Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20795, for William Kirkum, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Continental
or Kirkum, William Kircum
W 20795
Buell, Deborah
CONTENTS
Former widow

M m H. H. Dwell Nov 22, 1853
11. 571
Connecticut
Deborah Dwell deceased, Farm. widow of William Dwell who died on the 1804 -
of Connecticut State of who was a Drummer the by Captain of the by in the line for
commanded commanded
Revolution
Hartford
Inscribed on the Roll of at the rate of 88 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & Ending 4. March 1841
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of October 1853 and sent to -
W. H. Dwell
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act July 7, 1838. }
R. M. Mac
Clerk.
Recorded by Book
Vol.
Page
81

[REDACTED] In the Matter of the Application of the Heirs of Deborah Buell Widow of William Kirkum. of State of Connecticut } Probate Court Aug 29 th 1853 County of Middlesex } ss District of Killingworth.
I John D. Lippincott Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Killingworth in the County & State aforesaid. Do hereby certify that it doth appear from a certified copy of Record kept by Dr. Alvah Talcott of Guilford in the State of Connecticut a practicing Physician of said town. That Deborah Buell widow of William Kirkum formerly of Guilford deceased. Died on the fifteenth day of May in the year Eighteen hundred and forty one. And it doth further appear. that said Deborah left children whose names are David Kirkum and Nancy Tryon. (who is the wife of William Tryon) and that said David & Nancy are the only children now living of said Deborah. Said David & Nancy are both residents of the Probate district aforesaid are well known to this court. That William Tryon aforesaid a resident of the town of Clinton in the Probate District aforesaid, is the Administrator on the estate of the said Deborah Buell, and is bound in good and sufficient security to the satisfaction of this court in the sum of Eight Hundred Dollars. That said William Tryon is a man of good reputation
That said certificate of death is entirely satisfactory to this Court. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of this Court this 29 th day of August AD 1853. And I further certify that I am wholly disinterested.

State of Connecticut
I, Edward R. Sanden, Town Clerk of the Town of Guilford, in the County of New Haven, and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that on application for Records of the death of Deborah Bull widow of William Kirkham I have diligently searched the Records of said town and find no Records of the death of said Deborah Bull, and I further certify that the deaths in this town were not generally entered on the Records of this town for many years. And I further certify that in my opinion the Records of deaths kept by Doct. Alvan Salsell, a practicing Physician, of this place, are the most reliable records in this town; and I certify that I am wholly disinterested.
Edward R. Sanden, Town Clerk.
State of Connecticut, } County of New Haven. }
ss: On this 27 th day of August, A.D. 1853, Before me Alvan B Salsell  George Sanden , a Notary Public, personally came Edward R. Sanden aforesaid and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed, and I certify that I am wholly disinterested.
The erasure and interlining were made and done before signing the instrument. Alvan B Salsell Notary Public
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this day and year last aforesaid.
Alvan B Salsell Notary Public

State of Connecticut.
By his Excellency THOMAS H. SEYMOUR, Governor of said State.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That John D. Leffingwell was at the time of subscribing the within attestation, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth
in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within attestation is in due form and by the proper officer; and that I believe the signature of said
John D. Leffingwell thereto, to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 3 rd day of August A. D. 1853, and in the seventy Eighth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By his Excellency the Governor
Geo. P. C. Mathew, Secretary of State.

N o . 14,929.
Deborah Buel died Widow of M c Kinley Ch.

State of Connecticut } County of Middlesex } ss.
Probate Court District of Killingworth
On this Eighteenth day of April A D One thousand Eight Hundred and fiftythree. Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the district of Killingworth aforesaid Williams Tryon. a resident of the town of Clinton in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged 63 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 provisions made by the "act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838." entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That he is Administrator on the Estate of Deborah Buell late of Killingworth aforesaid deceased. Who was the widow of William Kirkum alias William Kircum. Who was a private and a Drummer in Colonel Samuel. B. Webb. Regiment in the Continental line of the United States Army in the Revolutionary War. And Who entered said service as a private on about the "10 th day of April A D 1777." and continued in said service unto the first day of July A D 1779. and also as a Drummer from July 1 st 1779 to Jan 1 st 1780. also as a Drummer and (as is believed) a Drum Major from Jan 1 st 1780 to Jan 1 st 1781. also as a Drummer (and (as is believed a Drum Major) from Jan 1 st 1781 to Dec 31 st 1781." and was honorably discharged. That there is no papers preserved in the family of said Kirkum. in relation to his service. He further declares that said

