Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17869, for Bradford Steele, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Steele, Bradford Ruth
N. 17869 B.L. # 7085-160-55.
CONTENTS

6829
Bradford Steele of Derby in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the                                     commanded by Captain                                     of the                                     commanded by                                     in the line for Connecticut Troops. 16 m o 7 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 54 Dollars 05 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of March 1833 and sent G. Town Union Annapolis U.S.
Arrears to the 14th of Mar 33 108.10 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 33 27.2 135 12
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book D
Vol.
3
Page
67
Clerk,

Death on A.B. Feb. 20-1856.
21062
Connecticut Ruth Steele, widow of Bradford Steele Conn. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 54 Dollars 05, Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Feby 1849 and sent to
Henry Fowler Hartford Ct.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 337 Vol. 1.

57502 act 3. March/55
April 10/55
Ruth Steele Widow
Bradford Steele Private
Capt. Converse } Conn. Col. Eros } Mil.
Ent. July 10. 1777. 16 mo. 7 days.
Revolutionary War
Conn. July 48 no 4062
Boston Private Vanderbilt Pritchard Connecticut Troops
Aged 16 Oct 24/53 Dodge
Rev. A. Steele Genl. Land Office
Vol. No. 63. - 5

Declaration of Ruth Steele, widow of Bradford Steele, deceased, Con.
State of Connecticut, } ss. County of New Haven, }
On this Twenty fourth day of March, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Ruth Steele, aged Eighty Nine years, a resident of Seymour, formerly Derby, in the State of Connecticut, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the Widow of Bradford Steele, deceased, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Conover, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Enos, in the War of the Revolution; that her husband enlisted into said company on or about the tenth day of July, A.D. 1777, and continued in actual service in said War for the term of about 16 months and 7 days, & was honorably discharged; all of which is shown by his papers in the pension office.
She further states, that she was married to the said Bradford Steele, & became his widow on his decease, as is set forth in her pension pa- pers in the pension office, under the Act of 2 d Feb. 1848, Connecticut Roll, No. 4062; and

also that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3d. 1855."
Ruth Steele
We Isaac Kinney and Albert G. Steele, residents of Seymour or Humphreyville, in the State of Connecticut, upon our Oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Ruth Steele in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. And from a long personal acquaintance with her husband, said Bradford Steele, & with herself as his wife, before his decease, & as his widow since to the present time, we depose as to the latter statements as matters of undoubted fact, as well as to her personal identity.
Isaac Kinney Witness Albert G. Steele
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and

that I have no interest in this claim.
Sharon A. Beach } Justice of the Peace.
Clerk's Certificate.
Sold by George B. Bassett & Co., 115 Chapel Street, New Haven.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF NEW HAVEN, COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
ss.
I, Alfred H. Terry Clerk, of New Haven County, and of the County Court within and for New Haven County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify:—That,
Sharon A. Beach Esquire was on the 24 th day of March 185 5 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commis- sioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the Laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take affidavits and depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts, and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to the instrument hereto annex- ed purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged and duly authenticated accord- ing to the laws of this State.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court at the City of New Haven, in said County, and State, on this 24 th day of April A. D. 185 5
Alfred H. Terry Clerk.

12639.
North Steel
Con.
Act. 7. July 38
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Rejected
Acts 4 3 4 44
  16 mo. 7 d  8652    54.05.  575  
Ashtabul Steel Co 5 N. D. Ave

State of Connecticut. New Haven County
On this sixth day of March in the Year one thousand eight hundred and forty-six personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of New Haven in said State, Ruth Steele a resident of the town of Derby in said County of New Haven aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Con- gress, passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An Act gran- ting bounties and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Bradford Steele, who was a private soldier in the army of the United States in the year 1777 - that he enlisted in the month of July in that year, was attached to a Company under the Command of Captain Lewis which was connected with a regiment commanded by Col. Egan and Sub- sequently by Col. Humphrey - the time of his con- tinuance in said Service she is not able particu- larly to state.
She further declares that she was married to the said Bradford Steele on the ninth day of March (1785) in the Year Seventeen hun- dred and eighty-five, that her husband the afore- said Bradford Steele died on the twenty third day of December eighteen hundred and forty one

and that he was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety-five viz. at the time above stated. Richd Steele
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me Ebenezer H. Foster Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven.
State of Connecticut New Haven County
I John B. Robertson, clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of New Haven, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that Ebenezer H. Foster whose name is above written is the sole and presiding Judge of said Court, that the signature to the above Certificate is his genuine signature and in his hand-writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at New Haven this sixth day of March A.D. 1846.
John B. Robertson Clerk

