Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,306, for Joseph Lyon, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Lyon, Joseph
S. 23,306
CONTENTS

See letter to Hon. J. H. Prentiss H. R. April 6. 1840
W.G. made Jny 12 1853
Albany 31345
Joseph Lyon
of Otsego Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company comma by Captain Hodge of the Regt. comma by Col. Sherman in the Conn't line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th day of Feb. 1838 and sent to Hon. J. H. Prentiss, H. R.
  Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 37  130.00    Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar. 38  10.00     $140.00  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. 2 - Vol. 4 Page 42

State of New York Otsego County Cld. I the Sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred + thirty two personally appeared in open court in the Court of Common Pleas at the Court house in the village of Cooperstown within & for the county of Otsego aforesaid Joseph Lyon resident of the town of Hartwick in the county of Otsego & State of New- York aged seventy one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the act of Congress of June 7th 1832, That he served as a soldier & sailor in the war of the revolution for more than two years under the following circumstances. That the said Joseph Lyon enlisted for the term of one year in the month of April 1778 at Danbury in the state of Connecticut and was assigned to the team service in a brigade of teams commanded by Isaac Gorham, from Danbury he went to Hartford & took a load of clothing to Philadel- phia, from Philadelphia he went to Newburgh & took a load of ammunition back to the army at Valley Forge near Philadelphia, that the remainder of this year he continued to carry forage to New Windsor, when it was shifted for West Point - that he continued to serve during this first year when he was discharged at Danbury in the state of Connecticut - That afterwards in the month of April 1780 he again enlisted at Danbury aforesaid for the term of one year in Company commanded by Captain Hodge in the Regiment commanded by Col. Sherman in General Parrows Brigade, he was stationed the principal part of this time in the state of New Jersey, and was with Genl. Washington during the summer of that year, he marched with the army to the highlands for winter quarters, and after building their huts he was then discharged
Forest 12 - 1
528

from the army for want of provisions in the month of February, during this year he was employed in reconnoitring the enemy, he was one of the guard at the execution of Major Andre at Tappan Bay, That during this enlistment he served nine months.
That he afterwards enlisted in the month of April 1781 at Fairfield in the State of Connecticut for the term of one year in a company commanded by Capt. Caleb Brewster of the Spy Boats on Long Island Sound that he served in this company until the expiration of this year, when he again volunteered his services without leaving the said company, and continued with it until some time in June 1782 when he received a furlough to go to Danbury when he would afterwards receive further orders from his Captain but was finally discharged from the army in Dec. 1782. That during this enlistment he was in various engagements with the enemy was at the taking of Fort. Stoney, he was wounded by a bayonet at the taking of Hayt of the British Whale Boat, the scar of which he now retains in his arm through which he was pinned to the boat in which he was engaged. That he estimates all his services at two years & nine months. That since the war he has resided in the county of Fairfield State of Connecticut until the year 1805 when he removed to the town of Hartwick in the county of Otsego State of New-York where he has resided ever since that he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present & he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any other State.
Sworn & subscribed in open Court the 16 th October 1832
Thomas Lathrop Clerk
J. J. of J. H. Lyon

Mr Lander
Gideon Ray and George H. Derbyshire residents of the town of Hartwick in the county of Otsego & Eliza Foote of the town of Otsego county of Otsego & State of New York do Testify that we are acquainted with Joseph Lyon who has subscribed the annexed declaration & that we believe him to be seventy one years old & that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we are of that opinion. Sworn & subscribed this 7 day of year aforesaid
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.  Eliza Foote Gideon Ray G. H. Derbyshire
And we the court aforesaid do declare this opinion that after the investigation of the matter and after putting the questions prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and the court further certify that it appears to them that that Eliza Foote is a resident of the town of Otsego in the county of Otsego, & Gideon Ray & George H. Derbyshire are residents of the town of Hartwick in said County & that they credible persons & entitled to credit
J. A. Morn } Judges E. Foote } A. Page - }

