Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6439, Samuel Wells, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Wells, Samuel      NUMBER      W. 6439 Isabel Katharine
CONTENTS

Reported
Connecticut. 724
Isabel Katharine Wells widow of Samuel Wells
Con n who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private for 7 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 23 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Dec r 1850 and sent to
Isaac Sherman Bridgeport Fairfield Co Conn
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1818, Page 67 Vol. 1
Bost n A

28.093
Connecticut
Samuel Wells
of Stratford in the State of Conn who was a Private in the Conn by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Whiting in the Conn Troops line for
7 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn the rate of 23 Dollars 30 Cents per annum. commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Feb 1834 and I am Sir Your Obedient Servant
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $ 58.32 Pension allowance ending March 4 - 11 66
$ 69.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Steele Clerk, Vol. 3 Page 48
Order to Pay 7 Dec. 1836 Order to Pay 9 Oct 1837. dillo - do 7 Nov 1838

Samuel Wells Application for a Pension
29. 146-
RECEIVED JAN 17 1847
Rev. G. Tomlins

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield
ss. Bridgeport
On this 23 day of December 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before The Court of Probate in & for Stratford District in said County
now sitting,
Samuel Wells
a resident of
Stratford
in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged
73
years, who being first sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein after stated. That he on the 15 th day of April 1777 being drafted from Captain Booth's Company of Militia in said Town of Stratford to serve as a private soldier in a Company of Guards commanded by Captain Severnworth then of Naugatuck Parish in said Town of Stratford but now the town of Huntington That he served the United States faithfully in said company of Guards commanded By said Captain Severnworth from the said 15 th day of April 1777 till the 20 th day of June following in Reeperry Farm in the Town of Fairfield said Company of Guards was a regular organized Corps raised by authority of the State of Connecticut commanded by said Captain Severnworth That he served the United States faithfully in this term of service Two Months and five Days as a private soldier and at the expiration of said term was discharged at said Fairfield. Had no written discharge or documentary evidence to prove that term of service nor does he know any person alive By whom he can prove this service That there is no officer alive that was in this campaign & that during said Two Months and five Days he was employed either in field or garrison and not engaged in any civil pursuit

That said Captain Seavenworths Company of Guards belonged to Col. Samuel Whiting Regiment and Gen. Gault S. Silliman Brigade There is no officer alive with whom I served in this campaign
and that on the first day of July 1779 he was again dropped from said Captain Boaths Company of Militia for another term of duty in the service of the United States to keep Guard at said Fairfield and Black Rock a small place within the limits of the said Town of Fairfield and faithfully served the United State, at this time from said first day of July till the 4 th day of August following during which time he was employed either in field or Garrison & not employed in any civil pursuit. my impression is that this term of service was performed in a company commanded by Capt. Cents which company was a regular included Camp raised by authority of the State of Connecticut during this term of service the British Troops burnt the town of Fairfield that he served the United States faithfully in this term of service one month and four days. That he has a distinct recollection of this term of service by reason of Zachariah Blackman one of his neighbours having been killed by the British Troops at the time the said Town of Fairfield was burnt, has no written discharge or documentary evidence to prove this term of service but Elisha Hyde whose deposition is annexed can testify that I served the United States at this time said Company was commanded by Capt. Cents belonged to Col. Whiting Regiment of Gault S. Silliman's Brigade that at the expiration of one month & four days was discharged at said Town of Fairfield - There is no officer alive with whom I served in this campaign (See page 5)
Page 1

The said Samuel Wells 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.
Attest Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Samuel Wells
We, Lewis Wells  clergymen , residing in the town of Stratford and William W Put residing in the same, hereby Certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Wells who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reported 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 date aforesaid.
Attest
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
Lewis Wells
William W. Put
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 Lewis Wells who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergymen , resident in the town of Stratford and that William W Put who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Stratford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Mark Moore judge
1. Roswell S Nichols Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Wells for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this 23 day of December 183 3
Office.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk

I Roswell S Nichols Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford in said Hartford County Certify that Samuel Beardslee, Hunting Tomlinson & Donald Judson are all Justices of the Peace in the Towns of Huntington & Stratford in said Hartford County before whom the Depositions of Elisha Hyde, Lechanah Blakesman, & Mary Hawley were taken - & I believe their signatures to be genuine - & I further certify that the names of the Justices & Select men , & the Hon. (David) Plant which appear on the certificate annexed are as as I believe their genuine signatures
Attest,
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
I Mark Moore Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Stratford Certify that Roswell S Nichols is Clerk of said Court that the foregoing are his genuine signatures with the seal of said Court thereto annexed.
Mark Moore Judge