State of Connecticut. County of New Haven Oxford March 7. 1846
The undersigned present pastor of the Congregational Church in this place do hereby certify that I find on a church record made by Rev. David Bronson - who was for many years pastor of this same church - the following item to-wit.
March ninth one thousand seven hundred and eighty five. Bradford Steel Jr. and Ruth Wheeler married.
" March I do certify it is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures as follows. " March 9 th 1785 Bradford Steel Jr. and Ruth Wheeler married.
I, Stephen Taphill above named depose and say. That I held the office of Pastor of the Congregational Church in Oxford, County of New Haven State of Connecticut and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with exception above named as certified by me Stephen Taphill Pastor of said Congregational Church

u State of Connecticut New Haven County ss a March 20 th 1846 personally appeared Rev Stephen Topham and made Oath to the truth of the above statement s by him subscribed before me Samuel Wines Justice of Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, County of New Haven, COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
SS.
I, John S. Rice Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of New Haven, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY:—
THAT,
Samuel Wire
Esquire
was on the 10 th day March
184 6 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 11 th day of March 184 6
John S. Rice
Clerk.

Humphreysville Conn. February 15 1833
To all whom it may concern. This is to certify that Dea- con Bradford Steele is a member of the Congregational Church in Humphreysville, in good & regular standing, a man of uprightness & integrity. Deacon Steele, so far as his health & the infirmities of age will admit, is an active officer in the church of which he is a member. As it respects the services which he performed for the good of his country during the Revolutionary war, & the painful sufferings which he was then called to endure, there is the most abundant proof. Deacon Steele, is among the number of those, that have been cal- led to endure under of the afflictions of this life. He death of a beloved Son not many years since left in his hands an orphan grandchild for whose support, Deacon Steele has had to provide, & is still called to provide. The long & distress- ing sickness of his youngest Son's family, has rendered it indispensably necessary for him to afford them continual assistance to a greater or less extent in this same necessity with its. To afford therefore to Deacon Steele that assistance which Congress has pledged itself to do, by its own law, for those who performed military services, during the revolu- tionary war, will be an act not only of kindness but of Christian charity - That he may have received some aid from his country for services long ago performed, I most earnestly desire, for his own comfort in his advanced years, & that also, of his dependent family.
Charles Thompson Pastor of the Congrega- tional Church in Humber- sylvia, New Haven County Conn.

To the Honorable the Congress of the United States of America to be convened in Washington City on the first Monday of December 1831
The Memorial of Bradford Steele of the Town of Derby, in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut humbly shews
That your Memorialist performed the following services in the war of the revolution, viz,
That your Memorialist was detached for a tour of two months under Captain Pierson early in the spring of the year 1777 to guard Government stores at Woodbury in said State by order of the Governor of Connecticut, where he served one month & was relieved on procuring another man in his room.
That in July 1777 the fore part of the month, your Memorialist enlisted under Lieutenant Sabez Pritchard who was commissioned by the Governor of Connecticut into the service of said State for the term of six months & joined the Company at Housatonic the latter part of the same month; which Company was commanded by Captain Pierson by Capt
Converse, said Pritchard & Moore were lieutenants Howe Roscoe was Ensign in said Company, which composed part of a Regiment under the command of Col Enos
(Your Memorialist cannot recollect the Colonel's name of said Officers). Most of the Regiment was stationed at Housatonic & part at Stamford. In a week or two, an order
arrived for our Regiment to march to the Highlands at Peekskill, which at the time was obeyed only by said Pritchard & myself & a few others, said Regiment having
been raised under the assurance that they should not be marched over the State line. Finally the whole Regiment arrived at Peekskill & remained there about two
weeks. Moore & Roscoe were tried & condemned & sent home & then a scouting party of Volunteers was formed, in which the said Lieutenants Pritchard volunteered & myself & Joel

