Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25073, for Benjamin Sturges, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Sturges, Benjamin Sturgess
W 25073
Thankful
CONTENTS

Connecticut
Benjamin Sturges Private Marine*
Captain Caleb Brewster company of the Rev. War
Ratio of disability, total
Date of discharge
Inscribed on the roll of Connecticut
at 8 dollars per month, to commence on the 18 January 1826.
Certificate of pension issued the 25 of Feb 1826 and sent to Hon G. Tomlinson * Conn. Coast Guard. Land Troops W.R.K. July 13, 1910
Arrears to 4th
Semi-ann. all'ce ending
Increase for 6.60 to 8, Mar. 1, and new certificate same day

From Benj m Sturges Who transferred from New York to Connecticut dated Fairfield Oct Nov r 1 st 1819 Rec d 11 Nov r 1819 & transferred to same day.
Nov r

Trinidad November 1. 1819
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir
Your letter of the 22 ult. I duly received and in compliance of the requisites therein, I enclose my affidavit duly authenticated as mentioned — You mention regarding a request to be transferred from N. York to Connecticut — Should it be consistent with the law and the regulations of the War department, it would be my wish to remain on the Books of N. York as now placed, as being more convenient for me (tho' an inhabitant of Connecticut), otherwise if necessary transfer me to Connecticut —
I am Sir very respectfully Your B t serv t .
Benjamin Sturges
P.S. If transferred pleas. notify if not inconvenient —

Fairfield Ct 61 November
125
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Pension Office
War Department City of Washington
Mr. H. H. H.

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 and for said County — Do certify and make known, that Samuel Rowland Esquire is a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly Commissioned with full power and Authority, to administer Oaths, take Affidavits, and do all other matters and things, relating to the Office of a Justice of the Peace, in and said County; And that full faith and credit, is, and ought to be given to his Official acts and proceedings —
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and the Seal of said Court, in said Fairfield, this first Day of November A. 1819 —
David Burr —

I Benjamin Sturges of Fairfield town and county in the State of Connecticut do Solemnly swear that I served as a marine on board of the United States boats employed on the United States service in the late revolutionary war under the command of Capt. Caleb Brewster: Also that I am a citizen of Connecticut of about fifty seven years of age & born in said town of Fairfield and have resided there ever since and that I expect to make said town of Fairfield my permanent residence for the future and that I have never received a certificate of pension from the War department. Fairfield November 1. 1819 Benjamin Sturges
State of Connecticut ss. Fairfield November 1. 1819
Personally appeared Benjamin Sturges to me well known as a person of credibility and by me had administered unto him the oath above mentioned by him Subscribed
Samuel Rowland Justice of the peace

From Benj m Sturges Who transferred from New York to Connecticut dated Fairfield Oct r Nov r 1 st 1819 Rec d 4 th Nov r 1819 & transferred to same day.
Invd

H. of Com
Fairfield Ct
St. Winton 17 th of Jan. 1826
We the subscribers practicing Physicians do hereby certify that after a careful examination in the case of Benjamin Sturges who is now on the pension roll of the State of Connecticut, formerly of the State of New York - we are of opinion that his disability does still continue in an increased degree, attended with a difficulty of breathing, pain in the side, and lameness of the side, all which have arisen from the thrust of a bayonet through the body on the left side just above the hip, in the service of the United States, during the Revolution - any War; - And further that the degree of disability under which he labors at present, is more total, being an increase of the original degree of disability, for which he was placed on the Pension roll, as a four fifths Pensioner; - rendering him unable to gain a subsistence by manual labor -
Asahel Parrack Levi D. Linsley
Physicians & Surgeons
Sworn to The above subscribed before me This 18 th day of January A.D. 1826
Stephen Wheeler Justice Peace
Connecticut Fairfield County St. Winton Jan'y 18 - A.D. 1826 I certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original
Credible persons
Stephen Wheeler Justice Peace

I certify that Stephen Wheeler whose, before whom the within the affidavit was made, has been, for more than four months past, an acting justice of the Peace, in and for the county of Fairfield, in Connecticut; that I am well acquainted with his signature, and that I have no doubt that the within signature, purporting to be his, is genuine.
Greene Mansfield

Apr. 2, 1906
Bill
aw

Sturges, Benjamin
His name appears on a list of applicants for invalid pension returned by the District Court for the District of Connecticut, submitted to the House of Representatives by the Secretary of War on Feby. 21, 1795 and printed in the American State Papers, class 9, page 154.
Rank; Private
Regt; Captain Woodhull's company, commissioned to command three whale boats.
Disability; Wounded by a bayonet, thrust into his left side, while attempting to grapple one of the enemy's boats in Long Island Sound. When and where disabled; Dec. 7, 1782 Long Island Sound.
Residence; Fairfield.
So what pension entitled; One-eighth.
Evidence complete.

(1303)
[No. of claim 843.]

