Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15481, for Samuel Johnson, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Johnson, Samuel
S 15481
CONTENTS
carded

Connecticut 17/4/15.
Samuel Johnson
of Tolland Co. in the State of Connecticut... who was a Private in the Comp'y. commanded by Captain Heath, of the Reg't - commanded by Col. Chapman, in the Cont. line for 11 mo. 8 days.
$ 37. 55 / 100
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut. at the rate of 37. Dollars 55. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18. day of Sept. 1833 and sent to John Proler 2 d North Woodstock, Ct. Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833. 93.98 Pension allowance ending Jan 31. 18.77.
$112.75
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. H. Palmer, Clerk, Book E. Vol. three & Page 21.

State of Connecticut } County of Tolland } ss. Willington
On this 18 th day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before the court of Probate for the District of Tolland in the County of Tolland aforesaid & State aforesaid now sitting - Present Jeremiah Durick Esq. Judge holding said Court Samuel Johnson a resident of the town of Willington in the District County State aforesaid - aged eighty 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 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 -
1 st term - Immediately upon the alarm occasioned by the battle at Lexington about the 20 th of April 1775 I volunteered with the principal part of the Militia of said town of Willington - and we marched with all speed to Roxbury Massachusetts and I continued there and in that vicinity in the service about eighteen days and performed all the duty required of me - on fatigue & on guard &c - I belonged to a company commanded by Capt Ebenezer Heath Solomon Olcott Lieut. Jonathan Parker Ensign in Col. Samuel Chapman's Reg t - Stephen Moulton Lieut. Col. L t Col. Moulton was with us during this term and commanded the Reg t - after serving about 18 days we were discharged & returned home to P. Willington
2 d term - Sometime in the month of May 1775 very soon after returned from the last term I enlisted at said Willington into the service into a company of State Troops for seven months - The officers of said company were Capt. Solomon Willey of Tolland Jonathan Parker of P. Willington 1 st Lieut. Samuel Fell of Somers 2 d Lieut. Noah Chapin of Somers Ensign - We belonged to a Reg t commanded by Col. or Genl. Joseph Spencer Samuel Wyllys Lieut. Col. Major Ono & Major Meigs - I was enlisted by S d Lieut. Parker - We marched immediately to Roxbury Mass. I were there stationed performing all the duties required - I was at P. Roxbury at the time of Bunker Hill battle - I continued stationed there until my term expired - But the request of the Officers I continued in the service twenty days longer -

in order to have new recruits come in and supply our places before we left the service making seven months & twenty days - I was then discharged, and returned to said Willington -
3 d Town - On the 16 th day of August 1776 the Reg t of Militia to which I then belonged was all ordered out or drafted for a tour of duty - There was no particular time stated for us to serve as I then under stand - we marched immediately for New York City - We went to New Haven by land then to New York City by water - I belonged to a company commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Heath John Johnson Ensign - I believe we had no Lieut. with us - Our Reg t was commanded by Col. Samuel Chapman Stephen Moulton Lieut. Col. Elijah Fenton Major we were stationed in New York & continued there until the British Army landed & entered the City - Our Army retreated here were pursued by the British to Harlem Heights - we there erected a Breastwork - were stationed there until discharged - In our retreat Lieut. Col. Moulton was taken prisoner - I was discharged at Harlem Heights returned home to Willington where I arrived about the 10 th of November - having served in this tour nearly three months - The Officers under whom I served I believe to be all dead - And I have no other proof of my services except the depositions herewith transmitted - And have no knowledge of any more that I could obtain
In answer to the interrogatories put by the Com ee - I was born in the town of Lebanon, in that part of the said town which is now the town of Columbia in said Lolland County June 21 st 1752 I have no record of my age - when I was about four years old my father moved to P. Willington where I have resided ever since - I was called into the service as herein stated - I saw Gen. Putnam at Roxbury & at New York And I do not recollect anything than what are named here in I never received any written discharge
I am known to Daniel Hazen & Hiram Dyer Esq s of said Willington who can testify to my character for veracity & their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution. I hereby

relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity ex- cept the present And declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any Organcy of any State -
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Samuel Johnson
We Daniel Hazin & Hiram Riden both residing in the town of Willington Tolland County, Connecticut - hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mr. Samuel Johnson who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration - that we believe him to be eighty years of age that he is situated & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution & that we concur in that opinion. & that he is a man of veracity - Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Daniel Hazin
Hiram Riden
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories pre- scribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Daniel Hazin & Hiram Riden Esq. who have signed the preceding certificate - both residents in the town of Willington in Tolland County are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit - And the Court further finds that Nathan Jennings & Asa Fenton the deponents whose deposi- tions have been exhibited here in Court & accompany this declaration are also credible persons & that their statements are entitled to credit pass. by the Court J. Howland Atk.
Joseph Howland Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Tolland do hereby certify that the foregoing containing the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Johnson of Willington in Tolland County for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 18 th day of August A.D. 1832 J. Howland Clerk

Hertford May 27 th 1833
This may certify that Joseph Howard Esq., who has placed his name as clerk to the fore- going papers is clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Holland; Wm W. Ellsworth
Reg. 52 16

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 Samuel Johnson , 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. S. 15481.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 20. 1775 18 days. Pvt. Ebenezer Heath. Samuel Chapman Conn.   May. 1775 7 mos. 20 days Solomon Miller Joseph Spencer   Aug 16 1776 3 mos. Ebenezer Heath Samuel Chapman        
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Wellington, Tolland Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 18. 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Wellington, Tolland Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, born in Lebanon, Tolland Co. Conn. June 21. 1752.
Remarks: no family data
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

15481 INVALID.
File No. 15481
Samuel Johnson
Pri Rev Wm
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 197
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Jan'y. 25 '99.
A. E. Johnson,
Denver, Colo.
1915. Sept 20: History to Mrs.
Flora B. Hedrick M. B. H.
1923 Aug. 15 Hist: to Wm. E. Johnson 1919

General Johnson
used
✓
J. H. H. 2 o Present

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Johnson which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? CVO See page 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Vo See quon 16
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

State of Connecticut County of Tolland
ss. Clerk, office
I Jeremiah Pausk Clerk of Tolland County Court do hereby certify that Origen Dinsmore Esq before whom the within affidavit of Samuel Johnson was on the 29th day of May instant taken & sworn is a Justice of Peace in sd Tolland County legally appointed & authorized to administer oaths & take depositions out of Court and that the signature to the foregoing Certificate purporting to be sd Justice Dinsmore, I believe to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 30th day of May A D 1833
Jeremiah Pausk Clerk

Personally Appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for Tolland County in the State of Connecticut Samuel Johnson of Willington in said Tolland County who being duly sworn - Deposeth and saith that I served not less than the period mentioned below in the army of the Revolution and war the following glades - I did actual service as Private Soldier for the term of eleven - months and eight days and for such service, I claim a pension - Samuel Johnson
Tolland County ss Willington May 29 th 1833
Origen Armstrong Justice of Peace

Wathen January,
Left - Ber -
Samuel Johnson
April 78 - 18 th
May 78 - 7.20 -
6.