State of New York Otsego County } ss. I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Joseph Lyon for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal this 19 th day of October 1832 - Horace Lathrop By J. R. Cury Deputy

Joseph Logan Pens 82-229.
Proof of kinship power of attorney
Claim for increase of pension for services as Charlotte —
Memoranda on company power of attorney act and such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above mentioned,
William Wiley Justice of Peace

State of New-York. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Hiram S. Babcock Esquire, was, on the 4 th day of August 1852, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 5 th day of Aug. 1852.
Samuel North CLERK.
State of New York } County of Otsego } It is hereby certified that Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Hiram Kinne Surrogate of the County of Otsego, in said State, that Joseph Lyons was a Revolutionary pensioner, of the United States at the rate of Forty dollars per annum, and that he died on the 28 th day of August, one thousand eight hundred and forty, leaving him surviving. Herakiah W. Lyons George F. Lyons, Laura Lyons, Caroline Lyons, Eunice Ann Morgan wife of James Morgan - And that Herakiah W. Lyons Eunice Waters, Laura Beach, are now the only surviving children of the aforesaid. Joseph Lyons, and that he left no ... and
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Cooperstown this 4 th day of August - A.D. 1852
Hiram Kinne Surrogate

Know all men by these presents, that I William D Gregory named in the within power of Attorney do hereby constitute and appoint William H Wade of Rensselaer New York, the agent and attorney to prosecute the within mentioned claim of Joseph Lyon dec. d Witness my hand and seal this 17 day of Aug 1852 Sealed and delivered in presence of N. C. Seeley } W. D. Gregory Nathan Seeley }
State of Connecticut Fairfield County } I do hereby certify that on the 17 th day of August 1852. before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, personally appeared William D Gregory above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day & year last above written;
Nathan Seeley Justice of Peace

Claim of Act of 1832 State of New York } County of Otsego }
Be it known that on this 4 th day of August A D 1852 before the Undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Herakiah W Syon, a resident of Montgomery County N.Y. and made oath according to Law that he is a Son of Joseph Syon dec d and that he now resides at St Johnsville, County of Montgomery That Joseph Syon, My Father in his life time was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the rate of Forty Dollars per Annum. That he has been informed, that the said pension, ought to be increased, that his Father the said Joseph Syon died on the 28 th day of August 1840 - and that he is directly interested as a claimant in said pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my agent and Attorney may use in prosecuting said claim
Sworn to and subscribed } the day & year aforesaid } before me }
H W Syon
Hiram Wakrook Justice Peace }
I Hiram Wakrook Justice of the Peace in and for said County, do hereby certify that Herakiah W Syon who executed the foregoing paper, is a respectable resident of the County of Montgomery, heretofore a resident of the County of Otsego, and is, I believe directly interested in said claims as therein set forth.
Hiram Wakrook Justice Peace

Know all men by these presents that I Herakiah W Lyon of St Johnsville. County of Montgomery. State of New York, hereby constitute and appoint. W. D. Gregory. of Bethel State of Connecticut. my true and lawful agent and Attorney to prosecute a Claim supposed to be due me as one of the heirs of Joseph Lyon deceased. for any amount of Revolutionary pension, or increase of pension. that may be due And I hereby Authorise my said agent, to examine all papers, documents, relative to said claim on file in the city of Washington in any of the departments or else where, to file additional evidence or arguments and to receive the certificate which may be issued which certificate I wish made payable to me and my Sisters. "Sarah Beach. & Eunice Waters. and I hereby Authorise my said agent and Attony, to appoint one or more Substitutes under him. for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said agent and Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises, and hereby revoking all former powers of Attorney, heretofore given by me Witness my hand and Seal this 4 th day of August, 1852.
H W Lyon
Signed Sealed & delivered in presence of Hiram Wakrook David H. Ball.
State of New York County of Otsego ss. On this 4 th day of August 1852. Came before me Herakiah W Lyon and acknowledged that he executed the foregoing power of Attorney & I certify that I well know the said Herakiah W Lyon to be the person described in & who executes the same Hiram Wakrook Justice Peace

