Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22056, for William Steele, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
loonm.
Sterle, William
W.P. 22056
Sterl or
Rebecca Renea.
CONTENTS

Connecticut. 172
Rebecca Remen Steel widow of William Steel, of Hartford Co. in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ellis of the regt. commanded by Col. Durkee in the Connecticut line for three years from 1780.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Nov. 1836 — and sent to Sarah H. Parsons, Hartford.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1836 $ 480. — Semi-ant. allowance ending 20 March 37 40. —
$ 520. —
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1830. }
Recorded by Book
Vol. 1
Page 89
Clerk

7670 Connecticut
William Steele
of Hartford in the state of Connecticut who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Governor of the Connecticut line, for the term of Three Years
scribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 5 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th of March and sent to the Pensioner at Hartford
Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819 83.20 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep. 1819 52.
$135.20
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued

Notification sent to Thomas Chester Esq 20 Oct 1820 Hartford, Connecticut.

M r Steel Connect, act 18 March 1818 to what time last paid &, in office Nov 11
Died 28 April 1825 price to that period

Declaration of Rebecca B Steel
No 461
3. Sec.
admitted
80.
town at New York as per major use of short duration and have not been specified.

Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of the Act of Congress of the 14th July 1836.
State of Connecticut } ss. Berlin County of Hartford }
On this 26 th day of October A.D. 1836 personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Berlin , Rebecca Rena Steel aged 74 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 act of Congress passed July 14. 1836.
That she is the widow of William Steel who was a private soldier more than two years in the revolutionary war and, according to the best of her knowledge and belief, served under the following named officers at the periods & places herein after mentioned.
1 st  Eight months as a private in Captain Gad Stanley's company in Colonel Gay's regiment -
He enlisted in 1776, and was discharged in 1777 - served in the battle on Long Island in August 1776. was also at Turtle Bay in York - in the battle of Harlem - Heights & Throggs neck etc.
2 nd He enlisted about March 1777 and served at Peekskill & elsewhere at  two months as a private in Captain Asa Brays company which was stationed part of the time at Fort Independence -

3rd In 1777 soon after his discharge from Captain Prays company he enlisted into a company of Continental troops commanded by Captain William Judd in Colonel Samuel Myles regiment and served therein as a private a period of six months .
4th In March 1778 he enlisted as a private in Captain Asa Prays company, and served  two months at Horseneck - & when discharged he
5th again enlisted for one year in Captain Asa Prays company of Colonel Roger Enos regiment and when his time expired - he enlisted
6th about June 1779 as a private in Captain Porters company in Colonel Matthew Meads regiment and served two months at Horseneck - and when his time expired he again enlisted the same summer
7th into Captain Asa Prays company in Colonel Adams regt and served as a the major  private  two months at Horseneck. (See warrant dated 19 July 1779 thereto annexed) and when his term expired he again enlisted to serve
8th as a substitute & served two months longer -
9th In 1780 he enlisted into the Continental Army for the term of three years as a private soldier in Captain Kells company in Col. Durgees regiment and was discharged in October 1783 - and was placed on the pension roll of the Connecticut Agency under the Act of March 18. 1818

and continued a pensioner as said roll of the Connecticut Agency cut until his death which occurred April 28 th 1825.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Steel on the 26 day of October 1780. That her husband, the afore said William Steel died at New Britain in said County of Hartford on the 28 th day of April 1825; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed Dorcas Steel on this 26 th day of October 1836
Before me In witness whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Probate Court and subscribed my name at Berlin the day & year first above written - and I also certify
That the above named William Steel was at the time of his death, April 1825 a pensioner of the United States on the roll of the Connecticut Agency -
Sara E. Smith Judge of Probate

M m Stiles Papers —
23 27/
7.20 32. 39.20 48. 87.20
William Stiles , Private
1780 to 1783
Groton's connect d
Adj t
Adm
To the Portion at Hartford, Con.

