Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25480, for John Thompson, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Thompson, John Ellis
W. 25480
B.L.W. 26720-160-55
CONTENTS

28020
Connecticut
John Thompson of Stratford in the State of Conn who was a Pirate in the Conn commanded by Captain Burton of the Regt commanded by Col ————— in the Conn Troops line for 12 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Jan'y 1834 and sent Hon G. Tomlinson Senate M.S.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 33 $ 100. Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 4. 34 — 20
$120
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. Bullock Clerk,
Book C Vol. B Page 48

723 Connecticut Ellis Thompson widow of John Thompson who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private .
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of July 1848. and sent to
Elaine Sherman Bridgeport Ct.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 357 , Vol. 1 .
Reported

69, 143 act Dec 3/33
Civ: J. Thompson, Oct 17/55
April 14/58
Ellis Thompson widow of John Thompson M:
7/26/20
Resolutinary Pensioner
Conn Feb 48-723
W:160 Oct 17/58
He
BBp
Vol I, page 63.
Joseph Thompson Bridgeport Conn.

State of Connecticut.
By his Excellency HENRY DUTTON , Governor of said State.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That Stephen S. Booth was on the 14th day of August A.D. 1854 for the term of two years from and after said date, appoin- ted a Notary Public
in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts and attestations as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within attestation is in due form and by
Henry Dutton
the proper officer; and that I believe the signature of said
thereto to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 29th day of March A. D. 1855, and in the seventy ninth  eighth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor,
O. Perry
Secretary of State.

John Thompson & Ellis Benjamin were joined in Marriage Jan'y 19. th 1786 —
I certify the above to be a True copy of Record, Recorded-Book 5-Page 76- of Stratford Town Records, — Attest —
Stratford, March 21. st 1855.      Claudius B. Curtis Town-Clerk.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF Fairfield
ss. Stratford
On this 23 rd day of March A. D., 1855
Personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace  Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County and State aforesaid.
Ellis Thompson aged 90 years, a resident of said Stratford in the State of
Connecticut who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of John Thompson of said Stratford deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary War and she is now the widow of said John Thompson deceased - and that she is a pensioner of the United States at the rate of 40 dollars per annum pursuant to an act of Feb 2 1848. That her pension certificate, is dated July 15 th 1848. No 723. and for proof of her service - her marriage to him and the time of his death to said Thompsons Declaration under Act of June 7 th 1832, to her declaration or application for a pension for her service in said War. at the Pension office at Washington City. She refers for proof of her service and all other matters connected with her as she believes said John Thompson and continued in actual service in said war for the term of at least 12 months and was honorably discharged at
day of A. D.,
She further states that she was married to the said John Thompson in said Stratford on the 19 th day of January A. D. 1784 by one Jeremiah Loomis and that her name before her said marriage was Ellis Benjamin that her said husband died at Stratford in said County on the 16 th day of July A. D. 1836 and that she is now a widow.
She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."
Ellis Thompson
WE Alfred Barrett and Harriet Thompson residents of Stratford in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Ellis Thompson in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Harriet Thompson
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person who represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Stephen S. Root Notary Public Justice of the Peace

I Joseph Thompson of the Town of Bridgeport in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut of lawful age do depose and say that Ellis Thompson who has signed the annexed application for Bounty Land is my mother - that she is a pensioner of the United States as she states in said application and that she was on the 23 day of March 1855 the widow of my father John Thompson deceased and is now his widow.
Bridgeport March 30 1855
Joseph Thompson
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss, Bridgeport
On this 30 th day of March 1855
personally appeared before me a Notary Public duly authorized by law to administer Oaths in and for the County & State aforesaid -
Joseph Thompson who subscribed the above Deposition and made oath to the truth of the same, who I certify is a credible person well known to me, and that I have no interest in the claim of said Ellis Thompson for Bounty Land mentioned on her application for Bounty Land dated March 23 1855 hereto attached -
Stephen S. Booth Notary Public

Ellis Thompson widow of John
Con.
at 70 July 38
5 years
married Jan'y 86.
adm'd
12 mo private 12 mo private 408
advent died 16 July 1836 - per: com muna 17 July 1836
Dan Brooks Stratford Con.