Deborah Hirkum was married to the said William Hirkum or William Hircum on the twentyfirst day of December A D Seventeen hundred and Eighty four . that her husband the aforesaid William Hirkum  died on the Eighteenth day of February A D Eighteen hundred and four . That she was not married to him previous to the last period of his service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz at the time above stated. That the name of the said Deborah Hirkum before her marriage to said William Hirkum was Deborah Whitney . That said Deborah Hirkum was married to Bela Buell of Hillingworth on the ninth day of December A D Eighteen hundred and four . That said Bela Buell  died in Hillingworth aforesaid on the fourteenth day of February A D Eighteen hundred and twenty eight . That said Deborah Buell remained a Widow unto the time of her death. That said Deborah was a Widow on the seventh day of July A D Eighteen hundred and thirty eight . and died a Widow . That said Deborah Buell  Widow of said William Hirkum  died on the fifteenth day of May In the year A D Eighteen hundred and Forty one in the town of Guilford and in the county of New Haven in the State of Connecticut . That said Deborah left children whose names are David Hirkum and Nancy Tryon who are the only surviving

children of said Deborah and excepting the heirs of Samuel Hirkum deceased the above David Hirkum and Nancy Tryon are the only heirs of the said Deborah Buell, Widow of William Hirkum aforesaid. That the William Hirkum aforesaid was a resident of the town of Guilford aforesaid at the time of his entering the service, in the Revolutionary War That said William Hirkum was honorably discharged. That his discharge is lost. That said Deborah never applied for a pension.
William Tryon
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me. Alfred Hull, Judge
State of Connecticut. County of Middlesex ss I John L Hull, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Killingworth, in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Alfred Hull, before whom the above declaration was made, is Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Killingworth aforesaid, and that the above is his true and genuine signature. And I further certify that the above named William Tryon is Administrator on the Estate of Deborah Buell, widow of William Hirkum aforesaid and by request and consent of the above named David Hirkum and Nancy Tryon, as appears of the records of this Court In testimony whereof I have

hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court, at Clinton this eighteenth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
John L Hull, Clerk
State of Connecticut,
County of Middlesex ss. Court of Probate, District of Tillingworth
I Alfred Hall, Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Tillingworth in the County and State aforesaid do here- by certify that it doth appear to the satisfaction of this Court that the above named David Kirkum and Nancy Frye are the only surviving children of Deborah Bull, widow of the William Kirkum, named in the accompanying declara- tion, and, except the heirs of Samuel Kirkum, are the only heirs of said William Kirkum, named in the accompanying declaration.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of this Court to be affixed, at Clinton this eighteenth day of April, A.D. 1853.
Alfred Hall, Judge
State of Connecticut,
County of Middlesex ss. I John L Hull Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Tillingworth, do hereby further certify, that satisfactory evi- dence has been exhibited to said Court, that Deborah Bull, the person named in the accompanying declaration died in the Town of Griswold in the State of Connecticut, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty one , on the fifteenth day of May
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of this Court at Clinton this eighteenth day of April A.D. 1853
John L Hull, Clerk

State of Connecticut Comptrollers Office Hartford March 29 th 1853
I certify, that on application for evidence of the service of Billy or William Kirkum, in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office, and find the name of William Kirkum , on a Pay Roll under the following heading, viz. "Settlement with the 9 th Connecticut Regiment. Samuel B Webb Esquire Colonel before January 1780." where the said William Kirkum is credited with service as a private from April 10 th 1777 to July 1 st 1779. 2 years 2 months 21 days. and also as a Drummer from July 1 st 1779 to Jan'y 1 st 1780 6 months. In a settlement with Col. Webb, Regt. "for the year 1780." I also find William Kirkum as a Drummer from Jan'y, 1 st 1780 to Jan'y, 1 st 1781 = 1 year. In another settlement with Col. Webb, Regt. "for the year 1781." I also find the name of William Kirkum, when he is credited with service as a Drummer from Jan'y, 1 st 1781 to Dec. 31 st 1781 - 1 year
R. G. Peirce Comptroller by Geo. Robinson Clerk

