICUT, in AMERICA.
Robert Usher GENT. GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State accepted to be Ensign of the Third Company of Light Artillery in the 25th Regiment in this State
reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I D O by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take the said Company into your Care and Charge as their Ensign carefully and diligently to discharge that Office and Trust, exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, ordained and established by the Laws of this State, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey you as their Ensign and you are to observe all such Orders and Directions as from Time to Time you shall receive, either from me, or from other your superior Offi- cer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the Public Seal of this State, at Hartford the 17 th Day of October - A. D. 1786
By His Excellency's Command,
George Wyllys , Secretary.
Jon. Trumbull

House of Reps.
March 9. 1852.
To the Com r of Pensions.
Sir.
I beg leave to request an answer at an early moment to the following questions which have been addressed to me in behalf of certain constituents of mine - viz
1. Has there within a year past a pension or back pay or any other remuneration been granted to the heirs or executors or administrators of Doct. Robert Asher or his widow of Chatham Connecticut?
2. What action if any has been taken by the Pension office on the application of one W m Smith a soldier in the Florida war in removing Indians &c? I am informed that no answer of any kind has been made to the application filed some months ago in your office. I remain respectfully
Your ob t . Servt.
C. M. Ingersoll.
Ans

Washington
March 25. 1844
Sir.
I have recd the enclosed, which I have been requested to send to your office. Will you inform me what is the present condition of her application, whether further evidence is requested?
(Yours resp.)
D. M. Huntington
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Dec 24
W
Alma Mater Oct 5/89
L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioners of Port Royal
Washington

S.W.
Hartford December 20. 1838
I rec d your letter of 28 Ult o with part of the documents relating to the case of Mrs Anna W h et n returned, that the official charac- ter of the several Justices, might  is  thereby  not  authenticated &c. There are 4 other documents in your possession relating to this case which you omitted to forward. viz - 1 Extracts from the doings of the Council of Safety 2. Commission from Gov r Trumbull dated 1776 - both forwarded by your office Jan'y 20 - 1838 3. The affidavit of Christopher Bailey, sent by you April 11 - 1838 4. The affidavit of D anl L d Emmons headed by me to your Peter when in Washington who died W h W h you
The last deposition proves the services of Dr Asher in the Winter of 1775- 76 7 months. In the Summer of 1776 at New London 17 months, in Col. Wilcutt's regt. in 1779 March or April at New London in Col. Dyer's Regt. 1780.
If you will be good enough to send the above named documents to me I will have them all authenti- cated & returned without delay.
Respectfully Yr. Ob. Servt. Samuel H. Adams.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Cabinet Minister of Finance Washington.

Dec 26. 1843.
Anna B. Ashford
Cb. V. B. Act
no 2636 abt 1836.
James L. Edwards Census of Persons Washington D.C.

East Haddam - Conn Dec 19 th 1843.
Hon J. L. Edwards.
Dr Sir:
Mrs Anna Usher of Chatham is in receipt of a letter from Mr Alex r Ray stating that as the Widow of Robert Usher a Surgeon in the Revolutionary War. She is entitled to an increase of Pension and arrears. "That he holds a document in regard to the monthly pay of her deceased husband while in the line of his duty to justify him in the expectation that he will be able to obtain an increase on her present pension, and arrears thereon amounting to several hundred dollars. Without requiring any further proof in support of her claim" -
I cannot see how Mr Ray should have any proof or paper not in the Department and Aunt Usher is a little jealous about employing an agent who she learns has been dismissed from the Department and who is somewhat noted for charging high for his services - Believing as I do that if there is any such evidence it is within reach of the Department, I beg leave to ask your early attention to the subject, Confident that nothing which she may rightfully claim will be withheld - Any communication on the subject may be addressed to me at East Haddam -
Yours Obedt Servt
John C Palmer

J L Edwards Esq r Comm ee of Pensions Washington DC

State of Connecticut } ss Plymouth March 20 th 1844 County of Litchfield }
I Anna Usher of the Town of Plymouth in the County of Litchfield of State of Connecticut do hereby withdraw my agency given to Nicholas Carroll for the increase of my Pension for the services of my deceased Husband Robert Usher as a Surgeon in the Revolutionary war under a former date, and now constitute and appoint the Hon ble G. B. Huntington U. S. Senator my lawful agent to respectfully ask J. C. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions to allow me such an increase on my said Pension as by the late decisions of the Pension Department I am justly and equitably entitled to.
Signed in presence of Calvin R. Butler John C. Calhoun
Anna Usher mark
Personally appeared before me Anna Usher who signed the above power of atty. in my presence and acknowledged the same to be her free act and deed & I certify that she is the Widow Widow of the late Robert Usher who was a surgeon in the Revolutionary war & she is a very respectable & credible person.
Calvin R. Butler Justice of Peace.

House of Reps, July 6 th 1838
Sir Will you do me the favor to answer the within enquiries before the rising of Congress - and oblige very Res l fully Yours at Lst R- Pratt
Hon ble J. L. Edmonds

Certificate of Comptroller of Connecticut July 28. 1837
N o 4

State of Connecticut Comptrollers Office Hartford July 28 th 1851
I certify, that on application for evidence of the service of Doct. Robert Usher in the War of the Revolution, I have examined the Rolls and Documents remaining in this Office, and do not find his name on any Pay Roll, now in the Office.
In the "Journal of the Governor, and Council of Safety" under date of "Tuesday January 30 th 1776." I find the following entry viz, "P.M. On application of Doct. Robt. Usher , of Chatham, is appointed Surgeon & Physician for Col. Wadsworths Regt. in the recruits raising for Cambridge &c. — & Doct. Elias Norton, Surgeon Mate for the same Regiment."
I find also in the same Journal under date of "July 13 th 1776," the following entry viz, "On Representation of Doct. Usher , of the New London Regt. & Letter from Col. Wolcott for that purpose, Voted, That he have Liberty to purchase and take up Medicines for the use of said Regt. of Doct. Lothrop or Doct. Dyer, to the Amo t . of Ten Pounds, for which the Colony will be accountable, — & substance of the vote given S d . Doct. Usher." R. G. Pinney, Comptroller, by Geo. Robinson Clerk,

