Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9,928, for Joel Marchant, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Marchant, Joel Molly
N. 9928
B.L.M. 26724-160-55
CONTENTS

4880. Connecticut Molly Marchant. widow of Joel Marchant who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 35 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of June 1849. and sent to
Dame Sherman Bridgeport Ch
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 303 , Vol. 1
1066555-127

69. 170 - act Mar 3/55
April 14/55
Molly Marchant widow Feb. Marchant pri
Capt
Revolutionary
Pensioner
Conn Feb 48 - 4880
Willams Mch 17/57
Bryant
AS
Samuel Sanford Redding Conn.
Ch. S. Sanford. Oct 17/55, Oct 11, Nov 13/55
Vol M1 - page 18.

see letter to Hon. G. Tomlinson Feb. 6. 1835
Order to pay Allen 27, 1837 to Hon. J. W. Huntington Dec. 11. 1844
17.266 Connecticut
Joel Marchant of Reading in the State of Conn who was a Pri in the Conn commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg commanded by Col Beebe in the Conn Militia 10 1/2 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 35 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Augt 33. and Cent. Year of Tomlinson, Fairfield Ct Arrears to the 1st of March 33. $ 70 50 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 11 1 7 50 $ 87 50
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by C. D. Russell Clerk.
Book E Vol. 3 Page 27

Joeb Marchants Book Bought January 9 th A D 1802 In the fortieth year of my age and the thirty sixth of Molly my wife who was Married March 17 th A D 1790 and Had a Daughter Born December the 17 th A D 1790 whom we called Clarry
And Had another daughter the th Twenty seventh day of January 1794 whom we called Betty.
And On the 9 th day of June, 1797 we had a Son whom we called Corter
and on the 17 day of December 1799 We Had Another Son whom we called Asion
and on the 1 day of August 1806 We Had Another Son whom we called Edward

June 21 AD 1802 Spring & Rainy, in the Winter being very uncommon in Decemr met to keep this Journal about the 20 of December we had about Snow enough to cover the ground since that except a few days. It has been warm and suitable for cut- ting Stone or other kinds of labour on the farm the wind Mostly Southerly 22 Clear the wind West tis remarkable that it gets no higher up 23 this morn- Wind S & Cold like for Snow but the wind shifts Southerly and Clear off S.W. Wind S.W. Clear and Very Cold 25 Cloudy and like for Snow Wind S.E. but shifts W and Clear off 26 Clear and Cold Wind W 27 Wind S.W. moderate Windy 28 Very Warm and Showery Wind S.W. 29 no Change till Noon then the wind shifts S.W. Still Warm 30 Cloudy but warm 31 Clear and Scarcely air enough to know which way it comes from and surprisingly Warm January 1. Snow gon and we have had no Snow nor Scarcely any Cold February 1 Warm Cloudy up and rains 2 Clear and Wind S.W. warm these two days I have been employed in Diging and Sleeping Stone 3 Comes a little Snow to cover the ground 4 to the 8 Clear and Cold and then a little more Snow from S.W. 8 Clear wind S.W. and the Snow Chiefly goes off 9 Cold with flites of Snow 10 Clear and Cold Wind W 11 this morning a little Snow Wind S and very likely for more but becomes a mist and fog 12 no Change from yesterday Some Rain this day as I was cutting brush by the brook I Saw a frog leap into the water which I never Saw at this season before 13 Wind S.W. Cloudy and foggy till noon then Clear and very Still and Warm for the Season beyond Description 14 and 15 Clear and Insects are numerous 16

a mist and fog 12 no change Rain this day as I was cutting brush by the brook I saw a frog leap into the water which I never saw at this season before 13 Wind S.W. Cloudy and foggy till noon then clear and very still and warm for the season beyond description 13 and 15 clear and very warm birds and insects are numerous 16 Rain Wind S.W. 17 Wind S.W. blustery and very cold 18 clear and cold Wind S.W. I find that I have missed one day in my account 20 and 21 clear and moderate wind In this afternoon the air is full of insects and every appearance of spring 22 this day is the most lovely of the snow still that I ever saw the snow drifting in a surprising manner 23 the Wind S.W. blowing hard and snow drifting so that it is difficult for one to get his breath and the hole snow which mice have been 13 or 14 inches deep in all in heaps 24 moderate 25 Stormy wind S.E. Sometimes snow and sometimes rain 26 Very hard rain carries off the snow except banks 27 Rain continues till noon then turns to hail 28 at night it still continues to hail and has not ceased this morning meaning the 1 st day of march the trees loaded with ice for the first time this season that it is so It still continues to rain 2 this morning the ice is very heavy on the trees which has not been shed off this day misty and foggy 3 and 4 and 5 cold Wind S.W. 6 warm and thunder with rain 7 and 8 and 9 cold and wind 10 blustery wind S.W. 11 clear Wind S.W. warm 12 cloudy Wind S.W. a flake of snow 13 flying clouds and windy cold 14 clear and cold Wind S.W. 15 moderate 16 warm and spring like 17 and 18 and 19 very warm so that the snowbanks which four days ago was over the top of the fences is now almost totally gone we now catch fish and frogs and birds as plenty as in summer and willows in blossom 20 still warm 21 rain and sleet with snow 22 to 28 cold and and disagreeable weather

