Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5737, for Reuben Jones, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Jones, Reuben
R. 5737
CONTENTS
Oct. 11, 1759 at Wallingford, New Haven Co., Conn. was there at mid 2 in 1832

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex Town of Wallingford Probate District of Wallingford
On this 11th day of September 1832 personally appeared in a Court of Probate for the district of Wallingford in open court. Said Court now being in session. Reuben Jones a resident in Wallingford aforesaid in the State County and district aforesaid - aged seventy three years the 11 th day of October 1832 who first being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following officers (and since as hereinafter stated) applicant however says that for some years his bodily health has been very poor that the powers of his mind and his memory are much impaired that his recollection of everything at that distant period is faint and indistinct, but he says he has a definite idea of the place he went to when in the service of the United States and about the length of time he remained - (and he says that in the year 1776 he was called upon to go to New York in a Company of Militia who were all called out and of which he at that time was a member, that they proceeded to New Haven and sailed from there to New York that he was at this latter place when the American forces left Long Island, that he remained in New York for a time (and then left) and crossed over East River and was there some time before he was verbally discharged that he remembers no one being who was in the Company with him though he says there may be (and he not know it, for he has been confined to his Room for more than three years - he says though he does not know the foregoing time length of time he was in that place

he feels confident it must have been somewhat more than a month and a half applicant further says that in the year 1777 according to his best recollection late in the Summer or early in the Spring Fall he was called upon to go to Fitchburg in the State of Massachusetts but whether drafted or not applicant cannot say with certainty - he thinks the Company was commanded by Capt Miles Johnson, that they passed through Danbury that immediately after their arrival at Fitchburg they were detached to guard some stores in a direction as applicant thinks North East from there at some distance from them - that they remained there according to the best of his recollection about three months and a half. that he recollected that Charles Doughty was there also that they were verbally discharged in the few part of the winter applicant further says that in the year 1781 as near as he can recollect he was drafted to go out to the Coast and keep guard he thinks in the Fall, that his impression is that the Colonel's name was Arnold, the Captain Charles Watson of Durham Light Infantry, Hotchkiss and one Lewis of Cheshire Ensign, that they drafted as applicant thinks for two months that they went and after having served out their time they were verbally discharged applicant remembers that Charles Parker was with him in this tour - applicant also says that he was again drafted to go to New Haven, but whether for one or two months he cannot say with absolute certainty and he is not able to avail himself of the testimony of any one living who was with him at that time and therefore he submits this tour to the discretion of the department - knowing that from the State

of his mind and memory and the length of time that has intervened that he would be unable to give such an account as the department would require applicant says he thinks he is entitled to pay for one and a half months since in 1770 to three and a half months in 1777 to two months in 1781 making in all seven months and if the Hon Secretary at War thinks him entitled to another month since for his tour to New Haven it will make him eight months -
In answer to the queries by the Department applicant says To the 1 st that he was born in Wallingford in 1739. To the 2 nd that it is recorded in his Father's old Bible and he supposes also in the Town Records in Wallingford but the last he did not know certainly To the 3 rd that he has always lived in Wallingford To the 4 th that he has answered it to the best of his knowledge in the body of his declaration To the 5 th he says the same To the 6 th he says the same To the 7 th he refers to Rev. Sedgwick Rev. Samuel Noyes Hon John D. Williams Dea. Joshua Stuart and Dea. John Andrews all of Wallingford - Applicant relinquishes all claim to any annuity or Pension whatever Except the present and declares his name is not on the Pension roll of any agency of any State
Subscribed and sworn to this day and year aforesaid Richard Jones

We James Noyes a clergyman residing in the town of Wallingford and John Andrews a Physician residing in the same town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Reuben Jones who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration - that we believe him to be seventy three years of age - that he is reputed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.  James Noyes subscribed the day & year aforesaid  John Andrews
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that James Noyes who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman residing in the town of Wallingford - and that John Andrews M.D. is a Physician residing in the same place and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to and is belief - And the Court further certifies that Charles Parker and Charles Doolittle referred to by the Applicant in his declaration were in open Court and supported the Applicant proving by their testimony given under oaths.
J. B. D. Reynolds Judge of Probate For the District of Wallingford

Illo, R. 5737 Rev.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Reuben Jones , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his ( or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     76 1 1/2 mo. Priv. Elisha Hall — Conn. mil.   Sum or fall 77 3 1/2 " Miles Johnson   fall 81 2 mo. Charles Norton Arnold  
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Wallingford, Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 11, 1832-
Residence at date of application, Wallingford, Conn.
Age at date of application, B. Oct. 11, 1759 at Wallingford Conn.
Remarks: This claim was rejected on the ground of insufficient proof of alleged service in 1776, without which his whole service did not amount to six months, as required under the pension law of 1832.
Very respectfully,
406-522-547 586-624
227-390-534-587
Commissioner.

1906 Nov. 15 History to Mrs. S. J. Hall, letter in S. File 14159 Moses Peck.
5737 P. O. _____
Reuben Jones Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
REJECTED Alleged The printed list of 1852 gives cause of suspension as:
Re-enlisted: "Two months, five days admitted - service in 1776 not specified by officers or particu- lars, and service at New Haven has neither date nor officers". Attorney: _____
P. O. _____

Connecticut Revolt
Reuben Jones Suspended
Let. Hon. S. A. Foot. January 8 th 1824
5737
Asst. June 7. 1832.