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss: Stratford
On this 10 th day of August 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut, Ellis Thompson a resident of S. town of Stratford in S. Fairfield County and State aforesaid aged 73 Years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows". That she is the Widow of John Thompson late of said Stratford deceased who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and also a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1833 and for the services rendered the United States by her late husband, the said John Thompson deceased and the evidence confirming the same, she would by leave to refer to the documents already in the Office at Washington. She further declares that she was married to the said John Thompson on the 19 th day of January 1786 by the Rev. Jeremiah Leaman, then Rector of Christ Church in S. Stratford, and that her Maiden Name was Ellis Thompson Benjamin, that her husband the aforesaid John Thompson, died on the 16 th day of July 1836, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four viz. at the time above stated. — The deponent further declares that she has no documentary evidence in her possession in support of her claim, that some of the witnesses who testified as to the services rendered by her husband, to the United States, during the Revolutionary War, at the time of his obtaining a pension, are since dead, & that she has no further evidence to produce in support of her claim but what may be found in the Record at the Office in Washington to which she would refer. The deponent further testifies, that she has not since the death of her husband the said John Thompson been since married but that she still remains his Widow — Ellis Thompson
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before Me, Alanson Hanchett Judge

And said Court hereby declare their opinion after due enquiry and putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant is the widow of John Thompson and that her said husband was a private in the Revolutionary Army of the States-
Alanson Wamplin Judge
Ira Sherman Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the Widow of John Thompson for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office this 13 th day of August 1838
Ira Sherman Clerk
I, Alanson Wamplin Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid, certify that Ira Sherman is Clerk of said Court, and the signatures purporting to be his, on these papers, are genuine, and the seal affixed to his certificate above, is the Seal of said Court-
Alanson Wamplin Judge
State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss Bridgeport.
I, Ira Sherman Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the District of Stratford in said County & State aforesaid, hereby certify that David Brooks is a Justice of Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned & qualified, that his Commission will expire on the 20 th June 1839.
Attest Ira Sherman Clerk

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss.
Stratford August 21 1838
I Lewis H. Russell of the town of Stratford in the County town and State aforesaid do certify that it appears from the records of said town of Stratford of which I have the custody that John Thompson and Ellis Benjamin were joined in Marriage January 19 th 1786. and that their marriage is recorded therein in the words and figures following. Viz. "John Thompson and Ellis Benjamin were joined in Marriage January nineteenth. One thousand seven hundred and eighty six" — I certify the above to be a true extract from the records with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows "John Thompson and Ellis Benjamin were joined in Marriage
Jan y 19 th 1786" — I Lewis H. Russell above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said town with the exception above named. As certified by me Lewis H. Russell Clerk of the Town of Stratford aforesaid
Sworn Before Me — David Brooks Justice of Peace
I certify that Lewis H. Russell who signed the above certificate in presence is a credible Witness — David Brooks Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County-ss
On this 4 th day of August 1838. personally appeared Dr. William T. Wetten of the town of Stratford in said Fairfield County and made Oath in due form of Law, that he was well acquainted with John Thompson late of said Stratford dec d , who was a Reformatory Minister of the United States. That he attended the S d John Thompson as his Physician in his last sickness, and that the S d John Thompson died in S d Stratford on the 16 th day of July 1836 and that he left a Widow by the name of Ellis Thompson, who is still living, & has not since Married, but still remains his Widow.
Wm T Wetten
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year first above mentioned.
Before Me David Brooks Justice of Peace.
I certify that William T. Wetten who subscribed the above Deposition in my presence and made Oath to the same, is a person well known to me, and whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief.
David Brooks Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield
ss. Windsor
On this 15 day of October 1833 personally appeared, in open Court, before The Court of Probate in & for Stratford District in said County, now sitting, John Thompson a resident of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged 70 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 served as herein stated.
That in the year 1779 he enlisted in said Stratford into a Company Raised in said Stratford and was commanded by Capt James Winton of said Stratford for Three months service. That he served the United States Three months in said company in keeping Guard at said Town of Stratford That said Company was a regular embodied Corps Raised by the Authority of the State of Connecticut. was paid for said service and Draw Rations. from the State was in full or Garrison & not employed in any civil pursuit during said Campaign. Nathan Burrett was with me in said Company & can testify from personal knowledge that I performed Three months service in said Campaign in keeping Guard at Stratford aforesaid. was discharged at said Stratford had no written Discharge or Documentary evidence to prove this service But Nathan Burrett's Deposition is annexed will prove this 3 months service

