Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,805, Abner Wells, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Wells, Abner.
S. 14.805.
Carded.
CONTENTS

Connecticut 9819
Abner Wells
of New Haven Co in the State of Conn. who was a Private in the Conn. commanded by Captain Curtis of the Reg. commanded by Col. ————— in the Conn. time for 8 Months 4 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 27 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of June 1832 and Rev. Mr. A. P. Sanford At New Haven Co.
Arrears to the 4th of Ma '33 $ 3 4 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep '33 1 8 50 $ 67.50
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. C. Dyer Clerk, Book C. Vol. 3. Page 46

21 701 Abner Wells Connecticut
Admitted Powered Mrs & 3 daugh
W
Anthony P Langford Ch Co. New Haven Co Connecticut

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
163
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 Abner Merrill  Middletown County State of Connecticut
   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.     Apr 1777 1 part Capt. Murtis 22 years Huntington Traditionary   Sub. 1777 2 Capt. Greenough Connecticut Indorse   Chaf. 1778 3 " Capt. Judson { and Swain's (Witnesses)   " 1778 3 " " Burton { No Colonel given   " 1779 1 " " Hill {   " 3 " No officers {  
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 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 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 place, 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 [j] 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.

State of Connecticut, New Haven County } ss.
On this 10 th day of November 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven in said County at least in said District
now sitting, Abner Wells a resident of Huntington in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged 72 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 is to say,
In March 1777 I was drafted, being a private soldier in the Stratford Militia Company, for one months service, which I performed at Fairfield under the command of Captain Ephraim Curtis. Asa Blackman, Laphamish Beardlee, & James Miller were drafted with me from the same Company & performed the same service but are all dead.
In May and June of the same year I served at said Fairfield two months as substitute for Isaac Wells. I am not certain who was Captain. I remember Capt Edmund Leavensworth was there at the time in service. I recollect Nathan Strong was on guard with me. But I am not positive in my recollection to what Company I was attached.
In January 1778 I was drafted for two months & served at New Britain under the command of Capt Silas Hudson of Stratford. Whitmore Beardlee, Peely Lundund and Edward Watson Laphamish Beardlee were there at the same time. Lundund was killed when Fairfield was burned. The others are either now dead or too decrepit to recollect the circumstances.
In August & September of the same year I was in service at Stratford employed as a guard on the sea shore for two months - was also employed in cutting fascines at Old Mill in said time. I was drafted & placed under the command of Captain James Burton of Stratford now deceased. Asa Blackman was Drummer of the Company who is still living; & also Matthew Byers.
In April 1779 I was drafted for one month, I served under Captain Hill (I think his Christian name was Ebenezer but am not certain) at Black Rock in Fairfield. Several soldiers Esq. Lemuel Blackman & Joseph Smith were drafted & served with me.

When New Haven was invaded in July 1779 I was out against the enemy detached from home three days & four often turned out on alarms for a short period but I cannot particularize them. My services herein stated amount to 8 months & 3 days. I never had a written discharge.
I was born in Stratford now Huntington, where I have always lived, on the 14th day of May 1760. I have no knowledge of any record of my birth but that made by myself.
I am acquainted with Rev Thomas Punderson Col. Asa Judson David B. Newton Esq. Hon Gideon Tomlinson then in of Congress who will testify to my character for veracity & their belief of my revolutionary services.
The said Almon 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. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Anthony Sanford Clerk — Almon Wells
We, Thomas Punderson a clergyman, residing in the town of Huntington and David B. Newton residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Almon Wells who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 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.
Anthony Sanford Clerk Thomas Punderson David B. Newton
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Thomas Punderson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Huntington and that David B. Newton who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Huntington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And this Court do further certify, that the abovenamed applicant, is old and infirm, and that it is much more convenient for him inasmuch as the distance, to make his declaration before this Court sitting at New Haven which is adjourned to Huntington, than it would be for any Court in Fairfield County - 9- the truth of which reference is made to the Hon. S. Judson 1. Anthony S. Sanford Clerk of the Court of Chas. A. Russell Robert F. Wells Clerk District Judge do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Almon Wells for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 10th day of Nov 1832. And I do further certify that Rev L. Judson Esq is a Pastor of the Parish for the county of Fairfield & now and that the signature to the cer- tificates at the bottom of the depositions of Samuel Punderson Nathan Lewis, and that Robert Wells annexed, as his is his own genuine hand writing - And I further certify that Robert F. Wells Esq is a Pastor of the Parish for the County of Fairfield only confirmed & now, and that the signature to the certificate at the bottom of the dep- osition of Nathan Lewis here attached, is his own genuine hand writing -
Anthony Sanford Clerk

