Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25162, for Ashbell Steele, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Steele, Ashbell Eunice
N. 25162.
CONTENTS

6456 New York
Let. to Hm. J. Whittlesay, July 12 1837
Ashebell Steele
of the service in the State of N. York who was a Sgt. in the Comp. commanded by Captain Johnson of the Regt. commanded by Col. Douglass in the N. York line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of $15 Dollars each per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of March 1833 — and sent to H. J. Whittlesay H. J. W.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1837 $67.50 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th '33 22.50 $90.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S. C. Steele Clerk, Book 10 , Vol. 5 , Page 207
Widow's claim, see letter to H. J. Chaplin 29 March 1837.

152. Albany, N.Y.
Eunice Steele
widow of Ashbelle Steele who was a Sergeant in the New York line for 9. months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 45 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of May 1843. and sent to
R. G. Beardsley Rochester N.Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A 113. Vol. 1. Page
Rep

In the matter of The application of Ashhurst State for a pardon
By consent of the Hon Mr Whittelsey the service is estimated at 9 mo.
Claim :
$ 440.00/1884
XX/
9 mo. Sought
Tranfield Court 7 July 1884

State of New York,
Morrison County ss.
December
On this Eighth day of October December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me Addison Gildine Circuit Judge of the Eighth Circuit of the State of New York  of the Eighth Circuit of the State of New York of the County of Herkimer. Ashbell Steele a resident of the Town of Gates in the said County of Morrison and State of New York, the said Ashbell Steele  being unable to attend the Court by reason of being unable to attend any Court of Record  the Court by reason of sickness and bodily infirmity, I have attended at said Ashbell Steele at his residence, he being aged seventy five years. Ash. being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 That he was born on the third day of August 1707 in the Town of Enfield in the State of Conn- -ecticut as he has been informed and believes that the record of his age is in the town clerks office in Enfield as the deponent believes that in the fore part of the month of May 1774 he entered the service of the United States at Derby in the State of Connecticut where he then was by enlisting into a Company formed in the said Town of Derby under the Command of Capt Nathaniel Johnson. that soon after this deponent enlisted the deponent in the Company in which he enlisted embarked from the port of New Haven for the City of New York and arrived at the City of New York early in the month of May 1776. After their arrival at New York said Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col William Douglass which Regiment then deponent thinks belonged to Gen M'Claws the Regiment

That the Regiment in which this Deponent was raised was first stationed in the City of New York - they afterwards crossed over to Long Island and this Deponent with them - they were forced by the Enemy to retreat back to the City which retreat they effected by crossing from the Island to the City in the night - Our Army was soon after forced to leave the City and the Deponent in which this Deponent found retreat up to Harlem being here first ordered to drill here where the Enemy's lines were at first and from which we were driven by the Enemy's shipping and then marched to Harlem - at Harlem this Deponent was in an engagement with the Enemy in which our troops captured two brass field pieces - The Regiment remained at Harlem some time and afterwards marched to White Plains - The Deponent was engaged in the action with the Enemy at White Plains which occurred soon after - that after the action the Enemy retreated taking the heights and were not visible - Genl Washington was anxious to ascertain whether the Enemy had retreated to their shipping or not and sent this Deponent on a patrol for the purpose of ascertaining which duty this Deponent performed - that this Deponent detected and saved as a Prisoner and after the battle of White Plains he was appointed by Genl Washington Captain of Patrols - the duties of which he was engaged during the remainder of the Campaign - and in the discharge of which he assisted in bringing in many prisoners - This own Regiment remained at White Plains for some time and afterwards marched to North Castle where after remaining some time this Deponent and this Deponent also was discharged in the

