Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2555, for Reuben June, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Connie
June, Reuben Mary
2 5 5 5
CONTENTS

169
Connecticut
Mary Jane
widow of Deuben Jane
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Connecticut Militia
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
41 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
21 day of May, 1848,
and sent to
A. D. Knight St. Johnsbury Conn.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Feb. 24, 1848, Page 85 Vol. 1
29th July,
b6 v12 C
Report

22. 74. Connecticut
Reuben Plunk
of Stamford in the State of Conn
who was a Pri - in the Conn commanded
by Captain Smith of the Regt commanded
by _____ in the Conn Troops
time for 12 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn
at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Nov 33 and Sept - 10 - Hawley Stamford Ct.
Arrears to the 4th of Apr. 33. $ 100
Semi-ant. allowance ending March - 20
$ 100
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. B. Bullen Clerk,
Book 60 Vol. 3 Page 21
(E)

Before CHRIST cir. 397.
16 ¶ Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another ; and the LORD hearkened and heard it : and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
¶ Or, special treasure.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels ; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked ; between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not.
C H A P. IV.
1 God's judgment on the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the good. 4 He exhorteth to the study of the law, 5 and telleth of Elijah's coming and office.
For, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven ; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble : and the day that cometh
shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
Before CHRIST cir. 397.
2 ¶ But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
a Luke i. 78.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked ; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 ¶ Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
b Exod. 20. 3.
5 ¶ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD :
c Matth. 11. 14. Mark 9. 11. Luke 1. 17.
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Mr Reuben June was Born April 4 th 1759 Miss Mary Scofield - Born Feb r 28 th 1772 And Married on March 13 th 1794.
An Account of their Children,
I st Betsey Born Feb r 26 th 1790. II d Alva Born Dec r 14 th - 1795. III d Joseph Born Feb r 1 st - 1797. IV th Aaron Born May 21 st 1801.

229
Mary Jane - mo of Reuben son
act 29 July 1848
Mamma 1790
Inst and 1839
adm $40 00 per
pm 4 March 1848
N. D. Wright Stampede 1841

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield } Stamford Probate district
On this 27th day of September A.D. 1848 personally appeared before the court of Probate within and for said district Mary June a resident of Stamford in said district and in said County & State aged 76 years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 29th day of July 1848 entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving widows of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary Army" that she is the widow of Reuben June late of said Stamford, who was a private in the Revolutionary War and who drew a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 in proof of the services rendered by her late husband in the Revolutionary War and for which he drew a pension. Declarant refers to the evidence, accompanying his application now on file in the War Department, in support of this her claim to a pension.
She further declares that she was married to the said Reuben June on the 13th day of March 1794 by Reuben Seaford Esq a Justice of the Peace then resident in Stamford, duly authorized by law to celebrate marriages, that her husband the aforesaid Reuben June died on the 26 day of February A.D. 1840 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the second of January A.D. 1800.
She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension, that the list hereto annexed containing a record of her marriage and of the birth of her children was taken from her

family bible, with her consent by A. D. Haight who is acting as her agent in producing for her a pension.
Sworn to and subscribed Mary June on the day & year above written before me William T. Minor Judge of the Court of Probate for Stamford district
Personally appeared before said court of Probate on the day and year aforesaid Mary June of Stamford aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, testifies that he is the son of Nathan June late of Stamford deceased whose widow is now an applicant for a pension —
That his Father the said Nathan was known to this Deponent to be a pensioner and that he died on the 26 day of February A.D. 1840
Sworn to and subscribed
Alva June
the day and year above written before me
William T. Minor Judge
of the Court of Probate for Stamford district
State of Connecticut Fairfield County
district of Stamford Probate Court ss. William T. Minor Judge
of said Court and acting clerk thereof do hereby certify that William T. Minor is the sole presiding Judge of said Court and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his to the verifications of the foregoing application and dep- osition are his own proper handwriting and signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the 28 th day of September A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty eight. William T. Minor Judge and acting clerk of the Probate Court for the district of Stamford