State of Connecticut } District of Fairfield } ss
on this fourth day of September Eighteen hundred and Thirty Eight personally appeared before a Special Court of Probate held at Fairfield in and for the District of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut and now sitting Thankful Sturges a widow of Fairfield in said District of Fairfield and State of Connecticut age a Seventy four 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. 1838. entitled An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Benjamin Sturges deceased who was a private in the Connecticut Grand Fairfield and in the Boat Service in Long Island Sound that when Benjamin Sturges entered the service he resided in Fairfield, from old age and loss of memory she does not recollect sufficiently to give a particular description of the services of Benjamin Sturges, neither the dates nor the duration of the same nor the officers under whom he served at the various times of his service - She knows that he was at times in the service on the coast of Fairfield and she knows that once and she believes before the Town of Fairfield was burned in 1779 - that he served in the Guard at Black Rock in Fairfield and was drafted - She knows that he served at that time at least three months but any officer she don't now recollect who comman- ded a had charge of said Guard - She also recollects that he served under Capt Caleb Brewster in the Boat Service in cruising Long Island Sound, and she believes for not less than nine months, the exact year she cannot recollect, said

Capt Brewster she believes was commissioned for that purpose and had charge of several Boats in Milford Sound. She recollects Benjamin Sturges he was brought home from said Boats wounded, and afterwards obtained a pension as an invalid from the United States, which was eight dollars per month the latter part of the time it having been increased. She is positive of the said series under Capt Brewster and of three months service at Black Rock after in the Guards, and although her memory has failed her as to any more particular services of Benjamin Sturges, yet she fully believes that he served at various other times on the coast, and went on tours of service out of the state, and she further says that she has obtained the best evidence of said series, that she can, and has no documentary evidence in support of her claim that services of Benjamin Sturges were continuous - and that she claims a pension for the services of her said husband Benjamin Sturges according to the provisions of the act and the proofs that may appear in the Pension Office at Washington, exhibited at the time he was pensioned as an invalid, reference being had thereto -
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Sturges on the Eleventh day of September Seventeen hundred and eighty three, by the Rev Andrew Elliot then Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Fairfield that her husband the said Benjamin Sturges died at Fairfield on the Eleventh day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty two 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 & fifty five at the time above stated. He was Benjamin Sturges just interlined I subscribe on the day & year aforesaid before Thankful  her Sturges mark Rufus Blackman Judge

and the Court hereby declares its opinion that the facts set forth in the foregoing Declaration of Thankful Sturges; signed by her making her mark are true, and that she is a credible & respectable person -
Rufus Blakeman Judge
State of Connecticut District of Fairfield ss
I Moses G Betts Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut hereby certify that the foregoing are the original proceedings had before said Court in the matter of the application for a pension of Thankful Sturges and that Rufus Blakeman before whom the proceedings were had as the Judge of said Court is now the Judge of said Court duly commissioned and acting in such, and that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine and I further certify that Thomas Robinson before whom the annexed depositions of Lyman H. Alnutt, Edward Carew and Joseph Wakeman were taken, and Jeremiah Sturges before whom the annexed depositions of Keziah Sturges and Nathaniel Perry were taken are Justices of the Peace for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut and have been appointed for said County since the twentieth of June last past and duly commissioned and acting as such as such and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourth day of September Eighteen hundred & thirty Eight
The above erasure after the word acting duly made and the words and have been Justices appointed for said County since the twentieth of June last past just interlined
Moses G Betts Clerk

State of Connecticut District of Fairfield } ss
At a court of Probate held at Fairfield in and for the District of Fairfield on the 8 th day of November A.D. 1838 - The foregoing declaration of Widow Thankful Sturges upon her application is duly and legally amended in open court by the interlineation of the word "Sturges," and the erasure of the word "Darrow," and duly sworn to by the said Thankful Sturges as amended. And this Court finds the fact to be true that the word Darrow now erased was entered inadvertently by mistake
Rufus Blakeman Judge
Attest Moses G. Betty Clerk

State of Connecticut county of Fairfield ss. Fairfield Sept 15 th 1838-
I Lyman H. Atwater Pastor of the First Congregational Church in the town of Fairfield in said county and State, certify that the records of said Church now in my custody contain the following entry.
"Benjamin Sturges and Thankful Darrow were married eleventh September one hundred eighty three By Andrew Eliot V.D.M."
The above is a true extract from  copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures as follows: "11 th Sept r 1783~", the words "copy of," duly interlined, and the erasure duly made-
Lyman H. Atwater Present Pastor of said Church.
I Lyman H. Atwater, above named, depose and say: that I hold the office of Pastor of the First Congregational Church in the county, town, and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church, with the exception above named as certified by me; and that it appears from said records that Andrew Eliot was pastor of said Church at the time of the date of the foregoing extract.
Lyman H. Atwater
Present Pastor of said Church.
Sworn before me and I certify that Lyman H. Atwater above named is well known to me to be a credible witness and that his statements are fully entitled to belief.
Thomas Robinson J. Peace

I Edward Carew of the Town & County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged forty years, being duly confirmed and sworn do depose and say that I well knew Benjamin Sturges now dec d late of said Fairfield - that said Benjamin Sturges died at said Fairfield the Eleventh day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty two. I was present with him a few hours before he died and saw him again immediately after his decease. I was occasionally in to see him during his last sickness, he has left a widow who is now living by the name of Thankful Sturges. The said Benjamin Sturges was an invalid Pensioner of the United States Died at Fairfield the 4 th day of September 1838 Edward Carew
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } B Fairfield September 4 th 1838 Personally appeared Edward Carew and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed, and I certify that he is well known to me and is a credible witness Thomas Robinson J.P. Peace.