106250
Continued upon Offer 1832
Please direct to Edward Taylor Esq. Bleaker Street Newbury St.

State of Connecticut, } ss. County of Fairfield, }
On this first day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury now sitting at Danbury within & for said District in said County & State, the same being a Court of Record
knowing Joel Marchant a resident of the town of Reading in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged seventy years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. In the latter part of the year 1778 & beginning of 1779 I served enlisted by six Months in a Company of Teamsters, raised by Micajah Starr & William Stone who were Conductors, which Company was raised to serve in the Continental line, I resided at that time at my native place where I still reside, which is Reading Fairfield County, Connecticut. On the first day of October we took loads at Danbury and went direct to Fishkill, at which place & vicinity the Army then lay. The report was that all the sick & wounded of the Army were in the Hospital at that place. Our business was to supply the Hospital with wood and the Army with forage. The forage was chiefly brought from a place at that time called Great Ninepartners, now America. We received our orders from Maj. Gawender, our receipts & tickets were returned to him. When Genl. Conway's Army marched through Fishkill while we were there, we met them on the road, they were marching Southward Southward. We served till April 1779 & were then discharged. I served two Months in the Fort at Blackrock, in Fairfield as a substitute for Chauncy Marchant, this was in the year 1778, the Fort was commanded by Lieut. Isaac Burr, I entered the Fort on the 31 st day of February & was discharged the last day of March.
I also served in the Guards at Fairfield, as a substitute in a Draft for John Russique in a Company commanded by Lewis Goodsell, this was in the year 1779 it appears to me that it was for three Months, but I am not positive that it was more than two Months, I think I entered the Guards in April, how long I served I do not particularly recollect. In 1779 I served in the guards at Greensfarms in Fairfield, as a Substitute for David Sanford in a Company commanded by Capt. John Gray, this was a draft made for two Months, I believe we marched some time in November and were discharged in January following. In the year 1780 the State of Connecticut raised two Regiments, one was commanded by Col. Wells & the other by Col. Beebe, Col Wells was Commandant. I enlisted in Beebe's Regiment in Capt. Bell's Company, the Subalterns were Barlow & Bostwick, the head quarters of the Regiment was at Horseneck, the British were encamped at that time in East Chester, Our Reg t performed duty on the lines and had frequent skirmishes with the Enemy. A party of the Enemy consisting of horse & foot under the command of Maj. Hatfield issued from their camp and collected as was said 200 head of cattle, Beebe's Reg t pursued & cut them off in the neighborhood of Kings street, in White Plains and recovered the cattle. In the action Ensign Bostwick was badly wounded, I was called upon to assist his writer to help him

off the field, we helped on a horse, and then took up & carried off one of our men, killed in the action. The day Maj. Andre was captured, our Regiment took up its line of march for the Fort at West-point, we marched late at night & encamped at Milesquare, next morning we had counter orders and returned to Horse-neck.
Col. Wells was surprised in his quarters and taken prisoner with all his guard and the British light horse galloped through his Camp. I say that the service, according to my belief was nine Months, if not much mistaken the orders were dated the first of April and I am certain we were discharged the last day of December following. The discharge was made verbally by Col. Bube.
At the time the British burnt the Stores at Danbury, in April 1779, on their retreat, Gen l Arnold hastily threw up a Breast work in Ridgefield and opposed their march, a smart action indeed, I was in this engagement as a volunteer, being then not quite fifteen years old. I have frequently served in Alarms on short tours against foreign & internal enemies.
I was in the action at Norwalk: I verily believe that I spent two months in the whole, in the course of the War in these short tours of service, I was born at Redding in Connecticut on the 1 st day of May 1762. I know not of any Record of my age. I resided at said Redding at the various times of my enlistments & Drafts as above stated, and I still reside in S t . town. After peace took place I resided about two years in New Jersey, and about five years in Fairfield, in Connecticut.
Yoel Marchant
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The said Joel Marchant , hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
Joel Marchant
We, Jonathan Bartlett a clergyman, residing in the town of Reading aforesaid and Salmon Read — residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Joel Marchant — who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, in open Court. Attest Edward Taylor Clerk  Jonathan Bartlett Salmon Read
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jonathan Bartlett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of
Reading and that Salmon Read who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Reading and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
I, Edward Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joel Marchant for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my said Office, this 1st day of August 1832.
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

State of Connecticut } Hartford County } ss
I Nathan Booth of Danbury in the county of Fairfield in the said State Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the District of Danbury in the said County and State, do hereby certify that I Daniel Day Jr. Esq. who hath signed and certified the foregoing proceedings of said Court of Probate, is clerk of the said Court of Probate, truly appointed and sworn, and was such clerk at the time the same were so certified. And that the preceding signatures, attesting the proceedings, of said Court, hereunto annexed, purporting to be the signatures of the said Daniel Day Jr. are in truth his hand writing. And that full faith and credit are due in judicial acts as to such Clerk.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Danbury aforesaid this 11 th day of August A.D. 1832 -
Nathan Booth Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury Connecticut