L. W. B. I. 23306.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV. REVOLUTIONARY.
September 23, 1897.
Madam:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Joseph Lyon, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on October 16, 1832, at which time he was 71 years of age and residing at Hartwick, N. Y., and his pension was allowed for six months' actual service as a private in the Conn. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Hodge and Col. Sherman. He enlisted at Danbury, Conn.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mrs. Mars E. Wagar,
174 Franklin Ave.,
Cleveland, Ohio. 81 3195

23308 Joseph V. Vion New York
v. all. I.
Admiral Private Committee
ms. P.
5 m. & 8 a.m. C. Sherman
Hon. J. H. P. Smith Home Papers N.Y.
E. D. Potter Cooperstown, N.Y. Otsego County

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjoined 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 Joseph Lyon  Town of Starkville R. County of Ulster NY
   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.     Enlisted 1778 1 " Teamster Comd by Col. Gorham Genl. Garson 71 Years Danbury Traditionary   Enlisted 1780 - 9 - privt Capt. Dodge Col. Sherman Capt. Brewster State of Connct Evidence and D Witnesses. One Only   1781 1 - " None given. Certified to be credible who knew the last service papers not authenticated   1782 "  
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)                      , who has 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 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 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.
The notes from [a] to [i] 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 } District of Fairfield November 11 th 1883 County of Fairfield
I Abel Freeman of the district County and State aforesaid aged seventy years. being duly sworn according to Law. do depose and say. That I am well acquainted with Joseph Lyon formerly of said Fairfield now a resident of Otsego County and State of New York. I know of his serving in the Spy Boats under Capt. Caleb Brewster in the time of the revolutionary War. The particular year I do not now remember. But according to the best of my recollection he served as many as nine months. The reason of my knowing of his being in this service, when I was at home in Jerusalem from the Army. I then saw. conversed with and knew of the said Lyons being in the said Service and the said Lyon was one of the Guard which escorted the Prisoners from Fairfield to New Point taken by Capt. Brewster in his contests with Hays in the time of the War of the Revolution. I saw the said Lyon at New Point. conversed with him and knew of his being one of the guard -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year aforesaid before David Hill Judge of Probate for the District aforesaid -
his Abel Freeman mark

State of Connecticut } District of Fairfield November 11 th 1833
I David Hill Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield aforesaid. do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Neele Freeman. who has subscribed and sworn to the within and foregoing deposition and believe he has told the truth & that his deposition in this case is entitled to credit.
David Hill Judge of Probate for the aforesaid District.
I David Hill Jr. Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield aforesaid. do hereby certify that David Hill who has subscribed the foregoing certificate is Judge of Probate for the District of Fairfield aforesaid. and that the foregoing signature of his name is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of Office at Fairfield aforesaid. November 11 th 1833
David Hill Jr. Clerk

E. Phelps Statement
For Joseph Lyon
Original papers on file — E.D.P.

Comptrollers Office May 24 th 1834.
I Elisha Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that it appears by the pay roll of the short service, in Capt. Hosges's Company in the 8 th Connecticut regiment, commanded by Col. Sherman, that Joseph Dyon served therein as a private from the 6 th day of July to the 14 th day of December 1780; being five months & eight days ; but expressed to be but four months & twenty days upon the roll.
A vessel called the Spy, it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety, was a public armed vessel; & in October 1777 was commanded by L t Com d Nathaniel Smith of Norwich. No roll of her crew has been found, or any record of her subsequent commanders. If I am not mistaken the naval officers were generally appointed after this

by the navy board for their respective departments.
E. Phelps
E. Phelps Statement
For Joseph Lyon
Original papers on file — E.D.P.