latter part of December 1776 and then their departure recant home to Derby.
In the Spring of the Year 1777 the Enemy marched to Danbury in Connecticut to destroy some Stores This Department turned out with others as volunteers to repel the Enemy, without any particular relief sent or Officers. The Department joined them in an engage- ment with the Enemy which took place at that time. The Department returned home soon after the Enemys retreat.
Soon after the engagement at Danbury the Governor of the State of Connecticut issued orders to the Militia along the Coast to be ready to turn out at a moments warning to repel any invasion of the Enemy or District which they might make upon any part of the Coast. This Department was one who stood ready to turn out at a moments warning and be ready for two or three years. When not otherwise engaged in the Service that which so prepared him was called out frequently until after the landing  landing of the Enemy at New Haven, by the landing or this their landing of the Enemy upon the Coast. that during all that time he was out as much as once a week upon my arrival & frequently two or three times a week, often called out by false alarms often to assist the Enemys reports which appalled upon the Coast and often to repel their attacks and prevent the towns from furnishing them with Supplies. Not during this employment as a minute man he was engaged in an action with the Enemy on their landing at New Haven and was with a party which harassed them on their march for about three hours. He was also engaged with the Enemy soon after at Fairfield when the Enemy returned that town.

This deponent also related at Saratoga early in the month of October 1777 in the Company commanded by Capt. William Clark in the Regiment commanded by Col. Mings - that he enlisted here for two months - the Company marched to Fishkill in the State of New York and joined the Regiment in Genl. Paterson's Brigade at the expiration of the two months this deponent was regularly discharged.
That the deponent has presented no other document to prove his service - he received only one written discharge which was at the expiration of his period of service but he cannot tell by whom it was signed and he has lost the same.
And this deponent further saith that from the time he entered the service as aforesaid very scrupulously continued therein he acted as Sergeant of the Company to which he was attached -
I hereby certify that I drew up the declaration in this case - & that it is in the same condition without alteration as it passed the Judge -
July 21 1833
F. Whittier, of N.Y.

that since the revolutionary war he has lived at Duby in Connecticut. Situated in the town of Westport.
1833
and now resides in the Town of Gates in the County of Monroe and State of New York. that he is known to Deborah  Frederick  Whitcomb  Gardner and Samuel Gardner and others in his present neighborhood who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution that he knows of no persons who can prove his services in the Revolutionary war now living except those who reside there or four hundred miles distant. That William Stiney & Bradford Steele of Duby in the State of Connecticut knew of his services and he obtained their affidavits some time since with a view of applying to Congress for a pension which affidavits he has now and desires to attach to this declaration.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an 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 8th day of December  October 1832
Ashebel Steele
above mentioned
Frederick Gardner by the 8th December
James F. Anderson & Nelson Gardner for Frederick  Frederick  Whitcomb  Gardner residing in the village of Rochester hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ashebel Steele who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy five years of age and that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides & have been

a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Deeds of Subscribed this 10 th day of October  December 1832
J. G. Gardner J. G. Andrews
Affirmed before me J. M. L. Field First Judge of Monroe
And I Addison Gardner Circuit Judge of the Court Eight Circuit of the State of New York & Livingston  Monroe of the County of Livingston do Certify that Asahel Steel the applicant named in the above declaration is confined by sickness and bodily infirmity and is unable by reason thereof to attend the Court. and I do further Certify and declare my opinion after personal investigation of the matter of the above application and after putting the interrogatories proposed by the War Department that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier and survived as he states. And I further Certify that it appears to me that Isaac D. Smith and Samuel G. Andrews who have signed the preceding Certificate are residents of the village of Rochester which lies partly in the Town of Gates and are credible persons and that the said Steel is entitled to a certificate
J. G. Gardner

State of New York
Monroe County } ss.
I, Leonard Adams the Clerk of Monroe County do Certify that Addison Gardine before whom the foregoing deposition of Asahel Smith was taken, was at the time of taking thereof & is now Circuit Judge of the Eighth Circuit of the State of New York and that his signature to the said Certificate deposition, and the subsequent Certificate is in the proper hand writing of the said Addison Gardine, with which I am well acquainted. I further Certify that Samuel L Selden before whom the foregoing deposition of Addison Gardine & Samuel G Andrews was taken, was at the time of taking thereof & is now First Judge of Monroe County, and that his signature to said deposition is in the proper hand writing of the said Samuel L Selden with which I am also acquainted.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said County of Monroe this ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.
Leonard Adams Clerk

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } NEW HAVEN COUNTY, } ss. COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, Geo Beach Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
Noah Stone
Esq. is a JUSTICE OF PEACE.
within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned, and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds; that his Commission is dated the 8 th day of June A. D. 18 39 and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 18 40; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 11 th day of July A. D. 18 39
Geo Beach Clerk.