Johnson a soldier from the same neighborhood enlisted to . The party composed partly of State & partly of Continental troops consisted of about Two Hundred foot & One Company of Horse. We marched to Valentines Hill & within pistol shot of Fort Independence & then descended the Hill over the road to the brook & were soon attacked by a detachment from the Fort, after considerable firing defended by a stone wall, we were ordered to retreat. After a rapid retreat easterly about two miles, the S t Pritchard, Johnson & myself being together the S t Johnson became faint for lack of sustenance Pritchard & myself were endeavoring to aid his escape which retarded our own, we were all overtaken & made prisoners. I was stripped & deprived of all my clothes & arms. Lieutenant Pritchard was robbed of his commission. We were hurried off on foot, but Johnson being unable to walk or ride was carried across a horse, cruelly beaten & bayoneted for arrived at Kingsbridge, was thrown over the railing of the bridge into the bed of the stream & if not already dead perished in the fall. This was on the 25 th of August. Lieutenant Pritchard & myself were marched to New York with 12 others taken at the same time. I was confined in a Sugar House the about the last of August. When I was removed I placed on board a ship called the Good Intent & confined below about a fortnight, when I was discharged taken with the Small Pox. I was then removed to the Hospital amidst a storm of rain & hail with no other garments but a shirt Waistcoat & Breeches. Lieutenant Pritchard died soon after I arrived at the Hospital having been discharged with the Small Pox. I remained in the Hospital amid great privations & suffering until Spring being one of four survivors out of Twenty six who together occupied the same apartment. I was then transferred from one Hospital to another until about the 10 th day of August 1778 when I was with others transported to Elizabeth Town point, where after

being detained three days I was exchanged & returned to them I made my way home to Derby where I arrived about the last of August to I equipped myself for the service when I went into it the cost of which was then estimated at forty dollars. I was sixteen years old on the last day of the month on which I was taken prisoner & I am now in my seventy eighth year.
Your Memorialist persuades himself that, if the privations & hardships of a soldier of the Revolution entitles him to the grateful remembrance of his country he may lay some claim to it. His circumstances in life enable him to live for the present & support a family consisting of a wife & child & grand child all dependent on him for support. But the barely comfortable now, your Memorialist feels that under the infirmities of advancing years he may not be so long & he cannot but value his claim. The remuneration equal to many around him who share the bounty of the Government. He therefore prays your Honorable body to take his case into your consideration and grant him to be enrolled on the list of Revolutionary Pensioners & to receive an annual allowance equal in amount to that received by Revolutionary Pensioners of the same rank And as in duty bound will ever pray. Dated at Derby this 12 th day of Novemr. A D 1831
Bradford Steele
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss (Derby Novr - 14 th 1831
Personally appeared Bradford Steele subscribers to the foregoing Memorial and made solemn oath that the facts represented therein were true and justly stated - before me
Russel Hitchcock Justice of Peace

New Haven County ss Derby February 6 th 1833 Personally appeared Bradford Steele who subscribed the within Memorial well known to me & made solemn oath that the facts stated in said Memorial are true before me
John L. D. Wilson, Justice of Peace

March 2, 1940.
Mrs. Eugene H. Clark 18 Henry Street Seymour, Connecticut.
BA-J/ILL Bradford Steele W. 17869
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 17869, based upon service of Bradford Steele in the Revolutionary War.
Bradford Steele lived with his father in Derby, New Haven County, Connecticut, at the time he entered service in the Revolutionary War. The names of his father was not designated, nor that of his mother shown.
Bradford Steele enlisted in the spring of 1777 and served two months as private in Captain Nathan Pierson's Connecticut company, during which he was stationed at Woodbury, Connecticut, guarding Government stores. He enlisted early in July 1777, under Lieutenant Jabez Pritchard, also of Derby, Connecticut, served as private in Captain Benjamin Converse's company, marched to Peekskill and while on a scouting party near Mount Independence, was taken prisoner, was confined in the Old Sugar House of New York City, later, was placed on a prison ship, was ill with smallpox, was removed to a hospital, remained ill and in confinement until August 10, 1778, at which time he was sent to Elizabeth Town Point, where he was exchanged. He reached home about the end of August; his father met him at Stamford, Connecticut, and hardly recognized him because of his sufferings, being a "mere skeleton". He enlisted May 1, 1779, and served more than a month as private in Captain Rogers' company, Colonel Wells' Connecticut company; he enlisted May 1, 1780 and served two months as sergeant in Captain John Riggs' Connecticut company.
The soldier continued to reside in Derby, Connecticut, after his service in the Revolutionary War.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 12, 1831, at which time he resided in Derby, Connecticut. Bradford Steele