Certificate of Service from 1st Hist l Society of sum of Joseph Legon

State of Connecticut Hartford, August 26, 1852. 3
I Charles Hosmer, Recording Secretary of the Connecticut Historical Society, do hereby certify, that among the Manuscript Account Books formerly belonging to the late Jeremiah Wadsworth, Commissary General in the War of the Revolution, and presented by his son the late Daniel Wadsworth, Esq. to said Society, is one which purports to be an Account Book containing accounts with Conductors of Teams, for the Pay and Rations of the men under their command, among which I find an account headed as follows, viz.
"Andrew Wakeman's Com y . of Teamsters." Among whom I find the name of "Joseph Lyon" enlisted April 4 th , and opposite said name is "£4. 10. 0." At the bottom of this account is the following Receipt, viz.
"Hartford, May 29, 1777."
"Received of Jeremiah Wadsworth, Esq. Sixty-one Pounds, Ten Shillings, Lawfull Money, being in full for one month's pay for the above Teamsters and myself."
£61. 10. 0.
(Signed) "Andrew Wakeman!"
Chas s Hosmer, Rec. Secy, Conn. Historical Society

State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss City of Hartford
On this 27 th day of August A.D. 1852 personally appeared Charles Hosmer Esq., signer of the within document, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Geo Robinson, Notary Public

Rose New York September 1 st 1852.
Sir,
Enclosed herewith is proof of his- ship power of Attorney, and certificate of service, in the case of Joseph Legan late a prisoner, Act 7 th Jan 1852. New York, - which is forwarded in support of a claim to an increase of pension for services as a con- stabilizer.
I am respectfully M r M c Intosh. W L Wade
J E Heath Esq G ov J ohn Brown,

Joseph Stephen Lyon
Mrs. Sherman Mack
Hon. J. Page H.R.

Toledo (Ohio) Dec. 18 th 1835-
Dear Sir,
If you remember, when you was at Cooperstown, you had some talk with Joseph Lyon, concerning his application for a Pension; his papers are now on file in the Pension Office. his claims have been denied for want of sufficient proof; he has presented all the proof that it is in his power to do: I have expended first & last in time & money almost a hundred dollars in this business, & as you see have not been successful: You will see by an examination of the old man's papers that he was one of the most efficient of our Revolutionary Soldiers; he was in the service upwards of three years: He was with Capt: Brewster of the "Spy Boat Service", on Long Island, where he was engaged in several severe fights, particularly at the taking of Fort Stongo; while in that action he was pinned to the boat which he had boarded, by the Bayonet of a Briton, the bayonet pinned his arm above the elbow, & while in that condition he

discharged his musket with his other hand through the heart of his antagonist; I have often seen the scar on his arm; this fact can be proved by Joseph Grafton Esqr. who was with him in the action -
He was one of the guard detached to escort Major Andre to the gallows, & stood within a very short distance of the spot when that officer paid the forfeit of his daring experiment: The old Gentleman is one of the few men in the world who bear an unspotted & unimpeachable reputation for truth candor & uprightness of heart: No man hears him but believes him, so strictly regardful has he always been of his word: He once made an application for a Pension under the act of 1818 as a soldier in the regular army, the department were then satisfied of the service he had rendered his Country, but thought he had not spent enough of his property by dissipation & intemperance, to bring him within the provisions of that Law: he is now old, infirm & very poor, with, (What is not usual for a man of his age) a young wife & a large family of small children: I wish you to call at the Pension Office & if his case is not reconsidered, & his name placed on the Pension Roll, take his papers & present them

to the house of Rep. & Let that body do for the old man what shall warm up his old heart & make it glad; see that he is placed upon the Roll upon the same terms with the pensioners of the act of July '33 I think it is,
the house of Rep. in that year passed a law placing him upon the pension list, but the Senate in enacting the general law thought it unnecessary to concur with the house, supposing he might avail himself of the general provision; you know how he has succeeded there; I am anxious that you should look to this; the old man is deserving of it, & I think our surplus funds could not be better appropriated than in paying off a debt , which we owe to a few men, whom ten years will put beyond the reach of payment at our hands —
You talk of reserving a part of your Toledo purchase as an inheritance & a fortune to your children; would you not think them undeserving of the inheritance, if by its increased