And that in the year 1781 he enlisted into a company Raised in said Stratford and commanded by Capt Robert Walker of said Stratford for Nine months service. That he performed Nine months service in the Revolution in said Capt Robert Walker's Company in keeping Guard at said Stratford John Benjamin was Lieut. & Isaac Brown was Insign of said company. while on duty in said Guard an Armed British Vessel Landed men at Stratford Point to get cattle. & That he went in said company & drove them off to their vessel said company was a Regular embodied corps Raised by the Authority of the State of Connecticut, That he was as he considers in full or Garrison during said nine months & said three months by being on Drill at the Guard House every Day & keeping Guard in said Town — That he was not employed in any civil pursuit during said Campaigns — and was discharged at said Stratford at the end of said Nine months never had any written Discharge or documentary evidence to prove this Four of Service but Nathan Burnett who was with me in said Guard has personal knowledge that he performed said Nine months service as I have stated — whose Deposition is annexed — That he has procured the best proof he can show That he was born in said Stratford July 17 th 1763 has a record of his age was living in said Stratford when called into service lived in said Stratford both before & since the Revolution & still live there, was called into service as a volunteer. Genl G. Silliman and Col Samuel Whiting, Capt Robert Walker & Capt James Burton were some of the officers that were with the Troops where he served said company both belonged to Col Samuel Whiting's Regiment in Genl G. Silliman's Brigade

the reason That he has not procured the certificate of a clergyman is that the clergyman in his vicinity has recently settled and knows nothing of his service in the Revolution Robert Burnett & John M Thompson can testify As my Reputation as a Soldier of the Revolution all his service was as a private Soldier
   A Statement showing the service of John Thompson Names & Rank of the full officers under whom he served Proof by which the Declaration is supported   Months. Private     1779 - 3 Genl. Gold S. Sillaman   1781 - 9 Col Saml. White Nathan Burnett   12 Months  
John Thompson
The said John Thompson 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.
Attest R S Nichols Clerk
John Thompson
We, Robert Burnett a clergyman, residing in the town of Stratford and John M Thompson residing in the same, hereby Certify, that we are well acquainted with John Thompson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 70 years of age; that he is reported and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Attest R S Nichols Clerk
Robert Burnett John M Thompson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 Robert Burnett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Stratford and that John M Thompson who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Bridgeport.
Attest R S Nichols Clerk
Marm Moore Judge
Rosuel S Nichols Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Thompson for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this 15 th day of October
183 3
R S Nichols Clerk

I. Roswell Nichols, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Stratford certify that the Deposition of Nathan Burnett Sworn & Subscribed to in open court is as a part of the proceedings in the case of the within named applicant, herein certified under my hand and Seal of office and I further certify that the said Nathan Burnett is a credible Witness & a person of fair character for Truth and Veracity.
R. S. Nichols, Clerk
I. Mark Moore Judge of the Court of Probate within & for the District of Stratford certify that Roswell S. Nichols is Clerk of said Court that the foregoing are his Signatures with the Seal of said Court thereto annexed
Mark Moore Judge

We Daniel Judson and David Brooks Justices of the Peace in the Town of Stratford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut together with Elijah Curtis and Stiles Judson jun. Selectmen of said Town Certify that We are personally acquainted with John Thompson of said Stratford who has applied for a pension he is a man that sustains a good character for Truth and veracity & is believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolutionary War and that We concur in that opinion Dated at Stratford this 10 th day of September 1833
Daniel Judson David Brooks Elijah Curtis Stiles Judson Jr.