was then in his seventieth year. He stated "I was sixteen years old on the last day of the month on which I was taken prisoner!" In 1833, Bradford Steele was Deacon of the Congregational Church of Humphreysville (later Seymour), Connecticut. He died December 21, 1841, in Derby, Connecticut. He signed his name Bradford Steele.
This soldier married March 9, 1785, Ruth Wheeler; a copy of their marriage, made by Rev. David Bronson of the Congregational Church, shows the following- Bradford Steel, Jr. and Ruth Wheeler- March 9, 1785. The names of Ruth's parents were not given.
Ruth Steele, this soldier's widow, was allowed pension on her application executed March 6, 1846, at which time she was aged eighty years. She resided then in Derby, Connecticut. She was allowed one hundred sixty acres of bounty land on warrant #7085, under the Act of March 3, 1855, on account of her husband's service in the Revolutionary War. On March 1855, she resided in Seymour, Connecticut. She died February 20, 1856.
Bradford Steele and his wife, Ruth, had children. In February 1833, it was stated that "the death of a beloved son, not many years since, left on his hands an orphan grandchild" for support; reference was made then also to the "sickness of his youngest son's family". No names of these children were designated.
In 1846, when Ruth Steele made application for pension, one Albert J. Steele was present. In 1855, when she made application for bounty land, this same Albert J. Steele was present and was a resident of Seymour, Connecticut; his relationship to her was not stated.
In 1846, this soldier's nephew, Ashbel Steele, made inquiry in regard to Ruth Steele's pension.
If you desire information in regard to the location of the land which was granted on account of service of Bradford Steele in the Revolutionary War, you should apply to The Commissioner, General Land Office, this city, and furnish the following data: warrant #7085, 160 acres, Act of March 3, 1855.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Dear Miss Elizabeth Fitchard Derby Connecticut
Steele, Brookford Conn W 19829

Dear Wife New York Sept 20 th 1887
These lines are to let you know that I am well & hope you are so. I was made a prisoner the 22 nd day of Aug t with Col Johnson & Branton Steel the former died the same night the latter is with me. I want no clothes for my self but money I should be glad of or some flowers my Compliments to our Friends - - - - - Jabez Pritchard
P.S. Let me know when you see this letter
P.S. send my love to all Compliments to me that I left at home that being left I brought from home
I should be glad to be exchanged for Governor Tremble thinks proper & Don't doubt he will as I belong to the State Guards J. Pritchard

I William Mearny of Derby in New Haven County & State of Connecticut do depose & say that when a young man I ever since the Revolutionary war I lived & have resided in the immediate neighborhood of for Bradford Steele with whom I have always been acquainted. That I ever know that he enlisted into the service of the State of Connecticut for six months under Lieutenant Jabez Pritchard who also lived in the same neighborhood in July 1777 I went from Derby to join the Regiment at Horsneck. I remember well hearing that he & Pritchard were taken prisoners & carried to New York & that said Pritchard & Joel Johnson also from the same neighborhood and I knew returned, that the said Steele returned in about year afterwards having been exchanged. I further state that said Steele, in the Spring before he enlisted under said Pritchard served in the Company with me under the Command of Capt. Nathan Pease at Woodbury in the State of Connecticut, which Company was detached by the Governor of Connecticut for two months to guard Government Stores removed from the sea coast for greater security, when said Steele served one month & was released. That said Steele is & for many years has been a deacon of the Congregational Church at Humphreysville in the County of Derby of which I am also a member & for the faith not. Derby November 12. 1830 - William Mearny

State of Connecticut
New Haven County ss Derby Nov 12 th 1831
Personally appeared William Keeney Subscription to the within Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same — before me
Ruel Hite Marks Justiciam _____ _____ _____

