Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13557, for James Johnson, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
continental (born)
Johnson, James
S. 13557
carded
CONTENTS

3310
Connecticut
James Johnson
Midletown in the State of Connecticut who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Sumner of the Regt commanded by Col Wyllyp in the Connecticut
1 year
Continental Line. Records corrected. May 28, 1906
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of December 1832 and sent to H. C. W. I Storrs. House of Reps.
Arrears to 14th of Sep 1832 $ 60 Pension allowance ending Dec 1832 — 20
$ 80
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Erast Bullock Clerk. Book 1 Vol. 3 — Page 49

15 1/2
The Honorable Lewis Cass, Secretary of War Washington D.C.

Middletown Conn t Aug t 9. 1832.
Hon ble Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to you the Papers in the case of Mr. James Johnson of this town, made out in conformity with the instructions contained in the Letter of Mr. Edwards of July 27 th last. Mr. Johnson was on the Pension roll under the Act of March 18. 1818 but dropped on account of having too much property. He is now & has been for some time past a lunatic. The letter of Mr. Edwards required proof of his being insane, of his rank, regiment & place of residence. I have embodied in the papers all the evidence that could be obtained with our means of information. If Mr. Johnson possessed his reason & memory, it is probable that more minute information could be obtained. Still I believe the papers furnish all that can

Edwards' letter requires. As to the length of service the proof is not so full as it otherwise would be, probably for the cause I have assigned. Mr. Johnson's papers on file in the War Department, on which his former Pension was granted, will probably be ample on that point. Indeed, I do not perceive that Mr. Edwards requires, at this time, proof on that subject.
I would respectfully ask leave, in a case unfortunately circumstanced like the present, where the applicant is a lunatic, & of course, merits every indulgence from informality of proof, to add my opinion, that Mr. Johnson was a faithful revolutionary soldier for a period sufficiently long to entitle him to a full pension, & that he is insane.
I have been careful, in the enclosed affidavits, to take none excepting from persons

with whom I am personally well acquainted, & who are of undoubted integrity & veracity; & means of knowledge.
I would request that the reply of the War Department may be communicated to me, & have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest respect,
Your obedient servant William L. Goss

James Johnson priv Col Wyllys Regt Connect't Line Jany 17 th 1861
Admitted
Evidence of a years service within —

State of Connecticut, ss. Middletown.
a
ON this 10 th day of July 1819, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally appears James Johnson aged 67 years, resident in Middletown in the said State, 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 James Johnson on the 11 th day of January 1776, enlisted in Middletown in the state of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Ebenezer Dyer , of and in the regiment commanded by Samuel Wylly Esq. and in the brigade commanded by Genl. Jas. Phelps Spencer  S. Fox One year; - - -
that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the last of  December 1776, when he was discharged from service in Peekskill state of New York ; that he was in the battles of that an high water  is worth about Eight Hundred Dollars, -
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.
Stephen Fitch
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
B.
I, Stephen Fitch  Wosmer Judge of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said James Johnson did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support: 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.
Connecticut, ss. Middletown.
July 10 th 1819.
Stephen Fitch Wosmer

State of Connecticut, ss. Middletown,
C ON this 10 th day of July 1819, before me the Subscriber, one of the Judges of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally appears
Robert Warner of Middletown in the said State, a person known to me, to be of good character and worthy of belief, who being by
me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare and say, that he is well acquainted with James Johnson of Sd Middletown the person who made the preceding declaration on oath, and
That he, the said Robert Warner in the during the year 1776 was a Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Capt Eleazer Tamar , in the Regiment commanded by Col Samuel Wyllys , in the Brigade of Genl Joseph Spencer , & afterwards of Genl Samuel H. Parsons ; That James Johnson aforesaid on or about the 11 th day of January 1776 enlisted as a private in said Company for a year and served in the same until the expiration of the year  time , & about the close of December 1776, was discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York; That he was an able & faithful Soldier, and that he, the said Robert Warner has the appointment of a Sergeant, to induce him to remain in Service - { - - -
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
J. H. H. H. H.