I Timothy P Gillette Pastor of the congregational church in the town of Branford. Do hereby certify that William Thirkum and Deborah Whitney were married on the twenty first day of December in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty four Timothy P. Gillett, Pastor.
I Timothy P Gillette above named depose and say that I hold the office of pastor of the congregational church in the town of Branford in the county of New Haven and State of Connecticut. And that the above certificate of marriage is a true extract from the records of said church, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the records (in the handwriting of Reverend Jason Stuart at that time pastor of said church) in fair legible figures as follows, under the head of Marriages
1784 William Thirkum and Decem Deborah Whitney. 6/0 27
Timothy P. Gillett, Pastor.
State of Connecticut } county of New Haven } ss.
On this thirteenth day of April At one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. Before me personally came Timothy P. Gillette above named and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed. And I certify that Timothy P. Gillette above named is Pastor of the congregational church in the town of Branford aforesaid. and that the above is his true signature.
M rs . H. C. Buell,
Notary Public.

State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } S S Guilford
I Noah Blosssmith of the Town of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut age sixty years being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that I am and always have been a resident of the Town of Guilford aforesaid. That I was intimately acquainted with Deborah Bull of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex in Connecticut aforesaid. That after the decease of her last husband Bela Bull in February 1828 she removed to Guilford aforesaid on or about the month of November 1830 and resided in said Guilford in the family of the Deponent and in the family of Christopher Spencer alternately until her decease at the house of said Spencer in the month of May the deponent believes on the fifteenth day A D 1841. And the deponent says he knew the said Deborah when she was the wife of William or as he was sometimes called Billy Kirkum of said Guilford and that the deponent well knew the said William Kirkum from his earliest recollections and that said Kirkum was always reputed to be a Soldier, and a Drummer or drum Major in the army of the revolution. That he was reputed to have belonged to the Continental line and to have served during the war. That he the deponent has often heard said Kirkum spoken of by other Soldiers of the revolutionary army as having thus served. and that he was reputed in the

community where he resided. To be a revolutionary soldier and never heard it doubted, have heard Said Kirkum relate anecdotes relative to matters and affairs happening in the army, told to deponent when he was a boy — That the deponent knew that Said Kirkum died in Said Guilford in the month of February A D 1804 in consequence of a blow from a capstan bar in having a trussel. That Said Deborah Bull was before her first marriage named Deborah Whitney and belonged to the town of Branford in Said New Haven County That and that she was the wife of Said William Kirkum and the deponent saw her attending him after he was wounded till his death and follow him to the grave as chief mourner. That she the said Deborah was afterwards to wit in December 1804 married to Bela Bull of Killingworth aforesaid who died in 1828 as before mentioned since and after which time she remained a widow and the said Deborah Bull died a widow. And the deponent verily believes that the above named William Kirkum was the identical William Kirkum and the identical William Kirkum who was a private and a drummer in Colonel Samuel B Webb's regiment of the Continental Line of the United States army in the revolutionary war and further the deponent saith not except that he is wholly disinterested
Abah B Galsmith

State of Connecticut }
New Haven County } ss Guilford April 14 th 1853
Be it remembered that on the day and year last above written before the Subordinate Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford and by law qualified to administer oaths personally came Noah B. Holasmit h who having signed the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
George Landon Judge
I Noah B Holasmit h of Guilford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut aged about sixty years having at wit on the 14 th day of April 1853 given my deposition in the matter of the application of the children of Deborah Kinkun for a pension do make the following additional deposition to be used in said application. That I have in former years been engaged as an Attorney for the prosecution of Pension claims. That I made enquiries concerning the claim of Deborah Bull widow of William Kinkun in the year 1836 I ascertained at that time that said Deborah would have been entitled to a pension on account of the services of said William Kinkun had said Deborah foreborne to marry a second time. I concluded at that time that said Deborah had a good claim to a pension on account of the services of William Kinkun aforesaid. I did not observe the law of 7 th July 1838 as I had then left the business of prosecuting William Kinkun and said Drum Major in the Continental line of the