And that on the 15 th day of July 1780 the Declarant was again drafted from said Captain Boaths said Malitia Company for a tour of duty for the term of four months to keep guard at Horse-neck in said Fairfield County and on the Lines, then called and on the same 15 th day of July again entered the service of the United States as a private soldier and faithfully served in that capacity till the 15 th of November in the same year 1780 at said Horse-neck & at the expiration of said four months was discharged at said Horse-neck and that said declarant performed this last tour of duty under the command of Captain Smith as Captain and Colonel Beebe as Colonel of the Regiment to which he belonged that a man By the name of Bull was adjutant of said Regiment and that all the three terms of service above described were performed by him as a private soldier in a regular embodied corps raised by authority of the State of Connecticut in behalf of the United States and that at the expiration of said four months was discharged at said Horse-neck and no further discharge or documentary evidence to prove this tour of service But Elisha Hyde whose deposition is annexed can testify to the four terms of service and that under the United States that during said last mentioned four months was employed either in field or Garrison and not employed in any civil pursuit that there is no officer alive with whom he served in this company

That he was born in said Stratford in said Fairfield County on the 3 d day of October 1760 has a record of his age in his family Bible was living in said Town of Stratford when called into the service of the United States, and has always lived there to this day - was called into the service of the United States by drafting some of the field officers under whom I served, were Col. Samuel Whiting, Col. Beebe adjutant Bull and General Gault S. Tilden. The reason why that he has not procured the certificate of a clergyman is that the clergyman in his vicinity has recently settled and knows nothing of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
A. Statement showing the service of Samuel Wells
   Proof of Declaration Officers — Age Proof in support of Declaration   Service Months Days     1777 2 5 Capt. Sevensworth 73 Elisha Slyde   1779 1 4 Capt. Curtis years Mary Hawley   1780 4 Capt. Smith Zadok Blocher   7 9 Col. Samuel Whiting   Col. Beebe —   Adjutant Bull  
Samuel Wells

I Elisha Hyde of the Town of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut of lawful age do depose and say that in the month of July A 1779 I was a private soldier in the service of the United States at Fairfield in said County in the Company of Connecticut Militia Commanded by Capt Ephraim Curtis John Judson being Lieutenant & Agur Judson being Ensign All under the Command of Col Whiting I well remember that Samuel Wells of Stratford in said County was there as a drafted Soldier
And further the Deponent Saith that in the month of September A 1780 I was Drafted for two months was under the Command of David Olmstead as Captain Robertson as Lieutenant - and Harrison as ensign all under the Command of Col Beebe I well remember that the above named Samuel Wells was there and belonged to the same Reg mt was there as during the time I was he was there when I arrived and it is my impression that he had been there two months previous to my arrival The Reg mt was Stationed at Horseneck in said Fairfield County And further the Deponent Saith not
Elisha Hyde
Fairfield County ss Huntington Nov r 27 th 1833 Personally appeared Elisha Hyde the above named Deponent a person of respectability for truth and veracity and being duly sworn made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit and subscribed the same in my presence
Attest Samuel Beaverbee Justice of the Peace

I Lachariah Blakeman of Stratford Fairfield County Connecticut of lawful age. Do hereby say that I have been well acquainted with Samuel Wells of said Stratford from his youth, being born & resided in the same neighbourhood. That I know of his being a Soldier. I do went into service in the Revolutionary War, once or more times, but where, or how long he served I am unable to say. Further saith not. Lachariah Blakeman
State of Connecticut Fairfield County - ss. Stratford November 20 th 1833. Personally appeared Lachariah Blakeman the above Dependant & made solemn Oath to the truth of the above Certificate by him subscribed before me, and is by me considered a cre- dible witness — Huntington Tomlinson Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } I Mary Hawley of Fairfield County } of the town of Huntington formerly a part of Stratford in said county being of lawful age do depose and say to wit - That I was born in said Stratford on the 16 th day of February 1756 in said County of Fairfield and state aforesaid. that I am and have been acquainted with Mr Samuel Wells seventy years, that I lived in the same family with said Wells in till I arrived at the age of thirty years, that I distinctly recollect that said Samuel Wells served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that I have the personal knowledge of his going as a soldier and of his returning but as to the time of his absence in the service I do not recollect, neither do I recollect how many times said Wells went in said service - And further the Deponent saith not Mary Hawley
State of Connecticut Huntington the 15 th day Fairfield County } of November 1833 Then personally appeared Mary Hawley and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by her submitted contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth - before me Donald Judson Justice of Peace
I further certify that the above Deposition is a credible testimony - Donald Judson Justice of Peace