I Nathan Linnings of Willington in the county of Tolland and State of Connecticut being seventy seven years of age the 29 th day of August Inst do do testify and say - that I was born in said Willington and have always lived in said Willington except about ten years from the age of six to sixteen. I have been well acquainted with Mr Samuel Johnson of said Willington ever since before the revolutionary war - we belonged to the same company of militia - that some time in the month of April 1775 immediately after the alarm at Lexington - I volunteered with the principal part of the company and marched to Roxbury Mass. and continued in the service about eighteen or twenty days - Capt Ebenezer Heath of said Willington commanded the company - Solomon Olcott was Lieutenant and Jonathan Parker Ensign - I further testify that the said Samuel Johnson volunteered at the same time and marched with me to Roxbury and continued in the service with me most of the time I served - I believe he left a day or two before I did - I returned to said Willington and some time in the month of May 1775 - I enlisted into a company of State Troops - for seven months - Capt Solomon Wills of Tolland in said county commanded said company - Jonathan Parker of said Willington was first Lieutenant. Samuel Felt of Somers in said county 2 nd Lieutenant and Noah Chapin of said Somers Ensign. The said Samuel Johnson enlisted at the same time I did and for the same term of time - We marched together from said Willington

to Roxbury Mass. - and was there stationed served out the term of our enlistment together and continued in the service about twenty days longer before we were discharged waiting for new recruits to come in - we were then discharged and said Johnson returned to said Wellington I being sick did not return until a few days after said Johnson - said Johnson performed his duty as a good and faithful soldier during the Campaign - We belonged to a Regiment commanded by Col. or Gen. Joseph Spencer Samuel Wyllys Lieut. Col. Maj. Eno and Maj. Meigs. Majors - their Christian names I do not recollect - I further testify that in the summer and fall of 1776 - I was in New York City having enlisted for one year belonged to a Company commanded by Capt Abraham Tyler - Col. led which Huntingtons Regiment I well recollect seeing the said Samuel Johnson in New York in the Militia several times - being old acquaintance I called at his quarters and he at mine - And further saith not - Dated at Wellington the 2 nd day of August A 1832 - - Patience Jennings

State of Connecticut
Tolland County ss Wilmington Aug. 2 nd 1832
Personally appeared Mr Nathan Jennings and made solemn oath that the within deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me John Fitch Justice Peace
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the character of said Jennings, that he is a man of truth & his testimony is entitled to full credit before me John Fitch Justice Peace
State of Connecticut County of Tolland
s.s. County Clerk's Office
I Jeremiah Parish Clerk of Tolland County Court do hereby certify that John Fitch Esq. before whom the foregoing Deposition of Nathan Jennings was taken and authenticated on the 2 nd day of August 1832 was then & still is a justice of Peace in said Tolland County, legally appointed & authorized to administer oaths & take depositions & that his signature to the above certificate is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 30 th day of May 1833
Jeremiah Parish Clerk

8379
Admnd
11. mo. 8 ds. pri
36. 66
89
39. 55

I Asa Fenton of Willington in the County of Tolland and State of Connecticut being Eighty four years of age-do testify and say that I was born in s d Willington and have always lived in said Willington that I have been well acquainted with Mr Samuel Johnson ever since we were boys - we belonged to the same company of militia during the revolutionary war that some time in the month of April 1775 imme- -diately after the alarm at Lexington I volunteered with the principal part of said company and marched to Roxbury Massachusetts - and continued in the service about 17 or 18 days - Capt Ebenezer Heath of said Willington commanded the company - Solomon Bleott was Lieut. and Jonathan Park Ensign I further say that the said Samuel Johnson volun- -teered at the same time and marched with me to Roxbury and continued in the service with me the whole term that I served - I returned to said Willington and some time in the month of May 1775 - I enlisted into a company of State Troops for seven months - commanded by Capt Solomon Wells of Tolland in said County - Jonathan Park of said Willington first Lieutenant Samuel Felt of Somers in said County 2 d Lieutenant and Noah Chapin of said Somers Ensign - The said Samuel Johnson enlisted at the same time I did - and for the same term of time - we marched together from said Willington to Roxbury Mass. and was there stationed served out the term of our enlistment together and continued in the service about twenty days longer - before we were