George Landon Judge
I Noah B Goldsmith of Guilford in New Haven County & State of Connecticut aged about sixty years having, to wit on the 14 th day of April 1853 given my deposition in the matter of the application of the children of Deborah Hicken for a pension do make the following additional deposition to be used in said application. That I have in former years been engaged as an Attorney for the prosecution of Pension claims. That I made inquiries concerning the claim of Deborah Bull widow of William Hicken in the year 1836 I ascertained at that time that said Deborah would have been entitled to a pension on account of the services of said William Hicken had said Deborah foreborne to marry a second time. I concluded at that time that said Deborah had a good claim to a pension on account of the services of William Hicken aforesaid. I did not observe the law of 7 th July 1838 as I had then left the business I well knew said William Hicken and said Deborah his wife and that they lived together as husband and wife and were so considered in the community where they lived and without verify believe them to have been married on the 21 st day of December (1804) in Thousand seven hundred & Eighty Four as set forth in the accompanying declaration and that deponent is wholly disinterested
Noah B Goldsmith
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Guilford April 23 rd 1853
On the day & year last above written personally appeared Noah B Goldsmith who being signed the above deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Probate Court
George Landon } Judge

State of Connecticut } ss.
New Haven County } ss. Guilford
I George Lundon of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut being sixty five years of age and Judge aforesaid do depose & say that I know Deborah widow of Bela Bull of Killingsworth in the County of Middlesex in Connecticut aforesaid. That I knew the said Deborah Bull as the widow of William Kirkum. That the said Deborah lived with said William Kirkum as his lawful wife and was so considered by the community in which they lived. That I knew the said William Kirkum and that he was reputed to be a revolutionary soldier and to have served

in the Continental line and to have served during the war. That the said Ruten was a drummer and was so reputed to have been in the army ~ That I have no doubt that the said William Ki- kum above named was the identical William Kirkum and the identical William Kirkum who was a private and drummer in Colonel Samuel B Webb's regiment of the Continental line of the army of the United States in the Revolutionary War. That the said William Kirkum was a resident of the said Town of Guilford and was mortally wounded by a blow from a capstern bar and died in the month of February AD 1804 and that the said Deborah Bull died a widow That the deponent has the knowledge and belief from the fact that he was a clerk in the store of Joel and Nathan L Giffey in said Guilford who employed said William Kirkum and at whose store said Kirkum came to receive his pay
George Landers
State of Connecticut New Haven ss Guilford April 14 th 1853 & County ss
On the day and year last above written personally appeared George Landers and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed Before me and that he said
an administrator Mark B Goldsmith Notary Public

State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } ss
Probate Court.
District of Guilford
Before me George Sanderson Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Guilford aforesaid. Personally came Christopher Spencer a resident of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aforesaid Age 79 Years. Who being duly qualified. Deposes and says that he was born & has always resided in the town of Guilford aforesaid. That he knew Deborah Bull of Killingworth in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, deceased . That said Deborah Bull was well known to deponent. That said Deborah Bull died in the family of deponent on the fifteenth day of May A.D. Eighteen hundred and forty one. That he knew said Deborah Bull. from the time of his boyhood. That said Deborah was the widow of William Kirkum of said Guilford who had the reputation of being a drummer and a drum Major in the Continental line of the United States Army in the Revolutionary War. That said William Kirkum was a drummer , and was considered by the community where he lived as a drummer and a drum Major in the continental line of the

Army in the Revolutionary War, and deponent verily believes that said William Kirkum to be the identical William Kirkum and the identical William Kirkum who was a private and a drummer in Colonel Samuel B Webb's Regiment of the Continental line of the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War. Said Kirkum had the reputation of serving in the whole of the Revolutionary War. That said William Kirkum was killed by a Boston Bar, and died in said Guilford on or about the 18 th day of February A.D 1804.
That said Deborah Kirkum widow of said William Kirkum married Bela Bull of Killingworth aforesaid on or about the 9 th day of December A.D 1804. That said Bela Bull died on or about the fourteenth day of February A.D Eighteen hundred and twenty Eight. in Killingworth aforesaid and left said Deborah a widow . That said Deborah Bull removed to Guilford aforesaid, and never afterwards married.
And said Deborah died a Widow . That the name of said Deborah before her marriage to said William Kirkum

was Deborah Whitney . That said Deborah had the reputation of being the a native of the town of Branford. That the only children now living of said William Harkness and Deborah Harkness are Nancy Tryon, of Clinton, in the state of Connecticut and David Harkness of Hillingworth aforesaid. That said Deborah left no children by Bela Bull, aforesaid Deponent has this knowledge and belief from an intimate acquaintance with said William Harkness during the life time of said Harkness and from the fact that said Deborah Bull widow of said William Harkness lived and died in the family of deponent, and witness solemnly affirms that he is wholly disinterested. Christopher Spencer
New Haven County } S. S. Guilford April 14 th 1853
Personally appeared before the subscriber Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Colfax and District of the Probate duly & legally qualified to administer oaths Christopher Spence signing the above deposition and made solemn affirmation according to law to the truth of the same
George Sanderson } Chap of Probate and Master of the Rolls

