Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11479, for Abel Smith, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Smith, Abel Sarah
W. 11479
CONTENTS
b. at Brookfield, Fairfield Co. Conn. May 20, 1757 died Apr. 27, 1829 buried at Brookfield

28004 Connecticut
Abel Smith of Brookfield the State of Conn who was a private in the Conn commanded by Captain of the Regt commanded by Col Tillyman in the Conn Hoops line for 10 mo 20 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 35 Dollars 53 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Jan y 1834 and Ltr Hoon Y. Woodbury Sec. of War
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $88.52 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 34 1776
$106.58
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Buellock Clerk, Book C Vol. 13 Page 114

5218 Connecticut.
Sarah Smith widow of Abel Smith Con n who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars 53
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1848). 27 1/2 April
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 1/2 day of Nov 1849 and sent to
Bryant Smith Brookfield Connecticut.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 338 Vol. 1

State of Connecticut, } County of Fairfield, } ss.
On this 8 th day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the undersigned the  the District of Danbury in the said County and State, the above being a Court of Record -
now sitting at Danbury in said District. Abel Smith - a resident of Brookfield , in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged seventy five - 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.
I That in the month of March 1776, he belonged to the Connecticut Militia, in the Company commanded by his Father Joseph Smith, and was drafted to serve one month in New York, as a Private Soldier, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Gold. S. Skinner. In this term of service, he performed Garrison duty -
II That on or about the 1 st day of June 1776, he enlisted for the term of eight months, as a Private Soldier, in the Company then commanded by Captain Walter Bedrick in the Regiment of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Colonel Gold. S. Skinner. Said Colonel Skinner had been, in the month of May previous, appointed by the Legislature of Connecticut to command said Regiment. At the time of his enlistment, he was a Private Soldier. From the time he so enlisted, eight months and was discharged at New York City in the State of New York. No written discharge was given him - But Brigadier General M c Dermott issued an order for his discharge from said Regiment, which was made the head of the Regiment by Major Hassam, who was Brigade Major and he discharged the 28 th day of December 1776.
In this campaign he served at the City of New York from June until some time in the month of August when said Regiment moved to Long Island. He was in the Battle of White Plains, in the Battle at Harlem Heights on the retreat from New York, and was also in the Battle of White Plains. After the Battle of White Plains, he served with his Regiment near White Plains, at Peekskill, Haverstraw and other places on the lines, until his mislaid discharge, at New York City on the 28 th day of December 1776 -
III That in the month of April 1777, when an Expedition of British Troops under General Howe moved to Sandy Hook and New York City, and the Continental Army there assembled, he belonged to the Connecticut Militia, and was a Private Soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Richard Smith in the Regiment.

commanded by Colonel Joseph Cooke and served in the said Company one week at Red Bank and in the night of the evening through Red Bank to Red Bank in said State where the enemy was located. He was engaged in the battle at Red Bank when General Washington was killed.
That in the month of October 1777, when the British troops ascended the River and drew from New York, for the purpose of making an attempt to relieve General Burgoyne, the Regiment of Connecticut Militia was commanded by said Colonel Cooke and ordered into the service as a part of the said Company commanded by said Captain Richard Smith in the said Regiment which Richard Smith was absent from the command at the time of the battle at Red Bank and said Company in this expedition was commanded by Lieutenant Charles H. Smith. On this occasion said Regiment marched from Red Bank and took the road up the Hudson River and for Red Bank. Thereafter again at Red Bank. He served with said Regiment in the said Company as a Private soldier during the expedition and was in the service six weeks. On arriving at Red Bank, the said Regiment was disbanded by the orders of General Washington and returned under his orders during the whole term. The whole Regiment was dismissed at Red Bank Barracks, at the conclusion of the month of November 1777.
In the year 1778 he belonged to the same Company of Militia commanded by Captain Richard Smith and was a Private soldier. Colonel William Boudrey, the daughter of said Colonel Cooke was, upon the arrival and discharge of said Regiment. In the summer of said year 1778 he served two terms in the service of the United States. One of these terms was in the month of June in said year. The said Regiment was ordered out to join General Washington at Red Bank, and advanced to Red Bank and said said and remained in the direction of Red Bank. He remained in the State of New Jersey but engaged there and proceeded no further. He served two terms of three weeks under said Colonel Boudrey and was dismissed at the end of July 1778, at Red Bank. In the month of August of the same year, the said Regiment was again ordered into the service of the United States, and joined a large body of troops under the command of General Washington at Red Bank. He served in the Company of said Colonel Boudrey about the 18th of August and remained encamped there six weeks. In these two terms of service he served as a Private soldier in said Company nine weeks.