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield } }
Probate District of Danbury ss.
on this 11 th day of January 1845, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury in the said County and State, the said being a bond of Record. Molly Merchant, a resident of Reading in the said County and State, aged seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Acts of Congress passed July 7 th 1838; March 3 rd 1843, and June 17 th 1844, granting Pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Joel Merchant who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution, and who was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 at the rate of thirty five dollars per annum; as will fully appear by his original Pension Certificate hereto annexed, and dated the 13 th day of August 1833. That said Joel served as a Private Soldier the last period of his service was the 10 th day of January 1780. She further declares that she was married to the said Joel Merchant on the seventeenth day of March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety, at said Reading. That her husband, the aforesaid Joel Merchant died on the twenty fourth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty four. That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and ninety four. viz. at the time above stated. That she has never received a Pension as the widow of said Joel;
Sworn to and subscribed in pre- sent the day a year above written
Molly Merchant
Frederick T. Blackman Clerk
and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion

That the above named Applicant is the widow of Isaac Merchant; that said Isaac Merchant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and deceased, and was a Pensioner, and died as, and at the time when she states, that she was married to the said Isaac Merchant on the 17th day of March 1790.
I Frederick S. Blackman Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Danbury in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Molly Merchant for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of January 1845.
Attest. Frederick S. Blackman Clerk
I Edward Taylor of Danbury in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Danbury in the said County & State, do hereby certify that Frederick S. Blackman Esq. is the Clerk of the said Court duly appointed therefor, and was such Clerk at the date of the foregoing certificate, that the signature above written is in the true and natural writing of said Frederick S. Blackman, and the seal impressed thereon is the seal of said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of January 1845.
Edward Taylor Judge

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. COUNTY OF Fairfield
On this 11 th day of April A. D., 1855-
Personally appeared before me, a Justice of the peace, duly authorized by law to administer oaths in and for the County aforesaid, Molly Marchant
aged eighty three years, a resident of Redding in the State of Connecticut
who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Joel Marchant deceased, who was a private in the Revolutionary war and who was a pensioner of the United States during the time of his life, and was regularly inscribed on the pension list roll of Revolutionary pensioners in the Department at Washington - and that since the decease of her said husband who died at said Redding on the 24 th day of March, 1844, she made application for and received a pension, and title is a pensioner from the United States, said certificate of which said pension was granted at said Washington and was dated at said Washington on the 15 th day of June 1849, and her name is regularly inscribed on the pension list roll in Book 1, Page 303 of the Hartford agency, under Act February 2 nd 1848, and for proof of the said service of her said husband as aforesaid and of her said marriage with her said husband and of his decease, reference is directed to the proof on file in said Department at Washington, made at the time of her said husband's application for pension, and also at the time of her own said application for a pension which she is now in the receipt of from the United States -
and continued in actual service in said war for the term of
and was honorably discharged at
on the
day of
A. D.,
She further states that she was married to the said Joel Marchant according to the best of her recollection in Redding on the day of March A. D. 1791 and that her name before her said marriage was Nathaniel Bartlett and that her said husband died at Redding on the 24 th day of March A. D. 1844, and that she is now a widow.
She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855."
Molly Marchant
WE Salmon Sanford and Moses B. Sanford residents of Redding in the State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by said Molly Marchant in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Salmon Sanford Moses B. Sanford
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Samuel Sanford,
Justice of the Peace.

69.190 STATE OF CONNECTICUT, COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE,
ss.
I,
Amos S. Treat
Clerk
of the County Court, within and for Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify—THAT
Samuel Sanford ESQUIRE,
was on the 11 th day of April 185 5 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, and know that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged, and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Bridgeport, in said County and State, on this 12 th day of April A. D. 185 5
Amos S. Treat Clerk.

Apr 2.6-1904 Linnell Stratford Conn
May 24 1904 Edgar S Field Georgetown Conn
Resolution Connecticut 9928 WIDOW, &c.
Isaiah
File No. 9928 Molly Marchant Wid. Joel Marchant Per: Rev.
His to, R. N. }
Act: Feb. 2 d 1848
Index:—Vol. M , Page 6

9928 - wid Joel Marchant Jan 22, 1833 Aug 1, 1832 Redding - 70
78 Redding Cpt - Cal - 6 m 78. Isaac Barr Cal - 2 m 79. Cpt Lewis Goodall Cal - 3 m 79. Cpt. Ino Gray 2 m Cal - 80. Cpt Bell Cal Beebe 9 m
Redfield Norwalk
Born Redding mch 1 1762
married Molly Sanford mch. 17, 1790 died mch 24, 1844