Letter of Mr Esay Stuart Reaffirming former decision,
Jan'y 10, 1853
D

Department of the Interior Washington January 10. 1853.
Sir,
Upon a re-examination of the case of Mrs Anna Wether an applicant for a Revolution- ary Pension under the act of July 4 th 1836. I can see no reason to change the opinion expressed in my letter of the 9 th of March 1852, and I have therefore re-affirmed your decision reject- ing the claim. The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I am very respectfully Your Obedient Servant Alex. R. R. Stuart Secretary.
James M c Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Report of J. Cole, Examiner in the Pension office
C
I can see no reason to change the opinion expressed in my letter of 9 th March 1852 & I therefore reaffirm the opinion of the Court of Pensions
Alex r K. Stewart Jany 3 rd 1853

In reference to the case of Anna Usher, widow of Robert Usher, it appears to me that her husband must have served at least 18 months.
The grounds upon which I base this opinion are these.
1 st David Skinner's affidavit, showing that Doct Usher was in service "from the forpart of the Winter of 1775 to the latter part of April 1775, — 6 mo 26. — 6 mo more under 2 d appointment +
2 d His appointment by the Council of Safety in January 1776, and in July 12, voted to grant liberty to purchase Medicine &c. + $ 12-
3. Christopher Bailey was in service two months in '76 saw Doct Usher in active service and left him there =
4 Jonathan Usher swears that Doct Usher "served the United States at different periods during the Revolutionary War from the year 1775 to 1780, in the capacity of Surgeon & Physician.
5 H. Emmons affidavit shows that he went to join the Army in the winter of 1775-6, & that he served with him from the 1 June 1776 till the 1 Jany 1777. In the year 1779 in the

month, of March or April. Said Emmons was at New London in service - is certain that this service was in the spring of 1779 -
11. It also appears from the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut that Doct Usher belonged to Col Wolcotts regiment in 1776 & 77 - and also that in July 1779 after he was promoted to Brigadier General - Wolcott was directed by the Council of Safety to detach one half of his Brigade to New London: Doct Usher was with the troops as the testimony L d . Emmons (No 5) shews. May Kirby examined this case before he handed it to me and informed me that he thought two years service should be allowed. If the affidavit of the Widow and J. Usher would shew this; but from all the testimony submitted - the absence of perfect records in the Comptrollers office &c. I believe 18 months service could be allowed with safety.
Your Ob d Serv t
J. Cole
Hon J. E. Heath Chair of Persons

Pension Office Oct 15 th 1851.
Sir.
In compliance with your instructions respecting the appeal of George H Jones Esq re in the case of Anna Usher, widow of Rob t , claiming an increase of her pension under the Act of July 4, 1836 I have the Honor to report.
The testimony on the part of the Claimant in this case consists of— The Declaration (marked N o 1); Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut (N o 2); Documents (N o 3) containing the Commissions of Rob t Usher, as Surgeon and Ensign, the first dated June, 10 th 1776. the second Oct 17. 1781.; a certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut; and the depositions of Abel Abell, David Skinner, Christopher Bailey, Jonathan Usher, son of Rob t Usher, Daniel Williams, Daniel Emmons and John Watrous. A certificate of the Compt of Conn t dated July 28. 1851 (marked N o 4).
The Declaration sets forth that Robert Usher "about the fall of the year 1775, went to Roxbury or Brookline near Boston, as a volunteer , where he officiated as a Surgeon and soon after received an appointment from the State of Connecticut, as Surgeon to Col d James Wadsworth's Regiment , Station at Roxbury or Cambridge. During the year 1776

"he received a Commission from Governor Trumbull and "was afterwards ordered to New London where he was, "stationed and acted as Surgeon to the forces there "collected in the years 1776, 1777, 1778 and 1779."
The Comptroller's Certificate (N o 2.) contains a charge for "the pay of sundry Field and Staff Officers of Erastus Woolcott Esq r Col t , from June 10. th 1776 to Jan y 2. 1777. £ 102. 10. 0 Robert Usher. Surgeon from June 10. 1776 to Jan y 2. 1777 £ 66. 19. 5
This same certificate says "It also appears in "the doings of the Council of Safety Vol 2. Under date of "July 14 th 1779. that Brigadier General Erastus Wool- "-cott was ordered to cause one half of the men lately "detached in his Brigade on the East side of Connec- "ticut river to march forthwith to New London for defence "of that post at Groton - also that Brig. Genl t Tyler im- "mediately detach and send forward one quarter part "of Col t Troops well officered &c to New London - also "voted that Brig. Genl t Tyler be directed to repair to "and take command of the militia ordered into New "London."
The certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut dated July 28. 1857. (marked N o 4.) states that in the Journal of the Governor and Council of Safety Under date of Tuesday January 30. 1776 "is the following entry "Pell. On application &c Doctor Robert Usher of Chal- "ham, is appointed Surgeon and Physician for Col t "Wadsworth's Regiment in the recruits raising for Cam- "bridge &c."