VI In the month of April 1781, he was made a Private Soldier in the Militia of Connecticut, and was then drafted to leave the town of some months in a guard there Stationed at Stamford in Connecticut - He remained at said Stamford one month, in the company commanded by Captain Stephen Purdy, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Connfield - said Colonel Connfield was then stationed at Norwalk - After leaving in said guard as a Private as said, at Stamford he was dismissed about the 1 st day of May 1781 -
Supreme Court And Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Abel Smith
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
And said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories herewithin the War Department that the above named Applicant was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and served as he states -
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
I Edward Taylor Clerk of the said Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Abel Smith for a Pension - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my said Office this 8 th day of August 1832
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss. d. d.
I, Reuben Booth Dadbury in the said County Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Dadbury in the said County and State do hereby certify that Edward Taylor Esquire who has signed and certified the foregoing proceedings of said Court and the caption of the annexed deposition is Clerk of the said Court of Probate and was such Clerk duly appointed and sworn at the time the same purport to have signed by him - That all the said signatures purporting to be the signatures of the said Edward Taylor are in his proper hand writing - And that full faith & credit are due to his attestation as such Clerk. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Dadbury aforesaid this 8th day of August A.D. 1832.
Reuben Booth Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Dadbury Connecticut.
John C. Smith

Joseph Bous of New Fairfield - the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy six years being duly sworn, do depose and say, that I am well acquainted with Abel Smith of Brook- field in said county, and have known him more than fifty five years last past.
In the spring of the year of the year 1776 and I think in the month of March I saw the said Abel Smith in the service of the militia at the City of New York - as one of the Connecticut militia - I do not know how long he there - I know not to distinctly recollect in what Regiment he served, but believe it was in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Lillington - In the month of June of the same year 1776, he enlisted and served six months in the Connecticut State troops in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Gist of Lillington, in Captain Cook's Battalion, Company - and was dismissed the latter part of the month of November of that year - He enlisted as a Private soldier - I served the said Company in the same Regiment just in the same Company - and knew him while in the said service - In the year 1777, said Abel Smith was Private soldier in the Regiment of Con- necticut militia commanded by Colonel Joseph P. Cooke and served in said Regiment six weeks in the month of October and November of that year - said Regiment was called out, marched to Peekskill and thence up the North River as far as Red Hook and perhaps a little farther thence to Fishkill Barracks, where it was dismissed - I served in the said town in the said Regiment, but in another company and well knew the said Abel Smith in the said service -

Afterwards in the month of August 1779, the said Jacob Smith again served about six weeks as a Private soldier in the same Regiment of Connecticut Militia, at Green's Pond in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York. The whole Regiment was called out I think in the month of August, under the command of Colonel Barden, Esq. and was stationed during said time at said Green's Pond - I served again in the said Regiment at the same time with the said Smith but in another Company. I am not confident about the length of time but think it more than a month being blind, I dubitate this deposition by making my mark Joseph Barnes Boars mark
State of Connecticut New Britain County ss. s. d. Probate District of Danbury - Probate Court.
August 7 th 1832
Personally appeared the above named deponent Joseph Boars, and in open court, has read the foregoing deposition and made oath to the truth of the same. And the said Court hereby certifies, that the deponent is a man of good character for truth, and is a credible witness.
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