27. 522.
John Thompson
Application for a Pension

Nathan Burrill of the Town of Stratford in The County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut. 70 Years old Deposeth & saith that he is well acquainted with John Thompson of Stratford the forgoing named applicant for a pension, That he was in the Revolutionary Service in Capt James Burtons company of Guards in the year 1779 with said Thompson, for three months service. & was also with said Thompson in Capt Robert Waltons company of Guards for nine months in the year 1781 which service was in regular embodied corps raised by Authority of the State of Connecticut & was performed in Rushing Guard at said Town of Stratford. That he has personal knowledge that Thompson performed said tours of service faithfully for the United States as aforesaid. Nathan Burrill

John Brooks, of the Town of Bridgeport in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut. 70 years of age. A pensioner of the United States. Depose & say that he has been well acquainted with John Thompson of Stratford ever since said Thompson was a Lad. That he lived in the same Town of Stratford with him during the Revolution, that he said Brooks performed 9 months service in Capt Robert Walker's Guard in 1782. That he remembers being on Guard one time with said Thompson while in service in said Company but cannot remember any particulars regarding his enlistment or discharge or time of service. But would state that he has every reason to believe that said Thompson served in the Revolution in Burtons & Walker's Guards as he has stated. That said Thompson is a man of excellent character for truth & veracity & his declaration is entitled to full credit. That said Thompson's Father William Thompson commanded a Militia company in said Stratford in the Revolution & was killed in the Battle at Ridgefield when Danbury was burnt. That said William & John were both faithful men in the cause for Independence.
John Brooks

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss Bridgeport November 27 th 1833 personally appeared John Brooks before me the Court of Probate in & for Stratford District. & Subscribed & made oath to the foregoing Deposition who is a man of good reputation & a Credible Witness. Also I further certify that the Rev d George C Shepard who has signed the following certificate is an Episcopal Clergyman residing in the Town of Stratford in the immediate vicinity of said John Thompson & that the Signature purporting to be his is genuine And I further certify that Robert Durnett & John M Thompson were both residents in said Town of Stratford in the immediate vicinity of said John Thompson until very recently & for that reason were well qualified to sign the certificate on the 3 page
Mark Moore Judge
Attest. R Nichols, Clerk

I George C. Shepard, a clergyman residing in the town of Stratford, County of Fairfield, & State of Connecticut, hereby certify, that I am personally acquainted with Mr. John Thompson, of said Stratford, who has applied for a pension, who is a man of respectable character, and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, and is reported & believed by his neighbors, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, & I concur in that opinion.
Stratford November 27. 1833.
George C. Shepard } Rector of Christ Church Stratford.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section
MMNI
December 27, 1927
Miss V. Hayden Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Madam:
In response to your request of December 14, 1927, in behalf of a friend of 2935 Sacramento Street, Corlies Station, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 25480 it appears that John Thompson, son of William, was born July 17, 1763 in Stratford, Fairfield County, Connecticut.
While a resident of Stratford, Connecticut, he enlisted in 1779 and served three months as a private in Captain James Burton's Company of Guards in Colonel Samuel Whiting's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted in 1781 and served nine months as a private in Captain Robert Walker's Company of Guards in Colonel Samuel Whiting's Connecticut Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 15, 1833 while living in Stratford, Connecticut. He died July 16, 1836 in said Stratford.
Soldier married January 19, 1786 in Stratford, Connecticut.

cut, Ellis Benjamin. She was allowed pension on her application executed August 10, 1838 while a resident of Stratford, Connecticut aged seventy-three years. In 1855 she was still living in said Stratford.
Soldier's son, Joseph Thompson, was living in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut in 1855.
Soldier's father, William Thompson, commanded a company of militia in Stratford, Connecticut in the Revolutionary War and was killed at the battle of Ridgefield.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to a soldier named George Benjamin.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Connecticut - 275-
Ellis Thompson, widow of John Thompson, an who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 th June 32 and who died on the 16 th July 1836 of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut who was a P er in the Comp ny commanded by Captain Burrows of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the Com d line for 12 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn t at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 14 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept r '38 and sent to and paid to David Brattle Stratford, Conn t
Arrears to the 14 th of Sept r $ 80.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 20.00
$ 100.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by R. Burrows Clerk Book A Vol. 1 - Page 214.

227.
Ref.
Connecticut
Ellis Thompson
widow of John Thompson who was a private
in the Connecticut line
for 12. Months.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
40
Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
3 rd
day of June 1843.
and sent to
Isaac Sherman
Bridgeport
Conn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book
Vol. 1.
Page
A 78.