Department of War To the Honorable Secretary of the War of the United States The subscribers having been informed that our fellow townsman Mr Samuel Wells is about making application to be put on the pension list of the United States under the act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832 and that his success must in a great measure depend on the credit of his own declaration made for obtaining such benefit Do with pleasure certify that we are and ever have been from the time of our youth very well acquainted with the applicant and that he is a citizen of the town of Stratford in Fairfield County & state of Connecticut with ourselves and has been so from our earliest acquaintance and that he has ever sustained a respectable character as a person of undoubted veracity and that we have full belief that the facts by him stated in his declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of said act of Congress are unquestionably true Witness our hands at Stratford Novem. 16 th A D 1833
Daniel Brooks -
Stephen Booth
Huntington Tomlinson
Elijah Booth
Dan Judson
David Clark
} Justices of the Peace
Stiles Judson
Elijah Curtis
} Selectmen

No. 846,
Isabel Catharine Wells,
wid of Samuel
Conn.
July 29. 1848
Isaac Sherman, Bridgeport Conn.

State of Connecticut } On this 13 th day. County of Fairfield } Stratford } of September A D 1850 Personally appeared before me the Court of Probate within & for the District of Stratford in said County & State Isabel Catharine Wells of said Stratford aged 83 Years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the several pension acts passed by Congress July 7 th 1838, August 23 1842, March 3 1843, June 19 th 1844, Feb y 2 1848, July 29 th 1848 and all other acts & Resolutions relative to granting half pay & pensions &c to certain Widows whose husbands served in the Revolutionary War —
That She is the Widow of Samuel Wells late of Stratford de - who was a private Soldier in the Revolutionary War who was a pensioner of the United States under act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of 23 Dollars & 33 cents per Annum - & his certificate for said pension is herewith surrendered - That said Samuel Wells drew said pension at Hartford Connecticut up to September 4 th 1849. and that She has not drawn the balance of his pension as his widow due at the time of his death - and that She now requests that She may be allowed his pension as his widow to commence on the 4 th of September 1849 - and for proof of his service in said War She

refers to his Declaration for a pension under said Act of June 7 th 1832 at the pension office at Washington City.
She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Wells on the fourth day of October in the Year Seventeen hundred and eighty nine, and that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Wells died at said Stratford on the fourth day of October in the Year Eighteen hundred and forty nine - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the Marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four. viz at the time above stated. Sworn to & Subscribed on the day & Year before written Before said Court.
John Goulding Judge of said Court
Isabell Catharine her Wells mark
I Charles D. Curtis Clerk of said Court hereby certify that the foregoing contains the doings of said Court in the matter of the application of the widow Isabell Catharine Wells for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the Seal of said Court this 13 th day of September A D 1850
Charles D. Curtis Clerk

I Joseph H. Stagg hereby certify that it appears by the Records of the Town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut that Samuel Wells & Isabella Catharine Lewis were joined in Marriage on the fourth day of October in the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty nine. A copy of the said Record of their Marriage being as follows Vis— " Samuel Wells & Isabella Catharine Lewis were joined in Marriage October 4 th 1789 "
I Joseph H. Stagg Above named depose & Say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of said Town of Stratford and that the above is a true Extract from the records of said Town Joseph H. Stagg Clerk Stratford Sept 12 th 1850 of the Town of Stratford
Sworn to before me John Goulding Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford

I Lewis Wells of Stratford in Fairfield County State of Connecticut aged 60 years do depose and say that I am the only child of Samuel & Isabella Catherine Wells. That said Samuel Wells was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of 23 Dollars & 33 cents per annum, that said Samuel Wells died at said Stratford on the fourth day of October 1849. and that said Isabella Catherine Wells the signer of the above Declaration is now living as the Widow of said Samuel Wells - in said Town of Stratford (the widow name, Isabella was interlined & Wells blurred before signing)
Sworn to in open Court before me
Lewis Wells
John Goulding Judge

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Wells , 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.
Only Samuel Wells (Wells) found on the Pension records. No. file 6439
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 15 - 1777 2 mo. 5 da. Priv. Lieutenant Samuel Whiting Conn.   July 1 - 1779 1 mo. 4 da. Ephraim Curtis   July 15 - 1780 1 mo. Smith Beek  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Dec. 23, 1833. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Stratford, Fairfield Co., Conn.
Age at date of application, b. Oct. 3, 1760 Stratford, Conn.
Remarks: He m. Stratford, Conn. Oct. 4, 1789 Sarah Catherine Lewis he died Oct. 4, 1849 at Stratford, Conn. she was allowed pen. on her appln. Sept. 13, 1850, while 83 yrs. of age & a res. of Stratford, Conn. In 1850 Lewis age 60 yrs. testified that he was the only child of the above -