value they had been enabled to live in splendor, with surplus funds they knew not how to dispose of, & still refuse to administer to your necessities when you was no longer able to mingle in the active concerns of life? _____
Believe me, Sir,
Yours truly,
Hon. Sherman Page
Emery D. Potter
Hon. Sherman Page, M.C. Washington D.C.
Hon. J. S. Page H.R.
Joseph Stephen Deyon

ap 4. 1840
Mr: H. Phillips, Mr. 6.
Com. J. L. Edwards, Esq. Commr. of Pensions, Washington.

Washington, April 4, 1840.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Sir:
I desire to ascertain whether the name of Jonathan Morgan is to be found on the records in your office. He enlisted as a commissary in Connecticut, and was with the main body of Washington's Army, until La Fayette came to this country, when he left the service. His service is said to have been about three years. Will you oblige me by making a search, and apprising me of the result.
The case of Joseph Lyon, a Pensioner, which you were so obliging as to say you would yourself examine, with a view to ascertain whether he is not, from the papers on file, entitled to a larger pension than he receives, has not been reported to me. The party interested, is anxious to know the result of the investigation.
With high respect, &c.
Wm. H. Prescott.
3

Joshua Lynn
Rev. Dr.
Hon. John D. Root
FREE
Hon. John D. Root
Member Congress
Washington -
Hon. John Root M.P.

Copustown Feb 5 th 1888
In Sir yours of the 28 th relating to Mr. Joseph Lyons Pensions came to hand. I have seen him and made known the contents. he wishes to accept the pension certificate as offered as offered by the Department altho he is of the opinion that he is entitled to more and he is confident that he will yet be able to make proof to the satisfac- -tion of the department to the fact - he says he sent an affidavit made by Joseph Cross of the service rendered as a transfer and also of the Boat service - at all events he will accept the certificate as they offer for the present he is poor and much needed it - he feels very grateful to you for your attention in his behalf - - - - - - Nothing new. our county court sits this day at which the Hon J. D. Hammond will preside for the first time we have all full confidence in him and he receives the office with a unanimous voice - general time of health - No news - about 10 inches of snow good Sleighing and cold weather. Yours
Hon John D. Prentiss
Respectfully,
S. D. Hildreth

81,345
Joseph Lyon
N.O.
ad. acct 7 th June 18.

Rev. New York Suspended act'y Jy 32
letter 6 Jan'y 34
to E. D. Potter
Lettr 2 March to Hon. S. Page
" 12. Jan. '36. "
" Hon. J. N. Prentiss 27. Jan. 1838
Wm Lloyd Brown

Sept 7. 1852 A mail evn: re case of Joseph Dyon
W. Beecher Rose N.Y.
E Heath Esq. Sam c of Prussans Washington City D.C.
Hm

174 FRANKLIN AVENUE
Sept 8 th 1897.
Commissioner of Pensions. Washington, D. C.
Have you any record of a pension issued to Joseph Lyon . Who served in the Revolutionary war in Capt Asahel Hodge's company, 8 th Conn. reg iment. Enlisted July 6 1780 for 6 m th . He was also a member of the 9 th Connecticut Militia, & his name is on Capt James Green's Pay roll. I think I have given you enough dates so that the record can be easily looked into. Col. F. C. Ainsworth

sent me quite an extensive record of the service rendered but refer- ed me to the Pension Office for further information.
Yours etc.
Mrs. Mars E. Wagar.
Cleveland. Ohio.