State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Oxford
This may certify, that on this 10 th day of July, A. D. 1839, personally came before me, Noah Stone, Justice of the Peace within & for said County, Deacon Samuel Beardlee, of the first Deacon of the Congregational Church in said Town, a man well known to me, and of unimpeachable veracity, and who has been and now is the depositary of the records of said Church, made & kept during the ministry of the Rev. David Bronson or Brownson, and made solemn oath in due form of law, that said Records contain, under the head of Marriages, and in the hand writing of said Rev. David Bronson (as said Deponent verily believes), the following entry: — "1779 — March 4 th Ashbel Steel of Derby & Eunice Thompson of Oxford. Married." — And that said Deponent has had in custody said Records since the decease of said Rev. David Bronson, both when said Church has had a settled Pastor, and when (as is the case now) they have had none, and that he verily believes in the originality & truth of said Marriage Record. —
Sworn & subscribed the day & year first above written.
Before me, Noah Stone Justice of the Peace.
Dear Grandmother
I have succeeded in obtaining the record of your marriage as Mrs Childs direct and I sincerely hope you will procure your pension without any further trouble. I am sure I can see no nothing in the way to prevent your getting. I am very glad you find a friend in Mrs Childs who is willing to assist you in so difficult a matter, as the getting a pension.
If you succeed in getting your pension you may pay me if you please for the expense I have been to which is a couple five dollars but if you do not succeed you are entirely welcome to my services or rather the expense I have been to.
Mother and family are well and since their leave to you and the rest of the family and all the family are all well
Yours &c Clark B. Bangs

State of New York } Monroe County } On this 27. day of July 1839 personally appeared before me Ashley Sampson first judge of the County Court of the County of Monroe, State of New York Eunice Steele a resident of the City of Rochester, County and State aforesaid, aged seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath depose make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838. entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Asahel Steele who was a soldier in the revolutionary war and a Pensioner at the time of his death. She further declares that she knows that her husband was a soldier in the war of the revolution, but she has no other evidence of his service than that on file at the War Department of the United States on which her said husband obtained his pension. She further declares that she was married to the said Asahel Steele on the fourth day of March 1779. by the Rev. Samson Bronson, at Oxford in the State of Connecticut. That her husband the aforesaid Asahel Steele, died on the third day of March 1836. at the City of Rochester, County and State aforesaid. — She further declares that she does not know that her husband performed any regular service, which would entitle him to a pension, after her marriage with him, but she does know that he was called out on alarms and once in particular she remembers that he went to New Haven as a soldier. But the marriage, with this qualification, took place after he left the service, but previous to the first day of January 1794. to wit at the time above stated.  Sworn to this 27th of July 1839 before me  Eunice her Steele mark
Ashley Sampson First Judge of Monroe County Court

I certify that I acquainted with Eunice Steele the person who signed the within application for a pension, and know that she is the widow at this time of Asahel Steele, late of Rochester, whom I well knew, and who was the Asahel Steele who was a United States pensioner - I further certify that I well knew Jacob Gould the late United States collector for the Port of Geneseo, and Elisha Harker the signers to the affidavit hereto annexed, and that they are both Gentlemen of the first respectability, and their statement entitled to entire faith.
Dated Rochester July 27 - 1839
Kimball Childs -

State of New York Monroe County ss. Sarah Gould, and Elisha Flower both of the City of Rochester County and State aforesaid both being duly sworn say, that they know well Emmie Steele whom the applicant for a pension, here- to attached, that they have known her for fifteen years last past, and they each for himself says that he knows that she is now the widow, of Ashbell Steele who died in the year 1836, and who was a pensioner of the United States, and they further say that Emmie Steele the within applicant is a respectable woman, and her statement entitled to be believed -
Sworn to this 27th of July 1839 before me
Asahel Thompson
Sarah Gould Elisha Flower
First Judge of Monroe County court
Monroe County Clerks Office
I certify that Asahel Thompson Esquire is First Judge of the coun- ty courts of said county, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the above signatures purpor- ting to be his are genuine - In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of common pleas of said county this twenty seventh day of July 1839 - Ephraim Goss Clerk