John Gregory of Danbury, in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy one years being fully known to deponent and say that he was well acquainted with Abel Smith Brooksfield in the said County and that he served in the War of the Revolution as a soldier.
He served as a Private soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Richard Smith in the Regiment of Connecticut Militia commanded by Colonel Joseph P. Cooke, six weeks in the months of October and November 1777 - said Regiment was called out at the time the British troops advanced the Hudson River with the supposed intent to relieve General Burgoyne and marched to Poughkeepsie in the State of New York - thence Northward and joined Redhook from whence it marched to King's Creek and was there dismounted - He served the said term of six weeks in the same Company with said Abel Smith.
In June 1779 he served three weeks at Redbank Battery in the State of New Jersey - and in the months of August and September of the same year six weeks more at Coeymans in the same State - On both tours the said Regiment was called out emergency - as he and he served as a Private soldier in said Captain Richard Smith's Company - and on both occasions served in the same Company with him -
In the month of April 1781 the said Abel Smith was drafted to serve one

month a da Private soldier of the Connecticut Militia at Stamford in the State of Connecticut - There was a Guard stationed at said Stamford and said said Smith deceived the said town of said month at said Stamford in the said guard in the company commanded by Captain the  the said the  the said the  the said Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Canfield - and was dismissed sometime in the month of May - I again deceived him and in the said company the whole of said town - John Gregory
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss. I do hereby certify that Probate Court - August 7th 1832
Personally appeared John Gregory the above named Respondent, and in their court subscribed the foregoing deposition, and made oath to the truth of the same - and said Court certifies that the said deponent is a man of good character for truth, and a credible witness - Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

Steel Smith

I Nathan Smith of Brookfield, in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged sixty four years being duly sworn do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Abel Smith of said Brookfield who has applied for a Pension and I have known and been acquainted with him from my earliest years. He is my Cousin - and I well recollect that in the year 1776, about the month of May or June he enlisted for eight months in a Regiment of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Colonel Gold L. Gilman, in the company commanded by Captain Root. He entered the said service immediately after his enlistment and marched from said Brookfield (as I understood for New York) and was absent until about the 1 st of January 1777. And it was generally understood and believed among his friends that he served in the said company from the time he do left Brookfield until his return. He enlisted as a Private Soldier. In the month of October 1777 said Abel Smith belonged to the Connecticut Militia in the company of Captain Richard Smith. The whole Regiment was ordered to Ticonderoga a short time before the capture of General Burgoyne. I do not recollect who command- ed the said Regiment at the time. The said Abel entered the said service and marched in said company from Brook- field and was absent for a month and six weeks - and further the deponent saith not - My Father Simon Smith lived on both towns above mentioned with said Abel Smith Nathan Smith

August 7 th 1832 - Hearns and Rule dictated by Nathan Smith, the within named Deponent in Open Court. And said Court certifies that the Deponent is a man of good character for truth and veracity, and is a credible witness.
Albert Belward Taylor Clerk.

PO
Aug 14 1882
no 6256.
Please credit to Edward Taylor - Reg Clerk of Probate Court 65-

Mr Joseph S. Coell a clergyman residing in the town of Brookfield in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut and
John Beck residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the facts who wrote the above and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him the person by him years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, I have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion -
Given under my hand this 24 th day of June 1833 before me -
Joseph S. Coell John Beck
Bryant Smith Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut } ss I, Thomas B Osborne Clerk of Fairfield County } the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in said State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Bryant Smith Esquire is now or for more than one year last past has been a Justice of the Peace for said Fairfield County duly commissioned & duly authorized to administer oaths &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the sd Bryant Smith Esquire & that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name at the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 25 th day of June A.D 1833. Thomas B Osborne Clerk said County Court