Pension Agency Hartford Octo 27. 1838
Sir
Herewith I transmit for Special directions authorizing the payment the pension papers of David Downs and Samuel Wells pensioners under the act of 7 th June 1832 who have neglected to apply for payment for more than twelve months
I am very Respectfully Your ob d Serv t
Sam l L. Pitkin. Agent.
H on Edward Ag r Commissioner of Pensions (Washington)

State of Connecticut Hartford County -
Branford Sept. 17 th 1850.
A. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir I. send you the application of Isabell Catharine Wells for a pension please send her certificate to me -
Yours Respectfully Isaac Sherman

Samuel Wells
Payments to be made at Hartford by Pres. of the Farmers and Mechanics Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 3 Page 48 by E. J. Bullock Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Samuel Wells of the State of Connecticut who was a private during the Revolutionary War
is entitled to receive Twenty three 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 19 th day of February. one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
Lee
Secretary of War.
Ex. and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions.

Samuel Wells B.D. Dec 5.
Crall
28093
J. G. Edwards Esq. Comptroller of Pen. Washington

Wattford 2 nd Decem r 1836 Pension Agency
Sir
The papers of Samuel Wells a pensioner who has not applied for his pension for more than twelve months are herewith enclosed & transmitted for special directions authorizing the payment
I am very respectfully your obed t servant
James Stodd Agt
J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Connecticut Road,
Isaac Catharine Wells wife of Samuel Wells who was a private in Col. Whiting's Reg't Connecticut Troops
Ad clat July 28, 1848. for 7 months service. $23.33 per due.
To Isaac Sherman, Bridgeport, Fairfield Co Conn.

To what time has Samuel Wells, who was a Pensioner on the Connecticut Roll, under the act of June 7, 1832, at the rate of $23:33 per annum been paid?
W.B.W.
Pension Office, December 16, 1850

Samuel Wells
Respirator No. 33
Henry Toulminson Levante Is

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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those 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, shewing the Service of Laurel Bell
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Back of letter with faint bleed-through text from the reverse side.

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) _____, who has 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 days 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 service.
Beebe's reg was ordered to be raised by Assembly in Nov 1780 - Further explanation I think of each term of service should be that the corps were in actual service at the time above d

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 inquiry 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.
☞ 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
produced as it should appear from the archives of the State

W.W.R.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by a. Mac D. 4/11/10
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Samuel Welles
Service _____
Additional Service Rev.
No _____ claim, State records _____, 191 _____
No claim, combination records _____, 191 _____
REMARKS:
No Fm., Wid or Reg. or aux service.
There is Samuel Wells
Wid. F. 6,439 } from { res. Conn.
No other Samuel Wells from Conn.

No
Isabel Catharine Kelly mo of Samuel Conn.
July 29. 1848.

1910 Nov. 8. Hist. to Mrs. Jessie J. Wells - p.
Very  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6439
Isabel Catherine Wells
Wid.
Samuel Wells
Ant Rev War
Act: July 29 th  1848.
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 319
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commissioner of Pensions
Will you please send me the date of birth, marriage, wife's name, and death of Samuel Wells. He was a Connecticut Pensioner of the U.S. Government residing in Fairfield County under the Act of Congress approved June 7 th 1832.
Samuel Wells served in the war of the revolution, and the following is said service according to the records of this office (Military

Department - The Adjutant General's Office (Hartford)
On page 628 Conn Men in the Revolution appears the following
Samuel Wells Glastonbury Captain taken prisoner in retreat from New York Sept. 15-1776 and released June 1778 ( from miscellaneous rolls) On page 211 Revolution Rolls and Lists appear the following Capt. Samuel Wells from Officers Pay Rolls for service between the first of April and first of November 1779. On page 686- Conn. Men in Revolution - appears the following Samuel Wells - a Conn. Pensioner - of the U.S. Government residing in Fairfield County Under the Act of Congress approved June 7, 1832 - pensions were granted to all officers and soldiers whether Continental, State or Militia who served at one or more terms a period of two years. Please

send to Jessie J. Nuls Chanute 709 South Central Avenue, Kans.
NOV 2 - 1910