11. 577
Molly Marchant, Conn.
(Reja.)
Ld. to Hon. J. W. Huntington, Jan. 30. 1845.
Ld to same Feb 6. 45
Act July 7. 1838

26.724
5 Met Am

Reading Co. Free Moorg
Hon. J. Stuart Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Prof. J. Stuart

Received January 25. 1845.
Payments to be made at Hartford
by Pres: W. J. Br Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Connecticut
died Mar. 24 th 41.
Rejected
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book O Vol. 3
Page 27 by E. D. Dillcock Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,
John Marchant of the State of Connecticut who was a Private during the Revolutionary
War
is entitled to receive
Thirty Five dollars and
_____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this — 13. — day of
August one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

March and
3044
of
FREE
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Senate Chamber
Feb 28. 1845.
My dear Sir
I have recd. this morning the enclosed additional evidence in the matter of Molly Marshall's application for a pension, & am very happy
Your obedt Servt J. P. Huntington
Comm. of Pensions

N o 11577
Molly Marchant
Cont
Act July 7 th 38
Rec d Jan 25 th 1845
died 24 march 44 -
Rejected
act 3 march 43
Rejected
act 17 June 44
adm d
10 th mo fri
35 th from 24
march 44 -
Ref. N o 60 -
Hon: J. W. Huntington Senate

Senate Chamber
Dec. 7. 1844.
My dear Sir.
My friend Mr Booth of Conn t , a most worthy gentleman (Lt Gov. of the State) made out the pension I open for Joel Merchant, a pension under the act of June 7. 1832. He is about to apply in behalf of Merchant's widow, for a pension under the act of June 7. 1844, but having obtained a copy of Mr Merchant's original declaration, he wishes me to procure one for him. Will you have the goodness to send me a copy?
Very respectfully Yours obediently J. M. Huntington
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Senate Chamber
June 24. 1845.
Sir.
I send you herewith, the application of Molly Merchant, for a pension. I will thank you to communicate to me, your decision upon it, when made.
very respectfully,
J. W. Huntington
J. L. Edwards Esq

Senate Chamber
Jan'y 30 th 1845.
Sir.
I have rec d . your letter of yesterday's date, relating to the application of Molly Marchant, for a pension; — which is denied, so far as it affects a claim anterior to the death of her husband (March 24. 1844) — on the ground that the application, which you observe was filed on the 28 th inst. , but which I sent to the Office on the 24 th , is not embraced by the joint resolution passed at the present session, which you denominate "the joint resolution of the 23 rd inst. " Upon inquiry at the proper Office here, I am informed that that resolution passed the Senate, Decem r 23. 1844; — the Ho of Reps, Decem r 30. 1844 — was presented to the President, Jan'y 23. 1845 — approved by him, Jan y 27 th , 1845 — Of course, it did not have the force of a law, until the 27 th — after the application was filed, but it was, consequently, was made that filed before the passage "of the resolution" — is embraced by it. — The passage of an act, or joint resolution, is, in legal contemplation, its approval , — when it becomes operative binding as a law, or resolution. I presume you have been under a misapprehension as to dates — I will therefore reconsider the decision which you have made — very respectfully Your obed t Serv t J. M. Huntington,
The Comm ee of Pensions.

Senate Chamber
Feb 27. 1845.
Sir:
I have just rec d the enclosed add l . Evidence in the matter of Melly Merchant's application for a pension, &c.
Very resp ly
(Yours truly)
Dr. Huntington
Couns. of Pension

State of Connecticut. Fairfield County Bridgeport June 9 th 1849
J. S. Edwards Esq.
Sir I send you the Pension application of Molly Marchant. Please send her certificate to me - Also I enclose herewith her husband's certificate. which as I am informed she has made no claim for any balance after his death the amount being so small. - being due only from March 4 th  1844 to March 24. 1844 will you do me the favor to send me a copy of all the Pension laws that was printed in Pamphlet form by order of the last Congress -
Yours Respectfully Isaac Sherman
P.S. I would respectfully solicit in behalf of the widows Sarah Nuttall & Lucy Hawley a decision in their cases whose Applications for Pensions were sent to your office last Autumn & to which some objection have since been made. but some time has elapsed since further testimony has been sent to remove objections - They are both poor & old & whose claims I believe to be just & legal -

State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss
Be it known that before me Cortus Marchant a justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Jonathan R Sanford Town Clerk of the Town of Redding in sd County and made Oath in due form of law That he is the present Town Clerk of the Town of Redding in said County that he has carefully Examined the Records for sd Town of Redding and can find no record of the Marriage of Joel Marchant with Molly Marchant upon the Books or Records of said Town of Redding
Jonathan R. Sanford Redding February 12 th AD 1845 Town Clerk subscribed before me Cortus Marchant Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss
Be it known that before me Boston Marchant a justice of the Peace in and for said County of Fairfield personally appeared Jonathan Bartlett of Redding in said County and made Oath in due form of law that he is the son of Nathaniel Bartlett who was in his life time the Pastor or Minister of the Congregational Church in said Redding that said Nathaniel was the Pastor or Minister of said Church in the year 1789 and continued as Pastor thereof for more than ten years next following that I have the custody of his books and papers that during part of said of ten years I was assistant clergyman with my Father the said Nathaniel that Joel Marchant and Molly Marchant were members of that Society in the year 1790 and continued members thereof until the time of the death of the said Joel Marchant that I have carefully examined the books papers files and Records of said Nathaniel Bartlett and can find no Record of the Marriage of said Joel Marchant with said Molly Marchant upon said Books papers files or Records and can find no Record of any Marriage in which he officiated as clergyman after March 20 th AD 1780 that he is now eighty ————— years of age Jonathan Bartlett
Redding February 12 th AD 1845
Subscribed before me Boston Marchant justice of Peace