State of New York County of Monroe } ss. On this Eighth day of April 1843 personally appeared before me, Matthew G. Warner, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Monroe, Eunice Steele, a resident of the City of Rochester, in the County of Monroe, aforesaid, aged Seventy 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 Act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who ser- ved during the Revolutionary War:
That she is the widow of Abbell Steele, who was a Sergeant in the Continental Army du- ring the war of the Revolution - That she does not remember what regiment or corps her said husband served in, as the declaration of said Abbell Steele, with the accompanying evidence of such service has been filed in the Pension Office, to which she here leaves to refer - That she received the annual pension of Forty five Dollars, to the last of her entitlement under the act of July 7 th 1838
She further declares that she is still a widow. Sworn and subscribed on the 8 th day of April 1843 Eunice Steele Mark
Matthew G. Warner Justice of the Peace Witness as to signature by Mark Rufus G. Beardsley
State of New York County of Monroe } ss. April Eighth 1843 I, Matthew G. Warner, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county above named, do hereby

certify that Eunice Steele, who has this day ap- peared before me to make oath to the preceding, declaration, is personally known to me to be the person described in said declaration. And that she cannot write her name in consequence of old age and bodily infirmity.
Given under my hand at the City of Roch- ester on the day and year above written.
Matthew G. Warner Justice of the Peace
State of New York County of Monroe } ss:
I, James W. Smith, Clerk of the County of Monroe, do hereby certify that Matthew G. Warner was, on the day of the date of the above certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly appointed and qualified. That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signatures to the surat of the foregoing declaration and the above certificate, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name this Eighth day of April 1843
J. W. Smith Clerk of Monroe County

3768 5773
Emice Steel
Ad. July 7. 1838
✓ Married 4. March 1779 ✓ Husband died 3 rd March 1836
? Admitted Surgeant of minutes
Hon Timothy Childs Rochester N.Y.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } NEW HAVEN COUNTY, } ss. COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, Wm Beach Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
Alpheus Blackman Esq. is a Justice of Peace  Notary Public
within and for the said County  State , duly appointed, commissioned, and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds; that his Commission is dated the 30 th day of May A. D. 1839 and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 1841; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 18 th day of June A. D. 1839
Wm Beach Clerk.

The Deposition of Bradford Steele of Derby in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, of lawful age and a credible witness, is as follows; -
That the Deponent was present at the marriage of Eunice Steele, now of Rochester in the State of New York, and now the widow of Ashbel Steele deceased. The said Eunice and Ashbel were married by David Bronson parish priest then of Oxford in said County, now deceased, on the fifth day of March one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine - They were married at the house, then, of Eben Riggs of said Oxford - and I was present on the occasion above described and saw them married - Bradford Steele
State of Connecticut } New Haven County } ss Derby.
Be it remembered that on the seventeenth day of June A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared

before me Alfred Blackman, Notary public within and for said State, duly Com- missioned and sworn, Bradford Steele of said County, subscriber of the foregoing Deposition, to me personally known as a credible witness, who being first duly sworn, made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me, In Testimonium Veritatis
Alfred Blackman Notary public.

The Deposition of William Kenney of Dulcy in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, of lawful age and a credible witness is as follows.
That he was present and saw Emmie Steele now of Rochester in the State of New York, married to Ashbel Steele, late a pensioner, deceased. They were married by Rev. David Bronson, then parish priest of Oxford in said County, now deceased, upon the fifth day of March A.D. One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy nine, at the dwelling house then owned by Eben Rigg deceased. I was also married upon the same occasion. And have a record of my own marriage in my family bible, from which I am enabled to give the above date with precision.
William Kenney
State of Connecticut, } New Haven County } ss. (Dulcy).
Be it remembered that on the seventeenth day of June A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and

Thirty nine, personally appeared me Alfred Blackman Notary public within And for said State duly Commissioned Sworn, William Kenney of said County subscriber of the foregoing Deposition, to me personally known as a Credible witness, who being first duly sworn and sworn, made solemn oath to the truth of the same, Before me
In testimonium Veritatis
Alfred Blackman Notary public

V26738 Emmie Steele N.Y.
2671 Do not this and Sep 6 18 original off. 26
Adolf Emmie Steele.
Me James V Edwards Esq Committee of Privileges Washington City D.C.