I Ezekiah Sturges of the Town & County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut. Aged Eighty Two years. being duly Cautioned. and Sworn do Depose. and Say that I. was well acquainted. with Benjamin Sturges formerly of said Fairfield. and late deceased. he enlisted and served. with me. under Captain Caleb Brewster. in the Boat Service. in Cruising Long Island Sound, we enlisted in the Winter or Early part of the Spring and served. until late in the fall of the year 1782. in the latter part of said Service he Received a furlough wound. in his Side for which he Received. a pension. and for the Service of myself at the same time I. now. Receive a pension. said Brewster was a Commissioned officer. and had charge. of three Boats. that were under his direction. in the above said Service. I. also. know that he was furloughed. to the above Service drafted Service. and believe he was there three times. one of which times. I. was with him. I served with him. on the Coast guard. for three months. under Sergeant James Buckley. and Captain Eliphalet Phelps. which I. believe was the year of 1780. or 1781. one other time he. was drafted. for three months. and went. to White Plains. or soon when. up the North River. under one Captain Godfrey. but I don't know any. the rest of the officers of the Regiment. as I did not serve with him, and I. believe he was drafted. another time for three months. and went. to Fishkill or Poughkeepsie but. don't know under what officer. both of which latter Service. I. believe was in the years 1780 and 1781 - and I. know. that he served in the Boats. under Captain Caleb. Brewster. with me. after he Recovered or got. better of his wound. but cannot. say how. long. but from my personal knowledge. of his Service. in the War of the Revolution I have no. hesitation. in saying. that. he served at least. Eighteen months. tho' I. cannot. particularly designate. all the particular times. or the names of all the officers he served under. Dated at Fairfield. this 31 st day of July. 1838 - Ezekiah Sturges
State of Connecticut } ss Fairfield July 31 st 1838 personally appeared Fairfield County - Ezekiah Sturges. Signer of the foregoing Deposition and made solemn Oath to the Truth of the same. and I hereby certify that said Ezekiah Sturges is well known to me and that he is a Credible person for Truth and Veracity & that his Statements are entitled to belief - Jeremiah Sturges Justice of Peace

I Joseph Wakeman of the Town & County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy five years being duly confirmed and sworn do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Sturges formerly of Fairfield since deceased. He served as an enlisted person under Capt Caleb Brewster in the Boat Service in cruising Long Island Sound & Sound Capt Brewster. He was a commissioned officer for that purpose and had charge of several boats cruising said Long Island Sound - I recollect that for a period of nine months or more when I have been serving in the guards on the coast of Fairfield I have occasionally seen Capt Benjamin Sturges come from his boats to the shore and have conversed with him at such times as to what took place along the Sound &c. I recollect also that we have at such times talked about the service and the time of having service and he recollect that he once told me that he had enlisted under Capt Brewster for nine months - but whether he enlisted more than once or how long in all he served I don't know - but I am confident in saying that from the various times I have seen him running through a period of from 1780 to 1783 he served in the boats for nine months and more - I recollect that I was present at Mill River in Fairfield when Capt Benjamin Sturges & others were brought

ashore from the New Bedford whaler after a battle with our Capt. Hoyt, if I recollect the name aright. The particular year or time when the battle took place & when Benjamin Sturges was wounded, & on account of which said Benjamin Sturges has received a pension as I always have understood I don't now recollect - but from all the circumstances and reasons before stated I have no hesitation in saying that Benjamin Sturges could not have served less than nine months on board of the New Bedford whaler - Dated at Fairfield the 30th day of July 1838
Joseph Wakeman
State of Connecticut Fairfield County } S Fairfield July 30 th 1838 Personally appeared Joseph Wakeman in presence of the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same and I certify that said Joseph Wakeman is well known to me & a credible person & that his statements are entitled to belief
Thomas Robinson Just Peace

I Nathaniel Perry of the Town & County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Aged Eighty Two years. being duly Cautioned. and Sworn do Depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Sturges formerly of Said Fairfield an Invalid Pensioner, he was drafted into the Service for Three months. I was drafted the same time, and served with him on a Tour to North Castle, under Captain Daniel Godfrey. I don't remember the Name of any other officer of the Regiment, which was I believe in the year 1780. or 1781. but cannot say certain. but am sure of the Draft. and Service of Said Benjamin Sturges as above stated. I have been on Guard. with him on the Sea Coast. several times. I know of his being on Guard. when I was not with him but cannot say under what officer. or how long time he served. or the year or years he served in. my memory has failed me. a good deal about dates and the names of officers. &c. Nathaniel Perry Fairfield July 31. 1838.
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss Fairfield July 31. 1838 personally appeared Nathaniel Perry. Signed the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath before me to the truth of the same, and I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Nathaniel Perry. and that he is a credible person for truth and veracity. and that his statements are entitled to belief. Jeremiah Sturges Justice of Peace