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield,
State of Connecticut, ) ss. Probate District of Stamford County of Fairfield, )
On this 9 th day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for said District,
now sitting, Reuben June _____ a resident of Stamford in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy three 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
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated: viz. In the year 1777 he was drafted out in the Company of Continental Militia commanded by Capt Charles Smith of Saint. Benjamin Brush with a part of said Company & was ordered - was drafted for two months & served out the whole term at Skaneateles of its neighborhood in the State of New York - James Reynolds who at present believes lives in Somers town in New York was in this Service. The service was in February of March - don't know any body in this region now living upon whom he can call for proof of this service - In the following April Declaration was drafted in eight months into the Stamford Guards so called - left home on this Service the first of April served in said Guards in said Stamford steadily for seven months when by reason of his illness he was listed in a Company of Rangers (Connecticut State Troops as he supposed) for two months & served said term out & returned to his home the beginning of January 1778 - Jesse Bell now deceased was Capt. of said Town Guards, of Seth Weed now deceased Lieutenant - Sylvanus Mead of Greenwich now deceased was Capt. of the Rangers of Sylvanus Marshall was lieutenant - Marshall as far as the Declarant is informed but much broken down - The Service in the Rangers was at the vicinity of Sherwood Bridge in said Greenwich - some portion of the time however at manacoreet in New York - there were no troops associated with the Rangers Service in 1778 Declaration was again drafted out in Capt. Charles Smith's Company for two months & served the term out in said Greenwich in the neighborhood of King Street over head quarters being near Byram's Bridge - said Benjamin Brush was Lieutenant then - This was in October the Declarant thinks, & he thinks when his term expired the fish had begun to run up the streams - Declaration corrects himself, this incident occurred, etc. his own statement that the fish had begun to run up the streams, at the expiration of his first term in 1777. The last term was as Declarant feels confident, in October of November.
In 1862 DeLancey's brother in law Shubael Newman was drafted out in the same militia for one month - he had a good field of wheat to sow & got DeLancey to go as his substitute & DeLancey went accordingly & served out said term in Fort Greenwhich - there was in September - apples were very fine then & green corn in good condition for eating - Smith & French had the command at this time - Newman lives in Catskill in New York.
In 1780 Delaware's father Ezra June now Dea. was drafted out for six weeks into the Company of Horse Artillery so called of Philadelphia & Delaware went as his Substitutes as he was very old - His Service was in New Jersey - head quarters being at Englewood - served this whole term out of govt home the last of October - his time must of course have been in the period of September - Benjamin Webb of New Jersey was Ensign & had the Company of the Corps - he is dead - David Wood of New Jersey now Dea. was the Captain - but was not out this term - knows no living witness by whom he can prove this Service.
In 1781 DeLamart enlisted in a Company of State troops for three months - is not certain but who had command of it. The members of the Company boarded at their respective homes. I used to go on duty every third day & received pay from the State of Ohio at the rate of $1.00 per day - was the common rate of wages. When for the reflection recd that David Smith of this town the same day was brigadier of that command - DeLamart decided to leave this town. This town was then the village, but DeLamart cannot recall the precise time -
lugar - the thing, but declared cannot recollect the precise time - Dodd was also out on scouts, claimed for a great many times - very often indeed during the war, when not on duty as stated above -
He was, when not on duty as stated above - Colonel was born in said Stamford April 4 th 1759 - has a record of his life in his family bible - resided in said Stamford when he entered the Service & has resided in the same place during his whole life - enlisted from Drafted Regiment as a substitute as he has stated above - cannot state the names of officers

no circumstances of service more particularly than before done - never received a written discharge - he refers to Isaac Buffum of Stamford before had of the services stated above - of perhaps the Rev. Daniel Smith of Stamford may have some knowledge of the reputation of the applicant in the neighborhood - he makes no allusion to the fact that when in 1777 he left the place of Greenwich for the day it was coming to gettysburg time -
The said Reuben June hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Chas. Hawley Judge
Reuben June
We, Platt Buffum a clergyman, residing in the town of Greenwich in Connecticut from Stamford in said State and Nehemiah Hail Jr residing in the same hereby certify, that we are well
acquainted with Reuben June who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy three years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution;
and that we concur in that opinion:
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid  18 th day of August A.D. 1832
Chas. Hawley Judge
Platt Buffum Nehemiah Hail Jr
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed 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 the Rev. Platt Buffum who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Greenwich in Connecticut
and that Nehemiah Hail Jr who also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Stamford in said State and is a credible person, and that their statement
is entitled to credit.
Chas. Hawley Judge
I, Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the
matter of the application of Reuben June for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 4 th day of October 1832.
Samuel Lockwood Clerk

