Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14710, Bill Torrey, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn
Torrey Bill
S 14710
banded
CONTENTS

Papers of children of Bill Torrey
John J. Taylor H. Ken

Bill Torrey died April 15, 1852, leaving no widow & no property - & leaving children Samuel Torrey, John Torrey, Sarah Hutchinson son, Betsey Torrey & Seth B. Torrey -
From the enclosed letters of pension agents they are led to suppose there may be something for them, by way of increased pension or otherwise - Information on that point, with return of the enclosed papers, will oblige me -
John J. Taylor H. R. -

14457 1782 New York  Bill Torrey Hoza Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Thatcher of the Regt: commanded by Col: Swift in the Col: ma line for 9 mos 3 d.
Hon Bro J Taylor Dec 14 1854
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of May 1833 and sent to  Wm McAlpine
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $100.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending Septm 15. 16 $75.82
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Vol. 4 Page 50

Fill Toney's Papers relating to a Pension
19782

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of New York } County of Tioga, } ss.
On this 19 th day of November 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Sixth Circuit Court of the State of New York , Judges of a Court of Oyer & Terminer now sitting at Cwego in said county, Bill Dorsey a resident of Berkshire, in the County and State aforesaid, aged twenty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That in the month of June of the year 1776 in the town of Durham in the County of Hartford and State of New York Connecticut, (where he then resided), he enlisted in the State Troops as a Militia man for five months in a company commanded by Capt. John Thatcher, 1 st Lieut. Chamberlin, 2 d Lieut. Amos Fowler and Ensign Ambrose Baldwin; that he then marched to New Haven, where he was inspected; that Col. Heman Swift had the command of the Regiment. That he marched from New Haven to Skeensboro in the State of New York, at which place two companies were stationed for a month or more, for the purpose of cutting timber for Arnold's fleet, he was in one of those companies; that he went from that place to Mount Independence in a How Gally, and there remained until his time of service was out, to wit; five months; that he at that time received a discharge, which is lost, cannot remember what officer signed it; Brigadier Gen. Waterbury had the command of the Brigade in this campaign, he then returned home to Durham.
That in the month of July 1779 cannot remember the day of the month, in the said town of Durham, he was drafted for five weeks, as a Militia man, in a company commanded by Capt. Simon Berry, in Col. Hooker's Regiment, to go to Horse Neck, in Connecticut, town of Greenwich, that he immediately marched to Horse Neck, and was there stationed for five weeks; that in the mean time a guard was taken from the company, to which he belonged, he was

one of that guard which was placed at Sherwood's Bridge on the road from Horse Neck to Kingstreet, the guard was cut off, and he made his escape although he was the last man who left his post; he stayed his five weeks out, was then dismissed and returned home.
That in the summer of the year 1780 in July cannot tell the exact time, he again enlisted for three months in the said town of Durham; that he marched from Winthrop's Point in the town of New London, State of Connecticut, in the company commanded by Capt. Hotchkiss and Lieut. Holt, in Col. Richards regiment; that from that place he was marched to Mohegan, and from Mohegan to Poewetonuc, that his time was spent there in making fascines and gabions, he served in this campaign two months, was then dismissed and returned home, had no written discharge at this time.
In the Revolutionary War he was out at various other times on short tours, which it is impossible for him to remember all the times; at one time he was under Lieut. Abraham Scranton of Connecticut, marched to Guilford and was there stationed for two weeks.
At another time in a company commanded by Capt. Charles Norton at Danbury in Connecticut, served at this time two weeks, does not remember the year or month. That he was born in Durham, New Haven county, State of Connecticut in the year 1761 and that he has a record of his age in his family bible. That since the Revolutionary War he has lived in the town of Durham, in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut; in the town of Durham in the State of New York; and in the town of Berkshire, in the county of Tioga and State of New York.
That he has no documentary evidence, but refers to the depositions of Enoch Hinman and Seth Atkins which are hereto annexed and are the only ones he can obtain. — He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day, and year aforesaid.
Green M Tuttle clk
Bill Ferriss