I William Steele of Berlin in Hartford County State of Connecticut being sworn depose & say that in the Month of December A.D. One Thousand Seven hundred & eighty I enlisted into the United States army in the Revolutionary War against Great Britain on the Continental establishment in the Connecticut line in the First Connecticut Regiment then commanded by Col o Grosvenor as I think afterward by Col o Duryee in Capt n . Edward Ellis' Company I served in sd Company about Six Months. according to the best of my recollection I was then transferred to Capt n E. Hart's Com- pany of Light Infantry - soon afterward Capt n . was Hart was removed from the command of sd Company & Samuel Clegg was appointed to command it - & I continued to serve under him till the date of my discharge, being over Two years & eight Months. I was then honourably discharged from the service by Maj r General Knapp. During the whole of sd time I served as a Private - and the written Discharge signed by General Knapp is herunto annexed. I do further depose & say that I -

now lives in Berlin aforesaid. The reason of my reduced circumstances in life & stand in need of assistance from the United States for my support. -
Wm Steel
Personally appeared before me William Steele the person who hath subscribed the foregoing Deposition Made Oath to the truth of the facts therein stated Witness my hand this 8 th Day of April 1878. Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for the County aforesaid
I William Steele Jr of Berlin in the State of Connecticut being sworn depose & say that I am acquainted with William Steele of Berlin the person who hath made Oath to the foregoing Deposition & I know him to be in reduced cir- cumstances in life being materially destitute of property & stands in need of assistance from this Country for support. He owns one Cow & some little household Goods, but is indebted to a greater amount than their value - He has a large family dependent on him for support. Wm Steel Jr

Personally appeared William Stock Jr the person who both subscribed his name to the foregoing and above written made oath to the truth of the same - April 8 th 1818 - Before me
Jonathan Brant Judge of the County Court for the County aforesaid -

William Steele
7670
Sept. 1819
L

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of HARTFORD,
ss. Special County Court, or Court of Common Pleas, holden by order of the Chief Judge of said Court, on the first Tuesday of August, 1820.
ON this 1 st day of August, 1820, personally appeared in open Court, the same Court being a Court of record for said County, having the power of fine and imprisonment,
William Steel , aged 61 years, resident in town of Berlin in the County of Hartford,
who being first duly sworn according to law doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows:
8 months in 1776 in Col Gage Regt (Capt Gad Stanley's company was in the battles of Flatbush & Long Island & at Turtle Bay on York Island) & then heath & at Bragg's Creek in 1777 was 2 months at Redbank in March & April then enlisted in Col M'Pherson's Regt (Capt M c Leod's company of continental troops for eight months) then in different Regts the greatest part of the time until Dec r 1780 then enlisted in Col Durkee's Regt (Capt Eells' company of continental troops for three years) was in the party under Genl Lincoln went down the North River & landed near Kingsbridge had an engagement with the enemy near old Fort Independence went with a party from Fairfield to Long Island under Major Prescott took fort Rango & brought off the prisoners & plunder. Was discharged in 1783. My discharge is in the Secretary of War's office.  And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1813, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1813; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed."
A schedule of my property both real & personal    1 old horse cost $3.50 $3 50   1 old horse waggon 10 00   2 swine weight about 60 each at four cents 4 80   2 old chests 2 drawers each one worth dollar the other 50 1 50   1 low chest do 1 00   2 kitchen tables 2 00   1 candle stand 0 75   2 spinning wheels 2 50   6 old cedar barrels at 33 cents 1 98   8 old kitchen chairs at 33 2 64   6 old knives & forks 0 60   1 pair old andirons 1 00   1 pair shovel & tongs 1 00   1 iron pot 0 75   1 dish kettle 0 67   1 tea kettle 0 50   6 spoons 0 33   2 pewter platters 1 50   6 pewter plates at 25 1 50   1 lucky mettle tea pot 0 50   1 old pewter quart cup one pint do 0 25   1 pair hand bellows 0 40   1 old pewter quart bas on one pint do 40 07 