State of Connecticut County of Fairfield
on this 12 th day of February
1845 before the subscribers, a Justice of Peace within and for said County, personally appeared Jonathan R. Sanford and Jonathan Bartlett, and generally subscribed the foregoing Depositions, and being duly examined concerning the same, made solemn oath to the truth of the same - The said Depositions are well known to me and are persons of good character for truth - Given before me, & certified by me,
Walter Marchant Justice of Peace
Approved: John D. Sleeper

Reading Nov: 6 th 1855
Sir, I have rec d from you a notice that the claim of Molly Marchant for bounty land has been examined & suspended, by reason of the Revolutionary service of Job Marchant, the husband of the applicant not appearing of record in the Pension Office. It is feared that "remarkable" if such be the fact, since the said Marchant was a Revolutionary Pensioner several years before his death, & his said widow now holds a Pension certificate on which she draws thirty five dollars per annum, which said certificate was granted the 15 th day of June 1849, signed, "J. Lewis, Sec'y of the Interior," examined & countersigned, "J. L. Richardson," Comm'r of Pensions - In making her declaration she referred to her husband's papers for proof of his service & a certificate was granted her. Proof at that time must have been in the Pension Office of Job Marchant's Revolutionary service - Will you be so kind as to inform me, if proof of Job Marchant's service cannot be found in the Pension Office, what would be deemed, under the circumstances  later factory proof of his said service?
Very Respectfully, Samuel Sanfurd
Hon. J. Miles -

Joel Merchant
10 1/2 m private
30 3 2! 100 2
#35
Early Continental Fairfield

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Isaac Murchant which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 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? yes 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? No Rule quare 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 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? yes

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? yes 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? yes 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? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes  NO 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? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes 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.
Team Service in administration —

I H o Elizabeth Kennedy of Fairfield Town and County and State of Connecticut aged Sixty Seven years depose and say that I am well acquainted with Joel Merchant of Reading in said state - and I well Recalled that Joel Merchant in the Revolutionary war belonged to the fort at Black Rock in S d Fairfield under the command of Lieutenant Isaac Burr for the term of two months, then H o Elizabeth Kennedy
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss - on the 30 th day of July 1832 The above named H o Elizabeth Kennedy made oath to the foregoing deposition by her subscribed before me ————— Walter Thorp Justice of peace
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } S d Thomas Blissborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in said State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Walter Thorp Esquire before whom the foregoing Deposition of H o Elizabeth Kennedy was sworn is a Justice of the Peace for said Fairfield County duly commissioned & duly authorized to administer oaths and take Depositions. I further certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the s d Walter Thorp & verily believe the signature to the above Certificate purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 30 th day of July A D 1832. Thomas Blissborne Clerk of said County Court

I Abiah Sanford of the Town of Reading in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut, aged eighty four years, depose & say that I well remember Joel Marchant lived with a Neighbor of mine at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, and of the talk that he was in the battle at Ridgefield when very young. In the year 1779 he came to live in our family and made our house his home during the war, when not in service. I remember that he enlisted & served in the State Troops one Summer. We were under great excitement and alarm several years & he was very active in the defence of his Country and I believe never failed of going on alarms when notified, he was in the action at Norwalk and I should think that he spent as much as two Months in the whole, in the course of the war in being called out on alarms. And I remember that he served as substitute for my husband David Sanford, in a Draft made for two Months.
Abiah Sanford
State of Connecticut, Fairfield County ss. On the 23 d day of July 1832 the above named Abiah Sanford made oath to the foregoing Deposition by her subscribed, before me
Jonathan R. Sanford Justice of Peace I further certify that the Deponent is personally well known to me, and sustains a good character for truth and is a credible witness. Jonathan R. Sanford Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
Seabury County }
I the undersigned a Notary Public for the County & State aforesaid by authority of this State duly elected commission sworn residing in Danbury in said County hereby certify that Jonathan R. Sanford Esquire whose name is subscribed to the above Deposition is a Justice of the Peace in & for said Fairfield County duly authorized & empowered to administer oaths & to take Depositions by the laws of said State That said Signatures purporting to be his are the proper hand writing of the said Sanford, & that full faith & credit is due to his attestations as a Justice of the Peace
Whereof attestation being required I have granted this under my hand & Notarial Seal at Danbury this 24th day of July 1832
Reuben Root Notary Public