State of Vermont Springfield County ss
on this 25 th day of June
1833, before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Danbury in the said County and State the above being a Court of Record, and now sitting personally appeared the said Smith a resident of Brookfield in the said County, aged seventy six years, who being 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 th 1832, supplementing his original declaration made before said Court on the 8 th day of August 1832 and in amendment thereof.
That he was born in said Brookfield and has all his life time resided there, and did reside there at the time of his death, when he entered the service of the United States, as stated in his said original declaration.
That in each term of service stated in said declaration he was the first sergeant in the term of eight months in 1776 and served as a Private soldier. That he has a record of his age now in his possession in the hand writing of his father Joseph Smith stating the period of his birth to have been on the 20 th of May 1757.
He said that he has the history relinquished every claim whatever to a Pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State nor is it subscribed in any form.
Heel Smith
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

And the said Court of Probate do hereby declare their opinion after an investigation of the matter, and after hearing the interrogatories submitted by the War Department, that the above named Applicant that Smith was a Revolutionary soldier, and rendered his in this his Supplemental Declaration, and also in his original Declaration made before said Court on the 5th day of August 1832; And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph A. Gannett who had signed the preceding Certificate is a gentleman residing in the town of Frankfield and that John Beck who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Frankfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Edward Layton Clerk
Edward Layton Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Smith for a Pension. In testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, the seal of said Court this 25th day of June 1832.
Attest Edward Layton Clerk
I Reuben Root of Danbury in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Judge of Probate for the District of Danbury in the said County & State do hereby certify that Edward Layton Clerk who has signed & certified the preceding and several of said Court is to all intents & purposes a Clerk duly qualified & sworn to the discharge of his duties as such Clerk and that the foregoing is a true copy of the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Smith for a Pension. In testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 25th day of June 1832.
Reuben Root Judge of Probate

I Joseph Beebe of Danbury in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged Seventy nine years being duly sworn, do depose and say, that in the month of April 1777, I met with Captain Smith in the said County, who had just applied for a Pension, returned in the Connecticut Militia, and denied under the command of Captain Richard Smith about four weeks at the time the British under General Howe marched to Danbury & burned that town. He was in the said service in the pursuit of the British Troops until they embarked and loaded their ships at Compo in the County of Fairfield - I served at the same time but in another company of Militia and well knew the said Smith in the said service - Joseph Beebe
State of Connecticut, Fairfield County } ss. Probate District Danbury Probate Court August 18th 1832 - Personally appeared Joseph Beebe the above named Deponent and in open court subscribed the foregoing deposition, and affirmed the truth of the same - And said Comptroller certify that the Deponent is a man of good character for truth & credibility without fear  Albert Richardson Clerk

I Prudence Hull of Brookfield in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut, aged Eighty years who first being duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that I am the widow of Eliphalet Hull deceased, and am the only child of my father's family now living & was the youngest sister of Abel Smith who died in said Brookfield on the 27 th day of April 1849. - The said Abel Smith was about twelve years older than myself I do not recollect the time he was married to his wife Sarah Dunning, and was not present at the marriage, but I do recollect, that they came & lived with us, as man & wife in my father's house during the winter, next after Danbury was burnt. I also know that they have lived together as man & wife ever since that winter, until the death of the said Abel Smith, - they have had ten children, five sons & five daughters -
Prudence Hull
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } ss. Brookfield October 10 th - 1849
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority, duly authorized by law to administer oaths Prudence Hull & subscribed and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition - And I certify that the said Prudence Hull sustains a good character for truth & is a credible witness -
Bryant Smith Justice of the Peace

I Clarina Northrop of Brookfield in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut aged eighty eight years who first being duly sworn according to law depose & say, that I am the widow of Andrew Northrop deceased, & am a Pensioner of the United States, that I have always been acquainted with Abel Smith & Sarah Smith his wife from my childhood, that the sd Abel & Sarah are both first cousins to me, I have always lived in the same Town with them, the sd Sarah, maiden name before she was married to the sd Abel was Sarah Dunning, I was married when I was eighteen years old & they the said Abel & Sarah at that time had two children, I do not know the year they were married, but I do know that they have lived together as man & wife ever since they were married & have had ten children fine sons & fine daughters -
Clarina X Northrop mark
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } So. Brookfield October 12 - 1849
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Clarina Northrop & subscribed & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition. And I certify that the sd Clarina Northrop sustains a good character for truth, and is a credible witness -
Bryant Smith Justice of the Peace