All of the depositions included under the head of N o 3. with the exception of those of Daniel Williams and Daniel Emmens, refer to services during the year 1776 and up to Jan y 12. 1777. all of which has, it is believed, been allowed, and are therefore of no value in the present enquiry.
Daniel Williams, who does not appear to have been a pensioner and of the truth of whose testimony we have no collateral evidence, says that he served in 1777 as a substitute for his brother and saw Dr Usher at Fort Trumbull and that somebody joked him about going to New London, but he says nothing of the duration of the service.
Daniel Emmens after adverting to the service from June 1776 to Jan y 1777. says "In the year 1779 in the month of March or April I was at New London in an alarm according to my  the  of my recollection and Robert Usher was there also. We were in Col l Throop's Regiment. I recollect well that said Robert Usher was there when we arrived, as he joked me about the pork which I carried down. I staid just three weeks at this time and left on furlough, the Regiment was discharged about three or four days after I left. My belief is that said Usher staid until the Regiment was discharged".
No evidence of additional service has been adduced by the present claimants

but, in answer to an enquiry made by this office, a letter from the Comptroller of Connecticut, has been received which goes strongly to confirm the propriety of the allowance already made by this Department. (see paper N o 5), which, in my opinion, is a liberal one and should not be disturbed, unless upon strong additional evidence , showing that it has been erroneous.
The pensioner Anna Usher died in 1849. and the present application is made by the Children in right of their mother.
very respectfully Yr Ob t Serv t J. H. Heath Comr of Pensions
JA
Mr Commissioner refer to Mr Shay of Connecticut
See letter to Comr Pensions, March 10 9. 1852
Hon. A. A. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
✓

Argument of V. Ellis

Case of Dr. Ashes widow?
1 st . The declaration of the widow who was married in 1779 during his service says he served in 1776. 1777. 1778 & 1779 &c. She must have known his service, that no doubt stated truly that he was in service over 2 years. In confirmation of her statements are proofs of his service in 1776 & 77 for which he has been allowed . But he also bequeathes letters dated 12 Sept 81 (latter part) where he says " Troops were stationed at New London in 1777. 8. & 9. A guard was kept at this post during the War & it is probable Dr Ashes may have acted as (See p 2 of the letter.) This letter confirms the Widows declaration, that after his service expired at Roxbury &c, he was ordered to New London & was there till 1779 & occasionally came home on furlough.

See also in confirmation of the statements the Comptroller's letter dated 28 July 51 where it is seen that Asher was Surgeon of the New London Regt. in July 1776 &c
See also affidavit of Genl. Asher who says he served from 1776 to 1780. This confirms the widow's statements of his service.
See also Emmon's affidavit which proves he was in service in 1779 at New London — This confirms the Widows Statement.
See also Comptroller's Certificate dated Jan'y 16/39 where it appears that Genl. Malcutt ( under whom Asher served ) was ordered in 1779 to send one half of his force to New London for the defence of that post. This supports the widows Statement.

In the certificate of the Indp g Probate attached to the Widows declaration saying "Satisfactory" "Evidence has been adduced in" "Support of the Statements contained" "in the preceding declaration."
Several questions arise in this Case, which it is important to consider.
1 st Has it not been invariably the practice to allow claims for pensions from 1832 downwards upon the affidavits of Claimants supported by the Opinions of a Clergyman & one other witness stating the belief of the neigh- bourhood & the general under- standing thereof respecting the Party's services? See Regulations published June 1832. Such was the Instruction given to appli- cants as to the proof required

in the absence of positive proof.
Well - in this case there is far better support given to the Widows declaration , to wit  contempor- aneous testimony , I extract from the records. That Ashe was a Surgeon is proved by records that he was Surgeon at various periods also appears by such proof - besides which, 2 Witnesses have sworn to his services from 1776 to 1779 & one to his services till 1780.
2d. Was not Ashe's position or locality such, that he would necessarily be obliged to serve more than 2 years from 1776 to the end of the War?
No situation in the country was more exposed than the sea coast of Connecti- ticut , and Secretary Ewing (See p 5)

decided in the case of Custis's Bull of Accomack Virginia that the Exposed condition of Eastern Virginia, rendered it mor- -ally certain that all persons old enough to bear arms must have served two years service, during the War, & his claim with a closer  from that County  other , have been allowed for 2 years on this ground. The case also of Mrs Susan Lowry widow of Capt Gibson Cluverius of Va from Gloucester County (in the militia) is in point. Her claim was allowed for 2 years upon testimony no more clear than that given in this case, aided as it was by the probabilities in favor of the Service, owing to the exposed situation of that County.

3 d . The report
Is not the united opinion of two of the oldest Examiners in the pension Office entitled to great weight? or should their Opinions be overruled by others of less experience? I refer you to Mr Cole's Report on the case who says that Major Kirby was of opinion that two years service should be allowed, whilst he (Cole) thinks 18 months could be allowed with safety . Now I submit, that for as much as in the cases I have referred to (Bull, Lowry &c) two years service were admitted on evidence not stronger & without any record proof it would be just & fair to admit this Claim for two years on the same basis ,

with the extra proof super- added.
It is but just that the most liberal indulgence should be given to such cases after the witnesses who could have fully proved the services are dead, where it is obvious the claim is a fair  one & not  manufactured for the occasion.
Respectfully Submitted V Ellis for G H Jones

Robt Usher Opinion of the Secy -
late 9th Dec
from the Secy and Opinion of the Secy -
#3628  W
U. Y. G.