We, Silas Comfort a clergyman residing in the town of Berkshie in the county of Tioga, and State of New York, and Ransom Williams residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Bill Torrey, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Green M Tuthill Clk
Silas Comfort Ransom Williams
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Silas Comfort who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Berkshie, in the county of Tioga and State of New York, and that who has also signed Ransom Williams who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of Berkshie, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Green M. Tuthill, Clerk of the Court of Tioga County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Bill Torrey for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19 th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Green M Tuthill

State of New York } Tioga County }
On this 14 th day of November 1832 personally appeared before me Elizur Goodrich one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county of Tioga, Seth Atkins, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, did depose and say,
That in the summer of the year 1780 in the month of July he knows that Bill Torrey enlisted for three months in the town of Durham State of Connecticut in the militia, in a company commanded by Capt. Hotchkiss and Lieut. Holt, in Col. Richards Regiment; that from the said town of Durham said Torrey and this deponent, were marched to Winthrop's Point in the town of New London in the state of Connecticut, from that place both of us were marched to Mohegan, and from Mohegan to Pequotonug. That he knows that the said Bill Torrey was out in this campaign two months and think three months before he was dismissed.
Subscribed and sworn to } before me the day and year } above written ————— }
Seth Atkins
Elizur Goodrich Just Peace
State of New York } County of Tioga }
I certify that I am well acquainted with Seth Atkins who subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit, that he is a man of reputation, and that full faith and credit are due to his testimony.
Berkshire November 14, 1832
Elizur Goodrich Justice of the Peace

State of New York, Tioga County Clerks Office,
J. S. Green M. Tuthill clerk of the County of Tioga Do hereby certify that Elizur Goodrich Esquire before whom the within affidavit & certificate purports to have been taken was on the dates of the same one of the Justices of the peace in for said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signatures "Elizur Goodrich" subscribed to said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing — Witness my hand and seal of Office this 14 th day of November A.D. 1832 — Green M Tuthill

Enoch Hinman of West Stockbridge in the county of Berkshire & commonwealth of Massachusetts being duly sworn depon & says that he was well acquainted with Bell Torrey formerly of Durham in the state of Connecticut now residing in the Town of Berkshire in the county of Tiough & state of New York, that the place of his nativity was Durham aforesaid when he resided at the time of the American Revolution, that he was knowing to said Torrey's enlisting & serving in the state troops of the state of Connecticut Connecticut for the term of six months, that Ensign Amos Baldwin Lieutenant Amos Torrey Captain Thatcher (whose christian name I believe was John) were the Officers in the company in which he served, said company was attached to Col Seely's Regiment in the Connecticut line, that he was also a soldier & served in the company aforesaid with said Torrey, that our first place of rendezvous after our enlistment was at Our Haven in the state of Connecticut, which he believes was in the month of June in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred & seventy six, & March from thence to Shinsborough (now called Whitehall) in the state of New York, that said Torrey contin- -ued to serve in the Army of the revolution in the line of state troops aforesaid for six months the term of his enlistment, to wit till the month of December following, that there may have been some delay, during said period that he did not see said Torrey, but that he served the full term of his enlistment aforesaid & was discharged he has no doubt
Enoch Hinman
Le Berkshire ss. July 24 th 1832 Then the above named Enoch Hinman personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed and I further certify, that said Hinman is a man

of undoubted veracity & retaining his mental faculties in an uncommon degree for a man of his age. — Robbins Kellogg Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Berkshire Ss. I Charles Sedgwick a clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth do certify that Robbins Kellogg Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within said County of Berkshire & that the name above hereto subscribed purporting to be his is in his hand writing — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of August A D 1832. —
Ch. Sedgwick Clerk
Bill Jones to Fairfield relating to a Pension