I Northrop Dunning of Brookfield in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut aged Sixty three Years who first being sworn according to Law depose & say that I am the Eldest son of Severus Dunning deceased that I have always been acquainted with Abel Smith late of Brookfield deceased & Sarah Smith his wife from my childhood, as I have always lived in the same Town with them - The said Sarah Smith was my Fathers sister - That the said Abel & Sarah have had Ten Children five sons & five Daughters with whom I am personally acquainted - In former days I have often heard the said Abel & Sarah say that they were Married by the Rev. Thomas Brooks at his house then Pastor of Congregational Church in said Brookfield - I have also often heard my Father say they were Married by the said Mr. Brooks at his House -
Northrop Dunning
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss. Brookfield Oct 15 1849
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority, duly authorized by Law to administer oaths, Northrop Dunning and subscribed & made oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition - And I certify that the said Northrop Dunning sustains a good character for truth, and is a credible witness -
By and Smith Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
T Fairfield County } ss. Brookfield October 15 th 1849
This certifies that I have carefully examined the Town Records of the Town of Brookfield of which I am Town Clerk for the purpose of finding the Record of the marriage of Abel Smith to Sarah Dunning and do not find their marriage Recorded in said Records -
Bryant Smith Town Clerk of the Town of Brookfield
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County } ss. Brookfield October 15 th 1849
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Bryant Smith and subscribed & made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate, who I certify is a credible witness -
Charles Hovey Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss. Brookfield October 12 th 1849 This certifies that I am the present officiating clergymen of the Congregational Church in Brookfield, and having been more than six years resident Pastor in this place I do confidently believe that there are no Church Records previous to the year 1807 and that the Society Records containing no Records of marriages and consequently nothing from these Records can be obtained concerning the marriage of Abel Smith to Sarah Dunning -
Dan C. Curtiss
State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss. Brookfield October 12 th - 1849 Personally appeared Rev. Dan C. Curtiss and subscribed & made oath to the above certificate Before me, who I certify is a credible witness -
Bryant Smith Justice of the Peace
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid & Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of the Peace for said County do certify that Bryant Smith & Charles H. Barclay Esqrs are and were at the dates of the foregoing Depositions by them respectively taken & here attached, Justices of the Peace for said County duly Commissioned & qualified as such & duly authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths. And I also certify that

The "Signatures" annexed to said Depositions, respecting purporting to be theirs, are known to me to be their genuine signatures. That these respective conveyances are dated June 20 th 1849 and will expire with the third day of July 1850 Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this 11 th day of October 1849
Thomas Robinson Clerk and "Third" day of July 1850, duly witness my hand Thomas Robinson Clerk

No 13988 Sarah Smith wid of Abel
Con
act 7 July 1838
Maria before 1794
Rejected, instead
And 27 April 49
now act 2 July 48
#35-53 pan-
pm 27 April 49
Bryant Smith Baptized Con.

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield ss. Probate District of New Litchfield.
On this 8 th day of October 1849 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within & for the District of New Litchfield in said County & State, the same being a Court of Record. Sarah Smith a Resident of Brookfield in said District, aged ninety years and being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the several acts of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, August 23 rd 1842 - March 3 rd 1843, June 7 th 1844 & February 28 th 1848, and all other acts & Resolutions relative to granting Pensions to widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Abel Smith late of Brookfield deceased, who was a private in the army of the Revolution, & served in the Revolutionary war as a private soldier in the militia of the State of Connecticut under the command of the officers specified and named in the original Declaration of the sd Abel Smith now on file in the office of the Commissioners of Pensions in the War Department, and for the several terms & periods of time mentioned in the sd Declaration, and in as much as she has no personal knowledge of the various particulars relative to his sd service, of the several times when his terms of service commenced and ended, or the names of the officers under whom he served, of the country through which he marched, or of the battles in which he was engaged, she refers to the sd original Declaration for a more particular description thereof. That the sd Abel Smith was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States from the 8 th day