Rocheſter Sept 12. 1837
Sir
I enclose the papers of Laurence Steele widow of Ashkill Steele for a pension under the act July 4. 1836. The original papers for the Steele pension provided some service after the time of the marriage but whitton that service was taken into account in allowing his pension & am unable to say. I prepared the papers and knew Mr Steele well - and know that he is dead - the service papers after March 1779 say Mr Steele was principally coasting under the service & upon the attacks of the enemy on the coast and I think at New Haven if I remember aright
Yours respectfully
P. Whittelsey
James V. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

373
Apr 15 1843
NY Mar 3 rd 1843 Emerson Steel,
William Lloyd Office Washington D.C.

Rochester, N.Y. April 1843.
Sir,
Enclosed are the evidences, required by the instructions you sent me, to obtain a pension for Mrs. Eunice Steele. Some of the facts in the declaration, you will perceive, are not definitively stated, and refer to the records at your Office. Mrs. S. is quite infirm and her memory much impaired. She has no memorandum by which she can state these facts with greater certainty. And, as all the proof in relation to her former pension is on file in your Office, I have thought the papers herewith sent sufficient.
If I am mistaken, Will you have the goodness to communicate the facts of her case to me.
Very Respectfully
Yours
R. G. Beardsley
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Com t of Pensions

May 8 '43
South Co Circulation Sub May 8 1843
My Care Ennis Steel
43 381 373 Annals of the Smithsonian Washington D.C.

Rochester, N. Y. May 5. 1843.
Dear Sir,
On the 10 th April last I sent you papers containing the application of Mrs. Eunice Steele for a pension. I write to enquire if they have been received.
In case of a Certificate being given you can send it to Mrs. S. at this place, or to me.
Will you please favor me with an early reply.
Respectfully Yours
R. G. Beardsley
Wm J. L. Edwards Com r of Pensions

Aug. 6. 1. 1839
W. L. L.
5773 N.Y.
Gen. A. P.
Dear
Gen. J. L. Edwards commissioner &c City of Washington. District Columbia.

Ashley State N.Y. rec 7 June 1852 to what time paid
Pen Offin Oliver 3 March 1836 p 16 Malpensa 14H Dec 16, '87

Rochester July 27 - 1839
Rev. J. L. Edwards.
Sir Sir -
I enclose to you the application of Eunice Steele, and ask your attention to it as soon as your engagements will permit. Knowing the merits of her case, and her extreme poverty preventing the employment of persons who do this kind of business. I have made out the papers myself, and believe they are correct -
With great respect yours -
Limotty Childs -

July 12.
for
James L. Edwards Esq Commission of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Roche. July 7. 1887
Sir
When I later a member of Congress I made application for & obtained a pension for Ashbel Steele - I cannot say precisely for what service the pension was granted but I well recollect that there was some service stated in 1779 & I think 1780 - Ashbel Steele is now dead & his widow Eunice Steele writes to assist herself of the act of July 4 1866 - she is very poor - she was married to Ashbel Steele March 5. 1779 - Ashbel Steele's pension certificate on his death was returned to the Department - and I should be glad to obtain a copy of it in order to enable the widow to make the proper affidavit
Yours respectfully,
F. Whittney
James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Dec 30
24 July 36
6/10
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm. p. on Pensions
Washington D. C.

Rochester N.Y. Dec 22. 1836
J. L. Edwards Esq Dear Sir
I write at the request of Mrs Eunice Steele, widow of Ashbel Steele, of this City, deceased.
Mr Steele died a Revolutionary pensioner. His widow drew his pension for arrears at the time of his death. The original pension Certificate was then attached to the papers and sent to the pay office or Bank.
Mrs Steele wishes to receive the annuity or pension to which she is entitled under the Act of July 4. 1836 Section 3. She is old and infirm and does not recollect any particulars of his service. She was married to him March 5. 1779 and is confident that said marriage was before the expiration of his service.