We do severally certify, that we reside in the same town and vicinity with Bill Torrey, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that for the last twenty four years we have had an acquaintance with him, during which, we have had no reason to doubt his integrity or veracity; and that we believe, that the services as set forth in his declaration above, were rendered to this country. Given under our hands at Berkshire, in the county of Tioga and State of New York this 20th day of November 1832.
Joseph Belcher Daniel Carpenter Stephen Ball Robert Akins Murray Ball Barnabas Manning Elijah Belcher Samuel Ball David Williams
Asa Leonard Horatio Collins Solomon Leonard Darius Gleason Isaac Hitchcock John G. Gage Lynde B. Winship Peter Moore Joseph Waldo J. Satcatt Waldo Nathaniel Friel Isaac Ball Josiah Ball Roswell H. Brown
We do severally certify that we reside in the neighbourhood of Bill Torrey and have been acquainted with him for twelve years and upwards, and that we fully concur in the opinion above expressed by Asa Leonard & others. (Berkshire Nov 20, 1832).
Lehners Ford 11 ward  Chenango J. Waldo William Whiting Orman Olney Asahel Royce Isaac Goodale John B. Royce  Elijah Belcher Ralph Manning Chester Goodale Isaac Brown Marcus Ford Richard T Ball Deodatus Royce Elisha Sool

No 19782
Bill Serry
Tioga Co. N York
admitted.
9 mo. 3 days. Private.
33
Wm H. Morn 29 c
Berkshire Tioga Co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Bill Torrey  Sioga 6 o NYork
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered 1776 Military Man 6 Private Capt Thatch Lt Champlin Col Heman Brig Gen Watkins N H & Mass New York 71 Hanford 6 o Conn Traditionary   Enlisted 1779 1 5 Capt Berry Capt Hotchkiss Col Heman Brig Gen Watkins Massachusetts New York Both States for 2 Mo. in 1780   Enlisted 1780 2 Lt Seranton Capt Morton Col Dickerson Brig Gen Massachusetts New York Enoch Heman as to 6 Mo. 1776   14   14   9 3  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.  The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

January 11, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bill Torrey-S.14710 BA-J/AWF
The Quartermaster General Memorial Branch War Department Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of Bill Torrey.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.14710, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Bill Torrey.
He was born in the year 1761 at Durham, Hartford County, Connecticut; the names of his parents are not stated.
While residing at said Durham, Bill Torrey enlisted and served with the Connecticut troops, as follows-
From June, 1776 five or six months in Captain John Thatcher's company, Colonel Heman Swift's regiment; from July, 1779, five weeks in Captain Dimon Berry's company, Colonel Hooker's regiment; from July, 1780 or 1781 two months in Captain Hotchkiss' company, Colonel Richards' regiment. He also served short tours, one of two weeks under Lieutenant Abraham Scranton, stationed at Guilford, and one of two weeks in Captain Charles Norton's company at Danbury.
The soldier, Bill Torrey, was allowed pension on his application executed, November 19, 1832, then a resident of Berkshire, Tioga County, New York. He died, April 15, 1852, leaving no widow, but the following children survived him- Sarah Hutchinson, Samuel

and 1813 Section.
Torrey, John Torrey, Betsey Torrey, and Seth B. Torrey.
The application for headstone for Bill Torrey and a letter from Mrs. Lelia Foster Livermore, Newark Valley, New York are returned herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

ans February 26, 1936
Helen Peck Woman's Bldg. East Lansing, Mich.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 14710, it appears that Bill Torrey was born in 1761 at Durham, Connecticut.
While residing at Durham, Connecticut, he enlisted and served in the Connecticut Troops, as follows-
From June 1776, five months in Captain John Thatcher's Company, Colonel Heman Swift's Regiment.
From July 1779, five weeks in Captain Dimon Berry's Company, Colonel Hooker's Regiment.
From July 1780 or 1781, two months in Captain Hotchkiss' Company, Colonel Richards' Regiment.
He also served several short tours, one of two weeks under Lieutenant Abraham Scranton at Guilford;

and one of two weeks in Captain Charles Norton's Company at Danbury.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 19, 1832, while a resident of Berkshire, Tioga County, New York.
He died April 15, 1852, leaving no widow, but the following children- Sarah Hutchinson, Samuel Torrey, John Torrey, Betsey Torrey, and Seth B. Torrey.
The name of soldier's wife is not on file.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Bill Torrey's Papers relating to a Pension