Comptroller's Office Hartford Oct. 27 1838
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of Benj. Sturges who claims pension in the War of the Revolution that his name does not appear on any of the Pay Rolls in this office. That on Pay Table Book in use date of May 23 1781 War. Dept. To Lieut James Buckley Pay Roll his Company Coast Guards at Fairfield £ 27. 18. 7 That on Pay Table Book March 16 1780 War Dept. to Capt. Daniel Godfrey To pay on Lieut. Benj. Pay Roll Coast Guards Fairfield £ 3048. 18. 7 That I do not find the name of Capt. Caleb Brewster on the Books or Papers in this office.
Henry Wilson Clerk
State of Connecticut } ss District of Fairfield } ss
I Moses G. Betts Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield hereby certify that the foregoing certificate of the Comptroller of Pub. Accts of this State to wit Henry Wilson is attached by me to the Pension claim of widow Thankful Sturges to be used in her said claim for a Pension — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 29 th day of October 1838.
Moses G. Betts Clerk

Connecticut
Thankful Sturgess deed, widow of Sturgess Con Benjamin Sturgess who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private Conn.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
1 st of July 1848 Ending 28 th Augt 1848. Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Nov. 1852 and sent to
J Sherman Bridgeport Ct.
Inc d from p 30 -
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 338 Vol. 1

State of Connecticut
Fairfield County ss, Fairfield
On this 7 th day of April A D 1852
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Fairfield in said County & State aforesaid Rebecca Carew of the Fairfield in said County aged sixty five 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 act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 & February 19 th 1833 and all other acts of Congress relative to Pensions of Revolutionary officers and Soldiers. — who served in the Revolutionary War That said Rebecca Carew & Sally Osborne both age of lawful & residents of the Town of Fairfield in said Fairfield County are the only surviving Children of Benjamin Sturges de who was an Invalid Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety Six Dollars per Annum who died in said County & State of Connecticut as I believe on the 11 th day of December A D 1832.
That said Benjamin Sturges at the time of his demise was entitled to a Pension for his services in said War under said act of June 7 th 1832 from March 4 th 1831 to said 11 th day of December 1832 that being the time of his death — that his Widow Thankfull Sturges who is now dead was pensioned for the service of said Benjamin Sturges at the rate of Thirty Dollars per Annum. That said Rebecca Carew claiming for herself & said Sally Osborne to be allowed as the only surviving children of said Benjamin Sturges de having no Widow now living) to be allowed the same Pension that said Benjamin Sturges would be entitled to if living for his services in said War

From March 4 th 1831 to December 11 th 1832 That being the time of his durance — and for evidence of said claim she refers to the Pension papers of said Benjamin Sturges & said Thankfull Sturges at the Pension office at Washington City • also for proof of said Benjamin Sturges death she refers to his Pension papers at Washington City Sworn to & Subscribed before said Court on the day & year before written Attest. Thomas B Osborne Judge      Rebecca Sturges
I Arthur D. Osborne Clerk of the aforesaid Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the matter of the application of Rebecca Sturges for an arrears  increase of the Pension of Benjamin Sturges, v. Pension — Also that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that said Rebecca Sturges & Sally Osborne who are of lawful age are the only surviving children of said Benjamin Sturges, dec. & that said Benjamin Sturges, dec. has, has, no widow now living.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 7 th day of April A.D. 1852 The words "increase" and "Thankfull S." erased and the word "arrears" interlined before delivery —
Arthur D. Osborne Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield.

Connecticut
772.
Thankful Sturges
widow of Denj o Sturges who was a Private
in the Coast Guards for nine months
Sol to Wm. J. M. Tiley Sept 9: 45 do. to Jeph Charlton, Oct. 22 d 1845
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of July, 1843. and sent to
Thomas Robinson, Southport, Conn.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 76.

22.
Connecticut Heartford Thankful Sturges widow of Benj n . Sturges who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9. day of June 1848. and sent to
Miss Alvorde Southport Conn t
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 337. Vol. 1.
Reported
J. I. Sherman July 15/52

Connecticut. 959
Thankful Sturges, of Southport widow of Benjamin Sturges, deceased, who was a pensioner under the Act of _____ and who died on the 11 th December 1839, of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Brewster of the Boat commanded by Service in the Coast Guards for nine months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 30 Dollars in Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Nov r 1838, and sent to Thos. Robinson, Esq. Southport Conn t
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept r 1838 $ 75.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ch 39 15.00
$ 90.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by L. M. Cundy, Clerk Book A. Vol. 1. Page 208.

33.074
Connecticut - Benjamin Sturges decd.
of Private in the State of who was a Private in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 30 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Ends 11, December 1832.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of Nov. 1852 and sent to -
Arrears to the 4th of J Sherman Semi-annual allowance ending Bridport Ct.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by P. M. Mac Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 42

In: Com: 18 Jan. 1826 Total - $8 pr. mo.
Cancel Cert: & issue a new one
Case of Benjamin Sturges, Ind. Com. waiting for Pardon Certificate to note increase thereon. See letter to Hon. G. Tomlinson H.R. 31 Jan. 1826.

Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25273
Thankful Sturges wid of Benjamin Sturges Pris New Mass
Act: Feb 22 48
Index:—Vol. Y , Page 249
[Arrangement of 1870.]

INVALID.
File No. 20,979
Benjamin Sturge Maine 1842  New War
Act: Insured
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 391
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Consolidated with D.W. Wid. File 05,073.