Will you have the goodness, to inform me whether the declaration and proof on which a pension was granted to Mr Steele will be suf- ficient proof of his service in her case without other proof or inquiry. And if it will, have the goodness to send me the date of his Pension Certificate, its number & the amount of the pension - also the date of the expiration of his and other facts necessary to appear in her papers. term of service; I can then procure proof of the marriage and all other things necessary.
I am sorry thus to trouble you, but Mrs Steele is poor and the little pension if obtained will be of great assistance to her.
Yours truly
Moses Chapman

Pension to Ashbel Sturte niece Redington
2 Corn. Rev. Pension
Mr. Wm. Sturte 9 M
Mr Ashbel Sturte Rochester
Humphreysville (N.Y.) Oct 27

I William Neeny of the Town of Derby in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut being duly sworn depose and say That I was born I have always made it my home in the Town of Derby. That in the year 1776 in May, a Company was formed mostly by inhabitants of said Town under the command of Capt. Nathaniel Johnson which was attached to the Regiment of Col. M c Douglass I was enlisted for six months. I was a private in said Company & know that S t . Steele, then of Derby, but now of Rochester in the State of New York enlisted into said Company. I think the orders for enlistment came about the first of May. The Company was regularly discharged at Red Hills on the 25 th day of December next after I that said Steele served as a soldier faithfully during said term of enlistment & then returned to Derby.
In the early part of October 1777 a Company was formed also mostly of citizens of Derby, in which S t . Steele enlisted as Sergeant this Deponent as corporal under Capt. William Clark for two months & was attached to Col. Meigs' Regiment in the Connecticut line. This Company was raised in one afternoon & set out on horseback

The same night arrived on the plains at Fishkills, the next day in the afternoon & the next morning joined the Regiment. Sergeant Steele after faithfully serving out this term of enlistment was regularly discharged with the rest of the Company at its close.
Besides these services said Steele was engaged in the expedition against the British on their landing at New Haven & aided in driving them from that town & was also in the expedition against the detestment which attacked Fairfield & Danbury & was among those who stood ready at a moment's warning to to repel the enemy from whatever quarter invading this part of the Country. If further said not. Derby October 26. 1831
William Keeney
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss (Derby Oct 26 th 1831 Personally appeared William Kinney Subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me Ruel Hitchcock Justice of Peace

I Bradford Steele of the Town of Derby in the County of New Haven & State of Connecticut, being duly sworn depose and say that having heard the foregoing Deposition of William Keeney, I fully concur with him, being well acquainted with all the facts stated therein except the 2 months enlistment under Capt Clark. At that time I was absent from Derby having been taken prisoner by the British about 2 miles from Kingsbridge & confined in New York. Ashbel Steele is my brother & further saith not. Derby October 26. 1831 Bradford Steele
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss (Derby Oct 26. Personally appeared Bradford Steele Subscribed to the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same, before me — Russel Hitchcock Justice of Peace

Ashland State } application for } a pension

State of Connecticut New Haven County } Town of Derby }
ss
I Rufus Hitchcock the Justice of the Peace or Magistrate before whom the annexed affidavits of William Keeney and Bradford Stule were taken, on the 26 th day of October 1831. do certify that the said William Keeney and Bradford Stule are, and each of them is, persons of credible good character for truth & veracity and that in my opinion they are credible witnesses to the facts stated in their said affidavits or depositions, and that full credence may be placed in such depositions
Dated Derby Jan'y 31 st 1833
Rufus Hitchcock Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven ss. New Haven Feby. 2 nd 1893 I Mr. Beach Clerk of the County Court in & for said New Haven County, hereby Certify that Rufus Lillieback Esq. whose name is subscribed to the within foregoing affidavit is & was at the date thereof respectively a Justice of the Peace in & for said New Haven County, duly qualified to administer oaths & that the signature by him within foregoing made is his genuine Official Signature -
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County Court the day & date above written Mr. Beach Clerk

Albany 3718
Eunice Steele widow of Ashbell Steele
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832 and who died on the 3 rd March 1836 of Monroe Co. in the State of N. York who was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain Johnson of the reg't. commanded by Col. Douglass in the N. York line for 4 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 45 Dollars — £ per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of August 1839 and sent to Hon. Timothy Chiles, Rochester, N. Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March '39 135.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st Sept. " 22.50 $157.50
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 100

Burnick Steele New York
Suspended
Per letter 16 th Dec 1837 P. B. m. G. Whittier

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25162
Emmire Steele wid of Ashbell Steele Sergt. N.Y. Line
Act: March 3 rd 1843.
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 250
[Arrangement of 1870.]