of the situation of myself & family together with my prospect of getting a living. My wife has had eleven children two are dead six are married John is 19 years old I gave him his time to get something for himself. Jefferson is 16 is a prentice learning a trade. Henry is 14 lives at home with me & is my main dependance for I am lame with both my hands by reason of rheumatism that I cannot labor nor have I been able to follow any occupation within 3 or 4 years nor to dress myself alone half of the time within six months past - I have a Father & Mother living that are dependant on me for their support. Father is 94 years old & Mother is 91 & I cannot support myself & family without help from my country or some other quarter. my certificate is numbered 7670 I have drawn twice since I received it  Wm Steel -
Sworn to and declared by said William Steel on the 1 st day of August, 1820, before said Court, and it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is
forty dollars and seven cents.
I, Thomas Chester
Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hartford aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of said Court. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 28 day of Aug t 1820
Th Chester
Clerk of the County Court or Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Hartford.

Marrow Artifacts
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a list or series of entries.]

State of Connecticut County of Hartford ss New Britain. I hereby certify that it appears from the marriage records of New Britain in my possession, that William Steel of New Britain married Rebecca Rena Penfield the 26 th day of October A 1780.
I further certify that William Steel died several years ago, and that his widow Rebecca R. Steel has continued unmarried from the period of his death to the present time.
Sworn to & subscribed { David Whittlesey this 26 th day of October 1836. }
Before me
Ira E. Smith Justice of Peace
I certify that Deacon David Whittlesey the signer of the preceding affidavit is a credible person.
Ira E. Smith Justice of the Peace

DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT—ss---HARTFORD
On this 8 th day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Hartford for the said district, personally appeared William Steele — aged years resident in Berlin in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he, the said Steele —
in December 1780 enlisted in in the state of Connecticut —
in the company commanded by Captain Ellis of the Colo. Governor's afterwards Colo. Housatonic Regiment Connecticut line Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the 28 th October 1783.
, when he was discharged from service in West Point state of New York, that he was in the battles of
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for said County
Con. Steele, Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said William Steele — did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
8 April — 1818. Jonathan Brace Judge as aforesaid.
April 8 th 1818 Sealed with the seal of said Court by direction of the Honorable Jonathan Brace who is the Presiding Judge of said Court
Thomas Chester Clerk
I am satisfied that William Steele the person herein described as having served in the Continental establishment, is the same person who was discharged from service in the Continental establishment, and who is now in the County Court for the County of Hartford as aforesaid.

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. William Still wid file 22056
    DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 8 mos. Pvt. Col. Stanley Gay Conn.   March 1777 2 mos. Asa Bray   1777 8 mos. William Ludd Samuel Hillyer   March 1778 2 mos. in militia at Horseneck   1778 1 year Minute Man Asa Bray Roger Enos   1779 2 mos. Porter Matthew Mead   July 19 1779 4 mos. Left Major Asa Bray Andrew Adams   Dec. 1780 Oct. 28, 1783 { Gills Hart General Olift Durfee Seamans   
Battles engaged in, Hatteras, Turtle Bay, Hatteras, Ocracoke, Fort Hatteras
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, _____
Residence at date of application, Boston, Hartford Co. Conn. 20, New Britain
Age at date of application, 59 years
Remarks: Widow married Oct 26 1788 Rehoboth Riner Fairfield Co. Ohio
Very respectfully,

Copy of Schedule under Act of 15 May March 18. 1818
Case of Wm Steele of Newmarket in Berlin Co. Hartford

Schedule of my real and personal Estate
Namely
  1 old Horse cost $3.50 $3.50   1 old one horse waggon $10.00 10.00   2 Swine weight about 100 each at 4 cents 4.80   2 old Cheds & drawers each worth one dollar the other 50 1.50   one Low Chest at one dollar 1.00   2 Chitt Kitchen Tables 2.00   1 Candle stand 0.75   6 old Cedar barrels at 33 cents 1.98   8 old Chairs at 33 cents 2.64   6 old Knives and forks 0.50   1 Pair old andirons 1.00   1 pair Shovel & Tongs 1.00   1 pot 0.75   1 Dishkettle 0.50   1 Tea Kettle 0.50   6 Spoons 0.33   2 Butter splatters 0.50   6 Butter plates at 25 cents 1.50   1 old milk tea pot that leaks 0.50   1 old quart Water Cup 0.25   1 pint do 0.25   1 pair hand Billows 0.25 
Of the Situation of myself and Family
My age is 60 I am a Cripple by reason of the  Rheumatism one of my hands is shut up so that I cannot open the other almost shut Cleft and my hips and one of my knees so lame that I cannot walk without a staff - my Wife has had 11 Children 6 are married one I gave him his time one by the name of Jefferson is a Prentice learning a trade my youngest whose name is Henry lives at home he is 14 years old - I have an old Father and Mother who are dependent on me who are 74 years old