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of New York } Tioga County }
On this day of 1832 personally appeared in open Court before before the Court of Common Pleas of said Tioga County, now sitting Bill Torrey a resident of Berkshire in the in the County aforesaid, aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated, to wit. That in the month of June 1776 in the town of Durham, County of New Haven and State of Connecticutt, he enlisted in the State troops as a militia man for five months, in the company commanded by Capt John Thatcher; that he then marched to New Haven, where he was inspected; That Col. Heman Swift had the command of the Regiment; That he marched from  to New Haven to Skeensboro, in the State aforesaid of New York, at which place two companies were stationed for a month or more, for the purpose of cutting timber for Arnolds fleet, he was one of that number; that he went from that place in a Row Galley to Mount Independence, and there remained until his term of service was out, to wit five months; that he at that time rece- ived a discharge which is lost, cannot remember what officer signed it; Brigadier Gen. Warnerbury signed it had the command of the Brigade in this campaign; he then returned home to Durham.
That in the month of July 1779 in the said town of Durham, cannot remember the day of month, he was drafted for five months weeks as a militia man, in a company commanded by Capt. Simon Berry, in Col Hookers Regiment, to go to Horse neck, in Connecticutt, town of Greenwich, that he immediately

5 marched to Horse Neck, and was there stationed for five weeks, that in the mean time a guard was taken from the company to which he belonged he was one of that guard which was placed at Sherwoods Bridge in the road from Horse Neck to Kingstreet, the guard was cut off and he made his escape, although he was the last man that left his post; he staid his five weeks out was then dismissed and returned home home.
That in the summer of the year 1781 cannot tell the exact time, he again enlisted for three months in the said town of Durham; that he marched to Winthrops Point in the town of New London State of Connecticut, in the company commanded By Capt Hotchkiss, in Col Col. Richards Regiment; that from that place he was marched to Mohegan; and from Mohegan to Pocumtuck, that his time was spent there in making fascines and gabions, he served in this Campaign two months; was then discharged and returned home; had no written discharge at this time. In the Revolutionary war he was out at various other times on short tours which is impossible for him to collect remember the time; at one time he was under Lieut. Abraham Scranton of Connecticut for two weeks; at another time in a company commanded by Capt Charles Norton at Danbury, in Connecticut for two weeks.
At various other times he was called out on alarms for a few days; the time he spent on the alarm list is perfectly out of his power to remember. That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.