and in the same way before said Civil personally appeared Col. David Dean of said Stamford who being duly sworn & the value of his oath in open Court depose & say, that he well knows Reuben June of said Stamford who has described of him in the foregoing declaration believes his age to be seventy four years. Reuben June is seventy years old. In the Revolution he was in the year 1779 His service was only in the town of Greenwich in the Continental Service. I well recollect that said Reuben was out in service in the militia under Capt Charles Smith wood ward in said Greenwich near Sherwood's Bridge. I cannot say how long said June was in service then; for I did not belong to the same company but used to see him often & used to be on guard with him. This was in the fall of 1779. On this occasion I have no doubt but on this occasion he was out in service for one month at least. I think for much more at any rate. I saw him out often on other occasions during the year. As Charles Smith's company was raised in registration in the year 1780 I recollect well that I saw said June in service in said Greenwich. I cannot say how long, but for a considerable time; for I saw him from time to time. I belonged to another company. He belonged to the Household Troops so called I believe under Capt. David Wood ward.
I also testify that in the year 1778 I was a soldier in Col. Eno's Regt. stationed in said Greenwich. I well recollect that I saw said June there on duty in said Greenwich as a soldier in the company of militia commanded by said Charles Smith near Byram Bridge. I cannot state how long as I belonged to a different Corps - but I stood guard for two or three nights.
These services were all steady constant services in the field; such that said June followed during the times of service no civil business.
I further testify that in 1777 I was a soldier in the Stamford Guards commanded by Capt Joseph Bell wood ward. I well recollect said June was a soldier in said Guards for a time but he left it after about a company of Rangers. I think he served under Bell for most of the season. The term under Bell began in April 1777 & was for eight or nine months; I well recollect certainly at least. This also was a constant steady service in the field in keeping guard such that said June while engaged in said Guards followed no civil business. His character in truth is perfectly good. Sworn & subscribed to the Sam Dean

Very Yrs a friend I certify that I will know the opponent of that he is a credible person
Chas. Hawley Judge
On the 19 th day of Oct r 1833 before me personally appeared Jacob Knapp of Stamford in the State of Connecticut, being duly sworn, vouched that to the best of his knowledge, James June who has since deceased was at the time of signing the within his character for truth is of always had been good. In the Anti-Slavery war in the year 1877 his opponent was an elderly man in a company of New Guards in New Haven for a time by Capt. Jeff Bell now dead - after the guards in April of that year only about two months when I enlisted another company of artillery commanded by Lieut. Col. Beebe - said June was very active & brave during the war all the time I knew him to be a good man in the guards I think the from service was right or more so after the company was mustered out of service with some of the men - said June was a man of exactly another. Opponent is in his seventy third year. His service in the said guards was actual combat in the city of New Haven, so that he was not following a civil business -
I was of the said New Haven Very Yrs a friend I certify that I will know the opponent of that he is a credible person - Chas. Hawley Judge
I Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stamford in Con- necticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben June for a pension - testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 19 th day of Oct r 1833
Samuel Lockwood Clerk