Department of the Interior March 9, 1852
Sir -
I have examined the claim of the children of Anna Usher for annuities of pension said to be due to her as the widow of Robert Usher, deceased and herewith return the papers to you -
It seems that a pension was originally granted to Mrs. Usher in May 1839 at the rate of $260. per annum - that in May 1844 it was increased to $325. per annum, and that she died in 1849 - At the time of the increase in 1844, this claim for additional service on the part of Dr. Usher was presented to your office, and rejected by your predecessor, and it is from this decision that an appeal is now taken - This cannot be permitted - Mrs. Usher, during her lifetime, acquired in the decision of your office, and it is only after a lapse of more than seven years

that her children see proper to revive her claim -
A reasonable time may be allowed to claimants to appeal from any decision by which they think themselves aggrieved, but unless some limit is fixed and adhered to, no case can be considered as finally determined and the time of the Depart- ment will be always be occupied by cases of this character -
Your decision on this claim is affirmed -
I am, Sir,
Very respectfully
Your obt. Servt.,
Wm H. H. Stuart Secretary
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions -

Mr Secretary Stuart's letter March 9. 1852 affirming decision of Commr. Heath,
B

(Copy)
Department of the Interior Washington March 9 th 1852.
Sir,
I have examined the claim of the children of Anna Wether for arrears of pension said to be due to her as the widow of Robert Wether, decd; and herewith return the papers to you. It seems that a pension was originally granted to Mrs Wether in 1839 at the rate of $260. per annum - and that she died in 1849 That in May 1844, it was increased to $325. per annum - and that she died in 1849. At the time of the increase in 1844, this claim for additional service on the part of Dr. Wether was presented to your office and rejected by your predecessor, and it is from this decision that an appeal is now taken. This cannot be permitted.
Mrs. Wether in her life time acquiesced in the decision of your office, and it is only after a lapse of more than seven years, that her children see proper to renew her claim.
A reasonable time may be allowed to claimants to appeal from any decision by which they think themselves aggrieved, but unless some limit is fixed, and adhered to, no case can be considered as finally determined, and the time of the Department will be always occupied by cases of this.

Character.
Your decision in this claim is affirmed.
I am very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed) M c N. H. Stuart Secretary.
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Department of The Interior Washington, February 10. 1857
Sir:
Upon mature consideration of the question of re-opening the case of Anna Usher a claimant for increase of pension, although I have changed the rule upon which the decision of my predecessor was based, as to future cases, I cannot admit the propriety of totally disregarding the repeated decision of Secretary Stuart in the present one. To do this would sanction the right to a review of all the prior decisions of this Department in analogous cases, which would be impracticable.
I have therefore concluded to deny a revision of this claim. The papers accompanying your communication thereon, of the 6th inst last, are herewith returned to your office.
I am, very respectfully,
Your Obt Servt
DW Calhoun
Secretary
Geo W Whiting Esq. Commr of Pensions

Payment to be made at Hartford, Ct. by S. S. Pitkin — Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Connecticut —
Open new Certificate 13 mo Surplus
$325 deduct what has been paid.
Hon. J. W. Huntington
Recorded in the Pension Senate Office, in Book A Vol. D.
Page 77 by M c Cart
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Anna Usher of Connecticut — widow of Robert Usher, Dec d : who was a Surgeon in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Two hundred and sixty-dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 4th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine. —
J. Poinsett
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. §
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

East Haddam 21. Jan y 1838
Sir
Enclosed are documents in support of Mrs Anna Usher's claim for a pension under the Act of July 4. 1836 - Her late husband Doctor Robert Usher was a surgeon in the revolutionary war - The evidence in support of his services - are 1. Extracts from records of the Council of Safety in Connecticut office of the State. 2 o A Commission from the Governor of Connecticut dated in 1776 - 3 o Deposition of Jonathan Usher. 4 o 5 o 6 o 7 o Depositions of Abel. Abell - Dr John Watson, Daniel Williams - de services - 8 o Deposition of Isaac Spencer (late Treasurer of the State of Connecticut) de marriage &c.
I hope the enclosed documents will be deemed satisfactory to place the Old Lady on the pension roll. She is poor & unable to incur much expense in looking up testimony.
Dr. Watson whose deposition is enclosed was a

Surgeon in the Revy War & is an Annuitant under the Act of May 1828. After several years has held the distinguished Station of President of the Medical Society of Connecticut, until succeeded by the late Governor Peters.
Your reply addressed to me at this place will oblige me
Yrs very respectfully Samuel H. Parsons.

Comt.
June 1
Miss L. Edwards Esq Commission of Pleas in Washington

Hartford May 28. 1838
Sir.
On the 20 th of January last I sent to your Office an application for a pension in favor of Anna Usher.
I also forwarded to your Office sometime ago an application for a pension in favor of the Widow of Lyman Townsend. These applicants have repeatedly asked my attention to the subject, being very im- patient to receive the benefits of the acts of July 4. 1836 - and by their request I would respectfully ask your early examination of their cases -
Very respectfully I am Sir Yr. Ofc. Servt.
Samuel H. Parsons.
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Jan 17.
Anka Usha-
J. Edwards Dgr Commissioner of Pensions. Washington City. D.C.
Seal at the!

Sir,
Hartford January 14 th 1839
I have this morning rec d your letter of the 11 th inst containing the four documents in the case of Mrs Anna Usher refer'd to in my letter of the 20 th ulto. viz: 1 st a Commission from Gov Fournbull.
2 o Extracts from the Doings of the Council of Safety.
3 o Affidavit of Christopher Bailey
4 th Affidavit of David L. Emmons.
These four documents, with those forwarded to me in your letter of the 28 th November last, comprise all the evidence which has been transmitted to you in this case with the exception of Mrs Usher's declaration.
The papers will be duly authenticated & returned to your office.
I am, very respectfully Your Ob t Serv t
Samuel H Parsons
J. G. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington City.
P.S. The "Bible cover" containing evidence of marriage to in the Land writings of D r Usher, I presume will not be deemed important inasmuch as there

are two affidavits to establish the fact. If considered unimportant, the Children Widow would be pleased to have it returned to them as a family Memorial.

Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, Jan'y 16, 1839
No 2
3

Comptroller's Office
Hartford Jan'y 16 1839
I certify that on Ledger B. in this office I find the following Account - State of Connecticut June 1 st 1779 Port of New London Dr To the State of Connecticut for the Pay of General Field & Staff officers of Ebenezer Woolcott Esq. Col. from June 10 1778 to Jan'y 2 1779 £ 102.10.0 Robert Usher Surgeon from June 10 1778 to Jan'y 2 1779 £ 66.19.5 It also appears in the doings of the Council of Safety Vol. 3 p. 4 Under date of July 14 1779 that Brig d Genl l Ebenezer Woolcott was ordered to cause one half of the Men lately detached in his Brigade on the east side of Connecticut River to march forthwith to New London for defence of that port at Groton - also that Brig d Genl l Tyler immediately detach & send forward one quarter part of Col. Brooks regiment with Officers &c to New London - also voted that Brig d Genl l Tyler be directed to repair to and take Command of the Militia ordered into New London
Henry Wilbraham Compt l

Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut Respecting the Rolls in his office —
Filed by H. L. Brockton Atty

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford Dec. 29 th 1851
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Robert Usher as a Surgeon in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents in this Office, and do not find any Pay Roll, which contains the name of the said Usher, nor any evidence of the length of his service.
There are no Rolls of the Regiment commanded by Col. Wadsworth found in this office.
It is supposed that the Rolls of the service of this Regiment, with many others, were sent to Washington after the close of the war, and that they were destroyed at the time the Treasury building at Washington was burned.
A. G. Pinney Comptroller by Geo. Robinson, Clerk.

Brief Hiss of Anna Washed Appeal from Cons Pensions.
Report of Mr Olney Appeal Clerk in the Interior Department prepared at the instance of the Secretary, in which, the allowance of two years service is recommended.

Heirs of Anna Wether, widow of Doctor Robert Wether a surgeon in the Revolutionary War - appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions.
Brief
Anna Wether applied for a pension alleging a service of two years or more of her husband Doctor Robert Wether, and was placed on the Pension Roll in March 1839. for a service of 13 months, and died in 1849. The heirs assert that the allowance was erroneous and now claim the difference of pension between 13 months and two years, upon the following evidence 1 st - Daniel Skinner States in his affidavit that Doctor Wether was in service "from the forepart of the winter of 1775 - to the latter part of April 1775." - The appointment of D r Wether by the Council of Safety in January 1776. and the vote of the Council July 12 th 76. of £12. to D r Wether to pur- -chase medicines so for the Reg t to which he was attached 2 d Christopher Bailey Swears that he was in the service two months in 1776. that he saw D r Wether in active service and left him there - 3 d Jonathan Wether, Swears that Doctor Wether served the United States at different periods during the Revolutionary War from the year 1775. to 1780. in the capacity of Surgeon and Physician - 4 th Daniel Williams Swears that about the 1 st July 1777. Doctor Wether overtook him on his way to Fort Trumbull where he was going as a Subst- -itute for his brother and that he understood D r Wether was going to New London as a Surgeon for the troops stationed there, and that he Williams was taken sick whilst in the service at Fort Trumbull and that D r Wether was his attending Physician - 5 th D r Emmons Swears that he went to join the army in the winter of 1775-6- and that he served with D r Wether, from the 1 st June 1776. until the 1 st Jany 1777. and that in the month of March or April 1779- he was again in the

Service at New London is certain that this last Service was in the Spring of 1779. and is certain of the fact that Doctor Wether was then in the Service at New London from recollecting that the Doctor joined him about the work he carried down - Emmens remained about three weeks and then left on furlough, and says the Regiment was discharged about three or four days after he left. 6 th The Comptroller of the State of Connecticut states that it appears of Record, that Dr. Wether was paid as Surgeon to the Regiment commanded by Col. Erastus Wolcott from June 10. 1776 to Jan'y 2 d 1777 - and that afterwards in July 1779. Brigadier Genl. Wolcott, was ordered by the Council of Safety to carry one half of his men to March forthwith to New London for defence of the post at Groton - Daniel Williams and Dr. Emmens swear that Dr. Wether was at New London in the Service at that time 1779. - The Comptroller further remarks that "a guard was kept up at this post during the war, and it is very probable that Doctor Wether may have acted as Physician and Surgeon for "the Troops there for the time claimed &c" - The Commissioner does not regard the evidence adduced as sufficiently positive to show two years Service and therefore refused to allow the increase claimed, and remarks that as Daniel Williams never presented his evidence should be received with great caution. - The agent for the Claimants in his argument takes the ground that Dr. Wether having been a Commissioned Officer as early 1776, and as it is proven by more than one credible witness whose respectability has been certified to that he was in Service as late as 1779 at New London, and attached to the same line in which he first received his Commission - at a point which it is well known as an historical fact was one of the most exposed on the whole line of Military Operations during the Revolutionary Struggle, and for the protection and defence of which frequent calls were made upon both the regular line and all the Militia of the adjacent Country, presents the strongest presumptive evidence of the truth of the Widows decla-

ration that he served over two years. In support of the sufficiency of the evidence he asserts that before the rejection of the claim by the Commission it had been examined by two of the most experienced examiners of Revolutionary claims in the Pension Office , Messrs. Kirby and Cole the first of whom recommended an allowance for two years service and the latter Mr. Cole in his report of the case which accompanies the papers states that 18 months could be allowed with safety — He also cites the cases of Custis Bull & Mrs. Susan Lowry — which were allowed as cases in point — The case of Custis Bull came up on an appeal from the decision of the Commission upon an examination of which by the then Secretary ad interim D. G. Goddard Esq. the Commission's decision was reversed and the claim allowed for two years service. In referring to the report of the Commission in that case, which is on file in the Department I find it very similar to the present case and relying upon similar presumptions to those now adduced, Mr. Goddard, based his decision on the ground that where evidence of service at intervals through a series of years at a point where almost continuous military operations were going on and where frequent requirements were being made upon all the available force at such points when taken in connection with the history of the times rendered it not at all improbable that the service claimed had been performed, and ordered the claimant to be restored to the Pension Roll.
The case of the heirs of Anna Washburn, appears to be as fully sustained by facts and reasonable presumptions as possible and the declaration of the Widow, is in exact compliance with the regulations issued by the Pension Office in 1832.
Respectfully Submitted W. O'Leary.
See also the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut who states that there are no rolls of Col. Wadsworth's Regt. in his office, & that it is supposed they were burnt in the Treasury building at Washington D.C.