Benjamin Sturge Recd Feb 11. 1826 Hon. G. Tomlinson # Rep
Benjamin Sturge for increase 22nd Jan'y 27. 1826
Hon. G. Tomlinson H. Rep
The Hon. James Barbour Sec. of War
recd Jan. 27. 1826 Mr. Cummings will input 21

House of Representatives Jan. 25 th 1826
Sir, I herewith transmit for your examination and decision, the application of Benjamin Sturges, for an increase of his pension.
I am very respectfully, Sir,
Your obedt. servt. G. Poulton
The Hon. J. Barbour

State of Connecticut
Hampden County
Bridgeport April 10 th 1852
J. E. Heath Esq. Comm. of Pensions
Sir I. send you the application of the heirs of Benjamin & Thankfull Sturges for arrears of their claims for what may be justly due & heirs - for their fathers & Mothers Pension - Please send their certificates to me -
Yours Respectfully Isaac Sherman

Brief in the case of Benj s Sturges dec d & Thankful Sturges dec d wid w of Benj s County and State of Connecticut act g June 7 1832 & P l R s July 1 1848
Claim, ("original," 8 "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
He was an Invalid Pensioner at 96 $ per annum & was entitled to a pension of 30 $ under the Act of 7 June 1832 - She was pensioned under the acts of July 7 1838 & at 30 $ per annum - Her children now make application for the benefits of the Act of June 7, 1832 and the Joint Resolution of July 1848. - to which they are entitled
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. Sherman Bridgeport - Fairfield Co. ct
Thornton Triplett Examining Clerk.

Benjamin Sturges dec 71° 38.45" Naup Ct adm d . Act June 7 1832
9 m s per 30 d per annum from 4 March 1831 to 11 Dec 1832 when he dies , payable to Rebecca Carew & Sally Osborne only surviving children
Thankful Sturges dec, widow of Benjamin Naup Ct Increase, Mes July 11 1848
90 d per annum from July 1 1848 to Aug 28 1848 when she dies , payable to Rebecca Carew, & Sally Osborne only surviving children deducting former payments at 30 d per annum C. T. Sherman
Bridport, Fairfield Co Ct

East Windsor Hill Hartford County
Ct
Sept 17 th
1845
Sir
Your letter to the Hon J. M. Viles of the 9 th Sept 1845, is before me, viz; in respect to the application of Thankful Sturges, Widow of Benjamin Sturges. The Declaration and claim, was made under the 2 nd Section of the act of July 4 th 1836, This was done, agreeably to the instructions heretofore given, and the proof of the services of Mr Sturges and of his Marriage to the present widow, had been made to your satisfaction, in her application made under the act of July 7 th 1838, in Tolland County Ct: The said Widow was pensioned at the rate of $30 per annum: and the day of his death, is proved in the certificates sent with her former Declaration, proved to have taken place as you will there see, to have taken place on the 11 th December 1832. And as by referring to her Declaration it will fully appear that the services of Sturges; & his Marriage; and his death, have been so satisfactorily proven that you have pensioned her under that act; and as you had heretofore granted the benefit of the second section of the Act of 1836 To widows who had proved their cases either under

the 3 rd Section of the act of 1836, or of the act of July 7 th 1838. viz, in the cases of Elizabeth Parker of Tolland County; etc, and of Reuben Grants widow, of Simsbury in Hartford County, and lately of Mary Hill widow of Peleg Hill of Clinton, in Middlesex County Conn. I do not understand why it is required to make the declaration under the act of 1832 when it is exactly the case provided for in the second section of the act of July 4 th 1836.
I thought, Sir, I would not be at the trouble, and expense, of sending to Fairfield and making the widow an additional expense, without asking your attention, for a few moments in reexamining the case: and if you still find there is any important defect in the case; it shall be supplied in the manner you shall require.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Obed Servt. Jesse Charlton.
Honor J L Edwars. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D C

Hartford August 2 nd '45
Dear Sir,
I enclose herewith the application of Thankful Stearns for a Pension and request your attention to it at your earliest convenience.
I am respectfully yours &c J. L. Edwards Esq John M. Wiley Com rs Pensions

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County. Conn
Sept 15 th
1845.
Sir.
I write to save you the trouble of answering my letter of yesterday, in relation to the application of Thankful Sturges, Widow of Benjamin Sturges, of Fairfield. Mr Niles sent me your letter to him of the 9 th instant, in relation the to that case. The Clerk of the Office in Hartford, for paying Pensions stated that he did not find by any of their Books, that Benjamin Sturges had ever received a Pension, though his widow was pensioned for his services, and he died after the passage of the act of June 7 th 1832, viz on the 11 th December 1832: consequently, the widow would be entitled to the allowance to which her husband would be entitled, if he were living from the 4 th of March 1831, to the day of his death: but I find the Clerk was mistaken . They have not any list of the pensioners at an earlier period than at the time the agency was removed from the United States Bank to the Farmers & Mechanics Bank; on winding up that Bank, & its branches. The as president of the Connecticut Branch, sent all their Pension Books , to the Mother Bank in Philadelphia.