discharged. waiting for new recruits to come in - We were then discharged and said Johnson returned in company with me to said Willington. said Johnson performed his duty as a good and faithful soldier - We belonged to a Regiment commanded by Colo. - Gen. Joseph Spencer Samuel Wyllys Lieut. Colo. Maj. Ens. and Maj. Mizz Majors - I do not recollect their Christian Names - I further testify that on the 16 th day of August 1776 - I was drafted for a tour of duty in the Militia - The said Samuel Johnson was drafted at the same time - and on said 16 th day of August - we left said Willington together and marched to New Haven Connecticut - our Company was commanded by Capt Ebenezer Heath - John Johnson Ensign - had no Lieut. with us - our Regiment was commanded by Col. Samuel Chapman - Stephen Moulton Lieut. Colo. - and Elijah Root Major - from New Haven we went by water to New York City - said Johnson continued with me in New York until about the middle of September - when I went to New Jersey - with the sick - and said Johnson remained in New York when my time was out. I had notice from my Capt that I was released - and I came home & found that said Johnson had returned a few days before and further saith not (Dated at Willington the 2 nd day of August A D 1832 A. H. Peaston

One Trenton deposition for Samuel Johnson
April 75 18 24 May 75 7.20 Aug-76- 3.00
6-

State of Connecticut
Tolland County ss. Wittington Aug 2nd 1832 Personally appeared Mr. Asa Herron and made solemn oath that the within deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth Before Me John Litch Jur. Pease
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the character of Mr. Herron, that he is a man of truth & his testimony is entitled to full credit - John Litch Jur. Pease
Mr. Herron's deposition for Samuel Johnson, Jr. April 1, 75 - 18 May 75 - 7.20 Aug 76 - 3.00 6-

1013 Farmington Ave.,
West Hartford, Conn.
Department of the Interior,
July 6, 1923.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Sirs:-
Will you kindly furnish me the Military History of Samuel Johnson who served in the Revolutionary War under Capt. Heath of Conn. He was a pensioner and was living in Tolland, Conn. in 1832.
Respectfully,
W. E. Johnson
William E. Johnson.

1121 Rev. Soc
622 N. 113 St.
Apt. 53-
Pension Bureau
Dear Sir, -
Will you please send me a copy of the pension record of Samuel Johnson of Tolland Co., Conn.

who die 1832 and 1840 was residing in Dolland Co.
Thanking you for your Courtesy, I am Resp't.
(Mrs.) Flora B. Aldrich - Sept. 10 th 1915.
P.S. I know he died a pension - (over)

Also Pension Record 10925- N.Y. Agency Service Mass.
Wm  Johnson who applied for pension 1826 residence at that time Hudson N.Y. aged 68.
F.B.a.
✓

17745

THE COLORADO MILLING AND ELEVATOR COMPANY.
MANUFACTURERS OF ROLLER PROCESS FLOUR & WHOLESALE DEALERS IN GRAIN & FEED.
Denver, Colorado Dec. 27 1898
The Commission of Pensioners Washington, D. C. Gentlemen:-
I am making application for membership in the society of the "Sons of the American Revolution" and I think your pension records have information which it is impossible for me to get elsewhere. I therefore take the liberty of addressing you regarding same and trust you will be able to assist me in gaining the desired information.
My great-grandfather Samuel Johnson enlisted from Wellington, Conn. in April 1775. and in the census of 1840 he appears as drawing a pension from the U.S. government. I am anxious to know the date and place of his birth and date and place of death. In 1840 he was living in Holland, Conn. I would also be glad to have the records

THE COLORADO MILLING AND ELEVATOR COMPANY.
MANUFACTURERS OF ROLLER PROCESS FLOUR & WHOLESALE DEALERS IN GRAIN & FEED.
Denver, Colorado.
189
Of his service in the Revolution, and any information as to his parentage which your office might possess. I shall consider it a favor if you can render me assistance in this matter and trust you will not think that I am asking too much. Enclosed find stamp for reply.
Please address any communication to H. E. Johnson, c/o J. K. Mullen Denver, Colo.
Very Respectfully Yours H. E. Johnson