Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20412, for Asa Lay, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Lay, Asa Sarah
N. 20412
{ B.L.W. 1253-300 capt. Issued July 7, 1792, to Jonas Prentice assignee. No papers.
CONTENTS

1885. April 3 rd The two Com- munications of John Lay, handed to Mrs. Ben. Hawley, by the Commissioner in person 1885 July 19 E. Elizabeth Lay with history & commission prior to 1836. 2 nd & 3 rd Capt. as 1885 Hon. J. B. Hawley, rough within 7-18 J.E.B.
Connecticut 94 Sarah Lay widow of Isa Lay deceased Middlesex in the State of Connec. who was a Captain in the Company commanded Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by _____ in the _____ line for 2 yrs
Enscribed on the Roll of Cont at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Octo 1836 and sent to Wright Killingsworth Clk
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $2640.00 Pensional allowance ending 4 Mar 37 240.00 $2880.00
204 July
Revolutionary Claim, } for June 7, 1832. } ed by _____ Clerk,

L388 N o 352
Oct. 12, 1836. Pension office
A
4 July 36
Captain Col.
Admiral
Captain 2 years $480
David Wright Esq. Killingworth Penns.

State of Connecticut, Middlesex County ss.
On this 26 th day of September A D 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in said Middlesex County being a Court of record established as such by the laws of the State of Connecticut aforesaid, Sarah Lay resident in the town of Saybrook in said Middlesex County in said 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 benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 1 st 1836. That she is the widow of Asa Lay who was drafted or enlisted in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary war at the commencement of the war of the Revolution, and went to Roxbury in Massachusetts. I cannot tell the name of the Captain or Colonel he enlisted under or was drafted. He served in the Army of the United States in several grades of Office until the Continental Army was raised, in which he enlisted. That he was soon appointed Corporal. then a Sergeant then Adjutant in Colonel John Dyer's Regiment. That he acted as Adjutant in said Regiment in the battle at White-plains. That he continued in the Army and received a Lieutenant's Captain's Commission and a Captain's Commission herewith transmitted to the Secretary of War. And that during the time

he was in the Army or navy of the Revolution, he was made and detained a prisoner of war at or near New York about two years.
She further declares that she was married to the said Asa Lay on the 18 th day of April Seventeen hundred and Seventy, that her husband the aforesaid Asa Lay died on the 23 rd day of February 1814; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed, Sarah Lay
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Me David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss.
On this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex aforesaid Sarah Lay to me well known who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration or affidavit by her subscribed are true, and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Sarah Lay, that she is a woman of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and Office the day and year last abovenmentioned David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June A D 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June A D 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the Probate District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 26 th day of September A D 1836 Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

State of Connecticut. Middlesex County ss.
I Jeremiah Miller of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut Pastor of the Third Presbyterian or Congregational Church and Congregation in the town of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex aforesaid of lawful age depose and say that I find on the Parish or Church record for said Society or Church among the marriages made by the Reverend John Dewey former Pastor of said Church and Congregation that on the 18 th day of April One thousand seven hundred and seventy six Say was married to Sarah Woolcott that I am acquainted with Sarah Say widow of said Say deceased and that her statements are entitled to full credit
Jeremiah Miller
Sworn and subscribed at Hillingworth this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 before David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hillingworth
State of Connecticut. Middlesex County ss.
On this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 personally appeared Jeremiah Miller who being by me duly sworn deposes and swears that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true, and that I am well acquainted with the said Jeremiah Miller that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit
For testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name the day and year last abovenoted
David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Hillingworth

State of Connecticut. Middlesex County ss. I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 3 rd day of June A D 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June A D 1837, and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the Probate District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 26 th day of September 1836
Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

State of Connecticut. Middlesex County ss.
I Stephen Lay of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that I am a son of Asa Lay and Sarah Lay and that I was brought up in their family and that my father Asa Lay died on the day mentioned in my mother's declaration aforesaid and that I have ever resided in the dwelling house formerly owned by my father Asa Lay and know that my mother Sarah Lay remains unmarried and a widow of my honored father Asa Lay deceased and that I have ever lived in the house with my mother Sarah Lay. That the Commission herewith transmitted to the Secretary of war came into my possession with other papers and documents belonging to the said Asa Lay deceased as Executor on the last will and Testament of the said Asa Lay deceased. Stephen Lay Sworn and subscribed this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 before Me David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
State of Connecticut. Middlesex County ss.
On this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 personally appeared Stephen Lay who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true, and that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the day and year last above mentioned.
David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Connecticut, Middlesex County ss
I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified, that his commission was dated on the 3 d day of June A D 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June A D 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the Probate District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 26 th day of September A D 1836 Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