I discovered to day, that Benjamin Sturges was an Invalid pensioner, from Oct 1796 ; and I presume it was continued to the day of his death; and I find his pension was increased from time to time until Jan 1826; & the time of his death is there stated, as the widow stated in her Declaration. So that I perceive the widow has no claim .
The mistake has arisen entirely from the misapprehension of the Clerk. The widow or her agent have had no disposition to try to impose a false claim on the Department, as I doubt not you will readily apprehend.
I remain Sir, most respectfully, Your Obedient Servant. Jesse Charlton.
Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

East Windsor Hill, Hartford County, Conn,
Oct 17 th
Sir.
1845.
Some time in July last, the Hon J. M. Niles, transmitted the application of Thankful Sturges, widow of Benjamin Sturges of Fairfield County, Conn, for a Pension under the second section of the act of July 4 th 1836, for so much allowance of Pension as her husband would have been entitled to, under the act of June 7 th 1832, provided he had applied for it in his lifetime.
The case was reported to the Hon Mr Niles Sept 9 th , 1845. I wrote an answer, a few days after, in which I forbore to press the claim, as I found after the papers were sent, that Mr Sturges had been an invalid pensioner .
Since that time, I have again examined the laws, touching her case, and I think it ought not to be abandoned.
Men who had enjoyed invalid pensions for years, applied again under the act of June 7 th 1832, and where the length of time was proved sufficient, received their second pension, without relinquishing the first. Of this I was informed at the Pension Office in Hartford, and their names stated to me.
I have found in my own cases, that the widow of an invalid pensioner can receive no pension for the services of her husband, let his services or sufferings & sacrifices have been ever so severe, if his services were less than six months. And I think that in Doc, 126 chapter 39 the two are represented as not interfering with one another.
Hence I infer, that though Mr Sturges

received an invalid pension to the time of his death, it did not interfere with his right to apply for, and receive a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832; and that, inasmuch as he forbore to apply for it in his life time, it became a vested right of his widow, and that, she has a right to claim it under the second section of the act of July 7 th 1836.
In your letter, Sir, to Mr Niles, to which I have before alluded, you say, "before a certificate can be issued, his widow must make a declaration under the act of June 7 th 1832 in his name, and produce the certificate of a Court of record shewing the day of his death, and that she is still his widow.
I have repeatedly made application for widows under the 2 nd Section of the act of July 4 th 1836, for the amount that would have been granted to the soldier and husband, from March 4 th 1831, to the day of the husband's death; in the same form and manner (I believe) that was observed in this case; and the form has never been objected to before; and the applications have been uniformly allowed. See the case of Content Olmsted widow of Benjamin Olmsted; of Elizabeth Parker, widow of John Parker; of Anna Grant, widow of Reuben Grant, all under the act of July 7 th 1835; and under the Connecticut Agency. In these cases, no other proof was required of the service; the marriage; or the death of the husband; than that which had been filed in the office with

the widows former declaration, where she had been pensioned for the services of her husband, under the act of July 4 th 1836, or July 7 th 1838.
The proof of the services of Benjamin Sturges, for nine months, was allowed to be satisfactory when the pension was granted the widow, under the act of 1838.
The time of his death was also proved, and to this proof, filed in the office, she referred the Commissioner of Pensions, which was all that had been heretofore required in similar cases.
And by referring to the Connecticut Roll of Pensioners, page 4 th , you will find the same date, given to that event; viz Dec r 11 th A 1832.
It does appear to me Sir, if you will reexamine this case with your usual candor, and patience, you will be satisfied that all has been done on the part of the Widow, which is necessary to a clear understanding of the merits of the case, and that there is nothing erroneous in the form, or deficient in the proof.
I am Sir, with great respect, Your Obedient Servant. Jesse Shewlton.
Hon. J. L. Edwards. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.

Southport (Conncil) Nov 6 th 1838
Sir I herewith forward the Pension claim of Mrs Thankful Sturges, the Misnomer therein being corrected as will appear by the doings of the Probate Court — By yours of the 1 st inst it appears that upon the correction of said Misnomer a Pension will be allowed the claimant for Nine Months service, which service I presume is that claimed to have been rendered under Capt Brewster —
Mrs Sturges, from the very nature of the case cannot be supposed to know but little of the services of said Benj n Sturges with any degree of certainty — But it appears to me that her witnesses (who I most fully agree with the magistrate are credible persons) prove more than nine months service and in justice to the claimant I would very respectfully invite your attention again to the service under Capt Godfrey testified to by Mr Nathan L Perry & corroborated by Mr Hovey Sturges and also to the service under Sergt James Bulkley testified to by sd Hovey Sturges — In regard to the service under Capt Godfrey the witness is positive, having served with sd Benj n Sturges, although uncertain as to dates which is natural, and his testimony where he is best known is entitled to credit. The Comptroller's certificate also corroborates said testimony. The Pay of Capt Godfrey was large & although expressed "Bill & Pay Roll Coast Guard Fairfield" must have embraced Terms of Camp & service besides Coast Service — Be pleased to reconsider her claim and if no more can in justice be allowed, she will be content with an allowance for nine months service. I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Thomas Robinson
J L Edwards Esq

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield ss Fairfield I H. D. Blakeman Clerk of the Probate Court within and for the District of Fairfield in said County & State do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Benjamin Sturges of said Fairfield and was an invalid pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety six Dollars per Annum was a resident of said Town of Fairfield in said County and died in said Fairfield in said Fairfield County & State aforesaid in the year A D 1832 on the eleventh day of December That his only surviving children are Rebecca Warren and Sally Osborne residents of said Town of Fairfield & of lawful age and that at his death he left a Widow by the name of Thankful Sturges who died on the Twenty Eighth 28 th day of August A D 1848 In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at said Fairfield this fifth day of August A D 1852
H. D. Blakeman Clerk

