Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18,221, for Othniel Stent, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Stent, Othniel
S. 18,221
Carded
CONTENTS

47.770 — Connecticut Abner Merrill of Branford in the State of Conn who was a Pri in the Conn commanded by Captain Ginsley of the Regt commanded by _____ in the Conn Troops for 7 mo 21 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 25 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Sept 1833 and sent. Inr Beach New Haven
Arrears to the 4th of Septemr. $ 61. 15 — Semi-ant. allowance ending Dec 31, 1833 53
$1658
{ Revolutionary Claim. Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Ed Buell Clerk Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 49

27
No 5355

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, } ss. County of New-Haven, }
On this 6 th day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the County Court of New-Haven County now sitting, — Othniel Stent — a resident of North Branford in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 80 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: — in 1775 —
April 8 marched as a volunteer for Boston in consequence of the Lexington Battle at Hartford we received counter order and returned we were out about two weeks we were not officer nor formed into companies at that time. —
in 1776 enlisted for two months under Samuel Eells Capt Jacob Bunnell Lt Samuel Baldwin Ensign Thaddeus Cook Col Sott Genl out on duty two months. was in the engagement at Volunteered I marched for Danbury when the Enemy Burnt the Continental Stores then under Ezekiel Root Commanded out about one week. —
Called out by Capt Ebenezer Linsley to go on guard while on guard in a dark night I fell from a cliff of rocks and broke one of my legs confined me so that I was not able to do duty for about one year
in 1781 was two months on guard under command of Sergeant Eli Rogers. —
in 1782 was on guard under command of captain William McQueen for two months while on guard took three whale boats. —

I was Born in Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut in the year 1750. — I have not any Record of my Birth I was living in Branford when called into Service in the War. I have lived in Branford ever since and am now living in North Branford North Branford was set off from Branford in 1831 I went into Service voluntary I do not recollect of ever receiving a written Discharge. — I have no Documentary Evidence excepting a Broken Leg
I would Introduce Deacon David Russell and Allen Smith to Depose as to my service under Col. Ragen and Capt Samuel Eels and Ebenezer Linsley
I do not know of any other Depose as to the other Service that I done in the Revolutionary War as there is no one living to my knowledge. —
I have no Documentary Evidence as to my Service

"Othniel Stent, Son of Eleazar Stent, by Sarah his wife, born at Branford April 15 th A.D. 1752." True extract from the Records of Births, Marriages &c. in the Town of Branford, Attest: Samuel Trisbie, Town Clerk Aug t 4 th 1832.
The Declarant
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest J. W. Beach Clerk Othniel Stent heir
We, Timothy D. Gillel a Clergyman, residing in Branford in said County, and Benjamin R. Fowler residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Othniel Stent who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 80 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.
Attest J. W. Beach Clerk
Timothy D. Gillel Benjamin R. Fowler
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 Timothy D. Gillel who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in said Branford and that Benjamin R. Fowler who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Branford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By order of Court Attest J. W. Beach Clerk I, J. W. Beach Clerk of the County, Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Othniel Stent for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 6 th day of August 1832
Attest J. W. Beach Clerk

State of Connecticut. New Haven County, ss.
Be it remembered that at a County Court held at New Haven within the said New Haven County on this 11 th day of June 1833 The said Court in addition to their certificate to the pension papers of Othniel Kent of the 15 th of August 1832 hereby certify that in their opinion the said Othniel Kent was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states in his supplemental declaration annexed, & that the several deponents or witnesses whose affidavits or depositions, were taken sworn before said Court which are thereto annexed are just and true, David Russell & Albert Smith are respectively persons of credibility & declare that in our opinion their statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
By order of Court Attest M c Lean Clerk
I M c Lean Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing I annexed contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Othniel Kent for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this day & date above written. Attest M c Lean Clerk

Supplement
Supplement
Annexed to the Declaration of Nathaniel Stent in order to obtain a pension the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. —
State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } on this 11 th Day of June 1833 Personally appeared in open Court before the County Court of New Haven County now sitting Nathaniel Stent of Branford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut now 81 years old who being first Duly Sworn according to Law doth on his Oath Make the following declaration in answer to the Objections to the admission of Pension Claims in the Brief herewith annexed. — viz in My time of Duty in 1775 when we Marched for Boston I was in Service not less than Two weeks in 1776 while I was under General Scott My Service as a private was not less than Two Months . — in April 1777 when I Marched for Danbury under E- Butler as our Capt My Service was not less than Seven Days . — as a private — in 1776 while I was on Guard Duty under Capt Ebenezer Linsley when I broke My Leg I claim not less than one Month Duty — but was unable to do Duty for not less than One Month have been a Cripple ever since