of January 1834 to the time of his death, which said Pension was granted to him for the service afore- said, and she refers for the proof of such service to the evidence accompanying his original Declaration also on file in the office of said Commission of Pensions - She further declares that she was married to the said Abel Smith in October 1777 that her husband the aforesaid Abel Smith died on the 27 th day of April 1849 - and that she has never intermarried with any other person since the death of the said Abel Smith, that she was married to him prior to his leaving the service and that the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, viz, at the time above stated - She further states that her maiden name before she was married to the said Abel Smith was Sarah Dunning, and that she was married to the said Abel Smith by the Rev. Thomas Brooks who was at that time the Pastor of the Congregational Church in Brookfield, at the house of the said Brooks in presence of three persons, viz, Hannah Brooks, Hepsibah Brooks & John Eastwick, who are all dead - The reason why we went to the house of the said Brooks was that my Parents were not at that time in circumstances to make a wedding - She further states that the following is the family Record of our Births & the births of our children entered on a leaf of the Prayer Book between the Psalter & the Psalms -
  Levi Smith born  April 17  1778    Lyman Smith born  October 4  1780    Died  March 20  1814    Abel Smith born  November 25  1782    Abigail Smith born  April 11  1785    Sally Smith born  June 2  1787  

Annabelle Smith born November 5-1789 Polly Smith born January 30-1792 Lucy Smith born March 13-1794 Winthrop Smith born Sept 13-1796 Phoebe Smith born Sept 20-1799
Abel Smith born 1757 May 20 Sarah Smith born 1759 Jan 28
The foregoing family Record is in the hand writing of my late husband the D o Abel Smith - The further states, that there has been no family Record of my marriage to Abel Smith kept by my husband Abel Smith until a few years since the foregoing family Record was copied on to a leaf of the Bible between the old & new Testament by my grand daughter Sophia Hawley (now Sophia Thelen) who resides in Syracuse in the State of New York, and the marriage was at that time entered on a leaf by the D o Sophia, & is in her hand writing, and it was then & there entered by the request of my D o husband Abel Smith, the marriage there entered as aforesaid, bears the same date as above, Viz. October 1777 -
Sarah Smith
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day & year above mentioned before the said Court of Probate for the District of Newtown.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court my seal this 8 th day of October 1849
Certified by Monroe Judson Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Newtown
the words "my seal" erased & the words "the seal of said Court" interlined & duly written by me.
Monroe Judson Clerk

I Jacob Beers of Newtown in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the district of Newtown in said County & State, do hereby certify that Monroe Judson who hath signed & certified the foregoing Affidavit is Clerk of the said Court of Probate lawfully appointed & sworn and that the signature above written purporting to be his, is the genuine hand writing of the said Monroe Judson and that the seal affixed to said Certificate is the seal of said Court
Given under my hand at Newtown this 8 th day of October 1849 —
Jacob Beers Judge

Widow Smith Born July 19 1778 Lyman Smith Born Dec 18 1780 Died March 20 1814 Mrs Phoebe Smith Born Nov 25 1782 Nabell Smith Born April 11 1785 Sally Smith Born June 2 1787 Amanilla Smith Born November 8 1789 Polly Smith Born January 30 1792 Lucy Smith Born March 13 1794 Winthrop Smith Born Sept 13 1796 Abbie Smith Born Sept 20 1799