State of Connecticut } District of Guilford County of New Haven } ss Probate Court April 14 th 1853.
I Noah B Goldsmith Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford and keeper of the Seal thereof do hereby certify That George Landon Esq who took the acknowledgement of the foregoing deposition and subscribed the same is Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford that the foregoing was signed by him in my presence and is his genuine signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name — and affixed the Seal of this Court on the day and year last above written
Noah B Goldsmith Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford

State of Connecticut ) County of Middlesex ss
On this Eleventh day of April A D Eighteen hundred and fifty three. Before me W m H. Buell, a Notary Public duly authorized by law to take acknowledgments and administer oaths within and for the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut. Personally came Bela Buell a resident of the town of Killingworth and County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged 65 Years. Who being duly sworn according to law. Deposes and says that he is the son of Bela Buell of said Killingworth, deceased , by his first wife. That his father the said Bela Buell, married for his second wife Deborah Hilkum or Hilkum of Guilford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut on or about the 9 th day of December A D 1804. He further swears that the aforesaid Deborah Hilkum had the reputation of being the widow of William Hilkum or Hilkum of said Guilford. Witness verily believes that his mother the said Deborah was the widow of William Hilkum who was a Drummer in the United States army in the time of the Revolutionary War. He further Deposes and says that he has often heard the aforesaid Deborah say that her husband that

the William Kirkum aforesaid was a Soldier in the Revolutionary army of the United States and that he was a drummer. He further deposes and says the aforesaid Deborah had no children by the aforesaid Bela Buell his father.
That she the said Deborah had children, who came to Killingworth to live with said Buell, whose names were Nancy Kirkum, David Kirkum, William Kirkum, & Samuel Kirkum. That Nancy Kirkum who is now the wife of Williams Tryon of the town of Cheshire and county of Middlesex and state of Connecticut and David Kirkum of Killingworth in the state of Conn- =ecticut and county of Middlesex are the only children now living of said Deborah Kirkum. That his father the said Bela Buell died in Killingworth aforesaid on the 18 th day of February AD Eighteen Hundred and twenty Eight. and left the said Deborah his widow.
That said Deborah removed from Killingworth aforesaid to the town of Guilford aforesaid.
That he was acquainted with said Deborah after her removal to Guilford aforesaid and did for several years pay money to said Deborah for rents of land which, lands said Deborah received from the estate of said Bela Buell aforesaid father. That said Deborah Widow of William Kirkum aforesaid and also Widow of Bela Buell aforesaid, and father of deponent died in Guilford aforesaid on or about

the th fifteenth day of February A D Eighteen hundred and fortyone And Deponent further deposes and says that said Deborah never married after the death of the said Bela Bull and died the widow of the said Bela Bull deponents father
Bela Bull
Sworn to and subscribed Before me on the day and year above written. And I certify that Bela Bull is a credible witness
M r . H. Bull.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20795
Deborah Buell
William Putnam  William Putnam
Deborah Buell
Act July 2nd  Yes
Index: Vol. 34 , Page 105
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jan 21, 1858.
Post. li. m.
Case of historical
Panel, Messrs
Widow York.
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Mr. [unclear] [unclear]
Dep of John Hart
of Ashland
Ebenezer
Andrew
2. the
William
Stirkam.
Stirkam.
Stirkam.
Stirkam.
Stirkam.
Stirkam.

William McKinley Abies
Department of the Interior
Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.

William McKinley Ashe
Department of the Interior
Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.