Reuben June
12 w/ward
Charles Cardell Stanford Q

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Reuben Inne
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed 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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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 that 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[r] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss. Probate District of Stamford.
On this 7 th day of October A.D. 1883 before the Court of Probate in the said District were sitting personally appeared Reuben Dyer of the Stamford who being first duly sworn according to law, states on his oath and upon Court Declares & says that as to his original declaration dated August 9, 1882 that in every instance of services by him stated in his original declaration except that in 1781, his services were steady constant service, away from his home, in the field of battle that he could not say that during any of the times in his original declaration set forth except that in 1781 followed any civil services. He was as much and as constantly in service away from his home as a continental soldier. He is carrying in the Corps in which he served as a regularly embodied & constituted corps of soldiers raised & ordered into the field by the public authorities of the State of Connecticut. He declares that he has already given a detail of his services of the constant service within the relation of incidents which would be impracticable to recite. My services in the home guards, in 1777 and the first of Nov. of that year & etc. at that time enlisted in said Rangers as stated in his original declaration. Sylvanus Marshall the lieutenant of the Rangers is now dead. It is impossible for the declarant to state the exact dates of his entire service of receiving the service more particularly than he has done.
I further declare that the Rev. Nathl Buffett is the clergyman who lives nearest to my residence & is the presbyterian clergyman of the Society entitled I reside; said Society comprising parts of Greenwich & Stamford.
Col. Eno had command of the troops when I was out in 1778 - on the other occasions, notably in Col. (afterwards Genl) John Moad of Greenwich was Col. had command along the lines of the army under his directions.
I must waive all claim for a pension for the services in 1781 if service of that character is such as does not entitle to a pension.
The declaration says he can recollect with certainty the quantity & the length of the services above set forth - he says he served as a private on all the occasions mentioned - of that he served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades.
For two months I served as a private (in 1777 in Capt Charles Smith's Company -) for three months I served as a private (in the Stamford guards under Jesse Ball in 1777) for two months I served as a private (in 1777 in the Rangers)

(Ranger under Sylvanus Brown) - for two months I served as a private (under Charles Smith in 1778) - for one month I served as a private (under Charles Smith in 1779) - for one month of three weeks I served as a private (under Capt David Wood in 1780) - For such service I claim a pension & I ask a pension also for my services for three months as a pri- vate in 1781 under Ensign David Smith, if such service entitles me to a pension - otherwise I waive all claim for these services.
I have affidavits by witnesses to prove my services I will have with me all I can obtain; of that which will accom- pany my declaration will be not only the best , but all I can obtain. -
I remain obedient to the say of your affections & Abner Phelps Abner Phelps Judge
And on the 12 th day of October 1833 before said Abner Phelps, ap- peared Solomon Phelps of his known to me to be the person who is the person described in the petition of the State of New York family of Greenwich in Connecticut aged seventy four in 1805 next who being duly sworn & etc in his oath deposes & says that he well knows Reuben Jones who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration & is well known to him that in the year 1779 said Jones was an enlisted soldier in a company of Rangers commanded by Capt Sylvanus Wood of Smithfield - Vermont Marshall of 2nd Party then in said Greenwich for some considerable time but for a long department Council - at present was an enlisted soldier in the same company & in service with said Jones. The service was constant, steady, uninterrupted service in the field such that as followed no civil pursuit - I have no doubt from my own rec- ollection that said Jones was in service for two months at least - I served in said company for a longer time -
I remain obedient to the say of your affections & Solomon Phelps I certify that I well knew the deponent & that he is a credible person
Abner Phelps Judge

2555 - Wed
Reuben June
Oct. 19 1933 Aug 9, 32
Fairfield Co. Conn - 73 Stanford
77 - May Stanford Co.
Capt Chas Smith
Cal - Pnt 2 m
Ap 77 Cpt Jesse Bell
Cal -
to July 78 pat
78 Cpt Smith Cal -
Pnt 2 mrs
79 Smith 2 m
80 David Wood
Pnt 1 1/2 m
81 David Smith Pnt 3 m
Born Stanford Oct 4, 1759 Married Mary Scriven Mch. 13 1799 when Feb 26, 1840

Reuben Jane, born. act y June 32 #40. pan
To what time was he last paid? G.C.A.
Pension Office May 18/48
Died 26 th Feb. 1839.
P a to his death
(M c B)