Moses Riggs  of Derby in New Haven County State of Connecticut being duly sworn do depose & say that in August 1877 being a soldier in Capt. Elisha Humphreys Company in the Regiment of Infantry then a afterwards commanded by Col. Richard J. Meigs of the Continental Army, since at Valentines Hill so called near Fort Independence where said Regiment was stationed. And while there was informed by said Capt. Humphreys, who was a native of Derby, that Lieutenant Jacob Pritchard & Bradford Steele & Joel Johnson were taken Prisoners by the British Troops. The firing was distinctly heard by us which preceded their capture. Being from the same town I was acquainted with the persons aforesaid & felt interested in their welfare I have often since seen said Steele, but the others above named never returned. his And further saith
Derby Nov. 12. 1831 In presence of Runt H. Hitchcock John D. Durdin
Moses X Riggs marks
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Derby Nov 14 th 1831 Personally appeared Moses Riggs subscribed to the foregoing Deposition (as above, having lost his eye light) and made solemn oath to the truth of the same — before me —
Runt H. Hitchcock Justice of Peace

Richard Watson of Derby of Derby in the County of New Haven State of Connecticut, being duly sworn, I have read read the within Deposition of Richard Watson & do hereby say that the facts stated therein are well known to me having been at that time, mentioned therein, a soldier in a Fanny's Company. And I further say that the year succeeding in in the month of Augt. 1878, the American Army was stationed at White Plains & a weekly detach- ment was sent over into New Jersey to Hackensack Bridge as I think & being on that detachment (which was commanded by a Field Officer stationed there) Bradford Steele came to me & we had much conversation. He told me of his capture & confinement by the British for about a year & that he was then exchanged returning home; I recollect that it was about a year after I had heard of his being taken as aforesaid & for the truth not. Dated Nov. 12. 1881-
Richard Watson
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss (Perjury Nov. 14 th 1881) Personally appeared Richard Watson acknowledged to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same - before me Russel Hitchcock Justice of the Peace

22 Cong. 3126
2 Sep. 3
Memorial of Bradford Steele, for pension on account of Revolutionary services
1832, Feb. 20. referred to
Committee on Pensions
1833, January 8. referred to the Committee on Pensions - " Jan. 10 discharged & leave to withdraw.
W. L. Sullivan

I Leavett Pritchard of Derby in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut being duly sworn do depose and say that the Letter herewith annexed is in the hand writing of my Father Jacob Pritchard, who was a Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution & died while a Prisoner in New York about the first of January 1778. He never returned home after his capture as stated in said Letter to his wife, which has been preserved in the family to this time. I was at that time about 12 years old. I have always understood that my Father held a Lieutenant's Commission received from the Governor of Connecticut, was taken prisoner at or near Kingsbridge in August & carried to New York. I know he never returned & all the family believed that he died as above stated. Bradford Steele, who is named in that Letter, resided near my Father & enlisted under him & was captured with him. After his return, he since the close of the war, Bradford Steele has lived & worked in my neighborhood. This Deponent is not acquainted with any other services of S t eele except those above mentioned which he can state particularly. He is a & further saith not. (Derby Novem r 12. 1831)
Leavett Pritchard
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss (Derby Nov r 14 th 1831) Personally appeared Leavett Pritchard Subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same — before me —
Ruel Hitchcock Justice of Peace

State of Conn. County of New Haven ss.
I Mr Beach Clerk of the County Court & Keeper of the Records Issue thereof of the commissions of Justices of the peace in S us sex County, do certify that Russell Hitchcock Esq. whose name is above written subscribed to the above foregoing papers is sworn at the time a justice of the peace in S us sex County, duly qualified to administer oaths, that the same is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 14 th day of Nov. A. 1837
Attest Mr Beach Clerk

I William Loveland of the Town of Derby in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut of lawful age being duly sworn depose and say that I was drafted as a Militia man in May 1880 being at that time a Soldier in the Militia Company of Derby. I was ordered to Milford. I left Derby & went into Service according to my best recollection on the 8 th day of said May & to serve two months. On arriving at Milford I was placed under the command of John Riggs Jr. before Captain Abraham Smith of Derby Lieutenant & Jonathan Lyman Ensign & I served out said two months partly at Milford & partly at Northaven. Bradford Heck was drafted at the same time & went into said Service & served with me during said two months I was discharged & returned to Derby together. I have known said Heck for some time having lived in the same town most of the time. And further saith not Derby February 11. 1883.
William Loveland
New Haven County ss. Derby February 11. 1883 Personally appeared William Loveland, signer of the foregoing Affidavit whom I have ascertained to believe to be a man of fair character for truth, & made solemn oath that the above Affidavit contains the truth before me. John L. Hutchinson, Justice of Peace