May 21 st
Williams Lyon Adm r Estate
Deborah Bull
wid. Wm Kirkum
Original 3 rd Feb 1833
Com d Rev d
Wm A Bull Clinton T.C.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, PENSION OFFICE. OFFICIAL BUSINESS

No 14,929. Deborah Buel dec? formerly widow of William Kirkum Cl.
M rs Buel Aug 2 nd 1833
ad July 7 1838

Connt Quincy, Sept. 6 th 1853
Hon. Lorin P. Waldo - Comt of Pensions
Respected Sir
At the request of Mr. H. Buell Esq, with whom I am personally acquainted I take the liberty to say, that Mr. Wirtum for whose service in the revolutionary war his widow was entitled to a pension, a for which her heirs are now making application by Mr. Buell was well known to me, and I have not a shadow of doubt but that he was a soldier in the continental line in the war of the revolution, he always had that reputation in the whole community, that he served as a Drummer and Drum Major during the whole war. I never heard it questioned, I believe Mr. Buell is acting in the matter in good faith and that there is nothing fraudulent in the transaction. I have no interest in the result, but only as a common friend of the heirs of Mr. Buell who are in destitute circumstances. If any thing was legally due as a pension at his decease, that they might be able to make satisfactory proof of it and obtain it.
With sentiments of the highest consideration and respect I am Yours &c
George Landon
True Copy

Depositions of Asher Dudley & John Hart
In the matter of application of the heirs of Deborah Bull Widow of William Kitchen

I Asah Dudley of Guilford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut being duly cautioned & sworn do depose and say that I am  Eighty three years of age . I was born on the Second day of April 1770 in Guilford aforesaid and have always resided in said town
Question of the Court - Did you know William Kirkum?
Answer. I was acquainted with William Kirkum of said Guilford he was a drummer in the Conti- nental army in the revolutionary war.
I will remember his coming home. This William Kirkum his brother Benjamin Kirkum Rufus Norton Nathaniel Meigs & Stephen Meigs and others came home from the army at the same time about the close of the war. This William Kirkum was a drummer in the Continental army and had the reputation of serving several years and till the close of the war I knew of his coming home several times  once  on furlough during the time of his the said William Kirkum's service , I was about thirteen years of age at the close of the war - This William Kirkum was killed by a Captain for about the year 1804 his widow married Bela Bull of Killingworth afterwards and removed from said Guilford since which time I have known very little about her I am wholly disinterested & further the deponent saith not
Asah Dudley

State of Connecticut } District of Guilford ss County of New Haven } Probate Court June 1 st 1853
Be it remembered that on this day and year above written personally appeared Asher Dudley well known to me as a credible witness and made oath to the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me and I further certify that I am wholly disinterested
George Landon } Judge of Probate
The foregoing and interlineation on the foregoing page was made before the paper was signed by the witness
George Landon } Judge of Probate
I Alvah B. Goldsmith Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford and Keeper of the Seal thereof do certify that George Landon who hath taken the acknowledgement of the foregoing depositions of Asher Dudley and of John Hart is Judge of the Probate Court for the said District of Guilford and that the above is his genuine signature In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of this Court on this 1 st day of June A D 1853 Alvah B. Goldsmith Clerk of the Probate Court District of Guilford

State of Connecticut } Probate Court New Haven County } S d Guilford June 1 st 1853
Before the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in the County & State aforesaid Personally came John Hart of said Guilford who being duly sworn according to law deposes & says that he was born in the town of Guilford aforesaid in the year 1773 on the 15 th day of January and that he has always resided in said Guilford. I knew William Kirkum of said Guilford this William Kirkum was a drummer in the Continental army in the revolutionary war. I recollect then William Kirkum coming home at the close of the said war .
Question by the Court. Do you recollect the regiment in which he served? Answer. I do not.
Question by the same. Did he serve in a Connecticut regiment? I think he did. the said William Kirkum married a woman by the name of Whitting of Branford this William Kirkum was killed by a capstein bar many years ago. his widow married a man by the name of Bull of Killingworth since which time I have known but little about her. Deponent is wholly disinterested and further Deponent saith not except that he never knew any other William Kirkum except the one above mentioned
John Hart
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me and I certify that the said John Hart is to me well known and is a credible witness (turn over)

and I further Certify that I am wholly disinterested George Landon } Judge of Probate