Jan'y 8. 1834
War Dept
P.O.
Jan'y 8 th 1834
MS. B. Vol. 29. p. 257.
The only service which are at all specified, and proved in the papers of Reuben Jones is 3 months 15 days in 1777 and two months in 1781. The former service, especially the former is extended much beyond the usual duration of service will under similar circumstances. But as stated they do not both amount to 6 months. The term alleged to have been performed in 1776 for which no officers nor particulars are stated, and the one or two months at New Haven of which no date nor officers, nor any other facts are given, cannot be allowed without distinct proof. The papers are placed on file awaiting this evidence.
The State of Connecticut in 1778 raised certain corps of what were termed minute men for a year upon condition that they should not be held to perform actual service more than 3 months at one time & to receive half pay in the interim. None of these troops appear to have served more than 6 months during the year. 8/6 8/13 Whether Titus Francis belonged to either of these corps cannot be ascertained since his statement of service does not precisely agree with the facts relative to this service unless

he will state the field office under whom he served. The name of the captain mentioned by him has not been recognized among the commanding companies in that service. The papers are again returned in a distinct statement upon that point. The claims of John Beeth and Chauncy Re have been admitted. The pension certificates in the Corralled Order in a few days.
The pension certificate which was issued to Charles 8/24/96 Little has been duly returned. to this office The investigation of this claim will be soon under the review of which will be communicated to you by A.B. Chaplin Esq. Upon a re-examination of that case is found that the service alleged to have been performed in 1776 is not stated nor proved as is required by the regulations. The other services are The claimant should make a new statement of his services also setting forth the last detail when a decision will be made. The certificate in mean time will remain on file.
The letter of A.B. Chaplin Esq  W 17712 The papers  claims of Lechanah Davidson referred to in the letter of A.B. Chaplin Esq on having been transmitted August 1831 have not been found. The letter of Mr. Ch referring to the before named cases is herewith returned to you.
Hon Samuel A. Foot Hd Q

Reuben Jones
Return this
(suspended)
Hon. S. A. Foot H R

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Reuben Jones 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? no No V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? no No for green 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? 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 No

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? u
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
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? u
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? u
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no No see quere 16
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 shewn 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.
Certificate of credibility cannot be admitted which are interlined by another hand
The magistrate must make such certificates which must be duly authenticated

Charles Doolittle of Wallingford in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut deposes & says - that I am well acquainted with Reuben Jones of said Wallingford - that I was at Fishkill in the State of New York in the fall of the year 1777 - that I was gone from home about four  three months & half - that Reuben Jones was with me at the time - & further the deponent saith not
Charles Doolittle
County of New Haven ss. Wallingford Aug. 11. 1832
Personally appeared before me Charles Doolittle an credible person and  signer of the foregoing deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same
W. D. Reynolds Just of Peace
New Haven County ss. Wallingford Nov. 20. 1833
I A. B. Chapin. Justice of the Peace for the County of New Haven. hereby certify that Charles Doolittle. subscriber of the above deposition is a credible person & his statement is entitled to belief -
A. B. Chapin Justice of Peace

I believe I am little of a useful age repose and say that I am well acquainted with Ruler Jones
Chas Doolittle

State of Connecticut
County of New Haven ss Wallingford. June 13. 1833
Personally appeared before the sub- -scribed - A. B. Chapin, a Notary Public for the County of New Haven (by the laws of the State of Connecticut qualified to administer oaths) Reuben Jones - who being duly sworn deposes & saith - that by reason of old age - bodily infirmity - & 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 as a private in each term of service. — In the year 1776 - for a term of not less than one month & fifteen days - in a company of Infantry commanded by Elisha Hall. In the year 1777 for a term not less than three months & fifteen days - in a Company of Infantry commanded by Capt. Miles Johnson - in the year 1781 for a term of not less than two months in a company of Infantry commanded by Captain Charles Porter - in Colonel Arnold's Regiment - & for such service service I claim a pension -
Reuben Jones
Subscribed & sworn to this day & year aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand - together with the seal of my office
A. B. Chapin
Notary Public

State of Connecticut County of New Haven Probate District of Wallingford
J. Randall Cook - clerk of said Court do hereby certify that John D. Reynolds & A. B. Chapin Esqrs whose names are within subscribed to the depositions of Charles Doolittle & Charles Parker - are Justices of the Peace duly qualified to administer oaths - and that the signatures purporting to be theirs - are a genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand together with the seal of my office this thirtieth day of June - One Thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty Three
Randall Cook Clerk
State of Connecticut New Haven County } Wallingford Probate District
J. Randall Cook Clerk of the Court - hereby certify that A. B. Chapin - whose name is within written - is a certificate of cred- ibility - of the depositions - is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified to administer oaths - & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand - together with the seal of the Court - this twenty fourth day of December One Thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty Three -
Randall Cook Clerk

Charles Parker of Wallingford in the County of New Haven & State of Conn - entitled of lawful age deposes & says that I am well acquainted with Thomas Long - that I have been acquainted with him ever since I was a boy - that in the year 1881 deponent was drafted to go on the coast - that Capt. C. B. Dutton commanded the Company the time was Stitesboro - as part of the time - but he was discharged - before the time was out - that the Col. was on Analo of the - that the Company was stationed part of the time at Stratford - but Mitchell & Webb Hann & the  then orally discharged - that deponent knows it was in 1881 - because while then they heard of the capture of Gen. Beauregard & had a day of rejoicing on that account - that Long Long was then at the same time & for the the deponent saith not
Charles Parker
New Haven County ss Wallingford Aug 7/1836
Personally appeared Charles Parker a credible person and signer of the foregoing deposition & made solemn oath to the truth of the same according to the best of his knowledge & belief - before me
Alonzo B. Chapin Just. of Peace
New Haven County ss Wallingford Nov. 20. 1833
Let A. B. Chapin Justice of Peace for the county of New Haven hereby certify that the person is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to belief - A. B. Chapin Justice of Peace

10.136

I Randall book clerk of the court of Probate for the District of Wallingford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Reuben Jones for a pension —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said office this 11 th day of September A 1832 —
Randall book Clerk —