I Ezra Bates of the town of Reading, County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut, of the  present age of 74 years, depose and say, that in the years 1778 & 1779, Joel Marchant of said Redding served with me some six months in a Company of Teams raised by Micajah Starr and William Slon to serve in the Continental line and who were conductors On the first day of October we took loads at Danbury and went direct to Fishkill, at which place the Army then lay & in the vicinity, it was the report that all the sick & wounded of the Army were at that place in the Hospital Our business was to supply the Hospital with wood and the Army with forage, The forage was chiefly brought from a place then called Great Nine partners, now Amenia We received our orders from Maj t Cavender, and our receipts & tickets were returned to him Burgoin's Army marched through Fishkill while we were there, we met them on the road They were marching to the Southward. We served till April 1779 & were then dismissed.
Ezra Bates
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss.
On the 17 th day of July 1832 the above named Ezra Bates made Oath to the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed, before me
Jonathan R. Sanford Justice of Peace

Fairfield County ss. Redding July 26 th 1832
I certify that the within named Deponent is co personally well known to me, and sustains a good character for truth, and is a credible witness.
Jonathan R. Sanford Justice of Peace
State of Connecticut
Fairfield County
I the undersigned a Notary Public for the County & State aforesaid by authority of this State duly elected commissioned & sworn residing in Danbury in said County hereby certify that Jonathan R. Sanford Esquire whose name is subscribed to the above Depo- -sition is a Justice of the peace in & for said Fairfield County duly authorized & empowered to administer oaths & to take Depositions by the laws of said State. That said signatures purporting to be his are the proper hand writing of the said Sanford, and that full faith & credit is due to his attestations as a Justice of the Peace whereof attestation being required I have granted this under my hand & Notarial seal at Danbury this 27 th day of July 1832
Reuben Booth Notary Public

I Gamaliel Benedict of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy One years being first sworn according to Law do depose and say, that I am well acquainted with Joel Merchant of Reading in said County, and have Knowledge that in the year 1780 the said Merchant was on a term of duty in a Company of Connecticut State Troops, Captain Ezra Dill, in Col- onel Buel's Regiment, - That the period of his enlistment was Nine Months - That the Service was performed at Hors- neck, and Ringstreet, and afterwards in Stamford - in Guarding the Coast and watching the Motions of the Enemy - That said Merchant faithfully served out the period of his enlistment and as this deponent believes was regu- larly discharged at the Stamford aforesaid - and further say not - Gamaliel Benedict
State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss Ridgefield 27th July 1832 The above deposition sworn to, and subscribed before me, and I certify that the deponent has- tains a fair character for truth and morality the Inspector Justice of P

State of Connecticut Hartford county }
I the undersigned a Notary Public for the county & State aforesaid by authority of this State duly elected, com- missioned & sworn residing in Danbury in said county hereby certify that Lot Forster Esq. whose name is subscribed to the above Deposition is a Justice of the Peace in & for said Hartford county duly authorized & empowered to administer oaths & to take Depositions by the laws of said State. That said signature purporting to be his is the proper hand writing of the said Forster, and that full faith & credit is due to his attestations as a Justice of the Peace
Whereof attestation being required I have granted this under my hand & Notarial seal at Danbury this 27th day of July 1832
Reuben Booth Notary Public

State of Connecticut Fairfield County } 2
I the undersigned a Notary Public for the County & State aforesaid by authority of this State duly elected commissioned & sworn residing in Danbury in said County hereby certify that Jonathan R. Sanford Esquire whose name is subscribed to the above Deposition is a Justice of the Peace in & for said Fairfield County duly authorized & empowered to administer oaths & to take Depositions by the laws of said State. That said signature purport- ing to be his are the proper hand writing of the said Sanford, & that full faith & credit is due to his attestation as a Justice of the Peace whereof attestation being required I have granted this under my hand & notarial seal at Danbury this 27th day of July 1832
Reuben Booth Notary Public

We the undersigned, Inhabitants of the Town of Redding in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut hereby certify and declare that we have for many years been acquainted with Joel Marchant, who hath applied for a pension for revolutionary services that he is a man of good character for veracity and that we fully believe that he served in the Revolutionary war.
Aaron Burr
David Olmsted
Ebenezer Read
Ralph Sanford
William Sanford
Sworn & subscribed before me this 26 th day of July 1832. Jonathan R. Sanford Jus. of Peace
And I do hereby certify that I am personally well acquainted with the subscribers of the foregoing declaration and that they are all persons of good character and respectability for truth & veracity. Jonathan R. Sanford Jus. of Peace