in 1781 was not less than two months on guard under Command of Sergeant Eli Rogers. — (See deposition of Noah Smith Rogers annexed) in the fall of the year of 1782 was on guard under command of William McQueen Most of the time detached and sent into a Post Guard Boat that mounted one gun a Swivel while on that duty we took Three Boats of Refugees & on duty not less than two months all the Guard duty above specified was performed under the authority of the State of Connecticut & the declarant refers for documentary evidence to the completed certificates & annexed to the pension papers of Allen Smith No. 5352.
According to the best of My Recollection I served not less than the following periods mentioned below and in the following grades viz for Seven Months 21 Days, as a private in the Militia and Guard Duty and for such service I claim a pension. —
and likewise for Ten Months while I was confined with My broken Limbs if compatible I sworn to & subscribed Christian Root in open Court 11 June 1833 Attest J. H. Beach Clerk

John Blackstone of Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut now 70 years old. — Depose and say that that in the fall of the year 1782 I enlisted under William McQueen to do guard duty in Branford and according to the best of my recollection I done duty at that time as guard for two months or more and that in that tour of duty we took three boats of Refugees &c and I further depose and say that that Ethaniel Stent the within named applicant for a pension was with with me and done duty as a private with me for that length of time and I further depose and say that Ethaniel Stent is a Neighbor of mine and always has been and that he is considered to be a Man of truth and veracity wherein he is known and I believe that his declaration to obtain a pension is entitled to full credit and I believe him to be 87 years old further the deponent saith not. John Blackstone
Branford June 17 th A D 1839 personally appeared John Blackstone and made oath to the above certificate before me Chandler Barker Justice of Peace
This may certify that this M c John Blackstone who has made oath to the above certificate is a man of truth and veracity Certified by me Chandler Barker Justice of Peace

State of Conn. County of New Haven p. New Haven June 11. 1833 I Mr. Beach Clerk of the County Court in & for said New Haven County hereby certify that Chandler D. Barker is & was on the 7 th June 1833 a Justice of the peace in & for said New Haven County, & that his name by him within foregoing written to the deposition of John Blackstone is his genuine official Signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County Court the day & date above written Albert N. Beach Clerk

I Noadiah Rogers. of Branford in New Haven County aged 72 years, upon my say that in the year 1781 in the months of Nov. & Dec. I served with the other men, on Guard duty - in Branford at a place called Scotch Cap, said men & myself were dressed at the same time, I put under the command of Eli Rogers Sergeant, said men & myself did duty for the full term of two months, this service was under the authority of the State of Connecticut. —
Sworn to & subscribed in open court 11 Nov 1833
Attest J. M. Beach Clerk

I David Russell of North Branford New Haven County State of Connecticut
Depose and say that I was called out and put upon guard in said Branford for two months in 1781 under command of Eli Rayes and done duty for that time and that Othniel Stent was out and done duty at the same time with me for one  two months or more and I further Depose and say that Othniel Stent is a neighbor of mine and that he is considered to be a man of truth and veracity in our neighborhood and that I give full credit to the foregoing declaration subscribed by him and that I believe him to be eighty years old. —
David Russell
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
attest N. Beach Clerk
I Allen Smith of Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut —
Depose and say that in 1776 I enlisted for two months under Samuel Eels Capt Jacob Burnet Lt Samuel Balch in Ensign Brewster for Valentine Hill near Harlem then joined a Redoubt commanded by Thaddeus Cook Col under com- mand of General Scott. — at Valentine Hill

I had an Engagement with the Enemy and I further Depose and say that Othniel Kent Enlisted at the same time that I did, and done duty with me for two Months and was Discharged at the time I was and I further Depose and say that in 1776 I was called out upon guard by Capt Ebenezer Linsley and was on guard one night with Othniel Kent when he fell from a Cliff Rocks and broke one of his Legs and I assisted in carrying him Home and attended upon him and the leg that was then broken has never been sound since and I further Depose and say that he is considered to be a Man of Truth and veracity in his neighbourhood and that he is a Neighbor of Mine and I believe to be a Man of veracity and that he is Eighty years of age
Sworn to Subscribed Allen Smith the day & year aforesaid.
Attest J. Beecher Clerk

53 55
Almond Street
23 33 2 34
• Thu 21 day pirato 25.66
Ino Beach

5355
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Othniel Stent which require further proof or explanation.
 I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?  IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? no  V. * Has he mentioned 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? no  VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no  VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? 

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? — no — Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? — no — XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
†QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
†QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

L 18221 INVALID.
File No. 18221
Othniel Smith
Rev Pres. West
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. / , Page 363
[Arrangement of 1870.]