MAR 24 1910
Fredonia, N. Y.
Mar. 23, 1910
Pension Department,
Will you kindly send me record of Rev. War service of William Steele of the State- of Conn. of the town of New Hartford.
I am the daughter of Fannie Benjamin Tyrrell who was the daughter of Henry Benjamin who was the son of Hannah Steele Benjamin who was the daughter of William Steele Jr. yours truly, Anna E. Padden

War Department Pension Office 21 Sept 1849
Wm Steel restored to the pension roll
Connecticut.
Berlin,
Oct
Department of War. J. P. [unclear]

Department of War.
G. Balthom
Mr William Steel, Berlin, Connecticut.

War Department, Pension Office, Septem r . 21. 1819.
Sir,
The Agent at Middletown has this day been instructed to correct his roll for the purpose of paying your pension.
I am, respectfully, Y r . Obed t . Serv t . J. L. Edwards
M r . William Steel, Berlin, Connecticut.

Rebecca Rena Steel wid of Jno Steel Coal
18 March 1898

Hartford October 26. 1836
Sir,
I herewith forward an application for a pension under the 3 d Section of the Act of July 4. 1836, in favor of Mrs Rebecca Rena Steel widow of Wm Steel late of Berlin dec d , and at the time of his death a pensioner of the U.S. on the Connecticut Agency under the Act of March 18. 1818. Mrs Steel is very aged & unfirm now suffering under a disease (the dropsy) which may terminate her life in a few days. Should it not be very inconvenient I would dear it a particular favor if this case be examined as soon as it is received - very respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
I am Sir Yr Ob t servant Samuel H. Parsons.

Conn
Rebecca Steele
widow of Wm and others
2036 No 172
10014
Found in Room No 108 in looking over a map of old papers
Oct 23 1907
A. H. [?]
James L. Edwards Esq.
Mr. [?]
56
Commission of Pensions
Washington.

Hartford Nov. 13. 1830
Sir,
I have forwarded to your office 4 applications for pensions under the Act of July 4. 1836. If they have been received, will you have the goodness to direct their early examination, as the Widows are quite advanced in years, and somewhat impatient (on account of their poverty) to realize some benefit from the act as soon as practicable. The following are the claims forwarded viz - Rebecca Steel widow of Mr Steel sent Oct 26 - Sarah Booth " - John Booth " - Nov 1 Deborah Phelps " - Austin Phelps " 3 Sybil Montague " John Montague - " 4
I am Sir
very respectfully
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington
Yours at Servant Samuel H. Parsons

(To the Honourable Secretary at War)
An account of the different Reg t & companies which I served in in the Revolutionary war together with the different engagements which I was in while in the service viz in the year 1776 I enlisted in Col o Gays Reg t . in Capt d Gad Stanleys Company for eight months went to New York was in the battle at Flat Bush on Long Island and at Turtle Bay on York Island and Likewise in the battle at Harlem Heights and at Braggs neck &c in march 1777 I went to Peekskill for two months under the command of Capt d Asa Wray but as our Company was Station d in Fort Independence I had no opportunity to see the Reg t . I dont remember what Col o Coman d when my time was out I enlisted in Col o Wyllys Reg t Capt d Wm m Fuddes Company of Continental troops for eight months was in Sivegl Small Skirmished in Skunking practice was Discharg d  Dec r Jan y 1777 in March 1778 Went to Horse neck for 2 months in the Metetia when my time was out I enlisted in Col o Ennis Reg t of minute men in Capt d Asa Wraye Company for a year — when my time was out I went to Horse neck for 2 months under Capt d Potter Col o Mead Reg t . The same summer went to Horse neck under Col o Adams for 2 months Capt d Asa Wraye Company when my time was out I took a man's place for 2 month longer — in 1779 I was the greatest part of the time in the Service in small towers at Horse neck and elsewhere in 1780 I enlisted in Col o Durkee v . Reg t Capt d Bells Company for three years but was transferred into the Light Infantry commanded by Capt d Sim m Cleft. Went a cross the sound from Fairfield with a party under the command of Maj r Trewcott & took fort Stongo & brought off the Prisoners together with the plunder was in Col o Scamms Detachment when we went down the North River from Croton River & landed near Kings bridge commanded by General Lincoln had a considerable engagement with the Enemy near Fort Independence I was discharg d the 28 th Oct r 1783 as p t Discharge in the Honourable Col o ... Reg t .