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } ss.
On this 22 nd day of June
1833, before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury in the said County and State the same being a Court of Record and having sitting at Danbury in the said District, personally appeared Jacob Mankant a resident of the town of Reading in the said County aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn, acknowledged that to the best of his knowledge the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, supplementary to his original declaration made before said Court for the same subject on the 10 th day of August 1832. That having read & examined the objections of the War Department to his original application, he saith that he claimed in the same service as stated in his said original declaration, six months on the continental establishment and the said service was not by nature of a civil nature but was military service and was performed in the continental Army. 2 nd That his service as set forth in his said original declaration was at least as long as from the 20 th of April to the 10 th of June in the year 1779 in the quarters at Newfield. Said part was under the command of Colonel Gold & Col. Williams of the Connecticut State Troops.
3 rd That in the term of service mentioned in his said original declaration as having been performed by him at Greens Farms in said year 1779 he entered the service at least as early as the 20 th of November 1779, and continued in the said service at least as late

at the 10th of January 1780. Said post last mentioned was under the orders of said Colonel Pillsbury. All the said posts were obtained and kept by public authority, and on each occasion when he so desired, he desired in an embodied corps, called into service by competent authority; and during his said several terms of service, he was constantly engaged in military duty and performed the same, attending to no other business.
4. That in the term of service of nine months stated in his said original declaration, as having been performed in Colonel Beecher's Legion out of Connecticut State Troops, he desired and enlisted for a term stated nine months, and refers to the 2nd proposition of Samuel Benedict annexed to his said original declaration for proof thereof. He enlisted on the 1st Monday in March 1777, in which he was mustered in and served eight full months, and he may pray that this his supplemental declaration may be annexed to and be deemed a part of his said original declaration.
5. In the month of April 1777 he joined the company of Connecticut militia commanded by Captain John Gray as a volunteer, on the 26th of April, marched to Danbury at the time that town was burned by the British, there at Ridgefield and was engaged in action with the enemy at that place - General Rootes was killed between Ridgefield and Danbury, and the American troops were commanded by General Smedley. In this term of

Service he was engaged five days - 6. In the year 1779, on the 9th of July, he belonged to the Connecticut Militia in the company commanded by Captain John Gray in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Simons. And when the British Troops landed at New Haven and New Bedford he was called into the service joined the said company at New Haven and was engaged in defense with the enemy at that place. From thence he marched with said company & remained encamped at New Haven in said company of New Haven until the 17th day of July when he was discharged and returned home. In his said service he performed, a private to die -
7. In the year 1777 he served a tour in said company of Militia commanded by said Captain Gray. The whole Regiment was called out on a march and marched to New Haven in the state of New York and there encamped a few days. In leaving the mouth of the August, and he served in this term fifteen days - Joel Merchan has been described in open Court Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
I Edward Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Windham do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the application of Joel Merchan for a Pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 22 day of June 1833 Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

Nelson Root of Danbury in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Danbury in said County and State, do hereby certify that Edward Taylor Esq. who has witnessed the foregoing proceedings of a said Court, is to the best of his knowledge, belief and remembrance, and that the preceding signature purporting to be his is in his proper handwriting - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Danbury aforesaid this 22 nd day of June 1833 -
Nelson Root Judge of the Court of Probate in the District of Danbury Conn.

1 (Declaration)
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield } ss Reading
On this 4 th day of June A D 1849
Personally appeared before me a Magistrate in and for the County aforesaid Molly Marchant a resident of Reading in the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut aged eighty seven 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 Joel Marchant of said Town of Reading die - who was Private Soldier during the Revolutionary War who was a Pensioner for services in said War under Act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of Thirty five Dollars per Annum and as to the Regiment or Corps in which he served in said War she refers to his Declaration for a Pension under said act at the Pension office in Washington City and that the Annual amount of the Pension which she received as his widow under the Act of 17 th June 1844 was Thirty five Dollars which Pension she drew up to March 4 th 1848.
She further declares that she is still a Widow and that the Pension certificate herewith returned to the Pension office dated August 13 th 1833. & signed Lewis Cass Secretary of War was issued to her husband Joel Marchant who died March 24 th 1844 who drew Pension up to March 4 th 1844. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me (I further certify that the words, & who drew Pension up to March 4 th 1844) was interlined before signing
Samuel Sanford Justice of Peace
Molly Marchant

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in & for the County aforesaid, & Keeper of the seal thereof, & of the Commission of the Justices of the Peace for said County, do certify that General Samuel Sanford Esq is, & on the 4 th day of June, was a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned & qualified as such & duly authorized by the laws of this State to adminis- ter oaths, & take the acknowledgment of deeds - That his Commission is dated June 24 th 1848, and will expire with the 14 th day of June 1849 - And I also certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said General Sanford, & being before that the signature on the other side hereof, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said County Court this 8 th day of June 1849 Thomas Robinson Clerk