I Bradford Steele of Derby in New Haven County and State of Connecticut of the age of Seventy years being duly sworn depose and say that in addition to my services & sufferings performed and born in the war of the Revolution; as stated in my Petition already presented to Congress on the first of May 1779 I became the substitute of William Keene of said Derby who being a soldier in the Militia Company of said Derby, was drafted for a tour of two months duty; & I marched to Horse- neck & served one month & seven days more at least, & being sick I was relieved by Moses Hotchkiss of the same town & returned home. In this tour, I served under Capt. Rogers in Col. Wells Regiment. I don't know the Christian names. Two Regiments were there, Col. Wells & Col. Beebe. I don't remember the other officers except that one Davenport was Major of our Regiment.
Afterwards on the first day of May 1780 I went with a draft from the company of Derby Militia for a tour of two months to Milford in New Haven County. Our Captain was John Riggs, Lieutenant Abraham Smith & Ensign Jonathan Lyman, all then of Derby. I did a Sergeant's duty in said Company during said two months; the Company being stationed part of the time at Milford & part at New Haven. The Company was regularly discharged on the first of July following & returned home.
In my said Petition to Congress I stated my capture by the British & confinement for about one year & my return home at the close of August 1778. But I did not state particularly

so far as I can recollect, the effect of these circumstances on my health, because I was advised that the facts contained in said Petition were sufficient. The truth however is, that when I arrived home I was reduced to a skeleton, greatly enfeebled in body & my feet swollen, so that I was unable, to until many months after at least six, to do any business. My Father did not know me when he first saw me on my return. He met me at Stratford. Of time while imprisoned is regarded as spent in the service of my country, time spent in bodily debility, pain & suffering as the consequence of such service alone only, ought as I humbly conceive to be so regarded. But it becomes me to submit to the decision of those to whom, that country which has had two years at least of the best period of my life devoted to its service, has entrusted the apportionment of its gratitude. It is in the power of my country now to do me good. My circumstances & those of my family now require pecuniary aid & a pension will be timely relief. Only February 25 th 1833      Bradford Hall
New Haven County ss
State of Connecticut, On this 25 th day of February A D 1833 Personally came & appeared before the subscribing Authority, the above named Bradford Teale (whom I have long known as a man of fair character & especially as being worthy of entire confidence when giving testimony) whom my presence subscribed the above declarator. Having duly sworn made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth. John L. Tomlinson Just. of Peace

16 m o 7 days private
$ 54.05
Hon G Foulston
1"> 16 m o 7 days private $ 54.05 Hon G Foulston

I William Keeney of Derby in New Hampshire County and State of Connecticut of lawful age depose that being a soldier in the Middle Company of Derby Fus drafted for a tour of 2 months from the first of May 1779 & the circumstances of my father fairly rendering it inconvenient for me to leave home. Bradford Stock then know of S o Derby became my substitute & went in my room on S o first of May & served a few days more than a month when becoming sick, his place was supplied by Moses Hotchkiss 2 d Stock returned home. This service was performed at Horse-neck but I do not know the Officers in command I further saith not
July February 16 1833 -
William Keeney.
New Haven Camp S o Derby February 16 AD 1833 Personally appeared William Keeney sign of the above Deposition well known to me to be a man of fair character for truth & made solemn oath that the said Deposition contains the truth before me
John L. Townsley Asst. of Prov.

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John L. Tomlinson Esq. whom the foregoing certificates appear to have been made; that I have no doubt of his being an acting Justice of the Peace for New Haven County in Connecticut & that the signature of his name thereto annexed is undoubtedly genuine.
G. Tomlinson Senator