Dev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2555
Mary Jane Widow Reuben Jane Br. Res. War
Act: July 27, 1848
Index:—Vol. a , Page 370
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Connecticut - County of Fairfield ss Stamford
D.
Be it known that on this 27th day of Sept- ember A.D. 1845 before me A.D. Wright a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Lucy Ann Briggs aged eighty one years (who being duly sworn according to law) doth on her oath testify that she is well acquainted with Mary June widow of Reuben June late of Stamford deed, that her maiden name was Mary Seaford, that she was married to Reuben June aforesaid sometime in March 1794 in Stamford aforesaid at the House of Mrs White in said Stamford by Reuben Seaford Esq. that Deponent was at the wedding and saw them married
made in presence of Lucy Ann Briggs her mark Harriet Briggs
Personally appeared Lucy Ann Briggs Subscriber to the foregoing Deposition & swore to the truth of the above by her subscription on the same day & year above written & I certify that she is a credible person.
Before me A.D. Wright Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } Stamford October 2 nd A.D. 1848 I. have carefully examined the Records of Marriages in this Office and do not find the name of Reuben June and his wife on said Records.
Edwin Scofield Jr. Town clerk of the Town of Stamford
personally appeared Edwin Scofield the sub- scriber, to the above on the same day & year & swore to the truth of the above by him subscribed and testified That he is a credible person, before me A. H. Haight Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Hartford County ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in and for the County aforesaid and keeper of the seal thereof and of the Com- missions of the Justices of the Peace for said County, do certify that Nathaniel D. Haight Esq is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and acting as such, & duly authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of deeds - That his commission is dated the 24 th day of June 1848, and will expire with the 19 th day of June 1849 -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County Court in Norwich this 28 th day of September 1848 -
Thomas Robinson Clerk

J. L. Edwards

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Harrison Oct. 19 th 1833
Sir I again forward the application of Reuben Jones with an additional declaration of additional testimony. His 7 mo. services in '77 will be found proved by Briggs , Dean , & Knapp - His 2 mo. in the Rangers in '77 by Close  Dean of Briggs - His 2 mo. in '78 by Dean . His 1 mo. in '79 by Dean . as also his services in 1780. His 2 mo. in Feb. & March '77 he relies upon his own oath for, his character being proved good of his statement in relation to all his other services being substantiated as it is, by the testimony of so many witnesses.
You will perceive by reference to Comptroller Phelps certificate attached accompanying this that Chas. Smith Decm. 10, 1778 had an order on the Treasurer for £205. 5. 11 for services in guarding the Coast. Same in Feb. & March '77 belonged to his Co. of very probably of probably the pay was for the services of the Co. during those months.
Please preserve this Certificate that it may be a subject of reference in relation to other applications, if such reference should become necessary.
I am Sir with respect
Your obedt Servt.
Chas. Hawley

State of Connecticut } ss. Probate District of Stamford County of Fairfield }
On this 9 th day of August A.D. 1832 before me, the Court of Probate in said District personally appeared Isaac Briggs of Stamford in said District, a Reverend, Minister of the Gospel, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he well knows of his always well known Reuben June of said Stamford who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration - believes him to be seventy three years old - Respondent is seventy five years old - said June's character for truth is perfectly good - Respondent served in the Continental Service in 1776 at the time of the British invasion of Connecticut in a company of Connecticut Guards in said Stamford commanded by Capt. Joseph Bell of said town. Some of them were now dead - could say when he enlisted, but it was probably in 1777 - after losing several men by sickness and battle, the company was attached to the Continental Army (then called Connecticut) commanded by Capt. Sylvanus Paine and Lieut. Col. John Marshall - which joined the Continental Army for eight months - he did not serve but at that time in the Guards say a month or thereabout when he enlisted in the Rangers - said June was enlisted in said Guards and only then in said Stamford which the Respondent said of Respondent when he enlisted the Rangers left said June in the Guards - some months after that said June also enlisted in said Rangers which Respondent belonged to them of said June after his enlistment therein steadily and only thereon till the whole company was discharged which to the best of Respondent's knowledge was about the first of January 1778 - Respondent cannot say how long said June was in the Rangers - it was some considerable time - Respondent was very often out in scouts, alarms &c. & in said June a great many times during the revolutionary war - the state of the country then was such that every body able to do anything was almost constantly in requisition - Isaac Briggs
Sworn to & subscribed to my oath this day. Chas. H. Hoadley Judge
I certify that I well knew the Respondent Isaac Briggs of that he is a credible person
Stamford Probate Office Oct. 19 th 1832 Chas. Hoadley Judge

I certify that I know the Rev. Platt Buffett, is the clergyman living in the residence of the applicant Ruben June & is the clergyman of the society in which said June lives - said society being composed of parts of Stamford & Greenwich.
Stamford Probate Office Oct. 19 th 1883
Chas. H. Stanley Judge.