Abel Smith Born 1757
May 20
Sarah Smith Born 1759
January 20

COPY..
L.M.H.
June 26, 1906.
Miss J. M. Coleman, Oriskany, New York.
Madam:-
In reply to your letter dated the 18th instant, received the 19th, relative to two soldiers of the War of the Revolution, you are advised that a careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show any claim filed on account of the services of John Hollister, Connecticut troops who died in the year 1827.
From the papers in the claim, Widow's File No. 11479, it appears that Abel Smith enlisted in the Connecticut troops and served various terms as follows: (The first being in his father's company)
Mar. 1776, Priv. Capt. Joseph Smith's Co.Col. Gold S. Silliman's regiment; one month.
June 1, 1776, Capt. Reuben Bostwick's Co., Col. Gold S. Silliman's regiment; eight months.
April 1777, Capt. Richard Smith's Co., Col. Joseph P. Cook's regiment; one week.
Oct. 1777, Capt. Richard Smith's Co., Col. Joseph P. Cook's regiment; six weeks.
June 1779, Capt. Richard Smith's Co., Col. Nehemiah Beardsley's regiment; three weeks.
Aug. 1779, Capt. Richard Smith's Co., Col. Nehemiah Beardsley's regiment; six weeks.

April 1781, Capt. Stephen Pardy's Co., Col. Samuel Canfield's regiment; one month.
He was in the battles of Flatbush, Harlem Heights, White Plains, and Ridgefield.
He was born at Brookfield, Fairfield county, Connecticut, where he enlisted, was married, and resided when allowed pension in 1832. He died April 27, 1849, and his widow was allowed pension in that year, as a resident of the aforesaid Brookfield.
Family Record:
Abel Smith, born May 20, 1757.
Sarah Dunning, born Jan. 28, 1759.
Abel Smith and Sarah Dunning, married October - 1777.
Their children were;
Levi, . . . . . born Apr. 19, 1778. Lyman, . . . . . born Dec. --, 1780, died March 20, 1814 McPherson, . . . . born Nov. 25, 1782. Hubbell, . . . . . born Apr. 11, 1785. Sally, . . . . . born June 2, 1787. Ammirillous, . . born Nov. 5, 1789. Polly, . . . . . born Jan. 30, 1792. Lucy, . . . . . born Mar. 13, 1794. Winthrop, . . . . . born Sep. 13, 1796. Phoebe, . . . . . born Sep. 20, 1799.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Pay  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11479
Sarah Smith
Wid
Abel Smith
Pr Brn War
Act: March 29/48
Index:—Vol. B , Page 221
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 21. 1897. History to Miss Julia Norton - 14 Library Place, Danbury, Conn.
June 28 - 1902 Chas. E. Hamlin Naples, N.Y.
1906 June 25. History to Miss J. W. Coleman
1916 May 16. Hist. to C. B. Capshaw letter in 8.37656 Daniel Allen.

O. W. H.
C
Colemans, N.Y.
June 18 1906.
The Honorable Commissioner Pen- sions.
We have been directed to apply to you for informa- tion in regard to one Able Smith, a revolutionary soldier of Conn; he received a pension from the Govern- ment. Can you tell me to what town in Conn. this pen- sion was sent. Did I have Hollister also a soldier from Conn, and who died

in 1827 at Ellsbury, N.Y. receive a pension.
Yours respectfully (Sip) J. M. Coleman
Trickay (P.O) N.Y.

5218 Faint handwritten number "5218" in pencil, oriented vertically.

Danbury March 20th 97. Pension Bureau Washington D.C.
Will you kindly send us all information you have concerning Abel Smith Brookfield, Fairfield Co. Conn., a soldier of the Revolution , on the pension lists.
Adress.
Miss Julia Horton, 14 Library Place, Danbury. Conn.

Rev. War Section.
May 16, 1916.
Miss C. B. Capshaw, L37 South Street, Morristown, N. J.
Madam:-
In addition to the military history of Abel Smith W. File No. 11,478 Rev. War, you are furnished the names of his children as found in the papers on file.
Levi born April 18, 1778. Lyman { " December -, 1780 { died March 20, 1814 McPherson born November 25, 1782. Hubbell " April 11, 1785. Sally " June 2, 1787. Ammirillous " November 5, 1789. Polly " January 30, 1792. Lucy " March 13, 1794. Winthrop " September 13, 1796. Phebe " September 20, 1799.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Alex Smith
J. L. Edwards
Commission merchant
Washington
Sept 24. 1840