State of Connecticut, ss. Middletown.
ON this 10 th day of July 1819, before me the Subscriber, one of the Judges of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally appears Sodiah Hubbard of Shelburn in the said State, a person proved — to me, to be of good character and worthy of belief, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare and say, that he is well acquainted with James Johnson of Andover , the person who made the preceding declaration on oath, and that during the year 1776, he, the said Sodiah Hubbard was a private in the Company commanded by Capt. Oberlin Summers, in the Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Wylis , in the Brigade of Gen. Joseph Spencer ; That the said James Johnson in January 1776, enlisted as a private in said Company for a year, & served in it until the end of said year, when in the month of December 1776 he was discharged from service at Perkshill ; That the greater part of the time he, & the said James were tent mates.
and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
J. H. Weyman

I Clerk of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify, That the Honorable of in said State, is one of the Judges of the said Court, and that his name subscribed to the preceding Declarations and Certificates, marked is his proper hand writing and signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, at on this day of
184
one

State of Connecticut, ss. Middletown.
ON this _____ day of _____ 181_____, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally appears _____, aged _____ years, resident in _____ in the said State, 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 on the _____ day of _____ 17_____, enlisted in in the state of _____ in the company commanded by Captain _____, of _____ and in the regiment commanded by _____ and in the brigade commanded by _____
that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the _____, when he was discharged from service in state of _____; 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.
I, _____ Judge of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said _____ did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support: 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.
Connecticut, ss. Middletown,
181

State of Connecticut, ss. Middletown,
ON this 10 th day of July 1819, before me the Subscriber, one of the Judges of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally appears William Sumner of Middletown in the said State, a person known to me, to be of good character and worthy of belief, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare and say, that he is well acquainted with James Johnson of S d Middletown the person who made the preceding declaration on oath, and that he the said William Sumner during the year 1776, was a private in the Company commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Sumner, in the Regiment commanded by Ga- meral Mylly Esq d in Genl Joseph Spencer's Brigade. That in January 1776, about the first of the month, James Johnson afore- said enlisted for a year in said Compa- ny, & served during said year in said Com- pany, & at the close of December 1776, was discharged at Peekskill in the State of New York. - - - - -
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
J. Fitch Warner —

State of Connecticut, ss. Middletown.
ON this 10 th day of July 1819, before me the Subscriber, one of the Judges of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally appeared Michael M c Key & Joel Johnson to the of Middletown in the said State, a person known to me, to be of good character and worthy of belief, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his their oath, declare and say, that he are is well acquainted with James Johnson of Middletown the person who made the preceding declaration on oath, and with his estate & circumstan- ces; That he has a wife & four chil- dren, & that all his estate is worth Short of Eight Hundred Dollars.
and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
Henry W. Williams

I  John Fish
Clerk of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify, That the Honorable Stephen Titus Warner
of Hartford in said State, is one of the Chief Judge of the said Court, and that his name subscribed to the preceding Declarations and Certificates, marked A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
to the subjoined one marked G.
is his proper hand writing and signature.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, at Hartford on this 12th day of July 1819
J. Fish

9. State of Connecticut State of Connecticut ss. Annotated.
On this 10 th day of July 1819, before me the Subscriber, Judge of the Superior Court for the State of Connecticut, personally ap- pears Olisha Foss , of said Annotated, Esqr a person known to me to be of good character & worthy of belief, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, deposeth in his Bath declare & say;
That he is well acquainted with James Johnson of said Annotated, the person who made the preceding de- claration in Bath; That in the year 1814 he was an assistant assessor under the Act of Congress for the assess- ment & collection of direct taxes & in- -ternal duties; That he assessed the farm farm of the said James Johnson at Seven Hundred & Seven Dollars; and that the value of property has dimin- -ished since said assessment.
Sworn to & declared before me this day & year aforesaid. Stites, Notary

James Johnson's Pension Papers
admit private 1 year $40
sent Hon W L Storms Hd Qs.

War Department.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818,
James Johnson late a private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Connecticut Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to com- mence on the tenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Sixth day of September one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War.
A,
18th March 1818 O. S. Place

James Freeman
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of March next, in Middletown, Ct at the U. S. B o B ks
Recorded

I John Fisk of Middletown in Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn depose & say that I have long, that is to say, for more than thirty years, been personally well acquainted with Mr. James Johnson of said Town & have frequently seen & conversed with him & believe that I am fully competent from observation to determine upon the state of his mind. I believe & have no doubt that the said James Johnson is now & has been for a considerable time past deranged in intellect insane & unfit & unable from that cause to transact any business or make any affidavits. — His memory particularly is much impaired. — Notwithstanding my long personal acquaintance with him I met him last summer some time, & he did not know me. —
Dated Middletown August 8 th 1832
J. Fisk
Subscribed & sworn to this 8 th day of August 1832 at said Middletown
William L. Storrs Master of the Peace
A.