State of Connecticut, Middlesex County ss.
I John Chittenden of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged 78 years depon and say that I know that Asa Say of Saybrook, deceased served in the Revolutionary war, that since the peace or the settlement between the British government and the United States took place, I resided near him, and know, and am well acquainted with the widow of the said Asa Say and know that Sarah Say widow of the said Asa Say even since the death of her husband, Asa Say deceased has been and still remains the widow of the said Asa Say deceased. Sworn and subscribed this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 before Me John Chittenden David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth. State of Connecticut, Middlesex County ss.
On this 26 th day of September A.D. 1836 personally appeared John Chittenden who being by me duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed are true, and that I am well acquainted with the said John Chittenden that he is a man of truth and whose statements are entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name and office the day and year last above mentioned.
David Wright Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth

State of Connecticut Middlesex County ss. I Jeremiah Hull Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that David Wright is a Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified; that his com- mission was dated on the 3 rd day of June A D 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth in the County and State aforesaid this 26 th day of September A D 1836 Jeremiah Hull Clerk.

Honorable Lewis Cass.
Please to direct any communication you make in reply to the within to David Wright Esqr. Killingsworth.
2400 240 2640

Northfield Conn.
May 1 st 1885.
To whom it may concern,
This certifies that Capt. F. W. Spencer the signer of one of the accompanying papers was executor of the will of Miss Lucy W. Lacy of Westbrook, lately deceased, the latest survivor of the chil- dren of Col. Asa Lacy, and with Miss Una E. Lacy, the inheritor of his homestead; also that said Miss Una E. Lacy is undoubtedly the proper person to receive the papers asked for. She is the author of several small volumes, and of many poems — some of them well known — signed E. L. E., and is preparing

a sketch of Col. Day for the family, (and also one for a History of Middlesex County) which is of great interest historically as well as to the family in particular.
Edward C. Starr Pastor Cong. Ch. Northfield.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Asa Say a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     X 1776 Corpl. & Sgt. Officers not stated Conn.   May 12, 1780 Adjutant John Ely   Aug 28, 1780 Captain-Lieutenant 6 th Regt of   Captain 4 th Regt of   during said service he was a prisoner of war for about 2 yrs.  
Battles engaged in, White Plains
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, Sept 16, 1836. Her claim was al
Residence at date of application, Saybrook Conn.
Age at date of application, 83 -
Remarks: She was born in 1749. Apr 18 1770 Sarah Woolcott of Saybrook Conn. He d. Feb 23, 1824. Children Lucy W. and Stephen, who had a daughter Emma Elizabeth. no further family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Guilford, Conn., Apr. 29 th , 1885.
To whom it may concern — United States Pension Office, Washington, D.C.: —
I am very desirous to obtain certain papers — if it may be al- -lowed — that have been, since 1826, in the Pension Office.
These papers pertain to Asa Lay of Ledyard, Connecticut, a Captain in the Revolutionary Army.
I am a granddaughter of said Asa Lay; and at this date no near relative of his is living. I am collecting all the information I can find respecting his military career, in order to prepare an histori- cal narrative for his family.
Through his son, Stephen Lay, my father, I have inherited the principal part of Capt. Lay's papers. Capt. Lay's latest remaining child,

Lucy W. Lay, died last year; and in the distribution of her effects such papers as she had held that had belonged to, or pertained to her father, were given to me.
There is no question - so I have reason to believe - that all the descendants of Asa Lay would be glad to have the Pension papers in my possession.
That part of Lyndeborough where Asa Lay lived has been a separate town - Westbrook - since 1840.
I should be glad to receive the papers, or any necessary com- -munication concerning the matter at my present address.
Respectfully, Miss, Ursula E. Lay, Care John L. Starr, Guilford,
P.S.: In the accompanying document from the Probate Office Capt. Lay is mentioned by his militia title Colonel - as he was known in later years.

File in Coe
Capt
Asa Lay
Revolutionary War
Wid file 20 412

X Guilford, Conn., July 20 th , 1885.
To John A. Black - Commissioner in Pension Office, Washington: -
Sir; I have this day re- -ceived from the Pension Office the original commissions of Lieut., Capt., and Captain, that be- -longed to my grandfather, Asa Lay, of the army of the Revolution. With the commissions is also a copy of such items of Capt. Lay's military history as you could make out from the papers pertaining to him in the Pension Office. For all which you will please ac- -cept my thanks. Respectfully, E. J. Elizabeth Lay.