Pardon me for trouble you with these lines I am one of these old men that took an active part in the Revolutionary war in 1776 my father put me in the Com of Lieutenant S Hubbell to learn the art exercise the exercise and was drill and bay in a week as minute men and in the the Spring of Seventy Six I enlisted in the army in the Colonel Gold Silliman Regiment and Capt R Bastock Company for eight months which time I served out and then I return home and joined my company of minute men in that Company I served during the war Lieutenant S Hubbell left his farm and went to the war and I was with that Company put under of the Committee of Safety and was always the first called upon
knowledge of was done in the Company and two means that I was was in the service in the State of New York that the men that was with me are gone the war and no trace of that time that I should have pay for my place in most cases I am 88 83 and shall soon be numbered with my old Companions
Brookfield Fairfield County Co A. Smith
O Sir that Book that you have in your Office might be returned to soon as possible to me A Smith

that when the British and Tories was some upon the town this side of the Long Island is the Tories that Went from the town of Newtown was the greatest part of the Shablocks was Tories and they were our worst enemies they was constantly plundering our stores and the minute men were constantly on the Guard by night or day and the time that I was in the Service for three the time that I have got pay for: my Father lost the Land that he was settled on by one of the Loyers that was employed to do the Care of I get but thirty five Dollars and there is one month that I got in Colonel J. P. Regiment that I lost by the Conduct of R Booth Conduct I was taken Sick soon after I the Regiment was I was taken Sick and lost all my papers and had no knowledge of was done in the Company and two means that I was was in the Service in the State of New York that the men that was with me are gone the war and no proof of that tower that I should have pay for my place in most Run I am 83 and shall soon be numbered with my old Companys
Brookfield Fairfield County Co      Aliel Smith
O I Sir that Book that you have in your Office might be returned to soon as possible to me A Smith

13988
Oct 22/49
Recd of prof- Sarah Smith and Abel Smith
Rev J. L. [?] Conn 838 University Chapel Corning Union of Students Washington City D. C.

Brookfield October 19 th 1849 J. L. Edwards Esqr Commr of Pensions
Sir
I enclose & forward to you the Declaration & Depositions of Sarah Smith in order to obtain a Pension -
Yours Respectfully
Bryant Smith
Brookfield Conn -

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., May 14 th , 1902.
Madam:-
In reply to your communication of a recent date, you are informed that this Bureau is unable to furnish a history of the service of any soldier of the Revolutionary war or of the war of 1812 unless he or his widow was a pensioner or an applicant for pension or bounty land; and that under the rules such a history is furnished only to the soldier's descendants, and to them only when it is desired for historical or genealogical purposes.
The large number of inquiries made on this subject, and the length of time required to make a proper search of the records in each case, will not permit of information being given to any applicant concerning more than two soldiers.
In order that the soldier concerning whom you desire information may be identified, you are requested to furnish as much as possible of the data called for below.
(Abel Smith)
Very respectfully,
Mrs. C. E. Hamlin, Naples, New York.
B. F. Waite Commissioner.
Full name of soldier, Abel Smith  Where did he enter service? Connecticut (Town, county, and State.)  Under what officers did he serve? Capt. Bostwick Col. Silliman  ✓ Place of residence after service, Brookfield, Fairfield Co., Conn. (Town, county, and State.)  ✓ Approximate date of death, _____  Given name of widow, Sarah  Did either the soldier or his widow receive a pension? Both received a pension  Additional information, I desire this information for genealogical purposes and shall be very grateful for all the information received.  Signature, Mrs. Charles E. Hamlin (Mrs. or Miss to be prefixed if a lady signs.)  Post-office address, including street and number, town, county, and State, } Naples, Ontario Co., N.Y.

Abel Smith Com. act 7 June 32 $35 53 per ann To what time was he last paid?
46 A
Pension Office March 22 1849 paid to 4 th March 1849. W.T.

abel smith
Dr.
10 m 20 d pura
Hon. J. Tweedy HR

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abel Smith which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 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? yes 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 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? yes

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? Subclergyman and other witnesses XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? Yes 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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes 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? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes 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 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 they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†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 authenticates 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 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.