Sir
There was an appeal in the case of Mrs. Pepper a few days since. It was a case in which there were several examina- -tions, & I looked at the Wapens myself. My views corresponded with those of Mr. Dawridge & I requested him to frame the let- -ter rejecting the claim. It is therefore proper that he should frame the Report. He pleased to ascertain to whom the copy  letter was sent truly in haste
J. E. Heath
Octo 13. 1857

John Wilson Esq
Ch Clerk

Letter of the Comptroller of Court Sept 12. 1831.
No 57

Comptroller's Office Hartford Conn. Sep 12 th 1857
Hon. Jas. E. Heath, Sir,
Your letter of the 9 th inst. respecting the service of Doct. Usher has been received. I have examined the Records in this office, and have also made enquiry at the Secretarys Office but can find very little evidence relating to the service referred to from Jan y . 1777 to March 1779. I find no evidence of service under Col. Wadsworth, except for about two months in 1776.
Laws were passed by the General Assembly of Connecticut at various times for raising troops to serve from three to twelve months, and enlistments were made under authority of such laws, but I believe that few of these troops served so long as a year, and in most cases not longer than 6 mos. I have not been able to ascertain that any enlistments except for service in the Connecticut Line were made for a longer period than one year.
The Militia of this State were often called

out in cases of emergency, for short periods, and served from a few days, to four or six months. I believe that no drafts of the Militia were made for a longer time than six months, though the service might in some cases continued longer than six months.
Troops were stationed at New London in the years 1777, 8 & 9, and General Tyler had command at that Post for a considerable length of time, but how long I cannot ascertain.
A guard was kept up at this Post during the war, and it is very probable that Doctor Ushe may have acted as Physician and Surgeon for the troops there, for the time claimed, though I can find nothing which will show in what Regiments his service was rendered, after 1776, nor the length of the service.
I am sir, very respectfully your obedt. Servt.
R. G. Peirney Compt., by Geo. Robinson Clerk

Letter of the Comptroller of Con- -necticut to H. L. Brockell
• July 28. 1837

Comptroller's Office
Hartford July 28 th 1857
J. L. Prockett Esq., Sir,
My letter to you of July 19 th will account for the delay in sending the certificate to you which I herewith enclose. I have recd a letter from Mr. Raynes in which he requests me to send the certificate to you or to Mr. Jones. I am sorry that I cannot find more evidence in relation to the service of Doct. Usher, but almost the whole of our Rolls of Military Service were sent to Washington at the time of the settlement between the U.S. & this state, and are supposed to have been destroyed when the Treasury Building at Washington was burned.
I think it very probable however, that you may find a roll of this Regt. at the Pension Office, and from that ascertain the whole length of the service of Doct. Usher,
I am, very respectfully your obedt. Servt.
Geo. Robinson

1 { App y by Council of Safety Jan y 30 1776 for Col Wadsworth Reg t . as buyer & ship July 12. Voted to grant liberty to purchase Medicine —
2 Com. dated June 10 76
3 J. Ushe — states that he, Robert Ushe ser d at various times from 1775 to 80, more than ten years West as a vol. fall 75 I. Roxbury
4. Abiel Abbott. ser d from Aug y 76 to close near Boston 263 Robert Ushe was there
5 J. Watras. Same, has no further personal knowledge
6. J. Williams. knew him a time for an end of part pens. com d 1 Aug y 77
Manned. Jan y 79
D. Shenne — sworn from for part of March 75 to last of 1776. — He served as he states in his declaration from 4 to 5 months —

2 Pension office Crammins Brief
2. 7

Brief in the case of Anna Usher, dec d , widow of Robert Usher, Middlesex County and State of Connecticut act 4 July 1836
Claim, ( original ) "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The additional evidence filed in this case is the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut, shewing that Robert Usher was appointed a Surgeon in 1776. Jan'y 30. Also a letter from the Comptroller's clerk shewing that the militia rolls of that State are very imperfect.
A pension has heretofore been allowed for 13 months service and from the proofs on file I believe that 18 months should be allowed. Admitted at $450 per annum, deducting former payments at $325 per annum, commencing 4 March 1831 & ending 20 May 1849.
Name and residence of Agent.
G. H. Jones. Present
S. Cole. Examining Clerk.