State of Connecticut Hampden County Bridgeport August 13 th 1852
J. E. Heath Esq. Comm r . of Pensions
Sir I have rec d your favor relative to the case of the application of the lady of Thankfull Sturges in informing me that her Pension will be raised if I would send a certificate of Probate Court, proving the exact time of her death — Such certificate I herewith send you — Also a like certificate to prove the death of her husband anticipating that when you come to examine the application of sd lady under their father Benjamin Sturges you might require such a certificate, therefore to prevent delay I herewith forward such a certificate —
Also I herewith send you the Supplemental Declaration of Rebecca Garrow to correct an error in her first declaration —
Please send the certificate in each case to me —
Yours Respectfully Isaac Sherman

United States Connecticut District.
To Doctor Uriah Parrack and Doctor Lloyd Seeley both of the Town of Watrous, in Fairfield County, in said district.
Pursuant to an act of Congress of the United States, passed the 2 d of February, 1822, entitled, "an act to receive & continue in force an act entitled "an act to provide for pensions who were dis- abled by known wounds received in the revolutionary War"; you are hereby appointed and authorized to examine Benjamin Sturges, of the Town & County of Fairfield, in said

7 district, who is inscribed on the Pension list of the United States, and is claimant for an increase of pension, conformably to the 5 th section of the act of the 10 th April 1806, revised as aforesaid; and you are to report, in writing, and on oath or affirmation, your opinion of the nature of his disability and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence by manual labor; and in your pro- ceedings in the premises you are to be regulated and governed by said act. Given under my hand and seal at Bridgeport this 15 th day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred & twenty five.
Sam l Lane
District Judge

J 6545.
Re Aug. 6. 1845.

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County, } ss Fairfield.
On this 3 rd day of May  June , A D 1845, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield in the County and State aforesaid; Thankful Sturges, of said Town & district, aged Eighty one 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 second section of the act of Congress passed & approved July 4 th 1836.
That she is the widow of Benjamin Sturges late of said Fairfield, who served as a Soldier in the army of the Revolution; and for whose yes she was pensioned, at the rate of Thirty Dollars per annum. And she further declares, that the said Benjamin Sturges, her husband, was entitled to the benefit of the act of June 7 th 1832 but did not receive the benefit of it during his life time. That he died at said Fairfield on the eleventh day of December 1832: that she then became his Widow, and has continued such, to this time; and has never yet received the benefit of the provisions of the second section of the said act. And as it will save her much trouble and expence, if the Commissioner of Pensions will refer to the proof she sent, with the application she made for the pension she now enjoys, she respectfully request that he would do so. The further proof that may be required she will send with this application. Thankful Sturges mark

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year first written, before said Probate Court; and I am directed by the judge of said court to certify, that he is acquainted with the declarant, and knows her to be the identical person who was pre- sented for the services of her husband the said Benjamin Sturges, and that she still remains his Widow.
In testimony whereof, I Wm. K. Blakeman Clerk of said Probate Court, do hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court at Fairfield, in the district aforesaid on the day and year first written.
Attest Wm. K. Blakeman Clerk

I George M. Hawkins a resident of Fairfield in the District & County of Fairfield, do hereby depose and say; That I am well acquainted with Mrs. Thankful Sturges, now before the Court of Probate, sitting in said district; that I am well knowing to the fact that she was the wife of the late Benjamin Sturges, of this town, and is the said person, who drew a pension for his services, in the Revolutionary War: and who still enjoys said pension: and that she still remains his widow. and furthermore this deponent saith not. George M Hawkins
Sworn to and subscribed before the Court of Probate for the district of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield a State of Connecticut on the 3 rd day of June 1845 and I am directed by the judge of said Court to certify that the deponent is a credible witness known to the Court.
In testimony whereof, I do herunto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, at the time & place last named.
Attest Wm R. Blakeman Clerk

Admitted
Scrap Wood Southport Conn't

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 d February, 1848, entitled "An act making further provision for surviving Widows and Soldiers of the Revolution". State of Connecticut County of Fairfield 3 rd
On this 11 th day of April 1848 personally appeared before me Joseph Alvord a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths Thankful Sturges a resident of the town of Fairfield, in the County of Fairfield, State of Connecticut. Aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is the Widow of Benjamin Sturges who was a Private in the Army in the War of the Revolution; That she received a pension under the Act of 17 th June 1844, at the rate of Thirty dollars per annum.
She further declares that she is still a Widow; Sworn to and subscribed on the _____ her day and year above written. Thankful Sturges Before me mark.
Joseph Alvord justice of the Peace.
I hereby certify that the above Declarant is personally known to me as the Widow of Benjamin Sturges and the same individual who drew a pension as stated in the foregoing declaration.
Joseph Alvord justice of the Peace.