Westbrook April 29 th 1885-
This certifies that we Fredine W. Spencer and George C. Moore of Westbrook are well acquainted with Anne E. Lay the applicant for certain favors from the Pension Office and know her to be the daughter of Stephen Lay, and the granddaughter of Col. Asa Lay both now deceased, and we fully believe that any courtesy granted or favor conferred will be worthily bestowed, and that the said applicant will not ask for or receive any document that will deprive any other person of their rights or privileges, and we further certify that it is a pleasure to assist her in this effort well believing that only such use will be made of any paper she may receive as will largely conduce to the interest of her relations and friends, and in our opinion she is the proper person to receive, and will make the best use of what she may obtain from the Pension Office -
F. W. Spencer George C. Moore Probate Judge.

PENSION OFFICE. JUL 16 1885

Ms. 02.42 Div. N.E.R. Ex'r. No. Co. _____ Reg't _____
Return this letter with your reply.
Washington, D.C. July 10 th 1885
Madam:-
In response to the personal request of Hon. Joseph K. Hawley, I herewith enclose copies of two commissions as Captain Lieutenant and Captain respectively in the Connecticut Line, Revolutionary War, which were conferred upon Asa Gray. The originals will be forwarded to you upon the return of the copies, with the receipt endorsed thereon dated and signed by yourself.
The commissions are the only papers which are not essential to the case, and therefore the only ones which can be returned. But should you desire it copies of such of the statements made by Captain Gray as will be of interest to you will be furnished.
Very respectfully,
M c E. McLean
Acting Commissioner.
m
Miss Annie E. Gray, c/o John S. Starr, Guilford, Conn.

U.S. PENSION OFFICE JUL 16 1885

Guilford, Conn., July 13 th , 1885.
Mr. M c Lean -
Sir: -
I herewith return the papers received from you on the 11 th inst..
The Commissions I should like as family keepsakes. What I more particularly desire is the information contained in the statements to which your letter refers. I am preparing a narrative sketch of Capt. Lay for his family; and I should be glad of any incidents, or dates, or names of places with which his life as a sold-

in was connected. If you can send me a copy of anything, however trivial, of this sort, I should be greatly obliged to you. Capt. Lay was born in 1749, but I miss the month and day of his birth. If that should hap- pen to be on your papers, be so good as to give it to me.
If there is any charge for this copying you will please apprise me.
I suppose it is your consequence in that place, but it happens that my name in your letter was not quite correct.
Very respectfully,
E. Elizabeth Lay.

P.S. It has occurred to me this moment that the mistake in my name may have come from the paper written by the Probate Judge of Westport. I do not remember how he spelled the first name, if he gave it at all. Of course my own signature is the correct spelling.

Commissioned of Pensions.
Rev Dear Sir; -
Will you kindly send me the military history of Barnabas Hill and I think he was born 1756. Also would like very much the military record of Colonel Asa Lacy , born 1749 died 1814 - W 20412
Being a descendant of both the above and

anxious to leave such papers as you can send me and thank you in advance for the kindness sincerely yours M. Elizabeth Hilliard 50 Chestnut Street Salem New Jersey
March the 29 th 1921

Hall -
Sir:-
In response to your personal request that certain papers in the pension claim of her mother grandfather, Asa Lay, be furnished to Miss Eunice E. Lay of Guilford, Conn., I have the honor to advise you that two Commissions as captain Lieutenant and captain, respectively, in the Connecticut Line, Revolutionary War have been sent her, with such extracts from the statements

2/11/80
of the widow of Asa Lay, (Capt. Lay did not survive to make a claim) and such data from other records as would be of interest to her.
Beside the commis- sions, the only papers in the claim are the proofs of the widow's title to pen- sion, which cannot, in any case, be returned to claim- ants or their heirs.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner Hon. Joseph K. Hawley Hartford, Conn.

Madam:-
In response to the personal request of Hon. Joseph R. Hawley, I here- with enclose copies of two commissions as captain Lieutenant and captain in the Conn. Line, Revolutionary War, respectively, which were conferred upon Asa Lay.
The originals will be for- warded to you upon the return of the copies, with the receipt endorsed thereon filled up , dated and signed by yourself.
The commissions are the only papers which are

2/
not essential to the case, and therefore the only ones and essential which can be returned. But should you desire copies of such of the statements made by Captain Lay as will be of interest to you will be fur- nished.
Very respectfully,
Miss Missie E. Lay, c/o John S. Starr, Guilford, Conn.
Conn

Key
WIDOW, &c.
1921, apl. 23 hist 6-7m. Elizabeth Hilliard En
File No. 20412  Sarah Laz  widow of  Ada Laz  Waukesha Wis.  Act July 4 th 36  Index: Vol. 21 , Page 422
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Guilford, Conn.,
July, 11 th , 1885.
Received the original commission of which the within is a copy. _____
I am.
a lineal descendant of Asa Lay the soldier, — a daughter of his son, Stephen Lay.
Eunice Elizabeth Lay.