Reuben
14805 INVALID.
File No. 14 805
Abner Wells Rev River War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:--Vol. 1 , Page 295
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Matthew Beers Deposition
Stearns Wally
21/7/04
Connecticut claim to be briefed.
Admitted
Printed 8 mo & 3 days

I Lemuel Jackson of Huntington in Fairfield County of lawful age being duly sworn do depose that in the month of April 1779 I was drafted from the Militia Company then of Stratford now Huntington for a term of one month's duty which I performed at Black Rock in Fairfield under Capt. Hill of Fairfield. Above Hill belonging to S t Stratford Company was drafted & served with me during said term.
I knew a man neighbor to S t Hill during the war of the Revolution & remember that he was often away from home & I understood that it was understood in the neighborhood that he was in service against the enemy. I know that he was a friend to his country & ardent in the cause of independence & for the South's Nat. Dated Nov. 10. 1882 Lemuel Jackson
Sworn on the date above before me, who am well acquainted with the witness & know him to be a man of truth John D. Mitchell Sec. of State

I Thomas Gilbert of Huntington in Franklin County being duly sworn depose & say that I was in the service drafted from the Company of Militia in Stratford, at Fairfield, in the months of May & June as I believe 1777 under Capt. Edmund Leavensworth I remember well that Abner Wells was in service with me during this time & was a faithful soldier I lived within two miles of Wells during the Revolutionary War & remember that he was understood by the neighbors to be several times in the service at the Leavensworth only in it with him on the town above mentioned. I believe he served as stated in his declaration to obtain a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832 which I have heard read. I further saith not.
Duly Nov. 10. 1832. Thomas Gilbert
Sworn on the date above before me John L. Tomlinson Just. of Peace
I certify that Thos Gilbert is a man of truth & ought to be believed under oath J. L. Tomlinson Just. of Peace
Nathan Lewis of said Huntington being duly sworn deposes & says that he was in the Military service in the months of May & June 1777 at Fairfield under Capt. Edmund Leavensworth & that he well remembers that Abner Wells was then & served during all time in the same Company I further saith not Duly Nov. 10. 1832
Nathan Lewis Sworn on the date above before me. J. L. Tomlinson Just. of Peace
Nathan Lewis is well known to me to be a man of truth J. L. Tomlinson Just. of Peace

State of Connecticut ss. Stratford in the County of Fairfield
I Matthew Beers of said Stratford, aged 73 years do testify that I have well known & been acquainted with Abner Wells of Huntington in said County ever since we served together in the Revolutionary War in 1778 or 1780 - that in the month of August or Septem r in one of those years said Abner Wells entered as a private soldier into the company of militia commanded by Capt. James Burton stationed at said Stratford near Stratford point so called on Long Island Sound - It is my impression that it was in the year 1780, but I am not certain which of those years it was; and that the said Abner Wells served in said company two months or more after he entered into it as aforesaid, according to my recollection & belief - The said company was employed in guarding the coast of Connecticut from attacks of the enemy, in making or cutting trenches for building a fort le , and I perfectly recollect that said Wells served with me in said company as aforesaid, and that he was a strong, hearty, faithful soldier, and did his duty well. Witness my hand this 10 th day of Nov r A 1832
Matthew Beers
State of Connecticut ss. Stratford Novem r 10 th 1832 I do certify that on this day personally appeared Matthew Beers of said Stratford, the above named deponent, a credi- ble witness to me well known, and made solemn oath to the truths of the foregoing deposition, by him subscribed in my presence, before me Robert Fairchild Justice of the Peace