Redding January 10 th A.D. 1845
I Daniel Sanford of Redding in Fairfield county and State of Connecticut having been duly sworn do depose and say that I am sixty nine years of age was present on the Seventeenth day of March A.D. 1840 and saw at that time Joel Marchant and Molly Sanford both of said Redding joined in Holy wedlock by the Rev. Nathaniel Bartlett I have known them ever since having always lived within one mile of their place of residence and they lived as husband and wife up to the time of the death of said Joel Marchant which happened on the twenty fourth of March A.D. 1844 I was present at the time of his death and further more deponent saith not
Daniel Sanford
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield } ss on this 10 th day of January 1845, before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county, personally appeared Daniel Sanford the above named deponent, well known to me, as a person of good reputation for truth, who subscribed the foregoing Deposition, & being duly sworn, made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth - known before & attested by me the said Eleventh day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty five Walter Marchant Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut, Fairfield County ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut Keeper of the Seal thereof and of the Commission of the Justice of the Peace for said County Do hereby Certify that Cortes Merchant Esq before whom the foregoing Deposition of David Sanford and annexed Deposition of Salomon Sanford were sworn to is now & on the Eleventh day of last January was a Justice of the Peace for said County duly Commissioned & acting as such & duly authorized to administer oaths & take the acknowledgment of Deeds - That his Commission is dated the 6 th day of June 1844 and will expire with the 19 th day of June 1845 - and I further Certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Cortes Merchant and believe that the signature as such Justice to the foregoing Deposition of David Sanford & Salomon Sanford is his genuine official signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said County Given this 14 th day of January 1845 Thomas Robinson Clerk

Reading January 10 th 1845
I Zalmon Sanford of Reading in Fairfield County and State of Connecticut having been duly sworn and qualified as depon and say, that I am sixty four years of age was home on the Seventeenth day of March 1890 and at that time Joel Marchant and Molly Sanford were joined in holy wedlock by the Rev d Nathaniel Britton of said Reading I have known them ever since that time having resided within one mile of their place of residence and they have lived together ever since that time as husband and wife up to the time of said Joel Marchant's death which happened on the twenty fourth day of March 1844 and further more deponant saith not
Zalmon Sanford
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield } S.D.
On this 11 th day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared Zalmon Sanford the above named Deponant, well known to me to be a person of good character for truth, who subscribed the foregoing Deposition and being duly cautioned and sworn, made solemn oath that the same contained the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The said Deponant is a resident of said Reading Cooper Marchant Justice of Peace

30 Connecticut
Molly Marchant widow of Joel Marchant who was a Private in the Conn. Line
repd
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1844.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of March 1844 and sent to
Hon J. W. Huntington U. S. S.
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 55

I Orson Merchant of Reading in the County of Fairfield and State of Vermont aged forty five years being duly sworn, do depose and say that I am the son of Joel Merchant (late a Pensioner of the United States, now deceased) and Molly Merchant his wife, & grandmother. That the said Joel Merchant, in his life time, kept a family record in an account Book, which record this Deponent after his, during the life time of said Joel, and which has come into the hands of this Deponent since the decease of said Joel. This Deponent has this day cut the leaf containing the said record from the said Book, and it is herunto annexed & marked "A. R. Boston".
The said record containing an account of the marriage of said Joel & Molly is in the proper hand writing of said Joel Merchant.
And further this Deponent saith not. Orson Merchant
State of Vermont
Fairfield County ss. on this 24 th day of February 1845, before me, a Justice of Peace within and for said County, personally appeared Orson Merchant who subscribed the foregoing deposition, and being duly sworn, made solemn oath that the same contains the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The said Deponent is well known to me, and is a person of good character for truth.
Richard Pratt, Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss
I Thomas Robinson Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Fairfield in said State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Messrs. Mitchell and Reuben Smith Esquires are Justices of the Peace in & for said County duly sworn & qualified to act as Justices and duly authorized to administer oaths & take acknowledgments of same. That their respective Commissions are dated the 8th day of June 1844 and will expire on the 19th day of June 1845. And I further certify that the signatures hereunto to be their respective & the depositions hereto attached are their respective official signatures -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Fairfield this 24th day of February A D 1845.
Thomas Robinson Clerk duly qualified beginning with "and" & etc., with the first duly in order by me Thomas Robinson Clerk

Isaac Meecker of Reading in the County of Hampshire, and State of Pennsylvania, being duly sworn, doth depose and say, that he is of the age of seventy seven years, and has, all his life time, resided in said Reading, and for the last forty years, in the same neighborhood with Joel Marchant deceased.
Deponent well recollects the marriage of said Joel Marchant with Molly Sanford, although he was not personally present. They were married, or reputed to be so, between fifty and sixty years ago, and from that time until the death of said Joel in the spring of 1844, they lived together as husband and wife in said Reading, and in the same neighborhood with this Deponent. During all this time, they sustained respectable character in the community, and had a family of children, whom they brought up and educated; and were reputed, understood and known by their acquaintances & friends, as husband and wife. - The said Molly is now living and is the widow of said Joel, and the said Joel was a Pensioner of the United States at the time of his death.
Isaac Meecker
State of Pennsylvania Hampshire County.
A. A.
On this 26th day of February 1845, before the Subordinate Justice of the Peace within and for said County, personally appeared Isaac Meecker the above named deponent, and who subscribed before giving deposition, and being duly sworn, made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Sworn before, and certified by me
Reuben Boath Justice of Peace