Seal The United States of America In Congress Assembled
To Asa Gray Esquire — Greeting. Whereas, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity. Do by these presents constitute and appoint you, to a Captain Lieutenant of the Sixth Connecticut Regiment — in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such — from the 10 day of May 1780 — ; You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Captain Lieutenant — by doing and performing all manner of things thereto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Captain Lieutenant — And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board Attest Ben Stoddert
Witness his Excellency Sam l Huntington Esq. President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 5 th day of September 1780, and in the fifth — year of our Independence. Secretary of the Board of War. Sam. Huntington, President.
I certify that this is a correct copy Thos. M c Clusky Chief Do. V. A. Div.
Apr 3/85.
* The Commission is torn here, and the word supposed to be "thereto".

Bulford, Conn., July 11 th 1885.
Received the original commission of which the within is a copy.
I am _____ a lineal descendant of Asa Lay the soldier, a daughter of his son, Stephen Lay. Emma Elizabeth Lay.

The United States of America In Congress Assembled. To All to Lay bequeire ————— Greeting. The Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidel- ity. Do by these presents constitute and appoint you, to be a cap- tain in the fourth Connecticut Regiment ————— in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such ————— from the 24 th day of August 1780 —————; You are therefore carefully and dili- gently to discharge the duty of a captain ————— by doing and performing all manner of things thereinunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, un- der your command, to be obedient to your orders, as captain ————— And you are to observe and follow such orders and di- rections, from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Com- mander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress foremen- tioned, or a Committee of the States.
Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board Attest Jos. Carlton Secretary of the Board of War.
Witness his Excellency Thos. M c Kean Esq r . President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 20 th day of October ————— 1781, and in the sixth ————— year of our Independence. —————
Thos. M c Kean. President
I certify that this is a correct copy W m H. Writtle Chief DW. & N. Div.
Apr 3/85.

Yours of 13 th inst is rec d returning the copies of the Commission of Asa Day  as Capt Lt in the 6 th Cont nt regt & as Capt in the 4 th Cont nt regt in the Rev l war, with your endorsement thereon & the original of the same are herewith enclosed. - In response to your request for a history of the services of the above officer for a family record, it is proper to state that he having died in 1814 before the passage of a law granting pension for service in the Rev l war, there is no statement of them on file made by him, but the following account has been taken from the application of his widow for a pension -
It is widow Sarah in Sept 1836 was residing in Saybrook Conn aged 78 years & states that her husband "was drafted or enlisted into the army of the revolution at the commencement of the war & went to Roxbury (Mass) I cannot tell the name of the Col or Bde he enlisted under - He served in several grades of office until the Continental Army was raised (organized from & after Jan y 1. 1777) in which he enlisted - That he was appointed Corporal, then Sergt, then adj in Colo John Ely regt, that he acted as adj in said Regt in the battle of White Plains (Oct 28. 1776) & continued in the army & rec d a Lt Capt Comp y (in the 6 th Cont nt regt) & Capt Comp y (in 4 th Cont nt regt) "During the time he was in the Army, he was made & detained prisoner of war at or near NY about 2 years" He was married by Rev d John Durdick April 18. 1770 to Sarah Woolcott which was recorded in the 3 rd Presbyterian or Congregational Church of Saybrook Conn. In Sept 1836 Stephen Day of Saybrook Conn. testifies that he "is a son of Asa & Sarah Day & I was bro t up in their family" & "have ever resided in the dwelling house formerly owned by my father" with my mother Sarah Day & "the Comp y herewith transmitted came into my possession with other papers & documents belonging to Asa Day, as Executor of his last will & Testament" -
This office has but few scattered papers & documents relating to the Cont nt forces before Jan y 1. 1777 when the Continental establishment was organized, & cannot, therefore furnish any information of his service, other than the widow's statement prior to that date - As a general rule the enlistment of the troops that participated in the Siege of Boston expired in Dec r 1775. The longest term of the enlistments early in 1776 was for 6 & 12 months & it is very probable that the service which is  ended by Day, alluded to by the widow as in Colo Ely regt was all prior to Jan y 1. 1777 for he is rec d in the military returns after that date as at by Jan 1. 1777 in Capt Elisha Ely Co in Colo Relson's Mtn. How regt promoted Capt Aug t 28, 1780 & may have succeeded Capt Ely as he rec d Aug t 28, 1780 but not what Col l com d the regt at the time is unknown for there was a consolidated Co & Regt in 1778 & owing to the frequent consolidations & changes in Co & Regt

particularly in 1778 & 1780 also in 1780 - Capt. Lay is reported as having resigned Oct 30, 1782 but there are reasons for believing he did not resign as he received the benefits of the law passed by the Continental Congress in favor of those officers who served to the end of the war & who became Superannuated.
This is a copy of a letter sent to Col. [?]