Washington City, D. C. March 16 1853.
I address you for the purpose of offering my services as Government Claim Agent, in obtaining an increase of the Revolutionary Pension of Bill Torrey. — The amount of yearly Pension granted in this case was determined at the time of granting the Pension by the grade or rank in which the soldier served, and by the period of his service as then proven , but in this as well as every other case of like character, where additional service, or service in a higher grade can be established, a corresponding yearly increase of the Pension is due to the soldier, as well as to his widow, and in the event of their deaths, to the Children, Administrator or next of kin. This increase dates back to the commencement of the Pension, exists during its continuance, ceasing only with the annuity, and may be realized in one entire and accumulated sum, whenever properly applied for. Hundreds of Pensioners and representatives of Pensioners, have received this Increase, and although some addition to the original annuity may in the present case, have already been granted, I am sanguine I can obtain a still further allowance. I am not (nor will I, until with the enclosed instrument as my authority, I have examined all the papers in the case) be prepared to say with any degree of accuracy what amount there is, or may be due, but from the best information I am possessed of, it is a sum well worthy of your attention.
Should there be several heirs it will not be necessary for all to execute the Power enclosed; any one of them may act for himself and represent the interest of the remainder, and the "Pay certificate" or "Pension Draft" will be made payable to the party who gives the Power of Attorney — if preferred, two, or all the heirs may join and have the certificate made payable to their joint order or endorsement. From an examination of the accompanying form, you will perceive that the "certificate" to be granted upon an admission of the claim will command the money at the Pension Agency of your State, or where the original annuity was paid; it is apparent therefore that as no money drawn here I can exercise no control over what may be recovered, but for my fee or per-centage of the amount drawn, must trust entirely to your integrity to promptly send it to me, after you have turned the certificate into cash. If I am employed in the prosecution of this claim, I will for my own interest as well as yours, exert every means to establish as much service by the soldier as possible. The more service we are able to prove the greater will be the amount recovered. In doing this I will of necessity incur some outlay — searches of voluminous files will have to be made — certified copies of papers will be required — and probably an exemplified record from one or more of the State Comptrollers: All this I will have to pay for in advance . To protect myself against absolute loss therefore I shall expect from you an advance fee of $3 — and which will be the only charge made until the claim is allowed. Without this advance fee I cannot proceed in your behalf. Should my actual expenses prove less than anticipated, I will charge myself with the surplus and account for it upon our final settlement. Should you see proper to intrust your business to my care, you may expect to be served to the best of my ability, and I entertain no doubt with results as satisfactory to all concerned, as has heretofore attended my labors in the Pension Office. My fee will be Five per-cent of the amount recovered — a fee less than half the usual charge in protracted claims — but which the assurance I entertain of having this claim speedily allowed, justifies me in accepting.
For my integrity, competency, and attention to business, you are at liberty to address the Member of Congress from your District.
Very Resp'y. Your Ob't Serv't S. M. Knight.
P.S. See notes on enclosed form, relative to arrears due deceased Pensioners.

B Tenny Payments to be made at New York by First Natl. U. S. B. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 4 Page 80 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Bill Torrey of the State of New York who was a Private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and Thirty Three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 27 day of
May one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
L. Wood
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Gallipolis Ohio July 13 th 1853 Mr Bill Tony
Sir, it has come to my knowledge that you have not received all the pension money that is yours due for your services in the Revolutionary war if you will write to me and send me one dollar to pay my trouble I will give you some valuable information
Yours Respectfully Daniel D T Benedict agent for pensioners

Bill Torrey
Calh
Mr
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business.
Hon. Jno. G. Taylor Ho of Reps.

Request for Rev War record of Bill Torrey furnished Jan. 11 - 1934 - application for headstone & letter from Mrs. Lelia Fosli Frier - mine - Newark Valley. New York - returned with - letter see J

WAR DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL WASHINGTON
1-6 1931
Memorandum for
The Surgeon General, Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department, Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department, The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building, General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N. W.
1. The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon. In order that the proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name and complete designation of the organizations.
2. In addition, please advise State from which decedent came.
2 Encls

Woman's Bldg., East Lansing, Mich., January 18, 1926.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Dept. of the Interior Washington, D. C.
Re Captain Bill Torry Dear Sir:
Will you kindly send me the military record of Captain Bill Torry? He was born in Durham, Conn., Oct. 6, 1761 and died in 1852, probably in Tioga County, N. Y. Since he came to Tioga County in 1808 from Greene County, N. Y. it is possible that he served in the Revolutionary War from Greene County rather than from Durham, Conn. In 1782, Oct. 7 he took oath of fidelity to the State of Connecticut.
Any information regarding Bill Torry will be gratefully accepted. Thanking you kindly, I am,
Very truly yours,
Helen Peck

Rev. 1930
INVALID.
14710
1926-Feb 25 - His 1 st to Helen Pick aug 1934-Jan 11 - " to Memorial Brands aug
File No. 14710
Bill Torrey
Brn Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1932
Index: -Vol. 1 , Page 377
[Arrangement of 1870.]