Comptroller's Office Hartford Ct Feb. 21 st 1837
On application for evidence of the service of Doct Robert Usher I have examined the Books and papers remaining in this Office relating to the Revolutionary War, & find & certify as follows; viz:-
Doings of the Council of Safety. "Jan'y. 30 th 1776 - Present His Hon r the Gov r &c P.M., On application &c - Doct Robert Usher of Chatham is appointed Surgeon & Physician for Col o Wadsworths Regt in the recruits raising for Cambridge &c" -
12 th July 1776. On representation of Doct Usher of the New London Regt, & letter from Col o Wolcott for that purpose, Voted That he be have liberty to purchase & take up medicines for the use of s d Regt to the amt of ten Pounds for which the Colony will be accountable" -
In the absence of the Comptroller certified by Royal Albinson Secretary of State,

Report - 4th April 1894

I Abel Abell of Chatham in the County of Middlesex of lawful age, being more than eighty years of age, do hereby depose and say that I was drafted into the Revolutionary service in the month of January 1776 - and was stationed in Brookline near Boston under Col. Sage and remained on that station in the service until the first of April 1776. And while in said service was well acquainted with Doct. Robert Usher of Chatham who was then in the service and was surgeon in said Regiment. And I further say that I was waiter for Sergt. David Smith of Chatham who was sick in the Hospital and under the care of the said Robert Usher Surgeon of said Regiment.
Abd. Abell
State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex }
On this 20 th day of December A.D. 1837 - personally appeared the above named Abel Abell and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me.
Nath l C. Smith Just Peace
I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness and that his statements are entitled to full credit -
Nath l C. Smith Just Peace

I David Shinn of Columbia in Tolland County and State of Connecticut now rising of Eighty six years of age do now and say that I was a soldier in Captain Eliphalet Durdlees Company the same being a part of Col. Wadsworths Regiment and stationed at Roxbury near Boston in the fore part of the winter of 1775 and continued a soldier as aforesaid until the latter part of April A.D. 1776 and during the whole of said time I knew that Dr. Robert Usher of Chatham Ct. was at said Roxbury in the capacity of Physician and Surgeon to said Col Wadsworths Regiment
Hebron Tolland County State of Connecticut September 4th 1830
David Shinn
State of Connecticut ss. Tolland County Hebron Sep 4th A.D. 1830 Personally appeared before me the aforesaid David Shinn who is a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the aforesaid Deposition by him subscribed before me
Ralph Gilbert Justice Peace

Christopher Baileys of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged eighty years depose and say that in the year 1776 I was in the service in the army of the Revolution at and near Boston in the State of Massachusetts for the period of two months in a company commanded by Capt. Jared Shepard in a Regiment of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Col — Wadsworth. During the time I was in service as aforesaid, Doct Robert Usher late of Chatham in the County and State aforesaid served in said Regiment in the Capacity of Surgeon. I was personally acquainted with Doct Usher, who attended upon me when sick in said service. When I was discharged I left Doct Usher in service in said Regiment. I suppose he was detained to take care of the sick, for there were many who were unable to leave when I did on account of sickness. Christopher Baileys
State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex ss Haddam April 12 th 1837-
On this 12 th day of April 1837 Personally appeared before me Simus Parmelee a Notary Public in and for said County & State, Christopher Baileys and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the day and year last aforesaid — And I do certify that the said Christopher Baileys is a person of credibility —
Simus Parmelee, Notary Public

6 th Daniel Williams

State of Connecticut 2
County of Litchfield ss Colchester Dec. 4 th 1837
I Daniel Williams of said Colchester in the eighty first year of my age Depose and say that in the year 1777
I did duty as a private soldier at Fort Trumbull in said County as a substitute for my brother Weeks Williams who had enlisted into a Military Company that on my way from Colchester aforesaid to said Fort Trumbull about the first of July in the year last mentioned Doctor Robert Wsher of Chatham in said State overtook me on the road and Capt. Dunning also overtook me they being horseback and I on foot and I well recollect of Capt. Dunning speaking of Doctor Wsher about going to Newbern to perform duty as a surgeon at that time, and at the time when on duty as before, at Fort Trumbull I was in company with the said Doctor Wsher called at my quarters to see me, as a physician and further the Deponent saith not
Subscribed & sworn to the day Daniel Williams
and year aforesaid before
one Benj m Trumbull Justice of the peace in & for said County
I certify that Daniel Williams the above named deponent is a credible person, that he is a person of the United States under the act of June 1832. Benj m Trumbull Justice of peace

Dr. Robert Usher surgeon -
James at New London 1776
Lagam at VA 1779
1000
Mr Parsons
Gadby's Hotel

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss to East Haddam November 21 st 1838.
I Daniel Simmons of said East Haddam aged Eighty One years being duly Cautioned examined and sworn depose and say That in the time of the War of the Revolution I was well acquainted with Robert Usher late of Chatham in said County deceased and that I well recollect his going to Boston to join the Army in the winter of 1775:6. but the particular I do not know. In the summer of 1776. said Robert Usher was annexed to Col. Erastus Root's Regiment for a period of seven months as a Surgeon, for which period he served. Said Regiment was stationed at New London and I was a private therein in Capt. Eliphalet Bullock's Company and enlisted for seven months and commenced my service the last of May or 1 st of June 1776 and was discharged with the rest of the Regiment on the 1 st day of January 1777. We had a new year day of it - There was no other surgeon or surgeon's mate to said Regiment according to my recollection than said Robert Usher for said period - In the year 1779. in the month of March or April I was at New London in an alarm according to my best recollection, and Robert Usher was there also - We were in Col. Root's Regiment. I supposed at the time and have always supposed that he acted as surgeon of the Regiment - I recollect well that said Robert Usher was there when we arrived, as he jotted me about the pork which I carried down - I staid just three weeks at this time and left on a furlough, the Regiment was discharged about three or four days after I left - My belief is that said Usher staid until the Regiment was discharged - I am quite sure this service was in the spring of 1779. as it was the year before my marriage which took place in March 1780. I am very positive it was not before the year 1779. and further the deponent saith not -
J. C. Palmer } Witnesses Deacon J. C. Palmer }
Daniel S. Simmons Mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written and I certify That said Daniel Simmons is personally known to me and is a credible person John C. Palmer Justice of the Peace