I Joel Johnson of Middletown in Connecticut of lawful age depose & say that Mr. James Johnson of Middletown to whom the annexed pension Certif- icate was granted is my father. I am 44 years of age. I know that my said father is the person to whom said Certificate was granted. He drew his pension under said Certificate but once after it was granted. He was formerly I might say within five years past a man of intelligence & was always a man of the strictest integrity & truth. For the last five years he has been at times deranged in his intellect. He is now deranged in mind & insane & unfit & incompetent to transact any bus- iness or make any affidavit that has been in that condition for some time past. I have heard the affidavit of Mr. David Harris given this day on the application for a Pension on behalf of my father & would state that I have frequently heard my father when in his sound mind re- late the particulars of his Revolutionary ser- vices - His account always corresponded with the statement of Mr. Harris in his affidavit in every respect excepting that my father stated that when Mr. Harris was started to go to Peekskill as stated by Mr. Harris he (my father) went to Haskins creek with a party of sick soldiers. - Dated Aug. 8. 1832.
Joel Johnson Subscribed Sworn to at Middletown Connecticut this 8 th day of August A.D. 1832 William L. Morris Justice of the Peace
B

State of Connecticut } the Town of Middletown County of Middlesex } August 8 th 1832.
I David Harris of the town of Middletown aforesaid, aged seventy three years , being duly Cautioned & Sworn, do depose and say -
That I have always been acquainted with, and have lived near to, James Johnson of said Middletown - and have served with said Johnson in the Revolutionary War - I am myself a pensioner - In the year 1775 in the month of November, Robert Warner of this town, then a lieutenant and a recruiting officer enlisted said Johnson & myself to serve in the Connecticut State troops, for and during one year from Jan'y 1 st 1776 - On said first of January the said Johnson and myself, joined the Company commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Sumner of this town, and the regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Hyllys of Hartford in this state - Robert Warner (afterwards major) was our first Lieutenant Roger Brooke of Farmington was our 2 d Lieut. and Hezekiah Hubbard of this town was ensign We embarked at this place and sailed to

New York, where we remained until the Army left that place, in the fall of 1776. We were engaged in various skirmishes, at the time of the retreat, and in the battle at Haerlem heights - We retreated to the vicinity of Fort Washington, thence to near Fort Lee & thence to the Jerseys - and up to Peekskill where we remained, until we were discharged - I have often heard from said Johnson and others, of his having served, in the year 1777, at other times, and of his having been engaged in the battle of Saratoga, at the taking of Burgoyne - and have heard him relate the particulars of said battle - The said Johnson has been to my knowledge, for a number of years and is now partially deranged and incapable of attending to business - He has always borne a fair character, for integrity and truth y was previous to his derangement, a man of intelligence - David Harris
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me at said Middletown
William S. Lord Justice of the Peace

We Oliver Prout, Elijah Roberts, and Edward Johnson, all of Middletown in Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn severally say that we have each been personally well acquainted with Mr James Johnson of said Middletown from his youth up to this time & that he has always resided & still resides in said town of Middletown & that he always possessed the character of a man of the strictest integrity & truth.
Dated August 8 th 1832
Oliver Prout
Elijah Roberts
Edward Johnson
Subscribed & sworn to at Middletown Connecticut this 8 th day of August AD 1832
William L. Storrs Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } ss. Town of Middletown County of Middlesex } August 8 th 1832
I William Sumner of Middletown aforesaid aged 75 years, being duly cautioned and sworn do depose & say - That I have known for a period of about sixty years Mr. James Johnson of said Middletown and have served with him in the revolutionary War - I am myself a pensioner - I was in 1776, a private in the Connecticut State troops, in the regiment commanded by Col. Mylly, of Hartford and the company commanded by my uncle, Capt. Ebenezer Sumner and served therein one year from Jan'y 1. 1776 - During all that period said Johnson was also a private in said company, & served therein with me - The statement by Mr. David Harris, which, I have read, is substantially correct and true - but, I recollect that, after we crossed to the Jerseys, I was among other sick soldiers, carried to Hackinsack, and said Johnson went with us to take care of us - said Johnson afterwards went

to Peekskill where we were Discharged. Said Johnson has for several years, been labouring under derangement of mind, of has been unable to attend to any business - He is very old, eighty years or more - He was before his derangement, a smart likely man, and always sustained a good character - I have heard Mr. Johnson & others speak of said Johnson's being at the taking of Burgoyne and have no doubt of the fact - William Sumner
Affirmed to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid, before me Wm. L. Storrs D. Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am personally well acquainted with all the persons whose affidavits are herewith annexed - that each of them sustains the fairest character for integrity & truth, & that I have no doubt that their statements are entitled to the fullest credit. I am also clearly of opinion from information I have received, that the state of Mr. James Johnson's mind is such that he is incompetent & unfit to transact any business whatever, or make any affidavits. -
William L. Hove

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
um um
February 5, 1925.
Frank Farnsworth Starr, Middletown, CONN.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.13557 , it appears that James Johnson , while a resident of Middletown, Connecticut, enlisted January 1, 1776, and served one year as private in Captain Ebenezer Sumner's Company, Colonel Samuel Wyllys' Connecticut Regiment. He was at the taking of Burgoyne and also served at other times, no details given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 10, 1819, while a resident of Middletown, Connecticut, aged sixty-seven years. At that time reference was made to his wife and four children, names not stated.
In 1832 a son, Joel, aged forty-four years, was a resident of said Middletown. There is no further data as to family.
Respectfully,
Death not an A. B.
Acting Commissioner.