Brief in the case of Deborah Buell, formerly widow of W m Kirkum. Middlesex County and State of Connecticut. act of the July 1838.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Comptroller of Connecticut certifies that William performed 2 years service, a Drummer during 1780 and 1781. Marriage of Deborah and William on 21 st Dec r 1784. by Church Record Certified by Timothy P. Giltill pastor of Congregational Church of Branford Connecticut. William died in Feby 1804 - proved Alvah B. Goldsmith, Ashford, Christopher Spencer, and George Landon Judge Probate. Deborah married Bela Buell in Dec r 1804 - proved by Christopher Spencer and Alvah B. Goldsmith. Bela Buell died 14 th Feby 1828. proved by Bela Buell, Christopher Spencer and Alvah B. Goldsmith. Deborah died a widow 15 th Feby 1841 - proved by Christopher Spencer and Alvah B. Goldsmith and certified by John D. Lippincott Judge Probate. (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Deborah left surviving her two children, viz: David Kirkum and Nancy Dyer - proved by Christopher Spencer and certified by John D. Lippincott Judge of Probate. Certificate of John D. Lippincott Judge Probate that William Dyer Administrator of Deborah Buell has given security in the sum of $800.
Charles H. Rhet.
Name and residence of Agent
W m H. Buell Esqr. Washington. D. Co.
Examining Clerk.

Clinton Conn. Nov 11 th 1853.
Hon S. P. Waldo. Esq. Comm. Pensions.
Dear Sir. The undersigned Atty. for the heirs of Deborah Buell widow of William Kirkum of Conn. Application for Revolutionary Pension. Begs leave to say that about the first of September last he filed in your office additional evidence in answer to notice of suspension of said case, letter of notice dated Aug 2 d 1853. Since which nothing has been heard from the department in relation to said case. Believing that the additional testimony filed and certificates of Administratorship & Bonds would be all that your Honor would deem necessary to the granting a Certificate of Pension the undersigned has looked for an answer favorable to the Heirs. That said William Kirkum was a drummer in the Connecticut line of the Continental Army we think has been fully proved. If there was another drummer in said Connecticut line by the name of William Kirkum your Honor might be in doubt if there was but of the above name, where is the possibility of doubt? The undersigned Begs your Honor to search the records of Col. Webb's Continental Regiment for 1782, 9 1783. Conn. line. as the Heirs of Kirkum. believe him to have been discharged with a drum majors. Warrant Yours truly Mrs H. Buell.

Deborah Buell die? former- ly widow of William Kirk- -burn.
Connecticut.
Admitted,
Act 7 th July 1838.
2 Years, Drummer at the rate of $88. per annum from 4 th March 1836 to 4 th March 1841. (she died 15 th May 1841).
Pay to, William Dyer Administrator of Deborah Buell die? for the benefit of David Kirkburn & Nancy Dyer only surviving children.
Certificate to Wm H Buell Esqr. Washington D.C.

Clinton Dec 16 th 1850
Hon L. P. Waldo.
Comm. Pensions.
Dear Sir
The undersigned Attorney for the heirs of Deborah Bruce widow of William Kirkham Connecticut, beg leave to acknowledge the Receipt of Pension Certificate in due time for which please accept my sincere regards. I knew with my father since Nov 12 th of which I am not fully recovered has prevented my answering its reception. Hoping to be able to attend to further business soon.
I remain
Yours truly
W m H. S. Pratt. " "

Washington Sept 21 st 1853.
Dear S. P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir, The undersigned atty for the heirs of Deborah Buell widow of William Kirkum Revolutary Pension  Claim Act of 1838, Connecticut. Beg leave to file additional testimony.
In your letter of August 3 d 1853. You say that the declaration was evidently founded &c" We hope your honor will attribute this to a want of knowledge of all the etiquette in presenting pension claims and not to any design on my the part of the undersigned. The certificate of Controller of Conn. was not obtained until after the certificates of marriage & death of the said Deborah were shown me, neither did I know of any such name as William Kirkum on the Rolls of Connecticut until  applied to the Controller's office at the time the certificate was given. Additional proofs are herewith offered, being testimony of Kirkum's contemporaries. Also Certificate of Probate Court meeting the demands of your letter of Aug 3 d 1853.
Yours truly Wm. H. Buell. Atty for Heirs of Deborah Buell, widow of William Kirkum