State of Connecticut Fairfield County 3 ss.
I Thomas Robinson, Clerk of the county court within & for the county aforesaid, and keeper of the seal thereof and of the Commissions of the Justices of the Peace for said county, Hereby certify That Joseph Almond Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for said county duly commissioned and acting as such & duly authorized by the laws of this state to administer oaths, and take the acknowledgement of deeds: That his commission is dated the 19 th day of June 1847. & will expire with the 19 th day of June 1848. and I further certify that the within signature purporting to be his, is his genuine Official Signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County court in Norwalk.
This 23 rd day of April 1848 Thomas Robinson Clerk

726
Admit, private $30.
Conn Agency
Send to
Thomas Robinson
Southport
Conn.

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss
On this 15 th day of April 1843 personally appeared before the subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid. Thankful Sturges, a resident of Fair field in the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy nine years, and nearly eighty, 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 on the 3 rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War That she is the widow of Benjamin Sturges deceased who was a private in the Revolutionary War under Capt Brewster on Long Island Sound in the government service, and further lived in other places as she believes - That she received a pension under the act of Congress of July 7, 1838, the annual amount of which was Thirty dollars - She further declares that she is still a widow -
Sworn to and subscribed by Thankful Sturges making her mark the day and year first above written before me. Thomas Robinson Just of Peace
I for the certifying that Thankful Sturges the above named Declaration is well known to me and that from old age & tremblingness of her hand she was unable to write her name - That I know her to be the person who rec d a pension as she has stated. That the word "She, & name" & "I" were duly entered before signing Thomas Robinson Just of Peace word further, also first duly indicated. Thomas Robinson Just of Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT,
County of Fairfield COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
} ss. Bridport
I, William H Noble Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of Fairfield and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby CERTIFY:—
THAT, Thomas Robinson
Esquire
was on the 15 th day of April
184 3 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer OATHS, and take the acknowledgment of DEEDS and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 20 th day of April 184 3
W. H. Noble Clerk.

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss Fairfield
On this 7 th day of April A D 1852
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Fairfield in said County & State aforesaid Rebecca Carew of Fairfield in said County aged sixty five 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 several acts of Congress passed giving pensions to certain Widows of officers and Soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War including the Joint Resolution passed July 1 st 1848 and all other Acts & Resolutions passed by Congress relative to pensioning such Widows.
That said Rebecca Carew & Sally Osborne both residents of the Town of Fairfield in said County, are the only surviving children of the Widow Thankful Sturges deceased a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Thirty Dollars per Annum who was the widow of Benjamin Sturges an a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety Six Dollars per Annum both of which are now dead and were both residents of the Town of Fairfield in said County at the time of their decease that said Rebecca & Sally are both of lawful age -
That said Rebecca Carew claims for her self and said Sally Osborne to be allowed as the only surviving children of said Thankfull Sturges under said Joint Resolution of July 1 st 1848 & said other acts of Congress the amount that said Thankfull Sturges was entitled to at her decease viz. to have her pension raised from thirty Dollars

per annum to ninety six dollars per Annum the amount that her said husband was allowed for his pension viz. from July 1 st 1848 to August 29 th 1848 that being the day of her death. She claims to be allowed for herself & said Sally Osborne the difference between Thirty Dollars & ninety six Dollars per Annum from July 1 st 1848 to August 29 th 1848. That said Thankful Sturges Pension has been drawn at the rate of Thirty Dollars per Annum up to the time of her death viz. to August 29 th 1848. That for evidence of said claim she refers to the pension papers of said Thankful Sturges & said Benjamin Sturges in - at the Pension office in Washington City Sworn to and Subscribed for proof of her death she before said Court on } also refers to her Pension the day and year before papers, at Washington City. written Attest Thomas Bloome Judge Rebecca Carr
I. Arthur D. Osborne Clerk of the aforesaid Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Rebecca Carr for an increase of Thankful Sturges Pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of office this 7 th day of April A.D. 1852. Also I further certify that satisfactory evidence has been produced to said Court that said Rebecca Carr & Sally Osborne are of lawful age & are the only surviving children of said Thankful Sturges in - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Fairfield this Seventh day of April A.D. 1852.
Arthur D. Osborne Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield.

State of Connecticut - County of Fairfield ss Fairfield On this 5 th day of August A D 1852 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for the District of Fairfield in the County & State aforesaid Rebecca Careen a resident of said Fairfield in said County aged Sixty five Years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Supplemental Declaration to her first Declaration dated April 7 th 1852 relative to raising the Pension of her mother Thankful Sturges and That She now makes this Supplemental Declaration for the purpose of correcting a mistake in said Declaration wherein she stated that said Thankful Sturges died on the twenty ninth day of August A D 1848. which mistake She now hereby corrects by substituting the twenty eighth day of August A D 1848 in lieu of the 29 th day of August A D 1848 - That she now states that the twenty eighth day of August A D 1848 is the exact time of the death of the said Thankful Sturges as - Sworn to and subscribed before said Court on the day and date above specified Rebecca Careen In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at said Fairfield this fifth — day of August A D 1852
C. A. Plakeman Clerk

State of Connecticut - County of Fairfield ss Fairfield J. C. Blakeman Clerk of the Probate Court within and for the District of Fairfield in said County & State do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Thankful Sturges late of said Fairfield ss; was a pensioner of the United States on the roll of the Connecticut agency at the rate of Thirty Dollars per Annum was a resident of said Town of Fairfield in said Fairfield County and died in said Fairfield in said County & State aforesaid in the year A. D. 1848 on the 28 th day of August That her only surviving children are Rebecca Gavey and Sally Osborne residents of said Town of Fairfield & of lawful age
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at said Fairfield this fifth day of August A. D. 1852 (and I further certify that Blakeman in the second line from the top was interlined before signing)
J. C. Blakeman Clerk