Official business
FREE
To The Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.
Recd - New York Com. on Pensions

Taken from Mid. Side 22056
Frederick Schattung County, State of New York Sept. 11. 1857.
To. The Commissioners of Pensions.
There is an old Lady living in this town by the name of Hannah Brayacine. 78 years old. who is the only child of William Steel who was an Ensign in some company at New Hartford Connecticut. During the whole term of the Revolution William Steel was born at New Hartford and resided there until his death and he used to be an old man though he has been dead now about 40 years. He served all through the Revolutionary War. and he & his Widow neither of them ever received.

Bounty Land or Pension. Now is his Daughter. Hannah Benjamin Entitled to Pension or Bounty land provided she can prove herself to be the legal Heir of the said William Steel. And with the records W t . Worlington and Hartford be deemed sufficient Evidence of the Service of William Steel.
The old Lady is very anxious to have some one go to Hartford and get the Evidence of her being the Daughter of William. Steel who served in the R. Army.
I have no doubt. about the truth of her story and can no doubt prove her legitimacy as legal heir. but can't prove the Service only by the Records. Under such circumstances is there any possibility of her getting any pension is she entitled to any. If there is any one who has access to the records.

and make it his business to look up the thing please hand him the letter - if you cannot give me any information on the subject.
Respectfully
Your obedt Serv
Stephen Snow
Frederick
N.Y.

William Steele W. 22,056 Conn.

By Major General Knox, commanding the Garrison of West Point and its dependencies —
William Steele, soldier in the lower line regiment, being enlisted for three years, is here- honorably discharged the service of the United States
Given at West Point,
28 th of October 1783.
H. M c Clanahan
By the General Command Jno. Lillie Aide de Camp.
Registered in the Regimental Book
John Adams Adj.

Pair Kites 100 & Plan 2 Millinery & Lend
William Steele Mid 3. 22056 Conn.

Andrew Adams Esq r Col l of the Regiment of Militia of the State of Connecticut
To William Steel - Reposing special Trust, & confidence in your courage skill & good conduct. I do appoint authorise and constitute you the said William Steel of the brigade Major of the company, to be Fife Major of the Regiment now under my Command at Horse Neck.
All the Duties of which Office you are faithfully to discharge, & to obey all your Superior Officers, in all their Lawful Commands according to Military Discipline and as under you are to obey you as their Fife Major and for your so doing this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my hand this 19 th Day of July 1779.
Vernon.
P. Mottershead Col l Command

Wid. Cl. 22056.
Conn.
William Steele
The warrant of William Steel of Brigade Major Asa Brays co. as Fife Major of Col. Andrew Adams regt. of Conn. Militia, signed And y Adams Lt Col command t , dated July 19. 1779.
- The mutilated discharge certificate of William Steele, soldier in the Conn. Regt. showing enlistment for 3 years, signed H. Knox M. General, dated West Point Oct 28. 1783.
These papers have been removed from this case and locked up in the Record Div. for safe-keeping
M. 73 H.
Apr. 27. 1911.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22056
Rebecca Renner Steel widow of William Steel Pr. St. Louis
Act June 14 86
Index: Vol. 16 , Page 248
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1910 Apr. 5 - High St. Anna Co. Paddin
V.L.M.
F
I