Connecticut - 275
Ellis Thompson
widow of John Thompson
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 32. and who died on the 16 th . July, 1836 - of Fairfield in the State of Vt. — who was a private in the Coy — commanded by Captain Benton — of the — commanded by — in the Connecticut line for 12 mos —
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & terminating 16 July, 1836 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of March 1843 - and sent to Jos: Thompson Bridgeport, Cont: c
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
8/4.68
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded, by Book A — Vol. 1 — Page 2/4 — Clerk,

Repd. Mar 13-43
New certificate if so in this case, see the opi- -nion of the atty.
Genl. of the 20. of September 1842

✓ 26.720
3 Mr. Ams

69.142
L. P. Waldo Esq Com t of Prisons & County Land Washington City D. C.

69.140.
Ellis Thompson and B. John
26720 160
Paynter
26.720
160
Hon. J. Meinat, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

John Thompson - 40 $ p. an m - Con: act 7 June when last paid! G. M. L.
Sep 8. 38
Since 16 th July 1836 p d to that period
$14

Bridgetown, May 24. 1856.
Sir,
I herewith enclose a circular, sent me from your Office last Oct. and as Congress has recently amended the act in relation to granting Bounty Lands, I would most respectfully ask your early attention to the claims of my venerable mother, who is at this time in feeble health, but is desirous of obtaining the 160 acres of land, which she considers herself justly entitled to. - - -
Hon. J. Minat, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
I am, very respectfully, Your obedt Servant, Joseph Thompson

State of Connecticut Fairfield County Bridgeport April 11 th 1855
L. P. Waldo Esq. Comm r of Pensions & Bounty Land
Sir I send you the application of the widow Eliz Thompson for Bounty Land under act of Congress approved March 3 1855 please send her Bounty Land warrant to me.
Very respectfully yours Joseph Thompson

Con. t
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir I send you The application of Miss Thompson Please send her certificate to me Yours Respectfully
Isaac Sherman

Ellis Thompson Con: Act 9. July 38 40 $ from Amasa 36 to 16 July  Aug 36
Joseph Thompson Bridport Con.

State of Connecticut County of Hartford } ss Bridgeport I Mark Moore Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Bridgeport. in said County & State do hereby certify that Isaac J. Booth is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned & qualified and was so on and before the 10 th Day of February 1843 and that his signature to the within instrument is genuine. —
Given under my hand & the seal of said Court This 14 th Day of Feb. A.D. 1843.
Attest Mark Moore Clerk

On this 10 th day of February 1843, personally appeared before me Elias Root Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Fairfield, in the State of Connecticut, Ellis Thompson , a resident of the town of Stratford in the County aforesaid, aged, seventy eight years, who being duly sworn according to law, took on her oath, made the following declaration, in order to obtain the amount of pension which she claims from the 4 th of March, 1836, to the 16 th day of July 1836, from which period she has been already paid under the act of July 1838. And the declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of John Thompson who was a private during the revolutionary war; that her pension was allowed at the rate of forty dollars per annum, and was paid to her at the Agency in Hartford, in the state of Connecticut. And further she saith not. Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above written before me.
Elias Root Justice of the Peace

Commissioner of Pensions, Letter Oct. 17. 1855

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
PENSION OFFICE,
October, 17 th 1855.
Sir:
The claim of Ellis Thompson, for bounty land under the act of the 3d of March, 1855, No. 69,143, has been examined and suspended.
The revolutionary service of John Thompson, the husband of the applicant, does not appear of record in this office.
The 3d section of said act requires a service of "FOURTEEN DAYS" to be established by "RECORD EVIDENCE."
Upon the production of such evidence of service, the claim will be favorably considered.
Very respectfully,
J. MINOT,
Commissioner.
Joseph Thompson, Esq. Bridgeport, Ct.

Feb 20 1843 CL BRIDGEPORT SEP 12 C.T.
FREE
Wm. Lloyd J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Collectors Office, District of Virginia, Feb. 15 th 1822.
Sir
I herewith enclose the declaration of my mother, Eliz O'Keenahan, widow of John O'Keenahan, a prisoner under the act of 1806. If upon investigating her claim, you find that she is entitled to receive that pay, please forward me a certificate, and oblige Yours Very Respectfully Randolph O'Keenahan Hon. J. L. Edmunds Commissioner of Pensions Washington
P. S. As the 4 th of March, is the usual time to draw pension money, my mother would feel obliged by receiving her certificate as soon as may be convenient to the Commissioner.