Revolutionary Soldiers
Records
Veterans Bureau,
War Department,
Washington, D. C.
18 Henry St.,
Seymour, Conn.
Feb. 8, 1940.
Dear Sirs; Sarah Ludlow Chapter, D. A. R. is planning to mark the graves of our Revolutionary soldiers and there are some names that we are not sure of their authenticity and thought your records would be the correct information.
We have a Capt. Bradford Steele died April 18, 1804 age 69 buried in Methodist cemetery listed as a Rev. soldier. In Congregational cemetery there is a stone marked Dea. Bradford Steele died Dec. 23, 1841 age 80 engraved on the stone is "A Soldier of the Revolution". In Conn. Men of the Revolution pages 8, 40, 548 and 625 (also 655) -give service records of Bradford Steele. Were there two men father and son in service? If so which record applies to which man?
Again some records give a Col. Daniel Holbrook and a Capt. Daniel Holbrook
Conn. list of officers
A cemetery stone gives Capt. Daniel Holbrook d 28 Sept 1828 age 59, as being in Lexington Alarm. He would be too young for that or else the date of age is so soon it could not be copied correctly and he was older than 59. Were there two Daniels? The Conn. Men of the Revolution gives a Daniel Holbrook pages 28, 549, 625
I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me regarding these soldiers.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance, I am
Very truly, (Mrs. Eugene F.) Grace H. Clark.
Historian Sarah Ludlow Chapter D. A. R. Seymour, Conn.

March 2, 1940.
Mrs. Eugene H. Clark 18 Henry Street Seymour, Connecticut.
BA-J/ILL Bradford Steele W. 17869
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Captain Bradford Steele, who died April 18, 1804 and is buried in the Methodist Cemetery, Dea. Bradford Steele who died December 23, 1841 and is buried in the Congregational Cemetery, also, Colonel Daniel Holbrook and Captain Daniel Holbrook who died September 28, 1828 and was on "the Lexington Alarm"; your citations are from the Connecticut Men in the Revolution.
A search of the Revolutionary War records of this office has been made and no claim for pension found based upon service of Captain Daniel Holbrook or of Colonel Daniel Holbrook, nor of any Daniel Holbrook who served from Connecticut. The claim has been found of Bradford Steele who died December 23, 1841; his record is furnished herewith-pension claim-W. 17869. It is the record of the only soldier with that name found on the Revolutionary records of this office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 d February 1818. entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving widows & soldiers of the Revolution"
State of Connecticut County of New Haven 3 rd
On this Eleventh day of December 1818 before me a Justice of the Peace in & for said County personally appeared Ruth Steele a resident of Derby in the County of New Haven in the State of Connecticut aged Eighty Three years; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the the Act of Congress passed on the 2 d February 1818. granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Bradford Steele who was a private in the War of the Revolution
That she received a pension under the Act of 17 June 1818. at the rate of Fifty Four Dollars and Five Cents per annum
She further declares that she is still a widow Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
Before me
Ruth Steele
Albert G. Steele Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above declarant, and she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.
Albert G. Steele Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut.
I, JOHN B. ROBERTSON, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That Albert J. Steele is, and since the 20th day of June last past hath been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of New Haven in said State, duly appointed and commissioned,--having full power and authority by the laws of said State to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to His official acts and attestations.
And I further certify, That I believe the foregoing signature of the said Albert J. Steele to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 13 th day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight;
John B. Robertson Secretary of State.

Hartford Dec. 15. 1848
Sir
I enclose & transmit herewith the declaration of Ruth Steele in order to obtain a Pension under Act 2 d Feb 1848 I correct please forward her Certificate to my care
Respectfully
Your Ob. Servt.
Henry Fowler
J. S. Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
2

Washington, D. C. March 26/56.
Sir,
Allow me to ask your attention to the papers enclosed herewith, presented for the purpose of procuring a pension for Ruth Steele, an Aunt of mine, & Widow of my uncle Bradford Steele, of Humphreyville, C o , a Revolutionary pensioner, at his death, which occurred, as the enclosed Declaration states, Dec r 23, 1848.
Any communications in answer respecting these papers, or the pension asked for, may be addressed to me at the 5 th Auditor's Office, or Post Office, Georgetown, D. C.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your Ob t Serv t
Ashbel Steele,
Acting for Ruth Steele, } Widow, &c. }
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

No. 57502
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received April 10, 1855.
Bradford Steele Rev: War
Warrant 7085-160-55
Rev: A. Steele Genl: Land Office

1940. March 2 - Hist. to New England St. Clark - J.L.H.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17869
Sarah Steele
widow of Bratton Steele
Brn Rev War
Act: Feb 2 d 48
Index:—Vol. M , Page 246
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5 7085
Nov Camp

Connieticut 7.753
Ref.
Ruth Steele
widow of Bradford Steele
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Her band died 29 th December 1841
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 54 Dollars, 5
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of May 1846, and sent to Ashbel Steele 5 th Auditor's Office.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
& June 17, 1846.
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 2. Page 57.