Dec. 12-1902 Wm E. Johnson W. Hartford Conn
June 10-1903 To above - How to get date of last payment - also rate allowed.
1925 Feb. 5 - Heir to Frank Farnsworth Starr. See let. in cl., S. 16893, Josiah Johnson. u.m.
1927 - May 5 - Photos of 16 pages mailed to Mrs. Mary H. Ferris. See receipt for cash mark etc. in claim of Abner Johnson 21481. MMV.
Perman
13557 INVALID.
File No. 13 557
James Johnson
Priv. Rev. m.m.
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index: - Vol. 1 , Page 197
[Arrangement of 1870.]

See letter to Hon. Wm. L. Storrs } 27 July 1832.
14-459
Connecticut
James Johnson
of _____ in the state of Connecticut who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Wyllis — of the Continental  Continental line, for the term of one year  Continental Line Records corrected May 21 st
Inscribed on the roll of Connecticut at the rate of — 8 — Dollars per month, to commence on the 10 th of July 1819
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th of Sep: 1819 and sent to Stephen T. Hosmer Esq. Mid-dle-town Ct
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819 $ 14.73 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Mar: 1820  48.
1000 22/ 4/  162.73 31 1/30
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

2 Cashed 44122
L
Stephen T. Homer
Judge
Middletown, Conn.
Rec d July 24. 1819.
20 Adm
Adm

Philadelphia July 16 th . 1849 Sir, Enclosed are the de- -clarations of James Wright, and James Johnson.
I am, Most respectfully, Your very obedt. servant, J. Henry Warner
Honorable J. C. Calhoun

Honorable J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington.

July 17 1832
Pension Office

Middletown Conn.
July 13 th 1832.
Honorable Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, Sir,
Mr. James Johnson, of this Town, was formerly placed on the Pension roll under the Act of 1818, but subsequently struck from it in consequence of the amount of his property. It is believed that he is within the provisions of the Pension law passed during the present Session of Congress. He is now, & has been for some time past, deranged in mind, & his friends are desirous of obtaining for him the benefits of the Law. But the Regulations adopted by the War

Department, recently, omit to prescribe the mode of proceeding in the case of a lunatic . I would therefore respectfully request that you would inform me what would be satisfactory to your Department to obtain for Mr. Johnson his Pension. I had not suggested that it would be a favor to him to have the proceeding as expeditious & economical as possible.
I am Sir, with the highest respect,
Your most obedient servant William L. Storrs

Hartford Conn. Nov. 17 1902
Bureau of Pensions Department of The Interior Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly give me the revolutionary war record of James Johnson of Middletown, Middlesex Co., Connecticut, who is supposed to have been in the Continental Service and to have received a pension some time in 1832
Yours respectfully
Wm E. Johnson
P.O. Box 37
West Hartford, Conn.

U. O. M. AR & NAVY JAN 8 1903 FILES. P. B.

JOSEPH M. BIRMINGHAM, Pres't. FRED D. BERRY, Sec'y.  OFFICE OF THE  Board of Water Commissioners, CITY HALL. Hartford, Conn.
COMMISSIONERS: EDWARD H. JUDD. HENRY SOUTHER. WM. H. WATROUS. WM. WESTPHAL. JOSEPH M. BIRMINGHAM. JAMES P. KEENE.
Hartford Conn.
Department of The Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C.
Sir:
James Johnson a soldier of The Revolutionary War enlisted from Middletown, Connecticut under Captain Ebenezer Sumner Colonel Saml. Tryllys He applied for pension July 10, 1819, which was granted. I wish to know if possible the date the pension ceased, and the amount of pension paid him.
Yours very respectfully
Wm E. Johnson
Box 37
West Hartford Conn
Jan. 5 1903

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 14580
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137. Please furnish work specified below.
April 25, 1927. 192
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 16 pages from the Rev. War pension claim, S. 13557, James Johnson.
No. of copies 1 of each page. Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see A. E. Wilson 5033 541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: [Signature] Chief Clerk of Bureau. Chief of Branch or Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate, Multigraph, Mimeograph, Folding, Assembling, Stapling, Electric typewriter, Addressograph from lists, Envelopes, size, Proof list, Labels (submit sample), Fill in letters, Cards, size, Pay rolls, Corrections, Tabulation sheets
Photostat X Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ 2.40 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks
(OVER)
See receipt for payment in Abner Johnson. Conn. W 21481

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