Rejections
23306 INVALID.
File No. 23, 806
Joseph Lyon See Rev 1880
Act: June 7 th 1891
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 251
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Sept. 23/97 Mrs. Ma Mazar: Cleveland, 1905. Oct. 12. C.E. Jones hist. of service. (See letter in J.H. 17616.)

widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 8-23306
Joseph Lyon
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 78 1 yr. transfer under Isaac Gorham Conn -   Apr 80. 9 mos. Post- Hodge Sluman "   Apr 81 1 yr. balet Brewster "  
wounded at - Fort Songo Battles engaged in, Fort Songo
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
Date of application for pension, Oct. 16. 1832
Residence at date of application, Warwick, Otsego Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, 71 -  Died Aug 28 1840
Remarks:
children Hezekiah  H.  George F.  Laura  Beck  Caroline - + Eunice Waters
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

I Daniel Olmstead of the Town of Weston in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut of Lawful Age depose and say that I was acquainted with Joseph Lyon of said Fairfield at the time he Resided with Mr Samuel Sharp of said Weston and well Recalled that he said Lyon went from the said Sharp with two Gentlemen that were Recruiting and they said they had enlisted him the said Joseph Lyon and I believe they had a with them and did not Return in more than one year from the time he went into the United States Service at the time I learned from him the said Lyon informed me he had Received an Honorable Discharge from the said Service and I well believe he had and being so fully acquainted with him previous to his going into said United States Service and since his Return I have heard frequently State that he did Receive a Discharge and I fully believe he did but never saw the same to my knowledge I have seen him said Lyon at his Father's in said Fairfield since his Return home and have been Fre- quent with him for a number of years and ever considered him a man of Truth and Further the Deponent saith not. Daniel Olmstead
Fairfield County ss, Weston December 4 th 1819 Personally appeared the Daniel Olmstead the Signer and Sealer of the above deposition and made oath to the same and his said deposition is known to me to be a true and correct Stephen Wheeler Justice of the Peace in and for

State of Connecticut Fairfield County-
ss: I David Burr of Fairfield, in the County of Fairfield, Clerk of the County Court, or Court of Common Pleas, within & for said County: Do certify & make known that Stephen Wheeler Esq. is a Justice of the Peace, within & for said County of Fairfield, duly commissioned
with full power & Authority, to administer Oaths take Affidavits & do all other matters & things appertaining to the Office of a Justice of the Peace in said County, & that full faith and credit, is & ought to be given to his Official acts and proceedings.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said Court, in said Fairfield this 7 th Day of December A.D. 1819 — David Burr
Darius Chapman

Jos Lyon Union J. Crafts affl
In the Matter of 23308
Joseph Lyon a Prisoner
E. D. Pattee
Carpentersville Otsego Co. N.Y.

State of New York Atty: Genl. D.
I Joseph Craft of the town of Hartwick in the county of Otsego & State of New York of lawful age, Do depose and say that in the year Seventeen hundred Eighty one I was a soldier in the revolutionary war in Col. Sheldon's Regiment of Dragoons of Connecticut troops. And then became acquainted with Joseph Lyon, who was also a soldier under Capt. Brewster of the Spy Boats, it was the fifteenth of September 1781 when I first learned that he was a regularly enlisted soldier, under Capt. Brewster aforesaid, & I know that he was a soldier as aforesaid, until he was regularly discharged the following year, which was about last June. I am sure that he served during the time above mentioned, from having often seen him in the service, he proved the same & assisted in the taking of Sloat's Fort, & also at the taking of Hoyt of the British Whale Boat. I have known him ever since that time and further saith not Joseph Craft
Subscribed & sworn this 7th Oct r 1830 before me Ariel Thayer Justice of the Peace
Personally appeared before me Joseph Craft to me known, to be a man of truth & respectability & made oath to the above declaration by him Subscribed — Ariel Thayer Justice of the Peace
In testimony that the above written Ariel Thayer was a magistrate authorized to administer oaths & to take acknowledgements in the State of New York at the above & that his name then subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature. I have hereunto affixed the county seal & subscribed my name & quality at Cooperstown in the county of Otsego this 14th day of October 1830
A. Cook Jr. Clerk