5 th
Dr John R. Washburn

I John R Warren of Colchester, in the County of New London, do testify and say, that previous to, and after the War of the Revolution, I lived in the vicinity, and was well acquainted with Doct. Robert Usher of Chatham —
That in the first year of the said War - viz - in 1775. I was in the Army of said Revolution, in a Regiment stationed at Roxbury, near Boston - And about the first of January 1776, there was a draft of a number of Regiments of militia from Massachusetts and Connecticut, which were ordered, some to be stationed at Roxbury, others at Cambridge, some Miles from each other - That I then understood that the aforesaid Doctor Usher was Surgeon to one of the Connecticut Regiments, and stationed at Cambridge - I did not see him there, but afterwards understood that he remained there till about the first of April following - when the British Army having left Boston, the militia were dismissed - after that term of service I understood he had one or two subsequent appointments as Surgeon to different Regiments - one stationed at New London the other at a different period near New York - Although I being in the Army myself, never was stationed near to him yet have full belief of his having been in the Service, as that of any other person being there whom I did not see —
After the close of the War, I had frequent conversation with the said Doct. Usher (I had frequent conversation) respecting circumstances which took place occurred during the War, and heard him relate facts which took place at different times, and at different stations where he was situated —
Colchester January 9 th 1838 -
John R Warren
State of Connecticut, New London County, ss. Colchester Jan y 9 1838 personally appeared John R. Warren Esq. and made oath to the truth of the above deposition before me by him subscribed, Benj. Brinsball Justice of the peace

And I do further certify that the said John R. Watrous who has subscribed an oath to the truth of the within deposition before me is a credible person & that full credit is to be given to his testimony Benj n Bromhall Justice of the Peace

I, ROYAL R. HINMAN , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Nathan Johnson Esq. is
and for more than two years last past, has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hartford in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certifi- cates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Johnson
in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 16 th day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
And I certify that the signature of said Johnson
hereunto annexed is genuine.
Secretary.
Royal R. Hinman

I, ROYAL R. HINMAN , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Benjamin Trumbull Esqr, is
and for more than two years last past, has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New London in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certifi- cates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Trumbull
in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 16 th day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
And I certify that the signature of said Trumbull hereunto annexed is genuine.
Royal R. Hinman
Secretary.

I, ROYAL B. HINMAN , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Nathaniel C. Smith, Oliver Green & John C. Palmer Esqrs are
and for more than two years last past, have been Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Middlesex in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certifi- cates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Smith, Green and Palmer
in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 16 th day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine And I certify that the signature of said Smith, Green & Palmer
hereunto annexed are genuine.
Royal B. Hinman
Secretary.

I, ROYAL R. HINMAN , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern,
THAT Ralph Gilbert Esq is
and for more than one year last past, has been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Tolland in said State, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified, having full power and authority, by the laws of said State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer oaths to witnesses and to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certifi- cates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to the official acts and attestations of the said Gilbert
in Court and Country.
In testimony whereof, I have, in my capacity of Secretary as aforesaid, hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at the City of Hartford, in said State, the 16 th day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine
And I certify that the signature of said Gilbert hereunto annexed is genuine.
Royal R. Hinman
Secretary.

Sir, Hartford January 17. 1839.
I have caused the papers in the case of Mrs Anna Usher to be authenticated agreeably to the request in your letter of the 28 th November last, and now return the same with an additional certificate from the Comptroller's Office.
Mrs Usher claims a pension under act of July 7. 1836 for services performed by her husband as surgeon in the Rev y War at different periods for more than two years. Her declaration is supported by the testimony of Jonathan Usher a son by a former marriage whose age appears upon the "Bible over" a Family Register in my office. It appears from the "Doings of the Council of Safety" that on the 20 th January 1776. Dr Robert Usher was appointed Surgeon to the regiment of recruits raised for Cambridge under Col. Wadsworth where he performed at least 3 months active service as proved by the Affidavits of Abel Abell, David Skinner, & Christopher Bailey. On the 18 th of June 1776. He rec d a regular Commission from Governor Trumbull & served at New London as Surgeon to Colonel Erastus Wolcott's regiment to January 4. 1777. for which service he was paid by the State of Connecticut, as may appear by the Comptroller's Certificate under date of 16 th Jany 1839. This period of Seven Months active duty from June to Jany 1777 is also proved by the Affidavits,

of Daniel Williams & Daniel J. Emmons. The latter witness also swears that he served at New London in an alarm in March or April 1779, when & where he again saw Doctor Usher acting in the capacity of Surgeon.
Colonel Erastus Wolcott (in whose regiment Doctor Usher served as Surgeon at New London in 1777) was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, and in July 1779 was directed by the "Council of Safety" to detach a part of his Brigade "to march forthwith to New London "for defence of that post at Groton". As Dr Usher belonged to that portion of General Wolcott's Brigade (East side of the Connieticut River) ordered by the Council of Safety to be detached, he of course was with the troops which marched " forthwith in July 1779 " to defend the Post at Groton (opposite to New London), & with a part of Col d Throop's Reg t was placed under the command of Genl Tyler. The precise length of this service we cannot at present ascertain, but feel confident it could not have been less than three months .

The subsequent periods of service must rest on the testimony of Mrs Usher, & her son Jonathan Usher with the statements of Doct r Woodruff.
Presuming that abundant evidence has been adduced to prove the services of Dr Usher in 1776, 1777 & 1779, we must (for the present) be satisfied with the time specified in those several periods, which are  proved  testimony more satisfactory than the declaration of the Claimant Sherben is required, although we fully believe he served more than two years.
Your early attention to this case is respectfully requested. The original Declaration was forwarded to your office January 20 th 1838.
Very Respectfully
I am Sir, Your obedient servant
J. L. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions Washington.
Samuel H. Parsons