John Thompson
12 m per mth $40 written proof
Henry Tomlinson Senate

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 subjóined 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. These 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
   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) _____, 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 day 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
It is not required that the clergyman shall have personal knowledge of the service of applicant - but he is required to state the reputation among the neighbors to that effect. As the service was performed in the place where he now resides & there are many of

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 inquiry 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 to 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, deposes 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 here a 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 fix 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.
[k] 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.
[l] The traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
previous the most conclusive evidence may be procured

Ellis Thompson
Ellis Thompson
ad
27
admitted
Isaac Sherman Bridgeport Cts

DECLARATION, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d of February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution:"
STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
County of Fairfield } ss. Yp Stratford
On this 10 day of June 1848, personally appeared before me, a Magistrate in and for the County aforesaid, Ellis Thompson a resident of Stratford in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut, aged 74 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War:
That she is the widow of John Thompson who was a private  Soldier of Infantry in  Said War who received a pension under Act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of Forty Dollars per Annum , was a resident of said Stratford at the time of his discharge, and for proof of the Regiment or Corps in which he served in said War she refers to his pension application at Washington City -
That she received a pension under the act of June, 17th, 1844, at the rate of Forty Dollars per annum . Ellis Thompson
She further declares that she is still a widow
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year before written, before me.
Treat Bloeman
Justice of the Peace.
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above declarant, and know she is the widow of said John Thompson and the same individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.
Treat Bloeman
Justice of the Peace.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
County of Fairfield } ss.
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Treat Bloeman  on the 10th of June 1848 a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified: that his commission was dated on the 19th day of June 1845, and that his signatures above written are genuine.
That said Commission expired with the 19th of June 1848
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this 10th day of July 1848
Widow was on the 10th of June 1848, first duly interviewed Thomas Robinson Clerk

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield ss. Stratford.
On this 30 th day of March 1843 personally appeared before me the subscriber an Justice of the Peace in and for s d Fairfield County Ellis Thompson a resident of Stratford in s d County of Fairfield aged seventy eight 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 3 rd of March 1840 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of John Thompson who was a private in the army of the Revolution. And the annual amount of pension which I received under the act of July 7 th 1838. was forty dollars.
She further declares that she is still a widow Ellis Thompson
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me. And I do hereby certify that the declarant is personally known to me. Daniel P. Judson Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss Bridgeport I Mark Moore Clerk of the Probate Court within and for the District of Bridgeport in said County. do hereby certify that David P. Judson is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Fairfield duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his signature to the foregoing Declaration of Ellis Thompson is genuine.
Given under my hand & Seal of Office this 30 th day of March A D 1843.
Attest Mark Moore Clerk
111

POSTAL CARD - ONE CENT.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
THIS SIDE IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
U.S. PENSION OFFICE FEB 24 1900 RECEIVED FEB 27 1900
U.S. PENSION OFFICE FEB 24 1900
Station Bureau Washington D.C.

owen e l Wanted the service of John Thompson born in Stratford July 17-1763, died July 16-1836 His wife Alice got a pension in 1848 and she died May 14-18... A John Thompson appears in Conn Men of the Revolution and he may be this one or one in Fairfield - Miss Ella Thompson Hawley Park Avenue Bridgeport Conn

DEC 1 1905
Southington, Conn. Nov. 26, 1905
Pension Officer:—
Will you please give me the service of John Thompson in the Revolution- ary war. He was a prisoner from Fairfield Co., I am looking up the in- formation in order

to join the "Daughters of the Revolution."
Yours Respectfully, (Miss) Grace C. Buckley, Southwick Center, Conn.

Miss V. Hayden Invalid Div. Mr. Lorne's Section requests histories of
for a friend -
Request made Dec. 14 - 1929
Return this letter to Miss Hayden

Mar. 3-1900 Miss Ella T. Nussley Bridgeport Conn.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
1906 Jan. 22 - History to Grace E. Beckley. M.B.H.
1927 Dec. 27 - Stk. To Miss V. ... For a friend in Pittsburgh Pa.
File No. 25 480
Ellis Thompson
wid. of
John Thompson Ohio Rev. war
Act: Feb. 2 d 1848.
Index: - Vol. 7 , Page 273
[Arrangement of 1870.]