Mr Bull
I believe that William Kirkham had a grant of bounty land the same as Benjamin and sold it or disposed of it to somebody or his heirs did. I am not sure, but I think so. Should think I had heard Mr Bull the widow speak of it, and that they did not get much for it, perhaps you might learn the fact from Mr Paxon. I did not get home from the North till Monday evening and so we did not finish your paper soon enough to go till to day. The weather is so very warm that a person must have some resolution to carry at all. Yours truly, M c D Goldsmith Gadsden June 22 1853
After Mrs Jacobs had made oath to the Affirmation I questioned her about the bounty land of her uncle. She has heard her Father say William her uncle sold it for nothing and told him he was a fool for selling so cheap. and advised him not to sell it for
Yours G. Landers

M m H. Buell, Attorney for the Heirs of Deborah Buell widow of W m . H. Harkness.
Clinton Conn.

Know all men by these presents that I Williams Tryon of Clinton in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut Do hereby Irrevocably make, constitute and appoint Wm. H. Buell of Clinton aforesaid my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name as administrator To demand and receive from the United States government officers, all the rights claims Pensions or Bounty Sums which may be due the heirs of Deborah Buell widow of William Harkness. Hereby granting to my to my said Attorney full power and Authority to prosecute said Claims as effect- =ually as I could do if I were myself present and authorizing my said Attorney to employ one or more substitutes under him and to do any all acts necessary and lawful to be done in prosecuting said Claims. Hereby revoking and countermanding any other power of Attorney or auth- =ority heretofore given for the above specified purpose. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Eighteenth day of April AD 1853.
In presence of
Mary E Hull
Alfred Hull
} Witnesses
Williams Tryon
State of Connecticut County of Middlesex S.S. On this Eighteenth day of April AD Eighteen hundred and fifty three before me Alfred Hull  Judge of the Court of Probate for the district of Killingworth personally appeared Williams Tryon signer and Sealer of the foregoing power of Attorney and acknowledged the same to be his act & deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of this Court at Clinton on the day and year above written. Alfred Hull. Judge

In the matter of the application of the heirs of Deborah Beal widow of William Kirkham a Revolutionary soldier for a pension. State of Connecticut New Haven County Es. Probate Court District of Meriden
On this 15 th day of June A D 1853. Before me Orville H. Platt Judge of Probate within a for said District of Meriden -
Personally came Eber Lee a resident of Meriden aforesaid. aged Ninety two years, & being duly cautioned & sworn deposes and says -
I was born in the Town of Guilford in New Haven County a State of Connecticut, in the month of Dec. AD 1760. I am a Revolutionary pensioner. I knew William Kirkham of Guilford aforesaid, in the time of the Revolutionary War. I knew him from the time he was a boy to the time of his death. This William Kirkham was a Continental Officer. I always so considered him. I did not consider him a Militia man. I consider he belonged to the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army. Regiment belonged to the Connecticut Service.

This William Kirkum had a brother Benjamin Kirkum who was with said William in the army. This William & Benjamin  Kirkum  had  the  reputation  of  serving  together  in  the  same  regiment .
This William Kirkum was killed by a Captain Bee in leaving out a vessel in Guilford, many years ago.
This William Kirkum married a woman by the name of Whitney. This woman was from the town of Braintree in said New Haven County.
This William & Benjamin Kirkum died in Guilford forty or more years ago.
I remember the names of most of the Continental soldiers who went from Guilford. Toney Scranton. Timothy Scranton. Benjamin Crampton. Isaac Hotchkiss and Ira. Hotchkiss. Ambrose Norton & Rufus Norton - and others -
I have no interest in the matter of the above application.
Eber this X See mark
Sworn to and subscribed with his mark by the said Eber Lee

before me on the day & year first above written. & I certify that the said Eben Lee is of sound mind & a credible witness. and that I have no interest whatever in the matter of the above application & the alteration of "Kirkham" to "Kirkum" done by me before signing Orville H. Platt
Judge of Probate District of Mendon
State of Connecticut } Probate Court Dist. of County of New Haven } Mendon June 15 th AD 1853 I Walter H. Hubbard Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Mendon County of New Haven aforesaid duly appointed commissioned & sworn. & Keeper of the seal & records of said Court which is a Court of Record. Hereby certify. That Orville H. Platt whose signature appears above & before whom the above Deposition was taken. is Judge of Probate for the District aforesaid. & that full faith & credit are due to his official acts as such. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the day & year above written
Walter H. Hubbard, Clerk